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The FCC Asks Questions About Google Voice

GeekSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:47:54 -0700

Google Voice, the Internet voice application that functions similarly to a phone, blurs the line between the two forms of communication. Is it the same as phone service? Google says no, but a claim from telephone provider AT&T says it is. Now the Federal Communications Commission is on the case.

Last week, the FCC sent a letter to Google, asking them to explain how Google Voice works. The main reason? The FCC is trying to discern whether or not the app should be considered a phone service, subjecting it to more stringent regulations and fees.

This Summer, most of you said you'd signed up for a Google Voice account. (If you still haven't, check out my top five reasons for using Google Voice.) The FCC launched the probe because of Google's policy restricting calls to certain rural locations. Google argues that the restrictions are in place because of the high termination rates charged by carriers in these areas.

To find out what Google's position is on this situation is, just read more.

Their official position on the matter:

Google Voice is a free web application, one intended to supplement and enhance existing phone lines, not replace them. The goal of Google Voice is to provide a useful, unified communications tool.

If they are determined to be a phone company and mandated to make the service available in such areas, Google says the future of the free-of-charge application is in jeopardy.

Are You Excited About the Android Phone?

GeekSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:03:59 -0700

Finally! So, it looks like HTC's Dream - aka the first cell phone to use Google's awesome-looking Android platform - is going to become a reality: the
FCC has approved it!

The promises of Android are tempting enough to make me consider giving up my iPhone (well, add it to my cell phone collection maybe) - the shortlist of features includes WiFi, 3G, and Bluetooth - and check out this walkthrough video for more. Considering it's being made by HTC, whose quickly building its reputation for good-lookin' phones, the pot gets even sweeter.

But what do you think: Is this a phone that will rival your lust for iPhones and BlackBerrys?

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No Cell Phones On Planes, FCC Says

GeekSugar — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 03:25:11 -0700

Despite recent talk about the future of cell phones on planes, the FCC has decided to keep a rule in place that requires cell phones to be turned off during airline flights. According to the AP, the reasoning behind the decision was technical.

"These days it's impossible to get on a bus without at least one person hollering into their cellphone, invading the private space of everyone around them," one member of the public wrote in an e-mail to the FCC. "That's bad enough when one can get off in 10 minutes. To have to suffer through HOURS of such torture, with nowhere to go and miserably cramped conditions - someone is going to explode."

Unlike the Federal Aviation Administration, which bans the use of cellphones and other portable electronic devices for fear they will interfere with navigational and communications systems, the FCC's concern is interference with other cellphone signals on the ground.

In January, the New York Times reported that Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, installed satellite-based technology that allows voice calls and text messaging on one of its Boeing 777’s late last year and expects to begin offering the service to passengers on an international route. Emirates said calls will work at altitudes above 9,800 feet to avoid potential interference with land systems. The downside is users will reportedly be billed at $3 to $3.50 a minute for outbound and inbound calls.

Are You Ready For the Digital Television Changeover?

GeekSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:00:28 -0800

In a last-ditch effort to ditch the digital conversion last week, the Consumers Union and President-elect Barack Obama pressed Congress to delay the change, which will effectively shut off any antenna-using TVs.

The FCC chief, however, argued at CES that delaying that transition now would just create confusion for Americans, adding that a lot of time, effort, and money have gone into getting the nation ready to switch to digital by Feb. 17.

Even though an estimated 70 million homes still have TVs using antennas, in my bubble, everyone I know is ready, either subscribing to cable or by having a newer television (not sure if you're ready? Check out my guide).

Are you ready for the switch?

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Daily Tech: What You Need to Know About Windows 7

GeekSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:21:37 -0700

The Giz team has whipped up a Best Of list for Windows 7 - Gizmodo
Facebook has just launched a new hub called "Peace on Facebook" - CNET
Netflix is already testing streaming on the Nintendo Wii - Engadget
Jerry Seinfeld, who was featured in Microsoft ads, has been spotted with a Mac! - CrunchGear
Google is starting to block some calls which use Google Voice to satisfy the FCC - The Washington Post
It's giveaway time on GeekSugar! Log in for your chances to win one of these AT&T Smartphones - GeekSugar

This Week On Geeksugar - Bluetooth Sunglasses?

GeekSugar — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 10:00:40 -0700

Bluetooth headphones have enough trouble bridging the geek and chic gap given their funky shape and the fact that they are attached to your ear, so I'm not sure there's any hope for these Bluetooth sunglasses, which are being tested by the FCC. Totally Geeky or Geek Chic? Bluetooth Sunglasses
When you connect Mr. Tengu to the USB port of a computer a red LED "face" appears and reacts to the sound around the room. Mr. Tengu: Robot-like Desk Accessory Gets Moody
If you're one of those people worried about how the widespread use of digital cameras and camera phones has contributed to illegal and icky photo taking, you're in luck. Love It Or Leave It: ShotGuard Panties
If you've watched the Back To The Future series as many times as I have, your obsession has probably led you to a google search where you learned the funky set of wheels made popular in the films stopped production nearly 25 years ago. DeLorean Goes Back Into Production?
Folks in Helsinki have put up a large multi-touch display in downtown that acts as a collaborative and playful interface for the community and city's planning. Would You Use A 'CityWall'?
Every month on geeksugar I offer my picks for the top five gadgets, gizmos and techie treats you need to get through the month. August means last minute summer vacations, gearing up for fall and fun, flirty colors. Must Haves For August

Totally Geeky or Geek Chic? Bluetooth Sunglasses

GeekSugar — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 07:00:00 -0700

Bluetooth headphones have enough trouble bridging the geek and chic gap given their funky shape and the fact that they are attached to your ear, so I'm not sure there's any hope for these Bluetooth sunglasses, which are being tested by the FCC. These stunner shades are a product of a Motorola and Oakley collaboration and apparently use a Bluetooth connection to stream music from your cellphone or Bluetooth-equipped portable music player. What do you think, would you wear them or will you wait for the Chanel or Marc Jacobs editions?
Source: Engadget

BlackBerry Phones To Finally Get Wi-Fi

GeekSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:30:04 -0700

All you BlackBerry owners who are wishing you had a WiFi enabled iPhone, don't fret just yet because the FCC has just approved the first BlackBerry with built-in WiFi wireless network capabilities.

The BlackBerry 8320 from T-Mobile is said to have Bluetooth, a 3.2-megapixel camera, a headphone jack, and a microSD slot. Research In Motion's CEO has already mentioned that this WiFi enabled BlackBerry should be released by the end of this year.

Image Source

European Airlines Gets Approval For In Flight Calls

GeekSugar — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 14:00:44 -0700

Earlier this year the FCC decided to keep a rule in place that requires cell phones to be turned off during airline flights. Europe apparently has a more lax set of standards. The European Aviation Safety Agency has approved a system certification for a cell-phone system on board an aircraft. The approval comes following tests carried out on the Airbus, an airline based in Toulouse, France.

The approval will allow airline operation of the OnAir service that will enable passengers to use their BlackBerry-type devices and mobile phones during flights in Europe. They will be able to make and receive calls in addition to being able to send and receive emails and text messages. Apparently, cabin crew will manage the service and have the option of selecting a “voice-off” mode which only allows SMS text messaging and email services.

Initially the service will be available on Airbus’ Single Aisle Family for short-haul flights in Western Europe. While it's a freedom everyone would like, I'd hate to have a long flight filled with people talking on their cell phones. Some rules were made for a reason.

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