Sustainable Land Development Today - February 2008 - (Page 38) TECHNOLOGY • Where the small public and private antennas can be deployed. • Which revenue-generating models would be most appropriate or should the service be provided at no charge. On the Horizon: Bluetooth Perhaps you have seen cell-phone users wearing the wireless headsets or ear pieces which are based on this system. Bluetooth, may change the way tenants and communities transmit information in the near future. Bluetooth is a short range, wireless technology intended to replace the cables connecting portable and/or fixed devices while maintaining high levels of security. The key features are robustness, low power, and low cost and the specification defines a uniform structure for a wide range of devices to connect and communicate with each other. It was named after a late 10th century king, Harald Bluetooth, King of Denmark and Norway, who became know for unifying warring tribes in Denmark (where the Bluetooth technology was invented) and Norway. Bluetooth likewise was intended to unify different technologies, such as computers and mobile phones. The technology is being introduced into automobiles for hands free communication, cameras for wirelessly downloading photos, and in MP3 players to wirelessly download music. Retailers are beginning to use the technology to transmit advertisements and coupons to cell phones or PDAs as shoppers near a store, restaurant, or when entering a parking lot. Developers or retailers can install small antennas during a project’s construction phase. When retailers move in, they could pay the property manage- ment company for Bluetooth access or it could be part of a lease agreement. Businesses or property management companies could also install the antennas near established shopping districts or communities. When incoming Bluetooth content is received by a cell phone or PDA, the user could accept, ignore or opt out of future messages. When a message arrives, the end user can be notified with a faint ping or a message light, which keeps the technology unobtrusive. One large technology company has devised a system that will enable stores, restaurants, information kiosks or advertisers to beam information to people visiting a shopping center or town square. It will allow people with Bluetooth-enabled devices to easily download coupons or watch videos when they walk near an establishment with a transmitter. Retailers can do short duration sales (two hours) or provide free product samples by transmitting messages to communication devices within a short proximity of their shop. tantly places where people enjoy working, playing and living. SLDT About the author: Rick Seiden is President of Towntech, Inc., an urban planning firm focused on integrating technology into the built environment and consulting with communities, cities, and towns about urban technologies. He can be reached at Rick@towntechinc.com, www.towntechinc.com. 888-475-0888. AD INDEX Company Adventus Americas, Inc. AIRVAC, Inc. Bentley Systems Best Management Products Brock White Company Carlson Cawrse & Associates CityScape_Asia Colorado Lining Connexion Technologies David A Clinger & Associates Delta Environmental Pentair Water DYK Environment 21 Enviroscape ECM HTI, Inc IECA Invisible Structures ITT Flygt Corporation KriStar Land Value Analysis LDB - Conference LDB - Pervious Concrete LDB - Site Soil Management Mountain Lake Properties MSA Professional Services Next - LLC Prefurbia RoLanka International Rotondo Environmental Solutions Salix Applied Earthcare Silver Bay Capital Sustainable Land Development International StormChamber StormTrap Transoft Solutions Tycoon - Globalmind Page 2 insert 9 40 23 31 45 39 43 27 28 48 3 13 45 18 47 14 20, 21 24 43 41 15 32 45 42 18 19 43 25 44 44 35 37 7 5 44 103 153 189 155 157 195 184 192 151 152 156 106 136 167 135 145 116 154 118 142 183 128 RSN # 168 138 102 144 199 130 150 Conclusion There are many other technologies that are evolving and will find a place in the built environment. The three discussed in this article, video surveillance, community wireless, and Bluetooth, have the potential of transforming projects and communities. Independently, these technologies are complex, but one can foresee how they will begin to converge, particularly with the maturation of Internet Protocol (IP) technologies. Developers and designers should keep abreast of emerging technologies so that future developments can be innovative, vital, and most impor- 38 February 2008 Sustainable Land Development Today http://www.towntechinc.com http://www.towntechinc.com
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.