A question for smart techies (or anyone else :)

[j*oono]

Can someone please explain to me what are the benefits of having bluetooth turned on on my phone and if there are any negatives.

I've got it turned off but one of my apps wants it on and I don't know what it does exactly. I did start to google but my eyes glazed over. I want the KISS version.

[karliandjacko]

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@j*oono wrote:

Can someone please explain to me what are the benefits of having bluetooth turned on on my phone and if there are any negatives.

I've got it turned off but one of my apps wants it on and I don't know what it does exactly. I did start to google but my eyes glazed over. I want the KISS version.

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Imo, there is no benefit in having bluetooth turned on when not in use.  What sort of app wants it on?

I have apps that want GPS on but never bluetooth.  

It depends on the permissions how much risk it poses, and the distance your phone is from other devices.  Open bluetooth can enable others to get information from your phone if they are in the near vicinity.   I haven't had a reason to use bluetooth in years for some reason, possibly because wifi is always on.

[poddster]

Bluetooth is just another wireless communication medium for the interconnection of devices without a physical connection.

If it is turned on when not in use it just gobbles up battery power. the same as GPS if you do not need it.

[j*oono]

Thanks Karli. Sorry, I was distracted.

Is it like a tracking device? It was the app for fitbit.  I usually look at my dashboard on my laptop but I went to have a look on my phone and I wasn't near wi-fi so perhaps that is why it asked me. It couldn't update my info. Your info explains it pretty well (I think).

[j*oono]

Ok, thanks Poddster.  I will keep it off unless I particularly want it to connect when I'm not near wi-fi.

[karliandjacko · Accepted solution]

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@j*oono wrote:

Thanks Karli. Sorry, I was distracted.

Is it like a tracking device? It was the app for fitbit.  I usually look at my dashboard on my laptop but I went to have a look on my phone and I wasn't near wi-fi so perhaps that is why it asked me. It couldn't update my info. Your info explains it pretty well (I think).

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Yes, It would probably be something like that.

It's more like short range wifi than a tracking device.  Hands free devices can connect via blue tooth, or cameras to upload photos, or some car stereos connect via bluetooth to ipod or phones.  So yes, it sounds like that's why your phone wanted you to allow bluetooth to connect.  If you know the device that wants to connect via bluetooth there is nothing to worry about but I would turn it off after use for security and battery reasons.

[joz*garage]

after about 2yrs of wireless keyboard & mouse use, i discovered theres an on-off switch for the mouse

it can be switched off when not in use

*slaps forehead

[j*oono]

Thank you!

[j*oono]

Joz, if you are worried about battery use you can now buy a mouse that uses only one AA battery and it lasts 6 months to a year.  I used to use so many batteries with the old mouse and they are expensive.

The mouse is fairly cheap and you can get them at the post office. It's a Logitech.

[azureline**]

Joono, I have my blue tooth on to track my exercise with my fitbit, it's the only thing I use it for.