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What are the best budget smartphones?

Dean
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What are the best budget smartphones?

“False economy” is one of the most important terms you’ll need to know when looking for the best budget smartphones on the market. While smartphones aren’t as cheap as they once were, you should avoid the entry-level smartphones like the plague. They are often slow, rarely considered cheap and will likely only last you for a few months. With our logic explained, we can now move on with our list of the best budget smartphones currently on the market.

Samsung J3

samsung galaxy j3With a decent screen size and a solid body, the Samsung Galaxy J3 can do almost everything the Galaxy S7 owners can do. Unless you’re planning endless hours of gaming on the phone or are seeking a gateway VR headset, the J3 will do just fine.

For the people out there that think you really need to splash the cash to get a decent phone camera, think again. The J3 comes with an 8MP camera and although the sensors and detail might not be as good as the iPhone 6s, you’ll still get some decent snaps of your summer travels to pop on Instagram. It also comes with an impressive 2600 mAh battery which is likely to keep you fully powered for over a day. This phone is currently retailing at about €169.99 in most phone shops in the country and is also available on Amazon.co.uk.

HTC Desire 530

The HTC Desire 530 is pretty much on par with the Galaxy J3. While the screen resolution leaves a little to be desired (no pun intended), the trademark HTC front-facing speakers deliver a high quality audio experience. The increasinly popular trend of large sensors in cameras allowing more light in continues. The Desire 530 follows suit, meaning it’s great for snapping in low-light: we’re thinking nightclub shots with your friends.

While the resolution might not be the same level as the J3, the sizeable 5-inch screen is great for watching videos or gaming, largely owing to the great speakers. You can expect to pay around €160 in Irish shops for the Desire 530 which is also available on Amazon.co.uk for those of you looking for a SIM free version.

OnePlus X

oneplus xMy personal favourite on the list. OnePlus is a phone manufacturer that came out of no where. Dubbing their phones ‘flagship killers’, you will not find these on the high street. You’ll also be hard pushed to find them anywhere online, except of course for the OnePlus website. Here you’ll find the X is available for €239 and is great value for money at that. The majority of the specs you see on show are normally found in phones above €300.

Besides its premium and slick design, it’s got a 13MP camera plus an 8MP front-facing camera, certainly appealing to you Snapchatters out there. Finally, you throw a 2525 mAh battery into the mix and the 801 Snapdragon processor and it’s impossible to leave the OnePlus X off the list.

HTC Desire 825

The most recent phone released on the list is a beast. Boasting a 5.5-inch screen, 13MP camera, 5MP front camera, 2700 mAh battery, HD display and a very respectable 2GB of ram, the Desire 825 will only set you back €219.99. With an almost premium feel to it, this is definitely a phone for someone who wants a high end phone but just doesn’t want to fork our a fortune. Again the signature HTC speakers are the cherry on top providing a great entertainment solution. Pick this up in Irish phone shops and Amazon.co.uk for a SIM free version.

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016)

If you’re willing to spend a bit extra, this is probably the best of the budget smartphones on the list. With a premium glass finish similar to the S6, Samsung are really showing their quality. With an apparent shift towards avoiding cheap smartphones by the South Korean manufacturer, Samsung are making it clear they’re a luxury brand, regardless of what price range you are shopping in. Coming it at around €289.99, this phone is money well spent and won’t let you down. Pick it up in Irish phone shops now or on Amazon.co.uk for SIM free versions.

 

What are the current Brexit odds?

Marty
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What are the current Brexit odds?

If you are wondering what the chances of a Britain leaving the European Union, there is no shortage of bookmakers who will offer you the latest Brexit odds. The past few days have seen a swing in favour of a Brexit. We take a look at the best way to keep up to date with the latest likely outcomes of the June 23rd referendum.

What is Brexit all about?

The Brexit or British Exit from the EU, does exactly what it says on the tin. The people of Britain will vote on whether or not Britain remains within the European Union. The ramifications for both Briain and the EU would be huge, so huge it may be difficult to fully comprehend the potential fallout. The help understand current British feeling and what the likely outcome will be, there are plenty on places online to keep up to date.

