In the latest episode of The Gadget Man, I joined Lorna Bailey on BBC Radio CWR to explore a topic that’s close to all our smartphones — apps. From checking our health and managing our money, to securing our homes and snapping hundreds of photos we never quite get around to backing up, apps have become the digital wallpaper of our lives.
But here’s the big question: Have we become too reliant on them? And are there risks lurking in our seemingly innocent app folders?
During this episode, we chat candidly about the app overload many of us experience. Whether it’s a dozen different parking apps or a folder full of CCTV apps just for one house (guilty as charged), we’ve all felt the weight of digital clutter and the anxiety of deleting an app in case we “might need it someday.”
We also talk about the very real risks of having so much of our data connected to apps and the internet — and how tech companies benefit from our every tap and swipe. While some of this data helps deliver useful services, like live traffic info, it also opens doors to targeted ads, invasions of privacy, and even scams.
Tips for Staying Safe in an App-Heavy World:
Only download apps from reputable sources like Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon’s App Store.
Avoid sideloading apps from unknown third-party websites — that’s where trouble can start.
Keep apps up to date — security patches are often part of these updates.
Use antivirus apps to scan for threats, especially on Android devices.
Be mindful in public when making payments with your phone — contactless tech can be abused.
Back up your photos and data regularly to avoid heartbreak if your device is lost or damaged.
There’s also a moment of digital self-reflection: Are we hoarding apps the same way we hoard random kitchen gadgets — “just in case”? You’re not alone. I’ve got folders of unused apps, too.
And while we’re talking about clutter, let’s not forget the thousands of photos we store and forget — until it’s too late. If there’s one takeaway from this episode, it’s this: Back. Up. Your. Photos. Whether it’s to iCloud, Google Photos, or any other cloud service, it could save your most precious memories.
Listen to the full episode to hear all the laughs, insights, and a few home truths about our app obsessions — and maybe get inspired to finally sort out your own digital drawers!
Want to chat more about this topic? Drop a comment below or ping me on social media @gadgetmanblog — I’d love to hear about your app habits, fears, and favourites!
If you’ve been following my reviews on The Gadget Man, you’ll know I have a deep appreciation for innovation and practicality, particularly when it comes to tech that enables creativity. Enter the Anycubic Kobra S1 – a device that has transformed my 3D printing experience and firmly established itself as an indispensable tool in my workshop. After clocking over 100 hours of printing with this machine, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer in the world of consumer-grade 3D printers.
Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo
Dimensions and Specifications
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo boasts a compact yet highly functional design. It operates at 46dB in standard mode and an impressively quiet 44dB in quiet mode, making it suitable for home and office environments. The maximum nozzle temperature of this printer reaches an impressive 320°C, allowing for compatibility with a variety of filament types. Additionally, the print head features a quick-release mechanism, simplifying maintenance and filament swaps. With a build volume of 250 x 250 x 250 mm, it offers ample space for a wide variety of projects while maintaining a manageable footprint. The printer’s enclosed design ensures consistent environmental conditions, and the carbon filter reduces fumes, particularly useful when printing with materials like ABS. The sturdy frame and high-quality components reflect Anycubic’s commitment to durability and reliability. The machine’s heated bed, capable of reaching temperatures up to 120°C quickly, is paired with a magnetic PEI print bed, ensuring excellent adhesion during printing and easy removal of finished models. and its precision extruder provide a professional-grade 3D printing experience.
Anycubic S1 Combo – CoreXY 3D Printer – An indispensable tool for professionals and hobbiests
Unboxing and Package Contents
The Anycubic Kobra S1 arrives neatly packaged with everything you need to get started. The box includes the main printer components, a toolkit, a sample filament, the 4-reel multi-colour ACE unit, and a detailed user manual. The inclusion of these extras reflects Anycubic’s commitment to delivering value and convenience to users. The unboxing experience is satisfying, and the care in packaging ensures everything arrives in pristine condition.
Assembly and Initial Setup
Straight out of the box, the setup process is impressively straightforward. The clear and concise user manual walks you through installing the print head, screen, and filament holder. Even for those new to 3D printing, the step-by-step instructions make assembly approachable and stress-free. Connecting the multi-colour ACE unit is a simple task, and the machine is designed for intuitive use. Within an hour, I had the printer fully assembled and ready to begin its first calibration.
