Since the demise of Windows Phone nearly a decade ago, I've been bouncing between Android and iOS, attempting to settle into one ecosystem. I'm currently in an iPhone cycle, complete with a set of AirPods Pro that I actually enjoy using.

Well, I enjoy using them most of the time, anyway. You probably already know where this is going. Connecting AirPods to a Windows PC is not always a fun experience. While they seemed to work fairly well on Windows 10, changes to the audio codec in Windows 11 have created some annoying issues. Slow or failed connections, lagging audio, unwanted idling; that sort of thing.

👉 Are Apple AirPods good earbuds for Windows users?

It's not entirely Microsoft's fault, of course. Apple's hardware is designed to work with other Apple hardware, at least if you want the full experience. Many of the perks I enjoy when my AirPods are connected to my iPhone, like immediate pairing, adaptive audio, and noise cancellation control, are missing when I'm using them with my Windows 11 PC.

It's just something I've put up with, but now I feel like an idiot for living like this for so long after learning about a MagicPods app (via XDA). It's an app available via the Microsoft Store, and it costs $1.99 for a one-time purchase. There's also a free trial that I used (and you can use) to test the app, but it's working well enough that a full buy is basically a no-brainer.

The MagicPods app relies on a MagicAAP driver to run advanced AirPods features on Windows 11. The driver is, unfortunately, not signed, which means you must put Windows into test mode to install it. This can cause security risks or interfere with gaming anti-cheat tools. There is a community-signed driver available that doesn't require test mode, though it too may get flagged by Microsoft Defender or interfere with anti-cheat. My advice? Don't install the driver on a gaming or company-managed PC to avoid issues.

The MagicPods app experience on Windows 11

After downloading the MagicPods app from the Microsoft Store, I grabbed the community-signed MagicAAP driver (which doesn't require Windows to be put into test mode) and installed it using the official instructions from the MagicPods website.

I then launched the MagicPods app, clicked Connect (my AirPods were already paired to my laptop), and let the app take over. An immediate connection? Yup. A little animated window showing battery status for the AirPods and case? You bet.

I was expecting these changes; what I wasn't expecting were the myriad customization options available through the app. Practically every setting I care about is here and can be tweaked, including the press speed of the physical buttons, noise cancellation, ear detection behavior, and low battery warning threshold.

Perhaps the most noticeable change is that there's no longer that awful audio delay when you hit play on your music or video, something I've put up with for far too long. My AirPods immediately begin sounding off when I click Play. Awesome.

Putting my AirPods back in the case and pulling them out again saw them reconnect to my PC almost immediately, even with my iPhone at my side. There's still a bit of a delay as my laptop's Bluetooth abilities catch up, but it's better than what I used to experience: failed connections, painfully slow connections, etc.

The app has a built-in dark mode, which I love, and there's a long list of customizable hotkeys you can set up for easier control over your wireless audio setup. Whether or not you enable hotkeys, the app's most important controls can all be handled from the tray icon.

Is the MagicPods app worth $1.99?

The creator of the app, Aleksandr Maslov, says the app works with AirPods, Beats, "fake AirPods with Airoha chips," a handful of Sony models, and some other headphones. I haven't tested anything other than my AirPods, but you might have some luck elsewhere. The app can work on a Steam Deck via the Decky Loader, which I'm sure a lot of people will love.

The creator also adds that the app involves "no data collection, no ads, no subscriptions, no paid content. Just a convenient tool that works offline. And yes—no AI."

With these promises in mind, and with my own experience coming out quite smoothly, MagicPods is absolutely an app I can recommend to most people who hate how AirPods function with Windows 11.

The only qualm I have with the app is its unsigned driver and community-signed alternative. I don't recommend you use the app on a company- or school-managed laptop, nor do I recommend using it on a gaming PC lest your anti-cheat throws up a false positive.

Now, excuse me while I go listen to the new Johnny Blue Skies album while further tweaking my audio setup via the MagicPods app.

What do you think about the MagicPods app?

Is the MagicPods app something you can see using with your Windows PC? Are you already using it? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments section!

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Windows 11 will soon support sharing audio to two separate headphones, speakers, earbuds, or hearing aids. The feature has been in testing among Windows Insiders since last October, and the list of supported devices for the preview expanded recently.

The feature relies on Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast, which is why Microsoft can't just flip a switch and have it work on any device. That technology makes it possible to stream a single audio source to multiple devices.

For example, a TV in a gym could stream audio to the earbuds of multiple attendees at once. Microsoft's blog post about the feature does not specify if Auracast is being used, but that appears to be the case. Auracast is the tech that makes it possible to stream audio to multiple Bluetooth devices.

Our friends at What Hi-Fi break down Bluetooth LE Audio, including Auracast. Bluetooth LE Audio is still a relatively new standard, and knowing if your device supports it is not straightforward.

While Bluetooth LE Audio requires Bluetooth 5.2 or later, not all Bluetooth 5.2 devices support the standard.

Below are the Windows 11 PCs that support the feature today (assuming they are in the appropriate preview channel):

• Surface Laptop, 13.8-inch and 15-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Laptop for Business, 13.8 and 15-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro for Business, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Laptop, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Laptop for Business, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro, 12-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro for Business, 12-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge | Qualcomm Snapdragon X

A smaller group of devices are also set to receive preview support soon:

• Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 | Intel Core Ultra Series 200
• Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro | Intel Core Ultra Series 200
• Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 | Intel Core Ultra Series 200

Shared audio began rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels with Windows 11 Insider Build 26220.7051.

Microsoft notes that "more devices may be supported once [the feature is] available to general audiences."

If your PC and all connected speakers, earbuds, or hearing aids support the feature, you can try it by using the "Shared audio (preview)" option in quick settings.

Bluetooth is a technology that most of us take for granted in everyday life, despite it delivering reliable wireless communication for billions of people across the globe. Because it's so prevalent in our favorite tech, a new Bluetooth standard being announced is pretty major news.

Indeed, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) — the team that guides the international standards and development for Bluetooth — announced Bluetooth 6.0 in September 2024, but it remains fairly rare in 2025. That's expected to change in 2026.

Bluetooth 6.0 builds on the advancements that arrived with Bluetooth 5.0 (and its updates), adding new features like Bluetooth Channel Sounding, Decision-Based Advertising Filtering, Monitoring Advertisers, and more.

Let's dig into what these new features add to Bluetooth 6 and why you should watch out for the latest standard next time you're shopping for new wireless tech.

Bluetooth Channel Sounding improves device positioning and tracking

Bluetooth Channel Sounding is a new technology that arrives with the 6.0 standard, and it builds on the positioning features that have been a part of Bluetooth since 2010.

As the Bluetooth SIG puts it, "this introduces a new, secure, fine-ranging capability, providing centimeter-level accuracy when measuring the distance between two Bluetooth LE devices." Considering Bluetooth used to hit an accuracy of around a half meter, this new tech really dials it in.

The new tech is made possible thanks to Phase-Based Ranging (PBR) and Round-Trip Timing (RTT). Without getting too technical, these methods together allow for precise distance measurements far and near.

Bluetooth SIG says this new high-accuracy distance measurement is ideal for "Find My" scenarios where a piece of tech goes missing, and you need to track it down on a digital map. It's also perfect for digital key tech, asset tracking, peripheral positioning, and more. And because it's so precise, it should cut down on man-in-the-middle attacks by bad actors.

How can this help you in real life? Maybe you have some Bluetooth accessories on your desk that you'd like to turn on or off when you're within (or outside of) a certain distance from your laptop. Channel Sounding makes it a lot smoother.

Scanning, pairing, and switching have leveled up

There are two new key components in Bluetooth 6.0 that help with scanning, pairing, and switching devices.

Monitoring Advertisers focuses on improving discovery and connection in Bluetooth LE. Previously, Bluetooth LE could filter advertising packets — small blasts of info sent from Bluetooth devices to help identify them without requiring a full connection — to improve efficiency.

This method, however, removed the ability for the host to see if the device advertising was still in range, which often resulted in wasted power as it scanned again. Bluetooth 6.0 now uses a Host Controller Interface (HCI) to prevent such high-duty-cycle scanning, which uses less battery power and makes device switching a lot smoother.

On the other side of the coin, a new Decision-Based Advertising Filtering (DBAF) technique should speed up device pairing and switching while also making it more efficient.

ISOAL enhancements improve reliability and reduce latency

Bluetooth's Isochronous Adaptation Layer (ISOAL) allows for more data to be sent in a packet, upping transmission rates in the process.

However, the transfer increase also usually leads to higher latency. If you're watching a movie, say, this can lead to the actors on the screen appearing as though they're lip-syncing their lines.

The ISOAL enhancements in Bluetooth 6.0 aim to solve the latency issue without affecting throughput. This advancement should also help smaller devices send data back to their parent tech, while also improving things like firmware updates for wireless devices.

A new LC3plus codec aims to improve audio quality

LC3plus is a new audio codec making its debut with Bluetooth 6.0. It builds on the free LC3 codec that's been available in Bluetooth LE since 2020, adding support for 32-bit audio at 96kHz, with a latency as low as 7ms.

LC3plus has been certified Hi-Res by the Japan Audio Society, and it's evidently what you want if you're interested in lossless streaming.

Unfortunately, LC3plus requires licensing, which means it probably won't suddenly show up in all headphones.

Bluetooth 6.0: The bottom line

Bluetooth 6.0 has only started its expected multi-year journey into our favorite wireless tech, and you can find it, for now, in some cutting-edge phones like the iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 10.

It remains extremely rare in Windows laptops — be sure to let me know in the comments below if there are any Windows PCs on the market offering Bluetooth 6.0 in 2025 — and most are still using Bluetooth 5.0 (and its latest 5.4 update). The older Bluetooth standard is perfectly fine for the vast majority of users.

I'm expecting to see a lot more Bluetooth 6.0 in laptops as PC makers begin to reveal what they've cooked up for 2026. Keep an eye on announcements coming out of CES 2026 for the latest updates.

Bluetooth 6.0: FAQ

On Windows 11, when you pair a Bluetooth device, it will appear across the system or apps with the default manufacturer-assigned name.

Although sometimes these generic names can be descriptive enough, other times, they can be long and confusing, especially if you have multiple devices of the same categories, such as printers and headphones.

If you have to change the name of one or more Bluetooth devices on Windows 11, you have more than one way to complete this configuration through the Control Panel and the Settings app. However, using the Settings app, you can only rename speakers, microphones, and printers.

In this how-to guide, I'll explain the steps to change the name of virtually any Bluetooth device connected to your computer.

How to change name of any Bluetooth device on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you have multiple ways to rename a Bluetooth device, including from the legacy Control Panel and through the Settings app, but only for specific devices.

Rename any Bluetooth device

To change the name of virtually any Bluetooth device on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.
3. Click the Device pages on the right side.

4. Click the "More devices and printer settings" option under the "Related settings" section.

5. Right-click the Bluetooth device and choose the Properties option.

6. Click the Bluetooth tab.
7. Confirm the name in the available field.

8. Click the Apply button.
9. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, the Bluetooth device should reflect the name across the system.

Rename Bluetooth headphones

To rename your Bluetooth headphones, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click the Sound page on the right side.

4. Click on the headphones or speakers connected to your computer under the "Output" section.

5. Click the Rename button from the top left.
6. Confirm the name of the Bluetooth audio device.

7. Click the Rename button.

After you complete the steps, the headphones or speakers should reflect the new name.

Rename Bluetooth microphones

To choose a different name for your Bluetooth microphone, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click the Sound page on the right side.

4. Click on the Bluetooth microphone connected to your computer under the "Input" section.

5. Click the Rename button from the top left.
6. Confirm the name of the input device.

7. Click the Rename button.

Once you complete the steps, the microphone will show with the name.

Rename Bluetooth printers

To change the name of a Bluetooth printer, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.
3. Click the Printers & scanners page on the right side.

4. Click on the Bluetooth printer connected to your computer.

5. Click on Additional printer settings.

6. Click the Rename button.
7. Confirm the name of the Bluetooth audio device.

8. Click the Save button.

After you complete the steps, the printer will appear across the system and applications with the new name.

It's important to note that while using the Control Panel, you can rename virtually any Bluetooth device. The Settings app only offers the option to rename specific devices, regardless of whether they use Bluetooth.

More resources

For more in-depth insights, troubleshooting tips, and the latest updates on Windows 11 and 10, be sure to explore these resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

• Microsoft just refreshed its Xbox Wireless Headset with a new version that supports Bluetooth 5.3.
• The new Xbox Wireless Headset promises up to 20 hours of battery life and supports Dolby Atmos for immersive spatial audio.
• You can purchase the new Xbox Wireless Headset starting today for $109.99, which is $10 more than the previous model.

Microsoft just launched a refreshed version of its Xbox Wireless Headset. The new accessory promises better battery life than its successor and also packs Dolby Atmos support for spatial audio. Bluetooth 5.3 and improved microphones round out the spec sheet of the welcome refresh. The new version of the Xbox Wireless Headset is available now for $109.99.

The overall design of the Xbox Wireless Headset is largely the same as its predecessor, though Microsoft removed the green accent seen in the 2021 model. Rather than tweak the design of the headset, Microsoft focused on upgrading the accessory's microphone, connectivity, and other features.

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A welcome refresh

It's impossible to judge the refreshed Xbox Wireless Headset against the best wireless headsets until we can get our hands on the new accessory, at least fully. Two pairs of headphones with the same specs can sound rather different in real-world testing.

To the extent that you can judge a headset off a spec sheet, the new Xbox Wireless Headset does well. It supports Bluetooth 5.3, Dolby Atmos, and gets up to 20 hours of battery life. The Xbox Wireless Headset's speaker response of 20Hz - 20kHz is what you'd expect for a headset in this price range.

The extended battery life and support for Bluetooth 5.3 should help the Xbox Wireless Headset compete with modern headsets from Turtle Beach, HyperX, and SteelSeries. Microsoft released the first Xbox Wireless Headset in 2021, making this year's new model a welcome refresh.

While Microsoft highlights that Dolby Atmos support comes at "no additional cost" in its post announcing the refreshed Xbox Wireless Headset, there is a price jump from $99.99 to $109.99. Presumably, that increase is due to improved microphones, Bluetooth 5.3 support, and other improvements in the newer headset.

Oftentimes, one of the most frustrating parts of traveling for work is being resigned to your laptop's touchpad for the entire trip. Most modern laptops have great touchpads, but no touchpad is quite a replacement for a good, reliable mouse. That's why having a compact mouse that you can easily slip into your laptop bag or backpack can be invaluable, and that's where the Dell Bluetooth Travel Mouse (MS700) comes in.

This isn't just any Bluetooth mouse — it boasts a unique design that allows it to twist into a flatter shape that helps it fit in basically any pocket. Yes, it's very similar to the premium Surface Arc Mouse from Microsoft, but Dell clearly aimed for making a more affordable and accessible alternative. For the most part, the company succeeds; if you care about portability above all else for your accessories, the Dell MS700 is functional and practical. However, it's only okay as an actual mouse, which is unfortunate.

This review was made possible with a review sample provided by Dell. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Dell MS700 mouse review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The Dell Bluetooth Travel Mouse retails for $49.99 at Dell and is available in two colors, black and blue.
• The mouse is powered with two AAA batteries, which are included in the box and are rated for up to two years of use.

The Dell Bluetooth Travel Mouse (MS700) avoids the premium segment occupied by the Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse, retailing for a reasonable $49.99 at Dell. This slimmer price tag helps alleviate some of the grievances I have with actually using this mouse, and will certainly help potential buyers if they're choosing between the (very few) foldable or twistable travel mice on the market. Color options are limited, but you do get to choose between classic black and the lovely "Misty Blue" color I got to review.

The Dell MS700 mouse isn't rechargeable, instead requiring two AAA batteries to function. This may lead to added cost in the long run, but Dell includes your first two batteries in the box and estimates up to two years of usage. I certainly haven't been able to make a dent in the battery life, so you hopefully shouldn't have to worry about batteries for a long time. In the compact packaging, all you'll find is the Dell Bluetooth Travel Mouse (MS700) and the included AAA batteries.

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Dell MS700 mouse review: The good

The pros highlights

• The Dell MS700 mouse connects to up to three devices at once via Bluetooth, and connects almost instantly when it's turned on.
• The design is overall practical and attractive, too, with a satisfying button action.
• Through Dell Peripheral Manager, you can customize the touch scroll speed, which mouse button is primary, and even the DPI level (from 1,000 to 4,000).

In its default state, the Dell MS700 mouse is a simple wave that lies flat on any surface or slips into any pocket. Give the rear half a 180-degrees twist, the mouse will turn on, instantly connecting to its paired device. It's a simple and effective design, and the Dell Bluetooth Travel Mouse turns on and connects instantly when you need it.

Tap the "Bluetooth" button on the bottom, and you can cycle between up to three connected devices seamlessly, which is a required feature for many. Once the mouse is connected, wireless performance is stable and responsive with no noticeable latency. At least on this front, Dell nails it in every category. The design itself is attractive and practical; the battery door is attached via magnets for easy access but remains snug and secure when closed, and the center touch scroll bar on top is flanked by two quality physical mouse buttons.

It's a different approach to the "folding" Surface Arc Mouse and its large haptic touch area that basically acts as a mobile touchpad, and many will likely prefer the physical buttons here (even if you lose the gesture support the Arc Mouse boasts). Download Dell Peripheral Manager, and you'll have additional options to customize your mouse, like the touch bar scroll speed. I was also shocked to find that the Dell MS700 mouse has an adjustable dots-per-inch (DPI) of 1,000 to 4,000 DPI, which is awesome to see.

The arch of the turned on Dell MS700 mouse definitely isn't as ergonomic as something like the Logitech MX Master 3S, but it's absolutely better than some of the other flatter travel mice you might find out there, and this mouse is a good, comfortable size with little weight.

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Dell MS700 mouse review: The bad

The cons highlights

• The mouse hardware is perfectly functional, but the actual mouse tracking can be inconsistent, the touch scroll bar can be downright annoying, and the mouse feet are obnoxiously loud on a hard surface.
• Also, the overall build quality isn't as polished as I'd like it to be, with some obvious seams and misaligned panels.

The design of the Dell Bluetooth Travel Mouse (MS700) is attractive, but the build quality doesn't quite match. Seams and gaps tell you exactly how the mouse is pieced together, and the two halves don't perfectly align on my review unit. I'm also concerned by the long-term durability of the twisting mechanism, especially since it's all too easy to try and twist the wrong direction when switching the mouse on or off.

As an actual mouse, too, the Dell MS700 leaves some to be desired. Its hardware is practical, and its wireless performance is admirable, but the optical LED sensor struggles to keep the mouse cursor accuracy and speed consistent at times. It simply feels less smooth than other wireless mice, and resulted in some missed inputs when using it.

