As RFID cards are becoming mainstream, take time to know more about how RFID technology works and how to ensure the safety of your data using an RFID wallet. Doing so will allow you to take proactive steps toward ensuring all your data stays protected.  

What Is RFID? 

For quite some time, RFID technology has been utilized to ensure data security in numerous industries. Essentially, the technology enables wireless data transmission using radio waves. Currently, most debit and credit cards contain an RFID chip or tag.  

With RFID chips, you can use credit and debit cards to make purchases by conveniently tapping them against a card reader. There’s no need to hassle in inserting or swiping your card anymore. These cards are typically marked with three to four curved lines representing a wireless signal. This signal can be carried over distances ranging from a few centimetres to several meters.  

The RFID chips emit a low-intensity radio wave once it comes in contact with a reader. Generally, the chip will not emit one until the signal from the reader activates the tag to relay information. Overall, it’s a convenient and effective method of data transfer. It’s best to take time to learn everything to know about RFID to ensure a head start in making the most of the technology and staying safe simultaneously.  

Potential Dangers Of RFID 

Unfortunately, the convenience of RFID chips makes it easier for your data to be stolen via electronic theft. The chip emits radio waves when it comes into contact with a reader, although this might happen without your knowledge. RFID skimming is a threat when a hacker uses a small remote to trigger the RFID tag in your card and access your credit or debit card information. 

Data infiltration can happen when the hacker walks close to you in the mall or bumps into you on the sidewalk. It’s often impossible to catch the culprit due to the accessibility of anyone to RFID card readers and how instantaneous and undetected the process occurs. 

A Close Look At RFID Wallets 

Although RFID technology is becoming widespread, there are ways to protect your data. One of the straightforward ways to stop the data transfer is to block the signal physically. Since RFID utilizes low-intensity signals, you can readily protect your data by placing a layer of conductive metal or carbon fibre since these can block signals’ transmission. 

A simple solution is to envelop your card or wallet with tin foil, however, investing in an RFID wallet may be advisable if you want a convenient and aesthetic approach. The entire RFID wallet or one of its card sleeves is usually made of RFID-blocking materials, preventing radio waves from passing through. As a result, the chip will not emit a signal. Even if it does, the transmission will not go through the wallet. The result is that it blocks access to all your credit and debit cards. 

Today, you can find a good selection of RFID-blocking wallets and card cases with built-in protective layering in the wallet’s design. It ensures that all your cards stay safe and protected wherever you go.  

Should I Invest In An RFID Wallet? 

It’s crucial to remember that the frequency waves that RFID readers emit may be able to steal your data by readily penetrating through any material without regard to the type of clothing, wallet, bag, or backpack you have. Therefore, an RFID-blocking wallet should be a priority to prevent an RFID card reader from capturing your data. Nowadays, no one is safe, especially if you have items with RFID chips.  

If you still have doubts about whether or not to invest in an RFID wallet, especially if the size and durability are your primary concerns. If you check the market, most modern models of RFID wallets no longer feature the bulky look. Due to technological advancements, RFID wallets are now sleek and slim. As for durability, most RFID wallets boast a lifespan comparable to or even longer than an average wallet, but it all varies depending on your usage and the level of wear and tear it’s exposed to.  

Another concern for many individuals is when going through airport security. Since it’s a protocol to remove your wallet from your pockets, it’s not an issue to be worried about. Generally, an RFID wallet will go through the X-ray scanner without trouble. 

Final Thoughts 

If you hold several personal credit or debit cards with RFID chips embedded in them or you have access to sensitive assets, consider investing in a reliable RIFD wallet. Once you invest in one, it significantly minimizes the chances of having your data stolen.

With the great selection of RFID wallets on the market, you can choose one that best fits your style while having peace of mind that your data stays secure and safe at all times, wherever you go. And they also make a great gift idea for birthdays and anniversaries, and with Christmas looming close could be an ideal choice.

The smartphone market is evolving constantly with new models being added with every passing day. Below we have listed some of the best-looking smartphones of 2021 you can get at lucrative deals and with no upfront cost:

1. OnePlus 9 Pro

This top-tier mobile phone from OnePlus comes with a whopping 6.7-inch screen and Fluid Display so that you can enjoy unbridled entertainment whether browsing the internet or playing any game. The first thing which is going to catch your eye about this smartphone is its premium design consisting of a glass rear and three-colour options (Stellar Black, Forest Green & Morning Mist) to match your style.