One standout aspect of the setup process is the printer’s resonance compensation system. During initial configuration, the Kobra S1 moves the print head rapidly in a controlled pattern to measure vibrations. This data allows the printer to adjust and compensate for resonance during printing, resulting in smoother, more accurate outputs. This feature is particularly impressive as it demonstrates Anycubic’s dedication to precision and innovation.
Anycubic S1 Combo – CoreXY 3D Printer – An indispensable tool for professionals and hobbiests
Software and User Interface
The Anycubic Kobra S1 supports widely-used slicing software like Cura and Anycubic’s own Photon Workshop. It is compatible with a range of nozzle diameters, including the standard 0.4mm as well as 0.2mm, 0.6mm, and 0.8mm options for expanded versatility in project designs. These platforms offer intuitive interfaces and extensive options for fine-tuning your prints. Once the software is installed, connecting the printer is a breeze, and the user-friendly touchscreen interface on the printer itself makes controlling print jobs straightforward. It’s a well-thought-out ecosystem that bridges functionality and ease of use.
Performance and Material Versatility
In terms of performance, the Kobra S1 punches well above its weight. I began with PLA and PLA+, and the results were remarkable. Prints exhibited exceptional precision, fine details, and consistent layer adhesion. The enclosed design minimizes environmental factors, ensuring stable and reliable results.
Venturing into ABS printing was where the Kobra S1 truly shined. The enclosed chamber with a carbon filter ensured stable temperatures, reducing warping and odours. The heated bed and high-performance extruder proved their worth, handling ABS effortlessly and delivering smooth, robust prints. The addition of the multi-colour ACE unit enabled stunning multi-material prints, allowing for creative designs that were previously out of reach with single-extruder systems.
Before using the Kobra S1, I was limited to manual filament changes when attempting multi-colour prints. The Kobra S1’s full support for multi-colour printing has been a revelation, saving time and reducing errors. However, it’s worth noting that the use of prime towers for filament flushing can lead to some filament waste, a consideration for those conscious of material efficiency.
Standout Features
The heating 4-reel multi-colour ACE unit is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the Kobra S1. This innovative unit is also heated, allowing for in-print filament pre-heating, which ensures consistent material flow and print quality. The quick-release print head further enhances convenience, making it easy to swap or maintain the unit. The Kobra S1 also supports advanced features like Pressure Advance and Flow Calibration, ensuring optimal performance and precision across a range of printing scenarios. This innovative unit is also heated, allowing for in-print filament pre-heating, which ensures consistent material flow and print quality. This advanced feature facilitates seamless multi-material and multi-colour printing, unlocking unparalleled creative potential. Whether it’s intricate models, functional prototypes, or artistic creations, the ACE unit’s reliability and precision make it a joy to use.
Another highlight is the auto-levelling system. This feature eliminates one of the most common frustrations in 3D printing—manual bed levelling. With the Kobra S1, you can count on a perfectly levelled print bed every time, ensuring optimal print quality from the very first layer.
Safety and Maintenance
Anycubic has also prioritised user safety and maintenance ease. The enclosed design minimizes exposure to fumes, especially when working with ABS. Routine maintenance is simplified with easy access to key components and a helpful guide in the user manual. The sturdy build ensures durability, making this printer a long-term investment.
Value for Money
The Anycubic Kobra S1 stands out as an affordable yet feature-rich 3D printer. Priced competitively, it delivers professional-grade results that rival much more expensive models. With its ability to handle a wide range of materials, including PLA, PLA+, and ABS, and its advanced multi-material capabilities, the Kobra S1 offers exceptional value for hobbyists, tinkerers, and small businesses alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Anycubic Kobra S1 sets a new standard for consumer-grade 3D printers. Its versatility, reliability, and professional-grade performance make it a standout choice for both beginners and experienced makers. From the heating 4-reel multi-colour ACE unit to its intuitive design, exceptional print quality, and advanced resonance compensation system, this printer offers an unparalleled user experience. If you’re in the market for a feature-packed 3D printer that doesn’t break the bank, the Anycubic Kobra S1 is a top contender. Highly recommended!
