Podcast: Play in new window | Embed
Tech News and Commentary
Dave and the team discuss the Halloween tech they used this year, Apple’s new gadgets, Google and Disney’s partnership, Chinese spies, the presidential iPhone, and Huawei, Uber’s ridepass, and more.
Our guest this hour:
David Schoonmaker, Founder & Communications Expert – Chalkin Social
Darren in Millsboro, Delaware listens on Delaware 105.9 FM WXDE and asked: “A question regarding Verizon discontinuing the 4G support for phones. I currently have one of the old flip phone style Samsung Gustos from 2-3 years ago. I’m curious to find out how I can determine if I have a 3G phone or a 4G phone. And what is your thoughts on the new StraightTalk network that Walmart offers, vs. buying a smartphone from Verizon and doing the pay-as-you-go option?“
Darren, the Samsung Gusto 3 was a a CDMA200x1 phone and as far as we know there hasn’t been a Gusto 4. That means that you’re looking at a 3G phone. The next generation of the chip in the Gusto 3 never came to be because Qualcomm decided to just move on to LTE instead.
As far as Straight Talk vs buying a new Verizon phone, you will probably save money on Straight Talk and have better service on Verizon.
You will probably save money on Straight Talk
Straight Talk is a discount brand that rents space on other companies’ networks, so you if you bring in a Verizon phone, you’ll be using someone’s CDMA network. Straight Talk’s deal will make it second tier within the network, though, so you will get slower data than you would on a dedicated network. Obviously, that won’t be very significant for the type of phone you’re using, the concern will center more around dropped calls, and dropped calls don’t usually happen if the signal is solid.
If you don’t want to spend money on a new phone, Straight Talk may be worth considering for the kind of use that you seem to give cell phones, but also keep in mind that Verizon doesn’t intend to shut off the 3G and 4G services until December 31st of 2019, so you still have some time to look for a plan that you’re comfortable with. There’s no need to rush towards any choice you’re not fully on board with at this point.
When you participate on the show – anytime 24/7 – and we HEAR you with any consumer tech question, comment, help for another listener, tech rage or just share your favorite App these days … you could win prizes.
Kuai: KuaiFit Wireless Earphones for fitness training
Tablo: Tablo Dual TV Antenna DVR with WiFi
Forever Gifts: Nuvelon Flare Bluetooth Lantern Speaker
RapidX: X4 Home Multipurpose USB charging station
AtmosFX: Gourdy plush toys and download codes for their digital holiday decorations
All CALLERS — using the AUDIO option on our Free App or 1-800-899-INTO(4686) – automatically qualify to win prizes.
Audio archived for at least 6 months