Heading to the beach sometime soon? If it’s a sunny day we can’t blame you!A beach day should be about fun, not fretting over your phone. But between sand, water, heat, and crowds, it’s one of the riskiest places for your phone - whether it’s an accidental drop or a sneaky theft.Luckily, we’ve got you covered. This guide share some top tips to keep your phone safe, so you can relax, take selfies, and make memories without mishaps. Use a waterproof case to keep it dry and safe. Water and electronics? They’re basically frenemies. The quickest way to ruin your beach vibes is with a soaked or sand-crusted phone.Here’s the good news. You can easily guard your device with a waterproof case or sealed pouch. Brands like Spigen and Gear4 are famous for a reason — they offer full protection from water, dust, and drops. And as a bonus, a lot of cases still let you use your touchscreen - so you can snap your beach pics without opening the pouch.Even if your phone’s got a water-resistance rating, t

Whether you’re at home or on the go, it’s now easier than ever to stay in touch with mates, mum and dad or your work colleagues. It’s not just regular calls or texts now either. Video calling’s given every single natter a far more personal touch. It sort of feels like they’re sat right there with you.What are the best apps for video calls though? Well, we’ve put together some of our favourites that are worth a download on your phone, tablet or laptop. Let’s dive in… WhatsApp.  You’ve almost definitely heard of WhatsApp. But if not, here’s a quick intro. It’s one of the most popular messaging apps in the whole world. And with over 2 billion users, there’s a very good chance your family and friends are already using it. One of its biggest plus points is its end-to-end encrypted texts and calls. What does that mean though? Well, it keeps all of your chats private and secure. So, no prying eyes can see or hear what you’re talking about. And because of its simple, easy to navigate interface

It’s nearly festival season. And while they’re loads of fun, they can also be super chaotic, especially if you’re not prepared. So, we’ve put together some top phone tips and tools to help you get the best from the fest. Must-have phone accessories for festivals.  Portable power bank.Festivals aren’t short. You’ll probably be there from Thursday to Sunday at least. And your phone’s battery will really be put to the test. So, packing a high-capacity portable power bank (one that’s at least 10,000mAh) is key. Then, you’ll be able to keep your phone charged all weekend, letting you capture every moment and stay in touch with your mates. After all, it’s easy to lose them in a big crowd!Look for one that’s lightweight and durable. Then you can carry it around without adding too much bulk to your festival bag.  Waterproof phone pouch.Muddy fields, spilled drinks and rain are all part of the festival experience. Remember, we do live in the UK. So, you’re almost definitely going to encounter a

We’ve got something exciting to shout about… Say hello to iD Perks – our brand-new loyalty platform designed to thank you for being part of the iD Mobile family!To celebrate 10 amazing years of great value and loyal customers, we’ve launched iD Perks to bring you exclusive discounts, offers and savings from some of the biggest high street and online brands.And the best part? It’s absolutely free for all iD Mobile customers! So, how does iD Perks work?  It’s easy! Once you've joined iD Mobile, simply head to the iD Mobile app and browse the live offers. Pick the perks that suit you, check the terms and tap ‘Get offer now’ to redeem. You can even save deals to use later by emailing them to yourself – handy, right?You can redeem as many offers as you like, and while some perks may be one-time only, others can be used again and again. Keep checking back, too – new brands and deals are added regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.From money off food, fashion, tech and more,

Oppo is all about delivering smart, stylish, and powerful devices that make life easier and more enjoyable. With a focus on cutting-edge tech and user-friendly features, Oppo smartphones are designed to bring the best in performance, camera quality, and everyday usability. Whether you’re after speed, stunning photos, or an all-around smooth experience, Oppo continues to push the boundaries of what your phone can do. Find X9 Ultra.  The OPPO Find X9 Ultra is the ultimate powerhouse for anyone who wants the absolute best in mobile technology. It boasts a breathtaking 6.82-inch AMOLED display with a super-smooth 144Hz refresh rate, making your favourite shows, movies, and mobile games look spectacularly vivid and fluid. Powered by the groundbreaking Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, it handles heavy multitasking and intensive gaming without breaking a sweat.If you are upgrading from a phone you bought two years ago, the leap in camera quality is immense. The pro-grade AI camera system f

