Five of the best pocket-sized smartphones

This year has been the best yet for smartphones, with more useful features, better designs and improved software. It has also been the year which has proven that top experiences don't have to have a premium price tag and good smartphones don't have to have massive screens.

Here's a quick look at five of the best smartphones, that won't stretch your hand or your pocket.

Sony Zperia Z5 Compact

Sony's flagship small phone has a 4.6in screen in a compact case that makes it the most powerful smaller smartphone currently available. A fast and accurate fingerprint scanner hides under the power button on the ring hand side of the phone, so there is no need to put your finger on a home button to unlock your device.

The new 23-megapixel camera is Sony's best yet and one of the best available. Its takes a micro SD card for adding extra storage and the phone is waterproof to depths of 1.5m for 30 minutes, meaning a trip down the loo isn't the end of the world!

But it is its three-day battery life that is the killer feature. This is longest lasting high end smartphone currently available.

Verdict; a powerful, waterproof smartphone that lasts three days between charges.

Samsung Galaxy S6

The Galaxy S6 is Samsung's first premium-feeling flagship smartphone with an all-metal and glass body and a big step up in design means it now matches the competition.

It's the fastest feeling smartphone currently available, zipping between apps and blazing through games. It has a great 16-megapixel camera that is among the best out there, a fantastic 5.1 2K screen and its thinner and lighter than its competitors.

A fingerprint sensor under the home button unlocks the phone and can authenticate payments. It's also got wireless charging and enough battery to see you through the day.

Verdict; The fastest feeling smartphone that just zips along.

Apple iPhone 6S

The iPhone 6S is the latest 4.7in model from Apple and one of the best smaller smartphones available. It's biggest selling feature is a pressure sensitive screen, which allows new gestures and a 12-megapixel camera that can capture Live Photos - still snaps combined with a short video shot at the same time.

The metal body is now made of a harder aluminium that reduces scratches. It's processor is 70% faster than last year. Apple's new Touch ID fingerprint scanner is almost instantaneous, while it's new Taptic Engine produces a great staccato vibrating feedback.

It's biggest downside is a battery that will not last a day, meaning you'll probably have to charge it during the day and overnight. Making sure you close apps will help conserve the battery.

Verdict; A very good phone, ruined by the battery life.

Google Nexus 5X

Google's latest non-phablet flagship, the Nexus 5X, is the successor to the popular Nexus 5 from 2013.

It has a good 5.2in screen, is thin and light and is one of the first smartphones to run the latest version of Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The phone, made by LG for Google runs Android the way the search giant intended it, without bloatware and will get software updates before anything else.

A fast and accurate fingerprint sensor on the back fits naturally under your index finger for unlocking your phone and authenticating payments. It also has a USB type-C port, meaning the cable can be pluged in either way up to charge. The battery lasts about a day, but not much more.

The camera is one of the best on the market and is easy to use to grab great pictures.

Verdict; Fast, light and bloat free, the way Google intended it.

Motorola Moto G (2015)

Motorola's third-generation Moto G is the greatest yet, and is the best all-round smartphone for under £200.

It runs Android without modifications, is snappier than the competition and gets the basics right. The battery lasts a good day, more with lighter use and it feels good despite being noticeably thick with a customisable plastic back.

The Moto G is waterproof to IP67 standards or 1m of water for 30 minutes, which means it'll be fine if your drop it in the bath or get caught in the rain.

The camera is capable of capturing above average shots but there's also a micro SD card slot for adding more memory if the 8gb or 16gb built-in storage isn't enough.

Verdict; The best balance of cost to experience available.

THERE'S A LOT OF NASTY VIRUSES GOING AROUND - GET THE FIVEBARS FLU JAB

Considering how integral Smartphone’s are now to everyday life, it’s scary to think how much damage can be done by malware – and sometimes all it takes is one lapse in judgement to become infected. Keep reading to find out what these infections could do to you, how to detect them, and how to shield yourself from them.

Smartphone malware infections might seem like a recent concern, but the first attack goes back nearly a full decade. As consumers, we can be lulled into a false sense of security when it comes to electronics and downloads. We believe that if we visit only reputable websites and only download apps, music and games from reputable sites, then all is well. Unfortunately, not!

Computer viruses have plagued consumers for many years now, causing companies to install every kind of firewall protection known to mankind and individuals to spend hundreds of pounds each year on keeping their security updated.

Smartphone’s are the new laptops just with a smaller, sexier design. As Smartphone’s continue to progress and consumers continue to use them for everything from taking pictures of their kids in the park, to managing their financial portfolios, viruses and hackers will continue to find new hunting grounds. Even Apple products with their stringent security processes are not beyond being hacked.

Below are five ways your phone can pick up a virus:

Downloading Apps – Before you can play with a new app, you have to download it and accept the terms and conditions. As a conscious consumer, you read every word in these agreements, right? For the majority of consumers, the answer to that question is (with a shameful bow of the head), "wrong." Within the tiny print of those permission agreements, you may miss the section stating what the app will have access to, including your location, contacts list, social media accounts, email, text, calendar and so forth. Pretty scary stuff.

