Blog (Old Posts)
August 14th, 2023
There's a first time for everything. And as mortal creatures, there's a last time for everything.
We always know it's the first. We don't always know it's the last.
We always know it's the first. We don't always know it's the last.
A last bike ride
A last time we put up a Christmas tree
A last time we exchange greetings with the barista
A last time we buy new trainers
Essential Luxury Brand
August 7th, 2023
People pay for a luxury brand, more so than the product.
The iPhone 4, iPad 2, MacBook Pro 2008, and OG AirPods were status symbols. Do you remember?
Is an iPhone still a luxury item if everyone has one?
It's just a game
July 31st, 2023
After a magical evening exploring Hogwarts Legacy, delving into the gaming market seemed only right this morning.
Government Surveillance with SIM cards & apps
July 27th, 2023
In China, all mobile phone users are required to submit facial recognition scans when registering a new SIM card.
The ministry justifies this policy as a safety measure in accordance with cybersecurity and antiterrorism campaigns. Critics on the other hand describe it as another step towards a dystopian surveillance state.
A message for the technologically incompetent
July 18th, 2023
So often, people introduce themselves to me as a "Technophobe", "Luddite" or "Dinosaur", typically accompanied by a shameful smile. I suspect in many cases that leading with mild self-deprecation is a defence mechanism. The customer expresses their own ignorance and incompetence up front to save on judgement or embarrassment in our subsequent interaction. Either that or it is a subtle request to speak on their level, in the most basic terms - perhaps because they've been made to feel inadequate by other, more tech-savvy people before, who can come across as condescending.
Highs & Lows
July 10th, 2023
Running a business or having a job comes with its own unique highs and lows.
Running a phone shop is no different. Here's a tiny little insight...
Would you buy a celebrity's old phone?
July 4th, 2023
In 1961, Italian performance artist, Piero Manzoni, produced and sold 90 tins of his own poop. Merda d'artista (the artist's shit), contained 30g of faeces, dried naturally and tinned "with no added preservatives".
Many of these tins sold for tens of thousands of pounds; worth far more than their weight in gold. I found one auction for tin number 54, which sold for £182,500.
Many of these tins sold for tens of thousands of pounds; worth far more than their weight in gold. I found one auction for tin number 54, which sold for £182,500.
You might think VR headsets are dumb, but you'll have one soon enough
June 27th, 2023
Will technology play a role in population collapse?
June 23rd, 2023
The UK birth rate is currently just 1.56. For the first time ever, over 50% of women aged 30 do not have kids. We're having fewer children, and they're going to have even fewer children.
Gen Z/Zoomers - those aged 6-24 - is our smallest generation ever. Depending on which reports you read, we have about 20-30% fewer Zoomers than we had Millennials at the same age. This is partly because their parents, Gen X, were also a small generation.
Designed to Deceive
June 20th, 2023
Psychological engineering is generally slower and more difficult to change and measure than technological engineering. Hence we have Push doors with Pull handles. They never just fall off their hinges or fail to open, but they do frustrate us and waste time.
Many websites are poorly designed. Government websites for example, always make it hard to find the information you're looking for. This is because there is no incentive to create a better design. You're going to pay your car tax, regardless of how frustrating and time-consuming it is.
Many websites are poorly designed. Government websites for example, always make it hard to find the information you're looking for. This is because there is no incentive to create a better design. You're going to pay your car tax, regardless of how frustrating and time-consuming it is.
Gen Z wants government surveillance cameras in their home
June 13th, 2023
In a new study, 2000 Americans were asked whether they “favour or oppose the government installing surveillance cameras in every household to reduce domestic violence, abuse, and other illegal activity.”
Have you cleaned your room?
June 10th, 2023
Data recovery specialists attempt to retrieve data from damaged hard drives.
They do this in a "Clean Room" - a dedicated space designed to give them the best possible chance of recovering data.
The air inside the room is filtered constantly to ensure it contains between 20 and 100 dust particles per cubic metre. A normal room has an average of 35 million dust particles. You know when a beam of light shines through your curtains and you can see a million dust particles dancing around? They're everywhere, all the time.
A fully equipped clean room can cost as much as £1 million to build!
In one ear, out the other...
June 7th, 2023
If, like me, you're a headphone addict, you spend most of your time passively listening to podcasts, audiobooks, music, radio and phone calls - your hands free to take care of business.
