Have you ever heard of Bluetooth? I will be surprised if you haven’t. Most of the electronic devices we use today are Bluetooth enabled. As any other widespread technology, Bluetooth has an impact on both the society and users. It has changed the way we as society communicate. However, there is little research on its impact on the society. In this article, we will look at impacts of Bluetooth on the society. Before digging deeper at its influence, let’s first understand what Bluetooth is. So, what is Bluetooth?
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What Is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a shot range wireless technology used for exchanging data between different devices. It can be found in a number of gadgets including smartphones, headsets, laptops and more. Bluetooth doesn’t rely on the internet, as long as two devices are Bluetooth enabled and in close proximity to each other, they can communicate via Bluetooth.
In a nutshell, Bluetooth is a cable-replacement technology. Instead of using cables to transfer data between components of a PC, for instance, you can add a small radio chip on these components and initiate communication between these devices via Bluetooth. Bluetooth was named after the 10th Danish King, Herald Bluetooth for his efforts in uniting Scandinavian Europe. Bluetooth is a fitting name because it “unites” different devices.
Bluetooth Mechanisms
Bluetooth enabled devices are embedded with transceivers that enables connected devices to simultaneously send and receive data. Bluetooth uses radio frequency to communicate. It sends and receives radio waves in a band of 79 different channels centered on 2.45 GHz and can transfer data at speeds up to 721Kbps. This frequency is also known as the ISM band, an unlicensed band set aside for industrial, scientific, and medical use. When you switch on different Bluetooth devices in the same area, they share the same ISM band and can communicate with each other just like a pair of walkie-talkies tuned to the same frequency.
You can convert old gadgets to work with Bluetooth using plug-in-adapters. The power of the transmitter determines the range where Bluetooth devices can operate. There are three Bluetooth classes according to range.
- Class 1: They are the most powerful and can operate up to 100m (330ft).
- Class 2: They are the most common and operate up to 10m (33ft).
- Class 3: They are the least popular and have a maximum range of 1m (3.3ft).
Pairing and connecting Bluetooth devices is pretty easy, the devices automatically detect and connect to one another. You can connect up to 8 different devices at the same. Don’t worry about interference because each connected device uses one of the available 79 channels. Bluetooth uses a technology referred to as Spread-spectrum frequency hopping which minimizes the risk of interference. This technique increases security because connected devices constantly shift the frequency they are using.
When two or more Bluetooth devices are connected, they form a mini computer network called a piconet. Devices can join or leave a piconet at any time. Two or more piconnets form a scatternet. Bluetooth supports both multi-point and single connections. You can connect up to 8 Bluetooth devices with one that controls the rest being the master and the others the slaves.
Bluetooth vs Infrared: What is the difference?
Both Bluetooth and infrared are commonly used for short range wireless communication. However, they have different capabilities and limitations. Here is how they compare.
Transmission Technology
Infrared technology uses pulses of infrared light to transmit data between different devices. Although these devices are invisible, they can be detected by a sensor on the other device. As aforementioned, Blutooth transmits data a particular frequency (2.4 gigahertz). Both these technologies consume less power than other wireless technologies.
Range
Infrared wireless covers a shorter range than Bluetooth. Generally not more than five meters. Bluetooth covers a wider range and depends on the device class. However, the Bluetooth range is still less than that of other wireless technologies. Although Bluetooth has a wider range than infrared, both technologies are meant for communication between devices that are close to each other.
Transmission Speed
Infrared transmits data at a range of between 115kbs and 16Mbps, depending on the device. On the other hand, Bluetooth transmits data a rate between 1 and 3 Mbps. Although infrared transmits data at much greater speeds, the most effective speed for both infrared and Bluetooth is 3Mbps.
Device Location
Infrared requires a direct line of site because it uses light to transmit data. The receiving device must be positioned within a relatively narrow cone of coverage in relation to the transmitting device. Bluetooth uses radio waves and has no such limitations. As long as the devices are with each other’s range, they can communicate and exchange date.
Uses
Infrared has a line of site limitation. It is thus effective to stationary devices that are in close proximity. A popular use of infrared wireless is in remote controls for home electronic devices. Other common infrared applications are wireless keyboards and mice. Bluetooth is commonly used in mobile devices but has a wide range of uses. So, what is Bluetooth used for?
What is Bluetooth Technology Used for?
To understand how Bluetooth has impacted the society, let’s first look at where it is used.
Computers
Bluetooth allows connecting your computer or laptop to peripherals such as mouse, keyboard or speaker. You don’t need any cables or wires. Besides, you can also use Bluetooth to transfer files between two computers that are Bluetooth enabled. This is ideal in office situations with Bluetooth enabled computers in close proximity. Additionally, you can also transfer files between computers and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Home and Car
If you have Bluetooth enabled devices in your home, you can wirelessly control alarms, thermostat settings, lights, and household appliances from a central location. You can also connect your smartphone to your home theater without wires and so on. When driving, you can also connect enabled devices to your cars electronic panel via Bluetooth. This enables hands-free driving allowing you to answer phone calls, get directions from a GPS device or even play music directly from your smartphone.
