How to Connect a Bluetooth Headset

Bluetooth headsets are the most common cell phone accessory and quickly have become a common sight when out in public. Everyone from teenagers to businessmen are wearing bluetooth headsets, seemingly talking to themselves, and carrying on in their day-to-day lives. Over the last two years, the popularity of bluetooth has made wireless communication a part of everyone's lives and while owning a headset used to be out of the price range of many cell phone users, that is no longer the case. Now, more than ever, cell phone users everywhere are investing in bluetooth headsets and using them when making and taking calls.

Bluetooth technology allows devices to communicate with one another in short proximity of one another. Depending on the power source, most lower end bluetooth headsets have a range of three to ten feet. As long as you are within range of your cell phone, you can use the headset to carry on a clear and crisp conversation for the duration of your battery life. As long as the signal is strong, the connection will remain strong, and you will be able to spend a good amount of time using both units before the battery dies. You can also keep your phone plugged in which will help keep battery life up during use as phones generally lose more battery life when maintaining a bluetooth connection than vice versa.

The technology itself was developed by Ericsson working with Sven Mattisson and Jaap Haartsen in the mid-90s. As of 2000, more than 6000 companies have invested in bluetooth technology, and it has become commonplace among other technology groups as well. Computers, both at home and mobile, PDAs and even video game systems use bluetooth technology to increase functionality and quality. The Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3, notably, offer bluetooth wireless controllers in their bundles.

In order to use bluetooth, a certain type of profile is created both by the device and the device maintaining the connection. These profiles allow for specific bluetooth devices to be used instead of anybody being able to jack into your connection. Much like a wireless network, these security protocols keep your connection safe instead of letting just the random passerby steal a connection or device range.

First and foremost, you will want to make sure that your cell phone is bluetooth capable. Most cell phones in the last year and a half will be compatible, but double check before you invest in a headset. You do not want to waste the money on a headset, after all, if you can not use it. Once you are sure, choose the right headset for your price range and needs. Many more costly headsets may not be necessary for you or your cell phone depending on what you plan to do with it and where you plan to go.

The two most important points to look at when purchasing a headset are: Range and signal quality. Range will allow you to stray from your cell phone and still maintain a good connection. Signal quality will determine the clear, crisp sound quality being transmitted to your headset from your cell phone at all times as long as you are in range. You do not want to buy a headset that has a long range but fails to produce decent sound quality, otherwise you might as well just be standing in a bad service area with your cell phone while talking. It would have the same affect on your call.

Once you purchase your headset, it will transmit the following profile to your cell phone in order to recognize the device and use exclusively on your phone: A name, a class, a list of services and technical specifications. Once you turn on the headset, you use your cell phone to essentially "find" the headset. They will interact with one another, transmit the appropriate data, and as long as you store that profile on your cell phone, you will be able to connect to the headset and use at will. You can easily switch back and forth between the headset and handset at a moment's notice as well as program the headset to interact and control different functions on your phone when connected. With most headsets, as long as you turn it on and it is within range of your cell phone, it will automatically sync with the device and be ready to use.

Bluetooth headsets are all the craze, and they make a big difference in the lives on those on the go. Whether you work full-time or you are out and about living your life, having a headset reduces having to hold your phone at your ear and talk to people while trying to go about your life. It allows you to multi-task and do other things while interacting with people. It can be a costly investment but worth it in the long run if you find yourself being distracted by trying to hold your phone, carry on a conversation and doing other things all at the same time. Try out a bluetooth headset and see if it works for you.