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Fabric takes the pain out of life insurance

AG Deals Team
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Purchasing life insurance is a bummer. It means thinking about the worst-case scenario, which can be a dread-inducing experience. And then there’s the actual process of shopping for it. Skimming through plans with lots of fine-print and details that can feel difficult to understand and submitting yourself to a barrage of cold-calling agents and health exams is enough to make a person throw their hands up in the air and give up.

Some of the challenges in finding life insurance is part of the reason why Millennials are uncovered or undercovered by their policy. According to New York Life, Millennials self-report a 78 percent shortfall in life insurance coverage. That means more than three in four Millennial families are at significant risk of facing financial hardship if the worst were to happen.

You do not want to be on the wrong side of that daunting statistic. You want to take care of your family and make sure that your loved ones have access to the resources they need should something happen. You also want to make the process of getting those resources as simple and convenient as possible. That is where Fabric comes in.

Fabric has defined a modern life insurance experience. Through its easy-to-navigate digital experience, Fabric lets you customize your term length and coverage in a matter of a few taps. Set up 10-, 15-, or 20-year terms with coverage extending from $100,000 to $5,000,000.

You can set it all up easily, without jumping through all of the hoops that life insurance typically requires, too. You don’t need to set up long sales calls and meetings, or go through unnecessary medical exams and blood tests. All you need is 10 minutes to apply for your policy online.

Fabric could help get you the modern life insurance policy that you need. It is simple to set up and will provide you and your family the peace of mind that you deserve. Take 10 minutes out of your day to secure your family’s future.

Realme GT debuts with high-end specs and mid-range price

Scott Webster
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Chinese phone maker realme on Tuesday announced its latest handset, the high-end GT, for several European markets. Comprised of robust hardware specifications, it is priced much lower than its contemporaries. In other words, it’s the latest attempt at a “flagship killer.”

Priced as low as €369 (~ $450 USD), the Realme GT boasts a 6.4-inch HD display with 120Hz refresh rate with an in-display fingerprint sensor.

The phone runs Android 11 but is among the first on the market to support the Android 12 Beta 1. According to realme, it will launch an updated UI later this year based on feedback from the Developer Preview program.

Key hardware details include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor with 8GB/12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 storage capacities.

In terms of cameras, the realme GT has a 64-megapixel primary camera, 8-megapixel ultrawide, 2-megapixel macro, and 16-megapixel selfie shooter.

The 4,500mAh battery should be more than sufficient for a day and half of usage; the 65W fast charging ensures it takes but a few minutes to juice up.

There is no option for wireless charging but it does have a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The title of “flagship killer” is commonly thrown around the smartphone space; it was also what OnePlus billed its handsets in the first generations. Realme, who has emerged from the same original source (Oppo) and supply chain, looks to be more worthy of the moniker for now

Availability

Pricing and availability is a tad interesting and perhaps even confusing. The 8GB+128GB will be priced at €449 (~$550 USD) with an early-bird promo of €369 (~$450 USD), on sale from June 21 via Ali Express. The 12GB+256GB will be priced at €599 (~$725 USD) with an early-bird promo of €499 (~$600 USD) available from June 21st to all consumers during Amazon Prime Day.

Cricket Wireless Buyer’s Guide

AndroidGuys
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A growing number of US consumers are becoming familiar with Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Metro, Boost Mobile, and Straight Talk. They operate using the towers and infrastructure from the big players but have their own rates, customer service, and phone selection.

Let’s take a look at one of them in particular: Cricket Wireless

About

Cricket Wireless (Cricket) initially launched in 1999 and is a US-based prepaid wireless service provider; it’s a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T. It offers its own lineup of GSM phones, many of which are also found at other carriers. As one might expect, it uses AT&T for its coverage.

Does Cricket have any special deals?

Currently you can find a number of phones discounted with new phone numbers, upgrades, and porting your existing number. Some models are even free with the right combination of port-in and signing up for a particular rate plan.

READ: Buying an unlocked phone? Consider these questions

Additionally, Cricket has discounted phones from Motorola, Nokia, and Samsung with some of them potentially free with a plan.

What are Cricket rate plans like?

Cricket rate plans are no-contract, meaning you can go month-to-month with no long-term agreement or cancellation fees. Moreover, they do not charge for going over your allotted data and taxes are included in the cost.

