easyJet is a popular budget airline for Brits looking to book a cheap getaway, but passengers will need to act fast if they want to get the best seats onboard for free
Passengers board an easyJet plane [stock image](Image: BrasilNut1 via Getty Images)
easyJet, renowned for its competitively priced airfares with offerings starting from just £25.99 for summer flights, often sees the cost for passengers climb as they add extras to their journey. Those yearning to secure additional baggage or fancy choosing a specific seat will notice their bargain fare gently escalating.
The popular low-cost airline has a clear stance on seat selection; if patrons wish to handpick their seats, they’ll need to dip into their pockets. Explaining their policy, easyJet said: “You can choose where you’d like to sit for a fee. Seats can be selected at the time of booking, or at any time before you check-in, via Manage bookings on our website or mobile app.”
Travelers are given three pricing tiers depending on the type of seat sought – standard, extra legroom, or up-front positions. However, for those unwilling to splurge on seating, early check-in is the tactical alternative, reports the Express.
A feature that distinguishes easyJet from other carriers is the ability to check in as much as 30 days prior to departure. They noted: “If you don’t select a seat we’ll assign seats randomly for free when you check in and will do all we can to ensure everyone on the booking sits together. However, this is not guaranteed, especially when checking in closer to departure.”
It’s wise, therefore, for passengers looking to nab the best available seats available and who wish to stick close to their travelling companions, to act swiftly and check in at the earliest opportunity.
If you’re the type who prefers a specific seat or section of the plane, it might be worth paying in advance. The price of seats fluctuates based on when you book and your preferred location within the aircraft.
Seats in the first row, offering additional legroom, start from £12.99, while up-front or overwing seats with extra legroom begin at £7.99. Other standard seats can be switched for as little as 99p, depending on your desired location onboard and the timing of your booking.
Seat selection can be made at the time of booking, or anytime prior to check-in by logging into manage your booking online or via the mobile app.
A “MANDATORY” update is going out to some mobiles after reports of fires breaking out when charging.
While the update is important for safety, affected users will notice a knock to their battery’s capacity as a result.
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A small number of users have reported that their phones caught fireCredit: Reddit / zaliver
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Google says it will contact those impactedCredit: Getty
Google has confirmed to The Sun that a “subset” of Pixel 6a devices will receive it “to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating”.
It comes as a number of unverified reports online that the phone caught fire when on charge.
One user shared pictures of his destroyed Pixel 6a which they say began to “shoot out hot gas” in the middle of the night as it was on charge.
“Luckily, I was able to smother the fire, then throw the still-smoking phone into the toilet before the fire spread,” Reddit user zaliver claimed.
“My wife and I are pretty shook up about it.”
A small number of other users have reported similar issues.
“The update will enable battery management features that will reduce capacity and charging performance after the battery reaches 400 charge cycles,” Google said.
“We’ll contact impacted customers next month, with all the information they need to address the issue.”
It comes only a few months after another update impacted the batteries on the Pixel 4A, though this incident affected all models and wasn’t a result of safety concerns.
Subscribers have been left fuming over Netflix’s confusing new update
Netflix users ‘cancel subscriptions’ over ‘diabolical’ update(Image: GETTY/NETFLIX)
Netflix users have been left outraged and confused by the streaming giant’s latest update to its interface.
Subscribers logging onto the service this week have discovered a new version of the app which has been rolling out globally since 19th May.
The streamer promises to showcase “better recommendations and an improved interface that highlights what matters most to you” with the new revamp.
It includes a “clean and modern” new design, alongside features such as personalised recommendations and improved shortcuts to fans’ favourite titles.
However, a substantial number of Netflix’s 300 million-strong userbase has taken to social media to slam the update, with some even promising to cancel their subscriptions.
Netflix has been rolling out a streamlined update around the world(Image: NETFLIX)
One X (formerly Twitter) user warned other subscribers: “Netflix has destroyed the app. Worst UI redesign ever. Everyone needs to cancel.”
Someone else fumed: “netflix’s update is diabolical where the hell is the coming soon section!!”
Another posted: “Whoever’s job it was to update Netflix UI, I’m praying for a resignation in the coming weeks. IT LOOKS TERRIBLE.”
And a fourth user wrote: “[…] the NEW Netflix Update has somehow made the UI like 10000x worse.
“It hurts my brain when I try and search new shows etc. Am I overreacting or do others not like the new UI?”
Discussion continued over on Reddit where Netflix users were equally baffled by the change.
One Redditor commented: “It’s awful. My TV updated to it automatically this week after putting off the update for ages, now it’s a load of rubbish. Will be cancelling [my] subscription.”
And another user agreed: “It’s soo dire. You can’t find anything.
“It was so slick and easy to use before. Now it’s soo clunky. I’m always willing to try new ideas, but this is a big step backwards.”
Fans have launched a petition to return to the old UI(Image: NETFLIX)
They then admitted: “Thinking I might actually now cancel my subscription.”
Fans have even gone so far as to launch a change.org petition demanding Netflix returns to the old interface.
The description claims: “The new layout only allows users to see a sparse selection of 3 or 4 titles per screen, compared to the previously user-friendly layout of 20 or more titles.
“This change not only limits variety and accessibility but also diminishes the ease-of-use Netflix was renowned for.”
Netflix’s chief product officer Eunice Kim explained the change back in May: “We wanted to create an experience that was more flexible for our broad entertainment offerings, more intuitive and responsive to our members’ needs, and capable of elevating the most thrilling moments on Netflix.”
Ginny and Georgia season 3 – Get Netflix free with Sky
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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.
This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Ginny and Georgia.
Furthermore, not all Netflix users have criticised the change, with one Reddit user saying “it’s still better than the majority of streaming services.”
Plus, fans can now find more info about their favourite shows, from the synopsis and runtime to major award wins, its history in the streamer’s Top 10 and the key cast.
Netflix also maintains that it’s still possible to search by genre and theme, and remind streamers that a welcome message should walk them through the changes when they log on.
Airbnb, the reigning king of short-term rental booking, is expanding its offering with the introduction of Services as part of a holistic and massive new rebrand
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky shared the major new plans for the company on May 13, 2025(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Airbnb wants to be the single site for all your beauty, wellness and food whims – and not just while you travel. Ahead of summer, the company has launched a suite of new features and services that manages to be both ambitious and suspiciously familiar.
Airbnb CEO, Brian Chesky, has a bold idea to make the term ‘Airbnb’ synonymous with more than just booking accommodation. In fact, the company’s new plans seek to effectively change the modern lexicon in favour of making ‘Airbnb’ the all-encompassing verb for sourcing convenient and reliable services.
In May 2025, the company launched new features, including Airbnb Services, Airbnb Experiences, and a new app to make conducive to connecting with other users and decentring short-rental booking.
