Collection: Connected eCigs
In a nation increasingly absorbed in its gadgets, more and more communications is taking place through technology than in-person. Especially for adolescents, a large fraction of their life is played out through social media channel. Since smoking is often described as a social activity; an excuse to spend a break with coworkers, a chance to grab some “fresh air” with friends, or a reason to strike up a conversation with that cute stranger outside the bar, it makes sense that hi-tech e-cig companies are also promoting social connectedness through their device.
Some e-cig manufacturers have created hi-tech devices that allow individuals to connect their device to their phone- to track usage, tweet usage information, and promote social connectedness.
Smokio, which claims to be the “first connected electronic cigarette,” contains a small microchip that transmits data to an app available for both Android and iOS platforms. The e-cig can then be connected to a Smartphone through Bluetooth. The device tracks usage, giving the user updates on the number of times they vape as well as the cost of the habit. And to provide a social incentive, Smokio lets users post updates about their progress to Twitter and Facebook. Even the way that the brand name is written (SMOKiO) is very similar to the way that Apple’s operating system is written iOS.
Kosmo is a start-up e-cig company that also offers individuals the opportunity to track their usage. The Kosmo dashboard allows the individuals to set personal goals, including cessation goals, which can be tracked over time. A LED light on the device allows the user to know when he/she has consumed the equivalent of a conventional cigarette. As is the trend with hi-tech devices these days, the product allows for social integration thus allowing users to connect with family and friends.
There are also a number of e-cig apps including e-cig usage calculators and do-it-yourself juice calculators. The DYI juice calculators enable consumers to become their own vapologist and mix their own unique flavors and create their own recipes. In addition to this, there are also several apps that aggregate e-cig coupons and promote the best deal of the day.
For young non-smokers as well as social smokers, e-cigs are also positioned as socially attractive devices. Blu e-cigs recently launched a “smart pack” that alerts users of Blu to others users of the e-cig within 50 meters. The reusable packs, which serve as a charger for the cigarettes, can be set to exchange information about their owners, like contact information on social networking sites, that can be downloaded onto personal computers. The e-cig pack is a new age way to promote social smoking in an era of social networking.
Print ads and video promotions for these products highlight the technological advancements of the devices. The ads show Bluetooth devices as well as USB wall chargers, and battery packs.
