Angela Lowe — June 15, 2006 — Life-Stages
References: washingtonpost & gushmagazine
The Mosquito sound system by Compound Security Systems Ltd. was supposed to be the sonic equivalent of a "no loitering" sign. It has an annoying, high-pitched sound that most adults are unable to hear, but teenagers can. The idea was that it would act as a teen repellent. The original device would emit pulsating sounds at a frequency around 17 kilohertz, which is a range that is only audible to undamaged young ears and usually harder to hear for those over 20.
Now teens are taking this technology and using it to their advantage. A software was designed that allowed people to download a similar high-pitched sound to their phones and share the tone via Bluetooth wireless connection. And about a month ago, Compound's website traffic spiked, as 100,000 kids tried to download the sound. You can get the ring tone for $2.99 and "join the thousands of folks who can hear the ring tone that their parents can't!" the Web site says. Compound Security has plans to start selling the Mosquito system to the U.S. next month.
Now teens are taking this technology and using it to their advantage. A software was designed that allowed people to download a similar high-pitched sound to their phones and share the tone via Bluetooth wireless connection. And about a month ago, Compound's website traffic spiked, as 100,000 kids tried to download the sound. You can get the ring tone for $2.99 and "join the thousands of folks who can hear the ring tone that their parents can't!" the Web site says. Compound Security has plans to start selling the Mosquito system to the U.S. next month.
Trend Themes
1. Teenage Repellent Technology - The development and adoption of technologies that emit high-pitched sounds to repel teenagers, creating disruptive innovation opportunities for businesses targeting the teenage market.
2. Customized Sonic Experience - The trend of creating and sharing personalized high-pitched ring tones among teenagers, opening up opportunities for companies to offer customizable sound experiences.
3. Youth-targeted Marketing - The rise of marketing strategies and products specifically tailored to the younger generation, presenting disruptive innovation potential for businesses looking to cater to teenage consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Security Systems - The security industry can explore the integration of high-pitched sound technology as a teenage deterrent to protect certain areas or properties.
2. Mobile Applications - The mobile app industry can tap into the demand for personalized sonic experiences by offering platforms for users to create and share custom ring tones, targeting the teenage market.
3. Consumer Electronics - The consumer electronics industry has the opportunity to develop devices that emit specific high-pitched sounds to cater to teenage needs and preferences, potentially revolutionizing the way young people engage with technology.
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