  • $30/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with 2GB of high-speed data
  • $40/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with 10GB of high-speed data
  • $55/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with unlimited data
  • $60/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with unlimited high-speed data 15GB mobile hotspot

Customers can save $5 per month on most plans with automatic bill payment. The $55 plan has data speeds which are limited to a max of 8Mbps while the $60 option is quicker and includes the hotspot feature. Depending on location and phone, subscribers may see 5G speeds on the $60 plan.

Does Cricket offer multiple line plans?

Customers interested in family plans or multiple lines can do so with discounted pricing. Cricket will let you calculate rates for two to five lines. On the $55 Unlimited Plan, for instance, you get at the following monthly rates:

  • 2 Lines – $80/mo ($30 discount)
  • 3 Lines – $90/mo ($75 discount)
  • 4 Lines – $100/mo ($120 discount)
  • 5 lines – $125/mo ($150 discount)

Which major prepaid carrier has the best $40 rate plan?

Are there any other Cricket features or offerings?

Cricket offers a handful of other options to its customers, most of which can pair with the aforementioned rate plans. Details here include international calling, insurance against lost and stolen phones, extra data, and mobile hotspot.

Cricket also sells Data Only options with 20GB ($35), 40GB ($50), and 100GB ($90) allotments.

What phones are available at Cricket?

Taking a look at the current lineup of phones offered through Cricket we find familiar names from brands like LG, Samsung, and Motorola. There are also devices from the likes of Nokia, and Alcatel, too.

Like most prepaid providers, phone selection skews toward affordability as opposed to performance. With that said, we do recognize there are some compelling devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G or the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G.

AT&T is the largest wireless network in the US, serving nearly 160 million subscribers. And with it comes a large selection of phones. But what about its prepaid brand, Cricket Wireless? What options does it have when it comes to Android handsets?

To be sure, it doesn’t have the same variety of handsets, and a large percentage of them are older or refurbished phones.

Nevertheless, we’ve gathered up a handful of the best phones you can purchase at Cricket Wireless today. Because truth be told, there are still some incredible bargains to be had there.

As always, we suggest buying an unlocked phone or a used tier-one AT&T phone for use with AT&T Prepaid. The options are plentiful in both directions and you’ll likely get something more powerful.

Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus

Take Samsung’s flagship phone from 2020 and dial things up a smidge; that’s what you get from this one. It’s everything an early adopter could love, including a large screen, excellent cameras, and generous battery. Oh, and power on top of power.

Running the show is a late version of Android with Samsung’s much-improved custom touches, an experience we’ve really come to enjoy. Other features we love include the in-display fingerprint reader, wireless charging and power sharing, and its tons of storage space.

Samsung Galaxy A51

The Galaxy S series gets all of the fanfare, but the Galaxy A line is just as good for many users. Indeed, these lower cost options give consumers the same great Samsung design but with just the right amount of features. We’re talking maybe half the price yet still no noticeable difference in performance.

Standout features in the Galaxy A51 include a 6.5-inch HD display, and quad-camera (16MP main lens, 120 degree ultra wide, 2MP depth camera, and 2MP macro) array. An octa-core processor is paired 3GB RAM and 32GB storage. The phone runs Android 10 with a 4,000mAh battery should most users far beyond a full day.

Samsung Galaxy A51

Samsung Galaxy A10e

For a fraction of the price of a flagship experience customers can purchase Samsung Galaxy A10e, a phone that’s perfect for first-time and prepaid users.

Standout features include a 5.83-inch HD display, an 8-megapixel rear camera, and a 5-megapixel front-facing sensor. An octa-core processor is paired with Android 9.0, and there’s plenty of storage room available internally and via microSD expansion cards. The 3,000mAh battery should get typical users through more than a full day, and the USB Type-C port means lightning fast charging.

LG Stylo 6

Big, practical, and the only one with a stylus, the LG Stylo 6 provides users with a large screen and an extra bit of functionality. The 6.8-inch display offers up plenty of high-definition space for scribbling notes, marking up documents, and more.

Running Android 10, the phone is powered by an octa-core processor with 3GB RAM. Storage comes in at 64GB but a microSD expansion card slot opens the door for up to 2TB external media.

Wrapping things up, the LG handset has a triple camera configuration on the rear, front-facing 13-megapixel selfie camera, and a 4,000mAh battery.

Nokia 3.1 Plus

Younger users might not even know that there used to be a Nokia from the days before Android. Nevertheless, we love the stuff that the brand puts out today and find it to be some of the more interesting value propositions.

