Fags flash butts in nightclubs
The social networking smoke
Wireless networking is everywhere these days, from laptops and phones to games consoles and cameras, but perhaps the trend is now getting out of hand. Because eCigarette manufacturer Blu, has made a tab that lets users know when other eSmokers are nearby.
As eCiggies only release an odourless water vapour, they can be smoked anywhere, legally. So meeting others that share an enthusiasm for nicotine isn't as simple as mingling in the smoking area.
The latest packs of eCigs are equipped to search for other ePacks within a 50-foot range, the New York Times reports. When a connection is made, the packs vibrate and flash a blue light. While these packs are used to charge the eFags, they can also transmit data such as contact details. Additionally, they'll vibrate when near a shop that sells Blu cigarettes - how convenient.
“You’ll meet more people than ever, just because of the wow factor,” claimed Jason Healy, the founder of Blu. According to Healy, the new packs would be most helpful in a nightclub, where people are interested in striking up a conversation over a cigarette, but don't want to be forced outside.
Not sure how many nightclubs Mr Healy has been to, but in my experience, they're not exactly the most suitable environment for conversation.
Then there's the debate that these eFags don't release nicotine at all.
Still, if you're the type who enjoys something going off in your pocket whenever you near another fag, then - ooo err - pick up one of Blu's smart packs when they go on sale in the US next month at $80 (£49) for a pack of five. No word on a UK release yet. ®
COMMENTS
Packs of five?
If the point of these things is that they alert you to other people who already have their own, then why would you need more than one?
I can see a benefit
well maybe.
These are for people trying to quit the real stuff, right? By pointing users to each other - could form sort of a dynamic on-the-spot support group. Could swap tips and what-not on quitting, what helps, etc.
Now, if it just helps to segregate people because of a "wow factor" - well that's useful too - as the rest of the world didn't want to mingle with those people in the first place ;)
There's an app for that
> Still, if you're the type who enjoys something going off in your pocket whenever you near another fag
For our American friends .. fag is slang for cigarette. The double entendre may be deliberate but not all our cross-the-pond friends will be aware of the 'english' meaning.
The request "Can I bum a fag off you, I've run out?" always caused confusion. Same as the suggestion to "frig a piece of equipment" to temporarily fix a fault.
Hehe...
I can already see the situation where someone carries around an empty one of these waiting for it to vibrate and identify another user which they can bum one off!
Also can see the funny scenario of asking a person smoking one of these for a lighter, and the fights that will erupt when "the lying bastard refused to lend me his lighter, there he is smoking on his own so he must have a light! Lets get him!"