The new features will see Airbnb compete with organisations like Yelp, TripAdvisor and UberEats(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
While Airbnb Experiences is nothing particularly new, Airbnb Services is new territory for the company as it looks to expand its influence. Airbnb is looking to match the services offered by hotels – like room service, fully stocked gyms and in-house spas – by allowing users to book those services through their platform.
Airbnb has launched Services with 10 categories in 260 cities, with new offerings and locations dropping regularly in the app. You can now ‘Airbnb’ in-home meals from professional chefs or a massage from certified therapists.
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A major part of the brand shift for Airbnb is decoupling its experiences and services from travel abroad. To that end, users will be able to book Services in their own city, without needing to schedule a trip or accommodation first.
Brian Chesky is a co-founder and CEO of Airbnb(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The company says its Services hosts have been “vetted for quality through an evaluation of expertise and reputation”. Services hosts reportedly have an average of 10 years of experience and have completed Airbnb’s identity verification process. To cement its reputation for top-tier services, all hosts are also required to submit relevant licenses and certifications.
There’s quite a bit more to Chesky’s ambitious plans for the future of the company, including new social and messaging features and advanced user profiles that function “almost like a passport”, as reported by Wired.
In a recent profile with the publication, Chesky said: “I’m 43 and at a crossroads, where I can either be almost done or just getting started. There’s a scenario where I’m basically done. Airbnb is very profitable. We’ve kind of, mostly, nailed vacation rentals. But we can do more.”
The bold rebrand dropped amidst a major crackdown of Airbnbs in Spain which saw the removal of nearly 65,000 holiday listings from the platform.
Just days after the company announced its new suite of services, it was revealed around 65,935 Airbnb properties would be delisted for breaking strict regulation rules such as not including their licence number, failing to specify whether the owner was an individual or a company, or because their listed numbers did not match official records.
LIDL shoppers say they’ve been getting hidden freebies through the discount supermarket’s loyalty app.
Customers have been raving about the free finds they’ve managed to get through the Lidl Plus app, including doughnuts, fresh fruit and pasta.
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One shopper managed to get all of these items for free through the appCredit: Facebook/ Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK
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This shopper saved more than £10 by using the Coupons Plus featureCredit: Facebook/ Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK
It’s all through the app’s Coupon Plus feature, which lets shoppers unlock rewards and freebies when they spend.
Several shoppers have been sharing their bargains on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook Group, with one saying: “Today checked my app so free doughnuts (2) free grapefruit free vine tomatoes free 600g of strawberries saved about £7.00.”
Another shared a photo of a receipt showing they had got muffins, a punnet of strawberries and pasta.
“All free with my Lidl coupon plus rewards,” they said proudly.
A third person said they had got coupons for free fruit, veg and a bakery item on their app despite not spending anything at Lidl yet this month.
A fourth said they received a free kilo punnet of strawberries.
Lidl has said the coupons in its app are tailor-made for each customer based on their shopping habits.
To get the vouchers you should head to the Coupons Plus section of the app and make sure you activate the coupons before you head to the till.
The offers seem to change over time but one example is getting a free bakery sweet treat when you spend £10 in a month.
Shoppers have also shared an extra little-known tip that can help you get the most out of your coupons.
Five Lidl rosés you need this summer, according to a wine expert – a £6.99 buy is as light & crispy as £22 Whispering Angel
One social media user said that when you have a free item in the coupons section of the app, you should click on the picture of the item and scroll down to where it says ‘item number’.
If you click on this, it should show you the complete list of any items you can claim for free with the coupon.
That means you’re not just limited to the free item seen in the picture.
What other offers can you get through the Lidl Plus app?
If it’s your birthday you can get a free doughnut from the Lidl bakery section.
There’s no minimum spend required and the coupon is valid for seven days from your birthday.
All you need to do to get the offer is register your birthday when you initially sign up to the app.
Other offers you can get through the Lidl Plus app include a 10% off voucher when you spend £250 in-store in a month.
This could be particularly helpful for larger families doing their weekly shops at Lidl.
There is also currently a chance to win £5,000 through the app.
Shoppers who spend £30 in one transaction with Lidl Plus from now until June 18 will be entered into a draw to win the cash.
One winner will be announced every day and you can enter multiple times.
Why do Aldi and Lidl have such fast checkouts
IF you’ve ever shopped in Aldi or Lidl then you’ll probably have experienced its ultra-fast checkout staff.
Aldi’s speedy reputation is no mistake, in fact, the supermarket claims that its tills are 40 per cent quicker than rivals.
It’s all part of Aldi’s plan to be as efficient as possible – and this, the budget shop claims, helps keep costs low for shoppers.
Efficient barcodes on packaging means staff are able to scan items as quickly as possible, with the majority of products having multiple barcodes to speed up the process.
It also uses “shelf-ready” packaging which keeps costs low when it comes to replenishing stock.
A study of 2,000 UK holidaymakers found health emergencies are the top worry when in a different country, with theft also being a big concern.
Travellers regularly use unsecure networks when abroad(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Holidaymakers are more concerned about misplacing luggage and missing flights than they are about being pickpocketed or losing their passport. A survey of 2,000 travellers revealed that health emergencies top the list of worries when abroad, with theft also a significant concern. Meanwhile, a third are apprehensive about getting lost, and a quarter worry about their accommodation not being safe.
However, only 8% are anxious about falling victim to online threats while overseas – a risk that is particularly prevalent on unsecured networks in foreign countries. With the most frequent activities carried out by those who connect to Wi-Fi when abroad include online banking, shopping with a credit card, streaming TV or music, and checking work emails.
Some have even been scammed when booking their trip(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Melissa Voeller, a cyber safety advocate for Norton, which conducted the study, stated: “When we travel, we often focus on physical safety, like guarding our belongings or catching our flight, but digital threats don’t take a holiday.
“From public Wi-Fi risks to phishing scams disguised as hotel confirmations, cybercriminals target travellers when their guard is down. That’s why it’s just as important to secure your digital life as it is to secure important documents like your passport.”
The research discovered that 86% of travellers believe they are cautious when arranging travel. However, 29% have been scammed or targeted, either during the trip or while planning it, with 23% confessing they’re not particularly knowledge about online safety.
It was revealed that 14% are uncertain about the risks associated with connecting to an unsecured Wi-Fi network, which commonly include malware distribution; where unsecured networks can be used to distribute malicious software to your device.
Holidaymakers regularly use their bank apps (Image: undefined via Getty Images)
To gain access to this Wi-Fi whilst travelling, 45% have provided their email address, 30% have entered their first and last name – and 28% even revealed their hotel room number. After connecting many encountered suspicious pop-ups, data breach alerts and even online scams.
Melissa commented: “Public Wi-Fi might be convenient for checking maps or posting on social media, but it can be a hotspot for cybercriminals, too. Logging into banking apps or entering personal information on an unsecured connection abroad can be just as risky as losing your wallet.”
