The vast majority of today’s cell phones and mobile devices come equipped with Bluetooth technology. While most have at least heard the word Bluetooth and have an idea what it is presently used for, many have no idea where the strange name came from or how the technology has been developed over the past decade. Most people also would have a hard time connecting this modern technology to the man who ruled Denmark more than 1,000 years ago. For these reasons, the history of Bluetooth technology is interesting and full of surprises.
According to Viking history, the European region of Scandinavia was in a state of constant upheaval due to numerous feuds and clan wars during the 10th century. As most know, the lives of most Vikings during this time period were filled with war and violence. One king, however, became very well known for his powerful communication skills. Using these skills he was able to bring a sense of peace to Scandinavia and unite Norway and Denmark. This influential ruler was known as King Harald Bluetooth.
In the 1990s, developers in Sweden began working on a system to improve wireless communication. The developers wanted to find a way to simplify and unify wireless communication. Thanks to a history-loving developer and the technology’s roots in Scandinavia, the name Bluetooth was born. This name was originally intended to be used only as a code name while the technology was still in development, but the name stuck and has been used by the company ever since.
Though initial development began in 1994, the idea of Bluetooth technology was officially unveiled and the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) was formed in September of 1998. The Bluetooth SIG is a group made up of the leading members of the telecommunications, network, and computing industries. The members of this group are responsible for the continuous growth and development of Bluetooth technology. In 1999, the first working versions of Bluetooth technology came on the market. At this time, however, the technology was still in its infancy, and it did not take off until a few years later.
In 2003, the Bluetooth SIG announced the complete overhaul of the Bluetooth Core Specification, and in 2004, Version 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) was introduced. This new version drastically increased the speed of data transfer, and it was what truly turned Bluetooth into a common household name. In 2005, devices that were compatible with Version 2.0 + EDR began hitting the shelves around the world. The introduction of Version 2.1 + EDR further revolutionized the technology by making it more secure and easy to use. This new version also made the pairing of Bluetooth devices easier than ever before. In 2009, Bluetooth Version 3.0 + High Speed (HS) became available. This new version makes transfers even faster whenever WiFi access is available. Finally, 2010 saw the release of Bluetooth Version 4.0. This version supports both high speed and Classic Bluetooth as well as the new low energy protocols. The low energy functionality is intended for very low power applications that run off of a coin cell battery.
The numerous advances to Bluetooth technology since its development just over a decade ago have created a name that is known and used all around the world. Today more than 13,000 companies offer products that are Bluetooth compatible. Possibly the most well-known use of this remarkable technology is in hands free headsets and earpieces for mobile phones. These devices make it easy for people to talk on their cell phone without needing to hold it. Many earpieces can even be worn comfortably when not in use. With more states passing laws that ban the use of hand held mobile devices while driving, hands free Bluetooth earpieces and headsets make talking on a cell phone while on the go legal and safe.
Most of the Bluetooth cell phone accessories currently on the market are compatible with many of today’s most popular mobile devices including the iPhone, Blackberry, and HTC. They are designed to be universal, so they can be used with most of the current models from brands like Samsung, Motorola, Sony, Pantech, LG, and countless others. Their universal nature also means that they can be used with different cell phone carriers. The Bluetooth brand has evolved into a line of accessories and compatible devices that suit the needs of millions of people. As improvements continue to be made to the technology and the devices become more advanced, there is no limit to the potential uses for Bluetooth technology.
