Latest news with #SeanKeach
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Brits receive two new TV channels on Freeview that kids will love – exact numbers you need to type in
The new channels will be streaming-only services CHANNEL HOPPER Brits receive two new TV channels on Freeview that kids will love – exact numbers you need to type in BRITS are to get wider access to two new Freeview channels for kids this week. A shopping channel will also make a debut in some regions as the Freeview service is updated. 4 The channels will now be more widely avaliable Credit: Alamy 4 Both channels are designed for young children Freeview users will be able to access Pop and Tiny Pop this week following a change to the service. The changes are part of May's Freeview channel update with the two new channels available this week on channels 205 and 206. Brits have been advised that they may need to retune their TVs to get access. The two channels, once broadly available as traditional linear channels, will now be streaming-only services. An areal and internet connection will be required to view the two kids channels. They have transferred from local to national coverage meaning they will be much more widely available to viewers. As streaming-only services the children's TV channels require an internet connected TV to be viewed. A terrestrial TV signal will also be required to view the new kids channels. Any standard TV that can access Freeview and has internet connection should be able to watch the new channels. Freeview's website states: "Tiny Pop offers a fun and safe environment for children aged four to six to laugh, learn and grow, with a brilliantly diverse range of programming and fun interactive games. " The two channels are now available to a wider audience after the changes. They were available on Sky and Freeview before the changes but to a smaller audience. SWAP YOUR STREAMS TO SAVE! Here's some bill-slashing advice from The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach... If you're like me, you'll be paying out more than you'd like on subscriptions each month. It's easy to lose track of where all the money goes, and the fear of missing out makes it hard to bin Netflix. But if you're paying for several streaming services, you're making a big mistake. Instead, try something called stream swapping. Cancel all of your TV subscriptions except for Netflix, then burn through all of the telly you want to watch on the app. Then cancel that and sign up for another service, like Disney+. Watch all of the good stuff there and then move on, perhaps to Amazon Video. Do this with three or four apps and then cycle back to Netflix at the start. This way, you get to watch all of the top content on each app but you're not paying for them all at the same time. And you might even get to take advantage of some attractive sign-up offers too. It could save you hundreds each year if you stick to it. Pop is aimed at children aged 5-8 while Tiny Pop is aimed at kids aged 4-6. Pop shows a number of TV programmes including Pokemon and Tiny Pop shows series like Hello Kitty: Super Style!. The kids channels, as well as being available on TV, can also be viewed on various streaming services. YouTube, the Pop Player app and FAST platforms such as Samsung TV Plus can access the channels. As well as introducing two new kids channels the Freeview May changes will see two music channels rebrand. A shopping channel will also be introduced, making its debut in some regions. There are no changes for viewers who receive the reduced line-up of Freeview channels via a relay. There will also be no changes for Freeview viewers in the Channel Islands. 4 Several Freeview updates will come into effect this week Credit:
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Our tech experts reveal best budget-friendly mobiles to buy that will save you HUNDREDS – even if you're an iPhone fan
Don't miss our top tip to shed even more off the cost of your next upgrade GOOD CALL Our tech experts reveal best budget-friendly mobiles to buy that will save you HUNDREDS – even if you're an iPhone fan Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SMARTPHONES don't have to cost the Earth - and going cheaper doesn't necessarily mean making huge compromises either. Consumers are so spoilt for choice these days, it's almost hard to pick. But our crack Sun Tech team has chosen their top budget mobiles, revealing a slick handset that costs under £250 and a budget iPhone you've probably missed (with 26 HOURS of battery life, no less). 