Topics started by Nikhil P

Because we rely on our phones so much, losing yours or having it stolen can feel like a mini-crisis. Suddenly, your connection to the world, your photos, messages and even financial information are all at risk. While it’s very easy to be hard on yourself when it happens, the truth is that it most of us have lost our phones at some point. According to Uswitch, more than half the UK population have had their phone lost or stolen at one time or another. And because it’s so common, it means that industry giants like Android and iPhone are here to help. Whatever type of phone you have. We’ll break down the steps of what to do if it happens. Then we’ll let you know what you can do to protect yourself in the future. Stay calm and assess the situation First things first, take a deep breath. Panicking won't help. Try to remember where you last had your phone or when you last used it. Did you leave it at a restaurant, in a taxi or was it taken from your bag? It’s easy to think the worst when all

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve launched a new iD Mobile app packed with great new features and improvements! Over the past year, we’ve been working hard on completely redesigning the iD Mobile app. The new app has been built with our customers’ feedback at the forefront of design and development, so we’re confident that anyone who used the old iD Mobile app will really appreciate the improvements. So, what’s changed? Manage multiple plans – If you’ve got more than one iD Mobile plan, you can now manage them all from a single login. No more logging in and out! New design - Whether you’re checking your allowances, changing your Bill cap, or updating your personal info, the new app has been designed to make sure you’re able to do exactly what you need – easier than ever before. Improved performance – The new app uses the latest technologies to improve stability, performance, and security. If you’re new to iD or have the old version of the app, you can download the new version from

World Laughter Day is an annual event celebrated on the first Sunday of May. The day is dedicated to promoting laughter as a universal language of peace and understanding. Laughter has been scientifically proven to have numerous health benefits, both physically and mentally. It reduces stress, boosts the immune system, and improves mood. In addition, laughter is a great tool for bringing people together and breaking down barriers between different cultures and societies. What is World Laughter Day? The idea of World Laughter Day was first proposed by Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of the Laughter Yoga movement. Laughter Yoga is a unique concept that combines yoga breathing techniques with intentional laughter to create a joyful and uplifting experience. The first World Laughter Day was celebrated in 1998 in Mumbai, India, and since then, it has become a global phenomenon. On World Laughter Day, people come together in public spaces to laugh, play games, and have fun. The day is celebrated

Mental Health Awareness Week, which takes place from May 13th to May 19th each year, is a powerful reminder of how important it is to take care of our mental well-being. Whether it's happening right now or in a few months, this week is all about getting real about mental health and finding ways to put our well-being first. The goal is simple: let's create a world where we've got each other's backs and no one feels afraid to ask for help when they need it. And guess what? One of the best things we can do for our mental health is to get moving! Exercise isn't just great for our bodies; it's like a superpower for our minds too. It can help us stress less, feel less anxious or down, and give us a boost in confidence and brain power. Whether you're into a relaxing walk, some gentle yoga, or a heart-pumping workout, getting active releases those feel-good endorphins that lift our mood. Now, I know starting a fitness routine can feel overwhelming, but don't worry—just take it one step at a ti

Last year, iD Mobile proudly announced the start of a dynamic new partnership with Crystal Palace Football Club. This collaboration marked a significant milestone for iD Mobile, with our brand being showcased on the vibrant LED boards surrounding the Selhurst Park pitch on matchdays, and also featured on the club's website . You can read more about our partnership with Crystal Palace Football Club here. With the 23/24 football season coming to an end, we thought we’d celebrate the end of the season, by giving one lucky member of the iD Community the chance to win some Apple AirPods AND a signed Crystal Palace shirt! Here’s how to enter: Simply tell us about your favourite moment from the 23/24 football season (no matter who you support!). The lucky winner will be chosen at random. Entries close on 23:59 on 23rd May 2024 , and we'll announce the lucky iD community winner shortly after. Good luck!

Fraudsters don’t just pickpocket the odd phone or forge a couple of signatures nowadays. Modern day crooks are getting crafty with artificial intelligence. And they’re using it to pull off their schemes in ways that wouldn’t have been possible a few years ago. It’s big business for them too. A 2024 study by twenty-four IT found that UK cybercrime costs the economy an estimated £27 billion per year. While 25% of UK consumers think they’ll be a victim of cybercrime in the future. And with the scammers adding AI to their toolbox of tricks, we’re all going to have to be extra careful in future. So, to help you know what to look out for, here are a few ways they’re using – or could use - AI to hoodwink people… Voice cloning Voice cloning is exactly what it sounds like. By using AI, fraudsters can feed the system recordings of you or someone you know and build an audio version of that person from scratch. Where do they get that sound from though? Well, most of us have plenty of videos up on

