Sunday 27 August 2017

Important Smarphone Features: What You Should Look For

When it comes to modern smartphones, we’re spoiled for options. While some features provide clear advantages, knowing what to prioritize can be difficult. Furthermore, some aspects of smartphones are tradeoffs, and users need to find the right balance. Here are a few tips for comparing smartphones and finding the right one for your needs.

Choosing the Right Screen Size

The most obvious factor that differentiates smartphones is their screen sizes, and it’s a factor that requires considerable thought. For people who regularly use their smartphones for browsing the web and watching videos, large screens have an obvious advantage. Large screens are also great for people who enjoy gaming, and they can make it easier to read text and view images. Large screen sizes tend to be more expensive than phones with small screen sizes, but there are large devices at nearly all price points.

Small screens have some advantages as well, the primary one being that they’re easier to grip. Some people prefer phones that are easy to use with one hand, so if portability is important, try to see how much area your thumb can reach while you’re holding the phone. Small phones are easier to stow away as well, and they’re lighter to hold. When it comes to choosing a screen size, it’s worth spending some time trying out devices in a store. If that’s not an option, ask friends to try out their phones to get a feel for varying screen sizes.

Battery Life

Battery technology has improved dramatically over the years, and modern devices can provide more than a day of operation with mild use. For people who use their smartphones more often, especially those who watch videos and play games, battery life can drop significantly over time. Devices with more battery life tend to be more expensive, but a few extra hours of battery life can be a great investment.

Another feature worth considering is devices with replaceable batteries. Many batteries are simple to replace, letting you refresh your phone in a few seconds by swapping out your batteries. Some devices, including many high-end devices, have sealed batteries that aren’t easy to swap out. Replacement batteries are also great for people who spend time away from electrical outlets. If you’re a fan of camping, for example, it might be worth purchasing a device and a few extra batteries you can charge up before heading out.

Screen Resolution

Today’s smartphones have far higher resolutions compared to early models, and even low-resolution devices provide a clear image. Devices with higher resolutions still have some clear advantages. Video looks even smoother with high-resolution screens, and photographers might notice small differences unnoticeable on lower-resolution phones. Furthermore, higher resolutions provide smoother text rendering, and they can be great for games. If you plan on using your phone as a virtual reality device, a high resolution is essential.

The main drawback of higher resolutions is battery life; higher resolutions have more pixels to render, and these pixels consume more battery power. Furthermore, higher resolutions are more demanding in games, and those looking for high frame rates might prefer devices that run at a slightly lower resolution. Fortunately, even devices with relatively low resolutions still provide better clarity than most laptops and televisions, so consider if a premium high-resolution screen is worth the extra expense.

Navigation Features

Smartphones are great devices for navigation, whether you navigate by car, by bike, or on foot. Today’s devices almost always support robust navigation capabilities, letting you take advantage of both included and third-party navigation apps. However, not all devices connect to the same satellites. GPS support almost always included support for the United States constellation of satellites, but support for GLONASS, Russia’s equivalent, can provide better resolution and faster connections. Galileo, a constellation supported by European nations, can provide better connectivity as well.

GPS connectivity is critical for navigation, but there are other tools that help as well. Integrated compass support helps navigation apps respond more promptly, leading to smoother performance. Accelerometers in smartphones also help pick up on turns more quickly for better interaction. If you’re going to use your smartphone for navigating regularly, especially if you navigate on foot often, it’s worth seeing if these hardware features are supported.

Software Updates

Apple devices have relatively reliable update schedules, so find out how long your Apple device will be supported before making a purchase, especially if you’re picking up a used device. Also note that Apple devices sometimes degrade in terms of performance as updates are released, so it may be worth spending a bit extra for a newer device.

Android devices are a bit more complex, as both manufacturers and plan providers offer varying support timelines. Find out how often security updates will be provided to ensure your device stays safe for as long as you plan on using it. If certain features of a new version of Android seem appealing, consider checking out if support will come to your device.

The Right Interface

Smartphone interfaces can vary dramatically. In fact, Apple’s smartphone interface is at the core of why iPhone fans often stick with Apple devices. The iPhone provides an intuitive design that doesn’t change dramatically between versions. If you haven’t yet purchased a smartphone, make sure you give an iPhone a shot when comparing devices.

Google’s Android interface offers a clean look that’s easy to customize, and its familiarity for users makes it a must-have part of any smartphone they buy. Some manufacturers, however, provide their own takes on the Android interface, including Samsung. When comparing Android phones, take some time to explore custom interfaces to find out if there’s one you prefer to Android’s default interface. While hardware elements are important on smartphones, the interface is what you’ll interact with most of the time.

