Cell Phone & Smart Phone News

ZTE halts major business operations5/10/2018

The company said it is seeking to modify or reverse its seven year ban on importing U.S. parts

U.S. senators express concern over the T-Mobile/Sprint merger5/8/2018

Democratic lawmakers say the deal could drive up prices for consumers

WhatsApp message bombs cause apps to crash and Android devices to shut down5/7/2018

Here are the two messages that users say are causing problems

ZTE has requested an end to its ban on purchasing U.S. technology5/7/2018

The company has ‘formally submitted’ a request to suspend the seven-year ban

T-Mobile makes $26 billion bid to acquire Sprint4/30/2018

The companies say the deal would speed development of 5G services

T-Mobile and Sprint reportedly joining forces4/27/2018

Reports suggest that a merger announcement could come within a week

Government reportedly investigating AT&T and Verizon for collusion4/23/2018

The telecom giants are suspected of making it harder to switch carriers

ZTE says export ban will ‘severely affect’ its business4/23/2018

The company says the ban will likely hurt many U.S. companies

T-Mobile fined for deceiving consumers calling rural areas4/17/2018

The company inserted ringtones to make callers think the call had gone through when it hadn't

Department of Commerce bans ZTE from exporting tech from U.S.4/16/2018

The company demonstrated a pattern of lying, officials say

Oracle wins appeal in legal fight with Google over copyrighted code3/28/2018

At stake is more than $8 billion and the future of how software is developed

Best Buy becomes the latest retailer to stop offering Huawei phones3/23/2018

Mounting security concerns have detoured the electronics manufacturer’s inroads to the U.S.

Nineteen states now considering 'right to repair' legislation3/9/2018

The proposed law would make it easier to work on your devices yourself

Robocalls surge 24 percent in February3/9/2018

Two government agencies plan events to help stop them

Smartphone addiction caused by users’ need to be social, study finds3/8/2018

Researchers say overusing devices may signal hyper-social, not anti-social, behavior

BlackBerry sues Facebook over patent infringement3/7/2018

The company claims Facebook uses services that are based on BlackBerry’s patented technology

Court rules FTC can continue its data-speed lawsuit against AT&T2/27/2018

A Monday court ruling restores the FTC’s regulatory authority over large internet service providers

Consumer groups want tougher rules to block robocalls2/27/2018

Advocates urge the FCC to require meaningful authentication for all calls

AT&T reveals 5G plans for three U.S. cities in 20182/21/2018

Dallas, Atlanta, and Waco will be among the first metros to benefit from the high-speed wireless service

AT&T: first 5G device won't be a smartphone2/1/2018

The company plans to produce a device that will work like a 5G modem

T-Mobile, AT&T offer free data, calls, and texting for consumers going to the Winter Olympics1/26/2018

Travelers visiting South Korea between February and March can take advantage of the deals

Hackers can use phony apps to access your personal information1/8/2018

Here’s how you can protect your phone from fake apps

Study reveals potential security flaw in smartphones12/28/2017

Here’s how researchers were able to guess a smartphone’s PIN

Study claims smartphone addiction can alter the brain12/4/2017

Here's how you can tell if you're affected

Verizon plans limited 5G wireless service next year12/1/2017

Expert says 5G represents a fundamental change in how we access wireless data

Moisture detected: the harrowing journey of a water resistant phone that got wet9/26/2017

Samsung likes to brag about its 'water resistant' Galaxy smartphones. Its warranty policy? Not so much.

T-Mobile adds a free Netflix subscription to its plan to draw in customers9/7/2017

CEO John Legere says the partnership brings together two industry disrupters

Judge turns aside pleas for cheaper phone calls for prisoners8/11/2017

Nothing gives prisoners the right to reasonably priced calls, the court finds

T-Mobile says its customers get fewer scam calls8/2/2017

Screening service lets customers know if a scammer is on the other end of the line

How difficult is it to resolve a problem with your cellphone company?7/27/2017

Survey links problem-solving with customer satisfaction

Sprint expands lease option, with accelerated upgrade7/14/2017

Customers will now be able to lease any phone and upgrade a year later

Robocaller fined $2.88 million for calling wireless phones7/13/2017

Dialing Services had been warned previously, the FCC said

Samsung Galaxy S8 winning positive consumer reviews7/6/2017

Strategy Analytics finds consumers like the display and the camera.

