10 Tips to Save Money This Christmas

  With less than 40 days left until Christmas, now is the best time to plan your festive finances to combat the rising cost of living and ensure your January is financially stress-free.    Salman Haqqi, Personal Finance Editor from money.co.uk reveals his 10 expert tips on how to save money at Christmas: 1. Play…

Top 50 things Brits do to get through Gloomy Winter

Brits will turn to movies, family time and comfort food to get them through a gloomy winter, according to research. A study of 2,000 adults found 57 per cent actively look for pick-me-ups when the days get darker and the weather gets colder to boost their mood and keep them buoyant. Those polled will also…

8 Things We Miss Most About Our First Mobile Phone 

  Whether you had a fancy flip phone or an indestructible Nokia ‘brick’, some of these old phones - especially our first mobile phone - hold a special place in our hearts, with a recent Sky Mobile study showing three in five Brits still have their handsets of yesteryear. And although smartphones nowadays can pretty much…

Stress Awareness Day: 5 Tips to Lower Stress Levels

November 2nd is Stress Awareness Day, which aims to increase the public’s awareness of the causes of stress and what can occur as a result, including work burnout.  Work burnout is a type of work-related stress that often occurs as a result of increased work pressure or workaholism which leads to physical and emotional exhaustion.  In…

9 Ways To Save Money While Working From Home

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many people in the UK have begun working from home regularly, but with soaring energy prices this winter, many will be contemplating how to manage the additional costs of working in their own homes.  In conjunction with Which? we've found a number of ways consumers can make savings while working from…

8 tips to cut the cost of your heating bills this winter

Many households will be worried about the impact of rising energy prices this winter - and into next year - following the government’s announcement that the energy price guarantee for all households will now run for just six months, until April 2023. In conjunction with Which? we've found a number of ways consumers can make…

Top 10 tips for a Money Makeover

After tax changes announced in the mini-Budget and with mortgage and rent rates on the rise, it’s a good time for consumers to evaluate their finances and make sure they’re not spending more than necessary as the cost of living soars. Transferring debt to a balance transfer credit card, checking for unclaimed benefits and using…

Cybersecurity month: Top 10 hacks for protecting your family’s data

Women at UK tech company Sparta Global share their Top 10 security hacks for Cybersecurity awareness month in October.... 1. Auto update software as often as possible The world of software updates has significantly changed, with many system updates rolled out automatically. Auto-updates always seem like an inconvenience to do, but they are absolutely vital.…

7 Tips to Save Money on your Pets

The cost of living crisis continues to bite and many pet owners are feeling the pinch as pet food and insurance costs rise. But don't worry. In conjunction with Which? we've come up with 7 ways you can save money on your pet... 1. Switch to supermarket own-brand food Switching to the best-rated supermarket own-brand…

15 Cute Dog Photos to Brighten Your Day

Image: Carmen Saltnes Lopez There’s nothing quite like a series of cute dog photos to put a smile on your face which is why CEWE has released a collection of new images from its CEWE Photo Award - the world’s largest photo competition -  featuring these sweet snaps of our canine…

Top 10 Tips for Getting Good Night’s Sleep while Pregnant

Martin Seeley, the CEO and sleep expert at MattressNextDay shares his Top Tips for sleeping whilst pregnant... 1. Sleep with a pillow between your legs to alleviate aches and pains As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll find that pillows are more and more important to create a comfortable sleeping environment. In the final trimester, you’ll probably…

5 Tips to Keep Kids Safe Online this Summer

With 7.7 million UK school children now starting their summer holidays, internet safety becomes an even more prevalent issue. According to a 2020-21 report by Ofcom, those aged 5-15 use internet-enabled devices for an average of 6 hours per day, highlighting just how much time the UK’s kids spend online. However, that same report details, shockingly,…

8 Ways to Save Money on Your Health and Wellbeing

Many people have become more health conscious in recent years and companies have certainly taken notice, releasing numerous new products, from CBD remedies to fitness subscriptions. Buying medications and supplements is a core expense in many UK households, but many are unproven and could be adding unnecessary amounts of money to already squeezed budgets. Comments…

Experts reveal when you should go to sleep

With summer in full swing, there’s nothing more enjoyable than making the most of the hot weather and light evenings. So, now is the best time to sort your sleep routine out and ensure you’re getting enough shut-eye to prepare you for the activities you want to participate in during the day. We talk to…

Nissan Ariya – a family-friendly EV for £43K

The Nissan Ariya offers a smooth, if not particularly exciting, ride ShinyShiny Editor Chris Price travels to Stockholm to test out Nissan’s latest EV, the family-friendly Ariya now available from £43,000... When it comes to Electric Vehicles, Nissan certainly knows a thing or two. While other mass market manufacturers – most notably VW – have…

8 Tips To Consider When Driving This Summer

Summer is finally here in the UK, with temperatures increasing every day - with highs of 30C (86F) to be expected over the next week. As expected, many will be taking advantage of the weather and travelling to be with friends and family for a fun-filled weekend, whether it be at the beach or the…

Cool and Creative AI-based Apps for Kids

Not sure what to build with your Lego? Let us introduce Brickit, an app that can help you decide. Think Artificial Intelligence (AI) and you may be conjuring up images of incredibly powerful software that at some point in the future will transform the way we live. AI use is, however,…

13 Tips for Saving Money on Clothes and Shoes

With the cost of living crisis putting pressure on household budgets - and the cost of clothes and shoes rising even faster than some other consumer goods - many are looking to be more budget-savvy when shopping for wardrobe-essentials.... Some popular brands have already raised prices to offset inflation, with Dr Martens announcing earlier this…

5 precautions to take if mobile phone is stolen

Around 8.7 million phones were lost or stolen in 2021- that's over 1,000 every hour. Brean Horne, a personal finance expert at comparison site, NerdWallet, shares five precautions holidaymakers should take to protect themselves if their device gets lost or stolen abroad. 1. Change your passwords on emails and social accounts Changing the passwords to your email and…

Revealed: the apps that track your children

Image: Unsplash While many apps targeted towards children might seem harmless, there are many that track your children’s data, and potentially sell it on to third parties you’d rather they weren’t interacting with. A new study by Uswitch has revealed which apps and games are the most and least child friendly based on how much…

10 tips to save you hundreds on car and home insurance

As the impact of the cost of living crisis hits home for millions of people, Which? shares tips to help save consumers hundreds of pounds on their car and home insurance.... Motorists are facing significantly higher car insurance premiums, as the cost of car insurance is now at the highest level seen since the last…

Instagram: 5 Tips to make the most of Golden Hour

Step up your Instagram feed and make the most of golden hour glow with the following top tips.... If you’ve ever looked out of your window and instantly wanted to take a photo of the sky – it’s likely you were looking out at golden hour. Often known as ‘golden light photography’ or ‘magic hour…

Secrets to a good night’s sleep revealed

With new research finding that the average UK adult spends just six hours of the day asleep, experts are warning that millions of Brits are at risk of potentially serious health conditions including obesity, heart disease and diabetes. The research conducted by healthcare provider Benenden Health, also found that more than two-thirds of the nation…

10 ways to give yourself a ‘money makeover’

Consumer watchdog Which? is advising consumers on how they can save money by giving themselves a ‘money makeover’ and fixing their finances. Many people are feeling financial pressure at the moment as soaring fuel, energy and food prices squeeze household budgets, writes Adam French, Which? Consumer Rights Expert. However, there are steps you can take…

