The Desert Computer Tutor

Tag: Android phones

  • You Don’t Need A New Galaxy S10 Phone

    You Don’t Need A New Galaxy S10 Phone

    image of Galaxy new S10 PhoneI just read a review of the new Galaxy S10 and S10+ by Engadget and was absolutely amazed that it was described as “a superb phone” in spite of an “inconsistent fingerprint sensor and a subpar digital assistant.”

    If you like technology simple, easy and fun like I do, you’re probably wondering…

    • Why in the world would anyone spend $1000 for a phone?
    • Do I need an amazing screen to check email, text messages and use Google maps?
    • Am I watching YouTube videos and movies on my phone?
    • The only reason  to have a big screen is to have larger keys on the keyboard for typing and with a good voice assistant and predictive text, I don’t even need to use the keyboard very much.

    And speaking of typing, it’s critically important to me that a phone’s digital assistant can understand me and type accurately.  I’ve found Google assistant to be much better at this than Siri.  Samsung may have improved it’s Bixby assistant but I wouldn’t even consider paying $1,000 for second-rate voice to text.

    Another huge priority for me is a digital assistant that can find answers for me and deliver them verbally.  Apple’s Siri doesn’t understand me and she isn’t very smart.  The Google assistant (I call her Google Girl) is much more capable.  Whereas Siri (if she can find anything at all) will display a search results page, Google Girl will usually tell me verbally what I want to know.  This is particularly important when I’m driving my car.

    The other most important feature to me, is a quick and reliable way to unlock my phone.  I’ve grudgingly accepted the fact that we need to keep our phones locked but it’s a big nuisance.

    The fingerprint sensor on my iPhone 6 Plus is not only inconsistent but it forgets the fingerprints over time and I have had to go into the settings and set them up again.

    I don’t bother with fingerprints anymore.  I just use my 5 digit passcode. It’s quicker and it always works the first time.

    There are android phones for $250 that will do everything I need and that’s what I’ll be getting as soon as my iPhone 6 Plus (a gift from my wonderful son) dies or is rendered obsolete.

    If you’d like to simplify your techie life in this way and want recommendations for purchasing a new phone or help with setup and learning how to use it, you can schedule an appointment here or call 760-348-8867.

    What kind of phone do you have?  What do you like and dislike about it?  Let us know in the comments below so we can all benefit from your experience.

     

     

  • Good News – Phones Unlocked!

    Good News – Phones Unlocked!

    The government has agreed to the unlocking of devices in the United States  This means you can now unlock your mobile phone or tablet (iPhones, iPads, Android smartphones and tablets) and use it with a different wireless network carrier. All major service providers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and U.S cellular are now allowing the unlocking of devices so you can switch to the carrier service that is best for you.  Previously, if you wanted to change your network provider you had to buy a new phone.

    Wireless carriers you can see if you allow images in your email app

    The unlocking policy and methods vary according to the network provider. The unlocking process is free if you fit into the rules set by the provider.  Before making your request to unlock the device, check the company policy and make sure you are eligible.

    Please forward this to everyone you know so they can be safe and feel relaxed, happy and confident with their computers and techie gadgets.

    Thoughts or comments about this topic?
    Please comment below.

    Thanks!