Do you know someone who you think might be feeling lonely? If so, here’s something that can really help – the Better Health: Every Mind Matters Loneliness campaign. It’s a government initiative from the DMCS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport), so let’s dive in and see what it’s all about.What is the ‘Better Health: Every Mind Matters Loneliness’ campaign all about?Loneliness can have a huge impact on our wellbeing. That’s why the DCMS has created the Better Health: Every Mind Matters Loneliness campaign. Its main aim to get people to help others who feel lonely, by raising awareness and encouraging simple actions that can help ‘lift someone out of loneliness’. Because if we do this regularly, we can all help to lift each other up.What can you do to lift someone out of loneliness?If you’d like to help someone feeling lonely, here are some top tips from the campaign:Pay them a visit. Reaching out for a chat and cuppa with a family member or friend is the best way of makin

It's January. We're usually busy cracking on with our New Year’s resolutions and organising plans for the year ahead. But it can also be a bit of a sad time for many people. After the warm feelings of the festive period - spending time with those closest to us - January can feel like the celebrations are over.But there are little things you can do to add some positivity to your day. And we’ve got some brilliant suggestions to put a smile on your face. What is Blue Monday?‘Blue Monday’ (the day, not the New Order hit) was actually launched as a marketing scheme in 2005 by a travel company. They claimed to have calculated the most depressing day of the year. To work this out, they used factors like average temperature, days until the next bank holiday, hours of daylight and days since last payday.However, the psychologist that developed the concept later campaigned against it. Instead, he said that everyone should try and focus on the positives. If you’re setting new goals this year, tha

Whether it’s UberEats, Just Eat or Deliveroo, most of us have takeaway apps on our phones. But what about finding a really great restaurant or getting a table at that tapas bar that everyone’s talking about?The good news is that there are apps for that too. So, whether you’re wanting to wow your date on Valentine’s Day or you’re looking for a pub to take the family for an epic Sunday roast, dine out with some of the best apps around.The ForkGreat for: money off your billThe Fork is one of the most popular restaurant apps around. Start by selecting a location, a date and time and you’ll be shown all the restaurants that have a free table. You can then filter by ratings, type of food and whether you can make savings through the app – and these can be as much as 50% on your bill!The app gives you reviews from other users, a full menu, opening hours and pretty much everything else you need to know. Use the app regularly enough and you’ll soon rack up Yums – which can be used at restaurants

Thinking about a holiday? Course you are. It’s nice having something fun to look forward to.Plus, this is the best time to get one sorted. Lots of travel companies offer cut price deals and discounts on loads of destinations. There’s genuinely something (or somewhere) for everyone. From solo ventures to romantic getaways with your better half.But you want a holiday with a difference, right? A trip that swaps chilling by the pool for something a bit more thrilling. We’ve travelled far and wide to find the best apps and websites. One’s tailor made for planning a more unique kind of trip.Grab your suitcase. Pick up your passport. Put on your shades. We’re off exploring…Lucky TripWe’ve all heard about a lucky dip. But how about a Lucky Trip? If you can never decide where to go – or just love being spontaneous – then this is for you. You can plan a whole trip in just one tap. All you’ve got to do is set your budget and press a button. Your randomised holiday is now in the hands of the trave

While January is the time we start to crack on with our New Year’s resolutions and plans for the year ahead, It’s also notoriously a time of melancholy. After the warm feeling of the festive period, catching up with the people closest to us, January can feel like the celebrations are over. But there are little things you can do to sprinkle positivity into your day, and we’ve got some awesome suggestions to put a smile on your face.‘Blue Monday’ (the day, not the New Order hit) was actually launched as a marketing scheme in 2005 by a travel company, who claimed to have calculated the most depressing day in the calendar. They used factors like average temperature, days until the next bank holiday, hours of daylight and days since last payday. Nevertheless, the psychologist that developed the concept later campaigned against it, imploring everyone to focus on the positives. If you’re embarking on new goals this year, that’s an invigorating feeling that shouldn’t be overlooked.Nowadays, Bl

For loads of us, the festive season was really expensive and (with cost of living going up) 2023 doesn’t look like it’s going to be any lighter on the pocket. It’s no wonder that ‘staying on top of finances’ ranks so highly as a New Year’s resolution! However, tightening the purse strings 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 a few apps will help you on your way.Here are a few things you can do to save this year… Always set a budgetWhether you’re doing a weekly shop, an evening out or even off on holiday, always know how much you want to spend and stick to it. Those spontaneous purchases soon add up. Setting a realistic budget you know you can stick to will get you one step closer to your savings goals.The good news is that you can leave your calculato

