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Mike Elgan's picture
Mike Elgan

The World Is My Office

Where's my Oakley sunglasses cell phone?

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. -- The new Casio Exilim cell phone is pretty much an Exilim digital camera with a cell phone built in. The new Garmin Nuvifone is really a Garmin GPS device with a cell phone built in. And, come to think of it, isn't an iPhone really an iPod Touch with a cell phone built in? I hope this trend continues unabated.

Once again, Apple is the leader here. The "iPod phone" has been shipping for more than a year and during that time "changing the world." Meanwhile, the Casio Exilim phone will be for Japan only when it ships, and the Nuvifone won't come out until next year. 

Still, it's a real trend, and a welcome one. 

In my October 17 column, I wrote about a coming trend where not only is everything in the cell phone -- cameras, GPS devices, etc. -- but where the cell phone is also in everything.

What are the possibilities here? Here are the products I'd like to see come out next year:

Oakley Sunglasses Phone

Oakly's Split Thump MP3 Sunglasses are ideally suited for the cell phone treatment. Unlike most other models of MP3 glasses, the Split Thump product lets you remove the earbuds when you don't need them. Cell phone electronics could be integrated into the removable part.

Garmin Forerunner Sports Watch Phone

Just because you're training for a triathlon doesn't mean you want to be unavailable to receive calls. The Garmin Forerunner 405 would be ideal for cell phone integration. Just build the phone into the watch, and add a waterproof, durable Bluetooth earbud that attaches to the ear securely, so it doesn't come out during the shock and vibration of your training regimine.

Amazon Kindle Phone

The Amazon Kindle already has cell phone data capability, and audio capability, too. Why not optionally create a cell phone inside, where you can insert your SIM card and use it to make and receive calls?

ASUS Eee PC Phone

Any subnotebook that wants to set itself apart from the crowd, starting with the Asus Eee PC, could built in cell phone support, and supply a Bluetooth earpiece. The phone should work when the subnotebook is in sleep mode, so you can yak away while carrying the system in your backpack or briefcase.

Apple iPod Nano Phone

Why not?

I don't see any reason why gadgets with strong brands and high functionality shouldn't integrate cell phones. It would certainly make the gadget world a better -- and more connected -- place.

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What People Are Saying

OMG, I already own many

OMG, I already own many pairs of Oakley sunglasses and now I HAVE to buy these!