Infrared (IR)

Infrared can be used to wirelessly connect the phone to various devices, for various purposes. It can connect the phone to a computer, so that the computer can use the phone to make a data connection (to the Internet, or for syncing, for example.) It can also be used to exchange information such as phone book entries with other phones. Finally, some phones can also use it to send information such as phone book entries and calendar events to Infrared-equipped printers.

Infrared is a line-of-sight wireless technology that uses a beam of invisible light to transmit information. This means that the infrared ports of both devices must be nearby and aimed at each other for a connection to succeed.

Infrared technology in phones has mostly been replaced by Bluetooth, which has a longer range and does not require line-of-sight since it uses radio waves instead of light.

Very few desktop computers come with infrared. It was once common in laptop computers, but is increasingly rare. Most computers will require a USB infrared adapter to communicate with a phone via infrared.

Infrared is the same technology used in most A/V remote controls. Some smartphones are capable of controlling home A/V devices via infrared, although third-party software is usually required.