One inconvenience every smartphone user has experienced is a slow mobile data connection. Do you get frustrated when you’re unable to send a multimedia message or browse the internet because you can’t connect to your data properly? There are several reasons why you might be experiencing slow data connection, and we listed below solutions that can speed your mobile data connection. 

Phone Settings

Android and iOS smartphones have the option to reduce data usage with data saver mode. Turning on data saver mode is handy if you’re running on limited data. But this feature can also result in slow data connection. You can try turning this off and check if your browsing speed will go a little bit faster. If you’re hesitant to turn it off, you can always turn it back on to limit your usage. 

Applications Running in Background and App Updates

You might want to check if some of your applications consume data in the background. It might cause issues since it shares data with the apps you’re  using. One way of fixing this is disabling the app’s access to background data. 

You might also experience using an application smoothly whilst other apps are running sluggish. It might be because your app needs updating. Some application bugs can be fixed with an update from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.  

Application Cache

Another possible reason for the slow mobile data is because you haven’t cleared your phone’s cache. You’ll notice that some sites on your phone would load quickly once you’ve opened them. It also goes for your applications. When you scroll through social media apps, some data have already been preloaded. This is because of the phone’s cache. It’s the bits of preloaded information on your apps and browser which speeds up your browsing process. However, once this is accumulated it can also cause performance issues and compromises your RAM. You would need to clear up your cache occasionally to improve your data speed. 

Cellular Reception

Mobile data is reliant on the stability of your mobile phone signal. However, your 4G/5G services can’t help you when you’re dealing with factors that affect your cellular reception, such as geography and obstructions. You might happen to be in a place where there’s a weak mobile signal. One solution you can do to boost your signal is by using an external antenna. Just take note that you need an existing signal from a nearby cell tower. An external phone antenna works by picking up a signal and transmitting it to your device. 

When battling with cellular reception, we recommend Strike Alpha Car Cradles and Strike Car Phone Antennas. When you’re travelling to rural areas with unstable mobile signal, this combination will help boost your signal and mobile data whilst on the road. This bundle is also effective for a home and office setup.

Whether you’re using your smartphone for work or your lifestyle, it’s considered a smart investment to buy a rugged case. Manufacturers can claim that their latest device can survive a certain meter in drop or weatherproof protection, but we know that only a rugged case can put our mind to ease when bringing our phone out. Not even high-end smartphones can survive an accidental drop when it falls with the display down first. You’re fortunate enough to have just a crack at your screen protector (if you have one) because your LCD can break completely in worst case scenarios. Here are our top recommended military-grade heavy-duty cases from Strike that are worth the buy to prevent these scenarios.

Armour Tough Cases

Strike iPhone 12 Pro Max Armour Case (Black)

The armour heavy-duty case range has a clear cover that preserves the sleek design of your phone. It’s made with dual-layer protection that prevents acquiring damages from accidental drops and bumps. The corners of the rugged case are also designed with reinforcement for a shock-absorbing design. This protective sleeve has an additional feature; it has a 360 degrees rotation kickstand that you can conveniently prop up for horizontal viewing. The metal ring provides a comfortable and secure grip on your device. Lastly, it comes with a magnetic patch that you can use to attach to a magnetic car mount.

Strike’s armour tough case range is suitable for you if you want to accentuate the style of your latest smartphone device whilst giving it the best protection.

Iron Rugged Cases

Strike Samsung Galaxy S20/S20 5G Iron Case (Black)

If you’re looking for a military-grade rugged case that also gives your smartphone’s look an edgy style, then this is the tough case for you. Strike’s iron rugged case range also provides the same features and protection as the armour case.

Strike Rugged Cases

Strike Rugged Case for Samsungc Galaxy S20+ (Black)

Strike’s rugged cases range is the first among Strike’s military-grade protective sleeves. This tough case range is guaranteed to give you enterprise and military-grade protection suitable for industries with harsh work environments. It features dual-layer protection, a built-in kickstand, and MIL-STD 810G in drop test standards.

Strike strives to provide the best protection for the latest smartphones and tablets in the market. These rugged cases wrap tightly around your device for the best defence against unwanted bumps and drops. All of the above Strike rugged cases are designed to give you hassle-free access to your ports and raised edges to prevent scratches on your screen. Additionally, Strike’s heavy-duty cases come with an industry-leading lifetime warranty. Check out Strike’s wide range of protective cases here.

Here’s a video on Strike’s rugged tablet case you can also check out.

About Strike Group

Strike Group is Australia’s leading provider and manufacturer of innovative car technologies. Strike integrates innovative design and seamless engineering in all its products. The company now exports to 72 countries having appointed key partners in the American and European market.

Weak cellular reception is an inconvenience, especially when you need a good signal for constant communication. Although several factors affect the mobile signal, there is also one known simple solution – using an external antenna. Let’s list down the common reasons for weak cellular reception:

1. Distance from the nearest radio tower. One of the most common reasons for a weak signal is that you might be travelling to a rural area with limited radio towers. Your mobile signal can reduce the farther you are from the radio tower’s range.

2. Network Congestion. You’re getting 5 bars in mobile signal, but the call’s not as stable as it should be. It happens when there’s a large number of users sharing the signal of a mobile tower. Each cell tower has a capacity, and networks get busy when there’s high channel loading. You can say that this factor is related to when you’re in an area that has limited cell towers.

3. Obstructions. Your cellular reception is obstructed whether it’s because there’s a tree, building, or mountain in the cell tower’s path. Mobile signal gets better when the cell tower’s in your direct line of sight.

Weak signal is sometimes out of our control, and a cell tower doesn’t just prop up when needed. But we can significantly improve the mobile signal with the use of a car antenna. How exactly can car phone antennas help us boost signal? A car phone antenna signal booster captures the existing signal from outside of your vehicle and amplifies it to your smartphone inside the car. It would only work, however, if there’s an existing signal nearby. The car phone aerial picks up the signal and transmits it to your device.

