May 9, 2008
Cuusoo mobile phone concept
Spotted on Just Another Mobile Phone Blog, a concept phone that separates the handset from the screen, so you can talk on the phone while watching mobile TV.
iPhone news for Switzerland, Spain and Poland
According to TUAW, Switzerland, Spain, Poland who are still waiting for the iPhone, may finally be getting them.
For Switzerland, earlier this week, Le Matin reported that Swisscom would be the official iPhone carrier and would launch the 3G version of the iPhone this summer.
However the official spokesperson for Swisscom, Christian Neuhaus, remains secretive about the deal and said "nothing is done".
Mind Control by Cell Phone
Electromagnetic signals from cell phones can change your brainwaves and behavior. But don't break out the aluminum foil head shield just yet, writes Scientific American.
Could the electrical signals coming from a phone affect certain brainwaves operating in resonance with cell phone transmission frequencies? After all, the caller's cerebral cortex is just centimeters away from radiation broadcast from the phone's antenna.
Two studies provide some revealing news: cell phones alter your behaviour and cause insomnia.
Although this research shows that cell phone transmissions can affect a person's brainwaves with persistent effects on behavior, there is no for concern that cell phones are damaging.
The arousal effects the researchers measured are equivalent to about half a cup of coffee, and many other factors in a person's surroundings will affect a night's sleep as much or more than cell phone transmissions.
May 8, 2008
Glove converts sign language into spoken words on a cell phone
A sensor-equipped glove, known as HandTalk, can translate gestures into spoken words on a cell phone. It was developed by students at Carnegie Mellon University as part of a class research project. [via Post Gazette]
"The prototype was demonstrated yesterday at Carnegie Mellon's "Meeting of the Minds" expo of undergraduate research projects.
Someday, the young inventors hope, it may allow deaf people to communicate with those who don't know American Sign Language by having their cell phones speak their words aloud.
When the glove is held in a fist, for instance, the cell phone says "Good morning." When the index finger, second finger and thumb are extended, it says, "I'm having a good time." And when the index finger, little finger and thumb are held out, it politely says, "Thank you for your time."
Apple inks Latin American deal for iPhone
The top mobile phone operator in Latin America, America Movil SAB, said Wednesday that it has inked a deal with Apple Inc. to bring the multimedia gadget to more than a dozen countries starting later this year. Associated Press reports.
"No details were offered about the arrangement, including whether it would be the exclusive iPhone provider in the targeted countries."
Internet telephone encryption stumps police
German police are unable to decipher the encryption used in the internet telephone software Skype to monitor calls by suspected criminals and terrorists, Germany's top police officer said on Thursday. The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
"... Experts say Skype and other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calling software are difficult to intercept because they work by breaking up voice data into small packets and switching them along thousands of router paths instead of a constant circuit between two parties, as with a traditional call.
Ziercke said they were not asking Skype to divulge its encryption keys or leave "back doors open" for German and other country's law enforcement authorities."
May 7, 2008
Bluetooth gives spies a window into your life
Worried about your civil liberties and privacy? Then it may come as a shock to discover that you have unwittingly been allowing your phone to signal your every move writes New Scientist.
"Bluetooth, a wireless link built into many cellphones, makes our movements trackable by anyone equipped with a PC and an appropriate receiver. Vassilis Kostakos at the University of Bath in the UK placed four Bluetooth receivers in the city's centre. Over four months, his team tracked 10,000 Bluetooth phones and was able to "capture and analyse people's encounters" in pubs, streets and shops.
Bluetooth is now more of a privacy threat than the more frequently publicised RFID chips, Kostakos says. "If people are worried, they should turn off the Bluetooth function on their mobile phones."
Soldier In Afghanistan Accidentally Calls Parents In The Middle Of A Battle
An American soldier in Afghanistan accidentally dialed his parents' phone number in Oregon, just as he was in the middle of a battle. Techdirt reports.
"His parents weren't home, but the message was recorded on their voicemail, including (as you might expect) guns firing, lots of swearing, and the son yelling about problems he was having with his gun as well as the need for more ammunition. Even worse, the call cut off just as another soldier yelled "Incoming! RPG!"
The voice mail has been posted on YouTube via KPTV.
As you might imagine, the parents were a bit freaked out, but eventually reached their son, who says he's a bit embarrassed by the whole ordeal. Yet another reminder to make sure to "lock" the keypad on your phone. "
Pope goes digital to better connect with Youth
I4U reports that Pope Benedict will text message thousands of young Catholics on their mobile phones during World Youth Day in Sydney in July.
The Pope will text daily messages of inspiration and hope during the six-day Sydney event while digital prayer walls will be erected at event sites and the church will set up a Catholic social networking Web site akin to a Catholic Facebook.
The Catholic Church said it decided to use technology to connect to the estimated 225,000 young Catholics expected to attend the World Youth Day (WYD) celebrations that start on July 15.
