Podcasts are big business. In the early days, they were seen as pretty niche. But now, there are pods out there covering anything and everything. Football. History. Politics. Current affairs. Gaming. Comedy. Cooking. Music. Whatever you’re into, there’s almost definitely a show talking about it. And because they’re audio-based, you can pop on an episode while you drive, work, or do the washing up. All the big streaming services support them too. So, fire up Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and dive in! And now they’re so popular in fact, that they’ve even got their very own date in the calendar. This year, International Podcast day lands on September 30th. It’s a day where fans and creators come together to celebrate the sheer number of great shows out there and the talented people behind them. Whether you’ve been into pods since day one or hadn’t even heard of them until now (where have you been?), it’s a chance to get involved and find your future go-to show. Who knows, it might even inspi

Android 15 is here, and it’s packed with exciting new features designed to enhance your mobile experience. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just curious about what’s new, we’re here to break down the five biggest highlights of Android’s latest iteration. Notification cooldown.  Notification cooldown is a handy new feature that helps manage the flood of alerts by reducing the volume when you receive multiple notifications from the same app. So, if you're in a busy group chat and your phone starts pinging non-stop, Android 15 will automatically lower the volume for the next notifications. Even better, you can choose to apply this setting to just your conversations or across all your apps. Partial screen recording.  With Android 15, screen recording just got smarter. Now, you can opt for partial screen recording, which means you can record just one specific app instead of the entire screen. This way, you can keep everything else on your screen, like notifications and other apps, comple

AI assistants are evolving rapidly, each offering unique features. In this article, we’ll compare Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Apple Intelligence, and ChatGPT to help you choose the best fit. Whether you need productivity boosts, smart integration, or top-notch conversational AI, we’ve got the insights you need. Google Gemini. Google Gemini is the latest AI from Google, designed to blend powerful search capabilities with seamless integration across all your Google services. Available on Android devices, Google Pixel, and ChromeOS, Gemini is all about bringing you relevant information faster and more intuitively. Let the AI explain what it does best. “Imagine having a personal assistant who's always available, knows everything, and can do anything you ask. That's me, Google Gemini. From planning trips to writing essays, I'm here to make your life easier. I can help you learn new things, translate languages, and even write different kinds of creative content. Need to summarize a len

Whether you’re stressed from work or just need to take a moment of calm, it can be hard to remember to fit it in when you have a busy schedule. There is even a day to help people do just that - National Relaxation Day, celebrated annually on August 15th. On that day, we’re encouraged to take a break from stress and anxiety and do something they truly find relaxing. Whether it’s going on spa break or just reading a book – it’s all about having time to chill in a way that works for you.And if you’re looking for another kind of chill, be sure to check out our competition at the bottom of the page. We’re giving away a Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan. Not only is it super powerful, it’s whisper quiet too. So, it won’t interrupt your moment of peace.One of the best ways you can reduce stress in your day is with a little meditation or mindfulness. And there’s no need to run off to a yoga retreat. There are loads of amazing apps that can help you get into the healthy habit of taking some quiet t

Ever got ready to leave the house for work on time, only to discover that your keys aren't by the front door? Yup, that’s probably most of us. And we know it can be infuriating hunting around for them knowing that the clock's ticking away.If you spend too much time looking for things, a Bluetooth tracker can be a total gamechanger. But what are they exactly? And how do they work? Let's find out… What is a Bluetooth tracker?   Bluetooth item trackers are nifty little devices you can attach to your valuables — like a set of keys, your wallet, a bag, or a laptop — to help you find them if they ever get misplaced. This makes them a must-have if you go travelling on the reg and want to reduce the risk of losing your luggage. Or if you're just forgetful in general! How do Bluetooth trackers work?  Bluetooth trackers work by connecting to your phone or tablet using, you guessed it — Bluetooth. You can then use an app to find the location of the belonging you've attached the tracker to. Most B

