Cutting-edge cell phone tech has found its niche with the teen market, and Sacramento, California-based Talking Drum (backed by Motorola) is rolling out a wireless service specifically for that talkaholic demo in L.A. this fall. Designed to mesh with the Gen-Y lifestyle, KODE offers: a multiperson party line function called BLAST; MOJO voice-activation software for hands-free interaction; voicemail and e-mail access; content feeds with up-to-the-minute info on parties, sports, local events and horoscopes; and a funky silver and black Samsung phone with rubberized orange case.

The basic KODE package is affordable at US$29.99, and the service was well received when Talking Drum tested it in Sacramento last year. Viral marketing techniques like club night sponsorships, poetry slams and in-store DJ clinics are planned to generate some prelaunch buzz in L.A., and Talking Drum also hopes to bring the KODE service to New York in spring 2002.