Lifestyle, Travel

RiutBag introduces its anti-theft Crush foldable backpack and Sling cross-body bag

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UK based RiutBag, innovators in sleek and secure backpacks, is pleased to announce the availability of its Crush foldable backpack and Sling cross body bag. RiutBag, pronounced ‘riot’ stands for Revolution in User Thinking and brings an entirely new concept to the wearable technology and travel industries. These lightweight, foldable and incredibly secure bags are available from the Riut website for £39.99 and £29.99 respectively with free UK shipping.

With flexible work and UK travel planned to open up in the coming months, some people might be nervous and unsure about venturing into the public arena. Personal-theft was reportedly 52% lower during July 2020 lockdown. Going on a train or tube again may be more intimidating, especially when carrying valuables, as the threat from pickpockets and gangs of thieves looking to take advantage once again becomes a reality.

 

RiutBags, invented by UK designer Sarah Giblin, first hit the headlines in 2015 for their simple and effective theft-proof “backwards” design with the zips cleverly hidden on the back panel so no one else can access the contents.

 

Even A-list magician and professional pickpocket entertainer, Matt Windsor has endorsed the bags stating, “Given there are no zips available to me, I wouldn’t even look at it as an option to pickpocket. By having a RiutBag, you make it clear to a pickpocket that you’re aware of what they do professionally and they just think, “I’ll pick someone else. I think they’re very difficult to steal from, if not impossible.”

The two latest bags in the RiutBag collection are:

The RiutBag Crush:

The RiutBag Crush offers the ultimate in security and protection from theft as all the zips are positioned against the back so cannot be opened easily and unobtrusively by pickpockets.  This lightweight daypack weighs less than 300 grams and has 14 litres of space, so plenty of room for a day’s worth of belongings in a very light backpack. When it’s not in use, it folds down into a small pocket, weighing just 240 grams, which can be kept inside a main backpack, a car or put away neatly at home for when it’s next needed. Whether on a walk through a city, at a festival, in a crowd or market, enjoy moving with no extra weight and with total peace of mind with the secure RiutBag Crush.

The RiutBag Crush has three pockets, the top pocket, D-pocket and main compartment. The top pocket is about the size of a fist and is perfect for quickly accessing small valuables.  When using the Crush as a backpack, the D-pocket is a great spot for a phone, wallet or passport as it can be accessed securely whilst on the back. It is made from a double layer of high-quality flame-resistant ripstop nylon, the same material used in hot air balloons, and has world-class YKK zips offering the ultimate durability and strength. It is showerproof but for extra protection, in bad weather the RiutBag Cover, which can be purchased separately, makes it 100% waterproof and reflective so perfect for long cycle rides or walks and on a motorbike or moped. On the outside, it is smart, understated and minimalistic black, whilst the inside lining is brightly coloured so items can be found easily.  No animal products are used in the manufacture of any of the RiutBags so could appeal to vegans too.

RiutBag Sling:

The RiutBag Sling is a light, flexible and secure cross-body bag enabling easy reach of the most important small items on the go, so no more searching for keys, payment cards, phones or passports ever again. Unlike other sling bags, the zip faces the body so cannot be opened without a wearer’s knowledge thus offering travellers, commuters and walkers in crowded areas the ultimate in peace of mind and the reassurance that contents are safe and yet easily accessed.

It is a sleek plain black and ultra minimalistic bag with a slimline design that stretches if a larger item is carried offering a total capacity of no more than 2 litres and designed to hold up to 1.5kg. Larger and heavier items should always be carried in a backpack that evenly distributes weight over both shoulders, protecting a user’s back in the long term. It also has a useful detachable key hook inside for easy access to household or car keys.

The RiutBag Sling is worn across the body with the zip flat against the torso, hidden from sight, offering total control on when it is opened. To access it, slide it up to the chest and unzip and can be worn on its own or under the straps of a backpack. On the go, it can be moved to the side or even to a back; whatever is most comfortable. It has an adjustable, high-shine strap with a long, lightweight stretchy pocket.

The RiutBag Crush is available for £39.99 from the Riut website here

The RiutBag Sling is available for £29.99 from the Riut website here

Both items include free UK shipping

DJI, Drones, Technology, The Gadget Man

A Beginner’s Guide To Getting Into Drones

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They are fascinating, impressive, and downright cool, which is enough for some gadget fanatics to want to devote plenty of manhours to getting to grips with them. However, given their expense and the fact that a novice handling could quite easily end up in disaster, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that some beginners are a little apprehensive about diving headfirst into the world of drones.

