“Every so often, a groundbreaking product emerges that reshapes our reality.” Steve Jobs during the 2007 Apple presentation. Tech executives often hype their innovations, but this proclamation was substantiated. The iPhone not only popularized apps but also introduced compact, powerful computers into our daily lives.
However, this transformation comes with drawbacks. Much like a snail retreating into its shell, we can retreat into our devices at any moment, breeding social anxiety. Coupled with safety issues, numerous countries have restricted mobile phone use in educational settings, and Australia has implemented a total ban on social media for users under 16 as of December 2025. Additionally, reliance on a constantly connected device can diminish our sense of privacy, according to data scientists like Mar Hicks of the University of Virginia. “This technology is acclimating users to significantly less privacy, not only in public spaces but also within the privacy of their own homes.”
Smartphones transcend their basic function, emphasizing their role in our lives, as anthropologist Daniel Miller from University College London notes. “They’ve expanded our personal space,” he articulates. These handheld digital environments allow for seamless access to the virtual worlds of our friends and family, resulting in a continuous navigation between our physical and digital existence.
The global influence of smartphones is undeniable. According to GSMA, the mobile operators’ industry association, over 70% of the global population now owns a smartphone. In many low-income countries, people increasingly bypass traditional desktop computers altogether. Smartphone-driven fintech platforms facilitate transactions for 70 million users across 170 countries, removing the necessity for conventional banks. Furthermore, farmers utilize smartphone applications for crop monitoring, and doctors employ them in hospitals to reduce reliance on costly machinery.
Moreover, the ramifications of smartphones extend far beyond their immediate use. The rapid miniaturization of electrical components like cameras, transistors, and motion sensors has enhanced processing power and introduced new potentials. This technological evolution has spurred numerous 21st-century innovations, including versatile drones, smart wearables, virtual reality headsets, and miniature medical implants.
The Indian government has rescinded an order that mandated all smartphones to include a state-owned security application, following widespread protests concerning privacy issues and resistance from tech companies.
The Ministry of Telecommunications has announced the cancellation of a previous mandate requiring technology firms to integrate the government’s Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on all smartphones sold in India within a 90-day timeframe.
This order ignited a political uproar, with major tech giants, including Apple and Google, indicating their refusal to comply, citing privacy worries. In a statement released Wednesday, the government confirmed that it had “chosen not to mandate mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install it.”
The government emphasized that the app, designed to enable users to block and track lost or stolen devices and report fraudulent calls, is “secure and solely intended to help citizens combat the ‘bad actors’.”
The initial mandate, which was quietly communicated to tech companies last week, quickly drew backlash as internet privacy advocates and political opposition parties voiced concerns over its potential for mass surveillance.
Apple and Google, speaking anonymously to the media, asserted that tech firms would oppose the mandate due to privacy concerns impacting their operating systems and contradicting internal policies.
Protests erupted in Parliament on Wednesday, with opposition lawmakers accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration of infringing on citizens’ fundamental right to privacy.
Randeep Singh Surjewala from the opposition Indian National Congress party warned that the app “could function as a kill switch, turning all mobile phones into non-functional devices, potentially used against journalists, opposition leaders, and dissenters at the government’s discretion.”
Similar concerns arose after the Russian government mandated the installation of an app named Max on all smartphones in August, leading to accusations of potential mass surveillance.
In response to the backlash, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the Sanchar Saathi app was optional and removable, which contradicted the original directive.
“In a democracy, every citizen has that right, so you can uninstall it just like any other application. No snooping will be possible with this app,” he stated.
The government’s decision to withdraw the order was welcomed by online rights and privacy advocacy groups. “At this moment, until formal legal guidance is released and independently verified, this should be viewed as cautious optimism rather than a definitive resolution,” commented the Internet Freedom Foundation.
Protests have ignited across India as the government has mandated major tech firms to install state-operated applications on smartphones, prompting concerns over potential surveillance among opposition leaders and activists.
Companies such as Apple, Samsung, and Xiomi are required to comply within 90 days by preloading Sanchar Saathi (Telecom Partner) on all mobile devices sold in India.
New devices must have the app pre-installed, while those already on the market will need a software update to include it. The Indian government has downplayed privacy concerns, stating that Sanchar Saathi “will not automatically collect certain personal information from you without your consent within the application.”
Apple is reportedly one of the primary tech companies resisting this order, while other major players have not yet publicly addressed the issue, as reported by Reuters.
Marketed as a tool for citizen safety, the app enables users to block and locate lost or stolen phones, check the number of mobile connections linked to their identity, and helps identify and disconnect fraudulent numbers associated with scams.
Additionally, it allows users to report suspected fraudulent calls, verify the legitimacy of used devices, and ensure they haven’t been stolen prior to purchase.
The directive was covertly issued to mobile manufacturers by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration last week.
Once this information became public, the Ministry of Telecommunications confirmed it as a security step to address the “serious risks” of cybersecurity and fraud in India, while also regulating the country’s second-hand mobile market.
This has sparked backlash from opposition parties and digital rights advocates, who argue that it provides the government unrestricted access to the nation’s 730 million smartphones, enabling tracking of citizens through their devices.
KC Venugopal, a leader from the opposition National Congress Party, stated that his party would protest against the “dystopian” decision, asserting: “Big Brother cannot keep tabs on us.”
The Internet Freedom Foundation expressed its determination to “strive until this directive is annulled.”
Priyanka Gandhi, fellow Congress party leader, criticized the initiative as a “spy app” that undermines the fundamental right to privacy of citizens.
Sources indicate that Apple intends to resist the mandate, citing significant safety concerns. Company officials, who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted that internal policies prevent Apple from complying with such directives globally due to potential security and privacy risks to its iOS system. Apple did not provide a formal comment.
According to the app’s privacy policy, iPhone users will be prompted to allow access to their camera, photos, and files. Android users, who represent 95% of India’s smartphone users, will need to share call logs, allow registration messages, manage calls “to identify mobile numbers in their phones,” and grant access to their cameras and photos.
It was initially reported that the government had instructed tech companies not to disable the app. However, in a speech on Tuesday, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia refuted this. “It’s your choice to keep it on your device,” he stated. “You can uninstall it just like any other app.”
While it may not seem as distinct as this year’s refreshed Pro models, or as sleek as the new iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 signifies a significant milestone for standard Apple smartphones.
This is especially noteworthy since Apple has finally introduced a high-refresh-rate 120Hz display, a top feature of modern smartphones, into its base model flagship.
Moreover, the starting storage has been doubled without a price increase. The iPhone 17 is priced the same as its predecessor at £799 (€949/$799/AU$1,399), which is less than the £999 Air and £1,099 Pro, yet it offers substantial value for the price.
Externally, it appears similar to the iPhone 16, but the 17 is slightly taller, allowing for a bigger screen fitting into slimmer bezels without greatly increasing the phone’s overall dimensions. The 6.3-inch display now rivals the ultra-bright screen of the 17 Pro, protected by enhanced toughened glass for better scratch resistance.
The new anti-glare coating on the screen enhances visibility and usability, even in bright sunlight. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The 120Hz “promotion” technology significantly increases the screen refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. This feature has been a staple in competitor smartphones for years, while Apple reserved it for Pro versions of its devices until now.
Additionally, the 17 now includes features previously exclusive to Pro models, such as the Always-On Display, which shows widgets and notifications while the phone is idle. It operates on the same iOS 26 as the entire iPhone range and offers Apple’s revamped glass-like interface design, which appears somewhat simplified to reduce on-screen distractions while maintaining functionality.
Specifications
Screen: 6.3 inch Super Retina XDR (120Hz OLED) (460ppi)
Using a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter (sold separately), your phone can fully charge in 82 minutes, reaching 50% in just 21 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Powered by Apple’s new A19 chip, the iPhone 17 is among the fastest in the smartphone market, being only slightly less powerful than the A19 Pro. Apple maintains a technological edge over Android rivals, even in its more budget-friendly offerings.
As a result, the 17 manages multitasking and various applications with ease. Its battery performance is commendable for its size, lasting around 44 hours between charges using Wi-Fi and 5G, and about 6 hours of active screen use with the always-on feature. Though slightly reduced from its predecessor, it offers longer life than the comparably sized 17 Pro and notably outlasts the iPhone Air. Most users will require charging the 17 every other day.