You are bound to be impressed by its versatile camera which renders stunning images to rival the top camera phones. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset powers this smartphone to the core so that you enjoy its full functionality without any lags or glitches.

2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 

Turn heads wherever you go with the super-premium Z Flip series of Samsung. You can fold it into a compact shape for fitting snugly into a small clutch, shirt pocket, and even skin-tight jeans. Its flattened-out design joins hands with a symmetrical housing for a plush look. The dual-tone finish comes protected with a Gorilla Glass Victus which takes the design of this smartphone to a whole new level.

Its overall hinge mechanism has also undergone substantial improvements so that the opening and closing spike confidence without causing any unsettling noise. An IPX8 water-resistant rating and armoured aluminium frame instil greater confidence amongst users. While this device lacks a massive camera bump like its peers falling under the same price range, it is accompanied by a protective ring for keeping the lens free of scratches.

3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

Foldable smartphone sceptics can rejoice as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 brings multitasking features to the table. Despite being a bit on the bulky side, this smartphone ranks high in terms of durability. An IPX8 rating makes it water-resistant so that it can handle everything from rain to minor splashes.

The Gorilla Glass Victus display and Armor Aluminum body keep the phone safe from minor scratches and drops. You can choose amongst three colour variants of Phantom Green, Phantom Black, and Phantom Silver to match your style vibe. The USP of this smartphone lies in its 7.6-inch main screen and a 6.2-inch OLED cover display offering a refresh rate of 120Hz for smooth performance and super clear graphics.

An S pen accompanying the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 offers greater room to sketch, take notes or mark up documents without having to zoom in constantly.

4. iPhone 12

This new generation apple smartphone comes with a flat-screen and flat side which serves as a substantial change compared to its curved edge predecessors. However, the corners are adequately bevelled to make them comfortable to hold. The matte finish aluminium rails of the iPhone 12 look super-premium.

Apple infuses ceramic crystal within the glass for enhancing its drop resistance and keeping repair costs low. The stunning OLED panel of the iPhone 12 is known as Super XDR display which adds to the vibrancy of images with the squared-off sides and high contrast and resolution.

5. Oppo Find X3 Pro

Blend in form and functionality with this looker from the Oppo flagship which can help you bid adieu to bulky lenses, ugly square camera housings, and gaudy colourways. However, this doesn’t end in the appearance department as this smartphone offers a quad-camera setup, both wired and wireless charging technology, and a top-notch processor so that you can make the most of visuals whether you stream your favourite content via mobile data or a broadband connection.

Conclusion

If you are looking for the absolute best in the department of smartphones, then our above-mentioned list can suffice your requirements. Once you have made your choice, then you need to check out our post on the must-have smartphone apps for the fashionista.

Reviewing bank statements is also important when you use your credit card in online shopping and need to double-check if you are charged properly. Check fees from the vendors and inform the bank if you notice any fraudulent transactions, if they are suspicious the bank can issue a refund. Setting a limit on your online transaction is probably another preventing step to take.

3. Make purchases from secure websites

Putting your credit card to any website is inherently risky and you need to minimize the more you could. Immediately stop the process if you notice the site you are ordering from is suspicious or doesn’t begin with HTTPS meaning the site is secured. If the site is not secured, it will start with HTTP.

Beware of this and keep in mind that a good indicator of whether the site is secure is to make research on the domain of the site and the date created. If it is fraud it might be created sooner, as most scammers will start with cyber fraud at the very moment.

4. Update your software regularly

The devices we use every day to shop online, whether that is a mobile, a computer, or a tablet, could be vulnerable to cyber enemies, since all of the data is stored there. Some weaknesses might appear, with increasing chances to be attacked by cyber enemies. Important data being stolen might endanger your identity.

In order to prevent this, you should always check the updates on your software and apps, and download the latest version of it. They are designed in a way to fix all the weaknesses and threats that put your device in danger. That’s why constant software updates are recommended.

Don’t snooze the update notice next time it appears, but rather click on it. Also, if you think you can forget on checking for the next update, or the reminders are upsetting you, set an automatic updating.

