Fake Google reviews used to boost UK businesses, claims Which?
Businesses across the UK are artificially boosting their online ratings by paying firms for fake Google reviews, as a booming industry in misleading information avoids detection by the tech giant, a Which? investigation has revealed. The consumer watchdog's latest research involved setting up and buying fake reviews for its own fake business listing on Google.…
Tech Digest daily round up: Aston Martin pledges electric future to UK
Luxury car giant Aston Martin has pledged to manufacture all of its electric cars in the UK from 2025. As first reported in the Financial Times, owner Lawrence Stroll said all of its battery sports cars will be made at its plant in Gaydon, Warwickshire. Its electric SUV models will be made at St Athan in…
Tech Digest daily round up: 8 year old becomes paid Fortnite player
The BBC writes about the youngest ever paid Fortnite player. Aged just 8, Joseph Deen signed with the Californian esports team, Team 33, in December last year. They invited him to their headquarters to give him a $33,000 (£23,600) signing-on bonus, and high-speed computer system. "I felt amazing when I got offered the contract," Joseph…
Tech Digest daily round up: NHS faces legal action over data deal
The NHS is facing a legal challenge over its data deal with controversial Silicon Valley firm Palantir, Sky News can reveal. Palantir, which has become notorious for its close ties to security services and immigration agencies in the United States, secured its first ever deal to handle NHS data in March last year for the…
Tech Digest daily round up: Tesla rival Lucid Motors to go public
Tesla rival Lucid Motors has agreed to go public by merging with blank-check firm Churchill Capital IV Corp in a deal that values the combined company at a pro-forma equity value of $24 billion. Lucid, which is run by an ex-Tesla engineer, is the latest firm to tap the initial public offering (IPO) market, with…
5 ways the Covid-19 pandemic has shaped the tech sector
As the Prime Minister announces the roadmap out of lockdown, Brexit-plans roll on, and we await the Spring Budget from the Chancellor, we talk to Tom Chambers, Associate Director of Technology & Growth at Robert Walters, about the key developments in the UK's tech sector. 1. Rise in remote working The rise of remote working was…
NASA Mars Rover: Your questions answered
The NASA Perseverance Rover landed at Mars’ Jezero Crater yesterday (February 18). But what has it been sent to do and how many rovers have explored Mars so far? In this article, Chris Price answers all these questions and more... How many Rovers have been sent to Mars so far? NASA has sent five robotic…
Tech Digest daily round up: Parler is back, Bitcoin hits $50,000
Controversial social-media app Parler is back online after a month out of service. The Twitter-like app was a favourite among supporters of former US President Donald Trump and right-wing conservatives. It was banned from Google and Apple's app stores and Amazon's web-hosting service, after an armed mob broke into the US Capitol building on 6…
Tech Digest daily round up: Nissan ‘quits talks’ with Apple over driverless car
Nissan has quit talks with Apple over its secretive Project Titan electric autonomous vehicle project. Discussions didn't reach an advanced stage, the Financial Times reports, with the two companies apparently disagreeing about branding. Nissan said today (Monday 15th February) it wasn't in talks with Apple about developing self-driving cars, after Hyundai also denied reports it was…
Tech Digest Weekly Round-up: Gocycle e-bike, London gets smart city cash
Welcome to our weekly round-up of future tech in conjunction with Transition Earth. This week there's a new e-bike from Gocycle and London gets investment to implement a smart cities programme... 1. Smart bricks that can power your home is a thing - So we have had smart cities and smart homes, how about smart…
Today’s Tech Digest: Biological battery, Google to go dark
A new wearable device that claims to turn your body into a biological battery has been developed by scientists at Colorado University, according to a story in The Daily Mail. The stretchy device attaches to the skin like a ring sits on a finger and taps into the user's natural heat to convert the body's…
1 in 5 have had their dating accounts hacked, claims survey
Nearly a fifth (18%) of people have had their dating app accounts hacked, with 16-25-year-olds twice as likely to fall victim (30%), according to a survey from antivirus software company McAfee. McAfee’s latest research reveals a significant shift in consumer behaviour in the past year, with 65% of Brits increasing their online social activities – including online…
Safer Internet Day: 1 in 2 children encounter misleading content daily
To mark this year’s Safer Internet Day, new research released today (9th February) shows young people are experiencing misleading content online on a daily basis. According to research from the coordinators the UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC), 77% of young people (aged 8 - 17) surveyed feel that being online has been a more important…
Top 6 Performance Cars for 2021
With tickets for Goodwood's Festival of Speed now on sale, we asked YesAuto Editor Nick Francis to share his Top 6 Performance Cars for 2021... Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm: Summer Launch We are a nation that love performance saloons, so these special editions of Alfa’s hotter-than-the sun saloon, the Giulia Quadrifoglio, should be…
Top 5 coffee apps – including Coffee Cup Guru
The world of coffee can be overwhelming, intimidating and complex with dozens of varieties to choose from. But did you know that technology can help you drink better coffee? Coffee apps can tell you how to brew your coffee based on the weight of the bean, help you find the best café near you, and…
CES 2021: Top COVID-fighting technologies unveiled
Usually, CES sees thousands of people flock to Las Vegas for the world's biggest technology trade show. Not this year. But while 2021's CES may be virtual for the first time, it hasn't stopped thousands of innovative new gadgets being unveiled. Chris Price reports on the COVID-fighting gadgets that it's hoped will stop the spread…
UK’s Top 100 websites of 2020 – 4 Key Trends
The UK Domain has revealed the top 100 websites of 2020 in a brand new study that highlights how our internet behaviours have changed over the past year... 2020 has been a tumultuous year for everyone as the population was forced to stayed inside their homes and therefore relied on technology more than ever. Businesses…
Sales of Campervans surge as demand for mobile offices increase
Revolution Campervans, which produces campers from new or used VW Transporters, claims to have seen a surge in sales as customers buy them as mobile offices, doubling as a base for camping adventures and staycations. Kelly Smith, who owns her own candle and jewellery making business in Sussex, Billy’s Beach Hut, bought one in the…
Cyber Monday: 15 top tips to stay safe online
We partner with consumer watchdog Which? to help you to stay safe online when shopping for your loved ones on Cyber Monday and beyond.... We shop online all year round, but the arrival of Cyber Monday and the peak of the Christmas shopping season plus the COVID-19 restrictions that have been in place for most…
Cassette tapes and Etch-A-Sketch top ‘iconic gadgets’ list
Cassette tapes, Etch-A-Sketch and video tapes are UK’s favourite nostalgic tech The original 1960s Etch A Sketch cost £2.31 – that’s equivalent to £54 today with inflation Consumer spending experts launch Retro Tech report As the nation gets ready to snap up new technology this Christmas, research from money.co.uk has revealed the retro gadgets we miss the…
Men’s health: 6 Apps to Improve your Wellbeing
As the UK marks Movember which aims to improve mental health and prevent suicide as well as tackling prostate and testicular cancers, we look at 6 apps that can also help to improve men's health... In a world as stressful as this, we're probably all on our phones much more than usual. In fact, how…
Technology predictions for 2021 and beyond
Together with ABI Research, we highlight the main technology predictions and stats for 2021 and beyond... The world is faced with major instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the US presidential election, Brexit, global trade wars, and many other societal currents. These headwinds are forcing companies and industry sectors to accelerate their digital transformations in…
Accessorise with these latest gadgets – including iPhone 12 cases
Thinking of buying one of the many new iPhone 12 cases on the market or maybe investing in a cheap 4K camera. Here we take a look at the some of the accessories available in time for Christmas... Catalyst Total Protection Case for AirPods Pro $49.99 How about this for a tough-looking AirPods Pro case?…
Apple iPhone 12 launch: What the Experts Say
Apple has announced four 5G-compatible models in its new iPhone 12 range, including a new iPhone 12 Mini retailing for £699. Here three experts give their opinions on the new line up... Ben Wood, Chief of Research, CCS Insight Apple’s new 5G iPhone offerings Despite the pandemic and the global macroeconomic pressures it has created,…
What Trying To Stay Active During COVID-19 Taught Me About Riding A Bike
First, a confession. It’s been a very long time since I last threw my legs over a bike and rode off on the road. While I like to think of myself as an active person, cycling is one activity I’ve never really been desperate to re-acquaint myself with until COVID-19 upturned our lives. However, fired…
COVID-19: 9 key trends shaping industry response
Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis, The Reshaping of Industries Caused by COVID-19, encompasses nine key trends that will emerge from industries reshaping as a response to COVID-19. Chris Price reports... With the pandemic’s negative impact on the global economy, immediate action is critical. Technology leaders must assess the emerging opportunities resulting from COVID-19 and provide technological…
Flying cars: just how close are they to reality?
Image: Samson Switchblade Research from comparison and switching site Uswitch has revealed the flying cars closest to reality, our attitudes to the emerging tech and 5 designs which are coming soon... 1. A first-generation flying car could cost as little as £95,000 Although some may not look like the technology…
5 EVs that could be cheaper than petrol car
The Skoda CITIGOe: one of five EVs that could be cheaper than a petrol car Electric vehicles (EVs) are often seen as being more expensive than petrol cars, but if the fuel saving costs are taken into account and the upfront purchase price is spread across monthly leasing payments, then a…
Half of Americans think video games should be in Olympics
Over half of Americans think video games should be considered a part of the Olympics, according to new research. The survey looked at 2,000 Americans’ opinions on video games and asked them to examine their own gaming habits. Three in four respondents agree that it’s more socially acceptable to play video games now than it…
What’s the future for electric scooters?
