/ By Jonathan Hawkins / Phones / 0 Comments

4 ways to protect your phone on vacation

Summer is almost officially here, and most of us already have plans in motion for some great vacations over the next few months. Before you hit the road to your warm weather destinations, be sure to check out these four tips for avoiding any unfortunate cell phone accidents that could seriously dampen your otherwise fantastic vacation.

1) Buy a screen protector

Screen protectors are generally pretty inexpensive, and they can save you from having to visit a cell phone repair shop repeatedly over the course of your summer. The screen protector will reduce any scratching to the screen of your phone while you’re shoving it in backpacks and pockets, and it will help to absorb the impact if and when you drop it.

2) Waterproof it

If you’re going anywhere near the water this summer, whether it’s a beach, pool, or a water park, be sure to take some precautions in keeping your phone protected from the water and sand that could damage it in a heartbeat. Invest in a waterproof phone case, or go the cheaper route and keep your phone in a sealed plastic bag while you’re out and about.

3) Keep it cool

If the direct heat is too much for you, it’s definitely too much for your phone. Most cell phones have a recommended heat limit, and if you’re out in the warm weather for extended periods of time with your phone out and in use, the chances are high that it’s going to overheat. Keep your phone out of direct sunlight as much as possible, and make sure to store it in a cool purse or backpack while not in use to avoid excessive overheating. On the off chance that it does overheat, turn it off immediately and continue to store it in a dark and cool area.

4) Invest in non-greasy sunscreen

You’ll more than likely forget that you covered your face in greasy lotion two minutes ago and as soon as you pick up your phone to answer a call, it’s going to be all over the screen. Consider buying non-greasy lotions or sprays to avoid having to clean a ton of gunk off of your phone.

If you find yourself needing a cell phone repair after your vacation this summer, be sure to contact RockIT Repairs for assistance. We’ll be glad to fix your device and send you back out to enjoy the warm weather in no time.

/ By Jonathan Hawkins / Phones / 0 Comments

Protecting your phones and tablets from mobile malware

Most people know about viruses that attack their computers, but they do not know anything about viruses that attack their mobile devices. There is malicious software which is created to attack your mobile device.

What is mobile malware?

This malicious software specifically attacks the operating system in mobile devices. These malware types also take advantage of certain mobile device software technologies. They represent malware attacks in the modern technology world, and with the growth in mobile technology, they have become common.

How do you expose your device to mobile malware?

The most common ways are downloading files and applications from the internet. They access your personal information and make it accessible to a cyber-criminal. The malicious app may also dial premium-rate numbers from your device and leave you with costly bills on your mobile. Other applications will completely ruin your mobile device to a point you cannot use it again.

Another way is through text messages or voicemails from numbers that look legitimate. They will call asking for your personal information.

Tips to help you stay safe from mobile malware

1. Ensure that you only download your applications from a legitimate market. Also, you should check other reviews and feedback before downloading. Avoid apps that have negative reviews. Make sure you are surfing and downloading files using a secure wireless network. Be sure to establish whether you understand the privacy policies of the app.

2. Ensure that you do not share your personal information when you download the application.

3. Go through your mobile statements to ensure there are no suspicious charges. If there are such charges, contact your mobile provider and enquire about them.

4. Avoid responding to anonymous text messages or voicemails with your personal information. If they claim they are your bank or any service providers, call their legitimate line and verify if it is true.

5. Always visit legitimate sites while browsing on the internet.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing trouble with your mobile device, you can also visit RockIT Repairs. We are a Virginia-based cell phone repair shop with vast experience in fixing damaged phones, laptops, tablets and other electronics.

Photo provided by : https://howtostartablogonline.net/tech

viv samsung acquisition
/ By Jonathan Hawkins / Samsung / 0 Comments

Samsung v. Siri – Samsung Acquires Viv AI Startup By Same Creators

Do you suffer from Siri envy? If you’re a Samsung user, you might. The Apple or Android question is a polarizing one and most users stick with their preference. Most apps are available on both operating systems and the UE is largely the same … except for Siri. Android’s acquisition of AI Startup VIV could turn that around.

 

The exciting thing about this news is really twofold. For starters, Google’s voice assistant feature has never been quite as beloved as Siri and Samsung doesn’t own it. It hasn’t caught on in the same way. It’s about to get an upgrade that Samsung can control. Additionally, the buzz on Viv is that it’s next gen Siri.

 

I don’t want to get too ahead of myself though. Let’s go back to basics and learn what’s up for the future of Android AI.

 

What We Know About Viv

 

Viv Labs was co-founded by Dag Kittlaus, Adam Cheyer and Chris Brigham. They’re part of the team behind Siri. After creating the famous Apple personality, they left in 2010 and started Viv.

 

Android acquired Viv, but is allowing them to operate independently and provide support to Android devices.

 

Viv is focused on interconnectedness. Siri’s ability to engage with multiple silos of information across several applications and, thereby, connect them is a good example of this concept.

 

Here’s where things get really interesting, or creepy, depending on your opinion of AI. According to Viv, the AI can write its own code as needed to fill gaps and accomplish tasks. This is the first instance of this kind of tech in AI. Viv calls this ‘dynamic program generation.’

 

In short, a Viv AI assistant has a brain.

 

To learn a little more about the vision behind Viv, check out  Siri Is Only The Beginning, and later wrote that there would be a Cambrian Explosion In AI, written by Kittlaus for Tech Crunch.

