A few days ago, giffgaff ("the mobile network run by you") celebrated it's first birthday. It launched (in beta) on 25th November 2009. On the 25th November this year, giffgaff sent out an email titled "Happy Birthday giffgaff" which had a few interesting things in it that impressed me, so I thought I'd share.

Save Money by Changing Goodybag/PAYG

You might think that because giffgaff is so cheap, that they might like to make money from people being on "the wrong tarrif" as many networks do. Not so. In the email from giffgaff, I was given a summary of my texts and calls, along with some info on how I could save:

You're currently are on the £10 goodybag – looking at how you use your mobile, you might be better just on our standard pricing (4p/text and 8p/min).

The email shows that I would actually only be paying around £4/month if I didn't buy the goodybag! This might change when the free internet ends in February, but for now, it seems like a no-brainer.

£5 Free Sims Without Sharing Address

Something I criticised giffgaff for a few months back was that to qualify for the free £5 credit when you join, you must be referred by another member. However, there was no way for a member to refer you without you giving them your address. giffgaff have addressed this, and members now have a custom URL that allows the new member to enter their address directly into the giffgaff website, but the both members will still get £5!

Note: If you sign up directly at giffgaff.com, nobody will get the free £5, so make sure you use someone's affiliate link!

It's taken a while, but the first iPhone app I've worked on was recently approved by Apple! It's the Official NewcastleGateshead City Guide, available on the app store for £1.19 :-)

I can't say Objective-C ranks high on my list of easiest languages to code in, but having another language/framework under the belt always useful, especially when it comes to mobile platforms!

If you do check it out, honest feedback/ratings would be appreciated :-)