Bluetooth is an electronic communications technology, a short-range communication system for transferring data to and from fixed and mobile devices. It is used to establish a wireless personal area network using radio technology known as frequency hopping spread spectrum. Bluetooth technology is applied in mobile phones, laptops, telephones, personal computers, GPS receivers, printers, video game consoles, and digital cameras.

Bluetooth technology has been around since 1999. This modern wireless innovation is named after a 10th century Danish king who was very fond of blueberries to stain his teeth.

Bluetooth sounds intimidating to ordinary people, but it is actually an inexpensive device with simple uses. One of the most common uses is for wireless headphones. It allows hands-free communication, common to pilots. Headphones used to be bulky and heavy, but the introduction of Bluetooth made headphones lighter and more efficient now.

Owners of Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones could receive calls while driving. They could also do other jobs with two hands while talking to someone on the mobile phone. The wireless device has greatly reduced the rate of vehicular accidents.

There are two common categories of mono Bluetooth headphones. These are boom headsets and units without this accessory. The extended microphone that arches towards the mouth is the boom. This type of headphone model tends to be bulkier. Examples of boom headsets are the Jabra BT500, Motorola H605, and the compact Motorola H700.

Boomless headphones are more popular in recent years. In addition to looking more fashionable, these headphones are more compact, smaller and thinner. Non-boom models include the Nokia BH-801, Jabra JX10, Motorola H9 Miniblue, and Motorola Razr H3. The amazing Aliph Jawbone 2 Bluetooth Headphone has noise protection technology.

The Bluetooth headphones are also in stereo. These headphone models are similar in appearance and performance to their wired counterparts. The type of stereo headsets include Plantronics Pulsar 260 and Sony Ericsson HBH-DS970. Samsung SBH-170 and Motorola S9 are behind-the-neck stereo headphones that provide great comfort and good sound quality.

There are few Bluetooth headsets that integrate multiple functions into their designs. The Bluetooth headset that can switch from mono to stereo is the Jabra BT8010. A secondary earphone is attached for stereo sound. Another headset is loudspeaker capable, such as the Kyocera Wireless Bluetooth Headset with Speaker.

Headphones are the most common application of Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth headsets have become an essential element in ever-changing mobile and wireless communications.