STILL UNDECIDED ON WHICH SMARTPHONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Recent studies, as reported in the Wall Street Journal, indicate that in the first quarter of 2012 , Google’s Android and Apple’s iPhone combined market share is now over 80%, up from 54% during the same period last year. Rim’s Blackberry, which once dominated the market for so long has seen its market share drop to well under 10%. Both Google and Apple have developed operating systems and services with greater appeal in the new mobile world than offered by Rim and other resources.
Within the next few years, more than three quarters of all mobile phone purchased will be smartphones. So, how does one decide which one to buy? The first step is to determine your needs. How much time do you spend out of your home or office? Are you a phone person? Is e-mail your primary means of communication? How often do you access the Internet from the road? Are you comfortable with a touch screen or do you prefer a keyboard?
Need help making the right decision? Give me a call at 917 921-4518 or e-mail me at jblue@bluetutor.com.
UNDERSTANDING VERIZON’S NEW WIRELESS PLAN
On June 28th, Verizon Wireless will introduce a new wireless data plan. The rationale for the change (which will be followed by other providers) is for them to cash in on the ever increasing demand for data services on mobile devices such as smartphones (iPhones, Androids, and Blackberries) and smaller laptops. While the news services are offering varying opinions and explanations, here are some basic things you should know about the new plan:
– The new plan only applies to smartphones and computer tablets, not iPads,
– The plan is not mandatory, current Verizon customers are not obligated to revise their existing plans.
– Based on how you use your smartphone, you can actually save money by switching to the new plan. People who are heavy data users (e-mails, Internet browsing, streaming videos, etc.) should consider the new plan.
Below is a summary of the Plan:
– There is no tiered pricing for telephone calls. Presently, 450 minutes costs $39.95 per month and the price escalates for additional minutes. Under this new plan, the only choice will be unlimited minutes and free text messaging for $40 per phone. This is a substantial savings for anyone on a plan for more minutes or an unlimited plan.
– The new data plan starts at 2GBs for $60 and goes as high as 10GBs for $100 per month, based on your usage. If you have a family plan with several phones, the data plan is shared with each of the lines. It is possible to have up to 10 mobile devices share the same plan. The present cost for 2GBs of data is $30 PER PHONE and rises for more data. According to the leading providers, most people use less than 2GBs per month unless they stream a lot of videos and music from the Internet.
– If you change to the new plan, and are presently on an unlimited data plan, you will lose it.
As I have indicated in the past, there is never a standard answer when it comes to one’s technology needs. If you are currently a Verizon customer, I suggest you call them for an evaluation of your present plan and discuss whether or not a change will save you money.
If you need a further explanation of Verizon’s new plan, or have any other technology questions, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my NEW white paper, “TIPS ON BECOMING A TRUE MOBILE WARRIOR”
IS “SIRI” ON MY IPAD?
Can’t find Siri on your new iPad? Well, it’s not there! While Apple included this speech-recognition personal assistant on its new iPhone 4S, it is not one of the many new features on the latest iPad.
I like speech recognition, as do many of my clients who are not thrilled with the touch screen on either their iPhones or iPads. Siri is limited only to the iPhone 4S and not on the iPhone 4, iPod touch, or other smartphones. In search for a speech recognition app for my new iPad, I discovered and downloaded Dragon Go, a mobile application that hears what you say, and delivers the results you want within seconds!
There are several distinct differences between the two services. Siri speaks back to you while Dragon Go reports its findings on the screen. Dragon Go interacts with other apps and websites, such as Open Table for restaurant reservations, Fandango, YouTube, and Twitter.
While there are many competitive apps out there, such as Vlingo, Dragon Go is a worthy alternative to Siri for those of you who don’t want to upgrade to the iPhone 4S and would like speech recognition for their iPad.
If you’d like to discuss any features of your iPad or have questions about any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my NEW white paper, “TIPS ON BECOMING A TRUE MOBILE WARRIOR”
ARE YOU CONFUSED BY AT&T’S PLAN TO REDUCE YOUR DATA SPEED?
On the front page of Friday’s Wall Street Journal, http://on.wsj.com/wlmlws, AT&T announced their latest attempt to control their costs for providing broadband services. They are planning to reduce the speed of your data service on your mobile device once you have surpassed your monthly purchased data limit.
With the growing popularity of mobile devices (smartphones such as the iPhone and the Android) as well as the iPad, the appetite for broadband services has surged. Last year, over 50% of all cell phone purchases were smartphones, whether new users or upgrades.
Most consumers don’t understand their data plans. Cell providers (AT&T, Verizon, etc.) offer “tiered data plans” based on data usage. What this means is that it is important to know your data usage and determine which plan is right for you. This information is available by simply contacting your provider. Streaming video from sites like Netflix will use up a lot of your data allotment.
The problem with this program is that, as their customer, you are being penalized for their inability to keep up with the demand for broadband services. Why not make sure their customers understand their data plans and make sure that they are subscribing to a program based on their usage? This is done for your calling plans without the risk of diminishing service once you have surpassed your purchased minutes.
Let’s hope that their competitors don’t follow this strategy. I called my provider, found out my average monthly usage and purchased a plan that was right for me. I suggest you do the same.
If you need help understanding your data plan, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
LOOKING FOR A SIMPLE CELL PHONE?
For those of you who are not interested in a fancy smartphone, but a simple cell phone for telephone use only, check out the jitterbug phone at http://www.jitterbugdirect.com/.
