Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# Ben Collier

Mobile Specialist

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://bencollier.net/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [UK Tesla Model 3 Referral and Model Y referral in 2024 update (£1,000 discount)](https://bencollier.net/2020/05/uk-tesla-model-3-referral/) - You can get 1,000 free supercharging miles when you buy a Model 3, just order through this UK referral link!
- [The state of frontline internal communications podcast](https://bencollier.net/2024/07/the-state-of-frontline-internal-communications-podcast/) - I joined Craig Smith on the Engaging Internal Comms podcast to discuss the Ocasta Engage state of frontline internal communications in 2024.
- [How are theme parks planning on reopening after Covid-19?](https://bencollier.net/2020/04/how-are-theme-parks-planning-on-reopening-after-covid-19/) - Through a recent survey sent to customers by Universal Studios Resort Florida, we're able to see the variety of restrictions theme parks are considering when they're permitted to reopen. These demonstrate the intentions of the park; with them wanting to gauge guest perception before committing to any measures. Entry restrictions Universal are exploring what they can do
- [UK Veganuary tips](https://bencollier.net/2020/01/uk-veganuary-tips/) - A few plant-based tips for those in the UK: 👓 Lots of things are vegan but don’t say they’re vegan, so you’ll get good at skimming ingredients (watch out for milk, lactose, eggs, gelatine, honey and ... meat)🧈 Flora’s main spreads are now dairy free - it tastes the best🥛 Oatly Barista Edition Oat Milk
- [My 2018 - One Second Every Day!](https://bencollier.net/2019/01/my-2018-one-second-every-day/) - Some highlights: 💒 Got married!!!🎢 Went to 12 theme parks (up 20% from last year)🗺 Visited Berlin, Chicago, Vegas and Los Angeles🍩 Abseiled out of the i360 in Brighton🍀 Found an unexpected hobby in lawn care🎲 Took a chance moving Ocasta to be a mostly product company✉️ 1119 conversations over email⏰ Worked 1,857.79 hours Check
- [My 2017 – One Second Every Day](https://bencollier.net/2018/01/my-2017-one-second-every-day/) - https://youtu.be/RmYai3j3m8U Some highlights: 💍 Got engaged! 🎢 Went to 10 theme parks 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Hired seven new people at Ocasta 🚀 Launched a product - Oplift 🥇 Won some awards 🏡 Moved house 🚁 Bought a drone (cliché but fun!) 🍺 Full year without any booze I hope you enjoyed your 2017 as much as I did! Here's
- [How Apple made the Fire, Water & Vapour faces for the Apple Watch](https://bencollier.net/2018/09/how-apple-made-the-fire-water-vapour-faces-for-the-apple-watch/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK7KPw9bLfI
- [CAPSULE - A Unique Learning Environment - HealthTechDigital](https://bencollier.net/2018/09/capsule-a-unique-learning-environment-healthtechdigital/) - It has over 650 realistic clinical cases with associated questions working through the scenario. All cases include high quality feedback to help maximise learning. Brighton and Sussex Medical School have written all the content, questions and cases. An editorial board, led by Professor David Howlett, keeps it relevant and up to date. Source: CAPSULE - A
- [Bots please: Slack needs a news feed](https://bencollier.net/2016/03/bots-please-slack-needs-a-news-feed/) - Slack, everybody's favourite chat client, is a great way for communicating within a team and avoiding emails. At Ocasta we don't just use it to discuss projects or what's for lunch but to get timely updates on our server deploys, when apps have been built by Jenkins and when pull requests are created or merged. These useful
- [Abseiling out of Brighton's i360 observation tower - in 360!](https://bencollier.net/2018/04/abseiling-out-of-brightons-i360-observation-tower-in-360/) - This weekend I abseiled out of Brighton's BA i360 - I was the third member of the public ever to leave the pod - and the first with a 360 camera on my head!
- [V Cards 2 - you're now vegan in 100 languages!](https://bencollier.net/2018/03/v-cards-2-youre-now-vegan-in-100-languages/) - V Cards 2 is now available on the App Store! Now with over 100 translations of how to say you’re vegan when travelling! From: V Cards 2 - you're now vegan in 100 languages Finally had a chance to update a very handy app I collobrated on with a friend in San Diego. Very on-and-off
- [Good last minute gift for far away family members](https://bencollier.net/2016/12/good-last-minute-gift-for-far-away-family-members/) - These digital photo frames from nixplay have a twist - they're cloud enabled so friends and family can send photos to you from anywhere in the world. They're pretty simple to setup on WiFi and you approve who can send you pics, through their mobile app or by emailing. A good gift to stay connected to family
- [Bluebell Railway from above](https://bencollier.net/2017/07/bluebell-railway-from-above/) - Video of the Bluebell Railway in Sussex shot with a drone.
- [DJI Mavic Pro flying over Shoreham Port](https://bencollier.net/2017/04/dji-mavic-pro-flying-over-shoreham-port/) - https://youtu.be/T-ZMO-oruBA Shot with a DJI Mavic Pro drone.
- [Brighton i360 does a 180 on launch day refunds](https://bencollier.net/2016/08/brighton-i360-does-a-180-on-launch-day-refunds/) - Update July 2017: happy to report the i360 now has a new CEO and it appears to be running in much better order. Last week I booked a flight on Brighton's new i360 observation tower. It was the second ever public flight, so as expected had some teething issues. Our flight due to leave at 14:20 was running
- [Site Seeing - Week Four](https://bencollier.net/2010/07/site-seeing-week-four/) - Google Font Directory https://fonts.google.com/ Bit late to the party with this one, but the Google Font Directory has some great open source fonts that can be included in your webpages incredibly easily. They host the whole solution and it's a few basic lines of CSS to get some fancy fonts on your site. My personal
- [My 2016 - One Second Every Day](https://bencollier.net/2017/01/2016/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aD9HtOVeGbc For 2016 I did a one second video every day - here they all are! If you fancy making one I used the One Second Everyday app.
- [DJI Mavic Pro flying over Stanmer Park](https://bencollier.net/2017/04/dji-mavic-pro-flying-over-stanmer-park/) - https://youtu.be/IB_uOekhg2Q Shot with a DJI Mavic Pro.
- [Binge watching is just like reading a novel - Netflix CEO](https://bencollier.net/2017/03/binge-watching-is-just-like-reading-a-novel-netflix-ceo/) - I was over Mobile World Congress last week where Netflix CEO Reed Hastings was interviewed by the BBC’s Francine Stock. He compared binge watching like staying up all night reading a novel, and that the linear format of television robbed us of the ability to enjoy content when we want. He expects all television will be available in bingeable form over the
- [Ecotricity to launch 100% green energy phone service](https://bencollier.net/2016/04/ecotricity-to-launch-100-green-energy-phone-service/) - We’ll power the entire Ecotalk operation – all calls, texts and data – with 100% green energy from the wind and sun. We think it will be the first carbon free mobile phone service of its kind in Britain, if not the world. We'll be following some of the key principles of Ecotricity – such as our ethical pricing
- [AirPods are going to great for podcasters](https://bencollier.net/2016/12/airpods-are-going-to-great-for-podcasters/) - I've been using the great sounding AirPods, Apple's new wireless earphones, for the last 24 hours. With no controls other than Siri, you're destined to double tap either AirPod to ask to skip tracks or change the volume - things previously possible with the in-line remote. For podcasters - less people will be bothered to skip ads.
- [Worried about charging your iPhone 7 whilst playing music?](https://bencollier.net/2016/09/worried-about-charging-your-iphone-7-whilst-playing-music/) - With the new iPhone set to remove the headphone jack I've seen a lot of people concerned it'll mean they can't charge their phone whilst listening to music due to the dependancy on lightning headphones. For the last year the Griffin iTrip Aux AutoPilot car charger has allowed you to connect just the lightning port to your
- [This App Store review of Football Manager's Brexit mode is ?](https://bencollier.net/2016/11/this-app-store-review-of-football-managers-brexit-mode-is-👌/) - How the team at Football Manager's HQ prepped for Brexit is worth a read too.
- [Apple Pay on vending machines increases sales by 36.5%](https://bencollier.net/2016/11/apple-pay-on-vending-machines-increases-sales-by-36-5/) - Digital advertising on USAT’s ePort Interactive platform that highlight Apple Pay availability at point-of-sale resulted in a: 36.5% increase in overall sales 44.6% increase in total transactions 6% increase in total contactless average ticket; 18% at week 20 55.5% increase in revenue through contactless purchases, including Apple Pay; 121% at week 20 135.2% increase in
- [App Store business model shifting to advertising](https://bencollier.net/2016/09/app-store-business-model-shifting-to-advertising/) - Starting in 2012 advertising in my apps made up around 10% of sales whereas now it is nearly 80%. That increase has come almost entirely from a near collapse of my paid upfront sales (with my in-app purchase income largely unchanged). David Smith, one of the most successful indie app developers has been extensively tracking
- [Apple's advice for your App Store product page](https://bencollier.net/2016/09/apples-advice-for-your-app-store-product-page/) - When you update your app, your What’s New description is an opportunity to communicate directly with active users. If you added a feature or fixed a bug based on feedback or reviews, let your users know you’ve listened to them. List new features, content, or functionality in order of importance, and add call-to-action messaging that
- [Apple to remove crap and abandoned apps from the App Store](https://bencollier.net/2016/09/apple-to-remove-crap-and-abandoned-apps-from-the-app-store/) - We are implementing an ongoing process of evaluating apps, removing apps that no longer function as intended, don’t follow current review guidelines, or are outdated. You will be asked to submit an update within 30 days to keep your app on the App Store. If you are unable to make the changes within this time
- [The Mac app Transmission gets hit with malware again](https://bencollier.net/2016/08/the-mac-app-transmission-gets-hit-with-malware-again/) - Just five months after Transmission was infected with the first "ransomware" ever found on the Mac, the popular BitTorrent client is again at the center of newly uncovered OS X malware. Mac Rumors report that Transmission has been infected for the second time this yer, likely through a vulnerability on their web server. If you're worried you
- [Catch them all without catching yourself out...](https://bencollier.net/2016/07/catch-them-all-without-catching-yourself-out/) - The [Pokemon] Go terms do include an opt-out provision for people who don’t want to give up their rights. However, you must opt out within 30 days of first agreeing to the Terms of Service.Luckily, many Pokémon Go users have only downloaded and activated the app in the last week, meaning they are still within
- [Your license to use React.js can be revoked if you compete with Facebook](https://bencollier.net/2016/07/your-license-to-use-react-js-can-be-revoked-if-you-compete-with-facebook/) - If you are using or considering using React in a project you might want to consult a lawyer. Because of the patent clause you are not allowed to do anything that constitutes as competing with Facebook. If you do take legal actions or in other ways challenge Facebook, your license to use React is immediately revoked. With
- [In iOS 10 Apple now treat the lock screen like an app](https://bencollier.net/2016/06/in-ios-10-apple-now-treat-the-lock-screen-like-an-app/) - One of the biggest changes found in iOS 10 will be one of the first things you see upon installing the update. Indeed, the Lock screen in iOS 10 has received what amounts to an overhaul and a rethinking of its functionality. In iOS 10 slide to unlock is no more. You now simply press
- [Could iOS 10 let Apple update system apps without an iOS release?](https://bencollier.net/2016/06/could-ios-10-let-apple-update-system-apps-without-an-ios-release/) - If you update to iOS 10 beta, you can remove some built-in apps from the Home screen on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Soon Apple will let you remove built-in apps from the Home screen on your iOS device with iOS 10 beta. This fully removes the app, freeing up to 150mb of space. As
- [Why do Apple show the Diagnostics and Usage prompt during every Mac OS update?](https://bencollier.net/2016/05/why-do-apple-show-the-diagnostics-and-usage-prompt-during-every-mac-os-update/) - Is there a technical, legal, or ethical reason why this pops up again after ever OS X 10.11.x point update? Zev Eisenberg tweeted the question. I think it’s just part of Apple’s push for privacy. Reminding the user of their choice only helps them feel in control. As an aside, we're seeing around 25% of our app
- [Apple updates El Capitan to 10.11.5](https://bencollier.net/2016/05/apple-updates-el-capitan-to-10-11-5/) - The OS X El Capitan v10.11.5 Update improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac, and is recommended for all users. Apple updates OS X El Capitan to 10.11.5. No new features but the usual security fixes. Go to the App Store app on your Mac to update.