Technology has transformed how we live, work, and play. In just the blink of an eye, we’ve gone from huge mainframe computers that took up entire rooms to do-it-all smartphones that fit in our pockets!The evolution of technology, especially in the last 100 years or so, has been nothing short of incredible. And in this article, we’re going to explore the transition from old to new tech in areas like communication, entertainment, transportation, and more. Highlighting how these advancements have changed our lives.We’ll also give you a heads up on some cool, cutting-edge tech coming soon. Where we’re going, we don’t need roads… Communication: from landlines to smartphones.  In the past, landline phones were our primary means of staying in touch. Fast forward to today, and we have portable smartphones that offer a world of possibilities at our fingertips. But how did we get this far? Invention of the telephone: 1876 — The first telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in the late 19

You’ve probably been there: You’re happily scrolling through Instagram, catching up on TikToks, maybe even watching a YouTube video or two. All of a sudden, you get that dreaded ‘data’s nearly gone’ notification. Cue the panic.The thing is, we’re using our phones for more and more these days—and that’s eating into our data faster than ever before. If you’re constantly running out of data or getting throttled, upgrading to a bigger plan could be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed. Why bigger data plans make a difference.  These days, most of us are using our phones for way more than just making calls or sending texts. We’re on social media all the time, streaming our favourite music or shows, and even using our phones as hotspots for Wi-Fi. All of that uses up more data than you might think.Take social media, for example. Whether it’s checking out your friends’ Insta stories, scrolling through TikTok, or watching YouTube videos, it all adds up. It might feel like a couple of mi

It wasn’t that long ago that most of us got by on 16GB or 32GB of storage on our phones. Back then, that felt like loads, just enough for a few apps, some music, and a handful of photos. But fast-forward to today, and 64GB is the bare minimum, with most people opting for 128GB or even 256GB. Some phones now offer a whopping 512GB or 1TB of space in your pocket.But why the big jump? And do you really need all that storage? Short answer: probably more than you think. Why storage matters more than ever. These days, our phones do everything. We take loads of high-res photos and 4K videos, download whole seasons of our favourite shows, install games and apps that take up gigabytes, and keep years’ worth of WhatsApp messages, memes and voice notes. It all adds up—and fast.Run out of storage, and your phone can start slowing down. You might find yourself constantly deleting photos just to take new ones, or missing out on app updates because there’s no space. Worst of all? That dreaded “storag

The dawn of digital technology transformed our day-to-day lives in countless ways—none more personal than how we capture and share memories. Mobile phone cameras have advanced at lightning speed, often outdoing traditional digital cameras.If you’re thinking of upgrading, here’s a closer look at what to consider in a phone camera—and which models currently lead the pack. What to look for in a phone camera. Today’s smartphones are built for photography. But picking the right one means knowing what really matters. The big three? Megapixels, lenses, and aperture. Megapixels: More than just a number.Megapixels are all about resolution. More pixels mean more detail—handy for cropping or printing. But don’t be fooled: the highest number doesn’t always win. A 12MP camera with a great sensor and smart image processing can beat a 200MP one that’s badly optimised. Aim for a phone that balances megapixel count with powerful software under the hood. Lenses: Covering all angles.The more lenses your

AI isn’t just about chatbots and self-driving cars, although those things are pretty cool! It’s revolutionizing fields in ways you’d never expect. From decoding lost languages to exploring the deep sea, AI is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. So here are 8 of the most fascinating AI applications that might surprise you.Plus, we’re giving away an HP Chromebook Plus with a 12-Month Google One AI Premium Plan! Find out how to enter at the end of the article. 1. Decoding ancient languages.  AI is helping linguists decipher lost languages by analysing ancient texts. Using algorithms, artificial neural networks predict missing words in ancient Greek manuscripts and Egyptian hieroglyphs. AI can even accelerate the translation of dead languages that have no modern equivalent. One example is China’s Oracle Bone Script, an ancient divination text carved into cattle bones and turtle shells!  2. Making masterpieces. AI can already transform rough sketches into detailed artwork. Tools like

