The Mobile Marketing Blog - TellMyCell

Using Mobile Tech to Stay Safe

Can mobile devices help you stay safe under many varied circumstances? The answer is a resounding “absolutely.” Your smartphone or tablet won’t take the place of a muscle-bound bodyguard, nor do they mean you should voluntarily put yourself in harm’s way. However, they will help you remain safe and secure, thanks to a number of apps and alert systems. Check them out and feel better walking down a dark alley (not that you should): 

 

bSafe

bSafe is a free personal safety app designed for both Android and iOS. Features including the ability to notify friends and family of your current whereabouts, letting them know when you’ve arrived at your destination and sending exact GPS location information while en route. The latter makes it easy for your emergency contacts to determine where you are at all times. Another bSafe feature is programming faux phone calls so it looks like you’re talking to someone while around shady characters. Should you require immediate assistance, the app activates an alarm that also triggers your phone’s camera to start recording the incident. 

 

SafeTrek

SafeTrek is the free app to use when you find yourself in a less-than-safe situation. It alerts the police so they can help you as soon as possible. The app is designed to prevent accidental alerts via the ‘Safe’ button that launches the app when you press it. Once you stop pressing, you’ll be asked to enter a four-digit code that tells the police where you are and to make haste to your location. You therefore don’t have to worry about notifying the police because you sat on your phone while at brunch.

 

Disaster Alert

The Disaster Alert app was created by Pacific Disaster Center and remains one of its World Disaster Alerts. This app provides access to several hazard-monitoring organizations, and sends alerts should a severe storm or other natural disaster make its way to your town or city. Its DisasterAWARE platform offers real-time access to current data on natural disasters, both near your location and around the globe, and provides important warnings should you need to get out of town. Disaster Alert has some 1.5 billion users worldwide so far. 

These and similar apps make outstanding practical use of mobile technology, though again it’s necessary to emphasize that such options are not substitutes for 911 emergency calls. It’s still important to contact the emergency number when possible and if the situation calls for it, such as if a crime is taking place or immediate help is required to save your life or someone else’s. That said, emergency and safety apps are a great help as they allow for discretion, which is often required in a dangerous situation. Use one or more safety apps as part of your overall safety plan and remember to avoid anything you suspect as dangerous. It’s better to be safe than very, very sorry. 

Apple Is Finally Making a Budget Phone

 

In late January, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook announced that Apple had achieved its most successful quarter—an impressive $76 billion in revenue and $18.4 billion in profits. Sounds pretty good, right? But what else would we expect from the one of most innovative companies in mobile technology? After all, the company has earned the title of “world’s most valuable,” and by all accounts it’s the most successful company of the 21^st century. 

So, if profits are sky high, and more products like the Apple Watch are in the works, why would Apple release a budget device last week?

 

What’s in a Name?

Before we get into why Apple would release a budget smartphone, let’s take a look at the device itself. The iPhone SE is the cheapest phone Apple has ever introduced to market. Basic specs include a modest 4-inch screen, 326 ppi, embedded M9 motion processor, 12-megapixle iSight camera, and Touch ID on the Home button. 

Truth be told, this phone isn’t exactly new. Said Kate Knibbs of Gizmodo, “There is nothing new or distinctive in the size, shape, look, hardware, or software of the iPhone SE.”

Apple’s ‘new’ budget phone is more-or-less the iPhone 5S, but it’s been relabeled a low-cost smartphone to meet specific market trends that could otherwise cause problems for the company.

 

The Big Picture

Apple closed a huge quarter in December of last year. While it was, strictly speaking, the most profitable quarter the company had ever seen, these four months were only about 2 percent more profitable than the same time from the year before. 

This information is relevant for a few reasons. Apple’s year-over-year trends between 2010 and 2015 were far more significant. For example, between 2014 and 2015, Apple enjoyed a 30 percent increase in sales, and revenues were skyrocketing fivefold in some cases. But that’s not what we’re seeing from the company anymore. 

Apple has done a great job of maintaining the company’s position as a luxury brand—new phones usually go for as much as $650, a hard pill to swallow if you’re used to operating a cheaper device. The 16GB iPhone SE will cost about $399, with payment plan options available. Apple’s even offering free phones for people who sign up for a special two-year contract. So, how does this fit into the big picture of why Apple is offering a budget phone at all?

