Google's Project Fi 1 Month Later - My Impressions

Project Fi is one month old for me. I know users have had it for 2-3 months now.  Pretty sure there were a lot of issues and difficulties in the beginning.  Well, this is my experience, my side of the story and my honest opinion so far. 

Day 1, I get the sim and the welcome kit. I will leave my unboxing videos and reviews below.  So I set up my account or finish setting up on my Google's Nexus 6. I created me a new number to use on Google Voice. At first I didn't think I would like this  service dealing that it was using Wifi and two carriers (T-Mobile & Sprint).  Now, I know you all thinking, why did Google choose those two carriers instead of At&t and Verizon? Right? Well T-Mobile is HSPA and Sprint is CMDA networks. How does connecting between 2 different networks wrok? Well Google gives you this special sim card that will conncet between them both whenever one gets a better signal, itll seamless switch to better network with good signal.  This I have witness with all four of my eyes.  Sometimes it would switch me while Im even in home.  But, at home, I'm on Wi-Fi.  This really didnt affect me as much.  It pretty easy to understand. Now, next my full experience with the network.

I live in East Saint Louis, IL, and I normally have T-Mobile as the better Network with LTE.  But, I seen sometimes it would switch me to Sprint even when the coverage map online tells me that T-Mobile is the stronger LTE signal. But, thanks to an app called "Fi Spy" that I downloaded from a Google developer, I was able to connect to the better Network in my area. Now, another instance,  while I was visiting a friend in Belleville, IL, it seems that Sprint LTE signal was stronger in some areas of Belleville than T-Mobile was. Which was true. I also had great signal when I was in Collinsville, Caseyville, Fairview Heights, Ofallo, IL., and St. Louis, MO with the T-Mobile LTE.    But, I had no problems sending or receiving SMS messages via Project Fi. This is what you will see if you have on all of the Project Fi settings turned on in messaging apps and phone calling and via Google Hangouts and your stock dialer app. With my Google Voice number, I have added call forwarding as well. So when I am away from my phone, I can answer on my PC or tablet. Very useful at times.

Now for the wifi hotspots.  Google says that with this service to keep your Wifi settings turned on at all times.  Like I mentioned earlier, your phone can be used over Wifi.  It detects what Wifi signal is free and open to use. So, Im in a StarBucks, it will connect me seamlessly to StarBucks Wifi connection. This also happened to me as I was in Best Buy and as well as JC Penny's.  Even when I seemed like I was at my weakest signal, I was able to stay connected due to a Wi-Fi hotspot that connected me.  I also have this free Wifi Hotspot app finder called "WiMan" which finds me free wifi in the area and allows me to download a map of the wifi locations for offline use. Oh, dont worry, Google is on the back end protecting all of my data via VPns and keys.  As I said earlier too, I was on WiFi all the time at home.  So no need to even have had my data turned on.  You get WiFi calling also on Google's Project Fi. Things just seemed  much in placed.

 I have been on the $20 unlimited talk and text which everyone gets the basic plan and than I added 2GB of data for an extra $20.  So for unlimited talk and text and 2GB of data, my plan for the month was $40.  I know for some 2GB of data isnt enough and that people probably can go through that amount in one day.  But, with Google's Project Fi you get credited back for what you dont use.  I have only used up 1.4GB out of 2GB.  What does this mean? I will be credit back $6. So this month my bill was really $34. Now, can you say the carrier you with will do that? Plus, Google doesnt throttle your data at all.  So, if you do go over your limit, Google will only charge you for what you used.  Google only allows you to use up 10GB of data each month and that would be a cost of $100 for the data plus $20 for just unlimited talk and text.  But, you think about it, since google is running off Sprint and T-Mobile's towers, you are paying for 2 carriers in one. That is a pretty cool deal. Which in the end this could be cheaper on an individual plan without unlimited.  But Google's phone plans aren't for everyone as i seen a lot of users and reviewers down play Google's plans and services. I must admit, this is not for hardcore data users.  What I mean by that is that you if use more than 10GB of data each month, than its not for you.  But, if you are like me and always around Wi-Fi and can stay under 10GB of data, then you will love this phone service. 

My final thoughts about Google's Project Fi is  for me, it just works! It goes out and it keeps me connected.   The prices for these plans are great, for my living it is just right for me.  Google's Project Fi is the best phone service that I have ever had. It is also the cheapest.  I definitely would recommend this service to anyone that wants to try something new and different.  Just a reminder, that Google's phone service will ONLY work with the Goole's Nexus 6.  But, luckily enough Amazon and Best Buy both dropped the prices now on the Nexus 6 to $349 for the 32GB and $399 for the 64GB model in colors blue and white.  The Nexus phones are also unlocked as well so you don't have to worry about being stuck in one carrier and as for  Google's Project Fi, you are using 2 networks in one. This is how you kill 2 birds with 1 stone.  This is my 30 day review on the Google's Project Fi.  Let me know your takes on it.  

