Every now and again, a piece of technology comes along that makes me grin like a child who has just found a secret compartment in a toy robot. This week, that technology was ChatGPT image generation.
I started with a simple idea: what if The Gadget Man was not just a blog, a podcast, or a bloke surrounded by cables, 3D printers, strange gadgets and half-finished ideas, but an actual comic book hero?
Not a cape-wearing superhero. Not someone bitten by a radioactive soldering iron. Just a gadget-loving chap with a cup of tea, a slightly dangerous number of ideas, and the ability to solve problems with technology, common sense and the occasional dramatic pose.
So I gave ChatGPT a photo of myself and typed the following prompt:
This is The Gadget Man, create a 2 page american style comic strip about him stopping a cyber attack by martians
First Draft of The Gadget Man
And there it was. A full two-page comic book spread featuring The Gadget Man battling Martians who were attempting to take over Earth’s systems. It had panels, speech bubbles, glowing screens, alien spaceships, dramatic lighting, and just the right amount of over-the-top comic book nonsense.
There was one small problem. In the final panel, instead of the crowd saying “Thanks Gadget Man!”, the speech bubble said “Thanks Gadget Giant Man!”
So I simply replied:
the last panel says THANKS GADGET GIANT MAN!, it should say THANKS GADGET MAN!
And ChatGPT corrected it.
The Gadget Man and The Alien Cyber Attack
That was the moment it really clicked. This was not just asking a computer to make a picture. This was creative direction. I could guide the scene, spot issues, refine the result, and build a series.
The Gadget Man Comic Universe Begins
Once the first comic was created, I did what any sensible adult would do. I immediately made several more.
The next prompt was:
Excellent, create another comic about Gadget Man visiting Scotland and saving them from EV Charger problems
The Gadget Man and the Mystery of the Scottish EV Chargers
This produced a wonderfully ridiculous adventure in which The Gadget Man travels north of the border to rescue Scotland from faulty EV chargers, broken apps, signal problems and confused motorists. There were Highland cows, charging stations, Scottish scenery, and, naturally, the sort of technological tinkering that saves the day.
Then came one of my favourites:
Create another comic featuring Gadget Man 3d Printing an elaborate controller for use with his VR headset to play Elite Dangerous
The Gadget Man and the 3d Printed Elite Dangerous Controller
This one was pure Gadget Man territory. 3D printing, VR, Elite Dangerous, switches, buttons, joysticks, wiring, and a controller that looked as though it had been designed by someone who had spent far too long thinking, “You know what this game needs? More buttons.”
After that, Vanessa joined the adventure.
Create another comic featuring Gadget Man and his sidekick wife Vanessa. Their adventure is finally getting away for a break at the coast
Gadget Man and Vanessa go to the Coast
The result was a seaside adventure featuring Gadget Man and Vanessa finally escaping for a well-earned break, only to find that even a trip to the coast can turn into a heroic mission when technology, transport and holiday chaos collide.
Of course, Vanessa deserved a break from all this madness, so I followed up with:
Create another comic featuring Gadget Man looking after the house whilst Vanessa spends two well deserved days at a Spa Retreat
The Gadget Man: Vanessa goes to the Spa
This produced a domestic disaster story full of smart home alerts, robot vacuums, laundry mountains, kitchen chaos and Gadget Man attempting to maintain order while Vanessa relaxed in peace. In other words, science fiction with a suspicious amount of truth in it.
Finally, I went bigger. Much bigger.
create another comic book featuring Gadget Man. This time he goes to the ISS to correct it’s orbit
The Gadget Man Saves the ISS
Yes, The Gadget Man went to space. The International Space Station had an orbital problem, and naturally the only person qualified to give it “a little nudge” was a man with a tool belt, a mug of tea, and an alarming level of confidence.
To finish the project, I also created a header image for this very article:
create a header image in the same style showing The Gadget Man creating the comic using ChatGPT
I created my own awesome comic strip using ChatGPT
That image showed The Gadget Man at his desk, creating comics using ChatGPT, surrounded by gadgets, screens, sketches, tools and the usual creative chaos. It perfectly captured what this whole experiment was about.
