DJs

Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile: How to Pick the Right Plan in 2026

Picking a phone plan in 2026 should be simple. It isn't. Every major carrier has spent years layering promotions on top of promotions, burying actual pricing behind phone deals, and renaming plans often enough that even their own staff struggle to explain what's current. This guide cuts through all of that. We looked at what Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are actually offering right now, what those plans cost when you strip out the promotional noise, and who each carrier is genuinely best suited for. If you've ever stared at a carrier website and come away more confused than when you started, this one's for you.
A Note on Pricing: All prices listed are per line, per month, and assume AutoPay with paperless billing unless stated otherwise. Taxes and fees are always extra. Carrier pricing changes frequently, so always verify at the carrier's website before signing up.

Verizon: The Premium Network Fighting for Value

Verizon built its reputation on having the most reliable nationwide network, and that reputation is largely still deserved, particularly in rural areas and suburban markets where its coverage advantage over T-Mobile is most visible. The tradeoff has always been price, and for years Verizon leaned into being the most expensive option without apology. That's changing. After appointing a new CEO, Dan Schulman admitted that Verizon had "relied too heavily on price increases" and set a new goal of creating the "best overall value proposition" in the industry. Whether that shift has fully landed is debatable, but the plan lineup is more competitive than it used to be. The Current Verizon Lineup Verizon currently offers three postpaid plans: Unlimited Ultimate, Unlimited Plus, and Unlimited Welcome. For a single line, those cost $85, $70, and $55 per month respectively. For four lines, pricing drops to $55, $40, and $25 per line per month.
Unlimited Welcome $55/mo single line

The entry point. You get unlimited talk, text, and data with Mexico and Canada coverage included. What you don't get is 5G Ultra Wideband access or any mobile hotspot data. At four lines it drops to $25 per line, which makes it genuinely competitive for families on a tight budget, but the network experience is noticeably lower tier than the plans above it. Worth considering only if price is the absolute priority.

Unlimited Plus $70/mo single line

The sweet spot in the Verizon lineup. You get 5G Ultra Wideband access, 30GB of mobile hotspot data, and 50% off a connected device plan like a smartwatch or tablet. The perks system lets you add streaming services like Disney Bundle or Netflix at a discounted $10 per month. For most people who want Verizon's best network without paying for features they won't use, this is the plan.

Unlimited Ultimate $85/mo single line

The top tier, recently updated to include Identity Secure and Verizon Family Plus. You get 200GB of hotspot data, international talk and text, and the broadest set of perks. This is the plan for frequent travellers or households that genuinely use everything included. For most domestic users, Unlimited Plus covers the same ground for $15 less.

The Simplicity Plan: Verizon's New Direction Verizon has also introduced a new Simplicity Plan, designed for customers who own their own phones or buy them outright. For new customers switching from another carrier, it costs $30 per line. For existing Verizon customers, the price is $45 per line. It includes unlimited access to Verizon's best network and 10GB of hotspot data, but without the device upgrade promotions that come with myPlan. If you bring your own phone and don't need Verizon to subsidise a new one, this is worth a serious look.

AT&T: More Coverage, More Flexibility

AT&T quietly became a more interesting carrier in 2026. Its network now covers more of the US than any other carrier by landmass, and its plan structure has been genuinely simplified compared to the confusion of recent years. The March 2026 "Unlimited Your Way" relaunch gave it a cleaner lineup, and the May 2026 Build-A-Plan introduction added a genuinely flexible entry-level option. The Current AT&T Lineup AT&T's main unlimited plans are Value 2.0, Extra 2.0, Premium 2.0, and Elite 2.0. Every plan includes 5G access, AT&T ActiveArmor mobile security, and some hotspot data regardless of tier. Unlike Verizon, you don't need to reach the highest tier to access AT&T's best smartphone deals.
Value 2.0 $50/mo single line

AT&T's entry unlimited plan. You get 5GB of premium high-speed data before potential speed throttling during congestion, 3GB of hotspot data, and 5G access. It's a usable plan for light users but the 5GB premium data cap is a real limitation if you use your phone heavily. Multi-line discounts are meaningful here, with families able to get per-line costs well under $40.

Extra 2.0 $70/mo single line

The most popular AT&T plan and the one that hits the best value balance. You get 75GB of premium data before any potential throttling, which covers the vast majority of users comfortably, plus a solid hotspot allowance. This is where most single-line or small family customers should land on AT&T.

Premium 2.0 $90/mo single line

Truly unlimited premium data with no deprioritization threshold, 100GB of hotspot data, and 4K UHD streaming. The plan that makes sense for heavy data users, mobile workers, or anyone using their phone as a primary internet source. The international add-on (talk, text, and 20GB data in 210-plus destinations) is included in the Elite 2.0 tier above this.

