$100 Android Netbooks Coming?
This headline posted on androidguys.com got my attention!
Skytone, a company predominantly known for low-cost children’s laptops might be among the first to release and Android netbook.
Called the Alpha 680, it will offer a 7″ LCD screen
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Mobile Going Strong in the Downturn
The Recession’s Early Winners, you guessed it…Mobile.Posted on April 20, 2009 by The Mobile Marketer
This recession is going to reshape America for generations, including the way we live and work. What will the future look like? Who will be the winners and losers?Obviously you could make a lot of money if you guess right.Historians note that many of the stocks which did best during the Great Depression were actually so-called “growth” companies, because they were the ones conquering the future. When a hurricane sweeps through a forest it knocks down a lot of the older, weaker trees. The younger ones survive and prosper. And so it may be in the economy.It’s only six months into the crash, but the stock market is already starting to make some early calls. The market isn’t a perfect seer of the future, but it has a pretty good track record. And a few of the calls it’s making now are challenging the conventional wisdom iPhone nation lives. Shares in cellular companies tanked when the crisis first hit. Sprint crashed 85%. Apple fell by more than half. The conventional wisdom: Cellular contracts and fancy handhelds are very expensive. Even a $60 a month habit is costing you $720 a year. Desperate consumers would drop these plans, or scale back sharply, as they were forced to slash their household budgets.So far? The market’s having a dramatic rethink. Shares in cellular companies have jumped about 40%, on average, from their November lows. During that time the rest of the market has gone nowhere. Sprint’s doubled from its distressed levels. Apple, Black Berry’s Research In Motion, even Palm have risen a long way.The reason: Maybe post-crash America won’t junk its fancy handhelds after all. “We’ve learned this recession that wireless has become more of a necessity,” says analyst Tim Horan at Oppenheimer. “We haven’t seen a lot of people dropping their cellphone service.”The daily latte may not be toast. Starbucks stock was another early victim of the crash. The shares collapsed. Everyone beat them up last fall, because an expensive latte habit is one of the easiest budget cuts a hard-pressed consumer can make.The market’s rethinking this one, too. Starbucks stock has now jumped 55% from the lows. Sure, sales and profits are well down. But management is fighting back with cost savings and new initiatives. More than 750,000 people have signed up for Starbucks loyalty cards, triple what the company expected. (And that’s a wireless play too: They give you some free WiFi with your beverage.) The coffee shop has become an important part of many people’s day. Shares in rival coffee chain Peet’s are up about 10% too.Dotcoms strike back! Shares in most regular retailers have slumped over the past six months, for obvious reasons. Expect more bricks and mortar stores to close as overstretched consumers retrench. But when it comes to online retailers, the story changes. Amazon stock, which tanked initially, has doubled since November. Hype over the Kindle electronic book reader has helped. Online jeweler Blue Nile has also bounced. And look at Netflix – its stock just hit a record high, surging over $40 for the first time. The Internet-based movie rental company is one of the big winners of the recession so far, as consumers stay home and order in movies. And it makes sense: A Netflix subscription, typically about $14 a month, is much cheaper than cable.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
New iPhone Campaign Aimed at Small Business & Entrepreneurs
One of Apple’s new iPhone ads targets small businesses by showing them how they can use iPhone apps to process credit card transactions, print shipping labels and check on the delivery of an order.“There’s an app for that” has become the standard refrain in a series of television advertisements that Apple runs during prime-time hours on commercial television.
The new ad, entitled “Office” and available for viewing on Apple’s Web site shows how small business users can use the iPhone to process credit card transactions using Inner Fence’s Credit Card Terminal application; print a shipping label for a package using Print & Share; and check on the status of a delivery with FedEx Mobile
Farmers Use SMS to Track Rubber Prices
The Hindu News Service is reporting many rubber farmers and dealers in Kerala are tracking the prices of the commodity real time by SMS. The growers are helped by a service by the Rubber Board which through SMSes updates the farmers with rates in the global as well as domestic markets.The Rubber Board provides the update of both national and international rates of natural rubber through SMS throughout the country at rupees two per SMS.On an average 300-400 SMSes are received on a daily basis from around Kerala," a senior Board official said.
Smartphone consumers opt for "cheap chic
A Reuters story got my attention: cell phone makers are expected to report buoyant sales of lower-priced, feature-packed smartphones as consumers opt for "cheap chic" amid the global recession.These consumers on the go are not giving up their smartphones; but finding ways to keep in touch and lower costs.
