OSX 10.10, Yosemite.

Wow, Apple keeps inching OS X and iOS closer and closer together, and they keep incrementally making OS X (and iOS) better as well.  Where Microsoft failed at completely revamping Windows (8), Apple has hit a home-run with OS X 10.10 (Yosemite).  Now don't get to frightened, though the look of Yosemite is slightly different than Mavericks (it's a flatter look and feel, akin to iOS 8), the emphasizes translucency, more streamlined dock and toolbars, as well as smarter controls.

Yosemite brings improvements to most of the major Apple Apps.  From a new streamlined Safari toolbar and "Favorites" view, to numerous upgrades to the Mail app.  The Messages app now has the ability to send SMS messages (a first), which will allow you to keep track of all your messages from you iPhone (not just iMessages).

Apple is touting what they call "Continuity" as one of Yosemite's major breakthrough features.  The Handoff feature of Continuity allows you to begin something on one device and pick it up and complete it on another.  Another awesome feature of Continuity is the ability to answer phone calls on your Mac!  That's right, you can answer a call made to your iPhone right on your Mac.  All you need to do is make sure your Mac and iPhone are signed into the same iCloud account.  Then your Mac is able to grab the call (through iCloud).  Now your iPhone doesn't have to be tied to your hip, or glued to your hand...:).

Spotlight has been improved.  For starters, it looks and acts much more like a search engine now.  When you click the Magnifying glass icon (top right of your Mac), Spotlight Search now appears like this.  You get a search window in the middle of your Mac, start searching for something and the window expands nicely to show items that match your search.

The Mail App has some great new features.  Along with a cleaner design, the mail app now supports Markup, which allows users to annotate attachments directly from Mail, without having to open any other apps.  

Another fantastic new feature in Yosemite is iCloud drive.  Apple finally has successfully joined Google, Dropbox and other cloud vendors, vying to be your cloud drive of choice.  With iCloud drive Apple has a winner on its hands.  

Now you can easily move files to and from iCloud drive using Finder.  See below:

iCloud drive can also be accessed from iCloud.com (as well as your iOS device running iOS 8).  I have found it very easy to use, and love it's direct integration with Finder.

Those are just some of the awesome new features to come in Yosemite.  I will post additional info on Yosemite in the coming weeks.  

I'd love to hear your thoughts, what you like, even dislike.  I highly recommend downloading if you haven't, it doesn't take long, and is well worth it!

Until next time, best to you and your devices!

Alcatel Onetouch ICON Pop - Available for Tracfone

The Alcatel Onetouch ICON Pop (A564C) Released for Tracfone

We are sharing details and specs below about the Alcatel A564C touchscreen smartphone newly released for use with Tracfone Wireless. de9w2dsl will continue to update this post as more information is available.

Tracfone Alcatel onetouch Icon Pop

See links at the end of the post for buying options from Amazon and eBay!

The Alcatel Onetouch ICON Pop has a really long name, and also a really large screen, the largest for a Tracfone device yet, at 5". This phone was released by Tracfone rather quickly, along with the LG Ultimate 2.

Tracfone is moving a little faster at adding new Android smartphones to their lineup that already includes several other options. But until now they were lacking a smartphone with a larger screen size, and the Alcatel Onetouch (and LG Ultimate 2) appears to fill that void.

The previous screen size options were the LG Optimus Fuel with a 3.5" touchscreen, and the LG Optimus Dynamic II at 3.8", among others.

The Samsung Galaxy Ace Style, with a 4" touchscreen, and the Moto E, with 4.3" touchscreen, are both expected to be released in the near future, but have been overtaken before even being released. The LG Ultimate 2, which was released at the same time as the Icon Pop, has a 4.5" screen, and shares many similar features and specs.

In case you're wondering (like we were), here is the breakdown of why the name is so long. Alcatel is the company name, Onetouch is the name of the line of phones, and Icon Pop ( or sometimes POP Icon) is the name of this phone. There are a few other Alcatel Onetouch phones, like the Pop Mega, and Pop Star, but Tracfone isn't adding them to their selection. Tracfone then classifies this as the A564C, with 'C' denoting that it uses CDMA technology.