National Pet Month – 12 adorable pet photos

Photographed by Annika Kundt. Taken in Germany, Dormagen To celebrate National Pet Month in April, CEWE has released a collection of new images taken by photographers across the globe from the CEWE Photo Award - the world’s largest photo competition. The 12 snaps were submitted in last year’s competition, which aims to…

10 of the Best Food Photos from around the World

A selection of food photos that will make your mouth water have been released as part of the CEWE Photo Award – the world’s largest photo competition... Food photography has taken on a new lease of life in recent years – with social media acting as a platform for both amateur and professional photographers to…

6 expert tips to help you sleep when clocks go forward

It’s that time of year again. On March 27th, we’ll all turn the clocks forward one hour and welcome the longer and brighter days of summer. However, the clock change means a sudden shift in the daylight exposure, something which is essential for our internal body clock to maintain a 24-hour rhythm. To help maintain…

International Women’s Day: Top 40 Business Milestones

An inspiring timeline shows the top milestones in the female work environment - from Katherine Fenkyll taking over her husband’s drapery business in 1479 to women being allowed to join the London Stock Exchange in 1973.   Today, almost a third of small businesses in the UK are female-owned with the timeline below showing just…

ShinyShiny snippets: Amazon closes all its physical bookstores

Amazon.com Inc said on Wednesday it plans to close all 68 of its brick-and-mortar bookstores, pop-ups and shops carrying toys and home goods in the United States and United Kingdom, ending some of its longest-running retail experiments. The news, which Reuters was first to report, marks a turning point for a company that began as…

Top 5 ways to improve your sleep

Sleep is essential in order to maintain our physical and mental health. Yet many of us struggle to get enough kip. This is especially true since the Covid-19 pandemic and the rise of hybrid working which has blurred the lines between working and leisure hours. Recent research of 2,000 adults by health and wellness company…

International Women’s Day 2022: 10 Stunning Photos taken by Women

International Women's Day: dusk falls on the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, captured by Eva Janku CEWE marks International Women's Day with 10 photographs taken by women which were submitted in last year’s competition... The competition aims to celebrate the best in photography across the globe. It is open to…

ShinyShiny snippets: Amazon and Nike ‘consider offer’ for Peloton

  Exercise brand Peloton is attracting bid attention from the likes of Amazon and Nike, according to reports. They have been attracted by the soaring sales of Peloton’s exercise bikes and treadmills during the pandemic. Suitors have not been put off by the return to gyms post-lockdown, which has left the firm worth less than a fifth of…

ShinyShiny snippets: Joe Rogan promises more balanced views on Spotify podcast

Joe Rogan has pledged to try harder to offer more balanced views on his podcast, after he was criticised by Neil Young and Joni Mitchell for helping to spread Covid misinformation. The Canadian musicians asked to have their music pulled from the streaming platform as a result. Spotify has since said it is working to…

Most beautiful cities to visit at night, according to Instagram

  Photo by Recal Media from Pexels Premier Inn has researched over 250 cities in the world to reveal the places that are being photographed the most at night - at least according to Instagram.  The number of hashtags for #citybynight were counted and compared for cities in the UK, USA,…

How did we all use Zoom this year?

If you’re like me and just about everyone else across the globe, you’ve probably spent a lot of time on Zoom this past year — for work collaboration, personal connection, and everything in between. But how long is the average Zoom meeting? How often do people try to talk while on mute? And who else…

Cyberstalking rife in the UK, claims Kaspersky

Ahead of the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women tomorrow (25th November), fresh research data into stalkerware and tech abuse suggests that the UK has one of the highest levels of cyberstalking in Europe. Kaspersky’s research highlights that the UK ranks second-highest for domestic abuse in Europe: nearly three-in-10 surveyed UK adults…

COP26: 1 in 3 couples argue about ‘who is the greenest’

A study of 2,000 adults in a relationship found 30 per cent have fallen out over one of them being better – or worse – at being green than the other. Having poor eco habits is now a major turn off too, with almost a fifth (23 per cent) admitting they’ve either broken up or…

2 in 3 SME owners put financial success ahead of mental health

Nearly two-thirds of SME business owners admit to ‘deprioritising’ their mental health in favour of financial success, according to research. A study of 500 SME owners found 63 per cent have overlooked their personal well-being due to the pressures of running a business. More than one in five (22 per cent) have sacrificed friendships in…

Top 10 Best and Worst WFH behaviours revealed

A new study by Premier Inn reveals that over half of UK workers (53%) find their colleagues less annoying when working remotely   The top three most annoying behaviours included slow responses to emails (61%), background noise on calls (60%) and eating on camera (59%)  The most endearing behaviours colleagues display while working remotely include messaging to ask how you are (64%), replying quickly (62%) and…

ShinyShiny: Facebook pulls facial recognition system

Facebook's facial recognition system will be shut down and faceprints will be deleted for over a billion people, the social media giant has announced. The technology automatically identifies users in pictures and videos but Facebook has decided to remove it, citing increased concerns about its use. Jerome Pesenti, vice president of artificial intelligence at Facebook, wrote…

6 ways to make your social media images stand out

Emeka Ikechi, Director, Vanity Studios, gives his tips on how to make your social media images have more impact.... Good photography comes down to three essentials: lighting, composition, and background. It’s important that you think about these when selecting images for your social media accounts. 1. LIGHTING The number one rule is: don’t use your…

ShinyShiny tech roundup: Tesla market value hits $1 trillion

Tesla surpassed a market value of $1 trillion on Monday, making it the fifth such firm to reach the milestone. Shares in the electric carmaker climbed 12.6% after it struck a deal to sell 100,000 vehicles to the car rental firm Hertz. Tesla has been the world's most valuable carmaker for some time, but brands…

ShinyShiny tech roundup: Facebook plans new name for ‘metaverse’ age

Facebook is planning to change its company name next week to reflect its focus on building the metaverse, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter. The coming name change, which CEO Mark Zuckerberg plans to talk about at the company’s annual Connect conference on October 28th, but could unveil sooner, is meant…

ShinyShiny tech roundup: EV charging ‘excludes disabled’, claims research

Investigators have found that many of the UK’s 2.5 million Blue Badge holders risk being excluded from Britain’s EV revolution. Research by Auto Express has revealed that EV charging providers are systematically failing to meet their accessibility obligations under the Equality Act - and the government is moving too slowly to protect the interests of…

Should I buy a Sky Glass TV? What are the Pros and Cons?

What are the pros and cons of Sky Glass? Image: Sky Last week, at an event in Greenwich, Sky launched its most innovative product to date: Sky Glass. A new range of QLED TVs, available in 43inch, 55inch and 65inch screen sizes, they enable you to watch satellite channels without a…

ShinyShiny tech roundup: Amazon opens 4-star store

Image: Amazon Amazon is expanding its presence on the High Street by opening its first non-food store in the UK. The shop, in the Bluewater shopping mall near Dartford, will sell around 2,000 of its most popular and best-rated products. It's called Amazon 4-star, because every item has been given more…

ShinyShiny roundup: Apple resists EU call for common USB-C charger

The European Commission has set out plans for a common charger port for all mobile phones, tablets and headphones, in the face of resistance from US tech giant Apple. An 18-page directive released on Thursday said a common charger for all brands “would benefit consumers and reduce electronic waste”. It estimates that it will save EU…

ShinyShiny tech round up: Samsung launches Galaxy 4 watches

Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, as it hits reset on its smartwatch range. It has replaced its own TizenOS operating system for Google's Wear OS, and killed off the Active 2 range in favour of a singular smartwatch brand. It was revealed at an Unpacked event,…

ShinyShiny tech round up: Apple products should be kept away from ‘medical devices’

