Bluetooth – Linux Hint https://linuxhint.com Exploring and Master Linux Ecosystem Wed, 24 Feb 2021 14:52:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.6.2 Best Bluetooth Speakerphone https://linuxhint.com/best-bluetooth-speakerphone/ Mon, 22 Feb 2021 12:27:37 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=90904 The microphones and speakers on our mobile gadgets aren’t bad by any means. However, now that everyone’s working from home, getting the best Bluetooth speakerphone is a smarter choice.
That’s because speakerphones are designed specifically for making and receiving audio calls. They sound much fuller and louder than your typical mobile phone speakers. Sure, they lack a little bass and focus instead on a clearer voice; they’re unlike your everyday portable speaker.
We reviewed more than a dozen models for performance. As a result, we can confidently say, the models listed below are ideal whether you are looking for the best car Bluetooth speakerphone or one to use at home. Let’s take a look!

1. Jabra Speak 750

We’re starting off with the best of the best Bluetooth speakerphone. The Jabra Speak 750 is a professional full-duplex speakerphone that brings crystal clear audio to your calls and conferences. Simply connect it to your lappy, pc, or smartphone and enjoy a noise-free audio experience.

Recent research shows that nearly 10 percent of the average meetup time gets wasted on technical difficulties. Jabra Speak 750 takes care of that as it is a plug-and-play device. Therefore, you are up and running in no time.

The device has a solid build with a central microphone and speaker. It’s surrounded by touch controls for Bluetooth, volume, Make Call, and End Call. The unit has an incredible 360 degrees of sound pickup, making it suitable for everyone seated around a conference table.

The calls come through loud and clear during our tests. There is no echo, noise, or distortion. On a full charge, the device ran for 10 hours continuously. That’s more than enough for a few days, even if your calls are longer than usual. What’s more, you can even program its Smart Button for Speed dial, Siri, or Google Assistant.

The only downside we see is it’s higher than the normal price. But, we have never seen a Jabra product malfunctioning or breaking. So, Jabra Speak 750 is a solid investment for anyone looking to get a portable Speakerphone for their home or office.

Buy Here: Amazon

2. VeoPulse Car Speakerphone

The VeoPulse B-Pro 2 is our top pick for the best car Bluetooth speakerphone. Weighing just 10.4 ounces, it’s lightweight, compact, and economical enough to give you the most bang for the so-called bucks. And that’s not all.

Sure, it’s super easy to set up. Clip it securely to your sun visor and pair it once with your smartphone. But, what we really love about this model is the automatic power on and off feature. This feature saves up a lot on battery consumption, so you can go for long distances without charging your device. Cool, right?

Another handy feature is voice recognition. Instead of struggling with buttons, you can utilize voice control. The VeoPulse B-Pro 2 does this masterfully. You just have to say “Yes” to receive a call and “No” to decline. Calling someone is also convenient. Activate the voice commands and then say your caller’s name. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

The sound quality is also decent. Remember! a speakerphone is not a high-end stereo speaker. So don’t expect a similar performance. Overall, we found the sound clear enough to hear driving directions without any problem.

Buy Here: Amazon

3. Anker PowerConf Bluetooth Speakerphone

Last year, Anker released a wireless speakerphone for conference calls that took the market by storm. It offers solid performance, thanks to six microphones organized nicely in a 360-degree array. The Bluetooth device is capable of simultaneously handling the voice of up to eight people. Impressed, yet?

Those who prefer a wired solution can connect and charge with the help of a USB-C cable. Cord cutters, on the other hand, can enjoy a hassle-free connection via Bluetooth. What’s more, the device comes with a 6,700mAH battery. So you can use it as a power bank and charge other devices with the speakerphone.

A unique feature of this product is the Bluetooth Multipoint functionality. That means you can connect multiple devices with it concurrently. However, it will only play from a single device. Still, it gets much easier to switch the mic from your PC to your mobile for a call.

While the audio quality isn’t as great as Jabra 510, we believe the PowerConf does a much better job of noise isolation. That said, if you are a minimalist, on a budget, and the thought of consolidating your speakerphone and portable battery charger sounds appealing, go for Anker PowerConf Bluetooth Speakerphone

Buy Here: Amazon

4. eMeet Bluetooth Speakerphone – M2

The eMeet M2 is a great Bluetooth conference speakerphone. It looks modern due to a smaller footprint, and the audio sounds excellent. The noise isolation is on point, especially when more than one person is talking simultaneously.

