Benedetta had mentioned a couple of cool projects in the last two Towers of Power classes that I wanted to check out. So I took this opportunity to research these projects along with a few others. It’s apparent that there are a vast number of things that we can make with open GSM. Though their purpose are mostly different, I noticed some recurring themes based on how the technology is used. Here are a few of them.

Text to control something
These projects are pretty fun. I think texting is a very human way of communicating. Unlike pressing a button, texting to get a lifeless piece of object to act seems more entertaining and magical.

Digital Ding Dong Ditch

Various text to open door projects, such as this one

Interaction through calls and texts
The user interact with a less tangible counterpart through their phones. These projects are more game-like.

Tinder on call

Campaigns that you can call or text to interact with a screen or poster

Anything can be a phone
It’s really cool that the GSM Module can be used to create new gestures to communicate.

Smart Hoodie

Hub’s project Jeff

Insular mobile networks
These applications target issues of not having signal in disaster scenes or remote locations.

Burning Man GSM network/openBTS

GoTenna

GSM Network Jammers
These projects are more on the offense, using the technology to attack itself or those using it, all the while sending a strong statement?

Lady Ada’s Wave Bubble

Julian Oliver’s No Network

Allison Burtch’s Log Jammer

Intercepting or changing data
This is also on the offense, but with more covert attacks.

Julian Oliver’s Newstweek

Remote tracking and data collection
These projects are longer term and requires continued documentation or a fully built out platform to display or visualize the information.

Delivery for Mr. Assange

Stories of Trash

What are ones that I’ve missed?

First post!