Zomm hopes wireless tether can prevent lost phones

A ZOMM that uses Bluetooth technology, is shown at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010. The ZOMM sets off a personal alarm and has several other functions when used with a cell phone. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Losing your cell phone can be exasperating and expensive. But what if your phone could call out to you, letting you know it was about to be left behind?

Zomm, a newly minted consumer electronics company from Tulsa, Okla., believes this would cut down on disappearing handsets. At the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week, the company showed off a small device that does just that.

The company's device, also called Zomm, connects wirelessly with your phone via Bluetooth and sets off an alarm if you walk away from it.

The Zomm, which is about the size of an Oreo cookie, also includes a personal alarm that users can activate and a button that will call emergency services with your phone. It acts as a speakerphone and alerts users of incoming calls as well.

The product includes a rechargeable battery that can last for three days per charge and is expected to be available this summer for $80.

Laurie Penix, co-founder and president of Zomm, came up with the idea for the gadget earlier this year after a friend's husband lost his third iPhone. She started the company with her husband, Henry Penix, who is also its CEO.

-- AP

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