Let’s talk about money! Andrew used a website to find thousands of dollars he didn’t even know went missing. Curious how he pulled it off? Plus, 5G just set a new record, a sexual enhancement trend called “honey packets,” and yes — a lickable VR device is here!
Your phone’s dirty little secret
True or false: If your phone’s got all four reception bars lit up and it’s displaying the 5G symbol, you’ve got A+ service.
The answer? False. When you see “5G,” all it means is there are 5G connections nearby. Whether you’re on that network is another story. I know, eye roll. Cell service bars don’t mean much, either.
So, should we stop waving our phones in the air to try to get a better connection? I’ve got the inside scoop.
The 5G hype
The Washington Post just wrote a great piece about the 5G indicator on your phone. Even when you see 5G, you might really be connected to 4G or LTE. Yes, your phone will still work perfectly fine.
When you start doing something more intensive on your phone, though, like making a video call or playing an online game, your wireless network may automatically switch you to 5G for a better experience.
How do you know you’re really on 5G? Look for the letters next to the 5G icon. On Verizon, 5G UW means you’re likely connected to a 5G network. On T-Mobile, it’ll show up as 5G UC. AT&T displays 5G E, but that just means you’re close to a network.
Even the alphabet soup doesn’t guarantee your connection is supercharged.
Barhopping
If walking around looking for reception bars isn’t the solution, what is? Some of the ol’ free standbys still work.
- Keep your phone’s Wi-Fi calling option on. This way, you’ll switch over to known, saved internet networks (like work and home) automatically for calls, if they’re within range. On an iPhone, open Settings, then scroll and tap Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling. Toggle on the button next to Wi-Fi Calling. On an Android, open the Phone app, then tap More (or the three-dot icon) to open the menu. Tap Settings and select Wi-Fi calling. If you don’t see the option, your carrier may not support it, or the steps may vary on your phone.
- Look around. Some building materials can function like a faraday cage, killing your connection. If you’re inside, get closer to a window or go outside. Go upstairs if you’re on a lower level.
- Try a cellphone tower search site. CellMapper is easy to use and has a ton of filtering options. Set your country, provider and network speed, then enter your address in the Location Search field. Hit Enter and you’ll see the closest cell towers.
By the way, you may notice you get better cell service in the winter, when all the trees are bare. I know, you can’t make the leaves fall, but this is good to know!
Best apps to troubleshoot your bad Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is one of the most precious commodities we use daily. Everything is right with the world when it’s running smoothly. But when there’s any disruption, it can feel like a day-ruining experience, especially if you work from home. Tap or click here for essential work-from-home tips.
💨 5G holds 6G’s beer: The next-gen 6G tech just set a new record, blazing speeds 45 times faster than those for 5G. But that’s nothing; eventually, 6G could reach speeds 13,400 times faster than 5G. That’ll make using 5G like driving a Ferrari a steady 30 mph. Expect to see 6G starting around 2030, and it’ll likely use satellite tech, not cell towers.
Here are the best used phones for $100, $300 and $500
If upgrading to a new phone and not keeping your old one, you could be looking at a nice payday. Here are some tips to get the most bang for your buck for your old electronics.
Perhaps you need an upgrade but don’t want to shell out for a brand-new phone. No problem! There are excellent used phones out there to fit any budget. Here are some of the best for each price point.
Listener question: Is 5G wireless service as secure as wired cable service?
Although 5G is rolling out all over the country, there’s uncertainty about the fifth generation of mobile technology. Some people worry about it causing cancer. Others are concerned about security.
Rick from Seattle, WA, called “The Kim Komando Show” with cybersecurity concerns. He said T-Mobile recently made 5G cellular internet service available in his city. He asked, “Is 5G wireless service as secure as wired cable?” Good question! We’ve got you covered, Rick.
😅 6G could be 9,000 times faster than 5G: But it’ll need tons of power. Some suggest visible light communication may be the solution, though it leaks tons of energy. Enter Bracelet+, a mini antenna that captures lost power. Researchers tried it on walls and phones, but guess what worked best? The human body.
Drop it like it’s hot(spot); 6G is coming: Researchers just transmitted data at an insane 938 gigabytes per second. That’s over 9,000 times faster than current 5G speeds and fast enough to download over 20 full-length movies in 1 second. When will we see it? It’ll take a few years to get these speeds on your phone.
America's drinking water is under attack
Water systems in Kansas, Texas and Pennsylvania have already been hit by hackers in China, Russia and Iran. Plus, clothes that block 5G waves, AI coming to Alexa, and Walmart’s new digital pricing. We also chat with Joseph Cox about his book “Dark Wire,” which is about Anom, the FBI’s secret app used by criminals.
Power move: T‑Mobile is shelling out $4.4 billion to acquire almost all of UScellular’s network and customers and compete with the Big Two (Verizon and AT&T). If you have UScellular or T‑Mobile, expect better 5G service across the country, especially in rural areas. UScellular customers can keep their current plan or switch to T‑Mobile.
After four years, now that you have 5G is your life any better?
Recall the 5G hype? Here are the details on what’s happened since, in one minute.
Paying too much for your cell phone every month? Do this
Think about just how much you rely on your phone this time of year. You call and text loved ones, you look up gift ideas and shop online, and your favorite map app gets you where you need to go.
That’s why I love T-Mobile and am proud to say they’re a sponsor of my national radio show. T-Mobile has America’s largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network.
Get a free Samsung Galaxy S22 if you hurry - Here’s how
If you’ve been putting off upgrading your phone because new models are just too expensive, it’s time to consider switching carriers. It’s a smart way to score a deal on a pricey piece of tech.
We found a great offer we had to pass along: Switch to T-Mobile and you can get a Samsung Galaxy S22 for free with 24 monthly bill credits when you switch to their Magenta MAX plan. That’s a $799.99 value. Plus, get a Galaxy Watch4 with 24 monthly bill credits with activation of a Watch line.
This powerful 5G phone rivals the big names - and you can get it free
Smartphones are an investment. Flagship models can easily run more than $1,000.
What if you want the features of a powerful smartphone without the hefty price tag? You have to do a lot of research on the specs that matter.
Money-saving tip: Get 50% off your wireless bill with this 55+ plan
There’s no denying it: Money is tight for most of us. A new study from Civic Science shows 60% of Americans are “very concerned” about inflation — and there are no signs of price hikes stopping any time soon.
Apple reveals $429 iPhone, 60% faster iPad and powerful new Mac
Big Tech loves big announcements. Whether it’s a virtual or in-person event, companies want the world to know what they’ve been up to. Apple is known for its large-scale events, which have included the unveiling of the iPod, iPhone, iPad and more.
Don't buy a new iPhone or iPad! Here's why
Setting your sights on a new gadget can be exhilarating. Most people will jump from website to website to find the best deal.
Many Apple fans look forward to the company’s annual fall event for details on the latest and greatest devices being released. But did you know Apple typically puts out a few new devices each spring?
What really happened with 5G and the airlines
What’s with all the news about 5G and the airlines? Listen now for Kim’s quick and easy breakdown.
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Should you be concerned about 5G and airplanes?
Why are major airlines in a panic about AT&T and Verizon rolling out a new 5G wireless service? Listen now to find out.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices