Google Fi

Johnny is confused with what may be happening with Google Hang Outs. Leo says Hangouts worked great for everyone's text, messaging, video chat, audio chat and others. But Google has slowly been chipping away at deprecating it (removing features).

Micah's friend is going to Guatemala and he convinced her to get a new iPhone 11 for the trip. But her cell phone company won't take the phone unless they buy it from her. Leo says that's not true at all. The iPhone is unlocked by Apple. She may have to reset the APN so that the phone will download the proper network settings from US Cellular. One thing to consider is GOOGLE FI. It uses Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular. It won't work an iPhone on anything except T-Mobile, but it will work with a Moto G7. 

Terry is having an issue on his moto g4 plus phone that won't let him remove an app, and now his camera is crashing.  He's leaving in a week for Japan. Leo says that it's time to get a new phone because his phone is older. He recommends going with Google Fi because it's a great international travel phone. But if he wants to keep the phone, then Leo recommends backing up the phone on Google, and then reset it. Then, when restored, Google will restore all apps. Or, he can go into the Google store and see what he has downloaded and restore them manually. 

Jeff wants to get a new iPhone (he's using an iPhone 4) but he doesn't wait to pay a lot for data. Leo says to go with Mint Mobile (who is a sponsor on the TWiT Network). It's an MNVO (mobile virtual network operator) and you can pay $300 a year and get 12GB annually. That's a pretty good deal.  Another option is Google Fi. It requires one of their phones, but you can pay as you go and it's very affordable. Plus you get access to multiple networks: it's great for international travel. 

Sherman is going to be going hiking around the world and wants to know which service to go with? Leo says that Google Fi is great because it uses three separate mobile carriers. He could also go with TMobile, they offer 2G around the world for no extra cost. But it's slow. He's also getting a Chromebook, is an i5 processor fine? Leo says it'll be expensive, but he can. Does he need a VPN? Leo says not really.  Especially in a country like China, where using a VPN will get him arrested.

Scott uses Google Hangouts on his iPad Mini, but when he used it today, the little phone icon is missing. It's been removed from his personal account. What gives? Leo says Google has announced that it is eliminating Hangouts to all but Google Fi users. 

Tony is getting ready to sign up for Google Fi for his daughter, who's traveling overseas. After she gets back, can he transfer it to his Google account? Leo says it's a better idea to sign up for Google Fi with a new Google Voice account and number.

Don has a Samsung Galaxy S9 and they're going to take a cruise to the Baltic soon. He wants to know if he should sign up with Google Fi before he does. Rich used to buy the SIMs, which is the best way to do it. Don should check out Prepaidwithdata.wikia.com for what is the best in the countries Don is travelling to.  He can also try getting a MiFi Mobile Hotspot. That way he can use it overseas with multiple devices. He can also try using the Passport plan with his carrier. He can also check out Verizon's international options, which offer 2G coverage for free for users. 

Tony's daughter is travelling to Turkey and he wants to know if Google Fi is a good service for international travel with the Motorola Moto G6. Leo says it certainly is! Plus, it's affordable and about the same cost in Turkey as it is in the US.