Category: Week in Review

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Week in Review

Week 27… 2021!

Can you believe – England are in the finals of Euro 2020! (Being played in 2021 – because Covid 19 disrupted a few things last year).

Tonight – 8pm GB time – against Italy.

But first – let me share my Top Two Tech Stories from the week…

  1. First up, we have Facebook Market place!

That’s right – Facebook market place has grown to 1 billion users!

Whilst I personally have used it occasionally and quickly realised a) there’s a few people that can waste your time and b) then there’s an influx of folk if something is for free – and how to manage that (usually whoever responds first works) – but overall, great place to sell items.

Facebook does not release standalone financial details for Marketplace. It is in fact free for non-business users to put up a simple sales listing, as the firm makes it money from users simply being on its ecosystem and seeing all the advertisements on the site.

However, Marketplace’s user numbers have soared during the pandemic. Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg recently revealed that Marketplace now has more than one billion global users. This is up from a reported 800 million in 2018, for a service that was only launched in 2016.

There are others out there that folk use, like depop and Vinted…

In fact, depop was recently sold for $1.62bn.

2. Next up, new motorway service stations are coming!

So recently, I’ve blogged about electric cars – and even shared a story about the East London service station that can hold over 30 cars all able to charge at the same time.

Well, it’s spreading. Rugby has something similar. And there’s more and more popping up!

Gridserve has also outlined plans to install at least 50 ‘electric hubs’ at motorway service stations with each of them including anywhere between six to twelve ultra-rapid chargers. 

The 350kW devices mean the most advanced electric cars should be able to add 100 miles of range in a matter of minutes, depending upon the car.

Other providers including, Tesla and Ionity, already have ultra-rapid chargers on, or close to, the motorway network. 

Elsewhere, Gridserve has trademarked the name ‘Electric Forecourts’ and plans to open more than 100 of those charging hubs in towns and cities within the next five years. 

Each forecourt will include shops, cafes, toilets and even showrooms where people can learn about electric cars. 

Gridserve says all of its chargers are supported by solar farms, meaning that every unit of electricity taken from the grid is matched by an equivalent amount of solar energy going back into it.

So there you go – my Top Two Tech Stories for the week, all about selling on line via facebook and depop is big, about a billion big! And what’s even bigger is the number of charging stations for electric cars you are going to see soon!

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Week in Review

Week 26… 2021!

Well… so much has happened this week! – The most important one being (for me) England beating Germany (first) and then Ukraine (last night) to make it to the Semi Finals of the Euro’s!

For those interested – Denmark (to be played on Wednesday) and the finals are next Sunday!

Ok, for this week – here’s your Top Two Tech Stories!

  1. First up, following from my mid-week post on Sir Tim Berners-Lee, he’s only gone and sold his first web browsers code as an NFT!

An NFT of the original source code for the world wide web, written by its inventor Tim Berners-Lee, has sold for $5.4m at Sotheby’s in an online auction, the auction house said on Wednesday.

A non-fungible token (NFT) is a kind of crypto asset that records ownership of digital items, and has recently become a major asset in the creative world, with NFTs of artwork, music and internet memes selling for millions of dollars.

The NFT sold on Wednesday was created by the English scientist Berners-Lee in 2021 and represents ownership of various digital items from when he invented the world wide web in 1989.

The sale effectively comprises a blockchain-based record of ownership of files containing the original source code for the world wide web. The final price was $5,434,500 and half of the bidders were new to Sotheby’s.

The world wide web, or “the web”, is the system for navigating and accessing information on the internet. But you already knew that – right?

2. Ok – up next, don’t you hate it that you have to travel to the fridge to get your beer or cold drink?

Well.. that’s a problem of the past! That’s right – Heineken have made an autonomous beer cooler – that will follow you!

That’s right – 12 carrying 12 cans of cold beer right behind you! How awesome is that?!!!

The Dutch brewing company Heineken recently unveiled the “Beer Outdoor Transporter” — a branding concept cooler that uses motion sensors to trail behind its owner. The company launched an online raffle on Thursday for people who want to own one.

While it cannot apply your sunscreen, blow off the sand from the beach or cook your Independence Day hot dogs, it seemingly solves one issue.

“Nobody loves lugging around like a giant cooler and sweating in the 100-degree heat,” said Joshua Egan, brand director at Heineken USA. It was built around a “charming” AI personality and was shown this summer to mark the nation’s return to semi-normalcy after gatherings last summer were discouraged due to the coronavirus. It was also unveiled to draw attention to the brand’s new beer can design, as the beverage category faces increasing competition from hard seltzers.