Here, we’re going to look at what you, as a beginner, need to know about drones, how to choose the best one for your needs, and how to make sure that you can actually fly the thing without a catastrophe following in your wake.

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Know what you want to use it for

Before you dedicate your life over the next few months to knowing anything and everything drone-related, it’s a good idea to get to know why you want to buy and fly one in the first place. There are plenty of people who want one just for the experience of flying a drone, which is perfectly fine in and of itself, but those who might want a drone for the sake of photography might have different needs (such as good camera stabilization features.) There are more practical uses for drones as well to consider, some of which might even have commercial benefits.

Choose the drone that best suits your needs

Now that you hopefully have a better idea of what, precisely, you are going to be using your drone for, it’s now time to choose the drone that suits those needs. Websites like DrDrone.ca offer thorough guides on which drones are best suited for different kinds of usage. Some are better suited to beginners who are just learning to fly, while others have specific applications. Even for those specific applications, such as buying a drone that is focused on photography, there is a wide variety so take your time in perusing the market.

Know whether you’re going to have to assemble your drone

This is a big stumbling block for a lot of people who buy a drone and expect that they are going to be able to fly it as soon as they take it out of the box. This type of drone does exist, they are called RTF drones (or Ready to Fly drones). The other type is called “DIY” typically, which means that you’re going to have to assemble it when you open it. If you feel confident you can put it together just fine, that’s a-okay, just make sure you know which you are getting.

Do you need a license?

The answer to this question will depend largely on where you live. In some countries, the recreational use of drones might not require any kind of license or ID. However, in the vast majority of English speaking countries, if you have any intentions to use your drones for commercial purposes, you’re going to need some form of license  However, it is crucial to do your research and learn your local drone license needs and laws, rather than relying on this tip for a definitive answer. Drone-traveller.com offers an in-depth look at national drone laws in a variety of countries.

Get some training

Rather than trying to master the art of flying a drone all by yourself, it might be worth taking the time to look into those that can show the ropes. When it comes to earning a license in the countries and states that require it, it may be essential that you have some formal training, and there are plenty of teams like Uavcoach.com that can help give you all kinds of drone flying courses, for more general use as well as specific practical applications, depending on your needs.

Know what accessories you might need

Plenty of drones come out of the box with a range of helpful accessories, but you will often find that you need a little extra just to make sure that you’re covered in any eventuality. Some spare drone parts such as additional rotors or props are always a good idea to have on hand. Keeping a backup flight battery is usually a good idea as well, as well as having a portable charger so you can stay flying for longer.

With the tips above, hopefully, you should feel confident that getting into drone flying need not be all that much of a fuss. With the right choice of machine, a little practice, and a few solid tips in mind, you should be flying with the best of them.

Audio, Edifier, Matt Porter

NEW EDIFIER D12 Speaker Launched

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Compact All In One Multimedia Bluetooth Speaker System manufactured with 4 sound units for clear, balanced sound with high-low frequency separation and deeper tones.

Edifier® International, a prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets announce the new D12 multimedia speaker system.

The D12 delivers outstanding sound. Featuring 2 x 4-inch woofers for optimum bass response and naturally fine-tuned sound produced from 2 x 19mm silk dome tweeter this compact speaker outperforms many other speakers in its class. Although it is an integrated speaker, the D12 is designed with two independent cavities to avoid phase interference between the left and right channels giving a sound that is more exact.

If you want crystal clear audio that catches every tiny nuance in your music, then the D12 is well worth hearing. A total of 70 watts (RMS) of distortion-free power output makes sure you get crystal clear and uncompromising sound everywhere in the room.

The D12 has versatile connectivity options. There are Bluetooth 5.0, RCA, AUX inputs available with a Line-out port for an extra subwoofer or active speakers to be connected to multiple audio devices at the same time.

With a quality wooden enclosure that reduces acoustic resonance, the D12 compliments any room’s décor.

Additional Features:

Easy setup

Unlike many other complicated speakers, you don’t have to struggle to set it up, and it won’t take up too much space. Place it wherever you want, such as your living room, study room, dining room, or bedroom, just connect to the power supply, and it’s ready to use.

