Trending Tech: Explaining Tech
Wireless technology is the hottest trend in audio gear right now, with more and more products going wireless all the time. Consumers are placing more of a demand on portability, convenience and ease of use spurring manufacturers to respond with incredible wireless alternatives to their wired ways of the past.
Bluetooth® is the most common type of wireless technology used to pair or connect two devices in order to share or transfer information and files. Near Field Communication (NFC) is a complementing technology that makes connecting devices even easier.
What is Bluetooth® all about?
Bluetooth® technology is a type of wireless connection that is used by many different devices to connect with each other. It works by scanning for nearby devices and pairs them to establish a wireless connection. The main advantages of Bluetooth® connections are that they allow for the elimination of auxiliary audio connector cables and that their range of roughly 10m (33’) means you don’t have to be right beside the device for the connection to work.
One drawback of Bluetooth® is that it can use a lot of power to operate. Battery life can be a concern for some users, so they’ll want to make sure you have a fully charged battery or an alternate power source available. Also, the pairing process with Bluetooth® devices can take some time to ensure it’s set up correctly.
Enter NFC technology
NFC which acts as a companion to Bluetooth®, works by emitting a short-range signal that is read immediately by an NFC reader, allowing for extremely fast interactions between devices. NFC chips are passive technology and require no direct power to operate. If your smartphone or tablet features both Bluetooth® and NFC, simply touch your device against an NFC-enabled speaker and you’ll be able to stream music instantly. It only takes one touch to connect and share—it truly is that simple.
The main drawback of NFC is that it works only if the devices are very close together (less than 10cm apart). As far as consumer electronics are concerned, NFC often works with Bluetooth® technology, but the devices must be close in proximity to take full advantage of one-touch connection.
Is wireless right for you?
Wireless audio is here to stay. Early issues with wireless technology such as poor reception, sound quality and battery life have all been improved dramatically in a very short amount of time. In some cases cables may be preferred, but wireless technology has proven itself as a viable and sought-after alternative to wired audio products. The increase in portability and functionality mixed with the decrease in weight and product size means consumers can find wireless headphones and speakers that rival their equivalent wired solutions. If you enjoy incredible sound and the ability to move freely while listening to your favourite songs, then wireless audio is a perfect fit for you.