According to a press release published online on their official website today, June 7, 2012, access to Facebook will be offered free of charge using virtually any kind of cellphone.

Credit: Smart

“We want to encourage more Filipinos to discover the benefits of being online and on Facebook – whether for information, for entertainment, and for simply keeping abreast with the rest of the world,” Emmanuel Lorenzana, head of the Wireless Consumer Division of Smart, said on the press release.

To avail of this feature, Smart published this instruction:

To get started, Smart subscribers simply need to text FB to 211, then click on the download link which will be sent via SMS for free. Simply follow the instructions to get the ‘Facebook Mobile App’ always on, ready to use, unli, and for free, with a P1 maintaining balance.

Any Java-enabled phone will be able to access Facebook using the Facebook Mobile App downloaded from them.

Meanwhile, mid-range, Internet-enabled phone and smartphone users can also access m.facebook.com on their browser free of charge.

However, Smart noted that the free offer is only for Facebook access, regular charges will apply when a user clicks on a link to browse photos, videos, news articles or any other content outside of Facebook. Subscribers are being advised to set their mobile browser’s homepage to m.smart.com.ph to avoid unnecessary charges when opening their browser for the first time.

Moreover, smartphone users are being advised to subscribe to catch-all data plans such as “Always On 20” to protect themselves against unexpected data charges.

Read Nokia Asha 205 and 206 unveiled, new Nokia smartphones with Slam feature, worth $62 (Video)

Nokia unveiled on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, their two new Dual SIM phones, the Nokia 110 and Nokia 112, which are notably offering affordable online experience, as shown in the two videos below.

Nokia 110 and Nokia 112 phones
Image Credit: Nokia.com

According to a press release by Nokia on its official website that day, both Nokia 110 and Nokia 112 were designed to appeal to young, urban consumers; and were noted to be perfect for communicating via social media networks including Facebook and Twitter.

“Today’s mobile phone users want a quick internet experience that allows them to discover great content and share it with their friends – but without being held back by high data costs.” Nokia Mobile Phones Executive Vice President Mary T. McDowell was quoted at Nokia.com.

“The new Nokia 110 and Nokia 112 devices combine browsing, social media, apps, world-class entertainment and long battery life to create a great package for young, urban consumers who want to do it all.” McDowell added.

As noted in the report, both Nokia phones will be using the Nokia Browser, with the technology allowing users to reduce consumption data by up to 90%, by compressing websites in the cloud, along with a 1.8-inch displays and an improved VGA camera.

In addition, Nokia 110 and Nokia 112 users will be allowed to switch SIMs without switching off their phones, with both phones featuring dual-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE connectivity and microSD card slots for expanding their memory by up to 32GB.

Apparently, both Nokia phones also uses the Easy Swap technology can personalize and remember up to five different SIM cards, with the main difference between Nokia 110 and Nokia 112 is that the former uses 1020 mAh battery while the latter uses 1400 mAh battery.

Meanwhile, Nokia will be releasing single-SIM versions of the two handsets, which will be called Nokia 111 and Nokia 113, and will have the same specs with Nokia 110 and Nokia 112, respectively; with the battery life of the two latest Nokia phones promising over 10 hours of talk time.

For the prices and availability, Nokia 110 and its single SIM versions have an estimated retail price of around EUR 35 ($45) with shipping being expected to start in Q2 2012, while Nokia 112 will be priced at around EUR 38 ($49) with shipping being expected to start in Q3. 2012.

TxACE director Dr. Kenneth O (left), with study
co-author and TxACE member Dae Yeon Kim
Image Credit: UTDallas.edu

According to a report by the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) posted on their official website on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, a team of their researchers led by Electrical Engineering professor Dr. Kenneth O has developed these processes.

As noted in the report, the researchers recently designed an imager chip that could turn mobile phones into devices that can see through walls, wood, plastics, paper, among others and other objects.

Apparently, the first process involves tapping into an unused range in the electromagnetic spectrum while the other is using a new microchip technology, with the work recently presented at the International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC).

