“Claude, fix my face.” That was not the prompt that I, or rather, my boyfriend, gave an AI platform, but it decided to enhance me anyway. A few weeks ago, my partner was taking a photo of me when a woman strolled past, walking a dalmatian. “I should've asked to borrow her dog,” I quipped, as I too was bedecked in spots. “Stick out your arm like you're holding a leash,” he replied. I didn't give it much thought, but within minutes, he'd uploaded the photo to an AI platform, and back came a rendered image of me holding a dalmatian.

He presented the image to me, perhaps expecting me to be impressed by the speed with which this relatively new tech could update my image when, only a short while ago, it would have taken someone experienced in Photoshop to create it. But the first thing I noticed wasn't the dog; it was my face.

Without prompting, the AI had given me a beaming smile with perfectly straight, white teeth. My cheekbones were higher, my face smoothed out, my eyebrows better groomed. It still looked like me, but I guess the intention was to show a 'better' version of me, when all that had been requested was for a spotted dog to be added in.

Later, when I told friends about this odd experience, they suggested I prompt the AI further, turning me into Cruella de Vil. What came back was an even more yassified version of me: the smile tighter, the skin tauter, even if a dodgy wig did crown the look.

I thought again of this incident, when Meta's latest AI rollout, which has since been pulled, prompted a flurry of concern. During my afternoon doomscroll, my feed became awash with the news that users would be able to generate AI images using other people's likenesses, with news reports rushing to show people how to opt out. The fury of users was so widespread that Meta made the unusual decision to reverse this feature; posting on their newsroom that: "We've heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it’s no longer available." Much of the conversation rightly centred on consent, ownership and the implications of AI-generated versions of ourselves.

But my mind kept returning to a different question, because before AI can manipulate our images, it first has to decide what we should look like. I thought back to yet another conversation I'd had, this time with Nikki Lilly, who told me what it feels like to have strangers on the internet use AI to manipulate your face. Again, supposedly to "fix" her, or, more specifically, her facial difference.

Though the severity and mental health implications varied wildly, in both cases, no one had asked for a makeover.

For my part, there was no prompt requesting whiter teeth, smoother skin or more sculpted cheekbones. Yet the AI seemed to assume those were improvements worth making anyway. It wasn't simply following instructions; it was making aesthetic decisions on my behalf.

That might sound trivial. After all, we've spent years voluntarily downloading beauty filters and smoothing apps. But there's an important difference between choosing to alter your appearance and having an AI decide to do it for you, especially given that there's an entire cottage industry sprouting up which allows users to upload their image to AI platforms that will then suggest—and later sell—beauty tweakments. Qoves, a facial aesthetics platform that uses AI and computer vision to analyse users' facial features and provide personalised appearance assessments and recommendations based on aesthetic research, has 1.1 million followers on Instagram alone.

The more I spoke to experts, as well as friends who’d had similar experiences (unkempt eyebrows seems to be an Achilles heel for AI), the more I realised my experience wasn't just an odd quirk of one platform. It points to a much bigger question about the beauty standards being baked into the AI tools we're increasingly relying on to create, edit and represent us. If these systems are learning from the internet's existing ideals of attractiveness, are they also reinforcing them—one automatically enhanced image at a time?

​According to psychologists, that's exactly what makes these seemingly minor edits so powerful. "When people repeatedly see a slightly enhanced version of themselves—smoother skin, more symmetry, subtly narrowed features—it can recalibrate their internal standard of what they 'should' look like," explains Tara Well, associate professor of psychology at Barnard College of Columbia University. "Over time, the unedited face can begin to feel like a deviation rather than the baseline."

We've become used to talking about social media through the lens of comparison. For years, experts have warned that scrolling through impossibly beautiful celebrities and influencers can leave us feeling inadequate. But AI introduces a new, more intimate–and insidious–comparison: instead of measuring ourselves against other people, we're measuring ourselves against idealised versions of ourselves.

Where traditional beauty filters require an active choice–we know we've selected one, and we're usually aware that what we're looking at isn't entirely real–AI-generated enhancements are different. They're often subtle, automatic and, in my case, completely unsolicited.

"Traditional filters involve a degree of choice and awareness," says Well. "Automatic enhancements blur that boundary. Because the changes are subtle and default, users may not fully register that their appearance has been altered, which can make the enhanced version feel more 'real'. The less effortful and more invisible the modification, the more psychologically persuasive it becomes."

"In short," says Well, "these systems don't just reflect beauty standards—they quietly standardise them. And because the changes are subtle and automatic, they may be more powerful than traditional filters in shaping how people see themselves."

If AI is discreetly reinforcing conventional beauty ideals, the next question is where those ideals came from in the first place.

Professor Clare McGlynn, an expert in law and gender-based violence, argues that these technologies don't exist in a vacuum. They are trained on the same cultural biases that have long shaped women's relationship with their appearance.

"Your example shows just how deeply embedded traditional views of women and beauty are," she tells me. "We know social media exposure has adversely impacted girls' self-esteem and body image, contributing to psychological distress and self-harm. The concern is that AI could intensify those harms because it makes these 'improvements' feel even more seamless and inevitable."

In many ways, that's what unsettled me most. It wasn't that the AI had made dramatic changes to my face. Quite the opposite. The edits were subtle enough to feel plausible. The kind of tweaks you might struggle to put your finger on (worryingly, my partner hadn’t even noticed), but that, combined, nudged me a little closer to a familiar beauty ideal.

I’m not the only person left questioning myself. Journalist Kish Lal had a strikingly similar experience after asking Claude to analyse her appearance as part of a reporting project. Like me, she thought she'd be able to keep an emotional distance from the results. Instead, she found herself dwelling on critiques she'd never previously considered.

"I'm an AI hater to my core," she laughs. "I hate the way it smoothes and flattens whatever it touches." Even so, one suggestion lingered: again, it was the eyebrows. "The robot told me my eyebrows would look better if they were more manicured," she says. "I'd always loved my bushy brows. I used to rip photos of Natalia Vodianova out of magazines because of hers. I even joked to a friend that the AI must just be telling everyone to thread their eyebrows."

Then her friend tried the same experiment. "It complimented her brows and told her to get filler instead," Lal recalls. “I couldn't believe that my theory was not only debunked, but that I perhaps, maybe I could look better if I got my eyebrows threaded regularly. I scheduled an appointment to get them done the next day.”

It's easy to dismiss moments like these as trivial or even funny. But they reveal something much more uncomfortable. AI doesn't need to tell us we're unattractive to influence how we see ourselves. Sometimes, all it has to do is quietly suggest that we'd look a little better if we were just... slightly different.

The more sophisticated these tools become, the more they're marketed as neutral assistants—helping us create images, edit photos or generate avatars in seconds. But assistants aren't neutral if they're making value judgements on our behalf.

On their own, those edits seem almost laughably insignificant. I joked about my 'glow-up' with friends the way Kish Lal did and yet in both instances, we were left wondering what difference those subtle suggestions would make to our appearance.

As AI-generated images become more common—and companies race to build tools that can create ever more convincing versions of us—we'll spend a lot of time talking about consent, copyright and misinformation. We absolutely should, but I'd argue we also need to ask another question: when AI decides what we should look like, whose idea of beauty is it reproducing?

Because if I ask it to add a dalmatian, I'd quite like it to stop there.

Volvo's best-selling car, the iconic XC60, has sold over 2.7 million times worldwide - and for good reason. The vehicle is well-loved internationally; the safety features are second to none, the design is world-class, and - when eco-consciousness is a key motivator for drivers to switch to electric vehicles - it has introduced excellent hybrid models.

But now, Volvo is taking on a new challenge entirely: combining the magic of the iconic XC60 with the energy efficiency of their first fully electric model, the EX30. The result? A car that is sleek, safe, and promises to make driving an electric vehicle easier than ever before. Enter: the EX60.

The new model, which was unveiled in Stockholm earlier this year, is built on Volvo's most advanced technology base, SPA3, which allows for 810km of driving on a single charge; an impressive advancement from its predecessor, with a charge time of just ten minutes. According to the team at Volvo, just 19 minutes of charging increases the battery from 10% to 80%.

With regards to the safety features, the EX60 also boasts exceptional sensing and software which engages a dual-monitoring system tracking both internal and external conditions. The manufacturer's award-winning Driver Understanding System is able to detect micro-changes to the driver's focus, due to tiredness or distraction, and effectively offer functional support. And, further ensuring all passengers safety, the multi-adaptive safety belts also offer personalised protection for those in the front seats based on size, body shape and seating position, while simultaneously gauging external safety and pre-emptively offering protective measures ahead of potential collisions.

Embodying Volvo's heritage and commitment to Scandinavian design elements, the EX60 is also impressively chic; think natural materials alongside six illumination themes, including a forest light projection that simulates natural sunlight, as well as light-adjustable panoramic roof and Volvo Cars’ latest air purification technology.

Considering that the EX60 is now Volvo's lowest carbon footprint for a fully electric car, it could just be the deciding factor in making the very tempting EV switch.

Smartphones aren’t just a piece of tech to be hidden away from sight. They’re an extension of our style — and our outfits. With designs becoming increasingly more fashioned-focussed, you don’t even need to invest in a fancy cover for a stylish smartphone.

The new HUAWEI nova 13 Series is a perfect example of this, blending impressive features with a stylish plaid-textured design that’s made to be seen. Classic plaid is a trend year after year in both the fashion and interior worlds, evoking feelings of warmth and tradition. The nova 13 Series offers an updated take on the plaid trend, with a light green colourway as the flagship shade and a shimmering effect on the phone that means the pattern shifts under different lights.

There are two models to choose from: the original HUAWEI nova 13 and the HUAWEI nova 13 Pro. The Pro is slightly bigger, but both models have exceptional camera functions and handy AI features. More than just an attractive accessory, here’s everything you need to know about the fashion-forward nova 13 Series, from its stylish appearance to its cutting-edge camera.

The nova 13 Series: key functions

Three stylish colourways

The phone is available in three colour ways. The flagship shade is Loden Green, a soft and earthy tone inspired by Loden wool’s natural softness. The nova 13 Series also comes in soft white, inspired by swan feathers, and sophisticated black. Loden Green, the phone's signature shade, is a unique choice that moves away from monochrome and grey shades we often see in tech, representing a free-spirited approach.

The nova 13 Series also boast the impressive ‘Super Star Orbit Ring’, which conceals the phone's camera module for a more balanced look.

XD Portrait Engine: More beautiful photographs

The HUAWEI nova 13 Pro really come into their own when it comes to photography. The Multifocal Photography on both the front and rear cameras offers a range of different effects, while the three enhanced portrait styles of the XD Portrait Engine —Natural, Delicate and Stylish, make it easier to edit photos to a professional-looking level. Variable aperture also

The nova 13 Series' XD Portrait Engine allows users to create stunning imagery by making the most of every shot. The technology has been enhanced in five core aspects — shape, texture, glow, colour, and blur — the new XD Portrait Engine focuses on enriching images to their full potential.

Three modes apply to different scenarios:

• For portraits: F1.4 (Portrait); the wide F1.4 aperture setting
  This mode automatically separates foreground details while naturally blurring the background for a better focus on the subject to create sharp and eye-catching subjects or dreamy landscape scenes.
• For action shots and landscapes: F2.0 (Pet and Landscape)
  This mode balances exposure and shutter speed — so it’s perfect for action shots, whether that’s the sun dipping behind a mountain, a dog rummaging around in the autumn leaves, or friends toasting a special occasion.
• For group shots or panoramic landscapes: F4.0 (Group and Starburst)
  The F4.0 mode expands the depth of field significantly, ensuring that everyone gets a spotlight in the camera during a large group photo. It’s also a great one for sweeping landscape shots.

AI Best Expression

There’s nothing more frustrating than a set of group photos where at least one person is blurred or not looking at the camera. AI Best Expression solves this dilemma and allows for more streamlined group shots.

Using AI technology, it filters out the best expressions from burst shots and creates the best image. You can even alter your mood and expression with this pioneering new tech…

To find out more about the HUAWEI nova 13 Series, visit the HUAWEI website.

Photography can be a powerful tool for showcasing our emotions. Providing much more than a striking image, a great photograph can represent a moment in time, an exchange between two people with layers of emotion, a national mood or simply a feeling many of us can identify with. The HUAWEI XMAGE Awards has honed on storytelling through smartphone photography with its theme this year — ‘A Heartwarming World’ — championing those warm, sacred everyday moments and what they show us about being human, regardless of region, culture, and language.

The three winners, from China, the Philippines, and Poland, perfectly encapsulate this theme in their entries that explore emotional themes while being technically impressive. The HUAWEI XMAGE AWARDS 2024 Ceremony & Annual Exhibition crowned its 2024 winners in a prestigious ceremony held at the Shenzhen Sea World Culture and Art Centre in Shenzhen, China. Here, artistic photographers, media, and creators gathered for a showcase of rising photography stars and their inspiring works. Chen Yong, an engineer from China, Justin Mendoza, an account manager from the Philippines, and Kinga Choińska, an office worker from Poland were crowned the winners on the night. These three talented photographers were awarded the Grand Prize and received a $10,000 Huawei Creation Fund.

Tech advancements have meant that the smartphone photography landscape is transforming rapidly — making it an increasingly exciting space. Photographs taken on smartphones can now rival those taken by more traditional methods. Acting as part smartphone and part compact camera, devices such as the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra make advanced photography more accessible for everybody with standout features like a retractable lens, adjustable aperture, and a huge 1-inch sensor. Gone are the days when you needed to invest in a heft and expensive DSLR camera to be taken seriously as a photographer.

HUAWIE’s ethos has long been to build a community around photography. The tech brand has organised community-based activities and global educational classes around smartphone photography to create a more inclusive space where anyone can express their creativity.

The HUAWEI XMAGE Awards has been championing smartphone photography since 2017, running for eight consecutive years. During this time, the globally recognised competition has received five million entries from more than 170 countries, showing the diversity and creativity of the smartphone camera space. At the ceremony, the brand unveiled 69 winning works from more than 650,000 entries, including the three Grand Prize Winners, 18 Best-in-Category Winners, 38 Runner-up Winners, three Honourable Mentions, two Best of Pura Series Awards, and two Best of Mate Series Award (‘Pura’ and ‘Mate’ are Huawei’s two flagship smartphone brands).

The theme for 2024’s HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2024 Ceremony & Annual Exhibition was ‘A Heartwarming World’, focusing on the bonds between people and how technology can allow us to capture the quiet moments that can mean the most.. He Gang, CEO of Huawei Consumer Business Group, said in his speech at the awards: “I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the winners tonight and pay tribute to creators of the mobile imaging era. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to HUAWEI XMAGE users– each of you has made HUAWEI XMAGE go beyond being a tool for documenting life, evolving it into a bridge for emotional communication between people.”

300 powerful pieces of photography, selected from millions of applications, were displayed at the Shenzhen Sea World Culture and Art Center. The exhibition showed the power of technology to amplify connection rather than inhibit it, with pictures that show the depth of the photographs we take on our phones. Chen Xiaobo, 9th Vice President of China Photographers Association, echoed this sentiment, saying of the campaign: "Mobile Imaging is not just about documenting daily life but should be integrated with deeper observations and more personal philosophical thoughts. Each photograph becomes a part of your own intimate dialogue with the world."

Introducing the HUAWEI XMAGE Awards winners — Photographer of the Year

Chen Yong | "Catching a Cloud"丨shot on HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro+

This striking image symbolises hope and strength. It shows a young woman dressed in everyday clothes climbing a ladder towards the sky, conjuring up ideas about the potential we all hold within us.

What the judges said: "The girl ascending the ladder is a symbol of strength, movement, beauty, vitality, and uniqueness. She rises like a bird in flight, witnessing the sun piercing the clouds. Each of us holds the power to make the world better." - 9th Vice President of China Photographers Association Chen Xiaobo.

Justin Mendoza | "Pick a Beak"丨shot on HUAWEI P30 Pro

This playful photograph captures a chance moment in time, playing with perception and ambiguity.

What the judges said: "When a photograph asks questions, it's an immediate success. This photograph embodies both humour and a great sense of scale, allowing us to consider how big the bird is, and whether or not it's been caught by the fisherman's pole. Its power lies within the serendipity of the moment, a well-considered composition, and unique low perspective." - National Geographic Photographer and Emmy-Nominated Director Keith Ladzinski.

