A new meaning for the multi-function phone

Thanks to Laurie Orlov for highlighting a new phone product from Japan.

$255 buys you a Mi-Look from Kyocera that is three devices in one.

Firstly, it’s a basic cell phone with a simple 2-inch QVGA display and three large buttons.

Second, it’s a pedometer that not only tracks how many steps the user has taken but also sends this data via e-mail.

Third, the device has an alarm function. In the case of an emergency, users can just pull the strap that’s attached to the device to trigger an alarm sound and send an email.

There is something very ‘Japanese’ about this product but it certainly provides a new insight into the multi-function phone. Perhaps Apple should put an alarm cord on the iPhone. Perhaps not. Dick Stroud