What have you Googled in 2014?

How many times you google things you don’t know or want to know about it? If any of your work hardly gets completed without using Google, you might be interested in knowing what most of the people around the world were searching Google for this year? The year 2014 is about to end and Google has come up with its most-searched terms list once again. 

Every year Google rolls out the list of trending terms that are searched by its users all over the world. It’s always interesting to know which things have made people curious to know. It might come as no surprise that iPhone 6 is the winning term of year 2014.

The year began with a lot of buzz created by iPhone 6 though it wasn’t launched in the beginning, but speculations kept the market warm with respect to its looks and features. 

Samsung Galaxy S5 is the next most-searched term in the year 2014. Since the dominance of Samsung in the mobile industry is continuously increasing which created hype in the market for Samsung Galaxy S5 and that has been the reason of being second most-searched term. To remind you again what you have Googled in 2014, we bring a list of Google’s top trending terms of 2014. Since it's a technology blog, we have taken consumer Electronics Category only.

                                                                         1. iPhone 6

                                                                   2. Samsung Galaxy S5

                                                                         3. Nexus 6

 

                                                                              4. Moto G

                                                                      5. Samsung Note 4

                                                                              6. LG G3

                                                                           7. Xbox One

                                                                  

                                                                          8. Apple Watch

 

                                                                            9. Nokia X

                                                                                10. iPad Air

What are factory unlocked phones?

Mobile phones have become integral parts of our lives. While some people use the basic versions of mobile phones, others use high-end smartphones. There is hardly any person without a mobile now. There are two broad categories in which the mobiles are available – factory unlocked phones and locked phones.

Factory unlocked phones – what does it mean

Factory unlocked phones are those which can be used with SIM cards of any service provider. The hardware and software of the phones are not made for use with particular one service provider. People usually prefer factory unlocked phones over locked phones as these phones provide the flexibility of changing SIM cards as and when required. Customers can choose the service provider as per their own will by checking out the offers that providers give.

On the other hand, locked phones are those which are tied to a particular service provider. There is a bond with the mobile company and the provider for a fixed span of time. The phone can be unlocked after the contract period gets over. Since there is no freedom and flexibility in using locked phones, people generally avoid using these phones. Apart from restrictions on changing the service provider, locked phones have other limitations too, which makes using the phones difficult. 

Refurbished smartphones – high demands with people for its innumerable benefits

People often tend to get confused between refurbished phones and used phones. It is true that refurbished phones are not new, but they are not been into use much. It might happen that the buyer bought the phone and planned to change the same within couple of days. It is obvious that this phone cannot be sold in the market as a new phone. This phone is tested by experts, cleaned if necessary and then is brought into the market again. There should be no change in the functioning of the refurbished phone and should have the same warranty as the new phone.

The only benefit is that the price of such phones is way less than new phones of the same model and brand. It is possible to get all the attractive features on the phone by paying considerably less amount of money for the same. Getting full warranty on the refurbished phone is an additional benefit as such advantages are available with new phones only. If warranty is not being provided, it might not be a refurbished phone at all.

Hot Bargain Phones – great destination for finding used and refurbished phones

If you are intending to purchase refurbished and used phones, it is recommended to buy the same from trusted sources. Hot Bargain Phones is a reliable online portal where high end smartphones are on sale. Attractive discounts are made available on the phones. The rates of used smartphones on the site are less than half of the actual price. One thing is assured that there is no compromise with the functionality of the phones whatsoever. Majority of the phones that are sold on the site are factory unlocked phones.

Why to pay more when you can get the deal for less

The iPhone is a category in itself and though the competition has increased in the recent years, iPhone maintains its following and consumer base. Apart from offering a highly sleek and classy look, Apple has continuously been innovating to bring out highly powerful phones that are capable of a range of functionality. According to the latest statistics, there are 63.2 million iPhone users across the globe and the rate is just increasing every year. In October, 2014, there had been 85 billion downloads form the iOS store as compared to 75 billion in June 2014. Owning an iPhone comes with its own set of advantages. This is a device that is highly versatile, amazingly productive, and fast and seems to integrate everything that one can ask of a smart phone. iPhones have been setting new hallmarks ever since the first launch.

However, along with the advantages comes a big price tag. The iPhones are among the most expensive gadgets in its category. As such, it is not meant for the average smart phone user. However, with little research, one can in fact get a good deal out of a uses or refurbished iPhone.

