Articles by: James Laird

A technology journalist with nearly 10 years of experience, James is the former News and Features Editor at Trusted Reviews, and has also served as regional Editor of Lifehacker. His articles have been spotted on sites ranging from The Sun to InStyle, but his true love is shiny things and the story behind them. An avid golfer in his spare time, you'll also regularly catch him hovering over the BBQ listening to Pearl Jam.

Mortgage rates drop to lowest since 2016, as Spring buying-rush comes early

By James Laird last updated 4 February 20

News The latest data from the MBA reveals a 7.2% rise in total home loan applications and 8% jump in refinance demand.

Tinder now has a panic button in case your date starts to feel unsafe

Tinder now has a panic button, for when you start to feel unsafe on a date

By James Laird published 24 January 20

News We explain how Tinder's latest safety feature works as the popular dating app looks to give users added peace of mind.

Cheaper generic drugs coming in 2022 thanks to new $55m healthcare initiative

By James Laird published 24 January 20

News Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance providers have joined forces with nonprofit drug manufacturer Civica Rx to make medication more affordable.

Super Bowl 2020 tickets too expensive? You can actually get a loan from Stubhub

Some Super Bowl 2020 tickets are selling for $15,000... but you can actually get a loan from Stubhub

By James Laird published 23 January 20

News Itching to get to Miami for Super Bowl 2020? Ticket prices are seriously high, but there are ways to get there if you're desperate.

US mortgage rates starting to stabilize, but it's still a good time to refinance

US mortgage rates starting to stabilize, but January is still a good time to refinance

By James Laird last updated 4 February 20

News According to the MBA, 30 year mortgage rates are levelling out, but 15 year rates are actually still dropping.

US mortgage rates could drop to all-time low as free fall continues

By James Laird published 16 January 20

News Purchase loan and refinancing interest soars on the back of another dip in mortgage rates, which are now at their lowest point since September 2019.

Shopify will give you a $200 loan to start your own business

By James Laird published 15 January 20

News The eCommerce platform has launched a new starter loan initiative designed to help grow startups and small businesses.

Apple will now replace faulty iPhone XS and iPhone XR battery cases for free

By James Laird published 15 January 20

News Here's how to replace your iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max or iPhone XR Smart Battery Case for free.

Mortgage rates drop to 13-week low in 2020, which is good for homebuyers

By James Laird published 13 January 20

News Average rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages haven't been this competitive since October 2019.

This app wants to take the pain out of paying off student loans

By James Laird published 1 November 19

News Automated savings app Digit introduces new feature aimed at graduates.

Mortgage demand flatlines but Fed interest rate cut offers hope to homebuyers

By James Laird last updated 9 January 20

News Refinance applications also down week-on-week, according to latest industry report.

Critical Android malware warning issued as up to 8 million devices infected

By James Laird published 25 October 19

News 42 popular apps have been harboring a nasty adware strain for over a year, security researchers report.

Mortgage applications dive as global economic uncertainty triggers rise in interest rates

By James Laird last updated 9 January 20

News Total mortgage applications and refinance demand down week-on-week, MBA reports.

Obamacare premiums set to drop by 4% in 2020 as affordable healthcare options grow

By James Laird last updated 6 January 20

News A total of 175 providers will be offered through the Affordable Healthcare Act next year.

The Apple Watch probably just saved this hiker's life

By James Laird published 23 October 19

News Smartwatch dials 911 after young couple suffer major fall.

One of the world's most popular VPNs just admitted to a major security breach

By James Laird published 22 October 19

News NordVPN has revealed details of an incident dating back to 2018.

The $15 Tile Sticker might just unglue Apple's GPS tracker ambitions

By James Laird published 12 October 19

News The startup has also revealed sizeable updates for three of its existing products.

Prudential life insurance is about to get more expensive for e-cigarette and vape users

By James Laird published 10 October 19

News The financial services provider has announced it is reclassifying vaping as a form of smoking in the coming weeks.

Mortgage refinancing up by 10% as interest rates hit lowest point since August

By James Laird published 10 October 19

News Latest MBA survey reveals a huge 163% year-on-year increase in refinance demand.

Millions of Americans can cut risk of early death by getting enough sleep, research says

By James Laird last updated 4 June 20

News A new study published by the American Heart Association highlights the importance of getting at least six hours of sleep each day.

Microsoft's Surface Duo is a foldable phone in all but name

By James Laird published 4 October 19

News Microsoft's Surface Duo is a foldable that runs Android and makes phone calls – but it's not a Surface Phone.

Google amps up privacy features with Incognito Mode for Maps and much more

By James Laird published 3 October 19

News October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Google wants to help you up your game.

Ring Stick Up Cam's 2019 update is all about solar power – and a big price cut

By James Laird published 27 September 19

News Three new Ring devices were unveiled at Amazon's recent hardware event including one option that costs just $60.

Mortgage and refinance applications plummet as interest rates rise – but it's still a buyer's market

By James Laird last updated 9 January 20

News Rates for 30-year fixed rate mortgages are up, the Mortgage Bankers Association has revealed.

The turbocharged Echo Studio is just one of Amazon's new smart speakers for 2019

By James Laird last updated 4 November 20

News The company launched no less than nine new Echo products at its latest hardware event.

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