Bloomberg Brexit Watch Indicators

Analytical media behemoth Bloomberg provides great insight into the potential Brexit through understanding public opinion. From an overview showing likelihood of Brexit to latest opinion polls, the Bloomberg Brexit Watch Indicators will give you the most up to date insights into the referendum.

Paddy Power provides best Brexit odds

brexit oddsGo ahead, laugh. Then really think about it. A business that is fundamentally dependent on getting probability right in order to make a profit is probably going to be on the ball when it comes to predicting the outcome of things like referendums. One of the leading bookmakers, Paddy Power, will give you a great idea of how things are going for both the stay and exit camps of the referendum groups.

We’re not going to pop the odds here because you can expect them to change, but you will find them over on the Paddy Power website.

Twitter

Of course, you’ll get the latest Brexit odds on twitter by following the likes of Paddy Power. Going one step further with your hashtag research will get you an even deeper understanding of what’s on the table. Hashtags such as #brexit #strongerin #voteremain will give you the most up to date news from all camps.

It’s turning out to be a rather interesting debate that will ultimately finish closer than many expected. Consequences could be huge, but all you can really do now is sit back and keep up to date.

 

FIFA 17 set for late September launch date

Marty
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FIFA 17 set for late September launch date

Perhaps slightly more exciting than Christmas is the date that the new FIFA launches. Year in and year out Electronic Arts Sports, better known as EA Sports, launch the annual upgrades to their suite of sporting games. Some argue that the changes are minute between the years, but nonetheless there is no shortage of excitement that accompanies the launch of a new FIFA game. Here is what we know so far.

When is the FIFA 17 launch date?

FIFA 17 is pencilled in for a September 29th launch date. The latest football simulator will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and,  despite fears FIFA 16 would be the last, FIFA 17 will also grace the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Xbox One customers who are also EA Access members are likely to save some money and get early access to the game too.

How much will FIFA 17 cost?

As with all games these days, it won’t come cheap. Again, Xbox One users who are EA Access members can expect to save about 10% on the title. The entry level game is likely to set you back €69.99 but pre-ordering and buying a higher priced version will reward you with lucrative bonuses such as FIFA Ultimate Team packs.

What’s new in FIFA 17?

Every year, one wonders how can EA Sports continue to develop football gaming enough to warrant annual upgrades for gamers. FIFA 17 will introduce a very dramtic career mode which they’re referring to as “The Journey”. This game mode may aswell just be called the “Marcus Rashford game mode” and there are striking (pun intended) similarities.

There are further developments in the usual areas, with particular focus on set pieces and one on one battles. We’re not going into detail on these until we get some gameplay as these are often subtle changes.

We do expect some improvements in how managers appear on the touchline as Jose Mourhino is one of the predominant faces of the latest FIFA title.

Who are the others faces of FIFA 17?

FIFA 17 appears to have embraced the next generation of football superstars with the players selected to promote the game. Gone are the likes of Rooney and Ronaldo. In their place are Eden Hazard, Marco Reus, Anthony Martial and James Rodrígeuz.

alex hunter fifa 17The other important name involved in the launch is the unknown Alex Hunter from the “The Journey” mode. We believe this is just a launch thing with your own name taking the place of Alex, but will EA gamble on having all names ready?

We’ll know more in the coming months as the finer details of FIFA 17 are finalised and the gameplay demos are released. For now, it’s back to FIFA 16 for another few months.

What are those loud bangs at EURO 2016?

Marty
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What are those loud bangs at EURO 2016?

During Russia versus England and Turkey versus Croatia, we’ve spotted a question popping up on Twitter: “What are those loud bangs at EURO 2016”. Given the events in Paris late last year, it’s understandable why such noises within a stadium would raise eyebrows.

What are those loud bangs at EURO 2016

In short, the loud bangs are caused by fans with flares.

You would be forgiven for thinking, like we did, that flares just make that whoosh sound when being lit, but there are also models which are extremely loud. These models also look similar to handguns, with those untrained in the areas unlikely to spot much difference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeOgicPpa-o

Are flares banned at EURO 2016?

Flares, along with many other similar devices are explicitly banned from being brought into the stadium. This is what worries many onlookers. Given the terror threat that surrounds the tournament, many are asking just how such explosives are making their way into the stadiums. We’ve heard two explosions and it’s just day three of EURO 2016.

