Blogger, Business Owner and Reviewer. Author of the award-winning #business and #marketing blog, Derek's Home and Business Blog and founder of the FB group, Bloggers Network. https://www.derekjones.cohttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lkxv75eouk2tOwners of the Amazon Echo have long had the option for the device to process requests locally, thereby keeping their information off of Amazon's servers. That functionality is going away starting on 28 March. #privacy #technology https://mashable.com/article/alexa-echo-reporting-to-amazon-march-2822 Mar 2025 14:00 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lkxv75eouk2thttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lk4b6q64ss2bWhy people are cutting back their online profile: A new wave of AI has spurred some to think more carefully about their online presence. #socialmedia #technology https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8y2eez8y2o11 Mar 2025 14:20 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lk4b6q64ss2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3ljkivioyfc2pGoogle Ads is doubling down on AI, personalisation, and new ad formats in 2025. Here's what's changing and how advertisers should prepare for these shifts. #marketing https://www.searchenginejournal.com/googles-vp-of-ads-and-commerce-outlines-2025-priorities/541069/04 Mar 2025 12:50 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3ljkivioyfc2phttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3ljbbu3pxnc2wSkype's final call set for May 5 as Microsoft prioritises Teams. To ease the transition from the platform, its users will be able to log into Teams for free on any supported device using their existing credentials, with chats and contacts migrating automatically. #technology https://www.reuters.com/technology/skypes-final-call-set-may-microsoft-prioritizes-teams-2025-02-28/28 Feb 2025 20:50 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3ljbbu3pxnc2whttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3ljahaxeifc2iLloyds Bank says app issues fixed after payday IT issue. Technical issues have affected UK banking app users on payday for the second-month running in 2025. #technology https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz9nnz2eqzdo28 Feb 2025 12:54 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3ljahaxeifc2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lj66x4bras2kFor a few evenings around 28 February, every planet in the solar system will be visible in the night sky thanks to a rare great planetary alignment. Here's how to make sure you don't miss it. #space https://www.newscientist.com/article/2470069-how-to-see-every-planet-in-the-solar-system-at-once-this-week/27 Feb 2025 15:20 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lj66x4bras2khttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lj5zw3zfac2mTechnology is all about evolving and moving into the future. But sometimes change is hard, and even the savviest tech enthusiasts can become comfortable and complacent with what they know despite its increasing flaws. Eventually, enough is enough. #socialmedia https://uk.pcmag.com/social-media/156024/my-1-new-years-resolution-dump-twitter-embrace-bluesky27 Feb 2025 13:50 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lj5zw3zfac2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lj3qpnnuv22nThe seven bills due to go up in April: Energy costs are one of a number of bill rises which will come into force at the start of what some commentators have described as "awful April". https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg18pvz7kko26 Feb 2025 16:00 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lj3qpnnuv22nhttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lj3hrll2qs2eApple disabled Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for UK users last Friday, and this is bad news for everyone. The UK's demand for an encryption backdoor in iCloud, and Apple's response, have repercussions that go far beyond national borders, threatening user privacy and security worldwide. #iPhone https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-apples-disabling-of-icloud-encryption-in-the-uk-is-bad-news-for-everyone/26 Feb 2025 13:20 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lj3hrll2qs2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3liwlv5cpzs25I just had to pop onto X/Twitter, it's been a while. Loads of new followers and comments, all spam profiles. The block button has had some use, again! :) Have a great Monday and week ahead, everyone!24 Feb 2025 14:50 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3liwlv5cpzs25https://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3liwgtpsy622yEmail marketing isn't dead. In fact, it's helping businesses grow while big social's ad performance declines. If you have ever struggled with email marketing or are looking for a way to get new customers while reducing your customer acquisition cost, this article is for you. #business https://www.zdnet.com/article/email-marketing-is-back-and-big-social-is-panicking-everything-you-need-to-know/24 Feb 2025 13:20 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3liwgtpsy622yhttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3litwesuhp22gAmazon has long allowed you to download its ebooks to your computer, where they can serve as a backup or be transferred to other devices. However, that feature will end on 26 February 2025, along with the ability to transfer books from your computer to your Kindle via USB. https://uk.pcmag.com/ebook-readers/156787/how-to-download-kindle-books-to-your-computer-before-amazon-kills-the-feature23 Feb 2025 13:20 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3litwesuhp22ghttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lin3v5s3q22cAmazon's MGM Studios will take creative control of the "James Bond" film franchise under a new joint venture with longtime rights holders Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the technology giant said on Thursday. #business https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/amazons-mgm-studios-take-creative-control-over-james-bond-franchise-2025-02-20/20 Feb 2025 20:10 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lin3v5s3q22chttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3limq5q3il225Apple has announced a new iPhone which brings AI features at a lower cost than its flagship handsets. The iPhone 16e has the same processor as the more expensive iPhone 16, Apple said, with similar storage options, though a lower spec elsewhere, including fewer cameras. #technology https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgw30dr0w3o20 Feb 2025 16:40 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3limq5q3il225https://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lihyprvtak2qConstantine, the near-20-year old cult classic based on the Hellblazer series, has had a sequel announced since 2022. During a recent interview, Keanu Reeves and the film's director mention that progress is very much being made toward production. 