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The new iOS 12 update is here, and it’s jam-packed with features designed to make iPhones (5s and above) perform better than ever. Here are 9 new features we’re most excited about. 1. Faster performance iOS 12 makes everything faster and more responsive - like launching the camera app, which Apple says will now be up to 70% faster. Typing with the keyboard will also be up to 50% quicker, and apps will launch twice as speedy as before. Good stuff. 2. Neater notifications Notifications let you know when someone’s got in touch at a glance, so in theory, they’re very handy. We all know the reality though - they can be a distraction. That’s why iOS 12 is giving you more control over the notifications you see, with a new ‘Manage’ button. You can use this to have annoying notifications delivered quietly, rather than making a noise or flashing up on your lock-screen (they’ll just go straight to your Notification Centre instead). iOS 12 also brings a more discreet way of displaying notifications. For example, texts from the same person will now be collapsed into a short preview until you open the message. 3. Memoji yourself Memoji is a new way of creating animated caricatures of yourself, and sharing the results. This feature is available on newer iPhones only. So if you’ve got an iPhone X or above, you’ll be able to create your very own cartoon self, then send it in messages and show it off during FaceTime video calls. 4. Group FaceTime Speaking of video calls, you can now FaceTime up to 32 people at once thanks to the new Group FaceTime feature. The tile of the person speaking gets larger automatically, so you won’t ever get lost in a big group chat. Group FaceTime can be started straight from a group thread in Messages, or you can join an active chat at any time. 5. Photo sharing is caring One of the coolest new iOS 12 features is the For You tab. It shows you special moments from your photo library, and suggests sharing photos with the people in them. If you do share them, the recipient will also get a suggestion to share their own photos back. It’s seriously clever, and great for helping you remember to share memories of days and nights out with your friends or family. 6. More awesome AR Augmented Reality games are extremely popular, even though the technology itself is still in its infancy. The great news is that iOS 12 is making AR better than ever, so expect to see apps with better object tracking for increased reliability, and less glitches. It’s not all about AR games, either. The new AR Measure app, for example, lets you measure lines using just your iPhone’s rear camera. Very handy if you haven’t got a measuring tape on you. 7. Control your screen time Responsible phone usage is a big thing these days, and Apple is doing its bit to look after your digital health with Screen Time. This new feature will tell you how long you’re spending on your iPhone, and can break your usage habits down by category (games, social media etc.) and even individual apps. You’ll be able to set time limits for each app, and you’ll be notified when you’re about to run out of time. 8. More emojis than ever before Can’t get enough of emojis? Then you’ll soon be in luck, as iOS 12.1 (due late October) will introduce 70 completely brilliant new ones. You'll be able to choose people with red, grey and curly hair, and lots more besides. Our only question is, how did we ever cope without a llama emoji before? 9. Siri’s making suggestions Siri’s getting smarter all the time, and with the new Siri Suggestions feature, she’ll be giving you super handy suggestions based on certain scenarios. For example, if she’s spotted that you’ve booked a trip to the cinema, she’ll recommend that you turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode before the film starts. And that rounds up our favourite new iOS 12 features. Have you got the update on your iPhone yet? Any suggestions or questions? If so, let’s hear them below.

Is your smartphone secure when you’re out and about? Mobile security attacks are on the increase. So help you out, here are nine mobile security tips to keep your handset safe from harm. Our smartphones are mobile digital assistants that carry a huge amount of data about us. Unfortunately, criminals have cottoned on to this and are targeting them more than ever before. According to a recent MEF (Mobile Ecosystem Forum) report, 66% of smartphone users have experienced some sort of data-related attack. Thankfully, we’re here with some top mobile security tips. 1. Keep your phone locked when not in use An unlocked phone is an easy target for a criminal. So if you haven’t got at least a basic passcode on your lock screen, do it now. Go into your phone’s settings, look under the security heading, and you should see a number of options to lock your phone. Pattern unlocks and PIN numbers are tried and tested ways of locking your phone down. But if you do use one of these methods, we recommend that you change them regularly - just in case someone’s been watching you as you type. Fingerprint scanners and facial recognition are on a lot of good smartphones these days, and they’re a great option if you struggle to remember patterns and codes. 2. Beware of public Wi-Fi Don’t be tempted to use public Wi-Fi for things like online banking. Free Wi-Fi can be a welcome sign if you’re low on data. But these open networks aren’t secure, so your privacy is at risk. If you’re in a hotel or coffee shop with free Wi-Fi, ask them how secure it is before you access it. And if you really must use free Wi-Fi, avoid accessing your personal accounts or sensitive data. Switch over to your mobile data if you’re buying anything, as it’s much more secure – and if you’re about to run out, don’t forget that our data add-ons start at just £1.50. 3. Update your operating systems Whether you’re running iOS or Android, it's a good idea to make sure that you always have the latest version of their respective operating systems installed. These usually close any security loopholes that have become evident, and are an important part of your regular security regime. Checking for updates is easy. Go into your phone’s settings, type ‘update’ in the search bar and if you need to do an update, just follow the onscreen instructions. Most manufacturers let you set your phone to check for updates automatically - so if you see that option, tick the box. 4. Be careful what apps you download When you see an app you fancy, it can be tempting to click that download button straight away. But stop for a moment before you download any app on your phone. If it comes from a pop-up source, for example, or comes from a strange email address, then forget about it – it's just not worth the risk. Even if it’s from Google Play or the App Store, check the reviews and ratings to see what others are saying about it. 5. Update passwords regularly You should regularly change all your passwords, especially if you’re planning on travelling. Coming up with strong passwords is tough, so a lot of us revert to using simple phrases and words - but unfortunately these are easier to hack. The best passwords are a seemingly random mix of letters, numbers and symbols, but obviously these are tough to remember. So why not use a password manager? The Sticky Password app (free on iOS and Android) is a good one. It uses the world’s leading encryption standard and generates new strong, unique passwords whenever you need them. Sticky Password also makes your online life easier by typing your data for you in online forms and login pages. 6. Disable Bluetooth connectivity If your Bluetooth is left on, nearby criminals could potentially connect to your phone and hack into it. So our advice is to keep your Bluetooth disabled as much as possible – especially if you’re travelling abroad. You should also set your Bluetooth to ‘non discoverable’, so that anyone searching for a nearby device won’t be able to see it. 7. Clean up your apps Phone apps are prone to infection, with hackers particularly targeting older ones with out of date security measures. So channel your inner Marie Kondo, and give your apps a spring clean. Get rid of any that you’re not using regularly. It’s also a good idea to make sure your phone automatically updates your remaining apps, as most updates include security fixes. To do this on iPhone, go into Settings, iTunes & App Store,” and tick ‘Updates’ for Automatic Downloads. If you’ve got an Android phone, open the Google Play store, go into settings, and tick ‘Auto-update apps’. 8. Don’t fall for smishing Smishing is when someone tries to trick you into giving them private information via a text message. So don’t text your personal details to anyone. Confirm with a phone call first. Avoid clicking links in messages, tweets, posts, and online advertising. They could link to a virus, or get you to unwittingly sign up for a paid service. So please be careful! 9. Wipe clean your lost or stolen phone If your phone’ s been lost or stolen, you need to tell us right away so we can protect your account from misuse. You can do this using the iD Mobile app or My Account online. Check out our Lost or stolen phone webpage for more details. You can also use remote tracking if you lose your phone. The feature’s called 'Find my Device' on Android, and 'Find my iPhone' on iOS. This lets you wipe clean your lost phone, and permanently delete all the data from it, to stop it falling into the wrong hands. If you choose this option, check that you’ve got all the information you need backed up somewhere else, like iCloud or on your desktop computer. Any questions on the above? Got a top security tip of your own? Post a reply below, and share it with the Community.

Bring the great outdoors home during the heatwave with our top gardening apps. We’ve never spent more time at home than we are right now, so there’s never been a better time to make our homes a much brighter, happier and more relaxing place to be. While it might be tricky to get away this year or go exploring, a peaceful, colourful garden makes the perfect place to chill out at home. And your phone can help you. There are plenty of apps out there that’ll help design your outdoor space, identify the plants in your garden and work out which plants are likely to grow tall and strong. Here are our favourites: SmartPlant Free on iOS & Android This app is the ultimate companion on that garden centre plant-buying spree. Just use the SmartPlant app to scan the code on new plants when you buy them, and it’ll tell you exactly what they are and how best to look after them. It’s not just for starting from scratch. The SmartPlant app lets you chat with experts who can help identify the plants in your garden. From there, the app will give you reminders to water them at the right time, and even help you identify pests and diseases to keep them looking vibrant and healthy. PlantSnap Free with in-app purchases on iOS & Android If you’re looking to find out a little more about the plants that are already in your garden, PlantSnap is the app for you. Just hover your phone’s camera over your plants, and the app will automatically detect them and tell you everything you want to know. It’s a great way to engage with the beautiful nature around you, and makes a long country walk educational and fun. With over 35 million users all over the globe, there’s no better tool to learn learn about rare species of plants and flowers. It’s also a great place to share and receive handy gardening tips from green-fingered experts that know their stuff. GardenTags Free with in-app purchases on iOS & Android GardenTags is an all-in-one Insta-style app that can do more than just identify your plants. Set up your profile, upload your plants to your photographic journal and connect with other gardeners. You can receive plant care notifications for up to 10 plants, which is handy if you’re a little forgetful with the watering can! The app is super easy to use, and a great way to get the inspiration you need to transform your outdoor space into the perfect relaxation zone. iScape Free on iOS Looking to completely transform your garden? There’s no need to fork out loads on home improvement, only to realise you don’t like the end result. With iScape, you can design your outdoor space and see how it’ll look before you’ve spent a penny. With clever augmented reality, the app lets you choose from thousands of plants and features and add them to your garden in real time to see how it all looks. Whether you’re planning a colourful new flowerbed or sharing your vision with a landscape gardener, this app makes it much easier to plan and visualise your new outdoor space. Have you given your garden an upgrade this summer? If so, have you turned to an app to help achieve your vision? Let us know below!

