Telecommunications: Reach Out and See Someone

If AT&T has its way, the term blind date may end up an anachronism. This week the communications giant is scheduled to unveil its VideoPhone 2500, a compact telephone with color screen and camera lens that allows callers to get an up- close-and-personal look at each other while they're conversing. Although video telephone conferencing systems have become almost standard equipment in the world of business, they come with a $25,000 price tag and require special operating networks. AT&T's home phone is expected to cost $1,500, and will plug into a standard telephone outlet.

Advanced compression technology shrinks the video signals to fit through conventional phone lines. "Psychologists tell us that 55% of a message is delivered in body language," notes Stephen Clemente, an AT&T executive. O.K., but what if your repertoire of phone language includes yawning and eye rolling? No problem. Callers can zap themselves invisible at any time by closing the shutter over the lens. The VideoPhone 2500 is due out in May.