Un-Wired: Systems to Control the Wires in Your Life
By Marybeth Everhart
Wires, wires, and more wires – our wireless world seems chock full of them! Every one of those fun toys and gadgets we can't live without has one – cell phone, MP3 player, PDA, BlueTooth earbud, DSi, digital camera, you name it. Every single one has a power cord, and since one is not compatible with the other, we cannot even share the cord and simply take turns charging them up. One way to reduce the cord clutter – let's face it, we'll likely never eliminate it altogether – is to purchase one of the new charging pads or charging mats available.
There are several to choose from and they appear to be as handy as a pocket on a shirt, but there are a few things to know about them. Let's have a look.
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Tech News
Courts Ban Use of Blackberry, iPhone, Twitter, and Facebook
Due to the increased use of cellular devices and computers by jurors, the Judicial Conference Committee on Court Administration and Case Management for U. S. District Courts has developed guidelines to be issued to jurors. The guidelines instruct jurors that they are not allowed to consult the Internet for any reference or research purposes, and they are not permitted to use electronic devices or social media sites to communicate while they are serving. The committee hopes that the explicit instructions will help jurors to better understand and adhere to the rules.
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Verizon Adds Skype Application
In February, Verizon Wireless announced that it would add a Skype application to some of its smartphones. The application will allow Verizon users to call fellow Skype users free no matter where they are in the world. The application will be available in late March, and users must have a voice and data plan.
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New Policy for Filing Closed Captioning Complaints Now in Effect
In November 2009, the FCC adopted new rules for consumers to report problems with closed captioning, and in February 2010 these rules were instituted. Consumers may contact program distributors (local cable provider, broadcaster, etc.) directly to correct the problem immediately, or they may contact the FCC, who will then forward the complaint to the program distributor. Consumers must send in complaints within 30 days of the captioning problem, and program distributors will be required to respond within 30 days of receiving the complaint.
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New Device Harnesses USB Wi-Fi for Use by Multiple Devices
In February, ConnectOne introduced the Wi-Reach Class. The new product is "a compact, battery-operated, mobile, personal WiFi hotspot." The device utilizes a 3G USB modem to create a "personal Wi-Fi cloud" that can be used by up to ten Wi-Fi devices. Wi-Reach Classic offers four to five hours of use and offers upgradeable software to allow for compatibility with future Wi-Fi technologies.
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Court Recordings Missing
In Colorado Springs, Colo., the El Paso Court System has upset a group of homeowners. In July 2007, the Cherry Creek Homeowners Association filed a lawsuit against eight homeowners. The trial occurred in 2008, and when the home owners association decided to appeal the decision, none of the recordings from the trial could be found. The court discovered that the judge's recording button had not been working, and the flaw went undetected because the system was not checked every morning.
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DropBox Teases Customers with Mobile Apps
DropBox has dropped hints to its customers that it will be expanding its mobile offerings. Currently, the company boasts a "mobile phone friendly" Web site as well as an iPhone app. A recent e-mail from the company hinted that Blackberry and Android users will be getting some "mobile magic" in the near future.
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NCRA's Tech Tracker is a service to NCRA members and provides a digest of recent news items relevant to the profession. The views expressed in the cited articles are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of NCRA.