Cellphones now in charge at home

NTT-Neomeit is currently working on developing a service that enables users to control their devices at home from their cellphones. This service is known as the U-Consento and will be launched this September barring any unforseen circumstances. Designed to be compatible with a variety of existing home appliances, users do not need to splurge out extra for new devices. All the user needs to do is access a web page via cellphone and operate the home appliances from there, thanks to a wireless router located at home that relays signals to an infrared transmitter and remote control power switches that subsequently controls the other appliances. This service is expected to cost approximately $4 a month and will initially be available at limited precincts in Japan only.