Bluetooth

When you turn on the Bluetooth beam your device searches for other Bluetooth devices nearby. For security reasons, Bluetooth allows the user to select different states for each device: off, on, discoverable. While on other Bluetooth devices can request a connection. To make sure they can ‘talk’ to each other you need the PIN number of the other device. If one hasn’t been set up try 0000.

The latest concern around Bluetooth is called Bluejacking and Bluesnarfing. It can happen when someone leaves the Bluetooth on and in a ‘discoverable’ mode. Bluejacking offers four opportunities for misuse:

1. Virus distribution: by using the popular method of sharing images and files a virus could infiltrate the Bluetooth devices.
2. Unsolicited communication: advertising agencies can use the ‘ever on’ discoverable status of Bluetooth devices to send adverts, dating or gaming ‘invites’ and general spam-based messages.
3. Location based services: Bluejacking could be used to send electronic promotional messages to consumers as they pass a high street shop or supermarket. A user could be bombarded with adverts, vouchers and messages.
4. A Bluesnarfer potentially can steal information eg contacts list, files, images from your PDA or phone.

It’s a good idea to turn off the Bluetooth or leave the setting as ‘undiscoverable’ status.

PrintBoy is software which allows you to print images or documents direct to your printer using Bluetooth via your Smart phone.

 

How can I use Bluetooth for teaching and learning?

Quicklinks

Technical Tips

• Synchronisation

• Internet Connection

• Bluetooth

• Keyboards

• Projection

• PDAs

• Smartphones

• Digital audio players

• Software

• Podcasts

• Cameras and Images

Other sections

In Practice

Examples and ideas showing practical ways to use the different devices in the classroom and out and about

Choose the Right Device

What to look for when buying the devices, reviews and suggestions

FAQs for Organisations

Issues and questions that organisations experience

Making it Accessible

Ways to use the technology accessibly

The Future

The changing world of handheld devices

Glossary

An a-z glossary of mobile technology terms