For most people, it is next to impossible to get through the day without using smartphones at least a few times. You need to make calls, check updates on the go, and even use smart navigation systems on your phone. But some smartphone habits can severely hamper productivity, affect your health, and may make you overly dependent on the gadget. So, here are five smartphone habits to keep in check: Using an alarm app Using your phone as an alarm clock might seem completely harmless. After all, apps on the phone let you set multiple alarms. But it never stops at hitting the snooze or dismiss button once you wake up. You will be tempted to check your phone for messages and social media, which will delay getting out of bed. Opt for a conventional alarm clock and keep your phone away from you at night to avoid checking anything after getting up. Ignoring software updates Smartphone care is as important as learning how to use the device in moderation. Many people make the mistake of postponing crucial software updates and granting necessary application permissions. These habits make the device extremely vulnerable to cyber-attacks that can access confidential data. Always keep your phone updated to ensure the latest security updates are installed. Using your phone before bedtime Never use your phone right before going to sleep. There are two simple reasons why this is a really bad habit: First, it strains the eyes at night as smartphones emit blue light that can affect vision with extended exposure. Second, there is always the fear of missing out on social updates or content that you haven’t had the chance to check out yet. You may very well end up spending more than a couple of hours scrolling through an endless loop of audiovisual cues, not realizing how it affects your sleep cycle.

Smartphones are the technology that breaks all communication barriers and helps people connect better. With its plethora of features, this device has simplified people’s lives. However, due to the various models in the market, zeroing in on the best smartphone can take time and effort. Many brands offering lucrative deals make choosing the best one more difficult. However, it is also essential to steer clear of certain common mistakes while purchasing smartphones. Not analyzing your needs Smartphone buyers often tend to purchase mobile devices without considering their requirements. However, listing the features you want will help you achieve better clarity about the phone that will fulfill all your needs. Rather than spoiling the device’s overall experience, it helps you single out the best possible pick for your daily use. Rather than going by your friends or family’s opinion, it is also advised to research the specific smartphone model you intend to purchase carefully. Going for design and not functionality While buying smartphones, many people fall for marketing gimmicks where brands highlight more about the beauty of the device rather than its functionality. Furthermore, brands tend to exaggerate their products rather than discuss its shortcoming. So, the overall purpose of using a phone gets completely dissolved. Therefore, it is significant to get into the device’s details and check its performance, quality, battery, and more before making the purchase decision. Overlooking the smartphone’s dimension Along with the design and functions, customers are also required to anticipate the size and weight of the phone as it will ensure complete comfort for the user while using or carrying it. For example, people with small hands might struggle to handle large smartphones. Similarly, buying a heavy phone may prove uncomfortable for the user while traveling. Ignoring the price The smartphone market is diverse and comprises multiple brands that offer phones at different price ranges to match the different needs of users.

In today’s fast-paced world, smartphones have become indispensable. These devices are one’s communication hub, entertainment source, and personal assistant. With an increasing dependence on these devices, it becomes crucial to use them correctly for prolonged longevity. However, many people inadvertently make common mistakes while handling smartphones that can affect their health and performance. So, here are some mistakes that can harm one’s smartphone and tips on how to avoid them. Not unplugging the phone When a smartphone stays plugged in even after the charging is complete, it experiences a continuous flow of electricity to maintain that charge, resulting in added strain on the battery. This can lead to excess heat, which ultimately contributes to potential damage. To preserve the battery’s health and longevity, it’s advisable to unplug the phone as soon as it reaches its charging potential rather than letting it remain plugged in unnecessarily. Charging the smartphone overnight Leaving a smartphone plugged in overnight might seem convenient, but it’s a mistake that strains the phone’s battery. This continuous charging, often called “trickle charging,” can lead to the battery slowly losing its capacity over time. It eventually leads to an overall diminished battery life and reduced performance. Letting the battery drain fully Many smartphone users may have the habit of using their device until the battery drains completely to 0%. However, this practice is detrimental to the battery’s longevity. Most smartphones have lithium-ion batteries, and if one allows them to drain to zero, it adversely affects the battery capacity over time. One is advised not to consistently let the charging reach 100% or drop to 0%. It’s recommended to maintain a regular charging cycle and charge the phone up to 80% for optimal performance. By following this practice, users can help extend the lifespan of their smartphone’s battery and maintain optimal performance.

