BlueSpot
What is BlueSpot Capable of?
All mobile phone users have the opportunity to reach a friend almost anywhere and anytime. However, apart from the traditional use of our phones, we have other opportunities as well to communicate with our environment. BlueSpot provides a new form of communal communication for us.
We can send messages to unknown people who are near a specific location (equipped with a BlueSpot), as if we shouted from one location to another, e.g. from a coffee shop to a far away bus stop. These messages time out, like words we shout, they are temporal.
How does BlueSpot Work?
At each BlueSpot location (bars, cofee shops, parks, traffic junctions etc.) a device is installed, which is connected to all other devices. We can enter the BlueSpot system at any BlueSpot location through our mobile phones. That is, from a BlueSpot location we can send a message to any of the remaining 46 locations. (At the time of the test run in Budapest, 2007 Summer)
How can I Connect to a BlueSpot Point?
When you approach a BlueSpot location, the device, with your consent, sends a simple application to your mobile phone. It means that the programme will be installed only if you give your permission, and you can also leave the system at any time. If you leave the BlueSpot location, the system automatically shuts down.
We made a bluebox prototype with solar cells for public outdoor places. Unfortunately it was too expensive so we gave up on this plan.
The BlueSpot system combined internet with Bluetooth technology.
The final Bluebox device. An ASUS WLAN HDD box with memory card and a Bluetooth dongle.
The BlueSpot system lets users communicate with mobile users via the BlueSpot website. The online GUI is same than the mobile client’s.
During the 3 months of the experiment the system had more than a thousand users. We are working on the analysis of the database.
