• Finance expert, Kia Commodore aka Pennies to Pounds, shares her top tips for making sure consumers squeeze as much as they can out of Black Friday offers  
• Research from Virgin Media O2 found only a quarter of Brits (26%) admit to checking the additional benefits and perks they can get when making a purchase  
• Half of shoppers also admitted to spending less time deciding on a purchase during Black Friday 
• O2 is kicking off its Black Friday sale early, with deals and discounts up for grabs from 2nd November  

Ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, finance expert and founder of Pennies to Pounds podcast and blog, Kia Commodore, shares her top tips on how consumers can stretch their money further during the busiest shopping period of the year.    

The tips come as new research from Virgin Media O2 reveals that a staggering 50% of Brits are more likely to impulsively buy items on Black Friday compared to any other time of the year.   

But Brits’ sense of speed and pressure to get the deal before it ends could actually see many missing out on getting the best value from their purchases this Black Friday. Despite almost half (48%) saying they consider value for money over the lifetime of a product, only a quarter (26%) admit to checking the additional benefits and perks they might get with a purchase, instead making a decision solely on price.   

The reminder to consider extra benefits beyond price comes as Brits suggest they are willing to spend the most on tech purchases this year, where additional perks such as added subscriptions offer more bang for their buck. 

In fact, almost two-thirds (65%) of people say they’re actively planning to make a tech purchase this Black Friday with 34% willing to spend over £500 on the items.   

The most sought-after tech purchases this year are set to be smartphones and headphones, with over half (55%) of those surveyed keeping their eyes peeled for the best deal on both.   

Commenting on the pressures of getting the best deal during the sales, Kia Commodore says: “It’s natural to feel pressure to go with the first good deal you see during Black Friday sales. But when you’re investing in new tech in particular, it can be a big financial outlay so you want to make sure you’re not only getting a good price, but value for your money too.  

“So, when considering the purchase of new tech items such as a new phone or TV for example, take a moment to look at what other benefits are available. For example, are you getting access to other experiences or benefits not offered by others? Things like this help make your money go further and you can be sure you’re choosing a good deal that actually delivers value beyond immediate price.” 

For the 70% of those saving their purchases until Black Friday in the hope of nabbing a good deal, these are Kia’s top tips on how to get the most value when it comes to investing in new tech: 

1. Consider the added value you’re getting – Added benefits and exclusive add-ons are often overlooked but will help you get real bang for your buck. For example, O2 offers a range of added perks with its contracts such as Priority from O2 which offers access to a variety of deals and discounts as well as early access to gig tickets. O2 is also the only major UK provider to still offer inclusive EU roaming as standard (up to 25GB). Plus, with their Refresh contracts, you can get an O2 Extra for up to 6 months which offers savings on TV, movies, music, meditation, books or audiobooks. These are real value-adds that can help products stand out from others at a similar price. In fact, USwitch found that those buying a phone on O2 can save £700 for example over the duration of their contract due to the value of the perks on offer. Make sure you’re considering these additional benefits to make your purchase better value. 

1. Understand what you’re buying – People rarely look at the smaller details before making purchases, often due to fear of missing out on the deal. But it’s worth taking the time to understand what you’re actually getting. For example, some mobile providers don’t fully roll down your phone bill once you’ve paid off your handset, so before you commit to a new mobile deal this Black Friday, it’s worth checking that the deal you’re after won’t leave you potentially paying for your phone twice! What is the warranty like? Can I get a split contract? Do I get inclusive roaming? These are some of the questions to consider before you buy to avoid any unwanted extra costs down the line. 

1. Go Green– Before you purchase new tech items, think about what you could do with your old devices, is there a way you can recycle them and even make some money, or could you buy a refurbished device rather than brand new. With O2 Recycle for example, anyone, regardless of their network provider, can trade in an old device and can get money back, with consumers getting £330 on average when they recycle an old iPhone. Plus, the recycled devices are refurbished and sold as Like New, offering a more cost effective and environmentally friendly way of upgrading your phone.  

