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US Army Considers a Smartphone For Every Soldier

Posted by timothy on from the can-you-hear-me-now dept.

destinyland writes "The US Army is seriously considering the idea of issuing a smartphone to every soldier, and they're already modernizing one Texas brigade 'through a range of electronic devices that will include not just smartphones but tablet devices, e-reader and mini-projectors.' The company that developed Patriot missiles has already created several dedicated military apps for both iPhone and Android phones, including one that allows soldiers to track colleague's locations on the battlefield. Interestingly, the army is likely to use an off-the-shelf model, heightening the war between Apple and Android phones. Apple's non-replaceable batteries may become an issue in the field, since 'plugging the phone in to recharge isn't always a viable option in the middle of combat.'"

7 of 279 comments (clear)

  1. Not now Mom by Cidtek · · Score: 5, Funny

    I gotta get back to ya later Mom - I'm kinda engaged right now.

    1. Re:Not now Mom by c6gunner · · Score: 5, Funny

      Yea, funny mental picture, but I remember as far back as 1999 getting a call on my cell from a friend while in the middle of combat training. Apparently she was freaking out for the next day or two because she heard gunfire and explosions in the background, with me saying "kinda busy, call ya back".

    2. Re:Not now Mom by russ1337 · · Score: 3, Funny

      I had a similar experience. A few years ago I was trying to keep contact with a girl while I was away, so gave her a call while on an exercise. During the call she said 'what is that banging noise?' ... 'oh that, that's just some artillery fire... so anyway, what are you wearing?'

  2. Upload to Wikileaks by commlinx · · Score: 5, Funny

    Upload to Wikileaks, is there an app for that?

  3. Re:Sexting in the fox hole? by Haedrian · · Score: 5, Funny

    Don't you just hate it when you're driving down the street, guy is driving a heavy tank while talking to his girlfriend?

  4. Re:Think of the social networking aspect! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Mrs Smith has changed her relationship status to Single.

  5. This is my iPhone. by 0100010001010011 · · Score: 4, Funny

    There are many others like it, but this one is mine. My iPhone is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my iPhone is useless. Without my iPhone, I am useless. I must text my iPhone true. I must text faster than my mother, who is trying to block me. I must text my friends before she grounds me. I will. Before God I swear this creed: my iPhone and myself are defenders of my social life, we are the masters of our parents, we are the saviors of my social life. So be it, until there is no enemy, but peace. Amen.

    I didn't intend that to be that creepy when I started it, but I think that describes 90% of high school and college students I've interacted with.