I love Linux and the whole idea behind it. I love the idea behind the Free Software Movement, GNU, and Open Source. This is all stuff to be supported and these ideas spread out. The world needs this stuff.
I have a lot of respect for the guys and gals who put a lot of their time and effort to make all these goodies available for the rest of us. They deserve our support.
But with all this comes a lot of user pain. I'm not a newbie, in the true sense of the word. I've been in the IT world, Computer Science, Neural Nets, microcontrollers, and the works. But, I confess, I know nothing, or almost nothing, about Operating Systems, its quirks, tricks, and black magic.
So what just happened last? Innocently I went out and bought a portable Bluetooth speaker. Installation on Ubuntu 16.04 should be a breeze, not a hurricane. First, the device wasn't seen, then I managed (once) for it to be seen, but no sound. Then out of the blue (no pun here), the thing started playing Beethoven's 5th. Then nothing I could do would replicate it.
The problem sent me to Dr. Google, who suggested a few, and different solutions that worked for some but not for others. After installing a couple of suggested "SOLVED" remedies. Still nothing. Just more useless stuff on my hard drive.
So what do I want to say? Just that what is so easy to do on Windows and Macs is sometimes so darn difficult in Linux that makes your teeth blue.
P.S. And if some good soul out there finds in his/her heart to teach me how can I install this Bluetooth thing in a reliable and consistent way I would be eternally thankful.
Peace! And may the Force be with you all!

You're not the only person with Bluetooth problems on Ubuntu, this helped me.
https://vilimpoc.org/blog/2016/04/30...ooth-speakers/

I'm assuming you're using the unity desktop? I found you have to unpair/forget the speaker. then discover it again, then before pairing/connecting click the trust device button(yellow star).

Let us know if this works/doesn't work for you.

Hi Mill J, Thanks a million for your post. I had tried what that link you posted suggested. It did not work for me. I also tried two or three more suggestions. Nothing.

I like your statement: "Don't complain about Linux... do something about it!, It will only be as good as you make it!"
I fully understand where you are coming from, but unfortunately, we aren't all in the wizard category. Most of us are users and the aim of computers, cellphones and the like is to work transparently to the user. And Linux with all its bistros and goodwill of its programmers and groups lacks in this area. I agree that a lot of progress has been done, but if the system is to have more user-acceptance more has to be done. So let's not call it complaints let's call it constructive criticisms. )
Hey, great stuff, keep on it. Thanks.

I hope you realize that is my signature and is not directed at anyone in particular.

So it does pair and connect but no sound? have you set the sound device in the system settings to your Bluetooth speaker?

Don't get me wrong I tried a lot of things too

I do have another suggestion, in my experience Bluetooth works great in Linux Mint. Maybe "live" boot mint and see if that works. that way you'd know for sure it's Ubuntu messing it up.

Hi Mill j.
I knew that was a signature.No worry.
I'll keep trying. Thanks for your concern and help.
Take care.