Smartphones & Tablets

Some people may know this already, but Helium Mobile Zero has The Zero Plan ($0/month): 3GB of data, 300 texts, 100 minutes of calls—completely free. If someone has an old smartphone that is otherwise going unused, put Helium Mobile Zero on it and dedicate it to a vehicle for Google Maps navigation.

https://blog.heliummobile.com/breakfree

I look forward to this being available in the United States.

https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/mobile-apps/waze-just-ti...

In testing right now

A new report indicates that Waze may be working on an addition that aims to offer more information regarding local traffic, and it’s one that Google Maps has had for a while now.

This might be a nice feature, if it works well.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/i-tried-google-maps-new-gem...

Keep your hands on the wheel while chatting with Gemini about your route and destination -- or have it handle your to-do list.

My first experience with Apple iPhones was when my work issued me one three years ago. One year ago a bought my own Apple iPhone 15. I typically use Google Maps.

https://www.tmonews.com/2025/11/t-mobile-loses-customer-afte...

My wife and I are travelling right now. She is driving and I am using my Chromebook. I am wondering what the best way would be for me to connect an Android smartphone to my Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 and use it as a bigger display for navigation?

A friend of mine is looking for a smartphone app that generated either a text or an e-mail when a certain GPS point is crossed.

There is, or at least was, one called proximity Alert App or something similar in the past.

Just updated my iPhone to IOS 18.7 and after the update finished, I got the option to upgrade to IOS 26. Doing that upgrade now.

Apple IOS 18.7 and IPadOS 18.7 is available for download.
Supposedly version 26 is also becoming available today.
Updating my devices now.

We purchased an Apple watch on amazon, from amazon being the seller (authorized), with cellular.

Between Verizon, Apple, then physically setting foot at Apple and Verizon, nobody could get the cellular to activate.

Out of frustration, I decided to try on my own at home, and I got it to work.

Apple IOS 18.6.2 and IPadOS 18.6.2 is available for download. Looks like security updates.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/124925

Updating my devices now.

Got notification for update to 18.6.1 for my iPhone and 17.7.9 for my old iPad 6

I saw a piece on local TV about this recently and decided to do a test. I have four computers plus a smartphone that I use for browsing and making online purchases. I shopped out a particular item on Amazon using each of the five devices and got different price every time.

What are some of the best smartphone apps for recording tracks?

Apple IOS 18.6 and IPadOS 18.6 is available for download.
Updating my devices now.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/124147

I am starting to give some thought to a portable screen to use with Android Auto and/or Apple CarPlay in our vehicle. There are a lot to choose from. Does anybody here on POI Factory have any that you would recommend?

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Carplay+Screen+Android+Auto&crid=...

As posted above, I am looking for apps, preferably free, that will be similar to Google Maps to navigate across the various waterways?

Apple IOS 18.5 and IPadOS 18.5 is available for download.
Updating my devices now.

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/ios-ipados-release...

Apple has Released IOS 18.4.1 and iPadOS 18.4.1 which focuses on bug fixes, security fixes including a CarPlay issue.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/122282

Updating my iPhone and iPad now.

Apple has Released IOS 18.3.2 which contains security fixes.
Updating my iPhone now.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/122281