- [Apple releases iOS 9.3.2 - You can now use Night Shift and Low Power Mode at the same time](https://bencollier.net/2016/05/apple-releases-ios-9-3-2-you-can-now-use-night-shift-and-low-power-mode-at-the-same-time/) - - Fixes an issue where some Bluetooth accessories could experience audio quality issues when paired to the iPhone SE - Fixes an issue where looking up dictionary definitions could fail - Addresses an issue that prevented typing email addresses when using the Japanese Kana keyboard in Mail and Messages - Fixes an issue for VoiceOver
- [Amazon introduce 'Internet of Things' button that you can connect to anything](https://bencollier.net/2016/05/amazon-introduce-internet-of-things-button-that-you-can-connect-to-anything/) - For example, you can click the button to unlock or start a car, open your garage door, call a cab, call your spouse or a customer service representative, track the use of common household chores, medications or products, or remotely control your home appliances. Amazon have launched an AWS IoT Button. Just like the Amazon Dash button it's
- [DVLA working on a U.K. digital Driving Licence for Apple's Wallet app](https://bencollier.net/2016/05/dvla-working-on-a-u-k-digital-driving-licence-for-apples-wallet-app/) - Oliver Morley, CEO of the DVLA (who handle U.K. driving licences) tweets a prototype of a driving licence using iOS's Wallet app. It's now possible since the U.K. ditched the paper counterpart in June 2015. Oliver provides no timelines yet but states it's an add-on to your physical photocard licence and that security is their focus. I'm curious to see how
- [Man makes miniature Jurassic Park for his tortoise](https://bencollier.net/2016/05/man-makes-miniature-jurassic-park-for-his-tortoise/) - I made a miniature Jurassic Park for my Leopard Tortoise Louie. It has grazing areas with seeds planted to grow as the weather gets better, a pool for him to drink/swim about in, visitors center and the Jurassic Park Gates. I've never wanted a tortoise, until seeing this video.
- [Apple launches the accessibility section of their online store](https://bencollier.net/2016/05/apple-launches-the-accessibility-section-of-their-online-store/) - Apple hit the button on their new Accessibility Accessories section of their online store. I find the range of inputs and support offered fascinating and fantastic. Especially the braille displays.
- [Track the parties at WWDC](https://bencollier.net/2016/05/track-the-parties-at-wwdc/) - This year's update to Parties for WWDC by Genady Okrain is out. A great way of tracking what's going on after hours at WWDC.
- [Does Apple make money out of its Worldwide Developer Conferences (WWDC)?](https://bencollier.net/2016/04/does-apple-make-money-out-of-its-worldwide-developer-conferences-wwdc/) - I know it seems expensive, but consider Apple's costs. Rent Moscone center for a week. The actual show is 5 days, but it takes additional days to set up and tear down. Pay union wages for electricians, movers, security, food service workers, video crews, etc. Rent stages, video, lighting, commercial grade WiFi, and technicians to
- [Dropbox to show all your cloud files without downloading them](https://bencollier.net/2016/04/dropbox-to-show-all-your-cloud-files-without-downloading-them/) - Project Infinite will enable users to seamlessly and securely access all their Dropbox files from the desktop, regardless of how much space they have available on their hard drives. Everything in the company’s Dropbox that you’re given access to, whether it’s stored locally or in the cloud, will show up in Dropbox on your desktop.
- [Why electric vehicles will make electricity cheaper but still make utilities big money](https://bencollier.net/2016/04/why-electric-vehicles-will-make-electricity-cheaper-but-still-make-utilities-big-money/) - Why? Because most charging takes place during off peak hours and EVs increase electricity sales without requiring added infrastructure Utility Dive reports The $100B prize for utility companies - it all comes from utilisation of existing infrastructure. Works well for everyone.
- [All new watchOS apps will require using the watchOS 2 SDK](https://bencollier.net/2016/04/all-new-watchos-apps-will-require-using-the-watchos-2-sdk/) - Starting June 1, 2016, all new watchOS apps submitted to the App Store must be native apps built with the watchOS 2 SDK or later. Apple's Developer News states that all new watchOS apps need to be built with watchOS 2. This shouldn't come as a surprise, the original watchOS apps clearly were a stopgap until Apple could
- [Amazon pushing code live every 12 seconds](https://bencollier.net/2016/04/amazon-pushing-code-live-every-12-seconds/) - Leonard Federico of CloudAcademy tweets how often Amazon pushes code live, and how it's used to testing new features. Amazing infrastructure needed for this.
- [The trouble with streaks and the Apple Watch repair process](https://bencollier.net/2016/04/the-trouble-with-streaks-and-the-apple-watch-repair-process/) - Recently the back of my Apple Watch popped off. I removed it from the magnetic charger and part of the watch decided it wanted to stay attached. These things happen, but getting it repaired is a nightmare - losing the watch is losing these bloody rings: I'd been enjoying a 90 day or so streak, making sure
- [Almost Nothing About the ‘Apple Harvests Gold From iPhones’ Story Is True](https://bencollier.net/2016/04/almost-nothing-about-the-apple-harvests-gold-from-iphones-story-is-true/) - Here is the truth: Apple paid independent recyclers to recycle old electronics—which were almost never Apple products, by the way—because it’s required by law to do so. Far from banking $40 million on the prospect, Apple likely ended up taking an overall monetary loss. This is not because Apple is a bad actor or is
- [IE Detection in 7 Bytes - Javascript](https://bencollier.net/2010/08/ie-detection-in-7-bytes-javascript/) - Great bit of javscript code that detects if a browser is Internet Explorer in just 7 bytes: if(!+"\v1") // true only in IE (via http://webreflection.blogspot.com/2009/01/32-bytes-to-know-if-your-browser-is-ie.html)
- [A Project Guide to UX Design](https://bencollier.net/2010/09/a-project-guide-to-ux-design/) - For UX Designers in the Field or in the Making Just ordered A Project Guide to UX Design from Amazon as it seems to be the second most recommended UX book after Steve Krug's Don't Make Me Think! (which if you haven't read, read.).
- [Loose Men - Everything a Man Needs in the Afternoon](https://bencollier.net/2010/09/loose-men-everything-a-man-needs-in-the-afternoon/) - A live video show I directed, co-wrote (and maybe starred in a certain feature) whilst at the University of Sussex in Brighton. We had around 50 viewers, and despite the actor's understandable nerves, the show was a great success! Loosemen (Live TV Production) from Ben Collier on Vimeo.
- [Throttle Bandwidth on MAC OS X](https://bencollier.net/2010/09/throttle-bandwidth-on-mac-os-x/) - To limit the connection speed on your Mac to a 56k modem for testing your website loading speed, pop this into terminal: sudo ipfw pipe 1 config bw 56kbit/s sudo ipfw add pipe 1 dst-port http You can change 56kbit/s to any speed you want to test with. To clear it either reboot or use:
- [Play Friends iPhone / iPod Touch Library with iTunes 10](https://bencollier.net/2010/09/play-friends-iphone-ipod-touch-library-with-itunes-10/) - Now in iTunes 10 you can play your iPhone music library over the dock connector, handy when visiting friends or playing your personal library on your work computer! Just click on Music under your iPhone in the Devices sidebar.
- [Visual Effects and Compositing Video Demo](https://bencollier.net/2010/09/visual-effects-and-compositing-video-demo/) - Whilst at the University of Sussex in Brighton, I had to create a 30 second long visual effects clip using After Effects, it was composited from a variety of clips requiring green / blue screening, with graphics being built and tracked onto the laser 'gun'. Finally the whole composition had artificial camera shakes applied and
- [1000 fps BMX Video filmed on Canon 7D](https://bencollier.net/2010/09/1000-fps-bmx-video-filmed-on-canon-7d/) - 7D 1000 fps from Oton Bačar on Vimeo. Lovely short video by Oton Bačar filmed on a Canon 7D at 60 fps then stretched out to 1000 fps using the After Effects plugin Twixtor.
- [jsFiddle - Online Web Editor](https://bencollier.net/2010/09/jsfiddle-online-web-editor/) - jsFiddle is a great online web editor with awesome sharing functionality and collaboration for code snippets. Try it at http://jsfiddle.net as using it shows it off the most.. My first 'fiddle' (http://jsfiddle.net/4mJQ6/) is a CSS3 webkit-only implementation of the marquee tag (as the official module lacks implementation). I do not condone the use of the
- [Great New iPad Advert](https://bencollier.net/2010/09/great-new-ipad-advert/) - Apparently it comes with iBooks too..
- [BarCamp Brighton 5: Building Brilliant APIs](https://bencollier.net/2010/10/barcamp-brighton-5-building-brilliant-apis/) - As promised, here are the slides from mine and @fry15's talk at BarCamp Brighton 5, 03/10/2010: Building Brilliant APIs on SlideShare.net Building Brilliant APIs on iWork.com Building Brilliant APIs - PDF Building Brilliant APIs - Keynote '09 License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/uk/
- [Dual Screen iPad?](https://bencollier.net/2010/10/dual-screen-ipad/) - Two iPads are better than one, yeah?
- [UI Guidelines for Common Mobile / Tablet Apps](https://bencollier.net/2010/10/ui-guidelines-for-common-mobile-tablet-apps/) - Mobile Web Programming have a nice list of official UI guidelines for popular devices, which is pretty cool as I can't stand apps that don't follow the expected design patterns. Have a look - UI Guidelines for mobile and tablet web app design They've missed out the Windows Phone 7 UI Design and Interaction Guide
- [Transmit 4: Install Update on Quit](https://bencollier.net/2010/10/transmit-4-install-update-on-quit/) - Why can't every app do this?
- [No More Adobe Flash](https://bencollier.net/2010/11/no-more-adobe-flash/) - Did this a while ago, it feels good..
- [Chainsaw Maid Two (Video)](https://bencollier.net/2010/11/chainsaw-maid-two-video/) - Watch on YouTube I'm not usually a fan of gore, but this is executed with a somewhat elegant charm..
- [Distimo- App Store Analytics](https://bencollier.net/2010/11/distimo-app-store-analytics/) - Distimo have released the October edition of their App Store Report revealing some interesting facts: The number of applications in the Apple App Store has grown from just under 200,000 in April 2010 to over 300,000 in October 2010. The average price of the top 100 paid applications in October 2010 is 171% higher in
- [Force iPhone MobileMe to Update](https://bencollier.net/2010/11/force-iphone-mobileme-to-update/) - If you use MobileMe to sync and you've updated a contact on your Mac, but it's not showing up on your iPhone try: Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Fetch New Data > Toggle Push off / on To force an update on your iPhone address book!
- [Phonegap Crash on iPad iOS 4.2](https://bencollier.net/2010/11/phonegap-crash-on-ipad-ios-4-2/) - If you're getting an EXC_CRASH (SIGABRT) error when running your PhoneGap app on iOS 4.2 (iPad only) remove the following line from your Info.plist file: Main nib file base name (iPad) Found via: #76 iOS 4.2 Crash on Launch on iPad - iPhone - phonegap
- [Unicorn - W3C Universal Validator](https://bencollier.net/2010/11/unicorn-w3c-universal-validator/) - Unicorn - Universal Website Validator is a nice new validator tool from the W3C that runs their suite of tests on your site, checking for accessibility and standards compliance. Try it out for this site! - lots of CSS errors due to my use of vendor specific prefixes, which I personally think, used with caution,
- [CSS3 Wonder Wall 3D Demo](https://bencollier.net/2010/11/css3-wonder-wall-3d-demo/) - Currently only works in Safari 5 & Chrome 7 dev, but this Wonder Wall Demo is extremely awesome!