As an example, the study noted that radio waves for AM and FM signals, or microwaves used for cell phones or the infrared wavelength that makes night vision devices possible. However, the terahertz (THz) band of the electromagnetic spectrum, one of the wavelength ranges that fall between microwave and infrared, has not been accessible for most consumer devices.

“The terahertz range is full of unlimited potential that could benefit us all.” Dr. Kenneth O was quoted at UTDallas.edu; who is also the director of Texas Analog Center of Excellence (TxACE), noting that the technology can also be used in the field of medicine.

Based on the new research, images can be created with signals operating in the terahertz (THz) range using this technology without having to use several lenses inside a device; which could also reduce overall size and cost.

Meanwhile, the findings of the second advance was said to be applicable for consumer devices, which involves the CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) technology used to create the microchip such as found in a lot of consumer electronic devices today including smart phones.

“CMOS is affordable and can be used to make lots of chips. The combination of CMOS and terahertz means you could put this chip and receiver on the back of a cellphone, turning it into a device carried in your pocket that can see through objects.” Dr. O added, emphasizing that his team are focused on uses in the distance range of less than four inches due to privacy concerns.

The said study was conducted in the TxACE laboratory at UT Dallas and was funded by the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC), the state through its Texas Emerging Technology Fund, Texas Instruments Inc., The UT System and UT Dallas.

Electromagnet spectrum (From radio waves to gamma rays)
Image Credit: UTDallas.edu/Mashable

Amazon’s Year-End Deals and after-Christmas Sale are happening right now everyday through December 31, as announced by several international news sites, December 25, 2011.

According to reports, consumers will love the fun bargain, outlet prices and markdowns on clearance items offered by Amazon.

Listed below are some of the popular cell phones and accessories being offered. As further stated, prices and offers are subject to change without prior notice.

Plantronics Voyager 520 Bluetooth Headset (Retail Packaging)
List Price: $99.95
Price: $35.50 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
You Save: $64.45 (64%)

Samsung Intercept Prepaid Android Phone (Virgin Mobile)
List Price: $149.99
Price: $99.98
You Save: $50.01

Mophie 32-Inch Mophie Micro USB Cable – Data Cable – Non-Retail Packaging – Black (8003_USB-MICRO-32-BLK )
List Price: $9.95
Price: $3.96
You Save: $5.99 (60%)

Samsung Galaxy S II 4G Android Phone (AT&T)
List Price: $599.99
Price From: $99.99 (Price varies based on service type)
You Save: $500.00 (83%)

Elan Form Leather Case for iPhone 4 – Black
List Price: $29.99
Price From: $4.48 & eligible for Free Super Saver Shipping
You Save: $25.51 (85%)

Motorola OEM Droid X/MB810 Extended Battery BH6X
List Price: $59.99
Price From: $17.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
You Save: $42.00 (70%)

Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket 4G Android Phone (AT&T)
List Price: $599.99
Price From: $179.99 (Price varies based on service type)
You Save: $420.00 (70%)

Samsung DROID CHARGE 4G Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)
List Price: $699.99
Price From: $0.01 (Price varies based on service type)
You Save: $699.98 (99%)

Griffin Technology Elan Form Graphite for iPhone 4
List Price: $34.99
Price From: $7.16
You Save: $27.83 (80%)

BlackBerry USB DataSync and Charging Cable with Micro USB for BlackBerry 8900, 9500, and 8220
List Price: $24.99
Price From: $2.31
You Save: $22.68 (91%)

HTC MyTouch 3.5 Stereo Headset – Bulk Packaging – Black
List Price: $19.99
Price From: $3.92
You Save: $16.07 (80%)

Mophie Juice Pack Air, case and rechargeable battery for iPhone 3G, 3GS (Red)
List Price: $79.95
Price From: $19.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
You Save: $60.95 (76%)

