PhoneTalk

Not sure what to get Mom for Mother's Day this year? Well consider getting her apps that will make her life easier. You can always download one or all of the apps to your favorite Mom's phone while spending time with her during the holiday.

1. Help Mom have more fun with pictures stored on her phone

Many smartphones come with photo editing options and the ability to share them. The latest mobile app Snapbucket from Photobucket takes that functionality one step further. Not only can users make edits and add photo effects, but they can also share photos with friends on Facebook Twitter, via email, or with other PhotoBucket users. Best of all the application doesn’t alter the original image, so it’s always safely stored in the phone or on the phone's memory card.

Compatible OS: Android, iPhone
Cost: Free
How to get it: Visit the app market residing on a compatible smartphone

2. Give Mom coupons on-the-go

Does your Mom still clip coupons from the newspaper? You can save her time and money by introducing her to Yowza!! Mobile Coupons. The application provides coupons to tons of nearby stores, restaurants, and activities. The app uses the smartphone’s integrated GPS to deliver nearby coupons, so just be aware it might drain the phone’s battery life. If Mom has a favorite local store, she can even set a notification to be alerted when the shop offers a new discount.

Compatible OS: Android, iPhone
Cost: Free
How to get it: Visit the app market residing on a compatible smartphone

3. An app that lends a helping hand at dinner

Busy Moms who enjoy making dinner, but don’t have a lot of time to research new recipes will love Recipe Search from AlltheCooks.com. The site has over 70,000 recipes including everything from appetizers and desserts to main dishes, and more. The most interesting feature in the app is the ability to find recipes based on ingredients as well as traditional recipe names. This can be a huge time saver for Mom especially if she tends to stop off at the store on the way home from work. As is the case with many apps, there is lots of community support and the ability to share recipes via social media outlets.

Compatible OS: Android
Cost: Free
How to get it: Visit the app market residing on a compatible Android smartphone

4. An intuitive way from Mom to track and organize reminders on her phone

Let’s face it, Moms have a lot to take care of in a single day and most likely the one thing they always have on them is a cell phone. Keeping track of everything that needs to be accomplished can be a task by itself. Enter (Read more)

It's that time of the year, when we first start to feel the temperature outside cooling a few degrees and students of all ages get ready to head back to school. Many students will have a cell phone with them either on campus or after class. (Note: Please check with your child's school about its cell phone policy) With that in mind, we've rounded up a slue of apps below that can help students with everything from getting a good deal on books to keeping track of homework assignments.


1. Find the best deal on books

Getting books for class can be a daunting task, not to mention an expensive endeavor. Enter Campus Books a one stop shop for buying, renting, and even selling college text books. This app will search local bookstores, online stores, and nearby libraries for the book you need. There's no need to type in book titles anymore either, just point the phone's camera at a book's barcode and the app does the rest.

Compatible OS: Android, iPhone
Cost: Free
How to get it: Visit the app market residing on your phone or corresponding app store on your computer.

2. An encyclopedia in your pocket

All solid papers begin with thorough research. Where better to start gathering that information than the Encyclopedia? Now, there's no need to dig through heavy volumes to find what you want. You can carry it in your pocket with the mobile version of the concise Britannica Encyclopedia 2011. It includes over 25,000 fact-checked articles on a variety of topics that can be navigated using a browser-like interface. Since the data resides on the phone, you'll never need a data connection to look something up. Want to learn something new? Simply open the app, shake the phone, and see what appears.

Compatible OS: Android, iPhone, BlackBerry
Cost: $19.95
How to get it: Visit the app market residing on your phone or corresponding app store on your computer.

3. Keep on track

Going to school means a busy schedule that's likely always changing. Whether its remembering to do a homework assignment or bringing an extra book to class, having a friendly little reminder can only help keep everything on track. That's the idea behind BugMe. It's essentially a virtual sticky note, but the key is that you can add alarms to the note so it won't get lost in the shuffle of all the other apps on your phone. The Pro version of the app offers more features such as adding notes to photos or sharing notes with friends.

