BuZZone -- Instant Bluetooth Communication

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.buzzone.net/eng/keyfeatures.html' target='_blank'>http://www.buzzone.net/eng/keyfeatures.html</a><br /><br /></div>"There is a widespread opinion that the more time people spend with their computers, the less interested they become in other people and contacts with them. In fact, it is a mere stereotype. As a proof of this, there appeared a system, which makes it possible to considerably multiply the circle of non-virtual acquaintance. Exion Systems has announced the release of the first version of the Bluetooth-based system for wireless communication. The system is called BuZZone, meaning literally 'the area for communicating'. The essence of it is rather simple. Any owner of a PDA or a laptop, which is equipped with a Bluetooth transmitter can use the system and search for other users in the range of 10-50 meters. They can browse the person's profile (name, photo, etc.) and exchange text or voice messages with him/her. The system can be used on conferences, in cafes, planes, buses, and any other place with many people. Meanwhile, the devices may not necessarily be in direct view. Moreover, you need no cables or any other additional devices. The only thing you need is a mobile device with the Bluetooth and BuZZone systems set on it."<br /><br />I think the idea is cool conceptually (i.e., meeting and communicating over Bluetooth), but to make this practical you'd need a BuZZone-like solution on <i>every</i> BT-enabled device by default... which I don't see happening unless these guys can strike a deal with BT manufacturers and integrators. That said, if you're interested in playing with this technology in a small community, you can <a href="http://www.handango.com/brainstore/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&productId=94640">download and purchase a Pocket PC version</a>. [Affiliate]

[gai-jin]

I think this is a great idea! i've wondered why there isn't some kind of im solution that works over bluetooth. This would be great for sitting at work or in meetings, to be used like cell phone text messaging. Sounds like this could be used in just such a way!

gai-jin

[Steven Cedrone]

Sounds too much like Bluejacking to me...

Steve

[Dave Potter]

Conceptually - a great idea. Unfortunately, I doubt it will fly. This will, no doubt, join the ranks of 'good ideas that never went anywhere'.

It could work in Japan - they love stuff like this over there!

[gai-jin]

Bluejacking?

[Steven Cedrone]

Bluejacking?

Take a look in the HOF&S...

Steve

[Janak Parekh]

Steve, I think the difference here is that one can "control" their public profile. More like BlueAIM than Bluejacking... IMHO. ;)

--janak

[Steven Cedrone]

Steve, I think the difference here is that one can "control" their public profile.

Good point... :wink:

I can see it now, a conference room full of people, and no one actually speaking. Everyone furiously pecking away at their Pocket PC... :lol:

Steve

[Janak Parekh]

I can see it now, a conference room full of people, and no one actually speaking. Everyone furiously pecking away at their Pocket PC... :lol:
(veering slightly offtopic) Have you seen that Nextel commercial of everyone Direct Connecting with each other in the board room? ;)

--janak

[tsb_hcy]

Seems worthless with the short range. Make it wi-fi and you could be getting somewhere. It needs streaming video along with voice to be worthy. I'm sure streaming video over BT looks great...............NOT! Make it 802.11g or it's worthless IMO.

[David Prahl]

There's a product called "Trepia" that does the same thing with 802.11a/b/g, and would give users a lot better range.

It seems kind of useless to me - if I see someone whip out a Pocket PC I'm pretty likely to strike up a conversation. The range of BT is so poor that it doesn't make sense to pay for this when you can just look up and talk with the person.

&lt;kind of a stretch>
It's like drawing a picture of yourself on your shirt with invisible ink, and selling glasses that let people see the picture.
&lt;/kind of a stretch>

[jimxenus]

This is kinda like the Cybiko (remember those?), it had the ability to communicate to other Cybiko units within 300 feet of each other. The problem was, how many people out there have Cybikos within 300 feet of each other AND have them turned on AND happen to be looking at their devices to receive a communique?

You almost had to know someone that had one, tell them to turn it on and look at it so you could send them a message...

[jlp]

Bluejacking?

Take a look in the HOF&S...

Steve

HOF&S...? :?

.

[jlp]

There's a product called "Trepia" that does the same thing with 802.11a/b/g, and would give users a lot better range.

Looks like it's PC only, not PPC.

It seems kind of useless to me - if I see someone whip out a Pocket PC I'm pretty likely to strike up a conversation. The range of BT is so poor that it doesn't make sense to pay for this when you can just look up and talk with the person.

It has more than a 1-2-1 usage, you can exchange documents, organize presentations and forums, create surveying and voting, etc. according to their site.

[Janak Parekh]

HOF&S...? :?
Hall of Flame & Shame. One of the forums (a read-only forum). This (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=20213) was the thread Steve was talking about.

--janak

[jlp]

HOF&S...? :?
Hall of Flame & Shame. One of the forums (a read-only forum). This (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=20213) was the thread Steve was talking about.

--janak


Thanks Janak