Showing posts with label cell phone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cell phone. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Evolution of the iPhone to the Apple iPhone 6s Release

the original Apple iPhone
the original Apple iPhone
With the release of the Apple iPhone 6s coming up tomorrow (September 9, 2015), it’s interesting to see the changes in the iPhone over the past years. When Steve Jobs first announced the original release of the iPhone in 2007, it’s doubtful even he realized how popular it would become nor how it would evolve and change over the years. It really defined what a smart phone was and of course other companies hurried to release their own versions.
So what has changed? Certainly the speed of operation from one screen to the next and download time. There have been added features. Was the original iPhone without GPS or was the capacity just greatly improved? The camera and video functions are known to be amazingly good now – almost high definition quality – quite amazing for a point and shoot camera. Perhaps the most significant change has been the increased data capacity in all devices including laptops and desktops. Lastly, the screen size has increased and with it a more responsive touch screen.



Here is the predictions from Cellular Outfitter regarding the soon to be released iPhone 6S and the iPhone 6S Plus.
So, what is Apple going to announce on September 9? Rumor has it that successors to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
New iPhone 6S Plus
New iPhone 6S Plus
are to be announced. These might be called the 6s and the 6s Plus, should Apple choose to stick with its current naming scheme. The two phones are highly likely to retain the size, looks, and design of their respective predecessors, but on the inside, the hardware is expected to be given a serious boost. The camera of choice, for example, is rumored to be a 12MP unit with 4K video support. The new SoC will probably be accompanied by 2GB of RAM instead of just one gig. The housing of the handsets is said to be made of 7000-series aluminum, which is tougher. And the display could be given Force Touch abilities, the kind of which we first saw on the Apple Watch. The two phones' commercial release is extremely likely to coincide with the rollout of iOS 9. For more of what we think we know about the two, feel free to explore our iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus rumor round-up.
Read more by clicking here.
The Apple staff has become masters at marketing these phones. By using the tactic of scarcity during their launches, thousands (even millions) flock to their stores to get the first limited editions of new releases. There are long lines before stores open as if there won’t be more phones for sale later. The release of the Apple iPhone 6s release should be no different. Is it clever marketing or are these phones really superior to the competition? I leave that question for you to answer.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Ten Best Smart Watches for 2014

With the holidays fast approaching here's a small but expensive gift for a special someone. A smart watch is designed to work with your phone using Bluetooth technology so that you never miss a call again. Your smart watch will notify you of a call and if set up for it, also who is calling. No need to drag you phone out of your pocket or the bottom of your purse. You can discretely check your watch.
Not all smart phones are created equal. Before you buy, here's some things to check:
  • compatibility with your type of phone
  • strength of battery and how often it needs charging
  • what functions you want. Some include: notification from social media as well as calls, stop watch and calendar, voice alert and water-proof or shock-proof.
  • design - do you want something sleek and modern or are you a geek who wants a big watch with every function possible?
  • ease of use - Does it easily fit your wrist? Do you need something shock-proof? Can you read the dial easily? Remember that this machine should make your life easier, not more difficult.
Here are the ten best smart watches as reviewed by toptenreviews.com: MetaWatch Strata, MetaWatch Frame, Pebble, Cookoo, i'm Watch, Samsung Galaxy Gear, Martian G2G, Martian Passport, Martian Victory, and Sony LiveView. I'm going to pick three of these to review in detail. Please read the original article to explore the rest.

Ten Best Smart Watches for 2014

57182-metawatch-strata-boxMetaWatch Strata - This is a very sturdy watch that can take some knocking around. The band is flexible plastic and easily washable. There is a scratch-resistant face and it is waterproof. The battery can run for a week on one charge. There are several sporty colors for the band- electric blue, pink, orange and lime green as well as the standard grey. There are many more functions and apps that can be added to this phone compatible with iPhones. At $145 this is one of the cheaper smart watches.
58318-samsung-galaxy-gear-boxSamsung Galaxy Gear - Here is a sleek, steamline watch just made for a woman who likes jewelry. No Samsung S3 or S4 is complete without one of these smart watches. One unique feature involves security of your phone. When you move more than 5 feet away from your phone, the Gear secures and locks your phone, then releases it once you return. The display face is very clear and the battery here lasts for 2-3 days between charges. The voice feature lets you dictate messages, set reminders and even place calls. This one is $337 retail.
57178-sony-liveview-boxSony LiveView - Here's one that suited to someone on a fixed budget as it weighs in at only $25.86. It can easily be attached to a purse strap but wrist straps are available. For something so small it is amazingly functional with Facebook and Twitter updates as well as the standard functions. You can play and upload music from your phone, and get gmail updates. However, there is not Bluetooth capacity in the watch itself. Once the reception is gone, it renders this phone unusable as it gets its signal from the phone. One really useful function is the "Find Phone" feature. If you cannot find your phone, the Sony LiveView will let you find it by calling it for you.