Let's look at what you can expect from the Alcatel Icon Pop.

What to Expect from the Alcatel Onetouch Icon Pop on Tracfone

First off, the Icon Pop will be used on Verizon CDMA 3G service through Tracfone prepaid. This is the same as Tracfone's other Smartphone offerings at this time.

It will have Triple Minutes for Life, and minutes will be separated into Talk, Text and Data. For more info on this, read our post, How Minutes Work on Tracfone Android Phones.

The 5" touchscreen is obviously the most noticeable feature on the Alcatel A564C, but there are several other features that are very exciting for Tracfone users who are looking for an upgrade on their current phones.

Time to take a closer look at the Icon Pop features and specs.

Alcatel Onetouch Icon Pop Features and Specs

We will cover the main features for the A564C, followed by the technical specifications below.

• Android 4.4
• 3G on Verizon networks
• WiFi
• 5MP Rear Camera
• 0.3MP Front Camera
• Bluetooth
• GPS
• Large Screen Icons
• Hearing Aid Compatible, Hands free Speaker
• MP3 Player, FM Radio
• Triple Minutes for Life
• Flashlight
• Caller ID, Call Waiting, Voicemail, etc.
• Voice Dialing
• Access to over 1 Million apps via Google Play

Alcatel A564C Icon Pop Specs:

• Size: 5.55" x 2.84" x 0.39"
• 5" touschreen (854 x 480)
• 1.2 Ghz Quad-core processor
• 1 GB RAM
• 4 GB Internal Memory(~2GB available), Up to 32 GB Micro SD card Compatible
• Weight: 5.2 Ounces
• 2000 mAh Battery with 9.5 hours talk time, 20 days standby (2.5 hrs to fully charge)

Alcatel Onetouch Icon Pop and 5" screen

A number of the features and specs listed above for the Alcatel Ontouch Icon Pop are improvements over Tracfone's older smartphones, and similar to the Moto E and LG Ultimate 2. Let's take a closer look.

One of the big features is the processor and RAM on the Icon pop. With a quad core and 1 GB, it should be able to keep up with your needs. The LG Ultimate 2 and Moto E each have 1 GB of RAM and 1.2 Ghz processors, but they are only dual core. Other Android phones like the ZTE Valet and LG Optimus Dyamic II are single core with 512 MB RAM.

Another big feature on the Alcatel Onetouch Icon Pop is the camera. It has a 5MP rear camera plus a 0.3MP front camera. And after looking through sources, it appears to have autofocus.

The Ultimate 2 also has a 5MP camera with autofocus, and 1.3MP front camera. But the Moto E only has a 5MP rear camera and no autofocus.

Lastly, the 5" screen is a nice feature, and a bit bigger than the other smartphones from Tracfone at this time as we mentioned above. Some sources indicate that it has a resolution of 854 x 480 while we found others saying 960 x 540. 

Our Thoughts on the Alcatel Onetouch Icon Pop

This phone brings some great new features to the table with a 5" screen and quad core processor. While this phone is still at the low end of the smartphone market, it is ahead of many of Tracfone's other devices.

Each new phone that Tracfone releases pushes the list of features further and further into what other carriers are using. Tracfone is still behind the curve, but they are trying to catch up. It is unlikely they will ever sell top of the line phones with their prepaid service, but at least users can get some newer tech.

The Alcatel Onetouch Icon Pop is a a great looking phone with a nice large screen, but is it better than the Moto E and LG Ultimate 2? Spec-wise, it does have more processing cores, and a larger screen, but each user must choose what is important to themselves when selecting a phone. Not everyone, for example, wants a 5" screen.