The touch scroll bar is also an obvious downgrade over a physical scroll wheel, as it's easy to either miss it when you need it or hit it when you don't. On top of that, the scroll bar tries to retain momentum like a touchpad would, but it feels awkward and is unpredictable, often resulting in me switching tabs and suddenly scrolling to the opposite end of the article at high speeds.

Finally, the two soft plastic feet at the bottom of the Dell MS700 are unnecessarily loud, especially on any hard surface. They aren't the smoothest feet in the first place, and you're guaranteed to hear it scraping along no matter what you're doing. The feet also collect dust and tenaciously cling to it.

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Dell MS700 mouse review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want a solid mouse with a very compact design

If you're constantly traveling, having a solid mouse with multidevice connectivity and a design that allows it to fit in any pocket or bag (without losing ergonomics when you need it) could save your day. The Dell MS700 could be that mouse, given you can overlook its flaws.

✅You want a more affordable alternative to the Surface Arc Mouse

Been eyeing the Surface Arc Mouse but don't want to pay those prices? The Dell MS700 is $20-30 cheaper with a less futuristic and premium design, and you gain multidevice connectivity in the process. It's just as portable as the Arc Mouse, too.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You're willing to sacrifice portability for a better mouse experience

The Dell MS700 is far from the best or most consistent wireless mouse I've used, but I can forgive some of those faults because of its compact design and low cost. That being said, other options from companies like Logitech can provide a superior user experience at the cost of thicker, heavier, and less portable designs.

An attractive and portable design, a reasonable price tag, rock solid multidevice connectivity, excellent battery life, surprisingly decent ergonomics — the Dell Bluetooth Travel Mouse (MS700) has a lot going for it. That's especially true for those that need to carefully ration every bit of space in their bag and want a good wireless mouse to accompany them on their travels.

However, I can't overlook the Dell MS700's flaws. When it comes to simply being a wireless mouse, it's average — with some inconsistent tracking and scrolling in addition to the obnoxiously loud feet. The Dell MS700 is completely functional and more than usable, but there's simply no denying that a lot of wireless mice from companies like Logitech and Razer will give you a better user experience in exchange for some of that portability.

Of course, that might just be the price you have to pay to obtain a mouse this slim and compact. The Dell Bluetooth Travel Mouse (MS700) isn't likely to steal a spot on our list of the best mice, but that doesn't mean it can't be the perfect travel companion for you for $49.99 at Dell.

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What you need to know

• Microsoft just released Windows 11 Preview Build 25977 to Insiders in the Canary Channel.
• The update adds Bluetooth LE Audio support for hearing aids.
• Windows Location controls have been improved as well in the latest build.

Microsoft shipped Windows 11 Build 25977 to Insiders in the Canary Channel today. The update brings several improvements, including support for Bluetooth Low Energy Audio when using hearing aids that support the standard. Those with supported hearing aids can now pair them to a Windows 11 PC directly and take calls, listen to music, and stream audio.

Microsoft has a long history of improving accessibility with both hardware and software. Just this week the company announced a big addition that lets you map certain Xbox controller buttons to keyboard keys.

The update to Build 25977 also adds controls for location settings on Windows 11. The improvements make controlling location access on your PC a bit more like on a smartphone, such as showing a new prompt the first time an app attempts to access your location. A prompt will also appear when an app tries to use your location unexpectedly, which is important for security. There's also an option to never let apps access your location.

What is Bluetooth LE Audio?

Bluetooth Low Energy Audio, also known as Bluetooth LE Audio, delivers high-quality audio at lower power. As a result, people should experience better calls, videos, and music when using supported devices. Bluetooth Low Energy Audio is supported on many devices running 13th Gen Intel CPUs, such as the Galaxy Book3.

Of course, you also need an accessory that supports Bluetooth LE Audio, such as the hearing aids mentioned by Microsoft in its blog post on Build 25977.

Windows 11 Build 25977: What's new

Improving accessibility with Bluetooth LE Audio

We’re excited to announce that Windows has taken a significant step forward in accessibility by supporting the use of hearing aids equipped with the latest Bluetooth® Low Energy Audio (LE Audio) technology. Customers who use these new hearing aids are now able to directly pair, stream audio, and take calls on their Windows PCs with LE Audio support.

This feature is available on Windows devices with our recently announced Bluetooth® LE Audio support, which will be a growing market of devices in the coming months. In upcoming flights, we will be introducing additional capabilities to the hearing aids experience on Windows, such as controlling audio presets directly within Windows settings. Stay tuned for more details about these new capabilities as they roll out.

Windows Location Improvements

We’re adding new controls to help you manage which apps have access to the list of Wi-Fi networks around you, which could be used to determine your location.  You can view and modify which apps can access the list of Wi-Fi networks by navigating to Settings > Privacy & security > Location.

To simplify the process of sharing your location with trusted apps, we have also added a new prompt that will appear the first time an app attempts to access your location or Wi-Fi information. This prompt will enable location services and allow the app to access your location, helping you complete tasks such as finding directions or checking the weather without navigating to Settings. Additionally, the prompt will notify when an app unexpectedly requests access to location services so that you can deny it. If you never want apps to access your location, you can turn off ‘Notify when apps request location’ on the Location Settings page to hide these prompts when location has been turned off.

Once you have granted permission, apps that use location or Wi-Fi information will now appear in Recent activity on the Location page, and the location icon will show in the taskbar while the app is in-use. This will help you better monitor when apps are using this information.

App developers can learn about changes to the API permissions and actions they can take to improve app experiences by reviewing https://aka.ms/WifiAccessChange

SMB over QUIC Client Access Control

Starting with this build (Build 25977), SMB over QUIC now supports additional access control options for clients. This improves the existing SMB over QUIC feature, which introduced an alternative to the TCP network transport, providing secure, reliable connectivity to edge file servers over untrusted networks like the Internet.

With this new option, administrators can restrict which clients can access SMB over QUIC servers. This option gives organizations additional SMB over QUIC connection protections but does not change the Windows authentication used to make the SMB connection or the end user experience.

This new feature requires both the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25977 as well as a Windows Server Insider Preview Build 25967 or higher running in a VM.

For more information on configuring SMB over QUIC client access control, review https://aka.ms/SmbOverQuicCAC.

Microsoft outlines all of the changes and improvements in the build in its blog post. There are some noteworthy changes, such as Xbox Game Bar only appearing as Game Bar in the Start menu.

Bluetooth is a ubiquitous short-range wireless technology that allows compatible peripherals (mice, keyboards, headphones, and speakers) to communicate with a computer without the need for cables. It's usually used as a medium to transfer low-rate data between devices, such as phones, laptops, and desktops.

Typically, when you have to replace a broken Bluetooth adapter, you can remove it and install a new replacement. However, if the adapter happens to be integrated into the wireless card or motherboard, even when it does not work, Windows 10 can still see it, making the new adapter installation a challenge. The reason is that you are only allowed one adapter per device. Otherwise, you are likely to run into stability problems connecting devices.

This guide will walk you through the steps to install a second Bluetooth adapter on Windows 10 if removing the old wireless radio adapter is impossible.

How to install second Bluetooth adapter

Before installing a new Bluetooth adapter on Windows 10, you must first disable the old adapter to avoid conflicts and other problems.

Disable old Bluetooth adapter

To disable a Bluetooth adapter on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
3. Expand the Bluetooth branch.
4. Right-click the wireless adapter and select the Disable device option.

5. Click the Yes button.

Once you complete the steps, the system will no longer interact with the adapter, preventing problems with the new device.

If your Bluetooth adapter is up for a replacement, we recommend the TP-Link UB500 Bluetooth 5.0 dongle because of the compact design and USB connection that makes it the perfect option to add reliable short-range wireless connectivity on any laptop or desktop running Windows 10 or 11. The adapter uses Bluetooth 5.0 EDR technology, but it is compatible with previous standard versions.

Install new Bluetooth adapter

To install the new Bluetooth adapter on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Connect the new Bluetooth adapter to a USB port on the computer.
2. Allow Windows 10 to detect and install the driver automatically.

After you complete the steps, it's recommended to check the new short-range wireless radio is configured and working correctly.

Check new adapter

To determine whether the Bluetooth adapter was correctly recognized, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.

4. Confirm the Bluetooth toggle switch is available.

If the toggle switch is available, the device is correctly installed. Otherwise, if you only see an "Add Bluetooth or other device" button, there is a problem adding the short-range wireless radio adapter.

Install driver manually

On Windows 10, setting up a Bluetooth USB dongle should be a plug-and-play process. However, in some cases, you may be required to install the driver manually.

It's always a good idea to check your device manufacturer's support website to download the latest drivers and follow their instructions. However, most manufacturers publish their drivers and make them available through Windows Update, making the setup process much easier.

To install a Bluetooth driver manually on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Windows Update.
4. Click the "Check for updates" button (if applicable).
5. Click the "View optional updates" option.

6. Click the Driver updates tab.
7. Select the driver you want to update.

8. Click the "Download and install" button.

Once you complete the steps, you should be able to connect wireless devices to your computer without problems.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 or Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know 

What you need to know

• Google has finally enabled Bluetooth support for its Stadia controller. 
• The tool has been released allowing owners to use it with other platforms. 
• It arrives on the eve of Google Stadia's shutdown on January 18.

Having promised it last week, Google has at long last delivered probably the most asked-for feature for the Stadia Controller. On the eve of the planned complete shutdown of the Stadia service, the company has released a tool allowing owners of a Stadia Controller to unlock its Bluetooth capabilities. 

What this means is that while Stadia is dying, the hardware attached to it can continue to live a healthy life. The only other Google-branded hardware attached to Stadia is the Chromecast Ultra or the Chromecast with Google TV, and both of these have uses beyond gaming. 

Enabling Bluetooth on the Stadia Controller is done using a tool embedded into the Stadia website.

How to enable Bluetooth mode on Google Stadia Controller

There are a couple of things you need to make sure you have first. Top of the order is a Stadia Controller that has been charged, and a USB-C cable to hook it up to your PC. 

The next is a Chrome browser that's at least version 108. The good news is that as long as it's a Chromium-based browser on that version, you should be fine. For example, I used Brave 108 and it worked fine. 

From there you simply have to plug the controller into your PC and follow the on-screen instructions. Essentially the tool will check for the hardware first, then ask you to follow a few steps, one of which involves a mildly acrobatic button combination. Once it's in the right mode, the tool will then download and install the update. 

You are warned that this is a permanent change. Once it's done there's no going back. So if you want to get a little final Stadia gaming in before the switch off time, do that first. 

The tool also allows you to check whether you already enabled Bluetooth mode, handy I guess if you have multiple of the same color (as I have). The wording suggests the site will be sticking around and presumably you'll follow the same process in the future if there are any further updates needed for the hardware. 

This is only required if you plan to use your controller wirelessly with other devices going forward. Because of how Stadia worked, once the service shuts down there will be no way to play games wire-free without first enabling Bluetooth mode. 

You can continue to use the Stadia controller with a USB-C cable instead if you wish without having to do this first. 

It's also worth noting that you only have until December 31, 2023 to use the tool and unlock your controllers. After that, the last traces of Stadia will be gone forever. 

Supported platforms for the Stadia Controller

According to Google's official documentation, you'll be able to use your Stadia Controller on any of these platforms either wired or with Bluetooth mode enabled. 

• Windows 10 and 11 + Steam
• MacOS 13 + Steam
• ChromeOS
• Android

Alas, even enabling Bluetooth doesn't mean it'll work with the iPhone or iPad. Everyone else is pretty well set. It should also work with the Steam Deck. 

Whether it's one of the best controllers or not, at least the world won't see these things all sent to landfill in one giant dumping of e-waste.  

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Surface Duo 2 is receiving its December 2021 update.
• The update is 258 MB and brings the build number to 2021.923.272.
• The update brings many fixes, including improvements for app animations, touch responsiveness, LDAC Bluetooth, camera usability, and more.
• Additionally, there is now the ability to launch OneNote using the Surface Slim Pen and other new features.

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 hasn't had a significant update since its October 21 release, but that's changing with the one for December 6. As we have been talking about on the Windows Central Podcast, this update, coming in at 258MB, is quite substantial, and it has with it a significant changelog.

The update, which is now available for all Surface Duo 2s, addresses many ongoing minor issues:

• Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin—December 2021.
• Improves system reliability and stability.
• Improves app navigations with added support animations.
• Improves camera usability.
• Improves touch responsiveness.
• Improves support for LDAC enabled Bluetooth devices.
• Improves reliability in the Android Auto experience.

In addition to fixing a few things, Microsoft is also adding some new abilities, including:

• Enabled launching of OneNote when clicking the top button on Surface Slim Pen. Requires Surface Slim Pen to be paired with Surface Duo 2.
• Enabled in Surface Duo features, in Settings, to choose the default screen when folded.
• Enabled in Surface Duo features, in Settings, to choose preferences for answering phone calls when folded.

Being able to launch OneNote by clicking the Surface Slim Pen button is something many have been wanting since day one, so it's nice to see it here finally. We have heard from sources that, down the road, Microsoft may let users customize which app that button can launch. Additionally, inking on the lock screen is also considered for a later release.

To grab the update on Surface Duo 2, follow these instructions:

1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
2. Select Settings on your Surface Duo 2's home screen.
3. Select System.
4. Select System Update.
5. Select Check for update.
6. Select Restart now.

The update is 258 MB, so it may take time to download depending on your current internet speeds.

We'll have more coverage of this update, including a walkthrough of the features, soon.

Best Buy's featured deal of the day today is the Sony WH-1000XM3 Bluetooth active noise-canceling headphones on sale for $179.99. We've seen several deals on these headphones over the years, but this is the best price since 2019 at least. At MSRP the headphones were going for around $350, but more recently they've sold regularly for around $278. Either way, today's deal is a bargain, and it will expire at the end of the day.

It's a safe bet we're not going to see deals like this on the XM3 for much longer since they have been replaced by the newer and more advanced XM4. Of course, those headphones are not on sale and are currently going for close to $350 at Best Buy and Amazon. Since Sony isn't making the XM3 anymore, this may be your last chance at a deal on headphones that were once considered the best of the best at what they do.

With the XM3 headphones, you'll get USB-C charging and a battery life that can last for up to 30 hours with a quick-charging feature thanks to that USB-C that allows you to charge the headphones for 10 minutes and still get five hours of playback when you really need it.

There are also multiple microphones built in that work to analyze and eliminate background noise. Use the Adaptive Sound Control to determine just how much of that noise you actually want to hear. That can be important if you need to hear the traffic around you while you walk down the street or something like that. One of the other unique features is called atomic pressure optimization. This setting actually allows the headphiones to adapt to higer altitudes and adjust your noise-canceling.

Coimpared to Sony's previous iterations, the XM3 is powered by a QN1 HD processor that works up to four times faster than previous generations. It also has a Dual Noise Sensor, which is technology that helps to weaken ambient noise. Plus, you can access Google Assistant with just the push of a button and get all your questions answered.

Whether you're using your favorite Xbox controller with your PC or connecting it up to your phone to use with Xbox Cloud Gaming, shifting between devices can be irritating, to say the least.

On PC, you can use an official Xbox Wireless dongle to connect a controller up without using Bluetooth. On mobile devices, you can use USB-C cables on Android, but oftentimes it's more convenient to just use Bluetooth. If you're shifting between an Xbox Wireless signal and Bluetooth, you might think it requires re-pairing your controller every time. Thankfully, this actually isn't the case.

Here's a quick trick for quickly swapping your best Xbox controller between Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth signals on the fly.

Switch an Xbox controller between Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless

On the new Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S controllers, they have the ability to memorize the previous devices they were synced up to. Switching between signals is relatively easy, and just requires a couple of easy steps. First, make sure you have properly synced your Xbox controllers. If you don't know how to do that, refer to this guide: How to pair a wireless Xbox Bluetooth controller for Xbox One, mobile, or PC.

Note: This method only works with the newer Xbox Series S|X controllers. Older controllers, including the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, don't seem to fully support this feature.

1. Once you have paired your controller to the two main devices you use, you can double-tap the sync button to switch back to the most recent Xbox wireless device your controller was connected to. The sync button is located on the top of your Xbox controller.
2. If you hold down sync for 2-3 seconds and release it will flash twice, then recall the previous Bluetooth device it was connected to instead.
3. If you want to pair to a new device hold down the sync button for 4-6 seconds, it will flash continuously and become available for pairing.
4. Note that if you're trying to move the controller to a new Bluetooth device, it might be worth removing it from your list of paired Bluetooth devices before doing so, on the previous device.
5. On Android, long-press the Bluetooth icon in your action center to access the Bluetooth settings, to unpair devices.
6. On Windows 10, type Bluetooth straight into the Start Menu to access the Bluetooth & Other Devices settings menu. From here, you can select Bluetooth devices then hit Remove device to unpair them.

Note: One more pro-tip. If you're using an Xbox controller on a non-Xbox device, such as a phone or a PC, you can long-press the white Xbox button (also known as the nexus button) for 8-10 seconds to turn off the controller.

You can only recall one Bluetooth device, and one Xbox wireless device using this method. If you want to pair it with a new device, you will have to remove the device from your tablet, PC, or mobile phone's Bluetooth settings before moving across. Your Xbox will automatically forget the previous controllers once you have paired them with a new Xbox.

Microsoft's Xbox platform has been at the forefront of wireless gaming accessories alongside PlayStation for quite a while. The Xbox controller itself is among the most popular in history. Since then, Microsoft has spawned a range of licensed products from all sorts of manufacturers that leverage the "Xbox Wireless" radio signal.

Since we're putting a spotlight on Bluetooth this week, I thought I'd answer a question I get every so often on social media about Xbox consoles and their apparent lack of interest in supporting Bluetooth.

So then, why exactly doesn't the Xbox One console support Bluetooth, even though the controllers themselves do? The answer is pretty simple: interference.

Bluetooth is often too flimsy

The requirements for wireless connectivity on Xbox makes Bluetooth simply unsuitable in several ways. First and foremost is bandwidth. Speaking to Xbox Senior Hardware Program Manager Gabi Mitchel at a previous event, she described how the Xbox One wireless signal can support up to eight controllers and headsets while maintaining sub 8ms latency. Bluetooth, conversely, can manage around two.

Additionally, Bluetooth is highly susceptible to interference from other devices, due to the way it continually scans for new connections. If you're someone who wears a Bluetooth-enabled watch or uses a Bluetooth-enabled phone, simply being in range of your Xbox would impact the bitrate, and thus responsiveness, of your controls.

If Microsoft leveraged Bluetooth, they would also be forced to conform to specific standards set by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, which Microsoft can't directly control. The Xbox Wireless signal gives Microsoft far more flexibility, which is why we can now get laptops and headsets with Xbox Wireless baked directly within.