Apple has listed products it says should be kept a "safe distance" away from medical devices like pacemakers and implanted defibrillators. The list includes iPhone 12 models, Apple Watch and MacBook Pro. Many consumer-electronic devices contain components, such as magnets, which can interfere with medical devices. The BBC has asked for comment from Apple, which…

ShinyShiny tech round up: Snapchat campaigns to boost Covid-19 jab take-up

Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok and Reddit are involved in a new campaign encouraging more young people to get their coronavirus jab. The social networks have teamed up with the government as it pushes ahead with the final stage of the vaccine rollout. New data shows that one million vaccine appointments were booked in the two days…

Excess screen time is major reason for poor sleep, claims study

Experts have cited excess screen time as one of the key reasons behind a poor night’s sleep, a brand new study on sleep quality shows. The WakeUpWell study, conducted by Blinds Direct, analysed light pollution levels, sun hours and mean temperatures in key locations to establish which parts of England experience the lowest quality of sleep.…

Top 5 sustainability reads for Earth Day 2021

Earth Day is an annual event coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG, including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries designed to demonstrate support for environmental protection. As we know, awareness and action aren’t just limited to one day a year, so, in the pursuit of ongoing knowledge and wisdom, here are some of the ‘must-have’…

Six of the best: noise-cancelling headphones

If you're working from home, sometimes you need a bit of peace and quiet to focus, especially if the neighbours are making a racket. Here we look at six of the best noise-cancelling wireless Bluetooth headphones on the market right now. All are pretty good at keeping the noises of the outside world out (many…

ShinyShiny round up: ‘Alexa, how’s my heart beat’

The first AI system for contactless monitoring of heart rhythm using smart speakers has been developed. Created by researchers at the University of Washington the system works by emitting audio signals into the room at a volume humans can’t hear. As the pulses bounce back to the speaker, an algorithm works to identify beating patterns…

Top 5 TikTok Workout Trends – should you embrace or avoid?

There are plenty of workout trends and challenges circulating at the moment, many of which are being widely shared on social media site TikTok. You may have even come across some of these viral challenges yourself. However, recent research found that 1 in 4 TikTok fitness influencers are giving the wrong advice. As there seems…

Only 1 in 3 directors in top companies are female, claims study

A new study that analysed the board of directors in technology, entertainment and e-commerce companies has revealed only 1 in 3 board members (34%) worldwide are women, with Zoom the worst for gender diversity.  Small Business Prices analysed the board of directors for 15 major companies across the technology, entertainment and e-commerce sectors. What it…
female runner

Top 10 tips for Working Out

More than two-thirds of self-conscious Brits are happiest when working out alone, with four in 10 loathing exercising in front of others for fear they look unfit, don’t have the right gear, or won’t last the length of the entire class. Undoubtedly the last few months have seen solo exercisers coming into their own, taking to…

Shiny Shiny daily round up: Hyundai announces EV with solar panel roof

Hyundai's new electric car, the Ioniq 5, has a solar panel roof and can charge other EVs. Unfortunately, the solar panel roof is not available as standard - and right now we don't know how much this optional extra will set you back. Nor will you won't be able to rely on the sun to…

ShinyShiny daily round up: Mini goes vegan, ESA calls for disabled astronauts

One of the most iconic British car brands is going vegan. Mini, which is now owned by BMW, has announced that it is to cease offering leather interiors in all new models. It has replaced the leather with recycled fabric and an underlining that’s 70 percent recycled. “We don’t need leather any more in the…

6 Mental Health Apps for Office Workers

From working at your desk in the day to unwinding during the evening, we look at six mental health apps that could help boost your sense of wellbeing during the pandemic and beyond... It is clear that work-place stress is a significant issue and one that good employers need to address. In fact according to…

7 Top Tips for Creating the Perfect Pancake

The Bake King, AKA Ben Cullen, has come up with the top do’s and don'ts for creating the perfect pancake this Shrove Tuesday.  Ben's top tip is to not beat yourself up with “over-beating the mix” – as millions fail before it hits the pan by over-mixing the ingredients. And it really is all in…

You Tube’s Top 10 Romantic Film Scenes – Heath Ledger tops list

From epic kisses to emotional declarations of love, romantic scenes in films make up some of the most memorable moments in movie history. Luxury holiday company Kuoni has trawled through hundreds of the most famous romantic film scenes to discover which is the most loved by the public. YouTube ‘like’ data was analysed to pinpoint the most…

7 Telltale Signs Your Online Lover Is Actually A Scammer

Finding love online is a hallmark of dating in the 21st century. Many happy couples now discover that spark online, whether it’s via an app or an online dating service. But unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous people out there who are only too happy to take advantage of those looking to find love for their…

1 in 4 TikTok fitness influencers giving wrong advice

New research has been released that reveals that one in four fitness influencers on TikTok are giving incorrect workout advice, despite increasing demand for useful 'FitTok' content during lockdown.   Money.co.uk worked with qualified personal trainer, Maiken Brustad, to analyse hours of fitness content on the video-sharing app and grade them based on the techniques…

Future Transport: e-bikes, scooters and Hyperloop latest

So what do you think will be the future of transport? E-bikes, scooters, the Hyperloop? Well, this week has seen a slew of new launches and innovations across the globe from companies which are aiming to deliver, greener, safer and more reliable ways of transporting us around. Ashley Norris of Transition Earth gives his selection…

6 tips to consider for safe and happy winter cycling

As we make our way through winter, we have the usual variety of seasonal weather, including plummeting temperatures, frost and even snow. Despite inclement conditions, winter can actually be a wonderful time to cycle. It’s crisp and cool, it’s quiet and, without jumping on your bike twice a day, you might miss the season altogether,…

Top 5 Best Coffee Apps

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…

5 COVID-fighting gadgets announced at CES 2021

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 five COVID-fighting gadgets that it's hoped will stop the spread…

Vegan Trends for 2021 – including healthier fake meat

Vegan Trends: A vegan Christmas pudding As we hurtle towards 2021 and Veganuary, it’s a good time to look back at the vegan trends of 2020, and look forward to 2021. Founder of Stem and Glory Louise Palmer-Masterton predicts a year for healthier fake meat and vegan seafood... Without doubt 2020…

7 Tech Leaders give their predictions for 2021

Image: Tech leader Anna Brailsford, CEO, Code First Girls. Courtesy of WeAreTechWomen.  The digital age is upon us - 2020 threw up some unexpected challenges for a wealth of different industries but tech has remained crucial not only to their very survival but their continual thriving. In a year that could…

Iconic gadgets we still love – cassette tapes top 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…

Top 6 Board Games for Lockdown

Locked down in your own home - once again - and can't find anything to watch on TV or anything interesting to do? How about going old school and getting one of these board games to keep yourself and other family members entertained over the next few weeks. Chris Price reports... The Taskmaster Board Game…

Staying Connected To Parents And Grandparents During COVID-19

One unforeseen consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the sundering of our relationship with our parents and especially with our grandparents. Lockdowns, social distancing and closed borders have thrown our ability to touch base into chaos. This can have profound effects, especially for our most vulnerable loved ones. Those 65 and older, often living…

Exercise gadgets for National Fitness Day

Many of us struggle to find the time and motivation to exercise and it can be impossible to fit a workout in around work, childcare and other commitments. However, evidence shows that exercising for even 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference to your health and fitness levels. Today on National Fitness Day, a celebration…

