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PRACTICALLY EVERYONE KNOWS about Airplane Mode and what it does (the clue is in the title).
While many of us use it when we’re actually on a plane, the feature can come in handy for numerous other scenarios. Here are a few examples.
For a step above silent mode
When attending an event or meeting someone, we’re usually put our phones on silent mode so we’re not interrupted. But that’s no use if you’re constantly checking it for notifications or email updates, or if you think it’s vibrating when it’s not.
Switching it on airplane mode ensures that you won’t get any updates, allowing you to focus on that conversation or task you’re engaged with.
Conserve battery power
It’s been mentioned before here, but since Airplane Mode turns off phone signal, 3G/4G, Bluetooth and location services, it results in the phone using less power, and also allows it to charge faster.
On certain devices, Bluetooth can be reactivated while your phone is in Airplane mode, in case you connect other devices to your smartphone or tablet.
For using WiFi only
This is a specialised tip, but if you’re using a semi-reliable or unreliable WiFi connection, but need to avoid using mobile data, turning on Airplane Mode and then WiFi again means you will only be using WiFi when browsing the web or using apps.
Handy if your WiFi connection is inconsistent and causes you to use mobile data without realising it.
When watching videos/playing games
If you don’t want to be interrupted while playing a game or watching a video uploaded on your phone, or if a child is using your phone for that reason, it’s better to have Airplane Mode on to ensure they can watch/play uninterrupted.
Combine that with the previous WiFi tip and you can watch Netflix and YouTube without having to worry about interruptions.
Save photos without posting them online
Certain apps like Instagram only allow you to save photos when you post them on the app. If you want to edit a photo, but not publish it online, turning on Airplane Mode will allow you to edit and save it without anyone noticing. That way, you can edit it in a different app or upload it later.
For moments of peace and quiet
If you don’t want to be interrupted by messages or notifications for a few minutes, switching it on will give you some reprise from the outside world. At the very least, you won’t have to go through the guilt of letting your phone ring out.
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Phew….thank god. I forgot to do it again.
@James Fox: same. I’ll see you here next week!
@James Fox: is 1 million not enough for you??
I bought a ticket ’cause if you’re not in, you can’t win. Loads more money for the Canadian pension fund.
@Ann Neylan: Ann, I long ago adopted the mantra “If you’re not in, you can’t lose” in relation to the lotto.
This current hype is a very well run marketing campaign.
I do hope that the lottery eventually comes under the very close scrutiny that it deserves some day.
One of the worst forms of gambling in Ireland yet is ignored when any serious debate is conducted on that subject.
I won €3 but somehow that’s not newsworthy
Why is it capped at just over €19m – surely a nice round €20m would be better from a marketing pov?
@LaoisWeather: I guess at some point mathematically you risk having the opportunity to run enough combinations of numbers to make the odds of winning much better and the prize available worth in investment?
The winner has been the Lotto.
Meanwhile private operators stuff pockets as jackpot capped at present pool . It should all be going to worthy causes .
I won a tenner but looking at 5 numbers and 5 plus 1 no way did they redistribute the excess!! Load of bull hunky.
Canadian pensions doing great
Tax on the poor
have your say