Turning Technology Around For Your Benefit

June 11, 2006 ·  

A while back, I read an articleabout an interesting product called the “Mosquito.” Invented by Howard Stapleton, this machine was made to “repel” teenagers. The machine emits a pulsating 17 kHz high pitched sound that only those under the age of 20 can hear. It is quite annoying. Mr Stapleton would sell these boxes to store owners who were having trouble with loitering teenagers in front of their store shop. These sounds would be so annoying that many of the teenagers would leave after a few minutes, while adult customers wouldn’t be bothered at all as they shopped in the store.

Well, in a truly genius move, some of the teens took this technology and used it for their own good. They created a ringtone that had a similar sound. Now, when their phones ring in class, they can hear it but their teachers can not. (Yes, this is better than putting it on “vibrate” because one can certainly hear that in a quite classroom.) You can hear the NPR Podcast on this topic here. (itunes link)

This group of kids get the genius award of the day.

Thanks for stopping by. To keep up with the Stucki family, feel free to subscribe to my RSS feed or signup for updates by email.

Comments

3 Responses to “Turning Technology Around For Your Benefit”

  1. Jamie Stucki on June 12th, 2006 8:52 am

    I couldn’t hear that ring and I’m only 20. HOw sad is that?

  2. Richard K Miller on June 12th, 2006 8:27 pm

    This was a really cool story. The New York Times carried it too. And I heard it! I wonder how long that will last…

  3. Anonymous on June 21st, 2006 4:28 pm

    will you post pictures of the smith’s wedding por favor?

Leave a Reply