VibeTonz to rumble your mobile

Ringtones may already outsell CD singles, but they’re not going to stop at that – now they’re getting personalised vibrations from a new technology called VibeTonz.

The name might be a slightly cringe-worthy attempt to get down with young Crazy Froggers, but with the launch of the first compatible phone next Tuesday it looks set to become the next mobile fad.

Samsung has already launched vibrating handsets in the US and Korea, but has promised a completely new phone for the European market. It’ll contain the embedded ‘activator’ which can supply vibrations like heartbeats, growls and hugs to bring your text messages and ringtones to pocket-rippling life.

There are also some compatible mobile games available, although the likes of AMF Extreme Bowling probably won’t prompt you to offload your PSP even with the added feedback. You will, though, get a rumble if your call has been cut off by bad reception to save you the indignity of bellowing at no one for two minutes.  

We’ll be going along to the official launch next Tuesday for a trial – will it be good enough to persuade people to ditch ringtones altogether? That’s what we’re hoping. Check out www.vibetonz.com for more info and a look at some of the compatible phones available in the US.