News in July 2009
- 31 Jul 2009Smart meters benefit power giants not customersThe national roll-out of smart meters will benefit gas and electricity suppliers like British Gas, Npower, Eon, Scottish & Southern, Scottish Power and EDF Energy more than it will householders.
- 31 Jul 2009Microsoft pilots video on demand serviceMicrosoft’s MSN service is launching a video on demand service - MSN Video Player beta - that will give UK consumers the chance to view TV shows.
- 31 Jul 2009Equifax warning over tax credit rebate fraudAs the tax credit renewal deadline arrives, fraudsters are offering tax credit rebates in return for peoples' bank details
- 31 Jul 2009July consumer news quizTest your knowledge of July's news with the Which? consumer news quiz.
- 30 Jul 2009Hot car deals, 30 July 2009More hot deals from the mighty Audi RS6 to the humble Ford Focus - whatever your budget we have a deal to suit
- 30 Jul 2009New Match adds value to VW Touran rangeNew VW Touran Match adds value to the Touran range. Which? takes a closer look at the latest Volkswagen Touran Match.
- 30 Jul 2009Nikon launches D3000 and D300S DSLRsNikon has announced two additions to its DSLR line-up - the entry-level D3000 and the high-end D300S with HD movie capability.
- 30 Jul 2009Microsoft and Yahoo! seal search dealStrategic partnership sees Microsoft and Yahoo! team up to take on search engine Google
- 30 Jul 2009Swine flu sufferers get insurance tonicInsurers have confirmed that consumers who are laid low with swine flu can use the National Flu Service ID number instead of a GP note to claim on their insurance if they can't travel
- 30 Jul 2009LG unveils next generation Chocolate mobile phoneLG has released images of the unconventionally-shaped next generation Chocolate mobile phone
- 29 Jul 2009Freeview launches 'Remember to Retune' campaign Consumers who watch terrestrial digital TV on Freeview must retune their Freeview set-top boxes, Freeview+ PVRs or digital TVs on or after 30 September 2009 to continue to watch all available Freeview channels.
- 29 Jul 2009Peugeot prices clever new 3008 crossoverPeugeot has finally announced the pricing and specification information for its new 3008 crossover.
- 29 Jul 2009Hot car deals, 29 July 2009From superminis to sports cars, we’ve trawled the marketplace for the best discounts this week. We found them on the Volvo S80, Citroёn C1 and MG TF
- 29 Jul 2009Ricoh announces the GR Digital III cameraRicoh has announced the launch of the Ricoh GR Digital III, a promising high-end compact digital camera
- 29 Jul 2009Kodak launches Zi8 1080p HD camcorderKodak has announced a new model in its range of pocket digital camcorders, the Zi8, which offers 1080p HD resolution.
- 29 Jul 2009Tesco price adverts branded misleadingTesco's cost-of-shopping comparison adverts were ruled 'misleading' by the ASA today.
- 29 Jul 2009Virgin Media gets Channel 4 in high definitionVirgin Media's TV customers will soon be able to watch popular Channel 4 TV shows like Desperate Housewives, Skins and Shameless in the crystal clarity of high definition (HD).
- 28 Jul 2009Panasonic announces the FZ38 digital cameraPanasonic has announced four new digital cameras, including the high-end FZ38 superzoom hybrid
- 28 Jul 2009Virgin 'fastest' in new broadband speed testVirgin Media has outperformed the likes of AOL, BT, O2, Orange, Plusnet, Sky, Talk Talk and Tiscali in the broadband watchdog Ofcom's recent broadband speed test.
- 27 Jul 2009New Argos catalogue is releasedThe latest Argos catalogue hit Argos stores at the weekend, promising to help customers 'during challenging times' by offering more low cost items.
- 27 Jul 2009Sainsbury’s to sell TVs and laptops onlineSupermarket Sainsbury's has added non-food products from brands like Sony, Apple and Le Creuset to its website range.
- 27 Jul 2009Audi launches greener A3 dieselAudi has replaced the 1.9-litre TDI turbodiesel engine in its most economical A3 models with a brand new 1.6-litre TDI.
- 27 Jul 2009Microsoft unveils European web browser plansMicrosoft details plans designed to appease European competition regulators over its bundled Windows Internet Explorer
- 25 Jul 2009Consumers to get compensation more quicklyConsumers and small businesses will get compensation more quickly if a financial institution goes bust
- 24 Jul 2009Marco Pierre White range launched at Argos Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White has launched a new ‘Heaven & Hell’ range of kitchen appliances made by Russell Hobbs.