Sustainability
The sleek recycled aluminum body and matte glass back provide a solid and premium feel, even without a protective case. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
This device consists of over 30% recycled materials encompassing aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, steel, tin, and tungsten. Apple evaluates its environmental impact through various reports and offers trade-in and free recycling programs, even for non-Apple devices.
Camera
The camera app has been streamlined by concealing many features behind a sliding selector and pop-out menus to maximize the viewfinder space. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The iPhone 17 features two 48-megapixel rear cameras (main and ultrawide), alongside Apple’s new 18MP front-facing camera found on the iPhone 17 Pro and Air.
While the main camera remains unchanged from the iPhone 16, it captures excellent photographs in various lighting scenarios. It may occasionally overexpose in bright light or appear slightly blurry in low-light conditions, yet it remains a dependable compact digital option. It supports a 2x crop zoom, effective in bright areas and acceptable in dim indoor settings. The ultrawide camera is notably enhanced from the previous model, enabling more detail and a broader range, particularly effective for macro photography.
Despite the camera’s ability to achieve a digital zoom of up to 10x, resulting images may lack detail and clarity. True telephoto capabilities remain exclusive to Pro models.
The front camera delivers slightly improved selfies compared to previous iterations, with a standout feature allowing it to digitally pan and zoom to encompass all subjects in a group shot, regardless of phone orientation—ideal for capturing landscape shots while holding the phone vertically.
The iPhone 17 offers various shooting modes for video capture, including a dual capture mode that records from both front and rear cameras simultaneously, placing the user in a small inset frame.
Price
Pricing for the iPhone 17 starts at £799 (€949/$799/AU$1,399) for the 256GB version.
By comparison, the iPhone 16e retails for £599, the iPhone Air is priced at £999, the iPhone 17 Pro costs £1,099, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is £1,199, and the Google Pixel 10 is also £1,199. The Samsung Galaxy S25 is priced at £699, while the Fairphone 6 retails at £499.
Verdict
While the iPhone 17 may not visually distinguish itself from its predecessor, it represents a notable advancement over previous standard iPhones.
The incorporation of key features from Apple’s more premium Pro models—including a superior, brighter, and smoother 120Hz display—is particularly significant. An always-on display enhances functionality, and the doubling of base storage to 256 GB, along with improved battery life extending roughly two days, are both highly appreciated changes. After years, the iPhone 17 no longer feels like a substantial downgrade from the Pro model.
The dual rear cameras are impressive, though the absence of a telephoto option limits their capabilities somewhat. The iPhone 17 retains a compact feel for a modern smartphone, akin to the iPhone Air but without being onerously heavy.
For users not requiring a telephoto lens, the standard iPhone 17 is an excellent choice.
Pros: Rapid performance, impressive 120Hz display, quality dual cameras with macro functionality, minimum of 256GB storage, comfortable size, tactile action and camera control buttons, USB-C, robust battery life, extended software support, Face ID.
Cons: No telephoto lens, identical design to its predecessor, not the thinnest, lightest, or most powerful option.
The iPhone 17 remains the last model with a straightforward two-camera configuration, arranged vertically on the back, making it less obtrusive compared to other models. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
In November 1980, at the age of 13, I journeyed alone to Farhill from East Kill Bride and arrived to find an empty dugout without a manager. It felt quite odd, and my shyness prevented me from reaching out to anyone while I was there; the next day, Bertie Auld resigned and moved to Hibs, as reported by Sunday Mail.
The news hit hard. Bertie was my first manager, and as a devoted supporter, I felt responsible for the team’s presence in the Premier League year after year. Now he was gone, and no one informed me.
I skipped the next match, but soon after, I noticed Peter Cormack in the dugout. No one had mentioned it to me. At 13, I was an avid reader of newspapers but lacked a radio—just a single ear headphone connected to it, not convenient for carrying around.
This memory resurfaced after a recent Thistle home game I watched on TV. In front of me, a young couple was intently focused on their smartphones, engaged with the match. Admittedly, the game was quite dull, yet they followed the action closely and commented on the referee’s decisions. “It’s definitely offside.” “That was a clear penalty.” “He should have received a red card.”
Meanwhile, the crowd around me buzzed as we collectively pondered: “What a bizarre situation.” Why pay to attend a game only to ignore the live action unfolding mere meters away?
Yet it made some sense. As the young couple focused on their screens, more necks craned forward, and soon everyone nearby was chiming in to affirm the referee’s calls. Many of us who lament the changes in football secretly yearn for a return to the 1970s. Thank you. Yes, it did prompt a question.
For that couple, utilizing technology during the match was completely normal. This reflects how we have been conditioned to perceive sports. VAR is now standard for viewers of top leagues, whether we like it or not. Social media informs fans about clubs and their products. The differences between my 13-year-old self and kids today are vast.
Our access to football has transformed dramatically. This isn’t about whether “it was better back then.” Such discussions are tedious. I’m not keen on debating how technology has altered the game. Rather, I’m intrigued by how it has changed us. How have our brains adapted? How has our capacity for patience diminished? Our perception of football has evolved.
Tottenham fans have seen their team play Juventus in the Champions League via phone screens. Photo: Dylan Martinez/Reuters
In her recent book, “Extinction of Experience,” Christine Rosen posits that technology has personalized our life experiences to the point where we no longer tolerate waiting, unpleasant encounters, or situations that don’t align with our expectations.
As football fans, we anticipate news immediately. We expect access to games without hassle, including digital tickets. However, Rosen highlights that these conveniences come with hidden costs. As we become less accustomed to patience, our understanding of its importance dwindles, leading to frustration and anxiety.
Transportation, phones, appliances—like all new technologies that have enriched our everyday lives, including the Internet and, notably, smartphones—transform our relationship with time. In the past, attending away games required considerable patience. Long journeys were a test of endurance. Now, improved roads, trains, and buses make it easier for fans to travel across the nation to venues like Ibrox and Parkhead rather than supporting local teams. It’s now quicker and better in many ways.
Back in the day, when travel was rare and arduous, teams like East Fife, Cowdenbeath, and Queen of the South attracted crowds of over 20,000. With travel being challenging, it was easy to support local clubs—there were no alternatives.
However, when we are denied immediate access to what we desire, we often respond with frustration and seek distractions. Our impulsive reactions during football matches reveal that we frequently overlook the value of perseverance. This impatience extends to transfer windows: “January 3, still no signings? Typical.”
Following a loss, even during matches, we might see discussions regarding the manager’s future pop up on social media. “How is he still in charge?” Such reactions reflect poorly on us and neither solve the issue nor enhance the situation. Wanting someone to lose their job is an anomaly in a sport often labeled as a working-class game.
Like many aspects of our lives, we resist waiting for what we want. Nowadays, if you have the money, you can buy your way out of any queue. Why should football be any different? We’ve been conditioned to seek immediate gratification.
I no longer find the changing football experience bothersome. Discussing it feels fruitless. What truly matters is what we might be losing in the process.
The convenience of purchasing tickets via apps is undeniably delightful. I hold season tickets on my mobile, allowing me to buy last-minute tickets effortlessly. However, in this digital age, I miss the excitement of the turnstiles, the familiar banter, and the social interactions that kickstart the matchday experience. Those daily exchanges remind us of our humanity—the need to connect and inquire about one another’s day. But now, many of those interactions feel unnecessary, which is a bit disheartening.
For many, football serves as a sanctuary where they feel part of something larger. It offers comfort, camaraderie, and hope. While technology facilitates ticket purchases and program access, it risks undermining our shared human experience.
Our smartphones provide real-time updates from various matches, creating an immediacy that can feel surreal. Tweets about goals at Cappielow spread faster than moments unfold. Young couples verifying offside calls from their devices may confuse older fans like me, but they often provide information that isn’t readily available. What’s inherently wrong with that? I sometimes forget that I’m at the match, immersed in social media clips of “young teams” reveling in last season’s playoffs. My own enjoyment seems to fade into the background.
