Methods and systems for communicating using variable temperature control

Information can be communicated by a temperature change of a communication device equipped with one or more temperature modifying elements. A processor configured by software determines when a temperature change should be generated and accomplishes such a change by controlling the application of power to the temperature modifying element(s). The temperature modifying elements may be electric resistance heating elements, thermoelectric elements, or other elements. Users perceive the temperature change produced by the temperature modifying element(s) when they touch the device. Depending on user settings, the temperature change may communicate specific information to the user. For example, a temperature change may convey information regarding the importance of an incoming telephone call, e-mail message or SMS message, or the importance of an impending calendar event. Using temperature as a communication medium allows the communication device to convey information to a user being notice by others.