Tint various aspects of the iOS UI with Accent

If you’re interested in giving your iOS device a bit of a new color palette, then you can try a new jailbreak tweak called Accent.

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Google Duo is the best video calling service you're not using

Google Duo has transformed into a robust video and audio messaging service.

Google's messaging strategy has been an unmitigated disaster, with the search giant bouncing from service to service over the years as it tried to take on the likes of WhatsApp. Allo and Duo debuted in 2016 to lofty ambitions, but in typical Google fashion, both services were hobbled from the start. Allo didn't have SMS integration, and there wasn't a good enough reason to switch from existing services at the time.

Duo didn't have any flaws of its own at launch, but convincing anyone to install another app just for video calling was a Sisyphean task. Google ultimately killed off Allo earlier this year, and its messaging efforts are now revolved around Android Messages and the RCS rollout, and Duo.

Duo has largely flown under the radar, but in the last three years, it has picked up a host of updates that make it an excellent video and audio messaging platform. Duo comes pre-installed with every new Android phone, allowing the service to pick up one billion downloads.

What makes Duo stand out from other video calling services is the quality on offer. Of all the services I've used, Duo delivers the best image quality for video calls, and it does so while consuming less data. Duo also switches between Wi-Fi and cellular data based on signal strength and bandwidth, and it does all of this seamlessly in the background.

Duo offers better video quality than other services, and it does so while consuming less data.

Another particular highlight with Duo is that it works even on 2G cellular data connections. Sure, you won't get the same visual quality, but the fact that it works at all (and does so reliably) has allowed Duo to amass a sizable userbase in India.

Duo works over Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC), an open-source platform that is designed for direct audio and video communication. WebRTC relies on peer-to-peer connectivity, meaning your calls don't go through a server. That allows for things like end-to-end encryption, which is enabled by default on all video and audio calls you make using the service. WebRTC is the secret sauce that gives Duo an edge in this category, and why the service is able to deliver rock-solid connectivity.

Duo is also incredibly easy to set up and use. All you need to do is link your phone number, and the app will scan your contacts list and find all contacts that have Duo installed. Calling them is as easy as selecting their name, and you get the option of choosing between audio or video calls. Duo also offers group calling with up to eight people, and like one-on-one calls, group calls are also end-to-end encrypted.

Duo is the shining light in Google's convoluted messaging strategy.

More often than not, I rely on Duo to talk to friends and family instead of my regular voice calls just because of the quality on offer. Duo also works over the web, and you can link your Google account with Duo if you don't want to sign in to the service on every new device. Duo is also the default audio and video calling app on Google's smart speakers, including the Google Home, Nest Hub, and Nest Hub Max.

There are other standout additions. Knock Knock lets you see live video of whoever's calling before you pick up, you can leave a recorded audio or video message, and Duo even has a dark mode.

Google has also added features to Duo that make it fun to use. Duo is now offering video effects for the holidays, and Google regularly rolls out themed filters that make calls to friends and family that much more interesting. The service is also getting Scooby-Doo video effects ahead of the launch of the new movie in 2020.

Google hasn't made it any easier for itself with its convoluted messaging strategy, but with Duo, it has managed to create the perfect video and audio calling service. The accessible nature of the service, combined with the security and quality on offer, makes it an easy recommendation. If you haven't already, you should consider switching.

Google Duo

Free at the Play Store

Duo is the best video and audio calling service around. With seamless connectivity on even 2G networks, end-to-end encryption, fun video filters, and availability on all major platforms, Duo is the only video calling service you'll ever need.

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How to create a Shortcut to translate articles in Safari on iOS

Wondering how to translate an article in Safari on iPhone or iPad without jumping through hoops? Here’s how to create a Shortcut to translate articles.

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Use a lot of data? Check out these MVNO carriers

A lot of people think of an MVNO as a carrier you get to just save money, but in the last few years these carriers have become a stronger choice even for heavy users. A data hungry user wants to have fast and reliable internet everywhere they go. There are more options than ever for unlimited MVNO data plans and the prices keep coming down as well. Our current favorite is Visible because of its simplicity compared to other carriers.

