TOKYO--Network solutions company Digital Act announced that it will release a new peripheral for the Japanese Game Boy Advance called the Cam-Pho Advance (short for Camera Phone Advance) at the end of July.

　　The Cam-Pho Advance uses a large game cartridge that comes equipped with an internal microcamera and analog modem, effectively turning the GBA into a videophone. When connected, the screen will show both the user and the person on the other end of the line. Communicating with another user is done with a speaker headphone that connects to the cartridge. The GBA's cross pad and buttons will be used to dial phone numbers and change the device's settings. It was originally going to operate off the battery power from the GBA, but it will now operate with its own AC adapter.

　　At 19,000 yen ($175), the Cam-Pho costs about one-fifth of the price of an average videophone system in Japan, although the specs are a little lower than average, with a frame rate of only five frames per second. Only 10,000 units of the peripheral will be released on July 30. They will be available only via online order at Digital Act's Web site.