In terms of performance, the eMeet M2 is very similar to Jabra 710 – though slightly undervalued. The only major difference is that the Jabra firmware is updateable. During our tests at a range of 7 feet, this device was still able to pick up the audio clearly. The eMeet technology does a fantastic job of filtering out any ambient noises. The buttons are also pretty responsive and push down easily.

The gadget is lightweight & easy to transport. The reason we really love this unit is that it recognizes the direction of the speaker. Then it’s able to adjust the audio, remove the noise and keep it crystal clear. The reason being, it has four internal microphones that track speakers in the phone, giving a full 360 degrees coverage.

Overall, this is a great budget conference speaker for any boardroom, Zoom conference, or group of individuals discussing a situation. If you are on a budget, eMeet M2 is your guy.

Buy Here: Amazon

5. Motorola Roadster 2 Wireless In-Car Speakerphone

If you’re looking for one of the best car Bluetooth speakerphones, Jabra Freeway is a premium choice. It comes with all the bells and whistles (and some more!) you would expect. However, you do have to dole out a premium amount to get this Bluetooth speakerphone.

This device has three built-in speakers, providing clean, loud audio. You can also broadcast your music, podcasts, or calls from your car radio via its FM transmitter. Jabra’s background noise reduction technology is outstanding as well. In part, the dual microphones also help to clear the audio.

This speakerphone goes to sleep when not attached to a phone. But, as soon as you open your vehicle’s door, it wakes up and connects back automatically. Calls are clear, and the audio controls are within easy reach. On a one-time charge, the battery easily lasts for good 25 days.

Naturally, all the premium features make it an expensive investment. That’s why we ranked it fifth on our list. This device isn’t for everyone. But if you don’t mind spending extra, the Jabra Freeway Bluetooth speakerphone is hard to pass.

Buy Here: Amazon

Best Bluetooth Speakerphone – Buyer’s Guide

Besides exceptional sound quality, here’s what you need to keep in mind when you are on the lookout for a speakerphone.

Audio Filter

Now, having an audio filter is an absolute must. Best-sounding speakerphones generally include some audio filters to isolate the voice. It also reduces any ambient noise and helps you focus on a sound you really want to hear.

Battery Life

No one wants a speakerphone that needs to be constantly tugged into a wall. That’s why you should go for rechargeable models that come with longer battery life. One feature that really helps retain the charge is the automatically On/Off feature. Such speakerphones are automatically shutting down when not in use and can for hours, even days.

Pickup distance

If you are going for a home or conference room speakerphone, the pickup distance becomes a crucial factor. Nobody should know you ran to the kitchen hamburger in the middle of a skype call, right? Look for models that can pick up your audio from a distance of at least 7-10 meters.

Connectivity

Sure the reason you are going for a Bluetooth speakerphone is the ease of using it without any strings. However, having extra connectivity mechanisms such as a USB cord is quite handy. It’s an electronics device, after all. You never know when the Bluetooth starts acting up. In that case, you can conveniently attach it via the USB cord.

Portability

To travel easily, your best car Bluetooth speakerphone should have a compact build. It should also be lightweight and come with any protective case. Usually, portable speakerphones come in either hard plastic or a neoprene case – both are good for protection.

Final Thoughts

These are the best Bluetooth speakerphone right now. These models are fully compatible with the universal communication format –the industry standard for multimedia communication, making them work like a breeze with your mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. In case you would be using one sparingly, go for a model that can play songs as well. After all, nothing is better than having an additional music source in your hands.

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Best Bluetooth Headset for Computer https://linuxhint.com/best-bluetooth-headset-for-computer/ Fri, 05 Feb 2021 12:32:45 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=89048 If you own a pair of headphones, you are bound to have suffered from a comedic whiplash. The tug on your neck from the not-so-long cord while moving away leads to unwanted mayhem at your working station.

The time has come to invest in a hassle-free headset alternative. One that widens your workspace boundaries without limiting your mobility. A Bluetooth headset is an excellent way to multi-task and expand your productivity scale.

Moreover, if you spend long hours on the computer, don’t let it take your freedom away. Get a Bluetooth headset that enables you to attend calls and type simultaneously. One that even allows you to make a cup of coffee without having to interrupt your calls or meetings.

We are already slaves to technology. Let us not make it literal by tying ourselves to the computer through our headsets.

