# Let’s Discuss Technology: Grasping Bluetooth and Its Issues
Welcome to *Ask Jerry*, where we delve into the tech realm and address your pressing inquiries about the smart gadgets around us. I’m Jerry, a tech aficionado with more than 15 years in covering Android and Google. Whether you’re facing a smartphone dilemma or intrigued by the latest technology trends, I’m here to assist.
In this piece, we’ll look into a query that has confounded numerous tech users: **Why does Bluetooth remain so unreliable?** After over 25 years since its inception, Bluetooth technology continues to vex users with connection problems, buffering, and general instability. Let’s explore the reasons behind this and what actions you can take.
—
## Why Is Bluetooth Still So Unreliable?
### The Inquiry:
**Anonymous inquires:**
> *Bluetooth has been available for over 25 years and it’s still less reliable than Wi-Fi or even cellular connections. Unless I utilize matching devices from Apple or Samsung, I encounter persistent issues with buffering and connection failures. Why is this still an issue in 2024?*
### The Response:
Hello! I completely understand your annoyance. Bluetooth can indeed appear less reliable compared to Wi-Fi or cellular networks, particularly when utilizing a combination of devices from various manufacturers. But why does this continue to be the case after all these years?
In brief, **Bluetooth functions on a crowded frequency band**, depends on a blend of proprietary technologies, and is influenced by the unique hardware and software implementations of different devices. Let’s dissect this further.
—
## The Structure of Bluetooth
Bluetooth resembles a **layer cake** — fundamentally, it’s an open-source technology accessible to all. Yet, most corporations avoid using the basic version as it might be unreliable. Instead, major players like **Apple**, **Samsung**, and **Qualcomm** incorporate their proprietary layers to enhance Bluetooth’s functionality.
For instance, using an **iPhone** with **AirPods** or a **Samsung Galaxy** device with **Galaxy Buds** typically results in a seamless experience. This compatibility arises because both the phone and the earbuds are crafted to collaborate perfectly, utilizing the same proprietary Bluetooth improvements. These advancements comprise better compression algorithms and an increased output power, which collectively enhance connection stability and audio quality.
However, blending devices from varying manufacturers may not yield the same effectiveness. The proprietary layers added by one company may not be fully in sync with those from another. Consequently, you could encounter challenges like **audio buffering** or **connection drops**.
—
## The Overcrowded Frequencies
One of the principal hurdles Bluetooth contends with is its operation within the **2.4GHz frequency band**, which is also utilized by many other devices, including **Wi-Fi routers**, **microwave ovens**, and even **older cordless phones**. This frequency band often becomes busy, particularly in city environments or areas packed with electronic devices.
When several devices operate on the same frequency, they can interfere with one another, leading to **connection problems** and **audio disruptions**. Bluetooth attempts to minimize this interference employing a protocol called **CSMA/CA** (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance), which facilitates devices sharing the airwaves. Nevertheless, this system isn’t flawless, and interference can still occur, especially in populated spaces.
### Frequent Interference Sources:
– **Microwave Ovens**: Surprisingly, microwave ovens rank among the top disruptors of Bluetooth signals. Activating a microwave generates signals in the 2.4GHz range, which can disturb both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections.
– **Older Cordless Phones**: Vintage cordless phones functioning in the 2.4GHz range may also meddle with Bluetooth signals.
– **Wi-Fi Routers**: As Wi-Fi also operates in the 2.4GHz band, it can occasionally conflict with Bluetooth, particularly if both are utilizing the same channels.
—
## Why Some Devices Perform Better Together
As previously mentioned, devices from the same company frequently demonstrate superior performance when paired due to their shared proprietary Bluetooth enhancements. For instance, **Apple’s AirPods** are designed to integrate seamlessly with **iPhones**, while **Samsung’s Galaxy Buds** are fine-tuned for **Galaxy phones**. These devices leverage additional technologies like **Qualcomm’s aptX** or **Apple’s AAC** to amplify Bluetooth efficiency.
When pairing devices that don’t share the same advancements, you might not achieve the optimal experience. For example, using **AirPods** with an **Android phone** might lead to diminished sound quality or connection problems since Android does not efficiently support Apple’s proprietary AAC codec like iOS does.
—
## The Future of Bluetooth
The silver lining is that Bluetooth is in a constant state of evolution. New iterations of Bluetooth, such as **Bluetooth 5.0** and **
