Radio Times
type: channel
link: https://www.radiotimes.com
date: 2025-12-03T12:35:35.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: 10 of the best Kindle Paperwhite cases
items: How does Audible work? How much it costs, how to get free books and how to cancel
items: What is the Amazon Fire Stick? Your guide to how it all works
items: How to watch Game of Thrones season 1 - 8 in the UK
items: How to get Disney Plus on PS5 - your guide to setting it up
items: Five of the best power banks for Nintendo Switch and which type you need
items: How to watch HBO shows in the UK
items: Best micro SD card for Nintendo Switch to buy today
items: 10 best Nintendo Switch accessories: screen protectors, cases and other must-haves
items: Apple AirTags are finally here and available to buy now
items: My Fantasy Bookshelf: Simon Farnaby shares the books which influenced his life and career
items: My Fantasy Bookshelf: Clare Balding shares the books which influenced her life and career
items: 8 of the best educational non-fiction audiobooks
items: My Fantasy Bookshelf: Harlan Coben shares the books which influenced his life and career
items: My Fantasy Bookshelf: Russell Kane shares the books which influenced his life and career
items: Apple Watch 6 review
items: Garmin Lily review
items: Huawei Watch Fit review
items: Huawei GT 2 Pro review
items: My Fantasy Bookshelf: Phoebe Fox shares the books which influenced her life and career
items: My Fantasy Bookshelf: Nadia Sawalha shares the books which influenced her life and career
items: Best Samsung Galaxy S21 pre-order deals available now
items: My Fantasy Bookshelf: Finding Alice’s Isabella Pappas shares the books which influenced her life and career
items: Best smartwatch deals in the January sales - £160 off Apple Watch and more
items: Get free Apple Airpods with iPhone 12 mini plus data deals
items: My Fantasy Bookshelf: Sandi Toksvig shares the books which influenced her life and career
items: My Fantasy Bookshelf: Ben Miller shares the books which influenced his life and career
items: My Fantasy Bookshelf: Romesh Ranganathan shares the books which influenced his life and career
items: How to pre-order the OnePlus 8T
items: OnePlus 8T release date: specs, design, price and more

10 of the best Kindle Paperwhite cases
type: item
date: 2025-12-01T13:20:56.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: Technology
subject: Technology Guides
description: Protect your device with a handy case.
encoded: Calling all bookworms! If you own a Kindle Paperwhite and are heading out and about, you'll want a case to protect it from any scratches or other damage. It's perfect way to take your reading library on the go with you — just pop your Kindle in its case and enjoy your books wherever you are. Cases come in all sorts of styles, materials and designs, and there are even sites where you can personalise your own Kindle case. We've scoured the web and found a selection of the best Kindle Paperwhite cases to help you choose the perfect one for you, whether you’re looking for something sophisticated and boardroom-ready or something a little more fun and unique. All the cases below should be compatible with the 2024 seven-inch Kindle Paperwhite. undefined If you're in the market for a Kindle, be sure to read our guides on the best Kindle deals and Kindle Scribe vs reMarkable 2. Plus, Samsung Ring vs Oura Ring and take a look at the Samsung Galaxy S25 release date. Jump to: How to choose a new case for your Kindle Paperwhite Best Kindle Paperwhite cases 2025 at a glance 10 of the best Kindle Paperwhite cases How to choose a new case for your Kindle Paperwhite Size shouldn't really be a problem, but do check you are buying a case that will fit. Are you likely to read your Kindle by water? Whether you're taking your Kindle on holiday with you, or reading it pool-side during the warmer months at home, you might want to think about selecting a waterproof case. Not all of the cases come with a light for night-time reading, so look for one that does if that's a deal-breaker for you. Best Kindle Paperwhite cases 2025 at a glance: Joylifestyles Floral Case | £25.20 £12.60 (save £12.60 or 50%) FINTIE Case | £12.99 £11.04 (save £1.95 or 15%) CoBak Kindle Paperwhite Case | £28.99 £12.34 (save £16.65 or 57%) MoKo Case for Kindle Paperwhite | £39.99 £12.99 (save £27 or 68%) MoKo Starry Night Case | £39.99 £26.99 (save £13 or 33%) Foldback Book Cover | £29.95 £23.96 (save £5.99 or 20%) Cus…

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How does Audible work? How much it costs, how to get free books and how to cancel
type: item
date: 2025-12-01T11:00:21.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: audio
subject: Audiobooks
subject: Technology
subject: Audible
subject: Books
description: Audible is an Amazon subscription service offering audiobooks, podcasts and more. Here's how it works.
encoded: Listen up all bookworms, podcast listeners and audio fans – if you're looking for somewhere to source your favourite auditory entertainment, Audible is the perfect platform for you. Audible is an Amazon service offering a huge variety and number of titles, all wrapped up in an affordable subscription package. It's great for those who are struggling to find time to read, or for those on the lookout for a new podcast to get stuck into. Books are either read out to you by a narrator, the title’s author or a well-known celebrity, while podcasts often have famous hosts. The book fanatics at RadioTimes.com have rounded up some of the best audiobooks and best non-fiction audiobooks that you'll find on Audible. If you’ve got little ones looking for a bedtime story, we’ve got a list of the best kids' audiobooks, too. If you’re tempted to sign-up for Audible, we’ve outlined the answers to all the main questions you might have about the service and how it works below. The good news is that, at the very least, the first month will either be free or very cheap, since there's always a promotional offer around to entice potential new subscribers. Head to our piece on how to get an Audible free trial in the UK for the latest information. In our best Audible offers article, we share the top deals each month to help you bag the subscription service for free or for less, and we tell you how to get free audiobooks. And you can also head to our Audible Gift Card piece if you want to treat a loved one to the subscription service this Christmas. Start your 30-day free Audible trial undefined Quality audiobooks deserve quality audio – and if you're looking for something to play your audiobooks through at home, don't miss our best DAB radio recommendations and best Amazon Echo deals. Jump to: What is Audible? How much does Audible cost in the UK? How does Audible work? What are Audible credits? What do you need to use Audible? How to buy books on Audible How to get free books on Audible How…

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What is the Amazon Fire Stick? Your guide to how it all works
type: item
date: 2025-07-09T08:40:54.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: News
subject: Technology
subject: Technology Guides
subject: On demand
description: How the smart stick functions and what you can expect from it.
encoded: In today's climate of smart TVs, apps and fancy home setups, it can be easy to forget about the humble streaming stick. But if you're one of the many people not willing to spend hundreds on a brand-new TV just so you can catch up on the last series of The Last of Us, then smaller devices like the Amazon Fire Stick are the perfect affordable option. But just what is an Amazon Fire TV Stick, and exactly how does it work? Below, we’ve put together a straightforward guide outlining what to expect from the streaming stick and why you might want to get your hands on one of your own. For more information, you can see our Amazon Fire TV Stick review and our guides to Amazon Prime stick channels, the Fire TV Stick monthly fee and Chromecast vs Fire TV Stick. Or, if you're already certain that you want to purchase a Fire Stick, you can see our best Amazon Fire TV Stick deals. Buy Amazon Fire TV Stick for £39.99 £23.99 (save £16 or 50%) at Amazon View Affiliate Playlist on the source website For more of the best streaming deals, take a look at our Disney Plus offers and the Audible Prime Day offer. Jump to: What is the Amazon Fire Stick? How does an Amazon Fire TV stick work? How much is an Amazon Fire Stick? What is the Amazon Fire Stick? The Amazon Fire Stick is a smart TV device, which essentially allows you to access a range of channels and platforms straight to your TV simply by plugging it in. The Fire Stick is one of the market leaders for this type of streaming device and boasts a generous 8GB of storage for apps such as Netflix and the BBC iPlayer. There are four versions of the Fire Stick; the standard model, the cheaper Lite model, the 4K version and the 4K Max. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the latest streaming stick to come out, it has a slightly higher price tag but will allow you to watch in the best quality, with ultra HD streaming. Buy Amazon Fire TV Stick for £39.99 £23.99 (save £16 or 50%) at Amazon How does an Amazon Fire TV stick work? The Fire Stick …