- [Ketchup is Awesome Again..](https://bencollier.net/2010/11/ketchup-is-awesome-again/) - Next up, flying cars..
- [Subzin - Search Quotes from Movies](https://bencollier.net/2010/11/subzin-search-quotes-from-movies/) - Subzin is ridiculous, type in any line from a film and it tells you the exact time it's said, and other films with it in. Example: You're gonna need a bigger boat
- [Android 2.3 Gingerbread Released](https://bencollier.net/2010/12/android-2-3-gingerbread-released/) - So Android 2.3 is being rolled out the next few days, and will be available on the Nexus One and the new Nexus S initially. It's got some much needed UI tidying up (till HTC get to it), but here's what else is cool in it: iPhone-esque Select, Copy and Paste You can now select
- [Snow White Eating Apple](https://bencollier.net/2010/12/snow-white-eating-apple/) - via: http://emberapp.com/amyherndon/images/snow-white-eating-apple
- [iPhone 4 White Conversion Kit - Under £4!](https://bencollier.net/2010/12/iphone-4-white-conversion-kit-under-4/) - Convert you standard black Apple iPhone 4 to a shiny white iPhone. Get yours now on Amazon for just £3.70.
- [WP Super Cache Not Working After Server Move](https://bencollier.net/2011/01/wp-super-cache-not-working-after-server-move/) - I moved the server I host this site on recently, and it got noticeably slower (despite better hardware), it turned out my caching plugin (WP Super Cache) had stopped working, which caused a double performance hit (no caching & the failing script). My site used to be stored in /home2 but now it's in /home
- [Silk HTML5 Canvas Generative Art](https://bencollier.net/2011/01/silk-html5-canvas-generative-art/) - Somewhat hypnotic generative drawing website that uses HTML5 canvas and lots of pretty colours. It records your drawings to share with others -http://weavesilk.com/?l1
- [Apache Benchmarking (ab) on CentOS](https://bencollier.net/2011/01/apache-benchmarking-ab-location-on-centos/) - I kept forgetting the Apache Benchmark location on CentOS servers, so for my own reference: # /usr/local/apache/bin/ab Apache Benchmarking is a great tool for testing Apache performance on web servers, for example running the following bash command: # /usr/local/apache/bin/ab -n 100 -c 5 http://google.com/ This will test 100 connections (-n), limited to 5 concurrent connections
- [Xcode iPhone / iPad Apps Screenshot Location](https://bencollier.net/2011/01/xcode-iphone-ipad-apps-screenshot-location/) - If you're trying to find your iOS app screenshots you've snapped in Xcode during your app development they're located here: ~/Library/Application Support/Developer/Shared/Xcode/Screenshots Enjoy all your lovely iPad and iPhone app sn-apps..
- [CSSOM - CSS Variables, Nesting & Modules](https://bencollier.net/2011/01/cssom-css-variables-nesting-modules/) - This excites me, some proposals for CSSOM (better CSS value access from the DOM), variables, modules and nesting. This means you'll be able to do stuff like this: @var header-color color #006; @var main-color color #06c; @var secondary-color color #c06; a { color: var(main-color); } a:visited { color: var(secondary-color); } h1 { color: var(header-color); background:
- [Why Dropbox Rocks [Quora]](https://bencollier.net/2011/01/why-dropbox-rocks-quora/) - Great question and responses on Quora about why Dropbox succeeded where so many failed. In summary: From the beginning Dropbox focused on the user experience. They made the entire process easier, simpler, and more understandable than its competitors. Add in a free starter account and great multi-platform support and you have a big explanation for
- [IBM Centennial Film: They Were There - People who changed the way the world works](https://bencollier.net/2011/01/ibm-centennial-film-they-were-there-people-who-changed-the-way-the-world-works/) - Watch on YouTube Inspiring 30 minute short film about IBM. Worth watching.
- [Designing For TV - Google TV](https://bencollier.net/2011/02/designing-for-tv-google-tv/) - Google: There are several noteworthy changes: The sizes of all the fonts and buttons were increased The "selected" item or item with the mouse over it is clearly highlighted The user can navigate intuitively around the page using D-pad up/down/left/right motions Additional padding has been added between all elements on the page Darker or slightly
- [The iPhone In-App Subscriptions Small Print](https://bencollier.net/2011/02/the-iphone-in-app-subscriptions-small-print/) - From the updated iTunes Terms & Conditions: We may ask for your permission to provide the name, email address and postcode listed in your Account to the Publisher so that the Publisher can send you marketing messages about its own products in accordance with its privacy policy. Previously iTunes / App Store purchases had no
- [Instant Web with Chrome 9](https://bencollier.net/2011/02/instant-web-with-chrome-9/) - Chrome 9 instant search: With Chrome Instant (à la Google Instant), web pages that you frequently visit will begin loading as soon as you start typing the URL. (“Look, Mom - no enter key!”). If supported by your default search engine, search results appear instantly as you type queries in the omnibox. To try out Instant, you’ll
- [New Black iPad! (Palm TouchPad)](https://bencollier.net/2011/02/new-black-ipad-palm-touchpad/) - Finally a 10 inch iPad competitor, hopefully the 1.2GHz will be enough for WebOS..
- [Katamari Hack](https://bencollier.net/2011/03/katamari-hack/) - The winner of the 2011 Yahoo HackU contest at University of Washington, this is so cool. Click here to activate the Katamari Damacy effect. You can also install it as a bookmarklet by dragging: Katamari to your bookmarks bar. It uses CSS3 transforms and html5 canvas to do this awesome effect. Hats off to the
- [Subscribe to UK Holidays in iCal / iPhone / iPad](https://bencollier.net/2011/04/subscribe-to-uk-holidays-in-ical-iphone-ipad/) - UK Holiday's provided by Apple that you can subscribe to in iCal - webcal://ical.mac.com/ical/UK32Holidays.ics Been using this ever since I've had my Mac and it's very useful. Works on iPhone and iPad as well.
- [Rotating the Android Emulator on Mac](https://bencollier.net/2011/04/rotating-the-android-emulator-on-mac/) - Because you can spin your mobile around, it's also useful to rotate the Android emulator on your Mac: Fn + ctrl + F11 or F12 It's always a treat to use the f'n key.
- [Javascript - Is an Object Empty?](https://bencollier.net/2011/04/javascript-is-an-object-empty/) - To check if an object is empty in Javascript: Object.getOwnPropertyNames(obj).length === 0; Where obj is the object you're testing e.g.: var obj = {}; Object.getOwnPropertyNames(obj).length === 0; //true obj = {'not' : 'empty'}; Object.getOwnPropertyNames(obj).length === 0; //false Or to wrap it in a function: function isEmpty(obj){ return (Object.getOwnPropertyNames(obj).length === 0); } This only works in
- [Things That Give Me Usability Cramps - Web Forms](https://bencollier.net/2011/04/things-that-give-me-usability-cramps-web-forms/) - Usability Cramps [yoo-zuh-bill-ity kramps] n. are unpleasant, often painful sensations caused by unbearable unusable user experience mistakes v. usability cramping, usability cramped, why the hell did they do this? Form Labels That Don't Select the Fields This one mega-stresses me out; when the text label next to checkbox or a label doesn't select it when
- [Xcode - 'Could Not Read From Device' iPhone Error](https://bencollier.net/2011/04/xcode-could-not-read-from-device-iphone-error/) - Xcode wasn't sending builds to my iPhone, failing with the error 'Could not read from device'. Turning the iPhone on and off didn't work, and the same error was appearing on a different Mac so I knew it was a problem with the device. To fix it try: Synchronise your iPhone in iTunes. Delete the
- [Improve Compressed Bluetooth Audio on Mac](https://bencollier.net/2011/04/improve-compressed-bluetooth-audio-on-mac/) - If you're experiencing compressed audio when connecting to a bluetooth headset on your Mac, you can change a setting to improve the quality: Option (alt) click the bluetooth icon in the menu bar and select Open Bluetooth Explorer. When Bluetooth Explorer opens, select Utilities then Special Options from the menu bar. Finally increase the minimum
- [PhoneGap & The Android Back Button (0.9.5)](https://bencollier.net/2011/05/phonegap-the-android-back-button-0-9-5/) - In PhoneGap 0.9.5 they've updated how the Android back button works. Here's what to change. Before in 0.9.4: BackButton.override(); document.addEventListener("backKeyDown", function() { someBackButtonHandlingFunction(); }, true); Now in 0.9.5: document.addEventListener("backbutton", function() { someBackButtonHandlingFunction(); }, true); In 0.9.5 and later you no longer need to override the back button, as it's assumed when you're adding the event
- [Show / Reveal Password Bookmarklet](https://bencollier.net/2011/05/show-reveal-password-bookmarklet/) - If you've got a password saved, but can't remember what it is, you can use this bookmarklet to reveal it. Drag the image to the bookmark bar: Click the button above to try it out: If you're interested in the JavaScript source: javascript:Array.prototype.slice.call(document.querySelectorAll("input[type='password']")) .map(function(el){el.setAttribute('type','text')}) It gets all password inputs and turns their type to text;
- [Xcode 4: Unable to Select Project / Template Type](https://bencollier.net/2011/05/xcode-4-unable-to-select-project-template-type/) - When opening a new iOS or template type in Xcode 4 (4.0.2) I was unable to select any of the project or file templates, turn it out this occurred when tapping (not 'clicking') on the items. Using a firm clicking click or the arrow keys seems to work around this. Tapping just seems to deselect
- [Quickly Creating an HTML Link in JavaScript](https://bencollier.net/2011/05/quickly-creating-an-html-link-in-javascript/) - A cool and little known JavaScript function is .link() available to all string objects. Calling string.link(url) returns an HTML string for an anchor tag with the URL in it. For example: var text = 'the best website ever'; var html = text.link('http://bencollier.net/'); html === "the best website ever" //true A great way to quickly make
- [Avoid Entering Username and Passwords After Restoring iOS](https://bencollier.net/2011/06/avoid-entering-username-and-passwords-after-restoring-ios/) - If you restore your iOS (iPhone or iPad) from a backup in iTunes, you'll find you need to re-enter your usernames and passwords for all your email accounts. Simply tick the Encrypt iPhone Backups option in the device summary tab in iTunes and enter a password to secure your backups. iTunes will now backup and
- [iOS: shouldAutorotateToInterfaceOrientation / Lock Orientation in PhoneGap](https://bencollier.net/2011/06/ios-shouldautorotatetointerfaceorientation-lock-orientation-in-phonegap/) - Starting in PhoneGap 0.9.5 there's an undocumented iOS only feature that allows you to handle whether the device should rotate to a particular orientation. It exposes the iOS Objective-C method shouldAutorotateToInterfaceOrientation with a JavaScript function shouldRotateToOrientation. function shouldRotateToOrientation (rotation) { switch (rotation) { //Portrait or PortraitUpsideDown case 0: case 180: return true; //LandscapeRight or LandscapeLeft
- [Mac OS X Lion's "Safe files" No Longer Opens Disk Images](https://bencollier.net/2011/07/mac-os-x-lions-safe-files-no-longer-opens-disk-images/) - Looks like in Safari 5.1 in Lion disk images (.dmg) are no longer classed as "Safe" files after the whole Mac Defender cat and mouse malware saga. The enabled by default "Open 'safe' files after downloading" preference of Safari automatically opens certain types of files as a convenience aid. Safari 5.0 on Snow Leopard: Safari
- [The Monkeys You Ordered](https://bencollier.net/2011/07/the-monkeys-you-ordered/) - This is one of my favourite websites. They take the comics from the New Yorker and add a literal caption to them. Your pulse rate is normal, but you’re a giant. Let’s never come here again. Here are the monkeys you ordered. Check out more at The Monkeys You Ordered.