Where Xbox Bluetooth can be useful

Microsoft's upcoming game streaming platform, tentatively dubbed Project xCloud, uses Bluetooth on Android simply because it has no other choice. To bake the Xbox Wireless signal into a phone would require a specific chip, which would impact the design language of the device. Manufacturers are already trying to squeeze out everything they can in the pursuit of ever-increasing thinness, ditching the 3.5mm headphone jack. It's simply more practical to go with what every phone already has: Bluetooth.

For a single controller connected to your device, it will likely be okay in most scenarios. Bluetooth technology is always improving, too, so a lot of these issues may be a thing of the past in a decade or so.

Bluetooth future?

It seems unlikely that the next Xbox will support Bluetooth either, owing to the superior signal bandwidth and quality of Xbox Wireless. But who knows what could happen a couple of decades down the line? Breakthroughs in Bluetooth tech may eventually make proprietary wireless signals redundant. We can only wait and speculate, though.

Do you use an Xbox controller with Bluetooth on mobile or PC? How does it handle for you? Hit the comments, let us know.

All 20 stories from our 2019 Spotlight on Bluetooth package, all in one place. Whether it's a spot of Bluetooth history, a bit of humor or wireless memery, or some thoughtful analysis on the future of the short-range tech, you'll find it right here, courtesy of the folks at Android Central, iMore and Windows Central.

General Bluetooth

• Introduction to our 2019 Spotlight on Bluetooth
• Where did the Bluetooth name and logo come from?
• A history of all the major Bluetooth releases and updates
• Where Bluetooth is headed, and the challenges it must overcome to get there
• Bluetooth 5: Is it actually better, and do you need it?
• Why Bluetooth is so great (and so terrible): A story told via memes
• Why the Bluetooth in your car sucks (and always will)
• 12 weird Bluetooth gadgets the Mobile Nations team uses every day

Windows

• 5 major Bluetooth milestones at Microsoft
• How to master Bluetooth on Windows 10
• Why Xbox One (still) doesn't use Bluetooth
• Why wireless gaming mice still use RF receivers instead of Bluetooth
• Windows Central staff's favorite Bluetooth gadgets right now

Android

• A closer look at Google's Fast Pair technology and how it builds on Bluetooth
• Top tips for getting your Android devices to play nicely with Bluetooth
• Yes, Bluetooth sucks, but it was good enough to kill the headphone jack on phones

Apple and iOS

• The secret to Apple's ecosystem is ... Bluetooth?
• How to solve common Bluetooth issues on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch and Mac
• Bluetooth vs AirPlay 2: Which is the superior wireless technology?
• iMore staff's favorite Bluetooth tech

The Windows Central team uses a lot of tech, in addition to just Windows and Microsoft devices. A lot of that tech has Bluetooth, for better or worse. Here are our favorite devices from across the board, including smartwatches, headphones and earbuds, Xbox controllers, and more.

All 20 stories from our 2019 Spotlight on Bluetooth package, all in one place. Whether it's a spot of Bluetooth history, a bit of humor or wireless memery, or some thoughtful analysis on the future of the short-range tech, you'll find it right here, courtesy of the folks at Android Central, iMore and Windows Central.

General Bluetooth

• Introduction to our 2019 Spotlight on Bluetooth
• Where did the Bluetooth name and logo come from?
• A history of all the major Bluetooth releases and updates
• Where Bluetooth is headed, and the challenges it must overcome to get there
• Bluetooth 5: Is it actually better, and do you need it?
• Why Bluetooth is so great (and so terrible): A story told via memes
• Why the Bluetooth in your car sucks (and always will)
• 12 weird Bluetooth gadgets the Mobile Nations team uses every day

Windows

• 5 major Bluetooth milestones at Microsoft
• How to master Bluetooth on Windows 10
• Why Xbox One (still) doesn't use Bluetooth
• Why wireless gaming mice still use RF receivers instead of Bluetooth
• Windows Central staff's favorite Bluetooth gadgets right now

Android

• A closer look at Google's Fast Pair technology and how it builds on Bluetooth
• Top tips for getting your Android devices to play nicely with Bluetooth
• Yes, Bluetooth sucks, but it was good enough to kill the headphone jack on phones

Apple and iOS

• The secret to Apple's ecosystem is ... Bluetooth?
• How to solve common Bluetooth issues on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch and Mac
• Bluetooth vs AirPlay 2: Which is the superior wireless technology?
• iMore staff's favorite Bluetooth tech

Bluetooth touches nearly every form and variety of electronics we interact with daily. There are the obvious things, like your phone, smartwatch, and wireless headphones. Thanks to the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, it's also seen in many less obvious gadgets, ranging from the lights above your head to that fancy meat thermometer in your kitchen.

Despite that ubiquity, Bluetooth is rarely something we, as consumers, give a second thought. It's just there. But behind the scenes, Bluetooth has been on a slow, and occasionally rocky, march forward, helping to push a lot of the tech and innovation we now take for granted into existence (even if some of it is, well, regrettable).

Going forward, Bluetooth will likely continue that tradition of iterative change, but there are also some potentially fascinating improvements and challenges in store for the protocol.

Bluetooth's past: An evolution 'in fits and starts'

The history of Bluetooth releases isn't a smooth one. "It's evolved in fits and starts," says Bill Ray, a senior research director for Gartner. "Bluetooth has tried to encompass everything that was asked of it, and it has failed on several occasions."

Bluetooth has its origins in 1998 when the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) was formed. A year later, the group released the first version of the specification, which was nothing like the Bluetooth we have today. It was extremely slow, and it was primarily developed for conducting voice calls over wireless headsets.

Ray refers to this 1.0 release and several of its successors as "Bluetooth classic," laying down a marker before Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which allows for more efficient connections between devices. It's in these years, spanning from 1999 through 2009, where we sse some examples of these "fits and starts."

One example Ray points to is an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) networking protocol for Bluetooth, which ultimately never caught on but would have allowed for very precise location-tracking applications. Another proposed effort, a Bluetooth solution to "negotiate" Wi-Fi direct connections, also never happened.

Outside of these efforts, Bluetooth faced various privacy concerns over the years. Version 4.2 would go a long way towards securing things with the requirement that people give explicit permission before their devices could be tracked.

There was also the notable clash with 4G, which interfered with Bluetooth signals and vice versa, causing connection issues and excessive battery drain. This was fixed in version 4.1 but was a major pain point at the time.

"When we look at Bluetooth, it's not a smooth evolution from where we were to where we are," Ray says. "It's a series of forks going off-road, lots of which didn't make it."

All the while, however, each successive specification update came with a focus on improving speed and reliability. The latest versions, Bluetooth 5 and 5.1, brought with them even greater bumps to speed and range, at up to 50 Mb/s and 800 feet. Several enhancements geared toward combating Bluetooth's hunger for power have also made houses, businesses, and vehicles full of connected gadgets feasible.

Bluetooth's future: Location, location, location

Because its history is pocked with a mix of successes and false starts, it's easy to imagine Bluetooth expanding in directions most of us wouldn't expect. Pegging down what will stick is the harder part. One area that holds some of the highest potential, however, is extremely precise location tracking.

David Hollander, director of marketing at Bluetooth SIG, points to the potential of Bluetooth direction finding, a feature specified in version 5.1, as an exciting development. Boiled down, the direction-finding updates allow devices to understand the precise position, down to centimeter-level accuracy, of other devices.

That sounds like a boon for something like a Tile tracker. But it's about more than finding your lost keys on a busy morning.

"Imagine a room in a museum where there are multiple exhibits that have associated beacons," Hollander says. "Currently, those point-of-interest applications can let a visitor know about all the exhibits in a room, and then you have to select what you want to learn more about. With direction finding, it'll streamline that whole experience. Museum visitors will be able to simply point their smartphones at an exhibit and get more information on that item."

This idea extends further to other areas, like being guided to your section and seat at a stadium or to the exact loaf of bread you're looking for at a supermarket. Car manufacturers may decide to get in on the action as well, using smartphones to replace keys. "Direction finding will really help that key-less entry experience, and they can be even more accurate and more secure," Hollander says.

Evolving audio users, and a potential Trojan Horse for your TV

As its foundation, audio is the space where Bluetooth continues to dominate. But it's also one of those areas that can be divisive for anyone who has used a Bluetooth speaker or headphones. This often comes down to audio quality, though there are other pain points as well, such as battery life.

A significant reason for this is the chaos of codecs, Ray says. Because Bluetooth doesn't specify a codec, you can have a high-quality speaker paired to an expensive phone and still experience terrible audio quality because the speaker doesn't support particular codecs. On the opposite end, a really cheap phone may sound great with that speaker because both devices happen to support the same codec.

Bluetooth will solve this in the future by specifying a high quality, standard audio codec as a minimum requirement to be built into the hardware, Ray says. "That has a couple of implications because that means, not only do we have better quality and more compatibility, but also, if every device has that codec in, then it's worthwhile putting that codec into hardware." And because hardware integration is always more efficient than handling things in software, this will have the add-on effect of increasing battery life, according to Ray.

Another major area Bluetooth will make gains is with a broadcast protocol that can send audio to more than one speaker at the same time. Apple has already done this with its AirPods by extending the standard, but it will become a part of the base Bluetooth standard in the future. That will likely solve any synchronization issues you may experience while also, once again, extending battery life by getting rid of inefficiencies in the standard.

Hollander sees the broadcast protocol as a chance for people to "tune-in to the world" around them, not only for the public at large but for people with hearing disabilities, too. He imagines scenarios in which you can quickly and easily tune-in to a silent TV at an airport or gym, with the audio directly transmitting to your earbuds. But that could also extend to cinema experiences and lecture halls, where audio could be sent in both a person's native language or multiple languages.

"We really believe that this kind of tech has the potential to not only improve the quality of life for people with hearing loss but really change the way we connect with each other and the world around us," Hollander says.

Where the broadcast protocol becomes very interesting is in its implications for TV. "If you're broadcasting to two speakers, you can also broadcast to five," Ray says. "So if you have a TV with Bluetooth, and you want surround sound, you can now broadcast across all of your speakers at the same time using a single Bluetooth connection."

That would be a big coup, according to Ray, who says Bluetooth has been trying to get into TVs for decades. In a market with notoriously thin profit margins, manufacturers haven't, so far, been wooed to eat the cost of putting Bluetooth in TVs on a large scale. If those transmitters make their way into a significant portion of the TV market because surround sound over Bluetooth proves attractive enough, Ray says, it could prove to be a Trojan Horse for Bluetooth remote controls, connecting your phone to your TV, and all sorts of other things.

Competition and growth

It's easy to see Bluetooth as the answer to all problems if you're invested in its success. There are undoubtedly significant opportunities for Bluetooth's growth, but it doesn't exist in a vacuum. Some potential competitors are also interested in certain applications, and they're not from small companies.

The main juggernauts with potential to challenge Bluetooth, according to Ray, are efforts from Apple and Amazon, and they're both set to compete on location tracking. For Amazon, that's in the form of Amazon Sidewalk, which aims to connect different IoT devices over a "long-range, low-bandwidth network." We're talking across neighborhoods and beyond, not just within individual homes.

If it works as Amazon says, Sidewalk has broad implications for keeping your smart devices connected to a network, even in dead spots for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. There are privacy concerns, but it's the location-tracking potential that's especially interesting, and Amazon has already teased a novel application: finding your lost dog.

A wearable like Fetch, which fits on your dog's collar, could take advantage of this sort of broad, crowd-sourced location tracking, helping you locate your dog if it wanders off. "If Amazon opens up Sidewalk — which I think they will — now my dog's got this little transmitter on," Ray says. "As long as it's within two or three miles of an Amazon Dot or Amazon Echo, then I can get a GPS location on that."

For Apple's part, there's the new U1 Ultra-wideband chip featured in the iPhone 11. Apple positioned the chip as a way for U1-equipped devices to be spatially aware of one another, allowing you to do things like point your iPhone at another Apple device to tell AirDrop to prioritize it for file transfers. There's also evidence Apple is working on a Tile-like tracking tag that makes use of the U1.

Ultra-wideband has been around for years, and it's highly precise for tracking things, but it hasn't taken off. However, Ray thinks Apple may have the heft to make it happen — if the company opens it up. "If they decide to really make it open or allow other people to use it, then that's a potential competitor to Bluetooth for location services."

Beyond location tracking, Bluetooth has to compete with its own reputation. "Because the use cases that we're most known for and people associate [us] with are certainly short-range use cases with those requirements in mind, we're having to kind of re-educate markets around the capabilities that extend well beyond those," said Hollander.

Ray agrees that Bluetooth's reputation is one of its barriers, but for another set of reasons. "It does have a reputation as a consumer brand, particularly in the U.S., where you think of it as pretty cheap boombox speakers [that] aren't very high quality." he said. "That reputation, I think, is a significant problem for Bluetooth, particularly as it goes into industrial and enterprise settings, where it's being used for mission-critical manufacturing, lighting control, and things like that."

It's those industrial and enterprise settings that will be increasingly important to Bluetooth's growth in the coming years, Gartner projects. For a lot of that market in the U.S., where electricity is relatively expensive, that's largely down to the potential of smart lighting's ability to cut costs. "If you can dim the lights when nobody is in [a particular] aisle at the supermarket, you've got very clear cost savings," Ray says. "You can say, 'OK, that's going to save me $2 billion a year, and therefore I can spend $1.5 billion putting this in, and that's my return on investment.'"

Other areas, like factory automation and presence detection to quickly see how busy your company is at any given point in time, are also growth points, according to Ray. "There's a lot of interesting things going on [in the enterprise]; lots of interesting applications."

The future is blue

If there's anything clear-cut about all of this, it's that Bluetooth isn't going anywhere. We may see "Bluetooth classic" fall to the wayside as the more power-efficient BLE continues to take its place, and legacy applications disappear. Likewise, we'll see competitors pop up to challenge Bluetooth on certain fronts, and some, like Amazon Sidewalk, might make headway.

However, Bluetooth has lasted 20 years because of its ability to change and adapt to what's asked of it. Some of that, Ray points out, has come about as a result of copying what competitors do, but in its own way. And that's a smart strategy that has helped it thrive this long and will likely continue into the future.

"By listening to what the competition does well, they've made Bluetooth better than the competition," Rays says. "And that's been the evolution of the standard, and it's been very successful."

All 20 stories from our 2019 Spotlight on Bluetooth package, all in one place. Whether it's a spot of Bluetooth history, a bit of humor or wireless memery, or some thoughtful analysis on the future of the short-range tech, you'll find it right here, courtesy of the folks at Android Central, iMore and Windows Central.

General Bluetooth

• Introduction to our 2019 Spotlight on Bluetooth
• Where did the Bluetooth name and logo come from?
• A history of all the major Bluetooth releases and updates
• Where Bluetooth is headed, and the challenges it must overcome to get there
• Bluetooth 5: Is it actually better, and do you need it?
• Why Bluetooth is so great (and so terrible): A story told via memes
• Why the Bluetooth in your car sucks (and always will)
• 12 weird Bluetooth gadgets the Mobile Nations team uses every day

Windows

• 5 major Bluetooth milestones at Microsoft
• How to master Bluetooth on Windows 10
• Why Xbox One (still) doesn't use Bluetooth
• Why wireless gaming mice still use RF receivers instead of Bluetooth
• Windows Central staff's favorite Bluetooth gadgets right now

Android

• A closer look at Google's Fast Pair technology and how it builds on Bluetooth
• Top tips for getting your Android devices to play nicely with Bluetooth
• Yes, Bluetooth sucks, but it was good enough to kill the headphone jack on phones

Apple and iOS

• The secret to Apple's ecosystem is ... Bluetooth?
• How to solve common Bluetooth issues on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch and Mac
• Bluetooth vs AirPlay 2: Which is the superior wireless technology?
• iMore staff's favorite Bluetooth tech

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that provides a medium to connect peripherals over a short distance to your computer without the need for messy wiring cluttering your space. In addition, it's a technology that also offers the ability to send and receive data (at low speeds) between devices.

Whether you have a laptop, tablet, or desktop, you can connect a long list of accessories, including keyboards, mice, headphones, printers, scanners, game controllers, even your phone, and more without sacrificing any of the available USB ports. However, you'll need a compatible Bluetooth adapter before you can pair any device, but even though most devices include this technology built into the system, it's not always the case.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to master the necessary knowledge to get started using Bluetooth, including the steps to confirm the technology is available on your computer, configure the adapter and pair a peripheral, as well as the instructions to use some of its features, and the steps to troubleshoot and fix common problems.

• How to determine device has Bluetooth on Windows 10
• How to install Bluetooth on Windows 10
• How to access advanced Bluetooth settings on Windows 10
• How to enable Bluetooth on Windows 10
• How to check Bluetooth version on Windows 10
• How to connect peripheral using Bluetooth on Windows 10
• How to transfer files using Bluetooth on Windows 10
• How to lock device using Bluetooth on Windows 10
• How to disconnect peripheral using Bluetooth on Windows 10
• How to determine Bluetooth device battery level on Windows 10
• How to fix common Bluetooth problems on Windows 10

How to determine device has Bluetooth on Windows 10

Although modern laptops and desktops come acquitted with Bluetooth, it's not always true. If you're not certain whether your computer has a radio adapter, you can always check using Device Manager.

To determine if your computer supports Bluetooth using Device Manager, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
3. Confirm the Bluetooth adapter is present.Quick tip: Sometimes, the adapter will appear under the "Network adapter" branch.

Once you complete the steps, you will know for sure if your computer has a Bluetooth adapter.

You can also use the Bluetooth & other devices settings page to find out if an adapter is available, but only if the adapter is already enabled. As a result, the best method to find out is using Device Manager.

How to install Bluetooth on Windows 10

If your device doesn't include support for Bluetooth, you can always install a new adapter using a USB dongle or upgrading the Wi-Fi adapter (usually on laptops). However, you can only use one Bluetooth adapter per computer, which means that the installation process will be different whether you're adding new or upgrading an old adapter.

Adding Bluetooth adapter

Depending on whether you're using a desktop computer or laptop, there are different ways to add Bluetooth to your device.

In these instructions, we're outlining the basic steps to install a dongle adapter:

1. Connect the Bluetooth dongle to your computer.
2. Allow the system to detect and install the required driver automatically.

After you complete the steps, the adapter will install, and you should be able to start pairing devices to your computer. However, if the adapter wasn't detected correctly, you may need to install the Bluetooth driver manually.

Installing Bluetooth driver

Adding a Bluetooth adapter should be a plug-and-play process, but depending on the device, you may need to install its driver manually using these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
3. Expand the Other devices branch.
4. Right-click the adapter with the yellow mark, and select the Update driver option.

5. Click the Search automatically for updated driver software option.

6. (Optional) If Windows 10 didn't install the driver, click the Search for updated drivers on Windows Update button.

7. Click the Check for updates button from the Settings app.

8. Restart the device.

Once you complete the steps, you should be able to start connecting peripherals using this short-range wireless technology.

Replacing Bluetooth adapter

If the device already has a Bluetooth adapter, but it's not working correctly, or you want to use another adapter, you can't connect the new adapter and expect it to work. You must physically remove the old adapter, or disable it, before installing the new Bluetooth radio.

