RCS Messaging: What Is It? (And How It Changes Texting)
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Jon Stone
SMS and MMS — the way we send basic texts and images using our phones — was created in the 90s. And since then, it hasn’t changed much. But messaging is about to get an upgrade thanks to a new protocol promoted by GSMA and Google. Rich Communications Services — or RCS for short — looks to bring […]
iPad vs Android Tablets: Which to Choose?
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Jon Stone
If you pick up a tablet at your local electronics store or online, there’s a good chance it’s running Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android operating system. Understanding what each operating system offers is a simple way to decide which tablets are best for you. For basic media consumption or kids, we think the Amazon Fire HD 8 is an ideal option. […]
Which iPhone Should I Buy? An In-Depth iPhone Comparison
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Jon Stone
Wondering which iPhone is best for you? This iPhone comparison guide will help you decide. Apple’s iPhones consistently rank at the top of sales charts for new releases. Given they created the smartphone market with the release of the original iPhone, this shouldn’t be a surprise. But since the initial release, Apple has released an additional 29 […]
Which iPad Should I Buy? An In-Depth iPad Comparison
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Jon Stone
When someone mentions tablets, there’s a good chance you think of the iPad. While it wasn’t the first tablet, the release of the original iPad in 2010 marked the debut of what would be the first truly consumer-accessible, popular tablet computer. Since the initial model, Apple has continued to improve upon the original design and the history […]
The 5 Best Tablet Options for Kids
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Jon Stone
From durable designs to comprehensive parental control systems, kids’ tablets are marketed as a safer way to introduce kids to technology. Reviews show that the Amazon Fire 8 Kids Edition is one of the most versatile options. But what do other options bring to the table? And how do you know which ones are the best? Choosing […]
Which iPhone Model Do You Have? Here’s 4 Quick & Easy Ways to Check
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Jon Stone
“Which iPhone do I have?” We get this question a lot… That’s not a surprise considering that since the release of the original iPhone in 2007, Apple has added 24 more models to their lineup. Related Guide: The History of the Apple iPhone So, how do you find out which iPhone you have? Here’s four different ways you […]
Not Sure Which iPad Model You Have? Here are 3 Simple Ways to Check
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Jon Stone
“Which iPad do I have?” With so many versions available, that’s a question we see a lot… Since the first release on April 3, 2010, the iPad line up has grown to include 23 releases — not counting carrier-specific variants or the various configurations of each model available. So, how do you tell which iPad you have? […]
The History of the Apple iPhone
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Jon Stone
Whether you’re an avid iPhone fan or an Android enthusiast, you likely have the release of the iPhone in 2007 to thank for the phone you enjoy using today. In just over a decade, phones have transitioned from hefty little bricks designed mostly for calling to powerful pocket-sized computers capable of video chat, streaming video, high-end photography, gaming, and […]
The Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers Under $50
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Jon Stone
While they won’t rattle your windows or let you feel the bass in your chest, Bluetooth speakers under $50 do leave plenty of room in your budget. So which one is best? Reviews show that the Anker Soundcore 2 is one of the most feature-packed options available under $50. It sports IPX7 water resistance, 12-watts of power, and balanced […]
Less Is More: Or, Why You Should Switch to a Dumb Phone
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Jon Stone
You’ve probably heard the saying “There’s an app for that…” more times that you can count. And there’s a good chance you see people staring into their screens everywhere you go. While the convenience is nice, there’s many who feel we’ve become too absorbed in our smartphones and their endless streams of notifications, social media, and emails. […]
The Best Family Cell Phone Plans
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Jon Stone
While smartphones add convenience to our lives, they come with rather hefty bills… especially if you’re looking to equip the whole family with new phones. “Family plans” claim to offer increased savings, simplified bills, and a greater level of control for keeping tabs on what people are using their phones for. But are family plans worth […]
Phone Number Porting Guide (Plus How to Keep Your Number when Switching Carriers)
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Jon Stone
When you sit down and think about all the things tied to your phone number, the idea of losing it is scary… You’d have to contact your bank, utilities, doctors, and go through the hassle of setting up any two-factor authentication you have on services again. That doesn’t include all the family and friends you have who […]
Bringing Your Phone to a New Carrier: What You Need to Know
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Jon Stone
How much are you paying for your cell phone bill every month? $30? $50? $100? For the average American, the answer is about $60 a month. That’s a lot of money! Especially when you add on the phones of family members. The good news? Prices are actually dropping. Increased competition, a lack of unique new […]
Will My Phone Work with Other Carriers? A Complete Guide to Phone Compatibility
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Jon Stone
Whether you’re signing up for a new plan or looking to switch providers, being able to bring your own phone (or buy one outright) often means savings in the long run. It also means you can switch providers should service not meet your needs or your find a better deal later. But how do you know which phones work with […]
Activation Fees & SIM Card Costs: All Phone Companies Compared
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Jon Stone
You’ve spent the time to crunch numbers, check prices and find the phone and plan that fits into your budget. Everything is going great. No need to eat only rice and beans this month. Then the first bill rolls in… What are all these added activation and SIM fees? Much like bag fees at the […]
Cell Phone Insurance: Is It Worth It & What’s Best?
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Jon Stone
If you’re like us, there are few things scarier than the sight of your phone facedown on the pavement. No one wants to fork out hundreds of dollars unexpectedly. But it’s not just the thought of replacement costs that are scary. It’s the thought of not having access to our mobile office, entertainment hub, fitness […]
Early Termination Fees: A Guide to Ending Your Phone Contract Early
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Jon Stone
Dumping your current cell phone service provider isn’t always as simple as calling up and cancelling. If you’re still under contract or owe on a phone financing plan, you might find a nasty surprise on your final bill called the Early Termination Fee. Early Termination Fees (ETF’s for short) add up…and they can add up fast. Especially if you have […]
Enough Already! Here’s How to Stop Robocalls
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Jon Stone
Does it seem like every other time your phone rings, it’s some sweepstakes, scam or telemarketer? An endless barrage of robocalls that keep coming no matter how many numbers you block. You’re not alone… The FCC estimates that half the calls we receive might be Robocalls. Enough is enough. It’s time to fight back. This guide will […]
What Is VoLTE? Everything You Need to Know
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Jon Stone
Alongside Wi-Fi calling , VoLTE (Voice-over-LTE), is one of the latest features popping up with major mobile networks. It promises faster, clearer voice calls plus video calling without the need for extra apps or services. So What is VoLTE Exactly? In essence, Voice-over-LTE is exactly what is sounds like. Instead of falling back to an older network […]
The Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans
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Jon Stone
For all the convenience and utility mobile phones provide, they don’t come cheap. Between phone costs and monthly service plans, you could spend more than $1000 per year with ease. Rates in recent years are on a downward trend. If you haven’t checked out the competition in the past few months—or don’t have service at […]
What Is a SIM Card and What Does It Do?
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Jon Stone
You’ve probably seen the terms SIM-only phone plan or prepaid SIM card before. And, if you’ve ever purchased a phone online or added mobile data access to your tablet, you’ve probably even installed a SIM card. But what do these tiny chips do? Are all SIM cards the same? Is there any personal information on […]