In our high-tech world, thieves are always finding new ways to steal and, while many of us realize that giving out our address or social security numbers is risky, most of us willingly provide our cell phone numbers without even thinking twice.

A Canadian article discussed why this could be dangerous.  Have you ever been asked to enter your cell phone number for any reason?  I was at a concert last November and they told us to text our phone numbers to a certain code for a chance to win backstage passes and send the band a message.  I did it without even thinking but, truth be told, I could have been signing up for something I didn’t necessarily want.

Some consumers have been complaining that they have been signed up “for pricey text message schemes after entering their cell phone number through games and quizzes” and I can see how that could be something very easy for thieves to pull off. 

This is particularly true in some parts of Europe where cell phone number are now used to pay for small services including parking and restaurant bills.  It is probably only a matter of time before features like that become available in North America.  In fact, there are already websites, like mobilegiving.ca, that allow used to type in their cell phone number to make a donation to a charity.  That could very easily be exploited.

Long story short – be mindful of who you give your cell phone number to.  It could cost you more than having to deal with an annoying person that you met at a bar.

image: Amazon

Sony Ericsson released their “Equinox” model last week.  The flip phone doesn’t look like the most high-tech gadget around but it’s a decent option for those who want something new and sleek without all the bells and whistles.

The Equinox features a 3.2 megapixel camera (with picture messaging), stereo Bluetooth and 3G network support and a built-in GPS sensor.  It also lights up and pulsates when a call or message comes in which would be great for me since my ringer doesn’t currently work (I accidentally put my phone through the washing machine).  I also read that you can silence …read more

Bluetooth users know that the device can drain a battery in no time and it’s pretty inconvenient and annoying.  Texas Instruments has come up with a demo for a new low-energy Bluetooth that can run off of a watch battery for up to a year – without recharging.  
The company says that this enables applications “such as sports and fitness equipment, medical and health, home and office, and mobile accessories, to use coin cell and energy harvesting solutions to operate for more than a year on a tiny button cell battery.”  That’s pretty impressive.
The new Bluetooth is expected sometime next …read more

The rumors are true – there is a Blackberry “watch” and you can pre-order it now!  The inPulse Smartwatch for BlackBerry is scheduled to begin shipping in February 2010.  I was expecting it to cost a fortune but it’s very reasonably priced at $149 USD so I’m pretty impressed!
First things first, though – this is NOT a Smartphone.  It’s a Smartwatch.  Make sure you don’t get your expectations up too high.  I think it was a little risky for them to choose a name like that but maybe they are hoping the confusion will result in people buying this thing …read more

I have to admit that I didn’t realize that the United Nations got involved with cell phone technology but I read an interesting article on the MSNBC website that changed my mind. 
Last month, the U.N. telecoms agency approved technology for a universal cell phone charger and their reasons completely make sense – they want to “reduce the confusion, clutter and waste” caused by phones having to many types of charging devices.  I personally think that is awesome!
According to the article, the new chargers will use a micro-USB plug which will be similar to the ones used for digital …read more

If you keep up with cell phone news, you’ve probably read a lot of articles talking about the new Motorola DROID which is set to become available on November 6, 2009.  It’s just days away but people are already talking about how cool it is so I’m pretty intrigued.
This is the first smartphone to be powered by Android 2.0 and is supposed to be stronger and faster than the competition.  The device promises “high-speed Web browsing, voice-activated search, customizable large screen, access to thousands of Android applications and hundreds of widgets.”  
Apparently, the shell is pretty solid while still being …read more

We’ve seen what the new iPod touch can do and this is the start of something big. We’re looking at pretty neat 3D graphics with a plethora of weapons, special moves and characters to choose from. There’s a free version out that allows limited access and a full version that unlocks all the items.
[Download Now]

Nokia did it again with the 6720. While retaining the essentials for any classic line, it brings in two main features that make the mobile stand for functionality: active noise canceling for better quality phone calls and TV out for viewing photos and images onto the big screen.
We like this.

Everyone’s gone mainstream. Three years ago, you’d consider Windows Mobile users to be either geeks or early adopters. We’re not exactly sure if it was because of the iPhone, but smartphones have gotten sexier. It’s not just HTC that’s gone into the lifestyle route. BlackBerry has too, with the debut of the 8520, making push email more accessible to everyone.

They’ve already used plants. Now it’s time to use the children.

Don’t tell me you still haven’t downloaded this wonderful freebie tower defense game. Kids vs Zombies is a pretty straightforward defense game with a fun thematic twist: kids. You control three kids — each with his own special role: sharpshooter, area of effect (demolitions), and close combat specialist to cater to varied situations of the zombie apocalypse.
Download it now. It’s free!