Hands-free calling law expanding across U.S.

Back in 2009, California passed a law prohibiting the use of handheld mobile devices while driving. Now, nine other states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands have joined California in adopting hands-free calling laws.

Beginning Oct. 1, Nevada citizens will join their California neighbors by prohibiting driving while using handheld mobile devices. Motorists will only be issued warnings for now, but with the beginning of the New Year, tickets will be written. Law enforcement officers want to give motorists time to adjust to new law.

Don’t worry drivers! It’s not all bad news. Drivers can still talk on the phone just as long as they have a Bluetooth or hands-free calling device.

But states aren’t the only ones picking up the safe-driving cause. Oprah has been working on the “No Phone Zone”campaign for more than a year, encouraging fans to put down their phones while driving. Glee star, Jane Lynch partnered with LG to stop teens from texting while driving. Even Beyoncé made headlines for texting while driving, but quickly joined the no texting while driving campaign.

So, there you have it. Avoid a $100 ticket and higher insurance rates by using a hands-free calling device, and join the ranks of Beyonce, Oprah and Jane Lynch.

Just Text Me

“Just text me” has joined the ranks of common household tech terminology. In fact, it’s right alongside “Google it” or “Facebook me.” But, it’s not just kids saying it anymore. A new study by Pew Research Center found that 31 percent of adults would rather be sent a text message than receive a phone call.

Part of the shift from traditional phone calls to text messages is a result of increased digital communication. As younger generations continue to rely on social media sites and instant communication, telephone calls are becoming obsolete. Parents have learned to text in order to keep up with their kids’ whereabouts. In addition, texting can be an easy way to relay a simple message.

While the study showed that 55 percent of adults are heavy texters, young adults are even more active texters. Mobile phone owners between the ages of 18 and 24 send an average of 109.5 messages a day. Pew Research did the math and found that it equals over 3,200 texts per month.

Here at Privus Mobile that’s why we added text ID to our caller ID application. So, to the 83 percent of Americans who own mobile phones, if you aren’t texting, you should be!

Next month’s post, “Texters Acquire Arthritis.”

RIM’s BlackBerry Messenger carries the message during earthquake

You’re typing away on a memo for a client when suddenly your office building starts to shake. Not sure what to do, you grab your phone and keys and run out of the office. Standing with your co-workers outside of the building, you frantically try to send a text and make a call, but the only one getting service is your co-worker who has a BlackBerry. Unfortunately, this scenario occurred last week when a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit the east coast. Residents in some of the nation’s largest cities including Washington D.C. and New York City were unable to connect with their worried loved ones across the country-- that is, citizens using iPhones and Androids-- BlackBerry owners had no problem getting the word out.

Throughout the dramatic event, RIM’s BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) remained steady and true to its users. While Android and iPhone users were fidgeting with their phones, BBM was sending and receiving texts and calls. Unlike other phones, BBM can run on either the phone’s data connection or a local Wi-Fi network, which gives it the ability to connect no matter the time, day or event. This software set-up has earned the phone an impeccable reputation. Mashable recently pointed out that BlackBerry was the only functioning phone during both the Chilean earthquake of 2010 and the events of Sept. 11 in New York City.

So what?

Well, smartphone users looking to change devices should give the BlackBerry strong consideration, especially if security is one of the top priorities.

We like the brand new 9900 because the processor is two times faster than previous models. In fact, one reviewer said he got three days of use out of the phone before its battery died. What businessman or woman would say no to that?

However, the BlackBerry gets low ratings when it comes to third-party applications and user interfaces. The phone’s stale growth rate could be attributed to its inability to evolve. For the most part, the BlackBerry functions as a corporate phone. It ranks among the best email devices and its information management apps like contacts, calendar, tasks and others make it a great business tool.

At the end of the day would you rather have fancy games or working cell service?

ICE, ICE Baby: Why THIS application could save your life

No one wants to think about the possibility of being knocked unconscious or seriously hurt, but it never hurts to be prepared. One of our very favorite applications is the I-C-E (In Case of Emergency) app. This application holds your medical history and emergency contact information. If you are hurt, emergency personnel and police officers are trained to look for the ICE application. In addition to holding emergency contact information, the ICE application has specific sections for you to save your medications, allergies, family doctors and preferred insurance.

Prior to the launch of the ICE application in May 2005, emergency personnel would often trace accident victims’ driver’s license numbers to home telephone numbers. However, as more families move to all wireless households, landline telephone numbers are becoming less and less useful.

At Privus, we’re all about safety. And it shows. Whether it’s Caller ID or Family Guard, we keep family and safety at the forefront of our mind. We suggest this application because a mobile phone is a life line we can’t live without. After all, who doesn’t always have their cell phone with them? Whether you’re five or 95, the ICE application can save your life.

Mobile users can keep an eye on who is calling loved ones with Family Guard application

Over the years, we have had an overwhelmingly positive response to our Caller ID application because of the extra security it offers. However, as the smartphone market continues to expand, we noticed a change in the security needs of smartphone users, primarily among parents, guardians and their children.

It’s no secret that kids are social media savvy, technology-inclined, computer whizzes. In fact, more often than not, they know what’s going on before we do! But, as more children acquire smartphones it’s becoming even more important for parents and guardians to install an extra layer of security in order to protect them. With our new application, Family Guard, parents and guardians can monitor the incoming calls their child or loved one receives.

The technology behind our other applications was adapted to create Family Guard. For example, when a phone call or text message is received, information regarding the incoming call is displayed on the handset (applications even have the option of audible alerts which announce the name of the sender for truly hands-free caller ID). With Family Guard, not only does the application identify the caller to the phone’s user, but it will also send a copy of the caller’s information to the designated parent or guardian’s monitoring the phone. Parents and guardians register their handset, along with their loved ones.

With our new Family Guard application, your loved one’s security is safe. The Family Guard application is available for download on devices supported by Android, Windows Mobile 6 and BlackBerry operating systems. The application only needs to be installed on the monitored device, while the guardian’s phone just needs to receive text messages or email. The app requires a monthly subscription fee comparable to landline caller ID services and can be downloaded by visiting www.privus.mobile on a compatible smartphone.