With the summer holidays flying by, it’s probably a good time to start thinking about the new term. And speaking of new, it might also be the perfect excuse you need to upgrade to a fresh phone. So, we’ve rounded up some class acts that’ll power you through the day – whether you’re going back to college or heading off to another part of the country to start your uni course. Or, if you’re happy with what you’ve got, there’s always our great value SIM only plans. It’s really up to you! Right with that out the way, let’s help you make a great call… Samsung Galaxy A15 5G.  Got a full day of classes on the books? No worries. The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is rocking a mega 5000 mAh battery, which’ll easily last your journey over to campus, a full day of lectures and your trip home. You won’t even need to take the charger with you. And if you need to do some last-minute cramming on your bus ride in, that 5G has you covered too. You’ll have super-fast connectivity pretty much anywhere you go. Yep,

Planning a last-minute getaway to somewhere fabulous? We totally understand. Even though the sun has finally made an appearance (fingers crossed), you can never fully trust the British weather! And if you want to make calls, send texts, and browse the web on your phone while abroad without returning to a massive bill — you’ll need to ensure your device is ready for roaming. Fortunately, we’ve got all the tips you need to dodge those roaming charges. What is roaming?  Roaming is what your mobile phone will do when it goes outside of your network provider's coverage area (i.e. when you go abroad). It'll try and look for a foreign network to connect to so you can still make and receive calls, send messages, and access the internet just like when you use your phone at home. Roaming works because loads of providers from all over the world will have agreements in place to allow customers to use each other’s networks. But many foreign networks will apply roaming charges for using their servic

On July 10, 2024, Samsung hosted its Galaxy Unpacked event from Paris, and revealed their latest flagship products. The headline acts were the eagerly awaited Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 - two foldable phones that push the boundaries of mobile tech. Alongside these, we saw the debut of the new Galaxy Watch 7 series and the intriguing Galaxy Ring. Audio lovers weren't left out either, with the launch of the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro. Here’s what we learned about this new tech during the event…  Z Fold 6: your ultimate multi-tasker.  If you’re looking for a device that can do it all, the Z Fold 6 is your go-to gadget. This foldable phone-tablet hybrid is all about productivity and entertainment on the go. The main highlight is its expansive 7.6-inch inner display, which gives you a tablet-like experience in a compact form factor. Multitasking has never been easier, thanks to the enhanced Flex Mode that lets you use multiple apps simultaneously. The AI-powered camera system takes amazing pic

Because we rely on our phones so much, losing yours or having it stolen can feel like a mini-crisis. Suddenly, your connection to the world, your photos, messages and even financial information are all at risk. While it’s very easy to be hard on yourself when it happens, the truth is that it most of us have lost our phones at some point. According to Uswitch, more than half the UK population have had their phone lost or stolen at one time or another.And because it’s so common, it means that industry giants like Android and iPhone are here to help. Whatever type of phone you have.We’ll break down the steps of what to do if it happens. Then we’ll let you know what you can do to protect yourself in the future.Stay calm and assess the situationFirst things first, take a deep breath. Panicking won't help. Try to remember where you last had your phone or when you last used it. Did you leave it at a restaurant, in a taxi or was it taken from your bag? It’s easy to think the worst when all alo

One of the best things about smartphones is that manufacturers are always making them better with frequent software updates. These keep your mobile running smoothly by fixing bugs, improving features, and defending it against any nasty new viruses. In this article, we'll explain all the reasons why you should keep your phone updated. Plus, we'll show you how to check for updates on your iPhone, Android, or Samsung phone. Benefits of updating your phone.  Updating your phone can feel like a bit of a chore and it's easy to keep putting it off. But there are many reasons why you should probably install that new update sooner rather than later: Better performance: Updates are usually rolled out to make your phone faster, so it feels smoother to use with less waiting around for apps to load. Stronger security: Hackers keep trying to find new ways to steal our data, but phone brands are fighting back. That's why mobile updates almost always include new security patches. Bug fixes: Some s

