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7 Tips to Reduce Data Plan Usage and Avoid Overage Charges

7 Tips to Reduce Data Plan Usage and Avoid Overage Charges

Many people make the common mistake of exceeding their mobile data limit. It often happens when a person forgets to switch on their Wi-Fi and continues using their phone to stream TV shows, chat online, or listen to music. Smartphone users must understand that this can lead to overage charges and a higher monthly bill. Below are a few practical ways to reduce data plan usage and avoid additional charges in the long run.

1. Understand the data cap
Most internet service providers, such as AT&T, Sprint, US Cellular, and T-Mobile, impose data caps on select plans. Simply put, they set a monthly internet usage limit, which users must stick to. The carrier can provide slower speeds and charge extra if someone breaches this limit. Some companies do both, increasing expenses and causing inconvenience while using the internet. Therefore, customers must understand the data cap on their phone plan and act accordingly.

2. Get a plan with no data cap
When switching carriers or getting a new plan, individuals should consider packages that do not have a data cap. Sure, this can take some time, but it eliminates the possibility of overage charges. However, customers should note that plans without data caps are usually expensive, and they could pay a higher monthly bill. One should research well and make an informed decision.

3. Evaluate one’s data requirements
Different online activities require different internet speeds and data. For example, simple web browsing may require speeds of 3 to 5 Mbps and 15 to 25 MB of data. Social media usage may require similar speeds but around 160 MB of data. Individuals should choose an internet phone plan after considering their usage requirements. Buying the right amount of data will ensure one does not run short and incur overage charges at the end of the month.

4. Study the existing data plan
Individuals should understand everything about their current plan when trying to reduce data usage and avoid overage charges. Besides the monthly data available, one must check if any additional features are included. For example, providers like Verizon offer extra protection against overage if one has a shared data plan. Additionally, some plans carry over unused data from one month to the next. Verizon users can also add a Safety Mode feature, allowing them to continue using the internet without paying overage fees even after exceeding their monthly allowance. However, this feature lowers the speed, so customers must compromise.

5. Use Wi-Fi as much as possible
One of the most effective ways to reduce data plan usage on cell phones is to connect to Wi-Fi networks as much as possible instead of using data. This includes home networks as well as public networks at stores, cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, and hotels. However, individuals must follow safe browsing protocols while using public Wi-Fi since these are more vulnerable to hacking. If one has a home network, they can set reminders to connect to it when returning from outside. Doing so can help prevent the overuse of cellular data by mistake.

6. Avoid sharing media via text message
Sharing images and videos requires a lot of data, especially when attached on text messaging platforms. Hence, those who frequently send images and videos should wait until a Wi-Fi network is available. One should also use Wi-Fi when uploading media to cloud storage to reduce data plan usage.

7. Monitor data usage of smartphone apps
Phone apps are among the major data guzzlers. If left unchecked, they can consume a huge chunk of one’s data plan without warning. Since each app has its settings, one must change them so that apps use data only when required. Here are a few ways to monitor app data usage:

Download content instead of streaming. Whether TV shows, podcasts, e-books, audiobooks, or music, everything can be downloaded and enjoyed offline. Doing so will help save more data than streaming content over and over again online.

When using social media, adjust the settings to turn off autoplay for videos.

Choose to download only when connected to Wi-Fi. Use phone data sparingly to download content.

Location services can consume a lot of data when perennially turned on. So do not turn it on until necessary. Routes can be downloaded to be used offline beforehand if one requires navigation services.

Many apps require frequent updates. The default setting is usually automatic updates, which takes up a lot of data and battery life. So, turn off background app updates.

Block cellular data access for apps one wants to use only when connected to Wi-Fi, for example, streaming services.

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Top 7 beauty and fashion trends

