Getting Started.

Have you been waiting for the latest instalment in Google’s line of smartphones? Well, you don’t need to wait any longer, as we’ve got them available for pre-order right now! What’s new about the Google Pixel 4’s design? The first thing you’ll notice about the latest Pixel phone is that Google have ditched their traditional two-tone colours in favour of a single, bold colour. There are three colours to choose from: Just Black, Clearly White, and the limited edition Oh So Orange. Whichever colour you choose, each handset features a black band around the handset that adds a striking contrast to the white and orange rear colours. The power button also contrasts the band and stands out even in poor lighting, so fumbling around to turn on your phone is a thing of the past. Once you’ve turned your phone on, trust us, you’ll be blown away by the display. The Pixel 4 features a 5.7-inch FHD+ OLED screen, while the Pixel 4 XL’s display is a 6.3-inch QHD+ OLED. Don’t worry about comparing resolutions though – both screens have been rated A+ by DisplayMate, meaning they’re just about the best smartphone screens around. And if you’re a gamer, the 90 Hz refresh rate will give you a crucial advantage in games like PUBG and Call of Duty, where precision is key. What about the camera? They might not have a triple lens setup, but you’ll still get stunning photos in just about any environment. Both phones have a 12MP wide lens paired with a 16MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. But as this is Google, the clarity of the camera is brought to life with cutting-edge AI. They’ve further developed the Pixel 3’s Night Sight mode and raised the bar to make night-time photos even more detailed. With the new astrophotography mode, you can even take a photo of the Milky Way. There is a flash on the back, but Google reckon you’ll only need it as a torch. If you love capturing the moment in video form, the Pixel 4 and 4 XL both record at a maximum resolution of 4K Ultra HD at 30 fps. That means your footage will look great when you share it online or watch back on your TV. What’s it like to use? Everything you do on your smartphone just got a whole lot faster. Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL are the first smartphones to ship with the new Android 10 operating system. With Smart Reply, you’ll receive recommended actions when you receive messages from friends and family. So, if you’ve been invited out for dinner, you can open Maps directly from your messaging app and find where you need to be in seconds. Gestures are now even more intuitive, so you can flick between open apps almost instantly. Google Assistant is even more helpful, too. It’s been integrated further into the apps you regularly use, and can pull out helpful data in a flash. If you’re flying abroad and you’ve got your boarding pass on your phone, you can say, “Hey Google, what time does my plane land?” and get an answer straight away. Face Unlocking is also much more secure and faster to use. Thanks to a built-in radar sensor, the phone knows when you’re picking it up to unlock, and you won’t need to pull any funny faces to access your home screen. It’ll even work if you’re holding the phone upside-down or landscape. Both the Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL have 64 GB and 128 GB storage options and come with an impressive 6 GB RAM. So, you’ll easily be able to multitask, and you won’t have to delete any apps to make more room. Pre-order the Google Pixel 4, or go large with the Google Pixel 4 XL on iD Mobile!

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It’s Easter! That means it’s time to gorge on chocolate eggs, feast with family and get stuck into some great Easter movies. If you’ve got a great TV to keep yourself and the family entertained, that’s perfect! Only one more thing will take your shows, movies and games up a gear: a brilliant sound bar. We’re offering one iD Community member the chance to win a Samsung Harman/Kardon HW-Q60R 5.1 Wireless Sound Bar to help make your Easter the best one yet. With eight speakers and Acoustic Beam technology, that big action sequence will feel like it’s taking place around you. Plus, as soon as you start up your games console, the sound bar will instantly switch to Game Mode Pro. So, you’ll hear pinpoint sound accuracy that’ll give you the upper hand. How to enter? Entering this egg-cellent competition couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is answer the following question: “If you won, what would the first movie you’d watch with surround sound be and why?” Make sure you post your answer in the comments below. Don’t miss out! The competition ends on Sunday 12th April, and we’ll reveal the lucky winner shortly after. Best of luck, and have a cracking Easter! T&Cs apply.

The best way to stay in touch with family and friends right now is through a video call. There are lots of video calling apps to choose from, so we’ve put together a list of some great apps for you to try out if you haven’t done so already! As always, when using apps for things like video calls, always ensure you are staying on top of your data usage through the iD Mobile App or through My Account on the iD Mobile website. Or by connecting your device to WiFi, ensuring the Wi-Fi symbol is displayed in your notification bar. Google Duo What is it? Duo is Google's answer to Apple's FaceTime, and it makes one-to-one calling between Android phones, and from Android to iPhone, very simple with its intuitive app. If you are an android user, you probably already have this great app already pre-installed on your device! Key features Highest quality video-calling app Easy to use Might already be installed Knock Knock feature lets you see your friends before you answer Where can I find it? Pre-installed on most android devices, if not it’s in the Google Play Store and also available for download through the App Store on iOS. How do I get started? Agree to the Terms of Service, link your phone number. Once you’ve given permission for the app to have access to your contacts, you’ll be able to see if anyone else is already using Duo. It also comes with a handy feature called ‘Knock Knock’ which lets people you call see you before they answer, so make sure you’re not picking your nose just because they haven’t answered yet! (don’t worry though you can disable this feature!) WhatsApp What is it? WhatsApp has become the go to app when it comes to messaging services, with over 86 million users on Android alone. And, for good reason – it’s really easy to use and you can share all sorts with friends and family, pictures, videos and even files. Key features · Uses your Wi-Fi or phone’s internet connection, so no call or message charges · Set up group chats so you can easily stay in contact with people · More secure than other apps, with full end-to-end encryption Where can I find it? Available for download through the App Store on iOS How do I get started? Agree to WhatsApp’s Terms of Service Select your country and type in your phone number Add your name and pick a profile picture (smart, silly, or whatever shouts ‘You’) and you’re done. Starting a video call is simple too, just open the contact you want to call and tap on the ‘video camera’ icon at the top of the screen. As long as you’ve got a good internet connection, video quality is generally very good, with sound also coming through loud and clear. Skype What is it? Skype is another household name, but this time more for video calling. It’s been around for years now, and it’s a firm favourite for many. It’s a great app for when you need to communicate with people using different platforms too. Key features · Make video calls with anyone, whether they’re on PC, Mac, iPhone or Android · Group video calls with up to 25 people · Syncs with your phone’s SMS messages so you can view everything in one place. Where can I find it? Available for download through the App Store How do I get started? Create an account with your email address Add your name and again, pick a pic Agree to terms of service and you’re done When your account is set up, actually making the video calls is easy. Just go to the “chat” section, pick a contact, then tap the video camera icon at the top of the screen. There’s plenty more apps out there that you can use, have you got one that you’d like to recommend to our users? If so, let us know in the replies below.

The best way to stay in touch with family and friends right now is through a video call. There are lots of video calling apps to choose from, so we’ve put together a list of some great apps for you to try-out if you haven’t done so already! As always, when using apps for things like video calls, always ensure you are staying on top of your data usage through the iD Mobile App or through My Account on the iD Mobile website. Or by connecting your device to WiFi, ensuring the Wi-Fi symbol is displayed in your notification bar. FaceTime What is it? FaceTime is Apple’s own video calling service for users of its iPhones, iPads and Mac computers and is really simple, fun and intuitive to use. It comes pre-installed on all Apple devices so there’s no need to wait for it to download. Key Features High quality video calling Easy to use Can support group calls with upto 32 people Add a effects with Apple’s Animoji feature and put text or filters on the screen Where can I find it? The FaceTime app should come pre-installed on every iPhone, but in the event that you’ve deleted it, re-installing it is super easy. Here’s how: 1. Click on the App Store 2. Search for FaceTime (it’s the green icon with a white video camera icon) 3. Click GET 4. Confirm the free download And then you should have the FaceTime app back on your iPhone’s home screen. How do I get started? Open the FaceTime App Search for a contact Press ‘Video’ Want to FaceTime more than just one person? When typing in contacts, just add a couple more. Then follow the exact same instructions as before. You’ll only be able to FaceTime other iPhone users, but don’t worry we’ve got some great other great apps that you can video call friends and family with no matter what smartphone they have, below. You can find out more about FaceTime and how to us it here. WhatsApp What is it? WhatsApp has become the go to app when it comes to messaging services, with over 86 million users on Android alone. And, for good reason – it’s really easy to use and you can share all sorts with friends and family, pictures, videos and even files. Key features · Uses your Wi-Fi or phone’s internet connection, so no call or message charges · Set up group chats so you can easily stay in contact with people · More secure than other apps, with full end-to-end encryption Where can I find it? Available for download through the App Store on iOS How do I get started? Agree to WhatsApp’s Terms of Service Select your country and type in your phone number Add your name and pick a profile picture (smart, silly, or whatever shouts ‘You’) and you’re done. Starting a video call is simple too, just open the contact you want to call and tap on the ‘video camera’ icon at the top of the screen. As long as you’ve got a good internet connection, video quality is generally very good, with sound also coming through loud and clear. Skype What is it? Skype is another household name, but this time more for video calling. It’s been around for years now, and it’s a firm favourite for many. It’s a great app for when you need to communicate with people using different platforms too. Key features · Make video calls with anyone, whether they’re on PC, Mac, iPhone or Android · Group video calls with up to 25 people · Syncs with your phone’s SMS messages so you can view everything in one place. Where can I find it? Available for download through the App Store How do I get started? Create an account with your email address Add your name and again, pick a pic Agree to terms of service and you’re done When your account is set up, actually making the video calls is easy. Just go to the “chat” section, pick a contact, then tap the video camera icon at the top of the screen. There’s plenty more apps out there that you can use, have you got one that you’d like to recommend to our users? If so, let us know in the replies below.

