Saturday, 30 March 2019

The Technology that May Replace Smartphones

When Alexander Graham Bell brought us the revolutionary first ever telephone back in 1876, the world was changed forever. Ever since then, telephonic devices have been a mainstay of the modern world; an essential part of our everyday lives.

Of course, phones have evolved dramatically since those early cable telephones into the high-tech smartphones of today, but the basic idea is still the same. And since the inception of the telephone, they’ve only grown in popularity. These days, the vast majority of the population has a smartphone and uses it regularly.

Indeed, it’s hard to envision a world without smartphones, yet that may really be the case in a couple of decades. We’re already seeing the early beginnings of tech that has the potential to replace smartphones, and as this tech becomes more advanced and sophisticated, it may really spell the end of smartphones as we know them.

To explore this idea more, let’s take a look at three key technological innovations may eventually make smartphones superfluous.

1. Wearable Tech / Augmented Reality

Wearable tech is already all around us – think Google Glass, fitness wristbands, and smartwatches – but some futurists believe we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of this transformative tech.

While Google Glass may have been a bit of a dud, the tech at that point was still largely undeveloped. Augmented reality is becoming more and more sophisticated each year, and many experts predict that it will reach awe-inspiring new heights within a decade or so.

Imagine a pair of smart glasses that allow you to do all the things your smartphone would with ease either by tracking the movement of your pupils or through bone conduction technology. Check emails, send messages, play games, take calls and photos… all from your glasses. Now imagine that they can also provide real-time information on the things you’re looking at right in front of you like the kind of thing you see in spy movies.

That kind of technology would surely make smartphones redundant, right? Well, who really knows? What we do know, though, is that this technology is probably just around the corner. In a few years time, the next wave of smart glasses and goggles might make our existing smartphone devices look prehistoric.

Many huge tech companies have already begun devoting a huge chunk of their research efforts into innovations in this area. Companies like Facebook, Microsoft, and Google are working on their own standalone AR headsets that will be able to project 3D images into your eyes. Google’s Magic Leap is a great example of this. Microsoft, Facebook, Google, and the Google-backed Magic Leap.

It’s not just goggles and glasses either. Other types of wearable tech such as in-ear implants and AirPods are becoming more and more sophisticated.

Futurists think that if this kind of wearable tech is sophisticated enough, it will flat-out replace not just smartphones, but also any other screen-based devices you might have. If tech can beam movies, games, and anything else you do on a screen straight into your eyes, there will be no need to have anything else.

2. Virtual Reality

Moving on from augmented reality technology to the even-more-immersive virtual reality. Virtual reality headsets have already come on leaps and bounds from the early novelty models we saw a few years back, but there’s a long way to go from here.

Futurists hope that the tech will one day grow so advanced that it will be difficult to distinguish the virtual reality from the real reality. In this ideal, virtual reality tech wouldn’t just influence what you see and hear but would hijack all other senses too. For example, full body virtual reality suits are already under development which will allow you to feel in virtual reality. The suits give you biofeedback so that you really feel what’s happening as if it were real.

If you can imagine combining that with some form of movement pads that let you walk around in a virtual space, we could have a whole virtual playground at our fingertips. If this kind of tech were widely available, and anyone could access the virtual space, smartphones would soon become redundant. Instead of using your smartphone, you could simply step into a world in which you can interact physically with your emails, games, and everything else.

It might seem like science fiction right now, but who knows what will happen in the years to come.

3. Transhumanist Technology

The third technological innovation that may replace smartphones is also the scariest. We’re talking about human/machine fusion – biological upgrades that turn us into something more than human. Cyborg tech, if you will.

Elon Musk’s Neuralink company has already begun developing such technology. The company’s goal is to build computers into our very brains via ‘neural lace’.

It’s in the very earliest stages of development but hopes to eventually be able to bridge the brain to a computer. With these brain-implants, we’d be able to search the internet, read emails, make calls, and anything else directly in our minds. This would make the need for any kind of interface, including smartphones, redundant.

