First, some initial background. Bluetooth technology is the result of a global initiative by technology giants Ericsson, Intel, Nokia and Toshiba to set a standard for cable-free connectivity between mobile phones, mobile PCs, handheld computers and other peripheral devices. Simply put, Bluetooth is an open specification, low-power, short-range unlicensed radio frequency technology - similar to garage door openers and baby monitors - that allows the seamless and secure wireless networking of voice and data electronic devices (both mobile and stationary).
The history of Bluetooth has its roots in the late 20th century, when the standard started gaining steam, thanks to the efforts of the Bluetooth Special Internet Group. This consortium was established to help spread the technology, with the expectation that widespread adoption would help spur innovation in wireless communications. From its relatively humble beginning as a short wave radio technology, Bluetooth has grown in scope and speed, and is now the backbone of several common cell phone features.
So, what are some of the popular features that rely on Bluetooth? The most visible uses, for most of our consumers, involve cell phones and cell phone accessories. Bluetooth headsets are common add-ons with many new cell phone models - and are often included as a bonus with some online deals. Bluetooth has also made its mark on the cell phone market by serving as the wireless conduit connecting your phone to your PC, and making it possible to sync up data.
Of course, the Bluetooth standard can connect any two electronic devices - from computers, printers and other peripherals, to the on-board navigation system in your car. How does Bluetooth technology work? First, the devices establish a "physical" connection (via a radio frequency) defined by the Bluetooth standard; once connected, an agreed upon protocol helps the two devices talk to each other and exchange data. The beauty of Bluetooth is that the technology is able to exist in any device capable of transmitting and/or receiving a wireless signal.
And the capabilities don't stop there. Bluetooth networks can include as many as eight devices, all communicating with each other and sharing information. When this kind of "personal area network" is set up, one device acts as the control point, and the others all respond - in their own way - to its requests. A complex network like this is possible because of the simple brilliance of the Bluetooth standard: it operates on a very weak frequency that rarely encounters, or causes, interference. Your Bluetooth devices will work anywhere, regardless of the potential interference around them.
In general, the security of a Bluetooth connection or network is fairly strong. All devices communicating via Bluetooth must provide authorization before any information is exchanged. However, there are always exceptions, and, in recent years, some attack scenarios have been exposed, including Bluejacking and Bluetooth bourne viruses.
For more information on Bluetooth, follow Point.com's continuing series of articles:
History of Bluetooth
Bluetooth Features and Uses
Technology Behind Bluetooth
Bluetooth Networks
Bluetooth Security
History of Bluetooth Technology
The Bluetooth movement was launched in 1994 by Ericsson, a Swedish company, in order to eliminate clutter in homes and offices. In 1998, Bluetooth technology was starting to take shape and led to the development of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG); the founding members IBM, Intel, Nokia, Toshiba and Ericsson officially threw their weight behind Bluetooth technology. Within six months, the success and versatility of Bluetooth technology was apparent, and other companies joined the initiative. From there, adoption of the Bluetooth standard exploded, growing into the global presence that it is today.
Evolution of the Bluetooth Standard
Bluetooth technology was designed to permit data and voice exchange at rates up to1 Mbps per second. Initially, the standard used short range radio links in the 2.GHz Instrumentation Scientific and Medical (ISM) "free band." The early coverage range of Bluetooth devices hovered around 5 meters, but now - after expanding into the 700-800 kb bandwidth - it generally attains a range of about 10 meters, where its seamless radio connections create what's known as a Personal Wireless Network. The transmission frequency range for Bluetooth sits between 2.4 and 2.4835 GHz, with a maximum transfer speed of, typically, 2.0 Mbps per second (some devices manage up to 3 Mbps per second). The range, effectiveness, and speed of Bluetooth technology continues to grow, thanks to the work of the Bluetooth SIG.
