Professor Katz is not the only one with an opinion on the matter.

Most important, Professor Katz said, "a lot of people in inner cities are developing connections to the job market that had broken down."

"You're always in touch with someone else, 24 hours a day," Professor Katz said.

"The mobile phone was never designed originally to be something people would peck at," Professor Katz said.

Professor Katz said the thumb was unlikely to face as many problems as, for instance, the wrist.

"It could be seen as a more efficient use of human resources," Professor Katz said.

Professor Katz was a nominator for about three years a decade ago even though he was publicly critical of the program.

"They are good and fair-minded people," Professor Katz said of the foundation officials.

"Clearly, the company is quite vulnerable right now," Professor Katz said.

"These things always start out as somewhat exotic luxuries," said Professor Katz.