Wednesday, September 3, 2025

My First Day Using the New TextNow Sim Card




New TextNow Sim Card w/ Moto G Power (2022) and One Plus N200 5G


textnow free essential data apps

This is a review of the new TextNow SIM card and its features.

Key takeaways from the video:

TextNow's new SIM card: The speaker discusses the new TextNow SIM card, which offers one month of free unlimited data upon activation, followed by a choice between a free essential data plan or various unlimited data plans.

Network and Coverage: TextNow now operates on the AT&T network. The speaker recommends using "Signal Spy Pro" and "Coverage Map" apps to monitor network type, connection, and 5G/LTE coverage in your area.

"Free Data Essential" Plan: This plan was previously available on the T-Mobile network and provided free essential data for apps like Lyft, Uber, Gmail, and Yahoo. 
The speaker notes that many applications still work without unlimited data, especially if you utilize offline access features.

Recommended Apps for Free Service: The video highlights several applications that work well on the free TextNow service:

Messaging Apps: TextNow app, Google Voice, Google Chat, TextNow's Second Line, and iMessage (for iPhone users via email).

Navigation & Ride-Share: Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, Uber, Lyft.

Email & Productivity: Microsoft, Gmail, Yahoo, Mail.com, Outlook.

Banking & Finance: PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, Chase, Capital One, Wells Fargo, and Google Wallet.

Other Useful Apps: UPS, USPS, ChatGPT, Google Rewards, and various offline games.





Sling TV Integration: The speaker suggests combining TextNow with Sling TV's daily or weekly passes for cable TV, noting it can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional phone and cable services.

Saving Money: The speaker emphasizes that with various free apps, Wi-Fi access, and the TextNow service, many users don't need to pay for traditional phone services.

SIM Card Activation: The new SIM card is easy to activate through the TextNow app.

Data Management: The speaker mentions Samsung Max VPN (now called MaxVPN) to slow down data usage and stay within limits.

Using Temp Mail: Users can use "temp mail" emails to sign up for TextNow if they don't want to use their real email.



Watch Full Video Down Below


$0 Free Flex Plan


Features: Unlimited nationwide talk and text, with data for essential apps like email, maps, rideshare, and finance apps.


Data Limit: 500 MB of high-speed data, which reduces speeds after the limit is reached, up to a maximum cap of 1.15 GB per month.


Best for: Users who primarily rely on Wi-Fi.


Included Apps (for free data): Email services such as Gmail, Apple Mail, Yahoo, Outlook, GMX mail, mail.com, Maps like Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, Rideshare Uber, Lyft, and Finance apps such as Venmo, Cash App, Chase Mobile, Capital One, Wells Fargo.


DISCLAIMER:

TextNow Essential Data Plan isn't exactly a traditional plan with its own terms and conditions. However, it functions based on two separate agreements:


TextNow Terms of Use: This agreement lays the groundwork for using TextNow's service, which includes the Essential Data Plan. You can find it here: https://www.textnow.com/legal/terms-of-use


There's a specific clause (section 9) mentioning Essential Data and stating that it's subject to a separate agreement.


Access to Essential Data Terms of Service: This agreement outlines the specifics of the Essential Data Plan, including data limitations, speed restrictions, and disclaimers.


You can find it here: https://www.textnow.com/blog/introducing-free-essential-data


Here are some key points from the Essential Data Terms of Service:


Data allowance: You get 500MB of data per monthly cycle for specific apps (email, maps, rideshare) at speeds up to 3 Mbps. Further usage within the same cycle reduces speed to 128 kbps.

Speed: Speeds aren't guaranteed and can vary depending on network availability.

Data expiration: Unused data expires at the end of the monthly cycle.

TextNow's discretion: TextNow can change the list of supported apps, data limitations, and discontinue the service at any time without notice.


Saturday, August 23, 2025

TextNow Wireless New Data Plans and Cellular Service Update NEWS!

Official TextNow Image including data essential apps



TextNow has updated its data plans and expanded its network coverage in 2025. The service still offers free options but now includes more data, lower prices, and additional free essential apps.


Here's a breakdown of the new data plans:


$0 Free Flex Plan


Features: Unlimited nationwide talk and text, with data for essential apps like email, maps, rideshare, and finance apps.


Data Limit: 500 MB of high-speed data, which reduces speeds after the limit is reached, up to a maximum cap of 1.15 GB per month.


Best for: Users who primarily rely on Wi-Fi.


Included Apps (for free data): Email services such as Gmail, Apple Mail, Yahoo, Outlook, GMX mail, mail.com, Maps like Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, Rideshare Uber, Lyft, and Finance apps such as Venmo, Cash App, Chase Mobile, Capital One, Wells Fargo. Delivery services like UPS and USPS are also included.


Unlimited Data Day Pass


Cost: $2.99 for 24 hours. No taxes or fees.


Features: Unlimited nationwide talk and text, with data for everything else.


Data Limit: 2 GB of high-speed data, with speeds reduced after the limit is reached for the remainder of the 24-hour period.


Best for: People who need data access occasionally but don't want to pay for a full month.


Unlimited Data Week Pass


Cost: $8.99 for a whole week. No taxes or fees.


Features: Unlimited nationwide talk and text, with data for everything else.


Data Limit: 5 GB of high-speed data, with speeds reduced after the limit is reached for the rest of the week.


Best for: Travelers, seasonal workers, or those who need data for short periods.


Unlimited Data Monthly Plan


Cost: $35.99 per month. 


This is presented as a competitive option compared to other carriers.


Features: Unlimited talk, text, and data for everything else.


Data Limit: 


20 GB of high-speed data, with speeds reduced after the limit (13:38).


Best for:


 Users who prefer traditional monthly service without the high price tag.


