Many years ago people did not realize the power of the ringtone. Not only they can make money selling them but it is a powerful political tool. I think the Philippines was the first country in the world to use text messaging to topple a former president, they may soon be the first country to overturn a government with a ringtone.
Imagine the power of the voice on poll tape and ringtone. What about the Obama ringtone?
The BBC World Service Trust understands the power of the ringtone to achieve development goals. When they were tasked with the tough task to make condoms more acceptable, and free from negative judgment, they came up with a wacky idea to get people talking about condoms -- a condom-themed ringtone. World Service Trust Condom Ringtone was the solution.
They hope that this will stimulate conversation, which is desirable as - according to research - those who talk about sex and condoms are more likely to have safer behaviors
Or do you know about the mosquito ringtone for teenager that allows teenagers to receive text messages and phone calls in class without the teachers hearing them. In case you didn’t know, it’s a tone outside the audible range of hearing for most people over the age of 30. You probably don’t know this, the history of the mosquito ring tone dates back to 2005 when a British inventor by the name of Howard Stapleton came up with an ingenious idea to drive away teens through ultra high frequency sounds much like how a dog whistle would affect dogs. It was an idea to make the storefront very uncomfortable for the loitering teens while leaving the money spending adult customers unaffected.
So what’s next for ringtone? Here another innovation for the auto makers to make money. How about “autotones” for your car? If you live in New York City or Toronto you will often encounter bike messengers speeding pass you just a few inches away. The problem is you don’t know they are coming because there aren’t making any sound. When electric cars eventually get popular, the same problem will arise. Because they are so quiet, it can be dangerous if you are crossing the street and couldn’t hear them. Those hyrids need to figure out how to make the cars nosier.
Many have started working with sound engineers to design sound effects to simulate engine noises. The Fisker Karma, an $87,900 plug-in hybrid expected to be in the market soon, will emit a sound -- pumped out of power sub-woofers in the bumpers -- that the company founder, Henrik Fisker, describes as "a cross between a starship and a Formula One car. I believe at one point they will get creative and designing unique noises to differentiate their brands. There will be Mercedes, Porsche and BMW noises.
Buying an electric car in 2012 you will need to pick from the price list what “Vroomtone” or “autotone” package that you may want to include (for a price). Or you can buy a subscription package that you can have unlimited download of all “autotone” for your car for a year. Pick something for the locking of the cars, or another for engine noises or when the charge is ready etc. May be the automakers end up making more money from these “autotone” that the car itself.
Have a great weekend and off to Boston.