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How to watch Game of Thrones season 1 - 8 in the UK
type: item
date: 2024-11-25T17:12:34.000Z
creator: Ben Williams
subject: Fantasy
subject: News
subject: TV
description: The best places to watch all of GoT no matter where you are.
encoded: Despite the controversy over Game of Thrones' ending, the hit fantasy drama based on George RR Martin's book series is still a popular watch today, making it so there are plenty of options to stream seasons 1 through 8. No doubt helped by the success of the prequel series House of the Dragon, the allure of the original series's escapades with political scheming, bloody battles, mythical creatures and real-world stories in a fantasy setting is still a big grab for genre fans. While the show does have a reputation for being pirated on an "unprecedented scale", those who want to stream GoT legally have a load of choices across the UK or US. Luckily, this handy article will take you directly to each Game of Thrones streaming option to suit whichever service you prefer. Spoiler warning: We have included a recap of each season's events, so those who've already seen the show know which is which upon a rewatch. If you're new to Game of Thrones, be sure to avoid reading each recap and jump straight to the links, so you don't have its surprises ruined for you. How to watch Game of Thrones season 1 online Here is where you can stream, download, and watch Game of Thrones season 1: Watch & download on Amazon (UK) Watch on Apple TV Download on Google Play Store Watch & download on NOW TV (UK) Watch & download on Sky (UK) Watch & download on Amazon (US) Watch & download on Hulu (US) Watch & download on Max (US) Season 1 recap Among other events in the very first season, we meet Sean Bean as Ned, who is offered to be the new Hand of the King, 10-year-old Bran Stark is paralysed in an attempt to keep him quiet, Jon Snow joins the Night’s Watch, Sansa is captured while Arya escapes and Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa) dies after a duel and a run-in with a witch. Drogo’s widow Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) becomes the "Mother of Dragons" after she emerges unharmed from flames with three hatched dragon eggs. How to watch Game of Thrones season 2 online Here is where you can stream, downlo…

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How to get Disney Plus on PS5 - your guide to setting it up
type: item
date: 2024-02-29T15:00:17.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: News
subject: Technology
subject: Disney
subject: On demand
subject: PlayStation 4
description: Find out how to stream Disney Plus on your PS5
encoded: Disney Plus is home to some of our childhood favourite films as well as a load of blockbusters, new series, and thrilling originals. They have a huge library with thousands of hours of content perfect for both kids and adults. Their range is ever increasing, with the new Shōgun original series already gaining praise from fans as well as new films like Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and The Marvels recently added to the platform. What's more, Disney Plus can be accessed via tablets, phones, and of course gaming consoles. If you have a PS4 or PS5 then Disney Plus can be streamed straight from your console. To make the watching process easy, we've got this guide to explain how to get Disney Plus on your PS5, we'll also explain the PS4 and other consoles. If you don't already have a PS5, see our best PS5 deals. Sign up to Disney Plus for £4.99 a month For more on Disney Plus check out our guide on how much is Disney Plus, can you watch Disney Plus offline, and the best movies to watch on Disney Plus. Is Disney Plus available on PS5? Just like Netflix and Amazon Prime, Disney Plus is available on PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles so you can stream your favourite shows and classic films directly through your console. On the PS5, this is already installed, the PS4 it's on a dedicated app. It's viewable in the Media section on the PS5 and TV and Video section of the main menu of your PS4. Sign up to Disney Plus for £4.99 a month How to get Disney Plus on PS5 and PS4 For the PS5, you can get Disney Plus by finding it through the media section, then go to 'all apps', and it will be there. For the PS4, the Disney Plus service can be accessed through the main PlayStation store, where you can download the dedicated Disney Plus PS4 app. Once downloaded, the app will be stored in the TV and Video section of your console’s main menu. Sign up to Disney Plus for £4.99 a month Is Disney Plus available on PS3? No, Disney Plus isn't available on PS3 because production has stopped on t…

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Five of the best power banks for Nintendo Switch and which type you need
type: item
date: 2024-01-09T09:30:54.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: Gaming
subject: Offers
subject: Technology
description: Keep gaming for longer with a portable charger.
encoded: Running fast out of charge midway through the best Switch games when you're away from a plug is never fun. To make sure you don't suffer this fate, we've rounded up five of the best power banks for Nintendo Switch, as well as all the essential info about which type you need. There are multiple types of power banks to choose from that have different capacities, and some provide extra functionality. But don't fear; we'll go over the basics of each one so you can decide which is the best fit for you. All these power banks will work with every model of the Nintendo Switch, whether that's the original, the Switch OLED or the Switch Lite. Some models will even charge your phone and other devices too. They should work on the rumoured upcoming next-gen Switch 2 as well, as the device is likely to have a similar power draw. If you want to really switch things up, you can check out the best Nintendo Switch cases and best Nintendo Switch chargers too. If you're yet to buy Nintendo's hybrid console, check out our best Switch deals and see if we think the Switch is worth it. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Jump to: How long does a Nintendo Switch charge last? What size power bank do I need for Nintendo Switch? Which power bank should I buy for Nintendo Switch? Best power banks for Nintendo Switch at a glance 4 of the best power banks for Nintendo Switch Energy efficiency: How long does a Nintendo Switch charge last? How long you can keep playing without having to plug in depends on which type of Nintendo Switch device you have. If you have the original Nintendo Switch you’re looking at around four and a half to nine hours playing time, depending on the game and what you’re using it for. The Nintendo Switch Lite is slightly lower, with around three to seven hours on a single charge. If you have the original version of the Switch from a few years ago, however, you’ll be looking at a little less playing time again, at around two and a half to six and a half hours. Lik…

