Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that allows devices such as phones, laptops, headphones, and other electronics to connect and communicate with each other over short distances of around 10 meters. It was developed in 1994 by telecom company Ericsson to replace wired cables and provide wireless connections between devices. The Bluetooth standard is maintained by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, which oversees specifications that ensure interoperability between Bluetooth devices. Common uses of Bluetooth include connecting headphones to phones, transferring files between laptops and phones, and enabling wireless input devices like mice and keyboards.