Keyfob that stops you losing your phone!

The i-migo is a clever gadget that isn't quite ready for sale yet, but should appear in 2009 when discussions take place between various handset manufacturers and network operators.

The idea is simple; the keyfob pairs with the phone and extracts content (contacts, messages, pictures etc) over Bluetooth whenever in range. Like the Sony Ericsson range of Bluetooth watches which have a 'proximity detector' feature, the i-migo will also warn you when the phone moves out of range (in other words, it loses the Bluetooth connection). This warning means you are no longer close to your phone. Perhaps you've left it on a desk or someone else has walked off with it?

The idea for the product came after a north London businessman, Saban Demirbasa, became frustated at being refused phone insurance after a series of claims. Besides believing that having insurance made him less careful than he should have been, he also realised that trying to recover the lost data was a "bigger headache than replacing the handset itself".

The main purpose of the i-migo is to prevent you losing your phone (by vibrating and flashing if the phone goes out of range). However, if you do lose your phone, all is not lost. Firstly, with the appropriate support from the handset, it will be possible to have the phone completely locked out - just like a car with keyless operation. That gives peace of mind that nobody else is going to be able to do much with your phone. After that, when you get a new phone, the data you would have otherwise lost can be restored by simply pairing the i-migo once more.

We can't wait until this product becomes reality - but until it does, keep checking www.i-migo.com for updates.