So, what’s the best Bluetooth headset for computers out there? Let’s find out!

Buyer’s Guide for the Best Bluetooth Headset for Computer

If you are looking for a Bluetooth set to pair with your computer, investigate the following factors.

Style

The long work hours and pandemic ridden social distancing means being stuck with a headset for long hours. Decide between over-the-ear, in-ear, or on-ear headsets. You also have the added option of bone conduction headsets that are perfect for people with altered/lacking hearing capability.

Connectivity

Your Bluetooth headset must be able to pair with multiple devices to aid you in switching between them. Make sure the range of active connection matches your movement at work/home. Losing the connection mid-call isn’t going to look great amidst an important meeting.

Noise

Active noise cancellation is a must if you work in loud environments. Especially if you are going to invest major bucks, drowning background noise is a must. Plus, the ear muffs must also have enough padding to aid in passive noise cancellation to listen better.

Microphone

There is a variety of mic types available. Just remember to get your money’s worth. It should transmit your voice clearly and cut out the background noise. Also, look for maximum adjustability to be able to switch in between ears.

1. Plantronics Voyager Focus UC Bluetooth USB Headset

If any headset has managed to leave a mark, it is the Voyager UC! The balanced sound is unmatchable and is perfect for staying professional. This headset serves you great features. Ranging from a good built, a sturdy metal band over your head, and backed by a very soft band to adapt to your head shape. The on-ear speakers have memory foam for better ear adaptability.

The earmuffs are flippable, which provides you with the advantage of using one ear at a time. You can also store it flat without breaking your headset. To connect it to your PC, attach the USB dongle to your computer. There is also a Dock Station that you can use to charge your headset when not in use. And that’s not all!

The headset itself has switches for mute, Bluetooth connection, call answer, and volume controls. You also get the ANC (Active Noise Control), which helps drown the surrounding noise while attending essential calls.

Its boom mic can be flipped to aid use on both ears. It offers clarity during calls and cuts out any surrounding noise, which may cause disruption. With a continuous talk time of 10 hours, this headset is a perfect work partner. The only downside is its inability to perform at its finest without the USB dongle. Connecting through the tiny widget aids in preventing stutter and enhances sound quality.

That said, don’t mistake it for a surround sound deep base headset, which is often required for gaming. Overall, this headset offers standard yet praiseworthy sound quality.

Buy Here: Amazon

2. Jabra Evolve 65 UC Wireless Headset, Stereo

If you want your computer to have superior wireless connectivity. Free from the shackles of cords and wires, then Jabra Evolve is a good shot. It offers seamless connectivity up to a range of 30 meters/100 feet. Experience agent focus through this headset.

The busy light alerts other peers of calls-in progress and allows less disturbance in your workflow. Enjoy up to fourteen hours of talk time or connect to a USB port to charge while using without disturbing your workflow.

What further eliminates surrounding noise passively is the specially designed ear cushions ready to battle high-frequency noise. Additionally, the dual connectivity enables you to connect to your PC and one other device simultaneously.

It is compatible with all known UC platforms. It is also certified for Skype for Business, Cisco, and more. Alter the headset to your size and enjoy the on-ear crisp and clear sound quality. You can pair it with 8 Bluetooth devices and two active-standby Bluetooth connections.

The only downside to it is its limited active noise cancellation ability. While it does drown background noise, it’s not up to the previous headset’s level mentioned on this list.

Buy Here: Amazon

3. Hyper X Cloud Flight – Wireless Gaming Headset

When it comes to computers, headsets, and intense gaming sessions, the X cloud Flight is the ultimate beast. Offering immersive game audio, this headset is a multi-functional Bluetooth wonder.

The overall built is relatively lightweight, as opposed to other over the ear headphones, due to its plastic built and steel sliders. The wide strap and 90 degrees flipping ability of the ear-cuffs makes it suitable for various head shapes and sizes.

As for connecting in-calls or shouting in commands to your team, the microphone has a clear and crisp connection, without any statics. You can also detach the microphone when not in use. It functions when the headset is in wireless mode and when connected to the PC or PS4. The mic flip is an easy way to mute yourself in a split second.

The Hyper X Bluetooth headset has a 30-hour battery life with a 2.4 GHz wireless connection to back your gaming sessions. The Led lighting effects lets other people know of your immersive state and keeps them at bay. No more disturbance is guaranteed.

