Waking up to a scam is nothing new these days however getting up this morning I had several messages from followers regarding a Viber scam then yet I go the message myself and also a DHL scam which is something to take more interest in as it leads you to a website imitating DHL to give a payment of sorts.
The DHL one begins with an sms looking for a small fee to get your item delivered. DHL will not ask you for this information and if there is any issues with a package they will call you,they have a system in place anyway for dealing with transactions. This site is only trying to get steal your information which looks legit and some might be caught out here given the small amount they seek
The Viber group message going around is to join a group but leads you to a sex site but you are offered the chance to block or open the link so use your head and just block it and pass it on also if you have any of your kids on the app I would advise you to check their phone or block the number in question.
One of the fastest growing segments within the $64 Bn wearable technology industry will be medical wearables, which will grow to $19.7 Billion in 2024, according to IDTechEx Research.
Healthcare Sensor Innovations 2020, hosted in San Jose on March 17-18, identifies and assesses the opportunities for printed and flexible electronics in healthcare as the technology enables a new wave of medical wearable devices.
Presenting on healthcare sensor innovations, IDTechEx, hosts of the event, are delighted to announce the keynote presentations will be from Medtronic, GE Research, Starkey Hearing Technologies, Google and Maxim Integrated.
The event explores how new form factors of electronics have unleashed medical device companies from mostly rigid electronics to be able to offer more comfortable flexible and even stretchable wearable sensor platforms, such as electronic skin patches that can provide continuous monitoring. By enabling this capability, printed electronics wins. The opportunity for electronic skin patches, including case studies and results from medical and commercial activities, will be covered by presentations from NextFlex, Lief Therapeutics, Berkeley Sensor & Actuator Center and Blue Spark Technologies.
The event features presentations and exhibits from organizations leveraging advanced materials – printed or otherwise – which are being used to create new capabilities of biosensors to enable point of care sensors.
Organizations presenting on new sensors designed for healthcare include Parker Hannifin, Hexoskin, Imec, Melexis, Hitronics, Reveal Biosensors and many others.
“Printed electronics is demonstrating its broad applicability in healthcare,” states Raghu Das, CEO of IDTechEx. “From being used to create flexible and stretchable electrodes, to creating flexible batteries and a broad range of bio sensors, healthcare sensors present a high growth opportunity for printed electronics with sustainable margins.”
Healthcare Sensor Innovations 2020 is strategically held in San Jose, California, because healthcare organizations have been establishing a presence in silicon valley as the two worlds of life sciences and electronics intersect, creating solutions to solve huge challenges and create opportunities in point-of-care sensors and continuous monitoring.
From medical device companies and pharmaceuticals to sensor and electronics companies: meet the leaders in the world of sensor innovations for healthcare. Learn more at www.HealthcareSensorInnovations.com/USA.
Smart Home specialist Somfy has revealed that some of the most basic security measures are not being met by UK residents, leaving their homes extremely vulnerable to opportunist burglars.
The research – carried out among 2,008 UK adults through a Censuswide survey* – revealed that, on average, 1 in 4 never lock their front door when they go out, despite nearly 1 in 5 (17%) having experienced a burglary, and 1 in 3 of those having been burgled more than once. Alarmingly, 4% of people never lock anything when they go out.
The survey also revealed the most security-conscious regions, the UK’s riskiest and safest areas as perceived by residents, as well as how neighbours would react if they witnessed a burglary. Highlights include:
Londoners are the least security-conscious with home security – An overwhelming 33% never lock their front door when they go out and 48% never lock their back door, despite it being the riskiest region for burglaries – double the UK average. The South West is the most responsible region with (83%) locking their front doors when leaving the house.
Glasgow had the highest rate of have-a-go heroes with 23% saying they would confront a burglar if they saw a neighbour’s house being burgled –On average, 17% of those across the UK would confront a burglar at a neighbour’s house, with one citing they would ‘use a baseball bat’ to intimidate the intruder, exposing themselves to danger as well as potential legal issues.
The majority (83%) would call the police if they witnessed a neighbourhood burglary – However, some 3% would do absolutely nothing if they witnessed a burglary in a nearby house, with one even stating, “it would depend on which neighbour’s house it was,” as to whether they would help.
The South West has the most proactive neighbours – Only 1% of residents wouldn’t take any form of action when witnessing a break-in. The North East had the highest percentage of neighbours who would turn a blind eye, with 6% saying they wouldn’t do anything.
Only 60% of those living in Greater London feel safe, followed closely by those living in the City of London with 63% –The North West was also cited as an area where some residents felt vulnerable, with only 58% of Liverpudlians saying they felt safe, as well as only 64% of Mancunians. The North East closely followed with only 2 in 3 feeling safe (68%).