Illinois bill would protect against unwanted geolocation tracking6/28/2017

Websites would have to ask for permission in advance

Phony robocalls may cost the caller $120 million in fines6/22/2017

The calls claimed to be from TripAdvisor, Marriott, Expedia and other well-known travel companies

Virgin Mobile offering one year of wireless service for $16/21/2017

The carrier insists there is 'no gimmick' behind the too-good-to-be-true deal

States warn FCC not to block consumer protection rules6/20/2017

Telecom companies have been trying an end run around the states

Court strikes down caps on prison telephone call prices6/14/2017

Calls to the outside will still be costly

The pros and cons of the Samsung s86/14/2017

The new phone is winning raves for its technology, not so much for its durability

New York City getting fourth area code6/9/2017

Because of the growth in mobile devices, Verizon is running out of numbers

Tips for improving Android device security6/2/2017

These devices may be more vulnerable than your PC

Congressman wants action on battery fires, explosions5/26/2017

Wants to know what the CPSC and FDA are doing about the problem

T-Mobile promotion offers to pay off Verizon customers' devices if they switch carriers5/24/2017

The company says the offer stands whether customers owe '$1 or $1,000'

Is your train spying on you?5/23/2017

BART Watch app claims to be anonymous but suit says it isn't

Xfinity Mobile goes live, offering nationwide wireless service5/18/2017

For now, it's restricted to existing Comcast customers

How to protect yourself from spam text messages5/16/2017

The FTC says many of these messages are illegal and offers tips for avoiding them

Net neutrality fight turns nasty5/4/2017

Verizon VP accuses opponents of using the issue to raise funds

Digital advertising company settles charges it deceived consumers4/24/2017

Turn's privacy policy misled consumers about how they could block tracking, FTC charged

Verizon Wireless shows net loss of customers -- first time ever4/20/2017

Customer complaints about service, pricing are taking their toll

Verizon Wear24 challenges iWatch and doesn't need a smartphone4/19/2017

You can leave your smartphone at home. Wear24 will get your texts and emails without it

Comcast launches its long-promised wireless service4/6/2017

Xfinity Mobile offers unlimited calling, texting, data for $45 to $65 per month

Samsung seeking a reset with the Galaxy S83/31/2017

New phone said to offer greater speed and safer battery

Apple releases its latest upgrade, giving a boost to storage3/28/2017

The upgrade uses a new file system which packs more data into the same space

Consumers with connected devices are happiest with their smartphones3/27/2017

J.D. Power survey finds the most satisfied consumers likely use an Amazon Echo

Why young people may be more easily distracted than ever before3/14/2017

Researchers say extensive use of media has led to greater distractibility

Radio Shack once again sinks into bankruptcy3/9/2017

The successor company combined outlets with Sprint

Could smartphones get even smarter?3/7/2017

A Rutgers team is trying to help your phone understand you better

New app lets you know when your internal battery needs charging2/27/2017

WakeMode aims to fend off fatigue and help you get better sleep

Nokia goes back to the future with new cell phone2/27/2017

The Nokia 3310 is a throwback to the turn of the century

Google launches new wireless gigabit service2/24/2017

A Denver apartment complex is the first to get Webpass service

AT&T launches free smartphone promotion2/24/2017

But there are a number of strings attached

Constantly checking devices linked to higher stress levels, survey finds2/23/2017

Experts say 'constant checkers' should consider periodically unplugging

New app improves the survivability of a heart attack2/22/2017

Carmaforlife uses timers and protocols to direct practitioners through a cardiac event

New app lets birdwatchers record and identify bird songs2/16/2017

Song Sleuth turns your device into a bird species identification tool

Want unlimited data? These are now your choices2/15/2017

Everyone's offering it, but terms and conditions vary

T-Mobile responds to Verizon's unlimited data plan2/14/2017

The company is making some offers of its own to boost the competition

Five apps to help you plan the perfect Valentine's Day2/1/2017

For help securing a reservation or booking tickets, look no further than your phone

