Mobilesphere announced this week the launch of its new service which allows callers to leave a voicemail message on someone's cell phone without it ever ringing. Customers of this service call the company's number, which then prompts the customer to enter the number they wish to call. The service takes the user directly into the recipient's voicemail box where a message can be left. Additionally, in many cases the recipient's cell phone will indicate that a call was missed.

Coverage of this service in the press has noted the many sneaky (sly?) ways this service could be used - mainly giving the appearance of trying to stay in contact, while not really wanting to speak with someone.

It seems that there could be important good reasons for "sly-dialing" (not wanting to interrupt a meeting, for instance). Still, it seems that the service could be unsettling for people who are hearing impaired, but not deaf. They might think that they are suffering increased loss of hearing.

How would you use a service like Slydial?

Check out the company's press release and the media coverage below:

Slydial press release: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Mobilesphere-880759.html

"The beauty of NOT being connected", Telephone Online: http://telephonyonline.com/wireless/commentary/mobisphere-slydial-direct-to-voicemail-0722/ 

"Breaking up not so hard to do with Slydial", Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/22/AR2008072200915.html