If you've ever thought "man, texting is really ruining verbal communication" stop right now, before you start feeling like you've had an original thought. People were thinking the same thing about the telegraph in 1906. Then again, depending on who you are, maybe it's an improvement. [Kip W via Buzzfeed]

It's always funny—if a little gross—when you see a friend launch a spot of spittle across the room as they chat on the phone. But new research suggests that frequent cell phone users actually slobber more, making those discharges all the more common.

Smartphones are incredible social tools. They give us the power to ignore other people like never before. In fact, not having to ever speak to humans might just be the best part. Here's how to block everyone, every time, without ever facing any consequences.

Guess what: There's no reason to talk on your phone anymore, unless you're at home or in one of a few select emergency exceptions. It's true. Talking on your phone isn't only obsolete, it's extremely annoying. So let's kick the habit together, forever.

The stat diggers at Pew dug up a new gem: in their nationally representative survey, "13% of cell owners pretended to be using their phone in order to avoid interacting with the people around them." This seems very, very low.

I use my iPhone constantly. Compulsively, even. It's with me wherever I go. But you'll rarely catch me talking on it. I hate phone conversations. And nothing has made it easier to ditch phone talking than the self-nullifying smartphone itself.

What happens when you take a talking dog bowl and add automatic feeding to it? You get an Automatic Electronic Pet Feeder with Voice Recorder, of course.

Gizmodo Tip #45: Avoid any gadget that speaks unnecessarily. This includes but is not exclusive to talking...bottle openers, plush dolls, birthday cards, keychains, nose hair trimmers, trout that hang on your wall, any trout, anything that hangs on your wall and anything that I will in any way hear ever.

Although a dog bowl that plays back a recorded message for your dog may seem like a good idea at first, it really isn't. Sure, the "comforting your pet while you're away" angle is nice, but what about when you're home?

You may be dead, but that doesn't mean the hijinks need to stop. The Talking Tombstone is quite possibly the most distasteful and tacky addition to any dead person's repertoire, but, oh man, it could be funny.

No, Rex won't be your friend and listen to you whispering sweet-nothings, but it will help you take your medicine correctly, every time. The Rex kit includes three bottles and a recording device for $55. This device is primarily targeted for the elderly or visually impaired. With a push of a button the bottle will…