Derek Jones
@derekjonesuk.bsky.social
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.co
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Derek Jones
@derekjonesuk.bsky.social
· Nov 19
Write For Us
Thank you for your interest in writing for Derek's Home and Business Blog. I'm always on the lookout for good quality, informative articles to offer my readers. If you write business-related articles ...
www.derekjones.co
I'm always on the lookout for good quality, informative articles to offer my readers on Derek's Home and Business Blog. For information about guest posting on DHBB and to view our guidelines, please visit: www.derekjones.co/p/write-for-... #writing #blogging
Owners 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
Your Amazon Echo will start reporting to Amazon on March 28
Amazon is sending emails to let customers know that local requests will be turned off.
mashable.com
March 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Owners 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
Why 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
Why people are cutting back their online profile
A new wave of AI has spurred some to think more carefully about their online presence.
www.bbc.co.uk
March 11, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Why 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
Google 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
Google's VP of Ads and Commerce Outlines 2025 Priorities
Google Ads is doubling down on AI, personalization, and new ad formats in 2025. Here’s what’s changing and how advertisers should prepare for these shifts.
www.searchenginejournal.com
March 4, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Google 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
Skype'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
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
Skype's final call set for May as Microsoft prioritizes Teams
Skype will ring for the last time on May 5 as owner Microsoft retires the two-decade-old internet calling service that redefined how people connect across borders.
www.reuters.com
February 28, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Skype'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
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
Lloyds 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
Lloyds, Halifax and TSB banking apps not working, thousands say
Technical issues are affecting UK banking app users on payday for the second-month running in 2025.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 28, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Lloyds 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
For 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
How to see every planet in the solar system at once this week
For 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 this planet...
www.newscientist.com
February 27, 2025 at 3:20 PM
For 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
Technology 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
My #1 New Year's Resolution: Dump Twitter, Embrace Bluesky
I'm quitting Twitter in 2025, and you should, too. Join me in jumping over to the platform that brings fun back to social media.
uk.pcmag.com
February 27, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Technology 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
The 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".
Water, cars and phones: The seven bills set to rise in April
A number of bill rises will come into force at the start of what some commentators have described as
www.bbc.co.uk
February 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The 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".
Apple 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
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
Why Apple's disabling of iCloud encryption in the UK 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.
www.zdnet.com
February 26, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Apple 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
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
I 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!
Have a great Monday and week ahead, everyone!
February 24, 2025 at 2:50 PM
I 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!
Have a great Monday and week ahead, everyone!
Email 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
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
Email marketing is back and big social is panicking - everything you need to know
Email marketing isn't dead. In fact, it's helping businesses grow while big social's ad performance declines.
www.zdnet.com
February 24, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Email 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
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
Amazon 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.
How to Download Kindle Books to Your Computer Before Amazon Kills the Feature
On Feb. 26, Amazon will remove the 'Download & Transfer via USB' option from its website. Here's how to save your collection.
uk.pcmag.com
February 23, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Amazon 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.
Amazon'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
Amazon's MGM Studios gains creative control over 'James Bond' franchise
Amazon'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.
www.reuters.com
February 20, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Amazon'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
Apple 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
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
iPhone 16e: Apple gambles on AI features at lower price
Apple is hoping its latest, lower cost iPhone model will boost sales of its flagship device.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 20, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Apple 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
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
Constantine, 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
Keanu Reeves & Francis Lawrence talk CONSTANTINE's 20th anniversary & plans for sequel!
YouTube video by Josh Horowitz
youtu.be
February 18, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Constantine, 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
Critics 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
Fingerprinting: Critics say Google rules put profits over privacy
Google is allowing advertisers to collect more personal information, which is harder for users to control.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 17, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Critics 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
Did 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
Can't find any good Netflix shows? I used these secret codes to unlock the full catalog
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.
www.zdnet.com
February 16, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Did 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
Google 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
A major Gemini feature is now free for all users - no Advanced subscription required
Google is making a very useful Gemini featur available to everyone for free. The AI is also getting a little smarter today.
www.zdnet.com
February 15, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Google 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
I'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? 🎶 #music
Which one do you prefer, or do you like them both? 🎶 #music
February 14, 2025 at 5:20 PM
I'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? 🎶 #music
Which one do you prefer, or do you like them both? 🎶 #music
Will AI kill creativity and destroy human innovation? Here's the unsettling truth. Written by Lester Mapp, Contributor. #technology
Will AI kill creativity and destroy human innovation? Here's the unsettling truth
Is AI transforming creativity or just mimicking it? My answer might surprise you.
www.zdnet.com
February 13, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Will AI kill creativity and destroy human innovation? Here's the unsettling truth. Written by Lester Mapp, Contributor. #technology
Biologists 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.
A whole new world of tiny beings challenges fundamental ideas of life
The surprising discovery of entities smaller than viruses raises profound questions about what life is and how it got started
www.newscientist.com
February 12, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Biologists 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.
I 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!
February 9, 2025 at 2:20 PM
I 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!
Netflix 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
Netflix raises subscription prices in the UK
Users will pay £2 a month more on the standard plan, Netflix's most popular subscription package.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 7, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Netflix 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
I 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. #streaming
If you're into your gaming, you'll enjoy this anthology series. #streaming
February 6, 2025 at 2:30 PM
I 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. #streaming
If you're into your gaming, you'll enjoy this anthology series. #streaming
LinkedIn 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
LinkedIn gets its own suite of video tools as it grows video presence on platform
Whether you are a LinkedIn creator or a casual user, your experience is about to look a bit different.
www.zdnet.com
February 4, 2025 at 6:30 PM
LinkedIn 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