Latest news with #SilentGeneration
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Try the 10-question quiz that only 1% of Brits get full marks in
Do you want to test your brain power against the rest of the country? We all enjoy a bit of a quiz to test our mettle. If we can prove ourselves against friends and family, then all the better. But what about comparing your brain capacity to the rest of the country? Well, we have a 10-question quiz that can do just that. The questions, designed by London's Twist Museum, test our all-round brain capacity, as they are a mix of general knowledge, problem solving, cryptic challenges, and optical illusions. When creating the quiz, 2,000 people across the country were tested - with less than one per cent being able to get a 10 out of 10 score. When breaking the responses down by generation, Gen Z and Millenials produced the highest proportion of perfect scores, with Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation failing to get a single ace. However, when it came to some of the general knowledge questions, only 54 per cent of Gen Z members knew which author wrote 1984 and Animal Farm, compared to 91 per cent of the Silent Generation. There was a vast array of answers, with the highest proportion of people getting four right out of 10 (23 per cent). This was closely followed by five correct answers (21 per cent) and three (17 per cent). And more people came away with no correct answers (1.1 per cent) compared to those acing all the answers (0.95 per cent). See how you rank against the nation by taking the test and comparing yourself to the results of the Twist Museum quiz. QUESTIONS Q1. Which, if any, of these authors wrote 1984 and Animal Farm? Ernest Hemingway; Aldous Huxley; George Orwell; J.K. Rowling; None of the Above Q2. What is the square root of 144? 10; 11; 12; 13 Q3. You have a 3-litre jug, a 5-litre jug, and an unlimited water supply. How do you measure exactly 4 litres? You can't; Fill the 5l, pour into the 3l, leaving 2l; Fill the 3l, pour into the 5l; Fill the 5l and pour it out Q4. Which one of these is the odd one out? Broccoli; Carrot; Cucumber; Lettuce; None of the above Q5. If all bloops are razzies, and all razzies are lazzies, are all bloops definitely lazzies? Yes; No; Only sometimes; Cannot be determined Q6. You're shown a sealed envelope containing a card. You're told: "If the card is red on one side, then it has a circle on the other." Which, if any, of the following cards must you turn over to test this rule? A red card; A card with a circle; A card with a square; A blue card; None of the above Q7. Which, if any, of the following words connects these three: "Pine", "Crab", and "Sauce"? Apple; Claw; Meat; Shell; Spice; Sweat; Tree; None of the above Q8. What can you see in this image? Q9. How many triangles are there? Q10. Can you find the hidden spade in this picture? ANSWERS Q1. George Orwell Q2. 12 Q3. Fill the 5l, pour into the 3l, leaving 2l. You would then pour that into the empty 3l, fill up the 5l again and pour 1l into the 3l, making it full and leaving you with 4l in the bigger jug Q4. Carrot. It is a root vegetable, while the others are all leady or flowering parts of the plant Q5. Yes. Classic logic reasoning: If A = B and B = C, then A - C Q6. A card with a square. To test the rule, you must check whether a square could be on the back of a red card, falsifying the statement Q7. Apple. Pineapple, crabapple, apple sauce Q8. Q9. Q10. How did you get on? Did you manage a perfect score? Even if you didn't quite get 10/10, you may have outperformed the average for your generation. Gen Z responders got an average of 4.37, which was exactly the same as Gen X. Millenials only manage 4.23, which was the lowest score. Baby Boomers scored 4.42 and The Silent Generation came out on top with 4.83. However, there were far fewer of those aged 80+ that took part, meaning it was a smaller sample size.
