openSUSE 12.1: Getting Bluetooth working using Blue Devil

openSUSE 12.1 does not include a Bluetooth manager by default.  The Linux Bluetooth stack Bluez is included on a clean install for hardware support, but users will have to install a Bluetooth manager such as Blue Devil to handle file transfers via Bluetooth.  For Bluetooth audio devices, an additional package bluez-alsa is needed to provide Bluetooth audio support.

Case Scenario: Asus EEEPC 1000H
Setting up Bluetooth on the Asus EEEPC 1000H, for example, requires two packages.  Use Yast to install the following packages:

rfkill
bluedevil

To set up Bluetooth file transfers between the 1000H and Nokia E63:

1. Use the FN combination to switch on the Bluetooth device.  Click FN+F2 for the Asus EEEPC 1000H.  The LED light for wireless will light up. 

2. Run Konsole.  On the Terminal, use the rfkill list all command to check if the Bluetooth device is hard and soft unblocked.  If the Bluetooth device is blocked, use the command rfkill unblock all or rfkill unblock devicenumber to make the device available.   See the article Using Bluetooth in openSUSE 11.4 for more details about using rfkill.

3. Reboot openSUSE to allow Blue Devil to detect the Bluetooth device on the Asus EEEPC 1000H.  Otherwise, the Bluetooth icon on the System Tray will not display any adapters despite running rfkill.  Logging off does not allow Bluetooth adapter detection.

4. On the System Settings menu, under Network and Connectivity, click Bluetooth.  Take note that this option is unavailable without the Blue Devil or any Bluetooth manager installed.

5. Click Adapters on the left pane.  Type the name for the EEEPC on a Bluetooth connection.  Check Hidden or Always visible depending on usage.

6. Click Sharing on the left pane.  Type a location for received files as well as Sharing configurations such as shared folder, PIN, and permissions. 

7. Click Devices on the left pane.  Click Add devices.  The Bluetooth device should detect the Nokia E63 and list it on the box.  Double-click on the Nokia E63 to configure the Bluetooth pairing using a PIN.

8. Once pairing is successfully executed, users can click on the Bluetooth icon on the system tray to perform file sharing operations.   

Take note that leaving the Bluetooth active does impact battery life.  Regular Bluetooth users however, may want to ensure that the Blue Devil daemon is always checked in the Services Manager.  Clearing the checkbox in the Services Manager will make Bluetooth services unavailable even with Blue Devil running and devices unblocked using rfkill.