...........::::::::BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY::::::::...........

Bluetooth GPS Receiver Review

noreply@blogger.com (Shiv Shakti Sharma) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:30:00 +0000

by: John Applin

This is a tiny bluetooth GPS receiver which I bought from Mobile Fun Ltd, I bought this to connect to my O2 XDA 2i PDA and it cost around £40. I was intially looking on google for cheap GPS receivers and this came up as the cheapest. I thought at that price they'll be a catch, and the catch usually being poor performance, but I was pleasantly surprised! This thing really does work, and works well!

After searching for initial reviews on this device I came up with very little other than the reviews from Mobile Fun Ltd, which I was reluctant to trust for fear of them being somewhat biased. I thought for £40 I'll take a chance and so bought it, all credit to Mobile Fun the receiver arrived the very next morning. Upon opening the box I was a little disappointed, all the there was by means of instructions was a small sheet of paper that had been loosely translated from Japanese to English by a dyslexic toddler. You can download the user manual from here and the Tomtom pairing manual from here. After following these instructions you will have it set up in no time. Another thing I noticed was that there is no manufaturer's name or marks anywhere on the device or the packaging, which makes searching for support quite difficult.

A nice touch with this little device is that it is supplied with a battery that is common to a lot of Nokia phones (3.7V 850mAh Li-polymer battery, BL-5C), a quick search on ebay means that you can get replacement batteries for these receivers for about £4 which is good to know should you need one.

What's In The Box?

Bluetooth GPS Receiver x1
12v In Car Adapter (USB) x1
Basic Instructions x1
Battery x1
USB Charging Cable x1

Installation

Provided you follow the limited instructions for pairing with your device, and the Tomtom setup instructions, you should be up and running in less than 5 minutes. I have only charged the receiver once since I bought it about 2 months ago, the battery just seems to last forever! The supplied in car charger and USB cable means that the receiver can be charged on the move from a 12v source and can also be charged from any PC or laptop. From cold start up the receiver aquires a usuable GPS signal exremely quickly, quicker than most of the really expensive GPS receivers that I've come in contact with. The device is extremely small and can easily fit into any space in your car, or even your pocket if you're using it for walking or cycling.

One small problem I did have is that when using it with my XDA 2i the Tomtom software would often freeze and cause me to stop the car, reboot my phone, then carry on my journey. At first I thought this was the result of the XDA losing its connection with the bluetooth receiver and hence confirming my fears about the price of this product. It quickly became apparent that this was not the case and it was in fact an issue with my PDA and the Tomtom software.

I quickly discovered a workaround for this issue between the Tomtom software and my XDA that enables the whole system to work flawlessly. I shall write a 'how to' on this workaround shortly as I'm sure many other XDA 2i users share the same problem.

I do know that there is a known issue when using any bluetooth GPS receivers with the O2 XDA 2 (note not XDA 2i) due to the bluetooth stack settings that are shipped with the phone, please be aware of this before buying this device as you are sure to encounter problems.

Key Features

Compatible with TomTom, Navicore, and all major GPS software packages.
12 parallel satellite-tracking channels for fast acquisition and reacquisition.
Provides superior navigation performance in city environments.
Built-in rechargeable Lithium-polymer battery provides more than 10 hours of constant use.
Unit can be charged with the included car charger while still in use.
Mini-USB charger compatiblty, charge not only the Bluetooth GPS Receiver but also compatible PDAs & Smart Phones with the same charger.
3 colours LED to show the status of Bluetooth/GPS/Power activities of this device.

