Free Calls

Free Internet Phone Calls

2011-07-26T03:44:00.000-07:00

iCall is another tool you can use to make free internet phone calls. With iCall, you can make free calls from PC to phone using their free software.

The computer that you make calls from can be anywhere in the world but for the call to be free, the number you call must be in the United States or Canada. You can't make free phone calls using iCall if you're calling outside the US or Canada.

iCall is available as a free desktop application for Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux and as a free iPhone app. Free phone calls will be disconnected after a short five minutes but you can call the number back again as many times as you want. You will also hear an advertisement before each call that's around ten seconds long.

A flash-based version of iCall is also available on their website but free calls here are limited to three minutes.

Send Free SMS Everyday

2011-05-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

Send Free SMS online instantly!

SMSFun members can send free sms to Australia and around the world at no cost.

Send your friends free sms messages online instantly. Don't pay 25+cents for messages from your own phone when you can send free sms from SMSFun absolutely free!

Sending SMS online to Australia is easy, just enter the number using the format, +..

It's very simple and easy to send free SMS text messages from our web based application.

Send messages to multiple contacts with ease.

A few examples of why you would use SMSFun to send free sms online everyday:

Keep in touch with your friends or family.

If you dont have any credit left on your own mobile phone.

SMS all your friends at once with multiple contact sending.

Free SMS to Australia and 58 other countries at no cost.

Send Free SMS Everyday Thanks To SMSFUN

Sent free SMS online everyday

Sent free SMS to Friends

Sent free SMS to Family

Sent free SMS to Anyone

Anti-hacker 'app' offers added security

2011-01-13T21:28:00.001-08:00

Anti-hacker 'app' offers added security

LAKE MARY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Worried about someone ease dropping on your cell phone calls? Then try out a new mobile application called Kryptos.

"It enables you to have conversations that are free from being intercepted by anybody," said Stephen Carnes, president of Kryptos Communications Inc.

He developed the application to protect your privacy from hackers or even investigators, "that encrypts the conversation before its transmitted to the receiver. It's a proprietary method we use. It's a 256 bit AES encryption; it's the same thing the military uses."

Those who own iPhones can easily find Kryptos.

"Go to an 'app' store and download it for a free 30 day trial."

Eventually it will cost $4.99 a month, but that includes free long distance. "Whether the user is in Istanbul, Russia, China, there's no long distance changes involved."

Stephen said the response to Kryptos has been out of this world. "We've been out for three weeks and downloaded in 59 countries."

Eventually, he hopes businesses will use it, to protect customers credit card numbers during transactions. "We're getting a fabulous response, its very exciting."

Right now, Kryptos is only available on iPhones, but Stephen plans to have it ready for the Droid and Blackberry by the end of January. The apps will be free for the next 3 months. Go to www.kryptos411.com for more information.

Phone chats plus web program help smokers quit-study

2011-01-11T21:03:00.001-08:00

Phone chats plus web program help smokers quit-study

NEW YORK, Jan 12 (Reuters Life!) - Trying to quit smoking as part of New Year's resolutions? Personalized phone counselling along with web-based guidance may help, according to a study.

About one in five adults in the U.S. smokes, and about half of those who don't quit will die from the habit, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventing, which also estimates that smoking costs the economy $183 billion each year.

Smokers who got phone calls from experienced counselors and took part in a web-based cessation program had nearly double the quit rates after 18 months of smokers who just used the web program, according to a study led by Amanda Graham, director for research development at the Schroeder Institute for Tobacco Research and Policy Studies at the American Legacy Foundation.

"This is one of the few large trials that have looked at the internet and telephone counseling combined," Graham told Reuters Health in an interview about the study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

U.S. smoking rates have declined dramatically, from about 30 percent of the population in 1985, but most smokers still make multiple attempts before quitting successfully.

Of all the people who try to quit without medication or counseling, fewer than 5 percent actually succeed, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Telephone counseling has proved to be one of the more helpful interventions, the study authors noted, and many phone counseling programs now offer an internet component.

The current study used QuitNet.com, a website established in 1995 that has more than 60,000 monthly users. While basic membership is free, the premium version is $99.95 a year. One of the study's authors was a consultant to the site's owner.

Researchers randomly assigned about 2,000 smokers to one of three groups - those who'd receive phone counseling plus a premium QuitNet membership that let them set quit dates and track their motivations, those who got just the premium QuitNet membership, and those who used a static website created for the study that offered general advice on quitting.

After 18 months, 15 percent of the phone and premium net program participants reported not smoking since the start of the study, compared to 8 percent of the premium program users and 6 percent of the basic program users.

"These were significant differences, even though they may look small," said Victor Strecher, professor of public health at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, who was not involved in the study.

In the study, five calls from a telephone counselor were concentrated during the first month of the smokers' atteipt to quit, a time when they were most prone to relapse.

Strecher said he thought that having to attending counseling sessions in person or receiving too many phone calls might be off-putting, but that the targeted calls provided just enough extra encouragement.

"Smokers tend to be mavericks," he said, noting that for this reason they often don't respond to an overly aggressive quitting program. But being able to use the web at will, along with an occasional phone call, seems to work well.

"I do think that smokers are very receptive to this kind of intervention," he said.

SOURCE: http://bit.ly/gMwE0W

Source: reuters // Reuters

(Reporting by Leigh Krietsch Boerner at Reuters Health; editing by Elaine Lies)

Skype growth eats into international calls

2011-01-10T21:31:00.001-08:00

Skype growth eats into international calls

International phone traffic is on the slide and one research company reckons that a likely cause is the effect of VoIP service Skype.

According to TeleGeography, International call traffic rose 4 percent in 2010 to 413 billion minutes, a fall from the 5 percent

The company blames the recession for hitting demand but the rise of VoIP appears at last to be affecting the international phone call market, with market leader Skype set to add 45 billion call minutes to its share during 2010 for direct calls between its customers.

Recession or not, Skype appears to be changing the nature of the whole international call market permanently.

"Demand for international communications remains strong. But ever more people are discovering that they can communicate without the services of a telco," commented TeleGeography analyst Stephan Beckert.

What this means is that consumers will be paying less for fixed phone calls in future, telecoms companies will see profits level off and Skype will continue to grow. Ironically, it's not clear that any of this will do Skype much good unless a way of charging for something is found to balance out the company's investment.

The company is close to an IPO with some analysts seeing its future as a provider of services to third-party tech companies that value its technology rather than through direct call fees from users.

Intellicomm Augments Innoport® Express With A New Pay Per Use Virtual Phone Service

2011-01-09T21:11:00.001-08:00

Intellicomm Augments Innoport® Express With A New Pay Per Use Virtual Phone Service

Posted: 09 Jan 2011 12:19 AM PST

Posted on: Sunday, 9 January 2011, 00:44 CST

Trendsetters can now order a virtual phone number for as little as one day for voicemail, call forwarding or auto attendant with extensions and use it for events, forwarding mobile calls when traveling internationally, disaster recovery, auction listings, advertisements and much more.

King Of Prussia, PA (PRWEB) January 7, 2011

Intellicomm Inc., a leading provider of hosted unified communications continues to innovate by adding a pioneering pay per use virtual phone service to its Innoport Express service, available at http://www.innoportexpress.com website. Individuals can order a temporary phone number and use it to get voicemail via email, forward it to another number, such as their mobile or landline, or create an auto attendant with multiple extensions, all without a recurring subscription or setup fees.

The new service fills a need whenever there is a need for a temporary voice number. For instance:

Event planners or trade show hosts can now setup a temporary phone number and give that to visitors and guests to reach various personnel on the floor rather than giving out individual mobile numbers.

Individuals travelling overseas can forward their cell number to the Innoport Express virtual phone number which can then be forwarded to their international destination at a much lower cost than the prevailing international mobile roaming charges from large carriers.

For disaster recovery purposes, a quick hotline can be setup or the carrier can forward calls meant for an impaired phone number to the Innoport Express virtual phone number.

Home and real estate sellers can list a phone number for listing information.

Sellers posting on online forums or auction sites can give out a temporary phone number rather than giving out their personal phone numbers.

Wedding planners can setup a temporary phone number for receiving wedding RSVPs.

Temporary distinct phone numbers can be used for testing various advertisements.

The Innoport Express virtual phone service provides a temporary toll-free or non-toll free U.S. number for receiving calls for a minimum of one day starting at a low price of $5 without the need to buy a recurring subscription service requiring cancellation.

"Innoport Express virtual phone service can be of an immense value to individuals who have a short term temporary need for a phone number or an event where giving out mobile numbers is not practical or preferred," said Harprit Singh, President and CEO of Intellicomm. Singh added, "We are glad to bring this level of flexibility to ordering and configuring a virtual phone number to the marketplace."

Innoport Express already incorporates a pay per fax service where faxes can be sent without a subscription and a dedicated temporary fax number can be ordered to receive faxes in email.

About Intellicomm

Intellicomm Inc. is a leading provider of hosted unified communications services, delivering enterprise class services to businesses of all sizes and empowering them with an unprecedented level of information access and management. Through its flagship service, Innoport®, Intellicomm automates an individual or company's flow of communication by centralizing all inbound phone calls, voice mail, fax and instant messaging communications. As an affordable, remotely-hosted communications system, Innoport can help businesses achieve virtual office capabilities that present nearly unlimited scalability for growth and enhance employee mobility. For more information, visit http://www.innoport.com, http://www.innoportexpress.com or http://www.intellicomm.com. Innoport is a registered service mark of Intellicomm Inc.

# # #

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2011/01/prweb4949444.htm

PC-Free MagicJack Coming Soon

2011-01-08T21:31:00.001-08:00

PC-Free MagicJack Coming Soon

Posted: 08 Jan 2011 12:41 PM PST

The voice-over-IP company that owns MagicJack -- the USB stick that enables phone calls on a PC -- is getting ready to release a new version of the device that doesn't need the PC.

The MagicJack Plus plugs into a power outlet and requires only a network connection -- either to a Wi-Fi or 4G adapter, or an Ethernet port on a router -- to enable voice-over-IP phone service.

VocalTec, which merged with MagicJack creator YMax last summer, demonstrated the MagicJack Plus to journalists at the Consumer Electronics Show this week. The company says it expects to ship the device within 90 days at an expected price of $50, which will include a year of free local and long distance calls. (The origi nal MagicJack costs $40, also including a year of free service.) After that, service costs $20 a year.

You can opt to have your own phone number, and you can still choose to power the new version by plugging it into a USB port on a PC, the way the original version works. Either way, you plug a standard phone into the RJ-11 port at the other end of the device to make the actual calls.

FiOS and DirecTV work out some glitches in TV offer

2011-01-07T21:04:00.001-08:00

FiOS and DirecTV work out some glitches in TV offer

By Michelle Dunlop, Herald Writer

Frontier Communications and DirecTV weren’t quite ready Thursday for calls from some Snohomish County customers seeking free service to drop FiOS television.

On Wednesday, Frontier had confirmed it was giving its television customers a choice: pay more for FiOS or get free service for a year from its partner, DirecTV. On average, FiOS television subscribers will see their bills go up $30 a month beginning Feb. 18 unless they switch to DirecTV. Customers who already have a contract with Frontier can keep their negotiated price for the remainder of the contract or switch to DirecTV.

Frontier said the rate hike was due to price increases for content. Rather than lose angry television subscribers, Frontier came up with the DirecTV deal. However, not all customers who called Thursday to take Frontier and DirecTV up on the offer got the promotion.

DirecTV hadn’t been prepared to honor the promotion to its former customers who switched to Frontier’s FiOS television service, said Stephanie Beasly, a spokeswoman for Frontier. But former DirecTV subscribers who wish to drop their FiOS television service will receive the promotional deal, Beasly said.

She said former customers who were told no should call again.

On Thursday, Frontier clarified to its promotion. Only FiOS customers who have a three-service bundle — television, Internet and phone — qualify to receive free DirecTV for the rest of the year. Customers with a two-service package — FiOS television and Internet — will receive free DirecTV for six months.

“At the very minimum, customers will receive six months free DirecTV,” Beasly said.

Skype moves to add Android video phone calls

2011-01-06T21:29:00.001-08:00

Skype moves to add Android video phone calls

Skype, which recently brought its free video calling program to the iPhone, now may be able to do the same for Android phones. The company said Thursday it's buying Qik, a popular mobile video-capturing, -sharing and -calling program.

Qik recently added two-way, live video chats for fourth-generation, or 4G, Android phones such as Sprint's HTC Evoand Samsung Epic, and T-Mobile's myTouch (which already does video calls using both Wi-Fi and T-Mobile's network), as well as for Samsung's Android-based Galaxy Tab tablet.

Meanwhle, "Our development teams are busy getting Video Chat ready on additional phones," Qik says on its site.

There are many phones that Qik's video-sharing program already works with; a list is here. The company went from about 600,000 users at the start of last year to 5 million users at the end of 2010.

Fring for Android is one free programthat already gives Android phone users a video calling option. And Google's 3.0 version of Android, known as "Honeycomb" will include support for video calling in the Google Talk app.

Skype made its announcement at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The company said that video calling represented 41.5 percent of all Skype-to-Skype minutes in the second half of 2010.

"The Qik team has delivered exceptional video experiences for its mobile partners and millions of end users across a range of devices," said Tony Bates, Skype's CEO in a press release. "Skype's software enables an estimated 25 percent of the world's international long distance voice calling minutes, and approximately 40 percent of those Skype-to-Skype calls are happening over video. Qik's deep engineering capabilities and strong mobile relationships will be an impressive complementary fit with Skype."

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 01:02 PM PST

By Suzanne Choney

Parrot makes 'smart' car radio for Internet Age

2011-01-05T21:28:00.001-08:00

French mobile technology firm Parrot on Tuesday showed off a "smart" car radio that can find cheap fuel, free parking, and speed traps while taking music requests and placing phone calls.

Directions are shown on a GPS unit mounted in a car travelling along Kaiserdamm in Berlin 2010. French mobile technology firm Parrot on Tuesday showed off a "smart" car radio that can find cheap fuel, free parking, and speed traps while taking music requests and placing phone calls.

The Asteroid in-dash receiver will be available in Europe by the end of March and the company is working to get it to the United States by the middle of this year, according to project manager Hocine Belkhoudja.

Parrot is in Las Vegas to show off Asteroid at a major Consumer Electronics show that officially opens on Thursday.

Asteroid has USB ports for MP3 players, GPS devices, and the types of 3G network wireless Internet service keys that people use for laptop computers.

