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

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

Want to up your Instagram game? Then check out our hottest camera phone tips below.These days, all half decent phones have cameras where you can just point and shoot. Press the shutter button, a nice photo appears on your screen, job done. But you can do a lot better with just a little extra planning. Follow our tips below, for quality photos that’ll light up your social feeds and rack up some serious likes. 1. Switch on your grid lines.Pro cameras have framing grids in the viewfinder window, to help you square things up and compose your shot. You’ve got this option in your phone camera app, so go ahead and switch it on. It shouldn’t be hard to find. If you’ve got an Android phone it’ll be under something like Settings > Apps > Camera > Grid Lines. You’ll now be able to keep everything parallel with any natural horizontal and vertical lines in your shot. 2. Use natural light.Natural light is a photographer’s friend. Making use of it is always a better choice than using your ph

Love a deal? These websites and apps are perfect for hunting down the best offers around.Let’s face it – we all love to bag a bargain. Sometimes you stumble upon a great deal, and sometimes you have to search it out. But nowadays there are loads of services available to help you get the most out of your money or get a little back when you’ve done a big shop. So, we’ve rounded up our favourites and put them into two categories – cashback (spend money, get a bit back) and discounts (get a bit off before you spend). Let’s get into it…Best apps for cashbackCashback is pretty appealing – sometimes you get a few pence back on a shop, and sometimes you get a whole load off a big purchase. We’ve all seen cashback offers around, but with these dedicated apps it’s easier than ever to hunt down these great deals.TopCashbackTopCashback offers cashback from thousands of UK brands. Membership is free (but you can upgrade to a paid option), and you can choose how you get your cashback – straight to y

Summer’s (finally) here! And what better way to celebrate than a staycation in the sun? UK staycations have really stepped up their game over the past few years – think Cornwall, the Peak District, or the Scottish Highlands. So, if you’re not going abroad this year, follow our family staycation tips for some summer fun with the kids! 1. Take a family trip to a museumThe UK is home to some of the best museums in the world. The best part? A lot of them are free (yay!) and come paired with some fantastic children’s activities. If you’re not sure which museum to go to, check out Whichmuseum.co.uk or list.co.uk to discover the best museum suggestions for every interest.If you’re nearby London, you’ve got lots of choice. Junior dinosaur fans will love exploring prehistoric life in the Natural History Museum, and budding scientists will love to find out what ‘Our Future Planet’ might look like thanks to the Science Museum’s summer exhibition! 2. Go on a picnic You can’t beat a family picnic i

Summer is just around the corner, which probably means your kids are going to have a lot of free time on their hands. And that might mean a lot more time spent on their phone. Read on to get clued-up on keeping your child safe on their smartphone and discover our top tips for monitoring their mobile usage. How to encourage your kids to make the most of summerBefore trying anything else, simply set some expectations when it comes to mobile phone use at home:Let them know their limits. For example, discuss how many hours they can spend on social media, make sure their phones are turned off at night, and establish ‘no phone zones’ – like at the dinner table. Plan things to do. Sign them up for some fun summer activities, or plan some trips to the museum, park, or zoo. If all else fails, encourage them to hang out with their friends. Be a good role model. Since you’re asking your child to spend less time in front of a screen, try to do the same thing.  Keeping your child safe on their phon

So, you’re here because you use Google Maps, and well, so do we! Google Maps is a great way to find your way around on foot, on a bike or in a car, no matter where you are. And based on Googles algorithm, you’ll get a reasonably accurate ETA based on the time of day you’re travelling. You’ve also got the option to select if you’d like to visit some amenities on the way! Google Maps is especially popular among Android users as the app comes pre-installed on the phone.Anyway, enough about Google maps, we’re here to talk about alternatives, and there are quite a few of them, but here’s our top two: Waze:While probably not the best app to use on foot, Waze is a community-driven map service that is fast to navigate and intuitive. It’s a highly interactive system that lets users warn other drivers of changes in traffic, roadworks, speed cameras and potential hazards. Because of this, you’ll get a more accurate depiction of how long your journey will take before and during it. You’ll also be