Specifications

GPS receiver: L1, C/A code, 12 channels
Tracking sensitivity: –152dBm (average) or better
Acquisition sensitivity: –139dBm (average) or better
TTFF (Time to First Fix): Cold Start: 50s (average) / 60s (95 possibility)
Hot Start: 2s (minimum) / 6s (95% possibility)
Positioning accuracy: Standard Positioning Service (SPS), WAAS (optional) 2DRMS: approx. 5m
Measurement data output: Update time: 1 second
NMEA output protocol: V.3.01
Baud rate: 38400 bps (8-N-1)
Datum: WGS-84
Type: GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC
Power consumption: 75mA (average)
Bluetooth: Bluetooth version 1.2 compliant
Class 2 operation (up to 10 metre range)
Serial Port Profile (SPP)
Output terminal: Type B Mini-USB (TTL Level)
Antenna Type: Built in Patch Antenna
Battery: 3.7V 850mAh Li-polymer battery, built-in charger
LED: Power (red), GPS (green), Bluetooth (blue)
Dimension: 64(L) x 39(W) x18.5(H) mm
Operating temperature: -20°C ~ +60°C
Storage temperature: -20°C ~ +60°C; Battery: -20°C ~ +45°C

Conclusion

A great little device that performs well beyond its price range. Check if there is any known issues with your device and bluetooth GPS receivers before purchase as this will save you a lot of headaches. The only thing that lets this product down is a lack of documentation and online support, other than this well worth the buy!

johnsreviews rating: 8/10

Bluetooth Accessories - Advantages of Having One

noreply@blogger.com (Shiv Shakti Sharma) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:15:00 +0000

by: Fia Gay Caballero

You may be wondering, “what’s the hype with all of these numerous Bluetooth accessories invading the market like an epidemic?” There are actually tons of advantages Bluetooth technology provides that it has slowly becoming more of a necessity than a luxury.

Determine below some of the benefits a Bluetooth device can offer you:

Go wireless – There are heaps of advantages wireless devices offer. Aside from increasing safety as a result of ditching wires you don’t need, you can go places with your laptop and other Bluetooth enabled wireless devices without worrying about annoying connection cables.

Affordability – Contrary to popular belief, Bluetooth accessories are not that expensive, considering its many huge benefits. And since Bluetooth technology doesn’t cost much for companies to execute, these savings are then passed from them to you, making it economical. Spending some bucks on a quality Bluetooth accessory is definitely cheap if you think of it as a long-term investment.

Universality – Bluetooth technology is accepted and recognized all across the globe because it implements a universal wireless standard. Now that it’s obtaining so much attention and with the dawn of so many manufacturers eager to make Bluetooth devices, you can truly depend on it for several years to come.

Automatic – Bluetooth technology is a no-brainer and it doesn’t need an expert to configure Bluetooth connectivity. It’s simply automatic—requires no setting up a connection or pushing any buttons. When two or more devices come into a range of up to 30-feet of each other, they will automatically start to communicate, quick and easy.

Standard procedure – Standardized wireless system ensures a strong level of compatibility between devices. Bluetooth accessories will no doubt connect to each other regardless of their brands or models.

Virtually no interference – Bluetooth enabled devices have low, almost no interruption from other wireless devices because they utilize a technique called, “frequency hopping” and low power wireless signals. Thus, you can always expect crisp quality reception using Bluetooth technology.

Safe communication on the road – Bluetooth devices, such as Bluetooth wireless car kits effortlessly resolve the audio and communication dilemmas emerging while driving. Bluetooth technology definitely improves safety when it comes to being able to drive with both hands on the wheel while having a crystal clear conversation via your cell phone.

Low power usage – Since Bluetooth uses low power signals, the technology only needs very low energy, lessening battery consumption or electrical power.

The fame of Bluetooth accessories has constantly progressed immensely since they were first launched because of these amazing benefits. These Bluetooth devices have demonstrated time and again to make people’s lives so much easier and more efficient. No wonder they are definitely a hot stuff on the market today and expected to remain for the years to come.

Manage Bluetooth on your Android phone

noreply@blogger.com (Shiv Shakti Sharma) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:05:00 +0000

Once you've turned on Bluetooth on your Android phone you'll want to look at the settings. You can make your Android phone "discoverable," or opt to remain hidden. You can see a list of Bluetooth devices in the area, see which are connected and more.

