On Call runs every two weeks, alternating between answering reader questions and discussing hot topics in the cell phone world. Bloomberg today revived a long-simmering story in the wireless world when it reported that Deutsche Telekom is considering selling its T-Mobile USA subsidiary to Sprint Nextel. A deal is nowhere near definite, sources told Bloomberg, …
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March, 2011
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8 March
Thirty percent of young people text while driving
Despite all the warnings about using a cell phone behind the wheel, many drivers, especially younger ones, still seem to be clueless about the danger, or willing to risk it anyway. A majority of 63 percent of people under 30 admitted to using a cell phone while driving in the past 30 days, according to the results of a poll …
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8 March
Has Vodafone coverage improved already?
Beleaguered telco Vodafone has vowed to overhaul its heavily criticised network over the next 18 months, but has it already improved enough to make a noticeable difference? (Credit: Vodafone) Vodafone’s admission to customers that its network wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of data traffic produced by new smartphones and mobile broadband modems was swiftly followed by a commitment to improve …
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7 March
How to hold an iPad comfortably in one hand
Last year I reviewed an iPad case called the Brenthaven 5-in-1. One of its best features was a stretchy rear band that made for a more secure and comfortable one-handed grip. I’ve since moved on to the Vario iPad case, which is still my favorite, but I really miss that strap. After all, the iPad is a heavy, bulky piece …
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7 March
Google whacks ‘malicious’ Android apps by hitting its remote kill switch
Google has moved fast to protect Android users from dozens of malware apps discovered on its Android Market store last week. The apps, which used exploits to access the personal data of anyone who installed them, have been removed from the store, and are being remotely uninstalled from people’s handsets. Google outlined its actions in a blog post on Saturday, …
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7 March
Jabra launches Stone 2 and Freeway
Danish hands-free manufacturer Jabra today refreshed its product range for Australia, announcing the Stone 2 Bluetooth speaker and Freeway in-car speakerphone. The Jabra Stone 2 and Jabra Freeway. (Credit: Jabra) The Stone 2 is, as the name suggests, an update of last year’s Stone headset. Featuring the same unique design, the Stone 2 walked away with the 2011 Design and …
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7 March
Samsung rethinking Galaxy Tab 10.1 price due to Apple’s iPad 2 launch
Were Apple’s rivals watching closely as it unveiled the iPad 2 last week? You bet they were. Samsung has become one of the first to publicly say its own tablet strategy may be getting a tweak as a direct result of Apple’s second-generation slate. Korean news agency Yonhap has an interview with Lee Don-joo, executive vice president of Samsung’s mobile …
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7 March
Samsung Galaxy Pro gives BlackBerry some Qwerty Android competition
Samsung’s new Galaxy Pro smart phone is the latest Android handset looking for a bite of the BlackBerry market, with a Qwerty keyboard and a 2.8-inch touchscreen. Announced this weekend, it’s already been confirmed by Three as coming to that operator’s network here in the UK. The phone was unveiled at Samsung’s own SEA Forum event in Singapore, having been …
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7 March
Rumor: LG Optimus 2X headed to T
T-Mobile and LG working to bring the dual-core Optimus 2X to the United States. TmoNews If the latest whispers prove to be true, the upper end of T-Mobile’s Android lineup is set to get a little more crowded. According to a leaked document, the wireless provider is expecting to bring the LG Optimus 2X Stateside. This would potentially make for …
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7 March
Samsung introduces 3 new headsets
Samsung has announced three new Bluetooth headsets–the HM1610, the HM3600, and the Modus 6450–each of which offers slightly different functions. The Modus 6450, for example, is the second device in the Modus family of Samsung’s stereo headsets. It can be worn either in a mono-style headset or attached to a second earbud for a more stereo audio experience. Obviously the …
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