June 20th marks the longest day of the year in the calendar, also known as Summer Solstice, when the Earth is tilted at its maximum towards the sun! Why not celebrate the longest day of the year with these five fun activities. Stargaze Say goodbye to the Venus moon and welcome Mercury to the night sky! Take this time to look at the stars, and if you want to know exactly what you’re looking at, or if you can’t see any stars where you are, try an augmented reality app like Star Walk 2. Use it night or day to show you the constellations, Milky Way, planets, and the position of the Sun and Moon. App: Star Walk 2 Available on: Android & iOS Get outdoors (safely) and watch the sunrise or sunset Fancy taking full advantage of the longest day by watching the sun rise and sun set ? Find out the exact times it’ll happen, and see if the weather will hold up with impressive accuracy using the Dark Sky app. App: Dark Sky Available on: Android & iOS Virtual Stonehenge visit The prehistoric monument was said to have been built specifically for solstices. Visit Stonehenge without leaving your home this year with English Heritage's Facebook and YouTube live streaming, all the way through to the early morning of Sunday 21st June. Google or YouTube search 'English Heritage' to find out more. Go on a hike Explore the outdoors near you on the longest day of the year, whether it’s a walk around a National Trust area of natural beauty, exploring some new fields or just your local park. Keep a track of every step and location visited. App: Nike/Running app to help you plan your journey. Available on: Android & iOS Get gardening! As Summer Solstice is traditionally a time to celebrate a potentially good harvest, what better way than getting out into the garden and planting something new, or giving it a good tidy? If you don’t have a garden, window-boxes are an easy, compact way to cultivate some new life! App: GrowIt! – join an enthusiastic community of gardeners, find inspiration, gather information and find out what plants grow well in your local area. Available on: Android & iOS App: Garden Tags – keep a photo journal of your progress, get pruning reminders and plant recognition features. Just point GardenTags at a flower or leaf and the app will find the plant name. Available on: Android & iOS

You probably know Valentine’s Day is on the 14th February, but did you know there was a whole week devoted to romance? So, whether you’re looking to spoil your significant other for a whole week, or you just need to know how long you need to go to ground for, here are all seven days broken down. There’s plenty of opportunities to spoil the people you care about – whether they’re a soul mate or a best mate. 7th Feb, Rose Day On this day you can give different coloured roses to different people depending on how you feel about them. Red roses - give these to the love of your life. Yellow roses – give these to friends. White roses – give these to someone you’re fighting with. With services like eflorist, you can use your phone to order them and get them delivered. Make sure you give the right flowers to the right people. Mixed messages are never a good idea! 8th Feb, Propose Day Don’t panic! This doesn’t mean you have to get down on one knee – though you can if you feel it’s time. Instead, this is the day you tell someone how you feel about them – whether that’s someone you’ve fancied for ages or just sending a mate a text to tell them how much they mean to you. As friends. Just friends. 9th Feb, Chocolate Day As if you need an excuse! Spread a little happiness by giving chocolate to your nearest and dearest. Show them you really care with a personalised chocolate from Moonpig or say “this is about what you’re worth” with a classic bar of Twirl. 10th Feb, Teddy Day Teddies are always a winner. When you give someone a teddy, they’ll be reminded of you when they curl up with them or used as a punching bag when they’re annoyed with you. Plus, you can get them in all shapes and sizes from funkypigeon. 11th Feb, Promise Day If you bypassed Propose Day, Promise Day might be the one for you. This is where you can either reaffirm your commitment to a relationship or pledge to be friends forever. Matching wrist bands optional. Of course, you might want to make a slightly less romantic promise. And maybe just to yourself. Check out our list of apps that will help you stick to your goals. 12th Feb, Hug Day Hugs are scientifically proven to make us happier – as a good hug will lower our blood pressure and release stress-busting oxytocin. It doesn’t have to be with your special someone either. This is something for friends, family or even strangers – but only if they’re okay with it! 13th Feb, Kiss Day Kisses are an expression of affection and love. Go on. Give your partner, friend or parent a peck on the cheek and make their day! 14th Feb, Valentine’s Day Saint Valentine was a 3rd-century Roman saint associated with courtly love. But these days, the day is marked with romantic meals, flowers and chocolates. But however you spend it, make someone feel very special. Looking for gift ideas? Why not give Redletterdays a go for something a bit more impressive than wilted daffs! So, now you’re ready for Valentine’s week, why not let us know down below which is your favourite day and what you have planned for the 14th.

How to stop nuisance calls and texts There’s nothing quite like an annoying text or call to take you away from that Netflix episode, platform game or group chat. Whether it’s a call about an ‘accident’ that you never had, a bogus text from the bank 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. Here’s what we recommend: Be careful what you’re ticking To prevent nuisance calls, be careful of any online forms that ask you to fill tick-boxes that say something like “I give permission for third parties to contact me by phone” or “I give you permission to contact me by phone”. Don’t tick them if you don’t want to be contacted! The same thing goes for all kinds of communications, be they email or text. For example, some comparison sites make you enter your personal details when you look for an insurance quote, and it’s easy to end up finding yourself on a mailing list. Whenever you buy or subscribe to something online, be sure to check about the type of communications you consent to. Register with the Telephone Preference Service The best way to prevent nuisance calls is to register your number with the Telephone Preference Service . They’ll add you to their list of numbers that don’t want to receive sales and marketing calls. It’s illegal for companies to call numbers registered with the Telephone Preference Service, so it should scare companies away and stop them bothering you. You’ll need your phone number, postcode and an email address to sign up on the Telephone Preference Service website. You can also sign up from your mobile by texting ‘TPS’ and your email address to 85095. Or you can call them to register on 0345 070 0707. It’s free to register with the Telephone Preference Service. If anyone asks you for money to sign up, it’s a scam - you should report it to the Consumer Service . If you get nuisance calls after you’ve registered with the Telephone Preference Service, it may be because you gave the caller your number. Go ahead and tell the individual caller you don’t wish to be contacted again, and hopefully they should stop calling you. If they don’t, see ‘Report a nuisance call or text’ below. You might also still get calls from companies that don't follow the regulations. You can get advice about companies that ignore the law from the Telephone Preference Service website . Block nuisance calls You can block numbers using your handset. It varies between handsets, but usually involves going into your call list and selecting you want to block (usually by pressing an info button next to the number - be careful not to call it). Then you should be shown an option to block that number. Alternatively, some smartphones are clever enough to detect that the number coming through is a scam call and let you know as it happens, giving you the option to block the number right then and there. What to do if you think it’s a scam call Scams usually involve people being tricked into giving money. If you think a caller is trying to scam you, report it to Actionfraud straight away. Stop getting nuisance texts If you’ve given your number to a company in the past, they may send you texts. You can usually tell them to stop sending you texts by replying ‘STOP’ to the text message. Only reply with ‘STOP’ if the sender tells you who they are in the text, or they’re identified in the sent-from number. If you don’t recognise the sender of a nuisance text, or it’s from an unknown number, don’t reply. If you do, it lets the sender know your phone number is active and they might hassle you even more! Report a nuisance call or text Registering with the Telephone Preference Service should stop you getting nuisance calls, but if someone’s still bothering you 28 days after registering, then you can report them. Registering with the Telephone Preference Service won’t stop you getting nuisance texts. When you do get a nuisance text, forward it to 7726 - this spells ‘SPAM’ on your phone keypad. Doing this reports the sender to iD Mobile and you won’t get charged for the text. You can also report nuisance calls or texts to the Information Commissioner's Office online , who can take action against whoever made the call. You’ll need to know the number the nuisance called from, and the date and time they called. You should be able to find both in your call history. Those are a few of the best things you can do to stop annoying calls and texts from coming through. Give them a go and see how you get on! Let us know in the comments below.

