Kiwis use cell phones as sunblock


Stocks tumbled in Manila when coup rumors spread on the SMS last year

By Amabelle Layug
CNN Hong Kong

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (CNN) -- As New Zealand laps up the scorching heat of summer, Kiwis are turning to the humble text message to warn them when they've had enough in the sun.

The short-message service (SMS) on cell phones was once just used for sports score alerts and ringing-tone downloads.

But New Zealand has now developed the SMS to tell outdoor phone users what the current rating is on UV, or ultraviolet, rays.

They can also get a warning on the burn time -- any time of day, for 15 locations around New Zealand.

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The SMS application was designed and developed by Auckland-based wireless application developer Hyperfactory.

It's run by cell-phone company Vodafone through its New Zealand network, and sponsored by cosmetic company Nivea Sun.

Toppling a president

But this is not the first time New Zealand has turned to SMS to get unusual information.

Last month, Hyperfactory and Vodafone teamed up with Compaq Computer New Zealand to develop an SMS service to let students at Waikato Institute of Technology access their exam results.

Texting and text messages are also popular elsewhere in the Asia Pacific.

In the Philippines, the SMS has seen its popularity soar in recent years, hitting an alternative form of communication.

Initially introduced by Manila-based Globe Telecommunications for its executive clients, the service was instead patronized by the cell-phone company's younger customers.

In the year 2000 alone, SMS traffic in the country jumped from 46 million to 735 million messages.

Text messages were instrumental in the ouster of former president Joseph Estrada. Thousands of people passed on SMS text messages encouraging them to assemble and telling them where and when to demand his resignation.

Realizing its power in disseminating information, the service is now being used by various bars and malls to promote events.

The SMS message was also used by the country's health department to warn people against using firecrackers to celebrate the New Year.