Check out some of the latest mobile news, reviews and advice to help you get more out of your smartphone.
How to Make Your iPhone More SecureOur phones carry more personal data the more we use them. It’s not just contacts, messages, and WhatsApp. They also store account passwords, financial data, location data, the websites we browse and the searches we make online.As you’ll have seen in our April Newsletter email, your phone privacy, safety, and security are important to us. We want you to have the best experience possible, whether it’s ultra-secure account sign-ins or being pickier with app permissions.Luckily, iPhones make security and privacy a front and centre feature, so keeping your personal info personal couldn’t be easier. Apple’s privacy policy:Of all the big phone brands out there, Apple probably leads the way for user privacy. Every Apple-made app has been built to make your user experience uniquely yours, and not store your data, or worse, sell it to third parties.For example, the Maps app doesn’t link your data to your Apple ID, and it doesn’t record your location history, ei
That... decade old question, which is better? Android or iPhone? Whichever side you are on we want to know why your side is better. Maybe it's the iPhone's design and ease of use? Or perhaps Android’s flexibility and roster of devices wins out for you?Those who share their thoughts will be in with the chance to win... a brand new Android phone or Apple iPhone!The competition ends at 23:59 on 22nd April 2022, and we'll announce the lucky iD community winner shortly after.Let the battle commence!T&C’s apply.Good luck!
Getting food and groceries delivered to our homes is at an all-time high. Last year alone, delivery service use grew by 123%. All you need is a phone and a few choice apps, and you can have meals and groceries delivered to your door in minutes. But which delivery services are the best for you? With so much choice out there, we thought we’d highlight some of the best there is and make it simple for you to work out which ones would suit you. Some are UK wide, while others are exclusive to major cities. Some offer delivery in minutes while with others you have to book a slot and wait your turn.Let’s see which services really deliver… 😉 Takeaways: Just EatDid somebody say Just Eat? You’ve probably seen the ads, but what’s in it for you? Just Eat delivers to lots of cities and regions in the UK and cover big high street names like McDonald’s, Greggs as well as loads of small restaurants. Their app makes finding your perfect takeaway easy, but they currently lack options like seeing how f
So, you’ve finally managed to book a holiday this summer. Nice! It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to escape to foreign climates without the global pandemic and resulting travel restrictions scuppering plans. Why not make the most of it and soak up some sunshine and culture?While you’re away on your trip, the chances are you’ll still want to stay connected. Whether it’s to share your holiday snaps, use your phone as a satnav, or even just to phone home and check in on your loved ones, it’s worth knowing where you stand with mobile phone charges.Remember, iD Mobile’s Inclusive Roaming lets you roam like at home in 50 destinations (including a number of countries currently on the UK’s green list). What that means is that you can use all the minutes, texts and data in your allowance in any of these destinations at no extra cost. Totally free. How good is that!However, while you’re taking a much-earned break from the stresses of daily life (and the UK), it’s still important that y
The iPhone 13 Range:Since iPhone first launched back in 2007, few events in the tech calendar consistently drum up as much excitement as a new Apple release. Fans expect something big when September rolls around, and this year was no exception. A new iPad, iPad Mini and Apple Watch Series 7 all made a feature at the California-based launch. But of course, we can’t forget the main attraction: meet iPhone 13! Like last year’s line-up, four models were announced: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. With plenty of new features to dive into, including the jaw-dropping Cinematic Mode and the most powerful smartphone chip yet, let’s take a closer look… The Design:When it comes to design, why change a good thing? Each iPhone 13 model has the same size screen as its iPhone 12 predecessor, starting from the pocket-sized iPhone 13 Mini up to the 6.7-inch iPhone 13 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 range was praised for its stunning look and feel, so it’s great to see Apple doub
Calling all dog and cat owners! Here are some great apps to help you care for your furry friends.Being a pet parent is hugely rewarding. We’re a nation of animal lovers, with more than half of UK households owning at least one furry friend.Looking after a cat or dog can be challenging though, so we’re here to help. If your dog’s behaviour is a little ruff (sorry), or your puss is far from purr-fect (sorry, won’t happen again) we’ve rounded up some handy apps for you below. Apps for dog lovers:Puppr - for trainingDownload on iOS and Android. Basic version is free, with the option to pay for a premium subscription (after a 7-day free trial). If you think your dog could do with a spot of training, give Puppr a go. It’s a really fun and easy-to-use app, packed with step-by-step video instructions to help you train your dog at home. You’ll find everything from sitting and waiting to house-training (surely a must!) on there. Plus, a ‘circus’ section has more advanced tricks like jumping rope