Why This Is Possible Now
What makes this so interesting is not simply that ChatGPT can generate an image. Image generators have existed for a while. The difference now is the conversational workflow.
OpenAI describes ChatGPT Images as a tool that can create new images and edit existing ones directly inside ChatGPT. You can ask for an image in plain English, refine it, adjust the composition, and explore new visual directions without needing to start from scratch each time. OpenAI also notes that recent image generation models are designed to follow prompts more accurately, render text more effectively, and use chat context, including uploaded images, as visual inspiration
That last point is important. I was not typing a technical command into a complicated art package. I was having a conversation. I could say “make this a two-page American-style comic strip”, then “change that wording”, then “now do one in Scotland”, then “now add Vanessa”, and ChatGPT understood the creative thread.
It feels less like using software and more like working with an incredibly fast illustrator, layout artist, letterer and visual brainstorming partner, all rolled into one.
The Magic Is in the Iteration
The real power here is not the first image. It is the second, third, fourth and fifth version.
Traditional creative work often involves a long gap between idea and result. You sketch, brief, wait, revise, wait again, make changes, and eventually arrive at something close to what you imagined.
With ChatGPT, the loop is much shorter. You can create a concept, respond to it, correct it, extend it, and build a whole fictional world in minutes. OpenAI’s own guidance highlights this ability to generate and refine images using clear prompts, request variations, adjust composition or size, and produce polished visuals quickly.
For someone like me, with a head full of odd ideas, half-remembered pop culture references, gadgets, stories, jokes, and technical rabbit holes, this is incredibly powerful.
I do not need to stop at “Wouldn’t it be funny if…”
I can actually see it.
What This Means for Artists
Now, this is where things become more complicated.
As exciting as all this is, it also raises serious questions for artists, illustrators, designers and the wider creative industry.
On one hand, tools like ChatGPT could be hugely empowering. They allow people who cannot draw to visualise ideas. They help writers create concept art. They help small businesses produce mock-ups, campaign ideas, storyboards, social media graphics and playful content that might previously have been out of reach.
For independent creators, this could be a revolution. A blogger can create a comic strip. A podcaster can build a visual world. A small business can prototype adverts. A game designer can test character ideas. A 3D printing enthusiast can imagine packaging, instructions, posters, comics and product artwork without needing a full design department.
But there is another side.
Professional artists have every right to be concerned. If companies decide to replace commissioned artwork with AI-generated images purely to save money, that has consequences. If the visual language of artists is absorbed, imitated and mass-produced without care, credit or fair compensation, that is not something we should casually ignore.
There is also the question of value. Art is not just the finished image. It is experience, taste, judgement, intention and human interpretation. A good artist does not simply “make a picture”. They solve visual problems. They understand emotion, framing, symbolism, storytelling and audience. AI can generate astonishing things, but it does not live a life. It does not have childhood memories, favourite comics, personal grief, humour, nostalgia or the strange little sparks that make human creativity so fascinating.
A Tool, Not a Replacement for Imagination
The way I see it, ChatGPT does not remove the need for creativity. It shifts where the creativity happens.
The prompt matters. The idea matters. The direction matters. The ability to look at an image and say “that is nearly right, but the final speech bubble is wrong” matters.
In my Gadget Man comic experiment, ChatGPT created the images, but the idea came from a very human place: my own interests, my humour, my love of gadgets, my fondness for comic book drama, my 3D printing obsession, my VR tinkering, my family life, and my lifelong habit of turning ordinary things into stories.
That is where I think these tools are at their best. Not replacing imagination, but amplifying it.
The Future of Comic Creation?
Will AI-generated comics replace traditional comics? I hope not.
Will they change how people make comics? Almost certainly.
We may see writers using AI to storyboard ideas before handing them to professional artists. We may see artists using AI for rough concepts, layouts, backgrounds or experimentation. We may see hobbyists creating personal comics for fun, families, blogs and social media. We may also see new kinds of hybrid workflows where human creators and AI tools sit side by side.
There will be arguments, and there should be. Creative industries need rules, ethics, transparency and respect for human artists.