Compatible OS: Android, BlackBerry (even OS 7), iPhone, and iPad
Cost: Free to $2.99
How to get it: Visit the app market residing on your phone or corresponding app store on your computer.

4. Money manager
(Read more)

The cell phones featured below (the Doro PhoneEasy410 GSM) look pretty straight-forward. The simple design and large numeric keypad makes it ideal for people who may have trouble with touchscreens or some of the smaller keys found on phones today. Besides appearing simple, these GSM cell phones from a company called Doro are all about ease-of-use, the ability to de-clutter available features, and most importantly help users in a time of need. How does that last feature work on these cell phones? Well, there's a panic button on the phone and if a user holds the panic down for 3 seconds the phone will send a text message to up to 5 designated contacts. If there's no response from those contacts, the phone will then activate the speakerphone and call those 5 contacts. One way or another the people you need to know that you are in need of help will be notified. Pretty smart for a simple phone.

Verizon Wireless has come out with a new device that could make managing and organizing home life a little more stream-lined. It's called simply, the "Verizon Hub." The idea behind the Hub is to help provide easy and fast access to calendar info, the ability to check traffic conditions, get directions, and even purchase movie tickets. It's also suppose to be integrated with the cell phones in the house. For example, if you see a calendar appointment for one of your kids, you can send them a text message reminder to their cell phone.

How does it work? It connects to the Internet only there isn't traditional web access available. So the information on movie show times and traffic are in real time as they would be on the Web, however, you don't have to go to the Web to start searching for it. Simply click a related icon and get the info you need. About that connection to the Internet, that's how the included phone works as well. So you'll be making any calls using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) instead of over the traditional landline networks.

A few quirks: You can only send messages from the device to other Verizon Wireless phones so if one of the family members has say a Sidekick, you'd still have to send them a text message from your cell phone instead of directly from the system. Also, currently, you can't sync the Verizon cell phones with the hub to update calendar and contact information, which is the feature I would want to see.

All and all it does sound like an interesting product with a ton of potential. Who knows? It might even be able to re-invent the "mission control" area of the home. You know, the place where everything gets logged into one place - whether it be birthday parties or just reminders to pay bills. Most homes have one, it just might not be called "Mission Control."

We're accustomed to using cell phones as a routine part of our daily lives, but they can also be a real life saver during unexpected occurrences. So we asked Bloggers around the Internet to share their thoughts on just how useful a cell phone can be during an emergency. Our next post comes from Vikram Deo. To read more from Vikram, check out his Not Another Mobile Phone Blog.

Use of Mobile Phones for safety purposes:

Mobile phone is something that people carry with them day in and day out. If used properly mobile phones can be a good medium to ensure one's safety. GPS function on a mobile phone will let your dear ones know about your location. Also location based services on mobile phones will help you in giving information about nearest Police Station, Hospital, Coast guard. If somebody meets with a mishap on a deserted road in the night, location based services would help him in finding nearest location where he can get assistance.

If your phone has a GPS feature to let other know about your location then travelling with such mobile phone is extremely safe as you would never be virtually alone. Also there are live update services like Twitter, which are also mobile enabled. Twitter lets your friends know what you are doing instantly the moment you update your status. Having Twitter enabled on your mobile phone will help you in keeping in touch with your friends. For example, few months back a guy has wrongly accused and put into a prison in some Middle Eastern country, Twitter helped him in sending out help messages to friends. When you are travelling alone or meet with an accident or somebody is robbing you/your house, you can immediately send a message to Twitter about your situation and it will be displayed to all the people who are following you on Twitter. Though Twitter is a social connectivity service, if used properly, it can be of great help.