Introducing the iPhone 12 After much rumour and speculation, Apple have finally confirmed the launch of the brand-new iPhone 12 series. And we’re excited. With four different handsets to choose from, the iPhone 12 series caters for everyone, from those who love big-screen entertainment on the move to those who miss that comfy handheld feeling of their old phone. Whichever handset you choose, however, there’s one thing you will get, and that’s 5G power. The smallest iPhone this generation offers is the iPhone 12 Mini. At 5.4-inches, it takes a big turn away from the current smartphone trend of ever-bigger screens, but there’s no doubt it’ll be the most powerful small phone out there. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro both come in at 6.1-inches, while the giant iPhone 12 Pro Max is more of a ‘phablet’ at 6.7-inches. All the screens are made from a type of glass Apple call Ceramic Shield, which they say is the toughest smartphone glass around. That’s handy if you tend to rely on screen protectors to give your phone that ‘extra life’. Flawless photos With the addition of the same LiDAR technology first seen on 2020’s iPad Pro, photography takes a big leap on the latest iPhone generation. Autofocus is up to six times faster in low-light, and now you can even take that profile picture worthy Portrait shot in low-light too. That’s ideal for those late nights. The wide lens lets in 27% more light than the previous generation, so city skylines and vibrant sunsets look every bit as majestic as they are. In terms of lenses, both the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini go for a dual 12MP camera setup with Wide and Ultrawide lenses. You’ll have no problem getting the whole family in that group photo. However, it’s the video recording that really impresses here. With the ability to shoot HDR Dolby Vision footage, you can make every moment look cinematic and instantly ready to share. The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max add a third lens into the mix, in the form of a 12MP telephoto, so, you can zoom right in without losing detail or colour. Whether you like to snap nature, architecture or the odd candid portrait, this camera can do it all. Store it all With the amount of onboard storage available here, you shouldn’t ever have to delete old apps to make room for new. iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini offer 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB options, so if you’ve got a massive library of music and movies you want right there in the palm of your hand you can add everything and still have room left over. The Pro and Pro Max take a step up with their storage options. Starting from 128 GB, you can double it to 256 GB or double it again to a whopping 512 GB – that’s enough to rival your laptop. Pick your colour! The new iPhone line-up offers a bold choice of colours that you rarely see among the most elite handsets these days. Both the iPhone 12 and Mini feature black, white, green, red and blue colourways, while the Pro and Pro Max go for silver, graphite, gold and Pacific blue. We think they all look awesome. Apple goes 5G The iPhone 12 series are the first iPhone models to come packed with 5G compatibility. While iD Mobile doesn’t offer 5G coverage just yet, you’ll be ready for lightning fast downloads speeds and super-smooth streaming the moment it’s available. Combined with the A14 Bionic Chip, the most powerful iPhone processor yet, you’ll be able to flick between apps, pages, and functions like a pro. And with the all new iOS 14 operating system right out of the box, you can really make your iPhone your own. Add widgets to your home screen, choose a new theme and organise your apps just the way you like them. Handy. When are they available? Can’t wait to get your hands on the latest iPhone? Don’t panic? Pre-order for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro is live right now, and both handsets will be available on October 23rd. If you’re after the iPhone 12 Mini or iPhone 12 Pro Max, pre-order starts on November 6th and handsets will be available on November 13th. Get ready! Go for iD Of course, we’re offering great value deals on the latest iPhone line-up, combined with all the flexibility and control you need over your phone experience. Roll over your unused data, cap your out-of-plan charges and stay fully on top of your expenses from the iD app, right there from your gorgeous new handset. iPhone 12 starts from £39.99 a month for 20 GB data, while the iPhone 12 Pro starts from £49.99 a month for 20 GB, both with an upfront cost of £99.99. Take a peek!

Build your smart home with this top tech With everyone spending more time at home, there’s never been a better moment to make your living space work better for you. From your security to your central heating, the right smart tech puts everything that makes your house your home in the palm of your hand. You can even get your smart tech to team up with ‘routines’. For example, if you’ve got a smart front door lock and smart lights, you can automatically lock the door and shut off the lights just by saying ‘goodnight’ to your smart speaker. Amazing. Here’s some of the best tech you can add to make your home smarter: 1. Smart lights Smart lights can be programmed to turn on to make your house seem occupied when you’re out or away on holiday. Some lights use your phone’s location to switch on lights to welcome you home. Look out for smart lights you can sync with movies and music from your smartphone and colour changing bulbs that can create different moods. Philips Hue is one of the most popular ranges out there, with both dimmable white and colour bulbs to suit all kinds of light fixtures and fittings. It works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant too, so it fits effortlessly into your smart home ecosystem. 2. Smart doorbell Using Wi-Fi to notify you via your smartphone when there’s someone at your door, a smart doorbell allows you to see, hear and speak to callers even when you’re not at home. You can save and review front door footage to help keep your home secure when you’re away, and when you’re in, you can see who’s outside before you open your door. The Ring Video Doorbell lets you see what’s going on on your doorstep in Full HD, and it’ll even let you set up motion zones so it’ll let you know when someone’s on your property. Of course, it’s also perfect for taking parcel deliveries when you’re not in (no more trips to the post office)! 3. Smart security system Having a security system that stays connected to your Wi-Fi gives that reassuring peace of mind when you’re not home. Smart cameras give you a live camera feed of your home right there on your smartphone, and can send messages to you when you’re away to let you know if it’s picked up on motion or unusual sounds, like glass smashing. There’s also outdoor cameras that feature night vision and motion detection, so you can sleep soundly while your garden stays secure. Then there’s full security systems like the Ring Alarm Security Kit. The keypad can be activated and disarmed with a security code, but you can do it from the Ring app on your smartphone too. There’s also a contact sensor that you can place on your window or door frame. If it detects the door or window has been breached, it’ll send you an alert to keep you one step ahead of intruders. Of course, the Ring Doorbell fits perfectly into the Ring Alarm Security system, always letting you know when there’s somebody at the door. So, you can take deliveries when you’re out and keep your home safe, all from your phone. 4. Smart heating Many people find their thermostats and central heating timers tricky to use, so they settle for a heating schedule they don’t need and pay whatever energy bill comes through the door. But that doesn’t need to be the case. With a smart thermostat, its easy-to-use controls mean you can program your heating to come on the moment you get home, and switch off the moment you leave. Thermostats like the Google Nest learn your preferences and adjust the heating automatically after just a short time. Because they’re connected to the Wi-Fi, they are programmed to know what the weather’s like outside and use that data to figure out what temperature to go for indoors. The app shows you how much energy you’re using, and gives a detailed breakdown at the end of each month - so you always know what to expect when your energy bill arrives. And don’t forget, with the Currys Point and Place app (free on iOS and Android) you can use your smartphone camera and clever AI to see how that new doorbell, thermostat, or lighting will look in your home. Get inspired! That’s it, those are our top bits of tech to help get your smart home up and running. What smart tech do you use at home? Let us know below.

Everything you need to know about the PS5 and Xbox Series X & S Whether you’re into your games or have friends or family that are gamers, you’ve almost definitely heard that Sony and Microsoft have new consoles on the way. We’ve been gearing up for next-gen gaming for a while, and we can’t wait to discover new journeys in better detail and team up with friends in immersive, virtual worlds. Now that we know much more about both consoles, and with Christmas and Black Friday on the horizon, we’re breaking down the key features to help you make that big decision: PS5 or Xbox? Sony PlayStation 5 True to form, the Sony PS5 is a very stylish console. A new white and black design (with matching controller of course) set to make any gamer’s spine tingle. Sony has confirmed that the PS5 will be available in the UK on 19th November 2020. It’s got a Blu Ray disc drive for all your 4K movies and games, making it a great all-round entertainment device. It’ll be priced at £449, and there will also be a Digital Edition (with no disc drive) available for £359. That’s cheaper, but it means that you won’t be able to take advantage of deals on disc-based games. So it’s worth considering whether you’re ready to ditch the disc drive just yet. Both can be stood upright or horizontally. A nice touch that’ll make it easy to fit in with your home entertainment set up. As expected, the new PS5 will be super-fast and powerful. Load times will be lightning-fast thanks to its 825 GB solid state drive. So, no more waiting around to play, even on the biggest games. You’ll also be able to play games in 8K graphics. Incredible landscapes, bloody battles, beautiful story arc set pieces- all of it rendered in the most mind-bending detail. But the PS5 is a treat for the ears as well as the eyes. 3D audio technology will make sound feel like it’s all around you. This should be the most immersive PlayStation console experience yet. Perhaps the biggest and best to mention here – the new PS5 controller. Enhanced haptic feedback means that you can actually feel what’s going on in your game. So, for example, Sony have said if you were playing a driving game, you’d feel the "slow grittiness of driving a car through mud". Adding to that ‘as-if-you’re-there’ feeling are the in-built mic and new adaptive triggers. Game developers can adjust the resistance of the triggers on your controller. So, if you’re pushing something heavy in-game, it could actually feel that way to you in real life. And of course, there are the usual accessories too. A pulse 3D wireless headset to block out the outside world. An HD camera to record your streams (oh and did we mention the create button on the controller that lets you share game content almost instantly?). And a media remote and charging dock for your controllers. Sony has revealed a lot of big titles from some of the greatest game developers out there, and there’s wonderful news for people still running through the PS4 back catalogue too. The PS5 is backwards compatible. So, you’ll be able to play all your favourite PS4 games on there too. And did you know, if your kids are always hogging the TV while playing their PS4, they can still carry on playing once you’ve seized control of the remote? Just download Remote Play on your iPad or Android tablet and follow the steps on-screen to link it to your console over WiFi. That way, you can get into Bake Off or MasterChef while they’re engrossed in Fortnite. It’s a brilliant way to avoid TV wars, and we’re expecting it to be available for next-gen too. Check out the Sony PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition which are both available at Currys PC World. Xbox Series X Sony aren’t the only ones to go back to the drawing board with their latest console design. The new Microsoft Xbox Series X sports a minimalist black cuboid design, which won’t look out of place in any home entertainment or gaming centre. Microsoft has confirmed that Xbox will be available in the UK on 10th November 2020, just over a week before the PS5. Like its rival, it’ll also have a Blu-Ray 4K disc drive, so don’t box up that old movie library just yet. At £449, it’ll cost the same as the PS5 with a disc drive, but there will also be a cheaper, digital only version (more on that later). Whether you’re all about the games or love to stream movies and box sets, the new Xbox is a powerful machine. With 1 TB of storage space, it’s got a notably larger SSD drive than the PS5. In real terms, that’s space for one, or maybe two extra games. And of course, because it’s a solid state drive, you can expect games and streaming services to load in no time. If you do run out of space, Microsoft have added space for another storage drive, so you shouldn’t ever need to delete games and apps. As for the graphics…well, they’ve taken a major leap forward. It’ll run in true 4K resolution at 120 fps and has ray tracing technology. That means everything looks and feels realistically smooth, with the power to display accurate shadows and reflections. Put simply, it makes the worlds that every game casts you into seem that much more real. We love Xbox’s Game Pass on the current generation, so it’s great to see it being carried over to the Series X. With this, you’ll get access to over 100 high quality games without needing to use up any storage. It’s a great investment for the kids too, as it means you won’t need to fork out per game. Xbox Series S At £449, the Series X offers similar specs to gaming PCs double the price, or even more. However, you don’t need to spend that much to get into next-gen games. The Xbox Series S will play all the latest games, and only costs £249. It’s a conventional shaped console, packing impressive specs into a compact frame. You may not be able to play in 4K resolution, but you’ll still get better-than-Full HD graphics at a buttery smooth 120 fps. With a 512 GB SSD drive, loading is still snappy and there’s enough storage to help you get started. But just like the Series X, it’s got an expansion slot to add more when you need. And if the kids already have loads of games downloaded on their current Xbox, don’t worry, they won’t lose them. The Series S can play a catalogue of games throughout Xbox’s history, in better detail than ever. Take a look the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S at Currys PC World.