Bluetooth's impact is also felt in motor vehicles like cars, and even boats, with what's known as a "vehicle kit." This technology allows an individual's voice to activate the phone and talk through the built-in audio system in the vehicle. These kits are normally referred to as Bluetooth car kits and require no additional plug-in to the cell phone or mobile device and no cluttered wire connections.
Bluetooth: Transmitting Data
Computer peripherals like keyboards, speakers and mice also present opportunities for the Bluetooth standard to thrive. These accessories can be connected through a Bluetooth network to a personal computer, reducing the amount of clutter on the desk and allowing for more flexibility in the work area. These accessories can also be connected to smart phones or PDAs through Bluetooth, which makes mobile emailing and internet browsing more efficient.
Bluetooth technology also facilitates file transfer and content provision between mini-computers, smart phones, PDAs, personal computers, cell phones and other mobile or wireless devices which in turn makes sharing photos, ring-tones, and other multimedia content between these devices easier. In some cases, Bluetooth even helps streamline the delivery of commercial mobile content, improving efficiency for both distributors and customers.
Bluetooth enabled printers are another great example of the technology as a catch-all method to remove wires from daily life. It's simple to establish a Bluetooth connection between your PC and printer, and send the print job wirelessly. You'll never need a clunky printer cable again.
Bluetooth: Internet Connectivity
A final category of Bluetooth functionality - in its early stages, but fast becoming a mainstay - is the ability to connect devices to an internet access point. For example, a cell phone internet connection can be extended to a laptop through a simple Bluetooth connection, and you're online. As long as the phone has a signal and Internet access, you're good to go.
Bluetooth smart phones may also be used as remote controls for PowerPoint presentations, media applications and other applications for computers. And, in the near future, we're likely to see any number of exciting new innovations - from GPS navigation systems, to interactive homes and offices. Using a Bluetooth internet connection, all of your devices will be in constant contact with each other.
]]>The connections established by Bluetooth operate smoother than a similar infrared signal, because the standard does not require a line of sight to connect. Another advantage of Bluetooth technology over infrared is that multiple connections can be made, utilized, and sustained simultaneously, as opposed to infrared's one-on-one technology.
Joining Bluetooth Devices
Bluetooth networks use the same unlicensed radio frequency used by WiFi networks, cordless phones and microwave ovens. While the Bluetooth technology specification is defined and bound by low-level radio communication protocols, the standard provides a high level of content exchange through its unique communication protocols. These protocols are known as profiles or networks and are created when a Bluetooth device detects other Bluetooth devices within its range, with appropriate authorization and permission, and forms connections with them.
Additionally, Bluetooth networks can be merged or joined together to form large networks capable of covering large spaces, like grand halls and convention centers. A new Bluetooth device joining a network gets the added benefit of seeing all other devices in that network, which allows some devices to act, in effect, as bridges to the network as a whole. Bluetooth devices in the same network or in the same profile are able to exchange content with each other independently or through a bridge device seamlessly at the network level. A cell phone and its wireless audio earpiece support the headset profile. PDAs, smart phones and personal computers support the same synchronization profile for address book/calendar/to-do list/ email synchronization.
Structure of Bluetooth Networks
Bluetooth's complex structure utilizes signals and techniques that protect its integrity and enhances the effectiveness of the technology. A Bluetooth-enabled device uses 79 individual randomly chosen frequencies within designated ranges while changing from one frequency to another 1600 times a second. This allows more devices to be able to make use of the radio spectrum without any cross-interference occurring. Because the transmitters are hopping randomly between frequencies so often, any interference that does occur will only last a fraction of a second. This technique is called "spread spectrum frequency hopping".
Interference is also minimized by the relative signal strength of Bluetooth transmissions - it is the weakest of any wireless technology. This is beneficial, because the weak signals rarely interfere with each other, or any stronger transmissions. The wireless transmissions that create a personal area networks (PANs) typically generate signals of only a milliwatt (the most powerful cell phones, by comparison, transmit a signal of 3 watts). This low signal strength is what limits the range to 10 meters, but it's also the reason you'll never experience interference from your cell phone's network, the cordless phone's network, garage door's network or any other PAN existing in the area.
