It seems we have another new phonomenon in the online dating space. This one does fall into the wireless category. Called 'toothing' - this technology basically uses Bluetooth to hijack another phone that is within a certain radius of the bluetooth device. You can say, 'Hey, I think you're cute....lets meet for a drink' and the other phone will hear it. From what I hear it is HUGE in the UK in parks and guys do pretty well with it.

As it concerns wireless dating, we have the topic discussed. There are already a handful of companies that provide this technology.

Marc Lesnick
Conference Organizer

Looks like "toothing" is just a hoax: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/04/05/bluetooth_sex_hoax/
But indeed there are a few companies in this field. For a good list of them see http://icppl.typepad.com/i_see_people/2005/07/a_brief_history.html

Thanks for the link to the magazine article. It reminds me of the movie "Shattered Glass."

The only problem is exactly what you stated. If its a hoax, why would there be several companies involved in it as a business? They would realize very quickly if it didn't work and abandon the idea.

So it might have started as a hoax, and may become something very real. Such is the forefront of new technology and online dating.

We do have people speaking about it, as it is a new technology that concerns online dating. Let's see how it goes in 2 weeks and we'll make up our minds then.

Marc Lesnick
Conference Organizer
Internet Dating Conference

Since Bluetooth technology only works up to about 25 feet "effectively" it just seems unlikely that this capability would be appealing to the masses. If I am within 25 feet of someone I find "attractive" I can simply speak. Why would I burn the minutes or the "surcharge"?

Online dating and dating services in general attract a client base that does not wish to meet others in this manner typically. And those who do don't have the time to walk around until they come within 25 feet or someone who MIGHT ALSO have the same capability-- what are the odds of that?

mike007, you are a brave man
I think the majority of people would like to know beforehand if someone they find attractive is willing/ready to "communicate". Also, presumably bluetooth matching may suggest an ice-breaker, something better than "what's your sign".

Critical mass is a known problem, there is no magic solution. Even Nokia (with all its marketing power) acknowledges that it's a main problem for Nokia Sensor. The idea is that the cost of having it "always-on" is low so you can have it on all the time -- may not find anyone but won't hurt either.

I prefer, "Come here often"... (Just Kidding).

I understand the "ice breaker" concept. I guess with respect to bluetooth I just recognize that I have a hard enough time getting my Treo to sync with my computer from accross the room. I can't imagine trying to sync with another human. HAHA