Smartphones are probably the highest-selling gadget on the market. Most people cannot do without one in this fast-paced digital life. However, purchasing a smartphone is not an easy task. As it is a long-term investment, you cannot afford to go wrong with it. Many end up buying a device that is not up to the mark and then struggle to use it. Here are ten smartphone buying mistakes you must avoid at all costs: Selecting the wrong size One of the most common mistakes people make is choosing the wrong size. Such mistakes happen when you are not sure about the purpose of your phone. While some people want a bigger screen to watch movies or read books, others want a smaller one to fit into their pocket. To find a suitable one, visit a showroom and hold different model sizes in your hand. Then shortlist the ones that feel the most comfortable. Getting tempted by TV commercials Advertisements are supposed to draw your attention to a particular product. Unsurprisingly then, advertisers highlight a product’s good side. It is up to you not to get tempted by the flawless light and angles they use to enhance a phone’s appearance. Be sure about what you want to have on your phone and conduct thorough research. There is no point in purchasing a smartphone if it does not fulfill your requirements and only looks attractive. Sticking to well-known brands Many select a smartphone brand just because it is popular. However, well-known companies are not necessarily the best. Other brands may provide the same features at a far more reasonable price. So, widen your horizons and search for brands that not only offer the latest features but also take care of your budget. Ignoring the storage space offered The amount of storage plays a vital role in determining the cost of a smartphone.

Smartphones have become an inseparable part of most people’s lives. Owing to the constant reliance on them, individuals are always concerned about their phone’s battery percentage and keeping it charged throughout the day. However, in doing so, they often make inevitable mistakes that could prove costly, severely damaging the phone’s functioning and battery life. To ensure smartphones’ longevity and optimal performance, avoiding common charging mistakes, such as the following, is crucial. Charging the phone to 100% It is a common misconception that charging the phone 100% is the most effective way to use it. However, this practice can cause harm to one’s device in the long run. Smartphones, like many other electronic devices, have limited charge cycles. If one constantly charges the phone to full capacity, one will quickly use up all of these cycles. Once the charge cycles are depleted, the phone’s battery capacity will decrease, negatively impacting its overall functionality. To avoid this, it is recommended that one charges the smartphone only once a month and, at other times, only up to 80% for optimal battery lifespan. By following these guidelines, one can extend the phone’s battery’s life and ensure it continues functioning properly over time. Letting the phone discharge completely Letting a smartphone discharge completely, as in, letting the battery reach 0% and shut down, is an equally detrimental practice. This is again due to the smartphone’s limited number of charge cycles. Charging it after it reaches 0% and shuts down uses up a new charge cycle of the phone. Hence, to ensure a long battery life, it is also essential to not let it get discharged. Connecting the smartphone to a charger when it begins showing a low battery warning is advisable. Using cheap chargers It is imperative for one always to use the recommended phone chargers that their phone’s manufacturer provides.

One may have to charge their smartphone at least once every day. Today, in addition to plugging the charger into the socket, one can opt for a wireless charger or power bank. Regardless of the power source, this simple task of charging might become more efficient with certain precautionary measures. Further, certain errors in the process could damage the phone’s battery. So, here are some mistakes to avoid when charging a phone: 1. Letting the phone charge all night Leaving smartphones plugged in at night is a serious mistake to avoid. While one may want to have a full battery when they wake up, this can lead to a waste of electricity and a higher risk of battery damage. A charging phone draws power from the socket and converts it into electricity to charge the battery. This process generates heat. Further, phones may be left in their cases or on soft surfaces like pillows or beds to charge all night. These surfaces lack proper airflow and ventilation, due to which heat might get trapped in the smartphone and cause a spike in temperature. This overheating and excessive charging can cause permanent damage to the battery. While many modern smartphones come with overcharge protection, leaving the device plugged in could still damage the charger’s onboard chip and prevent the failsafe from working in the future. 2. Charging in extremely hot rooms As charging electronic devices can generate some amount of heat, charging them in extremely hot environments might not be a good idea. On a hot summer day in a hot room (especially where the temperature goes over 90 degrees Fahrenheit), the smartphone could experience a sudden spike in body temperature. Such persistent overheating is terrible for the smartphone and its battery. As a workaround, one could charge their phones in cooler rooms or environments to prevent overheating.

