The Bluetooth FAQ
What is BlueTooth?
Bluetooth is a low bandwidth wireless networking technology designed primarily to replace cables*for communication between personal computing/communication devices. It is intended to be used for both voice and data communications. As of late 2004, Bluetooth is a very common standard for wireless communications between cell phones and PDAs, headsets.
Who Developed BlueTooth?
Bluetooth was initiated by Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and Toshiba in early 1998. These companies later formed a special interest group known as the Bluetooth SIG. Today, many companies are members of the Bluetooth SIG; and all are committed to developing and supporting the Bluetooth standard.*
Bluetooth* became an IEEE (Institute of* Electrical* and Electronics Engineers) standard during 2002. Acceptance of Bluetooth as an industry standard is important for both consumers and manufacturers alike, because of the promise of interoperability* attracts more companies into the market and lowers prices.
What is the range of Bluetooth transmitter/receivers?
Bluetooth is designed for very low power use, and the transmission range will only be 10m, about 30ft. High-powered Bluetooth devices will enable ranges up to 100m (300ft). Considering*the design philosophy behind Bluetooth, even the 10m range is adequate for the purposes Bluetooth is intended for.
What RIM Devices support BlueTooth?
At this time, the only devices that support Bluetooth are the BlackBerry 7100 Series, 7290, 7520, and 7250, 81xx series, 87xx series, 83xx series, and 88xx series.
What devices do BlackBerrys Support?
Currently BlackBerrys with Bluetooth only support audio headsets/carsets. Data related bluetooth is coming soon, but unavailable at this time.
What Carkits/Headsets are supported by BlackBerrys?
A good place to start is the
Headset Reviews Thread. Another thread is
The Supported Headsets Thread for further information on what is supported.
Please post if you have something more to add to this FAQ.