obile telephony continues to expand the borders of usage - and interactivity. With Sony Entertainment Television all set to launch Indian Idol 2, the good news for aspirants is that the participation promises to be easier. Unlike last year, the contestant doesn't have to travel anywhere to audition - if he or she has a mobile phone with an Airtel connection. Auditioning through the phone makes the Rs 1 crore prize money seem that much more accessible.

Anyone who wants to contest has to dial 646 from an Airtel connection and follow the IVR (interactive voice recording) instructions given. After entering the required information, the contestant has to sing a song, which is recorded and later, screened by the judges. ... more