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Other features on the GlowPhone are slim. You can read, but not send text messages, which will displease messaging fans. Otherwise, you can make calls with the speakerphone, use the display as a flashlight, choose one of 120 polyphonic ringtones, and play one of four very basic games (Boxman, Snake, Mine, and Brick). The GlowPhone also includes voice mail, which was missing on the earlier Firefly model.
As an MVNO, Firefly doesn't operate a cellular network but it does have its own service plans. Both the pay-as-you-go and by-the-month options charge for each calling minute and text message, plus a daily access fee of 35 cents. The calling and texting rates for the latter plan are cheaper, but you're required to spend a minimum of $15 per month. Once your account balance is depleted, you can top it off on Firefly's Web site.
Performance
We tested the dual-band (GSM 850/1900) GlowPhone in San Francisco. Firefly uses AT&T's and T-Mobile's network, so your coverage will vary depending on which network you're using. Just keep in mind that the GlowPhone won't have service outside of the United States. Call quality was acceptable, but only for short periods. There was more feedback than on the FlyPhone and voice quality was somewhat diminished. On the upside, the volume was quite loud, particularly during speakerphone calls. On their end, some callers had trouble hearing us, especially when we were speaking in noisy environments. They could tell we were using a cell phone.
The Firefly GlowPhone has a rated battery life of five hours talk time and 8.75 days standby time.
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