I'm using MX Linux and I'm having trouble connecting my Bluetooth headset. My audio isn't working for other reasons, but I really need to get my headset connected. I keep seeing references to Bluetooth modules, Pipewire, Pulseaudio, and blueman-applet, but I'm lost on what all this means. Can anyone break it down for me and explain how Bluetooth works from the very basics?
1 Answer
So, here's the scoop: Pipewire and Pulseaudio are both sound servers that manage audio on your system. They handle requests from apps that want to play sound, mix them together, and send it to your speakers or headphones. Pipewire is basically the new kid on the block and even pretends to be Pulseaudio sometimes!
That's right! And you shouldn't need blueman-applet if you have Bluetooth set up elsewhere. It's just a graphical interface to manage Bluetooth devices, which is handy if you're not into command line stuff.