Bluetooth wireless technology has grown that people are now using it to varying extent. Some use Bluetooth headsets for hands free calls while others maximize Bluetooth’s capability and have fully synchronized networks in their offices, homes, and even vehicles. And still some don’t know much about Bluetooth. So what is Bluetooth?
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Bluetooth Basics
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to communicate wirelessly and exchange data when in close proximity. The Bluetooth radio waves have a maximum reach of about 10 meters. However, some high powered Bluetooth devices have a wider range. Unlike infrared devices which require a direct line of sight, Bluetooth devices only need to be close to each other in order to communicate with each other.
A Bluetooth connection form a personal area network (PAN) commonly called a piconet. These mini networks comprise no more than eight electronic gadgets communicating through a frequency hopping technique. The machines are controlled by one master device, detect each other’s presence and exchange data while continually jumping between radio frequencies along a certain band. This frequency hopping reduces interference from the other devices sharing the frequency band.
A Bluetooth piconet can contain any Bluetooth enabled devices, from smartphones to personal computers and printers to cameras and entertainment systems. Bluetooth has had a massive impact on how we communicate. It brings convenience, efficiency, and flexibility to electronic network communication.
A Bluetooth Car Stereo System
Now that you have learned the Bluetooth basics, lets now look at how it works in a car stereo system. You can connect your Bluetooth enabled phone to your Bluetooth car stereo an when they are within range, they can communicate in interesting ways.
Depending on the model that you are using, it may be possible to receive and make phone calls without pushing a single button or pulling out your phone. You can even hear the call through the car’s speakers. Some models mate need you to press some buttons but it’s usually easier than going through your phone’s menu while driving. Through the stereo panel you can view your phonebook, incoming calls and call status. When someone calls, the speakers automatically turn down the volume of any video or music playing while you chat and resume when the call is over.
Some Bluetooth car stereos have the ability to store your phone’s address book and other contact information. Other models have inbuilt phones which take over the functions for calling. This saves the battery power of your phone because your phone is disconnected from the piconet.
These innovations are a convenience because they allow hands-free driving. Many places have laws that limit the use of mobile phones while driving. Bluetooth car stereos help to avoid getting trouble with the authorities. In addition it increases your ability to connect with the outside world through the phone call because you listen more attentively.
Bluetooth car stereos have transmitters which you can use to stream music from MP3 players, iPods, and satellite radios straight from the stereo system without connecting any wires. In some, you can even display video on full-color LCD display. However, this is not ideal when the car is moving .
Many Bluetooth enabled car stereos come with hookups which you need to turn your car into a mobile entertainment center. These hookups allow passengers in the back to watch from close range. Other common features in Bluetooth car stereos include GPS navigators and USB flash drivers. Read on to learn a[more about the considerations you need to make before heading to the electronics store.
Buying a Bluetooth Car Stereo
Although most vehicles come with a Bluetooth-enabled stereo installed, you can buy universal or specific Bluetooth adapters if your car doesn’t support Bluetooth. The stereo specific Bluetooth adapters have broader range of features compared to universal adapters which have limited functions. Stereos with Bluetooth built in tend to be more advanced; they give you full phone control, streaming music capabilities and so on.
There are factors you need to keep in mind. Some cars Bluetooth stereos are challenging to replace than others. For instance, if your car has a climate control system, or other key feature, you will need to reconsider before replacing it. If you are not tech-savvy you should ensure that you can operate the Bluetooth car stereo that you are going for. Hands-free capability isn’t going to be a benefit if you spend much time fiddling with the controls.
Similarly, you will want to make sure that the Bluetooth car stereo has the functions that you want. There is nothing as worse as buying an electronic gadget with features you don’t need. Although Bluetooth is a universal technology there can be compatible issues when connecting the classic Bluetooth to the latest Bluetooth BLE device. So, it’s worthwhile to verify everything is running fine before making any purchases.
Another factor you need to consider is security. Most models have some feature for theft protection but there is a possibility of being hacked. As mentioned earlier, Bluetooth operates on radio waves. Hackers can use a number of ways to interfere with Bluetooth remotely using a number of techniques. Some of these hacking techniques include:
Bluesnarfing: This refers to the unauthorized theft of information from a wireless device through a Bluetooth connection. The attackers use tools such as hcitool and obexftp to exploit a vulnerability in Bluetooth. The attackers can access information from your device such as contact list, calendar, text messages and email.
Bluebugging: A Bluebugging attack occurs when a user sets by default their Bluetooth device to discoverable mode. The attacker takes control of the mobile device and listens to phone conversations. They can even forward and send messages
Bluejacking: This is the sending of unsolicited messages to nearby Bluetooth devices. The message can be in terms of text, images or even sound. Bluejacking is relatively harmless and is mainly intended for marketing and advertising.
There is a particular hack known as the car whisperer which allows an attacker to listen to a Bluetooth network set in a car. The hacker can listen to phone calls or even simple conversations between driver and passenger. They can even choose to participate in that conversation. The hackers use some equipment to allow them reach a wider range than Bluetooth network traditionally encompass. The eavesdropping can be worse if the hacker is following his or her unknowing target in a vehicle. Using strong passwords and other security measures can help diffuse the threat.
Ways to Use Bluetooth in Your car
You can use Bluetooth while driving in different ways. Here are five ways you can use Bluetooth in your car.
- To Make and Receive Phone Calls
For years, the main purpose of Bluetooth in the car was for phone calling. Most factory head units and aftermarket stereos use Bluetooth to host calls made from your phone. If If your car is not Bluetooth enabled, you cam but a Bluetooth car kit and add the wireless functionality to your car. The Bluetooth profile for cars is known as the Hands-free Profile (HFP). HFP allows you to dial and receive calls with voice commands and access your address book.
- To Send and Receive Text Messages
To most phone users, SMS is the primary messaging function. Although you should not text while driving, it is common to receive texts while driving. This can be distracting. However, Bluetooth has made it possible to send and receive takes without taking your eyes off the road.
Many vehicle stereo systems have the Message Access Profile (MAP) Bluetooth functionality which allows you to display text message receives on your phone. You can pair Bluetooth texting with text to speech functionality or speech to text in a hands-free environment such as when driving.
- To Stream Music Wirelessly
If your car stereo supports the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), then you can listen to music from your head unit wirelessly. This is a great way of listening audio or music stored on your phone. If you have data, you can use it to stream music and podcasts.
If your phone and car stereo support the audio/video remote control profile (ACRCP), you can control playback from your head unit. This profile can also display metadata such as the title of the song and album or the artist name.
- For Internet Access Inside Your Car
Some car stereos come with built in support for Spotify, Pandora, and other streaming apps. If you don’t have pre-downloaded content, you will need wireless data. With data, you can broadcast any audio content from the internet through your car speakers. You can use a mobile hotspot for internet access; however, your car stereo needs to be Wi-Fi compatible or able to work with some other kind of hotspot protocol.
- To Diagnose Your Engine Problems
If you are using an Android phone, you can check PIDs, pull codes and even diagnose your own check engine light using an OBS-II Bluetooth adapter. All you need to do is to download a scanner app, plug one of the scanning tools into your car’s OBD-II connector and pair it with your phone. You can then check and diagnose any engine problems.
Wrap up
This brings us to the end of our article on how Bluetooth works in the car. We have covered Bluetooth basics, how Bluetooth works in the car, factors to consider before purchasing a Bluetooth car stereo and ways of using Bluetooth in the car. I hope that you found this informative and you now understand how Bluetooth works in the car. Keep it here for related content.
