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Genius women who invented game-changing tech!Blog
Mobile and communications technology has totally transformed our lives. It’s fundamental to how we shop, consume entertainment and even date! From coding and encryption to wireless communication and mobile interfaces, it’s the innovators behind this tech that we should be thanking. And it’s important to recognise the trailblazing women that made these breakthroughs. Although women have been at the forefront of research and development, they often don’t get the recognition they deserve. So, let’s help put that right by delving into some of the most game changing inventions by some of the most brilliant women in science and technology. 1. Computer programming - Ada Lovelace, 1840s. If you’ve opened an app, played a game or done just about anything on a computer, you’ve got Ada Lovelace to thank. Often considered the first computer programmer, Lovelace worked with the much better-known Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine – the first automated, mechanical calculator. In the 1840s, she wrote Note G – a calculation that’s now widely recognised as the first algorithm intended for implementation on a machine. Lovelace’s visionary work laid the foundation for computer programming, opening the doors for the digital revolution. 2. WiFi & Bluetooth - Hedy Lamarr, 1940s. We take wireless communication for granted now. But it’s something we use every day, whether that’s joining a Teams meeting, playing music on the move or streaming a movie. What’s hard to take for granted is that the technology behind it was originally invented by a Hollywood movie star! And although still remembered for her life on screen, Hedy Lamarr is another unsung hero of the tech world. During World War II, Lamarr co-invented a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology for guiding torpedoes without being detected. This invention was the precursor to modern wireless communication technologies, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. 3. Cryptography & Encryption - Joan Clarke, 1940s. Keeping our data private is obviously a huge part of how we feel safe online. And without it, any kind of online payments would be impossible. But the origins of data encryption read like a spy story. During World War II, Joan Clarke worked as a cryptanalyst at Bletchley Park, where she played a crucial role in deciphering the Enigma code. On its own that would have been a monumental achievement, since cracking Enigma shortened the war by years. But Joan Clarke's work was instrumental in advancing the field of cryptography, laying the groundwork for encryption techniques that are vital for today's mobile device security. Her contributions ensure that our communications remain private and our data secure, making her an unsung hero in the digital age. 4. Coding - Grace Hopper, 1950s. Programming languages tell a computer what to do and how to do it. As such, they’re the building blocks of apps, games and more. But the first high-level programming language (COBOL) actually goes back to the 1950s. And it’s still in use today. One of its key creators was Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral. She worked on the Harvard Mark I computer during World War II and later developed the first compiler for a computer programming language. Hopper is also known as the first hacker in history! 5. Icon & UI Design - Susan Kare, 1980s. It’s easy to overlook icons and menus, but we’d be lost without them. A major part of the success of smartphones is that they’re just so easy to use. And a lot of those user-friendly interfaces are thanks to the work of Susan Kare. From the original icons and fonts for Apple’s Macintosh in the 1980s, her work laid the foundations for the clever but clear badges and buttons we take for granted today. Kare’s designs have made technology more accessible and approachable (regardless of language barrier) for billions of people around the world. 6. Voice over Internet Protocol - Marian Croak, 2000s. Imagine a world without Skype, WhatsApp, or Zoom. It’s hard to picture now, especially after the global shift towards remote work and online communication. Marian Croak developed the technology for voice calls over the internet, known as VoIP. This innovation has revolutionised how we communicate, making it easier and more affordable to stay in touch with people across the globe. But Marian Croak is also a prolific inventor, with over 200 patents related to internet-based communication and mobile voice services. She once said: “I love trying to understand how things work. I actually thought I would become a plumber.” Lucky for us that she studied tech! So, the next time you make a call on Skype, use Wi-Fi or simply swipe through the apps on your phone, take a moment to appreciate the brilliant women who made these things possible. Have we missed anyone off? Are there other key inventions and their inventors we should be giving a shout out to? Comment below.