Don’t let that price fool you; it’s all the phone that most prepaid users might need as 2020 gets underway. Included are a large (5.99-inch) screen and a 3,500mAh battery that lasts well beyond a day. We’re also really fond of the Android 9 Pie software build and USB Type-C charging.

When you’re buying multiple phones for a family you don’t want to spend any more than necessary. The Nokia phone is an excellent option for first time users and parents alike.

Motorola Moto G7 Supra

We absolutely adore what Motorola does with its Android phones, particularly along the lower end of the price spectrum. Its handsets run a bare bones Android experience that leaves things pretty much the way Google intended. In other words, clean, intuitive, and user friendly.

Here, you get a massive (6.2-inch) HD screen, a modern build of Android, and respectable smattering of mid-range hardware. Key details include an octa-core processor, 32GB internal storage, and a microSD card slot for external media.

Other things we appreciate? A water resistant coating, USB Type-C charging, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The best part of all? There’s a 5,000mAh battery that’s good enough to get typical users through two days of usage.

Can I use my own phone at Cricket?

You can often use your current GSM phone, especially if it was previously paired with AT&T. Head to Cricket’s website to check whether your specific model is supported. You’ll want to ensure that your phone is unlocked prior to purchasing the SIM card kit currently priced at just $10.

Google to roll out six new Android features this summer

Josiah Ward
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Every so often, Google likes to drop some new Android features. They’re not part of any new Android version, they’re just some useful features. The last time they did this was back in February, and this included Password Checkup and Message scheduling in Google Messages. This time around, Google is rolling out six new features.

Android Earthquake Alerts System

Anroid Earthquake Alerts System has been in the works for a year as a way to alert people of an earthquake seconds before it happens. Previously available in New Zealand and Greece, rollout is expanded to Turkey, the Phillipines, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Google hopes for greater rollout over the year.

Messages

Google Messages starring

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed information that was communicated over text but it’s impossible to find in the slew of text messages you send and receive in a day? Well, apparently Google has too. Now, in Google Messages, you can now star a message. If you need to revisit it, tap on the “starred” category in Google Messages and it’ll be right there.

This feature is expected to roll out over the next few weeks.

Emoji Kitchen

Need the perfect sticker in the heat of a really good conversation? Emoji Kitchen’s got your back. Soon, Emoji Kitchen will be able to give you contextual suggestions once a message is typed.

This feature is currently available in Gboard beta and will roll out to all Gboard users soon for messages written in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

More voice smarts

Hands full or on the go? Google Assistant can help. Now, you can Ask Google to open or search many apps so you can accomplish tasks quickly and easily, even from the lock screen.

Voice Access

Improved Voice Access

Voice Access is a program meant for people with motor disabilities that allows you to navigate your phone and apps.

Now, this capability is improved with the beta feature gaze detection, which can make it so Voice Access only works when you’re looking at your screen.

Voice Access also now has improved password input to let you input letters, numbers, and symbols quickly and easily, including if you need a letter to be capitalized.

Android Auto

Android Auto is now more customizable, with a personalized launcher, manual dark modes, and easier app navigation within the interface.

EV charging, parking and navigation apps are now available in Android Auto, as well as an enhanced messaging experience.

You can read more about the new features here.

Accessing and recovering data with a live Linux distribution

AndroidGuys
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While Linux operating systems – also known as distributions or distros, for short – tend to be less consumer-friendly than Windows and even recent Mac platforms, they do offer quite a bit of functionality that isn’t readily available in mainstream operating systems. One such feature, which can even be applied to other platforms, is the ability to easily recover data from a failed drive via a live Linux distro. 

How to Access a Failed System

A live Linux distribution is used to introduce potential users to the Linux platform. It runs entirely in a system’s RAM and it doesn’t make any changes to saved data. Many different distros, including Ubuntu, use this feature as a highly effective way of showcasing their features and functionality. 

But it’s also useful when trying to access and recover data from a failing drive. In many cases, hard drive failure and data corruption only affects a specific portion of the drive. While this renders data in that section inaccessible and, in many cases, unrecoverable, any data that is stored outside of the affected might remain intact. If your system files have become corrupted, for example, there’s a good chance that your personal files, which are hosted in a different sector on the drive, are still recoverable. 

