Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Modu Mobile Might Kill Cell Carriers

This article makes it out to be a potential IPhone killer.
The product looks revolutionary. The Modu Mobile is a tiny cellphone,
1.5-ounce, 2.8-inch-long, that can be inserted into multiple jackets that
enhance its functionality. In other words, the modu has the basic functionality
of a cell phone: antenna, cellular radio, contact list, text messaging
capabilities and a battery. It is packed with a large memory stick (1 G), that
carries over your personal data (contacts, photos, music and etc), onto other
devices, using low priced “jackets” or “sleeves” such as car stereos, photo
frames, car navigation systems, clocks, toasters, laptops, cameras and
more.

This sounds like an interesting idea and we may finally get Uhura's earpiece invented. However I'm not sure that anyone would buy a Garmin or a car stereo with a built in cell phone. The portability of this thing might in-fact spawn a new class of cell phone and might be a game changer in the telecom space.

This device could be made into a cell phone with a USB slot that you can plug into your PC so it would be easier to share files and load the phone up with music. The real game changer comes when a company offers a service like Vonage which allows you to connect cell calls over the internet. This Vonage branded phone would then fit into a handset "jacket" made by Nokia that when connected wirelessly to the internet allows you to make free long distance and local calls. You would even have unlimited text messaging for free with a Yahoo Messenger type of interface built into the site.

This company could then offer dirt cheap monthly fees (or even be fee with ad sponsorship) to compete with the current cell carriers and could even offer online data hosting for your cell phone media at a reduced price. The only thing you would really need is wireless always on broadband and you would be all set. In fact you might even think that the idea of minutes or calling off-peak as a thing of the past. I can see Google getting into this space in a heartbeat.

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