ask

Social answers have become the latest trend in social media. You ask your question to a group of people on a site and receive both fun and informative answers, depending on the question. Joining the likes of popular sites such as Yahoo Answers and Formspring is Ask FM. It's a fun service, but it won't win anyone over with this mediocre app. Ask FM app doesn't bring anything to the experience that the site itself doesn't do.

Ask FM app looks like a front door to the site's Web page, which isn't even mobile-friendly. … Read more

Google wants to change the way people access the Internet.

And as part of that strategy, the company has been developing separate operating systems for mobile devices and personal computers. The idea is that the search and advertising giant wants to make it easier for people to connect to the Internet and eventually use Google services.

Since it was introduced in 2007, the company's Android mobile operating system has become a huge hit. It's now the most widely used smartphone operating system in the world. But its Web-based computing OS Chrome, which was introduced in 2009, hasn't … Read more

There's something about the holidays and the cold January that often follows in the Northeast that makes me want to curl up on the couch with a good book -- or in this day and age, a book on my e-reader or tablet.

The Nexus 7 debuted more than six months ago at Google's annual developer conference, but I am still a big fan of the device. And I have no trouble recommending it to tablet buyers.

In this edition of Ask Maggie, I explain why the Nexus 7 is still a good device at a decent price. … Read more

You know those old ladies who cover their sofas with plastic? That's what I think about people who get cases for their smartphones.

People love their gadgets, and some people will do almost anything to make sure they look as cool and clean as they did when they first came out of the box. There's a whole industry that has emerged to help people keep their shiny new devices just like new. There are hundreds of cases customized for just about any kind of smartphone. And because there are so many options, some people start to feel like … Read more

You may have paid only $200 for your latest smartphone, but if you had to replace that device before you became eligible for a subsidy from your carrier, it could cost you more than $600. Is it worth it to get device insurance?

That's the question I answer this time in Ask Maggie. I also offer some advice to an Apple iPhone fan who wants to know if he should wait for the next iPhone, rumored to be out in June or July.

Dear Maggie,

I am getting my son an iPhone … Read more

Verizon Wireless isn't making it easy for loyal, longtime smartphone customers to keep their existing unlimited data plans. And now some subscribers, who are willing to pony up the full price for a new smartphone, worry that Verizon may change its policy again and get rid of the plan for everyone.

Truth be told, few people actually need unlimited data. But for those who do, it's a good deal. In fact, it's such a good deal, these customers worry about losing it. And if you're a Verizon customer who wouldn't worry?

The carrier got rid … Read more

As Google's Android operating system gains momentum in the smartphone market, some long-time Apple iPhone fans are considering a switch to Android. But should these former iPhone fans worry that Android alternatives won't be as secure?

With cyberattacks and malicious apps targeting Android smartphones increasing in frequency, some former Apple devotees are nervous about making the switch. In this edition of Ask Maggie, I shed some light on whether Android security should be a deal breaker or not.

I also explain why you may have to pay twice for an app you love if you decide to ditch … Read more

Size matters to some smartphone consumers.

While Apple may have already sold millions of iPhone 5 smartphones since its launch in September, not every iPhone fan is thrilled with the new design of the device. And some say the iPhone 5 falls short of expectations, especially in the size department.

In this edition of Ask Maggie, I help one such reader decide if it's worth the hassle of switching from Apple iOS to Google Android for a bigger smartphone. And I provide some insight into which Samsung Android phone is right for him. Also in this Ask Maggie, I … Read more

If you're stumped about what to get the iPhone lovers on your holiday gift giving list this year, I have a few suggestions for you.

In this edition of Ask Maggie, I offer one reader several suggestions for buying accessories as gifts for his wife who has an iPhone 5. I also offer my thoughts on why U.S. wireless operators aren't likely to sell some of the interesting new feature-phones developed by Nokia for the developing markets.

Dear Maggie, I just purchased a new iPhone 5 for my wife who seems quite … Read more