Ashley Norris of Transition Earth argues that electric scooters will play a vital role in our future transport infrastructure... It might be hard to believe, but there was a time not long ago when the future of electric scooters hung in the balance. Detractors said they were unsafe, they cluttered up city streets. Those in…
7 Best Apps for Video Calling During Lockdown
Video calling has seen an explosion in popularity since lockdown, becoming the preferred option for staying in touch with friends and family. According to the latest research from price comparison company Uswitch.com, 19 million UK households are currently using video calling to stay in touch with one another during the Coronavirus pandemic, with 3.6 million…
Revealed: Fastest and Slowest Video Games to Download
New research from Uswitch.com has revealed the fastest and slowest video games to download, depending on where you live around the world. The study took 41 of the most-mentioned video games across Reddit, IGN, Gamespot, Gamesradar, Giant Bomb and Metacritic and calculated how long it would take to download them, based on the average download…
NCSC removes 2000 Coronavirus scams in a month
The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, has taken down more than 2,000 online coronavirus scams in the last month. NCSC said this included 471 fake online shops that were selling fraudulent virus-related items. It coincides with the launch of a cross-governmental ‘Cyber Aware’ campaign offering advice for people to protect passwords,…
Top Tech Stories of the Week: iPhone SE launches, Facebook warns users
Chris Price looks at the biggest tech stories of the week, including the launch of new, cut-price iPhone SE and Ford trialling social distancing wristbands in factories... Ford is trialling a wristband that buzzes when workers come too close to one another. The experiment, which aims to encourage social distancing in the workplace, took place…
Top 50 online activities during lockdown
Live meditation sessions, music concerts and even visits to the zoo are among the Top 50 online activities taking place online as the nation adapts to ‘virtual living’. A study of 2,000 adults found many people have gone way beyond conference calls, keep fit sessions and online pub quizzes. Lockdown has forced us to find…
8 Tips for setting up a Secure Zoom meeting
Just as Britain leaving the European Union spawned new words - most notably Brexit - so too is the Coronavirus pandemic changing our vocabulary. And inevitably with many of us now WFH - or working from home - a lot of these words are to do with technology, particularly around video conferencing it seems. Much…
Five ways smartphones could help Coronavirus ‘exit strategy’
Could technology help us find a way out of the current Coronavirus pandemic - the so-called exit strategy? It is possible. Chris Price looks at several projects that are hoping to fight the spread of the virus... NHS Coronavirus 'contact tracing' app 'Contact tracing' is expected to be a key part of the government's exit…
6 Top Tips to Save Money on Energy Bills during COVID-19 Lockdown
Brits are facing having to adapt to new working environments as the current lockdown see millions of people working from home, many for the first time. As a result of the increased need for remote working, one of the many concerns may be the impact this could have on household bills – which Ofgem average…
VW unveil classic looking e-BULLI electric vehicle
The e-BULLI is based on the T1 Samba Bus from 966 This looks amazing. It's an electric vehicle based on a T1 Samba Bus that was originally produced in 1966 and which has been comprehensively restored. Called the e-BULLI, it was due to be launched at Techno Classica 2020 but,…
How to stay safe online during Coronavirus isolation
As most of us find ourselves playing out much of our lives online, whether that’s working from home, teaching from home or keeping ourselves entertained, there comes an increased possibility of opening ourselves up to potential attacks from cybercriminals. David Emm, Principal Security Researcher at Global security expert, Kaspersky, provides the below advice on how…
Over half of users have problems with mobile network, says GWS
Mobile network tester Global Wireless Solutions has released the results of its most extensive nationwide customer experience test of mobile network performance to date. The detailed assessment involved GWS’ engineers collecting close to one million data and voice task tests on iOS and Android devices, alongside nationwide focus groups conducted in partnership with Jigsaw Research,…
Smart Window poster to help Bath’s homeless
With most of us now carrying less cash than ever before, giving money to homeless people has become a real problem. However technology may have the answer in the form of ‘smart window poster’ which allows contactless donations to be made to the homeless. Ground breaking new contactless technology is being trialled at Nationwide’s Union…
Worst password offenders 2019: Google and Facebook top list
Password management company Dashlane has announced its fourth annual list of the "Worst Password Offenders." The list highlights the high-profile individuals and organizations that had the most significant password-related blunders in 2019. Big Tech and regulation have been at the forefront of political and societal conversations, with GDPR and the general election dominating the media.…
Six Great Apps to Help You Find Local Events
LoyalFree founder Sophie Hainsworth picks her favourite apps for finding local events, including Skiddle and Eventbrite... With new technology, finding out what is going on in your local area has never been easier. This is great news if you don’t want to hear about a great local event after it happened, or you have moved…
How can social media users deal with online trolls?
Social media users are being encouraged to ignore and report abusive messages they receive from online trolls as part of a new campaign to stop the spread of hateful content. A new charity – the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) – has published advice on how to best to deal with abuse that has…
Apple iPhone 11: Everything you need to know
Apple has announced a range of new devices at its latest live event, including the next generation of iPhone devices. Here is everything you need to know from the event. iPhone 11 To be released in three different sizes, the iPhone 11’s big focus is ensuring better photography. The entry-level iPhone 11 comes with a…
Hotels of the Future: 6 key features
Glass TVs that know your favourite films, showers that adapt to your body temperature and glass privacy walls which change from transparent to opaque. These are all predicted to be key features of hotel rooms by 2034 according to new research... Hospitality technology experts Guestline has partnered with six technology, AI and hotel experts to…
Underwater highways to become common claims Samsung report
Self-cleaning homes and flying taxis will be commonplace by 2069, a new Samsung report into life in the future predicts... Underwater highways, hoverboard-based sports and holidays in space will be available in 50 years’ time, a new report on the future of technology has predicted. The report also predicts the mass-scale production of 3D-printed organs,…
What is 5G and how fast is it?
The Government has announced plans to speed up the roll-out of 5G technology and improve mobile phone signals in rural areas as part of efforts to increase innovation across the UK. 5G networks have already begun to launch across parts of the country, with several mobile operators switching on their networks in a number of…
Virtual GP service ‘risks destabilising care for patients with greatest needs’
Expansion of a virtual GP service where patients are consulted over smartphones risks “destabilising care” for the most complex and vulnerable cases, a heath professor warned. If rolled out more widely, the NHS GP at Hand service would “cream off” fit young patients from existing practices at the expense of those with the greatest needs,…
One giant leap for mankind: 50 years since first step on the moon
This weekend marks 50 years since astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon. The landing craft carrying the Apollo 11 Commander and fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin touched down on the moon on July 20 1969, before Armstrong stepped out and onto the surface, declaring: “That’s one small step for a…
What if Apollo 11 had ended in disaster?
Apollo 11 was an unprecedented mission, meaning there was always the possibility that astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin would not make it back from the moon’s surface. A speech was prepared for then-US president Richard Nixon, penned by White House speechwriter Bill Safire on July 18 1969. Fortunately, the mission was a success, meaning…
5 things we learned from Vodafone 5G launch
Yesterday Vodafone became the latest mobile operator to launch 5G in the UK, following EE's launch in May. Here are 5 things we learned from the launch... 5G isn't going to be that expensive - It may be that Vodafone is aggressively pricing its 5G packages in order to gain greater market share against frontrunner…
How do I switch mobile provider with text message?
Mobile users across the UK can now switch network provider via text message in a move aimed at simplifying the process. Here is how customers can go about changing: Why are these changes happening? The changes have been introduced by telecoms regulator Ofcom with the aim of making it less hassle for people to switch…
Review: Nissan LEAF e+ from £35,000
Chris Price travels down to Southampton on Clean Air Day to check out Nissan's latest electric vehicle, the £35,000 LEAF e+ It's perhaps a sign of the growing maturity of the electric vehicle (EV) market that at first glance there's little to distinguish between the latest Nissan LEAF e+, pictured above, and a conventional fuel…
NASA restores Mission Control 50 years after Apollo 11
NASA has held a grand reopening of its Mission Control room from the Apollo days after it was meticulously restored to the way it looked 50 years ago. The site at Johnson Space Centre in Houston was last used for space shuttle flights in the 1990s, and has been recreated down to the carpeting, wallpaper,…
Fake review sales rife on Facebook and eBay, reports CMA
Facebook and eBay have been urged by the competition watchdog to stop the sale of fake reviews through their sites, after it found “troubling evidence” that there is a thriving marketplace for them. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said that after web sweeps performed between November 2018 to June 2019, it was concerned about…
Facebook Libra cryptocurrency – your questions answered
Facebook has announced its own form of cryptocurrency called Libra alongside a digital wallet named Calibra. Together, they will allow users to pay for everyday items directly using their smartphone. Martyn Landi reports... Here is a look at how the new digital currency will work. What is Libra? Libra is the name of the new…
Review: Should I buy £469 Google Pixel 3a XL
Google’s attempt at taking a bigger bite out of the hardware side of the smartphone sector continues with its Pixel range, which now includes a budget version of its third handset. Jamie Harris reviews the Google Pixel 3a XL... The strongest part of Google's Pixel phones lie within its photographic abilities. With the Pixel 3a…
Will smartphones ever take the place of professional cameras?
The Huawei P30 Pro phone is creating a stir among mobile photography enthusiasts. But what would members of one of the oldest camera clubs in the UK make of the pictures produced by a phone? Dan Waters reports.... For more than 128 years, camera enthusiasts across the generations have met at Llanelli Photographic Society to…
How will our lives change in a world of net zero emissions?
The look of the countryside could change (Ben Birchall/PA) People could see widespread changes in their daily lives as the UK moves to cut climate emissions to zero over the next three decades. Prime Minister Theresa May has announced that the UK will legislate for a new legal target to cut…
Having TV on while sleeping increases obesity risk. 5 tips for better sleep
Women exposed to artificial light at night were more likely to become obese (Clara Molden/ PA) Having the TV on while sleeping could increase the risk of obesity, new research suggests. Women exposed to artificial light at night were more likely to gain weight and become obese or overweight over the…
SKODA unveils cycling support car with built in washing machine!
Billed as the support car for the cyclist who dreams of the perfect summer ride, the ŠKODA Karoq Velo features a whole host of in-built technologies, from a fully-functioning washing machine for washing sweaty kit to a drone landing pad! Developed and built by ŠKODA UK, the Karoq Velo was conceived by a team of…
London Tech Week: Theresa May praises UK tech sector
Prime Minister Theresa May has urged the tech industry to work with the Government to ensure Britain remains “one of the best places in the world to start and grow a tech business”. Mrs May used a speech at the opening of London Tech Week to announce Government investment of more than £150 million in…
What is Google Stadia? Everything you need to know about gaming platform
Google has given more details about its upcoming cloud-based gaming platform Stadia, announcing prices and game titles. Here is how the tech giant’s offering looks so far: What is Stadia and how does it work? Stadia is Google’s forthcoming video gaming service, which uses the cloud to stream games instead of requiring players to download…
What does the end of Apple iTunes actually mean?
Apple has announced plans to replace iTunes, its long-running software which revolutionised the way people buy music, films and TV shows when it launched 18 years ago. Many are viewing the move as the end of the app, though it will continue to exist in some form for now. What has Apple announced? Apple said…
Apple WWDC: Key announcements – including iOS13, ‘cheese grater’ Mac Pro
Apple has announced a wide range of updates across its software platforms, as the tech giant prepares for its next generation of devices. Here is a closer look at the Apple products announced at WWDC (Worldwide Developer Conference). macOS and the end of iTunes (Apple) The most significant part of Apple’s updates around macOS, the…
EE launches 5G but which smartphones are 5G-enabled?
5G is available to the public in the UK for the first time, with EE launching its service on Thursday May 30th in select cities. The new network coverage is available in parts of London, Cardiff, Belfast, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester to begin with, before rolling out gradually to other locations by the end of…
Virtual Reality better at detecting Alzheimer’s than conventional tests
A new virtual reality system developed by a team of UK scientists is better at spotting the early signs of Alzheimer’s than “gold standard” tests currently use by doctors, research suggests. Pioneered by a team at the University of Cambridge, the technology was even able to sort patients with early signs of Alzheimer’s from those…
Vodafone announces 5G launch on July 3rd with several new handsets
Vodafone is to switch on its 5G network for both consumers and business customers in seven cities across the UK on 3 July 2019. It will also offer 5G roaming in Germany, Italy and Spain over the summer. Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool and London will be among the first cities in the world…
Google I/O developer conference: all the key announcements
Google has revealed a string of software and hardware updates as the company set out its plans for the rest of 2019 at its annual I/O developer conference. Alongside new, cheaper Pixel handsets were a range of new technologies for its artificial intelligence programmes. Here is a look at the key announcements. Pixel 3a Siblings…
OPPO launches new Reno models with pop-up cameras. Including 5G model on EE
Unveiled to Tech Digest at an exclusive event in Zurich, Chinese manufacturer OPPO - the fifth largest smartphone manufacturer in the world - has launched its new Reno product range in Europe. Prices start from 499 Euros, up to 899 Euros for the 5G model. Boasting Pivot-Rising Camera design (see above pic and below YouTube…
What do new age rules over online pornography mean?
