6 Easy Steps to Slash Your Smartphone Bill

Smartphones are great!!

They keep us connected in a myriad of ways.  They provide us with hours of entertainment.  In some cases, they control our homes and keep us fit.  It seems like there is very little a smartphone can’t do, including saving you money!

The price of convenience can be very high.   Call charges.  Data overages.  Feature-rich contracts.  They all come at a cost.  But that cost is manageable by taking a few simple steps to tame your smartphone bill.

Step 1:  Chose the Right Plan

Bundled minutes and data.  Free weekends and nights.  CUGs (Closed User Groups) and other options are only good if they apply to you.  Scrutinise your bill regularly and update your plan periodically as your usage habits change.

There is no point in paying for features that you don’t use or underutilise.  Compare your plan to other plans offered by your telecom or to plans offered by other telecoms.  After all, thanks to number portability no one is trapped by a service provider.

Step 2: Consider Alternatives

Is it a smartphone, right?  So, it’s connected.  Some of us have already moved away from traditional cellular calls (you can go ahead and laugh if you remember life before cellular), while others are still waiting to hop on the VOIP (voice over internet protocol) bandwagon.

But VOIP, video conferencing and messaging are all great alternatives to phone calls.  There is a plethora of apps that offer some, or all, of these options in one neat package.  Most notably is WhatsApp.  This nearly ubiquitous app offers text messaging, file sharing, voice calling and video calling on an encrypted platform for free.  Only data charges apply if no Wi-Fi.

Concerns about call quality are diminishing fast as the technology evolves.

Step 3: Tame Data Use

So, sure.  I just said VOIP is a great option, but care is still needed in data management.

Generally, VOIP options don’t consume that much data, but every bit and byte can add up.  Especially if you’re not managing your data use correctly.

You should disable background refresh on most (if not all) apps, delete unnecessary apps and close apps that you’re not using.  Apps can really drain your data and rack up expenses quickly and overages cost real money.

The trade off to save money by cutting data use in favour of Wi-Fi is not absolute, especially when dealing with sensitive data.  Don’t jump onto any old hotspot just because it's free.  Make sure it's safe before your browse; especially when visiting banking and email sites.

Step 4: Plan You Roam

If you thought your smartphone bill was high, try taking it on a trip overseas!

Roaming charges can put you in the poorhouse.  Make sure that you have the right roaming plan.  That’s a plan customised to the region you are visiting and your call, text and data needs.

Are you planning a long trip or a short trip?  Going on vacay or on business?  Is there reliable Wi-Fi in the hotel and other destinations on your itinerary? Do you need access to your VPN?  Your answers to these questions will help determine if you can find a cost-effective plan or if you need to get a local SIM.

Step 5: Don’t Roam Overboard

In principle, data is cheaper than calling.  That principle does not necessarily apply.

Before you head out to the airport, turn off data roaming for all non-essential apps to reduce the temptation to “just check” (this tip helps with my Amazon addiction) and consider if you must post to Instagram (or similar social media apps) in real time or if posting from the free hotel lobby Wi-Fi in the evening is just as good.

Save even more money: download maps for the destination and enjoy free access to GPS navigation for your trip.

Step 6: Ditch Voicemail

Seriously?  You still have voicemail?  That’s so 90’s.  Get rid of it.  There is no need to pay for calls you are not even receiving; especially when roaming.

Vigilance is the key to enjoying both the convenience and the cost of owning a smartphone.

Seven Must Know Facts about the Samsung Note 7 Recall

I am a declared Apple Fanboy, but even I initially loved the Galaxy Note 7.  And I was not alone. Early reviews of the device were VERY positive, to say the least.  After all, the phone/tablet hybrid Android device with a highly functional, fully integrated S-Pen (stylus) combined design and performance into one powerful package. *slurps back drool*

But then, the first reports came in.  Then a few more.  And within weeks of its triumphant launch, the highly anticipated phablet sales were no more.

So, what went wrong and what do you need to know.  Here’s a primer (so you can impress your friends).

1. What is wrong with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7?

In brief, they can blow up, literally.  Due to a potential malfunction related to the charging of the Lithium-ion batteries which power the handset, the device may over charge, over heat and then combust into flames.  This may occur even when the phone is off when charging.