Don’t forget to enter the special offer code GADGETMAN to get a further £20 discount on your order!
I’m excited to share that I’ll soon be getting hands-on with the brand-new ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M7 Max Resin 3D Printer, one of the most anticipated launches in the world of 3D printing. Known for their innovative approach to resin printing, ANYCUBIC has truly upped the ante with this model, and I’m thrilled to see what it can do.
This machine boasts some impressive specifications, especially for those of us who love pushing the limits of 3D printing. Here’s what sets it apart:
Huge Build Volume: With a massive print area of 298mm × 164mm × 300mm, this printer allows for the creation of large-scale models in a single print. Whether you’re into cosplay props, intricate game terrains, or detailed full-size masks, the Mono M7 Max seems designed to take on any project without the need for cutting or assembly.
Upcoming Review: ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M7 Max Resin 3D Printer – A Game Changer for Large-Scale Resin Printing?
Advanced Light Source: The LighTurbo 3.0 system, featuring a COB light source and Fresnel lens, claims to provide exceptional light uniformity (90%+) and precision. This combination promises to minimize layer lines and aliasing, resulting in smoother and more refined prints.
Speedy and Convenient Design: Time is of the essence, especially in large-scale printing, and the Mono M7 Max is built with efficiency in mind. With a top printing speed of 60mm/h, it’s twice as fast as the previous model, the Photon M3 Max. The flip-open cover design makes it easier to access prints, allowing for single-handed operation and a hovering angle feature.
Smart Resin Management: For anyone who has dealt with resin printing, the management of resin can be a bit of a hassle. This machine’s dynamic temperature control keeps the resin at optimal print temperatures, and it also includes an auto-fill feature to automatically refill the resin vat and recycle remaining resin with just one touch. It’s promising features like this that could make a real difference in daily use.
What to Expect in My Review
As soon as the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M7 Max arrives, I’ll be diving straight in to test its capabilities. From its speed and print quality to its ease of use and resin management features, I’ll be putting this printer through its paces. Expect detailed print tests and an honest assessment of how it performs on projects both big and small.
Stay tuned for my full review coming soon on The Gadget Man! If you’ve got questions or specific things you’d like me to test, drop a comment or reach out – I’d love to include your input in the review.
You can now preorder the ANYCUBIC Photo Mono M7 Max and use the coupon code of MATTPORTER to avail of a £25 discount at checkout.
The We Love Hitchin Interviews 2024 were conducted by Gadget Man, Matt Porter, the founder of We Love Hitchin.
Matt took the initiative to interview each candidate running for the Hitchin Constituency in the General Election, providing an in-depth look at their visions and plans for the community.
You can view the interview below or listen to the podcast episode by clicking the play-head above.
Welcome to the We Love Hitchin Interviews 2024! As part of our series, we are sitting down with each candidate running for the Hitchin Constituency in the upcoming General Election on the 4th of July 2024. In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Bim Afolami, the Conservative Party candidate.
Join us as we delve into Bim Afolami’s vision for Hitchin, exploring his plans for economic stability, public safety, and community development. Discover his stance on key issues such as infrastructure, business support, and education. Bim shares his dedication to fostering a prosperous and secure future for Hitchin and its residents.
Interview Breakdown
00:00 Opening Titles00:09 Welcome from Matt Porter, Founder of We Love Hitchin Facebook Group01:09 Welcome to Bim Afolami
01:16 Background and Motivation: Bim shares his background and explains his motivation for running in the new Hitchin Constituency.
02:06 Q1: Cost of Living Crisis
02:33 A1: Bim discusses measures to alleviate financial pressures caused by the rising cost of living.
08:05 Q2: NHS and Healthcare
08:37 A2: Bim outlines his plans to improve healthcare services, reduce waiting times, and address staffing shortages in the NHS.
12:40 Q3: Economy
13:14 A3: Bim’s strategies for addressing inflation, unemployment, and ensuring economic stability.
17:44 Q5: Crime
17:58 A5: Bim’s plans to enhance personal safety and improve the effectiveness of law enforcement in the community.
