Tech Archives - A Winsome Life

The Benefits and Limitations of Buying a Smartphone with a Carrier Plan

By delta July 5, 2023

As Smartphones continue to play an expansive role in people’s everyday life, deciding on the right unit and carrier plan becomes ever more critical. Should you invest in the latest smartphone unit? What services would be non-negotiable in a carrier plan? With an increasing number of phone brands, models, and mobile plans offered by different companies, narrowing down the options and ultimately deciding which one to purchase can be agonising.

As always, it’s a good idea to consider needs and budget when setting the standards for the device. If you’re particular about the monthly upkeep of the phone and the price of the services you can enjoy through it, you can purchase a carrier plan subscription. Through this arrangement, you can pay for the device as well as the bundled voice, messaging, and data services in monthly instalments. It’s such a popular means of getting smartphones that people are using metasearch engines to scrutinise different subscription plans. By comparing the cheapest data plan Singapore has to offer, for instance, buyers based in the city-state can find smart devices with data plans that match their needs and budgets.

Should you subscribe to a mobile phone service plan to get your hands on the latest smartphone model? Avoid buyer’s remorse by doing your homework before deciding on a mobile plan. Know the benefits and limitations of your options, weigh them, and then make an informed choice.

Advantages of a Phone with a Carrier Plan

Access to the Latest Devices at a Lower Upfront Cost

Buying a smartphone with a bundled plan allows you to access the latest devices at a more affordable upfront cost compared to purchasing them outright. Carriers often offer subsidies or monthly instalment payment options, which spread the cost of the device over the duration of the plan. As a result, a more expensive high-end phone becomes affordable to a wider range of consumers, some of whom can’t afford to pay for the phone outright.

Benefit from Bundled Services and Promotional Offers

Carrier plans often come with bundled services and promotional offers, providing additional value to consumers. These may include discounts on voice, text, and data services. In addition, more and more telecom companies are offering access to exclusive features or content, or special perks such as free streaming services or additional data allowances. Bundled services and promotions can enhance the overall value proposition of buying a smartphone using a subscription plan.

Automatic Inclusion to Warranty and Device Protection Programs

When purchasing a smartphone with a mobile phone service plan, you often benefit from manufacturer warranties and device protection programs. These can provide coverage for device malfunctions and accidental damage or loss, offering peace of mind to you. Should you run into issues while using their devices, you can rely on the carrier’s support channels for repair or replacement services.

Good Network Coverage and Better Quality of Service

Carriers invest heavily in building and maintaining robust networks, ensuring widespread coverage and reliable service. By buying a smartphone that’s bundled with a plan, you can take advantage of the provider’s network infrastructure and enjoy good network coverage, faster data speeds, and enhanced call quality. This is a particularly beneficial feature in areas where network coverage from other providers may be limited.

Limitations of a Phone with a Carrier Plan

Contractual Obligations and Early Termination Fees

Buying a smartphone that’s bundled with a mobile plan often involves entering into a contractual agreement with the carrier and the mobile network. These contracts typically have a specified duration, and if you wish to terminate the plan early, you may incur early termination fees. This can prevent you from switching networks or carrier plan providers and upgrading their devices before the contract term ends. People who want more freedom and flexibility may find these conditions limiting.

Cost of Ownership Over the Long Term

When deciding on a smartphone with a carrier plan, don’t just look at the cheaper upfront cost. Consider the overall cost of ownership until the contract ends. Monthly service fees, data plans, and potential additional charges can add up, making the total cost of the device higher compared to purchasing it outright. That’s why it’s important for you to have a critical eye and evaluate the whole package for the duration of the contract. By doing this, you can determine if you are getting a great deal that aligns with your budget and needs.

Limited Customisation and Plan Options

Mobile plans may have limited customisation options, particularly in terms of voice, text, and data allowances. You may need to choose from predetermined plans that may not perfectly match your individual usage patterns. Because you don’t have a lot of options, you can end up paying for services or features that are not fully utilised, or you may need to upgrade to a higher-priced plan for additional flexibility.

Potential Carrier Restrictions and Network Limitations

Some plans may have certain restrictions or limitations imposed by the carrier. These can include data throttling or reducing data speeds after reaching a specific limit, network prioritisation or giving preference to certain customers during peak times, and specific usage policies that may impact user experience. It’s important to review the plan provider’s terms and conditions to understand any potential limitations or restrictions that may affect the usage of the smartphone and its bundled services.