The South West and Scotland are considered the safest area to live by locals, with the majority (80%) feeling totally safe in their neighbourhood – Bristol (79%) and Plymouth (84%) rank amongst the top three safest cities, but Edinburgh was crowned as the safest city overall, with an overwhelming 88% agreeing that they feel safe and secure where they live.
Commenting on the findings, Steven Montgomery, Managing Director of Somfy UK and Ireland, said: “We were extremely surprised that people aren’t being more vigilant when it comes to home security, especially given some have had first-hand experience of burglaries. We were also shocked that there wasn’t a correlation between the areas perceived unsafe and the efforts people made with security – if you don’t feel safe, you should at the very least lock your doors.”
Of those surveyed, 58% of UK residents have adopted Smart Home products, with the most common being outdoor lighting (40%), followed by Smart cameras (25%), Smart alarms (19%) and finally, Smart locks (15%). More than half (53%) of those using Smart Home security products said they feel safer as a direct result.
Steven added: “It was also interesting that nearly half of UK residents don’t have any form of Smart Home security. The biggest advantage of including smart home devices and security features is that they can prevent break-ins from occurring altogether. Burglars generally look for easy targets and unprotected homes. If they sense that you have a modern security system, most burglars won’t even bother targeting your property.”
When asked what people perceived as the best Smart Home security products on the market, external security cameras came out on top with 30%, followed by Smart alarms (20%), Smart locks (10%) and finally, internal security cameras and Smart lighting both at 9%.
*The research was conducted by Censuswide, with 2,008 respondents aged 16+ in GB between 13.12.19 – 17.12.19. The survey was conducted from a random sample of UK adults. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.
The light commercial vehicle market is at the dawn of a revolution; the future is electric. The main discourse around on-road vehicle electrification has been primarily focused on environmental concerns about the automotive sector’s contribution to climate change and the damaging effect on human health of exhaust pollutants. For businesses keen to address the environmental impact of their vehicle fleets a degree of altruism has always been required. In the electric light commercial vehicle market, this is about to change. In the near future, the main motivation for businesses to transition to eLCV will not be environmental but economic.
To help companies plan for the changes in this market, the newly launched IDTechEx report “Electric Vans 2020-2030” provides a detailed ten-year outlook for the uptake of electric light commercial vehicles across key regions; China, Europe, North America and the rest of the world, outlining eLCV production, penetration, market revenue and battery requirement. This report will be of value to companies across the automotive industry including OEMs, battery manufacturers, electric drivetrain parts and systems suppliers, materials and research organisations, charging infrastructure developers, government agencies and companies with significant LCV fleets.
Left: Forecast eLCV share of total global LCV market revenue Source: IDTechEx “Electric Vans 2020-2030” Right: The first versions of Arrival’s Electric van. Source: Arrival
The light commercial vehicle market is uniquely positioned to rapidly transition to electric vehicles. LCV operators primarily base their purchase decisions on total cost of ownership calculations, and whilst the upfront cost of electric LCVs is currently greater than for a equivalent diesel model, the significant operational cost saving from using electricity as a fuel, in replacement of diesel, is increasingly being shown to offset the initial price difference.
Over the next decade, as battery pack prices decrease, electric drivetrain efficiencies improve and significant economy of scale savings are realised on the cost of electric components and vehicle manufacturing, it will become a competitive advantage for companies to operate electric vans as they will offer the lowest cost solution. The addition of road charges for diesel vehicles in low emission zones within urban centres will swing the TCO balance heavily in favour of electric LCV.
IDTechEx believe the next few years will see companies conducting large scale pilot projects to establish that eLCVs meet their operational range, load capacity, payload and reliability requirements. Once demonstrable evidence is there that eLCVs can meet the operational requirements without increased cost, then the widespread replacement of ageing diesel LCVs with eLCV will begin in earnest. For more information please visit www.IDTechEx.com/eVans.
To find out more about Electric Vehicle research available from IDTechEx visit www.IDTechEx.com/research/EV or to connect with others on this topic, IDTechEx is hosting: Electric Vehicle Materials, 13 – 14 May 2020, Estrel Convention Center, Berlin, Germany www.ElectricVehiclesEurope.Tech.
Poetic cases are a know brand when it comes to phone protection and more and they have a huge range of of products to pick from and they also come in a wide array of colours which is nice from a choice perspective. Poetic cover all major brands when it comes to protection for your smartphone tablet and now Apple watch, Yes protection for the Apple watch is a thing folks…
Poetic has sent us their top three cases for the iPhone 11 which offer ultimate protection for the device which has a nasty price to replace either front or rear, Two of these cases have a screen protector built in too for maximum protection and these work fine though some might feel this extra layer will effect the touch performance which it does not as you will see in the video below/
The AFFINITY CASE offers all the protection you need with the following included.
