Getting Started.

Inspired by Mental Health Awareness Week, the team at iD Mobile have been focussing a lot on their own mental well-being recently. Thinking about what matters most to us, we wanted to share some of our favourite apps that we’ve found to be great for mindfulness, meditation and clearing your head from stress: Headspace iOS/Android It makes total sense to start with a no-brainer. Headspace is one of the best-known meditation apps out there, and from personal experience, it’s really effective. The app eases you into the essentials of meditation and mindfulness with a free 10-part basics course. Each of these sessions will come in three, five or 10-minute chunks, so you can pick a session based on how much time you have. The meditations are quite easy to follow, too. Once you’ve completed the free trial you’ll need to pay for further sessions – but whether you pay the £9.99 a month subscription or use it as an introduction into meditation, we’d highly recommend it. Calm iOS/Android Another of the more popular meditation apps is Calm - which brings joy, peace and a sense of clarity to everyday life. As soon as you open it, you’re greeted with the immediate sound of falling rain, a crackling fireplace or crickets in the background. Then, you can get a little bit of ‘me time’ with a whole host of short, medium or long meditation sessions. Remember being a kid and nodding off to a bedtime story? Try Calm’s Sleep Stories, read by the likes of Stephen Fry and meditation expert, Tarama Levitt – which will help send you off into a blissful slumber. Like several other mindfulness apps on offer, you get a free trial and then it’s £9.99 for Calm thereafter. Insight Timer iOS/Android Sharing is caring. That’s why Insight Time is such a hit with subscribers. Described as ‘a social network for meditators’, the app lets you share and discuss your mindfulness experience with like-minded people all around the world. Not only is there a whole network of community groups ranging from beginners to expert, but there’s also a vast library packed with guided mediations led by some of the world’s top experts. What better way to learn than from the very best? Aura iOS/Android If you’re looking for a meditative experience more tailored to you, Aura is the app you need in your life. It learns about you by asking questions. You then receive a daily three-minute meditation based on the answers you give. So, if you’re feeling particularly heavy-headed one day, it’ll give you the tools you need to take a much-needed step back from your busy schedule to focus on your mental health. Do you currently use a mindfulness app? Is it one of these? If not, which one do you fancy downloading? Post a reply below, and share with the Community!

The Pixel 7a is here. It’s a smaller but still-powerful version of the flagship Pixel 7, and Google says its new Pixel 7a is “super fast, secure and full of essentials.” If you want to upgrade to a phone packed with the latest Google tech (including a great camera) at a less than premium price, it’s a great choice. Here’s all you need to know… Classic Google design All phones in the Pixel 7 family share the same classic ‘Google’ design, with a horizontal c amera shelf blending into the phone at the rear. This has a more metallic finish on the new Pixel 7a compared to the Pixel 6a, so it feels more premium. Plus, Google says the Pixel 7a is the most durable Pixel a-series phone yet, with enough water resistance to survive occasional splashes or even a drop in the sink. As for the screen on the front, the Pixel 7a features a 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED display. Exactly the same as the Pixel 6a. But there’s a real difference with refresh rate – the Pixel 7a has 90hz, compared with Pixel 6a’s modest 60hz. That should make everything you do look and feel super smooth, with deep blacks and colours that really pop. The famous Google camera Google Pixel phones are well-known for having great cameras, and the Pixel 7a has really upped its game here. The main camera now has a huge 64MP sensor, compared with the Pixel 6a’s 12MP sensor. The Pixel 7a’s ultrawide 13MP sensor is also slightly larger than the Pixel 7a’s 12MP offering. With the Pixel 7a’s impressive camera setup, you’ll get brilliant details in every photo you take, including shots in low light. Meanwhile, handy features like Magic Eraser and Camouflage give you the power to get rid of distracting objects in the background. You can also use Photo Unblur to make your pictures sharper. It’s so satisfying it almost feels like cheating! A chip off the old block The Pixel 7a is powered by exactly the same chip that’s in the Pixel 7 Pro. It’s Google’s custom-built Tensor G2 processor, powerful enough to run the most advanced AI. Google says it makes the Pixel 7a a faster, more efficient and more secure phone than ever before. And because it’s so efficient, battery life doesn’t take too much of a hit. It lasts for 24 hours of normal use, and up to 3 days with extreme battery saving switched on. You’ll be able to get your Pixel 7a back up to speed quickly with fast-charging, which gives you hours of power in just a few minutes. And if you don’t like faffing about with cables, you’ve now got the option of wireless charging. The best of Google The Pixel 7a runs Android 13, Google’s latest operating system. It keeps everything clean and clutter-free, and you’ll only find Google's best apps pre-installed - Maps, Pay, Play Store and the like. Because it’s a Pixel phone, the Pixel 7a should be among the first to get upgraded to Android 14 when it’s released later this year. What’s more, Google has promised that it’ll also be upgraded to Android 15 and 16, at least. Security updates also run for at least five years, keeping you safe and secure all the way to 2028. You can order the Pixel 6a from iD Mobile right now. Fancy a set of cool earbuds at no extra cost? Purchase a Google Pixel 7a between 9pm on 10th May 2023 and 11pm on 22nd May 2023 and you’ll receive a pair of Pixel Buds A-Series worth £99. While stocks last, T&Cs apply. What do you think about the Pixel 7a? Are you planning on upgrading? Got any questions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Most of us use our smartphones every single day, but it’s probably fair to say we don’t always get the most out of them. Or actually realise how to. There’s a ton of clever features tucked away just out of sight on iPhone and Android that you might not know about. From fun ones to the more practical, here are a few of our favourites that you’re definitely going to want to try out… Document scanner Got an important doc you need to scan and send for work? No worries. If you’ve got an iPhone, fire up your Notes app. Create a new note, and then tap the camera icon at the bottom of your screen. Hit ‘Scan Documents’ and position your camera over the document. It’ll then automatically snap it for you. But if you want some more control, hit ‘Auto’ in the top right corner. It’ll switch to ‘Manual’ mode, letting you scan it in the same way you’d take a photo. Then just crop the corners of your doc, and when you’re happy with it, hit save. Sorted. It's a bit different on Android. Open your camera app and place it over the document. If it’s all in shot, a yellow border will pop up around it. Press the ‘Tap to Scan’ button and then drag your corners to set the scan area. When it’s looking good, press save to store it. Who needs a printer with a scanner, eh? Magnifying glass Don’t just sit there squinting at some tiny text (or your colleagues’ scruffy handwriting). On iPhone, swipe right past your home screens until your App Library pops up. Find the ‘Utilities’ folder, open it up, and you’ll spot the Magnifier app. Use it to zoom right in on those hard-to-read words. You can even tweak the contrast and brightness to make things way clearer. For Android, you’ll need to open your camera app. Instead of pinching your fingers together on the screen, move them apart. This’ll help to magnify whatever you’re looking at. And save you an annoying headache in the long run. Pedometer This might give you the nudge you need to get up and going. In the Health app on your iPhone, there’s a pedometer which automatically counts your steps. It’ll compare your data week on week too. So, if you’ve been a real couch potato, it’ll quickly let you know. Click ‘Edit’ on your favourites section and you can track a bunch of other stats as well. Whether that’s distance covered or your walking speed. You’ll be able to really dig into all the important fitness nitty gritty to see how you’re getting on. Google phones have their own app too (imaginatively called Google Fit). Just hit the ‘Steps’ button and it’ll record how much you’ve walked. And Samsung’s own Health app does the same job as well. So, there’s an option there for whatever kind of phone you’ve got. Emoji and text shortcuts If you want to save even more time while you text, check out text replacement shortcuts. On iPhone, head to your settings and click ‘Keyboard’ then ‘Text Replacement’. Hit the plus symbol in the top right corner and two boxes will appear. In the box ‘Shortcut’ you can put either an emoji or an acronym, and then the longer version of it in the ‘Phrase’ box above. This way, when you hit your chosen emoji, or write the short version of something like ‘omw’, the full ‘on my way’ will show up instead. Smart. Search photos by category Those 40 selfies. Multiple pics of your nan’s cute dog. Too many memes to count. Most of us have a camera roll that’s stuffed full of snaps. But on Android and iPhone, you can quickly find that photo you need. Go to your pictures and tap the ‘Search’ icon. Then type in any word you like. It should then pull up any relevant images - saving you a bunch of time in the process. Giveaway Time! - Closed for new entries. This month we’re giving you the chance to win a £100 Currys gift voucher! All you have to do is tell us below, what’s your favourite phone feature or hidden trick that not everyone may know about is. Maybe you use Google Lens to help you with translations, or perhaps you are a master of using gesture controls. Whatever it is we want to know! Simply type your response below and click send - you’ll automatically be entered in to our random prize-draw. Entries close at 23:59 on 24th March 2023, and we'll announce the lucky iD community winner shortly after. Good Luck! T&C’s Apply

We’re proud to announce that iD Mobile have been recognised by Which? As a Great Value Network for our SIM only plans. Who are Which? And why does their opinion matter? Which? Are the largest Consumer body in the UK – With over 680,000 members that subscribe to their magazine, and over 335,000 online subscribers. Their aim is to protect consumers, with a goal to make life simpler, fairer, and safer for everyone. Each year Which? carry out market research on the mobile and tech industry and the end result is a list of the best mobile phone and SIM only plans in the UK. This year they surveyed 3,400 customers from 18 of the biggest phone providers in the UK, and iD are proud to announce that we’ve been recognised for our great value SIM only plans. What did Which? Have to say about iD Mobile? Here’s the Which? Verdict on iD Mobile: ‘iD Mobile offers incredible value for money, particularly for SIM-only deals, which we have given our Great Value endorsement as they are significantly cheaper than the rest of the market. iD Mobile is Carphone Warehouse’s phone network, which is part of the Currys group. It did well in out latest mobile phone survey, and it’s customer score (72%) beats big name competitor brands.’ iD Mobile customers were particularly happy with the value for money they receive, with 89% rating the provider ‘good’ or excellent’ for that category. What out customers had to say about being with iD: ‘Always reliable in terms of service and good for free roaming abroad.’ ‘Great value for money and great connection.’ ‘No issues and low prices’ You can read the full iD Mobile review on the Which? website. To view our full range on SIM only deals click this link.