Easy Operation

The Three top-mounted knobs (Bass dial, treble dial, volume control/input

selector) allow for simple, accurate control of the treble, bass, and volume/input.

Wireless Remote Control included

Audio Source Indicator

The Audio source indicator clearly shows input mode.

Price & Availability:

The D12 will be available from Amazon and other online stockists from February at SRP £99.99

I’m looking forward to reviewing this in the coming week, so stay tuned!

Cars, e-commerce, Gadget Man, Online Shopping

Essential Tips For Buying Auto Parts Online

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Since 2017, online purchases of auto parts in the UK shot up to £21.6 billion, and the numbers are expected to increase even more by the close of 2021. Online shopping has become more popular, and for this reason, more customers are resorting to this convenient means to purchase items. This is even more critical in the car sector due to the influx of scammers lurking on virtual portals to outwit buyers. How can you make your online auto part purchase as hassle-free as possible? Here are a few essential things to know when buying auto parts online.

  • Know the differences in car parts

Auto parts differ in categories. Some specific technical terms associated with these parts that are worthy of note are: 

  • Used car parts
  • Genuine/OE/OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
  • Aftermarket

The used car parts refer to auto parts that are salvaged from scrap vehicles. Sometimes, they’re sourced from wrecked or accident vehicles. Although these types may come cheap, they could pose problems later as the risk of compromised quality is high and may not be worth buying for long-term usage. 

On the other hand, the aftermarket parts refer to auto spare parts designed by another company different from your car manufacturer. This option can also save you money but could pose some challenges when getting the right specification to suit your automobile is concerned.

Lastly, the OEM and genuine parts are the most ideal, as there’s the assurance of the auto part coming from a trusted manufacturing brand. Moreover, they’re reliable and safe to use. Although they’re typically pricier than the other types on the market, it’s worth going for them.

  • Opt to have the parts shipped

There are varied forms of auto parts delivery after purchasing them online. Usually, this is where the confusion starts. While some online stores offer to deliver them to a central location for pickup, others prefer the buyer to ship the items themselves. However, you can rely on Shiply to ship the parts you buy online and subsequently have them delivered to you. It’s a hassle-free system that allows buyers to enjoy the convenience of online shopping for auto-parts.

  • Purchase from a secure online marketplace

Due to the influx of e-commerce, especially in the auto sector, it can be tough to detect credible ones from fake establishments. Who can you trust in such a ‘noisy’ marketplace? Fortunately, there are tips to help you make that decision. First of all, focus only on trusted names and known online stores that many people buy from. Avoid falling into the traps of online shops that promise huge discounts and too-good-to-be-true offers. More so, when there appear to be no contact details on the website, that’s another red flag.

Be wary of those because many scammers prey on unsuspecting buyers with these tactics. To be on the safer side, focus your attention on online retailers with secure checkout mechanisms. Secondly, look up their return policy indicated on the said website. Moreover, if the online shop offers monthly instalment plans, you can be assured of their authenticity. For example, splitit.com is one such online retailer that offers this option for its buyers.

Buying auto parts online can be risky when you lack the requisite insight on how you should do it. Your focal point must be getting your money’s worth, avoiding scammers, and opting for easy delivery methods.

Good Causes

Charity launches competition to sniff out the UK’s cheekiest dog stories

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Without a doubt, the lockdown has brought the many benefits of dog ownership into sharp focus.  

But let’s face it, having a dog can be challenging at times, too. Every now and again, our four-legged friends do cheeky things that leave us a bit open-mouthed.

In a bid to bring a smile to the nation’s faces during another tough lockdown, UK charity Dogs for Good has launched a competition called #OhMyDog asking people to share their funniest, cheekiest, laugh-out-loud dog stories.

To get the ball rolling, Dogs for Good Communications Manager, Sarah Watson, shared her own cheeky dog story.

She said: “My dog and I were walking past a café and there were some people having breakfast outside. The street was quite narrow and my dog reached up and took a piece of sausage off the end of someone’s fork. I was so embarrassed!

“Luckily the guy who had just missed out on part of his breakfast was a big fan of dogs and saw the funny side of it – and he was happy to share his breakfast with a hungry Labrador.  We laughed and I gave a sigh of relief!”

There is a more serious side to this, too, and Dogs for Good wants people to know they are here to help you understand your dog and his or her behaviour better. The charity recently launched its Take the Lead campaign to empower dog owners by giving free online advice and training tips to help them build a better understanding of their dog and develop a strong bond to help get the most out of their relationship.

