HoFo Blog

From The Web:

Researcher finds certain network names can disable Wi-Fi on iPhones

Google removes nine apps for stealing Facebook users’ logins and passwords

Top 10 trending phones of week 26

OnePlus Pad Trademark Spotted on EUIPO Website, OnePlus Tablet Seems to be on the Way

Senate Does Not Pass Bill C-10, Move Applauded by Conservatives

From The Forums:

T-Mobile settles the purchase of SHENTEL wireless assets

How to find original ESN when sim swapping?

Race to 5G

Red pocket has a new plan $25 for 50GB

Google Voice - What is considered overuse?

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
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From The Web:

OnePlus needs to act more like Samsung

Sideloading some Android apps could get more complicated as Google pushes Android App Bundles

Apple Highlights Canadian Apps and Games on Canada Day

Ryan Reynolds's carrier introduces a 25-year data plan for optimistic boomers

MWC Barcelona 2021 overview

From The Forums:

boom! Mobile - No More AT&T

25 Years of Mint for $100/year

Verizon: Tracfone Customers Can Keep Current Plans Including Lifeline

Combining 2 Lines Question

Scratch to Win

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
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From The Web:

iPhone 12 Series Sales Cross 100 Million Mark Within 7 Months of Launch

Kuo: AirPods Pro 2 to Launch Next Year, AirPods Shipments to Exceed 100 Million

T-Mobile’s REVVL V+ 5G smartphone looks a whole lot better than it should for $199

AT&T gives in, switching to Messages as Google starts to win the RCS war

Digital platforms will start applying tax to purchases in Canada starting July 1

From The Forums:

Has anyone successfully re-activated Tracfone AT&T BYOP number with rewards points?

Dual Sim

iPhone owners can test the T-Mobile network free of charge for 30 days

ATT switches to Android Messages app for RCS

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
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From The Web:

5G phones are more affordable than ever. But the killer app is still missing

Pixel 5a to be released in August, according to latest rumor

Xiaomi Mi Band 6 review: Perfecting the budget fitness band formula

T-Mobile is offering iPhone owners no-hassle network ‘test drives’

Doctor Sells Car to Pay for 7-Year Old Son's App Store Bill

From The Forums:

Is Chat Available?

Cheapest Way to Try ATT Network Data Speed

Not receiving SOME incoming texts

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
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From The Web:

There are now 4 billion smartphones on Earth (only 3.9 billion with cracked screens)

Samsung’s new Google-based smartwatch software addresses a lot of old annoyances

TCL 20 Series arrives in the US starting at $189; Pro model offers wireless charging at $499

The Many App Stores Before the App Store

Air Canada mobile app will soon let travelers submit COVID-19 test results

From The Forums:

Twigby Switching Networks

question about t mobile internet

Thinking of Switching to Visible / Xfinity

AT&T Prepaid $300 Plan Renewal Bonus?

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
---------

It's time for a new thread of the week, our way of recognizing forum members for promoting valuable discussion here.

Every weekday yours truly posts a morning briefing, including the most popular forum threads—that is, the posts with the most replies—for the previous 24 hour period. For reference, here are the briefings for the past seven days:

Your Morning Briefing for Monday, June 21st, 2021
Your Morning Briefing for Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021
Your Morning Briefing for Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021
Your Morning Briefing for Thursday, June 24th, 2021
Your Morning Briefing for Friday, June 25th, 2021

Remember that the Monday briefing includes forum posts from the prior Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so all weekend posts are similarly eligible.

In each briefing, forum posts are ranked by the number of replies (from highest to lowest). That's subject to change, of course, so I did a quick recount of replies for all forum posts in the briefings above. With 32 replies as of this posting the most popular thread started last week is:

Nationwide Cellular Coverage - Your Definition

Congrats to gdrenick74 for starting our eighty-second thread of the week! As a small token of our appreciation, please enjoy a monthlong Premium Membership on us. Benefits include ad-free browsing, increased private message count, access to a subscriber-only forum, extra attachment space, a referral/affiliate signature link, the ability to post referrals, and a custom avatar and user title!

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
---------

From The Web:

Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon 888 Plus with phones from Motorola, Asus coming soon

Lenovo announces $679 13-inch Android tablet that works as a portable monitor

Apple argues against sideloading iPhone apps as regulatory pressure mounts

Four iPhone 13 dummies pose for a photo

Top 10 trending phones of week 25

From The Forums:

Mom currently on PagePlus & just ran out of minutes / Is there a better option than PagePlus?