How Do Strike Car Phone Antennas Improve your Mobile Signal?

You can use Strike’s external car aerials not just for vehicle use but also for a home setup. Our car phone antennas help improve your mobile signal when travelling in rural areas or secure stable reception at a place where there might be obstructions, such as in your own home. For long drives, Strike’s external car antennas are best positioned at the highest part of your vehicle for a better chance at getting cellular reception.

Strike has a variety of car phone antennas that can significantly improve your cellular reception. You can pair this external antenna with a Strike car phone holder for long drives or working whilst on the road. Strike phone holders are equipped with an internal passive antenna that can be connected to external car antennas such as our Bullbar Antennas.

Strike B2 7dBi Heavy Duty Bullbar Mount Antenna- Black

We recommend the Strike B2 Bullbar Mount Antenna for the best chance at a signal gain. This external aerial provides up to 7.0 dBi gain and comes with a removable whip for seamless removal and attachment according to your needs. This car antenna can be screwed to almost any surface to improve your mobile signal. The bullbar mount antenna is also available in a 5G variant – suitable for 5G frequency bands and devices compatible with 5G networks. Our Strike car phone antennas are also available on a Magnetic Base.

Learn more about Strike’s cell phone antennas with this video. For inquiries and more information, you may email us at [email protected].

About Strike Group

Strike Group is Australia’s leading provider and manufacturer of innovative car technologies. Strike integrates innovative design and seamless engineering in all its products. The company now exports to 72 countries having appointed key partners in the American and European market.

In the current age of smartphones, it is important for tech companies to keep one-upping and perfecting themselves to stay on top. Eventually, they make it their mission to find better ways of tying together technological gaps to benefit their consumers.


Today I will explore two aftermarket solutions that you can use while driving that might benefit you more than what you already have inside your car. These are the Android Auto and the Apple CarPlay.

              

The Android Auto is a free-to-download app designed specifically for phones with the Android system. You can use the app on either your phone as is or connect it to your car display.


Android Auto’s phone interface is easy to navigate and use. If you want to use it on your inbuilt car display, all you have to do is set up your phone to connect with your car following the instructions and you’ll be ready to drive.


Additionally, text messages are able to be read aloud to you; you can even compose replies as well with its voice recognition function. There are over 500 apps supported by Android Auto – you can easily access music apps such as Spotify, Google Maps, Google Play Music, etc.

Presuming your Android device already comes with a Google Play Music application, you will be entitled to a free 90 days of ad free music.

Listen to your person curated music via your car’s speakers. And further, you can also listen to your favourite podcasts and audiobooks in your car as well. Simply select what you want to here before you drive and then you’ll be listening to it all the way to work or wherever you like. That’s the thing though, you can’t access your phone while it is connected to your car.

Simply use OK Google or the microphone on the top right corner of your car display to activate the app; there’s no need to go through the tedious process of unlocking, swiping, then tapping. Messages from third party applications can also be read aloud to you – this includes Twitter and Whatsapp.


In addition, you can even reply to these messages and the system will be able to post them. However, one must wonder at how accurately the system can recognise voice commands.

The other apps will be located either at the very bottom of your phone or at the bottom of your car display. It is a simple, limited selection: navigation, phone, home screen, and music.

Here is the essence of the Android Auto app. The one thing you really needed from an app such as this one. The Google Maps application updates alongside mobile phone updates, so you’ll always be using the latest and most accurate map functions while you drive.

The Apple CarPlay is a similar phone application as to the Android Auto, except, of course, it is designed for IOS.


Apple CarPlay allows for a safer way of using your iPhone while you drive. Over 200 vehicle models are compatible with Apple CarPlay as of now. Apple has the benefit of quicker application updates and refreshes than your car’s preinstalled infotainment systems. That is why there seems to be need now for better aftermarket solutions that are safer for the road.


Using your phone while driving is a crime, but that doesn’t stop people from getting impatient with their slow GPS systems and outdated infotainment systems. So Apple has devised a solution to save you.

Apple CarPlay
Source: www.apple.com/au/ios/carplay/

Connect your phone to your car via its Lightning cable/charger or phone holder (check out our Alpha Car Cradles – we have device docking systems to suit your every iPhone need) and then you’re all set. The screen of your car display will feature an interface much like your Apple iPhone that you can select or use your voice to activate. If your car as a touchscreen display, you can also use your fingers to select your preferred application.


But do keep in mind, only iPhone 5 and beyond can access Car Play.

Once you connect your phone to your car, you’ll be able to play music, make phone calls, take your calls, read books, listen to podcasts and audiobooks, send text messages, and of course, navigate using Maps. The Apple Maps app is capable of all the functions of a usual GPS but it is smarter and more susceptible to change. By change, I mean updates.


Once again, a major benefit of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is that you don’t have to wait for your car systems to update. Which is kind of great, isn’t it? In a way…

Unlike the Android Auto, you can still use your phone’s screen while it is connected via Lightning cable to your car. Slightly less safe, but this also means you can use your phone while parked.

One major downfall to both of these apps is that they will still drain your phone’s battery when used on its own – it will only last for as long as your phone’s battery allows it to last.


Having the Android Auto and Apply Car Play installed either on your phone or in your car means that your phone is constantly active. This will no doubt drain your device’s battery and that would be unfortunate if you were in the middle of driving somewhere.


So it is highly advised that you also have something to tether your phone to – for example, a phone holding accessory. Since Android Auto and Apple CarPlay was designed with driver safety in mind, then it is only natural to have a docking system as well. This will make sure your driving experience is secure.