Google’s Project Fi is the company’s first attempt at a cell phone service, it’s currently available for those who bought a Nexus 6 from the Google Store or through the Project Fi site, as those come unlocked. The service uses Wi-Fi and cell networks to let users talk or text. They offer unlimited domestic talk or text and unlimited international texts. International calls cost 20¢ per minute and each GB of data costs $10, but if some of that data is not used, they will actually give some money back. 4G LTE speeds are supported domestically and it switches from Wi-Fi to cell networks so users get connected at all times. A nice feature is that the same phone number can be used on many devices such as smartphones, tablets or even laptops. Today the Project Fi app is getting an update to make its subscribers manage their account in an easier way as they will now be able to check that information from more devices.
Project Fi can be used from any device that has Hangouts installed, but setting up and managing the account could only be done on the Nexus 6, that changes today, as subscribers will be able to use any device running on Android 5.1 or a more recent version with the app installed to manage their account. The app can be used to activate the Project Fi service, manage the account and settings, check data usage, see monthly statements and get support at any time, so it’s nice that subscribers with multiple Android devices will be able to see those details from any of them, though it doesn’t mean that Google is ready to make this service available for more devices.
Other changes include more reliable country detection to improve the experience while traveling to one of the more than 120 countries where there’s coverage. Also, they made improvements to the activation and connectivity experience. The Project Fi app will get updated just like any other app from the Google Play Store, users can check the store to see if the update is already available or let the store update it automatically if the setting is activated.