The Web – Internet downloads are probably the easiest way for your mobile phone to contract a virus. With your favourite TV show or comic book on the line, you may be quick to download any file that promises that content. Beware! You have no idea what could be coded into those files. If your phone is not protected by mobile antivirus software, you will likely get more than just the latest "Community" episode. PC Hook-ups – If your child goes to school and a classmate has lice, it is likely that your little darling will come home with a hair full of the unwanted bugs. The same concept is true any time you connect your Smartphone to your computer via USB. If your computer has a bug and your phone is not protected, it will get the malware, too.

Message Attachments – Whether it's personal or business, you may receive hundreds of texts, video messages and emails every day. You simply ignore or delete texts from unfamiliar numbers and your email's spam box filters out the most obvious offenders. If your Smartphone has a virus, however, it can send you texts and emails that are disguised as messages from familiar contacts, which you'll probably open, exposing your phone to damage Bluetooth Connection – Bluetooth-enabled phones and connections are becoming the superhighways for airborne viruses. Like the human cold or flu viruses, Bluetooth phones can infect one another by simply being in the same vicinity. This is quite frightening, as almost every phone, Smartphone or not, has Bluetooth capabilities.

As more and more consumers use their Smartphone’s to store their personal and professional information, the temptation for hackers to create dangerous viruses and other malware will continue to increase. Even now, Smartphone’s are a primary target for malicious code.

Protect yourself now. Contact us and get access to McAfee Multi Device cover;

• Easy to set up

• Auto back-up that’s easy to restore to keep everything safe and secure

• On-line management for adding devices

• Always up-to-date with the latest information.

• Flags untrustworthy websites and changes in Wi-Fi connection

• Works on all browsers including Safari, Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox

• Stops spam and phishing emails and encrypts data

• Doesn't drain battery

• If Smartphone or tablet is lost or stolen, it can be found, locked and wiped customers can also take a picture of the person trying to open it, send them a message or make the device scream

• Puts all passwords in one place so customers only have to remember one

• Works on iPhones and iPads too

IT'S NO SECRET THAT SONY IS BEING SHAKEN AND STIRRED!!

Sony's Mobile division has been 'shaken & stirred' recently, whereas they excel in other verticals, such as music and movies. They have been having problems for quite some time and although Daniel Craig will be using the new Xperia Z5 in Spectre, it is sad to see Sony doing so badly in the Smartphone market as they make such great devices

There are two big issues with Sony Mobile - availability and product cycle. Many of us feel that the 'Roadmap formula' that Sony have of a 6 month release cycle of new flagship Smartphones is partially to blame. Compare this to Apple and Samsung, who release updated product on a twelve month cycle which allows more time for development.

Following another unsuccessful year in the mobile business, Sony is looking to remove more members of staff from the mobile division. The new report comes after Sony contemplated selling the Xperia division to focus on music, services and gaming.

The Xperia Z3 and other devices launched in 2014 failed to impress the US and European audience, Sony's two largest buyers alongside Japan.

The competition from Samsung, Apple, LG and HTC has put the once prominent mobile manufacturer in a tough spot and it has been unable to regain its former glory under the partnership with Ericsson.

Could the new Xperial Z5 launch change things? This new handset has a new approach focused on the camera, instead of waterproof features. The Xperia Z5 Premium with a 4K display, will launch later in the year. The Xperia Z5 Compact will launch alonside the Z5 and should be available on all carriers.

Latest news, Sony's latest flagship, the Xperia Z5, is available to pre-order now. Call us now on 02380 981253.

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'Adapt or die' as mobile payments to top 1.8bn

Banks must 'adapt or die' when it comes to the digital world, with a number of people using mobile banking set to double in the next four years.

According to figures from accountancy firm KPMG, 80 million people used mobile banking in 2014, but this will reach 1.8 billion by 2019 - more than 25 percent of the global population.

Mobile is already the largest banking channel by terms of volume of transactions, according to KPMG's figures which used primary survey data supplied by UBS Evidence Lab, but the sector is about to experience rapid growth.

The Global Mobile Banking Report suggests the volume will increase as mobile banking and payment systems are integrated into other technologies.

INVEST NOW

Banks must adapt of die. Mobile banking is clearly supplanting all other channels as the main portal between the bank and the consumer. Many banks have already risen to the challenge and invested in new infrastructure and pioneering initiatives, but others must follow suit and commit to building both immediate propositions and ongoing capability to keep up with the pace of change.

'Banks must overcome substantial infrastructural challenges and reconcile consumers’ appetite for ease of use with greater security. Boldness will be required to overcome these challenges and the only sure-fire winner will be the consumer'.

DEVELOPING WORLD

KPMG claims that in the short-term, the availability of mobile banking is a key factor when customers choose to switch provider. Adoption rates are highest in developing countries reaching 60-70 per cent in China and India, as opposed to developed nations such as the US, UK and Europe.

Samsung has partnered with MasterCard for the European launch of its contactless payments service Samsung Pay.

The Korean manufacturer will use MasterCard's Digital Enablement Service (MDES) to allow users to make purchases through their mobile devices.

