Blu Cigarettes Jay Shouldol via Flickr

Thanks to smoking bans in most states, cigarette smokers are relegated to taking their habits outside, where they can easily meet and mingle with others who share their addiction. But what about the e-cigarette smoker, who gets to puff inside bars, looking smug? Now a special sensor in their pricey habit-forming gadgets can help them meet other smokers, too.

The makers of Blu e-cigarettes are incorporating a social networking function in a new version of Blu’s cartridges, reports the New York Times. Sensors will let users know when other e-smokers are nearby.

The new Blu “smart packs” will go on sale next month for $80 for five e-cigarettes, the Times says. They contain radio devices that emit and search for signals of other packs, and when they get within 50 feet of each other, they vibrate and flash a blue light. They also vibrate when the user walks by a store selling replacement cigs.

The packs can exchange information about their owners, including contact information on social networking sites, the Times reports.

E-cigarettes still provide a nicotine kick, but eliminate smoke and tar, letting smokers stay indoors to puff on cherry-flavored water vapor. Blu starter packs come with a pack, which also serves as a battery charger, and five electronic cartridges. Each cartridge supplies enough nicotine and flavor for about 250 puffs, according to the company.

Blu is hardly the first gadget maker to enable proximity communications — smartphones and laptops have had this capability for some time, and newer devices like the Nintendo 3DS allow users to find each other. But cigarettes are inherently more visible than a gaming system stashed in your pocket. Even without a haze of smoke, Blu cigarettes are pretty obvious. Will users really need a buzzing gadget to let them know where to strike up a conversation?

[New York Times]

8 Comments

I just spent $300 (plus) on a delux kit and ~90 days worth of supplies.

Calling these eCigs "pricey and habit-forming" does us ALL a dis-service (shame on your spin) ...

I have been "targeted" by all the addiction-science and lobbying that big-tobacco + corrupt politicians can muster.

I WAS paying $300/month (plus) and my lungs REALLY hurt ...
... After 30 years ... trying to quit in every way possible, I (now) believe I might have a chance, to effectively transition to a patch, and finally, to quit.

For "hopeless" addicts ? ... These eCigs are a Godsend (capital "G"). My lungs started feeling MUCH better, after ONE DAY !

These things are JUST satisfying enough to keep me from reaching for my old "tar sticks" (with 100+ added chemicals)
... and, eCigs are JUST "nasty" enough that I am not tempted to over-do it (not tempted to "up the dosage").

Too early to be absolutely certain but, I think I may be ready to quit, within ~90 days to ~120 days or, at least be ready to go to a "Step 2 Patch" ...Stay tuned.

I will not mention the brand, as I do not want to be identified as a brand-whore or a compensated schill ... WORKS !!

No, tho ... If you are not already seriously addicted then, please, do not play around, with these !!

Calling e-cigs pricey is very inaccurate and poor reporting. E-cigs are actually less expensive than analogs (regular cigs), and a heck of a lot less harmful. I've been off cigarettes for 5 months thanks to ecigs, and have saved a fortune in the process. The only way this can be more expensive than regular cigarettes is if you are dealing with a shady vendor.

Investigate before you report next time.

Don't take life to seriously! You'll never get out of it alive.
-Elbert Hubbard

"...pricey habit-forming gadgets"

Really? You're shooting 0 for 2 here.

For starters the author Rebecca needs to do some research. I would start by contacting The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASSA.org)

"Thanks to smoking bans in most states, cigarette smokers are relegated to taking their habits outside, where they can easily meet and mingle with others who share their addiction. But what about the e-cigarette smoker, who gets to puff inside bars, looking smug? "

Smoke, we vape. Looking smug??

"Now a special sensor in their pricey habit-forming gadgets can help them meet other smokers, too."

Pricey habbit forming? No I HAD a pricey habbit forming addiction. IT was called tobacco. This "pricey habit-forming gadget" cost me $70 and has already saved me close to a thousand... not to mention the improvement in my overall health. I dont cough up crap in the morning, I can run up stairs again and still have my breath, I have more energy, I sleep better, and my g/f likes to kiss me again since I dont stink or taste like an ashtray...

"...Meet other smokers?" Sorry I don't smoke.... and I take offense by the insinuation I or any of ym fellow vapors do.

Hey it is like a retard finder.

It's much easier for me just to blow smoke wherever I like, flick the butt onto the street and laugh at any fool who is dumb enough to complain about it.

http://www.ecigator.com

This is an interesting idea for electronic cigarettes, which are becoming increasingly popular and more widely accepted in public places like restaurants, bars and more. I've tried several brands and enjoy Blu, so see more at http://goo.gl/xpfmk.

They share info now? The e-cigs also transmit your visa card numbers to others cell phones, and all social outlets. We are getting real far out there I think!



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