Kinga Choińska | "Sisters"丨shot on HUAWEI P60 Pro

This emotive photograph captures the warmth and softness between two sisters, sharing a quiet moment. Truly embodying the theme of ‘A Heartwarming World, ’ this elegant portrayal of a sisterly bond is reflected in their matching accessories and the facing sister’s warm expression.

What the judges said: "The warm tones, matching hair accessories, and soft lighting come together nicely in this image to create a calm moment between the sisters. The cosy colour palette gives the scene a friendly and inviting feel, making it easy for viewers to sense the connection they share. It's a nice reminder of the little moments that bring us together" - Fashion Photographer and Director James Perolls.

The face of tech is still predominantly male. Despite advancements in equality within the industry, breaking into the tech world can be a challenge for women—particularly those in the Middle East, as tech influencer Shams Talaat has found. “A common stereotype is that women don’t belong in tech,” she explains. “I challenge this by showcasing how women, including myself, can thrive in tech.”

While society has yet to highlight women’s voices in this field fully, technology offers new opportunities. Social media gives women more chances to stand out, while major tech companies like Infinix are actively working to provide international stages where women like Shams Talaat can be seen and heard, making a lasting impact and inspiring other women every moment of the day.

A female tech influencer making her mark in a male-dominated world

Shams Talaat, a leading figure in Iraq’s tech scene, has been fascinated by tech’s potential since childhood. She speaks openly about women's challenges in carving a place in this male-dominated field, particularly in the Middle East. Inspired to share her experiences, Shams began posting tech tips on Instagram, quickly building a following of over 93K.

Today, advancing smartphones and AI empower women worldwide to tell their stories. For Shams, this means new business and collaboration opportunities. “I understand the challenges women face in tech, so I aim to make my content accessible and engaging, blending lifestyle and tech for everyday users—especially those who might feel intimidated,” she explains.

Shams’ vision aligns perfectly with Infinix, an international tech company focused on creating better tech products for the new generation. Infinix recently launched its first foldable phone, the ZERO Flip, unapologetically blending a bold yet soft pink with this flagship product. The arrival of this phone breaks the perception of cold, sterile phone colours, leading to a new trend with its vibrant pink and inspiring young people to reflect on the power of women.

Why pink? It could be argued pink reinforces stereotypes, but reclaiming and showcasing it is a step forward. Last year’s Barbie movie redefined ‘Barbie pink’ as a symbol of power and resilience, reminding girls they can be anything. Infinix aligns with this approach. Phones—especially trend-led foldable ones—are daily tools beyond functionality, becoming symbols of personal identity and community.

Flipping the stereotype: Blossom Glow

This signature shade of the ZERO Flip isn’t just any pink; it’s called Blossom Glow. During the product development of its first foldable phone, Infinix collaborated with leading trend forecasting agency WGSN to explore current global youth trends and the underlying causes. This partnership ultimately led to the creation of Blossom Glow.

Inspired by WGSN’s 2025 Smartphone Colour Trend Report, Blossom Glow evokes the image of cherry blossoms in early spring, representing renewal, vitality, and endless possibilities. It’s a soft yet powerful colour, representing the awakening of women’s strength and embodying the trend of female empowerment that the ZERO Flip seeks to inspire.

WGSN is the world’s leading consumer trend forecaster, known for its accurate predictions and global trend insights. Partnering with brands like Samsung, Starbucks, and Coach, WGSN helps shape and influence trends worldwide. The WGSN report notes that people are yearning for a sense of' breakthrough' in a world where crises and opportunities coexist amid rapid AI development. There’s an eagerness, akin to the budding of spring, to find new meaning through self-expression. This trending colour, Blossom Glow, reflects these themes of future and hope while creating a warm and uplifting environment.

This energy flows through Shams’ work and her mission to encourage Middle Eastern women (and women globally) to express themselves and find their power. Blossom Glow also rejects the notion that pink is deemed “uncool” simply because it typifies femininity. Influencer Helly Shah, another of Infinx’s Key Opinion Leaders based in India, perfectly sums up this concept, explaining, “True empowerment comes when we don't feel ashamed or embarrassed by embracing our feminine side when we learn to value it. And this is not just for women, but for men who love pink, men who choose to show emotions.”

“The ZERO Flip reflects our belief that it’s never too late to find your 'Blossom moment,'” explains Weiqi Nie, Product Director at Infinix. “We aim to inspire all users to unlock their potential, seize opportunities, and express their individuality.” By reclaiming pink as a symbol of optimism and strength, Infinix’s campaign challenges stereotypes and hopes that incorporating this special colour into its latest flagship phone will inspire women to embrace the 2025 colour trend. This aims to empower each individual within the female community—particularly those in developing countries—to get creative, share their ideas with a global audience, and follow in the footsteps of its Key Opinion Leaders.

Amplifying pink: a global call from Infinix to support and empower women

The launch of the Infinix ZERO Flip coincides with October's annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Amplifying pink and sharing stories about this colour at this time is a way for everyone to support the female community—and Infinix believes it’s a responsibility we share as global citizens. Infinix intentionally chose this time to release this compact and highly stylish phone, aiming to make ‘wearing pink’ a way to raise awareness for women’s health and creativity.

At the same time, Infinix has launched the #BloomWith2025ColorTrend campaign to encourage more women to unleash their power through confident self-expression. As part of the campaign, Infinix is working with four Key Opinion Leaders from Iraq, India, the Philippines, and Malaysia to encourage others to join a global community of creators. Game-changers in their fields, these women challenge perceptions by telling their own stories online. Joining Shams Talaat as a KOL sharing the Blossom Glow message is Jazel Lim from Malaysia, who champions female entrepreneurship and fitness, Helly Shah from India, an influential voice for female identity, and Ayn Bernos from the Philippines with a focus on self-challenge.

Jazel Lim, a Malaysian business owner and bodybuilder, believes her biggest strength as a female creator is connecting deeply with other women. “I understand the unique challenges in fitness, fashion, or motherhood, and I create content that’s both relatable and inspiring,” she says. “You can work hard, run a business, and still feel fabulous,” she adds, echoing the empowering message of subverting stereotypes we’ve seen throughout the campaign. “We have always heard that women can’t be leaders or manage things,” Helly added. “I feel I have a very naturally commanding nature and a great leadership quality wherein I like to take charge of everything, my entire team and also make everyone feel equally important.”

“Sometimes, just existing unapologetically feels like rebellion,” says Ayn Bernos, a Philippine-based creator focused on beauty, body positivity, and self-development. Through her videos, she aims to show young women they can improve, love, and embrace themselves without changing who they are.

Get In Now: Join the 2025 colour trend

The Infinix ZERO Flip, with its WGSN-inspired colour, advanced AI, and unique 4K ProStable imaging in a mid-range phone, has sparked a global trend. It showcases the potential of a compact foldable phone, with its influence still expanding. As the stories of these KOLs show audiences around the world, women's creative potential is limitless, and their voices are being heard. All of this is ongoing and fueled by the participation of every one of you.

Come join the community, and be part of the #BloomWith2025ColorTrend campaign now. Embrace the spirit of Blossom Glow and use your story to show the world who you are.

Smartwatches have entered a new era, and HUAWEI is leading the charge with their new ‘Fashion Edge’ HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series, which combines the brand’s signature craftsmanship with intricate geometric designs for a more fashion-forward take on wearable tech. But it’s not all aesthetics, the watch also features some brilliant fitness features that will help you on your way to feeling better than ever.

We’re no longer just looking for a smartwatch to wear alongside fitness gear but also something that will suit our favourite daytime ensembles and formal evening attire. The new HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series features two designs — the Standard and the Pro — with multiple styles for a more individual look. The new range's design features include stunning details such as an intricate leaf design and nanocrystal ceramic materials for timeless pieces that feel more like jewellery than functional watches.

We delve into why the new HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series has the ‘Fashion Edge’ and some of the range’s stand-out features.

Giving wearable tech the fashion edge

But first, let’s start with the exterior. The HUAWEI Watch GT 5 Series features intricate geometric designs crafted with high-end materials for a luxe feel. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 42mm has a unique golden leaf pattern on gold links and accents, crafted with precision and care for a timeless look. When paired with the light gold ceramic-titanium strap, the smartwatch looks almost fully like a traditional luxury timepiece.

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 42mm uses titanium alloy and nanocrystal ceramics in its design, with titanium alloy-based gold accents that create a striking effect next to the white ceramic—a design inspired by the glimmer of sunlight on snow. HUAWEI's manufacturers spend a lot of time developing, honing and polishing these materials to create something sleek and stylish—but also very robust. The benefit of these materials is that they’re also very durable, coming with IP69K-rated certifications for greater water and corrosion resistance.

A holistic approach to wearable tech and wellness

We’ve seen a new approach to wellness and tech, with women focusing less on hard goals of calories burned and macros consumed and more on a holistic approach to overall health and wellbeing. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series’ Emotional Wellbeing Assistant brings something new beyond the standard fitness tracker.

Now more than ever, we understand how much our emotional wellbeing can affect our overall health. HUAWEI’s Emotional Wellbeing Assistant is a game-changer for tracking how our bodies respond to emotional changes. The Emotional Wellbeing Assistant gives users science-based tools on how to cope with pressure and other life challenges, as well as RRI and HRV readings that can help infer the user's emotional state and make suggestions for long-term health management.

With the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series, Huawei begins a new chapter in Health and Fitness Tracking Technology—the HUAWEI TruSense System. Six significant improvements in accuracy, speed, comprehensiveness, flexibility, openness, and iteration improve the overall output of health and fitness tracking. The HUAWEI Health App will generate a detailed breakdown of health trends and health data statistics accumulated on the smartwatch so you can better understand your overall health and find more balance between mind and body.

The GT series features 100+ sports features, including wind-down exercises like yoga and Pilates. The GT Pro edition also features ECG analysis, so users can regularly check on their heart health status with the push of a button.

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 VS HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro

Let’s start with the similarities. Both watches are equipped with the HUAWEI TruSense System, which supports the Emotional Wellbeing Assistant, the HUAWEI Sunflower Positioning System, and more than 100 sports modes. The GT 5 uses stainless steel material in its design, but the GT 5 Pro is made of aerospace-grade titanium alloy and nanocrystalline ceramic. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 has 11 new watch face designs, while the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro comes with 13 new watch faces, each with a range of widgets and functionalities for different lifestyles.

For those who favour a more luxe design, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 42mm also comes with leaf-patterned accents that form a subtle (yet stunning) ring around the watch bezel and crown for a delicate and refined finish. There are also some extra fitness features for sports enthusiasts, including a Golf Course mode, Trail Run mode, and Free Diving mode for adventurous swimmers.

HUAWEI’s new watch range strikes an exciting new balance between functionality and style, signalling a new generation of wearable tech. No longer are smartwatches the ‘practical’ choice—with a design worthy of a more traditional timepiece.

You can buy the HUAWEI WATCH GT5 41mm (RRP £229.99) and the HUAWEI WATCH GT5 Pro 42mm (RRP £399.99) on the HUAWEI website.

You can also take advantage of the launch offer: get free HUAWEI FreeBuds 5i with a watch purchase (offer valid 19/09 – 22/10).

HUAWEI is leading the charge when it comes to tablet-based creation, with the latest MatePad tablets being their most impressive yet. The brand is set to launch the two new tablets in the range in Barcelona on 19th September, illuminating HUAWEI’s concept of ‘Creation of beauty’, which combines pioneering painting features and the ultimate screen with an easy-to-use, ergonomic design. The Creation of Beauty concept represents HUAWEI’s goal to empower its users in their creative processes with cutting-edge technology. 

Inspiration can happen at any place or time—just ask any creator. Whether it's painting, drawing or designing, wherever you are, you want to ensure you're armed with the right tools when inspiration strikes. Creating on the go for artists, designers, architects, and other creators has become a whole lot easier thanks to HUAWEI’s latest MatePad tablet. 

Building on the MatePad’s range of already exceptional features, the coming pro-level MatePad offers an upgraded GoPaint App with some unique brush tools, as well as an upgraded display With some industry-leading technology to bring more eye-protect experience and more impressive visuals.

The new tablet won’t just appeal to creators but also to professionals who can make use of the superior note-taking software that will make jotting down ideas a breeze. Not just for artists but also useful for businesses and students, the new function in HUAWEI notes captures meeting minutes—an essential tool for busy office workers. 

Plus, the new models come with various innovative features, including new painting tools to aid artists, next-level touch-responsiveness, a superior screen and, importantly, eye-protective technology for those who inevitably have a lot of screen time. Below are some of the exciting new features to expect from the new MatePad Pro launch—but before that, the brand has given a hint of what to expect on the launch on 19th September.

Elevated painting tools 

The coming tablets will come with the upgraded GoPaint App and a wide range of professional brush tools. The GoPaint app was developed in collaboration with the China Academy of Art to provide an immersive digital painting experience for a pen-on-paper effect.

In addition to the Huawei M-Pencil, GoPaint will launch a new brush type that allows for even more creative expression inspired by real-world painting with a fun, playful element. While the other painting tools are ideal for more refined drawing and designing, these brushes appeal to those who want to create more abstractly and will appeal to kids, too. 

HUAWEI’s Glide Keyboard

HUAWEI’s Glide Keyboard makes navigating the tablets more seamless and has special features that make creating on the go easier. The NearLink function offers a fast and stable connection from a Keyboard to any MatePad Pro. Plus, your M-pencil can be stored on the keyboard, so you don’t need to worry about losing it!

The PaperMatte Display 

In 2023, HUAWEI unveiled its pioneering PaperMatte Display, and it looks like
the new Pro-level MatePad tablet and MatePad 12 X will take this experience to
the next level for users. The new OLED display is thought to use
anti-glare technology in the new MatePad Pro, translating into a superior digital painting and sketching experience, whatever the lighting conditions.

We’re all aware of the drawbacks of too much screen time, from overstimulation to its impact on sleep, and the new display would help ease this impact by reducing glare, meaning it's suitable for outside use, whether that's when reading a book or catching up with a TV show.  

Intrigued? All will be revealed in Barcelona on 19th September with the launch of the latest MatePad device, encapsulating the ‘Creation of Beauty’ concept. 

When it comes to the latest advancements and biggest breakthroughs in tech, the Mobile World Congress is where you'll find it all. Every year, hundreds of brands present their newest products and impressive technology to thousands of consumers, journalists and experts - from robots making coffee to innovative AI. 

This year, HONOR hosted a private event ahead of the annual summit in Barcelona to share details of the Porsche Design HONOR Magic V2 RSR - a smartphone which combines the brand's signature innovative technology with the sleek, premium design features of the iconic luxury sports car manufacturer. 

In an exclusive collaboration, the HONOR x Porsche Design smartphone boasts some very impressive features. The screen is thinner than the previous foldable HONOR models (and the offerings from the brand's biggest competitors), at just 9.9mm thick when closed. The device is also super lightweight, coming in at just 234g, and has a triple rear camera system which supports night photography, 4k video and the HONOR AI Motion Sensing Technology. 

So where does Porsche Design fit into it?

Created to emulate the premium feel of the luxury sports car, it also incorporates signature Porsche Design elements - from the Agate Grey colourway to the shape and curve reminiscent of the iconic Porsche 911. 

Discussing how the smartphone came to be, HONOR CEO George Zhao and Porsche Design CEO Stefan Buescher talked to Marie Claire UK about how the collaboration was born, and how both brands were able to showcase their individuality while simultaneously creating something bold and pioneering. 

"HONOR is a technical company that focuses on technology, but we also consider how we can push the boundaries of design," Zhao told us. "When art meets innovative technology, it’s when we can deliver the best user experience. From this point of view, we know we need to look for a partner that can help us reach that peak of design."

Adding that the discussions between HONOR and Porsche Design were ongoing for almost three years, he continued: "When we worked together on the foldable phone, we considered what special user experience we could design. We really respect Porcsche Design's way, and we learned how to respect the tradition and how to create a new legend. We wanted to bring this spirit to our portfolio and products."

Explaining how Porsche Design developed their concept for the Magic V2 RSR, Stefan Buescher added: "With our experience, we are learning and also challenging the status quo - that's what we do at Porsche in general. For example - why is it that why? Why couldn't it be that way? It's a process. And the process always belongs to the principles. For us, it's like a code that we adhere to and activate."

He also expanded on the biggest difficulties of designing a smartphone with such an iconic car in mind, stating: "The greatest challenge is to forget about the sports car and to go back to your roots. If we are to take an existing Porsche car, it wouldn’t work. The cars all come from the same design philosophy and which has evolved over the years. We want to create something that in 10 years’ time, people will look back and recognise the design was a product of its period."

