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Wireless Innovation
for a Connected World

"Not so long ago it was a novelty to use a mobile phone. Now it is commonplace. With Short Range Wireless Communications, SMS, stock quotes, GPS and the rest — we enter the realm of science fiction every day. BlueLinx is driving the migration from imagination to wireless reality."

— Jeff Griffin, President & CEO, BlueLinx, Inc.

Where should Q-Zone be?

Q-Zone Courtesy System

Automatically silences mobile phones in sensitive spaces — theaters, courtrooms, hospitals — using Short Range Wireless Communications technology. No jamming, no signal blocking.

Short-Range Wireless IP

Proprietary intellectual property and patents in consumer short-range wireless applications, built since BlueLinx joined the group promoting Short Range Wireless communications in August 1999.

Global Partnerships

Distribution and technology partners across North America, Europe, and Asia. BlueLinx works with carriers, enterprises, and venues to bring Q-Zone worldwide.

About BlueLinx

Company

BlueLinx, Inc. is a privately held wireless technology company focused on developing innovative applications and intellectual property for short-range wireless communications. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

BlueLinx specializes in consumer-oriented wireless solutions that leverage short-range wireless communications and other emerging technologies.

Core Focus Areas

  • Short-range wireless applications for consumer electronics
  • Consumer solutions using Short Range wireless communications
  • Intellectual property development and licensing
  • Wireless software and systems integration

Through its Q-Zone™ product family and supporting technologies, BlueLinx continues to explore new ways to connect people, information, and devices.

Corporate Contact

9211 N. Tryon Street, Suite 4-168
Charlotte, N.C., 28262 — U.S.A.
general@bluelinx.com
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What We Build

Products & Services

BlueLinx specializes in creating new products for the worldwide wireless market that provide returns on investment for our partners, customers, and investors. The company also works with enterprises and vendors to streamline their marketing and product development cycles.

Q-Zone™ — Flagship Product

Q-Zone is an internationally acclaimed solution for today's pervasive cell phone courtesy problem. Consumers, enterprises, and wireless carriers all win with the Q-Zone courtesy solution.

Q-Zone™ Courtesy System

Enabling quiet zones in theaters, churches, restaurants, conference rooms, classrooms, courtrooms, libraries, and other public spaces — through Short Range wireless technology. Not a jammer. No blocked calls.

Consulting & Integration

BlueLinx partners with enterprises and wireless vendors to develop custom short-range wireless solutions, from initial concept through product launch and market deployment.

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Our Technology

Q-Zone Courtesy System

Q-Zone is an optional courtesy system for mobile electronics. This two-part system allows venues to regain control of their atmosphere by preventing interruptions from rings, dings, and other audible alert tones. Q-Zone creates "quiet zones" in theaters, churches, restaurants, conference rooms, classrooms, courtrooms, libraries, and other public spaces that place a premium on decorum.

How Q-Zone Works

Q-Zone uses Short Range wireless technology — not jamming. The system has two components:

  • A small piece of software that resides inside the mobile phone
  • The Q-Zone hardware node, installed at the venue

When a phone enters a Q-Zone area, the node communicates with the phone's software to automatically silence audible alerts. Calls and messages are still received — the owner just won't disturb others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Q-Zone a jammer?

No. Jammers broadcast on cellular frequencies regulated by governmental agencies like the FCC. Q-Zone uses Short Range Wireless Technology operating on unregulated 2.4 GHz spectrum.

Does Q-Zone prevent phone calls from getting through?

No. Q-Zone only silences the audible alert. Calls and messages are still received by the phone — users simply won't disturb others with a ring.

How much does a Q-Zone system cost?

Pricing is based on the size, shape, and capacity of the area to be covered. A large ballroom or multi-screen theater requires more coverage than a single conference room. Contact us for a custom quote.

Where can Q-Zone be purchased?

Q-Zone is available through authorized distributors. Contact general@bluelinx.com for distribution and purchasing information.

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Under the Hood

Technology

SIG Member since August 1999

BlueLinx specializes in products based on short-range wireless communications. BlueLinx has been a member of the short-range wireless communications Special Interest Group since August 1999, placing it among the earliest commercial adopters of Short Range Wireless technology.

About Short Range Wireless Technology

Short Range wireless technology is a short-range communications standard intended to replace cables connecting portable and fixed devices while maintaining high security. It operates in the unlicensed ISM band at 2.4 to 2.485 GHz, using spread spectrum, frequency hopping, full-duplex signaling at a nominal rate of 1,600 hops/sec.

BlueLinx leverages this technology to create innovative consumer applications that address real-world challenges — beginning with the Q-Zone courtesy system.

The BlueLinx Advantage

  • Early Short Range Wireless SIG membership — deep protocol expertise
  • Proprietary software stack optimized for consumer devices
  • Hardware node design scalable from single rooms to large venues
  • No FCC-regulated spectrum — fully legal in all U.S. jurisdictions
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Media Coverage

Press Room

Because the issue of mobile device courtesy is so timely, Q-Zone and BlueLinx have received positive press attention both in the U.S. and abroad.

English-Language Press

DateHeadlinePublication
April 8, 2004Block that Ringtone!New York Times
CurrentQuiet Zones Muffle Cell Phone RingsHowStuffWorks
March 6, 2003Jam that ringing cell phone?EDN
July 11, 2000Cellphones, Shut up!Wired
May 2, 2002Instant Courtesy Through Short Range WirelessInfoSyncWorld
July 26, 2001Will Technology Spawn Backlash?CNET
August 2001Quiet, PleaseCharlotte Magazine

International Press

DateLanguagePublication
13 luglio 2000Italiantelefonio.net
14 July 2000Germande.gsmbox.com
14 Juillet 2000Frenchfr.gsmbox.com
July 27, 2001Japanesehotwired.co.jp
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Work With Us

Opportunities

9211 N. Tryon Street, Suite 4-168
Charlotte, N.C., 28262 — U.S.A.
Distribute
Q-Zone Distribution

Become an authorized Q-Zone distributor and bring mobile courtesy technology to venues in your region. Contact general@bluelinx.com.

Partner
Strategic Partnerships

BlueLinx is open to technology and go-to-market partnerships with wireless carriers, device manufacturers, and enterprise venues. Contact general@bluelinx.com.

Join Us
Employment

We value creativity, vision, and hard work. Our creativity powers innovation, our vision drives execution, and our hard work makes it all happen. If you want to work on cutting-edge wireless technology, reach out at general@bluelinx.com.

Invest
Investor Relations

BlueLinx, Inc. was incorporated in 1999 and is privately held. Opportunities may exist for select private and institutional investors. Contact general@bluelinx.com.

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Get in Touch

Contact BlueLinx

Headquarters
9211 N. Tryon Street
Suite 4-168
Charlotte, N.C., 28262
U.S.A.
Email

General inquiries, partnerships, press, and employment:
general@bluelinx.com

BlueLinx is always interested in hearing new ideas and opinions. Feel free to reach out to share your mobile phone courtesy and discourtesy stories — we read every message.