To begin the process and find out, simply install Ubuntu onto a USB flash drive, boot your system and, when prompted, click on “Try Ubuntu.” By clicking this option instead of installing it, you’ll effectively launch a live instance of Ubuntu. Many other Linux distros support this feature in some form or another, but the method for accessing the live instance will likely vary depending on the exact distro you’re using.  

If you’re an advanced user, you’ll be able to locate the failed or corrupted hard drive in question once you’ve launched Ubuntu into your system’s RAM. From here, it’s just a matter of mounting the device within Linux and copying that data to another USB drive. For best results, try to avoid using the same drive that contains your Linux distro. 

From here, it’s just a matter of copying your data back onto a fully functional machine. While you might be missing some of your data, including whatever was stored in the failed or corrupted sectors, the majority of your information should still be available. 

Comparing the Alternatives

Remember: this doesn’t apply strictly to Linux systems. The above tips can be useful in accessing and recovering data from Windows and Mac systems, too, but they’re only general guidelines. If a live Linux distro doesn’t work, you might find better luck with the latest in data recovery software. 

There are plenty of options to choose from – including many choices that are built specifically for the Linux platform. R-Studio, for example, is a professional solution that is developed and maintained by a highly skilled team of experts. Not only is R-Studio’s software capable of accessing and recovering data that a live Linux distro cannot, but the software itself was engineered with modern Linux distros – and modern data problems – in mind. 

The best Android phones available at Cricket Wireless

AndroidGuys
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0

AT&T is the largest wireless network in the US, serving nearly 160 million subscribers. And with it comes a large selection of phones. But what about its prepaid brand, Cricket Wireless? What options does it have when it comes to Android handsets?

To be sure, it doesn’t have the same variety of handsets, and a large percentage of them are older or refurbished phones.

Nevertheless, we’ve gathered up a handful of the best phones you can purchase at Cricket Wireless today. Because truth be told, there are still some incredible bargains to be had there.

As always, we suggest buying an unlocked phone or a used tier-one AT&T phone for use with AT&T Prepaid. The options are plentiful in both directions and you’ll likely get something more powerful.

Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus

Take Samsung’s flagship phone from 2020 and dial things up a smidge; that’s what you get from this one. It’s everything an early adopter could love, including a large screen, excellent cameras, and generous battery. Oh, and power on top of power.

Running the show is a late version of Android with Samsung’s much-improved custom touches, an experience we’ve really come to enjoy. Other features we love include the in-display fingerprint reader, wireless charging and power sharing, and its tons of storage space.

Samsung Galaxy A51

The Galaxy S series gets all of the fanfare, but the Galaxy A line is just as good for many users. Indeed, these lower cost options give consumers the same great Samsung design but with just the right amount of features. We’re talking maybe half the price yet still no noticeable difference in performance.

Standout features in the Galaxy A51 include a 6.5-inch HD display, and quad-camera (16MP main lens, 120 degree ultra wide, 2MP depth camera, and 2MP macro) array. An octa-core processor is paired 3GB RAM and 32GB storage. The phone runs Android 10 with a 4,000mAh battery should most users far beyond a full day.

Samsung Galaxy A51

Samsung Galaxy A10e

For a fraction of the price of a flagship experience customers can purchase Samsung Galaxy A10e, a phone that’s perfect for first-time and prepaid users.

Standout features include a 5.83-inch HD display, an 8-megapixel rear camera, and a 5-megapixel front-facing sensor. An octa-core processor is paired with Android 9.0, and there’s plenty of storage room available internally and via microSD expansion cards. The 3,000mAh battery should get typical users through more than a full day, and the USB Type-C port means lightning fast charging.

LG Stylo 6

Big, practical, and the only one with a stylus, the LG Stylo 6 provides users with a large screen and an extra bit of functionality. The 6.8-inch display offers up plenty of high-definition space for scribbling notes, marking up documents, and more.

Running Android 10, the phone is powered by an octa-core processor with 3GB RAM. Storage comes in at 64GB but a microSD expansion card slot opens the door for up to 2TB external media.

Wrapping things up, the LG handset has a triple camera configuration on the rear, front-facing 13-megapixel selfie camera, and a 4,000mAh battery.

Nokia 3.1 Plus

Younger users might not even know that there used to be a Nokia from the days before Android. Nevertheless, we love the stuff that the brand puts out today and find it to be some of the more interesting value propositions.

Don’t let that price fool you; it’s all the phone that most prepaid users might need as 2020 gets underway. Included are a large (5.99-inch) screen and a 3,500mAh battery that lasts well beyond a day. We’re also really fond of the Android 9 Pie software build and USB Type-C charging.

