Landline Endangerment

People Ditch Landlines for Mobiles and Alternatives

I dropped my landline’s long-distance calling plan years ago, opting instead to use a cheaper alternative… my mobile phone. I have often wondered why I have the landline at all. Apparently, I’m not alone. For the first time, mobile phone-only households have surpassed landline-only ones. The current recession has been credited with this trend as people look to cut costs out of their budget.

There are ways, however, to keep your home phone without paying a high monthly fee - most of which use the still-unfamiliar technology of VoIP (or calls using the internet).

Skype - This free software lets you call anyone, anywhere, for free… as long as they are also members of Skype. For only $2.95/month, U.S. callers can call ANYONE within the U.S., regardless of whether they are members, including cellphones. You can either use your computer’s built-in microphone and speakers or buy optional headsets or compatible phones. Remember that you have to have an internet connection or at least access to the internet. But with wi-fi networks popping up everywhere, this isn’t a big deal.

MagicJack - This service is a bit different. Although it still works over the internet, you have to have your own connection because you physically plug a USB device into your computer, connecting your existing landline phone. For a onetime fee of $39.95, you get one year of free local and long distance calling to the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

The downside with both services is that emergency calls using 911 may not be available depending on service areas, failing internet connections, or downed electric service.

Sources: trendhunter

Hi-Tech Jewelry

The Orb Goes From a Ring on Your Finger to a Phone Call Receiver

A collaboration between Hybra Advance Technologies and AbsolutelyNew Inc. has brought us the Orb bluetooth headset. This fantastic design for a headset combines a touch of beautiful jewelry and intense compact technology.

It starts off as a full-circled ring (looks as though it can be worn, depending on its actual size) and can be opened up to comfortably fit around your ear.

It’s ultimate haute hands-free calling!

Sources: hybratech, gizmag

Android Camera Phones

Samsung i7500 Smartphone is Finally A Reality

Launching “in major European countries from June,” Samsung is releasing its very first android smartphone with the i7500.

After months in the rumour mill, Samsung is ready to dive into the competitive android/smartphone market at a pretty decent height.

The Samsung i7500 comes ready to roll with a 3.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, WiFi, GPS, a 5 megapixel camera with Power LED, 8GB of storage (upgradeable to 32gb), and a standard 3.5mm headset jack.

Although North American release dates have not surfaced from within the rumour mill, it can’t be long before this beast heads over seas to tackle our market.

Sources: samsungmobile engadget

Braille Mobiles

The Universal Phone Designed for the Blind

The Universal Phone is a mobile that anyone can use, including the visually impaired.

The number 5 key on the Universal Phone has a little dot to allow blind users to remember the placement of the keys while dialing and sending text messages.

You might ask, how do they read text messages? Well, the Universal Phone can turn the texts into braille writing so users can feel their way through their different messages.

Unfortunately, this mobile is only a concept, but it would be great to see something like this out on the market.

Sources: tuvie

iPhone Car Starters

The Viper SmartStart Lets You Go Keyless for $500

The iPhone is steadily becoming like a universal remote, what with applications like this Viper SmartStart system that allows users to unlock and start their cars sans keys.

For $500, which is the price of the Viper SmartStart receiver (the actuall app is free on iTunes), the system will unlock, start, set the alarm, and unlock the trunk of your car. It will also allow you to find a misplaced vehicle via a ‘panic’ button. Basically, it’s like any old remote car starter, except it will be part of your iPhone. You have the option, however, to manage more than one car with it as well as assign more than one user to the car.

Sources: viper, cultofmac

GPS Glasses

The iPhone ARider is the Future of Navigation

30 years ago, people predicted that there would be flying cars, laser guns and advanced navigation systems in the future. Today, we have finally achieved one of those predictions with the iPhone ARider.

The ARider allows the user to navigate hands free with a head mounted display. With the GPS features in the iPhone, all you have to do is move your head and the map will rotate with you. When mounted on a helmet, the ARider is the perfect tool to take along with you while biking as you will never get lost again.

Sources: crunchgear

Bluetooth Speaker Cradles

The Space Music Flow Cellphone is a Smooth Communication Device

This mobile phone design concept from Korean designer Hyunsoo Choi is called the ‘Space Music Flow’ cellphone. It presents a portable telephone that also encompasses a number of other, useful functions. This includes a Bluetooth speaker in the phone’s cradle and a touch-pad music component.

The ‘Space Music Flow’ cellphone was created with sponsorship by Pantech/Sky Designers Community Project. The design of the phone is meant to encompass visual beauty with state-of-the-art technology and functional capabilities.

Sources: choihyunsoo, thedesignblog.org