February 28, 2004
Video phones may change to let cheating spouses off the hook
Makers of new-style video mobile phones said Saturday they are looking at ways of getting errant husbands and wives off the hook if a spouse calls at an awkward time, reports the Manila Bulletin Online.
"If the technology succeeds, a special setting will allow owners of 3G phones to select the background of their choice before answering a call.
The breakthrough might allow a husband who is in a bar to answer the call with a photograph of the office in the background.
Alternatively, a wife who wants her husband to believe she is at home would be able to project an image of the living room as a backdrop at the flick of a switch.
While the foreground image of the phone owner would be live video, the background would remain static - meaning users would have to be careful not to capture any out-of-date calendars in the background image.
Currently, 3g customers have the option of answering calls on ''voice-only'' mode or using a still picture of themselves on screen when they pick up a call, although the use of either option can stir suspicion in an uncertain spouse or partner".
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