She cautioned: “A few clicks in the wrong place could give hackers access to everything from your email to your banking details, making you more vulnerable to threats.” It was revealed that only 26% say they have used a VPN while travelling, yet Melissa says it’s a key way to safeguard privacy whilst away.
Travel expert Simon Calder said: “Staying connected while travelling is second nature these days, whether it’s checking flight details, finding directions or booking last-minute tickets. But public Wi-Fi, especially in places like airports or hotels, isn’t always as safe as it seems.
“That’s why using a VPN is a smart move. It gives you added peace of mind that your online activity stays private and for your eyes only, no matter where your travels take you.”
She showed that the coupons include a free Lidl tote bag, a bakery item, and fresh fruit.
Chloe said: “So go to Lidl and get a pastry and some fruit, or you could even get stuff to make avocado on toast. There’s loads of options.”
She added: “You’ve got a free breakfast and a bag to carry it home in.”
In the caption section, Chloe also explained that there’s “no minimum spend so you can get these freebies without buying anything else.”
Five Lidl rosés you need this summer, according to a wine expert – a £6.99 buy is as light & crispy as £22 Whispering Angel
The video received 78.5 views and 74 comments after four days of being shared on her account.
Many wanted to share their excitement after hearing the news.
One wrote: “Got mine. Thank you for sharing.”
A second added: “Free strawberries! I’m going to get everyone in my house to download it!”
Whilst a third said: “It’s true, I had also downloaded the Lidl app, from which I also got this shopping bag, muffins and many other things.”
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There are specific steps to take when downloading the app
Why do Aldi and Lidl have such fast checkouts
IF you’ve ever shopped in Aldi or Lidl then you’ll probably have experienced its ultra-fast checkout staff.
Aldi’s speedy reputation is no mistake, in fact, the supermarket claims that its tills are 40 per cent quicker than rivals.
It’s all part of Aldi’s plan to be as efficient as possible – and this, the budget shop claims, helps keep costs low for shoppers.
Efficient barcodes on packaging means staff are able to scan items as quickly as possible, with the majority of products having multiple barcodes to speed up the process.
It also uses “shelf-ready” packaging which keeps costs low when it comes to replenishing stock.
Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe in Florida has opened its doors – with five new worlds to explore within – so naturally I went along to sample the magical delights
Alison Graves Lifestyle and Features Editor
05:15, 01 Jun 2025Updated 12:39, 01 Jun 2025
Enjoy the thrills and spills in Orlando’s newest theme park with adventure around every corner(Image: PR HANDOUT)
Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, has changed the face of the landscape and what it means to enjoy a holiday full of thrills and spills.
The £7 billion theme park is an immersive, multisensory experience with storytelling at its core. The resort’s fourth theme park and the first to open in 25 years, it invites guests to “explore vibrant worlds filled with extraordinary adventures that go beyond their wildest imaginations” – and it really is magical.
With 50 awe-inspiring attractions,entertainment, dining and shopping experiences in its new park, the Universal parks make up a 700-acre resort space.
But it’s not just the stunning scenery, experiences and rides that blew me away – my entire group were wowed by the culinary experiences inside the park. Forget burgers, hotdogs and popcorn – although readily available if you fancy – I dined on exquisite seafood from scallops to King Oysters at Atlantic and freshly made Dim Sum and Ramen noodles at The Blue Dragon, both in Celestial Park.
I also found the best purple pizza called Pizza Lunare in Pizza Moon, complete with an Ube crust – the chunks of roasted garlic were to die for – and melt-in-the-mouth beef brisket at The Oak & Star Tavern.
Let’s explore the worlds a little closer for when you plan your first visit…
You’ll find five worlds ahead of you to explore once you step through the stunning Chronos(Image: PR HANDOUT)
Celestial Park
Step through the Chronos – the impressive first portal tower and entrance to the park that when ‘powered’ will align to open up five magical portals for visitors to explore.
I first enjoyed Celestial Park – the cosmic heart of Epic Universe and so much more than just a starting point. Local ‘Celestians’ who inhabit here tend to the lush, tree-lined walkways and I found myself whisked into a whimsical world of greenery, tropical flowers, fountains and ponds.
Everything here is connected heavily to astrology, from the first sight of Luna, goddess of the moon, who oversees the night’s luminescence by her Neptune Pools, to the far side of the park where Apollo, god of the sun, rests. Even the rides are well themed – I enjoyed a gentle sway on the Constellation Carousel and zipped at 62mph on Stardust Racers, a dual racing rollercoaster across 5,000ft of track, which is the park’s top thrill ride for speed and height.
Celestial Park interweaves the other worlds and acts as a calming decompression from the extremities of themes and music in each world. Grab a cocktail at Bar Zenith, watch the fountain show and marvel in the sheer beauty.
MUST DO Visit North Star Wintry Wonders, an all-year Christmas store where it really snows outside – even under the hot Florida sun.
Dark Universe
The storytelling continues as you move through this spooky portal and into monstrous Darkmoor Village. It makes sense – Universal is the pioneer of horror, after all.
Dr Victoria Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein’s great great-granddaughter, is the proud owner of this world’s central focus – Frankenstein Manor – and she has captured all the monsters but she’s having some trouble with Dracula. Ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment as you navigate the catacombs of the manor to “help” Victoria (you won’t help – but you will scream).
Can you escape the terrifying catacombs at Dr Victoria Frankenstein’s Manor? I did…. just!(Image: PR HANDOUT)
The ride’s technology is phenomenal and the animatronics are creative masterpieces. Fear not, it’s suitable for all ages.
Take time to explore the details. Look out for a little girl statue of Maria (a character from the 1931 Frankenstein film, who accidentally drowns), listen to sounds from beneath the vampire well and head to the Blazing Blade Tavern for a fiery sight to behold.
MUST DO Grab a bite to eat at Das Stakehouse. The theming is almost better than the food – and the food is delicious.
Super Nintendo World
Everything moves, spins, jumps and wobbles in Super Nintendo World. It’s a gaming world for everyone – even the big kids who are young at heart.
Providing one of the coolest portals (the walkway into each world), I entered via a Super Mario Warp Pipe and arrived inside Princess Peach’s Castle before exiting into a world of jaw-dropping colour and musical joy. Glistening golden coins, stomping Koombas, sliding 1-Up mushrooms and snapping Piranha Plants were everywhere as I looked across to Bowser’s Castle.
This is where I gave Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge a go and my dismal points were made up for by the fun and laughter I had hurtling turtle shells and banana peels at my friends (virtually, of course – the race car game, where we’re up against all the usual Super Mario bad guys, is played via a headset).
The character meet and greets here are sweet for youngsters – Toad is a rotund delight for toddlers, Mario and Luigi are cool for pre-teens and even the too-cool-for-school teenagers won’t be able to resist Donkey Kong.
