Consider for a moment how much Google knows about you. Depending on what services you use, it might have a record of every word or phrase you've searched, locations you visit the most and where you are right now, your scheduled meetings and trips, and any other information buried in e-mails.
Apple has elicited a lot of hand-wringing by investors and fans alike lately, even as its chief competition Samsung seems to be prompting nothing but applause. Turns out selling a wider variety of phones and tablets is a good strategy after all.
For all of their advantages, smartphones still fall a little short for some ? specifically, for those living with visual impairment.
All of those questions, messages, and stern commands that people have been whispering to Siri are stored on Apple servers for up to two years, Wired can now report.
As smoke clears from two deadly bombings near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, focus turns to identifying those responsible. And that's no easy task. The massive number of cell phones and closed circuit cameras on the street provide an incredible wealth of video and photo.
A movement urging Verizon to get rid of wireless contracts appears to be gaining steam.
Smartphones are powerful tools, and with the right apps and accessories, they can become even more so. A California-based tech company has launched a tool that turns a regular iPhone 4 or 4S into a powerful biometrics scanning tool. AOptix has unveiled its app and a wrap-around device for turning the smartphone into a portable iris, face, fingerprint and voice scanner.
Microsoft is working on a touch-enabled smartwatch, reports The Wall Street Journal. Citing unnamed supply chain sources, The Journal claims that Microsoft asked Asian suppliers to ship components for the device.
A series of deadly storms that pummeled Arkansas, Missouri and other states this week reminds us that tornado season is upon us once again.
An app that helps users find other apps for free has been banned from Apple's mobile store in a move some say heralds a new round of blacklisting for content the company doesn't like.
It's weird out there and getting weirder: A California court just ruled that screwing around with your phone's map app while driving ought to be as illegal as texting or using the device without a handsfree solution.
In that never-ending search for "the next big thing in tech," talk has turned to wearable gadgets, especially in the form of a smartwatch that syncs with your smartphone.
Facebook has unveiled a new product, Facebook Home, at an event everyone knew would have something to do with phones and apps and operating systems.
The long-rumored Facebook phone might finally be ready to make its debut.
Auto-correct and "Angry Birds." GPS, and those awkward texts from last night.
Smartphone makers have long touted the appeal of their high-definition display screens. Soon they'll be able to add high-definition sound to the mix, too.
Apple has published a letter to Chinese customers -- signed by CEO Tim Cook -- that addresses the growing controversy over the company's warranty policies there.
Facebook is holding an Android-related press event next week and already the Internet is in a tizzy. Could this be the rumored, mythical, magical Facebook phone?
If you're holding onto the stereotype about foolhardy teens fiddling with their smartphones while driving, you might want to look at yourself first.
Think you use your phone to look at Facebook a lot? Unless you're doing it at least 14 times a day, you're actually below average.
Can you be identified only by where you take your phone? Yes, according to a new study, which finds it's not very hard at all.
Sure, the GPS on your phone or dedicated device can get you from Point A to Point B on the interstate, frustrating "Calibrating ... calibrating ..." moments aside.
After Apple, Samsung and Google, another company is now rumored to be building a smart watch: South Korea's electronics giant LG.
If you're handing over cash for a heavily discounted iPad from some random guy in a McDonald's parking lot or at a gas station, then yes, you should consider your purchase a risk.
The next wave of smartphones and tablets might have super-sturdy screens fashioned from the human-made version of a gemstone.
Android users, take note: Google Keep ? a long-overdue app for creating lists and reminders ? has arrived.
If you fall asleep in bed every night with the TV on, you're apparently a dying breed.
Apple, as the reports go, is working on a "smart watch," although the secretive company won't say anything about it, of course.
Almost three years ago Dell launched a phone called the Streak, an Android-based handset with a 5-inch display that was marketed more as a tablet with phone capabilities than the other way around.
When is a touchscreen not a touchscreen? Increasingly, it's when your smartphone reads your eyes, gestures and movements to perform basic functions without tapping the screen at all.
With a flood of new mobile apps seemingly hitting the market every day, it's sometimes hard to keep up with everything that's out there.
Samsung's next Galaxy smartphone might be controlled by nothing more than the user's eyes, according to a new report in advance of its March 14 unveiling.
As 65,000 people assembled at Mobile World Congress this week to reveal the cutting-edge advances coming soon to the world of smartphones, we asked you what features you're desperate to see on the phones of the future.