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How to watch HBO shows in the UK
type: item
date: 2024-01-03T09:00:38.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: News
subject: Technology
subject: Amazon Prime Video
subject: HBO
subject: NOW
subject: Sky
subject: Sky Atlantic
description: Where and how to watch all the top shows from the US network.
encoded: Over the last few years, some of the entertainment industry’s most popular content has been delivered by the sharp minds at HBO. Their series have received hundreds of awards, and many have now become household names. From the likes of Chernobyl to The Last of Us, and Game of Thrones to its prequel House of the Dragon, the American network knows a thing or two about creating a stand-out show. However, because HBO is a US network and is not a listed channel on regular British television, much of its great content can prove tricky to find outside of the United States. Luckily, HBO's output is still available in the UK, thanks to a deal with Sky. To help you access their stellar content, we've got this guide - which explains how to watch HBO in the UK and some of the best shows to get stuck into. Watch HBO for no extra cost with Sky Jump to: What is HBO? Is HBO available in the UK? How to watch HBO shows in the UK Popular HBO shows and where to find them in the UK What is HBO? HBO is a US network from Warner Bros, with the lettering standing for "Home Box Office". It has been producing some of the most recognisable shows and characters for decades and its often award-winning content has been watched all over the world. Some of their most famous productions include Game of Thrones, Succession, The Sopranos, and Chernobyl. HBO is still centred around a US audience, and there are a range of HBO channels and streaming options. The first is HBO Max, which has all the network’s films and shows in addition to other content made by Warner Bros, who own HBO. While HBO Max launched in the US, it is not currently available to access in the UK and is not expected anytime soon. The second is HBO GO which is an app and online version of HBO’s network. It allows users who are already subscribed to any TV service which offers HBO, to stream their content on various devices. The last is HBO Now which is a stand-alone version of the channel, which users can access directly without havin…

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Best micro SD card for Nintendo Switch to buy today
type: item
date: 2023-10-10T13:05:13.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: News
subject: Technology
subject: Nintendo
description: Make the most of your device with a micro SD card.
encoded: Most of us love our Nintendo Switch, and you're unlikely to hear a complaint from the RadioTimes.com team when we're talking about it. However, Nintendo did drop the ball somewhat when it came to giving us a decent amount of storage space to keep our games installed on the console. It doesn't take long after buying one to realise that space is a bit of an issue, especially with games like Animal Crossing which have had some huge updates. You'll soon be at the point where something will need to be deleted if you want to play something new — an ever annoying chore for the Technology and Gaming teams! With that in mind, taking a look at what memory cards you can get to give that storage space an all-important boost is a wise move and there is plenty out there to choose from various sizes. The best Nintendo Switch games can be purchased online and downloaded so picking up a micro SD card is a smart move you should strongly consider, particularly with some of the games on the way that will likely be on the large side — we're looking at you Breath of the Wild 2. For more Nintendo Switch accessories, try our guides to the best Nintendo Switch cases and the best power banks for Nintendo Switch. Or head to our Nintendo Switch OLED review to see how the console performs. Plus, here are the top Nintendo Switch offers for this month. Jump to: What is the best micro SD card for Nintendo Switch? Do you need a micro SD card for Nintendo Switch? What micro SD card are compatible for Nintendo Switch? 10 best micro SD cards for Nintendo Switch at a glance 10 of the best micro SD cards for Nintendo Switch What is the best micro SD card for Nintendo Switch? There are a variety of memory card sizes, brands and types to choose from. Below, we've broken down what you should look for below to get the best micro SD cards for Nintendo Switch devices. Do you need a micro SD card for Nintendo Switch? The Nintendo Switch device comes with 32GB of internal storage plus compatibility with memory …

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10 best Nintendo Switch accessories: screen protectors, cases and other must-haves
type: item
date: 2022-11-15T16:40:21.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: Gaming
subject: Technology
description: The top gaming accessories for your Nintendo Switch, from headsets to stands.
encoded: While buying a new console can be exciting, it's worth noting that it won't just be the console you need to purchase. As the market has grown since its initial release back in March 2017, the number of Switch accessories has skyrocketed. Not all accessories are essential, but we think there are some that are definitely worth buying. This includes the best Nintendo Switch cases, the best screen protectors, extra controllers, and more. All extra things that you will likely need to buy to get the most out of your shiny new Nintendo console. All of these extras can add up quickly, especially when purchasing extra controllers and a Micro-SD Card. This list should help you weigh up the costs of what you do and don't need on top of your console purchase. However, all these extra bits, such as suped-up controllers and steering wheels, can add up quickly, especially when you've already splashed out around £279 for the console. This list should help you work out which accessories you need and when it's best to save a little money. Read on to find out what we think 10 of the best Nintendo Switch accessories are, where you can buy them, and how much they should cost. If this list has you wanting more from your Switch, also check out our guide to the best Nintendo Switch chargers for more accessories and head to our best Nintendo Switch games round-up to find something new to play. 10 of the best Nintendo Switch accessories 1. Hori Nintendo Switch Compact Playstand A stand allows you to keep your device stable while you play, and this one has a choice of three angles to adjust your screen to. It even charges your device while you use it, too. Buy now at Amazon for £9.99 2. Tempered Glass Screen Protector Keep your device protected by choosing one of the best Nintendo Switch screen protectors you can. This tempered glass one should help your screen stay scratch-free without adding too much width, meaning it should still fit into console hubs and other devices. It also comes in a …

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Apple AirTags are finally here and available to buy now
type: item
date: 2021-05-21T10:15:46.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: News
subject: Technology
description: Apple's AirTags have now been officially revealed - here's what you need to know.
encoded: After much speculation and the usual rumblings on the rumour mill, Apple finally treated us to the highly anticipated AirTags launch in its 'Spring Loaded' event. And they are available to buy now. Buy the Apple AirTags for £29 (or 4 for £99) from Amazon now Hints of Apple’s item tracking devices were first uncovered in the code for the iOS 13 release back in June 2019. Since then, Apple fanatics have been excitedly anticipating the devices’ release. Like so many things last year, it seems that the AirTags arrival on the market was delayed due to the global pandemic. More recently, rumours were flying as eagle-eyed leakers spotted a number of third-party AirTags accessories popping up on sites like eBay. But, we can confirm - the wait is finally over. Here is everything you need to know about Apple's new Bluetooth tracker, including how it works, what it looks like, price and where to buy it. To find out more about Apple's latest devices, head to our review of the new iPad Pro, iPhone 13 page and more on the AirPods 3 release date. If it's the earbuds you're after, we've also got our Apple AirPods review and Apple AirPods Pro review. And for our verdict on Apple's most recent wearables, be sure to read our experts' Apple Watch 6 review and Apple Watch SE review. Jump to: What are the Apple AirTags? What do the Apple AirTags look like? How much do the Apple AirTags cost? Where to buy Apple AirTags How will Apple AirTags work? What are Apple AirTags? The AirTags are pocket-sized Bluetooth trackers which can be attached to items such as bags, cases and keys, allowing you to track their location from Find My on your iPhone. Similar tracking devices exist already, most notably the Tile Mate (available now for £19.99 on Amazon) and the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, which was released earlier in 2021 for £29. The Galaxy SmartTag is available from a number of retailers, including Amazon and John Lewis, in two colours; black and oatmeal. What's the difference? Unlike competitors,…