5 Some phones cost as little as £250 Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun 5 There's even a cheaper option for iPhone fans Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun Too often people tend to stick to what they know when upgrading, rather than considering more budget-friendly options that are just as good. The Sun's tech team gets their hands on loads of smartphones all the time, from the big, fancy devices to the cheap handsets. Technology has now got so good that even the cheaper phones pack a punch, with many of the must-have features you would expect in an expensive mobile. This includes fantastic battery, great cameras and tools that are actually useful to you. Here are the three we recommend buying this year so far. CMF Phone 2 Pro 5 Jamie Harris - Assistant Technology and Science Editor Chances are, you've never heard of CMF nor its parent brand Nothing. The company only came about in 2020 and has shaken up the scene with much cheaper Android smartphones that do away with the usual bland designs. I've not long reviewed the CMF Phone 2 Pro and I was impressed with the rugged look and how tough it felt in my hands. The battery is also really good for a brand new phone this cheap, going well into the second day with regular usage. Apple shows you tips and tricks on the new Iphone 16e with Apple Intelligence So how much is it? A shocking £249. Yes, there are some parts of it that aren't as good, such as its resistance to water, with a lower rating compared to other phones. And while the camera isn't as impressive as others on the market you can still get some fairly decent shots. You can read my full review on the CMF Phone 2 Pro here. iPhone 16e 5 Sean Keach – Head of Technology and Science Every year we all complain that the latest iPhone doesn't look all that different to last year's iPhone. Or even the one before that. Well friends, that's a good thing. It means most smartphones are now extremely good – even if you're buying a properly cheap model, or one that's a bit old. Please don't feel like you have to splash out on the flashest mobile with a four-digit price tag. You almost certainly don't need one. Enter the iPhone 16e, which is currently the cheapest model in Apple's line-up. It came out earlier this year (so you can say it's new) and – to the untrained eye – looks just like the iPhone 16 (so you could feasibly pretend that it is one to your mates). The battery life is wild. Apple says you'll get 26 hours of video playback from it – and I struggled to run it down in my iPhone 16e review. In fact, it serves up four more hours of use per charge compared to the pricier iPhone 16. It looks the part with an all-screen design (including a posh 6.1-inch OLED display that's probably better than your telly), Face ID scanning, and an Action Button that can be mapped to identify a song playing nearby or remind your daughter to feed the dog. It's even sort of future-proofed because it supports Apple Intelligence AI tricks (even the iPhone 15 doesn't have that) thanks to the speedy processor on board, and also includes a USB-C charging port, for which cables are now extremely common. And the upside is that this model costs £599, which is a whopping £200 less than the entry-level iPhone 16. Bargain. That means you can get some very low monthly prices. We covered a Sky Mobile iPhone 16e deal recently that was £19 a month for the phone plus an extra £11 for 40GB of 5G data. And let's be honest: when the new iPhone 17 comes out later this year, you can probably pretend you've got that too. Samsung Galaxy A56 5 Millie Turner - Senior Technology and Science Reporter While I'm an Apple girl through-and-through, the Galaxy A56 5G is a good enough deal to tempt even me. This budget handset enjoys most of what's good about the main Galaxy S25 phones, without the eyewatering price. For just £499, consumers can get a glossy new smartphone jam-packed with Galaxy AI features. The A56 runs on Android 15 with Samsung's very latest One UI 7 on top. That means it comes with some of Samsung's biggest AI tools, some of which only just landed on the much more expensive Galaxy S25 series. Like the magic eraser, for example, which can remove objects from photos. Or, the AI-powered auto trim tool that quickly cuts videos to their best moments. Samsung has also pledged to offer up to six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades, as well as six years of security updates. This is an increase from the four operating system updates and five years of security updates offered on the A55. It means you get two extra years of not needing to upgrade your device, while still getting to enjoy some clever AI tools.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Amazon shoppers race to buy ‘small and mighty' £140 portable charger – and it's now just £18