To replace an old Bluetooth adapter, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
3. Expand the Bluetooth branch.
4. Right-click the adapter and select the Disable device option.

5. Click the Yes button.
6. Connect the new Bluetooth dongle to your computer.
7. Allow the system to detect and install the required driver automatically.

If the computer is having trouble adding the new device, you should proceed with the steps to install the driver manually.

In the case that the adapter is ready for a replacement, we recommend the Bluetooth USB Adapter CSR 4.0 USB Dongle from ZEXMTE because of its low profile design and USB connectivity allowing to easily add Bluetooth to virtually any device. Also, it's plug-and-play, which means that Windows 10 will detect and install it automatically, and the adapter uses Low Energy technology, and it's compatible with previous versions of the standard.

How to access advanced Bluetooth settings on Windows 10

Although the options to manage Bluetooth are now available through the Settings app, no every option is available to you in the app.

If you want to access additional Bluetooth settings on Windows 10, use these steps.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.
4. Under the "Related settings" section, on the right side, click the More Bluetooth options link.

While in the settings page, you can access discovery, notification, as well as the option to show or hide the Bluetooth icon in the notification area. In addition, you can access the view and set up COM ports, and view hardware information about all the devices connecting using the wireless radio.

How to enable Bluetooth on Windows 10

On Windows 10, there are multiple ways that you can go enabling Bluetooth on your computer, including using the Settings app, Action Center, and Device Manager.

Enabling feature using Settings

To enable Bluetooth on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.
4. Turn on the Bluetooth toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, the wireless radio will enable on your device.

Enabling feature using Action Center

Alternatively, you can also enable Bluetooth from Action Center using these steps:

1. Open Action Center.Quick tip: Use the Windows key + A keyboard shortcut for quicker access to Action Center.
2. Click the Expand option from the top-left.
3. Click the Bluetooth button.

After you complete the steps, Bluetooth should be operational and ready to pair new devices.

Enabling adapter

If you don't see the option to enable the adapter in the Settings app or Action Center, it could indicate that your device doesn't have the functionality or someone disabled the radio adapter.

To enable a Bluetooth adapter with Device Manager, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
3. Expand the Bluetooth branch.
4. Right-click the adapter and select the Enable device option.

Once you complete the steps, the adapter will enable on your computer, and the option to control Bluetooth will appear in the Settings app as well as in Action Center.

How to check Bluetooth version on Windows 10

While you may have support for Bluetooth on your device, the version of the adapter will dictate the features that you'll be able to use. For instance, if you want to maintain a wireless connection with another device over 300 feet, then you'll need Bluetooth version 5. Or if you're going to use Nearby sharing on Windows 10, you'll need at least Bluetooth version 4, as the feature relies on the Low Energy standard.

To find out the version of the Bluetooth adapter on your tablet, laptop, or desktop, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.
4. Under the "Related settings" section, on the right side, click the More Bluetooth options link.

5. Click the Hardware tab.
6. Select the Bluetooth adapter.
7. Click the Properties button.

8. Click the Advanced tab.
9. Under the "Firmware Version" section, confirm the LMP version number.

10. Check the following list to determine the version of your Bluetooth adapter:
    1. LMP 10.x: Bluetooth 5.1.
    2. LMP 9.x: Bluetooth 5.0.
    3. LMP 8.x: Bluetooth 4.2.
    4. LMP 7.x: Bluetooth 4.1.
    5. LMP 6.x: Bluetooth 4.0.
    6. LMP 5.x: Bluetooth 3.0 + HS.
    7. LMP 4.x: Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR.
    8. LMP 3.x: Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR.
    9. LMP 2.x: Bluetooth 1.2.
    10. LMP 1.x: Bluetooth 1.1.
    11. LMP 0.x: Bluetooth 1.0b.

Once you complete the steps, you'll have a better understanding of the version as well as features available with the adapter.

Just remember that some releases are software update only, and not hardware updates. For instance, when Bluetooth version 4.0 released, later on, a software revision was released that bumped the version number to 4.1.

Also, you can always check the hardware specifications on your manufacturer support website to find out the version of the radio adapter.

How to connect peripheral using Bluetooth on Windows 10

Depending on the peripheral, you can use a number of ways to connect it using Bluetooth.

Using Settings

To connect any Bluetooth device to your desktop, laptop, or tablet, power on the device, make it discoverable, and use these steps:

Quick tip: The process to enable pairing mode will be different depending on the device. Usually, if the device doesn't have a screen, simply turning the switch on will initiate the pairing. However, if the device as a screen, you may need to perform some specific steps to enable pairing mode, including confirming a passcode. If you're not sure how to start the pairing mode on your accessory, make sure to check your manufacturer's website for specific details.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.
4. Click the Add Bluetooth or another device.

5. Click the Bluetooth option.

6. Select the device as soon as it appears on the list.

7. Continue with the on-screen directions to pair the device (if applicable). Sometimes, depending on the accessory, some additional steps may be required, including confirming a pairing code if you're connecting a something with a display (for example, a phone).

After you complete the steps, the device (keyboard, mouse, printer, or scanner) will connect wirelessly to your computer.

Using Swift Pair

Swift Pair is a feature designed to save you steps pairing compatible Bluetooth accessories. The feature uses proximity to detect the device and shows an alert in the notification area to complete the setup automatically.

Enabling Swift Pair

To enable Swift Pair with over the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) protocol on your device, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.
4. Check the Show notifications to connect using Swift Pair option.

Once you complete the steps, you can start connecting compatible devices with this feature to your computer.

Connecting device

To connect a compatible device using Swift Pair, use these steps:

1. Power on Bluetooth peripheral.
2. Make the device discoverable.
3. Bring it closer to your computer for Windows 10 to detect it.
4. In the notification, click the Connect button.

5. Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

After you complete the steps, you can use the device like any other Bluetooth peripheral.

Using Action Center

To pair peripherals, such as speakers or external displays, power on the device, make it discoverable, and use these steps:

1. Open Action center.Quick tip: Use the Windows key + A keyboard shortcut for quicker access to Action center.
2. Click the Connect button.

3. Select the Bluetooth device from the list.

4. Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

Once you complete the steps, the peripheral will connect automatically using Bluetooth radio signal to your computer.

How to transfer files using Bluetooth on Windows 10

On Windows 10, Bluetooth allows you to connect accessories, such as keyboards, mice, speakers, printers, and similar devices, but the technology can also enable other experiences, such as the ability to share files across devices.

Using Nearby sharing feature

Nearby sharing is a feature that uses Bluetooth in combination with a Wi-Fi connection to share files with other nearby devices without the need for complicated steps.

Enabling Nearby sharing

To enable Nearby sharing on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Shared experiences.
4. Turn on the Nearby sharing feature.

5. Use the I can share or receive connect from drop-down menu to select the sharing method.

Once you complete the steps, you'll need to repeat the instructions on the destination device.

Transferring with Nearby sharing

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Right-click the file to be shared.
3. Select the Share button.

4. Select the device from the Share interface.

5. On the destination device, click the Save & Open (or Save) button to transfer the file.

After you complete the steps, the file will be available in the "Downloads" folder.

These are quick instructions to use Nearby sharing on Windows 10, but there are more ways to use this feature. You can check out this guide to learn more.

Using Bluetooth send and receive feature

Alternatively, you can also use the legacy send and receive feature to share files with other devices. However, unlike Nearby sharing, you can only share small files, because of the speed limitations of Bluetooth, large files can take a long time to transfer. Also, one person can configure this feature, but the initial set up involves a lot of back and forth between devices. As a result, this is more like a two people operation.

To send files to another computer with Bluetooth, use these steps:

1. Right-click the Bluetooth icon from the taskbar notification area.
2. Select the Send a file option.

3. Select the device to transfer the data.

4. Check the Use authentication option.
5. Click the Next button.
6. Click the Browse button to select the file to share.

7. Click the Next button.
8. On the source computer, click the Add a device notification.
9. On the destination computer, click the Add a device notification.
10. On the source computer, click the Yes button to confirm pairing.

11. On the destination computer, click the Yes button to confirm pairing.
12. On the source computer, click the Close button.
13. On the destination computer, click the Close button.
14. Click the Finish button.

Once you complete the steps, the file will transfer wirelessly using Bluetooth and your Wi-Fi connection from the source to the destination device.

Although using the above steps, you need to go through the pairing process to connect both computers. It's something that you have to do only once. After the connection has been made, you only need to repeat steps No. 1 through 5, and step No. 12.

Using Your Phone app

If you're trying to transfer photos from your phone to your computer, if your mobile device is compatible, you should use the Your Phone app.

The Your Phone app is a fairly new experience on Windows 10 that allows to link your mobile phone to your computer to send and receive SMS messages, make phone calls, remote access to your phone screen, as well as the ability to browse recent photos and transfer them to your computer with the help of Bluetooth.

Setting up Your Phone

To set up Your Phone on your compatible mobile device as well as on your computer, use these steps:

1. On your mobile phone, open Google Play.
2. Search for the Your Phone Companion app.
3. Tap the Install button.
4. Tap the Open button.
5. Tap the Sign in with Microsoft button.

6. Tap the Continue button. (If the app selected the incorrect account, select the Sign in with a different account option.)
7. Tap the Continue button.
8. Tap Allow, Allow, Allow, and Allow to give the app permission to your data and files.

9. Tap the Continue button.
10. Tap Allow to let the app run in the background.
11. On your computer, open Your Phone app from the Start menu.
12. Select your phone device platform.

13. Click the Continue button. (If the app selected the incorrect account, select the Sign in with a different account option.)
14. On your mobile phone, tap Allow on the Your Phone notification.

After you complete the steps, the phone will link to your computer, and you can start transferring images as well as accessing other features.

Transferring files using Your Phone

To copy files from your mobile device to your computer with Your Phone, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Your Phone and click the top result to open the app.
3. Click on Photos.
4. Right-click the picture and select the action, such as Save as to transfer the file to your computer.

5. Select the folder location to export the image.
6. Click the Save button.

Once you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the steps to transfer additional pictures.

Using this option, you can only choose to transfer among the last several images you created.

In addition to transferring pictures, using the Your Phone app, on supported devices, you can also send messages, get notifications as well as control your phone screen without having to unlock your phone using Bluetooth.

How to lock device using Bluetooth on Windows 10

On Windows 10, Dynamic lock is a security feature that offers the ability to lock your computer automatically when you step away. The feature works sensing the proximity of personal Bluetooth devices (such as your phone or wearable gadget) paired to your computer. When enabled, if the Bluetooth device is near your computer, Windows 10 will lock itself automatically after a short period.

To allow Windows 10 to lock automatically, first pair your phone (or wearable) to your computer, and then use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Sign-in options.
4. Under the "Dynamic lock" section, check the Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away option.

After you complete the steps, you can test the feature by walking away with your phone, for example, and returning after a few minutes to find the device locked. Alternatively, you can always turn off your phone temporarily to test the feature.

Of course, you'll still need your password or PIN to sign in again, unless you're using Windows Hello.

How to disconnect peripheral using Bluetooth on Windows 10

If you no longer need a Bluetooth device, you can remove it using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.
4. Select the Bluetooth peripheral from the right side.
5. Click the Remove device button.Quick tip: If the "Remove device" button is grayed out, make sure to enable Bluetooth to make the option available.

Once you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the instructions to remove additional Bluetooth devices from your computer.

How to determine Bluetooth device battery level on Windows 10

On supported Bluetooth accessories, Windows 10 can show you the current battery level as well as alerts when recharging is required without the need for third-party software.

To view the battery level of a Bluetooth device on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.
4. Confirm the battery level of the Bluetooth device on the right side.

After you complete the steps, you'll have a better understanding of the battery life of a particular wireless device.

How to fix common Bluetooth problems on Windows 10

When working with Bluetooth devices, there are a lot of factors that can affect connectivity, but usually, it comes down to a problem with the adapter, driver, or the current connection.

The instructions below will help you to resolve most common problems.

Using Bluetooth troubleshooter

The easiest way to troubleshoot and fix problems with Bluetooth is running the adapter troubleshooter with these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Troubleshoot.
4. Under the "Find and fix other problems" section, select the Bluetooth item.
5. Click the Run the troubleshooter button.

6. Click the Close button.

After you complete the steps, the troubleshooter will run, detect, and fix common problems that may be preventing you from using Bluetooth devices on your computer.

Determining Bluetooth problem

In the case that the Bluetooth option is missing from the Settings app, then the adapter may be disabled, or there's a problem with the driver package.

To determine if the Bluetooth adapter is disabled or has a driver issue, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
3. Expand the Bluetooth branch.
4. If the adapter has a down-arrow icon, then it's disabled.
5. Right-click the adapter and select the Enable device option to resolve the issue.

6. If the adapter has a yellow exclamation or red mark, then there could be a problem with the driver.
7. Restart the device.

Once you complete the steps, if the problem persists, you may need to reinstall the driver or update the driver using the latest package available from your manufacturer support website.

Reinstalling Bluetooth driver

If you're planning to install a newer driver, it's recommended to use the manufacturer instructions, but if the steps are not available, you can use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
3. Expand the Bluetooth branch.
4. Right-click the adapter and select the Update driver option.

5. Click the Browse my computer for driver software option.

6. Click the Browse button.

7. Select the folder with the driver package (unzipped).
8. Click the OK button.
9. Check the Include subfolders option.
10. Click the Next button.
11. Restart the device.

After you complete the steps, Bluetooth should start working again on your computer.

Fixing connectivity problems

If the problem is one of the devices connected to your computer, one quick way to resolve connectivity issues is by removing and reconnecting the peripheral again.

In the case that you see connectivity issues with a particular device, then it could be a problem with the device as a result of poor design or other factors. Also, remember that Bluetooth devices usually work best when they're closer to the computer. Unless otherwise specified, the farther the device is from your computer, the weaker the connection will be.

All 20 stories from our 2019 Spotlight on Bluetooth package, all in one place. Whether it's a spot of Bluetooth history, a bit of humor or wireless memery, or some thoughtful analysis on the future of the short-range tech, you'll find it right here, courtesy of the folks at Android Central, iMore and Windows Central.

General Bluetooth

• Introduction to our 2019 Spotlight on Bluetooth
• Where did the Bluetooth name and logo come from?
• A history of all the major Bluetooth releases and updates
• Where Bluetooth is headed, and the challenges it must overcome to get there
• Bluetooth 5: Is it actually better, and do you need it?
• Why Bluetooth is so great (and so terrible): A story told via memes
• Why the Bluetooth in your car sucks (and always will)
• 12 weird Bluetooth gadgets the Mobile Nations team uses every day

Windows

• 5 major Bluetooth milestones at Microsoft
• How to master Bluetooth on Windows 10
• Why Xbox One (still) doesn't use Bluetooth
• Why wireless gaming mice still use RF receivers instead of Bluetooth
• Windows Central staff's favorite Bluetooth gadgets right now

Android

• A closer look at Google's Fast Pair technology and how it builds on Bluetooth
• Top tips for getting your Android devices to play nicely with Bluetooth
• Yes, Bluetooth sucks, but it was good enough to kill the headphone jack on phones

Apple and iOS

• The secret to Apple's ecosystem is ... Bluetooth?
• How to solve common Bluetooth issues on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch and Mac
• Bluetooth vs AirPlay 2: Which is the superior wireless technology?
• iMore staff's favorite Bluetooth tech

It's 2019 — almost 2020 — and Bluetooth is everywhere.

Literally. It's in your phone, your car, likely lots of random smart-home gadgets sprinkled throughout your kitchen and living room. Those headphones the kid on the train is using next to you on your morning commute? Yep, Bluetooth. It's in your work PC, and all-around your office.

But what do you really know about Bluetooth?

Are you aware of the origin of what is actually a very odd name? How about when it was first introduced? Or how it became ubiquitous? And why do some devices that seem like they really should use Bluetooth still rely on those clunky wireless dongles?

At Windows Central, we decided to work with our sibling sites, Android Central and iMore, to answer these questions and a lot more. And because our sites are focused on technology platforms and ecosystems, we not only set out to answer the broader questions about Bluetooth and consumer technology, we dug into platform-specific stuff. We wrote up various tips and tricks related to Bluetooth, as well as help and how-tos to enable you to do more with your Bluetooth devices… or in some cases, just make them more reliable (or less frustrating).

We covered Bluetooth from the standpoint of an Average Jane who's not all that invested in technology. And we covered Bluetooth with the hardcore Android, Apple, and Windows users who visit our sites every day in mind. What we came up with is our 2019 Spotlight on Bluetooth. We had fun with this one, and every one of us learned a little something in the process. We hope you'll spend some time poking around and come away with a similar experience.

All our related stories can be found in the box below. Click around, see if there's anything that grabs your eye, and let us know what you think.

— Al Sacco, Windows Central managing editor

All 20 stories from our 2019 Spotlight on Bluetooth package, all in one place. Whether it's a spot of Bluetooth history, a bit of humor or wireless memery, or some thoughtful analysis on the future of the short-range tech, you'll find it right here, courtesy of the folks at Android Central, iMore and Windows Central.

General Bluetooth

• Introduction to our 2019 Spotlight on Bluetooth
• Where did the Bluetooth name and logo come from?
• A history of all the major Bluetooth releases and updates
• Where Bluetooth is headed, and the challenges it must overcome to get there
• Bluetooth 5: Is it actually better, and do you need it?
• Why Bluetooth is so great (and so terrible): A story told via memes
• Why the Bluetooth in your car sucks (and always will)
• 12 weird Bluetooth gadgets the Mobile Nations team uses every day

Windows

• 5 major Bluetooth milestones at Microsoft
• How to master Bluetooth on Windows 10
• Why Xbox One (still) doesn't use Bluetooth
• Why wireless gaming mice still use RF receivers instead of Bluetooth
• Windows Central staff's favorite Bluetooth gadgets right now

Android

• A closer look at Google's Fast Pair technology and how it builds on Bluetooth
• Top tips for getting your Android devices to play nicely with Bluetooth
• Yes, Bluetooth sucks, but it was good enough to kill the headphone jack on phones

Apple and iOS

• The secret to Apple's ecosystem is ... Bluetooth?
• How to solve common Bluetooth issues on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch and Mac
• Bluetooth vs AirPlay 2: Which is the superior wireless technology?
• iMore staff's favorite Bluetooth tech

Tile's latest Bluetooth trackers were only just unveiled earlier this month but you can already score a nice deal on the newest devices when you buy a bundle at Amazon. The 4-packs come with an Amazon Echo Dot worth $50 at no extra cost so you can add Alexa to more rooms in your home and also use your new smart speaker to track down lost items. Various bundles get the freebie, so you can get the types of Tile devices that suit your needs best.