Don’t miss the fabulous rollercoaster Minecart Madness – it’s a bumpy ride but the jumps over “missing” sections of the track are thrilling.
Prepare for a sensory sensation in Super Nintendo World – all ages will love it here
MUST DO Buy a $45 Power-Up wristband. It’s vital for playing the in-world mini games, collecting coins and banking some exclusive park stamps and badges, which connects to an app on your mobile phone and creates family friendly competition.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
This world makes the Wizarding Worlds at Universal Orlando Resort a trio – also made up of Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Islands Of Adventure.
Step inside the magical streets of 1920s Paris, where the likes of Newt Scamander hangs out. Known as Place Cachée, this world is a fan delight, merging the magic of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them in Paris, with the wonders of Harry Potter.
I hopped on the Métro-Floo to the British Ministry Of Magic for Dolores Umbridge’s trial for her crimes against magic on the mesmerising dark ride, Battle At The Ministry. Expect magical creatures and spells galore – and make time for the show, Le Cirque Arcanus. The puppetry will leave you speechless.
MUST DO Try a Gigglewater in Le Gobelet Noir – a bar owned by Nicolas Flamel, the alchemist who created the Philosopher’s Stone.
How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
The largest of all the worlds at Epic Universe,the Viking village of Berk is breathtaking. On entry, I was faced with two 40ft carved wooden statues, guarding the village. This world is set after the second film, where there’s peace and harmony between man and dragon.
Look out for The Untrainable Dragon live show, which has the most beautiful score, with singers and actors akin to the talent of a West End show. And be sure to try the mac and cheese cone at Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel – it’s the novelty dish I never knew I needed.
MUST DO Look to the skies. Here you’ll find actual flying dragons – drones to us adults (don’t tell the kids), but they are very realistic.
HOW TO BOOK
Universal Orlando Resort
All Parks tickets are available through British Airways Holidays from £439 per person.
British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at Universal Stella Nova Resort from £829 per person, travelling on selected dates in January 2026. Book by 9 June. For reservations visit britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/orlando/holidays-inorlando
Access to passwords within the app will be completely blocked by AugustCredit: Alamy
While many use the platform to verify their identity there is also a useful password autofill capability.
The feature allows users to securely store all their passwords in one place and summon them from any mobile device or computer you’re logged into.
But it’s being phased out, with the first stage commencing in days.
From June, you’ll be blocked from saving any new passwords on the app.
Then in July, the autofill function that automatically adds your login details onto webpage will stop working.
Finally, the entire saved passwords tool will cease in August with any login data stored on the app deleted.
Microsoft has ramped up warnings to users, with a banner now appearing in the app.
“Autofill via Authenticator ends in July 2025,” the app says.
“You can export your saved info (passwords only) from Authenticator until Autofill ends.
“Access your passwords and addresses via Microsoft Edge at any time.
Change Gmail and Outlook password using ‘phrase rule’ right now as experts warn most log-ins can be guessed in an hour
“To keep autofilling your info, turn on Edge or other provider.”
The popular passkeys and two-factor authentication features on Microsoft Authenticator will continue to work as normal.
It all comes as tech firms shift away from the dreaded password which are easily hacked, due to common mistakes like re-used passwords or easily guessed terms.
By comparison, passkeys can’t be guessed and they’re impossible to re-use too.
A number of tech companies such asGoogleare shifting people from passwords to passkeys.
SHOULD I SWITCH TO PASSKEYS?
Here’s what security expert Chris Hauk, Consumer Privacy Advocate at Pixel Privacy, told The Sun…
“Passwords are both hard to remember and in most cases, easy to guess.
“I would venture to say that most users (especially older users) will reuse passwords, simply because of all of the websites and apps that require sign-ins.
“While password managers do help, they are at best, a stopgap measure and do not offer full-ranging security for your login information.
“Passkeys offer the advantage of eliminating the need to enter an email address and password to log in.
“This is especially handy when users are logging in on an iPhone or Android device.
“Passkeys have multiple advantages over passwords. Passkeys cannot be shared or guessed.
“Passkeys are unique to the website or app they are created for, so they cannot be used to login elsewhere like a reused password can.
“Plus, passkeys cannot be stolen in a data breach, as the passkeys are not stored on the company’s servers.
“But are instead are a private key stored only on your device, where biometric authentication (like face ID or Touch ID) is required to use the passkey.”
Twisted creators on YouTube are taking advantage of Peppa Pig’s popularity, leaving children at risk of viewing inappropriate content. The platform removed two worrying examples after being contacted by The Mirror
15:38, 29 May 2025Updated 15:44, 29 May 2025
Trolls have been creating frighting fake Peppa Pig videos aimed at children(Image: candyfamily/Youtube)
With its wholesome storylines documenting everyday family life, Peppa Pig is a children’s TV staple. And there was much excitement recently when fans were treated to the arrival of a new member of the family – a baby girl piglet named Evie.
But while the show itself is universally trusted by parents, watching it on YouTube can be a different matter. As a hugely popular cartoon for kids, Peppa Pig has been a target for twisted YouTube creators over the years. This week, a search by The Mirror found a clip called ‘MLG Peppa Pig (PARODY)’ within seconds, which showed the character holding a machine gun. Made eight years ago, it has been watched 18 million times. A second disturbing creation called ‘Peppa does Drugs’ showed the pig snorting cocaine.
In response to our investigation, a YouTube spokesperson told us “We’ve removed both videos from YouTube and terminated a channel for violating our child safety policies, which we rigorously enforce. Neither of the videos shared by The Mirror have ever appeared in the YouTube Kids app, our recommended experience for younger viewers.
One fake Peppa Pig video features a gun and cigarettes
“Our teams remain vigilant, and will continue to take further actions as needed.” While YouTube maintains its main platform is not for children, research suggests 80 per cent of 3 to 17 year olds in the UK regularly watch it nonetheless, mainly on their phones and devices.
The tech giant says it prohibits content targeting young minors and families, which contains inappropriate themes, with videos flagged and reviewed using a combination of human reviewers and AI. YouTube places age restrictions and warnings on graphic content that doesn’t violate guidelines but is inappropriate for users under 18 years of age.
Professor Sonia Livingstone, a social psychologist at the London School of Economics and expert on child online safety, told the BBC back in 2017: “It’s perfectly legitimate for a parent to believe that something called Peppa Pig is going to be Peppa Pig.
Disturbing clips show Peppa snorting what appears to be cocaine
“And I think many of them have come to trust YouTube… as a way of entertaining your child for ten minutes while the parent makes a phone call. I think if it wants to be a trusted brand then parents should know that protection is in place.”
The so-called ‘Dark Peppa’ videos first surfaced in 2017, when an investigation by BBC Trending unearthed hundreds of YouTube videos that appeared to be episodes of Peppa Pig and Thomas the Tank Engine, but were actually parodies with inappropriate themes.
