The term Bluetooth has become almost synonymous with those wireless speakers we see clipped to nearly everyone's ears in cars and business districts across the land. There is, however, a lot more to it than just a means to looking like your talking to yourself as you drive or walk down the street. Advances in the wireless data protocol we know as Bluetooth are paving the way for some neat applications:
Stereo Over Bluetooth
Fast becoming a standard feature in mid- to high-end "music phones," Stereo Over Bluetooth provides for wireless transmission of audio between two compatible devices. Think stereo earphones - sans wires - for music phones. Think one pair of earphones that can pair with your cell phone and your iPod, and seamlessly switch between the two when calls begin and end. Think wireless docking stations so you can play music from your phone over speakers in your home or car. Stereo bluetooth accessories are still in their early stages (i.e. clunky, with plenty of adapters and dongles required), but they should mature into convenient solutions for high-quality audio.
Bluetooth Watches & Clothes
Clever clothing and accessory makers are going hi-tech with Bluetooth-enabled products. Sony Ericsson's MBW-100 is a wristwatch that pairs with your SE phone to display basic information such as Caller ID and SMS messages on an LED display. The MBW-100 can also control your SE Walkman phone's music player.
Outdoor clothing maker Burton has teamed up with Motorola on the Audex jacket, a winter sports parka that features stereo speakers in the hood, a remote control with caller ID display on the wrist, and bluetooth connectivity throughout. Pair the jacket with your Bluetooth phone and you can make and receive calls, listen to music, and control your handset without having to take off your gloves and fish around your pockets for your phone.
Car Kits
Just because your ride is 10 years old doesn't mean you can't trick it out to talk to your Bluetooth phone. Aftermarket Bluetooth car kits install in your car - either integrated with your car stereo or as stand-alone systems - and allow for true hands-free calling with voice dialing and other voice operated commands.
Learn more about Bluetooth accessories:
Motorola Bluetooth Digital Lookbook: http://www.dhkdesign.com/lookbook/
Sony Ericsson MBW-100 Bluetooth Watch: http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp?cc=us&lc=en&ver=4000&template=pip1&zone=pp&pid=10573
Burton Audex Jacket: http://burton.motorola.com/en/gear/audex_jacket/
