Tag Archives: Tracking

2025, DNS, Surfshark

What is DNS? The Hidden Hero Behind Every Click

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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:

  1. Your browser checks its cache to see if it already knows the IP address.

  2. If not, it asks your operating system, which checks its own cache.

  3. If still no luck, it asks the DNS server provided by your internet service provider (ISP).

  4. 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.

  5. 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 a free 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.

Cameras, Press Release

Sandberg launches intelligent Motion Tracking Phone Mount in the UK

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Danish mobile accessories brand, Sandberg A/S, is pleased to introduce its Motion Tracking Phone Mount. An intelligent phone mount with motion tracking AI that follows the user in any direction as they move, it is a great accessory for work, fitness and social media. The Sandberg Motion Tracking Phone Mount is available for £64.99 from Amazon and Sandberg.

Sandberg launches intelligent Motion Tracking Phone Mount in the UK
Sandberg launches intelligent Motion Tracking Phone Mount in the UK

The mount provides users with the ability to record or view content or meetings in a more convenient way. Featuring a 360-degree tracking rotation, the mount automatically tracks the movement of the user through motion tracking AI to ensure that the best view is always given – ideal for those who record content for social media, take part in online fitness classes, attend online meetings or presentations or simply video call friends or family.

Sandberg launches intelligent Motion Tracking Phone Mount in the UK

With an embedded and rechargeable battery that provides up to 8 hours of use, it provides users with more than enough time to record or stream anything without the need for wires or a power outlet. From taking part in exercise classes in the garden and being able to view instructions easily as the user moves around to presenting in an online meeting inside, there will be enough battery to cover any activity and it can be used anywhere. With no app needed and a universal fit for phones between 4cm and 8.5cm, as well as a tripod mount, it is convenient and able to be used by most smartphone owners.

Sandberg launches intelligent Motion Tracking Phone Mount in the UK

Sandberg is so sure of the quality of this product that they provide 5 years warranty and it is double quality tested to ensure it is up to its high standards and provides users with a great quality product for an affordable price.

The Sandberg Motion Tracking Phone Mount is available from Amazon and Sandberg for £64.99.

Bluetooth, Chipolo, Gadget Man, Matt Porter, Mobile, Review, Technology, The Gadget Man, tracking devices, Wearables

Chipolo Card, tracking and finding my wallet and helping others track theirs!

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The Chipolo Card is a really nice looking device, designed to help track personal items. It’s unique low profile design lends itself to slotting into your wallet or purse and the speaker is loud enough to be heard however deep it becomes buried in your money and receipts. Even cooler, if you do lose your wallet and team of other Chipolo users can help you find it again!

Chipolo Card showing dimensions
Chipolo Card showing dimensions

The device was born from a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign which raised nearly 2000% of its original target of $15,000! Now, five years later Chipolo sell three different types of Chipolo tracker, the Classic, the Plus and the Card. I was sent all three to test, but this review discusses the Chipolo Card, an ideal size to slip in my wallet.

The Card’s dimensions of 36mm x 68mm x 2.15mm make it perfect to slide into a wallet and tucked deep down in mine to keep it unobtrusive and nice and safe. When tucked in your wallet, it’s not obvious it’s there, so if you are unlucky to have it stolen, you might be lucky for it to be unnoticed by a thief and thus help you find it again.

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Out of the box, the Chipolo must be paired with either your iOS or Android device, this is very simple using the dedicated phone app and within an instant my device was working. I was able to name the Chipolo and also assign it a relevant icon to distinguish it from the others. In my case, I named it Wallet and assigned it with a wallet icon. The devices are paired using low power Bluetooth virtually guaranteeing a long battery life of at least a year. You can also assign a ringtone to the device which will help you recognise it in a noisy room.

Once setup, the app constantly regularly communicates with the Chipolo over low-power Bluetooth and saves it’s position to your account. You can also share your Chipolo with other users where the item is precious or might be something available to more than one person.

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Now, getting to the nitty gritty of actually losing personal items. Being easily distracted, I am constantly looking for my keys or wallet and with this in mind the Chipolo’s have been amazing! I have a habit of leaving my wallet in my bag and then spending half an hour trying to remember where it is! Problem solved! Now all I need to do it press the RING button on my phones Chipolo Widget and immediately I can hear it ring.

So, armed with by trusty Chipolo and smart phone, no more losing my wallet around the house. There are also some nice little touches too, you can also use the Chipolo to trigger the camera on your smartphone to take selfies. Position the phone, get comfortable with your friends, double click the button on the tracker and hey presto! Instant Selfie.

But, what about REALLY losing something, away from home? Well, I have experienced this too, whilst the Chipolo app happily provides tracking for your own devices, it also monitors for devices that have been lost by other users on the network. So, should you lose your item and searching for it using the app proves fruitless, you can then mark the item as LOST.  Should another Chipolo user happen to pass within range of the tracker, it notifies the owner that it has been found and provides feedback to the person that actually found it! It’s a great use of ‘crowd’ networking or as Chipolo call it “Community Search”. So as the network grows, so does the chances of finding your lost items.

Chipolo - Thank You. You helped somebody find a lost Chipolo! How cool is that?
Chipolo – Thank You. You helped somebody find a lost Chipolo! How cool is that?

The Chipolo Card gives you a device that fits easily into your wallet or purse, being 2.15mm . It has a 200ft range from your smart device, the speaker is 95dB. The battery will last a year and the device is water-resistant.

Priced at around £25, I think they are great value and look out for the new ‘FRUIT’ editions with provide added fun!!

You can purchase YOUR Chipolo by clicking HERE

Chipolo Fruit Edition
Chipolo Fruit Edition

Thanks to the guys at Chipolo for providing me with the Chipolo Card for review!!
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