Cycling Chic: Top 6 Style Hacks

Taking to the saddle to avoid the risk of Covid-19 on public transport or the gridlock of the roads? Great, you are going to love it, trust me. But what to wear? Catherine Ellis picks her favourites when it comes to sartorial elegance for cyclists.... No one can have missed the fact that cycling is…

1 in 4 home workers doing job from bed

A quarter of home workers — more than four million employees — are doing their job from bed or in their nightwear, and 40% have worked from the sofa Two thirds of workers say they are just as productive or even more so, but nearly half find it hard to juggle working with home-schooling their…

8 at home photo activities for when you can’t get out

Spring has officially sprung, and it’s the time of year when usually we’d be dusting off our camera (or getting out our iPhone!) to snap all the great photo opportunities the season brings. With our ability to get out and about being put on pause, it could seem that our favourite photography activities are on…

Top 50 online activities during Coronavirus 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 Top Tips for setting up Secure Zoom meeting

With the Coronavirus pandemic ruling out face to face meetings, Chris Price offers 8 Top Tips for setting up a Secure Zoom meeting online.... 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…

12 things I’ve learned since I last rode a bike (in the ’80s)

It's been a long time since I last rode a bike on the road, at least for any length of time. Probably around 30 years. While I like to consider myself a very sporty person, cycling is one thing that I've never really fancied doing in London. It just doesn't seem that much fun with…

6 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…

Top Five Reasons Behind Video Games’ Soaring Popularity

The video games industry has enjoyed phenomenal growth over the past few years and experts now value it at $152 billion. It is tipped to soar past the $300 billion mark by 2025, leaving the film and music industries firmly in its shade. Why have video games become the world’s most popular entertainment medium in…

27 Useful Apps to Help Manage your Business

Jonathan Amponsah from The Tax Guys picks out the most useful apps to help you manage your business... Do you know what is gobbling up your time? Are your days filled by meetings? Are you on top of your business finances? How much time do you spend on activities such as making appointments and chasing…

The best series coming out this year you really should watch

  Image: Channel 4 Every year, the TV world treats us to a bevvy of incredible series. And this time around, it’s no different. But which are the most likely to get you feeling good? Take a look at the following hand-picked upcoming shows.  The Great British Bake Off Yes, that’s…

Review: Nissan LEAF e+ electric car

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…

Samsung Galaxy J6 is smartphone that depreciates most, says survey

Shoppers addicted to buying the latest smartphones should think twice about when to purchase their favourite make and model, as a new study reveals the devices which plummet in price the most. From the Samsung Galaxy S9 to the Huawei P20 Pro, shopping price comparison site idealo.co.uk has analysed the price depreciation of 10 of…

Uber and Cycling UK partner on ‘Dutch Reach’ initiative

Uber has partnered with Cycling UK to raise awareness of the Dutch Reach – a simple technique that can help to save cyclists’ lives. The Dutch Reach ensures that you always look over your shoulder to avoid opening doors into the path of cyclists. The idea of the manoeuvre is to open the door with…

SKODA unveils cycling-support car with built in washer!

Billed as the support car for the cyclist who dreams of the perfect summer ride, the ŠKODA Karoq Velo features a whole host of built-in 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…

Average Brit spends decade of their lives using technology

The average Brit will spend the equivalent of a decade of their lives using smartphones, tablets and laptops - and share a staggering 92,053 social media posts, it has emerged. Researchers who carried out a detailed study discovered the true extent to which every element of our lives is conducted while holding or staring at…

WiFi and smartphones top best invention list of last 25 years

WiFi has been hailed as the best invention of the last 25 years. Researchers who carried out a detailed study saw the wireless device networking system pip smartphone technology to claim the top spot. A survey of 2,000 adults across Britain placed online banking in third place and internet search engines in fourth. Online shopping…

Mental Health Awareness Week. Can Virtual Reality help with treatment?

One in four of us will experience mental health issues at some point in our life. While we are still a long way from being able to provide timely mental health treatment to everyone who needs it, VR-enabled therapy promises a new approach. We talk to Professor Daniel Freeman, Professor of Clinical Psychology at Oxford…
friends on bench with phones

One in five Brits now more comfortable interacting online than in real life

It's perhaps a sad indictment of our society, but not particularly surprising that one in five Brits adults now feel 'more comfortable' interacting with people online than they do face-to-face, according to new research. A detailed study found a large percentage of the population have become so used to communicating via tablets, PCs and smart…

Review: BT Complete WiFi broadband service 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…

Mums more important than social media influencers for advice, claims survey

Brits are shunning the internet and turning to mum for life lessons and advice on beauty, fashion and relationships, according to a new survey carried out ahead of Mother's Day a week on Sunday (March 31st, 2019). Researchers who carried out a detailed study found our mums are still the number one influencer despite the…

7 Designer Shower Heads That Redefine Bathrooms

  The most basic definition of a shower is “a cubicle or bath in which one stands under a spray of water to wash”. They can also can boost your physical and mental health. Soothe tense shoulder muscles? Tick. Ease a headache? Tick. Improve circulation? Tick. Calm the mind? Absolutely. Improve sleep quality? You betcha!…

Appy Christmas – 6 Fun Apps to Get You into the Festive Mood

  Guest writer Anthony Main of app development company The Distance picks his favourite fun apps for getting the most out of the Christmas 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…

What to expect in 2019? New ways to have fun

  The new Oculus Quest VR system will launch in Spring 2019 As 2018 draws to a close we turn to 2019 and ponder what will be the next big thing. Will Fornite continue its massive online success or will it be replaced by another gaming phenomenon, just as countless crazes…

Apple unveils Series 4 watch with integrated ECG plus new iPhones starting at $749

Apple launched a range of new products at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California including a new Apple Watch and several new iPhones ... Apple Watch – New Series 4 watch with new displays. Digital crown with haptic feedback and new speaker (50% louder) and microphone. 64-bit dual core processor. Edge to Edge OLED…

Board games: When in Rome v Obama Llama

Mrs P. playing the Alexa-controlled board game, When in Rome, while on holiday in Yorkshire Chris Price takes a look at two very different board games, the Alexa-powered When in Rome and the brilliantly named Obama Llama... First of all: a confession. I'm not really one for board games. As a kid, I got incredibly…

Pimp your phone! Improve your holiday snaps with these top 5 smartphone accessories

There used to be a time when you needed to spend hundreds if not thousands on a digital SLR camera and all the accessories if you wanted to take decent photos or shoot some video. Now instagrammers, bloggers as well as budding photographers and film makers can dramatically enhance their smartphone photography without spending the…

7 startups taking video game industry to next level

Tech enthusiast Katie Greene picks her favourite 7 startups which she reckons are set to take the world of gaming by storm.... 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 (and possibly Project Linda?) will be released later this year, and…

Baby Gadgets: Top 10 essential devices for new parents

Dr Tom York, NHS-registered and private GP for GPDQ, the UK’s first doctor-on-demand app, picks his Top 10 Baby Gadgets.... Since becoming a Dad for the first time, I’ve found the need for a host of new devices and gadgets to enhance and simplify the parenting process. Here’s a selection of things which I’ve found…

Ten top tips to make your home more energy efficient

Fed up of escalating energy bills? With all six big energy suppliers having recently put up their prices, now is the time to take action - to save money and do your bit for the environment in the process. Dudley Moor-Radford, managing director of British smart energy firm Moixa, gives his top ten tips on how, by…

Top 10 books about swimming – including Roger Deakin’s Waterlog

Now that summer is fast approaching, guest writer Ashley Norris of Strong Words Magazine picks his top 10 favourite books and novels all about swimming.... “When you enter the water, something, like a metamorphosis happens. Leaving behind the land, you go through the looking glass surface and enter a new world.” Ok, so perhaps not…