GOOGLE PROJECT Fi 1 MONTH LATER 

PROJECT Fi SWTICHED ME TO SPRINT FROM TMOBILE

HOW TO REQUEST INVITE FOR GOOGLE PROJECT Fi

GOOGLE PROJECT Fi WELCOME SIM KIT UNBOXING

GOOGLE PROJECT Fi 2 DAYS LATER VIDEO

Project Fi Experience One Week Later

                                                             
                                                              Project Fi Welcome Kit

So Project Fi is out in the wild now. It is not a secret at all. For the past week I have been using the Google Wireless service aka Google Fi or Project Fi. It means the same thing.  Recently I have seen my phone automatically connect to a Wifi hotspot in the area i was in that had public WiFi available.  Sometimes you might have to get approval of use of the WiFi. But some won’t need you to accept.  At times, you might say that is creepy. But Google promises that your data over the wifi is encrypted.  If you feel it is unsafe, you can always go into settings to turn off automatically connect to Wifi.  Now another thing I have noticed is that I was unable to tell whether or not if I was on T-Mobile’s Network or Sprint’s Network.  The Network that appears when using your data is Fi Network.  So Google sort of hides which Network you are using in between connections.  But Google chooses the best network for you at that time and moment. That is also the same way when you are switching between WiFi to data network.  For the past week, I have been getting very good signals in places I would not normally get great coverage with either T-Mobile or Sprint.  Thats what Im really satisfied the most about with this service. The call quality and video quality was great. Haven’t paid my very first bill just yet, but I have monitored my data usage and really haven’t used a half an gig just yet.  So, Im sure that I will be receiving some credit back.  Even if it is just $5 or $10 back. That can go to my next bill.  It seems that my battery life has boosted some even since I made the switch to Fi Network.  While using the network I have tested gaming, videos, and music. Everything just seem to run and play smoothly while on the network.  I must say, within just one week alone, I have never been more satisfied with data and Wifi connectivity the Google’s Project Fi on my Nexus 6.  Although, this service isn’t for everyone,  its definitely made for me. So, this is Project Fi: One Week Later.

I'm Using Google's Wireless Service "Project Fi"

What is Project Fi, you asked? I'm glad you have asked this question.  Project Fi makes it easy for you to experience wireless communication with some of the best leading carrier partners and the users, which are you, us.

THE NETWORK

Project Fi will use the newest and latest technologies to keep you staying connected in more places and over WiFi connections too.


You can tap into millions of WiFi Networks in the areas in which you are traveling or visiting to.

Usually, phones only are able to tap into one LTE or 4G network towers.  But, with Project Fi, you'll be able to switch between two networks through their towers.  With Project Fi, you are using T-Mobile and Sprint's networks.  How does it work? Which ever one has the better signal in that particular at the time, you will be placed on that network.  The same way with WiFi networks as well. So, if you have more strength of a signal with T-Mobile in your area, then you will be using T-Mobile's network.  But, if you have stronger signal with Sprint, then Sprint will be the network of choice.


THE PLANS

Now, for some people, Google's Wireless plans are also competitive. With basics of Project Fi, your paying $20 a month for unlimited talk and text. Thats pretty decent compared to what others cost for just that.  Now, here is where it might seem a little tricky for some. The data plans are as follows:  $10 per 1GB. The max of data you can add to the plan is 10GB which would be a total for $100.  Now wait before you all get upset and walk away from this article and call Google trash.  Ok, so its 10 dollars per 1GB, right? Well, let say you want about 4GB of data plus the unlimited talk and text. With all that, you looking at roughly $60/month. Now to some, that could be over price and not competitive at all. With this phone service, its different.  So you if you only use up 2GB out of 4GB, Google will credit you $20 back into your account for next time.  So you are spending $40 for that one month you didn't use all of your data.  If you are around. WiFi  all the time, your data shouldn't drop as much.  So, that is something to think about when it comes to this plan. Now me, myself, I choose 2GB. With T-Mobile, I never went over my data caps and I only averaged about 1.5GB-2.5GB of data. It really just varied on where I was at and located or what I was doing at the time.  So my first month plan will cost me just $40 plus taxes. Which I have already checked and it was additional $4.  And yes, Google does charge fees for using this service. It really varies where you live.  Also, if you wanted to pause our plan, you can! Google just will credit you what you haven't used and credit it back. Then once you decide to start back, you will begin where you left off.  Then if you dont want to use the service anymore at all, you can cancel at anytime.


WHAT COMES WITH PROJECT FI?