2022 was another brilliant year for smartphones. We got fresh releases from all the big names. Apple, Samsung, and Google all dropped their latest and greatest models. Plus, Motorola and Oppo popped up with some top phones of their own. And with new phones comes a bunch of exciting new features. Here are just a few of our favourites…iPhone 14 Pro - Your private islandApple’s iPhone 14 Pro is a big improvement on the iPhone 13. And that’s partly down to the brand spanking new ‘Dynamic Island’. This pill-shaped block sits at the top of your screen and replaces the physical notch from older iPhones.The island is your go-to information hub. Quickly view your important alerts and interactions when waking your phone. See what track is playing. Check the weather. Keep an eye on a timer while you cook. You can do it all without having to open a specific app. It makes everything quicker and so much easier.Your Insta-game gets a boost too. Snaps will sizzle thanks to the first ever 48-megapixel

With iD Mobile, you’re onto a winner. But don’t just take our word for it. We won big at the Trusted Reviews Awards 2022. So, sit back and relax, as we announce the gongs we took home on the night.Who are Trusted Reviews?They’re one of the most respected tech review sites out there. And for good reason. They’ve been going since 2004, and review over 1000 products and services every year. That makes them one of the largest tech reviewers in the UK. With millions of users, its many people’s go-to website before they take the plunge on a new gadget.Their team is made up of experienced writers and tech specialists. They’ve got years of joint knowledge on smartphones, computing and everything in between. Plus, they’re fully independent. That means their advice is unbiased. And you can trust it completely.What are the Trusted Reviews Awards? Every year, Trusted Reviews take a moment to recognise the best gear and brands from the past 12 months. And as part of the awards, there’s usually a bu

Summer has finally arrived! Although we might not be able to start jetting off overseas just yet what is certain though is the need for a well-earned, well deserved break. That’s why we think a ‘staycation’ might be just what you need to kick the post lockdown blues!   We’ve gathered a few top ‘Staycation 2020’ ideas to help staying in the UK more fun than ever.   Drive in Cinema Social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t have the big screen experience. Drive-in cinemas have been popping up all over lately and are a fun way to watch classic films with those you’re closest to. In lieu of the usual summer blockbuster, these outdoor drive thru cinemas will be showing a mix of recent hits (1917, Knives Out), timeless classics (Back to the Future, Grease) and family favourites (The Lion King, Aladdin) all from the comfort and security of your own car!   Host a cooking night Video calls don’t just have to be for the weekly family quiz, how about mixing it up and attempt to show off you

Remember the sheer panic of picking up the landline phone and accidentally disconnecting the whole house from the internet? We certainly do.It really wasn’t that long ago when we spent our evenings swapping polyphonic ringtones via infrared. Back then, you had to carry completely separate devices if you wanted to make calls, play games, and listen to music on the go. Today, our pockets hold foldable, AI-powered supercomputers that do it all. Let's take a fun, nostalgic journey through the evolution of consumer technology to see just how far we’ve come—and where we are heading next. The Mobile Phone Journey: From Bricks to Foldables and AI  When you look back, it is incredible to trace the origins of the mobile phone. We started with the heavy, brick-like Motorola DynaTAC back in 1983. It had one job: making calls. By the late 90s and early 00s, brands introduced colourful screens, swappable covers, and those early, pixelated cameras that we all thought were cutting-edge.Then came the m

 Looking for a great tech pressie without breaking the bank? Then look no further…For music fans Samsung Galaxy Buds 2Got a music maestro on your gifting list? Surprise them with these wireless Samsung Galaxy Buds 2. All they’ll have to do is connect them to a Bluetooth-enabled device, load up their favourite playlist and get listening with crisp sound and punchy bass.Even better, they can easily tune out unwanted chatter with noise-cancelling technology and three ambient sound modes. Sony WH-CH710N Wireless Noise-Cancelling HeadphonesFor immersive audio, these Sony WH-CH710N Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones will have your gift-receiver grooving into the new year and beyond.Whether they’re on a plane, train, or in the office, Sony's AI Noise-Cancelling adapts to their surroundings, so they’ll only hear what they want to. The Sony WH-CH710N produce incredible hi-res sound too – they’ll feel like they’re standing in the studio with their favourite band.For bookworms Amazon Kindle 202

In the UK, traditional Christmas is delicious, but also predictable: turkey, roast potatoes, all the trimmings and gravy. But almost every country and culture in the world has their own Christmas  dinner tradition – and turkey isn’t always included. From KFC to curried goat, every culture does things a little differently. And a lot deliciously.And if you fancy giving Brussel sprouts a miss this year, we’ll even recommend a few apps that you can use to help you whip up an alternative Xmas lunch. Unless you’re planning to have a Japanese Christmas lunch. Then we could just suggest a delivery app.Japan - KFCChristmas dinner was never really a big deal in Japan… until recently. In the 1970s, a canny KFC branch owner started a tradition of Christmas Fried Chicken and it’s taken off. An estimated 3.6 million families in Japan are expected to be queuing up this year for their festive bucket this year.South Africa - Mopane wormsI’m A Celebrity may turn eating creepy crawlies into a trial, but

