Bluetooth is a wireless protocol for exchanging data over short distances. To use Bluetooth technology, a phone must be compatible with the profiles necessary to use the services. The most common profiles include:

A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) - Stereo music streaming to wireless headphones.

AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) - Use the mobile phone as a remote control to control A/V equipment such as TVs.

BPP (Basic Printing Profile) - Send text, emails, vCards, or other items to printers based on print jobs.

DUN (Dial-up Networking Profile) - Use the mobile phone as a laptop modem to access the Internet by dialing up, wirelessly.

HFP (Hands-Free Profile) - Communicate with hands-free car kits.

HSP (Headset Profile) - The most commonly used profile, providing support for the popular Bluetooth Headsets to be used with mobile phones during conversations.

OPP (Object Push Profile) - Basic profile for sending "objects" such as pictures, virtual business cards or appointment details.

SPP (Serial Port Profile) - Emulates a serial cable. It provides the basis for DUN, FAX, HSP and AVRCP profiles.

Bluetooth Versions

The Bluetooth versions are:

Bluetooth 1.0 - Had many problems, and manufacturers had difficulty making their products interoperable.

Bluetooth 1.1 - Fixed errors found in the 1.0.

Bluetooth 1.2 - Added to 1.1 with higher transmission speeds up to 1 Mbps, faster connection and discovery and improves resistance by avoiding the use of crowded frequencies.

Bluetooth 2.0 - Introduced Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) for three times faster transmission speed up to 3Mbps and lower power consumption.

Bluetooth 2.1 - Better filtering of devices before connection, reduces the power consumption when devices are in the sniff low-power mode and Near Field Communication (NFC) cooperation for secure Bluetooth connections.

Bluetooth Class

Bluetooth is designed for low power consumption, with a short range. Different "classes" denote the maximum permitted power and range:

Class 1 - Maximum permitted power of 100 mW (20 dBm) up to approximately 100 meters.

Class 2 - Maximum permitted power of 2.5 mW (4 dBm) up to approximately 10 meters.

Class 3 - Maximum permitted power of 1 mW (0 dBm) up to approximately 1 meter.