Be sure to run free with the Hyper X as it has a range of connectivity of 20 meters. However, with extensive use, the set is known to heat up.

Buy Here: Amazon

4. Mpow HC5 V5.0 Bluetooth Headset with Dual Mic

Next up, we have another headset worth a shot. The Mpow is a dual-mode headset that offers both wired and wireless modes. This budget-friendly PC and phone buddy is a versatile piece of technology. The Bluetooth 5.0 technology offers strong and optimized signals, backed by efficient 22-hour battery life. A cord length binds your freedom, but a flexible distance of 50 feet.

Moreover, this headset also blesses you with the chance of two simultaneous device connections. You can switch between them quickly and easily without pairing time losses. To get your voice across without any struts or stutters, the CVC 8.0 noise reduction takes care of it all. The noise-canceling microphone prevents unwanted sound elements from reaching the other side and drowns them in the process.

As for the built, the leather-padded headband is quite comfy and lightweight. You get proper clamping force and breathable over the ear pads. In addition to it, the 8-degree adjustability adds to its versatility in fitting over various head forms.

Additional features include side buttons for muting or switching the headset on or off. The additional 3.5 audio cable lets you make it a wired headset when charging goes low on the extended work hours.

However, the build is also a bit questionable as the strap is flatter than other headsets. So, the bowed-out strap from the sides may appear less flattering on some head shapes.

Buy Here: Amazon

5. AfterShokz OpenComm Wireless Stereo Bone Conduction Bluetooth Headset

If you aren’t a fan of over-the-ear or on-the-ear headphones, wait a moment. Sound transfer is all about conduction, and who said air is needed to carry out this task?

The AfterShokz PC headset is the perfect companion for you if you want to be aware of your environment yet stay connected to your PC/phone/tablet.

The open ear bud-free comfort backed by a noise-canceling boom mike is perfect for your essential zoom or skype calls. The Bluetooth 5.0 NFC pairing connectivity offers a seamless communication flow even if you are surrounded by many.

It carries a sturdy built, is IP55 water-resistant, and super lightweight, making it unnoticeable through long work hauls. It offers up to 16 hours of talk time and 8 hours of listening time. If you are running late, a 5-minute quick charge will give you 2 hrs worth of talk time.

But this set is sure pricey, and that can turn off some potential buyers.

Buy Here: Amazon

Final Thoughts

Such a great and diverse range of Bluetooth headsets is bound to make your audiophilic ears happy. Be it for gaming, skype calls, zoom classes, or even listening to music, the range mentioned above of products is known to serve their purpose well. However, if you want my opinion, Plantronics Voyager Focus UC Bluetooth USB Headset is the best Bluetooth headset for computers right now. It’s been my best work buddy for quite a while.

The only thing you need to do is vary your needs. In addition to it, make sure to know factors that may lead you to pick out the best product that fits your personal use. That’s all for now.

Good luck!

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How to Configure Bluetooth in Arch Linux https://linuxhint.com/configure_bluetooth_arch_linux/ Wed, 14 Oct 2020 21:38:57 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=71300 Bluetooth is an extensively-used protocol for wireless audio connection with servers. You can find nearly every single person using Bluetooth on their mobile devices and systems. Using a Bluetooth device in a Linux distribution can be a bit complex for the first time. If you are an Arch Linux user, then you may become confused when configuring Bluetooth on your server.
The Arch Linux Bluetooth setup is tricky, compared to other Linux distributions. That is why beginner programmers face issues with Bluetooth configuration. Everyone is inclined towards using headphones and Bluetooth these days, so it is important to know the configuration process, even if you are a beginner on Arch Linux.
The steps in this guide can assist you in successfully setting up Bluetooth on your Arch Linux system. Once you have followed all the directions provided in this guide, you can enjoy all the benefits of Bluetooth on your Arch Linux desktop.

Connecting Process

You can develop a connection between your Bluetooth device and your server with just a few steps. To connect Bluetooth devices to your Arch Linux system, you must perform the following three processes:

  • Step 1: Install utilities
  • Step 2: Enable Bluetooth service
  • Step 3: Pair with Arch Linux

You can further proceed with configuring the settings of your Bluetooth device on your system if there is not any pop-up error due to the compatibility of your server protocol.

Prerequisites

The only requirement for configuring Bluetooth on your system is the availability of a sudo user to log in as a root user. You will have to make sure that there is availability of a Bluetooth adapter on your system. The affirmation of the Pacman package will ease the installation of utilities.