There’s a lot of loyalty apps around nowadays. Supermarkets, airlines and other big brands all seem to have one. And that can make it tough to work out which ones are actually worth your time. And which ones you’ll want to steer well clear of. So, to narrow things down a bit, we’ve rounded up some of our favourites that definitely deserve a download. But first, here’s a few quick points on why you should even bother with them:Earn points on everyday purchases – Lots of loyalty apps let you build up points on your regular shopping, which can then be redeemed later on for cheaper prices and handy rewards.  Receive exclusive discounts – Members usually get access to unique offers that aren’t available to everyone else. You’ll be able to feel smug while everyone else pays top dollar.  Unlock special offers – From time limited deals to one-of-a-kind promotions, you’ll be able to get all kinds of goodies while you’re part of a program. And with the cost-of-living crisis we’re in, every littl

Summer’s just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to get your garden ready for some outdoor fun and relaxation. Whether you’re dreaming of sizzling BBQs, chilled-out music nights, or lazy afternoons soaking in the sun, a few smart tech additions can seriously level up your outdoor space. Let’s take a look at some of the best around. Ninja Woodfires: The Ultimate Outdoor Cooking Experience.  If you're ready to take your BBQ game to the next level, meet your new best friend: the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Oven. This bad boy does it all - grilling, smoking, roasting, air frying - you name it. It's like bringing a smokehouse and an outdoor kitchen together into one sleek, compact unit.With a quick setup and a design that doesn’t hog all your patio space, it’s perfect for whipping up wood-fired meals without the hassle. Expect juicy steaks, smoky ribs, and even crispy pizzas that’ll make your neighbours jealous. Whether it's a casual dinner or a weekend garden party, this gadget brings

Getting your child their first phone is a big deal. It’s a step toward their independence - and it also means you’ll want to keep their digital world safe. This guide walks you through the best first phones for kids, how to set them up for safety, and how to encourage healthy phone habits from day one. The best first phones for kids.  When picking a first phone, you want something tough, easy to manage, and loaded with safety features. Here are three great choices:Samsung Galaxy A16 5G.The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a wallet-friendly phone that can handle the occasional drop (or three). It’s built for durability, making it perfect for kids who are still getting the hang of handling devices. It also comes with Samsung’s built-in parental controls, which make it easy to do things like set screen times and block inappropriate content.Check out the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G deals on iD Mobile.Honor 200 Smart.The Honor 200 Smart hits the sweet spot between performance and battery life. It keeps g

Spring’s here, and it’s the perfect time for a fresh start! While you’re busy dusting off shelves and clearing out cupboards, don’t forget your phone could do with a bit of TLC too. We use our mobiles every day, but it’s easy to take them for granted. Over time, they fill up with unused apps, endless downloads, and old photos and videos we’ll probably never look at again. And all that digital clutter? It can slow things down big time.A good spring clean can work wonders for your phone’s performance – and we’re here to help! In this guide, we’ll share some quick and easy ways to declutter your mobile, speed things up, and boost security.Oh, and speaking of fresh starts, how about a chance to win a SHARK Anti Hair Wrap IZ202UK Cordless Vacuum Cleaner - Blue? Yep, we’re giving one away! Read on for top phone-cleaning tips and details on how to enter. Marigolds on – let’s get started! Digital declutter: the essentials.  Trash old appsFirst things first, let’s tackle those apps. Take a mome

 Many of the best smartphones now come with AI-powered assistants to make your life easier. Whether you need a hand brainstorming ideas or want to swap out the background in a holiday photo — there are loads of ways Ai can help you be more productive and creative. All with just a voice command or a tap on your screen. It really is that easy! Gemini is Google’s very own AI model that’s comes built into the latest Android phones. But you can also make use of its nifty features on most Android and iOS devices — just download the Gemini app. Let’s find out more about what it can do… What is Google Gemini? Gemini is an AI sidekick that’ll never let you feel stuck or uninspired. It works just like a real-life personal assistant and generates human-like responses using your prompts. You can even have a live chat with Gemini if you want to. Here are a few of the coolest things it can do: Answers your questions: If you ever need a quick answer to something, just ask Gemini. You’ll get a helpful