Smartphone app could shorten length of hospital stays after C-section1/30/2017

In an initial trial, hospital stays were reduced from 3.7 days to 2.7 days

New FCC chairman is no friend of net neutrality1/24/2017

Consumer privacy protection rules also likely on the chopping block

Samsung says defective batteries caused Note 7 fires1/23/2017

Company says it has taken steps to solve the problem

Qualcomm monopolizes cell phone component markets, FTC charges1/18/2017

The company says the FTC doesn't understand its business and is using a flawed argument

New app uses AR and VR technology to showcase a property's potential1/18/2017

RoOomy Reality lets home buyers see their interior design vision in different spaces

New app can help determine your risk of catching a cold1/17/2017

ColdSense combines your health history with local data to create a personalized risk profile

Hidden fees cost consumers billions, report finds1/6/2017

Telecommunications providers the worst, often adding 25% to the stated price

FCC chairman Wheeler will step down Jan. 2012/15/2016

He pushed through net neutrality rules, privacy restrictions for ISPs, and tried to banish set-top cable boxes

Feds want airlines to decide whether to allow in-flight phone calls12/9/2016

If calls are allowed, proposed federal rule would require airlines to notify passengers in advance

Millions of AT&T customers getting refunds for mobile cramming violations12/8/2016

The 2.7 million refunds average $31 for customers who were falsely billed

Gooligan malware infects 1 million Google accounts11/30/2016

Older Android devices are susceptible to the malware

Why you should think twice about texting business information11/29/2016

It's not that businesslike and might not be all that secure

Apple offers fix for iPhone 6 Plus 'touch disease'11/21/2016

The problem occurs after the phone has been dropped a few times

Mozilla introduces mobile browser that blocks tracking11/18/2016

For now, it's only available for iOS devices

Switzerland-based ProtonMail brings tight security to email11/17/2016

Email doesn't have to be an insecure medium, as this fast-growing start-up shows

GOP to FCC: Take the rest of the term off11/17/2016

Do nothing complex or controversial, the agency is told

Need to unplug after the election? This gadget can help11/10/2016

The Pause Box could make it easier to disconnect from your device

Samsung says it's sorry its devices tend to explode and catch fire11/8/2016

The company apologizes for its smartphone problems in newspaper ads

Apps to help parents get through the holidays11/8/2016

Having these apps in your back pocket can help keep your family organized

Lowe's launches augmented reality app to help consumers visualize home improvement projects11/3/2016

Lowe's Vision may help shoppers conceptualize their projects before starting them

Sanders joins Trump in opposing AT&T/Time Warner merger10/28/2016

The deal is a 'gross concentration of power' that will reduce competition and diversity, he says

Don't let 'Ghost Push' haunt your Android device10/27/2016

Security firm says this malware is impossible to remove

FTC getting support in its throttling battle with AT&T10/27/2016

Allies are asking a federal appeals court to reinstate an enforcement action against AT&T

Giant cellphone scheme made fraudulent international calls10/27/2016

Customer accounts were compromised and used to make high-priced calls

Google parent Alphabet pulls the plug on Google Fiber10/26/2016

Companies back away from fiber, which helped free them from the yoke of oppressive regulations

Reali app lets home buyers skip the real estate agent10/25/2016

Buyers can submit an offer and respond to counteroffers right from their device

T-Mobile fined $48 million for 'unlimited' data claims10/19/2016

Customers are throttled when they exceed 17 GB of data usage in a month

Virginia Tech professor develops fireproof battery in wake of Samsung Note 7 fiasco10/17/2016

Replacing the flammable solvent in lithium ion batteries with a safer gel is the key

FAA bans fire-prone Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones10/16/2016

The order goes a step beyond what most airlines have been enforcing

Samsung reeling in aftermath of fires in Galaxy Note 7 phones and other products10/13/2016