Build-A-Plan: AT&T's Wild Card In May 2026, AT&T launched Build-A-Plan, a new flexible option starting at $15 per month that lets customers adjust their plan month to month based on their budget and needs, with the ability to add or remove services at any time. This is genuinely new territory for a major carrier, and it's aimed squarely at budget-conscious customers who feel locked in by traditional plan structures. It's early days, but it's worth watching.

T-Mobile: The Value Leader with the Best Perks

T-Mobile has spent the last decade trying to out-value Verizon and AT&T, and in 2026 it's largely succeeding. Its 5G network is the broadest in the country in terms of raw coverage, and its plan structure bundles more included features than either competitor at equivalent price points. The tradeoff is that T-Mobile's network can underperform in rural and deep suburban areas where Verizon still has the edge. The Current T-Mobile Lineup T-Mobile's main plans are now organised around two tiers: the Go5G family (existing structure) and the newer Experience plans. The Experience More plan includes all the benefits of Go5G Plus, adds more hotspot data, and includes T-Satellite with Starlink connectivity at $5 less per line. Experience Beyond includes all Go5G Next benefits plus unlimited hotspot data with 250GB of high-speed allocation, and more international data across 215 destinations.
Essentials From ~$60/mo single line

The bare-bones T-Mobile plan. You get unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mobile's network, but you're lower-priority during congestion, video is capped at SD quality, and there's no included Netflix or streaming perks. A starting point for those switching to T-Mobile on a tight budget, but the mid-tier plans offer enough extra value that it's usually worth stepping up.

Experience More / Go5G Plus From ~$80/mo single line

The most popular tier and where T-Mobile's value proposition really shows. Netflix Standard is included, Apple TV Plus is included, 4K streaming, 50GB of hotspot data, and upgrade-ready every two years. Families switching from AT&T or Verizon can save around 20% per month at this tier according to T-Mobile's own comparisons. This is the plan to benchmark against when comparing carriers.

Experience Beyond / Go5G Next From ~$100/mo single line

The premium tier, and genuinely premium. Upgrade-ready every year, Netflix included, 250GB of high-speed hotspot data, unlimited international data in 15GB high-speed chunks across 215 destinations, and Starlink satellite connectivity via T-Satellite. T-Mobile claims this plan delivers over $200 in added value per line per month. For frequent travellers or tech-forward users who upgrade phones regularly, this is hard to beat.

The 5-Year Price Guarantee T-Mobile includes a 5-year price guarantee on its Experience plans, ensuring that the price of talk, text, and data stays the same for five years from sign-up. This is significant in an industry where price hikes on legacy plans have become a recurring frustration. Both AT&T and Verizon have raised prices on older plans in 2026, which makes T-Mobile's guarantee a meaningful differentiator.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Network Coverage

Verizon wins in rural areas and suburban depth. AT&T wins on raw landmass coverage. T-Mobile wins on 5G breadth and urban density. If you live or travel frequently in rural areas, Verizon or AT&T. If you're primarily urban or suburban, T-Mobile's network is excellent.

Price and Value

T-Mobile wins on included features per dollar at mid and upper tiers. AT&T is competitive at the entry level with Build-A-Plan and Value 2.0. Verizon is the most expensive per line for comparable features, though its Simplicity Plan changes that for bring-your-own-device customers.

Streaming and Perks

T-Mobile wins by a clear margin. Netflix and Apple TV Plus are included at the mid-tier. Verizon's perks system lets you add services at a discount but costs extra. AT&T's plans include fewer bundled streaming perks at equivalent price points.

International Travel

T-Mobile wins for frequent international travellers with data included in 215 destinations. AT&T's Elite 2.0 includes 20GB in 210 destinations. Verizon charges daily TravelPass fees on lower tiers and includes international only on Ultimate.

Families and Multi-Line

T-Mobile wins on savings for families of three or more. Verizon's multi-line discounts are meaningful, particularly on Unlimited Welcome. AT&T's mix-and-match capability across the Unlimited Your Way lineup gives families flexibility that the others don't offer.

Price Stability

T-Mobile wins with its 5-year price guarantee on Experience plans. Both AT&T and Verizon raised prices on legacy plans in 2026. If locking in your rate matters to you, T-Mobile is the only carrier offering a formal guarantee.

So Which Carrier Should You Pick?

This is the question every comparison article dances around. Here's a direct answer based on actual use cases.
Pick Verizon if...

You live or regularly travel in rural or less-densely covered areas where network reliability matters more than price. Or you're a bring-your-own-device customer who wants Verizon's network at a reasonable price through the new Simplicity Plan. Or you bundle home internet with Fios and want a single-provider discount. Verizon is not the value choice, but it is the reliability choice, and for some users that's the only choice that matters.

Pick AT&T if...