 

Samsung Is Making Moves To Differentiate From Google

 

Anyone with a Samsung phone is probably using a lot of Google services. Though two separate entities, the two cooperate seamlessly enough that one hand washes the other. Samsung may be looking to see other people, or more accurately, spend some time with itself.

 

As time goes on, the two tech giants are becoming competitive. Samsung will have much more control over its future if it can run its own software independently from Google.

 

“Our focus is really more device-centric,” said Samsung mobile CTO Injong Rhee explained to Recode. “How do we revolutionize how users interact with our devices and our appliances?”

 

Samsung will be free to use this tech in all of its products including smart TVs.

 

Are you ready to have a conversation with your television? The days of searching for the remote could be over soon.

 

Hear It From The Source

 

Dag Kittlaus made an announcement on Medium regarding the move. The tone is exciting and energized for the future, which is good news for both Samsung and their users. This guy is truly excited about AI.

 

Kittlaus’ vision is of AI as a gateway to the rest of the internet.

 

“Soon, we’ll all have a trusted assistant that is a regular part of our everyday lives. We deeply believe this to be true. This assistant will be as ubiquitous and important as the web browser or the mobile app,” Kittlaus wrote on Medium.

 

This could attract the cutting edge crowd who thirsts for the latest tech to line up for Samsung. It could have huge crossover appeal to causal smartphone users who would prefer to interact with their phones in a user friendly way. It’s certainly a concrete way to solve the problem of texting while driving and really increases the functionality of a smart device.

 

I’m personally excited to see the results of this acquisition. Samsung seems to have harnessed a ball of tech fire and will hopefully ride it like a comet.

/ By Jonathan Hawkins / Samsung / 0 Comments

Samsung Note 7’s Keep Exploding But So Is Samsung Stock

In ‘things that make you go hmm’ news, Samsung stock is as high as it’s ever been even though Note 7s are still exploding. I don’t mean in sales, I mean actually exploding.

This is one of the most interesting financial based posts you may ever read. The majority of them involve zero fires, after all.

What’s the deal with the persistent surge in Samsung’s market value? Is it in spite of the Note 7s? Are they literally so hot they’re blowing up?

Let’s take a closer look at what we know about the Note 7 and Samsung’s success in the market.

It Isn’t All About The Note 7

Basically, the reason for the stock success comes down to diversification. Phone sales are important, but Samsung has other irons in the tech fire. Two that are helping them out significantly right now are display and semiconductors.

Samsung leads the market in OLED display screens. This tech is more advanced than LCD screens and appears to be the wave of the future. In the first quarter of 2016, Samsung controlled 95% of the OLED screen market. Demand is expected to increase, and that’s something investors like to hear.

Additionally, Samsung leads the pack in the flash memory department as well. Flash memory comes into play when the power to the device is cut. It conserves data.

This is a pretty attractive feature to mobile device users. Battery life and data conservation are two of the most crucial components of a top selling smartphone.

Samsung released the first 3D NAND chip in 2013 and established themselves in the area ahead of Intel and Micron.

The future looks so bright for Samsung based on these components that investors believe Samsung’s market cap is lower than it ought to be. Figures speculated are a 30 to 70 percent undervaluing.

The Tale of the Exploding Phones- Note 7s Blow Up

The Note 7 was supposed to be a big hit for Samsung. Instead, reports of battery issues that cause the units to catch fire are rampant. There are also safety issues with some of the replacement phones.

The company has confirmed that they’ve made production changes. They are actively trying to reassure consumers that the Note 7 is safe. Samsung did not comment, however, on reports of replacement phones catching fire.

There is a lot of bad PR associated with these defective devices. Videos and news reports of Note 7s blowing up or catching fire have gone viral. Samsung has issued assurances along the way but they’re far less sensational than images of combusting phones.

Market Shares Dropped Before Recovering

It isn’t true that exploding phones had no impact on Samsung’s market performance, however. Initially, there was a dip. The company was able to recover because of their hands in other technological pies.

Those who are involved in the stock market will obviously find all of this news interesting, but regular consumes have a dog in the fight as well. Not only is Samsung’s success driving new competitive innovations, but their strength is evidence that the company is here to stay in the mobile market.

Lovers of Samsung phones can rejoice, but may want to wait until the Note 7s are officially declared safe before running out to get one. That should be fairly easy to do, since all of the major news sources are keeping up to date on the story.

Samsung’s Future And What It Means For Consumers

There appears to be a lot to look forward to for fans of the Samsung product line. This is especially encouraging since there is a new iPad Pro and maybe even an iPad Mini Pro coming in Spring of 2017.

Samsung is ready to compete.

Additionally, Samsung’s acquisition of Viv Labs opens new doors in AI functionality for their product line. The company is innovating and looking to stand alone in the mobile device market

cracked screen on LG G3
/ By Jonathan Hawkins / LG / / 0 Comments

Fixing a Cracked Screen on LG G2 | G3 | G4

Fixing a Cracked Screen on LG G2 | G3 | G4

A series of high-end smartphones launched by LG starting in 2013, the LG G Series is LG’s answer to Apple’s glorious iPhone 6 and Samsung’s Galaxy Note Series. LG originally introduced the G brand name for the LG Optimus G smartphone, but soon decided to discontinue the Optimus brand name and brand their star series as just “G”. In August 2013, the LG G2 was released. Read more “Fixing a Cracked Screen on LG G2 | G3 | G4”