Tired of endless buffering ruining your commute, or burning through your entire data allowance before the month is even up?As we cruise through 2026, we all have access to a massive cinematic universe right in our pockets. But to truly appreciate these visually stunning shows and movies, you need to ensure you are streaming—and downloading—in glorious High Definition.Whether you are connected to the superfast iD Mobile 5G network or downloading over your home Wi-Fi for a long underground tube journey, taking control of your app settings is absolutely crucial. Here is your ultimate, easy-to-follow guide to maximising video quality across all the major streaming platforms.Read on to learn the exact steps to force high-definition streaming and configure premium offline downloads across Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Disney+, and Apple TV+. How to master Netflix streaming.  Netflix is usually the go-to for a quick binge, but are you actually watching in the best quality? To force th

Going on holiday is supposed to be all about chilling out and getting the most out of your trip. But what with packing, booking and finding your way around, sometimes trips overseas can even seem a bit more stress and then break.That’s why it’s always good to have your phone on hand. We’ve picked out some of the best travel apps around that are designed to make every aspect of your holiday that much easier. From booking your flight to working out what’s on the menu, there’s an app for that…Before you go…Booking your flightThe good thing about booking online in that you can shop around for the cheapest flights. And Skyscanner makes that easy. Just put in your destination and the dates you want to travel and it’ll compare all available airlines. You can then filter by cheapest, fastest and even which flights have the lowest CO2 emissions.Skyscanner: Android / iOS Looking for accommodationFor houses, it’s hard to beat Airbnb. Enter where you want to stay and the dates you’re staying and y

If you’re looking for a new smartphone that can do all the thing you love doing, you’re in the right place. Here’s our pick of the latest and greatest Android phones, to help you make that all-important decision. Take a look – is your next dream phone one of these?Samsung Galaxy S22 5GThe Galaxy S22 5G is a content creator’s dream with its revolutionary, AI-enhanced triple-lens camera setup. This includes a 50MP wide camera that automatically adjusts exposure and uses OIS (optical image stabilisation) to keep things steady - so you’ll be able to shoot the brightest, clearest, and most detailed photos ever seen on a Galaxy smartphone. And with the Nightography feature, you can now capture amazingly bright night-time videos and portrait shots.Thanks to the incredibly bright Dynamic AMOLED 2X 6.1-inch display you can stay entertained all through the sunniest days. And with a 10Hz-120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, scrolling through your socials and swiping through screens feels super-smooth and

Looking to upgrade to a shiny new iPhone? iD Mobile has got you covered.We’ve got the latest and greatest iPhones, with everything that makes the Apple experience so good – all new iOS 15 software, effortless style, and cameras that set the standard. And you’re bound to find a top deal that works for you, right here. Let’s take a closer look at the line-up: iPhone SE (3rd Gen): The SE delivers the best of the iPhone experience to suit any budget. It has the same processor that’s used in the iPhone 13, and a more-than-capable 12MP camera that’ll shoot instantly shareable 4K footage at up to 60 fps. That’s impressive.With a 4.7-inch LCD screen, it’s the smallest iPhone available right now. It’s not full HD, but the iPhone SE still delivers bundles of clarity and colour, and the handset feels super comfy and natural to use single-handed.Elsewhere, the SE can run intensive AR apps and you can get over 9 hours battery on a single charge  -and that’s with intensive use. Plus, with up to 256

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 A53 5GOne of the biggest developments to reshape the smartphone world recently is the introduction of speedy 5G. While it was an exclusive feature for the most premium phones only two years ago, we’re starting to see it introduced in mid-range handsets like the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G. And it’s a hugely welcome addition.That’s not the only thing that’s new, though. If you’re moving on from the Samsung Galaxy A51, you’ll notice plenty more technological leaps. Like the display, for instance. They both have a 6.5-inch screen, but this time around, Samsung have doubled the refresh rate to a flagship-standa

Every year brings a new iPhone line-up and with them, new innovations that make the experience that much better. Whether it’s ground-breaking camera tech like Cinematic Mode, ever-smarter AI or an all-new iOS operating system, the latest iPhones can do things that simply weren’t possible even just a few years ago. So, how does Apple’s iPhone line-up compare to previous generations?iPhone SE3 (2022) vs iPhone SE2 (2020) Great iPhone features, with a much smaller price tag – the entry-level iPhone SE is well loved for good reason. But how does the newest 2022 version compare to the 2020 SE2?Both the 2nd and 3rd generation iPhone SEs have the same look and feel – they’re both a bit bigger than the original SE, but still very compact by today’s phone standards. The main difference in the newer 3rd gen is the durable ceramic shield glass and aluminium frame.Spec-wise, you’re going from an A13 chip, to the A15, which means way more power. The SE3 also has up to two hours more battery, and be