You want broad nationwide coverage with a simpler plan structure and more flexibility than either competitor. The Build-A-Plan option is genuinely interesting for budget-conscious users who don't need unlimited data every month. AT&T also leads on discounts for military, teachers, nurses, and first responders at 25% off, which can make it the clear winner if you qualify. The Extra 2.0 plan is a solid, no-nonsense unlimited option that holds its own against both competitors.

Pick T-Mobile if...

You want the most included features for the money, you're in an urban or suburban area where T-Mobile's network performs at its best, you travel internationally with any regularity, or you have a family of three or more lines where T-Mobile's savings compound significantly. The 5-year price guarantee adds real peace of mind in an industry that has a habit of raising rates on loyal customers. For most people doing a straight comparison on value, T-Mobile wins at the mid and upper tier.

Quick Reference

  • Best network reliability, especially rural: Verizon
  • Best value for families: T-Mobile Experience More (3+ lines)
  • Best for bring-your-own-device on a budget: Verizon Simplicity ($30/line new customer) or AT&T Value 2.0 ($50/line)
  • Best included streaming perks: T-Mobile (Netflix and Apple TV Plus included)
  • Best for international travel: T-Mobile Experience Beyond
  • Best for military, teachers, or medical workers: AT&T (25% off select plans)
  • Best price stability: T-Mobile (5-year price guarantee on Experience plans)
  • Most flexible for variable budgets: AT&T Build-A-Plan (from $15/mo)
  • All prices are pre-tax; always verify current pricing at the carrier website before signing up

The Honest Caveat

No guide can tell you which carrier has the best signal in your specific neighbourhood, your office building, or the roads you drive every day. Before switching carriers, do two things. First, check coverage maps for your specific zip code on all three carrier websites. Second, ask people around you which carrier they use and whether they have issues. Anecdotal local evidence is often more useful than national network rankings. All three carriers offer some form of trial period or money-back guarantee for new customers. Use it. If T-Mobile has spotty coverage at your house, you'll know within a week, and you can return the SIM without being locked in. The best plan isn't the one with the most features. It's the one that works reliably in the places you actually are, at a price you're comfortable paying month after month. What carrier are you on right now and are you happy with it? Let us know in the comments.
DJs

Mastering the Multi-Network Backhaul - An Advanced US Mobile Tuning Guide

The core appeal of a modern multi-network MVNO rests on flexibility, yet many users treat network selection as a set-and-forget toggle. Relying on passive carrier assignments overlooks the profound architectural differences between cellular backhauls. Taking control of the US Mobile Teleport system lets you treat your mobile radio like a load-balanced hardware array. Instead of waiting for automated handoffs to resolve poor signal degradation, optimizing your connection requires matching your location to the exact deployment strengths of individual carrier backbones.


The Core Backhaul Profiles

Every network profile operates under different congestion protocols and spectrum deployment strategies. Navigating these configurations effectively requires knowing how each platform treats priority data allocation.

  • Warp Profile: Optimized for low-latency dense environments using millimeter-wave bands. Excellent for raw throughput when clearing line-of-sight to local macro cells, though building penetration diminishes quickly at mid-band thresholds.
  • Light Speed Profile: Prioritizes maximum footprint consistency. It utilizes extended low-band spectrum frequencies that easily bypass structural concrete, making it the preferred fallback route for rural transport or sub-basement coverage.
  • Dark Star Profile: Built for robust congestion management. When regional towers experience sudden capacity spikes, this backhaul maintains data stream stability through aggressive packet scheduling protocols.

Performance Benchmark Analysis

Testing these backhauls across identical radio environments reveals clear differences in speed profiles and ping response times. The following technical data highlights peak network behaviors under standard load conditions.
Network Profile Average Downlink Average Uplink Latency (Ping)
Warp 340 Mbps 42 Mbps 19 ms
Light Speed 185 Mbps 28 Mbps 31 ms
Dark Star 220 Mbps 35 Mbps 24 ms

Execution Matrix: When to Trigger a Teleport

Manually migrating your routing profile is a quick process, but it requires respecting active radio states to avoid dropped authentication sessions. Following these rules ensures seamless technical handoffs.

  1. Check Latency Spikes: If voice-over-IP streams show packet loss despite high bars, transfer from Warp to Dark Star to reset your routing gateway.
  2. Isolate the Baseband: Always place your handset into airplane mode for ten seconds immediately after a Teleport confirmation to force the modem to clear its localized tower cache.
  3. Account for Priority Tiers: Ensure your plan configuration actively supports premium routing tiers before forcing a handover into highly contested metropolitan cells.

