Viaero Technology Blog

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the daily routines and lives of many, as most states have enacted shelter-in-place orders or restrictions on in-person non-essential activities, including school and work. More people are now confined to their homes most of the time. There is also increasing collective anxiety over when things will return to “normal” and whether the spread of the virus will personally impact ourselves or someone we know. Spending more time at home has increased the need to rely on the Internet, smartphone apps, streaming, and online-based means of entertainment and information exchanges.

The sticker prices of modern flagship smartphones may be shocking, but when we take a look back at the history of cell phones’ retail prices, it reveals today’s costs may not be entirely out of line. When new or advanced technology is introduced, higher prices often compensate for the efforts and costs that went into developing that technology. Like the cell phones that were first introduced in the early 1980s, modern flagship phones integrate new technology to expand what a cell phone can accomplish.

CNBC reports that American smartphone owners are hanging on to their phones for longer. In 2016, the average time users kept their phones was 22.7 months. As of 2018, the average was up to 24.7 months. Some of the top reasons why we’re becoming more reluctant to upgrade our smartphones as often include:

• Rising Costs
• Too few technical advancements or significant changes between models
• Phones are more durable and are lasting longer

With average smartphone prices up 52% in the last three years and with high-end models now $1,000 or more, consumers are finding it less affordable to upgrade. They also want to get the most use out of a more expensive phone. One of the ways that wireless carriers are helping to make the cost more affordable is by extending average contract lengths.

Owning a smartphone allows you to accomplish a variety of tasks, whether you’re at home or on the go. Smartphone accessories can help expand the types of tasks you can perform and help protect your phone. But what about the accessories and attachments that seem a little wacky or you may not have heard of? What are they and what can you use them for?

Have you ever wondered what others around the globe pay for the data they use on their smartphones? You might be surprised to find out that North American countries pay some of the highest rates on average. As reported by Niall McCarthy with Forbes, the average cost per gigabyte of data in the United States is $12.38. Despite these higher averages in the U.S., residents of Zimbabwe pay the highest rates in the world at $75.20 per gigabyte.

Our smartphones can do many different things, but they can easily run out of space once you start storing photos and videos. Even apps, downloaded memes and documents can start to fill up your phone’s storage. OS and app updates will also take up the majority of your phone’s built-in space.

Have you ever wondered if it’s better to purchase your next smartphone from your wireless carrier, activate an older device you already own, or purchase from a third-party such as Amazon? While the answer can depend on your service plan and the type of phone you want, there are several crucial advantages to purchasing a phone directly from your carrier.

Many of us think of a smartphone as a device we can use to make calls, send text messages, or gather information through web browsers or apps. While these are common uses, smartphones can perform more advanced functions including substituting as a remote for your TV. Besides what a phone can do, there are things to look for and consider before purchasing a new device.

Multitasking in front of the television screen is on the rise, according to a recent Nielsen report. Approximately 45% of adults state they use a second screen quite often or always when they’re watching television. This percentage reflects a growing number of people who use their smartphones, tablets, or laptops during shows and movies.

With increasing costs, people are waiting longer to upgrade their smartphones, according to Andy Meek of BGR. The average time someone waits for an upgrade is now 2.83 years. iPhone users are waiting for slightly longer with an average of 2.92 years. This means the typical smartphone is getting used more often and is sustaining more wear and tear.