SMS is still the best way to stay in touch with these consumers no matter where they are in these turbulent economic times
Swedes files their taxes by SMSSounds so easy…..get taxes paid with a few keystrokes! It is in Sweden where they get a new text message, enter your Social Security number and a security code sent to you by mail, and zip it off to the Department of the Treasury. And instantly your income taxes are now filed.
Read full article<http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10219457-94.html>
Any customer and/or external business partner information summation can be done through SMS, including 2 way chat. Just because CEO "does not text", that does not mean that they can not be shown the benefits of SMS in their enterprise.
Credit Updates with SMS
Credit cardholders with Citi Bank in the Philippines can get up-to-date information about their account by SMS!Reported by Mike Grenville for www.160characters.org
Such alerts can be implemented in any industry especially in conjunction with mobile website registration.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Faster Bluetooth 3.0 Specification To Be Unveiled
There is a lot to look forward to in April of 2009.
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group plans to unveil version 3.0 of the Bluetooth wireless specification on April 21.
The companies ready to roll out new Bluetooth 3.0 devices will be announced at that time, together with some of the technical details! Stay tuned.
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group plans to unveil version 3.0 of the Bluetooth wireless specification on April 21.
The companies ready to roll out new Bluetooth 3.0 devices will be announced at that time, together with some of the technical details! Stay tuned.
Dictionary .com App Offers Features & Perks
An entry on the Download blog got my attention:
The free Dictionary.com app delivers world-class reference content from Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com including more than 275,000 definitions and 80,000 synonyms, which are accessible through the app, with no Internet connection needed.
The app also features audio pronunciations, similarly spelled words and Dictionary.com’s popular Word of the Day.
The free Dictionary.com app delivers world-class reference content from Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com including more than 275,000 definitions and 80,000 synonyms, which are accessible through the app, with no Internet connection needed.
The app also features audio pronunciations, similarly spelled words and Dictionary.com’s popular Word of the Day.
Text Message Donations Help Quake Victims
After the worst earthquake in 30 years struck L’Aquila killing 250 and leaving thousands homeless, Italians are text messaging donations to help, reports Zoomata.
Italian mobile operators, Wind, Tre and Vodafone, made a single number available for SMS donations to earthquake victims. Cell phone users send a blank text to 48580. They’re charged one euro for each text, cell phone companies promise to donate the entire amount of each message.
Texters are sent a confirmation that says, “Thank you. With this message you’re helping people in Abruzzo who have been hit by the earthquake.”
Thumb tribes have been sending in support in Italy since 2002, when another earthquake in Southern Italy prompted the first cell-phone fund drive.
Italian mobile operators, Wind, Tre and Vodafone, made a single number available for SMS donations to earthquake victims. Cell phone users send a blank text to 48580. They’re charged one euro for each text, cell phone companies promise to donate the entire amount of each message.
Texters are sent a confirmation that says, “Thank you. With this message you’re helping people in Abruzzo who have been hit by the earthquake.”
Thumb tribes have been sending in support in Italy since 2002, when another earthquake in Southern Italy prompted the first cell-phone fund drive.
Samsung Android Phones Coming
Three Android Smartphones Coming From Samsung
Samsung has confirmed plans to release Android phones, according to a recent story in Forbes. Dr. Won-Pyo Hong, executive vice president of global product strategy told the magazine during the recent CTIA trade show in Las Vegas that the company will release several handsets using the Google-backed, open-source operating system.The first of the devices will be launched in June outside the U.S. Hong confirmed that two other Android devices will be released in the U.S. during the second half of 2009.
Samsung has confirmed plans to release Android phones, according to a recent story in Forbes. Dr. Won-Pyo Hong, executive vice president of global product strategy told the magazine during the recent CTIA trade show in Las Vegas that the company will release several handsets using the Google-backed, open-source operating system.The first of the devices will be launched in June outside the U.S. Hong confirmed that two other Android devices will be released in the U.S. during the second half of 2009.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Salesforce offers customers free mobile service
Reuters is reporting business software maker Salesforce.com is offering a scaled-down version of its customer-management services that existing customers will be able to access for free using high-end mobile phones.
The company that pioneered software as a service -- managing customers' information and data remotely on a pay-as-you-go basis -- said it could reach 1 million users with its new Mobile Lite service.