There are a few potential attack scenarios that befall Bluetooth-enabled devices; they can, however, be prevented by careful use of the Bluetooth device. For example, it's not wise to accept a transfer from an unknown Bluetooth devices. Bluejacking is a common prank played when you receive an empty business card with a fake message in the "name" like "I have broken into your phone memory." The aim is to make your cell phone or device appear as though it is malfunctioning.
Another potential security risk is known as Bluesnarling, or Bluebugging, which can cause a bit more damage. Implementation bugs in some Bluetooth devices allow hackers to remotely access your phone without approval and use the cell phone or devices features. It even allows calls to be made and user information to be changed. .
According to Howstuffworks.com, a third security risk for Bluetooth devices is called Car Whisperer. This software allows hackers to send and receive audio to and from a Bluetooth enabled car stereo, making it possible to eavesdrop on conversations within your car. The best way to combat this - a fairly rare occurrence to begin with - is to make sure you turn off the Bluetooth car kit when not in use.
Cell phone viruses that cripple or affect cell phones in different ways can also be spread through a Bluetooth network. These viruses detect vulnerable devices in a network and perform unauthorized installations in order to keep spreading. This is usually referred to as a Bluetooth Virus.
]]>The dramatic increase in cell phone use has created an expectation that we're always available, and many of us are spending more and more time in our cars and we want to make that time productive. The problem, say safety advocates, is what happens when you put the phone to your ear while driving.
The idea of legislating cell phone use is gaining momentum. In late 1999, Brooklyn, Ohio, became the first city in the United States to pass an ordinance requiring hands-free cell phone equipment for automobile drivers using wireless phones.
Three states, New York, California and Connecticut and the District of Columbia, followed suit, implementing state-wide bans against hand-held cell phone calls while driving. Several other states restrict cell phone use by teenaged drivers. Many more are considering such legislation.
And now, with the exploding popularity in text messaging, and the corresponding concerns about distractions while driving, many states are also debating bans on texting while driving. Washington is the first state to pass such a law -- that ban takes effect in January 2008 and violations will result in a $101 fine.
However these bans on cell phone use while driving all make exceptions for drivers who use hands-free cell phone features such as speakerphone or headsets.
A driver safety study by the Federal Government and Virginia Tech found that it's driver inattention - from whatever cause - that leads to most accidents. Even looking away from the roadway for 2 seconds nearly doubles your chances of a crash or near crash.
While some argue that cell phones are no more of a distraction than eating while driving, which is not regulated, the fact remains that you must follow the law. And depending on where you are, it may be illegal to talk on the phone while behind the wheel unless you keep both hands free.
Cell phones with hands-free capabilities are available from all major cell phone service providers and manufacturers. If you're the multi-tasking type that must stay connected on the road, invest in a quality hands-free cell phone or headset. If you absolutely have to use your phone in the car, keep your hands on the wheel and your mind on the road.
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Mobile TV, as a general term, covers varying degrees of content delivery. The most common form of mobile TV in existence today involves streaming small bits of pre-programmed video from a source to your cell phone. The options are dictated by exclusive content deals between content producers and the wireless carriers. In the near future, however, the full spectrum of live television is likely to be made available.
Currently, there are two main ways of delivering live video - which is really the future of the medium. The first, based on a two-way cellular network, is how most streaming feeds are transmitted today; one way of viewing this two-way system is as an "on-demand" service. Video is sent from a source to the user based on individual requests, and, as a result, many duplicate streams exist at once. The alternative to two-way delivery is a one-way system, more along the lines of traditional broadcasting. One main source sends out one signal that many individual devices can receive, using MBMS technology.
Most experts believe the future of Mobile TV is a combination of these two delivery methods, with the most popular programming available via one-way transmissions, and more niche content remaining available on-demand.