Verizon Longevity

iPhone wi-fi calling setting?

Will c band fix congestion issues?

which phones are easily unlocked?

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
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From The Web:

Windows 11’s Intel-powered Android apps will run on AMD and Arm processors, too

A very brief history of every Google messaging app

Cyber Attacks Involving Huawei Devices in Canada Spiked after Meng Wanzhou Arrest

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE launch postponed for October

The Galaxy Z Fold3 will give foldable fans a whole new way to trash their screens

From The Forums:

Tracfone Moto E5 specs

Unlocking a Tracfone

Red Pocket CDMA Voicemail Setup

Cell antennas on power structures?

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
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From The Web:

The best phone 2021

Kuo: 2022 iPhone SE Will Be the 'Cheapest 5G iPhone Ever'

Nokia G20 is a $199 smartphone that will receive security updates until at least 2024

Rogers Doesn’t Allow Tablets to Access its 5G Network Yet

We regret to inform you that T-Mobile is selling a 5G-branded gin

From The Forums:

4 more months before my iPhone is eligible for unlocking. What if AppleCare is replacing the phone?

How long will I be able to use the original iPhone SE?

Alternatives to Google Voice's Call/Text Forwarding

Yes. It’s now a spirit!

No Data on new phone, data works on old phone.

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
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From The Web:

iPhone 13 rumors: As Apple's fall event gets closer, the secrets keep spilling

Tim Cook called Nancy Pelosi to warn her against disrupting the iPhone with impending antitrust bills

You can now try Brave’s privacy-focused Google Search alternative

Mobile Flagship Phone Cameras 2021 H1 Review: Megapixels & Telephotos

Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+ to have 50MP main cam, proper telephoto lens

From The Forums:

Can't make a call. "Not connected to network."

Google Voice will stop forwarding text messages ... and Red Pocket port-in limitations do not help.

Can a visible sim be used in an ipad after activating it in an iphone?

Red Pocket 1 yr 8GB on sale for $220

Straight Talk iPhone on Page Plus - Unique questions!

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
---------

From The Web:

Pixel Buds A-Series review: Google’s cheaper but good earbuds

Google just ran out of last year's Pixel Buds

Google app repeatedly crashing after latest update on Android; here’s how to fix

Apple has reportedly ended production of the iPhone 12 Mini

Doogee unveils S97 Pro, a rugged phone with 8,500 mAh battery and Samsung 48MP main camera

From The Forums:

Verizon Digital Secure

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
---------

It's time for a new thread of the week, our way of recognizing forum members for promoting valuable discussion here.

Every weekday yours truly posts a morning briefing, including the most popular forum threads—that is, the posts with the most replies—for the previous 24 hour period. For reference, here are the briefings for the past seven days:

Your Morning Briefing for Monday, June 14th, 2021
Your Morning Briefing for Tuesday, June 15th, 2021
Your Morning Briefing for Wednesday, June 16th, 2021
Your Morning Briefing for Thursday, June 17th, 2021
Your Morning Briefing for Friday, June 18th, 2021

Remember that the Monday briefing includes forum posts from the prior Saturday and Sunday, so all weekend posts are similarly eligible.

In each briefing, forum posts are ranked by the number of replies (from highest to lowest). That's subject to change, of course, so I did a quick recount of replies for all forum posts in the briefings above. With 45 replies as of this posting the most popular thread started last week is:

Can iPhone 12 use CDMA?

Congrats to vanko987 for starting our eighty-first thread of the week! As a small token of our appreciation, please enjoy a monthlong Premium Membership on us. Benefits include ad-free browsing, increased private message count, access to a subscriber-only forum, extra attachment space, a referral/affiliate signature link, the ability to post referrals, and a custom avatar and user title!

---------
Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
---------

From The Web:

These are the best Prime Day 2021 phone deals

Leaked memo confirms OnePlus will become an Oppo sub-brand

The rise and fall of Oxygen OS

Top 10 trending phones of week 24

Flashback: flip phones are dead, long live the flip phone

From The Forums:

Nationwide Cellular Coverage - Your Definition

Will canceling 2 lines, allow me to get phone deals in a month ?

5G data speeds seem to be deteriorating while LTE gets better.

New phones plan only for Tracfone?