At $150 from the Tracfone website, the Alcatel Icon Pop is the most expensive Tracfone yet. We  have just found the Alcatel on Amazon, as well as eBay with several attractive minutes bundles, and at a slightly discounted price:

Alcatel Onetouch Icon Pop available on Amazozn and eBay with Minutes options:

Alcatel Onetouch Icon Pop on Amazon for $139 (plus $5 shipping)

Alcatel Onetouch Icon Pop on eBay for $139

Alcatel Onetouch Icon Pop with 600 Minutes on eBay for $169

Alcatel Onetouch Icon Pop with 1200 Minutes on eBay for $199

These are some pretty decent deals if you're looking to buy the phone along with minutes. Last check the Alcatel was in and out of stock on Tracfone's site. So if you are looking for this phone, you might want to move fast!

We will also be doing a full review of the Alcatel smartphone in the near future.

The Alcatel will be great for those looking for a big phone, and looking to impress with a large screen. Although these days, 6" screens or bigger seems to be necessary.

Let us know what you're thinking about this phone, and if you have any questions about it.

Here is the Alcatel ontouch interactive tutorial to see how the phone works.

If you're hunting for a new phone, consider the Tracfone BYOP Phone List page where we have lots of information on bringing your own phone to Tracfone, including the Moto G and iPhone 4S!

Also be sure to check out our Android Phone List and Comparison where we have all the Android phones from Tracfone in one place for easy comparison.

Thanks for visiting!

LG Ultimate 2 - TracFone L41C Specs and Info

Tracfone LG Ultimate 2 Android Smartphone now Available!

Below we will share details and specs for the LG Ultimate 2 which was recently made available for use with Tracfone. de9w2dsl will continue to update this post as more information becomes available.

Tracfone LG Ultimate 2

Note: The LG Ultimate 2 is now available with Minutes Bundle from eBay! See the last section below for links to the phone on both Amazon and eBay.

Another Android powered smartphone for use with Tracfone, has just been released and it is the LG L41C, also known as the LG Ultimate 2. Tracfone continues to release newer, and slightly better, smartphones for use on their prepaid service.

The LG Ultimate 2 comes with Android 4.4 OS, a 5MP camera with autofocus, 1 GB RAM and uses Verizon 3G networks. It will also have a 4.5" screen, which will make many Tracfone users very excited.

Along with the LG Ultimate 2, there are several other Android phones coming, or already available for use with Tracfone. The LG Optimus Fuel, Samsung Galaxy Ace Style, and Moto E are some of the other options. You can also see the full list of smartphones by visiting our Tracfone Android Smartphone List. The Alcatel A564C Onetouch Icon Pop was also just released by Tracfone, and we will be posting more on that very soon. It has a 5" screen, and Android 4.4 as well as a quad care processor (as far as we can tell).

Tracfone has a number of phones that they may be releasing in the future, like the Moto E, and possibly several Android phones for use on GSM networks. Keep up with our latest news and posts by following us on Facebook.

Now, let's take a closer look at what to expect from the LG Ultimate 2.

Tracfone LG L41C - What to Expect

Not all of the details for the Ultimate 2 are completely available or clear, but we do have several bits of interesting information that will help provide details on the phone..

The LG L41C Ultimate 2 has already been spotted for use with Straight Talk, and at a price of just $130. It is also now listed on the Tracfone website for the same price, and we hope it will become available soon from other online shopping sites like Amazon and eBay, or even HSN and ShopHQ.

The Ultimate 2 is basically very similar to the Verizon prepaid LG Optimus Exceed 2. which appears to be a well rounded smartphone There are several possible versions of the LG 41C that Tracfone may use, and some have a front facing camera, while others do not, and some state they have quad-core processors while others have dual.

One thing is for sure, the LG Ultimate 2 has a 4.5" touchscreen (800x400) that will make it bigger than the LG Optimus Fuel, Moto E, or LG Optimus Dynamic II. Only the Alcatel Onetouch Icon Pop has a larger screen at this time, at 5".

Below is a list of the features and specifications for the Tracfone LG Ultimate 2.

LG Ultimate 2 Feature and Specs

First the features, and below the technical specs for the LG L41C.

