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 Still have outdated tech you haven’t used in yonks?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

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

Samsung has launched its new S22 series of flagship phones, and they’re absolute stunners. Three models are available: the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+ and Galaxy S22 Ultra, all packed with incredible tech that Samsung says will make your ‘everyday epic’. Let’s take a closer look… Pro-quality camerasThe Samsung S-series is famous for including the best camera tech around, and this is exactly what the S22 is offering.Both the S22 and S22+ have the same triple rear camera setup. There’s a 12MP Ultra Wide Camera that really expands your POV, a 50MP Wide-angle Camera with a truly massive sensor capable of lighting up the night, and a 10MP Telephoto Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (plus 30x digital zoom) that means nothing's too far to shoot. And if you go for the S22 Ultra, you get an even better 108MP Wide-angle Camera, and an extra telephoto lens that ups the digital zoom to a whopping 100x.Samsung is so proud of the camera’s capabilities in the dark, they’re calling it Nightography (nifty name).

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

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

World Book Day (Thursday 3rd March) is a great time to get into a new book or old classic. Whether it’s a paperback or on e-reader, there’s nothing like reading a great book. But at the same time, it can be hard to fit reading sessions into our busy lives. And that’s what’s great about audiobooks. You can still enjoy brilliant books but have someone else doing the reading for you.And it also means you can enjoy a book audio style while you’re doing other things. So, whether you’re on your daily commute, doing chores around the house or even about to go for a run – get one of these brilliant books on your phone, hook up your headphones and get lost in some incredible worlds.From anything from thought-provoking social issues to bone-chilling crime, here are 5 audiobooks that we think you should download and play right now… The Hate U Give by Angie ThomasInspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and now turned into a film, The Hate U Give follows the struggles of Starr Carter. She’s a y

Whether you’re kicking back and listening to music, lost in a podcast or just need something to exercise to, there’s nothing like a great pair of Bluetooth earphones or headphones. Pair them up with your phone and you’re good to go. But with so many options out there, it’s hard to know which to pick.That’s why we’ve selected 5 of the best with something for every type of listener – but which do you like the sound of? For sporty typesLove to work out or go for a run? Powerbeats Pro from Beats let you listen to your fave playlist to get you moving. Their secure ear hooks mean they won’t fall out no matter how intense your workout and they’re completely adjustable - so you can easily find your perfect fit. Whether you’re out for a run in the rain or you like to work up a sweat, they’re water-resistant and incredibly sturdy - so you can push yourself without worrying about them. They’re not only built to last, but the audio packs a punch too. And because they come packing Premium Bluetooth

Say hello to Pixel 3 Google’s new smartphones are finally here! Give a warm welcome to the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Both are amazing and packed to the brim with features, including an awesome camera that you’ll love playing around with. Here’s our hands-on impressions. Beautiful design, no smudges The first thing you notice about any smartphone is its design, and the Pixel 3 is gorgeous thanks to an all-glass front and back. The Pixel 3 is a phone you’ll want to show off to your friends. That glass back also has a two-tone look and a matte finish that gives the phone a nice grip – so it’s less likely to slip out from your hands. The matte finish is also good at keeping fingerprints and smudge marks at bay. Even after a day’s use, your Pixel 3 won’t look grubby. A display made for entertaining Pixel 3 is available in two sizes. Take your pick from the 5.5-inch Pixel 3 or the 6.3-inch Pixel 3 XL. Both have super impressive Quad HD+ OLED displays, so if size matter

Fancy winning a £100 Currys gift card to spend on some amazing tech? You could use it to treat yourself to new audio equipment, smart home devices, home appliances, gaming and so much more!To be in with a chance of winning, follow the instructions below: Step 1: Click the article below and make your way to the bottom of the article until you find the section titles ‘Competition Time’Step 2: In the comments section, simply tell us where you want to holiday next and why?Easy! Good luck!T&Cs apply. 

 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

Taking a solo staycation the perfect time to unplug and relax, or try out that new thing you keep talking about – here’s our rundown of the best ways to get the most out of your staycation. Staycations often take place somewhere locally like a hotel, campsite, or holiday apartment - it’s the perfect way to take a break without all the travel and expense of a regular holiday. So why should you take a solo staycation? There are plenty of reasons: • Unplug and take a well-earned break. • Save cash by keeping travel costs down. • It’s a great opportunity to learn more about where you live. So with all that in mind, let’s run through or tips for getting the most out of your solo staycation: 1. Treat yourself to a pamper day Have you been wanting to check out that new spa that opened up down the road, or soothe your aches with a relaxing massage? Now’s your chance. What about a beauty treatment? There are plenty of apps to help out, like Urban, PRIV, or Zeel which lets you book p

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