If you’re one of the many cellphone owners who’ve ever left their mobile device behind at a crowded restaurant, packed bar or city-crossing taxi, you know the heart-sinking shock felt when you reach for your phone only to find it missing — all because some quick-fingered swindler grabbed it while you were distracted.

You’re also not alone. In Washington, D.C., New York and other major cities, 40% of robberies involve cellphones. In the capital region, the number of cellphone robberies is up 57%.

How can we reduce the number of mobile devices thefts out there? The Federal Communications Commission thinks it has the answer. The FCC announced its PROJECTS Initiative on Tuesday, a three-point plan to fight cell phone theft.

First, the FCC will be setting up a massive universal database which will allow carriers to automatically disable any mobile devices — including both cellphones and wireless-enabled tablets — reported stolen. The Commission says that such a database will dramatically reduce stolen devices’ value to would-be buyers.

The FCC has called upon all countries of the world to join the database program, which would help prevent stolen phones from being smuggled overseas and used elsewhere in the world.

Second, the Commission wants cell phone manufacturers to program devices to automatically prompt users to create passwords and take other steps to protect their data. That, argues the Commission, would make users somewhat more security-conscious.

Finally, a widespread public education plan will teach owners of mobile devices about the availability of mobile apps that allow users to remotely lock and delete the contents of stolen phones and tablets. The FCC has already begun the campaign with a list of helpful tips posted online.

Mobile phone designers Apple, Motorola, Qualcomm, HTC, Microsoft, Nokia and RIM are all on-board for the FCC’s plan. On the provider side, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and Nex-Tech Wireless have agreed to help with the anti-theft initiative. All of these companies are expected to report to the FCC four times each year on their PROJECTS progress.

The FCC will also be holding regular meetings every quarter with police chiefs from across the country to determine the best ways to reduce mobile device theft.

Have you had your phone stolen? Tell us your story in the comments below.

Image courtesy of iStockphoto, mbbirdy

The weather is warming up, which means you’re ready to take on the elements. In preparation for summer swimming, cycling and singing in the rain, make sure to keep your smartphone well-protected.

We’ve gathered 10 waterproof smartphone cases that’ll help prevent many an accident. Looking for an everyday waterproof iPhone cover? Or maybe a kooky dry bag for a number of smartphone devices? We’ve got you covered — literally.

Have you ever wished you had a waterproof cover? For instance, when you accidentally left your phone in your jeans pocket and then did the laundry? Yeah, we’ve been there.

Wish you could take pictures and videos with your iPhone while submerged under 20 feet of water? A new waterproof swimsuit for the iPhone 4 and 4S keeps the phone completely dry — whether you’re snapping shots of marine life in the ocean or texting during a casual swim in the pool.

iPhone case manufacturer Concord Keystone has created the Keystone ECO MarineCase, which protects against water exposure. The device also works well in any situation where water might be present, such as snorkeling, fishing, boating and rafting.

The clear protective silicon cover supports the full iPhone screen and call functionality, so you can watch videos, answer email, send texts and use apps without ever leaving the water. It also protects against sand at the beach.

The case — which comes in black and white, along with a neck strap — is not for everyday use. It’s designed for in-water use, so you would switch your cases before jumping into water: “You don’t swim in your everyday clothes. Your iPhone shouldn’t either,” the site says.

Check out the video below of a turtle swimming underwater, which was taken with an iPhone wearing the MarineCase. The mobile swimsuits are now available for $ 39.99 on Amazon.

Would you want a swimsuit for your iPhone? Let us know in the comments.

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, PeskyMonkey

Ever since Google announced Project Glass, people have wondered what place the augmented reality glasses could have in everyday life. Some were excited about the possibilites of Project Glass — while others poked fun at their seemingly impractical nature.