Month: August 2017

Are you tired of constant spam calls, messages and emails? Or is it a personal number that is bothering you? Such unwanted contact can become tiresome and frustrating, so it’s important to know how to avoid these issues in the future. A common option to prevent spam callers or contacts, is to ring up your network provider and ask them to block certain numbers. However, this is a task that can prove particularly time consuming. The following guide provides a hassle free, manual approach to block numbers which only requires a small amount of your time.  The following content explains the process required to block a number from a Samsung device, as well as enabling the blocking of all unknown/withheld numbers, as well as the option to block an individual number.

 

1) Tap the Phone Icon: The first step to blocking a number on your Samsung device is relatively straightforward and self-explanatory (we’ll tell you anyway!). On your home screen, tap the Phone Icon on your home screen, as though you were about to make a call or open your contact list

 

2) Open more options: Having opened the Phone Icon, you will notice 3 small dots, vertically aligned and located in the top right corner of the screen. These dots represent more options, tap to open these.

 

3) Settings: Upon opening more options you will be presented with a drop down choice of options, you will need to select the bottom option labelled Settings, in order to continue with the process.

 

4) Block Numbers: Once settings have been identified scroll through the various settings categories, until you reach call settings- here the first option that you will find is a brief description entitled Block Numbers. Open this description.

 

5) Blocking an Anonymous Number: After this stage the first port of call is the option to block anonymous calls, by following a simplistic process. This process consists of identifying the setting, (conveniently the setting at the top of the list!) and then merely switching on the button termed Block anonymous calls to prevent anymore anonymous numbers contacting you.

 

6) Blocking Personal Numbers: The alternative course of action to blocking anonymous numbers is the ability to block individual or personal numbers with an identity. To block any number of this description, simply type the specified number into the box entitled Add Phone Number (located directly below the Block anonymous calls switch).

 

7) View Blocked Numbers: Directly underneath the Add Phone Number section, you can find access to any numbers you have previously blocked, which are made visible and listed here. This tool can also be used for monitoring purposes.

 

 

*Please note this process is based solely on Samsung devices (I was using a Samsung Galaxy S7) and will not be applicable on other provider’s devices.

Looking for a guide to number blocking on an iPhone?  Check out:

We understand that the mobile phone is an essential part of our everyday lives; we rely on technology for everything from communication to entertainment, and whether you’re travelling or living abroad, this doesn’t change. When you’re away from loved ones virtual communication becomes paramount for keeping the homesickness at bay; this is why we offer a range of mobile and data solutions- so you can have access to cheap and fast data wherever you are in the world.

Here are 5 ways your phone can help you to stay connected:

1. Messaging – it is now easier than ever to use instant messaging abroad, just like you would at home.

iMessage is available on all Apple products; iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac. Like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp (which are perfect for Android as well as iPhone), it comes with features such as voice notes, document sharing, photo and video sharing and if you’re too busy to reply to a message, you can simply like or react to it.

Email is also important for staying in touch; apps such as Gmail will make your life a whole lot simpler with notifications to your phone and with our fast data it’s easy to read, reply and compose messages anywhere.

2. Video calling – often messages and phone calls aren’t enough and a familiar face is all you need!

Skype is perfect for whenever you’re apart; text, voice and video make it simple to share experiences that matter to you, as they happen. Talk with friends and family or even hold a meeting with work colleagues. You can use Skype on your iPhone or Android or if you fancy a bigger screen it works on a range of computers and tablets.  

FaceTime is the iPhone only alternative, available on iPhone, iPad and iPod. You don’t even have to download an app, it’s already installed in your device with your Apple ID!

Facebook video call is another great option. Especially due to the split screen feature; you can conveniently chat to a group chat (max 50 people), all from different locations.

3. Social media –  it’s impossible to message/call/video chat every person in your contacts, that’s why social media is important for notifying your wider circle of friends of your whereabouts.  

Uploading photos of your travels on Instagram is the perfect way to gain followers. Whether it’s a beautiful landscape or a delicious meal, be sure to post wherever you are and make all your pals just the right amount of jealous.

Facebook offers everything from status updates, location updates and instant messaging to live streaming, photo and video uploads… the best ways to let everyone know what you’re up to.