Deals. It’s hard to say no to a good deal. And we reckon they’re at their most tempting on Black Friday. If you’re seriously thinking about upgrading your phone, this is the perfect place to do it. Go on, you know you want to.Android or Apple?Whether you’re an Apple addict or an Android diehard, we’ve got your back. You don’t have to wait until Christmas for a real cracker here either.Ready to go Pro? Grab the iPhone 14 Pro (128 GB) with unlimited data and save £72. Stream your fave tunes, set a new high score and watch that funny cat video over and over to your heart’s content. It’s Pro for a reason. You’re not going to run out.If you’re not ready to take the plunge just yet, go for the iPhone 13 (128 GB) instead – with the same unlimited data, but at just £29 a month. A serious steal!Or if you’re more of a Samsung stan, save a stack and save £144 on the A52s 5G. 50 GB of data and only £19.99 a month to boot. Watch your latest streaming obsession in dazzling detail on the widescreen I

  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

We’re all feeling the pinch right now. Energy bills have skyrocketed – and it only looks like they’re going to keep rising. According to research from the House of Commons Library, “household energy bills increased by 54% in April 2022”. And they’re going up by another 27% this October…But there’s a way to bring those bills down and make a difference: smart tech.What is smart tech and how does it work?Smart technology is tech with a brain, with more clever stuff going on under the hood. Take a simple bit of gear – then automate it, control it using an app and connect it with other devices in your house. And Bob’s your uncle. You’ve got yourself some smart tech.We’re talking about the kind that’s there to save you some serious money and energy.  Combining smart plugs, lights and thermostats can make a big difference to your wallet at the end of the month. Smart lightsInstalling eco or LED bulbs in every room can really help keep the cost of your bills down long-term. Smart bulbs are des

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:Trade it in with iD MobileiD Mobile will happily take your old phone and give you cash in return. The process is really easy, and it’s all done online.Simply head to the iD Mobile trade-in page and search for your phone model. Then fill it a quick online form and you’ll receive a quote. If you’re happy with the amount of cash you’ll get, put your mobile in the pre-paid Jiffy bag we’ll send you, then post it to us. You’

Skipping the shops and buying your Christmas haul online? We don’t blame you. Shopping online is quick and convenient, and with most retailers offering next-day or even same-day delivery, it’s never been easier to get Christmas-ready from your sofa. But just as you might watch your purse or pockets when out in a busy shopping centre, it’s important to stay safe whilst shopping online.Unfortunately, Christmas is prime time for scammers. They’re always devising new ways to cheat deal-hunting customers out of their cash, and their methods are getting much more sophisticated. But don’t fear – there are a few things you can do to keep safe online whilst bagging those Christmas bargains.Don’t use public Wi-FiPublic Wi-Fi networks are handy in a pinch but come with major security compromises. Never buy stuff online when you’re using a public Wi-Fi network. Your connection is nowhere near as secure as it is when you’re using your own mobile data or home broadband, which means that determined f

Is your smartphone struggling with basic tasks? Do you dread going out without a charger? Sounds like it’s time for an upgrade. Unlike cosmetic issues that can sometimes be fixed, processor slow-down and battery issues are inevitable as your phone ages. There are loads of warning signs to watch out for, so we’ve popped a few of them in this handy list. If any ring true, it’s time to consider how long you’ve had your phone and if it’s still up to the task.  1.Failing battery and random shutdowns  A sure sign that your phone’s on its way out is when the battery life starts to fail. Smartphone batteries are made with lithium-ion and can go through 300-500 full charge cycles before they start to deteriorate. After that, they tend to only hold between 70-80 % of their original capacity, eventually losing the ability to recharge altogether. If your phone randomly starts shutting down, it’s time to think seriously about replacing it. The last thing you want is to be out and about with an unus

Let’s face it, sometimes you get back from holiday and feel like you need another one. As soon as you’re back to the commute on a rainy old Monday morning, it can seem like you’ve never been away.So, we’ve put together a few hints and tips, together with helpful links and apps, to help you beat those post-holiday blues and arrive at work with a positive attitude. And, if you haven’t been away yet, read on, a little pre-holiday planning can make it much easier when you get back to reality.1. Get organisedAfter a long, lazy holiday, that alarm on your first morning back can be tough. So, make things easy on yourself with a little planning the night before. Choose what you’re going to wear, get your bag ready for work, find your security pass, etc.And make to-do lists of what needs to be prioritised on the first day or week. There are some great apps, like Evernote Wunderlist or Trello that can help you with this kind of prep and planning.If you haven’t been away yet, you can get organise

