Bluetooth

Bluetooth is an open wireless protocol for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs). It was originally conceived as a wireless alternative to RS232 data cables. It can connect several devices, overcoming problems of synchronization.

List of applications

More prevalent applications of Bluetooth include:

• Wireless control of and communication between a mobile phone and a hands-free headset. This was one of the earliest applications to become popular.
• Wireless networking between PCs in a confined space and where little bandwidth is required.
• Wireless communication with PC input and output devices, the most common being themouse, keyboard and printer.
• Transfer of files, contact details, calendar appointments, and reminders between devices with OBEX.
• Replacement of traditional wired serial communications in test equipment, GPS receivers, medical equipment, bar code scanners, and traffic control devices.
• For controls where infrared was traditionally used.
• For low bandwidth applications where higher [USB] bandwidth is not required and cable-free connection desired.
• Sending small advertisements from Bluetooth-enabled advertising hoardings to other, discoverable, Bluetooth devices^{[citation needed]}.
• Two seventh-generation game consoles, Nintendo's Wii^[6] and Sony's PlayStation 3, use Bluetooth for their respective wireless controllers.
• Dial-up internet access on personal computers or PDAs using a data-capable mobile phone as a modem.

Mobile phone requirements

A mobile phone that is Bluetooth enabled is able to pair with many devices. To ensure the broadest support of feature functionality together with legacy device support, the Open Mobile Terminal Platform (OMTP) forum has recently published a recommendations paper, entitled "Bluetooth Local Connectivity"; see external links below to download this paper.