The 3G keys link the radios to the Web, enabling applications to access online services or data and allowing motorists to use the radio to make hands-free telephone calls, according to Belkhoudja.

"You can listen to all the radio in the world on the Web," he said. "You can search for coffee or restaurants nearby, gas stations with the lowest prices or free parking."

The radios can also provide maps and driving routes.

Parrot tailored a version of open-source Android mobile operating software for Asteroid to handle a host of software applications.

Music features on the radios include taking spoken requests for specific songs or artists, with the device scouring connected devices and the Internet for tunes.

Parrot did not reveal the price it would charge, but Belkhoudja promised it would be "very impressive."

Parrot also demonstrated a touch-screen, dash-mounted version of Asteroid that it is working on as a "next step" but would not discuss when it might come to market.

“It's easy to get a free credit report. Honest!”

2011-01-04T21:44:00.001-08:00

It's easy to get a free credit report. Honest!

Some things really do come for free, including your credit report.

I swear, I'm not making this up. I've done it myself and all it cost me was a stamp.

I have written twice recently about the importance of regularly checking your credit report for signs of fraud. Credit reports are available free of charge from two major Canadian credit bureaus, TransUnion and Equifax.

More related to this story

Each time I've put "free" and "credit report" in the same sentence, I've been flooded with calls and e-mails from frustrated readers who've been unable to navigate past the ads for the paid reports that the credit bureau websites offer. These more detailed reports will show you your credit score, but they are not free. (TransUnion charges $9.99.) Likewise, if you want to see your report instantly, you can order it online, but even without the score, there's a price for the convenience. (At Equifax, it's $15.50, or $23.95 with your score included.)

While there's nothing wrong with paying to see your credit score or to order it online, we're talking about free stuff here.

There are two easy ways to get a free credit report: by phone or through the mail. Of course, it's only easy if you can find the right forms and phone numbers, and the credit bureaus don't make them easy to find them. I, however, said this was going to be easy to do, so here are the phone numbers you'll need:

Equifax: 1-800-465-7166

TransUnion: 1-800-663-9980 (outside Quebec) or 1-877-713-3393 (within Quebec)

And here are the forms if you're going the mail-in route:

Equifax credit report request form

TransUnion credit report request form (outside Quebec) or within Quebec

In addition to the form, you'll need to photocopy both sides of two pieces of identification: your driver's licence, health card, signed credit card, social insurance card or one of these other acceptable forms of identification. Mail the form and the photocopied identification to the address listed on the form and you're done.

If you're ordering your report by phone, have your social insurance number and credit card ready. A computerized voice will guide you through the process and ask whether you want to pay for your credit score. If you don't want to see your score, just say no and you're done. I ordered a free report from Equifax by phone and it took less than a week to arrive in my mailbox.

When you get your report, make sure all the information is accurate. If your report shows loans or credit cards that you didn't apply for, someone may have used your identity to apply for credit or the credit bureau may have incorrect information about your credit use. Either way, you'll want to tell the credit bureau about the discrepancy immediately.

“Essex urges residents to sign up for CodeRED system”

2011-01-03T21:14:00.001-08:00

“Essex urges residents to sign up for CodeRED system”

Essex urges residents to sign up for CodeRED system

Posted: 03 Jan 2011 08:49 PM PST

ESSEX — The town's new mass notification system is now fully operational and town officials are urging residents to sign up for the free program.

Essex joined the rest of Cape Ann's communities when a special Town Meeting approved a "reverse 911" system in November.

Voters approved spending up to $5,000 on a mass notification system to notify residents of emergency situations or important municipal announcements via mass phone calls, texts, and e-mails.

Last month, the town selected CodeRED to provide the service at an annual cost of $4,510.

Town Administrator Brendhan Zubricki said CodeRED will automatically include all listed numbers in Essex while residents with unlisted numbers can opt-in to the service to have messages delivered.

People who want e-mails and/or alternate numbers such as mobile phone numbers entered into the system can provide the system with their information by clicking on the CodeRED opt-in graphic located on the town's online homepage at www.essexma.org.

CodeRED, based in Ormond Beach, Fla., allows emergency officials to send recorded messages to all homes and businesses, or just a targeted area, within seconds. The messages inform residents of the situation and, if necessary, provide instructions for action.

According to CodeRED, "all businesses should register, as well as all individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number or address within the past year, and those who use a cellular phone or VoIP phone as their primary number."

The high volume and high speed communication service employs a unique geographical-based system capable of dialing 60,000 phone numbers per hour. It can deliver the pre-recorded message to a live person or an answering machine.

The pricing per-capita will never increase, and a new contract can be signed each successive year if Essex is satisfied with the service, Zubricki has said.

Town officials have said the primary reason Essex chose CodeRED was its usage by Gloucester and Manchester and soon Rockport. Another factor that influenced the decision was that it was the vendor most preferred by Essex' police and fire chiefs.

Jonathan L'Ecuyer can be reached at 978-283-7000 x 3451 or jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.

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Skype adding Wi-Fi, 3G video calling to iPhone app

2011-01-02T21:34:00.001-08:00

Skype adding Wi-Fi, 3G video calling to iPhone app

Posted: 02 Jan 2011 12:32 PM PST

Skype adding Wi-Fi, 3G video calling to iPhone app

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A new version of the free iPhone app for Skype SA will let users make and receive video calls.

Users of the Internet calling and messaging service will be able to use both Wi-Fi and AT&T Inc.'s 3G cellular network. FaceTime software, which comes with iPhones, works only with Wi-Fi.

The app, which is being released Thursday through Apple Inc.'s iTunes Store, will let iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS users make free video calls to other Skype users who are using the app or have access to the feature using Skype on their computer or other video phone.

Those with the latest iPod Touch will be able to make video calls over Wi-Fi. The app allows the iPad and previous-generation iPod Touch to receive video calls, too, Skype said.

Skype's software offers free services such as voice or video calls to other Skype users.

Users pay to do things such as make calls from a PC to a landline or cell phone.

In the first half of 2010, video calls made up 40 percent of all minutes spent using Skype's free calling services, the company said.

The iPhone 4, which was released in June, was the first iPhone to include a front-facing camera for video chat. It includes FaceTime, which enables users to make video calls to others who have the iPhone 4, the latest iPod Touch or a Mac computer. So far, however, FaceTime doesn't work over the cellular network and doesn't allow calls to Windows-based computers.

Skype, which is based in Luxembourg, is not the first third-party app for the iPhone to allow free video calling over AT&T's cellular network. Apps such as Fring and Tango offer the capability as well, although neither has as many users as Skype.

The updated app comes about a week after Skype suffered a major service outage that lasted 24 hours and cut off service for millions of users. On average, 124 million people use Skype each month, though the total number of registered users is more than four times that.

In a Wednesday post on the comp any's blog, Skype's chief information officer, Lars Rabbe, said the problem was caused by a bug in a version of Skype's software for computers running Microsoft Corp.'s Windows operating system.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A new version of the free iPhone app for Skype SA will let users make and receive video calls.

Users of the Internet calling and messaging service will be able to use both Wi-Fi and AT&T Inc.'s 3G cellular network. FaceTime software, which comes with iPhones, works only with Wi-Fi.

Those with the latest iPod Touch will be able to make video calls over Wi-Fi. The app allows the iPad and previous-generation iPod Touch to receive video calls, too, Skype said.

Skype's software offers free services such as voice or video calls to other Skype users.

Users pay to do things such as make calls from a PC to a landline or cell phone.

In the first half of 2010, video calls made up 40 percent of all minutes spent using Skype's free calling services, the company said.

“Drivers aware of new cell phone law”

2011-01-01T21:15:00.001-08:00

“Drivers aware of new cell phone law”

Drivers aware of new cell phone law

Posted: 01 Jan 2011 01:12 AM PST

Rob Major has seen the electronic billboard on I-95 as he enters Delaware reminding him that it becomes illegal to drive with his cell phone up to his ear starting Sunday.

That's why the 38-year-old Newark man was shopping for a new hands-free listening and talking device Friday at the Verizon Wireless store in the Center Pointe Plaza in Stanton.

"I was definitely aware of [the new law] and preparing for it as well," said Major, who commutes to College Park, Md., every day.

Delaware's new law bans sending text messages while operating a motor vehicle and talking on a handheld cell phone while behind the wheel.

Drivers may pick up a cell phone to dial a number, but the law requires they use hands-free equipment in order to talk while driving.

Wireless-phone dealers say they have seen an uptick in sales in recent weeks for Bluetooth and other devices that allow drivers to accept and make calls without holding a phone to an ear.

"It has increased the sales, definitely," said Jay Kang, owner of First State Wireless in New Castle.

Increased sales for wireless devices has extended across state lines, as New Jersey and Maryland have similar laws requiring two hands on the wheel.

At Select One Wireless in Booth's Corner Farmers Market in Boothwyn, Pa., owner Imran Bajwa says he has sold several Bluetooth earpieces and car kits in recent weeks to customers who work or live in Delaware and New Jersey.

"Everybody's trying to be compliant," Bajwa said.

Bajwa said he overstocked his shelves in the destination market, anticipating additional sales after Christmas. "We knew there would be demand after the holidays because of the new law," said Bajwa, whose warehouse and Internet sales operation is based in Newark.

Earpieces that connect wirelessly to a cell phone remain a top-selling item, according to dealers.

But many customers are choosing to equip their cars with wireless receivers that attach to a windshield visor and connect directly to a Bluetooth-enabled phone, said Lisa Fontana, manager of the Verizon Wireless store on Churchmans Road.

(2 of 2)

Major, a civilian Air Force employee, was shopping for a corded headset instead of a Bluetooth wireless listening device.

"I really don't like anything hanging off my ear," Major said.

Enforcement not easy

Gov. Jack Markell signed the law on July 6, giving the Delaware Office of Highway Safety and other agencies nearly six months to inform the public and out-of-state motorists who travel down the I-95 corridor each day.

"I think our residents are definitely aware of the law," Fontana said.

Enforcing the law is not easy because a police officer has to actually see a driver with his hand on a phone or witness a swerving motorist in order to pull him over, said Sgt. Paul Shavack, public information director for the Delaware State Police.

"We have no plans for a cell-phone saturation patrol or cell-phone checkpoints at this time," Shavack said.

If police catch drivers texting or holding a phone while driving, they can be fined $50 for the first infraction -- and $100 to $200 for each subsequent violation.

Delaware joins Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and three other states in prohibiting drivers from talking into a handset or texting.

In 2009, Delaware State Police recorded 230 vehicle crashes involving a driver who was distracted from talking on a cell phone. As of last week, there had been 214 such crashes in 2010, according to the Delaware Office of Highway Safety.

State Rep. Darryl Scott, D-Dover, said he sponsored the ban with the hope of preventing distracted drivers from causing future accidents -- and harm to themselves and others.

Most constituents have reacted positively to the new law, Scott said.

But Scott acknowledged that other residents may not be so happy when they get their first ticket.

"A ticket or two may get their attention," Scott said. "Or a friend or two getting stopped may get their attention."

“Review for PC-2-Phone, the New Product from Phone Cards Central”

2010-12-31T21:15:00.001-08:00

“Review for PC-2-Phone, the New Product from Phone Cards Central”

Review for PC-2-Phone, the New Product from Phone Cards Central

Posted: 31 Dec 2010 12:07 AM PST

(PRWEB) December 31, 2010

Phone Cards Central has recently launched a new product on their website – PC-2-Phone. This is an application which allows you to make cheap phone calls right from your PC, with only an internet connection and a headset with microphone.

The application can be downloaded for free right from the company's website, and then can be used it to make low rate international calls to pretty much any destination in the world! So why would you use this application, and not your calling plan? To begin with, the rates are lower (for domestic calls within USA for example, you get 35% more minutes using PC-2-Phone, than by using your calling plan) and the dialing process is a lot faster: you just dial the number in international format (no access number or PIN required), or save all your contacts in the contacts list and connect to them with just one click.

They have added some great features to this product too, such as virtual number (you rent a phone number in a location/country of your choice, and other people can call you on that number at local rates), voice mail and call forward. But let's see what the company's representative has to say about the product:

"We had the idea to develop and add this new product to Phone Cards Central, since we realized there might be many people out there who can benefit from calling directly from their PC – with lower rates. The business sector is a great example: if you're collaborating with someone abroad and you wish to call them, you can do so from right in front of your PC: call them on their mobile, and discuss the latest offer they sent to you via e-mail; why call using a phone, when you can simply call using your head set and also receive lower rates?

Besides, we expect the Virtual Number feature to be of great help to people who travel a lot, especially to various locations; assume all your friends and family are in USA but you travel a lot to many different countries. Then, you can simply rent a US Virtual Number, give it to your friends in USA and they can call you paying for a simple local call; you can answer from the PC-2-Phone application, or have the calls forwarded to your own cell phone. There's really many, many ways that this new product can benefit our customers, and any feedback on their part is welcome and we'll sure use it to improve the product furthermore!" Sylvia Pope, Business Development Manager, WDN Communications

###

“Skype releasing new iPhone app that allows video calls over Wi-Fi, AT&T's 3G network”

2010-12-30T21:18:00.001-08:00

“Skype releasing new iPhone app that allows video calls over Wi-Fi, AT&T's 3G network”

Skype releasing new iPhone app that allows video calls over Wi-Fi, AT&T's 3G network

Posted: 30 Dec 2010 03:39 PM PST

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A new version of the free iPhone app for Skype SA will let users make and receive video calls.

Users of the Internet calling and messaging service will be able to use both Wi-Fi and AT&T Inc.'s 3G cellular network. FaceTime software, which comes with iPhones, works only with Wi-Fi.

Those with the latest iPod Touch will be able to make video calls over Wi-Fi. The app allows the iPad and previous-generation iPod Touch to receive video calls, too, Skype said.

Skype's software offers free services such as voice or video calls to other Skype users.

Users pay to do things such as make calls from a PC to a landline or cell phone.

In the first half of 2010, video calls made up 40 percent of all minutes spent using Skype's free calling services, the company said.

In a Wednesday post on the company's blog, Skype's chief information officer, Lars Rabbe, said the problem was caused by a bug in a version of Skype's software for computers running Microsoft Corp.'s Windows operating system.

“Free health advice – a phone call away these holidays”

2010-12-28T21:13:00.001-08:00

“Free health advice – a phone call away these holidays”

Free health advice – a phone call away these holidays

Posted: 28 Dec 2010 05:14 PM PST


Wednesday, 29 December 2010, 2:07 pm Press Release: Healthline

Free health advice – a phone call away these holidays
Healthline 0800 611 116
29 December 2010

There are certain types of illnesses and accidents that, unfortunately, sometimes seem to go with summer holidays. Someone develops a splitting headache, a nasty rash, gets stung by a jellyfish or cuts their foot on some broken glass.