20:41 Q6: Housing
20:57 A6: Measures to address the housing crisis, particularly focusing on affordability and availability for younger people and those on lower incomes.
Community Questions
23:32 Andrea’s Question on Water Companies
24:45 Bim’s Response: Bim answers Andrea’s question about voting on a motion to bring water companies back into the public sector.
27:45 Nyland and Lauren’s Question on Gaza War and Palestine Recognition
28:06 Bim’s Response: Bim discusses the provision of arms or assistance in the Gaza conflict and the recognition of Palestine as an independent state.
30:58 Vanessa and Nicola’s Question on Special Needs Education and Care
31:49 Bim’s Response: Bim addresses the concerns of SEN families, pledging improved support and resources.
36:01 Bim’s Closing Appeal
36:17 Bim asks for your vote: Bim Afolami explains why he should be chosen as the representative for Hitchin on the 4th of July.
39:11 Matt Porter’s Thanks and Closing Remarks40:19 Closing Titles
Election Results for Hitchin Constituency 2024
The General Election results for the Hitchin Constituency have been announced. Here are the final tallies:
Bim Afolami (The Conservative Party Candidate): 14,958 votes
Alistair Strathern (Labour Party): 23,067 votes – Elected
Congratulations to Alistair Strathern, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Hitchin! His victory marks a significant shift in the constituency, and we look forward to seeing his plans for Hitchin come to fruition.
The We Love Hitchin Interviews 2024 were conducted by Gadget Man, Matt Porter, who is also the founder of We Love Hitchin.
Matt took the initiative to interview each candidate running for the Hitchin Constituency in the General Election, providing an in-depth look at their visions and plans for the community.
You can view the interview below or listen to the podcast episode by clicking the play-head above.
Introduction and Background
The interview kicked off with Matt Porter, the Founder of We Love Hitchin, welcoming Alistair Strathern. Alistair shared insights into his background and explained why he decided to run for this seat. His motivations are rooted in a deep commitment to the community and a desire to bring meaningful change to Hitchin.
Key Issues Discussed
Cost of Living Crisis Alistair addressed the pressing issue of the cost of living crisis, outlining his plans to alleviate economic pressures on Hitchin residents. He emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable economic environment that supports all citizens.
NHS and Healthcare Healthcare was another major topic. Alistair spoke passionately about his vision for improving NHS services, ensuring that healthcare is accessible and efficient for everyone in the constituency.
Economy Discussing the economy, Alistair highlighted strategies for economic growth and stability. His plans focus on supporting local businesses and creating job opportunities to boost the local economy.
Climate Change and Environment On environmental issues, Alistair shared his approach to tackling climate change and promoting sustainability. His vision includes implementing green initiatives and supporting eco-friendly policies.
Crime Alistair also talked about measures to enhance safety and reduce crime in Hitchin. He stressed the need for a robust policing strategy and community engagement to create a safer environment.
Housing Addressing housing issues, Alistair discussed his plans to increase affordable housing and improve living conditions for all residents. He highlighted the importance of providing quality housing to support a thriving community.
Roads Infrastructure and road maintenance were also on the agenda. Alistair outlined his proposals for improving the condition of roads and ensuring better connectivity within Hitchin.
Community Questions
Public Ownership of Water Companies Andrea, a community member, asked about Alistair’s stance on bringing water companies back into public ownership. Alistair expressed his support for this move, emphasizing the importance of keeping essential resources under public control.
AI Safety Martin raised concerns about artificial intelligence and its safe use. Alistair acknowledged the potential risks of AI and advocated for stringent regulations to ensure it is used responsibly.
Gaza War and Palestine Recognition Nyland and Lauren asked about providing assistance in the Gaza conflict and recognizing Palestine as an independent state. Alistair shared his views on international policy and humanitarian aid, emphasizing the need for a balanced and compassionate approach.
Support for Special Needs Children Vanessa and Nicola, who have special needs children, asked about support for SEN families. Alistair pledged to improve resources and funding for special needs education and social care, aiming to provide better support for these vulnerable families.