Dogs for Good’s Training Operations Manager, Chris Muldoon, who lives in Glasgow and works from the charity’s National Training Centre in Banbury, Oxfordshire, said: “If we’re honest, most of us have some moment where our dog has left us a little red in the face when their natural instincts have both amused and maybe surprised us just a little bit.

“By understanding your dog’s natural instincts and behaviour, you can hopefully avoid a few of those toe-curling moments … or at least help you understand more about why your dog behaves in the way that he or she does.”

To share your funniest dog-related story, simply use the hashtag #OhMyDog on Twitter or leave your story in the comments on the competition post on Facebook and Instagram by March 1st.

Dogs for Good will share the four best stories on their website with the #OhMyDog winner being decided by public vote. The winner with the best story will receive an Eco-Warrior Total Works pack from Little Soap Co and a new collar and lead set from WeatherBeetaUK.

Visit dogsforgood.org/good-advice for more information about Good Advice.

For #OhMyDog terms and conditions visit: dogsforgood.org/terms-and-conditions-social-media-prize-draw-competition/

To follow Dogs for Good on social media go to:
facebook.com/DogsForGoodUK/
instagram.com/dogsforgood_uk/ 
twitter.com/DogsForGoodUK/

Cyber Security, Cybercrime, Police

City of London Police teach all key stage two children across the UK about fraud and cyber crime

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  • Police launch a Cyber Detectives programme to all schools across the UK funded by Lloyds Banking Group
  • All key stage two children will be taught about policing principles, fraud and cybercrime prevention
  • Lessons will involve learning about fraud and cybercrime.

The City of London Police is pleased to announce its Mini Police programme will now be available to all key stage two pupils across the UK. The programme was originally piloted in 2018 at The Aldgate School in the City of London,

The partnership is between the City of London Police, Lloyds Banking Group who funded and co-developed the programme, and the Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education Association (PHSE) who will distribute the lessons to schools through a website link.  The programme aims to raise awareness of online fraud and its associated risks, and explore the skills pupils need to stay safe online and protect their personal information, as well as how to report concerns and access help.

The resource pack includes two comprehensive lesson plans for Year 5/6 pupils, with supporting PowerPoints, accompanied by teacher guidance, explaining how to ensure the most effective delivery of the lessons. The pack also contains information and guidance for parents, to help them stay informed about how online fraud could affect their child, along with practical tips and advice on how to keep safe.

The lessons will support pupils to:

  • Explain what online fraud is and identify and analyse some examples of scams;
  • Engage in cyber security awareness training to enhance an understanding of cyber threats of all kinds;
  • Describe the importance of protecting personal information and data online;
  • Explain why age restrictions for online games can help to keep people safe and prevent fraud; and.
  • Recognise ways to stay as safe as possible online and how to report concerns about online fraud;

The children will also learn what it means to be a police officer and the importance of working with the public to protect them from crime.

Cyber Detectives - Image Credit, City of London Police
Cyber Detectives – Image Credit, City of London Police

Temporary Commander, Clinton Blackburn of the City of London Police, Policing Lead Force for Fraud said:

“The Cyber Detectives project is an excellent opportunity for us to work with schools and teach children to protect themselves from cybercriminals.

“We have designed the programme so that the children receive age-appropriate messages that allow them to learn about policing and cybercrime in a stimulating environment.

“This programme highlights how important and effective partnership working is and we are looking forward to hearing the feedback from pupils, teachers and parents. With more children being online from a young age, the importance of learning about cybercrime and fraud has risen. The programme also makes children think about all aspects of online safety and how they can protect themselves and others.”

Brian Dilley, Fraud and Financial Crime Prevention Director, Lloyds Banking Group, said:

“Helping to keep our customers’ money safe by stopping fraud from happening in the first place is very important to us

“Joining forces with CoLP and PHSE to roll-out the Mini Police primary school programme across the country’s schools will help educate the next generation about financial fraud and build greater awareness among teachers, families and communities – the more people know about spotting the signs of scams, the safer we will all be.”