1. Have a clear budget – It can be really easy to panic buy and unwittingly spend more than intended. Take the time now to decide the top things you would deem “must-buy” as well as a list of any “worth checking out” purchases. This will help you to prioritise and avoid spending more than planned. Write out, or have clear in your head, your goal budget as well as your maximum spending cap so you can keep track and avoid overspending.  

1. Take your time – With so many deals up for grabs it’s easy to feel pressure to buy right then and there, shown by the fact that 50% admit to spending less time deciding to buy a product in Black Friday sales compared to usual. But you do have time. Nowadays deals tend to start appearing from mid-November right up until Black Friday weekend and many even continue in the run up to Christmas. So, take your time to assess what you really need and can afford.  

For those on the lookout for the hottest tech this Black Friday, O2 has already announced its Black Friday deals with discounts available across smartphones, tablets and smart watches. Anyone upgrading or switching to O2 during Black Friday can enjoy the additional benefit of inclusive EU roaming (up to 25GB) as standard on all contracts, as well as access to Priority, which offers exclusive deals, amazing experiences and early access to the hottest gigs across the UK. 

Those buying a smartphone on O2 can opt for a Plus Plan which offers customers additional protection with a three-year warranty and access to O2’s ‘Switch Up’ initiative, where customers can flex their plan and swap their phone when suits them. Switch Up is automatically included in Plus Plans at no extra cost. 

For more information on O2’s latest Black Friday deals, please visit: https://www.o2.co.uk/black-friday-cyber-monday 

ENDS 

The post TikTok money expert shares top tips for getting real value this Black Friday appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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• After research reveals 1 in 3 Brits find it more embarrassing to talk about fraud than their reasons for going to the doctor, Virgin Media O2 has teamed up with actor and documentary maker, Ross Kemp, to launch ‘Crafty Lager 7726’ and kickstart a national conversation about fraud
• The limited-edition beer features top tips which put fraud-fighting advice in consumers’ hands, including an easy reminder of how to report dodgy calls and texts by forwarding them to 7726
• In a bid to get the nation chatting about fraud, members of the public can claim two free cans of Crafty Lager 7726 or a non-alcoholic beer in select pubs across the UK by simply quoting the number ‘7726’ at the bar

15 November 2023: To coincide with International Fraud Awareness Week (12 – 18 November), Virgin Media O2 has teamed up with actor and documentary maker, Ross Kemp, to launch Crafty Lager 7726 – a new limited-edition fraud-fighting beer created to get the nation talking about scams.

The lager, an ode to well-known beer naming conventions, puts fraud advice directly into consumers’ hands in a new and unexpected way as part of the company’s campaign to kick-start a conversation around fraud and help the nation to swerve the scammers.

It launches off the back of new research revealing nearly a quarter (23%) of Brits report falling for a scam, and more than two in five (41%) know someone else who has. Of those who have fallen for a scam, 68% have lost money as a result, with the average loss being £393.

However, the majority of scam victims didn’t tell their family (57%) or friends (67%) about their experience, with three in 10 (30%) Brits finding it more embarrassing to talk about than their reasons for going to the doctor or tripping in public (27%). This is despite more than three quarters (77%) of people believe that having more open conversations could help people stay safe.

To break down the shame barrier, Virgin Media O2 is working to encourage people to start a conversation about fraud, what to look out for and actions to take to remain safe.

The Crafty Lager 7726 label reminds consumers never to share one-time passcodes over the phone, which 44% of people didn’t know. There is also advice on how to report dodgy calls and texts by forwarding them to 7726 – which spells ‘SPAM’ on an alphanumeric phone keypad – on any network.

Virgin Media O2 has also partnered with Proper Pubs, the community wet-led operator division of Admiral Taverns and Off Broadway in London’s Hackney, to make Crafty Lager 7726 available for free for a limited time only in selected pubs across the UK. Members of the public can simply order a ‘7726’ at the bar of a participating pub to get two free beers or a non-alcoholic option for them and a friend – the perfect fraud conversation starter.