5. Beware of the fake shopping emails and apps 

Many fake emails are sent with the intention to trick you into sending your personal information to an unverified source. The days during the holiday season are perfect for sending gifts or discounts and they will use this opportunity to push you for a quick action to send them your personal data and without realization, you will fall into their trap.

Another trend going on lately is downloading fake apps, created by hackers to collect relevant personal information from consumers. These apps are created to look legitimate, but their reviews and instructions are fake and can be easily missed during the busy holiday atmosphere. Most appear as app fashion stores and contain intentional typos as a clear sign that is a fake app.

Now that you are aware of the possible problems and you have the tips to protect yourself is all you need to have a safe and secure online shopping experience. Don’t forget that hackers and scammers will always be there waiting for unsecured networks to damage your personal identity, what matters most is to know how to protect yourself.

If your current handset has seen better days and it’s time to upgrade, there are lots of factors to take into account. To help you get the right deal, here are eight things to consider before upgrading to a new mobile device.

Cost

When looking for a new mobile, the choice available to you can seem endless. With so many providers to choose from, you need to create a budget and stick to what you can afford. If you’re after a mobile for personal use, you may want to splash out more to ensure you get a device that keeps you entertained. Whereas, for those who need a business phone, you may prefer to find the cheapest handset on the market.

Once you’ve found a phone, you may not like the idea of a pay monthly deal that you’re confined to. Instead, you can consider SIM only deals from Lebara that are 30-day rolling plans, meaning you’re able to change or cancel at any time. You can compare SIM only deals on their page which will help you find one that works within your means. Lebara offer the best SIM only deals as their out of bundle is capped to zero, meaning there aren’t any bill shocks. If you are worried about your credit score, there are no credit checks needed either. Make sure you consider a cheaper SIM only plan like these before making your final decision.

Size and Display

Once you’ve figured out your budget and know how much you have to spend, you need to take the mobile’s screen size and display into consideration. If you’re the type of person who likes to keep up with the news, play games, or watch videos, you should purchase a smartphone that has a display of 5.7 inches at a minimum. Whereas for those that want a mobile predominately for WhatsApp or to scroll through Facebook, you will be better off with a smaller screen.

There are many reasons why your mobile’s display is important too. If you suffer from eye strain with your current device, you must select a mobile that has adaptive display technology, meaning you can adjust the brightness level to one that suits you. When watching videos on your mobile, you can get an immersive viewing experience with an excellent display.

Processor

The processor is the heart of a mobile phone which determines its overall performance. When shopping for the latest mobile phone, you want a device that executes your every command and works in sync with your busy day to day life. Whether you’re sending a simple email, accessing the camera, or surfing the internet, no one wants to wait around for their phone to catch up. This is particularly important if you intend to play mobile games on your new device.

Battery Life

How many times have you charged your mobile device to find it switching off on you when you’re out and about? If the answer is too many, it’s time to upgrade. Battery life is one of the biggest things to consider when shopping for a new phone. If you go on frequent business trips, your mobile needs to be constantly switched on to keep in contact with colleagues and clients. Whether you buy a phone for business or pleasure, you need to remember that smartphones with a higher screen resolution will consume more energy, meaning their battery life won’t be as good.

Regardless of what mobile you go for, a typical battery should last between two and three years. If you find any faults with the battery life, make sure that you get in touch with the manufacturer to get it fixed. The rule of thumb is to not be fooled by the mAh (milliamps hour) number. Even if it’s high, that does not mean you will get a better battery life.

Camera Quality

If you enjoy taking photos on your mobile, it’s advisable to pick a device that has fantastic camera quality. Over recent years, smartphone manufacturers have paid more attention to camera quality and features, which can only benefit the user in the long run. Whether it’s manual modes, the number of megapixels, or special effects, there are many smartphones that are beginning to rival digital cameras.

When searching for the perfect mobile device, try not to put too much emphasis on how many megapixels the camera has. Instead, you should look into lens quality and integrated sensors. And for those who love to take a selfie, you will want to pick a mobile phone that has a front-facing camera.

Internal Storage

If you have a smartphone, then chances are you have apps downloaded for a variety of purposes. Whether it’s listening to music, watching videos, keeping track of your online banking, or sending emails, all your apps will make up a chunk of your storage space. For your mobile to function smoothly, you need to select a device that has plenty of internal storage. If you require more, there is the option to use a MicroSD card.