Salesforce already has clocked up 70,000 downloads of its Apple iPhone version in seven months by customers on its more expensive offerings.
Mobile Lite will be available to customers using Research in Motion's BlackBerry smartphones and phones running on Microsoft's Windows software as well as the iPhone, Salesforce said ahead of a company event in London.
The company that pioneered software as a service -- managing customers' information and data remotely on a pay-as-you-go basis -- said it could reach 1 million users with its new Mobile Lite service.
Salesforce already has clocked up 70,000 downloads of its Apple iPhone version in seven months by customers on its more expensive offerings.
Mobile Lite will be available to customers using Research in Motion's BlackBerry smartphones and phones running on Microsoft's Windows software as well as the iPhone, Salesforce said ahead of a company event in London.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Have We Gone Too Far?
A posting on textually.org about the Virtual Zippo Lighter app got my attention!It seems some concert fans are skipping the flames and opting for a virtual Zippo lighter via an app on their iPhones to call for an encore.
What do you think about this? Have we gone too far? Let me know what you think about this growing use of the virtual Zippo lighter app!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Fee Free SMS Boosts Red Nose Day
A posting on 160 characters about Red Nose Day got my attention.
"Of the over 65 million pounds raised for charity Red Nose Day this year nearly 8 million was raised by SMS - and for the first time all the money raised by text went to charity.
This year £7.8 million was raised for Red Nose Day through £1 and £5 text donations – contributing to the £65.7 million raised so far. It was the first time the public had been able to text knowing that every penny would go to Comic Relief, thanks to mobile operators waiving their usual fees and the Treasury confirming that because of this no VAT will be charged on these donations.
Mobile Interactive Group (MIG), in collaboration with Buongiorno, powered the SMS donation channels for Red Nose Day 2009.
The line to text a £5 donation by texting ‘YES’ to 66609 opened on 2nd March and was promoted during ‘The Big Red Nose Climb’ documentary and on the night of TV on 13th March. The £1 text donation launched on 27th February and was promoted on BBC Radio 1, inviting listeners to show their support for the nine celebrities climbing Mount Kilimanjaro by texting ‘CLIMB’ to 88808 to donate £1. Both donation lines close at midnight on 31 March 2009.
The money raised by Comic Relief supports long-term projects which help people to help themselves across the UK and Africa. Launched from a refugee camp in Sudan in 1985, Red Nose Day is a UK-wide fundraising event organised by Comic Relief every two years."
"Of the over 65 million pounds raised for charity Red Nose Day this year nearly 8 million was raised by SMS - and for the first time all the money raised by text went to charity.
This year £7.8 million was raised for Red Nose Day through £1 and £5 text donations – contributing to the £65.7 million raised so far. It was the first time the public had been able to text knowing that every penny would go to Comic Relief, thanks to mobile operators waiving their usual fees and the Treasury confirming that because of this no VAT will be charged on these donations.
Mobile Interactive Group (MIG), in collaboration with Buongiorno, powered the SMS donation channels for Red Nose Day 2009.
The line to text a £5 donation by texting ‘YES’ to 66609 opened on 2nd March and was promoted during ‘The Big Red Nose Climb’ documentary and on the night of TV on 13th March. The £1 text donation launched on 27th February and was promoted on BBC Radio 1, inviting listeners to show their support for the nine celebrities climbing Mount Kilimanjaro by texting ‘CLIMB’ to 88808 to donate £1. Both donation lines close at midnight on 31 March 2009.
The money raised by Comic Relief supports long-term projects which help people to help themselves across the UK and Africa. Launched from a refugee camp in Sudan in 1985, Red Nose Day is a UK-wide fundraising event organised by Comic Relief every two years."
House passes bill targeting text messaging by sexual predators
The House of Representatives today passed legislation to make it a crime for sexual predators to use text messaging to lure young victims. HB 2641, sponsored by Rep. Andy Olson (R-Albany) and Rep. Sherrie Sprenger (R-Scio), updates Oregon’s online luring law to include the popular technology.
“HB 2641 addresses a fast growing communication problem, known as ‘sexting,’ that involves sending explicit messages and photos to lure victims,” Rep. Olson said. “The legislation addresses the use of text messaging to strengthen our online luring laws and better protect our children.”