MILITARY GRADE DROP TESTED [MIL-STD 810G – 516.6] Apple IPHONE 11 Rugged Lightweight Clear Bumper – Protects your Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max from all angles. Shockproof/Drop-proof/Impact resistant/Scratch-proof.
SAFE SCREEN PROTECTION – Extra raised lips and corners of the front hard frame provide super protection from drops, keep your screen safe.
HONEYCOMB PATTERN FROST BACK DESIGN – The raised ridges include a frost matte finished against any scratch, concave area has honeycomb pattern crystal clear to show off your device.
IMPACT RESISTANT BUMPER WITH INNER BUFFER ZONE – Inner Buffer Zone is designed for tough shock absorption and aids against accidental drops, bumps, and scratches for improved protection
The REVOLUTION CASE is a two part case with screen protection included and not only that you get a kickstand built in which does not require you to remove your device to consume media with it placed on its side. Again all the features are there.
MILITARY GRADE DROP TESTED [MIL-STD 810G – 516.6] APPLE iPhone 11 RUGGED CASE – Protects your Apple iPhone 11 from all angles. Shockproof/Drop-proof/Import resistant/Scratch-proof.
SAFE SCREEN PROTECTION – Extra raised lips and corners of the front hard frame provide super protection from drops, keep your screen safe.
HEAVY DUTY SHOCK-PROOF MATERIAL – Composed of premium polycarbonate and shock absorbing TPU bumper for drop protection.
BUILT-IN-SCREEN PROTECTOR – Front polycarbonate casing with a 3D Curved built-in screen protector adds a layer of protection without affecting screen responsiveness.
And finally the GUARDIAN CASE is again a two part case again offering the protection you need with everything covered.. Check out the video below for a more detailed look at the cases and check out POETIC CASES for their full range of products at a great price.
The UX Design Institute doubled revenues in 2019 as student numbers increased two-fold in the same period.
The company recorded revenues of €2.67 million in a year that saw steady growth in the UK, Germany, Switzerland and South Africa. 73 per cent of students enrolled in its Professional Diploma in UX Design course are now from outside Ireland.
The Irish company, set up by UX design veteran Colman Walsh in 2013, is based in Dublin and last year made 10 new hires. This year it plans to increase employee numbers further by expanding its product and marketing teams.
UX Picture Conor McCabe Photography
“2019 was a great year for the company,” says Colman Walsh., CEO and founder of the UX Design Institute. “The business grew significantly. We’re expanding into new markets and most importantly we are getting great feedback from graduates who are starting new careers as UX professionals.
“Behind all of this is a surge in demand for UX skills right across the globe. Good design is now a top priority for many companies. But there aren’t enough qualified designers to meet the demand. Our courses look to solve that, to bridge the skills gap and to offer people a more fulfilling career while doing it.”
Recent research from the Institute in conjunction with recruitment company Morgan McKinley highlighted a threefold increase in UX design jobs in the past 5 years in Ireland.
By 2024, it is estimated that the tech industry in EMEA will need 580,000 UX designers in order to keep pace with the growth of software development. The market is estimated to be worth €1.5 billion by next year.
UX Picture Conor McCabe Photography
User experience (UX) design helps organisations make better quality digital products. According to LinkedIn, UX design features among the top hard skills companies need most in 2020.
The UX Design Institute’s Professional Diploma in UX Design is the world’s only university credit-rated online UX course. It runs over 6 months and graduates see it as a vital step in developing their UX skills and boosting their employability.
DxO, one of the most innovative companies in the photography and image editing industry, is continuing to improve upon Nik Collection 2, the famous plugin suite for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and Elements. After adding ten new iconic black-and-white films to Silver Efex Pro 2, DxO has added five new types of classic colour films to Color Efex Pro 4 and re-designed Nik Collection to be compatible with the latest version of Affinity Photo.
Color Efex Pro 4: Unlimited Creativity With Colour
Color Efex Pro 4 is the creative colour plugin in Nik Collection 2 by DxO. With its 55 exclusive filters, users can stylize their images whilst also giving them a unique feel and appearance. All Color Efex Pro 4 filters, which cover everything from chromatic contrast, ambiances, toning, polarization, and even vignetting, feature not only a number of different presets but also multiple variations. Users have an unlimited number of creative possibilities. Advanced users will also enjoy using Color Efex Pro 4’s customization options to adjust colour, contrast, brightness, shadows, reflections, and more. Plus, thanks to the plugin’s built-in U POINT™ technology, applying a filter to a specific area has never been simpler!