MCM London Comic Con is coming up later this month. Giving you the chance to shop rare comics and merch, plus meet your favourite film, TV, and comic book characters in the flesh! But did you know that there’s a superhero right there in your pocket? That’s right. With your phone, you can access thousands of comics spanning several decades and play games that’ll put you right in the shoes of famous heroes and villains. But before we look at some of the best digital comic book and superhero apps, let’s tell you what Comic Con’s all about… What is MCM Comic Con? The flagship Comic Con event takes place in San Diego every year and celebrates all things pop culture. Attendees get to interact with stars of film, TV, and the anime and gaming worlds. But lots of fans dress up as their favourite superheroes too (known as “cosplaying”). You can also walk around and shop at the various stalls filled with all sorts of sci-fi and fantasy collectables. But in the last few years, Comic Con’s appeal h

May 4th is officially Star Wars Day. But why? And when did it all begin? Let’s dive into the world of Jedi, Siths and Ewoks to find out what makes May 4th a date to remember. Whether you’re a seasoned Star Wars fan or just curious about the hype, here’s all you need to know about a galaxy far, far away’s big day. What is Star Wars Day? Star Wars Day celebrates the amazing movies, epic storylines and unforgettable characters of the Star Wars universe. The date, May 4th, plays on the pun "May the Fourth be with you." Yes, you guessed – it’s a cunning twist on the iconic Star Wars quote "May the Force be with you." This catchphrase is a cornerstone of Star Wars and embodies the good wishes Jedi give to each other, hoping that the universal power aids their journey (and to be fair, it usually does) The concept of celebrating Star Wars on May 4th reportedly started with a grassroots movement among fans, gaining traction across internet forums and eventually being embraced officially by Luca

Ah, spring is in the air! While Easter may be over, the chocolate cravings linger. And what better way to enjoy the warmer weather than by treating yourself to some melt-in-your-mouth chocolate? But before we get to the sweet prize, let's take a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Think back to those beloved chocolate bars that have sadly disappeared from shop shelves over the years. You know, the ones that left a sweet void in our hearts (and stomachs) when they vanished. Maybe you're still mourning the loss of the mighty Cadbury's Marble Bar, that perfect blend of milk and white chocolate. Although it didn't return as a full bar this Easter, it made a welcome appearance in the form of an egg. Or perhaps you pine for the unique taste of the Cadbury Time Out, with its chocolatey shell giving way to toffee and malt delights. Some of you might even get misty-eyed remembering classics like the Mars Delight bar with its gooey caramel filling and chocolate-coated wheat puffs. Ah, those were th

According to a study by the EcoExperts, the average Brit creates around five tons of CO2 emissions every single year. Woah. And while that’s a whopping number, there’s loads we can do to tackle it. If all of us do a little bit here and there, we can make sure our impact on the planet is as small as possible. And you don’t have to go off grid and live in a cave to play your part. So, let’s check out a few easy ways for you to make your tech footprint smaller on Earth Day and beyond… Trade-in your old device Getting a new phone is pretty exciting, right? You’ve got all those cool advanced features to try out. And a shiny, upgraded camera for your Insta selfies. But when you take a step back, it’s also the right time to guarantee that your old one doesn’t end up in the bin. If you trade-in your old phone with iD Mobile, it’ll live on as a refurbished device. When it’s in good nick, it might go on to become someone else’s mobile. But if not, any useful parts we can scrounge will be strippe

Spring is finally here. The sun's shining, flowers are blooming, and wildlife’s waking up. That means it's time to get outside, enjoy the warmer weather, and take some glorious snaps with your phone! What's great about most modern smartphones is that they're packing some really flashy cameras. Making it super easy to point and shoot great pics whenever inspiration strikes or it's time for that spontaneous selfie. But you can really up your photography game if you follow our top photo-taking and editing tips below. You'll be lighting up your friends' social feeds with colourful spring pics in no time… Make the most of that natural light Natural light is a photographer's best friend. And that soft spring sunshine will perfectly illuminate your subjects for vivid, detailed pics that’ll really stand out. Use the longer days to your advantage, and don’t forget to capture some stellar sunrise and sunset shots too. Everything looks better at “golden hour”, with larger shadows and dramatic col

Work-life balance is that delicate ‘sweet-spot’ between managing your professional responsibilities and personal well-being. In today's busy world, where the lines between work and leisure are becoming more blurred, maintaining this balance is crucial for lots of reasons – including your mental health, productivity, and quality of life. Here’s the good news. With the help of smartphone apps, achieving a work-life balance is more manageable than ever before. And to get you started on your journey, we’ve rounded up five of our favourites below. Headspace – for mindfulness and meditation Headspace is the leading app in mindfulness and meditation. It offers guided sessions to help you reduce stress, increase focus, and cultivate a sense of calm. With its user-friendly interface and huge library of meditation programs, Headspace is a great tool for anyone looking to reduce work-related pressures and find some inner peace. Choose from a wide range of sessions to help you achieve lots of diff

