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Industry News

Hotspots are literally HOT! Verizon recalls Ellipsis Jetpacks for fire hazard

According to Verizon’s website: “Verizon is working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to recall Ellipsis Jetpack mobile hotspot devices, including models MHS900L, MHS900LS and MHS900LPP…….it has been determined that the lithium-ion battery in the Ellipsis Jetpack devices can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard.”

Verizon has recalled over 2.5 million hotspots due to battery overheating issues.

The batteries in these devices can overheat causing a burn and/or fire hazard. Verizon has sent two over the air (OTA) updates to these devices to assist in reducing the risks. Details about how to avoid overheating can be found here: https://www.verizon.com/about/news/statement-regarding-us-consumer-product-safety-commission-recall

Verizon is working to replace these devices to users at no cost.

Complete information for customers can be found at ellipsisjetpackrecall.expertinquiry.com or by calling 855-205-2627.

iPhone X Backordered? While you wait, you may want to order a case

We recently have been ordering new iPhone Xs for customer and many are still back ordered.

 

While you are waiting for yours, you may want to get a case. The new iPhone has earned the title of “Most Breakable Phone” due to very easy cracks — both from the bezel-less screen, glass back and stainless steel frame.

Take a look at CNET ‘s drop and scratch testing.  They state “After just one drop onto a sidewalk, the iPhone X already shows visible damage.”   Their conclusion?  “The iPhone X can probably handle your everyday wear and tear, but dropping it without a case is out of the question. We learned it only takes one bad drop to break the glass on this phone. Even the stainless steel frame is susceptible to damage.”  Check out their article on all testing here. 

 

Squaretrade called the X “The glass front and glass back and the absence of a Home button makes the iPhone X – “the most breakable, highest-priced, most expensive to repair iPhone ever,”

 

So, while you are eagerly awaiting the arrival of your new iPhone X, be sure to glove it up.  If you have AppleCare, it could cost around $279 and without AppleCare+ or insurance, you may need to repair it  for almost $600 or just buy a new one and wait again.

 

We are still Protecting Your Wireless Rights………especially for Steve today………..

 

AppleCare vs Insurance Showdown

We know you are all up-to-date on the latest iPhone release and wouldn’t dream of being any more of an equipment expert than you all.  But, we did think this is a great opportunity to provide some insight about maintenance plans to care for your sexy new iPhone.    So here’s some geek to your swagger:

You are spending some big bucks on your new iPhone:  the new 256GB X is going to be $1150 (!) on its release in October.   That ranges from a low of $699.99 for a mere iPhone 8 64GB with a $150 increase for each increase in memory amount.*  So hopefully you are very careful with this investment, but if not, here’s a comparison of AppleCare vs. Insurance:

  • Insurance will cover devices if they are lost or stolen
  • AppleCare only covers warranty and maintenance events
  • The iPhone will come with 1 year warranty
  • AppleCare and Total Protection Insurance cover another year of warranty
  • Wireless Protection Insurance will not cover the additional year of warranty
  • Wireless Protection and Total Protection Insurance have $1500 limits on the amount of coverage in a 2 year period
  • AppleCare has no limit on amount of coverage and covers 2 replacements.  This means that you can break your screen twice, use your AppleCare and you are done for your limits.  Think smartly, people, about how best to use your coverage. 
  • There is a $1500 limit on the Wireless Protection and Total Protection, so most likely only 2 occurrences would be actually covered due to the price of the phone (For example:  the iPhone 8  256GB is $849.99, and 2 replacements would be greater than the dollar limit allowed on coverage.)

 

Based on these options the AppleCare seems like an interesting option. (cheaper deductible, overall cost); however, it is missing lost stolen coverage.   If lost/stolen coverage is important to you, AppleCare may not be the way to go.  If break/fix and warranty issues are your concern, AppleCare appears to be the winner.

 

So, let us know how we can make sure to keep you in your new iPhone now with both swagger and smarts.    Because we are….

….Still Protecting Your Wireless Rights.  Especially for Steve today……………..

 

*Device Pricing on iPhones:

iPhone 8     64GB:    $699.99

iPhone 8+  64GB:    $799.99

iPhone 8     256GB:   $849.99

iPhone 8+   256GB:   $949.99

iPhone X      64GB:    $999.99

iPhone X     250GB:   $1150

Check Your Expense Manager! Can you say “Nasdaq Delist and Class Action Lawsuit”?

Well our competitors are again making a good name for everyone in the Expense Management space — so much so that you still have a chance to get in on the Class Action Lawsuits pending against Tangoe.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Recently, Tangoe was Delisted from Nasdaq for inadequate reporting.  As AOTMP writes “Tangoe had revenue classification issues and then was delisted from the NASDAQ in March because it could not meet reporting requirements. This created much speculation with Tangoe clients as to the financial health of the company.”

 

As previously announced, the Delayed Reporting was due to Tangoe’s continued restatement of financial reports for 2013 and 2014, most of 2015.  (See the Notification of Late Filing on Form 12b-25 filed by the Company on August 10, 2016).

 

THEN WHAT HAPPENED?

So to the rescue is Marlin Equity Partners who acquired Tangoe with an offer worth $242.6 million. The merger allowed Tangoe shareholders only $6.50 per share in cash in exchange for each share of Tangoe.

 

Marlin Partners has combined Tangoe with its existing portfolio company Asentinel.  “It’s not a deal that is taking place in the most positive of circumstances” says AOMTP. “Considering the background to this deal, many may see this action as a “rescue” with Marlin and Tangoe management hoping [this] may act as a sort of life raft, rather than this being some carefully planned, strategic solution to save the ship and all aboard.”

 

Enterprises using Tangoe should likely not expect any fast resolution on the many challenges faced and displeasure experienced with Tangoe as it has grown through acquisitions and seen inherent integration issues.

 

THE AFTERMATH

The offer from Marlin is contentious because Tangoe had previous other offers ranging up to $8 before the most recent delisting and reportings.  Investors are not happy and are filing Class Action Lawsuits.

 

The suits contend that throughout the Class Period Tangoe issued false and misleading information and or/failed to disclose that: (1) defendants made errors in recognizing Tangoe’s revenue; (2) Tangoe’s financial results were overstated; and (3) as a result, statements about Tangoe’s business, operations and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damage.  Ouch.

 

HMMM… WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

There is little question that Tangoe and Asentinel customers will have some interesting times ahead in paying for services and perhaps not receiving appropriate fair benefits for the fees (in addition to all the confusion of merging systems and personnel).

 

Bill Police stands ready to support and assist any customers who suddenly feel the need to jump a questionably ethical ship to join the good guys trying to make a positive reputation for themselves and the Expense Management Industry.

 

Come check us out because we are…..

…..Always Protecting Your Wireless Rights:  Right Plan.  Right Price.  Right Result.

 

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