Tag Archives: Sears

Controversial Device Repels Teenagers

In a previous article, we wrote about a ring tone that only teenagers can hear. They use it to fool adults into thinking that they aren’t using a cell phone, such as in school where cell phones may be banned. Now, it seems, the adults are getting back at the teens, taking advantage of the sound to repel teens from hanging out in places where they are not wanted, such as in front of an apartment building, at the street corner or on school grounds after hours. But the device is highly controversial. Human rights activists and civil liberties unions … Continue reading →

Computing Week in Review: April 7th Through April 13th

From detecting your smile to smelling with your cell phone, this past week’s articles show how far technology has come. Here is the Computing Blog Week in review for April 7th through April 13th. April 7th Computing Week in Review: March 31st Through April 6th What is your favorite thing to do on your computer? Do you enjoy blogging or building a website? Reading up on news and entertainment? Do you spend a lot of time working on your computer? It is hard to believe that just a few decades ago, most of us did without computers (and cell phones … Continue reading →

Emergency Alert Text System for Cell Phones

This is a test, this is only a test…Who doesn�t know those words and the distinctive sound that accompanies testing of the Emergency Broadcasting System. And if you have ever been warned of severe weather in your area, you know how valuable that system is for everyone. Well, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has just approved a new nationwide alert system for cell phone users. The plan puts in place a federal agency that will create the messages and relay them to cell phone companies. The alerts will only be available on cell phone services that have agreed to participate … Continue reading →

Mobile Fragrance Communications

Instead of ring tones how about downloading the scent of a cherry pie? How about creating a playlist of comforting or relaxing scents such as an ocean breeze, spring flowers or a musky perfume? Cell phone users in Japan will be testing out a new service that allows them to download fragrances. The service is the brainchild of NTT Communications, a major telecommunications company. Twenty cell phone users will be trying out the new mobile fragrance communications service for a total of ten days by downloading files containing music or video clips and accompanied by specific scents. Scent playlists are … Continue reading →

Your Cell Phone Can Warn You of Speed Traps

What do you think of the practice that motorists have of warning each other that there are upcoming speed traps? When you see an oncoming car flashing its lights at you do you think there must be a hidden speed trap, and do you suddenly slow down? Do you warn other motorists if you see police waiting to catch speeders? Well, if you do engage in the process, getting and giving those warnings just got a whole lot easier. All you need is a cell phone or a personal digital assistant to warn about speed traps, red light cameras and … Continue reading →

Neurosurgeon Warns that Cell Phones are Worse than Smoking

The debate about whether or not cell phone use increases your risk of cancer has been going on for quite some time. Studies linking cell phone use to cancer are completed, only to be countered with studies that say that there is no risk at all. But here is one report that warrants taking notice. One of the top neurosurgeons in the world is urging people to take precautions with cell phone use, saying that the cell phone use creates a bigger risk for cancer than does smoking. Dr. Vini Khurana, a neurosurgeon who has won 14 awards over the … Continue reading →

Cell Phone Care

Ask most people how often they replace their cell phone, and they themselves might be surprised by what they tell you. From a very unscientific and informal survey of friends, relative and readers, I found that at least seven out of ten people (or 70 percent) replace a cell phone at least once a year. While some of these replacements are due to upgrades, the majority of reasons given for replacement were broken, lost or stolen cell phones. Replacing your cell phone can be an expensive business. While most cell phone carriers do offer customers a minimal insurance, most customers … Continue reading →

Are You Letting Secrets Slip While Talking on Your Cell Phone?

I was wandering down the aisle at the grocery store the other evening and I came upon someone having an intense business conversation on her cell phone. She was discussing all sorts of particulars—including names, financial amounts, and other details. I realized that while cell phones are handy and have changed the way we work—we still should be cautious of what we talk about and where… Maybe you think that no one will know what you are talking about and to whom, or maybe a person gets so caught up in the conversation or the “deal” going down that it … Continue reading →

Apple iPhone Okay with Third Party Software

Apple changed its mind about third party software being used on the Apple iPhone. Previously, Apple was very adamant about not allowing any software not created by the company to be used with the iPhone. Now it seems that Apple has taken an about face on the issue. On Wednesday, Steve Jobs posted a message to his website saying that Apple will now allow those third party application to work with the iPhone. Many users downloaded software from the Internet for their iPhones, taking the risk that installing the programs would not damage their iPhones. If it did, the warranty … Continue reading →

Why I Don’t Own a Cell Phone

Our family is unique today in that we don’t own a cell phone. Even for frugal people, this seems out of the ordinary. Not all of our reasons for not owning a cell phone are frugal, of course. In my old corporate self, I was attached to my cell phone, and I would really rather be attached to my family and friends. But this is the Frugal Blog, so let’s talk about my frugal reasons behind not having a cell phone. I have nothing against anyone who owns a phone, of course, and I may own one in the future. … Continue reading →