Telstra said it plans to connect 8,000 volunteers, 2,000 clergy, 3,000 media and an anticipated 225,000 pilgrims to more than 700 locations around Sydney."
Previously: - World Youth Day - Pope reaches pilgrims by SMS
Phone charger incorporates automatic data back-up
The aptly named "Data-backup mobile phone charger" from Longshow automatically performs the task of backing-up your contacts whilst your phone is charging, and not only that, the multi-talented device also acts as a portable power supply in case you run out of juice away from mains power, as well as a SD/MMC card reader. Gizmag reports.
"The device supports many major phone brands including Nokia, Motorola, Blackberry, Samsung and Sony-Ericsson and as a portable charger, it can also be used for PMPs, digital cameras and other portable gadgets."
Hello Kitty car charger for cel phones
Spotted on FarEast Gizmo, a Hello Kitty car cigar lighter / charger for cell phones.
India Hits 261 Million Mobile Subscribers
India had 261 million mobile phone subscriptions at the end of March, ranking it second in terms of the size of the mobile market—behind China. Wireless connections outnumber the 39 million fixed-line phones in India by seven to one.
[via MocoNews.net]
Synchronoss: Unlocked iPhones Are Killing Us
A lousy Q1 and scary message from Synchronoss, which handles gadget activations for companies like AT&T (T) and Time Warner Cable: The company has "materially lowered" its growth expectations for 2008 "due in large part to reduced revenues associated with the iPhone, which masks the underlying growth and momentum of the rest of our business," CEO Stephen Waldis said in the company's earnings release.
Why the drop? Waldis listed three reasons during the company's conference call. Most important: More iPhones are being sold to be "unlocked" -- and never officially activated -- than Synchronoss expected.
[Silicon Alley Insider via Gizmodo]
French Mobile Market Creates 100,000 Jobs
The size of the French mobile telephony market reached almost $34 billion in 2007 and was the source of 100,000 direct and indirect jobs in France. By the end of 2007, investment in mobile telecoms networks in France totalled almost $51 billion, according to the French Association of Mobile Operators.
[via Cellular News]
US College Students busted in drug sting. They promoted cocain by SMS
Dozens of San Diego State University students were arrested after a sweeping drug investigation found that some fraternity members openly dealt drugs and one even sent a mass text message advertising cocaine, authorities said Tuesday, reports MSNBC.
... "Those arrested included a student who was about to receive a criminal justice degree and another who was to receive a master’s degree in homeland security.
A member of Theta Chi sent out a mass text message to his “faithful customers” stating that he and his “associates” would be unable to sell cocaine while they were in Las Vegas over one weekend, according to the DEA.
The text promoted a cocaine “sale” and listed the reduced prices."
Mobile Phone Theft Highest in Cambridge
Cambridge (UK) is the worst place to live when it comes to mobile phone crime.
According to the Metropolitan Police, as many as 10,000 mobile phones are stolen every month, affecting 20 per cent of the population. The likeliest location for theft: the pub.
[via The Shefiield Telegraph]
Building digital life lines
Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) steps in when natural disasters occur wiping out electricity, fresh water and communication infrastructures. The BBC reports.
"The group are currently on standby to deploy to Burma; they are waiting for authorisation to enter the country.
"The UN-sponsored organisation specialises in setting up communication links at times of emergency, for use by charities and those affected.
... The first phone call they offered anyone was to an Albanian refugee caught up during the conflict in Kosovo in 1998.
Since then, TSF has deployed on countless missions all over the world, offering calls to thousands of people.
Recent funding of $2m from the UN Foundation and the Vodafone Group Foundation means that the charity - which still only has 15 permanent staff - can be "in country" for 200 days every year."
Apple Takes a More Open iPhone Tack in Italy
Apple Inc. is adopting a more open strategy for selling its iPhone, allowing two carriers to offer the device in Italy, as it sharply expands the number of countries where the cellphone-media player is available.
[via the WSJ]
May 6, 2008
AT&T Floral Cell Phone Ad for Mother's Day
Flowers open up to reveal Samsung’s cell phones in this creative Mother’s Day ad by AT & T.
[via Trendhunter]
Text prank aimed at Houston Zoo
According to dialaphone, this weekend the Dublin Zoo (and not the Houston Zoo as previously reported) switchboard was jammed with thousands of calls per day asking to speak to “Mr G Raff” and a host of other animal names, following a prank text message.
But someone is using cell phone text messages to monkey around with the Houston Zoo, too according to the Houston Chronicle. Zoo officials have asked the FBI to investigate a possibly malicious texting campaign that has deluged the main switchboard with telephone calls, including 3,500 received on Sunday — about 10 times the normal volume.
The calls are prompted when a cell phone user receives a cryptic text message, such as: "Somebody talking down on you, look for them." The text is followed by the zoo's main phone number: 713-533-6500.