Whilst you'd probably rather shut the world out completely, you're often obligated to leave 50% of your hearing apparatus unoccupied because it's more courteous or safe.
So which ear do you plug?
Boredom is a thing of the past
May 31st, 2023
Do you remember sitting on the toilet and reading the back of a shampoo bottle twice over?
When was the last time you really got lost in a daydream? If you have internet and a smartphone, probably not for a while.
The brain is active in some capacity 24/7; 365. The modern world is relentless in the strain that it places on our minds. Entertainment, social media, and remote work - the things that are supposed to make us happier, more social and more productive - seem to have had an overall negative impact on our mental faculties and mental health.
When was the last time you really got lost in a daydream? If you have internet and a smartphone, probably not for a while.
The brain is active in some capacity 24/7; 365. The modern world is relentless in the strain that it places on our minds. Entertainment, social media, and remote work - the things that are supposed to make us happier, more social and more productive - seem to have had an overall negative impact on our mental faculties and mental health.
Fold or Flop?
May 22nd, 2023
That edge-to-edge display looks impressive, and those shiny chrome edges exude premium to the extent that it almost feels pretentious.
At £1749, it's the most expensive foldable handset on the market.
Scarcity Sells
May 12th, 2023
Ever notice how the Apple store will display as few demo models as possible in their mostly-empty stores.
How they refuse to provide any information on upcoming products, and go to great lengths to cover up any leaks.
That you can pre-order their devices weeks before launch.
You'd never guess that Apple manufactures around 240 million iPhones per year, or that they've made more than 2.2 billion to date.
How their commercials will typically show just one of the advertised product.
How they refuse to provide any information on upcoming products, and go to great lengths to cover up any leaks.
That you can pre-order their devices weeks before launch.
You'll never see footage of iPads rolling off a production line, or photos of thousands of MacBooks stored in a warehouse.
You'd never guess that Apple manufactures around 240 million iPhones per year, or that they've made more than 2.2 billion to date.
How to wear headphones and not get hit by a van
May 3rd, 2023
This one's for the Deliveroo riders. Not all heroes wear capes - but they should all be wearing these headphones.
Bone conduction headphones enable you to listen to audio privately without plugging your ears.
Headphones can sometimes be a little tedious or intrusive - but not these. They're wireless; connect via Bluetooth, wrap around the neck and secure over the top of the ear. The speaker rests on the tragus, rather than inside the ear canal. This means that you can wear them comfortably for extended periods of time.
Headphones can sometimes be a little tedious or intrusive - but not these. They're wireless; connect via Bluetooth, wrap around the neck and secure over the top of the ear. The speaker rests on the tragus, rather than inside the ear canal. This means that you can wear them comfortably for extended periods of time.
Insane Siri Upgrade
May 1st, 2023
S-GPT is a new feature for iOS devices which integrates ChatGPT into Siri. The result is Siri on Steroids.
Here's an excellent demonstration by Brandon Butch.
Why is this such a big deal?
The application can read, analyse and process huge amounts of raw data, then use it to provide extremely specific and precise solutions to the user.
Here's an excellent demonstration by Brandon Butch.
Why is this such a big deal?
The application can read, analyse and process huge amounts of raw data, then use it to provide extremely specific and precise solutions to the user.
Tech wars in 2023
April 29th, 2023
It'd be nice to see more discussion and banter amongst tech users on social media, and less hateful or sarcastic comments and ad hominem attacks.
This might not be as prevalent or toxic as political or faith-based conflict, but it's still an issue.
This might not be as prevalent or toxic as political or faith-based conflict, but it's still an issue.
Because people that cannot conduct themselves properly on more trivial matters are more likely to act inappropriately in more serious situations.
Big Brother is Watching You
April 21st, 2023
The Superbowl is an American football game - the biggest event on the American sports calendar brings in over 100 million viewers every year.
The elite athleticism on the field is but a trivial subplot to the half-time entertainment, advertising, and celebrity-soaked PR that takes centre stage throughout the event.
Companies paid $7 million for a single 30-second video ad to air during the Superbowl this year.
The stakes are ludicrously high - on and off the field.
In 1984, Apple paid $1 million to show a 60-second commercial - which is still regarded as one of the most effective and iconic ads in history.