5 Cooking Apps you need to download!Blog
Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, cooking at home has never been easier. Plus, we’re serving up something extra special, a chance to win a NINJA SLUSHi FS301UK Frozen Drink Maker – Arctic Blue & Grey! Gone are the days of rummaging through old recipe books or calling mum for advice. With the right app, you can search for new recipes, plan meals, or even cook along to step-by-step videos—all from your phone. To save you the hassle of searching, we’ve rounded up some of the best cooking apps out there. Whether you’re an iPhone or Android user, there’s something on this list that’s just your flavour… Kitchen Stories. Kitchen Stories offers thousands of recipes with step-by-step instructions and high-quality photos. This app is perfect if you prefer a visual approach to cooking. There are thousands of recipes, each with an easy step-by-step approach and high-quality images. And you can share your tips and tricks too. Kitchen Stories lets users upload and share their own recipes with a global community, so you can make friends and trade tips. Whether you're looking to make a quick weeknight dinner or an elaborate weekend feast, Kitchen Stories serves up something for everyone. Download: iPhone | Android Tasty. Tasty provides a vast library of recipes, with loads of dietary preferences covered, including vegan and gluten-free. And there’s step-by-step instructions and video tutorials on this one too. But one of the standout features of Tasty is the ability to filter out ingredients based on personal preferences or allergies, meaning that you can find recipes that suit your needs. Or even just because you forgot to pick something up! Speaking of which, the app also offers a "What's in Your Kitchen?" feature. Just input the ingredients you have on hand, and Tasty will suggest recipes you can make. This is a great tool for reducing food waste and making the most of what you already have. Download: iPhone | Android Forks Plant-Based Recipes. You don’t have to be a vegan to use Forks. And while it’s great for people who don’t do meat or dairy, it’s also brilliant if you’re looking for a healthier diet or to broaden your cooking repertoire too. And there’s plenty to get inspired by - with over 600 recipes including soups, stews, burgers and desserts. There are also step-by-step recipes from over 50 leading chefs – so you can try your hand at some plant-based gourmet dishes too. And you can pick a few recipes and everything you need will be compiled into a handy shopping list. Download: iPhone | Android BBC Good Food. You can’t go wrong with BBC Good Food! It has an absolutely vast collection of tried and tested recipes from the BBC Good Food team, community and established TV chefs. The app features categories like healthy, vegetarian and seasonal recipes, meaning you can keep everyone happy and cook from fresh no matter the time of year. And it goes far beyond food – with recipes for jams, sauces and cocktails! The user-friendly shopping list feature allows you to add ingredients from recipes and organise your grocery trips. Additionally, you can save your favourite recipes for easy access later. There’s also cooking tips and techniques, helping you improve your skills and become more confident in the kitchen. Download: iPhone | Android BigOven. Hate waste? BigOven hosts over a million recipes, including a “Use Up Leftovers” feature to make sure you’re throwing nothing out. You can input the ingredients you have on hand, and BigOven will suggest recipes. The app also allows users to create and share their own recipes, encouraging a community of cooks and loads of culinary creativity. And as well as BigOven's meal planning and grocery list, you can create custom meal plans that work with your diet. Yum! Download: iPhone | Android Giveaway Time! Now that you’re ready to explore new recipes, why not add some fun to your kitchen? What’s your favourite drink? Share it below for your chance to win a NINJA SLUSHi FS301UK Frozen Drink Maker – Arctic Blue & Grey! The winner will be picked at random, so make sure to keep an eye on your inbox or DMs for a message from us. But hurry - the competition closes on 17th March at 23:59!
Registering a replacement sim seems impossible
Hi, My 81 year old Dad lost his phone last week so I've been trying to sort a new sim for him for the last 3 days and have hit a wall with the situation. Dad lost his phone which obviously had his sim inside. We managed to login to his account in a web browser and report the phone and sim as lost. Next I tried to order him a new sim through the website only to find I couldn't login to his account without his phone for verification. Then I called customer service who advised I could collect a sim from the local Currys branch or have one sent via post within a few working days. I opted to go to Currys to save waiting, attended the store to be told they didn't issue replacement sims and could offer a PAYG sim or a contract I explained we spoke to ID CS and they said the store would issue a replacement sim. The staff member went away and returned with a sim package, stating I could register it at home via phone, the app or website. I then attempted to register via the website, no can do as we cant verify to log into his account without his phone. So I called the helpline, they advise they can't do it without verifying through his phone! Huh? Despite clearly canceling the phone in question? The helpine then advise live chat should be able to assist, I speak to live chat who state the same thing, no phone, no verify, no new sim setup.