 

Why Now?

Until recently, Apple’s product lifecycle was pretty short—people would get a new phone before there was anything wrong with the old one. But that’s slowing down on several fronts, particularly in China, where budget phones have become increasingly successful.

If the product lifecycle is lengthened, Apple has no choice but to go after new users, users who may prefer smaller devices, or users who could never afford a $650 phone. 

Repacking old phone iterations isn’t a bad idea—but it certainly makes you wonder why the phone was so much more money in the first place. In some ways, this undermines the company’s luxury branding, cheapening the value of each new device or wearable that comes to market. If everyone has an iPhone, it’s hard to call one a luxury item. 

 

Two Samsung Devices Launched in India This Month

Samsung has launched two more flagship devices, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, which will make their way to the Indian market in the second week of March. The mobile device juggernaut is hoping to improve sales and breathe new life into the slowing smartphone industry. 

 

An Important Market

India is recognized as an important market with regard to virtual reality handsets, and the country is seeing an increase in sales despite the current global sale decrease. Research firm IDC notes that the global smartphone market saw shipments increasing from 1.30 million units in 2014 10.1 percent to 1.43 billion units in 2015. India is currently one of the world’s fastest-growing global markets thanks to shipments increasing by 28.8 percent in 2015 to 103.6 million units over the previous year.

Samsung is a leader in both the Indian and global markets, as it had over 21.4 percent of the global market share by the end of the December 2015 quarter. The company has a 26.8 percent share in India. 

 

More “Convenient and Fun” 

Samsung Electronics President of Mobile Communications Business, DJ Koh, notes that the tech giant believes in a world that’s “brighter, sharper, more convenient, and more fun.” Samsung continually aims to deliver on this vision via the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 by combining functionality with elegant design. The intended result is a “seamless mobile experience.” 

Both phones feature the first dual pixel camera on a smartphone, which is designed to produce brighter and sharper images whatever the light situation due to their apertures opening wider and letting in more light. These phones’ shutters don’t require staying open as long, which significantly reduces the chances of blurry images. The Galaxy S7 is 5.1 inches, while the Galaxy S7 Edge is 5.5 inches. Each features 3D glass and metal construction, and is dust and water-resistant. 

There’s also a hybrid SIM card tray that allows you to insert a microSD card for up to 200GB of additional storage. In some countries, the tray may be used in conjunction with a dual SIM card. Both phones work with the $100 Gear virtual reality headset Samsung unveiled last fall. Additionally, the tech company is working on a 360-degree camera that makes it possible for anyone to capture and share virtual reality images. The Gear 360 camera will be available within a few months.

 

Teaming With Facebook

Samsung is currently working with Facebook to stress the virtual reality aspect of mobile phones and social media platforms. Mark Zuckerberg joined Samsung at the Mobile World Congress show in Barcelona, Spain, to announce the partnership, where he noted that while virtual reality has mainly been used for gaming purposes, its role is changing. This is why Facebook is making the investment: to “deliver these social experiences.” 

The new phones begin shipping on March 1, and Samsung is offering advanced order options. Free Gear VR headsets will be available in some markets to those who place advanced orders, including the U.S. 

 

Getting Fit? There are Multiple Apps for That

There are about a billion excuses to choose from if you’re trying to avoid the gym. 

Lucky for you, there’s an app out there to help make your personal fitness struggle more manageable and more fun. Whether you’re an overeater, late night drinker, or just need help staying motivated, there’s no better time to get in shape, thanks to these useful fitness apps. 

 

For the Overeater 

Who has time to keep a food journal or attend weekly meetings with a support group? The Rise app, available for iOS, is the easiest way to manage eating behavior and gain professional guidance from a registered dietician from your smart device. For about $20 a month, you can snap pictures of all your meals and send them to your personal dietician. He or she will review your meals and make healthy suggestions that align with your discussed fitness goals.

Also for the overeater, Amount is a nifty app that lets you convert serving sizes on all your favorite recipes so you’re able to stick to portions that will keep you on track. The app is 99 cents and available for iOS. 