Contactless is the new way to pay – letting you use your phone to get that coffee without needing to grab your wallet or take your debit card out. Google and Apple Pay are essentially wallets in your phone, storing your card info so that you can pay for things with just a tap of your phone.As more and more businesses are becoming card only, and almost everywhere takes card and contactless payments, it’s good to know how to get your phone set up. And what’s the difference between Google Pay and Apple Pay anyway? Well, we’re here to break it down and explain everything you need to know about these payment services.Let’s start with a quick explainer: Google Pay The name is pretty self-explanatory – this is Google’s Pay app. It’s only available from the Google Play Store and is the go-to wallet app for most Android users. You can save loads of cards, including membership (that’s your nectar points sorted) and it’s easy to switch which card you want to use. Key features:- Your information i

Do you have any old phones and pre-loved items? Here’s how to cash in on them.Be honest. Do you just stick your old phone in a drawer when you get a new one? Still have outdated tech you haven’t used in yonks? Old clothes in the wardrobe you’ll never wear again? If so, why not try and cash in on some of it? It’s easier than you think…Sell your old stuff online There are loads of great apps to help making selling your old stuff easy. Here are a few of the best. Remember, the more popular the app, the more potential buyers there are:Depop – a fashion marketplace for lots of different styles.Here’s a brilliant place for getting rid of your old clothes and accessories. The best way of describing Depop is like a mash up of eBay and Instagram. You can set up your own profile on Depop, so take your time and give it lots of thought. Make it an attractive store-front to attract customers that share your style, and you could be onto a winner.Free to download on iOS and Android  Vinted – sell you

Whether you’ve just got a shiny new Android phone (congrats!) or have been attached to your trusty old one for years, here are some of our favourite hacks and tips to help you get the most from it… 1. Track your Android phone There’s nothing worse than losing your phone. That’s where Android’s ‘Find My Device’ feature can help! If you added a Google account to your Android device during set up, then ‘Find My Device’ is automatically turned on. So, if the worst ever happens (fingers crossed it doesn’t, obviously) and your phone goes missing, you can track it down. Just type 'android.com/find' into your web browser, and log in with the same Google account that you added to your phone. You’ll then be able to see the location of your device. Hopefully, it will show your own address, or a close friend or family member. Then it shouldn’t be too difficult to track it down, and you can even make it ring out loud to aid your search (providing it can access the internet, and ‘locat

 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

If you’re in a ‘tricking’ mood for Halloween, we’ve unearthed some of the spookiest and scariest apps to get one over on your unsuspecting friends, family and work colleagues. But be warned – some of these are not for the squeamish or those of a nervous disposition. Scare Prank Get it FREE on Android Here’s the deal with Scare Prank. It’s cunningly disguised as a reaction game, where you – or your unsuspecting friend – are asked to perform simple tasks such as tapping the screen when two boats meet each other. But just as they become fully engrossed and are staring intently at the display, guess what? A horrific ghost-child type thing then flashes up on the screen, accompanied by a blood-curdling scream. The fake game is very well done, so we reckon it’ll easily fool most people. And if you turn the volume on your phone right up, it’s even more effective! Scary Prank: Scare Your Friends With Prank Ghosts Get it FREE on iOS If you’ve got an iPhone, Scary Prank is the app t

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

Data is your hero when you’re out and about and unable to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Whether you need to WhatsApp someone, post something on social media, find your way using maps, or stream your favourite show, we’re more reliant on mobile data than ever before.Yet we all know it can be pricey if you go over your monthly limit – and a huge mobile bill is the last thing you need.Luckily, we’ve put together tips and tricks for tracking and curbing your data usage, so you can still enjoy using your data and avoid any potential charges.   Tracking Your Data UsageTracking your data usageOkay, so we may be biased here; if you’re an iD Mobile customer, the best way to track your data usage is to use the iD Mobile app. The app is free to use (it doesn’t use up any of your data), and best of all, it’s real-time, so you’ll see exactly how much you’ve got left at the point you’re checking it.How to check your data usage using the iD Mobile App: Open iD Mobile app > Log in > Your remaining