• by Laurie Petersen , June 29, 2007

Mobile phones are growing in importance as a tool for "boredom relief," said Angela Steele, mobile activation director for Starcom Worldwide.

Consumers have lost the ability to idle. In focus groups, she said, one woman said, "I can't imagine the thought of walking four blocks without my iPod or cell phone."

Meanwhile, although she's sitting on a panel today at OMMA Mobile, Steele has three people waiting on line to snag an iPhone for her tonight.