The US ambassador to NATO has said the military alliance is trying to expedite the process to ensure that Sweden and Finland join in the next "couple of months". Speaking to Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby, Julianne Smith said in recent weeks NATO members have "come together to try and look at ways that they can reduce the timelines surrounding the process" which would see the two countries admitted to the military alliance. Ms Smith said the process has previously taken "upwards of a year", but added that "all allies are in agreement that this process needs to be expedited". "Ideally, I think we'd like to see it done in a couple of months. That's the goal," she told Sky News' Beth Rigby Interviews programme . Finland and Sweden have formally submitted their applications to join NATO in a "historic moment" driven by security concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement The applications will now be considered by the 30 … [Read more...] about Sweden and Finland could join NATO in next ‘couple of months’, US ambassador to alliance tells Sky News
Apple podcasts
How much are iPods worth now? What to do if you still have one as Apple axes icon
Remember the good old days? The year was 2001, it was a chilly October afternoon and you were on your way to the cinema to watch this new film called Harry Potter And The Philosopher Stone. That is when Steve Jobs announced the iPod to the world and kickstarted an MP3 revolution that reverberated around the world. That era is just a memory though, as this week Apple confirmed it is discontinuing the iPod. Ultimately, the invention of the smartphone replaced the iPod, but hundreds of thousands of the music players are still being used today. As Apple stops the manufacture of these musical devices, many are wondering what to do with their old iPods. Thankfully, since the confirmation, the resale price of the devices have skyrocketed, so yours could be worth a small fortune... How much is your iPod worth now? iPods are selling for thousands on eBay ( Image: PA) There are five main iPod brands: the Classic, Mini, Shuffle, Nano and Touch. iPod Classic was … [Read more...] about How much are iPods worth now? What to do if you still have one as Apple axes icon
Codewords that allow you to do clever tricks on iPhone – including lasers
Did you know that you can send cool effects to your friends with your iPhone just by sending a simple iMessage? All iPhone users have the ability to use a wide array of unique effects including lasers, balloons, fireworks, and confetti - but you need to know the secret codewords that set them off before you can use them. The feature has been available on the iMessage app for iOS devices for some time, but Apple fans have been posting about the fun text feature recently on social media. In fact, even if you already knew that when you reply to a mate's good news with "congratulations", you'll fill their screen with multi-coloured confetti, there may be more effects that you had no idea existed. Some messages will send fireworks ( Image: @unespc/Tiktok) 'Pew pew' starts a laser light show ( Image: @unespc/Tiktok) Get the news you want straight to your inbox. Sign up for a Mirror newsletter here. So check out our list of codewords and … [Read more...] about Codewords that allow you to do clever tricks on iPhone – including lasers
Honor X8 Review: A Smartphone with an awesome screen and battery life for a phenomenal price
Honor started out as the little brother to Chinese tech giant Huawei, but has become more well established in the west since being independent of Huawei back in 2020. But it isn’t a flagship phone, nor is it trying to be. The X8 is a mid-range/budget smartphone that features a strange blend of advanced and more modest specs. The Honor X8 is a really nice looking device ( Image: Honor) Honor makes some pretty clean and nice-looking devices and the X8 is no exception, at first glance it really doesn't look like a budget phone that dreams of being a flagship. It has a chunky look due to its flat-edge design and rounded corners on all four sides, which I really liked the look of, and that made it feel slightly more premium. The X8 felt a little large in my hand at 163mm x 74.7mm x 7.5mm with most of that taken up by that screen. It’s light at 177g as well as thin, but this is also reflected in its build quality with a glass front, plastic frame and plastic back. While … [Read more...] about Honor X8 Review: A Smartphone with an awesome screen and battery life for a phenomenal price
Teacher reported to council for saying n-word while telling off student for using it
A council investigated one of its own headteachers for saying the n-word while in the process of telling a student off for using it. Mark Tomkins was explaining to a student at Maidstone Grammar School why the racial slur is inappropriate but did not know he was secretly being recorded on an Apple Watch. The minute-long recording between Mr Tomkins and one of the students, was shared on Instagram and later reported to police. In the recording, played more than 1,000 times, Mr Tomkins can be heard saying: "I was told that some comment had been made about a student and the word n***** was used. "First thing I thought was that someone had used that word against you, but I found out you were the one who used it." An Apple Watch lock screen ( Image: Getty Images) He is then heard asking the student: "And should I treat someone differently if they use the word towards you? If someone posted that and a photograph of you?" The student tries to argue his case, telling … [Read more...] about Teacher reported to council for saying n-word while telling off student for using it
