WALLPAPERS WITH A PURPOSE

December 15, 2005
By Monica Alleven
Wireless Week

If you don't have the real thing handy, Moderati will let you have the next best thing: mistletoe wallpaper.

In fact, the creative minds at the wallpaper/ringtone supplier say the mobile version is even better. Mistletoe is actually a parasitic plant, one that looks like a thistle and isn't all that attractive. But they've created a sharper image for mobile phones.

Cindy Mesaros, Moderati vice president of marketing, says she hasn't tried the mobile mistletoe yet because she's had a cold, but as soon as the contagious phase is over, she'll put it to the test.

After downloading the ringtone, users are advised to hold their phone over the head of the intended target; then, pucker up. Cingular Wireless, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile USA customers can download the mobile mistletoe through Dec. 31. Verizon Wireless customers can find the images in the Modtones Gallery application on their phones.

Moderati also is keeping an eye on holiday ringtones, where "Sleigh Ride" is the most popular among dozens available. And although the season seems to be dominated by Christmas-themed songs, those of Jewish faith may appreciate "Oh Hannukah Groove."

Then for all those New Year's Eve concert-goers, Moderati offers a wallpaper depicting a cigarette lighter. Moderati Creative Director Jeremy Xavier says it makes more sense than either a real lighter or the mobile phones that fans hold up at concerts to replace the lighters of yesteryear. He developed RockLighter, which sells for $1.99.

So if the mistletoe doesn't receive a warm reception, perhaps the burning flame will get their attention.