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43 Comments

Posted by Kevin Michaluk Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

I got a good preview / some education on this app a few weeks ago back in Orlando at WES 2010 from the CEO of Tawkon.

As I've stated before, for me personally I'm a bit of an "ignorance is bliss" kind of guy when it comes to these things, but there were a few very interesting principles explained and observations made as we walked through the app.

One thing I found interesting was that the supposed relationship between radiation emitted from the device given external conditions is actually the opposite of what you might think.

For example, if you drive with your device in the car, the radiation is the highest just before you're about to switch to the next cell tower. As you get away from a cell tower, your device radio has to work harder (and therefore emits more radiation) to maintain signal strength. So while you may not want to live right under a cell tower, actually being close to one - where your device doesn't have to work hard to maintain solid signal - is actually better than being further away from one. 

Likewise, though you think cases would shield you from any potential affects of radiation, it's the opposite based on the same logic -- covering up the device radios with more material forces them to work harder to maintain signal strength.  Thinking back to WES 2010, I'm a bit concerned for Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas. His insanely thick metal-plated battery door covers must have his 9700's radios working in overdrive. He might glow in his next video. :)

Was interesting to see the responsiveness of the app too on these sorts of properties... if you just covered the keyboard/bottom of the device with your hands with the realtime tracking open, within seconds the levels would shoot up according to Tawkon.  So Tawkon's connection to the device radios is definitely deep (it's not a hocus pocus thing... the way it integrates into the device is consistent/reliable to duplicate results given specific conditions).

So again, it's an app I almost wouldn't want to run on my device as I'd rather just blissfully ignore what's going on (especially as a guy who tends to be surrounded by multiple devices), but am definitely impressed with Tawkon's execution of the app itself.

I know we'll see comments on this one that debate the radition thing from both sides... but it's definitely a well-built app worth checking out if you're interested in monitoring this sort of thing. 

 
 
Posted by garment69 Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

Seriously, what are you supposed to do with this? Dont make calls when the radiation is too high? You know, we're all gonna die sometime. Im not even going to comment on the price.

 
 
Posted by cribble2k Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

LOL!

(+1)

True. True.

 
 
Posted by borderpatrol1987 Thursday, May 20, 2010 737 days ago

Also if this pehnonomon was real, wouldn't the new phones be safer than the old ones?

 
 
Posted by lush242000 Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

This has to be a late April Fool's Day joke right? I mean come on people. Ten minutes in direct sunlight exposes you to a ton of radiation. Do these guys also sell those little pieces of aluminum foil that "increase your signal"?

 
 
Posted by shankeith Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

another way to capitalize on fear,

this came out yesterday:

"After spending 10 years and $24 million to see whether cell phone use leads to brain cancer, the World Health Organization has reached a verdict: it's not quite sure."

another inconclusive study

ignorance is bliss

 
 
Posted by hoosercub Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

founded..

then they have the audacity to charge $10 for it? lulz

 
 
Posted by WillieLee Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

It's a little scummy to profit on the fears of the masses.

 
 
Posted by Simon Sage Wednesday, May 19, 2010 739 days ago

+1

 
 
Posted by SCrid2000 Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

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Perfect for friends and family who often travel in isolated areas, especially those the Midwest and Nevada, where most abductions take place.
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*statements not reviewed by the FDA.

 
 
Posted by lush242000 Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

Awesome!!! Does it come with a rust preventative or protect against brain clouds as well????

 
 
Posted by garment69 Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

At No-Mo-Abduction, we GAURANTEE you will not be ubducted while wearing our product.* And if you order right now, we will send you a check for $5.00!**

*Not a Guarantee
**Check will not be honored

 
 
Posted by TallyHo Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

If it comes with a free ShoesUnder, then I'm game.

 
 
Posted by papped Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

I'm pretty sure all this does is monitor the DBM values in terms of "radiation values".

Not to mention, you can do preventative steps like using speakerphone or BT without needing an app to tell you that on the fly...

It wouldn't be so bad if they weren't charging $10

 
 
Posted by tmwitkemper Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

I agree with Kevin and some of the other people. I personally don't think I would want to constantly see the radiation my phone is putting out. It would be like getting a report every time you had dinner with how many pesticides were used on your vegetables or how many hormones the cow that produced the steak you're about to eat was injected with. I'm OK with not having that info.

 
 
Posted by NoahFecks Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

Dumbest app ever.

 
 
Posted by enotar Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

$9.99 !

That should be free!

 
 
Posted by HipPo13 Tuesday, May 18, 2010 740 days ago

we should be charging them for coming up with this ;)

 
 
Posted by birdman_36 Tuesday, May 18, 2010 739 days ago

I love her accent... very sexy!