- [Missing Fonts in Mac OS X Lion (10.7)](https://bencollier.net/2011/07/missing-fonts-in-mac-os-x-lion-10-7/) - After upgrading to Lion I found it disabled a few of the system fonts. This made lots of websites not display as intended and warnings about Missing Fonts in Pages (which had the benefit of artificially inflating my book's page count bringing it nearer completion). Turns out Lion can disable certain fonts in certain circumstances;
- [Cannot Connect to Facebook Chat in Adium with Lion](https://bencollier.net/2011/07/cannot-connect-to-facebook-chat-in-adium-with-lion/) - Due to some cookie restriction in Lion the latest stable or beta version of Adium cannot connect to Facebook chat. Luckily they just re-enabled their nightly builds which fix the issue. Download the latest nightly from: http://nightly.adium.im/ Make sure you get the 1.4.3 nightly currently: http://nightly.adium.im/?repo_branch=adium-1.4-default As the 1.5 builds are unstable. Update: Adium have
- [Mac OS X Lion Login Contact Details Message](https://bencollier.net/2011/07/mac-os-x-lion-login-contact-details-message/) - In Mac OS X Lion you can now add a short message to the login screen. It's a long shot but adding contact details might increase the chances of a lost machine being recovered by 0.5%. To update the message go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General where you can choose Show
- [Xcode Install Requires iTunes to be Closed](https://bencollier.net/2011/07/xcode-install-requires-itunes-to-be-closed/) - When installing or updating Xcode you need to close iTunes for it to complete. If you've closed iTunes but still get this message: Open Activity Monitor and quit iTunes Helper. The installation will now finish. This mainly seems to happen on beta versions of iTunes. The helper app runs to detect iOS devices being connected
- [Last.fm doesn't autostart with iTunes in Lion [Fix]](https://bencollier.net/2011/07/last-fm-doesnt-autostart-with-itunes-in-lion-fix/) - Update 04/08/2011: last.fm have updated their client, either use the Check for updates.. in the app or download it. Still no scrobbling but the release notes show they've fixed it for Lion: 1.5.4.28012 (mac) (04/08/11) ---------------------------- * Plugin fix for iTunes 10.5 * 64bit version of the plugin for iTunes on Lion Original: Sadly the
- [Android 2.1 Browser - Notes on Scrolling](https://bencollier.net/2011/08/android-2-1-browser-notes-on-scrolling/) - Having spent the last few days enjoy the quirks of the Android 2.1 browser and scrolling, here are a few of my findings: Scroll events are fired, but no DOM changes will be reflected, including CSS, until after the scroll has ended. All CSS3 animations and transitions are paused. Down-sampled images are aliased when scrolling
- [The software for this printer is currently unavailable [Lion]](https://bencollier.net/2011/09/the-software-for-this-printer-is-currently-unavailable-lion/) - Lion no longer installs all the printer drivers out of the box, I guess to cut down on unnecessary downloading from the Mac App Store. On 10.7.1 it wouldn't let me add a printer with the error: The software for this printer is currently unavailable. Please contact the printer’s manufacturer for the latest software. However
- [Using Boolean Values with TouchJSON](https://bencollier.net/2011/11/using-boolean-values-with-touchjson/) - When creating an NSDictionary to serialize as JSON with TouchJSON you can't set a BOOL value in the dictionary because it requires an object. Use an NSNumber, which will be converted to true or false by the TouchJSON library. Eg: NSMutableDictionary *dictionary = [[NSMutableDictionary alloc] init]; [dictionary setObject:[NSNumber numberWithBool:YES forKey:@"shouldBeOn"]; [dictionary setObject:[NSNumber numberWithBool:NO forKey:@"shouldBeOff"]; NSError
- [iOS: Show Users the Reason You Require Their Location](https://bencollier.net/2011/11/ios-show-user-the-reason-you-require-their-location/) - Update: iOS 6 deprecated the purpose property and it now has to be set in your Info.plist with the key NSLocationUsageDescription which is displayed in Xcode as Privacy - Location Usage Description. If you're still supporting iOS 5 and earlier make sure you include both. A great, but underused location feature on iOS is the purpose property of
- [Status Barred: iOS Screenshot Status Bar Remover App](https://bencollier.net/2011/11/status-barred-ios-screenshot-status-bar-remover-app/) - So many iOS apps developers forget to remove the screenshots from their apps on the App Store; often revealing the horrendous times the screenshots were taken and detracting from the actual app. iTunes Connect recommends the removal of the status bar, and Status Barred removes the status bar perfectly regardless of the screenshot being retina,
- [Xcode 4.2 Doesn't Show Exception Stack Trace in Console](https://bencollier.net/2011/11/xcode-4-2-doesnt-show-exception-stack-trace-in-console/) - When using Xcode 4.2 for iOS development there's an annoying bug where any exceptions crash to the main.m file instead of highlighting the line. Luckily you can set a custom breakpoint to restore the old and correct behaviour: Open the Breakpoint navigator (CMD + 6) Click the + button in the bottom left Select Add
- [HTML5 Boilerplate Build Script: no manifest.appcache generated!](https://bencollier.net/2011/11/html5-boilerplate-build-script-no-manifest-appcache-generated/) - The HTML5 Boilerplate build script can auto generate your manifest.appcache file but it doesn't out of the box. Slightly hidden away in the docs: To enable the appcache, just uncomment the file.manifest line in the project.properties file. It'll create a manifest.appcache file and wire it all up. You'll find the project.properties file in build/project. Now
- [App Store Keyword Searching Optimisation Tips](https://bencollier.net/2012/01/app-store-keyword-searching-tips/) - From the iTunes Connect FAQ: [Developer login required] "Your app is searchable by your app name, your keywords and your company name." This means you don't have to waste valuable keywords by including your app or company name in the 100 byte keyword limit. To gain a few more characters you can also remove the spaces in-between
- [£ PHP Issue](https://bencollier.net/2012/02/php-encoding-issue/) - If you're outputting strings with certain characters in PHP you may find they're showing as  to fix this make sure you're setting the character encoding right by using the htmlentities function: htmlentities("£123.45",ENT_QUOTES,"UTF-8") This encodes the correct html entities for the values using UTF-8 encoding.
- [iOS SHA512 Hex String](https://bencollier.net/2012/05/ios-sha512-hex-string/) - Here's an Objective C method that'll return a SHA512 hex of a given string: -(NSString*) sha512:(NSString*)input { const char *cstr = [input cStringUsingEncoding:NSUTF8StringEncoding]; NSData *data = [NSData dataWithBytes:cstr length:input.length]; uint8_t digest[CC_SHA512_DIGEST_LENGTH]; CC_SHA512(data.bytes, data.length, digest); NSMutableString* output = [NSMutableString stringWithCapacity:CC_SHA512_DIGEST_LENGTH * 2]; for(int i = 0; i < CC_SHA512_DIGEST_LENGTH; i++) [output appendFormat:@"%02x", digest[i]]; return output; }
- [If there's Hellmann's in the basket, there's a recipe on the receipt](https://bencollier.net/2012/05/if-theres-hellmanns-in-the-basket-theres-a-recipe-on-the-receipt/) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3aCVrcnFOQ Great little marketing idea, whenever a customer buys Hellmann's mayonnaise the other items in their basket are analysed and a recipe printed on the receipt! Should be considered a success - sales increased by 44%!
- [Introducing - iAd Production: A Beginner's Guide](https://bencollier.net/2012/05/introducing-iad-production-a-beginners-guide/) - In late February my book iAd Production: A Beginner's Guide finally got published after 9 months of hard work! Think of an iAd as a micro-app contained within an app, on a user’s iPhone or iPad, that they’ve downloaded from the App Store. When the user taps your advert’s banner, it bursts into life, filling
- [iAd Producer Updated to 2.1.1 & WWDC Session Video Available](https://bencollier.net/2012/06/iad-producer-updated-to-2-1-1-wwdc-session-video-available/) - Apple have updated iAd Producer to 2.1.1. Looks like mainly bug fixes and some UI tweaks. This update contains various improvements, including fixes that: • Correct handling of assets with normal and high-resolution versions. • Address issues with animation preview on canvas. If you're a registered Apple iOS developer you can get it from the
- [BlackBerry Browser Crops Most of the Content](https://bencollier.net/2012/06/blackberry-browser-crops-most-of-the-content/) - When creating an HTML5 web app for BlackBerry smartphones you may experience that the BlackBerry browser crops most of the content from view. We had this issue with a PhoneGap app. We've found that you need to include the height value on the device viewport meta tag: This should adequately reveal the content!
- [Vooza - what does it do? Shhh...](https://bencollier.net/2012/07/vooza-what-does-it-do-shhh/) - Vooza - what does it do? Shhh...
- [Which way are the Olympics?](https://bencollier.net/2012/07/which-way-are-the-olympics/) - Which way are the Olympics?
- [Brighton's Big Screen!](https://bencollier.net/2012/07/brightons-big-screen/) - For the next 3 weeks there's a big screen on Brighton seafront shows the Olympics in the day and films in the evening. An exciting new event is on the horizon for Brighton over the course of the hugely anticipated games programme.Brighton’s Big Screen will be bringing a 100 square ft LED screen to Brighton’s Seafront
- [Does drinking tea on a hot day cool you down?](https://bencollier.net/2012/07/does-drinking-tea-on-a-hot-day-cool-you-down/) - Does drinking tea on a hot day cool you down? Short answer: No, but it heats you up your core, making your whole body sweat, which might cool you down.
- [Olympic Ceremony - Performer's Hidden Camera](https://bencollier.net/2012/07/olympic-ceremony-performers-hidden-camera/) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsEG0Bh7VjQ One of the performers at the Olympic opening ceremony rigged up a hidden camera in his costume. Not sure how he got it through security, but it's interesting to see how everything was done up close. Update 31/07: Looks like its been taken down now.
- [How's the Mac App Store Going for Developers?](https://bencollier.net/2012/07/hows-the-mac-app-store-going-for-developers/) - If you're Apple, pretty good I guess. Taking 9 out of the 10 top grossing apps. To knock Mountain Lion off the #1 spot on its opening weekend you'd need to have grossed over $20,000,000 per day.
- [Did You Know That the App Store Has 1,899 Flashlight Apps?](https://bencollier.net/2012/07/did-you-know-that-the-app-store-has-1899-flashlight-apps/) - I wonder if Apple are still approving newly submitted flashlight apps? via App Store infested with zombie software, claims analytics startup Adeven —European technology news.
- [Show Mountain Lion's Notification Center With a Gesture](https://bencollier.net/2012/08/show-mountain-lions-notification-center-with-a-gesture/) - Apple claim you can reveal the Notification Center with a simple two finger swipe from right to left on the trackpad, but what they don't mention is the swipe has to start from the very edge or off the right of the trackpad for it to register. Otherwise the standard two finger scroll will kick in. If you use
- [Mysterious girl, move your coffee close to mine](https://bencollier.net/2012/08/mysterious-girl-move-your-coffee-close-to-mine/) - Peter Andre's New York Coffee Club The much anticipated, eagerly awaited second coffee shop of Peter Andre's made its Brighton debut last week and I was there to taste his latest offering. Just like Pandre's insania filled comeback following his appearance on I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, the sequel to his East Grinstead
- [Make WordPress Twitter Embeds Responsive](https://bencollier.net/2012/08/make-wordpress-twitter-embeds-responsive/) - By default WordPress twitter embedded tweets have a fixed width of 550px which is added to the inline style with an !important declaration to stop you overriding it. This breaks responsive layouts and causes horizontal scrolling as soon as your site is viewed at less than 550px wide. Add the following to your themes functions.php
- [Mountain Lion Dock Stops Showing Active Apps](https://bencollier.net/2012/08/mountain-lion-dock-stops-showing-active-apps/) - In OS X Mountain Lion (10.8) there's a bug where the dock, exposé and cmd+tab app switching can stop showing newly opened apps. To fix this restart the dock by entering the following into Terminal: killall -KILL Dock I've had this a few times and expect it to be updated in 10.8.1.
