Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to common questions about Bluetooth technology and Bluetooth enabled devices
Q : I'm looking for a list of Bluetooth enabled products. Where can I find them? Where can I purchase them?
A: Our Product Directory contains a list of Bluetooth enabled products organized by category. Our New Products page contains a list of new Bluetooth enabled products approved by the Bluetooth SIG in the past 30 days. You'll also find various Bluetooth products highlighted and described through the Bluetooth.com website, including some of the most innovative new products on our Cool & Clever page.
Q: What types of products use Bluetooth technology? Where can I find them and purchase them?
A: Bluetooth wireless technology is implemented into products as diverse as automobiles and medical devices. Devices are available on a worldwide basis with more than 19 million products shipping each week. This website contains a list of products which, while not exhaustive, will provide you with a sense of the many types of products that are available today.
Bluetooth enabled products are produced by individual manufacturers and sold through their own sales channels. The Bluetooth SIG does not make, manufacture or sell products. For example, you could buy a Bluetooth enabled car at an automotive dealer or a Bluetooth enabled PC at a local computer store, but learn about the technology and the types of Bluetooth products from the Bluetooth SIG.
Q: I have one or more Bluetooth enabled products and I am having trouble getting them to work together. How do I know if they are compatible?
A: The manufacturers of individual products offer technical support for each of their devices. It is best to contact the manufacturer of your devices directly for technical support. You can visit the Device Advice page to learn more about pairing.
Q: I am looking for drivers or software downloads for my Bluetooth device. Where can I find drivers/downloads?
A: All software upgrades are specific to one or several devices from the same manufacturer. We recommend checking the manufacturer's website and user forums to find any available software downloads for your devices.
Q: Can I add Bluetooth technology to my devices at home?
A: There may be adapters available that add some level of Bluetooth functionality to your device. The type of functionality added depends on the devices to which you are trying to add Bluetooth technology. There are Bluetooth USB adapters for computers, Bluetooth adapters for mobile phones, and Bluetooth stereo dongles for MP3 players.
Q: What are the costs involved with using Bluetooth wireless technology? Do I need to set up an account or use a certain service?
A: The cost of using Bluetooth wireless technology is limited to the cost of the product in which it is integrated. There is no account or service registry related to Bluetooth technology use. Bluetooth wireless technology operates on an unlicensed radio spectrum, which means there is no additional charge for communicating between two Bluetooth devices. However, any use of data or voice services while using your mobile phone is part of your regular mobile phone cost. This means that if you are using your Bluetooth enabled device as a modem for your PC or for a similar application, there may be related data charges for the data that you send over the carrier network.
Q: Which mobile phone carriers sell Bluetooth enabled phones?
A: Bluetooth phones are available from mobile network operators Worldwide. Due to the rate at which mobile operators change their phone offerings, we are unable to provide an up-to-date list of phones available at each operator worldwide. Please contact your local mobile operator to see if it offers Bluetooth enabled mobile phones.
Q: What is the difference between Bluetooth wireless technologies and other technologies, such as UWB, 802.11g, 802.11a, 802.11b, WLAN, Wi-Fi, AirPort, Infrared, and ZigBee?
A: While there are many differences, key among them are range, power consumption, and intended use. Bluetooth wireless technology in its most common implementations has a range of 30 feet (10m). This range, depending on the Bluetooth device class, can extend to 100 meters and has been shown, in some tests, to support an even greater range. Bluetooth technology consumes a low amount of power and is therefore appropriate for mobile and battery-operated devices. The technology provides voice, data, and audio connections between devices. Find out more about the wireless landscape in the Learn section of this website.
Q: What is Bluetooth technology?
A: Visit our simple tutorial and learn more.
Q: What is Bluetooth low energy technology?
A: Visit the low energy technology section of this Web site.
Q: What is Bluetooth high speed technology?
A: Visit our High Speed page.
Q: I want to use my phone as an internet connection for my laptop
A: Visit our Experience More page to learn more or watch this video: Tether your iPhone with Bluetooth
on the Bluetooth YouTube Channel
.
Q: I want to sell Bluetooth enabled devices. Can you help?
A: Bluetooth enabled products are produced by individual manufacturers and sold through these company's own sales channels. To learn more about sales channels for Bluetooth devices contact the individual device manufacturers directly. Visit our Bluetooth.org member site
to see a list of our members who are licensed to use Bluetooth wireless technology and the associated brand. To sell Bluetooth enabled products, you must be licensed with the Bluetooth SIG to use the registered trademarks. You can also visit our Bluetooth.org member site
to learn about Bluetooth SIG membership and become a licensee.
Q: I want to exchange links with Bluetooth.com. If I link to your website will you link to my website?
A: As a trade association, we cannot promote any one specific company or product. Therefore, we cannot cross-link to other sites. If you would like to link to Bluetooth.com from your website, you are welcome to do so. However, we cannot offer the same service to you.
Q: I want to buy Bluetooth stock. What is your ticker symbol on the stock exchange?
A: The Bluetooth SIG is a trade association and not a publicly traded company. However, many of our 18,000 member companies that use Bluetooth wireless technology are publicly traded. Visit our Bluetooth.org member site
to see a list of Bluetooth SIG members licensed to use Bluetooth wireless technology.