This hands-free alternative may seem like a gag, some superseded relic, or perhaps even both. Called the Cell-Mate, this fasten-your-phone-to-your-head device is not only real, but also new and really makes you wonder…is the ability to take and end calls with your cheekbones a requirement when driving?
Currently on display at CES – mecca for upcoming tech, the Cell-Mate is bound to attract a few snickers as it attempts to cut out the middle-man in the form of Bluetooth headsets and hands-free car systems. The company claims the product gives better reception, as you’re talking directly into the phone and therefore not losing (further) quality over wireless transmissions.
It’s a valid argument and I can see how some people would find the product’s simplicity appealing, but this is 2009. Sure, not having to worry about extra batteries and connections sounds great, but there is already a better, lighter-weight alternative that looks very similar in design – it’s called a headset. A wired model wouldn’t suffer from reception loss or require batteries, plus they’ve been tried and tested in call centers and offices all over the world.
You can check out the Cell Mate at Cell Mate US, but no pricing or availability info has yet been released.