During the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, CEO George Zhao also shared details of the HONOR Magic6 Pro - a forward-thinking smartphone that boasts exceptional camera functionalities, integrated eye-tracking capabilities and advanced battery life retention. 

Black Friday is typically a time when we invest in those less glamorous big ticket items that we've had on our list for ages. A heavily discounted dining table? Check. A sofa on sale? Tell me more.

Next up is something to make cleaning around the house much easier, as Dyson have started their sale early and knocked £100 off their Cyclone V10 Extra Vacuum, and I'm adding one to my basket ASAP.

The Dyson Cyclone V10 Extra Vacuum is cordless, and comes with a wall-mounted dock to recharge and tidily store away, ready to grab and go when you next need it.

It additionally converts to a handheld vacuum to make life easier, especially if you're cleaning awkward to reach places such as in your car for example.

I might be losing it a little, but I also can't get over how cute this vacuum is in its converted form. Am I about to risk it all for a vacuum? Yes. Just look at it.

Other perks: it has lots of different brushes to really help spruce your place up. From large brushes to crevice tools, you will be able to reach every scrap of dirt.

Plus, once it’s fully juiced up, you’ll have 60 minutes of cordless vacuuming time before you need to charge it again. 

Another big plus? If the idea of emptying out clouds of dust from vacuum bags stresses you out, this vacuum has a 'point and shoot' mechanism, which hygienically ejects dust and debris deep into your bin. Easy.

This vacuum is bound to sell out in no time, so make sure to snap it up while you can. If any of your friends and family have just moved house, I happen to think that this would also make the perfect Christmas present.

In partnership with Samsung

Starting uni can be as scary as it is exciting. For many students, it means not only living away from the comfort of their parent’s home for the first time (and living off bland ready-meals) but also having to form new friendships and adapt to a whole new way of learning.

It’s tough, but the good news is there are loads of tools you can use to help your kid settle into those first few months away from home. Among other essentials like Ikea bedding, one absolute must-have for the transition from school to university is a solid laptop. 

The list of criteria for a laptop often depends on who's using it. For most uni students, a laptop is like a best friend. It’s a tool for studying, a gateway to relaxation through the world of Netflix and it helps them connect with their friends and family back at home. Picking the right laptop is key - and for students, the Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 is a great place to start. Why? Well, we’ll give you five good reasons why. 

Keep reading to find out why we reckon the Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 is your best bet when it comes to preparing your kid for their next term at uni.

1. It enhances productivity 

First off, the Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 is perfect for studying.

With enough storage (up to 8GB of Random Access Memory, to be exact) to facilitate tasks like web browsing, word processing, and more demanding jobs like creating tricky spreadsheets, students can power up their productivity by working off several tabs at once - without worrying about the laptop slowing down on them.

2. It’s versatile 

The Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 is available in either laptop or tablet form, giving students the chance to pick the style best suited to their lifestyle. If their course involves moving from place to place, like Travel & Tourism, for example, then they might opt for a lightweight tablet.

If, however, they’re studying a course that requires specific software, like Graphic Design, they might want to opt for the more traditional laptop as it's likely to have more storage. For those who fancy taking a break from typing during lectures, the Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro also comes with an S-pen, giving students the flexibility to write notes in their own handwriting.

3. It’s perfect for creating and storing images and videos

If your kid’s creative, the Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 will only enhance their outlet – with the Intel® EVO™ platform and 12^th Gen i5 Processors helping more demanding image or video editing software work like a total dream.

It also has loads of memory (with a 512GB SSD) enabling students to safely store away core memories from their uni days, from nights out to class trips, and (sniff) even graduation.

4. It helps them stay connected

We all get home-sick sometimes, so if your fresher ever needs to catch up with you over term-time then the laptop’s onboard camera enables high-quality video calls from anywhere - as long as there’s WiFi. 

5. It's perfect for downtime

The laptop also provides comfort in the form of entertainment, with a full HD display and built-in sound system that’ll help any student get lost in their favourite film or movie after a tough day of lectures. 

If you’re planning to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360, we recommend getting yours from John Lewis. With a specialist in-store team, you’ll be able to get your kid set up on their new device straight away. If they’re swapping in their old laptop, the in-store team can help transfer any data from their old device to the new one - and also help them set up any essential features, such as a word processing tool for essays.

It can be frightening seeing your child off to their first term of uni, but by equipping them with the right tools, you can ensure they’re settled in no time. 

Shop the products below.

They're not just used for viral life hacks, cat videos and photo dumps.

We all know how popular social media is, especially among the younger generation, but did you know it's also where teens are increasingly getting their news from?

According to research published today by UK's communications watchdog, Ofcom, Instagram is the most popular news source among teenagers, followed by TikTok and YouTube.

Nearly three in ten (29%) of the 12-15 year-olds they surveyed said that Instagram was their most used source for news.

Although, the reach of social media is vast, Ofcom also found that teens frequently depend on conversations with their families and watching TV to stay up to date.

Speaking of the findings, Ofcom's group director for strategy and research, Yih-Choung Teh said:

While Instagram just nudges above TikTok as the top news source for teens, the latter had noticeably increased in popularity. Both TikTok and Instagram have more than one billion users worldwide.

It's not just the teens though - Instagram and Facebook are the most used sources of news among those aged 16-24, with TikTok coming in sixth, below BBC One, Twitter and the BBC website and app.

Interestingly, for the 16-24-year olds soaking up their news from TikTok, it's mostly dictated by who they follow, friends and family and then news organisations.

Although TikTok may be a popular source for news, experts have previously flagged the platform's susceptibility to misinformation and disinformation.

For example, TikTok has been used as a key social media platform during the war in Ukraine but has been flagged as being awash with misleading content such as unrelated explosions and Russian propaganda, according to The Guardian.

In a nutshell, other findings from the data tells us that while TV news remains the most trusted news source among UK adults, less and less are going out to buy a newspaper.

While print news has seen a steady decrease over the years, Ofcom point to the Covid-19 pandemic as really accelerating the decline.

If want to know the best pregnancy Instagram accounts to follow during these all-important nine months and beyond, you've come to the right place. Keep scrolling for the best influencers to follow whether you're after breastfeeding tips, first aid or hypnobirthing courses and anything parenting related.

Pregnancy Instagram accounts to follow

The Naked Doula, Hypnobirthing and Childbirth Expert, @thenakeddoula, 106k followers

 Emma a.k.a The Naked Doula is a birth influencer ready to help women throughout their pregnancy with real and raw advice on labour and postpartum. Founder of "The Visual HypnoBirth Course" and creator of the Bestselling Flashcards, Emma shares easy ways to understand pregnancy, as well as presenting solutions to every problem, capable of changing the way you see birth and making your journey a unique experience. 

Heidi Skudder, Baby Sleep Coach, Award winner for Online courses, @theparentandbabycoach, 50.7k followers

Heidi, a mother to two boys, is a Baby Sleep Expert with 11 years of experience in the field, providing you with all the information you need on Sleep, Reflux and Toddlers. The Sleep coach is an award winner for her Online Courses as well as her The Parent & Baby Coach Podcast that has topped the charts, sharing what is like to have a Newborn, a baby's gut health, the Farmyard Hour and so much more.

 Rachel Fitz-D, Baby & Parenting Expert and Author, @rachelfitzd, “Your Baby Skin To Skin” 

Rachel Fitz D is not only a leading baby and parenting expert but also a mother. Rachel is also the author of Your Baby Skin to Skin, the creator of this essential book for parents, giving them an empowering approach to this new journey of their lives and how babies are able to parent due to their inbuilt reflexes and instinctive cues. 

Charlotte Stirling-Reed, Baby & Child Nutritionist and Sunday Times Bestselling Author, @sr_nutrition, 296k followers

Charlotte is a leading nutritionist with a degree in Human Biology and Nutrition and a MSc in Nutrition and Public Health. Registered with the Association for Nutrition, this Sunday Times Bestselling Author of How to Wean Your Baby shows you ways your little one can start loving vegetables as much as candy. Focuses rely on your baby's health by providing various videos, recipes and advice so you have the confidence needed when feeding your baby. 

Jenni Dunman, CEO of Daisy First Aid, Multi award-winning classes for parents & author, @daisyfirstdaid, 29k followers

The Multi-Award winner of Baby & Child First Aid Classes for parents, Jenni is one of the pregnancy Instagram accounts to follow, as she shares fun and fear-free aid information for your child's safety being, not only, through various courses but also in her book Daisy First Aid - Paediatric first aid made easy that focuses on effective emergency treatments that can multiple times save a child's life and reduce pain and injury before the professional health's arrival. 

The Honest Midwife, Registered Midwife and Antenatal Teacher, @thehonestmidwife, 54.9k followers

Louise, the Registered Midwife and Expert in Antenatal Classes is the founder of Let's Talk Birth and Baby. Having worked in the health section for the past 30 years with a focus on family and children, the Expert provides real information on labour and hypnobirthing as well as Postnatal Yoga and its importance. 

Dr. Chinny, Breastfeeding Expert and Founder of Milkbooster, @thebreastfeedingdoc, 28.9k followers

Chinny - Medic, member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and Expert on Lactation focuses on helping women achieve an optimum breastfeeding experience by teaching how to increase their breast milk supply and breastfeed their babies for 6 months. A must-have for mothers-to-be, Dr Chinny is about to launch her book Breastfeeding with Ease filled with all the knowledge on the topic, including examples, and frequently asked questions that can be easily referred to.

You can hear more from all the expert influencers and pregnancy Instagram accounts at www.thebabyshow.co.uk taking place 13-15 May at Birmingham’s NEC. The UK's Leading Baby & Parenting Shows in London ExCel, London Olympia, and the Birmingham NEC. Everything for Bump, Baby & You Under One Roof.

The war in Ukraine is happening in parallel with an information war in Russia

The narrative Russians are being told about the war in Ukraine is very different from the one that we are hearing. Putin has banned the use of the word “war” to describe his “special operation” in Ukraine, and many Russian media platforms have been banned or are unable to continue covering the invasion. 

Putin signed his “fake news” law on March 4, which makes any contradiction of the official Kremlin position punishable with a 15-year jail sentence. 

As of today, Instagram is banned in Russia, after Russian artists, bloggers and athletes used the platform to speak out in opposition of the war. 

It’s just the latest in a series of social media crackdowns by the Kremlin, who blocked access to Facebook and Twitter earlier this month. According to Moscow, Meta is an “extremist organisation” and both social media giants were violating “rights and freedoms of Russian nationals”. 

Putin’s decision to block Meta-owned Instagram, which is the most popular social network in Russia, came after Meta confirmed it was relaxing its policies on hate speech towards Russian soldiers and Putin within certain countries. 

WhatsApp, which is also owned by Meta, has not been banned as it is “a means of communication, not a source of information”.

Over the weekend, many Russian influencers took to Instagram stories to voice their dismay at the impending ban. 

“Roughly half of all my income came through Instagram advertising,” said DJ, influencer and previous Marie Claire Russia cover girl Karina Istomina, according to a report by the Guardian. “To be honest with you, I am absolutely devastated that I am losing my page. I ran my profile for over 10 years. Most likely I will have to find new sources of income, will have to rediscover myself.”

Meanwhile, one of Russia’s most popular media personalities, Yuri Dudt, wrote: “Putin has invaded a sovereign nation and is waging a war there … It is clear that Putin does not care about people for a long time now.” 

The Guardian reports that many people and businesses have responded by setting up channels on Telegram and VKontakte — two Russian-founded platforms that have not yet been banned. But as the newspaper points out, with pro-Kremlin channels rubbing up against Ukrainian reports on the war, the platform has become a virtual battleground. 

Ukraine's first lady has been hailed for her bravery since the start of the war

On this International Women's Day, as Ukraine burns and women and children queue for over 100 hours at various borders attempting to seek shelter from oncoming bombs, Olena Zelenska, Ukraine's first lady has posted an tribute to the women of Ukraine and a plea to the women of Russia on her Instagram.

Writing in Ukrainian underneath a slideshow of images depicting female soldiers, doctors, mothers and support workers, Zelenska acknowledged that there are two million more men in women that Ukraine, somethat that: "means our current resistance has a particularly female face.”

She dedicated the post to her "incredible (female) compatriots", who she "bows" to for their heroic war efforts. Saying:

“To those who fight in the ranks of zsu, and those who have signed up for teroboronu. Those who heal, save, feed. To the volunteers who find everything necessary for it. And those who continue to do their usual jobs - in pharmacies, shops, on transport, in utilities, so that life lasts and wins.

“To those who take children to shelters every day without panic and entertain them with games and cartoons to save children’s consciousness from war. To those who give birth in bomb shelters. Today is the first day of spring. Remember how we all celebrated each other on this day before the war (again that scary phrase)?

“So the sun is visible through the smoke of the shelling. Everything will be spring, everything will be victory, everything will be Ukraine 🇺🇦.”.

In the days since Zelenska's post, the United Nations reported that more than two million people have now fled Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion nearly two weeks ago, more than half of them going to neighbouring Poland.

Despite Russian guarantees for safe civillian passage, Ukrainian cities have continued to come under heavy bombardment, the south-eastern city of Mauripol has been shelled extensively, including an evacuation route, which has prevented women, children and elderly people from leaving according to Ukraine's defence ministry.

In another post from yesterday, uploaded in English, Ukrainian, German, Russian, French and German, no doubt in order to address the major European Nato powers, Zelenska again outlined the desperate situation unfolding in Ukraine.

In a stark opening caption she said: "The Russian occupiers are killing Ukrainian children. Consciously and cynically." Before using specific case examples of the many civilians and children who have lost their lives as a result of the Russian bombardment.

"18-month-old Kirill from Mariupol was urgently taken to the hospital by his parents. He was wounded by the shelling, and doctors could do nothing.

"Alice from Okhtyrka. She could have turned eight years old. However, she died in the shelling with her grandfather, who was protecting her.

"Polina from Kyiv. She died during the shelling on the streets of our capital, along with her parents and brother. Her sister is in critical condition."

Zelenska directed this post at people in Russia, who may have been taken in by the propoganda spread by government controlled media platforms spinning a false narrative of Russian victory and pacifism.

But she specifically appealed to Russian women:

"Russian invaders are killing Ukrainian children. Tell it to Russian mothers - let them know what exactly their sons are doing here, in Ukraine."

"Show these photos to Russian women - your husbands, brothers, compatriots are killing Ukrainian children! Let them know that they are personally responsible for the death of every Ukrainian child because they gave their tacit consent to these crimes."

It's the iPhone update nobody needed.

In recent weeks, most iPhone users will have been encouraged by their smartphone to download the latest update to Apple's operating system: iOS15. The new version contains a few feature updates, including new functions on FaceTime to improve audio, changes to the way notifications appear, and a total redesign of the Weather, Maps, and Safari apps.

Ah yes, the Safari redesign. The update literally nobody asked for. Apple has changed the layout of its internet program, which was apparently intended to allow users to control it more easily with one hand.

What it means in real terms is that the url search bar - the one we're so used to finding located at the top of the web page - now lives at the bottom. And let me tell you from personal experience, it takes your muscle memory a long time to rewire itself to remember this information.

Honestly. The number of times I have stared, blankly, at my iPhone's webpage, in an attempt to seek out the search bar so I can get on with googling the actors in the Hallmark Christmas movie I'm watching. It's painful.

And I am not alone in this troubled feeling. "iOS update putting the safari search bar on the bottom of the screen is like putting the icing on the bottom of a cake," tweeted one person, entirely accurately.

"Putting the url/search bar at the bottom of the screen in the iOS 15.2 update is the height of stupidity," added someone else. Elsewhere on social media, the swap has been described as a "first world problem" (but a valid one at that), "inconvenient" and "annoying".

But there's some good news amongst all the darkness: it's possible to change it back. And it's very simple.

First, open Safari on iPhone. Find the 'AA' button next to the search bar at the bottom, and press it:

Select 'Show Top Address Bar':

Et voila! Normality resumed:

You are welcome. Call it a Christmas gift from us to you.

The best gifts are always the things you want, but can't necessarily justify buying yourself. And that's why tech gifts make such great Christmas presents, because generally there's a slightly higher price tag on them.

From wireless headphones to keep you company during solo daily walks (the one good thing most of us took from lockdown, right?) to fitness trackers for when those walks become runs, home tech and more, we've rounded up the best tech gifts for 2021. So whether you're looking for the best tech gifts for men, women or anything in between, we've got you covered.

And if you still haven't ticked everyone off your list, do check out some of our other gift guides: Christmas gifts for her, Christmas gifts under £50, Christms beauty gifts, gifts for fitness fans, ethical Christmas gifts, and luxury candles.