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My Fantasy Bookshelf: Simon Farnaby shares the books which influenced his life and career
type: item
date: 2021-04-25T13:01:18.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: audio
subject: Audiobooks
subject: Books
description: The actor and writer shares his most significant reads.
encoded: You will have seen actor and writer Simon Farnaby in a variety of period guises throughout his time in the popular Horrible Histories series, which has covered everyone from “Horrid Henry VIII” to “Bolshy Boudica”. A long-term member of The Mighty Boost cast, you'll also spot him in BBC One's Ghosts and the charming live-animation film Paddington 2, which he co-wrote. Now, Farnaby is releasing his own book for children. The Wizard in My Shed follows an ordinary girl called Rose who finds a banished warlock in her shed, sent to the 21st century in punishment for his bad behaviour. Below, the author discusses the books which influenced his latest novel and those which have been significant to him throughout his life, and draws up his final Fantasy Bookshelf selection. Farnaby shares his own favourite read as a child, the book which has taught him the most and the novel which inspired him to study in Dublin. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, which one would you choose? The Third Policeman by Flann O’Brien. It has a bit of everything; robbery, murder, musings on life and death and a policeman who’s half man half bicycle. It’s also the book that’s made me laugh out loud the most. There’s mad scientist in it, de Selby who believes that night-time is created by tiny volcanic eruptions in the earth that block out the sun during the day. I give a little wink to him in The Wizard in My Shed for the eagle-eyed reader. What was your favourite book growing up? I loved Stig of The Dump by Clive King. It’s about a boy who discovers a caveman living in a refuse tip. It just made me really want to be best friends with a caveman. I loved that type of narrative as a kid. Like when I saw ET I really wanted to be best friends with an alien. It’s not hard to see why I’ve written a book where a kid becomes best friends with a wizard from the dark ages. As a child, which character from a book would you say you were most like? I always felt a connection to Danny Cha…

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My Fantasy Bookshelf: Clare Balding shares the books which influenced her life and career
type: item
date: 2021-04-11T11:00:45.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: audio
subject: Audiobooks
subject: Books
description: The presenter shares her top reads with RadioTimes.com.
encoded: Broadcaster and author Clare Balding is a cornerstone of British sports coverage and, it’s fair to say, a national treasure. With a long-standing and varied career under her belt, she was awarded a BAFTA for her work during the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics as well as an OBE the following year for services to broadcasting and journalism. A devout animal lover, Balding has written a number of books about four-legged friends from dogs to horses, including children’s fiction. Her latest book, Fall Off, Get Back On, Keep Going is also aimed at children. A practical, inspiring guide for kids, Balding combines warm insight from her own life with advice, tips and the stories of dedication and determination of real sports people. Below, the broadcaster shares the books which have inspired her writing career and life outside of her work and lines up her final Fantasy Bookshelf selection. Balding shares the inspiration behind her new book, discusses the best reading recommendations she’s ever received and reveals her favourite fictional guinea pig. If you could only save one book in the world, which one would it be? An Atlas, for lots of practical reasons. If it was the only book I had in the world, at least I would know where I was and where I wanted to go. I love maps and I love atlases. What was your favourite book growing up? Black Beauty by Anna Sewell - my absolute favourite. That would be a close run for the book I'd want to save as well because I've got a first edition and it's absolutely beautiful. Uncut pages, illustrations, plates on the shiny paper. It's really, really beautiful. Which character would you say you were most like as a child? George from The Famous Five. George had Timmy the dog and she was a tomboy and she was quite rude to people and she just wanted to do what she wanted to do. She loved her dog and I thought she was really cool. You book Fall Off, Get Back On, Keep Going is full of lots of advice, practical tips, inspiring people and insights from…

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8 of the best educational non-fiction audiobooks
type: item
date: 2021-03-30T14:24:34.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: audio
subject: Audiobooks
subject: News
description: Learn while you listen with these popular audiobooks.
encoded: When lockdown was enforced in 2020, made of us went into isolation vowing to make the most of the enforced free time by learning a host of new skills. (How is that sourdough starter coming along?) Of course, the crushing realities of lockdown have probably at least partially got in the way of those aspirations - but here's one easy way to self improve: listen to an educational audiobook. This is something you can do on the school run, on your commute, or even the time spent in bed that was formerly your commute. Listening to words, it turns out, is a whole lot less demanding than reading them - and if you're in search of audiobooks, Audible is the place to go. Whether you want to brush up on your languages skills or learn more about the lunar landing, our round-up of the best educational non-fiction audiobooks has you covered. These are all available as one-off downloads, but if you really want to commit to audiobooks, an Audible subscription is almost definitely the wisest course of action - especially you can enjoy a free 30-day trial before the £7.99-per-month expenditure begins. Sign up to a free 30-day Audible trial at Amazon For more information on the service, and differing subscription costs, don't miss our how does Audible work explainer. And for a more comprehensive list of the titles available to download, be sure to read our best audiobooks on Audible article. Listen for less – Audible deals in the Prime Early Access sale From the 10th October until 18th December, you can get Audible for just £2.99 a month! For your money, you’ll get one monthly credit to spend on an audiobook of your choice, plus access to countless free audiobooks and podcasts. Whether you want classic literature, cracking comedy or true crime – there’s something for everyone. Get Audible for £2.99 per month — then £7.99 (auto renews) 8 of the best educational non-fiction audiobooks Sapiens By: Yuval Noah Harari Narrated by: Derek Perkins Sapiens is one of the most highly regarded and …

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My Fantasy Bookshelf: Harlan Coben shares the books which influenced his life and career
type: item
date: 2021-03-28T11:00:43.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: Books
description: The author divulges his most inspiring reads.
encoded: Author Harlan Coben is well known for his seemingly never-ending list of best-selling novels, many of which have been adapted into nail-biting Netflix dramas including The Stranger and Safe. His thriller The Innocent is his next title due to be released on the small screen this April and his latest novel Win is about to hit bookshelves internationally. Below, Coben tells RadioTimes.com about the titles which have influenced his own writing and ways of thinking and lines up his final Fantasy Bookshelf selection. The author shares the one book in the world he would save, his favourite quote and reveals what’s up next on his reading list. What was your favourite book growing up? Charlie and The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Do you want to know how to write suspense and make the reader cheer for your hero? Think of how much badly you wanted Charlie to find a golden ticket. Which book has taught you something new? Every book I’ve ever read to some degree. My favourite book on writing and the creative process is Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, not just because it teaches but because it articulates so wonderfully what you already know. If you could only save one book in the world, which one would it be? Oy, what a question. I recently re-read American Pastoral by Philip Roth, and I still think it’s the most perfect (as opposed to best) novel I’ve ever read. Which book would you most like to see on screen next? I have never read a book and thought, “Oh man, I can’t wait for a movie version of this!” Not once. If I love a book, I love a book. If I love a movie or TV show - you get the idea. I don’t want one to be the other. But since I have to answer, I’ll say The Innocent by yours truly simply because it’s the next one coming out on Netflix and thus self-serving. Are there any books or authors which inspired you to become a writer? Are there any that haven’t? The one I usually choose is Marathon Man by William Goldman. That was my first “adult” thriller I read as a teen. I …