The iPhone SE3 is the perfect combination of some of Apple’s best iPhone features, in a surprisingly compact package. The screen’s only 4.7”, which is really comfortable to hold - perfect for teenagers or anyone who doesn’t feel the need for a huge screen. The SE3 clocks in far smaller than the 6.1 – 6.7” you’ll see on the iPhone 13 models, and that smaller screen comes with a smaller price tag. Let’s dig into what there is to know about this latest generation of the iPhone SE. PerformanceThe iPhone SE3 is powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip – the same as the super-powerful iPhone 13 series. Sounds technical (because it is) but let’s break down what an A15 Bionic chip actually does for your phone:- No waiting around for apps to load- Works with the operating system (iOS) and battery to get you more battery life- Makes the iPhone SE3 all-around fasterSnap awayThe SE3 has one camera on the back, and one on the front – keeping it simple but without compromising on quality. Apple’s cameras
Whether you’re reaching the end of your contract, moving on from Pay as you go, or simply want to bag yourself a top deal on data, minutes and texts for the long run, now you can.For the first time ever, iD Mobile are offering 24-month SIM Only deals – and they’re not to be missed.You'll spend much less each month than a standard ‘phone contract' because you won't also be paying for the handset itself. However, you'll need to have a phone to put the SIM in or purchase one that's ‘SIM-free' to put the SIM into. Be careful that your phone isn't locked to a different network from your SIM or you won't be able to use it. Ofcom have announced that the practice of locking handsets from UK mobile networks is to be banned from December 2021, so soon you won't have to worry about that, and several networks already only sell unlocked handsets. Picking the perfect plan: Pick your perfect ‘24-month SIM Only’ plan with iD Mobile, and we’ll give you all the minutes and texts you could ever need, no
Now that we’re getting a tiny hint of sun, it’s time for a good spring clean – and that includes your phone. It’s all well and good to give your screen a wipe with some anti-bac (it lives with you after all) but have you thought about decluttering all your stuff that’s on it too?A good clear out can also help the performance of your phone – giving you more battery and improving the loading times of your apps. Not to mention, when you want to find a photo you won’t have to dig though years of screenshots (or memes as the case may be). 1. Delete photos and videosIt’s an obvious (if annoying) one. Photos and videos take up a lot of storage space, so the best place to start is a good tidy, and a liberal delete. Sort through what’s not worth keeping (45 selfies to get good light anyone?) and then move everything else to external or cloud storage. This is really worth setting aside time to do even if storage isn’t an issue – if you ever lose your phone you’ll be relieved to have everything b
How to make hybrid working work for youEven until a couple of years ago, working from home was something that we did very occasionally or not at all. But lockdown changed all that. Since WFH was the only option, loads of us have got used to it – and it looks like it’s here to stay.Although lots of people are now retuning to their offices, the new normal isn’t about a 9-5, desk job anymore. Say bye to the daily commute and hi to hybrid working!Making hybrid working work is all about setting up your home office so you can be as productive at home as you would be when at work. Here’s our guide to help you get a WFH win! Sort out your workspaceWhether you’ve managed to convert a spare room into a home office, or if you’ve just cleared off a bit of the kitchen table, mark yourself out a spot which is just for working. The last thing you want to do is to flop down on a sofa with your laptop. You just won’t be productive that way.If possible, pick a spot with natural sunlight to help you stay
We’ve got some great suggestions for upgrading your security:If you want to upgrade your home security, think about investing in smart tech. There are some really clever products that do an amazing job of keeping everything safe and secure - when you’re fast asleep, at work, or even on holiday.To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some of the best smart security systems we’ve seen lately.See who’s outside with CCTVFirst of all, let’s talk about CCTV. Those big and bulky beasts of the past are long gone. Now, you can get small and discreet outdoor security cameras that don’t cost the earth.Arlo Essential Spotlight cameras can be placed wherever you need them. You can cover a particular area like a garden fence or rear window, or you can invest in a few cameras and cover every inch of your surroundings.You get super-sharp Full HD quality video and a wide field of view, along with features like motion detection, night vision, and a loud siren. Basically, all you need to make sure you’
The average British person creates about 12-14 tonnes (yes, tonnes) of CO2 emissions per year. That might sound a bit scary, but there’s a lot we can do to tackle that and make sure our impact on the planet is as small as possible (without having to live in an off-grid yurt). So, this Earth Day, let’s have a look at some easy ways to make our tech footprint that little bit smaller.Let’s start with something we know a lot about - phonesDid you know that on average a mobile phone produces 70 kg of CO2 per year when used for 3.5 hours a day? (We don’t know about you, but we use ours a LOT). That’s 1% of the average carbon footprint in just calls, texts and data.Tips to reduce your device’s carbon footprint: 1. Switch your video settings to a lower resolution when you’re streaming and downloading. Sometimes that YouTube video doesn’t need to be in 4K.2. Stream over Wi-Fi rather than 4G or 5G wherever possible.3. Turn off automatic downloads for your apps. (This will save you data and batte
