telephony on S Anand

Gizmos

Thu, 23 Jun 2005 12:00:00 +0000

Among the various technology gizmos I’ve seen at the UK, this is the best. Our flat has a security system that does not allow anyone without an electronic key to enter. As with most flats, there is a panel on which you can dial the flat number and speak to the owner. Usually this is connected to an intercom in the flat. I was initially surprised that there was no intercom in our flat.

It turns out, you can program the system to dial your mobile phone or land line. So when I’m at office, I get a call from the “House Door Panel”, as it identifies itself. I speak to the person at the entrance, press 0 on my phone, and the door automatically opens! In fact, this is how I let myself in when I don’t have keys.

Disposable mobile phone

Sun, 25 Nov 2001 12:00:00 +0000

A disposable mobile phone is just the sort I want. At $30 for 60 min, and only outbound calls, it’s perfect for my use. So far, it’s not coming to India though.

Voice messaging

Fri, 09 Feb 2001 12:00:00 +0000

In Delhi & Mumbai, you can send voice messages, and soon (hopefully) use the telephone to access e-mail. Through Indivoice. They have a long way to go, though, to get on par with Yahoo! by Phone.

You can talk to websites

Fri, 02 Feb 2001 12:00:00 +0000

Now you can talk to websites like TellMe or BeVocal.