Capture the perfect autumn scene with these top phone camera apps and tips Autumn is upon us, and that means long country walks, hearty meals and colourful scenery all around. It might be getting a little cooler, but there’s nothing like a wander through nature to cure those post-summer blues. Whether it’s the natural light shining through tree branches, or multicoloured leaves laying on the ground, who could blame you for stopping to capture it all on your phone camera? Don’t just go for the default settings and hope for the best, though. When it comes to shooting nature on your smartphone, the chances are it’s got some neat tricks to nail photos and videos. Here are a few things you can do to get that instantly Instragamable photo: The Rule of Thirds If you’re new to photography, there’s a foundational rule that’s helpful for keeping every scenic photo interesting, and that’s the Rule of Thirds. In your phone’s camera app, you should be able to place a grid over your display in the settings. This will help you get the composition of your photo just right. You’ll want to make sure that objects of interest in your photo are either on the lines, or where two lines meet. If it’s a landscape shot, make sure that the horizon is on or near a horizontal line. You’ll be amazed what this simple tweak to the composition will do for your autumn photos. Try HDR mode If your phone’s camera app has an HDR mode, make the most of it! If you’re not a photography whizz, it can be tricky to get the lighting spot on in your photos. With HDR mode, you don’t have to worry about tweaking the settings. Your camera will shoot three photos with different exposure levels, and combine them to create a single photo that highlights all the colours and detail that make up that striking autumn scene. Because HDR mode shoots three photos, the shutter speed takes a little longer, so you’ll have to hold the phone steady. Or for seriously pro-looking shots, add a smartphone tripod to your kit bag. Pick a lens Many smartphones have more than one camera, but how many times have you manually switched between them? Some lenses are better at capturing certain shots than others, but for expansive landscapes, if you’ve got a wide-angle camera on the back of your phone, that’s the one to go for. Your wide-angle lens lets you capture a wider field of view. That means you can fit more of the scenery around you into the frame, so no need to keep taking steps back. The wide-angle does a good job of showing depth and keeping the distance between objects realistic, like trees, for example. If you’ve got an Ultra-Wide lens as well, try that out too. You’ll be able to get some truly stunning autumn shots, but keep in mind the ultra-wide angle means you’re more likely to lose that perception of distance between objects in the picture. No flash photography It’s the natural colours that make autumn such a photogenic season. Using the flash causes those colours to look a little washed out, so try it without and see how you get on. If you need more light in your photos, try increasing the exposure in your camera app’s setting. This lets in more natural light and should offer much better results. If you’re feeling confident, switch to Pro mode and take a few photos with different exposure levels and shutter speeds to see what works best for your scene. Check out these apps to get that winning shot For autumn photography that really stands out, there are a few apps you can try. A big part of getting great nature shots is being ready at the right moment. With apps like LightTrac (iOS) and Sun Position (Android), you’ll know when’s best to catch that gorgeous autumn scene wherever you are. Not only will they give accurate sunrise and sunset times, but they’ll also show you the solar and lunar paths pretty accurately, too. So, you can find the perfect spot and capture the perfect interplay of natural light and shadows. Or, if you get more than one outstanding photo on your walk and can’t decide which one to share, add them to a collage and share them all! Collage Maker (iOS, Android) lets you add up to 18 images to a single frame, letting you showcase all your stunning autumn photos in one. There are over 100 layouts to choose from, so you’re able to get really creative with it. Those are just a few of the things your phone can do to take your autumn photography up a notch. What works for you? Let us know below.

We’re excited to announce that we’ve recently reached a big milestone, we now have over 25,000 iD Community members. We’re proud to have an active Community with people getting involved by helping each other, entering competitions and reading interesting articles. Since its inception, the iD Community has always been about giving our customers direct help and empowering all of you to help each other. And you’ve all been brilliant. Our Community wouldn’t be the handy, helpful, friendly forum it is without our wonderful members. Over 6,000 questions have been asked on this platform, with an average of over 3 responses per question. That shows you guys have done an awesome job helping each other get the most out of your iD Mobile plans and smartphones. We must mention a few of our iD Superheroes, here. These are the iD Community members that are the most active, that answer a huge number of Community questions and have solved queries on everything from switching SIM cards to Wi-Fi calling. Our Top 3 iD Superheroes are @Gregor, @terrywebbs and @Adzdalton - Thank you for assisting our community members and making the Community an epic place to be! There’s no time to rest on our laurels, though. We want the iD Community to be even bigger and better, and we can’t do that without your help. Get chatting with fellow iD’ers and answering questions, and you could be well on your way to earning that Superhero tag! The more you engage and help answer questions etc on the community, the more likely you are to hit the criteria needed to rank up. As you rank up and get to the higher tier ranks, we may reward you with perks like; extra Data Add-Ons, vouchers and gift cards to your favourite stores, and more. If you’re unsure on how to get started, find out how to use the iD Community right here. Competition Time! Finally, to celebrate the Community’s achievement, we’re running a competition. All you have to do is tell us below, ‘what’s your favourite thing about the iD Mobile Community?’ We’ll pick one lucky winner who’ll get their hands on a £250 Currys PC World voucher! The deadline is midnight Monday 14th September, so make sure you get your answer in before the close. Best of luck!

Are you a cash-strapped music fan? Then why not make the most of free (and legal) music streaming? Two of the best music streaming services out there are Spotify and Deezer. And the great thing is, you don’t have to part with your hard-earned cash to enjoy them. Yes, they offer paid subscriptions, but they also give you the option of signing-up and listening to songs for free. You might have to sit through an advert every now and then, but that’s not too much trouble is it? To help you decide which of these music streaming heavyweights to go for, here’s a run-down of each one. Spotify (Android, iOS) There are 170 million active Spotify users worldwide, with 95 million using the service free of charge. Spotify has over 35 million songs and thousands of podcasts available. Each Friday, the latest record releases, exclusive live sessions, and new singles are added to its ‘New Releases’ tab. What you get for free If you’re a free Spotify customer you can listen to any song in shuffle mode. You can skip five tracks an hour, but you’ll need to listen to some fairly regular adverts. Also, sound quality is limited to ‘standard’ rather than the HD quality you get on the paid version. You’ll be asked to select your favourite artists as soon as you get started with the Spotify app. You’ll then be given recommendations and playlists based on your taste in music. You’ll also get on-demand access to 15 ‘select’ playlists for free, and play any playlist song without having to shuffle. The playlists are generated by Spotify based on your listening habits, they include a total of 750 songs, and they’re constantly being updated. Deezer (Android, iOS) Deezer has 14 million monthly active users, with 8 million of them happily enjoying it for free. In addition to its 53 million music tracks, it also offers over 30,000 news and entertainment shows. What you get for free If you’re a free Deezer customer you’ll be able to listen to songs in shuffle mode. If you press play on an artist, you’ll be played a mix based on their music. You can skip up to six tracks an hour, and you’ll get regular adverts. Also, sound quality is limited to ‘standard’ rather than the HD quality you get on the paid version. Deezer’s ‘Flow’ claims to be your very own personalised radio channel. If you can’t decide what to listen to, activate flow and it’ll start playing music that it reckons you’ll be into, based on what you’ve been listening to in the past. If you like what you’re hearing, tap the heart icon to make it a favourite track, and to give Deezer an even better idea of what floats your boat. If there’s a track you’re less enamoured with, tap the heart with a line through it to let Deezer you never want to hear it ever again.