HB 2641 modifies the definition of online communication for the purposes of “online sexual corruption of a child” to include telephone text messages. Oregon’s online luring law targets adult violators 18 years old or older. Rep. Olson said HB 2641 gives law enforcement a new tool that it previously did not have to prosecute sexual predators who engage in text messaging their potential victims.
“Last year, law enforcement was not able to take action on an incident involving a high school teacher and a female student because there was no crime for illicit text messaging,” Rep. Olson said. “Though the teacher was eventually removed through administrative action, the principal asked for text messaging to be added to the statute. HB 2641 delivers on that request.”
“HB 2641 addresses a fast growing communication problem, known as ‘sexting,’ that involves sending explicit messages and photos to lure victims,” Rep. Olson said. “The legislation addresses the use of text messaging to strengthen our online luring laws and better protect our children.”
HB 2641 modifies the definition of online communication for the purposes of “online sexual corruption of a child” to include telephone text messages. Oregon’s online luring law targets adult violators 18 years old or older. Rep. Olson said HB 2641 gives law enforcement a new tool that it previously did not have to prosecute sexual predators who engage in text messaging their potential victims.
“Last year, law enforcement was not able to take action on an incident involving a high school teacher and a female student because there was no crime for illicit text messaging,” Rep. Olson said. “Though the teacher was eventually removed through administrative action, the principal asked for text messaging to be added to the statute. HB 2641 delivers on that request.”
AT&T Unveils 6 New Devices for Text Messaging
AT&T announced a fresh new lineup of smartphones and quick messaging phones that make it easier for customers to message with friends and family and manage their business and personal lives on-the-go.
Arriving in AT&T stores and online at www.wireless.att.com in the coming weeks, these integrated devices add to AT&T's leading mobile phone portfolio.
In the smartphone category, AT&T debuted the Nokia E71x and the Samsung Propel™ Pro, two stylish smartphones that inspire fun, while delivering serious functionality. In addition, the Samsung Impression™ and Samsung Magnet™, and LG Xenon and Neon emerge to the lead AT&T's lineup of quick messaging phones and expands the number of full-keyboard mobile phones in AT&T's lineup to seven.
"Smartphones and quick messaging phones are no longer for early-adopters and text-happy teens," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "The ability to text often, or check your email from a phone is easy and more customers demand these features. These phones are a great addition to our best-in-class lineup and we can't wait to get them in our customers' hands in the coming weeks."
Nokia E71xThe thinnest smartphone on the market, the Nokia E71x, will be available in the coming weeks for $99.99¹ and features a black steel finish and award-winning design. The Nokia smartphone, based on S60 on Symbian OS™ offers the Wi-Fi and the flexibility of many Symbian-based applications, in addition to AT&T's most popular services, including AT&T Navigator. The Nokia E71x is just 10 millimeters thin and will turn heads when you text friends, or check your corporate or personal email. Customers can learn more at http://www.att.com/nokiaE71x.
Samsung Propel™ ProThe Propel Pro, a full-QWERTY silver and chrome compact slider smartphone with Windows Mobile 6.1 allows users to run full enterprise applications on the same platform they use to text and send photos. Evolving from the popular Samsung Propel™, business users and consumers looking for a full-feature smartphone with Wi-Fi will look to the Propel Pro, available in April for $149.99¹.
Samsung Impression™The nation's first commercially available AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) screen results in one of the brightest and clearest displays in the U.S. and is paired with a keyboard underneath an amazingly slim, metallic blue quick messaging phone that's all touch screen on the outside, all buttons on the inside. On sale for $199.99¹, the Impression has an included 3.0 megapixel camcorder-capable camera, 3.2-inch screen and full browser to maximize every pixel of color.
LG XenonA quick messaging phone boasting a full keypad for text messaging beneath its vibrant colors and large touch screen display with customizable and intuitive user interface, the 3G-powered LG Xenon snaps 2.0 megapixel photos and offers the full suite of AT&T entertainment services such as AT&T Navigator, Napster Mobile, eMusic Mobile, and more. Xenon will be available in three colors: black, blue and red for $99.99¹. The Xenon is also featured in MTV's upcoming series "The Phone", executive produced by Justin Timberlake.
LG NeonTeens and text-happy adults will enjoy the LG Neon, a low-cost touch screen device available in the coming weeks. The green and white quick messaging phone features a full keyboard, 2.0 megapixel camera, and access to Instant Messaging, Mobile Email, AT&T Music, and the mobile Internet.