 

For the Unmotivated 

A lot of people complain that working out isn’t fun. More fun means better workouts, and what’s more fun than running from zombies? Zombies, Run! 3 is a popular app that mixes fun gamification features with an easy-to-use interface. Every step and every mile awards you points, supplies, and tools to defend against the Zombie attack. With more than one million runners already playing, this is a way to join a community committed to fun and fitness. Get Zombies, Run! 3 on Android and iOS for $3.99. 

Feeling a bit philanthropic? Motivate your workout routine with Charity Miles, an app that donates money to nonprofits with every mile you run, walk, or bike. Pick your charity and get moving—these small contributions add up to big change for participating charities. Get Charity Miles for free on iOS and Android. 

 

For the Busy-Body 

Between working a 9-to-5 job and spending time with family and friends, just finding the time to go to the gym can be extremely difficult. Busybodies need help organizing their schedule and staying on track. Sunrise is an app that connects all your calendars from social media and email into one convenient app. Manage your gym time around your schedule and never miss picking up the kids from soccer practice again. 

Vida is another great option for people on the go. Pick a personal trainer that fits your lifestyle. Then, discuss your fitness goals—from managing serious weight loss to improving chronic conditions like diabetes. You can chat or Face Time with your trainer when it’s convenient for you and keep track of your progress using Apple’s Heath Kit. For $15 a week, Vida is a great bargain for busy men and women. 

Everyone’s got an excuse. This year, you can overcome yours with these useful fitness apps. 

 

 

The Apps Taking the Stress Out of Bill-Splitting

Splitting the bill at a restaurant or anywhere else is generally aggravating for everyone involved, and that certainly includes staff. Several apps are taking the headache out of bill splitting and allow patrons to easily determine who owes what. 

Let’s review some of these apps and what makes them so cool: 

 

Splittr

This $2 iPhone app makes figuring out who owes what for food, hotel rooms, gas, and pretty much any other payments much simpler. The app requires a user to create a trip or event and then add expenses for the activity. The next step is to add the people involved in the trip/event and note what each person has contributed so far. The app determine’s each person’s balance, as well as what is still owed. 

 

Lovely

This free iOS/Android app offers an automated rent payment option entitled Pay With Lovely. Simply enter your rent amount and the landlord’s contact information to create automatic monthly payments. You’ll receive notice five days before the transaction occurs, as well as when the payment is made and when the landlord makes his or her deposit. 

 

Venmo

Venmo is another free iOS/Android option that makes paying friends back—or sending rent money—an easier process. You can either receive money through the app, or send what amounts to invoices requesting funds. Using the app on the iPhone 7 allows you to make payments to nearby friends via Bluetooth. While Venmo was recently acquired by PayPal, it’s a great deal more streamlined than PayPal’s app. 

 

GroupMe

This app’s Collect Money feature takes the awkwardness out of requesting funds after an event, such as a huge dinner or ski trip. Just click on the paperclip icon next to the Message Compose field, hit ‘Collect,’ and enter who owes what. Friends and family pay with their credit cards, and you’ll receive a message when everyone has put in his or her share. Custom links over the web are provided to party members who do not have the app. If you’re planning on using GroupMe, keep in mind that there’s a 3.5 percent credit card charge, as well as a $.30 charge for every paying individual. 

 

Google Wallet and Square Cash

Google Wallet allows you to send and receive money via email. Square Cash provides the same service but requires linking your debit card to your account and then entering email addresses of recipients along with Cc [email protected]. Simply enter the amount owed on the subject line. 

 

Pay-At-The-Table Apps

The days of using the air signature gesture to get your bill at a restaurant could be coming to an end, thanks to pay-at-the-table apps. Four-digit codes are provided to restaurants by the apps, though QR barcodes and table numbers can also be used. Payments are made through pre-loaded links to debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay, or PayPal and allow patrons to split the bill as needed. 

Are the days of annoying bill-splitting problems over? We can only hope.

 

Roadtesting Handsfree Texting: Apple vs. Android

If you’re like me, and most other busy professionals, multitasking needs to be as innate as breathing. Whether I’m scanning morning emails while making breakfast, driving to an appointment while taking a conference call, or simply doing three things at once because I want to, the fact of the matter is sometimes, I need a little help. 