Buying a smartphone is a task that demands thorough research of various brands and their respective specifications. However, once a customer has a clear understanding of their priorities, the next thing they look for is exciting deals on their dream products. And what better time to buy your favorite gadget than the upcoming Black Friday sale? As the shopping event is scheduled for November 24 this year, here are ten smartphone deals to expect. Near-stock Android When it comes to near-stock Android devices, there are many players in the market, including Google. Google Pixel 7 – The Pixel 7 is one of Google’s flagships and comes with a range of features loved by smartphone enthusiasts. The device has a 6.3-inch screen, uses the Google Tensor G2 processor, and has a variety of storage options to pick from. The phone is also water-resistant and runs on one of the most recent versions of Android. During the previous Black Friday sale, the price of this device dropped by $100.One can hope for similar price drops this year also. Google Pixel 7 Pro – For the ultimate flagship experience with stock Android, experts suggest the Google Pixel 7 Pro. The device also saw a price markdown of about $150 at last year’s sale. The device comes with features like adaptive battery technology that can last over 24 hours or about 72 hours when the Extreme Battery Saver is turned on. There’s also a VPN by Google One to help users protect their online activity when they browse the internet. iOS devices Those who desire an iOS device could check out what Apple has on offer this year. Last year, mobile carriers had some of the best offers on various iPhones, including the iPhone SE and iPhone 14. These networks offered credit between $100 and $1000 to customers who traded in their older device for a brand new one.

Black Friday is the ideal time to upgrade your current smartphone to save some money. Multiple offers include discounts on Android and iPhone models, and fantastic prices on many other brands. So surely take advantage of any deals you find because, once they’re gone, you might not have another opportunity to purchase your most desired handset. So, here’s a list of last year’s offers to help you plan and decide what to buy and avoid. Google Pixel 5a with 5G Google’s Black Friday sale featured the Pixel 5a with 5G for $399 last year. Most of the fantastic photographic experiences seen on the expensive Google Pixel 6 are available on the Pixel 5a with 5G, along with stock Android experience, dependable rear fingerprint sensor, and high water resistance. For less than $400, the Pixel 5a with 5G offers good battery life, 5G connectivity, and more. OnePlus 9 One of the newest cell phones with the maximum features is the OnePlus 9. It is available in various attractive colors, and base models offer 128GB storage. It also features a fantastic camera system, a 6.5-inch stunning display, and 5G-ready. At the Black Friday sales, you might get it for $600 or even less, same as last year. Motorola Moto Razr 5G Retro enthusiasts should get this folding mobile because of its strikingly thoughtful design and good specs. With 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, the Snapdragon 765G, which runs the show and powers 5G connectivity, has plenty of power to operate smoothly. You might get it this holiday season for $800 or less. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 (AT&T) The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the first foldable reasonable phone, and last year, Walmart Black Friday deals included a $500 gift card with purchase. It boasts a sizable internal foldable display, a notification cover display, and robust hardware.

Smartwatches have turned into one of the most popular wearable devices in the market. Interestingly, the global smartwatch market is expected to reach 230.30 million units by 2026. These devices come with many features that we can use in our daily lives. However, there are many people who buy and wear smartwatches without learning all of the wearable’s capabilities. To help you, here are five ways to make the best use of a smartwatch. As a fitness tracker Smartwatches have features that are useful for fitness enthusiasts. The watch combines software and hardware to help you track rains, hikes, swims, and more. The applications can track the distance covered, speed, intensity, elevations, and also the time it took to complete the activity. Furthermore, some smartwatches can automatically start tracking workouts based on your movement. Ultimately, a smartwatch may help you improve your overall health. To read important notifications If you’re on the move or running errands at a grocery store, you know how annoying pulling out your smartphone can be. By using a smartwatch, you can overcome this problem. Once connected to the smartphone, you can view all the essential notifications directly on the wearable. You can also check your grocery shopping lists and other quick notes effortlessly. For contactless payments Instead of paying for groceries and other utilities with printed money, we can make contactless payments with our smartphones. This helps keep a track of where and how the money is spent. If you have a capable smartwatch, you can make contactless payments using it with an appropriate payment application. The device can also be used as a tip calculator. For easy communication Communication features are another factors that make buying a smartwatch worth the investment. The wearable can track upcoming events in the office or at home. Furthermore, some smartwatches can also let you read a message and reply to it with a pre-programmed phrase.

