Bluetooth, a wireless technology that allows you to create a wireless connection between two devices, is more useful than you think.
In most cases, people use Bluetooth technology to connect their smartphone or computer to an audio device for wireless audio transmission.
However, Bluetooth (which is now in its 5th iteration and has been around since 1998) has actually grown into a fairly universal technology. Here are some great uses for Bluetooth besides wireless audio.
Remote control
Bluetooth has struggled for years with good old-fashioned IR (infrared) technology as the main means by which we control our TVs, music systems and so on. And while Bluetooth hasn’t become the most popular tool, it has some advantages. First of all, Bluetooth is a faster and more sensitive type of connection than infrared.
Second, the whole point of pointing the remote control at the right side of the TV (which can be blocked by some annoying object) doesn’t apply to Bluetooth, which doesn’t need a line of sight to work. Bluetooth, on the other hand, is a more expensive technology that consumes an infrared battery, so you won’t see it everywhere.
Bluetooth connectivity
A few months ago, I was surprised to discover that I could connect my smartphone to a computer using Bluetooth (and cable, actually). I am sure many of you will be surprised. Tethering is the process of sharing your smartphone’s mobile data or Wi-Fi connection with your desktop or laptop computer.
This is usually done via Wi-Fi (for laptops) or cable (for desktops), but there is also an option for Bluetooth in the same menu. You can use this option to connect your smartphone to a computer with Bluetooth technology – preferably a desktop computer with a connected Bluetooth radio. You can easily find it on Amazon.
Transfer files between two devices
You already know that you can transfer files between two smartphones using Bluetooth; users of a good old cell phone certainly know. However, you can also connect your smartphone to a Bluetooth-enabled computer to share files.
Two Bluetooth-enabled computers can also be connected to each other to transfer files. It may not be as fast as a cable connection, but it can be a good replacement when you don’t have a cable with you.
Play multiplayer mobile games via Bluetooth
App stores are full of multiplayer games that can be played online, but did you know that there are many multiplayer games that can be played via Bluetooth? It’s pretty fun to go one-on-one against your best friend while I’m in person, but admittedly, if you can play over the usual network connection, you’ll probably be better off.
Bluetooth-based games can also be found on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store – some of the titles are listed below – although the number of Bluetooth games is steadily declining due to better stability offered by alternatives such as Wi-Fi and 5G.
Connecting different devices
As the main purpose of Bluetooth is to create a wireless connection between two devices, there are many devices that can connect using Bluetooth. Some of the devices include:
- Mouse: There are many Bluetooth mice that will easily connect to your computer, tablet, and even smartphone using Bluetooth.
- Keyboard: Bluetooth keyboards are also available for Bluetooth wireless connection with your computer, tablet and smartphone. They are a good solution for using a full physical keyboard with your smartphone.
- Printers: Many Wi-Fi enabled printers also come with a Bluetooth connection for wireless document printing when you’re near the printer.
- Bluetooth controllers: Bluetooth controllers, such as Playstation controllers, use a Bluetooth connection to connect to the console. It also allows them to connect directly to other Bluetooth devices such as a computer, tablet or smartphone to play supported games. For example, you can connect your Playstation controller to your Android phone to play PSP games on Android.
Manage smart home systems
Many smart home devices come with Bluetooth support for wireless management. Amazon Echo and Google Home devices, for example, use Bluetooth to connect to your phone from which you can then control their various connections, skills and routines. Many smart home devices work on almost the same basis.
Then there are things about home security, such as how you can use your smartphone to lock or unlock the door (no key required). Some alarm systems also come with Bluetooth integration.
Bluetooth i automobili
Bluetooth and cars go very well together, but apart from hands-free calling, you can do many other things with the right device and settings. Some of the things you can do include listening to music from your smartphone from the car speakers, storytelling and listening to text messages aloud, and connecting your smartphone to your car navigation system to get live updates via mobile data.
Bluetooth may seem like an old technology, but it has many uses to help it stay on the market and in the menu for quick access to our smartphones.
Writes: Ivan Hečimović
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