OtterBox Commuter-Series Hybrid Case for HTC EVO 3D (Black)
List Price: $34.95
Price From: $4.49 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
You Save: $30.46 (87%)

Motorola Atrix 4G Android Phone (AT&T)
List Price: $699.99
Price From: $0.01 (Price varies based on service type)
You Save: $699.98 (99%)

OtterBox Universal iPhone 4 Impact Case – 1 Pack – Retail Packaging –Black
List Price: $19.99
Price From: $11.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
You Save: $8.99 (45%)

HTC EVO Design 4G Android Phone (Sprint)
List Price: $599.99
Price From: $39.99 (Price varies based on service type)
You Save: $560.00 (93%)

Samsung HM6450 Stereo Bluetooth Wireless Headset
List Price: $99.99
Price From: $27.32 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
You Save: $72.67 (73%)

AmazonBasics Silicone Case for AT&T and Verizon iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S (White)
List Price: $15.00
Price From: $9.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
You Save: $5.01 (33%)

Energizer Energi to Go Portable Case Charger for AT&T and Verizon iPhone 4 (Black)
List Price: $49.99
Price From: $37.55
You Save: $12.44 (25%)

Motorola H12 Bluetooth Headset (Silver) [Bulk Packaging]
List Price: $69.99
Price From: $18.10 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
You Save: $51.89 (74%)

Motorola Milestone XT720 Unlocked Phone with Android OS, 8 MP Camera and HD Video – International Version (Blue/Silver)
List Price: $499.00
Price From: $244.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
You Save: $254.01 (51%)

Using Cell Phone While Driving
Image Credit: Project London

Some drivers fully support the recommendation. “For my sake I would support it, but I know there’s other people out there that wouldn’t support it, which is fine, they have their reason,” Dana Christiansen, a driver from Idaho was quoted as saying.

“I see too many people on their cell phone, not watching what they’re doing, not turning corners. Yea, some people are responsible, but some aren’t.” Annette Ziemer, a driver from Kewaunee explained to Fox Online.

Some drivers think that the use of hand-free devices should be allowed. “Maybe if they did like Washington State and California, where you can use Bluetooth and maybe other alternatives so you could possibly drive, just hands free maybe,” Natalie Celske from Idaho reportedly said.

“I use my blue-tooth all the time, it’s real convenient, you’re not holding it in your hand or anything,” Shawano resident Harvey Miller reportedly said.

Meanwhile, Delegate Cheryl Glenn was quoted saying by WBALTV that she does not believe a cell phone ban is realistic in any state.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board or NTSB has recommended a cell phone ban while driving for each state, which would be adopted and regulated by the states. This announcement was disclosed by several U.S. news sites, December 13, 2011.

The announcement came as a result of an investigation of the August 2010 crash in Missouri where 2 persons perished and 38 people injured. It showed that the driver sent several text messages minutes before the crash.

Reportedly another past accident in California involved a train engineer, who was texting, causing the demise of 25 people.

As 35 U.S. states enforced the law of “no texting, while driving,” NTSB recommended that the cell phone ban, include other portable devices like hands-free use phones, reports added.

According to Deborah Hersman, NTSB Chairman , as cited by news sources:

“Too many people are texting, talking and driving at the same time. It’s time to put a stop to distraction. No call, no text, no update is worth a human life.”

Scientists from Northwestern University in the U.S. have discovered how to charge laptops and cellphones 10 times faster and 10 times larger, as reported by BBC, November 15, 2011.

According to the report, Dr. Harold Kung’s team was able to do this by increasing the density and movement of lithium ions in the battery, using small holes (20 to 40 nm wide) for chemical oxidation.

They also used “tiny clusters of silicon so that there are more lithium ions for the battery to hold on to.”

The scientists said that the technology allows 15 minutes re-charging that could last for a week. The original speed would decline though after 150 times of recharging, but reportedly, it is still faster than the old method.

The accelerated battery recharging technology could only be available in shops within 5 years.

