Just drop a mobile phone SIM into the back of this GSM Remote Security Camera, and you can keep watch from any place you have a cellphone connection. In addition to being able to automatically send alerts when it detects motion (using an IR sensor), you can send an SMS message to the camera for it to send you a reply with a series of images on-demand via MMS or email. It even lets you listen in to audio at the monitored location in real time. And unlike some of the gadgets that come out of China, this one offers Quad-Band network support, so it’ll work worldwide – as long as you’re on a GSM network.

Image resolution from the camera is nothing to write home about, though – with a maximum 640×480(VGA) resolution, but this is a security camera – not something you’ll use to take portraits with. In keeping with that theme, it captures a wide 70-degree viewing angle, and can capture clear images from up to about 25 feet away in nightvision mode. It’s not clear from the specs, but it sounds like it doesn’t capture video footage at all – instead sending you a series of JPEG stills.

Since you’ll want to have this thing on all the time, you’ll probably want to have it plugged into the included AC adapter, but it does have a built in Lithium battery and can stay in standby mode for 24 to 36 hours on the battery pack if needed. Keep in mind that the camera does not automatically stay in nightvision mode in order to conserve on battery power. This can be activated by remote SMS message.

The GSM Remote Security Camera is available over at ChinaVasion for about $130 (USD), and includes everything you need to get started – except for the mobile phone SIM. You’ll have to add on service from a cellphone provider for that.

However, ABI wraps more than just text messaging into their estimate, with the number including SMS, MMS, mobile email, and IM. Part of the reason the number is so large, according to ABI, is that many people in developing nations use a mobile device for emails and messaging rather than a computer.

Despite the huge number of SMS messages expected to be sent, ABI reckons that revenue will decline thanks to commoditization. The rate of adoption for SMS use is also expected to decline with the mobile market becoming saturated.

Later today, Taser will be revealing PROTECTOR, something they describe as a “revolutionary toolset that gives parents the ability to supervise their children’s mobile phone usage and driving behaviors. The system uses GPS technology and integrates with mobile phones to monitor calls, text messages, content, and to keep track of the location of young ones. The PROTECTOR will also allow parents to limit phone and text usage while driving, which should help cut down on accidents.

The system is going to work with multiple devices and will be accessible through an easy to use web-based interface. Taser says the system will be carrier-independent, and let parents monitor multiple children regardless of the network they’re on.

The whole invasion of privacy thing sounds a little too “Big Brother” to me, but then again, when I was a kid, all my parents had to worry about was me charging too many minutes on their phone bill while I surfed BBSes with my Atari 800.

At this point, there’s not much detail on the exact technology, but all should be revealed a little later today by the Taser guys. In the mean time, check back at the PROTECTOR website for updates.

[Press Release]

Word is that the Centro is targeted at the lower end of the market, with a likely retail price around $99 (after service commitment with Palm’s initial partner, Sprint). From the looks of this picture, it’ll be the smallest Treo device yet to offer a full keyboard.

The specs for the mobile device are still unconfirmed, but most reports say that it’s a full 3G device, with EVDO and HSDPA support. In addition to the full tactile keyboard, the color screen reportedly offers touch sensitivity as well. The Windows Mobile device also includes Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity. While it’s no iPhone killer, the Centro is shaping up to be a pretty decent looking package for the price.

Designed by Robert Stadler for French design firm Radi Designers, the limited-edition +336+ mirror glows with your most recently received SMS messages. LEDs hidden behind the surface of the mirror illuminate with your text when you get close to the front of the mirror.

There are only twenty of these being made, but with a price tag of $10,000, even that many might take a while to sell out. If you’ve got the cash to burn, you can pick one up over at Generate.

[via Better Living Through Design]

Now SMS is back with a new version of the original, the M500. The watch is a fully functional GSM quad-band mobile phone, along with all the features you’d expect in a modern cell phone.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

The M500 features a touchscreen display which not only offers touch dialing, but can play media files too. It offers playback support for AAC, MP3 and MP4 media files on its 120 x 160 TFT color touchscreen. Bluetooth connectivity lets you use a wireless headset to do your calling, or you can speak right into the watch if you’re really in a pinch. It’s also got a WAP enabled browser and Java application support.

Battery life is pretty good, with talk time rated at 200 minutes and 80 hours of standby time. The phone is unlocked for worldwide use, and costs $999 Australian Dollars (about $856 USD) including a rechargeable Bluetooth headset and a spare battery.