Oppo Find X5 Pro review: Fantastic flagship smartphone with a sleek design and stunning camera
Chinese tech giant Oppo is slowly becoming a household name in the west, with their watches and audio hardware challenging the market leaders. But it was probably Oppo’s Find X3 mobile series that truly made them part of the conversation. Now Oppo looks to capitalise on the X3 series’ outstanding reception with its successor the Oppo Find X5 series. Like the X3 the X5 series is split into different models which include the Pro, Lite and the standard edition. Each is tailored with features to accommodate their respective price bracket whilst still trying to offer similar experiences. For this review, we will be taking a look at the higher end model in the Oppo Find XS5 Series, the Oppo Find X5 Pro. The Find X5 Pro comes in two colours, Glaze Black and Ceramic White. Both of the colour schemes come with a glossy finish which is fantastic but it would’ve been great to offer a matte version as the X3 series did. Oppo's new flagship smartphone has arrived ( Image: … [Read more...] about Oppo Find X5 Pro review: Fantastic flagship smartphone with a sleek design and stunning camera
Honor Magic 4 Pro Review: Honor’s flagship offers powerhouse performance and a premium look that goes above and beyond
Android phones are becoming more powerful and capable, with brands like Chinese tech giants Honor definitely on the front lines of that push. Producing some great mid-range devices since their split from Huawei (back in 2020), Honor has really pushed the envelope on what Android smartphones can do while remaining affordable. Following up on last year’s Magic 3, Honor’s latest flagship phone, the Magic 4 Pro, was announced in February this year and incorporates the latest advancements for a top tier device. Even Honor's budget models have always looked great - the Magic 4 Pro continues that tradition, and comes in 5 colours: Black, Cyan, Gold, White, and Orange. Like most Honor phones the Magic 4 Pro has a stylish look ( Image: Honor) The reflective, glossy back panel looks eye-catching, but it's is a fingerprint magnet. It often requires attention if, like me, you can’t stand even the slightest smears and smudges. The back is also very smooth making me very … [Read more...] about Honor Magic 4 Pro Review: Honor’s flagship offers powerhouse performance and a premium look that goes above and beyond
EPOS Adapt 660 AMC Review: Premium headset with a sleek design, powerful ANC so you can focus and leave others in the dust
It’s undeniable that Covid has changed how most of us work forever, from trying to focus at home to concentrating back at the office, while also staying connected on the go. EPOS are experts in audio technology, their business and gaming headsets have been known for their exceptional audio quality and clever design features. The Adapt range is aimed at professionals wanting the highest level of performance. EPOS has collaborated with top-tier racing team and James Bond’s car of choice Aston Martin to create a headset so impressive it could raise the eyebrow of an MI6 agent. The team-up with Aston Martin Cognizant F1 team has produced a variant of their incredible EPOS ADAPT 660 headphones with the EPOS 660 AMC. Even the packaging on the EPOS Adapt 660 AMC has seen a much needed redesign ( Image: EPOS) The Adapt 660 AMC is almost identical to the regular 660, featuring the same sleek oval ear cups and mostly matte black design. However, the AMC version features … [Read more...] about EPOS Adapt 660 AMC Review: Premium headset with a sleek design, powerful ANC so you can focus and leave others in the dust
Netflix hints at password sharing crackdown as subscribers fall
By Daniel Thomas & Natalie Sherman Published 20 April comments Comments Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Netflix has hinted it will crack down on households sharing passwords as it seeks to sign up new members following a sharp fall in subscribers. The number of households using the streaming service fell by 200,000 in the first three months of the year as it faced stiff competition from rivals. It was also hit after it raised prices in some countries and left Russia. Netflix warned shareholders another two million subscribers were likely to leave in the three months to July. "Our revenue growth has slowed considerably," the firm told shareholders on Tuesday after publishing its first quarter results. "Our relatively high household penetration - when including the large number of households sharing accounts - combined with competition, is … [Read more...] about Netflix hints at password sharing crackdown as subscribers fall
Have we had enough of Netflix?
By Jennifer Meierhans & Alex Taylor Published 22 April Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Trying to watch some of Netflix's more recent series all the way through, says Paul Weiner, feels a bit like cramming frankfurters down your throat in a hotdog eating contest. Readers outside the US may not share the American enthusiasm for competitive hotdog swallowing. But maybe they can relate to the feeling. We've all spent the last few years, the last two especially, binge-watching, indiscriminately, too mesmerised to click the off-button. Are we maybe just a little bit sick of it? That's the fear seizing executives in Netflix's boardroom right now. That Mr Weiner, a 28-year-old artist from Denver, Colorado, who loved the streaming service at first, especially for watching old favourites like Star Trek and The Office, typifies a new mood. That after years of skyrocketing … [Read more...] about Have we had enough of Netflix?