Thankfully, you can turn to the Ministry of Health-funded Healthline service. Wherever you are in the country, if there's telephone coverage, help is at hand.

Healthline – 0800 611 116 – is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by registered nurses who can advise you on what's best to do and how urgently you should do it.

Depending on your health issue, that could be advice to see a GP within 24 hours or to visit the emergency department right away. Up to 40 percent of callers are given information to self-manage the condition, including things to try and advice on what to watch out for. A small percentage of callers are put through to 111.

Healthline Senior Nurse Advisor Janet Harp says many of the calls received over the New Year period relate to holiday ailments or mishaps.

"We get lots of calls about those things that can happen when people are enjoying summer holiday activities – from sunburn and dehydration, to headaches, bites and stings from insects and jelly fish, and food poisoning – especially from shellfish."

Heathline nurses can also direct you to the nearest GP clinic or after-hours pharmacy.

For free confidential health advice from a registered nurse these holidays, phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.

“Our Boys thrilled at free calls to family”

2010-12-26T21:31:00.001-08:00

“Our Boys thrilled at free calls to family”

Our Boys thrilled at free calls to family

Posted: 26 Dec 2010 06:13 PM PST

We joined forces with secure communications firm Paradigm and Cable & Wireless Worldwide to lay on the free minutes.

And they are for ALL overseas servicemen, not just those in Afghanistan. Sarah Perzylo, 36, from Colchester, Essex - mum to Mia, four, and Millie, one - was delighted.

Her husband, Colour Sergeant Kurt, 35, is with The Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan.

Sarah said: "It's great The Sun is funding extra phone minutes. We'll all be able to talk to him."

Keith Norton, managing director of Paradigm, said: "We hope the additional talk time will bring some comfort to families of those on operational duty overseas."

“Dear Abby: Wife should take busy hubby's phone calls”

2010-12-25T21:20:00.001-08:00

“Dear Abby: Wife should take busy hubby's phone calls”

Dear Abby: Wife should take busy hubby's phone calls

Posted: 25 Dec 2010 09:12 PM PST

Published: December 26. 2010 12:01AM

Dear Abby: When my husband, "Mac," calls me on the phone, he expects me to look at the caller ID and immediately interrupt whatever conversation I'm having to take his call.

Unless I expect an important call (from a doctor or my children's school), I do not look at the caller ID. I give my full attention to the person I'm speaking to. If I hear someone "beep," I'll attempt to quickly bring the conversation to a polite and natural end before calling back the person who tried to reach me.

Mac believes that anyone I'm talking to should understand that he takes priority. Abby, Mac is a high-level executive with limited free time during the day. He is not otherwise demanding and usually calls me only once a day. Who is right? -- On A Short Phone Leash

Dear On A Short Phone Leash: As your husband is a high-level executive, his time may be tightly scheduled. Because he calls you only once a day, it's not too much to ask that you take the call. I can understand that he finds it frustrating that you refuse.

Dear Abby: My mother-in-law, "Thelma," came to live with us two years ago at age 82. Because she likes to cook, she has done most of the meal preparation. It has been a big help since my husband and I work full time.

Over the last year, Thelma's judgment has deteriorated and so have her cooking skills. She'll often prepare meals by 2 p.m. that won't be served until 6 or 7.

The food sits on the stove or kitchen counter for hours.

My mother-in-law is so kind, I don't want to offend her. My husband refuses to discuss it with her because he doesn't want to upset her. Please help. -- Hungry In Missouri

Dear Hungry: Food is the least of your problems. Your mother-in-law is showing signs of dementia. You and your husband need to understand that what's happening may be progressive. A point may come when, if a fire should start while she's cooking, she would no longer remember what to do.

Write to Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

“IDevice Releases IGrill Bluetooth Kitchen Thermometer”

2010-12-24T21:11:00.001-08:00

“IDevice Releases IGrill Bluetooth Kitchen Thermometer”

IDevice Releases IGrill Bluetooth Kitchen Thermometer

Posted: 24 Dec 2010 06:32 AM PST

Bluetooth already helps us make hands-free phone calls, but now it can help us cook a perfect steak. iDevices's iGrill is a Bluetooth-enabled thermometer that communicates with an app on your iOS device, keeping you updated on the temperature of your food, while freeing you from the confines of your kitchen when you cook.

The iGrill Thermometer can communicate with your iOS device via Bluetooth from up to 200 feet away, and features its own touch interface and projection display. It can track temperatures up to 400°F and has built-in alert settings, allowing it to be used as a stand-alone thermometer.

The free iGrill app connects with the iGrill Thermometer and updates you on the temperature of your food. It also has a cooking-time remaining feature, a recipe browsing and sharing function, kitchen timer, and instructional articles.

The iGrill Thermometer runs on four AA batteries and costs $100; for an another $20, you can add an additional probe to your iGrill, letting you monitor two separate dishes while they cook.

Would you recommend this story? YES NO

“iDevice releases iGrill Bluetooth kitchen thermometer”

2010-12-23T21:13:00.001-08:00

“iDevice releases iGrill Bluetooth kitchen thermometer”

iDevice releases iGrill Bluetooth kitchen thermometer

Posted: 23 Dec 2010 02:13 PM PST

The iGrill Thermometer runs on four AA batteries and costs $100; for an another $20, you can add an additional probe to your iGrill, letting you monitor two separate dishes while they cook.

“Free GPS in Time for Santa's Trip”

2010-12-22T21:08:00.001-08:00

“Free GPS in Time for Santa's Trip”

Free GPS in Time for Santa's Trip

Posted: 22 Dec 2010 08:41 AM PST

Welcome to On Sale at FOX Business, where we look at cool stuff and insane bargains.

Twitter lets you Tweet for those in need. Free calls are now available through 2011. A new app lets you find your way, with or without a wireless connection. And now you experience New Year's Eve in Times Square, from anywhere in the world.

Tweet for Tots

Twitter users can tweet for a cause by way of the 2010 Holiday Tweet Drive. Through Thursday, December 23, local Tweet-ups are participating in toy drives. You can find out more by visiting TweetDrive.org to find out which events are accepting toys in lieu of paying an entrance fee. And if you find you've missed the deadline, or don't have any Tweet Drive events in your city, you can always donate to Toys for Tots by finding the closest drop-off point here.

And if you want to do even more to help others this holiday season, check out DoSomething.org. Their Act Now site simplifies the charity search process, letting you narrow your selection according to cause, location, and timeframe. You can even have instant access to new programs and ideas by following them on Twitter.

Phone Home

Calling friends and family to wish them a happy new year (and every day thereafter) is so easy, thanks to Google. The company (GOOG) says Gmail users can make free phone calls to the U.S. and Canada through 2011. International calls have per-minute rates starting at just $0.02. Check it out at Google.com.

Free Navigation

A new (free!) app for iPhone and iPad will help you find your way to this season's holiday festivities on time. Powered by Navmii, the NavFree USA app offers turn-by-turn directions, voice guidance, and 1.6GB of offline map data, meaning that maps are stored on your iPhone/iPad so you can access routes without a wireless connection. And, if you take a wrong turn, NavFree will automatically re-route your trip.

Wireless Music

If new audio speakers are on your wish list this holiday season, check out the new – and affordable! – wireless wonder from Aluratek. The BUMP Wireless Speaker sells for $79.99 and lets you stream music from your computer just by plugging in its USB transmitter. The speaker runs on a built in Lithium ion battery for up to four hours on a single charge. For $99.99 you can try the BUMP Digital MP3/FM Radio Boombox with Remote Wireless Speaker.
The Boombox can connect with up to six different speakers with its 2.4GHz digital wireless transmitter.

Remote New Year's Eve

The Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment are giving you the chance to experience New Year's Eve in Times Square from your handheld mobile device. The Time's Square Ball app is available for Apple (AAPL) and Android devices for free, letting you experience the Times Square New Year's Eve party from anywhere in the world.

App users can submit their very own party photos, which will be shared by all via the Toshiba Vision sign at One Times Square. You can also customize your own countdown clock, and watch all six and a half hours of streaming video, live from Times Square.

Know of a killer deal or insane bargain? E-mail the goods to OnSale@FOXBusiness.com, and share the wealth.

“Gmail extends free calling through 2011”

2010-12-21T21:10:00.001-08:00

“Gmail extends free calling through 2011”

Gmail extends free calling through 2011

Posted: 21 Dec 2010 10:16 AM PST

Google will continue enabling users to place free phone calls from Gmail throughout 2011...at least for users in the United States.

Google has announced it will extend free phone calling from Gmail throughout the entire 2011 calendar year, meaning that Gmail users in the United States will be able to continue placing free calls to numbers in the U.S. and Canada. The service also offers low rates for international calls to other countries.

"In the spirit of holiday giving and to help people keep in touch in the new year, we're extending free calling for all of 2011," Google engineer Robin Schriebman said in a statement.

Google launched its "call from Gmail" feature earlier this year as a way to increase the visibility of its VoIP offerings, which has been dominated by Skype for several years. Google has made major strides with services like Google Voice, and calling from Gmail seemed to strike a chord with Gmail users: Google reportedly saw 10 million phone calls placed from Gmail within the service's first week of availability.

Calling from Gmail requires that users download and install Google's voice and video chat software, available for Windows XP+, Mac OS X 10.4 and newer, and Linux.

Google has not announced plans to extend free calling from Gmail to other markets.

Trackback URL: http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/gmail-extends-free-calling-through-2011/trackback/

“Google Extends Gmail’s Free Calling Service”

2010-12-20T21:12:00.001-08:00

“Google Extends Gmail’s Free Calling Service”

Google Extends Gmail’s Free Calling Service

Posted: 20 Dec 2010 05:08 PM PST

In August of this year, Google introduced a new enhancement for their email service, Gmail, in which customers could now make free long distance calls to both Canada and the US. At the time, Google had indicated that this free service would only be available until the end of this year.

Their PC to phone service has been quite popular. In the first 24 hours since its launch, more then 1 million phone calls had been placed and in the first week, the service saw 10 million calls logged. The good news is that Google is now extending free calling for all of 2011.

The service is quite easy to use and essentially, you just dial a phone number like you would on a regular phone. Once you've logged into your Gmail account, you will see a "call phone" option located near the top of your chat list and when you click on it, you can either dial a phone number or type in a contact's name.

Via: Google, Geeks Room

“U.S. Cellular Spreads Holiday Cheer With "All Phones Free" Sale From Dec. 17 Throught Dec. 24”

2010-12-19T21:28:00.001-08:00

“U.S. Cellular Spreads Holiday Cheer With "All Phones Free" Sale From Dec. 17 Throught Dec. 24”

U.S. Cellular Spreads Holiday Cheer With "All Phones Free" Sale From Dec. 17 Throught Dec. 24

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 05:13 PM PST

- U.S. Cellular, which was recently recognized in a survey by Consumer Reports as the best wireless carrier in the country, is helping holiday shoppers with last-minute gifts by offering every phone for free, including the latest Android-powered smartphones. U.S. Cellular is spreading the joy even further by offering a $100 credit to new customers purchasing a smartphone or existing customers adding a new smartphone line. Customers can stop by any U.S. Cellular store for more details and pick out their free phones while supplies last.
Shoppers can make this holiday season memorable by giving Android-powered phones like the HTC Desire, LG Optimus U or Samsung Mesmerize (a Galaxy S device), which is the highest-rated smartphone by Consumer Reports. All of U.S. Cellular's phones, including advanced smartphones like the BlackBerry Bold and Curve, are free after mail-in rebates. All devices are backed by U.S. Cellular's high-speed nationwide network and the valuable benefits of The Belief Project, which include faster phone upgrades, overage cap, discounts for autopay and paperless billing, and "no contract after the first."
"Our extensive lineup of cutting-edge phones offers something for everyone. We have devices and plans for heavy texters, businesspeople, music fans, gamers and folks who want a basic phone without the advanced features," said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in the western North Carolina. "The All Phones Free sale is the perfect opportunity for customers to find the one that best fits their lifestyle."
The Android-powered Samsung Mesmerize and HTC Desire are ideal for those who want everything in a smartphone. Their large touchscreens and blazing fast 1 GHz processors are great for watching videos, playing games and zipping through business and entertainment applications.
The LG Optimus U is designed for first-time smartphone customers ready to experience the power of Android 2.2 technology. It has a virtual QWERTY keyboard with Swype technology that allows users to input text quickly by sliding a finger over the keyboard in one continuous motion. All six of U.S. Cellular's Android-powered devices can be enhanced by the more than 100,000 applications in the Android Market, many of which are free.
The BlackBerry Bold and Curve are popular smartphones that pack lots of helpful apps for business and personal use. Both have Wi-Fi access and global travelers will like the Bold's ability to connect on wireless networks around the world.
Customers who prefer a phone for calling, texting and taking pictures can select devices like the Samsung Profile Freeform and Exec, the Motorola Grasp and LG Mystique. These feature-rich devices have expandable memory for music fans who want to take their tunes everywhere.
U.S. Cellular also offers a wide range of national bundled plans through The Belief Project. Its National Single Line and Family Belief Plans offer affordable voice, text and data packages. Customers who text, e-mail and download more than they talk may prefer the new Primary Plus Plan for $69.99 per month that comes with 5GB of data, unlimited text, picture and video messaging, free GPS navigation and free unlimited incoming calls, nights and weekends, and mobile-to-mobile calls. Customers also can opt for the Premium Plus Family Plan for $179.99, which includes two lines with unlimited minutes and messaging, 5GB of data per line, Phone Replacement and GPS navigation.
New customers who sign up for a Belief Plan and fulfill an initial two-year commitment will never have to sign another one with U.S. Cellular's "no contract after the first." Current U.S. Cellular customers who signed up for a Belief Plan and are already eligible for a phone upgrade can get promotional prices without signing another contract. Customers automatically get valuable rewards that can be used for faster phone upgrades in as little as 10 months, additional lines, phones, accessories and ringtones.

About The Belief Project
Launched Oct. 1, The Belief Project recognizes customer loyalty with national bundled rate plans that offer customers the freedom to enjoy industry-leading benefits without signing continuous contracts – like guaranteed upgrades to the newest phones at promotional prices every 18 months.

With "no contract after the first," new customers fulfill an initial two-year commitment and never have to sign another contract again. Existing customers who switch to the new Belief Plans can simply finish the remainder of their term without extending their current contract.

