Bluetooth helps Facebook friends

A team of UK researchers is combining the power of social network Facebook with communications tool Bluetooth to learn more about human interactions.

Bath University scientists have created a tool which can use the unique ID of Bluetooth devices, like a mobile phone, to build new friendship networks.

Users register with the Facebook tool, called Cityware, that tracks encounters in the real world via Bluetooth.

It is part of a wider project backed by Nokia, HP Labs and Vodafone.

Dr Vassilis Kostakos, research associate at the University of Bath, said: "Networks are everywhere - social and digital.

"The really nice thing about Bluetooth is that when you are walking down the street, although you are not talking to anyone, your Bluetooth device can be talking to other devices.

"People with Bluetooth devices are actually creating an ad hoc communications infrastructure where information can flow through the city over time."

He said the project's motivation was in helping people find out more information about "familiar strangers".

'Publicly online'

He said: "Most people you bump into or see regularly have made information about themselves available publicly online.

"But the internet is such a big place that it's difficult to find contextual information about who someone is, where they are etc."

The tool lets users find out if any of the people they bump into regularly is a Cityware user and has a profile of Facebook. If so, they can then choose to add that person to their friends' list.

The tool works in four parts: Facebook account, Cityware application, Bluetooth device and Cityware node.

Users must have a Facebook account, install the Cityware application and register the Bluetooth ID of their mobile phone or laptop with the software.

The researchers have set up a series of nodes around the UK and at locations in the US.

These nodes are computers which constantly scan for Bluetooth-enabled devices in a given area, and send that information back to servers which compare the IDs of the gadgets with any enabled Facebook profiles.

From : BBC NEWS

Recommend Bluetooth Stereo Headphones

Product Summary

The good: The Cardo S-2 Bluetooth stereo headset has a comfortable fit, easy-to-use controls, and fantastic sound quality.

The bad: The Cardo S-2 Bluetooth stereo headset did not perform so well in noisy settings.

The bottom line: The Cardo S-2 Bluetooth stereo headset is a great and affordable wireless music solution for those with stereo Bluetooth-enabled phones or music players.

Specs: Type: Microphone Built-in; Product type: Headset; Design: Behind-the-neck

How to Choose a Bluetooth Headset

By:Gregg Hall


Creating a good wireless headset for Bluetooth is actually difficult to do. The regular wired headsets are easy to design - with ranging styles.

Bluetooth headsets can never be as small or as light as wired headsets, simply because it needs to include the battery and extra functions. This extra size will impact how the headset mounts on or around your ears.

Comfort

There seems to be two main styles of headsets for Bluetooth. Some are held into place with a loop around the ear. These styles are normally more comfortable, although they may be less secure. The others are held in place by being jammed into your ear - and usually prove to be less comfortable.

Factors to consider

Cost

The cost is an obvious issue, something that you really need to think about.

Ergonomics

1.Check to see if the device is easy to quickly and conveniently put on your ear then take it off again.
2.Are the control buttons on the headset easy to use?
3.The headset should be comfortable to wear for long phone calls.
4.Can you use it with a pair of glasses?
5.Check to see if you can wear it with either ear.
6.When you aren’t wearing it, you’ll need to se how you would carry it with you.
7.The weight is important as well, as you don’t want something that has the risk of falling off.

Ease of use.

1.The commands and controls should be easy to remember.
2.The volume level should be easy to adjust.
3.The unit should turn on quickly.
4.The manual should be very well written and easy for you to understand.
5.There should be a support number for you to call if you should experience any types of problems.

Features

1.You’ll need to know about the battery, the talk time, type, and how to tell when it is going dead or fully charged.
2.How many devices can the unit be paired with?
3.Compatability is also important, as well as the warranty period.
4.Check the sound quality for both sending and receiving audio.
5.What type of range does the headset offer you?

Other important capabilities include voice tags, last number redial, transfer calls, 3 way calling, link to other phones, call reject, and mute. You’ll also want to note if it looks attractive, and if it’s too big or too small.

Personally I chose to buy a Jabra headset to use with my Palm Treo because of the reliability as well as the look of the headset, it hides behind your ear so it doesn’t look like something from Star Trek.

Creating a good wireless headset for Bluetooth is actually difficult to do. The regular wired headsets are easy to design - with ranging styles.

Bluetooth headsets can never be as small or as light as wired headsets, simply because it needs to include the battery and extra functions. This extra size will impact how the headset mounts on or around your ears.

Comfort

There seems to be two main styles of headsets for Bluetooth. Some are held into place with a loop around the ear. These styles are normally more comfortable, although they may be less secure. The others are held in place by being jammed into your ear - and usually prove to be less comfortable.

Factors to consider

Cost

The cost is an obvious issue, something that you really need to think about.

Ergonomics

1.Check to see if the device is easy to quickly and conveniently put on your ear then take it off again.
2.Are the control buttons on the headset easy to use?
3.The headset should be comfortable to wear for long phone calls.
4.Can you use it with a pair of glasses?
5.Check to see if you can wear it with either ear.
6.When you aren’t wearing it, you’ll need to se how you would carry it with you.
7.The weight is important as well, as you don’t want something that has the risk of falling off.

Ease of use.

1.The commands and controls should be easy to remember.
2.The volume level should be easy to adjust.
3.The unit should turn on quickly.
4.The manual should be very well written and easy for you to understand.
5.There should be a support number for you to call if you should experience any types of problems.

Features

1.You’ll need to know about the battery, the talk time, type, and how to tell when it is going dead or fully charged.
2.How many devices can the unit be paired with?
3.Compatability is also important, as well as the warranty period.
4.Check the sound quality for both sending and receiving audio.
5.What type of range does the headset offer you?

Other important capabilities include voice tags, last number redial, transfer calls, 3 way calling, link to other phones, call reject, and mute. You’ll also want to note if it looks attractive, and if it’s too big or too small.

Personally I chose to buy a Jabra headset to use with my Palm Treo because of the reliability as well as the look of the headset, it hides behind your ear so it doesn’t look like something from Star Trek.

Article Source: http://www.redsofts.com/articles/