As you can see, these phones a quite different from each other and from other devices and accessories. Since these watches are so new, it's a good idea to try them out before you purchase. At least try them on and see if all the buttons work. As the author of "Smart Watch Review" in toptenreviews.com states, "If you consider all of the factors above, you will surely find a smartwatch that is a perfect fit for you. Then, you can stop missing important calls or messages while simultaneously checking your phone less frequently."
What will 2015 bring for new Smart Watch technology? Already smart watches have started appearing that do not need phones connections in order to work - essentially a cell phone watch. Move over, Dick Tracy.

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Recycling Cell Phones for Charity

98-How1If you are in the market for a new cell phone or you are answering that irresistible good deal "upgrade" promised by your provider, what are you going to do with your old cell phone? It's composed of precious metals and plastic that doesn't need to end up in landfill. Only about 10% of phones are recycled in the US today - much too low. Here are  some ideas of what you can do with it.
1. Send it to Cell Phone for Soldiers, an organization that collects them. Each cell phone buys one hour of talk time for a soldier calling home.
2. Help domestic violence victims by giving it to either National Coalition Against Domestic Violence or Shelter Alliance. You can mail them your phones.
3. Help kids with serious illnesses  go to camp through NASCAR's Recycle for Victory.
4. Donate to a charity - Flipswap refurbishes your old phone and donates the value of the resale to the charity of your choice. Flipswap as I write this article is being re-organized so check back to find it later.
5. Best suggestion: check with AmericanCellPhoneDrive.org. This organization will provide you with places for donation that are local to your residence.
6. Canadian alternative: RecycleMyCell.ca  This organization not only provides a list of local organizations but also gives you helpful tips such as how to remove your data completely, FAQ section and local drop-off places. Of course there is a French-speaking Twitter account associated with it: @RecycleMonCell
7. David Suzuki has also gotten into the act as he is big on recycling everything. Go to: DavidSuzuki.org to find out more or their fund raising through recycling.
Now you have more than enough alternatives to keep from throwing your phone in the garbage. Actually, my son gave his old phone to his young 3 year-old daughter - disconnected from service, of course. She was thrilled and spent many hours having imaginary conversations with "her" real phone.
In addition, the retail businesses are realizing that they are missing some income and have now started retail take-back programs. Remember, however, that what they give back you as a savings for returning your phone is a small amount compared to what charity groups can obtain from your same phone. It's like the trade-in for your old car. The dealer gives you much less than you could get selling it on through private ads.
Have any experience with recycling cell phones for charity? What did you do with your old phone? Let us know.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Emerging Mobile Phone Technology

131404860Mobile phones have become indispensable and now play a big part in everyone's lives. With the current technology that has made people and nations closer, mobile and handheld devices can truly be considered great inventions and innovations. Gone are the days when one had to go home first before he could use the telephone or go to a public phone booth to place an all-important call to a loved one or business contact. With the presence of mobile phones, everyone has now gone wireless. Communication has, indeed, turned very easy for all.

Mobile phone, as the name suggests, provides mobility. It is portable a communication device. It is made possible by satellites that transmit signals for the phone to send and receive. It is very convenient as one can use it anywhere irregardless of time and region.

People everywhere have seen the evolution of communication technology,from a phone that used wires to one that no longer requires any,from the analog to the wireless. In some places, wireless phones were provided with signals by the network company. In other places, a simulated card in inserted in the phone to grab and receive signals and send as well. These phones used the concept of signal transmission and radio wave theories that enabled a two-way communication with real time and provided clearer conversation.

From the analog mobile phones that only allowed calling and voice conversation evolved the mobile phones that have text messaging features. A person may send a text message that will be received by another party. This message is sent through a signal passing to a gateway which transmits it to the receiving party.