If you like the look of Tile's new Sticker tracker, you can grab a 4-pack for just $59.99 with the free Echo Dot thrown in. These new Bluetooth trackers from Tile are the most versatile yet. Each one is small and has an adhesive backing that makes it easy to stick them virtually wherever you'd like. You could put one on your remote control, one on your wireless earbuds case, and another in your wallet. The Tile Sticker features a 3-year battery life and a 150-foot range.

Alternatively, you can get the keychain-style Tile Mate bundle for $69.99 with the Dot. The new Mate is identical to its predecessor in size and weight, and it still has that super-useful removable battery (which can be replaced for free with an optional Tile Premium subscription), though its range has been bumped from 150 feet to 200 feet. An extra $5 lets you grab a pair of Tile Mate trackers with two new Tile Slim trackers. The Slim is longer and thinner than the previous-gen at just 2.5mm thin so it can slip into wallets, especially given that it's now almost exactly the size of a credit card. The best bundle, perhaps, is the Tile Essentials 4-pack at $69.99 that gets you a Tile Slim, a Tile Mate, and two Tile Stickers so you can keep tabs on all kinds of devices.

Regardless of which Tile you use, you can use the companion app on your phone to make it ring whenever you need to locate the device it's attached to. On the other hand, you can even press a button on any Tile to make your phone ring in case it's ever lost. That functionality works even when your phone is on silent, which is super helpful for those who never have their ringer on. It's no wonder Tile trackers regularly top our list of the best Bluetooth trackers.

With your bundled Echo Dot, you'll even be able to ask Alexa to help you locate any lost item attached to one of the Tile trackers. That's just one of the many features of the Echo Dot though, which also functions as a smart speaker which can wirelessly stream music from various streaming services, answer all your questions, control other compatible smart home devices, and more.

Adding Bluetooth functionality to wired speakers and headphones is simple with the TaoTronics Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter and Receiver. You can get started for just $26.99 at Amazon when you enter promo code NXL6Q57Q during checkout. At $13 off its regular cost, you'll be scoring one of the best prices to be seen on this device so far.

This portable adapter is capable of being used as either a Bluetooth transmitter or a receiver and can be paired with two devices simultaneously. That means you could plug it into your wired headphones to start connecting them wirelessly to other devices, or plug it into your TV so you can listen to it with wireless headphones.

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You can save nearly $35 on the Taotronics SoundLiberty 80 wireless earbuds at Amazon. These Bluetooth 5.0 earbuds come with a charging case that lets you listen for up to 20 hours. Clip the coupon and use the following promo code at checkout to save.

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There are tons of other uses for this adapter too. It features Bluetooth 5.0 to connect with compatible devices wirelessly from up to 30 feet away, along with a 3.5mm input (AUX and RCA) and Optical Digital (TOSLINK). Its built-in battery can last for up to 15 hours on a single charge. Plus, TaoTronics includes an 18-month warranty with its purchase.

Shipping at Amazon is free on orders totaling $25 or more, though with an Amazon Prime membership, you'd gain free two-day shipping on thousands of items and not have to worry about reaching any order minimum. If you're not a member yet, you can start a free 30-day trial to test out the service for yourself and access all of its benefits such as exclusive discounts, access to the Prime Video streaming service, and more.

Over 1,800 customers at Amazon have left reviews for this 2-in-1 Bluetooth adapter, leaving it with a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

Adding Bluetooth to devices that lack the functionality already is not just simple but affordable too. With a Bluetooth adapter like Mpow's Bluetooth 4.1 Receiver and Transmitter, you can add Bluetooth to wired headphones, your TV, CD player, or even your vehicle. This device regularly sells for around $30 at Amazon, but using code MPBH108AB during checkout will save you $10 and bring its price down to just $19.99.

Mpow's portable adapter is capable of being used as either a Bluetooth transmitter or a receiver. You'd be able to plug it into non-Bluetooth devices to listen to them using your Bluetooth headphones, or plug it into headphones without Bluetooth to start streaming music wirelessly to them. It can even be wirelessly paired with two devices at the same time.

It features Bluetooth 4.1 and aptX tech for low-latency wireless audio and video streaming. Take a non-Bluetooth device like a speaker or TV, or even the Nintendo Switch, connect it via the 3.5mm audio jack, and pair with it wirelessly in seconds. RX Mode lets you receive signals from your phone or tablet and play music through your vehicle or another system. There's support for Digital Optical SPDIF as well.

The device uses a rechargeable battery that can last for up to ten hours on a single charge and powers up in less than two. Plus, you can charge and stream at the same time, meaning you could keep it permanently set up in your vehicle using a USB car charger and not have to worry about bringing it inside to power back up every so often. There are also built-in audio controls to help you quickly change tracks or adjust the volume without needing your phone within reach.

Adding Bluetooth functionality to wired speakers and headphones is simple with the TaoTronics Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter and Receiver. Today you can snag one for just $19.99 at Amazon when you enter promo code T6ZHRSWI during checkout. That'll save you $10 off its average price there where it's recently sold for as much as $32.

This portable adapter is capable of being used as either a Bluetooth transmitter or a receiver and can be paired with two devices simultaneously. That means you could plug it into your wired headphones to start connecting them wirelessly to other devices, or plug it into your TV so you can listen to it with wireless headphones. There are tons of other uses for this adapter too. It features Bluetooth 5.0 to connect with compatible devices wirelessly from up to 30 feet away, along with a 3.5mm input (AUX and RCA). Its built-in battery can last for up to 10 hours on a single charge. Plus, TaoTronics includes an 18-month warranty with its purchase.

More than 2,000 customers have left reviews for this adapter at Amazon, resulting in a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars collectively.

If you keep your Windows 10 PC updated, you might have noticed that Bluetooth audio hasn't been working properly since cumulative update KB4505903 was released in July. This bug affects PCs with internal speakers, and if you regularly play audio over an external Bluetooth speaker, it can be a real drag.

Symptoms, as listed in Microsoft's support document, include not being able to connect a Bluetooth speaker to your PC, bad quality sound from a Bluetooth speaker, or audio playing over internal PC speakers instead of a Bluetooth speaker. Until Microsoft officially fixes the problem, there is a workaround you can try out to get Bluetooth audio working properly again.

How to fix Bluetooth audio bug in Windows 10 May 2019 Update

Here are the workaround steps required to get Bluetooth audio working again on your Windows 10 PC. Make sure you've saved any work in open programs, as you'll be required to restart your PC at the end of the process.

1. Hit the Windows key + R shortcut on your keyboard to bring up the Run window.
2. Type cmd.
3. Hit the Ctrl + Shift + Enter shortcut on your keyboard to run Command Prompt as an Administrator.
4. Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter on your keyboard. A system scan will begin and you can expect the process to take a few minutes. This should repair any issues, including those surrounding Bluetooth audio.

5. Click the Start button.
6. Click the Power button.
7. Click Restart. Be sure you've saved any open open work before restarting.

You should now be able to use external Bluetooth speakers with your Windows 10 PC.

What you need to know

• A recent cumulative update for the Windows 10 May 2019 Update has broken Bluetooth audio for some users.
• Microsoft recently published a support document confirming the issue with update KB4505903.
• A workaround is available if you've experienced this issue.

If you've noticed that you can't connect Bluetooth speakers or headphones to your PC since installing a cumulative update for the Windows 10 May 2019 Update in July, you're not alone. Microsoft recently published a support document (via Windows Latest) that confirms an issue playing audio over Bluetooth after installing cumulative update KB4505903, which was released in July. The bug appears to affect PCs that have their own internal speakers.

THere are a few ways in which you might experience this bug. Here's how Microsoft describes the issue:

• A Bluetooth speaker can't connect to the computer.
• A Bluetooth speaker can connect to the computer. However, the speaker output sounds noisy (bad quality).
• A Bluetooth speaker can connect to the computer. However, the sound is generated by the internal speaker instead of the Bluetooth device.

Fortunately, there is a workaround available. If your PC is impacted, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to repair missing and corrupted system files. From Microsoft:

• Open the command console by using administrative authority.
• At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press Enter:
  • sfc /scannow
• After the process is finished, restart the computer.

Microsoft has since released a Patch Tuesday update for the month of August, but it's unclear if that cumulative update corrects the issue. If you're still running a Windows 10 May 2019 Update on KB4505903 (build 18362.267), you can use the above workaround to get Bluetooth audio working correctly again.

With the Criacr Bluetooth FM Transmitter, you can wirelessly stream music from your phone to your car radio, and it's down to just $10.99 at Amazon today when you enter promo code KITG9CEA during checkout. That saves you 50% off its price otherwise, though this deal isn't likely to last for very long.

This Bluetooth transmitter plugs into your vehicle's cigarette lighter socket to power on and has an Automatic Frequency Search button that locates an unused radio frequency on its own which you then tune your car radio to so you can start listening to the music you actually want to hear. It has a 1.8-inch display which shows information like which song's playing and even has a voltage indicator for your vehicle, while its two USB ports allow you to charge your mobile devices on the go; one is even Quick Charge 3.0 enabled. This transmitter also has an SD card slot and AUX in/out.

You can even take calls hands-free with this transmitter thanks to its built-in CVC noise-cancelling microphone. Criacr includes a one-year warranty with its purchase along with a lifetime support guarantee.

Adding a phone mount to your cart would be another smart way to improve your drive if you don't own one yet.

The Logitech MX Sound 2.0 multi-device Bluetooth stereo speakers are down to $49.99 on Amazon. The street price for these speakers is around $80, but they also have gone as high as $100 recently. Today's deal is now the lowest price we've seen, even though we've shared a few deals in the past. It never dropped below $60 before.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

Logitech G Pro X Superlight wireless gaming mouse

$137.98 $150.00 Save $12 1620840209

This mouse was made in collaboration with leading esports pros,, which means it's designed with intense and competitive gaming in mind. It weighs less than 63 grams. The Hero Sensor is designed for best possible performance.

Logitech G640 large cloth gaming mousepad black

$24.99 $40.00 Save $15 1620297911

Gives the right amount of resistance to your mouse with low DPI gaming so you can be more precise. Surface provides a consistent texture for an even translation of mouse to cursor movement. Rubber bottom keeps it from slipping.

Logitech G613 Lightspeed wireless mechanical gaming keyboard black

$63.99 $79.00 Save $15 1619519839

Includes Bluetooth and Logitech's Lightspeed wireless tech for a 1ms report rate. Uses Romer G mechanical switches that are very durable and can survive 70 million clicks. Has six programmable G keys and lasts up to 18 months on two AA batteries.

Logitech G305 LightSpeed wireless gaming mouse

$39.99 $60.00 Save $20 1616373328

Includes Logitech's wireless USB receiver for a speedy connection. LightSpeed tech makes the responsiveness less than 1 millisecond. Includes a 12,000 DPI sensor, 250 hours of battery life, LED optical scanning, 6 programmable buttons, and more.

Logitech G502 Hero high performance gaming mouse black

$39.99 $50.00 Save $10 1615125420

Uses high-performance 16K DPI sensor. Huge adjustable range as well. Has 11 customizable buttons with onboard memory so you can store different combinations per game. Has RGB lighting and LightSync to pair with other gear.

I was looking for computer speakers recently, and the MX Sound were on my shortlist. Unfortunately, they were $100 when I was looking to make a purchase. I probably would have bought them if they were this low. Logitech's Easy-Switch lets you move between audio sources easily. All you have to do is pause the audio from one source and press play on the next. If you're sitting at your computer and want to go mobile, you can just get up and keep listening. The 24-watt peak drivers have balanced audio designed to play more powerfully than most speakers this size. They pair with any Bluetooth device and allow quick volume adjustments. The back-lit controls are motion activated as well. Users give them 3.9 stars based on 90 reviews.

This sale is part of a larger collection for Prime Day featuring computer components, monitors, accessories, and more down to low prices.

Woot is offering Sony's WH-CH500 Bluetooth headphones for just $44.99 today only. These on-ear cans usually sell for nearer $80 at Amazon, though you can get them for $58 there right now. They are sold in brand new condition unlike a lot of Woot deals and come with a 1-year Sony warranty. Shipping is free if you use your Amazon Prime account.

The WH-CH500 feature a 30mm driver unit for dynamic sound and have a 20-hour battery life to keep the tunes bumping all day. An adjustable headband and soft ear cups make long listening periods more comfortable, too. If your phone supports NFC, it's super quick to pair these headphones without having to fiddle with Bluetooth settings — but that's still an option if your phone doesn't have NFC capabilities. A built-in mic allows you to take calls as well as give commands to your voice assistant of choice on your phone. The ear cups also swivel so you can pack the headphones flat which is great for slipping them into a bag while travelling.

Existing owners give them 4 stars out of 5 on average based on over 180 Amazon reviews.

Streaming audio from your phone to a Bluetooth speaker is something many of us have done for a long time, but what about your PC? With the necessary hardware installed on your Windows 10 desktop, laptop or even tablet, you can get the same, wire-free audio experience.

Here's how you set it up.

How to pair a new Bluetooth device in Windows 10

Just follow these easy steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Devices.
3. Click Bluetooth & other devices in the left sidebar.
4. Set the toggle switch at the top to On.
5. To add a new device click add Bluetooth or other device.
6. Select Bluetooth.
7. Choose the device from the list.

For some Bluetooth devices you'll need to enter a PIN to confirm pairing, but once it's done you're all set. A Bluetooth speaker will connect just like headphones, and it should now be the default audio output when it's on and paired with your PC.

An easy way to check this in the latest Windows 10 update is to select the speaker icon in the bottom right corner near the clock. Clicking on this will tell you the current audio output, and if you need to change in a hurry, the ^ icon will quickly open up all your available options.

If you'd like to do this on your PC but you don't have Bluetooth built-in, all is not lost. You could always pick up a USB dongle that can affordably add the ability to your computer. Or, if you're in the mood for upgrading internals, some Wi-Fi cards also come with Bluetooth built-in.

Updated May 31, 2018: We refreshed this guide to ensure it's correct for the Windows 10 April Update.

As first spotted by Thurrott, the initial bits of a thus-far undocumented feature designed to speed up the Bluetooth connection process have started to show up in Windows 10 Redstone 4 preview builds.

The feature would work in much the same manner as recent implementations we've seen with Apple's AirPods, or Android's Fast Pair. Rather than pressing or holding buttons to connect a new device, quick pair would allow you to simply hold a Bluetooth near your Windows machine to pair. Windows 10 would then automatically show a toast notification asking if you'd like to pair the device.

According to Thurrott, Microsoft's take on quick pair appears to rely on the same Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth LTE functionality as AirPods and Android Fast Pair. At the moment, it's unclear if that means Microsoft's implementation might work with a range of Bluetooth devices.

Bluetooth is a ubiquitous wireless technology that allows you to quickly connect peripherals to your computer to send and receive data over a short distance, and it helps you to get rid of cables around your desk.

If you have a laptop you can us Bluetooth to connect a mouse and full-sized keyboard without sacrificing any of the available USB ports. Bluetooth is built into a wide range of wireless accessories, including phones, headphones, speakers, fitness trackers, printers, and more — and Windows 10 makes it super easy to add and remove these devices using the Settings app.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to connect, disconnect, and quickly troubleshoot common problems using Bluetooth peripherals.

• How to connect a new Bluetooth device using Settings
• How to disconnect a Bluetooth device using Settings
• How to quickly troubleshoot and fix Bluetooth problems

How to connect a new Bluetooth device using Settings

To connect a new peripheral to your computer using Bluetooth, use the following steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.
4. Turn on the Bluetooth toggle switch.
5. Click the Add Bluetooth or other device button to connect a new device.

6. Select the Bluetooth option, but note that you can also connect other devices, including wireless displays, and other peripherals.

7. Configure the peripheral you want to connect to be discoverable. (This process will be different on most devices, as such check your device manufacturer support website for more details.)
8. It might take a moment, but the device will appear in the list, click it to connect.

9. On the Bluetooth device, see if the PIN matches with one shown in the Windows 10 Bluetooth wizard.
10. Click the Connect button to pair.

11. Click the Done button.

After completing the steps, the peripheral will communicate using Bluetooth to send and receive data.

Connecting Bluetooth using Action Center

Alternatively, if you're looking to connect a Bluetooth audio device or wireless display, you can use the Connect option in Action Center.

1. Open Action Center.
   • Quick Tip: You can quickly open Action Center using the Windows key + A keyboard shortcut.
2. Click the Connect quick action button.
3. Discoverable Bluetooth devices will appear in the list, just click the one you want to connect automatically.

How to disconnect a Bluetooth device using Settings

To disconnect a Bluetooth peripheral from your computer, use the following steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.
4. Select the peripheral.
5. Click the Remove device button.
6. Click the Yes button to confirm.

Once you've completed the steps, the device will no longer be connected to your computer, but you can always use the instructions mentioned above to reconnect.

How to quickly troubleshoot and fix Bluetooth problems

If the Bluetooth option is missing from the Settings app, there is a chance that the problem is linked to a driver issue.

You can quickly troubleshoot these problems right-clicking the Start button, opening Device Manager, and make sure that Bluetooth doesn't have a problem (e.g., yellow exclamation mark, down arrow, red mark).

In the case you can't identify any issues, restart your computer, and if the problem persists, you may want to reinstall the Bluetooth driver or install the latest update available through your manufacturer support website.

It's recommended that you follow their instructions to install the driver, but if you can't find any directions, you can use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager and click the result.
3. Expand Bluetooth.
4. Right-click the adapter.
5. Click the Update driver option.

6. Select the Browse my computer for driver software option.

7. Specify the path for the driver you downloaded.
8. Click Next to complete the update.

After finishing with the steps, use the instructions mentioned at the beginning of this guide to connect a new Bluetooth peripheral.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

The portable Bluetooth speaker sports two 7.5W drivers and a passive radiator. The bass station has a 10W subwoofer and bass reflex port. When combined, this beast of a Bluetooth speaker stands nearly 16 inches tall.

Aukey has built a reputation of delivering outstanding electronic gadgets ranging from quick chargers to smartphone optics to Bluetooth accessories. The Bass Station is a solid addition to the company's line-up and worth considering if you need a home audio system with a sense of portability. The Bass Station is currently priced at $79.99 and available through Amazon.

See at Amazon

One towering Bluetooth speaker

The official designation for this Aukey speaker is the Aukey SK-M39 Bass Station. The tale of the tape has the Bass Station measuring 5.35 x 5.35 x 11.02 inches and the detachable Bluetooth speaker coming in at 5.91 x 5.91 x 4.92 inches. When combined, the speaker system weighs in at 6.06 pounds. While a towering unit, the design allows placement of the Aukey Bass Station around the house to be somewhat discrete.

The controls rest on the top of the Bluetooth speaker and include a multi-function button, volume/track select buttons and a mode button. The multi-function button doubles as a power button and play/pause button.

Audio cable and micro-USB ports are located on the backside of the Bluetooth speaker and three indicator lights are fitted to the front side to confirm pairing, charging and an audio cable connection. Keep in mind that the speaker disconnects from a paired device when an audio cable connection is detected. When you are ready to return to a wireless connection, short press the Mode button.

