Friday, 4 July 2014

Data Monitor - App Review



So just how much data do you use, or to be more precise, download.

This becomes more of a pertinent question when you have a limited data plan... perhaps especially when you are roaming.

This App gives you the information to manage the situation.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
In order to get the best out of the App, it starts by guiding you through a 'First Run Set-up'. This includes your billing day (which is usually, but not always, especially with pay as you go plans) the 1st, your current data usage and your plan limit. There is a helpful reminder that entering *3282# can get you the information, but only from certain carriers.

As soon as you have completed this simple process, you're up and running. The very clear display shows both cellular and wi-fi usage, both as absolute values, as a bar and also the projected value for the billing cycle.

You can quite happily leave things at that but, the settings menu allows you to set other parameters:

Background monitoring (best left on otherwise you need to have the App running)
Data display units; MegaBytes, KiloBytes, GigaBytes
Icon Badge: None, cellular or wi-fi percent of quota
Cellular and/or wi-fi data settings: you can change the billing cycle, quota and alerts

Cost
The basic App (as tested here) is free and supported by advertising which is in the form of a fairly discrete line at the bottom of the screen. There is an in-App purchase $3.

Indispensability
If you are concerned that you might go over a predetermined data allowance, this App could be just what you have been looking for.

Dependability
The App seems to work fine and the good graphics make you even more aware of your data usage. It would be worthwhile to initially check that the usage is similar to that being suggested by your provider; you never know but you may be being overcharged.

Security
There is no information sharing, thereby not opening up that particular can of worms.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Better than constantly checking your usage on your provider's website.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.


You can get Data Monitor here and support for the App here.


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