Stamford Bridge fans engaged with their mobile devices. Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
We often grow complacent with this mediated version of “being there” while not actually experiencing it. Engaging with distractions in the crowd often reflects our overexposure to social media. Football may involve long stretches of monotony, and our minds sometimes struggle to cope with that. Anxiety arises when we gravitate towards mediated experiences rather than fully embracing the present.
I previously mentioned in Nutmeg that 90% of all live sports events tend to fade from memory. It’s those remaining 10% that we come back to, reminiscing and cherishing. Perhaps boredom is a necessary component of the experience. Why should it be avoided? Football is a game that demands patience. We must concentrate on tactics and await the right moment. Only then can we appreciate the unforgettable, often breathtaking experiences that make it all worthwhile.
As the season begins, we hope for the best but remain open to various outcomes, allowing things to unfold naturally. A poor start may improve by October; thus, I’m willing to be patient. Or perhaps the season will see a slow burn, and we learn that much remains beyond our control.
Even if we face defeat and feel disheartened, we rally ourselves and anticipate the next match. The events of last Saturday will soon blend into history. In that spirit, we allow managers to make mistakes, grant players time to rediscover their form, and accept it all as part of a long season—a natural facet of the process.
We must embrace technology, though it doesn’t mean we should forgo our options. A little extra effort, whether it’s engaging more with our surroundings, initiating conversations, or fostering connections, can be rewarding. Only then can we uncover something extraordinary and unforgettable. That’s when we truly become real fans.
google has unveiled the affordable Pixel 10, boasting enhanced cameras, speedier processors, and high-end software, stepping out from the shadows of its pricier professional counterparts to redefine expectations for flagship phones in the base model category.
The standard Pixel 10 is priced at £799 (€899/$799/$1,349) – the same as last year’s Pixel 9 – positioning it strategically below the £200 mark of the 10 Pro while competing effectively with rivals from Samsung and Apple.
The design closely mirrors that of the Pixel 9, featuring some new striking colors and the essential third camera situated in a distinctive tablet-shaped bump at the back. The satin aluminum and glass finish conveys high-quality craftsmanship, distinguishing it from the plethora of uniform smartphones. The 6.3-inch OLED display is sharp, exceptionally bright, and fluid with a 120Hz refresh rate.
The fast-screened fingerprint scanner enhances the Pixel 10’s responsiveness. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The glass back conceals another noteworthy upgrade: QI2 wireless charging and compatibility with magnetic accessories. Google has developed its own pixelsnap, an accessory QI2 is an open standard also compatible with a variety of Apple’s Magsaf accessories, such as chargers, wallets, grips, and stands that attach to the back of the phone.
Connectivity: 5G, ESIM, WiFi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 6, GNSS
Water Resistance: IP68 (1.5m in 30 minutes)
Size: 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.6mm
Weight: 204g
Tensor G5
Charged via a power adapter (not included), Pixel 10 reaches 50% in 90 minutes and supports 15W wireless charging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Google’s new Tensor G5 chip outperforms its previous processor by 34-38% in speed tests, marking a significant advancement for the brand, although it’s still not quite on par with Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon processors employed by competitors. Users will perceive a boost in speed during operation, effectively managing most tasks.
Battery longevity is commendable, providing around two days under light usage and approximately 33 hours under heavy usage, including five hours of 5G activity, with around seven hours of active screen time. Users will typically need to recharge every other day.
The Tensor G5 also features a notably faster AI processor that enhances Google’s advanced AI functions, allowing for more sophisticated on-device processing, effectively showcasing Google’s AI potential through the Pixel.
Android 16 with AI
Introducing Google’s new AI features: Magic Queue, Daily Hub, and Camera Coach. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
Running on Android 16 out of the box, the Pixel 10 offers software support until August 2032. Google’s Android interface features vibrant typography, bold colors, large buttons, and lots of delightful interactions throughout. Even more subdued color combinations provide a premium experience.
The Pixels leverage some of Google’s most advanced AI technologies, including the latest version of Gemini Nano On-Device. A new voice translation feature allows for conversations simulating the caller’s voice, rather than using the default Gemini voice.
However, the standout AI feature is the Magic Cue, running locally on your device, designed to act as a small assistant to streamline your smartphone experience. It aggregates data from your Google account and phone to offer helpful suggestions when using various Google apps. For example, during a delivery inquiry, an order confirmation email appeared as a card in the phone app providing one-tap access to the order number.
If a text arrives regarding a flight’s landing time, it can automatically extract the date and time from your calendar for quick sharing. Additionally, the Weather app can suggest locations for upcoming trips from your calendar.
While these features may seem trivial, they mark an evolution in the use of AI, transitioning from flashy gimmicks to practical time-savers. Currently, Magic Cue supports Gmail, Maps, Calendars, Notes, Screenshots, Contacts, Messages, Google Photos, and more, with promising expansions in the pipeline. However, the absence of third-party app integration—such as WhatsApp—limits its utility.
Camera
The camera app is user-friendly, equipped with numerous tools and modes to enhance your photography. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Pixel 10 features a 10.5-megapixel selfie camera and three rear cameras: a 48MP main, 13MP ultra-wide, and 10.8MP 5x telephoto, addressing prior criticisms of base model Pixel devices lacking telephoto capabilities.
Both the main and ultra-wide cameras deliver exceptional photos across various lighting scenarios, producing vivid contrast and outperforming competitors in low-light conditions. The new 5x telephoto lens captures impressive images and significantly enhances zoom capabilities, reaching up to 20x digital zoom. Although some images exhibit minor graininess when fully magnified, most users will be satisfied with the results.
Google excels in simplifying photography, ensuring good images with minimal effort. The revamped Auto Best Take mode improves upon the popular Group Shot Best Take feature, taking multiple photos and automatically blending them to ensure everyone is looking good. While most shots require little intervention, more complex scenarios with numerous subjects might see increased AI involvement.
The large rectangular camera bump on the back provides a stable grip, reducing camera shake. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The popular Add Me feature has been enhanced, allowing for larger and more intricate group photos, improved to accommodate more individuals and complex backgrounds. The
camera app will also implement C2PA Content Credentials in photos, detailing how images were captured and whether generative AI contributed.
One of the most noteworthy AI features is the new Camera Coach, which utilizes Gemini to guide users in configuring and framing shots for enhanced photography. Pressing a small button in the viewfinder sends the current image to Google’s servers for analysis, providing several suggested configurations. Users can select their preferred option and receive step-by-step advice on adjusting the camera for the shot. Initial tests showed promising suggestions, potentially aiding those wishing to elevate their photography skills.
In summary, the Pixel 10 excels in producing impressive photos and videos, with AI enhancements that add practical value.
Sustainability
Pixel 10 devices in the US do not include nano-SIM card slots and rely exclusively on eSIMs. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The battery israted for longevity, exceeding 1,000 full charge cycles while maintaining at least 80% of its original capacity. Users have the option to repair their devices through Google, authorized service centers, or via self-repair guides and parts available online.
The Pixel 10 comprises 32% recycled materials by weight, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, plastic, rare earth elements, tungsten, and tin. Google will disclose the environmental impact of the device and offers a program to recycle old devices at no charge.
Price
The Google Pixel 10 is priced at £799 (€899/$799/$1,349), available in four color options.
In comparison, the Pixel 10 Pro is priced at £999, while the Pixel 9a costs £399. The Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 both retail for £799.
Verdict
The Pixel 10 sets a new benchmark for flagship phones in the base model segment, delivering a premium experience and an impressive camera with a valuable telephoto zoom that feels like an integral part of the device.
While the exterior remains largely unchanged from last year, it offers an attractive design that stands out amid a crowd of similar smartphones. Despite not being equipped with the fastest chip on the market, it operates smoothly, with a battery that lasts between 1.5 and 2 days on a single charge.
Several new AI features provide substantial improvements, particularly Magic Cues, Auto Best Take, and other small enhancements that run seamlessly in the background. Coupled with Gemini, Google has positioned itself ahead in the realm of genuinely useful AI tools compared to competitors like Apple, without compromising the core smartphone experience.
Although it may not be the steal that Google’s budget Pixel 9a offers, the Pixel 10 stands out as one of the best smartphones available, providing excellent value for users.
Pros: 7 years of software updates, 5x telephoto lens, excellent display, Magic Cue, outstanding camera with impressive AI features, QI2 wireless charging, magnetic accessory support, great battery life, ideal size, quick fingerprint sensor, and facial recognition capabilities.
