by Patrick Altoft on April 25, 2007
Increasing use of text messages amongst kids is leading to problems with spelling and grammar, according to a new report.
The Irish State Examination Commission said that errors in grammar and punctuation have become a “serious concern” after analysing last years exam papers for texts taken by 15 year olds.
“The emergence of the mobile phone and the rise of text messaging as a popular means of communication would appear to have impacted on standards of writing as evidenced in the responses of candidates,” the report said, according to Wednesday’s Irish Times.
“Text messaging, with its use of phonetic spelling and little or no punctuation, seems to pose a threat to traditional conventions in writing.”
by Patrick Altoft on July 7, 2006
Vodafone has launched an SMS tracking service allowing its users in New Zealand to record their location during a journey home.
If a user feels concerned or threatened at any stage they can send a free text message to the number 7233 (SAFE) with details of their location. The message is then stored with a timstamp in case they go missing.
The text message is followed by an automated response with details of the emergency services number in case assistance is required.
Raphael Hilbron, head of Corporate Responsibility at Vodafone, said the initiative would provide their two million customers with greater peace of mind - no matter where in the world they were.
According to Vodafone NZ the idea came about after the abduction and murder of a German tourist in the area.
by Patrick Altoft on June 26, 2006
Figures released by the Mobile Data Association show that mobile phone users sent 3.3 billion text messages in the UK last month.
The figures released for May 2006 were boosted by large events such as Big Brother, the FA Cup and Champions League final. The figure was an increase of 26% on the previous year and was higher than the record of 3.2 billion set in March this year.
Experts predict a huge rise this month fuelled by both Big Brother and the World Cup. If England reach the final an estimated 500 million texts could be sent.
by Patrick Altoft on May 27, 2006
UK consumers are to be offered a new way of shopping at the popular music and DVD store, HMV. The Txt2Buy service allows customers to buy products directly from a mobile phone using a credit card or mobile wallet.
HMV are to advertise the service along with a series of ordering codes in the national media. Customers simply text the ordering code to a HMV number and they receive a WAP link to a payment gateway allowing them to pay for the items. Once payment is completed the goods are posted directly to the customer.
Adverts are due to appear after 5th June in what is the first service of its kind in the UK.
For more information visit www.hmv.co.uk
