How much data does Google Maps use? Not much.

The short answer

Google Maps doesn’t use much mobile data at all when navigating. In our experiments, it’s about 5 MB per hour of driving.

Zooming in and out of the map doesn’t use as much data as one might suspect it would. Most of Google Maps data use is incurred when initially searching for the destination and charting a course, which you can do on Wi-Fi. Besides that, there are ways to ensure Google Maps doesn’t use any mobile data at all when driving.

The best money saving apps

Ting customers are some of the savviest people around when it comes to tips and tricks for saving money.

When we asked you to weigh in on the best money saving apps, your recommendations didn’t disappoint.

These apps will help you save more, budget better and make the most of your paycheck. The best apps for saving money are all-in-one organization tools, deal finders and free content databases.

Want to save more? It’s time to start downloading.

Messenger apps for business communication

Today’s small businesses and entrepreneurs need communications tools that can keep up.

Email and cluttered inboxes are out and streamlined, secure messenger and chat services are in. Where email fails, messenger apps pickup so that businesses can stay connected, collaborate and work efficiently. They also provide affordable, high-tech options that can better serve today’s advanced business culture.

Let’s explore a few messaging apps that enhance communications and help you succeed at work in the digital age.

Google Opinion Rewards is an easy way to pick up free Google Play credit for Android and cash direct to your PayPal for iOS users.

Here’s how it works. Download the app for free to your Android or iPhone.

The app sends occasional surveys to your phone and ask you to respond to simple multiple choice questions like, “which color do you prefer?” or “where have you shopped recently?”

If you have a few seconds here and there and don’t mind answering a quick question, Google Opinion Rewards is definitely worth an install.

Emoji stickers to bring in All Hallows’ Eve

This October, sprinkle your messages with some spooky downloadable Halloween emoji stickers. Cause for celebration? Send a Halloween cupcake. Feeling sleepy? Say it with a zombie. Cooking up a storm? A cauldron should do the trick.

We’ve got fun Halloween sticker options for iOS and Android.

Plus, some good news for Android users, the latest Gboard update supports downloadable stickers. You can add Bitmoji to your messages right from your keyboard. Other apps, that don’t account for this Gboard update, can only be added the old fashioned way. Copy and paste.

Bitmoji

So far, Bitmoji offers a couple creepy versions of your avatar. Just search Halloween to find them. Here’s zombie Christine and vampire Christine.

There’s a metal detector in your smartphone

Today I learned that modern smartphones make pretty good metal detectors.

I’m not suggesting you mount your smartphone to a stick and go sweeping the sands for buried loot. Instead, maybe just file this under “nice to know” and recall it should the need ever arise.

Here’s what happened.