Consumers seething over the company's business-as-usual response to fires

Samsung permanently halts production of its Note 7 smartphone10/11/2016

Consumers can choose to exchange it or get a full refund

Mobile providers tell consumers to exchange Note 7 smartphones for another model10/10/2016

Note 7 issues have put Samsung in crisis mode

Burning Samsung phone causes airliner evacuation10/6/2016

Owner says it was one of the replacements but Samsung won't confirm

Google debuts a new smartphone line-up10/4/2016

The Pixel phones are potential iPhone-killers and won't do much for Galaxy Notes either

Google adds incognito mode to its iOS app9/28/2016

It gives users the same privacy shield they can get in the Chrome browser

Samsung Galaxy customers heating up over phone exchange9/26/2016

Like most recalls, this one is full of exceptions, misunderstanding, and confusion

AT&T unveils AirGig, a wireless broadband solution that uses power lines9/20/2016

Verizon and AT&T are working to develop wireless 5G as an alternative to buried fiber

New app, Blinker, can help you buy or sell your car online9/16/2016

The free service is simple and safe

AT&T, Verizon lift data caps for some customers9/13/2016

Net neutrality activists are unhappy about the 'zero rating' plans

Apps that make harvesting social support easier for those with chronic health conditions9/9/2016

Online support groups help users feel less isolated and more understood

Sprint vs. T-Mobile: it's getting nasty8/18/2016

Both say they are getting rid of data plans

AT&T fined for sham directory assistance service, customers to get refunds8/8/2016

Company let scammers bill customers $9 per month for bogus service

New app interrupts unproductive screen time with learning moments7/28/2016

Finny may help parents stave off device addiction in kids

Five fun apps for runners seeking motivation7/20/2016

Why not run from zombies, explore new trails, or donate to charity on your next run?

Just how water-resistant is the Samsung Galaxy S7 Active?7/12/2016

Consumer Reports says it tested the company's marketing claims

What you should know when calling 9-1-1 with your cell phone6/23/2016

The dispatcher will need more information than if you call from a landline

New asthma app offers a handheld way to manage symptoms 6/21/2016

AsthmaCare tracks symptoms and triggers, helping to keep kids out of the emergency room

Study: T-Mobile's Binge On not what it seems6/17/2016

Subscribers may get low quality video without knowing why, researchers caution

What can employers do to combat smartphone-related distractions?6/9/2016

Many employers are finding ways to keep devices from stealing valuable work hours, survey finds

FCC opens its complaint database to public view5/18/2016

Telephone service, wired and wireless, accounts for the lion's share of complaints

'Smarter' JoikuSpot WiFi now available for Android5/16/2016

Enables users to share networks privately

Find your next plant-based meal with Food Monster​4/29/2016

Users can browse over 5,000 vegan-friendly recipes

MightyTV can help you decide what to watch4/15/2016

This Tinder-esque app learns your taste in movies

Frontier's takeover of Verizon customers not exactly smooth sailing4/6/2016

Service outages, tech support problems plague dumped Verizon customers

Four apps that can help you fall asleep faster3/27/2016

Help your brain power down for the night with these useful apps

Cell phones not linked to any negative mental health issues, study finds3/4/2016

But what motivates a person to go online can have an influence on anxiety and depression levels

Always' latest #LikeAGirl spot confronts gender sterotypes in emojis3/3/2016

Emojis may seem harmless, but experts say they're sending subtle messages to young, impressionable girls

Five apps to help you avoid social media and other online distractions3/3/2016

If your focus and productivity suffers due to online distractions, these apps can help

How fast food chains are using apps to win customers2/26/2016

Rewards, incentives, and the ability to skip the line are driving customers to use apps to place their orders

New York's public wi-fi network goes live1/19/2016

LinkNYC provides fast, free Internet, supported by advertising

With Zwivel, cosmetic procedures start online11/25/2015

Have one-on-one doctor consultations from your own home

How to block unwanted phone calls9/23/2015

Indiana Attorney General offers helpful list of methods

Truecaller releases app to ID all incoming texts8/18/2015

Free app puts a name and face to phone numbers

T-Mobile gets more disruptive, ends North American roaming charges7/13/2015

Maverick carrier promises no-fee service when visiting Mexico and Canada

Your smartphone suffers in hot weather too7/6/2015

Excessive heat can damage electronics and cause the battery to run down faster

Check-writers beware: your checks can be cashed more than once6/24/2015

Remote deposit capture makes double deposits easy – accidentally or otherwise

FCC beefs up consumer protections against robocalls, auto-dialers and spam texts6/18/2015

