The Smart Call
CORDLESS HOME PHONES are the pack mules of technology: They're not flashy, but they get the job done reliably enough. Well, it's time to turbocharge your burro. The base of GE's InfoLink phone ($180, ge.com/phones) connects to the Internet. Set your preferences through a web browser and it will send news headlines, weather reports, sports info, stock prices and more to handsets around your house. When actually making calls, it uses the new DECT 6.0 wireless standard, which offers interference-free talking and won't play havoc with your Wi-Fi network.