Bluetooth

A radio standard for wireless personal area networks (PANs). Bluetooth provides a way to connect and exchange information between devices like personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, laptops, PCs, printers and digital cameras via a secure, low-cost, globally available short range radio frequency. Bluetooth lets these devices talk to each other when they come in range, even if they are not in the same room, as long as they are within 10 meters of each other (Class 2 power - 2.5 mW).

Some of bluetooth applications are listed below:

-Wireless networking between desktops and laptops, or desktops in a confined space and where little bandwidth is required

Bluetooth peripherals such as printers, mice and keyboards

Bluetooth cell phones have been sold in large numbers, and are able to connect to computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and various handsfree devices.

Transfer of files (images, mp3s, etc) between mobile phones, Personal digital assistants (PDAs) and computers via OBEX.

Some testing equipment is bluetooth enabled

Medical applications

Certain GPS receivers transfer NMEA data via Bluetooth

Bluetooth car kits allow users with Bluetooth-equipped cell phones to make use of some of the phone's features, such as making calls, while the phone itself can be left in a suitcase or in the boot/trunk, for instance. Companies like Parrot or Motorola manufacture Bluetooth hands-free car kits for well-known brand car manufacturers.

Certain data logging equipment transmits data to a computer via Bluetooth.

For remote controls where infrared was traditionally used.

Hearing aids — Starkey Laboratories have created a device to plug into some hearing aids

Sony's Playstation 3 will use Bluetooth technology for its wireless controllers. Also Hip Gear has already released a Bluetooth controller for the Xbox.

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