 
 
Posted by DavidNC Tuesday, May 18, 2010 739 days ago

Make it a package offer the "tawkon/No-Mo'-Abduction combo package" and sweeten the deal by "if you order now you will get a second one free" and I mite purchase it :p lol

How would you know if it was even right :/ also , nvm I changed my mind No deal,lol

 
 
Posted by SCrid2000 Tuesday, May 18, 2010 739 days ago

For the $25 I'll send you a copy of tawkon with 2 No-Mo'-Abductions ;)

 
 
Posted by jjmurray88 Tuesday, May 18, 2010 739 days ago

being in the tower business, I constantly deal with neighborhoods, schools, individuals and local governments regarding radiation effects. For ever one thing you read about cell sites or phones giving people cancer, you can find 10 things that prove otherwise. The RCR just came out with an article today from the World Health Organization who states that "there is no increased risk of cancer", but of course "more research is needed". Bottom line is, you are exposed to more radiation standing in front of your microwave, watching your pop corn pop, than talking on your phone all day.

 
 
Posted by sourkevin Tuesday, May 18, 2010 739 days ago

I think that girl was a little over exposed to radiation as a child... does she not look like the nurse that was there at the birth of Cpt Kirk in the new Star Trek?

 
 
Posted by bluegreen1965 Tuesday, May 18, 2010 739 days ago

First, you aren't supposed to stand in front of your microwave while nuking your popcorn, and secondly, electromagnetic radiation is not the same as solar radiation.

 
 
Posted by Frank2029 Tuesday, May 18, 2010 739 days ago

Ok first, the hardware inside a blackberry CANNOT detect anykind of radiation.

Second. take this down from the main page. $10? seriously?

 
 
Posted by Sparkmaster Tuesday, May 18, 2010 739 days ago

Seems her thumb is making the bar move..

 
 
Posted by wooochang Tuesday, May 18, 2010 739 days ago

i have been waiting for an app like this. now i just need an app on how to detect ghosts, and an app that can increase my luck and i'll be set!

 
 
Posted by shles2 Friday, Feb 04, 2011 478 days ago

There is a ghost app available, and its FREE! LOL * ghost radar classic

 
 
Posted by tight_grip Tuesday, May 18, 2010 739 days ago

10 bucks yeah alright this company isnt getting a red cent from me

 
 
Posted by enotar Tuesday, May 18, 2010 739 days ago

I think after this review, this soft is soon gone!

 
 
Posted by CaseyTheRadioGuy Tuesday, May 18, 2010 739 days ago

This program shows you the power in Watts ur phone puts out, The worse the signal the more watts the phone you put out, Thus Bringing you into contact with more RF waves. ( Which to me does not seem to be a problem with humans & RF exposure from cell phones ) :)

 
 
Posted by KPower667 Tuesday, May 18, 2010 739 days ago

This app is CRAP!! But the good news is I bought No-Mo'-Abduction® for my whole family... AND its working great so far!!! Wooooooooooo What a great investment.
Can't wait for the ghost detecting app... Cause we all know who we gotta call if we see one... Ghost Busters!!! LoL now that's something ill pay $10 for..LMFSAO!!!

 
 
Posted by StormChaser77 Tuesday, May 18, 2010 739 days ago

For an app that is supposed to help you, it requires money.

Just like the government wants you to go green, but it will bankrupt you.

Gotta eat healthy, but the good food is super expensive.

*sigh*

 
 
Posted by applesugar Wednesday, May 19, 2010 739 days ago

I never ever talk on the phone without one of my six Bluetooths activated. Im running scared but not scared enough to spend $10.00. I think I will buy another Bluetooth with that 10 spot. Ummmmm what to do?

 
 
Posted by racensave09 Wednesday, May 19, 2010 739 days ago

I may sound ignorant, but what scientific backing is there behind this. It seems as though this app tracks how hard the radio is working, I'm okay with that. But where I'm getting suspicious is that by the radio working, it's radiation.

If you want to say that because the phone emits radio waves, which it does, it is also emitting radiation. But guess what, if you go outside you're getting radiation, if you use a TV antenna you're getting radiation. I mean come on, does no one else think this crap is going a little far?

 
 
Posted by garment69 Wednesday, May 19, 2010 739 days ago

Are blackberry's that much harder to program for than the other major platforms? There seems to be a serious disconnect in terms of what these app developers feel is a fair price for their work. A 9.99 App, any 9.99 app, should bring major functionality or enhance the device in a significant way. For arguments sake, lets just say this app was priced at 1.99. I might just buy it for the heck of it. Just to try it out. But for 9.99? It would need to be one heck of an app. Has the supply and demand principle not taken hold for BB develpers yet?

 
 
Posted by stoneworrior Wednesday, May 19, 2010 739 days ago

Kevin you just showed why you are successful and always will be. People not smart enough to read between the lines will not realize that you needed to put the brakes on people bashing the app. (Or at a minimum give a good show for the developers) All the comments at the beginning where justifiable in calling B.S. on this app. You needed to make the creators of this application happy so you crafted a spin to satisfy both sides. Man if you weren't a Kanuk (or Canuck) you could give Obama a run for his money next go around. This isn't a slam just an observation. Truly, I am impressed. Oh BTW why don't you just ask good old Mihalis "Mike" Lazaridis what he thinks and post it here??? He is supposed to be the "Radio Guru" I bet he has some insight on this. Oh wait, if the news is bad for RIM's business model will we get the real info? I bet not. Now that I think about (oops I meant aboot) maybe I better go back to wearing the foil helmet. Bottom line its all aboot the money folks, on both sides.

