An interesting new service has just been launched in Wales, for anyone with a Bluetooth mobile phone (or presumably PDA).. Described as "interactive information points", the first 3 have been placed in Cardiff by Welsh firm Blu

The idea seems to be that Blu sets its Bluetooth information hubs, known as Blu Points in built up locations. People will then be able to  get a map of the surrounding area, which includes lists of shops, bars, restaurants, cinemas, places to visit and other local amenities.

The main Blu Point will be the central hub from which people would get their first set of information. Other smaller Blu Points will be strategically placed around the city to update people with information when they are within the Blu network.

Each Blu Point has a range of 350 metres and mobile phone users would have to choose 'yes' when they pick up the signal before they access information.

Cardiff City FC (new home of ex Liverpool Legend Robbie Fowler) are quite taken by the idea apparently and are looking at using it for seating plans, team sheets and even goal replays.

Blu Managing director, Mr Smith,  said: "Blu is a completely new way to get information on the move - think of it as an extension of a personal GPS navigational system but with vast local knowledge, all tailored specifically to the area that you are in, available at the touch of a button and completely free of charge to the user."

Richard Thorpe, Blu's head of business development, said: "The system is fun to use and that is the biggest thing."

He added that 97% of mobile phones in the UK are estimated to have Bluetooth capability by the end of 2007.

Source: ICWales

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