By Allen Tsai | Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:50 pm |
An emergency call center in Waterloo, Iowa, became the first in the country to accept "911" text messages -- and even reply back, too, when appropriate.
While the move may seem frivolous and even foolish -- since typing a text takes longer than making a call -- 911 texting is aimed at helping the deaf, who have had to rely on more cumbersome methods for aid.The service is also useful in emergencies involving, say, an intruder in the house while the victim is hiding and doesn't want to be heard. Texting to 911 comes with some drawbacks -- namely not being able to pinpoint the texter's location. "I think there's a need to get out front and get this technology available," said Thomas Jennings, Black Hawk County's police chief. As a future upgrade, call centers may be able to receive photos and video from handsets, which could help emergency responders prepare for an accident scene or identify a suspect.
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Thu Feb 09, 2012 3:58 pm | By
More households in the U.S. are eschewing pay-cable service in favor of streaming video, a new study finds, potentially drying up revenues for a long-powerful industry.
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Thu Feb 09, 2012 3:39 pm | By
Researchers developed a self-monitoring device to help drug users stay clean once they are out of rehabilitation, highlighting innovative ways mobile devices are improving general health.
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Thu Feb 09, 2012 3:20 pm | By
U.S. regulators are close to approving Google's $12.5 billion purchase of Motorola, putting the Android maker one step closer to forming a partnership that may change alliances in the industry.
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Thu Feb 09, 2012 3:10 pm | By
Apple will hold a launch event for the iPad 3 in the first week of March, as the company updates its tablet to stay ahead of rivals.
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Thu Feb 09, 2012 2:54 pm | By
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was unfit for George H.W. Bush's council in 1991, according to an FBI investigation, highlighting his drug use and decision to not support his daughter.
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