Archive for November, 2008

I can customize everything else, but can I make my Nokia cell phone unique? The answer, I found, is that I can do so very easily with a Nokia face plate. Cell phones, to many of us, are a big part of who we are. Our friends are in the contact list, we use the phone for calls, emails, and even to surf the internet. If that is the case, then, shouldn’t we make our phones unique to us? Of course we should, and it is possible. Even though so many cell phones look exactly alike, with the use of Nokia face plates, you can make your phone unique to you.

The face plate is basically the front of your phone. A Nokia face plate offers a very easy way to change that front to show off a theme, color, or idea without putting a lot of effort into it or having to tear apart your phone too much. It is easy to change a Nokia face plate so that you can get the look you want in what is likely a very important and highly personal possession.

In this day and age, personal expression is a big deal. You want to be able to express yourself and display who you are to everyone in every aspect of your life. There was a time when you couldn’t really do that with a cell phone. That is not true anymore, though. Thanks to the easy to use Nokia face plates, you can make your phone unique http://www.tahomatimes.com/category/technology-reviews/. Change the ring tone to fit you then add a cool new face plate that best represents you and you are ready to go. Your phone will then not only be your planner, internet browser, contact to the world, and lifeline to your own schedule, but it will also be an representation of who you are to everyone who sees or hears it.

The other advantage to an easy to change Nokia face plate is that you can change it often. You can, if you so desire, change your Nokia face plate to reflect your mood on a given day. Face plates, as a rule, are not very expensive, so it would be easy to make sure you have plenty of them on hand. You will be able to get up in the morning, think about how you feel that day and how you want to show the world you feel and do so with a new Nokia face plate. The options are almost endless in the message you can send when you combine ring tones with face plates to make your phone a total message sending source of self-expression.

Cell phones were once mundane pieces of chrome coloring and digital numbers. Now, though, you can change all of that with little trouble. By using Nokia face plates, can you can turn your cell phone into an expression of who you are or even of your mood on a given day. By adding changing ring tones, your options for your phone’s ambiance become limitless. So go out there, grab yourself some Nokia face plates, and start expressing yourself to the world through your phone!

In today’s technologically advanced world, just about everyone has a cellular phone. Adults, teenagers, and even children carry around portable models of the telephone. What is really hard to believe is that just 15 years ago seeing a cellular phone was quite rare.

The history of the cellular phone is very interesting and shows just how the portable wonder became what it is today.

The history of the cell phone begins with a skilled, analytical chemist named Michael Farady. In 1843 he began exhaustive research to find of space could conduct electricity. He told of his findings, and these advances of 19 th century science and technology have had an immeasurable effect on the development of today’s cellular phone.

In 1865 a dentist by the name of Dr. Mahlon Loomis became what is thought to be the first person who was able to communicate wirelessly through the atmosphere. Between the dates of 1866 and 1873 he was able to transmit telegraphic messages 18 miles between the tops of the Cohocton and Beorse Deer Mountains in Virginia.

Loomis developed a way of transmitting and receiving messages by using Earth’s atmosphere as a conductor. He launched kites, enclosed with copper screens, that were linked to the ground with copper wires. He was awarded a $50,000 research grant from Congress to continue his studies.

Fast forward to 1973 when Dr. Martin Cooper became who is thought to be the inventor of the first portable handset. A former general manager fro the systems division of Motorola, Dr. Cooper was also the first person to make a call using a portable cell phone.

He set up a base station in New York with the first working prototype of a cell phone, called the Motorola Dyna-Tac. Both he and Motorola took this technology to New York to show the public.

In 1977 cell phone went public and public testing began. Chicago was the home for the first trials with 2,000 people. Later trials appeared in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. It spread to Japan in 1979.

Typical technologies changed in 1988 when the Cellular Technology Industry Association, or CTIA, was formed to lay out practical goals for cell phone providers. Included was research for new applications of development.

In 1991 the Telecommunications Industry Association set a new standard with the creation of the TDMA Interim Standard 54.

The history of the cell phone has had quite a long journey. Even though there was a great demand for cell phones, it took a total of 37 years for them to become commercially accessible in the United States.

It’s hard to believe that, since the cell phone has only become popular over the past couple of decades, wireless service was actually invented almost 50 years ago.