… The helpline advise the only way to sort it is in person in store...the same store I've just been in to collect the sim from. I ask what I'll need to present at the store and I'm told it's just the sim and Dads details(name, address, number, d.o.b) I then called Currys in the hope of speaking to someone in store, but of course in this day and age that's not possible so I speak to someone in CS who says the same as ID, just provide the sim and details in store. Great I think, I'll attend tomorrow, get the sim sorted and Currys also have the handset he would like in stock so I'll pick it up while I'm there. The next day(today) I go to the local store and speak to a team member and explain the situation. They say that the sim issued yesterday couldn't have been registered anyway as it wasn't tied to Dads account and the staff member who issued it did so incorrectly. They take Dads details as issue me with a sim and proceed to call iD to get it registered and linked with Dads number. A new curveball, iD say Dad needs to present, I explain hes 81 and can't attend and say that CS at both ID and Currys say he doesn't need to be. They then ask if I have any identification for Dad, no I dont as I wasn't told I'd need it. They say they can't proceed without Dad present or his identification! The team memeber then tried to register it via live chat but the same issue, we need Dads identification. I explain he's 81, doesn't have a passport or a driving license anymore and therefore doesn't have any formal identification I'm then advised that this new sim package will able to be registered via phone so long as Dad is present or gives verbal permission for me to speak on his behalf at the beginning of the call. The saga continues...… Head home and begin setting up the new handset(which despite showing as on hand and in stock Currys do not actually have, so I got it from Argos instead) I speak to the helpline again and they try to send a pin to the phone to initialize the sim and it doesn't work. They then advise live chat can do it!!!!! Speak to live chat again and low and behold they can't because we don't have any identification we can photograph for Dad. We speak to complaints who offer a partial refund of £10 and advise Dads bus pass will be suitable for the live chat setup. Go back to live chat and you can guess the next part...the bus pass is not suitable and they won't accept it as identification! They advise the only way to resolve is my ill of health 81 year old Dad needs to do it in store! I'm absolutely livid with the whole experience and cannot believe how ridiculous the whole process has been, three days on and off, 5 calls to the ID helpline, 1 to Currys, 2 in person visits to store and numerous live chat sessions yet we still don't have a working sim. Can anyone from iD or maybe a community member help me out please? My Dad is really not in shape to be attending the store and the fact that we're being told it's the only way is beyond a joke. I'm considering contacting the ombudsman tomorrow and reporting iD for how this has been handled and fpr what seems to be a complete lack of care towards a vulnerable customer but in the meantime I just need to get this resolved so I can get my Dad a working phone, its vital to him as he lives alone, with his age and health communication is vital and the phone is a safety net in terms of him being able to carry it everywhere around the house in case of him falling over or falling ill. Any help will be greatly appreciated Thank you for reading Martin 17.3.25
Does anyone on this community have a Oneplus Nord 4 that works with an iD mobile sim only.
A very good day to you all. I’ll try and keep this brief. I currently have a Oneplus 5T phone. I am new to ID mobile. I was with BT where I had no problem with my phone using their network. I have signed up to a 12 month sim only contract with iD mobile, at a very good price. I have ported my old number across and my account with BT is now closed. After activating my new sim, I find that I cannot make or receive any calls. I can however, send and receive messages. I have tried using the sim in a friend’s Google Pixel 7a where it does make and receive calls. So the sim works, but it would appear that the network does not. I have researched this site and others and discovered that many iD mobile customers have had or are experiencing similar difficulties. At this point, let me say, that there was no warning before I signed up, that my phone might not be compatible and why would I think it wouldn’t be, when it had worked perfectly on another network. On my phone, In settings, under sim and network/preferred, network type, it states, 2G/3G/4G (automatic). Under enhanced communications, the VoLTE switch is on and the WiFi Calling switch is on. Various similar threads on this community site advised that I should visit a Curry’s store for advice. So I did. After a 25 minute wait, I spoke to a well intentioned, but world weary adviser, who appeared to not know very much at all. They did however, try a very hard sell, to get me to buy a new phone. They told me, that any new 5G phone would work with the iD mobile sim. Now, I am aware of the list provided by iD mobile of approved phones, that they have tested, many of which they sell, which will work on their network.So, my questions are: Was the Curry’s adviser correct, will “any” new 5G phone work on the iD mobile network? Also, does any member of this community own or know, if a Oneplus Nord 4 phone, would work on this network. It would be pointless and infuriating, if I acquired one and it didn’t. For context, I came to iD mobile to save money, as I am a state pensioner. My son has a Oneplus Nord 4 that he would be willing to give me when he upgrades, but that would not be for several weeks and I cannot try the iD mobile sim in it, as he lives a considerable distance from me. Gosh, this hasn’t been brief at all has it! Thank you for reading this and I really hope that some kind soul can help. Thank you.