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My Fantasy Bookshelf: Russell Kane shares the books which influenced his life and career
type: item
date: 2021-03-14T12:00:44.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: audio
subject: Audiobooks
subject: Books
description: The comedian discusses his top titles.
encoded: Comedian, presenter, writer, actor – it seems there are few things Russell Kane can’t do. Latest on a long list of talents (and luckily one of the few occupations which lends itself to pandemic-induced working from home), is podcaster. Each episode of his BBC Radio 4 show Evil Genius delves into a different character from history, covering everyone from Father Christmas to Mother Theresa, including authors such as Charles Dickens and Enid Blyton. Here, Kane discusses all the authors and books which have influenced his life and career and selects his final Fantasy Bookshelf line up. Kane shares his top tear-jerking recommendation, reveals which books have changed the way he thinks and divulges what he’d really like to steal from author Dan Brown. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, which would you choose? Probably Madame Bovary. I reread it every few years anyway. I love Flaubert’s writing. He makes fun of everyone, and yet has such depth, compassion and lyricism. Which character from a book do you wish you could be like? Obviously Mr Darcy [of Pride and Prejudice]. Handsome, wealthy and a man of few words. I can’t stop talking and I’m only 5 foot 10. Oh well. Which character from a book would you say you were most like as a child? Matilda. I even did a DNA check to make sure I belonged in that nest. Turns out I was an alien. Which book has made you think about something differently? So many. Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed. There is a reason there are so few plane crashes – they learn from their mistakes. This book is that philosophy for excellence. The Village Effect by Susan Pinker taught me the health benefits of staying in touch with friends and family. Also, Bulletproof by Dave Asprey changed the way I eat forever. I’ve taken years off! What was the last book you couldn’t put down? The Porcupine by Julian Barnes. A nasty, brilliant little political courtroom slanging match. Which writer has had the biggest influence on your career? I w…

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Apple Watch 6 review
type: item
date: 2021-03-12T16:15:21.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: Reviews
subject: Technology
subject: Tech review
description: Find out what we thought of Apple's newest smartwatch release.
encoded: Apple fans will need no introduction to the Apple Watch 6, the latest smartwatch model, which was unveiled with much fanfare in the brand's virtual event, Time Flies, last September. The shiny wearable tech was released alongside the Apple Watch SE, a more affordable version of the high-end 6. While there were many exciting features showcased during the event, the functions Apple gave most attention to were the health additions of this model, only available on a select few smartwatches by any brand. The first is its ability to take an ECG (electrocardiogram), and the second is the Blood Oxygen feature, which uses light to measure the levels of oxygen in your blood. There are many other functions to shout about, but these were the stand-out additions that account for the price increase compared with the SE model. We’ve taken all the features on the Apple Watch 6 for a test drive to see if the model is worth all the excitement and have shared our findings below. For a top of the range offering from other brands, see our Huawei GT2 Pro review and Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 review. For a more fitness-focused top-end smartwatch, there's also our Fitbit Sense review. And for our expert pick of the best wearables out there, read our best smartwatch list. Or, take a look at our Apple event summary to find out whether you should wait to buy a new smartwatch. Here is everything we know about the upcoming Apple Watch 7 pre-order date. Apple Watch 6 review: summary The Apple Watch 6 is the all-singing, all-dancing smartwatch offering from the tech giant. As might be expected from Apple, there are cutting edge health features such as ECG monitoring, a range of customisable options such as personalised watch faces, plus specialised fitness tracking for a range of activities. There's also the unique "three rings" wellness tracking format (explained below), and, synced with your iPhone, the watch is practical for everyday use, allowing you to FaceTime Audio from your wrist, use Apple P…

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Garmin Lily review
type: item
date: 2021-03-05T11:53:06.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: Reviews
subject: Technology
subject: Tech review
description: Garmin's female-focused smartwatch is an unfortunate example of style over substance.
encoded: Garmin has a reputation as one of the "cool" brands on the market for techy smartwatches, with specialist options for everything from running to the most wild and adventurous explorations. One of the brand’s latest offerings is the Garmin Lily, a lightweight, delicate smartwatch that looks more like a regular wristwatch. A slimmer, more subtle choice designed for women to wear every day. We tested the Sport version, which features a silicone wristband and is around £50 cheaper than the leather strapped Classic model. Below, we take you through our experience using the smartwatch and its various features, explaining what works and what doesn’t and whether we felt it was worth the price tag. If you’re interested in other more classic style smartwatches, have a look at our Samsung Watch 3 review, as the model also has a circular watch face and can be bought with a leather strap. For a sportier, more functional choice, see our Huawei Watch Fit review. For a comprehensive pick of the finest wearables out there, read our best smartwatch list. Garmin Lily review: summary The Garmin Lily is a light-touch, attractive smartwatch which offers limited functionality for the price. Overall it was a disappointing, borderline insulting option targeted primarily at women users. Some may only be looking for basic tracking features on health and activity, which the watch can deliver, with the stylish look being the key offering. We tested the Garmin Lily Sport, which costs £179.99 - which puts it on a par with the Fitbit Versa - while the Classic with a leather strap comes in at £229.99. The Garmin Lily is available to buy from Garmin, John Lewis, Argos and Currys. Jump to: What is the Garmin Lily? How much is the Garmin Lily? Design Features Garmin Lily set-up Our verdict Where to buy What is the Garmin Lily? The Garmin Lily is the lighter touch smartwatch by Garmin, which is specifically aimed at women. It is designed for everyday usage rather than for specific sports (the Garmin Fo…

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Huawei Watch Fit review
type: item
date: 2021-03-04T15:13:42.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: Reviews
subject: Technology
subject: Tech review
description: See how Huawei's smartwatch fared in our in-depth review.
encoded: There is a huge range of smartwatches on the market by just about every big brand, plus plenty of new names popping up. One of the increasingly more established figures in technology is Huawei, which currently has its own line of models at various price points. The Huawei Watch Fit is an accessibly priced smartwatch that offers many of the same features as some of the more costly wearables by other brands - though if you're in search of a wearable that's cheaper still, don't miss our Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 review. Able to do much more than tell the time and date, the smartwatch tracks heart rate and sleep and activities and offers guided workouts. To see how the device really performs, we tested the Huawei Watch Fit to assess its various functions, battery, usability and durability. We have a general summary of the model below, along with quick links to help you navigate to individual sections such as design, value for money and information about where you can buy the smartwatch. We have also tested Huawei's high-spec model for those looking at something a little shinier, which you can discover in detail with our Huawei GT2 Pro review. For a completely list of our favourite wearables, check out our best smartwatch article. Huawei Watch Fit review: summary The Huawei Watch Fit is a sleek, lightweight smartwatch with a sporty look and feel. The touch screen watch face is slim and features clear and simple icons. You can swipe to view popular stats from the lock screen while an external home button on the right-hand side of the devices allows full menu access, return to the home screen and pausing functions. This option retails at £69.99 as standard and has a choice of four colours; graphite black, mint green, cantaloupe orange and sakura pink. The soft rubber strap is smooth and comfortable to wear and features a large range of fastening holes for optimum fit. There are clear and easy to follow work-outs and straightforward health and fitness tracking abilities which ca…