Brass in pocket – the rise of the fob watch phenomenon

They may not be the smartest watches in the world - in fact compared to the Apple Watch they are pretty dumb - but their simplicity and vintage looks are undoubtedly their two biggest assets. ShinyShiny reports on the rise of fob watch.  Pocket watches, also known as fob watches, have been around some time.…

10 Star Wars Kitchen Gadgets Every Fan Needs to Own for May 4th

Love cooking? Love Star Wars? Then read on.... In celebration of Star Wars day, leading North West kitchen company Ramsbottom Kitchens has put together an impressive list of Star Wars themed kitchen items which are the perfect accompaniment for a sleek, modern kitchen. Any Star Wars fan owes it to themselves to look at these…

Total protection: How McAfee plans to fight cyber crime

  Image: fbi.gov With nearly half of all crimes involving at least some former digital technology, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself from hackers. Chris Price spends a day with McAfee Labs finding out how it plans to tackle cybercrime.... Think McAfee and what springs to mind? Probably the…

Review: Ready Player One

Chris Price reviews Spielberg’s engaging, but flawed, virtual reality romp. Schlinder’s List this is not. In the virtual world of the OASIS you can be whoever and whatever you want to be. A huge warrior of the opposite sex or a street fighting, martial arts expert. Hey, you could even be a meerkat or a…

How to Choose Your Wedding Band

It can be tricky to know where to begin when you've got to pick a wedding band that you and your beloved can enjoy together, as well as one that will please your guests. The music's got to be entertaining to all ears as well as reflective of your relationship. In this feature, we've broken the process down into manageable steps…

Sleep Awareness Week: Top 6 sleep gadgets to help you get a good night’s rest

March is certainly the month of wellness. Not only is it National Bed Month, next week (11/03-17/03) also marks National Sleep Awareness Week. Chris Price celebrates the importance of a great night’s rest with six sleep gadgets designed specifically to help you get 40 winks The Sleep Council’s 2017 ‘Great British Bedtime Report’ revealed that more than…

Brexit or Bake Off? TV more important than politics, claims Freeview survey

A new study commissioned by digital TV platform Freeview claims that television remains influential in our lives with more than a third of Brits stating it's more important than politics. Religion closely follows at 37 per cent and one in five say TV is more important than sex - a view held more by women.…

Romantic drives in the UK for Valentine’s Day

Only a few days to go to Valentine's Day and if you’re still looking to plan the perfect date, why not really impress this year and take your other half on a romantic road trip? For inspiration, online marketplace for car repair, ClickMechanic, has done the research for you to find the UK’s top 5 romantic…

Car review: DS 7 Crossback – the latest word on French luxury?

It may not have the panache of the original 1950s model, but when it comes to luxury interiors and onboard tech this new DS 7 Crossback has it all. Chris Price reviews an SUV with a certain je ne sais quoi!  It’s funny how as technology marches on apace, many of us yearn for the…

Review: Ofo dockless bicycle system

Chris Price swaps his Harley Davidson for a bright yellow, dockless Ofo bike and is pleasantly surprised In this day and age when middle aged men take to cycling rather than Harley Davidson motorbikes, it’s almost become a bit of an admission to say that you don’t ride a push bike. But I don’t. There…

ShinyShiny films beatboxing in VR 360 with the Kodak PixPro actioncam

I may be showing my age, but when I first started off as a tech journalist back in the 1990s, TVs were virtually square, weighed a ton, and most people were listening to grunge music coming out of Seattle. Nearly 30 years later, everyone has a super light flat widescreen TV and early adopters (admittedly…

Top 5 Last Minute Christmas Gifts for Under £150

This year, it's not necessary to spend a fortune to get some pretty advanced, useful technology which will impress your other half/child/ parent and lure them unwittingly to believe you’ve spent a lot of your hard earned cash on their Christmas gift! From headphones to wireless speakers and the latest smartphones as well as must-have gadgets,…

Filming skateboarding in 360 with the Kodak PixPro 4K VR360

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…

Christmas Gift Guide: stylish smartphone cases for the mobile phone addict

When it comes to Christmas presents, let's face it you can't go wrong with smartphone accessories, right? Wrong. While we all love our smartphones these days, there's so much choice you can easily end up getting the wrong one. We're here to help with this little guide that matches the type of person with the…

Go Ape in 360 with the Kodak PixPro 4K VR 360

Last Saturday was a beautiful day. Not only was the weather glorious and sunny in London (though extremely cold), we also got to go on 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…

Xmas gift guide: Top 5 stylish audio gifts

Looking for a stylish audio gift for the music lover in your life? Here we look at five great looking and great sounding gadgets which will also make wonderful Xmas presents.  Portable Speaker....  Denon Envaya Range – The Envaya, Envaya Mini and Envaya Pocket From £89 www.denon.co.uk Each speaker is certified dust and waterproof (IP67 rated), meaning…

Smartphones ‘the most life-changing technology of last 25 years’

Personally I would argue that healthcare tech that actually saves people's lives is perhaps the most life-changing tech around, but it's perhaps no surprise that for the vast majority the smartphone is seen as the most life-changing tech of the past 25 years. The launch of the smartphone and wider “connectivity” are seen as the…

ShinyShiny shoots London in VR with Kodak PixPro 4K VR360

Really pleased to announce our 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 (gosh we're going to be busy). Called the Kodak PixPro 4K VR360, it's a compact little camera with twin domes (one…

Top 5 upcoming smartphones for 2018

Chris Price looks at five new smartphones for 2018, including the Google Pixel 2 and the Samsung Galaxy S9 There are plenty of things that smartphone owners use their devices for on a daily basis. However, one of the biggest uses is for gaming. Looking at US data, research firm Flurry found that smartphone users…

10 Christmas Gifts for a Cycling Fanatic

Get the cyclist in your life the ideal gift this Christmas from our list of perfect presents for cycling fanatics. We’ve put together some of our favourite picks, from practical accessories to help overall cycling performance, to playful novelty items that will suit their hobby perfectly! 1. BLOC Eyewear - Titan XR630 Sunglasses Lens System…

Digital erosion of childhood. Should we be encouraging children to take risks?

Keeping young children away from perceived risky activities such as outdoor swimming is damaging. At least that's according to education expert Dr Sandra Leaton Gray from the UCL Institute of Education. Writing in her book Invisibly Blighted: the digital erosion of childhood Leaton Gray says: "Heavily supervised young children of today may simply be more likely to drown…

Death of children’s TV as young turn to devices for more exciting content

  Credit: Bloomicon / Shutterstock Is the rapid decline of children's TV programming potentially putting our young children's health at risk as they increasingly turn to their electronic devices for their entertainment? Chris Price reports Children’s entertainment has transformed significantly over the years. At present, children are more likely to use…

Top 6 tips that will take your drone photography to next level

Drones have changed the world of photography by opening up new shooting possibilities. However, owning a drone does not automatically translate into impressive imagery. To be able to achieve this, you have to learn some photographic skills as well as apply sound judgment when taking images. Below are some pointers that can help you improve…

Is binge-watching bad for your health? New Ofcom reports looks at boxset Britain

Fans of popular TV programmes such as Game of Thrones (pictured above), the Walking Dead or Orange is the New Black may be familiar with the idea of binge-watching – sitting back and watching through multiple episodes of shows which carry an almost addictive quality. Following a new report released today by Ofcom examining Britain’s Box Set habits, Professor Barrie Gunter from the University of…

Enigma iPhone Data Recovery

Many people have had problems restoring lost or deleted data from their iPhones or iPads. Restoring your entire device to your latest iTunes backup but occasionally losing valuable data has been an issue for many users in the past. Enigma Recovery is an iPhone data recovery software that changes the game. It is the first…

SmartWritingService.com: A company with really smart essay writers

The internet is a pretty wild place where anyone can pretend to be anything. After all, it’s a place where anyone and everyone can be a singer on YouTube, a political expert on reddit, or a celebrity on Instagram. But that also means that when you need a service, it can be hard to determine…

Confused parents don’t know what an engineer is. Six times more likely to know Justin Bieber than Elon Musk!

