Category: Smartphones
Ofcom plans to ban selling of locked handsets
Mobile phone companies will be banned from selling 'locked' handsets, under a range of new plans from Ofcom to make switching even simpler. Companies including BT/EE, Tesco Mobile and Vodafone still sell mobile phones that cannot be used on other networks unless they are unlocked, which can cost around £10. Ofcom research has found that more…
1 in 4 kids have smartphone addiction, study shows
One in four children and young people have a smartphone addiction, research suggests (to be honest we're surprised it's not much higher). These youngsters are exhibiting “problematic smartphone usage”, meaning they use the devices in way that is consistent with a behavioural addiction, scientists found. The study, by researchers at King’s College London and published…
Using smartphones at bedtime causing sleepless nights
Nearly one in four UK adults are experiencing sleepless nights because they are using their smartphones at bedtime, according to research. Previous studies have suggested that blue light emitted from digital displays can mimic daylight and may prevent the body releasing melatonin, the hormone which aids sleep. Now a survey by phone manufacturer OnePlus suggests…
Vodafone poised to quit India
Vodafone has warned that a long-running court battle with authorities in India could lead to the telecoms giant quitting the country. The business recently lost a Supreme Court judgment which could leave it liable for 3.7 billion euros (£3.2 billion) and bosses said that, without an intervention by the country’s government, it would be forced…
Vodafone teams up with Fairphone
Vodafone has teamed up with Fairphone, billed as the world’s leading ethical mobile phone company, to sell its smartphones from the end of the year. Customers in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Italy and Spain will be able to buy the Fairphone 3 from later this year, as Vodafone attempts to show off its green credentials.…
Google admits Pixel 4 Face Unlock works when eyes closed
Google has confirmed the Face Unlock system on its new Pixel 4 smartphone can allow access to the device even when the user has their eyes closed. Early testers of the phone, as well as security experts, have raised concerns it could lead to unauthorised access to the device. It has been suggested someone else…
O2 begins rollout of its 5G network
O2 has become the latest mobile operator to launch its 5G network in the UK, with the introduction of the new high-speed network in six towns and cities. The operator has started its rollout in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Slough and Leeds and also promised to reach 20 locations by the end of the year.…
Phone maker Essential reveals tall, thin smartphone
Phone maker Essential has revealed early images of what appears to be a new type of smartphone – a tall, narrow device that looks similar to a remote control. The company, created by Android co-founder Andy Rubin, released its first phone in 2017 but has been largely quiet since. Mr Rubin tweeted a short video…
Smartphone typing speed catching up with keyboards
The speed of typing on a smartphone is catching up with physical keyboards, according to a large study of users on touchscreen handsets. Research involving more than 37,000 people found that the average speed using both thumbs is 38 words per minute, with auto-correct features helping make the majority faster. One hundred words per minute…
Light impact from devices on sleep ‘not that serious’
The impact of light from smartphones, tablets and laptops before bed may not be as serious as we think, according to an expert. Their brightness is “extremely unlikely” to affect the body’s sleep clock, and instead it is how long people spend on the devices, which act as a stimulant, that could make the…