In that sense, it would be the endpoint of technological evolution. Screens would become irrelevant and humans themselves would become one with machines. It’s a thought that’s as scary as it is exciting.

What About the Immediate Future?

So far, we’ve been looking way ahead. All the tech we’ve mentioned above probably won’t really take off until far, far into the future. So don’t worry, smartphones aren’t going anywhere soon.

In the more immediate future, our smartphones will just get better and better. Air changing, bendable screens, and complete waterproofing are just a few of the new technological features you can look forward to over the next few years.

The post The Technology that May Replace Smartphones appeared first on TelcoWorld Corp..



source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/the-technology-that-may-replace-smartphones/

Friday, 22 March 2019

Mobile Phone Radiation: Should You Be Worried?

In this day and age, most people treat their mobile phones a little like a limb – they’re attached to it at all times. That’s great and all, but it does make the idea of that mobile phone you spend so much time with emitting harmful radiation a little more unsettling.

 

Nobody likes the thought of holding a device in their pocket that could be harming their health. That’s probably why there have been so many headlines in recent years that prey on these insecurities and claim that our mobile phones could be killing us.

 

But is this all just scaremongering? Or is their really any substance to the tenuous studies these claims are based on? Let’s find out by diving into the topic a little deeper.

Types of Radiation that Mobile Phones Emit

The first thing to note is that there are many different scientifically-recognized types of radiation out there; some of them harmful, others harmless.

 

The two types of radiation relevant to any discussion about mobile phones are:

 

  • Non-ionizing Electromagnetic radiation (EMR), also known as Radio Frequency (RF)
  • Extremely Low-Frequency radiation (ELF)

 

EMR radiation is given off by things like your mobile phones Bluetooth, Wifi, and 3/4G ELF radiation is produced by the hardware itself. Both of these are forms of electromagnetic radiation in the ‘microwave range’. Mobile phones can emit radiation even when turned off.

 

Most research on mobile phone radiation revolves around EMR or RF. This is because EMR has been highlighted as the type of radiation that poses the biggest potential risk to human health. I’ll get to how substantial that risk actually is later.

 

First, let’s talk about what happens to that radiation emitted by your mobile phones.

How Mobile Radiation Affects the User

The EMR/RF and ELF radiation that is emitted from your mobile phone is absorbed into the surrounding matter. That means that, when you’re close to your mobile phone, some of it is absorbed into you.

 

Exactly which part of your body the radiation will be absorbed by depends on where your phone is being held. Obviously, if it’s in your pocket, it goes into your leg-region. If you’re holding your phone to your head, that radiation goes into your head, which is precisely why so much attention has been given to researching whether mobile phone use can be linked to things like brain tumors.

 

How much of it is absorbed into your body tissue will depend on a number of factors. These factors include:

 

  • The strength of the radiation emitted from your particular model of phone
  • How long you use the phone for
  • The strength of the mobile phone signal
  • How far you are from cell towers

 

As well as other factors.

 

It’s true, then, that smartphones do emit small amounts of radiation, and that some of that radiation is absorbed into the body. However, nothing we’ve talked about so far makes any mention of whether or not this radiation is harmful or cause for concern.

 

To help answer that more important question, let’s take a look at the research.

Existing Mobile Phone Radiation Research

 

The current body of existing mobile phone radiation research is extensive and, as with many large bodies of research, there have been conflicting results.

 

Some studies have found that EMF radiation can be harmful to human health. These studies have found that it can impact brain activity and cause negative health effects such as insomnia and infertility.

 

However, a larger number of research studies have disputed these theories and found that mobile phone radiation has negligible health effects.

 

The official stance of the World Health Organization based on a large number of studies already performed is that “no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use” thus far.

 

However, as no conclusion can be definitively made on whether health effects will come apparent in the future, the WHO also recommended the adoption of the ‘precautionary principle’ regarding safe mobile phone use in order to minimize radiation exposure.

 

As such, the FDA has reported that current mobile phone safety limits regarding acceptable radiation emissions have deliberately been set 50 times lower than the levels at which radio-frequency radiation effects have been observed. This is a precautionary measure to limit exposure.

