Amazingly, this interaction initiated online as well on Twitter after I complained.

In Twitter Direct Messages, I was directed to contact AT&T support via chat. So I did, and that started my road to resolution. The avatar known as Jason listened to my complaints and managed to do what I had been asking various AT&T personnel in-store – trade in an old iPhone 7, change my plan to unlimited, and get this new 5G-ready iPhone 12 Pro connected.

As I learned, in order for this promotion to work, you needed an unlimited data plan already. But I pointed out to Jason that my phone ordered in November only arrived in January so why should I pay for a 5G plan when I did not have a 5G device, the new iPhone? But since I was within the 14-day return period, he said he could essentially start this promotion transaction again, making sure of the right sequence of steps. I also asked Jason about the conflicting answers of discounts, and he explained how the starter unlimited data plans did not qualify for discounts but other plans did qualify.

Thanks to this invisible voice, my questions and concerns about “upgrading” to a new iPhone were being answered and taken care of. Now, I don’t understand why this could not have happened at any of the local AT&T locations I visited. It almost seemed like these locations could only do tasks from a set script or menu. Anything off script was met with (polite) declines.

So my plan has been changed to unlimited with 5G, the iPhone 12 Pro is activated and connected, and I’m waiting for the trade-in box to mail in the iPhone 7. Thanks for chatting, AT&T!

So what is this?

It’s right there on your website.

Here are some screenshots of the terms.

Maybe Hawaii is a “select location” where this promotion does NOT apply (any more).

BTS, the internationally beloved Korean pop group sponsored by Samsung, tweeted a post from an iPhone, and the internet is losing it

Yes, this is important news.

Update 1/4/2018: Battery has arrived in store and need to schedule an appointment when to bring the phone in. I also got an email stating stop by anything (within 7 days), but it’s better to call back and actually set a time for the repair (1 to 2 hours).

After hearing that Apple updated its iPhone battery replacement program to begin immediately rather than late January, I made an appointment for Sunday, December 31, 2017. Unfortunately, the Kahala Apple Store Genius Bar had already exhausted its supply of in-house batteries on Saturday.

The Genius did run through a hardware diagnostic as a formality but didn’t find anything wrong with the iPhone 6 or its battery. He did say that we could change the battery for $30 regardless of the battery condition. We now have to wait about three to five days for a battery shipment then return to the Apple Store when notified.

From that point, it’s a one-hour service to swap out the battery. Not bad for $30.

And while you’re at the Apple Store, don’t look at different bands for the Apple Watch. Otherwise you might give in and get something like this deceiptively multi-colored “black” Sport Loop. Although described as black, the band has iridescent qualities showing off red, blue, green, and even more colors. It’s super nice and actually very comfortable!

After a long delay, the iPhone wakes up but in the meantime, the dozy iPhone feels like it’s not working.

More Pulpconnection Holiday Gift Guide 2015

Ahead of the formal announcment of the latest iPhones, the rumored iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, protective cases are already available for sale. Spigen is advertising their pre-release selection on Amazon and at a reduced price. I don’t get how this is happening, but hey, Spigen is based out of Irvine, CA so all is good, right?

Of the current offerings, I’m leaning towards the Neo Hybrid EX with the clear back and colored bumper. Since we’re looking at the rose gold iPhone, the case needs to be transparent to showcase that color. My hesitation is that the bumper color won’t match the actual iPhone tone this early in production. But prices are nearly 50% off, so a $17 investment isn’t too damaging to protect a $700+ iPhone.

Wait, what? No free shipping on Amazon and not eligible for Prime?!? Add $5 for standard shipping with arrival in October? Pass for now…

But wait, Spigen has a store on eBay as well. Prices are comparable or even better than Amazon, and shipping is free (but still delayed until early October).

Like me, you may have heard of Apple’s CarPlay “system” that links your iPhone with your vehicle but never saw CarPlay in action. Today, I got a first hand look at CarPlay via the Alpine iLX-007 in-dash receiver. An aftermarket car stereo replacement, the iLX is CarPlay personified. Connecting your iPhone to the iLX brings up the familiar iOS screen on the 7-in display. Everything looks and behaves similarly to regular iPhone interactions. The apps, the home button, iTunes music, maps, Siri – it’s all there.