According to the CTIA, there are more than 60 million people who own cell phones. Just 25 years ago the cellular business had a $3 million market, while today it has grown to be an industry worth close to $30 billion per year.

Marketing is a fundamental aspect of virtually every business that is out there. For many companies, this is where most of their budget goes: advertising. There are hundreds of ways for you to advertise from coffee shop windows to on the web through banner ads. The goal is of course to target your key audience at the exact right time. This is not an easy task nor is it on that you should take lightly.

One of the most intense types of marketing that is geared towards people no matter where they are and where they go is mobile marketing. Consider this. You could pay for one hundred banners to be put on the sides of buses in one major city. This will cost thousands of dollars in marketing. Those who see the ad will be able to react to it. But, in order for them to see it they need to be at the right place at the right time to see the bus go past them. In the end, your target audience is quite difficult to target in this medium.

But, when you consider mobile marketing, the tables are turned. What is the one thing that you insure you have when you grab your keys to head out the door? You mobile phone! And, so does about half of the population out there. Marketing through mobile phones is an excellent way to get your message out to individuals who are going to take this medium with them where ever they go.

Mobile marketing is fast becoming the talk of the town simply because it is so very effective. Because you can target such a large or such a specific group of people, it makes sense to take advantage of this type of marketing no matter what your product or service is. Because it can be very targeted and very broad, mobile marketing can serve many companies marketing needs: effectively.

There are very few people in this world who posses the kind of social graces intrinsic to the characters in an Austen novel. Some would argue the children of the “information revolution” lack social propriety altogether. Despite the rumours that etiquette is dead, many of us do manage to exercise a little common courtesy toward our fellow man. After all etiquette exists simply to make the whole society caper a little less confrontational. The introduction of wireless communication has taken social interaction to an unprecedented level. Mobile technology allows people to communicate regardless of time or location, giving rise to a raft of contemporary etiquette concerns. Foremost among these concerns is consideration for the sensibilities of those in our physical presence when we take a call. Is it impolite, for example, to conduct a phone conversation whilst engaged in a carnal act? The contemporary socialite must also extend courtesy to the absent caller. Is it offensive to conduct a telephone conversation whilst using the toilet? This article offers guidance to the bewildered and brutish.

1. It is a truth universally acknowledged that cell phones must be switched off in the theatre. There is absolutely no excuse. Offenders shall be tarred and feathered. Obviously, this also applies to the cinema, the symphony and spoken word and performance art. Rock concerts and hip-hop shows are generally considered exempt, however, a punter with his fingers in his ears screaming “Huh? huh? huh?” into his cell is a frightful sight.

2. When piloting an automobile, use a hands-free device or resist answering incoming calls. Not only is it dangerous to talk and drive, it is illegal in many countries. Care should be taken not to incite road rage in other motorists. Furthermore, chatting vacuously on your cell while mounting the footpath will pique pedestrians.

3. Conducting loud cell phone conversations on public transport should be avoided at all costs. To believe that other commuters ought to be interested in your conversation is narcissistic at best, to subject travelers to your confabulation is an indulgence. Moreover, as one clever blogger puts it, there is a special circle of Hell reserved for people who, upon buying a new phone, cycle through every available tone on the bus or train on the way home.

4. When in the company of others, neither take nor make telephone calls. Nothing is more irksome than being spurned by a friend whose frequent cell phone conversations take precedence over live tete-a-tete. Answering an incoming call in an interview or business meeting is a faux-pas that is to be avoided at all costs.
To observe basic cell phone etiquette is neither difficult nor inconvenient. Technology such as cell phones create many possibilities for the advancement of society; society is founded upon mutual regard for one another. Always refer to the fundamental principle of good manners: treat others as you yourself wish to be treated. As for holding a cell phone conversation on the toilet…ignorance is bliss.

There is nothing worse than being duped. Not only do you feel like an idiot, you are left to pay for an item or service you don’t want. The latest scam is the ringtone subscription service. Companies advertising free ringtone downloads, targeted at teenagers, have caught many users in expensive subscription ‘clubs’. The con is simple: Aggressively market your product as “free”, wait until a user enters their mobile number to access the “free” download, then send the user 30 ringtones a month at a cost of 5 USD per ringtone. Premium SMS subscription services, like ringtone ‘clubs’ allow mobile phones to be used like credit cards.

