Cut the Cord
The Raspberry Pi 3 comes with Bluetooth capability already on board, making it possible for every user to take advantage of this wireless technology.
Setting up Bluetooth on the Raspberry Pi 3
Lead Image © Alexander Pokusay, 123RF.com
The Raspberry Pi 3 (RPi3) has many upgrades and improvements – among them on-board WiFi and Bluetooth. WiFi has become the go-to capability for transmitting large amounts of data. Bluetooth, on the other hand, has some advantages when close-range transmissions are at issue. Setting up WiFi goes quickly with the help of the GUI, but using the Bluetooth module requires several modifications to the Raspbian system.
In this article, I introduce the Bluetooth architecture and describe how Linux supports the standard. I also look at programs needed for a Bluetooth setup and provide examples illustrating additional areas of application for a Raspberry Pi (Rasp Pi) outfitted with Bluetooth technology.
Blue Theory
"Bluetooth" was the code name given to a standardization project for short-range wireless communication. The name is an Anglicized reference to a 10th century Danish king, Harald Bluetooth, who was successful in using the power of communication to unite hostile Norwegians with hostile Danes. When the technology was released, the name stuck and a logo was crafted out of the Old Norse runic symbols for the king's initials, H and B. These historic references make sense in light of the significant roles played by the Ericsson (Swedish) and Nokia (Finnish) companies in developing the standard.
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