"Both organisations are committed to ground breaking tech innovations that will deliver on the promise of a true mobile wallet," said Global Head of Samsung Pay - Injong Rhee.

Samsung Pay is scheduled to launch in the US and Korea later this summer, and now the manufacturer and Master Card will work with card issuers to bring the service to Europe, but the firm did not reveal a launch date.

MDES was announced in 2013 and MasterCard claims 'millions' of accounts have been 'tokenised', which provides the security aspect of the transaction when making digital wallet services.

MasterCard Europe president Javier Perez added; "With the continued global growth and reliance on connected mobile devices, we are delighted to expand our relationship with Samsung by extending the reach of Samsung Pay and MDES to cardholders in Europe. Europeans have been leading the way in the adoption of new ways to shop, buy and make payments. Through our strong partnership with Samsung we look forward to continuing to drive innovation in mobile commerce by creating a simple and secure digital payment experience for consumers"

The news comes following the UK launch of Apple Pay on 14 July '15. The service is currently available in more than 250,000 locations across the country. No more digging for your card in your wallet, pay using your iPhone 6, Apple Watch or iPad. Banks participating in Apple Pay;

• American Express • first direct • HSBC • NatWest • Nationwide Building Society • MBNA • Royal Bank of Scotland • Santander • Ulster Bank

Ofcom asks industry to help rewrite portability rule book

Ofcom has launched a consultation on the process used to change mobile provider and port their number.

The current process requires a consumer wishing to port their number to first inform their provider and request a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC), which they must provide within 24 hours. That code, which is valid for one month, must then be issued to their new provider in order to retain their existing number. Ofcom said it is concerned this process has led to some operators making it deliberately difficult to switch provider and as of last month, opened an investigation into arrangements for cancelling services.

The investigation comes after it was revealed that operators were using 'dirty tricks' to delay providing PAC codes and ultimately preventing customers from leaving. The regulator has already requested feedback from UK operators on the current system and is now inviting comments from operators and other parties involved in the industry for ideas on how to change the porting process. Interested parties must submit comment by October 6th.

Ofcom has already suggested the introduction of its 'gaining-operator led service', that would cut out the part where customers have to contact the network they are leaving.

Ofcom requested users with suggestions go online to www.ofcom.org.uk and select the stakeholders option, which brings up contact details where ideas can be submitted.

iPhone - Is it fake or real????

When you got your precious, shiny new iPhone, did you check its pedigree. The following report may make you shiver........

A factory which allegedly made up to 41,000 fake Apple iPhones has been raided in China, with nine arrests. The operation reportedly involved "hundreds" of workers repackaging second hand smartphone parts as new iPhones for export, with counterfeit phones produced worth 120m yuan ($19m). The factory was discovered on 14 May but was revealed on social media by Beijing's public security bureau on Sunday, according to reports. The operation was set up in January. It was led by a husband and wife team, on the northern outskirts of the Chinese capital, according to Beijing authorities. They said they had been alerted to the factory by US authorities which had seized some of the fake phones.

The reports come amid an official Chinese crackdown on counterfeit goods, with authorities pushing firms to trademark their goods. China has also agreed to work with the US authorities to try to stem the large quantities of fake goods flowing between the two countries.

The discovery of the factory comes four years after fake Apple stores were found in Kunming city, China. The fakes were so convincing she said many of the staff themselves were convinced that they were employed by the US electronics firm.

So let us help you; how to check if your iPhone is fake or real.

Each iPhone has a serial number that identifies it. By looking up the serial number, you can verify whether or not it's in Apple's database. Locate the serial number on the iPhone by tapping "Settings," choosing "General" and selecting "About." Scroll down to "Serial Number," and keep the screen open or write down the number. Visit "https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do" and input the serial number. The system lets you know whether or not your iPhone is still within the warranty period. If you receive the message "we're sorry, but this serial number is not valid. Please check your information and try again," it is likely that the iPhone is a fake.

Always check where you are getting your phone from, or just make Fivebars Mobile your first point of call for all your telephony needs.

IoT - what's it all about!

Businesses are connecting everything you can think of to the internet - cars, vending machines, white goods, cameras, wind turbines and even cattle.

Rather than thinking about IoT as just a way to connect ‘everything to everything’, you need to consider the value this technology can add to your business by supply.

No business can afford to be complacent about the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication.   This innovative technology is creating new opportunities for businesses to push the boundaries and deliver new, disruptive services ahead of your rivals.

Many of you will know M2M, or Machine to Machine to give it its full title, but in recent years, it’s no longer just about machines talking to machines.  It’s now about almost everything on the planet being connected, via the Internet of Things.  And as many of these connected ‘Things’ are in a mobile environment, they require Mobile SIM’s to complete the connectivity process.

IoT isn’t just the next big thing, it’s set to see massive growth with an additional 20 billion SIM’s being connected over the next 5 years.  That’s an 1800% growth rate on where we are today.

So what’s driving the growth?  What are these ‘Connected Things’?  Well the simple answer is that companies are connecting literally everything to the internet and they’re doing this in order to obtain more date and drive a more accurate and timely decision-making process. 

If you already know about IoT let us connect you, if you want to know more about IoT and how it will grow your business let us help you.