Crave

While the link between cell phone use and brain damage is still debatable (personally, I don't want to believe it), another body part may be paying the price for constant connectedness: the elbow.

According to health reports, doctors have identified a condition called "cell phone elbow," also known as cubital tunnel syndrome.

Oh no! Is she on her way to "cell phone elbow?"

(Credit: Dong Ngo/CNET)

It's basically pain in your elbow that results from compression of the ulnar nerve. This nerve problem can come from spending too much time folding the elbow in an unnatural stance, such as when you use the computer in a nonergonomic position or, most commonly, when you hold the phone to your ear. I often do both at the same time.

Doctors say this is an increasingly common issue among those who are reliant on technology, especially cell phones. The syndrome leads to chronic or periodic pain in the elbow, tingling along the fingers, and even loss of strength and control in your hands.

When talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device, the elbow is usually held in an unnatural, flexed position, at an angle greater than 90 degrees. Generally, doctors caution that the elbow is not naturally designed to be hyperflexed for longer than 10 minutes at a time, but many of us regularly talk for hours on end.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)

The Yada YD-V1 is a smartly designed little Bluetooth headset. Packaged as part of two hands-free calling bundles, one that has 12-volt and USB direct chargers and another that adds a mobile phone cradle to the mix, the YD-V1 is billed as a "car-centric" headset.

Its design and control scheme all but eliminate button presses beyond the initial pairing, so we can see how the YD-V1 could be easy to use in a vehicle in motion. Simply lift the headset from the cradle to take a call and replace it to end the call.

However, none of that matters if the device doesn't sound good when making those calls. Audio is plagued with static and hissing at its best. At worst, the weak Bluetooth signal makes for choppy sound when obstructions block the signal, even if that obstruction is you between headset and the phone in a pocket on the opposite side of the body.

As much as we like the understated looks, simple controls, and clever charging solution that the YD-V1 brings, we can't help but feel that it somehow misses the point. A Bluetooth headset is supposed to make good sounding, clear calls. Everything else is secondary.

Check out our full review of the Yada YD-V1 Bluetooth headset with direct charger and the Yada YD-V1 with phone holder.

Tired of fumbling around the iPhone's onscreen keyboard to send a text message? Soon you can skip that altogether, as long as you can speak English properly.

(Credit: Promptu)

This is thanks to a new iPhone application that Promptu, a talk-and-type mobile phone application developer, introduced Monday called ShoutOUT. The application is going to be the first voice-to-SMS application for iPhone users in the United States.

The application lets you dictate text messages instead of typing on the iPhone's touch-screen keypad. It also allows for checking the transcribed messages for errors and make corrections if necessary before sending them out to the intended recipients.

This seems an overdue application for iPhone, considering the ubiquity in the usage of text messaging. According to Gartner Group, by 2010 the total number of sent text messages will reach 2.3 trillion.

I wonder if this app also means you can send text messages while driving in California, where since Januray 1, texting and reading text messages while driving has been banned. It's not that I think people should text behind the wheel, just that if speaking on the phone via a hand-free device is allowed, sending text without using your hands should be, too.

ShoutOUT will soon be available at Apple's App Store. For now it's unclear how much it will cost. A non-English version of the application will also be available to European users.

Talk your thoughts into e-mails.

(Credit: MyCaption)

MyCaption, a member of the BlackBerry Alliance, introduced on Tuesday a new way BlackBerry users can work with e-mails on their smartphones: by speaking.

Actually, this is not exactly a breakthrough, as voice recognition technology has been out there for a long time and can be found in the Voice Command or Voice Dialing features of many smartphones. However, this seems to be the first time you can use it for more than simple sentences, such as, "Call Johnny at the office."

MyCaption claims that its new application is sophisticated enough that people can compose, forward, or reply to e-mails by speaking comfortably into the phone. You then will have the option to preview the texts before actually sending them off. The application can work with multiple e-mail accounts.

MyCaption currently works on the BlackBerry Pearl, Curve, and 8800. For a limited time, it's available to download as a free trial.;this lets you send 10 messages for free. After that, according to the company's Web site, you can either pay $1 for each message or pay $10/month to send unlimited messages of 15 seconds in length, or fewer. Even when you opt for the monthly plan, you still have to pay $.50 per message for messages that are longer than 15 seconds. The longest message the application can process is 3 minutes.

This seems like a very useful tool that will free your thumbs from the little keyboard. More importantly, now you can potentially talk to a business partner over the phone and then send him the transcript of the conversation in an e-mail. Maybe this will bring a whole new meaning to the term "verbal contract." Who says talking is not writing in black and white?

