cell phone

As our cell phones evolve to perform more and more functions, we become more and more tethered to the devices. In fact, our phones have become so much a part of us that the majority of people report feeling ‘phantom’ phone vibrations during times in which nobody is actually trying to contact them.

People who’ve changed their shopping, banking and payment behaviors after getting a smartphone — dubbed “smartphonatics” — are changing the way we work, play and manage our money. But are the devices themselves making us less civilized?

Ever had your phone on vibrate and thought it was buzzing when it really wasn’t? You’re not alone. Research suggests a lot of us have what’s been dubbed “phantom cell phone vibration syndrome.”

If you’re a Verizon Wireless customer who was grandfathered in with an unlimited data plan after the company eliminated the option for new customers, enjoy it while it lasts — the company will be moving you to a tiered plan soon.

It has traditionally been fairly easy to fence a stolen cell phone in Amarillo.  Wireless carriers make it quite simple.  If you show up with money and a phone they'll turn it on for you, no questions asked.  The big question being whether or not the phone was stolen.

Like Apple and Microsoft, I presume Google has plenty of revenue streams and plenty of money.  They don't see it that way.  The next time you call someone with a Google phone you might hear an advertisement instead of a ring-back tone.

You cell phone says a lot of things and it says them all about you.  This is great as long as the FBI isn't the one doing the listening.

Using a portable cell phone jammer is against Federal law.  Talking loudly on your cell phone should be against the law too.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) says wireless resources are not infinite. In fact, the smartphones to which we’re all so addicted are gobbling so much bandwidth that as early as next year, we could be paying more for our service — not to mention seeing slower data speeds and an increase in dropped calls.

A new Nielsen poll finds smartphones are becoming less of a luxury and more of a so-called necessity — at least for younger people.