Legality is addressed in the terms and conditions agreement, a small box on the subscription form that must be ticked before processing. Written in practically illegible 9pt sans serif text, terms and conditions usually pop up in a small window which must then be maximised. Typically, the word ‘subscription’ and service pricing appear only in the terms and conditions. For example:

By clicking the “COMPLETE” button you agree to subscribe to Any Club’s ringtone service. You will be sent your choice of ringtone FREE of charge as a bonus for joining Any Club. The service allows you to download up to 4 ringtones each week. The US$4.95 charge will be billed to your mobile bill twice per week. To stop this subscription service at any time, SMS “STOP”, to short code 77777777. Your phone must be polyphonic compatible, be Internet-enabled and have text messaging capability. You must be the owner of this device and either be at least sixteen years old or have the permission of your parent or guardian. Artist names used for identification purposes only. Standard text messaging rates apply. For help contact customer service at 1-123-456-789.

This standard terms and conditions script can be found at any ringtone website purporting to provide free content. In practice, terms and conditions protect the ringtone supplier, once the box is checked the customer can be said to have recognised the stipulations of the agreement. Thus the blame is conveniently shifted from the ringtone supplier, to the customer. The customer, it is claimed, should have read the terms despite being (mis)led to the website on the pretense of free content.
Recently, thanks to a spate of consumer complaints, several ringtone providers have been forced to change their advertising policy. In the UK complaints of misleading advertising against ringtone company Jamster! have been upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority. In the US a lawsuit has been brought against Jamster!, accusing the ‘Crazy Frog’ proprietors of fraud, false advertising, unfair business practices. Legal action may result in greater transparency on behalf of operators like Jamster! However, consumers should recall the cliche “there’s no such thing as a free lunch”, and be highly suspicious of any website offering free mobile content.

Basic Camera Mobile Etiquettes You Must Know

The demand for mobile phones is increasing day by day, the demand for camera mobiles also have no exception. The introduction of camera mobiles has caused rapid increase in sales of these phones all over the world. Along with the widely accepted demand for the camera phones it also created some controversy because of the improper use of the camera mobile. There is no problem in having fun with your camera mobile, but you have to make sure that you are not exceeding the limits.

The following article throws light on some of the etiquettes that every one has to follow while using camera mobiles.

Respect others privacy

This is the basic thing that has to be kept in mind by a person using camera mobile. It is not advisable to snap pictures of others without their consent. This will be considered as a serious offense. So it’s better to avoid trouble by respecting others privacy.

Never use camera mobiles in banned places

The use of camera Phones is banned in some places. The use of such phones should be avoided in those banned areas. In the same way the use of camera mobile is restricted in certain areas, in such areas its better to ask the authorities regarding the extent of restriction.

Keep away from mass mailing

In the resent past the habit of circulating pictures of other people without their permission has increased at an alarming rate. Taking pictures, morphing them on your PC and circulating is also highly unadvisable. This will be treated as a serious criminal offense and will result in severe punishment in many countries.

Shut the camera lens when not in use

Always try to shut the lens of your camera mobile when not in use. This helps a lot in avoiding problems. This has to be followed properly because there are people who might get offended even if a camera is pointed at them.

Just use your common sense

Always use your brain to realize that not every one will like to receive MMS messages, just for the simple reason that most of the networks will charge the recipient for downloading the MMS messages.

Turn off camera’s flash wherever applicable

Its better to turn off your camera’s flash wherever applicable. For example if you are snapping pictures in a zoo the flash light can be distractive.

By following the simple steps mentioned above it’s possible for every one to keep out of the basic mistakes that may occur while using camera mobile. So have fun with your camera mobile, but within limits. And you can get more camera phone reviews from http://www.icameraphones.com

Is your current phone a bit tired or out of date? Would you like to enjoy the benefits of a free cell phone today? Well to get the most of out of a free phone package, you must take advantage of cash rebates, free accessories, free activation and free shipping. Your best pick would be Lets Talk.com, great phones and service.

There is nothing to buy up front. You can have a free cell phone from Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Panasonic, or other name-brand phone delivered to your door in two days free! The only requirement to qualifying for this great offer is that you sign up for 1 or 2 years of wireless service.
Enjoy the convenience of owning a free cell phone
Most free cell phone providers will insist that they offer calling plans from national service providers such as T-Mobile or AT&T Wireless and that they use the same rates. It is true, but what they don’t tell you is they may reduce your options.

