Choose the right Bluetooth headset
Aside from these different versions of Bluetooth specifications, there are also quite a number of different Bluetooth profiles. A Bluetooth profile is an interface or a behaviour through which different Bluetooth devices can communicate with each other. Both devices must support the same profile to communicate with one other in that way. The most common Bluetooth profile in mobile phones is the Headset profile which supports the use of standard mono headsets for making calls. Here's a list of the more frequently used Bluetooth profiles in mobile phones, as described by the Bluetooth SIG:
Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)
Also widely known as the stereo Bluetooth headset profile, A2DP allows for a dual-channel audio stream through a stereo headset. A2DP is an especially popular concept with MP3 and music phones because it lets users listen to music wirelessly. It also can be used to make calls, and users can switch between music and calls at the touch of a button.
Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP)
AVRCP provides a standard interface to control TVs, hi-fi equipment, and so forth. This profile is used to allow a single remote control (or other device) to control all the AV equipment to which a user has access. AVRCP defines how to control characteristics of streaming media. This includes pausing, stopping and starting playback and volume control as well as other types of remote control operations. Some Sony Ericsson phones have this profile built in. An example of two are the W705 Walkman and C902 Cyber-shot.
Dial-up Networking Profile (DUN)
DUN enables access to the internet and other dial-up services over Bluetooth wireless technology. The most common scenario is surfing the web from a laptop by dialling up via a mobile phone, wirelessly.
Hands-Free Profile (HFP)
HFP lets you use a gateway device to place and receive calls for a hands-free device. A typical configuration is in an automobile using a mobile phone as a gateway device. In the car, the stereo is used for the phone's audio and a microphone is installed in the car for sending outgoing audio of the conversation. HFP is also used for a personal computer to act as a speakerphone for a mobile phone in a home or office environment.
Synchronisation Profile (SYNC)
The SYNC profile is used in conjunction with GOEP (Generic Object Exchange Profile) to enable synchronisation of calendar and address information (personal information manager items) between Bluetooth-enabled devices. A common application of this profile is the exchange of data between a PDA and computer.
Object Exchange (OBEX) Protocol
OBEX is a transfer protocol that defines data objects and a communication protocol that two devices can use to exchange those objects. For Bluetooth enabled devices, only connection-orientated OBEX is supported.
SIM Access Profile (SAP)
SAP allows devices such as car phones with built-in GSM transceivers to connect to a SIM card in a Bluetooth-enabled phone. Therefore, the car phone itself does not require a separate SIM card.
Other Bluetooth devices
Bluetooth accessories for your mobile phone aren't limited to just headsets. One of the categories for mobile Bluetooth accessories is the Bluetooth speakerphone. Mostly used as replacements for expensive hands-free car kits or as mobile conference phones, these speakerphones usually emit far better sound quality than that of your mobile phone's built-in speaker. A couple that we like include the Sony Ericsson Wireless Stereo Speakers MBS-200 and the BlueAnt Supertooth 3. Another category is Bluetooth-enabled timepieces. One of the more recent and stylish one is the LG Prada Link.
There are also a few devices that combined the Bluetooth headset with a speakerphone. The Kyocera Wireless Bluetooth headset with Speakerphone is one such combo; the headset is inserted into the speaker slot to activate the speakerphone function. There's also the mVox Duo Communicator, which is both a speakerphone and a Bluetooth headset in a single device.
Other uses for Bluetooth may not be immediately apparent. Sony's PlayStation 3 uses Bluetooth to pair its wireless controllers with the console, but this also means you can pair a Bluetooth headset to the system and use it to communicate with other gamers during online duels and co-op matches.
Tags:
Device,
Cell Phone,
Bluetooth Headset,
headset,
radio frequency
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