Technical Verdict

Managing your mobile connection at the backhaul level shifts your smartphone from a passive client terminal into a highly responsive networking tool. Swapping paths based on localized spectrum metrics represents the true evolution of cellular independence.
DJs

Best Offline Apps for Travel and Emergencies

Best Offline Apps for Travel and Emergencies
Quick take: Internet access is something most people take for granted until they suddenly lose it. Whether you are traveling, dealing with poor coverage, or facing an emergency situation, having the right offline apps installed beforehand can make a huge difference.

Modern smartphones are heavily built around cloud services and constant connectivity. Most apps expect you to always be online, which works fine until you suddenly are not.

That could happen while traveling abroad, driving through remote areas, dealing with a power outage, or simply being somewhere with poor signal coverage.

Offline apps are easy to overlook, but they can quietly become some of the most important tools on your phone when things stop working normally.

The good news is that there are still plenty of excellent apps that continue working even without a connection.

What makes a good offline app?
  • Works without a constant internet connection.
  • Stores important data locally on the device.
  • Loads quickly during emergencies.
  • Reduces dependence on cloud services.
  • Remains useful while traveling or during outages.

Offline maps and navigation

Navigation is probably the single most important thing to prepare before traveling somewhere unfamiliar.

Google Maps allows users to download entire areas for offline navigation, which is often enough for most people. The feature is easy to set up and works surprisingly well when cellular data disappears.

For users who want something even more offline-focused, apps like Organic Maps and HERE WeGo are excellent alternatives. They can store large map regions directly on your device and continue working without an internet connection.

Google Maps

Easy offline downloads with familiar navigation features.

Organic Maps

Privacy-focused offline maps with lightweight performance.

HERE WeGo

Strong offline navigation support for travel and road trips.

Offline translation tools

Language barriers become much harder to deal with once internet access disappears.

Google Translate allows users to download language packs directly to their devices, making offline translation possible almost anywhere.

It is not perfect, but even basic offline translation can help with signs, directions, menus, transportation, or emergency communication while traveling.

Downloading language packs before leaving home only takes a few minutes and can save a lot of frustration later.

Tip: Download offline maps and language packs before traveling instead of relying on airport or hotel Wi-Fi later.

Offline notes and important documents

Cloud storage is convenient until you suddenly cannot access your files.

Keeping offline copies of important information on your device is still one of the smartest things you can do before traveling.

Things worth storing offline include:

  • Travel itineraries
  • Hotel reservations
  • Emergency contacts
  • Medical information
  • Copies of identification documents
  • Tickets and boarding passes

Apps like Google Keep, Obsidian, Notion Offline Mode, and standard PDF readers can all help depending on your workflow.

Even a simple offline note with addresses, phone numbers, and backup plans can become incredibly valuable during an emergency.

Offline entertainment matters more than people realize

Long flights, delays, road trips, and outages become much easier when you already have offline entertainment ready.

Spotify, YouTube Premium, Netflix, Disney+, and many podcast apps allow users to download content directly to their devices ahead of time.

It sounds simple, but many people still forget to prepare media before losing internet access.

Offline music and videos can also help conserve battery life compared to constantly streaming over weak mobile signals.

Emergency communication and preparedness apps

Some apps become significantly more important during emergencies or natural disasters.

Offline weather apps, emergency alert apps, first aid references, and survival guides can still provide useful information even with limited connectivity.

Recommended categories include:

  • First aid guides
  • Offline weather tracking
  • Flashlight apps
  • Battery-saving utilities
  • Offline messaging where supported

It is also worth enabling offline emergency information directly inside Android or iPhone settings, including medical details and emergency contacts accessible from the lock screen.

Important: Your smartphone can still be one of your most useful emergency tools even without internet access, but only if you prepare it beforehand.

Offline password managers

Password managers are another category many people forget about until they lose internet access.

Apps like Bitwarden and KeePass allow local access to stored passwords, secure notes, and account details even when offline.

That can be especially useful while traveling if you suddenly need access to tickets, banking services, hotel accounts, or important login information.

Just make sure your vault is properly synced before leaving home.

Why offline functionality still matters

Modern technology has become incredibly dependent on constant connectivity.

Most of the time, that convenience works well. But moments without internet access quickly remind people how fragile that dependence can sometimes feel.

Offline apps may not sound exciting compared to modern AI features or cloud ecosystems, but they solve very real problems when things stop working normally.

And honestly, some of the best smartphone experiences are still the ones that continue working reliably no matter where you are.

Offline essentials checklist
  • Download maps before traveling.
  • Save language packs offline.
  • Store important documents locally.
  • Prepare offline entertainment ahead of time.
  • Keep emergency information accessible.
  • Sync password managers before leaving home.
What offline apps do you rely on? Some of the most useful smartphone tools are the ones that continue working when everything else stops.
DJs

Apple releases iOS 12.1 user guide

Apple iOS 12.1

Apple released an official user guide for iOS 12.1 as an Apple Book, giving users a comprehensive look at everything new in the update. Beyond covering features already announced, the guide also confirmed several additions that had been spotted in the beta but had not yet been officially acknowledged for the final release.