Let’s take a look at the advantages of a used iPhone

The iPhones have been ideally designed for the mobile consumer. It has always come in a sturdy make and integrates a lot of detailing into the designing, the buttons, the touch sensitive keys and the images. The brand is known for its sleek but efficient designs which no other manufacturer has been able to replicate. The iPhone also integrates an iPod into the design of the phone. For the music loving crowd, this is s good as it can get. Going for a used phone will present the best functionality for teenagers and college goers who can’t afford a new iPhone but can invariably be benefited by one.

Secondly, the iPhone has proved to be a great piece of device for the internet loving crowd. The device gives access to a multitude of applications and blogging tools including Google Mobile, Dropbox, Adobe PS Express, Evernote, SoundCloud and Spreaker.

As such, an iPhone is the last piece of smart phone you will need to invest upon. Apple integrates the iPhone with every type of functionality that can presently be expected and also comes up with regular updates and additions to the iOS store. Further, the iPhone is among the fastest and most secure device when it comes to internet browsing or online payments. Many of the iOS apps are available for free and you need not spend extra amount to upgrade your device.

Saving money with used iPhones

As already said, iPhones are among the most expensive devices in this product category. However, there are many sellers dealing with used and refurbished phones that are as good as new and offered at an incredible price. As such, one can save a lot of money going for used iPhones than chocking your budgets with a new device.

Things to consider

In case you are planning to buy a used/refurbished iPhone, just make sure:

• Screen condition: Go for a phone that has been used with protective cases like OtterBox.
• Water Damage: Earlier versions of iPhones can suffer significant damage from water/moisture. Take a peek into the earphone jack and if it is pink, there has been some water damage.
• Electronic Serial Number (ESN): Always notify shoppers about the ESN. Also make sure it is not a stolen device.
• Go for a reputable seller.

What do people use their Smartphones for? An Infographic

Smartphone has been no new word to us rather it keeps finding new ways to get our chores done with ease and convenience. What people do with their smartphone? Where do they spend most of their time with smartphone? Which apps are used more often? The answers of all these questions lie in this inventive infographic.

Is your iPhone’s battery giving you hard time?

This is very usual nowadays that we all need smartphones to do our chores the way we need air to breathe, but what if your smartphone’s battery got drained and you would be unable to use your smartphone all day long? Thinking of this for 2 seconds might give you terrible nightmare. In a nutshell, low battery life or no battery life makes you suffer a lot. It’s really hard to keep up with the battery all day. However, you can still manage to boost your iPhone’s battery life without any glitch. Here is the ways to make your life better.

Get the latest Software

Make sure your iPhone is using the latest version of iOS. Every new version comes up with improvements and new features and helps make your device working faster. If you need to check which version of iOS your iPhone is using, go to Settings>>General>>Software Update.

If you see an update available, either you can update your phone wirelessly or connect it to the latest version of iTunes.

Make use of Auto-Brightness

More the brightness is, more your phone tend to be drained quickly. You can use Auto-Brightness to extend battery life as it helps adjust your screen to lightning conditions automatically. To turn it on, go to Settings >> Display & Brightness and turn Auto-Brightness On. 

If you find Auto-Brightness a less effective, you can alternatively dim the screen using Control Center. Open the Control Center by swiping up from the bottom of any screen and drag the brightness slider to the left. 

Keep Wi-Fi On

Cellular network consumes more power as compare to Wi-Fi when you access data from your phone. So keep Wi-Fi on and make your phone battery last long. To turn Wi-Fi on, swipe up to open Control Center and tap the Wi-Fi icon or go to Settings >> Wi-Fi >> turn it on.

Apple claims that iOS 8 has been designed to be the most battery-efficient iOS ever. This time iOS has come up with some of the handy features like you can easily monitor the proportion of battery used by each app so go to Settings >> General >> Usage >> Battery Usage and check the battery consumption. 

Turn Off Refreshing Background Apps

Improve battery life by turning off the feature that allows apps to refresh in background. Go to Settings >> General >> Background App Refresh and turn it off.

Turn Off Location Services

Apps that use your location consume more power so in order to save battery go to Settings >> Privacy >> Location Services and turn it off.

If you are planning to buy a refurbished iPhone, make sure you check its battery before you buy it.  
 

Benefits of getting a used Smartphone

Modern day life is unimaginable without a smartphone. However, regardless of you being a college goer or a top executive, paying a huge price for a smartphone isn’t always justified. Smartphones do incorporate a lot of advantage than the traditional cellular devices. Every day new models are being introduced into the market by several manufacturers from around the globe. However, the more you pay for a phone, the more functionality you are exposed to and it is only human to desire more. A bridge between paying less and still getting the experience of the best smartphone functionality would be to go for used and refurbished phones. While it may sound a pretty cheap option for many, there are several underlying advantages for this buying behavior.

