The Register® — Biting the hand that feeds IT

Feeds

Fags flash butts in nightclubs

The social networking smoke

Agentless Backup is Not a Myth

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.

Blu smart pack

“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. ®

Customer Success Testimonial: Recovery is Everything

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?

3
0

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 ;)

2
0

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.

1
0

More from The Register

 breaking news
Curtain drops on Apple Store ahead of WWDC: What lies behind?
Steve Jobs watching from on high. No pressure, lads
 breaking news
Cold, dead hands of Steve Jobs slip from iPhones: The Cult of Ive is upon us
Billionaire biz baron's death clears way for uber-shiny iOS 7
First look: iOS 7 for iPad
No, Apple hasn't released it yet, but that doesn't stop intrepid devs
Airbus imagines suitcases that find themselves
Point your mobe at your smalls to track their every move
Samsung Galaxy Note 8: Proof the pen is mightier?
Sammy’s iPad Mini killer has a stylus to stab other rivals too
Surprise! Intel smartphone trounces ARM in power trials
Tests show equal performance while sipping significantly less juice
Apple said to be 'exploring' 5.7-inch iPhone
Who's the copycat this time, Mr. Cook?
Google Chromebooks now in over 6,600 stores
Major, worldwide retail push begins this summer
Samsung plans LTE Advanced version of Galaxy S4
1Gbps download capability could stiffen drooping S4 sales forecasts
Review: Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock
Missing Mac ports reunited, for a price