Bluetooth FAQs

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a wireless networking technology designed primarily to replace cables for communication between personal computing and communication devices. It is intended to be used for both voice and data communications.

Why is it called Bluetooth?

The Bluetooth name refers to King Harald "Bluetooth" Blaatand, a famous Danish king of the 10th century, who unified Denmark and Norway. In the beginning of the Bluetooth wireless technology era, Bluetooth was aimed at unifying the telecom and computing industries.

What is the history of Bluetooth?

Bluetooth was initiated by Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and Toshiba in early 1998. These companies later formed a special interest group known as the Bluetooth SIG. The Bluetooth 1.0 specifications were released on July 26, 1999, but the technology has only recently become inexpensive enough for widespread use.

How does Bluetooth fit in with WiFi?

The 802.11b (WiFi) standard is commonly used for wireless networking. Bluetooth is not a competitor with 802.11b, but rather a complement to it. While 802.11b is generally a replacement for wired local area networking, Bluetooth is more commonly used as a replacement for cables between individual devices. Bluetooth is designed to link devices within a very short range (up to 33 feet). Bluetooth is part of the 802.15 standard.

What are some of the uses of Bluetooth?

Depending on the Bluetooth profiles included on the device, Bluetooth technology has the capability to wirelessly synchronize and transfer data among devices. The Bluetooth audio capabilities can be used for headset and hands free applications. The exact functionality provided by a Bluetooth enabled device depends on the Bluetooth profiles included.

Is Bluetooth typically built in to laptops/computers?

Bluetooth is not generally built in to most laptops sold in the US today. However, a Bluetooth adapter can be added to a laptop either as a PCMCIA card or a USB dongle (which looks like a memory stick). If a Bluetooth adapter is added to a laptop or computer, Bluetooth client software must be installed on the computer to be able to use Bluetooth.

Is my BMW Bluetooth compatible?

All BMW Assist-equipped vehicles produced 10/04 or later except 7 Series, which received this service effective with 3/05 production.

Further information is available on bmwusa.com/bmwassist or call 888-333-6118.

Download BMW Assist PDF

Profiles & Pairing

What are Bluetooth profiles?

A profile is a description of how to use a specification to implement a particular function. The International Standards Organization (ISO) first came up with the idea of profiles. In Bluetooth, there are several profiles available and they are arranged in a hierarchical fashion. For example, in order to use the headset profile, a device must also include the lower level profiles such as the serial port and general access profiles.

What is the Bluetooth pairing (sometimes referred to as bonding) process?

Bluetooth accessories must go through a pairing process with the handset before they can be used. Pairing is a special process used when two devices connect for the first time. The pairing process is used to generate a link key that is used for authentication purposes during subsequent Bluetooth connections between the two devices.

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