
Three in four Brits worry their house will be burgled when they're on holiday
According to a study by smart security brand Ring, three quarters of Brits (75%) admit they find it hard to relax on holiday, with nearly two-thirds (64%) worrying about what's happening back home.
More than half (54%) of those surveyed said home security was their biggest concern while away, followed by parcel deliveries (34%) and car security (31%). Beyond home-related issues, 41% of respondents worried about their pets, 20% about their gardens and 19% said work was still on their mind.
For one in five, the stress starts the moment they leave their home. And that anxiety appears well-founded: over a third (35%) said they've experienced issues while away, from break-ins and car damage to missed deliveries, turning dream holidays into logistical nightmares.
More than half (54%) of those surveyed said home security was their biggest concern while away, followed by parcel deliveries (34%) and car security (31%). Beyond home-related issues, 41% of respondents worried about their pets, 20% about their gardens and 19% said work was still on their mind.
For one in five, the stress starts the moment they leave their home. And that anxiety appears well-founded: over a third (35%) said they've experienced issues while away, from break-ins and car damage to missed deliveries, turning dream holidays into logistical nightmares.
To ease their concerns, many are turning to others for help. Over half (53%) ask a friend, neighbour or family member to check in on their property while they're away, while 35% take precautionary steps like closing curtains or blinds. A quarter (25%) leave lights on to make their home appear occupied.
Technology is also playing a key role in providing peace of mind. Over a third (35%) of Londoners now rely on smart home devices or security cameras while away, and 32% check in on their homes remotely. More than two-thirds (68%) said being able to monitor their property virtually would make it easier to relax on holiday.
'Our research shows that home security is the number one worry stopping Brits from truly unwinding on holiday,' said Dave Ward, Managing Director EU and International at Ring. 'With a quick tap on your phone, you can literally see that everything's fine back home. It's like having eyes on your property while you're soaking up the sun — giving you one less thing to stress about on your well-deserved break.'
To help reduce stress, Ring has launched its new 'Ring & Relax' (R&R) Guide — a collection of psychology-backed tips to help holidaymakers make the most of their break. The guide, developed in partnership with award-winning psychologist and author Dr Lalitaa, includes expert techniques such as digital detoxing, grounding exercises and affirmations to help Brits let go of worry while away.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Auto Car
40 minutes ago
- Auto Car
Synthetic fuels will coexist with EVs, says solar fuel maker
'So it doesn't make sense to produce fuels; you should instead use it directly,' he said. " T hat I fully agree with. However, the point is you don't need to produce the fuels locally.' By instead using a solar plant in Morocco or a wind plant in Chile, Furler suggested, you could make use of electricity that would not otherwise have made it to mainland Europe to clean up transport. Moreover, Furler claimed, such a plant could produce three times more electricity per year than its equivalent in Europe. That means you could cleanly fuel thousands of ICE cars in Europe using that electricity, rather than zero EVs – because that power cannot be transported, whereas the liquid petrol can be. Synhelion has already partnered airline Lufthansa and Switzerland's importer for the Volkswagen Group, AMAG, to deploy its fuels in the real world. AMAG was the first to use the company's fuel to power a car, demonstrating it in a short-wheelbase Audi Quattro. But there remains a long road ahead until they are ready for the mass market, said Furler: 'Around 2030 to 2035, the different pathways are likely at a competitive scale, and can then be deployed rather quickly.' He cited scaling up as the biggest challenge, because of the cost involved, and said it could take until 2050 until it's on a comparable scale to the fossil fuel industry. There is also an issue with cost: Synhelion's fuels are currently 'five to 10 times more expensive' than fossil fuels and 'probably we will not achieve full parity". The argument could become more compelling if fossil fuels are taxed on their carbon impact (bringing their costs up closer to synthetics fuels), said Furler, and a barrel price of around €1 (86p) per litre would make it 'a viable solution'.


Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Pink-haired, bikini-clad influencer rakes in £8,000 a month by posting sexy snaps - but all is not as it seems
When Aitana Lopez came onto the modelling scene two years ago, her bubblegum pink hair and envious lifestyle immediately made her noteworthy. The 26-year-old is an avid gym-goer, a city hopper and, above all, an AI advocate. When there was criticism of AI models feeding increasingly unrealistic beauty standards, the Barcelona native clapped back: 'Haven't we been creating false realities for years now? 'Filters, edits, alter-egos, carefully crafted realities. Tell me - is your face real? Your photos? Your skin, your hair, your life?' While they may ring true, such words are to be expected from a girl who herself is an AI creation, although this doesn't stop her from bringing in thousands every month from brand deals. Ruben Cruz, founder of AI avatar agency The Clueless, created Aitana out of a frustration with fickle and ego-driven models. When projects were cancelled or put on hold, he discovered the common denominator was the influencer or model hired for the job. So he created Aitana (note the first two letters of her name) and she became Ruben's biggest earner. In her best months she rakes in £8,500 from Instagram posts shared with her 361,000 followers, as well as uploads on Fanvue - an OnlyFans alternative that permits AI content. 'We did it so that we could make a better living and not be dependent on other people who have egos, who have manias or who just want to make a lot of money by posing,' Ruben told Euronews. Indeed, Aitana's upkeep is comparatively easy. A weekly team meeting dictates the next seven days of her life, because 'people follow lives, not images', according to Ruben. So, when she's not travelling or taking selfies, she lies in a database with a swathe of other influencers and models, ready to be bought and used by companies. The agency has received countless requests from brands who not only want to hire an existing AI model, but want their very own made for them. 'They want to have an image that is not a real person and that represents their brand values, so that there are no continuity problems if they have to fire someone or can no longer count on them,' Ruben added. The agency has created a host of models of varying ethnicities, ages and body types - including one that bears a striking resemblance to English actor Ian McKellen. But despite this attempt at inclusivity, the stark majority are made to fit Eurocentric standards of attractiveness. The agency has created a host of models of varying ethnicities, ages and body types - including one that bears a striking resemblance to English actor Ian McKellen (left) Although we are growing more discerning when it comes to recognising AI content, repeated exposure is altering our perception of real women. 'AI models, especially hyper-realistic, always-flattering ones, risk becoming the new fantasy foil in heterosexual relationships,' says clinical sexologist Marie Morice. She told Femail: 'Just like the overconsumption of porn can warp expectations of sex, getting emotionally or visually attached to an idealised digital presence can distort what we value in real-life partners. 'These "perfect" AIs don't get moody, don't have needs, and always validate the user - and that can desensitise people, especially men, to the beautifully messy reality of human connection.' For women, this often means feeling unseen or inadequate, Marie explained, which directly impacts intimacy, desire and confidence in a relationship. But it's not all negative. In some cases, if used correctly, AI can actually enhance sex in relationships. 'There can be a playful, expansive side to AI — especially for women, who are so often left out of the sex tech conversation.' Marie suggested that AI companions might offer a safe space to explore fantasy, rehearse desires, or even spice things up with a virtual threesome. 'Like any tool, it's all about the how and the why we use it. Is it deepening the connection, or replacing it?' Another influencer created by the agency is Lia Byte - a Sinead O'Connor lookalike and a singer who has shared AI baby photos on herself Instagram. Each of the personalities seems to be based on a real-life celebrity. Even where it's not immediately obvious, there is an eerie familiarity to their faces. Relationship therapist Rhian Kivits says heterosexual relationships are seriously impacted when the man follows models on the internet - and whether or not that model is real makes no material difference. She told Femail: 'AI models tend to depict exaggerated feminine features such as larger breasts and hips, more defined, tighter bodies and smaller waists. 'They may also have perfectly balanced facial features or exaggerate features that are thought of as sexy, like big plump lips and large, alluring eyes. 'When your partner is viewing images of women that look "real" but are actually well outside of the norm, his expectations of the way you look, dress and behave in and out of the bedroom may subtly shift and this can put pressure on your intimate relationship.' As well as placing strain on relationships, such tech is contributing to the dehumanisation and objectification of women - both real and fake. 'It's not just the visuals that are the issue here, but the fact that a woman's face and body can be manipulated and used to appeal to the primal, sexual side of men,' Rhian added. 'When men take this attitude on and it's projected into their relationships, they may find themselves raising their expectations unrealistically and projecting their wishes selfishly onto their partner. 'And women may find themselves struggling to self-improve with diet, exercise and inauthentic sexual behaviours, but they can never realistically make the grade.' The Clueless CEO Diana Núñez told Femail: 'We are deeply aware of the debate surrounding representation, sexualization and beauty standards. 'We're committed to broadening the spectrum of representation and highlighting diverse bodies, styles, ages and personalities. 'We think AI can be a powerful tool to spark conversations about expression and perception, as long as it's used responsibly.' Diana said Aitana is still generating income through brand collaborations but she stressed that the agency's goal is to create storytelling tools, not just avatars. 'It's not just about aesthetics. Everything is tailored to the complexity and specific needs of each project. 'We also offer the ability to clone a real person, which opens up a world of possibilities for campaigns and digital presence.'


