These days, smartphones give us tons of options when roaming the world. While sometimes it is good to leave your device in your hotel room’s safe it can also be an invaluable travel companion that keeps you connected, gives guidance and helps you better enjoy your vacation.

Whether you’re taking a trip to a couple states over or heading to the Far East, here are some ways you can travel smarter through the powerful of your smartphone.

CONNECT FOR CHEAP

WiFi

WiFi is a godsend when traveling, as it usually possesses no strict usage limits and is an instant portal to the online world. Most smartphones come with a WiFi locator preinstalled, but if you can’t find yours you can always download an app like WiFi Finder, which will alert you of any hotspots in the area. You can also visit wififreespot.com and click on the state where you are traveling. This site provides you with detailed information on many WiFi hot spots in the United States and a few other countries.

Calls

Going out of the country? No need to freak out over roaming charges. Services like National Geographic’s Cellular Abroad (cellularabroad.com) allow you to not only have a local cell phone number but also pay local rates when you rent or buy an inexpensive phone from them or purchase a “local” SIM card.

Another option for making free or cheap calls is using Skype over WiFi. Just like on your computer, Skype mobile allows you to talk to anyone anywhere in the world, for free, by calling his or her computer. You can also call phones for pennies per minute. Just be sure to connect over WiFi so you don’t risk using your data or incurring roaming charges.

SCOUT THE AREA

Weather

From a planned day of sun and surf to an unexpected downpour keeping you inside, weather can change your plans in a hurry. Make sure you keep ahead of Mother Nature by downloading apps such as AccuWeather or Weatherbug and syncing them to your destination’s zip code.

Maps

Unless you know the place you’re visiting like the back of your hand, you will definitely want to load your device with maps of the area and utilize the device’s GPS. If you are in a WiFi zone, connect to an app such as Google Maps or ForeverMap for faster service. Make sure you then zoom around the area you are going to mainly be in and the map will stay loaded on your phone. You’ll love not asking for directions.

Entertainment

Spontaneous vacations where you wing it can be an exhilarating experience, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be somewhat prepared. Apps such as goby (goby.com), Yelp (yelp.com) and AroundMe (aroundmeapp.com) connect you to what’s going on—Giving you limitless options of where to go and what to do. You can search for local events as well as venues such as banks, bars, gas stations, hospitals, hotels, restaurants and more.

GRAB YOUR GEAR

Currency Exchange

After spending the early years of your childhood figuring out how to count money you soon learn not everyone uses the same currency. Fortunately, that doesn’t matter when you download apps like XE Currency Converter or the Currency App, which help make sense out of denominations from around the world.

Translation

Using the wrong words to unintentionally call a large man “sweet cheeks” could possibly, maybe, probably ruin your trip. Good thing there are ways smartphones can let you easily, and correctly, converse with the locals. Apps such as Jibbigo, Babelfish and Google Translate let you speak directly into your phone and translates into the language needed, showing the statement as text or actually speaking it for you.

Airline Check-In

Southwest, Delta and several other airlines now give you more power than ever with their own mobile apps—No more waiting for long check-in lines or running wildly through the airport. Most of the airline apps allow you to book reservations and car rentals, check in for your flight, get an eBoarding pass, check your flight´s status, view or change your seat, track your checked bag like you track a package, find airport information and more.

Organization

Remembering every key travel detail for your trip can make your head spin. Fortunately, smartphones make it easy to recall all that crucial information. Apps like TripIt (tripit.com) and Travelport ViewTrip (travelportviewtripmobile.com) allow travelers to enter their itineraries — airline, hotel, car rental reservations, etc. — and stay abreast of developments, changes and delays. Some even offer multi-functionality with currency converters, weather viewers, maps, to do lists and more.

All-In-One Wallet

Smartphones are quickly becoming our go-to resource for almost everything these days, including making payments. And now, everything in your wall can be on your phone. When you turn your device into a mobile wallet it enables you to buy products and tickets, perform mobile banking, utilize coupons and more. Check out Google Wallet (google.com/wallet) and Isis (paywithisis.com) to get in on the future of commerce.

So, what do you do if your device meets this fate? (Besides freak out, cry and hope you deleted all those “personal” items.) Former senators and quarterbacks aside, these following critical pieces of advice will help if you ever come face to face with that fateful moment.

THE 5 ESSENTIAL MOVES
Step 1) Notify your mobile provider of the situation.
Step 2) Change all your online passwords for any accounts that were linked to your device.
Step 3) Go online and activate your device’s tracking software.
Step 4) Alert your friends, family and co-workers that your device has been stolen.
Step 5) If you bought insurance for your phone, find out what your plan covers. If not, visit myPhoneMD to get an inexpensive replacement.