International Women’s Day is coming up soon. And to celebrate the occasion on the 8th of March, we’ve made a list of ten of the most influential women who have helped shape the world of technology. The ground-breaking research and work carried out by these tech trailblazers led to the creation of everything from the internet and Wi-Fi to smart security systems. Even space travel wouldn’t have been possible if not for some of the names on our list! Computer programming: Ada Lovelace If you can believe it, the very first computer programmer was born in 1815. And her name was Ada Lovelace — the daughter of renowned poet Lord Byron. Lovelace was a remarkable mathematician who worked on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine (considered the world’s first computer) and created what’s believed to be the first ever algorithm — ‘Note G’. To commemorate her contributions and the achievements of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) careers, Ada Lovelace Day is celebrated on ever

It’s time to give everything a good spring clean, including your mobile phone! We’re not just talking about giving the screen a quick wipe – it’s a good idea to clean out the clutter that’s under the hood too. Having a proper clear out of unused files, apps, photos and other stuff can really help with your phone’s performance. We’re talking speedier performance, longer battery life and quicker loading times. Plus, when you want to find that great holiday snap, you won’t have to dig through years of memes and screenshots to find it. So, let’s begin your mobile spring clean… Cull your contacts Take a look at your contact list. Are there any unfamiliar names on there? If so, it’s time to delete some numbers. If you want to double-check the name before you remove them entirely, go into WhatsApp. Their profile picture should (hopefully) remind you. And while you’re on WhatsApp, why not clear out your old chats? That group organising your friend’s hen do from a couple of years ago hasn’t bee

Now that there’s a tiny hint of sun, it’s time for a good spring clean. And that includes your phone. It’s all well and good giving your screen a quick wipe with some anti-bac – but what about decluttering the stuff that’s on it too? Having a proper clear out can help with your phone’s performance. From longer battery life to quicker loading times. Plus, when you want to find that great holiday snap, you won’t have to dig through years of memes and screenshots to find it. Delete photos and videos This is a pretty obvious one. Having tons of photos and videos in your camera roll can take up a lot of storage space. So, the best place to start is by having a good tidy. Get rid of anything not worth keeping – after all, you don’t need 45 versions of that one selfie. Then move everything else to external or cloud storage. Even if storage isn’t a massive issue, this is still worth doing. If you do ever lose your phone, you’ll have everything backed up. Remove some apps We’ve all got apps we

We’re all watching our pennies and pounds these days. But even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still pick up a great smartphone. Mobile technology moves fast, so the new features that big flagship phones brag about quickly ‘trickle down’ onto lower-priced phones. So, let’s check out the best budget smartphones available right now – and prepare to be impressed! Moto G04 The Moto G04 is an amazing phone for the money. That’s a budget price, but this phone looks and feels way more expensive! It boasts a dazzling, notch-free 6.6″ HD+ display that makes for an amazing viewing experience. With its ultra-smooth 90Hz refresh rate, everything flows seamlessly - and it's clever enough to adjust for better battery efficiency. Whether you're soaking up the sun or winding down at night, the High Brightness and Night Light modes gives you optimal viewing in all conditions. Plus, with Dolby Atmos® you’ll be immersed in stunning, enveloping sound whether you’re using speakers or headphones. The M

The New Year means new holidays, especially when we’re still stuck in frosty winter and dreaming of some sunshine! But knowing where to go and how to plan can get pretty overwhelming – especially when you want to get the most out of your precious annual leave. Fortunately, the phone in your pocket has all the answers. There are loads of great apps out there that can help you find the ideal holiday based on your preferences and budget, so the stress doesn’t need to start until you’re running through the airport trying to find your gate! Check out these 10 apps to help take care of the holiday plans: 1.Hopper​​​​ Hopper specialises in cheap flights, but it covers hotels and car rentals too. It analyses billions of flights to find the best deals and predicts when prices will be lowest. It’ll even let you freeze prices for later booking. You can also set up alerts for the flights you're interested in, so you know when to book. 2.Skyscanner Skyscanner has become a favourite in recent years

Apple’s latest smartphone – the iPhone 15 – is already being challenged by a new kid on the block. The Nothing Phone 2 has been dubbed ‘the iPhone killer’. Sounds kind of dramatic, right? Well, there’s some truth in it. These are two super speedy, powerful phones packed with all the latest mobile tech. Making this a heavyweight phone clash for the ages! So, we’re here to see how the pair stack up against each other. We’ve picked out a few of their biggest advantages to find out what makes them tick. Hopefully our handy comparison will help you to make the right call… iPhone 15 Does Apple’s latest need much of an introduction? The iPhone is one of the most popular handsets for a reason… More battery When it comes to longer battery life, the iPhone 15 takes this one. If you’re away from a plug socket all day – or, god forbid, you left your charger at home – it’ll easily last a full day without needing a top up. So, you can stream your favourite shows, beat your high score, and listen to

January often marks a time of new beginnings and goal-setting for the year ahead. However, it can also bring a sense of melancholy for many. The festive cheer and close family gatherings of the holiday season give way to a quieter, more reflective period. Despite this, there are several ways to infuse your days with positivity. We have some great tips to help brighten your mood. What is Blue Monday? 'Blue Monday' started in 2005 as part of an ad by a travel company. They said they figured out the saddest day of the year using things like weather, how long until the next holiday, and how long since people have been paid. But the expert who helped come up with this idea later said we should think about happy things instead, especially when making new goals. Now, people use Blue Monday as a reminder to take care of themselves. Here are some fun things to try: Get moving. Exercise is a great way to feel good. It doesn't have to be boring; you can ride a bike in the park, go for a run, or p

Safer Internet Day is a yearly event that's held on the second day of the second week of February. Now recognised in over 170 countries, SID aims to promote the safe and positive use of the internet — especially among children and young people. In this article, we're going to explain more about this important day and share some top tips on how to stay safe when using the web. We’ve also recommended some powerful tools you can use to protect your child from harmful content. When is Safer Internet Day 2024? This year, Safer Internet Day will take place on Tuesday the 6th of February. In fact, 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of SID. What's the purpose of Safer Internet Day? Safer Internet Day brings people "together for a better internet" by encouraging individuals, companies, educators, and policymakers to engage with children and young people on topics surrounding online safety, cyberbullying, and the responsible use of social media. It's all about raising awareness and providing an opp

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. And if you haven’t put any romantic plans together yet — there’s no need to feel butterflies! That’s because we’ve made a lovely list of free apps for iPhone and Android phones that’ll help you prepare an unforgettable day with your special someone. From shopping apps filled with great gift ideas, to event apps that’ll make finding something to do more than just a walk in the park. Shopping apps for perfect prezzies With the power of the internet and your smartphone, it’s never been easier to shop for gifts on the go. Just download these apps and you’ll find something sweet and thoughtful in no time: Etsy Etsy is an online marketplace that allows independent artists and creatives to sell their handmade or specialist items. You can find anything from cute custom jewellery to paintings, plush toys, vintage goods, and even some fun crafting supplies. So if you’re after a unique, one-of-a-kind gift that you won’t find anywhere else — the Etsy app is a g

Cool new stuff from the world’s biggest electronics show. CES 2024 came, saw and conquered in Las Vegas earlier this month (9th to 12th January). It’s the world’s biggest Consumer Electronics Show, and we got to see amazing new tech from the biggest brands – along with fun and quirky stuff from the smaller tech companies. Here’s a rundown of the most exciting and innovative tech we saw at the show. Samsung’s transparent and glare-free TVs Samsung revealed its 2024 TV lineup, featuring the world's first transparent Micro-LED display. The jaw-dropping demo at the show showcased everything from dazzling fireworks to vibrant paint splashes on the transparent screen. We’re also going to see some Samsung TVs with glare-free technology, which is another feature that really impressed up close. The screen has a matte finish that absorbs light, rather than reflecting it - so nothing detracts from the bright and vibrant OLED display. The latest Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED were also on display

The new Samsung Galaxy S24, S24 Plus and S24 Ultra have landed, complete with Galaxy AI. Looking to upgraded to a phone with real AI power? Then you’re in luck. Samsung has launched its new S24 series, with three models available: the entry level (but by no means basic) Galaxy S24, the more premium Galaxy S24 Plus, and the super-powered Galaxy S24 Ultra – which may just be the best smartphone in the world right now. See what you think below! Powered by Galaxy AI These epic new phones are designed with Galaxy AI front and centre, something that Samsung says is the future of mobile technology. It offers a whole stack of new AI features and experiences for each phone in the S24 family, and here’s the pick of the bunch. Live Translate Need to make a phone call with someone that speaks another language? Live Translate gives you a real time translation of what’s being said, both verbally and on the screen. So, you can easily book a restaurant table when you’re in a country where you don’t sp

As we step into 2024, it's time once again to reflect on the year ahead. What are your aspirations for this year? Which new skills are you excited to learn? How will you carve out time for what truly matters? These are common questions with no one-size-fits-all answers. However, if you've set ambitious resolutions, one key ingredient you'll need is motivation. This January let's shake things up. Instead of rehashing the usual top resolutions, we're offering some fresh New Year inspiration to jumpstart your journey to bigger achievements. 1. Prioritise your health. Remember the adage: health is wealth. And we're not just talking about signing up for a gym membership; it's about nurturing both your physical and mental well-being. Your goals for 2024 may vary, but the energy to pursue them often springs from a healthy state of mind and body. Dedicate daily time for activities that clear your mind and reduce stress. This could be yoga, meditation, a morning run, or a gym session. The secre