Emergency Services for parents:

Nowadays with children carrying mobile phones, it is pretty easy for parent to track them. Use of GPS based mobile phone tracking parents can come to know about the location of their kids. If kids are going to an outing or some camping parents can educate children on how to enable location based services on their mobile phones and use them at the time of emergency. Having a child help line number as one of the hotkey will help parents in taking care of their children during the time of emergency.

Activities to avoid while using mobile phones:

Driving vehicles while using (Read more)

We're accustomed to using cell phones as a routine part of our daily lives, but they can also be a real life saver during unexpected occurrences. So we asked Bloggers around the Internet to share their thoughts on just how useful a cell phone can be during an emergency. Our first post comes from David Cassel. To read more from David, check out his posts at Tech.Blorge.

Are cell phones useful in crisis? Here's my favorite story. One family received a call from their mother about an emergency at the gas station. "Can you call them and tell them I'm stuck in their carwash?" The car washing mechanism had simply jammed, and she was pinned inside, unable to drive forwards or backwards.

"The stuff was on the side of the car swirling around," remembered a proud publicist for U.S. Cellular. "It was later at night and nobody was around... She didn't know the number of the station, so she called her home..."

That was when U.S. Cellular was trying to tout the advantages of a cell phone in your car -- but it makes an even more important point. Real life is unpredictable. ("I don't know if she would've gotten hurt if she didn't have a cell phone, " the publicist explained, "but she would've gotten wet!") Cell phones can be useful in emergencies -- but they're most useful in situations which are totally unpredictable.

In fact, even in an emergency, remember to use cell phones wisely -- and know when you shouldn't use a cell phone. In the same interview, the spokesperson also told me the story of a woman who driven into a ravine, and placed an emergency call to 911 saying "I'm in my car and it's sinking." He argued that these stories "make you thankful" for your cell phone. But my first thought was that if my car were actually sinking into a ravine, I wouldn't be stopping to make a phone call! I also remember when I interviewed a spokesperson for Verizon Wireless after a 6.8 earthquake had hit Seattle. Cell phones performed pretty well, but the spokesperson admit that "You simply can't build a network where you can have enough capacity that in a crisis, every call will go through the first time." In fact, it turns out that the standard advice for earthquakes is not to place calls unless they're absolutely necessary -- to free up the lines for those who really need them.

Parents love the ideas of tracking their children with (Read more)

We know finding the perfect gift is no easy accomplishment. In our first installment of holiday gifts, we have picks for the folks. You can see a complete list of holiday picks in our Holiday Gift Guide.

What do get the Desperate Housewife: She’s not the woman who has everything. She’s the woman in your life who does everything. Help her get a handle on her schedule, keep up with all her messages and even show off and snap pics of the kids on a new LG Dare. This touch-screen cell phone is fun to use, but loaded with options such as VZ Navigator and Rhapsody Music Service. Its smaller size fits easily into just about any purse or pocket, so she’ll never leave home without it.

A Little Something Extra: Does your lovely lady spend all her time in the car? Why not deck it out with the Motorola Rokr T505, a portable Bluetooth car kit, which actually clips to the visor and funnels calls and music from your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone through the car stereo. You can see it in action here. She’ll be the envy of all the neighbors and you can even easily use it in your car too.

Something for the Big Daddy of the house: He’s the man of the house and really loves his gadgets. Why not get him a souped’ up cell phone complete with all the bells and whistles available. The BlackBerry Bold is one sweet smartphone. It’s great for fun or for work. It supports multiple e-mail addresses, streaming video over a true high-speed 3G connection (read: smooth streaming media), and WiFi support so he can still be connected when that’s the only connection available. If that’s not enough this is one sweet multimedia player with truly impressive audio quality.

A Little Something Extra: If he loves his gadgets, he’ll absolutely love Sling Media’s Slingbox AV. Once he hooks this up he could be watching his favorite sporting shows on his BlackBerry Bold wherever he goes.

