Convenient! How to use Bluetooth for file transfer

Energy-saving and convenient "Bluetooth file transfer"

The appeal of Bluetooth is that it connects PCs and peripheral devices via short-range wireless communication, so it doesn't require an internet connection. Also, once the devices are paired, subsequent communication is easy, making it more convenient than file transfer via email. This time, we'll introduce the benefits of file transfer via Bluetooth.

1. Email, the mainstream form of communication, has limitations on attachment size

1-1 Email is the mainstream form of communication in business situations

The term "file" covers a wide range of types, from document files such as Word documents to photos and audio files. There are also many ways to transfer files, including email, LINE, and various file transfer apps. Email is the most common method used by approximately 98% of people to communicate with others at work (*), making it the mainstream in the business world.

• Reference: Japan Business Email Association, "Business Email Survey 2016"

1-2 file transfer via email. Depending on the attachment size, it can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inefficient.

For example, if you take notes or photos on a portable device while out and then want to transfer them to your PC when you get back to the office, have you ever experienced the experience file transfer via email because the attachments are large and take a long time to arrive? In such cases, it often takes a long time for the recipient to receive the attachments as well.

Major providers often limit the maximum size of email attachments to around 20-100MB. When sending high-resolution images or videos, you may encounter this size limit and be unable to send them. When attaching large files like these, you may have to split the email into multiple emails, which can inevitably reduce your work efficiency.

2. Use Bluetooth for convenient file transfer!

2-1 Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication device that does not require an internet connection or cables

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology that connects digital devices such as mobile devices, PCs, and peripherals. Its unique feature is that it does not require an internet connection. Another attractive feature is that it is wireless, meaning no cables are required. Bluetooth is also known for its low power consumption.

Nowadays, many computers, smartphones, tablets, and peripheral devices are equipped with Bluetooth. Using Bluetooth-enabled headphones, speakers, mice, etc. is convenient because it eliminates the need for connecting wires.

2-2 Bluetooth is based on the principles of "pairing" and "one-to-one"

When using Bluetooth, pairing is a prerequisite, requiring the two devices to recognize the passcode. Pairing prevents accidental transmission of data to the wrong person. An increasing number of devices now have multi-pairing and multi-point features that allow you to save multiple pairing settings. For example, an earphone microphone with multi-pairing and multi-point capabilities allows you to make calls on a paired smartphone at one time and listen to music on a paired music player at another time.

When transferring files from your smartphone to your computer or from your computer to your smartphone, you can easily do so by setting up pairing.

2-3 The communication distance of most Bluetooth-enabled devices is less than 10m.

Most Bluetooth-enabled devices currently available in Japan are of the "Class 2" type, which has a communication distance of 1 to 10 meters. "Class 1" devices can communicate up to 100 meters, but require the purchase of a separate Bluetooth module.

By the way, the latest standard, Bluetooth 5, was announced in 2016, and devices equipped with this standard are scheduled to be released in the future. It is said to have twice the communication speed and four times the communication range compared to the current latest version, Bluetooth 4.2.

summary

Bluetooth enables "short-range wireless communication" between computers, smartphones, peripheral devices, etc. We have summarized the key points for file transfer using Bluetooth.

• Easily file transfer within a range of 10m
• No internet or cables required
• Low power consumption and energy saving

By taking advantage of the features of Bluetooth for file transfer, you can use it as a flexible file transfer tool, which will help streamline work in the office. Try using Bluetooth as one way to make full use of the various devices you own.

File Sharing: A Beginner's Guide Column List

Related Content