When you’re buying multiple phones for a family you don’t want to spend any more than necessary. The Nokia phone is an excellent option for first time users and parents alike.

Motorola Moto G7 Supra

We absolutely adore what Motorola does with its Android phones, particularly along the lower end of the price spectrum. Its handsets run a bare bones Android experience that leaves things pretty much the way Google intended. In other words, clean, intuitive, and user friendly.

Here, you get a massive (6.2-inch) HD screen, a modern build of Android, and respectable smattering of mid-range hardware. Key details include an octa-core processor, 32GB internal storage, and a microSD card slot for external media.

Other things we appreciate? A water resistant coating, USB Type-C charging, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The best part of all? There’s a 5,000mAh battery that’s good enough to get typical users through two days of usage.

Verizon has a great deal on accessories for customers who are vaccinated

Jason England
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Verizon has a new deal that will either incentivize you to get the vaccine or reward you for already taking it. Starting on June 15, 2021, Verizon customers who have had at least one dose of the vaccine will be eligible to receive a promo code for 10% off of one accessory.

Additionally, if you’re a first responder, nurse, teacher, or member of the military then this deal is also open to you whether you’ve been vaccinated or not.

To make the deal even better, the promo code will stack on top of other offers. For example, starting tomorrow, you could pick up a pair of Sony’s fantastic WH-1000XM4 ANC headphones for $270, which have a retail price of $350. If you’re looking to expand your smart home, you could grab the Google Nest Hub Max for $180.88 instead, saving you nearly $50 off the normal price. Below is a list of some other great deals you can take advantage of during this promotion.

  • Apple AirPods Pro for $179.99 (reg. $249.99; 6/15-6/20)
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones for $269.99 (reg. $349.99; 6/15-6/20)
  • Eufy RoboVac G30 Verge for $224.99 (reg. $349.99; 6/15-6/20)
  • JBL Quantum ONE Gaming headset for $224.99 (reg. $349.99; 6/15-6/27)
  • Google Nest Hub Max for $180.88 (reg. $229.99; 6/15-6/27)
  • Arlo Video Doorbell for $116.99 (reg. $149.99; 6/15-7/4)
  • Razer Kishi for Android (Xbox) Gaming Controller for $80.99 (reg. $99.99; 6/15-6/19)
  • Fitbit Charge 4 for $89.99 (reg. $129.99; 6/14-6/19)

As you can see, you can really save quite a bit of money on some fantastic products by stacking this discount on top of other offers. However, there are some restrictions on which products are eligible, any item that ends with $0.97 is exempt from the 10% off code. Anything else is free game. So, how do you go about getting this discount?

In order to get in on these savings, you’ll have to have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or have one of the eligible professions. Next, you’ll need to visit the promotion page. Once there, you’ll need to fill out a form, and afterward, you’ll receive a one-time use promotion code within 24 hours for 10% off eligible accessories.

You’ll want to hurry though, because Verizon is only running this promo until the end of July, and codes must be used by August 15, 2021.

Walmart Family Mobile Buyer’s Guide

AndroidGuys
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Most wireless customers are familiar with the big-name brands in Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Relatively few buyers, though, are as well-versed when it comes to the topic of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO).

Companies like Metro, Boost Mobile, and Cricket Wireless license the towers and coverage from tier-one providers but offer their own phones, rate plans, and customer service.

Walmart Family Mobile is one such MVNO and is certainly worth closer inspection. Yes, that Walmart.

See Also

How is coverage for Walmart Family Mobile?

Using T-Mobile’s network for its service, Walmart Family Mobile is a service provider that exists almost virtually. While you cannot go into a dedicated Walmart Family Mobile store, customers can pay for their service at Walmart locations. Moreover, if you go to Walmart’s website, you can shop for phones and SIM cards.

Given that it does employ T-Mobile’s network, it does allow for customers to use their own devices. If you’ve already purchased an unlocked GSM phone, chances are good it will work just fine with Walmart Family Mobile. Those which might be locked to other carriers, however, may need to be unlocked before making the switch.

What are Walmart Family Mobile plans like?

Keeping things nice and simple is the name of the game here. There are currently four rate plans to choose from, all of which stay under $50 per month. As one might expect, each comes with its own amount of data.