Precautions You Can Take to Minimize Mobile Radiation Exposure

So where does that all leave us? Well, it seems that you don’t need to be too worried about mobile radiation, but it is probably better to be safe than sorry. Therefore, it might be worthing taking some precautionary principles to limit your exposure. Here are some precautions you can take:

 

  • Use a hands-free device in order to keep your mobile phone away from your head whenever possible
  • Don’t sleep with your phone under your pillow.
  • Don’t keep it on your person when you’re not using it.
  • Use a mobile phone that emits less radiation. You can find information about how much radiation each model of phones emits online. Generally speaking, Chinese mobile brands such as Xiaomi tend to emit higher levels of radiation.
  • Upgrade to next-gen 5G networks which use millimeter wave frequencies. Radiation of this frequency can’t penetrate biological tissue as deeply as microwave radiation, which makes it safer.

 

That about covers all you need to know about mobile phone radiation. To sum up, you probably don’t need to worry about it, but there’s no harm in taking precautions. Follow the advice above, and you’ll minimize the risk associated with mobile phone use to as low as could be reasonably expected.

 

The post Mobile Phone Radiation: Should You Be Worried? appeared first on TelcoWorld Corp..



source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/mobile-phone-radiation-should-you-be-worried/

Monday, 18 March 2019

The Best Android Smartphones Games in 2019

So, you’ve just read our article on the best 3 mobile phones for gamers and rushed out to buy a new Razer phone. Now, you’re itching to put that baby to the test and see if that Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor really does provide super-smooth gameplay.

Well, the good news is, there’s no shortage of awesome games to test it out on. There’s a ton of amazing games for Android users in 2019. The world of mobile gaming has really taken off lately and I’d argue that some small-screen games now offer every bit as much fun, enjoyment, and entertainment as big-screen console games.

The question is, what game should you download first?

To give you some inspiration, we’ve put together this guide to the best Android smartphone games in 2019. Here are our top 5 picks:

1. Fortnite

We thought we’d start with the elephant in the room, Fortnite. If you haven’t already heard of this one, where have you been for the last year?

Literally the most popular game in the world, Fortnite is nothing if not divisive. Some gamers absolutely love it, others – mainly die-hard PUBG fans – hate it. But what is it?

Well, it’s a free-to-play, battle-royale-style, first-person-shooter game where you parachute off a plane and battle other players in order to be the last man standing. It’s incredibly addictive and guaranteed to get you hooked if you give it a chance.

It was initially released on PC and various consoles but luckily for us, it’s now been made available on both iOS and Android.

2. Monster Hunter Stories

If first-person shooters aren’t really your thing, perhaps you’re more of an action-and-adventure kind of guy. In that case, the Android game I recommend you go and download right now is Monster Hunter Stories.

This game is essentially the mobile version of hit console game ‘Monster Hunter World’. It features roughly the same narrative and concept – you’ll be running around an expansive world while you hunt for and tame various awesome-looking monsters. It’s fun, interesting, and captivating.

As you’d expect, being on a much smaller screen, the graphics have had to be scaled down quite a lot from the console version. As such, expert more cartoonish characters and much less detailed graphics.

The only downside is that, unlike Fortnite, this game isn’t free. You have to pay an initial purchase cost. If you don’t really want to splash your cash and you’re only interested in free games, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this next one…

3. Oceanhorn

Oceanhorn is very much a free alternative to Monster Hunter Stories. It’s perfect for gamers that want a solid action and adventure game for Android phones but don’t want to pay for it. Like Monster Hunter Stories, it features an expansive world, impressive but cartoonish graphics, and a gripping narrative.

The style and narrative are reminiscent of Legend of Zelda games so if you’re a fan of that kind of genre, you’re sure to love it.

 

4. Real Racing 3

Ok, we’ve covered action and adventure games; we’ve covered first-person-shooter games; now, we’re moving onto racing games. We know that there’s a whole army of racing fans out there that want to be able to get behind the metaphorical wheel of their Android phone and while the time away while racing down the tracks.

