For the casual smartphone user, it can be a bit tricky to identify which settings do what or how to access something that you might need to change. Occasionally, you may need to switch a setting to get data service, add a proxy, tether an email service or otherwise. One of the settings everyone who travels should know about is the APN.

When you’re on roaming, it’s often an important step to figure out how much data you’re going to need. Going with a provider’s regular roaming rates is always excessively expensive: this makes knowing your data usage very important. Whether you’re a light user, send a ton of emails, update Facebook or Twitter constantly, or stream videos, our data calculator can figure out how much data you’re going to need, based on which device(s) you use.

Camera apps are essential to the smart phone user, not only for those who like to share, but those who want to ensure the highest quality image is captured.  After all, we may not always have our cameras on hand, but we'll always have our smart phones ready for quick draw!

There has been a fair amount of coverage recently on Rogers' One Number app/program. One Number is a VoIP service which allows you to call and text other people from your computer, using only a data connection. By allowing you to sync your contact lists between devices, you always have all your contacts close at hand. A video chat function is also available, helping the app to become an all-in-one suite which seeks to keep people connected. More over, you may use the Follow Me list to make your other devices (ie. web app, home phone, cell phone) pick up your calls from the number you want to be reached it.

We're often asked by clients and potential Roam customers about how data works on Blackberry devices, on our network and in general. As all Blackberry branded applications (ie. Mail, BBM, browser) runs on RIM's secure network, each mobility provider must broker a deal with RIM to have access to that network. Currently, we're in talks with RIM to have full access to the networks for Roam customers. While we would have liked to have launched with full Blackberry capabilities, the process can take a fair amount of time. It's expected for roll-out in late spring or early summer.

For any tech savvy talker, VoIP apps have been a hot topic for the last several years. Using your data connection instead of your carrier’s talk and text plans, these applications are built to save the cost of calling charges; especially when it comes to long distance. The key thing you do have to keep in mind is that you will need a data connection. Here our top 5 choices for VoIP apps.

It was quite a whirlwind four days, but I'm back in Vancouver after a trip to New York. Without any exaggeration, the Liberty Device was the hero of my trip. Since I kept my hotspot in my pocket, I FaceTimed friends and family on my iPhone (there was no delay thanks to the 4G network), always had Googlemaps available (which was huge), could use the iPhone apps Viber and Skype to contact friends from Europe who were Stateside, and stream video after I got food poisioning from a Lower East Side diner!