Samsung Magnet™The Magnet is an incredibly slim orange and black bar-shaped device that will appeal to teens who need a low-cost, quick messaging phone. The Magnet features a WAP browser and integrated camera in its sleek package and will be offered at an affordable price in the coming weeks.
All six devices can be paired with messaging bundles offering 200, 1500, and unlimited messages that cost $5, $15 and $20, respectively. Unlimited messaging is available for AT&T FamilyTalk® plan customers for all lines for $30. Data plans vary per device.
Samsung Impression and Propel Pro will arrive in AT&T stores on April 7 and 14, respectively, and the LG Xenon will go on sale on April 8. The Nokia e71x, LG Neon and Samsung Magnet will be available in the following weeks.
Arriving in AT&T stores and online at www.wireless.att.com in the coming weeks, these integrated devices add to AT&T's leading mobile phone portfolio.
In the smartphone category, AT&T debuted the Nokia E71x and the Samsung Propel™ Pro, two stylish smartphones that inspire fun, while delivering serious functionality. In addition, the Samsung Impression™ and Samsung Magnet™, and LG Xenon and Neon emerge to the lead AT&T's lineup of quick messaging phones and expands the number of full-keyboard mobile phones in AT&T's lineup to seven.
"Smartphones and quick messaging phones are no longer for early-adopters and text-happy teens," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "The ability to text often, or check your email from a phone is easy and more customers demand these features. These phones are a great addition to our best-in-class lineup and we can't wait to get them in our customers' hands in the coming weeks."
Nokia E71xThe thinnest smartphone on the market, the Nokia E71x, will be available in the coming weeks for $99.99¹ and features a black steel finish and award-winning design. The Nokia smartphone, based on S60 on Symbian OS™ offers the Wi-Fi and the flexibility of many Symbian-based applications, in addition to AT&T's most popular services, including AT&T Navigator. The Nokia E71x is just 10 millimeters thin and will turn heads when you text friends, or check your corporate or personal email. Customers can learn more at http://www.att.com/nokiaE71x.
Samsung Propel™ ProThe Propel Pro, a full-QWERTY silver and chrome compact slider smartphone with Windows Mobile 6.1 allows users to run full enterprise applications on the same platform they use to text and send photos. Evolving from the popular Samsung Propel™, business users and consumers looking for a full-feature smartphone with Wi-Fi will look to the Propel Pro, available in April for $149.99¹.
Samsung Impression™The nation's first commercially available AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) screen results in one of the brightest and clearest displays in the U.S. and is paired with a keyboard underneath an amazingly slim, metallic blue quick messaging phone that's all touch screen on the outside, all buttons on the inside. On sale for $199.99¹, the Impression has an included 3.0 megapixel camcorder-capable camera, 3.2-inch screen and full browser to maximize every pixel of color.
LG XenonA quick messaging phone boasting a full keypad for text messaging beneath its vibrant colors and large touch screen display with customizable and intuitive user interface, the 3G-powered LG Xenon snaps 2.0 megapixel photos and offers the full suite of AT&T entertainment services such as AT&T Navigator, Napster Mobile, eMusic Mobile, and more. Xenon will be available in three colors: black, blue and red for $99.99¹. The Xenon is also featured in MTV's upcoming series "The Phone", executive produced by Justin Timberlake.
LG NeonTeens and text-happy adults will enjoy the LG Neon, a low-cost touch screen device available in the coming weeks. The green and white quick messaging phone features a full keyboard, 2.0 megapixel camera, and access to Instant Messaging, Mobile Email, AT&T Music, and the mobile Internet.
Samsung Magnet™The Magnet is an incredibly slim orange and black bar-shaped device that will appeal to teens who need a low-cost, quick messaging phone. The Magnet features a WAP browser and integrated camera in its sleek package and will be offered at an affordable price in the coming weeks.
All six devices can be paired with messaging bundles offering 200, 1500, and unlimited messages that cost $5, $15 and $20, respectively. Unlimited messaging is available for AT&T FamilyTalk® plan customers for all lines for $30. Data plans vary per device.
Samsung Impression and Propel Pro will arrive in AT&T stores on April 7 and 14, respectively, and the LG Xenon will go on sale on April 8. The Nokia e71x, LG Neon and Samsung Magnet will be available in the following weeks.