Frequently travel on the London Underground? Well, we’ve got some exciting news! iD Mobile customers can now use or our 4G and 5G network at various stations across the London Underground network, meaning you can now use your phone to browse your social media apps, contact friends or plan the rest of your journey, all while waiting for a train or travelling between connected stations. Our 4G and 5G network is available at and between the following stations: Archway Bermondsey Bond Street (Elizabeth line platforms) Canada Water Canary Wharf Canning Town Farringdon (Elizabeth line platforms) Holland Park Kentish Town Liverpool Street (Elizabeth line platforms) London Bridge North Greenwich Notting Hill Gate Queensway Southwark Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth line platforms) Tufnell Park Waterloo Westminster It doesn’t stop there – by the end of 2024, we aim to have all London Underground stations and tunnels covered by our 4G and 5G network. FAQs How do I connect to the iD network when underground? As long as you have a 4G or 5G compatible phone on the iD network, and you’re at or between one of the above stations, you’ll automatically connect to the network as if you were still overground. When will you be adding more stations? Over the next few months, our network partner, Three, are working on adding a further 15 key stations to the list, with an aim to have the entire London Underground network connected by the end of 2024. We’ll add to the list above as and when new stations are connected.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been one of the most talked-about technological innovations of the past decade, and for good reason. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us. In this article, we will discuss what AI is and suggest three apps that you can use to experience AI in action What is AI? AI refers to computer systems that are designed to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, decision-making, and natural language processing. AI systems are built using a variety of technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Machine learning is a branch of AI that involves training computer algorithms to learn from data. The algorithms can then use this learning to make predictions or decisions about new data they encounter. Deep learning is a subfield of machine learning that uses neural networks to learn from large amounts of data. Natural language processing (NLP) is the ability of computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language. NLP enables chatbots, virtual assistants, and other AI-powered systems to communicate with humans in a way that feels natural and intuitive. Computer vision is the ability of computers to interpret and analyse visual information from the world around them. Computer vision enables self-driving cars, facial recognition systems, and other AI-powered technologies that rely on visual data. Four AI-powered apps that’ll make your life easier: Grammarly Grammarly is an AI-powered writing assistant that helps users improve their writing by suggesting corrections to grammar, spelling, and style. The app uses natural language processing to analyze text and provide suggestions for improvement. Grammarly is available as a browser extension, desktop app, and mobile app, making it a convenient tool for anyone who wants to improve their writing. Free - In-App Purchases - iOS - Android Prisma Prisma is an AI-powered photo editing app that uses neural networks to transform ordinary photos into works of art. The app applies filters that mimic the styles of famous artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso, giving users the ability to turn their photos into unique pieces of art. Prisma is available for both iOS and Android devices and is free to download. Free - iOS - Android Google Lens Google Lens is an AI-powered visual search app that allows users to search for information about objects they encounter in the real world. Users can point their camera at a book, landmark, or other object and Google Lens will provide information and context about that object. Google Lens can also translate text in real-time and provide product recommendations based on visual data. Google Lens is available as a standalone app or as part of the Google Photos app and is free to download. Free - iOS - Android These apps demonstrate the diverse range of applications for AI technology, from writing assistants to visual search tools. As AI continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications that make our lives easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. Have you got a favorite AI powered app? Let us know below!

Easter isn’t far off. But that doesn’t just mean it’s nearly time to stuff your face with chocolate. The iD Easter Event is here too! And we’ve got more phone deals than you can shake a basket of eggs at. A bunch of cutting-edge smartphones were released in 2022 – and you can pick one up for a great price right here. With our cracking line-up of offers, you can save up to £96 on selected handsets from the biggest names in the business. Or get up to 66% more data on selected SIM-only plans. Nice. So, here’s a small selection of some of the eggs-cellent deals you can get your hands on at iD Mobile this spring… Looking for the latest iPhone? Apple made a splash in 2022 with the iPhone 14. Our iPhone 14 deals might make waves too… Get the iPhone 14 (128 GB) with up to £96 off or take things to the next level with £48 off an iPhone 14 Pro (128 GB). And you’ll want to bag these deals quick. Then you can get hands-on with all the fun new features exclusive to iPhone 14. The Dynamic island makes its debut – letting you check everything from what track is playing, to how long’s left before dinner’s ready. All without having to open a specific app. While the first ever 48-megapixel camera sensor on iPhone captures Insta-ready pics with a 2X zoom. And twice the zoom means twice the detail. Plus, with the fastest internal chips so far, you can zip from apps to maps in no time. Or, if you’re not in any rush to upgrade to their latest just yet, there’s always the iPhone 13. You can save up to £96 on the 128 GB version. Giving you plenty of space for all your tunes, videos, and snaps. Want something a bit different? We’ve got you Android fans covered too. Save up to £96 on the Xiaomi 12T Pro and pay just £9 upfront (then £34.99 a month). For that, you’ll get serious power and a stunning screen. The mighty Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 makes light work of the most demanding apps, gaming, and streaming. While you’ll see it all in eye-popping detail on the AMOLED DotDisplay. Even more data Keep running out of data when you’re out and about? No worries. Get up to 66% extra data on selected SIM-only plans. If you want to go big, double your data with a massive 150 GB for just £14 a month. That’s more than enough to stream your favourite Netflix show or catch the big game on the go. Or, if you just need a bit more to see you through each month, go for 25 GB for only £7 a month. You’ll be getting 10 GB of extra data across 24 months. Mega. Then, for something in between, we’ve got deals for you lot too. Whether that’s 60 GB of data for £10, or 40 GB for £8. We reckon that’s all an absolute steal. Giveaway Time! As Easter is almost upon us we want to know what your favourite brand/type of chocolate. Perhaps you like the smoothness of Galaxy, or maybe you think you can't beat a classic Dairy Milk. Whatever it is we want to know! Those who share their thoughts below will be in with the chance to win... a £100 Hotel Chocolate voucher! Entries close at 23:59 on 19th April 2023, and we'll announce the lucky iD community winner shortly after. Good luck!

Here's everything you need to know about Samsung's best-selling series. The Samsung Galaxy A series are some of the best value mid-range smartphones around. These 5G phones come with the same type of specs that were previously only found on Samsung’s flagship S series, and they’re at a much more affordable price point. So, let’s take a look at the Galaxy A14 5G, Galaxy A34 5G and Galaxy A54 5G to see what they’ve got to offer. Samsung A14 5G The entry-level Galaxy A14 5G is packed with loads of great features you usually won’t find on a phone at this low price-point. The 6.6-inch Full HD+ display is big and bright, with a 90Hz refresh rate that means the screen responds and refreshes quicker. It makes using your phone much more responsive and smoother. Elsewhere, the triple lens camera setup includes a 50MP main camera and 13MP front camera for detailed selfies. Plus, the high capacity 5,000mAh battery will keep you powered up all day long. Most phone manufacturers have done away with the 3.5mm headphone socket, but it’s present and correct on the Galaxy A14 5G. So, if you’ve got a well-loved pair of wired headphones, you can get acquainted with them again. Note: we also sell a non-5G version of the Galaxy A14. It’s slightly cheaper, but obviously you won’t enjoy the blazing fast speeds you get with a 5G network like iD Mobile. Samsung A34 5G The Galaxy A34 5G is a great looking mid-range phone, with a design based on the flagship Galaxy S series. At the top of the 6.5-inch display you’ll see the Infinity-U notch that houses the front-facing camera, give you a larger and more immersive screen that’s perfect for games and movies. The triple camera setup is really impressive for a phone of this price. It consists of a 48MP main camera, 5MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP depth camera for taking detailed close ups, wide photos and everything in between - all in ‘ready-to-post-straight-to-Insta’ quality. The Galaxy A34 5G also has long-lasting battery to keep you going all day, and it’s tough enough for daily use with water and dust resistance. Other cool features include a fingerprint scanner, facial recognition, and a headphone jack. Samsung A54 5G The Galaxy A54 5G is actually a little smaller than the Galaxy A34 5G above – but it more than makes up for things with an advanced processor under its hood, a better camera system, and a more premium design. It’s definitely the pick of the bunch. The Samsung Galaxy A54 features an almost identical design to the flagship Galaxy S23, which is one of its biggest appeals. You're getting a real flagship look without paying a premium price. The 6.5-inch Full HD+ display makes everything you do look amazing, and the quad camera setup is pro quality. It includes a 48MP main camera, 5MP ultrawide camera, 2MP macro camera (for incredible close-ups), and a 2MP depth sensor. Other standout features include a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery, 15W fast charging, and a speedy Snapdragon 750G processor that’s powerful to handle anything you throw at it. How do I score myself an A? Want to make one of these awesome Androids your next phone? You can order the Galaxy A14 5G, Galaxy A34 5G, or Galaxy A54 5G from iD Mobile right now. An iD Mobile plan gives you all the flexibility and control you need. You can enjoy ultra-fast 5G coverage, roll over unused data, cap your out-of-plan charges and stay right on top of your expenses using the iD app. Over to you. What do you think? Will you be going for one of these A-mazing Galaxy phones? If you’ve got one already, how are you getting on with it? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so share your comments below.