All you need to know about Google’s new flagship phones, Pixel 7 & Pixel 7 Pro.Google has unveiled two new flagship stunners, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. We had a chance to get up close and personal with them recently, so read on to see what makes them so special.Dazzling design and displayGoogle is sticking with its distinct Pixel design. No surprises here. So just like the Pixel 6 phones, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro have the unique camera bar running right across the back. The new metallic finish is definitely more stylish and subtle than the older Pixel 6 version though, and the bar now blends nicely into the frame.The rest of the back is glass, giving it a real quality feel. You’ve got a few colour options. For Pixel 7 you can go for Obsidian (black), Snow (white) or Lemongrass (a pale yellow). For the Pixel 7 Pro, you’ve got the choice of Obsidian, Snow or Hazel (grey).The Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch display, so slightly smaller than the Pixel 6’s 6.4-inch display. The Pixel 7 Pro

World Environment Day on 5th June is the ‘people's day’ for doing something to take care of the earth. Everyone is free to choose, so if you need some inspiration, why not think about recycling your old smartphone? If you throw out an old smartphone, it could end up being bad for the environment. If not disposed of properly it might end up in a landfill site, slowly corroding and leaking out hazardous substances like lead, nickel and mercury. The best way of stopping this from happening is to recycle it. With just a little imagination, you can use your old smartphone for another purpose. Need some inspiration? We’ve got a few ideas… 1. Home security cameraIf you want to keep an eye on the house while you’re on holiday or at work, your old phone is the perfect tool. Just download a decent webcam app (like IP Webcam on Android or Presence on iPhone), and you’ll be able to see what your old phone’s camera sees from your web browser. So place it somewhere that gives you a good vie

It’s that time of the year again, Apple fans! Four new iPhones have landed - iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.These new phones are packed with exciting new tech and features including crash detection, stunning low-light photography and longer battery life. Let’s take a closer look…Design and displayiPhone 14 shares the same design as iPhone 13, so it looks like Apple is sticking with what its phone users know and love. There’s one big difference though - unlike the iPhone 13 range, there’s no mini option.The Super Retina XDR OLED display sizes are 6.1-inches on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, and 6.7-inches on iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max. These sharp, bright and colourful screens make everything look amazing and are great for entertainment – you’ll love playing games and watching movies on them.As for colours, iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro comes in midnight, blue, starlight, purple and ‘product red’. Go for iPhone 14 Plus or iPhone 14 Pro Max and you’v

Android: What’s new?Coming to the end of your phone contract and ready for something new? You’re in the right place. Since the last time you treated yourself to a new device, smartphones have got better…a lot better. These days, you can find a great smartphone to suit any budget. Here are a few of our favourites, and how they shape up against the smartphones of yesteryear. Samsung Galaxy A51One of the biggest visual improvements to smartphones over the past few years has been the chiselling of notches and bezels to fit larger screens. The Samsung Galaxy A51 may only be a fraction taller than 2018’s J6, but at 6.5-inches, the screen is almost a full inch bigger.But the display’s features don’t stop there. The screen itself is a Super AMOLED with precise colour accuracy and fantastic brightness even when you’re using it in sunlight. Backed by a better-than-Full HD resolution, it really brings the best out of all your pocket-sized content. And that pinhole front camera not only means you

The Pixel 6a is here - the small but mighty version of Google’s flagship Pixel 6.Just like previous a-series Pixels, it’s a scaled back version of the flagship Pixel at a lower price point. If you’re looking to upgrade to a feature-packed phone without paying top-end prices, it could be the one for you. Let’s check it out!Classic Google designAll phones in the Pixel 6 family share the same familiar ‘Google’ design, with a horizontal camera bar breaking up the back. The main difference is that it protrudes less on the Pixel 6a. A good thing, in our opinion. Not quite as good is the plastic back, which seems prone to picking up scrapes and scratches. Treat your new Pixel 6a to a phone case as soon as you get it, and you should be fine.As for the display, the Pixel 6a features a 6.1-inch OLED panel with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Not quite as large (or as smooth) as the 6.4-inch Pixel 6, but the vivid colours and deep blacks you get with OLED look fantastic. A quality camera set-upGoog

It’s the European Day of Languages on 26 September - a day to encourage learning a new language across Europe. But what are those benefits, exactly? And can mobile apps really help you learn? Let’s find out.Why learn another language?You’ll transform your travels. Whether you’re going on holiday or backpacking across the continent, even speaking a little bit of the local lingo is a good way to immerse yourself in another culture. Locals will be more inclined to help you find beautiful places away from the well-trodden tourist path, and you might even hear about a great restaurant to try out! Unlock new doors in your career. Plenty of companies are looking to trade globally or break into new markets, and multi-lingual employees can help them achieve their goals. The ability to speak another language sets you apart from other candidates when applying for a job, and shows a willingness to learn new skills. And if you’re ever looking to study or work overseas, having another language under