One video appeared to be an episode of Peppa Pig featuring a dentist with a huge syringe. Peppa’s teeth got pulled out, and distressed crying could be heard on the soundtrack in the fake clip. Parent and journalist Laura June stumbled across the episode when she was looking for something for her three-year-old daughter to watch on YouTube.
“This is not like a video of an animated Peppa Pig getting high with Snoop Dogg (that is also available) made for adults to laugh at,” she said. “These videos are for kids, intentionally injected into the stream via confusing tags, for them to watch instead of legit episodes of beloved shows.”
While some of the videos use the characters in more innocent ways, others appear to be deliberately designed to trick children into watching disturbing content. One channel called “Toys and Funny Kids Surprise Eggs” had a landing page with a picture of a toddler alongside official-looking pictures of Peppa Pig, Thomas the Tank Engine, the Cookie Monster, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Elsa from Frozen.
However, many of the videos on the channel at the time had titles like “BABY HULK BITES BABY ELSA”, “NAKED HULK LOSES HIS PANTS” and “SPIDERBABY CUTS ELSA’S DRESS”. Some of the darker ones also depict violence and frightening situations.
YouTube said that users can flag any problematic content by clicking on the “… More” button underneath a video and clicking “Report”.
The BBC report led to the channels highlighted in the investigation being removed – including the one containing the video of fake Peppa visiting the dentist. The company also suggested that parents use the YouTube Kids app, which has a much higher bar for content allowed on the platform.
Parents are able to block specific content, set the age level of videos and report videos. YouTube also blocks search queries that are vulnerable to returning mature results.
The Mirror contacted Hasbro, the makers of the Peppa Pig, for comment.
However, the change strangely didn’t include an option to upgrade for those wanting to avoid the ads.
But thanks to a new update, Sky customers can now choose an ad-free option instead.
What’s more, customers get money off compared to subscribing directly to Paramount+.
“Finally no ads so I can get back to watching South Park and Nobland with no interuptions!” one viewer wrote on Sky’s forum.
“This is good news,” another commented.
Sky customers can subscribe to Paramount+ standard – which has no ads – for £3 extra per month.
Usually, the standard plan costs £7.99 per month.
For those who want 4K quality as well as a screen allowance boost and no ads, it’s £6 extra.
You’re throwing away money on Netflix – I found three common mistakes sending your bill soaring but the fixes are easy
That’s instead of the £10.99 you would have to pay for it directly.
Sky Cinema costs £10 per month and comes with two free cinema tickets for Vue Cinemas each month.
PARAMOUNT+ PRICES AND PERKS
In November, Paramount+ announced a new pricing structure.
Before then, there was just one standard plan costing £7.99.
Since November, there have been three.
The cheapest is £4.99 with ads, the ability to watch on one device at a time and only full HD quality – you also don’t have the privilege to download shows offline.
Paramount+’s new standard plan is £6.99 per month, allowing up to two concurrent streams in full HD and you can download content to watch on the go.
The premium plan is £10.99 per month, with up to four devices allowed to watch at the same time, as well as 4K UHD, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on selected titles.
You may think you are safe in a tourist hotspot like Barcelona
Holiday season is almost in full swing with just weeks until we hit the peak summer travel window, and millions of people will head from the UK to familiar locations in the sun. Each year we make more than 55million holiday trips abroad, with places like Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Portugal topping the list of destinations.
People from the UK usually travel to familiar locations, believing they will be safe from crime and disease, while shunning places they think may be more ‘trouble’. But travel experts have warned some of the most familiar spots are actually the most dangerous – where you are most likely to experience things like becoming a victim of crime.
Those destinations include familiar favourites such as Spain, France, Italy and Turkey.
France is renowned for crime such as pickpocketing
Diana Peng from Just Wanderlust said: “Places that are regarded as safe but aren’t include popular places such as Paris and Barcelona. I’ve heard so many horror stories from travelers to those cities and I’ve also been the target of crime in those cities – it is rampant and yet, it’s barely discussed.
“Groups of pickpockets and scammers frequently work the tourist crowds in these popular cities. They are also easy targets: preoccupied, lost, or trying to get photos more so than paying attention to their surroundings.”
Patrick Farrell of Viceroy Bali added: “Regions like Cancun and Acapulco in Mexico make me think they are safe, when in fact, they are not. I have received clients who booked luxury wellness retreats there, only for them to experience unforeseen safety concerns outside the resort areas.
“Furthermore, cities like Paris and Barcelona are pretty in their own right, but they do pose some level of safety concern. The two cities have a high risk of pickpocketing and scamming tourists. My advice always is to look at government-issued travel advisories, and talking to someone who knows the city is very useful.”
Ross Thompson at Covac Global said: “Places like Naples, Italy and Tokyo, Japan sit on massive seismic and geologic risks. Naples sits near Mt Vesuvius which is an active volcano that last erupted in 1944. While it’s closely monitored it sits near a highly dense population and is closely monitored for a reason.
Barcelona in Spain, the most popular country for UK holidaymakers
“Tokyo sits on a major seismic zone where an earthquake or tsunami can strike not only Tokyo but many other highly visited Japanese cities without warning causing massive destruction.”
He added: “Hidden risks can manifest politically, even if they say it is welcoming to Western tourists, they may have less noted political or civil strife either internally or externally. Think about the attempted coup in Turkey in 2016 where the opposition actually seized airports, bridges and media entities and both tanks and fighter jets filled the cities and skies.”
Ross also warned about ‘kidnapping in Mexico’s most popular cities’ and the risk of illness in Western Africa, Thailand and Brazil.
He highlighted Bali in Indonesia as a particular risk – surrounded by active volcanoes, at threat of political upheaval and home to ‘a host of exotic diseases including Dengue Fever, Malaria and Typhoid’
He said: “And when disaster does strike – you’re on an island and you and everyone else wants out.”
Christian Petzold, travel expert at BCN Travel, said: “Mexico is the proverbial example. Cities like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are tourist havens: splendour and creation in concert. Yet, in the past few years, intermittent conflicts of criminal gangs have touched even these sanctuaries of tourism, some directly in the proximity of tourist zones.”
Thailand brings risks of crime, political problems and disease in some areas
He added: “Paris, on the other hand, although arguably one of the most visited cities, is known for petty crimes around Gare du Nord, Montmartre, and near the Eiffel Tower. Pickpocketing is almost a fine art there, whereas protests and strikes disrupt transport and city services with unpredictability. I always recommend guests carry crossbody bags, beware of strangers who get too friendly too fast, and keep eyes and ears open for local news updates.
“Rome has a similar ambience. Whereas it is rich in history and culture, Termini Station and some venues near the Vatican attract scams and thefts: from fake helpful locals to those touting friendship bracelets or petitions, the usual distraction-and-robbery routine.
