iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry, or feature phones.
Mobile Phones
How can I backup my photos privately?
Episode 1371
Lisa from
Lisa wants to know what the future holds for saving storage and media when it comes to her personal data like photos and videos. Leo says that optical and physical media has been weeding itself out for quite some time, even though we still have hard drives. The trend is heading towards the cloud. The benefit is that she doesn't have to worry about file formats. She could continue to use hard drives, as they are getting cheaper and denser, but it's on her to keep them updated with the latest.
Dick DeBartolo, The Giz Wiz
Episode 1370
The Eparé Pocket Wine Aerator promises to turn wine into better tasting, more expensive wine. The device enhances the flavor and finish of wine by releasing its natural bouquet. Just push the button, and watch the aerating motor create tiny air bubbles which rapidly introduce oxygen into the wine, freeing its tertiary aroma. It accommodates all styles of wine, with 3 aeration settings, and it's small enough to store in your pocket. (Take it to a restaurant, bar, and even a picnic, too.) Aerate your glass on demand in as little as 15 seconds.
How can I recover text messages off a broken phone?
Episode 1370
Bill broke his phone screen and wants to know how he can get his text messages off it? Leo says that if it's an Android phone, he can connect a USB cable to it and it will act as a drive so he can get the data off it. Here's an option from techpluto.com. But if he doesn't have screen access, it could be hard.
What's an affordable wireless plan?
Episode 1370
Darryl from
Darryl needs a good, affordable smartphone and wireless carrier. He's thinking of the Apple iPhone SE. Leo says that the SE is a great option when trying to save some money. As for the carrier, none of the carriers provide great customer service, but it will come down to who has the best signal in his area. AT&T and Verizon will be the leaders, but Sprint and T-Mobile are very aggressive in giving out deals. Smaller carriers like MetroPCS may also be a good option, but the devil is in the details for data. So he should read the fine print on overages and base it on how much he uses.
Is my mobile phone secure?
Episode 1370
Scott from
Scott is worried about Vault 7 and the CIA's hacking. He's heard from Edward Snowden's tweets that the CIA has left a huge vulnerability in our mobile devices. Leo says that was the problem with the Feds wanting to crack Apple's iOS since once cracked, it's available to anyone. But the reality is, the hack is 3 years old and Apple has worked to close those vulnerabilities. So it's likely that unless Scott's phone hasn't been updated for three years, he's safe.
Is my Android phone secure?
Episode 1370
John from
John recently switched to the Android platform. He's liking it, but there are a lot of differences. Is it secure? Leo says that it is, but it is open source. He doesn't need an antivirus for his phone, but it's important to keep the phone updated. John should make sure his manufacturer and carrier is consistently making updates every month. Apple doesn't have that issue because Apple users always get the latest updates pushed to their phones with no middlemen. Android isn't that way, so some updates will be delayed by the manufacturer and some by the carrier.
Should I wait for the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus?
Episode 1369
Richard has Verizon and his wife is looking at the new Samsung Galaxy S7 edge. Should they wait for the S8 edge/plus? Leo says it'll be announced March 29th and be available for a few weeks after that. But the reality is, it's probably not going to be worth waiting for. The benefit is that it'll drop the price of the S7 considerably. The edge is pretty on those phones but with a lot of glass, you'll need a good case for it.
Is there a portable video projector?
Episode 1369
Karen is a teacher who travels from school to school and wants to know if there's a portable projector? Leo says what she's looking for a pico projector. The wireless connection solution may vary depending on support. They're usually DLNA format. Go to ProjectorCentral.com. Search for pico projectors. Motorola's Moto Z has an add on mod for a projector that attaches to the back of the phone.
Do I need to buy a smartphone?
Episode 1369
Veronica says that being in Alaska, mobile service is limited to Verizon or AT&T. Her contract is up and she's trying to decide if she should get a smartphone. Leo says it depends on LTE coverage where she is. Ask your friends and neighbors what they use and if they like it. Paying for data would be an additional monthly cost. There's no need to succumb to the pressure of getting a smart phone if she doesn't need it.
How do I use my phone traveling in Europe?
Episode 1369
Bill is a hiker. He's going to Europe and wants to know how to handle cell service with GPS. Leo says your phone is a great navigation tool buy a SIM in country. If you buy a SIM in country, check out Prepaidwithdata.wikia.com. It'll tell you what's available at your destination. The downside is that you'll get a different phone number with a prepaid SIM. Most carriers are now offering better unlimited international data roaming plans while you're traveling. The benefit here is that you get to use your own number.