If this sounds like you, your best option would probably be to download Real Racing 3. As the name suggests, this is a game that tries to simulate ‘real racing’ as closely as possible – a difficult feat to manage when you’re working with a small screen.

Nonetheless, the game creators did a great job. The meticulously designed cars look as real as it gets, and you’ll be racing on the best real racing tracks from all across the world. Of course, it’s never going to match the kind of immersion you get from driving in a big-screen racing simulator, but it does a heck of a good job at translating that experience to an Android phone.

There’s a lot of options to keep you entertained with this game too. You can enter any number of countless events, access a ton of customization options, and even play multiplayer against racers on other consoles thanks to cross-platform functionality.

5. Pokemon Go

It made headlines and brought augmented reality tech into the mainstream when it was first released back in the summer of 2016, but Pokemon Go continues to be one of the best Android games available well into 2019.

Many critics were concerned that the concept of an ‘augmented reality’ game was nothing more than a gimmick and a passing trend but, thanks to a series of impressive updates, Pokemon Go has managed to stay relevant.

As developers have added new generations of Pokemon to the game’s database and improved on and expanded the gameplay options, Pokemon Go has gone from strength to strength. It’s now much more than a showcase of augmented reality, it’s a fantastic, fun, and all-around great smartphone game.

Collecting Pokemon, battling gyms, and hatching eggs while on the move adds a whole new layer of enjoyment to make the otherwise-mundane tasks of walking and commuting a lot of fun. Here’s hoping that Pokemon Go continues to ‘evolve’ – pardon the pun – and stay relevant for years to come!

Now Go Get Your Game On!

There you have it – 5 great Android games to keep you occupied for the next year. Did we miss anything? Let us know!

Also, if you’re struggling to get the smoothe gameplay you deserve on your existing Android phone, check out some other blogs on our website to see what other phones you might want to upgrade to.

The post The Best Android Smartphones Games in 2019 appeared first on TelcoWorld Corp..



source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/the-best-android-smartphones-game-in-2019/

Wednesday, 27 February 2019

10 Ways to Speed Up your Android Smartphone and Improve its Performance

Are you sick of waiting around for apps to load? Have you been experiencing problems when you try to download new apps? You’re not the only one! With Android phones, it can be common to experience the speed reductions and reduced performance the longer you have the phone, however, there are things you can do to improve this. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 things you can do to increase the speed of your Android smartphone, and improve its performance

1. Delete Unnecessary Apps

For many smartphone users, it can be easy to become an app hoarder. Maybe you downloaded an app and only used it once, or decided that it wasn’t actually the one you were searching for. If you have apps like this, DELETE THEM. A surplus of apps can cause a serious deterioration in the performance of your phone and you may even find that they’re running in the background which is also causing your battery to deplete more rapidly.

2. Use Lite versions of Apps

When downloading apps, its a good idea to be selective about which apps you choose. Some apps will take up a lot of memory which can have a big effect on the performance of your device. In such cases, it may be possible for you to download Lite versions of the app which will allow you to use the app without sacrificing as much memory as you would use the full version. Sometimes, Lite versions may not be available, or they won’t have all of the functions you require, but it’s worth checking them out before you download the full version.

3. Update Your Phone

It’s quite common for people to avoid updating their phones, as the reminder to update usually pops up at inconvenient times. However, updating your phone is an important part of maintaining good speeds and high performance. Not updating your phone can prevent newer apps from being able to run properly on your phone, and in some cases, it can stop you from being able to download apps altogether. If you want to keep your phone running fast, take a few minutes to install updates and you should see increased speeds and improved app performance.

4. Be Aware of What You’re Downloading

As we’ve already evidenced in this article, apps can have a huge effect on how well your device performs so it’s important to know all the details about the apps your downloading. Whilst most apps available from GooglePlay Store are completely safe, there are some apps available for download that can have a bad effect on the way your phone performs. Some apps can contain malware, whilst others may require unnecessary amounts of data which can impact the speed of your device. To avoid downloading these apps, you can use the Play Protect tool, which automatically scans apps to detect malware. Sometimes, this tool can be disabled, so be sure to enable it on your device to help you to improve your phones speed and performance.

