Cassie Posting number: 2
Topic: Technology
Title: Apps Seek to Help Phone Users Track Data
Author: Jenna Wortham
Source: New York Times
March 2, 2012
Article length: 2 pages
Companies are now introducing services and applications to help manage cellphone users' data. To help users get the most out of their data plans, companies such as Onavo are developing softwares that minimize data use, such as automatically switching to Wi-Fi when a network is detected. Because smartphones have become increasingly popular, more concern has risen over fear of cell phone bills. One of the reasons it is so difficult for users to keep track of data is the fact that the typical smart phone has so many uses such as listening to music or browsing the web. Also, apps are primarily data inefficient, meaning developers do not limit their app's data, focusing more on efficiency. With this, Onavo plans on uses their new app which requires users to change their phone settings to route data through Onavo's servers. This forces the user to conserve, by shrinking image files or storing pictures from Twitter, instead of having users find pictures repeatedly on each visit. Carriers are also looking at ways to deal with data traffic by switching users to Wi-Fi networks. WeFi is a new start-up based in Israel, which puts cellphones onto Wi-Fi for data when possible. With the increasing demand for mobile data, industries are receiving more than they can handle.
I believe that Onavo's app will prove itself to be successful in the future. With our society's increased dependency on smart phones, the app will further increase efficiency within the user. Allowing people to use their data plan to the fullest, this app helps not only with the user's convenience, but with their bills at well. Hopefully, more people will discover Onavo's new innovation, and recognize the company's achievements so far.
Interesting app for managing data plan.
ReplyDeleteThis app does seem useful for the future. As the article states, Onavo developers are creating software to minimize data usage in cell phones by switching to wifi whenever possible. This will undoubtedly help many unknowing people save on their phone bills; however, phone companies may not like this as much since they cannot charge for as much data usage any more. It definitely sounds like something I would use in the future.
ReplyDeleteThis app seems as though it will be very helpful and productive in the future. Onavo has the ability to save individuals tons of money through their app. Many users of iphones do not switch to wifi, and since Onavo does it automatically, it saves through using wifi rather than costly data networks. I would abosolutely use this app because I am constantly using up my data plan and having to pay for extra data. With Onavo in place i would be able to save tons of money every month.
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ReplyDeleteThe Onavo cellphone application seems like it could have a great deal of potential for success because people today want to save as much money as they can, since the economy is bad. This generation is highly dependent on the internet, which can become costly if you don't have a good data plan. Many people don't even notice when they are or aren't using wifi, so their phone bill rises with out them even knowing it. Onavo's idea to develop "softwares that minimize data use, such as automatically switching to Wi-Fi when a network is detected." is a very good one, and I'd definitely consider purchasing it if I had a smartphone.
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