From the responses to our story Thursday on how tablets are paving a rough road for the future of dedicated e-readers, one thing was clear: We still love our E Ink.
I came to Mobile World Congress expected to be wowed by lots of shiny new gadgets, but I'm leaving impressed by the seemingly less sexy subject of mobile operating systems. Turns out there's a lot happening here.
More than three out of every 10 smartphone owners don't have a password on the device that could give easy access to their e-mail, bank account, credit card information and other sensitive info.
Didn't we tell you that the lines between smartphones and tablets are blurred? Case in point: the Asus Fonepad, a 7-inch tablet that's also a phone.
Apple has settled a lawsuit filed by parents who say their kids downloaded free games from the mobile App Store and then proceeded to rack up hefty bills buying in-game extras.
In the future we will have screens not just in the palm of our hands, but all around us, according to Matias Duarte, Google's Director of Android User Experience.
The next generation is just a few weeks away for the world's hottest smartphone without a piece of fruit on it.
These days, almost all new cellphones look alike: They're sleek black rectangles with glowing color screens.
As New York City thieves steal smartphones and tablets in ever greater numbers, the NYPD has assigned a group of officers to hunt down the devices.
If you have a smartphone, you may have felt the embarrassment of sending a private message to the wrong person or having autocorrect fail you at just the wrong time.
As recent high-profile attacks at major companies like Facebook and Apple, major publications like the New York Times and Washington Post and the U.S. government itself have made clear, cyber-crime is a very real and growing concern for everyone.
Today's smartphones are much more than phones -- they are powerful, networked multimedia computers, and over the next 10 years they'll get far more advanced. As a result, mobility is transforming many day-to-day processes -- including how we sell, communicate, collaborate, train, and educate.
Each February, the world's mobile technology fanatics wait excitedly to see what will be revealed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona -- and this year's event promises to be bigger than ever.
With so many advancements in mobile phone technology, it's easy to dismiss most as insignificant. A mega-megapixel camera, a brighter screen and better apps are all good, but they're hardly going to redefine your world.
HTC's new flagship smartphone, the One, is an impressive bit of hardware and a big step forward for the company in three significant ways.
Starting February 25, more than 65,000 people are expected to descend on Barcelona, Spain for Mobile World Congress (MWC): a trade show for the mobile industry to show off its latest phones, tablets, apps and services.
Android continues to dominate in the battle to be the top smartphone system in the world, thanks in part to Samsung, which reigned as the top phone manufacturer for 2012.
The passwords on iPhones can be hacked, giving someone the ability to make calls, listen to your recent messages and tinker with your contact list, according to a new video posted to YouTube.
Having conquered the desktops, music libraries and phones of millions, Apple reportedly wants to adorn one more spot in the life of the gadget-obsessed -- their wrists.
Mobile devices have changed how we handle severe weather. Instead of being isolated in our homes, reading books printed on paper by candle light, we share constant updates and photos in real time on social networks. We keep ourselves entertained with ebooks, games and videos on smartphones and tablets.
When the United States Postal Service announced it would no longer deliver mail on Saturdays, those of us with e-mail anxiety had a moment of jealousy. What would it be like to have two whole days when the Internet just didn't deliver to anyone's inbox?
On Wednesday, Apple announced a pretty mind-boggling stat: The 25 billionth song had been downloaded on iTunes.
Facebook may be working on an app that will let your friends, or even complete strangers, know where you are at all times.
The age rating for new mobile video-sharing app Vine has been raised to 17+, meaning appropriate for users 17 and older, after it was flooded with pornographic images.
It's been framed as a debate between Web freedom and the freedom from stumbling upon potentially offensive content.
When a relationship ends badly, every racy photo or text you shared with your ex becomes a potential security problem.
All BlackBerry did Wednesday was change its corporate name, introduce two new smartphones and launch a bold new mobile operating system, BlackBerry 10, that may be the struggling company's last stab at relevance.
If it doesn't sound off with that iconic click-clack keyboard sound, is it really a BlackBerry?
Apple issued on Monday its first major update to iOS 6, boasting new bells and whistles as well as bug fixes.
It's about to get more difficult to move between smartphone carriers and still keep your existing phone.
The makers of BlackBerry devices, Research in Motion, are gearing up for a fight they can't afford to lose.