Best tech gifts for men and women this Christmas:

From what Black Friday Instax Camera deals we can expect to how to access them, here's everything to know...

Black Friday (now a long weekend) is almost here, and mega discounts have already begun - especially when it comes to high-priced tech.

Instax Camera deals - quick links to discounted products ahead of Black Friday

• Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera - Was £69.99, now £59 (save £10) John Lewis
• Instax Mini 70 Instant Camera - Was £109.99, now £89.99 (save £20) Jessops
• Instax SQUARE SQ1 Instant Camera - Was £119.99, now £99 (save £20) John Lewis

Over the next week, you can expect savings on everything from the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser and the Dyson Air Wrap, to Fitbits and vibrators.

Instax Cameras are among the Black Friday favourites each year, seeing hefty discounts across their cameras, selling on their website, as well as John Lewis, Urban Outfitters, Currys, Boots and Jessops.

Black Friday Instax Camera deals

More Instax Camera deals are expected to come out by the day. Here are some of our top picks that we're hoping make it into the 2021 Black Friday sales...

The sweet and colourful instant cameras usually start at £64.99, with each device able to take ten instant business-card sized photographs that’ll print right out the top of the camera and develop within a minute.

Coming with a built-in flash, carry strap, close up lens and even a selfie mirror to make sure you and the squad all look perfect, an Instax Camera is the perfect Christmas gift to invest in early for a friend or to treat yourself.

In short, Instax Cameras are well worth a buy and right now, at too good of a price slash to miss.

When is the Black Friday Instax Camera sale?

Black Friday 2021 kicks off this week on Friday 26th November, when a number of top brands and retailers (including Instax) will be offering customers huge discounts on their products, running through to Cyber Monday on 29th November.

What is the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

Honestly, there's not much of a difference, as discounts usually last from Friday through to the Monday, though some stores introduce new 'flash' deals on Cyber Monday.

Where can I find the Black Friday Instax Camera deals?

Instax will be featuring sales on their site, but Black Friday Instax Camera deals can also be found on other e-commerce sites that sell the devices, from Urban Outfitters and Curries to John Lewis.

We will continue to update you as deals come through, so make sure you bookmark this page and check back in so you don’t miss anything!

What is included in the Black Friday Instax Camera offers?

Black Friday Instax Camera offers are not yet available, but if last year is anything to go by, we should see a lot of offers, with most cameras expected to have a whopping 30% discount.

Keep an eye on this page for the latest Black Friday Instax Camera deals.

Got yourself a sweet Black Friday deal we haven't heard about? Let us know by tweeting us at @marieclaireuk.

Apple's new iPhone 13 is almost here, and it's going to be epic. Not sure whether to wait for it to launch or get the iPhone 12 instead? Keep scrolling for your complete guide.

iPhone 13 release date UK

The entire line-up will launch on Apple in the UK on Friday 24th September 2021, so you don't have long to wait at all (though you can pre-order it now if you wish).

iPhone 13/iPhone 13 Mini

So, what to expect from the iPhone 13 (6.1 inch display) and the Mini (5.4 inch display) - pictured below? Well, lots as it turns out. The selling point is its dual-camera system, its most advanced yet.

The new Wide camera with 1.7μm pixels is the biggest sensor ever put in an iPhone dual-camera system, and gathers 47 percent more light for less noise and brighter results. The new sensor (first delivered in the iPhone 12) in the Ultra Wide camera also delivers more details in the dark areas with lower noise. In other words, Night Mode just got better.

For those who love their filters, you'll be pleased to hear you can shoot directly in your signature mode - Standard, Vibrant, Rich Contrast, Warm, Cool - to avoid having to edit later.

Then there is Cinematic mode, which as the name suggests, will give cinematic quality to all your videos, shot in Dolby Vision HDR (now supported up to 4K at 60 fps on all cameras). Cinematic mode brings beautiful depth-of-field effect and it automatically changes the focus, for example if two subjects are talking or looking away from each other.

Even more impressive, you can change the focus both during and after capture, making the collection the only devices able to edit the depth-of-field effect, including the level of bokeh and where the focus is applied in video even after recording.

The battery life is another main improvement with this model, since its A15 Bionic chip will provide users on average an extra 1.5 hours of battery life for the 13 Mini versus the 12 Mini, and 2.5 more hours for the standard size versus its old iteration.

iPhone 13 Pro/iPhone 13 Pro Max

Now onto the Pro (6.1 inches) and Pro Max (6.7 inches). As the names suggest, these models are best suited for content creators as they emphasise more flexibility and better quality results in their cameras.

Both phones introduce an all-new Pro camera system with new Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras - Apple's biggest camera advancement ever. You can capture low-light photos like never before thanks to Night mode on every camera. With a wider range of framing options, you can shoot everything from classic telephoto portraits to macro photos, and also personalise your photos with Photographic Styles.

As with the others in the range, Cinematic mode is unreal. You can basically shoot like the Pros do with ProRes video.2 , and both phones support advanced features like Deep Fusion, Apple ProRAW, and HDR video with Dolby Vision.

As for the battery life, you'll get 1.5 and 2.5 hours longer in a day respectively than the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Max Pro.

iPhone 13 colour

Whether you are a minimalist or a maximalist, there's a shade to suit everyone in this line-up. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are available in five gorgeous new colours (pictured at the very top of this article): Pink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight and Red.

As for the Pro and Max Pro, you can choose from four chic finishes (below): Graphite, Gold, Silver, and all-new Sierra Blue.

All models come with a flat-edge design with Ceramic Shield front, which is still tougher than any smartphone glass, and industry-leading IP68 water resistance.

How much does the iPhone 13 cost?

Customers can get iPhone 13 for £32.34 a month for 24 months or £779 before trade-in, and iPhone 13 mini for £28.29 a month for 24 months or £679 before trade-in from apple.com/uk/store,, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations.

Customers can get iPhone 13 Pro for £39.54 a month for 24 months or £949 before trade-in, and iPhone 13 Pro Max for £43.70 a month for 24 months or £1,049 before trade-in online, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations.

Fine, I admit it: I was wrong.

It's the final day of Prime Day 2021, and with incredible deals across everything from beauty to fancy bog roll, it looks like Amazon are sending this year's sale out with a bang.

And while I've already filled my basket with enough skincare, booze and Yankee Candles to last me a lifetime, there's one Prime Day purchase that I've been mulling over for the past two years and counting: a Kindle.

As a book lover, I've always been skeptical of eReaders – don't they take the fun out of browsing the shelves of a bookshop? Won't I miss actually turning the pages? Well, I'm pleased to confirm that once lockdown hit and I couldn't just pop into my local bookshop, all my previous snobbery and purist smugness went out the window, and I was left feeling sincerely sorry for myself.

Amazon Prime Day Kindle deals: quick links

• Kindle – was £69.99, now £49.99 (save 29%) View deal
• Kindle Paperwhite, 8GB – was £119.99, now £79.99 (save 33%) View deal
• Kindle Paperwhite, 32GB – was £149.99, now £109.99 (save 27%) View deal
• Kindle Paperwhite 8GB Essentials Bundle – was £172.97, now £122.97 (save £50) View deal

So I'm finally biting the bullet and buying a Kindle. There, I admit it: I was wrong and everyone who's had one for the past decade was right. Because not only can you download new releases instantly, books are cheaper and you can take them everywhere with you (something that's sure to prove somewhat of a lifesaver, given that I move flats around once a year).

Oh, and I did I mention that I'm getting it for over 30% off for Prime Day? OK, so maybe I'm still a little smug.

Here are the Prime Day Kindle deals to snap up before midnight tonight. (I'm opting for the Paperwhite.)

What's on your Prime Day wish list? Let us know on social – @marieclaireuk

I'm a Stylist and when it comes to Amazon Prime Day I always go straight to the home and tech discounts and offers. There are some incredible bargains to shop this year, with 40% off Simba mattresses and pillows and a wild 60% off sex toys.

See all top Amazon Prime Day deals

So, when I say this is the most incredible Beats headphone offer, I mean it. With some of the Prime deals offering 47% off right now, on the latest model. I've rounded up the best Beats headphones deals - most with next day delivery - that you can shop right now.

There's an incredible saving of £84.36 on Beats Solo3 wireless Bluetooth headphones. High-performance, noise-cancelling headphones are such a clever investment. Compatible with both iOS and Android devices this sleek, streamlined style fuses fashion with function, easily folding up to safely travel with you. Fuss-free.

You can take calls, control your music and activate Siri through your headphones simply with Beats Solo3 signature multifunction on-ear controls. With a super handy Fast Fuel feature that turns a quick five minutes of charge time into three hours of playback.

So, if you're looking to upgrade your headphones with an award-winning pair, lauded for their sound design, fine-tuned acoustics and comfort-cushioned ear cups. Look no further! 

Here's my roundup of the best pairs, for the best price...

Kate Middleton is often seen with a camera in her hand, with the Duchess of Cambridge known to be the photographer within the royal family.

Amazon Prime Day deals: Quick links

• Canon EOS M50 Mark II Camera (black) - was £699, now £649.40
• Canon EOS M200 Camera (black) - was £549.99, now £419
• Canon EOS 2000D DSLR Camera (black) - was £469.99, now £458.02
• Canon EOS M50 Compact System Camera (platinum) - was £649.99, now £499

She of course ran the Hold Still photography competition over lockdown and is personally responsible for some of the royal family's most iconic snaps, even taking her children's official portraits.

Kate owns two Canon cameras, with the brand thought to be her favourite - and as luck would have it, they're having a huge flash sale this Amazon Prime Day.

Sign up now: Amazon Prime 30-day free trial

Despite taking pride in her photography, Kate admitted recently that her three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - are tired of having their photos taken, reportedly asking her to stop.

During a recent video call with a finalist for her Hold Still competition, Kate admitted, ‘Everyone’s like, “Mummy, please stop taking photographs”.’

Well, while Kate might be slowing down, this Amazon Prime Day sale is giving us the inspiration to get started.

BRB - off to stock up.

Feel stuck in a loop of social scrolling, negative headline inhaling and, well, feeling quite down? Yep, that's 2021.

If you're constantly reading negative news, scrolling Instagram, 0r seeing triggering content on Twitter at the moment, know you're not alone. It can be draining, but, while locked down, also one of the only ways of staying connected with the outside world.

Knowing how to stop a phone addiction, or even identify one in our locked down (and increasingly digital) world, can be tough. As above, it's one of our only ways of keeping in touch with friends and family. But, it won't come as any surprise that Harvard research has found too much screen time can negatively impact your mental health.

According to the Harvard Health site, "besides the simple fact that screen time is sedentary time, too much time in front of a screen effects behaviour - it can affect mood, making [you] anxious or depressed."

That's why we've enlisted the help of two experts, an author and a psychologist. Here, they break down the main warning symptoms, the affect it can have on you and your mental health, and the easiest resources to have to hand if you or someone you know is struggling.

News flash: constantly scrolling social media and negative news is actually really impacting your mental health—and not in a good way.

So, what is a phone addiction?

What is says on the tin, essentially. According to doctor Becky Spelman, psychologist, Private Therapy Clinic, a phone addiction can be pretty hard to spot. "You can normally tell someone is addicted to their phone if they keep compulsively checking it, to the extent where it actually impacts their quality of their life," she explains.

We all use our phones so much that, often, this excessive usage is passed off as normal. It's become even worse during the pandemic, she adds, sharing that "the relentless stream of negative and dramatic news has been draining, and impacted many people’s mental wellbeing."

Sound familiar?

How do I know if I have a phone addiction? 

Long and short of it, we probably all do, to some extent. We rely on our phones, now more than ever before, to connect us to the outside world.

But there are different types of phone addiction to be aware of, Spelman explains. "It can take the form of constant addiction, where the individual is consistent in their phone-checking behaviour," she shares. "For others, the habit worsens during times of stress or emotional upset, whereby the phone acts as a distraction." That could be particularly relevant now, mid a global pandemic where many might be catastrophising, struggling with a third lockdown, or coping with re-entry anxiety.

Interestingly, the psychologist shares that many rely on excessive use of their phone as a coping mechanism. "Those truly addicted to their phones tend not to be able to regulate their emotions as effectively as others," she explains, adding that they use their mobile as a means of escaping or suppressing their emotions.

5 symptoms of phone addiction

Want to establish your own reliance on tech? Try the following, she reccomends.

1. Being on your phone more often than not

Become aware of how much time you actually spend on your phone. Ask yourself: if you don’t check it for a while, do you feel nervous or on edge? If so, this may be a sign that you’ve become dependent on your device.

2. Brushing off excessive screen time as 'normal'

How many waking hours do you spend gazing at your phone, and when others touch on it, do you merely pass it off as a necessity?

3. Consistent unproductive days and unfulfilled daily tasks

Are you managing to fit in your workload, daily activities and spending quality time with loved ones? Or do you find that hours can easily pass when you’re on your phone?

4. Comments from others

If you start receiving comments from others about how much you’re on social media or on your phone in general, there may well be a problem.

5. Starting to feel low or down about things you see online

As above, excessive screen time can lead to mental health problems, so if you suspect that you may have phone addiction, now is the time to create new habits and begin to set boundaries for yourself, Spelman shares.

How to stop a phone addiction: 7 simple steps

According to Catherine Price, author of How To Break Up With Your Phone, these are the best ways to have a healthier relationship with your mobile and gain that all important balance.

1. Establish if you're using your phone too much?

Saying you hardly use your phone is fake news. Your screen time will now tell you how many hours you spend on your phone a week and if its more than the average - that's three and a half hours - you've got some work to do.

Claim back your time and put it to good use. Just think of how much you could get done...

2. Stop automatically looking at your phone

You'll all be familiar with the compulsion to pick up your phone on the reg.

If it's for no genuine reason, leave it. Simple.

3. Leave your phone in a different room sometimes

Keeping busy = universal break-up survival. Which means, you can totally use it to phase out your addiction to your phone. Go shopping without it; use lazy Sundays for strolling not scrolling; cook a recipe that requires your full attention. Anything but falling into the inevitable rabbit hole of scrolling. How to stop a phone addiction never looked so simple...

4. Turn off your notifications

Alert sounds and red number bubbles are like the ‘just one more drink?’ buddy. Yes, you get a buzz, but it will suck you in and eat your time. Turn off all but essential alerts – calls and VIP emails, ideally. Those Instagram likes and Whatsapp chats will still be there when you're ready to check them, but much better to do it in your own time. What's the urgency, anyway?

5. Declutter your homepage

Social-media apps might spark joy, but if they also cause anxiety and sleep problems and dent self-esteem, it's on you to delete them. Culling too unnerving? Move them from your home screen to page three, inside a folder, making them much more difficult and taking more effort to find. Easy.

6. If you're addicted to your phone, keep it out of reach

‘Out of sight, out of mind’ might not cut it for devices, but ‘out of sight, out of arm’s reach’ will. If you can’t physically grab your phone while in bed, you won’t look at it in bed, which incidentally is seriously damaging to your health. It might be time to get an analogue alarm clock.

7. Have a 24-hour phone break

Like a mini digital detox, if you will. Learning how to stop a phone addiction can be as simple as going cold turkey. Schedule it in (Friday to Saturday night, say) and hit ‘off’. Expect to feel twitchy – it is a detox – and cram your schedule with offline fun instead. One day later, we bet you'll be surprised by how free you feel.

It's Women in Tech week at Marie Claire, and we're sitting down with the female trailblazers making waves in STEM. Next up is Dr Rayna Patel and data scientist Georgina Kirby – the brilliant brains behind AI cancer care app, Vinehealth

When Dr Rayna Patel and data scientist Georgina Kirby decided to set up AI cancer care app Vinehealth, they wanted to support people. Not just any people - people living with cancer at a time when they may feel isolated and unsupported by the healthcare system.

They knew their experience could empower people with cancer. Rayna was an NHS doctor and Georgina a data scientist. And so they set about transforming their lives, putting cancer patients back in control of their treatments.

Here, they explain how it came to be.

Introducing Vinehealth: the app transforming cancer patients lives

What inspired you to follow a career in STEM?

Georgina: "I quickly realised I wanted to use my technical skills to improve healthcare across the world and have an impact on the lives of people going through life-changing diseases, so I joined a tech start-up before meeting my co-founder Rayna, at talent investors Entrepreneur First, where we founded Vinehealth.

