MeetingPoint - Multi-platform Bluetooth Messaging Application in Public Beta

[Jonathon Watkins]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.net-cell.com/MP/index.html' target='_blank'>http://www.net-cell.com/MP/index.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"MeetingPoint is a free, simple, short-range contacting software, using Bluetooth wireless technology. Bluetooth can "see" through walls, doors and people, at all directions at the same time. Its effective range is usually 30ft (10m). MeetingPoint follows the CB-style paradigm of channels, where people on the same channel are able to send messages to each other. It works on supported Smartphones, PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), and also on Windows PC/laptops."</i><br /><br />The main purpose of this app is to help people find each other in crowded public places, especially if thye have not met before. The idea is to tune on the same channel and MeetingPoint will fire an audible alarm when both devices are close enough. It's interesting that in the FAQ, Net-Cell say that MeetingPoint will probably disappear, and its technology will power an upcoming product. Really, it's rather a specialised single puprose application. The final question from the FAQ is quite amusing and I suspect that it says rather more about the target audience than the developers intended :wink: : <br /><br />"<b>Q:</b> Why is it limited to a single message? I want to chat! <br /><b>A:</b> MeetingPoint isn't meant to be a full-blown chat application. It's a contacting application. It helps you find/meet people. Once it does its thing, you are supposed to physically walk a few steps and say 'hi'."

[griph]

"Bluetooth can "see" through walls, doors and people, at all directions at the same time. Its effective range is usually 30ft (10m)."
If the range is only 30 feet then its not going to be that useful at allowing people to find each other in a crowd - I can imagine having to move around in a grid pattern around Victoria Station (or say the Gugenheim) trying to bracket people who you are trying to meet. Might just be easier to phone them on their mobiles - or just shout! ;-)

[HTK]

They should at least add wifi support, that would make it a little more reasonable
I very very VERY much doubt anyone close enough will have another pocket pc with bluetooth using this thing

[jonathanchoo]

They should at least add wifi support, that would make it a little more reasonable
I very very VERY much doubt anyone close enough will have another pocket pc with bluetooth using this thing

You will be surprised how many bluetooth devices I pick up on the tube or cinema or just about anywhere in London.

I see this product as having potential on geeks who are on blind dates and never seen each other before.

[nirav28]

"Bluetooth can "see" through walls, doors and people, at all directions at the same time. Its effective range is usually 30ft (10m)."
If the range is only 30 feet then its not going to be that useful at allowing people to find each other in a crowd - I can imagine having to move around in a grid pattern around Victoria Station (or say the Gugenheim) trying to bracket people who you are trying to meet. Might just be easier to phone them on their mobiles - or just shout! ;-)

But if they were to add some functionality to create a ad-hoc "Mesh" network that receives , stores and forwards messages between various devices..it could basically extend the range of the nework by using each of the devices as a repeater. I believe people are doing this using linux and wifi. I think there is even a linux distro that allows you to create a grid of wifi devices all chattering and relaying traffic from other nodes. Apart from the battery life, I don't see any other problems with implementing something like this.

[djdj]

Apart from the battery life, I don't see any other problems with implementing something like this.
How about the potential security issues that could result? If software like that was less than 100% secure, it would be a really great way to spread a virus, worm, trojan, spyware, or whatever else. I know these aren't common on most Bluetooth devices, but if something like this was available, the potential is certainly there.

Not to mention, what happens when you're in an area with hundreds (?) of BlueTooth devices. If it were to catch on, imagine how bogged down the adhoc network would become if you had more than a few people chatting.

The concept is good, but it could be very difficult to implement properly.

[jlp]

Bluetooth does NOT use the cellular network; it's a short range wireless connectivity option that relies on NO network, therefore it could NOT hamper any network.

Second it's NOT a chat program, it only sends ONE message and clearly (their FAQ) is NOT intended for chatting.

Then MP (MeetingPoint) works on other devices than PPCs (Win desktop/laptop, Palm, Symbian)

There is an ALL channels mode allowing people to receive messages even if they don't have MP; I can just guess from their FAQ that it would then reach other devices, i.e. normal BT phones.

And lastly their FAQ says that tho MP might disapear, they will offer something with MP functionalities for free (along with a more functional non freeware program).