 
 
Posted by IZZY Dead Thursday, May 20, 2010 738 days ago

I have certainly seen you guy's around here spend $10 on more ridiculous software. It might even let you know when the Nuke Plant down the way is leaking. Be Positive!

 
 
Posted by Gil F Thursday, May 20, 2010 738 days ago

So – here it goes:

Firstly – this lively discussion has been interesting for us to watch and we’ve taken some good notes!

Now to answer specific issues raised:

1. tawkon is not at all about fear – if look at our site (www.tawkon.com) you’ll see we’re all mobile enthusiasts who created an application to help us talk as much as we like, but responsibly. For us tawkon is all about knowledge, empowerment, smart tools to avoid radiation when you need to, without causing you to change the amount or way you like to use your mobile phone.

2. tawkon is far from voodoo – it’s developed by serious cellular & software engineers and tested in a respected RF lab over more than a year and a half. The reason we’re releasing one devices one at a time is due to long RF lab processes for each different device. Those interested can read more about our technology at www.tawkon.com/technology

3. About the price point - your feedback is noted. Interestingly we received no such criticism on the iPhone which typically has lower pricing than BlackBerry, but we’re appreciated of all feedback and will take under advisement.

4. About the ‘chic’ in the clip? She heads our marketing activities and her accent is Australian :)

So bottom line – we understand the ignorance is bliss, but some of us see knowledge as empowering :)

Have a great day as you continue to ‘talk on’! We’ll be doing it in the “green zone” – how about you?

Gil Friedlander –Co Founder & CEO

 
 
Posted by joshtel Thursday, May 20, 2010 738 days ago

Voodoo? I don’t think so... It makes sense to me. Radiation directly to my head (I don’t sit inside the microwave and I’m cautious not to stand in front of it when its working!) Why wouldn’t I avoid that if its so easy to?

 
 
Posted by techmktgpro Thursday, May 20, 2010 737 days ago

I met with Gil Friedlander, CEO of Tawkon, at RIM’s WES in Orlando at the end of April and agree that this is both a brilliant piece of technology and an app that should be a “must have” for both individuals and enterprises.

Individuals can use the app to monitor and, more importantly, reduce their exposure to consistent, if low and “acceptable”, levels of cell-generated emissions. While not an alarmist and a user of cellular technology since 1986, it makes sense to know and mitigate the exposure levels.

Enterprises should deploy Tawkon for both the right and the practical reasons. The ‘right’ reason is to ensure the well-being of their most important asset-their people. Cell phones have made employees more productive and more accessible (for better or worse!). Enterprises should be monitoring and informing their mobile users about their exposure and ways to limit it.

Without appearing to be too cynical, the ‘practical’ reason for enterprises to deploy Tawkon is to mitigate their liability over time. By proactively monitoring and advising their employees about reducing their exposure, enterprises will go a long way in providing a defensible position against litigation from employees who might appear to be impacted by cellular emissions on the job. (Think asbestos!)

 
 
Posted by techmktgpro Thursday, May 20, 2010 737 days ago

I met with Gil Friedlander, CEO of Tawkon, at RIM’s WES in Orlando at the end of April and agree that this is both a brilliant piece of technology and an app that should be a “must have” for both individuals and enterprises.

Individuals can use the app to monitor and, more importantly, reduce their exposure to consistent, if low and “acceptable”, levels of cell-generated emissions. While not an alarmist and a user of cellular technology since 1986, it makes sense to know and mitigate the exposure levels.

Enterprises should deploy Tawkon for both the right and the practical reasons. The ‘right’ reason is to ensure the well-being of their most important asset-their people. Cell phones have made employees more productive and more accessible (for better or worse!). Enterprises should be monitoring and informing their mobile users about their exposure and ways to limit it.

Without appearing to be too cynical, the ‘practical’ reason for enterprises to deploy Tawkon is to mitigate their liability over time. By proactively monitoring and advising their employees about reducing their exposure, enterprises will go a long way in providing a defensible position against litigation from employees who might appear to be impacted by cellular emissions on the job. (Think asbestos!)

 
 
Posted by BobbieF Friday, May 21, 2010 737 days ago

Hey All You Mockberries out there...

Product sounds great. If you don't like it, don't use it!
If you don't really know cos you don't have it, no need to ridicule.

I like the fact that the CEO is prepared to come on and answer any genuine questions - they are acting like serious people with a serious product.
Good on them for having the balls to develop a product like this that is actually good for us. Easy to tear them down from the lounge room.

Here in Australia, we like backing an underdog prepared to take it up to the big boys. I say we give these guys the benefit of the doubt - there will be big forces who don't want a product like this to work cos it may reduce the time people spend on phones.

However, if you want to have a go at the T-shirts in the video, well that's a whole different ball game...