James Frew

The Brave Search homepage

I switched Google for Ecosia, but it was Brave Search that won me over

Brave Search is private, has good results, and doesn't compromise on its ethical position

Buzz Lightyear from Pixar's Toy Story franchise staring up at a blue sky

I watched The Pixar Story, then discovered the studio is more than just its founders

Pixar's founders had the vision, but the animators and writers are the reason we love it.

Cover art for Sixx:AM's album This Is Gonna Hurt

Album review: This Is Gonna Hurt – Sixx A:M

The Sixx side-project’s somophore album drops the concept of their first outing and finds them settling into a radio-rock groove.

My favourite alternative Christmas songs to get you in the festive spirit

My favourite alternative Christmas songs to get you in the festive spirit

Bored of Mariah? Need a break from Bublé? Here’s where to start.

A padlock floating above a laptop keyboard

The 6 most secure password managers available right now

These secure password managers keep your logins safe, so you won't need to use sticky notes for long passwords ever again.

Brave media asset with the browser on desktop, mobile, and tablet

Brave wants to pay you to watch ads

The Basic Attention Token (BAT) is a privacy-focused ad platform, so you can support your favourite sites without handing over your data

LastPass desktop vault

Popular password manager LastPass becomes an independent company (again)

Amid security concerns and price hikes, LogMeIn spins off LastPass as a independent business.

Desk set up with a laptop, coffee, and a notebook and pen

Personal Development

2021: the year that was

Many things changed, yet I still review headphones. Looking back at what happened to me professionally across the year.

Logitech POP Keys and POP Mouse review: colourful peripherals without a purpose

Logitech POP Keys and POP Mouse review: colourful peripherals without a purpose

Logitech's vibrantly-coloured portable mouse and mechnical keyboard try to please mobile-first techies, but end up satisfying no one.

Fairphone 4 smartphone in green

Fairphone 4 launches with upgradeable components and 5-year warranty

The Fairphone 4 blends the company's ethical and environmental stance with modern hardware.

How to use the NHS App to access your UK COVID Pass

How to use the NHS App to access your UK COVID Pass

To access certain events or travel abroad, you'll need to verify your COVID-19 status with the NHS app

Collection of physical cryptocurrency coins

What is a cryptocurrency ICO?

Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) are a form of crowdfunding for blockchain and crypto-based business, but how to do they work?

Mastodon mascot running around a cloud

What is Mastodon and how does it work?

Mastodon is a decentralized social network and one of the best Twitter alternatives you can use right now

Delivery apps are a lifeline for some, but the most vulnerable are being priced out

Delivery apps are a lifeline for some, but the most vulnerable are being priced out

Food delivery apps have changed the way we eat at home, but at restaurant prices, leaving the most vulnerable priced out.

Aerial shot of London showing Tower Bridge and the River Thames

London's air quality data to get more accurate thanks to new monitors

Thanks to new funding, London will get new air quality monitors as part of the Breathe London network.

Person using a ballpoint pen to write in a notebook

Language matters: How the way we talk about suicide makes a difference

Suicidal feelings can be difficult to share with others. We can all play our part in creating a welcoming space for those in distress.

This malicious app exposes the differences between Android and iOS

This malicious app exposes the differences between Android and iOS

Android has a malware problem, Apple is anti-competitive — is there a right side in the Android vs. iPhone debate?

Front cover of Pink Noise by Laura Mvula

Album review: Pink Noise - Laura Mvula

Laura Mvula's first album in five years is a joyful, 80s-influenced reminder of the pop music's brilliance.

Improve Firefox's privacy settings with these 6 tweaks

Mozilla's Firefox is more private than Chrome, but it only takes a few changes to boost your privacy even more.

A cup of coffee on a cream background

The comfort of a pandemic-era coffee

My morning coffee has kept me grounded, but there's more to the experience than a caffeine-fueled buzz.

Polling station sign in London

Standing for election taught me the value of compassionate politics

Three years ago, I stood for election as a local councillor on behalf of The Green Party of England and Wales. Here's what I learnt.

Woman sitting on a bench at the top of a hill at sunset

Fear of the future

Even the smallest changes can throw us slightly off-course and make us anxious about the future.

Front cover of Medicine at Midnight by Foo Fighters

Album review: Medicine at Midnight - Foo Fighters

Medicine at Midnight is the sound of a band free from concept or legacy, no longer trying to out-do themselves but just to have fun.

Last Christmas poster featuring Emila Clarke and Henry Golding

Film review: Last Christmas (2019)

Last Christmas throws rom-com standards, Christmas-themed visuals, and the songs of George Michael into the mix. What comes out is an inconsistent movie with a commendable core.

Album cover for Evermore by Taylor Swift

Album review: Evermore - Taylor Swift

Swift's second release of the year continue's Folklore's autumn-tinted themes, but with a brighter edge.