When Apple introduced Siri in 2011, I thought my life would never be the same. You remember the TV advertisements, don’t you? It was going to be like having an unpaid personal assistant at my side every day, forever and ever. 

And then I met Siri, and we hardly ever spoke. 

Since 2011, each update of Siri has been a little better. And now that Google has provided Android users with the same hands free convenience, I figured it was time to test out my old acquaintance and try her new competitor Google Now. 

Here are the results from my hands free road test:

 

Miss-communication 

One of the obvious problems I observed in 2011 was Siri’s lack of contextual awareness. Siri repeatedly misunderstood my requests, did not provide relevant answers, and ultimately didn’t make my life easier (or anyone’s, for that matter.) Today I find this has improved, but not as much as I would like.

Siri’s only redeeming quality: snarky comments and bedtime stories. 

On the other hand, Google Now has a better success rate on basic inquires, although some miscommunication still occurs. What Google Now lacks in personality, it makes up for in actuary and readiness—a huge win for Android. 

Apple fans do not despair. Siri’s next iteration will include Proactive, which is tailored to help Siri understand more complicated requests. In the future, this could push Apple into the lead. Until then, for easy hands-free texting, my vote goes to Android.

 

Command Central 

Aside from ensuring the inquiries are received correctly, what about the actual command process? Which one is easier to use? 

If you use an iPhone and want Siri to read your most recent text message, first you must ensure the “Hey Siri” feature is turned on in the settings menu. Then all you have to do is say “Hey Siri” and ask her to “read my text messages.” 

From there she will recite your message, and follow by asking if you’d like to send a response message, which you can dictate and send. 

No big deal. 

Similarly, Google Now incorporates almost the same exact commands. Just say, “Ok Google, show me my last messages” and you’re off to the races. Your phone will tell you whom the text message is from and read it aloud to you. It then asks if you would like to respond, listen again, or delete the message. 

There’s no distinct winner here in my book. The commands and utility of this hands-free feature are more or less the same, less the activation required to speak directly to Siri. But that’s not such a bad thing. It’s good to know you can turn off these features if and when I need to. 

This one’s a draw. 

 

Nosey Neighbors  

Call me old fashioned but I don’t like Google knowing every detail of my personal or professional life. Google Now has brought up considerable concern regarding privacy issues, which may (or may not) take place all the time while you’re using Google and their associated platforms and services. 

Google Now is no different. It’s scanning your calendar to make appointments, looking through text conversation and images to arrange context for the most sophisticated responses. 

While there are currently no outstanding lawsuits about the matter, it’s clear that for some users this may be an issue. 

Siri may be slow, but she’s no nark—one point for Apple. 

Things are all tied up it would seem. The good news is that my hands are freer than ever before to multitask, thanks to the latest hands free texting apps via Apple and Android. But don’t take my word for it—try them both out yourself. 

Apple Dodge More Legal Wrangles

A federal judge threw out a case against Apple, claiming the tech giant used its iMessage system to intercept text messages to Android phones. The case also claimed Apple prevented these messages from being sent, but the courts ruled earlier this year that it wasn’t of the class action variety. The plaintiffs—a husband, wife, and family friend—had attempted to prove the company was violating federal wiretap laws. 

These plaintiffs were Apple users who switched to Android between 2012 and 2014. The case started when an iCloud issue prevented iMessage texts from reaching their destinations. The plaintiffs said the glitch resulted in illegal surveillance. They noted that Apple keeping the “contents” of iMessages sent from iPhones to Android phones and sometimes failing to deliver the messages was a violation of the Stored Communications Act and Federal Wiretap Act.

 

Apple’s Response 

The company argued that because the plaintiffs sued after they switched to Android, they really didn’t have a case. Apple said in its court motion that this made it impossible to know whether texts sent to their “iMessage-associated numbers went to their Apple or Android devices.” 

Apple eventually fixed the problem, but won’t have to fork over monetary compensation. The company created a website that de-registers phone numbers from their iMessage service, though users can also disable iMessage on their iPhones before placing their SIM cards in Android devices. 