The only control on the base station is a power button, located on the back of the speaker, that turns on the subwoofer and charges the portable speaker. The speaker connects to the base through a five-point contact connection and rests comfortably on top of the base with gravity and design contours holding things in place. I'm not sure if a magnetic connection would have been possible, but it likely would have offered a more positive fit.

The bass station is hardwired for power, while the detachable speaker has two 2,000mAh batteries rated for over eight hours of standalone use. When docked, the portable speaker re-charges and feeds off the bass station's wired power. If you need to give the portable speaker a charge while on the go, you can give the battery a boost through the micro-USB port.

A few things to keep in mind. The Bass Station is not weather proof so if you carry the portable speaker to the pool you need to be careful to keep it dry. Also, the Bass Station Bluetooth Speaker lacks any hands-free calling features. I don't think this is a deal breaker but it would have been a nice touch.

The build quality was solid with the Aukey Bass Station. The detachable speaker is a little bulky, but not terribly cumbersome for portability. The Bass Station Bluetooth Speaker comes packaged with the owner's manual, micro-USB cable and 3.5mm audio cable.

Room filling audio performance

While the build quality and design of the Aukey Bass Station Bluetooth Speaker is appealing, the speaker isn't worth much if the sound quality doesn't measure up. Pairing the Bass Station is simple with the speaker going into pairing mode on the first power up. There are no voice confirmations (e.g. "Your device is paired.") but the speaker will chirp to confirm pairing.

Under the hood, the Bluetooth speaker has two 7.5W drivers with a passive radiator and the Bass Station has a 10W subwoofer and bass reflex port. This translates into a decent sound quality in real world terms. The bass is subtle and the Aukey Bass Station can belt out some volume to fill up a room and then some. When separated from the bass station, the Bluetooth speaker holds its own nicely with regards to sound quality.

In testing the speaker may not rattle the windows, but it was easy to crank up the volume and have my daughter scream "turn it down!" from upstairs. You do experience slight distortion when you max out the volume, but otherwise, these speakers sounded good when playing music from artists ranging from Jimmy Buffett to Metallica, as well as providing audio for streaming videos.

Battery life was as advertised. During the testing period, I was able to average eight hours of use out of the portable speaker. Overall, the Aukey Bass Station Bluetooth Speaker performed well with solid audio quality.

A solid sound option

The Aukey Bass Station Bluetooth Speaker offers an attractive, wireless sound system for the home and the road. Build quality is good, battery life for the portable component is respectable and audio quality is appealing.

If I had to find something to complain about with these speakers it would be the lack of weather proofing on the portable speaker and the need for a more positive connection between the base and speaker. The weather proofing would help expand the mobility options for the speaker. I can see this being a good option for the beach, but you need to be careful of sand and water.

The speaker sits on top of the base nicely, relying on gravity to keep things in place. I wouldn't mind seeing a snap connection or magnet in place to bolster up that placement just in case the speaker gets bumped into.

Luckily, neither of these nits are deal breakers and overall, the Aukey Bass Station Bluetooth Speaker is an attractive option for those looking for a home speaker system that can easily become mobile. The speaker is currently priced at $79.99 and available from Amazon.

See at Amazon

Windows Maps is getting a pretty nifty update for Windows 10 Mobile Insiders frustrated with audio performance while navigating. Announced by Dave_MSFT on Reddit, this update includes a new option for playing voice navigation over Bluetooth when available.

Prior to this update, Maps would play navigation audio over the phone audio channel in a car. This could result in lower quality audio than expected. The option to transmit navigation over Bluetooth should make for a clearer audio experience.

If you're a Windows Insider, you should be able to grab this update now. You'll want to make sure you're on version 5.1706.* of the Maps. Once updated, you can find the Bluetooth option under the "Play voice navigation" section of the turn-by-turn navigation options in the Setting menu.

Thanks to thaman04 for the tip!

Download Maps from the Windows Store

The Bluetooth headphones can also be a convenient and private way to enjoy listening to music or videos from your Windows 10 device. And the Aukey headphones double as a hands-free solution for your Windows 10 Mobile phone. When you consider the price of less than $40, they become an economical option for those who want a wireless headphone solution.

After taking the Aukey Neckband Wireless Headphones out for a test drive, they turned out to be comfortable to wear with decent audio quality. However, one design feature may take a while to get used to. Here's our full review.

See at Amazon

Lay of the land

The Aukey Neckband Wireless Headphones (Model EP-B39s) are horse-collar style headphones, wrapping around your neck with connected earbuds that dangle from the ends of the collar. These headphones are extremely light weight at only 47 grams (1.64 ounces).

The headphones depart slightly from the traditional collar-style headphones in that the earbuds dangle freely. Similar models have the earbuds held into place by magnets at the tips of the collar. This takes some getting used to, but it's not a deal breaker. I would have liked to have seen the earbuds connect together to prevent them from swinging around when you walk.

The ends of the headphones are broader than what I would refer to as the "body," and they hold several button controls. As you are wearing the Aukey neckband, the left side of the headphones carries most of the controls, housing playback and volume buttons and a multi-function button on the top side. A physical power switch and the micro USB port that is used for charging are positioned on the bottom, and the headphone's microphone and LED indicator are nestled on the inside panel. The right side of the headphones is free of controls and likely houses the battery.

Speaking of which, the Aukey Neckband Wireless Headphones has a 300 mAh Li-Polymer battery that is reported to have up to 20 hours of playback and talk time. In using the headphones during the past few days, that estimate appears to be accurate.

They are packaged with a collection of different sized earbud tips, a micro USB cable and an instruction manual, and the build quality of the Neckband Wireless Headphones feels solid. The rubber body of the collar is flexible to fit most neck sizes and very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The location of the control buttons is convenient and sound quality is good. Based on build quality alone, the Aukey headphones appear to be a good deal.

However, build quality is not everything.

Performance

When you first power on the Aukey headphones, you need to press and hold the multi-function button for five seconds to enter pairing mode. There are voice prompts to confirm actions, as well as the LED indicator light. The Neckband Wireless Headphones support pairing with multiple devices, and you can switch between devices from the headset by double pressing the multi-function button. This is a great feature when you are listening to videos from a Surface tablet and need to switch to your Windows 10 Mobile phone to catch a call.

Calling features include answering and ending calls, rejecting calls, last number redial and muting calls. You can also switch between the headphone's microphone and your Windows 10 Mobile phone's microphone while on calls without losing the Bluetooth connection.

The playback sound quality is good, on par with other headphones, but nothing spectacular. On the plus side, the earbuds offer a comfortable level of noise reduction that filters out the world. Call quality was good, as well, on par with mid-range hands-free devices.

The sound quality could be a little beefier when listening to music, but as is the sound from these headphones isn't terrible. Otherwise, with respect to performance, the Aukey Neckband Wireless Headphones leave little room for criticism.

Overall impression

Aukey offers a wide range of smartphone accessories ranging from chargers to power banks to wireless headsets. The Neckband Wireless Headphones are a solid addition to Aukey's accessory lineup, and they are worth considering if you are in the market for a wireless option for listening to music with the added bonus of being a hands-free solution for your phone.

The horse collar design is comfortable to wear during workouts, while lounging on the couch or throughout the day wherever life may take you. I'm still not sold on the free hanging earbuds, but in time I got used to them flopping around while I walked. Sound quality won't knock your socks off, but it also won't have you running for the hills, either.

Overall, Aukey's Neckband Wireless Headphones are an excellent and economical wireless option. They currently cost $34.99 at Amazon.

See at Amazon

One of the bigger yet more subtle additions coming to the Windows 10 Creator's Update due in April is Bluetooth GATT Server support. If that sounds like developer jargon it is, but for consumers, the benefit will be apparent: smart devices will be able to support call and SMS notifications correctly.

One of the beneficiaries of Bluetooth GATT Server support is Fitbit who use the standard across their iOS, Android, and now Windows apps for call and SMS notifications to their popular fitness wearables. While some companies like Vector use custom notification stacks, many companies prefer to use industry standards for ease of development and app consistency.

We're excited to announce that Fitbit is now taking signups for private beta testing of the updated Fitbit app for Windows 10 PC and Mobile. The beta test is expected to start in the "coming weeks, " but users who meet the following criteria can sign up today:

• Own a Windows 10 Mobile and Fitbit device
• Be a participant of the Windows Insider program.
• Be willing to provide your Microsoft Account Email.
• You are willing to test app features in an alpha or beta state, on alpha/beta quality Windows OS builds.
• You are willing to provide feedback and actively engage with devs to help us improve this feature to launch.
• You understand the terms "flighting" and "whitelist," without using Google/Bing.

Likewise, the following people should not participate if you are unsure of the following:

• What an alpha or beta test is.
• What the Windows Insider program is.
• What the "Fast Ring" is.
• Whether your mobile device is supported.

The eventual goal of the program is to bring Call & SMS Notifications to Windows 10 at first, followed by support for Calendar, third party app notifications and Connected GPS support.

If interested go and read the full beta test description including details about signing up, if you can leave, how the test will work, what to expect and more.

Sign up now!

We'll, of course, be doing some early hands-on with the new GATT support and notifications and Fitbit app as soon as it becomes available. For now, non-testers should expect a final release in time for the general available of the Creator's Update due in April.

For developers, you can read more about the forthcoming GATT Server support in the latest blog from Microsoft.

Microsoft has a bunch of different controller configurations available for the Xbox One line at the moment. There's the high-powered Xbox One Elite Controller, the refreshed Xbox One standard controller with 3.5mm audio jack, and the all-new Xbox One S controller with textured grips and Bluetooth.

Whichever controller you decide to pick up for your Xbox One, here's a quick and handy guide on how to pair them to your console.

How to pair an Xbox wireless controller with your Xbox One

1. Hold the Xbox button on the controll to turn it on.
2. Press and hold the pairing button on your controller until the Xbox logo starts flashing. The button is situated on top of the controller next to the micro-USB port.
3. Press the pairing button on your console until the power button starts flashing. The photographs below illustrate the location of the pairing button on the Xbox One and Xbox One S.This should pair the controller. Once paired, the lights should turn solid.

Note: You can also pair the Xbox One controller to your console by connecting it to the Xbox using a micro-USB to USB charging cable.

How to pair a Bluetooth Xbox controller with your Windows 10 PC

If you have a controller from the Xbox Design Lab or the one bundled with the Xbox One S, it will have Bluetooth support. Here's how you pair it to a Windows 10 PC that supports Bluetooth.

1. Open the Start Menu.
2. Open Settings.
3. Click on Devices.
4. Click on Bluetooth. Your computer will start scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices.
5. Press and hold the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on.
6. Hold the pairing button on your controller. It can be found at the top of the Xbox One controller next to the USB port. After a short time the controller will appear in the available Bluetooth devices on your computer.
7. Click on Pair. You computer will pair with the controller and you'll be ready to go.

See on the Microsoft Store

How to pair an Xbox controller with your Windows 10 PC using the Xbox Wireless Adapter

If you don't have the Xbox One controller with Bluetooth, you can purchase the Xbox Wireless Adapter that's compatible with any Windows 10 device and the standard Xbox One controller. Here's how to pair those.

1. Plug the Xbox Wireless Adapter USB dongle into your PC. It should automatically download and install the necessary drivers.
2. Press and hold the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on.
3. Hold the pairing button on your controller. It can be found at the top of the Xbox One controller next to the USB port.
4. Hold the pairing button on the USB adapter (it is located on the upper side of the dongle). The adapter's lights should flash and then turn solid, pairing the controller to your PC.

Note: Just like on Xbox, you can pair a standard controller using a micro-USB to USB cable.

See on the Microsoft Store

Other controller resources

Microsoft's Xbox controllers are some of the best on the market, and there are all sorts of options for customization and more. Here's a few links you might find interesting.

• This is what a Windows Central custom ColorWare Xbox One Controller looks like
• Controller Chaos turned my Twin Peaks Xbox controller concept into something awesome
• Xbox Design Lab custom controller unboxing and hands-on!

Aukey offers a wide range of Windows 10 PC and Mobile accessories ranging from USB hubs to chargers to Bluetooth headsets. The company's Outdoor Bluetooth speaker is a water-resistant option for listening to music and audio files poolside or at the beach.

Officially the Aukey SK-M12 Speaker, this boom box sports dual 5W speakers, up to 30 hours of playtime and support for hands-free calling. Sound quality is respectable and priced at just under $50 at Amazon, the Aukey Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker is also budget-friendly.

Design

The Aukey Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker comes in measuring 8 x 3.25 x 3 inches and weighs just shy of two pounds. The metal mesh facing and backing is accentuated by the black rubber framing. Control buttons line the top of the speaker with ports and a lanyard loop positioned on either end of the speaker. On the bottom of the speaker is a 1/4 inch screw to allow the speaker to be mounted on a tripod or pole.

Ports are protected by a rubber flap that keeps the speaker water tight and includes a micro-USB port, 3.5mm audio jack and a reset button.

The rubber surface of the Aukey Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker offers a bit of cushion to protect the speaker from minor falls. The rubber can also be a dust magnet at first but with a little use, that static attraction begins to fade.

While weighing 1.9 pounds, the Aukey speaker feels lighter than reported and is not burdensome to carry around in a backpack, tote or by a carry strap. The fit and feel of the Aukey Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker comes across as solid and while not shock or impact resistant, it should hold its own against day to day use.

The speaker is listed as water resistant and it survived getting doused by the water hose without skipping a beat. Aukey does not offer any ratings on the level of water resistance, but I suspect splashing is okay, but submersion ends the party.

The Aukey SK-M12 Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker comes packaged with a USB charging cable, 3.5mm audio cable, the owner's manual and a reset pin.

Performance

While the design and build quality of the Aukey offers no concerns, the audio performance is critical to the speaker's appeal. Under the hood of the Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker are two 5-watt speakers that are powered by a 2,600mAh battery. The feature set is somewhat modest with controls that include volume/track management buttons, a call button, a power button and a menu button.

Pairing is initiated when the Aukey speaker is first powered up, otherwise you need to (with the speaker turned off) press and hold the power button for two seconds. There is a small LED light on the face of the speaker that flashes blue to confirm the speaker is in pairing mode. Once paired, this light shines a steady blue.

Playback is controlled through the + and – buttons to navigate through the tracks, with long presses of these buttons controlling the volume. The call button is used to answer or end calls or pause playback. The menu button was a bit of a mystery. With no reference to this button in the owner's manual, we reached out to Aukey for clarification and learned that the menu button controls an enhanced bass option. Press and hold the "M" button until you hear a garbled chirp and your music has a bit more bass to the sound. The increase in bass is slight, noticeable but not overwhelming.

Speaking of phone calls, the Aukey Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker does have support for hands-free calling. The feature set is minimal with hands-free controls only including answering, ending and rejecting calls from the speaker. Each controlled by the call button.

The controls aren't overly complicated but too many of these buttons pull double duty. I can see it being frustrating to press the + button to advance the music tracks, only to see the volume increase. There is enough real estate on the top of the speaker to accommodate track and volume keys, a play/pause button, a call button and the power button.

With regards to speaker performance, the sound quality from the two 5-watt speakers is good. As you would expect, the Aukey Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker belts out the tunes twice as loud as the single speaker Bluetooth units. In using the speaker on the back porch or the dock at the lake, I had no issues enjoying my music files. Battery life is rated at 30 hours of playback and in using the speaker over the past few days, I won't disagree with the factory rating.

Overall Impression

The Aukey Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker (SK-M12) is an attractive option for those looking for an external speaker for use around the pool, on the back porch, on the lake or at the beach. The water resistance can give you a little peace of mind should the speaker get wet. The rubber exterior does offer limited protection from minor bumps and bruises. Just keep in mind that the Aukey is not rated as shockproof the way the Mpow Armor Plus is rated.

Even indoors, the Aukey Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker can be a great audio accessory for listening to videos, audio files and your music files. The appearance is discrete enough to blend into your office décor or propped up in the living room.

Audio quality is good and belts out the tunes with a little gusto. I did not experience any distortions in testing the speaker and sound performance had a nice balance of bass and treble. The hands-free calling support is limited, but a nice touch. I would like to see the button selection expanded to eliminate the current double-duty most of these buttons have.

Currently priced at $47.99 at Amazon, the Aukey Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker is modestly priced. The audio accessory may not have many bells and whistles but produces quality sound at a budget price.

See at Amazon

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) have announced the details of Bluetooth 5. The next version of the wireless hardware standard will have double the speeds and four times the range of Bluetooth 4,

The SIG stated:

SIG added that it expects the launch of Bluetooth 5 to accelerate the growth of Internet of Things products:

Mark Powell, executive director of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has revealed that the group will formally introduce its fifth-generation standard next week in London. Bluetooth 5 is set to see much faster speeds and range over the current Low Energy specification, with a particular emphasis on location services that don't rely on the internet, such as in-store Bluetooth beacons.

From Mark Powell:

With the standard just now being finalized, it's likely to be early 2017 before we start seeing products that support Bluetooth 5. We'll know more about the next step in the standard when the Bluetooth SIG unveils it completely on June 16.

The Aukey Bluetooth Sports Neckband is an affordable option worth considering to keep you connected to your Windows Phone when you need your hands free. The neckband is sweat-proof, lightweight and features noise cancellation to help your voice, and your calls, ring loud and clear.

The design should appeal to those looking for a hands-free solution, but aren't fond of earpieces that have to be attached to your ear. Battery life is respectable, and priced at $27.99 through Amazon.com, the Aukey Bluetooth Sports Neckband is also budget friendly.

The neckband or horse-collar style of Bluetooth devices have been around for some time. The design offers a hands-free solution that wraps around your neck ready to leap into action when needed. Those who do not care to wear a Bluetooth earpiece constantly often turn to the neckband design for comfort and convenience. The Aukey Bluetooth Sports Neckband fits into this genre of headsets rather well.

The design has both earbuds nestled into the tips of the neckband, held into place by magnets. When you want to listen to music, audio from videos or answer a call just pop the earbuds in your ear. Otherwise, the device discretely wraps around your neck. The neckband is sweat-proof, but not waterproof. That is, the neckband stands up to a sweat-soaked workout, but will not survive the shower or laps in the pool.

Controls on the Aukey Bluetooth Sports Neckband are located around each tip of the headset. The right tip bears the play/pause button, track management buttons and the USB charging port. The left tip of the headset holds the call button, volume control buttons, on/off switch and an LED light to confirm actions.

The neckband weighs in at only 4.8 ounces (136 grams) and fits comfortably around your neck. In wearing the Aukey Bluetooth Sports Neckband for several hours, it did not feel burdensome, and at times, I forgot that I had the device on.

With regards to under the hood features, the Aukey neckband is powered by a 200mAh battery that is rated for 300 hours of standby time and 15 hours of talk time. In testing the Aukey neckband, I found these ratings close to the mark.