Before you pick a model that has 128GB of internal storage or more, you need to have a think about how much of it you will actually use. There is no point in shelling out hundreds of pounds on a device where you don’t take advantage of your storage space. What’s more, you can use cloud services to save space and house all your important files.

Security

One of the biggest worries many of us have is having our mobile phone stolen. If you have bought the latest model, the thought of a thief gaining access to your sensitive information and data can fill you with dread. Therefore, picking a mobile phone that comes equipped with security features like a fingerprint sensor can put your mind at ease.

In 2020, most smartphones have a face recognition feature that will make it hard for a thief to obtain your personal information. Also, many smartphones require the user to have a backup security open in addition to fingerprint sensors.

Build Quality

When on the hunt for a new mobile phone, the market tends to be split into plastic and metal builds. You may even find glass-coated devices on your search too. However, it’s advised not to opt for such a phone if you are known for dropping your device often. Even though glass-based phones may look sophisticated and swanky, they can shatter easily. On the other hand, plastic and metal-built mobiles can sustain drops from several feet. Although you can buy a case for your mobile to add an extra layer of protection, it’s advised to stick with plastic or metal.

If you’re after a new mobile phone, you need to have an idea in mind of what type of device will suit you best. Whether you’re on a tight budget or want to splash out on the latest iPhone or Android model, you need to take all the points above into account before making a decision.

Electric scooters have been rising in popularity for a while now, despite not actually being legal for use on UK roads or pavements yet. Part of the push for use has been due to the increased interest in the reduction of our carbon footprint, which has propelled e-scooters to the top of a lot of Christmas present wish-lists.

With more manufacturers and brands coming onto the market, it can be challenging to know what the best electric scooters for Christmas 2020 are. This article will help you find the right product. It will also let you know what you can expect from each of the scooters that we have shortlisted. As always we have focused on what is available at big retailers and used positive reviews to cement our recommendations.

Electric scooter for kids

Xootz Kids Electric Scooter 

This is a scooter that lives up to its name. The ease at which it folds up is impressive. Not only does the body of the scooter fold up, but the handlebars also do. That makes it incredibly easy to move from one place to another or for storage. The weight of the scooter, when folded is ideal for kids to carry for themselves. 

With a speed of up to 8 km/hr, it will have your child zooming up and down. It has enough speed for a thrill without putting them at greater risk of injury. It has a 12-volt battery that Powers the 70 Watts motor to drive the scooter’s belt. There are LED lights on the front wheel that add to the excitement. 

The one worry that most users have is what would happen when the battery runs out? Well, you will be pleased to know that the Xootz Kids Electric Scooter can be a push scooter. There is no motor resistance to it. This also makes it more lightweight which is essential for childrens scooters.

Speed control is significant. The accelerator is within a thumb’s reach. The child can throttle the speed with their thumb if they would like it to slow down. It is a scooter that was awarded best scooter award at the Made for Mums Award. That should be all the endorsement that it needs. As far as weight capacity goes, it can take on a ride of up to 50kg. The manufacturer recommends this scooter to kids that are at least six years old.

Pros

• It provides good value for money.
• It folds away easily for storage or transport.
• Kids love the LED lights on the front.
• It is lightweight.
• It is a reasonably fast scooter.
• The speed throttle button is practical.

Buy Now
Cons

• The battery could be more durable. 
• The foot brake can be difficult for kids to get used to.
• It does not have a stand.

Xootz Kids Electric Scooter available on Amazon Prime for £79.99 at time of writing.

Razor Electric Scooter

Razor E90 Electric Scooter Power Core

The E90 gives you a runtime of up to 80 minutes. There is a rechargeable battery just underneath the footrest. It comes with a switch on the side. This is a great way to save battery power when the scooter is not in use. So, what do we have under the hood of this one? It has an 85-watt motor that delivers high torque. You can get it going with a simple kick start. 

While it is not formula one speed, you will be pleased to know that the E90 is capable of a speed of up to 10mph. The higher the speed that you use, the shorter the battery life will be. If the user was to want to slow down, there is a practical throttle button in place. You only need to push a button to trigger this function. 

