Smart Home Lifestyle

September 22, 2007

bluetooth devices offer the latest movable feast for electronics

Tired of technology tying you down? It's time to cut the cord - literally. Bluetooth wireless allows you to transfer data among devices like cell phones, headsets, game controllers and GPS units, helping make your life a little more mobile.

Fit for a king

"Bluetooth" isn't just another flashy catchphrase - it's actually named after a king. Harald Bluetooth, the King of Denmark more than 1,000 years ago, was best-known for uniting Denmark and a part of Norway into a single kingdom and then introducing Christianity. So "Bluetooth" is more homage to Denmark than a description of how the technology works.

Bluetooth is known for its simplicity, not to mention its ability to travel through walls. Bluetooth transmits data on low-power radio waves at a frequency of 2.45 gigahertz. It can connect up to eight devices at the same time and works up to about 30 feet. Bluetooth-enabled devices include mice, keyboards, printers, laptops, cameras and even televisions.

When you think Bluetooth, you likely think cell phones, since most have it built in. There are even car companies, like BMW and Chrysler, that have Bluetooth built into the speaker system - a plus for chatting and driving.

And for home applications, check out AT&T's Bluetooth-enabled phone. The EP5632 lets you leave your cell phone where it gets the best reception in your house and talk on the cordless phone. The phone pairs up to Bluetooth devices, and the cell connection then acts as a second line. It also gives a different ring tone for your home phone and your cell, to avoid wasted cell phone minutes.

Bluetooth has taken to the roadways and the flight paths, combining wireless and GPS. Garmin is showing the way with a device called Nuvi, which has a built-in FM transmitter to wirelessly send turn-by-turn directions and street names, as well as MP3s and audio books, through a car stereo. It also has Bluetooth for hands-free calling. Just remember to make sure your cell phone is compatible.

Hack attack

What about safety? Like any wireless technology, you could see some break-ins, including Bluejacking, Bluebugging and Bluesnarfing.

Bluejacking is when a hacker sends a business card, which is just like a text message, to any Bluetooth users within a 30-foot radius. The card can contain a message like "You've been Bluejacked" or "I like your sweater" to really confuse the target.

Bluebugging is more than just a nuisance because it lets hackers access your phone to place calls and send text messages.

Bluesnarfing lets hackers get into the data stored on your Bluetooth phone, including phonebook, images and calendar.

Bluetooth has some built-in security like 128bit encryption and personal identification number code authentication. But there are also some other ways to deter tampering. First, set your device to nondiscoverable mode, which keeps others from knowing it's there. Next, don't pair with unknown devices. Always pair your device in private for a permanent connection. And finally, personalize your PIN - never leave it as the default.

Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec