Do you have an old phone? Cricket will offer you a bill credit for it.

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      Many people have multiple old phones tucked away in drawers that are no longer useful, and now Cricket Wireless has announced it will provide users with credit for trading those devices in. The new Device Trade-In Program, which was launched on April 4, aims to differentiate itself from similar programs by directly applying credit to users’ accounts rather than offering gift cards or discounts on new devices.

      This program comes as several other companies, including Verizon and AT&T, have introduced comparable options. However, many of those offers are contingent on buying a new phone or activating a new line. Cricket’s scheme allows users to reduce their service costs, but it won't apply to accessory purchases or new devices, and the credit cannot be transferred to a different account.

      The offered value is based on various factors, such as the phone's age, model, previous carrier, storage capacity, and whether the device powers on (and stays on) without a charger. For instance, an operational 64GB iPhone 11 from Verizon with a cracked screen is estimated to have a value of about $38, which increases to $68 if the screen is not cracked.

      If you want to assess the potential value of your device without visiting a store, you can check Asurion’s Trade-In portal for an estimate. After obtaining the estimate, simply enter your mailing address and Cricket phone number, and you’re set. Make sure to reset your device before sending it in. If you lack proper packaging, Asurion can provide it, including the necessary postage.

      "This program was designed with our customers in mind. It isn’t a gift card scheme; it’s a way to directly help Cricket customers reduce their service payments," said Shailendra Gujarati, Chief Marketing Officer. "Ultimately, we all want to save money, and that’s what we are facilitating for our customers."

      Patrick Hearn covers smart home technologies like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more.

      Planning to trade in your old phone for an iPhone 16? Be sure to take this step first.

      The prospect of receiving $650 off a new iPhone 16, as highlighted during the Apple event, may be tempting—but be aware that there are conditions attached to the trade-in. If your phone has any damage, the trade-in value can drop significantly to $0. If you intend to exchange your current device for an upgrade, it might be wise to consider having it repaired before heading to the Apple Store.

      Macworld's Michael Simon experienced this firsthand. His iPhone 15 Pro Max, which could command nearly the highest trade-in value, had a crack on the back. While the glass was intact and it was a relatively simple repair, Apple valued the trade-in at $0, even though he could have repaired it for only $29 with AppleCare Plus.

      Recent studies suggest that you may be experiencing problematic smartphone use (PSU).

      Two studies have identified a correlation between teens suffering from depression, anxiety, and insomnia and a condition known as Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU), which mirrors addiction patterns. Research conducted by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience at King’s College London revealed that over 33% of participants self-reported PSU, and they were twice as likely to experience anxiety and three times as likely to experience depression.

      The research was carried out over several weeks in 2020 and 2022, showing that among teens aged 16 to 18, 18.7% displayed evidence of PSU, while 14.5% of teens aged 13 to 16 did. The older group was then two to three times more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Among the younger participants, 44% of those exhibiting PSU had anxiety symptoms compared to 26% of those without PSU, and 55% showed signs of depression compared to 35% without PSU.

      If you miss the classic Nokia Windows Phones, you’ll appreciate the HMD Skyline.

      No, you're not mistaken. The HMD Skyline closely resembles the old Nokia Lumia 920, especially from the front. From its squared corners to the way the screen is set within the frame rather than blending into it, HMD has successfully evoked one of the most visually appealing smartphones ever created in its latest lineup.

      However, there is no indication of a Microsoft Windows Phone resurgence accompanying the Lumia-inspired design, as the Skyline operates on Android 14 (not an RB26DETT, which I typically hope to see in a Skyline). The standout new feature isn't primarily its camera but a function called Detox Mode. It’s part of HMD’s ongoing efforts to reduce phone usage, allowing you to add apps and contacts to a Hard Lock silent list, ensuring you aren’t disturbed for a specified duration or until you reboot the device.