  • $24.88 per month – Unlimited talk, text and 2GB 4G LTE data
  • $29.88 per month – Unlimited talk, text and 5GB of 4G LTE data
  • $39.88 per month – Unlimited talk, text and 20GB of 4G LTE data
  • $49.88 per month – Unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE data, plus 30GB hotspot

There are no overage fees for hitting your data threshold. Once met, the speeds are throttled to 2G bandwidth for the rest of the billing cycle.

If the network gets congested, Walmart Family Mobile customers may notice reduced speeds.

Can I do multiple lines at Walmart Family Mobile?

Yes, customers interested in family plans or multiple lines can add them to the unlimited data plan for $24.88 per line. Doing so gives the additional lines the same pool of data. In essence, it’s the $49.88 plan plus the $24.88.

You can currently get unlimited data for two lines for a total of $75 per month with each line getting 30GB of mobile hotspot. There is a limit of five lines per account through the service provider.

Are there any ways to save money?

If you qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, or other social assistance programs, you are probably eligible for the “Lifeline” Financial Assistance. Should you be approved you’ll save $10 on your bill each month.

What deals does Walmart Family Mobile have?

There are a number of phones listed with “Rollback” pricing on the Walmart website. These are often limited time promotions, but can save anywhere from $50-$200 on some models.

International Calling

Walmart Family Mobile offers $10 Extras Pack bundles which can be used for international calling and roaming. Rates vary by location.

How is the phone selection at Walmart Family Mobile?

Taking a look at the current lineup of phones offered through Walmart Family Mobile we find relatively few Android devices. In essence, it’s a smattering of LG, Motorola, and Samsung handsets. The selection is a mixed bag, and it skews heavily toward affordability and not power.

There are plenty of wireless service providers to choose from, at least here in the United States. In fact, it may seem as if there are too many options to consider. But when it comes down to it, many of them rely on the networks offered by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Walmart Family Mobile, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), is one such carrier. Indeed, it has its own rate plans and features, but it licenses coverage from T-Mobile.

When it comes to buying a phone for use on Walmart Family Mobile there are a few options to consider. For starters, you can bring your current T-Mobile device to the carrier. Additionally, you can buy an unlocked phone for use on Walmart Family Mobile.

You can check to see if your current device is compatible with Walmart Family Mobile by texting BYOP to 611611.

Customers can also purchase a phone directly from Walmart Family Mobile. While there’s a fairly robust handset selection to peruse, select models rise to the top.

What follows are some of the best Android phones available at Walmart Family Mobile today. These aren’t the most powerful, but rather the best for particular needs.

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra

The Best Available

Perhaps one of the best handsets you’ll find at any carrier this year, you’ll have a tough time beating this one. It’s the hardware and software experience that rivals nearly all comers.

For your money you get a gorgeous and spacious 6.9-inch display, incredible multi-camera array, and long-lasting battery. Under the hood is a powerhouse processor with lots of memory and storage. Most folks could see years of usage from this one.

Shop the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra at Walmart

Motorola Moto G7 Optimo

Well-rounded and Affordable

This is a great phone for first-time buyers and those who don’t need all that much from their handset. It’s a solid mix of entry-level hardware with a clean and user-friendly version of Android.

The Motorola phone offers up a 5.7-inch HD+ display, 13-megapixel rear camera, and a 3,000mAh battery. That should be plenty sufficient for your social media, light gaming, web browsing, and email.

Shop the Motorola Moto G7 Optimo at Walmart

Samsung Galaxy S9

Yesterday’s Flagship

One of the best things about today’s breed of smartphones is that you can often purchase a generation or two later and still end up with more than you need. That’s the case here as the popular Samsung phone still handles all of your tasks.

For about one third of today’s flagship phone you can get something that will last a couple of years. We’re talking plenty of hardware, a beauty of a screen, and one of the better cameras around.

Shop the Samsung Galaxy S9 at Walmart

LG Rebel 4

First-Time Buyer

If you’ve never owned a smartphone, or are giving your child their first handset, you likely don’t want to spend that much money. To that end, you can get a decent phone for cheap.

The LG Rebel 4 is a little older than the others here but there’s a reason it’s still offered. Priced well under $50 you get a 5-inch display, 8-megapixel camera, and decent hardware. It won’t set the world on fire, but you’ll have a better understanding of needs for the next device.

Shop the LG Rebel 4 at Walmart

Can I use my own phone with Walmart Family Mobile?