The numbers are in for Bluetooth headset sales in California, and the retail hype around the new hands-free-driving law seems to have paid off. The law boosted device sales to four times the national average, according to a report by retail market researcher The NPD Group.

A display at a San Francisco RadioShack touts Bluetooth headsets prior to the July 1 implementation of the law.

(Credit: Holly Jackson/CNET News)

NPD said California's four largest markets--San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego--saw a major Bluetooth boost in the months before the law went into effect effect July 1.

In March, San Francisco sold two times more Bluetooth headsets than the national average. By May that number had risen to four times the national average in all four cities.

In other U.S. cities, where laws requiring drivers to use headsets when talking on cell phones have not been implemented, Bluetooth sets sold below the national average.

While NPD will not release the amount of revenue generated by the sales, it said the data was calculated by units of Bluetooth headsets sold per store.

According to Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis for market researcher NPD, the hands-free laws have helped Bluetooth makers, which are designing new headsets due to increased consumer demand.

Hot or not?

At first, I thought California's new hands-free calling law was a great idea. Though it's debatable whether cell phones in the car can ever be safe, I took a lot of comfort in knowing that holding your phone to your ear while driving was now illegal. True, there's no guarantee that both hands will now be on the steering wheel, but I thought my chances of being run down by a yakking driver were just a bit smaller.

But, only a few days after the law went into effect I realized that it had one unfortunate consequence: a very rapid proliferation of Bluetooth dorks. Since headset-use is now required by law, the number of people wearing their headset when they're not in the car or on the phone has exploded. The sight of these people has always made me cringe, but now it appears they're here to stay. I'm know I'm not the only one who feels this way so I encourage my fellow Californians to remember this: please remove your headset when not in use. You're not a Borg drone; it doesn't make you look important or edgy, and it's not a fashion statement. If you need a place to stash it you can always buy the LG Decoy, but otherwise your pocket or purse should suffice.

Break the law, get a free headset?

It might sound a little odd, but online retailer Headsets.com has decided to make that idea the focus of a new marketing and educational campaign related to the new hands-free legislation that takes hold Tuesday in California and Washington.

In effect, if you get ticketed for talking on your cell phone without a headset while driving, pony up the $20 or $50 (depending on how many times you've been caught), then send documentation of your offense to Headsets.com.

A ticket could lead to a free Plantronics 925 headset.

(Credit: Plantronics)

The most surprising part? You'll be making a hefty profit by breaking the law. According to CEO Mike Faith, Headsets.com will, for a limited time at least, give away the Plantronics Discovery 925, which retails at $149.99.

"Some people might not be able to afford to upgrade to a headset, and we're not going to give them a low-end one," Faith said.

According to Faith, the objective is not to have people deliberately break the law to get a free, expensive headset, though it's unclear how the company will be able to determine who is going that route.

The other goal of the campaign is to draw attention to the law itself, Faith said, in hopes that most people will buy a headset instead of continuing to drive with one hand.

"Our goal is to get people to think about it," Faith said. "They really shouldn't be talking on the phone while driving and (should) start using two hands."

If you do happen to break the law, which CNET News.com does not suggest, the hotline 1-800-headsets or the Headsets.com Web site can start you on the path to a new headset.

Hi everyone. Starting this week, I will be answering reader questions about all things GPS right here on Miss Direction and Crave. If you need product recommendations, have questions about the technology, or ever wondered if a GPS can actually tell you to drive into water, this is the place to be. I'll be posting these Ask the Editor blogs every other week so don't be shy, send in those questions, and I'll do my best to answer them all. So without further ado, on with the show.

Q: Can you help me? I am looking for a GPS that also has hands-free functionality. I live in California and as of July 2008, you cannot use a cell phone that is not hands free. Is there a GPS that has voice function? --Allen, via e-mail

TomTom GO 930

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

A: Hi Allen. You're in luck. There are quite a few portable navigation devices (PNDs) with integrated Bluetooth, which allows you to wirelessly connect a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone or smartphone to the GPS and use it as a hands-free speaker system. Some Bluetooth-equipped PNDs include the TomTom GO 930, Garmin Nuvi 660, and the Mio C520. Having reviewed a number of these devices, I'd have to say that Garmin and TomTom offer the easiest setup and best user interface for this, but you can also find more options in our roundup here.

Once you pair the PND with your phone, you'll be able to make and receive calls, and if a point of interest lists a phone number, most GPSes will allow you to dial directly to that business with just a tap of the screen. Some devices, such as the GO 930, are even more advanced and will automatically synchronize your phone's address book and call history to the GPS itself.