Tighter controls on pornography websites are due to come into force from July, in a bid to prevent children from easily accessing adult content. The long-awaited and controversial measures are said to be a world first, which will be overseen by a regulator, but concerns have been raised about how it will work. Why is…
How to make great branded video content. Interview: Phil Nottingham, Wistia
Once, if small business wanted to promote themselves they would have to place an ad in their local newspaper or perhaps – if budget allowed – produce a shaky little promo video that appeared at their local cinema. Who can remember those classic Pearl and Dean gems from the 1970s and 1980s that you would…
Government unveils ‘world’s first’ internet safety laws
The Government will introduce “world first” internet safety laws designed to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online, new proposals published today (8th April 2019) claim. A white paper on online harms, published jointly by the Departments for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Home Office, proposes strict…
Review: Samsung Galaxy S10+ smartphone from £899
2019 is likely to be a watershed for smartphone makers, with foldable phones and 5G technology entering the market, offering the chance for firms to set new standards. For Samsung it is also likely to be a pivotal year as it must respond to the contrasting fortunes of its two biggest rivals – Huawei’s upward…
Review: BT Complete WiFi, from £39.99 per month
Name: BT Complete WiFi Type: Broadband service Specs: Click here for full specs Price: From £39.99 per month Fed up of not being able to get WiFi throughout your home? BT has introduced what it claims to be the only service that guarantees 'wall to wall' coverage in every room of the house. Called Complete…
Apple ‘yet to convince’ it can compete with Netflix, industry expert says
Apple may not be able to offer the same range of content as Netflix when it launches its Apple TV+ streaming service, according to one industry expert. The technology giant showcased a wide range of Hollywood stars including Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon as it announced its plans to make original, quality TV…
Key announcements from Apple’s live event – Apple TV+, Apple Card, Apple News +
Apple has announced a string of new services as the company looks to further establish itself outside of the slowing smartphone market. Here is a look at what the technology giant has unveiled including Apple TV+, Apple Card and Apple News+ Apple TV+ The firm’s much anticipated new video subscription service, Apple TV+ is a…
Everything you need to know about new streaming service, Apple TV+
Apple has launched its long-rumoured TV streaming service, Apple TV+, at a star-studded event featuring the likes of Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey. The new service comes at a competitive time for streaming, with Netflix and Amazon Prime currently leading the way, and Disney and WarnerMedia currently preparing their own offerings. Here is everything you…
Web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee calls to stop misuse as it marks 30th anniversary
Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the world wide web, has called on the public and politicians to “come together” to end its misuse in a letter to mark the technology’s 30th anniversary. The founder of the World Wide Web Foundation said the internet had created opportunities for good but had also become a space…
How can parents help keep children safe online? Top 4 tips for internet safety
The safety of children on the internet has been called into question in recent weeks following a number of incidents that have raised concerns about the amount of harmful content online. Internet companies are being pushed to do more to combat this but parents – even those with limited knowledge of social media – can also…
Britbox: What is it and will it be able to compete with rivals like Netflix?
The BBC and ITV are proposing a new joint streaming service for the UK to take on the might of Netflix and Amazon. New commissions, recent shows and old British favourites will feature on the BritBox platform. But what exactly is it and can it really take on its rivals? Why are the BBC and…
The key features of the Samsung Galaxy S10 line-up
Samsung has marked the 10th anniversary of its flagship Galaxy S smartphone range by unveiling three new versions of the phone. Here’s a closer look at the key features of the new S10 range. Galaxy S10 The standard version of the new line-up, the S10 will come with a 6.1-inch Wide Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED…
IBM’s AI machine loses debate against a human
An IBM-made machine designed to win debates has lost out to a human champion debater from London, in a heated competition of man versus artificial intelligence. The tech firm’s Project Debater is said to be the world’s first AI system that can debate against humans on complex issues, but at an event held in San…
Huawei blames ‘jealousy’ for cybersecurity criticism
Jealousy could be behind some of the criticism of Huawei in the West, the Chinese technology giant has suggested. The firm said it had a “sound record” of cybersecurity and warned continuing “groundless suspicion” would damage the whole technology industry as it begins to roll out 5G, the next generation communication technology. Several countries –…
Wingate and Finchley’s FC Artificial Intelligence coach earns draw in landmark game
Wingate and Finchley FC have seen the first results of their move to incorporate artificial intelligence into the coaching set-up with a 1-1 draw in the Isthmian League Premier Division. Earlier in the year, the north London side announced their decision to use the Amazon Echo system, and it debuted in the relegation clash against…
Microsoft names UK as ‘safest place in the world’ for internet users
Microsoft has named the UK as the safest country in the world for internet users. But the tech giant warned many still suffer from abuse, scams and unwanted contact. Releasing the figures to mark Safer Internet Day, the firm said the most common complaints for UK users included being contacted by strangers, receiving unwanted sexual…
Parts of central London in ‘Broadband Blackspot’, according to Which? report
Parts of central London, including Westminster, have some of the lowest Broadband speeds in Britain Parts of central London, Stroud, Tunbridge Wells and Canterbury are among the more surprising areas suffering from the worst broadband in the country, according to new Which? analysis of customer speed tests. The consumer watchdog…
Nike confirms $350 Adapt BB ‘connected shoes’ with smartphone control
As per our story this morning, Nike has confirmed a new pair of connected shoes which are self-lacing and can be controlled from a smartphone. The new Nike Adapt BB contain what the sportswear firm called power laces, which tighten or loosen the shoes at the press of a button - either on the shoes…
CES 2019: 5 things we learned from the world’s biggest tech show
Every year the technology industry gathers in Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), an event that often sets the agenda for the coming 12 months. This is what CES 2019 taught us, reports Martyn Landi... The dawn of 5G The first 5G networks are expected to begin rolling out this year, and so the…
In Pictures: Top gadgets showcased at CES in Las Vegas
This year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has drawn to a close in Las Vegas. The CES welcomed more than 180,000 visitors over four days, viewing more than 20,000 new gadgets. Here are some of the best on show… The Royole Corporation showcased FlexPai, the world’s first foldable screen smartphone (Martyn Landi/PA) The phone looked somewhat…
The best gadgets of CES 2019? Including LG rollable display, Hyundai walking car
CES, the biggest trade show in the technology calendar, has come to a close in Las Vegas after a week of flexible screens, robots and driverless cars. Here are some of the best new gadgets we saw at the show... LG rollable TV Flexible screens were one of the themes of this year’s show, but…
CES 2019: How Apple succeeded at this year’s show without even attending
CES is the biggest technology show in the world but there has been one glaring absence since 1992 – Apple. The iPhone maker and first public company worth one trillion dollars no longer exhibits at the trade show, held in Las Vegas, and which was attended by more than 182,000 people this year. However, the…
CES 2019: The year when smart vehicle technology took centre stage
Martyn Landi/PA Car and other vehicle concepts are transforming CES from a traditional gadget convention into something much more diverse, writes Martyn Landi... The technology on display at CES increasingly involves cars and other vehicles, with the gadget show becoming more diverse in the products showcased as a result. Some vehicle…
Appy Christmas – Help get your business through festive season with these 6 Fun Xmas Apps
Guest writer Anthony Main of app development company The Distance picks his favourite fun apps for getting through the festive period... With Christmas fast approaching, the high streets are flooding with people, the Christmas markets are springing up in town and city centres across the country and the parties are in full swing. However, Christmas…
Vauxhall unveils all electric GT X concept car – no wing mirrors or door handles required!
Car design hasn't really changed that much in the last few years. However new technology means that in the not so distant future, cars will not only respond in a different way than they do today (largely thanks to increasing automation) they will also look much different too. Take the GT X concept car…
Why upgrading to smart home security is a smart idea
Wasim Bux, product manager at home insurance provider iGO4, explains why upgrading to smart home security will keep your home safe and give you peace of mind. As our homes become smarter, it's easier than ever to keep track of our entire lives from the palm of our hand. The same is now true for…
Review: Apple iPhone XR £749
The £749 iPhone XR is available in six different colours Apple’s third iPhone of the year - the 'affordable' XR - is meant to be the device to bring the latest Apple technology to more people. But is it really any good or has its cheaper price-tag been achieved by cutting…
Top Five Electric Motorbikes On The Market, Including Zero And Vespa
@zeromotorcycles BMW launched an electric scooter back in 2014. The Isle of Man TT has an entire race devoted to electric bikes. You may not have heard them coming, well you wouldn’t, would you, but electric motorbikes are here and more than ready to give conventional bikes a run for their money. Imagine, no more…
Six transformative ICO-funded companies which are definitely worth watching
This time last year the investing world was abuzz with tales of ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings) and how small companies were raising millions off the back of half an idea and a cleverly worded white paper. Mercifully the hype surrounding ICOs seems to have well and truly receded, and now the dial has shifted towards…
Apple iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, Apple Watch launch – what the industry experts have to say
We asked four industry experts and commentators for their views on yesterday's Apple iPhone and Apple Watch launch.... Apple iPhone XS and XS Max Ben Wood, Chief of Research at CCS Insight: "The iPhone XS Max is undoubtedly the star of the show. It builds on the success of the iPhone X and offers one…
10 surprising ways that driverless cars could change the world
With driverless, or autonomous, cars set to arrive on UK roads by 2021 according to the government, they are predicted to change the face of personal mobility forever. Undoubtedly, they'll make our roads safer, give us more free time and make our journeys faster. But what are the less predictable consequences of driverless cars? Select…
Review: Airtame wireless dongle £299
Chris Price reviews the Airtame, a plug and play device that can help businesses connect their employees and guests with the TV and projector screens in their organisations much more easily…. When it comes to giving presentations on the big screen it never seems as easy as it should be. All too often, the computer…
5 things to see at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed – including Tesla Model 3, Ford Mustang GT
Staged every summer since 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is the world’s largest automotive garden party, set against the spectacular backdrop of Goodwood House in West Sussex, UK. Over 600 cars and motorcycles spanning the phenomenal history of motoring and motor sport take part with some of the most legendary figures from the sport (and…
Review: PaMu Waterproof Wireless Earphones $79
It's fair to say that wireless headphones and earphones didn't used to be that great. Sound quality was generally poor, often very hissy, and range wasn't all that good either. How things have changed. We've been using these latest PaMu wireless earphones for a little while and so far we're extremely impressed. We first saw…
Top 12 tips for surviving summer driving
Most Brits love nothing more than basking in the sunshine, and according to reports, Britain is about to hit a heatwave, as tropical air from the Atlantic Azores islands engulf the nation over the next 10 days. This will affect us all, but for those planning road trips it’s essential to be prepared. Drivers need to…
7 video game startups to look out for – including Robot Cache, Blade Shadow Box
2018 has been shaping up to be an exciting year for gaming, as numerous companies are showing off VR/AR tech, the Razer 2 phone will be released later this year, and we’re only a few months away from TechCrunch’s Disrupt SF 2018 conference. Here we pick our 7 video game startups to look at for... It’s…
How you can make a living playing video games
Dean Anderson, Founder of social gaming platform Gamestatix, argues that skilled gamers should be financially rewarded. Gaming is rarely seen as anything more than an enjoyable hobby – yet anyone who’s tried to complete the epic journey that is Dark Souls, nail every challenge in Myst, or just get the better of Mike Tyson in…
Audi A6 Review: technology and comfort combined in a high-end saloon
Chris Price heads to Portugal's stunning Douro Valley to spend time driving the latest Audi A6 Saloon. His verdict? Not only is it very agile for a big car, it also combines onboard comfort with loads of great technology features... Driving around the mountainous roads of Portugal's Douro Valley it's difficult to believe that I'm behind…
Father’s Day Gift Guide: Top 5 audio choices for your Dad
It's nearing that time again (June 17th in the UK and US) when Dads are expecting gifts from their favourite children and woe betide anyone who decides to buy their old man slippers rather than a 1980s Boombox or a pair of cool looking headphones! Chris Price picks his Top 5 audio gifts for Father's…
Q+A interview with Get Technology author Gerald Lynch
Chris Price speaks to former Tech Digest editor Gerald Lynch about everything from bionics to transhumanism - just two topics featured in his latest book, Get Technology... Q: How did you get into technology? Were you into computer games as a kid? Like most people my age, it was probably through computer games. We had an…
5 IT ‘must-haves’ if you work from home
The popularity of work from home positions is on the rise – and for good reason. Remove the office and the commute and it seems people across a huge number of industries are more motivated, less likely to be ill, more productive and, believe it or not, collaborating with colleagues more effectively. That said, this…
How to bridge the Digital Skills Gap and get more programmers to meet demand
A digital skills gap is looming. Within just two years there will be a shortfall of nearly a million skilled programmers and other technical professionals, according to the EU Commission, and the demand for programming skills already outstrips supply. But how do we tackle this problem before the UK is left far behind the rest…
Heartbeat spoofing and Rick Astley Ransomware. Just some of the ways McAfee is tackling cybercrime
Image: fbi.gov Chris Price spends a day with McAfee Labs finding out how it plans to tackle cybercrime by showing organisations such as car manufacturers and the NHS just how easy it is to break into their systems.... Think McAfee and what springs to mind? Probably the anti-virus software that…
Review: FLIR One Pro thermal imaging camera £399
Name: FLIR One Pro Type: Thermal Imaging Camera Specs: Click here for full specs Price: £399.99 Oregon-based manufacturer Flir Systems has been producing a wide range of professional testing products for different markets including maritime, surveillance and defence industries for the last 40 years. It also offers a range of thermal imaging cameras for both…
When will we see the iPhone X Plus, and will it sell?
