Bluetooth used for social networking
A SPIFFING application that enables those on a social network to spot other members in the vicinity using Bluetooth has been developed by Service2media. Sadly it only works with Hyves right now.
Being Dutch based, Service2media has hooked up with the most popular social network in the Netherlands which happens to be Hyves. It pretty much looks like a dating site to the INQ.
Anyway, Service2media's top dog, Geert Kolthof, reckons that around 70 per cent of all Dutch 15-35 year olds are on Hyves. Which is why he picked it rather than Facebook or Myspace.
Anyway, Kolthof's company has developed a module that uses Bluetooth to spot anybody broadcasting their visibility in the area who also happens to have signed up for Hyves.
Kolthof reckons that each Bluetooth chip has a unique ID which the application takes advantage of. When it spots a known ID, it puts out an alert.
The recipient can then take advantage of the mobile internet to look up the Hyve member's profile (which almost inevitably contains a photo). You wouldn't want to approach a rough looking bod, would you?
When demonstrated to the INQ, this app appeared to be running under Java on a Nokia handset but there definitely is an Apple Ithingey version under development too.
This Bluetooth app ties in nicely with another location based service (LBS) which Service2media has launched in association with the Dutch entrenched Telco, KPN.
The pair reckon it works better than rival system because instead of using cell ID or GPS, it taps into KPN's LBS servers. There's a java app which enables users to view a map to see where their mates are.
It can even be set to receive a text message when one of your friends is in the vicinity.
The good news is that Brits can join the Hyves network if they like. The bad news is that none of the INQ's mates appear to be on it.
Perhaps we're too old? ยต
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It is beyond me who would want to be tracked like this, really completely alien to me, compared to this al queda and bush make relatively much more sense to me..
People want to be tracked simply because someone that tracks them is a hyves member? I just do not get it.

It might be handy to find other jurors and ask them who they would put in prison though I guess :sigh:
Checkout Bluehoo which provides this functionality, is available for pretty much every phone platform and doesnt require an existing social network acccount.

www.bluehoo.com or m.bluehoo.com
I'm sure many of the 15-35 year olds are looking for an introduction, and this gives them that way in.

Instead of just seeing someone who you like pass you by and you never get to talk to each other to see if it's mutual or take it further. Most people find it hard to approach a stranger in public and say "wow you're hot, want to go for a quick knee trembler?".

Well with this new tech they can now say, "hey you like the TingTings too, so do I." "yes I do, cool." " Would you like to go for a starbucks?" "No you seem a bit creepy, Police!" And so on.

It's a way in. An introduction. And it's possibly a security bonus, because if the "meeting" is tracked and recorded then it means that it's easier for police to track down who was around that person and viewed their profile if something untowards happens.

And it also means that you can add that person you your favorites, and have your friends review and write bitchy, funny or approving comments!

However, not talking to strangers does protect us from meeting some right nutters. With the lowering of this security it could mean we are more open to being scammed.

The more common offences for women are fraud and theft. So if an attractive woman fraudster feels like robbing you the easiest way is to go back to your place. She can help you fall asleep by making you feel good for 15 minutes! Then she can have a good look around, phone for a taxi and walk out with a sports bag full or your valuable items. Maybe she could take your bank cards, your phone, laptop etc.

Of course, you would have her photo from her profile and this should mean she is easier to catch. Which should put her off.

In fact with 10 minutes thought I do think this could reduce crime, but it's hard to see where it will truly go.

I look forward to the new world this inter-connection will give us. A melding of the real and cyber. Ordinary folk could really use this to their advantage.

Women who are approaching 35-40 and are still single, wanting to have kids, can have "I want to be a mummy, looking for a daddy-type guy" and can rush into having babies with a man they hardly know!
prossies could just use bluetooth advertising. Walk past and your phone could vibrate, heh.

Link this in with ability to pay by phone.

Think about linking that with billboard adverts, tv, radio etc. If there was a global system of product identity, like barcode, link this with bluetooth and ability to pay by phone. Do we have the future of shopping?

Add barcode scanning/reading, RFID to mobile phones, and do we have a shopping list maker on the phone? Can we then use our phone to order and pay for our goods?

Throw on a price checker and Tomtom, so that as I'm starting my car my mobile phone can be working out which shop will be best value for me.

Where can I buy the cheapest petrol near to me?

I want to eat in an Italian restaurant that has been reviewed with at least 4 out of 5 stars locally. I want my phone to show me where it is. Of course once I find a good I will stick with it for some time.

The future is wide open.