If you’ve ever lost your phone, you’ll know what a complete nightmare it is. Thankfully there are things you can do to try and locate it again. Should the worst happen, and it’s gone forever, then lower the cost and save yourself some extra hassle by following these simple steps. Step 1: Attempt to find your phone One thing you can do right now is turn on your phone’s location services. Do this, and you’ll be able to log into your account and see its location. Got an iPhone? Then it’s worth having the Find My iPhone app. Sign into iCloud.com to see your phone’s location. Got an Android? Then go to settings, select ‘Security & Location’ and toggle the ‘Find My Device’ to the on position. If you lose your phone, go to www.google.co.uk/android/devicemanager. Your phone’s location will appear on the map. From here you can ring your phone, lock it, or erase its contents remotely. Step 2: Cancel your SIM card If you’ve still had no luck finding your phone, your next step is to contact your provider. Ask them to bar your SIM. Once barred, nobody will be able to make calls from your phone, or use your data. That should avoid any unexpected, and hefty bills. Your provider may also be able to blacklist the device, that way no-one will ever be able to use it, even if it gets sold on. Step 3: Report it to the police If you know for certain that your phone’s been stolen, and there’s no way to get it back, you should call the police. Ask for the crime reference number, which you’ll need to claim on insurance or if you want a replacement through Team Knowhow. Step 4: Get in touch with your insurance company Done step 3? Now it’s time to tell your insurance company – or Team Knowhow if you’re signed up – that your phone’s missing. Give them that crime reference number, and pass on the details about your phone and when you last remember seeing it. Step 5: Check if you’ve run up a big bill – you may be able to write if off You should always report your phone as missing ASAP, as any big bills generated during that time may have to be paid for. Some networks may charge a maximum of £100 in this case, provided you’re on a monthly contract and you’ve reported your device missing within 24 hours. You may not get anything back if you’re on pay as you go. Got insurance? Then you should be able to claim for any unauthorised calls. Step 6: Get a new phone and SIM card You’ll need a new phone and a SIM. Your network will likely send you a new SIM, but they may charge you a small amount. You’re unlikely to be given a replacement phone for free, and if you’re on a monthly plan, you’ll have to pay it up until the end of your contract. From here you have three choices: buy a new phone and continue with your current contract, wait until the end of your contract and get a new phone, or get a cheaper pay as you go deal. Choose from a SIM Free phone or a SIM only deal. If you’re insured, you could get a new phone for free. Team Knowhow’s Mobile Complete plan also protects your phone against loss and theft. And that rounds up our advice for what to do if you lose your phone. Got any tips of your own? Then feel free to drop some knowledge nuggets below.

It’s that time of year where the kids are getting back into the world of academia. Whether it’s the first day of school, the start of GCSEs or a new journey at university, it can be an exciting and daunting time for both students and parents alike. However, the right tech can help students of all ages adjust to the new academic year and all the hard work that’s needed. Phones, tablets, iPads and laptops may be great sources of entertainment, but they can also make getting creative and staying productive much easier. From tracking classes, staying on top of coursework progress and storing files, to juggling multiple deadlines and keeping focus, there are plenty of apps and software out there that make studying a whole lot more manageable. Here are a few that we think make for a great head start: My Study Life Free on iOS and Android If your child is starting secondary/high school and they’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the different classes, subjects and homework there's a great app to support them staying on top of all three. The My Study Life app is a comprehensive go-to solution for students to keep track upcoming deadlines, assignments, classes, exams and more. Instead of manually juggling every area of your academic life, this app does it all for you. Enter all your classes into the timetable, along with your exams and find out if any of them clash. Track due dates and progress for assignments and get notifications on your phone before coursework is due. It’s all there, in one single place. There’s a web app available too, so parents and children can log in and see the academic schedule for the day, no matter what device is being used. It really is a lifesaver. Microsoft 365 No doubt you’ve heard of Microsoft Office, and most likely used it too. However, rather than just give you productivity software for your trusty laptop, Microsoft 365 lets you use all your Office apps on your laptop, phone and tablet, while the work seamlessly syncs and saves in the Cloud. No need to take your laptop to school, or even your USB stick. A Microsoft 365 subscription includes 1 TB of OneDrive Cloud Storage - that’s enough for a movie library, let alone a portfolio of work. And because it’s all saved online, you can access your projects and assignments on any PC or tablet, anywhere. So, forgetting to bring your homework is no longer an excuse! Elsewhere, the Microsoft 365 suite makes collaborating on group projects a piece of cake. An entire group can work on the same document, spreadsheet or presentation, in real time, wherever they all are. And when it’s time to head into school or college, the app version makes it easy to put the finishing touches to that essay on the go. Focus To-Do Free on iOS and Android So, you’ve got your revision timetable ready, you know when your exams and deadlines are, but how do you stay focused? Simple. Focus To-Do lets you take control of your study time and minimise the things that take you out of your zone. Whether it’s a spontaneous YouTube binge or an addictive game, this handy app can whitelist your frequently used apps, so they don’t bother you when you revise. The Pomodoro timer breaks down your tasks, like revision periods, into blocks of 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. That way, you can build your downtime into your study schedule and make it a reward, not a distraction. Focus To-Do even gives a detailed breakdown of the time you spend focusing on the tasks, assignments and projects on list. So, you can make little changes to your schedule based on accurate productivity stats. What apps, software or tech do you or your child use to stay productive at school, college or uni? Let us know below and good luck with whichever educational journey September brings!

Technology affects our lives in ways we rarely consider. Improvements to tech in the past 30 years haven’t just changed the way we interact, work, and play, they’ve transformed how we think, and create. There are plenty of industries that are innovative with tech, but one of the main industries leading the charge is fashion. With Fashion Week just around the corner in London, Paris, Milan and New York, there’s no better time to celebrate the contribution that technology is making, from the design stage all the way through to your wardrobe. In recent times, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has helped to train stylists, creatives and colleagues across a whole host of fashion houses and retailers. Designers can now easily reach out to one another across any social channel and collaborate on projects. And our phones can actually help us decide what to wear. It’s made creativity more accessible, too. Anyone can draw up designs, engage with fellow creatives, set up shop online and gain exposure for their work with a little help from technology. Whether you’re designing garments, up-cycling and selling your old clothes, or just searching for a standout look, here are a few impressive apps that are transforming how we engage with fashion: Depop Free on iOS & Android This app is a must have for any budding fashionista that loves their social media and tech. With over 18 million users worldwide, Depop is a huge, ever-growing community of buyers, sellers, and new look lovers. The idea is simple: anyone can sell the clothes they no longer wear to people that will appreciate them. It’s perfect for finding cool looking vintage clothes without wading through rail after rail of garments, and it’s using tech to close the gap between exclusive, designer labels and fast fashion. Just like your social channels, you can follow your mates and connect with other buyers and sellers. Upload photos of the clothes you’re selling, connect your PayPal account, and get ready to make waves in the world of vintage fashion. Depop takes only 10% from each sale, so setting up shop is easy to do and won’t wipe your profits. And when you’re finding that winning look, the app starts to learn the kind of designs you like to go for and picks out clothes for you based on your likes and saved posts. It really is reshaping how we shop for new clothes and engage with fashion. Stylebook £3.99 on iOS Once you’ve got your wardrobe sorted, how do you come up with that flawless look without taking every garment off every hanger, mixing and matching? Well the answer is easy – with your phone of course! Whether you’re packing for holiday or simply picking an outfit to wear for dinner, this app makes it much, much easier. Just take a photo of each of your clothing items, cut out the backgrounds in the app and add them to your inventory. Once that’s done, you can arrange your closet at the tap of a button by size, brand, fabric, colour and more. You may even discover an outfit combo you’ve never thought of before. The Outfit Shuffle function shuffles all your clothes like a deck of cards to give you new inspiration and help you look fresh every time you go out. It also offers useful stats, like how many times you’ve worn the same item in a month, most and least worn items, and how much each item costs per wear. So, you’ll get the most value out of each garment. Just use the calendar to plan your outfits, and you’ll save a bundle of time getting ready. YourCloset – Smart Fashion Free on Android Want your Android smartphone to give a helping hand with your wardrobe? Well, don’t panic! YourCloset has similar features and functions as Stylebook, and it’s free on the Google Play Store! Download the app and get cataloguing your clothes in a matter of moments. It doesn’t just use conventional filters like size and colour to sort those garments, either. You can add and customise your own categories to keep your wardrobe organised whether you’re heading to work or planning a holiday. You’ll also get all those handy stats to give you an insight into your wardrobe – not just your most worn outfits, but perhaps more interestingly the clothes you rarely wear. That means if you’re selling your pre-loved clothes on Depop, you can easily decide what to sell and what to keep with the stats to back you up. YourCloset makes your wardrobe accessible anywhere, too. Simply back up and sync your app data to Google Drive, and you can plan your outfits across your phone, tablet and laptop. Easy. Pinterest Free on Android and iOS Okay, you’ve almost certainly heard of Pinterest and it isn’t just for fashion. But Pinterest has changed how everyone, from artists and designers, to consumers, draw inspiration for their own projects. And the app version is ideal for getting inspired on the go. Simply search for any images and idea boards you’d like to see, from places to visit in the world to interior design. When it comes to clothes, though, Pinterest is especially useful. Find a way to make that rarely worn top work with the perfect ensemble, use it to reinvent your wardrobe entirely, or even discover ideas for fancy dress. Start saving your ideas, arrange them by topic and get ready to find your bright idea! Prêt-à-Template Paid subscription (7-day free trial) on iOS Whether you’re a fashion student, budding designer or simply like to sketch your ideas, this app is the ultimate tool to turn your iPhone or iPad into a fashion sketchbook. Featuring templates for all kinds of clothing, shoes, accessories and body types, Prêt-à-Template lets you draw your designs exactly as you picture them in your head. There are over 70 different fabric patterns to choose from, and a huge range of realistic brushes to really bring your ideas to life. Even as you zoom in to work on intricate detailing, the sketch stays fully in focus. You can turn your ideas into projects and store, edit and share them right from your phone. Once you’ve got your portfolio of garment ideas, you can create an unlimited combination of ideas with Puzzle Look. That’s great whether you’re working on a whole range or just looking to pair your outfits. There you have it, if you fancy yourself a creative or interested in fashion and design, be sure to check out some of these great apps.