As one of the most innovative brands in the world, you would expect Apple to keep customers guessing when it comes to its future innovations. The launch of the futuristic iPhone X reaffirmed this, while commentators are already speculating about Apple's latest developments and the launch of a potential successor to their 10th anniversary offering.…
3 industries being disrupted by voice-enabled tech right now
Voice enabled technology has made great inroads in recent years, with digital assistants like Siri, Cortana and Alexa being embraced by millions worldwide. From searching for the best-rated local Mexican restaurant to finding out the name of the actor who played Ned Ryerson in Groundhog Day, we increasingly use these voice assistants as personal aids,…
Audi A7 Sportback review: luxury, performance and hi-tech combined
It's been a long time coming, but Chris Price is impressed by the refined yet sporty looking new Audi A7 as well as its masses of onboard tech While the style and the sophistication of a coupé, like the beautiful Audi TT, are all very well there are times you need the practicality of a modern…
10 free apps and tools to help you run your small business successfully
Image credit: tayloright.com Running a small business in this day and age is no easy feat. Not only are you competing against other businesses and huge corporations that operate on a global scale, you are often doing so on a fraction of the budget they have to spend. Another problem…
Vox Pop: the voice search revolution and how to make your business stand out
Tim Butler, founder of Innovation Visual, talks about how improved accuracy and convenience are ensuring massive growth for voice search and how businesses need to adapt to compete Voice Search is beginning to revolutionise search marketing. Google recently announced that 20% of searches on its mobile app and Android services are now carried out by…
Top 5 Personalised Gifts for Car Lovers This Valentine’s Day!
Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and if you’re a little fed up with the traditional flowers, chocolate and restaurant combination, why not try a more personal approach? Before you jump to conclusions, we’re talking about the perfect, personalised gifts to suit car lovers. Read on to see the Top 5 Gift Ideas for motor-enthused loved ones…
Tech Digest films skateboarding in VR 360 with the Kodak PixPro actioncam
Last week before the snow set in we travelled over to a lovely skate park in Tottenham's Markfield Park (formerly a sewage works) to film our latest 360 video in association with Kodak PixPro. And despite a few problems with the locals who didn't take kindly to our camera man setting up his gear in the…
Top 7 tips for winter driving to help stay safe
With parts of the UK experiencing heavy snow and icy conditions for the first time in several years, we've already seen treacherous driving conditions over the weekend and into this week. And with temperatures expected to keep dropping it's only going to get worse. Here we give our top 7 tips for winter driving to help you…
London landscapes: filming in 360 with Kodak PixPro 4K VR360 VR/action cam
Don't you just love those cold and crisp Autumn days when the sunlight glistens through the trees and the leaves make a crunching sound under foot. Well unfortunately the day we went down to the woods to film with the Kodak PixPro VR camera wasn't one of those days. Instead it was one of those horrible…
Honor announces entry level 7X and View 10 AI smartphone
Huawei sub-brand Honor launched two new smartphones at an event hosted by the company's President George Zhao, and attended by Tech Digest, in the city of London today. The Honor 7X is an entry-level phone, available now for a price of €299 (£269) while the Honor View 10 is being billed as the first AI…
Tech Digest heads to North London’s Go Ape adventure centre to review Kodak PixPro VR camera
Last Saturday was a beautiful day. Not only was the weather glorious and sunny in London (though extremely cold), we also got to experience a treetop adventure at London's Alexandra Palace with Go Ape. It's one of their recently opened adventure centres in North London (they now have 31 across the UK) and offers stunning…
Top 7 gifts for every car lover this Christmas
Just in case you hadn't realised, Christmas is now less than a month away and, if you haven’t already, it’s time to make a start on the present shopping. This grows trickier and usually more daunting every year. However, fear not if you’re looking to buy for an obvious car enthusiast. Produced in association with ClickMechanic,…
Tech Digest films London in VR with Kodak PixPro 4K VR360 camera
Tech Digest is really pleased to announce its latest partnership. Those nice people at Kodak have given us their brand new portable VR camera to shoot a series of eight short films in and around London before Xmas (I think we're gonna be a bit busy over the next few weeks). Called the Kodak PixPro 4K…
Which virtual reality headset should I buy? Our Top 6 VR choices for Christmas
For a long time, virtual reality was the preserve of geeks and techophiles looking to show off that they owned the latest hi-tech gadgets. However, that has begun to change with VR looking set to become mainstream in 2018 as prices fall and VR content improves through channels such as You Tube VR. The technology…
What is Oculus Go and why might it kickstart the VR market in 2018?
While there’s a lot of hype surrounding VR, the reality is that so far it remains a fairly niche interest with limited sales. However, all that could finally be set to change with the announcement of a new affordable, standalone VR product. Unveiled at the Oculus Connect 4 developers conference in San Jose, USA recently…
Driving the future – how we are on the brink of an EV revolution
Chris Price reports on new initiatives which will help kick-start the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, including Nissan’s partnership with Ovo which will reduce driving costs to virtually nothing Earlier this week I was lucky enough to be invited to Oslo as a guest of Nissan to attend its third Nissan Futures Conference. It was a…
Tim Peake’s Soyuz spacecraft goes on UK tour. Experience Samsung’s VR space adventure
Want to see the actual Soyuz spacecraft which was used for Tim Peake's Principia mission? Of course you do. Coming to a town near you, the Soyuz TMA-19M is set to go on tour until 2019, complete with a unique VR space adventure. The Science Museum Group, which acquired the capsule, has joined forces with…
Calling all trendsetters! Your chance to join an exclusive online community
Are you insatiably curious about the world around you? Then this is your opportunity to take part in an exclusive online community. As a member of our group, your feedback and ideas will go straight to the top, giving you the opportunity to influence the brands products, services and business decisions on a global scale. We’re…
Top 5 smart home products under £300
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to spend a fortune on making to create a smart home! There are now loads of great products out there which don’t cost a packet. Here are some that I regularly use and enjoy. By Chris Price Amazon Echo Dot £50 I came to the joys of Amazon’s…
Polaroid announces return with OneStep 2. Is the analogue camera revival on?
The Polaroid OneStep 2 is the first Polaroid branded camera for ten years. Image: Polaroid Originals Ten years after it made its last instant film camera, Polaroid is back under a new brand, Polaroid Originals. Writing for ShinyShiny, Chris Price wonders whether this is the beginning of the analogue film revival? If analogue record players…
Ten Commandments. Everything you need to know about the iPhone X in an instant
By now you're probably sick to death of hearing about Apple's latest 10th anniversary smartphone, the iPhone X, like it's the saviour of the world or something. But just in case you've been living under a rock or can't be bothered wading through all the coverage, here's a quick cheat guide so you can at…
WIN! WIN! WIN! THREE COPIES OF HUMANS VS COMPUTERS TO GIVE AWAY
Our lives are increasingly tracked and monitored by software. In this brave new world, humans can’t cope with information overload. Instead, governments and companies rely on computers to automatically detect fraud, predict behaviour and enforce laws. Clever marketing tricks us into believing that phones, TV sets and even cars are somehow smart. Yet all those…
Is this the sexiest electric car so far? Jaguar Land Rover unveils E-type Zero and pledges to go all electric by 2020
Forget the Nissan Leaf or even the Tesla Model 3. Jaguar Land Rover is launching an electric version of its classic 1960s E-type and we want one. Now. The electric Jaguar E-type called the E-type Zero Roadster is based on a 1968 Series 1.5 Roadster and features a cutting-edge electric powertrain for 0-60mph in just…
8 things we know about the iPhone 8 already
Is this the new iPhone 8? (pictured on the right). Image from Marques Brownlee YouTube channel. Amazingly, it's ten years since the first iPhone launched. A decade on and we're now waiting in eager anticipation for the latest models, including the iPhone 7S and 7S Plus, as well as the much…
Top 5 Star Wars: The Last Jedi tech toys unveiled as Force Friday II kicks off with BB-9E launch
As the global Force Friday II celebration kicks off around the world, fans in Australia were the first to officially unveil BB-9E, a new dark side character from the upcoming Star Wars: The Last Jedi film. Stores across Australia opened their doors at midnight to welcome fans seeking new Star Wars: The Last Jedi products, and attendees got to…
What do I need when driving abroad? Top 5 tips for safe motoring in Europe
iStock: Sergey Peterman Planning a driving holiday through Europe? From headlight beam deflectors to sat navs without speed camera detectors and compulsory breathalyser kits, Chris Price looks at the things you need to carry in your car if you want to avoid being pulled over by the local constabulary. It’s August and…
The technology that’s changing the game of tennis in a big way
Whether you believe in it or not, technology in sport is a hot topic these days with regular and countless calls for more and more computerised systems to be used across the major sports, and no doubt, in the less known sports as well. The word technology can lend itself to many different subjects and…
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 web tablet £599
Name: Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 Type: 9.7inch web tablet Specs: Click here for full specs Price: £599.99 Samsung has refreshed its tablet range for the first time since 2015 with a new flagship model. Replacing the Galaxy Tab S2, the new S3 is designed to compete with Apple's iPad Pro and boasts a 9.7 inch…
Are sat navs turning us into ‘zombie drivers’? Not surprisingly, mytaxi survey reckons so
London drivers are more reliant on sat navs than anywhere else in the UK – that’s the verdict of new study from black cab app mytaxi which suggests many of the capital’s motorists are rapidly turning into ‘zombie drivers wasting an average of 62 hours each year driving the wrong way round! The new study,…
Home security company Blink announces Alexa and IFTTT integration
Wire-free, home security and HD video monitoring solution Blink now offers integration with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT (If This Then That) in the UK. Blink customers will now have the ability to control their home security system with voice alone via Amazon Alexa enabled devices as well as connect their Blink systems to other smart…
BT Sport brings UEFA Champions League Final LIVE on YouTube
For the second year running, football fans will be able to watch the UEFA Champions League Final live and for FREE on YouTube, courtesy of BT Sport. Kicking off tomorrow night (Saturday 3rd June, 19.45) at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, the match between Juventus and Real Madrid will be available through a number of 360°streams…
Nest adds intelligent indoor security cam, Nest Cam IQ
Best known for its intelligent heating devices, Google-owned Nest Labs, Inc. (www.nest.com) has branched out with this nicely designed Nest Cam IQ indoor security camera (see above). Claiming best-in-class imaging and intelligent features, the Nest Cam IQ is smart enough to differentiate between a person and a pet and can alert you accordingly without having…
Teachers – get your class made in LEGO #MyMINILANDSchool
Teachers - does your school have a creative class? If so, here’s your chance to shine as LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, at intu Trafford Centre Manchester, is offering the chance for one school and all its pupils and teachers to be immortalised in LEGO and join the attraction’s MINILAND display. As part of the #MyMINILANDSchool competition, pupils from…
Half of Brit teens would consider engineering career, says report
At last some good news for those worried about the skills shortage, especially with forthcoming Brexit. A new report by recruitment website Jobsite shows that as many as 50% of 16-18 year olds would consider a career in engineering. With an annual shortfall of at least 20,000 skilled workers, generating interest in engineering has been…
‘Eight days a week’. The 24 hour Beatles channel to launch on SiriusXM
With the 50th anniversary of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club fast approaching, US broadcaster SiriusXM is pleased to announce the first ever Beatles-backed radio station. Launching May 18 on SiriusXM channel 18, it will celebrate the world's most important band in collaboration with and fully authorised by The Beatles' Apple Corps Ltd. The Beatles Channel…
Block out all incoming mobile phone signals with the Nissan ‘signal shield’
Nissan GB is trialling a technology that’s almost 200 years old in order to reduce smartphone distraction at the wheel. Called the Nissan Signal Shield, it's a prototype compartment on the Nissan Juke which works on the principle of the Faraday cage - an enclosure made of a conductive material, such as wire mesh, which…
Adventurer Chris Ramsey to undertake 10,000 mile Mongol Rally in Nissan LEAF electric car
As if driving the 10,000 mile Mongol Rally in a regular petrol/diesel car isn't difficult enough, one bright spark is set to undertake the adventure in Nissan's top selling electric vehicle this Summer. Scotsman Chris Ramsey of Electric Vehicle (EV) company, Plug In Adventures, will make the gruelling journey from Goodwood in the UK through…
Time to throw your keys away as smart locks become norm for home security
Could office and house keys become a thing of the past? Hady Abdelnour, co-founder of Smarke, certainly reckons so once a universal standard for home security is established In a few years will you still need a traditional metal key to access your home or office? Personally, I don’t think so. Instead, it’s likely that…
Top Free Website Builders
If you are running a business or just want to create a source of information about a topic that you are interested in, then a website is essential. However, if you are on a tight budget then you may think that this is something which is unaffordable. This does not have to be the case…
7 Risky But Common Things We Must Stop Doing Online
1. Relying Exclusively on Antivirus Protection Nearly one million malware threats are released online every day. It is practically impossible for an antivirus company to protect you from each and every one of them. That’s not it. A recent study done on 60 cybersecurity companies showed that 100% of ransomware attacks were able to bypass…
Top 7 accessories for your iPad/tablet – including iBeani, Omoton Bluetooth keyboard, Zilong tablet stand
So you've got an iPad or an Android tablet but want to do more with it? Chris Price looks at some products which will make your tablet even more useful around the house and outside including several stands, a wireless keyboard, glass screen protector, and even a sturdy car mount. iBeani From £24.99 While other…
YouGov site reveals how people rate each of Trump’s tweets
Heaven help us. As if the guy doesn't get enough publicity for his frankly insane social media activity, YouGov has unveiled a new website – TweetIndex.YouGov.com – showing how people rate each of Donald Trump’s tweets. YouGov TweetIndex is a new site that shows how the public reacts to a tweet’s content. To showcase the service, YouGov…
Could social platforms Altspace and Geekzonia help give VR a shot in the arm?