Above: Engineer and entrepreneur Elon Musk. Pic: By Maurizio Pesce from Milan, Italia - Elon Musk, Tesla Factory, Fremont (CA, USA), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38354348 Research released today from the Institution of Engineering and Technology has revealed that, despite engineering generating £1 in every £4 of the UK’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), there is a…

What is being done to tackle the growing concern of mental health?

Mental health issues are a growing concern that you or a loved one might be facing. Psychiatric professionals, public figures and politicians are all taking notice of the increase in mental health issues today. These problems are valid and worth taking the time to treat. Learn what you can do to help conquer mental health…

How to get your wardrobe Spring & Summer ready

Here in the UK we’re pretty unfortunate when it comes to the weather and its predictability (or lack thereof).  One minute we have glorious sunshine and the next it’s torrential rain – we’ve all been caught in a downpour wearing sandals, right?  Therefore knowing what to wear isn’t as simple as corresponding outfits with the…

ShinyShiny talks to artist Chris Levine about his work with Huawei

Artist Chris Levine with his 'trademark' eyes shut shot Artist Chris Levine (pictured above) first came to the public eye in 2004 when he was commissioned by the Jersey Heritage Trust to create a holographic portrait of the Queen to mark 800 years of allegiance to to the crown by the…

Strava now available for Apple Watch Series 2

Strava, the social network for athletes, has introduced a newly developed app for the Apple Watch Series 2. Strava athletes can now take full advantage of the watch’s GPS capabilities by recording their time, pace, distance, speed and heart rate without having to use their iOS device. Athletes already running Strava on their Apple Watch…

Apple cases for iPhone 7: We pick 5 of the best clear cases

Apple cases are more of a necessity than ever before. While each new iPhone model ups the stakes with cutting edge technology, they certainly don’t get tougher. If anything, each new phone that comes out is more and more delicate. Not only that, the price of that accidental slip out of your hands, or splash…

What set-top box do I need to watch digital terrestrial Freeview 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,…

Which are the best wireless Bluetooth headphones for iPhone, Android?

Now that Apple has ditched its headphone jack on its latest iPhone 7, perhaps now is the time to buy yourself some wireless headphones. Thanks to the latest Bluetooth specification sound quality is improving all the time and in many cases performance from these wireless models is now on a par with wired headphones.  Last…

Flying Lessons: The Ultimate Experience of Personal Achievement

So you've passed your driving test, now it's time for flying lessons and to experience a whole new level of personal achievement! You don't have to want to be a professional pilot in order to take flying lessons. Many people take lessons to learn how to fly a light aircraft for the sheer fun and…

What are the best accessories for your Amazon Echo?

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…

Things You May Not Know About Virtual Reality

Back in 2015, when virtual reality hadn’t truly 'arrived' yet, we wrote about how Oculus Rift could help to reduce neck pain. An experiment conducted through the headset helped to discover that neck pain can occur at least partially due to perception. By manipulating visuals patients were seeing in the headsets, researchers discovered that the…

Top wireless Bluetooth earphones to wear to the gym

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 a Lightning adapter. Fortunately, Apple includes one of these with both new phones along with a…

Create your own online money pot as Leetchi.com launches in UK

  With money collection services like Leetchi, friends can put their funds together for everything from baby showers to wedding gifts According to a recent YouGov study, 1 in 3 Brits agree that money causes frequent issues between their friends and family. What's more, 36% of people say that discussing money…

Gifts and Gadgets To Start the New Year

When you are you trying to find the perfect gift for those in your life, it can sometimes be a challenge. Gift ideas can be hard to come by so if you are looking for suggestions then one of the hottest gift ideas for the gadgets enthusiast. Everyone loves them and there are plenty of…

#CES2017: Meters Music introduces headphones with retro built in VU meters

Today at CES2017, new consumer audio brand Meters Music kicks off the roll-out of its home audio range with the launch of these stunning looking OV-1 headphones. Perfect for bearded hipsters - like the George Harrison circa 1969, lookey-likey pictured above- the great thing about the OV-1 headphones are the built in VU meters incorporated…

How do I stick to my New Year fitness resolutions? Here are five tips

  Lauren Sinfield, Fitness Manager at Basildon Sporting Village, gives her five top tips for sticking to your fitness resolutions throughout January and beyond into 2017. 1. Be realistic about what you can achieve Be realistic about your goals and you’re more likely to achieve them. This may mean setting yourself slightly smaller goals, but…

CES 2017: Keep out the sun with this Sunflower smart shade

Is there any home or garden object that can't be given a smart makeover? Seems not, at least if CES is anything to go by. After smart ovens, fridges, even dog bowls, comes this solar powered smart patio umbrella! Produced by Los Angeles-based smart outdoor living start up ShadeCraft, the Sunflower smart umbrella not only automatically…

CES2017: Actijoy introduces health and fitness solution for dogs!

It isn't just us humans that need to shape up in the New Year. Pets do too (especially if they've been gorging on the Christmas leftovers). That's why Actijoy has introduced what's being billed as the world's first health and fitness solution for our overweight pooches. Apparently in the US there are over 70 million…

Libratone launches Nordic black version of ZIPP wireless speaker, new Spotify features

For those who like the darker things in life, Libratone launches the new Nordic black version of its ZIPP wireless speaker Featuring an exclusive matte black base, the new ZIPP Nordic Black expands the Danish lifestyle brand’s extensive ecosystem of ZIPP wireless speakers for the home. The introduction of ZIPP Nordic Black comes with a…

CES 2017 Preview: What’s there to see at the world’s biggest tech show?

CES2017 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 own…

COMPETITION: We’ve got 5 annual Eurosport subs to give away!

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 (pictured above). As well as being able to watch…

What we watched on social media in 2016 #YouTubeRewind

Adele's Carpool Karaoke was the most watched YouTube video in the UK in 2016 It used to be endless end of year round-up shows on TV (I guess this year it will just be celeb obituary after celeb obituary). But now we're inundated with social media round-ups of the year too. Facebook…

Top 5 turntables under £100 this Xmas as #vinyl revival continues

The wonderful Kate Bush, with her live album Before The Dawn, tops the vinyl charts as record sales overtake digital downloads by value for the first time It's official. The vinyl revival continues - well sort of. Yesterday the BBC reported the shock news that more money is now being spent on…

Showing off is most irritating habit on social media, followed by self pity

More than half of Brits find ‘show off’ and ‘self-pity' posts the most annoying on social media. Men admit to finding photos of other people’s children on social media more irritating than women. The older you get the less you can tolerate selfies on your timeline. A quarter of Brits will hide or delete a…

Top 10 Xmas gifts for the #swimming enthusiast

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…

Can ‘Cigbreak’ app help people quit smoking

Here's a novel mobile phone game. Aimed at smokers wanting to quit the habit, it's called Cigbreak and has been created by Hope Caton, writer of the global hit video game TombRaider IV: The Last Revelation, together with business partner Robin Bell (pictured above). Developed with the support of Camden-based IT firm Maldaba Ltd, Cigbreak…

Running: 16 cool clothes & accessories for spring

The clocks have gone back, and it's the time of year when many of us think of dusting off our old trainers, stretching our creaky legs again and going out for a run. There are tonnes of apps for it now, from the NHS' step-by-step Couch to 5K to the hugely popular My Virtual Mission, which allows…

8 female-fronted podcasts that will enhance your life

The podcast revolution is now well underway, and it's hard to see why it didn't catch on before. Millions of us have enjoyed audio entertainment for decades, but finally it's getting its hour. And why not? Podcasts make a fantastic alternative to music when you're washing up, driving, or travelling long distances on a night…
Apple Watch apps: Match.com.