The removal of 500px from Apple's App Store raises questions over review equity, fairness and API functionality.
What happens when 900,000 people gather in one place and try to make cell phone calls, or post photos to Facebook? Busy signals, dropped calls, and photo and video messages that never go through.
Soon you won't have to worry about your phone falling in the toilet, tumbling into a puddle or someone inadvertently dribbling coffee into the headphone socket (we've all done it).
If you're the kind of gal whose "me time" includes a glass or two of wine after work, you might want to consider how those drinks could affect your looks.
Mobile technology is no longer limited to laptops, smartphones and tablets. It's seeping into every corner of our lives, including television and movies, cars, the workplace, health care, education and eventually our bodies.
You may not have heard of Snapchat. But if there are teenagers or 20-somethings in your life, it's a safe bet that they have.
When the Google Maps app for the iPhone had finally been released late Wednesday night, there was a collective rejoicing from Apple fans worldwide -- many took to Twitter and Facebook to relish in the news and download it immediately. Not at all surprisingly, the app quickly soared to the top of the free apps list in the Apple App Store.
Google chairman Eric Schmidt has declared Android the winner in its mobile war with Apple.
Doing your holiday shopping online is generally preferable to braving the season's frantic mall crowds, slow moving checkout lines and tiresome holiday background music. But don't get too relaxed. There are still some security precautions everyone should take before sharing payment information online.
Parents are finding it more difficult to keep their children's private personal data from being collected by mobile phone apps, according to a new report.
Most 911 centers can't receive text messages. But that doesn't always stop people from texting the familiar number in an emergency, not knowing their pleas for help won't be seen.
The slow process of updating the rules that dictate when and if you can use electronic devices on airplanes is inching along, with one major agency urging more freedom to use tablets, e-readers and other gadgets.
The $1 billion patent dispute between Apple and Samsung picked back up in federal court in San Jose on Thursday, with both sides arguing over issues of damages amounts, bans on product sales and allegations of dishonesty on the part of the jury foreman.
Yes, critics of the sometimes disposable nature of today's tech world, it's come to this. You can now eat your iPhone case.
It's been hailed for its succinctness and blamed for everything from sore thumbs to the decline of conversation. Love it or hate it, the text message is 20 years old.
It looks like there will not be a shortage of iPhone 5s this holiday season, with plenty of the devices for all carriers in stock at stores around the U.S.
Maybe a phone's not big enough for you and your spouse to cuddle up with on the sofa. Or single folks need to travel light when they're on the prowl.
Hallway, a social media site for students to collaborate and ask questions, gets picked up by microsoft for Windows 8.
Carly Fleischmann lived most of her childhood trapped in a body that could not communicate clearly with the outside world.
For years tech pundits have been searching for an "iPhone" killer -- a mythical new device that would dethrone Apple's mighty handset as the most admired or popular smartphone.
Apple's latest tablet comes in a smaller, pocketable, gripable, adorable new travel size. But the iPad Mini is more than just a smaller face -- it's a whole new product with its own killer features and disappointments.
A dizzying number of smartphones is now available in the United States. Picking one is a big commitment, especially when you're signing up for a two-year wireless contract.
While Apple is busy pushing a smaller tablet to take on Google and Amazon's 7-inch offerings, Google is thinking big.
The iPad Mini made its global sales debut Friday, but the lines of fans outside many stores were much smaller than previous Apple debuts.
On Wednesday some U.S. wireless carriers implemented the first part of a national strategy to deter cell phone theft: a joint "blacklist" database of identifying information about cell phones reported lost or stolen.
Getting cell phone reception in waterlogged New York and New Jersey could get a bit easier.
Apple asked Scott Forstall to leave the company because Forstall refused to sign his name on a letter apologizing for Apple's Maps app, according to a report.
Scott Forstall, one of the most visible faces of Apple in the wake of Steve Jobs' death, is leaving the company in a surprise shakeup at the head of Apple' ranks.
In our increasingly digital world, a mobile phone or other portable device is often a one-stop communication device. Phone calls, text messages, social media and even radio and television can all come from the same gadget.
Apple demonstrates it's new IOS 6 operating system that is the backbone of its new iPhone 5.
Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller walks through the new features of the company's iPhone 5 device.
Microsoft's tablet OS can run as a desktop, making it an all-in-one machine for use at home or on the go.
Smartphone users are creating a lot of buzz about an app that claims to repel mosquitoes. KENS reports.