Install Utilities

First, you will need to install the utilities for your Bluetooth device. Programmers usually opt for blueman, bluez, and bluez utils. Input the following commands to get these utilities on your Arch Linux system:

$ sudo pacman -S bluez

$ sudo pacman -S bluez-utils

$ sudo pacman -S blueman


Now, to establish the loading of the btusb module, issue the following command in your terminal:

$ lsmod | grep btusb


The last step of this process is to find the adaptor. Input the following command to find an adapter in your system:

$ sudo nano /etc/bluetooth/main.conf


The following command will tell you if the adapter is connected or is blocked.

$ sudo rfkill list


In the case that your adapter is blocking the connectivity, input the following command to unblock the connection.

$ sudo rfkill unblock bluetooth

Enable Bluetooth

Enabling the Bluetooth service only requires two commands. One command will enable Bluetooth, and the other will provide an auto enabling system on your Arch Linux system. Input the following commands to enable Bluetooth connectivity on your system.

$ sudo systemctl start bluetooth.service
$ sudo systemctl enable bluetooth.service


After running these commands, your Bluetooth system will start in Arch Linux. These commands access both the startup and enabling functions.

Pair Bluetooth Device

In this last step, you will pair the Bluetooth device and connect to the audio. Pairing does not require you to enter any complex commands. But, you will be required to input certain commands into the terminal system of Arch Linux for audio connection and error confrontation.
For pairing, go to the device in the window that is currently open after the enabling function. Select your device and press Enter. You will see the pairing screen; pair the device, and click next. The congratulation screen will inform you about the successful pairing of your device with the server.
It is now time to connect the audio of your server with the paired device. Connecting the audio allows your device to establish a connection with all the audio features on your Arch Linux server. You can listen to music, audio, video, and other items with sound. Input the following commands to connect the audio of your server with the paired device:

$ sudo pacman -S pulseaudio

$ sudo pacman -S pulseaudio-bluetooth


The above commands will install the PulseAudio extension for your Bluetooth. To start the function, run the following command.

$ sudo systemctl start pulseaudio


Run the second command to autostart the function of PulseAudio.
To obtain the utility for ease of access to the back-and-forth function, input the following command. This will help you to move songs or music and control the volume without using any keys. This utility is an excellent feature and will come in handy when using the Bluetooth feature.

$ sudo pacman -S pavucontrol

$ pavucontrol


If your system adapts the advanced audio distribution profile, then you may confront some connection errors due to protocol. If you are a GDM user, then run the following commands:

$ cd ~/src
$ git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/pulseaudio-bluetooth-a2dp-gdm-fix.git
$ makepkg -i


That is all! You can now use your Bluetooth device remotely connected with your Arch Linux server.

Conclusion

No doubt, setting up the Bluetooth device on your Arch Linux system encompasses coding, unlike other servers. But, it is still accessible to compare this to the configuration of other applications on Linux. Those using Arch Linux as their main operating server will find it convenient to configure Bluetooth in Arch Linux. Just follow the three main steps listed in this article, and you can enjoy Bluetooth devices with your Linux Desktop. You can skip configuring the settings for a device after an audio configuration if your device is adaptable to the Arch Linux server settings. You can also ignore the process of checking blockage in the adapter connection if everything is going smoothly. This guide was designed to help out beginners using Arch Linux to set up their Bluetooth configuration with their server.

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How to Send files from Ubuntu to a Bluetooth device https://linuxhint.com/send_files_ubuntu_bluetooth/ Fri, 13 Mar 2020 18:38:04 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=56452 Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that is used for data transferring between devices within the short-range, usually less than 5 meters. It is a trusted and popular file transferring method, that allows connecting devices such as laptops, smartphones, mouse, keyboard, tablets, etc.

In this article, we will learn how to send files from Ubuntu to a Bluetooth device through the GUI and the command line. We will also explain how to install the Bluez Bluetooth stack for Linux in your system. It is a necessary package that is required in order to use the Bluetooth in Linux.

Sending files through GUI

To install Bluez in your Ubuntu system, you will need to open Software Center. Hit the super key and select the Software Center from the Dock panel.

In the Software Center, type bluez in the search bar and hit Enter. When the search result appears, select the Bluez application. Start the installation by clicking the Install button.

