Calvin’s Hub

As a first time smartphone user, I discovered a cool feature on my HTC mini (also available in other smartphones): the Vampire Feature which leeches minutes off your data plan even when you’re asleep.

A basic function of a smartphone is its Push capability. Based on your update settings, it will automatically connect to the internet and get your e-mail, update social network statuses, weather, stocks, passport, driver’s license, etc.

If you’re like me who only wants to connect to the net via WiFi, we want to turn off 3G (GPRS/EDGE/HSDPA) connectivity by default and only turn it on only when we want to. However, most smartphones don’t have the feature to manually toggle data connection on and off. (not so smart huh?).

Fortunately, there’s a lot of workaround for this nuisance that should be available in your phone.

What you can do is slightly modify the APN details of your data connection. For Windows Mobile, it’s on Settings > Wireless controls > Data connection.

In my HTC mini (Windows Mobile), I just changed the operator for my data connect so that it couldn’t successfully connect to the net if it wants to.

I’ll just change it back when I’m in need of 3G connection.

If you can’t find that in your Settings or if it takes too much time to do that, you can download an app that does it for you. Here are popular APN controller apps for each Smartphone OS:

• Android OS – APNdroid
• iPhone OS – Unlockit
• Windows Mobile – GB-Soft GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA Tweak

Another reason why you should do this is to save battery. Your smartphone maybe updating your stuff even when you sleep and this drains its battery.

So do yourself and your phone bill a favor by disabling automatic data connection on your smartphone.

• iOS 5 is out. What’s in it for the iPod Touch user?
• iOS 4.2 is out, what’s in it for the iPod Touch user?
• iOS 4.3: What’s in it for the iPod Touch or iPad user?
• 5 Reasons Why The 80′s Was a Fun Time to Grow Up

Filed under: Gadgets n' Games, Tips n' Trix