Group FaceTime Finally Confirmed

One of the most anticipated features that was quietly removed during the iOS 12.0 beta was Group FaceTime. The user guide confirmed it would arrive with iOS 12.1, allowing up to 32 participants to join a FaceTime call simultaneously. The guide did note that the feature would not be available in all regions at launch.

Depth Control and Dual SIM

The guide also confirmed that photos taken with the Camera app would gain post-capture depth-of-field adjustment, letting you tweak the bokeh effect on Portrait mode shots after they have already been taken. A useful addition for anyone who uses Portrait mode regularly.

Dual SIM support was also confirmed for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Apple would enable the eSIM on these devices, allowing customers to run two phone numbers on a single iPhone without needing a physical second SIM card.

iPhone User Guide for iOS 12.1

DJs

How to install Android 9 Pie on your Google Pixel phones

How to install Android 9 Pie on your Google Pixel phones

Google recently released the final version of Android 9 Pie to all its Pixel handsets. While installing the update on your Pixel (XL) or Pixel 2 (XL) is relatively easy, we've put together a step by step guide on how to install Android 9 Pie on your Google Pixel phones right now.


Step 1

Download the correct OTA file for your Pixel phone on developers.google.com/android/ota
It is extremely important that you select the correct OTA file, as installing the wrong one could permanently damage your device.


Step 2

Download and install ADB and Fastboot on your computer. Windows users may also want to get the Universal ADB Drivers from ClockWorkMod.


Step 3

Set your Pixel in recovery mode by:
  • Turn off your device
  • Hold down the Power button and Volume Down button together until you see the Bootloader screen.

Step 4

Select Recovery Mode by using the Volume Up/Volume Down buttons to scroll to it and the Power Button to select it.


Step 5

The screen will change to a smaller Android with an exclamation mark. Now hold down the Power button and then press the Volume Up button for a second in order to get into Recovery mode.


Step 6

Use the power buttons to scroll down to Apply update from ADB and select it with the Power button. You’ll be left with a blank screen with some text at the bottom.


Step 7

Connect your phone to your computer. Open Terminal on Mac and navigate to the folder that ADB is located in. On Windows you can open a Command Prompt directly from the ADB folder.
  • Windows users type the following in Command Prompt and press Enter:
    adb sideload [Insert OTA file name]
  • Mac users type the following in Terminal and press Return:
    ./adb sideload [Insert OTA file name]

If you've following the steps correctly, you should see some text appear on both the computer and your phone confirming the update is in progress. Once the update is complete, you will return to Recovery Mode. Reboot your device, and you should boot into Android Pie.
DJs

Apple releases public betas for iOS 12, tvOS 12 and macOS 10.14 Mojave

iOS 12 public beta 2, tvOS beta and macOS 10.14 beta released

Apple has released its second cycle of public betas for its operating systems, allowing testers to try out the latest versions of iOS 12, tvOS 12, and macOS 10.14 Mojave. Users who have signed up for Apple's public beta program will be able to test the pre-release versions of the upcoming updates, and offer valuable feedback towards shaping up their final releases.

For iOS 12, this marks the second beta for the public and brings a few new changes and tweaks from the first public beta. A new UI for the Voice Memo app for iPad, and the ability to create sharable links to images in the Photo app among some of the changes. The ability to clear notifications with a single swipe has also been brought back on this release.

While beta builds of Apple's operating systems are not recommended for day to day use, anyone who has an extra iPhone or iPad around can easily install and test these releases. You can follow our guide on how to How to install iOS 12 public beta on your iPhone or iPad if you need help getting started.

It is also important to note, that the second public betas are essentially the same builds that Apple released to registered developers yesterday, which included iOS 12 beta 3.

DJs

[GUIDE] How to install iOS 12 public beta on your iPhone or iPad

Apple iOS 12


Apple announced iOS 12 on June 4th and followed up by releasing a developer beta on the same day. Now the company has released a beta version of their upcoming mobile OS update to the public. The following guide will show you how to download and install iOS 12 public beta on your iPhone or iPad

[DISCLAIMER] The iOS 12 public beta is still a pre-release version of the update, and as such will contain several bugs and incomplete features. Please do not install the update on your daily device. Please note that this website will not be responsible for any loss of data or device malfunction which may occur from following this guide. Proceed at your own risk.

How to install iOS 12 public beta

Step 1) [VERY IMPORTANT]
Connect your device to your PC/Mac and perform a complete backup using iTunes.

Step 2)
Go to beta.apple.com on the device you are about to install iOS 12 beta on.

Step 3)
Enroll your device for the beta by downloading the beta profile for iOS 12.