At the start of installation process, a pop-up will appear asking you to enter the credentials for the authorized user. Provide the password for the authorized user and click Authenticate. Now, wait for a while until the installation of Bluez is completed and you see the following screen.

Now Bluetooth is ready to be used with your system.

Turn on Bluetooth

You can turn on Bluetooth in your system from the Setting utility. Hit the super key on your keyboard and search for the Settings utility using the search bar at the top of the Dash menu.

In the Settings utility, select the Bluetooth tab at the left panel. Under the Bluetooth tab, you will see the slider at the top of the window. Click on it to turn it to on position. It will enable the Bluetooth on your system.

Send files from Ubuntu to Bluetooth device

As soon as you enable Bluetooth, the system will start discovering the nearby devices which have Bluetooth enabled. When you find your desired device you want to send files to, select it to pair it with your system. By doing so, a pin will be displayed on your system as well as on your other Bluetooth device. You must ensure the pin on both devices is the same.

Then click the Confirm button on your system. Now both the system and your other Bluetooth device will be paired and the status of the device will be shown as connected.

Now you can start sharing files from your system to the connected Bluetooth device. To share files to the connected Bluetooth device, Select it to open the following dialog.

To send files to this device, click on Send Files button. After that, select the files you want to share over Bluetooth.

Once you are done, click the Select button and you will see the following Bluetooth file Transfer window displaying the progress of file transfer.

Sending files through Terminal

If you face any problem using Bluetooth via GUI, you can use the following command-line method. Using this method, you can send files from Ubuntu to a Bluetooth device via Ubuntu Terminal. To open the Terminal in your system, use the Ctrl+Alt+T shortcut.

First, install the Bluez utility in your system by running this command in your Terminal:

$ sudo apt install bluez

Turn on Bluetooth

To check if your Bluetooth is in on or off state, run this command:

$ sudo rfkill list

The soft block status in the output shows whether the Bluetooth is on or off. If the status is yes, Bluetooth is on, otherwise, it is off. If it is turned off, use the following command to turn it on:

$ sudo rfkill unblock bluetooth

Send files from Ubuntu to Bluetooth device

Now we will need to pair the Ubuntu to the external Bluetooth device. For that, we will use the bluetoothctl utility. Run the following command in terminal to start this utility:

$ bluetoothctl

Then run the following command in the Terminal to discover the nearby Bluetooth devices.

$ scan on

If the system discovers any Bluetooth device, it will list it in the Terminal. Note down the MAC address of the device you want to pair with.

Now in order to start pairing with a Bluetooth device, type pair followed by the MAC address of the Bluetooth device:

$ pair <Device-MAC>

Once you run this command, a pin will appear on the Terminal screen as well as on your other Bluetooth device. If the pin on both devices is the same, type yes. After which, your devices will be paired and you will see Pairing successful message.

To add your paired Bluetooth device as a trusted device, run this command: # trust <device-MAC>

Now you can start sharing files from your system to an external Bluetooth device. To share files, use the Settings utility following the same method as explained above in GUI method.

In this article, we have discussed how to send files from Ubuntu to a Bluetooth device using the GUI and command line methods. Either you use GUI or the Terminal, the process is simple: discover the device, pair with it and send files.

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BlueTooth Security Risks https://linuxhint.com/bluetooth_security_risks/ Thu, 23 Jan 2020 07:12:20 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=53970 Security risks involving bluetooth vulnerabilities include techniques known as:  bluebugging, bluesnarfing, bluejacking, denial of service and exploits for different holes.

When a device is configured in discoverable an attacker may try to apply these techniques.

Today mobile security was strongly increased and most attacks fail, yet sometimes security holes are discovered and new exploits emerge. As mobile devices prevent the user from installing unmonitored software freely most of attacks are difficult to carry out.

This tutorial describes the most common Bluetooth attacks, the tools used to carry out these attacks and the security measures users can take to prevent them.

Bluetooth Security Risks:

Bluebugging:
This is the worse known type of Bluetooth attack, through it an attacker gets full control of the device, if the hacked device is a mobile phone the attacker is able to make phone calls and send messages from the compromised device, remove or steal files, use the phone’s mobile connection, etc. Formerly a tool called Bloover was used to carry out this type of attacks.

BlueSnarfing:
Bluebugging attacks target the device’s stored information such as media, contacts, etc. yet without granting the attacker full control over the device as other type of attacks do (as described alter below).

Bluesniping:
Similar to BlueSnarfing but with longer range, this attack is carried out with special hardware.

