Latest news with #Nokia3310
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
6 Reasons You, A Regular Person, Might Want A Burner Phone
Burner phones aren't just for nefarious intentions, like you see on TV. They can actually be a handy tool for people who get distracted easily (because we all know how easy it is to turn off 'Focus' mode). Emmy-winning talk show host Conan O'Brien even uses one. He admitted on an April 2025 episode of his podcast 'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend' that he has a flip phone for calling friends. 'You have the security of knowing, 'I can call these key people and find out what's going on,'' O'Brien said about his phone, per CNET. 'I really like not being tempted to look at the texts, not being tempted to look at the emails.' Even tech experts have been noticing a return to low-tech burner phones lately. 'What we now call a 'burner phone' used to just be a phone,' Steven Athwal, CEO and founder ofThe Big Phone Store, the fastest-growing U.K. refurbished tech retailer, told HuffPost. 'You had your Nokia 3310, sent a few texts, made a few calls, played Snake, and that was it. … It was the norm before smartphones.' Now, the phones are coming back in a big way. Rocky Cole, co-founder ofiVerify and former mobile security analyst at NSA, said, 'We're seeing more people turn to burner phones or secondary devices, especially for travel or when they want a little more privacy.' 'The shift away from landlines plays a small part, but it's really more about people realizing how much personal info lives on their main phone,' he added. 'Using a separate device can help limit exposure in certain situations.' Tech experts shared several reasons you might want to consider one for yourself, from the silly and fun to the serious and practical. It seems like everything requires a phone number for verification, discounts and more. Using a burner phone is an easy way to keep all the extra stuff off your main number, according to Cole, who says people might 'use a burner to avoid giving out their real number when signing up for apps or services.' Many people, including entrepreneurs or those who want help maintaining a work-life balance, may choose a burner phone for work. This helps separate business and personal life, according to Nizel Adams, CEO and principal engineer atNizel Corporation. 'Nowadays, it's more common for people to give out a virtual number than their real phone number,' he said. 'This helps separate co-workers and acquaintances from friends and family members and makes it so that people can be easily removed from your life if you ever need to change your virtual number due to stalking, harassment, stolen identity, etc.' Additionally, having another 'layer of insulation' between you and your employer helps keep employees from accidentally sharing private information or having company data leaked. At Athwal's store, he sees many customers cite mental health as 'the most common reason' for a burner phone. 'People are tired of being constantly plugged in,' he said. 'They want something more basic with no notifications, no doom scrolling, no endless feeds of videos and pictures.' 'There is something that feels very free about having a phone that only lets you call and text,' Athwal added. 'Some basic phones have simple cameras too, but that's about all they do … there's no constant noise.' A burner phone may also be 'helpful for staying focused by using a simpler phone just for calls or texts without all the distractions,' Cole said. With the rise of many 'vintage tech' options — old school digital cameras, record players, camcorders — it's no surprise that 'dumb phones' are making a comeback as well. 'We're seeing more and more people buying them again,' Athwal shared. 'Some really love the retro look, especially since styles from the early 2000s are becoming popular again: [the look of] 'Y2K.'' Since 2023, Gen Z has been filming videos on TikTok of their new flip phones, perCNN. This shows that the trend is only getting more popular. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is legally allowed to seize your phone and other electronic devices to inspect them when crossing the border, although the organization stated that in fiscal year 2024,less than 0.01% of international travelers entering the U.S. had their electronic devices searched by CBP. Cole says people might want their main phone offline when traveling, 'especially in places where device searches might happen at the border.' He adds, 'For high-risk travel, a clean device can be a smart move, and that's part of why we rolled out a new solution recently at iVerify to help secure phones in those kinds of situations.' People may want to avoid other countries spying on them through their devices. 'I hear from people every day, whether they be administrative assistants, executives or a maintenance worker, that tell me they use burner phones when traveling to foreign destinations,' Adams said. 