Cell Phone & Smart Phone News

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's streaming version of DirecTV to debut later this year9/22/2016

The cost of the data will be included in the service for AT&T Wireless customers

Charter following Comcast into the wireless business9/22/2016

Charter will resell Verizon spectrum and use its own Wi-Fi hotspot network

Replacement Galaxy Note 7 phones now available9/21/2016

A half-million replacement phones have been shipped to retailers

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

Apple and Samsung's reversal of fortunes9/19/2016

It's been a great month for one smartphone maker, the other not so much

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

The free service is simple and safe

Hey, stop using your Samsung Galaxy Note 7!9/15/2016

The fire danger is real and there are alternatives

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

iPhone 7 may be lacking a crucial element9/7/2016

The latest in the long line of iPhones was revealed today

Apps now account for more than half of internet use9/6/2016

Consumers use PCs to go online only 32% of the time

Samsung stops sales of Note 7 over reports of exploding batteries9/2/2016

Company says it will replace every device that has been sold so far

Verizon promises 50% faster peak data speeds8/30/2016

LTE Advanced uses multiple channels to deliver more speed when it's needed

If you do nothing else, update your iPhone today 8/26/2016

Three newly found vulnerabilities could let hackers take over your phone

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

Both say they are getting rid of data plans

AT&T drops overage charges from data plans8/18/2016

When you go over the limit, the speed drops

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

Strava app's new feature can help outdoor runners stay safe8/4/2016

Beacon gives designated contacts the ability to track an athlete's location in real-time

Carriers ready for Samsung Galaxy Note 7 preorders8/3/2016

iPhone 7 release date still six weeks away

Apps pose a big danger for teens behind the wheel8/1/2016

Two of three teens use apps while driving, study finds

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

Finny may help parents stave off device addiction in kids

Robocall strike force seeks solution to pesky calls and texts7/27/2016

At FCC's urging, AT&T agrees to lead industry effort to block automated calls

Businesses warned about Pokemon Go security risk7/25/2016

Security expert calls it a 'nightmare' for corporate networks

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?

White House funds 5G effort despite health advocates' objections7/18/2016

The ultra-high-speed broadband technology poses unknown risks, critics say

What doctors love about Pokemon Go 7/14/2016

The app's mental and physical health benefits have physicians singing its praises

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

Consumer Reports says it tested the company's marketing claims

Pokémon Go goes viral; crooks take advantage7/11/2016

Stick-up artists use the game to lure victims to isolated areas

Security firm warns of widespread Android malware threat7/6/2016

HummingBad now used to generate revenue but could have more sinister purposes

'Breathe' app helps users disengage from anxiety7/6/2016

Calming breathing exercises may help reduce overall stress

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

Judge rules against Amazon in charges run up by children6/23/2016

Google and Apple have already refunded more than $50 million

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

New dating app matches couples based on shared political views6/16/2016

Matches based on a person's views on important issues

Report: smartphone sales growth in sharp decline6/14/2016

Consumers have fewer reasons to upgrade their devices

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

Chick-fil-A launches new app to speed up service6/1/2016

Offers free sandwich as incentive to download

Ad-blockers are now used by 22% of the world's smartphone users, report says5/31/2016

Marketers continue to scramble for ways to advertise on the 'blocked web'

Microsoft exits consumer smartphone market5/25/2016

$7 billion Nokia investment didn't produce much return

How your phone can affect your sleep5/23/2016

Banishing technology from the bedroom may be the key to a good night's rest

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

International roaming charges continue to fall5/16/2016

AT&T ups the ante with new plan for Canada and Mexico travel

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

Boost wants to pay you to watch ads on your smartphone1/26/2016

It's only $5 a month, but if it works, it could upend the current smartphone payment model

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

FCC may OK blocking telemarketing and robo calls to consumers' phones5/28/2015

Telemarketing calls & texts top the list of consumer complaints

New technology may extend cellphone battery life5/27/2015

Ohio State researchers say they can keep devices going 30% longer between charges

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

FCC warns hotels against blocking guests' wi-fi1/28/2015

It's illegal to jam legal radio transmissions of any kind, FCC vows tough enforcement

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

Small competitors again top Consumer Reports' cell-phone service ratings12/15/2014

Ting, Consumer Cellular, Republic beat Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile; Sprint again dead last

Feds sue AT&T for throttling customers with "unlimited" data plans 10/28/2014

"Unlimited means unlimited," Federal Trade Commission argues

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

Magicjack: Good idea but many complain of bad service10/21/2013

Some consumers are surprised by porting charges, although they are disclosed in advance

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

AT&T: The End is Near for 2G Phones 8/6/2012

The company hopes to phase out all of its 2G networks by 2017

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

AGs Bring Antitrust Charges Against LCD Panel Makers8/12/2010

Officials claim special meetings and 'hotlines' were used to fix prices

Palm Treo Phones Defective, Suit Says7/14/2010

Suit contains similar allegations to 2005 complaint

Feds Streamline Food Safety Reporting Process5/25/2010

FDA says new web portal will improve consumer safety

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

College Students Prefer Simple Cell Phones8/28/2008

Practicality reigns over high tech on campuses

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

Escape from Cell Phone Purgatory8/30/2007

How to get out of your cell phone contract without paying a termination fee

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

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

Congress Slams AT&T Over iPhone Contract, Fees7/13/2007

Subscribers Hit With High Purchase Price Plus Steep Termination Fee

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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