It's fair to say that the virtual and augmented reality market has grown significantly since 2010 when American teenager Palmer Luckey first created his VR headset prototype, which later evolved into the Oculus Rift. Yet despite the growing fascination with both AR and VR, the number of actual users still remains quite low – an…
London Games Festival gets underway as video games sector given boost
We're used to London Fashion Week. Now hoping to be a regular fixture on the London calendar is the London Games Festival. Backed by the Mayor of London, it returns for a second year on March 30, running for 10 days at various venues across the capital. New figures to be released this week (on March…
Add-ons you should purchase when getting an iPhone 7
One of the attractions of the iPhone 7 is its versatility and the number of add-ons that complement the handset. Here are some of the most useful: SMART BATTERY CASE This case extends battery life and provides stylish protection for the iPhone 7. Constructed of silicone, the case has a silky feel to the exterior…
UK lags behind Germany in Big Data survey
The UK has much to do to improve its global competitive stance when it comes to data and analytics usage and adoption, at least according to the findings of a study released today by data analytics solutions company Teradata. The company’s Data and Analytics Trends 2017 study compiles findings from over 900 senior business decision makers…
Google, Apple and Snapchat take gongs at Wearable Awards
Zappar (above) won an award for best AR/VR company at the Wearable Awards Google, Apple and Snapchat were just some of the winners announced at the fourth annual Wearable Awards this morning by organisers of the Wearable Technology Show, which is currently taking place at ExCeL in London. Tech giants Google,…
On its 10th Anniversary here’s how the original iPhone compares to the iPhone 7
Apple’s original iteration of its smartphone, the iPhone, is now 10 years old and it’s fair to say a lot of changes have happened to the iconic handset since it first hit the market a decade ago. The launch of the iPhone back in 2007 came off the back of extremely successful sales of Apple's…
Nokia 3310 nostalgia overshadows iPhone and Samsung
It's the most over hyped tech story of the decade so no wonder that the re-launch of the retro Nokia 3310 has boosted consumer engagement and sales potential for the mobile phone brand. At least that's the result of a recently published poll. According to a survey by Harris 24, the handset's launch at Mobile World…
5 of the top Social Media Marketing trends to watch closely
According to InternetWorldStats.com, by the end of 2016 there were 7.3 billion people on the planet and an Internet penetration rate of 50.1 percent. One third of the people on the Internet are active social media users. Social media continues to be more important than ever for businesses. The following are five trends that will…
Make Money on the Road – Online Casino Tells
Online poker is a totally different ballgame to your typical favorite online casino games. While there’s certainly money to be made on reputable online casinos like Guts.com, playing online poker presents some very different and very interesting opportunities, and that’s because you’re trying to beat real people as opposed to the casino. Whether you’re meeting…
MWC2017: SEAT simulator shows what future driving may be like
VW owned car company SEAT is just one of the many motor manufacturers at MWC in Barcelona unveiling their blueprint for the connected car future. After configuring their mobile phone and creating their own SEAT ID, visitors to the SEAT stand at MWC2017 can sit in the Sitzkiste Simulator and experience what driving in…
Huawei announces high-end £550 camera phone, the P10, at Barcelona Metronom gallery
Last night at Barcelona's Metronom gallery Huawei unveiled its latest high-end smartphone, the P10. Billed as the smartphone of choice for digital photography, the P10 - like its predecessor, the P9 - boasts two rear cameras as well as a front facing camera, all with Leica optics. Whereas the P9 had two 12MP lenses, this…
#MWC17: Hubble introduces ’emotional home’ devices with Alexa voice control
Binatone’s Hubble Connected introduces ’emotional home’ products with Alexa voice control
MWC2017: ARCHOS introduces rugged Google Nougat tablet
ARCHOS unveils Saphir tablet, a 2-in-1 tablet running Google Nougat OS
Is 2017 make or break year for virtual reality?
Games blogger Joshua Mason reckons virtual reality needs a breakout game to be truly successful
Boost iPhone 6/6S sound with integrated hi-fi speaker case
The Peri Duo claims to be the first iPhone case with a built in hi-fi speaker and battery pack.
Intel and Ericsson launch 5G Innovators Initiative with Honeywell, GE
Intel and Ericsson have announced a 5G Innovators Initiative with Honeywell, GE and the University of California Berkeley
Aston Martin partners with Red Bull for V8, V12 Vantage S models inspired by Formula 1
Aston Martin partners with Red Bull for V8, V12 Vantage S models inspired by Formula 1
Which wireless headphones should I choose for my iPhone, Android smartphone?
Which wireless headphones should I choose for my Apple, Android smartphone?
New 4G phones launching at Mobile World Congress
Annual trade show Mobile World Congress (MWC) takes place in Barcelona, Spain between February 27 and March 2, 2017. This year sees a focus on upcoming smart phones as well as other technology devices. In addition to high profile product launches from most of the big manufacturers, visitors can also expect to catch a…
UK online retail sales up – but electricals sector slumps
There's good news and bad news for online sales. First the good news. Online retail sales were up 12% year-on-year in January. Now the bad. The electrical sector slumped by 12% over the same period. According to the latest figures from the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index, the average basket value (ABV) for online…
MWC 2017 phone launches. Including BlackBerry Mercury, Nokia 3310, Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
Mobile World Congress (MWC) is the biggest mobile phone event in Europe. Due to take place in Barcelona, Spain, between February 27 and March 2, 2017, it will see most of the major players in the industry announcing their new phone line-ups for 2017 and beyond. In addition to the mobile phone companies, we'll also…
Amazon Echo and Google Home to offer voice calling?
Could Amazon Echo and Google Home be about to offer voice calling via their smart speakers? That's what website Wearable reckons and it certainly makes sense. Although not officially confirmed, the story comes from the Wall Street Journal's sources. Apparently both companies are looking to offer VOIP (voice over internet protocol) calls via the smart…
Samsung report warns businesses to ‘wake up’ to digital technology
A new report commissioned by Samsung which examines the impact that changes in society and technology will have upon the future of the workplace, warns that businesses have three years to embrace digital technologies or risk getting left behind. The report claims that businesses must adjust to the fast changing digital landscape in which a…
Denon AH-C160W wireless bluetooth earphones with ear-hooks
Launching today from Denon is this pair of AH-C160W Wireless Bluetooth In-Ear Sports headphones. Unlike some designs, the great thing about this pair of is they come with ear-hook technology to ensures the earphones stay in place, even during the most strenuous workout. What's more there's also a choice of three sizes of ring, four…
SpotCam announces home security and monitoring solution for £159
Cloud-based video solutions startup SpotCam announces the SpotCam Sense, an all-in-one home monitoring and security solution. Like the Blink security system reviewed here, the SpotCam Sense will record video footage if it senses movement, say from an intruder. However, unlike Blink which records in 720p, the Spotcam offers full HD 1080p, covering an entire room…
B&O Play announces Beoplay4 wireless headphones
B&O PLAY is pleased to introduce Beoplay H4, a new pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones designed by Jakob Wagner. Made using some of the finest materials, the headphones feature soft lambskin ear cushions as well as a lambskin covered headband. The inside of the ear cushion is made of memory foam that adapts to the…
Top 5 Freeview/YouView set-top boxes for watching free TV channels
Want to expand your channel viewing but don't want to pay for subscription services, like Sky TV? Obviously you can watch digital terrestrial (Freeview) TV channels via your digital TV set. Alternatively you can use one of the latest generation set-top boxes which will given even wider viewing choice, flexibility and, possibly, improved picture quality,…
TomTom extends Fitness Tracker range
TomTom Sports has extended its Fitness Tracker range with the launch of the new TomTom Touch Cardio. The TomTom Touch Cardio monitors your heart rate, tracks your steps, calories burned, sleep and active time. The TomTom Touch Cardio boasts a new design for everyday wear. It comes after the successful launch of the TomTom Touch Cardio…
B&W to introduce new P7 Wireless headphones in September
British loudspeaker company Bowers & Wilkins has announced the P7 Wireless headphones. Available from this September for £319.99, the P7 Wireless builds on the dual success of the original P7 and the award-winning P5 Wireless. Thanks to the acoustic advances made with the original P7 drive units, sound performance is, claims the manufacturer, even better than…
Six of the best accessories for the Amazon Echo smart speaker
Chris Price looks at some of the best accessories you can buy for the latest voice controlled speaker and multimedia device, the Amazon Echo. A hands-free speaker you can control with your voice, the Amazon Echo is fast becoming 2017's must have gadget. The idea is that rather than having to press buttons to control…
Best smartphones for 2017
Every year, more smartphones come out offering better specs, bigger screens, superior cameras, newer designs. And every year the question of which phone to buy becomes harder and harder. You want to buy the best phone you can, the one that will match your lifestyle perfectly. But how do you choose? They're all so similar,…
Top 5 Bluetooth headphones for Apple iOS, Android smartphones
Chris Price looks at some of the best Bluetooth headphones for your Apple, Android smartphone Who needs another set of wires? Now Apple has got rid of the headphone jack on its iPhone 7 and 7 Plus devices you simply can't plug in your standard set of wired headphones into the phone anymore without…
Halo Wars 2 preview: is it trying to please too many people?
