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What is a Bluetooth® Microphone?

Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

A Bluetooth® microphone is one of many Bluetooth® accessories for computers and phones. It allows for hands-free phone conversations and live chats on the internet. Using Bluetooth® technology, these microphones make it easy to multitask in both home and work environments.

Similar to radios, Bluetooth® microphones use radio waves to transfer information, in this case your voice, from one device to the other. Bluetooth® uses a very weak signal to assure that it won’t interfere with other radio waves. To assure this, Bluetooth® signals switch between one of seventy-nine possible frequencies. Bluetooth® products can immediately connect and communicate with each other, without the hassle of installing new software or hooking up wires.

Man playing a guitar
Man playing a guitar

Bluetooth® microphones, usually as part of a headset, are available in many formats. Some are full stereo headsets, with headphones and a mic hooked on. Some are tiny, hooking into one ear or the other. They have a small piece on there that detects the vibrations in your jawbone, instead of working like a regular microphone. A Bluetooth® microphone can also be part of a headset that sets into your ear canal, with a regular mic attached. These models are called ear buds. Some other Bluetooth® microphones clip onto the front of your shirt or onto a tie.

The most popular use of a Bluetooth® microphone is with Bluetooth® cell phones. The microphones allow users to carry on a conversation without taking their phone out of their pocket or purse. They are becoming even more popular as states pass laws making it illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving. Most microphones also allow for using voice command with the cell phone.

A Bluetooth® microphone can also be used with a computer. Because there is a thirty-two foot (ten meter) range with Bluetooth® products, it is possible to dictate to speech recognition software while working in another room in the house. A Bluetooth® microphone is also easy to use for live web chat rooms. It can also be used for personal computer (PC) to PC calls, available through several major search engine companies and other sites. A Bluetooth® microphone can even be used for talking hands-free on a home phone, as several home phones are now Bluetooth® compatible.

There are several options available when buying a Bluetooth® microphone. They come in many formats, and are reasonably priced. It is a safe alternative to holding a cell phone while driving. With many possible uses, a Bluetooth® microphone can improve the productivity of a home office, and make life easier.

Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal WiseGEEK writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal WiseGEEK writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...

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      Man playing a guitar