Replay TV 4500 by Sonicblue

Goodbye to video tapes ! This device automatically records TV shows without videotapes. Its commercial free when shows are played back. This new 4000-series enables users to send recorded shows over the Internet. (via broadband Internet or phone line) It also has a cool feature of viewing digital pictures. For busy or forgetful users, this device allows access over the web where owners can access and program shows from wherever they are.

Cool Possibilities     Although this device when played back is presently commercial free, it is highly possible that in the near future, advertisers or companies that possess detailed information about target consumers will be able to send customized advertisements or simple clips that attach themselves to shows that users are recording. These advertisements would not interrupt users during the shows but perhaps only appear before the show begins. Somewhat similar to the movie approach.

Men's Wearhouse a fashion retailer for Men has invested in a $10 million "tailor-made" software for its touch screen registers. Customer Service is a top priority here at Men's Wearhouse. This software possesses the ability to allow employees "instant access to the inventory of every one of the chain's 600 stores" (Smalley, April 2002)

Employees are able to direct customers via Mapquest, an online directory to the respective stores. Time is money. This system is also equipped with a very unique feature. The fingerprint scanner. This feature shortens transaction time as the computer is able to recognize employees immediately, bypassing the hassle of entering passwords. The fingerprint scanner also acts as an added security feature.

Cool Possibilities   Wouldn't it be awesome if every handheld, computer or cell phone possessed this fingerprint capability? It would save us the trouble of remembering passwords. The fingerprint scanner would also be a fantastic sales tool. What if customers could just scan their fingerprints and Men's Warehouse's computer database would immediately recognize and register the customer. The database might include a detailed body measurement of the customer and his preferences. Customer financial information like credit card numbers pre-stored in the system would secure purchases without much of a  hassle. This system would probably work with most retailers.                                                                                                         

Target has adopted a new system that "uses chip embedded cards for paperless coupons". (Smalley, April 2002) Instead of having to dirty our fingers and detach newspaper coupons, target customers are now given an option to download offers from their computers onto a Target credit card. Shoppers will then make purchases with this card and receive an electronic discount at Target.

"The goal is to personalize promotions" (Smalley, Newsweek, April 02) This method not only reduces printing cost for Target but allows executives to recognize buying trends and patterns.

Cool Possibilities     Smart-cards are definitely the way to go ! Not only is it relatively inexpensive and functional, it certainly looks more attractive than a bunch of newspaper coupons. If the size of smart-cards or credit cards with computer chip could be shrunk to the size of memory sticks, businesses could in fact adopt this method of sales promotion by sending pre-embedded discounts to customers. With the advancement in technology, many people with handhelds or cell phones with  memory card slots could simply go to any shop, log into the internet, transfer their discount entitlements to Target cash registers or download electronic discounts into their smart-cards and immediately make purchases.

This new cell phone is a break from most communication devices that require links to PC's or host computers to perform its full functionalities. Verizon Wireless's Z-800 is capable of downloading applications over its own wireless cell phone network. Manufactured by Sharp, this tiny cell phone possesses a new technology "Qualcomm's BREW" (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless) This is an entirely new system for "developing and delivering applications to small wireless devices". (Arar, June 2002) Although not all downloadable applications are free, most fees or subscriptions are relatively inexpensive. Most applications are targeted for entertainment purposes at this initial stage, but with time, more substantial applications will certainly be developed.

Audiovox Thera Pocket PC 2002/Phone

Nokia 7650

Now, lets look at some of the multi-functional cell phones that have appeared on the market. The Thera Pocket PC is both a phone and a PDA all wrapped up into one. Most cell phones are headed towards this direction. Why bother to carry around a handheld and cell phone when you can have it all in one package? The Thera Pocket PC has incorporated some outstanding features like Express Network, Mobile Messenger, Voice Capability, Microsoft Windows for Pocket PC 2002 OS, E-mail and Internet Access, Pocket Word and Excel and the list goes on.

The Nokia 7650 also known as the "imaging  phone" incorporates key features like a "digital camera, picture taking and sending, MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), photo album for storing pictures, GPRS, an advanced user interface, downloadable personal applications via Java™ technology, joystick navigation and a color display" (http://nokia.com/phones/7650/index.html, Nokia 7650, 2002) all into its 154g device. Users are able to take pictures and attach them to messages sent to friends and family. The MMS allows both audio and visual aspects to be added to normal messages. However, it has to be sent to MMS-compatible devices or e-mail. Its WAP capabilities are enhanced by GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) and HSCSD (High Speed Circuit Switched Data). The Nokia 7650 is unavailable to US consumers because it utilizes band widths GSM900, GSM 1800, EGSM 900 and GSM 1800. The Symbian operation system enables users to install new applications and games. Its Bluetooth wireless connectivity enables the phone to double up as a modem. Any Bluetooth device within the 10 meters vicinity would be able to communicate wirelessly with the Nokia 7650.

Keeping up with the trend we have the Motorola Accompli 009. It is almost similar to the Nokia 7650 minus its imaging capabilities. Fortunately this phone is distributed in the U.S. by Cingular Wireless. This new device is almost like a mini computing device. With keyboard, color screen, 9Mb of memory, Java compatible Wisdom OS, WAP browser. The Motorola website promotes it as a "Virtual Office". And why not?

Cool Possibilities       The BREW is essentially a breaking ground for most mobile devices. With the ability to somewhat perform its full functionality independent of other devices, this adds a whole new meaning to the word mobility. Consumers would be rid of the hassle of cables and cradles used for transfer of information from one device to another. Perhaps in the near future, these innovators would be able to create the "Ultimate Communication Device". With all the features of a PC, digital camera, phone and MP3 player all rolled into one. With no major changes or improvements left for these mobile devices, perhaps then advertisers would be able to relinquish control and beam advertisements in the form of audio clips, video, short messages or even advertorials to their respective customers.

Essentially consumers would still have the upper hand, having control over the viewing selection. However, advertisers would benefit as they would be able to ensure that the people viewing their ads are potentially interested parties. As such, these companies would be able to customize and personalize these ads more to the satisfaction of their customers.

How about a tooth implant with mobile phone capabilities? CNETnews.com reported the development of this strange new device. British engineers have come up with this "revolutionary tooth implant". The designers are James Auger and Jimmy Loizeau.

The tooth is embedded with a tiny vibrator and radio wave receiver. Through a simple  dental surgery, this "tooth phone" would produce sound that comes from a digital radio signal and is "transferred to the inner ear by bone resonance". This results in information being transmitted privately and without time or geographical limitations.

Cool Possibilities      How discomforting and disturbing ? With such implants the only function it probably has is to transmit messages and information. However, the worst scenario that could result would be unethical practices like companies force feeding information to users of this "tooth phone".

However, it could essentially be useful for governmental or military use. Where secrecy is of utmost importance, this form of message transmission could be highly rewarding.

Just a thought, if micro-computer chips could be embedded somewhere in the human body, perhaps on the arm, then external communication devices in the future could possibly be attached to humans! No need for PCs, Macs just "Me, my Chip, and External Device".

    Now for a newsflash !!

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