Best Overall: Visible

Visible keeps things simple like no other carrier. Besides being easy to understand, its service is rated highly, prices are competitive, and there are no service contracts. Utilizing Verizon's LTE network, Visible has great coverage out of the gate. You should still check the coverage map to be sure.

Unlimited talk, text, and data are all included in the $40 per month price. Unlike some other unlimited plans, all of Visible's data is LTE with download speeds around 5-12Mbps in most areas, which is more than enough for most HD streaming or social media applications. This is rounded out with an unlimited hotspot at 5Mbps.

It's worth keeping in mind that Visible doesn't support every new or unlocked phone. You will need to keep an eye on its compatibility list to know for sure. Most modern iPhones and a few Android phones are available with more being added all the time. You also won't get any international service at all. If you are a traveler, you'll need to pair Visible with another carrier in order to stay connected abroad.

Pros:

• Unlimited talk, text, and LTE data
• Simple to understand
• Verizon LTE
• Unlimited hotspot (5Mbps)

Cons:

• No roaming
• No international roaming
• Limited phone selection

Best Overall

Visible

• $40/mo. at Visible

Verizon LTE without limits

Visible offers one of the best packages for users that want to forget about usage. Unlimited everything, including a hotspot, makes Visible a great deal.

Best World Coverage: Google Fi

Google Fi has been around for a while but the recently unveiled unlimited plan makes Fi a better option than ever for heavy data users. The new plan picks up where the old one left off, offering 22GB without interruption before being slowed down. Video streams could be limited to a quality of 480p but Google hasn't been specific on when quality drops.

The 22GB cap is more than most people need and starting at $70 for one line with the price per line decreasing with more line activations up to four at $45 each, Google Fi is still a good value. You can also use your data as a hotspot at will.

Google Fi is compatible with phones that are unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile's GSM network but works even better with phones designed specifically to work with Fi. These phones will get access to Sprint's and US Cellular's networks if T-Mobile has weak service. While T-Mobile's growing footprint narrows the gap between the two tiers all the time, if you want the best service possible, you'll need the most compatible phone possible. You can check your phone at Google Fi's website.

It's also a good idea to make sure you are covered on the coverage map to be sure Fi is right for you.

One thing that sets Google Fi apart from the crowd is its international roaming capabilities. In over 200 countries Google Fi users can use their phone's data like normal. For the world traveler, there really is no better value from another MVNO or even the carriers.

Pros:

• Large combined network
• Support for most phones
• International coverage
• 100GB Google cloud storage

Cons:

• Slowed after 22GB
• Video quality may be low

Best World Coverage

Google Fi Unlimited

• From $70/mo. at Google Fi

A great tool for traveling abroad

Google Fi expands its service with this unlimited plan for heavier users that want to take advantage of the great travel benefits and coverage of Fi.

Best on AT&T: Cricket Wireless

AT&T has a massive network and for a lot of people, it's worth it to have the coverage that comes with it. Coverage is always one of the most important factors when selecting a carrier and you should always check the coverage map before signing up for service. Luckily, Cricket has a great unlimited option available.

Make sure you opt for the Cricket More plan over the Cricket Core plan. Though cheaper, the Cricket Core plan limits data to just 3Mbps and will be noticeably slow. At $60 per month, the Cricket More plan is a good value and comes with 15GB of hotspot data as well. You also get usage in Mexico and Canada for those that like to travel.

Cricket sells a decent array of phones from its website such as the Samsung Galaxy S10 but it doesn't have the other versions of the S10 series like you might expect. Still, most unlocked phones should work fine on Cricket and you can make sure on Cricket's website.

