Here’s an interesting new device due to launch July 1, 2008. It looks like a pager but works like a Blackberry (receiver only) for social networking. The $100 $50 introductory purchase price covers all messaging and there are no monthly fees. Available in over 100 colors, the AAA battery is advertised as lasting 6 months. The obvious limitation to this device is that it’s a receive only solution. The press release is unclear on whether it can receive messages from other services such as Facebook or MySpace – however it appears that all socializing and messaging probably originates from the http://my.textcu.be site. I have a request for a demo unit into the company and if one arrives, watch for a full review. Update: The TextCu.be folks say that their device is currently on sale for $50, will integrate to other sites via a flash widget (more info).

Link: Texcu.be (device)
Link: my.textcu.be (social networking site)