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How to Use Bluetooth HandsFreeLink in Your Honda Insight

noreply@blogger.com (Shiv Shakti Sharma) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:58:00 +0000

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Wireless Bluetooth Car Kits - Stay Connected In A Safe Way

noreply@blogger.com (Shiv Shakti Sharma) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:42:00 +0000

by: John Watson

This universal modern technology is named after King Harald Bluetooth, medieval king of Denmark.. Scientists find parallel between the wide range of gadgets the Bluetooth is capable of connecting together and interesting historical aspect of Kind Haraland's ruling. He got famous for uniting the warring tribes of Denmark.

There are endless ways the you can integrate Bluetooth in a device or accessory and that way to improve it and please the user. Among the most favorite bluetooth devices are Bluetooth Car Kits.

Those Kits are wireless Hands Free Kits made specially for use in your car.With one of these devices installed in your vehicle, you can take cell phone calls hands-free. Those two are preferred Bluetooth Wireless Kits:

The Nokia Bluetooth Display Car Kit CK-15W

This high-tech Bluetooth Device is made to make you at ease while handling your calls in your car. You can even get creative and adjust the device to match your dashboard colors. Easy to read and easy to use, the Nokia BluetoothCK-15W Device is adjustable, and owns a full colored screen, which is fine-tune to be really readable, even in terrible lighting conditions.

One of its effective features, is that when you start up your car the Kit automatically pairs up with your cell phone. That makes the setting up really easy. Right after you pair the device with your Bluetooth compatible cell phone, it is ready and able to present you its functionality. Browsing phone book, dialing and receiving calls with the assistance of the Nokia Bluetooth Display Car Kit CK-15W. This Car Kit has a high quality speakers, which provide clear sound with high Signal Noise Ration.

BlueNext Plug-In Bluetooth Handsfree Device

Allowing a wireless connection to yours Bluetooth enabled cell phone, the BlueNext Plug-In Wireless Car Kit is an awesome Bluetooth Car Kit, created with a built-in microphone, to talk to, and crystal clear speaker units, to listen, when taking calls.

Its digital signal processing capabilities helps the device to reject background disturbance when one is in the vehicle. It is a Bluetooth version 1.1 complaint device and operates within the 2.402 gigahertz and 2.480 gigahertz ISM band.

It has an inbuilt single-chip transmitting aerial, and protection answers which include authentication characteristics, encoding features and matching functions.

As a Bluetooth Car Kit, the BlueNext Plug-In Bluetooth Car Kit is top device.

How Bluetooth Technology Has Changed The Way We Communicate

noreply@blogger.com (Shiv Shakti Sharma) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:52:00 +0000

By: Gregg Hall

The advances in technology in the past century have been extraordinary. From simple local communication abilities, to global, the world has been taking great strides in making technology a part of your daily life. The last few years have brought forth some truly unique technology, with the amount of wireless capabilities and products.

Bluetooth technology is by far at the front of the technological train. Bluetooth has changed the way we talk to people on phones from where we work. Some new products from Bluetooth have proved unique in that there are few like them.

Cell phones with bluetooth technology are completely wireless and compatible with your computer, PDA, Mp3 player, and now navigational system in your car. You no longer have to hold a phone and drive; the Bluetooth has allowed the phone to stay in your pocket as the car kit and phone become voice activated. If you would like to call someone you can simply speak the name and the phone will dial. You have the option of an earpiece and microphone or a system routed through your vehicles radio system. Whichever you choose this technology is sure to make talking on the phone much safer if you are driving.

Another interesting new technology with Bluetooth technology is the digital pen. The digital pen works with digital paper, writing just as you would with normal pens. You can simply write in your own handwriting on the digital paper and then place the pen in its home by your computer. The computer will upload the images from the pen right on to your computer. These pens may prove very handy for artists who would like to preserve some of the ideas they have without having to mess with a copier and scanner. The digital pen will also be useful for signature pages, you will not have to print and sign anymore, and you can sign the digital paper and upload on your computer with a touch of a button.