5. Charge Your Phone Properly

You probably think that charging your phone is a simple as finding a wire that fits in the hole and plugging it into the wall, but it isn’t. It’s no myth that cheaper chargers are bad quality and can damage the battery life of your phone. If you have a smartphone that is constantly running on 20% battery or less due to poor quality chargers, you may experience low performance as a result. Investing in a more expensive charger can help you to achieve a higher quality charge, which will allow your phone to support your phones processes more adequately.

6. Only Update Your Apps When Using WiFi

Most apps install regular updates, and most Android devices are set to allow apps to update as soon as one is available. However, this default setting can cause your device to run slow, as it may be installing app updates at any time using your cellular data. Aside from slowing down your device, it can also be expensive if you don’t have an unlimited data plan. To avoid this, you can change your settings in order to only allow updates when you’re connected to save money. This way, you can save money and improve your phones performance and speeds whilst you’re on the go

7. Use Cloud-Based Storage

Freeing up storage on your device can help you to increase speed and performance. However, it can sometimes be hard to part with important things that you have saved. Instead of deleting things, you can try uploading your precious files to cloud-based storage. This will free up space on your device, and will also mean that you can access your phone’s files from other devices when you need to as well.

8. Clear Your Home Screen

Widgets, wallpapers and fancy themes are great in theory, but they can cause your device to run a lot slower. If you’re keen to increase your device performance then having a good home screen clearout can help you to do this. Remove any unnecessary widgets from your home screen and try changing to a simpler background and you may find that your phone speed increases.

9. Turn of Your Device

Sometimes, smartphones just need a little downtime to help them get back to perfect working order. For most people, switching off our devices is a rarity, but restarting your phone every so often can really help to improve your phone’s speed and performance

10. Reset Your Device

If you’re having serious lag and freezing issues on your devices, and you’ve tried other options, then a factory reset of your phone may be the right choice. A factory reset will clear your phone of apps and things that are taking up storage, and restore everything to factory settings. If you’re in a pinch and you’re not worried about losing any of you have stored on your phone, then this method should help you to improve your phone’s performance.

 

The post 10 Ways to Speed Up your Android Smartphone and Improve its Performance appeared first on TelcoWorld Corp..



source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/10-ways-to-speed-up-your-android-smartphone-and-improve-its-performance/

Tuesday, 19 February 2019

10 Ways You Can Make Money Using Only Your Smartphone

Are you a smartphone enthusiast looking for ways to make the most of your screen time? In a world full of smartphone addicts, its now becoming much easier to monetise your screen time or even ditch your 9-5 and start making money, just by using your smartphone. In this list, you’ll find a range of ways you can do this, from smartphone side hustles to full-on phone based careers.

1. Teaching

Gone are the days when teachers had to spend all their time inside a dingy classroom trying to manage students behaviour. Teaching is evolving alongside technology, which is creating an abundance of opportunities for aspiring teachers. If you’re looking for a job that you can do from your home using your phone with little to no experience, then online English teaching could be perfect for you. Most online teaching companies require you to have access to a computer, but there are a select few that will allow you to teach straight from your smartphone.

These companies usually focus on teaching children from around the world in countries like China and Korea. The positions are open to most native English speakers, and they rarely ask for any sort of teaching experience, making it a perfect side job for English speakers looking for a way to work from their smartphones.

2. Remote Sales

Traditional sales jobs often have a reputation for being difficult, demanding and requiring long hours, but not anymore. More and more companies are choosing to outsource their sales and customer service to remote workers.

This means that sales staff are now able to work from home using their phone, and set schedules which work for them. If you have experience in sales and customer service, it’s possible to make a full income from remote sales, using only your smartphone.