“Apple takes customer satisfaction extremely seriously, but the law does not provide a remedy when, as here, technology simply does not function as [the] plaintiff subjectively believes it should,” a spokesperson for the company said in a statement. 

Several carriers are now offering features similar to iMessage, including the ability to see what the other person is typing. T-Mobile, for example, announced last summer that the Samsung Galaxy S5 and S6 phones would feature advanced messaging services through a software update. Features include “rich” one-on-one group messaging, such as near-real-time chat and the ability to share high-res photos and videos up to 10 MB. This is in addition to seeing what the person you’re chatting with is typing. 

T-Mobile says their advanced messaging service “is built to work across all devices, makers and operating systems--and wireless operators."

Ironically, some note that the Apple case is reminiscent of something Steve Jobs said in 2010. Jobs announced that Apple was going to make FaceTime an open standard, but it never happened. And while the concept of having FaceTime video chat functionality available in more devices and applications is an attractive one, it’s still unlikely to occur anytime soon. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as some industry experts argue Facetime is simply a way for Apple to keep its customers. 

Will more cases like Apple’s crop up in reaction to advanced text messaging services, or did the company nip the problem in the bud? The plaintiffs weren’t able to prove Apple broke any laws, but the issue sure did annoy a lot of users who made the switch to Android. Hopefully, other companies will ensure such problems won’t occur before they roll out advanced messaging services. 

 

The Best Smartphones in 2015

It’s that time of year again—no, not Christmas—a breakdown of the best smartphones of 2015! That’s right, it’s not too late to get great deals on the best phones of the year, and you’ll want to know who made this year’s cut and why before you make your purchase. 

 

#5 HTC One M9

This brand has come a long way this year, and for people who enjoy the minimalistic design of Apple, but prefer the Android operating system, this is a perfect mobile arrangement. 

Great features on this phone include solid build and utility, BoomSound audio and Sense overlay. While the camera isn’t the best the industry has to offer, for strict utility users, this is an affordable and thoughtful choice. The HTC One A9 is also pretty good, and it looks a lot like the iPhone. 

 

#4 Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

For users on the fence about getting a phablet, this Samsung device is your 2015 champion. The sleek and enormous screen size helps busy users see and do more with advanced camera and video features, which make getting social both a breeze and more enjoyable. 

If you like everything about this phone but don’t think this device will fit in your pocket, the Samsung Galaxy S6 has all the same great guts in a more traditional sized smartphone. 

 

#3 Sony Xperia Z5

This is a great phone for people who take their smartphone with them everywhere—we’re talking the mountains, scuba diving, you name it! This device is waterproof, dustproof and by all accounts indestructible. It also features the latest Snapdragon processor with 3GB of RAM.

This phone is certainly not the cheapest phone on the list this year, but depending on your daily activities, this phone could be well worth the small investment. 

 

#2 iPhone 6S Plus

We just couldn’t have a list without an Apple product in the mix, now could we? And the iPhone 6S Plus surely don’t disappoint. Yes, the 6S Plus is more expensive than its sibling the 6S, but it’s well worth the money if you’re thinking about upgrading your iPhone to a 2015 model. 

The iPhone 6S Plus is beautifully designed, features an awesome 3D Touch screen, fuss-free camera, and brilliant display. 

The other major advantage to the 6S Plus is the extra battery life it affords, which is a problem for most smartphone users. 

 

#1 Samsung Galaxy S6

Price drops on this incredibly good smartphone make it not only the most affordable smartphone this year, and dollar-for-dollar the most powerful handset on the market. 

The 5.1-inch screen is more than big enough to play, chat and snap just about anything you want, while still being small enough to be both lightweight and portable. Both the picture and video quality is an Instagram lover’s dream, which includes QHD display and a nifty TouchWiz overlay for ease of use. 

If you’re in the market for an end of the year upgrade make sure to grab one of these models to ensure you get one of the very best smartphones of 2015. 

 

Festive Apps for the Holidays

Shopping for holiday apps in the app store may not be your idea of embracing the Christmas spirit, but with more holiday apps to choose from, getting in touch with your inner Cringle has never been easier. From Christmas countdowns to unique gift ideas, here’s a list of festive holiday apps sure to warm your winter season:

 

Dreamdays 

For the minimalist, Dreamdays is a stylish countdown app available for both iOS and Android. In addition to counting down the days till Christmas, this app can be used after the holidays to count down other annual or personal events. 

