Bluetooth: its origins and uses

From Edmunds.com

Bluetooth was founded on the principles of low power, low cost, security, and ease of use.

It seems unlikely that when Danish King Harald Blatant united sworn enemies in the Middle Ages, he could have ever predicted the influence of his actions or the postmodern use of his name--translated Harold Bluetooth in English. Seen as the electronic equivalent to the king's unifying influence, Bluetooth is a new technology that allows different devices from different manufacturers (and, in the case of cell phones, different providers) to "talk" to each other on a shared wireless platform.

Essentially an ultra-low-power radio signal, Bluetooth allows wireless access to certain devices within about 30 feet. This all sounds complicated and perhaps rather boring, but the net effect of this technology is added flexibility and convenience for those who frequently rely on handheld electronic devices such as phones, cameras, and PDAs. According to Michael Foley, executive director of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, "Bluetooth was founded on the principles of low power, low cost, security, and ease of use."

No strings attached
The advantage of Bluetooth-enabled devices is that Bluetooth is a standard operating system, for lack of a better word. Various devices from diverse manufacturers can communicate wirelessly. Foley notes, "In many cases, involved companies may be competitors or have nothing in common except for Bluetooth. For example, Bluetooth makes it possible to use your favorite Microsoft keyboard with an Apple PowerBook." Also, with a Bluetooth-enabled camera or camera phone, you can wirelessly transfer photos to any Bluetooth printer and get instant prints. You can also compare and synchronize calendars in your PDA and transfer files, music, or photos from camera to computer or computer to computer or from phone to phone. With Bluetooth-enabled phones, you can wirelessly transfer contact information, meeting requests, and e-mails to other paired devices.

More Bluetooth resources from CNET