Worldwide Connectivity

Over the years, smartphones have come to support more and more mobile network infrastructure, and it’s now easier to find devices that work across the planet. However, people who travel to specific regions frequently should investigate if devices they’re comparing work well on the latest mobile infrastructure. LTE connectivity offers far greater connection speeds than other connection types, and some countries deprecate older equipment faster than others. Check out if legacy connections will be available in foreign nations you visit.

Another feature worth considering is dual-SIM support. Phones that support two SIM devices are easier to move between countries, and they allow you to keep your familiar phone interface even while crossing borders. Phones with two SIM slots often provide superior connection options to those with a single SIM slot, but it’s still worth investigating before settling on a single device.

Even people who don’t consider themselves tech-savvy regularly use smartphones. They help us stay connected, and they’re great for relieving stress or boredom while waiting. The right device can serve you well for years to come, but choosing one you aren’t happy with might have you wanting to upgrade in a short period of time. Take your time when comparing devices, and try out devices in person if they’re available at a store. By making a list of priorities and narrowing down devices based on the features you value most highly, you can ensure that your chosen phone is one you’ll enjoy for years to come. Visit your local Samsung Melbourne store to shop around and compare smartphones and their features.

 

TelcoWorld Corp. - Known as Beltz's Mobile Phones & Repairs Moorabbin



source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/smartphone-features/

Monday 21 August 2017

How to Choose the Right Phone and Mobile Internet Plan

Communication is the key to improving our relationships, running a business, and simply staying involved in the world. Choosing a smartphone or home phone that suits your communication style and needs is the first step to staying in touch. The next step is to select a mobile internet and phone plan that is best-suited to the type of communication you need, whether you prefer to text or make calls. There are different considerations to keep in mind when choosing a plan for small businesses, a busy household, and for your personal use. Think about the services you need, the cost, and what kind of features you will use on a regular basis. The most effective way to choose the right plan is to look for one that provides every feature you need without requiring you to pay for things you will not be using.

Home and Business Phones

Although many people grab their mobile when they want to make a call, there is still a significant need for landlines, and not just for when you want to locate your mobile phone by calling it from another number. Every home needs a regular phone for emergencies and if there are younger family members who need access to a phone but who do not yet own a mobile phone. Your business also relies on traditional phones for clarity of communication. Even though the reception from cell phones is often pretty clear, if a customer feels they are being called from an office rather than from someone riding a bus, the experience and sound are more professional. In addition, telemarketing is still an important way to reach new customers and talk to them about your brand or product. Every home and business can benefit from having a high-quality phone plan.

When looking at your options for a regular phone plan, think about how your phone is used and what kinds of calls are made frequently. Do you make many or few long distance or international calls? Do you use the phone heavily on weekends and evenings? Are your calls relatively long or short? Observe the phone usage of the entire family and decide on a plan that will give you deals on the kinds of calls you make the most frequently. Look at the rates per call and per minute. There is likely to be a significant difference in price between calls made to a regular phone and a cell phone. Some calls have a capped maximum amount, which will enable you to talk for hours if you wish while only paying a certain amount of money. However, in many cases, these caps are not available for international calls.

Mobile Plans

There are many different kinds of mobile plans available, so it is useful to do research and think about what kinds of features you need before making your decision. It is a good idea to monitor your mobile usage. Ask yourself how important speed is for accessing the internet. If you rely on your mobile for your work, it may be worth the investment to opt for a plan with high-speed internet, since this plan will literally pay off as you earn more money. On the other hand, speed may simply be a personal preference. Some people value fast internet more than others depending on how you feel about delays.

When you look at different plans available, you may see various prices with a list of features. Take the time to decide which is the best value for money related to your usage. Some plans will offer unlimited evening or weekend usage, advanced texting, and video messaging features. If you prefer audio to video and don’t feel you need unlimited weekends, you may want to opt for the cheaper plan instead of having these features available. On the other hand, if you value convenience and want to be able to calls, texts and video messages when you want to, you may want to invest in a plan that has a slightly higher price tag. In general, you are likely to get more value from higher priced plans, but this matters to you if you will actually depend on these services.

If you travel frequently or prefer to have access over a wide area, consider what kind of reach you want your mobile plan to have. Is it important to you to be able to make calls overseas or have connectivity over a large area? The kind of reach you need for your calls and use of your mobile device can help you decide what kind of plan to get.

Customer service is tremendously important to many mobile users and can make or break a good plan. When you ask questions of the company about their plans, think about the customer service you receive. Are your questions answered promptly and thoroughly? Are the representatives courteous and helpful? Is the service merely adequate, or do the representatives give you information that you have not heard before or let you know about plans that can save you money? Also, think about technical assistance. If your service is facing a problem, you want to get up and running as soon as possible. Make sure that technical assistance is available around the clock and that your service can be restored promptly if there is an interruption.

