Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQ)

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q: Are these real phones?
A: Yes. We've used real phones working on real wireless provider networks so your phone should look the same as in the video. There may be some variations as your wireless provider may update the software or settings in your phone to a version different than is in our videos. We have edited the videos to make them more enjoyable to watch. For example, we've taken out long pauses while a phone is dialing. We have also adjusted the image sizes slightly of some phones for consistency.

Q: Is the site really free?
A: Yes. We don't charge you anything. We generate our business through advertising. But remember you will be charged for any activity you do on your phone. Check your wireless services plan for applicable fees. Buying messaging or data plans is a good idea if you intend to send or receive lots of text or picture/video messages or access the Internet through your phone.

Q: Do I have to give you my phone number?
A: No, we don't ask for your phone number.

Q: Do I need to sign up or register?
A: No.

Q: How do you know which phone I have?
A: In order to see the videos for your phone, we ask you to select your wireless services provider and phone.

Q: There's a video I'd really like to see but you don't have it. What can I do?
A: Great question. We try to provide videos on the most popular topics. Send us a note by clicking "Comments" on the top navigation bar and we'll see if we can make one for your topic.

Q: My wireless provider isn't listed. Why not?
A: We are constantly adding new videos and wireless service providers. Send us a note by clicking "Comments" on the top navigation bar and we'll see if we can add your wireless service provider.

Q: Do you produce custom videos?
A: Yes. We can prepare custom videos for your company. They're a great way to educate your customers on how to use your product or service on their cell phone. Contact us through the "Advertise with Us" link at the bottom of any page.

Q: Your videos show the long "multi-tap" way of entering text? Aren't there faster ways?
A: Yes, using predictive text entry to enter full words can be faster than the "multi-tap" way of tapping each key until the desired letter appears. We've tried to show the most basic approach for new users. Also, some people who type messages in short form (for example "u r" instead of "you are") prefer using  the "multi-tap" method.


PICK YOUR PHONE

Q: I don't see my phone listed here. Why not?
A: Sorry, we may not have done the videos for it yet. If you want, click on "Comments" on the top navigation bar and let us know which phone you want.

Q: I don't know which phone I have. What can I do?
A: We know, with so many phones it's sometimes hard to tell one phone from another. To find out, turn off your phone, take off the cover, and remove the battery. There will be an identification sticker with the name of the manufacturer and the model name.

Q: Why is it important that I pick the right phone?
A: We've created our videos to show you exactly what your phone will look like when you're trying a new task, like learning to send a text message, or taking a photo with your cameraphone. Different phones from the same manufacturer can operate differently, just as the same phone from different wireless providers can be different. We've made it easy by showing your phone. The next best thing to us being there in person to show you.


PLAY YOUR VIDEO

Q: I don't see the video, instead I see the following message near the top of my screen: "To help protect your security, Internet Explorer has restricted the file from showing active content that could access your computer. Click here for options ..." Why?
A: Your computer is using Internet Explorer which has a variety of Internet security features. For PC users, click the left button on your mouse,highlight "Allow Blocked Content" and click the left button again. A Security Warning will appear and choose "Yes". You should now see all of the content, including videos. We strongly recommend that you use up-to-date Internet security tools to protect your computer.

Q: I don't see the video instead I see the following message: "Content on this page requires a newer version of Macromedia Flash Player. Do you want to download it?"
A: Our videos require Macromedia Flash Player (Version 8) to play. To make it easy for you, our system automatically checks whether you have it installed on your computer. You received the message because you don't have a Flash Player on your computer or you have an older version. Choose yes to download Version 8. The Flash Player is free to download, does not require any registration or signup, and is very widely used.

Q: My video appears choppy or doesn't play properly. Why?
A: Your Internet connection may be too slow or you may have an older computer. Our videos are designed to work well with high-speed Internet connections through a phone or cable line. Users with dial-up connection or speeds below 300 kb/sec may find the videos choppy. Our site will work well with most computers except older models.

Q: I can't see the entire phone on my computer screen without scrolling down. What can I do?
A: The videos and web site have been optimized for 1024 x 768 resolution so the entire phone will appear on your screen without needing to scroll. If you are using this setting and the entire phone doesn't appear, you may want to reduce the number of toolbars showing at the top of your screen. If your screen is set to 800 x 600, you will need to scroll to see the entire phone or change the resolution. On the other hand, if it's set to a higher resolution, such as 1680 x 1050, you'll see the entire page but the size may be too small to read easily. You may want to change the resolution to 1024 x 768 for best viewing.

Q: Can I stop, pause and rewind the video? Can I raise or lower the volume?
A: Yes. You can stop and pause the video, and using the slider bar, you can jump forward or back. You can also raise or lower the volume. If the volume is still too low, adjust your computer's volume settings