Cons: The lack of a physical SIM card slot in the US, reduced performance compared to flagships, and less secure facial recognition compared to Face ID.
The Pixel 10 is a striking and superior flagship smartphone that exceeds its competitors. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
In 2019, when Sophie* was 12 years old, her classmates shared “extreme and traumatic” videos featuring al-Qaeda beheadings, pornography, and bestiality. She recalls online games where adult players tried to persuade her to meet in person. Her father worked there, but reflecting back, she says, “There were no signs for my generation of parents.”
Now 18 and attending the University of Edinburgh, she didn’t permit her children to have smartphones until adulthood. “As a teenager, I would have been the strongest advocate for phone ownership, but my perspective changed completely,” she stated.
“You shouldn’t engage online until you’re an adult and understand the various ways people act respectfully to push their interests. It’s a fleeting message.”
Social media exacerbated bullying at Sophie’s school. Officials used an anonymous confession app to share hurtful comments. She also ponders what other time she might have wasted.
Sophie is one of many so-called digital natives who question the nearly unrestricted access to technology they grew up with. Recent polls indicate that nearly half of young people feel the internet is almost non-existent, with similar numbers favoring digital curfews; over three-quarters reported feeling worse about themselves after using social media.
Izzy Bouric, 24, with her flip phone, which helped her regain time and mental space. Photo: Magalidellport/Guardian
Meanwhile, the Netflix hit series has ignited discussions about the dangers children face on social media and the prevalence of online misogyny across different platforms.
Izzy Bourick, a 24-year-old artist from Brighton living in Paris, believes that platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Roblox have muddled the lines between children’s and adults’ spaces in recent years.
“I engaged with the online children’s game Club Penguin, where the environment was controlled to be child-friendly, banning inappropriate language.”
Nonetheless, Izzy stated, “I was definitely exposed to things I wasn’t ready for,” adding, “everyone from my generation has been in chat rooms with people much older than us.”
She permits kids to have smartphones from the age of 17. “It’s not fit for children, nor for those not equipped to handle it,” she explains, “it’s unsafe to navigate without guidance.”
She feels social media has become overwhelming, “cannibalized by advertising and businesses,” spreading misinformation on sensitive issues like mental health and neurological conditions. “Suddenly, my phone was inundating me with messages that I was doing everything wrong, only to turn around and pitch products to me.”
This shift left her anxious and frustrated, prompting her to choose a flip phone, which feels liberating and has helped her reclaim her time and mental clarity.
“I found myself in a moment of despair,” shares Tobias, 20, from Austria.
Tobias, 20 from Austria, got his first smartphone around 11 or 12, and noticed a change in his peers. “People would sit together but wouldn’t talk—everyone just scrolled on their phones.”
His school implemented a policy to turn off phones, but teachers quickly abandoned it. “There was always a buzz and the constant sound of notifications,” he recalled.
As a teenager, he found himself binge-watching videos on YouTube and Instagram. “After scrolling through short videos for hours and reflecting, ‘Wow, that was fast—I’m neglecting what I want to do,’ I recognized I was in a state of despair.”
Tobias became particularly concerned when his interest in first-person shooter games led to algorithm recommendations showcasing real firearms and violent content. He now believes, “It’s best for children and teens to limit their smartphone usage.”
Lethe, a 20-year-old paramedic student near Birmingham, England, allowed children to use smartphones only after age 16 and restricted their media access.
She received her first smartphone at 18 but quickly realized that it contributed to bullying among friends, reduced attention spans, and replaced meaningful conversations with endless scrolling on social media.
Two years after getting her first phone, she remarked, “It definitely changed me. I’m not good at being bored, and my attention span has decreased. I’m struggling to be present. Social media algorithms expose me to things I don’t wish to see.”
Nora, a project manager in Spain, restricts social media access until age 13 and limits usage while fostering open dialogue about risks with children. “When they encounter something distressing, I strive to create a trusting environment so they feel comfortable discussing it with me.”
She recalls a situation where, at 13, she and her peers began receiving messages from strangers on Google Messages, leading to inappropriate requests and a subsequent case of pedophilia.
She also remembers a classmate who bullied peers on messaging apps. “I faced some harsh messages myself,” she shared.
Nora later discovered that social media had worsened her struggles with eating disorders as she compared herself to other girls and engaged with harmful weight loss transformation videos. “Chasing likes on Instagram wasn’t healthy for me.”
Now, she worries about her 16-year-old brother. “His TikTok is filled with misogynistic concepts and toxic masculinity. His friends make harmful comments about women’s bodies. That wasn’t the environment for me and my friends.”
Parents in England are urged to make tough decisions about their children’s smartphone use rather than trying to be their friends, according to Dame Rachel de Souza. She emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and considering examples of responsible phone use.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, de Souza stressed the need for parents to prioritize their children’s well-being. She advised against giving in to children’s demands for more screen time, highlighting the importance of making tough decisions for their long-term benefit.
She added that parents should provide love, understanding, support, and boundaries, encouraging high aspirations while also setting limits. A recent survey suggested that a quarter of children in the UK spend over four hours a day on internet-enabled devices.
De Souza also emphasized the importance of having open conversations with children about their online activities and monitoring the content they are exposed to. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is considering implementing smartphone bans in some schools to address concerns about the impact of social media on children.
While guidelines currently suggest banning phones during lessons, there is no clear enforcement strategy for breaks and lunches. De Souza’s survey of state schools found that the majority already limit mobile phone use during the day.
She believes that schools play a role in addressing these issues but acknowledges that parents must also take responsibility for monitoring their children’s digital activities. Conservative leader Kemi Badenok has questioned the government’s stance on child well-being and school bills related to phone bans.
Overall, there is growing awareness of the need to balance children’s online activities with real-world interactions and boundaries to ensure their well-being.
Following more than a week of tariffs on imports from China, the Trump administration released regulations late Friday that spared smartphones, computers, semiconductors, and other electronic devices from various fees. This move significantly reduced prices for high-tech companies like Apple and Dell, as well as for consumers purchasing iPhones and other electronic products.
A message issued by US Customs and Border Protection on Friday included a lengthy list of products that faced tariffs on Chinese goods. Notably, exclusions were granted to smartphones, computers, semiconductors, and other technology products. However, additional duties will still apply to electronic devices and smartphones, as well as an increase in tariffs on semiconductors.
This exemption is a significant relief for tech giants like Apple and Nvidia, who would have faced substantial losses from punitive taxes. Many consumers rushed to purchase iPhones to avoid potential price hikes on electronic devices. These exemptions may help mitigate inflation and uncertainty in the economy.
The tariff relief marks a change in Trump’s trade policies aimed at promoting US manufacturing. Factories producing electronic devices like iPhones and laptops are primarily located in Asia, particularly China. The exemptions apply not only to China but also to other countries.
However, this relief may be short-lived as the Trump administration plans another trade investigation related to semiconductors. This could impact other technology products and result in additional tariffs. The administration aims to protect American semiconductor production, which is essential for various consumer products.
Despite the exemptions, Trump remains committed to domestic manufacturing of these products, signaling a shift towards US production. The policy change aims to secure the supply of American semiconductors, crucial for smartphones, cars, and various other goods.
The recent tariff exemptions signify a partial retreat from Trump’s trade war with China, covering a significant portion of US imports from the country. Other Asian countries stand to benefit as well, with the exemptions reducing tariffs on imports from Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Trump’s decision to exempt certain product types followed a volatile week where he reversed course on several tariffs imposed earlier. The exemption excludes China, which retaliated with its own tariffs. This led to a steep decline in the stock values of tech companies, notably impacting Apple’s market capitalization.
The tech industry views Trump’s moderation as a positive development, as it eases tensions and supports continued investment in the US. Notably, Apple CEO Tim Cook has been actively engaging with the administration to secure exemptions for Apple products and promote US manufacturing.
However, the threat of further tariffs on semiconductors and other electronics looms, with potential implications for the industry. The Trump administration is considering additional duties under legal provisions, which could impact various sectors and imports.