Halo Wars 2 is the second in the iconic franchise’s expansion into real time strategy. The original Halo Wars was released in 2009 and was relatively well received considering it came out of a FPS. It holds an 82/100 rating on Metacritic. But can the new Halo Wars 2 improve on that and prove the…
Brain controlled robot allows severely disabled to ‘move around’ for first time
Severely disabled with a spinal injury, Anthony Bartl uses Aubot's Teleport to 'visit' the world around him from his wheelchair For disabled people unable to physically visit places around them, the world can seem a very limited place. But that may be about to change as Australian company Aubot has developed…
9 mistakes to avoid when completing a UK tax return
By Images_of_Money's profile - www.flickr.com, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19145960 With UK self-assessment tax return forms due with HMRC by January 31st, Jonathan Amponsah of The Tax Guys gives his advice on mistakes you can avoid when filling one in Filling out a personal tax return can be stressful. It's surprising given it's a…
Nissan to bring real-world autonomous driving tests to British streets
It's not just Volvo which is planning real-world demonstrations of autonomous driving cars - see here. Nissan is also planning to test self-driving cars out on our streets next month. Showcasing next-generation technology using the Nissan Leaf, the on-road demonstrations will take place in London, enabling the vehicles and their passengers to cover a diverse city…
What is the Nintendo Switch and do I need one?
The new year has arrived and with it a possible golden age for games consoles too. The Nintendo Switch is officially unveiled today (January 13, 2017) and it is seen as an important step for the Japanese giants. But a step in which direction? Games blogger Joshua Mason and Tech Digest publisher Chris Price report.…
New Jaguar F-Type offers raft of in-car tech including GoPro video app for sharing drives
Announced today (10/1/17), the new Jaguar F-TYPE sports car promises a state-of-the-art infotainment system complete with ReRun app that combines vehicle data with GoPro video. Every F-TYPE now features the Touch Pro infotainment system. This include intelligent navigation functions such as Share ETA and online services such as real-time traffic and live weather reports .…
Some of the best UK tech start-ups to watch out for from #CES2017
With the Fridgecam from UK start-up Smarter Applications you can monitor and replenish your fridge's content via an app. There's no doubt about it, this year's CES show in Las Vegas was one of the best ever. Developments in AI (Artificial Intelligence) and the Internet of Things (IoT) means that just…
UK is 12th cheapest place to buy an iPhone. In Venezuela one will cost you $97,000!
Next time you grumble about the cost of your phone, spare a thought for the poor people of Venezuela where hyper-inflation means that the cost of an iPhone is currently a mouth-watering, wallet-loosening $97,000! By comparison, the UK comes in relatively cheap at an average price of $542 (without contracts), but not as cheap as…
Swedish family chosen for Volvo’s real time, autonomous driving project
Most car manufacturers prefer to test out their self driving car technology behind closed doors, on a test track without any other cars on the road to get in the way. Not Volvo. It's taken a slightly different, perhaps more daring, approach. Unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show was a family of four who are…
Affected by emissions scandal? Legal firms take action against VW on behalf of diesel car owners
Legal action has been announced against VW on behalf of diesel car owners in England and Wales affected by the emissions scandal. Harcus Sinclair UK Limited, a leading UK law firm specialising in large group litigation, has applied for a group litigation order in claims against VW, Audi, SEAT and Skoda arising out of the…
#CES2017: Panasonic unveil head up display complete with Augmented Reality
Panasonic sure has been busy at CES2017 in Las Vegas. Earlier we wrote about its car cabin of the future. Now there's just time to to tell you about a next-generation head up vehicle display system which allows you to keep your eyes on the road at the same time as getting important information in…
#CES2017: Panasonic unveils future cabin for the autonomous car
Forget driving. In the future we'll all be playing cards or watching a 4K screen in the back of the vehicle with our friends while the intelligent car does all the hard work. Well maybe. Unveiled today at CES 2017 in Las Vegas is this Autonomous Cabin Concept from Panasonic. Described as a 'next-generation…
CES2017: Faraday Future’s Tesla rival malfunctions during live demo
Chinese backed auto startup Faraday Future is hoping to take on electric car supremo Tesla with an intelligent electric vehicle. However, the car manufacturer was left red-faced when its driverless parking feature failed to work at CES 2017. The FF 91 is set to become the first car in production for Faraday Future, a company that only…
CES2017: Ford teams up with Amazon Alexa for in house and in car control
Ford and Amazon have teamed up to offer consumers the ability to access their car from their home, and call up other features from their vehicle via Alexa, Amazon’s cloud-based voice service. The Alexa integration will allow Ford owners to play and resume audiobooks, order items on Amazon, search for and transfer local destinations to…
CES2017: ASUS claims new ZenFone 3 Zoom has world’s best smartphone camera
Does the ZenFone3 Zoom, above, feature the world's best smartphone camera? At CES2017 ASUS has introduced two new Android smartphones, a new augmented and virtual reality ready model and a handset which the company claims boasts the world's best smartphone camera. Designed for photography and extended use, the ZenFone 3 Zoom…
CES2017: Ubtech introduces Alexa-powered Lynx robot
Above: Ubtech Robotics offers a range of fun robots, including a new model powered by Amazon's virtual assistant Is the age of the personalised robot edging closer? Certainly it would seem that way judging by the all the the robotics companies exhibiting at CES in Las Vegas this year. Chinese company…
Bosch start-up introduces $700 Kuri robot at CES2017
Meet Kuri, a brand new robot from Bosch startup, Mayfield Robotics, who is one of several new robots making an appearance at this year's CES Show in Las Vegas. Kuri is designed to have a real personality, awareness, and autonomous mobility. He can understand context and surroundings, recognise specific people, provide companionship and more. Costing $699,…
CES2017: GE announces Drop Recipes partnership for smart kitchen
Using the Drop Recipes app you can find the recipe you want and it will preheat the oven automatically A new partnership between appliance company GE and the Drop Recipes Apple iOS App will let customers find recipes on their smartphone and send commands to their oven to cook their…
5 interesting things to experience at CES 2017, including smart smells, robots and fertility trackers!
CES kicks off this week in Las Vegas. The world's largest technology expo, it promises thousands of new and exciting products from manufacturers right across the globe. And while the show has already caused some controversy this year with the organiser Gary Shapiro claiming the UK government is not doing enough to help its…
Will self driving cars help disabled the most?
Study shows self driving cars help the disabled the most. Picture from Mobility Roadshow Vehicles fitted with autonomous technologies will bring most benefit to the personal mobility of the disabled (56%), the visually impaired (42%) and the elderly (30%), according to a survey of the British public conducted by Nissan. Improved…
Top 5 drones under £100 – great fun for the holidays!
You don't need to spend a fortune to have fun over the festive season with a drone. Here are five models under £100 which you can take down your local park to perform tricks, take pictures and film footage from above. Many even offer High Definition video playback! Chris Price reports 1. Husban X4 H107D…
10 Secret Santa gifts for your friends and family for under £10
It’s official: Secret Santa is no longer just a treat for the office! A new survey reveals that, while most are based in the workplace, almost a quarter of Secret Santas in the UK now take place among friends, and one in five families do them too. But the shift from work to home (or…
COMPETITION: 5 EuroSport Player subs to give away for 2017
Love sport, especially tennis, cycling and winter sports? Then you need to get a subscription for Eurosport! It offers loads of brilliant sporting content including exclusive rights for the US and Australian Open set to feature last night's Sports Personality of the Year award winner Andy Murray. As well as being able to watch any match…
Review: Blink smart home security and alert system from £109.99
Name: Blink home monitoring system Type: Smart home security and monitoring system (pictured above) Specs: Click here for full specs Price: From £109.99 (two camera system tested is £189.99) US company Blink has been around as the producer of video and imaging chipsets for high definition TVs for quite some time. However, it's only recently…
BBC VR films highlight fire dangers and Syrian migrant crisis
A new BBC VR film depicting a terrifying Xmas Day fire was given its UK premiere today at the London Fire Brigade’s new pop-up museum in Lambeth today It seems the BBC is well and truly embracing virtual reality (VR) with the announcement of two new VR productions today (14/12/16). We…
4G coverage better in Peru than Britain, says damning report from Lord Adonis
Paddington Bear could get better 4G reception in his home country of Peru than at the London station which he's named after Britain has worse mobile internet coverage than Romania, Albania and Peru and suffers from vast 'digital deserts', a report has found. Lord Andrew Adonis, who led the investigation, told…
Vinyl revival continues – but let’s all get a grip!
People buying vinyl for Christmas presents, such as the lovely Kate Bush's Before The Dawn live album, are giving the revived format a massive lift It's a great story. A format back from the virtual dead. How often do you get to say that? Yesterday the BBC reported the shock news that…
Top 10 Christmas Stocking fillers for under £30, including Star Wars charger and cufflinks!
Can't decide what to get your partner, friends or children this Xmas as little stocking fillers? Chris Price picks out 10 of the best gifts out there, both for the Star Wars fan as well as those who couldn't care less about the new Rogue One movie! 1. StarWars powerchargers £15 What do you buy the…
Top 10 #running accessories for 2017, including Garmin Vivoactive and TomTom cardio watches
Whether you're regular runner pounding the pavements or you just want to get fit for 2017 after eating too much turkey, Xmas is a perfect time to invest in running gear. Loads of accessories are available for the humble jogger through to the budding Mo Farah, with prices ranging from £10 to over £200.…
Christmas 2016: Top 10 #swimming gifts including Misfit Speedo Shine activity tracker
Swimming is a great sport, but when it comes to accessories to improve and monitor your performance - or even just to keep you entertained - there hasn't been that much on the market, compared to other popular sports such as cycling or running. That is until now. Here Chris Price looks at just some…
Currys PC World reports Black Friday sales up 40% on last year
Seems that Black Friday is working for some electrical retailers (what you mean it's Black Friday today, you should've mentioned it!). At least it seems to be working well for Currys PC World which his reporting its highest ever number of orders, up 40% on 2015, with over half a million visitors to the website pre-6am…
Xmas 2016: Top 10 tablets for kids and adults under £100
Looking for a cheap tablet this Xmas? Don't want to spend a fortune on the Apple iPad. Then you really have two options - either get an Amazon or get an Android tablet (there are also Windows tablets of course, but most of these like the Surface Pro 4 are hybrid devices which can also…
5 Black Friday bargains for the cycling enthusiast, including 25% off Cervelo bike
Looking to save a bit of money on cycling gear this Winter? Then why not use Black Friday and Cyber Monday to invest in some new equipment. As well as bright jackets to keep you warm and safe this winter, we've managed to sniff out some real bargains, including 25% off a road bike from…
Review: Proofcam RAC 03 rearview mirror video dashcam
Name: Proofcam RAC 03 Type: Rearview Mirror Video Dashcam Specs: Click here for full specs Price: £159.99 British company Proofcam manufactures a wide range of dashcams, including several models for vehicle breakdown service, the RAC. Here we look at the flagship model in the RAC range, the RAC 03. Unlike most dashcams which attach to…
The world’s first sexy and affordable electric car? Pre-orders for Tesla Model 3 hit 276,000 in two days
Is this the car that's going to thrust electric vehicles (EVs) in to the mainstream? Certainly Tesla's charismatic chief executive Elon Musk thinks so. He has just announced 276,000 pre-orders in 48 hours for the company's latest EV, the Model 3. Expected to cost at least $35,000 when it ships in mid-2017, that means the company…
eFOLDI fold up scooter now on Kickstarter. The future of personal transport?
