If you want to buy a Bluetooth device, you need to know what it can and cannot do. Bluetooth profiles and protocols provide us with that information. So, before you buy that next Bluetooth headset or speaker, here is an explanation of the profiles and protocols you should look for on the box.
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What is a Bluetooth Profile?
A Bluetooth profile defines the functionality that a device supports and can execute when it connects with another by Bluetooth. If both devices support the same profiles, then you are able to use and enjoy the features or functionalities that profile specifies.
Where only one device supports a particular profile, you will be unable to use the associated functionalities, because the other device is unable to communicate at that level.
There are four main Bluetooth profiles, as follows: HSP (Handset Profile), HFP (Hands Free Profile), A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), and AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile). Let’s explore them to understand the features they each support.
Bluetooth profiles are those required for typical, mono Bluetooth headset operations; A2DP and AVRCP are important for stereo headsets.
Bluetooth Profiles: What Is HSP?
HSP (Headset Profile) is one of the most common Bluetooth protocols and makes two-way audio communication between a headset and a phone possible. This is the default profile that Bluetooth headsets use.
Note though that it enables only mono audio on headsets. It does not support stereo audio. A Bluetooth wireless headset that supports only HSP is good for basic telephone calls and nothing else. It can’t play music from your smartphone and can’t be used to control audio volume.
Bluetooth Profiles: What Is A2DP?
A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) is a Bluetooth protocol that enables a headset to stream high quality stereo audio wirelessly from a smartphone or other compatible device. The quality of the audio is much better, both for calls and for music playback.
If you want to buy a Bluetooth headset for listening to music from your phone, make sure that your devices specifications lists A2DP as a supported Bluetooth profile.
Bluetooth Profiles: What Is AVRCP?
AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) is the Bluetooth profile that enables remote control functionality. By way of example, it lets a Bluetooth headset control media playback on your smartphone. Those Bluetooth headsets and loudspeakers that let you pause and resume music playback support AVRCP.
Bluetooth Profiles: What Is HFP?
HFP (Hands Free Protocol) is a Bluetooth profile that enables a two-way wireless speaker-phone to be used with a Bluetooth phone, and is usually found in Bluetooth hands-free car kits. This is like a twin sister to HSP Bluetooth protocol and on its own supports mono audio.
As a matter of fact, both HSP and HFP are the two most common Bluetooth protocols and you probably do not have to worry much about a headset supporting them. As such, when shopping, depending on your needs, the profiles to watch out for are A2DP and AVRCP.
Do not forget: if your Bluetooth accessory does not support a particular profile, even if your smartphone does, you will not be able to enjoy the features of that profile on the accesory in question. For example, if a headset does not support A2DP, you will be unable to listen to music from your smartphone on it. You will only be able to take and make telephone calls on it.
Understanding Bluetooth Versions 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 5.0
Simply put, the higher the Bluetooth number, the faster data can be transferred, the more secure it is, and the less power your device consumes to maintain a connection. So two Bluetooth 5.0 devices can create a more secure connection between one another, transfer data faster, and last longer before needing their batteries recharged.
That is the simple, layman’s explanation of Bluetooth profiles and standards. Where cost permits, always go for devices with all the Bluetooth profiles and with the latest version number.
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