Off on holiday with the kids? Then you already know what to expect. Arguments between siblings. Hundreds of questions. Many, many stops for the bathroom. It’s safe to say you’ll want to keep them busy during those long car journeys and flights. And that’s exactly what these handy tablet and mobile apps are for. Load some onto their device and the shouts from the backseat of “are we there yet!?” will be a thing of the past. So, here’s a good mix of free and paid for apps to make travelling with the little ones a bit easier… Minecraft – Pocket Edition If you haven’t heard of Minecraft, where have you been? It’s now one of the most popular games on the planet. Minecraft is all about building. Whether that’s a basic house, a fantasy castle, or a towering skyscraper. Its only limitation is your child’s imagination. And with mining, crafting, exploration, and battles thrown into the mix, there’s plenty here for them to get stuck into. Cost: £4.99 Platform: Android / iOS BBC iPlayer iPlayer is chock full of great shows for the kids. With CBBC and CBeebies, there’s a huge backlog of episodes you can download before your trip. You can then watch these in offline mode without an internet connection. You’ll just have to make sure you remember to do that though. Otherwise, you might be waiting a while until you find a decent internet connection… Cost: Free Platform: Android / iOS Move the Turtle Move the Turtle has one main objective. To move the turtle. It teaches children how to code, using fun games to improve their skills – and get that reptile moving (slowly). Coding is all the rage right now too. So, they’ll be learning something useful while having a great time. The friendly turtle runs through coding step by step in a really straightforward way, with lots of colourful graphics to keep them engaged. It’s definitely the most educational option on this list but is still heaps of fun. Cost: £3.99 Platform: iOS Storytime from CBeebies This is one for the readers. Storytime has tons of interactive story books to choose from written by the best children’s authors. All your child’s favourite characters are here too. From Biff and Chip to Supertato (the world’s first potato superhero, apparently). And with ‘read by myself’ and ‘read to me’ options they’ll still be able to enjoy every book – no matter their reading ability. Once you’ve downloaded some to your library, they can all be read offline – no Wi-Fi required. So, make sure you stock up before you head off on your journey. You can store up to 12 stories in total. Which should be more than enough to cover your whole holiday. Cost: Free Platform: Android / iOS The Robot Factory Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to build their own robot? And that’s exactly what you do in The Robot Factory. Robot dogs. Robot ninjas. Robot scientists. Robot dragons. There are literally 1000s of possibilities. If you can think it, you can make it. Using the construction kit, you can choose from 100 different components to craft your dream mech. But once it’s been built, you’ll have to test it to see if it works. You can then add those important robotic finishing touches. Give it a slick paint job. Or record and add in your own unique robot sounds. And once your kid is happy with their robot, they can display it in the showroom. Cost: £3.99 Platform: iOS Got a great app for kids that we’ve missed? Let us know about it in the comments down below

Each year, recycling saves over 700 million tonnes in CO2 emissions. And, did you know that recycled materials supplies 40% of the world’s raw material needs? Well good news, today is Global Recycling Day! Luckily there's alot we can do to play our part to make our tech footprint a bit smaller. Trade-in your old phone We all know that getting a new phone is exciting, but it’s also the perfect time to make sure that your old stuff doesn’t end up in the bin. By trading in your old phone with iD Mobile, your phone will live on as a refurbished device. If it’s in good nick, it could go on to be someone else’s phone. But if not, the parts can be recycled to create new phones. Last year, we traded in almost 20,000 phones (19,676 to be exact) – that’s a load of waste saved. And on average, those customers got back £112! Simply head to the iD Mobile trade-in page and search for your phone model. Then fill it a quick online form and you’ll receive a quote. If you’re happy with the amount of cash you’ll get, put your mobile in the pre-paid Jiffy bag we’ll send you, then post it to us. You’ll then get paid once the Currys engineers confirm the device condition. Or why not recycle it? Did you know that roughly 80% of the materials used in your phone are recyclable? You can recycle old mobile phones at most local recycling centres, so check to see where your nearest one is. Or, why not put an ad on Freecycle or Freegle to see if you can find any takers locally?! Any other tech lying around at home? If you didn’t know already, we’re part of the Currys group. At Currys, we collect, re-use and recycle a massive 65,000 tonnes of old tech every year (even if you didn’t buy it from us). And on top of that, Currys only sell electricals and electronics that can be recycled, as indicated by the symbol of a crossed-out wheelie bin which appears on them. Even if your old electrical appliances or technologies don’t bear this symbol, the good news is we’ll accept them for recycling. Or why not donate to a charity... Old tech, provided they’re in full working order, are a more than welcome sight in charity shops. They tend to make for higher ticket items and the money all goes to a good cause. Fonebank for example is a great site for selling old tech but they also have a fantastic charity initiative with WaterAid. You can sell your phone then choose to donate a percentage, or the full value of your phone directly to WaterAid. So there is a few ways you can help the planet this Global Recycling Day. Do you have any other tips on how we can reduce the environmental impact from tech?

Looking for a new smartphone that can do everything you need and more? We have some great Samsung Galaxy phones packed with innovative features. Here are a few videos to help bring it all to life! Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra It boasts a 108MP Wide-angle Camera, and an extra telephoto lens that ups the digital zoom to a whopping 100x. The S22 Ultra also comes with a built-in S-Pen, giving you the power to work, create and multi-task more effectively. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Small but mighty when folded, this phone is compact enough to fit in your palm, but leaves a big impression. It has a versatile camera phone that lets you capture life at any angle, including the option of a selfie right from the Cover Screen! Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Lots of cool features packed into the folded 6.2 inch cover screen. Unfolded, the 7.6-inch Main Screen has pushed-back bezels for a breathtaking Infinity Flex Display. The front and rear panels are made of the strongest glass on a foldable device: Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus™+. Add in the Armour Aluminum frame, and this is Samsung's most durable foldable smartphone yet. ➡ View Samsung upgrade deals

