Bluetooth Headsets

Bluetooth technology  in Bluetooth headsets is a cutting-edge open specification that enables short-range wireless connections between desktop and notebook computers, handhelds, personal digital assistants, mobile phones, camera phones, printers, digital cameras, headsets, keyboards and even a computer mouse. Bluetooth wireless technology uses a globally available frequency band (2.4GHz) for worldwide compatibility.

Bluetooth gets its name from a 10th-century Danish king, Harald Blatand (or Bluetooth) who unified Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. According to legend, he had an affinity for teeth-staining blueberries.

Using the Bluetooth technology, cell phones can talk to headsets, PCs can talk to printers or keyboards, and handhelds can talk to each other without any wires. Up to seven connections can be made at one time, at a speed of 1Mbps. Bluetooth has a range of 30 feet (10 meters), and the devices in question must use compatible versions of Bluetooth.

Bluetooth has some some security concerns. The SIG has admitted that bluebugging, where a hacker secretly accesses a phone's commands (such as eavesdropping on conversations), and bluesnarfing, where a hacker can access a phone's data--such as the contacts--are possible, yet the group downplays both actions.