Skip to Content

AOL Tech

Texting posts

Cell Phones

One in Three Teen Texters Drives While Thumbing

By now, you'd have to live under a rock to be unaware of the dangers of texting while driving. There have been more studies on the subject than we can count. Despite raising awareness, all this information isn't doing much to change drivers' behavior. According to MSNBC, the Pew Internet & American Life Project recently released a study finding that over a third of 16- and 17-year-old texters drive while doing so. Yes, some of the most inexperienced drivers on the road are busy playing on cell phones instead of focusing on the road.

But they're not alone. The study also found that 48-percent of children between 12 and 17 years old said they'd ridden in the car of somebody who was texting. This means parents might not be setting the best example for their youngsters. One kid surveyed in the study said his dad "drives like he's drunk" while using his cell phone in the car (which, we know from other studies, might be an understatement). On the other end of the spectrum, another kid said "it's fine" to text while operating a vehicle, and that he wears sunglasses so police won't see him looking at the screen.

Sorry to break it to that last kid, but there's no disputing that texting while driving is very dangerous. The challenge is finding a way to break the habits of cell phone users. Different states have enacted bans on the practice, but we need an all-encompassing federal ban to really make a change. Even then, though, it'll be tough to cause a change in hearts and minds. [From: MSNBC]

Cell Phones

Complex Cell Phone Plans Dumbfound Economists, Too

Cell phone plans are complex creatures. With all those options for minutes, text messaging, and Internet, it's impossible to figure out exactly what you're paying for. The result? Thoroughly confused, many customers just play it safe and purchase the most expensive packages.

Barry Nalebuff, economics professor at the Yale School of Management, told the New York Times, "The whole pricing thing is weird. You pay $60 to make your first phone call. Your next 1,000 minutes are free. Then the minute after that costs 35 cents." It's all clear as mud, right? Basically, phone companies want to squeeze as much money as they can out of each customer. Unfortunately, the need to keep investors happy can become more important than the consumer's best interest.

Read more →

Cell Phones

Crook Who Texted Cops His 'Preferred' Mugshot Gets Nabbed

Remember Matthew Maynard? He's the image-conscious crook who sent his own photo to a UK newspaper via text message because he was unhappy with the police mugshot they published. Just when we thought Maynard's vanity had peaked, it turns out the 24-year-old burglary suspect was arrested Wednesday while getting his hair cut at a Swansea, South Wales, barber shop. According to The Sun, a person walking past the shop recognized Maynard and called the police. One witness told The Sun, Maynard was still sitting in the barber's chair "...laughing about as the cops stormed in to haul him off."

When police issued Maynard's mugshot as part of a larger crackdown on crime, the suspect contacted the newspaper. He told the staff he wasn't happy with his look (we don't blame him), and that he would send a better pic. So, Maynard donned some neon yellow pants and a black coat, and just to really stick it to the man, he used his cell phone to snap a photo of himself in front of a police van. Then, he sent the photo via text message to The Evening Post, which ran the shot on the front page.
The BBC News reports that Maynard is now in custody at the Swansea Central police station. At least in his new mugshot, Maynard's hair will be well-coiffed. Let's just hope he looks good in stripes. [From: The Sun and BBC News]

Cell Phones

Texting Booming: Up 80-Percent Over Past Year

Like it or not, it's pretty routine these days for teens to text in class, for AARP members to playfully sext each other, and even for narcissistic fugitives to MMS better mugshots of themselves to the cops. Yep, texting is a wonderful, sometimes dangerous, thing -- leapfrogging at a pace that even analysts couldn't have predicted a year or two ago.

According to The New York Times, texting spiked 80-percent from June 2008 to June 2009. Apparently, the reason has less to do with the number of texting-enabled phones (only a 7.3-percent increase), and more to do with those popular "bucket plans" -- monthly services that give users hundreds, thousands, or unlimited texts per month. We guess not having to worry about being charged for every text message encourages cell phone users to communicate more freely -- way more freely.

Read more →

Cell Phones

Senior Citizen Sexting on the Rise

Troubling instances of teen sexting have been all over the news as of late, with randy kids and their sexy messages and photographs often leading to public derision, expulsion, and sometimes even arrest. Thankfully, the disturbing trend among the nation's youth seems to be nearing an end.