Your Holiday ChecklistPlanning a little holiday this year? After a long time in limbo, the easing of restrictions means many of us are rushing to book that little trip we’ve been set on ever since the start of the pandemic. But before you jet off, are you sure you have everything you’ll need?Many big changes have happened since we were last freely able to travel to wherever takes our fancy. Among them are the UK’s covid restrictions, the restrictions and rules of the country you’re heading to, and the fact that UK passport holders no longer queue at passport control with EU passport holders. However, there are quite a few other things you’ll want to keep in mind before you put your out-of-office on and skip to the airport! Here they are… Roam like at home:Don’t worry about relying on dodgy café Wi-Fi or keeping your phone in airplane mode. iD Mobile still offer Inclusive Roaming in 50 destinations, and we have no plans to change our policy. That means you can use all the data, minutes
It’s that time again where everyone starts to ask themselves big questions for the year ahead. How are you going to make this year a success? What new skills are you going to learn? How will you set time aside to focus on the things that really matter?These are all questions we all ask ourselves, and the answers are as varied as we are. Of course, almost everyone has a set of resolutions they intend to stick to each year. It could be a bucket list trip that you’ve always dreamed of going on, getting that dream job, or even getting back in touch with old friends and making regular plans. But the one thing you’ll need to achieve all your resolutions is motivation. So this January, we thought we’d do something a little different. Instead of counting down the most popular resolutions, here’s some great resolution inspo that can be a springboard to even bigger and better things! Make 2022 your year with these goals… Focus on your healthYou know the saying: health is wealth. We’re not just
AI, space tourism and cutting-edge consumer tech – it’s all happening in 2021…With much of the daily news focused on the covid-19 pandemic and the global response, you’d be forgiven for missing out on all the exciting developments that are happening right now in the world of technology. And there are quite a few.In some cases, the global pandemic and varying stages of lockdown have meant that technological advancements have sped up rapidly. Businesses and institutions that were previously set in their ways are now a hive of digital collaboration and automation. Schools, offices and shops have adapted to a changing world with the help of amazing tech, and artificial intelligence is getting even smarter. The present is looking ever more futuristic!Even the world of consumer tech is unrecognisable compared to just a few years ago. So, what’s new? Amazon and Virgin CEOs Blast Off Into Space:We’ll start big. Space tourism has been a long-held dream for many, and it looks like we’ve moved a
In August last year, we shared some of the biggest technological developments of 2021 and how we can expect them to not only shape our world, but impact our everyday lives. By popular demand from our wonderful Community, we’re back with a 2nd edition! And this time, we’re going to showcase the biggest advancements you can expect to see in the world of tech in 2022. So, what’s new? Electric carsElectric cars have been getting better and better throughout the years. More economical, and a greater range means that frequent service station stops to recharge on long journeys are no longer an inevitability.In fact, last year, President Biden announced a challenging new target for the US: Half of all vehicles sold in the country would use electricity rather than petrol by 2030. Naturally, that means that car manufacturers all over the world are ramping up their electric vehicle production and innovation (up by 30% in 2021!). While Tesla are currently the first brand that springs to mind when
NFC has been available on smartphones for quite a while. You might have noticed it in your settings, and there’s a good chance your phone is using it right this moment! But do you know exactly what NFC is, and what you can use it for? Read on to discover more… What exactly is NFC?NFC stands for Near Field Communication. It’s a type of wireless connection that sends data between devices that are within short distance of one another. It’s designed to work best at roughly 10 centimetres distance, and this is seen as a major security benefit. After all, you’d be sure to notice a potential hacker acting suspiciously just a few centimetres from your phone. Sony and BlackBerry (RIP) were the first to introduce this tech to their phones way back in 2011, and it’s grown to become a big, important feature ever since. What can NFC be used for?NFC lets you share data between NFC-equipped devices, but it also means you can connect two devices together too. For example, many headphones and speakers
Celebrating International Mother Tongue DayFebruary 21st marks a very special day in the calendar: International Mother Tongue Day. So, what’s it all about?Officially proclaimed by UNESCO in November 1999, this day is dedicated to protecting and preserving every single language that’s used by people around the globe. It’s about recognising the beauty in our diverse cultures, making an effort to understand and familiarise ourselves with cultures that aren’t ours through multilingualism. In other words (excuse the pun), when we dedicate ourselves to learning a new language, we automatically take a step closer to unifying with others from all walks of life.The idea of a special day to recognise the relationship between language, heritage and culture actually originated from what is now Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan). When the Pakistani government declared Urdu to be the sole national language of Pakistan in 1948, many people fought for Bangla, the mother tongue of the majority, to be