• Android 4.4
• 3G on Verizon CDMA Networks
• WiFi
• 5MP Camera with Auto-focus
• 1.3MP front facing camera
• 3 Home Screens
• Proximity Sensor
• Bluetooth
• GPS Enabled
• Handsfree speaker, Hearing Aid Compatible
• Call Waiting, Caller ID, Email, MMS, Voicemail
• Voice Dialing
• MP3 Player
• Triple Minutes for Lfie and separate Call/Text/Data pools
• Access to over 1 Million apps on Google Play

 LG Ultimate 2 (L41C) Technical Specifications:

• 5.01" x 2.63" x 0.38"
• 4.5" IPS at 800x400
• 1.2 Ghz Dual-core processor (Qualcomm)
• 1 GB RAM
• 4 GB Internal Memory, up to 32GB Micro SD card compatible
• Weight: 4.5 ounces
• 2100 mAh Battery with 12 hours talk time/ 9 days standby

LG Ultimate 2 Keyboard

The L41C has some decent specs, with 1 GB of RAM, and a nice large screen. Some of the details, including exactly what the dimensions for the screen are, and whether the Ultimate 2 will have a front facing camera, are unclear at this time. The Tracfone website itself does not always display correct information, so we will wait to confirm these things. (Note - an anonymous user has confirmed the specs listed above including the dual core processor and 1.3 MP front facing camera.)

While the battery is a decent size at 2100 mAh, the talk time and standby are less than the Moto E (which only has a 1980 mAh battery) However, the battery is removable, if you need to do that.

Many of the other specs on the Ultimate 2 are similar to the Moto E, and an improvement over phones like the LG Optimus Dynamic II, ZTE Valet, and Samsung Galaxy Centura.

Tracfone was relatively quick in releasing the the LG Ultimate 2 and Alcatel Onetouch Icon Pop. We heard about the Samsung Galaxy Ace Style months ago, but it has not surfaced, and may even be a lesser option with these new phones now available.

Thoughts about the LG L41C Ultimate 2

We are very excited that Tracfone released the Alcatel Onetouch Icon Pop (what a long name!) and LG Ultimate 2 so quickly. These phones bring a lot of great new features, including much larger screens, more RAM, and better processors.

Each of the Android smartphones released by Tracfone have certain strengths and weaknesses and the LG Ultimate 2 is no different. While it does have many great features, it's screen size is 0.5 inches smaller than the Alcatel phone, and may only have a dual-core processor vs a quad-core for the Alcatel. So be sure to know what you want in a phone before making your choice.

The Moto E, which we are still waiting for, has a smaller screen and no front camera, but will be updated to Android 5.0 'lollipop' when that comes out.

You can take a look at the LG Ultimate 2 Interactive Tutorial to get a better feel for how the phone looks.

We will be working on reviews for the new phones in the near future, but for now, let us know your questions and thoughts about the Ultimate 2 in the comments section below. Also take a look at what others have to say.

Where to Buy/Find the LG Ultimate 2

As we mentioned, the LG L41C is retailing on the Tracfone website for $130. However, it has recently disappeared from their site (likely it went out of stock) and cannot be purchased directly from them at this time.

It has also been found on BestBuy, although the specs are not quite right, and also bundled with minutes on QVC, but limited availability possible.

The LG Ultimate 2 is also finally available on eBay and Amazon, with several options to choose from:

LG Ultimate 2 on Amazon for $114 (plus $5 shipping)

LG Ultimate 2 on eBay for $119

LG Ultimate 2 with 600 Minutes on eBay for $149

LG Ultimate 2 with 1200 Minutes on eBay for $199

No word yet on when/if the Ultimate 2 will be available from other retailers, but we will update as more information comes in.

There are plenty of cases for the LG Ultimate 2, because it is very similar to so other popular phones including the LG Exceed 2.

You may find our Tracfone BYOP page useful if you're looking for new phone options. It provides information on Bringing Your Own Phone to Tracfone, including some information on the success some people are having with using the Moto G with Tracfone.