Fashion trends are dynamic and go through constant change and innovation. While some styles have remained timeless for decades, some trends fail to impress and disappear without making an impact. The approach to beauty today focuses on sustainability, minimalism, inclusion, and no cruelty. The trends in beauty and fashion quite naturally follow similar lines. Based on these factors, some of the top beauty and fashion trends in the coming year are as follows: Skincare The buzzword in the last couple of years has been minimalism, especially for skin care. Women prefer to use lesser products for their skincare routines. Utilizing a bevy of cosmetics for everyday skin nourishment and enhancement is time-consuming, overwhelming, and may affect the skin negatively. Skincare trends focus on improving skin health and reducing the negative impact of long-term use of skin-related products. This move hopes to reduce the overuse of skincare and control the damage caused by chemical products. Microbiome skincare is a new trend, featuring prebiotic and probiotic components that nourish the skin. Hybrid beauty Hybrid cosmetics combine multiple active ingredients that now work both as skin care products and as cosmetics. It reduces the time one spends on beauty routine and the number of products one needs to buy, saving money, effort, and time. Hybrid products not only treat and protect skin blemishes but also enhance the skin as they contain a layer of makeup. Beauty Balm and Color or Complexion correction are two of the early hybrid beauty products. New products that combine skincare and cosmetics to correct acne, pigmentation, and wrinkles are likely to be the trend in hybrid beauty. Wellness products With the rising awareness of the overlapping impact of wellness and beauty on each other, there is a demand for new products and services that care for how one looks and feels. Nail art, manicure, pedicure, and hair care products not only enhance a person's appearance but also offer healthful benefits to a customer. Similarly, new hairstyles can improve a person's appearance, add confidence, and make them feel good about themselves. Products that focus on rejuvenating and repairing scalp and repair balding are likely to trend in the future. Many customers reject chemical applications and treatments and prefer organic, plant-based treatments that are good for both the short and long term. These products are safe for people with allergies and sensitive skin, allowing them to use cosmetics and makeup products without hesitation. Fashion trends Leisure bottoms Joggers, sweats, and comfy culottes are bottoms that provide comfort to men and women. They are available in multiple fabric options, sizes, and patterns. They are mostly elasticized and stretch at the waist and flatter every body shape. It is ideal for relaxing in your home or for casual weekend party wear. You can also find leisure bottoms that you can wear for the office. Cotton and spandex blends are common fabrics for leisure bottoms. Slub jersey blends of tissue jersey, rayon, and bamboo blends are lightweight and ideal for loungewear. We can also expect new blends of cotton and wool that are ideal for winters. Leisure bottoms are versatile as you can match them with tees, blazers, hoodies, and zip-up jackets. Platform heels Platform heels are more comfortable than high heels, and their current popularity is expected to increase. You can expect to see more designs of platform heels in sandals, pumps, and boots. Platform wedges resembling cutout heels could be the rage for young adults and older women. Platform mules that do not have any back constraint around the foot's heel are also expected to come back into trend. Platform boots, too, are beginning to make an impact, and if you are a platform heel lover, you may have plenty of options to choose from big names and brands. The rising demand and popularity have made platform heels a number one option. Pleated skirts Pleated skirts no longer mean school uniforms. The world's leading designers are incorporating pleats in their mini and maxi skirts. Pleated skirts today add elegance and femininity to simple outfits. Tight pleats for maxi skirts and wider pleats on shorter skirts are expected to be more popular than ever. You can pair them with formal, casual, or dressy blouses or shirts based on the occasion you are dressing up for. The cutout trend The interest in wearing cutouts is rising, and new designs and releases from fashion powerhouses confirm that the two-year-old style may peak soon. From modest keyhole cuts to halter neck cutout maxi dresses, bodycon cutout dresses, and back cutout dresses, there is no shortage of options for the size and the position of the cutouts. While minimal cutouts can be worn for formal ceremonies, deeper cuts and waist tie-ups are ideal for casual occasions like a weekend party, a get-together, or hanging out with friends. Fitted cutout tops, mini skirts, pelvic cutouts in pants, and cutout crop tops are all expected to be trendy and best sellers in the fashion industry. Regardless of the outfit you choose, consider accessorizing with jewelry. The allure of jewelry will never fade, regardless of the time, circumstance, or season. Some modern jewelry options include look-at-me earrings, bold cuffs, colored stones, and gorgeous bejeweled purses.

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7 Ways to Elevate the Google Pixel Experience

Often, some of the most handy features in gadgets can go unnoticed due to users only focussing on everyday tasks, like using the device to make calls, send texts, or scroll through social media. However, exploring new tricks of a gadget can make using it more fun as well as convenient. So, if one has a Google Pixel, here are some ways to improve the user experience and get the most out of the smartphone: 1. Turn on Now Playing Now Playing is a neat feature meant for those who enjoy exploring new music. While third-party applications can help in recognizing music by letting the app listen to the tune or lyrics, it can get inconvenient to go through those steps. The Now Playing feature, when enabled, listens to ambient music all the time, revealing artist and song details on the bottom of the screen. 2. Translate with ease A key feature of the Google Pixel Fold is a dual-screen interpreter mode, which helps users interact with others in a completely different language, helping language barriers. Here, the inner screen can be used to translate the conversation, while the outer screen displays the translated text for the other person to read and understand. This can make face-to-face conversations in two languages easier. 3. Try Pixel Call Assist This is one of the best features of the Google 7 series, including the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Like Google’s Call Screening feature, the Pixel uses the call assist to intercept any calls that it thinks may be spam; these calls are usually from unknown or suspicious numbers. If the AI believes it to be a spam call, the phone immediately hangs up and blocks the number. However, if the AI thinks this is a real person, it will check with them about the purpose of the call and then transfer the call to the user, who can then accept or decline.  4. Use photo and audio editing tools The Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro come with an audio editing tool called Audio Magic Eraser that helps minimize or remove sounds in the background, like those of strong winds or noisy crowds. Additionally, a Magic Editor feature helps in repositioning and resizing the subjects in a photo. One can work with presets that help tweak the background to enhance the photo quality. Another feature called Best Take takes multiple shots at a time and then combines them to ensure all the best bits can make for the perfect photo. 5. Personalize the lock screen The Android 14 on Google Pixel phones allows users to customize the lock screen with a new collection of clock and wallpaper options. They can also experiment with individual features like notification display, “At a Glance” information on the top of the screen, and so much more. Such changes make it easier to find what a user wants, enhancing the experience of using the phone.  The latest updates also allow users to choose from popular minimalist and monochromatic themes. The Material You dynamic color system truly customizes the phone for the user 6. Make the most of Digital Wellbeing Digital Wellbeing is a suite of features on the Google Pixel that helps encourage building a healthy relationship with the smartphone. So, one can explore app timer settings to limit phone consumption by setting a time limit on most-used apps. On setting the timer, the phone will remind the user of the hours or minutes passed. One can also switch on a specific mode, like the Bedtime Mode, which limits the functions of the phone. With this, one can set the phone to limit how often the screen turns on, set grayscale to make the phone light easier on the eyes and turn off notifications. Bedtime Mode also offers a cough and snore detection feature, which allows one to keep track of how often they snore or cough at night. This data can be helpful in understanding some aspects of health while asleep. 7. Enable Adaptive Battery One of the biggest concerns smartphone users have is maximizing battery life. Google Pixel offers a function called Adaptive Battery, which, when enabled, helps the phone learn and adapt to the usage habits of the user. Based on the usage data, the phone starts to optimize the applications and system operations to maximize the battery life of the phone. So, the abovementioned features can help enhance the user experience on Pixel phones. Those looking for the latest Android phones can consider choosing from the Google Pixel 7 series, Google Pixel 8 series, and the Google Pixel Fold. 

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