Snapchat is another fun photo sharing app. With pictures that delete after 10 seconds and stories that last up to 24 hours, Snapchat is great for short daily updates to show everyone you’re alive and well.

4. Music – With our fast data SIM cards it’s never been easier to stream your favourite tunes wherever you are.

Apple Music or Spotify are essential for helping you settle into a different environment. There’s nothing more comforting than listening to your favourite artist on repeat and with Spotify streaming this is available anywhere! Spotify’s daily mixes and recommendations are also amazing for introducing new music into your life.

5. Phone calls – a simple phone call home never fails to reconnect you and your family.

The best ways to avoid extortionate international roaming bills (the cost of using your home server abroad) include; buying a prepaid SIM card that works in your destination country, renting a phone with connections to the local network and using smartphone apps.

Messaging apps such as Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Skype and FaceTime offer a calling feature. They also work on WiFi or data instead of network calling, therefore allowing you to hear a familiar voice at a lower cost.

Using data abroad has the potential to become extremely expensive as well. We want you to enjoy your travels without the worry and fear of phone bills. 0044 offers a range of data solutions with international SIM cards that cover over 34 countries so you can use data the same way you would at home, find out more on the 0044 website.

Alternatively, check out Cellhire for a variety of travel devices including a European and International data SIM cards and MiFis.

Extra money saving tip: We recognise that family need you just as much as you need them; whether it’s asking how a washing machine works or how to cook a unique meal just the way you do, they need to be able to call you at a minute’s notice. We can help you make sure home can reach you from a UK landline wherever you are in the world, at a lower rate. 0044 offers fantastic solutions for international calls; make calls from 1p per minute and save loved ones 90% on landline calls. They simply have to dial your country’s cheap calls access number provided on our website, wait for the tone and then dial your number. See for yourself online.

Just when we thought iOS couldn’t get any better… Apple announces iOS 11. Packed with some of the biggest changes and feature improvements we have ever seen, “iOS 11 makes iPhone so smart, it learns from you.” Below are 11 of the best features we can’t wait to see!

1. Photos / Camera

Your camera roll is about to look very different. Firstly, those live photos that came along with the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, yeah they’re so much better now. You can now choose which frame is the main shot for your live photos as well as your burst photos. This means no more blur when looking through your memories. You also have the option to trim and mute live photos. Not bad really. Keeping up with the times, the iPhone now allows you to turn your live photos / videos into GIFs. Ultimately meaning you can now post your own GIFs to Twitter / Instagram for extra personalization. This not enough? You also have the option to ‘loop’, ‘bounce’ and ‘long exposure’ your images, similar to a GIF but so much better!

In terms of camera, expect higher quality photos. We’re talking more natural skin tones, higher res of background and colors that just ‘pop’!

2. Storage

What’s more annoying than going to take a photo and having the “Storage Full” message flash up? Nothing, that’s what. Which is probably why Apple has compressed the format of photos in iOS 11. Without sacrificing image quality, you will now be able to store up to twice as many photos and videos on any device sporting an A9 processor or above. This is anything from the iPhone 6S onwards.

3. App Store

Prepare to be fronted with a whole new App Store, because it’s being completely redesigned… from scratch. With over 2 million apps featured, the App Store did need looking at. iOS 11 sports brand new tabs, easier navigation, enhanced search and also allows users to see new releases. Finally there will be sections specifically dedicated to gaming and user recommendations. Overall, expect the App Store to look cleaner, crisper and show off brand new bolder text and colors.

4. Messages / Keyboards

Finally, messages will be synced via iCloud. That means you’ll have every up to date iMessage on all your devices… took you long enough Apple! Not enough? Well there’s more. If you installed iOS 10, you’ll be all too familiar with the effects and features added to iMessage. We saw messages integrate apps, music as well as GIFs, the only downside is that it was a little messy. iOS 11 aims to fix this, you’re getting a brand new ‘drawer’ full of apps, games, GIFs and stickers that you can easily navigate through to include in your message. Also included – Apple Pay! Request and send money to friends via the Apple Pay button in iMessage. It’s quick, easy and secure!