To make informed purchasing decisions when selecting smartphones with carrier plans, you should consider several factors. These include their usage pattern, the different bundles and plans in the market and their respective features, and the terms and conditions of the contract you need to sign. By knowing exactly what you need and making a thorough comparison of the options at your fingertips, you have a better chance of getting a plan that matches your budget and lifestyle.

[True Story] – Our Experience with a Malicious Website Hack

By delta May 30, 2023

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to have your website hacked? Unfortunately, we found out firsthand when our website fell victim to a malicious intruder. In this post, we want to share our harrowing experience, how we managed to recover from the incident, and the valuable cybersecurity lessons we learnt along the way.

With over 12 years of operating A Winsome Life, we never expected to face such threats, but we now understand the importance of staying vigilant in the face of increasing attacks from malicious hackers.

How We Got Hacked
Regrettably, we experienced a successful hacking attempt, during which the attacker gained access to our website’s backend. They changed our password and the email address associated with password recovery. While we cannot be certain whether it was a result of brute force hacking or SQL injection, we suspect the latter because we had implemented measures to mitigate brute force attacks, and we observed a rise in SQL injection attempts.

Our Recovery Process
Upon receiving the alarming notification that our password and recovery email were changed, panic set in. We tried various methods to regain control but were met with frustration. To regain access, we took the following immediate actions:

We blocked all access to our .htaccess file and implemented stringent security measures for sensitive files, folders, and directories.
We meticulously retraced the steps taken by the hacker. By reclaiming ownership of our account and changing the password, we were able to regain control. We owe our successful recovery to our access to the server, which enabled us to override the hacker’s actions. This highlights the vital importance of securing server access alongside website security.

Securing Our Website
Following the ordeal, we swiftly implemented additional security features to fortify our website. We installed the Wordfence plugin for our WordPress platform, which provides robust protection against anomalies and threats from unknown IP addresses. Furthermore, we implemented a two-factor authentication method as an added layer of defence, safeguarding against unauthorised access even if the initial security measures fail.

The Significance of Cybersecurity
It bewilders us as to why our website, devoid of payment processing or commercial transactions, became an attractive target for hackers. Nevertheless, we feel compelled to share our story and emphasize that cybersecurity threats are real.

If you operate a WordPress website with e-commerce features, it is crucial to frequently update your plugins and implement additional safeguards to secure your platform. The prevalence of fraud and phishing scams in the news serves as a stark reminder. As technology continues to permeate our lives, exercise caution when encountering anything that appears too good to be true.

Experiencing a website hack was an alarming and stressful ordeal for us. However, we emerged stronger and more knowledgeable from this experience. By sharing our story, we hope to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and help fellow website owners avoid a similar fate. Should you have any questions or comments regarding this topic, please feel free to leave them below or contact us directly.

Is Going Online Safe?

By delta March 20, 2023

Going online probably isn’t as safe as you might think. While it’s become an everyday part of our lives, many hidden dangers are lurking and waiting to strike.

Is The Internet Safe? It’s Complicated

The short answer to whether the internet is safe is “yes and no.” While it has brought numerous benefits to those who use it, it also comes with significant risks.

For instance, cyberbullying is an issue, particularly for young people. The internet provides a platform for anonymous individuals to harass and bully others, leading to emotional distress and trauma.

Identity theft is also a major problem. Hackers can use personal information, such as your name, address, and financial details, to steal and use your identity for fraud.

Then there is the issue of scams and fraud. Scammers may use phishing scams, fake websites, and fraudulent emails that can deceive you into revealing sensitive information or making payments. It’s all a big risk.

Even spending too much time online can be an issue. Many people can get addicted to social media and video games, causing them to neglect their real lives. This problem will only worsen as the metaverse and AI play bigger roles in our lives.

How To Stay Safe Online

However, it’s essential to note that the internet is not inherently dangerous. It is our usage and habits that can make it unsafe. Taking certain precautions can minimize the risks associated with going online.

It turns out that there are all sorts of things you can do.

For instance, you can use stronger passwords, making sure they’re unique and contain a mixture of characters.

You can also keep your software updated. This ensures you avoid vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.

You should also learn how to protect against ransomware. Don’t provide any information to anyone about your personal details online unless you trust the site entirely. Also, make sure you have antivirus software running in the background that can detect ransomware attacks.

