Category Archives: Technology

I have no idea how this works

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AllFreeCalls.net | End The Rip-Off: Make Free Calls from The USA

Free international calls to various countries.

Here’s a blurb from TechCrunch on how it works:

Here’s my understanding of how this works: the founder created his own telephone company in Iowa. Iowa is apparently the only state taking advantage of an FCC kickback scheme that gives telco’s a portion of the fees generated from every inbound call to an Iowa number. So when you call the AllFreeCalls phone number, a portion of any long distance fees you are paying go to the company. The kickback is apparently authorized via the Universal Service Fund. These kickbacks are enough on average to more than cover the international outbound calling fees.

I don’t make many (any really) international calls, but my family/friends do. Should be worth a shot. And theoretically since you are calling Iowa and they are placing the call for you, you should be able to dial internationally on your celly without an international plan (and avoid the CRAZY fees that go along with international calls, plan or not).

edit:  See comment by Garren below for an slightly more in-depth explanation.  I will admit to wanting to try it out though…

Yeah all of Asia laughs

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In Japan, barely a ripple – Los Angeles Times

Well not all of Asia, but most definitely Japan and South Korea.  Even the iPhone is lackluster to them.  Though despite all they can do with their phones, I’d imagine even they would have to admit that the touch interface (multi-touch) is pretty damn cool.  And of course in Japan and SK they don’t care that their phones are thick.  They don’t have the RAZR induced slim wars over there.

Oh the death knell

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Oh if this is true it’s a BAD move for Sony

Adult movie company says Sony won’t let XXX titles on bluray discs….

edit: I just read that Bluray is going to have transferable content (e.g. movie disc comes with a portable version for ipod, psp, etc.).  That would ameliorate some of this idiocy.  Also, I just read that Sony pulled the same shit with Betamax, and we all know how that worked out for them….. grrrr.

Apple a day

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So Apple announced a bevy of greatness: Apple TV, iPhone.  And of course I want both (nothing like using a personal multimedia device that runs a full OS and costs as much as a PS3).  And will likely get both (Apple TV is a toss-up… 60/40 I purchase).  I also want the unannounced but dropped new Airport.  Of course my G4PB doesn’t have the draft n airport card, so it’s kind of useless to me.  But the fact that it can act as a NAS device is heaven.  I HATE being tethered to my external hard drive.

No links because the links and info is everywhere (insane that Apple jumped over $6/share earlier after the announcements).

I am GREATLY disappointed there was no announcement on the iSight.  No news of replacement.  No silent addition to the Apple Store.  It’s just gone.  I guess it’s really time to hit up ebay.  I was waiting and waiting for MWSF to hope Jobs would drop a new one, but I guess not.

This is awesome – virtual language keyboards

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Virtual Keyboard Gate2Home.com – Type in your language, anywhere

On my home machine, easy peasy. But at work, I don’t want to install IMEs, etc. This is great! a good concept.
edit:  Okay, I just tried it out.  A little less than great.  In fact, maybe I should try things before posting about them.  Or at least say that I haven’t tried (I usually do).  I tried typing in Korean, but it wrote out the string of letters English style, one after the other, instead of combining them as Korean writing does.