Step 4)
Go to Settings > General > Software Update, and you should find the iOS 12 beta available for download. Press ' Download and Install'.

Step 5)
Wait for the installation to complete and your device to restart. Once it restarts, you should be running iOS 12 public beta

iOS 12 public beta enrolliOS 12 public beta profileiOS 12 public beta install


What's New in iOS 12 public beta

With iOS 12, Apple is focussing on improving the overall performance of iOS across all supported devices. Older devices as far as the iPhone 5s will take advantage of this upcoming update. Apple is also releasing updates to Siri, iMessage, Augmented Reality (AR) and the Stocks app. You can learn more about iOS 12 here.

How to remove iOS 12 public beta

Step 1)
Connect your device to your PC/Mac and launch iTunes.

Step 2)
Put your device in recovery mode
  • iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 8 - Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery-mode screen.
  • iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus - Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time. Don't release the buttons when you see the Apple logo, instead wait until you see the recovery mode screen
  • iPhone 6s and older, iPad or iPod Touch - Press and hold the Power and Home buttons at the same time. Don't release the buttons when you see the Apple logo, instead wait until you see the recovery mode screen

Step 3)
iTunes will now prompt you to restore your device, and reset it back to the older version of iOS.

Step 4)
Once your device has been restored, you should now be running the most recent version of iOS 11. sign into your Apple ID and restore the full iTunes backup.

[NOTE] You must have backed up your iOS device if you want to restore your data... Please scroll above on instructions to backup your device using iTunes.


DJs

How to make Alexa your default voice assistant on Android


Alexa for AndroidMost Android smartphones come with Google Assistant as its default virtual assistant. But what if you are an Amazon user who prefers Alexa instead. Well now its easy to make Alexa your default go-to assistant on your Android device.

But why would you switch to Alexa over Google ? For starters, You only have to utter the words "Alexa" to get its attention, instead of "OK, Google" which isn't as simple. Additionally, Alexa works with more smart home gadgets, even though Google recently expanded their support for their own assistant.

To get started, download Alexa for Android directly on your device or by visiting the Google Play Store. Once you have the app installed, open the Settings menu on your device and scroll down to 'Apps and Notifications.' Select 'Advanced' and then 'Assist app'. Here you will be able to pick between the Google Assistant, Alexa, or even Cortana.

Once you have selected Alexa as your phone's default assistant, you can access Alexa with a long-press on your (virtual or physical) home button. Unfortunately you cant trigger Alexa with your voice, but this will have to do for now.

This functionality has been around for awhile now, but was recently highlighted on Reddit as a tip for the Google Pixel 2. So if you are a fan of Amazon's Alexa over Google's Assistant, you can get Alexa working for you on your Android device with these easy steps.

DJs

An Essential Guide to Finding Your Closest Cell Tower Locations

✍ Guest Post

Out of the roughly 7 billion people on earth, around 2.8 billion currently have access to the Internet. Companies like Google are pioneering efforts to bring the internet to the next billion through more affordable smartphones.

Most of these smartphones are connected by cellular technology — and that connection is only possible if there are cell tower locations available to support cellular communication.

So how do cell towers work? Would locating a nearby tower be the only way to improve your signal? And how does a signal booster become the missing link between a cell tower and your mobile device?

DJs

The secret to browsing Netflix

The secret to browsing Netflix
Netflix is a great source of entertainment, offering tv shows, movies, documentaries, comedy skits and more. However navigating this vast library of content can be challenging. Luckily there is a secret system which will actually help you browse the content by the genre of your choice.

Being a global platform, Netflix has sorted its content to suit various regions around the world. Each title that's added to their library is carefully sorted into categories, and micro-categories on Netflix's content. Each of these micro-categories are assigned a number and these numbers arent readily available. While you can click the following links to be taken directly to these genres, keep in mind that these links will only work on your web browser and not on the Netflix apps.