Business Insider
05-05-2025
- General
- Business Insider
My Silent Generation grandma taught me the values that I rely on to parent my own kids
I was raised in a household that spanned generations. My grandmother belonged to the Silent Generation, my mother to the baby boomers, and my older siblings were Gen X. As a millennial, I grew up watching the world shift, through the rise of the internet, the explosion of social media, and the social changes brought by global events like the pandemic. But nothing shaped the way I parent my children more than the quiet strength of my grandmother's values. After my grandfather passed away, my maternal grandmother moved in with us. Nanna, as we lovingly called her, brought with her a way of life shaped by a very different world. One where traditions held steady and family came before all else. Her presence in our home was a constant source of calm, order, and quiet wisdom. While our world buzzed with screens and change, she stayed rooted in structure and discipline. So many of her Silent Generation values shaped me into the mother I am today Nanna was dignified, firm, and loving in her own way. She believed in respect towards elders, teachers, neighbors, and even household help. She taught us to sit properly, speak politely, and treat family disagreements with grace. She didn't preach much, but her actions taught us more than lectures ever could. She welcomed guests with unmatched warmth and managed the household with a sense of pride and purpose. I learned most of my basic life skills from her. She kept everything clean and in place. "A place for everything, and everything in its place," she'd often say. She taught me to cook with love and patience, showing me how a few simple ingredients could become something wonderful. Whenever someone compliments my cooking today, I feel her hand in it. She was also a natural storyteller. I remember sitting beside her as she recounted how she raised nine children with discipline, love, and limited means. Her stories weren't dramatic. They were simple accounts of everyday life, just children learning to be kind, responsible, and resilient. She always said character mattered more than anything money could buy. Not all of her views fit my world today Nanna grew up in a time when institutions were trusted without question. Teachers, principals, and local leaders were seen as fair and deserving of respect. If a child was punished at school, parents supported the school. That system made sense in the world she knew, where rules were consistent, and communities were tightly knit. But things are different now. I want my children to respect authority, but I also want them to think for themselves. I want them to know that rules must be fair, and that systems should serve people, not the other way around. Another difference lies in how we express love. My grandmother was not one for hugs or words of affection. Her love was quieter, as she showed it through worry, care, and the effort she poured into her family. Her children grew up feeling deeply loved, even without the outward signs. I, on the other hand, am quick with hugs and kisses. I tell my children I love them almost every single day. That doesn't make my way better. Just more in tune with the world I live in now, where emotional openness is encouraged. My grandmother's values are shaping a stronger home today It has been over a decade since my Nanna passed away, but her influence is still alive in our family. I see it in my siblings and cousins, who are raising their children with the same sense of responsibility, warmth, and discipline that she once passed on to us. We have carried her values into our own homes, adapting them to fit a new time. I talk about her with my children often. I teach them the habits she taught me, like tidy spaces, respectful words, and the importance of showing up for family. I see how these values are shaping them into grounded, empathetic individuals. Above all, the family bond we've built feels strong and lasting. I owe so much of that to the quiet strength of my grandmother's values. Passed down, adapted, but never forgotten. They are working wonders in shaping a home that feels both rooted and full of love. Even in a world that looks nothing like hers, the heart of my Nanna's lessons still hold true.
The National
01-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Seven megatrends shaping Middle East travel, from gig tourism to AI
Forget sleep tourism, noctourism and ancestral trips – these are all trends or micro-trends that are popular right now, but don't have the staying power of megatrends. What's the difference? The former are often a bandwagon to jump on for a limited time, while megatrends are shaping the tourism industry and how we travel. A handful of megatrends are having an impact on traveller experiences in the Middle East, according to experts at Arabian Travel Market, which is taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre this week. They crop up in conversation time and time again, and range from the huge potential of the cruise sector to gig tourism and travellers' use of AI. Increasingly, travellers around the world are planning trips to coincide with major events. Think the 'Taylor Swift effect', where the US megastar's Eras Tour had a direct economic benefit on the cities where she performed. Known as 'gig tourism', it is particularly popular in the Middle East, where Coldplay, for example, brought international travellers to the UAE. 'It's not just about attending an event,' says Sebastien Doussin, senior vice president of global travel services and destination management at dnata Travel Group. 'It's about what surrounds it – the access, the cultural immersion, the sense of belonging to something larger.' This is why tour operators are creating one-off experiences for travellers flying into the UAE during these 'big-ticket events'. For example, Arabian Adventures has scheduled an exclusive desert evening with former Haas F1 Team principal Guenther Steiner during Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in December. With world-class venues such as Expo City Dubai, the Coca-Cola Arena, and facilities at Yas Island such as the Etihad Arena, the UAE is uniquely equipped to host major international audiences, Doussin tells The National. 