Actor and documentary maker, Ross Kemp, famous for his role as publican Grant Mitchell in EastEnders and for Bafta-award winning documentaries, is backing the campaign. He said “I’ve teamed up with Virgin Media O2 in the fight against scammers to launch Crafty Lager 7726 and help put fraud top of the agenda when catching up with mates or family for a drink.

“With these fraudsters continually adapting their tactics, it’s important to keep your guard up. If you receive a call or a text unexpectedly, offering a deal too good to be true and asking for a security code, don’t share it; just hang up – it’s almost certainly a scam.

“The more we talk about fraud the better we become at spotting the signs. So, whether it’s a beer or a brew, whatever your choice of beverage, why not take the chance to have a chat over a drink and break the taboo.”

Rob Orr, Chief Operations Officer at Virgin Media O2 said: “Fraud is now a national epidemic and, with thousands of people falling victim every single day, we are committed to doing all we can to help the UK swerve the scammers.

“Awareness of common scams and tactics can help consumers fight the phoneys, so we are arming Brits with the tips and tools they need to protect themselves. That’s why we’re proud to launch Crafty Lager 7726; which puts top tips on staying safe into consumers’ hands, kickstarting a national conversation.”

“We can all help by reporting dodgy messages and calls to 7726. By taking just a few seconds to forward them on, we can investigate and shut down frauds faster and further improve our blocking technology to stop future scams in their tracks.”

Reporting scam texts and calls helps Virgin Media O2 and other telecoms companies to both block the mobile numbers used by fraudsters and prevent or shut down similar scams faster in future. So far this year, Virgin Media O2 has blocked more than 78 million texts, in part thanks to reports to 7726.

O2’s steps for staying safe from scammers

Alongside the launch of Crafty Lager 7726, Virgin Media O2 has pulled together three simple steps on what to do when called by a scammer or upon receiving a suspicious message:

STOP: If you receive a call out of the blue for someone claiming to be from O2, think about what you’re being asked to do. Does it feel right? Are you being asked for personal data or a code over the phone? If you have any suspicion that you might be speaking to a scammer, the best thing to do is hang up and call us back by dialling 202 from your O2 phone.

SEND to 7726: Worked out you might have spoken to or received a text from a scammer? Don’t just ignore it, take a few seconds to forward on to 7726 so O2 can block the number and shut down similar scams faster in future.

SPEAK OUT: Let your friends and family know about the scam. By telling others, you can help keep them safe and ensure they’re never caught off guard.

For additional fraud advice, as well as the full list of participating pubs, please visit: https://news.virginmediao2.co.uk/fraud/

Notes to Eds

• Alcohol and non-alcoholic option only available to persons aged 18+ (challenge 25). Offer limited to two drinks per pair at participating pubs only, from 15^th – 30^thNov, while stocks last. Drink responsibly.
• The research was conducted by Censuswide with 2007 Nationally Representative UK Consumers between 02.11.23 -06.11.23. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.

The post Virgin Media O2 launches ‘Crafty Lager 7726’ to banish scam-barressment and get people talking about fraud appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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• New Virgin Media customers can enjoy three-months free when they purchase the Bigger Combo + Movies HD package, offering a huge savings starting from £204
• The deal comes as new research reveals nearly half (47%) of Brits start watching festive films as early as the beginning of October
• New customers can also benefit from no setup fee when they purchase a package online, usually £35
• Find more about the offer here

From now (13 November) until 27 November, Virgin Media is offering a three-month free discount on its Bigger Combo + Movies HD package, which includes M250 broadband, Sky Cinema HD and over 200 TV channels so customers can save on their festive entertainment and ultrafast connectivity just in time for Christmas movie season.

New customers who choose the Bigger Combo + Movies HD bundle can enjoy a host of popular movies on Sky Cinema HD as well as over 200 TV channels, free for three months, offering a huge savings starting from £204.

Bigger Combo + Movies HD – selected broadband speed	Available saving
M250	£204
M350	£222
M500	£240
Gig1	£258

 

The offer comes as new research reveals that nearly half (47%) of Brits start watching Christmas films in October, with 2% even admitting they tune into festive films from as early as Easter. So, whenever they get into the festive spirit, Virgin TV customers who bag this bargain can sit back, relax and save on their entertainment.

