But if I have a smartphone with a Twitter-related app, why would I need such a device? There is "no need to own a smartphone, download a clunky app or pay for an expensive data plan," a company spokeswoman said. The $199.95 device connects to Twitter servers over a high-speed wireless data network in the U.S., and users never have to pay a fee for using the data network.

The device comes with a color screen, a QWERTY keyboard and a battery that can run for up to four days. It measures 2.7-by-0.4-by-4 inches (6.86-by-1.02-by-10.16 cms). TwitterPeek will be released on Nov. 3 and will be available on and on the .

The device works only in the U.S. for free, the company said. It is usable internationally, but "for a fee," the spokesman said, without providing specific details.