Also take a look at our Guide to How Minutes Work with Android Tracfone Devices. Tracfone changed things in several ways with the Android phones they now offer, and the post explains the changes, and what difference it makes for you.

Thanks for visiting! Check the comments for lots of additional information posted by readers!

Moto E (XT830C) - Coming to Tracfone

Tracfone Moto E Android Smartphone Coming Soon!

This post provides details and specs for the Moto E XT830C coming to Tracfone sometime in the future. We will continue to update as more information arrives.

The Moto E is Coming to Tracfone

Tracfone continues to (slowly) release new Android powered smartphones to add to their offering of prepaid mobile devices and the Moto E from Motorola is the latest announcement. Tracfone is a low cost prepaid cell phone service provider with a variety of both regular phones and smartphones.

The Motorola XT830C, which is more commonly referred to as simply the Moto E, is a powerful little smartphone running Android 4.4 and giving users a 4.3" touchscreen.

The Moto E comes from a small family of three phones produced by Motorola and is the lowest cost. The higher end Moto X, and extremely popular mid-level Moto G fill out this selection of highly rated phones. While there are some reports of the Moto G working with Tracfone BYOP, it is anything but easy or certain, so the Moto E may be the next best thing for many Tracfone customers.

The Samsung Galaxy Ace Style (not yet released) and the LG Optimus Fuel (available) are the two previous new phones to come to Tracfone. Each have upgrades that other Tracfone Androids don't have, but they still don't have everything consumers are looking for. Perhaps with the Moto E, and two other smartphones coming to Tracfone, users will find a mobile device that fits their need.

Along with the Moto E, there is news of two more exciting phones. The LG L41C Ultimate 2 and Alcatel A564C which each seem to sport screens larger than 4 inches (more information on these phones available at the links above!). Many Tracfone users have been hoping for Android devices with screens larger than 4", so these phones are very exciting to hear about.

Let's take a closer look at what the Moto E offers, including some of the important specifications.

Tracfone Moto E Specifications and What to Expect

The Moto E is better than some of Tracfones other smartphones like the LG Optimus Dynamic II and LG Optimus Fuel in several areas. (But each phone has certain strengths and weaknesses). The two biggest features for the Moto E that set it appart are the 4.3" screen, and 1GB of RAM.

Below is the full list of features and specs for the Moto E:

Tracfone Moto E

• Android 4.4
• 3G on Verizon CDMA Networks
• WiFi
• 5MP Rear Camera 
• Micro USB 2.0 port
• 3.5mm Headphones
• 4GB Micro SD Card
• Bluetooth
• GPS
• FM Radio
• Handsfree Speaker, MMS, Alarm clock
• MP3 Player, Proximity Sensor
• Call Waiting, Caller ID, Voice Dialing
• Triple Minutes for Life

Moto E Technical Specs and Features:

• Size: 4.91" x 2.55" x 0.48"
• 4.3" qHD Touchscreen at 256ppi (540x960) and Gorilla Glass 3
• 1.2 Ghz Dual-core processor
• 1 GB RAM
• 4 GB Internal Memory, up to 32 GB External MicroSD slot
• Weight: 5 ounces
• 1980 mAh battery with 16.5 hrs talk time/30 days standby

Some of you might be very excited for the opportunity to have a Tracfone Smartphone with a dual-core processor and 1 GB of RAM. The Moto E is expected to be a great overall smartphone with its solid features and specs. And because it was made in partnership with Google, it will likely continue to be updated with the latest Android OS.

We could go on about the 4.3" screen, 1.2 Ghz processor, and all the other specs, but you probably get the idea that the Moto E comes with many features that beat Tracfone's other smartphones. So, let's move on and look at when the Moto E might even be available.

A quick note, as one visitor mentioned in the comments, the Moto E doesn't have a front facing camera, nor flash, and the battery cannot be removed. These are some cons for the phone worth being aware of.

What to Expect and When is the Moto E Available with Tracfone?

The Moto E will be for use on Verizon CDMA towers and you can probably expect the same kind of service as many of Tracfone's other current smartphones.