- [Creating iOS PhoneGap / Cordova 2.0 & Mountain Lion](https://bencollier.net/2012/08/creating-ios-phonegap-cordova-2-0-mountain-lion/) - PhoneGap 2.0 and Mountain Lion don't get along too well when it comes to creating new iOS projects. If you're getting the following (or similar errors): usage: cp [-R [-H | -L | -P]] [-fi | -n] [-apvX] source_file target_file cp [-R [-H | -L | -P]] [-fi | -n] [-apvX] source_file ... target_directory Replace your
- ["Baby Got Back" Sung by the Movies](https://bencollier.net/2012/08/baby-got-back-sung-by-the-movies/) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPcapo5ZB_o Clips from 295 movies used to recreate Sir Mix-A-Lot's Baby Got Back. Some people have too much time and I have too much time for these people.
- [20 Minutes of Fireworks in 20 Seconds](https://bencollier.net/2012/08/20-minutes-of-fireworks-in-20-seconds/) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndVhgq1yHdA The other day I wondered what would happen if a firework display went off all at once. Now I know.
- [The Mystery of the Flying Laptop](https://bencollier.net/2012/08/the-mystery-of-the-flying-laptop/) - The laptop rule is about appearances, giving people a sense that something is being done to protect them. “Security theater,” he called it. - The Mystery of the Flying Laptop
- [I Love Puns & Gin](https://bencollier.net/2012/08/i-love-puns-gin/) - Positively distasteful but genius; Gin & Titonic ice cube tray complete with icebergs.
- ['Hitler' Named Clothing Store](https://bencollier.net/2012/08/hitler-named-clothing-store/) - "I didn't know how much the name would disturb people," he told AFP by telephone from Ahmedabad. "It was only when the store opened I learnt Hitler had killed six million people." - 'Hitler' clothing store stirs anger in India - Yahoo! News Canada Amazing. The swastika as the dot on the i really is the icing on
- [Pictures of People Scanning QR Codes](https://bencollier.net/2012/10/pictures-of-people-scanning-qr-codes/) - Great Tumblr blog on QR Codes.
- [French phone bill waived after 12qn-euro blunder](https://bencollier.net/2012/10/french-phone-bill-waived-after-12qn-euro-blunder/) - A woman in south-west France, received a telephone bill of nearly 12 quadrillion euros [...] and [was] later offered to set up instalments to pay off the bill. - BBC News - French phone bill waived after 12qn-euro blunder.
- [FedEx Founder Gambled Their Last $5,000 at a Blackjack Table](https://bencollier.net/2012/10/fedex-founder-gambled-their-last-5000-at-a-blackjack-table/) - FedEx had only $5,000 in its checking account, and faced a $24,000 jet fuel bill. After he was turned down for a loan by General Dynamics, Smith took his last $5,000, flew to Las Vegas and played blackjack. He won $27,000 – enough to pay the fuel bill and operate for another week. - World’s Strangest | FedEx: Founder
- [Vodafone AppSelect 'App Store' Shutting Down](https://bencollier.net/2012/10/vodafone-appselect-app-store-shutting-down/) - In light of the number and variety of application stores already available to our customers, Vodafone has been reviewing its own AppSelect service. - Important update regarding Vodafone AppSelect | Mobile Apps Developer | Vodafone So many independent app stores popped up as carriers and service providers panicked they'd miss out on the app boom. Well..
- [How to Restart Audio on a Mac](https://bencollier.net/2012/10/how-to-restart-audio-on-a-mac/) - Run this from Terminal and your audio session will restart, can be used to fix when you Mac stops playing audio from any apps (which often seems to happen with bluetooth audio devices). sudo kill -9 `ps ax|grep 'coreaudio[a-z]' |awk '{print $1}'` Unfortunately if that doesn't do the trick, you'll have to do a restart.
- [Apple’s Incredible Great Best Gorgeous Product Launch In Under 3 Minutes](https://bencollier.net/2012/10/apples-incredible-great-best-gorgeous-product-launch-in-under-3-minutes/) - Incredibly great best gorgeous video from TechCrunch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGtVcDtGgfU Love it.
- [Squirrel gets head stuck in halloween skull...](https://bencollier.net/2012/10/squirrel-gets-head-stuck-in-halloween-skull/) - https://twitter.com/goulcher/status/261588070086889472 Poor squirrel. Amazing picture.
- [A Copy & Paste Friendly List of Pingdom Monitoring Nodes](https://bencollier.net/2012/10/a-copy-paste-friendly-list-of-pingdom-monitoring-nodes/) - A nice copy and paste-able list of active Pingdom monitoring nodes is available here: https://apps.codinglog.com/pingdom/active_probes/ It uses the Pingdom API so is always up to date. For some reason Pingdom's own list is styled (form over factor) so it's a nightmare to drop straight in to your firewall allow list. I dumped this straight in to
- [Steve Jobs' Posthumous Yacht Launched...](https://bencollier.net/2012/10/steve-jobs-yacht-launched/) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mUp1PP98uU Wowzers. Designed by Frenchman Philippe Starck and Jobs himself. The control centre is just a bank of iMacs. More pictures here - http://www.onemorething.nl/2012/10/jacht-steve-jobs-te-water-gelaten-in-aalsmeer/
- [Some Tips for New Surface RT Users](https://bencollier.net/2012/10/some-tips-for-new-surface-rt-users/) - First, update everything. Start by going to the Store and updating all your default Microsoft apps. They should update automatically when you open the Store, but if not, click or tap the Update notice in the top right corner of the Store. Second, swipe in the Charms bar and tap the Settings Charm (or just
- [Ballmer Has One of Those Voices That Makes Reading His Quotes Great](https://bencollier.net/2012/10/ballmer-has-one-of-those-voices-that-makes-reading-his-quotes-great/) - WSJ: How has the public reception been for Windows 8 and the Surface in the first few days? Mr. Ballmer: Numerically there's not really much that's interesting to report. - Ballmer's New Mission for Microsoft - WSJ.com. Some interesting Ballmer quotes in an interview with the WSJ.
- ["Sounds like Justin Bieber getting tossed off"](https://bencollier.net/2012/11/sounds-like-justin-bieber-getting-tossed-off/) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUGYWNVcHQU&lc=DhnD9jL0xaz9Cn_9x_d5bujCTwvvSYAUq5PDILLpJl0 sounds like Justin Bieber getting tossed off - YouTube Comment My all time favourite YouTube comment.
- [Bringing Animation to Mobile App UX](https://bencollier.net/2012/11/bringing-animation-to-mobile-app-ux/) - You may wonder what animation has to do with the mobile user experience. While the art form of animation was once the provenance of animated films and television, it has found its way into the computer and digital user experience realms. Artful animation has all but invaded the mobile user experience field. - A New
- [World’s First 3D Printing Photo Booth to Open in Japan](https://bencollier.net/2012/11/worlds-first-3d-printing-photo-booth-to-open-in-japan/) - People with reservations can go and have their portraits taken. Except, instead of a photograph, you’ll receive miniature replicas of yourselves. - World’s First 3D Printing Photo Booth to Open in Japan | Spoon & Tamago. This is amazing!
- [How to Magically Enable Developer Settings On Android 4.2](https://bencollier.net/2012/11/how-to-magically-enable-developer-settings-on-android-4-2/) - Go to the settings menu, and scroll down to "About phone." Tap it. Scroll down to the bottom again, where you see "Build number." Tap it seven (7) times. After the third tap, you'll see a playful dialog that says you're four taps away from being a developer. (If only it were that simple, eh?)
- [What are some English language rules that native speakers don't know, but still follow?](https://bencollier.net/2012/12/what-are-some-english-language-rules-that-native-speakers-dont-know-but-still-follow/) - Love this answer on Quora: If you want to insert 'fucking' in the middle of a word you know exactly where to do it. You say Colo-fuckin-rado, not Co-fuckin-lorado. Even more surprisingly, if you want to insert 'diddley' in the middle of a word, like Ned Flanders from The Simpsons, you know where to put
- [Argos: If you do not want to cancel, please press Continue now](https://bencollier.net/2012/12/argos-if-you-do-not-want-to-cancel-please-press-continue-now/) - The Argos self checkout successfully breaking my brain.
- [Nokia: Yes, we decrypt your HTTPS data, but don’t worry about it](https://bencollier.net/2013/01/nokia-yes-we-decrypt-your-https-data-but-dont-worry-about-it/) - Nokia has confirmed reports that its Xpress Browser decrypts data that flows through HTTPS connections – that includes the connections set up for banking sessions, encrypted email and more. However, it insists that there’s no need for users to panic because it would never access customers’ encrypted data. - Nokia: Yes, we decrypt your HTTPS data,
- [The most insane keynote ever: Qualcomm at CES 2013](https://bencollier.net/2013/01/the-most-insane-keynote-ever-qualcomm-at-ces-2013/) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7qTHbOEiDY Balmer, Big Bird and a Bentley. What is it Qualcomm do again? Update: as Matt pointed out on twitter, it's not a Bentley. There goes my alliteration.
- [The Good Man - CSS3 Animation](https://bencollier.net/2013/01/the-good-man-css3-animation/) - The Good Man is about visual transcription of a narrative. Transformed into HTML elements and animated in CSS3, this project aims its efforts to build an animation, in a web browser. Without images, just web fonts and shapes, it’s intended to run smoothly in modern web browsers and to be as scalable as possible.- The
- [This Isn't the Petition Response You're Looking For](https://bencollier.net/2013/01/this-isnt-the-petition-response-youre-looking-for/) - The Administration shares your desire for job creation and a strong national defense, but a Death Star isn't on the horizon. Here are a few reasons: The construction of the Death Star has been estimated to cost more than $850,000,000,000,000,000. We're working hard to reduce the deficit, not expand it. The Administration does not support
- [UK Coins - The Royal Reverse Shield](https://bencollier.net/2013/01/uk-coins-the-royal-reverse-shield/) - I never knew this! The one pound coin shows the completed shield.
- [Using an iPhone 3G for 4 Years](https://bencollier.net/2013/01/using-an-iphone-3g-for-4-years/) - Some of my favorite features of the iPhone 3G are paradoxically also some of the features I dislike the most. I love to write on the iPhone 3G because it forces me to write slower and I have to choose my words with greater care, similarly to how a lot of people prefer to write
- [Live Action Toy Story Film](https://bencollier.net/2013/01/live-action-toy-story-film/) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G0j_Huv2Fg The whole Toy Story movie filmed in live action using real toys and merchandise. Sure lots of people have thought about this; but actually doing it, shot for shot, takes some remarkable effort! Well done to the Live-Action Toy Story Project.
- [Upgrading from Android Cordova (PhoneGap) 2.1 to 2.2 Causes Black Screen or Flickering](https://bencollier.net/2013/01/upgrading-from-android-cordova-phonegap-2-1-to-2-2-causes-black-screen-or-flickering/) - Recently whilst preparing the release of our TV Guide app, written in Cordova, we were experiencing lots of flickering / tiling as the page was scrolled and on some (HTC) devices the page would just turn black with the following error repeatedly output to the console: D/TiledPage(28639): ERROR: We don't have enough tiles for this page!
- [This Blog - Gangsta Style](https://bencollier.net/2013/01/this-blog-gangsta-style/) - Recently whilst preparin tha release of our TV Guide app, freestyled up in Cordova, our crazy-ass asses was fuckin wit fuckin shitloadz of flickerin / tilin as tha page was scrolled n' on some (HTC) devices tha page would just turn black wit tha followin error repeatedly output ta tha console: D/TiledPage(28639): ERROR: Our thugged-out
- [Free Graze Box!](https://bencollier.net/2013/01/free-graze-box/) - Graze throw four tasty punnets of healthy snacks in a box and post them out to you. I get one every other week (along with half the office!). Get your first box free by signing up here - get a free Graze box.