'Beyond the venues themselves, the UAE offers an unmatched supporting ecosystem: seamless airport connectivity, premium accommodation at every scale, a vibrant culinary scene, cutting-edge transport and a highly service-oriented hospitality sector.' For the first time, technically speaking, seven generations can travel together, from the babies of Generation Beta to the ageing Silent Generation. This is giving rise to the trend of multi-generational travel worldwide, but particularly in the Middle East, where family values underpin everyday life. New luxury travel agency Jovial Travels, based in Dubai's JLT, says this has also generated a new trend called 'soft summering'. This movement is centred on slower rhythms and meaningful togetherness. Nearly half (45 per cent) of UAE residents prioritise family holidays focused on quality time and relaxation, while 58 per cent of millennial and Gen Z parents plan to bring extended family on holiday in 2025, and 89 per cent cite 'quality time' as their top motivation, according to Vinoli Obeysekara, head of sales at Jovial Travels. 'We're witnessing a real appetite for travel that feels restorative, not rushed.' While we have long been able to take cruises in this region, this is only going to become more popular, particularly following the introduction of Aroya Cruises, the first Saudi Arabian cruise line. In the UAE, the cruise sector is projected to reach $16.17 million this year, and the Emirates is becoming a popular destination thanks to its luxe ports, vibrant culture and warm weather, according to Statista Market Insights. Middle East ports are expected to record 300,000 cruise visits in 2025, according to the ATM Travel Trends Report, and cruise capacity is rising to build regional connectivity. Leading Swiss-Italian cruise line MSC Cruises has long been committed to the region and is set to expand its offerings, according to global executive director Angelo Capurro. These include more attractive offers for Middle East residents, such as last-minute booking options, which the company has noted as a local preference. Saudi Arabia is arguably having the biggest impact on regional tourism, as it continues to break all records in the sector, with 30 million international arrivals last year. By 2030, the country aims to reach 70 million visitors, making it one of the top seven most-visited nations worldwide, according to the kingdom's Ministry of Tourism. A huge proportion of this comes from religious tourism, as more pilgrims than ever head to Makkah for Umrah and Hajj, but Saudi Arabia is also benefitting from increased connectivity and tapping into younger, wealthier travellers who are seeking new and authentic experiences, according to the ATM Travel Trends Report. Speaking of authentic experiences, one of the biggest talking points of ATM this year is the trend of 'experiential travel' and 'authenticity'. While these can be seen as buzzwords, their essence is really important, says Paul Mulcahy, chief commercial officer of Mauritius hotel management company The Lux Collective. The brand perhaps epitomises this trend, and has two properties scheduled to open within the next few years in Sharjah. 'We genuinely try to bring the culture into the hotel,' Mulcahy explains. 'We put a lot of thought into making sure that when a visitor comes, they know where they are and they get a chance to really experience the location.' The company does this by incorporating local ingredients and cuisine, collaborating with nearby communities on architecture, artworks or experiences, and respecting the environment where each hotels is located. The Middle East is a travel destination that appeals to wealthier, younger audiences and those interested in adventure tourism and niche activities, according to the travel trends report. Authenticity is key, says Dave Goodger, from Oxford Tourism Economics, which worked with ATM on the report. A group of experts broke down the trend further at a panel discussion called The Power to Empower: Cultural Connectivity and Inclusion on day two of the ATM event. Deborah Thomson, cluster general manager of JA Hatta Fort Hotel and Terra Cabins, gave the example of an on-site coffee shop, based on a Hatta businessman's concept, which has become a popular local hangout. 'Hatta is quite a small place, with a population of 7,000, so it's important that we make the community feel part of our resort,' she said. Another example came from Blacklane, a global premium chauffeur service, which incorporates cultural elements into the car journey. In Saudi Arabia, this includes traditional fragrances, dates and coffee – things that connect travellers to the local environment. Again, this is a global trend, but one that has really taken hold in the region. Wellness tourism is set to jump from $830.2 billion in 2023 to over $1.3 trillion in 2028, according to the Global Wellness Institute. The Middle East and North Africa has been cited as one of the fastest-growing regions for this trend. 'We call it passport to immortality,' said Fouad Talaat, regional manager for at another panel discussion at ATM. 'This is customers wanting to travel and experience longevity wellness resorts that offer cutting-edge technology like red light, cryotherapy and more to seek benefits beyond immediate relaxation. They want long-term benefits.' This is another trend The Lux Collective has tapped into. It is introducing wellness programmes that include a follow-up when you get home. 'The idea is, you come and you'll do something that you take away with you,' says Mulcahy. 'We've all been there -you try to be good for a period of time and then let it all go. We're trying to make it last that bit longer, make it a bit more sincere.' We couldn't talk trends without touching on AI. New technology is being embraced across the region's travel industry, not just by hotels or tour operators, but by travellers themselves. 'Would-be travellers to the Middle East are twice as likely as other travellers to use AI chatbots,' says Goodger. Around 60 per cent of those interested in visiting the Middle East have used AI at least once before for their travel planning, while 60 per cent of travellers from the UAE trusted AI to plan every aspect of their trip compared to 48 per cent of tourists elsewhere. 'The algorithm is the planner,' said Aleix Rodriguez Brunsoms, director of strategy at Skift Advisory, in a talk about trends shaping the region. 'Social feeds and AI are inspiring and booking travellers' next trips. They're no longer just sources of inspiration, but trip planning and booking platforms.' Eighty per cent of travellers consult social media before making a travel decision, and 60 per cent are comfortable booking directly via social media, according to Skift. 'Gen Z and millennials are using this before Google, and influencers have gone from passive content creators to active travel sellers,' said Brunsoms. 'Destination marketing in the region is not about flashy campaigns, but building thousands of micro moments that are then emphasised by AI and distributed by influencers.'
