iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry, or feature phones.
Mobile Phones
Why do I have to pay to replace a faulty phone screen?
Episode 1643
José fromMark's Samsung phone has a defective screen, and his carrier won't replace it because they say it was damaged. But he says he didn't. They say that screen burn-in isn't covered. So he has to pay a huge deductible. Rich says to talk to the manager, surely since Mark hasn't had it that long, that they should help him out.
Borrow an eBook with LIBBY
Episode 1643
Libby is a mobile app that enables you to check out a library book for free, and transfer it to your Kindle app to read it. It takes a few minutes to sign up for a library card, and it's built with Overdrive, the standard in online book lending. You can also listen to audio books. iOS and Android.
How can I get my contacts into my new phone?
Episode 1643
Karen fromKaren had to get a new phone, but she didn't get her email contacts. What can be done? Rich says that since Karen had a Samsung Galaxy mobile device, all her contacts should be backed up to Google. But Karen had her email through AT&T, and if you go into AT&T's webmail interface, those contacts should be there and you can export them. But if there's nothing in the address book, then Karen has lost them all since she no longer has her contacts on her computer and tablet, she can export the contacts into a main file. Then you can import them to Google Contacts.
How can I go paperless?
Episode 1643
Christina fromSarah would like to go paperless in her office. How can she do that? Rich says that Sarah's Samsung Galaxy Note 10 has a built-in scanner capability and you can simply take a picture of your stuff and then use a scanning app that will then store your documents into the cloud, like in Evernote or Google Drive. Evernote's premium edition lets you search within it. But it's also proprietary, so Rich says that Google Drive is a better option. Scannable is Rich's favorite (iOS only). Google Drive will also directly scan using the "plus sign."
How Can I Unlock a Deceased Friend's Phone?
Episode 1642
Michael fromMichael has a friend who recently died and his phone is locked. How can his wife unlock it? Rich says that there really isn't a way to do that, which is why it's valuable to have a document with all that information on it. One thing to try is to contact the cell provider and see if they can help.
Why am I Being Charged More on My Cellphone Bill?
Episode 1642
Jeff fromJeff has a straight talk through Walmart and is looking to move to T-Mobile, where he was promised two phones for $55. But now, he's been billed for $100 extra every month. So now they're saying they didn't mean $55 total, but $55 each. What can he do? Rich says it sounds like the company didn't give him the right deal and saddled him with extra fees. If it's less than 30 days, he could just return it and cancel your service. If it's beyond the return window, then he may be stuck for the duration of the deal.
SatPaq Turns Your Phone Into a Satellite Text Messenger
Episode 1642
SATPAQ is a cool accessory for your cellphone that will give you the ability to send text messages via Satellite. Check out Rich's story on it here - https://ktla.com/2019/11/08/satpaq-satellite-text-messaging-smartphone-accessory-review/. But it's not cheap, at $250 plus.30 cents per text, sold in $100 packages. As long as you can see the southern sky though, it can keep you connected. Uses Bluetooth and supports both Android and iOS.
Phantom Texts Happen!
Episode 1642
People are getting text messages out of nowhere from people you don't know or remember. Turns out that phantom texts are a thing, and they happen when a text message doesn't get delivered until up to a year later!
Is Fingerprint Unlock Going Away?
Episode 1642
Julian fromJulian is blind and relies on touch ID on his iPhone a lot. But he's worried that the fingerprint ID is being replaced and will no longer be available in mobile phones. Rich says he's heard rumors that Apple may be bringing it back in the next iPhone in 2020, so stay tuned. Meanwhile, check out IOS13's new VOICE CONTROL feature.
Also, check out the Braille Institute's Best in Tech LA conference, coming Sat, Nov 16 at the
Why isn't my iPhone touch screen working?
Episode 1641
Tom fromTom's iPhone 5S died, and he bought a new iPhone 8. But he's not having luck with the 3D touch option. It just doesn't respond. And at other times, it seems overly sensitive. What is going on? Rich says that since the phone is still under warranty, it'll be worth going to the Apple Store and have the digitizer tested. If you don't have one nearby, Best Buy is now an authorized iPhone service center. A reboot of the phone will also help.
