Check out some of the latest mobile news, reviews and advice to help you get more out of your smartphone.
NetflixFirst of all, you’ll need to ensure you’re subscribed to the ‘Standard’ or ‘Premium’ plan. The Basic plan will only allow you to stream up to 420p and not Full HD (1080p) or Ultra HD (4K) that comes with the Premium plan. Netflix will automatically stream what you’re watching in a video quality based on your network speed. Now, adjusting your video quality on Netflix isn’t as straightforward as on YouTube; you’ll need to log into your Netflix online account. Once you’ve logged in, here’s how to set your playback preference to HD:Step 1: Select a profile on the home screen (any profile will do)Step 2: Hover over the user icon in the top right corner – this will bring up a drop-down with a list of options.Step 3: Select ‘Account’Step 4: Under ‘Profile & Parental Controls’ select the drop-down arrow on the profile you’d like to set to HD streaming Step 5: Select ‘Playback Settings’ Step 6: On the ‘Playback Settings’ page, select ‘High’ and click ‘Save’ You’re all set! Every tim
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
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
In today’s world, there’s a breaking story every minute. And we get it, keeping up with the news is sometimes overwhelming. But with the right apps on your home screen, you can make it a breeze.Back in the day, your TV, daily newspaper, or radio would do the trick. But nowadays, the best news apps offer so much more – from on-the-go stories and personalised communications to breaking alerts delivered straight to your home screen. And we’re here to help make things easier. Read on to discover our picks of today’s top news apps…BBC News BBC News is a worldwide news organization made up from a global network of journalists. It offers live streaming, social features, and personalisation. So, it's no surprise the BBC News app is used by 12.5 million people nationwide. Key features:Top Stories. Because the app is backed by a network of top journalists, you can be sure to get fast and reliable updates all day long. My News. This feature allows you to personalise your news feed – simply add or
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
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
Your Holiday ChecklistPlanning a little holiday this year? After a long time in limbo, the easing of restrictions means many of us are rushing to book that little trip we’ve been set on ever since the start of the pandemic. But before you jet off, are you sure you have everything you’ll need?Many big changes have happened since we were last freely able to travel to wherever takes our fancy. Among them are the UK’s covid restrictions, the restrictions and rules of the country you’re heading to, and the fact that UK passport holders no longer queue at passport control with EU passport holders. However, there are quite a few other things you’ll want to keep in mind before you put your out-of-office on and skip to the airport! Here they are…Roam like at home:Don’t worry about relying on dodgy café Wi-Fi or keeping your phone in airplane mode. iD Mobile still offer Inclusive Roaming in 50 destinations, and we have no plans to change our policy. That means you can use all the data, minutes a
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
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
Calling all dog and cat owners! Here are some great apps to help you care for your furry friends.Being a pet parent is hugely rewarding. We’re a nation of animal lovers, with more than half of UK households owning at least one furry friend.Looking after a cat or dog can be challenging though, so we’re here to help. If your dog’s behaviour is a little ruff (sorry), or your puss is far from purr-fect (sorry, won’t happen again) we’ve rounded up some handy apps for you below. Apps for dog lovers:Puppr - for trainingDownload on iOS and Android. Basic version is free, with the option to pay for a premium subscription (after a 7-day free trial). If you think your dog could do with a spot of training, give Puppr a go. It’s a really fun and easy-to-use app, packed with step-by-step video instructions to help you train your dog at home. You’ll find everything from sitting and waiting to house-training (surely a must!) on there. Plus, a ‘circus’ section has more advanced tricks like jumping rope
The iPhone SE3 is the perfect combination of some of Apple’s best iPhone features, in a surprisingly compact package. The screen’s only 4.7”, which is really comfortable to hold - perfect for teenagers or anyone who doesn’t feel the need for a huge screen. The SE3 clocks in far smaller than the 6.1 – 6.7” you’ll see on the iPhone 13 models, and that smaller screen comes with a smaller price tag. Let’s dig into what there is to know about this latest generation of the iPhone SE. PerformanceThe iPhone SE3 is powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip – the same as the super-powerful iPhone 13 series. Sounds technical (because it is) but let’s break down what an A15 Bionic chip actually does for your phone:- No waiting around for apps to load- Works with the operating system (iOS) and battery to get you more battery life- Makes the iPhone SE3 all-around fasterSnap awayThe SE3 has one camera on the back, and one on the front – keeping it simple but without compromising on quality. Apple’s cameras
That... decade old question, which is better? Android or iPhone? Whichever side you are on we want to know why your side is better. Maybe it's the iPhone's design and ease of use? Or perhaps Android’s flexibility and roster of devices wins out for you?Those who share their thoughts will be in with the chance to win... a brand new Android phone or Apple iPhone!The competition ends at 23:59 on 22nd April 2022, and we'll announce the lucky iD community winner shortly after.Let the battle commence!T&C’s apply.Good luck!
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
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
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).
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
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
