TrueCall Keeps Telemarketers At Bay
Jacob Courtade — October 22, 2008 — Tech
References: news.bbc & tech.slashdot.org
Telemarketers have a knack for calling at the most inconvenient times. Thanks to two clever British inventors, you can keep telemarketers away with the new TrueCall device. The device screens the number calling you. If it recognizes it as a safe number, the call comes through. Known telemarketer numbers are never put through, and if it’s unknown, the device asks the caller for name, and gives you the option to pick up. The safe list and the forbidden list are easily updated.
The device’s failing? It only works on land lines. Given the rate that North American urban dwellers are dumping home phones in favor of cell phones, it’s possible that TrueCall’s sales line won’t be, uh, ringing off the hook.
The device’s failing? It only works on land lines. Given the rate that North American urban dwellers are dumping home phones in favor of cell phones, it’s possible that TrueCall’s sales line won’t be, uh, ringing off the hook.
Trend Themes
1. Smartphone Telemarketer Blocker - There is an opportunity to create a TrueCall-type device that works on smartphones, since many people no longer use landlines.
2. AI Call Screening - An AI-driven call screening technology that automatically recognizes and blocks known telemarketer numbers may disrupt the telemarketing industry.
3. Do-not-call List Alternatives - With the rise of consumer revenge gadgets like TrueCall, there may be a demand for alternative solutions to the traditional Do-Not-Call List.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - A TrueCall-type device that blocks telemarketing calls could be developed within the consumer electronics industry.
2. Telecommunications - The AI call screening technology could be developed in the telecommunications industry as a value-added service for customers.
3. Marketing - As consumer revenge gadgets like TrueCall become more popular, the marketing industry may need to explore alternative methods of reaching potential customers.
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