The back tire is one of the most exciting features of this scooter. It is an airless one. This means that there are no chances of getting a flat tire. That is one less thing to worry about when you are on the go. I often find that this is the tire that you do not steer away from debris on time when you are on the go. That’s not all; it is also an abrasion-resistant tire.

One thing to be aware of when using this scooter is that the wheels do not start spinning as soon as you start it. You will need to give it a little push before the motor kicks in. It may be worth pushing it before getting the motor started so that it kicks in promptly.
Pros

• The battery life is impressive. Can go for over an hour.
• It has a sound throttling system.
• The speed is fast without being dangerous.
• The motor has adequate torque to it.

Buy Now
Cons

• The battery is not always durable.
• The push start mechanism can be difficult for kids.

Razor E90 Electric Scooter Power Core available on Amazon Prime for £169.97 at time of writing.

Xiaomi Electric Scooter

Xiaomi Mi M365 Electric Scooter

Fancy something a little quicker? How does 20 km/h sound? That is what you get from the Mi M365 Electric Scooter. It is an excellent scooter for day to day commuting. You can fold it into an easy to carry shape that takes minimum space. The folded height is just 49cm. According to the manufacturer, you can fold it in as little as 3 seconds. I’m not sure that I have matched that time yet but can confirm that it could not be easier to fold. You simply press the release button and pull the handle down. 

Another exciting feature of this scooter is that it comes with an app that tracks its usage. You no longer have to guess the level of your battery. The app will provide you with this information as a percentage. That is also true of the mileage. It keeps track of how much you have used the scooter. Xiaomi often upgrades the firmware with additional features and improved performance. 

With everything that this scooter can do, you would expect it to have all sort of knobs on it. That would potentially be confusing for novices. Fortunately, Xiaomi has taken a minimalist approach to the dashboard. You have a throttle for speed control and a second button for the rest of the functions. Speaking of speed. There are three-speed modes on this one. It is no longer a matter of going at full speed or being stationary. You can 
Pros

• It comes with a 2-year warranty cover.
• It is effortless to assemble.
• Folds up reasonably quickly. 
• The battery lasts a while.
• Has three speeds to choose from.
• The throttle function works well.

Buy Now
Cons

• May need to use the app to get rid of the beeping sound when riding at speeds higher than 10km/h

Xiaomi Mi M365 Electric Scooter available on Amazon Prime for £338 at time of writing.

Electric scooter with seat 

GUNAI Electric Scooter

If it was down to choose the most “badass” looking one, it would have to be the GUNAI Electric Scooter. At the end of a long day the last thing that anyone needs is to have a commute where they have to be on their feet. Most scooters do not offer the luxury of a comfortable seat. That is one of the key features of this one, as well as off-road wheels, lights and a folding sysem. Yes it’s pricey, but what you get is well worth the cash.

It has impressive power, courtesy of the two motors that run independently. They are each 1600W, making an incredible 3200W powered scooter. That explains how it is capable of delivering staggering speeds of up to 75km/h. With such a motor, the battery-life tends to become the next concern. You will be pleased to know that this one can run for a distance of 90km on a single charge. It requires between 6-8 hours to get the full charge.

The wheels on this scooter are built to take on the rough terrain that you may encounter off-road. They are 11-inch tires. The tread pattern that they have with large lugs underneath the wheel provides great traction. To further endear us to this scooter and its off-road ability, they have added shock absorbers. The front wheel is fitted with four hydraulic shock absorbers. The rear wheel has a bold metal shock absorber. 

If you ever find yourself out after dark, the lights will keep you visible to other road users. They will also enable you to see what’s in front of you. Finally, the GUNAI Electric scooter also has a HD display screen that enables you to adjust your speed and monitor battery power as well as mileage.

Frankly, we had the best time riding this electric scooter and it was our favourite. the 5 star reviews on Amazon seems to suggest we are not alone. GUNAI Electric Scooter available on Amazon Prime

Pros

• It has a sturdy stand.
• It has various lights for visibility.
• Has a travel range of up to 90km when fully charged.
• The tires are capable of going off road.
• It has perfectly placed shock absorbers on both wheels.
• It comes with 1-year warranty cover. 
• Has an excellent maximum speed of 75km/h.