For many of us, this is the first time we’ve ever worked from home. It’s not always an easy transition to make. After all, your office is literally designed for productivity while your home is geared towards comfort. That means it’s more important than ever to figure out how to keep on top of your workload, maintain a healthy work-life balance and nurture your business relationships So, here are some tips that will make it easier to stay productive at home and keep up to date with your work: Set some ground rules The first and most important thing to do is set a schedule for each day. Make sure you stick to it and have clear guidelines for when to work and when to be doing other things. If you have kids and they’re studying at home, get them involved and make a schedule that works for everyone in your house. That way, you can all keep on achieving. Make sure your household all know about each other’s meetings, lessons, assignments and workloads. That way, you won’t be disturbed when you’re in daily video call meetings, and you won’t disrupt your kids’ concentration during their study time. Schedule breaks Sometimes, it’s easy to get so engrossed in your projects that you lose track of time. Taking regular, timed breaks when you work from home is essential to keep completing quality work. When planning your day, remember to plan a lunch and tea break. That way you can take a well-earned step back and return later refreshed and motivated. Set your alarm for regular breaks for meals, coffee, minor chores or simply to get up from your seat and move. Make sure to exercise We may not be free to roam wherever we like right now, but it’s still vital to get some fresh air and exercise at least once a day. As well as the obvious benefits of clearing your head and helping you feel more fresh, the open air helps you digest food more effectively, improve your blood pressure and heart rate, and strengthen your immune system. You can still go for a walk, jog or cycle, so make the most of it! You’ll feel healthier, happier and ready to deal with the workday ahead. Check in with your team There’s no denying it, working from home can often feel like a very solitary experience. However, you’re not alone. Many people feel isolated, so it’s worth catching up with your team at work to see how everyone’s handling it. Set up a weekly call or set time aside for informal meetings to check in with everyone. You’ll leave with the feeling that you’re all in this together, and that kind of morale-boost goes a long way both in work and personal. When you’re not working, make sure you’re still keeping in touch with friends. Video calls can make it easier to maintain a balance between working and socialising at home. Here are some of the best video calling apps to help you get started. Keep calm and carry on Staying positive and upbeat when you are home can be difficult, but mental health is as vital as physical health. Set aside some time each day to clear your head from stress and anxiety, so you can relax at the end of the working day. Here are 5 apps to give yourself a mindfulness refresh. Bonus tip Tune into the radio! Since the vast majority of us have been working at home, radio listening figures have gone up by 20%, and for a good reason. Hearing somebody else’s voice is a calming influence, and listening to your favourite station is a great way to bring a touch of your office into your home. Plus, hearing a song you love getting played on the airwaves is much more rewarding than just streaming your regular playlist. Those are our tips to make the most out of working from home? Do you think we’ve missed a key pointer? What’s working for you? Let us know in the comments below.

Looking for fun things to do at home with your family this Easter? Why not get creative with some Easter apps? You won’t need to go on an Easter app hunt – we’ve picked out the best ones for you. Just sit back, crack open a chocolate bunny and check out our guide. Greeting cards Easter greetings cards are a great way to keep in touch with family and friends, and they’re fun to make too. With the Happy Easter Greeting Cards app for iOS (£1.70 on App Store) you can create your own cards and send them via Facebook, WhatsApp, email and more. Personalise your messages and choose from a range of stickers, photos and emojis. If you have an Android phone, try the Happy Easter app instead. It’s a simple tool that lets you design and send your own greetings. Get it for free on Google Play. Easter egg painting Painting and decorating eggs is good fun, especially for kids, but it can get messy. Why not use virtual eggs instead? With the Easter Egg Painter app for iOS (free, with in-app purchases) you can create all sorts of wacky and wonderful designs. Just choose a background, select an egg colour and pattern. Children will love it and, best of all, there’s no washing-up and no dried egg to chisel off the table afterwards! If you’re looking to unwind over Easter, you should try the Easter Eggs Glitter Color by Number app. It’s a virtual colouring book with pictures of bunnies and decorated eggs. The colour-by-numbers system means you don’t have think too much, so it’s great for de-stressing. Check it out on Android (free, with in-app purchases). Easter feasts Are you planning an Easter family meal? If so, head straight for BigOven. It’s a meal planner app with more than 500,000 recipes. There’s a host of handy features too, including a ‘Use Up Leftovers’ search that’s perfect for Easter Monday meals. You can get BigOven on iOS or Android (free, with in-app purchases). Another great cooking app is Tasty. It gives you step-by-step instructions for every recipe, and even has videos to show you (or the kids) how to cook them. There are more than 4000 dishes to choose from, and you can filter by vegetarian, vegan, low-carb and more. Check out Tasty for free on iOS or Android. Movies and games When the cooking’s done, you might need a sit-down. And spending time with some family movies or games. But where’s the best place to start? If it’s games apps you’re after, you’re spoilt for choice. Have a look at our iD guide to addictive apps and games for inspiration. Or, if you want something more challenging, try a board game app. Games like Monopoly , Ticket to Ride and Catan are all bestsellers that will keep you and the kids entertained for hours. For another Easter treat, you can’t go wrong with a big-screen movie night. Our iD guide to movie streaming apps will help you find the right site. Movies, games, eggs and cards – what more could you want from your Easter weekend? But if even those delights aren’t enough to keep the kids happy, check out the App Store best of 2019 and our Top tips for the perfect family staycation. There are enough ideas in those to fill even the biggest Easter basket. Whatever you get up to over the long weekend, have a very Happy Easter! And don’t forget to tell us which apps you enjoyed using the most. Just post a reply below.

If you went to school in the UK or Ireland, you’ll probably remember celebrating World Book Day every year. This charity event is all about the joy of reading and gives millions of schoolchildren free vouchers to spend on books and audiobooks. To mark this year’s World Book Day, on Thursday 5 March, we’ve put together a list of our favourite audiobook websites. Why not celebrate World Book Day by diving in and finding something you haven’t read before? And to celebrate World Book Day the iD way, we’re running a competition for all you bookworms out there. Comment below and tell us about a book you love, and you could win an Amazon Kindle e-reader! Find out more below. Top audiobook websites Audible Audible, owned by Amazon, is the world’s biggest audiobook provider, with hundreds of thousands of titles available to download. The subscription fee gives you one credit a month, which you can use to buy any audiobook, regardless of the price. If you don’t like a book, you can exchange it for free, and you can also cancel your subscription at any time. Download the Audible app here. Rakuten Kobo KoboeReaders are one of the main rivals to Amazon Kindle, but did you know that Kobo (owned by Rakuten) also specialise in audiobooks? They offer a free 30-day trial, followed by a subscription package. As with Audible, the fee gives you one credit a month, which you can use to buy any audiobook. Listen to Rakuten Kobo audiobooks on Android and iOS. Downpour Like Audible and Rakuten Kobo, Downpour is a subscription site where you use credits to buy an audiobook every month. All of its titles are DRM-free (which means they have no digital lock), so you can listen to them on as many of your devices as you like. Downpour also offers a rental service, which is cheaper than a monthly subscription. You can borrow audiobooks for up to two months, and pay to extend the loan if you need to. Check out Downpour on Android and iOS. Google Play Books Google Play Books sellsaudiobooks individually, so it’s ideal if you don’t want to commit to a monthly subscription. You can buy several titles in one go, and listen to a free sample before you buy. If you’re listening on a Google Home device, you can use voice commands to control the playback – great when you don’t have a hand free to press buttons. Another nice feature is the Google Play Family Library, which lets you share audiobooks with up to 5 other people. Listen to Google Play Books on Android or iOS. LibriVox If you don’t want to pay for audiobooks, then why not try LibriVox? It has a huge selection of titles – more than 13,000 at the last count – and they’re all available for free. The books recorded have to be in the public domain, so you won’t find the latest bestsellers here. And the readers are all volunteers, so the audio quality can be uneven. But if you love classic literature and don’t mind the odd bit of background noise, then LibriVox could be the best site for you. Check out LibriVox here. Win an Amazon Kindle! To celebrate World Book Day, we’re giving away two Amazon Kindle e-readers. To enter the competition, all you need to do is comment below this post and answer this question: What is your favourite childhood book, and why? The two lucky winners will each receive an Amazon Kindle 6" e-reader (2019) - 4 GB, White. Don’t miss out! The competition ends on 8th March 2020 so get commenting. T&Cs apply Good luck!

