• ZDNet Australia
• About the brand
• Media
• Partnerships
• Case Studies

Good Looks, Staying Power And New Ways To Connect - Meet CNET'S Mobile Of The Future

SYDNEY, 8 August, 2008 - When considering the ultimate in mobile of the future, many have tipped the mega-hype handsets like the iPhone and BlackBerry as the current holy-grail of mobile phones. But do today's features like on-board music, video calling or mobile Web stack up as the must-have features of the future? Core features like these combined with fun, fashion and functionality are par for course in tomorrow's mobile according to readers of online digital lifestyle hub CNET.com.au who together imagined the next evolution in mobile technology as part of the launch of CNET in Your Pocket; a new site delivering consumer tech info via the mobile Web.

Proving a massive hit with mobile users, who responded to the question "what are the features of your dream mobile", more than 400 readers made it clear that when it comes to their mobile phone, no feature is too extravagant or outrageous. Ranging from the eerily predictive to the widely imaginative, these answers showed a generation looking forwards rather then backwards, and recognising the necessity of technology in aiding consumer convenience.

"Once upon a time, the idea of being able to pass invisible notes amongst friends seemed fanciful, until the advent of SMS when most of us do this on a daily basis, if not even more regularly," said Joe Hanlon, Associate Editor for mobile phones at CNET.com.au. "But it's clear Australian mobile fans have a whole collection of needs for their next gen mobiles like mobile-based projectors, on-board breathalysers, voice recognition and digital TV; some of which we're starting to see in new mobiles launching here shortly and internationally. With the launch of CNET in Your Pocket, we're certainly capitalising on a growing trend towards the phone being utilised as more than just talk and text as Australians embrace new mobile experiences".

The suggestions for the next breed of mobiles offered both practical and entertaining benefits. Have you been out on the town drinking? Worried about what you might text your friend? One user recommends "a breathalyser to stop drunken calls/message", and if you're worried that you might misplace your phone in a stupor, then you should be able to "clap and your lost mobile sounds your favourite tune". Perfect fix for the morning after!

Not to forget those that are looking for the ultimate fashion accessory, apparently we all need a phone that switches colour automatically based on the clothes that we are wearing, with an added perfume spray and fashion editor! Once you are primped and ready to go "the phone numbers of Cleo's hottest bachelors prelisted" comes in handy. One user even suggested "all mobiles should be capable of dispensing gum... or pez". Definitely food for thought!

With work playing a major part in our lives, one user asked for a mobile phone with dual-sim card capability for business and personal use. Could this be the step we need to take towards simplifying the technological clutter in our hectic lives? And if you're not feeling up to going to work, then the perfect solution might be for your phone to ring work for you and tell them you're unable to make it - mobile phone companies take note!

Since launch, CNET in Your Pocket has been visited by 95,000 unique readers on a monthly basis and is ranked as one of the top technology sites on Australia's mobile Web. To visit CNET in Your Pocket, visit m.cnet.com.au or find us on the Telstra BigPond Web tab on your 3G or Next G Telstra mobile.