WHO links Mobile Use and Cancer

A new study from the World Health Organisation's cancer research agency has reignited the concerns surrounding the possible link between mobile phone use and brain cancer.  

The agency research has said mobile phones are "possibly carcinogenic" a review of the research suggests an increased risk of a malignant type of brain cancer cannot be ruled out.  However, they have concluded that it was "not clearly established that it does cause cancer in humans".

Ed Yong, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: "The WHO's verdict means that there is some evidence linking mobile phones to cancer but it is too weak to draw strong conclusions from. 

The majority of previous studies have concluded that there is no link between cancer and mobile phone use, and that remains the view of the majority.  It is clear, that given the potential consequences of the most recent announcement, further research is needed to clarify the risk.   If you are concerned, the suggestion is to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure such as hands free devices or texting.

Is Nokia in Crisis? According to the boss, they are.

Stephen Elop, CEO of Nokia, has sent a blunt but honest memo to his staff suggesting that the once mobile market leader is now in crisis.

In particular, he feels that the firm was caught off guard by the success of Google's Android operating system and Apple's iPhone.  Despite the first iPhone being shipped back in 2007, he states that Nokia “still don't have a product that is close to their [Apple’s] experience”.

As a result he describes the company as standing on a "burning platform" surrounded by innovative competitors who are grabbing its market share. Although Nokia leads the global smartphone market in terms of handset sales, its overall share has been gradually declining.  According to research firm IDC, Nokia’s shares fell 10% between 2009 and 2010.

Mr Elop's leaked memo also suggests that Nokia is also being squeezed at the lower, non-smartphone end of the market by Chinese manufacturers because they are produced quickly and cheaply.  

Discounts on your Mobile Thanks to Facebook

Businesses are now able to utilise the dedicated Facebook app, ‘places’ to provide a virtual coupon facility to customers.

Customers that use the application on their iPhone’s or handset’s that run the Google's Android system can update their whereabouts whenever they visit a variety of shops, restaurants and other venues.  The process is called a “check-in”.

Now users who visit participating shops can log in from their mobile phones to receive rewards from their favourite high street businesses such as Starbucks and Debenhams who are already onboard.

With deals, users will not just be able to tell other people their location, but can also take advantage of any special offers that the retailer has.  In addition, participating retailers will be able to use Facebook to offer "golden ticket" rewards or give bonuses to users who bring other friends along with them.

The service is intended to capitalise on Facebook's popularity, particularly on phones. The service is free to retailers and shoppers alike, and Facebook will not take a slice of any income generated by the deals.

Mobile Phones seen as Art

Cellphone's with Grid
and Binary Code

Rob Pettit is an artist that uses mobile phones as a medium for much of his work.  He feels that we have become a technology-dependent generation, completely entangled with technology.


"What used to be simple smoke signals used by our cavemen ancestors have grown to alphabets, letters, telegraphs, and now telecommunication. Mobile phones used to be a fad, now it has become a commodity. With human culture leaning more towards globalization and a fast paced lifestyle, mobile phones will become a more prominent part of our existence."

Source:  http://www.robpettit.com