SMS in Technology

The SMS Kiosk - May 17 2004

AirTel in India has unveiled a prototype of a coin-operated public telephone that will enable users to send SMS and e-mails to any mobile phone or mail ID, according to an article in The Telegraph.

"The SMS kiosk is very similar to a coin-operated phone, but instead of a phone dialpad, it has a keypad similar to a typewriter. The user has to drop one Rupee coin in the slot and type the SMS or e-mail.

In case of an undelivered message, the one rupee coin will be refunded to the user."

Encrypted SMS - Mar 10 2004

An Australian company, Bond Wireless, offers an encrypted solution for text messages. Called SMS SecureTrans, it's a server-based module that can send secure SMS.

Messages are encrypted when sent to recipients and can only be retrieved with the correct password sent from their cell phone (caller id is used). This ensures that only the targeted recipient can read the message and eliminates non-repudiation problems, as the sender will be notified of successful decryption.

Bond Wireless

160 Characters

Mobile Firms Team Up to Prevent Handset Theft - Feb 10 2004

Mobile phone operators and handset makers are working together in an international campaign to combat mobile phone theft, according to Computer Weekly.

"The initiative les by the GSM Association, aims to allow operators to track stolen handsets and render them useless, even if the handsets are taken abroad".

SMS Delivered as Voice Mail on Landlines in Sweden - Nov 24 2003

All telephone users in Sweden with a regular fixed line can now receive text messages from Vodafone Sweden's mobile customers, reports 160characters.org.

"When customers receive an SMS via the fixed line, their telephones will ring in the same way as with a regular incoming call. When the customer answers the phone, a computerised voice automatically reads the message and specifies the sender's telephone number".

Cops Use MMS to Track Criminals - Oct 28 2003

In India, the Karnataka police forces are receiving pictures of suspects on their cell phones, enabling them to take immediate action instead of waiting for a file to be dispatched the traditional (postal/fax) way. Developed by a wireless technology company called TeleDNA over AirTel's network, such a system could also be useful in tracing missing children where speed is essential.

The Times of India

Stopping a Car Thief with Text Messaging - Sep 15 2003

A new device, The Advanced Theft System, installed in cars could alert its drivers if it's stolen, by sending a text message giving its exact location. A mini camera can even be added to snap a picture of the car thief at the wheel.

"It uses US military satellites to track the car, then gives directions relative to landmarks, restaurants and bars. The system is installed under the dashboard and uses a standard mobile phone sim card. The car calls its owner as soon as it is moved and continues to ring until it gets an answer.

Drivers can then send a text message to order the alarm to shut down the car's engine the next time it stops, according to Glasgow's Evening Times.

Cell Phones with SMS Remote Control Functions - Aug 28 2003

Setting its eyes on India's growing mobile phone user base, China's largest mobile phone manufacturer, Bird, today entered the Indian market with the introduction of four cellular handset models, according to Mid Day.

Sounds like nothing to write home about, but this caught my eye: These modes include three SMS remote control functions which operate from a distance; retrieval of missed calls, unread SMS messages, and phone switch-offs activated.

Iridium Satellite Phones Now Offer SMS - Aug 5 2003

Iridium Satellite, a provider of satellite phone services, is just now offering text messaging services between Iridium customers. And by next month, Iridium users will be able to exchange SMS with most US cell phone subscribers, according to News.com.

When you consider the cost of a satellite phone call (Satellite Phone, Cost comparison) - approximately $ 1.50 per minute for an Iridium call charge to an international number - text messaging at 40 cents per SMS will be (very much) appreciated (certainly by anyone travelling to the North Pole as mentioned in Techdirt, but also by people living or stationed in Afghanistan, Iraq, countries in Africa and those travelling on the oceans.