The primary reason? Because it looks like old people are getting into it. We know (gag), and we're sorry, but the American Association of Retired People (AARP) Web site recently posted a story that details the growing popularity of raunchy text exchanges among senior citizens. (Hopefully it's exaggerating.) One man named Roger (His last name was apparently withheld to prevent his grandchildren from jabbing pencils into their eyes and ears.) told the AARP, "I'll say, 'You have an amazing body. You have amazing breasts.' The next thing you know, you'll get a picture of a breast." Shudder.

So, the next time you see Grandma sheepishly grinning as she checks her cell, don't even try to wipe the memory of this indelible story from your brain. It will, unfortunately, be permanently seared into your subconscious. Again, our apologies. [From: AARP via Tech Radar and Gawker]

Cell Phones

Wanted Thief Texts Mugshot to Local Paper, Old Pic Too Ugly

Fugitives, take note. If you're disgruntled over that unflattering mugshot, follow Matthew Maynard's lead and send in one of your own.

Last Monday, the 23-year-old Welshman took cheekiness to the next level by texting The Evening Post a shot of himself, posing in front of a police van and dressed in matching neon yellow trousers. Maynard, wanted in conjunction with a burglary in Swansea, South Wales, was apparently unhappy with the official mugshot, according to The Daily Telegraph.

South Wales Police had originally issued his mugshot, along with those of seven other suspects, as part of a larger crackdown that eventually led to 81 arrests in 48 hours. Four of the pictured suspects were picked up within hours, but Maynard remains one of the four still at large. After receiving his sensational new photo, The Evening Post responded in kind by splashing it all over the front page of today's paper. "He thinks he's being clever by showing off like this, but we'll have him in soon now," said one officer. "Everyone in Swansea will know what he looks like now." Prison time is a big price to pay for your vanity, Matthew. [From: The Evening Post, The Daily Telegraph, and The Daily Mail]

Cell Phones

Texting Bus Driver Caught Red-Thumbed by Passenger's Phone Pic

The debate about driving while texting (DWT) is about to hit a fever pitch. If you think people were up in arms about this dangerous habit before, just wait till you hear the latest alarming story. According to the New York Post, a New York City bus driver is being investigated after a passenger snapped a picture of him texting while steering the bus through thick traffic Thursday. Allegedly, the unnamed driver sent three messages during his route from Manhattan to Staten Island. Transit spokesman Charles Seaton told the Post that drivers are prohibited from using a cell phone while in the driver's seat.

While this story is a black eye on the city, it's also ill-timed news for the entire state, which saw a new ban on texting go into effect today. There's a positive side, though. More people might be waking up to the dangers of texting on the road. Yet another new poll by The New York Times and CBS News found that 97-percent of those polled support a ban on driving while texting. Even more resounding, 50-percent said the practice should be treated like drunk driving. With such overwhelming support, it wouldn't be a surprise to see stateside crackdowns similar to the one in England (where texting now results in serious jail time.)

Read more →

Cell Phones

Texts to Wrong Number End in Shooting

Dialing a wrong number is always awkward. Though the exchange of obligatory apologies only lasts a few, fleeting seconds, it's pretty uncomfortable for all involved -- and invariably makes you just a bit nervous about your next attempt. Believe it or not, though, some unintended phone calls can result in more than brief formalities. If one recent case is any indication, the consequences can be violent.

Scott Allen Elder, 22, of Georgia, is facing aggravated assault charges after allegedly shooting another man over a series of angry text messages and phone calls, local NBC affiliate WSAV reports. According to Savannah police, the entire incident was the unfortunate result of a wrong number. Police spokesperson Veda Nichols told WSAV, "[It] was just a mistaken phone call. The two men did not know each other prior to that and they allowed a text conversation to escalate to physical violence so it was just a senseless act." Luckily, the 24-year-old victim Brian Matison wasn't killed. As of Thursday evening, he was hospitalized in serious but stable condition.

Read more →

Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Guide: Freehands Texting Gloves



Freehands Texting Gloves (Earth Lover, Under $50)

Smoking gloves are so passé, not to mention, environmentally-unfriendly. Texting gloves, on the other hand (pun intended), are like the 2009 version of the foldback-mittens (the simple, removable finger piece, above, means you can keep on texting regardless of the weather). Keeping digits toasty while shooting off a text is actually pretty crucial, especially when hiking, cross-country skiing, or just driving in an unheated (presumably hybrid) car. Available in fleece, tech liner and real leather (for both men and women), Freehands gloves ($18-$24) keep outdoorsy texting addicts flexible and warm all winter long. That is, as long as their (presumably eco-friendly) cells gets reception on Mount Anywhere....