At iD Mobile, we understand that life can be unpredictable, and you might have to tweak your finances to stay on top of things. We're here to support you through it and help you manage your mobile expenses effectively. So, here are some friendly tips and tricks to save some money and stay in control of your mobile costs. Bill Capping. Bill Capping is a money-saving feature available on all iD Mobile plans. You can set or adjust your Bill Cap anytime in the iD Mobile app. For more information on how to set or adjust your Bill Cap, check out our bill capping page here. Data Rollover.  Provided as a free feature on all iD plans, you can use data rollover to carry over any unused monthly data to the next month, giving you a second chance to use it. Find out how to take advantage of data rollover here. Direct Debit.Setting up a Direct Debit means your payment will be taken automatically from your account. You can change your Direct Debit payment to a day of the month that works for you.Here

Great news! We’ve improved our ‘Refer a Friend’ scheme. It’s now on an all-new webpage, and most importantly the rewards are even better - we’re dishing out cashback instead of gift cards – kerching! Here’s all you need to know about our ‘Refer a Friend’ revamp. Have you referred a friend before 23rd April 2024?  If you referred a friend before 23rd April 2024, you might still be waiting for your reward as they can take up to 90 days to process. If you’d like to check the status of an outstanding reward, simply visit the old Refer a Friend webpage, and log in for more information. Our all-new webpage. Our new Refer a Friend webpage is now up and running, so feel free to check it out. We’ve made the dashboard much more intuitive and user-friendly, and it’s now really quick and easy to manage your rewards. You can see an overview of your referrals, their status, and the rewards you’ve earned all on one page. How the Refer a Friend scheme works. Referring a friend and getting rewarded is

If you’re a big sports fan, you’re in for a treat this summer. There’s a bumper calendar of sports to get excited about – from the European Championships over in Germany, to the Olympics in the French capital. iD Mobile is proud to offer all customers travelling to Germany with the benefit of unlimited roaming usage of minutes, texts and data for the duration of the tournament (14th June until 14th July). So fans needn’t worry about sharing their celebrations on social media, streaming highlights on their devices, or keeping connected and safe whilst away. We’re also extending this generous offer for fans soon-to-be en route to Paris to get behind Team GB. iD will also enable customers travelling to France to benefit from unlimited roaming usage of minutes, texts and data for the duration of the Paris 2024 Olympics (25th July until 12th August).This special sporting offer is open to all customers on all plans, including pay monthly (SIM only and phone plans) and pay as you go. Now that

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve launched a new iD Mobile app packed with great new features and improvements!Over the past year, we’ve been working hard on completely redesigning the iD Mobile app. The new app has been built with our customers’ feedback at the forefront of design and development, so we’re confident that anyone who used the old iD Mobile app will really appreciate the improvements.So, what’s changed?Manage multiple plans – If you’ve got more than one iD Mobile plan, you can now manage them all from a single login. No more logging in and out! New design - Whether you’re checking your allowances, changing your Bill cap, or updating your personal info, the new app has been designed to make sure you’re able to do exactly what you need – easier than ever before. Improved performance – The new app uses the latest technologies to improve stability, performance, and security.   If you’re new to iD or have the old version of the app, you can download the new version from t

National Ice Cream Day takes place on Sunday, 21st July this year. It’s the perfect excuse to indulge in your favourite frozen treat and celebrate the sweetness of summer. And this year, we’re adding an extra layer of excitement by helping you keep another important part of your life cool - your phone.What, you want more? Okay then - as part of our celebration we’re also giving away a Ninja Creami Deluxe NC501UK ice-cream maker. So, read on for some handy tips, and don’t forget to enter our giveaway at the end. You could scoop a great prize! 10 tips and tricks to stop your phone overheating.  Summertime can be tough on gadgets, especially your phone. Overheating can lead to performance issues, battery drain, and even permanent damage. So here are some simple tips to help keep your phone cool: 1. Don’t stay out too long in direct sunlightYes, we’re starting off with an obvious one, but it’s still worth saying. Your phone is like you—it needs some shade on those scorching days. Keep your

