Jaxtr just launched a free text messaging service on their website. Anyone can sign up. You do not need a cell phone. Users state it only takes 5 seconds for cell phones to receive messages.
Drawbacks include limiting messages to only 65 characters and messages may include text ads appended to them.
The initiative to create an SMS warning sytem has been approved by the FCC. All US major cell phone companies are looking into its implementation, though it is not mandatory. The service is also optional for individual cell users. So if you would like to opt out of it, you will be able to.
More at:
www.teleclick.ca
Federal regulators will determine this week whether or not a new cell phone alert system is instated. This would be similar to radio or tv alerts and would be used when an emergency strikes. Cell phone users will receive text messages containing the warnings.
Impetus for this change has been attributed to Hurricane Katrina, college shootings, and the recent tornado tragedies in the southeast. Currently all four national providers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint Nextel, and T-Mobile) have stated they will take part.
Cell phone users travelling in Europe will be allowed to use their cell phones while flying this year. This is a first world-wide for cell users. All calls will be routed through a base station in the plane which is connected to a satellite uplink.
The EU insists this will not be a safety issue. The service will be blocked during take-off and landing and only be allowed at a height of 10,000 feet. The pilot will have control over when the service is turned on and off.
Unfortunately there have been no scheduled plans for the States. The AP released a FAQ on in-flight cell phone rules if you’re planning on travelling in Europe and have a question.
iPhone users should receive a nice surprise this summer when the iPhone 2.0 software is released. JAJAH an iPhone software company will package their ViOP software with the new version of iPhone.
This will enable free long distance calling when you are near a wifi hotspot. Check out VoIP News or iPhone Atlas for more information.
Happy Birthday cell phone! I’m sorry, I haven’t gotten you a present yet. I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and that you are not forgotten.
I’m having trouble deciding what to get you this year. Would you prefer more ring tones? You only have a few and they never get changed. Maybe you would enjoy ViOP wireless access. Have you ever been online? Rickrolling is very popular. A few of the girls in my office think you might like sticky crystal jewels. I know you are lacking on the bling. Anway. Let me know.
Best wishes on the day you were born,
Brent
If you have never heard of Skype, you should look into it. They provide free long-distance calling over your computer or cell phone. Skype uses VoIP (voice over internet protocol) and an internet connection to transmit voice, text, and video.
All you need is an internet ready computer, or access to a wifi for your cell phone. Go to skype.com and download their software.
TMCnet and Dialaphone have both mentioned there are ViOP services other than Skype. Travel to their posts to read up on these applications.
Microsoft announced this Tuesday that Internet Explorer, the most common PC web-browser, will be made available for IE mobile compatible cell phones.
This comes right on the heals of Apple iPhone and their respective browser, Opera. Internet Explorer will come preloaded on compatible cell phones by the end of the year.
This is great news. Of course, I wonder how this version of IE will fare on Acid Test 2.
Tired of your old cell phone and don’t mind donating it? The US military will glady take it! In fact several organizations have set themselves up to facilitate this.
Cellphonesforsoldiers.com has accumulated drop-off locations in most cities. They have a very easy to use locator for the drop-off points. Check them out first, as there is probably a location close to you. They also accept cell phones by mail.
“Americans will replace 130 million cell phones this year,” explains Mary Anne Potter, founder of Operation Pioneer Spirit in Utah. Unfortunately most end up in the garbage or a junk cabinet. So please consider the alternative. It is for a good cause.
Two companies have just released software that when enabled allows you to turn your cellphone into WiFi hot spot. Taproot, a North Carolina software company has released their software for 3G cell phones, and JoikuSpot has put out software for the Nokia Symbian series.
These are currently the only ‘router’ applications for cells, and they only work with specific cell phones. Unfortunately, the majority of cell phone users will have to wait.
If you have one of the supported cell phones, you will have the option to include the service on your bill. However, there will be an extra charge for using the service.
You are currently browsing the archives for the Cell Phones category.