Read more →

Cell Phones

Texting Driver Crashes Into Cop Car


By now, we're all aware of how dangerous it is to text while driving. But, like children who just can't resist touching a hot stove, people continue to do it. While a car accident is never good, some are worse than others. For example, crashing into a parked cop car because you were texting is about as bad as it gets. That's just what happened late Wednesday night to one unfortunate, or just dumb, Rhode Island man.

According to The Providence Journal, David Mercer crashed his Jeep into a police car that had been parked on the highway in order to divert traffic around a wreck farther up the road. Mercer claimed that he didn't see the empty idling car, despite its flashing blue lights, because he was text messaging. Thankfully, no one was injured, and, lucky for Mercer, texting while driving hasn't been banned in Rhode Island (although it has been in several other states). That being the case, he won't face any criminal charges stemming from the accident. According to the Journal, he was cited with "failure to maintain control of his vehicle, obedience to devices, and no insurance," none of which are criminal charges.

Read more →

Cell Phones

Phone Users Thumbing Out Over 4 Billion Texts per Day


CTIA released the results of its semi-annual wireless survey yesterday (pdf), and the findings revealed that the mobile industry continues to grow at a ridiculous, exponential rate, particularly in the area of data services. According to the survey, 276 million consumers now use wireless devices, up from 262 million in 2008, and use a total of over 1 trillion minutes.

Revenue from text messages and other data services hit $19.4 billion for the first half of 2009, a 31-percent increase from the same period last year. Just two years ago, people seemed shocked when the survey concluded that almost 1 billion text messages were being sent per day, but that number now pales in comparison to those of the current texting frenzy.

Read more →

Cell Phones

93% of Americans Support Ban on Texting While Driving, Finds Poll

Apparently all those studies and advertisements about the dangers of texting while driving are getting through to the American people. According to Motor Trend, Ford recently commissioned a survey that found 93-percent of the participants support a nationwide ban on texting while driving. It looks like the automotive giant surveyed a bunch of cynics though -- because only 42-percent said they believe drivers would actually stop texting if the ban was enacted.

Ford has (sort of) found a compromise, of course, and it has the numbers to back it up. When asked if they'd use voice-activation technology (like Ford's SYNC), 76-percent said they'd be interested in a car equipped with such a feature. Ford executives are surely licking their chops at the potential market possibilities. But there's one problem. It's not just busy hands that make using a cell phone while driving dangerous. Studies show that it's the burden put on your brain that leads to distracted drivers and more accidents.

Read more →

Car Tech, Computers

Truckers' Nav Systems as Bad as Driving While Texting

People continue to text message and use other portable devices while driving, despite knowing what a dangerous habit it can be. Just look out your window while rolling down the interstate, and you'll see that businessman glued to his BlackBerry or a teenage girl texting away. But glance a little higher, and you might behold an even scarier sight.

Truck drivers rely heavily on electronic devices ranging from computers to GPS systems to complete their jobs in a timely fashion. However, The New York Times reports that many lawmakers are pushing for such devices to be banned because of the dangers involved with distracted driving.

Read more →

Cell Phones

'Moby Dick' to Be Translated Using Japanese Emoticons

For those of you who thought Herman Melville's 'Moby Dick' was too archaic, or just too hallowed, why not give a new translation a chance? According to the Telegraph, the epic novel about a man's quest for a white whale will be translated into Emoji -- a language based on the emoticons many Japanese use when sending messages via mobile devices.

In order to accomplish this massive (and ridiculous) task, New Yorker Fred Benenson, the man with the plan, is asking the online community to donate $3,500, which will pay folks to translate the classic. If the money is raised, three for-hire editors will come up with their Emoji-fied versions of the epic novel's 6,438 sentences. Then, another group of pre-selected workers will choose the best sentences, eventually making up the final draft. And, bam, you have 'Emoji Dick'.

Read more →

Cell Phones, iPhone

iPhone MMS Makes Early Debut for Some

iPhone MMS Makes Early Debut for SomeWhen AT&T claimed it was going to take a while to get MMS on the iPhone (partially because it had to be manually enabled for each account), the company wasn't lying, it appears. Many iPhone 3G and 3GS users are reporting that they're now able to send and receive multimedia messages, despite being nearly two weeks ahead of the announced September 25th launch date.