AMAZON is known for its unbeatable deals, and this week is no exception. Right now, you can grab the Lkouy Portable Charger for just £17.99, a huge 87% off its original price tag of £139.99. If you're on the hunt for bargain essentials, Amazon is always a good shout. Over the years, I've reported on countless deals, and it's safe to say I can spot a hidden gem when I see one, and this power bank is one of them. That said, the original price of £139.99 is a bit of a leap, but what really caught my eye was the Lkouy Portable Charger spec sheet. For less than £20, you're getting a slim, lightweight power bank with a powerful 10,000mAh battery; a great deal for anyone who's always on the go. And for those of you wondering how to charge your phone to 100% as quickly as possible, our Head of Tech & Science, Sean Keach, has the know-how. This deal also comes as Amazon kicks off its Everyday Essentials Week, where you'll find bargains on all those must-have items. While Lkouy brand might not be a household one, it's clearly left shoppers impressed, with over 90% of reviews giving it five stars and more than 500 units sold in the past month alone. The best deals on household essentials this week *If you a click a link in this article, we may earn affiliate revenue. Our team of shopping experts are constantly on the lookout for the best deals on household essentials — whether that's pantry staples, laundry pods or necessities like kitchen and loo rolls. Here are the best deals we've spotted at Amazon this week: Nescafé Instant Cappuccino Sachets x12, £4 £2.23 - buy here Walkers Cheese and Onion Crisps 45g x32, £35.20 £19.20 - buy here Mutti Chopped Tomatoes x6, £9.18 £6 - buy here Ellis Harper Fridge Deodoriser, £13.99 £8.39 - buy here Ecover Non-Bio Laundry Detergent, £10 £6.65 - buy here Ariel The Big One Laundry Pods x69, £39 £24.50 - buy here Vanish Gold Oxi Action Plus Super Concentrated 500g, £10 £4.62 - buy here Fairy Outdoorable Fabric Conditioner x8, £40 £28 - buy here Spesh by Cusheen Lemon Scented Toilet Roll x72, £34.99 £23.99 - buy here Duck Fresh Discs x3, £15 £8.55 - buy here Biodegradable 20L Bin Liners x100, £12.99 £7.12 - buy here Mr Muscle Drain Unblocker x2, £8.56 £5.48- buy here I haven't had this particular charger in hand myself, but the specs speak for themselves. It's ultra-slim, weighing just 162g and small enough to slip into your bag or pocket without adding bulk. It's equipped with 22.5W fast charging technology, which means you can charge your device from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes. Whether it's your phone, tablet, or headphones, it's designed to charge up to three devices at once, making it ideal for families or sharing with friends. There's even a handy LED display that shows the battery level so you're never caught out. The reviews speak for themselves, with one reviewer calling it 'small but mighty.' They added, 'I have a few power banks, but this one is a perfect size to carry in my pocket without it being too big or heavy. It has loads of power to keep my phone charged up for hours.' Another customer praised, 'This one is built to be more travel-friendly, much lighter but it still impresses in how fast it charges my phone and tablet. 'Among all chargers I have got so far, I only carry this one.' If you're after more tech deals, I also spotted this £130 JBL speaker that's currently on sale for £74, and its ideal the summer and taking abroad.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Netflix finally shutting down old home screen on millions of TVs from TODAY as controversial new look begins rolling out
Sean Keach, Head of Technology and Science Published: Invalid Date, NETFLIX is set to begin rolling out a brand new app design on TVs around the world from today. The new look is the first major home screen redesign for Netflix in over a decade. 4 This revamp was announced earlier this month, with Netflix calling the revamp an "innovative new TV experience". Fans reacted with mixed reception, with some several Netflix watchers fearing the new look and the inclusion of AI features. At the time, Netflix said it would start the roll-out on Monday, May 19. But the TV streaming giant admitted it would "weeks" for the makeover to reach everyone's televisions. NETFLIX'S NEW LOOK Netflix says that the new design solves a number of problems plaguing telly fans. In particular, it's meant to fix that issue where you can't decide what to watch and spend ages agonising over a TV show or movie. "Finding your next watch on Netflix is about to become that much easier," Netflix explained. "A new TV experience is headed your way, and it comes with better recommendations and an improved interface that highlights what matters most to you. "Yep, things are getting (even more) personal." Netflix said that the new design will "make