Regardless of the tense context the tournament is being held within, flares are banned for safety reasons. A typical flare, once ignited, burns at an incredible 1,600 °C: something you would much rather not come into contact with.

During matchday two, a flare believed to have been fired from a Russian Ultra group towards English supporters.

Idiotic actions of minorities within the stadiums have left many questioning how “heightened” security is at EURO 2016.

https://twitter.com/manx_city/status/741995085353607168

 

Apps to get you through EURO 2016

Jon
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Apps to get you through EURO 2016

Are you well grounded or daring to dream as the Republic of Ireland get set for their next European adventure?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceG7EUOjDGg

It’s tough to fight the optimism right? Well regardless of which camp you fall into, Euro 2016 is a massive competition which will capture the imagination of many European nations. We are determined to ensure you don’t miss a second of the action and sure if Greece can do it, surely we can dare to dream?

Onefootball Adidas and EURO 2016

Android – iOS

With great tournaments come great tournament apps and the Euros will be no different. There is of course the usual official tournament app, but Adidas have also emerged with one that we prefer. Pick your favourite team and get the latest news and scores into your smartphone. You will also pick your favourite club team and preferred tournaments so you can even use the app well past Ireland’s narrow semi-final 2-1 defeat to Portugal (you heard it here first).

Livescore

Android – iOS

You’re stuck in work and might not have the internet speed to stream stuff right? Luckily enough, Livecore doesn’t need much juice to operate. Arguably the most comprehensive sports results app on the market , pretty much any game in the world can be tracked. Recent updates include live commentary, lineups and set favourite games for notifications.

You’ll also get goalscorers and assists, which is even better for your fantasy football stats!

Stats Zone by FourFourTwo

Android – iOS

Another free app for both Android and iOS users who want to be the Gary Neville of your group in the pub. Powered by the kings of football statistics Opta, this app gives you in depth information live to your smartphone. Its a very impressive piece of kit covering everthing from shots, passes by team or player all the way down to goalkeeper distribution and dribbles completed.

So want to see how the legend that is Wesley Hoolahan fair against the Italian defence, fancy seeing just how many long balls we will play against the Swedes or just want to have a chuckle at Jack Wilshires inability to stay on a football pitch then this is a must for you.

RTÉ Player and 3 Player

RTÉ Player: Android – iOS | 3 Player: Android – iOS

euro 2016From right now, these apps are already growing essentials for the championships. Watch the free streams of the broadcasters sharing the big games, but also enjoy some classics including the run up to the EURO 2016 finals with RTÉ Player.

Typically of course, these apps might let you down or may not be showing a game you’re interested. For such an eventuality, we have you covered.

Mobdro

If you’re stuck, having the likes of Mobdro and Ustream as backup is essential. Not available in the Google Play store, you will need to side load this APK onto your Android device, but the Mobdro site has all the info you’ll need to pull it off.

Paddy Power app

So now that you have all the info you need and the ability to watch the obscure fixtures, you can spice them up a little and make yourself a few euros at EURO 2016. Unfortunately you cannot download gambling apps directly through the Google Play store, but Paddy Power have all the info you need to get up and running over on their site. Bet responsibly and bet for fun. Also, if you’re betting amongst friends, give BetYou a look.

 

What happens to people caught downloading torrents?

Marty
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What happens to people caught downloading torrents?
Chances are if you haven’t done it yourself at some stage, you have benefited from someone downloading torrents. There have been many warnings to users over the years, but what actually happens when you are caught downloading torrents?

Is downloading torrents illegal?

Game of Thrones leaks earlyDownloading torrents is perfectly legal. Torrents are simply broken up files shared between users in peer to peer downloading. The problem begins when users download copyrighted content through torrents and peer to peer sharing. That’s not frowned upon, it’s good old fashioned illegal.
Internet users downloading the latest Game of Thrones episode to the blockbuster movies like Star Wars, are costing the entertainment industry billions, with one particular movie in 2005 losing $6.1 billion to piracy. While these calculations are never perfect, given many downloaders would have never paid in the first place, there is no refuting the fact piracy is bad news for Hollywood.

