Until now, there were two ways to connect two devices together (eg. mobile phone and laptop computer): either a cable or infra-red. Now, with Bluetooth, there is a third much more useful and flexible method of connecting devices.

Advantages of Bluetooth

A cable has several disadvantages: length is normally restricted to a couple of metres, meaning that the two devices must be physically close together. Also, you generally need a different cable for each device. (Eg. a cable for a Nokia 6210 will not work with an Ericsson R320 or even a Nokia 8210, and indeed a headset cable cannot act as a laptop cable even if for the same phone.)

Infra-red does use a standard protocol, meaning that most devices are compatible but you are still limited to being relatively close to each other. The main disadvantage of infra-red is that you must have line-of-sight between the two devices - try lining up a mobile and laptop infra-red port while travelling on a train!

Bluetooth also uses a standard protocol, so all Bluetooth devices should work with each other. More importantly, though, the wireless (radio) technology means that devices do not need to be pointing at each other and yet will work at up to 10 metres away.

Benefits now

Bluetooth wireless technology enables you to seamlessly connect your Bluetooth mobile phone to a range of devices including headsets, laptops and personal organisers without worrying about cables or maintaining line-of-sight.

As Bluetooth is the global de facto standard for wireless connectivity, most new phones in the future will have Bluetooth compatibility built-in. As a result, manufacturers and service providers around the world are already developing exciting applications since Bluetooth is set to become the fastest adopted technology in history.

The Future

In the near future, your electronic devices will wirelessly, seamlessly synchronize with other electronic devices in the real world.

Imagine walking into an airport and your Bluetooth device instantly checking you in - no more waiting and queuing for hours - while at the same time, the airport's Bluetooth network updates your personal organiser with the latest flight departure times and offers precise directions to the luggage check-in area, departure gates and Garfunkel's restaurant (as it remembers from last time that this was your preferred eatery.)

Imagine a world where, when you think it, you are linked to it — to manage your life, to consult, to transact, to travel simply, to do business creatively, or to share an idea or a joke with a friend.

But wait, you don't need to imagine a world with Bluetooth ... it's here now...