It does not have to house Heineken products. The robot is constructed to tote around ice, so you could seemingly use any beverage you would want to keep cold. Like for example – Coca-Cola. Just saying.

So there you go – my Top Two Tech Stories for this week, all about Sir Tim Berners-Lee and beer’s following you around!

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Week in Review

Week 25… 2021!

What a week again! This time, the UK’s Health Secetary was caught on camera in a compromising situation. Then we had a tornado hit East London – causing a fair amount of damage… and finally, England are through in the Euro’s and play Germany on Tuesday!

Enough of that – and onto my TopTwo Tech Stories of the week.

  1. First up… roaming charges are back!

Mobile operator EE will charge new UK customers extra to use their mobile phones in Europe from January.

Those joining or upgrading from 7 July 2021 will be charged £2 a day to use their allowances in 47 European destinations from January 2022.

EE, which is part of BT Group, previously said it had no plans to reintroduce roaming charges in Europe. It is the first UK operator to reintroduce the charges since the EU trade deal was signed in December. 

Since 2017, mobile networks in EU countries have not been allowed to charge customers extra to use their phones in other EU countries.

There are some “fair use” limits, for example, you cannot get a mobile phone contract from Romania and then use it all year round in Italy.

On Wednesday, O2 said they were going to reintroduce roaming charges. However, it is merely adding a “fair use” data cap of 25GB a month and will not charge customers more to use their phones in the EU.

2. Next up, Desktop Instagram!

That’s right – many of us who use Instagram will be able to do so from our desktops! Let’s be honest – we do a fair amount of editing etc.. on our desktop so makes sense to have Insta available!

It’s currently being rolled out – so if you don’t have access for the moment, don’t worry… it is coming!

Now… the good and bad. Good – it’s not he desktop, so you don’t need your phone in your hand to have a quick view on Insta.

Bad – it’s still not on ipad! I know… You’d think they’d put it on devices such as iPads and other tablets – but nope. They’ve gone straight for the desktop.

I’ll be trying it out soon – and if you don’t already, give me a follow on Insta, I’m @mrbalbansal. – it’s mainly of food… and tech!

So there you go, my top two tech stories, Insta on your desktop and remember to check your data allowance when travelling abroad.

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Week in Review

Week 24… 2021!

Middle of June already – Group stages of the Euro’s (Football) is well under way and wow, what surprises have cropped up already! – (Germany beating Portugal, France draw with Hungary…. and a few more)…. and much more happening, I bring to you, the Top Two Tech Stories that caught my eye this week.

  1. So First up… It’s all about Benedetto Vigna!

Who’s he?! – Well, the man who helped the iPhone sense it’s been titled sideways – is taking over as CEO of Ferrari.

In a statement issued by Ferrari on Wednesday, it was announced that Vigna, 52, would be joining as chief executive officer effective 1 September.

Ferrari said that Vigna’s “unique knowledge gained over 26 years working at the heart of the semiconductor industry that is rapidly transforming the automotive sector” could help “accelerate Ferrari’s ability to pioneer the application of next generation technologies.”

“We’re delighted to welcome Benedetto Vigna as our new Ferrari CEO,” said Elkann.

“His deep understanding of the technologies driving much of the change in our industry, and his proven innovation, business-building and leadership skills, will further strengthen Ferrari and its unique story of passion and performance, in the exciting era ahead.”

2. Next up… be careful and check if your Bluetooth speaker is connected correctly!

Comedian Tawny Platis – noticed some of her ‘adult content’ she was watching was not playing on her speakers.

Volume went up and down, trying to figure out how it all works, what’s going wrong – Tawny was on the verge of giving up when she realised that it was actually, somehow, connected to her neighbours Bluetooth Speaker!

Now whilst you all laugh… (and I did too when I first heard this!) – check your connections. We’re in a world where majority of things are wirelessly connected – and bluetooth speakers are not new… however, can (on first hand experience) be difficult sometimes to pair! – so always check when pairing your speakers and equipment!

So there’s my top two stories! – Yes, there were many… but for an individual to transition from a technology company (Apple) to the automotive sector (Ferrari) speaks volumes! – and talking about volume, always check your Bluetooth pairing 🙂

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Week in Review

Week 23… 2021!

So on Friday, the Euro’s (Football) kicked off! Whilst I’m not going to go into the matches, how well Italy played etc… one thing that caught my eye was the little remote controlled car that brought the football to the ref at the start!