With that as background, Point.com presents a run-down of the current mobile TV services offered by the most popular carriers, designed to help you differentiate the existing options:
Sprint Power Vision - Sprint's Power Vision services provide several different levels of mobile TV access. The basic Power Vision Access Pack includes Sprint TV (channels include the NFL Network, The Weather Channel, Fox Sports, CNN, and more), as well as 10 channels of Sprint Music. Other optional packages offer up to 20 additional channels of live television. On top of all that, Sprint Movies provides a pretty decent selection of downloadable films from Universal, Sony, and Buena Vista, at $3.99 to $5.99 per title.
Alltel Axcess TV - Alltel's mobile television offering features eleven live channels, identical to an actual TV feed. The selections, for now, are largely news-oriented - ABC News Now, FOX News, CSPAN and MSNBC - but also include niche channels like Discovery, TLC, and Animal Planet. Alltel also recently added Axcess TV on Demand, which expands their mobile TV programming to include over 200 clips available at anytime, covering a wide range of content.
Verizon VCAST - The Verizon VCAST service offers a huge selection of over 300 different on-demand video clips at any given time, from content providers like NBC News, CNN, and ESPN. Other specialty products cover the world of sports, including NBA TV and NASCAR To Go. Much of VCAST revolves around "made for mobile" clips that run from one to five minutes - in fact, Verizon has deals in place with several of the major networks and produces special "mobisodes" of favorites ranging from "24" to "Sesame Street."
AT&T MobiTV - AT&T's mobile television service also offers short clips covering news and sports, and adds HBO Mobile as an exclusive content developer. Through HBO Mobile, you can access full episodes or scenes from The Sopranos, Sex and the City, Entourage, and more.
Inheriting someone else's old cell phone number can mean more than taking calls from the previous owner's family and friends. With the growth of mobile content services for cell phones, your new number may come attached with some additional nuisances: existing cell phone content subscriptions.
You can now use your cell phone to subscribe to mobile content providing anything from the latest sports scores to American Idol contestant information, plus subscription services offering the latest ring tones, jokes, horoscopes, and games - all for a few dollars a month.
However, when you inherit someone else's subscriptions along with their cell phone number this can become a problem.
You may start receiving messages from a company you've never heard of soon after getting your new cell phone number. It may seem like nothing more than a nuisance until you see your monthly cell phone bill. That's when you realize that the cost of all these unsolicited messages is adding up.
Sometimes the subscription is billed as a line item on your cell phone bill. It is also likely that those messages are coming out of your monthly allocation of text messaging. If you don't have a data plan, you might be charged a messaging fee for each and every incoming text message - whether it was meant for you or not.
Because these add-on services are often from third-party companies, canceling the subscriptions may not be as easy as simply calling your carrier. Although phone companies are often willing to remove the charges once you explain your situation, you will likely need to contact the other service yourself to put an end to the ongoing subscription. The contact information for the subscription provider is usually available on the cell phone carrier's bill together with the charges.
Current customers are sometimes met with resistance as they attempt to cancel a previous owner's subscriptions themselves. Some companies require a letter from the cell phone company before canceling the service; others, such as adult content services, require that the current subscriber be over 18 in order to cancel the subscription.
In any of these cases, you should contact both your cell phone provider and the content provider immediately to dispute the charges.
The Wireless Association, CTIA, estimates that there are currently over 233 million cell phone subscribers, over 70 percent of the U.S. population. Given the recent explosion in cell phone use, it's virtually impossible to issue a brand new number to every new account holder.
In fact, any given cell phone number may be dormant for as little as 30 days before being issued to a new subscriber, which is usually not long enough to guarantee the cell phone subscription companies will have canceled service.
