Comm.unity (Concluded)
Comm.unity is a platform implementing a wireless, device-to-device information system that bypasses the need for centralized servers, coordination, or administration. A key feature of this platform is the fact that it combines knowledge, awareness and learning of the user's social relationships and integrates this information into the communication protocols and network services. Comm.unity is designed to work on as many devices as possible, and with as many different radios as possible (WiFi, Bluetooth, IR, etc.).
How might communities use it?
People could go on a trip and createan ad-hoc group with those they happen to be traveling with. Any picture anyone takes could be immediately distributed to all of the group’s devices.
Strangers could chat on the plane, or a friend sitting ten rows in front of them in a lecture hall.
People could be notified when friends and family are nearby.
More globally, it could act a communication system for emergencies and disaster scenarios, which allows news and critical information to be distributed among people in the area without the need for existing infrastructure (which is likely to be down...).
It could be a system for professional or civic journalists operating under oppressive regimes.
All of this would be done for free, no service charges, over an open platform that would allow any developer to enhance and add new features and applications.
Comments
Thank you very much for this useful article and the comments. I love this site as it contains good materials.
Regards
In order to solve closeness and conservativeness of cell phone industry in our country, we need to have this kind of project as well.
I also checked openmoko.com as to overcome some of the absurdities we have.
I don't know who funded this project but it's good to see this kind of project is being realized by one of the most influential academic institutes.
great!!
Comm.unity looks like a very promising project,
good luck with their work and keep us all informed on its progress and how its use has benefited community groups.
I got to hand it to you guys this is a good site and I endorse the comm. unity project it gave me an idea for one of my own. I like the above comments and I think there is much to be done in the world to change its present form to a better one and your institute has been doing just that. Thank you and keep up the good work.