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| How to customize your cell phone ring |
| By Jason Parker: Contributing Editor, Downloads |
| Wednesday, June 11, 2003 |
Just about everybody owns a cell phone these days, and just about everybody uses the same, default ring tones. If I have to hear another rendition of the "Mexican Hat Dance" on my commute, I'm going to go nuts!
Though I find it amusing when a phone rings and 20 people reach into their pockets, I'm surprised people don't get more original with their ring tones. I've rounded up three programs that you can use on your PC to create, convert, and transfer ring tones to most cell phones. (When you grab ring tones from the Web, they arrive in a format your cell phone can't understand. These apps convert the code into a format your cell phone can read.) They all cost money to register (about $20), but I think it's worth it to know when it's your phone ringing. ToneSwap Ring Tone Software offers tons of different ring tone categories to choose from, including TV show themes, movies, arcade games, and classical music. You'll need to register this one to get access to its huge list of songs, however. (Shareware/Windows) Mobile Music, like ToneSwap, lets you download and convert prefab ring tones. But it also lets you compose your own music on your desktop PC. From there, you can send the finished ring tone to your phone via SMS. (Shareware/Windows) Paraben's Ring Master converts ring tones like the others and also lets you compose your own tunes. With this one you'll be able to send your ring tone to your phone via SMS, or, for certain types of phones, you can key it in yourself. (Shareware/Windows) Be original! Download one of these programs and get a signature ring tone that fits your style. Unless, of course, your ideal ring tone is the "Mexican Hat Dance." For even more ring tones, images, and games for your cell phone, I suggest visiting CNET's Cell Phone Zone. Are you still using your phone's default ring tones? Why? Have you ever customized the tune your phone plays? TalkBack to me!