Reaction to online piracy in Ireland

Online piracy has made the headlines in Ireland quite a bit in recent years. Eir, formerly Eircom, initiated a three strike policy against its 700,000 customers in 2010. Despite sending out an undisclosed number of warning letters, we believe no customer has been cut off for illegal downloading of copyrighted materials. Virgin Media state on their website that “they take the threat of online piracy very seriously” and after briefly resisting, in 2015 installed the same three strike rule as Eir. To date, it also looks as if Virgin Media (formerly UPC) have not cut anyone off.

International reaction to online piracy

A recent Reddit thread brought together the stories of various people from around the world and their piracy stories. We’ve picked out our favourites, though some have already been deleted, to answer the most popular questions.

What to say if caught pirating

plead ignorance gifWe do not condone pirating: it is illegal. When caught, fast thinking CoreyC simply pleaded ignorance, blaming an innocent lack of security as causing the issue. Redditors agreed this was simply good, solid advice.
reddit comment relating to downloading torrents

What do internet service providers say in their piracy warnings?

It turns out that proving what their customers are doing is extremely difficult for internet service providers. Despite the fact that large sections of the public find it creepy, in some circumstances, monitoring internet use is illegal. Considering the minefield providers find themselves in, they often keep their warnings nice and vague to avoid saying anything that will land them in hot water.

vague
Providers use this vagueness to ‘honey pot’ customers into giving themselves up.

Is there anything that can be done should you get cut off?

Yes. You can ask nicely apparently.

reconnect Cost of pirating in Germany

germany

Remember, the worst outcome might not be getting sued …

Redditor, LordNeddard, can testify to not all awful outcomes of being an online pirate end with being sued.

squirtIn short, you shouldn’t download illegally shared, copyrighted materials. It’s illegal. At the same time, it looks unlikely that much will happen to you, in Ireland at least, for doing so.

You can read through the thread in full on Reddit, though due to the huge amount of deletions, you’ll need the Uneddit tool too.

Choetech Fast Charge Wireless Charger: Review

Marty
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Choetech Fast Charge Wireless Charger: Review

Recently we took a look at the official Samsung Wireless Fast Charger and while we found it appealing in most areas, the price tag that accompanied it makes it inaccessible for many. Fortunately, power specialists Choetech do offer an alternative.

Major thank you to Choetech who provided us with a wireless fast charger to review

choetech fast charge wireless chargerManufacturers and Samsung in particular, have been focussing on wireless and fast charging in recent years. Their aim to make charging infrequent, quick and convenient. As with all technology, it’s becoming more affordable thanks to generic brands emerging with great alternatives. Choetech provide a wide range of chargers, including a wireless fast charger for Samsung devices, but how does it rate versus the official Samsung wireless fast charger?

Choetech fast charge wireless charger versus Samsung wireless fast charger

Functionality

View of a non-orientation USB connection on the Choetech adaptive fast chargerIn terms of design and functionality, the Samsung charger gets out in front. The particular model that we looked at featured a cradle for added convenience when streaming video content. The Choetech pad does have a rubber area on the surface, providing limited grip should your smartphone rest on it at an angle of some sort.

One neat little feature on the adaptive fast charger is a non-orientation based USB fitting on the plug itself (right). This makes it easier to plug USBs in as you can’t be wrong.

Charge speed

The fact that these chargers can bring your device from flat to half charge in thirty minutes is mind boggling. Thanks to fast charging, batteries lasting for just a day is not longer a problem. In terms of comparison, the two stack up against each other perfectly. We couldn’t see any difference in the charge speeds of either charger.

Value for money

While the Samsung takes round one, the Choetech wireless fast charger takes round three after a round two draw.

The Samsung charge pad is rather expensive but may still appeal to die hard Samsung fans. We were disappointed to see a secondary adaptive fast charger would be needed to get the most out of owning the pad.Ultimately, there is little point to fork out for the official fast charger unless the cradle feature is something that really appeals to you.

The Choetech wireless fast charger will charge your Samsung device at lightening speed while leaving a fair sum of money resting in your pocket too. Granted, you will also need to purchase a second wireless fast charger should you want to get the most out of the Choetech wireless fast charger, the two items can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of official Samsung merchandise.