Who is wearing wearables? New survey shows 12 per cent of adults. Female ownership up

A new study of trends in wearables reveals that ownership has doubled in the last 12 months to 12% of the population with activity trackers and smart watches both doing well. However the growth of GPS sports watches has fallen. Based on 3,000 interviews with a nationally representative survey, the poll from Clicked Research Agency's Wearable…

Orilamp smart lighting now available via Indiegogo

The Orilamp is a Bluetooth controlled smart lamp Origami goes hi-tech with this new Bluetooth enabled smart lamp which looks like a cross between a slinky and a fan. Called appropriately enough the Orilamp, it's currently crowdfunding on Indiegogo where, at the time of writing, it has reached $20,000 of its…

KitSound introduces its new Flair Bluetooth Speaker

The Flair Bluetooth speaker from KitSound. Looks a bit like a handbag crossed with an old fashioned transistor radio From KitSound comes this new Flair Bluetooth speaker, shaped a little like a handbag. Featuring two connectivity methods and a passive bass radiator, it's available in blue, green, grey and red. You…

Kayaking London’s canals by night with Secret Adventures – a perfect winter escape

It is a cold, mid-November evening. Twenty-two people stand squeezed into lifejackets and brightly-coloured waterproofs; 11 kayaks float silently, waiting for us like a pod of whales upon the glassy surface of Limehouse Basin. The cloudy night sky shows no stars, but the rain, at least, stopped sometime earlier. Excitement fills the air - whatever the weather, I don't think…

ROAR Athena – smart protection for women

Earlier this week we wrote about a new smart ring from Neyya. Although it looks like a nice piece of jewellery, it can actually be used as a sort of fancy remote control to scroll through pages in a presentation or even turn the volume up and down when listening to music via Spotify etc. Now…
Neyya ring

Is the Neyya smart ring the future of wearable tech?

If 2015 was all about fitness trackers you wear on your wrist, then 2016 is set to see new types of wearables emerging for different types of users and different functions (we don't all like to work out, you know). One of these is the new category of smart rings. One of the first we've…

10 amazing reflective items for cycling in the dark

It's autumn again, and as the leaves turn shades of brown and fall to the ground, the clocks go back, and darkness creeps in earlier and earlier. As cyclists very well know, this time of year can be perilous. If you don't pay attention to the time, you can suddenly find yourself riding home in the early…

SizeGenie launches body measurement tool on crowdfunding website Kickstarter

How many times have you ordered clothes online, only to send them back a few days later because they just don’t fit? SizeGenie aims to put an end to this frustration. It’s a clever infrared camera based on a medical grade body scanner that hooks up to your desktop computer via USB. Just position the…

Cycling in London vs. New York: two cities on two wheels

London and New York, New York and London: two global capitals bursting with wealth, prestige and cultural dynamism, they’re unquestionably twinned at the top of any list of the world’s most marvellous cities. London is a richly diverse, open-doored metropolis, the throbbing heart of England and beyond which owes its thriving existence to no particular…

How our morning habits reveal where we’re from

A cross-European study has found that our morning habits correspond strongly to which part of the world we're from. The study was commissioned by consumer electronics brand Pure, and analysed the early-hours habits of those living in the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Norway and Denmark. Respondents were asked what their favourite part of their morning routine was, whether that…

Zing wearable is affordable alternative to Apple Watch

As we well know, wearable technology is going nowhere. It's estimated that 10% of 16-24 year olds own a smartwatch, and smartwatches were all over IFA this year. But in spite of their omnipresence, which is fast driving down prices, they continue to be prohibitively expensive for many people. The Apple Watch, the most costly, retains…

Pure release Siesta Rise digital radio with smartphone charger

Pure has today announced the latest addition to its Siesta collection of bedside digital radios - the Siesta Rise. With a sleek, updated design and array of great features including a handy USB smartphone charging port, the Siesta Rise also delivers the high-quality sound we've come to expect from Pure products. As it's a bedside…

New colours and features added to Jawbone UP2 and UP3 fitness trackers

Wearables company Jawbone has unveiled a new design with a new strap for  its UP2 fitness trackers and 10 new colours for the UP2 and UP3, further expanding its portfolio of fashion-focussed activity trackers. Crafted by leading industrial designer Yves Behar, Jawbone’s new UP activity trackers are designed for 24/7 wear and can be accessorised with jewellery…

HearNotes are ‘the first truly wire-free earbuds’

Indiegogo, the crowdfunding site, has thrown up yet another innovative product for us to marvel at. What's getting us excited this time is HearNotes, 'the next generation of portable, audio evolution', which are the first truly wire-free earbuds to go to market. Using tech that's '10 times superior to Bluetooth', the team behind the nifty earbuds have…

Evoke F3 digital is radio latest in Pure’s connected audio collection

Pure has dropped a new digital radio, Evoke F3, to add to its impressive collection, featuring Bluetooth and Spotify Connect as well as digital and FM radio. Joining a host of other connected audio products by Pure, including the award-winning Evoke F4, One Flow and stylish Sanderson collection, the Evoke F3 is a compact table-top radio with…

Ted Baker & Quella launch beautiful racer bikes

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". The stylishly retro bicycles feature a unique copper-plated design over a fine steel frame, as well…

GIGASET debuts 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…

Is Trackd the app musicians & songwriters have been waiting for?

Recording songs could be about to get much quicker, easier and more collaborative, with the release of music-mixing app Trackd. Available for iOS on the iTunes store, Trackd aims to simplify the recording process by allowing users to record 8-track songs straight from their iPhone, as well as mix, pan, play, scrub, and delete recordings. There's…

Following strangers on Instagram can depress you, says study

Following celebrities on Instagram can have negative psychological effects, as found by research published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking. As Clapway reports, the peer-reviewed study, published in the journal's May edition, found that "there is growing evidence that following strangers on [social networks] and comparing oneself to others have important implications for well-being." It…

Would you blog on Facebook? Notes gets a revamp

Facebook has confirmed it is revitalising its long-forgotten Notes platform, perhaps in a bid to attract bloggers. Most of us can't even remember how to access Notes, let alone use them - that's how long it's been since we paid attention. (For the record, click the More tab beneath your cover photo, click Manage sections, then tick the…

LIVALL Bling Helmet is the world’s first smart cycling helmet

With danger on the roads being an ever-present issue for cyclists, especially in London, it's about time we turned to technology to make ourselves safer - and the latest innovation comes in the form of LIVALL's Bling Helmet. While it doesn't look particularly special, this is no ordinary cycling helmet. LIVALL, a Chinese company, has integrated some…

Ministry of Sound launches the Audio M and Audio M Plus speakers

Just in time for the last month of long summer evenings, Ministry of Sound has released two new nifty speakers, the Audio M and the Audio M Plus. Both models are small and stylish, with apt-X Bluetooth, True Wireless Stereo mode (in which you can pair two units to play your tunes in high-quality real…