I had to admit seeing CarPlay in action was pretty cool. The learning curve of operating the iLX is negligible since it is  the iOS that you’re already comfortable with using an iPhone. No need to figure out how to set music stations, make a phone call, or otherwise operate the unit. The Maps application for navigation was the most compelling since it eliminates the need for any other in-car navigation system. 

But there are some limitations with the fledgling CarPlay. For the iLX-007, you have to physically connect your iPhone to the receiver via a USB-Lightning cable. And if you’re ever without your iPhone, the iLX is essentially non-functional. There’s no real built-in capabilities since mostly everything resides with the phone. 

The one aspect of CarPlay that I found underwhelming is its overall implementation, or really, lack thereof. CarPlay seems like a literal translation of iOS from your phone to your car’s in-dash display. While there are some changes to the user interface to accommodate the attention of drivers, it still looks like and feels a lot like iOS.

I was hoping that CarPlay would do more like become the central processing unit of your vehicle, maybe even its soul. Currently, CarPlay doesn’t revolutionize or innovate the driver’s experience. It reminds me of the Motorola ROKR E1 aka the Apple iTunes phone. If you remember this iPhone precursor, the ROKR could play music by including iPod features. Useful? Yes. Innovative? No, not compared to the revolutionary iPhone. 

So while I’m digging the concept of CarPlay version 1.0, I’m already waiting for version 2.0.

Right now, it looks like full functionality of the app isn’t yet unleashed. You can see mobile versions of Nike’s public launch calendar or shop the online Nike Store. I’m guessing with an access code, you’ll have the ability to go for the popular releases along with saving your personalized information like shipping address and shoe size to expedite purchases. I’m waiting for my access code, Nike.

I’ll be honest. This gift is actually for myself and won’t be available until February 2015. But when you tout your product as the “perfect keyboard for the iPhone,” the wait is worthwhile for the Next Keyboard.

Slide on the space bar to move the cursor? Genius.

My personal favorite, no confusing shift keys.

Swipe key entry for one handers. Handy. No “full access” needed. That always scared me. And there’s more, but all you have to know is that the product resonates with iPhone users witnessed by complete backing after days of its Kickstarter launch. You have $5 to spare for the “perfect keyboard for the iPhone” right? Merry Christmas to you!

Well, as a holiday gift, I surely wouldn’t complain upon receiving this unique-looking case. I’m leaning more towards the muted matte finish hint, hint.

More suggestions from the Pulpconnection Holiday Gift Guide, 2014 edition.

Follow Gee Why’s board Holiday Gift Guide 2014 on Pinterest.

It’s been barely one week using my new iPhone 6, but here are a few more observations.

Does it bend? Seriously, what? Why is #bendgate even a thing? Um, how about not sitting on your phone to begin with. And if you had a plastic encased phone, I’m guessing the phone would crack. At least the bent iPhone 6 is still operational and it seems like Apple is replacing bent exteriors. But still, my suggestion is to not sit on your expensive smartphone.

Touch ID. I love it. Forget that the physical home button on the iPhone takes up precious real estate. The integration of Touch ID makes it all worth it. Just as fast and more convenient than taping in a password. This is the enabler of online purchasing. Yes, I am buying more with my iPhone just because it’s just easier.

Passwords and Authentication. Currently, there are limitations for Touch ID so traditional passwords, and newer authentication means are still in play. Moving to a new phone means redoing many, many passwords. This gets compounded for accounts with two-factor authentication enabled. Sadly, Google Authenticator does not retain its setup when moving to a new device so you have to access your accounts, generate new codes, and scan them in. At least, LastPass has gained functionality under iOS8 and is more easily accessed to help with passwords.

Slow-Mo. A fun option to have for fun effects like when I saw the new BMW i3 EV in the neighborhood. I swear it felt like this slow-mo video when I first spotted this progressive car.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OHYcZ9jIzE]

Battery Life. Better than my iPhone 5 but not better than my Android-based LG G3. I’d say the battery lasts a day and a half whereas my iPhone 5’s battery lasted about a day. The LG G3 lasts 2-3 days easily. Leaving the house with a 40% charge would cause anxiety with an iPhone 5, not so with the 6. I’d return home hours later with 20+% remaining. Only problem is that a 1.5 day charging routine isn’t so easy to maintain.