One surefire way to avoid the problem of recycled cell phone numbers is to port your existing number. Since the FCC mandated Wireless Local Number Portability (WLNP), customers can transfer their existing cell phone (or home) number to their new cell phone. This ensures the transition goes smoothly for you, and you can avoid any friends or companies trying to reach a previous owner. It also ensures that your friends and family all have your current contact information.
Recent studies have predicted that the global total of cell phone subscribers will reach 4 billion by 2010. There isn't much we can do to prevent old phone numbers from being reassigned so quickly, but by porting our existing phone numbers when we switch service and by knowing what to do in case we inherit another person's subscriptions, we can save ourselves time, frustration and money.
]]>Bluetooth stereo headphones If your cell phone supports them, invest in a pair of Bluetooth stereo headphones to get the most out of the music or multimedia features of your cell phone. Just remember, it's not safe to listen to music on headphones while driving - even if you are hands-free.
Car charger Your cell phone is no fun if the battery's run down. A car charger will keep you ready to talk and text all the time.
Bluetooth PC adapter If your computer doesn't have built-in Bluetooth capability, add a Bluetooth adapter to back up your contacts and data and to make it easy to save your pictures and music.
Extra memory You'll want to use that camera phone to snap pictures of your friends so you won't want to run out of space. Buy a memory card so you can save more pictures or songs on your phone.
Cell Phone Carrying Case Protect your phone in your backpack and put it in a carrying case. Cases are as varied and fashionable as cell phones these days so it will be easy to find the one that's right for you and your phone.
These top 5 cell phone accessories will take you through the school year in style and ready to make the most of your cell phone.
With the new surge of interest in lowering our carbon footprint (and some states now requiring the recycling of electronics) a more eco-friendly alternative to cluttering a landfill with used cell phones is to take advantage of the variety of initiatives for recycling cell phones. Some organizations give the phones to those in need here in the U.S. (like battered women's shelters), redistribute them in developing countries (where cell phones are often the only means for making long distance calls), refurbish them to resell, or disassemble them for their component parts.
Cell Phone Trade-Ins guarantees that your old cell phone will either be put to good use (if it's in working condition) or disposed of in an environmentally sound fashion (if it's not). Cell Phone Trade-Ins will pay shipping and handling costs and send back a check immediately upon receipt of your old cell phone, or they will donate the cash value of your old cell phone to a charity of your choice.
Other charities like The American Red Cross and the Lance Armstrong Foundation work with cell phone recycling organizations to run their own fundraising programs. If you have a favorite cause, check to see if there's a program in place that benefits that organization.
The average life of a cell phone is 18 months and some estimates say that more than 150 million cell phones are replaced every year. Odds are that you replaced your cell phone recently or plan to do so soon. If so, please donate or sell your old cell phone to one of the many sites that collects used cell phones and put your old cell phone to good use.
The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) runs a website called www.recyclewirelessphones.org that lists programs organized by the association's member companies. Some programs list physical locations where you can drop off your unused cell phones and others will send you a mailing label so you can simply drop your phone into the mail.
Other cash and charitable programs available include:
http://www.wirefly.org
http://cellphonetradeins.flipswap.com
http://www.grcrecycling.com
http://www.charitablerecycling.com
http://www.collectivegood.com
http://www.cellforcash.com
http://www.call2recycle.org
http://www.cashmyphone.com
Whether you're interested in turning your cell phone in for cash, making a donation, or even starting your own fundraising program, look around to see which cell phone recycling program offers the best deal for your old cell phone or your cause. But don't wait too long. The sooner you send in your old cell phone the more it'll be worth to you or your charity of choice.
Note: Before you send in your cell phone or drop it off in a collection box, remember that it's your responsibility to:
If you have questions about how to do this, contact your cell phone service provider.
Getting rid of your landline and making your cell phone your only phone can make financial sense if the quality of your cell phone service is as good inside your home as your landline phone. Many people already rely on their cell phones for long distance calls since long distance is free with most cell phone calling plans. Other services that are not included in basic, traditional phone service such as call waiting and caller ID are included free with basic cell phone service as well. Many cell phones also offer photo caller ID, which displays a picture of the person calling if you've saved it into the address book.
