Real World testing and Review of the Roam Mobility Service

I took an 8 day florida family vacation in August and used this as a testing opportunity for some cool products and services. The first service I wanted to write about was the cell phone service provided by Roam Mobility.

What is Roam Mobility?

Roam Mobility is a Canadian telecom provider that sells mobile phone service (aka cell service) for travellers to the US. They offer various plans to suit the needs of various travellers
  • Voice and SMS service
  • Voice, SMS and Data service
  • Data only service
They sell their services by the day (for everything except the data only service) and by quantity of Data (for the data only service).
You can use their service with your own GSM unlocked device or by buying a dedicated device from them.

What I used with Roam Mobility

I could have taken a Nokia, Samsung or iPhone but I wanted to conduct a real world test that would reflec the experience of an average user so I chose to travel with an unlocked iPhone 4s.

Before Travelling

A week before the trip, I ordered and received my Roam Mobility SIM card and I called my carrier (Fido/Rogers) to unlock my device. Fido/rogers charge $50 to unlock the device but this is money well spent.
I tested my device to ensure it was actually unlocked (by inserting another cariers SIM) to ensure I didn't have any nasty surprises while in the US.
As recommended by Roam Mobility, I added their data APN information to my device when in the plane right before switching my device to airplane mode. On the iphone, all I had to do was visit a special website and accept the new profile (incredibly easy).

Testing their customer service

When dealing with smaller third party telecom providers, I am always concerned about support. I "had an issue" and had to switch my plan from 1 Roam SIM card to another one 10 minutes before boarding the airplane. I called their support number, spoke to an agent within 10 minutes and he immediately fixed my issue.
Support was fantastic (fast, easy and painless).

Quality of Roam Mobility Service

Roam uses T-Mobile so the quality of service really depends on your device and the availability of T-Mobile Service.  

The first issues is the fact that T-Mobile uses different bands than most Canadian carriers but they are adding 3G service to"our standard bands" and I saw this while in Orlando. Since my device does not support the AWS bands, my speed was highly dependent on using a T-Mobile tower with upgraded 3G service and it worked fairly well. In most Orlando locations (all touristic) I was connected with 3G which meant I had acceptable data speeds. Compared to Rogers or Fido, it was about 30-40% slower but still very usable. I was able to browse the web, use Google Maps navigation, use social media and check emails. 

Even though my hotel offered free WIFI, it was so unbearably slow I kept my device on Roam's 3G service. Roam's 3G service was much faster than the hotel's free WIFI

The minute I left the main touristic areas, I started using the non-upgraded T-Mobile towers and had 2G (Edge) speeds. Edge means I was connected and able to use services light internet services that support higher latency (browsing, emails and iMessage) but services like Facetime, Google Maps (etc) were unusable. Even when in Cocoa Beach, the T-Mobile service was 2G Edge based.

Had I bought the Roam Mobility WIFI Hotpot device or used an AWS compatible device (some new iPhone 5s and some Android devices), I would have had a bigger 3G coverage zone.

The Cost

You can buy a 1 week voice, text and data plan for $27.95 which includes:

  • Unlimited talk and text within the US and back to Canada
  • Free voicemail and caller ID
  • 700MB of data
  • No risk of over-spending

You can buy 50MB a day for $8 from Rogers or Fido. For 7 days, I could have spent $56 for only 350 MB. Needless to say the

Roam Mobility offer is much better [compared to Rogers and Fido] because it's cheaper and offers calling, text messaging and much more data.

Cons

One shortcoming of the Roam Mobility service was the fact that they do not currently offer a way to check your data usage (I had 100MB a day). I emailed support who quickly provided the information but I wish they offered an app that more easily provides usage information and allows you to top-up or buy additional services.

I was told by support that they are working on a mechanism to provide this information to users in a more automated and timely manner.

Rumors

Everything in this "Rumors" section is pure speculation and nothing has been confirmed by the company. The current rumor is that Roam is in talks with other network operators [in other countries] to build the same type of roaming service for other countries (likely Europe and Asia).

I would welcome this and hope this rumor is true.

Verdict 

Overall I really liked the Roam Mobility service and recommend every Canadian travelling to the US use it [as long as T-Mobile offers coverage at your destination]. 

You can check T-Mobile coverage on their website  or by reading the dozens of user forums talking about T-MO coverage. During my next trip, I may buy the WIFI Hotspot and test it out.

