Secure Digital (SD) cards are removable memory storage cards the size of a postage stamp. They are used in portable devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and mobile computers. A Bluetooth® SD card, also called a Bluetooth® SDIO (input/output) card, is a device that combines the SD format with an input/output device, in this case, a Bluetooth® modem. The modem uses the SDIO card slot to create a personal area network (PAN). This minimalist form factor is more convenient for slim devices than using a Bluetooth® USB adapter, even when the product supports either.
SD cards are about the size of a postage stamp.
A Bluetooth® PAN is very useful for connecting personal devices over relatively short distances. Class 1 Bluetooth® transmits up to about 100 m (328 ft), while Class 2 has a range of about 10 m (33 ft). Bluetooth® uses radio frequency (RF) signals and therefore does not require line of sight. However, the transmission radius can be reduced by a number of factors, including certain types of construction materials, interference, or low batteries.
Bluetooth sharing is an easy way to transfer files from one device to another.
You can use a Bluetooth® SD card to transfer photos, movie clips, music, or data between digital cameras, cell phones, PDAs, or computers. It can also be used to sync calendars or emails between devices or to send print jobs to a local printer. Up to seven devices can connect to a Bluetooth® network, allowing housemates or siblings to instant message, play games or participate in other network activities. A Bluetooth® enabled cell phone with Internet access can extend access to a connected device using an SD card.
Some portable devices use Bluetooth SD cards.
The great advantage of Bluetooth® is that it is very easy to establish a network and share. Enabling sharing on other types of networks requires a complete configuration of the operating system and resources, suitable only for administrators or those familiar with network protocols. Bluetooth® also uses encryption, keeping shared data safe as it travels between devices.
The Bluetooth® specification continues to evolve, thanks to the Bluetooth® Special Interest Group (SIG). On April 21, 2010, SIG finalized version 4.0, which includes low-power protocols for increased power-saving performance. Like all versions, 4.0 is backward compatible and incorporates its advantages.
When purchasing a Bluetooth® SD card, consumers should check the compatible version. Products compatible with the latest version may cost a little more, but the benefits often outweigh the additional cost. Buyers must also confirm that the card is compatible with the device(s) it will be used on. Device must support SDIO; an SDIO card inserted into an unsupported slot will not cause damage, but the card will not function. The SDIO slots support SDIO devices and SD memory cards.
Bluetooth SD cards are often used with portable devices such as digital cameras.