Offering a huge selection of shows and movies, the Bigger Combo + Movies HD bundle comes with Sky Cinema HD Collection so there’s something from everyone. From the brand-new seasonal movie This Christmas to the latest in the Fantastic Beats series, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, and seasonal entertainment specials from A League of Their Own and Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

Virgin Media O2 customers can get the best of both worlds with Volt:

• New and existing Virgin Media and O2 customers can enjoy access to exclusive Volt benefits simply by being a customer of both brands. Customers can benefit from double mobile data to a double broadband speed boost and inclusive roaming in 75 destinations. Customers can enjoy even more for their money with Volt.
• Customers can also enjoy exclusive perks and experiences via Priority from O2, with cinema tickets, daily treats and even exclusive gigs with the hottest music artists all up for grabs.
• Volt customers also benefit from Virgin Media’s WiFi guarantee included at no extra cost, offering customers minimum broadband download speeds of 30Mbps in every room for even more value and reassurance.

Find offer here

ENDS

Notes to editor: 

Bigger Combo + Movies: M250 Fibre Broadband (average download speed 264Mbps), Maxit TV, Sky Movies HD and Weekend calls. Bigger Combo + Movies now £0 for 3 months then £68* per month. 18-month contract. Standard pricing applies from month 19 (currently £113 per month). £0 set up fee applies Online. Offer ends 27th November 2023. New customers only. Terms apply.

No Set Up fee: customers can benefit from no Set Up fee when they purchase online via Virgin Media’s website (usually £35).

O2 is the only major provider to offer inclusive EU Roaming, up to 25GB, ad no extra cost.

Volt customers can enjoy O2 Inclusive Travel Zone, which includes roaming in 75 worldwide destinations, at no extra cost (usually £6 per day).

The post Super savings: Virgin Media O2 offers three-months free on its Bigger Combo + Movies HD package appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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• Virgin Media O2 is giving new and existing O2 customers the opportunity to enjoy more data for the same price, for up to three months on their contract-free Rolling Plans and Big Bundles. 
• Gift giving has come early for Pay As You Go O2 customers as the mobile provider is offering for up to three month data boost to see them through the festive season. 
• Eligible customers simply need to text ‘MORE’ to 2424 before January 31st 2024 to enjoy extra data on O2. 
• New customers can benefit from the extra data by simply purchasing a Rolling Plan or Big Bundle online or by popping into one of our O2 stores. 
• In addition to the data boost, all O2 customers can enjoy access to Priority from O2, O2 Rewards and inclusive EU Roaming as standard (up to 25GB) – all for no extra cost.

Virgin Media O2 is giving new and existing O2 customers the opportunity to enjoy up to triple their mobile data on selected Rolling Plan and Big Bundle tariffs for up to three months, at no extra cost.   

New customers can simply order and activate their Rolling Plan or Big Bundle, now until 31st January 2024 to receive more data for the same price. Whilst existing customers can opt into the offer by texting ‘MORE’ to 2424 by 31st January 2024, to receive their data boost at no extra cost for up to 3 months.  

The deal is available from now (9th November 2023) until 31st January 2024, perfect for those hoping to get a new smartphone from Santa this festive season.   

More information on O2’s data boost below.  

Rolling Plan data boost: 

Price	£10	£15	£20	£30
Data allowance	10GB	30GB	50GB	150GB
	30GB	60GB	150GB	250GB

 

Big Bundle data boost: 

Price	£10	£15	£20	£30
Data allowance	8GB	25GB	40GB	125GB
	20GB	50GB	120GB	200GB

 

O2 Big Bundle and Rolling Plan customers can also enjoy data rollover which sees any of their unused data automatically rolled over into their next month’s allowance for no extra cost*.  

Alongside the deal, all O2 customers can also benefit from a range of perks including:  

• EU roaming: O2 is the only major UK network to offer inclusive EU roaming as standard, up to 25GB. Customers can enjoy using their airtime at no extra cost while they’re away in Europe. 
• Priority from O2: Virgin Media broadband and O2 customers can benefit from Priority from O2, which offers exclusive deals, discounts and pre-sale ticket access to the hottest gigs in town. 

