Ben Travis
Evening Standard
United Kingdom
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Past articles by Ben:
David Bowie the legend: three years on from his death, 15 remarkable songs that define the icon
The world is remembering David Bowie on the third anniversary of his death. The legendary musician died just days after the release of his final album Blackstar in January 2016. To simply describe him as a ‘musician’ feels entirely reductive. Through his near 50 year career, Bowie served as a beacon of artistry, breaking barriers in genre, style, and gender through his varied works and personas. → Read More
X Factor 2018 Six Chair Challenge: What are the rules and which contestants are through so far?
From the auditions to the live shows, it’s not easy for X Factor contestants to make it to the end stages of the competition. And, this year, with boot camp getting the, er, boot it's even harder as 60 acts - whittled down from over 130 - will sing for survival to take them through to Judges' Houses. → Read More
New iPhone launch: This is how Apple smartphones have changed our lives
There are few items of technology that have managed to keep up with our rapidly changing world, but the Apple iPhone is one of them. Now a permanent fixture in the lives of many, the iPhone has undoubtedly changed technology, computing and impacted our lifestyles in ways that few might have predicted. While it sparked a whole slew of similar products and operating systems, the original iPhone… → Read More
9 of the best wedding apps to help you plan your big day
With the royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle done and dusted - and another royal wedding on the way - it's been a busy year for the royal wedding planners. → Read More
Best cooling fans 2018
In case you hadn’t noticed, the weather has been warming up nicely in the capital. One of the best ways to keep your cool when it's sweltering outside is with an indoor fan. But with several types to choose from, choosing the right one for your space requires some careful thought. → Read More
Britain’s Got Talent 2018: Who is hosting, when does it start and what is the format?
Britain’s Got Talent still manages to be full of surprises, even after 11 series. We already know that the judges have favoured singing acts in this year’s show, but what else can you expect from the 2018 edition? Here’s everything you need to know. When does it start? Britain’s Got Talent is back on ITV this weekend, with the first auditions show airing on Saturday, 14 April at 8pm. → Read More
CES 2018: Thunder Tiger search and rescue drone could save lives
Thunder Tiger has designed a drone packed with potentially life-saving technology. The company specialises in remote-controlled vehicles, and its latest is a mini search and rescue helicopter with tonnes of built-in gizmos. Displayed at CES 2018, the Las Vegas tech trade show, the helicopter drone is designed to be able to fly and out discover survivors of natural disasters. The drone flies up… → Read More
LegalFling app sparks controversy over legally binding sexual consent contracts
A controversial new app aims to make the subject of sexual consent clearer by letting users create bedroom contracts stating what they will and won’t agree to. LegalFling is being designed to make consent more explicit, allowing users to spell out boundaries and preferences. The contract can be accepted with a tap of a smartphone, and its creators say it is legally binding. → Read More
CES 2018: Zocus is the gadget that stops you procrastinating
If your new year’s resolution is to focus more, this is the gadget for you. Zocus, by Symbiot, is the anti-procrastination gizmo that aims to keep your head in the game. Shown off at CES 2018, the Las Vegas tech trade show, the device has a ring of LED lights that offer different settings, depending on how long you want to remain uninterrupted. It also stops notifications coming through to your… → Read More
Snapchat users slam ‘awful’ update that ‘ruins the app’
Snapchat’s latest update isn’t going down well with some of its users. The social media app is undergoing major changes, reorganising the way it displays snaps from Friends lists and snaps from publishers. The move came in an effort to make the app ‘easier to use’, but it seems that the changes aren’t being welcomed by some of the current user base. → Read More
Facebook rumoured to launch Portal video chat device to rival Amazon Echo
Facebook is thought to be working on its first piece of major hardware – a video chat device. The company is rumoured to be launching a gadget called Portal, with a possible reveal later this year. According to a report on Cheddar, Portal will feature a laptop-sized touch screen and smart camera tech. → Read More
Apple releases iOS 11.2.2 update to fix Spectre security flaw
Apple has released an iOS update that addresses the recent widespread Spectre security flaw. The Californian tech company has brought out a major software update aimed at stopping the issue. iOS 11.2.2 is available now, and works on iPhone 5S and up, and iPads starting from 2013’s iPad Air. It’s highly recommended that all compatible users download the update. → Read More
WhatsApp’s new feature lets you switch from voice to video call
WhatsApp is planning a new feature which makes it easier to switch between voice calls and video calls. The ‘switch’ button is being tested in the instant messenger app, popping up at the bottom of the call screen. Pressing it will send a request to the other person on the call to transition the conversation to video, without having to exit and re-start the call. Declining the request lets the… → Read More
Apple plans new iPhone features for parents after investors call for addiction research
Apple has responded to an open letter from two prominent shareholders calling for the tech company to explore the impact of smartphone usage. The company has released a statement saying that it has “new features and enhancements” on the way which will improve its tools for parents. The open letter came from JANA Partners and Calstrs, who collectively own a $2 billion stake in Apple. → Read More
CES 2018: Samsung unveils Bixby plans and world’s first modular TV
Samsung is to add its virtual assistant Bixby to home appliances and TVs as the technology giant looks to connect all devices in the home. The company revealed that its new line-up of Family Hub smart fridges and smart TVs would now support voice commands, and be able to control other devices via the company's SmartThings app. The Korean firm also announced what it claims is the world's first… → Read More
HQ trivia game show app with cash prizes launches in UK
If you love coming out tops in a pub quiz with a little extra cash in your pocket, meet your new favourite app. HQ has arrived in the UK – a trivia-based quiz app which dishes out cash prizes to the winners. The game takes on a live game show-style format, with Sharon Carpenter presenting the UK edition. Four games take place each week, at 3pm and 9pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. → Read More
Apple urged by investors to explore smartphone addiction issues
Apple is being urged by two major investors to explore the impact of smartphone addiction. Two shareholders have penned an open letter to the tech giant, imploring it to research the long-term ramifications of smartphone usage. The letter, from JANA Partners and Calstrs, particularly focuses on the impact on young tech users. → Read More
CES 2018: five best gadgets from the Las Vegas tech show
CES 2018 is nearly underway, and we’re getting the first look at the gadgets and technology that will shape the coming year. The Las Vegas tech show welcomes thousands of visitors and exhibitors, showing off their latest software, hardware, and unexpected tech treats. Following some early previews, here’s a look at the five best bits of kit that will be seen on the show floor once the event… → Read More
CES tech show responds to criticism over all-male speaker line-up
The president and CEO of CES has responded to criticism over the tech trade show’s speaker line-up. When initially announced in December, the list of keynote speakers at the Las Vegas event consisted solely of men, sparking criticisms over the lack of diversity. → Read More
Amazon is bringing Alexa to smartwatches and headphones
Amazon's Alexa assistant is about to arrive on a much bigger range of gadgets - including smartwatches and headphones. The Alexa Mobile Accessory Kit will let third-party tech creators add the voice-controlled software to their latest products. The products will make Alexa more portable than ever, with the majority of current Alexa-enabled devices requiring a power source. → Read More