How A Program Makes Your Bluetooth Headset More Valuable

So on a topic related to my last posting, here is another solution for bluetooth connectivity.

Many of us who own cell phones and Smartphones also have invested in Bluetooth headsets (if you’re like me, you’ve got more than one!).  They’re extremely useful for making phone calls without having to fumble for the phone when it rings and you don’t have to worry about getting tangled up in cords.  And many people have cell phones that are capable of playing MP3 – of course all Smartphones have this capability.

When I first got my Windows MobileSmartphone, I wanted to use it as my media player.  I wanted to listen to music and Audible books, but specifically, I wanted to use it to listen to podcasts.  There are several that I listen to on a regular basis, but I wanted to get down to one device – I didn’t want to buy an iPod or other MP3 player.

Of course I could always use the stereo headset that came with my 2125, but honestly, it’s not the most comfortable thing to wear.  And of course, I wanted to make use of my investment in my Bluetooth headsets.  But most Bluetooth headsets don’t support the Stereo Headphone Bluetooth profile that is required to “reroute” the sound of audio programs to the headset.

Along comes BlueCast (http://www.smartphone.net/software_detail.asp?id=2013).  It’s a relatively simple program to use (I have no idea about the complexity that goes into it).  You fire it up and there are two options, Turn On and Stop.  When its turned on and you’re connected to a Bluetooth audio device, it will reroute your audio and play it through you headset.  This is a Windows Mobile Smartphone-only product

 

 

Now I can listen to my podcasts in my car on my way into work, etc. just wearing my Jabra 250V headset. This allows me to keep one ear open for traffic, etc. while I still listen to my personalize audio.  Another upside of this product is that your smartphone will continue to work like it does with your wired headset, meaning it will pause your audio automatically when a call comes in, allowing you to take the call, and then resumes when the call is over.  The only downside is that now I wear my headset batteries out faster than before!  But seriously, it doesn’t take up more battery power than if you were on a call – its just that I use my headset more now. 

The sound quality is pretty decent too. Its only mono, so even if you have wireless stereo headphones, you’ll still hear one channel (but in both ears) and there is a little hiss or pop sometimes when you’re not listening to anything, but that is generally due to the wireless aspect of the connection more than anything to do with the program.  I have experienced some static with some of my headsets, but not others, so I have attributed it to the quality of the headset.

All in all, to me it is certainly worth the $12.95 cost for podcast listening freedom.  I have to admit that I was a little put-off by the cost at first myself, but after using the product, I saw huge potential in it and I use this product most days of the week.

Enjoy!