It was all because VW are the sponsors – and with their new range of ID (electric) cars, what a perfect way to get the message across! (In my opinion – great bit of marketing and advertising!)

With that… let’s speed up, and drive onto our Top Two Tech Stories of the week!

  1. First up… Facebook and their Smartwatch!

Rumors of Facebook’s development of a smart watch have been around for a few months, but recent stories have given use more details on the project. The watch, allegedly planned for summer 2022, is said to feature two cameras – one forward-facing, for video calls, and a second on the back.

The idea is that the unit can be easily removed from the wrist and used in much the same way as a phone camera. The images can then be uploaded straight to either Facebook, Instagram or shared on WhatsApp. Either through your phone’s connection or using an eSIM.

The Facebook watch is due to feature a heart rate monitor and fitness features to rival the likes of Apple and the now Google-owned Fitbit. Rather than being a premium device, it is expected to retail around $400 (£282/AU$516) and comes in a choice of black, white or gold.

2. Up next.. flying taxi service from Virgin!

Virgin Atlantic is exploring whether it could launch a flying taxi service as part of a partnership with Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace.

The airline suggests electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL) could fly from towns to major airports.

Vertical Aerospace is conducting test flights of its aircraft this year and continue to test to see if the idea, can in reality, take off.

It has proposed that an eVTOL aircraft could pick people up from a city such as Cambridge and fly them to a major airport such as London Heathrow.

Vertical Aerospace says its VA-X4 craft will be able to carry four passengers and a pilot up to 100 miles, as well as being emissions-free and quieter than a helicopter.

In fact the company claims it will be “near silent” when cruising and it has already partnered with American Airlines and Avolon, an aircraft-leasing company.

So there you go – my Top Tech Stories from the week. All about Facebook moving into hardware and bringing out their first SmartWatch… on which you can take photos, and secondly – flying taxis… not a new idea, but one that’s fast becoming more of a reality!

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Week in Review

Week 22… 2021!

So here in the UK, we had a slight change in the weather. Meaning, the sun was out! I know… crazy! I say, finally! The weather was lovely for a few days and this morning – we’ve had some light rain – that’s ok, it’s good for the grass!

Anyway, so much has been happening this week… so let’s not waste any more time on the weather and deep dive right into it!

  1. Up first we have Microsoft Windows 11

Microsoft has been teasing a “next generation” of Windows for months now, but new hints suggest the company isn’t just preparing an update to its existing Windows 10 software, but a new, numbered version of the operating system: Windows 11.


The software giant announced a new Windows event for June 24th yesterday, promising to show “what’s next for Windows.” The event invite included an image of what looks like a new Windows logo, with light shining through the window in only two vertical bars, creating an outline that looks very much like the number 11. Microsoft followed up with an animated version of this image, making it clear the company intentionally ignored the horizontal bars

Up next… the future of cars (but not electric!)

2. That’s right… we’re talking 623 miles on a single tank of hydrogen!

Toyota says that if you drive normally, its hydrogen-fuelled Mirai can travel around 400 miles between fill ups. Drive much more carefully, though, and you could go further. Maybe a lot further. 

By doing just that Toyota France has driven a Mirai 623 miles on a lone 5.6kg tank of hydrogen, thereby breaking the Hyundai Nexo’s existing record for the longest distance travelled by a hydrogen-fuelled vehicle on a single tank by a whopping 72 miles. 

The company says the unmodified Mirai covered 623 miles, or 1,003km, on public roads south of Paris in the Loir-et-Cher and Indre-et-Loire regions of France. The distance covered and consumption, rated at 0.55kg of hydrogen per 100km, have been independently certified. 

Hydrogen cars are being marketed as an emissions-free alternative to petrol, and – if the hydrogen is produced with only renewable energy – that’s true, and in fact, is probably better for the environment than EVs.

But there are two ways to create hydrogen. The first involves mixing fossil fuels and water, which releases significant CO2 emissions. The second uses a large amount of electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. If this power comes from wind or solar sources then we are sitting pretty, but if it’s taken from the regular grid then you run into the same problems as charging your EV at home. Fossil fuels are still involved, just less visibly. But for some – it’s not all fossil fuels, there’s also sun, wind, etc… that can help you power your car.

So there we have it… Window 11 and Hydrogen cars travelling 623 miles on a single tank.

I’m not sure which is more exciting… to be honest, I’m not excited by either of these (smiley face). And I’ll tell you why…

Whilst Microsoft are bringing out Windows 11, and it’ll have lots of great new features – what will it bring that, people say wow. Do we really need windows? (Apple Mac users need not answer). I mean, we have apps for virtually everything. And of course, there’s a decline in laptop/computer sales.

