calls

The 404 1,037: Where Wayne Brady gives the Internet a swirly (podcast)

Wayne Brady makes his second appearance on The 404 today to expand on some of the gaming topics we covered back at CES in Vegas, but first he has a few words for his Twitter trolls.

He's daring all of them to show up to his improvisational comedy show at the Gotham Comedy Club here in NY. He's putting on three shows running today through Sunday and would love to face his critics in person, so check it out!

Wayne mentioned that he's always been into video games, so he'll update us on what he's … Read more

Create a conference call on the go with CrowdCall

Conference calls are part of the ugly side of doing business. Sometimes they just can't be avoided. So, next time you have to set one up, instead of paying for a third-party service, use CrowdCall.

CrowdCall is an app (Android | iPhone) that allows you to easily create a conference call from your smartphone, while on the go.

Setting up a conference call is easy. Before you make a call, make sure all of the contacts you are going to include in the call have the proper area/country code added to their number.

After ensuring the numbers are formatted … Read more

Google+ Hangouts now calling any phone

Video chatting in Hangouts is busting out of Google+.

Video calls among two or more Google+ users was the big draw when Hangouts launched, but now Google has flipped the switch the allow Google+ users to make phone calls to almost any phone number, not just within the Google+ ecosystem. That means that users will be able, for example, place a voice call from their computers and reach friends or family on their land line or cell phone.… Read more

Google looks to patent tech that listens to calls to promote ads

Like something out of George Orwell's "Nineteen Eighty-Four" where "Big Brother is watching you," Google is trying to patent technology that could pick up on background noise during mobile-phone calls and then promote related ads.

The title of the patent application is "Advertising Based on Environmental Conditions," and it was first reported today by tech-news site The Next Web. Apparently, the technology will be able to listen in on background noise, like rain, music, or a baseball game, and then serve related ads, such as a spot for an umbrella, a new album, … Read more

Verizon call center closures to affect more than 3,000 jobs

More than 3,000 Verizon Wireless workers will need to find new jobs over the next few months.

The company will close or consolidate several call centers in the U.S. where it handles customer complaints and questions. The non-union employees were informed of the decision yesterday and are being given one of three different options, Verizon explained in a statement sent to CNET.

Workers can apply for a different job elsewhere in the company. They can try to find a similar job in another Verizon call center with relocation assistance in the form of $10,000 in after-tax dollars. … Read more

Set up fake calls or texts to escape boring situations

Chances are, you've been there: a boring meeting or social event that you're desperately seeking an escape from. The person or people you're talking with won't take the hint that you're not interested. You hope someone will call so you can have a pretend conversation about needing to be somewhere else right away. Or maybe you're wishing for a text that demands your immediate attention. Whatever the situation, you can now plan your own escape routes with this Android app. Here's how:

Step 1: Install Log Me. Once installed, run the app.

Step … Read more

The 404 994: Where we need to talk (podcast)

Leaked from 404 Podcast 994:

Apple asks bankruptcy court for OK to sue Kodak for infringement. Leaning back from your PC screen can help you decide when shopping online. Street Fighter vs. Mortal Kombat might actually happen. Call of Duty: Black Ops has the best game ending of all time, Guinness World Records says. Bathroom break video 1: I'll call you right back. Bathroom break video 1: Even dogs cry to Adele.

… Read more

Xbox 360 threat leads to SWAT team raid

This is a public service announcement for anyone playing Call of Duty online on their Xbox 360: if anyone interrupts your game and tells you they're going to hack your information and send a SWAT team to your house, they might actually be serious.

I base this announcement on the tale of a teen in Lewisville, Texas. He was, according to CBS Dallas-Fort Worth, playing "Call of Duty: Black Ops" online on Monday with friends. Suddenly, someone interrupted him in a chat room to give him a message.

"Some dude just popped out of nowhere, and … 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