The National
01-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Seven megatrends shaping Middle East tourism, from gig tourism to AI
Forget sleep tourism, noctourism and ancestral trips – these are all trends or micro-trends that are popular right now, but don't have the staying power of megatrends. What's the difference? The former are often a bandwagon to jump on for a limited time, while megatrends are shaping the tourism industry and how we travel. A handful of megatrends are having an impact on traveller experiences in the Middle East, according to experts at Arabian Travel Market, which is taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre this week. They crop up in conversation time and time again, and range from the huge potential of the cruise sector to gig tourism and travellers' use of AI. Increasingly, travellers around the world are planning trips to coincide with major events. Think the 'Taylor Swift effect', where the US megastar's Eras Tour had a direct economic benefit on the cities where she performed. Known as 'gig tourism', it is particularly popular in the Middle East, where Coldplay, for example, brought international travellers to the UAE. 'It's not just about attending an event,' says Sebastien Doussin, senior vice president of global travel services and destination management at dnata Travel Group. 'It's about what surrounds it – the access, the cultural immersion, the sense of belonging to something larger.' This is why tour operators are creating one-off experiences for travellers flying into the UAE during these 'big-ticket events'. For example, Arabian Adventures has scheduled an exclusive desert evening with former Haas F1 Team principal Guenther Steiner during Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in December. With world-class venues such as Expo City Dubai, the Coca-Cola Arena, and facilities at Yas Island such as the Etihad Arena, the UAE is uniquely equipped to host major international audiences, Doussin tells The National. 'Beyond the venues themselves, the UAE offers an unmatched supporting ecosystem: seamless airport connectivity, premium accommodation at every scale, a vibrant culinary scene, cutting-edge transport and a highly service-oriented hospitality sector.' For the first time, technically speaking, seven generations can travel together, from the babies of Generation Beta to the ageing Silent Generation. This is giving rise to the trend of multi-generational travel worldwide, but particularly in the Middle East, where family values underpin everyday life. New luxury travel agency Jovial Travels, based in Dubai's JLT, says this has also generated a new trend called 'soft summering'. This movement is centred on slower rhythms and meaningful togetherness. Nearly half (45 per cent) of UAE residents prioritise family holidays focused on quality time and relaxation, while 58 per cent of millennial and Gen Z parents plan to bring extended family on holiday in 2025, and 89 per cent cite 'quality time' as their top motivation, according to Vinoli Obeysekara, head of sales at Jovial Travels. 'We're witnessing a real appetite for travel that feels restorative, not rushed.' While we have long been able to take cruises in this region, this is only going to become more popular, particularly following the introduction of Aroya Cruises, the first Saudi Arabian cruise line. In the UAE, the cruise sector is projected to reach $16.17 million this year, and the Emirates is becoming a popular destination thanks to its luxe ports, vibrant culture and warm weather, according to Statista Market Insights. Middle East ports are expected to record 300,000 cruise visits in 2025, according to the ATM Travel Trends Report, and cruise capacity is rising to build regional connectivity. Leading Swiss-Italian cruise line MSC Cruises has long been committed to the region and is set to expand its offerings, according to global executive director Angelo Capurro. These include more attractive offers for Middle East residents, such as last-minute booking options, which the company has noted as a local preference. Saudi Arabia is arguably having the biggest impact on regional tourism, as it continues to break all records in the sector, with 30 million international arrivals last year. By 2030, the country aims to reach 70 million visitors, making it one of the top seven most-visited nations worldwide, according to the kingdom's Ministry of Tourism. A huge proportion of this comes from religious tourism, as more pilgrims than ever head to Makkah for Umrah and Hajj, but Saudi Arabia is also benefitting from increased connectivity and tapping into younger, wealthier travellers who are seeking new and authentic experiences, according to the ATM Travel Trends Report. Speaking of authentic experiences, one of the biggest talking points of ATM this year is the trend of 'experiential travel' and 'authenticity'. While these can be seen as buzzwords, their essence is really important, says Paul Mulcahy, chief commercial officer of Mauritius hotel management company The Lux Collective. The brand perhaps epitomises this trend, and has two properties scheduled to open within the next few years in Sharjah. 