FBI using cell phones to eavesdrop

"The FBI appears to have begun using a novel form of electronic surveillance in criminal investigations: remotely activating a mobile phone's microphone and using it to eavesdrop on nearby conversations."

I've also heard that the surveillance is not limited to the microphone; the phone's camera can become a surveilling device as well.

The safest way to have a private conversation: pull out the battery.

How long before this technology moves from criminal investigations of mobsters to another episode of warrantless citizen "wiretapping"? We may be days away from 2007, but 1984 just keeps looming closer and closer.