On the other hand, most cell phone users pay for incoming calls as well as outgoing calls, unlike most common landline services. (Sprint has some cell phone plans where all incoming calls are free.) If you receive a lot of calls from outside your cell phone provider's network and you tend to be home for those calls, it might make sense to take advantage of free incoming calls on a traditional phone line. If you tend to get a lot of phone solicitations, you may rather have those coming into a traditional phone instead of using up your cell phone plan minutes.
Of course, cell phone numbers aren't listed in directories, so only people you give your number to will have it. And many cell phone calling plans offer free mobile-to-mobile calling, which means that cell phone calls to and from other customers of the same cell phone provider are included and won't count against your plan minutes.
Although one hopes to never have to call 911, it's important to remember that until E911 is fully implemented, emergency operators can't always automatically locate you based on your phone number. If you make 911 calls from a cell phone you will need to stay on the line and provide your location.
Also, in a power outage, many people rely on landlines with traditional (not cordless) phones. Traditional corded phones don't need to be charged, so long power outages don't affect their ability to make or receive calls. If a power outage is caused by a storm, however, the telephone lines may also be impacted. In that case your charged cell phone is at least as likely to work as your traditional phone.
It's a matter of comfort. More and more people are doing it, and the quality of cell phone calls can be virtually indistinguishable from traditional phones these days. If you forget to charge your cell phone regularly or if you like the security of not relying solely on cell phone service, then keeping your landline phone might make sense. However, if you're tired of paying two separate phone bills when your cell phone meets all your needs, then it may be time to get rid of your landline phone.
]]>According to a recent (June 2007) Forrester Research report, half of all cell phone subscribers use their phones or mobile devices for something other than just voice services — this indicates a dramatic upswing in text messaging, IM, wireless web, and email. Gen Y leads the way with 78% of 18-26 year-old cell phone subscribers using data services.
Many people text during the work day rather than call to pass along information or ask a question that doesn't require an immediate answer and because they don't want to disrupt someone's day when they might be in a meeting or on another call.
Of course, any teenager will tell you that text messaging is integral and will even be done while they are sitting in the same room — even when there's no one else there. It's just the modern equivalent of secret codes, invisible ink, and passing notes — just more difficult to intercept.
You can send a text message directly to another cell phone number or usually to an email address simply by entering either the number or email address in the to: field. Many phones also offer the option to send messages from the contact list or address book.
Multi-tap is when you press a key multiple times to get to the letter you want. If you look as the keypad of your cell phone (or a regular phone) you'll see letters above the numbers. Tapping the 2 key once will give you the letter "a." Tapping twice will display the letter "b." The 1 key is generally where you'll find your punctuation.
Predictive text mode means you just press the keys corresponding to the letter you want and the software in your phone will guess which word you mean and display the most likely option and provide a list of alternatives to choose from in case you were looking for a different word. For example, to spell "spell" you would just press 77355 and spell appears in the text window. Some people find predictive typing much faster while others think it's easier to tap out their messages. Try both and see which works best for you.
Pre-set messages Some cell phones have the ability to store pre-set messages for easy and quick sending. If you constantly find yourself sending "I'm on my way — I'll be there in 10 minutes" or "See you when you get here" then check to see whether your cell phone has that option and save yourself some time and typing.
Many schools systems and universities have implemented notification systems to help disseminate information to large groups of people over a wide geographic area (particularly regarding school closings and emergencies).
Amber Alerts are available for free via text message (all participating carriers are waiving all text messaging fees for related messages.)
New services are allowing customers to get their bank balances by text message or be alerted to changes in flight times.
Premium content (some of which requires an additional fee) is also available — including weather and flight updates, concert information, news.
Text messaging can also be used for entertainment, such as entering competitions, voting on television shows (e.g., American Idol), and interactive games also broadcast through television channels.