Geeky Gadgets
an hour ago
- Geeky Gadgets
MUNBYN RealWriter 402B Review: Compact Thermal Label Printing Excellence
In the increasingly complex world of e-commerce fulfillment and small business operations, thermal label printing has become essential infrastructure rather than luxury equipment. The MUNBYN RealWriter 402B positions itself as a compelling solution for businesses seeking professional-grade printing capabilities without enterprise-level complexity or cost. Currently available at £89.99 (47% off the £169.99 retail price) or $99.99 (41% off the $169.99 retail price) depending on your location. This compact thermal printer promises to deliver high-resolution output, wireless connectivity, and broad platform integration in a desktop-friendly form factor. Design and Build Quality The RealWriter 402B adopts a deliberately minimalist approach to thermal printer design. Available in black or white configurations, the unit maintains clean lines and a compact footprint that integrates seamlessly into modern workspace environments. The printer measures approximately 8.5 inches in length, making it suitable for crowded desks or shipping stations where space optimization is critical. Build quality reflects MUNBYN's focus on practical durability rather than premium materials. The housing uses robust plastic construction that feels solid without unnecessary weight. The top-loading design provides easy access to the label roll compartment, while the front-facing controls remain intuitive for daily operation. The overall aesthetic prioritizes function over form, which aligns perfectly with its intended use case in busy fulfillment environments. Performance and Printing Capabilities The technical specifications reveal where the RealWriter 402B establishes its competitive advantage. With a printing speed of 180 mm per second and 203 DPI resolution, the printer delivers output quality that rivals units costing significantly more. This combination ensures that shipping labels, product tags, and barcodes maintain crisp text and scannable codes even at high throughput rates. The automatic calibration system represents a significant operational advantage. Rather than requiring manual adjustments for different label types, the printer automatically detects label dimensions and adjusts positioning accordingly. This feature eliminates common printing errors and reduces setup time when switching between label formats. Intelligent self-test and paper return functions add another layer of reliability. The printer performs diagnostic checks upon startup and can automatically reposition labels if feeding issues occur. For businesses processing hundreds of labels daily, these automated features translate directly into reduced downtime and improved consistency. Wireless Connectivity and Platform Integration The Bluetooth wireless connection eliminates the cable management challenges that plague traditional thermal printers. The 'MUNBYN Print' app provides the primary interface for iOS and Android devices, enabling direct printing from mobile platforms. This capability proves particularly valuable for businesses managing inventory or fulfillment operations away from desktop computers. Windows laptop compatibility via Bluetooth extends the wireless functionality to laptop-based operations, while Mac users can connect using the included USB cable. The built-in driver architecture means the printer operates as a plug-and-play device without requiring additional software installation or USB drive dependencies. Platform compatibility spans the major e-commerce and shipping ecosystems including Amazon, eBay, Shopify, USPS, UPS, Etsy, PayPal, and Poshmark. The workflow involves downloading labels from these platforms and uploading them to the MUNBYN Print app, creating a unified printing interface regardless of the originating platform. Versatility and Label Format Support Beyond basic shipping label functionality, the RealWriter 402B functions as a comprehensive custom label maker. The printer accommodates label widths ranging from 1.57 inches to 4.3 inches, covering most common business labeling requirements. This flexibility enables creation of barcodes, product labels, thank you stickers, QR code stickers, business tags, and name tags directly through the mobile app. The thermal printing technology eliminates ink and toner costs, reducing ongoing operational expenses to label stock purchases only. This cost structure becomes particularly advantageous for high-volume operations where consumable costs can significantly impact margins. Software