Competition time! Enter for your chance to win one of five £50 restaurant vouchers! Do you consider yourself a foodie, or just love going out to eat? Then take a night off from the washing up with our brilliant competition! Discover a new local culinary hotspot or revisit an old favourite on us. We’re giving away five £50 restaurant vouchers, and entering the competition couldn’t be easier. How to enter All you need to do is comment below this post and tell us “What would you do on Valentine’s Day?” It doesn’t have to be with someone special, you could just treat yourself! Make sure you’re logged in and let us know for your chance to win. Don’t miss out! Competition ends on 9th February 2020. Good luck! T&C’s apply

If you’re ready to take the plunge on a brand-new iPhone but just need a little guidance in the right direction, you’ve come to the right place. For the different needs, budgets and lifestyles, there’s an iPhone ready to take on them all. Which iPhone suits what you need? Apple are certainly known for quality, seamless designs and top of the range tech, but how do their entry-level phones stack up against the more premium models? iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max If you’re all about getting that perfect family photo the first time around, the iPhone 11 Pro makes it impossible to take a bad shot. Both the 5.8” iPhone 11 Pro and the larger 6.5” Pro Max feature three 12MP cameras on the back, making them the first iPhones to have a triple camera setup. Thanks to a combination of Wide, Ultra-Wide and Telephoto lenses along with 10x digital zoom, you can capture just about any scene. If nighttime photography is your passion, the new Night mode uses clever AI to bring detail to low-light shots automatically. That means getting that sweeping panoramic photo of the city skyline is as easy as pointing and shooting. And if you prefer shooting videos to taking photos, you can save all those holiday memories in 4K 60 fps quality. So, your footage stays future-proof. Elsewhere on the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, you get a gorgeous OLED display that makes gaming and movie-watching so immersive, you’ll forget you’re on the commute or in a busy café. Plus, the A13 Bionic Chip makes everything you do a piece of cake, no matter how many apps you flick between. Take a closer look at the Apple iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone 11 Launched in September 2019 alongside the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, the iPhone 11 may be slightly cheaper, but you still get some incredible features. Just like the Pro options, the iPhone 11 has 12MP Wide and Ultra-Wide lenses, so you only miss out on Telephoto. Don’t worry about video, though – you can still capture flawless 4K footage that’s guaranteed to impress! Plus, you’ll definitely up your profile picture game with the TrueDepth camera’s ‘slofie’ function. You can also expect the same lightning-fast responses and effortless multitasking, as the iPhone 11 also features the state-of-the-art A13 Bionic Chip. The Liquid Retina HD display makes everything from action-packed movies to social media jump out of the screen with vivid, true-to-life colour. And if you love losing yourself in a box set on the way home from the office, Dolby Atmos audio places you at the centre of the action with 3D sound. Discover the amazing Apple iPhone 11 iPhone XR They say it’s what’s inside that counts, so if you want a phone that you can rely on for a smooth and fast browsing experience, then the XR could be the one for you. It’s run by Apple’s A12 Bionic chip – one of the smartest, most powerful chips in a smartphone – and it’s complemented by a super-advanced Neural Engine, which makes use of machine learning to get better at fixing any bugs and speed issues it encounters over time. Freezing apps and loading screens will be a thing of the past. All this power doesn’t put a drain on the battery, though. Apple has made sure that the A12’s 4 efficiency cores (the ones which deal with everyday tasks) use up to 50% less power than the previous A11 chip. This means you’ll still get a huge 25 hours of talk-time from a single charge. Go ultra-efficient with the Apple iPhone XR iPhone Xs and Xs Max When it comes to camera tech, you’re onto a winner with the iPhone Xs. It’s definitely one for tech lovers, and with a plus-size Max sporting a mammoth 6.5” edge-to-edge OLED display, it’s a head-turning device that’s packed with sharp, rich, beautiful colours. But the big thing to boast about on this phone is the camera. If you thought the iPhone X had the best camera on an Apple device, the upgraded Xs can do it all AND more. It’s even better at low-light photography, thanks to its sensor’s ability to fit in larger pixels that can take in more light. You’ll also get to pick the ‘TrueDepth’ focus level after you’ve taken any pictures in portrait mode, so you can tweak the blurred background to perfection. You get a massive 512GB of internal storage on the device to store all those portraits and selfies, too. That’s over half a Terabyte! And, coupled with the same A12 Bionic processor as the behemoth XR, you can be confident knowing it won’t slow you down any time soon. Buy the incredible Apple iPhone Xs and Apple iPhone Xs Max iPhone X Released in September 2017 for iPhone’s 10th anniversary, the X really was a game-changer for the mobiles, and despite it being around for over 2 years, we’re still amazed at all the tech powering it. The biggest upgrade to previous iPhones is generally the screen. The advanced ‘Super Retina’ picture quality and 82% screen-to-body ratio, held together by the iconic notch (which is now recognisable in a lot of the latest smartphones), makes the display one of the most vivid we’ve ever seen on a phone. It’s 5.8 inches of stunning OLED, and you’ll be completely mesmerised by any game or Netflix series or you decide to binge on it. That screen helps to show off the amazing photos you can take, too. Thanks to a 12MP telephoto dual lens on the back, and a 7MP camera facing you, your pictures will be full of colour and detail every time. iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus The more entry-level option here (by Apple’s premium standards anyway), this iPhone offers nearly all of the fantastic features from its bigger counterparts, but in a more manageable, sleek glass frame. If you’re one to avoid the chunkier handsets because they can be clumsy to use – especially one handed – then the iPhone 8 has a comfortable 4.7-inch screen that’s much easier to handle. You won’t find yourself missing out on Apple’s famous quality either. It still boasts an incredible Retina HD screen display, and is even capable of fast wireless charging. You can get 50% battery in just 30 minutes – perfect if you’re constantly on the move. If you prefer more screen to play with, you could go larger with the iPhone 8 Plus. You get a more satisfying 5.5-inches to watch your favourite films on, but Apple have also added a second camera, letting you take amazing photos with that cool bokeh effect everyone’s loving at the moment. Check out the Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus iPhone 7 Make no mistake, the iPhone 7 is still a fantastic phone. It features a 12MP camera lens that’s much brighter than its predecessor, making it the perfect pick for those Instagramable moments. There’s even the option to shoot footage in 4K at a steady 30 fps, which is pretty impressive. Just like the iPhone 8, the iPhone 7 is ideal if you prefer a phone that fits snug in your hand. It’s got the same screen size and colour-rich Retina display. So, vlogs on YouTube and holiday photo albums both appear clear and vibrant. It’s also got bundles of power to take on bigger tasks, thanks to the quad-core Apple A10 Fusion chip. You can edit your panoramic snaps or even make a pro-looking trailer from your footage. If storage space is what you’re after, the iPhone 7 has plenty. Up to 256 GB of room to save your music, movies, apps, games and photos. You’ll never need to delete a file again. Discover the iPhone 7

