First Item to Improve Motorola Defy XT (Republic Wireless) Performance

After having used an iPhone for several years, I expect a certain level of performance from a cell phone operating system. The Android OS, while wide open and easily customizable, needs help when it comes to memory management. One of the same items that many Android users tout as an advantage actually works against the operating system. Background tasks are poorly handled in the Android OS. Not to go into details, but most apps do not need to be kept in memory if not in the foreground or actively working, e.g. playing music or supplying GPS directions.

For this reason, I highly recommend using Droid Mate’s Smart Memory Booster Pro. This app helps the OS clean up messes by looking for applications not currently in play and cleaning them from memory. This process can be customized in several ways, including at time intervals, when the screen locks, and when memory dwindles past a certain level. They, also, offer a regular version version which does not offer as many automated processes, but which can be used manually and when the screen locks to clean memory. For the $2, it is well worth buying the pro version.

Pro version: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=droidmate.memboosterpro

Free version: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=droidmate.membooster

*Full disclosure: I have no affiliation with Droid Mate and only offer this as a recommendation that is based on much experimentation on my part.

Republic Wireless Trial

Happiness, everyone!

I have started a new journey by putting my iPhone aside for a little while and trying a new cellular service. This service is called Republic Wireless and their hallmarks are:

• Provide unlimited talk, text, and data services for $19/month
• Rely on community members to help each other with issues
• Use available WiFi access, when available, to place/receive phone calls
• Jump on the Sprint cellular network when necessary

I have only used the phone for three days, but I think the drawbacks are outweighed by the fact  the service is only $19 per month. More updates to come.

Check them out at: http://republicwireless.com

Update: March 31, 2013

It has been a month now living with a Republic Wireless phone and here are some of my thoughts…

• The Republic Wireless service has been rock-solid. I have had no more and no fewer dropped calls than I have ever experienced with either Verizon Wireless or AT&T Wireless. In fact, the dropped calls I have experienced have, usually, been in the same physical locations as with the big guys.
• Overall, the WiFi calling (which is really just VoIP) is not bad. At times it is better sounding than cellular service and, at other times, it sounds worse. It really comes down to the quality of the Internet connection.
• Speaking of WiFi availability, I am surprised how many places offer WiFi for free. One nice feature of Republic Wireless phones is they automatically sign in to many networks, e.g. AT&T WiFi.  At places like Home Depot – obviously not the kind of store in which it is easy to get cellular service – the WiFi service is absolutely necessary.
• The Motorola Defy XT phone is not too bad. It is not an iPhone and one should not expect it to perform as flawlessly as an iPhone. In another post I will list the handful of changes I made to the phone that makes it work much better.
• I am finding it somewhat difficult to keep my cellular use at 70% or less. The community-at-large is averaging around 50-51%. Obviously, my mobile phone usage is different than most others.

Would I suggest Republic wireless for others? Yes, definitely. In fact, I tend to be a walking advertisement for the service because I think it is mobile service done well and at the right price.