At the turn of the 21st century, mobile phones became more of a trend and companies started to make them appear more sophisticated. Mobile phones started with big sizes which transformed to smaller ones and then became bigger again. They have developed much like computers. Mobile phones now have been created with different functions and usage which are beyond plain communication usage.

Mobile phones also serve as mp3 players and/or audio, video file storage units where users may save audio files and listen to music. Mobile phones now are also equipped with cameras that come in different pixels allowing people to take pictures anywhere and anytime. Almost all mobile phones today are designed with games, calculator, organizer, alarm clock, dictionary and many more. Some updated mobile phones may now take video clips and still photographs which may be transferred to a computer for different purposes. Many mobile phones are also designed with touch screen features where a person doesn't need to touch the keypad anymore. The screen of the phone is designed to recognize commands as the finger tip touches the screen.

Moreover, mobile phones are now used as computers. With the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), surfing the internet is now made possible. GPRS is used to transmit IP packets which enable users to use the internet wherever they go. People also use their mobile phones in banking transactions where they can send and receive money through phone.

Several high technology features are continuously being researched and applied to mobile phones. Not long ago the 3G system was developed. It enabled users of the same networks to call each other using real time cameras. Through this system, one could actually see the person he was calling while talking to him. Many companies are now researching a higher system which is the fourth generation or 4G system. Researchers project the new system as faster with a connection speed reaching 100 Mb per second. This is seen to provide a better quality of call.

Mobile phones are not only for personal use like it was in the past. With mobile phones, reporters and journalists may now take and film news reports. Security systems and surveillance are also possible.

It is seen in the near future that mobile phones are most likely to replace laptops. With the new mobile phones coming out on the market, viewing and working on documents only found on computers is now possible. They are likely to replace entertainment devices as well with all the entertainment features new mobile phones have.

Mobile phones do not only play a big part in technology. Mobile phones also show fashion and style. Thus, to make these phones more appealing and attractive, manufacturers produce these phones in different colors, size, shape, and style.

Mobile phones are indeed one of the greatest contributions of technology. They have gone far beyond what anyone could imagine ten years ago. Now, with the emergence of mobile technology, everyone just can't live without one.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Dangers of Texting While Driving

We already know about the dangers of talking on cell phones while driving, and now there are many locations with heavy fines for doing this. At least the danger is strongest when holding the phone while driving. This is one reason to purchase the StarShine Hands Free Cell Phone Holder for your car. Now there is a further danger with texting, much worse than talking because the person is more distracted and more apt to cause an accident. Here's a recent survey taken by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Canada regarding the incidence of texting and driving among licensed Ontario students in grades 10 - 12, approximately 108,000 teens surveyed.

Dangers of Texting While Driving

The 2013 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey found that more than one-third of licensed Ontario students in Grades 10 to 12 — or an estimated 108,000 teens — reported having texted while driving at least once in the past year.
For Grade 12 students alone, 46 per cent of those who drive say they also texted at least once while operating a vehicle.
"This was a big surprise to us," said Robert Mann, a senior scientist at CAMH in Toronto. "We know that this is a very hazardous behaviour and some of the reports in the literature suggest that texting while you're driving can increase your chances of being involved in a collision by about 20 times or more.
"I think that texting is considered to be considerably hazardous because you have to actually type on the keyboard while you're driving," he said.
Such distracted driving is illegal across Canada, yet many adult and teen drivers continue to communicate by keyboard while in the driver's seat.
Yet the student surveys have found that the percentage of students who reported drinking and driving has declined dramatically over the past 20 years, he said.
To read more, click here.
Here is a video explaining this interesting survey and how the surveyors showed the teens the danger of their behavior.
While most of the "texters" are young people, it is becoming more popular as the communication is so instant yet stays recorded for those who are not "on message" (something like "online"). This is an important point. There is not need to instantly read and reply to a text message. It will be there when you are finished driving.

Monday, June 9, 2014

The Asus Padfone - Beneficial Cell Phone or Not?

