What Can the Galaxy S8 Do That the iPhone can't?

Our series on the excitement for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8 release continues as today we take a look on what exactly the S8 has that the iPhone doesn't.

When it comes down to choosing between iPhone or Galaxy, the features are really where it's at and it seems that Samsung understood that they had to go above and beyond in this area if they wanted to lure away any loyal Apple followers; whether they accomplish their goal or not remains to be seen, but they have definitely upped their game as the S8 features a few things that may have customers asking "can your iPhone do that?"

How to Get the Galaxy S8 Even If You Can't Afford the Price

The excitement for the upcoming release of the Samsung Galaxy S8 continues today as various carriers have released information on how you can get the phone even if you can afford it's hefty full price.  As we reported, the S8 is going to run about $720 while the S8+ will go for approximately $840 if you plan on buying upfront - not pocket change by any means. Thankfully, there will be other options if you don't have that kind of cash lying around.

Sadly the days of free upgrades with contract renewals are gone, but now payment plans have taken their place and here is the rundown of what kind of deal each major carrier is offering on Galaxy S8 upgrades:

Can the Galaxy S8 Redeem Samsung? Will It Surpass the iPhone?

We recently posted on the red iPhone craze and how Apple has been able to dominate the smartphone market since the iPhone's inception overall; but not EVERYone is a devoted Apple follower and many have been just waiting for another company to come along and develop a phone that goes beyond the iPhone's capabilities.  Samsung has been gained momentum over the years and their Galaxy smartphone has gone toe to toe with the iPhone for the past few years; now the forthcoming Galaxy S8 has a chance to possibly outdo Apple, at least for the short term.

No favors were done for Samsung after the controversy surrounding the Note 7 models catching fire, so the brand has to work extra hard to get the word out to consumers that the problems have been addressed and will not carry over to the S8.  Beyond that, the S8 is packed with features that are sure to grab attention and likely bring back  customers that were leery of choosing a Galaxy model after the Note 7 mishaps.

Excited About the Red iPhone 7? Be Prepared to Pay the Price

 

The iPhone craze has been going on for many years with many consumers ready to buy every new model as soon as it hits the market; after so many years of popularity, it has to be hard for Apple to deliver any major changes to their formula that already works, but that's exactly what they've done with the new red model.

With a new hot model, of course a bigger price tag comes with it as the red iPhone will be available for $750 and the red iPhone Plus will be $850.  So $100 more than the normal cost just because of a color? Well, not exactly.  The new red iPhone is only available with 128GB or 256GB models, meaning the cheaper models won't be seeing this special red edition.

Lifeline Free Government Cell Phones for Low Income Consumers

Cell phones are an essential part of life in 2017!

The Lifeline Program Provides Free or Reduced Cost Government Cell Phone Service

Cell phone ownership is necessary as we become a society that depends on being connected on the phone and online. According to Pew Research Center, as of 2015 nearly two-thirds of adults owned a smartphone and almost 20% rely on a smartphone to connect to the internet. Surely, these numbers have only gone up!

Fortunately, the Lifeline Program exists to provide free or reduced price phone service. Consumers who qualify may choose landline or cell phone service, but not both. Only one member per household is eligible. Eligibility depends on income or participation in other federal programs. If you receive SNAP (also known as food stamps), Medicaid, or Section 8 housing, you may be eligible. You may also qualify if your household income is below poverty guidelines. Currently, this means you can make up to 135% of the poverty level income for your household size.

The phones themselves (and service) are provided by third party wireless companies that have been authorized by the government. The federal government provides subsidies to the states. Depending on your location, you may have a wide selection of companies to choose from. These vendors often have local booths or kiosks and allow you to signup online.

A lot of people have criticized the Lifeline Program, usually to score political points. We've all heard about the "Obamaphone" myth. Critics have labeled President Barack Obama as "the welfare President," a guy handing out phones and other "free stuff" for votes. The fact is, the Lifeline program started long before President Obama. The Universal Service Fund fee on phone bills goes to help low income consumers with their phone service. These days, most people use a cell phone as their primary phone line. It just makes sense. When a wireless phone is the standard basic communication device, having a cell phone is more of a need and less of a luxury.

When is the last time you applied for a job or setup an interview without a phone or the internet? The fact is, low income consumers need phone access to apply for jobs, set up interviews, and conduct essential personal business. Those without a phone or internet have a harder time banking, paying bills, and securing steady employment. Shouldn't we want everyone to have access to employment and the American Dream? In addition, millions of people are disabled, retired, or otherwise get by on a fixed income. It is important for everyone of all ages and abilities to be connected to loved ones and the world around us. The cost of the program is a small price to pay to help keep us all connected.

Sources:
https://www.lifelinesupport.org/ls/
https://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/01/us-smartphone-use-in-2015/

Sprint Acquires Stake in Tidal, Cell Phone Exclusives Promised

 Having previously partnered with Sprint to release his last album, Jay Z is no stranger to cell phone exclusives.

Now comes word that Sprint has acquired a 33% stake in Tidal, Hov's streaming platform. Of course, Tidal has been in the news a lot. Recently, they added a service that lets users edit some aspects of songs. In addition, higher quality audio tracks have been added.

Despite star power and recent efforts, Tidal has been through it's share of negative publicity and feedback, as well. You know, like that time Prince's estate sued Roc Nation over Tidal streaming rights.  So, while Prince's masters may not have been left safe and sound, this Sprint partnership may yet bring Tidal all the way up.

Look for Sprint to offer exclusive material from Tidal owner-artists, which is an impressive list of names in multiple genres.

Considering the Apple Upgrade Program? Make Sure You Know the Actual Cost

The Apple iPhone caused a craze when it was first released years ago, and these days every time a new version is released, we revisit a similar craze. 

Yes, some customers simply cannot stand that they don't have the latest version of the red hot phone, and carriers have been aware of this fact which has caused them to offer numerous upgrade plans. 

Now Apple itself is jumping into the upgrade game by offering their own Apple Upgrade Program which allows customers to get a new iPhone every year regardless of your carrier, but the real costs may not be completely clear.