PSHE Association Subject Specialist, Lydia Stober says:

“The rise of online gaming and social media use means that fraud prevention education has never been more important, particularly for primary aged pupils who are exploring the online world at an early age. These PSHE education lessons from the City of London Police and Lloyds Banking Group will help pupils to recognise the signs of fraudulent activity online in a variety of different contexts including emails, websites and gaming. Pupils are also given the opportunity to discuss the potential risks to themselves and ways to reduce it, and understand the importance of age ratings in keeping them safe and avoiding online fraud.”

Gadget Man, Headphones, Technology

Gadgets to Make Your Day to Day Life Easier

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Photo by Oleg Magni from Pexels
Photo by Oleg Magni from Pexels

Life can feel tough at the moment. We’re all trying to make our way, day by day, through a global pandemic where we face constant uncertainty, struggles and difficulties. Government restrictions to slow the spread of the virus have resulted in countless changes to our routines and many of us are still growing used to spending more time alone and away from those we love. Many of us are also facing financial difficulties, as we experience job loss, redundancy, reduced hours or reduced pay. It’s not all too surprising, then, that many of us are feeling tired of constant stress and are looking for any and every way to make our lives a little easier on ourselves. Of course, where there is demand, someone will supply. So, it’s not all too surprising that there are increasing numbers of gadgets entering the marketplace that has been specifically designed to ease up your life in some way or another. Here are a few that you might want to consider!

Button Pushers

Many of us have routines that involve pressing certain switches at certain times throughout the day. Perhaps you want your lights to turn on at a certain time to alert others that you’re home. You might turn your heating on at a certain time each morning or evening to make sure your home is the right temperature. Perhaps you turn your hot water on at a particular time to ensure you have enough water for showers, washing up, baths or anything else at a set time of day. Sure, this is a small task, but often, we forget to press the switches and this can throw a spanner in the works of our day. Instead, why not consider automatic button pushers? These are devices that will press a switch or button at a time that you set and choose. Research different models to make sure that they press firmly enough to do their job in your home!

Liquid Level Sensors

Do you find yourself regularly having to top up liquid levels in your home? Is there a certain tank that needs to be refilled at a certain point? Rather than constantly having to check, you could use a liquid level sensor that will alert you when you need to top fluid or liquid levels up.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Many of us are coping with the switch to working from home. This can, for those of us who don’t live alone or those of us who have noisy neighbours, can entail dealing with trying to work in noisy environments. This is less than ideal and can negatively impact productivity. So, why not invest in noise-cancelling headphones? These can provide you with the silence you want to work in!

These are just a few different gadgets that are available on the market and that could make all the difference to your daily routine. Each has its own uses and benefits and will likely prove more than worth the investment in saved time and increased productivity!

Mobile Phone, Phones

How To Have A Better Relationship With Your Phone

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Your phone is likely a big part of your life, and thanks to technology, our reliance on our phones have only become more significant. However, it’s important that regardless of what you use your phone or how much you use it, you have a good relationship with your phone. It’s good to know you can switch off without feeling the temptation to just pick up your phone within seconds of putting it down. Here are some tips on how to have a better relationship with your phone.

Manage Your Notifications

Firstly, a big part of the temptation that comes with looking at your phone is the notifications. If you’ve got lots of notifications popping up on your screen, then you are more than likely to check them out, rather than simply leaving your phone alone and checking on it later. Managing your notifications can be a good way of dampening that urge to check your phone for messages and changes on your social media handles, for example. You can manage your notifications very easily within the settings of your phone or on the apps that you use regularly.

Often enough, these apps will automatically put on notifications because they’ll want to be able to get a hold of your attention quickly. However, if you’re manually switching off your notifications, then it can definitely help you avoid your phone when you need to concentrate your attention elsewhere. Those who manage their notifications, actually check their phones a lot less as a result.

See If You Can Go A Period Of Time Without It

The real test of how reliant you are on your phone is to leave it alone and see just how long you can go without using it. For most of us, this is going to be a challenge and perhaps not a surprise when it comes to how difficult it is when you put your phone down, to not pick it up. Doing this though can really help you to acknowledge that there’s a problem but to also train yourself to get better at leaving your phone for longer periods of time. Try doing it throughout the week and work your way up to longer amounts of time without it.

Being able to go for half an hour to an hour is a great start, but for some, even that might not be attainable without building the time up beforehand.

Monitor Your Usage

We all use our phones for different reasons. Some might be for mainly work, and others might be mainly to socialize. Some may use it for both, but whatever you use it for, it’s good to pay attention to your usage. You can find your usage on your phone’s settings. This can be really helpful in finding what you might be more addicted to when it comes to your phone. Whether it’s browsing through your photos, checking social media platforms, or answering emails, it’s all detailed in this area of your phone.