And then the hydrogen cars. It’s taking a while for the electric charging points to be installed but the infrastructure is slowly getting there and there’s a lot of positive signs. To start building a hydrogen infrastructure will take a lot longer also!

Either way – Windows ‘most of us’ need, and as for the future of cars…. this is so interesting because we also have in the mix, self-driving capabilities, etc…

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Week in Review

Week 21… 2021!

In the UK, it was pouring with rain, consistently, last week. In fact, it was like that for the past few weeks. Fourth wettest May ever recorded. That says everything. Well, like the true British weather we are accustomed to – glorious sunshine over the weekend and planned for the rest of the week – now, don’t get me wrong – I’m not complaining, going to thoroughly enjoy it whilst it lasts with an ice cold refreshing Coca-Cola Zero.

Enough of the weather report – now onto my Top Two Tech Stories from the week gone…

  1. Up first… Toilet Analysis.

Now lets be honest, how much does the doctor actually know about us? And in addition – we should really be providing more information than what we do. (And you’ve heard me say before, it’s all about the Data!).

So there’s some clever people that have built a new smart toilet that will take photo’s of your poo, and send it to the doctors for analysis!

How awesome is that. There’s a lot of information in your poo. Believe it or not. And this will help the doctor. With any pains or issues you are having, but also dietary – wise, are you eating the right foods and leading a healthy lifestyle.

2. Next up! – Amazon on a spending spree…

That’s right – the film studio’s with the roaring lion has been sold to Amazon for an eye watering, $8.45 Billion.

Now we know, that Amazon have prime, and on prime, not only can you get your shopping within a few hours but you can also watch videos and films. And on top – they have a variety of new and exclusive films. I can see where this is kind of heading…

We have Disney +

We have our trusted Netflix…

And we have a few other streaming services… and I can see there being the Top 3 or 5 eventually, with Amazon Prime being one.

So whilst the game is long, we can see the end goal…

But who knows what could happen, who could buy who…

For now, sit back, relax and enjoy the film whilst the Doctor analyses your poo.

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Week in Review

Week 20… 2021!

Doesn’t feel like summer at all – all this rain and wind. Hoping we get some warm weather soon… So, onto my Top Two Tech Stories of the week.

  1. First up, we have the Flying Car!

So we all know about the up and coming Tesla Models… and previously, I did mention that the roadster will be so fast that it may lift off, from the ground… well yep – Elon even said it’ll fly!

Now, whilst it won’t go into full flight mode – imagine how awesome it will feel!!!

But has this planted a seed in Mr Musk’s mind. Will he actually start a production line for flying cars? Will we see them in the next decade? All I know is… anything is possible!

2. Next up… it’s all about IE

Now personally, I use Chrome… but many people in the World use Internet Explorer and unfortunately, support will end for it next year.

The natural move would be to Edge. Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications. Microsoft Edge has Internet Explorer mode (“IE mode”) built in, so you can access those legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications straight from Microsoft Edge. 

If you’re a consumer using Internet Explorer at home, we recommend you transition to Microsoft Edge before June 15, 2022, to start enjoying a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience. The good news: you probably already have it on your device. Search for “Microsoft Edge”… and hope for the best!

So there you go…. flying cars and internet browsers this week. Hope this helps, let your parents or older folk in the family know about IE and the younger folk that flying cars are real.

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Week in Review

Week 17… 2021!

And just like that, April is over… and Hello May! Now who’s hoping for some hot weather? – Yes, me too!! It’s not been as warm as last year, so the sooner it warms up, the better.

Now, lets get straight into my Top Two Tech Stories of the week…

  1. Electric Highways on our Highways! – Well, ok – we call them Motorways over on this side of the pond.

Now we know rules will change in 2030 – and we’ll anticipate over the coming years and increase in electric cars.

That’s why, Ecotricity and Gridserve have opened the UK motorway network’s largest high-powered EV charging station, kick-starting the their Electric Highway joint initiate.

It’s over in Rugby, and according to the firms, these chargers have the capacity to add up to 200 miles of electric range in around 10 minutes. They offer all three connection types – CCS, Type 2 AC and Chademo – and accept contactless card payment.

A further 12 chargers will be added to the Rugby site at a later date, as part of the partnership between the two firms. This is exactly the type of infrastructure motorists want to see, and fill them with confidence!