“Thailand poses a curious case. Generally safe and world-renowned for hospitality, guests should be wary of certain transportation modes, especially tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis, which are often unregulated. Some islands like Koh Tao have been in the spotlight due to a string of deaths of tourists that went unsolved amidst rumblings of local corruption. When it comes to political differences in Bangkok, protests tend to escalate relatively quickly, thereby promptly throwing an alienated tourist into the midst of demonstrations.”
How to stay safe on a foreign holiday
Staying safe on a foreign holiday involves a mix of preparation, awareness, and common sense. Here’s the best advice broken down into key areas:
Before You Go
Research the Destination Check travel advice from the UK Foreign Office: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Understand local laws, customs, and any safety concerns (crime, weather, political instability, etc.).
Get Travel Insurance Make sure it covers health emergencies, cancellations, theft, and adventure activities if applicable.
Copies of Important Documents Keep digital and printed copies of your passport, travel insurance, visa, and emergency contacts.
While You’re There
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded places (tourist hotspots, public transport).
Protect Your Valuables Use a money belt or hidden pouch. Leave expensive jewellery and unnecessary tech at home or in a safe.
Use Reliable Transport Use official taxis, ride apps (e.g., Uber), or public transport where safe. Don’t hitchhike.
Be Cautious with Alcohol Drink in moderation and never leave drinks unattended. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
Local Laws and Etiquette Respect dress codes, especially in religious or conservative areas. Know what’s illegal – e.g., vaping in Thailand, chewing gum in Singapore.
Health & Emergency
Know Emergency Numbers Not all countries use 112 or 999. Look up the local emergency number.
Medications Bring enough prescribed medication with a copy of your prescription. Check if your medication is legal in your destination country.
Vaccinations & Health Risks Visit a travel clinic for any necessary jabs or malaria tablets.
Avoid Unsafe Food/Water In higher-risk areas, stick to bottled water and avoid street food that isn’t freshly cooked.
Tech & Communication
Stay Connected Get a local SIM or roaming plan. Share your itinerary and daily check-ins with someone back home.
AMAZON is now weeks away from shutting down an app that’s been used by hundreds of millions of people.
There are major downsides for affected users – and you might even be owed a big refund.
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The Amazon Appstore is being killed off on AndroidCredit: Amazon
Millions of people using the Amazon Appstore will be cut off in mid-August.
The closure affects anyone using the app on Android phones.
Amazon’s Appstore is a rival to the default Google Play Store, letting you download apps and games. It launched on Android all the way back in March 2011.
But on August 20, the Amazon Appstore will close – and any apps downloaded from it will no longer receive updates.
That means support will end for all apps you’ve downloaded via the Amazon Appstore.
They may become buggy or stop work entirely, and won’t be able to receive any important security fixes either.
In an FAQ, Amazon warned that these apps “will not be guaranteed to operate on Android devices”.
Amazon has already begun killing the Appstore off by blocking developers from uploading new apps to it.
Amazon Prime cancels TEN TV shows this year – including A-list actor’s horror drama and beloved cult classic’s reboot
“In our ongoing effort to streamline and improve our services and programs, we are making some changes to Amazon Appstore for Android devices and Amazon Coins program,” Amazon explained.
“We will be discontinuing support of Amazon Appstore for Android devices on August 20, 2025. As of February 20, 2025, developers will no longer have the option to submit new apps targeting Android devices.
“However, developers will have the option to submit updates to their existing live apps on Amazon Appstore for Android devices until August 20, 2025.”
Amazon added: “All existing apps on Amazon Appstore for Android devices will continue to be available to customers until August 20, 2025. Developers can continue to submit app updates until August 20, 2025.”
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The change only affects Android phones – and not Fire TV devicesCredit: Google
It’s worth noting that the Amazon Appstore is only shutting down on Android phones.
The Amazon Appstore was never available on iOS for iPhone, so it can’t disappear because it was never there.
Getting lost on holiday can be a nightmare, but one travel expert has shared his top tip so that is doesn’t happen to you
This method will make getting lost impossible(Image: Alberto Menendez Cervero via Getty Images)
Ever found yourself hopelessly lost while on holiday? It can be a real dampener, especially if you’ve got plans. While stumbling upon hidden gems in a new city can be exciting, it’s not ideal when you’re racing against time to meet reservations.
This is why travel expert Neil Atkinson, the brains behind Luxury Group Stay, has revealed his number one trick for never losing your way – and it involves a bit of a throwback approach. Neil said: “Downloading an offline map of the area you’re travelling to is one of the most important travel hacks I always recommend. It’s completely free and can save you hours of stress, whether you’re exploring the Lake District or wandering through Barcelona.”
Having an offline map means even without data, you’re sorted. Just don’t forget to download the map while connected to the internet. Neil said: “I always tell people to do it before leaving home, or at least while still on hotel Wi-Fi.”
This tip will stop you getting lost(Image: electravk via Getty Images)
There are some drawbacks, although they’re small fry. Neil said: “You’ll only get driving directions when offline, not public transport routes, and you won’t see real-time traffic updates.”
The great news is offline maps are light on storage, so even for sprawling cities, you won’t need to fret over space, reports the Express.
Neil’s parting wisdom focuses on preparation: “Make sure to download a wider area than you think you’ll need. Better to have too much map than too little when you’re in the middle of nowhere!”.
To grab a map for offline use, just follow these steps:
Fire up your Google Maps app on your iPhone or Android
Hit your profile snap in the top right nook.
Choose “Offline maps” then “Select your own map”.
Tweak the blue square to blanket your intended spot.
TINDER. Hinge. Bumble. They’re all apps that people use to date.
But it seems “creepy” singletons are making their way over to second-hand site Vinted to secure dates.
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One Vinted user received this ‘creepy’ message after making an offer on the appCredit: Facebook/I Found it on Vinted
One user was trying to buy an ‘Apple Pencil 2nd Generation’ and sent the seller an offer for £37.50.
Then, the seller sent a bizarre message to her, reading: “I’d love to take you on a date if you’re single and over age.”
She took to Facebook to share the strange exchange, and people were quick to joke that “Vinted is the new dating site”.
However, others warned that such messages could have serious safety consequences.
One penned: “Thank God you didn’t buy it, that’s so creepy.”
Another said: “What the actual f**k, what creep is using Vinted to date?”
Others called the seller a “cheeky bugger” and warned women to “stay safe” using the app, as if she bought the pen, he might have access to her address.
The app’s community standards guide reads: “Private messages between members are for exchanging information regarding the items on the platform.
“Violent, hateful, racist, extremist, shocking, sexist, discriminating, pornographic or sexual messages are strictly prohibited.
“Including those containing descriptions of illegal and immoral acts, encouraging illegal acts or drug use, or containing links to pages with the type of content mentioned above.