Voxer CEO Tom Katis hopes to build a freemium business off of his app that brings walkie-talkie functions to smartphones.
The latest phones released at the 2012 Mobile World Congress include high resolution cameras and built-in projectors.
El director de la Filarmónica de Nueva York detuvo la orquesta a mitad de concierto por el sonido de un celular.
Barnes and Noble's new Nook Tablet lacks the multimedia features of Apple's iPad and Amazon's Kindle Fire.
Amazon's Kindle Fire is a solid tablet, and a relative bargain at $199. But, Apple's iPad is still ahead of the field.
Bump CEO David Lieb describes how his company's app is able to transfer information simply by bumping phones together.
Tech expert Marc Saltzman joins Fredericka Whitfield to discuss the latest news in technology.
With a surprise appearance by Steve Jobs, Apple debuts its iPad 2, the company's successful tablet computing gadget.
In June 2010, Apple CEO Steve Jobs faced an unexpected technical glitch during a demo of the new iPhone 4.
A former Microsoft employee creates an application that uses QR codes to track pets. KING reports.
According to CNET an Apple employee left a prototype of the new iPhone 5 at a bar in San Francisco.
Digital Lifestyle Expert Mario Armstrong helps you decide if you should get a laptop or a tablet computer.
CNN's Kristie Lu Stout explains a few major patent wars ongoing between tech companies.
A traffic app incorporates social networking to provide up to minute conditions. CNN's Dan Simon reports.
After already tackling the Internet, one CEO wants South Korea to be a "mobile wonderland." CNN's Paula Hancocks reports
Pew: 17% use cell phones for health info. Is that a good idea? CNN's Pete Dominick hits the street.
CNN's Dan Simon reports on an app that aims to find you a parking place.
Mobile makers hope to target Orthodox Jews with "kosher" phones. CNN's Kevin Flower reports
An iPhone user's reaction to news the device collects continuous information about a customer's whereabouts.
Wired.com's John Abell explains how iPhone software tracks users' movements and saves the data.
Sony Ericsson's CEO talks to CNN's Jim Boulden about the company's new PlayStation smartphone.
Filing your taxes last-minute? CNN's Karin Caifa tells us about some smartphone apps that can help.
A Verizon store in Minnesota welcomes customers interested in purchasing the new iPhone 4.
Digital lifestyle expert Mario Armstrong talks about some phone apps that could help save your life.
A doctor in Idaho helped develop a smart phone app that blocks texts and calls while a car is moving. KIDK reports.
Is cell phone etiquette around the world getting better or worse?
CNN's Jim Boulden explores the latest trends and news at Barcelona's Mobile World Congress.
So will smartphones really lead to the death of the PC? PC Magazine's Lance Ulanoff explains.
The makers say the app isn't replacing the confessional, but it will help people with the sacrament. WCVB reports.
New technology allows your appliances to "talk" to repair centers and give you tips on saving energy.
Whether you're shopping or banking, here are tips to keep information safe when using your smartphone.
Safe Road Trains for the Environment (SARTRE) is testing a system to lets you "convoy" hands-free on the road.
Playboy goes to the iPad uncensored and Facebook wants the world to go mobile. CNN's John Lisk reports.
Canadian students may soon be getting online textbooks. Global News' Antony Robart reports.
A dual-core smartphone that also docks as a laptop is one of Motorola's biggest show stoppers at CES 2011.
A teen discovers her Coby Kyros pad had pornography installed on it. WSIL explains what happened.
CNN's Dan Simon reports on a lawsuit brought against Apple, accusing the company of selling personal data.
CNN's Michael Holmes demonstrates some of the main features of the new CNN iPad app.
Offbeat reporter Pete Dominick takes a look at the new CNN iPad application with CNN's John King.
CNN's Kristie Lu Stout demonstrates some of the main features of the new CNN iPad app.
Students in Canada unplug themselves from cell phones, iPods and computers. Global News' Lama Nicolas reports.
CNN's Kristie Lu Stout explains mobile app Foursquare and speaks to co-founder and CEO Dennis Crowley.
At the Web 2.0 conference, Google's CEO describes a new technology that could revolutionize the way you shop.
Two Spelman College students designed a phone app to educate others about historically black colleges and universities.
As the cell phone market is flooded with smartphones, CNN.com helps you narrow down which works best for you.
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