How you do anything is how you do everything
April 6th, 2023
That's why I spellchecked this post, even though no one might read it.
Look at this mess.
We are often left to clear up other technicians' messes.
Why bother cleaning off the old adhesive and applying fresh battery adhesive if it's still sticky?
Why apply a new dust and liquid seal if the device has lost its water resistance?
Why waste time securing the cables with screws and brackets?
A glimpse inside of a device can tell you a lot about the last person that was inside it - not least that they're willing to cut corners for their own convenience when no one else is looking.
History of Emoji
April 4th, 2023
There are currently 3664 different emojis. Over 10 billion emojis are sent every day 🤯
Emoticons have come a long way since their formation in the late 20th century 🙋♂️
In a world where the vast majority of communication and expression is achieved through messaging and social media, Emoji has provided people with a vast array of tools to send and receive information with far greater accuracy and empathy than could possibly be achieved with standard letters, numbers and symbols 🙄
Emoticons have come a long way since their formation in the late 20th century 🙋♂️
In a world where the vast majority of communication and expression is achieved through messaging and social media, Emoji has provided people with a vast array of tools to send and receive information with far greater accuracy and empathy than could possibly be achieved with standard letters, numbers and symbols 🙄
Should you clear recent apps on your phone?
March 31st, 2023
There's two types of people:
> Those that relentlessly kill every single app, tab and task on their device.
> Those with 99 open tabs, that don't know how to kill an app.
But who would win in a fight?
Generally, recent and running apps do not use up significant battery power or RAM. Your device continuously switches processes on and off as needed.
Don't think of it as running idle - rather, it's suspended. This means it is not using up system resources.
Is iCloud storage a waste of money?
March 22nd, 2023
Do you pay 79 pence per month for iCloud storage?
I see a lot of people waste a lot of money on a lot of things...
Sweatshop labour is wrong, unless the camera's good
March 16th, 2023
Sustainability is playing an increasingly key role in consumers' habits and buying decisions.
People want to feel good about who, what and where they're getting their products from.
One report by Deloitte investigated sustainable attitudes and behaviours. They found that the adoption of sustainable lifestyles is on the rise.
Artificial Intelligence might be our last ever invention
March 7th, 2023
Why? Because advanced AI technology will be quicker and better at inventing than humans.
At current rates of progress, experts predict that we will achieve Artificial Superintelligence between 2045 and 2060. Superintelligence can be defined as an intellect that is much smarter than the best human brains in practically every field, including scientific creativity, general wisdom, and social skills.
At current rates of progress, experts predict that we will achieve Artificial Superintelligence between 2045 and 2060. Superintelligence can be defined as an intellect that is much smarter than the best human brains in practically every field, including scientific creativity, general wisdom, and social skills.
Gen Z can't operate printers
March 3rd, 2023
Reminds us of something we've been saying for a while: Young people aren't necessarily as intelligent and fluent with technology as you think. The tech is just easier to use, and you know the tech that you've grown up on.
One of the most important computers in history
February 27th, 2023
This is a computer built by Alan Turing in 1950 called the Pilot ACE. Truly cutting edge at the time.
The foundation for computers as we know them today: This was the iMac Pro or iPhone 14 Pro of it's time.
A Brief History Of Samsung
February 23rd, 2023
Founded by one man in South Korea in 1938, Samsung was originally a small trading company, dealing in local food and groceries. Starting with just 30,000 Won (£22), Lee Byung-chul dropped out of University in Japan and moved back to Korea to open his business in the city of Taegu. His core business was trading noodles and other goods produced in and around the city and exporting them to China.
Samsung is Korean for "Three Stars" which is a reference to a constellation and represents something powerful and everlasting.
Samsung is Korean for "Three Stars" which is a reference to a constellation and represents something powerful and everlasting.
The Apple Price Ladder That Generates Billions
February 16th, 2023
In a study investigating buying behaviour patterns, participants were given two options: Regular or Premium. 80% of people bought the more expensive premium product. When the researchers added a third, cheaper option, 80% went with the regular product - assuming that it was the most fairly priced. Thus, the company lost revenue.
When comparing products, people associate higher prices with superior quality. We can justify paying a little more for the next model up. But what about the next model up after that?
Do we need more Megapixels?
