Leave the wires behind

Bluetooth is a technology for wireless communication between devices. It's based on a low-cost short-range radio link.

Why Bluetooth is good for you

Every decorator knows that cables and wires are unsightly and confusing. Bluetooth connections allow wireless communication between devices within a range of about 30 feet (10 meters). Unlike infrared, you don't have to point devices directly at each other, or even have both devices in the same room. Bluetooth can initiate connections automatically with paired devices, so you don't even have to think about it. And no, you don't have to pay for a Bluetooth connection, no matter how much data you transfer.

How it works

When two devices share information, there are a few things that have to be worked out: firstly, how they will physically connect - through how many wires? Or none at all? - and then, what are the agreed commands that will make sense to both devices (the protocol)? Bluetooth is an industry standard that solves both of these issues cheaply, and using very little battery power.