Pros:

• Vast AT&T network
• Support for most phones
• Mexico and Canada roaming
• 15GB hotspot

Cons:

• 480p video streams

Best Value

Cricket More

• From $60/mo. at Cricket

Cricket's biggest data plan

Take advantage of the strong AT&T network with no contracts with the Cricket More plan. Unlimited data and 15GB of hotspot makes it a great option.

Best Value: Walmart Family Mobile

Family Mobile offers a large amount of data on the T-Mobile network for a fairly standard price. Where it really stands out is when it comes to adding lines. While one line with unlimited data costs just under $50 per month, adding additional lines is only $25 each. With more than one line, the value really stands out.

As always, check your coverage before signing up. As far as phones go, Walmart sells plenty of devices, though most of them trend towards the lower end, there are high-end phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S10 line. With the T-Mobile network, most unlocked phones should work as well.

Family Mobile isn't perfect with its hotspot only coming with 5GB of data as well as videos only streaming at 480p. Still, if you are fine with these drawbacks and have coverage, Family Mobile can be a great value.

Pros:

• Save with more lines
• Support for most phones
• Uses T-Mobile network

Cons:

• Only 5GB hotspot
• 480p video streams

Best Value

Family Mobile Truly Unlimited

• From $50/mo. at Walmart

Available at your local Walmart

Walmart and T-Mobile come together to offer cheap data and great coverage. Save money by adding more lines and forget about your data usage.

Max Data: Metro by T-Mobile

Metro by T-Mobile allows users to consume a massive 35GB of data before they are subject to data deprioritization. This is good if you want to use a lot of data and want your speeds to stay suitably snappy even when the towers are getting busy. The lower priced unlimited plan, at $50 per month, includes 5GB of hotspot data and 100GB of Google One cloud storage.

Since Metro uses T-Mobile's network, it has the same coverage a T-Mobile customer would get, but you should always check to be sure you're covered. It also means that nearly any unlocked phone should work, but you can always check before you sign up.

Metro sells some phones from its stores, you can see the models on the website, which are mostly lower-end devices with more expensive phones available from Samsung and Apple. You can also save some money if you have multiple lines with the cost for additional lines discounted $20. A bigger plan is available for $10 more per month that comes with more hotspot data and an Amazon Prime membership.

Pros:

• 35GB before deprioritization
• 100GB Google cloud storage
• Save with more lines
• Support for most phones

Cons:

• Only 5GB hotspot
• 480p video streams

Max Data

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited

• From $50/mo. at Metro by T-Mobile

A data focused network

Make the most of the T-Mobile network with no contracts with Metro by T-Mobile. Unlimited data with savings for each additional line are a great value.

Bottom line

There's a lot ot consider with all of these different plans but the most important factor is going to be coverage. Not all MVNOs have access to the same towers so it's important to check each one individually. Considering this among the other factors, Visible is the best overall value thanks to the massive Verizon LTE network and the simple plan with a great price.

While another carrier like Google Fi is compelling for its massive roaming potential, Visible is the best balance and should be suitable for nearly any user. There's only one plan, but it's easy to understand and you'll get everything you need for heavy data usage. You don't get international roaming either, but for U.S.-based customers who don't travel often, you can't do much better.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Samuel Contreras When Samuel is not writing about networking at Windows Central, he spends most of his time researching computer components and obsessing over what CPU goes into the ultimate Windows 98 computer. It's the Pentium 3.

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These are the best alternatives to Google Fi

There's nothing quite like Google Fi when it comes to service and coverage. Not everyone needs all of the features Fi offers, and if you aren't traveling internationally, the data can be quite pricey. If you've been looking to Google Fi for your phone service but don't think it's quite the right fit, here are some of the best alternatives you can get.

Best overall: Visible

Visible debuted in May 2018 as a new carrier powered by Verizon's network, and at the time, we couldn't thoroughly recommend it as it only supported iPhones. However, as of January 2019, Visible now works with Android!

For $40/month, Visible gives you unlimited talk, text, and LTE data on Verizon's vast LTE network. Video streaming is limited to 480p, but you can use as much data as you'd like throughout the month.