Don’t forget, you can also bring your own GSM phone so be sure to look around at places like Amazon, B&H, or Best Buy. You may find something better or more in line with your needs.

SIM Card kits are available in both standard/micro and nano packages. Typical retail pricing is $25 for those; however, they are often discounted. As of today Walmart has them for just $.99 each.

Just $30, this audio bundle is tips, tricks, and best practices for podcasters

AG Deals Team
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Here’s a little secret for all you would-be podcasters and vloggers out there: people are willing to forgive subpar video as long as the audio quality is good. That is to say listeners desire high quality audio and seek it out.

A USC study from a few years back found that when subjects were asked to rate two versions of the same YouTube talk they found the harder-to-hear version to be worse. In fact, even though it was the same content, the subjects described the speaker as less likable and less intelligent.

“As soon as we reduced the audio quality, all of a sudden, the scientists and their research lost credibility,” Newman said.

Audio matters. If you’re looking to create your own content and plan to have audio as part of it, you’d be wise to do things right. The 2021 Premium Audio Production Bundle ($29.99 in the AG Deals Store), provides seven hours of tools, tricks, and best practices for professionals.

Whether it’s for podcasts, videos, voice-overs, presentations, or something else, this suite is here to help. Over nearly 100 lessons you’ll find pro-tips on what software to use and how to do it.

2021 Premium Audio Production Bundle Features

  • Audio Recording 101: Record Voice Audio for Video Production – Record Spoken Voice Audio & Process in Audacity for Video Production and Podcasts
  • Audacity Essentials for Voiceover: Record, Edit & Process Audio – Learn the essentials of Audacity for Recording, Editing & Processing Voice
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Ting Buyer’s Guide

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Many people know about the big name wireless service providers of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. This is for good reason – they advertise everywhere and they basically own the airwaves.

What about those random brands that you might have seen in the store but don’t really know? What’s the difference between them and the more popular carriers? Are they a risk or gamble? Are they too good to be true?

Let’s take a look at a relatively newer carrier, Ting. This guide will serve to help you understand what the MVNO offers and how it stacks up against others.

About Ting

Launched in 2012, Ting finds itself in the increasingly crowded segment of low-cost, no-frills alternatives. Ting was one of the first in the industry to popularize the pay-for-what-you-use structure.

Does Ting support GSM or CDMA?

Ting’s service uses the Verizon and DISH networks for CDMA coverage and T-Mobile for GSM, but it operates with its own plans and features. You can check potential coverage ahead of time, even checking expectations based on the phone you currently own.

Finding unlocked phones with support for GSM is much easier as the selection is larger. Moreover, if you travel internationally, the GSM-based devices will work just fine, and without requiring any major changes.

Tell me about Ting rate plans

Ting’s rate plans are pretty straightforward, giving consumers a few options that cover the bases for most user types. All of the plans include unlimited talk and text with nationwide LTE + 5G data; data speed is reduced to 2G after monthly data allotment is exceeded.

  • Flex ($10/mo.) – Data is $5 per gigabyte
  • Set 5 ($25/mo.) – Includes 5GB data which can also be used as hotspot
  • Unlimited ($45/mo.) – Includes 22GB data, 12GB of which can also be used as hotspot
  • Unlimited Pro ($60/mo.) – Includes 35GB data, 30GB of which can also be used as hotspot

You can set alerts and caps in the Ting Dashboard, and create limits on individual lines. This is peace of mind for parents who might be otherwise worried about a child using an exorbitant amount of data for streaming HD video.

Are there any other Ting features worth noting?

Ting users can benefit from calling more than 60 countries at no additional cost. All minutes are counted the same whether it’s US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Puerto Rico, or a bunch of others.

Ting offers a cancellation-fee reimbursement if switch from another service provider. You’ll get back 25 percent of whatever it costs for you to leave your carrier, whether an early termination fee or a balance remaining on your phone. Reimbursement is capped at $75 in credit on your account.

What about Ting handset selection?

As mentioned above, Ting allows for both GSM and CDMA phones.  If you’re interested in bringing your own, check your existing phone IMEI to see whether it’s compatible with its service.

For those who want to purchase a phone, Ting has a fairly well-rounded selection of devices. Looking at it today we see new and notable models like the Motorola one 5G ace and Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

Ting offers a small selection of phones, however it’s comprised mainly of Samsung and Apple, with a few LG and Motorola models sprinkled in. For what it’s worth, it does offer the iPhone 11 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S10+, and Google Pixel 4a.

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