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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are on-location proximity services?

Proximity services allow fixed outdoor points to communicate with a public on the move. Taking into account the growing number of consumers that are always on the move and have mobile devices with them, proximity services offer a new channel for marketers, advertisers, content owners to communicate with these often difficult to reach consumer groups. Often figuring out exact ROI on an outdoor advertising campaign and its impact is not an exact science. The technology providing proximity services allow for accurate response rate monitoring and support a near real time feedback loop.

2. How can on-location proximity services benefit consumers?

If you find a brand cool you can now interact with it in many new and rewarding ways. Proximity services offer consumers a choice, which allows them to interact with the brands they choose to. The leap from 'push' to 'pull' content delivery provides a user friendly environment for brands to communicate in, which constitutes a shift from existing push mechanisms.

3. Is my mobile phone or PDA compatible with Fluids proximity services platform?

The number of supported devices is increasing rapidly. We currently support over 100 mobile devices. In order to view a list of compatible mobile handsets and PDAs please visit our supported devices section.

4. What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is an industrial specification for wireless personal area networks called PANs. Bluetooth provides a way to connect and exchange information between devices like personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, FAPtops, PCs, printers and digital cameras via a secure, low-cost, globally available short range radio frequency.

Bluetooth lets these devices talk to each other when they come in range, even if they are not in the same room. Bluetooth supports up to seven simultaneous slave device connections to every master device on the network also called a piconet.

5. What is Infrared?

Much like Bluetooth Infrared (IR) wireless data transmission is also employed in short-range communication among personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, FAPtops, PCs and printers. Its main differentiation from Bluetooth is that IR is a line sight communications technology, meaning that the two device IR transceivers must have plain line of sight in order to communicate.

6. Can I turn off my Bluetooth connection?

Yes. If you are unaware of how to switch off your mobile headset or PDA's Bluetooth transceiver please consult your constructor's manual or alternatively visit our supported devices section offering information on Bluetooth and Infrared connections.

7. Can I store downloaded content?

Yes, all content downloaded from our access points (FAPs) can be stored on your mobile device.

8. Am I allowed to share downloaded content with others?

Yes. All downloaded content can be shared in the same way you originally received it! By using your Bluetooth or Infrared wireless connection you can beam all kinds of cool stuff to your friends.

9. I am small to medium (retail, tourism) business owner. How can I benefit from using Fluids proximity marketing platform?

Fluid has many solutions for all types of business. SMEs in locations depending on tourism can deliver information about accommodation, restaurants and entertainment, offering local business's an advertising channel to prospective consumers prior to arrival at their destination.
Local retail businesses can offer discount coupons, brochures, price lists and more to prospective passing-by consumers at all hours of the day, even when the retail outlet is closed. Increase footfall and repeat visits with Fluids proximity marketing platform.

10. Is it difficult to download content?

No. In order to download content you must activate the Bluetooth connection on your Fluid compatible device. (Please make sure your device's Bluetooth connection is set to 'discoverable') If you are not aware if your mobile device has a Bluetooth wireless connectivity option, please refer to the manufacturer's manual or alternatively check out our supported devices section to see if your device is supported. If you do not know how to activate your Bluetooth wireless connection please refer to the manufacturer's manual, or alternatively visit the manufacturer's web page for that device, whch can be found in our supported devices section. Once your device's Bluetooth wireless connection has been activated, a prompt will appear on your device's screen asking you whether you would like to download content. If you wish to do so, please select 'YES'. If you are using an infrared connection you must activate it and point the transceiver on the mobile device toward the indicated access point infrared (IR) port.

11. Do I need to install software on my phone?

When receiving certain content which is browser based you will be asked to install a content browser. This application will enable you to experience a new kind of interaction with content providers, companies and brands.

12. Can I decline to download content?

Of course, the choice is yours, simply press no when the prompt message appears on your screen.

13. If I receive new Browser Content, what happens to the old content?

If you are downloading Browser Content with the same name, your information will simply be updated to reflect any changes. If you are downloading entirely new Browser Content, you will have a new selection in the content menu.

14. Why is my information listed for the wrong day?

If the date on your mobile device is set incorrectly, time sensitive material may be displayed incorrectly. To correct this problem, set the correct time and date on your mobile device.

15. How much memory do I need on my mobile device?

The Browser is 60 to 100KB depending on the platform. Browser Content size can vary, but a typical size is 80 to 200KB.

16. Do I need any software or hardware pre-installed on my mobile device?

No. The access point (FAP) will send the Browser to your mobile device if the Browser is not already installed.

17. How close to the Fluid access point do I need to be in order to receive files via infrared?

Stand within one meter (three feet) of the Fluid Access Point (FAP) to receive files via infrared. Stand within 10 meters (30 feet) to receive files via Bluetooth.

18. Do I need to download the Browser every time I want to download new files?

No. Simply open the Browser to receive new files. For Palm and Pocket PC devices, the Fluid Access Point (FAP) will automatically detect that the Browser is open and will immediately send you files.

19. How long does it take to receive files from the Fluid Access Point (FAP)?

It takes approximately ten seconds to receive the Browser and approximately ten seconds to receive Browser Content.