TryBlue - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is short-range wireless technology used for interconnecting mobile phones, computers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Bluetooth is most familiar to people as the way cell phones work with the small headsets people place around their ears to talk hands-free on their cell phones. Bluetooth also can be used to exchange data between a transmitter in a fixed location (also called a "hotspot") and people walking by with their cell phones.

How does TryBlue's Bluetooth solution work?

The TryBlue solution utilizes fixed position transmission devices (base units) to send marketing and advertising content to nearby cell phones and Bluetooth-enabled devices. It works like this:

1. The base unit scans the airwaves within its range to detect Bluetooth devices
2. When the base unit detects a signal from a Bluetooth device, it sends a permission request to that unit asking the user to accept a request to connect with the base unit.
3. Once the user accepts the request, the base unit then sends a file to that user. While that file is being sent, the base unit continues to scan for other Bluetooth devices.
4. If the user declines the permission request, the base unit no longer attempts to reach that specific device.

What types of files can the base unit send?

The base unit can send text files (.txt), still images (.jpeg, .gif), animated images, audio files (.wav, .rmf, MP3, MP4, ringtones), video files (RM, 3GP, MP4), Java applications, vCards, and vCal files.

Are all cell phones or devices compatible with TryBlue's Bluetooth solution? Does it work with Blackberry phones and Apple iPhones?

Most cell phones and Bluetooth-enabled devices are compatible with TryBlue's solution including Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Sony/Ericsson, and LG. More than 71% of all cell phones sold over the last 3 years, and more than 78% of cell phones sold in 2008 are reachable. Technically speaking, the user's cell phone requires an Object Push Profile (OPP) which is a configuration that allows a sender (i.e. TryBlue base unit) to send a file to the user's device. Most current Bluetooth-capable cell phones have an OPP.

What are the benefits of using TryBlue's Bluetooth solution?

One of the biggest is the ability to reach your target customers on their cell phones without knowing their cell phone numbers. In addition:

• Highly-Targeted -- It reaches more of your target customers when and where they want to buy.
• Cost-Effective -- It is significantly cheaper than traditional advertising (e.g. print, TV, radio), more relevant, and measurable.
• It's Green! Ð In today's society, every progressive company is looking for ways to move their business in the direction of earth friendly green programs. Eliminate paper waste and TryBlue.
• Flexible -- Because the solution is web-based and remotely programmable, campaigns can be developed and deployed quickly to take advantage of immediate opportunities.

How does TryBlue's Bluetooth solution integrate with an overall marketing strategy?

The TryBlue solution fits extremely well. It reaches your target customers when they want to buy and where they want to buy. You can utilize the art, messages and market segmentation from your campaign and tailor it to specific advertising and marketing locations, events, opportunities and audiences.

What percentage of people within range of TryBlue's solution have compatible cell phones with Bluetooth enabled?

We estimate more than 75% of phones within range of a TryBlue device are Bluetooth-capable. Of those Bluetooth capable phones, we estimate that approximately 80% will be activated and detectable by the TryBlue device.

What percentage of people with Bluetooth enabled on compatible cell phones grant permission to receive the file sent by TryBlue?

Our results to-date show that 18-30% of people with Bluetooth-capable phones who have the Bluetooth feature activated accept the permission request to receive a file sent by a TryBlue device.

What is the range of the TryBlue device? What affects the range of the device?

The TryBlue base unit has a range up to a 300 foot radius. The actual range of the device in use is dependent upon where they operate, signal obstructions, and environmental conditions.

How does the customer's distance from the TryBlue device affect their experience?

The farther the cell phone user is from the TryBlue transmission device, the longer it will take for files to download. It is possible for the user to fall out of range of the TryBlue device during data exchange which would result in the session ending. The user would have to return to the proximity of the device to re-establish a connection with the device.

How long does it take for a permitted file to be fully downloaded to a Bluetooth-enabled device?

Depending on the type and size of the file, it can take approximately 5 to 30 seconds to completely download a file.

Once a file is downloaded to a user's device, can the user share the file directly with other users?

Yes. The benefits of using Bluetooth Advertising is that this is a viral method of marketing to your consumers. The messages can be forwarded to other mobile devices and computers which is why many TryBlue clients are using this as an aid in building a branding campaign rather than a sales campaign.

What kinds of reports does the TryBlue solution provide?

TryBlue provides up to the minute reporting on each device, which our clients can easily access from any computer simply by logging in to www.tryblue.com/clientlogin. The reports show how many people have entered your tryblue zone. The report then breaks that number down to who accepted the message and who declined the message. This reporting is very helpful in fine tuning your campaign to maximize your acceptance rates.

Is the Bluetooth device user charged for sending a permission message or to receive the request message and/or file?

Bluetooth connectivity is a device capability, not a service plan transaction. There is no charge to the user for the permission request, acceptance of the request and downloading of the file.

What virus protection exists on the TryBlue device to prevent the TryBlue device from sending or receiving corrupted or dangerous files?

Most marketing and advertising content is sent as a non-executable file such as a .jpeg, .gif or MP3, therefore there is no virus contamination threat.

Can a user receive permission requests and download files while using the device for a telephone call or text messaging?

Yes, the user can continue to use the cell phone as normal during the exchange with the TryBlue device.

Does the TryBlue solution capture cell phone numbers when a user grants permission to be sent a file?

No. The TryBlue device is not able to capture the consumer's mobile number if they accept the message. In order to capture the mobile numbers of those within the zone, your message must include a "text in" promotion whereby the consumer text a special message to a 5 digit code which is provided by your SMS management company. TryBlue recommends visiting www.clubtexting.com, which is our preferred partner for sending SMS campaigns to your client list. By using this technique, our clients have built their SMS databases from hundreds to thousands of consumer numbers.

How many users can the TryBlue device receive permission messages from or send files to simultaneously?

This is where TryBlue stands out above its competitors. Currently, as most companies do, TryBlue devices can broadcast a campaign to seven mobile devices at one time while the other capable phones are sent to a que. As of June 1st, 2009, the upgraded TryBlue device will be able to broadcast to up to 28 phones at one time using patented software and upgraded hardware devices.

Is the communication exchange between the TryBlue device and the user's Bluetooth-enabled device secure and encrypted to prevent someone from stealing data in the transmission?

Bluetooth technology is powered by computer hardware and custom built software programs; however, the TryBlue device has a built in security monitoring system that does detect hackers and immediately sends a warning to our central operations office so the issue can be resolved as soon as there is a problem. As with any networked computer, the threat of hacking will always be present but TryBlue has taken every measure to eliminate the problem if something were to occur.