choosing easier", adding that "decision fatigue is real". You're throwing away money on Netflix – I found three common mistakes sending your bill soaring but the fixes are easy ALL CHANGE The first major change is what Netflix describes as "simpler navigation". It means that shortcuts to key parts of Netflix's interface will now appear right at the top of the screen – staying locked there and remaining visible. This bar will include shortcuts to Search, Shows, Movies, Games, and My Netflix. The second change is "responsive recommendations", which means you'll see fresh recommendation rows "served up in real time" as you browse the TV app. 4 "Your homepage will respond to your viewing and browsing history," Netflix explains. "So you can quickly find something that suits your mood in the moment." Third is the addition of My Netflix, which is featured on that top shortcut bar. Netflix says this serves as a "personal oasis" for keeping track of your favourite content. So you'll be able to quickly see shows that you're part-way through finishing, as well as movies that you'd like to watch next. You can find Continue Watching, My List, and Remind Me inside the My Netflix tab. Fourth and finally is the addition of more detailed info for each title on Netflix. "Having a hard time choosing between this show or that movie? We've been there. NETFLIX PRICES AND PERKS – HOW MUCH ARE YOU PAYING? Here's what you need to know... Netflix Standard with Ads Price: £4.99 UK / $7.99 US Ad-supported, all but a few movies and TV shows available, unlimited mobile games Watch on 2 supported devices at a time Watch in 1080p (Full HD) Download on 2 supported devices at a time Netflix Standard Price: £10.99 UK / $17.99 US Unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games Watch on 2 supported devices at a time Watch in 1080p (Full HD) Download on 2 supported devices at a time Option to add 1 extra member who doesn't live with you Netflix Premium Price: £17.99 UK / $24.99 US Unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games Watch on 4 supported devices at a time Watch in 4K (Ultra HD) + HDR Download on 6 supported devices at a time Option to add up to 2 extra members who don't live with you Netflix spatial audio Picture Credit: Netflix "With the new interface, you can discover what makes each title worth the watch before you commit to pressing play. "Preview a title's synopsis, runtime, award wins, Top 10 history, or key cast all up-front while you browse." DON'T FLIX WHAT'S NOT BROKEN? In a recent Reddit post about the update, Netflix viewer comments were mostly negative. One said: "Wow. The one thing Netflix does right and they're going to ruin it." 4 Another wrote: "Asked for by no one." One irate Netflix subscriber said: "So they've decided to permanently roll out the ugly unusable app they've been testing for months? I had it and HATED it. Managed to go back to the old layout. If it ain't broke don't fix it." Another telly fan complained about the over-promotion of mobile gaming, adding: "Does anyone ask for this?" And one fearful TV watcher added: "That means more price hikes soon. Sigh." ROLLING OUT NOW Netflix said that the roll-out was due to begin on Monday, May 19 and would take several weeks. You'll know you've got the new look thanks to a welcome message that will "help walk you through your upgraded homepage". Some older TVs and streaming devices won't be able to get the new look – although it's unclear which models are locked out. It's just days before Netflix hosts it major Tudum 2025 live event. 4
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Surprise Virgin Media and Sky channel swaps coming THIS week in TV guide revamp with big change for kids due by weekend
Sean Keach, Head of Technology and Science Published: Invalid Date, A MAJOR Sky TV channel shake-up is taking place these week – and it affects Virgin Media customers too. Telly fans across the UK will need to watch out for as many as six changes to TV guides, just days after a major Sky outage. 3 Two of the swaps take place today, with the other four kicking at different points throughout the week. It's part of Sky 's ongoing TV channel shuffle to keep its offering fresh. But it also affects any Virgin Media TV customer watching Sky channels through their package. SKY TV SWAPS THIS WEEK The first two changes for Sky and Virgin Media customers are set for Monday, May 19. The first is Sky Mega Hits, which is switching back after a temporary change. It'll become Sky Hits HD once again, and remains on channel 303 for Satellite, Sky Glass, and Sky Stream. Second is Sky Mission Impossible, which is temporarily changing to Sky 80s HD. That's available on channel 302 for Sky Satellite, Glass, and Stream. Then on Wednesday, May 21, we'll see That's Oldies rebrand to That's Summer on Satellite 359. Similarly, That's Dance will be rebranding to That's Pride on channel 360. You're throwing away money on Netflix – I found three common mistakes sending your bill soaring but the fixes are easy For Friday, May 23, we've got one change that might be perfect for the kis. Sky Family is renaming to Sky Fairytale / Sky Fairytale HD temporarily. You'll be able to find that on Sky Satellite 306/850, or 306 on Sky Glass and Sky Stream. Finally, there's a chance scheduled for Saturday, May 24. 