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CLOUD COMPUTING CONCEPTS - TRAINING_MODULES_WITH_TONS_OF_VIDEOS
A WiFi phone uses
wireless Internet technology to "do" phone calls. There are certain areas in some cafes and public areas known as
hotspots where people can use WiFi devices, including phones. Providing there are no obstructions and depending on the amount
of people using the hotspot, the phone can be used within 300 feet (about 90 meters) of hotspot area so as long as the user
is within range of a hotspot, her office can be where ever she is.
A phone that works on WiFi usually has all the same features as
a std. phone.
With normal cell phones, users can make calls, send text message, receive voicemail and, with limitations, access the Internet. The phone has greater data retrieval capabilities
and wider Internet access. The WiFi® technology can also be found
in laptops, and there is no need for telephone lines to connect to the Internet.
WiFi phone technology is still relatively new and may take a while
to become widely used. It has been available in hospitals and offices for years, but consumer options have been limited. Some
experts predict that the number of access points and hotspots will increase over the coming years, and as the benefits of
using a phone over WiFi become more apparent, many people are expected to make the change from more traditional phones.
There
are still a few problems to be found with WiFi phone technology. Users cannot roam between hotspots with the phone and still
receive WiFi calls, although they will still be able to make and receive normal cellular calls. A lot of phones will shut
off the WiFi connection when not in use to conserve energy, missing incoming calls. As the speed of technological developments
is so fast, these problems may be solved quickly.
As hotspots are often free to use, the cost benefits of the WiFi phone can be giant. WiFi
is seen as the way forward for the business people by many people, and it also looks likely to revolutionize the way people
pay for and use their phones in the future.
Having a phone
that works overseas is great and all. But it also can be a double-edged sword. With roaming charges costing an arm, a leg
and perhaps your firstborn, you really don’t want to be using your domestic phone overseas that much for calls or data.
To avoid accidental
roaming charges, some people decide to just turn off their phone or disable all wireless features. But what if you want to
simply use your smartphone’s Wi-Fi feature to browse the Web, check e-mail or use maps overseas without the forehead-smacking
cost of receiving unintended phone calls or data roaming charges? For Android users, the solution is simpler than you might
think.
No
worries, for folks using an older Android phone. I tested this on an Android 2.1 phone so I can vouch that it works. Here’s
what you need to do:
First, tap on your Settings app (or icon if you have a shortcut on one of your home screens). It’s
the one that looks like a cog or gear. This will bring up the Settings menu.
On your Settings menu, tap on Wireless
and network.
You should now see a list of wireless-related menus. Tap on the Flight mode — also generally
known as Airplane mode — to disable all wireless connections. You’ll know it’s working because you get an
airplane icon on your notifications bar.
Great, now you won’t be getting any incoming calls.
But wait! Now your
Wi-Fi connection isn’t working, either. We’re not done yet. On that same wireless submenu, tap on Wi-Fi
settings.
Click the option to Turn on Wi-Fi.
Look at your notification bar on your home screen again. You’ll
still have the airplane icon on, indicating that you won’t get any calls. But you will also start seeing a Wi-Fi signal
icon. Now you can connect to a Wi-Fi enabled router or hot spot without worrying about getting roaming charges.