Here is a very amusing video that I assure you will love watching to see how the company Asus has combined a cell phone (well, actually a large Android smartphone) with a laptop and calls it a Padfone. Thanks to the Wall Street Journal, producer, Drew Evans and journalist and actress supreme, Joanna Stern for this addition to our understanding of the confusing array of mobile devices available today.
http://live.wsj.com/video/asus-padfone-review-when-phone-and-tablet-are-one/41E271E2-EB67-4CED-BA49-481850BCE63E.html
Are you even more confused today? Best just go down to your local electronic shop and try them all out. You can rest assured the sales team will be up on the latest devices and try to sell you several. Here's some questions you will want to ask. I personally like taking in a list of questions because the usual sales person will so overload you with information that you won't be able to remember these important points. Nor will the literature they give you necessarily include it.
1. What is the GB capacity or the phone (something like the memory)?
2. What is the mega pixel capacity of the camera? (better yet, get the sales to take a picture and show it to you).
3. What is the initial price and the length of the contract?
4. What software is included and what necessary software or apps must be added or downloaded?
5. Are there any attachments that are included in the cost (such as cell phone holders, covers, ear phones, etc.
6. What is the warranty period and what customer service is included?
7. Where is the phone manufactured or serviced?

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

The New Gold Rush Fueled by Cell Phones and TVs

Did you know that the color pictures for cell phones and TVs are produced by rare earth elements  such as praseodymium, cerium and lanthanum? They also make magnets lighter, balance the colors of fluorescent lights and add to wind turbines and the regenerative brakes of hybrid cars. Here’s the reason they have not been mined in the US, where they are prevalent, especially at former gold and silver mine sites.
"The reason they haven't been explored for in the U.S. was because as long as China was prepared to export enough rare earths to fill the demand, everything was fine — like with the oil cartels. When China began to use them as a political tool, people began to see the vulnerability to the U.S. economy to having one source of rare earth elements," said Ian Ridley, director of the USGS Central Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center in Colorado.     Two years ago, China raised prices — in the case of Neodymium, used to make Prius electric motors stronger and lighter, from $15 a kilogram in 2009 to $500 in 2011, while Dysprosium oxide used in lasers and halide lamps went from $114 a kilogram in 2010 to $2,830 in 2011. It's also about the time China cut off supplies to Japan, maker of the Prius, in a dispute over international fishing territory.     To read the original of this article click here.
With these elements so valuable and necessary, the good news is that they are available in the US and perhaps other places as well. This will provide new jobs and stop the monopoly China has enjoyed. It seems ironic that the new miners will be going through the tailings of old mines for rocks the original miners discarded. As the saying goes, one person's waste is another person’s treasure. I would also like to see some of these electronic machines recycled as well in a safe, environmentally way. Perhaps some of these rare elements could also be recycled. This is a picture of rare earth oxides.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Frequently Asked Questions About Cell Phone Holders for the Car


Wireless phone holders have become more popular with changes to stricter legal regulations in numerous locations for motorists who are using mobile devices while driving. There are many types of holders on the market now. Which one is best? Here are some inquiries consumers have actually asked on Amazon's internet site relating to mobile phone holders with some answers.
1.Is this holder strong enough to hold my phone and case?
It's best to look for one that is compact yet strong. In this way it won't block your vision but you can still see it easily without taking your eyes off the road. The slider side piece that holds the phone stationery needs to be very strong so the phone won't slide out on rugged or rough roads especially. Some phones such as the Galaxy Note with its case measures 3 1/2 inches wide and is quite heavy. While some phone holders are designed for certain phones, it's best to find one that fits all mobile devices as it is more versatile.
2.Will this holder connect conveniently to my textured dash panel?
Some holders connect to the dash with a suction cup only. While this works connecting to the windshield, look for a holder that will securely connect to any kind of dash as well. Some holders connect to the dashboard with a plate that is sticky on one side. As long as the dash panel has been washed completely and dried out before putting down the plate it will certainly stay without coming loose. Then the body of the holder is positioned on the plate with a firm suction tool. The plate of these holders can alternatively be attached with screws to the dash. They really hold more strongly compared to several of the designs that only connect to the dash with a suction cup.
3.Is this holder durable or will it easily break?
Although most holders are made of plastic and can break, look for ones that are made from a stronger plastic with the same composition as the children's toy, Lego. If you care about the environment, find one that is recyclable plastic material as well. The manufacturers of these holders should have this information.
4. Just how will I know how to install this holder on my auto?
Most good holders will come with instructions, either printed on the box or included inside the package. Most of them are much the same, but the hinge side needs to go towards you for the dashboard attachment and on the top side for the windshield.
5. Can I utilize this holder in my residence or boat, trailer or recreational vehicle?
Most definitely it can be utilized any area where you should chat hands-free.
I assume that the cars of the future will certainly have mobile phone holders constructed into the design, yet till we can all afford that, there are some great deals for really reasonably priced holders that can be utilized.
If you wish to learn more about a holder that fits all the above-mentioned criteria, please click on this link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CDWU3TQ
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victoria_T_Graper
Written by Vicki Starfire
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8045750

