ShinyShiny snippets: US vinyl sales overtake CDs for first time since 1980s
Vinyl record sales outperformed CDs in the US for the first time since 1987, according to a new report. Just over 41 million vinyl records were sold in 2022, to the tune of $1.2bn (£.99bn). Only 33 million CDs were sold, amounting to $483m. It was the 16th consecutive year of growth for record sales, about…
Top 10 things Brits track – including step count and sleep
Brits are fast becoming a nation of trackers, examining at least seven different areas of their lives. A study of 2,000 adults found monitoring step count comes in at number one, closely followed by tracking exercise levels and energy use. Others keep an eye on their heart rate, weight and how much they’re…
ShinyShiny snippets: Meta to cut another 10,000 jobs
Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has announced that it will cut 10,000 jobs. It comes months after the tech giant laid off 11,000 employees in November 2022. Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said the cuts would be "tough", and formed part of a "year of restructuring".In addition to the 10,000 jobs being lost,…
ShinyShiny snippets: Nokia launches G22 phone with DIY repair kit
Finnish mobile manufacturer Nokia has partnered with repair specialists iFixit to release the smartphone G22, which comes with replaceable parts and toolkits so that customers can fix their phone themselves. The collaboration was born from the increasing demand for home solutions, as more people integrate repair into their lives, iFixit explained. "People want to fix things themselves, and we're happy…
How to combat April bill hikes – including energy and mobile phones
With numerous utility and tax bills set to rise in April, millions of consumers will be wondering how the increases will impact them, what support is available, and looking for ways to save money. In conjunction with Which? we advise consumers on what hikes they can expect, and how they can reduce costs. 1. Energy…
ShinyShiny snippets: WhatsApp could be banned in UK, boss warns
WhatsApp could be banned in the UK, its head has warned. The UK’s upcoming Online Safety Bill could force the app to weaken the end-to-end encryption that currently secures messages on the service, said Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp at parent company Meta. If the government forced the company to weaken that security, WhatsApp…
ShinyShiny snippets: Spotify unveils Tik-Tok inspired revamp
It’s the TikTok-ification of Spotify. On Wednesday, Spotify unveiled a massive change to its design which users are not too thrilled about. Now, Spotify’s homepage will include a TikTok-like feed where users can scroll to discover new music, podcasts, books, and more. The homepage will feature vertical videos when possible for music covers and podcasts.…
Top 30 hacks to stop snoring revealed
The top hacks to beat snoring include using extra pillows, drinking water before bed – and even putting a tennis ball in your pyjamas to stop you lying on your back! A study of 2,000 adults found 56 per cent either snore or have a partner who does, with 54 per cent of those resorting…
ShinyShiny snippets: Apple introduces yellow iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
I'm a little disappointed that Apple didn't give a name to the yellow it splashed on its iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. It's just yellow, or Yellow iPhone 14. At least the really deep blue got 'Midnight' but Apple clearly had no interest in something like "Banana Yellow," "Sunflower Yellow," or "Merengue Yellow." The new color variant,…
ShinyShiny snippets: Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock ‘immortalised as Barbie Doll’
Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock and her Barbie doll. Image: Sky News A British scientist known for her work with the largest space telescope ever made has been honoured with her own Barbie doll. Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock has been immortalised as a one-of-a-kind plastic toy in her likeness in recognition of her achievements…