But there is also something genuinely wonderful about being able to type a sentence and watch a ridiculous idea become visible.
Final Thoughts
What started as a quick experiment became a whole mini comic universe.
The Gadget Man fought Martians, fixed Scotland’s EV chargers, 3D printed a controller for Elite Dangerous, went on holiday with Vanessa, survived domestic chaos during a spa weekend, corrected the orbit of the ISS, and then sat down to create the comics using ChatGPT.
That is absurd.
It is also brilliant.
For me, this is exactly what technology should do. It should unlock ideas. It should make us laugh. It should help us create things that would otherwise remain trapped in our heads.
And if it occasionally turns “Gadget Man” into “Gadget Giant Man”, well, that is all part of the adventure.
Another day. Another gadget. Another comic created.
When you open your browser and type in a web address like www.thegadgetman.org.uk, how does your computer know where to go? That’s where DNS – the Domain Name System – comes into play. It’s one of the hidden heroes of the internet, and understanding it can help you browse smarter and more securely.
What is DNS?
In simple terms, DNS translates human-friendly domain names into machine-friendly IP addresses. Think of it as the internet’s phone book. Instead of remembering a string of numbers like 172.217.169.206, you just remember a name – like google.com – and DNS handles the rest.
Every website, email server, and online service has an IP address. DNS ensures you don’t have to memorise any of them.
How Does DNS Work?
Here’s what happens behind the scenes when you visit a website:
Your browser checks its cache to see if it already knows the IP address.
If not, it asks your operating system, which checks its own cache.
If still no luck, it asks the DNS server provided by your internet service provider (ISP).
If the ISP’s server doesn’t know, it asks a chain of other DNS servers – starting from the root, to TLD (.com, .uk), and finally to the domain’s authoritative server.
Once the IP address is found, it’s returned to your browser, and the connection is made.
All this typically takes milliseconds – faster than blinking.
Why Should You Care About DNS?
Most people never think about DNS, but it plays a vital role in your online experience. Here’s why it matters:
Speed: A faster DNS can mean faster browsing, especially when accessing new websites.
Privacy: Many DNS providers log your queries. That means they know every website you visit.
Security: Some DNS services help block malicious websites or phishing attempts.
Surfshark’s DNS: Private and Free
Surfshark, known for its VPN services, offers afree public DNS designed with privacy in mind. Unlike many default ISP DNS services, Surfshark’s DNS doesn’t log or track your online activity.
Key Benefits of Surfshark DNS:
No logs or tracking – Your DNS requests aren’t saved, sold, or snooped on.
Improved privacy and anonymity – Especially useful when combined with a VPN.
Free to use – No hidden costs or annoying ads.
Reliable infrastructure – Globally distributed servers for stable, fast resolution.
How to Change Your DNS
Switching to a privacy-focused DNS like Surfshark’s is easy:
On Windows or macOS, you can change DNS settings via your network preferences.
Routers often allow DNS changes at the network level, covering all your connected devices.
Surfshark also offers setup guides for specific devices and platforms.
Final Thoughts
DNS is like the backstage crew of the internet – you rarely see it, but it keeps the show running. Understanding how DNS works gives you more control over your online experience. And by switching to a privacy-first service like Surfshark DNS, you can enhance your digital safety without spending a penny.
If you’re serious about your gadgets, online privacy, and speed, don’t overlook your DNS.
If you’re a parent, you’ll know the daily struggle: soggy sandwiches, leaky bottles, and lunchboxes that barely survive a term. Enter b.box – a smart, kid-focused brand founded by two Australian mums with one mission in mind: to make parenting that little bit easier.
Now available in over 55 countries, b.box is winning over families with their practical, well-designed essentials that combine functionality, independence and fun. And if you’re looking for a better way to keep your child hydrated and well-fed throughout the school day, the b.box Tritan drink bottle and b.box lunchbox are absolute game changers.
The b.box Tritan Drink Bottle – Built for Busy Hands and Busy Days
The b.box Tritan Drink Bottle – Built for Busy Hands and Busy Days – Image courtesy of b.box.