In addition to speed, access, and customer service, look at special features provided by the plan that make it unique. There may be member plans that provide you with discounts and additional services. As a subscriber to a specific plan, you may have access to discounts from local retailers or for items such as additional mobile devices and other products. Your plan might give you special access to entertainment, such as sports, films, and games. In addition, your network may provide anti-virus and anti-spam features for added security.

Bundle Plans

Bundle plans allow you to pay your bills for different services in one convenient place. You can combine broadband and phone service, for example, in one package. As with many other types of plans, the more diverse services that are offered, the greater the value. Not only can you enjoy the convenience of having multiple services delivered in one package, but can have the flexibility to choose from different combinations of services. The kind of bundle plan you choose depends on what your usage is like. If you live in a household in which children like to stream and download films endlessly on weekends and vacations, a bundle plan that addresses these needs while providing unlimited calls and data may be the best value for your family.

Bundle plans offer flexibility in your telecommunication use. You can access mobile phones affordably from your home phone, and have access to a large number of messages and texts as well as high-quality broadband. Look for plans that have special features such as 3-way chat for convenient communication. Bundle plans are also ideal for businesses or a household with members who use telecommunications differently.

Making the Most of Your Service

Once you have found the right service for your home or business, it is essential to make the most of it. If you are noticing that bills are higher than you expected, it may be because of excess usage rather than problems with the plan. Track your usage and make sure you are not going over the limit. Find out what the data allowance is and how it is measured. You may be surprised at how much you get charged when you exceed the limit. Check with your provider and find out the policies of charging when limits have been exceeded. You may find it useful to use an app that will calculate usage to help you keep tabs on usage and to avoid exceeding certain amounts.

Many people replace regular phone calls with texting and emails or avoid connecting to another Wifi and use their data instead. If this is the case, be prepared for data bills that are a bit on the high side. If you are comfortable with paying extra for the convenience of the internet and having your own data available, this may be an acceptable trade-off. However, you can save money by making calls rather than using the internet sometimes. Try connecting to another network now and again. However, it is important to make sure this network is secure and avoid taking chances on using a public network where others can see your private information. Hackers may gain access to your passwords by using unsecured networks, so use only networks that protect information.

Business Plans

If you run a small business, you know how valuable effective communication is to create a relationship with your customers. One of the things people value most when they choose to do business with a company is clear communication. Whether you are taking orders by text or your employees answer customer service questions by phone, your business needs to make the most of the technology available to make communication clear, helpful and effective. The type of plan you choose for your company depends on its size, the type of communication that is used the most often, your budget and other considerations.
When deciding on a data service plan for your business, it is important to consider the speed of data and the kind of the kind of features you need. For many companies, business can be seasonal. There can be certain times of the year when you do the bulk of your business, and other times that are relatively light. There are a number of business data plans that are flexible and can accommodate these changes. If your requirements are lighter at certain times of the year, you may be able to save money and adjust your plan during these periods.

Missed calls or unanswered texts can cost you customers, and that is why an effective business plan is important. Your company should provide fast internet to its employees, whether they are accessing the web through a tablet, smartphone or a laptop. Your employees may have different working styles, and it is a good idea to give them the options and flexibility they need. Some employees prefer making calls to texting, whereas others prefer phone communication. Your customers are likely to be as diverse in their communication preferences as your employees, so that is why it is important that you have all of your communication options covered in a comprehensive business plan.

You may have a business that involves communicating with employees on the go. This applies to a wide variety of businesses, whether you are a taxi dispatcher or a partner at a law firm. Relying on employees to have their own internet may seem cost effective at first glance, but it can be risky. You can lose business if communication suddenly fails with one of your employees who is out and about. In addition, you want to make sharing your company’s data convenient for staff members who are out of the office. Look for a data sharing plan that allows your employees to connect anywhere and share data with other employees. Create a company-wide data pool that allows anyone employed by the company to share data securely and effectively.

Bring your own device, known as BYOD, is a working style that is gaining in popularity. In the old days, employees would sit down to company-owned computers. With the widespread nature of mobile devices, it is more convenient to allow employees to bring their own devices to work and to connect to the same network. You can find a company that offers special plans for BYOD businesses and a low monthly rate. Make sure everyone in your company has access to the internet and company data with a BYOD plan.

Finding the Right Service

There are many phone and mobile service packages to choose from, so do research on the plans and evaluate your phone and internet use thoroughly before making a decision. Look for business plans that provide internet to your employees whether they bring their own devices or use company computers. For home use, analyze phone and internet use among all members of the household and think about what plan is best for everyone. Unlimited plans eliminate the need to constantly keep track of how many calls are made or how much data is being used. These unlimited plans may seem to carry a higher price tag, but they can represent significant value. You can also check out your local Telstra shops in Melbourne to compare plans and pricing.

 

TelcoWorld Corp. - Known as Beltz's Mobile Phones & Repairs Moorabbin



source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/choose-the-right-phone-mobile-plan/