2. Now, it’s Bank Holiday Weekend here in the UK… and we’ve got some sales taking place!

For those who’d like to go touch, physical see some items before buying – Currys/PC World has launched some big savings for the May Bank Holiday weekend, with 4K and 8K TVs, Apple iPhones and more getting price cuts.

Now, whilst there are price cuts – please please please – do your research. Check on-line where it is the cheapest. Look at warranties etc… and above all, check, is it worth the upgrade/reason why you’re buying.

Mobile phone technology advances a lot year on year – but being honest, some of the older models work absolutely fine depending on your reasons for use – if it’s simple social media etc… then some older models are absolutely fine. However, if you’re reading this and thinking… well Bal, I want to treat myself…. then YES! Go for it! You should… But again (do your research first!!).

Speaking about the latest Currys promotion Ed Connolly, chief commercial officer at Dixons Carphone, said: “Our Epic Deals event give customers a chance to upgrade their home tech, and with the amazing prices on offer across this bank holiday weekend, there has never been a better time to shop.”

Connolly went on to add: “The Epic Deals event comes as we’ve been opening stores across the nation over the past three weeks, and we’ve seen customers come to our stores to find amazing tech and advice from our colleagues. We also understand that not everyone will feel comfortable returning to our stores just yet, so customers can continue to access to our amazing colleagues via our digital ShopLive service and Order & Collect.”

So there you have my Top Two Tech Stories… from better infrastructure of charging your electric car, to treating yourself this weekend on some tech goodies!

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Week in Review

Week 15… 2021!

Looks like the weather is finally picking up! With that, many in the UK enjoyed a beer or two, as the pubs and bars opened and this brought about some sense of ‘normality’… we still need to be careful, as I’m reading of a new variant in India of Covid-19 that could spread very easily and might already be here in the UK!

As it’s not confirmed that it’s in the UK, I’ll share my Top Two Tech Stories of the week gone!

  1. First up… Domino’s Pizza. Whilst I’ve had the debate if pineapple belongs on pizza or not (which I’ll save to resurrect another day), I’m sharing with you trials of Domino’s Pizza delivery via an autonomous vehicle!

Yes – we’ve seen and heard of these vehicles before. But like many companies – there’s always a fear of moving forward from an idea into a fully fledged pilot. However, Domino’s are not.

Nuro driverless cars in Houston this week as part of a pilot program, the company announced Monday, will deliver pizza’s! The company says “select customers” in Houston who make a prepaid delivery order from its store in the Woodland Heights neighborhood during certain dates and times can have their pizza brought to them by a Nuro R2 robot.

Here’s how the pizza deliveries will work: a customer places and pays for an order online from the Woodland Heights store and opts in to have the order brought by the R2. The customer receives a unique PIN via text alert along with updates on the vehicle’s location. When the robot car arrives, the customer enters the PIN on its touch screen, which opens the R2’s doors. Pizza ensues.

2. Next up – Apple and their Spring Event!

What’s in the Spring Loaded Event Bal?

Well… rumours are new iPads, new Apple Pencil and a few other bits. We don’t expect a new phone at this Event.

Refreshed ‌iPad Pro‌ models are expected to be the main event at Apple’s April event. Apple will overhaul the 11 and 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ models, but don’t look for major external changes — much of what’s new will be internal.


The third-generation ‌Apple Pencil‌ looks similar to the second-generation version, but with a glossy finish. It’s not clear what new features might be included if Apple does refresh the ‌Apple Pencil‌, but there have been rumors of a potential black model. 

We haven’t heard particularly reliable rumors about a new ‌Apple Pencil‌, so it’s not really clear if we’re going to see one at the April event.

Oh… and we might finally see the AirTags which we’ve been promised for a while!

For those unfamiliar with ‌AirTags‌, they’re small trackers that are equipped with Bluetooth and are designed to attach to important but easily lost items like wallets, cameras, and keys. ‌AirTags‌ (and the items they’re attached to) can be tracked right inside the ‌Find My‌ app alongside iPhones, iPads, and Macs, so you can keep an eye on all of your important belongings in one place.

‌AirTags‌ details have been leaking since the release of iOS 13, but we’re still not sure what the ‌AirTags‌ will look like. Based on some simple images found in iOS, they could be small, circular tags with built-in Bluetooth and ultra-wideband support.

So there we go… everything from Pizza’s to Apple’s this Sunday for you. Have a great week ahead, enjoy the Apple event and if you decided for a takeaway and live in Houston… why not have a Pizza!