Considering the amount of data I used and the cost from FIDO, I saved close to $500 dollars by using the Roam Mobility service instead of paying my carriers US roaming fees.

You could go to the US and buy a prepaid SIM there but its so much easier to deal with all of this before you leave.

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Watch the Nexus 7, Chromecast and Android 4.3 event

If you mised yesterday's "Breakfast with Sundar" event which launched the Chromecast, the new Nexus 7 and Android 4.3, you can watch it below now.

Enjoy

Updated Google Nexus 10 coming soon

If you were worried Google was neglecting its 10" Android tablet, a WSJ reporter now claims Sundar Pichai (Google's chrome+android leader) confirms a new version is coming and will be built buy Samsung.
There are rumors that Samsung is working on an Octa-core Nexus 10 (which will be similar to a refreshed Samsung Tab (later this year).

When will the new Google Nexus 7 come to Canada?

Google hasn't committed to a firm date but we expect it to be available in the great white north in the next month or so.

Typically it is made available in major European and Asian markets slightly after the US launch so England, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Autralia, we'll all have to wait just a bit longer.

New Nexus 7 with LTE coming

You may be wondering when an LTE enabled Google Nexus 7 (version 2) will be released and the answer is within the coming weeks (at least for US customers). 

The device will work with all 3 of the major US carriers (AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile) with a single SKU which means they have managed to cram the technology to support all of the different bands into one device. This is great for buyers of the tablet but it also means the next Google Nexus smartphone may come with LTE support (something many have criticized about the existing Nexus 4).

The WIFI only 16GB version will retail for $269 whereas the 32GB version will retail for $269.

The WIFI only Nexus version 2 is about $20 more (per model) than the existing version 1.

The 32GB LTE version is expected to retail for $349, which is a very competitive price.

Google's Chromecast is a $35 HDMI streaming solution

We know Google wants to be linked to your TV but previous efforts have failed miserably (The Google Q or Google TV). Google is now trying a different approach by offering a $35 HDMI dongle that will stream content from a compatible smartphone, tablet, laptop or chromebook.
You can order this (if you are in the US) right now from the Google Play store and have it delivered in a pretty little box in a couple of days. 
As an early adopter bonux, Google is giving away 3 months of Netflix service for free with every dongle. You will be able to pickup a unit in US BEst Buy stores at the end of the month and availability for other regions is being "actively worked on".
At launch, this will work with Netflix, Youtube, Google Music, Google Moovies. iPone and iPad users, fear not, the Sultant of Search has not forgotten you. They clearly say:
Chromecast works with devices you already own, including Android tablets and smartphones, iPhones®, iPads®, Chrome for Mac® and Chrome for Windows®
You may now rejoice IOS fans with the satisfying knowledge that you are part of this party called Chromecast. 
The coolest part is that you will be able to view on your TV anything you are viewing in your Chrome browser.
Nice Greek music in the background of the first Chromecast ad
Google blog post introducing the world to Chromecast
You can buy a Chromecast from Google here.

The New Nexus 7 is here - $229 for 16GB

Like other tech lovers, I was excited when I heard rumors that Google would be refreshing its best selling Nexus 7 tablet. 

Google will likely announce the new Nexus 7 later today but it seems Best Buy wanted to be first and has the product up for pre-order already. The new Nexus 7 comes in the 16 & 32 GB varieties (WIFI only).

What are the specs? I thought you would never ask: 

  • 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU
  • 2GB of RAM
  • 7-inch, 1920x1200 display
  • 16/32GB of storage
  • 1.2MP front-facing canera, 5MP rear camera
  • Android 4.3 Jelly Bean OS
  • Bluetooth 4.0 support
  • Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n
It defintely is an upgrade from last year's model but is it enough to push existing users to upgrade?

 

 

CRTC Wireless Code : Carriers must unlock your smarpthone

The CRTC Wireless Code is a bill of consumer rights that aims to make smartphone contracts more fair and understandable to the average Canadian users.

One of the obligations brought forth by this new code is the obligation to unlock a smartphone at the user's request per these conditions:

  1. A service provider that provides a locked device to the customer as part of a contract must 
  • for subsidized devices: unlock the device, or give the customer the means to unlock the device, upon request, at the rate specified by the service provider, no later than 90 calendar days after the contract start date.
  • for unsubsidized devices: unlock the device, or give the customer the means to unlock the device, at the rate specified by the service provider, upon request.