Samsung and Apple are the biggest names in the smartphone world, and their latest flagships are things of beauty. The new iPhone 14 family features four phones - the iPhone 14 , iPhone 14 Plus , iPhone 14 Pro , and iPhone 14 Pro Max . Meanwhile, the new Galaxy S23 family is made up of three phones - Galaxy 23 , Galaxy S23 Plus , Galaxy S23 Ultra . Thinking of making one of these your next mobile? Not sure which to go for? Let’s compare them to help you decide… Design and display First, let’s have a quick weigh in, and it’s more or less a perfect match. In fact, each iPhone 14 model is roughly the same weight and size as its S23 counterpart with one exception – the S23 Ultra is bigger and heavier than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Display size is 6.9-inches vs 6.7-inches. Both phone familes have the same OLED displays, but there’s a real difference in refresh rate. All the S23s boast a super-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which is only found on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus have a 60Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 14s come out in top when it comes to resolution though. For example, iPhone 14 has 2532 x 1170 pixels compared with the S23’s 2340 x 1080 pixels. Is resolution or refresh rates more important to you? That question might help you decide on which phone to go for. It’s the same kind of story with ‘always-on’ display tech. All the S23s feature it, while only the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max have it on the Apple side. The S23 Ultra has one more design exclusive up its sleeve (or up its bottom, to be exact) – a built-in S Pen that you can use as an onscreen stylus to sketch, make notes, draw plans, edit photos and loads more. Cameras Both types of phones have incredible cameras. Arguably, the best of any smartphone ever. We can’t choose between the two. All we can say is that you’re going to be more than happy sharing your shots on social and upping your ‘gram game. Read our iPhone 14 and Galaxy S23 launch articles for more details on the specs of each different camera set up. The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max come with 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide and 12MP telephoto lenses. The S23 Ultra has a 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide and 10MP telephoto lens. Don’t just focus (no pun intended) on the MP numbers, because lots of megapixels don’t always mean better photos. In fact, with more megapixels the size of the pixel is decreased, and that can affect image quality especially in low light. The iPhone 14s get round that by doing something called ‘pixel binning’ (grouping pixels together, in other words). This improves light and produces better shots, without the need for a huge MP count. Under the hood The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip. The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max use the A16 Bionic chip, which is faster and 20% more power-efficient than the A15 Bionic chip. All of the S23s are powered by the same chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This custom processor makes doing everything from multi-tasking and gaming much faster than on the older S22. Samsung says the new S23 line-up is 41% faster in gaming, and 49% faster in machine learning tasks. We can’t pick a clear winner between these two types of chips. Both of them give you the smoothest and speediest experience you’ll ever have had on a smartphone. It’s a score draw. Operating systems The S23 phones feature the Android 13 operating system, while the iPhone 14s comes with iOS 16. These are the latest versions (as you’d expect) and both are packed with advanced features to make your mobile life easier. The main difference between the two? Well, iOS is famous for being intuitive and user-friendly, while the Android operating system focuses more on customisation and flexibility. How do I get one of these awesome phones? You can order the iPhone 14 , iPhone 14 Plus , iPhone 14 Pro , iPhone 14 Pro Max , Galaxy 23 , Galaxy S23 Plus or Galaxy S23 Ultra from iD Mobile right now. An iD Mobile plan gives you all the flexibility and control you need. You can enjoy ultra-fast 5G coverage, roll over unused data, cap your out-of-plan charges and stay right on top of your expenses using the iD app. Over to you. What do you think? Are you team Galaxy or iPhone? If you’ve got one of these awesome phones, how are you getting on with it? Best phone ever? Share your comments below, but remember - let’s keep it friendly!

Great news, Galaxy fans! Samsung has launched its new S23 series, with three models available: the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+ and high-end Galaxy S23 Ultra. These flagship phones are Samsung’s finest, which makes them - arguably - the best new phones of 2023. To help you decide if you need one in your life, let’s check them out. Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+ These two phones share a lot of the same features, so we’ll talk about them first (and leave the best to last). Design and display The new S23 family sticks to Samsung’s classic design, as you’d probably expect – if it’s not broken, why fix it? That means familiar smooth rounded edges with a frosted glass back, and a gorgeous FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display to look at. The S23 has a 6.1-inch screen, so it’s perfect for those that prefer compact phones. If you want something bigger, the S23+ has a 6.6-inch screen. Both phones have adaptive outdoor visibility – a fancy way of seeing you’ll be able to game, stream and scrolling when you’re out in bright sunlight. Cameras The S23 and S23+ have the same impressive triple lens set-up as last year’s S22 (50MP main lens, 12MP ultra-wide lens, 10MP telephoto lens). The telephoto lens is capable of 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom, so you’ll be able capture detailed shots even when you’re far away from your subject. Nightography mode has been improved a lot. With more processing power and advanced AI, all your low-light photos will be packed with detail and colour. The same goes for selfies - the front camera focuses faster and more accurately even in low light, and object-based AI fills your shots with realistic colour. Video selfies are even better too, as the front camera now has the skills to shoot pin-sharp footage in the dark. Under the hood Both phones feature Samsung’s latest processor, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Samsung says this will improve everything from heavy mobile gaming to video streaming or filming sessions. Plus, it’ll help the long-lasting and fast-charging battery to last through a day of heavy use. You’ve got a couple of storage options on each phone. The S23 gives you the choice of 128GB or 256GB sizes, while the S23+ offers 256GB and 512GB. Samsung S23 Ultra If you’re looking for the very best Android phone in 2023, then say hello S23 Ultra. The other S23 phones are fantastic, but the S23 Ultra’s specs are even more impressive, with a dazzling display, pro camera, huge battery and tons of storage. Design and display In terms of design, the S23 Ultra looks almost the same as its predecessor. Its curves are slightly less rounded than the S23 and S23+, while it has the same frosted glass back. As you’d expect from a Samsung flagship, it’s an eye-catching phone that feels as good as it looks. The stunning 6.8" Quad HD AMOLED display is a real treat for the eyes. It makes everything you like watching and doing on your phone feel absolutely epic, from multiplayer mobile games to blockbuster movies. Cameras Remember the 102MP main lens on the older S22 Ultra? That’s had a massive upgrade. The S23 Ultra now boasts a quad rear camera with a 200MP main lens - the largest that Samsung has ever put in one of its phones. Alongside that you’ll find a 12MP ultrawide lens and two 10MP telephoto lenses. More megapixels doesn’t always mean better photos, but Samsung has made loads more of improvements to make this camera a world-beater. Portrait mode can now capture more true-to-life skin colours and textures. Night shooting now looks better and ever, with the advanced camera sensor and processor working together to reduce noise and tone down annoying flare. You’ll literally light up the night! An Ultra S-Pen The S23 Ultra comes with a built-in S-Pen (just like S22 Ultra), giving you the power to work, create and multi-task more effectively. It’s Samsung’s most advanced and fastest S Pen yet - responsive, realistic and precise. Nice. Under the hood Just like the S23 and S23+, the S23 Ultra is powered by the Samsung’s latest and greatest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. So you can expect a super-smooth and speedy experience no matter what you’re doing – even if you’re running lots of beefy apps at once. Plus, the intelligent 5,000mAh battery is a real beast, so you should be able to game and stream well into the night. When it comes to storage space, you’ve got three storage options to choose from – 256GB, 512GB or 1TB (that’s a whopping 1000GB).

The 8th of March is known globally as International Woman’s Day, and to celebrate the occasion this year, we’re giving you an overview of just a few women that have had a significant impact to the world of tech, and as a result our daily lives. Did you know that the very first computer programmer was a woman? And without the work of some brilliant women, it’s unlikely that we’d have everything from Wi-Fi to men on the moon. So, to celebrate International Women’s Day and to give an overdue shout out to overlooked genius, here are 6 women who have totally changed tech. Telecommunications: Dr Shirley Jackson Not only was Jackson the first black woman to ever earn a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), but her research into theoretical physics has led to some of the key things our modern world couldn’t function without. Whether it’s touch tone telephone, solar cells or fibre optic cables, Dr Jackson’s impact on the world of tech is hard to overstate. WiFi: Hedy Lamarr Most film buffs know who Hedy Lamarr was - a world-famous movie star during the golden age of Hollywood. Fewer people know that she also had a brilliant mind and loved inventing things on breaks from movie making. During World War 2, she even created a new communication system to help guide Allied torpedoes to their targets using radio frequencies. Her work went on to inspire the creation of frequency hopping technologies like Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth. Space exploration: Katherine Johnson In 1962, the USA launched its first astronaut, John Glenn, into orbit. But his success was all based on the work of Katherine Johnson – who did the manual calculations at NASA. When she was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom at the age of 97, Johnson remembers that Glenn said: “If she says they’re numbers are good, then I’m ready to go.” Moon landing: Margaret Elaine Hamilton When you think about landing on the Moon, the first names that come to mind might be Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. But how about Margaret Elaine Hamilton? Although Hamilton never wore a space suit, her work as a computer scientist was just as important. In fact, the code that Hamilton and her team wrote at MIT helped Apollo 11 land on the Moon in 1969. Hamilton went onto have a very successful career and even coined the term “software engineer” – helping to promote computer programming as a respected career. Computer programming: Ada Lovelace Speaking of coding, did you know that the very first computer programmer was both a woman and lived in the nineteenth century? As the daughter of the poet Lord Byron, Ada Lovelace mixed in some very famous circles. But it was her brilliance as a mathematician that she’s now chiefly remembered for. Becoming a friend of Charles Babbage (who invented the first computer – known as the Analytical Engine), Ada Lovelace is widely considered to have created the first ever algorithm. So put a note in your calendar - the second Tuesday in October is Ava Lovelace Day! Home security: Marie Van Brittan Brown Because Marie Van Brittan Brown was a nurse and her husband was an electrician, they both had irregular working hours. Often at home alone, Marie didn’t feel safe in her New York neighbourhood, so in the early 60s she had the idea for the first home security system. The prototype was a bulky set up - a peephole camera attached to some monitors with a microphone to scare away intruders. But later improvements included a remote-control door locking mechanism and a panic alarm. When the couple were awarded their patent in 1969, Marie’s name came first. So, if you have smart security at home, you have Marie Van Brittan Brown to thank. We’ve only really scratched the surface of the contribution that women have made to science and tech. But do you have a favourite that we’ve missed out? Let us know below.