'In the information age countries and organizations that spy on people have been exposed,' he continued. 'This new awareness has led people traveling or living in those countries to resort to burner phones to avoid being spied upon. You access a cell tower in these countries and the government immediately has access to whatever data you're transmitting or even access to your phone.' More simply, some people are just worried about losing their phones. 'Some don't want to risk losing or damaging their main phone,' Athwal said. 'People use them to keep work and personal life separate, as a backup for weekends away or festivals.' Even though President Donald Trump has backed off on his China tariffs, bringing its 145% tariffs on Chinese imports down significantly, the U.S. economy is still struggling. And the astronomical price of groceries might have people second-guessing their decision to upgrade to the latest iPhone. With basic prepaid phones starting at just $29.99 atBest Buy andTarget, it's understandable that people would opt for this option. If you are using a burner phone for added security, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you start. 'Burner phones are a security measure to protect sensitive data and privacy, but they aren't the end-all, be-all,' Adams said. 'Remember, criminals use burner phones, and they get caught every day. Security itself is a wholesale solution that is incorporated into your entire lifestyle.' He recommends eventually trashing a burner phone, as they are meant to be temporary. 'Getting a new phone and changing all of your passwords (or deleting, then making entirely new accounts) every few months is expected once you start using burner phones for security purposes,' Adams recommended. 'This is usually coupled with not writing anything down as well.' If you are just using it as a work phone, Adams said you only need to do a factory reset to wipe it about once a year to keep your phone running optimally. And if you use it for traveling, just reset it and throw it away when you get home. Cole said, 'It's not just about buying a second phone. You have to think about how you use it. If you log into all your usual accounts, you're basically connecting it right back to your main identity.' If you want privacy, Cole recommends not using personal logins, getting a new SIM card, and avoiding linking it to your cloud services. 'And even with a burner, there's still a risk of tracking or compromise, so it's important to stay aware of the basics around mobile security,' he added. There are many options for a phone, from flip phones to smartphones. Athwal said, 'If you're thinking about getting [a burner phone], just check what features you need. Some come with WhatsApp or a basic web browser, and some don't. And make sure it works with your phone company and/or network.' He added, 'It's not about being secretive. For most people, it's just about life being less busy.' The Most Annyoing Thing Partners Do Right Before Bed That Is Ruining Relationships More And More People Are Switching To 'Dumbphones' — Here's Why The Tiny Tech Purchase That Made My Life 1,000 Times Easier
Rakyat Post
21-05-2025
- General
- Rakyat Post
Growing Up With The Nokia 3310 Of Malaysian Kitchens
Subscribe to our FREE Before food delivery apps and air fryers invaded Malaysian homes, there was one kitchen revolution that changed everything – the National rice cooker. That beige-colored appliance with its single switch became such a cultural touchstone that anyone who grew up in a Malaysian household from the 1960s through the 1990s can probably still hear that distinctive 'click' in their memories. For generations, cooking rice meant hovering over a pot on the stove, carefully managing the flame to avoid the dreaded burnt bottom. Kids as young as seven or eight would learn this essential life skill, part of their initiation into Malaysian kitchen life. Then came this Japanese marvel that promised perfect rice at the push of a button – and actually delivered. When One Switch Was All You Needed The genius lay in its simplicity. One switch, two settings: cook and warm. There are no complicated menus or digital displays. Just press down and wait for the satisfying pop-up that means dinner is ready. At RM75-RM140 in the 80s (a significant investment in those days), families weren't just buying a rice cooker; they were buying time, convenience, and peace of mind. A National rice cooker advertisement, possibly from the 1980s, as evident from its use of the dollar sign ($) – a notation Malaysia continued using until December 1992, when 'RM' became the official currency symbol. (Pix: Facebook) These machines were built to last. Stories abound of National rice cookers serving families faithfully for 15, 20, even 30 years. When they finally needed replacing, many households would buy the same model again, perhaps in a different colour, but