Bluetooth technology, named after 10th-century Danish king Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson who united Danish tribes, was invented in 1994 by Jaap Haartsen at Ericsson. Since the first Bluetooth headset launched in 1999, the technology has evolved dramatically. It now connects billions of devices worldwide without requiring line of sight. With advances like Bluetooth Low Energy, the technology powers everything from wireless headphones to smart home devices. The story behind this ubiquitous technology reveals much more than meets the eye.
From a modest invention in 1994 to becoming a ubiquitous technology in nearly every modern device, Bluetooth has transformed how we connect and communicate wirelessly. The technology was created by engineer Jaap Haartsen at Ericsson. It gets its unusual name from a 10th-century Danish king, Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson, known for uniting Danish tribes – much like the technology unites different devices.
From ancient kingdoms to modern devices, Bluetooth unites our technological world just as its namesake united Denmark.
In 1998, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group formed to oversee the development of this new wireless standard. The first Bluetooth device appeared in 1999 – a hands-free mobile headset. That same year, the Bluetooth 1.0 specifications were released, setting technical standards for future devices.
The world embraced Bluetooth quickly. The first phone with this technology, the Ericsson R520m, hit the market in 2001. By the mid-2000s, Bluetooth headsets became common sights on ears everywhere. The technology’s popularity soared, with the four billionth device shipping in 2020.
Bluetooth works by using radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band to connect devices within about 33 feet of each other. Unlike older infrared technology, it doesn’t require devices to be in direct line of sight. This practical advantage helped fuel its wide adoption.
Over the years, Bluetooth has continuously improved. Version 2.1 introduced Secure Simple Pairing, making connections easier. Version 4.0 added Bluetooth Low Energy, extending battery life in small devices. Version 5.0 dramatically increased range up to 1,300 feet in ideal conditions. The introduction of Bluetooth Low Energy created opportunities for countless IoT applications that require minimal power consumption.
Today, Bluetooth powers countless applications – wireless headphones, car hands-free systems, computer peripherals, smart home devices, and wearable technology. The distinctive logo combines Viking runes for Harald Bluetooth, creating a symbol recognized worldwide. Over 36,000 companies belong to the Bluetooth SIG, ensuring devices work together seamlessly.
As Bluetooth moves into the future, it faces challenges in security and coexistence with other wireless technologies. But with its focus on IoT integration and energy efficiency, this technology named after an ancient Viking king continues to rule our wireless world.