Think of a smartwatch as a phone on your wrist. At a glance, you can get all the information you need – just as long as it’s connected with your actual phone, of course… The exact method for doing this differs by brands, so let us take you through all the big names one by one. We’ve got instructions on connecting the Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, Garmin Watch or Huawei Watch to your smartphone… Connecting an Apple Watch to your iPhone These steps will help you pair any Apple Watch from Series 4 with iPhone 6s or later (as long as it's running the latest iOS version). 1. Turn on your iPhone’s Bluetooth and make sure you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network. 2. Turn on your Apple Watch and wait for it to boot up. 3. When you see ‘Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch’, tap ‘Continue’. If you don’t see this message open the Apple Watch app and tap ‘Start Pairing’. 4. Use your iPhone camera to centre the watch face, then wait for a message saying your Apple Watch is paired. 5. Choose ‘Set up Apple Watch’ if it’s your first, or choose ‘backup’ if you’ve had an Apple Watch before. 6. Agree to the T&Cs and continue. 7. Type in your Apple ID password when asked. 8. You’ll be asked to turn on Activation Lock if you haven’t set up ‘Find My iPhone’. 9. You can now turn on other features like Siri. 10. Create a passcode, then you can set up Apple Pay. 11. Some of your iPhone apps will work with your Apple Watch, so select ‘Install All’ to get everything available. 12. Keep your devices close together while they sync. You’ll hear a chime and feel the watch vibrate when it’s all done. Tap the Digital Crown, and everything’s now paired up and good to go! Connecting a Samsung Galaxy Watch to an Android phone Samsung Galaxy Watches work best with Galaxy phones, but they go great with other Androids too. Here’s how to get them connected: 1. Turn on your watch and install the Galaxy Wearable app.2. Launch the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone.3. Tap ‘Start the journey’.4. Select your device on-screen.5. When you see the Bluetooth activation request, tap ‘Turn on.’6. Now follow the rest of the instructions to complete the connection. Connecting a Samsung Galaxy Watch to your iPhone Here’s how to pair a Samsung Galaxy Watch with an iPhone. 1. Turn on your watch and install the Galaxy Wearable app.2. Install the Samsung Galaxy Watch (Gear S) app on your iPhone, and open it.3. Tap ‘OK’ when it asks you to allow Bluetooth.4. Tap ‘Start the journey’.5. Select your device on-screen. Your two devices will now pair with each other in no more than a couple of minutes. Connecting a Garmin Watch to your phone Here’s how to pair a Garmin Watch with your phone. 1. Install the Garmin Connect app on your phone. Sign-in to it, or create a new account.2. Put your Garmin Watch into ‘pairing mode’.3. Wait for the app to find your Garmin Watch.4. Tap ‘Connect it’.5. Now follow the on-screen instructions to complete your connection. Connecting a Huawei Watch to your phone Here’s how to pair one of the latest Huawei watches with your phone. 1. Press the ‘Up’ button until the watch vibrate and turns on. It’s now in pairing mode.2. Use your phone to scan the QR code on the watch screen, and download the Huawei Health app.3. Open the app and follow the onscreen instructions.4. Tap ‘Pair’ and the app will search for nearby devices. When you see the name of your Huawei Watch, tap it.5. Go back to your watch. Tap and confirm the pairing request when it appears on-screen. Your two devices will now pair with each other. You’re good to go! Any questions on using your smartwatch and smartphone together? Or do you have any good tips or suggestions? Then comment below, and share your thoughts with the Community

CES has come and gone for another year. But what is CES? Well, CES (or the Consumer Electronics Show) describe it as ‘the most influential tech event in the world’. And they’re not wrong. It’s where all the biggest and best tech brands come together to showcase their latest and greatest. From new gadgets, to futuristic, cutting-edge technology planned for release further down the line. And with all that, there’s plenty of fresh mobile tech to get your eyes around too. So, here’s just some of the most exciting features and phones announced at the show… The Phones Samsung Galaxy A14 5G Want more bang for your buck? You’ll want to keep an eye on the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G then. It’s been pitched as an entry-level Galaxy, but with a spec that punches well above its potential price. Plus, there are loads of great features that you usually won’t find on a phone of this level. A 5000mAh battery will keep the phone going throughout the day, and everything looks great on the 6.6-inch screen. But probably best of all is the 90Hz refresh rate. A higher refresh rate means the screen responds and refreshes even quicker. And that makes using your device much more fluid. It’s even got a bit of an old-school edge. Most phone manufacturers have done away with the 3.5mm headphone socket, but Samsung have brought it right back here. So, if you’ve got a well-loved pair of wired headphones that you don’t get to use much anymore, now you can. Samsung Galaxy S23 While not announced at CES itself, this is arguably one of the most anticipated phones of the year. And because of that, we couldn’t not include it. With the launch event coming very soon, you’ll be able to get the full lowdown right here once we’ve got the full details. TCL 40 SE For even more of a budget (but no less brilliant) option, there’s the TCL 40 SE. For the photographers among you, there’s a 50MP camera on the back, with 2 extra 2MP cameras in support. The 8MP front camera can even take snaps in HDR too. Those selfies have never looked so good. Then like the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, you’ll view everything on a screen with a 90HZ refresh rate. This is almost unheard of on a phone of this price. So, it might be basic. But it’s still got plenty going on under the hood to make it worthwhile. Motorola ThinkPhone Motorola’s latest is aimed squarely at the business world. It’s meant for companies who want to equip their employees with a new phone – but they’re not planning to make it available to the public right now. Which is a bit of a shame too. There’s literally a dedicated red button on the side for quickly talking to your colleagues on Microsoft Teams. And with more and more people working from home now, features like that are perfect for working smarter. Look out for it in an office near you at some point early this year. The tech Samsung Flex Hybrid Samsung continue to flex their engineering muscles. Especially when it comes to all thing’s foldable screens. And Flex Hybrid is the name of their latest bit of smart screen tech. But it doesn’t just fold. It slides too. The left side of the screen is designed to unfold, while the right side slides out. When folded out fully, the display transforms into a 12.4-inch screen (up from 10.5-inches). That means an even better picture for streaming, gaming, or video calls. Nice. While nothings been confirmed yet, it’s possible we could see this technology forming the backbone of some of their upcoming phones. Qi2 wireless charging It’s probably safe to say that Qi2 will quickly become the go-to way of wirelessly charging your phone in 2023. This charging standard will be built-in to accessories and phones – we’re just not sure on the exact models yet. It’s meant to be way, way faster at charging your device, ideal for when you need some more juice in hurry. It’ll also make wireless charging pads even better. Power will be sent to your phone far more consistently. And your phone won’t get dislodged as easily either. If you’re as clumsy as we are, then that’s a big plus. Qualcomm Snapdragon Satellite We’ve all been there. You’re out and about and suddenly your connection drops completely. It’s an absolute pain – especially when you really need to send a message. But with the Qualcomm Snapdragon Satellite, your prayers might have been answered. This chip will let you send messages (both regular and emergency) completely normally, even without any connectivity. It takes advantage of satellite communications to get your text sent. So even if you’re in the middle of nowhere, you shouldn’t be caught short. We’re expecting most of the flagship phones from all the big names to use the chip going forward. Giveaway time! - CLOSED Smart phones have come a long way since the launch of the very first iPhone released in 2007! And there’s clearly plenty more to come based on the announcements at CES 2023 – BUT it always feels like there’s just that one thing missing. So, to be in a chance to win £100 Love2Shop voucher tell us what that one feature that you would just love to have on a smartphone that isn’t yet available is.. Whether it's holographic displays, 6G, solar charging, or something else entirely! It can be as weird or wacky as your like (just don’t be rude). Entries close at 23:59 on 20th February 2023, and we'll announce the lucky iD community winner shortly after. We’ll notify the winner by direct message here on the Community, so please keep an eye on your inbox. T&C’s apply Good Luck!

Whether you're celebrating Valentine's, Galentine's or Palentine's day, we want to share the love with you by giving you the chance to win a £200 Buyagift voucher to spend on an experience of your choice. To enter, simply head to the iD Mobile Facebook page and under the Valentine’s Day Competition tag who you'd take with you and why in the comments! Entries close on 20/02/23 at 23:59. T&C’s apply Good luck! 😊😍

Heading on your hols? Lucky you. Check out our tips to make the most of your phone. 1. Watch out for data roaming Though you’ll pay no data roaming charges in the EU, you most definitely will when travelling anywhere else in the world. And there are some real shock stories out there, like the woman who paid over £2,000 to download a Neil Diamond album while on holiday in South Africa. So, our advice… turn off your data roaming setting, and go hunting for Wi-Fi instead. 2. Wi-Fi to the rescue You may be surprised where you can pick up Wi-Fi these days. Even beachfront bars and the like tend to be connected. Do make sure the network you choose is protected by a password, just to be on the safe side. And if you’re using things like banking apps, it’s probably best that you’re familiar with the owner of the network. 3. Download your maps offline No-one wants to get lost when they’re on holiday, but using map apps on the go all adds to data drainage. So here’s a great idea – why not download your maps offline before you go on holiday, or when you’re connected to Wi-Fi when you’re there. Head to Google Maps, clear the search bar and type ‘OK Maps’ – you’ll then be given an option to save that area offline. 4. Backup before you leave The holiday’s over. You’ve taken hundreds of awesome photos – memories you’ll never want to lose. So, the worst thing would be losing them, right? So before you leave, why not back everything up to a cloud storage system (Dropbox or My Knowhow Cloud, for example) or an external hard drive. Better safe than sorry. 5. Waterproof wonders It always pays to be careful when using your phone by the pool, or at the beach – sand and water can play havoc with a phone’s insides. You might just get away with the odd splash, maybe even a quick dunking (depending on the phone), but anything more could spell curtains for your phone. Take a look at some of the best waterproof phones on the market, just for that little extra peace of mind. Those are our holiday smartphone tips. If you’ve got any of your own, be sure to tell us below the line.