That's a good enough deal on its own, but Visible goes the extra mile by being about as customer-friendly as cell providers come. After ordering a SIM through its website, wait for it to be delivered, pop it in your phone, and then download and open the Visible app. Through here, you'll handle all of your billing, get in touch with customer service, and more. When you want to pay your bill, Visible accepts credit/debit cards, PayPal, and even Venmo.

Visible works with more phones all the time. Visit the BYOD page to see if you have a compatible device. In addition to being able to bring an unlocked S9/S9+ if you already own one, you can also buy a handset directly from Visible with 0% financing through Affirm.

Don't forget to make sure your have coverage.

Pros:

• Unlimited talk, text, and data
• Verizon LTE
• Simple plan
• Unlimited hotspot

Cons:

• No roaming
• No international service
• Limited phones

Best overall

Visible

$40/mo. at Visible

One plan for everyone

With unlimited everything and the massive Verizon LTE network behind it, Visible is very competitive as long as your stay in the US.

Buy in bulk: Mint Mobile

Most wireless service providers require you to pay your bill month-to-month. But Mint Mobile takes a different approach by charging you upfront for three, six, or 12 months of service at a time. It's a unique concept and one that requires a bigger check from the get-go but could result in some significant savings over time.

All Mint Mobile plans come with unlimited talk and text, and depending on the one you choose; you've got your choice of 3GB, 8GB, or 12GB of 4G LTE data. If you decide you need additional LTE speeds during a month, you can get an extra 1GB for $10 or 3GB for $20. Oh, and the mobile hotspot is included no matter what plan you get.

Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile's network, and as such, you can bring over virtually any unlocked GSM phone.

If the service sounds like something you'd be interested in, you can test-drive it for seven days with a money-back guarantee.

Don't forget to make sure you have coverage.

Pros:

• Works with most unlocked phones
• Lots of data choices
• Hotspot included

Cons:

• No unlimited option
• Must buy in bulk

Buy in bulk

Mint Mobile

From $15/mo. At Mint Mobile

Save by buying more at once

Start small with three months or save more with twelve months. Get unlimited talk and text and as much data as you need on the T-Mobile network.

Big data packages: Metro by T-Mobile

Metro by T-Mobile (formerly known as MetroPCS), got an overhaul in 2018 with a new name, logo, and plans.

At its cheapest, you can sign up for a plan with unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of 4G LTE data for just $30 each month. At its most expensive, Metro by T-Mobile costs $60/month for unlimited talk, text, LTE data, 15GB of hotspot use, 100GB of Google One storage, and even a free Amazon Prime membership.

Taxes and fees are included with Metro's pricing. And since it runs on T-Mobile's network, you can bring just about any GSM unlocked the phone to it and have everything work just fine.

Don't forget to make sure you have coverage.

Pros:

• Lots of data
• Save with more lines
• Cloud storage with unlimited plans
• Works with most unlocked phones

Cons:

• No hotspot on smaller plans

Tons of data

Metro by T-Mobile

From $30/mo. at Metro by T-Mobile

Save on more lines

Metro by T-Mobile takes advantage of the improving T-Mobile LTE network with great prices on big buckets of data. Online storage is a great bonus.

Best on AT&T: Cricket Wireless

AT&T's discount brand, Cricket Wireless, doesn't tick every box for Google Fi wannabes, but it comes close on a few. For example, it offers excellent nationwide coverage, since it runs on AT&T's network. And as a result, it should be compatible with almost every unlocked phone sold in the U.S. today.

It also has simple, inexpensive, and flexible plans that offer unlimited U.S. talk, text, and data, plus the ability to roam in Canada and Mexico on two of the higher-tier (but at $55 and $60, still affordable) plans.