BBC said that the complete research paper has been published in the “Advanced Energy Materials” journal.

Grocery coupons are ways to save hundreds of dollars a month on shopping, and the US has finally caught on with millions of shoppers using the ShopSavvy app for their iPhones and Droid phones. This is to find the best prices online. This was reported by Tampa local news, August 13, 2011.

Apparently, enterprising shoppers have also clipped grocery coupons from newspapers or visited mobile websites like coupon.com and MySweetSavings.com. Shoppers have also resorted to printable coupons to save on shopping cost amidst the unstable economy.

According to further reports, the ShopSavvy 4 app  with its barcode scanner reveals information about the product, coupons and all, just by pointing your phone at the product from any angle.

The ShopSavvy 4 for iPhone was previously named in November by Time Magazine as one of the “50 Best iPhone Apps for 2011.”  It also won the “Best App Ever Award for “Best Use of iOS Hardware” in 2010. Time Magazine stated that the phone was:

“A must have for professional bargain hunters.”

Reportedly, shoppers could conveniently know more about the product’s grocery coupons while they are shopping.

Image Credit: Lovelysms.com

As noted at Philippine Information Agency (PIA) official website on Saturday, July 23, 2011, Google announced on Friday its free text messaging (SMS) service to all Smart, Globe and Sun subscribers.

Dubbed as “Gmail-to-SMS” service, Filipino Gmail users, particularly those working abroad (OFW), can now send free SMS to their friends and relatives here in the Philippines.

“We are very excited to be launching SMS capabilities in Gmail Chat today,” Google Southeast Asia Communications and Public Affairs Head Myriam Boublil was quoted on the report.

“SMS in Gmail Chat will bring a new level of flexibility and mobility to Gmail users in the Philippines.” Boublil added, noting that the country is the SMS capital in the world, with 70 million mobile subscribers.

According to PIA, Filipinos only need a Gmail account, Google’s free email service, and is as user-friendly as Yahoo mail which is more familiar in the Philippines.

To send free SMS to Smart, Globe and Sun subscribers, Gmail users should go to the new SMS Box at the lower left hand corner of their Gmail page, input the recipient’s mobile phone number (ex: +639*********) and then press “Enter”.

Afterwards, a dialog box will appear asking for the recipient’s name and after hitting “Enter”, a message window will appear on the lower part, where users can input their messages and then press “Enter” to send the message, which is notably as fast as regular texting using cellphones.

Initially, there are 50 free SMS via Gmail available but reduces as it is being used, but can be increased by five, up to a maximum of 50; if receipts reply using their cellphones, which has the usual charge rate.

“In other words, reply SMS/text is NOT free. That’s how local carriers make money out of this scheme and that’s why they have accepted it,” the report explained.

Image Credit: CNN

Based on current technology news as of May 26, 2011, Google, the Internet giant, finally announced Google Wallet, a new service for Android smartphones, at a news conference in New York on Thursday.

According to CNN, Google Wallet will be using the same underlying technology of a credit card, eventually replacing your wallet with a phone.  Furthermore, Google Wallet can integrate credit or debit cards, loyalty cards, gift cards and other passes into a single application.

As similar reports further reveal, credit cards have wireless chips built into them for tap-and-pay, supposedly, people with newer Android phones from Sprint Nextel will be able to do the same at the 311,000 stores worldwide that have installed MasterCard terminals.

The technology uses Near-Field Communications (NFC) chips built into the phones or added to older Androids with a special sticker, CNN report mentioned.

Similar report quoted Mung-Ki Woo, head of mobile for MasterCard Worldwide, in an interview saying, “It’s basically the same technology as credit cards, it’s not better or worse.”  Stephanie Tilenius, Google’s vice-president of commerce, also stated, “”We believe the shopping experience has not yet been transformed by technology or by magical experiences.”

Reports further attest that Google Wallet has quite a few restrictions to start. It will only be offered to people living in New York and San Francisco at first; new cities will be added for there are plans for worldwide distribution.