Augmented Reality brings new ideas and experiences to familiar surroundings with the help of your phone’s camera and clever tech. Here are a few of the apps that do it best… We love apps that use augmented reality (AR) here at iD. What started with us scouring the great outdoors searching for Pokémon, has become a super-practical tool with an astounding range of useful applications. From strategy games that make your living room the arena, to design programs that help visualise projects, developers are creating apps that use our phone cameras in ways we couldn’t imagine only a few years ago. Here’s our pick of some of the best apps that feature AR: IKEA Place Free on Android and iOS Have you got a plethora of cushions lining your sofa hiding years’ worth of food and pet stains? Is your dining room table looking a little tired? Or maybe you’re looking to convert that spare room into a new home office. The IKEA Place app lets you browse their massive selection of furniture, choose the area of the room you’d like to place it (you can even place it over existing furniture) and then look at it, in your actual house, in real time using your phones camera. Currys Point & Place Free on Android and iOS The Currys Point & Place app lets you refurnish any room in your home with new appliances and tech goodness! It works in a similar way to other interior design apps with AR. Simply choose the type of tech your looking for, then move your camera to the place you’d like it to live! See how your lounge wall looks with a big flatscreen TV on it or find the most practical space for your new washing machine before you buy it. Each product even comes with a link to the site to pop it into your basket for now or later. BBC Civilisations AR Free on Android and iOS Want to learn about some of the most important artefacts and treasures throughout human history? Short of going on a museum crawl, the BBC Civilisations app is perhaps the best way to do it. The app uses AR to place art and cultural objects from Ancient Egypt, all the way up to the modern era, right there in your home. You can see each object from every angle, just like a real museum exhibit. Whether it’s a mummy’s tomb or a priceless sculpture by Barbara Hepworth, there’s a wide range of artefacts to look at across several categories. And when you tap on the little spotlight icon, you can hear a snippet about its history and find where to discover more. Google Translate Free on Android and iOS Okay, Google Translate isn’t really an AR app as such. But it does have one brilliant augmented reality function that we find really useful. When you hover your camera over any text, the app detects the language of the text and translates it for you in real time. It then displays the translated text over the original so you can understand it instantly. It really does have its uses, too. If you’re travelling abroad or going on holiday, this app can do everything from helping you understand restaurant menus, to preventing you from getting lost when you read street signs. And as Translate gets better at recognising verb tenses and word order, we can only see the app becoming even more of a travel essential. Knightfall AR Free on Android and iOS Nothing beats a good strategy game to pass the time. Building up your society, upgrading your defences and protecting your base from waves of incoming enemies – it’s a tried, tested and much-loved format. But Knightfall AR re-imagines it a little differently. In Knightfall AR, your coffee table becomes the theatre of conflict. Just hover the camera over a flat surface to place the board down, and you’re ready to go. The game places you in the world of the Knights Templar, charged with the defence of the city of Acre and the protection of its inhabitants and Christianity’s most prized relic, the holy grail. You’ll need to plan carefully to beat every wave of Mamluk warriors and repair your defences in between. And because of the clever AR here, you can move around the battlefield and zoom in on the action from any angle to synchronise your attack. It’s serious fun. Bear in mind that not all mobile devices have the AR function; however, most smart phones released from 2018 onwards are more likely to be AR compatible So, there you have it. Those are a few of our favourite apps with AR. What AR apps do you use, or have you seen that interest you? Let us know below!

Things to do out and about in local cities This summer may not be the traditional British summer filled with beach visits, festivals, extended getaways and late nights surrounded by all our mates. However, no matter where you live, you can still make the most of the sunshine and socialise at the same time. Here are just a few things you can do around the country with friends, housemates or family to make this heatwave season one to remember. Check out a drive-in cinema While conventional cinemas aren’t the best option to take advantage of the weather, outdoor drive-ins are the perfect solution. Since the easing of lockdown restrictions, plenty of drive-in picture houses like Luna Cinema, At The Drive In and more have popped up in London, Manchester, and many other cities across the country. The way it works is simple. Just book your tickets and movie snacks online and rock up to the cinema. You’ll be allocated a spot for your car, and your food gets delivered straight to you. With so many critically acclaimed blockbusters on show, you’re bound to find a brilliant movie you’ll all love. To hear the movie audio crystal clear, tune your car radio to the right frequency and crank up the volume to feel every action sequence. Oh, and don’t forget to crank up the AC too! Al fresco dining There are few things more summery than dining outside on a picturesque patio with family. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, paella, or even a cheeky Nandos, there’s no shortage of restaurants to visit in every city. While it may be trickier to escape abroad this year, eating al fresco at a quaint bistro or café is the best way to bring the holiday vibes home Just make sure to call up and book an outdoor table in advance to avoid disappointment when you arrive. Browse an outdoor market We love outdoor markets and boot sales. They’re great places to bag yourself a bargain, and an ideal way to spend a morning during the summer season. With many outdoor markets reopening up and down the UK, it’s a good time to grab your wallet and get browsing. More and more market stalls are encouraging contactless payment, so don’t worry if you’re trying to avoid using cash right now. Top tip: head down early to beat the crowds, and you’ll get the pick of the best items on offer at the same time! Explore the nature on your doorstep No matter where you live in the UK, you’re never too far away from a brilliant outdoor space, and there’s never been a better time to explore. Whether it’s a forest, nature reserve, hiking route or sweeping coastline, there are many gorgeous places to visit and breathe in the fresh air. Try finding a route you’re not familiar with and discover just how beautiful your local area is. Better yet, take a picnic, some ice-cold drinks and a couple of friends, head out and reconnect with gorgeous surroundings and peaceful quiet. And don’t forget, no matter how far you venture from home, you can always keep track of your data usage with iD Mobile. Simply open the app to monitor your allowances wherever you are – it doesn’t matter if you’re not on WiFi, keeping tabs on your usage won’t cost you a thing. Competition time… We’re giving two lucky iD Community members the chance to win a £100 Currys PC World voucher. All you have to do is tell us your favourite town or city to visit in the UK and why! Let us know your answer in the comments below, and you could be in with a chance of winning. The competition closes on Thursday 20th August, and we’ll select two winners at random. Good luck! T&Cs apply. Winner Announcement Thank you to everyone who entered this competition, it was great to see all of your entries. Some very interesting stories and great pictures. Without further ado, I am pleased to announce the winner of this competition is.... drum roll please..... @Oliviasinger00 !!!! Congratulations and thanks again for entering. Keep your eyes peeled for our next competition, who will win next time?

