phone

Phone-proof underwear

As far as potential health threats from mobile phones are concerned, the Europeans appear to be way ahead of the rest of the world in taking preventive measures. Perhaps they're just more susceptible to gadget allergies and other digitally related maladies.

A couple of months ago, a French cosmetics company came up with a mist that it claims will shield your delicate epidemermis from any harmful rays emitted by your handset. That's fine, but the Brits are more concerned about particularly sensitive parts of the anatomy, as research by the University of Newscastle has indicated.

So now, Swiss … Read more

Haier aims higher (or smaller) with phones

It seems particularly ironic that Haier--a company known for such hernia-inducing products as refrigerators and washing machines--would claim to produce "the world's smallest GSM phone featuring an MP3 player." But as Shiny Shiny notes, the world's smallest anything is claimed all the time, regardless of product or manufacturer.

Regardless of its Guinness status (the records, Caroline, not the stout), Haier's "Elegance" measures 3.5 inches long and features a Bluetooth stereo and either dual-band (U.S.) or tri-band GSM (Europe) technology, though there's no word of any camera. More than the specs, … Read more

Does your phone need a vibrating wristband?

Being of the knee-jerk variety here at Crave, we usually don't have much trouble deciding if something sounds like a good or bad idea. This is one of the exceptions.

The "BlueQ" Bluetooth wristband is supposed to vibrate when you're getting a call but can't hear the phone ring, according to I4U News. Got it. Wait--isn't that what the phone's vibrate function is for?

OK, so it could come in handy if you've stowed the phone in a purse or briefcase to avoid dirty looks from fellow patrons at the opera. But … Read more

Hands on with the Razr 2; Alltel could pick up the V9m

A day after Motorola released its new Razr 2 cell phones, I got the chance to play with the handsets up close. Though I've grown quite weary of recycled Razrs, I have to admit I liked what I saw. The Razr 2 design is more a refresh of the popular thin handset than a revolution, but it wins new points for beauty. The redesigned hinge and the flattened bottom end are eye-catching, and they contribute to the overall sleek and shiny appearance. And though the V9, V9m, and V8 are just a hair's (0.07 inch) slimmer than … Read more

CNET Live - Episode 6

Had a great time on CNET Live even when the spirits of evil grabbed Cooley's website of the week and twisted it until dead. Great thanks to Ashwin Navin, President of BitTorrent for coming on the show. Here are some helpful links to go along with what we discussed.

Watch Episode 6

Things we Crave

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Best of the Web

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Calls

Fixing the GIMP - Try to delete … Read more

FCC approves the iPhone

Apple's iPhone took one step closer to launching Wednesday, as the company received permission from the Federal Communications Commission to sell it in the U.S.

It's not like that permission was ever really in doubt. But the FCC requires anyone who makes a phone or wireless device for use in this country to pass some basic tests that ensure the device isn't putting out harmful radiation, or death rays, or other emissions that could cause problems. The FCC also publishes those documents on its Web site, which has led to the discovery of unannounced products in … Read more

Photos: The sleek and sexy LG Prada

While it's certainly not a smart phone like the Apple iPhone promises to be, the LG Prada has still gained notoriety both in the gadget and fashion world as one of the most attractive handsets with a full touch screen display. After handling the phone for a few days, I have to agree: the LG Prada has a sleek and sexy design that people are sure to notice. Even though it has features like a 2.0-megapixel camera, a media player, and stereo Bluetooth, I'm not convinced it's worth spending $800 on. (For that price, I want … Read more

Engadget sends Apple stock plunging on iPhone rumor

Millions of people, from hardcore computer geeks to high-finance Wall Street martini drinkers, hang on every word related to Apple. Sometimes, that can have consequences.

Engadget posted a story Wednesday morning at 11:49am ET claiming that Apple was about to announce another delay of Leopard, the next version of Mac OS X, as well as a delay for the iPhone, perhaps the most hyped gadget of all time.

"This one doesn't bode well for Mac fans and the iPhone-hopeful: we have it on authority that as of today, the iPhone launch is being pushed back from June … Read more

Speakerphone isn't afraid to mouth off

If you've decided that you actually like creepy gadgets like eyeball-shaped speakers, you might find the following item a perfect accompaniment for you Addams Family household: a speakerphone with mechanical moving lips.

Going by the deceptively innocuous name of the "Hands-Free Desk Lips," this nightmare-inducing device clips onto any mobile handset and reacts accordingly when the caller begins to talk, according to Uber-Review. What makes it weirder still is its flat, eyeless head, which makes it look something like a miniature monster from Alien. Maybe that's why it goes so well with the eyeball speakers. If … Read more