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.
Topics: Technology, smartphone, wireless, 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.
Topics: cell phones, Technology, smartphone, apps
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.
Topics: Technology, tablets, smartphone, tv
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.
Topics: cell phones, Technology, smartphone
The cost of a new smartphone can seem out of reach for those on fixed or moderate incomes. Even those who have a good degree of discretionary income might balk at the idea of paying today’s prices. With the average smartphone lasting only two to three years, high costs can seem like an unsound investment. Luckily, there are several ways you can save money when it’s time to purchase a new device.
Topics: cell phones, Technology, smartphone
The multi-generational household is making a comeback, according to a 2016 study by Pew Research Center. The study determined multi-generational households had at least two different adult generations living together or grandparents and grandchildren younger than 25 living in the same house. Approximately 64 million Americans now live in households with more than one generation. Growing diversity, economic pressures, and preferences for interdependence are the main reasons for the returning trend.
Topics: cell phones, Technology, smartphone, mulit-generation
If you’ve ever purchased a smartphone app from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store, you’re probably familiar with the idea of paying for some apps and installing others for free. There’s a good chance most of the paid apps have involved paying a one-time fee to download, install, and use them. But what if you had to pay a monthly or yearly fee to keep using the app?
Topics: Technology, smartphone, apps
The devices people use to stream movies, television shows, and videos is shifting away from larger television screens to smaller smartphone displays. Consumer research groups estimate that consumers will watch up to half of all television and on-demand content on mobile devices by 2020.
Topics: Technology, data, internet, smartphone
Senior citizen population percentages are beginning to increase in rural communities, according to studies by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. By comparison, the percentage of seniors living in rural areas surpasses the percentages in urban and suburban communities.
Rural seniors can face unique challenges that come from living independently in areas without the same resources as suburbs and major cities.
Topics: Technology, internet, smartphone, senior citizens
Protecting your smartphone against malware is as important as guarding your home computer against unwanted threats. Anti-malware apps are becoming increasingly popular as a way to prevent unwanted applications from installing. While malware infections are not as common on Apple iPhones as Android-based devices, an anti-malware application is recommended for both.
Topics: Technology, smartphone, security