Technology Im Our Lives J ell Phone Etiquette: How Do You Measure Up? (NAPSA)—Mobile technology has come a long way in a short time, but has cell phone etiquette kept pace? ell phone etiquette refers to people’s habits and manners while using a mobile phone: How loud are they talking and where are they talking? heck out these tips to be certain your cell phoneetiquette is as up-to-date as news: ell phone conversations and other functions can often be overheard by people nearby. Respect those around you as well as the person on the line and keep your cell phone volumeat a normallevel. Avoid giving out sensitive information, such as a Social Security number, and be sure there is plenty of space around you or find a private area for your your phone. Imaginary Friend Syndrome With today’s advanced Bluetooth technology, headsets and cellular devices are more powerful, smaller and easier than ever to carry and conceal. Unfortunately, this technology has given rise to “Imaginary Friend Syndrome.” We've all seen it in action—someone in a public place, talking animatedly to what appears to be an imaginary friend. It’s uncomfortable for those nearby who aren’t sure if the conversation is directed at them. To avoid this embarrassing situation, be selective when using hands-free Bluetooth devices in public places. Though perfect for calls in the car, office or when folding laundry, use your handset when makingcalls in public to give those around you a visual cue that you're speaking on the phone. Keep Both Hands on the Wheel It is now the law in many states to use a hands-free device while driving. New types of hands-free headsets can help you meet this requirement. For instance, Kyocera Wireless makes a Premium Hands-Free ar Kit that includes a Bluetooth portable headset that plugs into a car speakerphone adapter for two-inone functionality. It allows cell phone users hands-free conve- It’s convenient to use a Bluetooth headset when you heedto talk on the phoneanddrive. nience with either a headset or a high-quality speakerphone.It also allows the convenience of transferring calls back and forth from speakerphone to headset without the need to redial. Best of all, the audio quality for this device is similar to landline telephones. Timing Is Everything Doesthis situation ring a bell? A person dining at a table next to you decides to discuss business over the phone while you try to enjoy your meal. Remember, there are times when it is inappropriate conversation. Better yet, use a high-quality headset to help keep your conversation exclusive. You may want to check out Kyocera’s Bluetooth Stereo Headset Pendant. It provides high-quality audio for calls and it also improves your listening experience when using a phone’s MP3 player to play music. And the hands-free functionality and pendant design allow for easy access to answera call and/or transfer it back to your handset. For tips and products to finetune your cell phone etiquette, visit www.kyocera-wireless.com/ cellphone-etiquette. — or even rude to make or take a phonecall. If you must leave your phone on, switch it to silent mode and use discreet text messaging to communicate important messages in places such as restaurants, meetings and movie theaters. If text messaging won’t do thetrick, explain your need to take a call and excuse yourself from the table or exit the theater before you begin talking. Volumeand Privacy The good news: Today’s cell phones offer excellent audio quality with enhanced features like MP3 players and video. The bad Good all—It’s important to stay up-to-date on cell phoneetiquette.