Usage is important because you’ll likely find some shocking results that you didn’t expect when it comes to the amount of time spent on your phone. However, it’s worth looking at because it may hopefully, help you change your perspective and attitude towards your phone. You may consciously use it less due to the stats that your phone shows you.

Take Regular Breaks From The Screen

Regular breaks from your screen are important because if you’re not giving yourself a rest, it can impact you physically and mentally. It’s always good to at least take a break every hour, especially when it comes to your computer and phone devices. We forget just how quickly an hour can go when we’re consumed with our phones. Whether that’s watching endless Tiktok videos to binge-watching a Netflix series.

Even though it’s good to have a phone when you’re on the go so that you can indulge in your favorite shows or to keep yourself occupied during your commute, be sure to take rest time into consideration.

A sign of spending too long on your phone is tired or sore eyes and even headaches. Switch off if this happens so that you can let your body recover.

Get The Right Eyewear To Protect Your Eyes

When you’re looking at a screen for hours on end, whether it’s a phone or other electronic devices like a computer or television, it’s good to look after your eyes. Blue light is a problem for your eyes as it can really put some strain on them. It can dry them out and make them look sore and so it’s always good to wear blue light blocking glasses. Eyewear can really help to ensure that your eyes are protected when on your phone and navigating the internet.

They’re affordable to buy, and they’re going to save you a lot of future health issues as a result. Check out https://www.eyeglasses.com for some of the best options for your eyes.

Try To Rely On It Less

When it comes to your phone, it’s important to reduce your reliance on picking it up but also needing it for various tasks in your daily life. If you can, try to rely on it less and instead use your own awareness or knowledge. It might be that you use more traditional formats in replacement of your phone and that can really help to rely less on your phone too.

If you find that you’re relying too much on your phone, then it’s all about working out what is making you go to your phone the most. That way, you tackle it a bit at a time until you’re able to pick it up less.

Having a better relationship with your phone is certainly important, especially as we live in an age where we’re so reliant on our technology. Make sure that you do everything you can to help reduce your usage when necessary and to give yourself a break from your phone.

Apple, Apps, Cloud, Cloud Storage, Gadget Man, Google, Photo Storage, Technology

How to Choose Cloud Storage for Your Photos

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The cloud is the most practical and secure way to store your photos. You’ll have continual access to a digital backup of your memories. You also won’t have to worry about overloading your hard disk or your smartphone. With cloud storage, you can share your photos as well, but providers also give the option to set privacy restrictions. They have state-of-the-art resources to keep them encrypted for you. There are certain features you need to look for in a cloud storage provider. Here are some of the top ones reviewed, both paid and free.

Tips for choosing cloud storage

Cloud storage is great for those working from home and sharing documents. It’s also ideal for backing up your photos. There are several key cloud storage features to look for when choosing a cloud storage provider. Cloud services come with an app so ensure this is compatible with your brand of smartphone or tablet. Not all providers are free, but they will offer a certain amount of space before you need to sign up for a subscription. 

Generally, all providers accept JPEG files Certain providers will allow you to upload different types of files including TIFFS, RAW, and video or music files. Before signing up with a provider, it’s a good idea to calculate how much space you’re realistically going to need and for what type of files. This way, you can work out whether it’s worth paying for a subscription or not. If storage is becoming an issue for you, you also have the option to delete duplicate photos from your smartphone, this article explains how to do it, https://backlightblog.com/delete-iphone-duplicate-photos. It’s up to you whether you decide to move your photos to the cloud.

Top cloud storage providers

There are several big names in cloud storage and Google, Microsoft and Adobe all have their own version. Other top cloud storage providers include IDrive and pCloud. Here is a quick review of each. 

IDrive

IDrive is great for photographers who use multiple devices and are concerned about security. It’s a very reliable cloud storage provider and has an excellent security rating. Your photos are protected by biometrics and you can set up face recognition for accessibility across all devices. The free plan allows a maximum of 5GB which can fill up quite quickly, depending on the number of photos and other files you have. If you need more space, you can upgrade to a yearly subscription. IDrive is user-friendly and fast. It also has features such as syncing photos and robust reporting tools.

pCloud

pCloud is ideal if you want to store files of various types. It’s not free but the provider offers a unique lifetime subscription for a one-off payment of £159 for 500GB or £309 for 2TB. There are also monthly plans available. pCloud provides state-of-the-art encryption and only the user will have access to their accounts, not even the company’s administrators. You can store any type of video or image file including RAW files, and you can share your files with up to four family members or your business. You can essentially send and receive large files to and from anyone. pCloud is a Swiss company and follows Swiss data laws, they also use first-class safety measures.