Apple responds to the recent tariff exemptions, remains committed to China’s manufacturing facilities, citing challenges in skilled labor availability in the US compared to China. The company has faced pressure over the years to shift some iPhone manufacturing to the US, but logistical and workforce constraints pose significant hurdles.
The potential implications of Trump’s tariff policies on Apple products raise concerns about price increases and supply chain disruptions. Apple’s strategic decisions regarding manufacturing and pricing will have a significant impact on its operations and market positioning, considering ongoing trade tensions and regulatory changes.
The looming threat of additional tariffs on electronics underscores the uncertainty and volatility in the tech industry. As the US and China navigate trade negotiations and policy shifts, tech companies like Apple face challenging decisions to maintain competitiveness and comply with evolving regulations.
Apple’s stance on tariff exemptions and manufacturing challenges reflects the complex interplay between global trade dynamics and corporate strategies. The company’s extensive supply chain and reliance on Asian manufacturing facilities underscore the broader implications of trade policies on multinational corporations.
As trade tensions continue to escalate, tech companies like Apple must navigate regulatory uncertainties and market pressures. The potential impact of tariffs on product pricing, supply chains, and global competitiveness looms large as companies seek to balance operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
The ongoing trade negotiations between the US and China, particularly regarding technology products, highlight the delicate balance between economic interests and national security concerns. The implications of tariff policies on semiconductors and electronics underscore the broader geopolitical challenges facing the tech industry.
As companies like Apple navigate shifting trade dynamics, regulatory changes, and market uncertainties, strategic decision-making becomes increasingly complex. The need to adapt to evolving trade policies while maintaining global competitiveness requires innovative solutions and proactive engagement with policymakers.
Following more than a week of tariffs on Chinese imports, the Trump administration released new rules on Friday that exempted smartphones, computers, semiconductors, and other electronic devices from certain fees. This move significantly lowered prices for high-tech companies like Apple and Dell, as well as benefiting consumers who purchase products like iPhones.
A message was issued by US Customs and Border Protection on Friday, listing the products that had previously been subjected to tariffs on Chinese goods. Certain exclusions were granted for modems, routers, flash drives, and other tech products not commonly manufactured in the US.
The exemption does not completely eliminate tariffs on electronic devices and smartphones. The administration previously imposed a 20% tariff on Chinese goods due to concerns about the country’s involvement in fentanyl trade. Additionally, tariffs on semiconductors, crucial components in electronic devices, are expected to increase.
This exemption marks a significant development in the ongoing trade war with China and is expected to have far-reaching effects on the US economy. Tech giants like Apple and Nvidia will benefit from avoiding heavy taxes that could have impacted their profits. Consumers rushed to purchase iPhones to avoid potential price hikes, relieving concerns about inflation and economic instability.
While the tariff relief provides temporary respite for the tech industry, the Trump administration has indicated plans for further trade investigations, particularly targeting semiconductors. The aim is to secure the US supply chain for vital technologies used in various products, including smartphones and automobiles.
President Trump’s shift in trade policy has implications for various industries, especially as it relates to China. The tech sector, in particular, has closely engaged with the administration to navigate the changing landscape of tariffs and taxes on imports. Apple CEO Tim Cook has been instrumental in lobbying for exemptions and advocating for US manufacturing of tech products.
As the trade tensions continue to evolve, the tech industry remains a focal point in the US-China trade relationship. Consumers may see fluctuations in prices for electronic devices as the two countries negotiate their trade terms.
Daisy Greenwell has long felt that the idea of letting her eldest son do something inevitable. But until early last year, when her daughter was eight, it filled her with fear. When she spoke to other parents, “Everyone said, ‘Yes, that’s a nightmare, but there’s no choice,'” recalls Greenwell, 41.
She decided to test it. My friend Claire Fergnou shared concerns about the impact of social media on the addictive quality of smartphones and mental health, so I created a WhatsApp group to help develop a strategy. Then Greenwell lives in Suffolk, a countryside in eastern England; I posted her thoughts on Instagram.
“If we could switch social norms like giving your child a smartphone at 11am in our school, our town, our country, we could do it, like giving your child a smartphone at 11am,” she wrote. “What if they could hold off until they were 14 or 16?” she added a link to the WhatsApp group.
The post has gone viral. Within 24 hours, the group was oversubscribed for parents to participate. Today, more than 124,000 parents of children in UK schools have signature A pact created by the free childhood of smartphones, a charity founded by Greenwell, her husband Joe Riley and Ferniev. “I will act in the best interests of my kids and our community and wait until I get my smartphone until the end of my ninth year.” (The ninth year is equivalent to the eighth graders in America.)
Movement aligns with a A broader change in British attitudesmounts of harm caused by smartphone addiction and algorithm-driven social media as evidence. 1 investigation Last year, the majority of respondents (69%) felt that social media had negatively affected children under the age of 15.
Meanwhile, with the police Intelligence Services We warned about extreme and violent content torrents reaching children online. This is a trend that was examined during adolescence of hit television shows, where school men are accused of murder after being exposed to online misogyny. It’s become British Most of them were seen Show, and on Monday, Prime Minister Kiel Starmer met. The creator and I told her I had seen it on Downing Street with my son and daughter. But he also said, “This is not a challenge politicians can simply legislate.”
A study of over 1,500 children suggests that smartphones are beneficial for mental and social well-being unless they begin using social media.
Justin Martin The University of South Florida surveys state children ages 11 to 13. 25 years of national research To explore the link between digital media and happiness.
The researchers found that 78% of the 1,510 children surveyed owned smartphones, and 21% of these reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Children with phones were also more likely to report spending time in person with friends.
“We thought ownership of a smartphone was related to negative outcomes or negative measures,” Martin says. “But it wasn’t.”
The researchers found that children with low-income parents are more likely to own smartphones than children with rich parents. The highest prevalence of 87% smartphone ownership was found in children living in households collected between $50,000 and $90,000, while only 67% of children in households who own smartphones over $150,000 have a smartphone.
Martin suggests that this may reflect the school policies that children attended, in response to a greater awareness of negative headlines about the supposed risks of social media affecting their mental health.
But such a ban — Florida was the first US state to introduce in 2023 — could be in a volatile scientific position, Martin says. “We were careful to emphasize associations rather than causality, but children with smartphones probably use them for social purposes and like many adults,” he says.
However, not all smartphone use is a benefit of dirt. The researchers also found that children who said they were often posted on social media were twice as likely to report sleep problems or symptoms of depression or anxiety compared to people who never use these platforms. That said, the study failed to determine whether increased use of social media has led to mental health and sleep problems, or whether the opposite is true, says Martin.
“We recommend that parents and adults consider protecting their children from the social platforms that their children post frequently, or try to avoid posting on social platforms,” says Martin. “Of course, it’s hard to tell your kids. ‘You can use Instagram. You can use Tiktok, but don’t post it.” ”
Children surveyed are evenly divided on the merits of social media, with 34% agreeing that social media is more harmful than good, 33% disagreeing, and the rest are undecided about the issue.
“This is an attractive study that makes an important distinction, especially between smartphones and social media,” he says. Jess Maddox At the University of Alabama. “These two are synonyms for each other, but this study shows that they are not actually the same.”
“These are truly subtle findings and we hope that parents, educators and politicians will not be banned, but will encourage them to think more about their children’s education on smartphones and social media,” she says.
David Ellis At Bath University in the UK, this work confirms similar findings from previous studies, but understanding more work to understand what the data is directing us before deciding what to do about children’s smartphone use is that “the lack of analysis will strengthen conclusions that are more difficult to justify policy changes.”
a Report from Bloomberg Suggest this week Sony is working on a new portable PlayStation device. As someone who can't bear to leave my PlayStation Vita in the attic and still has it sitting in my desk drawer, this is a very exciting prospect. It's been almost 13 years since Sony released its last portable console, the Vita, and with its crisp big screen and skinny little stick, it's a real wonder. I wish more people would have made games. Papercraft adventure Tearaway and dizzying platform puzzle game Gravity Rush remain underrated.
In fact, aside from the beautiful and very niche Playdate, no one has bothered to release a dedicated handheld game console in over a decade. Both the Nintendo Switch and Valve's Steam Deck are hybrids that can be played handheld or connected to a big screen.
