What is Bluetooth Headphone : Features & Top Manufacturers

Bluetooth headphones are wireless audio devices that use Bluetooth technology to connect with smartphones, laptops, tablets, televisions, and other compatible devices. They offer features such as cable-free listening, noise cancellation, built-in microphones, touch controls, long battery life, and high-quality audio performance, making them popular for entertainment, communication, fitness and professional use.

What is Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology designed for personal area networks. It facilitates easy connections between devices, whether fixed or mobile. Operating in the 2.4 GHz band, Bluetooth typically covers distances of 30 to 50 meters. It initially offered data rates up to 1 Mbps.

The initial Bluetooth specification was published as IEEE 802.15.1. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) now maintains and manages Bluetooth specifications. Originally intended as a replacement for RS232 serial connections, Bluetooth has become an everyday necessity. It supports various applications including real-time voice, video, internet browsing, and data file transfer.

Different versions of Bluetooth have been released to support varying data rates and coverage distances, including V1.1, V1.2, V2.0, V2.2, V3.0, V4.0, and V4.1. Bluetooth V4.0 is also known as Bluetooth Low Energy or Bluetooth Smart.

About Headphones

Headphones are devices worn around the ears for listening to audio, converting electrical signals into acoustic signals. They are electroacoustic transducers. Headphones come in two main forms: pairs (headphones) and single units (earbuds). They function similarly to loudspeakers, but for personal listening.

Key Features of Bluetooth Headphones

Bluetooth headphones operate on the Bluetooth frequency and utilize Bluetooth technology. When selecting Bluetooth headphones, consider these features:

• Impedance: Headphones come in low and high impedance options. Low impedance headphones tend to be louder and more efficient, leading to longer battery life.

• Amplifier: Many modern Bluetooth headphones include built-in amplifiers, which enhance the sound output.

• Noise Cancellation: This feature is crucial for clear audio in noisy environments, filtering out unwanted background sounds.

• Sensitivity: Sensitivity measures how effectively headphones convert incoming signals to audible sound, expressed in dB/mWatt.

• Type: Different headphone designs exist, such as circumaural, earbud, supra-aural, and in-ear. Each has advantages and disadvantages, so choose based on your needs and intended use.

• Pricing: The price of Bluetooth headphones is an important factor in your purchasing decision.

Figure 1: Some of the best Bluetooth headphones available in 2016.

Bluetooth Headphone Manufacturers

Numerous Bluetooth devices exist, including tablets, mobile phones, media players, robots, laptops, game equipment, headsets, watches, speakers, mice, keyboards, Bluetooth USB drives, and Bluetooth headphones.

Here are some reputable manufacturers of Bluetooth devices:

Vendors	Bluetooth Devices Available
Sony	Bluetooth headsets and other Bluetooth products
LG	Bluetooth headphones, etc.
Sennheiser	Bluetooth products
Bose	Bluetooth speakers, headsets, etc.
Plantronics	Wireless headsets, etc.

Summary

Bluetooth headphones provide convenient wireless audio experiences with advanced features and enhanced mobility, with leading manufacturers offering a wide range of models designed for music, gaming, calls, travel, sports and everyday listening.