- 24 Jul 2009EDF fined £2m for poor customer serviceEDF Energy Networks distributes electricity to nearly 8m homes in London and eastern England, failed to connect new customers within the three months required by its licence.
- 24 Jul 2009Hot car deals, 24 July 2009We've found huge discounts on popular models from BMW, Mercedes and Honda - this year's most reliable car brand.
- 24 Jul 2009Which? reveals the UK’s most reliable carThe new Honda Accord was named the UK’s most reliable new car in this year’s Which? Car survey.
- 24 Jul 2009Motorway drivers face 'rip-off' pricesMotorway service stations are charging up to four times more than supermarkets for bottled water, according to new research.
- 24 Jul 2009Microsoft profits fall by a thirdMicrosoft profits decline amidst falling PC sales
- 24 Jul 2009FSA betrays financial services customersWhich? slams financial regulator over inherited estates used to cover mis-selling costs
- 24 Jul 2009Hoover launches washing machines for big loadsHoover has unveiled two new high capacity washing machines, the 10kg Dynamic 10 Wash and the Dynamic 10 Steam.
- 24 Jul 2009Health MOTs are a concern, says Which?Private health checks or ‘MOTs’ can be poor value for money and could even be bad for people’s health, according to an investigation by Which?
- 24 Jul 2009Candy launches combined oven and dishwasherThe Trios cram a six place setting dishwasher, 39 litre oven and ceramic (£££) or gas (£££) hob into the 60cm space of a freestanding cooker. Although the oven is A-rated for energy efficiency, the dishwasher only manages a B rating.
- 23 Jul 2009Water bills to go down over the next five yearsHouseholds will benefit from a £14 fall in average water bills to £330 before inflation over the next five years.
- 23 Jul 2009Skoda prices new Yeti SUVSkoda Yeti prices and spec revealed. Which? takes a closer look at the new Skoda Yeti SUV crossover - including details of price and specification.
- 23 Jul 2009Two thirds of equity release advisers fail testWhich? investigation reveals poor equity release advice from IFAs and equity release specialists
- 23 Jul 2009Fujifilm lines up five new digital camerasFujifilm has announced five new digital cameras: the S200EXR superzoom, the Finepix J30, the Finepix A170, the Finepix Z35 and the Finepix F70EXR
- 23 Jul 2009Candy unveils 'U-See' oven with LED lightsCandy has unveiled its first 'U-See' oven – a cooker that uses white LED lights to help users keep a close eye on the cooking process without opening the door.
- 22 Jul 2009Water saving devices could save homes £225 a yearInstalling water saving measures could help cut UK household carbon emissions by 30% and potentially make utility bill savings of around £225 a year, according to a new report.
- 22 Jul 2009Mini introduces cheapest model yetMini First is the cheapest new Mini. Which? takes a first look at the new entry-level Mini First, the cheapest Mini in the range.
- 22 Jul 2009Marks and Spencer vouchers to reward recyclingMarks and Spencer and Oxfam have teamed up offer M&S vouchers to shoppers who recycle old curtains, bed linen or soft furnishings bought from the department store.
- 22 Jul 2009Fujifilm develops compact 3D digital cameraThe Fujifilm Finepix Real 3D W1 is expected to launch in the UK this September
- 22 Jul 2009Olympus launches four compact digital camerasOlympus has announced three new affordable FE digital cameras and a new addition to the mju series: the 7010
- 21 Jul 2009Peugeot launches eco-friendly 207Peugeot launches a 99g/km version of the 207, the 207 Economique in a bid to win even more low-emissions car sales.
- 21 Jul 2009Hot car deals, 21 July 2009Which? examines some of the more unusual ways of saving money on a car. If you're buying new Skoda will pay the VAT on Fabia, Roomster and Octavias. There are also great deals on unregistered and pre-registered VW Tiguans and Vauxhall Agilas
- 21 Jul 2009British Gas customers to control heating via textBritish Gas is to trial a new 'smart saving' system, which allows British Gas customers to control their home's heating and energy remotely - including adjusting heating controls and turning off appliances by text message or online.
- 21 Jul 2009New homes have too many problems, says OFTPeople buying new-build homes are still facing too many glitches and need somewhere to turn to, says a government watchdog.
- 21 Jul 2009Philips unveils electric toothbrush for kidsPhilips has launched its first powered toothbrush for children - the Philips Sonicare For Kids.