Consumer Electronics
Bluetooth enabled consumer electronics like cameras, phones, speakers, and television have made sharing information between devices easier. For instance, you can connect your headset to your smartphone to make hands-free calling easier or to send files to a Bluetooth enabled computer or laptop. Did you know that you can connect to the internet via a Bluetooth connection? Just like with USB tethering, you can share your mobile internet via Bluetooth so that other devices can also access the internet .
Wireless Gaming
Wired gaming handsets restricted you r movement. You had no control of how far you could sit rom a gaming console. With Bluetooth enables gaming pads, users have a more realistic gaming experience. Modern televisions have got bigger, it is thus essential to sit further away from the screen.
Wireless chatting
One of the most popular Bluetooth devices are Bluetooth headsets. What makes them popular is that you won’t need your phone in hand when trying to attend to other duties. This increases your productivity because you can multi-task with the hands-free communication. Most headsets are class 2 Bluetooth devices. They can cover a range of ten to 30 meters.
Opening Doors
If you are forgetful with keys, then worry no more. You no longer need keys. You can use Bluetooth driven smart phone app to unlock doors without using your keys. This is ideal if you don’t want a new set of keys cut or if you can’t afford a new lock. You can also use it for your garage door so that you don’t have to leave your car when it’s raining.
For Tracking Your Every Step
There are Bluetooth stickers that you can add on your smartphone and track your child’s or your pet’s every step. This can be useful if you accidentally lose track of your pet or child in a busy place.
Bluetooth Impact on Society
The invention of Bluetooth has changed how we do most things. You can enjoy hands-free driving even when on a call, move around the house freely while listening to using Bluetooth headsets. Bluetooth has changed how we communicate as a society. Here is how Bluetooth has re-written technological communication.
Improved Communication in Business
Bluetooth is an amazing tool of communication for both employees and bosses. You can connect personal devices to TV screens or projectors during presentations. Bluetooth allows you to wirelessly print documents or even connect computer peripherals such as mice and keyboards for convenience.
Device to Device Communication
Bluetooth allows connecting with other devices so as to transfer files for business or personal use. You don’t need to plug in cables and waste a lot of time and effort. All Bluetooth devices can connect with each other. You can connect your phone to your headset, your watch, your car, and so on.
Wearables
Apart from Bluetooth headsets, there are wearables such as smart watches and fitness bands which use Bluetooth to sync data from your phone. These wearables are comfortable and easy to use.
Productivity
Bluetooth increases productivity especially in the work place. Bluetooth headsets for instance free our hands so that we can work and do a myriad of other things while you’re on the phone. Because there are no cables, you can walk around and attend to other issues with ease. This allows workers to know how much attention to give to their phone call and it thus increases their productivity.
Allows for Mobility
Bluetooth allows mobility because it is wireless. There are no cables or wires to interfere with your movement, unlike a old speaker that needs to be plugged in. Say your speaker is in the living room and you rush to the kitchen to make a snack, you don’t have to go back to the living room to change the music or skip to the next I you don’t like a song. You can use your phone to change the song.
Bluetooth Impact In The Health Sector
Bluetooth technology is prevalent in the health sector. Its low energy use and resistance to interference make it an ideal choice or medical equipment. In the health sector, Bluetooth is used for data base management, connecting measurement devices and tracking patients outside the hospital.
Connecting Measurement Devices
Bluetooth has made it possible to automatically read and record information from medical equipment such as stethoscopes into computers saving time and making medical equipment more accessible. Doctors can also focus on the patient rather than recording data. It also lowers chances human error when compiling medical information.
Fitness equipment with Bluetooth chips makes it easier to follow exercise routines. There are also heart rate monitors and GPS trackers that report calories burned to your phone. Lastly, you can stream music from your mobile device as you work out.
Record Keeping
Research hospitals rely on the quality of medical data to improve advancement and to manage patients receiving experimental treatments. Bluetooth technology makes medical record keeping easier by making sure that medical readings are easily transferred to a central location. Besides saving doctors’ time and allowing them to focus more on the patient, Bluetooth enables aster identification of trends among patients receiving similar care. This could help prevent spread infections.
Smart Equipment
We’ve got Bluetooth enabled devices that not only exchange data but also instructions. Similar to how Bluetooth devices can turn off appliances in a home when motion detectors indicate that there is no one in the room, a blood sugar monitor can send instructions to change the rate of an IV drip according to the patients insulin levels. Such routine determinations save medical staff time. These smart equipment can also send out distress signals to medical staff when the encounter a situation that requires human medical judgment
Tracking Patients
Bluetooth enabled device can also be used to track patients or monitor outpatient progress. Such devices include pace makers which have a capability to transmit readings to a smartphone for storage. The physician can view this information on the next hospital visit. This information can also be sent to the hospital directly. In case of an emergency, some Bluetooth devices can even prompt a smartphone to make an emergency call.
Wrap Up
Bluetooth technology is one of the handiest technologies in our devices. We use Bluetooth to share files and improve how we communicate. Bluetooth has a great impact on the society and thus it has transformed the world. Without cables, we can keep our space neater and move around freely. Its befits to the health care cannot unnoticed. We now have better healthcare because it easy to track a patient’s medical history, diagnose and even monitor there progress.
This brings us to the end of our article. I hope that this article has helped inform you on the impact of Bluetooth on the society and that you can utilize it today. So, don’t waste time, start using your Bluetooth to enjoy its benefits as the rest of the world. Keep it here for related content.
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