3. Surveys

If you’re the kind of person who spends a lot of time hanging out and browsing social media, then you may be able to make a few extra bucks completing surveys using your phone. There are a lot of apps available on iPhones and Android which will pay or reward you for completing surveys, watching commercials and reviewing products. Surveys are by no means going to make you rich, but you may be able to score some great rewards like vouchers and discounts at your favourite stores or earn a small amount of extra cash each month.

4. Scanning Receipts

Similar to the survey sites we mentioned earlier, it’s also possible to earn cash back rewards by scanning your receipts from your grocery shopping.

There is a range of apps available from both the App Store and the GooglePlay that will allow doing this straight from your smartphones.

In the digital age we live in, information about consumer habits is valuable, which is why companies will reward you for sharing this information with them.

5. Trading

It’s possible to make some serious money from your smartphone if you’re willing to get educated and begin trading from your phone.

Popular markers such as Forex and cryptocurrencies are available to trade directly from your smartphone and are one of the most lucrative smartphone hustles you can choose.

However, you should be aware that trading is no joke, and if you don’t have the adequate training and research, you could also lose your money, so be sure to properly prepare yourself if you plan on getting started in trading.

6. Instagram

Addicted to the gram? Why not start making some money out of it? If you’re really serious about building a following on Instagram, it’s possible to make a lot of money simply by maintaining and growing an account directly from your phone.

Instagram is fast becoming the most popular social media platform and a lot of smaller accounts are beginning to grow into monetised businesses. Popular ideas for successful Instagram accounts include animals, travel and food.

Once you have a lot of followers, you can make money in a number of different ways such as securing sponsorship deals with businesses and ad campaigns.

It’s important to note that growing a successful Instagram account is not an overnight venture, but if you spend a lot of time on Instagram already, then you could turn that time into a legitimate income stream over a number of months.

7. Selling your stuff

If you have a lot of stuff lying around your home, then you could sell it easily using your smartphone. Check out your phones app store and download some apps that you can use to do this. Popular apps like eBay and Declutter allow you to snap pictures of your items and upload them to the marketplace in seconds.

8. Micro-Jobs

There are tons of apps available on iPhone and Android that will allow you to pick up ‘micro jobs’ that companies are choosing to outsource. The jobs don’t pay a whole lot, but they are usually easy, quick and readily available meaning you can pick up as many as you want to and earn money from your phone at a time that suits you.

9. Social Media Advertising

As social media grows in popularity, more and more businesses are choosing to plug their products using social media channels. As a result, there are now apps that will pay you for posting advertisements on your personal social media accounts. Whether you’re a serial tweeter or a Facebook guru, apps such as Post Intelligence will allow you to turn your social media hobby into cash.

10. Gaming

Although it’s not that common, there are some apps that will pay you to play games and review them. Apps like Qricket will give you free game spins in exchange for watching ads, which can then be used to earn in games rewards or cash. There’s no guarantee of earning, but there is a chance you may be able to earn a little extra by playing.

The post 10 Ways You Can Make Money Using Only Your Smartphone appeared first on TelcoWorld Corp..



source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/10-way-you-can-make-money-using-only-your-smartphone/

Tuesday, 12 February 2019

9 Must-Have Smartphone Accessories for 2019

2019 is set to see the release of some great smartphones and a lot of people already upgraded to an iPhone X or Samsung Galaxy Note 9 this Christmas.

If you’ve already got the phone, you’re probably wondering what accessories to by in order to make your smartphone experience as good as it can be.

In this article, we’ll take a look into 9 smartphones accessories to put on your wishlist for the coming year.

1. Wireless Headphones

One of the most important smartphone related items to purchase this year are wireless headphones, that’s if you don’t already have them, of course!

In their most recent releases, Apple took the bold move to remove headphone jacks from their phones, making Bluetooth headphones an essential item for most Apple users.

However, the rise in the use of AirPods and other wireless headphones has led to wired headphones falling out of fashion- and fast.

Samsung and other major smartphone brands are still clinging on to headphone jacks, but it’s likely that new models of smartphones will eventually follow suit and the future will be completely wireless.

If you’re keen to be on trend and up to date, then wireless headphones are a must-have!