 

Christmas Countdown 2015

If you’re looking for a more aggressive countdown, Christmas Countdown is an assertive app that packs a holiday-themed punch with daily quotes, gaudy Christmas interface, and announcements. This app is only available for iOS, but will pair nicely with parents and overly enthusiastic holiday elves.  

 

Etsy 

Along with knowing how many days are left before Christmas, ensuring you get gifts for everyone on your list is equally important. For gift-givers looking for unique and vintage pieces, Etsy serves up homemade items that will please the creatives on your list. This app is available for iOS and Android, and customers should be sure to order early as some items are shipped from overseas.  

 

Geek

This app comes from established developer ContextLogic and covers a wide array of products from wearable tech to home décor. In addition to its simple category-based interface, Geek also curates a shopping list based on behavior and extends special offers up to 80% off. Geek is available for iOS and Android and is sure to keep on giving well after the holidays are through. 

 

25 Days of Christmas 

If you’re a mobile game player, then Advent’s 25 Days of Christmas is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Enjoy a new game each day, leading up to Christmas in this festive holiday-themed countdown app. There’s less than 25 days left till Christmas, so be sure to download this fun app for both Android and iOS. 

 

Pinterest

Sure, it’s not really a holiday app, but pinning creative décor ideas, gifts and recipes can be a fun, as well as an easy way to prepare for the upcoming holiday season. Get organized, be inspired, and enjoy the new feature that allows shoppers to purchase products via clickable pins. 

Don’t be a Grinch this holiday season. Instead cozy up to one or more of these festive holiday apps and let the spirit take hold. 

 

Samsung Stays Top Dog in India's Mobile Marketplace

Selling smartphones is no small feat. How many times did you buy a smartphone this year? Once? What’s more likely is you didn’t buy a smartphone at all. That’s because U.S. consumers have become increasingly satisfied with their mobile devices, especially as prices increase and special features become more standardized. In other words, the U.S. has reached saturation, so companies like Apple and Samsung are looking for new frontiers to conquer. One such highly prized marketplace is India. 

In a recent report by a global marketing intelligence firm, the Q2 vendor share in India was analyzed to provide important insight about purchasing trends inside the densely populated country. According to the report, 26.5 million smartphones were shipped to India during Q2 this year, an increase of 44 perfect from the same period last year. 

Samsung, with just over 23 percent market share in smartphone sales, is the leader among smartphone vendors in India. However, core devices like the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge did not significantly contribute to the company’s stronghold in India. That’s due in part to unique characteristics of this specific marketplace.

 

Smart Versus Budget Phones

First, consumers in India have a strict preference for budget phones. About 50 percent of all smartphones bought in Q2 this year were low or mid-tier devices, like Samsung’s Galaxy J1, and older models like the Galaxy Core.

Samsung was able to edge out big U.S. competitors like Apple for two simple reasons: Apple doesn’t offer a budget phone, and Apple has yet to open a flagship store on Indian soil. 

Lastly, smartphone vendors in India will have to wait patiently while the market makes the slow transition from mobile phone to smart device. India’s population has yet to reach this critical mass, however, the report predicts that by 2017, India will overtake the U.S. as the second largest smartphone market globally. 

Korea’s Samsung is still top dog in India, but other companies like domestic brands Micromax and Intex, as well as China’s Lenovo, have managed to grab a slice of the pie. Micromax maintained the second position in the smartphone market with a 17.7 percent shares. In third place, Intex increased to 12 percent, and Lenovo (including Motorola) edged out fourth place thanks to its new budget device the K3 Note, which they sold 2 million units of in India for the first time ever in Q3. 

For now, smartphone vendors in India will have to wait for consumers to reach a higher saturation point before they can upgrade smartphones at the rate they have been in the U.S. and China. However, if the smartphone lifecycle continues as it has here in the U.S., vendors will inevitably see a slowing from Indian consumers in the years to come.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeremy Pollack has a B.A. in English from USC and has been writing professionally since 2001. He is the founder and editorial manager of Compelling Content Solutions, A copy writing and content marketing services company.