"I always loved technology but never knew the career options that were open to me. Thankfully, I did work experience at 16 and spent a week with the McLaren F1 Racing team. I left feeling really inspired and kept in touch with my mentor there ever since. But having studied straight mathematics at University I was told my two career options were banking or accountancy; great careers but not related to the things that inspired me or the areas where I wanted to make an impact.

"So, I got in touch with my mentor at McLaren and asked if he knew of any career routes for a non-engineer and sure enough, he put me in touch with one of my main female role models in tech, Caroline Hargrove (who at the time was one of two technical females at McLaren Applied Technologies and is now CTO at Babylon Health). I fell in love with Data Science as soon as I started working for Caroline and worked on some of the most impactful projects in healthcare, energy, transport and more; the aim was to use F1 technology to turbocharge other industries."

Tell us more about Vinehealth and how you turned it into an app?

Dr Rayna: "When Georgina and I met, we’d seen the same problem from two perspectives. As a doctor, I’d seen people with cancer struggling to manage complex treatments, including all the medications you need to keep track of, when to seek help, how to communicate with loved ones and how to cope with side effects. As a data scientist, Georgina had seen the power of technology to help patients remotely, to support clinicians to provide good care and to inform life-saving cancer research.

"We decided to build technology to solve this problem - so we first built a very basic app to see if people liked it, and the response we got was phenomenal. It was really clear to us then that there are so many people out there living with cancer who feel unsupported. So, we went out and raised some investment and hired a team to build something even better, Vinehealth, and the rest is history."

What challenges present themselves to women trying to forge ahead in STEM industries?

Georgina: "Even though things are starting to change, there are still huge challenges to get women into STEM. It’s so important to get young children excited about STEM subjects from a young age as it’s their most formative time and young girls especially lack confidence in the maths and sciences. Girls are less likely to study STEM subjects at school - and then this gap continues and widens through to university, and then once again in their choice of career.

"Having females at the top is a really important motivator for young girls and currently only 5% of leadership positions in the technology industry are held by women. Shockingly there was a recent study that showed a large majority of UK students couldn’t name a famous woman working in tech. All this starts with educating young children about the amazing careers in technology but also having visible female role models - you can’t be what you can’t see."

"But it’s not only changes needed at the early school stage; shifts in the industry are needed. Hiring practices need to change and companies should ensure the language they use in job specs is applicable to everyone. For example, using the term 'data ninja' is very male focused, and with men applying for a job if they meet only 60% of the criteria for the role whereas women only applying if they meet 100%, we can’t afford to discourage women from applying."

What are your future plans for Vinehealth?

Dr Rayna: "There are so many it’s difficult to know where to start. We’ve started to work with hospitals delivering the app as part of NHS services. We’re also working with researchers and drug developers, so patients involved in research studies can report how they’re doing more easily. We’re working with lots of charities to offer more accessible support through technology."

"We’ll be making Vinehealth available in other countries over the next few years. Our aim is always to hear from as many people living with cancer as possible, so that we build exactly what they need - if you or anyone you know is having a tough time and might be helped by the app, we’d love to hear from you."

As Marie Claire launches Women in Tech week, we meet Alice Pelton: the reproductive health innovator who created the world's first contraception review platform

It's estimated around 314 million women and girls are using some form of contraception, but for many of us, finding the right method can be a minefield.

If you've been researching the different types of contraceptives yourself, we reckon you might want to check out The Lowdown. Co-founded by Alice Pelton, it's a contraceptive platform designed to help women find helpful, user-generated data on contraceptive methods and change the operating system for women’s health.

After suffering from horrendous side effects from contraception herself- Alice started taking the Pill when she was 16 and it took her over a decade to realise the impact hormonal contraceptives had on her mental health - she knew other women would be struggling, too.

Here, Alice fills us in.

Researching different types of contraceptives? Check out The Lowdown

Why I set up The Lowdown

For years I'd been struggling to find a contraceptive method that didn’t negatively impact my mood. I had been on Microgynon since I was 16 but gradually realised it reduced me to an emotional, irritable wreck who cried almost all the time. In my ten-year search for the right method, I realised there was a whole world of problems with contraception that I wanted to try and fix. They included:

Lack of data. I couldn’t find useful data on real women’s experiences and side effects from contraception at scale, anywhere. Like many areas of women’s health, the lack of interest by Pharma leads to a gender data gap that means we waste time and money trying or not knowing what’s right for us.

Lack of taking women seriously. Women’s complaints of side effects, risks and problems with the different types of contraceptives have been ignored for centuries. I wanted to create a safe space where women could feel comfortable enough sharing their experiences, and normalise, reassure and support the sisterhood. And in doing so, remedy some of the gender data gap I talk about above.

Lack of real choice. The range of contraceptive methods available to us are simply not good enough. Women in the UK are still mainly prescribed pills that were developed in the 60’s, and there has been very little innovation and funding in the contraceptive space for the last 20 years. I want to use The Lowdown as a platform to drive for much needed investment in this space.

The idea when I was on sabbatical in 2017 - I was out for dinner with my boyfriend and it popped into my head; we review everything from our hotels to our tradesmen, so why don’t we review our contraception?

At the beginning of 2020, I quit my job to focus on The Lowdown full time and found my technical co-founder David via the talent investors program, Entrepreneur First, in March.

About The Lowdown

The Lowdown is the world’s first review platform for the many different types of contraceptives. Our mission is to make conception easier to choose, access, and use. To date we’ve collected over 3,500 anonymous, real-person reviews from people on every method and brand available in the UK. Over 60,000 women come to us every month - and we use this data to help them make better informed decisions about what’s best for them.

We are building out our community, recommendation engine and expert advice service to make contraception easy for 1 billion people worldwide who use it. It's amazing what we've unearthed from the reviews on the platform. These are just some of the stats/findings collected from Feb 2019 to the present...

The most commonly reviewed method is the Combined Pill.

• The most common method in the UK makes up 1 in 3 Lowdown reviews and is the most reviewed method by 18–25-year-olds. It’s a great option for younger women to try when they are beginning to understand their options for the first time.

The Hormonal coil (IUS) is women’s favourite method of contraception.

• The Hormonal IUS tops our overall satisfaction ratings - with an average 3.5 out of 5. • Lowdown data shows that the Hormonal IUS doesn’t seem to negatively impact mood or reduce women’s sex drive as much as other methods.

51% of women feel their contraception has negatively impacted their moods and emotions.

• Science has yet to prove a definitive link between hormonal contraception and mood - but Lowdown data suggests that so much more research needs to be done into this area. • The Lowdown findings show that almost half of women had trouble trying to find a method of contraception that suited them.

Women who have used a method for longer are more satisfied with the method they are reviewing.

• When it comes to hormonal contraception, the general consensus is that it takes around three menstrual cycles for the body to adjust to the change in hormones.

Women in their forties are most satisfied with their contraception - and Under 18’s are the most dissatisfied with their contraception.

• Under 18’s on average report a 2.5 satisfaction rating - finding their method ‘Poor’ whereas 41-45 year old women report the highest average satisfaction rating of any age group - 3.7 out of 5.

Join Marie Claire and Entrepreneur First on Friday 12th Feb at 1pm for a special STEM panel in light of National Women and Girls in Science day. Editor in Chief of Marie Claire, Andrea Thompson, and Co-founder of Entrepreneur First, Alice Bentick, speak to a host of successful female founders who are making waves across their industries.

REGISTER HERE

It's Women in Tech week at Marie Claire, and we're speaking to the trailblazers changing the face of the tech industry for good. Cecilia Harvey has carved out one impressive CV. Following a career in tech? Her advice makes for essential reading

As far as forging a career in tech goes, Cecilia Harvey is one trailblazing inspirational leader we can't enough of. And her successful career in STEM is proof enough that women don't have to have a degree in tech (she graduated in political science) or follow traditional paths to get there (Harvey spent years working for big-name banks). Although she acknowledges working in finance, where “technology was really the foundation of those businesses”, influenced her career move, the founder of Tech Women Today is flourishing in an industry that's been dominated by men for way too long.

But times are changing, and numerous studies are revealing the pandemic has precipitated many women considering a career change. While Harvey has seen more women entering the profession in recent years, she’s seen a lot leave, too, so she acknowledges there's still much more work to be done in creating a truly diverse industry.

Currently, in the UK, women make up only 15% of STEM workers, so if government efforts to encourage more women, the shift could be worth as much as £2 billion to the labour market. At current, increasing the proportion to 30% is the target.

As Marie Claire launches Women in Tech week, we caught up with Harvey on successfully navigating your own career in tech, and how female participation can bring about systemic change in terms of diversity and opportunity.

How to follow a successful career in tech

Learn to think strategically about your career path

"I never planned on a career in technology. But working on the trading floor at Lehman Brothers bank in New York, where electronic trading, eCommerce, and data were all essential, I learned how to think strategically about technology in order to grow a business. I loved how technology was an enabler that helped make what was formerly impossible achievable. I'm now CEO of Hyve Dynamics, a company that creates sensor technology addressing issues such as the pandemic, sustainability, mental health, and gaps in basic medical care. Being a female, black CEO of a technology company inspires me to be a role model for others. We need more visible examples of us in roles where historically we have not been."

The power lies within you to create options

"Often the biggest challenge that presents itself to young ambitious talented women? Ourselves. Be clear on your identity and create options for yourself. Every day you will be challenged by people and situations that will question who you are, your ability, your experience and the value you add. Remember there are those that will tell you lies about yourself and you have the power to choose if you believe them. Once you understand that power lies within you and you have that mindset, you’ll be unbreakable."

Tech Women Today provides the resources to be successful

"One of our key objectives at Tech Women Today is to build, sustain, and strengthen a 'pipeline' of women in technology and entrepreneurs. TWT provides women with the resources they need in order to be successful. The TWT Spotlight Video Series promotes diversity in IT for the wider tech community across various sectors. It celebrates women who are thriving in the world of technology. Plus, it inspires other women who are perhaps taking their first steps."

"Technology impacts on every single area of our lives, from healthcare, to fashion, to art, to education. We just can’t live without it. Working in technology does not necessarily mean working at a tech firm, nor does it mean you need to know how to code. I’d love to inspire women to feel excited at the enormous career potential in technology."

We need role models women can relate to

"We need to expand the definition of what it means to work in technology. You don’t need an engineering degree. You don't need career aspirations of being a programmer or data scientist."

"We need more female role models that young girls and women can relate to. Women aren’t considering technology careers as they aren’t given enough information about all the exciting opportunities. They aren't told enough about what working in the sector involves. There's a perception that there's a lack of diversity in the technology industry, so many may feel tech isn't an inclusive environment. Tech companies need to work to change this perception."

The STEM initiatives I'm excited about for 2021

"The Hyve Armband will help businesses and medical practices with remote health monitoring of staff. This will be crucial in the COVID- 19 world."

"Also, from an environmental perspective, companies across a number of sectors are looking at their strategy for reducing carbon footprint. Other sustainability initiatives are approaching Hyve to understand how they can use our sensor technology to help them."

"Meanwhile, I am expanding on a project I started called Avoiding Career Krakatoa, referring to those tough times during your career where you just want to explode. The pandemic has completely changed the world of work. People are losing their jobs. Entire industries have been disrupted. This is a time filled with fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Avoiding Career Krakatoa will be expanded to have an online community group and online courses. Plus, it'll showcasing how people can leverage various technology tools to help them."

Join Marie Claire and Entrepreneur First on Friday 12th Feb at 1pm for a special STEM panel in light of National Women and Girls in Science day. Editor in Chief of Marie Claire, Andrea Thompson, and Co-founder of Entrepreneur First, Alice Bentick, speak to a host of successful female founders who are making waves across their industries.

REGISTER HERE

As Marie Claire launches Women in Tech week, we catch up with Alice Bentinck, the trailblazing STEM investor and co-founder of Entrepreneur First and Code First Girls to talk life-changing opportunities in STEM for women

As a STEM investor and co-founder and General Partner at talent investors Entrepreneur First, Alice Bentinck helps ambitious people find their co-founders and build tech startups from scratch.

She started the company with friend Matt Clifford in 2011, and they currently receive more than 1,500 applications a year. In its first four years, Entrepreneur First - backed by Linkedin co-founder Reid Hoffman - helped 2,000 plus people create more than 200 companies, worth a combined $2 billion.

Following the success of Entrepreneur First and noticing most individuals applying to Entrepreneur First were male, Bentinck and Clifford created Code First Girls, a not-for-profit that has taught more than 20,000 women to code for free. Code First Girls aims to provide skills, space and inspiration to become tech developers for free.

Here Bentinck - who was awarded an MBE for services to business in the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours - discusses why opportunities for women in STEM is the way forward.

Becoming a STEM investor

What inspired you to carve a career in STEM?

"I never thought I'd work in STEM as that's not my background originally [prior to setting up her own companies, Alice worked at management consultancy firm McKinsey & Co]. After teaching myself to code, I founded a company with Matt called Entrepreneur First, supporting technical talent for those who want to build their own tech startup. We mainly take talented individuals before they have a team or an idea, and spend six months getting them to the point where they can take on serious seed funding."

"We’ve built 40 companies over the last three years. As I embarked on this career, it became increasingly obvious this was where exciting, world-changing opportunities were to be found. For anyone who wants to have impact, at scale, a career in STEM is the obvious choice."

Tell us more about the success of Code First Girls?

"Over the last seven years, we have been working hard to address the desperate need for more diversity in tech. As a STEM investor, at Code First Girls, we've taught more than 20,000 women to code for free at universities across the UK and through our online school. Half of those women are from BAME backgrounds. We are proud of what we've achieved but we're also aware how much more work there is to do."

So what needs to change in order for more women to have successful tech careers?

"We are seeing more and more young women realise a career in tech is the right path for them. One of the things I love about Code First Girls is that it provides women with a network when they join the tech industry. This is so important to help them realise there are lots of other amazing women in tech alongside giving them access to word-of-mouth opportunities.

"We were also worried applications to our Entrepreneur First cohorts would drop during the pandemic, but interestingly applications have risen by 8%, and from women they’ve risen by 37%, which is fantastic. We’re seeing budding entrepreneurs have a real drive and risk appetite and are adaptable enough to capture the pandemic as an opportunity. The best entrepreneurs will earn their way out of the pandemic. They'll work out how to adapt their ideas to be able to make the most of the opportunity."

What future plans or initiatives are exciting you this year?

"I’m excited to be able to help some of the world’s most ambitious people build the most important companies with the help of Entrepreneur First. As a company, we back founders with time, money, resources and a co-founder to build world-changing companies from the ground up. I can’t wait to see what brilliant new ideas 2021 brings. Investors are now more keen than ever to back tech companies that will innovate and enhance the ways we live. Tech is playing a huge role in how the world adapts to the pandemic and there's more demand than ever for tech in the ‘new normal’ we now live in. Investors are on the lookout for world-changing technology, so now is a great time for budding tech entrepreneurs to thrive."

What personal achievements make you proud?

"I'm really proud of the work Code First Girls has done. Tech is such an exciting, fast-growing sector and while the current climate is uncertain for many, I'm confident it will only continue to grow and provide an exciting and challenging career path. I'm so delighted to see so many more women join the industry after being exposed to it through Code First Girls."

Join Marie Claire and Entrepreneur First on Friday 12th Feb at 1pm for a special STEM panel in light of National Women and Girls in Science day. Editor in Chief of Marie Claire, Andrea Thompson, and Co-founder of Entrepreneur First, Alice Bentick, speak to a host of successful female founders who are making waves across their industries.

REGISTER HERE

Hana Janebdar was outraged at the standard of women's health research so she founded Juno Bio. Its revolutionary at-home test decodes our unique vaginal microbiome for healthy purposes. As Marie Claire launches Women in Tech week, we caught up with the women's health innovator to talk vaginal wellness and the gender health research gap

If you've ever suffered from a UTI, you'll know they, alongside the vaginal infection treatment that follows, can be a pain.

That's where Hana Janebdar comes in. She's an engineer with a specific interest in human microbiome who found herself outraged at the standard of women's health research in the area. Enter stage right, Juno Bio, her brainchild.

It's a revolutionary at-home test that decodes your unique vaginal microbiome. Plus, it looks set to shake up the vaginal wellness world this year. Keep reading for Hana's fascinating story.

A breakthrough in vaginal infection treatment

"I was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, then raised in London from the age of five. After studying Biology and Biochemical Engineering at Imperial College London and UCL, I went on to work on various microbiome challenges. At 25 years old, I joined talent investor Entrepreneur First, which is where I founded Juno Bio."