We’ve all been there at one point or another. You’re sat staring at your phone screen. Then something pops up on your social feed that you really like the look of It could be a cool jacket. Or a tasty dish from your favourite chef. But you don’t know which brand the clothes are from. And that cuisine isn’t like anything you’ve ever seen before. It’s got octopus in it! Usually, you’d have to spend ages tapping out a question on Google to find out what they are. Not here though. Circle to Search to the rescue. Google’s nifty AI tool will help you to learn more about them way quicker than before. And you’ll be able to do it with just a couple of taps. Here’s how it all works… What is Circle to Search? It’s exactly what it sounds like. Google Circle to Search is an AI feature on the latest Android devices that lets you search for text, images or videos straight from your screen. Instead of typing, just circle, highlight, scribble or tap on whatever you’re interested in. Then let the tech d

AI has already changed how we live, work, and chat with our phones. From answering questions in seconds to generating artwork, it’s made life easier—and it’s only just getting started. But what’s coming next? Let’s take a look at some of the coolest AI advancements on the horizon. Smarter assistants that just get you.  Right now, AI assistants can set reminders, send messages, and answer basic questions. But in the future, they’ll do so much more. Imagine your phone knowing what you need before you even ask—like reminding you to leave for work with the fastest route already mapped out. AI will also get better at handling complex tasks. Instead of just setting an alarm for your morning run, your assistant might check the weather, your calendar, and your sleep quality to suggest the perfect time to get moving. The aim? To make your digital assistant feel less like a tool and more like a personal sidekick.  We already rely on AI to help manage our schedules, but in the future, it’ll becom

Mobile and communications technology has totally transformed our lives. It’s fundamental to how we shop, consume entertainment and even date! From coding and encryption to wireless communication and mobile interfaces, it’s the innovators behind this tech that we should be thanking. And it’s important to recognise the trailblazing women that made these breakthroughs. Although women have been at the forefront of research and development, they often don’t get the recognition they deserve. So, let’s help put that right by delving into some of the most game changing inventions by some of the most brilliant women in science and technology. 1. Computer programming - Ada Lovelace, 1840s.  If you’ve opened an app, played a game or done just about anything on a computer, you’ve got Ada Lovelace to thank. Often considered the first computer programmer, Lovelace worked with the much better-known Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine – the first automated, mechanical calculator. In the 1840s, sh

Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, cooking at home has never been easier. Plus, we’re serving up something extra special, a chance to win a NINJA SLUSHi FS301UK Frozen Drink Maker – Arctic Blue & Grey!Gone are the days of rummaging through old recipe books or calling mum for advice. With the right app, you can search for new recipes, plan meals, or even cook along to step-by-step videos—all from your phone.To save you the hassle of searching, we’ve rounded up some of the best cooking apps out there. Whether you’re an iPhone or Android user, there’s something on this list that’s just your flavour… Kitchen Stories.  Kitchen Stories offers thousands of recipes with step-by-step instructions and high-quality photos. This app is perfect if you prefer a visual approach to cooking. There are thousands of recipes, each with an easy step-by-step approach and high-quality images.And you can share your tips and tricks too. Kitchen Stories lets users upload and share their own re

AI (artificial intelligence) is becoming a part of our daily lives. If you’ve got it on your phone, it’ll be working behind the scenes right now - making things faster, easier, and more personalised. It helps your phone understand what you need, take better photos, and even guess what apps or music you might want next.It’s why your phone can suggest the quickest route home, automatically brighten your photos, and even remind you to leave for a meeting before traffic builds up.But what exactly is AI, and how does it make your phone so smart? Let’s dive in! The power of AI - what can it do?  AI helps your phone do things that usually require human intelligence. It’s like having a little assistant inside your device, always learning and adapting to make things easier for you. Here are some of the ways AI is making smartphones smarter:Understanding what you’re saying. Voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant can set reminders, send texts, and even answer random questions like, “How