Closing Remarks
In his closing remarks, Alistair Strathern appealed to the voters, highlighting his dedication to representing Hitchin and addressing its key issues. He urged the community to vote for him on the 4th of July, promising to work tirelessly for a fairer and more inclusive future.
Election Results for Hitchin Constituency 2024
The General Election results for the Hitchin Constituency have been announced. Here are the final tallies:
Bim Afolami (The Conservative Party Candidate): 14,958 votes
Alistair Strathern (Labour Party): 23,067 votes – Elected
Congratulations to Alistair Strathern MP, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Hitchin! His victory marks a significant shift in the constituency, and we look forward to seeing his plans for Hitchin come to fruition.
Watch and Listen
Don’t miss the full interview with Alistair Strathern! Watch it on our YouTube channel and listen to the podcast episode available on all major platforms. Your support and engagement help us bring more insightful content and coverage of important local issues.
Stay tuned for more updates and interviews on The Gadget Man and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.
In this latest episode of The Gadget Man, Matt unravels the long-standing myth about using rice to dry out wet mobile phones.
Despite its popularity, this method is debunked as ineffective and potentially harmful.
The Gadget Man – Episode 178: Rice, Phones, and Chili Con Carne: Debunking Tech Myths with Malcolm Boyden
Apple itself has issued guidance against it, warning that rice grains can damage the device by blocking ports and causing corrosion. Instead,
Matt suggests allowing the phone to dry out naturally in a dry, airy place, highlighting modern phones’ water resistance capabilities and the importance of gentle care in case of water exposure.
Rice can damage devices
The conversation takes a lighter turn with a humorous suggestion for the best use of rice: making chili-con-carne, adding a flavourful twist to the tech discussion.
Dropping your phone in water is now not the disaster it used to be
This episode not only clears up a common misconception but also serves up a side of humour, making it a must-listen for tech enthusiasts and foodies alike.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s no surprise that many businesses and individuals are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to help them with various tasks, including writing blog posts. AI technology has come a long way in recent years, and it has the potential to help bloggers save time and improve the quality of their content.
Using AI to write blog posts – created by Midjourney
One of the biggest advantages of using AI to write blog posts is that it can help save time. Rather than spending hours researching, outlining, writing, and editing a blog post, you can use AI to quickly generate high-quality content. This can be especially useful if you’re crunched for time or if you need to produce a large volume of content on a regular basis.
Another advantage of using AI to write blog posts is that it can help improve the quality of your content. AI technology can analyze your existing content and use that information to generate new posts that are similar in style and tone. This can be especially useful if you want to maintain a consistent voice and tone throughout your blog. Additionally, AI can use natural language processing to ensure that your content is well-written and easy to read.
Of course, using AI to write blog posts is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is that AI technology is not yet capable of fully replicating human creativity and intuition. As a result, your AI-generated content may not always be as engaging or original as content that is written by a human. Additionally, AI technology is still in its early stages, and it may not always produce error-free content.
Despite these challenges, using AI to write blog posts can be a valuable tool for bloggers who are looking to save time and improve the quality of their content. As AI technology continues to advance, it’s likely that we’ll see even more sophisticated tools that can help bloggers generate high-quality content quickly and easily. In the meantime, it’s worth considering using AI to write blog posts if you’re looking for ways to streamline your content creation process and produce high-quality content on a regular basis.
This post was written by ChatGPT (AI)
Tags produced by ChatGPT (AI)
Images created using Midjourney (AI)
All pasted by Matt Porter The Gadget Man (Human)
Some examples of images created using Midjourney artificial intelligence program that creates images from textual descriptions.