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Huawei GT 2 Pro review
type: item
date: 2021-03-03T14:34:08.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: Reviews
subject: Technology
subject: Tech review
description: Find out how well the high-end Huawei smartwatch performed with our detailed review.
encoded: Huawei is quickly becoming one of the new big players in the world of technology, with slick and clever devices capable of competing with the big names – minus the price tag. The brand’s repertoire includes a range of smartwatches at various levels, from standard fitness and health tracking to high-tech options that wouldn’t look out of place on Daniel Craig's wrist. The Huawei GT 2 Pro certainly falls into the latter camp, with a luxe look and tailored fitness tracking for all sorts of 007-worthy activities such as downhill skiing and triathlon training. We’ve put Huawei’s high-end smartwatch through its paces, diving into the various features and seeing how they perform as well as assessing its overall usability, battery capabilities and health-tracking functions. You can find an overall summary of the model below, along with quick links to the various sections of our detailed review, including design, value for money and where you can buy the smartwatch. If you are interested in a Huawei model with fewer bells and whistles, you can find out about the brand’s more standard model in our Huawei Watch Fit review. And if you want to take a look at our expert pick of the best wearables available, don't miss our best smartwatch list. Huawei GT 2 Pro review: summary The Huawei GT 2 Pro is a sleek, titanium watch with a luxe look and feel without being too weighty. The sapphire glass watch face makes for a crisp, clear and scratch-resistant touch screen that is reactive and quick to load. There is a wide range of sports tracking options available, including triathlon, golf driving range and skiing monitoring capabilities. The watch can store up to 500 songs and can wirelessly connect to Huawei earbuds. While the device is compatible with iOS, the music control function is currently unavailable from the watch if you are using an iPhone. There are two external buttons on the right side of the large, circular watch face. Styled as traditional watch dials, they add to the cla…

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My Fantasy Bookshelf: Phoebe Fox shares the books which influenced her life and career
type: item
date: 2021-02-28T12:00:47.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: Books
description: The Great actor shares her most influential reads.
encoded: Phoebe Fox has a range of varied period roles under her belt, from her part in The Aeronauts alongside Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne, which is set in the 1860s, to playing the lead in WWII horror, The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death. Now, Fox stars as Marial in 18th century comedy-drama The Great, with Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, which follows the escapades of a Russian Emperor and his new Empress. Here, the actor discusses the books which have inspired her most and lines up her final Fantasy Bookshelf selection. Fox shares the lessons she takes from a fictional count, which childhood story she was devastated by and the book she is most looking forward to reading next. What was the last book you couldn’t put down? I have been making up for lost time lately. Filling in the gaps left by a teenage predilection for partying over studying and the pursuit of acting over education. This led me to The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. Her voice chimes as clearly today as it did 60 years ago. Reading it felt so personal, like I must be the first person to have discovered her. I am amazed that she only wrote one novel, and it’s this explosion of wit, and trauma and everything between. Which book would you like to see adapted for screen next? I would love to see an adaptation of Less by Andrew Sean Greer. It has all the things I want in a film; love, travel, humour. If you could star in an adaptation as a character from any book, which would it be? I can’t think of a specific character from a book that hasn’t already been adapted (cough, Hermione, cough, Harry Potter). But, I am being hounded by a friend to write a film in which I can play Susan Sontag. I thought I’d just put that out into the universe, in case anyone reads this who has been itching to make that Susan Sontag biopic... Which character from a book do you wish you could be more like? Lately I have been taking a lot of cues from the Count in A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. He is a man dealing with the uphe…

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My Fantasy Bookshelf: Nadia Sawalha shares the books which influenced her life and career
type: item
date: 2021-02-14T12:00:45.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: Books
subject: News
description: The Loose Woman presenter shares all of her favourite reads, including her own new book on home-schooling.
encoded: Presenter, actor and ITV "Loose Woman" Nadia Sawalha has long been a familiar face to our living room TV screens. Now, the parent of two has released a timely, honest guide to home-schooling with her husband Mark, as they share their experiences of educating their children outside of mainstream education. Below, Sawalha shares the books from her life which have had the biggest impact on her and chooses her final Fantasy Bookshelf selection. Sawalha explains which favourite author she shares with fellow presenter Kaye Adams, the book which opened her eyes to other experiences and why, as a child, she identified so greatly with a fictional horse. Which book did you most enjoy reading to your own children? I really struggled with the story time. I thought it was going to be this magical thing and on Loose Women I once admitted this and the other Loose Women were absolutely shocked and horrified. I found it a bloody nightmare, I was exhausted, but the amount of women that still come up to me to me and say, “I'm so glad that you said that.” But there were ones that I did enjoy because it was a chance for me to act, things like We're Going on a Bear Hunt. Children love that repetitiveness, it gives them the real comfort of absolutely knowing what's coming next, then that can be transferred when you're on a walk and you have no sweets left and you have to keep them enthused and entertained. What was your own favourite book when you were growing up? I was very lucky as a child because my father is Arabic and he would tell us the stories of The Arabian Nights. My father is one of the greatest storytellers you'll ever meet and it was magical to us, my dad would take us off on a magic carpet. It's a lovely book to have because I was really strongly connected to that part of my culture but the very British side of me absolutely loved Enid Blyton. I used to love the Secret Seven and the Famous Five. I used to be lying in bed reading them and crunching through apples. If you coul…

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Best Samsung Galaxy S21 pre-order deals available now
type: item
date: 2021-01-18T17:53:24.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: Technology
subject: Technology Deals
description: Brighten up the start of a gloomy year with a shiny new smartphone on a great deal.
encoded: While 2021 may not have got off to the best start for most of us, there is a silver lining in the shape of a shiny new smartphone to look forward to. The Samsung Galaxy S21 is now available to pre-order (officially released on 29th January) and there are currently some great deals available to get your hands on the new handset. You can grab 100GB contracts, get cash for trading in your old handset and there are even freebies including ear buds and other smart tech if you pre-order before the device hits the shelves. The exciting new device is available in a range of colourways, from sleek navy and grey to vibrant red and pink, with three models (Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra) and the storage sizes (128GB, 256GB and 512GB) to choose from. The smartphone runs on Android 11 and features triple back camera lenses for a range of photography abilities, comes with 5G connectivity and has a flat, iPhone-esque screen design rather than the curved style of previous models. Being offered for free with the smartphone from Samsung and many retailers are the Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Smart Tag as a special pre-order promotion. The ear buds are in-ear, wireless headphones which promise immersive sound quality when connected to your new S21 phone. The smart tag is a clever, electronic label style device which you attach to valuable or precious possessions (keys, a child’s favourite teddy bear) so that you can track its location from an app. Together, the additional devices would usually set you back between £188 and £249, meaning you’re getting a lot more bang for your buck if you decide to place an advance order. Below, we have rounded up some of the best deals on the Samsung Galaxy S21 models available now, whether you’re looking to buy the device outright or sign up for a new contract. Not sure which model is for you? Check out our Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Plus vs Ultra guide to compare the camera, battery life and more of each model. Best Samsung Galaxy S21 pre-order deals When choo…