The short answer is that depends on your cell phone carrier and cell phone plan. Check thoroughly with your cell phone plan and your cell phone carrier. Many cell phone plans now include either unlimited text messages or a specific number per month with a cost per message over that allowance (usually ranging from $0.01 to $0.25 per message). Costs can vary wildly and it's easy to lose track of how many messages you are sending and receiving, so you want to check your cell phone plan before you start.
A common option is 300 text messages per month for $5.00. This suits most people (not teenagers) who send and receive an average of 10 text messages or fewer each day.
This is just a sample of abbreviations and they change constantly. Check the web sites like Teen Chat Decoderfor up to date and more comprehensive slang abbreviations (fair warning — there is some potentially objectionable language in there, but you probably want to be aware of that as well.)
Bff — best friend forever
Btw — by the way
C-P — sleepy
Cul8r — see you later
Ftw — for the win
Idk — I don't know
H2CUS — hope to see you soon
HAK — hugs and kisses
L8r — later
LOL — laugh out loud
NBD — no big deal
OMG — oh my God
Snf — so not fair
TTYL — talk to you later
WFM — Works for Me
Step 1: Contact your wireless service provider IMMEDIATELY to suspend your service and report your missing cellular phone. Note that you will be responsible for any charges incurred from the time your phone was out of your possession up until the time your service is suspended.
If you purchased a monthly insurance plan at the time you activated your cell phone, the rest is fairly painless. Your next step is to call the insurance company's customer service line within 60 days and request a replacement cell phone (most wireless providers use Lock\line or Asurion Insurance Service Inc. as their insurance administrator). Once your replacement request is approved and you pay the $35-$50 deductible, they will send you the same or a comparable cell phone with similar features and functions. If, however, you do not have an insurance plan, go to Step 2...
Step 2: Check your wireless provider's corporate policy regarding lost or stolen phones. Some providers (such as Verizon Wireless) will grant you a courtesy suspension of service and monthly fees for up to 30 days until you replace or recover your wireless phone - provided that you haven't been granted one within the previous 12 months. Most service providers however do not offer courtesy suspensions, and may require that you present documentation to them, such as a police report or a sworn statement, within 14 days of having reported your cell phone lost or stolen.
Step 3: The next step for the uninsured is to buy a brand new cell phone. This can be costly, given that you will need to pay the full price of the phone excluding activation or rebate offers. For this reason, replacing your wireless phone is likely to cost more than your initial investment. And if you choose to cancel your contract with that wireless provider, you'll still be stuck paying cancellation fees.
The best way to avoid having to buy a new cell phone is to purchase an insurance plan. Most run between $3.99 and $5.99 a month and are charged to your monthly bill. Unlike warranties, insurance policies cover damages due to loss or theft. Some wireless providers, such as Sprint/Nextel, offer total equipment protection for $5.99 a month, which also includes repair and replacement services. If you're curious about what types of loss or damages the insurance underwriters will not cover, read more here.
Some last words of advice: In addition to purchasing insurance, consider locking your wireless phone to deter others from using it to make calls or access confidential information. On most cell phones, the "phone lock" or "keypad lock" feature can be found under the "settings" menu, though you should consult your instruction manual if you have trouble finding it. It should take less than 30 seconds to access the phone lock feature and let it guide you through the process of password protecting your handset.
Another option is installing software that allows you to remotely lock your cell phone or erase the data if your wireless phone is stolen or lost. Also, phonebook contacts are stored on your SIM card by default, so be sure to back up that information by downloading it to your hard drive, for example. Lastly, make a note of your SIM card password or change it to one you can remember. This may come in handy if you end up finding your missing cell phone.
Watch video of a recent network news story on the subject of device protection.
By music phone we mean one of those cool handsets that let you play your favorite tunes, stream radio stations and download new music while on the go.