the haywain painted by John Constable – Midjourney / Matt Porterhumanity standing over the destruction of the planet in ultra high definition octane rendered – Midjourney / Matt Porterthe dawn of life in high definition in 8k – Midjourney / Matt PorterOliver Twist in 22nd century – Midjourney / Matt Portera sailing ship floating in a mug of tea – Midjourney / Matt PorterJohnny Rotten as a Wild West wanted poster – Midjourney / Matt PorterThe Kray Twins 1962 civil war portrait in black and white – Midjourney / Matt Porter
facial portrait of lee van cleef looking straight at the camera in very high definition photorealistic 8k – Midjourney / Matt Portermankind observed its demise realistic photo octane 8k – Midjourney / Matt Porterhumanity celebrates the launch of the DVLA website. Made hysteria. Celebration. Hyperrealism 8k octane cinematic – Midjourney / Matt Porterphotorealistic image of too many cooks spoiling the broth – Midjourney / Matt PorterArriving at the gates to heaven, Movie Style Ultra High Definition HDRI, photo realistic, octane render 8k incredible detail, beautiful composition – Midjourney / Matt PorterArriving at the gates of Hell, Movie Style Ultra High Definition HDRI, photo realistic, octane render 8k incredible detail, beautiful composition – Midjourney / Matt Porterhouses of parliament in the style of Thomas Gainsborough – Midjourney / Matt Porterthe houses of parliament in the style of gustav klimt – Midjourney / Matt Portercrowd of thousands celebrating in the style of a graphic novel – Midjourney / Matt Porterrealistic image of a cat dressed as a yeoman warder standing to attention in london, portrait, hyperrealistic, incredible detail – Midjourney / Matt Portersilver birch forest in the style of gustav klimt – Midjourney / Matt Porter – Available to buyvictorious young man, character design, in pencil drawing style – Available to Buystunningly beautiful female British soldier, character design, in pencil drawing style – Midjourney / Matt Porter – Available to BuyMohammad Ali as heavyweight champion of the world standing in the boxing ring with adoring crowds cheering and clapping him – Midjourney / Matt Porterportrait of David Beckham, age 30, wearing england football kit, character design, painted in oil on canvas – Midjourney / Matt Porter – Available to Buyvictorious young man, character design, in oil on canvas style – Midjourney / Matt PorterEpic cyberpunk portrait of Jimmy Cauty + detailed face + 1987 colours + retro cyberpunk lights + 4k symmetrical eyes + intricate details + zoomed out + extremely detailed + 4k + uhd + 3d + octane render + cinematic – Midjourney / Matt Porter – Available to Purchaseorigami model of Donald Trump made from legal documents standing on a wooden table with global lighting + highly detailed + photo quality + octane + 8k – Midjourney / Matt Porter – Available to Buy
I’m back again for a new episode of the podcast which features me chatting to Lesley Dolphin at BBC Radio Suffolk about Apples plans to allow their devices to be repaired.
Pretty much everyone is in shock at this decision, which isn’t quite as welcome as it could be.
This month I have been reviewing the LE03 Speaker from Braun Audio and I was very pleasantly surprised!
I have used quite a few smart speakers over the years, so when I received the Braun LE03 Speaker, I was intrigued to find out more. Out of the box, you can see that the speaker isn’t aimed at the smart assistant market as it is both high end and reassuringly weighty, but it also retains the smart speaker functionality with its minimalist design approach.
Braun Audio LE03
The speaker is controlled by either Google Voice (configured from your Android or iPhone), play pause, volume and ‘privacy’ button (which switches off the listening function). It can also be connected by Bluetooth pairing.
The speaker connects to the internet by WiFi, this pairing is set up by the Google Home app, which once set up, seamlessly sits alongside your other Google Devices ready to answer questions, play music or connect to Chromecast compatible TV’s. If you are looking for finer tuning, you can also install the Braun app which gives greater control.
Braun Audio LE03
Set up is very straightforward, and once up and running, I was happily playing my favourite tunes and my daughter was equally happy to ask Google plenty of questions. Everything works in a similar fashion to using Google Assistant on your phone or indeed Alexa.
For the audiophiles amongst you, the LE03 contains a custom-designed 3.5” ‘high-excursion fast-transient’ woofer with NdFe motor, a Full-range 1.5“ Balanced Mode Radiator drive unit, a Race track/quadratic 5” x 3” Customised passive radiator all powered by a Monolithic class-D power amplifier. (I did say this was for the audiophiles).
Braun Audio LE03
The speaker can also be paired with further LE range speakers to give you a full multiroom experience.
The sound quality was mind-blowing, the bass was there when you needed it and vocals were clear. It really is a very good system and probably warrants the price tag of £349
The Braun LE03 is really worth a look if you are on the hunt for a capable speaker and want to spend a little bit more for the added quality.