Telephone companies freed to use robocall-blocking technology

AT&T fined $100 million for throttling “unlimited data” connections6/17/2015

Company plans to fight FCC fine, claims throttling is actually network management

Vulnerability in iOS could allow hackers to spoof Apple Pay, steal users' credit card data6/4/2015

Another reason mobile device owners should never allow auto-connections to public wi-fi

Banning cell phones in schools raises test scores, study finds5/18/2015

Wireless phones "both distracting and disruptive," researchers report

Verizon, Sprint to pay $158 million for illegal cramming of customers' mobile phones5/12/2015

$120 million will go for redress to consumers who were wrongly charged

Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report: over 1 out of 10 people fall for phishing attempts4/16/2015

In network-security terms: We have met the enemy, and he is us

How to stop telemarketers from calling your cell phone4/15/2015

Cell phones have a nifty feature your landline phone doesn't

Hackers breach public wi-fi at multiple hotels and convention centers3/30/2015

At least 277 venues identified so far in the U.S. and elsewhere

How to brute-force break a 4-digit iPhone password in 111 hours or less3/25/2015

An elegant lab experiment illustrates why 4 digits aren't always enough

Carnegie Mellon study: your apps are tracking you more than you know3/24/2015

And if you knew about it, you probably wouldn't let it happen

Tinder Plus costs $10 monthly unless you're 30 or older; then it's $20 3/6/2015

This is in addition to your standard smartphone costs and data plans, of course

ACLU documents reveal police use of secret cell phone tracking program2/23/2015

No warrants, and no legislative or judicial oversight either

Verizon dumps California, Texas, Florida wireline, FiOS business2/6/2015

The phone company hangs up on millions of longtime customers

New smartphone app records police and uploads video to the Internet, automatically2/3/2015

Hands Up 4 Justice records and saves video so police can't delete it

Problem: genuine AT&T texts look too much like phishing bait1/26/2015

Watch out, because the standard scam-detection rules don't apply here

Damaged devices a fact of life for most smartphone users10/6/2014

Nearly half of users are making do with a damaged phone

When does cell phone dependence become addiction?9/4/2014

Researcher says it may be crossing that line for a lot of people

App lets parents shut down unresponsive kid's cell phone8/18/2014

Your teen won't return your email or text? Shut 'em down

FTC: T-Mobile made hundreds of millions of dollars through cramming7/1/2014

The No. 4 carrier collected fees for bogus SMS subscriptions, the feds allege

iPhone and iPad users: beware the latest iPhishing scam6/2/2014

And watch out for the scammers who'll lockdown your devices for ransom, too

Cellphone providers step up the competition3/3/2014

Brewing price war can mean savings for consumers who shop carefully

The One-Ring Phone Scam -- don't return that unfamiliar call!2/3/2014

"Crammers" trick unsuspecting victims into making high-cost international calls

Calling 9-1-1 from a cellphone12/12/2013

Don't assume the dispatcher can see your location

How often should you upgrade your phone?7/25/2013

Cell phone providers hope you'll do it more often than in the past

A new way to capture your child's special moments7/12/2013

There are all kinds of new apps and gadgets to document your baby's early days

Recording concerts with a smartphone -- annoying and probably illegal6/6/2013

Recording copyrighted material can be construed as a crime. It's not very polite either

Here's how to learn an instrument in 20135/6/2013

Apps of all sorts are making it fun and easy to learn an instrument these days

PrankDial -- some think it's funny, others don't3/29/2013

OK, it's juvenile humor but, used properly, it's good for a chuckle

Life360: A modern way to check-in on your family members3/21/2013

The creators of the app say it will allow you to dramatically cut down on texting too.