Let’s talk about the b.box Tritan drink bottle (£19.99 from Amazon). First up, it doesn’t just look cool with its triangular design – that shape actually makes it easier for little hands to grip. Whether it’s being hauled around the playground or slotted into a schoolbag, it’s lightweight, durable, and most importantly: leakproof when closed. That means no more puddles in the bottom of the bag!
Key features:
Easy push-button lid and carry handle
Soft silicone straw for easy sipping
Protective base bumper absorbs drops and knocks
Made from ultra-tough Tritan™
Top rack dishwasher safe
It’s the kind of bottle you’ll only need to buy once – unless of course, you want one in every colour!
The b.box Lunchbox – Fresh, Flexible and Fuss-Free
The b.box Lunchbox – Fresh, Flexible and Fuss-Free
Image courtesy of b.box
Say goodbye to squashed sandwiches and hello to a fresh-packed lunch that actually survives the school day. The b.box lunchbox (£19.99 from Amazon) is an absolute revelation – designed with compartments that make sense for real food, not just dry crackers and grapes.
What sets it apart?
Customisable layout with sliding dividers
Room for a whole sandwich, bagel or wrap
Comes with a gel ice pack to keep food fresh
Whole fruit compartment with a flexible silicone lid
Leakproof design for yoghurts and even watermelon
Top rack dishwasher safe
It’s lunch prep made simple – and snack time made joyful.
Both the bottle and the lunchbox are designed with one thing in mind: making life easier for parents and more independent for kids. They’re tough enough to handle a tumble, smart enough to keep food fresh, and stylish enough that your kids will actually want to use them.
At £19.99 each, they’re not the cheapest options on the shelf – but when you factor in the clever design, durability and no-spill peace of mind, b.box products are well worth the investment.
Final Thoughts from The Gadget Man
I love a product that quietly solves a problem without overcomplicating things. The b.box Tritan bottle and lunchbox don’t try to reinvent the wheel – they just make it roll a lot smoother. Whether you’re kitting out your child for school, day trips or picnics in the park, these are two items I can confidently recommend.
Apple has just dropped a brand-new addition to the iPhone 16 lineup—the iPhone 16e. This model is designed to deliver cutting-edge performance and Apple Intelligence at a more affordable price, making it a compelling choice for users looking for premium features without the premium price tag.
Apple Unveils the iPhone 16e – The Affordable Powerhouse
Design and Display
The iPhone 16e follows Apple’s signature sleek design ethos with a durable build, available in elegant matte black and white finishes. The device features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing vibrant colours and crisp text, perfect for streaming HDR content, gaming, and everyday tasks. It also boasts IP68-rated water and dust resistance, ensuring it can handle the rigours of daily life.
Performance Boost with A18 Chip and Apple C1 Modem
Under the hood, the iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s latest A18 chip, delivering exceptional speed, efficiency, and AI-powered enhancements. The C1 modem, Apple’s first in-house cellular modem, ensures fast and reliable 5G connectivity while also improving power efficiency, further enhancing battery life.
Speaking of battery life, Apple claims that the iPhone 16e lasts up to six hours longer than the iPhone 11 and up to twelve hours more than previous iPhone SE models, making it the best 6.1-inch iPhone in terms of battery longevity.
Camera System: A 48MP Fusion Camera with 2x Telephoto
Photography enthusiasts will love the 48MP Fusion camera system, which allows for high-resolution shots with enhanced computational photography. The integrated 2x telephoto lens provides optical-quality zoom, making it feel like having two cameras in one. Features such as Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and Smart HDR ensure stunning photos in all lighting conditions. The front-facing TrueDepth camera offers autofocus for sharper selfies and enhanced Face ID functionality.
Apple Intelligence and AI Integration
A significant highlight of the iPhone 16e is its support for Apple Intelligence. This AI-powered system introduces advanced features such as:
Image Cleanup Tool – Easily remove distractions from photos.
Genmoji – Custom emoji creation.
Improved Siri – More conversational and able to maintain context across multiple interactions.