🎥 #movies https://youtu.be/0enNg0Cs50818 Feb 2025 19:30 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lihyprvtak2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lifl2ax3lk2kCritics say new Google rules put profits over privacy. The new rule changes permit so-called "fingerprinting", which allows online advertisers to collect more data about users including their IP addresses and information about their devices. #technology https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm21g0052dno17 Feb 2025 20:20 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lifl2ax3lk2khttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3licliqzhm22iDid you know Netflix has secret cheat codes? Netflix has secret codes that reveal a treasure trove of hidden categories and genres. Here's where to find them and how to use them. #streaming https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/home-entertainment/cant-find-any-good-netflix-shows-i-used-these-secret-codes-to-unlock-the-full-catalog/16 Feb 2025 15:50 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3licliqzhm22ihttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lia2zonnac2zGoogle is rolling out more updates to its AI. All users are gaining access to a useful Gemini feature that was formerly available only to paid subscribers, and paid users are receiving a feature that helps continue previous conversations. #technology https://www.zdnet.com/article/a-major-gemini-feature-is-now-free-for-all-users-no-advanced-subscription-required/15 Feb 2025 15:50 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lia2zonnac2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3li5plgtfbk2xI'm chilling out listening to The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power soundtrack albums by Bear McCreary. The S2 is good, but the longer S1 soundtrack is better I find. I always want to watch the series again after listening to them. :) Which one do you prefer, or do you like them both? 🎶 #music14 Feb 2025 17:20 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3li5plgtfbk2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3li3j6netpk2nWill AI kill creativity and destroy human innovation? Here's the unsettling truth. Written by Lester Mapp, Contributor. #technology https://www.zdnet.com/article/will-ai-kill-creativity-and-destroy-human-innovation-heres-the-unsettling-truth/13 Feb 2025 20:20 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3li3j6netpk2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lhyztlawpk2wBiologists are discovering a world of beings tinier than viruses that appear to be everywhere - even living inside us. We have no idea what most of them are doing, but they raise profound questions about what life is and how it got started. https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26535300-700-a-whole-new-world-of-tiny-beings-challenges-fundamental-ideas-of-life/12 Feb 2025 20:40 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhyztlawpk2whttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lhqt7mfuuk2eI had my usual grocery home delivery from #Asda on Saturday, and they again put the Domestos toilet rim blocks in the same crate as the crisps and breakfast bars causing all of them to smell. I phoned customer service and was promised a phone call from the store which was never received. Hopeless!09 Feb 2025 14:20 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhqt7mfuuk2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lhm5yzgdt22kNetflix has increased its subscription prices in the UK, after it raised its charges in the US, Canada, Argentina and Portugal last month. The new UK price for a Standard subscription without adverts, has risen by £2 to £12.99 a month, with other packages also increasing. #streaming https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c98yrp0pyrjo07 Feb 2025 17:50 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhm5yzgdt22khttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lhjce7rzhc2pI started watching #SecretLevel on Prime Video last night. Secret Level is a new adult-animated anthology series featuring original stories set within the worlds of some of the world's most beloved video games. If you're into your gaming, you'll enjoy this anthology series. #streaming06 Feb 2025 14:30 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhjce7rzhc2phttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lheotroxvk2fLinkedIn has announced a suite of video tools, including new creator analytics, video feed updates, enhanced video search, and more. These tools will help creators to move beyond text and post more videos on the platform. #socialmedia https://www.zdnet.com/article/linkedin-gets-its-own-suite-of-video-tools-as-it-grows-video-presence-on-platform/04 Feb 2025 18:30 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lheotroxvk2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lhebgknpac2dNew data shows what many marketers already suspect: it's getting harder and more expensive to convert online visitors. A study of 90 billion sessions shows organic traffic is down from last year, pushing more brands toward paid channels to make up the difference. #marketing https://www.searchenginejournal.com/digital-ads-cost-19-more-convert-less-user-frustration-to-blame/539025/04 Feb 2025 14:30 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhebgknpac2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lhbtqxraxs2aGrammys 2025: Sunday night saw Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar win big at the Grammy Awards, which was dedicated to fundraising for wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles. Here's a closer look at some of the highlights and lowlights from the ceremony. #music https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g35pjd48xo03 Feb 2025 15:20 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhbtqxraxs2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lh7sg42vl226An asteroid up to 100 metres wide has a 1-in-83 chance of impacting Earth on 22 December 2032. That risk of impact is enough to have triggered global planetary defence response procedures for the first time. #space https://www.newscientist.com/article/2466186-building-sized-asteroid-has-a-small-chance-of-hitting-earth-in-2032/02 Feb 2025 19:50 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lh7sg42vl226https://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lh2kql2r5k2wIt's new music Friday, and I'm listening to #HurryUpTomorrow by The Weeknd. The new album is good, really good - on my second playthrough! :) 🎶 #newmusic31 Jan 2025 17:50 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lh2kql2r5k2whttps://bsky.app/profile/derekjonesuk.bsky.social/post/3lh2aori6ik2rAmazon Music Unlimited subscription prices are rising again, increasing from £99.00 to £109.00 for the Individual yearly plan. Time to cancel my subscription as it's now getting far too expensive. Knowing Amazon, the Prime Membership price will probably increase as well. #AmazonMusic31 Jan 2025 14:50 +0000at://did:plc:jfmll2wbse2yf2lxbl42ddf6/app.bsky.feed.post/3lh2aori6ik2r