a first device including a transmitter , a receiver , and a processor . the transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit a query to a second device that is remote from the first device . the query is configured to not generate an alert to a user of the second device in response to the second device receiving the query . the receiver is configured to wirelessly receive data from the second device in response to the query transmitted to the second device . the data indicates whether the second device is busy and cannot currently communicate with the first device or not busy and can currently communicate with the first device . the processor is configured to determine , based on whether the second device is busy and cannot currently communicate with the first device or not busy and can currently communicate with the first device , whether to communicate with the second device .