The neckband has support for Bluetooth 4.1 and CVC 6.0 Noise Cancellation Technology. I did not experience any unexpected disconnects between the device and any of my Bluetooth devices (Lumia 950 or Dell Laptop). The noise cancellation did an excellent job of filtering out background noises and allow the microphone to pick up my voice nice and clear.

Rounding out the physical aspects of the Aukey Bluetooth Sports Neckband, there is a set of various sized earbud tips, micro-USB charging cable, warranty card and owner's manual packaged with the neckband.

Performance

Again, fit and feel for the Aukey Bluetooth Sports Neckband was comfortable and access to the control buttons convenient. The hardest part about using the control buttons is remembering which tip contains which control. I do like the dedicated power button that makes it extremely easy to turn the device on or off. I prefer the dedicated button over pressing/holding buttons any day.

Pairing the device is simple in that every time you power on the headset, it goes into pairing mode. If you have already paired the device, it automatically searches for the last paired device. Otherwise, you can pair it with a new device. You can force the Aukey neckband into pairing mode by pressing and holding the call button for a few seconds. The Aukey neckband appears on your Bluetooth device listing as Aukey EP-B20.

Call features with the neckband include the basics such as answering/ending calls, last number redial, reject calls and call switching. The Aukey neckband vibrates with incoming calls and has support for audio caller id. There is also audio confirmation for features such as powering on/off the device or when it enters pairing mode. The neckband lacks support for voice dialing or Cortana integration.

Sound quality is very good. Audio playback from Groove Music or Youtube videos came in loud and clear with a balanced sound. Callers could be heard nicely as well. I would recommend only using one earbud on calls, though. Both earbuds provide a solid stereo sound, but on calls, you feel as though you are talking with two fingers in your ears or a head cold.

The only nit I have with the Aukey Bluetooth Sports Neckband is with the earbud wires. There are two rubber straps that help adjust the stretch of the earbuds and when loose, these wires can get hung up on collars. Pulling the wires tight helps but may hinder the earbuds from reaching your ear. While I would have liked to have seen retractable wires, what is in place with the Aukey neckband works. You just need to be careful with the loose wires at times.

Overall Impressions

The Aukey Bluetooth Sports Neckband is a budget friendly option for those looking for a hands-free alternative to the on-ear style of devices. The design is user-friendly and lightweight. The design is appealing, offering a hands-free solution that is convenient when needed, but otherwise is out of the way.

Battery life should get you through the day without the need to hunt for a charger. The fit and feel of the Aukey Bluetooth Sports Neckband was comfortable around the office, in the car, on the treadmill and often was the case I forgot I was wearing it. Audio quality was respectable and on par with your average, mid-priced set of headphones.

The neckband is also budget friendly, priced at $27.99 (US) through Amazon. If you are in the market for a hands-free solution for your Windows Phone, the Aukey Bluetooth Sports Neckband is worth considering.

See at Amazom.com

The Eaglewood Bluetooth Earpiece is a Windows Phone accessory to consider for those in the market for a hands-free solution in the tiniest of packages. Measuring approximately an inch high and weighing just 22 grams (.8 ounces) it is an in-ear device that you should be able to pop in your ear and forget about it.

I ran across the Eaglewood Bluetooth Earpiece while browsing the shelves at Amazon.com and the design jumped off the screen. A small, in-ear Bluetooth device should be a fantastic hands-free solution and the low cost helped add to the appeal. But are you getting what you paid for? A $15 earpiece with a performance level to match?

While I see this style of Bluetooth earpieces being popular, the Eaglewood does have room for improvement. However, for a low-cost earpiece, the Eaglewood Bluetooth Earpiece performed surprisingly well.

The Eaglewood Bluetooth Earpiece's design is minimalistic and very similar to some hearing aid designs. The shape of the earpiece is designed for the right ear and there is only one button to control all the earpiece's functions. Along with the central control, there is a charging port and a red/blue led on the Eaglewood earpiece.

The device itself measures 1 inch high, approximately .5 inches thick and weighs in at .8 ounces (22 grams). The Bluetooth earpiece is made of hard plastic and the portion that rests against the ear lacks any cushioning. Even with the hard plastic, the fit and feel of the earpiece isn't terrible. For me, it took about an hour of use before the earpiece started to feel uncomfortable.

Battery performance is rated at up to four hours of continuous talk time and slightly less when streaming music. Standby time was not rated, but in practice I was able to use the Eaglewood Earpiece for five days with moderate use before it needed recharging.

The Eaglewood Bluetooth Earpiece is packaged with a USB charging cable and owner's manual.

Performance

Again, the fit and free of the Eaglewood Bluetooth Earpiece was comfortable for short periods of time. After about an hour, the hard plastic becomes slightly uncomfortable and your ear will need a rest.

The earpiece is controlled through the center multi-function button. Press and hold the button for three seconds to power on the earpiece. The LED light flashes to confirm this action as well as audio confirmation that states "power on". To initiate pairing, press and hold the power button a little longer until the LED light flashes red and blue. From there, follow the steps on your Windows Phone to complete the pairing.

Powering down the earpiece is also accomplished by pressing and holding the center button for a few seconds. There are no volume controls on the earpiece and is instead completely controlled by the volume controls on your Windows Phone.

The hands-free calling features for the Eaglewood Bluetooth Earpiece include answering/ending calls, rejecting calls and last number redial. It does not support Cortana integration, but it does have audible caller ID. Audio quality is surprisingly good, however, call volume is a tad muffled. It was a little difficult to hear callers in a noisy environment, but not impossible. My guess is that the placement of the earpiece puts the speaker too close to your ear, resulting in the muffled sound.

The microphone's performance is on par with your average Bluetooth headset. The Eaglewood picks up your voice nicely using a normal tone and the microphone decently filters out background noises.

Overall Impression

My ideal Bluetooth earpiece is one that comfortably fits in your ear, doesn't stick out like a sore thumb, has quality audio performance and you forget wearing it until you get a call. Does the Eaglewood Bluetooth Earpiece fit that bill? It comes close, but isn't a perfect match.

The build quality is solid, but I think a little cushioning would help with the device's comfort. The audio quality is a mixed bag, with good microphone performance but muffled speaker performance. Battery life is good for the size and recharging only requires about two hours on a USB charger. I would have liked to have seen a micro-USB port instead of the pin connection, though — it's one fewer thing to pack on a trip, and replacing a USB-to-pin cable can be a challenge.

Overall, I have to say the Eaglewood Bluetooth Earpiece is a decent hands-free option. It may not be the Cadillac or Tesla of Bluetooth earpieces, but at $15.00 it's a nice economy model.

See at Amazon.com

The Mpow AquaPro Bluetooth Speaker is a waterproof, dustproof and shockproof speaker that is perfect for outdoor activities. The speaker is extremely portable, has decent sound quality, support hands-free calling and includes an SOS feature should you find yourself in an emergency situation.

Mpow has become a dependable source for Windows Phone and PC accessories and the AquaPro is a quality addition to the company's product lineup. Available through Amazon.com, the AquaPro is also budget friendly, coming in just under $28.

The design of the Mpow AquaPro is compact and simple in nature. Measuring 80mm x 80mm x 35mm (approximately 3 x 3 x 1.5 inches) and coming in at 182 grams (6.4 ounces) the AquaPro is very portable, taking up a small pocket of a backpack or jacket pocket.

AquaPro's control buttons — power and pairing, volume, and playback — line the top of the speaker with a Micro-USB port, 3.5mm jack and the SOS button running down the right side of the speaker. The AquaPro also has a small blue LED light in the upper right corner of the speaker's face to indicate power-on and pairing status. For carrying convenience, the AquaPro is fitted with a small lanyard.

The Micro-USB port is for charging the AquaPro, the 3.5mm serves as a line-in port and the SOS button will blast an alarm when pressed/held for two seconds. The alarm would make any car alarm jealous and is rather annoying. It's perfect for getting someone's attention if you have an emergency.

The AquaPro is rated at IPX7 and provides 100% protection against rainfall, splashing and submergence up to 3 feet for 30 minutes. The speaker is also dustproof and shockproof. In the time that we've been reviewing the speaker it didn't rain, so we took it into the bathroom shower and it held up just fine.

While only weighing 182 grams, the speaker does have a little heft to it likely due to the solid construction. The AquaPro comes packaged with an audio cable, USB cable and instruction booklet.

Performance

With regards to performance, I was pleasantly surprised at the sound quality and volume of the AquaPro. I did think the sound quality could use a little more bass, but not to the point of sounding terrible.

When you first turn on the AquaPro, the speaker will automatically go into pairing mode. If you need to pair the speaker with additional devices, just press and hold the circle button for about two seconds until the blue LED lights up and then press the play button for a few seconds until you hear an indication tone.

Mpow's AquaPro is fitted with an 800mAH battery that provides approximately 6-8 hours of playing time and has a recharge time of 2-3 hours. The speaker is fitted with a low battery alert to remind you to put the AquaPro on a charger.

Hands-free calling is very basic with the AquaPro in that the only support is to answer and end calls. Audio playback is automatically paused on calls and calls came in loud and clear. The microphone (guessing it is behind the speaker grill) picks up my voice, using a normal tone, without issues.

Overall Impression

The more I used the Mpow AquaPro, the more the tiny speaker grew on me. The size is very travel friendly and I can see it being a strong option for poolside, on the beach, in the boat or while out camping. It also does nicely in the shower.

While the hands-free support is minimal, the speaker could be a great option to have around when your phone isn't readily accessible. For example, I enjoy lake kayaking and my Windows Phone is kept in a waterproof bag under my seat while on the water. I can keep the AquaPro sitting on the deck of the kayak to answer calls without having to worry about finding my phone.

Sound quality isn't the best I've heard from a Bluetooth speaker, but it is not too shabby either. I would have liked a little more bass in the sound, but at this size it's hard to get real booming bass. Overall, though, the AquaPro was adequately loud and projected in the outdoors. Battery life was respectable and I was able to get almost seven hours of play before I started searching for a charging cable.

The AquaPro is currently priced at $27.99 at Amazon and with temperatures warming up, the AquaPro is an attractive speaker to consider for your outdoor activities.

See at Amazon

Bluetooth headphones offer a level of convenience and safety making them a popular accessory for your Windows Phone or PC. Inateck offers a weatherproof set of headphones that offer quality sound at a budget-friendly price.

The Inateck Bluetooth Weatherproof Stereo Headphones (model BH1001) provides APT-X sound technology in an ergonomically designed package. The stereo headphones also sport noise cancellation technology, sweatproof design and a core set of hands-free calling features.

Priced at $29.99 through Amazon.com, the headphones are an appealing option to consider and well suited for the gym, around the house or while you are out and about.

The design of the Inateck Bluetooth Weatherproof Stereo Headphones has the two earbuds connected by a 21-inch cable. A few inches down the wire, from the right earbud, you will find a control panel that holds a multi-function button, volume/directional buttons, an LED indicator and a microphone.

The earbuds are a little on the large size but lightweight and comfortable to wear. A micro-USB port is on the right earbud to accommodate charging. The finish on the earbuds is a metallic gray that does look good but is a fingerprint magnet.

Speaking of magnets, the tips of each earbud with the Inateck Bluetooth Weatherproof Stereo Headphones to allow them to connect to one another. When worn, this creates a headphone necklace of sorts to create a convenient carry method when the headphones are not in use. This is similar to what we found with the Mpow Magneto headphones, except the magnetic connection with the Inateck has no functionality beyond being a handy carry method (the Mpow would answer a call when separated).

As far as fit and feel are concerned, the Inateck headphones were a bit on the bulky side but did not weigh me down. The wide backing is likely due to the size of the magnets. The headphones' fit is secure enough for walking around town or hitting the treadmill.

The Inateck headphones come packaged with a few rubber earplugs of varying sizes, a micro-USB charging cable, a user manual and a zipper carrying case.

The control panel on the headphones controls all of the functionality that includes:

• Powering up or down the headphones
• Start/Pause audio playback
• Answer/End/Reject Calls
• Advance or replay songs
• Initiate Bluetooth pairing

Pairing is initiated by pressing the multi-function button until the LED indicator flashes red and blue. From there you simply complete the pairing steps from your Windows Phone or PC. Answering calls can be accomplished by tapping the multi-function button or by answering the call from your phone. Audio playback is paused for incoming calls.

Sound quality was good and par with your average set of headphones. The quality won't knock your socks off but won't make you regret the purchase either. Call quality was equally nice with callers hearing me fine through the microphone using a normal tone and volume.

The Inateck sports a 100mAH battery that is rated at 200 hours of standby time and 8 hours of talk time. My test of the Inateck spanned about three days, with moderate use, and I did not see the LED indicator alert me of a low battery.

The "weatherproof" status allows the headphones to survive light rain or sweat, as opposed to hurricane conditions. The Inateck headphones are not submergible, and it may have been more accurate to describe them as 'sports headphones" instead of "weatherproof headphones".

At the end of the day, the Inateck headphones are an economical accessory to consider for those looking for a basic set of Bluetooth headphones. The headphone features are a bit on the primary side and lack traditional options such as last number redial or connecting to Cortana. I did like the magnetic catch of the Inateck headphones. I made them convenient to carry while on standby in situations such as driving, grabbing a bite to eat, after hitting the treadmill or just walking around town.

The Inateck Bluetooth Weatherproof Stereo Headphones are currently priced at $29.99 and are available through Amazon.com.

See at Amazon.com

The Mpow Antelope Bluetooth Sports Headphones offer you a comfortable fit with CVC 6.0 noise reduction technology. They offer an attractive wireless solution for the gym or everyday use.

Mpow is quickly becoming a leader in accessories for your Windows 10 PC and Mobile devices. From emergency batteries to Bluetooth Speakers to Bluetooth headphones, Mpow has built up an impressive accessory lineup. We took the Antelope headphones out for a test drive and found them to be not only a quality set of headphones but also budget friendly.

The design of the Mpow Antelope headphones has two large earpieces connected with a flexible rubber coated wire. The right earpiece has three buttons that run along the bottom edge and the left earpiece holds your USB charging port. The button controls on the right earpiece control a variety of functions and breakdown as follows.

• The '+' Button increases your volume and advances playback
• The '-' Button decreases your volume and jumps back
• The '⭘' Button is a multi-function button that controls your power, play/pause, and answer/end calls functions

There is a small LED light on the right earpiece to confirm actions or alert you to incoming calls or low battery. The Mpow Antelope Bluetooth Sports Headphones are packaged with a micro-USB cable, three sizes of rubber earbuds and the owner's manual.

Under the hood of the Antelope headphones, you will find Bluetooth 4.1, CVC 6.0 Noise Cancellation and a battery with up to 8 hours playback/talk time and 240 hours of standby time.

Fit, Feel and Performance

The Mpow Antelope headphones are a little on the bulky side but extremely light. The lighter weight balances the largeness of the earpieces nicely and I found the Antelope headphones rather comfortable to wear. The headphones fit was secure whether running on the treadmill or walking down the street.

Powering the headphone up calls for you to press/hold the multi-function button for four seconds and to enter pairing mode, simply hold the power down for an extra three seconds or until you see the LED light flash white.

Audio quality for calls and music/video playback was solid with just the right amount of bass and treble. Compared to the competition, I would place the Antelope's sound quality about two steps above what you would find in other similarly-priced and specced headphones.

The microphone is positioned on the backside of the right earpiece. The microphone does a nice job picking up your voice and filtering out background noises. Callers were able to hear me clearly using a normal tone of voice.

It did take me a little time to get used to the orientation of the control buttons. While it was easy to remember that the center button was the multi-function button, the + and - button orientation took a little time to remember. Also, remember that tapping the buttons control the volume and a long press controls music playback. I found myself tapping when I should have been pressing to get to the next song.

The Mpow Antelope headphones can connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time and the call features include you basic answer/end calls, rejecting calls, last number redial and voice dial features. Pairing and the initial connection went smoothly from both a Lumia 950 and a Lumia 635. I was able to access Cortana through the voice dial features (tapping the multi-function and + button at the same time) using either Windows Phone.

All in all, the Mpow Antelope Bluetooth Sports Headphones are a nice option to consider if you are in the market for a wireless audio solution. The headphones are available from Amazon.com (in the neighborhood of $35) or directly from Mpow's website.

See at Amazon.com

Mpow offers a wide range of Windows Phone accessories ranging from back-up batteries to Bluetooth speakers to wireless headphones. Mpow's Seashell Bluetooth Headphones is one of the company's sportier models and offers noise cancellation, seven hours of playback time and waterproofing.

After using the headphones over the past few days, the Mpow Seashell Bluetooth Headphones offers a quality listening experience for your Windows Phone music library or streaming videos. You will also have the convenience of basic, hands-free calling features.

The Mpow Seashell Bluetooth headphones are packaged with what has become a standard set of assorted sized earbuds and loops to help them fit more securely in your ear. You will also find a micro-USB charging cable and a brief user guide.

The layout of the headphones has a charging port located on the right earpiece and a button bar located on the cord connecting the two headphone earbuds. When worn, the button bars is positioned around your collar bone and easily accessible. Key features of the Seashell Bluetooth Headphones include:

• Noise Cancellation: The 6th generation CVC technology reduces outside noises and allows for clearer sound from the headphone's microphone.
• Bluetooth 4.1 and APT-X technology
• Waterproofing: The Seashell Headphones are certified with IPX4 waterproofing. This means the headphones can survive being splashed by water, but should not be submerged.

The Seashell Headphones can be paired with two devices at the same time and the battery is rated at seven hours of playback time and 185 hours of stand-by time. Our experience with the headphone's battery life does not stray very far from the rated life expectancy.

The controls for the Seashell Headphones rest entirely on the button bar. Here you will find volume/playback controls and a multi-function button. You will also find a small LED light to confirm several of the Seashell's functions. The multi-function button handles the headphone's power, pairing, pause/start and hands-free calling functions. Speaking of hands-free calling, the Seashell Headphones has the ability to answer/end calls, reject calls, muting calls, redial numbers and has support for voice dialing.

Performance

Pressing and holding the multi-function button for three seconds will power-up the Seashell Headphones. If you continue to hold down the multi-function button for a few seconds longer will send the headphones into pairing mode. The LED indicator on the button bar that will flash red and blue when the headphones enter pairing mode. Once in pairing mode, all you will need to do is head to your Windows Phone Bluetooth settings and complete the connection.

The headphones fit and feel is very comfortable and while the earpieces are a little on the large side, they are also lightweight. The earpieces also rode securely in the ear while sitting in the chair, walking down the street or running on the treadmill. The control buttons on the button bar are large enough to distinguish without the need to look at what you are doing and audio quality was good.

The microphone is located on the backside of the button bar and picked up my voice clearly, with the noise reduction effectively filtering out the background sounds.The audio quality of the Mpow Seashell headphones is good and nicely suitable for listening to music, enjoying audible books or watching a video.