- 20 Jul 2009Conservatives would scrap the FSAThe Conservatives have announced plans to abolish the Financial Services Authority and give more power to the Bank of England.
- 20 Jul 2009Insurance fraud costs an extra £44 a yearThe cost of fraudulent insurance claims is estimated to have reached £5.2 million a day, and the cost is being passed on to consumers.
- 18 Jul 2009Beko launches four new 'A+' rated washing machinesBeko has unveiled four new machines, each with a 50 minute quick programme cycle and claiming low energy use.
- 17 Jul 2009New Audi A5 Sportback is practical coupéAudi A5 Sportback revealed. Which? takes a closer look at the new Audi A5 Sportback - a practical five-door coupé.
- 17 Jul 2009Beko unveils new built-in oven and hob rangeBeko has launched a new range of built-in ovens and hobs, including seven new 'A' rated ovens starting at £169.99.
- 17 Jul 2009Honda and Toyota announce new hybrid carsToyota and Honda have this week confirmed plans to build new hybrid models. Honda has designs on producing the first hybrid sports car, the CR-Z, while Toyota has announced the new Auris hybrid will be built here in the UK.
- 17 Jul 2009BT hikes call charges for second time this yearBT is upping its standard daytime call rates from 4.5p per minute to 5.25p per minute from 1 October 2009.
- 17 Jul 2009Olympus announces the mju Tough-6010Olympus has launched the latest model in its mju Tough digital camera range, the 6010: a camera designed to withstand tough weather conditions
- 17 Jul 2009Supermarkets cut plastic bag use by 48%Major supermarkets including Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Waitrose have cut the number of plastic bags they give away by 48%, although they were aiming for 50%.
- 16 Jul 2009Sharp launches full LED backlight HDTVsSharp has unveiled its latest LE600 and LE700 ranges of HDTVs that feature LED backlighting.
- 16 Jul 2009Hot car deals, 16 July 2009Whether you're looking for a massive saving on a luxury saloon or a van, Which? has the answer. We've also found the stylish VW Passat CC for less. Don't miss our money saving deals
- 16 Jul 2009Middle-aged motorists 'more likely' to drink-driveMiddle-aged motorists are more likely to drink drive than 17-24 year olds, an RAC report has found.
- 16 Jul 2009Free summer health checks for all carsIf you've decided not to take advantage of the government's scrappage scheme for cars and still have an old banger to contend with this summer, how about a free vehicle health check?
- 16 Jul 2009Peugeot RCZ Coupé gets green lightPeugeot has confirmed the production version of its striking new RCZ sports coupé will debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.
- 16 Jul 2009Microsoft Windows 7 pre-orders zoom on AmazonMicrosoft’s new operating system, Windows 7, for laptop and desktop PCs is available for pre-order.
- 16 Jul 2009Virgin to trial 10Mbps broadband upload speedsVirgin Media plans to pilot a range of broadband upload speeds of up to 10Mbps, according to an announcement the broadband company made today.
- 15 Jul 2009O2 launches pre-paid debit cardsMobile phone company O2 to capitalise on growth of mobile phone banking sector by launching prepaid debit card range
- 15 Jul 2009Samsung introduces three new camcordersSamsung has launched three new camcorders: the HMX-U10, a pocket HD device; and the SMX-K40 and SMX-K44, two standard definition upscaling camcorders
- 15 Jul 2009Microsoft Office 2010 to hit the webMicrosoft is set to release its Office 2010 software free on the internet next year.
- 14 Jul 2009Hot Car Deals, 14 July 2009Latest car deals and bargains from Which?. Save £6,000 off a Mazda RX-8 and get more than £10,000 off a Saab 9-3 SportWagon.
- 14 Jul 2009Zipcar to launch new 'car club' app for iPhoneThe world’s biggest car club is to launch a new app that lets members find, reserve and unlock hire cars with their iPhone.
- 14 Jul 2009'Millions' of drivers ripped off by dodgy garagesMillions of motorists reckon they have been ripped off at garages, according to a new survey.
- 14 Jul 2009Audi A4 goes greenNew Audi A4 TDIe gains start-stop technology to improve fuel economy and reduce CO2, saloon, news, new car, model, environmentally friendly
- 14 Jul 2009Virgin Media launches Living, MTV and FX in HDVirgin Media has announced the launch of four new HD channels. The move sees the cable TV provider expand its current high-definition offering beyond carrying the BBC HD service.
