In May 2006, Trend Hunter featured Safe Talk temporary phone numbers for dating. Not too long after, Craigsnumber was in the game.
The service must be doing well as Craigslist has upped their investment, adding new features and a new brand. Lifehacker.org reports, "Numbr is Craigsnumber re-branded with a lot of cool new features. Numbr supports 23 US cities, can forward calls to up to 2 phones, blocks telemarketers, and offers a Do Not Disturb option from 9PM to 8AM."
Additionally, the application can also take voicemails and email you your disposable number's call history.
Temporary Phone Numbers (UPDATE)
New Features and Brand for Craigsnumber
Trend Themes
1. Temporary Phone Numbers - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop improved features and functionality for temporary phone numbers, such as call forwarding and call blocking.
2. Disposable Number Applications - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create applications that not only provide disposable phone numbers but also offer additional services like voicemail and call history.
3. Re-branding and New Brands - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore rebranding strategies and create new brands to attract more users to temporary phone number services.
Industry Implications
1. Telecommunications - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce innovative solutions in the telecommunications industry by offering improved temporary phone number services.
2. Mobile Apps - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop mobile applications that provide advanced features and functionalities for disposable phone numbers.
3. Online Advertising - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize temporary phone numbers as a new advertising channel, targeting users who are looking for privacy and security while posting ads online.