What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a radio standard and communications protocol primarily designed for low power consumption, with a short range (power-class-dependent: 1 meter, 10 meters, 100 m)[1] based on low-cost transceiver microchips in each device. Bluetooth lets these devices communicate with each other when they are in range. The devices use a radio communications system, so they do not have to be in line of sight of each other, and can even be in other rooms, as long as the received transmission is powerful enough. Bluetooth is implemented in a variety of new products such as phones, printers, modems, and headsets. Bluetooth is acceptable for situations when two or more devices are in proximity to each other and don't require high bandwidth. Bluetooth is most commonly used with phones and hand-held computing devices, either using a Bluetooth headset or transferring files from phones/PDAs to computers.Bluetooth also simplifies the discovery and setup of services. Bluetooth devices advertise all services they provide. This makes the utility of the service that much more accessible, without the need to worry about network addresses, permissions and all the other considerations that go with typical networks.More prevalent applications of Bluetooth include:Wireless control of and communication between a cell phone and a hands-free headset or car kit. 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 communications with PC input and output devices, the most common being the mouse, keyboard and printer.Transfer of files between devices with OBEX.Transfer of contact details, calendar appointments, and reminders between devices with OBEX.Replacement of traditional wired serial communications in test equipment, GPS receivers, medical equipment and traffic control devices.For controls where infrared was traditionally used.Sending small advertisements from Bluetooth enabled advertising hoardings to other, discoverable, Bluetooth devices.Seventh-generation game consoles-Nintendo Wii[2], Sony PlayStation 3-use Bluetooth for their respective wireless controllers.Remote management of sex toys (see Bluedildonics, Teledildonics, Related articles [3][4][5][6])Purchasing goods from a vending machine, common in Japan [1]Receiving commercial advertisements ("spam") via a kiosk, e.g. at a movie theatre or lobby .