If possible, use a VPN. Benefits of using a VPN include:

Security: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it more secure and protected from hackers and cybercriminals.
Privacy: A VPN masks your IP address and hides your online activities from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and other third parties, providing greater privacy.
Access to restricted content: With a VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions and access content unavailable in your country.
Anonymity: A VPN allows you to browse the internet anonymously, which can be beneficial if you want to keep your online activities private.

In addition to all this, make sure you limit sharing of personal information. Be mindful of the data you share online via technology, and avoid oversharing on social media platforms.

Lastly, balance your time online. Look out for signs that you might be addicted. Make sure you’re not surfing the web at the expense of the rest of your life. Don’t let it become something you do out of habit. If you find yourself slipping into going online all the time, take a break from it in nature.

World’s Simplest & Safest Hardware Wallet for All Your Crypto Assets

By delta August 27, 2022

The crypto world is not entirely new to me. I actually tried mining Bitcoin in the past but it got increasingly more difficult and costly because the code just gets tougher and tougher to crack. Hence, I drifted away from crypto to focus on my career and have only recently gotten back into the crypto scene when a friend of mine introduced me to the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

If you are new to crypto and you want to start putting some real money into it, you must be prepared to lose all your money and I really mean it! One thing you need to understand about cryptocurrency is that once you lose it, you really lose it forever. There is absolutely no way you can reverse transactions like how one can do so in a retail setting.

One crucial aspect that you need to be mindful about when entering the crypto space is being responsible for your own safety and security. There are many dodgy scam tactics that people will try to employ and this could include getting you to reveal the seed phrases to your crypto wallet through phishing and bots.

Now, whether you use a hot wallet or a cold wallet, there will always be recovery seed phrases that you will need to jot down and safekeep (in the event you lose access to your wallet and need to re-gain access). This has always been the case but not anymore!

Hugware®, the world’s first seed phrase-free wallet by a locally founded tech company, UKISS Technology, is now available for US$139 and it comprises of an Authentication Key (A-Key), a Rescue Key (R-Key), and a five year warranty!

Safe and easy to use, the Hugware® crypto hardware wallet is the epitome of state-of-the-art security that every crypto novice needs, providing a reliable recovery plan for their investments. Users can be rest assured that their private keys will always be at their fingertips with this new must-have tech accessory.

Hugware® is a great solution for those who tend to forget or lose their seed phrase and are looking for a self-custody wallet with a simpler recovery process, thanks to its master seed synchronisation capability. It boasts seamless key pairing, which ensures that private keys are generated and stored in the hardware while enabling backups through device pairing. That way, the seed does not have to be translated into recovery phrases and will not be exposed to human error, phishing, or theft.

Hugware®’s safe and secure technology is patented in more than 20 countries and significant markets, including the United States, Europe, China, India, and Southeast Asia. Each Hugware® comes with a Certificate of Authenticity recorded on blockchain.

How Hugware® Works

Each Hugware® comes in a pair. During setup, the master seed is generated in the Authentication Key (A-Key) and synchronised with the Rescue Key (R-Key). The A-Key is used to manage crypto assets and is the gatekeeper of your private keys. Simply plug it into your device to provide authentication or confirm transactions.

The R-Key can be kept for when users need to recover access in the future, and is your life-saving gizmo. Plug it into your device to recover private keys in case you lose the A-Key. The R-Key backs up your master seed for fast wallet recovery.

Featuring a sleek and streamlined design, the A-Key and R-key are pocket-sized, enabling users to easily carry it around wherever they go. Hugware® also comes with USB and USB-C connectors that users can plug into their devices.

Additionally, Hugware® comes equipped with a security system that is programmed to lock the device after 10 failed logins. This offers an added layer of security in the event you lose either one of your keys.

The fuss-free solution supports multiple blockchain networks and is available on desktop for Windows and MacOS, and soon on Android (iOS users will have to wait a little longer) .

As an iterative product that consistently works to improve itself, there will be more features to be added with every Hugware® version upgrade. These include new features such as U-Archive and U-Hide that are in the works.

U-Archive

Fortify your backup in the cloud. Secure your archives without compromising on space. The U-Archive encryption software allows you to encrypt large folders in your computer or in the cloud, and only the holder of the associated Hugware® can access the archive. This software is slated to launch in September 2022.