There are a few caveats, though. The $55/month Unlimited plan is limited to data speeds of just 3Mbps, which compared to regular LTE speeds on AT&T, is a lot slower. The 2GB and 5GB data plans are increased to 8Mbps, and the Unlimited Extra plan for $60/month has access to Cricket's "fastest 4G LTE." A mobile hotspot is available, but you'll need to hand over another $10/month to use it.

One significant advantage to Cricket is that taxes and fees are included with its plans. In other words, if you sign up for the $60/month plan, you'll pay exactly $60.

Don't forget to make sure you have coverage.

Pros:

• Big AT&T LTE network
• Mexico and Canada calling in unlimited plan
• Unlimited data (slowed after data allotment)

Cons:

• SD quality video
• Hotspot only on biggest plan

Best on AT&T

Cricket Wireless

From $25/mo. At Cricket Wireless

AT&T without the contracts

Access to the massive AT&T LTE network with no contract is no joke. Starting small and moving up to unlimited, Cricket has a plan for everyone.

Best custom plan: Ting

To many of its long-time users, alternative carrier Ting is a darling of flexibility and customer service. The main appeal for Google Fi admirers is the flexible, modular plans, which let you pay for exactly how much talk time and texting you need, along with simple, affordable data tiers.

Prices for a single line start at $32 for 100 minutes of talk and text and 2GB of data, but it doesn't cost much more to add features from each category. It's also just $6 per additional line, which is pretty great.

Ting also has access to two networks, Sprint and T-Mobile, though unlike Google Fi you can't dynamically switch between them — your phone may be compatible with both services, but you'll need to choose whether you want GSM or CDMA service, and can switch SIM cards based on your location and coverage.

One thing I constantly hear about Ting, too, is that it offers fantastic customer service and flexibility. And while its roaming rates are not included in the base package like Project Fi, they're relatively inexpensive.

Don't forget to make sure you have coverage.

Pros:

• Only pay for what you need
• T-Mobile or Sprint network
• GSM and CDMA devices

Cons:

• Can get expensive for data
• No network switching

Best custom plan

Ting

From $6 at Ting

Custom plan for light users

If you only use a little data, you can save a lot with Ting. Pay only for what you need with good coverage to boot starting at the bare minimum.

Best on Sprint: Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile operates on Sprint's network and even brings along roaming to fill in the gaps on Sprint's coverage maps. This is a great bonus and not something available on all Sprint MVNOs.

Virgin Mobiles plans all have unlimited talk and text with different tiers for LTE data. At $35 per month, you get 5GB of LTE data with free 2G data after that. $45 per month gets you 10GB and $60 per month removes all of the limits. International calling is available at $5 per month.

Virgin mobile sells plenty of phones from iPhones to the Galaxy S10e. It should be possible for anyone to find a phone that fits their needs. You can also bring a compatible device if you have one. Check your phone for compatibility here.

Don't forget to make sure you have coverage.

Pros:

• Sprint LTE with data roaming
• Unlimited talk, text, and data (2G after data allotment)
• International calling for $5/mo.

Cons:

• Hotspot is extra
• Limited BYOD

Best on Sprint

Virgin Mobile

From $35/mo. at Virgin Mobile

Sprint with roaming

Many MVNO providers drop roaming support, but Virgin Mobile keeps it intact with no additional fees. Competitive pricing makes Virgin a strong option.

Bottom line

The reality is that nothing in the U.S. is like Google Fi. Google's carrier experiment may be a little more expensive on a per-gigabyte basis, and more restrictive from a phone choice perspective. But in many ways, and for many people, it's the ideal network provider.

Of course, not everyone has access to a phone that taps into Fi's full potential, so hopefully, these offerings will come in handy when you're searching for your next alternative carrier. And with no contracts, you're free to try out more than one. Thanks to unlimited service, a low price, and an extensive LTE network, Visible is the best alternative as long as you don't need to use your phone outside of the US.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Samuel Contreras When Samuel is not writing about networking at Windows Central, he spends most of his time researching computer components and obsessing over what CPU goes into the ultimate Windows 98 computer. It's the Pentium 3.

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