You can pick up the Choetech wireless fast charger on Amazon.co.uk for about €25 and a second adaptive fast charger, also on Amazon.co.uk for just under €12. You might also want to read our guides on ordering from Amazon to Ireland using Parcel Motel and Prime.

Apple and Samsung to face Huawei and others

Marty
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Apple and Samsung to face Huawei and others

When you hear high end smartphones, your first thought is likely to be the Apple iPhone 7 launch or the latest Samsung Galaxy S7. For quite some time now, various manufacturers have been challenging those we traditionally consider to be market leaders. Is it time we said goodbye to the €750 smartphone?

Are smartphones overpriced?

The Nokia 3210One of the best selling and best known mobile phones of all time is the Nokia 3210. This beast of a handset is likely sitting in your drawer right now and still has some charge in it. The 3210 would have set you back just over €300, including inflation and exchange rate. The handsets of today which fill the same space, cost double though they are jam packed with features: making this an unfair comparison. Instead, we should be comparing with the cheaper phones of the Asian markets.

Kings of the Asian handset market

huawei p9Not too long ago, we predicted that brands such as Xiaomi and Huawei would finally make their mark on European markets. At the launch of their Ascend P8 handset in 2015, Sales and Marketing Manager, Justin Costello announced the company’s goal was to be third biggest in the market. This has become more achievable than ever as the Chinese manufacturer continues to create fantastic handsets in this year’s P9, but has gone further in achieving increased brand awareness too.


As you can see above, Huawei is the fastest rising Google search query in the Irish market. Take into consideration the sheer size of eir and Virgin Media’s recent rebranding budgets, Huawei’s performance just becomes even more admirable. Monthly searches for the Huawei brand has increased significantly, an increase normally only witness during the Christmas pre paid surges. This is a massively indication that the Irish people have become increasingly receptive towards handsets like the Huawei P9.

Huawei: The best value smartphone in Ireland

In the Huawei P9, we arguably have the best value smartphone in Ireland. Coming in at €529, the P9 is one of Huawei’s most expensive devices to reach our shores. With that said, it’s a fraction of other manufacturer’s leading handsets. The Samsung Galaxy S7 and iPhone 6s will cost you €729.99 on Vodafone, a whopping 30% more expensive. You can compare the three handsets for yourself, but you will be hard-pressed to find much of a difference.

The last word

The ball is in the court of the heavy hitters now. Will they press on with huge price tags, or match up to the Kings of the Asian market? Only time will tell.

Google I/O: Project Ara – What you need to know

Marty
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Google I/O: Project Ara – What you need to know

When the people who brought you Android start working on their very own phone, known as Project Ara, it’s time to get excited.

Haven’t Google created loads of phones in the past?

Yes and no. It’s more accurate to say Google have commissioned smartphones. A range of manufacturers, including LG, Samsung, HTC and most recently Huawei, have been created with the support of Google. The behemoth tech company looks after marketing and design while the manufacturers look after the rest. The difference with Project Ara is Google will build this on their own, though Motorola were involved at the beginning prior to Google acquiring that area of the telecoms business.

The goal of Project Ara

project ara blocksProject Ara is a fascinating endeavour for a lot more than tech reasons. The Google handset is modular, meaning you buy a base model and add the features that you need. The rollout plan aims to have the Project Ara handset reach six billion people, with one million of these people being first time mobile phone users. To encourage adoption, will ship with a basic skeleton for around €50, where the user adds features they want. The benefit here is similar to what Google is attempting with the Daydream and overcomes the problem a similar idea by LG will encounter: having enough base models of one unit to encourage development of compatible modules.

Why we need Project Ara to work

Since 2013, Facebook have been testing various methods of delivering an internet connection to 4.5 billion people never connected before through internet.org. Google are looking to do the same thing with hardware. By creating an affordable handset, adoption rates in poorer areas are likely to increase. Even better is the lifespan on the unit being vastly increased for the user.

Should the user require a better battery life or a camera replaced, they need only replace the related module. Google have also stated that the handset will be open source, meaning anyone can develop modules. The potential here is enormous. Specialist modules can be added to the device for medical use, also being interchangeable without the device being powered off.