ChatGPT Integration – Built directly into Siri and Writing Tools, allowing users to access AI-generated assistance seamlessly.
Action Button for Quick Access
The iPhone 16e features the Action Button, first introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro series. Users can customise it to launch the camera, activate Shazam, switch focus modes, or even trigger in-app functions.
Satellite Connectivity and Safety Features
Apple continues to lead in emergency communication with the inclusion of satellite-based features such as:
Emergency SOS – Contact emergency services when out of cellular range.
Roadside Assistance – Access help via satellite in case of car trouble.
Find My via Satellite – Share location with loved ones, even in remote areas.
Crash Detection – Automatically dials emergency services in the event of a severe accident.
iOS 18 and Customisation Options
The iPhone 16e runs iOS 18, introducing new personalisation options, enhanced privacy settings, and redesigned Control Centre for improved accessibility. Users can now customise their Home Screen with dark or tinted app icons and arrange widgets more freely.
Pricing and Availability
Apple has positioned the iPhone 16e as a budget-friendly yet powerful device, starting at £599 in the UK. Pre-orders begin on February 21, with availability set for February 28. The device will be available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 16e delivers an impressive mix of premium features and affordability, making it a strong contender for those looking for top-tier Apple performance without breaking the bank. With the A18 chip, improved battery life, AI-driven features, and a robust camera system, the iPhone 16e is set to be a popular choice in 2025. Stay tuned for a hands-on review soon!
Sometimes, you have an idea so out there, you just have to run with it. That’s exactly what happened with my latest experiment—writing, editing, and publishing a book in under 24 hours. Yes, you read that right: Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney by Matt Porter went from a concept swirling in my head to a fully published book faster than you can say “Bob’s your uncle.” Now, before you start expecting War and Peace or something that’ll win a Pulitzer, let me set the record straight: this book is meant to be a laugh. So, get that tongue planted firmly in your cheek and read on!
A Silly Idea Turned Into Reality
I’ve always loved Cockney rhyming slang. There’s something so playful and creative about it, and being a tech nerd, I thought, “Why not merge the two?” With that spark of inspiration and a challenge I set for myself, the idea was born: a humorous book that reimagines the world of tech with Cockney flair. Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney would be a light, fun read for anyone who’s ever wondered what you’d call a smartphone (a “dog”) or a smart speaker (a “chirper”) in the East End’s colourful lingo.
But then I upped the stakes: I decided to see if I could write, edit, and publish the whole thing in less than 24 hours. Why? Because life’s too short not to try ridiculous things.
You can buy and read Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney right now and very soon in physical paperback at https://amzn.to/40QzUnI
Don’t Expect High Art—This Is Pure, Unfiltered Fun
Let’s be clear: you’re not about to read a literary masterpiece. This isn’t War and Peace or The Great Gatsby. It’s more like a mate telling you stories down the pub, but instead of talking about football, I’m rambling about gadgets and tech in Cockney slang. This book was written fast, with lots of tea, laughter, and a “who-cares-if-it’s-not-perfect” attitude. If you’re looking for a deep exploration of tech or a polished manual, you might be barking up the wrong tree.
But if you’re after a book that doesn’t take itself seriously, one that pokes fun at tech jargon while teaching you some cheeky Cockney phrases, this might be your cup of rosie-lee.
The Writing Process: Fuelled by Tea and Banter
Once the idea hit me, I got to work with one goal: get it done before the clock ran out. I wrote chapter after chapter, each filled with witty slang, light-hearted anecdotes, and ridiculous comparisons between tech gadgets and everyday London life. Need to know why Wi-Fi is like a “Skyhook” or why a computer’s operating system is the “Guv’nor”? I’ve got you covered.
To keep it fun and breezy, I didn’t worry too much about polishing every sentence. It was all about the charm, the humour, and the Cockney twist. The result? A book that feels like a good ol’ natter with a mate—unpolished, maybe a bit rough around the edges, but full of character.
Editing and Formatting: It’s Good Enough
I gave the manuscript a quick once-over (yes, quick), fixing the obvious typos and ensuring the Cockney slang made sense. But did I spend hours agonising over sentence structure or tweaking every paragraph? Absolutely not. This was about speed and spirit, not perfection. Think of it like street food: messy, but oh-so-satisfying.
