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Comment by yesimahuman | Hacker News Reader

I didn't get it at first (the bump seemed arbitrary), but the first answer on the FAQ made me realize bump is pretty cool (they definitely need to highlight that this isn't just wireless with an arbitrary motion sensor to start the transfer):

Q: How does BumpTM work?

A: There are two parts to BumpTM: the app running on your device and a smart matching algorithm running on our servers in the cloud. The app on your phone uses the phone's sensors to literally "feel" the bump, and it sends that info up to the cloud. The matching algorithm listens to the bumps from phones around the world and pairs up phones that felt the same bump. Then we just route the contact information between the two phones in each pair.

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they definitely need to highlight that this isn't just wireless with an arbitrary motion sensor to start the transfer

why? end users don't care how it works as long as its effortless.

That's a good point. However, I wonder if users might start feeling as if the bump is pointless and they just want to transfer the data right away, but get frustrated that they have to bump the phones and they aren't sure why.

Look at how bluetooth connectivity is handled and then tell me that the bump isn't an improvement.

It's a logical action for the result.

I do think it's funny that it requires a net connection and geo-data, though. Very clever on their part to become middleman and privy to all this data. Where's the version that runs over wifi or bluetooth?

we have been amazed how much people love the bump interaction. lots of people bump just to see it work and then don't transfer anything.

most mobile wlan chipsets (including the iphone's) don't support adhoc (so would need router) and bluetooth sucks, it is inconsistent and unreliable (even between identical phones).

we have decided to not highlight the complexity of our technology. most users think it is bluetooth or magic (seriously). for most people understanding doesn't add value. for those it does, we made the faq. :)

I think the reason I didn't get it is because you guys did a damn clever thing with the bumps. I couldn't find the answer, I thought you had to set up the connection first and then go on from there. I guess lots of people are okay with magic.

Awesome project. Good luck!

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