First things first.  In order to use Google's Wireless Service, you must first sign up for the service.  As of right now this is an invitation only program.  So it may take a while before you get anything back from Google. Its the waiting processing thats the pain.  The next thing... Some of you all might not like this.  If you don't already, will need to purchase the Google Motorola Nexus 6 phone. For the 32GB model,  it will cost $499.99 and for the 64GB model, it will cost $549.99.  But, there might be some sweet deals on Amazon, EBay, and even Google Store right now, if you want look into it.  But, I have seen videos where people with Project Fi had used the service with the Google Nexus 5, Galaxy S6 Edge, and even the iPhone 6 Plus! I have no idea, how all this is even possible if Google made the trial service specifically for the Nexus 6. But I will add some of these videos to the site in the future.

Project Fi Sim and Welcome Kit

Now, once you get the invite from Google about Project Fi, the next step is to place your order in. Now Google will ship you your own Sim card and also some great goodies! In the kit alone with the Sim card, you will receive a 6,000 Mah battery, a Nexus 6 phone case, and Project Fi earbuds. All just for accepting the invitation and signing up.  While doing all of this, Google will ask you do you want to purchase  a Nexus 6.  You can say yes or no.  Your next move after this is whether or not you want to use your current number and transfer it to Google's Wireless service or to create a new number. I chose to create a new number for it because it was fast and easy and I just chose not to pay the $20 fee to port my number over from T-Mobile to Google, even when I am still using T-Mobile through Google.  But, get a number and then you are all set!

Now thats pretty much the run down of Google's Wireless Service, Project Fi!!! Are you interested?  Is this something you might be into?  Well, see it for yourself.

Is Google Fi Right For You?

MOTOROLA GOOGLE NEXUS 6 (In photo above) 

Google phone services is rolling out to consumers right now who have signed up and has the nexus 6 device. I am signed up and still waiting. But, while I wait and we all wait and say how great of a deal google has. So lets look at what you get with google.  Right now you must have a Nexus 6 on Sprint or T-Mobile.  Their data plans are $10 per GB. The Max is 10GB of data which is $100.  That's a lot of cash to be tossing out. But the good thing with google is that if you don't use that data up,  the money you haven't used you'll get it back as a credit. My thing is the pricing. Ok. For what I have right now including a nexus 6 on t mobile and a ipad mini 3 as well. I have unlimited talk and text for $25 a month plus data plan of 3gb of data for just $10/month and the data stash which gives me up to 10gb of data rolled over up to an year! Now all that alone beats google phone service. Now if that wasn't enough. Most of you all who read my articles on a regular know how much I talk about the freedompop service. Freedompop is under sprint and uses their towers to give out signal and free limited data. But there is something good out of the Freedompop data. I am able to receive at least 1500MB of data free each month! By having the 500 MB basic plan and adding family and friends to the freedom friends.  Also you can do free offers and watch free videos to earn free data each month. There are also two other plans you can add as well. The one plan or service is data rollover. Roll over 500mb of regular data you don't use each month.  This only cost $3.99 a month to do. So if you only use up 1GB of 1500, 500 will roll over plus your basic 500mb you started with. Also of that wasn't enough the other plan is the wifi hotspots which will allow you to connect to an starbucks or mcdonalds etc. automatic. This would just cost you only $4.99 per month. So as you can see its the small things for me that make a big difference. This why I feel google Fi wont work for me. Will the Google Fi service be a good fit for you? Leave all comments below.

LG Nexus 5 BRAND NEW for ONLY $249.99 on TextNow

The LG Nexus 5 was a great device from Google and LG. Although there have been newer rumors to come up about a remake of the Nexus 5 for 2015 from LG, it has not been confirmed.  So while we all wait and see what LG and Google is going to do, you all can take a look at this great deal from TextNow, who offers you the phone on their for $249 off contract! This phone was released in 2013, but Google will assure you that the Nexus 5 will still receive the latest Android updates right on time.  Now, this is on Sprint's Network and it will have 4G LTE as well. This phone has a 1080P 5 inch display with 8MP rear camera, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of ROM. Although this phone is almost 2 years old now and the Nexus 6 is out as well and Google i/O is next week where they might even announce the next Nexus device, do you all still think its worth the $250 price tag?  Leave comments below.  If you want to purchase this phone now, you can head on over to TextNow.com/wireless/ 

Google Unveils Their Wireless Service As "Project Fi"

Today Google announced their official Wireless Service "Project Fi".  Instead of them going solo and creating their own Network. Google has teamed up with T-Mobile and Sprint and Wifi connectivity to make their services work for everyone.  So Project Fi will allow to call and text over wifi due to the absence of LTE service.

The point Project Fi is to allow its customers to connect to Google's million hotspot networks.  So the Fi customers will be able to connect to these hotspots automatically.  Don't worry, your data will remain encrypted even over wifi.