BlueJacking:
This attack consists of sending (only) information to the victim, such as adding a new contact, replacing the contact name for the desired message. This is the less damaging attack despite some tools may allow the attacker to reset or to turn off the victim’s cell phone, still it remains useless to steal information or violate the victim’s privacy.

KNOB:
Recently reports on a new kind of attack were released by researchers who discovered the handshaking process, or negotiation between 2 bluetooth devices to establish a connection can be hacked through a Man In the Middle attack by sending a byte encryption key allowing a bruteforce attack.

Denial of Service (DOS):  widely known Denial of Service attacks also target bluetooth devices, the BlueSmack attack is an example of this. These attacks consist of sending oversized packets to bluetooth devices in order to provoke a DOS. Even attacks killing the battery of bluetooth devices were reported.

Tools used to hack Bluetooth devices:

Below I set a list of the most popular tools used to carry out attacks through bluetooth, most of them are already included in Kali Linux and Bugtraq.

BlueRagner:
BlueRanger locates Bluetooth devices radio by sending l2cap (bluetooth pings) exploiting allowance to ping without authentication.

BlueMaho:
This tool can scan devices looking for vulnerabilities, it shows detailed information on scanned devices, it also shows current and previous device locations, it can keep scanning the environment unlimitedly and alert through sounds when a device is found and you can even define instructions for when a new device is detected and can be used with two bluetooth devices (dongles) simultaneously. It can check devices for both known and unknown vulnerabilities.

BlueSnarfer:

BlueSnarfer, as it name says, was designed for BlueSnarfing, it allows the attacker to get the victim’s contact address, a list of made and received calls, the contacts saved in the sim, among it features it also allows to customize the information printing.

Spooftooph:
This tool allows you to carry out spoofing and cloning attacks against bluetooth devices, it also allows generating random bluetooth profiles and changing them automatically each X time.

BtScanner:

BtScanner allows you to gather information from bluetooth devices without prior pairing. With BtScanner an attacker can get information on HCI (Host Controller Interface protocol) and SDP (Service Discovery Protocol).

RedFang:

This tool allows you to discover hidden bluetooth devices which are set not to be discovered. RedFang achieves it through bruteforce to guess the victim’s bluetooth MAC address.

Protect your Bluetooth devices against security risks:

While new devices are not vulnerable to attacks mentioned previously all time new exploits and security holes emerge.
The only safe measure is to keep the bluetooth turned off as much as you don’t use it, in the worst case you need it always turned on at least keep it undiscoverable despite as you saw there are tools to discover them anyway.

Your mobile devices, or devices with bluetooth support must remain updated, when a security hole is discovered the solution comes through updates, an outdated system may contain vulnerabilities.

Restrict permissions on the bluetooth functionalities, some applications require bluetooth access permissions, try to limit permissions on the bluetooth device more as possible.

Another point to take in consideration is our location when we use bluetooth devices, enabling this functionality in public places full of people isn’t recommended.

And of course, you should never accept pairing requests, and if you get unknown pairing request turn off your bluetooth immediately, some attacks take place during the handshake negotiation (authentication).

Don’t use third party apps which promise to protect your bluetooth, instead keep a safe configuration as said before: turn off or hide the device.

Conclusion:

While bluetooth attacks aren’t widely used (when compared with other types of attacks like phishing or DDOS) almost every person carrying a mobile device is a potential victim, therefore in our countries most people are exposed, also through bluetooth, to sensitive data leak. On the other hand most manufacturers already patched devices to protect them from almost all attacks described above, but they only can issue a fix after the vulnerability was discovered and published (like with any vulnerability).

While there is not defensive software the best solution is to keep the device turned off in public spaces, since most attacks require a short range you can use the device safely in private places. I hope you found this tutorial on Bluetooth Security Risks useful. Keep following LinuxHint for more tips and updates on Linux and networking.

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How to Connect to a Bluetooth Device on Arch Linux https://linuxhint.com/bluetooth_arch_linux/ Mon, 14 May 2018 06:18:02 +0000 https://linuxhint-com.zk153f8d-liquidwebsites.com/?p=26214 Bluetooth is one of the widely used protocol there is. These days we have so many Bluetooth devices all around us. We have Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, headset and many more. Even the old phones have Bluetooth. It is used so widely because of its low energy consumption, which is idea for portable devices.