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My Fantasy Bookshelf: Finding Alice’s Isabella Pappas shares the books which influenced her life and career
type: item
date: 2021-01-17T12:00:05.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: Books
subject: News
subject: Audible
description: From The Handmaid's Tale to Americanah, the Finding Alice actor discusses her favourite books.
encoded: Isabella Pappas is an Olivier-nominated actor seen on the stage as well as the screen in Paranoid, Home and Almost Never. Now, Pappas joins the stellar Finding Alice cast fronted by Keeley Hawes (Alice) and also featuring Joanna Lumley and Nigel Havers. Pappas plays Charlotte, the daughter of Alice (Hawes) and the soon-to-be late Harry (Jason Merrells), as the pair cope with his loss and the secrets which emerge following Harry’s death. Below, Isabella Pappas shares the books which have inspired her and now earn a spot on her Fantasy Bookshelf. She shares the book she read between scenes backstage, the story she believes can break hearts and rebuild them again, plus the quote which has resonated with her most during lockdown. What was your favourite book growing up? A Series of Unfortunate Events was one of my most prized possessions, I would rampage through the series. I would read at the library when there was a new edition and be the first to check it out. I grew up on a small farm in the middle of a rural town so it was truly an escape for me. I wanted more than anything to be Violet Baudelaire because she invented things all the time and I tried inventing things but mine didn't work. What was the last book you couldn’t put down? The Handmaid's Tale. I read it while performing every night at the Donmar [Warehouse Theatre]. I would read it backstage and try to fit in another chapter before I went on stage. I think it truly scares you into realising a lot of ugly truths about the way the world could go. If you could star in an adaptation as any character, who would it be? Antigone by Sophocles. The pain, the betrayal and the sacrifices are truly mesmerising and it's timeless, I feel like it could be modernised in a really exciting way. Which is the one book you would tell everyone in the world to read? The Giving Tree. It's a children's book and it will break your heart and then slowly piece it back together. It's about humanity, not just being human, but being in…

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Best smartwatch deals in the January sales - £160 off Apple Watch and more
type: item
date: 2021-01-05T17:46:29.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: News
subject: Technology
description: Save on Apple, Samsung, Garmin, Fitbit and Huawei smartwatches in the sales.
encoded: January may be typecast as the dullest month of the year, but we’ve found some great deals which should brighten up the month and save you some cash, too. Right now there are some great smartwatch deals in the January sales at the likes of Argos, Currys and Very. Smartwatches can connect to other devices for calls and notifications and are also great for monitoring health and keeping track of your fitness, so if your New Year’s resolution was to be more active in 2021, it might be a smart investment. Smartwatches by many of the big names including Apple, Samsung and Fitbit are currently reduced in the January sales. It's worth noting that some models have been selling out at retailers, so make sure you act fast if you see one you like at a good price. Savings range depending on the model and retailer and there are a lot on offer at the moment to go through. To help make your life a little easier, we’ve highlighted some of the best deals you can get your hands on now, or you can see the full ranges on the retailer websites. See all Curry’s smart watch deals See all Argos wearable tech deals See all Very smart watches Best smartwatch deals in the January Sales The best saving available at the moment is on the Apple Watch Series 5 with the Nike special edition sports band (platinum and black). This watch would usually set you back £479 at Currys, or £459 for the regular sports band version. Both are now reduced to £319 which means you can save £140 or £160 depending on the model you go for. Garmin are another one to look out for as there is currently £120 off the Garmin fenix 6S Pro. You can also save up to £80 on Samsung smartwatches, £60 on Fitbits and £59 with Huawei models. See our full pick of the best deals for each brand below. Best Apple smartwatch deals There are a few different deals on Apple Watch models, with savings ranging from £60 all the way to £160. Buy Apple Watch Series 5 (Nike Sports Band) at Currys | £479 £139 (save £160) Buy Apple Watch Series 5 (…

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Get free Apple Airpods with iPhone 12 mini plus data deals
type: item
date: 2021-01-05T17:43:51.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: News
subject: Technology
description: Free Airpods and 54GB data for the price of 6GB with a range of phone contracts in the January sales.
encoded: The January sales have landed to brighten up an otherwise gloomy month, which kicked off with yet another national lockdown. While most people won’t be able to see friends and family in person during the coming weeks, there are now more opportunities than ever for video and phone calls, texting or escaping lockdown life via social media. For others, tuning into good music is the best way to switch off after a long day in the (home) office. Airpods are one of the current favourite choices for headphones, as the earbuds can connect without cumbersome wires, which makes them particularly useful for listening during exercise. Luckily, Carphone Warehouse has launched its 'Mega Price Drop' January sale and is offering the latest iPhone 12 mini on contract with a free pair of Apple Airpods (and charging case) included. The Airpods currently retail for £159 on the Apple website. Free Apple Airpods in new Carphone Warehouse deal The deal is part of a 24 month contract with unlimited calls and texts plus 10GB of data for £38.99 per month plus an upfront cost of £43.99. You can get the device on contract and see more information on the retailer’s website below. Apple iPhone 12 Mini (64GB) - 10GB data, unlimited minutes and texts | £38.99 per month, £43.99 upfront Or, if you prefer to buy your handsets outright, the iPhone 12 mini is currently available on the Apple Amazon store for £20 off the usual price (£679 instead of £699). What other deals are available in the Carphone Warehouse January sale? <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2020/01/GettyImages-1167245731-1-a190053-scaled.jpg" width="2560" height="1707" alt="Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple Inc., speaks about the new iPhone during an event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019. Apple said its TV+ original video subscription service will launch Nov. 1 for $4.99 a month, undercutting the price of rival offerings. Photographer: Davi…

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My Fantasy Bookshelf: Sandi Toksvig shares the books which influenced her life and career
type: item
date: 2020-11-22T12:00:13.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: Books
subject: News
description: The writer and presenter shares her top reads as her latest book hits the shelves.
encoded: Sandi Toksvig is a comedian, novelist, actor, broadcaster, activist and, of course, bonafide national treasure. You’ve likely seen her presenting QI or, until the current series, in the famous Bake Off tent alongside Noel Fielding. Her latest book, Toksvig’s Almanac 2021, is a collection of remarkable women of history, from pirate nuns to astronauts. She is also preparing for a tour of her one-woman show The National Trevor, in Spring next year. Here, Sandi Toksvig shares some of the books which have inspired her varied career and chooses the top titles to line up on her Fantasy Bookshelf. She shares the next book on her reading list, how her father’s work inspired her own writing and a career highlight voicing Winnie the Pooh’s Tigger. What was your favourite book growing up? Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh. At last here was a girl in literature who I could identify with. Determined, independent and given to observing the world. It gave me hope that I was not alone. If you could give one book to every child to read, what would it be? There are so many but definitely The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch. It is the most wonderful princess and dragon story with complete role reversal. Also, I quite fancy wearing a paper bag. Who has inspired your own writing? My father inspired me. He wrote books but also journalism which is how I learned to write to a deadline. He wrote a book called Edited Reality about how hard it is to distil what is happening in the world into bite-sized chunks. He was concerned about the duty of the honest journalist to inform without trying to persuade. Is there anything you’ve read which has influenced your outlook on your career? Emily Dickinson’s poem I am Nobody had a huge effect on how I view being in the public eye. It is about the absurdity of fame and has been a guiding light in a celebrity obsessed world. If you could go back in time and convince the author of a book to change one event in their story, what would it be? Why oh wh…

