free voice

Review: Audio Memos Free provides a clean interface and basic recording tools

Audio Memos Free is a fairly basic voice recorder without a lot of frills or added features, but with a solid, smooth performance that will work well for most casual users. Power users might want more, but the voice recording and editing functions here are all well-built and make for a solid, well-rounded, free app that outperforms many other free voice recorders, including the built-in tool that comes on all iPhones.

When you first open the app you can immediately start recording. You can change quite a few settings, as well, including the amplification, normalization, name, and quality of the … Read more

How FreedomPop's free mobile plan will work

CNET Update features a freebie:

Is FreedomPop's free mobile plan too good to be true? In today's Update episode, I explain how the plan will work when it launches this summer. The free model runs on Sprint's network and has unlimited texts, but monthly limits on data (500 MB of 4G) and voice (200 minutes).

Paying for more data and voice on FreedomPop is still cheaper than going with a major carrier. In an interview with CNET Update, FreedomPop CEO Stephen Stokols explained he's targeting a price of $9.99 for unlimited calling, and $17.99 … Read more

A better Android app for hands-free text messaging

We all know texting while driving is a deadly combination, yet who can resist the siren song of that new-message ding? I'll admit it's tough not to steal a glance at the phone--and once you're glancing, you're reading.

Most owners of Android-powered smartphones know about Google Voice Actions, which, among other things, allows you to dictate text messages using just your voice.

However, there's still a bit of screen interaction required, as you have to find and tap the microphone to engage Voice Actions. And what about messages you receive? There's no hands-free help there.

Enter Text by Voice, an admirably effective app that makes texting a totally hands-free experience. With it you can send and listen to messages without so much as touching your phone. It's entirely voice-powered.… Read more