Bluetooth is blessed and cursed by an unusual, even bizarre name.
Blessed because the name is memorable. Cursed because it makes the technology behind it seem unnecessarily mysterious and intimidating.
But it really is not all that mysterious.
Bluetooth creates a personal wireless cloud around you. Why would you need a personal wireless cloud, you wonder? To talk on your mobile phone using a wireless headset, of course. “Look Ma, no wires!”
However, another wave of Bluetooth usage is taking hold — in our cars.
In my latest column at Inc Technology I discuss how more and more vehicles — even mid-priced vehicles — come equipped with integrated Bluetooth to let us talk hands free in our cars:
I can now drive around town and automatically shut my radio off when I have an incoming call or dial by name from my dashboard. I can call a business associate from my cell phone “hands free” and let him or her know I’ve run into traffic and will be late. Bluetooth behind the wheel or in the office is a great liberator for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Read: Bluetooth Coming to a Car Near You
I think this kind of technology in vehicles is a very positive thing. It’s much better for everyone if we keep both hands on the wheel!
I agree with Amanda about keeping both hands on the wheel! I’ve been hearing so much about this technolgy, I just may have to check it out for myself.
Thumbs up for technology! Keeping us all safe out there on the road is a really big plus. Thank You!
It’s good of you to bring this up Anita.
Bluetooth enables us to have our own personal network, close at hand. Just think; your phone, headset, car, PDA, laptop and possibly your house can now communicate with each other!
Technology is surely wonderful!
I remember reading somewhere that even if both hands are on the wheel, the brain is still occupied while talking on the phone… so it’s not that much safer. This was a while back, so unfortunately I can’t quote the source.
Still, people won’t stop using their cell phones and with so many states making talking on the phone while operating a vehicle illegal, Bluetooth can be the perfect solution for business professionals on the go.
Daniel, Bluetooth is my favorite technology of the moment. Once I got past the name, I realized it could be easy to use.
Mila, I agree that we should keep our brains focused on the road while we drive. But I have used Bluetooth in the car to make a quick hands-free call to say I’m stuck in traffic, or to take an important call I was expecting on a long car trip. And with voice dialing, you never have to take your hands off the wheel. The way I look at it is: I’m often conversing with another person in the car while I am driving, so talking on the phone while driving isn’t much different. At least, that’s my story and I’m stickin to it. 🙂
Anita