2. Power Banks

In 2019, most people do just about everything from their phone. Whether it’s keeping up-to-date with friends, watching movings and playing games or working, our phones can do it all.

The only problem with this is that the batteries that manufacturers are putting in the smartphones just aren’t equipped for the heavy usage they have to endure on a daily basis.

As a result, we as users are left frustrated in a constant state of low-battery, scrapping to find the nearest plug to get some juice.

That’s where power banks come in. Whether you need to make sure you’re phone’s power lasts through the day, or your planning a weekend camping trip and don’t have electricity, power banks are always handy to have.

The good news is, they’re also fairly cheap. Although there are more expensive ones available, you can get a cheap one for around AUD$10.

 

3. Car Mounts

It goes without saying that driving and texting, or making calls whilst driving is dangerous and illegal in most countries. However, if you’re a busy person with a demanding job or hectic social life, then not having access to your phone whilst driving can be a pain.

The good news is that with the help of Siri, Cortana or whichever random voice activated woman you choose to spend your time with, you can actually access your phone and make calls using your voice.

Great, right? Well, it is, when your phone doesn’t go flying down the dashboard every time you turn.

That’s why car mounts are an essential item in 2019, as they can help you to stay connected and safe when you’re on the road.

 

4. A Selfie Case

If you’re a smartphone user under the age of 30, then it’s highly likely that you spend at least 30-40% of your time on your phone trying to capture the perfect selfie.

In a social media world, snapping the perfect picture is much more important than it used to be, but what if there was a gadget that could help you improve your selfie success rate?

Well, there is! Selfies cases are the answer to every Instagrammers prayers and can help you take the perfect pic, whatever the lighting conditions.

At the club? No problem. A backlit selfie case can help to make sure you never miss another opportunity to take a magnificent mugshot.

 

5. Fitness Trackers

If you’re a fitness enthusiast, or you’re really passionate about tracking your avocado consumption, then a fitness tracker is an absolute must-have accessory.

Whilst they’re not strictly smartphone dependant, most popular fitness trackers will seamlessly link up to your smartphone to help you to efficiently track your progress.

If you started the new year with a resolution to exercise more or stay fit, then a fitness tracker could help you to achieve your goals by giving you regular updates and reminders via your smartphone.

6. Portable Keyboards

If you’re the type of person that does a lot of work or sends emails from your phone, then a portable keyboard could make your life a lot easier.

There are a few different brands that sell portable keyboards which are foldable, pocket-sized and link up via Bluetooth to your phone.

These gadgets are perfect for sending long emails from your phone without getting thumb fatigue.

 

7. Gaming Controllers

If you’re a gaming fanatic who loves playing Fornite whilst you’re on the go, then this is the must-have accessory for you.

Lots of companies are now releasing gamepads that emulate the controllers of popular gaming brands like Xbox and PlayStation that can be used with your phone.

The controllers have a holster for your phone and can help take your smartphone gaming to the next level.

8. Waterproof Cases

Planning a big trip this year and want to make sure you can capture the perfect beach snaps? A waterproof case can help you do just that.

Whilst most modern smartphones come equipped with some level of waterproof capabilities, it’s always a good idea to give your prized possession some extra protection when you’re enjoying some seaside fun.

There are lots of different waterproof cases available, some more expensive than others, but most are reasonably priced and sufficient for providing an extra layer of protection for your peace of mind.

9. Selfie Sticks

Selfie sticks aren’t exactly a new concept, but they’re always handy to have, especially if you’re planning a holiday this year.

Selfie sticks can help you take the perfect group pictures and can also help you to snap great shots if you’re alone.

Whatever you’re up to, selfie sticks are usually quite useful in most scenarios, and they’re a pretty cheap accessory to add to your repertoire.

The post 9 Must-Have Smartphone Accessories for 2019 appeared first on TelcoWorld Corp..



source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/9-must-have-smartphone-accessories-for-2019/

Tuesday, 22 January 2019

6 Tips For Getting Your Smartphone Repaired

In the modern world, we use smartphones for just about everything. They wake us up in the morning, they help us all day at work, and they provide some much-needed recreation when we get home each evening. For all the reasons and more, when your phone breaks, it’s important that you know what to do and how to go about having it repaired. In this article, we’ll list some tips that can help if you’re unfortunate enough to suffer from some sort of smartphone malfunction.