Customers automatically get valuable rewards just for being a customer that can be used for even faster phone upgrades in as little as 10 months. Rewards can also be used to get additional lines, phones, accessories and ringtones.

The Belief Project also includes the industry's only Phone Replacement program. If a customer's phone accidentally breaks or stops working, U.S. Cellular replaces it with the same or similar model at no additional cost. Customers also can save up to 5 percent on their monthly plans for setting up autopay and paperless billing.

These innovative initiatives were developed to address consumers' common frustrations with wireless, elevate the customer experience and create a human relationship, not a contractual one. For more information about The Belief Project, visit uscellular.com.

About U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular is committed to fixing wireless one project at a time and recently unveiled The Belief Project, an array of industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier provides the best cell phone service in the country according to survey results released by Consumer Reports, which found that wireless customers are more satisfied with U.S. Cellular than every other major wireless company. U.S. Cellular was also named one of Forbes Magazine's 2010 "Most Trustworthy Companies." The Belief Project complements U.S. Cellular's growing catalog of cutting-edge phones that are all backed by its high-speed nationwide network. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. You can also check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.

“Telemarketer dinged $500K for making barred phone calls”

2010-12-17T21:06:00.001-08:00

“Telemarketer dinged $500K for making barred phone calls”

Telemarketer dinged $500K for making barred phone calls

Posted: 17 Dec 2010 03:02 PM PST

OTTAWA A telemarketing firm has paid a record penalty for making banned phone calls.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission says Xentel DM Inc. paid a $500,000 "administrative monetary penalty" for what it calls unauthorized telemarketing practices.

A CRTC investigation found that Xentel called consumers who had registered their numbers with the National Do Not Call List.

It also promoted events on its own behalf or on behalf of groups that were not registered as charities with the Canada Revenue Agency.

The do-not-call rules provide an exemption for registered charities.

Implemented in September 2008, the National Do Not Call List is a free service that is supposed to restrict the number of unwanted telemarketing calls and faxes people receive.

Telemarketers are barred from dialing a number once it is on the list, and face stiff penalties if they do.

The program came under early criticism from federal opposition MPs and others when it appeared the penalty regime was not being enforced.

Almost 8.7 million numbers had been listed by last month, and 102 investigations of potential violations were under way. The agency has imposed 25 monetary penalties since the program was introduced.

"The rules are quite clear as to what types of calls are exempt from the National Do Not Call List," Andrea Rosen, the CRTC's chief telecommunications enforcement officer, said in a statement.

"We appreciate Xentel's commitment to change its telemarketing practices in order to address our concerns. Education is an important part of any compliance program, and we are working with the industry to make certain that telemarketers understand their responsibilities."

Xentel agreed to publish corrective notices in newspapers and on its website. It will also implement a compliance program to ensure that its telemarketing practices are within the rules and verify that its representatives are properly trained.

Numbers can be registered with the National Do Not Call List at www.dncl.gc.ca or by telephone at 1-866-580-3625.

The Canadian Press

“0800 numbers should be free to call from mobiles, says Ofcom”

2010-12-16T21:09:00.001-08:00

“0800 numbers should be free to call from mobiles, says Ofcom”

0800 numbers should be free to call from mobiles, says Ofcom

Posted: 16 Dec 2010 09:56 AM PST

Communications regulator Ofcom has launched a consultation that could force mobile phone companies to make calls to 0800 numbers free, as well as regulate the way call charges for directory enquiries and phone voting are advertised.

Ed Richards, Ofcom's chief executive, said that the current environment was "opaque, confused and uncertain" as he announced that the regulator was proposing to make all calls from mobile and landlines to 0800 numbers free by 2012.

The regulator has also added that it would like to introduce a transparent system of pricing for all phone numbers. The move could mean, for instance, that phone voting on popular televisions shows such as The X Factor would display common symbols to indicate how much a call would cost.

Research by Ofcom has suggested that the public routinely underestimate some costs to premium rate numbers beginning 09, while they overestimate the costs of calling 08 numbers from both mobiles and landlines.

Under new proposals, the regulator would force phone companies and service providers, such as banks and electricity companies, to indicate how much a call costs to make and how much the recipient charges. The result could be on-screen messages that tells users how much as call costs, and indicates that it was also subject to a mobile company's "access charge".

Directory enquiries services will also be clarified under new regulations, although Ofcom is not proposing to force a standard price on all operators.

“U.S. Cellular Spreads Holiday Cheer With 'All Phones Free' Sale From Dec. 17 Through Dec. 24”

2010-12-15T21:34:00.001-08:00

“U.S. Cellular Spreads Holiday Cheer With 'All Phones Free' Sale From Dec. 17 Through Dec. 24”

U.S. Cellular Spreads Holiday Cheer With 'All Phones Free' Sale From Dec. 17 Through Dec. 24

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 12:25 PM PST

Posted on: Wednesday, 15 December 2010, 10:00 CST

CHICAGO, Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Cellular, which was recently recognized in a survey by Consumer Reports as the best wireless carrier in the country, is helping holiday shoppers with last-minute gifts by offering every phone for free, including the latest Android-powered smartphones. U.S. Cellular is spreading the joy even further by offering a $100 credit to new customers purchasing a smartphone or existing customers adding a new smartphone line. Customers can stop by any U.S. Cellular store for more details and pick out their free phones while supplies last.

Shoppers can make this holiday season memorable by giving Android-powered phones like the HTC Desire, LG Optimus U or Samsung Mesmerize (a Galaxy S device), which is the highest-rated smartphone by Consumer Reports. All of U.S. Cellular's phones, including advanced smartphones like the BlackBerry Bold and Curve, are free after mail-in rebates. All devices are backed by U.S. Cellular's high-speed nationwide network and the valuable benefits of The Belief Project, which include faster phone upgrades, overage cap, discounts for autopay and paperless billing, and "no contract after the first."

"Our extensive lineup of cutting-edge phones offers something for everyone. We have devices and plans for heavy texters, businesspeople, music fans, gamers and folks who want a basic phone without the advanced features," said Edward Perez, vice president of marketing and sales operations for U.S. Cellular. "The All Phones Free sale is the perfect opportunity for customers to find the one that best fits their lifestyle."

The Android-powered Samsung Mesmerize and HTC Desire are ideal for those who want everything in a smartphone. Their large touchscreens and blazing fast 1 GHz processors are great for watching videos, playing games and zipping through business and entertainment applications.

The LG Optimus U is designed for first-time smartphone customers ready to experience the power of Android 2.2 technology. It has a virtual QWERTY keyboard with Swype technology that allows users to input text quickly by sliding a finger over the keyboard in one continuous motion. All six of U.S. Cellular's Android-powered devices can be enhanced by the more than 100,000 applications in the Android Market, many of which are free.

The BlackBerry Bold and Curve are popular smartphones that pack lots of helpful apps for business and personal use. Both have Wi-Fi access and global travelers will like the Bold's ability to connect on wireless networks around the world.

Customers who prefer a phone for calling, texting and taking pictures can select devices like the Samsung Profile Freeform and Exec, the Motorola Grasp and LG Mystique. These feature-rich devices have expandable memory for music fans who want to take their tunes everywhere.

U.S. Cellular also offers a wide range of national bundled plans through The Belief Project. Its National Single Line and Family Belief Plans offer affordable voice, text and data packages. Customers who text, e-mail and download more than they talk may prefer the new Primary Plus Plan for $69.99 per month that comes with 5GB of data, unlimited text, picture and video messaging, free GPS navigation and free unlimited incoming calls, nights and weekends, and mobile-to-mobile calls. Customers also can opt for the Premium Plus Family Plan for $179.99, which includes two lines with unlimited minutes and messaging, 5GB of data per line, Phone Replacement and GPS navigation.

New customers who sign up for a Belief Plan and fulfill an initial two-year commitment will never have to sign another one with U.S. Cellular's "no contract after the first." Current U.S. Cellular customers who signed up for a Belief Plan and are already eligible for a phone upgrade can get promotional prices without signing another contract. Customers automatically get valuable rewards that can be used for faster phone upgrades in as little as 10 months, additional lines, phones, accessories and ringtones.

About The Belief Project

Launched Oct. 1, The Belief Project recognizes customer loyalty with national bundled rate plans that offer customers the freedom to enjoy industry-leading benefits without signing continuous contracts - like guaranteed upgrades to the newest phones at promotional prices every 18 months.

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular is committed to fixing wireless one project at a time and recently unveiled The Belief Project, an array of industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier provides the best cell phone service in the country according to survey results released by Consumer Reports, which found that wireless customers are more satisfied with U.S. Cellular than every other major wireless company. U.S. Cellular was also named one of Forbes Magazine's 2010 "Most Trustworthy Companies." The Belief Project complements U.S. Cellular's growing catalog of cutting-edge phones that are all backed by its high-speed nationwide network. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. You can also check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.

SOURCE U.S. Cellular

Source: PR Newswire

More News in this Category

“Google Voice Arrives for iPad & iPod Touch...Minus the Voice”

2010-12-14T21:04:00.001-08:00

“Google Voice Arrives for iPad & iPod Touch...Minus the Voice”

Google Voice Arrives for iPad & iPod Touch...Minus the Voice

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 08:57 AM PST

Sorry, Readability was unable to parse this page for content.

“Jingle All the Way to Robocall Madness”

2010-12-13T21:09:00.001-08:00

“Jingle All the Way to Robocall Madness”

Jingle All the Way to Robocall Madness

Posted: 13 Dec 2010 08:03 PM PST

Updated: Monday, 13 Dec 2010, 9:48 PM CST
Published : Monday, 13 Dec 2010, 9:48 PM CST

HOUSTON - Those jingle bells you hear this time of year might just be phone calls from telemarketers, even if you're on the Do Not Call list.

I heard that jingling on Monday morning. So I whipped out my iPhone to record the sales pitch.

After all, it was about the sixth time this same robo-call landed on my number, offering to set up a free, in-home evaluation to earn me a $3700 tax credit for reducing my power consumption.

The only way to get that much back from the government is to install alternative-energy technology, like solar panels, says tax accountant Bob Martin.

Anyhow, I pressed "1" and talked to a representative from the Energy Awareness Organization. Google that name and you'll come up with a list of complaints.

Now you can add me to that list. Here's how the phone call went:

Ned Hibberd: "Ma'am, our phone number is on the do not call list. Why am I getting these phone calls?"

"Lisa" with Energy Awareness Organization: "Right... see, cuz the Do Not Call list applies to sales people and telemarketers. Since we're neither of those, that's why we're able to call you. So this is not a sales call."

That argument won't fly with the courts. They've ruled that if the call is made for a commercial purpose, it's a sales call. Now back to the conversation…

Ned Hibberd: "Be that as it may, I have asked Brad with your same organization to take our number off the robo-call list."

"Lisa": "Okay, so you're not interested in reducing your power bill?"

"If you speak with them," says Leah Napoliello with the Houston Better Business Bureau, "they are going to try to sell you something, of course. So the best thing is just to cut them off before you can even engage with them further."

Napoliello tells me there are exceptions to the Do Not Call rules, but this company doesn't appear to qualify for any of them.

"It's not legal whatsoever. And especially if someone is calling you like that, over and over again, the best thing to do is to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission."

I might just do that.

And, by the way, I tried to contact the Energy Awareness Organization for its side of the story. I called three of the phone numbers that are associated with their calls.

But my calls just rolled over to voicemail. And wouldn't you know it? The inboxes were full.

“New counseling hotline aims to 'DSTRESS' Marines, families”

2010-12-12T21:07:00.001-08:00

“New counseling hotline aims to 'DSTRESS' Marines, families”

New counseling hotline aims to 'DSTRESS' Marines, families

Posted: 12 Dec 2010 09:16 AM PST

Sorry, Readability was unable to parse this page for content.

“61,000 calls to AISD parents and guardians on budget cuts”

2010-12-10T21:10:00.001-08:00

“61,000 calls to AISD parents and guardians on budget cuts”

61,000 calls to AISD parents and guardians on budget cuts

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 04:14 PM PST

Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

by ANDREW HORANSKY/ KVUE News

kvue.com

Posted on December 10, 2010 at 6:10 PM

Updated today at 6:10 PM

Sixty-one thousand phone calls are now going out to parents and guardians of students in the Austin Independent School District. In them, Superintendent Meria Carstarphen is heard saying that "Austin ISD faces a significant budget deficit going into the new school year." She then directs listeners to an online survey where they can weigh in on budget cuts.

"People in Austin are very passionate about their child's education," said AISD spokesman Andy Welch. "That is why we think it's important to survey parents, to survey the community."

District officials blame their financial fix in part on declining tax revenue, fewer federal funds, and unprecedented enrollment. They estimate their shortfall is between $40 million and $100 million. They know that cuts could have an impact on many people.

"Certainly if you're a magnet school parent, certainly if you're a special needs parent, certainly if you are a secondary teacher with two planning periods, certainly if you have kids involved in band or athletics," Welch said, "it is an emotional issue."

Mother Linda Wiggins sends her four-year-old son to Pillow Elementary. Her big fear is that the district will someday have fewer teachers.

"The less teachers you have the more the classes are going to get bigger," Wiggins said. "That is probably my main concern."

Parent Pam Schumacher is simply concerned about the future of her seven-year-old son with physical and intellectual disabilities. She hopes he will not have to one day enroll in regular classes.

"He can do most things half-way," she said. "But he needs extra help."

Community meetings will resume next year. The new budget should be approved by early next summer.

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“Cricket Wireless Connects Families This Holiday Season With Free Phone Calls”

2010-12-09T22:19:00.001-08:00

“Cricket Wireless Connects Families This Holiday Season With Free Phone Calls”

Cricket Wireless Connects Families This Holiday Season With Free Phone Calls

Posted: 09 Dec 2010 12:11 PM PST

Posted on: Thursday, 9 December 2010, 11:55 CST

CHICAGO, Dec. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Cricket Communications, a leading provider of unlimited wireless services, is helping to connect loved ones by offering free phone calls home for the holidays at various community organizations throughout the Chicago area during the '12 Days of Cricket' program, December 11th through the 22nd.

Each day, Cricket will provide activated wireless handsets, laptops with wireless Internet, and holiday refreshments to different organizations across the market. Community residents are encouraged to stop in and place a phone call to any friend or family member they wish to reconnect with during this holiday season. The events are open to the public and no purchase is necessary.

"Cricket believes that everyone deserves a bit of holiday cheer during this season," said Al King, Area Vice President for Cricket Midwest. "Offering free phone calls to loved ones allows us to help connect families at a time when you think about them the most and wish you were there in person."