- 14 Jul 2009Mortgage fraud on the rise say lendersMortgage applicants using fraud to get round tighter lending rules
- 14 Jul 2009Sony launches two Sony Walkman MP3 playersSony has launched two entry-level walkman MP3 players: the slim, video playing E Series and the ultra-compact B series
- 14 Jul 2009Channel 4 and Facebook launch TV sharing siteChannel 4 has launched Test Tube Telly - an online service that lets Facebook friends watch, discuss, rate and recommend their favourite TV programmes.
- 14 Jul 2009Samsung introduces PL70, PL55 and ES17 camerasSamsung has launched three new entry-level digital cameras: the PL70 with HD video mode, the PL55 and the basic ES17
- 13 Jul 2009Green energy 'cashback' scheme launchedHouseholds that generate green energy through wind, solar or water power will be rewarded in a new government scheme that pays homes to contribute green electricity to the National Grid.
- 13 Jul 2009Asda to trial detergent refills in green bidAsda is to trial a new self-dispensing refill scheme that enables customers to reuse and refill pouches of concentrated fabric conditioner in its stores.
- 13 Jul 2009Egg launches £12-fee cashback credit cardNew Egg cashback credit card suitable for big spenders who pay their credit card bill in full each month
- 11 Jul 2009VW launches efficient new Golf 1.6 TDI Volkswagen has increased the eco credentials of its Golf range with the addition of three versions of a new 1.6 TDI engine, including a frugal BlueMotion model.
- 10 Jul 2009All-new Jaguar XJ unveiledJaguar has revealed its brand new XJ flagship, which combines high-technology with a much more modern appearance.
- 10 Jul 2009Bugatti toaster and kettle coming to John LewisA toaster and kettle designed by premium Italian brand Casa Bugatti are coming to John Lewis as part of its Christmas line up.
- 10 Jul 2009Which? says replace FSA's Miles with consumer repVacant position on FSA board offers opportunity for greater consumer voice at the financial watchdog
- 10 Jul 2009Hot car deals, 10 July 2009We reveal sizzling summer deals on everything from the well-equipped Hyundai Coupé to Jaguar's luxurious X-Type .
- 09 Jul 2009Petrol and diesel back below £1 a litreSupermarket giant Asda has slashed the cost of its petrol and diesel to 99.9p per litre, saying there is ‘little justification’ for charging more than £1 at the pumps.
- 09 Jul 2009Clamping firms 'breaking the law'Clamping companies who charge sky-high fees for the release of cars are breaking the law, according to the RAC.
- 09 Jul 2009Ocado first online supermarket with iPhone AppThe Apple iPhone has got its first UK online supermarket application, in the form of the free shopping app from Ocado.
- 09 Jul 2009Rubbish drivers 'should get penalty points'Drivers who sling litter from their car should be fined and given a penalty point on their licence, campaigners urged today.
- 09 Jul 2009UK's largest wind turbine trial yields poor resultThe largest field test of domestic wind turbines in the UK has found that fewer locations are suitable for home installed wind turbines than previously predicted - with urban wind turbines performing the worst.
- 09 Jul 2009LG LH2000 TV is greener than Sony's Eco WE5Which? researchers have seen a dramatic decrease in TV power consumption in 2009, with LG and Samsung models leading the field
- 09 Jul 2009Mobile maps show variation in regional 3G coverageMobile networks O2 and Vodafone appear to have the UK's least extensive 3G mobile signal coverage, according to new maps of UK 3G mobile coverage from mobile phone watchdog Ofcom.
- 08 Jul 2009Google Chrome OS takes on WindowsGoogle has announced a new computer operating system (OS) based on its Chrome web browser.
- 08 Jul 2009Sony unveils 'best ever' HD Handycam Sony has launched two new HD camcorders - the Handycam HDR-CX520VE and 505VE - that it claims have the world's first 3-way shake-cancelling Optical SteadyShot feature.
- 08 Jul 2009British Gas 'free gas' offer dubbed misleadingA British Gas advert offering free gas for a year has been dubbed 'misleading' by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
- 08 Jul 2009Major coffee chain goes underWell-known coffee house chain Coffee Republic has become the latest victim of the economic climate after calling in the administrators
- 08 Jul 2009TalkTalk hangs up on Phorm agreementInternet tracking technology company Phorm has announced that TalkTalk broadband had pulled the plug on its agreement with the firm.
