STACK #208 Feb 2022

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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GET PHONE SMART continued

FAMILY LINK Parental peace of mind is paramount when it comes to kids and devices, and that’s where Google’s Family Link app comes into play. It’s a parental control service that keeps parents aware of what their children are exploring on an Android device and enables them to set digital ground rules, monitor screen time, control and adjust the parameters of kids’ devices, and restrict content and apps. However, SafeSearch in Chrome and YouTube restricted mode will still need to set manually. Excessive screen time can be the bane of parents, and Family Link allows them to set limits and a bedtime for a child or teen’s device, or lock it remotely when it’s time to go out and play. It also has a real-time location finder that will pinpoint kids’ position (as

GETTING CONNECTED WITH A NEW PHONE AT

creator, then a screen size of 5.5 inches and above with HD resolution is recommended. If you opt for a larger size, folding/flip models offer more screen real estate. Ultimately, first make sure the phone will fit comfortably in your pocket. COVERAGE Buying a 5G smartphone not only future- proofs your device, it also gives you the benefits of a faster network with a higher capacity that allows larger amounts of data to be transmitted. It also enables users to connect more devices to the internet simultaneously. 5G is backwards compatible with the existing 3G and 4G networks. CAMERA Most smartphones feature a front-facing camera for video calls and selfies and a rear camera with a wider lens for more panoramic shots. Many models now include multiple rear cameras, which we’ll delve into in more depth later. BATTERY LIFE This is a prime consideration – you’ll want a battery that will last all day long. Smartphones with a surfeit of functions and a high resolution screen will consume more power. Battery capacity is measured in mAH (milliampere hours) and the higher the capacity, the longer the battery will last.

OUTRIGHT Buying a phone outright is just like a good old fashioned transaction. Outright phones don’t come with any phone numbers, calls, texts or data packages, meaning once you purchase the phone, you’ll need to put an existing sim card inside to use it. Buying outright is great for replacing old phones, using a pre-paid sim or just having a spare phone for emergencies and travel. The cost of outright phones varies, but mostly depends on choosing which phone suits your needs best. PLAN If you’re looking to upgrade without paying for a phone upfront, then a plan may be the best option. Plans include your choice of phone, great monthly data allowances, calls and texts, and can be paid off over 12 and 24 months. Monthly instalments cover all your data and phone costs, and you keep the phone afterwards, having paid it off. If you have an old number you want to keep using, you can also port it across, even if it’s from another carrier, or get a brand new number. Plans are a great way to stay updated if you like to have more recent tech in your pocket. JB MOBILE BYO PLAN JB Mobile BYO plans are exclusive to JB, and powered by Telstra. The BYO part means exactly that – If you have an existing phone, or get a new outright phone, this lets you take advantage of data, text and calls at great value without adding the full cost of a new phone into the equation. Like a regular plan, these are offered over 12 or 24 months, and for new users or those porting over from another carrier, JB Mobile BYO plans offer JB gift cards to be used in-store once you’re connected. MOBILE EXTRAS Once you’ve chosen and connected your new phone, JB Mobile Extras is a great option to keep it as safe as possible, with fixed price screen replacements, like-for- like phone swapping at any time, trade in upgrades and 24/7 tech support. Be sure to ask a JB team member for details and costs.

long as the device is in their possession, recently active, and connected to the internet). Family Link is compatible with Android devices running version 7.0 and above, as well as iPhones with iOS 11

and above. And best of all, it’s free! You just need a Google account to access its features.

DURABILITY Phones can and will be dropped, so a screen protector and case is an essential purchase. And always check the IP rating for water resistance. Tradies and outdoor workers, whose phones are more exposed to the elements and likely to take more knocks than usual, should consider a rugged model like the Nokia Tough. AUDIO Smartphones double as a music player, and while audio quality is largely determined by the earbuds or headphones the phone is paired with, some models offer Dolby Atmos and other high fidelity audio options.

OUT WITH THE OLD

You’ve upgraded your smartphone again, but what do you do with the old ones gathering dust on a bottom shelf or taking up space in a

drawer? There’s always the hand-down option to the kids or, better still, the opportunity to do the environment a favour and recycle them. Some 80 per cent of the materials that comprise a phone are recyclable, but that doesn’t mean you can toss them in the yellow bin with the bottles and cardboard. Fortunately, recycling your old phone has never been easier. MobileMuster, a product stewardship program of the telecommunications industry and accredited by the federal government, provides a free mobile phone recycling service with the highest environmental standard. Recycling is 100 per cent carbon neutral, and MobileMuster’s collection network provides 3,500 public drop-off points nationwide, as well as a free post back option. MobileMuster accepts all brands and types of mobile phones, along with batteries, chargers and accessories. Head to mobilemuster.com.au to find the nearest drop off point and free mailing options.

34 FEBRUARY 2022

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