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new phone, you’re in the right place. Amazing new handsets are being launched all the time – but it can be hard to know which one is right for you. So, to help you choose the right one, here’s our roundup of the very best. Samsung Galaxy S20 Who’s it for? Stunning cameras and clever Single Take mode make the S20 brilliant for social sharers. Which S20 is right for you? The Galaxy S20 has three rear cameras (with a big 64MP Telephoto Camera leading the way) and a huge 30x Space Zoom – which makes for some amazing close ups. You’ve also got a movie studio in your pocket since it can shoot in 8K resolution at 24FPS. Single Take is a great new feature where you focus your camera at what you want to capture and then get a gallery of different pictures and videos for you to choose from. And when the sun goes, you still get great low light shots. Want all this, an extra camera and a bigger 6.7-inch screen? Then go with the more powerful and 5G-ready S20 plus 5G. The star of the S20s is the S20 Ultra 5G – thanks to its big 6.9-inch screen, mind-blowing 108MP lead camera and 100x Space Zoom. Plus, there’s space for over 1TB of storage – meaning no more deleting your favourite apps and pictures. No matter what model you choose, you’ll get plenty of battery and even the option to share power with your mates! You can order your Galaxy S20 now Oppo Reno 2Z Who’s it for? The Oppo Reno2Z is perfect for those looking for great cameras at an amazing price. Best features The Oppo Reno 2Z display is a 6.5-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen. And because its selfie camera pops up, it means you get every inch of that screen to enjoy your favourite TV shows and films. Its main camera is 48MP and captures pics with clarity. Plus, there’s 128GB of internal storage to store all of your best shots. It’s not just the selfie camera that stands out either. Available in Luminous Black and Sky White, its colour changes depending on the light – so you’ll never get bored of showing it off. Order your Oppo Reno 2Z now Huawei P30 Pro Who’s it for? With its 60-hour battery life, the P30 Pro is the camera phone to take with you everywhere. Best features Its four cameras work together to help you take amazing photographs. The 40MP lens takes shots on a massive scale – meaning you get amazing detail in a landscape view or busy street life. It’s the phone that takes the hard work out of photos – as its clever AI recognises what you’re snapping and adjusts its settings accordingly. Reverse wireless charging also means you can charge it with other wireless devices! So, you can stay powered up on the go. Plus, your pictures will look great on its 6.4-inch Full HD+ OLED display. The screen is built to show off deep blacks, rich contrasts and vivid colours. It’s like having a photo gallery in your pocket! You can order the P30 Pro here Google Pixel 4 XL Who’s it for? For the multitasker who likes a hands-free experience Best features While it has fewer cameras than other models (including a wide angle and telephoto lens), the Pixel 4 XL takes beautiful pictures and plenty of tricks up its sleeve. Its Night Sight is so effective at getting low light pictures that (combined with a powerful zoom) it can take clear pictures of the Milky Way! Portable telescope anybody? You can use Face unlock to keep your Pixel safe. Plus, all-day battery means you get hours and hours out of this powerful phone. Thanks to revolutionary Motion Sense, you can skip music tracks or silence alarms with just a motion of your hands. This is great when you have your hands dirty in the kitchen or are in the middle of a workout. Google Assistant built-in also means you can take control with your voice. Pick up your Pixel 4 here Alcatel 3 Who’s it for? Ideal for those after a big screen, long battery life and premium security features at an affordable price. Best features The Alcatel 3’s features are anything but budget. The handset has a similar feel to smartphones with a much higher price tag, and you can easily access your secure apps and files with its fingerprint scanner and facial recognition. On the back of the Alcatel 3 there’s a 13MP + 5MP dual camera that’s great for all kinds of photography, and can shoot footage in Full HD for total clarity. It can also recognise 21 different kinds of photo subject and automatically tweak settings for gorgeously detailed results. On that 5.9-inch Super Full View screen, your photos and videos will seriously stand out. Don’t expect the Alcatel 3 to slow down under pressure, either. It’s powered by an octa-core Snapdragon processor and 3GB RAM, so you can leave all those browsing tabs open to access whenever you need to. You can order the Alcatel 3 here Honor 10 Lite Who’s it for? With its amazing battery life, top notch graphics and 3D audio, the Honor 10 Lite is made for on-the-go gamers. Best features The Honor 10 Lite is a serious contender when it comes to keeping entertained. It boasts a 6.21-inch Full View display with a better-than-Full HD resolution. So it doesn’t matter if you’re playing an open-world game or bingeing an unmissable series, everything looks strikingly clear. Combined with 3D audio, you’ll get the upper hand when you’re competing against friends online. Pinpoint precise sounds mean you can plan ahead and be prepared for anything that happens. The Honor 10 Lite’s dewdrop-style notch houses a 24MP lens with AI scene recognition, making every selfie profile picture worthy. It’s got two cameras on the back too, with all the AI smarts of the front lens. And with Super Night Shoot Mode, the phone camera lets in floods of light to help make the lights of the city skyline virtually shimmer in your photos. Speaking of shimmering, we have to mention the Honor 10 Lite’s design. The handset stays comfy in your hand no matter how long you browse, thanks to its 3D curved edges. And no matter whether you choose it in black or blue, the gradient colour finish keeps the phone shimmering in the light. So, it’s a real head-turner. Pick up the Honor 10 Lite here

Ready to treat yourself to a brand-new iPhone? Take a look at everything that’s improved since you last upgraded. Can you believe it’s been 13 years since the first iPhone was released? The sleek design and easy to use operating system have always meant that the Apple iPhone has been top of the class in the smartphone world. However, the fact that iPhone is still such a popular device is due to the constant developments Apple have made to it throughout the years. With every new handset, the overall experience gets better – like Apple have listened to iPhone users and made subtle tweaks to the functional stuff, as well as bold design improvements. Even in the past two years, smartphones have come on leaps and bounds, with many users owning a device that’s more powerful than their laptop. Here’s everything that’s changed about the iPhone in two years: iPhone 7 vs iPhone 8 Plus When the iPhone 7 was first released, it was quite a step up from the previous edition. It had a processor twice as fast as the iPhone 6, and a speaker twice as loud as the iPhone 6s. It could even record footage in 4K, which was rare for smartphones due to camera and storage limitations. With the iPhone 8 Plus, Apple took everything that was great about the iPhone 7 and made it better still. The brilliant 12MP camera from the iPhone 7 has been paired with another 12MP lens – one for wide shots, and the other with 2x zoom for amazing detail at a distance. That means not only can the camera take stunning photos, it can record 4K footage at a super-smooth 60fps. Not only that, but the phone itself is faster. Thanks to the A11 Bionic chip, the iPhone 8 runs like a dream. Multitasking is efficient, games are responsive, and the phone stays snappy no matter how many apps are open. And what about the screen? Well, the iPhone 8 Plus is almost an inch bigger than the iPhone 7, at 5.5-inches. That’s big enough to get lost in your favourite shows, movies andvlogs, but not too big that the phone becomes awkward to hold. Not only that, but the Retina HD display offers a Full HD resolution, making everything much more vibrant and clear. iPhone XR vs iPhone 11 The iPhone XR represented the budget end of the iPhone range when it came out in September 2018. Funny, because the features it had are still anything but cheap – excellent battery life, 12 MP camera with AI smarts and the same superfast A12 Bionic chip as the pricier iPhone XS. With its 6.1-inch screen featuring HDR10 and Dolby Vision, it made watching box sets that much more compelling, with impressive contrast and brightness. Fast forward to 2019, and the iPhone 11 refined the iPhone XR experience. Just like the iPhone 8 Plus, there’s a dual 12MP camera setup on the back. This lets you zoom out up to 2x, helping you get everyone in that family photo easily. Plus, the TrueDepth front-facing camera has been given a big upgrade too. It’s gone from 7MP to 12MP, and can now shoot in 4K with just as much clarity at the back. So, video calling family is miles better. If you’re worried about getting your phone wet, the iPhone 11 has solved the issue once and for all. It’s more water resistant than the iPhone XR, and can survive for up to 30 minutes in 2 metres of water. So, you can blast out that poolside playlist panic-free. Of course, the iPhone 11 has an even more advanced processor than the XR. The handset may look similar to the XR on the outside, but it’s much faster, smarter and efficient. In fact, it’s so efficient that it can play music non-stop for up to 65 hours. And when you do need a little more juice, it can charge up to 50% in only 30 minutes. No waiting around. iPhone XS vs iPhone 11 Pro The iPhone XS seriously turned heads in 2018 when it first hit the shelves. A 5.8-inch OLED Super Retina display, dual Wide and Telephoto cameras and the A12 Bionic chip all meant that the phone set new benchmarks for sheer power, jaw-dropping photography and screen clarity. It’s pretty clear even at a glance that the iPhone 11 Pro is designed to be the XS’ successor. With its similar dimensions and identical screen size, it’s the perfect phone to upgrade from the XS and get browsing straight away. The screen isn’t exactly identical, though. The iPhone 11 Pro has a Super Retina XDR display, meaning colours are much richer and every image is all the more realistic. And if you’re all about capturing the moment, Apple added a third camera in the form of an Ultra-Wide lens. The three lenses combine to help you nail that sweeping landscape and still capture all the detail in the foreground. It’s even better in low light as well. Night mode minimises camera noise to help you capture every last detail in that gorgeous city skyline. The A13 Bionic chip also makes a massive difference. While the A12 Bionic made great adjustments to speed and responsiveness, the A13 went a step further. The iPhone 11 Pro is more powerful than many PCs, so it can achieve pretty much any task you set it to. Even since 2018, we’re spending more time on our phones and less time on our PCs and laptops, so it’s important that our phone batteries can keep up. The iPhone 11 Pro battery certainly can, with 4 hours extra battery life compared to the XS. Now, you can make it through a whole TV show with up to 18 hours of video playback. Or, if you’re more of a music and podcast person, you can keep the tunes going for up to 65 hours. Got an iPhone in your sights? Let us know which iPhone has caught your eye in the comments below.

