18th January 2026 - Listener Questions and Gadget Reviews on LBC

Fevzi Turkalp, the Gadget Detective, joins Clive Bull on LBC to talk tech and answer listener questions. On the show; With talk of a social media ban for under 16s, why are they proposing it and how would it be implemented?Listener questions include- How often should you charge a power bank?- What is the best headset to use for dictating via AI?- What is the difference between 3,4, and 5g?- Is Starlink more advanced than other broadband providers?- What to do if a mobile phone isn't of the quality you need or require- Is Duck Duck Go's browser worthwhile using?- What are the best programs or devices for those with sight issues?- How can you convert 8mm and VHS footage to digital?- Converting footage on an SD card to another video formatGadget of the Week goes to;Soundcore'S Work AI Voice Recorder. Around the size of a pound coin, this microphone clips on to clothes, sticks magnetically to the back of your phone, or comes with a cord, with a built in battery offering around 8 hours' recording, or 32 hours with a supplied clip on case. This uses AI to transcribe your conversations to text, differentiating between speakers, and can also translate. With 300 minutes of free transcription a month or a subscription model for those needing more, this could be ideal for those needing to keep a lot of notes from conversations.Elgato's Video Capture. This gadget sits between your 8mm or VHS player and your PC or laptop and converts your footage to digital formats for easy storage or sharing. An excellent way to preserve your precious memories.R0DE's SmartLav+ Smartphone Lavalier Microphone. Fitted with a standard 3.5mm TRRS plug, this clip on microphone is ideal for those requiring high quality audio, such as podcasters or film makers. Supplied with a foam pop shield for extra clarity and a Kevlar reinforced 4ft cable, this microphone is also compatible with R0DE's free iOS and Android Reporter App. Ideal for those looking for high quality recordings whether at home, in the studio, or on the go.R0DE's AI-Micro Ultra Compact Duel Channel Audio Interface. This compact USB interface offers high quality audio recording whether connected to your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android or more. Compatible with virtually any microphone fitted with a 3.5mm plug, and with a headphone out socket, too, this supports USB-A, USB-C and Lightning cables. Ideal for those wanting excellent sound quality from their recordings.You can follow and contact the Gadget Detective on X @gadgetdetective and BlueSky @gadgetdetective.com#Fevzi#Turkalp#Gadget#Detective#Tech#Technology#News#Reviews#Help#Advice#Clive#Bull#LBC#Radio#Social#Media#Ban#Under#16#UK#Government#Online#Harm#Addiction#Power#Bank#Charge#Anker#ChatGPT#Gemini#Perplexity#Claud#Mobile#Network#3g#4g#5g#Starlink#Broadband#Elon#Musk#Consumer#Rights#Duck#DuckDuck#Browser#Blind#Vision#Sight#Partially#Sighted#Jaws#Apple#iPhone#Google#Android#Accessibility#Windows#Mac#Convert#8mm#VHS#Digital#SD#Card#GadgetoftheWeek#Elgato#Video#Convertor#Soundcore#Work#Microphone#Transcribe#Translate#R0DE#SmartLav#Lavalier#Clip#Smartphone#Micro#Ultra#Duel#Channel#Audio#Interface#Lightning#USB#Headphone