- [The World's Biggest Rechargeable Battery](https://bencollier.net/2013/02/the-worlds-biggest-rechargeable-battery/) - The idea is to place the island a few kilometers off shore near a wind farm, according to Vande Lanotte’s office. When the wind farm produces excess energy for the local electricity grid, such as off-peak times in the overnight hours, the island will store the energy and release it later during peak times. It
- [Total Eclipse of the Heart: Literal Video Version](https://bencollier.net/2013/04/total-eclipse-of-the-heart-literal-video-version/) - via Total Eclipse of the Heart: Literal Video Version on Vimeo.
- [Harveys Beer Finder](https://bencollier.net/2013/04/harveys-beer-finder/) - Take a look at the app we did for Harveys beer - We created and launched this handy app to quickly locate your nearest Harveys pint, browse around to find out more about their pubs or discover their beers. - http://ocastastudios.com/a-harveys-pint-now-always-within-an-arms-reach/
- [You’re Too Cheap to Fly Faster](https://bencollier.net/2013/05/youre-too-cheap-to-fly-faster/) - We don’t get to use the really fast airplanes. We’re actually flying slower than we were 50 years ago. It turns out we’re just too cheap to fly faster. We had our chance. For almost 30 years there was a really fast way to fly, but we didn’t buy enough Concorde tickets to keep it
- [How Cork is Made](https://bencollier.net/2013/06/how-cork-is-made/) - This is a close-up of a piece of bark. It's quite thin, and won't be used to produce high-quality natural cork. But now there are also technical corks, made up of small pieces of cork fused together, which means that more of the cork bark is suitable for producing wine bottle closures. - How cork is
- [George - Visitor for a Week](https://bencollier.net/2013/06/george-visitor-for-a-week/) - For the last week we've had George staying in the house. He's my Mother's Airedale Terrier who's spent his week in Brighton overwhelmed by seagulls, lots of new dogs and nice long walks along the seafront.
- [Adrian Carton de Wiart - "frankly I had enjoyed the war"](https://bencollier.net/2013/07/adrian-carton-de-wiart-frankly-i-had-enjoyed-the-war/) - Lieutenant-General Sir Adrian Paul Ghislain Carton de Wiart[1] VC, KBE, CB, CMG, DSO (5 May 1880 – 5 June 1963), was an English officer of Belgian and Irish descent. He fought in the Boer War, World War I, and World War II, was shot in the face, head, stomach, ankle, leg, hip and ear, survived
- [The New M7 Chip - Used Throughout iOS 7](https://bencollier.net/2013/09/the-new-m7-chip-used-throughout-ios-7/) - M7 knows when you’re walking, running, or even driving. For example, Maps switches from driving to walking turn-by-turn navigation if, say, you park and continue on foot. Since M7 can tell when you’re in a moving vehicle, iPhone 5s won’t ask you to join Wi-Fi networks you pass by. And if your phone hasn’t moved
- [Space Hotels & Day Trips to the Moon](https://bencollier.net/2013/10/space-hotels-day-trips-to-the-moon/) - Sir Richard Branson, outlined these plans and more for the future of his commercial space fleet. “Using small, purpose-built, two-man spaceships based at space hotels our guests will be able to take breathtaking day trips programmed to fly a couple of hundred feet above of the moon’s surface,” Branson said. “They will be able to
- [Knock Your iPhone - Unlock Your Mac](https://bencollier.net/2013/11/knock-your-iphone-unlock-your-mac/) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyX8FfSKg04 I've just installed this and it works exactly as in the video. You walk up to your Mac, give your pocket a couple of taps and you're logged in. Somewhat magical. Beautifully designed. It's on the App Store for £2.49 and worth it. You'll need the free companion Mac app too.
- [The Hoff Sings Fresh Prince of Bel-Air](https://bencollier.net/2013/11/the-hoff-sings-fresh-prince-of-bel-air/) - https://vimeo.com/78343974 There's something about this kind of video that makes me look in awe but recoil in fear of the effort it must take. It's something wonderfully terrible. By Matthijs Vlot.
- [Interconnected Mobile Devices Blurring Digital and Physical](https://bencollier.net/2013/11/interconnected-mobile-devices-blurring-digital-and-physical/) - In his most recent article, Joel Blackmore opens with something that's been resonating in my mind for a while: With iOS 7 and the iPhone 5s Apple are bridging the gap between physical experiences and digital experiences in a way that none of their competitors are coming close to. Whilst digital experiences can be beautiful, enjoyable, surprising, they are only ever
- [Post PC - Happening in the Real World](https://bencollier.net/2013/11/post-pc-happening-in-the-real-world/) - Yesterday in the Apple Store I overheard a conversation between a customer with a faulty iPhone and one of the sales staff. It went a little like this; Man: my iPhone isn't working. Apple: no problem sir let me take a look. ... Apple: I'm afraid you'll need to set up a genius appointment so
- [29 Dumb Things Finance People Say](https://bencollier.net/2013/11/29-dumb-things-finance-people-say/) - 3. "Earnings missed estimates." No. Earnings don't miss estimates; estimates miss earnings. No one ever says "the weather missed estimates." They blame the weatherman for getting it wrong. Finance is the only industry where people blame their poor forecasting skills on reality. - 29 Dumb Things Finance People Say - Business Insider. I like these analogies.
- [iBeacons in Apple Stores: What's Overlooked](https://bencollier.net/2013/12/ibeacons-in-apple-stores-whats-overlooked/) - Last week Apple rolled out iBeacons throughout their US stores, which was reported heavily by the Mac news sites but they all seemed to miss one major point. Apple can now track footfall and patterns in their stores. This will let them gain insight and highlight hotspots, areas of popularity and congestion and ultimately reconfigure
- [The Lost 1984 Video: Young Steve Jobs Introduces the Macintosh](https://bencollier.net/2014/01/the-lost-1984-video-young-steve-jobs-introduces-the-macintosh/) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B-XwPjn9YY Everyone's been sending this around the past few days, quite incredible how advanced this was for 1984 (that said - I wasn't even born then). I'm amazed by the quality of the speech synthesis as the Macintosh introduces itself. The audience's response is enough to show how big of deal it was. Bow ties.
- [Obligatory Pictures of West Pier After Storm](https://bencollier.net/2014/02/obligatory-pictures-of-brightons-west-pier-after-storm/) - Yesterday (9/02/14) I popped out in the sun/rain to take a look at the damage to Brighton's West Pier. Despite the weather there were 40 or so people gathered around it looking at the damage, most of them had a camera. Fascinatingly there was a man recording a rap music video and a couple having
- [An Odd Rap Video A-pier-ance](https://bencollier.net/2014/02/an-odd-rap-video-a-pier-ance/) - When I took some pictures of Brighton's West Pier a couple of weeks ago there was something strange going on - what looked like a rap video was being filmed. Turns out it was a (strange) rap video all about the West Pier, and it's now up on YouTube. You can even see an odd couple
- [Got a smelly beard? Head down to Kemp Town](https://bencollier.net/2014/02/got-a-smelly-beard-head-down-to-kemp-town-from-the-argus/) - Jimmy said: “Beards are like a smell trap. If you walk past a burger van or hang around smokers, they will pick that up. If you have a partner with a beard, our oils will make it something you are not hassling them to get rid of.” - Got a smelly beard? Head down to Kemp
- [iOS Enterprise App Error - "Cannot install applications because the certificate is not valid"](https://bencollier.net/2014/03/ios-enterprise-app-error-cannot-install-applications-because-the-certificate-is-not-valid/) - With the launch of iOS 7.1, Apple require all enterprise apps manifest files to be served over HTTPS. Attempts to install through HTTP cause the following message: The actual page and app IPA don't need to be served on SSL, it's just the manifest file that links to it. Currently you'll have something like this:
- [Integrate Olark Live Chat with WHMCS](https://bencollier.net/2014/03/integrate-olark-live-chat-with-whmcs/) - Olark is a live chat widget that you drop into your site and allows you to chat with visitors through your existing IM app. If you use WHMCS you can quickly integrate the code supplied by Olark by putting it in a smarty literal tag just before the tag at the end of your
- [Exploring the Possibilities of the Comic Medium, Without the Constraints of the Industry](https://bencollier.net/2014/05/exploring-the-possibilities-of-the-comic-medium-without-the-constraints-of-the-industry/) - Ocasta Studios will create the app and open source toolkit over the coming year. Collaboratively with the talented creative team of storytellers, artists and researchers we’re going to develop this transparently and openly so keep an eye on the Electricomics GitHub. - Exploring the Possibilities of the Comic Medium, Without the Constraints of the Industry | Ocasta Studios. Electricomics has
- [Internet / DNS Not Working On Yosemite Beta](https://bencollier.net/2014/09/internet-dns-not-working-on-yosemite-beta/) - In testing Yosemite beta, you may come across a DNS failure, so no webpages load in Safari and apps have no internet. This often happens after the Mac wakes from sleep. After trying to flush the DNS cache it said the mDNSResponder service wasn't running; so to get things back in action just start the mDNSResponder
- [ WATCH Edition: Price as a feature](https://bencollier.net/2015/03/apple-watch-edition-price-as-a-feature/) - Over $10,000 for a watch that'll last two years - the price is a feature. The Apple Watch Edition is a statement piece; whether a whim of Jonny Ive[ref]How else would Ive get to say metallurgist or jewellery artisans.[/ref] or a treat for China's rich fashion elite[ref]The Apple Watch announcement had a strong focus on China - highlighting
- [Turn Off App Annie Update Emails](https://bencollier.net/2015/06/turn-off-app-annie-update-emails/) - App Annie's daily app email updates don't have an unsubscribe link at the bottom, but to turn them off go to your User Settings > Subscription here: appannie.com/account/
- [Electricomics Featured In The Guardian's best iPhone and iPad apps of 2015](https://bencollier.net/2016/01/electricomics-featured-in-the-guardians-best-iphone-and-ipad-apps-of-2015/) - 19. Electricomics iPad-only Electricomics was the latest attempt to rethink comics and graphic novels for touchscreen devices. Complete with comics from Alan Moore, Garth Ennis, Leah Moore and John Reppion, and Peter Hogan, it showed how careful (rather than show-offy) use of interactivity really could add to the medium. Source: The best iPhone and iPad apps
- [How to Win at Monopoly and Lose All Your Friends](https://bencollier.net/2016/01/how-to-win-at-monopoly-and-lose-all-your-friends/) - This strategy involves the use of rules that many people don't know about, and having the rulebook nearby will speed up the process of dealing with the numerous complaints you'll receive during the game. - imgur.com In the past 12 years I've not played a game of monopoly that's ended. (via marco.org).
- [Unable to open links in Safari, Mail or Messages on iOS 9.3](https://bencollier.net/2016/03/unable-to-open-links-in-safari-mail-or-messages-on-ios-9-3/) - Update Five 11:44 March 29/03/2016: I've posted a shorter fix - here's how to fix it with an iTunes sync and Airplane mode! Update Four 11:10 March 29/03/2016: there's a fix! There are a lot of steps, but if you really want to get back in action Wojtek Pietrusiewicz has a fix. Apparently he spent four hours getting it working.
- [How to fix iOS 9.3's broken Safari, Mail and Messages links](https://bencollier.net/2016/03/how-to-fix-ios-9-3s-broken-safari-links/) - Update: iOS 9.3.1 is now available which fixes this issue: Settings -> General -> Software Update If you've been hit by the iOS 9.3 broken links you can follow these steps to fix the issue whilst we wait for a full update from Apple. Unfortunately you'll need to hook your iPhone or iPad up to your
- [Using iOS 9's Universal Links](https://bencollier.net/2016/03/using-ios-9s-universal-links/) - If you don't know, Universal Links allow a website and iOS app to be linked together so following a link opens up the app (with the right content) instead of the website. For example, following a link to a Vine video can open up straight in the Vine app; where the video looping experience is
- [How Apple fixed the iOS 9 broken Universal Links](https://bencollier.net/2016/03/how-apple-fixed-the-ios-9-broken-universal-links/) - iOS 9.3 had a big problem with processing universal inks which caused any links in apps to break. If you're hit with the problem do a software update now. Now iOS 9.3.1 is out it gives the shared web credentials daemon (swcd) enough memory to process large association files, and recover from previously large files that
- [Dividing by zero on a mechanical calculator](https://bencollier.net/2016/04/dividing-by-zero-on-a-mechanical-calculator/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=443B6f_4n6k I really want one just to try this.