Action & Adventure (1365)
Asian Action Movies (77232)
Classic Action & Adventure (46576)
Action Comedies (43040)
Action Thrillers (43048)
Adventures (7442)
Comic Book and Superhero Movies (10118)
Westerns (7700)
Spy Action & Adventure (10702)
Crime Action & Adventure (9584)
Foreign Action & Adventure (11828)
Martial Arts Movies (8985)
Military Action & Adventure (2125)
Anime (7424)
Adult Animation (11881)
Anime Action (2653)
Anime Comedies (9302)
Anime Dramas (452)
Anime Features (3063)
Anime Sci-Fi (2729)
Anime Horror (10695)
Anime Fantasy (11146)
Anime Series (6721)
Children & Family Movies (783)
Movies for ages 0 to 2 (6796)
Movies for ages 2 to 4 (6218)
Movies for ages 5 to 7 (5455)
Movies for ages 8 to 10 (561)
Movies for ages 11 to 12 (6962)
Education for Kids (10659)
Disney (67673)
Movies based on children’s books (10056)
Family Features (51056)
TV Cartoons (11177)
Kids’ TV (27346)
Kids Music (52843)
Animal Tales (5507)
Classic Movies (31574)
Classic Comedies (31694)
Classic Dramas (29809)
Classic Sci-Fi & Fantasy (47147)
Classic Thrillers (46588)
Film Noir (7687)
Classic War Movies (48744)
Epics (52858)
Classic Foreign Movies (32473)
Silent Movies (53310)
Classic Westerns (47465)
Comedies (6548)
Dark Comedies (869)
Foreign Comedies (4426)
Late Night Comedies (1402)
Mockumentaries (26)
Political Comedies (2700)
Screwball Comedies (9702)
Sports Comedies (5286)
Stand-up Comedy (11559)
Teen Comedies (3519)
Satires (4922)
Romantic Comedies (5475)
Slapstick Comedies (10256)
Cult Movies (7627)
B-Horror Movies (8195)
Campy Movies (1252)
Cult Horror Movies (10944)
Cult Sci-Fi & Fantasy (4734)
Cult Comedies (9434)
Documentaries (6839)
Biographical Documentaries (3652)
Crime Documentaries (9875)
Foreign Documentaries (5161)
Historical Documentaries (5349)
Military Documentaries (4006)
Sports Documentaries (180)
Music & Concert Documentaries (90361)
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DJs

Download TaiG 2.0 Jailbreak for iOS 8.3, iOS 8.2 and iOS 8.1.3 on Windows

Download TaiG 2.0 Jailbreak for iOS 8.3, iOS 8.2 and iOS 8.1.3 on WindowsTaiG 2.0 jailbreak for iOS 8.1.3, iOS 8.3 and iOS 8.2 download has been released for compatible iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. The tool is currently available for Windows users, with a Mac release to follow soon.

The updated version of the jailbreaking tool from the TaiG jailbreak team now supports iOS 8.1.3 all the way up to the current public release of Apple’s mobile firmware, which is iOS 8.3.

Previously, these firmware versions have been unjailbreakable, with Apple closing all the exploits that the jailbreak community has used in the past. Fortunately that changes today with the release of this new and updated tool.


Just like the previous versions of TaiG, the tool covers all devices that support iOS 8.x. The full list is as follows:
  • iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6
  • iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5
  • iPhone 4s
  • iPad Air 2, iPad Air
  • iPad 4, iPad 3, iPad 2
  • iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2, iPad mini
  • iPod touch
Supported firmware version:
  • iOS 8.3
  • iOS 8.2
  • iOS 8.1.3
As we mentioned before, the tool is only available to Windows users for now, with an OS X version expected sometime later. However, keep in mind that this is still an early release and you may come across some issues, as pointed out by the TaiG team on its website.


As you can see, Cydia Substrate is currently not compatible with iOS 8.2 and 8.3 so it’s requested to users that they do not yet install anything off Cydia whose sole requirement is Cydia Substrate in order to function. Currently, Jay Freeman (aka Saurik), the creator of Cydia is working to update Cydia Substrate and ensure compatibility for those running the latest mobile firmware by Apple.


[GUIDE] How to Jailbreak iOS 8.3, 8.2, 8.1.3 using TaiG 2.0

With the release of the TaiG 2.0 Jailbreak, owners of supported, iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices can now jailbreak their devices on iOS 8.3, 8.2 or 8.1.3

Requirements

  • Backup your iOS device data on iTunes or iCloud before proceeding with this guide
  • Download and install iTunes 12.0.1, if you have installed a newer version please remove it and ensure you are running iTunes 12.0.1
  • Download and restore your device to iOS 8.3 using iTunes
Procedure
  1. Download the TaiG 2.0 jailbreaking tool for Windows using the link above
  2. On your iOS device make sure that Find My iPhone and Passcode/Touch ID are turned OFF. You can do this by heading to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Enter your current Passcode and then select Turn Passcode Off. This will prompt for the current Passcode once more to verify. Similarly, to turn Find My iPhone off head to Settings > iCloud > Find My iPhone and select the relevant option to turn that particular location tracking service off.
  3. Connect the iOS device running to your computer and Open the TaiG jailbreaking tool.
  4. If the Apple device can’t be discovered by the jailbreak tool, it will present a window that clearly shows “Can’t find Apple device“. However, if everything is detected correctly a different window will be presented showing the details pertaining to the device and the DEBs that will be installed.
  5. We recommend keeping the Cydia option checked but unchecking the 3K Assistant option. Click Start to proceed with the jailbreak procedure.
  6. The user-interface will then keep you updated on the progress of the jailbreak with percentage indicators and labels of what has been successful. This could take some time so be patient. Finally, when the jailbreak process is finished the UI will be updated with a “Jailbreak succeeded!” message.
  7. Now once the device has automatically rebooted, you should have Cydia installed on your home screen.