Do you know someone who you think might be feeling lonely? If so, here’s something that can really help – the Better Health: Every Mind Matters Loneliness campaign. It’s a government initiative from the DMCS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport), so let’s dive in and see what it’s all about. What is the ‘Better Health: Every Mind Matters Loneliness’ campaign all about? Loneliness can have a huge impact on our wellbeing. That’s why the DCMS has created the Better Health: Every Mind Matters Loneliness campaign. Its main aim to get people to help others who feel lonely, by raising awareness and encouraging simple actions that can help ‘lift someone out of loneliness’. Because if we do this regularly, we can all help to lift each other up. What can you do to lift someone out of loneliness? If you’d like to help someone feeling lonely, here are some top tips from the campaign: Pay them a visit. Reaching out for a chat and cuppa with a family member or friend is the best way of making them feel less lonely. And don’t just make it a one-off – make sure to check-in regularly. Use tech to stay in touch. If you can’t see someone in person, there are loads of other ways to contact them… call them on the phone, make a video call, set up a Whatsapp group or message them on Facebook – almost any kind of contact can help remind them they’re not alone. Go for a walk. “Fancy a walk?” Sure, these are just three simple words - but sometimes the smallest actions can make the biggest difference. So next time you go for a walk, invite someone else along. Feeling lonely yourself? Okay, so we’ve given you some advice for helping others - now it’s time to think about yourself. If you’re feeling lonely, why not give some of these suggestions a try? Talk to friends and family. Sometimes a friendly chat can make a big difference, even if it’s a video chat with someone miles away. Join a group. Being part of a club is a great way to meet new people and make friends. Have a think about the kind of things you’d like to try out, and see what’s available in your local area. You can check out VisitEngland's list of cheap and free things to do for suggested events. Enjoy some fresh air. Spending time outdoors in green space, doing things like hiking, walking or cycling are just some of the ways to lift your mood and focus your mind. Volunteer to help others. Think about volunteering to help in your local community. It’s a great way to connect with people. Plus, seeing the benefits of your actions can really give your mental wellbeing a boost. More advice and support You can find more lots more support and advice for ways to get lifted out of loneliness on the Every Mind Matters – Loneliness NHS webpage. You can also find simple ways to lift your mood with Every Mind Matters. If you're currently feeling stressed or anxious, the NHS mental health hub is packed with great advice and handy tools to help. And if you take this NHS Mind Plan quiz, you’ll get a personalised mental health action plan that includes great tips for dealing with stress, anxiety and loneliness. It’s only five quick questions, so it won’t take up too much of your time. Your smartphone can help too! There are loads of great mindfulness apps out there, and lots are completely free. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some top apps to help you find your calm. Do you have any tips for tackling loneliness? Any suggestions for useful mindfulness apps? We’d love to hear what you think, so share your thoughts with the iD Community below.

It's January. We're usually busy cracking on with our New Year’s resolutions and organising plans for the year ahead. But it can also be a bit of a sad time for many people. After the warm feelings of the festive period - spending time with those closest to us - January can feel like the celebrations are over. But there are little things you can do to add some positivity to your day. And we’ve got some brilliant suggestions to put a smile on your face. What is Blue Monday? ‘Blue Monday’ (the day, not the New Order hit) was actually launched as a marketing scheme in 2005 by a travel company. They claimed to have calculated the most depressing day of the year. To work this out, they used factors like average temperature, days until the next bank holiday, hours of daylight and days since last payday. However, the psychologist that developed the concept later campaigned against it. Instead, he said that everyone should try and focus on the positives. If you’re setting new goals this year, that’s an important thought to keep in mind. Nowadays, Blue Monday is still regarded as a time for self-care. After all, it’s important to do things that make you feel good. Here are a few of our best ideas… Get out and exercise Exercise is one of the best ways to get that hit of dopamine. It doesn’t need to be an average gym routine either. You could go for a cycle through the park, lace up your running shoes, or even set up a game of 5-a-side with your mates. Why not get fit, soak up some nature and socialise at the same time? And, best of all, it’ll help keep those blues at bay. Watch an uplifting film or TV show There’s a reason they’re called feel-good films. When you’re feeling low, turning to that film with a happy ending or a sitcom with familiar faces is a great way to lift your spirits. You might have seen it before, but that doesn’t matter at all. Movies like The Shawshank Redemption, Matilda, Forrest Gump, or anything starring the late, great Robin Williams are all great choices. Get your family, friends, or housemates together and watch something you’re all guaranteed to enjoy. Treat yourself to some retail therapy While December is all about sorting amazing Christmas gifts for your loved ones, January’s all about the gift of self-giving. And why not? You deserve it. January is a great time to make that big purchase you’ve had planned for a while. The January sales are typically one of the biggest of the year after all. You’re likely to bag a sweet deal on that classy laptop, heavenly holiday, or swish shoes you’ve had your eye on. Take the plunge and go for it – you'll be glad you did. Escape into a good book There’s nothing like a good book to keep your mind occupied. Whether you’re into fictional, immersive worlds, or someone that wants to take on a fresh perspective with self-help literature. There’s genuinely a book out there for everyone. It may be a cliché, but reading is one of the best things you can do to expand your mind and escape from things that might weigh you down. And there’s always time to get into a good read. Just set your phone to silent, turn off the TV and dive right in. Catch up with friends and family What made Christmas so good for us wasn’t the decorations, the music, or the food (okay, maybe it was a bit). It was mostly the chance to spend some time with our nearest and dearest. We’re talking about the people that are always rooting for you, no matter what. These are the people that make you feel better - even after a quick 5-minute chat. They may be there for Christmas, but they’re also there when you’re feeling blue. Pick up the phone and call them, text them or plan a visit to see them. With iD Mobile, you’ve got unlimited minutes and texts whatever plan you have, so there’s no excuse. Reach out Sometimes it’s not just a simple case of January blues. Those feelings could go on longer and feel deeper. Mental health is equally as important as physical health, and it’s brilliant that more of us are talking about it. But, while it’s never been more important to speak to our friends and relatives, sometimes it takes more than that to start feeling better in ourselves again. There’s always someone out there to speak to. Someone who understands exactly how you feel and knows what you’re going through. The hardest step to make is the first one, which is to get in touch. But once you do, you’ll be making that all-important commitment to feeling better. If you feel like you need mental health support, check out the likes of CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) and Samaritans. Whether it’s a phone call, email, or text chat, they’ll speak to you – whoever you are and whatever you’re going through. You’re not alone. Giveaway Time - Closed To help boost your mood this Blue Monday, we’re doing an exciting giveaway! This is where the Community comes together and in doing so, the reward just gets better! To enter simply tell us below what makes you happy in life. It could be anything, from family and friends to trips away at the weekend. Once you’ve entered your response, click send! And you’ll be entered into the draw. You have until 3rd February to enter at which point we will tally up all the unique entries to work out which prize you could be winning. So if you want a chance to win a phone let's get over 300 entries! T&C’s apply. The lucky winner (and the final prize!) will be announced on the Community shortly after entries are closed, so make sure you come back to check if it's you! Here’s what you could win: Good Luck!