The eFOLDI scooter is now looking for funding on Kickstarter We write a lot about personal transport. About hoverboards, about electric bikes and electric scooters to name but a few. There are some really great products out there, but many of them fail to make it into the mainstream for whatever…
Halfords partners with Sir Bradley Wiggins on bike range, announces surge in Dashcam sales
The Wiggins range for Halfords includes this £375 road bike for teenagers Sir Bradley Wiggins is the latest celebrity cyclist to join forces with Halfords on a range of bikes. The retailer, which already partners with cyclist Chris Boardman, has unveiled 10 new designs aimed aimed squarely at children from the…
How do I keep my property safe? Top 5 high tech security products including MasterLock Smartpadlocks
Thanks to wireless technology it's now easier and cheaper than ever before to protect your home with the latest hi-tech security products. Chris Price reports MasterLock Bluetooth Smartpadlocks £69-£89 Gone are the days of having to remember your padlock key at the gym. MasterLock has introduced two smart padlocks (pictured above) which enable you to…
Look Mum No Hands! Tech Digest reviews the Tesla Model S Autopilot feature
The Tesla Model S parked outside the company's flagship Oxford Street store in London Although I’ve written about electric vehicles (EV) for some time, and test driven quite a few in my time, one has always alluded me. The Tesla Model S. It’s probably not the best known EV on the…
Are connected cars safe? World’s best selling electric vehicle, Nissan Leaf, is hacked
A security expert has exposed a flaw in the Nissan companion app which lets hackers take control of the car's heating systems It's one thing your computer being hacked. But imagine if you are driving along and someone took control of your vehicle? With more and more cars connected to the…
What is 5G and why do I need it? 5 things you should know about the proposed mobile phone technology
Japan's NTT Docomo's ambitious 5G launch plans include live streaming of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo While many areas of the UK still haven’t got 4G coverage, mobile phone companies are already gearing up for the fifth generation of mobile phone technology which will make our data connections even…
5 products we expect to see at MWC 2016 – including Samsung Galaxy S7 and Microsoft Lumia 750
The nicely coloured Microsoft Lumia 750 could be launched at this year's MWC. Without doubt Mobile World Congress, or MWC, is one of the world’s largest gatherings for the mobile industry. Due to take place in Barcelona from 22-25 February, it usually sees the major manufacturers (with the exception of Apple…
Google parent Alphabet overtakes Apple as world’s ‘biggest’ company. More taxing questions to follow?
Editorial Depending on your point of view it's either been a great week for internet giant Google or one of the worst (certainly you wouldn't want to be in their PR department right now). While investors will no doubt be rubbing their hands with glee at parent company's Alphabet's latest financial figures, those who have…
Hive expands connected home range with Active Plug and Window, Door sensors
Complementing the Active Heating System (centre) are the Hive Active Plug and Window/Door Sensors You probably know Hive best for the connected home system that enables you to take control of your heating and hot water remotely using your smartphone. It's been around for around three years now but is steadily…
Detroit Motor Show: Audi h-tron quattro concept Hydrogen Car unveiled
Unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show, this is the beautiful looking Audi h-tron quattro concept. A hydrogen-powered SUV, the h-tron quattro is closely related to Audi's e-tron quattro all electric concept car, first showcased at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Apart from displaying the possibilities of fuel cell technology, the concept SUV boasts an impressive 600 km…
CES 2016: Legendary Technics SL-1200 Direct-Drive turntable makes a comeback
Technics 1200 turntable is due for comeback Nearly six years since Panasonic took the decision to stop producing the legendary SL-1200 turntable, parent company Panasonic has announced at CES in Las Vegas it is to produce a limited edition 50th anniversary model to debut this summer with the production of 1,200…
2015: Year of phablets, mobile apps and emojis, says Flurry
'Phablets' like the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, above, witnessed massive growth in 2015 After tracking 3.2 trillion sessions over the course of 2015, Yahoo-owned analytics company Flurry has revealed overall mobile app usage rose by 58% during the year with personalisation apps witnessing the biggest growth of 344%. Meanwhile phablets - large…
Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Picture gallery from European Premiere
Scroll down to see images from the European Premiere of the highly anticipated Star Wars: The Force Awakens below. All images courtesy of Image.net. LONDON, UK - DECEMBER 16: Warwick Davis and BB8 attend the European Premiere of the highly anticipated Star Wars: The Force Awakens in London on December 16,…
First look: Tech Digest reviews the latest 2016 Jaguar XF S
The new 2016 Jaguar XF S. Surprisingly sleek and sporty but somehow lacking the panache of Jags from yesteryear When I was a child I loved Jaguars. There was something quite beautiful about the curved lines and the super long bonnet of models like the Mark II (driven by Inspector Morse)…
2016: What’s around the corner for digital payments? Apple Pay, Bitcoin, Pingit and more
Apple Pay, one of the latest forms of digital payment via your mobile, is slowly gaining acceptance Mobile payments, biometrics and crypto currencies. These were just some of the emerging trends discussed at the recent Westminster eForum Keynote Seminar at London's Royal Society. Tech Digest’s Chris Price reports The way…
Review: Hive 2 heating/hot water control system from British Gas
Designed by design entrepreneur Yves Behar from Fuseproject, the new Hive 2 display looks beautiful I've had the British Gas heating control system for quite a while now, since April 2013 in fact when it was first introduced. See our review here. Back then it was called simply enough the British…
Panasonic introduces the world’s first rugged detachable notebook, the Toughbook CF-20
The Panasonic CF20: A rugged notebook intended for outdoor use Last night saw the UK launch of the latest Panasonic Toughbook at the Shangri-La Hotel on the 34th floor of London's iconic Shard skyscraper. I went along for the great views over the city of course (it was a beautifully clear evening), but…
Review: Asus ZenPad 8.0 Z380C web tablet
Name: Asus ZenPad 8.0 Z380C Type: Web Tablet Specs: Click here for full specs Price: From £99 ASUS (officially pronounced ASOOS) may not be a brand you've heard too much about. But over the last few years it has become reasonably well established in the web tablet market, thanks largely to its collaboration with Google…
4K TV Review: Polaroid Series 6 HD Smart 3D LED 65in TV, £1099
Polaroid has launched two cut price, Ultra High Definition (UHD) or 4K TVs. Available exclusively at Asda, Stuart O'Connor reviews the larger 65inch model and asks whether it is worth the money If you've never experienced a big-screen television before, then prepare to be gobsmacked. because the first thing that you notice when you unbox…
Sensors working overtime: Bosch’s big plans for the Internet of Things
Tech Digest's Chris Price visited Bosch’s recently opened Research and Development Facility near Stuttgart, Germany to see how the latest sensors are shaping the Internet of Things (iOT) revolution Think Bosch and what comes to mind? Probably one of the company’s dishwashers or maybe its range of popular power tools. But actually the German company,…
Aurabox launches Bluetooth speaker with LED light and smart light bulb, Aurabulb
Two new products from Divoom (no I've never heard of them either, but these products looks interesting). First off is the AuraBox, a Bluetooth speaker with added light functionalities (pictured above). It's available from Amazon priced at £69.99. Featuring an integrated LED light board, the AuraBox can be used to create fun light themes alongside listening…
VW’s Audi and Porsche unveil electric cars at Frankfurt motor show
Audi's e-tron quattro concept car was unveiled in Germany. The manufacturer claims a range of 500 kilometres. Is Tesla about to have a rival in the luxury electric car market? Volkswagen's two premium flagship brands, Audi and Porsche, unveiled battery-powered sports cars at the Frankfurt auto show on Monday. Although neither…
Don’t wait to celebrate. Get your online winnings straight away with William Hill’s Priority Access Card
It's fair to say that betting has changed a little bit since the days when you had to queue up at the bookies with your receipt to collect your winnings. These days around 50 per cent of William Hill's business is online and a growing proportion of online betting (already over 50 per cent) is…
Ted Baker & Quella launch these beautiful racer bikes from £1995
Bike envy has been taken to a new level, with the launch of made-to-order model by Ted Baker and small artisan bicycle firm Quella. The two British companies have teamed up to create the Italian-inspired racer, which is available in "Redfinn, Bluetail or Greengill" colour from £1995. The stylishly retro bicycles feature a unique copper-plated design over a fine steel…
#IFA2015 Sengled introduces smart lighting solution
Sengled, a manufacturer of innovative smart lighting solutions for the smart home, has announced a new product at IFA in Berlin. The Sengled Element is an LED light that be controlled remotely using the dedicated app. It operates using the ZigBee standard, making it possible to program important lighting functions. In addition, users can also monitor…
#IFA15 Medion launch first 6inch phablet X6001 and 4G phone, the X5020
Officially launched at IFA in Berlin, Medion's first phablet, the Medion X6001 (pictured above), is now available from the Medion UK webshop and through selected online and retail partners for £250. The Medion X6001 features Android™ 5.1, Lollipop and boasts a 2.0 GHz octa-core processor and 2 GB of RAM. The slim 7.9 mm phablet has a…
Germany’s Gigaset unveils trio of smartphones
German company GIGASET has become a surprise entrant in the smartphone arena. At its press conference in Berlin on Tuesday it unveiled three new smartphones - the ME and ME Pure, both of which sport five inch screens, and the larger ME Pro which boasts a 5.5inch screen. The German company, which is a huge…
‘Digital delay’ leaves children at online risk – NSPCC and O2 to offer helpline for parents
Parents are leaving it too late to tackle the issue of online safety with their children which could be putting them at risk of danger. That's the main finding of a new YouGov survey commissioned by mobile phone provider O2 and the NSPCC. YouGov, which interviewed more than 2000 parents and children aged between the…
OnePlus 2 to launch on August 11th – and it looks very promising
The OnePlus One smartphone was undoubtedly one of the most talked about mobile phones of 2014, becoming the smartphone of choice for those power users who were after a premium Android phone for a fraction of the cost of a Samsung model. However, there was just one problem: getting hold of one. Originally Chinese firm OnePlus used…
BBC micro:bit computer – free to every year 7 child in UK from October
The BBC has unveiled the micro:bit, a pocket-sized codeable computer (pictured above) with built-in motion detection, compass and Bluetooth technology, which is to be given free to every child in year 7 or equivalent across the UK from October. That's approximately 1 million units. A collaboration between 29 partners, including Lancaster University, Barclays, Samsung and The…
Could this Kingii wearable help to prevent drowning? Indiegogo campaign raises $400K in 2 days
It doesn't seem you can go a day without some new wearable asking for money on crowdfunding websites like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. But here's one that promises to be more useful than most - in fact so useful it might actually save your life one day. Called Kingii, it's a device that claims to help…
5 driving gadgets for the summer getaway – including EE Buzzard 2 and Cobra Drive HD ‘DashCams’
Planning to get abroad in the car this summer to beat the airport queues? Or maybe you just want a staycation with a long drive to the coast or to a camp site in the wilderness. Keeping the car packed with snacks and drinks is one thing. But the latest driving tech provides peace of…
Keep kids entertained this summer with these Top 10 Outdoor Toys – including Razor Crazy Cart, NERF Zombie Strike Doominator
Summer holidays are looming which can only mean one thing for parents. Bored Kids. So Fun Kids Radio's Bex Lindsay and toyologist (yes that is really a qualification) Peter Jenkinson have got together to give us the Outdoor Playtime Awards 2015, as judged by a panel of 25 kids, or mini toy-minators, and headed by six…
5 things to expect from Apple WWDC15, including iOS9, OS X 10.11
Taking place from June 8-12 in San Francisco, Apple’s WWDC sees its developer community come together to learn about the future of iOS and OS X. WWDC features more than 100 technical sessions, over 1,000 Apple engineers, hands-on labs, and the Apple Design Awards. Here are a few things you can expect from the developers conference. 1. iOS…