PREPARE

SECURE YOUR DATA

The password feature is one of the simplest pro-active ways to protect your information. All too often smartphone owners use “screen lock” without activating a pin or pattern code to access the phone, which can leave their contacts, text messages, email and even social networking accounts open to anyone who obtains the phone.

Advice: Set a code that is harder than 1234 or 0000. Also, make the device’s wallpaper a “contact sheet” that lists your name, an alternate phone number, email address and a mention of $$$ for returning it.

BACKUP YOUR INFORMATION

If your phone died right this second would you have copies of its pictures or would they be gone forever? The simplest way to backup your stuff is to plug your smartphone into a computer by USB cord. Then, drag and drop items from the device onto your desktop. Fortunately, more phones these days automatically backing up your contacts and information online, such as with Android devices that link to your Google account and Apple connecting to iTunes and iCloud. Some even allow you to instantly upload pictures as you take them.

Advice: Search online on how to use your device’s backup storage option, such as the iCloud. If you want more assurance, purchase an application to save more data, including third party apps, data and custom settings. Search for “Backup.”

INSTALL TRACKING SOFTWARE

Many tracking applications allow you to locate your phone on a map if it’s lost or stolen. Some even let you display a message, remotely lock your device and play a loud alarm sound, even if it’s set to silent.

Advice: Visit your carrier’s local store and ask about their device tracking/recovery options. Also, search for “phone locator” in your smartphone’s application store.

A few suggestions:

MyLookout.com — Freemium service for smart phones that run Android, Blackberry or Windows.
PreyProject.com — Freemium service for Macs, PCs and smartphones.
Find My iPhone — Free service for the iPhone 4, the iPad or a fourth generation iPod touch.
Where’s My Droid — Free service for Android smart phone users.
Plan B – Free service for Android smart phone users. This is the only that can be remotely installed on your phone after you’ve lost it.
StuffBak.com – An innovative loss protection and recovery service that has a proven 75% recovery rate.

REACT

REPORT THE THEFT IMMEDIATELY

Let your carrier know the phone was stolen as soon as possible so the device can be disabled. You don’t want the thief making long distance calls to vote on So You Think You Can Dance, Nigeria.

Advice: Put the kibosh on as quickly as possible…the thief could be texting your mama saying you hate her cooking. Also, write down your carrier’s customer service number and keep it in your wallet or purse for quick access.

RETHINK YOUR PASSWORDS

Change all the online passwords to your bank, email services, social networks and any other accounts linked to your device. Often, these passwords are stored on your smartphone for quick access at the touch of a button, making easy pickins’ for thieves.

Advice: Regardless, it’s good to continually change your passwords every few months to optimize your protection. If it’s difficult to remember all the new passwords, keep a handwritten note tucked away.

REMOTELY WIPE YOUR DATA

If all hope is lost and you don’t want a peeping Tom checking out your goodies, this is a must. Many tracking services like the ones mentioned offer the ability to remotely erase personal information off the device.

Advice: Unless you have a complete backup of your data, be absolutely positive your phone is stolen or will never be found again before wiping it. We’d hate for you to give your device a lobotomy and then learn you left it in the car.

Losing your smartphone can be a traumatic experience, but you can lessen the blow by following these essential moves. For more guidance, contact us at service@myphonemd.net.

The myPhoneApp Store Launched on Thursday, March 15, 2011 in New Orleans

The testing is free and so is the guidance from mobile technology experts. This physical app store is the brainchild of myPhoneMD, a national smart device repair chain founded in Louisiana. The store’s primary focus will be on mobile applications created by local developers based in New Orleans but will also include some of the market’s most popular apps.

“Many of the nation’s best app developers are right here in New Orleans, and we want to help share their phenomenal work and success with the smart device community,” said Jeff Lyons, co-­founder of myPhoneMD and visionary behind the brand’s real life app store.

Hesitant consumers, unsure if they should purchase a new application for their smart device, can now breathe easier. With easy WiFi accessibility and roomy sitting areas, the myPhoneApp Store, which is located within myPhoneMD—New Orleans (1821 Magazine), aims to create an interactive, social atmosphere that reduces buyer’s remorse, eliminates anxiety that comes with learning new technology and connects users with free expert advice. To give the real life store even greater appeal, the center will concentrate on raising awareness for the growing local developer community by keeping the public up­-to­-date on their latest creations and other local applications.

myPhoneMD co-founder Jeff Lyons tests out an app

The myPhoneApp Store gives local consumers greater access to increasingly popular online app distributors such as Apple’s App Store and Google’s Android Market. Here, users will have the opportunity to sift through and test out full versions of smartphone and tablet applications before purchasing them.

Local award winning app developers such as Touch Studios and Mudbug Media will showcase their latest creations at the myPhoneApp Store. Also, applications designed specifically for the local market will be on display, including: The Geaux Tigers LSU Football app; the Garden District Historic Mobile Tour app; the Offbeat New Orleans Mobile app; and the Election Hub app.

