New Tech in Old Hands -- Look Out!

I'm getting an upgrade!
I'm not really much of a tech guy so it has never been necessary for me to have the latest or greatest in cellular technology. Typically, I go with the free phone or the cheapest one available. Back when Samsung's Galaxy S10 was something, I had one because it was a part of the deal when we switched our cell service. My new phones since then have been pretty inexpensive Android options.
Now we are switching again and I will be getting a Samsung Galaxy S26+.  I'm sure it is way more technology than I need and I hope that the bells and whistles won't distract me from living life away from the virtual connection that it provides.

I think I'd much rather be relaxing in our pool (above ground, arrives next week) with a book than chasing fake (or even real) news stories on my phone. 

I am enjoying my coffee on the front porch this morning. 
One of the downsides to living in a rural neighborhood is the lack of good internet service. Our electric co-op is now providing high-speed fiber internet and is laying the cable on our street this week. Although I measured the easement and placed the front flowerbed and fence to be out of the easement, my idea of where that is and where it actually seems to be may be a little off. One of their little flags is inside of the flowerbed. I am hopeful that it will be okay.

We have been using T-Mobile's 5G internet service and it is sufficient for our low-tech needs. To switch to the more advanced high speed fiber would more than double our internet cost. T-Mobile has a pretty good deal to switch our cell service right now and that's what we are doing with our phones. By switching now, our actual cell service will go up $10 per month, but our internet will go down $25 dollars per month. Plus we get two $1,100 phones for the low, low price of paying the sales tax.

I have to admit, the available tech is both convenient and concerning to me. I can understand the savings to businesses as their apps help to efficiently automate many things, but I also wonder about the alienation of many older people that don't use cell technology at all or only to call or text. 
Many restaurants have online menus, online pay, or just assume that everyone has a smart phone. Other businesses are trending that way, as well. Most of the time I am okay with less human contact and am willing to adapt. Sometimes I'm not.  I'm sure that advancement in AI technology will soon make human interaction less necessary when it comes to customer service and problem solving.

The ability to connect my phone to my truck is nice for navigation and listening to music, NPR, or something on Substack. I haven't been much of a follower of any podcasts, but that may change. It's also nice for incoming calls and texts. 
The amount of tech you can carry in your purse or pocket is truly amazing! We can be connected to people on the other side of the world almost instantly. It's too bad that so much energy goes into spreading fear and nonsense rather than making the most of the global community. 
Haters gotta hate.
smh

Just let me know when somebody develops a robotic gardener. I'm pretty sure I would be a better supervisor than I am as a laborer.

John