'We genuinely try to bring the culture into the hotel,' Mulcahy explains. 'We put a lot of thought into making sure that when a visitor comes, they know where they are and they get a chance to really experience the location.' The company does this by incorporating local ingredients and cuisine, collaborating with nearby communities on architecture, artworks or experiences, and respecting the environment where each hotels is located. The Middle East is a travel destination that appeals to wealthier, younger audiences and those interested in adventure tourism and niche activities, according to the travel trends report. Authenticity is key, says Dave Goodger, from Oxford Tourism Economics, which worked with ATM on the report. A group of experts broke down the trend further at a panel discussion called The Power to Empower: Cultural Connectivity and Inclusion on day two of the ATM event. Deborah Thomson, cluster general manager of JA Hatta Fort Hotel and Terra Cabins, gave the example of an on-site coffee shop, based on a Hatta businessman's concept, which has become a popular local hangout. 'Hatta is quite a small place, with a population of 7,000, so it's important that we make the community feel part of our resort,' she said. Another example came from Blacklane, a global premium chauffeur service, which incorporates cultural elements into the car journey. In Saudi Arabia, this includes traditional fragrances, dates and coffee – things that connect travellers to the local environment. Again, this is a global trend, but one that has really taken hold in the region. Wellness tourism is set to jump from $830.2 billion in 2023 to over $1.3 trillion in 2028, according to the Global Wellness Institute. The Middle East and North Africa has been cited as one of the fastest-growing regions for this trend. 'We call it passport to immortality,' said Fouad Talaat, regional manager for at another panel discussion at ATM. 'This is customers wanting to travel and experience longevity wellness resorts that offer cutting-edge technology like red light, cryotherapy and more to seek benefits beyond immediate relaxation. They want long-term benefits.' This is another trend The Lux Collective has tapped into. It is introducing wellness programmes that include a follow-up when you get home. 'The idea is, you come and you'll do something that you take away with you,' says Mulcahy. 'We've all been there -you try to be good for a period of time and then let it all go. We're trying to make it last that bit longer, make it a bit more sincere.' We couldn't talk trends without touching on AI. New technology is being embraced across the region's travel industry, not just by hotels or tour operators, but by travellers themselves. 'Would-be travellers to the Middle East are twice as likely as other travellers to use AI chatbots,' says Goodger. Around 60 per cent of those interested in visiting the Middle East have used AI at least once before for their travel planning, while 60 per cent of travellers from the UAE trusted AI to plan every aspect of their trip compared to 48 per cent of tourists elsewhere. 'The algorithm is the planner,' said Aleix Rodriguez Brunsoms, director of strategy at Skift Advisory, in a talk about trends shaping the region. 'Social feeds and AI are inspiring and booking travellers' next trips. They're no longer just sources of inspiration, but trip planning and booking platforms.' Eighty per cent of travellers consult social media before making a travel decision, and 60 per cent are comfortable booking directly via social media, according to Skift. 'Gen Z and millennials are using this before Google, and influencers have gone from passive content creators to active travel sellers,' said Brunsoms. 'Destination marketing in the region is not about flashy campaigns, but building thousands of micro moments that are then emphasised by AI and distributed by influencers.'