“Private messages should always show respect to everyone involved.
“Anything indecent, hateful, or illegal will be removed by Vinted, as per our Terms and Conditions.
“If a private message violates our Community Standards, seems spammy, inappropriate, or even like a threat to the whole Vinted community, please help us spot it by reporting it to the Vinted team.”
Bluetooth trackers have become popular with travellers, I put a leser-known brand to the test on a recent flight to Milan
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I slipped this Apple rival gadget in my suitcase to track its every move when flying on holiday
I tried a lesser-known Bluetooth device to keep tabs on my luggage during my holiday, and it’s more affordable than an AirTag.
Losing your luggage on a much-anticipated holiday, particularly when going to a different country, is a nightmare no one wants to experience. A concern which has arguably boosted the demand for trackable Bluetooth gadgets like the renowned Apple AirTag.
However, Apple’s popular coin-sized tracker isn’t the only game in town. As a tech editor, I’ve tried with several alternatives, including Tile, Samsung’s SmartTag, and Chipolo.
During a recent holiday, I decided to put Chipolo’s CARD Spot to the test. Its slim design, like a bank card, is perfect for slipping into a wallet, passport, or ID, similar to the Tile by Life360 or Eufy SmartTrack Card – though I opted to place it in my suitcase pocket for tracking during my flight.
It comes with a catch, though, as it operates solely on Apple’s Find My network, not its own app. Priced at £21 in the sale, the CARD Spot boasts features that set it apart from the AirTag and Tile pack. However, if you’re an Android user, this gadget won’t be suitable as it lacks compatibility.
Chipolo CARD Spot
The Chipolo CARD Spot is an alternative to the usual round-shaped Bluetooth trackers like AirTags. Its thin, card-like design can easily be slipped into wallets and passports.
Chipolo has since launched the more adaptable Card One Point, compatible with Google’s Find My Device Network. One of the standout features for me was the straightforward set-up process. It’s as simple as opening the Find My App on your iPhone and syncing the Chipolo card by pressing the loud buzzer.
I also personalised it by naming it and choosing a symbol to distinguish it from my other gadgets. Another advantage is that it doesn’t require additional storage space on your mobile with an app download, as it operates through my existing Apple ID.
Tracking the Chipolo gadget is also a breeze, as everything is managed through the iOS Find My App as usual. Any iPhone that comes within the tracker’s range can anonymously report its location, which can then be displayed on the map as its ‘last seen location’.
Alerts are sent when an iPhone moves out of range, and it sends notifications to the synced iPhone. The CARD Spot also features a loud alarm for locating items nearby.
This particular feature beats both the Tile and AirTag I’ve previously used. However, in terms of versatility, the Tile by Life360 Slim outperforms Chipolo as it is compatible with both Apple and Android devices.
The battery life of the Chipolo CARD Spot is a bit of a mixed bag. It lasts up to two years, however, once it depletes, it can’t be replaced, which is a drawback of the product that brands like Apple and Samsung have addressed.
Both the AirTag and Samsung SmartTag batteries can be replaced. The inability to share the tracker with family members who use Android devices, coupled with this, is certainly a letdown.
However, Chipolo does offer a Recycle and Renew programme for users who return their device, but only when they respond to a reminder from Chipolo.
Despite these drawbacks, I would still recommend Chipolo’s CARD Spot to iPhone users as a more affordable alternative to the modest Apple AirTag, especially if you can snag it at the current sale price of £21. It’s straightforward to set up, reliable, and its tracking capabilities are nearly identical to the AirTag in the iPhone Find My App.
In my opinion, it demonstrates that you don’t always need to purchase another Apple product to pair with your iPhone – there are good alternatives out there.
MARK Zuckerberg has launched a Meta AI app in a bid to rival ChatGPT – sparking the start of a fiery artificial intelligence arms race.
The new AI assistant will include a Discover feed that shows how friends are interacting with the tool too.
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Mark Zuckerberg has launched a Meta AI app in a bid to rival ChatGPTCredit: AFP
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The Facebook boss hopes the Meta AI app will rival Sam Altman’s ChatGPTCredit: Getty
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The standalone app comes as Meta looks to boost the AI assistant’s usage, apart from being available within the company’s family of platforms – WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and Messenger.
It also signals CEO Mark Zuckerberg‘s move to strengthen the company’s position in the competitive AI landscape, taking on major rivals such as OpenAI and Google.
Meta’s separate app will provide more personalized responses based on context and other user-specific elements related to the user’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Llama 4, Meta’s latest large language model, powers the Meta AI assistant and is designed to rival the latest AI models from OpenAI, Google, Deepseek and Anthropic, with improved reasoning, multilingual capabilities and efficiency.
The new app will integrate with Meta’s AI glasses and merge with the existing companion app, the company said.
Meta is hosting its first-ever AI developer event, dubbed LlamaCon, today, which will centre around its Llama family of AI models.
The Instagram owner is set to report its first-quarter results on Wednesday after markets close.
Meta will start testing a paid subscription for the AI chatbot’s advanced versions in the second quarter, Reuters had reported in February.
However, the subscription service might not rake in meaningful revenue until next year at the earliest, a source had said.
Meta AI, which was launched in September 2023, is a virtual assistant that uses large language models to perform reasoning tasks.
Meta’s top VR boss predicts AI-powered future with no phones, brain-controlled ovens and virtual TVs that only cost $1
In January the Facebook boss said he believes 2025 “is going to be the year when a highly intelligent and personalised AI assistant reaches more than 1 billion people, and I expect Meta AI to be that leading AI assistant”.
As of that month, Meta AI had approximately 700 million monthly users, CNBC reports.
This comes as Meta’s AI bot has reportedly been caught having sexual chats with users including those identified as children.
A shock investigation claims that Meta AI engaged in sexual role play conversations and sometimes used celebrity voices too.
Deals were signed with huge names including Judi Dench and Kristen Bell to lend their voices for the service.
But the Wall Street Journal uncovered multiple examples of romantic role-play that turns explicit, after posing as children by talking to the bot with accounts registered for minors.
One such example used the voice of WWE wresting star and actor John Cena.
HOMEOWNERS are raging with Google after the company announced that a major money-saving feature will close down later this year.
Google owns the hugely popular Nest brand, which makes products including smart thermostats and alarm systems.
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Nest Learning Thermostat 1st gen and 2nd gen affectedCredit: Google
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Google also announced that it will no longer launch new Nest thermostats in the UKCredit: Getty
The main appeal for such devices is that you can use them remotely with a smartphone.
This can be a real money-saver for scheduling heating and turning it off remotely if you forget once you’ve left the house.
But very soon the feature will be closed down entirely for several Nest thermostat models.
The tech giant says it will be “transitioning away” from supporting three of its oldest devices.
“As we look at what it takes to support your energy needs going forward, it has become increasingly challenging to continue to update these products given the early hardware,” the firm said.
