Waleli finds a new use for GSM

Oct 10, 2006 07:18 GMT  ·  By

Whenever we say GSM, the first thing that comes to mind is the image of a mobile phone. However, it seems that this technology is being used on a much wider scale than previously thought, as there are some pretty unusual products out there incorporating this technology, and one of the weirdest is the GSM Doorbell produced by the Dutch startup Waleli.

A GSM Doorbell, you might wonder? What does it do? And how the heck does it work? It's quite simple. The system allows the user to remotely open his/her door/gate/etc. just by making a call from the cell phone. That's possible because, as you might have already imagined, this special brand of doorbell comes with a SIM card, and the system also includes an intercom and an electronic lock. Whenever somebody rings the doorbell, the doorbell calls the resident's mobile phone via the international GSM network. Then, the visitor can talk to the resident via the intercom, and if the latter decides that the person is allowed to enter the house, he/she types in a PIN code directly on the mobile phone. Moreover, the system also allows the resident to unlock the house by simply making a call, which could prove quite convenient.

Yes, the device could prove to be quite useful in a lot of situations, but on the other hand, it's just a bit extreme, don't you think? I mean, getting a subscription with a mobile network carrier for your doorbell, isn't that a little too much? You could go for a prepaid card, but who knows just how long that will last? No word on pricing yet, but it seems that the manufacturers are quite confident about the future of their device. What do you think, should they?

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