with the same trusted mechanism. It was the Nokia 3310 of kitchen appliances: reliable, durable, and practically indestructible. Progress in a button: National's rice cooker advertisement set against neighbouring Singapore's emerging public housing landscape captures the nation's rapid modernisation in the 1970s. (Pix: Facebook) Before Smart Kitchens Were Cool As Malaysian families evolved, so did their rice-cooking needs: children grew up and moved out, households became smaller, and new technologies emerged. Today's market offers multi-cookers with dozens of functions, smart features, and fancy displays. Yet ask any Malaysian about their first rice cooker, and chances are they'll mention that classic National model. The brand itself has evolved – National is now Panasonic – but its legacy lives on in Malaysian kitchens. While younger generations might not recognise the original beige beauty, its influence shaped how Malaysian families cook their daily rice. Many who learned to cook rice on the stove admit they'd struggle to do so now, having been spoiled by decades of automated perfection. The National rice cooker didn't just make cooking easier; it freed up time for working parents, simplified meal preparation, and democratised perfect rice. Treasured Symbols of Malaysian Domestic Heritage Today, original National rice cookers from the early years have become collectors' items, especially those still in their original boxes from Japan. They represent not just kitchen appliances but artefacts of a pivotal moment in Malaysian domestic history – when technology began transforming the home's heart. In an era of planned obsolescence and disposable appliances, the longevity of these machines stands as a testament to a time when things were built to last. For many Malaysian families, their National rice cooker wasn't just an appliance – it was a trusted kitchen companion that saw them through countless meals, celebrations, and everyday moments that make up a family's life. The simple switch that revolutionised Malaysian kitchens may be gone from store shelves, but its legacy lives on in the millions of homes it transformed, one perfectly cooked pot of rice at a time. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
News18
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Nokia Mobile's Viral Video Ignites Nostalgia On Internet: ‘It Was Bulletproof'
Last Updated: Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar shared a video of Nokia's classic 3310 model and its popular zipper cover, leaving internet users amused. Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar is getting nostalgic on social media. The politician recalled the times when minimalist keypad mobile phones dominated the scene. Taking to his X handle, the former Union Minister shared a video of the classic Nokia mobile phone, showing an individual flaunting the device and the plastic cover that would come with a zipper. It is worth mentioning that such covers took over the mobile phone market back in the day, with almost everyone owning a set of these. Chandrasekhar captioned the video with his thoughts and wrote, 'Once upon a time—25 years ago—mobile phones were like this and protected like this." Once upon a time – 25 years ago , mobilephones were like this and protected like this While the post ignited nostalgic emotions among fans, a section of users decided to have fun, making jokes over Nokia and other older phones' reputation for durability. A user shared, 'Sirji. Once upon a time, BPL Mobile was great, but then it morphed into Loop Mobile, and well, let's just say the plot didn't thicken as much as it thinned out. Remember those days when having a mobile phone was like carrying a brick, but at least it didn't need a case to protect it from itself." Sirji Naah.. that cover was to protect the floor . — Shankar Mandagere (@MeShankara) May 19, 2025 A user joked, 'Sir ji, the case wasn't for the phone's safety… it was to stop the phone from damaging everything else." — Gogi Tech (Rajeev) (@gogiinc) May 19, 2025 The Nokia 3310 – the unparalleled paragon of innovation, beauty, and unwavering pursuit of perfection! – it was, is, and will forever be my nostalgia. I cherish my Nokia 3310 far more than today's sleek Androids— Sanjay (@sanjaykumarpv) May 19, 2025 'Never protected my 3110. It fell out of my pocket multiple times while riding a bike. I would loop around, pick the parts, put them together, check that it turned on, and drive away. I had changed the battery three times; that is how long I used it," a user shared a pleasant experience. Never protected my 3110. It fell out of my pocket multiple times while riding bike. I would loop around, pick the parts, put the them together, check it turned on and drove away. Had changed the battery three times, that is how long I used it.— Raghavendra Singh (@ragusel) May 19, 2025 The particular mobile phone in question is none other than the iconic Nokia 3310, a model that was launched when mobile phones were transitioning from luxury to a daily need. Developed with minimal sales expectations, Nokia ended up selling 126 million units. First Published: May 20, 2025, 12:35 IST