TextNow service requires a physical SIM card, meaning it won't work with phones that are solely eSIM compatible, such as the latest iPhones.  Users with high onboard storage (256GB or 512GB) on their smartphones might not need unlimited data and suggests using cloud storage solutions like Terabox app.


List of apps that work offline:
Khan Academy
Udemy
TED
Vimeo
Bookshelf
Wikipedia
Kindle
Google PlayBooks
Libby
SmartNews
Notion
Notion Calendar app
Flascards
Slide app for reddit 
Trebel Music app
Dropbox
Readera app
Here We Go 
Color Note
To Do 
Todoist
Feedly
FeedMe
RssReader
TickTick
Anydo
Evernote
Radio FM
Pocket Casts
Google rewards 
Tasks
Solo
Time Squared
PayPal 
Venmo
Mileiq
Gridwise
Everlance
Mail.com
Naver Mail
Daum Mail
UPS
USPS
PayPal
Venmo
Cash App
Capital One
Wells Fargo

Watch Video For FULL Breakdown


TextNow Essential Data Plan isn't exactly a traditional plan with its own terms and conditions. However, it functions based on two separate agreements:


TextNow Terms of Use: This agreement lays the groundwork for using TextNow's service, which includes the Essential Data Plan. You can find it here: https://www.textnow.com/legal/terms-of-use

There's a specific clause (section 9) mentioning Essential Data and stating that it's subject to a separate agreement.


Access to Essential Data Terms of Service: This agreement outlines the specifics of the Essential Data Plan, including data limitations, speed restrictions, and disclaimers. You can find it here: https://www.textnow.com/blog/introducing-free-essential-data

Here are some key points from the Essential Data Terms of Service:


Data allowance: You get 500MB of data per monthly cycle for specific apps (email, maps, rideshare) at speeds up to 3 Mbps. Further usage within the same cycle reduces speed to 128 kbps.

Speed: Speeds aren't guaranteed and can vary depending on network availability.

Data expiration: Unused data expires at the end of the monthly cycle.

TextNow's discretion: TextNow can change the list of supported apps, data limitations, and discontinue the service at any time without notice.



Monday, July 21, 2025

FULL Review of the Moto G 5G Stylus (2024) in 2025. GET THIS ONE!

Moto G Stylus 2024 official image

The Moto G Stylus 2024 smartphone is now a year old. But is it still worth buying today with the new one out and available right now? Check out my video below and find out why the Moto G Stylus 2024 is still worth getting today! 

The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is a mid-range smartphone from Motorola, offering a combination of stylus functionality, solid performance, and a vibrant display at an accessible price point. 



Stylus Integration


The device features a built-in passive stylus housed in the bottom-right corner.  Upon removal, a customizable pop-up menu appears, providing shortcuts for note-taking, screenshots, and more.  While the stylus is smooth and precise for navigation, it lacks pressure sensitivity and palm rejection, which may affect its usability for detailed drawing or handwriting tasks.  



Display & Design


Display: 6.7-inch Full HD+ pOLED


Refresh Rate: 120Hz


Touch Sampling Rate: 240Hz


Peak Brightness: 1200 nits


Design: Vegan leather back


Colors: Caramel Latte and Scarlet Wave 



The display offers vibrant colors and smooth visuals, enhancing the overall user experience.  



Camera System


Rear Cameras:


50MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)


13MP ultra-wide lens (120° field of view) with macro capabilities



Front Camera: 32MP selfie shooter 



The camera setup provides versatility for various photography needs, including wide-angle and close-up shots.  



Performance & Software


Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1


RAM: 8GB


Storage: 256GB internal, expandable up to 2TB via microSD


Operating System: Android 14 



The device delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks.  However, Motorola has committed to only one major Android OS upgrade and three years of security updates, which is less than some competitors offer.  


Battery & Charging


Battery Capacity: 5000mAh


Charging:


30W wired


15W wireless 




The battery supports over 40 hours of usage, and fast charging capabilities allow for a 53% charge in 30 minutes.  



Connectivity & Extras


5G Support: Yes


Audio: Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, 3.5mm headphone jack


Other Features: NFC, in-display fingerprint sensor, face unlock 



Pricing & Availability


Price: $399.99


Availability: Released on May 30, 2024, through various carriers and retailers in the U.S.  



Pros:


Built-in stylus for added functionality


Vibrant 120Hz pOLED display


Long-lasting battery life with fast charging


Expandable storage up to 2TB


Affordable pricing for the feature set 



Cons:


Limited software update commitment


Stylus lacks advanced features like pressure sensitivity


Only IP52 water resistance rating 



Overall, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) offers a compelling package for users seeking stylus functionality and solid performance without breaking the bank.  However, potential buyers should consider the limited software support and basic stylus features when making their decision. 




Sunday, June 22, 2025

Nintendo Online Switch and Switch 2 Update? Shows GameCube Games?

Nintendo GameCube Games



Nintendo Switch Online is a paid subscription service that provides additional features for your Nintendo Switch console. It offers a variety of benefits, including:   

Online Multiplayer: Play your favorite Nintendo Switch games with friends and family online.   
Classic Game Library: Access a growing collection of classic NES, Super NES, and Game Boy games.   
Save Data Cloud Backup: Protect your game progress by backing up your save data to the cloud.   
Nintendo Switch Online App: Use the smartphone app to access game-specific features, voice chat, and more.   
There are two membership tiers:

Nintendo Switch Online: Includes the basic features mentioned above.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Offers all the benefits of the standard membership, plus access to classic Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games, as well as DLC for select Nintendo Switch games.   
For more detailed information, you can visit the official Nintendo website:

 https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/