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OVER THE WEEK, much had been made of one of iOS 9′s new features, WiFi Assist. The idea is that when you’re connected to a weak WiFi signal to the point of it being ineffective, WiFi Assist would use your mobile data to make up for it.
It’s a good idea, and there are a number of Android devices like Samsung which have similar features, but stories about it increasing the amount of mobile data used has resulted in suggestions that it should be turned off entirely.
Granted, it does mean you’re using more data than usual, patching holes in weak WiFi signals will result in more data being used either way, but how much this affects you depends on the type of plan you have and the apps you’re using, the latter is the bigger factor in this issue.
Note: the same principles can be applied to any Android devices with the same feature.
Regarding data, the less data you have in your plan, the more reason you have to turn it off. Chances are you have a good idea of the amount of data you use so if you have a small amount to work it (let’s say 2GB or less), then it safer to turn it off entirely.
If you have a much larger data plan, then this becomes less of an issue, but you should consider the average amount of data you use in a month first before making a decision.
If you fall in the middle of those two groups (or have unlimited data but are still concerned), then you should look at the apps allowed to do background refreshes and the ones that use mobile data.
To start, go into Settings > General > Background App Refresh to see what apps work in the background while you go about your day-to-day life. It’s recommended you only keep apps you use regularly on like WhatsApp or Facebook. Everything else you can turn off.
And if you’re really concerned about certain apps using your mobile data, like Netflix for example, then you can switch it so that it only uses WiFi.
You will find them in Settings > Mobile Data (or Mobile if you’re not using iOS 9) where there will be a breakdown of all mobile data used in general and by each app.
Alternatively, you could just go into Settings and go through the individual settings for each app. This is a little more time consuming, but some apps like Netflix offer a WiFi-only which is worth turning on as well as a precautionary measure.
But if you absolutely want to turn off WiFi Assist, then go into Settings > Mobile Data and scroll down until you find the option.
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I’m pretty curious how an accident happened on this road
The stretch between Kilkenny and Danesfort is a good wide road, no sharp turns or anything like this. I’ve driven, ran it and cycled it and never had any problems.
Makes me wounder what exactly happened
3 cars on a straight road. I hate to speculate but it could have been a collision caused by overtaking. It’s the only scenario that I can think of that makes much sense.
Terrible shame all the same. Something really needs to be done about the Irish driving system. Not learning how to drive on a motorway is embarrassing and dangerous.
Jason, you know this crash took place on the N10……it isn’t a motorway.
The vast vast vast majority of accidents that happen in Ireland happen on all the other roads other then motorways, if anything you are safer on a motorway.
This incident took place on the N10 which is a national road.
Yeh that part of the road was straightened about 10 -12 years ago. I’ve noticed recently that there have been some serious accidents on straight stretches like this, hard to understand. Like what happenes outside Tullamore. Bad roads either side but accident happened on the best part of the road..
It could also have been from tailgating then last minute swerving onto oncoming traffic. Or motorist entering from minor road and not yielding, or using mobile phone. Or avoiding a pedestrian or cyclist.
I’m no expert but I reckon accidents happen either due to some sort of vehicle failure/road issue (that is, a physical outside interference) or due to driver error (that is, driving outside the lane, driving on the phone, hands off the wheel, no seatbelt, tailgating, overtaking….all that sort of stuff…basically what we can group together as ‘bad driving behaviour’).
As far as I know we never get details of what caused accidents so therefore we get no message out to the public as to what to not do. Sure we all know driving like a madman is dangerous but there is a disconnect between the behaviour and the possible results.
Apologies if this seems insensitive to those involved in this particular accident…I am not suggesting any wrongdoing here.
Very true. The sooner people in this country realise that a driving license is simply that, a license to drive. It is not an automatic right when you turn 16/17. A license which can and will be taken away from you if you drive badly. What is the difference between a loaded gun and a 1.5 ton car when both are put in the hands of the wrong person.
Brighter street lights and more street lights on all roads would also help I think
Bad fog in area today, I heard. R.I.P Another family grieving !
Yeah i dunno,I’m from KK&all I know is that’s what they’re reporting locally,the investigating officer was on d local news&he confirmed a fatality…RIP
Local radio kclr reporting 1fatality & number of ppl brought to hospital…
I only marked a thums down as I hope its not true about the fatality and injuries.
I think you mean Waterford Regional Hospital!
What’s your point?
I haven’t seen it called Ardkeen General in a long time it, I just thought it was strange to see a national news get the name incorrect.
In fairness, it doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things, especially in a tragedy like this. RIP.
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