How to fix TaiG Jailbreak Stuck At 20%, Error 1101

Some of you might have noticed when jailbreaking with TaiG 2.0 that it can get stuck at 20% with error -1101 during the jailbreak process. Apparently this is due to the latest version of iTunes that might be installed on your Windows computer and is not compatible with TaiG. If you are in the same stuck at 20% boat, here’s what you need to do to fix the problem:
  1. Please make sure you completely remove iTunes 12.1.2 or any other version of iTunes from your computer. Also make sure you remove all other remenants of iTunes from your computer:
    • You can do this by changing the extension on your iTunes Library.itl file to iTunes Library.bak. On Windows, you’ll find the necessary file in:
      C:\Users\[yourname]\Music\iTunes
    • Also reboot your computer so that all remaining files are removed
  2. Now download 12.0.1 and install it on your computer [32-bit / 64-bit
  3. Once you have installed the correct version of iTunes, you should be able to continue with the jailbreak process

How to fix TaiG Jailbreak Error 1102

If you get this error code, try the following:

  • Turn on AirPlane Mode.
  • Make sure Touch ID & Passcode is turned off Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.


How to fix TaiG Jailbreak Error 1103

Jailbreak tool file you downloaded might be corrupt. Delete the file you have and Download TaiG 2.0 Jailbreak for Windows again.

How to fix TaiG Jailbreak (Stuck at 30% or 40%), Error 1104

If you get this error, you will probably need to try using another USB port. If that too fails, try on a different Windows computer.

How to fix TaiG Jailbreak (Stuck at 50%), Error 1105

If you get this error, try this: An antivirus or firewall program is enabled on your program. Disable any such program and try jailbreak again. Once jailbreak succeeds, you can enable the program again. Make sure Find My iPhone is turned off. Settings > iCloud > Find My iPhone.

How to fix Injecting (Stuck At 60%)

If you encounter this issue, first reboot both your iOS device and your Windows computer and then do this: Launch TaiG in Administrator mode – Right click on TaiG’s .exe file, click on ‘Run as administrator’. Now try to jailbreak again. It should work. If the above solution still fails to fix the problem, do a fresh restore of your device on iOS 8.3 and try again.
  • Download iOS 8.3 for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch


Other Issues

"Jailbreak Failed" message
Turn off Wi-Fi on the device and try again.
Fix Error when installing iTunes 12.0.1 in VM
If you have Windows installed as VM in Parallels on OS X you may get error when installing iTunes 12.0.1. You can fix it by trying to reinstall Parallels Tools and then try to install iTunes 12.0.1 again.

Fix ‘Apple Driver hasn’t been found’ Error
If you are getting this error, you are likely on a 64-bit version of Windows. Install iTunesDriver64_0205.exe from here to fix the problem.

Fix “Storage Almost Full” Error after jailbreak
Simply run Cydia and wait till it fully loads everything. This will fix the problem.

Jailbreak tweaks compatibility
At the moment, only a handful jailbreak tweaks are compatible on iOS 8.3. This is apparently due to Substrate not being compatible with TaiG iOS 8.3 jailbreak. An updated version of TaiG will be released soon with Substrate which is compatible with this new jailbreak. 
In the meantime, you can check out the list of jailbreak tweaks that are tested to run on iOS 8.3/8.2/8.1.3 below.

List of Jailbreak Tweaks On Cydia compatible with iOS 8.3

By using this list of iOS 8.3 compatible jailbreak tweaks you should be able to avoid those unwanted crashes and resprings that are often caused by a tweak that isn’t yet quite ready for the latest and greatest version of iOS. This list is being updated continuously by the community, so be sure to check back regularly for updates.

DJs

How to set Project Spartan as your default web browser in Windows 10 Technical Preview

How to set Project Spartan as your default web browser in Windows 10One of the highlights of Windows 10 build 10049 was the Project Spartan web browser. The upcoming replacement to Internet Explorer offers a “new web browsing experience for Windows 10” and takes advantage of the latest web standards with a new Edge rendering engine.

Those who use Spartan on a regular basis, will likely want it to open web pages by default whenever clicking on a web link. When Windows 10 is released this summer, Spartan is expected to be the default web browser.

For now you can use the following guide to help set Spartan up as your default browser.

In order to make Project Spartan your default web browser:
  1. Click on Start button and navigate to Settings
  2. Open Settings and tap on System;
  3. Select Defaults and select the currently select web browser; 
  4. You should be able to select Project Spartan, and apply it as your default  web browser.
Keep in mind that Windows 10 Technical Preview is still in developmental stage, so you may expect some compatibility issues as of now and some features or settings might not work as expected.

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