- 08 Jul 2009Record haul of Best Buy TVs in latest Which? testPanasonic and Sony earn seven new Which? Best Buy TVs in the latest Which? tests
- 07 Jul 2009Local independent shops need more support Two-thirds of Brits think local independent shops need more support than ever, new research reveals today
- 07 Jul 2009Scrappage scheme eases decline in new car salesThe scrappage incentive scheme is helping to slow the decline in new vehicle sales, according to official figures.
- 07 Jul 2009Council tax may rise if recycling targets missedA survey has revealed that nearly a fifth of councillors report a 'high' or 'very high risk' of council tax bills rising in 2020 because recycling targets would not be met, as a new campaign is launched to double plastics recycling rates.
- 07 Jul 2009Hot car deals, 7 July 2009It's all about the mid-size saloon cars in today’s deals round-up...
- 07 Jul 2009Palm Pre to launch exclusively on O2The Palm Pre mobile phone will launch before Christmas in the UK, exclusively on O2
- 06 Jul 2009John Lewis scoops award for customer serviceJohn Lewis has topped a customer poll that also finds the UK has the best customer service in the world
- 06 Jul 2009Eon lowers gas prices by 3.3%Eon has reduced its gas prices by 3.3% and will no longer impose a standing charge on prepayment gas meter customers.
- 06 Jul 2009Users report iPhone 3GS 'faults'Apple iPhone 3GS users are reporting that their iPhones have been overheating, leading in some cases to discolouration of the rear panel of white iPhones.
- 05 Jul 2009BMW reveals details of new X1BMW has announced the details and pricing for its newest 'off-road' model - the X1. It will be available with diesel power only in the UK.
- 05 Jul 2009New 3.15% savings rate from Alliance and LeicesterAlliance and Leicester launches competitive online savings account offering 3.15% AER interest
- 04 Jul 2009Revised Mazda MX-5The 2009 model year Mazda MX-5 has hit the showrooms, celebrating the sportscar’s 20th anniversary with a series of small but significant updates.
- 04 Jul 2009Two in three gardeners want eco helpThe majority of British gardeners would like a more eco-friendly garden - but many want extra help to implement environmentally friendly gardening measures like composting and green recycling, according to a new survey.
- 03 Jul 2009Npower shushes MP over constituent compensationA Derbyshire MP was asked by energy giant Npower to treat a goodwill payment it made to one of his constituents 'in commercial confidence', after he contacted the energy supplier on their behalf.
- 02 Jul 2009Hot car deals, 2 July 2009Great deals on two sensible second-hand cars: Toyota Avensis Tourer and saloon and a Volvo S40, plus the chance to lease a new Nissan GT-R supercar
- 02 Jul 2009Renault World Series special editionsRenault Clio and Mégane World Series special editions. Which? takes a closer look at the new extra-value Renault Clio and Mégane World Series special edition models.
- 02 Jul 2009Crackdown on rogue traders announcedCracking down on persistent rogue traders is one of the measures announced in the government’s consumer white paper today.
- 02 Jul 2009Which? welcomes credit card cheque banGovernment white paper must give real benefits for consumers in debt
- 02 Jul 2009More MPs demand consumer representation at FSA More than 60 MPs have signed a parliamentary motion supporting consumer representation on the financial regulators' board
- 02 Jul 2009More innocent consumers accused of file sharing Consumers threatened with fines for alleged downloading
- 01 Jul 2009Free energy saving light bulb mailouts to endThe government has announced that the handing out free energy saving light bulbs will be phased out by the end of 2009, in order to focus on 'whole house' green makeovers.
- 01 Jul 2009Cheaper mobile roaming data for Vodafone customersHaving abolished European roaming call and text charges for customers who opt into its 'Passport' scheme this summer, Vodafone says it has now reduced and simplified charges for mobile internet access.
- 01 Jul 2009AgfaPhoto details cheap, rugged DC-600uw cameraAgfaPhoto has announced the DC-600uw: a waterproof and dust proof camera designed for outdoor events
- 01 Jul 2009Interim regulation for sale and rent back begins Which? Money News: interim regulation of controversial home sale-and-rent-back schemes begins but full regulation will take another year.
- 01 Jul 2009Online payment system debuts for Apple iPhone 3GSBuy goods online using a virtual wallet on your iPhone
- 01 Jul 2009Overhaul of compensation scheme's pricing systemThe Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, Paul Tucker, has proposed changes to the funding of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, including upfront funding and risk-based levies.
- 01 Jul 2009Lloyds launches 'balance on demand' text updatesLloydsTSB's range of mobile banking services boosted by launch of on-demand text