3 This will see Sky Cinema Action changing its name temporarily to become Sky M:I / Sky M:I HD. That'll be on Sky Satellite channel 307/851, or channel 307 on Sky Glass and Stream. WHY DOES SKY CHANGE ITS TV GUIDE? Sky's channel changes usually come as a surprise, as they're announced at short notice – and can be difficult to predict. But the fact that the TV guide changes isn't particularly unusual. In fact, Sky usually makes several swaps every single week. Sometimes Sky will temporarily change a channel for an event, like a bank holiday or season. Or it might want to try out a new type of content. Channels can also close down due to low demand or broadcasting restrictions. TRY THESE SKY TRICKS! Got Sky Q? There are some handy tricks worth knowing about... Find your lost TV remote If you can't find your Sky Q remote, don't panic. Just press the Sky Q logo on the front of your TV box. It's actually a button that will trigger your TV remote's built-in ringer. You'll get 30 seconds of beeping to find where you've dropped it. Hint: it's probably under the sofa cushion. Search movies by quotes You might have already used voice search for controlling TV playback – but your remote's microphone has another clever trick. It turns out that you can say movie quotes into the remote and Sky will find the film for you. This is handy if you can't remember the name of a top movie or show. Here's a list of movie quotes to try on Sky. Save lost recordings Have you ever deleted something you'd recorded on Sky, only to regret it later? Or maybe someone in your family removed something without telling you – sparking a massive row. Don't panic: you can get them back. Just go to Recordings > Manage > Deleted and then simply hit Undelete on the item that you want to resurrect. If you do that, it'll return to your Recordings section as good as new. Picture Credit: Sky And sometimes new channels pop up entirely too. Ultimately, Sky wants to keep the TV guide feeling fresh, so it's normal for some channels – especially ones for movies – to change regularly. FULL LIST OF SKY TV MAY 2025 CHANNEL CHANGES Here's the full list of Sky TV changes in May 2025 so far... Friday, May 2 Sky Horror (Satellite 311 - Sky Glass/Stream 311) renames to Sky ScFi/Horror / Sky ScFi/HorHD (reverting from temporary change) Sky Apocalyptic (Satellite 302 - Sky Glass/Stream 302) renames to Favourites HD (temporary change) Sky Cinema Action (Satellite 307/851 - Sky Glass/Stream 307) changes name to Sky Heroes/SkyHeroesHD (temporary change) Tuesday, May 6 Sky Favourites (Satellite 302 - Sky Glass/Stream 302) renames to SkyStarTrekHD (temporary change) Friday, May 9 Sky Hits (Satellite 303 - Sky Glass/Stream 303) changes name to SkyMegaHitsHD (temporary change) Saturday, May 10 Sky Heroes (Satellite 307/851 - Sky Glass/Stream 307) changes name to Sky Action / Sky Action HD (reverting from a temporary change) Monday, May 12 Sky Star Trek (Satellite 302 - Sky Glass/Stream 302) renames to Tom Cruise HD (temporary change) 3 Friday, May 16 Sky Greats (Satellite 304/849 - Sky Glass/Stream 304) renames to CultClassics / CultClassicsHD (temporary change) Saturday, May 17 Sky Tom Cruise (Satellite 302 - Sky Glass/Stream 302) renames to Sky M:I HD (temporary change) Monday, May 19 Sky Mega Hits (Satellite 303 - Sky Glass/Stream 303) changes name to Sky Hits HD (reverting from temporary change) Sky Mission Impossible (Satellite 302 - Sky Glass/Stream 302) renames to Sky 80s HD (temporary Change) Wednesday, May 21 That's Oldies (Satellite 359) rebrands to That's Summer That's Dance (Satellite 360) rebrands to That's Pride Friday, May 23 Sky Family (Satellite 306/850 - Sky Glass/Stream 306) renames to Sky Fairytale / Sky FairytaleHD (temporary Change) Saturday, May 24 Sky Cinema Action (Satellite 307/851 - Sky Glass/Stream 307) changes name to Sky M:I / Sky M:I HD (temporary change) It's worth noting that this likely isn't the end of the changes. Sky typically only announces its channel swaps for the week ahead. So there may be some stragglers due to be added to the list at the very end of the month. We won't find out about those until the end of this week at the earliest.
