Auraphone: A simple app to collect people's info at events
16 days ago
- #Networking
- #Bluetooth
- #MobileApp
- Auraphone is an app designed to collect people's information at networking events using Bluetooth.
- Users can set their name, photo, and choose what information to share (e.g., Instagram, email, LinkedIn).
- The app broadcasts and collects information from nearby devices, creating a record of people met at the event.
- Bluetooth terminology is simplified by thinking in terms of client-server models to manage connections.
- The app uses two Bluetooth characteristics: PROFILE_CHAR for JSON data and PHOTO_CHAR for image data.
- A cooldown list prevents repeated connections to the same device, optimizing the networking process.
- Challenges include handling BLE stack complexities, differences between iOS and Android, and connection errors.
- A BLE stack simulator was created in Golang for testing but proved more useful for understanding Bluetooth than fixing bugs.
- Real-device testing with thorough logging was more effective for debugging and improving the app.
- The app requires the phone to be in the foreground, encouraging users to stay engaged in conversations.
- Auraphone is currently available in the iOS App Store and as an APK for Android, with testing ongoing at BLANKSPACES Culver City.