Let’s face it, sometimes you get back from holiday and feel like you need another one. As soon as you’re back to the commute on a rainy old Monday morning, it can seem like you’ve never been away. So, we’ve put together a few hints and tips, together with helpful links and apps, to help you beat those post-holiday blues and arrive at work with a positive attitude. And, if you haven’t been away yet, read on, a little pre-holiday planning can make it much easier when you do get back. 1. Plan to succeed After a long, lazy hols that alarm on your first morning back can be tough. So, make things easy on yourself with a little planning the night before. Choose what you’re going to wear, get your bag ready for work, find your security pass, etc. And, make to-do lists of what needs to be prioritised on the first day or week. There are some great apps, like Evernote Wunderlist or Trello that can help you with this kind of prep and planning. If you haven’t been away yet, making plans and to-do lists before you go can make it easier to prioritise when you get back. 2. Make time for yourself Don’t rush headlong into the pile of work waiting for you, like a bull in a china shop. You don’t want steam coming out your ears in your first hour back. Pace yourself and make sure you take regular breaks to give yourself a chance to take stock and remain calm. Be sure to take proper lunch breaks away from your desk and, if possible, leave the office for a breath of fresh air, just to keep things in perspective. You were on the beach this time last week, after all. If you need a little help to stay calm, take a look at de-stressing apps like Calm or Headspace and remember, you’re not in this alone. 3. Now hear this! Stay positive and inspired by listening to some motivational podcasts like Ted Talks or some Spotify motivational playlists on your way to work. Better still, put together your own playlist of your fave inspirational, upbeat tunes as the soundtrack to your commute. After a holiday, your overall productivity increases, so keep yourself motivated and you’ll soon be throwing yourself into brainstorms or presenting some new ideas to your boss. 4. Read all about it … Load up your tablet or Kindle with some inspirational reads for your commute to work or for a quick motivator on your lunch break. Check out the best eBook readers here or download an eBook reader app to your smartphone or tablet. There are loads to choose from like Kindle, Kobo, Serial Box, Google Play Books and many more. And a whole world of eBooks out there just waiting to be discovered. 5. Stay active and eat well You’re bound to be tired coming back to work after a relaxing holiday, especially if you’ve had a long journey home through different time zones. The importance of eating well and staying hydrated to keep yourself focused and concentrated at work cannot be over-emphasised. Check out healthy eating apps and sites like Change4Life Smart and MyFitnessPal and, for a little exercise motivation, check out: Map My Walk, Runkeeper or Fitbit. If going to the gym isn’t your thing, there are plenty of ways you can work a bit of keep fit into your daily routine. It can be as simple as walking to work, having a walk at lunchtime or taking the stairs instead of the lift. Mapp My Walk and other fitness apps can help to motivate you by showing you how far you’ve walked, how many calories you’ve burnt, etc. 6. Clear the decks Although a very simple thing, a clear and tidy desk can help you think more clearly and be more productive. After your hols, take time to sort through the pile of papers on your desk and head to the recycle bin or shredder with everything you no longer need. Do the same with your PC desktop and clear the decks ready for action. If your holiday’s still to come, try and find time to do this before you go and you’ll reap the benefits when you get back. 7. Wish you were there Keep that holiday feeling alive by placing a photo or memento from your trip on your desk. This can make you smile and remind you that it’s ok to take a break and enjoy life. Reminding yourself of the fun you had can make you feel better about being back at work. Why not use a holiday photo as a screensaver? Check out this iD Mobile article on the best photo editing apps. 8. It’s good to talk Take time to check in with your colleagues and get up to speed on what you missed while you were away. Catch-up with a friend over coffee and chat about your holiday. Simply talking to someone and having a laugh can help improve your first day back. Win a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5" Tablet We’re offering 2 lucky winners the chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Tab A. With a distraction-free 10.5” Full HD display, Dolby Atmos quad speakers and impressive battery life, you can be immersed in your favourite TV show, reading a best-seller or downloading a fitness app or meal recipe on your way to work. Competition closed! To be in with a chance to win, comment below on our competition page and tell us what is your dream holiday destination. You’ve got until midnight on Sunday 8th to enter and we’ll pick the winners at random. Good Luck!Congrats to@Jaiplum and@Captbirthday winners of our recent Joke Day competition. There’s a £50 Currys voucher on its way to you. Be a winner! Head over to: https://community.idmobile.co.uk for more competitions and fab prizes. Don’t miss out If you haven’t already, don’t forget to opt-in to receive iD Mobile emails, newsletters and more great content. With lots of fab prizes to be won in competitions, helpful blogs and community conversations, you’re missing out on a whole iD Mobile community. Put an end to this ordeal! 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We’re thrilled to announce that iD Mobile is now a Which? Recommended Provider for Mobile Networks in 2020! Which? Is an independent consumer champion that advises customers nationwide on the best brands and services to trust across a huge range of industries. We’re delighted to be a Which? Recommended Mobile Network Provider, having outperformed bigger networks on signal reliability, download speeds, customer service and value for money. That means when you buy from us, whether it’s a new handset, new SIM or simply an upgrade, you know you’re going to get a smooth, reliable service from the moment you order and beyond. We strive to give every single person that chooses iD Mobile the best network service possible, because you should be able to count on your phone whenever you need it. So, we love to hear that our customers are enjoying using our service. We love helping you, our iD Community Members and customers, find your perfect phone and make the most of it with a service you can always rely on. Thanks for choosing us!

Looking for ways to keep fit without heading to the gym? Our pick of the best fitness apps will help you hit your goals anywhere… If there’s one thing that lockdown (and Joe Wicks) has proved, it’s that you don’t need your usual workout-spot to keep hitting your targets. Sometimes, all you need is a bit of space motivation, and a handy app to keep you on track. Here are a few that we love: Fitplan Free 7-day trial. Available on iOS and Android Missing your gym partner or personal trainer but not ready to go back just yet? Fitplan may have the answer. Combining one-to-one personal training with goal-focused workouts, you can hit your targets with the help of professional trainers and athletes. There’s a huge choice of workouts available, from sessions designed to build strength, to weight-loss focused exercise. Just pick the exercise plan that best suits your motivation and get tracking! Fitplan works on a subscription basis, so you pay for your ideal fitness program at a fraction of the cost of a personal trainer. Nice! Couch to 5K Available on iOS and Android This one is the ultimate ‘no-excuses’ app that works no matter your fitness level. Even if you’ve spent the past few months just focusing on the couch part, you can train to run 5 km in as little as 9 weeks with a fun, rewarding program. The app features five trainers for different goals, including former Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson and radio host Jo Whiley. You can even connect with like-minded people on the Couch to 5K forum to keep that energy going. The easy-to-read countdown timer shows you how long is left of each workout, while the app works with your favourite music apps to deliver motivation and workout tunes at the same time. Aaptiv Free with in-app purchases on iOS & Android Having great music and a personal trainer to guide you are both great motivators in the gym, but why be restricted? Aaptive offers access to audio fitness classes whenever you like, combined with brilliant music playlists to keep you in the zone. There are classes suited to beginners, experts, and everyone in-between, whether you’re training for a marathon or just love to start your day with a HIIT session. You can tailor your own fitness journey, too. With 30 new workout classes every week in categories including running, strength training and yoga, it’s the perfect app to help you change up your routine and keep it exciting. Nike Training Club Free with in-app purchases on iOS & Android We’ve mentioned this app before, but we still love it here at iD. The Nike Training Club app features over 185 expertly designed workouts to keep you smashing your targets and taking on new challenges with or without the gym. The more you train, the more personalised your workout recommendations become. You’ll even find workouts designed to make the most of limited space, making it the perfect go-to on those rainy days. If you’ve got an Apple Watch, the app is fully compatible too. So, you don’t need to pause your workout session to check your phone. One final tip: fitness apps that feature video streaming, movement and location tracking can use quite a bit of data. If you’re not sure how much of your allowance you’re using, take a look at the iD Mobile app. No matter where you are, you can keep track of your usage without burning through any more data. Have you tried any of these apps? What fitness app has helped you keep active this summer? Let us know below!

Having the latest version of the operating system and apps you use is pretty important. Here’s why, and how to make sure you’re always one step ahead. Whether you’re watching a YouTube clip on your smartphone or browsing the web, update notifications can be an annoying distraction. All too often, it’s easy to swipe them away and forget about them. However, keeping your software and apps up to date is essential. It’s also quick, simple, and can avoid issues later on. For starters, the latest app updates come with security updates too. Many of the apps you use store your personal info, and hackers can take advantage of outdated app design to steal your data. The best way to prevent that is with a quick update. Updates also solve bug fixes. If you’ve ever tried to load an app and found it repeatedly crashing when you tap a certain button, the chances are it’s already been fixed in a newer version. So, it’s always worth checking. As for your operating system, updates are there to improve your overall security, user experience, and remove any flaws and glitches. To check that your Android phone’s system is updated, go to your settings, tap About phone and check for updates. From there, it’s easy to download and install. If you have an iPhone, the process is just as easy. Plug your phone into a power source and connect to Wi-Fi. Go to Settings, then General, and tap Software Update. If there is an update available, tap Download and Install to keep your iPhone as fast and secure as possible. For apps, the process is a little different. Here’s how to do it: iPhone Checking for app updates on iOS is incredibly easy. Head to the App Store and tap on the Updates tab. From there, you can see a list of all the apps you’ve already downloaded that have an update for you to install. Simply tap on the updates you want to install, sit back and relax. The best way to keep your iPhone apps current is to enable auto-update. This scans for app updates when you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, so you don’t burn through data when you’re downloading. To enable this, launch Settings, go to App Store and turn on automatic downloads. That way, you don’t have to worry. Android Keeping your apps up to date is pretty straightforward on most Android smartphones. No matter the manufacturer or model, the process is largely the same. Simply head to the Google Play Store, tap on the menu icon, then My apps & games. From there you’ll see the updates tab and it’ll automatically start checking to see if there are any. If you want to make it even easier, you can set your Android device to auto-update whenever there’s an update available. Go to the Google Play Store, tap on the menu icon and head to Settings. You’ll see the Auto-update apps option on the menu, and you can choose between automatically updating apps over your network (that’s your data), or just over Wi-Fi. We’d recommend choosing the Wi-Fi option, as app updates can be a drain on data. Speaking of data, you can always stay fully up to date with how much of your allowance you’ve used. Just open the iD Mobile app and keep track of your minutes and data. Using the app doesn’t consume any data either, so you can check wherever you are. Need any more help with your smartphone? Check out our helpful guides in the iD Mobile Community!