Scotsman
30-04-2025
- Scotsman
Brits stockpile millions of broken gadgets as research finds half would rather replace their tech than repair
Millions of broken smartwatches, phones, and tablets are gathering dust in drawers across the UK as consumers reject repair in favour of replacement, according to a new national survey. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The research, commissioned by wearable tech brand UNA Watch, reveals that almost half of Brits (47%) would rather buy a new device than attempt to fix a broken one. For smartwatches, the picture is even bleaker – half of users (50%) say they'd ditch their device outright if it broke, compared with just 28% who would consider a repair. It's a trend that has serious implications for the UK's growing e-waste problem. More than a third of people (38%) admit to having a drawer dedicated entirely to broken or obsolete gadgets, amounting to an estimated 22 million households hoarding defunct tech. The UK now produces 24kg of e-waste per person annually, making it the second-worst offender globally behind Norway. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hazel Gray, a 24-year-old smartwatch owner from Glasgow, says she's learned the hard way that current repair options often fall short. Hazel Gray She said: 'If my devices break, I will usually try to take them to a repair shop as it's cheaper than going to Apple directly – but they usually don't do a good job. I had a nightmare with my last Apple Watch when the screen broke. I was told it would still be waterproof after it was 'fixed', but when I went swimming the whole device got ruined. It ended up in the bin. 'If I was able to get genuine parts from the manufacturer, I'd absolutely try to repair things myself. I honestly do think these companies deliberately design their products to break. It's frustrating that we've just accepted this throwaway culture. It's terrible for the environment and for our wallets.' The nationally representative survey, carried out by independent insights agency Opinion Matters, highlights how widely this frustration is shared. More than half of respondents (54%) believe manufacturers deliberately make products unrepairable – a sentiment even stronger among older generations, with 66% of the Silent Generation (aged 79+) and 65% of Baby Boomers (aged 60-78) holding that view. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Yet despite the dominance of disposability, many are keen to take repair into their own hands. Half of Brits (50%) say they'd like to fix their broken belongings, but feel they lack the skills or information to do so. Nearly six-in-10 (56%) say they don't have the know-how to repair tech, with the figure rising to 70% among Baby Boomers. And a third (34%) say they wouldn't even know where or how to recycle their old devices. Kirsty Fraser Kirsty Fraser, a former mobile phone shop worker and DJ, has seen the issue from both sides of the counter. The 23-year-old Callander woman said: 'I constantly had people coming in spending a fortune to upgrade brand-new phones which were slightly damaged – and a lot of times totally immaculate. The new models they were buying were virtually identical. It's like we've been brainwashed into thinking we need to constantly upgrade.' As a former DJ, she also knows the pain of constantly replacing expensive gear. Now, she says, even though she'd like to fix her tech, she's worried about the risks. She added: 'I went through a lot of headphones – and they weren't cheap. Eventually, I found a modular headphone brand which allowed me to repair and upgrade them without bankrupting myself. It meant I could gig without worrying about breaking expensive kit. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I often worry about getting broken devices fixed – mostly because I'm scared it'll void my warranty. If I had access to the parts and the know-how, I'd definitely try fixing things myself. But right now, it just feels totally inaccessible with most tech on the market.' UNA Watch is fully modular and repairable Wearable tech entrepreneur Lewis Allison, co-founder of UNA Watch, believes this throwaway culture is neither inevitable nor sustainable. His company is launching the world's first modular, repairable GPS sports watch via Kickstarter – a device that can be upgraded and fixed by the user, not discarded. He was inspired to create the device after his wife was stung by a £300 bill to fix her Apple Watch two days after buying it. He said: 'The tech industry has normalised disposability, but it doesn't have to be this way. When a screen cracks or a battery dies, that shouldn't mean the end of the device. Smartwatches should last, evolve, and be repairable by wearers – just like any other tool people rely on daily.' Backed by more than £300,000 in early investment, UNA Watch has now raised more than £240,000 through the Kickstarter, backed by more than 1,200 orders. But for now, the brand is focusing on direct-to-consumer sales as more and more people are rebelling against the stranglehold of big tech. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Allison believes modular design could help change attitudes, allowing consumers to extend the life of their devices and push back against built-in obsolescence. Lewis Allison, co-founder, UNA Watch, believes the UK must address its e-waste problem He continued: 'We're giving people the power to fix their own tech, saving them money while reducing e-waste. Right now, the only alternative to replacement is an expensive repair service – if one is even available.'