The post O2 PAYG customers can bag themselves a seasonal data boost for no extra cost appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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• The highly anticipated release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III resulted in Virgin Media O2 seeing its busiest spike on record for network traffic
• On Wednesday 8 November, the day that the new game was available to preload, Virgin Media O2’s broadband network hit 25.1Tbps at peak (8-10pm) – a new record
• The spike was a 22% increase on the peak traffic seen during this last week’s return of Fortnite’s original map

On Wednesday evening, Virgin Media O2 experienced the largest spike ever on its broadband network driven by Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.

On Wednesday 8 November, the day that the latest update in the Call of Duty dynasty was made available for gamers to preload, Virgin Media O2’s broadband network hit 25.1Tbps at peak, a 1.4% increase on the previous record set in February this year.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III’s launch easily surpassed the network spike seen from last week’s return of Fortnite’s original map which peaked at 20.5Tbps, 22% lower than Modern Warfare’s peak.

There is no doubt that the sheer size of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III played a part in driving this new record, with the file size standing at a whopping 234GB. With the game being made available to preload at 5pm, gamers rushed online and caused a record peak for Virgin Media O2’s network in the evening.

Big gaming events such as this one continue to dominate the rankings when it comes to Virgin Media O2’s busiest days of network traffic.

Paul Kells, Director, Network Strategy & Engineering at Virgin Media O2, said: “It has been an exciting couple of weeks for gamers, with the return of Fortnite’s original map and the much-anticipated arrival of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. Both of these events have seen gamers getting online in their droves, with our customers setting two network records in less than a week. We are proud to make these moments possible with our gigabit network, backed up by our market leading Wi-Fi guarantee.”

 

The post Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III drives another record day on the Virgin Media O2 network appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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• Anne-Marie performed to an intimate crowd of just 300 guests in the O2 Blueroom at The O2 on Tuesday 7 November
• She performed songs from her brand-new album ‘Unhealthy’ including Psycho and Unhealthy as well as fan favourites including Rockabye and Baby Don’t Hurt Me
• The gig was exclusively for O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers via a ballot through Priority from O2
• Gig-goers enjoyed free tasty treats courtesy of Greggs to fuel their night

Chart topping singer Anne-Marie performed to an intimate crowd in the O2 Blueroom at The O2 on Tuesday night (7 November), with fans enjoying songs from her latest album before her nationwide tour that starts at the end of November.

The British singer performed to a crowd of only 300 guests exclusively made up of O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers via a ballot courtesy of Priority from O2.

Anne-Marie dazzled gig-goers with fan-favourite tunes including Rockabye and Baby Don’t Hurt Me, as well as songs from her latest album ‘Unhealthy’ such as Psycho and Unhealthy.

Priority also teamed up with Greggs to fuel fans throughout the night with free tasty treats including Sausage Rolls and Vegan Sausage Rolls in the O2 Blueroom. Plus, gig goers got the chance to grab a post-gig slice of pizza from the Greggs Pizza Van outside The O2 on their way home.

Jayd Williams, Head of Music Partnerships and Sponsorship at Virgin Media O2, said:

“What a show and setting to see Anne-Marie perform such an intimate and exclusive show for O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers. Those in attendance witnessed something special and that is what our Priority shows are all about: bringing world famous music artists from the big stage to the small stage.”

Anne-Marie’s intimate show at the O2 Blueroom is Priority’s latest exclusive concert for O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers, following the recent gig with pop icon, Kylie Minogue, who performed at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in September. Previous shows include Sam Fender and Wizkid.

Priority is O2’s way of saying thanks to its customers and is available exclusively to those with an O2 mobile plan or Virgin Media broadband services. In addition to early ticket access to events at The O2, the O2 Academy network and other popular venues across the UK, Priority members can benefit from free bag drop, queue jump, cloakroom services, phone charging, VIP hospitality and discounts on merchandise.

