Main content

The Bluetooth story

In the 1990s engineers in Lund, Sweden invented Bluetooth. But why did they decide to name their new wireless technology after a Viking king?

In the 1990s, Bluetooth was invented in a lab in Lund, Sweden.

The technology is used today to wirelessly connect accessories such as mice, keyboards, speakers and headphones to desktops, laptops and mobile phones.

It鈥檚 named after Harald Bluetooth, a Viking king who was said to have blue teeth.

Sven Mattisson, one of the brains behind the technology, tells Gill Kearsley how the name Bluetooth came about following some drinks after a conference.

(Photo: A mobile phone with the Bluetooth logo. Credit: Westend61 via Getty images)

Available now

9 minutes

Last on

Sun 15 Sep 2024 16:00GMT
大象传媒 Radio 4

More episodes

Previous

Sweden's pioneering paternity leave

Next

Sweden's Cinnamon Bun Day

See all episodes from Witness History

Broadcasts

  • Thu 4 Apr 2024 07:50GMT
    大象传媒 World Service
  • Thu 4 Apr 2024 11:50GMT
    大象传媒 World Service
  • Thu 4 Apr 2024 17:50GMT
    大象传媒 World Service except East and Southern Africa, News Internet & West and Central Africa
  • Thu 4 Apr 2024 21:50GMT
    大象传媒 World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
  • Fri 5 Apr 2024 02:50GMT
    大象传媒 World Service except East and Southern Africa, East Asia, South Asia & West and Central Africa
  • Sun 15 Sep 2024 16:00GMT
    大象传媒 Radio 4

Featured in...

Podcast