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Blast from the past Zimbabwe are finally coming in out of the cold
A biting wind swept across Grace Road on Thursday and though the crowd was thin, there was just enough stardust to keep the autograph hunters happy. Andrew Flintoff was perched on the pavilion balcony, while Mark Wood, trying his hand at coaching during his latest injury layoff, patrolled the boundary's edge with a smile. Out in the middle there were also runs for Josh de Caires, son of Mike Atherton, who compiled a fluent 79 from 93 balls on a green-tinged pitch. De Caires is a player in the modern mould charting his own course but some of the old man's mannerisms were there to see. Mercifully, the lower back appears to be much less creaky. Advertisement Related: Jamie Smith: 'To win an away Ashes would be every England cricketer's dream' But more noteworthy than the Professional County Club Select XI – a team of fresh-faced rookies led by De Caires, coached by Flintoff, and with selector Luke Wright in attendance – was the identity of their opponents. Zimbabwe have arrived for a one-off, four-day Test match against England that gets under way at Trent Bridge next Thursday, their first appearance on these shores for 22 years. Much has changed since a series chiefly remembered for Jimmy Anderson, peroxide highlights in his hair, bursting out of the traps with five wickets on his debut at Lord's. Tour games have largely gone the way of the Nokia 3310 (the must-have mobile phone back then, kids) and Zimbabwe have slipped from feisty overachievers, a team laced with a good deal of quality, to the unofficial second tier of Test cricket. Indeed, after the Test next week (a warmup for England before the five-Test visit of India) Zimbabwe stick around to play South Africa in a four-day game at Arundel. That third and final game on tour is preparation for the Proteas ahead of their World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's next month – a competition that Zimbabwe, along with Afghanistan and Ireland, are currently excluded from. Advertisement Still, truncated though it is – a far cry from 2003, when they played two Tests and took part in an ODI tri-series along with South Africa – this tour is a welcome development. And in something of a first, the England and Wales Cricket Board is also paying the visitors a tour fee in lieu of a reciprocal trip not sitting in the future tours programme. This apparent benevolence is in part driven by the England and Wales Cricket Board's broadcast deal with Sky, which is predicated on delivering six Test matches every season; in the years that bring India or Australia for their usual five-match series, an early summer opponent is still needed. Ireland fulfilled this role before the 2023 Ashes, now it is Zimbabwe's turn. But while a schedule-filler, it would not have come about had relations between the ECB and Zimbabwe Cricket not thawed considerably in recent times, nor had the green light not come from the British government. After the dark days of Robert Mugabe's brutal regime, and a period of considerable turmoil for cricket in Zimbabwe in which corruption was alleged to be rife, relative stability has returned to the country. How Zimbabwe will fare in Nottingham next week is tricky to call, with their diet of Test cricket so skinny in recent years. There are just 108 caps spread among their 15-man squad (Joe Root, by comparison, has racked up 152 on his own). As the county kids cut loose to post 330 all out inside 72 overs, including half-centuries from tailenders Sebastian Morgan and Jafer Chohan, it did not augur massively well. Advertisement Equally, there was a creditable 1-1 draw in Bangladesh last month, one that featured Zimbabwe's first away victory for seven years, and there are players of some promise in their ranks. Blessing Muzarabani, a towering 6ft 6in quick who claimed nine wickets in Sylhet, could pose some problems for England on the right surface – much as New Zealand's similarly giant Will O'Rourke did during their last outing. As well Muzarabani, who nicked off De Caires with a sharp delivery that climbed, there is Sikandar Raza, the Pakistani-born all-rounder who has been a world-class performer in the white-ball formats. Experience comes from Sean Williams and skipper Craig Ervine, both 39, while Gary Ballance, though retired after a brief return to the country of his birth, is sharing local knowledge as their batting consultant. This short tour may serve to warm up their opponents in the main but for Zimbabwe, out in the cold for more than two decades, there is sunshine breaking through.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- IOL News