ENDS

The post Anne-Marie amazes fans at intimate 300-person show in the O2 Blueroom at The O2 appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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• Research from Virgin Media O2 finds that almost eight in 10 children would be excited to see a new technology added to a sport they watch, with 41% believing technology will improve sport
• Smart balls with built-in sensors and cameras in footballs are named the technological developments children most want to see added to sport in the future
• Flying cars and devices that fix broken bones are also popular amongst kids aged 10 to 16
• The news comes as Virgin Media O2 partners with Ericsson to provide 5G connectivity for a nationwide tour of the augmented reality (AR) esport, Hado, as part of this year’s Children in Need appeal

New research from Virgin Media O2 reveals the technologies that children want to see added to their favourite sports, with quirky innovations including cameras in footballs and balls with built-in sensors topping the list.  The findings come as the company works with Ericsson to provide 5G connectivity for Children in Need’s augmented reality esport tournament.

Whilst VAR continues to cause havoc in the Premier League, almost eight in 10 children (79%) would be excited to see a new technology added to a sport they watch, according to new research from Virgin Media O2.

The most popular technological developments children want to see include smart balls with built in sensors (31%), cameras in footballs (31%), and virtual reality headsets for fans to see sport through the eyes of their favourite player (27%).

Some of the more creative innovations suggested to improve sports include devices that fix broken bones, flying cars, robot players, and even invisibility cloaks. Despite the current controversy surrounding the use of VAR in football, almost a quarter of children (23%) want to go even further and introduce robot referees.

The research finds that introducing technology to sport would make it more popular among children, with 25% saying they would watch more sports and 24% more likely to play. The sports that would see the biggest uptick in players include football (33%), swimming (15%), and tennis (13%), whilst football (37%), athletics (15%), and basketball (13%) would win more spectators.

Beyond traditional sports, esports are fast becoming popular amongst children. 30% of those surveyed said they have watched esports and 35% have played esports themselves. FIFA was the game of choice for 57% of young people, followed by Fortnite (51%) and Call of Duty (43%).

Virgin Media O2’s research comes as the telecoms company partners with Ericsson to provide 5G connectivity for a nationwide tour of the augmented reality esport, Hado, as part of BBC Children in Need’s Game to Give campaign.

The Hado game is a reinvention of dodgeball, involving players on opposing teams wielding virtual energy blasts and shields on a real-world court thanks to AR headsets and sensors. Teams across the country have faced each other as part of a national tournament to support this year’s BBC Children in Need Game to Give campaign, powered by a 5G standalone mobile private network at venues across the country.

The winning team from the regional tournament will be taking part in a specially commissioned live TV show, Game On! For BBC Children in Need, on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three at 7pm on Friday November 10^th.

Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2 added: “For many years, sport has played a vital role in the health, happiness and development of children across the UK. Today’s children are growing up in the digital world, so it is no surprise to see such an appetite for technological innovations in traditional sports. Incorporating the latest technology can help ensure sports remain popular for many years to come.

“Whatever the future brings, it’s clear that connectivity will be crucial in underpinning new technologies and innovations. With our 5G rollout progressing at pace, we are excited to support this next wave of innovation and support technology to reinvent sports in the future.”

TOP 15 MOST WANTED TECH DEVELOPMENTS IN SPORTS – VOTED BY KIDS

• Smart balls with built in sensors
• Cameras in footballs
• Virtual reality headsets for fans so they can see sport through eyes of their favourite player
• Eco-friendly sports stadiums
• Injury prevention technology so players don’t get injured
• Robot referees
• Advanced safety technology to let coaches know if players are injured
• Virtual fan interactions which let viewers speak to players
• Underwater racing cars
• Exoskeleton suits to make players stronger
• Artificial intelligence (AI) sports commentary
• Swimsuits which have motors on them
• Trampolines in basketball
• Teleportation on golf courses to make the game quicker
• Artificial intelligence (AI) coaches

 

The post From flying cars to robot players: Virgin Media O2 research reveals the technologies children want to see in sports appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog
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