Deciding which cellular music phone is right for you will depend on your lifestyle and music needs. It also will depend on how willing you are to get comfortable with the technology behind downloading music to your phone - a process that typically won't require much more than a USB cable and a simple music program download (which you may have already on your computer).
The good news is, wireless providers have worked tirelessly to out-do their competitors by adding on the most innovative, no-fuss music options to their dedicated music phones. Whether you're a long-time customer or just thinking of switching carriers, the savvy consumer has the ultimate advantage when it comes to shopping for a music phone.
Put simply, a music-capable phone is any cellular device capable of downloading and playing music. Music phones vary from the dedicated music phone with iTunes platform, to the phone that will stream FM Radio directly to your handset, to a smartphone that incorporates a stereo MP3 player.
Phones that incorporate iTunes - such as the Motorola ROKR and its successor, the SLVR - usually hold up to 100 songs. If you already use iTunes, you can sync your music phone via USB cable so that it interfaces with your iTunes software. The rest is fairly simple - just drag and drop music files from your music library directly to your music cell phone once it appears on your source list.
Many music-capable cell phones today include a stereo MP3 player. Depending on the memory storage, most music phones with built-in MP3 player will hold as many as 25 songs prior to installing a memory card. If your cellular device also keeps you productive at work while out of the office, most smartphones currently on the market now offer MP3 stereo player, which also lets you download music directly to your cellular device from your music manager on your PC, such as Windows Media Player.
An IDC study conducted in June 2006 predicts that by 2010, the number of consumers using over the air music service to download tunes to their music cell phones will surpass the number of online wireless music service users. Over the air music service means that you can use your cell phone to surf the web and download music wirelessly, or stream live FM and satellite radio stations.
If you like the idea of having a music phone that lets you listen to your favorite radio stations, many new dedicated music phones on the market allow you to stream FM radio stations, and even satellite radio. Sprint PCS customers who own a Sprint PCS Vision Multimedia Phone, for example, can stream Sirius satellite radio programming through a built-in media player for $6.95 a month.
If your phone has access to the mobile web, many carriers allow users to access their music stores to purchase and download music wirelessly using EV-DO technology. The Sprint Music Store and Verizon V-CAST are two online music stores that allow you to download music directly to your phone using a mobile web connection. Beware that wireless carriers frequently charge extra for mobile web access in addition to your monthly service fee. If you have a Verizon V-CAST phone, you must live within the V-CAST coverage area in order to access the music store.
If you don't already have a music library saved to your PC, there is a wide selection of online music stores to choose from. In addition to the iTunes music store, the Sprint Music Store and Verizon Wireless Music Store offer a diverse array of music ranging from chart-topping hits to hard-to-find music. You can buy and download music from these sites for anywhere from $0.99 to $2.50 per song.
If you want to download music wirelessly, Verizon V-CAST and the Sprint Music Store require you to add mobile web access to your wireless plan - both of which cost an additional monthly fee. The Sprint Power Vision Access Pack and the V-CAST V-Pak give you unlimited web access for wireless music downloads, but cost an extra $15 a month and in some cases require a 12-month commitment.
This of course does not include the cost of upgrading your phone. Verizon V-CAST services will only work with a dedicated V-CAST music phone, which includes a starter kit and all the necessary accessories. Expect to pay extra if you want a V-CAST memory card for extra music storage space, which will allow you to store up to 500 songs on your music phone.
An IDC study conducted in June 2006 found that U.S. wireless music services will have over 50 million users and generate more than a billion dollars in revenue by 2010 - that's just five years after appearing on the market in late 2005.
For some (or maybe even for most), the prospect of choosing a music phone may seem daunting. Particularly if you're the type who just got the hang of using your phone's camera or are new to text messaging. If, on the other hand, you currently have or have even considered getting an iPod or other MP3 player that fits in your pocket, be forewarned. You may be approaching the all-in-one cell-phone-turned-music-player device faster than you think.
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