On Linux operating systems such as Arch Linux, sometimes it’s a bit tricky to use a Bluetooth device. But once you set it up correctly, it works flawlessly. In this article, I will show you how to connect a Bluetooth device to your Arch Linux machine. Let’s get started.

Connecting and Getting Bluetooth Adapter Ready

NOTE: No matter how to connect to a Bluetooth device, you must follow this section of the article for Bluetooth to work on Arch Linux.

First connect your Bluetooth adapter and check whether your Bluetooth adapter is blocked with the following command:

$ sudo rfkill list

As you can see from the marked section of the screenshot below, the Bluetooth adapter is not blocked.

 

If it is blocked, run the following command to unblock it.

$ sudo rfkill unblock bluetooth

Now check whether Bluetooth service is enabled with the following command:

$ sudo systemctl status bluetooth

As you can see from the marked section of the screenshot below, the Bluetooth service is not running.

Now start the Bluetooth service with the following command:

$ sudo systemctl start bluetooth

Now check whether the Bluetooth service is running with the following command:

$ sudo systemctl status bluetooth

As you can see from the screenshot below, the Bluetooth service is now running.

Now that you’ve completed all this step, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Connecting to a Bluetooth Device using GNOME Bluetooth

GNOME Bluetooth is the default Bluetooth application for GNOME 3 desktop environment. In this section I will show you how to use it to connect to a Bluetooth device.

First click on the notification area of GNOME 3, and then click on the arrow after the Bluetooth icon as marked in the screenshot below.

Then click on Bluetooth Settings as marked in the screenshot below.

Bluetooth Settings should be opened as you can see from the screenshot below.

Now turn on Bluetooth on the device you want to connect to your Arch Linux machine and make sure Discoverable or Visibility is turned on on that device. As you can see from the marked section of the screenshot below, my Samsung Galaxy SM-G361H Android 5.1 smart phone is listed. Now you have to pair with the device you want to connect to your Arch Linux machine. Just click on the device from the list.

You should see the following window. In most cases, all you have to do is press the OK button on your Bluetooth device that you want to connect. Afterwards, press the Confirm button on your Arch Linux machine as marked in the screenshot below.

Your Bluetooth device should be paired. Now if your Bluetooth device supports file transfer, then click on the paired device from the list.

And you should see the following window. You can click on the Send Files… button to send a file or Remove Device button to remove the Bluetooth device from the list. Let’s try sending a file to my Samsung Galaxy smartphone using Bluetooth.

Once you click on the Send Files… button, a File Browser should open up as you can see in the screenshot below. Select your desired file and click on Select.

You should see the following Bluetooth File Transfer dialog box. Now you have to confirm the file transfer from your Bluetooth device.

Once you’ve confirmed the file transfer operation on your Bluetooth device, the file should be transferred to your Bluetooth device. Afterwards click on the Close button as marked in the screenshot below.

Blueman for Connecting to a Bluetooth Device

Blueman is a desktop environment independent app for connecting to a Bluetooth device. It is not installed by default on Arch Linux, but it is available in the official package repository of Arch Linux.

Before installing Blueman, first update the pacman package repository cache with the following command:

$ sudo pacman -Sy

Now install Blueman with the following command:

$ sudo pacman -S blueman

Now press y and then press <Enter> to continue.

Blueman should be installed.

Now to start Blueman, go to the Application Menu and search for Blueman. You should find a Bluetooth icon as marked in the screenshot below. Click on it.

Blueman should start. As you can see from the screenshot below, the paired device is still listed.

You can right click on it and more options should show up as you can see from the marked section of the screenshot below. Click on Remove to remove the paired device.

Now to search for Bluetooth devices, click on Search.

Your Bluetooth devices should be listed.

Press the right mouse button and you should see a menu as marked in the screenshot below. You can pair, send files and do other things from there. It is out of the scope of this article to show you how it works. So it for you to figure out.

Connecting to a Bluetooth Device using Bluedevil

On KDE 5 Plasma Desktop, the default Bluetooth manager is Bluedevil.

To start Bluedevil, right click on the Bluetooth icon from the KDE Panel and click on Configure Bluetooth…

Bluedevil should start. Now click on Add new device to add a new device.

Your device should show up. Select it and follow the wizard, you should be connected.

It is out of the scope of this article to show you everything. But you should be able to figure things out now.

That’s how you connect to a Bluetooth device on Arch Linux. Thanks for reading this article.

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