February 7th, 2023
Megapixel counts are just one factor in a complex system, and ceased being the limiting factor in camera quality a long time ago, yet it remains a buzzword amongst tech reviewers.
Corporations say you can't repair products you own because they care so much about your safety
February 2nd, 2023
If there's one thing I cannot stand, it's companies virtue signalling to the public via the media about their efforts to become a more sustainable corporation. In other words, shouting about how ethical they are whilst slyly doubling down on their dubious business practices.
It's funny how manufacturers suddenly care about their social and environmental impact when the courts get involved.
Is it time to rename our phones?
January 27th, 2023
"It's just a phone" ... Is it though?
20 years ago this statement would have been pretty bang on. We use our mobile phones primarily for making calls and sending texts when we're not at home or the office.
In the 20th century, a phone was really just a phone, and we made a clear distinction between a Mobile Phone and a Landline Phone.
In the 20th century, a phone was really just a phone, and we made a clear distinction between a Mobile Phone and a Landline Phone.
Beware of Facebook Marketplace
January 24th, 2023
We hear about this every week...
Buyers find their new device blacklisted (reported lost or stolen) a few days after receiving it.
Or they just end up with a battered iPhone that looks nothing like the one in the photos. Sorry - no warranty, no returns. This account no longer exists.
Sellers ship their device out, only for the payment to be cancelled later.
Buyers find their new device blacklisted (reported lost or stolen) a few days after receiving it.
Or they just end up with a battered iPhone that looks nothing like the one in the photos. Sorry - no warranty, no returns. This account no longer exists.
Samsung is better in America
January 18th, 2023
The Galaxy S range is Samsung's flagship device. Most research and development is focused on improving this product. All the best tech is reserved for the premium smartphone - which every year, is one of the best smartphones released.
Samsung release two versions of their flagship phones, including the S22, to cover different regional markets.
Samsung release two versions of their flagship phones, including the S22, to cover different regional markets.
Why does restarting your phone or computer fix problems?
January 12th, 2023
Devices run several programs simultaneously. The data is stored in the RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM is a temporary form of memory, which can read and write quickly.
When two programs in the RAM conflict, or an item is corrupted, or the memory is simply full, you'll start experiencing crashes or glitches.
Mobile Phone Timeline
January 10th, 2023
Here's some significant snippets of mobile phone history...
Why the first iPhone screen was made from glass instead of plastic - Part 2/2: Gorilla Glass
January 6th, 2023
You may recall early touchscreen smartphones, which utilised a soft plastic material over the display. These screens responded well to a stylus, but not so well to a finger.
Resistive touch screens respond to pressure: The screen is pressed; the outer layer is pushed into the next layer, which detects where it was touched. These screens are versatile because they can be operated with a finger, fingernail, stylus, or any other object. They are cheap to make, but do not work when damaged. Examples include old LG and Sony Ericsson phones, the Nintendo DS, cash machines, and self-checkout screens.
Resistive touch screens respond to pressure: The screen is pressed; the outer layer is pushed into the next layer, which detects where it was touched. These screens are versatile because they can be operated with a finger, fingernail, stylus, or any other object. They are cheap to make, but do not work when damaged. Examples include old LG and Sony Ericsson phones, the Nintendo DS, cash machines, and self-checkout screens.
Why the first iPhone screen was made from glass instead of plastic - Part 1/2: The Design Problem
January 3rd, 2023
The first iPhone was released in 2007 - 3 years after the idea was first conceived.
At the beginning of the project, Apple's design team settled on a plastic touch screen to cover the display. They figured that people will drop their phones all the time. Glass breaks; and we don't want a fragile device. Plastic was, at the time, the near-universal standard. It was an easy decision.
At the beginning of the project, Apple's design team settled on a plastic touch screen to cover the display. They figured that people will drop their phones all the time. Glass breaks; and we don't want a fragile device. Plastic was, at the time, the near-universal standard. It was an easy decision.
Dec 23
December 23rd, 2022
It's Christmas Eve Eve.
It's pay day.
It's the busiest day in supermarkets.
It's present-wrapping day for Mum and present-buying day for Dad.
It's send best wishes to extended family day.
It's the 3rd shortest day of the year.
For some, it's the last day of work in 2022.
Then there's us: Just three wise men doing the Lords work.