In case you missed it, last week was the week of CEATEC (Makuhari Messe; Chiba Japan; www.ceatec.com) with no shortage of new feature laden cell phones popping up on the show floor. But new this year were a hand full of concept phones that take the idea of accessorizing the cell phone (something the Japanese practically invented) to a new development platform level.

Steve Sechrist
Senior Analyst and Editor

Embedded technology integrated into the cell has been the rage ever since a CMOS chip was added to the first camera phone. Now prototype devices are showing up with savvy detachable accessories that connect via smart Bluetooth connectivity back to an "operation" or main device that goes way beyond the humble audio head-set.

The trend could give way to a whole new round of advanced accessories to empower everything from full blown game devices to e-jewelry (electronic jewelry) phone bracelets. Japan wireless carrier Docomo is leading the charge with its "Separate Keitai." Pronounced: "Ka Tie E" (to carry with you.)

The photo shows a Fujitsu-made phone for Docomo that takes the concept of decoupling the display from the handheld device seriously, making a two-part system allowing users to "configure the mobile as you want." The prototype has the same shape as normal foldable mobile phones, except a magnet, not a hinge, joins the two parts together, and they can be detached with a small force. Both of the parts can be operated and viewed when they are separated and communicate with each other via Bluetooth wireless technology.

The display can attach to the phone handset section either in landscape mode (horizontally attached to the unit) or in portrait mode to the top of the unit that then flips closed like a standard clamshell. The company said the display dynamically changes based on how the display is attached. For example, in landscape mode, the operation function shifts to display a keyboard for character entry, when the display part is vertically joined, the operation part shows a numeric keypad for number "dialing" to make a call.

Docomo also noted it’s possible to use the display part as a music player while the operation part is stored in a bag. In addition, like exchangeable covers of mobile phones, there will be various combinations of display parts and operation parts sold as separate accessories. For example, when a user is running, a wristband type display might be used instead of a normal display, all linked together with the Bluetooth connection. One accessory idea they are already considering is a separate (Bluetooth connected) game pad for mobile gaming with connectivity back to the operational unit and the Internet.

With devices like game viewers, bracelets and detachable displays we expect this trend to go full-steam ahead as the cell phone continues to morph into a platform conduit opening up the wireless network, Internet cloud, mobile video signals and a plethora of other value-add activities. Driving this trend are Japan’s wireless carriers who hop to increase average revenue per user up through advanced services targeting specific needs.

It’s an exciting time in the wireless space as carriers continue to open up their networks and embrace the power of creative innovation through third party development platforms, with web empowered application widgets and software application services. The new twist - it’s not just software any more. CEATEC showed that a new level of development platform is being built to include hardware accessories empowering new apps and use models. Maybe now I can finally get that Dick Tracey two-way wrist radio I’ve been pining for.