Google Launches Fi – Easy Low-Cost MVNO Cell Phone Service, Everything You Need to Know!

Rumors have been swirling that Google would launch their own phone service, and today we have official confirmation on their plans.

Project Fi

Instead of building their own towers, Google will lease their connection on partner networks, Sprint and T-Mobile at launch. This makes Google an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), and brings them the advantage of not having to build out a competing network. The trick to Project Fi will be in delivering consumers a seamless transition between data and calls over Wi-Fi and on partner networks.

In subscribing to Fi, you will automatically be connected to the best possible network in your area. If Sprint has the best connection, your phone will connect to that network. Move to an area that’s rich for T-Mobile, you’ll jump ship to the UnCarrier. The consumer no longer has to mess with coverage maps or swapping SIM cards.

Low Cost

Pricing seems reasonable for an MVNO. There’s a base $20 a month fee for unlimited Talk and Text, with coverage for 120+ countries. Data costs $10 per GB. Want 4GB of LTE data, that will cost you $40. As the service moves between different carriers, it’s not very easy to do rollover data, instead Google is opting for cash back. If you pay for 4GB, but only use 2GB, you will receive a bill credit for $20.

Project Fi will start as an invite only service, and will only be compatible with the Nexus 6 at launch. It’s unclear how Google will move forward with other handset manufacturers, or what the certifications process for Fi compatible handsets will resemble.

You can request an invite at https://fi.google.com/about/

SomeGadgetGuy’s International Samsung Gear Smartwatch Giveaway!

Fun fact: Did you know that almost 70% of my Youtube audience lives OUTSIDE the USA?I feel like celebrating!

How about a nice new smartwatch for Samsung owners, and let’s make this contest a WORLDWIDE affair! Yup. I’ll ship this puppy anywhere I can legally send a product, so don’t be shy.

Contest rules are simple: Continue reading “SomeGadgetGuy’s International Samsung Gear Smartwatch Giveaway!”

LG Smartphone Showdown! G Flex 2 -VS- Original G Flex! Battle! Fight!

I’m really glad that LG is continuing the “Flex” experiment. Is the G Flex 2 a worthy successor to the original? I think it’s time for a good old fashioned showdown!

Shop the G Flex 2 on Amazon.

Review: Lenovo ThinkCentre M83 Tiny PC & Tiny-in-One 23 Monitor Dock

Lenovo is building out a line of small form factor PC’s under the “THINK” branding. The hardware certainly has a business-grade focus, and can be paired with an excellent monitor dock. Is the M83 a good fit for personal use too? Let’s take a look!

Shop the M83 Tiny on Amazon.
More info on the M83 Tiny.

Case Review: Speck MightyShell + FacePlate for the iPhone 6 – Fun Design and Durable

Do you want better drop and scratch protection for your iPhone 6? Do you want some fun color accents and a fun design? Speck might have the case for you with their two piece MightyShell + FacePlate. Let’s take a look!

Shop the Speck MightyShell on Amazon.
More info on Speck Products.

Review: KCRW’s MUCH Improved Android App – Support Publicly Funded Radio!

It’s a service I use almost every day, and now their Android app is much easier to use. KCRW is a listener supported radio station in LA, which produces fantastic news and music shows with a global focus. Let’s take a look at their new app for streaming live audio and organizing their podcasts!

KCRW App (on Google Play)

4K Smartphone Camera Review: Real World Video Samples from the Samsung Galaxy S6 on AT&T (UHD)

Samsung has been on a roll with their camera tech. Does the Galaxy S6 continue their record of delivering excellent optics? Does it live up to the hype? Let’s run this flagship smartphone though our slate of real world video tests!

Shop the Galaxy S6 on Amazon: http://goo.gl/Ii0Qg1

Long Term Review: Samsung Gear S on AT&T – The Smartwatch to Beat?

Apple would have you believe smartwatches are brand spanking new, but Samsung has already released three generations of Gear products. The Gear S represents the company’s most ambitious push in migrating data services to your wrist. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a look!

Shop the Gear S on Amazon.