People often swap out old items for new and better options. However, some of these might be heavy on the pocket. Luckily, retailers usually host sales on their websites on occasions, such as Black Friday, where one can find several products for incredibly lowered prices. Though the holiday deals for 2023 are yet to be announced, here are 15 early deals that one could expect during the busiest shopping day of the year. Gaming Here are some of the potential deals that gaming enthusiasts should watch for. Nintendo console lovers might be glad to know they might get a deal on the Nintendo Switch + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Based on last year’s trend, retailers may price the bundle at about $300, which is $50 lower than the regular price. They may also include a 3-month Switch pass with this bundle. One could pick up the Gigabyte G5 15.6-inch RTX 3050 Ti and enjoy gaming even on the move. The product might get a $100 discount, making its sale price $350 at the Black Friday event. The D&D Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle is one of the most popular gaming sets in the market. While the set costs about $20, shoppers could expect a discount of $10 on it during this Black Friday. Mattresses A good night’s rest is essential for everyone to recharge their body. One of the ways to ensure quality sleep is by using a good mattress. Here are three deals to expect on bedroom essentials during Black Friday. There are several deals to expect from Saatva during Black Friday. One includes the Classic Mattress, which may sell for about $1400 during Black Friday. That’s about $600 lower than its usual selling price. The $2000 Puffy Cloud mattress may receive a steep discount of about $1000 during the holiday shopping event.

A stunning display, built-in Google apps, and Google AI for 24×7 assistance are some reasons that make users switch to Google Pixel phones. However, Google Pixel is not limited to these primary aspects; it opens up a world of possibilities facilitated by a host of useful software features. Navigating a Google Pixel phone is all about understanding its hidden features and tools. Here are six incredible ways to make one’s Google Pixel experience better. Enable the “Smart Storage” option The internal storage of smartphones is typically limited, causing a shortage of space after a certain period of usage. Photos and videos take up the maximum space on these devices. On the bright side, these items may be deleted from internal storage if one’s automatic syncing option to Google Photos is enabled on Google Pixel phones. Google Pixel allows users to prevent the accumulation of these items in the phone’s internal storage using an automated feature. One may enable this feature through the Files app on the phone by activating “Smart Storage” in its settings. When this option is activated, copies of photos or videos already backed up to Google Photos will be automatically deleted, clearing up the phone’s internal storage. Color-coordinate the home screen icons with the wallpaper All smartphones of Android 12 and above allow users to color-coordinate their home screen icons with the wallpapers they choose. Google Pixel users may complete this process by pressing and holding any blank space on their home screens, selecting “Wallpaper and Style,” and activating the toggle corresponding to the “Themed Icons” options. And voila! All the home screen icons become color-coordinated with the wallpaper’s theme. Enable the option to detect car crashes Google Pixel’s Personal Safety app comes to the rescue in case of car crashes, when the concerned authorities need to be alerted.

The Galaxy Z Fold series is one of the latest examples of Samsung’s unwavering commitment to innovation and user-centric design. With each model, the brand has raised the bar for foldable technology, offering devices that combine style, functionality, and cutting-edge features. As the series continues to evolve, it may just be a glimpse of the future of smartphone design and user experiences. So, here is everything one should know about the Galaxy Z Fold series:  Initial offering The first generation Galaxy Z Fold paved the way for Samsung’s exploration into foldable technology. Featuring a 7.3-inch AMOLED display, it introduced users to a new era of multitasking and immersive experiences. The revolutionary hinge mechanism ensured seamless transitions between folded and unfolded states. While subsequent models have refined and enhanced the concept, the Galaxy Z Fold remains an iconic milestone in the evolution of smartphones. It emerged as a pioneering technology in foldable phones. At the moment, the original Galaxy Z Fold is much more affordable than other models in the series, serving as an entry point into the world of foldable technology. Early models – The Galaxy Z Fold 2 marked a significant leap forward in foldable smartphone design. With a larger, 7.6-inch AMOLED display, it offered users an expansive canvas for multitasking and immersive content consumption. The Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) layer provided enhanced durability, while the Hideaway Hinge allows for flex mode, revolutionizing user interaction. Samsung also considered affordability, offering flexible payment plans and trade-in options to ensure that the Galaxy Z Fold 2 was within reach for diverse buyers. The phone proved even more affordable for enthusiasts with the shopping season deals following its release. – The next model in the series was the Galaxy Z Fold 3, equipped with a 7.6-inch AMOLED display when unfolded. Like other models in the lineup, it provides users with a canvas for productivity, creativity, and entertainment.