hen using the terminal is the same as when using a mobile phone. Efforts toward developing the Finger Whisper began back in 1996, when NTT DoCoMo realized that it was approaching the limits of mobile phone miniaturization after 20 years of drastically shrinking devices. In fact, making phones smaller would require the distance between the speaker and micro- phone to become shorter than the actual distance between the ear and mouth, creating usability problems. With FingerWhisper, this problem is not an issue. FingerWhisper is also designed to present an elegant solution to another key problem: providing practical input capabilities on a miniature device. The FingerWhisper eliminates the need for buttons by using an accelerometer to detect the tapping action of fingers. Combinations of finger tapping sequences serve as Morse code-like commands such as "talk" or "hang up." Through five-stroke tapping sequence, approximately 30 commands can be issued. NTT DoCoMo promises that FingerWhisper delivers received voices clearly even in noisy environments and allows users to speak at a lower volume compared with ordinary handsets. The watch-like design makes the unit easy to wear and, when not it use, frees the user's hands for other tasks. The device also aims to solve a cultural problem. Earphone-microphone headsets, popular with many U.S. mobile phone users, have never caught on in Japan, perhaps became many Japanese people may not want to be seen as talking to themselves. Although no device is actually held, FingerWhisper usage conveys the impression of talking on a mobile phone and alleviates any possible sense of discomfort. On the other hand, NTT DoCoMo may have created another cultural barrier: the fact that many Western users may be reluctant to be seen sticking a finger in their ear. In any event, NTT DoCoMo isn't the only company working on body- conduction mobile phone technology. Sanyo recently introduced the TS41 handset. This device is equipped with a "Sonic Speaker" that, when placed against its user's skul