U-Hide

Hide your files while keeping them within reach. Protect your sensitive files and media assets with ease. U-Hide allows you to encrypt individual files in your computer while keeping them accessible: only the holder of the associated Hugware® can access those files. This software is slated to launch in November 2022.

UKISS Technology is also rewarding buyers of the Hugware® and other UKISS services with KISS Tokens to offset their next UKISS purchase.

Visit https://www.ukiss.io/ or https://t.me/UKISSTech and get your Hugware® today!

Gadget of The Year – A Review of the LUMOS NANO Projector

By delta August 18, 2022

Owning a portable projector has been on our list of wants for quite some time, but because of our busy lifestyle where we also have to take care of two (2) very active children, we hardly have time to do our research and purchase one.

Since we got the LUMOS TEMPO from LUMOS, we thought we might as well just give the LUMOS NANO a shot and go for it since the LUMOS Projector Brand has got so many positive reviews.

Aesthetics

The LUMOS NANO Projector sports a rectangular, boxy design, and its compact design makes it very convenient to bring around. Weighing just 400 grams, the weight of the LUMOS NANO Projector feels very similar to a can of soft drink. The look and feel of the LUMOS NANO do bear some resemblance to R2-D2 from Star Wars.

Performance & Quality

The performance and build quality of the LUMOS NANO Projector is what makes it stand out from other mini projectors.

The LUMOS NANO runs on the Android 9.0 operating system, and commonly-used applications such as Google Play Store, YouTube, and Netflix come pre-installed with the device. Other mini projectors in the market are not that “smart” because their only function is to mirror/duplicate the display of another device. As for the LUMOS NANO, it can run independently on its own without requiring another separate device. The LUMOS NANO projector also has the Airplay/E-Share function, which you can use to mirror your phone to show any content from your phone, all without any messy cables.

Although it was easy for us to use the inbuilt touchpad to navigate the user-friendly interface, we feel it is way easier to use the remote controller than the inbuilt touchpad to navigate the user interface.

Depending on the projection distances, the projected screen size of the LUMOS NANO is between fifty (50) to hundred (100) inches. One significant feature of the LUMOS NANO is the auto keystone (screen adjust) feature that allows it to be placed at any angle we want without worrying about distorted, off-axis images.

The only qualm we have about the LUMOS NANO is its short battery life of two (2) hours. If you plan to watch a movie or organise a Karaoke session with a group of friends, it is recommended that you plug the LUMOS NANO to a power source.

Having tested the LUMOS Nano Projector in both day and night settings, we have found that it works best in a dark and enclosed environment. Thanks to the premium DLP Tech feature and the powerful Dolby Audio speakers on the LUMOS NANO, the entertainment experience is rather pleasant and captivating.

Pricing

The LUMOS NANO is priced at only SGD$599 and comes with a one (1)-year local warranty. Just so you know, most other mini projectors in the market that share similar features as the LUMOS NANO are priced at SGD$900 and up.

Overall

We were so impressed with the LUMOS NANO Projector that we feel it deserves a ‘Gadget of the Year’ award.

The LUMOS NANO Projector is an all-in-one entertainment device that has undoubtedly wow-ed us with its power-packed features in so many ways. Whether you use the LUMOS NANO as a Bluetooth speaker to play some of your favourite Spotify hits or use it alongside your Bluetooth-enabled karaoke set, the sound quality of the LUMOS NANO beats almost every other small projector.

For the price of SGD$599, the LUMOS NANO Projector is a worthy buy if you want to replace your Smart Television (TV) with a more portable all-in-one multimedia entertainment device that you can bring around for your vacations/staycations/impromptu karaoke sessions.

This one-stop entertainment device allows you to share what you love and enjoy with the people that matter the most to you, and it is now available for purchase directly from LUMOS Projector via their website at www.lumosprojector.com/awl

A Personal Take On The LUMOS TEMPO Wireless Earbuds

By delta June 25, 2022

With so many variations of products being developed and pushed out into the market so rapidly, navigating the world of wireless earbuds can sometimes be a murky one because there are just so many options available out there. However, the wireless earbuds that we often know or hear about are those that have got a huge marketing budget and the lesser-known ones are those that are sold directly to consumers and rely heavily on digital ad campaigns and word-of-mouth marketing.

In this blog post, we will be sharing with you our personal take on the LUMOS TEMPO, a lesser-known wireless earbuds brand by the team that brought the well-loved LUMOS AURO Home Cinema Short Throw Projector to the local market.