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Reviving A Dying Mobile Phone

Travellers can find an app for nearly anything they want, but sadly there isn’t yet an app to extend the chronically dwindling battery life of a smart phone, which always tends to die at the most inconvenient moment. Meanwhile, during the past week, a handful of other companies announced developments in mobile electronic chargers that use innovative technologies to prevent devices from conking out. Here are four chargers that stand out in the crowd:

A charger that runs on easy-to-find alkaline batteries

Energizer launched a line of portable chargers that run on AA batteries. One of its products, the Instant Charger, needs only three AA batteries to revive a dead smart phone. The charger will come in two versions: one for the iPhone and one for devices that have a USB port, including most Android smart phones and all Amazon Kindles.

Harness the sun

It takes about five hours for Suntactic’s Charger-5 to absorb enough rays of natural or artificial light to give a typical smart phone full power. It can soak up light while you’re on the go, and it can revive a device nearly as quickly as a conventional charger. The approximately six-by-11in panel fits most any mobile phone, such as iPhone, Android and HTC.

A smart phone case with a built-in plug

The JuiceTank is a handy case that snaps onto your iPhone 4 or 4S and provides an integrated wall-charging plug, so that you can connect it to any US power socket — no more forgetting your charger as you run out the door.

World’s most stylish device charger

For his fall fashion collection, British designer Richard Nicoll will launch a glamorous handbag that is capable of discreetly charging a smart phone or tablet. The bag has a battery charger that runs on magnetic induction, a technology that’s already behind most rechargeable toothbrushes, using unnoticeable internal magnets to generate the necessary juice. When you return to your hotel or home, you can connect the handbag to a traditional power source. An LED charm that hangs off the side of the bag lets you subtly know the remaining battery life at all times. The carryall doesn’t have a name; simply visit a luxury store and ask for the latest Richard Nicoll tote.

Which of these four new chargers do you like the most? Tell us what you think!

Source: BBC Travel

Image: ITP Blog

Tips To Prevent Sky-High Phone Bills Overseas

Keeping in touch with people back home doesn’t have to break the bank when you are abroad. But chances are if you don’t plan ahead, tapping into local phone networks when you’re on the road can cost you a bundle, especially when you are overseas. Here are a few tips for saving on roaming charges while traveling internationally:

Call your service provider

You may be able to make calls while traveling, but data and text messaging services may be unavailable, so get the right information before assuming your phone will work while you are abroad.

Be aware of the roaming rates

If you determine that your phone will work, review the rates for using your phone in your travel destination. When a wireless carrier that is not your local one provides the necessary signal, it is called roaming. Keep in mind that you may be charged for incoming calls and text messages, which means you don’t have complete control over your roaming costs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you do not understand something. Roaming can get complicated, and unanswered questions could mean huge phone bills. See if it would be worth your while to add an international service plan of some kind.

Consider alternatives

The FCC suggests looking into different options that may help you avoid roaming altogether. See about using a SIM card to turn your device into a local phone. It may be less expensive for you to buy or rent an entirely new phone, depending on how long you will be abroad. Prepaid SIM cards are another option.

Turn off

If you are using an iPhone, remember to turn off apps, data roaming and fetch data; these will use up data. When these update, they use up valuable data. Set your iPhone to airplane mode. Switch your setting to manual or push so you do not receive emails automatically.

Save your pictures for later

If you are using a smart phone, resist the urge to upload pictures from your mobile while roaming. Wait until you have Internet access or are home. Remember that you may be able to use WiFi to save on roaming charges.

Have you experienced incurring extremely high data roaming charges while overseas? Share your similar experiences with us!

Source: Fox News Travel

Image: Telecoms