Author: Daniel (The Tech Blog UK)

N Korean Hackers Snatch a Staggering $1.3bn in Crypto This Year Crypto Thefts Continue to Rise, With Pyongyang Allegedly Leading the Pack A new study by research firm Chainalysis reveals that North Korean cybercriminals are responsible for stealing more than $1.3bn (£1.07bn) worth of cryptocurrencies in 2024 alone, marking a dramatic surge in crypto thefts linked to the reclusive state. Hackers Thriving in a Booming Crypto Market Overall, cyber thieves have raked in $2.2bn in digital currencies this year, meaning North Korean hackers account for over half of the global total. This comes at a time when Bitcoin’s value has…

Will These Proposals Be Enough to Satisfy Regulators? Alphabet’s Google has offered a set of proposed remedies to address concerns over its dominance in the online search market. These suggestions come in response to a landmark antitrust ruling by US District Judge Amit Mehta, who found the tech giant had unlawfully stifled competition. Now, Google wants to show it can tweak its practices without completely dismantling its business model. What Is Google Proposing? Revamped Revenue-Sharing Agreements: Google’s contracts with partners (such as Apple) could remain in place, but with new limits on how revenue is shared. These deals make Google…

Adidas Launches Running App Aiming to Inspire Beginner Runners Worldwide Ready, Set, Run: Adidas Wants to Kickstart Your Fitness Journey! Adidas is stepping into the digital running scene with its brand-new Adidas Running App, taking on established competitors like Strava and MapMyRun. According to the sportswear giant, there are an estimated 620 million runners globally, and every one of them had to start somewhere. Now, Adidas wants its app to be the perfect launchpad for their fitness journey. What’s the Adidas Running App All About? Building Confidence: It’s not just about logging miles; it’s about helping users become capable, consistent…

Runcorn High School Bans Mobile Phones to Improve Student Wellbeing Will Ditching Devices Boost Learning and Mental Health? A high school in Runcorn is taking a bold step this January – banning mobile phones during the school day. Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy, part of the Ormiston Trust, says the move will help create a better learning environment, improve behaviour, and support students’ mental health. But not everyone agrees, with some parents worried that taking phones away could increase anxiety for certain pupils. What’s Changing? From January onwards, pupils at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy will hand in their phones at the start of…

Stay Alert: How to Recognise and Report Modern Scams in the UK With digital technology at our fingertips, the unfortunate reality of scams continues to plague our day-to-day safety and security. From enticing WhatsApp messages to deceptive job offers, scammers are constantly devising new ways to trick unsuspecting individuals. Today, we delve into three prevalent scams in the UK and provide essential tips on how to spot and report them. 1. The Cadbury WhatsApp Scam An unexpected WhatsApp message promising a free chocolate hamper is one scam that’s been circulating since December 2022. The message redirects to a fraudulent website…

O2’s Festive Deals are giving us a Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁 Hey peeps! 👋 Guess what? O2 is spreading the Christmas cheer with some amazing deals on phones and tech this festive season! We’re talking serious savings on top brands like Samsung and Google Pixel. 🤩 Plus, they’ve got some awesome perks that’ll keep you smiling all year round. 😄 Here’s the lowdown on O2’s Christmas crackers: 🎅 Free Chromebook or Fitbit: Grab a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or S24 Plus and get a Samsung Chromebook Go absolutely FREE! Or, snag a Google Pixel 9 and score a Google Fitbit. Talk…

Breaking Down the Rumoured Samsung Galaxy S25 Models: What to Expect! As anticipation builds for the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, speculation around the different models is heating up. From the standard Galaxy S25 to the S25 Ultra, each model is said to come with its own unique features and upgrades. Here’s a breakdown of what we think the lineup will look like, based on the latest rumours. 1. Samsung Galaxy S25 (Base Model) The Samsung Galaxy S25 is expected to be the most affordable model in the series, aimed at those looking for premium features at a slightly lower price…

Vodafone and Google Supercharge Upload Speeds for Next-Gen Content Sharing Your Mobile Uploads Just Got a Major Boost! Vodafone and Google have teamed up to improve upload speeds on Vodafone UK’s 5G Ultra network, giving customers a smoother, faster way to share their favourite moments. Whether you’re live-streaming that epic gig in full 4K or sending crisp holiday clips to friends and family, these enhancements are set to make your mobile experience better than ever. Why Upload Speeds Matter Traditionally, most of us have cared more about download speeds—grabbing content from the web to watch, read, or play. But the…

Navigating the Waves: The Potential TikTok Ban and Its Ripple Effects in the UK Introduction to the Issue The looming possibility of a US TikTok ban has raised alarms not just stateside but also in the UK. This measure, driven by concerns over national security due to TikTok’s Chinese affiliations, proposes that ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company) must sell its US operations by January 19, 2025, or face prohibition. Impact on UK Businesses The implications for UK enterprises using TikTok are significant. A US ban could lead to a substantial drop in platform engagement globally. This would mean reduced visibility and…

iOS 18.3 Developer Beta Released – A Peek into Apple’s Next Big Update! Get Ready for Apple’s Future-Focused iOS Experience Apple fans, the wait is over—iOS 18.3 developer beta is here! This early release gives developers a chance to test new features and ensure everything runs smoothly before the final version arrives. While Apple is keeping the finer details close to its chest, there’s plenty to be excited about as we glimpse the future of iPhone and iPad software. What’s on the Horizon for iOS 18.3? Enhanced Apple Intelligence: Building on the groundwork laid by iOS 18, you can expect…