(Special Report) - Nowadays, we are seeing more and more features being added to cell phones. Whether these features are still camera options or the ability to listen to music while on the go, cell phone makers are struggling to keep up with provider demands. While all of these features are all well and good, many cell phone makers (as we thought) were forgetting the fundamental aspect of a cell phone, which is to make phone calls rather than entertain ourselves.

The fact of the matter is that it's nice to be able to play games, listen to music, record videos and take still images all with a single device, but what if I need to make an emergency call (or be on a conference call)? By the time I'm done utilizing many of the battery intensive options of my cell phone, the battery has almost, if not completely, run out. And that's exactly what many companies are forgetting, but during our CES 2006 meetings, we heard an interesting concept.

The focus of cell phones have changed and will continue to do so with battery life in mind. Instead of labeling cell phones as devices with music listening, still camera, video recording and gaming capabilities, companies are now labeling them as a CE (consumer electronics) device that can play games, take still images, record live video, playback music and make phone calls. Making calls from a cell phone is more of a feature of a hybrid CE device rather than a fundamental feature.  According to the cell phone makers we talked to said, users will see a continuous hybridization of cell phones with more and more added features in 2006 and beyond.

With that said, companies and providers are willing to make everyone's lives easier with an all-in-one CE device. One of the cell phone makers commented that if it's raining outside and you've forgotten your MP3 player inside your home, the chances of you running back to get your music player are slim, but if you music player is your cell phone as well, the chances of you going back are substantially high. In that regard, not only you would have a necessary device, but you will also have something to entertain you.

Companies told CoolTechZone.com to look for more features on cell phones, an extended battery life, slim and sleek designs and categorization of cell phones. For instance, many of the aforementioned features we discussed will be targeted towards the technologically savvy and possibly the young generation rather than business people who might never use any of the added features. For them, making phone calls is more important than playing games or listening to music. While you will see the definition of cell phones blur in 2006, there will still be featureless models available at a significantly low price.