Still want more from your messages? iOS 11 adds in two new message effects to join ‘Slam’, ‘Loud’, ‘Gentle’ and ‘Invisible Ink’… say hello to ‘Echo’ and ‘Spotlight’. When using the ‘Echo’ effect, the message receiver will be bombarded with multiple of the same message, all over their screen. ‘Spotlight’ puts the whole screen, apart from the message, in darkness, lighting the message up in a spotlight. Pretty self-explanatory really.
Do you often type one handed? iMessage now has an option for that too! It moves your keyboard buttons closer together, towards the thumb, so you never risk a typo again!

5. Siri

Siri is getting smarter. The voice controlled personal assistant will now sound more natural for a start. Say goodbye to the robot voice people, apparently it’s going! Not only this, but you can now type to Siri. Gone are the days that Siri mishears you and gives you the wrong information, type specific questions / statements and always get the most accurate information back!

With iOS 11, Siri can now translate into different languages… want to know what ‘hello’ is in Spanish? Just ask Siri. Not just this, but Siri will also be able to answer music related questions. Ask Siri who sings the song you’re listening to, who the guitarist is and what the album is called. All your preferences will be considered when asking to listen to music, movie recommendations and many more!

6. Control Center

How confusing was it when you first downloaded iOS 10 and you swiped up to your Control Center and couldn’t see your music playing? Answer: Very confusing. Well iOS 11 has gone back to just one page for your Control Center. This will make managing your settings slightly easier. Adding to the ease, Apple has included a customization element. Add in your most used setting options so they’re never more than one touch away. Static options on your Control Center are Music Controls, Volume Adjustment, Do Not Disturb, Brightness, Network Settings, Rotation Lock and Airplay, these can’t be rearranged or hidden. Add in your desired options that could include Wallet, Camera, Alarm, Notes and Calculator. Other options include new features such as Apple TV Remote – which doesn’t require an app and Screen Recording – which is pretty neat! iOS 11 integrates 3D Touch so you really do get the most out of your Control Center!

7. Do Not Disturb – (While Driving)

This is arguably Apple’s best edition to iOS. Do Not Disturb While Driving is designed to block calls, texts and other notifications while you are driving. This is with the aim of minimizing distractions at the wheel. Alike to the usual Do Not Disturb, your screen will remain silent and dark if a notification were to come through. The option will automatically be switched on once your phone connects to your cars Bluetooth, otherwise users will have to manually switch it on.

The feature comes with the option of sending auto-replies to messages from people who are in your ‘Favorites’ list, to inform them that you are driving.

8. Apple Maps

Hello indoor mapping. Making your way through an airport or a shopping center? With the new update, Apple Maps includes clear and detailed floorplans of buildings so you’ll never get lost again. Currently the update only includes the indoor mapping of selected buildings but Apple is aiming to extend this with every new software update.

Not just that, but Apple Maps will now include speed limits on the majority of roads and clearer lane guidance so you’re not a risk of missing your turnings on main roads.

9. Notes

Expect more from your notes. Much more. For starters, you can finally format your notes. Want a heading? They can be included. You also have the option of ‘paper type’. Lined notes, notes in a grid and plain paper are all available. Don’t want to type? You can handwrite notes on the horizontal view and iOS 11 will automatically turn them into typed notes once you turn portrait again.

Other new features include the ability to pin notes to the top of your page so you don’t have to go hunting for them, an option to PDF notes and send them on via email / text and you are also able to scan documents directly into your notes.

10. Volume Box

That annoying opaque box that obscures the video you’re watching, that’s going. No longer will you have to pause your video to change the volume or have to rewind it to see what you’ve missed. iOS 11 is sorting that out. There will be a new volume bar, when you change the volume whilst watching something, the bar will come up in the top right of the screen, no longer obstructing your view.

11. Setting up New Device

New iPhones come out every year, so you’ve probably always got your eyes peeled for your next model. Well, when you get your new device, there’s now a new way to set it up. Before, you’d have to restore your device from iCloud. Now, if you own another iOS device, you can simply hold up your new device to your old one. All your settings and preferences will automatically be imported, making setting up your device, so much quicker!