voicemails

Facebook updates iOS app with voice mail, video, and more

Facebook updated its main iOS mobile app today, adding voice mail and video-recording capabilities as well as Nearby listings based on what you like.

Nearby, which got bit of a face lift in December, will now show a list of local businesses and landmarks based on your interests, according to Facebook, in addition to what your friends have liked, checked-in, or rated.

The network rolled out the voice mail function on its Messenger app earlier this month, so it's not surprising to see it make its way to the main app. Facebook added this function as well as the … Read more

Text and call for free with Libon

LAS VEGAS--French telecommunications company Orange is showing off Libon at CES 2013, a communications app that lets you make free calls and texts with other iPhone users, but does more than most apps in the category. I got a demo from the company at CES, and the app seems like it could be a winner.

Like popular chat app Whatsapp Messenger, Libon lets you chat with other friends that have the app, but you also have the ability to make calls to other Libon users with HD-quality sound.

Upon launch, you'll see the app's home screen with icons … Read more

Facebook tests VoIP, adds voice mail-like service

iPhone users in Canada can now use Facebook to make voice calls, the social network revealed today.

The company is testing the ability to make VoIP calls -- the same service Skype provides -- using its Messenger app. Those in Canada can start a call with a contact by tapping the "i" button in the top right corner and hit "Free Call." Users will have to update the app to the version available today to use the feature and the voice call uses existing data plans.

While Canadians can experience actual voice calls, Facebook is giving … Read more

The 404 1,124: Where techies never say die (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 show:

- Nokia's Lumia 920 packed with cutting-edge features.

- CNET Update: Nokia Lumia shows off new camera tricks.

- Wirelessly charge your new Nokia phone via Qi technology.

- Eurocom launching mobile phone approved by rabbis.

- Is this the death of voice mail?

- E-mail will never die: The man who invented it reveals why.… Read more

Is this the death of voice mail?

Whenever cultural behavior changes, we cast a wistful eye or simply don't notice.

So today's question is: Do you bother to leave voice mails any more? And when people leave them on your phone, do you bother listening to the message, or do you just see who called and then call them back?

I'm not prying -- any more than usual. I'm just wondering if the evidence presented today by Vonage might conceivably be true.

According to USA Today, Vonage has declared that humanity just can't be bothered with all that voice mail nonsense any more.… Read more

How to send annoying callers directly to voice mail on Android

We've all been there: you give your number to someone who has no idea when to quit calling you. It might be someone who wants to sell you a new car, smartphone, or even some home improvements. Perhaps it's a disgruntled ex who just can't let go. 

Whomever it is, there's a way to bring back the silence you once enjoyed in the absence of their calls.

For users on Android 2.x:

Step 1: Open the contact info for the person you want to send directly to voice mail.

Step 2: Press the Menu … Read more

The 404: 972: Where we pre-game for CES

Our favorite Australian, Ty Pendlebury, joins us on this last 404 episode before the main event of technology begins--otherwise known as CES.

Ty gives his opinion on what will be the hottest tech from the show this year, and it looks like OLED will be big. Already some manufacturers like LG have announced massive 55-inch OLED screens, skipping a few sizes in between. While recent HDTV technology like 120Hz has been questionable when it comes to image quality, the near-perfect black levels of OLED screens just might have you interested in buying a new HDTV again. Ty warns that the prices aren't anywhere close to what we've been accustomed to lately.

AVN also won't be going on at the same time as CES this year, so that's a disappointment. We also take a few voice mails, but we want to let you know that we love to hear your feedback when we get to Vegas. So please call us and leave us a message at (866) 404-CNET. In the meantime, we're packing our bags and getting ready for a slew of hopefully unforgettable shows.… Read more

How to restore a deleted voice mail on the iPhone

When the iPhone originally launched, it brought with it a new way of doing voice mail.

No longer did users have to dial a random number to listen to each voice mail played back, all the while interacting with a computer voice. Visual voice mail allows you to skip the voice mails you don't want to listen to, and get to the messages that are truly important. One small feature of visual voice mail is the ability to restore deleted voice mails. … Read more

AT&T finally tightens up password security

AT&T is stepping up the protection of its customers' voice messages amid mounting security concerns raised by the phone hacking incidents in the U.K.

The Dallas telecommunications giant changed its policy today so that a password was the default setting for its cell phone voice mail boxes, Chief Privacy Officer Robert Quinn posted on a company blog. New phones will automatically have the settings changed, and beginning early next year, existing customers who upgrade their phones will also see the change.

AT&T customers can currently access their voice messages without entering a password, a practice … Read more