Why we want Project Ara to work

There are less world changing reasons we want to see this Google project work. It’s cool. People are upgrading their handsets less frequently than ever, made evident through the latest ComReg report and general handset sales worldwide have slowed. Being able to upgrade elements of your smartphone without throwing it away reduces waste and the cost to the user. Everything about this project is pretty much improving how we think about smartphone.

Finally, modular smartphones are cool. Having a phone that can grow with your needs is an amazing concept. Bring an extra battery unit to a festival or carry a module that acts as a stand for watching movies on train journeys.

Project Ara release date and price

This Google handset is expected to roll out in early 2017 with developer handsets being available later this year.

Inkl: A better way to read the news

Marty
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Inkl: A better way to read the news

Have you noticed that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell which headlines in your facebook news feed are from news sources and which are from Waterford Whispers News? In recent times, Ireland’s most reliable news sources have started churning out clickbait articles. We take a look at why this is happening and give you access to a premium app to solve the problem.

Dead Tree Media: The fate of newspapers

How we consume news

inkl app reviewHow we consume news has fundamentally changed in recent years. While older generations are resisting modern methods of consumption, news media outlets who once focussed on print media now focus on delivering their stories electronically. Following the advent of smartphones and increased connectivity, we are never more than a few clicks away from news.

In a recent study, participants outlined how they felt overwhelmed by the volumes of news they are exposed to as they feel “surgically attached” to their smartphones. Take terrorist attacks, like those seen in Paris in 2015. Imagine where you heard about the news and how often you tracked the developments. Social media largely played a part with regular updates – so much in fact, the following Brussel attacks led to police pleading users stop sharing movement details of security operations.

What news we consume

It is with no pleasure we say this, but it is hard to ignore how Sky News and many other news outlets sensationalise stories to keep our attention. Remember, we are being bombarded by news from everywhere so our attention must go to the highest bidder. This has created the biggest problem we face as news consumers: clickbait.

Once upon a time, when everyone bought newspapers, the news was enough. Over the past few years, Irish newspapers have seen revenues drop consistently on an annual basis, with overall circulation figures dropping by 2.5% in 2015. Naturally, with a loss in revenue comes a great challenge to any business, with newspapers being no exception.

Top Irish newspapers realised that moving to digital platforms could provide them with new revenue streams to fill the gap created by younger generations developing their own news habits. The natural progression for this situation was clickbait: headlines designed to peak your interest and make you click, as that click leads to advertising revenue.

The social media problem

The Irish Independent features heavily in this article: once for the problem and once for the solution. What is still Ireland’s top selling weekday newspaper, the Irish Independent is a prime example of online click bait, social media sensationalism and outright ridiculous amounts of ad placement on their website. Finding the news is difficult as their social media feed posts about Courtney Cox’s plastic surgery, while their site advertises a link to “19 funny cats left in the rain” – we really wish this was an exaggeration.

The main problem here is how different generations are consuming news media. The older generations might be trying new methods in their free time, but newspapers are still giving them quality news. Younger generations just seek out sensational news stories while letting their knowledge on international affairs slowly waste away while worrying about Kim Kardashian’s latest – uncensored – naked selfie that was leaked on twitter.

What is the best modern news source?

There is, unfortunately no on news source that is perfect these days. The problem is that the majority have some sort of paid elements in order to keep them running. Our advice is to stop following them on social media and find a way of following them elsewhere. One way to do so, is setting up RSS feeds, but these are dated, clunky and somewhat difficult to use. There is one app which makes life a little easier.

Inkl

Inkl News app avoids clickbait and sponsored postsWe’ve found one app that seems really useful. Launched in mid-2015, Inkl set out with a goal to create what they call “news without clickbait”. Inkl is a premium service for people who want to take keeping up to date with the news seriously.

The basic version of the app will always pull in news from partner publishers, but the premium version is where the really smart things happen. Inkl premium, which costs either six cents per article or €10 per month, removes paid content and also filters out clickbait news headlines. The app also provides you with a Dive Deeper section, showing you related news on the same topic you are reading about.

The final ace up the sleeve of Inkl is the access to premium content. Premium news outlets including Bloomberg and the Washington Post all come courtesy of your Inkl subscription.

We’ve teamed up with Inkl to bring you a free 30-day trial of their premium services, to try out the best way to consume news that we have found. No credit card needed or that nonsense.

inkl trial

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