All of Tracfone's Android smartphones come with Triple Minutes for Life, and minutes are separated into talk, text and data. For a full explanation about this, view our Guide to How Minutes Work with Tracfone Android Phones.

Now, the big question most of you are asking is, when will the Moto E be available on Tracfone? This is a great question, but unfortunately we don't have a great answer for you: We don't really know.

Previously, we heard about the LG Optimus Fuel in early 2014, but it was only released at the end of September 2014. So if this is any guide, it could be several months before the Moto E comes to Tracfone. However, the Moto E, and other phones coming to Tracfone soon, could make great Black Friday sales or Christmas deals so let's hope this happens.

The retail price for an unlocked Moto E is about $120 but we expect the Moto E for Tracfone to be less, perhaps under $100 or even closer to $80.

We will keep you updated with the latest information on the Moto E. As soon as we find it available we will update this page. Stay even more up to date by following us on Facebook where we share lots of information on the latest Tracfone devices, as well as Tracfone Promo Codes!

For more on the Moto E, take a look at the Tracfone Motorola XT830C Tutorial.

If you're looking for a new phone, be sure to visit our Cell Phone reviews page where we have a list of all our reviews of Tracfone cell phones.

You might also find our Guide to the Tracfone Family Value Plan useful because it shares all the details on how to put your whole family on a monthly no-contract Tracfone plan! (And all for less than $10 per phone!)

Thanks for visiting, and leave a comment with your thoughts or questions about this phone!

Tracfone Promo Codes for October 2014

List of New Tracfone Promo Codes October 2014

Provided below are a list of promotional codes for use with Tracfone cell phone devices for the month of October 2014. These codes are collected and shared here for your convenience by de9w2dsl.

Promo Codes for October 2014!

Tracfone is a cell phone and service provider offering many low cost options to consumers. They provide a variety of promo codes that can be used when adding a prepaid minute card to your phone to get additional minutes for free.

Each month we find and share the latest codes from around the web here, and also on our main Tracfone Promo Codes page, where we list both past and present codes.

To use a promo code, simply enter it when prompted while adding a Tracfone minutes card. If you're on the Tracfone website, add the code in the 'Promotional Code' box.

Note, codes are sometimes for certain regions or phones, and don't always work, or may work only once per phone. Also be aware that Tracfone promo codes don't work on Android smartphones.

But the smartphones from Tracfone are pretty exciting, so take a look at our Tracfone Android Smartphone list where we have each current smartphone listed for quick comparison or take a look at our Tracfone BYOP page and learn about bringing your own smartphone to Tracfone!

Of course, you can also see all the phones on our Cell Phone Reviews page.

Now, here are the latest promo codes for October!

Tracfone Promo Codes - October 2014

Each code will work for a certain minute card, or any card of greater value. (So a code for a 60 minute card will work with any card). Remember, you enter these codes along with a prepaid minutes card, and this can be done online, on your phone, or over the phone!

60 Minute Card - Use code 59396 or 84464 to get 30 extra minutes

120 Minute Card - Enter 17202 or 11679 and receive 30 bonus minutes (or use the codes above)

200 Minute Card - Add promo code 86942 or 23154 for a total of 40 bonus minutes

450 Minute Card - Enter code 93528 or 42855 for 50 extra bonus minutes

1 Year/400 Minute Card - Use codes 80087 or 73538 to get 250 bonus minutes

Codes don't always work for all phones in every area, so please let us know in the comments which codes are working! All codes above should be valid through October 31st 2014!

We just posted a list of great deals and discounts on Tracfone Cell Phones and Minutes, so check it out if you want to see the latest sales.

The LG Optimus Fuel, an Android phone with the latest OS, is now available to buy online. Visit our post (linked above) to learn more about the phone, and where it is available online (for just $60).

We hope this means the Samsung Galaxy Ace Style will be released very soon. Follow us on Facebook, where we will share as soon as the phone becomes available!

We hope you found this codes useful, and got some free minutes! Thanks for visiting!