App Battery Usage. Tied to battery life is knowing what’s consuming battery power. iOS8 has a new feature that shows the battery usage of all your apps. I don’t know how to really use these stats. Because I use Facebook quite often on my iPhone, it makes sense that battery usage is correspondingly high.

Running. I’ve been running with my iPhone 5 after my fitted case for my old school iPod Nano broke. I got used to running while holding the iPhone in my hand, able to change volume and songs easily. Running with the iPhone 6 feels the same though I doubt I could comfortably handhold the 6+ while running. The presence of the M8 motion coprocessor sure helps save on battery life. Typically, I’m streaming music from iCloud, and battery goes down nearly 10% after a 30-45 minute run. Battery drain is single digits with the iPhone 6.

Two-handed use. Get over it. One handed operation is possible, but two handed is the new reality, even with a 4.7-in iPhone 6.

So fine, I’ll wait for the next batch and instead bought an inexpensive Modal case from Best Buy. Not the best, but it fits and was cheap. It’s grippy and smooth enough at the same time.

Now I have a soft spot for Kickstarter projects and so does Eri who I happened to notice backed a project called the Felt Case. Simply, this is a felt covered case for the iPhone 6 or 6+. Its look is somewhat subdued but kinda interesting since, well, it’s felt. And the felt is supposed to be tough, grippy, and smooth all at the same time. For $29, I’m willing to go off the beaten path and give the Felt Case a shot. How about you? Watch the video then make your pledge.

It’s thin. Very thin. That’s the very first thing you notice when you pick up the phone. The rounded edges make it feel even smaller if that makes any sense. It’s almost too thin making the iPhone a little tricky picking it up off a flat surface. Without the rounded edges, you wouldn’t have space to grab the phone.

The antenna “lines.” I still dislike the cutouts made for the antennas. Not stylish but not as ugly as in initial leaked images. Once a case is on, all is forgotten though.

The floating text. That’s the way I describe the way the text looks on the iPhone 6 screen. It floats. The text just seems closer to the screen surface, almost like it’s on top of the screen, hence the description of floating.

The right side power button. I have to break my muscle memory habit of reaching for the top to sleep the iPhone 6. The power/sleep button is now on the right edge. It’s too symmetrically placed with the volume up button on the left edge so if you’re using your thumb and index finger to squeeze the power button, odds are you’ll also increase the volume.

Freaky fast focus. That’s how I describe the phase detection autofocus of the iPhone 6 Focus Pixels. In camera mode, pan the iPhone 6 around and you won’t see that yellow focus box appear as with the iPhone 5. Yet, everything will be in focus. Yes, it’s that fast. Occasionally, the focus box does appear or you can tap to focus, but in general, the focus is so fast, you don’t wait for the focus box to appear. Just snap and go.

Two handed or one handed. That’s the biggest question of the newer form factors of the iPhone 6 family. The iPhone 6+ is guaranteed to be a two-handed operation. Unless you got mitts the size of Kawhi Leonard, there’s only so much your average sized hand can do alone on the 5.5-in screen. But you know what? I’m finding that the 4.7-in iPhone 6 almost needs two hands to use comfortably. Sure, you still can do almost everything single handedly, but typing is way easier using two hands. On my iPhone 5, I used to be fairly okay tapping out messages using one hand. I’m having a little harder time on the iPhone 6. Enough so that I’ll want to use two hands to cut down on mistakes. Sure, iOS 8 helps fix mistakes, but it’s not quite the same knowing you are making typos. Reaching the top of the screen on the iPhone 6 requires a different hold and grip. I can’t poke the corner of the iPhone in my palm. I have to lay the phone on my fingers. So either with the 6 or 6+, using two hands is a reality.

The mute switch. Yeah, big deal, but I like the feel of the new mute flip switch. When toggling the switch, there’s a more solid feel to the flip. The “distance” of the flip is smaller and just feels more “confident.” Like I said, big deal, but it’s noticeable.

Hopefully you don’t see Arashi-like lines at the Apple Store on Friday.