The Updated Guide To Bluetooth

Not only is Bluetooth a household term in the tech world, it’s also one of the most common, most preferred, and most advanced forms of connection and communication between multiple devices. It’s everywhere. Your smartphone, wireless headphone, speaker, TV set, smartwatch, smartband, soundbar, and every other tech product/gadget you can think of all use/support Bluetooth.

The headers and paragraphs below will guide you through everything you need to know about Bluetooth, application, and every other Bluetooth-related resources.

First off, a bit of history…

Bluetooth has been in existence as far back as 1994. The exchange protocol (i.e. Bluetooth) was invented Dr. Jaap Haartsen at Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company, Ericsson. The technology was named after Harold Bluetooth, a Danish King who united Denmark and Norway way back in the 10th century.

About 4 years later (1998), Ericsson alongside four other companies (IBM, Nokia, Toshiba, and Intel) formed the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) — a non-profit organisation that oversees the development of Bluetooth standards and likewise, the licensing of Bluetooth trademarks and technologies to manufacturers of Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Currently, the Bluetooth SIG comprises of over 30,000 members contributing actively to the development of the Bluetooth technology. While the technology didn’t make it to a phone until 2001, Bluetooth is now a common feature you’d find on billions of smartphones (even feature phones) in several versions.

Bluetooth versions

Just like WiFi , Bluetooth is another wireless connectivity technology that comes in several versions. Currently, the latest version of the technology is “ Bluetooth 5 “. Obviously, the transfer speed, connection range, broadcast capability, backward compatibility, and other functionalities of the technology depend greatly on the version your device supports. But you should know that, obviously, the features get advanced and better with every new version.

The table below shows an overview of Bluetooth versions, their release date and some of the major features.

Useful Links

• Bluetooth 5: What is new?
• What’s new in Bluetooth 5.1?
• A beginner’s guide to Bluetooth 5
• Bluetooth 5 vs. Bluetooth 4: The 7 differences between the two versions
• How to tell Bluetooth version on your smartphone
• How to tell Bluetooth version on your Windows 10 PC and Mac
• The differences between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

How Bluetooth works

Before going on to talk about using Bluetooth on your devices, it is important to understand a bit of how performs its numerous functions. Of course, you know that with Bluetooth, you can do stuff like as pairing up your phone with speakers to enjoy music, transfer and receive files to and from other devices, connect your portless smartphone to wireless earbuds, etc. However, there are dedicated “ Profiles ” that makes it possible for a Bluetooth device to effectively perform its functions.

Useful Links

• Understanding Bluetooth Profiles

Bluetooth & Audio Quality

Moving on, music play is one of the most common uses of Bluetooth in this era. Wired headphones and earpieces are becoming obsolete because wireless headphones and earbuds are the in-thing now. Likewise, when we are on the move in our vehicles; AUX cables are dead now… thanks to Bluetooth. Even when we are in our houses, new generation sound systems, soundbars and stereo speakers come equipped with Bluetooth functionality.

Wireless is king now. However, there seem to be some concerns when it comes to the quality of audio produced by Bluetooth devices. Compared to wired earphones and headsets, there’s a little bit of reduction in audio quality due to compression when using Bluetooth headphones and speakers. For the most part of it, however, the effect is almost always negligible and goes unnoticed in the type of environment where they [wireless Bluetooth headphones] are mostly used: the gym, car parks, gardens, the streets, etc.

Also, audio compression in Bluetooth devices has been greatly reduced to the barest minimum, thanks to the development of the Aptx Bluetooth codec. AptX is good at compressing and decompressing music without loss in audio quality and reasonably low battery consumption.

• Do Bluetooth headphones (and speakers) reduce sound quality?
• What is Aptx Bluetooth?
• 3.5mm headphone jack vs USB-C audio vs Bluetooth Audio

Bluetooth pairing and file sharing

If you aren’t connecting one device to another via Bluetooth to play audio, then you’re most definitely sharing files between the devices. Bluetooth might not be the fastest file transfer method out there but it is super efficient and gets the job done. However, whatever you’re using Bluetooth for (either for audio play or file transfer), a “link-up” must be made between the sending & receiving device.

The link-up process is known as “ Bluetooth pairing ” and it can be thought of as the process of establishing a trusted connection between two Bluetooth devices using a numerical password. To connect your phone to your smartphone, smartwatch, car stereo system, headphones, or whatever device, you first need to pair them.

The section below contains links you’ll find useful if you ever need help pairing Bluetooth devices or perhaps you need to use Bluetooth for file transfer.

Useful Links

• Bluetooth 5 vs WiFi Direct: Which is the best for sharing files between smartphones
• All about Bluetooth device pairing
• How to share files via Bluetooth on Windows PC
• How to share Android Apps via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• How to connect Windows 10 PC to Bluetooth speaker and headphones
• How to Pair Bluetooth Headphones with Your Smart TV
• How to troubleshoot the most common Bluetooth pairing problems

Bluetooth and the internet

Did you know that asides sharing files and playing audio, you can also use Bluetooth to share internet connection between two devices? You know how you share your phone’s internet with your PC (and other devices) via mobile hotspot? You can do the same with Bluetooth too.

Bluetooth tethering is a more secure alternative to WiFi tethering and it is pretty easy to setup. Check out the tutorial below on how to share your internet via Bluetooth by creating a Personal Area Network (PAN).

Useful Links

• How to Create a Bluetooth PAN (Personal Area Network) on Android

How Bluetooth compares to other wireless technologies

True, Bluetooth is one of the most advanced, most used, and most popular wireless technology in the world but it isn’t the only you’d find in use in this age and time. There are other wireless technologies like WiFi, NFC, etc. that have similar (and sometimes, better) features than Bluetooth.

Should you be interested in the differences between the functionalities of Bluetooth and other wireless technologies, you can check out the links below.

Useful Links

• A beginner’s guide to understanding wireless technologies
• How Bluetooth pairing with NFC works
• Hotknot vs NFC vs Bluetooth
• Bluetooth 5 vs Wi-Fi Direct: Which is the better?
• Hotknot vs NFC vs Bluetooth, here’s how they compare with each other
• What is WiFi Direct and how is it different from Bluetooth?

Buying Bluetooth Devices

As mentioned earlier, almost every device out there comes with Bluetooth compatibility. From headphones to smartphones, laptops, car accessories , fitness trackers, smartwatches, etc. These devices are easy to purchase online and offline but there are some precautions you need to take before purchasing certain Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Before picking up your next Bluetooth device, you might want to look out some features like sound/audio quality, portability and design, price, range, connectivity, and some other functionalities. In the links below, we explain in full detail some vital things to look out for before buying some Bluetooth devices.

Useful Links

• 7 things to look out for before buying a Bluetooth Speaker
• Best Bluetooth Speakers to choose from in Nigeria

As we add more relevant Bluetooth-related contents, we’ll constantly update this entire article. Be sure to bookmark this article in your browser and drop any Bluetooth-related questions or queries for prompt replies.

Sodiq Olamide is a tech writer based in Nigeria, covering the latest reviews, how-tos, and news on consumer tech trends with a unique African perspective. Whether analyzing emerging technologies or offering practical guides, Sodiq brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes lives across the continent.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

• SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
• Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
• Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
• Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

• CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
• MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
• MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
• TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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