Podcast: Play in new window | Embed
Tech News & Commentary
Patrick in Lafayette, Louisiana asked us: ” I have a house with a metal roof, and I have trouble getting signal with my iPhone. I was wondering if a microcell will benefit and if so, how do you hook it up?”
We like to think that there are never problems, only solutions. You are right; a microcell will definitely improve your iPhone’s signal underneath that metal roof of yours. The Microcell uses your broadband/high speed internet access to connect your phone to the AT&T network. That is if you have AT&T. The result is having five bars of reception where you normally may have none.
There has been some criticism though, over, AT&T charging minutes and data used through the Microcell against your package minutes or data. There are also concerns that the hardware is pricy.
While these concerns may have a good point, if you are in a location that has poor reception, the Microcell is definitely a solution.
The Microcell can handle up to four simultaneous calls or data sessions. Calls initiated through a cell tower do not transition to the Microcell. Strangely though, calls initiated on the Microcell will transition to a cell tower when you leave the Microcell’s range. In these instances, if you’re on the unlimited Microcell plan, you’ll stay on the unlimited minutes plan and your regular minute’s package won’t be used.
The Microcell comes packaged with the unit itself, a power cord, an extra long Ethernet cable and easy to follow set-up guides. Your first step is to go to their site and start the activation wizard. You will then sign in to your online account manager and enter the Microcell’s serial number, verify your address, and verify the authorized numbers on the secondary devices. From there you can either connect the Microcell directly to your high-speed modem or to your wireless router. You will power everything down, wait a minute, and then power everything back leaving the Microcell for last. And you’ll be set.
The Microcell can be moved to another location but you’ll have to update your account information. It can take up to 90 minutes for the Microcell to initialize, acquire a GPS fix and become active. AT&T recommends setting the Microcell up near a window to better improve GPS signal acquisition.
Let’s say you’re receiving two bars of reception near the windows, one bar at the main level of the house, and maybe you have a basement and you don’t get any bars there, with the Microcell, you could maybe get up to five bars of reception throughout the upstairs and main levels of your house, and let’s say three bars in the basement.
We should note, however, that “MicroCell” is a trademark for AT&T’s device and service. Every wireless network provider has a similar device. Verizon’s, for example, is simply called “Network Extender.” It does the same job in basically the same way, with the same caveats. Just as with AT&T, using your phone will use up the data on your wireless plan, even though the connection is being made through your own Internet connection. Double dipping is a good racket, if you can get it!
For more information tune in to Hour 1 of our podcast.
Consumer Reports Feature With James McQueen
Amazon’s first-ever smartphone, the Fire Phone, is now on sale, exclusively on AT&T. It boasts some intriguing features and technology, but does it deliver? Consumer Reports Electronics spokesman James McQueen is here with a first look review.
The “Into Tomorrow” team discussed the latest apps that they have been playing with recently.
• Mark recommends: MLB.com At Bat, FREE
- “If you’re a Major League Baseball fan, your iPhone and iPad are incomplete without MLB.com At Bat, the official app of Major League Baseball. In its free version, the app keeps you up to date with scores from around the league, so when your significant other is insisting that you need to take her out instead of watching the game on the tube, you can risk some discreet glances to keep up with what’s happening. It’s not just scores, either–pitch by pitch game updates are available. Now, if you’ve already been caught making those discreet glances and thus no longer have a significant other, then what the heck…let it all hang out! For $9.99 one time or $2.99 per month, you can connect to MLB.tv through the app and watch live streaming video of the game of the day plus other select video highlights. (If you happen to pay for the MLB network as a premium service on your cable, there is a way to unlock this on the app without paying anything more.) This is a great app for the baseball fan, and although I won’t use it as religiously as I use the NFL Mobile App, I have to say that it’s something the true sports fan just ought to have. It’s free in the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.” — Mark
• Michael recommends: Instructables, FREE
- “Are you a the creative type who enjoys working on little projects, making things for around the home, or just love seeing if you can get old items around the home to work again? Well here is an app for you, it’s called INSTRUCTABLES, they have brought their website content to this handy app so you can take your project idea out to the garage or workshop. People from all over, design and create projects, and post them, and you can do the same. Share your creations and give steps on how others can do the same. You have everything from Technology and Outside projects to Living and Food. Check out this FREE and fun app which is available in the iOS and Android Stores.” — Michael
What are your favorite Apps? Let us know at 800-899-INTO and we’ll feature them in this segment!
- Tune in to Hour 1 of our podcast for more details
Guest Segment:
Falguni Bhuta, Software Representative – Opera Software
Richard in Detroit, Michigan listens on CKLW 800 asked us: “I want to know if I get something like an iPad or Kindle Fire or something like that, and I want to use it in public wifi, can I just take it out of the box to do that or do I have to pay to register or an activation fee?”
If you’re looking to access the internet while using an iPad or Kindle Fire on public WiFi you won’t need anything special.
Every iPad and Kindle Fire comes with WiFi built in, and all of them can connect to public WiFi networks. The procedure to get online will change slightly but it just involves opening WiFi settings, finding the WiFi network, tapping on it and, if needed, typing the password. It shouldn’t be hard at all to do and, again, all iPads and all Kindle Fires can do it, even the cheapest ones.
Just keep a look out for that glorious sign in the window “free WiFi” and you should be all set! As always, we need to remind you that surfing on an unsecured connection in a public place can be dangerous, so be careful about connecting to bank accounts or entering credit card information while using that sort of a connection. Checking email and surfing basic websites to read articles or watch video shouldn’t be a risk, however.
By the way, you can also get your tablet online where there aren’t public WiFi networks, you can upgrade to a 3G-enabled iPad. Or you can simply turn on your hotspot on your iPhone or Android and Windows phone to enable creating a Personal Hotspot in their own settings. If you don’t have a phone with a good data connection then you can also invest in a mobile 3G hotspot device, like a MiFi device. You can purchase a SIM card for this and use it to create your own Wi-Fi hotspot that you carry around with you. It saves you taking out multiple contracts, is cheaper than upgrading to a 3G-enabled iPad, and enables you to share data connection between multiple devices. They’re pretty neat and you can use them for all your devices, not just the iPad. But it does require you to carry around and charge up a separate device.
For more information tune in to Hour 1 of our podcast.
Wireless Update with Chuck Hamby
Summer is here and we love taking in music or maybe a certain consumer tech show while we’re at the beach. Verizon’s Chuck Hamby is hear with some tips for better beach listening.
This Week’s Prizes for Our Listeners
Other World Computing (OWC): NUGUARD KX – Kinectic Energy X-Orbing Case for Samsung Galaxy S4
Joos: Portable Solar Chargers – gives you power anywhere there is sun.
Tylt: ENERGI Travel Chargers with USB ports and built-in cables for iPhones and Micro USB devices
“Into Tomorrow”: Microfiber Screen Cleaning Cloths with Dave’s cartoon on them, for all your smartphones, tablets, TVs, camera lenses and computer screens!