Where Did Bluetooth Wireless Technology Get Its Name?

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In ten years, Bluetooth wireless technology has entered everyday language and everyday electronic gadgets. Once a luxury item, many people would now consider Bluetooth technology in cars, phones and their offices a necessity. But what about the name, Bluetooth? Why was that chosen to front a brand name of communications and interactive technology? Bluetooth sounds more like a name for a brand of toothpaste or for fish food rather than for technology, doesn't it?

Say Hello To King Harold Blatant

"Bluetooth" was the nickname of Danish King Harold (or Harald) Blatant, who lived in the 900's. Also, the official website of Bluetooth wireless technology says that "bluetooth" is the English translation of "Blatant". He was a Viking, which are not really known to be cooperative. At the time of Bluetooth's life, the English had invaded the land and conquered it. This did not go down with the proud and determined Bluetooth.

Bluetooth managed to get all the tribal leaders to cooperate to drive out the invaders. In the process, he was elected the first King of Denmark. Also, the country officially got a name. It wasn't really a country then, just a collection of tribal lands in control of local powers. They used to spend a lot of time arguing with their neighbors, leaving then wide open for English invasion.

So, what does King Harold have to do with Bluetooth wireless technology? Well, as he managed to get all of the Danish talking to each other, so Bluetooth wireless technology gets different kinds of electronic gadgets talking and working together. Yes, it's a very convoluted reason for naming a gadget. Sometimes geeks study history, too.
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