April 6, 2004

Tech Files are video reports examining popular topics about technology and the Internet. Links to helpful Web sites are listed. Mike Goldfein reports from the Belo Washington bureau.

STORY
As though we don't already use our cellphones enough, wireless companies are looking for ways to strengthen our attachment — some might call it dependency. This year, we can expect to see new products that lure us into using our cellphones even more.

Here's Mike Goldfein:

Let's suppose that your cellphone rings, and you really want everyone to know it.

"The bracelet, pen or watch flashes when you receive a cellphone signal." — David Cadis, Cellular Jewelry

Call it cellular bling-bling — $10 to $20 accessories ostensibly designed to let you know, in a subtle way, that you have a call.

"Many people, women especially, need to know when their phone's ringing. Many times, they'll have it in their purse, their backpack or their briefcase, and they won't hear it ring." — David Cadis, Cellular Jewelry

It works by picking up radio frequencies given off by your phone. Or, unfortunately, the phones of anyone within three feet.

"People sitting at the table with you are going to set off your alerting device?" — Mike Goldfein

"Absolutely." — David Cadis, Cellular Jewelry

"This is the first venture into digital jewelry." — Mike Walters, Nokia

But even big companies, like cellphone giant Nokia, are getting into the cellphone bling thing.

Due out soon — $200 jewelry that displays photos taken using the camera on your cellphone.

"Now we have a way that you can take those pictures, and show them in your day-to-day life. Now, this is the ultimate let-me-tell-you-about-my-grandchildren device." — Mike Walters, Nokia

And Nokia isn't stopping there.

"This one is actually a digital picture frame." — Mike Walters, Nokia

Slated to sell in the $300 to $400 dollar range — an LCD display that has its own built-in cellphone module. You can actually place a call to it.

"I can be on vacation or on a business trip, and I can send a picture to my wife at home, and it shows up right on the frame." — Mike Walters, Nokia

Since half of all Americans already own a cellphone, these new products suggest that manufacturers are a bit worried about what to sell us next.

On the Web for Belo Interactive, I'm Mike Goldfein.