Google Photos

Google Photos offers storage for photos and videos and each Google account comes with up to 15GB for free. Google Drive is set up for file sharing and it’s easy for multiple users to access and edit files. It couldn’t be simpler to use although it isn’t the most stylish of platforms. It is, however, fully compatible with other apps as part of G Suite and can be synced with any devices and cameras with WiFi access. You can also top up your storage for as little as £1.59 per month for 100GB. The great thing about Google is that it also uses machine learning technology to label and archive photos, and makes suggestions to you based on your history and preferences. It uses metadata which allows you to find pictures easily based on date and place, and in general it’s very quick and convenient to use. 

Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive provides a similar cloud storage service to Google, but is an integrated part of the Microsoft Office package. It is possible to use Microsoft OneDrive as a standalone deal, however, which is free up to 5GB and then £1.99 per month for up to 100GB. The other Microsoft Office apps aren’t included in these packages, so it depends on if you need them or not. The full Microsoft Office 365 starts at £5.99 a month. Microsoft OneDrive is easy to use and can be accessed on unlimited devices. While it’s not solely designed for photographers, it’s still a safe and convenient place to store your pictures. 

Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe Creative Cloud is more specifically aimed at photographers, professional and amateur alike. This does, however, mean it’s a little bit more expensive than other more basic cloud storage providers, but there are more advanced photography-based features such as stylish image libraries and editing options. Adobe offers a free trial for those interested and the basic photography app starts at just £9.98 a month. You can upgrade this to include all the Adobe apps for £49.94, which is a good deal for those with a passion for photography. Adobe Creative Cloud is compatible with Windows, MAC, Android, and iOS and you can upload all types of files from any device. 

The cloud storage provider you choose depends on what you’re going to use it for, how many files you have, and which type. If you’re an experienced photographer or you want to develop your skills, Adobe Creative Cloud has more photography-based features. If you’re on more of a budget and simply want a backup of a few family photos, then a basic free cloud storage option is probably more suited to you. Upload and protect your memories on the cloud today.

Anti-Virus, antibacterial, Cleaning, Coronavirus, Covid-19, Covid19

‘Smart Screen’ Anti-Bacterial Cleaning Cloth for your Smart Phone Launches

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A London-based start-up brand propelled by lockdown creativity, ‘Smart Screen’, has launched a revolutionary, antibacterial cleaning cloth designed to ensure phones and tablets remain box-fresh.

‘Smart Screen’ is a designer cleaning cloth and pouch tailored to neatly fit into any pocket, heavier weight than most microfibre glass cleaning cloths making it easier to handle. This premium product has been specifically manufactured with the current heightened awareness of cleanliness in mind, with a silver ion antibacterial liquid treatment applied during the weaving process. The ‘Smart Screen’ boasts a durability that ensures antibacterial properties lasts for up to 15 washes.

This lifestyle accessory, though produced predominantly for phone and tablet use, can also be utilised for reading glasses or camera lens cleaning thanks to its’ versatility. Created for a mass-market audience, the cloth fits into any everyday scenario – from removing screen smears before entering a meeting, eradicating dirt picked up from the bottom of a handbag or getting rid of greasy finger marks on the family-shared tablet.

‘Smart Screen’ CEO, David Sant explains: “As a serial entrepreneur and businessman I’m always looking for opportunities to spot gaps in the market and bring a concept to reality. During the lockdown, I have been reminiscing back to being on busy commuter trains with everyone staring at their phones then cleaning them on jeans, jacket sleeves or a handkerchief. It strikes me that now more than ever we have a requirement for ourselves and a duty to others to live in a more clean-conscious manner. I’m proud to bring such a high-end yet accessible product to market to meet a new wave in demand.”

The Smart Screen is presented in neat boxed packaging and is available for purchase in six different colours (Navy Blue, Saffron Yellow, Slate Grey, Powder Blue, Polar White and Camel Brown) retailing at £9.95 each

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