Did magicJack turn out to be not so magical?3/20/2013

With complaints of hidden costs and poor reception, consumers want improvements

Are mobile wallets really in our future?3/7/2013

A fragmented industry and other obstacles mean it could be a distant future

What If You Could Permanently Block Telemarketers and Debt Collectors?10/22/2012

PrivacyStar, a new smartphone app, lets you block calls and report violations to the feds

Collect Calls From Jail Are Costly6/11/2012

Inmates usually have no other options than to make the expensive calls

Legislation Would Provide Standard Definition Of 4G6/24/2011

Lawmaker says consumers near clarity on speed, coverage and price

Wal-Mart Offers No-Contract 'Post-Paid' Cell Phone Plan9/14/2010

Consumers get unlimited talk, texting for $45 per month

FTC Shuts Down Notorious Rogue Internet Service Provider5/19/2010

3FN hosted sam-spewing botnets, phishing sites, child pornography, agency charged

Beware of the Yahoo Email Scam4/28/2010

Message from Yahoo! may look authenic, but it's not

Beware Of Facebook Gift Card Scams4/12/2010

Scam not yet widespread but potential for harm is great

FCC Questions Telcos, Google on Early Termination Fees1/27/2010

Inquiry comes on heels of Verizon price hike, Nexus One intro

How To Tape Customer Service Calls1/4/2010

You may legally record calls if you follow the rules

Class Action: MetroPCS's Unlimited International Calling Is Anything But12/14/2009

Accuses carrier of 'bait and switch' tactics

New Jersey Settles With Verizon Over Deceptive FiOS Marketing12/7/2009

State claimed company didn't live up to promised offers

Senate Committee To Investigate Cell Phone Contracts6/16/2009

Hearing to be held on exclusivity in mobile market

Radio Shack, AT&T Face Class Action Suit3/3/2009

$99 Acer notebook deal really was too good to be true, suit charges

Debt Collectors Go After Expired Verizon Bills4/17/2008

Consumers told refusing to pay will hurt their credit rating

FCC Not Ready to Pry Open Wireless Networks1/23/2008

But agency warns carriers its plans could change

AT&T Charging Fire Victims For Toasted Satellite Dish10/26/2007

San Diego couple didn't grab their dish as they evacuated

Verizon Agrees to Stop Promoting Wireless Broadband Service as 'Unlimited'10/24/2007

Settlement with New York applies to wireless broadband customers nationwide

AT&T Threatens Complaining Customers With Cancellation10/2/2007

Users complain but company says language is neither new nor unique

Verizon's Abortion Block Raises Net Neutrality Concerns9/27/2007

Telecom reverses course, blames "incorrect interpretation" of its policies

Appeals Court Shreds Out AT&T Arbitration Clause8/22/2007

Finds cell phone contracts that deny consumers the right to sue "unconscionable"

Cell Phones Linked to Bee Decline4/16/2007

Honey Bee Populations Shrinking Worldwide

Is Cell Phone Insurance Worthwhile?4/1/2007

Consumers often find it isn't what they thought it was

New Cell Phones Target Seniors11/13/2006

Big buttons, simple controls aimed at older users

Study: Cell Phones Reduce Hospital Errors1/30/2006

Using cell phones in hospitals reduces the error rate in medical care because of more timely communication

Site Offers Cell Phone Contract Swapping7/12/2005

Feds Warn of Cell Phone Battery Hazards5/13/2005

The batteries can overheat and catch fire

Cell Phone Users Interrupt Sex for Phone Calls4/11/2005

Fourteen percent of the world's cell phone users report that they have stopped in the middle of a sex act to answer a ringing wireless device

Time Warner Cable Plans Cell Phone Service12/29/2004

Cable giant Time Warner is said to be in talks with Sprint to provide cell phone service to its cable customers

Risk of Cell Phone Explosions Growing11/26/2004

83 reports of cell phones exploding or catching fire

California Adopts Wireless Consumer Bill of Rights5/30/2004

New cell phone subscribers get 30 days to cancel the service without paying a penalty

20th Anniversary of AT&T Breakup1/1/2004

It was 20 years ago that AT&T crossed paths with Judge Greene

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