Using the Wifi connectivity will benefit Project Fi's customers for when Google credits you for your unused data.  For the basic plan, it will be $20 a month for talk, text, wi-fi tethering and international coverage.  If you feel you need to use T-Mobile and Sprint's network, you will pay $10 per 1GB that you feel you need.  If you dont use the data, Google will refund you for the amount you dont use. For instance, you have only used 1GB of 3GB data, Google will refund you $20. The  Project Fi customers will only pay for what they have used.

For now Google is only allowing this service only on the Nexus 6 smartphone on T-Mobile and Sprint.  As of now, this just exclusively to those owners and customer for the EAP.  You can get your early access here:

 https://fi.google.com/

Google's Wireless Service Might Be Announced On April 22

There hasn't been much else said from Google about their new anticipated Wireless service since early March.  But, according to the Wall Street Journal, Google is rumored to announce this service as soon as April 22.  For those of you that dont know, Google is teaming up with Sprint and T-Mobileto give the consumers the ability to switch from either network depending on which out of the 2 signals is stronger than the other in a area.  Google service is also to use Wifi networks for cells and data as well. 

Google is also to allow its customers to only pay for what they have used.  Sounds like a pretty sweet deal. Most carriers just want you to pay out a flat rate each month even if you don't use all of your data or minutes or text.

The only thing might run the customers away from this service is that you must own or buy a Nexus 6 smartphone. Atleast that is what the plan was originally set for. 

As of now, all of this is just rumors.  Not for sure or certain that Google will announce this service on April 22.  While we also know that Google's I/O developer conference is right around the corner, having Google to make an announcement on April 22 will be a thrill to see and hear.

So, what do you all think about Google's new wireless service and its options? Is this all you would need to switch?  Do you own a Nexus 6? Will you buy one now to get Google's service?  Leave the comments below...

Google's Phone Service Is Only For the Nexus 6 Phone

                 

Google was at MWC this week and the exec Sundar Pichai did confirm the rumors of the company planning to launch their own phone service sometime soon.  But according to report claim from Wall Street Journal, this phone service might only be available right now with the latest Nexus phone the Nexus 6 which was a collaboration with Motorola Mobility which has now joined forces with the China company Lenovo.  Unfortunately, Google phone service will not work with the older Nexus devices such as the Nexus 5 or 4.  This service will allow users to use cellular and WiFi connections with the cell networks of Sprint and T-Mobile for service.  So what do you all think of this move and rumors from Google? Are you all interested for the new service? Are you now planning to get a Nexus 6? Does it matter if T-Mobile or Sprint networks are even included?  Leave all comments down below.  Share your thoughts. 

The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are REAL!

Official T-Mobile Image of the Galaxy S6 Edge

This past recent week things have been fired up about Samsung's newest soon to flagship phones.  Lately carriers have been teasing us all with a similar from above which T-Mobile had uploaded to their site in the past week.  Also, there were similar images posted to At&t and Sprint's official sites as well. The most recent leaks have showed up were showing the S6 and S6 Edge on display for a pre register poster by Samsung. 

Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge 

From this image, it is hard to tell rather the S6 Edge will have edge screens on both sides. But the CNET Korea site clearly showed the S6 Edge with 2!

Image Provided by CNET/Kora 

The S6 Edge will possibly be the one that majority of the consumers might be willing to know more information on, as it seems to look very interesting.  The screen sizes are similar with 5.1 or 5,2 inch screen display and with AMOLED and QuadHD.  They also might only come with a 2600 mah batterty which is not what we really want.  Possibly a non removable battery and no SD card slot. Which I wouldn't be to upset about especially if they are releasing a model with 128GB of internal memory with 3GB of RAM on board. Also new is that there is suppose to be customization with the TouchWiz! Yay! Customize touchwiz how you want. Similar to like those Theme Launcher Apps you can download on the Google PlayStore.  

For what it seems as of  right now, both of these phones might seem promising.  Lets just keep our fingers crossed for the best and that Samsung gains momentum in the industry again.  So from what you all know and like and heard about the newest and latest of the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge phones? Are you even considering to purchase one yet? Leave all comments below. 

Sprint going prepaid

Sprint is finally jumping on the pay as you go wagon. Staring on January 25th, sprint will be offering prepaid plans from $50-$70. With the $70 plan you will get unlimited everything with those good Android phones that will be offered this plan. The $50 plan is for the low end phone models. Which means you would have a slow powered phone. Now who needs that today? But there will be a downside to this new excitement. Your Galaxy Note IIs and Galaxy S IIIs won't be edible for the prepaid plans. Sorry. But, hey you still have boost Mobile and virgin mobile to go to for great smartphones that run off Sprints network. So in the end every customer should be satisfied. So to all my sprint customers, will some of you switch to prepaid on sprint or stay with postpaid?