Bluetooth Headset Buyer's Guide

02/07/2008

Bluetooth Headset Buyer's Guide

In recent years, Bluetooth headsets have become the must-have headset for use with bluetooth enabled mobile phones. Like all wireless headsets, the rise in popularity is due to the flexibility these headsets offer over the traditional corded headsets.

The changes in legislation in recent years has also helped drive wireless headset sales. Whilst we don't recommend using a mobile phone when driving, using a headset is currently allowed in the UK.

King Bluetooth

Bluetooth technology has been around since 1994 and was originally developed Swedish telecommunications company, Ericsson. However, many consumers are still learning about bluetooth technology and its benefits.

Although Ericsson are a Swedish company, the Bluetooth name actually comes from a 10th century Danish King - Harald Bluetooth, who reigned from 940 to 985. King Bluetooth is credited with unifying Denmark and bringing order to the country.

Bluetooth technology involves two devices communicating with each other over low-frequency radio waves. No wires are required, in fact the only requirement is that both devices are Bluetooth compatible. Bluetooth differs from infrared connectivity as the two devices don't need to be in line of sight with each other. 

As well as connecting a mobile phone to a headset, Bluetooth is also used to connect computers to keyboards and mice, PDAs or handhelds to other handhelds, and phones to computers. 

Pairing Bluetooth Devices

Connecting bluetooth devices is very easy and starts with a process called 'pairing'. This is where a headset (or other bluetooth device) and a phone search for and recognise each other. Once the device has identified the other bluetooth device, it may asked for a PIN before confirming the connection. The two devices are then able to communicate with each other and exchange information. Bluetooth does have limitations though - its effective range is around 10m although high-powered devices can go up to 100m. Another factor is that the two devices can only connect if they have compatible versions of Bluetooth.

Choosing a Headset

The range of Bluetooth headsets is quite extensive, which results in a wide variety of choice. Styles, features and compatibility all vary and so it is important to give careful consideration to find the ideal device that's right for you.

Some Bluetooth headsets have a boom microphone and some don't. A boom is an extended microphone that leans towards the mouth. Whilst the microphone's proximity to the mouth can result in better audio clarity, boom headsets tend to be slightly larger. Whilst this may not be a factor for use in an office, it may be a factor for use with a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. Bluetooth headsets are available as 'in the ear' & 'behind the ear' models. An increasing number of headsets fit directly in the ear which means they don't need to be worn with ear loops or other equipment.

While boom headsets were the most popular for a while, headsets without the boom have become more popular recently. This is driven by their more compact design and that there are probably a wider choice.

It's important to check a few different styles to see what's most comfortable for you.

Bluetooth Technology 

Although most Bluetooth headsets are compatible with most Bluetooth enabled mobile phones, compatibility may still be a buying consideration. Bluetooth technology comes in different versions, so make sure that the two devices are compatible with each other. Devices initially used Bluetooth version 1.1, however, in 2003, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), released version 1.2 and a year later released version 2.0 which is the current standard.

Bluetooth 1.2 introduced features that helped to eliminate radio frequency interference and also increased the security features. Bluetooth 2.0 saw the introduction of higher connection speeds and improved power consumption. So there you have it - Bluetooth technology is now faster, more secure, more power conscious and delivers high quality communication as standard.

Another recent Bluetooth development is Advanced Audio Distribution Profile. This is more commonly known as stereo Bluetooth as it allows for dual-channel audio streaming, particularly beneficial for use with MP3 players. This type of headset is especially popular with users who use the MP3 Player on their mobile phone as it allows them to seamlessly switch between music & phone calls at the touch of a button.

See our range of Bluetooth Headsets.