"Juno was formed out of outrage at the state of women’s standard of care and health research. Working in the space, I realised the huge potential that cutting edge microbiome science has in significantly improving human health. However, there was a shocking lack of research and products for the vaginal microbiome. Really, it's one of the most readily accessible and most strongly associative of all microbiome. Meanwhile, other microbiome areas were exploding."

Introducing the first vaginal wellness test

"Implicated in over 30 conditions, vaginal microbiomes range from the taboo to the downright dangerous. Bacterial vaginosis, for instance, is one condition of the vaginal microbiome, and is associated with increased risk of STI acquisition, infertility, preterm birth and even some gynae cancers."

"Research in these conditions also show there is a racial bias in favour of white women in the way that the conditions of and associated with the vaginal microbiome have even been defined, diagnosed and treated."

"In 2018, I formed Juno Bio to change this with my cofounder Dr Leighton Turner. In 2019, we set up and ran The Juno Study. With this study, we unlocked the technical challenges fundamental to the vaginal microbiome. We built one of the richest and most representative vaginal microbiome repositories to power up research which enabled our first product: our Vaginal Microbiome Wellness Test."

We're redefining health and disease

"In 2020, we built and launched the most comprehensive at-home vaginal microbiome wellness test that gives each woman an understanding of her own personal vaginal microbiome, what it means for her wellbeing and what her next steps should be while powering up research for all women at scale."

"We’re decoding the vaginal microbiome and redefining health and disease by accelerating access to the information women deserve, creating category-defining products to improve the standard of care for women and closing the gender health research gap."

"Getting a tech idea off the ground isn't easy. The odds are stacked against you. Building a product for women and people with vaginas, as a female founder? Even more so. You need the right people that are technically brilliant and aligned with your mission."

The odds are stacked against you

"These people aren’t always easy to find and sometimes, when the tech is new, have to be trained by you. Working in a taboo, new, or ignored area means you've got to get creative. That's especially important when it comes to building your community and communicating. Facebook blocked ads with ‘vagina’ in them when we first started."

Fancy winning a bunch of Animal Crossing goodies? Here's how to be in with a chance...

It's competition time - and if you're an Animal Crossing fan (really, who isn't?) then this one is for you.

There are four epic prizes up for grabs, including a Nintendo Switch Lite, Isabelle hoodie, a Tom Nook mug and a water bottle featuring a bunch of your favourite characters.

Read on to find out how you can get your hands on this brilliant bundle...

What are the prizes?

First up, there's the Nintendo Switch Lite (Coral) + Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Nintendo Switch Online (3 months), worth £239.99. Epic.

You'll also receive the Isabelle Hoodie (worth £39.99). Part of the Nintendo Official UK store's limited edition range, it features Isabelle on the back, and various island residents on the sleeves.

On top of that, there's the Tom Nook mug (worth 12.99) - and it's going to become your go-to when you fancy a cuppa.

Last but not least, you'll also win the Animal Crossing: New Horizons characters water bottle, featuring Tom Nook, Timmy & Tommy, Isabelle and K.K. Slider. Cute.

So, what do you have to do to win?

Simply comment on this Twitter post and share a photo of your best winter outfits created in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, with the hashtags #ACNH and #MarieClaireUK. Oh, and don't forget to be creative!

If you're the lucky winner, you'll be contacted via a direct message on Twitter requesting your email address, and all you have to do is sit back and wait for the goodies to arrive.

Good luck!

Terms and Conditions:

By taking part in this competition, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions below and the competition rules: www.futureplc.com/competition-rules/.

The competition opens on 13/01/2021 9:30am GMT and closes 23/01/2021 12:00pm GMT. Late or incomplete entries will be disqualified.

Open to all residents of the UK aged 18 years and over, except employees of Future Publishing Limited (“Future”) and Nintendo.

There will be 1 winner in total entitled to win An Isabelle Hoodie, Tom Nook Mug, Water Bottle,Nintendo Switch Lite (Coral) + Animal Crossing: New Horizons + Nintendo Switch Online (3 Months) worth £312.96.

This offer is limited to one entry per household.

To enter the competition please comment on the Twitter post. Winner will be contacted by direct message on Twitter with further instructions on how to claim the prize.

Use of automated devices or methods of submission are not valid forms of entry. The winner will be chosen randomly from all valid entries by Future and shall be notified by email and/or telephone by Future within 14 days of the closing date. If the winner has not responded after 14 days from notification, an alternative winner will be drawn.

The sponsor will deliver the Isabelle Hoodie, Tom Nook Mug, Water Bottle, and Future will deliver the Animal Crossing: New Horizons + Nintendo Switch Online (3 Months).

Any personal details collected will only be used to send the prize and not for any marketing purposes unless you have opted in to receive them.

Future reserves the right to substitute any product with an alternative product of equivalent value. The prize is non-transferable and non-refundable. There is no cash alternative. No purchase required. Void where prohibited.

In this new Covid-19 world of social distancing, lockdowns and time away from loved ones. The past several months have, rather unsurprisingly, seen rates of loneliness rapidly increase. With mental health deteriorating due to time spent alone and in isolation. So, when team Marie Claire was introduced to Bond Touch we had to share their clever, communicative invention with you.

A simple set of bracelets designed for connection so you’re only ever one touch away from a loved one.

Pitched as the brand that, 'believes in people, in healthy relationships and closing the emotional gap. No matter the distance.' This dual bracelet device enables you to send taps to your loved one to let them know they're in your thoughts.

A small bracelet that keeps you connected to your loved one. Simply send a touch to your loved one, wherever they are.

By tapping the device on your wrist you can send messages to your loved one wearing the other device. Simply by mimicking your touch and sending gentle vibrations you can let a parent, sibling, aunt or grandparent know you're thinking of them.

By wearing one, a person can send a tap that generates a light vibration and a personalised coloured blink on the screen of the partner’s bracelet.

Waterproof (up to one meter) and with a long battery life (you can go four days without needing to recharge) it's an ideal, easy-to-use gift for a loved one.

The bracelets are slim, sleek and minimal, similar to a Fitbit. The bracelets are also linked through an app that provides information about a partner’s weather and time zone, but their primary function is to embody presence.

Reminiscent of Facebook's playful poke feature the Bond Touch imparts the same digital touch. Replacing those casual shoulder squeezes and hand holds which are currently prohibited. Buzzing to say “I’m here, and I’m thinking about you.”

In case you missed it yesterday, it's still Amazon Prime Day 2020, which means you're still in time to treat yourself to something you've been eyeing up for a while. For me, it's the Samsung Frame TV.

During lockdown, I got a little obsessed with the Architectural Digest celebrity home tours (who doesn't love a good stalk?), and I noticed a few things that celebrities such as Hilary Duff, Mandy Moore and Kendall Jenner had in common. They all love cloud sofas, formal living rooms and dining rooms that are just for show, and hiding their TVs.

'How do they manage to hide them?' I hear you ask? Well, they are all obsessed with the Samsung Frame TV, which can be wall-mounted, and more specifically transforms into a piece of art when it's off. Hilary Duff says, 'I love this TV. It’s called The Frame — it’s a Samsung and it looks like a photograph. So you don’t even know that it’s actually a TV until you turn it on.'

Meanwhile, Mandy Moore raved about the thousands of pieces of art you can choose from the decorate the screen. The iconic Samsung Frame TV is priced at £499 on Amazon, however I've found a really great deal for you: the Samsung 65" TU7100 HDR Smart 4K TV which was £667.90 but is now £381 - that's a £286.90 saving! Scroll down to see the full deal...

To get your hands on these deals, don't forget to sign up for your free trial of Amazon Prime below if you're not already a member!

Deal in full

Samsung 65" TU7100 HDR Smart 4K TV, £381 (was £667.90)

You might not get the art screensaver with this TV, but it gives you an incredibly sharp viewing experience. Scroll down for all the bells and whistles

Here's everything you get:

• Crystal Display: lose yourself in crystal clear colour
• Crystal Processor 4K, 4K Upscaling & Adaptive Sound: relax as your TV adapts to give you the very best 4K picture and targeted sound
• HDR Powered by HDR 10+: enjoy a true-to-life picture with brighter colour and broader contrast
• Smart TV powered by Tizen: only the No. 1 selling Smart TV brand¹ can give you access to the largest collection of 4K content and all your catch-up TV apps
• What's in the box: Samsung 65" TU7100 HDR Smart 4K TV, One Remote Control, standard remote, batteries, user manual and power cable

View deal

Endless Netflix binge watching on a high def screen? You'll never want to leave the house...

Thinking about investing in this dog-stalking camera? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter @marieclaire.co.uk

What? You don't want to know what your pet gets up to home alone?

Yes, it's Amazon Prime Day 2020, which means we can finally justify spending our pounds on the must-have dog accessory that screams loud and proud: "I am obsessed with my dog and I don't care who knows about it!".

The legendary Furbo Dog camera (yes, the one from Paul O'Grady's For the Love of Dogs) has just had a massive price cut, dropping from £189 to £129 - that's a £60 saving! The price is right and the time is now to finally discover what your dog does when you leave the house....

To get your hands on these deals, don't forget to sign up for your free trial of Amazon Prime below if you're not already a member!

Deal in full

Furbo Dog Camera: Full HD Wifi Pet Camera, £129 (was £189)

Aside from getting to watch/obsessively stalk your dog all day long while you pretend to work, this simple to use camera - trust us, it syncs to your mobile device so easily- is perfect to alleviate any guilt you may feel when you leave your pooch at home, as you'll know exactly what he's up to, at all times. And don't forget to chuck him a treat if he's being a good boy (which is obviously all the time).

So what else can you expect from this incredible camera/ treat dispenser? Let's take a look...

• 1080p Full HD Camera & Night Vision: With Full HD, 160º wide-angle, 4x zoom and night vision, you can see your dog clearly, day and night.
• 2-way-chat so you can talk to your dog at home to calm him down plus, you can hear what he is doing.
• Furbo can send a push notification to your phone when it senses your dog barking. So you’ll know whats going on at home/when Royal Mail comes a-knocking
• Treat Tossing! Remotely toss treats to your dog via the free Furbo iOS/Android app. Fill the Furbo with over 100 treaty pieces and watch as they’re like “WTF?!” when a snack is thrown.
• The stable design mean you can move the Furbo around to find the perfect spot. It has a slight downward angle of the camera, so you see everything even if it’s placed high on a shelf and out of your dog's reach.

View deal

Sleeping, chewing, pacing, putting a wash on? Finally, you'll discover what your dog gets up to when you leave the house...

Thinking about investing in this dog-stalking camera? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter @marieclaire.co.uk

Amazon Prime Day 2020 is officially upon us, running from 13-14 October, and so naturally we’re keeping our eyes peeled for some amazing lifestyle deals, among these being smartwatches.

Smartwatches have become a staple of millennial life - and from recording our step count and answering calls to receiving texts and emails on our wrists, we've forgotten what life is actually like without them.

While they are now considered a necessity, smartwatches are also extremely expensive, meaning that when there's a good deal, the whole world tends to go for it.

As Amazon Prime Day hits, we can look forward to a two-day sale on Smartwatches - and with offerings from HUAWEI, Vigorun and Samsung to Ticwatch and KOSPET, they're sure to go fast!

Shop the amazing deals below:

DEALS IN FULL

HUAWEI WATCH GT 2e Smartwatch (Mint Green) - Was £159.99, now £94.99, Amazon.co.uk

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 2e Smartwatch features a 1.39 inch AMOLED HD touchscreen, with a 2-week battery life, GPS and GLONASS. Also expect 6 sports modes, 15 sports activities tracking and heart rate monitoring. The watch comes in Mint Green, Graphite Black, Icy White and Lava Red.

VIEW DEAL

HUAWEI WATCH GT 2e Smartwatch (Graphite Black) - Was £159.99, now £94.99, Amazon.co.uk

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 2e Smartwatch features a 1.39 inch AMOLED HD touchscreen, with a 2-week battery life, GPS and GLONASS. Also expect 6 sports modes, 15 sports activities tracking and heart rate monitoring. The watch comes in Mint Green, Icy White, Graphite Black and Lava Red.

VIEW DEAL

HUAWEI WATCH GT 2e Smartwatch (Lava Red) - Was £159.99, now £94.99, Amazon.co.uk

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 2e Smartwatch features a 1.39 inch AMOLED HD touchscreen, with a 2-week battery life, GPS and GLONASS. Also expect 6 sports modes, 15 sports activities tracking and heart rate monitoring. The watch comes in Mint Green, Icy White, Graphite Black and Lava Red.

VIEW DEAL

HUAWEI WATCH GT 2e Smartwatch (Icy white) - Was £159.99, now £94.99, Amazon.co.uk

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 2e Smartwatch features a 1.39 inch AMOLED HD touchscreen, with a 2-week battery life, GPS and GLONASS. Also expect 6 sports modes, 15 sports activities tracking and heart rate monitoring. The watch comes in Icy White, Mint Green, Graphite Black and Lava Red.

VIEW DEAL

HUAWEI Watch GT 2 (42 mm) Smart Watch (Lake Cyan) - Was £179.99, now £97.50, Amazon.co.uk

The HUAWEI Watch GT 2 Smart Watch features a 1.2 Inch AMOLED display, with a 3D glass screen and a 1-week battery life. It also includes GPS, 15 sport modes and real-time heart rate monitoring. This smartwatch comes in the colour-way, Lake Cyan.

VIEW DEAL

Samsung Galaxy Bluetooth Watch 42mm (Rose Gold) - Was £227.35, now £179, Amazon.co.uk

The Samsung Galaxy Bluetooth Smartwatch comes in Rose Gold, with the 46mm model offering Samsung pay, a built-in GPS, Spotify, and of course Smart wellness, tracking up to 40 different exercises and monitoring heart rate and nutritional goals. It also has a 7 day battery life.

VIEW DEAL

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 40mm (Black) - Was £162.92, now £139, Amazon.co.uk

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Active features a 40mm water resistant screen, giving you access to messages and music, as well as Intelligent fitness. We're talking an on-board sensor tracking heart rate, a sleep monitor and a build-in GPS. Plus, a single charge will give you at least a 45-hour battery.

VIEW DEAL

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 40mm Silver - Was £160.40, now £139, Amazon.co.uk

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Active features a 40mm water resistant screen, giving you access to messages and music, as well as Intelligent fitness. We're talking an on-board sensor tracking heart rate, a sleep monitor and a build-in GPS. Plus, a single charge will give you at least a 45-hour battery.

VIEW DEAL

Samsung Galaxy Watch Bluetooth 42mm (Midnight Black) - Was £238.60, now £179, Amazon.co.uk

The Samsung Galaxy Watch in Midnight Black features a 42mm screen, keeping you connected with notifications and calls. It also monitors activity, tracks your wellness routine and follows your route with a built-in GPS.

VIEW DEAL

Samsung Galaxy Watch Bluetooth 46mm (Silver) - Was £230.58, now £199, Amazon.co.uk

The Samsung Galaxy Watch in Silver features a 46mm screen, keeping you connected with notifications and calls. It also monitors activity, tracks your wellness routine and follows your route with the built-in GPS.

VIEW DEAL

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Smart Watch (Aqua Black) - Was £319, now £239, Amazon.co.uk

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Under Armour Edition comes in Aqua black, with an AMOLED display. It uses multiple sensors and real-time data to act as a wellness coach and sleep tracker, also monitoring heart rate and blood pressure.

VIEW DEAL

Ticwatch Pro 2020 Smartwatch (Black) - Was £222.99, now £138.57, Amazon.co.uk

The Ticwatch Pro 2020 Smartwatch is water resistant, coming with a layered display, 1GB RAM and a long battery life. It also includes 24H heart rate monitoring, GPS and sleep tracking.

VIEW DEAL

Ticwatch C2 Classic Smartwatch - Was £179.99, now £111.97, Amazon.co.uk

The Ticwatch C2 Classic Smartwatch comes with GPS, a heart-rate monitor, a Google Assistant and Google Pay - also featuring a stainless steel watch case and a genuine leather strap.

VIEW DEAL

Vigorun Smart Watch - Was £49.99, now £24.29, Amazon.co.uk

The Vigorun Smart Watch offers a colourful touch screen, fitness trackers, multiple sports modes, music control, a sleep monitor, sedentary reminders and a 10-day battery life.

VIEW DEAL

KOSPET Smart Watch - Was £79.99, now £37.72, Amazon.co.uk

The KOSPET Smart Watch features a 1.3 inch touch screen, with an ultra long battery life (60 days). Expect 10 sports modes, a fitness tracker with a heart rate monitor for men and women, and two straps.