The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (or WWDC for short) has wrapped for another year. And with it came a whole bunch of exciting new announcements and features – from first steps into the world of AI, to big updates to the brand’s operating system. iPhone fans are in for a treat!With each release, Apple always bring a bunch of free, fun and useful updates to their iOS. And that’s set to continue with iOS 18. Check these out… Customisation options.  Your iPhone is about to get a whole lot more custom. If you want to pop app icons literally anywhere on your home screen, fill your boots. Drag them wherever and choose exactly how many you have per page. You’ll actually be able to see your background of the family pup now. And let’s be honest, those six rows of four are so 2022 anyway… Photos app.  Photos just got a major update, making it simpler than ever to find and relive your favorite moments. The new design features a streamlined, single view with a familiar grid layout. Fresh c

Despite over half the UK feeling like they pay too much for their mobile package, many still live their “mobile life” blindly loyal to their existing network because…well…just because. In our new campaign, we’re on a mission to help the mobile market ‘See the Light' of ‘mobile done right’!  Why do UK mobile customers need to see the light?  So, what do we mean when we say that UK mobile customers need to ‘see the light’? Well, what about these stats for starters?20% of Brits are unaware of when their contract ends. Be honest – are you? 28% of those who are aware will be sticking to their current plan without exploring other options. 53% of Brits feel like they pay too much for their current mobile package. But 18% of those won’t consider upgrading their phone or switching networks because they think it's too much hassle.And that’s where we come in! All new customers can save an average of £240 a year on phone plans vs. the major networks. You can also save around £14 a month on SIM onl

Euros 2024 might feel like the talk of the town (or the whole continent) right now, but the biggest event in the cycling calendar starts in just a few days. That's right — the Tour de France!If you're keen to watch all 21 stages of this year's huge 2,170 mile bike race across Italy and France, we've recommended some of the best ways to catch all the action on your phone. From the Grand Départ all the way to the finish. And if you're gearing up for some epic summer bike rides yourself, we've rounded up a few of the best apps and smart watches that'll keep you on track. What is the Tour de France?  The Tour de France is an annual multi-stage bike race that mostly runs through the stunning French countryside. It’s the most prestigious event in the world of cycling that attracts top riders from all over the globe, lasting three weeks and featuring gruelling climbs through the Alps and Pyrenees. There are some exciting sprint finishes on the flat stages too! When is the 2024 Tour De France?

World Laughter Day is an annual event celebrated on the first Sunday of May. The day is dedicated to promoting laughter as a universal language of peace and understanding. Laughter has been scientifically proven to have numerous health benefits, both physically and mentally. It reduces stress, boosts the immune system, and improves mood. In addition, laughter is a great tool for bringing people together and breaking down barriers between different cultures and societies.What is World Laughter Day?  The idea of World Laughter Day was first proposed by Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of the Laughter Yoga movement. Laughter Yoga is a unique concept that combines yoga breathing techniques with intentional laughter to create a joyful and uplifting experience. The first World Laughter Day was celebrated in 1998 in Mumbai, India, and since then, it has become a global phenomenon.On World Laughter Day, people come together in public spaces to laugh, play games, and have fun. The day is celebrated i

National Fish & Chip Day is coming up on June 7. But we’re interested in a whole other type of fishing. You’ve probably heard of phishing – cyberattacks where criminals pose as someone they’re not to steal your personal info. They’ll nick anything they can get their hands on, from passwords to your credit card number.So, if you think that text from your ‘bank’ looks a bit fishy, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Hopefully, our tips will help you to avoid being caught hook line and sinker by the fraudsters… Why does phishing exist? It’s because it’s an easy – and very effective – way for cybercriminals to steal valuable info and money. It doesn’t require much technical skill to pull off either. By creating messages that look legit and play on fear and urgency, attackers can lure victims into a digital trap. It’s low cost, with a high reward. Plus, by throwing their net wide enough, they can target thousands of people at once.  Who do attackers pretend to be?   They’ll use the ident