Charmin sponsors iPhone toilet finder app
Proctor & Gamble's Charmin toilet paper brand will launch a global sponsorship for the SitOrSquat website and its accompanying iPhone and BlackBerry app, designed to identify the world's cleanest public restrooms for consumers who are on-the-go.
According to P&G, SitOrSquat for iPhone and BlackBerry is a Wiki for recording and accessing bathroom information, including data on where to find bathrooms, changing tables, handicap access and other amenities--users may add new content to the service and provide feedback on featured toilets.So far, SitOrSquat has compiled information on more than 52,000 toilets in 10 countries worldwide--in addition, more than 1,600 users have downloaded the app to their mobile device.
According to P&G, SitOrSquat for iPhone and BlackBerry is a Wiki for recording and accessing bathroom information, including data on where to find bathrooms, changing tables, handicap access and other amenities--users may add new content to the service and provide feedback on featured toilets.So far, SitOrSquat has compiled information on more than 52,000 toilets in 10 countries worldwide--in addition, more than 1,600 users have downloaded the app to their mobile device.
Now this is something very, very useful...
This update from Larry Seltzer at PC Magazine got my attention:
"There are few things as annoying about cell phones as getting calls with blocked or restricted caller ID. You don't know who it is, but you're going to have to pay for the call. That's not right, and it's why TrapCall is so useful.
TrapCall only works with mobiles. First you program your phone appropriately with a simple sequence. Then, if a call comes in without caller ID information you press the key on the phone that sends the call to voice mail. On my BlackBerry it's the "Ignore" button. TrapCall then secretly routes the call through a toll free number of theirs so that they can examine it. A few seconds later the call rings back at your phone with the caller ID information.
Well, most of the time. Tests of classically blocked caller ID (for instance by using *67) work great through TrapCall. But where there is no caller ID information on the call at all, i.e. where caller ID shows you "Unknown Caller", there's nothing they can do. TrapCall returns with a number of 9999999999. TrapCall says this is common with international calls and some VOIP PBXs.
For just these coolest capabilities TrapCall has a free service called FlyTrap. FlyTrap also allows you to blacklist unwanted callers and provides web-based voicemail. For-pay subscriptions add features, including toll free support, recordings of your phone calls, even transcriptions of your phone calls. I tested the recording service and it works, although for legal reasons people you talk to will get a warning that their call is to be recorded. It can be a bit off-putting, but in my line of work I interview people and it could be handy to have a recording like this; You can turn off the warning at your own legal peril.
The blacklisting service is just too cool. You enter a number or select a caller in the call log in the web console to blacklist them. Then if they call and you press the send-to-voicemail button on your phone the caller hears "Sorry, the number you have dialed has been disconnected or is no longer in service."
Read the rest of Larry's observations at http://tech.yahoo.com/news/zd/20090323/tc_zd/238420
"There are few things as annoying about cell phones as getting calls with blocked or restricted caller ID. You don't know who it is, but you're going to have to pay for the call. That's not right, and it's why TrapCall is so useful.
TrapCall only works with mobiles. First you program your phone appropriately with a simple sequence. Then, if a call comes in without caller ID information you press the key on the phone that sends the call to voice mail. On my BlackBerry it's the "Ignore" button. TrapCall then secretly routes the call through a toll free number of theirs so that they can examine it. A few seconds later the call rings back at your phone with the caller ID information.
Well, most of the time. Tests of classically blocked caller ID (for instance by using *67) work great through TrapCall. But where there is no caller ID information on the call at all, i.e. where caller ID shows you "Unknown Caller", there's nothing they can do. TrapCall returns with a number of 9999999999. TrapCall says this is common with international calls and some VOIP PBXs.
For just these coolest capabilities TrapCall has a free service called FlyTrap. FlyTrap also allows you to blacklist unwanted callers and provides web-based voicemail. For-pay subscriptions add features, including toll free support, recordings of your phone calls, even transcriptions of your phone calls. I tested the recording service and it works, although for legal reasons people you talk to will get a warning that their call is to be recorded. It can be a bit off-putting, but in my line of work I interview people and it could be handy to have a recording like this; You can turn off the warning at your own legal peril.
The blacklisting service is just too cool. You enter a number or select a caller in the call log in the web console to blacklist them. Then if they call and you press the send-to-voicemail button on your phone the caller hears "Sorry, the number you have dialed has been disconnected or is no longer in service."
Read the rest of Larry's observations at http://tech.yahoo.com/news/zd/20090323/tc_zd/238420
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