The phone calls have come in spurts since April 22, said Brian Hill, a zoo spokesman. He urged people who receive text messages with the zoo's phone number not to call."
Islamic Militants Ban Mobile Phone Ringtones
Islamic militants in Pakistan's tribal areas, which border Afghanistan have issued a decree banning music from mobile phone ringtones and vehicles in tribal areas of the country.
A spokesman for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Maulana Faqir Mohammed said, the they would not allow commuters to play music in their cars or use musical ringtones on mobile phones.
He warned that offenders would be punished according to Shariah laws. [via Cellular News. Photo illustrating Shariah law from Frontline World]
Mobile Phone Shaped Like And Egg, Sorta
Spotted on Yanko Design, a cell phone shaped like an egg. By designer Roman Tubl.
Vodafone releasing iPhone in 10 new markets
Vodafone announced this morning that it has signed with Apple to sell the iPhone later this year in ten markets - but not Switzerland - , including Australia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa and Turkey.
[via engadget]
3G iPhone Pics -- This Time It's White
Spotted on Mac|Life, images of a white next-generation iPhone appeared on Chinese language discussion forum.
May 5, 2008
AP launches news service geared for iPhone
The Associated Press and more than 100 of its member newspapers are launching a service Monday that will make news stories available on Apple Inc.'s iPhone and other mobile devices.
"Paul Caluori, director of client content services for AP, said the service now has 107 newspapers participating, up from 18 at the time of the announcement. The papers include The Miami Herald, the San Francisco Chronicle and the St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press."
May 4, 2008
Survey: 37% of Gen Y-ers Text While Driving
According to a new survey of 1,200 people conducted by Nationwide Mutual Insurance , a third of the Gen Y-ers admitted to "always multitasking while driving," and even more scary, 37-percent said they sent text messages while driving.
[via Switched]
May 3, 2008
Iron Man Limited Edition By LG Shine
With the release of the Iran Man movie, LG is cashing in with the LG Shine Iron Man Limited Edition. [via HTLounge]
Civil rights group warn travellers to limit laptop/cell phone data
A recent federal district court ruling upholding seizures of electronic devices, such as laptops and iPhones, at the U.S. border has traveler- and civil-rights organizations worried that personal and sensitive data could be put at risk. SecurityFocus reports.
"On Thursday, almost three dozen organizations -- including civil-rights advocates, academic groups, and religious and minority groups -- sent an open letter to four congressional committees, asking that their members consider legislation to "protect all Americans against suspicionless digital border inspections."
Related: - How to protect your laptop / cell phone when travelling - know your rights
Playboy branded cell phone
Spotted on HTL Lounge, a Playboy branded cell phone made by Alcatel. They give it a thumbs down review.
May 2, 2008
Google On The iPhone Spreads To 30+ Countries
Google's interface for the iPhone has been available in America for a while, but in what is sure to be a welcome development, the search giant is now making it available in over 30 different markets and 15 new languages. A special iPhone-appropriate edition of Google News is spreading as well.
[via Web Pro News]
Clickatell SMS keeps 140 world delegates in touch
Clickatell, a global provider of messaging solutions - and faithful advertiser on this blog - , provided the South African Parliament with an SMS alert service to support communication at a recent assembly in the country. The Telecom reports.
The messaging service provided by Clickatell helped the South African parliament deliver notifications to parliamentary delegates from 140 countries meeting in Cape Town to discuss global issues.
With most delegates using their overseas cell phones and roaming on the South African network, SMS presented an easy, fast and cost effective way to stay in touch with each other.
Making travelling easier for the disabled thanks to GPS cell phones
Nicolas Novo reports on Pasta&Vinegar, of an interesting project by Antoni Aba presented by the city of Geneva and Handicap Architecture Urbanisme (HAU) called GENEVE*accessible.
"The project intends to make traveling easier for the disabled by providing them disabled GPS-enabled mobile telephones so that they can take pictures of every obstacle they come across in Geneva.
By means of multimedia messages they create a map of the accessibility of the city on the internet.
The resulting work will be presented at the Centre d’Art Contemporain Genève, within a series of related live events: the “Créateurs Singuliers” week (27th May-1rst June)."
TipSoft helping fight crime, anoymously
If you were to witness a crime, but didn’t want to ‘get involved’, a new SMS service could make it easy for you to help the police without revealing your identity.
Already in use by Canadian CrimesStoppers, TipSoft SMS allows users to send information to an central number that strips it of identifying data and forwards it to law enforcement.
The anonymity is two way, so if the police want to ask for further details they can ony do so by using the service in reverse.
Unlike so-called ‘Zero Knowledge’ authentication systems, presumably there is some record connecting your phone number to a particular tip so that the reverse contact can take place. Even if the facilitating company promises to keep this information secure, it may be possible that a court order could force it to be revealed.
TipSoft SMS is to be rolled out in the USA later this year and may reach the UK soon after.
[reBlogged from Pocket Picks]