There's a reason for this. First, smartphones have taken over almost the entire portable gaming market, offering an endless supply of free and cheap games on the devices everyone already owns. And secondly, it's handheld and In the past, commercially available home game consoles divided development resources. Only Nintendo has had enough success selling handheld devices to overcome generations of talent split between DS and Wii, or 3DS and Wii U, games. That made the Switch a candidate for the smartest business decision in the company's history. .
Sony, on the other hand, has always struggled to make enough games for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and Vita, alongside the home PlayStation, to make the handheld console an attractive buy. The PSP, which sold 75 million units, was a highly profitable console, even though it was in direct competition with the Nintendo DS, which sold 150 million units (12 million was sold by the PSP before moving to a competing platform). (Thanks in part to Capcom's Monster Hunter series, which sold more than just books.) But when the Vita launched in 2011, it was obsessed with the smartphone world and only sold an estimated 15 million units.
It’s underrated…. Platform puzzle game “Gravity Rush”. Photo: Sony
The difference this time is that the machine Sony is reportedly developing can play it. existing PlayStation 5 game. The idea seems to be to have a portable and home version of the same console that can play the same games. Bloomberg suggests that Microsoft is also working on portable console prototypes, but none of these may ever make it to market.
Another difference is that cloud gaming has become mainstream. I know a lot of people who used the Vita primarily as a not-so-legal emulator that allowed them to play a ton of retro games, as it was sadly easy to crack. But now, with a PlayStation Plus subscription and fully legal access to Sony's treasure trove of back catalogue, I'm happy to have a handheld gaming console that lets me play most of PlayStation's history without having to buy a game. How many people would pay for it?I'm sure there are many.
Sony did it some There has been experimentation with portable hardware ever since the Vita was discontinued. Late last year, the company released a strange little device called the PlayStation Portal. It's essentially a screen attached to the center of a PlayStation 5 controller, allowing you to stream games from the PS5 and play them in your hands. This has limited practicality, but it's great and I love itSony's hardware design – so I really hope we see a new PlayStation Portable in the next few years, even if it doesn't come loaded with the bite-sized, bespoke games that older handsets enjoyed .
However, as Steam Deck proved, mobile devices can be a game-changer for busy people, as they simply give you more time and opportunities to play, even if you don't have your own dedicated games. For example, the only way to beat Persona 4 was to play it on the vita on the train. With the next portable PlayStation, you could probably manage the last 10 hours of Persona 5.
what to play
Memories… LocoRoco.
When you think about the history of the old portable PlayStation, a few games come to mind. There is LocoLocoa game about a singing blob that's back with this year's Atom Bonus Level. And I spent more than 100 hours with my index finger oddly curled over the PSP's directional button, my hand forming the shape known as Monster Hunter's claw.
And there it is tear awayMedia Molecule's intimate and brilliant Vita platformer is set in a world made of paper. This is the easiest to try as there is a slightly less capable PS4 version. unfolded tear duct Available from the PlayStation Store. It's included with PlayStation Plus, so I just downloaded it to play with my kids this afternoon.
Available: PS4/5 Estimated play time: 8 hours
what to read
Is there a new one on the way? … Bloodborne: The Old Hunters. Photo: Public Relations
If you stick to Sony news, PlayStation 30th anniversary next month. to celebrate, released by Sony There are tons of game soundtracks, timelines, quizzes, and of course some things you can buy.
Shuhei YoshidaThe former head of PlayStation Studios and current head of the company's indie developer initiative will retire from the company in January after 31 years. I last interviewed him last year. He remains one of the friendliest people in the entire gaming industry and one of its most seasoned advocates.
And Sony clearly intends to buy Kadokawa, From Software's parent companyManufacturer of Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Armored Core. Will we finally get a new Bloodborne?
New version of Microsoft flight simulator have It started in a small state. If you're considering buying one, it's probably best to wait a few months.
Under discussion… Elden Ring: Shadow of the Eld Tree. Photo: unknown/Bandai Namco Europe
leader benjamin This week's question:
“You said your latest Pushing Buttons cost money.” Shadow of the Eld Tree forgame of It's the annual award, but I'm curious. to hear your thoughts First of all, it is a downloadable extension and not a game itself. Wouldn't it set a strange precedent if something that wasn't playable as a standalone could end up being the best game of the year?”
Gaming awards categories such as the Baftas, Game Awards and Golden Joysticks are struggling to keep up with the speed at which video games are evolving. A few years ago, most of them introduced some version of the “games in progress” category to account for games that have been running for years and change frequently, such as Fortnite, No Man's Sky, and Minecraft. did. But now it has become difficult in itself.Does the game have to change in that year to qualify? How about something like Cyberpunk 2077? Although this is not a multiplayer game with continuously new content; did Will it be significantly changed and improved after release? How about a remaster? Should we also consider downloadable expansions? And where should we place games that fit into more than one genre? Every year there are many releases that challenge the definition of categories.
I might end up saying things like this forever. My feeling is that anything released that year, if it's good enough, should be eligible for an award, whether it's an add-on or expansion to an earlier game. Shadow of the Erdtree was over 30 hours long and could very well have been a standalone sequel. That's 10 times longer than some indie games nominated in other categories. Personally, I think it's hard to justify disqualifying this game for technical reasons, but of course I think I'd judge it on its own merits, not the basic game's merits.
If you have any questions for the questions block or anything else you'd like to say about the newsletter, please reply or email us at pushbuttons@theguardian.com.
exterior: The cable that connects to your phone and connects to your home.
I haven’t had a landline phone for years. Oh, young whipsnapper! You are really missing out.
What exactly? So many! Give your complete phone number to the caller when you answer the phone, and lock yourself in a room where all family members can clearly hear your side of the conversation. It’s the best.
I don’t think it’s the best. You won’t understand. My landline still receives a lot of calls.
From whom? Oh, all my new friends. This is the man who promised to give him millions of pounds in return for loaning him 10,000 pounds. The woman at the bank who kept asking for all my personal information. They are all very nice works.
I don’t want to say it, but this is what I think Maybe you are being deceived. Yes, you are almost certainly being scammed. It has recently been discovered that more than half of all calls are made to landlines. It’s from a scammer.
why? That may be because fraudulent numbers are harder to screen and block on landlines than on mobile phones. It may be because someone who legitimately wants to talk to you just rings your cell phone. Or maybe it’s because it’s mainly older people who have landlines these days.
How is it related? Scammers famously like to target the elderly, with 80% of seniors owning a landline, compared to only 50% of 18-29 year olds. Because it is.
So if you’re a scammer and you dial a landline… You’re more likely to get a kind senior who may not realize you’re about to empty your bank account.
terrible. This must be the end of landline telephones. Landlines are now coveted by Gen Z, so don’t talk too soon.
why? It looks like a cassette player and is retro and cool. Listen, if you’re 20 years old, you’ve probably lived your entire life using your cell phone as your laptop, camera, book and food ordering system. Isn’t it refreshing that it can only be used as a phone?
Ah, I see. It’s imaginary nostalgia. Maybe it will stick. After all, nothing makes a phone conversation more enjoyable than the actual phone call.
Wait a minute, what do you mean by conversation? when talking to someone.
Via text? No, it’s from your mouth.
I in fact you would have to Do you want to tell someone? Vocally? By phone? that teeth my biggest fear. Well, you might die alone with that kind of attitude, but the good news is you’ll never get scammed.
Please say: “Landline phone users are more susceptible to fraud.”
Please don’t say things like: “But please give us all your bank account details and we will tell the scammers to stop.”
A warning from Britain’s largest mobile phone operator advises parents against giving smartphones to primary school children. EE recommends supplying children under 11 with old-fashioned or “dumb” mobile phones that only have calling and texting capabilities.
EE suggests using non-smart devices for children under 11 to limit access to social media and inappropriate content, such as feature phones with basic features.
This advice from EE is believed to be the first of its kind from a UK mobile operator and comes as parents face pressure to buy mobile phones for their children as the new school year begins.
Statistics show that by the age of 11, nine out of ten children own a mobile phone, and 60% of 8 to 12-year-olds have social media profiles despite age restrictions on social media platforms. Ofcom reports.
Ofcom’s findings also reveal that three in five secondary school students have faced potentially upsetting online interactions.