Pure unveils new stylish new digital radio collaboration with Sanderson

Award-winning consumer electronics manufacturer, Pure, has lifted the lid on a stylish digital radio collaboration with leading British manufacturer of fabrics and wallpaper Sanderson. The Sanderson models come adorned in two specially-tailored, iconic prints : "Chelsea" is a classic print, having been in Sanderson's range since 1957, while "Dandelion Clocks" was first introduced in 2008 and has…

9 bright & functional cycling accessories for summer (part 2/2)

Welcome to part two of Shiny Shiny's summer cycling round-up! This time I've tried and tested some fantastic accessories, and again, they're all chosen with safety and style in mind where possible. Click here to read part one, which is a round-up of bright and colourful clothing for female cyclists. 1. Overboard waterproof yellow pannier, £39.99 This…

Top picks for summer: colourful, functional cycling clothing (part 1/2)

Summer is here! OK, it's been here for a while - and so a round-up of the best clothes, accessories and the occasional gadget for summer cycling is long overdue. (Incidentally, we've got a list for winter, too, if you're in the cold camp.) Sadly, cycling can be very dangerous - especially for women - so…
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8 Reasons why #Sense8 is your new favourite TV show

Sense8 is a new Netflix TV show that’s really left critics and viewers divided. From what we can tell so far it’s a real Marmite show – you either love it’s fantasy ridiculousness and heartfelt performances or you, well, you really don’t. We’re in the LOVE IT camp here at ShinyShiny, so we’ve collected together our 8 reasons why it could be your favourite show of the summer.

8 Essential waterproof gadgets for summer fun and travel

If you’re heading off on your holidays this year, then you won’t want to be worrying about what you can and can’t take to the pool. So make sure everything you pack is waterproof – or at least packed in waterproof luggage or a swim-friendly case. We’ve collected together out eight favourite waterproof gadgets whether you want to record yourself doing some crazy water sports or just keep your phone by the pool and avoid splash-related emergencies.

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4 Easy ways to control your privacy on Facebook

Sure Facebook has put plenty of guides and easy steps in place to demystify privacy, but we’ve collected together four easy tips to give you a bit more control. We find that most people we talk to want to control what people can see a bit more, organise groups and share things with particular people, but they often can’t be bothered to take the first step, well now you’ve got no excuse.

10 Essential apps for travel and holidays: Airbnb, Localeur, Yelp

Going on holiday or away for extended travel is stressful enough at the best of times, so we’ve collected together our top apps for booking flights, finding accommodation on the move and figuring out the best places to eat wherever you are on the planet.

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10 Apps to make you more productive: Evernote, Feedly, IFTTT

Whether you’re keen to find a new to-do list app, up your note-taking game or discover a new way to incorporate workouts into your busy routine, we’ve got you covered with our rundown of apps to make you more productive (and more awesome).

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5 Alternatives to Snapchat: Qik, Slingshot, Yovo

If something about the little ghost really gets on your nerves, or you’re not keen on the people you’ve been following and want a fresh start, then it might be time to try some of the instant messaging app alternatives that are hot on the heels of Snapchat. We’ve collected together five that are worth trying.

Samsung Galaxy S6 cases.

10 of the best Samsung Galaxy S6 cases and covers

If you couldn’t wait to get your hands on one, chances are you won’t want to let it slip through them – sure, it should be hardwearing enough to withstand a drop or a knock, but who wants to take that chance? Increase its lifespan with one of our ten fave Samsung Galaxy S6 cases instead…

8 Father’s Day gifts for your tech-obsessed dad

It’s Father’s Day later this week, so here’s our top suggestions for tech-obsessed dads, whether yours is keen to kit out his car with new gadgets, get creative in the kitchen or try his hand at 3D-printing.

Photo editing apps for Android: Autodesk Pixlr.

5 of the best photo editing apps for Android

Sure, you can do some basic editing tasks on your phone or tablet already, but downloading additional apps lets you add effects that don’t come as standard, without having to fire up your laptop. Here are five of our fave photo editing apps for Android, many of them free, so you can perfect those holiday photos or daily selfies…

ShinyShiny snippets: Elon Musk’s Neuralink to begin ‘brain chip’ trials

Image: Neuralink Elon Musk said on Wednesday he expects a brain chip developed by his health tech company to begin human trials in the next six months. During a presentation by Musk’s company Neuralink, Musk gave updates on the company’s wireless brain chip. In addition to forecasting clinical trials, Musk said…

ShinyShiny snippets: Batteries thrown in household waste cause hundreds of fires

Batteries thrown in household rubbish bins cause about 700 fires every year in dustcarts and waste-processing centres, local authorities say. Lithium-ion batteries can explode if damaged or crushed. The Environmental Services Association says resulting fires cost fire services and waste operators some £158m a year. Non-profit organisation Material Focus, which surveyed local authorities, runs an online search tool…

ShinyShiny snippets: Plans to remove harmful content axed from Online Safety Bill

Controversial measures which would have forced big technology platforms to take down legal but harmful material have been axed from the Online Safety Bill. Critics of the section in the bill claimed it posed a risk to free speech. Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan denied weakening laws protecting social media users and said adults would have…

Top 30 household risks – walking on wet floor tops list

A poll of 2,000 adults has revealed nearly a fifth (18 per cent) have risked electrocution by turning on light switches while still wet after coming out of the shower. And more than a third (34 per cent) regularly risk slipping and falling on their wet bathroom floor. Other potential gambles people take include leaving…

ShinyShiny snippets: WhatsApp launches ‘Message Yourself’ feature

WhatsApp has started rolling out a feature to let you chat with yourself. Sending messages to your own account can be a way to keep a piece of information easily accessible, right next to your other WhatsApp conversations. Called ‘Message Yourself’, the feature lets users send notes, reminders and shopping lists to themselves on WhatsApp.…

Hack Friday: Over 10 million Brits victim of online shopping scams

Over 10 million Brits have fallen victim to online shopping scams, it was revealed today, as 19 million UK shoppers embark on the biggest bargain hunts of the year. Research from cybersecurity company NordVPN can reveal that 20.7% of UK adults have been scammed while shopping online — equivalent to 10.6 million people. With Black Friday just a couple…

ShinyShiny snippets: Mercedes offers subscription for faster EV acceleration

  Mercedes-Benz is to offer an online subscription service in the US to make its electric cars speed up quicker. For an annual cost of $1,200 (£991) excluding tax, the company will enable some of its vehicles to accelerate from 0-60mph a second faster. It comes after rival manufacturer BMW offered a subscription feature earlier…

ShinyShiny snippets: Police smash online phone fraud shop

Image: iSpoof website The Met police have smashed a global online fraud shop selling tools that allowed criminals to carry out phone scams on hundreds of thousands of unsuspecting victims. Detectives disabled the iSpoof website as part of the biggest anti-fraud operation ever mounted in the UK. Criminals using software purchased…

More than half of Brits try to stick to ‘morning rituals’

Millions of Brits swear their morning rituals - including meditation, exercise and writing down goals - help them to get their day off to a good start. A poll of 2,000 adults found brushing their teeth, having a shower, cooking breakfast and making the bed are some of the things they would be least likely…

ShinyShiny snippets: Mazda hints at electric MX-5

Mazda has previewed a sleek two-seat coupé – which could hint at the next-generation MX-5 – alongside the announcement of an £8.9 billion investment into future electric vehicles. Although the firm did not detail the model...it was shown alongside a series of Mazda MX-5 convertibles. This suggests it could be an early look at the next-generation sports…