Bluetooth Profiles,Versions, Classes, and Features

Bluetooth stereo profiles:

Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP): also known as "Bluetooth Stereo Profile", allows stereo quality audio to be streamed from a media source to a connected device. Unlike the HSP, which does not allow for continuous audio streams, the A2DP allows reception of a streaming audio signal from the media source to Bluetooth stereo headsets.

Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP): provides a standard interface to control TVs, hi-fi equipment, or other to allow a single remote control (or other device) to control all the A/V equipment that a user has access to. AVRCP allows for easy control of another device that also has the A2DP profile.

Bluetooth Compliant versions

Bluetooth version 1.2 compliant means it is easier to use, a quicker connection, and interference is reduced! Bluetooth versions are backward compatible, so no worries as you upgrade to a higher Bluetooth compliant versions.
Bluetooth version 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) ADDS automatic reconnection with another Bluetooth device, increases audio bandwidth for better Stereo sound, and is becoming increasingly popular for battery life improvement of nearly 20% if BOTH devices have Bluetooth version 2.0 or higher.
Bluetooth version 3.0, High Speed! This latest Bluetooth version 3.0 fulfills the consumers’ need for speed while providing the same wireless Bluetooth experience only faster. Manufacturers of consumer electronics and home entertainment devices can now build their products to send large amounts of video, music and photos between devices wirelessly at speeds consumers expect, comparable to the 802.11 radio protocol.

Bluetooth Class defines Range

Bluetooth Class 3 radios use just 1 mW of power, with a range less than 2 feet.
Bluetooth Class 2 radios, typical in cell phones, have a range of up to 10 meters or 30 feet if unobstructed.
Bluetooth Class 1 radios, typical of Newer Bluetooth dongles and a few Bluetooth headsets, have a range of up to 80-100 meters, that's up to 328 feet if unobstructed!

Bluetooth Features to look for

DSP with Dual microphones will SUBSTANTIALLY improve the clarity of your in-car calls since the second microphone can sample background noise for the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) to eliminate the background noise better than any single microphone solution.

Multi-Point Pairing means you can connect to multiple cell phones SIMULTANEOUSLY, and on many car kits, even have two cell phones handling calls simultaneously!

TTS or Text to Speech With Text to Speech translation, you hear the number and/ or name of the caller before you choose to answer.

SST or Speech to Text TEXT while you Drive! Yes, now what you speak can be translated into text for messaging and emails with this nifty STT feature.