June 23, 2008 - Martin Harrison -Your guide to Bluetooth phone headsets

Your guide to Bluetooth phone headsets

The term Bluetooth comes is derived from the name of a 10th century Danish king who unified Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Following its introduction, it has become synonymous with wireless headsets and other forms of communication.

Bluetooth was first developed in 1994 by Jaap Haartsen and Sven Mattisson, who were working for Ericsson in Lund, Sweden.
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) a body which regulates the development of Bluetooth Technology and licensing was established May in 1998 and currently has a membership of over 7000 companies worldwide. These include Plantronics, Jabra, Motorola and Nokia.

Bluetooth is a platform for different electronic devices to communicate with each other via a secure, short-range radio frequency.
As many as 7 connections can be made at any one time is supported by a number of devices, including:

Bluetooth headsets
Mobile phones
Cameras
GPS Tracking Systems
Printers
Keyboards
Laptops and handheld computers

As technology improves, this list is rapidly expanding and is increasingly being offered by car manufacturers on their newer models. Whilst driving, mobile Bluetooth headsets allow the driver to use a mobile through the car’s audio system.

Features of Bluetooth Headsets
Bluetooth headsets allow wireless connections between headsets and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone.
Bluetooth headsets are typically small and lightweight. Some models weighing less than an ounce (28 g).
Bluetooth headsets can provide up to five hours of talk time and as many as 100 hours of standby time.
Bluetooth headsets allow you to use your mobile without wires even if your phone is in a bag, pocket, piece of luggage, or nearby room.

Choosing the right headset
When choosing the best Bluetooth headset for you it is important to take several factors into consideration:

Compatibility
It is important to verify that your Bluetooth headset and other devices are compatible with one another. Most modern products are usually compatible with all previous products, but this is something which is worth checking.

Ergonomics
Is it easy to put on and remove? Most importantly, it should be comfortable. Make sure that the volume and other controls are easy to use.
Find out whether the battery in the Bluetooth headset is replaceable and how many devices it can connect with.

Security
Whilst Bluetooth headsets are generally a very secure means of communication, you should be aware that there are people who exploit the system to access your personal information. These practices include:
Bluebugging – a term which defines eavesdropping via Bluetooth
Bluesnarfing - occurs when a hacker accesses a phone’s information, for example contacts stored in the phone.
Bluejacking – A pun on the term hijacking, this involves a text message designed to entice the recipient into responding, leaving their phone exposed.

It is important to bear in mind however, that these activities can only be carried out on un-secured handsets and that Bluetooth devices can be secured with a code, or simply switched off when not in use.
Big Box can help to advise you on the best Bluetooth headset for you. We stock a full range from all of the top manufacturers including Nokia, Motorola, Jabra and Plantronics, whose range includes our best-selling H251 and CS60 with HL10 Lifter

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