Car Ignition Key Jams Cell Phones

Here’s a new one: University of Utah researchers have created a car ignition key that prevents the driver from talking on a cell phone or sending text messages while behind the wheel, Cellular News reports.

“The university has obtained provisional patents and licensed the invention—Key2SafeDriving—to a private company that hopes to see it on the market within six months at a cost of less than $50 per key plus a yet-undetermined monthly service fee,” the report said.

Ronn Hartman, managing partner of Accendo LC, said in a statement that the company plans to license the technology to cell phone carriers as part of their service plans, instead of selling it to customers directly.

Oh, and a personal note after the jump…

After 2,087 posts and almost two years, I’m signing off of MobileContent Today for a while. I’m leaving this blog in the extremely capable hands of Linda Barrabee, whose experience, know-how, and in-depth research in the wireless industry is unparalleled. Be sure to follow Linda—and MobileContentToday—for sharp, focused, up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the ever-changing mobile content landscape. Oh, and thanks for your support all of this time!

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