2. How many Note 7’s had a problem?  How much damage can a Note 7 cause?

Though no one knows exactly how many handsets were faulty, we do know that as many as 36 devices burned, exploded or otherwise combusted while charging.  The reported damage ranged from mild to severe burns to the body and property damage (including one garage).  In short, depending on when and where a faulty handset is changing, the damage can be extensive.

The Wall Street Journal

3. How do I know if my Note 7 is faulty, and if yes, what should I do?

At this point, it is better to assume that your brand new Note 7 may be faulty.  Immediately switch off (power down the device) and don’t turn it on again.  Then, return your Note 7 to the retailer for a replacement.

Replacement units have black sticker on the bar code portion of the box.  There are changes to the display on the new units too.  Per Samsung: The new green battery icon will be visible on: 1) the Status Bar; 2) the Always On Display screen; and 3) the Power Off prompt screen, which can be accessed by long-pressing the power key.

4. Were there reports of Note 7 spontaneous combustion in Jamaica?

The Note was introduced in ten countries at launch, Jamaica was not one.  So the device was not available from authorized dealers locally.   Fortunately, there have also been no local reports of damage.

5. What is Samsung doing about the problem?

The South Korean manufacturer issued an unprecedented recall of all 2.5 million handsets globally.  Hardware and software changes were effected and for those who have not participated in the recall, Samsung is attempting to use software updates to cap charging at 60%.

6. Are the new Note 7’s now safe?

The jury is still out.  Sadly, there have been reports of the “safe” Note 7’s experiencing the same problems in China and South Korea.  Be safe and wait for the ashes to settle, so to speak.

7. Has there been anything like this before?

Lithium-ion batteries are great, but they can present problems with overheating, especially in devices without a cooling fan like a phone or hover board.  Last Christmas, airlines banned the self-propelled, self-balancing scooter board after numerous reports of fires and explosions.

Bonus: Are other Samsung devices safe?

Yes.  No.  Chances are, yes.  Though there has been the errant report or two of problems with the flagship Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, there is nothing to suggest that other Samsung devices suffer the same glitch as the Note.

T4L: Long Time Expected (LTE)

At long last, Jamaica has LTE.  Well, Jamaican cities at least.

Digicel rolled out its LTE (Long Term Evolution) network (June 9, 2016).  Billed as up to 10 times faster than 4G, Digicel customers are now able to access LTE speeds in the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporate Area and Montego Bay.

© www.Jamaica-Gleaner.com

LTE is already commonplace in first world countries like the US and the UK.  It is also commonplace in some Digicel markets around the region.  Digicel even sells LTE enabled phones!  But it’s delayed introduction is due to … well, that depends on who you ask.

Digicel’s official response given at the pre-launch event in their super cool video conferencing room (more on that in another piece) was spectrum.  Digicel only recently acquired the 700 MHz spectrum required to provide LTE; by recently I mean April of last year.  They then spent US$50 million dollars to deploy LTE across Jamaica (but only available across the cities for now) as a part of their “Network for the Future” commitment.  In a release, the company noted that “the 700 MHz band - globally recognized as the best spectrum for deploying the technology because of its superior in-building coverage and wider signal reach when compared to similar frequencies”.

The on-site speed tests were truly impressive with up and (wait for it) down speeds exceeding 20 Mbps with up speeds approaching 40 Mbps.  I can’t wait to see how that translates in the real world when 1.4 million smartphone users jump on the network.  Notably, Digicel Jamaica CEO David Butler promised that Digicel will not throttle speeds.

Others speculated (openly) that the timing of the introduction had more to do with competition (read: Caricel).  FLOW has also announced plans to roll out nationwide LTE.  But for now, their LTE offering appears limited to Carlton.

But, back to Digicel.  Despite my best efforts, I wasn’t able to pin down Butler to a specific timeline for the island-wide coverage, though before the end of the year would be a safe bet.  No news yet on plans for the existing 4G network which powers several Digicel branded modems like the MiFi and CPE models, to the potential new LTE modems.

Anyway, enough about the politics and technicality.  Widely available LTE means that us data hogging, tech savvy Jamaicans can join our first world counterparts in enjoying all the trappings of social media, video streaming, live video casting, real-time ultra-fast gameplay and countless other distractions that our mobile gadgets and gizmos provide.

Apps like Periscope may explode as Jamaicans live cast football matches and dances.  Netflix need not be limited to WiFi making it practical to watch a movie while sitting in traffic on a bus.  What of Digicel Play and 1SpotMedia?  You can now watch the news on our handset without buffering.  In the city at least.