I also threw in a handy Cockney slang glossary at the end, so you can brush up on your rhyming slang while giggling at the tech comparisons.
The Cover: Simple, Bold, and Straight to the Point
When you’ve only got 24 hours, you don’t spend ages designing a cover that rivals The Da Vinci Code. I kept it simple and bold, with the title front and centre: Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney by Matt Porter. The cover hints at the humour inside without giving too much away—exactly how I like it.
Publishing: The Final Countdown
With just minutes to spare, I uploaded the book to the publishing platform, hit “Publish,” and breathed a sigh of relief. I did it! A fully published book in less than a day.
Why I Did It
Let’s face it, we all overthink things sometimes. This project was a reminder to embrace spontaneity, take risks, and have fun with creativity. You don’t always need months of preparation or endless rewrites to make something worth sharing. Sometimes, done is better than perfect.
Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney isn’t meant to change your life, but it just might make you chuckle, and that’s good enough for me.
What to Expect When You Read It
Lots of laughs: If you’ve ever struggled to explain tech to your nan or been baffled by a new gadget, you’ll feel right at home.
Cockney charm: From “whirligigs” to “dog and bones,” the slang is in full force.
Zero seriousness: This book is pure entertainment, so don’t come looking for an academic breakdown of microchips.
Final Thoughts: Take It with a Pinch of Salt (and a cup of ‘rosie’)
If you’re the kind of reader who enjoys a bit of banter, a bit of tech, and a whole lot of Cockney rhyming slang, this book is for you. But remember: it’s all in good fun. Don’t take it too seriously—just sit back, grab a cuppa, and enjoy the ride.
So, there you have it. My little 24-hour experiment, wrapped up and ready for you to enjoy. Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney is out now on Kindle and will be available very soon in paperback (As soon as I have approved the… Proof), and I hope it brings you as many laughs reading it as I had writing it.
Cheers,
Matt Porter
February 2025
📚 Want a bit of tech banter with a Cockney twist? Grab your copy of Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney on Kindle now, and don’t forget to keep that tongue firmly in cheek.
In this latest episode of The Gadget Man, Matt unravels the long-standing myth about using rice to dry out wet mobile phones.
Despite its popularity, this method is debunked as ineffective and potentially harmful.
The Gadget Man – Episode 178: Rice, Phones, and Chili Con Carne: Debunking Tech Myths with Malcolm Boyden
Apple itself has issued guidance against it, warning that rice grains can damage the device by blocking ports and causing corrosion. Instead,
Matt suggests allowing the phone to dry out naturally in a dry, airy place, highlighting modern phones’ water resistance capabilities and the importance of gentle care in case of water exposure.
Rice can damage devices
The conversation takes a lighter turn with a humorous suggestion for the best use of rice: making chili-con-carne, adding a flavourful twist to the tech discussion.
Dropping your phone in water is now not the disaster it used to be
This episode not only clears up a common misconception but also serves up a side of humour, making it a must-listen for tech enthusiasts and foodies alike.
So, are you ready to take your trusty phone from great to “Wow, is that even the same phone?” with some seriously cool accessories? Let’s dive into this world of nifty gadgets that are not just useful, but kind of life-changing too.
Battery Cases: Your Phone’s Knight In Shining Armor
Do you know that sinking feeling when you see the dreaded “low battery” notification? Well, stress no more! A battery case is like having a superhero for your phone. It’s not just a protective layer; it’s a power boost when you need it most. Think of it as your phone’s secret energy snack. Plus, they look pretty sleek too!
Portable Projectors: The World Is Your Theater
Ever thought of watching a movie under the stars? With a portable projector for your smartphone, you can. These little wonders can turn any blank wall into a cinema screen. They’re perfect for movie nights, sharing vacation photos, or even giving a presentation. It’s like having a theatre in your pocket!
