 The phenomenon of text messaging has probably been the mobile phone's greatest cultural influence. The Mobile Data Association quotes 2002's total messages as 360 billion, compared to 250 billion in 2001.It should be remembered that, in keeping with other European countries, Spain has introduced a fine of 600 euros for anyone found guilty of using a phone whilst driving without a hands-free system.
Reasearchers in the US are currently working on rubber mobile phones that can transmit vibrations. The idea is to allow people to add emphasis and emotion to their calls by squeezing their phones.
There are many models on the market that do vibrate when there's an incoming call, but the phones being developed at the MIT Media Lab in Massachusetts promise to go further. They record the strength of their user's squeeze and transmit that as a vibration to the recipient. When the user grips the phone they depress tiny speakers and pressure sensors that vibrate against the skin. Squeezing with a certain finger will transmit a vibration to the recipient's corresponding finger. This new form of expression will probably be come to be known as 'vibralanguage'. |
| Emotions |
| :-) |
Smiling |
| :( |
Sad |
| :-D |
Laughing |
| :-|| |
Angry |
| ;-) |
Winking, just kidding |
| :-o |
Wow! |
| :Q |
What? |
| :-( |
Frowning |
| :-& |
Tongue-tied |
| :') |
Clowning |
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