Larry Magid: New Website Shows Amount Apps Drain Data Plans

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – A new website, backed by the wireless industry, aims at helping people figure out which apps are eating into their data plans.

The website, KnowMyApp.org, allows users to estimate an app's data usage before they download it. It was created by CTIA – The Wireless Association, and is especially important for users without unlimited data plans.

KnowMyApp currently is limited to the top 50 free and paid apps on Apple's iOS App Store and the Google Play Android app store. If offers users typical scenarios for each app and how much data that will use.

The website also offers plenty of helpful tips on how to conserve data on your smartphone, including switching from cellular to Wi-Fi service where secure Wi-Fi is available, adjusting settings on apps to stop or minimize updates unless you're on a secure Wi-Fi hotspot, minimize apps that aren't in use and uninstalling any apps that you don't use.

You can hear Larry Magid's Tech Report Monday through Friday at 3:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

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