Calls for a ban on smartphones for under-16s and restrictions on mobile phone use in schools have been made by education councillors due to the negative effects of excessive screen time on children’s health.
EE also recommends that smartphone users aged 11 to 13 enable parental controls, use family sharing apps, and restrict access to social media.
For children aged 13 to 16, EE’s guidelines state that smartphones are suitable but parental controls should be used to manage and limit access to inappropriate sites, content, and platforms.
Carolyn Bunting, the chief executive of child safety group Internet Matters, acknowledges that parents want to make decisions regarding their children’s technology use but also value guidance to assist them.
“Let’s take cell phones out of schools.” “Social media is harmful to teens.”
Such messages are being broadcast around the world and appear to have reached a peak in recent days. In the UK, concerns about the harms of social media and screen time have led to Smartphone Free Children Campaign A government crackdown on smartphone use in schools has also begun, and ministers are considering banning the sale of smartphones to anyone under 16. Meanwhile, in the United States, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy this week called for social media platforms to require cigarette-style warning labels.
More than 40% of American children own a smartphone by age 10, and the concern is Excessive screen use can lead to health problemsThese include obesity, sleep disorders, depression and anxiety.
Certainly, some studies have documented this link, but as we explain in our feature, The Truth About How Social Media and Screen Time Affect Young People, the evidence that screen time causes widespread harm to children is not as strong or clear as some claim.
While we figure out the details, we must protect our children, especially those who are most vulnerable to the harmful influences of smartphones and social media. But depriving them entirely would be the wrong move.
The smarter approach is to give children access, even from an early age, in a controlled and measured way.
Imagine what a smartphone utopia might look like: It would be done in stages: instead of giving kids access to the entire internet at first, we’d allow them access to walled gardens, like kid-friendly TV channels.
In such a world, we would allow limited messaging with strict moderation that loosens with age, the system would allow parents access that diminishes over time, and all of this would be combined with ongoing digital literacy classes.
Smartphones, social media, and screens will continue to be a part of our children’s lives, no matter how many warning labels they carry, and now is the time to think seriously about how we give our kids the tools they need to navigate the realities of growing up online.
Bee found herself in a moment of realization when she caught herself mindlessly scrolling through the news on her phone while sitting on the toilet. This made her see the need to reconsider her phone habits.
Tired of the constant intrusion of notification sounds and the compulsive need to check her phone, the 37-year-old Londoner decided to switch to a device that would allow her to stay connected while reducing distractions. When her iPhone broke down a year ago, she opted for the Nokia 2720 Flip, a modern take on the classic flip phone.
As a mother of two young children, she made this choice after learning about the impact of screen time on kids. She realized that her own behavior contradicted the rules she set for her children and wanted to set a better example for them.
Discovering the addictive nature of smartphones and social media further fueled her decision to make a change. Feeling frustrated that tech companies were dictating her daily life, she sought a more mindful approach to using technology.
The emergence of low-tech devices in response to the dominance of smartphones has gained momentum in recent years. Switching to a “dumb phone” or a device like the BoringPhone has become a trend, driven by a desire to disconnect from excessive screen time and embrace a more offline lifestyle.
Jess Perriam, 39, turned to PostCrossing, a platform for sending and receiving postcards from strangers worldwide, to maintain a connection with others without being bombarded by aggressive advertising. She values the reading recommendations and cultural insights she has gained through this more traditional form of communication.
The resurgence of analog media, such as cassettes, vinyl records, and postcards, reflects a broader shift towards reconnecting with physical experiences. David Sacks emphasizes the importance of tactile interactions and sensory engagement in an increasingly digital world.
Please try to imagine. I remember being on the bus or walking in the park and having an important task slip out of my mind. Maybe you were planning to send an email, catch up on a meeting, or have lunch with a friend. Without missing a beat, just say out loud what you forgot, and a small device strapped to your chest or placed on the bridge of your nose will send you a message, summarize a meeting, or remind a friend to go to lunch. Send invitations. No need to poke at your smartphone screen and the job is done.
This is the kind of utopian convenience that a growing wave of technology companies are trying to achieve through artificial intelligence. Generative AI chatbots such as ChatGPT exploded in popularity last year as search engines like Google, messaging apps like Slack, and social media services like Snapchat raced to integrate the technology into their systems.
AI add-ons have become commonplace across apps and software, but as the first AI-powered consumer devices launch and compete for space with smartphones, the same generation technology is poised to enter the hardware realm.
One of the first people out of the gate was eye pin California startup Humane. It’s a wearable device that’s only slightly larger than a can of Vaseline and attaches to your shirt via a magnet. You can send texts, make calls, take photos, and play music. However, there is no app support and no screen. Instead, it uses a laser to project a simple interface onto your outstretched palm. The built-in AI chatbot can be instructed through voice commands to search the web or answer queries in much the same way you’d expect from ChatGPT.
“I plan to train Ai Pin to be my personal assistant to facilitate my writing and creative work,” said the Virginia-based company, which pre-ordered the device ahead of its initial U.S. launch in April, says Tiffany Jana, a consultant with Since she travels a lot, she thinks it would be nice to have a photographer and translator to accompany her. “I don’t have all the assistants and large teams that supported me in the past. I’ve always been a tech guy and enjoy ChatGPT.”
Meanwhile, Facebook’s parent company Meta has already Smart glasses equipped with AI Partnering with Ray-Ban and Chinese companies TCL and Oppo Companies followed suit with their own AI glasses. All of these have pretty much the same functionality as Ai Pin and are sold in a way that connects to an AI chatbot that responds to voice commands.
It’s a way to curb smartphone overuse by providing the same essential functionality without addictive apps.
If all of this sounds a lot like what your smartphone’s voice assistant or your living room’s Alexa already does, that’s because that’s essentially what it does. “Using AI in new devices is still the norm today,” says David Lindlbauer, an assistant professor at the Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania. “Everyone uses Google Suggestions, Apple Siri to navigate their phones, or smart suggestions in apps on their phones.” The difference, he says, is that these new and upcoming devices will, which aims to embed AI capabilities in a “less obtrusive and more ubiquitous way.”
Its design intent is most evident in future products pendant From US startup Rewind and software developer Tab AI Avi Shiffman. These small devices hang around your neck and passively record everything you hear and say during the day, then transcribe the most important parts so you can read them back at your convenience later. Designed to summarize. These are essentially productivity tools that bundle the kinds of generative AI capabilities found elsewhere into standalone devices.
But why would you want a device that does more than what your smartphone already has? Partly to free yourself from the less-than-welcome elements. Humane is pitching Ai Pin as a way to curb smartphone overuse by offering the same important functionality without the addictive apps that make you scroll compulsively. “An alcoholic is not dependent on the bottle, but on the contents,” says Christian Montag, chair of molecular psychology at the University of Ulm in Germany, by analogy. He says social media platforms in particular are often interested in intentionally extending screen time in order to show more ads or collect personal data. say. Experiments show that when you use your smartphone in grayscale mode, Reduce user retentionremoving the screen completely can have even more severe effects.
While this may seem counterintuitive to the tech industry’s ever-increasing appetite for new features and gadgets, it’s probably not as alien as it first seems. “Many people wear headphones all day long,” says Lindlbauer. “Therefore, it is entirely possible to move away from the temptation of scrolling through doom and move towards technology that allows us to access the digital world constantly, but unobtrusively.”
However, discussions about their broader applications are beginning to take place. For some, the future of this technology lies not in how it can be integrated into existing platforms, but in whether it can fundamentally change the way platforms are accessed. “There will be no need to use different apps for different tasks,” former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates said in an article. Blog post outlining his vision. “Simply tell your device, in everyday language, what you want to do.” Then, leave it to your device to figure out what apps, platforms, and information it needs to complete the task you set.
This is an idea that will be put into preliminary practice in the next stage. R1. Developed by Rabbit, a Californian AI startup, the R1 is a handheld device that looks a bit like a portable gaming console and operates like a powerful voice assistant. However, it is designed to interact directly with an app on your phone on your behalf, rather than simply connecting to an AI chatbot that generates passive responses to your commands (like other wearable gadgets). Masu. The idea is that R1 acts as an all-in-one interface for your device, a kind of central app that can control everything else.
