I haven’t done any ’silly concept’ posts for a while, but we have an entire section on this blog dedicated to silly concept mobile phones. Basically, I pick a famous brand name, and vamp about what their concept mobile phone might be like. However, I have to admit defeat and say that I probably can’t come up with a sillier concept than this, fresh from the pages of Engadget Mobile (who, it would seem, have written their entire post with tongue welded into cheek). It’s a set of thumb protectors, that you wear when texting, or using your Blackberry.
And its name? Awethumb.
Oh. Dear. Lord.
I’m torn, now. On the one hand, I have a massive sense of dismay at the pointlessness of Awethumb. On the other, I’m in awe of the fact they 1/ got away with making it in the first place and 2/ can sell it with a straight face. I especially love the fact that they say it’ll make your typing messages on your mobile phone both faster and more accurate. What, putting a honking great lump of rubber on your thumb will make you hit 100 words per minute?
Oh, but of course, it’s being sold for the sake of your health, since apparently people using mobile phones are doomed to a life of tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Now, let’s be honest here, how many of you guys reading this have actually had tendonitis or CTS brought on by texting? No-one? And believe me, you’d know if you have it… I get tendonitis from drumming, and my god does it hurt!
Oh, and of course, let’s not forget the biggest problem with the Awethumb. With mobile phones, there’s at least a passable chance it looks cool. Say, for example, the Blackberry Storm (which, for the record, these silly thumb protectors will make it damn near impossible to use, so forget about having that phone, or any other mobile phones with touchscreens), with its innovative touchscreen, and looks to die for. People could, theoretically, look at you, and go, “Ooh, cool, he/she has a Blackberry Storm! Rockin’!”
Now contrast that with the vibe you’ll get when using the Awethumb which, in my not-so-humble but ultimately valid opinion, will make you look like, and I say this emphatically, a gimp with rubber on your thumbs…
Don’t believe me? Check out the video of them in action, narrated by a man with a voice that makes you want to punch him…
I say again:
Oh. Dear. Lord.
Meanwhile if you want something that won’t make you look like a tool, grab yourself the gorgeous Blackberry Storm today!