Whether it’s UberEats, Just Eat or Deliveroo, most of us have takeaway apps on our phones. But what about finding a really great restaurant or getting a table at that tapas bar that everyone’s talking about? The good news is that there are apps for that too. So, whether you’re wanting to wow your date on Valentine’s Day or you’re looking for a pub to take the family for an epic Sunday roast, dine out with some of the best apps around. The Fork Great for: money off your bill The Fork is one of the most popular restaurant apps around. Start by selecting a location, a date and time and you’ll be shown all the restaurants that have a free table. You can then filter by ratings, type of food and whether you can make savings through the app – and these can be as much as 50% on your bill! The app gives you reviews from other users, a full menu, opening hours and pretty much everything else you need to know. Use the app regularly enough and you’ll soon rack up Yums – which can be used at restaurants, so you pay less when the bill comes. And you’ll even find recommendations for large groups and even romantic spots for Valentine’s Days. They just need a violinist filter. iOS / Android Happy Cow Great for: vegetarian and vegan diners Once upon a time, finding good veggie options in pubs or restaurants was tough. And while menus are a lot more inclusive these days, eating out can still be an effort – especially outside cities. So, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan or you’re just after some healthy eating options, Happy Cow specialises in finding non-meat eateries as well as highlighting vegan and vegetarian options on pub and restaurant menus. You’ll find reviews, recommendations and loads of different filters – including wheelchair accessibility and outside seating. One nice feature is the ability to filter for only vegan options on map mode. And because it’s in 185 countries worldwide, it’s a great tool for holidays. iOS / Android Luxury Restaurant Guide Great for: fine dining Special occasion coming up? Ready to pop the question on Valentine’s Day? If you’re looking for a restaurant with wow-factor, the Luxury Restaurant Guide will find just the spot. Like the other apps on this list, LRG lets you search by area, style of food and chef. The emphasis is very much on award-winning restaurants and Michelin stars rather than your nearest Nando’s – not that there’s anything wrong with some cheeky chicken. If you’re a real foodie, you can sign up for premium membership, which gets you access to big discounts, private events with celeb chefs and more. Fancy! iOS / Android TripAdvisor Great for: hidden gems Wait. Hidden gems? From the world’s largest travel app? Hear us out. Because TripAdvisor is everywhere (and we mean everywhere) there’s barely a café, coffee shop or restaurant on the planet that hasn’t escaped it. Go to any international destination and you’ll find even the tiniest backstreet restaurant proudly displaying its TripAdvisor stars. The downside is that you’re going to have to do more legwork in filtering out thousands of restaurants and millions of user reviews to find the perfect spot – but help is at hand. Head to the forums and you’ll pick up some great tips for almost wherever you are in the world. The app will always let you know which places are the top-rated in town. And because you can book straight through the app, it cuts out the admin. Pro tip: Just because TripAdvisor says that a popular place is full, don’t take it as gospel. If you’re really keen to eat there, give the place a call or pop along and you can often get a table. iOS / Android Have we missed one out? Is there an app you’ve used that’s too good to pass up? Comment below and let the Community know.

Thinking about a holiday? Course you are. It’s nice having something fun to look forward to. Plus, this is the best time to get one sorted. Lots of travel companies offer cut price deals and discounts on loads of destinations. There’s genuinely something (or somewhere) for everyone. From solo ventures to romantic getaways with your better half. But you want a holiday with a difference, right? A trip that swaps chilling by the pool for something a bit more thrilling. We’ve travelled far and wide to find the best apps and websites. One’s tailor made for planning a more unique kind of trip. Grab your suitcase. Pick up your passport. Put on your shades. We’re off exploring… Lucky Trip We’ve all heard about a lucky dip. But how about a Lucky Trip? If you can never decide where to go – or just love being spontaneous – then this is for you. You can plan a whole trip in just one tap. All you’ve got to do is set your budget and press a button. Your randomised holiday is now in the hands of the travelling gods. Your recommended trip is sorted into three parts: the country, a place to stay and an activity. So, you don’t even have to do much planning yourself. If you like the look of what’s been suggested, you can then book everything quickly and easily. Who knows, you might even find your new favourite place to visit. And if you don’t like what’s been put in front of you, that’s ok. Just press the button again and see what else comes up. Download on iOS and Android . Website: https://luckytrip.co.uk/ Contiki Contiki takes curated destinations, sustainable tourism, and like-minded travellers – mashing them together for some globe-trotting goodness. The first thing you need to do is pick somewhere to go. And the list of options is almost endless. They organise trips to every continent – from Africa to South America, Europe to Asia. And these trips aren’t ordinary either. You’ll be joined by a Trip Manager for a start. They’re experts in wherever you’re visiting and are responsible for all your day-to-day activities. Want to know about the local history? They’ve got the facts. Have a problem with your accommodation? They’ll sort it out. And most importantly, they’ll introduce you to the people you’ll be travelling with. Contiki is all about social travel after all. Almost 60% of the people who use Contiki are riding solo, so most of the people on your trip are in the same boat. It’s a genuinely brilliant way to make new friends and memories for life. No matter whether you’re more reserved, or the life and soul of the party. Download on iOS and Android . Website: https://www.contiki.com/ Topdeck Topdeck do holidays in style. And by style, we mean 4 different ones. Pick from Get Social, Play & Pause, Delve Deep or Sail & Swim to find an adventure that suits you. Delve Deep is the most immersive of the 4 options. If you consider yourself a bit of a wannabee Indiana Jones, this is for you. You’ll explore the local food scene – scouring street markets for tasty treats. You’ll stay in desert camps and rustic cabins. And you’ll experience customs and activities that you won’t find anywhere else. Then you’ve got Get Social and Play & Pause, which are at the opposite ends of the travel spectrum. The first puts you in a big group of up to 48 people. And you’ll be doing everything together. Ticking off those bucket list moments. Staying in hostels. Partying into the night. Fast-paced fun is guaranteed. Play & Pause is more laid back - with a balance of relaxation and exploration. You’ll be in a much smaller group and will stay in private rooms. You’ll be seeing all the big sites, joined by a Trip Leader, but you’ll also have plenty of time to go off and do your own thing as well. Sail & Swim takes things to the high seas. Think beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a boat to sleep and travel on. Oh. And a bit of sailing and swimming thrown in too. So, whether you want to chill, take in the local culture, or hit the town, Topdeck has a holiday waiting for you. Download on iOS and Android . Website: https://www.topdeck.travel/ Got a great app or website we’ve missed? Been somewhere amazing recently? Let us know in the comments down below.

While January is the time we start to crack on with our New Year’s resolutions and plans for the year ahead, It’s also notoriously a time of melancholy. After the warm feeling of the festive period, catching up with the people closest to us, January can feel like the celebrations are over. But there are little things you can do to sprinkle positivity into your day, and we’ve got some awesome suggestions to put a smile on your face. ‘Blue Monday’ (the day, not the New Order hit) was actually launched as a marketing scheme in 2005 by a travel company, who claimed to have calculated the most depressing day in the calendar. They used factors like average temperature, days until the next bank holiday, hours of daylight and days since last payday. Nevertheless, the psychologist that developed the concept later campaigned against it, imploring everyone to focus on the positives. If you’re embarking on new goals this year, that’s an invigorating feeling that shouldn’t be overlooked. Nowadays, Blue Monday is still regarded as a time for self-care. After all, it’s important to do things that make you feel good about you. Here are a few of our ideas! Get out there and exercise! Exercise is one of the best ways to get that feeling of dopamine. It doesn’t need to be an average gym routine – you could go for a cycle through the park, lace up your running shoes and head out to your local nature reserve, or even set up a game of 5-a-side with your mates. Why not get fit, soak up some nature and socialise at the same time? And, best of all, it’ll keep those blues at bay. If you feel yourself getting into exercise on a regular basis, try an app like Nike Training Club to keep your workouts consistently exciting and full of motivation. That workout routine could well end up being the highlight of your day! Watch an uplifting movie or show There’s a reason they’re called ‘feelgood’ movies! When you’re feeling low, turning to that film with a happy ending or sitcom with familiar faces is a great way to lift your spirits. You might have even seen it before, but it doesn’t matter! Movies like The Shawshank Redemption, Matilda, Forrest Gump, or anything starring the late, great Robin Williams (apart from One Hour Photo) are all about making you, the viewer, all the happier for having watched them. Get your family, friends or housemates together and watch something you’re all guaranteed to enjoy. Treat yourself to some retail therapy While December is all about sorting amazing Christmas gifts for your loved ones and finding them things you know they’ll go mad for, but January’s all about the gift of self-giving. And why not? You deserve it! January is actually a great time to make that big purchase you’ve had planned for a while. The January sales are typically one of the biggest in the year, and it means you’re very likely to bag a sweet deal on that classy laptop, heavenly holiday, or swish shoes you’ve had your eye on. Take the plunge and go for it – later you will be grateful! Escape into a good book There’s nothing like a captivating book to keep your mind occupied. Whether you’re a fiction aficionado that loves to escape into boundless, immersive worlds, a history buff that’s passionate about exploring further into our rich, collective past, someone that wants to take on a fresh perspective with self-help literature, or even someone that doesn’t know what kind of reading matter they’re into, there’s a book out there for you. It may be a cliché, but reading is genuinely one of the best things you can do to expand your mind and escape from the things that occasionally weigh you down. And there’s always time to get into a good read – just set your phone to silent, turn off the TV and dive right in. Catch up with friends and family We’ve spoken a lot about keeping in touch with friends and family here on the iD Community, especially around Christmas. What made Christmas so good for us wasn’t the decorations, the music, or the food (okay, maybe a bit), it was mostly the chance to spend time with our nearest and dearest. We’re talking about the people that are always rooting for you, no matter what you do or where you are, in your mind and in reality. These are the people that make you feel better just for having chatted. They may be there for Christmas and other festive moments, but they’re also there when you’re feeling blue. Pick up the phone and call them, text them or set some time for a video call. With iD Mobile, you’ve got unlimited minutes and texts whatever plan you have, so there’s no excuse! Reach Out Sometimes it’s not just a simple case of January blues. Those feelings could go on longer, feel deeper and more profound. Mental health is equally vital to physical health for lasting happiness, and it’s right that more and more of us are talking about it. But, while it’s never been more important to speak to our friends and relatives, let them know how we’re really feeling and check in with them, sometimes, it takes more than that to start feeling better in ourselves again. There’s always someone out there to speak to, who understands how you feel and the things you’re going through. The hardest step to make is the first one, which is to get in touch. But once you do, you’ll be making that all-important commitment to feeling the way you deserve to feel. If you feel like you need mental health support, Heads Together is a fantastic campaign co-ordinated by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. You can get support from their brilliant charity partners like CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), The Mix, and YoungMinds. Whoever you are and whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone. Those are a few suggestions to help overcome the January blues. Honourable mentions go to cooking your favourite meal, listening to hilarious podcasts (Off Menu, anyone?) and aromatherapy (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it). What do you do make yourself feel better on those days when you’re in low spirits? Let us know below. Competition Time: If you are still feeling a little down, we've got a competition to cheer you up! For your chance to win a £100 Love2shop gift card; just let us know what you do to make yourself feel better on those days when you are feeling down. T&C’s apply. You've got until 23:59 on 28th January 2022 to enter. Good luck! CONGRATULATIONS! The winner of this competition is…. @dugganac! Congratulations, we’ll be in touch with your Love 2 Shop gift card soon. Thanks to everyone who entered!

