This post is part of my partnership with the US Cellular Blogger Brigade Ambassador Program.
My phone and I have evolved over the decades we’ve been together. Transitioning from a flip phone, to a small little pink Nokia and now a super duper Samsung S5 smart phone that often feels smarter than me.
As we’ve gone through these changes, I’m always surprised by advances in technology, while I do believe I’ve stayed up to date on these changes, I still from time to time wonder about my wireless device.
U.S. Cellular has offered some solutions to some of the most common consumer questions.
1. What is the best way to disinfect my wireless device?
The best way to keep your device free from germs, especially if you have a touch screen, is to use a screen protector like PureTek. Then, you can disinfect the protector with a simple alcohol or disinfecting spray. Pre-soaked wipes aren’t ideal as moisture can damage the device. Spray a soft cloth with ethyl or isopropyl alcohol and be sure the cloth isn’t soaking wet. Turn off your device and wipe it down. The less moisture you expose your gear to, the better. Be extra careful around the charging port and headphone adapter.
2. How can I make my device charge faster?
The fastest way to charge your smartphone or tablet is to turn it off and plug it in. The screen needs the most power, and users often have apps that run continuously in the background. If you don’t want to turn off your device, switch to airplane mode, which will disconnect you from cellular data and Wi-Fi. You also can stop all apps running in the background and reduce screen brightness to conserve the battery.
3. Can my smartphone read texts and emails out loud to me?
Most of the latest devices have this feature internally, and you can set voice control to your preferences. If your Android device does not have this feature, download the Voice Commands app to allow access to your phone’s core features and control system. Some hands-free driving devices, like the Jabra FREEWAY Car Kit, automatically turn on when you are in the car to enable these services.
4. How can I take a photo on a tablet without needing two hands to focus the photo and press the shutter?
Most devices have autofocus and allow users to touch anywhere on the screen to focus the shot. Apps such as Say Cheese Camera also let you use voice control to take pictures, turn on the flash and rotate the camera view. You also can purchase remotes and tripods to take your wireless device’s photography capability to the next level.
5. Can my smartphone alert me to messages other than through sound or vibration?
Most smartphones have LED lights that can flash different colors for emails, text messages and phone calls. On the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, users can enable the LED light flash, which will activate the device’s camera flash to signal an alert or phone call.
These have been the answers I’ve been searching for!
I’m now off to buy a gallon of alcohol to disinfect my S5 that is a petri dish of doom thanks to my two boys.
Do YOU have any questions about your smart phone?
Disclosure: Through the rest of the year I’ll be sharing some more of My BETTER MOMENTS as a US Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade Ambassador. All opinions are my own and an honest view of my story as a US Cellular customer.