As another way to give back to the community, Cricket team members will be on hand to volunteer with the organizations by helping with food drives, serving dinner in soup kitchens and other community-oriented activities.

"We are delighted to host this event in partnership with Cricket Communications. The NLEI community of stakeholders, including students, job seeking clients and business partners, are excited and grateful for the opportunity to participate in this innovative initiative," said Elba Aranda-Suh, Executive Director of the National Latino Education Institute.

Participating community organizations and dates include:

December 11, 2010 Erie Neighborhood House 1347 W. Erie St. Chicago, IL 60642 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. December 12, 2010 Inner Voice 2905 W. 43rd St. Chicago, IL 60632 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. December 13, 2010 Casa Aztlan 1831 S. Racine Ave. Chicago, IL 60608 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. December 14, 2010 National Latino Education Institute 2011 W. Pershing Road Chicago, IL 60609 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Instituto del Progreso Latino 2570 S. Blue Island Ave. Chicago, IL 60608 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. December 15, 2010 La Casa Norte 3533 W. North Ave. Chicago, IL 60647 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. December 16, 2010 The Salvation Army Norridge Citadel 8354 W. Foster Ave. Norridge, IL 60706 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. December 17, 2010 Inner Voice 1621 W. Walnut St. Chicago, IL 60612 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. December 18, 2010 Firebelly Foundation: Reason to Give Lafayette Elementary School Auditorium 2714 W. Augusta Blvd. Chicago, IL 60622 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. December 19, 2010 Inner Voice 8718 S. Paulina St. Chicago, IL 60620 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. December 20, 2010 Casa Central Auditorium 1335 N. California Ave. Chicago, IL 60622 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. December 21, 2010 Chesterfield Community Council Tuley Park Field House 501 E. 90th Pl. Chicago, IL 60619 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Humboldt Park Social Services 2120 N. Mozart St. Chicago IL 60647 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. December 22, 2010 The Bridge Radio Youth Foundation Bloom Township High School 101 W. 10th St. Chicago Heights, IL 60411 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

For an up-to-date list and event details, please visit www.mycricket.com/events/community/chicago.

About Cricket

Cricket is the pioneer of simple and affordable unlimited wireless services with no long-term commitments or credit checks required serving more than 5.4 million customers in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Cricket offers wireless voice and broadband Internet services over the latest technology, high-quality, all-digital 3G CDMA2000 1X and 1xEV-DO wireless network. Cricket's nationwide wireless voice service plans include unlimited anytime minutes, unlimited U.S. long distance, unlimited text and picture messaging, unlimited text to Mexico, unlimited Mobile Web, unlimited directory assistance, as well as a variety of calling features and feature-rich mobile applications such as popular games, ringtones and wallpapers. Cricket Broadband provides unlimited Internet access anywhere within Cricket's coverage areas at speeds comparable to DSL. For more information on Cricket, visit www.mycricket.com. Cricket is offered by Leap Wireless International, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, Calif. For more information on Leap, visit www.leapwireless.com.

Media Contacts: --------------- PACO Communications Joanna Aguirre 312.226.7830 (o) jaguirre@pacocommunications.com Cricket Communications, Inc. Lisa Howard, Media Relations 847-315-9447 lhoward@cricketcommunications.com

SOURCE Cricket Communications

Source: PR Newswire

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“Plantronics Aims to Make Conference Calls Less Painful”

2010-12-08T21:31:00.001-08:00

“Plantronics Aims to Make Conference Calls Less Painful”

Plantronics Aims to Make Conference Calls Less Painful

Posted: 08 Dec 2010 06:15 PM PST

Ina Fried, On Wednesday December 8, 2010, 9:15 pm EST

OK, I'm still not sold on putting a Bluetooth thing in my ear all the time. But Jawbone and Plantronics are doing their best to lure me.

Both showed technologies at D: Dive Into Mobile aimed at making the headsets useful for more than just making cell phone calls. And on Thursday, Plantronics plans to announce what sounds like another pretty nifty feature. Dubbed InstantMeeting, it is a piece of software that makes it possible to dial into a meeting with the press of a button. That compares to the usual process, which involves calling a number, entering a conference code and then maybe a password to boot.

For now, InstantMeeting is a program for the BlackBerry (see image) and Android, though Plantronics says that an iPhone version is in the works, as is a Skype version and one that can connect directly to Microsoft's Outlook software–the place where that call-in data often is buried. Those other versions should come early next year.

As for the Android and Blackberry programs, a free trial version allows 20 free dial-ins, while the premium version, allowing for unlimited dial-ins will sell for $2.99. However, Plantronics says that those who download the free trial version on Thursday will get 1,000 free calls.

I'll have to see it in action to believe it, but it sure sounds like a time saver. Plus, if it works, then when your phone drops the call, you can just press one button to dial back in. Of course, like Jawbone's Thoughts application for the iPhone, I don't actually need a headset to use InstantMeeting.

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“WYANDOTTE: Seniors get fraud phone calls”

2010-12-07T22:25:00.001-08:00

“WYANDOTTE: Seniors get fraud phone calls”

WYANDOTTE: Seniors get fraud phone calls

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 02:56 PM PST

By Dan Hammon

WYANDOTTE — A 74-year-old woman received a telephone message on Nov. 11 from a man telling her that she had won the Reader's Digest America's Favorite Sweepstakes.

She received another call from a different man telling her about the "winnings," the second-place prize of $450,000. He said she needed to send $1,260 to a Philadelphia office through Western Union to receive the prize.

She said the man said the fee was for the Department of Homeland Security's new "terrorist act" to make sure the money wouldn't go to terrorist organizations.

She questioned the man, who gave her a number to call Homeland Security.

She called and a man identifying himself as officer said if she had a fax machine, he would send her a document confirming the authenticity of the sweepstakes. She doesn't have a fax machine and gave up.

She called Reader's Digest, and a representative told her that this was a fraud.

Wyandotte police Detective Lt. Bobie Heck contacted the "Homeland Security officer" with the number given to the woman.

The man who answered said he didn't have any knowledge of the calls. When asked, he said he wouldn't give any more information.

The woman said she received another phone call after that. The man asked her why she had called police and called her an obscenity.

Since she has reported the calls to police, she said she has received a dozen more calls that she thinks are from the fraudulent company. Continued...

The calls have come from all over the United States and other countries.

The woman said her brother got similar phone calls from the same numbers.

The sweepstakes' website says, "Winners receive an official notification letter in the mail from Ronald J. Leslie, Sweepstakes Director. Just provide the requested information, send it back, and your prize will be on its way."

The site gives fraud prevention tips.

"Most reputable companies notify winners by mail. So if you receive a phone call saying you've won a prize, just ask one simple question: 'Is it free?' If not, hang up.

"Be suspicious if people ask you for money to claim a prize."

The woman and police said they wanted to make the public aware of this fraud.

"I am concerned that there could be other potential victims who fall for this scam," Heck said.

By Dan Hammon

WYANDOTTE — A 74-year-old woman received a telephone message on Nov. 11 from a man telling her that she had won the Reader's Digest America's Favorite Sweepstakes.

She said the man said the fee was for the Department of Homeland Security's new "terrorist act" to make sure the money wouldn't go to terrorist organizations.

She questioned the man, who gave her a number to call Homeland Security.

She called Reader's Digest, and a representative told her that this was a fraud.

Wyandotte police Detective Lt. Bobie Heck contacted the "Homeland Security officer" with the number given to the woman.

The man who answered said he didn't have any knowledge of the calls. When asked, he said he wouldn't give any more information.

The woman said she received another phone call after that. The man asked her why she had called police and called her an obscenity.

Since she has reported the calls to police, she said she has received a dozen more calls that she thinks are from the fraudulent company.

The calls have come from all over the United States and other countries.

The woman said her brother got similar phone calls from the same numbers.

The site gives fraud prevention tips.

"Most reputable companies notify winners by mail. So if you receive a phone call saying you've won a prize, just ask one simple question: 'Is it free?' If not, hang up.

"Be suspicious if people ask you for money to claim a prize."

The woman and police said they wanted to make the public aware of this fraud.

"I am concerned that there could be other potential victims who fall for this scam," Heck said.

“Calls from male victims of domestic violence soar 40% to over 5,000”

2010-12-06T21:25:00.001-08:00

“Calls from male victims of domestic violence soar 40% to over 5,000”

Calls from male victims of domestic violence soar 40% to over 5,000

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 05:21 PM PST

Calls from male victims of domestic violence soar 40% to over 5,000

By Evelyn Ring

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

A SUPPORT service for male victims of domestic violence received over 5,000 calls for help this year, an increase of 40% on last year's figures.

a d v e r t i s e m e n t

Amen, which received over 3,600 calls for help in 2009, expects this year's record figure to increase even further over Christmas.

Manager of the service, Niamh Farrell, said Amen also experienced a surge of calls when the RTÉ soap Fair City featured one of its character being physically and emotionally abused by his wife.

Ms Farrell also pointed out that the service was inundated with calls at this time of year from men forced to leave the family home because of abuse.

Ms Farrell said the men who sought help found it extremely difficult to talk about the abuse.

"Once they know that we will believe them, they start telling their story and are amazed when they find out there are more men in the same situation," she said.

Meanwhile, Women's Aid has produced awareness packs for health professionals in four maternity hospitals in Dublin so they can recognise and respond to women experiencing abuse during pregnancy.

Research in a Dublin maternity hospital showed that one-in-eight women experienced abuse during their pregnancy.

* Women's Aid free phone: 1800-341900.

* Amen 046-9023718 or out-of-hours 086-7941880.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Tuesday, December 07, 2010

“How to Buy a Cell Phone for the Holidays”

2010-12-05T21:35:00.001-08:00

“How to Buy a Cell Phone for the Holidays”

How to Buy a Cell Phone for the Holidays

Posted: 05 Dec 2010 06:02 PM PST

If you don't have to own the latest and greatest smartphone, right now is a good time to buy a new phone. With the holidays quickly approaching, some of the hottest smartphones of 2010 are starting to drop in price to make room for next year's inventory (check out PCWorld's Top 10 Cell Phones chart to see some of the best handsets of 2010). Before you hit the stores, however, do a bit of research and read our guide so you'll know exactly what to look for.

When shopping for a phone, you can do some simple hands-on tests in the store to make sure the phone has everything you need.

Call quality: What good is a phone if it can't make calls? Some of the most simple, bare-bones "feature" phones offer the best call quality--and on the flip side, some fancy smartphones have dismal calling. When evaluating phones, be sure to make a few test calls. In PCWorld's hands-on tests, we generally make a few calls in a quiet room and a few calls in a noisy environment. You might not be able to replicate such tests indoors, but try your best. Take note of static, tinny voices, or any other interference. Ask the person on the other end of the line if they can hear a disruptive amount of background noise.

Design: Your choices range from flip-open clamshell-style phones to candy bar-style phones to slider-style phones with full-QWERTY keyboards. Whichever type of phone you select, check its ergonomics. Is it comfortable to hold against your ear, and can you hear callers without constant adjustment? Can you use the phone with one hand? Consider hands-free use: Can you comfortably hold the phone to your ear by scrunching your neck and shoulder?

Operating system: If you're looking to do more than make calls and send text messages with your phone, consider the platform on which it runs. The mobile operating system you choose will greatly affect the capabilities of your phone. The most popular platforms are Google's Android OS (found on multiple devices), iOS (found only on the iPhone) and BlackBerry OS (found on BlackBerrys of various designs). Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and you should definitely familiarize yourself with all of the platforms before settling on one. Other platforms include Palm's WebOS, Symbian (found on most Nokia smartphones), and the brand-new Windows Phone 7.

Display: If you intend to send and receive text messages, surf the Web, or use the phone's organizer, make sure the screen is up to snuff. Is it big enough for you to take full advantage of the phone's features? If you're going to surf the Web or edit office documents on your phone, a screen that measures less than 2.7 inches diagonally will feel very cramped.

The screen's contrast and backlight are also important. The phones we've seen show marked differences in viewing quality. If your phone allows you to adjust such settings, you can make text and graphics easily viewable--even in bright places.

Consider the screen's resolution, too. The higher the resolution, the better the screen will look--an important factor if you plan to use your phone to watch videos or view photos.

4G support and availability: Although a lot of buzz surrounds the next generation of wireless networks, 4G has seen very little movement until this year. The two main technologies are WiMax and Long Term Evolution. 4G's faster download speeds significantly improve streaming video and allow features such as videoconferencing and network gaming.

Sprint currently offers WiMax-based networks in 62 markets across the United States, and plans to add more by the end of the year. Right now, only two phones support Sprint's 4G network, the Samsung Epic 4G and the HTC EVO 4G. If you decide to buy a 4G phone on Sprint, confirm that your area has coverage.

AT&T and Verizon currently don't have any devices that support their soon-to-be-launched LTE networks--but 2011 is sure to bring a barrage of LTE devices from both carriers. If a 4G phone is something you've been desperately waiting for, you might want to hold off on buying a 3G phone and signing a new contract with either of these networks.

T-Mobile is currently rolling out its HSPA+ network, which is essentially a more advanced version of 3G protocols. Currently, only two T-Mobile phones support the HSPA+ network: the G2 and the MyTouch 4G.

Cameras: If you intend to take a lot of photos with your phone, you'll definitely want to pay attention to the camera specs. For mid- to high-level smartphones, 5 megapixels is now pretty much the standard. Some phones ship with 8- or 12-megapixel cameras, but a higher megapixel count doesn't necessarily mean a better camera. Verify that the phone you're interested in has a flash--dual-LED or Xenon flashes work the best--or else you won't be able to take any pictures indoors or at night without their looking like blurry messes. Try to take a few pictures in the store to get a good idea of the camera's photo quality.

Most cell phone cameras also have video-capture capabilities; some high-end phones can even capture high-definition 720p video. If video is your thing, make sure that the OS provides an easy way to upload your videos to Facebook or YouTube.

“Viber VoIP iPhone app: 3G calling, no registration, and totally free”

2010-12-04T22:02:00.001-08:00

“Viber VoIP iPhone app: 3G calling, no registration, and totally free”

Viber VoIP iPhone app: 3G calling, no registration, and totally free

Posted: 04 Dec 2010 07:52 PM PST

Free Your Calls with Viber
This iPhone app lets you call family and friends for free no matter where they are in the world.

New York City, NY – December 2, 2010 – Forget "using up minutes" and paying for long-distance calls. Thanks to the worldwide launch of Viber, you can now call anyone in the world for free!