Offering free phones has always been a marketing tool. Mobile providers believe that if they can get you into their service, you’ll stay forever. You usually only get the free cell phone if you sign a contract for 2 or 3 years.

Phones offered for free are the cheapest and most ordinary phones. People shopping for any free cell phone are probably looking to save, but they may end up paying more. A great way to save money on cellular service is to sign up for a family or shared plan.

It really depends on what you want your cell phone for, who’s paying for it and if the free ones are really worth it. I believe a free cell phone may not necessarily be a bad offer; it’s just not that free.

Do you consider yourself an average American caller? If so, making long distance calls can be very cheap whether state-to-state or international. The average American makes roughly 6 in-state calls lasting a total of 42 minutes and 7 state-to-state calls lasting a total of 56 minutes per month.

Today’s technology opens the door to competition in the telecommunications market, which means a better service for less money. Regardless of what your paying for your long distance calls the quality will be the same because the technology is the same.

The bulk of these calls are placed during nights and weekends with occasional calls placed during weekday hours, which means a better service for less money. Some long distance rates vary depending on the time of day that you call and this is an important factor that you should consider.

Some companies charge a small monthly fee but often charge a cheaper rate per minute, for your home or for your business. You can get long distance plans and services that fit your calling needs and your budget.

Stop paying more than you have to for long distance, and Internet services! Get the quality you are looking for without the high price tag. You work way too hard for your money these days to hand over a lot more money than you should to the big bill companies!

Wireless phones are hand-held phones with built-in antennas, often called cell, mobile, cellular or PCS phones. These phones are popular with callers because they can be carried easily anywhere in the world.

Wireless phones are two-way radios. When you talk, it picks up your voice and converts the sound to radio frequency energy or radio waves. The radio waves travel all through the air until they reach a receiver at a nearby base station.

The base station then sends your call through the phone network until it reaches the person you are calling. The message travels through the telephone network until it reaches a base station close to your cellular wireless phone.

Then the base station sends out radio waves that are detected by a receiver in your telephone, where the signals are changed back into the sound of a voice. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) each regulate wireless phones.

FCC ensures that all wireless phones sold in the United States follow safety guidelines that limit radio frequency (RF) energy. FDA monitors the health effects of wireless phones. Each agency has the authority to take action if a wireless telephone produces hazardous levels of RF energy.

The past, present, and future of cell phones

Just in the last few years cell phones (usually called mobile phones outside the US) have become de facto standards for most of the population. What once used to be a luxury item for a select few that was carried around in a large leather bag and was the size of the brick, is no longer.

Technology has advanced the mobile phone industry to the point where the phone is a mere commodity for vendors, meaning that’s not where they make the real money. It’s in the service plans, which require 2 year commitments usually, where companies like Sprint, Nextel (now Sprint Nextel), AT&T (now Cingular), Cingular, Verizon, and T-Mobile make the revenues that enable the cycle of technology innovation and marketing to continue.

While the downsides of cell phones have focused primarily on the annoyance of public conversations and the small possibility of brain damage due to cellular coverage near the ear, these pale in comparison to the benefits derived from cellular technology. For those who have had cell phones most of their lives (think anyone under 25), it’s hard to imagine life before cell phones. Writing down numbers in a paper directory, having change on hand (first a nickel, then a dime, then two dimes), knowing how to make collect calls, and finding pay phones in new cities were frequent logistic challenges. Not to mention the inconvenience of not being able to get access to those you need at any time.

At this point, corporate employees, sales professionals, parents, young adults, and anyone in industries where communication among many is critical could hardly imagine life without the benefits of mobile phones.

As technology matures, ringtones, cameras, GPS features, music, and multiple other features will be added to the hardware. And the software on phones will progress to include easier web access, advertisements, news downloads, and easier chat and email features – becoming the only piece of technology most use. In fact, in many countries in South Asia (where the industrial revolution never occurred) they have gone from agricultural industries right to technology, bypassing an entire type of economy. It is in these countries where the cell phone is an essential tool, enabling communication among millions who don’t own a computer.

As technology advances, and people respond positively to resulting changes, we will all benefit.