And thanks for pointing out the hands-free law, Allen. This goes into effect in California on July 1 and joins a number of other states and districts with similar laws, including New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. And while we think it'd just be safer to not be on the phone at all while you're driving, we know this is wishful thinking, so the use of a hands-free system like a Bluetooth-enabled PND can be a good alternative, especially if you need help in the navigation department.

Beginning July 1 of this year, new laws in California and Washington will require drivers to use a hands-free device when using a cell phone. California goes a step further for drivers under 18; they will be prohibited outright from using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. Washington does not make any age distinctions, but since January 1, the Evergreen State has prohibited composing or sending text messages while driving. After the laws go into effect, Washington and California will join the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut in enacting statewide hands-free calling legislation. In other states, regulations range from hands-free mandates in municipalities, such as Chicago, to complete cell phone bans for drivers with a learner's permit.

The Aliph Jawbone is one of the best Bluetooth headsets we've reviewed.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

So what to do?
If you're a California or Washington resident, or if your a New Yorker who's late in getting onboard, you have a few options for keeping both hands on the wheel. The good news is that all existing cell phones are compatible with some form of hands-free device. Some handsets will be compatible only with an old-fashioned wired headset, but there's no need to buy a new phone. That is, unless you're using the new laws as an excuse to upgrade (more on that later). The last point you should remember is that to fully comply with the law, you'll need to keep your hands off your phone completely. That means that dialing numbers or scrolling through your contacts list could result in a ticket. So to be extra safe, your phone should support voice dialing as well.

Jabra is a respected Bluetooth headset maker, including the tiny JX10.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

A wired world In an age of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the wired cell phone has been regulated to the bottom shelf of the cell phone store. But even so, a wired headset is one of the best hands-free options available. Not only is every cell phone compatible with a wired headset, but also they're a steal when compared to a Bluetooth model. In fact, most phones come with a wired headset in the box (if you can find our box). These free headsets won't be fancy, and the sound quality may be variable, but they're the cheapest and most convenient option.

If you didn't get a wired headset when you bought your phone, you can find a wide variety of products online or at your carrier store. Basic models will cost under $20, but if you want to splurge there are flashier options available. Indeed,we've seen headsets with retractable wires, changeable earbuds and even models in bright colors. As Bluetooth continue to proliferate, the selection of wired headsets will grow increasingly smaller but rest assured they're not going to the cell phone graveyard. Just remember to choose carefully and select a headset that will work with your phone. The type of headset jack can vary widely, even between phones from the same manufacturer, so it's important to know what you'll need. And don't even think about using a stereo headset designed to work both for music and phone calls. Using a headset that covers both ears would defeat the purpose of the new laws.

The Plantronics Voyager 855 has a unique design

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Going wireless
Though Bluetooth was an exclusive feature just a couple of years ago, the technology has started to make its way into simpler cell phone. Of course, the biggest advantage of Bluetooth is that it iswireless, so there's no danger of getting tangled up in cords while you drive. Also, while wired headsets have reached the peak of their functionality, Bluetooth continues to evolve with new features. CNET's Quick guide to Bluetooth headsets will tell you everything you need to know about the technology, from its origin and uses to the range of devices available. Also, check out our choices for the Best Bluetooth headsets.

On the flip side, you'll need a cell phone that supports Bluetooth. Most phones introduced in the last year support the feature, particularly smartphones and multimedia devices, but basic models and handsets more than a couple of years old are another story. Another Bluetooth caveat is that it does not come cheap. While using the technology is free you will have to shell out between $50 to $100 (some high-end models can cost more) to buy a headset. It's rare that you'd get a free headset when you buy a new phone.

Tekkeon makes this ET6000 Bluetooth speakerphone.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

As with wired headsets, there's a wide range of Bluetooth headsets available. Designs include range from big and clunky to small and stylish (well, as stylish as a Bluetooth headset can be). The comfort of the headset also is important so be sure to try on a few samples and see how the feel. Finally, you should consider what features you'd prefer. Some headsets offer last number redial, some offer call mute and some even offer a tiny display that shows caller ID. If your current phone doesn't have Bluetooth but you'd like to use the feature, talk to your carrier about an upgrade. If you're a long-term customer, you should be able to get a new phone at a discount, though you will have to sign a new contract.

Speak up
The last option is a speakerphone. You can use your handset's integrated speakerphone (almost all cell phones have them) or you can buy a Bluetooth speakerphone that you can position in your car. Alternatively, if your car supports Bluetooth you can connect your phone to your car's system and use it to make calls. Just keep in mind that a phone with voice dialing is a must if you want to use the speakerphone completely.