I say you, and not we, because, despite my best efforts, I wasn’t able to activate LTE on my business phone.  Sure, Digicel is offering lots of prepaid and postpaid packages to suit various lifestyles, but I’ve got to wait for my rep to complete the activation.

Not to worry. I can’t wait to get on LTE, and as soon as I am live, I’m likely to be buried in my phone.

Tech4Life airs on @RJR94FM every Wednesday morning at 8:15 AM

Made in Value: LASCO's Huawei Product Range Has Options

Sure Apple and Samsung dominate the market when it comes to handsets and tablets.  They offer great high end devices with matching prices.

So, is there an option?  Huawei.  Yup.  Huawei recently rose to the the #3 spot in the mobile market with a suite of devices that includes handsets, tablets and even wearables.

Bang, Bang Features

Locally, the Chinese brand has partnered with LASCO Financial Services to make the line available to Jamaica.  As a special bonus, all Huawei phones distributed by LASCO are unlocked, making them perfect for a post number portability landscape.   Bang!

Many handsets are also dual SIM; this is great if you have a work and personal number, like to have a number with both Digicel and FLOW or if you just like to show off with two numbers. Bang!

Value Handsets

The impressive range of seven featured handsets on offer include the G7 and G730, P8 and P8 Lite, the G Play Mini and the very affordable Y520, Y525 and Y535.  All handsets take advantage of the Android OS and have a clean, un-cumbersome user interface (UI).  Gram for gram, Huawei devices offer comparable features to their top rivals.

Talk About Range

Huawei TalkBand B2

Sure, handsets are sexy.  But Huawei takes it further by offering tablets and wearables.  At LASCO, you can pick up the Media Pad 2 for a lot less money but with excellent build quality - a feature often absent from budget tablets.

Most notable however are the TalkBand B1 and TalkBand B2, exclusively offered by LASCO.  The device is a trendy looking smart watch and activity tracker that pops out to become a bluetooth headset … a headset!

This awesome functionality makes the TalkBand more than just a another smartwatch.  For someone like me who tends to lose small gadgets often, I think its one of the best new tech features in recent times.

But wait!  That is not all.  The TalkBand B1 and B2 works seamlessly with Huawei gear … AND iPhones.  Amazing!

Hurricanes In the Digital Age

Each year, with the official start of the hurricane season on June 1, I dust off and update my disaster preparation plan.  And updating is important, because, my how things have changed.

Back in the day, my parents told me where we would muster (such an odd word), if worst came to worst.  Now, with the family so geographically dispersed, we talk about our communications plan; in effect, we lay out who will call, email, Facebook or tweet who to relay important survival information.

For Gilbert in 1988, my Mom scrambled to find a battery operated radio so that we could listen for updates on the storm.  For Sandy last year I downloaded some important apps and followed prominent media houses on Twitter for my primary news and information.  I tracked the storm from beginning to its bitter end on my mobile phone.

I still stock up on food and water, turn up my fridge and fill my bathtub.  But these days, all of that is just as important as charging all my electronic devices (smartphone, laptop, MiFi and the like), getting a car charger (and filling my car’s gas tank so I can use it to charge) and stocking up on battery packs and spare batteries … just in case.

My important documents are still in a Ziplock® bag, but they are also digitally scanned and uploaded to the cloud.  Heaven forbid the bag floats away or is lodged under a tree, I can access the documents I need from any internet enabled device.

Right after Gilbert, my neighbours and I hit the streets; in effect we went to ‘fass’ and see what damage had been done next door.  These days, I turn to photo and video sharing sites to see the impact of the storm all over the world!

Then	Now
Muster Point	Comms Plan
Stock up on food and water	Get car charger and battery pack
Turn up thermostat on fridge	Charge everything
Secure important documents in water proof bags	Secure important documents in the cloud
Get battery operated transistor radio	Follow news outlets on Twitter
Compile emergency number contact list	Bookmark websites

Resources

• Office of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management (ODPEM)
• Jamaica Real Estate Guide
• Jamaica Fire Brigade 
• Go Jamaica Hurricane Tips
• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency

Less is more

Blackberry Q10

Frankly, I don't get the hype about the Blackberry Z10.  As smartphones go, it is a perfectly adequate mobile device with all the necessary features except a physical keyboard.  If you put your new Z10 down on the meeting table beside the Apple iPhone 5, the Samsung Galaxy S4 or the HTC One, would you be able to tell it apart from the field at a glance?

