Have you ever wondered, “what is Bluetooth?” You see its symbol in so many devices and places, but have you ever thought about how many things Bluetooth connects?
From its first use in 2002 to today, when it connects almost everything in our lives, Bluetooth has rapidly become a standard part of interconnected tech. It’s so common that we don’t even think about it anymore. For instance, if you ever wondered where the strange name came from, Bluetooth was a Danish king in the 10th century.
Common, it may be. But are you even aware of all the uses of Bluetooth today? Well, we think you should know, so we put together a list of nine surprising answers to the question of what is Bluetooth used for.
1. Mobile Devices
Almost all cell phones and other mobile devices, such as tablets, use Bluetooth in one way or another. These devices use Bluetooth technology to sync with other devices. They also use Bluetooth to transfer files and documents.
In most cases, the answer to what is Bluetooth used for in a mobile device is so that the cell phone or tablet can talk to other machines. The Bluetooth connection allows wireless connectivity and seamless file transfer.
For example, you can also use Bluetooth to stream video or content between a mobile device and a TV.
2. Audio Devices
Bluetooth has become common in headphones and earphones. As wireless headphones have become more popular, the need for Bluetooth connectivity has increased. These headsets use Bluetooth to connect to a mobile device or a computer so you don’t need to connect a wire between the two devices.
The Bluetooth connection lets you stream audio files from your cell phone to your wireless earbuds.
3. Hands-Free Applications
Bluetooth technology is present in a lot of cars now. This lets you pair your cell phone or tablet to your car’s infotainment system.
This connectivity is particularly useful if you wish to play music from your phone through the car’s speakers. It also allows you to make and answer phone calls as they come in on your smartphone.
If you have a WiFi connection and Bluetooth in your car, the Bluetooth connection means you can also use your car’s infotainment screen to access your phone.
4. Fitness Devices
Fitness devices like Apple watches, FitBits, or other wearables use Bluetooth technology. The Bluetooth connection lets the fitness device synchronize with your other devices. This means you can record your fitness activity in apps on your phone or tablet.
5. In Your Home
With the increasing popularity of smart devices in your home, Bluetooth lets your smart home devices talk to each other and sync with apps on your phone, tablet, or computer.
When considering what Bluetooth is used for in your home, consider items such as fridges, home-protection systems, and keys and locks. These appliances use Bluetooth to track use, maintain inventory, and alert you if there is a problem or the appliance doesn’t work.
If your smartphone is connected to the appliances using Bluetooth, you’ll instantly know if something needs your attention.
6. Video Games and Toys
Almost all new video game consoles use Bluetooth connectivity in their controllers. This connectivity allows players to use a controller not connected directly to the console. No more wire connections let gamers sit farther away from the console, giving them more flexibility in their play.
What is Bluetooth used for in toys? Well, some new toys, such as dolls, integrate Bluetooth connections so that the dolls can talk to each other. The dolls use Bluetooth to interact seamlessly, without the direct knowledge or action of the child playing with the doll.
7. Medical Devices
Much like headphones and earbuds, hearing aids can take advantage of Bluetooth technology. Hearing aids do not use wires to connect to anything. But with Bluetooth, a wearer can connect their hearing aids directly to their cell phones.
This advance in hearing aids has improved the user experience when making cell phone calls. Rather than listening to the call through the cell phone and then through the hearing aid, the audio is piped into the ear through the hearing aid.
Other medical uses include monitoring systems in prosthetics, internal and external monitors, and insulin pumps. By connecting through Bluetooth, the medical device can talk to apps on a smartphone or other devices. This lets the doctor or patient monitor and diagnose problems in real time.
8. Industry Applications
The industry has adopted Bluetooth technology widely. Machines and manufacturing components are increasingly connected in factories, or apps on other devices. This connectivity lets operators monitor productivity, efficiency, or issues without having to assess the machine through manual activity directly.
The widespread use of Bluetooth has led to significant advances in the automation of manufacturing plants. A single operator can oversee large manufacturing facilities from a computer station, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
9. Laptops
One of the first types of devices to incorporate Bluetooth technology was laptops. Both Apple and Windows operating systems use Bluetooth widely. When thinking about what Bluetooth is used for in a laptop, consider how external devices such as headphones, mice, keyboards, and even printers all connect without wires to the laptop.
Bluetooth can sometimes disconnect from your laptop. If you’re having trouble with your Bluetooth connection, here’s how to connect MacBook air to Bluetooth.
What Is Bluetooth? Use It for These Things
So, if you wanted to know “What is Bluetooth used for?”, now you do! As you can see, there are many different ways that Bluetooth allows devices to connect with each other. So much of our technology now uses Bluetooth to talk to another device and share information or stream content.
Some applications of Bluetooth make our tech-filled lives easier. Some uses improve our quality of life, particularly regarding health care.
If you want to learn more about tech, get lifestyle tips, or get a new idea for a day out, check out the articles on our website.
In conclusion, Bluetooth technology has revolutionised how we interact with our devices, enabling us to connect with various gadgets, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and more. It is a versatile technology that connects devices wirelessly and transfers data seamlessly without wires or cables.
Top-ranked IT companies, like Andersen, recognise the significant role that Bluetooth technology plays in our daily lives, and their website offers a wealth of articles and tips to help readers stay informed about the latest technological trends and advancements.
In the healthcare sector, Bluetooth technology has transformed patient care, enabling doctors and healthcare professionals to monitor patients’ health and well-being remotely. It’s no wonder Bluetooth has become a ubiquitous standard in the tech industry and beyond.