Viber uses the latest in VoIP technology to offer completely free calling with superior sound quality. Better yet, you can dial phone numbers directly without having to register a username or add friends to a contact list! Once you and your friends have the app installed, you can call each other for free directly from your 3G- or Wi-Fi-enabled phones. Click here to watch Viber's promo video.

Despite debuting with a limited "friends and family test" on the Israeli App Store on November 10, Viber took only 16 days to become the most-downloaded app in Israel. Out of 400,000 iPhones in Israel, 6,000 people are downloading it to their iPhones each day, Viber is now the #1 app in the Israeli App Store with a four out of five stars rating.

Viber is totally free to download and has no hidden costs, in-app purchases or in-app ads. It's fully compatible with iOS 3.X and 4.X on the iPhone – partially supported by the iPad and iPod Touch – and is coming soon to Android, Blackberry and Symbian operating systems.

Unlike other popular VoIP apps, Viber isn't a battery hog; you can leave the app running all day without it draining your battery or heating up your iPhone. It also offers Bluetooth support so you can switch in and out of Bluetooth at any time with your headset. And to top it all off, upcoming features include free text messaging, custom ringtones, wallpapers and location-based services.

Breaking the VoIP Barrier

Thanks to the massive growth of smartphones with wireless connectivity, Viber is poised to revolutionize the way we make mobile calls. People can save bundles of money by migrating from expensive voice/data/text plans to cheap data-only plans, while still enjoying the mobility and versatility of their mobile devices.

Viber overcomes the biggest barrier to using VoIP on your mobile device – it's modeled after an actual phone rather than an instant messaging client. With Viber you can call ordinary numbers just like you would with a regular phone... the calls just happen to be free! Furthermore, a Viber icon indicates which of your contacts also have Viber, so you'll know whom you can call for free. Watch this video to see how Viber works.

Since there's no need to register, build a friends list and keep the app open to use it, you can even make free calls to people who aren't on your contact list. This means businesses can advertise themselves as having a "global toll-free number," letting their clients know "it's a free call with Viber".

No other app offers this game-changing combination of simplicity, versatility and totally free service between mobile phones. Simply, Viber is the most useful VoIP app to date.

Be among the first to download Viber from the Apple App Store – the sooner you tell your friends and family about it, the sooner you can start calling them for free! You can also find out about Viber updates on Facebook and Twitter.

About Viber Media

Viber Media was founded in 2010 by the same people who started iMesh, the world's longest-standing P2P client and the first to offer authorized file-sharing. Viber Media is now taking the digital revolution one step further by offering a free mobile VoIP service.

“Google Voice, Gmail Calling Free for Military Families”

2010-12-03T21:34:00.001-08:00

“Google Voice, Gmail Calling Free for Military Families”

Google Voice, Gmail Calling Free for Military Families

Posted: 03 Dec 2010 12:23 PM PST

By: Leslie Horn

The holidays can be stressful, but having loved ones deployed overseas can make them even more difficult. Google is trying to take some of the stress off of military families this year by offering free call credits through Gmail and Google Voice.

"Gmail's built-in video chat and free calls to the U.S. and Canada can help keep friends and family in contact regardless of how far apart they may be," product marketing manager Michael Bolognino said in a blog post. "To make staying in touch this holiday season even easier for military families, we're offering a $10 calling credit to help them reach their loved ones serving abroad."

In August, Google made a form of Google Voice available via its Gmail service, offering users a new option to "chat" within the Gmail interface via free phone calls.

A $10 credit is about 30 minutes of talk time on a call to Afghanistan, 60 minutes to Iraq, and "hundreds of minutes" to other places in the world, including European countries.

Google is offering these free minutes through a partnership with Sesame Street Family Connections and Blue Star Families. Sesame Street Family Connections lets families create a network to communicate with each other throughout the world. It also provides kid-friendly resources to help children cope with many of the emotions that come with having a family member deployed. Blue Star Families is a support network for the relatives of service men and women.

To be eligible for the calling credit, families must be a member of one of the two partner organizations, provide a Gmail address, enable calling in Gmail, and complete a registration form by Dec. 22.

“Protect Your Android Phone With Security Apps”

2010-12-02T21:13:00.001-08:00

“Protect Your Android Phone With Security Apps”

Protect Your Android Phone With Security Apps

Posted: 02 Dec 2010 06:38 PM PST

You back up data on your computer in case it crashes, and you might install LoJack on your car to help recover it in case someone steals it--so why shouldn't you protect your Android phone? Most people carry a lot of sensitive data on their phones. If someone steals your handset or if you happen to lose it, all that personal information is suddenly not so personal anymore. Your phone is an investment, so you should safeguard your contacts, photos, texts, videos, and music.

Even if you never lose your phone, certain downloadable apps can easily access and distribute your information. Not all the apps you find are 100 percent honest about what they do. Recently an SMS Trojan horse posing as a media player began infecting Android phones on Russian networks. Once the victim installed the malicious app, it began sending text messages to premium numbers, leaving the user with a huge phone bill. And in October, yet another spyware app reared its ugly head, forwarding all of the victim's text messages to a designated phone number without their knowledge.

Thankfully the Android Market offers a variety of security options--some better than others, and all with different features. Here are some of our favorite apps for securing an Android phone.

(You can find the full reviews for the apps listed here, as well as other apps we've reviewed, in our Android App Guide.)

Lookout Mobile Security (Free; Premium version available)

Our favorite app of the bunch, Lookout Mobile Security should be one of your first stops on the Android Market after you buy a new Android phone. Lookout accounts come in two flavors, free and premium. A free account lets you scan your phone for malware, back up and restore your data online, and use GPS to locate your phone should it ever get lost or stolen. Lookout has even been in the news for helping someone recover a stolen phone.

You can upgrade to a premium account for only $3 per month (or $30 per year) and gain remote locking and wiping capabilities, as well as enhanced backup and Privacy Advisor. The latter gives you a detailed look at which apps can access certain information, such as location and identity information, and outlines the risks of having such applications on your phone. The free version is great for basic phone protection, but you'll likely want to shell out the cash for the extra features.

Norton Mobile Security Beta (Free)

Smartphones hold a lot of valuable data: Text messages, e-mail, and even credit card numbers can reside on the device, where they're easily accessed. If you lose your phone, you run the risk of having your identity stolen. Sure, you can set up a lock pattern, but we have seen such measures circumvented in the past.

Symantec's Norton Mobile Security (beta) allows you to remotely lock and wipe your phone by text message, so that whoever finds it can't immediately go on a shopping spree in the Android Market with your money. You can even lock down the SIM card so that a thief can't swap it out to another phone. Beyond that, Norton permits you to block calls and text messages, as well as to scan your phone for malware. Although the program is still in beta until the end of the year, Norton Mobile Security is a superb choice for anyone who wants complete cell phone protection.

WaveSecure Mobile Security (Subscription)

WaveSecure Mobile Security offers many of the same features as Norton but requires a $20-per-year subscription for you to use them all. Like Norton, WaveSecure gives you the option to wipe and lock down your phone remotely. Unlike Norton, however, WaveSecure doesn't scan your phone for malware; instead, this application backs up your phone data and allows you to restore the files to another device. If your phone breaks or someone steals it, you can restore your phone from a backup quite easily. If you are worried that a phone thief will recognize the app and try to uninstall it, you can download WaveSecure UninstallProtection, which will prevent a user from uninstalling WaveSecure without first typing in a password.

AVG Antivirus (Free)

Another big name in computer security, AVG Antivirus Free scans your apps, settings, media, and phone contents in search of suspicious files. Have a text message with a shady-looking link attached? Run the scanner to see if it's a possible threat to your phone's security. Features that the creators will add in the future include the ability to lock apps and back up data. As the utility stands now, if you seek only to keep your phone malware-free and you don't really care for the extras, AVG Antivirus will fit your needs.

NetQin Anti-virus (Free)

Although NetQin Anti-virus provides features similar to those of Lookout, its focus seems to be on helping you recover your lost or stolen phone. With NetQin's Anti-lost feature, you can track your phone, erase its contents, lock it down to prevent "illegal use," and have your phone emit an alarm that sounds similar to a loud police siren. NetQin Anti-virus is perfect for people who are constantly losing their phones and who don't want to pay extra money to replace them.

Any of the above apps may help you prevent information theft, but it's still important that you remain aware of your surroundings when using your phone. The best way to prevent phone theft is to keep your valuable electronics out of sight when you're not using them, and to try not to use them when you are walking outside in the dark alone.

What are your favorite Android apps (in any category)? Let Armando Rodriguez know. He's PCWorld's Android app specialist.

“There’s good news and bad news about your phone bill”

2010-12-01T21:12:00.001-08:00

“There’s good news and bad news about your phone bill”

There’s good news and bad news about your phone bill

Posted: 01 Dec 2010 06:18 PM PST

I have never met a Canadian who thought their phone bill – wireline or wireless – was too low. Complaining about our telecom costs could be our third national sport, right after hockey and lacrosse.

So I have some good news: big chunks of our phone bills are about to go down. Here's why.

More related to this story

We need to start off with the fundamental economic concept that, over time, the price of undifferentiated goods or services in a free market tend to rise or fall along with the cost of making them, plus a competitive profit for the manufacturer or provider. In the short term, various frictions can prevent prices from declining but over a long enough time that almost always happens.

All around the world, telecom costs have suffered many of those frictions. They have faced regulatory issues, legacy pricing structures, the need to balance urban and rural phone service, varying amounts of competition and a lot of new networks and services that kept changing the competitive and pricing dynamic.

But as the frictions dissipate (which can take time) you need to look at the cost to the phone carriers of providing certain services, and the prices they charge consumers for those services. In telecom markets around the world, there are two big baskets of services where the cost and price don't even come close to matching.

The first big basket is filled with things that cost the carriers practically nothing. We are all customers of companies that provide us with a connection to a modern network – wired or wireless, phone line or cable, it really doesn't matter. Once we have that connection, the cost to the carrier of moving a small number of bits -- such as our voices or a text message -- around the network is essentially zero. They can move them to the other side of the planet or from one network to another for nothing. So long distance charges for example, have over time declined, and should continue to do so.

Carriers may not care about distance, but they do care about how many ones and zeros they have to transport. Too many and the network gets clogged and they need to spend more money on new pipes. But if a service uses fewer than 30 kilobits per second (such as voice and text messaging do) then it is basically free again. So voice as a service and text messaging prices are also headed down.

Globally, charging for a single text message can be very profitable for wireless carriers. There are places where I can buy an incremental gigabyte of data for $2, or 0.2 cents per megabyte. Or they can charge 15 cents per SMS message – which works out to $7,650 per megabyte, or about 600,000 times as much per bit.

All of the above is well known by carriers. All over the world, canny mobile and fixed line subscribers are taking advantage of plans and technologies that see the price of voice, the price of long distance and the price of texting fall to virtually nothing. Skype is perhaps the most obvious example: once you've got internet access, the cost to the service provider for voice and instant messaging can be covered by a few banner ads. But even here in Canada we are seeing new telecom entrants and the incumbent wireless players offering inexpensive talk-and-text plans.

The second bucket where cost and price don't match and that's data connection. While buying a megabyte of text messages for the average person's monthly salary is unaffordable for most consumers, selling unlimited data is unaffordable for most carriers. Volume of data transported is what costs carriers. Until recently, very few customers wanted (or needed) to send and receive gigabytes of data over a cellular network. That has changed, with now well-known consequences to various carriers' networks. Not surprisingly, all-you-can-eat plans are becoming a thing of the past.

By this time next year, truly unlimited wireless data plans will not exist at any major carriers, anywhere in the world. Smaller players and new entrants will be able to offer unlimited plans, but only while their networks remain under-utilized. Once congestion becomes an issue – and it always does – the buffet line will be closed and data prices will rise.

The shape of our future phone bills look pretty clear. We will pay for a wired or wireless connection, and a certain amount of data at a certain speed. What we do with those bits is our business, but voice, long distance and text will be included in our monthly package, regardless of how many calls we make, where in the world we make them, or how much texting we do.

That evolution will take years, maybe even decades. There are complicating factors, like 911 services, access fees, contracts for those who bought subsidized phones and the Canadian-specific challenge of providing services to remote places in a big, mostly empty country. But we will get there, and the roughly $50 per month that I spend today for voice, text and LD will be zero, or practically zero.

I wonder what I will do with all the money I save?

“Will Santa stuff your stocking with Windows Phone?”

2010-11-30T21:46:00.001-08:00

“Will Santa stuff your stocking with Windows Phone?”

Will Santa stuff your stocking with Windows Phone?

Posted: 30 Nov 2010 08:03 AM PST

Two days from now, Black Friday officially kicks off the holiday buying season -- although some retailers are off to an early start. I've been wondering; What about Windows Phone? I recall how last holiday sales season, Verizon cranked up Droid sales with two-for-one deals. Yesterday, I got e-mail from AT&T announcing four days of Windows Phone buy one get one free, or what Stephen Baker, NPD's vice president of industry analysis, calls BOGO. Can the offer, presumably others coming later in the holiday season and Microsoft's aggressive Windows Phone 7 advertising campaign jumpstart sales? I refer to jumpstart in context of new software and devices, like Verizon Droids were last year.

BOGOs, whether the one for free or another for half price, are common during the holidays, along with rebates and other discount incentives. AT&T's promotion starts on Friday and applies to all three Windows Phone 7 handsets it carries: HTC Surround, LG Quantum and Samsung Focus. There also is a free accessory offer. Deal takers must agree to a new two-year contract.

"I think the BOGO has nothing to do with sales to date or specifically with Black Friday," Baker said. "It is a good time to sell stuff and AT&T is taking advantage of it. Phones have pretty hefty deals even beyond the subsidy around price cuts, like the [BlackBerry] Torch, or BOGOs that Verizon has used very effectively. It has high visbility right now with the dollars Microsoft is throwing at it -- and that is a good time for AT&T to try to pump up the sales a bit, and drive a bit of traffic into the stores."

Skydiving for Sales

How effective is that Microsoft advertising? I've got nothing quantitative but something anecdotal to share. In early October, I expressed just how much I like Microsoft's Windows Phone marketing campaign, which is clever, funny, memorable and oh-so yeah. It's lifestyle marketing done right, challenging people to step away from their phones and get back to living. My artist wife is simply non-tech. She doesn't give a hoot for gadgets, and when I show her techie TV commercials she yawns and walks away. But, yesterday, my wife got all hyper about the Windows Phone commercial embedded above. She called me over to watch the TV spot, which she played three times. "I love it!" she exclaimed. She since has posted the video to Facebook.