For navigational purposes there is nothing like the new product TomTom. This product has Bluetooth technology to give the most accurate directions available. With satellite navigation, it is currently in use in both Europe and North America. You can speak to the navigational system asking for directions to wherever you are going and TomTom will guide the way. No more time spent driving around lost or skipping the scenic route due to the chances of becoming lost. TomTom is so simple to use even a small child can operate it and get directions.

When you are in the market for new unique technological products Bluetooth has many to choose from. The advancement of wireless services is making life easier and more products accessible to people around the world.

Keyword Articles: http://www.keywordarticles.org

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as a car and truck accessories at www.5starshine.com

Sony Ericsson BlueTooth Headset

noreply@blogger.com (Shiv Shakti Sharma) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:30:00 +0000

Sony Ericsson BlueTooth Headset

Author: mendza_smith

Instead of fitting expensive compact bluetooth technology into a sony ericsson headset Sony has provided a separate small Bluetooth adapters that you can clip on like an iPod shuffle, with a standard 3.5mm jack in which you can plug in any of your favorite earphones or headphones. The DS220 Sony Ericsson Bluetooth headset is a more hi-tech looking version of the Jabra BT3030 which has a similar Bluetooth adapter. They do provide a decent pair of earphones with ear plugs that are way better than those provided by Jabra but nevertheless the DS220 Sony Ericsson Bluetooth headset stereo adapter is compatible with any 3.5mm jack earphones and headphones.

Even though Sony has built the Sony Ericsson Bluetooth headset with music in mind they are just as useful for taking calls with the microphones that are built into the adapters. Switching between calls and music is pretty simple done with a press of an easily accessible button. The Sony Ericsson Bluetooth headset adapter is cylindrical in shape with 3 buttons for control and a small LCD for displaying small info like the battery power remaining. The 3.5mm is at the top and charging jack at the bottom. The Sony Ericsson Bluetooth headset adapter also has a clip near the bottom with which you can clip it on to your sleeve or the collar. The design is quite playful and clearly intended to attract younger consumers. Its best for when you’re in the Gym running or riding a bike.

The Sony Ericsson BlueTooth headset adapters do a solid job at handling music and calls wirelessly and positively command the price at which they are listed which is still affordable. Only trouble: even though they give wireless music at a low price they are still one step below wireless headphones which rid you of wires entirely.

To read about Bluetooth Speakers and other information, visit the Bluetooth Dongle site.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1068782_45.html

Top Bluetooth Headsets for 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Shiv Shakti Sharma) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:09:00 +0000

Top Bluetooth Headsets for 2009

Author: InnoWeb Tech, LLC

Looking for some of the best Bluetooth headset deals for 2009? This guide by Blue-Devices.com will help point you in the right direction and give you an overview of the top headsets this year. This is the perfect time to try one of these new devices that help you make the most of your Bluetooth enabled phone and stay safe while driving.

Motorola H15

The Motorola H15 Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Wireless Headset is the smallest of the group and features an innovative flip out boom microphone that not only looks slick but helps save battery power. This headset features Motorola’s CrystalTalk technology which cancels out any echo and background noise to give you the clearest call quality we’ve seen for this type of device.

Customer quote: “Better than Blue ANT Voice Activated Headset. Better than Plantronics 835. Folding Boom Mic very Convenient. My Favorite Bluetooth. My friends no longer ask me to repeat myself.”

Jabra BT530

The Jabra BT530 is a larger design but still relatively small and lightweight. This device features dual microphones and an innovative Noise Blackout feature that reduces background noise and provides clear sound utilizing DSP technology. It also features intelligent volume control that automatically adjusts the volume level so you can always here the conversation. This is one of the most comfortable to wear of the group.

Customer quote: “I've owned a couple other Jabra's and this one has been the best. The noise blackout works great. It does not remove background noise it just lowers the volume of it. The quality of the speaker is the best I've ever owned.”

Plantronics Explorer 360

The Plantronics Explorer 360 is a great value, comfortable to wear, and easy to use. It features a soft eartip for wearing comfortably over long periods and provides easy to access one-touch controls. If you’re looking for a headset that just works great without all the bells and whistles and at a great price, this is the one.