Cheapest Cash and Carry, 1 year, minimal use, 2FA

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
---------

From The Web:

Amazon delists RavPower, TaoTronics, and Vava as its crackdown on fake reviews continues

Sonos Roam review: Out of the study, onto the beach

Ikea and Sonos announce picture frame speaker, coming July 15th for $199

How Republicans and Democrats are gearing up to fight tech monopolies

Google backs Linux project to make Android, Chrome OS harder to hack

From The Forums:

Use Straight Talk Phone With TracFone Service?

Do the G5 and the G7 Fit have 4G? Or just 4g LTE?

Unlimited 55+ Magenta not eligible for the EBB?

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
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From The Web:

Upgrading Old Smartwatches to New Wear OS May Be Impossible

Facebook plans first smartwatch for next summer with two cameras, heart rate monitor

The OnePlus Watch has got nothing on its cheaper and better fitness band

The $149 Smartphone That Could Bring The Linux Mobile Ecosystem to Life

JingPad Linux Tablet Crowdfunding Campaign is Now Live

From The Forums:

Will Verizon eventually use majority of their mm wave?

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
---------

From The Web:

Realme GT comes to global markets as the cheapest Snapdragon 888 phone

OnePlus Nord N200 5G is official: Snapdragon 480 5G and a 90 Hz display for $240

OnePlus brings another Nord phone to Canada

Google Messages end-to-end encryption is now out of beta

GSMArena.com turns 21, happy birthday to us!

From The Forums:

Any downside to this type SIM swap?

I have texted trying to fix my apn but need help

What's the current state of $50 Service Days add on?

some contacts not receiving texts

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
---------

From The Web:

Several Chinese smartphone makers are already testing the Snapdragon 888 successor

Government's critical 3500MHz spectrum auction set to begin on June 15

AT&T graciously offers free device downgrades for customers affected by 3G shutdown

Verizon wants you vaccinated, so here’s $180 AirPods Pro and other accessory discounts

House lawmakers introduce five bipartisan bills to unwind tech monopolies

From The Forums:

Is the IMEI # the account #?

Why would unactivated byop verizon sim show better signal than active verizon prepaid sim?

Tracfone Select Plans / Devices 20% off at eBay exp 6/30/2021

Question about Trade In for Apple GC

Will active Verizon prepaid acct prevent byop Verizon sim activation?

---------
Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
---------

It's time for a new thread of the week, our way of recognizing forum members for promoting valuable discussion here.

Every weekday yours truly posts a morning briefing, including the most popular forum threads—that is, the posts with the most replies—for the previous 24 hour period. For reference, here are the briefings for the past seven days:

Your Morning Briefing for Monday, June 7th, 2021
Your Morning Briefing for Tuesday, June 8th, 2021
Your Morning Briefing for Wednesday, June 9th, 2021
Your Morning Briefing for Thursday, June 10th, 2021
Your Morning Briefing for Friday, June 11th, 2021

Remember that the Monday briefing includes forum posts from the prior Saturday and Sunday, so all weekend posts are similarly eligible.

In each briefing, forum posts are ranked by the number of replies (from highest to lowest). That's subject to change, of course, so I did a quick recount of replies for all forum posts in the briefings above. With 46 replies as of this posting the most popular thread started last week is:

Does Tracfone include other brands?

Congrats to daftordeft for starting our eightieth thread of the week! As a small token of our appreciation, please enjoy a monthlong Premium Membership on us. Benefits include ad-free browsing, increased private message count, access to a subscriber-only forum, extra attachment space, a referral/affiliate signature link, the ability to post referrals, and a custom avatar and user title!

---------
Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
---------

From The Web:

Top 10 trending phones of week 23

New COVID-19 outbreaks in Asia could exacerbate the global chip shortage

COVID Alert app helped identify at least 572 cases in April and May

10 things Apple should have changed in iOS 15, but didn't

EXCLUSIVE: First Look at Newly Redesigned iPad mini 6

From The Forums:

Can iPhone 12 use CDMA?

Phone able to connect to voice using LTE but not when falling back to 3g/1x

Motorola Moto E 2020 (and Moto g series) hidden notification LED! Interesting.

Leaving Tracfone

Troubleshooting my cricket sim in an unlocked ATT netgear nighthawk

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Andrew Currie has been blogging about mobile phones since 2001, smartphones (depending on how you define them) since 2002 and smartwatches since 2014.
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