As we are getting ready to launch version 2.0 of fliing we’ve been continuing our discussion within the teams on the importance of providing an alternate method of sharing and communication (Bluetooth) that doesn’t rely on the cellular or internet infrastructure. Our developers continue to grapple with the inherent problems on the Apple OS, of making a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection coexist within the same app, and we’re convinced that maintaining both methods is still the right decision and one that will be worth the extra effort (I’ll let someone else more qualified post the technical discussion here another time).
Recent events in Japan illustrate how either through a natural or man-made disaster we can be left without a way of passing along first-hand information through the infrastructure we’ve come to rely upon. Transferring information from mobile device to mobile device using Bluetooth then becomes very important. For instance, pictures of loved ones can be shared and help to locate the missing or photos of the devastation can be used to validate or contradict rumors and gossip. In the case of the Middle East, a government shutdown of services or the fear of having one’s communication tracked stresses the need for a localized and untraceable method of communication. Both of these scenarios emphasized to us the importance of keeping our Bluetooth connection available within fliing.
We realize there are many less dramatic reasons to fliing photos, messages, or contact information with our Bluetooth connection and that we’re just a little app on the iTunes store but we will continue to work out the most reliable and elegant way to manage both connection methods. We’ll also try to stick to our principles and work toward our goal to provide useful apps that enable people to increase their productivity and creativity.
As always we welcome your feedback on the topic.
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