According to our friends over at TUAW, reports of iPhone users suddenly having access to MMS have been trickling in over the last few months. But recently, claims of having early access have increased to a dull roar. At least one of the TUAW staff even reports to have access.

This would makes sense. If AT&T wanted to have access for all iPhone 3G and 3GS users (sorry, 1st gen iPhoners) ready by September 25th, it would have to start turning the service on ahead of time. No one here at the Switched offices has yet seen MMS options show up in their iPhone settings, or received an unexpected picture message.

Read more →

Switched Video

Follow Switched on Twitter

Deals of the Day

Latest Reviews from CNET.com

CNET provides the latest tech news, unbiased reviews, videos, podcasts, software, and downloads, making tech products easy to find, understand and use.

Top Product Reviews

  • Home Audio Reviews

    9.0 out of 10

    Definitive Technology BPX
    Works great with Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital. Full Review

    9.0 out of 10

    Denon AVR-4306 (black)
    Incredibly well-featured 7.1-channel receiver; excellent sound quality; three HDMI inputs; converts analog video to HDMI output; upconverts analog video to 720p/1080i HD resolution; iPod and USB MP3 player connectivity; Internet radio and MP3/WMA streaming audio via built-in Ethernet port; XM Satellite Radio compatible; touch-screen remote; multizone, multisource operation; browser-based control via home network; accurate autocalibration routine. Full Review

    8.8 out of 10

    KEF KHT3005 (black)
    The KEF KHT-3005 is one compact, beautifully designed speaker package with solid aluminum satellites that feature unique driver technology to produce incredible clarity. Meanwhile, the equally astounding dual 10-inch, 250-watt powered subwoofer delivers ultradeep bass. Full Review

  • Cell Phone Reviews

    8.7 out of 10

    SignalBoost Mobile Professional Amplifier Kit
    The Mobile Professional Amplifier delivers a powerful signal boost to your cell phone. Also, it offers a compact design and easy setup. Full Review

    8.6 out of 10

    Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS-CEL cell phone signal extender
    The Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS-CEL significantly boosts your cell phone reception and is easy to operate. Also, it uses a wireless connection to your phone. Full Review

    8.3 out of 10

    LG VX6000 (Verizon Wireless)
    Compact and stylish; impressive battery life; solid audio quality; sharp color screen; built-in camera; USB ready; affordable. Full Review

  • Digital Camera Reviews

    9.3 out of 10

    Canon EOS 1D Mark III
    Extremely fast, 10-megapixel continuous shooting; very low noise; highly customizable; well-designed body with weather sealing; 3-inch LCD; abundant optional accessories. Full Review

    9.3 out of 10

    Nikon D3 (body only)
    Full-frame sensor; well designed, pro-level weather-sealed body; very low noise, even at extremely high ISOs; fast. Full Review

    9.0 out of 10

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
    Very low noise, high quality images; 21.1 megapixels; live view shooting; pro-level build-quality and performance. Full Review

  • Desktop Reviews

    8.9 out of 10

    Velocity Micro Edge Z30 (Intel Core i7)
    Best value among midrange gaming PCs; Velocity Micro's consistently high build quality; compact case makes few sacrifices; second graphics card slot previously uncommon at this price. Full Review

    8.5 out of 10

    Apple iMac (24-inch, 2.8GHz)
    A minor specification update results in some significant performance gains; graphics upgrade an option on this 24-inch model; sleek, polished design didn't receive an update, but we won't start clamoring for a new design until the current one is at least 12 months old. Full Review

    8.4 out of 10

    Velocity Raptor Signature Edition Gaming PC
    One of the fastest PCs we've tested; a PCI Express RAID card helps media encoding performance; typically immaculate Velocity Micro assembly; strong, three-year warranty. Full Review

Featured Galleries

Nissan Land Glider
Vintage Keyboards
Retro Computer Logos
Vintage Computer Festival
Motorola CLIQ
iPod touch
iTunes 9
Video iPod Nano
The Beatles: Rock Band

 

Switched Desktop

Get the New Switched Desktop

Latest tech news, Switched mail, and more.

AOL Tech Network

Resources

Autoblog

Daily Finance

Download Squad

Engadget

Joystiq

Urlesque

Fanhouse Main

WalletPop

Gadling