If you want your smartphone to stand out from the pack, consider the Blackberry Q10.  Running the updated Blackberry 10.1 OS, the Q10 flaunts a physical QWERTY keyboard.  For the true Blackberry loyalists, this is the Blackberry you have been waiting for!

I can tell you are excited, and you should be.  But temper your excitement just a bit.  The Q10 is a capable smartphone.  It will do everything you NEED it to do, and it will do so, well.  It will not blow your mind.  Don't feel bad though, chances are it won't blow your pocket either.

The Q10 sports a square (yet another distinctive feature) 3.1" super AMOLED display with a 720 x 720 pixel resolution.  It has got a micro SIM card slot, micro SD slot and a micro HDMI port.  I may be wrong, but I didn't see a micro HDMI port on either the iPhone 5 or the Galaxy S4.  (And cables are much more reliable that wireless technologies like AirPlay and AllShare).

You'll find front and rare facing HD cameras and a decent 1.5 GHz processor.  Like it's big brother, the Q10 has all the Blackberry OS 10 popular features like my personal favourites, Time Shift, Balance and BBM Screen Share, along with the heavily touted features like Hub, BBM Video Share and Tag. Q even has some additional features like typing straight to an email from any screen.

But let's get back to what sets the Q10 apart, its remarkable Blackberry keyboard.  In the few moments I was able to hold the handset, thanks to Troy Cocking at LIME, the large, tactile, keys caressed my finger tips.  It was so easy to type using this physical keyboard.  If you thought the keyboard on the Bold 9900 was the best keyboard on a smartphone ever, you will love the tweaks on the Q10 keyboard.

Of course, the best keyboard and good specs mean nothing if the phone freezes up like Siberia every time you try to complete a task.  I didn't have enough time to put the phone through the paces myself, but I do note that I haven't heard any complaints from the early demos.  Troy assures me that this new BB OS 10 is just the right type of cool.

If you are so inclined, here is the best reason to get the Blackberry Q10: it stands out and it gets the job done for likely half the price of the candybar copycats.

Tech: IT Easy - Get a life | And your phone is not it

When the realisation dawns on you that all your contacts, pictures and emails are gone, it can be devastating. Admit it, our phones are an integral part of our lives. Personally, I can't even remember what life was like before the BlackBerry phone. But it is not the phone that is so important, it's the information contained within that is truly part of the fabric of our lives.

Yet, we treat our phone with such scant regard. We leave them at the bank, the restaurant and our friends' house. We keep them out in the open and thieves steal them. We simply forget where they are. Fortunately for us, technology can find our phones for us.

Read the full article

Send feedback to: techiteasy@carlettedeleon.com

Tech Time: Protecting Your Phone

If you are prone to losing your Blackberry, RIM has found a solution for you; of course, iPhone found it first.

Later this year, you will be able to install Blackberry Protect and app which will help you “wipe, lock or locate” a lost device with the help of your PC (sorry Mac users). To make it work, you’ll be required to download and install the Blackberry protect app to your handset and your PC.

You can use the programme to help you locate a lost phone in a couple of ways. First, you can view the location of the phone on a map or your can activate the “loud ring” feature which will override any prior audio setting which might have been on the phone. If someone else has found the phone, you can send them a message – a custom message you compose can appear on the phone’s screen, even if the phone is locked.

Speaking of locked, if you forgot to lock you phone before losing it, use Blackberry Protect to lock it remotely or, for an extra level of protection, wipe all the data on the phone. Wiping all your data on the phone itself does not mean that you have lost all your data. Blackberry Connect allows you to back up you contacts, calendar, tasks, browser bookmarks and text messages over WiFi or 3G to the cloud, making the information instantly accessible if you wish to migrate the data to a new device.

These features are all similar to Find My iPhone successfully introduced by Apple earlier this year. Though the Find My iPhone app is free from the iTunes store, it only works with a US$99 Mobile Me subscription. Regardless of platform, these “wipe, lock and locate” features only work if the phone is on AND connected via WiFi or 3G. BES (Blackberry Enterprise Server) users, iPhone users and adventurous third-party software adopter already have access to these features, but the introduction of Blackberry Protector in the fourth quarter will provide a sense of security for the causal BB user – that is, if they don’t mind all their data being stored in the cloud.

Windows 7 Tip: Win+M minimizes everything

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