Damn Kids and Their Cell Phones ...
Published November 06, 2003
These young whippersnappers just keep coming up with ways to bug people with their mobile phones:
- Phone owners now have something else to do with their handset: bluejacking.
This involves sending anonymous text messages to other phone users via Bluetooth short-range radio.
Bluetooth works over a range of about 10 metres and phones fitted with it can be made to search for other handsets using it that will accept messages sent to them.
Mobile phone buffs have been bluejacking for months but it now looks set to become much more widespread.
Bluetooth was created as a way for mobile phones to easily connect to other handsets as well as devices such as headsets, home computers and printers.
The radio technology only used to appear on more expensive phones but is rapidly becoming a standard feature in all kinds of handsets.
....Now a regular bluejacker has set up a site to tell others how to do it and to swap tips and stories about the phenomenon.
"I came across the idea of bluejacking at an online discussion forum and it immediately struck me as a fun thing to do," said Ellie, who set up and runs the bluejackQ website.
She said the "priceless" expression on the face of her first victim as he tried to work out what was going on has turned her into a regular bluejacker.
"This, mixed with not knowing whether the victim will react in an amused/confused or negative way gives me an adrenaline rush," she said. [BBC]
"Do you have Prince Albert in a can?"
"Is your refrigerator running?"
"Is it difficult to harass strangers over your phone with your head in your ass?"
- Damn Kids and Their Cell Phones ...
- Published: November 06, 2003
- Type:
- Section: Sci/Tech
- Writer: Eric Olsen
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Comments
Bottom line: People are gonna be people, regardless of the tech level. But yes, as the father of a 12 year old boy, I can say they're easily amused. Though I have to admit - were I to own a bluetooth device, I might do a little bluejacking myself. Only with friends, of course. ;)
I'm glad Bill added that last part I was starting to feel guilty about really enjoying this new feature.






Despite its potential for abuse, this bluetooth thing looks like it could be pretty great. To be able to use a headset without a wire is really a nice feature. It's still too expensive for me, but soon enough...