Camera Attachments: Your Phone’s New Eyes
Your phone’s camera is already great, but with these clip-on lenses, it’s like giving it a superpower. Snap-on a wide-angle, macro, or fish-eye lens and watch your photography game soar. It’s like seeing the world through a whole new lens (literally!). Get ready for your social media to light up with likes!
Styluses: Because Your Finger Isn’t Always Enough
For the creatives out there, a stylus can transform your smartphone into a canvas or a notepad. Whether you’re sketching, jotting down notes, or just navigating, a stylus can give you that precision touch. It’s like having a magic pen that turns your phone into a hub of creativity.
Wireless Earbuds: Your Personal Sound Oasis
The right pair of wireless earbuds can totally change how you experience sound. Whether it’s for music, calls, or gaming, they create this little bubble of audio just for you. And the best part? No more wrestling with tangled wires. It’s like giving your ears a first-class ticket to Sample City or Trancentral. One heads up, always make sure they’re charged, you don’t want to get caught with those babies without power when you really need them. I recommend the Edifier Neobuds Pro 2.
Wireless Charging Pads: Effortless Energy
Wireless charging pads are like those fancy plates at a restaurant but for your phone. Just set your phone down and watch it charge. No more fumbling with cords or trying to plug in in the dark. They’re not just convenient; they add a touch of class to wherever you put them.
So, what do you think? Ready to give your smartphone a makeover with these awesome accessories? Trust me, once you start exploring these gadgets, you’ll see your phone in a whole new light. Here’s to making our smartphones not just smart, but genius!
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, it’s easy to forget the gadgets and gizmos that once dominated our lives. Today, we’ll take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the tech tools that have faded into the annals of history.
Floppy Disks and CD-ROMs:
Once, the clunky floppy disks and shimmering CD-ROMs were our only recourse to data storage and transfer. They have now gracefully bowed out, making way for sleek USB drives, capacious external hard drives, and the omnipresent cloud storage that promises accessibility from every corner of the globe.
VHS Tapes and VCRs:
The ritual of rewinding VHS tapes and the magic of VCRs bringing images to life on screen are chapters from a bygone era. They’ve been overshadowed by the crisp clarity of DVDs, Blu-rays, and the instant gratification delivered by streaming services.
Fax Machines:
The whirring and buzzing of fax machines, once music to the ears of office-goers have been replaced by the silent, instantaneous delivery of emails and other digital communication channels.
BlackBerry: Once the pinnacle of business communication with its iconic QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry has been overshadowed by the touchscreen revolution led by smartphones that offer an array of features and applications making communication and management seamless.
Once the pinnacle of business communication with its iconic QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry has been overshadowed by the touchscreen revolution led by smartphones that offer an array of features and applications making communication and management seamless.
The Pager:
The humble pager, a precursor to the mobile revolution, once clipped to belts, has quietly retreated to the shadows as smartphones dominate the communication landscape with various features unimaginable back in the day.
Film Cameras:
The instant gratification of digital photography has replaced the thrill of loading film and the patience of development. Though a niche of enthusiasts still cherishes the craft of film photography, digital cameras and smartphones have become our lenses to the world.
CRT Monitors:
The bulky CRT monitors that once occupied desks were replaced by sleek LCD and LED monitors, marking a significant leap in aesthetics and technology.
Cassette Tapes and Players:
The tactile joy of flipping a cassette tape is a forgotten pleasure. Digital audio and streaming services have ensnared the auditory senses with a promise of endless playlists.
Typewriters:
The rhythmic clacking of typewriter keys is a sound from a bygone era, replaced by the soft tapping on modern-day keyboards as computers and word-processing software took over.
Rotary Phones:
The nostalgic spin of the rotary dial has been replaced by the swift taps on touch-tone and mobile phones, making communication faster and smoother.
The Evolution of Industrial Automation:
Beyond personal gadgets, industrial technology has also undergone dramatic transformations. Take, for example, the servo convertidor, an essential component in early automation systems that controlled motor speed with precision.Once a staple in manufacturing plants, these devices have gradually been replaced by more advanced digital controllers and AI-driven automation. The seamless efficiency of modern robotics and smart technology has streamlined production like never before, leaving behind the once-revolutionary servo convertidor as a relic of industrial progress.
