I’ve got the Blues….Bluetooth Marketing

Bluetooth wireless technology is the simple choice for convenient, wire-free, short-range communication between devices. It is a globally available standard that wirelessly connects mobile phones, portable computers, cars, stereo headsets, MP3 players, and more. Thanks to the unique concept of “profiles,” Bluetooth enabled products do not need to install driver software. The technology is now available in its fourth version of the specification and continues to develop, building on its inherent strengths — small-form factor radio, low power, low cost, built-in security, robustness, ease-of-use, and ad hoc networking abilities. Bluetooth wireless technology is the leading and only proven short-range wireless technology on the market today shipping over five million units every week with an installed base of over 500 million units at the end of 2005.

Here’s how it works. Imagine you’re walking through a mall, and you pass a proximity broadcast station. The key is to have your phone on and in “discoverable” mode. This will allow all possible ads in the area to “hit” your phone – asking if you want to receive free content from the provider. For example, say you’re shopping for gym equipment at a specialty shop and they have a proximity marketing station set up. If your phone is in discoverable mode, you’ll receive a message asking if you want to receive free content from “ABC Company”. Think of it as a virtual billboard or flyer advertisement. This form of advertising has been in use for quite some time in Europe, as well as various other overseas locations. There are dozens of companies already in full swing of promoting Bluetooth proximity marketing, with many more in the start up phase in the United States.

http://bluespotmedia.ning.com/