“We’ve heard of app stores that make recommendations but this would be the first real­-life location where a user could actually try a recommended app for free on a device similar to their own and then download it immediately using a QR code,” said Conrad Green, co-­founder of myPhoneMD.

myPhoneMD officials are considering expanding the app stores to their other Gulf Coast and East Coast locations in the coming months.

You can visit the myPhoneApp Store when stopping by the myPhoneMD—New Orleans location at 1821 Magazine Street.

Dessert comes after the meal and trophies given after a victory. That is unless you manufacture smart devices—in which case dessert is usually the main course. During the first few months every year, hundreds of technology companies come together at two of the most important conferences in the industry. These get-togethers influence whether you see or don’t see certain smartphones, tablets, computers, apps and accessories in the following months. Fortunately for you, this article is going to let you have your cake and eat it, too, by discussing hot topics from the recent Consumer Electronics Show, the Mobile World Congress conference and beyond.

As you read this, companies around the world are working on the next great mobile technology. Like a kid on Christmas Eve, they just can’t wait to unveil those new toys to you. These mega conferences allow them their first opportunity to pique public interest and gauge marketability. So, what can you expect from the land of wireless wonder in 2012?

Otterbox at the Consumer Electronics Show 2012

The Quad Core Invasion

Like ketchup slowly moving through a bottle, quad cores are eventually going to come out—And sooner rather than later. Most devices these days contain Dual/Duo core processors. They’re fast and capable machines, but as people begin to do more multi-tasking with system-hogging applications, like using Skype while checking email and rocking out on Pandora, the technology begins to feel slow and dated.

Now imagine having another set of arms to help out. Quad-core chips have 4 processor cores in them, compared to the 2 in a Dual/Duo core. The theory is that if you have multiple cores, you can split up the work between them so they’ll run more quickly and efficiently. Going from two to four cores will improve the overall experience when using the device, as well as improve graphics performance and help devices harness the power of 4G networks.

ADVICE: If you’re like us and have phone ADD, a quad core device will keep you entertained. But don’t get too excited. While quad core phones may appear within the next few months, the jury is still out on how this additional horsepower is going to impact battery life.

HD Comes To A Screen Near You

Larger screen sizes were one of the big smartphone trends in 2011. So after giving your eyes more real estate to explore, the next logical step is to improve that view—meaning higher resolution is a likely candidate. Higher-resolution screens will be a huge point of emphasis for upcoming mobile devices, but manufacturers are also working to provide better viewing angles, enhanced color quality and lower power consumption.

Some devices are already beginning to set their resolution to 1280-by-720 pixels, which is an incredible handheld experience and pushes your phone further toward content consumption supremacy. Soon, you won’t be able to tell the difference between an HD movie played on your home theatre and one played on your palm entertainment center.

ADVICE: Last year the first 1280-by-720-pixel phone screens appeared, but we expect that resolution to become the new standard for high-end phones in 2012. If you watch a lot of video and frequently surf the web, make sure your next device has that resolution. Your eyes will thank us.

The latest LG 4G devices

4G is Set Loose Nationwide

2011 was an experiment for 4G/LTE (Long Term Evolution), which offers dramatic speed increases over mainstream 3G networks. Today, all smartphones with LTE are based on Google’s

Android. But that will change over the next 12 months, driven by Verizon and AT&T. When it comes to the big three carriers, Verizon adopted the technology early in 2011, AT&T is just now hitting the gas and Sprint is beginning its rollout soon. So 4G in its several forms should become standard among high-end smartphones at some point in 2012.

ADVICE: As amazing as 4G LTE will be once it’s the standard, it’s not worth specifically upgrading for it at present. Check your carrier’s coverage maps. If 4G LTE isn’t in your area yet, don’t bother getting a device with the feature unless the coverage is coming very soon and they have a set date. Otherwise you’ll be paying extra for a service you can’t use yet.  As with most things mobile, current 4G configurations are murder on battery life but this is slowly changing.

OVERALL OUTLOOK: The best time to buy a new device is usually in December, when prices come down, carriers are willing to make deals and many of the bugs have been worked out. But until then…Apple’s iPhone 5 may debut this summer, possibly June…Samsung’s Galaxy S3 series may be released between now and the summer…And Nokia’s Lumia 900 may make a big splash, as it was named “Best Smartphone” at the Consumers Electronics Show.

Just download, print or screen cap the coupon below and then visit any myPhoneMD location to redeem your free iPhone screen protector. Limit 1 screen protector per customer. Available in gloss or matte finish. Limited to iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4 and 4S models. For any smart device repair, advice and accessories, visit any myPhoneMD location, call us at 1-888-LA-MYPHONE or email service@myphonemd.net.