Customer quote: “Actually I really like this, price not withstanding. My 2 year old just broke my 2nd Plantronics 510 Voyager so I figured I'd get a cheap one the 3rd time around. I'm really surprised how much I like this. Sound is great!”

Look for these and other Bluetooth headsets at Blue-Devices.com.

Blue-Devices.com has embraced the technology and aims to help our customers learn about and find the perfect Bluetooth devices for them. Stop by for a large selection of the most popular brands at great prices.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_831413_47.html

Bluetooth is transforming motorcycles

noreply@blogger.com (Shiv Shakti Sharma) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:53:00 +0000

Bluetooth is transforming motorcycles

Author: Keith Barrett

Bluetooth technology was developed as a way of allowing two pieces of hardware to communicate with each other without needing wires or cables. How is this being applied to motorcycles? We take a look.

When we think about wireless communications, bluetooth is at the very forefront of technological change. The system allows two devices to communicate with each other over relatively small distances of typically a few metres.

Making use of such technology on motorbikes doesn't necessarily seem a very obvious application. At least, not at first sight.

As we delve deeper, it soon becomes clear that bluetooth certainly does have a part to play in helping to make a motorcycle rider's life that bit easier.

This role centres on a specific problem that motorbike riders have - the problem of communicating.

If you've ever been on a motorbike, then you'll undoubtedly know that it's a noisy place to be. The engine, the speed and the weather conditions all combine to create a loud roar.

With so much noise, it's pretty much impossible to have a conversation with anyone else on the bike. This is where bluetooth technology leaps to the rescue.

Bluetooth headsets can be used to allow two people to communicate easily. They can block out most of the road noise and adjust the microphone volume automatically to make it easier to talk.

Since this is only required over a short distance, they are ideal for the job.

When used in combination with a bluetooth ready mobile phone, they really come into their own. Now it's possible to have a hands free mobile phone conversation from the back of the bike.

You may not have noticed this transformation, but bikers are seeing major changes as a result of technological changes.

Next time you see them out on the road, maybe you'll spot the use of these headsets.

If you're interested in purchasing bluetooth helmets then you can find out more information, including more articles by Keith Barrett. This article may be published on any website but this resource box must be included in full. The author retains all copyright.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_494543_31.html

Bluetooth Bootcamp

noreply@blogger.com (Shiv Shakti Sharma) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:33:00 +0000

While the 802.11b wireless networking standard (also known as Wi-Fi) continues to take the world by storm, another wireless standard called Bluetooth is making an impression. It’s happening in large part due to the recent proliferation of small digital devices, such as PDAs and MP3 players, which benefit from wireless connectivity.

So the next time you go shopping for a new digital tool, don’t shrug or offer blank stares when the salesperson mentions Bluetooth capabilities because this wireless standard could change your digital world in a big way.

Bluetooth Primer

You’ve heard a lot about wireless networking, a generalized technology that lets you create a home or office LAN (local-area network) using radio waves. Many people confuse Bluetooth with these kinds of networking standards, but the reality is that Bluetooth is a different technology with different aims.

In short, Bluetooth is a short-range radio frequency standard that’s designed to replace cables. It’s not meant to be a long-range, high-bandwidth beast like Wi-Fi; instead, Bluetooth lets you efficiently and easily transfer blocks of data to and from small digital devices, such as PDAs, keyboards, cameras, printers, headsets, speakers, cell phones, and much more. Setting up communications between these devices lets you create a PAN (personal-area network) that works in just your small space of the world.

Did your printer come with just an old-fashioned USB cable? If so, you can add a Bluetooth adapter, like this one from D-Link, and arm your printer with wireless capability.

When compared to LAN wireless standards, Bluetooth is relatively toothless, with a low data transfer rate of only about 1Mbps (megabits per second) and just enough radio power to work in a range of about 30 feet. That’s not much compared to Wi-Fi, which in an optimal environment lets you transfer data at about 11Mbps at a range of about 300 feet. Still, what it lacks in power and speed, Bluetooth makes up for with other traits.

