NTT DoCoMo creates kid-friendly handset and bracelet combo

NTT DoCoMo is launching a new mobile phone / bracelet combo aimed at helping youngsters stay safe on the mean streets of Japan. The two-part system combines the FOMA F801i phone, which adds safety features like a 100-decibel alarm, high intensity flashing LEDs, and the ability to automatically notify family in the event of an emergency, and a bracelet remote control which communicates with the device. The phone can be set to provide its location to registered parties, and will turn itself on if it has been switched off. Coupled with the phone is the "amulet style" bracelet, which can be used to locate a misplaced phone, lock the handset, or send a message to another phone (if the device and bracelet are out of range for over five minutes). We suspect that for worried and / or nosey parents, this is a dream come true.

[bob sakamano @ Dec 10th 2007 10:48AM]

Bright orange and yellow may bring safety in Japan, however a kid wearing one of these in the US is opening them up to a whole new series of beatings based off of their bright new buddy bands.

hey.... Beldings wearing one.

[euclid @ Dec 10th 2007 10:52AM]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to just glue a "Kick the shit out of me" A4 sized sheet of paper to your kids back instead?

[bjrcboy @ Dec 10th 2007 10:54AM]

I do like the ability to page your lost cell phone. I wouldnt even think about getting one of these "combos" but, it would be great if other cell manufacturers implimented this idea. Perhaps just a keychain do hicky to press whenever you needed to find your cell.(for me its usually in the couch cushions haha)

[Kevin @ Dec 10th 2007 2:54PM]

I just use another phone and call myself...

[Kurian @ Dec 10th 2007 10:59AM]

I haven't understood the flow of the process...

[vinniethefish @ Dec 10th 2007 11:01AM]

I don't know about the mean streets of Japan, but the bright flashing lights and wailing sirens might be a hit at the next rave...

[Superevil @ Dec 10th 2007 12:05PM]

How long until this starts inducing seizures?

[Leach @ Dec 10th 2007 1:47PM]

Not long I'm sure...

[neongodd @ Dec 10th 2007 1:51PM]

IT'S MORPHIN' TIME!

[Bobby @ Dec 10th 2007 2:01PM]

I'd say it wouldn't be a fit for freedom in the USA since AT&T/NSA are not freedom focused, I think.

FBI records audio from cell phone even when battery is out
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/december2006/071206batteries.htm

[RedBull Runner @ Dec 10th 2007 9:48PM]

Do you even have the slightest knowledge of how electronic devices work?

No power means no use whatsoever. Unless they have hidden a battery in there big enough to power the phones communication circuitry for enough time.

If you hate this country so much, and think we are all doomed to become a bunch of slaves, then leave the country. I'm sick and tired of you jackasses and your conspiracy theories.

[crystal @ Dec 10th 2007 6:33PM]

Are all Japanese phones that long and fugly?

[Deluxe @ Dec 10th 2007 7:38PM]

It's probably worth pointing out that you suck.

[crystal @ Dec 11th 2007 5:04AM]

So when someone criticises a product, they're labelled as being a "sucker"? tsktsk

[Maff @ Dec 10th 2007 7:52PM]

it hurts my eyes!!! i wish we had more colour choice of phones in the UK tho, they are all b-o-r-i-n-g black or silver seems to be pretty much all there is!!

[andres @ Dec 10th 2007 10:59PM]

there are other colors other than black and silver in the world?