Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances using radio waves. It was invented in 1994 to provide a wireless alternative to RS-232 cables, allowing devices to connect and exchange information without wires. Bluetooth has evolved through several generations since its introduction in 1998, with later versions providing enhanced data rates and speeds. It allows for the creation of personal area networks and is now commonly used in applications such as wireless headphones, speakers, and file transfer between devices.