One company to unite them all
By Kent Hill

Bluetooth? Sounds a bit like some sort of strange dental hygiene product that might change the color of your smile. In fact it's the name of a revolutionary company or rather a special interest group (SIG) composed of a large number of partner companies committed to the same purpose - connecting the world of people and things in a more practical and conventional way.

Bluetooth's name was inspired by the Danish King Harald Bluetooth, who was known for unifying Denmark and Norway in the 10th century. The alliance of companies that comprise the Bluetooth SIG hope to have a similar unifying impact on the world of communication as that of the former king had on northern Europe. The SIG's members include big companies such as Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Nokia, Motorola and Toshiba as well as thousands of associate and adopter member companies.

The products offered to worldwide consumers from this unification of technology range from smart bags that can protect your wallet to a huge array of headset technologies linking cell phones, cars, and computers. Let's take a closer look at some of these products.

Headsets



When you think of headsets for use with cell phones usually more problems come to mind than conveniences. The cluttered wires getting in the way of your arms and looking unsightly, the poor sound quality and microphone reception getting in the way of your conversations and the constant need to be within a meter of your mobile device are all reasons to stay away from headsets. But when you think about the headsets available with Bluetooth technology, all of these problems disappear.

Bluetooth empowered headsets are completely wireless! No more hassle of worrying about wires getting in the way of your movement and as long as you're within ten meters of your mobile phone you can continue your conversation. The wireless headsets have direct call-reception with just a touch of a button near your ear answering calls. The speaker within these headsets produces loudness and sound clarity superior to that of even the most advanced traditional headsets with background sound filtration to ensure your communication is delivered clearer than ever. Although they use a battery separate from your mobile phone to operate some headsets, utilizing energy efficient designs, offer up to 22-hours of talk time.

Another advancement Bluetooth has made into the future of communication is a USB device, which can connect your headset, mobile phone and home PC. This connection allows you to manage contact lists, ring tones and screen savers from your computer as well as sending music to your phone in the form of MP3, which can be listened to from your headset. Also, there are a huge variety of styles and appearances offered to meet the style demands of anyone; some designs are even fashioned as necklaces. So the next time you think of headsets, keep Bluetooth in mind.

Smart handbag



If you're someone who is prone to frequently losing your wallet, keys or cell phone then this new bag with Bluetooth technology named "Build Your Own Bag" (BYOB) that automatically keeps track of its contents definitely suits you. Its huge range of other functions from lighting up in the dark to checking weather forecasts to remind you to bring an umbrella in case of rainy weather makes it a useful addition to anyone's wardrobe and lifestyle.

And if you don't fancy carrying a handbag then disassemble it and wear it as a scarf that tells you if it might snow or a belt that gives you the news. The bag can be taken apart and put back together as quickly and easily as children's toy blocks. It is actually made up mainly of individual four-inch patches and a few larger parts. Each separate component of the transforming bag contains a computer chip protected with foam padding and is even protected from water.

All sections of the bag have Velcro connectors with invisible silver-coated heads that conduct electricity, so that the bag can be put together in any fashion the user desires. Also, each separate part of the bag contains different functions so that the owner can mix and match functions to suit their situation. For example, if you need to carry a bag out for a night of dancing and partying then mix and match the variety of different patches and components to make a bag to match the situation.

To prepare for a night on the town use some of the light-sensitive patches to tell the bag to light up its contents after the sun goes down. Then add a microphone and speaker so you can use the bag to communicate with friends as it connects with your cell phone. And finally, don't forget to put a patch containing radio-transmitting devices that can receive local radio broadcasts about weather forecasts so you don't get stuck in the rain without an umbrella. And don't worry; the bag automatically keeps track of any belongings that you'd like it to through the use of electronic tags that you can place on your phone, wallet or keys, and an alarm sounds if the bag is picked up without all of the items inside.

From the sound of all this high technology you may be put off, thinking that this bag sounds more like some sort of complicated computer rather than a useful tool. Actually, to be exact, the bag really is a computer with all the technology hidden inside the fabric and design. It has advantages that no computer so far has provided though, making it easy for anyone to configure it to meet their demands. The bag can quickly and simply be turned into a belt, scarf or even a set of curtains for your home, automatically recognizing what it has been assembled as and efficiently functioning in the best possible way.

And possibly the most attractive feature of the bag is that it is priced similarly to other leather handbags on the market. Now, unlike conventional computers, you don't have to leave home without it.

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