VIEW DEAL

The Smartwatches offers run until midnight on 14th October so you'll need to act fast.

Happy Smartwatch shopping!

Get your hands on one here....

A ring light is the latest influencer necessity - and if you haven’t heard about it, you need to. Ring lights are a piece of portable (ring-shaped) lighting tech that casts an even light on your face, reducing shadows and minimising blemishes.

Essentially, they make you look camera-ready, with influencers, models and make up artists swearing by them. Just put up your tripod, clip your phone into the centre of the ring, plug the cord into a USB port and voila! Which is why we've already snapped up this influencer approved ring light for £22.99.

View the amazing Ring Light deal below:

DEAL IN FULL:

Creatck 8" LED Ring Light with Tripod Stand Was £39.99, now £22.99, Amazon.co.uk

At 43% off in the Amazon Prime Day sale, the Creatck 8" LED Ring Light is an absolute steal, coming with a tripod stand, three dimmable light modes, a mobile phone holder and a USB outlet.

VIEW DEAL

Amazon Prime deals are running until 14 October at midnight, but we suggest you act fast just incase - becasue you never know when *another* Zoom call is about to happen...

Happy shopping!

Whatever happened to not letting our left hand know what our right hand's up to?

Remember the ice bucket challenge? Kicking off in the sweet summer of 2014, the campaign saw scores of us (including Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates) pour literal buckets of ice cold water over our heads, while a friend or parent recorded the phenomenon, all in the name of charity.

And it sort of opened up the floodgates for social media based fundraising. From selfie challenges to sweaty post-5k run pics, we’ve become fairly accustomed to using Instagram to showcase our charitable deeds and persuade others to do the same.

While many would argue it’s a wonderful way to raise awareness and funds for worthy causes (the ice bucket challenge racked up over $115 million to help combat ALS), others are of the opinion that some people are out to simply promote, well, themselves.

And apparently a fair few of us are guilty of this.

Curious to discover the main reason people give to charity, Giving Assistant surveyed over 2,000 people to find out their motivations behind donating – and as many as 40% admitted to giving to charity simply so they could post about it on social media.

Scary, right? It’s not all bad though, as 35% revealed they give to charity in the hopes of inspiring others. From this point of view, we can see Instagram's potential to be a fantastic platform for promoting charitable causes – as people’s own actions can inspire friends, far and wide, to give to causes important to them.

And for most of us, social media has nothing to do with it. With 77% of us admitting to feeling a sense of duty to give back to a society juggling so many issues (such as the pandemic, incoming recession, poverty and climate change, to name a few…), our own personal values topped the list as being the main reason why most of us donate to charities.

The second most popular reason why participants donate was found to be due to their own personal and life changing experiences, with 72% revealing that losing a loved one to terminal illness or recovering from trauma helped educate them on what the help of a charity does.

As many as 57% of people said their charitable donations came down to celebrity influence, with the top three most influential public figures being listed as Michelle Obama, Meghan Markle and Barbara Streisand.

Curious to see what other motivations people have for giving to charity? Check out the full list below…

The main reasons Brits have for giving to charity:

1. Personal values - 77%

2. Believing in the cause - 72%

3. Celebrity influence - 67%

4. To feel good - 51%

5. For personal image/reputation - 43%

6. To feel like they have contributed to change - 41%

7. To post on social media - 40%

8. To influence others - 35%

9. Guilt - 17%

10. Faith/religion - 11%

Instagram boasts over 500 million active users every day, and content is shared and consumed in a number of ways - whether it's to workout from home with an Instagram Live, show of your favourite brunch hotspot on Stories or find fashion inspiration on feeds.

And now, the social media giant has added a new feature: Reels.

You may have already seen a number of influencers making the most of it today, but what is it and how does it work?

Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels is a new way of creating video content on the app whereby you can add effects, music and multiple clips to create short films.

The popularity of short-form video has risen thanks to apps like TikTok, and now Instagram is offering users the chance to create quick and entertaining content through the new feature.

What is Instagram Reels?

The videos, which can be up to 15 seconds long, are shared with your friends and followers and also discoverable via the Explore space to other users if your account in public. They can be posted to Stories - either with close friends or by DM - if you want them to remain within your audience.

It also provides AR effects and music from an extensive library, and video editing tools to create quick and easy-to-watch clips.

While the similarities between the new feature and TikTok have been noted, Vishal Shah, Instagram's vice president of product, told the Press Association: '[Introducing] Stories in 2016 was one where we give full credit to Snapchat in terms of inventing the format and we then absolutely took it and made it our own.

'I think of short-form video in very much the same vein - TikTok certainly didn't invent short-form video, I think they've done a lot of really amazing work to make it their own, and I think we've been inspired by that great work, but then want to take that and integrate that into Instagram in a different way.'

How to use Instagram Reels

Instagram has provided the following instructions for anyone who wants to use the feature:

• Select Reels at the bottom of the Instagram camera. You’ll see a variety of creative editing tools on the left side of your screen that you can use to create your reel, including Music, AR Effects, Align Tool, Timer and others. Reels can be recorded in a series of clips (one at a time), all at once, or using video uploads from your gallery.
• Record the first clip by pressing and holding the capture button. You’ll see a progress indicator at the top of the screen as you record. Stop recording to end each clip.
• Once your reel is ready, choose the share button, where you can change the cover image, add a caption, hashtags, and tag your friends. You can also save a draft of your reel if you want to pause and come back to it.
• After you share your reel, it will live on a separate Reels tab on your profile, where people can find the reels you’ve shared. You’ll be able to see likes and comments, and how many times your reel has been played.
• Whether you have a public or private account, you can share your reel to your Story, close friends, or in a direct message. If you opt to do so, your reel will behave like a regular Story — it will not be shared to Reels in Explore, will not appear on your profile, and will disappear after 24 hours.

Reels will be available in over 50 countries, including the UK as well as the US, India, Brazil, France, Japan and Australia and is currently found in the latest version of the app for iOS and Android.

Get reeling!

Online events of remembrance and reflection for the Grenfell Tower tragedy will take place on June 14

We are currently living through another tragedy, Covid-19, but as Grenfell Tower's third anniversary approaches, it's imperative we remember those who lost their lives in the blaze.

Sunday June 14 will mark exactly three years since the fire. In keeping with the past two years, it will be a day of remembrance and mourning. But this year events of remembrance and reflection will be online.

Throughout the day we are all invited to join virtually from our homes, and the memorial has been planned as part of a day of remembrance instead of large crowds visiting the tower. At 11am a virtual church service, organised and hosted by Clarrie Mendy, who lost relatives in the fire, will take place. The link will be shared in the coming days here.

During the afternoon and evening, conversations with the Grenfell community, supporters and guests will be hosted on Instagram Live (join at instagram.com/grenfell_united), instead of the usual Grenfell Silent Walk, which attracted thousands of people and is simply impossible due to the pandemic.

At 6pm, those who wish to can join through YouTube (youtube.com/grenfellunited) for Grenfell United: Online Remembrance and Reflection. This is to remember the 72 lives lost and reflect on our ongoing journey to justice and change.

The YouTube streaming will show three Bethnal Green churches, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey ringing their bells 72 times to mark the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire. The ringing will be followed by a two-minute silence and vigil.

Churches that have not signed up to ring their bells but would like to can email emma.hughes@london.anglican.org for more information.

Landmarks across London are also expected to be bathed in green light — the colour of Grenfell campaign for justice.

The virtual memorial shows it is still possible to show solidarity and raise our voices together. Even apart we remain together until justice comes.

Next week the world's most innovative tech festival is going virtual and, trust us, you don't want to miss it...

Technology is developing fast and improving our lives in ways we could never have anticipated, from twitter hashtags prompting political movements to the cars we drive actually telling us our horoscopes.

But with the good must come the bad, and the alarming presence of fake news stories, data breaches and online abuse serves to remind us that emerging technologies can pose as many problems to the world as they can solutions.

This is why it's vital that we understand our relationship with technology, ensuring that together we can use it to change lives for the better.

Marie Claire wants to help, which is why we're joining forces with CEOs, entrepreneurs, scientists, artists and activists at the 2020 Virtual CogX Summit. Together, we want to start an online conversation about the future of the emerging technology community.

What can I expect from CogX 2020?

Taking place from 8th-10th June, CogX is a dynamic virtual event, set to bring together 30,000 attendees and 600 speakers, including world-famous anthropologist Jane Goodall and Samantha Power, Former United States Ambassador to the UN.

In a time when we're facing health problems of pandemic proportions, climate emergency and cyber security threats, it's never been more important to utilise technology as a force for positive change - so with the theme of this year's Virtual Cogx focusing on 'getting the next 10 years right', it couldn't be a better time to join the conversation.

Offering seminars on what work will look like in a post-COVID world, the use of technology to combat climate change and how our relationship with technology is changing the way different cultures think, the three-day conference will help attendees understand how artificial intelligence and technology will change the global landscape over the next decade.

Developed to deliver a truly interactive digital experience, the festival will include virtual meet-the-speaker break out sessions, invigorating round table discussions and speed networking events. With participants being able to take part regardless of where they are in the world, this year's CogX is set to be the most diverse and accessible yet.

Where to find Marie Claire at CogX

Tuesday 9th at 8am: Female Leaders in Tech Breakfast - ‘Closing the gender gap in STEM’ How can we encourage more women and girls into STEM careers to build a future that incorporates the needs and voices of women? In this session, we explore why in the UK just 24% of STEM roles are held by women, and look at barriers to women pursuing careers in STEM with a diverse panel of speakers from across the tech industry. Topics we’ll be covering include how schools, colleges and government can come together to encourage girls to consider careers based on STEM subjects and the need for employers to take an active role in making STEM careers more appealing to female employees so that women are equally represented in the sector. Showcasing the Future Shapers and also how to inspire more women to go into this area.

‘Tuesday 9th at 10am: At the Global Leadership Summit – ‘There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish’ Michelle Obama's words reflect female empowerment and how important it is for the female voice to be heard. With FTSE Boards and Parliament now having just over 30% of women involved how can this change to reflect society even more. Has a woman's role gone backwards in the home during the pandemic and how can we ensure diversity across all sectors is encouraged

Wednesday 10th at 2.30pm: Lab to Live stage - ‘Virtual Beauty Shoot - the new way forward’ Lisa Oxenham, Marie Claire’s Beauty and Style Director is joined by photographer Benjamin Kaufmann and videographer Nick Tree to discuss the new concept of the Virtual Beauty Shoot – the process, the production, and how it will change the way we shoot editorial images forever.

Wednesday 10th at 3pm: Createch stage - ‘Beyond Print’ Emily Ferguson Marie Claire’s e-Commerce Director takes to the stage to discuss strategies to diversify away from traditional print revenues to create a strong digital foundation based on automated technologies, machine learning and finding touch points across the whole purchase funnel. Whilst leveraging the power of the Marie Claire brand and it’s editorial voice.

How to get your ticket

We’re pleased to be able to offer a limited number of free tickets to friends of Marie Claire and TI Media, and would be delighted if you would join Andrea Thompson, Editor in Chief, and the Marie Claire team as our guest at the Virtual CogX festival 2020.

To secure your 3-day festival ticket, click here and add the code at the checkout: CPMCSFP1000

It's time to join the conversation.

Did you know the internet is 32 years old this year? But even its inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee is calling for urgent action to make it a safer place for women and girls

It's hard to believe the internet is 32 this March. This epoch-changing technology and resource has brought us closer to loved ones, provided endless entertainment (hello memes) and expanded our cultural knowledge. The web is celebrated worldwide but for the millions of women and girls across the globe facing online abuse, the web remains a very dangerous place.

The inventor of the World Wide Web couldn't agree more. Last year, Sir Tim Berners-Lee wrote an open letter on its 31st birthday, stating that amid a 'growing crisis' of women facing sexual harassment, threatening messages and discrimination online, his creation 'is not working for women and girls.'

Gender equality is on the line

Sir Tim's candid letter was released alongside research carried out by his Web Foundation, revealing more than half of young women have experienced violence on the internet. A shocking 87% of those surveyed believe the problem is just getting worse.

Berners-Lee voiced his concern this abuse threatens the progress of gender equality, as it continually "forces women out of jobs and causes girls to skip school, damages relationships and leads to tremendous distress".

He also cited the role of artificial intelligence algorithms in stunting gender equality, referring to Amazon's scrapped hiring software which reportedly taught itself to prefer male over female job candidates.

Calling on everyone to take action against these inequalities and create a safer space, Sir Tim wrote: 'It's up to all of us to make the web work for everyone.'

Fixing these problems requires the attention 'of all those who shape technology', with Berners-Lee demanding companies immediately start taking measures to more effectively represent women online. Such measures include the collecting and publishing of more data on women's experiences online, and the design of more products and services based on data and feedback from women of all backgrounds.

He also urged governments to strengthen laws holding online abusers to account, and urged witnesses of online abuse to speak up.

The world-changing computer scientist said the coronavirus outbreak reflected the need for urgent action, because with cities in shutdown, the web provides a 'lifeline' letting us work from home and students to continue their education.

Creating virtual safe spaces

Many leading institutions have welcomed Sir Tim's warning. Rose Caldwell, CEO of Plan International UK said: "While social media and the internet offer many advantages for girls, our research shows that the issues and inequalities affecting girls offline, such as sexual harassment, bullying and body image pressures, are mirrored, and often amplified, online."

Plan International UK's 'Girls Shout Out' initiative is a safe space on existing social media channels, that Caldwell says, "girls can share and discuss the issues that affect them online".

Creating more safe online spaces however, forms only part of the solution. "The government must increase their scrutiny of how social media companies handle abuse against girls," said Caldwell. "And empower girls to feel confident in reporting inappropriate online behaviours."

#TextForHumanity is the world’s first texting switchboard, inviting us all to send a positive message to a stranger – and receive one in return…

From Blue Monday (reportedly the most depressing day of the year) happening earlier this week to a recent report revealing that more than half of adults consider themselves lonely - the need for positivity and goodwill is seriously needed more than ever.

So we definitely approve of the creation of the world’s first texting switchboard, #TextforHumanity. The service, provided by Swedish cloud communications provider Sinch and Mental Health America (a nonprofit organisation dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness), enables strangers from around the globe to send and receive up to five daily messages of positivity. So far, so positive.

It has been developed in response to recent studies showing that although we’re more connected than ever thanks to social media and smart devices, poor mental health and social isolation prevail, affecting people of all ages. With this in mind, a study by the Royal Horticultural Society found that one in five adults believe social media has taken over communication.

‘Although we’re using our phones to communicate 24/7, many often feel worse mentally, not happier,’ says Jonathan Bean, Sinch’s Chief Marketing Officer. ‘People are rightly asking tough questions of the digital and social tech that’s become so ingrained in our lives so quickly. It prompted us to think – what if we could harness mobile communication as a pushback against online negativity, instead of a trigger?’

The service will initially run only in English, and users can send and receive up to five positive texts from strangers around the world within 24 hours. You can opt out at any time by simply replying STOP to the service.

And so, from Hungary to Singapore and Sweden, here’s how to get involved:

1) Visit textforhumanity.com

2) Locate your local number – the UK’s is (+44) 7480 357 002 .

3) Text JOIN to the number.

4) The service will ask for a couple of simple details. All data is stored securely, and no personal or identifying details will be known or shared.

5) Write a short text that will make someone smile. It needs to be within 160 characters, and there’s tips to help get started on TextForHumanity.com.

6) #TextForHumanity will share your message with a stranger somewhere in the world, and in return you will receive a positive message from a stranger.

We all love our phones, but it’s time for our phones to love us back. If each of us can help brighten someone’s day, and lift up their overall mental wellbeing, we're very here for it.

We're tuning in...

2020 marks a new year, with our #happyYOUyear campaign encouraging a focus on self-love over self-improvement.

There's no better way to practice self-care than through a podcast, and with a commute to and from work to tune in, there's no better time. But which podcast should you opt for?

Here are 5 podcasts to help you love yourself in 2020...

1. Happy Place

Fearne Cotton's podcast, Happy Place, is a self-love focused interview series boasting some very famous names. From Hillary Clinton and Kirsty Young to Lena Headey and Kris Hallenga, guests share their happy places and coping mechanisms for navigating a stress-filled life. Whether you're looking for practical advice or an escape, you can't go wrong with Happy Place.

2. Oprah's Super Soul Conversations

No self-love podcast list would be complete without Oprah's Super Soul Conversations - it is impossible to come away without loving yourself more.

