Feds recommend that mobile phones and cars don't mix
Culture
It's Wednesday December 14th, 2011.
I'm Kara Tsuboi on CNET.com and it's time to get loaded.
In the near future it may no longer be possible to use our cellphones while driving even when using hands free devices.
This week, the National Transportation Safety Board or NTSB recommended that states ban all uses of mobile phones behind the wheel.
The agency recognizes the ban would be unpopular but the chairman of the NTSB said, "No call, no text, no update is worth a human life." It will now be up to the individual states whether or not to adopt this federal recommendation.
You may not be able to use your cellphone while driving but pilots can user their iPads while flying.
The Federal Aviation Administration has just approved he use of iPads in all phases of flight.
Starting this Friday, American Airlines pilots will be the first to test out the tablets as a replacement for all of their books and charts and that simple substitution is actually a pretty green decision.
A 1-1/2 lbs iPad replaces about 35 lbs of paper which saves an estimated 1.2 million dollars worth of fuel per year.
This week Facebook has released a new feature that allows its users to get in touch with a suicide prevention counselor with just 1 click.
If someone is in need of help, he or she can instantly engage with a licensed crisis specialist through live chat.
This new tool is the latest effort from Facebook to keep its site safe.
Already users can report any suicidal behavior, bullying or offensive activity that they witness on their friends' profiles.
This week, Apple's reach now extends even further.
The company has announced they'll be opening iTunes Stores for users in Brazil and 15 additional Latin-American countries.
You know, if you have a problem with iTunes, you'd make an appointment with someone at the Genius Bar at your local Apple store.
The same goes with your hardware, another software programs but what about glitches with apps?
A new start up called Open Space has opened a walk in app fix-it store in Boulder, Colorado.
There they'll make recommendations for useful apps or help you trouble shoot existing ones.
Now we're not traveling to Colorado any time soon.
So if you have the chance to go, please let us know how it works out for you, and finally speaking of awesome apps, the team behind Hipstamatic, the retro camera app has a new product coming out.
Be sure to check back on CNET.com throughout the day for all news and reviews.
Those are your headlines for today.
I'm Kara Tsuboi for CNET.com.
