Network Computing is part of the Informa Tech Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

A Wireless Suntan?

Whether you're out on the beach catching some rays, or just outside grilling on a hot summer's day, it inevitably happens -- you forget the sunscreen and end up looking like a rock lobster at a New England clam bake. Fortunately, help may soon be on the way. Phillips is patenting a way for cellphones to tell you when the sun's ultraviolet rays are getting stronger and time to slap on another coat of SPF. The network would use UV sensors across the country to determine the conditions in subscriber's various locations, then send text messages or perhaps even have the phone ping an alarm. No word yet if the phone will also act as a sunscreen dispenser.