1.       Saving money

The top reason to go for a used phone is obviously to save a considerable amount of money of you planned investment. Depending upon the functionality you need, you can go for the best smart phone yet pay the price of an average one. Used smart phones aren’t as bad as deemed. In most cases, they are refurbished and sold. Others won’t be able to get a hint that you are holding a device that has been used for sometime by others. These phones are as good as new. Also, considering the fact that there is a considerable seller base that opts to upgrade every time a new model is launched in the market, their old phones (not quite outdated literally) can be had at a nominal price.

2.       Refurbished is as good as new

9 out of 10 users wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a new and a refurbished phone. However, you will be paying a lot less price than the MRP of the same model. The only reason why a refurbished phone (in some case, even only a week old) is sold at a lower price because charging the full amount is illegal.

Coincidentally, many online sellers are even selling refurbished iphones as new products and the buyers don’t know the difference.

3.       Saving the planet

Electronic waste amounts to a considerable amount of pollution in our planet. If everyone is opting for a new phone, the old models will literally amount to a non-recyclable dump that will consequently affect our planet’s health. In the United States alone, more than 260 million phones are being used and more than 170 million are replaced every year. Only 10% is recycled and refurbished while the rest 90% goes into landfills and toxic dumps. 

Where to get used Smartphones?

There are several sellers who provide used smart phones, with or without refurbishing. Depending on the extent of use and the damage (if done), phones are being replaced with new parts and even cases and offered in a highly reduced price tag. One of the best known sellers is probably eBay where you can get any used smart phone of your choice. Even some special services have emerged seeing the rise in demand for used and refurbished phone.

In conclusion, saving money and the environment should be enough reason to go for a used smart phone. Do keep in mind that you are losing nothing but actually contributing to your savings and obviously, the planet.

How to grab the best iPhone deal?

Apple sold more than 51 million iPhones in 2013. This is huge and the reasons for the popularity are many. Since its launch in 2007, the Apple iPhone has been among the top gadgets in the wish list of the common man. From the first iPhone to the latest iPhone 5C, apple has done a great job throughout. Though competition has emerged in this time span, the iPhone is still a coveted gadget and looked upon as a luxury. Not many of us can spend £580 on a phone but people are looking to used iPhones as an alternative. Well, there’s no great deal of disadvantage in this choice. Used iPhones are as good as the new ones- they provide the same set of benefits, look as good, and onlookers will find it hard to tell. An iPhone is a status and if you have been looking for cheap device, Hot Bargain Phones can provide you with a number of options.

Hot Bargain Phones has been the most prominent and popular seller of used iPhones. The company had been established in 2011 and since then grown to become leader supplier/seller of used mobile devices. The seller doesn’t just deal with second hand and used phones but also offers refurbished and factory unlocked devices at a much lower price than the original device. The motto of the company is to satisfy each of its customers with a phone that is both affordable and endearing. While you get a phone as good as new, you wouldn’t have to burn a hole down your pocket or give up your entire yearly savings.

So how does Hot Bargain Phones acquire the devices? Well, the service doesn’t just sell used phones but also buys them. Visiting the website, you will be surprised how many people are ready to sell off their used phones to get a new one. In most cases, these phones are as good as new and in case there is any damage, Hot Bargain Phones takes up the responsibility of a complete refurbishment prior to selling. This is the way their business works. As such it is practically a platform where buyers and sellers of used phones interact with each other via the company interface. Everyone wins as a result. 

For 3 years now, Hot Bargain Phones has been a trusted seller of used and refurbished devices. All the parcels and deliverable are insured and include a compensation of up to £500 in case of accidental damage during transportation. You can expect your order to be delivered within a week (or between 5 and 7 working days) and longer (if you are staying in Eastern Europe). The seller has an impeccable customer service and representatives are available 24x7 to sort out any query. The seller also offers a free accidental damage warranty for malfunctions within a period of three months from the date of purchase. As such this is a great service to go with and really doesn’t have an alternative competition.

Hot Bargain Phones even deliver across the globe with attached extra delivery charges. While iPhones have been the most favored devices sold from Hot Bargains Phones, the seller also offers other brands including Nokia, Samsung and other leading manufacturers. If you are looking for a good phone at a great price, check out their product catalog.