1. Avoid Repairing it Yourself

When your smartphone breaks, it’s second nature to immediately hit the internet in search of a quick fix that can get you by. Whilst this is all that’s necessary in some cases, it’s never a good idea to start undertaking complex repairs using a guide that you found on Google. Granted, some people have a better knowledge of technology and electricals than others, but for most of us, undertaking tasks like replacing a broken screen or removing and replacing parts of a mobile phone are not familiar concepts. If you do find yourself in this particular situation, the best course of action is to hand over the phone to a professional.

Whilst paying for the repair might seem expensive on the surface, attempting it yourself will likely result in further damage and further expense if it’s completed incorrectly.

 

2. Don’t Go Directly to the Manufacturer If You Don’t Need To

With some smartphones, especially Apple devices, people may advise you to visit the manufacturer’s store if you need a repair. Whilst this is good advice, it could end up being more costly than visiting a generic repair shop. If you are still under warranty, you should check the repair information in the warranty agreement before going elsewhere, but in many cases, the manufacturers will be charging over the odds for simple repairs such as screen replacements and software repairs.

In some cases, a generic repair shop might not be able to help you, but they will be able to let you know what needs doing and they will probably advise you about situations when you will need to go to the manufacturers for help. However, if you’re not under warranty and you want to save money on repairs, then it’s always a good idea to get a few different quotes for the work, rather than defaulting to visiting the registered store.

 

3. Check Reviews

In the last point, we discussed the benefits of choosing local repairs shops over manufacturers but it is important to note that not all repair shops are made equal. Unfortunately, there is a small percentage of repair shops that don’t have the training required to carry out repairs to a good standard. For this reason, it’s important to be on guard for low-quality repairs and make sure you check out the shop’s reviews before going ahead with the repair.

In a lot of cases, word of mouth recommendations from family and friends is enough to go off, but if you are unsure, check out the repair shop’s website, or Google reviews to find out what type of experience previous customers had. In most cases, you’ll find that repair shop workers are well qualified and are keen to earn an honest living, but it’s always a good idea to be cautious.

 

4. Get More Than One Quote

Smartphone repairs can range in price, but if you’re on a budget, it’s a good idea to make sure that you’re getting the best deal possible. Our tip is to shop around a bit and see who is offering the repair for the best price. You may find that a lot of the shops are offering similar or the same price, but you should also find out how long it’s going to take.

Nobody wants to be without their phone for a long time and some shops may be able to offer quicker turnarounds than others. This is usually because they can source parts from their suppliers more quickly than their competitors, so there’s no need to be put off by fast turnarounds.

 

5. Check Your Warranty

As we touched upon a little bit earlier in this article, your phone may be covered by a warranty. If you think you may still have a warranty, check what type of repairs it covers, as this could make your repairs free or heavily discounted. If you do think your repair will be covered by your warranty, be sure to contact the manufacturer and double check what steps you need to take, as you don’t want to void your warranty by going to the wrong place or paying for a repair yourself.

 

6. Check Your Insurance

Some people decide to take out insurance when they buy a new phone to cover them for damage and repairs. However, some insurance policies will not cover repairs unless the customers adhere to all the terms laid out in the insurance agreement. Some companies can be notoriously stringent in their approach to make claiming for repairs extremely difficult, so it’s important to check your entitlements before you take any action.

As well as this, you may have insurance for your phone that you’re not aware of, so it’s important to check before you pay unnecessarily for repairs. In some cases, home contents insurance may include cover for your phone and some bank accounts may include insurance policies that cover personal items like smartphones and laptops. Of course, not all policies are the same, but it’s worth checking to make sure you aren’t paying for repairs that are covered by an insurance policy.

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source https://www.telcoworld.com.au/news-blog/6-tips-for-getting-your-smartphone-repaired/