Looking for a new Android phone but not sure whether to go for the latest handset or an older model? Here, we’ll show you the key differences so you can make the right choice. Android phones are getting more powerful than ever before. Gone are the days of waiting till you’re within reach of a laptop to get the bulk of your work done. Now, many people own phones that are even better at handling multiple tasks than their PC. So, is it worth getting a brand-new cutting-edge smartphone, or choosing a solid handset that was released only a couple of years ago? Read on to find out more. Samsung Galaxy Note 9 vs Samsung S20 Samsung Galaxy Note 9 The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 was made for effortless productivity on the go when it was released in late 2018. Boasting a large 6.4-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED screen, it still delivers crystal clear detail and vibrant colours that rival any phone today. It also has an octa-core processor and 6 GB RAM. So, it’ll run at full speed no matter how many apps are open. Plus, you can keep all your files, movies and photos without ever running out of space with 1 TB storage. The Samsung S-Pen makes it easy to work on the move. You can take notes on your screen just like a notepad and pen, and it’ll even transcribe your handwriting into text. And when you’re done, just pop the pen back into the slot. A full day of browsing is a walk in the park for the Note 9’s 4000mAh battery, so you can leave your charger at home and still browse however long you like. Samsung Galaxy S20 Fast forward to 2020, and the Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra 5G are Samsung’s flagship handsets. While the Note 9’s screen is impressively clear, the S20 models all feature a vibrant Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. It even supports HDR content, making movies come to life. Without a doubt though, the biggest leap forward is the camera. The S20 Ultra 5G has a quad rear camera featuring an incredible 108MP wide-angle lens. You can zoom in again and again and still retain crisp focus and beautiful sharpness. Though you might not get the same super-high megapixel lens in the S20 and S20+, you can still film in jaw-dropping 8K to capture every minute detail. In terms of sheer power, the S20 has between 8GB and 12GB RAM, while the S20 Ultra 5G has an unbelievable 16GB. Even for a laptop, this is huge. So, expect apps and files to load up instantly – you won’t be disappointed. Honor 8X vs Huawei P30 Lite Honor 8X Honorhave made a huge impact on mid-range smartphones by packing clever tech and high-end features into premium-feeling, affordable handsets. No phone embodies this more than the Honor 8X. Unlike many handsets at similar prices, the 8X has an almost all-screen front, metal frame and a glass back, so the phone is sturdy and comfortable in your hand. It’s also got a 6.5-inch better-than-Full HD display, so it’s bigger and even more detailed than the iPhone XR. On the back, there’s a dual 20MP and 2MP camera that uses AI to capture great photos without having to tweak settings. It also makes night-time photography easier by removing handshake issues from long exposure shots. So, you can get that perfect picture any time of day. Love mobile gaming? The Honor 8X focuses its processing power on your game whenever the mood takes you, reducing power consumption on your other apps. That means you get a near-perfect gaming experience every time, no matter how many other apps you’re running. Plus, if security is your focus, you can unlock the 8X through facial recognition. At less than £200, that’s pretty remarkable. Huawei P30 Lite While the 8X was a game changer, the Huawei P30 Lite refines the mid-range experience even further. At 6.15-inches, it has a smaller screen, but you still get a vibrant Full HD+ resolution. You also get a much smaller ‘dewdrop’ notch, maxing your screen space while offering convenient selfies. The P30 Lite has the same chipset and RAM as the Honor 8X, so you can still play online and have other apps running in the background. Plus, the curved glass back keeps the phone comfy in your hands no matter how long you play. For those National Geographic-worthy nature shots, the P30 Lite has everything you need. A triple rear camera with a 48MP wide angle lens lets in floods of light and detail for photos that leap right off the screen. And there’s a huge choice of shooting modes to experiment with like Portrait, Slow-mo, Night and 3D Panorama. If storage is your priority, the P30 Lite delivers in droves. 128GB of built-in space makes this phone roomy enough for all your apps, games and big files. Put simply, the P30 Lite is one of the best mid-range phones for premium features and impressive value. Nokia 6.1 vs Nokia 9 PureView Nokia 6.1 Want to browse straight away without the quirks of a new operating system? The Nokia 6.1 runs on Android One, offering a stripped back, easy to navigate smartphone experience. It might be cheap, but the hardware is anything but. Featuring the solid Snapdragon 630 processor and 4GB RAM, the Nokia 6.1 can flick between apps in moments. Many phones at a similar price opt for the slower-to-charge micro-USB port, but the 6.1 will charge up to 50% in 30 minutes thanks to its USB Type-C connection and fast-charging support. The camera can do some pretty amazing things, too. There’s a 16MP camera with ZEISS optics on the back, which’ll let you capture footage in 4K like many flagship phones. It may not have the AI chops to sort out your camera settings before you take the shot, but it still snaps reliably clear and perfectly sharable shots. At 5.5-inches, the screen is quite compact by the standards of 2020. However, thanks to Gorilla Glass 3, you can rest easy knowing it’s tough enough to handle bumps and drops without a screen protector. And with a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, your data is stays as protected as the display. Nokia 9 PureView You’ve never seen a camera setup like this before. The Nokia 9 PureView has five 12MP lenses in a striking formation, and they all work together to let maximum light. The result is exceptional dynamic range in every shot, with vivid highlights and bold shadows that really add to the scene. Just like the 6.1, the Nokia 9 PureView runs on Android One, so you can get to grips with your new phone like it’s second nature. You also get two years of software updates and monthly security updates for three years, keeping your phone secure and up to date. If box-set binging is your way to relax, this handset is made for you. With a Quad HD OLED display, even older shows look like they were made yesterday. Plus, Gorilla Glass 5 means your screen has even better protection than the Nokia 6.1. As well as a screen upgrade, the internal hardware has been taken up a notch, too. Packed with the much faster Snapdragon 845 and 6GB RAM, the Nokia 9 PureView is a multitasker’s dream. No matter what you do, this phone is more than powerful enough to handle it.

Apps that keep crashing, poor battery life, and no space for photos – just a few of the problems you might run into if you’ve had your phone for a while. Headaches like these are typically caused by accumulated junk – the apps, pictures, music and other temporary files that build up on your device everyday. If your phone feels like it’s working in slow motion, cleaning all that mess off it could be the answer. Spring is in the air, so what better time to get started? Here are a few tips on how to give your phone a thorough spring clean. 1. Delete old photos and videos If you’ve got more than 1 GB of photos or videos on your phone, it’s probably time to copy them all over to your laptop, hard drive or online storage service. Deleting content from your mobile will free up space for more pics and help boost its performance. 2. Remove old apps The more apps you install on your phone, the slower it becomes. This is because lots of apps keep working in the background, even when you’re not using them. Clearing out ones you haven’t touched for a while is an easy way to free up space and speed up your phone. Deleting apps can be a tedious job, but if you have an iPhone, you can remove them automatically using the Offload Unused Apps feature. This will uninstall any app you don’t use regularly, but won’t delete data that it has generated – so you’ll still have all your personal files and settings if you ever need to reinstall it. 3. Turn off location tracking Allowing apps to track your location can drain your phone’s battery. Not every app needs to know where you are all the time, so find the main culprits and turn off their location tracking. Even if you leave tracking enabled on some apps, like Google Maps or Uber, your battery should still get an immediate boost. 4. Clear your cache When you are using apps or browsing websites, information from them is stored on your phone. This temporary data – called a cache – is helpful, because next time you use the website or app, your phone won’t have to download the same data again. But the more cached data you have on your phone, the slower it will become. So, one of the best ways to improve performance is to clear cached data from your browsers and individual apps. On an iPhone, you can clear Safari browsing data by going to Settings > Safari, and then selecting Clear History and Data. With Android phones, it differs depending on the model, so search online and follow the instructions. 5. Reset If all else fails and your phone is still lumbering along in the slow lane, it might be time for a factory reset. This will wipe all personal data (messages, contacts, photos, etc.) from your device, which should speed it up and boost the battery life. To do this on an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. On an Android phone, go to Apps > Settings > Backup and reset, and then hit Factory data reset. Obviously, remember to back up all your personal data before you reset your phone. If you have an iPhone, you can do this easily using Apple’s backup service, iCloud. For Android phones, use a storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox or Microsoft OneDrive. Now you’ve spring cleaned your phone of clutter, why not pick some apps that can help you achieve your 2020 goals.

March 29th kicks off British Summer Time, when the clocks go forward one hour. Spring is a time for feeling good about yourself, wearing bright colours and, of course, spring cleaning. If you’re looking for ways to put a spring in your step, here are a few of our tips. Longer evenings One of the best things about spring is the longer evenings. Why not take advantage of the extra daylight and spend your free time getting out and about? Websites like designmynight and The List are full of great ideas for evening adventures. Another way to make the most of the lighter evenings is to get in training for a fitness challenge. You could sign up for a fun run, half-marathon or even an endurance race. With the extra hours of daylight in spring, you can clock up plenty of training time between now and the summer. Creating a fitness routine is fun, but sticking to it isn’t always so easy. Check out our list of the 5 best motivational apps to help you stay on track. Exercise In the spring, everything’s bursting into life. And it’s the perfect time to start exercising even going for a short jog around your area. Just keep active and healthy especially when you have been hiding away all winter, now is it the time head outdoors and start exercising again. Studies have shown that spending just half an hour in a park each week can help lower high blood pressure, not least because fresh air and relaxation outdoors are good for your heart. There are loads of ways to get active – you could take up running, dust off your old bike or head for the hills with a hiking group. No matter what kind of mood you’re in, you’ll be able to find an activity that’s right for you. If you need some inspiration for how to get started, check out our list of health and fitness apps to help you hit your goals in 2020. Watch what you eat, and when In the depths of winter, we all tend to prefer heartier meals. But as the weather gets milder, it’s easier to eat more healthily, with salads, spring veg, and lighter sauces and sides. Spring is a great time to shake off bad eating habits. Your body will thank you, and you’ll feel better knowing that you’re improving your diet. But before you tuck into your spring greens, remember that with food, as with most things, timing is crucial. Even a healthy meal can give you a sore stomach if you eat it late at night. Having dinner earlier in the evening gives your body more time to digest before bed. And it’s best to avoid spicy or fatty foods late in the day – that vindaloo or pad thai might look tempting, but it could keep you up all night. If healthier eating is one of your goals for this spring, try using an app to help. Here are our favourite apps to help keep on top of your 2020 goals.