Well over 90% of Americans own a cell phone. While the Jitterbug is advertised as the “Cellphone for Seniors,” its attractiveness is to any age group that is looking for a phone that is easy to see, hear, and simple to use.
In this mobile world, being able to reach out to someone in an emergency, regardless of age, makes having a cell phone a necessity. If you or someone else in your family has resisted having a cell phone because of the complexity of the most popular models on the market, consider the advantages of investing in a Jitterbug.
1. No contract required.
2. Larger screen, easy to see, even in the daylight.
3. Larger keyboard, making dialing easy.
4. Live, 24-hour support operators.
5. Affordable pricing starting at $14.99 per month.
If you or someone you know needs assistance selecting a cell phone, or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
WANT TO EXTEND THE BATTERY LIFE OF YOUR iPHONE?
Did you get a new iPhone for the holidays? So many features to learn!! Not only can you listen to your music, but how about the videos that you can watch with either your wi-fi connection or from your cell phone carrier (Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint)?
Most likely, you are finding that the battery life of your new smartphone is much shorter than on a standard cell phone. The reason for this is with a smartphone (iPhone, Android, blackberry), the amount of data (e-mail, Internet access, media) consumes significantly more energy than a conventional cell phone that only is used for telephone purposes.
Streaming music or videos from the Internet are the major source of decreased battery life. Applications of any type that are running in the background such as Facebook, news and weather updates, etc, also impact the life of your battery.
Below is a link that has some useful tips about extending the life of your smartphone battery:
If you or someone you know needs to brush up on basic computer skills, requires help choosing the right computer or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
PLANNING TO RE-ENTER THE JOB MARKET?
According to a recent article in US News and World Report, http://bit.ly/v0IlW6, about 9 percent of all people ages 44 to 70, are already in encore careers, up from 8.4 million in 2008.
The majority of Baby Boomers did not start their professional careers in the digital world. The way we communicate and acquire information has changed dramatically. Social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are now part of our personal and business lives. Cell phones have made us more mobile and reachable everywhere. Everyone uses Google to find people, places and things.
A deep Digital Divide exists with regard to the understanding of technology. On one side is an older generation that built their businesses before the advent of the Internet, Social Media, and New Marketing. On the other side is a younger generation that has grown up with the new technology. Whether you are in the job market or involved in an entrepreneurial venture, your ability to bridge this gap will determine your success in competing against a younger generation that has built networks and customers using the new tools technology offers.
If you or someone you know is looking to re-enter the job market, chances are they will need to brush up on basic computer skills or require help in selecting the right equipment and services to support your needs.
If you or someone you know needs to brush up on basic computer skills, requires help choosing the right computer or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
A TRUE PORTABLE EMERGENCY DEVICE FOR EVERYONE
Several weeks ago, a new product was reviewed in the Wall Street Journal that should be a staple for those of us that have become more mobile, whether it be the frequent business traveler, senior citizen out for a stroll, or anyone, at any age, that spends time out of the home or office.
As quoted in the WSJ, “GreatCall’s 5Star Responder is one of the first truly portable emergency-call devices. It runs on Verizon’s network, giving it coverage anywhere a Verizon phone works. Other emergency-call devices like Medical Alert by LifeStation, work in the home and are geared toward seniors who rarely go out.”
Some of the features of GreatCall’s 5Star Responder include:
– Nationwide coverage that provides you with access to live help 24/7, anywhere wireless coverage is available.
– Agents who, based on GPS technology, identify and locate you, assess your situation and then either contact appropriate personnel or dispatch someone for help.
– In addition to dispatching 9-1-1 emergency services, agents can conference in family and friends, and will stay on the line with you until your situation is resolved.
At this time, you can either purchase the unit through their website, where you can review all its features and pricing, or download an app to your iPhone. The company indicates that an Android app is in the works.
If you don’t have a smartphone where you will be able to download an app, you should consider the stand-alone unit for all family members, parents, children, etc. The monthly service charge is $15 and $9 for each additional members of your family.
If you have any questions about this or other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. If you are in career transition, feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
HERE COMES YET ANOTHER SMARTPHONE
Last week it was the iPhone 4s, and now, the new Motorola Razr. With a new smartphone being introduced almost daily, making the right choice can be a daunting experience. Here is the link to an article in Mashable comparing the best selling models.
While my earlier blog of October 5th, http://bluetutor.com/?p=1008 explains the mobile phone war in greater deal, below is a summary of important facts to consider before buying.
1. Make sure you select the right provider (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc) – Not all providers are created equal. The name of the game is coverage. Are you experiencing dropped calls or poor reception? Check with your neighbors to see which provider works best for them.
2. The three major smartphones are RIM’s Blackberry, Apple’s iPhone, and Google’s Android. They are all different and comfort level means a lot. Not all providers offer the same models. The iPhone is an attractive phone with lots of apps but you better be comfortable with the touch screen. The Android phone’s market share has increased steadily and it offers a choice of using the touch screen or a slide out keyboard while Blackberry’s market share has reduced significantly with the advent of both the iPhone and Android.
3. Once you have decided which provider works best for you, go into a store and play with the available models. Make sure you are comfortable with the weight, size, and screen. Touch screens are handy but not not be right for everyone. If not, you might want a pull out keyboard.
Mobile technology is growing. Within the next couple of years, more people will be accessing the Internet on a mobile device than with a computer. Choose wisely!!
If you have any questions about this or other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. If you are in career transition, feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.