It’s that time of year when the summer heat begins to wane and kids of all ages get ready to go back to school. Deciding to get your child a cell phone doesn’t just stop with picking the cell phone, the plan is equally as important. Of course, we're here to help you navigate through the decision making process with the tips below. Not sure which cell phone to get? Check out our Back to School Guide, for picks for all ages.

1. Not ready to spend a lot of money on a new cell phone for your child? Treat yourself instead. If you think your child is ready for a cell phone, but aren’t quite ready to give them a brand new cell phone; if yours is in good working condition consider giving them your existing cell phone and get a new one for yourself. You can probably even get a new model at a discounted price if you’re willing to extend your contract with your existing carrier.

2. Keep it in the family. In many situations, a primary reason to give a child cell phone is to stay in touch with them. Consider getting a family plan where everyone in the family shares the same plan and minutes and unlimited calling to each other.

3. Out-of-state kids, don’t have to mean more out-of-pocket phone expenses. Depending on when you first signed up for cell phone service with your carrier it may or may not include roaming. This is a good time to review your cell phone plan to see if where your child is going to school is part of your included coverage area and vice-versa for your child’s plan. If not, adjust the plan accordingly to include the appropriate coverage areas for your family so you’re not hit with additional roaming fees in your monthly plan.

4. To include text messaging or not to include text messaging? Absolutely get a text messaging plan, and an unlimited plan if possible. Kids text. It’s a fact. To send one-off text and picture messages can add up quickly. Additionally, many cell phones have instant messenger (IM) services built-in. Each message sent over IM from a cell phone is billed as an individual message. Do you want to pay 10 cents for every LOL sent? (Read more)

You might hear me on the radio today discussing at what age it's appropriate to get a cell phone. There's lots to think about with this topic and many people have an opinion on it. There are already bans on cell phones in some schools across the country. We here at PhoneTalk wanted to know what you think about the topic, so voice your opinion by participating in the poll or posting a comment below. Ask yourself, how young is too young to get a phone? We'd love to hear any stories you want to share about kids and cell phones (good or even not so good).

We know finding the perfect gift is no easy accomplishment. Of course, we're here to help. To kick off December we're bringing you cell phone and accessory picks for everyone on your holiday gift list. You can see a complete list of holiday picks in our Holiday Gift Guide.

Desperate Housewife She’s not the woman who has everything. She’s the woman in your life who does everything. Help her get a handle on her schedule, keep up with all her messages and even show off pics of the kids on a new BlackBerry Pearl. Why not keep her on course by selecting one of the new Verizon or Sprint versions of the Pearl, which has a nifty GPS tool on board. Remember, women actually ask for directions when they get lost.

A Little Something Extra: Does your lovely lady spend all her time in the car? Why not deck it out with the Motorola T305, a portable Bluetooth car kit, which actually clips to the visor and funnels calls from your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone through the car stereo. She’ll be the envy of all the neighbors and you can even easily use it in your car too.

Big Daddy: He’s the man of the house and really loves his gadgets. Why not get him a souped’ up cell phone complete with all the bells and whistles available? The Motorola Q9m is one sweet smartphone. It’s great for fun or for work. It supports multiple e-mail addresses, streaming video over a true high-speed 3G connection (read: smooth streaming media) and the Internet browser is convenient for checking the latest sports scores.

A Little Something Extra: If he loves his gadgets, he’ll absolutely love Sling Media’s Slingbox AV. Once he hooks this up he could be watching his favorite sporting shows on his Motorola Q9m wherever he goes.

It's that time of year and people are trying to figure out what to be for Halloween. I've seen a few cell phone related costumes over the years, perhaps my favorite was someone who dressed up as Verizon Wireless' "Can you hear me now?" mascot. He had the jacket, the glasses, and of course a Verizon Wireless cell phone. It was classic. Then I spotted this cell phone costume over at Textually.org. Apparently, there's a whole new twist on kids and cell phones. I think I've seen it all now. Happy Halloween!