This March, National Nutrition Month focuses on the importance of healthy eating and keeping fit. It’s the perfect time for you to improve your lifestyle. Your health is the most precious thing you’ll ever have. Everyone knows that we should eat healthily but getting the right nutrition and a balanced diet can be tough. To help you follow National Nutrition Month, check out these three handy apps. With these you’ll get to know your nutrients, track your dietary and exercise habits and even tackle your intolerances and allergies. Kick off your new, healthier lifestyle! Nutrients – Nutrition Facts ( £4.99 on App Store, Free on Google Play) To achieve a healthy diet, first you need to know what you eat. How much sugar is in an apple? How much potassium is in a banana? With Nutrition Facts you’ll get info on everything from macronutrients like proteins or sugars to vitamins and minerals. This app features a vast database of nearly 200,000 foods. You’ll get to search for your favourite meals and learn everything you need to know about their nutritional values. And since your secret family recipes probably aren’t on the list, you can put together your own dishes. Just make a list of ingredients and the app will count calories, nutrients, vitamins and more for you. Nutrients works completely offline, so you get all the info you need without using any data. Check out Nutrients – Nutrition Facts on Android or iOS . Calorie Counter - MyNetDiary ( Free, with in-app purchases) Sophisticated yet simple and user friendly, MyNetDiary is a great way for you to keep track of your healthy lifestyle. With this personal weight loss, diet and nutrition assistant, being healthy comes easily and naturally. Count your calories, track your exercise and stay healthy for life. Fighting to get into shape before summer hits? Set a goal with a target date and let the app be your pocket personal trainer. You’ll get a calculated calorie and exercise plan to follow. Friendly reminders will help you keep up. As you log in your weight updates and daily exercise, the app tweaks your diet to streamline the whole process. Then there is the massive, daily expanding food database. Get detailed info on your foods and ingredients to learn about their macronutrients, calories, vitamins and minerals. You can even scan barcodes for instant information! Get your Calorie Counter for Android or iOS . Food Intolerances ( Free, with in-app purchases) Staying on top of your nutrition gets much more complicated if you are allergic or intolerant to some foods. It adds a whole extra layer of things to consider when grocery shopping or ordering food. The app Food Intolerances is a handy tool for anyone who has to stick to a restricted diet because of conditions like gluten intolerance or nickel allergy. With an expanding database of over 900 foods, ingredients and additives you’ll get to learn about their possible risks as well as nutrition facts. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you get to tailor it for your individual needs. After you’ve put in all your sensitivities, the database filters your foods accordingly. You can browse for new foods fitting your diet, check on anything you come across and tweak your nutrients intakes for better health. Optimising your diet perfectly is a long road, but Food Intolerances make it much less bumpy for you. Food Intolerances is available on Android and iOS . The National Nutrition Month is the perfect time to try out these awesome apps. Comment below and let us know what you think of these apps and whether you’ll be trying to change your ways for National Nutrition Month. Also, never forget that healthy nutrition is just a half of your healthy lifestyle. For fitness and exercise, check out our Our Top 7 health and fitness apps.

Planning on heading to a festival this year? We have got you. Find out the best festivals to attend, what to pack and other handy tips to make the most of your summer of fun! Plan ahead to get a good spot Now is the best time to plan for a music festival. The longer you wait, the harder it is to get hold of a ticket - and prices get expensive. Keep in mind that the more popular the music festival is, the quicker they’ll sell out of their cheapest tiers. Find your fest on social media and follow their accounts to stay updated with tickets release dates, times and more. Pick the fest right for you Deciding on what festival to attend can be difficult. Check out these favourites from around Europe: Wireless Festival 3rd – 5th July London’s Wireless Festival takes place at Finsbury Park. If you’re into the hip-hop, R&B or rap music, this could be the one for you. Expect headliners from around the world. Lovebox Festival 12th – 14th June The Lovebox festival at London’s Gunnersbury park offers three full days of top hip-hop, techno, house and R&B. Primavera Sound 4th – 6th June Whether you like underground, alternative or pop music, you can find it all at the Primavera Sound festival in Barcelona. It’s also a great place to meet other fans. Ultra Europe 10th – 12th July This dance music extravaganza takes place in various locations. In July, you can catch one of the most well-known of these events in Split, Croatia. See more festival ideas here Buying your tickets Tight on cash? Don’t worry because when it comes to paying for your ticket, you’ve got options: Spread the cost With the growing popularity of overseas festivals, a payment plan can make life easier. For instance, you may want to pay 25% of the value up-front and pay the rest in instalments leading up to the festival. Ticket exchanges Even if a festival is sold out, you may still have a chance to find a ticket. Search major ticket exchanges online like Stubhub and SeatGeek, and you may stumble upon a hidden gem, although you may pay more at this stage in the game. The best things in life are free Why not check out some free festivals? For example, the Leigh Folk Festival is a free, open event. That way, you can spend more money on your wardrobe! Not sure what to pack? It’s not always easy to know what to pack. But for both camping and non-camping festivals, bring your photo ID, phone and a few extra quid. But let’s break it down in more detail. Your ticket/wristband – Simply put, never leave home without it (it happens more often than you may think). Hydration Bags – Rather than splashing your cash on water bottles, take a hydration pack with you. Sunscreen – You’ll be spending lots of time outdoors and, even if it looks cloudy, it’s deceptively easy to burn. Sunglasses – Essential for protecting your eyes from glare. And looking cool. Cash and/or credit card – Although lots of festivals now do contactless payments, it’s a good idea to have backup cash or a credit card. Rain jacket or poncho – Pop one of these in your bag and the party won’t stop if the weather turns on you. What to bring to a camping music festival (besides good vibes) Take the stress out of preparing for camping by making a list. Microsoft To Do will get the job done. Do keep in mind you may not need all of these, but here are some suggestions: Tent and extra tent pegs – it can get windy! Air mattress Blanket Chair Battery-powered lights Cooler Solar shower Towels Battery-owered fan Phone charger Bug spray Health and safety tips We know you go to festovals to let your hair down, but we’ve got a few pointers for staying safe at shows. Stay hydrated. Check the festival rules and bring sealed bottles of water with you if it’s allowed. Eat something between the dancing and headbanging. You’ll want to keep your body energised. Take some earplugs. By saving your ears, you’ll have many more years of festivals in front of you! A decent pair of shoes is almost as important as your ticket. Your feet will get a workout as you walk to the various venues, so bring along some old trainers. What are your top festival tips? Let us know below…

If you’re looking for a new phone with next-level cameras, super-fast performance and a battery that lasts, you should pre-order the Samsung S20 , a fantastic new phone in the S20 series. So, what can you expect from a new S20? Professional pictures at the touch of a button The S20 and S20+ 5G come boasting a 64MP Telephoto Camera, 10MP Front Camera and 12MP Wide Camera. With an Ultra-Wide Camera and a huge 30x Space Zoom, you can get incredible close ups with crystal clear clarity. If you want to get even closer, the big Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G boasts an amazing 100x zoom. Its camera set up is pretty special too, thanks to its 108MP Wide Camera, 12MP Ultra-Wide and 40MP Front Camera. The video power of the S20 range belongs on a Hollywood set. You don’t have to be Steven Spielberg to get incredible footage thanks to its 8K resolution at 24FPS. And you don’t have to be a film expert to gather amazing motion. Pro Video Mode and Super Steady 2.0 give you incredible detail and smoother shots. A movie screen in your pocket The edge-to-edge Infinity-O Display of the S20 makes for an amazing screen. Everything is smooth, crisp and clear. It’s amazing for blockbuster movies or watching unmissable shows on the go. The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has a 6.9-inch display , the Galaxy S20+ 5G goes with a 6.7-inch display and the Galaxy S20 has a 6.2-inch display. Plenty of battery to spare Share power with your mates by placing your devices back to back for a lightning-quick boost. There’s no need to wait around by a plug socket. Super Fast Charging gets you juiced up in no time and ready to do what you love. Power for gaming and space to play Like gaming on the move? Then the S20s are like having a console in your pocket. With up to 16GB of RAM combined with its Exynos 990 processor, you’ve got a console in your pocket. And you can take a library of games with you as well as videos and pictures, with up to 1TB of expandable storage. You’ll never have to go through a deleting session again. How can you save on your S20 5G Ultra? You can get up to £375* back when you trade in your old phone. How much will the S20 and S20+ cost on iD? Great news! You can get your S20 and S20+ from just £27.99 per month. That’s just £249.99 to pay upfront and you can also get up to £375* back when you trade in your old phone. There’s never been a better time to upgrade to an amazing new S20. Does 5G work on iD? Right now, iD Mobile doesn’t have 5G connectivity, but you’ll still be able to use your brand new S20 on our 3G and 4G network. Pre order on iD from the 11th February. * That’s right. That’s £375 when you trade in selected working or non-working devices and purchase a phone from the Samsung Galaxy S20 series by 28/04/2020. The £375 is based on a full working Samsung Galaxy S10+