It’s a fast-moving world and keeping on top of everything can be tough. That’s where generative AI assistants come in. These clever virtual helpers can help you manage all sorts of daily tasks – such as organising your calendar, planning trips, cooking dinner, and even shopping for gifts. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular AI assistants -Gemini, Apple Intelligence, ChatGPT, and Copilot - and show you how they can make your life easier. What are generative AI assistants?  Generative AI assistants are super smart programs that can understand and respond to your everyday language. Unlike traditional virtual assistants, they don’t just spit out pre-set answers - they come up with new and relevant information based on what you ask.They can take care of various tasks, from managing projects to planning holidays and sparking creative ideas. They get to know your likes and dislikes, offer personalised suggestions, and save you time by handling stuff you’d rat

Banking. Social media. Your email. All of them need a strong password. If they don’t have one, your account is going to be way easier for a hacker to break into. And trust us, when that happens, it’s not much fun. It’s stressful and takes ages to sort out. Luckily, we’re here to help you lock down your accounts and avoid that happening entirely.  But managing loads of different passwords for different sites can get overwhelming quick. So, you need a way to make this nice and simple. Which is exactly where built-in password managers come in. In this guide, we’re going to cover some of the best options out there for iOS and Android, along with a few general tips and pointers that you don’t want to miss. Let’s get started… Password manager apps.  Apple Passwords (iOS) – Apple’s built-in password manager securely stores, syncs, and auto-fills your login details across all your Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It also generates strong passwords for you and alerts you if any s

World Sleep Day is just around the corner on March 14th. It’s an event all about highlighting the importance of good sleep for your overall health and wellbeing. With this year’s theme being ‘make sleep health a priority’, we thought it’d be a good idea to list some amazing tech that can help you catch more Zzzs. And we’ve also got tips on how to transform your bedroom into the perfect sleep sanctuary. Ahh… Tech to improve your sleep.  First up, let's talk about some clever tech that can monitor your sleep and get you drifting off more easily: Smart watches and fitness trackers: Loads of smart wearables come equipped with sensors that keep tabs on your sleep. Just wear one overnight, and you’ll wake up to insights on your sleep stages, duration, and quality. This can help you better understand your sleep habits and make tweaks to improve your rest. Smart rings: These smaller bits of tech can be comfier to wear overnight, with some recording deeper sleep stats like skin temperature an

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about flowers and chocolates. Tech gifts can show your love and last longer too. Whether your partner loves to cook or loves to look and feel their best, there are plenty of gifts to pick from. So here are some top tech gift ideas from Currys that fit all interests and budgets, meaning your loved one will get the perfect prezzie.Keep reading to the end, share a funny date story and you could win a £100 Buyagift Gift Card! ❤️ ❤️ Dyson Airwrap I.D.   Anything with iD in the name has got to be cool, right? The Dyson Airwrap I.D. is a styling tool that works wonders without extreme heat, keeping hair healthy and beautiful. The Airwrap uses air to style and dry hair, making it perfect for your partner who loves looking their best with minimal effort. Whether their hair is straight and wavy or curly and coily, the Airwrap comes with multiple attachments - meaning a variety of salon styles at home. So, they can look their best ready for your romantic dinner date! ❤️

We’re updating the iD Mobile app to ensure you can see important information about your account, along with making it more secure and easier to use.This means the app no longer supports iOS 15 or earlier - so, if your iPhone is running one of these versions, you’ll need to manage your account through my.idmobile.co.uk instead. This change affects customers with an iPhone 7, iPhone SE (1st Generation) or older, as those phones do not support newer iOS versions.But don’t worry! This article explains how you can continue to manage your iD Mobile account: What do I need to do? You can still manage your account quickly and easily by logging in via our website: my.idmobile.co.uk. For even quicker access, you can add a shortcut to your Home Screen - so it’s just like using the app! Here’s how: Open your preferred web browser (e.g. Safari or Chrome) and go to my.idmobile.co.uk. Tap the Share button (the square with an arrow pointing up). Scroll down and tap ‘Add to Home Screen’. Give it