How do Apple and Samsung work against us? Listen now to find out how they’re making your tech gadgets harder to use.
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The 3G shutdown impacts more than just your phone - These devices may stop working
While you don’t always need the latest and greatest tech gadgets, there are times when the need to upgrade is essential. This is the case for many people, with cellular networks phasing out the 3G standard. Older smartphones will lose most of their essential functions, including the ability to make and receive calls and texts.
The 3G shutdown will also affect many car models that rely on a network connection for features like GPS, voice assistants and emergency call services. Tap or click here for more details on how your car may be affected.
It doesn’t stop there, either. The shutdown will impact virtually any connected device running solely on a 3G network. Read on for details and tips on how to avoid being left behind.
3G is going extinct in 2022
With billions of smartphones out there, many people will first feel the impact of the 3G shutdown. Cellular networks began deploying 4G LTE networks in 2010 and phone manufacturers followed with compatible models.
More than a decade later, the three biggest providers have announced they’re phasing out 3G networks in 2022:
- AT&T said it will shut down 3G networks in February.
- Verizon said it will pull the plug on 3G on December 31.
- T-Mobile said it will shut down Sprint 3G networks on March 31. T-Mobile’s own 3G networks will be gone by July 1.
There’s only so much wireless spectrum and infrastructure out there, so the old must be cleared to make way for the new. As 3G phases out, newer 4G and 5G networks will see improvements in performance.
If you use an iPhone 5 or older, you’re out of luck. The same goes for Samsung phones preceding the Droid Charge. If your Amazon Kindle uses AT&T’s Whispernet service, it’ll also be bricked.
Luckily, many cellphone companies are offering special upgrade incentives and pricing if you need a new phone. Check with your provider for any available 3G retirement plans. They can also tell you if your phone will be affected.
Did your car make the list?
Newer cars are adapting 4G and 5G connectivity for safety and convenience features. That’s not to say you’ll have to ditch your 3G-only capable vehicle. In some cases, you may be able to get an update, though you may be charged for it or even face a subscription fee.
10 Black Friday shopping secrets
As the world awaits Black Friday bargains with bated breath, you’re on top of your game. You’ve checked your list twice. You know what to buy and have kept an eye out for last-minute ads and promotions. Tap or click here for gifts under $25 for everyone on your list.
Are you buying the correct chargers and cables for your devices? Check this chart
A phone, tablet or laptop without power is a sad thing. It’s an expensive useless brick until you can juice up the battery. Don’t be ashamed if you have nightmares about being stuck with a dead battery. We’ve all been there.
Want to try a new gadget? Rent it before you buy with this site
The downside to buying the latest and greatest technology is it’s expensive. It isn’t easy to afford all the flashy tech that comes out every year. The first (more) affordable foldable smartphone is here – Is it worth $1K?
This emoji you use all the time probably isn't what you think
Using the wrong emoji can cause an epic amount of embarrassment. Especially if you send certain ones because you don’t know their true meaning. Tap or click here to see the X-rated codes behind these popular emojis.
Not all emojis are X-rated, but some innocent ones still can confuse. Depending on how you look at it, the folded hands emoji could mean one of two things. Most people use it when they want to convey condolences or asking for a favor. To them, the folded hands emoji symbolizes praying hands.
Prep your home for winter now before you get too busy with the holidays
Depending on where you are in the world, Jack Frost may have already visited your home. That’s the case for our vice president, Kip Kuroski. When he wakes up in his South Dakota home and looks outside, his entire yard is blanketed in snow.
Why you should be using an Amazon Business account
Owning a small business can feel a lot like juggling, except new balls are constantly flying your way. With so much to keep track of, you’re often scrambling to keep everything up in the air. That’s why resources that take work off of your hands can make a world of difference.
In the market for a car? The chip shortage is already railroading 2022 models
The pandemic has lasting effects that we will feel for years. The chip shortage is one such issue, causing a scarcity in tech gadgets and other components, many of which are parts of larger machines.
The automotive industry has been hit particularly hard. While it’s easier to get a new car now than last year, used cars are holding their value and will continue to do so for some time. Tap or click here to check out which vehicles are retaining the most value.
Hackers have a new target: Your Kindle - Here's how they can take over
If you think hacks and security flaws only affect computers and smart devices, think again. Any device connected to the internet, a computer or a network is vulnerable to attack. This includes surveillance cameras, smart speakers, smart televisions, baby monitors, routers and more.
Can cellphones cause cancer? 5 steps to minimize the risk
I have lost count of the number of times someone has called my national radio show or emailed me asking about a tech myth.
Here’s one I’m asked quite a bit. Will charging your phone overnight ruin the battery? Tap or click for my final ruling.
16 state's tax-free holidays will save you money on tech purchases
The new school year is quickly approaching, and for many, this is a very exciting time of year. It’s time to stock up on school supplies and all of your tech gear. All these purchases can add up rather quickly unless you can get everything you need during your state’s tax-free weekend. Tap or click here for 15 summer tech gadgets you didn’t know you needed.
Yikes! 10 tech gadgets that play fast and loose with your privacy
As more data breaches occur, a huge focus has once again been thrust on privacy and protecting your personal information. You can take steps to secure your data, but a surprisingly large number of devices don’t afford you the option.
Tech fails! 7 devices and companies we can't believe got the green light
We always talk about gadgets you should try and products that make life better. But sometimes, we like to give you a heads-up. We’ll tell you, “Hey, don’t use this because it’s unsafe!”
For instance, we found five dangerous downloads that could obliterate your computer. Tap or click here to protect yourself from harmful software that could bring your digital life to a standstill. Today, just to mix it up, let’s talk about some remarkably bad ideas in tech.
How to get photos and texts off a broken phone
You dropped your phone into a glass of water. It happens. We aren’t judging you. Or maybe you dropped it by accident and smashed the screen, so it no longer turns on. However you broke your phone, it can be super disappointing.
Gas prices are on the rise - Easy way to find cheap gas
Gas prices can be volatile; we all know that. But did you know gas prices in your city could vary by as much as 20%? That’s a huge disparity. And it can cost you a significant amount of money if you’re filling up at higher-priced gas stations unnecessarily.
3 things to buy now before they get more expensive
The advent of circuitry has allowed us to create and develop complex electrical systems and gadgets. Made from thousands of small parts, silicone, and conductive materials, it drives much of today’s tech devices.
This creates a serious problem, though. Technology has advanced at such a blistering pace that the world relies on having enough components to drive the machine. A global shortage of a crucial ingredient is now threatening certain devices.
Used cars are worth a record amount - Check this list to see what yours can fetch
Have you tried to buy some tech gadgets lately, only to be faced with the dreaded “out of stock” sign? You are not alone, as there is a massive shortage of internal chips for gadgets, phones and vehicles.
As we slowly start coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, factories are ramping up production — but semiconductor manufacturers can’t keep up. This creates an issue where global demand is higher than the supply. Sale alert: Dell laptops, desktops, monitors and more up to 45% off.
These apps save you money, but are you giving away your privacy?
When streaming first hit the scene, it promised a convenience revolution that would free us from the burden of cable subscriptions. There’s a downside, though: Now, we have a ton of streaming services to keep track of. It’s so easy to sign up for a bunch of platforms — only to forget about them a few months down the line.
12 tech gadgets that do all the hard work for you
Technology is meant to help take the load off your shoulders. It’s why so many people use smartphones, computers, snow blowers, harvesting equipment and automated systems.
But you don’t need to spend big money for convenience. Tons of affordable gadgets can help you get ready for your day, enjoy healthy and flavorful herbs, access your home with ease and even charge enough devices at once to keep the whole family happy.