The iD Mobile guide to saving money in 2022For many people out there, December is undoubtedly the most expensive month of the year. All the Christmas prep: the presents, the food, the travelling, the reunions with friends and family at gloriously indulgent restaurants… sometimes you have to brace yourself when that monthly bill arrives. It’s no wonder that ‘staying on top of finances’ ranks so highly as a New Year’s resolution! However, tightening the purse strings after the festive season doesn’t necessarily mean you need to drastically change your lifestyle. Nor does it mean you have to immediately stop going to the places or doing the things you enjoy! All it takes is a little planning and organisation, and you’ll be amazed at how much money you’ll save, and how much more in control you’ll feel.Here are a few things you can do to save this year… Whatever you’re planning, set yourself a budgetThis one sounds simple, but when you’re making big and exciting plans, budgeting is the way
It’s no secret that joining a gym is such a popular resolution every new year. Though the festive feasting and relaxation are always a yearly highlight, the time comes when you’ve got to regain that motivation and strive for a healthy body and mind.It doesn’t have to mean running straight to your local gym on January 2nd and signing up for super-duper deluxe membership. There are plenty of things you can do to look after your health! Here are a few ideas that we’ve found incredibly useful for health and fitness goals… Keep an eye on your food intakeLooking at your diet is the best place to start when planning for your health. And no, we don’t mean cutting out everything you love and sticking exclusively to salads indefinitely. What we mean is, everything in moderation!When you track what you eat and plan your meals in advance, you can plan a more effective workout routine – but more on that later. Here are a couple of apps we think are perfect for recording what you eat: See How You Ea
Narrowly missed out on our amazing Black Friday offers and feeling a touch of FOMO? Relax! We think everyone should be able to get an incredible value deal here at iD, so our deals don’t end in November. That’s right, we’re treating everyone to epic deals for the festive season, too.Let’s get started with our Christmas SIM Only offers. As you probably know by now, we’re all about ‘no fluff, just the good stuff’ at iD Mobile. That means features you’ll love, like Data Rollover and Bill Capping, a Help and Support area where you can find the answers you need, and amazing value.Well, this month, we’re throwing in a Christmas gift too. Throughout December, we’ll give you a Currys gift card worth up to £50 when you buy a selected 12 or 24-month SIM Only plan. Starting at £10 a month for 12 months, you’ll get 20GB data, unlimited minutes, and a £25 gift card to spend on the tech you love. And it doesn’t stop there – here’s our pick of the best SIM Only deals this month: Contract length
Great gifts and amazing food aside, there’s one reason that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and that’s the quality time we spend with family and friends. It’s a chance to unplug from the world and make brilliant memories with those nearest and dearest to us.Not every family’s Christmas Day follows the exact same traditions. Some are ready to break out the board games as soon as the Christmas pudding’s finished, others like to fire up the Nintendo Switch for a Mario Kart grand prix, while others love a festive movie before moving on to swapping gifts. If you’re stuck for things to watch or play together as a family, read on! Bring out the board games!If there’s one time of year you can convince everyone to get involved, it’s Christmas. Sure, we might end up flinging board pieces at each other in frustration, but we'll all be closer for it in the end. Here are a mix of games that can be played offline (i.e on a board) and on your phone, together.Of course, offline gamin
We’ve all done it. A great new phone comes out that ticks every box, and boom! You’ve bought it and you’re upgrading. You back up all your files and apps, pop the SIM out of your old phone and into the new and that’s it. You’re all moved over and ready to crack on with your new, next-gen smartphone. But what are you going to do with your old phone?Whether you want to make a gift of it to a family member or mate, sell it, donate it to charity or keep putting it to good use, there’s always a better option than simply ‘out of sight, out of mind’. Here are just a few of them: Give it as a gift!We all know the latest smartphones are getting better and better, but phones from just a few years ago still work perfectly well in today’s 5G focused world.Think about the flagship phones that launched just two years ago: iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy S10, Google Pixel 4, Oneplus 7 - these are all still brilliant phones, even now. If your old phone is still as snappy as ever, why not give it to that mat
In need of some Christmas pressie inspo? It can be pretty tricky nailing the perfect gift for all the special people in your life! Whether they’re really into their phones, gaming, fitness,, or a mix of everything, Christmas present planning can turn into something of a project. But when you get it right, there’s no better feeling than the gift of giving.Here are some ideas we think will make their Christmas… Gifts for phone loversAre they thinking about getting a new phone? Here’s our pick of the smartphones that’ll put a smile on their face: For flagship fans - Google Pixel 6There’s so much to love about the Google Pixel 6, but nothing more than the reimagined camera system. Pixel phones are known for having impressive cameras, and this is without doubt the best yet. So, if that friend or relative is into their Insta, you can’t go wrong with this phone.We love the anti-blurring editing feature. If they happen to capture a dud photo where someone’s face is blurred, the clever editing
