Red Circle claims world first with voice activated ring tones

Dublin-based Red Circle says that for the first time by speaking into a phone rather than keying in a code number, mobile phone users can source over 1,000 ring tones.

Red Circle has already signed deals with UK consumer magazines, FHM and Loaded, part of the EMAPS publishing group. Red Circle sees this as a lucrative alternative revenue stream for media outlets from radio and television to newspapers, magazines and ISPs.

The premium rate calls cost £1.50 per minute, with the media sharing up to 50% of this. Ring tones are big business in Europe and Asia, being worth more than $300m in Japan alone.

Earlier this year Red Circle signed a contract with nevada.telecom, to provide the telecommunications infrastructure required to offer voice activated ring tones.