- [Fleeing the Nest ](https://bencollier.net/2016/04/fleeing-the-nest/) - Shige Honjo, a veteran executive at Nest, and Scott Mullins, a senior engineering manager, are leaving the company, according to multiple sources. Their exit comes amid a steady stream of departures from the connected-device unit under Google parent Alphabet, as pressure mounts on Nest to improve its sales targets and right its increasingly rancorous culture. All these reports of trouble at
- [Still think Apple isn't going to ship a car?](https://bencollier.net/2016/04/still-think-apple-isnt-going-to-ship-a-car/) - Netting over ~$7.5b of preorders*, most of which was before anyone had even seen the car is crazy. Tesla's openly secret plan from 2006 was always to release an affordable car - but it's still disrupting the market and taking over manufacturers by surprise. I'll be holding off - they're rolling out heading East starting from the West Coast.
- [macOS: It’s time to take the next step](https://bencollier.net/2016/04/macos-its-time-to-take-the-next-step/) - macOS 11 should introduce a common framework for presentation, a brand new model for content, and a common thread for people. Some great visual concepts by Andrew Ambrosino on how OS X could become macOS, in more than just name.
- [The Potential for Emoji Miscommunication](https://bencollier.net/2016/04/the-potential-for-emoji-miscommunication/) - A great study into how each platform displays emoji differently; and the confusion it can cause. Lots of interesting snippets - Investigating the Potential for Miscommunication Using Emoji.
- [MaxMind's database sending people to a farm in Kansas](https://bencollier.net/2016/04/maxminds-database-sending-people-to-a-farm-in-kansas/) - As a result, for the last 14 years, every time MaxMind’s database has been queried about the location of an IP address in the United States it can’t identify, it has spit out the default location of a spot two hours away from the geographic centre of the country. MaxMind picked a random location to
- [A dodgy WiFi network can brick your iOS device](https://bencollier.net/2016/04/a-dodgy-wifi-network-can-brick-your-ios-device/) - If you use an Apple iPhone, iPad or other iDevice, now would be an excellent time to ensure that the machine is running the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system — version 9.3.1 Earlier in the year it was discovered that setting the date to January 1970 would brick your iOS device. Now someone has realised
- [Site Seeing - Week Two](https://bencollier.net/2010/04/site-seeing-week-two/) - Sikuli - Screenshot Based Computer Automation http://groups.csail.mit.edu/uid/sikuli/demo.shtml Sikuli is a visual technology to search and automate graphical user interfaces (GUI) using images (screenshots). Probably not the most efficient way to automate tasks, but an interesting one nonetheless, hard to explain what it does, but if you're interested in computer automation, watch the demos. Hilite -
- [Photoshop - Content Aware Fill](https://bencollier.net/2010/05/photoshop-content-aware-fill/) - Photoshop - Content Aware Fill The somewhat magical feature in Photoshop CS5 is the Content Aware Fill feature, which is best explained in this Adobe demo video. In about three clicks I was able to mask out the Eiffel Tower. Before After Not perfect, but definitely a good start! I'm sure once I get used
- [Chrome vs. Lightning (video)](https://bencollier.net/2010/05/chrome-vs-lightning-video/) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCgQDjiotG0 Brilliant.
- [Whois Lookup Browser Bookmarklet](https://bencollier.net/2010/05/whois-lookup-browser-bookmarklet/) - I've been wanting a whois bookmarklet for a while now, but none of them seem to work very well, so I made my own. Drag -> to your bookmark bar to install. It uses who.is for the lookup as they automatically parse the domain out of the url unlike other sites.
- [Site Seeing - Week Three](https://bencollier.net/2010/05/site-seeing-week-three/) - Css Desk - An Online CSS Sandbox http://cssdesk.com/ A great web app for playing around with HTML and CSS in the browser, would be interesting to see if it works on the iPad. Pictaculous - A Colour Palette Generator http://www.pictaculous.com/ Pictaculous (from MailChimp) lets you upload or email a photo and then generates a colour
- [Last.fm Disco!](https://bencollier.net/2010/05/last-fm-disco/) - Go on last.fm and paste the following into the address bar: javascript:function toggle(){ t=setTimeout("toggle();return false", 300); LFM.Display.colourToggle(this, LFM.String.toRedStr, LFM.String.toBlackStr); return false;}; toggle(); return false; and hit return! (However, It seems to go a bit weird if you've got multiple browser windows open..)
- [Giggle Bite News: Global Warming Special](https://bencollier.net/2010/06/giggle-bite-news-global-warming-special/) - Giggle Bite News is a mockumentary News show focusing on Global Warming. It was created as part of a video production course at the University of Sussex.
- [Fullscreen HTML5 Video in Safari via JavaScript](https://bencollier.net/2010/07/fullscreen-html5-video-in-safari-via-javascript/) - In Safari 5 HTML5 videos played in the tag can now be made fullscreen, if you're using the default controls then a button is available, but if you're overriding them with a custom control you can use: webkitEnterFullScreen(); This needs to be called on the video tag element, for example, to fullscreen the first
- [Google Maps API - Disable Scroll Wheel Zoom](https://bencollier.net/2010/07/google-maps-api-disable-scroll-wheel-zoom/) - The Google Maps API overrides the scroll functionality of the scrollwheel so it zooms the map, this often causes problems when you have a large map spanning the page. To prevent this in V3 of the Maps API add: scrollwheel: false To your mapOptions when initialising the map. For example: var mapOptions = { zoom:
- [Site Seeing - Week Five](https://bencollier.net/2010/08/site-seeing-week-five/) - Ninite - Easy PC Software Installations http://ninite.com/ Auto installs your selection of useful programs after that inevitable Windows install.. It's even clever enough to prevent it installing those nasty bundled toolbars! (via @fry15) Font Fonter - Preview Fonts On Any Site http://fontfonter.com/ From fontshop, this tool lets you preview a selection of their fonts on any
- [iPhone UITableView Pull Down to Refresh](https://bencollier.net/2010/08/iphone-uitableview-pull-down-to-refresh/) - I've been watching the pull down to refresh paradigm grow traction the last few months, and now it's incredibly easy to implement with Leah Culver's PullToRefresh. It's been achievable with Three20 for a while, but this just requires you to subclass it after including two files in your project.
- [Dynamically Update Copyright Year with PHP](https://bencollier.net/2010/08/dynamically-update-copyright-year-with-php/) - Here's a little php code snippet to make sure the copyright year in your site footer is always up to date: Copyright - Now this will auto update your page with the current year ;)
- [.plist (Property List) File Mime Type](https://bencollier.net/2010/08/plist-property-list-file-mime-type/) - Most plist (property lists) files generated by iOS are just xml, so use the mime type: application/xml By default plist files created by Mac OS X use binary with the mime type: application/x-plist
- [Oh, Look... I've Got a Blog!](https://bencollier.net/2010/03/oh-look-ive-got-a-blog/) - Well I set this up in a hurry when I was meant to be doing something else, the blogging engine is powered by Wordpress, with Sandbox (converted to HTML5) used as the base. The networks page is a plugin called LifeStream that basically brings in all your social feeds to Wordpress! Still need to tweak
- [250mb Extra Free on Dropbox!](https://bencollier.net/2010/03/250mb-extra-free-on-dropbox/) - Get 250mb free whether you're a current user or not! New Users If you sign up with a link from an existing user, both of you get 250mb in addition to the 2gb given with free accounts - Sign up now - free! If you don't know what dropbox is, I highly recommend it, it
- [iWeb Couldn’t reach the MobileMe configuration server..](https://bencollier.net/2010/03/iweb-couldnt-reach-the-mobileme-configuration-server/) - Problem I use iWeb to managed a podcast, simply because I felt I should utilise my iDisk more and the send to iWeb option in GarageBand is just too convenient, however, the other day I was kindly greeted with this error: 'Couldn’t reach the MobileMe configuration server' A quick search on twitter led to no
- [Macbook Pro Speaker Pop In Garageband](https://bencollier.net/2010/03/macbook-pro-speaker-pop/) - Problem When sorting out a podcast in garageband I often find the audio goes weird, pops my speakers and stops them from working. This seems to primarily happen when scrubbing around whilst it plays.. Fix I took a chance and plugged some headphones in and out and it worked again. However, it doesn't sound too
- [Debugging on iPhone Requires App Deletion](https://bencollier.net/2010/03/debugging-on-iphone-requires-app-deletion/) - Problem When running & debugging an application on an iPhone / iPod using Xcode you get the error: "A signed resource has been added, modified, or deleted." With the application not being able to be redeployed until it is deleted from the device. Fix Simply turn off Passcode Lock on the device. Update: This might
- [Site Seeing - Week One](https://bencollier.net/2010/03/site-seeing-week-one/) - Site Seeing! A roundup of sites I've found interesting.. Adobe UI Gripes http://adobegripes.tumblr.com/ I satirical look at the awful inconsistencies within the Adobe Creative Suite.. Wordoid - Creative Naming Engine http://wordoid.com/ Wordoid is kind of a dare I say it Web 2.0 name generator but creates natural sounding words, it's a little slow though as
- [Disabling 'hold to copy' on Mobile Safari](https://bencollier.net/2010/04/disabling-hold-to-copy-on-mobile-safari/) - If you want to disable the 'Cut / Copy / Paste' invoked by holding down on an element in Safari on the iPhone or iPad use the css: -webkit-user-select: none; However, as stressed by Apple, this should only be disabled on a per element basis, and never applied to the whole document. Apple's Technical Note TN2262:
- [iTunes could not back up the iPhone because the iPhone refused the request - iOS 4](https://bencollier.net/2010/04/itunes-could-not-back-up-the-iphone-because-the-iphone-refused-the-request-os-4/) - Problem When running iPhone OS 4 beta 1, syncing with iTunes doesn't backup the iPhone causing the error: Fix Install the iPhone SDK 4 beta with Xcode 3.2.3 (or later), which will update some files in iTunes and enable the backup to complete successfully. An iTunes update is likely to be released soon to address

## Pages

- [Big Red Arrow Terms of Use](https://bencollier.net/big-red-arrow/terms-of-use/) - Terms of Use for Big Red Arrow Last Updated: 6/05/2026 INTRODUCTION These Terms of Use apply to your use of Big Red Arrow. By downloading, accessing, or using Big Red Arrow, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the app. Big Red Arrow is provided by Ben
- [Big Red Arrow](https://bencollier.net/big-red-arrow/) - Download
