New Technology Vibrating Tattoo Alerts You When Phone Rings
March 22, 2012 10 Comments
Finnish mobile phone developer Nokia has filed for a patent on a magnetic, vibrating tattoo or badge that alerts users when their phones are ringing.
According to the official patent filing, the apparatus would be able to detect a magnetic field and transfer a “perceivable stimulus” to users. The device could notify people about an incoming call, text or dead battery.
The Wall Street Journal obtained a copy of the patent application, which lists four inventors and a file date of Sept. 13, 2011.
The device could take different forms, including a visible tattoo, label or badge, thatcould be set to emit different vibration patterns — much like customized ringtones — to distinguish between different callers, according to the report.
But for some, the prospect of getting inked in the name of technology is a bit too sci-fi for comfort.
Vlad Bobleanta, a writer for Unwired View, acknowledged Nokia’s vibrating tattoo could be functional in certain situations, but said the device definitely “plung[es] into creepy territory.”
And as Information Week’s Eric Zeman observes: Just “think of all the places in which vibrating skin would be inappropriate or distracting in an impolite or even dangerous way.”
No word yet on the potential health risks of the proposed device.
In a work-obsessed era where people are addicted to their BlackBerrys and iPhones, would a permanent tattoo make it too difficult to “unplug”? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
I think something less permanent like a bracelet, earings or even a stick-on bandage type thing that vibrates would be just as effective and not as creepy/obsessive. Yes, I know that women’s clothing lacks the pockets to keep a phone on you and that vibrate settings are useless in a purse, but I do not think implanting a foreign device inside your body to let you know you have a call is a good thing. Even if it is only skin deep.
I knew eventually we would get chipped
are they serious with this? I’ll pass this is BS
What this IS, is the one world governmint implanting detector devices so Satan can keep track of his deesiples. Presadunt Bush begane this program with the patriot act with full kopration with Czar Cheney.
This could be useful within the deaf community. Some people cannot hear the cell phone ring but they still use it to communicate with others. I’ve found the vibration setting to be insufficient to warn them of all incoming calls and women’s clothing lacks pockets that are suitable for cell phones.
I wouldn’t want this on me. No thank you Mr. government
I kinda thought that was what our phone was for… it vibrates or rings depending on what you set it on. Does anyone really need a body part vibrating for this? If this is something that catches on I’m going to be in the out crowd.
this isn’t cool. seems like a hidden tracking device IMO
WOW
Hell naw, my ears work just fine.