Tech Tuesday: Your new Christmas tech

Tech Tuesday is back. Last week we covered mobile banking. This week: unwrapping your Christmas tech without the panic.

Your New Christmas Tech: Getting Started Without the Stress

By Vivienne | Tech Tuesday

'Sarah' lives near Crown Square. Her daughter gave her a new iPhone for Christmas—her first smartphone upgrade in five years. Boxing Day morning, Sarah stared at the box, genuinely terrified.

"I had 3,000 photos on my old phone," she says. "My grandson's entire childhood. I was convinced I'd lose them all."

Two hours later, everything was on her new phone. Photos, contacts, even her WhatsApp conversations. Here's how she did it.

The Bit Everyone Worries About: Your Photos

This is simpler than it sounds:

iPhone to iPhone: Place old phone next to new one → Follow "Quick Start" prompts → Everything transfers wirelessly in 20-40 minutes

Android to Android: Turn on new phone → Connect to WiFi → "Copy apps & data" → Connect the phones (cables or wireless) → Follow prompts

iPhone to Android (or reverse): Use Google Photos app → Back up old phone photos to cloud → Download Google Photos on new phone → All photos appear

Other support or help: Many phone or mobile network providers will also offer their own apps to help with transferring your apps and data. To find our more search for 'the best apps to transfer data' for your phone brand. e.g. Samsung suggest Samsung Smart Switch.

For storing your photos on the cloud, so you can see them securely from different devices you could try Google Photos or Amazon Photos for example, but there are a variety to choose from

For more help or if you are still unsure your mobile network provider can help, simply call their customer services team.

Sarah's Relief: "I expected to spend Boxing Day worrying about lost photos. Instead, I was showing my grandson his baby pictures on the new phone by lunchtime."

Getting Started: The Actually Useful Bits

Once your stuff is transferred, try these:

Voice Assistant (Already Built-In): Say "Hey Siri" (iPhone) or "Hey Google" or Hey Gemini (Android)

Try: "Set a timer for 20 minutes" or "What's the weather in Poundbury?"

Sarah discovered: She can ask "Call my daughter" while washing up. Hands-free calling, no fumbling for her phone.

Face ID / Fingerprint:Your phone unlocks by looking at you or touching the home button. No more typing passwords fifty times a day.

Health Tracking (If You Got a Smart Watch):Apple Watch or Fitbit automatically tracks steps, heart rate, sleep. Sarah's competitive with her walking group now.

The Myth: "I'll Never Learn This"

Sarah thought she was too old for a smartphone upgrade. She's 67.

The reality? Modern phones are designed for everyone. Sarah's favourite feature? Using her camera to scan QR codes at Poundbury cafés—no more squinting at tiny menus.

Poundbury Help

If you're stuck:

• Dorchester Library: Staff help with basic tech questions (free)

• Apple.com & YouTube: Tutorials and helpful videos aplenty

• Age UK Dorset (Crown Square): Individual tech support sessions

• Pavilion in the Park: Digital Champions drop-in sessions every Thursday, during Term time, 2-4:15pm with Mike (free, friendly help)

• Your grandkids: Bribe with biscuits, they'll show you everything

Still Overwhelmed?

Focus on one thing per day:

• Day 1: Transfer photos (then breathe)

• Day 2: Set up Face ID

• Day 3: Try voice assistant

• Day 4: Explore the camera

By New Year, Sarah was taking better photos than her daughter.

Your Turn

Got a new phone, tablet, or watch for Christmas and feeling lost? Email tech@lovepoundbury.org with what's confusing you most.

Next week: Beyond "Alexa, Play Radio 2" - What Your Smart Speaker Can Actually Do