“We’re not building products for new use cases. We’re developing better, more intuitive ways to address existing use cases.” said Jesse Lyu, Chief Executive Officer of Rabbit. He describes the R1 as a “digital companion” that doesn’t replace your smartphone, but makes it easier to use.
The value of that approach will become clear when R1 launches later this year. However, similar experimental devices are expected to follow. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, which developed ChatGPT, is reportedly already in talks with former Apple chief designer Jony Ive to explore hardware ideas. And a group of startups and Silicon Valley powerhouses are now racing to develop the chips and processors these new devices will need to power their AI models.
Whatever form these AI devices end up taking, they will be hard to compete with the globally connected, highly capable, and intuitively controlled glass rectangles that are in most of our pockets. You’re going to have to work. However, as ubiquitous as smartphones seem, they too have an expiration date. “Smartphones have only been with us for about 15 years,” says Lindlbauer. “I don’t want to believe that smartphones are the pinnacle of technology or that we’ll ever use them the way we do now. [another] 15 years.”
The members of the WhatsApp group ‘Smartphone Free Childhood’ advocate for banning under-14s from owning smartphones and preventing under-16s from accessing social media to protect them from the dangers of the internet. However, believing this is the solution is unrealistic. Announcement (“Crazy: Thousands of UK parents join in quest for smartphone-free childhood”, February 17).
It is a parent’s responsibility to provide a safe environment for their children and teach them how to safely navigate the internet. Just like roads can be dangerous but we don’t ban cars, teaching children internet safety is crucial. Building open and honest relationships and setting boundaries at home will help young people understand internet dangers better than blanket bans. Making social media “adults only” may backfire and make it more tempting for children. They may also be less likely to seek help if they encounter inappropriate content. stuart harrington Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset
As seen in cases like Brianna Gee’s, giving children smartphones can have negative consequences. However, we should consider the benefits and drawbacks of smartphone access. I personally benefitted from having a smartphone in school for various tasks like using apps for transportation, news, and communication. While parental controls and monitoring are essential, smartphones have many positive uses. It is important to adapt to the changing online threats and promote more parental supervision. oscar acton Merton, County Durham
I
Is it a phone call? Is it a tablet? A new group of folding devices, with phone-like screens on the outside and large displays that open like books on the inside, are vying to appeal to consumers who want the best of both worlds.
Each is better in different parts of the equation, but which one is better overall? I tested the most promising devices in a round-by-round contest to find the foldable phone champion. Ta.
contestants
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 – Category Definer, now in its 5th generation
Google Pixel Fold – Android manufacturer’s first attempt at a foldable smartphone
one plus open – A first for the brand, built on parent company Oppo’s 3rd generation technology
Honor Magic V2 – The third generation foldable model will be available in Europe from the end of January
The outer screen is important for phone-type uses such as messaging and calling, but it varies greatly from device to device. From left to right: Honor Magic V2, OnePlus Open, Google Pixel Fold, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The dimensions of the outer screen make a big difference in how much the folder resembles a phone, and is where the devices differ the most.
The Z Fold 5’s outer screen is long and narrow, making typing uncomfortable. The Pixel Fold is short and stubby, so the keyboard is full width, but the apps are a little short and stubby. The Open and Magic V2 are more phone-like and much easier to fold and use.
winner: Honor Magic V2 – The thinnest, most phone-like experience available.
When it opens like a book, the large screen inside takes center stage. Top left to bottom right: Honor Magic V2, Google Pixel Fold, OnePlus Open, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The size and shape of the inner screen is a bit more consistent between brands. The OnePlus and Honor are the most square when unfolded, while the others are slightly longer on one side, similar to the iPad’s display.
Similarly, all screens have high refresh rates and are crisp and bright. Some products are better at preventing fingerprints and glare from lights, while others, like those from Samsung, support stylus input.
The big difference is the feel of the screen under your fingers and the visibility of the crease in the center of the screen. The Z Fold 5 has the most solid-feeling screen, but the Open has less noticeable creases than the others.
winner: OnePlus Open – Less noticeable creases and the smoothest feel.
WWhen the weather is nice, Buxton Boarding School moves lunch outside. Students, faculty, staff, and guests grab food from the kitchen and eat together under a white tent overlooking the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts.
As the end of the school year approached last June, conversation turned to final assignments (English class was finishing Moby Dick) and year-end fun (a trip to the local lake was planned). Ta. It was, in most ways, a typical teenage afternoon. However, no one was using a cell phone.
Buxton was completing the first year of a simple but novel experiment: banning cell phone use on campus. Or rather, a smartphone.
Instead, the school will require everyone on campus, including staff, to light phone, that is, a “dumb” phone with limited functionality. The device can make calls and send texts (slowly), but it cannot load modern applications. Instead, it comes with intentionally cumbersome versions of the Music and Maps apps. They are about the size of a deck of playing cards and have black and white screens.
One student said: “It's like the devil's baby of the iPad and Kindle.”
But most people agree that schools are better off with these infernal devices. (Yes, that includes students.) There are fewer interruptions during classes, more meaningful interactions on campus, and less time spent on screens.
“We've found a pretty good way to deal with this problem,” said Scott Hunter, who teaches English and music, about smartphones. Buxton senior Bea Sass added: “I think people are a lot more social.”
FFor many teachers, students' cell phone use is frustrating. “That's every class, every time period,” said Mark McLaughlin, a math teacher at Near Car Knee High School in Oregon. “The worst part of my job is being the cellphone police.”
Educators across the country report fighting a near-constant battle with their phones.school districts in virginia The survey found that about a third of teachers asked students to put away their phones five to 10 times during class, and 14.7% did so more than 20 times during class. .
When I was in junior high school in Canada investigated According to staff, 75% of respondents believe that mobile phones have a negative impact on students' physical and mental health. Nearly two-thirds believed the device was also having a negative impact on their academic performance.
“This is a big problem,” said Arnold Glass, a psychology professor at Rutgers University. Researched the impact of mobile phones on student grades. “If they are allowed to look at their cell phones during class, they will drop half to the entire grade.”
Ian Tomonblak, a career guidance counselor at Lamoille Union High School in northern Vermont, is also faced with the proliferation of cell phones at his school. “There are kids who get Snapchats or text messages during the day and it just ruins their whole day,” he says. Another problem he sees is students using their cell phones to coordinate trips to collective restrooms in order to hang out during class. “I feel like it distracts me from learning on an academic level.”
Lunch time at Buxton School.
When I told Tromblak about Buxton's experiment, he was intrigued. He noted that one of the things this would address is the argument from students that they need a phone to contact their parents. And teenagers often adapt to new parameters relatively quickly, he said. He remembers learning at the last minute on a field trip with his students that not everyone was allowed to use cell phones. At first, the news was apocalyptic.
“They were very upset. They didn't know how to handle themselves. It was really tense,” Tromblak said, recalling the drama. However, during the trip, the kids almost forgot about their cell phones, and at one point they took it upon themselves to police a girl who secretly tried to call the source of the rope.
“At the end of the first day, we were sitting around the campfire and they were saying, 'I haven't thought about my phone all day,'” Tomblak said. “It was really cool.”
TTo some extent, Buxton experienced a similar progression through stages of panic, grief, and ultimately some acceptance. “When it was announced, I was almost sick,” then-senior Max Weeks said. And while he's still not happy about the switch to Litephone, saying it was a “unilateral” decision, he said overall it was “not as bad as I expected.”
It's an open secret that students still sneak cell phones into their rooms on campus, and some are testing the limits more than others. “People get pretty temperamental and get caught,” said Yamaira Marks, also a senior at Buxton. But smartphones are generally difficult to find on campus.
That includes staff. The school's principal, Peter Beck, said he ditched his iPhone for a Litephone and installed his old GPS system in his car for when he needed to go out into the world. He is thrilled with how his first year went.
Because Buxton uses a narrative evaluation system, it is difficult to determine how the new phone policy is impacting academic performance. But culturally, Beck says, the movement has often led to changes in small but cumulatively meaningful ways.
“People are crazy about the lounge. They stay after class and chat,” says Beck, who estimates they are now having more conversations than ever before at school. “The frequency of all these face-to-face interactions is orders of magnitude higher.”
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