If you’re helping one of your grandparents find a new smartphone, be sure to help them stay protected from online scams and malware. Show them how to run DFNDR’s Security Scan on their device in order to search for, and remove, any malware or security threats. Many smartphone users are at risk of being hacked, so the extra protection against viruses and unwanted breaching could be perfect for someone who only wants to use his or her smartphone for basic needs. Click here to run a virus scan now:

In order to get older generations interested in smartphones, a range of cell phone providers have produced models specifically geared towards the elderly — to both help them keep in touch with loved ones, and provide easy-access emergency calling in case of an incident.

Phone companies like GreatCall, Consumer Cellular, Samsung, and Emporia have all come out with designs for senior citizens in the past couple of years. Phones like the Jitterbug5 and the Doro PhoneEasy 626 boast similar features: a large keypad; a bright, large-text LED screen; and a button on the back for immediate emergency calls. The contacts are limited but easily accessible, with photo capabilities and a built-in, high-powered flashlight on the back.

There are also options for senior citizens who already have smartphones not specifically designed with these features. Third-party launchers like Large Launcher or BIG Launcher both enlarge the font size and simplify the phone’s menu style, without any additional effort. These interfaces are free to download from the Google Play store.

If you’re looking for a more intuitive smartphone for an elderly person you know, these companies have also designed lines of Android devices solely for seniors as well. The Jitterbug Touch (or the Jitterbug Smart), Emporia Smart, and Doro Liberto 825 all have 5-inch screens with large buttons and simple, condensed lists of apps in the menu. They are compatible with hearing aids, and the Doro model even allows family members or caregivers to make adjustments remotely. These smartphones streamline the navigation process while allowing for versatile usage.

1. Don’t let your phone overheat

Performing too many tasks on your device at one time can cause it to overwork itself and to overheat. Overheating can damage your device’s battery, which means that your phone will work inefficiently. Your phone can also overheat if you leave it plugged in after the battery has been charged to 100%. In order to prevent this from happening, you’ll need to use a feature like DFNDR’s Total Charge to prevent it from overheating by monitoring your phone’s charging process. Click here to prevent your device from overheating:

2. Don’t overload your phone with tasks

As mentioned, too many tasks can make your phone overheat. However, you may not be aware of how many tasks your phone is trying to complete at once. That’s why it’s important to monitor all of the apps that you have connected to the Internet, and all of the background tasks that they are performing.

3. Practice safe online habits

If you want to keep your phone working like new, then you’ll need to practice safe online habits. Be sure to create strong passwords, avoid suspicious-looking apps or downloads, and avoid entering personal information on public Wi-Fi. Run virus scans regularly on your device to check for malware or other security threats.

4. Regularly remove unwanted files and apps

Although your new device may have more storage space than your last device, you still shouldn’t download apps or files that you don’t want or need. It’s a good idea to regularly review the apps and files on your phone and to remove anything that’s unwanted. That way, you’ll have more storage space on your device, and your phone’s performance will be improved, too.

5. Always install software and app updates

This is an important step that people often overlook or ignore. These updates come with necessary security patches, bug fixes, or new features that will help improve your experience with your device and protect it from software vulnerabilities or malware.

Why BlackBerry’s Newer Phone Models Failed
BlackBerry was a successful smartphone company 6 years ago: it sold more phones globally than Android and Apple. But their sales soon declined due to an outdated and unpopular operating system, in addition to them offering fewer features and apps than their competitors. Ultimately, BlackBerry couldn’t meet user demand. The company failed to stay on top of the latest technology for smartphones, and in the case of their newer model, the Priv, they failed to implement this technology quickly enough.

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The Priv, like other BlackBerry phone models, offered a physical keyboard. Unlike previous BlackBerry phones, it included all of the features of a modern Android phone, but with a high-end price tag. Although this model was well received, it still didn’t offer enough to sway cell phone users back to BlackBerry.

