Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows computers, phones and other devices to talk to each other over short distances (typically about 10 meters). Bluetooth uses radio waves (in the 2.4 Gigahertz range), and is designed to be a secure and inexpensive way of connecting and exchanging information between devices without wires.

Now days Bluetooth is in many of the newer mobile phones, handheld computers, laptops, printers, handheld organisers, as well as in all sorts of products. It uses a common protocol, so transmission of data (and voice) between two Bluetooth devices from different manufacturers should be straightforward.

There are serveral uses of Bluetooth include exchanging business cards, sending data over a modem, sending voice from a headset to a mobile phone, and real-time satellite navigation using GPS.

Is Bluetooth the same as Wi-fi?
Bluetooth is not to be mistaken for wi-fi (wireless networking) - Bluetooth runs at a lower speed and power than wi-fi.
Are WiFi and Bluetooth compatible? Bluetooth and WiFi are both radio technologies, but they differ in the frequencies and protocols that they use. They don't interfere with each other, but the two don't talk to each other either - in other words you can't get a device with Bluetooth to communicate to a device that only supports WiFi.

Are all Bluetooth devices compatible with each other?
Bluetooth is equivalent to a 'wireless USB cable' with the security and limitations. To prevent disappointment and angry buyers, note that Bluetooth is a new technology coming to market, and although the standards are established, implementation depends on the vendor. The hardware will work as advertised, but it's important to note that the drivers for the devices are not necessarily there to allow all Bluetooth devices to connect to all other Bluetooth devices. The standard exists and the hardware exists, hopefully the vendors of Bluetooth devices don't destroy the market by promises of compatibility and a failure to deliver.