Oprah's Super Soul Conversations are a series of intimate interviews with high profile figures, from CEOs to thought leaders. Salma Hayek talks making peace with herself, Maya Angelou reveals the best advice she has ever received, and Alanis Morissette explains why temporary happiness is ok.

3. Happy In Your Skin

Lea Alexandra’s Happy In Your Skin podcast is an essential for millennials. Its aim? Spreading skin positivity and self-love - and it 100% succeeds. From finding the funny side of acne and dealing with internet trolls to hacks to stop obsessing and stressing over your spot problems, this podcast will help you fall in love with your skin.

4. Offline

Offline isn't as known in the UK, based in Australia, but it's definitely worth a listen. Hosted by Australian journalist Alison Rice, the podcast features a series of conversations with inspiring and high profile Australian women, going behind their Instagram profiles and analysing how their true personalities are different from their online presences.

For anyone who needs a reminder that social media isn't real life, this is a must-listen.

5. The High Low

The weekly pop-culture and news podcast isn't focused on self-love, but with Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes at the helm, a listen is chicken soup for the soul - comforting, warm and familiar. You will come away loving yourself, and the Panda to your Dolly even more.

Follow our 2020 campaign to trade self-improvement for self-love this year.

Happy YOU year!

Users of the social media platform are being urged to consider their words before posting

Listen up, everyone. Instagram is going to warn users when it detects potentially bullying language in captions, in a bid to encourage people to reconsider their words before sharing.

The social media app, owned by Facebook, has said it will use artificial intelligence to spot possibly hurtful words, and alert the user to this.

How? Well, you'll see a message that tells you the caption written looks similar to others that have previously been complained about. You can then choose to edit it, learn more about what it has been flagged up, or carry on and post it regardless.

Instagram introduced a similar feature in July, which warned users if it thought their comments on other people's posts contained bullying or offensive language. The company says that nudging people to reconsider posting potentially hurtful comments has had 'promising' results in the company’s fight against online bullying.

The feature attempts to modify the behaviour of bullies on Instagram, and the social media giant said, 'This intervention gives people a chance to reflect and undo their comment and prevents the recipient from receiving the harmful comment notification. From early tests of this feature, we have found that it encourages some people to undo their comment and share something less hurtful once they have had a chance to reflect.'

The new feature is rolling out in select countries for now, but it will expand globally in the coming months. It comes amid criticism that Instagram has not acted quickly enough to remove abusive and potentially dangerous content from the platform.

'We've heard from young people in our community that they're reluctant to block, unfollow, or report their bully because it could escalate the situation, especially if they interact with their bully in real life,' the company stated.

Another new feature called Restrict will allow users to secretly block bullies. Once someone is placed on Restrict, comments on victim's posts from that person will only be visible to the bully.

We're pleased by this news.

The social media giant is trialling the move to cultivate a healthier online space

Social media users, listen up - Instagram likes will disappear in parts of the US next week, in a move by the company to remove the element of 'pressure' and to stop it feeling 'like a competition'.

This is not the first time the company has temporarily introduced the measure. Earlier this year Italy, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Japan and New Zealand were some of the countries to experience having their 'likes' hidden from posts - and the move received mixed reviews.

Concern over the removal of public engagement metrics that would be damaging for Instagram professionals like influencers (whose numbers are an important signal to potential customers or clients), was raised – while other users welcomed the change of reducing comparison to others.

With news about the US circulating, some Twitter users took to the platform to joke that influencers will now be ‘out of a job’ and ‘have to return to the real world’.

Rapper Nicki Minaj also had her say on the photo-sharing platform announcing plans to stop displaying the number of 'likes' on posts. She tweeted, 'I’m not posting on IG after this week cuz they removing the likes. Hmmmm what should I get into now? Think of all the time I’ll have with my new life.'

Adam Mosseri, Instagram CEO, explained the decision by saying, 'We’ve been testing making likes private on Instagram in a number of countries this year. We’re expanding those tests to include a small portion of people in the US next week. Looking forward to the feedback!'

He added to Bloomberg, 'What we’re hoping to do is depressurise Instagram a little bit, and make it a bit less of a competition. The idea is to try and reduce anxiety and social comparisons, specifically with an eye towards young people.'

It's clear the social media giant is attempting to make positive changes. Instagram has previously introduced an algorithm to censor offensive comments or pictures and it also launched a tool that lets users report fake news.

Last month it was was announced that Instagram face filters - that allow users to look as though they have undergone plastic surgery - were to be removed too.

When likes on Instagram are made private, this means that only users are able to see the number of likes their posts receive. When other users look at their posts, they are only able to see the name of one account that has liked a picture, in addition to 'others'.

While chasing likes can most certainly lead to a hollow existence, and removing them could ease social pressure when it comes to popularity and likability - there's still a long way to go when it comes to improving users' wellbeing.

iPhones have come a long, long way since 2007. The newest member of the Apple pack has a camera that absolutely everybody is raving about, and it even includes a pet portrait mode (because the perfect shots of the dog are really important, okay?).

But if there is one thing that's irked us about the iPhone since it's creation twelve years ago it's the fact that it autocorrects one particular swear word to 'ducking' every. Single. Time.

Not only does this dull the impact of the chosen profanity, how often do people really use the word 'ducking' unless they're pro boxers? Or constantly messaging their friends about avoiding flying objects aimed in their direction?

However, if you're desperate to put the 'f'' back next to 'ucking', there's a very simple way of stopping your iPhone from autocorrecting to 'ducking'.

Back in 2017, a tweet explained how to do it - but it's gaining traction again because some people missed it the first time around.

'This may honestly be the smartest idea I’ve ever had,' user @messily tweeted.

Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement.

By changing the shortcut to 'ducking', it'll automatically autocorrect to the word you were initially going for.

Hurrah for that.

And it works for absolutely any shortcut you want/need on your phone. 'Omw' can automatically update to 'on my way'. 'Nm' can become 'never mind' instantly. And it's an amazing way to write out your in-jokes without having to type the whole thing out.

So there you go - you learn something new everyday.

Earlier this year, Instagram announced that they would be rolling out a new feature which hides likes. It was trialled in New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, Japan and Brazil in an attempt to 'remove the pressure' so that people can continue to share the things they love (selfies with your dog, Sunday brunch, a funny throwback to when you had 90s eyebrows).

However, that hasn't stopped people from trying to beat the algorithm and chase engagement, hoping for the best when they post pictures of their excellent cut crease or getaway in the Seychelles.

And if you're hoping to get more likes/comments/love on your snaps, marketing platform Later.com (via Bustle) has revealed that there's a small posting window that ensures maximum engagement.

So when is it? While you're commuting? Grabbing a meal deal at lunchtime? While you're curled up with Netflix after a long day in the office?

After analysing 12 million Instagram posts, they found that the best time to post on Instagram is actually between 9am and 11am.

However, you should also bear in mind that while you're getting through the morning your followers might be packing up for the day or heading to bed depending on where they live.

But it's worth noting that not all evidence suggests this to be true. Forbes claims that the time to post for optimum likes is any time between 9am and 6pm, Tuesday to Friday.

Hmmm.

If you're really keen on getting likes, then you could try both ways and see which one works for you.

Alternatively, you could just post whenever it suits you. If you get comments congratulating your choice of photo and/or hilarious caption, great! But if you don't then hey ho, maybe next time.

FaceApp has made a very controversial revival

Over the past week you've probably seen countless people on Instagram using the FaceApp 'old age' filter. Celebs, influencers, your next door neighbour - everyone is giving it a go to see what they may look like in years to come.

FaceApp, which first appeared on the scene in 2017, uses artificial intelligence to change photos so that users look younger, older or a different gender.

Whether it’s a friend posting a picture of their wrinkled face in the group Whatsapp, or Instagram FaceApp challenges being posted by the likes of Drake and the Queer Eye gang, we’ve all witnessed someone testing out the latest face-altering trend

Although it may seem like a harmless source of amusement, serious security concerns have been raised about the app after a Twitter user pointed out its problematic terms and services.

One huge issue is that through using the app, you could be allowing it unequivocal use over the image of your face, which could later be shared on a public or commercial forum.

The full terms of the app read: ‘You grant FaceApp a perpetual, irrevocable, nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, fully-paid, transferable sub-licensable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, publicly perform and display your User Content and any name, username or likeness provided in connection with your User Content in all media formats and channels now known or later developed, without compensation to you.’

The words ‘perpetual’, ‘irrevocable and ‘world-wide’ mean that even if you use the app just once, the company can use it for promotional purposes anywhere in the world, and you might not even realise.

The terms also state that FaceApp has license to use the content irrespective of ‘whether it includes an individuals name, likeness, voice or persona, sufficient to indicate the individual’s identity.’

The company has since addressed concerns by stating that the images are deleted soon after they’re uploaded.

For all we know, FaceApp could be perfectly safe, but in light of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, we should also be wary that the security concerns being raised certainly aren’t beyond the realms of possibility.

Whether or not FaceApp poses a threat to our privacy, it has kick-started an important conversation that will hopefully force us to consider how our data is being used before sharing it with apps, new and old alike.

It's estimated that 1 billion people use Instagram every month to share photos, upload videos and find inspiration for everything from new recipes to beauty hacks.

However, in recent years experts have warned that social media platforms can contribute to poor mental health. A study by The Royal Society for Public Health claimed that 'social media may be fuelling a mental health crisis' and 'may be driving feelings of inadequacy and anxiety in young people'. New York University professor Adam Alter, author of Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked explains that when we get 'likes' on social media our brain releases dopamine, known as the pleasure chemical. But when we don't get the response we're hoping for it can increase feelings of loneliness, according to another report.

In an attempt to tackle this, Instagram has announced that they will be trialling a new feature which hides how many likes your photos get in order to 'remove pressure'.

It was tested in Canada earlier this year and has now been rolled out in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, Japan and Brazil. While the users will still be able to see how many people have 'liked' their photos and videos, their followers won't see the number. Instead, there will be a vague 'liked by others' message underneath.

The idea is that it will reduce feelings of inadequacy when it comes to how many 'likes' your uploads get, with Mia Garlick, Facebook Australia and New Zealand director of policy, telling the BBC: 'We hope this test will remove the pressure of how many likes a post will receive, so you can focus on sharing the things you love.'

They hope that 'this change can help people focus less on likes and more on telling their story.' When the feature was tested in Canada, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri said: 'We want people to worry a little bit less about how many likes they're getting on Instagram and spend a bit more time connecting with the people that they care about.'

If you dare

Think back to a time before social media was what it is today, when the biggest decision of your teenage life was what MSN handle to use and you became a bit of a coding whizz thanks to the hours spent creating the perfect MySpace page.

Now, imagine revisiting all of the things you wrote/shared/commented on all those years ago. Ah, yes, we do have that - Facebook memories. The unwelcome appearance of the wall-to-wall messages you used to leave so publicly back in the day, the ones that give you a fright when you're already dealing with Monday dread.

But we're talking more about the way you used to describe yourself when carving out your digital personality - like quotes, lyrics, and emojis spelling out your relationship status.

While we can't take you on a trip down memory lane to MSN or MySpace (mainly because who even remembers their log in details for either?), we can reveal that there's a way to find out what your old Instagram bios used to be, and it's really simple.

That's right - if you're keen to find out what you thought would make you sound edgy and interesting back when the app launched in 2010, the knowledge is right at your fingertips.

Twitter user @Morgan_McGuire2 shared how to find all of your old Instagram bios - just incase you want a cringey reminder.

'If you want a giggle do this... Go to insta/Settings/Security/Access data/Former bio texts. It will show you anything and everything you have ever set ur bio to and it is cringy and funny asf,' she tweeted.

Naturally, the Twitterverse has been sharing their findings underneath the original tweet and previous bios include everything from details about heartbreak to some very emosh lyrics.

Fancy going back into your Instagram bio history?

You know what to do.

Here's everything you need to know

WhatsApp - it might not have existed ten years ago but it's now one of the most downloaded apps ever, making Apple's top 20 free apps list last year. It reportedly boasts 1.5 billion users across 180 countries. Great for group chats, quick calls and sharing updates about your terrible Tinder dates, even the royals use it (Prince Harry shared his baby news on the family group chat, apparently).

But a new update hasn't gone down too well with WhatsApp users.

This week, at Facebook's annual Marketing Summit in the Netherlands, a new advert feature was announced which will reportedly be similar to Instagram's 'swipe up'.

When Mark Zuckerberg bought the app for a cool $19 million back in 2014, he said it would never be an advertising platform - so when the change was revealed users were, understandably, less than impressed.

Attendee Olivier Ponteville shared information about the update with his followers on Twitter, detailing that the ads will appear within WhatsApp Statuses by 2020.

Twitter users shared their opinion on the advert feature, with some vowing to switch to an alternative messaging app and others planning to leave the 'Facebook family' completely.

'Time to leave WhatsApp and the complete Facebook family,' one person wrote.

'Oh well, time to look for an alternative then,' another said.

A third added: 'Well, it was nice while it lasted, bye bye WhatsApp.'

Of course, there are other ways to message your friends/colleagues/dating app matches. You can actually text them! It still exists! Even if the only ones you currently receive are from Dominoes and your mum.

Will this new ad feature change the way you use WhatsApp? Would you consider downloading an alternative app in order to avoid the ads? Or are you completely indifferent about the updates and happy to continue using it?

Let us know on Twitter or Facebook @marieclaireuk.

Yesterday it was revealed that Instagram might start hiding likes, after the testing prototype was leaked.

Instagram said it wanted 'your followers to focus on what you share, not how many likes your posts get. During this test, only the person who shares a post will see the total number of likes it gets.'

If the new design gets rolled out, it means only the poster will see the amount of likes his or her post gets, but followers will just see that the post was liked, but not how many times. It's common practice to delete posts when they don't immediately get enough likes, so this would put a stop to it.

The platform hopes that this will reduce herd mentality, and will prompt users to post more creative content. It's also likely to reduce competition between users on Instagram, which has been proved to affect mental health.

But how will this affect influencers, who often secure paid posts based on the amount of likes they get, as well as engagement?

I spoke to a couple who are surprisingly positive about it. Alex Light, who currently has 41.6k followers, told me, 'I actually think it will be a good way to shift the focus from likes to good content.'

'Influencers get so laser-focused about the amount of likes that their post gets (because that's the instant, visible marker of a post's success) that they create their content according to what gets liked. If likes are scrapped, we can instead concentrate on creating better content that is meaningful to the individual, hopefully making Instagram a more 'authentic' place,' she adds.

Brighton-based Hannah Crosskey (107k followers) agrees. 'I wouldn't mind either way if they do roll it out, as I think it'll allow us to be more creative rather that shooting a certain way, with a certain filter just for engagement'.

Instagram confirmed it was testing ways to reduce pressure on its platform, but didn't say whether this would definitely be rolled out. It would certainly be interesting to see the focus shift on authentic engagement, rather than likes which we know can be bought easily.

That only took two years...

What did we do before emojis? We can’t remember, with emoticons now able to illustrate every aspect of our lives - well, almost.

While the avocado and the ginger haired emojis have finally landed in our keyboards, there are still some very important icons missing.

From transgender emojis to period icons, people have been campaigning for important symbols to break down stigma, and today it seems we took a step forward.

As of this week it has been announced that the period emoji, shaped like a blood drop, has received the go-ahead and is expected to land in smartphone keyboards worldwide this spring.

A period emoji is a long time coming, with over 55,000 people calling for the icon to be added to the global emoji keyboard last year, with Plan International UK leading the campaign.

Why? To help break down the silence, stigma and taboos surrounding periods, with Plan’s findings revealing a need for more accessible ways of talking about menstruation.

‘The inclusion of an emoji which can express what 800 million women around the world are experiencing every month is a huge step towards normalizing periods and smashing the stigma which surrounds them,’ announced Lucy Russell, Head of Girls Rights and Youth at Plan International UK.

‘For years we’ve obsessively silenced and euphemized periods. As experts in girls’ rights, we know that this has a negative impact on girls; girls feel embarrassed to talk about their periods, they’re missing out, and they can suffer health implications as a consequence. An emoji isn’t going to solve this, but it can help change the conversation. Ending the shame around periods begins with talking about it.’

‘A period emoji can help normalize periods in everyday conversation,’ agreed Carmen Barlow, Digital Strategy and Development Manager at Plan International UK. ‘For an organisation like Unicode to recognize that menstruation should be represented in this new global language is a huge step towards breaking down a global culture of shame around periods.’

While there has been dispute over the icon itself, there's one thing everyone can agree on - this is definitely a step in the right direction.