Perhaps the Priv would have been more popular among those who consider themselves less tech-savvy if it had had a lower price tag. BlackBerry more recently released the Dtek50 model, which, although cheaper than the Priv, came out too late. (However, BlackBerry did not create and develop this model.) If they had released either model even a few years ago, perhaps they would have sold more, and thus been more popular. What it all comes down to: who wants to buy a BlackBerry phone in 2016 when there are better options available?

The Future of BlackBerry
Despite declining revenue over the years and recently suffering a substantial loss, BlackBerry will still be around. The company is actually doing better than projected. They will outsource their hardware development, allowing other manufacturers to continue making their cell phones for existing clients. It is unclear how strict this process will be. As for BlackBerry, the company plans to focus on software development, security, and apps. It has been moving towards this focus for the last few years. Hopefully, this will help BlackBerry to get back on track, but if not, BlackBerry could be up for sale in the near future.

Headphone Jack
One of the most memorable talking points about the iPhone 7 is the removal of the headphone jack. While it might have gotten the most press, and had people talking about a new world of just bluetooth headphones, it seems that apple may have acted too early on this dream. Apple does provide a pair of wireless headphones with the purchase, but it is only one pair. Most of us have accumulated dozens of headphones, and enjoy having different sets for different actions or locations. Only being able to use one pair is an annoyance, especially when the sound quality of the ones provided is not remarkable. They do provide an adapter that will allow you to use your old headphones, but again, it’s only one, and if you lose it you’ll have to pay for another expensive adaptor. Overall, it seems like the only effect of removing the headphone jack is extra annoyance.

Read More: How to Use Your Android Device Like a True Techie

Display
The new phone has the same display screen as its older counterpart, the iPhone 6s, but many say the color and brightness is increased. While the screen may look nice, it doesn’t have the OLED panels we’re used to on our Android phones. Our OLED screen offers more intense colors and deeper blacks, and preserves our battery life. Maybe the iPhone 10 will catch up to us.

Camera
What critics have called the most compelling feature of the iPhone is the new camera. The iPhone 7 gives photographers a 2x optical zoom. Users can easily switch between the two lenses, which will produce pictures with better focus and zoom. A critic in one review mentioned that while it is an improvement, it is not enough of a reason to ditch your current phone. It’s not a good sign when the best new feature of a product is not reason enough to buy it.

Overall, the iPhone 7 can be seen as an improvement from the iPhone 6, but is it an improvement for the entire mobile telephone world? We don’t think so. Stick to your favorite Android device, and make sure to download PSafe Total to keep your phone running 10x faster than the newest iPhone.

The LG V20 is a paradigm of the ever improving cell phone technology. With a high tech dual camera lens, military grade drop protection and Android Nouget 7.0, the LG V20 is creating quite the buzz in the world of cellular devices.

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Last year, the LG V10 impressed users with its high functioning capabilities, but its bulky design was enough to turn away a high volume of potential customers.

With a new, shiny black rubbery texture and a vibrant looking exterior made of aluminum alloy, this phone is going to be so beautiful you’re going to want to frame it and hang it in your kitchen.

LG has also taken advantage of new materials to make the phone lighter and more efficient. The top and the bottom of the phone appear to be metal, but they are actually made of a material called Silicone Polycarbonate, which is a very durable type of plastic. According to LG, this new form of plastic can absorb shocks 20 percent better than the LG V10.

LG promises a 20 percent more efficient battery life in the V20 compared to the V10. It includes fast charging, so juicing up your phone should be a breeze.

The camera on the V20 will basically antiquate the usage of a selfie stick. The selfie camera in the phone has a wide angle mode that is optimal for selfie lovers. Plus, the sets of dual lenses in the front and back combine to make the picture quality nearly HD.

LG also flaunts the Android Nouget 7.0 system that will come with the V20. This is apparently Google’s most efficient operating system yet that will allow users to surf their phones at laser fast speeds.

In sum, you should expect nothing but great things from the LG V20. The phone has a demanding reputation to live up to, but with its top of the line operating system and sleek design, any customer should be confident in their purchase of the LG V20.

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