(This offer good at any myPhoneMD retail location.  Supplies Limited)

Smartphone Innovations That’ll Rock Your World

Bending screens. Stores tracking every step of consumers. Cash registers opening a tab the moment they step in the store. These are just three smartphone innovations that will be available within the next few years. It’s mind blowing to think a functional phone can bend around your finger, but Samsung confirmed that bendable color display screens will be a feature of its line of phones next year.

A new approach to gather customer shopping habits is also in the works. Euclid Elements technology uses sensors to triangulate each smartphone’s unique Wi-Fi address within 60 yards of the store. Without accessing data on the phone, it will only record the unique Wi-Fi identifer to track how long a person stays in different areas of the store.

Near-field communications technology will be coming to all smartphones to enable digitial wallet applications that allow the customer to touch their phone to a terminal allowing a PIN number to be entered to complete the transaction. An electronic receipt will then be sent to the customer. Too bad this app isn’t available during this Holiday season! READ MORE…

Featured Employee: JAY ALMAN Jay is what we like to call The Man. No, not that kind—the cool ones. Jay, a dad from Slidell, has been rockin’ n rollin’ with myPhoneMD for about 2 years now, saving so many devices during that time that people often name their phones after him. In his time off, he likes watching sports. iPhone4s and iPad2 Top of Holiday Lists The iPad2 and the iPhone4s with its newly added addition, Siri, are on top of most wanted gifts this holiday. A recent poll showed 39% wanted the iPhone4s and 31% of voters wanted the iPad2. READ MORE…

Featured Product: ECO CASE This is an all-weather case that can literally be brought anywhere and everywhere while jamming out to your favorite tunes on its external speaker. Put your iPhone or iPod into the case and take it with you during your adventures such as kayaking, mountain climbing, etc. Google Aims for iTunes with Music Store Debut Google launched its music service Wednesday in Los Angeles. This was Google’s initiative to challenge iTunes. Users can buy songs through the Android market and stream them to their phones or tablets using the Google app. READ MORE…

12 Most Vulnerable Smartphones How vulnerable is your smartphone? Android is the most targeted smartphone for malware attacks because the lack of users updating their phones. Android phones made by Samsung, HTC, and Motorola are by far the worst ones. READ MORE… BBM Music Service in UK Blackberry has released a BBM Music service for its subscribers in the UK. Users will choose 50 of their favorite songs to stream online and add friends to their BBM network so they can listen to them. READ MORE…

make a move was a one day event at the Morial Convention Center on 10/12/11 that aimed to help struggling and homeless individuals connect with the resources they needed to get back on their feet.  That day, 51 services providers and 474 volunteers helped 1,209 attendees jump-start their lives at the largest public assistance event in New Orleans history. myPhoneMD was on hand with phones loaded with free air-time to give attendees the chance to reconnect with family and friends.

Jay Alman, manager of myPhoneMD-New Orleans, accepts a certificate of appreciation for having the store participate in make a move 2011, the largest public assistance event in the history of New Orleans.

Why deal with the hassle of packing, shipping and waiting for your money when you can swing right into your local myPhoneMD service center and put cash right into your pocket within just a few minutes?

Yep, that’s what we were thinking, so stop by any myPhoneMD to get paid or just give us a shout.
myPhoneMD purchases smartphones in any condition and pays top dollar! We also recycle!

Check out myPhoneMD co-founder Conrad Green’s interview with WGNO Channel 26 from the morning of the event.

make a move was the largest free public assistance event for the homeless in city history. The event is a free one-day, one-stop event that offered struggling individuals from across Greater New Orleans the opportunity to get back on their feet through access to a broad range of services, including medical check-ups, foot care, legal services, grooming, employment assistance, food, toiletries and more. The goal of make a move was to help homeless and struggling individuals by providing the resources they need to jump-start their lives and to allow them to walk out the convention center that day with a new sense of hope and their heads held high. Visit www.neworleansmission.org for more information.

WGNO Channel 26 Interview with Conrad Green

http://www.abc26.com/videogallery/65363645/News/GMNO-10/12#pl-65365488

One of the country’s fastest growing smart device repair center chains, myPhoneMD, opened its eighth store on Thursday, August 18th with a grand opening party and dedication ceremony featuring contests, giveaways and an appearance by B-97 radio personality DJ Speedy.

myPhoneMD provides the fastest repair service possible for the millions of iPhone, iPad, Android,  and other smart device users, often resuscitating their essential personal equipment within minutes. Water damage, shattered screens, cracked LCDs, broken lock buttons and other troubling setbacks are among the many repairs available.

The company has already opened locations across Louisiana and on the East Coast and is in the midst of an aggressive expansion across the Gulf South. The stores offer customer-friendly service and comprehensive coverage to these markets and provide professional level repair services.