For loads of us, the festive season was really expensive and (with cost of living going up) 2023 doesn’t look like it’s going to be any lighter on the pocket. It’s no wonder that ‘staying on top of finances’ ranks so highly as a New Year’s resolution! However, tightening the purse strings doesn’t necessarily mean you need to drastically change your lifestyle. Nor does it mean you have to immediately stop going to the places or doing the things you enjoy. All it takes is a little planning and organisation, and you’ll be amazed at how much money you’ll save. And a few apps will help you on your way. Here are a few things you can do to save this year… Always set a budget Whether you’re doing a weekly shop, an evening out or even off on holiday, always know how much you want to spend and stick to it. Those spontaneous purchases soon add up. Setting a realistic budget you know you can stick to will get you one step closer to your savings goals. The good news is that you can leave your calculator at home. Apps like Moneybox put all your savings accounts and ISAs into one place that’s easy to track, while both Monzo and Revolut have some incredibly innovative saving features that do all the hard work. Any time you spend money, the transaction is placed into categories like Entertainment, Groceries, Eating Out and Transport, so you get a detailed breakdown of how much you’re spending on certain things. Not only do you know where your money’s going, but you can use that info to adjust your spending in other areas, instead of cutting back on everything across the board. Monzo’s standout saving feature is Monzo Pots. You can create a Pot to start saving for a specific thing like a holiday, house deposit or even monthly bills. Then you can lock your Pot so you’re not tempted to dip in and then unlock the pot when the time comes. You can even set it up so that any spare change left over from transactions goes straight into it. The change from those morning lattes could end up funding your next holiday! Save with plug-ins Just because you’re on a money saving mission, doesn’t mean you need to stop buying the things you need online. Keeping an eye out for discount and promo codes online means that you can get a bargain on those must-have shoes or that stylish coat. Sites like Vouchercodes and Hot UK Deals have always got brilliant offers, so check back every now and then or sign up for mail alerts. Better yet, a great plug-in or browser extension does all the hard work for you. It knows when you’re on a particular retailer’s website and gives you a list of promo codes that may apply to your order. Download Pouch on your Google Chrome browser, and you’ll get stacks of codes ready to use whenever you fancy a takeaway or buy anything online. Or, if you don’t fancy combing through all the discount codes one by one, go for Honey . It automatically applies each code to your basket for you to see if any apply. If they do, you’ll instantly see your order total drop. Get deals that are even better than the offers you see advertised! Get money back on every shop Earning money for shopping online sounds too good to be true, but it’s actually possible! Sites like Top Cashback and Quidco let you can earn money from the purchases you make when you’re shopping online. All you have to do is sign up on the website and then start shopping. When you order something, the cashback site receives a commission from the sale and they then share a portion of that with you! There’s a whole host of shops you’ll be familiar with that are signed up, so you’re able to get money back on loads of purchases you make. Credit cards aren’t for everybody, but some (like American Express) offer all kinds of rewards – from cash back on every spend to discounts. And banks like Chase also let you earn cash back on every transaction. Answer surveys Love to tweet or give your take on the news, different products and brands? Why not get paid to do it! Did you know you can get paid to fill in online surveys and give your opinion on a variety of things? Some free survey websites will reward you with things like Google Play Store credit or Love2Shop vouchers, while others, like Crowdology , give you a choice between cash via PayPal or Amazon gift cards. And they’ll pay you up to £10 for every survey you complete! Getting started takes a matter of moments. Just register on a survey site (there are loads) and wait for new surveys to get sent to your email inbox. Once they arrive, fill them in and start reaping the rewards. Don’t worry, you won’t be answering the same questions again and again. They can be about anything, from movies to video games, news to sport. Get involved! Those are just a few of our suggestions on how to save and spend savvier in 2023. There are plenty of things you can do to make sure you’re on top of finances, but the best thing you can do to get started is to check your balance at regular intervals. That way, you’ll know exactly how much is going in and out of your accounts. Have you got any tips or fave apps of your own for saving money in 2023? Don’t keep them to yourself, share them with the Community in the comments below.

2022 was another brilliant year for smartphones. We got fresh releases from all the big names. Apple, Samsung, and Google all dropped their latest and greatest models. Plus, Motorola and Oppo popped up with some top phones of their own. And with new phones comes a bunch of exciting new features. Here are just a few of our favourites… iPhone 14 Pro - Your private island Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro is a big improvement on the iPhone 13. And that’s partly down to the brand spanking new ‘Dynamic Island’. This pill-shaped block sits at the top of your screen and replaces the physical notch from older iPhones. The island is your go-to information hub. Quickly view your important alerts and interactions when waking your phone. See what track is playing. Check the weather. Keep an eye on a timer while you cook. You can do it all without having to open a specific app. It makes everything quicker and so much easier. Your Insta-game gets a boost too. Snaps will sizzle thanks to the first ever 48-megapixel camera sensor on an iPhone. This gives you a 2X zoom. And double the zoom means even more detail. And even bolder colours. View our iPhone 14 Pro deals Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra - The S Pen is mightier than the sword If being productive is your thing, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra hits the mark. That’s partly down to its S Pen stylus. You can use it to make some quick notes. It’ll even work as a portable controller for office PowerPoint presentations. When the workday is done, use the S Pen for the fun stuff. Feeling creative? Sketch away with it. Want to take a group picture and fit everybody in? Use it as a remote control. And when you’re finished, it slots straight into the body of the phone. Nice and tidy. Everything looks eye-catching on the impressive Quad HD+ AMOLED screen too. So, when you’re streaming the latest Netflix craze, the picture will be smooth and sharp. Google Pixel 7 Pro - The need for speed Nobody likes a slow phone. And the Google Pixel 7 Pro is anything but slow. A specially designed Tensor G2 processor makes things extra fast. Whether you’re swapping between apps, playing a quick game on the train, or taking photos. It won’t feel the strain at all. Speaking of photos. There are loads of Pixel-only features to improve your snaps. Fix any out of focus faces with Face Unblur. Then use Magic Eraser to get rid of any distracting parts of your picture. Like your mate making a silly face in the background. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 - See you on the Flip side Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No. It’s the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 – one of the best foldable smartphones you can currently buy. It’s true that phones seem to be getting bigger and bigger. Sometimes they won’t even fit in the pocket of your favourite jeans. But that’s no issue with Samsung’s smart design. The Flip 4 folds completely in half. So, you won’t need to worry about where you’re going to put it. And you don’t need to worry about it getting wet either. Accidentally knocked it in the sink? No problem. Its IPX8 rating lets it take any dunks and splashes in its stride. Oppo Find X5 Pro - Say cheeeeese When you’re into your photography, everything needs to look professional. And the Oppo Find X5 Pro’s camera does that. Made with Hasselblad – a legendary Swedish camera maker – it takes photos and videos that absolutely pop. Colours are lifelike. Pictures are super crisp. And it doesn’t matter what time of day you’re snapping away. Use night mode to record 4K video, even after the sun’s gone down. You can then view your handiwork on the stunning Quad HD screen. A billion colours and a 120 Hz refresh rate make everything ultra-vibrant and detailed. Whether that’s a multiplayer game or a quick selfie. Motorola Edge 30 Ultra – You’re in charge We’ve all forgotten our charger when we’re out and about. But when you’ve got the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra with you, that doesn’t even matter. The battery life is mega. And that’s not over egging things. It’ll give you about two days of power before you need to plug it in. You can stream, text, game, film and call as much as you want. And when you do need to charge it, you won’t have to wait around long. The TurboPower fast charging will give you 12 hours of juice in just 7 minutes. If that’s not quick, we don’t know what is. Got a favourite feature on your new phone that we haven’t mentioned? Comment below and let us know.