Are you struggling to perform a simple security update on your phone, or upgrade to the latest version of Android? Here are a few common issues that could prevent you from downloading that all-important update. It’s always worth keeping your phone up to date with the latest security updates, bug fixes and operating system. From improvements to navigation, to making sure your phone is as secure as possible, there are plenty of reasons to make sure you’ve got the latest updates. Sometimes, though, a small issue can stop you from either starting or completing the download. Here are a few common Android update issues and how they can be solved: Network connection not strong enough No matter what kind of update it is, you’ll need a solid internet connection to be able to successfully complete it. Make sure that you’re either connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network or you’ve got your mobile data turned on. If the update file is large, we’d recommend saving the update until you’re at home and connected to a familiar Wi-Fi network. Don’t burn through your monthly data on a single download! Your device doesn’t have enough battery power to complete an update Big updates can take quite a while to complete and many phones are required to have a certain amount of battery power remaining before they can update. This is to make sure that the phone doesn’t shut down before the update has completed. Try charging your device until the battery is full, then tap the update. A full battery should be more than enough to see any update through from beginning to end. Not enough storage space to update As well as data, any software update requires a certain amount of available storage space. If you’re getting a notification along the lines of ‘not enough space to download update’, it’s worth deleting a few of your infrequently used apps. This’ll help free up some much-needed space and declutter your phone. If you’ve still not got enough space, check how much storage certain apps are using. If you download movies on streaming apps to watch offline, these take up a huge chunk of storage. Go through your downloads and delete any films or show episodes you’ve already watched. Lastly, check your saved files from messaging apps like Whatsapp. When friends send you pictures and videos, you have to download to view them. These don’t take up too much space individually but can amount to gigabytes of valuable storage after a while. Your device is too old This is a slightly trickier issue to deal with. Some older Android phones can no longer update because updates aren’t being created for them anymore. This is due to a number of reasons. If you can’t update the operating system on your old Android device, it’s likely due to the processor not being powerful enough to handle the new software. If you’re struggling to perform a security update, it’s probably because the manufacturer is focusing on newer models. If you’re experiencing either of these issues and your phone is several years old, you’ll need to buy a new one to continue receiving current updates.

Chinese New Year is upon us, and here at iD Mobile, we’re celebrating! Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, starts on January 25th and finishes on February 4th – that’s 11 whole days of New Year’s celebrations! Every year has an animal sign based on the Chinese zodiac, and 2020 is the Year of the Rat. The rat is the first of the twelve zodiac animals, restarting the new cycle. According to myth, the Jade Emperor decided the order of the animals according to the order they arrived at his party. The rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride, but as they arrived at the finish line, the Rat jumped down and landed first. For people born in the year of the rat, 2, 3, 6, and 8 are all lucky numbers and gold, blue and green are lucky colours. From big meals with family to lantern and firework displays, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Here, we’ll show you how you can get involved. What do people do on Chinese New Year? Chinese communities across the UK hold parades and public festivities to mark the first day of the new year. Celebrations often include: Lion dances in city centres Traditional and contemporary Chinese music and dance performances Decorating your home in the lucky colour red Gifting money in lucky red envelopes Communal meals and traditional Chinese food tasting sessions Arts and crafts exhibitions with work by Chinese artists and sculptors Lantern and firework displays Most events are open to the public and are welcoming to people of all backgrounds, and they’re a great way to learn more about Chinese culture. In London, the most famous New Year event happens in Soho’s Chinatown. However, there are loads more events in London to get involved in. And you’ll also find big celebrations in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds Birmingham and Sheffield. Chinese New Year foods Families, community centres and student groups also hold private celebrations to mark New Year. They can be small parties at home or big events for hundreds of people. If you’re going to a communal meal to celebrate, you’ll find special foods that symbolise good fortune. Just like the colour red, traditional New Year foods also represent luck. Fish is a popular choice throughout the festival, as it sounds similar to the Chinese word for ‘surplus’. One of the biggest Spring Festival traditions is to have a family reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, where you’ll find the luckiest Chinese New Year foods. Here are just a few of them: Fish – represents an increase in prosperity Rice cakes – represent greater income or a higher position Chinese dumplings – represent great wealth Get involved! Even if you’ve never celebrated Chinese New Year before, why not give it a go and make this year your luckiest yet? There are plenty of things you can do to mark the occasion! You could have a big family dinner, head to your nearest city and catch the festivities, or brighten up your home with red lanterns and decorations. Whatever you do to bring in the Year of the Rat, let us know below, and have a great New Year!

Now that we’re well into 2020, it’s time to plan and book your next holiday! So, whether it’s a weekend European city break or backpacking in South America, we’ve got you covered. Whip out your phone, follow our steps and get ready for your next big adventure.. Step 1: Decide where you want to go If you need inspiration, why not check out the free Lucky Trip app? Claiming to help you “find a trip in one tap” you just need to tell it your budget and it will suggest a place to go, a place to stay and an activity to make you happy. Then you can keep adjusting until you find your dream trip. Where will luck take you? Step 2: Start saving money Holidays cost cash, so why splurge on that flat white now when you could have a cocktail on the beach? There’s no need to take a pen and paper around to keep track of how much you’re spending – as there are loads of apps that can help you manage money. By tracking your expenditure, you can see where you could cut back. Step 3: Stay focused and get inspired Keep feeding your desire to travel. Travel planning can be daunting and a lot of work and, if your friends and family aren’t that keen to talk about your plans, you might even feel unsupported. Luckily, our amazing community of iDers are here to help. So whether you’re looking for info on roaming charges or the best travel apps, you’ll find loads of posts, conversations and tips about travel right here! Got a question, just ask the community… Step 4: Check for last-minute deals If you’re feeling inspired to drop everything and grabbing some winter sun, you can get some great deals for that last-minute getaway. Due to last minute cancellations and stiff competition, travel companies will often discount hotel rooms and aeroplane seats – which is great news for your travel budget! Check out travel bookers like Expedia, Secret Escapes or lastminute.com to bag that bargain. Step 5: Book your flight/ accommodation So, you’re saving for your holiday to your dream destination. So, what are you waiting for? Time to book! If you have a hotel in mind, it can be a great idea to book flights and accommodation together to save even more money. Sites that will do this include Cheapflights, Skyscanner and Expedia. Remember to always shop around to get the best deal. Step 6: Plan your activities Holidays are all about relaxation, but that doesn’t have to mean just lying on a beach. It’s a big, exciting world out there and there’s tons of stuff to see and do. That’s why it can be a great idea to book some activities. So whether you hike the Inca Trail in Peru or take on a white knuckle rollercoaster ride in Florida, check out Lonely Planet or Lumle to find amazing activities and experiences in your destination. Step 7: Tell your bank/ credit card companies that you’re traveling It’s important you inform your bank that you are travelling especially if you will be using your bank card abroad. Notify your bank before using a credit or debit card when travelling. Banks do whatever they can to protect you from identity theft. And if you’re looking for a card especially made foreign travel and currency exchange, check out Monzo or Revolut. Step 8: Pack! Packing is a nightmare for some people. What do you need to take? What if you forget something important? Fortunately, there’s an app for that. Enter dates, length of time, activities and destination and PackPoint will give you packing suggestions and a proposed packing list – it will even pull up the forecast to make sure you packed for the weather. You can then edit your packing list and share it with friends and family. Handy! Step 9: Buy Travel insurance It’s better to be safe than sorry. Travel insurance may seem like an extra expense, but you’ll be much worse off if you end up paying thousands in hospital bills. It’s really not worth taking the chance. Visit the Post Office to get a quote and find out how much your travel insurance will be. Did we miss out your fave travel app or website? Share your picks with your fellow iDers below.