The Windows Phone skydiving commercial is exceptional. Two guys jump out of an airplane, and both are taking photos with their phones. Time means something when you're falling to earth. The guy with the Windows phone says he can shoot in seconds so he can get to pulling his parachute's cord. "I just point, shoot and post to Facebook." Meanwhile his buddy fumbles with his phone. Good advertising is about showing customer benefits. There are two obvious ones here, not that most Windows Phone users would be in the skydiving situation: Picture taking and posting speed and getting back to what's important.

I asked Baker about the commercials. "I like them fine. I wish they were a bit more product focused, but that is just an old retail guy talking."

If you are planning on giving or receiving a cell phone this holiday season, which of these descriptions best describes your primary planned purchase or gift?survey software

Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 campaign really does hit the point, which was an undercurrent to this week's Fox drama "Lie to Me." Too many people are too obsessed with their phones. In the opening sequence, teenager Emily Lightman, nearly runs down an Alzheimer's victim while texting and driving (there is impact). At the show's close, parent and main character Cal Lightman gives his daughter a choice: The car or the phone for a month. She chooses the phone and bumming rides.

Can Microsoft save us from our phones or help people to use them better -- and in process pump up Windows Phone 7 handset sales? I'm a huge believer in the power of effective marketing, and Microsoft is going further by rightly asking who's running your life? You, or your cell phone?

Smartphone Novelist

Something else, and here comes one of my rare mea culpas. I've been critical of Microsoft's mobile Office push. I mean, frak, who really needs to do documents on their cell phones? Yes, of course, some business users. But the majority? I doubt it. Consumers? Surely not many. But I had a stunning change of perspective two days ago. I met a high school student who is writing a novel on an Android smartphone. The high schooler has finished eight chapters already. I asked why? The student gave three reasons:

The teen is more accustomed to typing on the cell phone because of texting. "I'm too lazy to use a computer keyboard."
"My phone is with me everywhere," meaning whenever the inspiration to write comes.
"I couldn't have done this if there wasn't an app in the Android store."

I immediately wondered: "What about Office?" The high schooler uses a Verizon Android phone. What if the teen had Windows Phone on AT&T, would writing be even easier using mobile Office? I don't have an answer for that, but please feel free to offer yours in comments. By the way, my fail; I should have told the student about Android's voice-to-text feature, which could make writing on the go even easier. The point: Younger Millennials -- Generation Y, if you prefer -- having different habits than older users. For this student, the cell phone is primary writing device, not the PC.

There remains the question about Windows Phone 7 smartphone holiday sales. Will Santa stuff his sack with Windows Phones this holiday, helping Microsoft and its partners snatch market share from Android, BlackBerry and iPhone? Please answer the question in comments.

One more thing: Starting with this post, I will throttle back Betanews posting until January; I'll continue blogging but at much slower pace. I'm starting a book writing project and want to put aside the daily grind, which includes monitoring RSS feeds and Twitter. I've allotted six weeks to the first draft; the book isn't fiction and has nothing to do with technology.

“High-Tech Cars Send Texts Hands-Free, but Questionable Safety”

2010-11-29T21:20:00.001-08:00

“High-Tech Cars Send Texts Hands-Free, but Questionable Safety”

High-Tech Cars Send Texts Hands-Free, but Questionable Safety

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 07:58 PM PST

Wisconsin's texting while driving ban begins Wednesday. Drivers caught could be cited hundreds of dollars in fines. Although there are legal hands-free alternatives to typing, police are concerned they may not be safe.

The language of Wisconsin's texting while driving ban allows drivers to legally use a "voice-operated or hands-free device if the driver of the motor vehicle does not use his or her hands to operate the device, except to activate or deactivate a feature or function of the device."

This means typing on a phone's physical keyboard is banned, even at stoplights since the car is still running, but typing with voice recognition software is allowed.

Some newer phones have this functionality built in, as well as some cars. The Ford MyTouch system allows drivers to send texts from a lists of pre-programmed messages using only voice commands, whenever the car is moving slower than 5 m.p.h. On compatible phones it can also download new messages and read them aloud so drivers can keep their eyes on the road, not their digital screens.

"The more appliances and gadgets that we can eliminate that you have to hold, touch, or look at while you are driving, the better off we are," said Pete Roth of Kocourek Ford in Wausau.

Although systems like these are legal under the ban, local police wonder whether they are safe.

"Making a hands-free allows you to have two hands free to turn the wheel over because you have to make a sudden maneuver because you are distracted and driving," said Lt. Ben Bliven of the Wausau Police Department. "It is a distraction and a concern and just making a hands-free doesn't take away that distraction.

Bliven says drivers using voice recognition may have their hands free, but their minds may still be occupied. He prefers the law cause people to pocket their phones altogether.

"There is a percentage of the population that will probably stop texting because it is against the law. That's a good thing. It keeps the roads a little safer," said Bliven.

Bliven says the fine for a first offense in Wisconsin will vary by area since it accounts for court costs. In Wausau a first offense will cost about $100 and four points against the driver's record. A second offense within a year will cost about $200.

Besides the Ford MyTouch and Sync systems, there are other platforms that allow for hands-free text message composing. Some phones have their own built-in voice recognition software allowing similar functionality. Downloadable smartphone applications can also offer these options.

There is also technology that can disable mobile communication while in a car. Some service providers and developers offer phone software designed to block calls and messaging services when they sense the phone is moving at driving speeds.

“Sheriff's office warning says thieves offering free medical test”

2010-11-28T21:08:00.001-08:00

“Sheriff's office warning says thieves offering free medical test”

Sheriff's office warning says thieves offering free medical test

Posted: 28 Nov 2010 05:33 AM PST

CHILLICOTHE -- Beware of phone calls circulating asking for medical card information.

The Ross County Sheriff's Office is alerting residents of a new scam reported this week. Deputy Dave Weber said the caller claimed to be doing a survey for Walgreens and offered free diabetes testing equipment. In order to get the equipment, the caller said he needed a Medicare or Medicaid number.

"He got looking at his card and it's nothing more than his Social Security number. He was smart enough to realize he shouldn't do that," Weber said.

Although Weber has received only one report of the phone scam, he wants to alert people and remind them to not give out any personal information or account numbers over the telephone.

The Ohio Attorney General's Office offers the following tips to avoid phone scams:

Guard your credit card number. Unless you are certain you are dealing with a reputable organization and you initiated the call yourself, do not give your credit card number over the phone.
Take your time. If someone tells you to "act now" or to keep the transaction a secret, be skeptical. Don't be pressured into making a rash decision. Talk to trusted family members and friends for advice.
Get information in writing. Demand callers send you written information before you send any money. If they refuse, don't trust them. Under Ohio's Telephone Solicitation Sales Act, a purchase is not valid until the telemarketer receives written confirmation from the consumer. Once you get written information, review it carefully and make sure the company has a physical address -- not just a P.O. Box. Verify the address is real.
Do your research. Check a company's reputation by contacting the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau before doing business with them. Before doing business with any company, verify that the company is registered with the Secretary of State to do business in Ohio.
Don't pay to play. No purchase is required to enter or win a contest, except for those involving the state lottery or licensed nonprofit charities.
Be wary of requests for money orders or wire transfers. If you receive a request to wire transfer money to another country, be careful. Many victims of foreign lottery scams and advance-fee loan scams are instructed to send money via wire transfer, because wire transferring is fast and transfer agents are available in most communities.
Watch out for phony insurance plans. Some of the worst scams involve the sale of identity theft insurance, telemarketing fraud prevention plans and phony medical plans. Before you sign up, contact the Ohio Department of Insurance to make sure a company is licensed to sell insurance in Ohio.
When in doubt, hang up the phone. If something seems fishy, it probably is.
Report suspicious calls. If you suspect fraud, report it to the Ohio Attorney General's office at (800) 282-0515a.

“Will videoconferencing replace the telephone?”

2010-11-27T21:33:00.001-08:00

“Will videoconferencing replace the telephone?”

Will videoconferencing replace the telephone?

Posted: 27 Nov 2010 06:43 AM PST

by Stephen Lawson, IDG News Service

In a famous exhibit at the 1964 World's Fair in New York City, AT&T Bell Labs demonstrated the Picturephone Mod 1, a small, oval device with a camera and a screen that allowed two people to see each other while they talked over the telephone network. Six years later, the device was still in trials.

AT&T promoted the Picturephone as the telephone of the future, but high cost, inconvenience and a lack of compatible devices turned it into the phone of dreams instead. The same fate awaited many more videoconferencing technologies over the following decades, as systems sprouted up in boardrooms and some offices but mostly were reserved for scheduled meetings and for high-level executives.

In the past few years, the cost and convenience of video calling have made big advances. Smartphones, tablets and PCs fulfill the promise of the Picturephone with widely available hardware and software, while in higher price brackets, the experience is more immersive than ever. But even though making phone calls with video is now nearly as practical as doing so without, it's unlikely that the purported phone of the future will ever be the everyday phone of the present.

This has been a big year for video calling, with the introduction of Apple's FaceTime for the iPhone and Cisco's UMI TelePresence for home HDTVs. Third-party software and services, such as Skype, have made video calls possible with PCs and cheap webcams for years and are now coming to smartphones as well.

For people who want to see who they're talking to, there are fewer barriers than ever to completing the picture. Yet video calling has yet to achieve the worry-free ease of traditional phone calls or even mobile text messages, analysts say. And even if it did, it's not clear people would want to use the space-age wonder of 1964 for every call.

"The research shows people having serious interest in the whole concept of video telephony, but I don't believe they're ready to make it ... their constant form of communication," said Tim Bajarin, a longtime technology analyst at Creative Strategies.

Part of the problem is that most people just aren't ready to go on camera every time they want to talk on the phone. In focus groups Bajarin has observed, consumers (even supposedly tech-loving teenagers) were concerned about their appearance. "You want to look presentable," Bajarin said. Even in business, that isn't a given, if telecommuters are included.

Video also shows the caller's location and surroundings, which may pose a problem even in an office, said Wainhouse Research analyst Ira Weinstein. "Video sometimes reveals too much about a situation," he said. Anyone with a messy cubicle who takes calls from a remote boss might agree with that.

But the problems can be practical, too. It's not really possible to multitask during a video call, as is often done while talking on the phone, Weinsten noted. Video chats while driving can be counted out, too.

Despite all the advances of the past few years, a video call still isn't as easy to make as a voice call, Weinstein said. Users need to find out whether the videoconferencing platforms they're using are compatible, and often there is a question of how much it will cost. Despite vendors voicing commitments to interoperability, there is still a variety of specifications in use. In enterprise settings, these are not issues that commonly come up about traditional phone calls, Weinstein said.

The opportunities to use videoconferencing, however, continue to expand. In June, Apple introduced the iPhone 4 with a front-facing camera and FaceTime, a built-in video chat application that worked on any iPhone 4 over a Wi-Fi connection. CEO Steve Jobs said the company would submit the FaceTime protocol as a standard so other devices could hop on. Samsung's newly introduced tablet, the Galaxy Tab, also offers video chat capability. And in October, Cisco extended its TelePresence high-end conferencing technology to the home with Umi, a system that uses existing TVs and costs about $600 with a monthly service charge of $25. Though somewhat pricey for consumers, Umi costs dramatically less than enterprise TelePresence systems. Costs are coming down for large business systems, too, with recent entrants such as Logitech's LifeSize division.

But even in enterprises, video will probably not take the place of one-to-one calls, Creative Strategies' Bajarin said.

"It has its greatest value, in business settings, when you're involved in collaborative processes," Bajarin said. For a simple phone call, "You really want the fast process of getting the connection to the one person," he said.

In homes, too, video still tends to occupy a niche, he said.

"Video calls tend to be scheduled, and somewhat a special event," Bajarin said. For example, families may set times for grandparents to see and chat with their grandchildren. Despite the fact that those who have the technology typically can use it at all hours, such calls aren't yet spontaneous impulses.

A survey that the Pew Internet & American Life Project concluded in September seems to back up that analysis. On any given day, only 4 percent of Internet users in the U.S. participate in voice calls, video chat or videoconferencing, Pew said. That was up from just 2 percent in April 2009, but still a small slice of the whole.

Just 19 percent of U.S. adults have ever tried video calling of any kind, according to the survey of 3001 adults. Perhaps not surprisingly, Internet users in the 18 to 29 age group were most likely to have done so, but only 29 percent of them had, Pew said.

"I think the adoption process is going to be relatively slow," Bajarin said. "If it does get adopted as a mainstream form of communication, I think it will be led by Gen Y," he said, referring to the group typically defined as the children of the Baby Boomers, now in their twenties or younger.

To some degree, video will make the case for itself as more people experience it, said Andrew Davis, also an analyst at Wainhouse.

"Once you get used to video calls, you realize how intimate it is, and how personal, and how rich video is," Davis said. "There are lots and lots of cases where video is inappropriate, but I do think that when it hits the cell phone and it's literally as easy as making a voice call, I think it will be a lot more prevalent."

“HTC builds up Android smartphone arsenal”

2010-11-25T21:55:00.001-08:00

“HTC builds up Android smartphone arsenal”

HTC builds up Android smartphone arsenal

Posted: 25 Nov 2010 07:59 AM PST

Posted on 25 Nov 2010 at 11:46pm |

Smartphone maker HTC Corporation unveiled in the country recently a new HTC Sense experience with the new HTC Desire HD and HTC Desire Z Android-based smartphones.

HTC Sense introduces a number of key innovations including a series of free connected services called HTCSense.com that enhances mobile experience on HTC phones.

The new HTC Sense experience offers a variety of enhancements that improve how people capture, create, share, and access multimedia content. With a newly created camera experience, people can record HD videos or capture and edit images with a variety of camera effects. With Locations, a new mapping experience, people have instant, on-demand mapping without download delays or incurring mobile roaming charges.

HTC Sense also includes a new integrated online e-reading experience utilizing a new e-book store powered by Kobo and a new, mobile-optimized e-reader that includes the ability to highlight, annotate, and quickly search for definitions or translate unfamiliar terms.

With the new HTCSense.com service, people can manage their mobile phone experience from their HTC phone or personal computer. For example, people can locate a missing phone by triggering the handset to ring loudly, even if it is set to silent, or to flag its location on a map.

If the phone's been lost or stolen, users can remotely lock the phone, forward calls and texts to another phone, send a message to the phone to arrange its return or even remotely wipe all personal data from it.

HTCSense.com makes it easy to setup a new HTC phone or access archived mobile content such as contacts, text messages and call history from a PC browser. People can also customize their phones with exclusive HTC content like wallpapers, HTC scenes, sounds or plug-ins.