One of Bluetooth’s greatest strengths is the ease in which it creates a connection between two Bluetooth-capable devices. Unlike Wi-Fi, which often requires you to manually locate a radio signal and then authenticate your identity, to create a Bluetooth PAN, all you have to do is bring the two products within range of each other. Then the wizardry behind Bluetooth automatically decides which device should be in control. For example, your PDA would establish control over a printer, letting you send documents or images for quick printing.

Cost and space efficiency are two more Bluetooth strengths. The receiver/transmitter components that make up a Bluetooth unit cost less than $20, so they don’t add lot to the price of the devices you use. What’s more, these radio components are so tiny that creative product engineers can squeeze them into a multitude of devices without breaking a sweat. And just about any device that uses cables or infrared light to transfer data can also use an add-on Bluetooth adapter.

Finally, Bluetooth’s lack of range serves a serious purpose. Because the signals extend only about 30 feet, the possibility of interference with other devices drops significantly. Plus, Bluetooth uses frequency hopping to rapidly cycle through different radio frequencies, preventing interference with baby monitors, garage door openers, and other products that share the 2.45GHz frequency.

Security concerns. If you think Bluetooth sounds too cutesy to use any sort of security, you’re wrong. The Bluetooth standard uses data encryption algorithms, as well as a variety of authentication options.

That doesn’t mean Bluetooth security is perfect. Smart hackers can use their own radio devices to snag contact and other personal data from your phone or PDA. In the right situations, a hacker could even covertly turn your Bluetooth-capable phone into a listening device and eavesdrop on your conversations. And other tech-savvy users could track you by following your Bluetooth signal.

Fortunately, many such hacking schemes require a great deal of technical knowledge, a lot of motivation, and, in some cases, very expensive or difficult-to-construct hardware. In addition, only certain models of phones and other devices are particularly vulnerable to attack. Before you buy a new Bluetooth device, perform a few Web searches to see if the product is susceptible to security attacks and whether there are fixes to make your data more secure.

You don’t have to buy any fancy equipment to add Bluetooth connectivity to your PC. Linksys makes a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into your USB port.

With Teeth

As Bluetooth becomes more popular, it will also get faster and more secure. In late 2004, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group approved an updated version called Bluetooth EDR (Enhanced Data Rate). Bluetooth EDR transfers data at about 3Mbps, uses less power than old Bluetooth components, and is also backward compatible with older Bluetooth products. Products with Bluetooth EDR began shipping to retail outlets this year.

Bluetooth engineers have even bigger plans for the standard in 2006. They hope to make Bluetooth capable of multicasting, which basically means that one Bluetooth device will be able to send data to multiple devices without the need to repeat the message over and over again, a tactic that conserves bandwidth and computing power. What’s more, Bluetooth developers hope to extend the standard’s range by 10 times, to approximately 300 feet.

Engineers also plan to continually improve Bluetooth security. This year, the newest versions of Bluetooth will use much more detailed alphanumeric combinations to strengthen encryption efforts. And in 2006 Bluetooth should be sealed tightly enough so that when you put your device in nondiscoverable mode, even advanced hackers won’t be able to locate and access your hardware.

Get The Blues

The next time you find yourself wrestling with the wires of your MP3 player or wishing for a better way to transfer data to a co-worker’s PDA, remember that Bluetooth can solve all of these problems and more. If you’ve been putting off investing in Bluetooth technology because you were leery of this technology, now’s the time to take the plunge.

by Nathan Chandler

What Exactly is Bluetooth ?

noreply@blogger.com (Shiv Shakti Sharma) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 02:38:00 +0000

What Exactly is Bluetooth - ArticleCity.com Video

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Bluetooth is an interesting name for an open wireless protocol. Bluetooth allows you to connect devices like a mobile phone and a wireless headset to talk hands-free, a mobile phone and another mobile phone to share data or even a mobile phone to your computer, often called "tethering" to surf the Internet when away from your desk. Bluetooth is most commonly used to connect devices and transfer data over short distances.