Link to the CRTC Wireless Code. Most Canadian carriers have already started to implement the unlock option. 

CRTC Wireless Code : $100 Cap on data roaming charges

We hear horror stories of Canadians travelling abroad and coming back with $5000 mobile phone bills. We can certainly sit here and laugh at those people (who should know better), but this is a bigger problem than most people realize. 

This is why I am so excited that the CRTC Wireless Code to protect consumers. For this specific issue, here are the new controls your carrier will have to implement: 

  • A service provider must suspend national and international data roaming charges once they reach $100 within a single monthly billing cycle, unless the customer expressly consents to pay additional charges.
  • A service provider must provide this cap at no charge.
This protection comes into effect later this year.
Link to the CRTC Wireless Code.

Pilot Frixion Erasable Pen

Nothing says hi-tech like a pen but I wanted to let you know about a cool new pen I have been playing with called the Pilot Frixion erasable pen.  Unlike other erasable pens, this one actually works very well because of its thermo-sensitive ink that erases clean. 

The Frixion series comes in ballpoint and fine point. 

 

You can see a sample above where I erased a section of my solid line.

What we know about the new Google Nexus 7 Android tablet

I wanted to summarize all of the various Google Nexus 7 rumors we have been seeing over the last couple of weeks.
  • We expect the new Nexus 7 to launch next week for $US229 for the 16GB version.
  • We expect it to have 2 cameras (5MP on the back and 1.2MP on the front)
  • A 7" 1920x1080 HD LCD screen
  • There will be a WIFI only and WIFI with HSPA+ model
  • The device will ship with Android 4.3
We expect this beauty to hit virtual store shelves Tuesday July 30th.

Could the next Canon dSLR have 75 megapixels

The crowd consciousness has been concentrating on smartphone camera development but this latest rumor may be a huge game-changer for the dSLR world. Photography Bay, a photo blog, is reporting that Canon is testing a new pro level camera that will pack a 75 megapixel sensor.
To do this type of a gigantic sensor justice, the tipster also says the camera will come with a "shockingly high resolution" screen. 
The cherry on the Sunday is that this monster camera may be announced this year and released next year.
This is a pro level camera so expect the first version to cost upwards of $5000 for the body.

Nokia says "Something BIG landing here tomorrow"

Nokia posted a blog entry teasing readers that "Something BIG landing here tomorrow". Whatever the announcement is, it will happen tomorrow morning at 9am UK time. 
Is the above image a teaser? Is it relevant or misdirection? Many have speculated that this will be the much rumored Nokia phablet or tablet.

Nexus 7 (v 2) tablet leaks in Best Buy ad

 

The interwebs have been teasing me with leaks of the new upcoming Nexus 7. Everyone's favorite leaker (@evleaks) has been steadily leaking images and specifications of this much anticipated tablet.
A tipster even sent PhoneArena a purported BestBuy ad that shows availability Tuesday July 30th.
This leak doesn't provide any new information but does provide a snapshot of its new camera.

 

Whoosh is my favorite gadget screen cleaner

If you have read any of my blog posts before, you know that I love gadgets. I love all gadgets big and small, shiny or mate. I do everything to keep my devices as clean as possible. In October 2012, I wrote  a blog entry entitled "Stop What You're Doing And Clean Your Smartphone" where I explain that 

Mobile phones are excellent peatry dishes for bacterial growth. There has been a handful of well documented studies that prove that many smartphones are dirtier than a public toilet seat. 

Add to that the fact that your smartphone or tablet is the device you touch the most and its easy to see why it needs a real deep cleaning. Over the years, I have tried dozens of different products to clean my smartphones from creams & lotions to gels & carbon pads. 

The best smartphone screen cleaner

I recently had a chance to try a new product called Whoosh Screen Cleaner and was amazed. This is a gentle and natural product that can clean every screens in your life from your smartphone, LCD monitor to your tablet. 

I tried it on various Dell monitors, an iPhones 4s and iPhone 5, a Google Nexus 4, a blackberry bold, a projection TV, my Dell and Apple laptops and it worked. It worked really well and was super easy. You simply spray a bit of the cleaner on the enclosed cloth and then wipe the dirt away. 