- [Privacy Policy](https://bencollier.net/privacy-policy/) - Privacy Policy for Who Last Ate a Banana? Last Updated: February 6, 2026 INTRODUCTION Who last ate a banana? ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how our mobile application handles information when you use our game. INFORMATION WE COLLECT Information You Provide • Player names entered during
- [About](https://bencollier.net/about/) - I co-founded Ocasta, where make an employee knowledge platform for organisations to help them with staff knowledge, compliance and culture. In 2012 Ben wrote a book about iAds. Out of the office Ben can be found eating tofu or watching fireworks. He's @ben_c on Twitter, uses LinkedIn and uploads drone videos to YouTube, obviously. Things to check out
- [iAd Production: A Beginner's Guide](https://bencollier.net/book/) - Update: iAd Producer has been discontinued by Apple, so despite being full of great info, I'd recommend not reading this book! In 2012 Ben wrote iAd Production: A Beginner's Guide, an exercise driven book on iAd design, development and deployment. iAd Production focuses heavily on iAd Producer, an app from Apple that allows drag and
- [Prime Free Trial](https://bencollier.net/prime/) - For an annual fee of £79, Amazon Prime members can: Get unlimited, FREE One-Day Delivery on millions of items Watch over 15,000 movies and TV episodes with unlimited instant streaming Borrow from thousands of titles from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library Secure, unlimited photo storage with anywhere access Listen to over 2 million songs on
- [Contact](https://bencollier.net/contact/)

## Portfolio

- [Virgin Media Shorts](https://bencollier.net/portfolio/test/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut scelerisque facilisis pharetra. Maecenas ullamcorper leo eget elit accumsan eleifend vel at sem. Donec scelerisque, mauris in varius pretium, leo elit volutpat lectus, non fringilla magna mi a magna. In orci ante, tristique vitae pretium eget, auctor ac arcu. Integer sed lorem at erat congue porttitor

## Categories

- [Articles](https://bencollier.net/category/articles/)
- [Links](https://bencollier.net/category/links/)
- [Appearances](https://bencollier.net/category/appearances/)

## Tags

- [video](https://bencollier.net/tag/video/)
- [youtube](https://bencollier.net/tag/youtube/)
- [web design](https://bencollier.net/tag/web-design/)
- [fun](https://bencollier.net/tag/fun/)
- [garageband](https://bencollier.net/tag/garageband/)
- [headphones](https://bencollier.net/tag/headphones/)
- [speakers](https://bencollier.net/tag/speakers/)
- [macbook pro](https://bencollier.net/tag/macbook-pro/)
- [macbook](https://bencollier.net/tag/macbook/)
- [dropbox](https://bencollier.net/tag/dropbox/)
- [referrals](https://bencollier.net/tag/referrals/)
- [free](https://bencollier.net/tag/free/)
- [file sync](https://bencollier.net/tag/file-sync/)
- [blog](https://bencollier.net/tag/blog/)
- [wordpress](https://bencollier.net/tag/wordpress/)
- [plugins](https://bencollier.net/tag/plugins/)
- [iWeb](https://bencollier.net/tag/iweb/)
- [apple](https://bencollier.net/tag/apple/)
- [iDisk](https://bencollier.net/tag/idisk/)
- [MobileMe](https://bencollier.net/tag/mobileme/)
- [fix](https://bencollier.net/tag/fix/)
- [flash](https://bencollier.net/tag/flash/)
- [xcode](https://bencollier.net/tag/xcode/)
- [adobe](https://bencollier.net/tag/adobe/)
- [after effects](https://bencollier.net/tag/after-effects/)
- [iOS](https://bencollier.net/tag/ios/)
- [usability](https://bencollier.net/tag/usability/)
- [fivesecondtest](https://bencollier.net/tag/fivesecondtest/)
- [user interfaces](https://bencollier.net/tag/user-interfaces/)
- [roundup](https://bencollier.net/tag/roundup/)
- [song](https://bencollier.net/tag/song/)
- [html](https://bencollier.net/tag/html/)
- [css](https://bencollier.net/tag/css/)
- [standards](https://bencollier.net/tag/standards/)
- [iTunes](https://bencollier.net/tag/itunes/)
- [beta](https://bencollier.net/tag/beta/)
- [typography](https://bencollier.net/tag/typography/)
- [automation](https://bencollier.net/tag/automation/)
- [photoshop](https://bencollier.net/tag/photoshop/)
- [cs5](https://bencollier.net/tag/cs5/)
- [eiffel tower](https://bencollier.net/tag/eiffel-tower/)
- [demo](https://bencollier.net/tag/demo/)
- [imaging](https://bencollier.net/tag/imaging/)
- [whois](https://bencollier.net/tag/whois/)
- [bookmarklet](https://bencollier.net/tag/bookmarklet/)
- [bookmark](https://bencollier.net/tag/bookmark/)
- [search](https://bencollier.net/tag/search/)
- [domains](https://bencollier.net/tag/domains/)
- [browser](https://bencollier.net/tag/browser/)
- [chrome](https://bencollier.net/tag/chrome/)
- [google](https://bencollier.net/tag/google/)
- [colour palette](https://bencollier.net/tag/colour-palette/)
- [photo](https://bencollier.net/tag/photo/)
- [web app](https://bencollier.net/tag/web-app/)
- [colour](https://bencollier.net/tag/colour/)
- [last.fm](https://bencollier.net/tag/last-fm/)
- [javascript](https://bencollier.net/tag/javascript/)
- [university of sussex](https://bencollier.net/tag/university-of-sussex/)
- [global warming](https://bencollier.net/tag/global-warming/)
- [television show](https://bencollier.net/tag/television-show/)
- [parody](https://bencollier.net/tag/parody/)
- [giggle byte news](https://bencollier.net/tag/giggle-byte-news/)
- [html5](https://bencollier.net/tag/html5/)
- [webkit](https://bencollier.net/tag/webkit/)
- [safari](https://bencollier.net/tag/safari/)
- [comics](https://bencollier.net/tag/comics/)
- [sharing](https://bencollier.net/tag/sharing/)
- [social](https://bencollier.net/tag/social/)
- [fonts](https://bencollier.net/tag/fonts/)
- [pc](https://bencollier.net/tag/pc/)
- [php](https://bencollier.net/tag/php/)
- [copyright](https://bencollier.net/tag/copyright/)
- [date](https://bencollier.net/tag/date/)
- [plist](https://bencollier.net/tag/plist/)
- [xml](https://bencollier.net/tag/xml/)
- [mime type](https://bencollier.net/tag/mime-type/)
- [music](https://bencollier.net/tag/music/)
- [internet explorer](https://bencollier.net/tag/internet-explorer/)
- [browser detection](https://bencollier.net/tag/browser-detection/)
- [book](https://bencollier.net/tag/book/)
- [video show](https://bencollier.net/tag/video-show/)
- [tv production](https://bencollier.net/tag/tv-production/)
- [brighton](https://bencollier.net/tag/brighton/)
- [mac os x](https://bencollier.net/tag/mac-os-x/)
- [connection speed](https://bencollier.net/tag/connection-speed/)
- [bandwidth](https://bencollier.net/tag/bandwidth/)
- [traffic](https://bencollier.net/tag/traffic/)
- [Throttle](https://bencollier.net/tag/throttle/)
- [video effects](https://bencollier.net/tag/video-effects/)
- [laser gun](https://bencollier.net/tag/laser-gun/)
- [visual effects](https://bencollier.net/tag/visual-effects/)
- [composition](https://bencollier.net/tag/composition/)
- [video demo](https://bencollier.net/tag/video-demo/)
- [competitor](https://bencollier.net/tag/competitor/)
- [galaxy](https://bencollier.net/tag/galaxy/)
- [samsung](https://bencollier.net/tag/samsung/)
- [ibooks](https://bencollier.net/tag/ibooks/)
- [advert](https://bencollier.net/tag/advert/)
- [talks](https://bencollier.net/tag/talks/)
- [barcamp](https://bencollier.net/tag/barcamp/)
- [apis](https://bencollier.net/tag/apis/)
- [presentation](https://bencollier.net/tag/presentation/)
- [keynote](https://bencollier.net/tag/keynote/)
- [PDF](https://bencollier.net/tag/pdf/)
- [SlideShare](https://bencollier.net/tag/slideshare/)
- [dual screen](https://bencollier.net/tag/dual-screen/)
- [ipad](https://bencollier.net/tag/ipad-2/)
- [Apps](https://bencollier.net/tag/apps/)
- [UI](https://bencollier.net/tag/ui/)
- [Transmit](https://bencollier.net/tag/transmit/)
- [Update](https://bencollier.net/tag/update/)
- [gore](https://bencollier.net/tag/gore/)
- [Analytics](https://bencollier.net/tag/analytics/)
- [report](https://bencollier.net/tag/report/)
- [crash](https://bencollier.net/tag/crash/)
- [phonegap](https://bencollier.net/tag/phonegap/)
- [w3c](https://bencollier.net/tag/w3c/)
- [css3](https://bencollier.net/tag/css3/)
- [3d](https://bencollier.net/tag/3d/)
- [ketchup](https://bencollier.net/tag/ketchup/)
- [movies](https://bencollier.net/tag/movies/)
- [nexus](https://bencollier.net/tag/nexus/)
- [sip](https://bencollier.net/tag/sip/)
- [Gingerbread](https://bencollier.net/tag/gingerbread/)
- [snow white](https://bencollier.net/tag/snow-white/)
- [wordpress wp-super-cache servers](https://bencollier.net/tag/wordpress-wp-super-cache-servers/)
- [apache performance](https://bencollier.net/tag/apache-performance/)
- [mac terminal](https://bencollier.net/tag/mac-terminal/)
- [web servers](https://bencollier.net/tag/web-servers/)
- [benchmark](https://bencollier.net/tag/benchmark/)
- [centos](https://bencollier.net/tag/centos/)
- [linux](https://bencollier.net/tag/linux/)
- [canvas](https://bencollier.net/tag/canvas/)
- [art](https://bencollier.net/tag/art/)
- [screenshots](https://bencollier.net/tag/screenshots/)
- [working group](https://bencollier.net/tag/working-group/)
- [ibm](https://bencollier.net/tag/ibm/)
- [short film](https://bencollier.net/tag/short-film/)
- [google tv web](https://bencollier.net/tag/google-tv-web/)
- [tvs](https://bencollier.net/tag/tvs/)
- [tablets](https://bencollier.net/tag/tablets/)
- [hp](https://bencollier.net/tag/hp/)
- [palm](https://bencollier.net/tag/palm/)
- [webos](https://bencollier.net/tag/webos/)
- [katamari](https://bencollier.net/tag/katamari/)
- [uk holidays](https://bencollier.net/tag/uk-holidays/)
- [webcal](https://bencollier.net/tag/webcal/)
- [emulator](https://bencollier.net/tag/emulator/)
- [shortcut](https://bencollier.net/tag/shortcut/)
- [bluetooth audio](https://bencollier.net/tag/bluetooth-audio/)
- [bitrate](https://bencollier.net/tag/bitrate/)
- [password](https://bencollier.net/tag/password/)
- [bug](https://bencollier.net/tag/bug/)
- [string objects](https://bencollier.net/tag/string-objects/)
- [javascript function](https://bencollier.net/tag/javascript-function/)
- [backup](https://bencollier.net/tag/backup/)
- [lion](https://bencollier.net/tag/lion/)
- [system fonts](https://bencollier.net/tag/system-fonts/)
- [adium](https://bencollier.net/tag/adium/)
- [printer drivers](https://bencollier.net/tag/printer-drivers/)
- [software update](https://bencollier.net/tag/software-update/)
- [dictionary](https://bencollier.net/tag/dictionary/)
- [json](https://bencollier.net/tag/json/)
- [touchJSON](https://bencollier.net/tag/touchjson/)
- [objective c](https://bencollier.net/tag/objective-c/)
- [iad](https://bencollier.net/tag/iad/)
- [production](https://bencollier.net/tag/production/)
- [marketing](https://bencollier.net/tag/marketing/)
- [notification center](https://bencollier.net/tag/notification-center/)
- [mountain lion](https://bencollier.net/tag/mountain-lion/)
- [gesture](https://bencollier.net/tag/gesture/)
- [mac app store](https://bencollier.net/tag/mac-app-store/)
- [Coffee](https://bencollier.net/tag/coffee/)
- [Peter Andre](https://bencollier.net/tag/peter-andre/)
- [Peter Andre Tattoo](https://bencollier.net/tag/peter-andre-tattoo/)
- [Flying](https://bencollier.net/tag/flying/)
- [Videos](https://bencollier.net/tag/videos/)
- [iPhone](https://bencollier.net/tag/iphone/)
- [Mac](https://bencollier.net/tag/mac/)
- [Android](https://bencollier.net/tag/android/)
- [covid-19](https://bencollier.net/tag/covid-19/)
- [theme parks](https://bencollier.net/tag/theme-parks/)