The return of dumb phones: adults and teens ditch easy internet access for mental health
More and more adults (and teens) are choosing a radical solution: they're swapping their smartphones for simple 'dumbphones' devices that call and text, and little else. Image: Leo Arslan/Pexels Have you ever caught yourself mindlessly scrolling for hours, only to wonder where your evening went? Or you glance up from your phone and realise you missed an entire conversation? You're not alone. It's almost impossible to function in modern society without some form of technology. From work emails to social invitations, our lives are deeply intertwined with our devices. But now, more and more adults (and teens) are choosing a radical solution: they're swapping their smartphones for simple 'dumbphones' devices that call and text, and little else. This isn't just a quirky trend - it's a growing global movement toward digital minimalism and mindful living. Models like the iconic Nokia 3310 and the minimalist Light Phone II are flying off the shelves. According to a 2023 report by Counterpoint Research, sales of feature phones (non-smartphones) grew by 5% in North America alone, led mostly by adults seeking relief from digital overwhelm. Schools have even begun encouraging or requiring students to use dumbphones during the day, citing improvements in focus, behaviour, and social interaction. For example, last year, for Mental Health Awareness Month, Holy Rosary School for Girls in Johannesburg took a bold step towards enhancing mental well-being and child development by launching an innovative 80-day smartphone abstinence challenge, aptly dubbed "80 Days: Phone Like It's 1999". In everyday life, workplaces are starting to support employees who choose digital detox strategies, recognising the link between reduced screen time and enhanced productivity. In everyday life, workplaces are starting to support employees who choose digital detox strategies, recognising the link between reduced screen time and enhanced productivity. Image: Afif Ramdhasuma/Pexels Why are people making the switch? Escaping the social media trap We all know the feeling: you open Instagram 'just for a minute' and suddenly 45 minutes have vanished. A study from Harvard University found that social networking activates the same reward centres in the brain as addictive substances. This neurological response can lead to compulsive behaviours, making it hard to put the phone down even when we want to. Mental health matters Multiple studies point to a connection between heavy screen time and increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness, particularly among young adults. For many, switching to a dumbphone is a way to break the cycle. Switching to a dumbphone can help break the cycle of comparison and FOMO (fear of missing out) triggered by social media. According to the Royal Society for Public Health, limiting screen time can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Reclaiming real-world connection Humans are wired for connection. Yet, as we spend more time on screens, our in-person relationships can suffer. The 'dumbphone revolution' is about more than nostalgia; it's about learning to be present again. Adults are reporting improved relationships, deeper conversations, and more engagement with friends and family after making the switch. The growing embrace of dumbphones is also being celebrated by mental health professionals and wellness advocates. suggests that even a brief 'digital detox' can help reset your relationship with technology, reduce anxiety, and improve well-being. For many, a weekend without social media is the first step toward a healthier, more intentional life. Improved sleep Blue light from screens can interfere with our natural sleep cycles. By limiting phone use, especially at night, dumbphone users often report falling asleep faster and enjoying deeper, more restorative rest. Without endless notifications and app distractions, people often find it easier to concentrate at work and home. A study published in Computers in Human Behaviour found that participants who limited phone use reported significantly better focus and memory retention. Better relationships Face-to-face conversations are deeper and more meaningful without the constant interruption of phones. Parents find themselves more present with their children, partners report increased intimacy, and friends enjoy richer social experiences. Rediscovering boredom and creativity When you remove the option to fill every idle moment with scrolling, you make space for new hobbies, creative thinking, and even boredom, which psychologists say is essential for personal growth and innovation. If the thought of being without your smartphone feels scary, you're not alone. That's exactly why so many people are leaping. Maybe it starts with a weekend digital detox, or just putting your phone down during dinner. Small steps can lead to big changes.
