Google recently launched Project Fi, the company's move to make wireless services that connect mobile devices to digital content to be cheaper and more reliable.
"Wireless connectivity has become so essential that it's kind of like our lifeblood. This gives us a playground where we can try things out," said Google executive Nick Fox.
Project Fi will introduce new ways to keep smartphones online while lowering the cost for streaming video, listening to music, getting directions and searching for information.
Project Fi will cost just $20 for basic service and then only charge for the amount of data consumed over cellular networks that Google is leasing from T-Mobile and Sprint. The pricing was reached after Google found out that most subscribers use 2GB of data per month but pay for much higher data limit. Project Fi users may even pay less than $20 if they do not use the whole 2GB monthly allocation.
There is also some available comparison on how Project Fi stacks up versus other telcos' data subscriptions.
Getting on to the service requires a Nexus 6 phone, the Motorola-made Google phone. This probably will eventually expand to other phone units in the future if it works well. Google will it into future Android updates so it could be made available to more units.
Other features of the Project Fi include automatic switching from data service to free public WiFi networks, capability to send or receive text messages and to make or receive calls on computers, tablets or other smartphones, and automatic cellular network jumping.
There is an important thing to know before signing up. Due to the finite numbers on Google, users need to make sure to bring their Google Voice number when signing up to Project Fi. If they choose to go with a separate number, their Google Voice number will be released and someone else can start using it.
Project Fi is definitely on track to revolutionize data usage and make it more efficient and affordable for everyone.
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