TringIt: Easy triggering of web actions from a phone

Abstract

Much information that is of interest to mobile users is available on the Web, yet is difficult to access for most users. We introduce a novel method for users to interact with network-connected computers using their phones, and describe a system called TringIt that implements the method. TringIt enables users to trigger Web actions by simply dialing specific numbers - an action that we call a Phone Click. TringIt can be used out-of-the-box by any phone user. The Phone Click is most useful from mobile phones that can receive messages in response to the click. TringIt enables users to easily initiate interaction with businesses and content owners by simply dialing numbers discovered in offline media (e.g. print, TV, radio) as well as online media (e.g. Web, SMS, MMS.) It makes every mobile phone a more compelling information, interaction and participation device. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.