Each piece of outdated technology carries with it stories and memories that shaped the era they belonged to. As we embrace the new, it’s a sweet reminiscence to look back at the tech relics that paved the path for today’s digital wonderland.
You can also listen in to my chat with Steve Ladner on BBC Radio Kent by clicking on the play button at the top of the post
Life can feel tough at the moment. We’re all trying to make our way, day by day, through a global pandemic where we face constant uncertainty, struggles and difficulties. Government restrictions to slow the spread of the virus have resulted in countless changes to our routines and many of us are still growing used to spending more time alone and away from those we love. Many of us are also facing financial difficulties, as we experience job loss, redundancy, reduced hours or reduced pay. It’s not all too surprising, then, that many of us are feeling tired of constant stress and are looking for any and every way to make our lives a little easier on ourselves. Of course, where there is demand, someone will supply. So, it’s not all too surprising that there are increasing numbers of gadgets entering the marketplace that has been specifically designed to ease up your life in some way or another. Here are a few that you might want to consider!
Button Pushers
Many of us have routines that involve pressing certain switches at certain times throughout the day. Perhaps you want your lights to turn on at a certain time to alert others that you’re home. You might turn your heating on at a certain time each morning or evening to make sure your home is the right temperature. Perhaps you turn your hot water on at a particular time to ensure you have enough water for showers, washing up, baths or anything else at a set time of day. Sure, this is a small task, but often, we forget to press the switches and this can throw a spanner in the works of our day. Instead, why not consider automatic button pushers? These are devices that will press a switch or button at a time that you set and choose. Research different models to make sure that they press firmly enough to do their job in your home!
Liquid Level Sensors
Do you find yourself regularly having to top up liquid levels in your home? Is there a certain tank that needs to be refilled at a certain point? Rather than constantly having to check, you could use a liquid level sensor that will alert you when you need to top fluid or liquid levels up.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Many of us are coping with the switch to working from home. This can, for those of us who don’t live alone or those of us who have noisy neighbours, can entail dealing with trying to work in noisy environments. This is less than ideal and can negatively impact productivity. So, why not invest in noise-cancelling headphones? These can provide you with the silence you want to work in!
These are just a few different gadgets that are available on the market and that could make all the difference to your daily routine. Each has its own uses and benefits and will likely prove more than worth the investment in saved time and increased productivity!
A London-based start-up brand propelled by lockdown creativity, ‘Smart Screen’, has launched a revolutionary, antibacterial cleaning cloth designed to ensure phones and tablets remain box-fresh.
‘Smart Screen’ is a designer cleaning cloth and pouch tailored to neatly fit into any pocket, heavier weight than most microfibre glass cleaning cloths making it easier to handle. This premium product has been specifically manufactured with the current heightened awareness of cleanliness in mind, with a silver ion antibacterial liquid treatment applied during the weaving process. The ‘Smart Screen’ boasts a durability that ensures antibacterial properties lasts for up to 15 washes.
This lifestyle accessory, though produced predominantly for phone and tablet use, can also be utilised for reading glasses or camera lens cleaning thanks to its’ versatility. Created for a mass-market audience, the cloth fits into any everyday scenario – from removing screen smears before entering a meeting, eradicating dirt picked up from the bottom of a handbag or getting rid of greasy finger marks on the family-shared tablet.
‘Smart Screen’ CEO, David Sant explains: “As a serial entrepreneur and businessman I’m always looking for opportunities to spot gaps in the market and bring a concept to reality. During the lockdown, I have been reminiscing back to being on busy commuter trains with everyone staring at their phones then cleaning them on jeans, jacket sleeves or a handkerchief. It strikes me that now more than ever we have a requirement for ourselves and a duty to others to live in a more clean-conscious manner. I’m proud to bring such a high-end yet accessible product to market to meet a new wave in demand.”
The Smart Screen is presented in neat boxed packaging and is available for purchase in six different colours (Navy Blue, Saffron Yellow, Slate Grey, Powder Blue, Polar White and Camel Brown) retailing at £9.95 each
