Bluetooth and You: Handy BT Options

Bluetooth (BT) is truly a godsend when it comes to mobile connectivity – or connectivity in general, as it’s no longer restricted to the mobile domain. From sending photos, music and other media to listening to music wirelessly, it’s all good. The medium has its own ecosystem, with developers and manufacturers coming up with innovations for it all the time. Here are some ways in which Bluetooth can prove handy.

All-Purpose

BT HeadsetsBluetooth headsets offer wirefree convenience. Most higher-end mobiles support Bluetooth with A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, an extension required to transmit data). Handsets that support A2DP are primarily directed at music lovers. Companies like Genius, I.Tech (BlueBand, BluePro) and even Motorola (with its funky O-ROKR glares and S9) have developed BT products. Don’t get the idea that these headsets are designed primarily for music; you can use them for answering calls as well.

Strictly One-WayThere are plenty of these in the market – just pair one with your phone and you're good to go. It's like your handsfree headset, only without wires. Of course, you can listen to songs too, but the quality will suck because they're designed specifically for conversations. Jabra and almost all mobile manufacturers make them. However, just so you know, a Nokia Bluetooth headset can work perfectly fine with any other mobile handset from any company.

Printing

Can you believe they’ve put Bluetooth even in printers? If your mobile phone has a camera and you need to take a printout, no longer would you need to dock the phone with the printer or user USB or other cabling. All you need to do is pair your mobile with the printer, and presto! Print, print, print. You will need a Bluetooth printing adapter if your printer doesn't support BT printing.

Portable MediaCompanies like Samsung have even taken PMPs and DAPs a step further, with BT-enabled players like YP-T10 and YP-S5. Players like these allow you to transfer files between BT-enabled devices like mobile phones or even your PC and, naturally, A2DP-compatible headsets. The YP-T10 also allows you to take a call from your mobile phone as long as it’s paired with the player. Now isn't that cool!

In-Car ConnectivityIf you drive at 100 kph and are fearful that you may not live to see another day because your boss has a knack of calling you just as you're about to squeeze between a lorry and a bus, you should definitely pick up the easy-to-use distraction-free Movon MK20. It clamps on the sun visor, and connects to your phone every time the 2.2-inch screen is brought out. You wouldn’t need to yell either, as the mics are designed to be sensitive.

There are also in-car audio systems that also cater to the Bluetooth genre. The players themselves come pre-equipped with BT, so you simply have to pair your handset with the player. You can then stream music from your handset though your car's stereo system, as well as make and take calls, with almost no effort. Another option is a car kit that fits into your car's lighter and connects to your car's radio. It streams music and calls from your mobile phone to your in-car audio system. Parrot's PMK5800 Car Kit is a good example of such a device.

GPS Navigation

If you have a mobile phone with GPS software but not an integrated receiver, don’t fret. All you need is an external GPS receiver that could be connected with a wire. But why bother with messy wiring when you can get one that works with Bluetooth? The receiver comes with software that would need to be installed on to your phone. Pair it up with the receiver, and the application on your phone will show you the way (literally).

PC Connectivity

Finally we have PC connectivity. Using a Bluetooth USB dongle with your PC or your laptop's built-in Bluetooth radio you can sync your mobile with your computer to update and back up data from the handset. That’s the main use, but it also allows transfer of files wirelessly. Business folk can remotely control presentations with their mobiles – just install an application that can be downloaded from the Internet and is compatible with your handset and PC. There are also BT keyboards that can be paired with handsets so you can type quickly.

If you think we’ve missed anything, please say so in our forums or leave a comment here. Most of the products mentioned in this article are available in mobile accessory stores in India, and some of them you could even pick up from the gray market. So get ready to Go Blue!