Experience and User Interface The MUNBYN Print app serves as the central control interface for the printer. The application provides template libraries for common label types, custom design tools for branded labels, and batch printing capabilities for large orders. The user interface prioritizes simplicity over advanced features, making it accessible for users without graphic design experience. Template customization options include text formatting, logo integration, and barcode generation. While not as comprehensive as dedicated design software, the app provides sufficient flexibility for most small business labeling requirements. The ability to save frequently used designs streamlines repetitive printing tasks. Real-World Application Scenarios The RealWriter 402B excels in several specific use cases. E-commerce sellers benefit from the seamless integration with major platforms and the ability to process shipping labels quickly during peak fulfillment periods. The wireless connectivity enables flexible positioning within shipping areas without cable constraints. Small retail operations can leverage the custom label creation capabilities for product pricing, inventory management, and promotional stickers. The high-resolution output ensures that barcodes remain scannable even on smaller label formats, maintaining operational efficiency. Event organizers and small businesses find value in the name tag and business card capabilities, while the QR code generation features support modern contactless interaction requirements. Cost Analysis and Value Proposition At the current sale price of £89.99 or $99.99, the RealWriter 402B delivers exceptional value relative to comparable thermal printers. The elimination of ink and toner costs creates ongoing savings that compound over time, particularly for businesses with consistent labeling requirements. The 47% to 41% discount from the £169.99 retail price makes this an opportune time for businesses to upgrade from inkjet or laser-based labeling solutions. The payback period for most small businesses ranges from 3-6 months based on consumable cost savings alone. Limitations and Considerations The RealWriter 402B does have certain limitations that potential buyers should consider. Mac compatibility requires USB connection rather than Bluetooth, which may limit placement flexibility for Mac-based operations. The label width maximum of 4.3 inches restricts use for larger format applications. The mobile app, while functional, lacks the advanced design capabilities found in professional label design software. Businesses requiring complex graphics or detailed branding may need to supplement with external design tools. Technical Support and Reliability MUNBYN provides comprehensive technical support with a 24-hour response commitment. The company's support infrastructure appears well-equipped to handle common setup and operational questions. The built-in driver architecture reduces compatibility issues that often plague thermal printer deployments. The thermal printing mechanism itself offers inherent reliability advantages over ink-based systems, with fewer mechanical components subject to failure or maintenance requirements. Final Verdict The MUNBYN RealWriter 402B represents a compelling solution for small to medium businesses requiring reliable, cost-effective thermal printing capabilities. The combination of wireless connectivity, broad platform compatibility, and high-resolution output addresses the core requirements of modern e-commerce and retail operations. The current pricing makes this printer an excellent entry point for businesses transitioning from manual labeling or expensive consumable-based printing solutions. While it may not satisfy every advanced use case, the RealWriter 402B delivers practical functionality that directly impacts operational efficiency and cost management. For businesses processing moderate to high volumes of shipping labels, product tags, or custom stickers, the RealWriter 402B offers professional capabilities at a consumer-friendly price point. The 47% discount presents an opportune moment to upgrade labeling infrastructure with minimal capital investment. The printer succeeds by focusing on core functionality rather than attempting to serve every possible use case. This targeted approach results in a reliable, efficient tool that integrates seamlessly into existing business workflows while providing the foundation for future growth and operational scaling. Filed Under: Gadgets News, Hardware, Reviews Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.