Overall Impressions

Mpow offers a solid line-up of wireless headphones and the Seashell model is no exception. Hands-free calling features are respectable, audio playback is good and the headphones are comfortable to wear. On top of all that, the headphones are budget friendly coming in below $40 (in some cases lower than $25).

I can see the Seashell Bluetooth Sports Headphones being a popular choice for the gym or just listening to videos from your Surface tablet. If you have tried the Mpow Seashell Headphones, let us know what you think of things in the comments below.

• Buy the Mpow Seashell Bluetooth Sports Headphones from Amazon.com ($24.99)
• Buy the Mpow Seashell Bluetooth Sports Headphones from Mpow.com ($37.19)

We have covered several Mpow Windows Phone accessories over the years and one of their new Bluetooth headphones caught our eye the other day. The Mpow Magneto Bluetooth Sports Headphone incorporated tiny little magnets in the headphones to act as a switch sensor to play/pause music or answer/end phone calls.

While you do have an inline control bar, the magnetic switches replace your conventional buttons on the earbuds. We recently took the Mpow Magneto headphones out for a spin and found them to be a comfortable, quality set of headphones for the gym or anywhere else you need hands-free access to your Windows Phone or Windows 10 device.

The design of the Mpow Magneto at first glance resembles your typical Bluetooth sports headphones. You have a cable connecting the two earbuds and an inline control bar. The control bar houses your microphone and a series of buttons that include a multi-function and volume/playback buttons. However, if you look closely at the Magneto's earbuds, you will notice there are no buttons.

Instead of using conventional buttons, the Magneto uses a Honeywell switch sensor that is triggered by two magnets in earbuds. This magnetic switch allows you to play/pause the music on your device or answer/end phone calls by attaching and separating the earbuds. In essence, you can have the Magneto headphones on standby and easily activate them by separating the magnets.

When the magnetic heads are attached together, separate them to play the music or answer the call. When the magnetic heads are separated, attach them together to stop the music or hang up the phone. Granted if you are listening to music and receive a call you can answer the call through your Windows Phone screen or by tapping the multi-function button on the control bar.

The magnetic switch does offer a level of convenience when the Magneto is connected to your Windows Phone or Window 10 computer. When you come across a situation where you want to listen to an audio feed from your device (be it a video, music or gaming sound effects) just separate the earbuds and you are in business. No need to fumble with tiny little switches.

Along with the magnetic switches, here are some of the Magneto's other features:

• CVC 6.0 noise cancellation technology
• Bluetooth 4.1
• Battery ratings of up to 8 hours of talk/music time and up to 175 hours of standby time
• Apt-X technology for CD-like, high-quality sound performance

In the box, you will find the headphones, a set of different sized earbud nubs, an operator's manual and a micro-USB charging cable. The charging cable will attach to the right earbud to replenish the Magneto's batteries.

As far as calling features are concerned, the Magneto covers the basics such as answering/ending calls, redialing and voice dialing.

While the magnetic switch can come in handy, a lot of the headphones control is managed by the multi-function button. This button controls powering on/off the headphones, initiating pairing and as an alternate means of answering/ending calls or playing/pausing audio playback. Voice prompts are present to confirm your actions as well.

As far as connectivity is concerned, pairing was simple and painless with my Lumia 830. The connectivity range is about ten meters (which is standard these days) and you can pair the headphone to two Bluetooth devices at once.

Fit and feel is comfortable and with the magnetic switch, you can wear the headset during the day on standby and answering a call is as simple as separating the magnets and putting the earbuds in your ear. The functionality for daily wear is a lot like the LG Tone{.nofollow}, just without the collar. My only nit with Magneto's fit and feel is that the earbuds are a little on the bulky side. It's nothing detrimental but noticeable when you first start using the headphones.

Sound quality was good, probably a notch or two above the typical Bluetooth headset. The microphone did a commendable job of picking up my voice and filtering out background noise.

After using the Mpow Magneto over the past few days, I found it to be a solid hands-free solution for listening to music, videos or other audio sources from your Windows Phone and for hands-free calling. It's a little more discreet that having a Bluetooth earpiece sticking out your ear throughout the day and stays in place nicely while exercising. These days my workouts are limited to the basement treadmill and I didn't have the Magneto fall out of place once.

I also found that the magnetic switch comes in handy when the Magneto is paired with a Windows 10 computer. The switch makes it easy to go from standby to active when you need to listen to a video, music or enjoy the sounds of a video game without fumbling for a switch or cord to plug in.

If you are in search of a Bluetooth, hands-free solution for your Windows Phone or just a nice pair of wireless headphones for your Windows 10 device, the Mpow Magneto is an option worth considering. Priced at $34.99, the Magneto comes in two color schemes black and gray.

• Buy Mpow Magneto Bluetooth Sports Headphones from Amazon (Black)/$34.99
• Buy Mpow Magneto Bluetooth Sports Headphones from Amazon (Gold)/$34.99
• Buy Mpow Magneto Bluetooth Sports Headphones from Amazon (Silver)/$34.99

If you are using Windows 10 and have Microsoft's digital personal assistant Cortana available then you may be interested in the $23 Satechi Bluetooth Cortana Button. Sure, you can use Hey Cortana or [Win + C] on your keyboard to call up the assistant, but what if you are driving and want to use Cortana on your phone? Or maybe you would like Cortana on your keychain?

Let's take a look at what your $23 will get you with the Satechi Bluetooth Cortana Button in our new video review!

In the box

The Satechi button was first announced in July and went on sale last week. We ordered up our button from Satechi and had our shipment within just a few days.

The packaging for the Cortana accessory was top-notch with feature specifications and details about the product well laid out. Here is what you need to know:

• Bluetooth 3.0
• Battery lasts up to 2 years (1x CR2016)
• Active range is up to 40 feet
• Works with Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile

In the box you get the following:

• Bluetooth Cortana button
• Bluetooth Button steering wheel mount
• Audio port Keychain attachment
• 3M Sticker
• Quick Start Guide

I was impressed with all the accessories for this accessory that this button came with in the box. You can easily mount the Cortana button to your steering wheel for one-touch access while driving, toss it on your keychain or stick the button where you want to for easy access.

Pairing

On the back of the Cortana button is a tiny pairing switch. You'll need a pen or something small to press it in and hold for a few seconds. On the front of the button, you should see a blinking blue light letting you know it is in pairing mode. Now, under Windows 10 or Windows 10 Mobile just head to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth and pair with the Satechi Bluetooth Cortana Button.

To pair the button with another device just repeat the above steps to reset and repair with another computer or phone.

I should note that we were unable to get this to work with Windows Phone 8.1, so this is likely just a Windows 10 Mobile accessory.

If your computer does not have Bluetooth, you can easily pick up a Bluetooth 3.0 or 4.0 USB dongle to add it to your computer. Satechi makes a Bluetooth 4.0 one for about $16 on Amazon although any third-party adapter will get the job done.

Usage

Once paired there is not much to it. Pressing the button launches Cortana and is similar to the [Win + C] keyboard shortcut. Cortana launches into listening mode, and you can then use your microphone to issue a command. The button behaves exactly the same on Windows 10 Mobile too.

Perhaps the most interesting usage case scenario is in the car where you can have a one-touch button on the steering wheel to activate Cortana. This motion of moving your thumb a few inches to tap is much easier – and safer – than reaching forward and fiddling with your phone. I also like the idea of permanently sticking the button to my desk or just about anywhere I can imagine.

Is it worth it?

The Satechi Bluetooth Cortana Button is certainly not a necessary accessory. However, it is a rather cool one that brings Cortana into the real world. I think it is a reasonably neat idea for those who use the personal digital assistant often or who would like a safe in-car solution.

Although it may come off as a bit of a novelty, I think Satechi did a great job with the inclusion of 3M tape, the keychain loop, and steering wheel mount. Combined with the great build quality, the overall coolness of it and their fast shipping and Satechi has a shipshape product on their hands. It is certainly worth considering as a stocking stuffer, small gift for someone, or maybe just something neat for your home 'battle station".

You may not need it, but it is a cool thing to have. If interested, you can order one up from Satechi direct for $23.

Order the Satechi Bluetooth Cortana Button

Logitech has launched a new Bluetooth mouse and keyboard for those who require wireless peripherals for mobile use. Ideal solutions for hardware without a physical mouse/trackpad and keyboard, the new Logitech K380 keyboard and M535 mouse bring some interesting features to the table, as well as being affordable.

The K380 wireless keyboard is a thin and stylish package available in black and blue. Support is included for Windows 10, Mac, Android, and more. Since the keyboard can be paired with multiple devices, it's possible to quickly switch between paired hosts by hitting a single button.

The keyboard will remember mapped keys for different devices to provide a familiar experience with known shortcuts loaded (cut, copy, and paste for example). Logitech states that the K380 can power through up to two years of use from two AAA batteries.

Buy the Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard for $39.99 (£34.99)

Alongside the Bluetooth keyboard is the M535 wireless mouse, which also shares the same feature to connect to multiple Bluetooth devices. The mouse has a programmable navigation button located just below the scroll wheel, which will enable owners to switch through apps, change desktops, carry out functions, and more. It's also stated the M535 works on most surfaces.

Buy the Logitech M535 Bluetooth Mouse for $39.99 (£34.99)

Via: Neowin

Microsoft's launch of a new preview build of Windows 10 Mobile late last week brought a lot of bug fixed for the upcoming smartphone OS. However, there are still some issues with using Cortana on Bluetooth connection, and that's something that the Windows 10 is "actively working" to improve upon in future releases of the OS.

Many Windows 10 Mobile testers have had issues using Cortana with a Bluetooth set-up, including wireless speakers and using it with a car. In a response to a user question about that topic, Windows Insider head Gabriel Aul recently stated on Twitter:

Certainly, many Windows 10 Mobile users would like to be able to speak to Cortana on a Bluetooth set-up in a hands-free mode. Hopefully those improvements will come sooner rather than later.

Source: Gabriel Aul (Twitter)

In Windows 10 Mobile, one change irked me a bit: tapping the Wi-Fi Quick Action toggled it on or off. Although I understood the rationale, the old way jumped you into Settings > Wi-Fi where you could see the list of networks. If you jump around a lot, this is a very quick tool.

However, it turns out I just didn't get the model Microsoft was going with. Reader of the site Dương T. found out how it all works:

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Toggles

1. Tapping quick action toggles the state on or off e.g. Wi-Fi on or off
2. Press and hold sends you to the Settings menu for that task e.g. search for Bluetooth devices to pair to

This combo is the best of both worlds approach, and I am glad to see Microsoft offering this solution. It's smart.

I should also note it seems to work for some other quick actions like VPN and Connect.

My only concern is, like myself, the discovery of this feature. It is not clear how new users will know to hold and press to take advantage of the option.

Anyway, for now, if you are using Windows 10 Mobile you can enjoy this feature.

GRDE isn't the first name that comes to mind when you think of Windows Phone accessories but the company offers a nice range of gadgets and gizmos that includes everything from cases to reading lights powered by your micro-USB port.

The company also offers a very economical Sport Neckband (official model number being HV-900) that offers hands free access to your Windows Phone. The design is similar to the old LG HBS-700 neckband but at a more budget friendly price. While the design and savings of the GRDE headset is appealing, often the reduction in price translates into a reduction in quality.

We had the opportunity to take the GRDE Sport Neckband out for a test drive recently and found it to be a decent, budget friendly option. There's room for improvement but for a $25.00 BT headset that you can wear at the gym or the office, the headset is worth considering.

The design of the GRDE can be appealing for those looking for something to wear while working out or for those who are looking for an everyday hands free solution but don't want something sticking out of their ear all the time.

The neckband wraps around your neck and has a series of control buttons on the ends of the loop. Earbuds are magnetically held into place at the end of the neckband until you have a call to make/answer or want to listen to music.

Control layout for the GRDE neckband has your playback controls positioned on the right side of the neckband that includes a play/pause and forward/reverse buttons. The left side of the neckband is where you will find volume controls, the power button, the micro-USB charging port and your call button. There is also a led light indicator on the left side to alert you to charging, power and pairing status.

Paring the GRDE HV-900 is simple. To put the headset into pairing mode, press and hold the call button while turning on the power switch. This will make the neckband discoverable by your Windows Phone.

Additional specifications for the GRDE Sport Neckband include Bluetooth 4.0, APTX sound technology, noise reduction, echo cancellation and a projected battery life of 4-6 hours of talk time, 7 hours of play back time and 36 hours of standby time. The GRDE Sport Neckband is packaged with the headset, a USB to micro-USB charging cable, a few rubber earbud tips for sizing purposes and a Quick Start Guide.

The HV-900 has your basic call features that include answering calls, last number redial, voice dialing, call waiting, call reject and microphone mute. Audio playback features are also on the basic side with the ability to play, pause, stop, next/previous songs and fast forward/reverse controls.

So how does all this translate into the real world?

I had one of the earlier models of the LG HBS-700 (which I believe is now the LG Tone) and it was a solid Bluetooth headset. My kids have long since acquired the LG but comparing the GRDE from my memory of the LG, it's not too far off with regards to sound and build quality.

The microphone was on par with other Bluetooth headsets I've used over the years. The noise reduction was good and callers could hear me without issue. Sound quality from the GRDE was also on par with other headsets and I could hear callers without issue. Music playback sounded good but needed a little more bass for my taste.

Build quality was better than you would expect from a $25 Bluetooth headset but still has room for improvement. For starters, the magnets that hold your earbuds in place could stand to be a little stronger. There seemed to be a sweet spot where the magnets connected just right, otherwise the earbuds were prone to falling out of their cradle. I would have liked to have seen the earbuds pop into place with a little more authority.

The other build quality issue is that the cover for the micro-USB port is a little on the flimsy side. While that may not be a big issue, it really needs to have a solid fit to help maintain the sweat-proofness of the headset.

Wearing the GRDE neckband was comfortable. You will need to become familiar with the button layout to avoid craning your neck to eyeball the buttons but after a few minutes, it's easy to blindly tap the volume buttons or call controls.

Battery life was on par with the company's projections and I did not experience any Bluetooth connectivity issues. The device is listed as sweat-proof and while it isn't waterproof (no swimming with it on) the GRDE held up while running on the treadmill and mowing the yard. However, I did find myself checking the micro-USB cover regularly.

Overall Impression

If you like the style of these Bluetooth neckbands but don't want to invest a lot into the device, the GRDE Sport Neckband HV-900 is worth considering. The cost is about half of what other neckbands are running and while there is room for improvement, I didn't find anything that was a deal breaker with the GRDE.

The low-profile design gives the GRDE a bit of versatility in that you can wear it to work, at the beach or while working out. You won't have to worry about having your BT earpiece bouncing out of your ear while you run to catch that taxi or drive the lane in a game of basketball.

You can find the GRDE Sport Neckband through Amazon.com for $24.99. The neckband is offered in a variety of colors with the black and white models currently eligible for Amazon Prime.

GRDE Sport Neckband Bluetooth Headphone (Amazon.com Link)

The Mpow Armor Portable Bluetooth Speaker comes across as a very formidable Windows Phone accessory. The specs offer a rugged speaker that should be well suited for the beach, poolside or while out camping in the great beyond.

The 5W speaker is listed as waterproof, shockproof and dustproof. Battery life is estimated at 10 hours for playback time and you have the added bonus of using the 1000mAh battery as an emergency power source should your Windows Phone need a little boost. We took the Mpow BT speaker out for a test drive this past weekend and was rather impressed with the build quality and sound performance this little speaker offers.

The tour around the device includes your control panel positioned at the top of the device and your ports running along the side of the speaker that includes a USB output (for charging your phone), micro-USB charging port and an auxiliary port.

The Armor is trimmed in rubber with rubber covers snugly covering both port sections. The rubber trim helps the speaker survive minor bumps and scrapes, while the rubber covers keeps things nice and dry.

The tell of the tape has the Mpow Armor measuring approximately 2.75" high, 4" wide and 2.12" deep (69.85mm x 101.6mm x 53.85mm). The weight is almost non-existent coming in at 6 ounces/ 170 grams. In practical terms, the Mpow Armor is about the size of a softball or maybe a coffee mug.

The Mpow Armor, is Bluetooth 4.0 compatible and waterproof at an IP65 level. Breaking down the IP code means the device has a level 6 rating for solid particle protection (dust tight) and a level 5 rating for liquid ingress protection (water jets have no harmful effects). Immersion protection starts at level 7.

What does this mean in the real world? The Mpow Armor should be safe on the beach lying in the sand, getting splashed by the incoming waves or poolside as the kids practice their cannonball dives. I just wouldn't submerge the speaker in the bathtub, pool, ocean, etc.

The Armor comes packaged with a 3.5mm audio cable, a micro USB to USB charging cable and an instructional manual.

Performance

Activating the pairing mode with the Armor is simple. Just press and hold the power button for four seconds and the LED indicator will begin to flash red and blue. Follow the steps to complete the pairing from your Windows Phone and you are in business.

The control panel consists of the power button that doubles for a play/pause button and +/- buttons to control volume and playback. The Armor lacks any phone features but will pause play while you are on your Windows Phone chatting it up.

Should you get into a situation where your Windows Phone battery needs a boost, the Armor has an emergency 1100mAh battery that can be accessed through the USB outlet.

The 5W driver and bass radiator on the Armor offers some nice sound quality from such a small speaker. Sound quality is a little bassy but nothing disastrous. As far as battery life is concerned with the Mpow Armor, I pulled about ten hours of use from a single charge over the span of a few days with the Mpow Armor, which is what the manufacturer predicted.

Overall Impression

The Mpow Armor Bluetooth Speaker is a decent option worth considering if you are looking for a wireless speaker option. While it lacks phone features, it does an admirable job with music playback.Add being able to use the 1000mAh battery to help keep your Windows Phone battery charged and the versatility expands further.

The Armor is also rather versatile due to its water and dust resistance. You can take it to the beach or poolside without worrying about it getting wet or dropped in the sand. It is also safe enough to use in the shower, out camping or just about anywhere else where dust and water are a risk. The Armor is not submergible, but it can take a decent dowsing. As far as being shockproof, I wouldn't try to bounce the speakers off walls but it should survive an accidental drop.

Overall, priced just under $40, the Mpow Armor isn't a bad option to consider if you are in the market for a portable speaker. You can pick up the Mpow Armor from various third party retailers such as Amazon.com. If you take the plunge and pick up a Mpow Armor, let us know what you think of the speaker in the comments below.

Mpow Armor Bluetooth Speaker (Amazon.com)

Update: Many have asked if the Mpow Armor has a separate battery to use as an emergency power source. The product description does give the impression that the speaker has a separate battery but in reviewing the documentation that came with the Armor, only one battery source is listed in the specifications. We have reached out to the manufacturer for clarification and while it appears the Armor has one battery, being able to pull from a single battery to charge your Windows Phone is still a nice feature.