In an effort to discourage cell phone theft and fraud, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York has asked wireless companies to do more than disabling a stolen phone’s SIM card. He wants the whole phone bricked so it can never be used again. [More]
Has Blendtec Finally Met Its Match With Super-Tough Cell Phone?
By June 10, 2011
Blendtec’s super-powered blenders have rarely failed at their “Will it blend” challenges, but the Sonim XP3300 Force, a super-tough cell phone that has survived everything from being encased in concrete to being dumped in -25 degree antifreeze, posed a unique challenge. [More]
With Wallet App, Google Wants To Get Into Your Pants
By May 26, 2011
Google becomes the latest company to try to turn your cell phone into a digital wallet, with today’s announcement of cleverly named Google Wallet. The app is designed to turn any Android-powered phone with compatible data capabilities into a substitute for your credit cards. Right now, that’s limited to just one phone, Google’s own Nexus S 4G. [More]
Do Not Pocket-Dial 911 If There Are Outstanding Warrants For Your Arrest
By May 24, 2011
Today’s lesson: If you’re wanted for any kind of crime — or even if you just want to be a good, considerate citizen — find a way to make sure your phone doesn’t pocket-dial 911. Otherwise, you may end up like James Green of Bangor, ME, who was arrested this weekend on outstanding warrants after his phone courteously called local police and helped them track him down.
Science Says All Our Cell Phone Use Is Driving Bees Crazy
By May 12, 2011
It turns out cell phones distract and annoy more than just drivers, moviegoers, golfers and teachers. According to scientists, bees get all kinds of crazy when cell phone signals scramble their senses. [More]
The President Will Text You When Terrorists Attack
By May 10, 2011
America’s TVs and radios have the Emergency Alert System to notify people of dire local and national situations. Soon, your cell phone will act as a portable alarm for danger, too. [More]
Survey: 88% Of Americans Think Cell Phones Should Be Compatible With All Networks
By April 27, 2011
Even though you’ve been able to port cell phone numbers from one carrier to another for several years, many mobile phone customers find themselves having to buy new phones whenever they switch providers. Not surprisingly, a new survey by our benevolent benefactors at Consumers Union shows that an overwhelming majority of Americans not only want to be able to take any device to any carrier, but they also support legislation that would require it. [More]
Google's Mobile Search Lets You Find Businesses That Are Open Right Now
By February 25, 2011
If it’s 4 a.m., you’ve been out all night and are in need of a burrito, Google is thinking of you. The search dynamo has added some heft to its smartphone search functionality, letting you sort businesses by whether they’re currently open, as well as distance distance and user rating levels. [More]
New York Drivers Caught Using Phone While Driving Will Be Punished With Points
By February 18, 2011
Adding some teeth and uniformity to a law against cell phone use while driving, the state of New York will tack two points onto the driving records of offenders in addition to making them pay a $100 fee. Previously, those who texted while driving were stuck with the points and fee, while drive-and-talkers got off with just a fee. [More]
Cell Phone Tax Rates Are Highest Ever
By February 16, 2011
Cell phones are crafty little tax machines for local, state and federal governments, now raking in their largest amount of taxes ever and posting sizable increases each year. [More]
Use iPod Touch As A Phone To Save On Bills
By January 27, 2011
The iPod Touch can be more than the oft-ignored stepbrother of the iPhone – with the right hacking touch, it can be a replacement for its much loved sibling. [More]
Purse-Dial On The Other Side Of The World, Pay Verizon $1,800
By January 10, 2011
Travel tip: If you haven’t arranged for international phone service while traveling abroad, take the battery out of your phone so you can’t accidentally turn it on and dial. [More]
Smuggled Phones Help Cons Play FarmVille From Behind Bars
By January 3, 2011
Just because you’re locked up, you shouldn’t have to miss out on texting buddies, logging status updates and playing FarmVille. Thanks to smuggling channels and intense demand, cell phones have become as much a part of the prison experience as lunchtime brawls and toothbrush shanks. [More]
Are There Advantages Of Switching To A Prepaid Cell Phone?
By December 28, 2010
Prepaid cell phones aren’t only for drug dealers on the HBO show The Wire. Those who rarely talk or text and would rather not be tied to an electronic leash may want to look into prepaid plans. They could be cheaper than monthly plans, and could work for those who are on a tight budget. [More]
Verizon Tells Us We Can't Return Phone Because We Bought It On A Promotion That's Over
By December 27, 2010
Andrea and her husband took advantage of a Verizon buy-one-get-one-free promotion, taking comfort that if either didn’t like their new devices, they could return them thanks to Verizon’s 30-day guarantee. But the company has refused to let her husband exchange his device because the BOGO promotion had ended. [More]
AT&T Says It Will Erase $16K Bill It Sent To Deployed Soldier
By December 23, 2010
Soldiers stationed abroad like to receive mail from home. Little notes can reconnect them with the society they’ve left behind and boost morale. That is, unless the letter is a $16,000 cell phone bill. [More]
Verizon Mistakenly Charges Me $6K, Promises Refund, Isn't Delivering
By December 3, 2010
When Scott upgraded to a smartphone, Verizon forgot to initiate his new data plan, so he was soaked with a $6,000 bill under his antiquated former plan. Since Scott is signed up for auto-billing, his credit card was charged before he could argue. He says Verizon admitted its error and agreed to a refund, but it’s been 30 days and Scott is still waiting. [More]