Mental Health Awareness Week, which takes place from May 13th to May 19th each year, is a powerful reminder of how important it is to take care of our mental well-being. Whether it's happening right now or in a few months, this week is all about getting real about mental health and finding ways to put our well-being first.The goal is simple: let's create a world where we've got each other's backs and no one feels afraid to ask for help when they need it. And guess what? One of the best things we can do for our mental health is to get moving!Exercise isn't just great for our bodies; it's like a superpower for our minds too. It can help us stress less, feel less anxious or down, and give us a boost in confidence and brain power. Whether you're into a relaxing walk, some gentle yoga, or a heart-pumping workout, getting active releases those feel-good endorphins that lift our mood.Now, I know starting a fitness routine can feel overwhelming, but don't worry—just take it one step at a time.

Google’s new entry-level A-series Pixel phone is anything but basic. The affordable Pixel 8a is packing the exact same chip that powers the Pixel 8 Pro, bringing with it a whole load of AI smarts made to make your life easier. Let’s find out everything it can do… What are the Google Pixel 8a's coolest AI features?  The Google Pixel 8a puts plenty of power in your pocket with several cutting-edge AI features: Pixel Camera with Magic Editor:The 64 MP camera already takes amazing-looking snaps, but the Magic Editor takes everything up a notch. Move objects around, change the background, and delete photobombers like they were never there! Best Take:Did someone blink at the very last second? No problem. Best Take merges similar photos into one so that everyone looks their best. Photo Unblur:You can bring blurry pics to life with the Photo Unblur sharpening function, even if they weren’t taken on a Pixel phone. This means you can tidy up your old photos too. Night Sight:Take perfect pi

Nuisance calls and texts are to take you away from that Netflix episode, platform game or group chat. Recently, we’ve been made aware of several fraudulent calls and texts affecting iD customers, so it’s worth knowing how to report it and prevent it from happening again, should you be affected.Whether it’s a bogus call about an ‘accident’ that you never had, a ‘smishing’ text claiming to be from someone they’re not, or even a legitimate company trying to sell you stuff you’re not interested in, there are a few things you can do to stop it. We’ll show you how. What is ‘smishing’?‘Smishing’ is essentially phishing via text message. These messages fraudulently claim to be from reputable organisations like network operators, energy companies or retailers, in order to get the recipient to give personal information like passwords or bank details. Unfortunately, it’s a common practice because on the whole, we tend to be less diligent with our texts than our emails.If you receive a text that m

Fraud is the most common crime affecting adults in the UK – and it can happen to anyone. In fact, fraud now makes up 41% of all crime.That’s why iD Mobile is backing the UK Government’s Stop! Think Fraud campaign, which is packed with useful tips to help keep you safe. We’ve pulled together the most important info below – have a read and make sure you’re following these simple steps. The more you do, the harder it is for scammers to target you. 1. Use a strong, unique password for your email.  Your email holds a lot of personal info, and if a fraudster gets access, they could use it to scam you – or even people you know. Worse still, your email can be a ‘gateway’ to other accounts. If scammers crack it, they could reset your passwords and get into your social media, shopping, and banking accounts too.To keep your email secure, create a strong password using three random words – and don’t use it for anything else. Avoid anything guessable like your pet’s name or birth month. Adding numb

Fraud is on the rise.Every year, 4.6 million people in the UK fall victim to it. And though it’s easy to believe it won’t happen to you, scams are getting smarter.Whether you’re connecting with loved ones or shopping for essentials, our online identities make life easier – so it’s more important than ever to protect them.Read on for our top tips on how to keep your online identity safe. You’ll be a pro in no time. 1.Keep your software up to date Don’t ignore those pending update pop-ups. Software updates include important security patches to emerging online threats and new features to keep your information safe. And the sooner you do it, the sooner those pesky reminders will cease. 2.Check your social media settingsSwitch your social media profiles to private and ensure you’re only connected to people you trust. Your latest sunset picture might not go global, but you’ll be a step closer to safer selfie-taking. And when setting up a social media account, try not to include information t