Buy Now
Cons

• It is quite heavy.
• The saddle height cannot be adjusted to kids’ height.

GUNAI Electric Scooter available on Amazon Prime for £1499.00 at time of writing.

Fastest folding electric scooter 

Urbetter Kugoo S1 Folding Electric Scooter

When it comes to electric scooters that you can fold up and pack in very little time, the urbetter Kugoo S1 Folding Electric Scooter is one to consider. Here is why. For starters, it gives you an impressively fast speed of up to 30km/h. As with the one above, this one also has three speeds to choose from. You can have it running at 15km/h, 25km/h or 30km/h. These are selected by pressing a button. There is a 350W motor powering the scooter. It is said to be capable of doing a distance of 18 miles on a single charge.

It can take a rider who weighs up to 120kg. That is a reasonable weight capacity for teenagers and adults alike. The overall build of the scooter feels strong. It has a frame made out of aerospace-grade aluminium. In short, an easy contender for the best electric scooter for commuting.

The weight of the scooter is 24.3lbs, which is not difficult to carry. That is made more accessible by folding it. One of our favourite features on this scooter is the display dashboard on the handlebar. It keeps you aware of the state of the scooter while you are on the road. Metrics that are displayed include speed and battery-level. 

The tires are resistant to punctures. They also provide good traction on all sorts of surfaces. It also helps that they are not inflated. By our reckoning, you will have to put them through a lot for them to wear out. 
Pros

• It comes with a year’s warranty cover.
• There are three speeds to choose from.
• It has a flashing light on the rear for visibility.
• There is an inbuilt bright LED light on the front.
• The tire is 8 inches thick.
• It has a cruise mode.
• Braking and acceleration are within a thumb’s reach.

Buy Now
Cons

• The front brake takes some getting used to.

Urbetter Kugoo S1 Folding Electric Scooter available on Amazon Prime for £239.99 at time of writing.

3 wheel electric scooters 

Weskate Electric Scooter 3 Wheels Folding Electrical Scooter

Perhaps you are after something steadier. Three-wheel scooters are perfect for novices or those that are still to find their balance. The extra wheel goes a long way. We handed picked the Weskate Electric Scooter as it appeals to our skater boy youth and suits our current fashionista lifestyle. The 450W motor-powered scooter is capable of achieving speeds of up to 18mph. The torque is sufficient to take on an incline of up to 15 degrees. 

A fully charged battery will last you a distance of about 12 miles. Fortunately, it only takes 4-6 hours to get it fully charged. Once set, you can use the LCD screen on the handlebar to keep track of the battery level. That is a great way to plan a journey. You can use the battery level to figure out whether it has enough juice for the distance that you want to travel. For commuting, the scooter can fold into the aptly named, trolley mode. It is relatively lightweight and does not take much storage space. 

There are some excellent safety features in place, as well. For starters, it has full-size handlebars that make it easier to steer. The 8.5 inches tires are perfect for getting that much-needed traction as you ride. You also have a sturdy deck that can support a weight of up to 240lbs. 

On the handlebar is an LCD screen that will help you keep track of your speed, battery level and the scooter’s overall mileage. 
Pros

• The three wheels make it steady when you ride.
• It is relatively easy to steer.
• The LCD screen is minimalist.
• It has an impressive weight capacity.
• The battery does not take too long to charge.
• The handlebar can adjust for height.

Buy Now
Cons

• It does not achieve as high a speed as the others on our list.

Weskate Electric Scooter 3 Wheels Folding Electrical Scooter available on Amazon Prime at the time of writing.

A notable alternative for kids is the Ninco-NH33017 Ninco Wheel Canyon Red Folding Electric Scooter with Speed Control for Ages 3+ which we consider one of the best electric scooters on the market for children but at the time of writing we not able to give it a test run to include it.

Conclusion

We have categorised our list is in a way that makes it easier for you to find a scooter that is suitable for you. We reviewed each one of the scooters in some detail. That will put you in a great position to make an informed decision when purchasing. Any of these will serve you well. 

We’ve linked to Amazon for reference as we are on the Amazon Affiliate program (because they have a good returns policy and customer reviews), they may make us eligible for commission on sales but this has not affected our editorial review. We’d always suggest price-comparing for the best deal available, and waiting until good sales on.