Using the Bump App

iPhone Bump

If you are one of those people who typically start the month out with a few hundred business cards only to be left four weeks later with nothing but the box they came in then the Bump app can help you out. This application designed by Bump Technologies allows you to quickly and easily exchange information with other iPhone users. So, easily, in fact it only takes a gentle bump of hands to share email and other contact information.

The Good and Bad?

The very nice news about the Bump app is the price…free! You can find it at iTunes in their App store. The down side is the leeriness some security minded data gatekeepers have about any program that performs the sort of functions that this one does.

Bump Technologies’ response to those concerns is that all the communications between a user’s iPhone and their servers is encrypted and sent using https which is the same as you see with online banking. They also point out that the user is in control of deciding who to share information with and when. No one should be able to exchange information, unless the phones are bumped together. Bump also states they never share a user’s personal information with third parties.

Bump is also available for use on Google’s Android, and can share photos, link Facebook friends, and compare friends as well as exchange contact information.

How to do the Bump

Locate the app on iTunes App store and install it on your iPhone.

Even if you do not intend to use it immediately open the application and read through the “Terms of Service”. You will need to select “agree” to complete the installation and be allowed use of the application. Once the application is running it will be able to detect your location.

You can now open Bump and choose My Profile. If you haven’t created a profile on your iPhone you can scroll to the bottom and choose the red “I Can’t Find My Name” button. A contact form will open up so you can fill it out. Since you will be sharing this you might want to keep it to only information you want others to see. Select “Done” when you are completed.

When you meet someone else who is also using the application then both of you will need to open the Bump app. Hold the iPhone in your hand with your fingers and hand protecting it from the other user’s iPhone. Gently bump or tap your fist to the other user’s hand. This should initiate the transfer of information. It is a good idea to check and make sure the transfer worked especially the first few times you try using the application.

Some have speculated that if applications like Bump catch on, they might eliminate the use of business cards, or at least badly scribbled impossible to read notes will no longer be necessary. At least, for the time being with this free application the price is right, and it is easy to use.

Photo Credits: Sorgatron

Originally posted 2010-05-13 03:28:49.

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Posted by MacNation on January 23, 2012 in Apple Apps Store, iPhone, Tips and Tricks.