Congratulations, you’ve made it to January with your New Year’s resolutions intact! That must mean you’re pretty serious about staying on track to make those changes for 2020. Last month we gave you a guide to the best Apps to help keep you on top of your 2020 goals. Now that you’re organised and ready to start hitting your goals, here are a few apps to keep you motivated throughout the year. Fabulous: Daily Motivation Available on Android and iOS Price: Free basic membership or from £7.99 monthly premium Google Play Store: 4.5 Apple store: 4.5 No matter what your goals are, you need to stay focused and have the energy to work your way towards them. That’s where Fabulous comes in. Instead of working on a single target, the app takes a holistic approach to your wellbeing. It won’t outline exactly what you have to do to achieve your goals, but it lays the foundations to bring them within your reach. With features like quick, intense exercise sessions, mindfulness sessions that help you get rid of negative thoughts, and personalised health advice, Fabulous is a great tool to set you up for each day. And if you feel like you’re already making major progress, upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock all the features. At £9.99 monthly or £95.99 for an annual membership, it costs about the same as Netflix and will put you on the right track. Forest: Stay focused Available on Android and iOS Price: £1.99 with in-app purchases Google Play Store: 4.5 Apple store: 4.9 Is your phone distracting you from your work deadlines or exam revision? The Forest app may be just what you’re looking for. When you head into the app, you’re given a seed to plant. If you can stop yourself from procrastinating, it’ll gradually grow into a tree. But, if you leave the app and start getting distracted from your task, the tree will wither. The more trees you successfully grow, the bigger the forest. You’ll be amazed how much more you can accomplish in the time! And it’s not just about virtual forests. When you earn coins in the app, you can spend them on planting real trees. To date, the app has helped plant over 600,000 real trees. So, you can help conservation efforts while staying productive. Strides: Habit Tracker Available on iOS Price: Free with in-app purchases Apple store: 4.7 Here at iD, we love Strides. We’ve mentioned this app before, but in case you missed it, it’s extremely useful for putting all the goals you’re working towards in one place. Keeping organised is one of the best ways to stay on track, and Stride makes it easy. You can build charts to see your progress on each of your resolutions or targets, plus you can even set reminders for extra motivation when you could do with a boost. So, ‘it’s Friday’ is no longer an excuse! It might be on iOS only, but Strides is totally free and is able to track just about any goal you have, in a way that suits you. Give it a go and see how you can progress. iWish - Life Goals, Bucket List Available on Android and iOS Price: Free with in-app purchases Google Play store: 3.9 Apple store: 4.7 What about your bigger life goals? Well, there’s an app for that too. iWish has a huge list of bucket list goals that people frequently set out to accomplish but rarely manage. That’s because targets like ‘learn to work smarter’ or ‘run a marathon’ seem unrealistic without the initial stepping stones in place. iWish gives you step by step goals to put you on the path to achieving the big one, whether you’re learning a new language or starting out in stand-up comedy. Everything is more achievable when you plan ahead, and iWish makes your plan crystal clear for you. And when you’ve started ticking your goals off your list, you can easily look back through all your achievements in the ‘iDid’ tab. ENLIVEN Motivational Quotes Available on Android Price: Free with in-app purchases Google Play store: 4.7 If an inspirational quote is what gets you fired up and ready to achieve, look no further than ENLIVEN Motivational Quotes on the Google Play store. You’ll get a new quote every day that you can comment on, add to favourites or share with your friends on social media. You can set the ideal time to get your motivational quote, whether it’s on your way to work or heading to the library to complete coursework. Plus, with ENLIVEN’s included meditation technique, you can achieve mindfulness at the same time as feeling inspired. Those are my favourite five apps that help keep me motivated and on course with my resolutions. Is there any motivational app that have been missed that you think deserves an honourable mention? Let us know below!

Forget about those ‘get out of jail’ petrol station flowers and the generic heart shaped card. You can make this Valentine’s Day a special one with the help of a few handy apps on your phone. Get ready for heart-eye emoji levels of affection. Make them a personalised card with Funky Pigeon If your other half is one of those ‘I’ll just be happy with a card’ people, why not go creative and give them a personalised one from Funky Pigeon? It’s super easy to design on your phone and will be professionally printed and sent in just a couple of days – or delivered First Class (if you’ve left it to the last minute). So, dig out all your romantic and funny couple’s photos and make a card they’ll want to keep! Download Funky Pigeon free on Android and iOS . Order a bouquet for you beau Giving your loved one a bouquet of flowers is a great way to kick off Valentine’s Day. We’re not talking about the slim pickings in your local supermarket, though. Bloom & Wild offer an amazing selection of bouquets that arrive as buds and bloom into a beautiful array of colour. There’s a great app that’s free to download, and you can choose next day delivery for free. So, even if you’re late ordering a gift, you can still save the day with a last-minute romantic surprise. And if you’re really out to impress this year, you can even order so they’ll receive a new bouquet every month. Download the Bloom & Wild app free on Android and iOS . Create a playlist for them Shakespeare wrote “If music be the food of love, play on”, and we wholeheartedly agree. Why not make your partner a personalised playlist with all the songs you both love? Whether you use Spotify, Apple Music or any other streaming service, curating a playlist is completely free and loads of fun. Plus it really shows that you’ve made and effort and thought of them by creating something personal. Aww, aren’t you lovely! Book a romantic meal for two Looking for something fancier than your local pizza place? Then consider the Open Table app ‘the one’. It’s perfect for finding and booking a great restaurant for you and your partner. You can search for tables by location, cuisine, price and even special offers. Plus, booking couldn’t be easier. So, whether they love Indian food or prefer a quaint Italian bistro, finding a table for the 14th should be a doddle. If you’re single but fancy nabbing yourself a hot date in time for the 14th, check out our favourite dating apps. Whatever you’re doing to celebrate, we hope you have a good one. If you’ve got any tips for creating the perfect romantic day, leave a comment below. Or, head to our competition page and tell us what you’d love to do on Valentine’s Day for your chance to win a £50 restaurant voucher (perfect for a follow-up date)!

Win one of two Special Edition Fitbit Versa 2s with Amazon Alexa! If your resolution this year is to keep fit, you’ll love this incredible fitness tracker. Take it for a swim with up to 50m water resistance, get accurate health data with the built-in heart rate monitor and ask Alexa to play your favourite workout tracks. How to enter All you need to do is comment below this post and tell us “What’s your new year’s resolution?”. Just make sure you logged in first. It couldn’t be easier! Good luck! T&C’s apply

From keeping your data safe from hackers, to providing vital GPS navigation, or finding an app to help you do virtually anything, new smartphone technology has almost limitless potential to benefit our lives. So, it’s very exciting to hear about the release of the latest iPhone, rumoured to be launching in September. A new iPhone means exciting new tech. And, there’s nothing better than that new phone feeling. Some secret sources have revealed that there’ll be 3 new flagship phones to replace the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. And rumour has it, they’ll be sporting new and improved cameras, getting rid of 3D Touch to make way for other new tech and, perhaps surprisingly, keeping the Lightning port. Although, word on the street is that these will be the last iPhones to use Lightning before the introduction of USB-C. We’ll let you know more news as soon as we get it, so keep checking in here. And, if this sounds like the news you’ve been waiting for, then now’s the time to take stock of how long you’ve had your old phone and whether it’s still up to the job. Don’t get left behind when it comes to new tech. Be the first to own it! We’ve put together a few of the warning signs that indicate it’s time to replace your old phone with a shiny new one, featuring all the latest tech. Have a read. Go on, you know you want to … 1. Failing battery and random shutdowns A sure fire sign your phone is on the way out is when the battery life starts to fail. Batteries can go through 300-500 full charge cycles before they start to degrade and will only hold between 70-80 % of their original capacity, eventually losing ability to recharge altogether. An indication your battery’s on the way out is when your phone randomly starts shutting down and then slowly stuttering back to life. Or refuses to turn back on. Sure to be at the most inconvenient moment. Grrrr! Time for a new phone and a sit down. 2. Poor quality photos and video An old phone means outdated camera technology. If your photos and videos are coming out grainy and low-res, or there’s a slow shutter lag, then you could be overdue an upgrade. It’s rumoured that the new iPhone will not only feature an upgrade to the front-facing selfie camera, but will include a new third camera complete with wide angle lens. No more accidently cutting Aunty Dot off the family photos at Christmas. 3. You can’t upgrade to the latest operating system If you’ve had your phone a long time, your manufacturer may eventually stop supporting your device. This means, you won’t be able to upgrade to the latest operating system or install security patches, which may expose your sensitive data to hackers. Plus, you may not be compatible with the faster 4G and new 5G networks. Time to get a new phone dude. 4. Touchscreen slow to respond Has your touchscreen slowed down or even stopped responding to your commands? If you’re jabbing and poking at your screen with no response, it’s time to upgrade to a phone that does what you want. Throwing it to the floor in frustration is a sure sign too. It’s rumoured that the new iPhone will be saying goodbye to 3D Touch and replacing it with new tech enabled by new software. Watch this space to find out more…. 5. Busted screen or damaged phone We all drop our phones and many of us are sporting a cracked screen. But there comes a point when it’s had one mishap too many. A cracked screen’s not a good look and all those drops and bumps may eventually affect the smooth running of your device. Imagine the delight of a pristine screen with no cracks or scratches? Go on treat yourself because, well … you’re worth it. 6. No more storage space You’ve had your phone for years. All those precious photos, videos and apps means eventually you run out of storage. If larger apps crash on your device whilst your mates have no probs on their flash new phones, you probably need more RAM. Look for a phone with upwards of 16GB of storage to store all your photos, videos and other data and plenty of RAM for smooth running of the latest apps. If any of that sounds familiar and you’re thinking of taking the plunge, don’t just chuck your old phone away. There are plenty of ways that you can still get use out of your old phone whilst doing your bit to reduce harmful landfill waste. For some inspiration, check out our article 14 uses for your old phone and once you’ve worked that out, it may just be time for a new one …