In its simplest format, Bluetooth is a wireless technology that utilizes radio frequency to share data from one mobile or fixed device to another mobile or fixed device over a relatively close distance. There were an estimated 4.7 billion devices created in 2021 with bluetooth integrated circuit chips; symbolizing how commonplace bluetooth wireless technology is globally.
What Is The Range Of Bluetooth?
In its most widely used format, bluetooth integrated mobile devices employ UHF radio waves in ISM bands between 2.402 GHz to 2.48GHz; with a maximum transmission power of 2.5 milliwatts. This ultimately means that mobile bluetooth devices have a maximum range of 10 meters (33 feet).
Debunking Bluetooth Myths?
When it comes to technology there are no shortage of myths and misconceptions, and bluetooth is not excluded from this. Some of the most common misunderstandings in bluetooth are:
Bluetooth Can Only Transmit 10 meters
Despite what we said earlier in the blog, Bluetooth range can exceed 10 meters when deployed for commercial use. While the vast majority of bluetooth devices have a maximum power transmission of 2.5 milliwatts, limiting bluetooth range to 10 meters; there are no shortage of commercial use examples where this range is greatly exceeded. An example of long-distance bluetooth use can be found in military drones. Many BVR Drones (beyond visual range) have an established bluetooth range of over 1 kilometer and operate with extreme accuracy and reliability.
Bluetooth Can’t Transmit Through Walls
One of the most common misconceptions is that bluetooth technology can not transmit through walls or windows. While, you can not expect to have such a high and complete range when attempting to transit data via bluetooth through denser attenuators such as wood, concrete glass and metal; bluetooth can pass through things such as walls, windows and doors.
Bluetooth Radiation Is Harmful
One of the most commonly spoken about myths is that bluetooth radiation is harmful to the human body. It is true that we surround ourselves with electrical radiation at every turn, from our mobile phones and laptops to TV and radios; electrosmog is everywhere. It is also true that bluetooth devices emit electrical radiation themselves; however the levels of radiation are incredibly low and therefore are not deemed to be harmful. Bluetooth circuit chips expel less than half the radiation of a smartphone or WiFi router.
Are Bluetooth Connections Secure?
Devices are generally considered to be safe and secure from hackers and hacking efforts. This is largely because bluetooth connectivity operates across 79 different radio frequencies and bluetooth devices hop between these frequencies hundreds of times per second. This practice is called ‘frequency hopping spread spectrum’; which essentially prevents your bluetooth connectivity from being hacked.
It should be noted, that while your bluetooth signal can not be hacked, it is still possible that the device hosting your bluetooth signal may be.
Most Common Uses Of Bluetooth?
Bluetooth as a term was first publicly announced and deployed in 1999 and over the last 20 years, the use of bluetooth has spread significantly. But what are some of the most common uses of bluetooth?
TV Remote Control
TV Remote Controls prior to 1999 were manufactured to be powered by Infra Red (IR) Technology; and while TV controllers are still quite often IR powered; the percentage of remote controls now bluetooth powered has increased massively, largely due to the better range and reliability.
Tethering
Tethering is the process of connecting two smart products together, most commonly connecting your smartphone to your laptop. Through tethering, you can transfer files from one device to another without the need for cables or wires.
Smart Home Systems
Smart Home Systems such as the Amazon Echo and the Google Dot, are powered by bluetooth when requiring a connection to your smartphone to set routines and skills sharing. It is the combination of WiFi and Bluetooth that makes Smart Home Systems even remotely possible.
In Car Calling
According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), as many as 660,000 drivers are using their phones while operating a motor vehicle at any given moment in time. That’s a huge number of drivers leveraging smartphone technology while on the move. So, it could be argued that one of the most important uses of bluetooth, from a safety perspective at the very least, is in-car, hands-free calling. It is now easier and safer than ever to make and receive calls while driving without needing to pick up or hold your smartphone.
Smart Glasses
It would be a little bit ambivalent of us to have a list of the most common and most innovative uses of bluetooth, without including Bluetooth Prescription Audio Glasses. As you’ll have seen us talk about constantly since our inception; Lucyd have given Bluetooth a new dimension. Using bluetooth technology, you can now command your phone without holding it in your hand. This means you can benefit from SMS, Media and Call control via your prescription glasses while on the move, whether that’s on a run or on your commute to work.
