Tag: Cell Phone

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How to Block Cellphone Spam – Pogue’s Posts

How to Block Cellphone Spam – Pogue’s Posts – Technology – New York Times Blog
This is a good article by David Pogue on how to prevent text messaging spam.  I have been lucky and not received any, but my parents haven’t had that luck.

They were getting so much spam, they just turned off text messaging.

I have tried to convince them to turn it back on and do things like this to prevent the spam, but they don’t want anything to do with it.

I think it is important to have it turned on so, in case of an emergency, we can communicate by text.  They live in earthquake territory.  The phone lines can get maxed out quickly, but if they would be able to text, they could get some communications out.

I’ll be visiting them in a couple of months, maybe we could come up with something and I can get them to turn it back on.

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Verizon to unlock network

I don’t know if this will be worthwhile or not, but Verizon has announced that it is unlocking its network. The technical specifications should be published early next year.
In the annoucement, Verizon said that “The company will activate on the network any devices that meet the ‘minimum technical standard.’ The company has also asserted that, ‘any application the customer chooses will be allowed on these devices.'”

This does not mean much. Verizon operates on CDMS and most of the world operates on a GSM. It might allow for third-party applications to work on the Verizon network, but that is about it.

As Sascha Segan says, “You will not be able to use your iPhone on Verizon.”

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Google to unveil ‘Android’ phone software

Google to unveil ‘Android’ phone software | One More Thing – CNET News.com
In a press conference on Monday, Google is expected to announce a software stack for mobile phones called Android.  Based on Linux operating system, the operating system will be available in a few days following the annuoncement.

This is being pulled together by a group of about 30 different companies, bringing open-source to the cell phone industry.

It will be interesting to see how this accepted and adopted in the industry and by the public.

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Verizon, Google Discuss Mobile Phone Partnership

Verizon, Google Discuss Mobile Phone Partnership – WSJ.com
This would definitely be of interest to me.  I am a Verizon subscriber and would be interested in purchasing a Google specific phone.

It would also create some competition for AT&T and the iPhone as they move forward, especially if they are to allow third-party applications to be added to the phone.

Finally, with some Google executives on the Apple Board of Directors and Al Gore, a big Google investor, on the Apple Board, I am wondering if we will see more of a partnership between Google and Apple on a device like the iPhone on other platforms, like Verizon.

It will be interesting to watch.