Monday, July 15, 2013

New 2013 Updated Safety Measures for your Cell Phone and Tablet

With the recent news about government collection of personal data from the National Security Agency and the disclosures from Edward Snowden, everyone is more aware of public privacy. Now there is another disclosure by a group of hackers  working for the security firm, iSEC. They found a way to hack into a signal-booster made by Samsung for the phone company, Verizon. The were able to turn it into a spy tool that would pick up “all calls, text messages and data sent by mobile devices within range from a small backpack. ‘This is not about how the NSA would attack ordinary people. This is how ordinary people would attack ordinary people,’ said Tom Ritter, a senior consultant, iSEC.” ( http://thehackernews.com/2013/07/hackers-turn-verizon-signal-booster.html )

Perhaps it is time to re-visit and update security for your cell phone or tablet. Here’s some suggestions that will save you grief later on if you follow them.

New 2013 Updated Safety Measures for your Cell Phone and Tablet

1. Install antivirus software on your phone or tablet. Only install software from Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Windows App Store.

2. Load a password and lock your phone, tablet or any other mobile device when not in use.

3. Keep your mobile device up to date (install updates).

4. If you use you mobile device for banking, register it with the banks you are using. Most banks have a multi-factor authentication program – your account number, password and some security token or key. Some banks will also include fingerprint or a typing pattern.

5. Be cautious about using public WiFi for any transmission that should be secure or private.

6. Don’t use foreign computers to access your bank accounts, even to check your balance. You are better off to use the ATM balance check than a computer in a far away place. Not everyone has international or even roaming capabilities on mobile devices, but be cautious about making money transactions if your device has this capacity.

7. If you lose your mobile device, call your provider immediately with your IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity) number which you can find under the battery or by dialing #06# . Write this number down and put it in a safe place. This will allow the company to disable your device and it will be useless to the finder/thief.

8. Call your bank immediately and report the lost or stolen phone so that the finder/thief cannot access your bank accounts. People are used to contacting bank for stolen credit cards, but a mobile device can provide access to banks as well.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Safety Features for Your Cell Phone

Mobile phones are getting so complex these days they can almost make you breakfast and tie your shoes. Using you phone to navigate across town, take a picture, figure out your accounts, send several kinds of messages, play music, watch movies, set an alarm and record a voice message are all common functions. However, here are a few things about your phone that you may not know.
  • Dial an emergency call using 112. This is the international emergency number and can be used everywhere on GSM (Global System for Mobile) phones as long as there is reception for your phone. In some places it will work even if your battery is dead. However, it should not be something you try out.
The message also includes the ill-conceived suggestion that recipients should actually try out the 112 number. As at least one commentator has pointed out, testing 112 - or any other emergency number - just to see if it works is simply irresponsible. Tying up emergency call workers with such useless calls could result in delays in response times for real emergencies. In emergency situations even seconds can make a difference. Emergency call services already have to contend with enough time-wasting prank calls as it is without having to field calls from recipients of this message who have heeded its advice to try the 112 number for themselves.
To read the original click here.
  • Record your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) in case your phone is lost or stolen. If you call this number into your service provider, the phone can be disabled, thus making it useless to the thieves or finder. There is also an international data base called the “blacklist” that will keep the phone from being reregistered, even if the battery is changed.
The black list is a list of IMEIs that are associated with GSM or 3G devices that should be denied service on mobile networks because they have been reported as lost, stolen, faulty or otherwise unsuitable for use. Previously know as the Central Equipment Identify Register (CEIR), the IMEI DB acts as a central system for network operators to share their individual black lists so that devices denied service (blacklisted) by one network will not work on other networks even if the SIM card in the device is changed. Read the original here.
To find your IMEI, either take out your battery and you will find it written underneath or dial #06# on your phone. The IMEI will be displayed on the screen. Write it down and store it in a safe place where you will remember it.
One of the most important reasons to carry your cell phone is in case of emergencies. Having the phone lost or stolen is another emergency, so keep it close in a car holder, your desk or in your pocket. For more information about phone holders, check out the article on the website, Universal  Mobile Phone Holder for Sale.