LG Xenon, Sending Multiple Pictures via Bluetooth Simultaneously (the video clip)

A few weeks ago, I wrote an entry about how to send multiple pictures simultaneously via Bluetooth from an LG Xenon. I figured it was esoteric and obscure, but it quickly became my number one content page-- so I guess there must be other LG Xenon owners who are scratching their heads trying to figure this puzzle out as well.

Since I had a difficult time writing the entry in a way that I felt was clear and descriptive to readers, I decided to make a mini-tutorial video which walks you through the process. I hope you find it helpful.

Bluejacking in the USA

I saw my first instance of bluejacking (i.e. using Bluetooth technology to send unsolicited advertising messages) today. It's peculiar, but Bluetooth hasn't caught on state-side like it has in, for example, Europe. You could probably rationalize reasons-- such as concerns about privacy and security, etc.-- but I think the truth is most people here buy consumer electronic devices for status, rather than actual function. They never read the manual in its entirety to learn all the features of their products.

But, I digress.

So, I'm at the food court in Springfield Mall in Northern Virginia, and there's this National Guard poster in one of the kiosks telling people to turn on their Bluetooth and set their devices for autodiscovery. My current cell phone doesn't have Bluetooth support, but I expect if I had, I would have received some URL to their recruiting site.

On the one hand, I'm glad to see that someone out there is at least aware of Bluetooth and making use of it. On the other hand, I was disappointed with the overall implementation. I'm not even talking about the necessity of the poster to let people know the Bluetooth service was available (though it is kind of laughable, I have to admit). The local mall management could have made outstanding use of the Bluetooth technology-- with links to promotional events, maps in case people get lost, information about the mall's hours of operations, weather conditions, movie times, the location of the lost and found, etc.

So much possibility exists-- and instead, we get adverts for the National Guard. (Nothing against the National Guard, mind you. I think they perform a wonderful service for our country.)

It's just like buying the deluxe cable TV package from your local cable company and discovering that 20 of the channels are all shameless self-promotional channels. (Hello, we're already subscribing to the service-- why are you subjecting us to advertising on channels that could be used for educational or entertainment programming instead?)

If/when I get my Personal Area Network up and running, it's going to be a hell of a lot cooler and more valuable than just advertising. I don't know exactly what I will offer, but if all I can think of to say is: "Come join our team!" then I'm hanging it up before I even get started.

They actually have programs for Bluetooth enabled devices that let users declare what their hobbies and interests are-- and when they wander into close proximity of someone else with a similarly equipped/enabled Bluetooth device, the programs compare interests and hobbies. If they find a significant degree of matching, the programs alert the users to the other person's presence. (I can't help but think of Dr. Who and how the TARDIS automatically translates all the various written and spoken languages from around the universe for travelling companions via telepathic interface. Remarkably powerful and convenient, yet so subtle that you forget it's there.)

Tattoos in the 21st century

I like to listen to young(er) people talking. The energy and exchange of ideas is contagious-- it provokes one to challenge traditional paradigms.

Consider the dilemma posed by tattoos. You want something edgy/cool/trend-setting, but won't become commonplace or stupid in a few decades. Too bad ink is so immutable and permanent.

Bold prediction: by 2020, a tech-savvy fashion company will develop a process to create tattoos with nano-particles instead of traditional ink. The tattoo owner will be able to re-design the tattoo's shape and color (including making it completely invisible) via a wireless signal, such as Bluetooth.