HTC Desire HD

HTC Desire HD showcases multimedia content with its bright 4.3" Super LCD display and Dolby Mobile and SRS surround sound and is the first to be powered by the new 1GHz Qualcomm 8255 Snapdragon processor.

The unit enables 720p HD video recording and includes an 8-megapixel camera with dual LED flash. Building on the unibody heritage of the HTC Legend, the HTC Desire HD is sculpted from a block of solid aluminum.

HTC Desire Z

For people constantly on the go, HTC Desire Z makes it quick and easy to stay connected with friends on Facebook and Twitter or with colleagues and customers at work. It features a 'pop hinge' that opens to reveal a QWERTY keyboard for convenient typing.

HTC Desire Z's keyboard also includes a variety of keyboard shortcuts and two customizable keys for providing access to common functions without the need to open menus. HTC Desire Z also includes 720p HD video recording and a 5-megapixel camera with flash. It is the first phone to utilize the new 800MHz Qualcomm 7230 processor for improved performance and battery life.

The new HTC Desire HD will be available at all authorized resellers from end December onwards at a suggested retail price of P35,000 and the new HTC Desire Z is now available at all authorized resellers at a suggested retail price of P32,000. (Newsbytes Philippines)

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“It's good to talk - but we don't really want to”

2010-11-24T21:35:00.001-08:00

“It's good to talk - but we don't really want to”

It's good to talk - but we don't really want to

Posted: 24 Nov 2010 09:09 PM PST

Expand

The phone call is an invasive thing - it demands immediate attention. Photo / Natalie Slade

Shrink

The phone call is an invasive thing - it demands immediate attention. Photo / Natalie Slade

It's a standard technological wisecrack to extol the bountiful features of a modern phone, pointing out its GPS capabilities, music storage space and teleportation functionality (coming soon, honest) and then saying: "Yes - and it can even make phone calls!" Cliched, yes, but it's true that the old-fashioned mobile telephone call has become an uninteresting activity for many of us. In comparison to an absorbing 20 minutes playing Angry Birds, it's surely no contest, right? An article on the TechCrunch website last week pointed out the irony that the gadget we carry around with us is referred to as a "phone", when its main use is anything but; it's almost as absurd as referring to an iPod Touch as a radiogram.

At the weekend, I had a rendezvous that needed to be postponed; in a hot-headed moment, I decided to call to rearrange. I figured it would be easier. But it felt strange doing so; the recipient of the call sounded flummoxed, I found myself apologising for calling in the first place, and the call ended in farce when we both realised that our diaries were stored in our respective phones and we'd have to end the call to look at them properly.

These days, if someone calls me for "a chat", I adopt the same quizzical expression as if they'd suggested we mud-wrestle each other for kicks. After all, the phone call is an invasive thing - it essentially says, "Listen to me, now!" - and pays no heed to the status of the person you're calling; texts and emails at least allow us to catch our breath and have a think before responding.

While our interest in talking on mobile phones is dwindling - US statistics show the minute count dropping every year since 2007, with average call time half the length of that in 2005 - there are still demographic groups for whom it's still important, and this validates the accusation that anyone heralding the "death of the phone" is probably white, middle class and has a bit of a fixation with Twitter.

For example, US statistics show that African-Americans chat on mobiles for 1,300 minutes per month on average, which is double that of white people. Women spend 22 per cent longer talking than men, presumably because we're grumpy and unsociable. But there's one definite indicator of a substantial shift in the way we communicate, and that's the behaviour of under-18s: they spend as little time talking on the phone as 50-year-olds (631 minutes per month) but send a staggering number of texts - 2779 per month, which is more than the rest of us put together. And that doesn't even take into account the millions of instant messages shooting between their BlackBerrys, which are free of charge and slip under the survey's radar.

Some voice communication is shifting to the internet; Apple's FaceTime feature for the iPhone has gone some way to making the video call a slightly less disorienting experience, while Google Voice, the search giant's voice application, has finally been approved by Apple this week to be made available for the iPhone after a 16-month review period. But while these offer a cheaper, easier, more feature-rich way to speak directly to our friends, the signs are that within a generation, we'll all rather opt for sending them a text message instead.

- INDEPENDENT

By Rhodri Marsden

“Making inexpensive overseas calls”

2010-11-23T21:58:00.001-08:00

“Making inexpensive overseas calls”

Making inexpensive overseas calls

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 11:24 AM PST

November 22. 2010 6:59AM

Text Alerts: Get coupons and special deals sent to your cell phone. Sign up here.

By KIM KOMANDO

Q. My son is stationed in Okinawa. He has a Japanese cell phone plan. What is an inexpensive way to make a voice call to Okinawa?

A. You can make free calls if both of you have computers with Skype. You can also get a Skype app for many smart phones. However, in both cases you need a decent Internet connection. You can also use Google Voice for inexpensive international calls. Calls to Japanese mobile phones are currently 11 cents a minute. Visit Komando.com/news for links to Skype and Google Voice. Finally, you can use a prepaid calling card. These usually offer inexpensive rates. Just make sure to check the maintenance fees. And be sure you can place calls to Japan with the card.

Q. I need a record of recent conversations with someone. Is it possible to print call logs from Skype?

A. Skype call logs can't be printed directly, but you can copy and paste them into another program for printing. Open a new chat window in Skype by double-clicking on a contact. Right-click in the conversation area and choose Select All. Then right-click and choose Copy Selection. Open a blank document in your word processor and paste in the log text. This text will include instant messages. You can print out the log from there. This only works for one contact at a time. You'll need to repeat the steps for multiple contacts.

Q. I use ReadyBoost and a USB 2.0 flash drive for added speed in Vista. Will a USB 3.0 flash drives improve performance even more?

A. ReadyBoost uses flash memory to supplement the RAM installed in your computer. Technically, USB 3.0 flash drives will offer better performance. They have faster read and write speeds. You will need a USB 3.0 port to take advantage of the faster speeds. You can add a USB 3.0 card to your desktop. However, there aren't many options for a laptop. In both cases, though, you are better off upgrading your RAM. Adequate RAM makes ReadyBoost unnecessary in most cases.

Q. My new Windows 7 computer boots quicker than my old computer. But it is still slower than I expected. How can I speed it up?

A. It helps to clean up the programs that run during start-up. Click Start>>All Programs>>Startup. Delete the icons for any programs you don't use. Then click Start and type "msconfig" (minus quotes) in the Search box. Hit Enter. On the Startup tab, deselect programs you don't want to run at startup. Search Google for programs you don't recognize. Finally, open the Boot tab in msconfig and click the Advanced Options button. Select the Number of Processors option. Select the highest setting available. Reboot the computer.

Q. I want to build a gaming computer. But it should cost less than $1,500. What components should I buy?

A. You will want a high-end Intel Core i5 processor. A mid-range Core i7 will work as well. You also want at least 4 gigabytes of RAM. Get Windows 7 64-bit Home Premium or Ultimate. The graphics card is also important. Either an AMD or Nvidia card will work. A mid-range card is fine for most games; expect to spend about $150. A card in the $250 range will be more future-proof. Your power supply will need to handle all of these components. Get at least a 550-watt supply to be on the safe side. Other components will depend on your budget and needs.

Kim Komando hosts the nation's largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. Her radio show can be heard Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on WSBT 960 AM. To learn more, visit Kim's website at www.Komando.com.

“Free Reverse Phone Lookup For Cell Number Tracing”

2010-11-22T21:26:00.001-08:00

“Free Reverse Phone Lookup For Cell Number Tracing”

Free Reverse Phone Lookup For Cell Number Tracing

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 03:57 PM PST

11.22.2010– Since most people have switched to a mobile lifestyle, using cell phones to make everyday calls almost 100% of the time, there is a growing need for a reverse mobile search directory that could identify the person behind a cell phone number.

But tracking call phone calls may be not easy. Taking into account the fact that there is no universal mobile 411 directory and mobile carriers like Sprint and Verizon do not publish a cell phone directory either, cell phone numbers may be almost impossible to trace.

Yet, there are countless websites that promise instant and information packed cell phone searches. Moreover, many of them claim to provide this info for free. Once you go through any of such services, you will quickly discover that the search is not only NOT free, but also it might return NO info about the number after you have paid.

While a reverse cell phone lookup does have a lot of useful real life applications, you should be aware of that there is NO directory that lists 100% of cell phone numbers plus there is NO guarantee that the info you can receive is 100% accurate.

There are dozens of reverse phone lookup sites on the Internet today. Many of them advertize detailed cell phone lookups and even promise to supply this info for free.

The first thing you should learn before you jump on any such "too good to be true" offer is that these searches are anything but free. Private directories have to spend a lot of money to get hold of these data in the first place. And since cell phone numbers are not available through free public directories like the famous White Pages, there is a great business opportunity right there to earn a quick buck by selling these results to eager buyers.

Why would someone offer it for free if they could sell it?

But that is not the worst news. The bad news is that a lot of these directories simply do not have updated, current info on most cell phone numbers circulating in the USA today. Not only are people changing their cell numbers all the time, these numbers are maticulously guarded by cell phone carriers like Sprint, Verizon and US Cellular (they opted out of all the past initiatives by FCC to create a central mobile 411 directory).

These companies won't release their clients' data to anyone except for law enforcement and government agencies.

Your best bet is to run a phone number lookup by using a well trusted directory.

Visit free reverse lookup widget to perform a quick free search and see if the number is listed with major public and private directories.

“Snap up the AT&T R225 for $20, contract-free”

2010-11-19T21:19:00.001-08:00

“Snap up the AT&T R225 for $20, contract-free”

Snap up the AT&T R225 for $20, contract-free

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 01:30 PM PST

It's not every day we see a prepaid phone at the AT&T R225's rock-bottom $20 price.

Even the simplest phone tends to cost more off-contract since they're not receiving any subsidies the carriers hand out in exchange for your two-year service agreement. So if you're in the market for an inexpensive phone just for making calls, feast your eyes on the AT&T R225 Go Phone.

This is a typically tall, slim candy bar handset colored in black and silver. It's a dual-band GSM phone (850/1900) with a 1.8-inch screen that has a 128x160-pixel resolution and support for 262,000 colors.

Manufactured by ZTE, the AT&T R225 is intended to just make calls, though it also has Bluetooth support, a WAP browser, text messaging, instant messaging, and mobile e-mail.

“'Anti-iPhone': The simplest mobile phone!”

2010-11-18T21:02:00.001-08:00

“'Anti-iPhone': The simplest mobile phone!”

'Anti-iPhone': The simplest mobile phone!

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 11:53 PM PST

Last updated on: November 18, 2010 12:57 IST

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Amid the clutter of hi-tech and fancy mobile phones, here's a sleek and simple phone, which only allows you to make and receive calls.

A 'no frills' phone, the 'John's phone' doesn't have features such as a camera, text messaging and ring tones.

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Image: Pink John's phone.
Photographs: Courtesy, John's phone.

Last updated on: November 18, 2010 12:57 IST

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Dubbed as the 'anti-iPhone', it is developed by Dutch advertising agency John Doe.

With a battery life of three weeks, it is perfect for use while travelling or driving.

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Image: John's Phone.
Photographs: Courtesy, John's Phone.

Last updated on: November 18, 2010 12:57 IST

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The back of the phone features a small opening with an address book and pen two unique features you can use even when your phone is switched off.

It includes an earphone, that allows you to call hands-free while driving.

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Image: John's Phone.
Photographs: Courtesy, John's Phone.

Last updated on: November 18, 2010 12:57 IST

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The phone can save ten speed-dial numbers. It is priced between 59 pounds for the white phone and up to 67 pounds for the pink or green coloured ones.

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Image: John's Phone.
Photographs: Courtesy, John's Phone.

Last updated on: November 18, 2010 12:57 IST

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A large-key phone, it is 10.5 cm long, the phone is expected to be a hit among first time users. John's Pen allows you to add new contacts to the address file manually.
Image: John's Pen.
Photographs: Courtesy, John's Phone.

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“Province introduces legislation to allow officals to listen to 'suspicious' inmate calls”

2010-11-17T21:15:00.001-08:00

“Province introduces legislation to allow officals to listen to 'suspicious' inmate calls”

Province introduces legislation to allow officals to listen to 'suspicious' inmate calls

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 07:05 PM PST

REGINA — In an attempt to intercept possible criminal activity, the provincial government introduced legislation Tuesday so that officials can listen to phone calls being recorded by the new inmate telephone system.

The new phone system was put in place at the four secure adult correctional facilities in June, but the function allowing calls to be replayed hasn't yet been activated.

The government said the legislation, when passed, will allow a facility director and other authorized corrections personnel to listen to "suspicious" calls.

Currently, a warrant is required to monitor phone conversations, said Yogi Huyghebaert, minister of corrections, public safety and policing.

"Justice has advised that if we pass this legislation that we have the legal authority to be able to monitor the telephone calls," Huyghebaert said.

The system also allows for telephone numbers to be blocked, with should curb calls that inmates have sometimes placed as a means of harassment, the minister said.

"We know of instances where people from within the institutions have actually been phoning people, private citizens, and harassing. We also know that inmates have been phoning witnesses," he said.

Not every call can be monitored, Huyghebaert said, noting that inmates will be able to talk to their legal advisor without being monitored.

"(The system) is to monitor phone calls from people that are very high suspects of conducting illegal activity or harassing people on the outside. That's what it's for. If somebody is a low suspect individual, there's no reason to be monitoring," he said.

"The director of the institution and the intelligence people within the institution would have a far better grasp on who and what kind of an activity that they think they'll be conducting via the phone call."

To help pay for the operation of the new system, the cost of outgoing telephone calls is increasing from $1.35 to $1.85 per call plus long distance charges.

Offenders who are in custody while awaiting the outcome of their charges will receive three free local calls per day.

Calls to most government agencies and not-for-profit legal counsel anywhere in the province are free.

The Ministry of Corrections said similar systems are in place in correctional facilities in several Canadian provinces, including Alberta and British Columbia.

In the wake of a high-profile breakout from the Regina Correctional Centre in 2008, a report recommended better monitoring of inmates, including their phone calls.

ahall@leaderpost.com

“Province introduces legislation to allow officals to listen to 'suspicious' inmate call”

2010-11-16T21:31:00.001-08:00

“Province introduces legislation to allow officals to listen to 'suspicious' inmate call”

Province introduces legislation to allow officals to listen to 'suspicious' inmate call

Posted: 16 Nov 2010 06:56 PM PST