I wrote about Bluephone Elite a few weeks ago. It has a few quirks, but I am still amazed at how simple and yet amazing this software is. Besides extending your phone to your computer by using caller id, Address book integration, SMS via a real keyboard, etc. one of the most amazing features is very subtle. For me this software is the first presence aware pieces of software. What do I mean? The phone I use has bluetooth in it. it is paired with my computer. That is how this software works. Bluephone Elite (via bluetooth) knows when you are on a call. It will pause itunes, or a DVD movie for you when you are on the phone. But it goes a step further. It knows when you are not around. Bluetooth has a 30 foot limit. When the software cannot see your phone it will think that you are out of range of the computer along with your phone. Once it knows that, it will pause any movies and music again. it will also mark your iChat as “on the phone…”. When you return into range you can have everything start up again, or have the software ask you if you want to return and bring chats back online.
Instead of RFID, this software knows where you are by a device (your phone) that it (rightfully so) assumes will be with you most of the time. Think of the other applications of this type of setup? I don’t know why there is not Windows software that can do this?
Needless to say once the trial period of this software ran out, I went out and bought the full license.