New site brings online shopping to mobile phonesNew
service allows shoppers to check online bookprices using SMS text messages06,
February 2003 A new website was launched today that
allows shoppers to check online book prices using text messages from
their mobile phones. The free service, called txtbux,
is believed to be the first of its kind in the world. Utilising
the latest telecommunications and web developments, it allows consumers
to access online information using a text message (SMS), instead of
WAP or other expensive and complicated wireless Internet technologies. Shoppers
simply send a standard text message containing the book's ISBN number
(found above the bar code). The service then automatically texts them
back with details of prices, postage, and delivery time. Next time
they log on, their books are listed on the site, with links to buy
directly from online retailers. Visitors can register
to use the service for free at www.txtbux.co.uk,
where they can also find full instructions, and choose to receive a
free,
credit-card sized guide to using the service. The
developer behind the site, Nick Crossland, said "Many people are
aware of the savings that can be made by shopping online. The trouble
is, not every book is cheaper, and most people have no way of checking
prices, without waiting until they get home to log onto the web. With
txtbux, consumers can check whether a book is worth buying while they
are actually in the bookshop - or wait and order online." In
the future, Mr Crossland hopes to expand the site to cover music, DVDs,
and computer games, with price comparisons from multiple retailers. www.txtbux.co.uk Find
mobile phone shops online | 