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My Fantasy Bookshelf: Ben Miller shares the books which influenced his life and career
type: item
date: 2020-11-08T12:00:23.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: Books
subject: News
subject: Audible
description: The Bridgerton actor shares his top reads ahead of the release of his new book and latest Netflix series.
encoded: You might know actor, comedian and author Ben Miller as Agent Bough, the long-suffering side-kick to Rowan Atkinson’s Johnny English, as one half of comedy duo Armstrong and Miller (with Alexander Armstrong) or as the original lead detective on Death in Paradise. His latest role is in Bridgerton, the Netflix period drama which has been binge-watched across the nation, and his new book for children, The Day I Fell into a Fairytale, recently hit the shelves. Below, Miller discusses the titles which have influenced his own writing and comedic career, selecting the books he’d line up on his Fantasy Bookshelf. Miller shares the childhood book he reads to his own children, his dream role as an unhelpful caterpillar and explains why he’s more like Huckleberry Finn (with ill-fitting swimming shorts) than master detective Sherlock Holmes. Which books inspired your career in comedy acting? I read a lot of Dickens growing up, and it's had a huge influence on me. The idea that names alone can be funny: that language and character and situation can have you in stitches, before you even add so much as a gag. I love the later, socially-conscious novels, but for pure fun you can’t do much better than The Pickwick Papers. If you could star as a character from any book, which would it be? My daughter Lana’s favourite book is Alice in Wonderland, so I’d like to be in that, please. The caterpillar would be my first choice. Sitting on a mushroom, smoking a hookah, and being of no help to Alice whatsoever is safely ‘in my wheelhouse,’ as they say in Hollywood. Which character do you see yourself in? Huckleberry Finn. In real life I’m a bit of a daydreamer, and Huck was the character I really identified with in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. When Huck ran away and had an adventure of his own in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn I felt like it was happening to me. But then that’s the brilliance of Mark Twain; it’s all so natural it doesn’t feel like writing at all. Which character do you w…

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My Fantasy Bookshelf: Romesh Ranganathan shares the books which influenced his life and career
type: item
date: 2020-10-25T12:00:28.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: Books
subject: News
description: The comedian discusses his favourite reads.
encoded: Comedian Romesh Ranganathan is a well known stand-up and podcaster and is a regular face on the small screen. He hosts a number of TV shows including his BBC travel documentary series The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan as well as Sky’s Rob & Romesh Vs, with fellow comedian Rob Beckett. Below, the comic discusses the books which have inspired his life and career in comedy and lines up his final Fantasy Bookshelf selection. Ranganathan shares which story ending he'd like to rewrite, the book he’d love his children to read one day and the qualities he once shared with Bilbo Baggins. If you could only save one book in the world which would it be? It would have to be Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. The whole family love it and it would mean they think I’m amazing for saving it, when in actual fact I really love it myself. Which is the one book you would delete if you had to? Even though it’s a brilliant book, Of Mice and Men is one that I cannot revisit without experiencing anxiety flashbacks from having to extract every single nuance from it for GCSE English. Growing up, which character were you most like? I was probably most like Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit - lazy, liking home comforts, and very reluctant to do anything resembling exertion. Which character would you say you were more like now? I love the father-son relationship in Danny the Champion of The World and would like to think I have something similar with my children. Minus the poaching. Which book would you want your own children to read one day? I would love my children to read So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson as it’s all about the public shaming that seems so prevalent at the moment. I would love them to be aware of how ridiculous that all is. Is there a book which has changed how you see the world? Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Renni Eddo-Lodge has really made me reflect on race relations and my attitudes towards tackling issues around race. Which writer has…

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How to pre-order the OnePlus 8T
type: item
date: 2020-10-14T17:07:03.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: News
subject: Technology
description: How to get your hands on the new smartphone from OnePlus to moment it is released.
encoded: The OnePlus 8T is finally here, adding yet another smartphone to relatively new manufacturer OnePlus's collection. The new handset is available in two glossy colours (aquamarine green and lunar silver) and boasts fast processing, 5G and four back cameras (that's one more than even the new iPhone 12 Pro has). The new device was revealed during a live digital showcase event on 13th October, the day after the iPhone 12 release. It will be available as an 8GB RAM + 128GB storage size or a 12GB RAM + 256GB storage size and a charger will be included. There's lots to love about the OnePlus 8T phone. Below, we explain where you can pre-order the smartphone from so you can be the first to get your hands on the shiny 8T. Head to our iPhone 12 review and iPhone 12 mini review to see how it compares. How to pre-order the OnePlus 8T You will be able to purchase the OnePlus 8T directly from the brand's website or you can trade in your existing phone and upgrade to the newest 8T. In the UK, this will be available to buy from 20th October. Pre order OnePlus 8T from OnePlus The new device is a lower priced model than existing devices by the brand and features fast charging and improved screen display and multi-functional cameras. Prices for the new handset start at £549, which is £50 less than the current lowest priced OnePlus 8 model. OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro deals If you're looking to get your hands on a OnePlus device now, you can find it at a range of retailers. The 8 device would usually cost from £599 and the Pro would be £799 or £899 depending on storage sizes. The devices are reduced in the Amazon Prime Day sales. We list the best deals below you can get on Amazon now: Buy OnePlus 8 (black) - 8GB RAM 128GB for £564.99 OnePlus 8 (green) 12GB RAM 256GB for £580 OnePlus 8 Pro (black) 8GB RAM 128GB for £649 OnePlus 8 Pro (green) 12GB RAM 256GB for £749 For more tech news and updates you can find visit our Technology hub for all the latest info.

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OnePlus 8T release date: specs, design, price and more
type: item
date: 2020-10-14T16:52:23.000Z
creator: Bethan Rose Jenkins
subject: News
subject: Technology
description: All there is to know about the latest OnePlus smartphone launch.
encoded: There have been a lot of big launches in the world of tech to get excited about recently. We've had not one but two Apple Events the last couple of months, revealing everything from the Apple Watch 6 and Homepod Mini to the brand new range of iPhone 12 devices. Just a day after Apple's most recent launch, the OnePlus 8T has been announced, with lots of high-tech new features to get excited about. Chinese tech manufacturer OnePlus is fairly new to the smartphone scene, having released two handsets just last year. For 2020, we've now seen the release of the OnePlus 8T model in an Apple-like live digital event. While some aspects of the new model may be familiar to those who already own or have used the OnePlus 8, their 8T handset provides lots to be excited about. Below, we explain everything you need to know about the new device including the price, specs and special features. OnePlus 8T facts What is the OnePlus 8T release date? 20th October What is the OnePlus 8T price? from £549 What are the OnePlus 8T colours? aquamarine green, lunar silver What is the OnePlus 8T screen size? 6.55 inches Does OnePlus 8T have 5g? yes How much does the OnePlus 8T cost? The new OnePlus 8T costs £549, which is less than the usual price of the standard OnePlus 8 which would normally be £599. You can order it from the OnePlus website and find out more about OnePlus 8T pre-orders. What are the OnePlus 8T specs? OnePlus powers devices using its speedy 'dragon' software by the name of Qualcomm Snapdragon 865. To the average phone user, this means fast speeds and performance through tasks including photography and gaming. The phone runs on the brand's OxygenOS system and, like the new iPhone 12, it has 5G and comes with a high-tech camera. The screen also has vibrations as you use the touch screen to make it feel more responsive and as though you are touching physical buttons. Below, we go through the rest of the main specs on the new device. OnePlus 8T screen The size of the OnePlus 8T sc…

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