“You will no longer be able to control them remotely from your phone or with Google Assistant, but can still adjust the temperature and modify schedules directly on the thermostat.”
The three models affected are:
Nest Learning Thermostat (1st generation, released in 2011)
Nest Learning Thermostat (2nd generation, released in 2012)
Nest Learning Thermostat (2nd generation, Europe version, released in 2014)
Support is due to be withdrawn on October 25.
Other models will continue to work as normal.
How to tell if your Nest Thermostat is affected
The Nest thermostats affected by the move all have smaller 1.8-inch screens compared to more recent models.
“You can look at the display, the base, or in the Nest or Home app to find out which Nest thermostat you own,” Google says.
“What an absolute let down,” one user wrote on Reddit in reaction to the news.
“Google being Google. Never again will I buy anything from them again.”
Another wrote: “This makes me so mad.
“Why is the world would I ever buy hardware from them again knowing they could turn around and do the same thing again?”
Alongside the development, Google also announced that it will no longer launch new Nest thermostats in the UK going forward.
“Heating systems in Europe are unique and have a variety of hardware and software requirements that make it challenging to build for the diverse set of homes,” the company explained.
“The Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen, 2015) and Nest Thermostat E (2018) will continue to be sold in Europe while current supplies last.
“These models will continue to receive security updates and you can control them via the Nest and Home apps.”
4 ways to keep your energy bills low
Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionicshared her tips.
1. Turn your heating down by one degree
You probably won’t even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70.
2. Switch appliances and lights off
It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used.
4. Consider switching energy supplier
No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you’ve let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven’t browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there.
While the voice recognition service enabled through the microphone button on the remote will still be available, it will be handled by LG’s own voice assistant.
It means users won’t be able to use it in relation to their other Google Assistant devices.
So using Google Assistant to control your TV through a Google smart speaker will no longer be possible.
That change will be permanent too, as LG has decided not to adopt Google’s smarter AI assistant, Gemini.
LG will instead pick up Microsoft’sAI assistant called Copilot– meaning TVs won’t be compatible with Google smart speakers.
For example, Copilot can’t talk through Google’s smart home speakers, but Gemini could.
This is expected to bring disruption to some households’ smart devices network.
Google’s Gemini AI app lets you chat out loud with shockingly humanlike virtual helper
Customers have complained about the switch on social media, saying LG shouldn’t be able to remove a feature that was available when they purchased their televisions.
“I wonder if we can get some compensation since they are taking away a feature that they advertise with the TV,” one user said on Reddit earlier this month.
“It’s the only reason why everyone on here bought an LG OLED, for the Google Assistant.”
Last month, Google announced it would be phasing out its Google Assistant by the end of the year.
It will remain on home devices, like Google speakers and displays, for now.
The voice assistant, which has been around since 2016, is being replaced with Gemini – Google’s smarter, AI-fuelled voice assistant.
What is Google Gemini?
You may have heard of Google’s Gemini AI tool – so what exactly is it?
Google’s Gemini AI launched in December 2023 and is available online, billed as a way to “supercharge your creativity and productivity”.
Gemini is a multimodal model that learns from a variety of data types including images, text, and audio.
When a user enters a prompt into Gemini, it generates a response using information it already knows or pulls from other sources (often Google services).
While training on datasets, it identifies patterns that help it mimic a human response. As it is continuously learning, Gemini also learns from your prompts, responses, and feedback.
Google has admitted that “Gemini will make mistakes and might even say something offensive”.
The program occasionally cites its sources. If it quotes at length from a webpage, for instance, it makes reference to that page. Sometimes, it generates a URL that users can click.
Gemini has usage limits to reduce traffic, meaning it may cap the number of prompts and conversations a user can have within a specific timeframe.
This number depends on factors like how long and complex a user’s prompts are and the length of the conversation with Gemini. Google will alert you when you are close to hitting the limit for a given period.
Ryanair clamps down on anyone who hasn’t checked in on time with a costly £55 fee – a move that is set to be eradicated later this year
There are a number of hidden fees surrounding check-in and boarding passes that still leave many passengers confused(Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Frequent air travellers know that hidden fees can strike from any direction, and the only defence is to be up to date on the latest rules.
With Ryanair announcing a slew of policy updates in recent months, there is some confusion surrounding boarding passes. The question of whether you can still secure and present physical boarding passes at the airport has left some passengers clarifying what’s right before they jet off on holiday. This is because of the budget airline’s announcement last autumn that it will be moving to a digital-only boarding passes.
The decision to switch to digital-only boarding passes was reportedly based on the fact that the majority of Ryanair passengers (60%) already use the app for check-in and boarding. The move was also a shift into more sustainable practices. The exact date that Ryanair’s digital boarding pass system will come into effect is November 3, 2025.
The postponement was meant to give customers and airport partners ample time to prepare for the new process after the busy summer schedule.
The move to digital-only check-in would mean the elimination of all airport check-in desks. And while a large portion of frequent Ryanair fliers still opt for a physical boarding pass, one of the upsides of the going digital would be the end of a few much-loathed hidden fees.
Ryanair CEO, Michael O’Leary, announced in October 2024 that the airline will move to a digital-only boarding pass system(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
The check-in fee
One such fee is the airport check-in fee. This is the fee that requires all passengers that check in at the airport to pay an additional £55 for the convenience. It also applies for flights departing from Spain, but is £30 instead. The only way to avoid being stung is to check-in online or in the Ryanair app before your flight. Passengers that have pre-reserved a seat can check in online up to 60 days before their scheduled departure.
Passengers that have opted for random seat allocation can check-in 24 hours before your flight and until two hours before scheduled departure. If you do not check in online up to two hours before your departure, you have until 40 minutes before boarding begins to check-in in-person.
Failure to check-in either at an airport kiosk or online at least 40 minutes before boarding means you may be subject to another hidden fee of £100. This fee applies to passengers who arrive after their flight has departed and wish to be added on a later flight.
Another cost Ryanair passengers should be aware of is the £20 boarding card re-issue fee. If you are already check-in but for any reason need to be reissued a physical boarding pass, this comes with a price tag of £20.
Ryanair made the decision to postpone its new boarding pass policy until after the busy summer season(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
While these additional costs can certainly add up – as they are applied to each passenger and each part of a journey – they can be avoided by checking in online and on-time. To be on the safe side, download the free Ryanair app to keep track of your check-in times, boarding details and gate information.
For now, all of these airport boarding pass and check-in fees are still in play until Ryanair fully implements its digital-only boarding pass policy. The policy was set to come into effect in May 2025 but was postponed to November 2025.
How to check-in online:
Go to ryanair.com or download the Ryanair app
Log in or create an account
Select “Check-in”
Follow the instructions and enter your travel document details
After checking in, print your boarding pass or download it to your mobile phone