Which web tablet should I buy? Top 5 alternatives to the iPad/iPad Mini now under £200
Without doubt Apple’s iPad and the iPad Mini are two of the most popular web tablets on the market. However, they are also two of the most expensive! However, there are other models available if your budget doesn’t stretch that far. Here Chris Price looks at five web tablets with screen sizes of between 7…
UK’s mobile and tablet theft hotspots are Leeds, Belfast and London (Swansea and Newcastle are safest
If you don't want to get your mobile phone nicked then perhaps avoid Leeds, Belfast and London! For these three places top the list of the UK towns and cities where people are most likely to get their mobile phones and tablets stolen. According to new claims data from the specialist gadget insurer Protect Your Bubble,…
Google to add ‘buy button’. More announcements at I/O developer conference to follow
Google's I/O developer conference starts this morning in California and we're expecting some pretty big announcements including Android M 6.0, the breaking out of Google+'s Photos app into a standalone entity, new Android Wear hardware, a new Chromecast, and perhaps some news about Google's VR initiative. However, the big news that's broken already is that Google is…
Wireless charging so your mobile doesn’t run out of juice
Running out of battery when you need it most is one of the common annoyances for smart phone and tablet users. Fonesalesman (yes it's a rubbish name isn't it?) has two new wireless chargers,the QiStone+ and the WoodPuck, which have been designed to alleviate the problem. Both these slim wireless receivers feature Qi wireless charging capabilities…
Amazon and Google top UK’s most useful brand list – but BBC and M&S closing the gap
A poll of over 2,300 adults commissioned by digital product and service studio 383 has revealed that Brits see Amazon as the brand that does the most to make their lives easier through digital technology. Well over 1 in 2 respondents said that Amazon was one of the most useful brands in their digital lives,…
Two in five of us walk around with broken smartphones
Must admit wherever I go I see people trying to look at information on their smartphone which is covered in cracks. And I wonder how can they do that without getting it fixed (having said that there's a growing crack in my car windscreen that I haven't had fixed yet so maybe I shouldn't throw…
Misfit upgrades its smart sleep monitor, Beddit Smart
Want to monitor just how efficiently you are sleeping? Of course you do. Misfit has announced an upgrade to its sleep monitor and mobile app, Misfit Beddit Smart and Beddit 2.0. With the new version, smart-measuring functionality enables users to measure sleep automatically with no interaction required at all. This makes collecting long-term sleep data a…
LG G4 now available to buy at Carphone Warehouse
LG’s newest flagship smartphone, the LG G4, is now available to buy from Carphone Warehouse. The UK’s largest mobile retailer is stocking the brand new handset in Black Leather exclusively, from £35 per month with no upfront cost. The latest LG device, also available in Brown and Grey, boasts a premium…
Optoma announces next generation LED projector, HD91+
1080p LED technology Full lens shift, wide 1.9x zoom and throw ratio: 1.5 to 2.89:1 Full CMS+ for calibration precision 20,000 hours lifespan for LEDs Near instantaneous on/off The next generation of Optoma’s award-winning HD91 LED home cinema projector, the HD91+, has just been unveiled. The new HD91+ takes the design of the HD91, but…
6 things you need to know about the new Sony Xperia Z3+
Sony quietly launched its latest Sony Xperia Z3+ yesterday. Here are 6 things you need to know about the new (and only slightly improved) flagship model: 1. The Xperia Z3+ has the same height and width dimensions as its predecessor (146mm x 72mm), but is thinner than the Z3 (6.9mm as opposed to 7.3mm). It…
Sphero launches Darkside connected toy – Ollie’s mischievous alter-ego!
Connected toy company Sphero has announced its latest toy Darkside is now available on Firebox for £99.99. Billed as mischievous alter-ego of Ollie, which launched last Autumn, Darkside is the first toy in the Sphero family designed with a personality and brought to life through the app experience and physical toy animations. The user becomes acquainted with…
EE promises world’s largest festival mobile charging operation at Glastonbury
Hopefully you shouldn't have to worry about running out of juice at this year's Glastonbury Festival as EE has signed up for its third year as the official technology and communications partner with what it promises is the world’s largest festival mobile phone charging operation. EE is providing two Power Bar Exchange points on site this…
Monster introduces floating speaker – perfect for swimming pool parties
At first I thought they must be pulling my leg. But it seems that a floating speaker is actually a thing. Well it is now. Called the SuperStar BackFloat, this high-performance floatable – and portable – speaker is of course waterproof and is available with a black finish embellished with a choice of neon blue or…
Olloclip launches Active Lens to improve iPhone 6 and 6 Plus digital photography
Works with all photo and video apps including Instagram, Facebook, VSCO, Periscope and Apple’s built-in camera app Lightweight design works on both front and rear-facing iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus cameras Switch between lenses in seconds with no extra parts needed Glass optics Wearable pendants keep the lenses instantly accessible It might not turn…
LG G4 available to preorder at Mobiles.co.uk – LG announce two new models, G4c and G4 Stylus
The LG G4 is now available to preorder at Mobiles.co.uk from £32.50 per month. The online phone retailer can also confirm that the black leather back edition will be exclusive to the Dixons Carphone Group, which Mobiles.co.uk is part of. Meanwhile LG has also announced two new models. The G4 packs features Qualcomm's Snapdragon 808 64-bit…
Denon adds waterproof speaker HEOS1 to wireless speaker range
Hi-fi company Denon has added two new products to its wireless multi-room systems.The portable HEOS 1 wireless speaker is the first product in the series intended for both indoor and outdoor use whileThe HEOS 1 Go accessory pack extends the usability and features of the HEOS 1 for consumers who want to take their music…
ReVault seeks funding for world’s first wearable cloud from Indiegogo
Hardly a day goes by without a new tech company looking for crowdfunding from Kickstarter or Indiegogo. But here's one that caught our eye. Billed as the world's first wearable private cloud it's essentially a watch that can store all your files from various devices without having to be connected to the internet. Potentially perfect…
House hunters value space for tech gadgets above friends and family
When it comes to picking a home to buy, it seems our gadgets are more important to us than our friends and family. Research from Yorkshire Building Society into house buyers’ likes and dislikes shows more people want space for electricals like big screen TVs than to be close to friends and family. Extra room for…
Carphone Warehouse announces 4G network, iD
Carphone Warehouse is set to launch a new 4G network tomorrow (Tuesday 12th May) called iD. It claims to offer the best value 4G plans on the market with roaming covering 22 countries. Commenting on the launch, Graham Stapleton, UK CEO at Carphone Warehouse, said: “iD gives increased flexibility and value to customers who are getting…
Elon Musk’s Tesla unveils Powerwall – batteries to power the home
Want to be able to power your home in the event of a blackout? US electric carmaker Tesla Motors has unveiled batteries that can power homes and businesses as it attempts to expand its business beyond electric cars. Chief executive Elon Musk announced the firm would build batteries that store solar energy and serve as…
Why did Twitter open up direct messaging to everyone?
The big news last night that Twitter is changing the way that it works, so that users can DM each other, even if they're not following each other. Don't worry - it looks like you'll be able to opt out of the functionality, but it does seem like a strange decision for a company that…
Android Wear gets native wifi support, gesture controls and more
Google has announced a big software update for Android Wear adding a bunch of new features. In what we're sure isn't a coincidence, this news comes just days from the launch of the Apple Watch. According to TechCrunch, Wear is getting native wifi support, so that your watch can connect directly, rather than via bluetooth…
How can you be as successful as Elon Musk? Why not ask his ex-wife?
Quora is a fun platform for interesting questions and answers. If you've never used it, basically imagine Reddit but where all of the questions are almost exclusively about how aeroplanes work, why President Obama is great, and how to be as successful as a technology billionaire. This falls into the latter. One user asked "How…
Google changing its search algorithms to prioritise mobile websites
Websites that haven't kept up with the times could be about to see a huge drop in traffic, as Google is to change its search algorithms to prioritise websites that work well on phones and tablets. According to Phys.org, the new formula won't change for users searching on desktops and laptops - but websites that…
Peugeot e-208 named Best EV Supermini in Fleet World awards
The Peugeot e-208 has been awarded ‘Best EV Supermini’ at the 2021 Fleet World Great British Fleet Awards. The Peugeot e-208 was praised for its stylish design, comfortable interior and impressive performance capabilities with a powerful electric motor. The e-208 was the first model introduced by Peugeot as part of its strategy to provide a…
9 in 10 firms say Covid accelerated digital transformation
One year since the onset of the pandemic, organisations globally have undergone major transformation as they seek to strengthen resilience, increase agility and deliver greater efficiencies. In the UK and Ireland, 90.0% of business and IT leaders agree COVID-19 has caused significant changes to their operating processes, while 89.0% say it has accelerated their digital…
Zoom Escaper helps you get out of boring video calls
Ever wished for an epic Zoom fail to get you out of an online meeting? Well, an app developer has come up with a nifty and rather devious solution to help people duck out of boring Zoom meetings. Zoom Escaper is a free web app that allows you to sabotage your Zoom audio with excessive echo…
Tech Digest daily round up: AI predicts whether you will die of Covid
A team of computer science researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a machine that can predict how likely Covid patients are to die from the disease – with 90pc accuracy. To create the algorithm driving the calculation, researchers input data from 4,000 Danish Covid patients including their age, sex, body mass index (BMI),…
9 in 10 want speed cameras used for insurance, MOT and tax
A road safety charity is urging the police to take notice of motorists who are calling for speed cameras to detect whether vehicles have valid insurance, MOT and Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax). The findings come from new research conducted by IAM RoadSmart, which has revealed that nine-in-ten (90 per cent) motorists, who were surveyed…
Vodafone pays £176 million for next-gen 5G spectrum
Vodafone has purchased 40 MHz of spectrum in the 3.6 GHz band for next-generation 5G mobile services in Ofcom’s latest 5G auction. Paying £176.4 million for the frequencies, Vodafone now holds 90 MHz of 3.4 - 3.6 GHz spectrum. The new spectrum acquired will enable Vodafone UK to significantly expand 5G network capacity to meet…
UK’s first-ever hydrogen transport hub receives £3m in funding
The UK’s first-ever hydrogen transport hub is one step closer to becoming a reality, with £3 million in government funding and the unveiling of an official “Masterplan." A first of its kind, The Transport Hub – being built in Tees Valley – will bring together leading figures from government, industry and academia to focus research,…
Could Augmented Reality Bingo Be Possible In The Future?
With all the big things that have happened in the world of technology in the last few years, it’s easy to get optimistic about the years to come and what other exciting innovations that may take shape. One of the major advancements has been in the sphere of gaming, with specific tech such as virtual…
Midlands police force cracks down on e-scooter use
E-scooter sales continue to boom in the UK with the market flooded by both local and big-name international brands. Yet the rise of e-scooter use on pavements and roads hasn’t impressed police in the Midlands, writes Ashley Norris in Transition Earth. Indeed, Leicestershire police has become the latest force to alert owners of e-scooters that…
Ford Transit range will include all-electric model from 2023
Ford has confirmed that the next-generation Ford Transit Custom range will include an all-electric model in addition to plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid and conventional engine variants. The new Custom range – which includes the Transit Custom van and Tourneo Custom people mover – goes into production in the first half of 2023, with all-electric versions…