To torture test the product, I dipped the tip of my finger in honey then rubbed my naked iPhone 4s screen. I waited 15 minutes and then started my test. I first tried the SideKick carbon cleaning pad from Lenspen and the honey grabbed the carbon particles and trapped them. Yuck

I then tried a generic house brand cleaning spray from Best Buy and it couldn't get the gunk off (plus it had a horribly strong smell).

Finally I sprayed a generous amount of Whoosh on a cloth, rubbed the screen with a circular motion and in less than a minute the screen was shiny and clean.

How is the Whoosh sold?

The Whoosh Screen Cleaner comes in 3 separate kits

The Whoosh Screen Shine Pocket is a small 8ml pocket kit that comes with 1 cleaning cloth and is sized specifically to be travel compatible (aka it will be allowed on a plane by the TSA). This currently sells for $US5.

The Whoosh Shine Go is the big bottle and is great to keep around the house. It will be your main go to product to clean every electronic screen in your house (this is a 30ml kit and also comes with a cleaning cloth). This currently sells for $10.

The best kit and the one I recommend is the Whoosh Screen Shine Duo+. It comes with the Pocket size plus a massive 100ml bottle for the house or office & 2 cleaning cloths. This currently sells for $20.

I love product packaging and really loved the way Whoosh packaged their product. It has a clean modern look with a beautifully resistant sales package and nice bold lettering & colours.

 

Verdict 

I have spent hundreds of dollars testing various screen cleaning products and gizmos. None of them are as simple and effective as the Whoosh screen cleaner so obviously I highly recommend it. 

I have seen tests that clearly show that the Whoosh significantly reduces pathogens on your smartphone so

not only are you physically cleaning the device by removing smudges and visible dirt, but you are also removing the invisible nasties that can make you sick 

Google Motorola MotoX launch is August 1

We knew the MotoX was coming and now we know the launch event is August 1st in New York City. If the rumors are true, the specs aren't anything to write home about:

  • 4.7" 1280x720 screen
  • dual-core 1.7GHz processor
  • 2 GB RAM
  • 16/32 GB Storage
The software has to be damn good to make up for what looks like very crappy hardware. Please Google, say it ain't slow. Tell me these leaks are all wrong.

Your counterfeit charger may kill you

I had written an article entitled "Counterfeit USB chargers on eBay may be dangerous" in November 2012 and I strongly recommend you read that article.

Now we learn that a 23 year old chinese woman may have been electrocuted as she answered an iPhone that was charging. The South China Morning Post and Sina new now report that the woman may have been using a "3rd party" charger (aka counterfeit). CCTV claims to have a photo showing the damaged iPhone and the charger that cause the users unexpected death.

Even a CCTV expert claimed that counterfeit chargers may use cheaper components that send the full unregulated current to the phone.  

the investigation is being handled by the Chinese police and Apple has pledged full cooperation.

Image courtesy of MacRumors.

Free app to organize and find your iPhone photos

Even the newer smartphones from Samsung and HTC don't produce [in my opinion] photos as beautiful as the ones taken with an iPhone (4s or 5). But like many, I end up with hundreds of photos on my iPhone and finding the one I am looking for is a daunting task.

Viewfinder is a new free app that aims to improve your photo organization experience [on the device] by leveraging the hidden data in each photo called metadata. Metadata says when the picture was taken, where it was taken, how it was taken, etc.

It indexes all of this wonderfully useful metadata then let's you easily search for photos using it. In addition to organizing your photos, it also allows you to easily share those photos with friends and family.

I say this is a definitely try. Download it here.

 

VLC for iPhone & iPad now available

VLC is the most capable, flexible and loved media player available on any platform and now any platform also includes IOS (iPhone and iPad). It was previously available but pulled because of a license incompatibility between the VLC license and the app store requirements. The team has now fixed that issue and made the app available again.

MacStories has said

VLC has been completely rewritten to use modern audio and video output modules, multi-core decoding, and support for any file type supported by VLC on the desktop. In my tests, the app was able to quickly start playing any video file that I threw at it, such as .mp4 and .mkv files.

I say download, download, download here.

 

 

Google's Chrome app launcher for Windows released

It seems Google has unceremoniously released the Google Chrome Launcher. The launcher ads itself to the Chrome start page, Windows Taskbar and the Windows Desktop.

Think of it as a quick launch menu system to the myriad of Google online apps and services.

Download it here.