From exclusive podcasts to limitless downloads, there’s an audio streaming app out there for everyone. With the summer months beginning, the weather getting better and barbeque season in full swing, there’s never been a better time to turn to streaming apps for convenient listening, hassle-free downloads and the huge range of choice they provide. But which one should you go for? To help you choose, here’s a run-down of the top 5 music streaming apps for Android and iOS this year, and what makes them so great. Get your sunglasses on, the speakers turned up and that playlist ready! Spotify ( Android , iOS ) There are over 217 million Spotify users around the world right now, and over 100 million of them pay for Spotify Premium. So, what are the benefits? When you subscribe to Spotify Premium, you can download an unlimited number of albums and songs to listen to offline in higher quality. Once you start building your library, Spotify learns what kind of music you like and makes great recommendations with Daily Mixes just for you. Unwind to the albums you love without any annoying ad breaks, and there’s a mind-blowing choice of podcasts to tune into. Some podcasts are made exclusively for Spotify, so you won’t find them anywhere else. You’re also able to play any song seamlessly on any of your devices – so if you’re listening to a track on your phone when you arrive home, you can easily switch to listening on your laptop. If you want to give Spotify a go, you can try Premium free for 3 months. After that, it’s only £9.99 a month for a single subscription or £14.99 for a family plan with 6 accounts! And if you’re a student, you can subscribe to Premium for only £4.99 monthly! Apple Music ( Android , iOS ) If you’re a fan of Apple and love the flawless iPhone, Apple Watch and Mac ecosystem, Apple Music might just be the perfect streaming app for you. There are over 60 million songs to listen to, and using the app is very similar to iTunes (RIP). Just like Spotify, there’s no limit to how many songs you download or how many devices you listen on. And if you’re moving over from an iPhone to Android smartphone, you can still download Apple Music and keep your whole library of tunes. But that’s not all. You can also listen live to radio stations broadcasting from all over the world, including Apple’s own station, Beats 1. Like Spotify, you can give Apple Music a 3-month trial run for free. After your trial, it’s £9.99 a month for individuals or £14.99 a month for a family subscription (up to 6 people). And again, if you’re a student, just verify your college or university and it’s £4.99 a month. Google Play Music ( Android , iOS ) Google’s music streaming app has loads to offer, no matter what device you use. There’s over 40 million songs available, along with radio stations based on artists, songs, albums or genre. So, if you find a new band and love how they sound, it’s easy to find similar music and expand your tastes. If you’ve already got a huge library of existing tracks, you can upload them to your Google Play Music account and listen to them alongside your new discoveries. Easy. You’ll also get to enjoy your music and podcasts completely ad-free, get smart recommendations based on what you listen to, and you’ll even get access to YouTube Music Premium too. Try Google Play Music free for 30 days. After the trial period, Google Play Music is competitively priced at £9.99 a month for single users, and £14.99 a month for families of up to 6 people. YouTube Music ( Android , iOS ) YouTube Music is a little different to other music streaming apps. Of course, you’ll be able to watch music videos while listening to your favourite artists, but that’s not the only difference. Unlike regular YouTube, you can listen to your music in the background while using other apps or casually browsing. That means you can lock your screen to save power and keep the tunes flowing. Remember the lyrics but forgotten the song title? Thanks to Google’s searching smarts, you can find the track you’re looking for simply by entering a lyric from the song. And it’s not just about official studio recordings. You’ll also get access to live versions of songs, covers, remixes, mashups and more. Try YouTube Music Premium for one month absolutely free. After that, just like Spotify and Apple Music, it’s £9.99 a month for a standard premium subscription and £4.99 for subscribers. Or you can subscribe to a family account for £14.99 a month for up to 5 people. Amazon Prime Music ( Android , iOS ) Amazon Prime Music is by far the most affordable option for music lovers. You need to have an Amazon Prime membership to access the 2 million songs in the Prime library, but you also get unlimited one-day delivery and Amazon Prime Video. If you have an Amazon Alexa-enabled device, you can ask Alexa to play a song and you’ll hear it instantly. You’ll also get unlimited downloads, so it’s great for taking your music on the commute or to places with reduced signal. At just £7.99 a month for a regular Prime membership and £3.99 a month for students, Prime is considerably cheaper than the competition. And for a limited time for students, you can try Prime for a whole 6 months for free! Those are our five top music streaming apps! What streaming service do you use to find new tunes? Let us know below!

Who would have thought that once upon a time when you took a photo you would have to wait until you had 36 other photos on your film before you could see any of them! Then you would have to take them to get developed, wait a few hours (or even days!) only to realise there was a finger over the lens or someone walking past your perfect shot. Now, our smartphones offer us pretty much unlimited opportunities to get ‘the perfect shot’. But even if we can’t take the ‘perfect shot’ there is an abundance of apps that will help make it even better then when you took it. This month we are looking at the best apps available to help make those moments look even better, read to the end to see how you can enter this month’s competition to win a brand new Google Pixel 3a XL and be a part of next month’s newsletter. Adobe Lightroom CC Available on: iOS & Android One of the best photo editing apps available, Lightroom CC not only has a comprehensive free option with more options to edit then you’ll ever need it can also be upgraded to a paid version with even more options! With the free version you’ll be able to take photos through the app and remove any pesky blemishes as they appear alongside being able to adjust contrast, brightness, definition and depth! Carbon Available on: iOS & Android Who doesn’t think a black & white photo can make the most mundane subject look effortlessly cooler! Your phones camera will always take a picture in full colour but with the Carbon app you have a plethora of monochrome filters to tinker with to bring out your inner auteur! Afterlight 2 Available on: iOS & Android Another great app that lets you tinker with a whole manner of settings like saturations, tone, texture adjusting. It also unlike other free photography apps, offers brand new content every month to make sure you always have new ways to make that great photo even better! VSCO Available on: iOS & Android We’ve all had a play with the filters on Instagram and they are feeling a little overused now, VSCO offers very similar functionality to Instagram editing with a little more detail and better filter options. Some of the more fun filter options are ones where you can emulate the good old days of grainy Kodak film! Now that we’ve shared some great apps for editing those masterpieces you’ve taken, now its time to show us what you can do and be in with a chance to win the amazing Google Pixel 3a XL and have your picture featured in next month’s iD Mobile Community Newsletter! All you have to do is Share your best picture of a sunset or sunrise (please don’t include people in your pics!) by 23.59 on 12th July Post it in the comments below (just press the ‘insert image’ button) Admire everyone else’s pictures Full T’s & C’s can be found here Happy snapping!

What’s usually an extremely busy time for festivals, parades and other events is upon us but owing to the current climate most if not all of the events we would have been looking forward to have been cancelled. While it may feel like life has given us lemons, the entertainment industry is making them into lemonade by hosting a whole manner of ‘virtual’ events to make us still get those festival vibes. We may not be able to go to Glastonbury, take part in a Pride march or visit Comic Con but through the wonder of the internet we can still go visit a local park, meet up with our social bubbles and stream the events through our devices! Just a reminder; you can always stay on top of your data allowances through the iD Mobile App so you don’t run out of data, you can also change your price plan to give you more allowances should you need to and even add data bundles! If you haven’t done already download the iD Mobile app to your device and head here to find out more. Glastonbury 2020 Where to find it: BBC iPlayer on iOS & Android What was supposed to be the 50th anniversary of the biggest festival in the UK has this year turned into a 5 day celebration of the best of Glastonbury’s past! Even though the online event has already happened it is still all loaded into the iPlayer ready for you to dip in and out of Wireless Festival 2020 (3rd – 5th July) Where to find it: Wireless YouTube channel & Facebook Live Renamed this year to Wireless Connect, the virtual festival will feature brand new pre recorded (at Alexandra Palace Studios) performances alongside highlights from previous years. While you are out in the garden or field watching the event and have a VR headset you can fully immerse yourself in that live music festival feeling! Happy Place Virtual Festival (12th June – 12th July) Where to find it: happyplacefestival.com Themed around wellbeing and inspired by creator Ferne Cottons podcast of the same name, this festival of ‘happy’ will cover everything from TV, sport, radio, music and wellness. All of the content is free and will be presented by a host of amazing personalities and performers. Whether you are alone outside or surrounded by your social bubble there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. San Diego Comic Con 2020 (23rd – 26th July) Where to find it: comic-con.org The annual ‘nerd mecca’ might not be happening in a crowded convention hall but it is moving to an online event where all of the major panels for new movies, your favourite TV shows and video games will still be taking place. Can you feel your spider sense tingling with excitement! Pride Inside 28th June – 10th July Where to find it: prideinside.uk A virtual festival in lieu of the many Pride events held around the country will last for two weeks featuring a whole host of musical performances, panel discussions and readings from celebrities and peaceful activists for change. We hope there’s something here for everyone to enjoy, if there are any other virtual events you’ve already attended or are planning to attend that we’ve missed feel free to leave a comment and let the community know!

With the weather getting consistently hotter, the days already longer (read about that here) and our restrictions easing even more the options for leaving the house are widening. A lot of us have been so used to being on Wi-Fi during lockdown we’ve not been taking full advantage of our mobile data plans, we thought we’d remind you about some of the great apps and services available to stream content! Whether you are on a long car journey, in a field or enjoying the sun from the garden there’s something for everyone! Just a reminder; you can always stay on top of your data allowances through the iD Mobile App so you don’t run out of data, you can also change your price plan to give you more allowances should you need to and even add data bundles! If you haven’t done already download the iD Mobile app to your device and head here to find out more. Sports! With most sporting leagues being postponed earlier in the year there is a lot of catching up to do now most leagues are back on the pitch. You can find new and old games live on BBC iPlayer, iTV Hub and even Amazon Prime are providing free access to some sporting games! Movies! Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ are absolutely loaded with hundreds and hundreds of movies covering every genre! We won’t tell you why you need these as the chances are you already have them, what we will share though is some guidance on typically how much data these apps consume if you use them out of the house. If one hour of content streamed on Netflix uses roughly 1GB for every hour, your average 90 minute movie will use around 1.5GB! Remember to always check your allowances through the iD Mobile App Virtual Events We may not be able to go to Glastonbury, take part in a Pride march or visit Comic Con but through the wonder of the internet we can still go visit a local park, meet up with our social bubbles and stream the events through our devices! Read more about virtual events here Have we missed any other ways to stream content to your phone while you are out and about? Let us know in the comments below what you use to stream and what you are looking forward to streaming first!