Agfa, Fuji, And Lomography: Three Iconic Brands
Nik Collection 2.5 by DxO has added five new film types simulating colour films that have left their mark on the history of analog photography: AGFA PRECISA CT 100; FUJIFILM FP-100C, INSTAX, and FUJICHROME PROVIA 400X; and LOMOGRAPHY REDSCALE 100.
Each film has been carefully selected for its chromatic intensity and fine grain. The reversal film AGFA PRECISA CT 100 was picked for its iconic neutral effect and deep blues, which makes it the perfect choice for landscape photography. The instant film FUJIFILM FP-100C was chosen for its ability to accurately reproduce colours and its rich tonal gradations, which is ideal for any situation involving bright light. The playful instant film FUJIFILM INSTAX offers a colour balance and tonal range that is superior to Polaroid films, resulting in detailed and precise photos. Similarly, the reversal film FUJICHROME PROVIA 400X was selected for its excellent granularity and contrast, radiant colours, and even grey balance, making it an ideal choice for landscape, nature, and portrait photography. Finally, the more exotic LOMOGRAPHY REDSCALE 100 was tapped for its warm colours, which are popular among Lomography fans.
DxO also wanted to bring back certain films that are no longer in production, including FUJIFILM FP-100C, FUJICHROME PROVIA 400X, and AGFA PRECISA CT 100, which stopped being manufactured between 2005 and 2016. Now, all photographers can experience the emotional impact conveyed by these iconic films once again.
Dan Hughes was entrusted with designing all of the software’s films. Hughes is a lecturer in photography science at the Rochester Institute of Technology, a former Nik Software trainer, and the creator of the 42 “En Vogue” styles included in the Nik Collection 2 by DxO.
Compatibility With Affinity Photo 1.8
In order to guarantee the best possible user experience, Nik Collection 2.5 by DxO was optimized to be fully compatible with Affinity Photo 1.8, the latest update of the graphics editor for Mac and PC developed by Serif. Affinity Photo pairs perfectly with Adobe Photoshop and offers a powerful RAW processing workflow as well as layer and creative tool management, including panoramic photo assembly, HDR photo creation, and deep-etching and correction tools.
“Full compatibility between Affinity Photo and Nik Collection by DxO is one of features our customers ask for the most,” says Ashley Hewson, Managing Director at Serif. “By combining the versatility of Affinity Photo with the in-depth features available in Nik Collection 2, we are proud to offer photographers new creative possibilities to help them produce exceptional results.”
Price & Availability:
The Nik Collection 2.5 by DxO (PC and Mac) is now available for download on the DxO website (http://shop.dxo.com/en) for £125 (£69 for existing Nik Collection 2018 by DxO users). Users who purchased Nik Collection 2 by DxO may upgrade their software for free.
FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) today announces the launch of “instax mini 11” (mini 11) a stylish renewal of the popular mini model. It is the latest addition to the “instax” series of instant cameras, allowing users to enjoy on-the-spot photo printing.
The “instax” series of instant cameras, launched in 1998, now offers a wide variety of models that cater to diverse user needs in over 100 countries worldwide including Japan, Europe, Americas, China and Southeast Asia. The popular instax range has fans worldwide, especially those who love being able to print and share a precious moment immediatley!
The new mini 11 is the first entry model to feature the “Automatic Exposure” function, in which the camera automatically senses the level of ambient light when the shutter button is pressed, and optimises the flash output according to the condition. Another feature that makes taking instax photos even easier than ever is the Selfie Mode, which is ideal for selfie kings and queens!
The body of the camera has had fresh, revamped look. In addition to it being thinner and lighter than the previous model, the mini 11 sports a rounded body design that fits perfectly in users’ hands! The mini 11 is available in five pale tone colours – Blush Pink, Sky Blue, Charcoal Gray, Ice White and Lilac Purple. The camera also comes with two replaceable accessories for the shutter button to style the button’s looks according to users’ preference.
The new instax mini 11 is available from Fujifilm stockists nationwide at an RRP €80 (prices may vary by retailer).
Austrian-based mobile phone and telecoms brand emporia has appointed Effective Distribution Ltd (EDL) in Ireland for distribution of all its retiree-focused handsets.
European mobile phone brand for retirees is now available to Irish retailers
The new distribution deal follows the leading European mobile phone brand’s expansion into the UK and Ireland markets at the start of 2020; bringing total number of operating countries for emporia to 32.
Chris Millington
Chris Millington, the UK and Ireland MD of emporia says: “This is an exciting time for emporia – we have ambitious goals in Ireland for this year to reach Irish seniors, and partnerships like this are crucial to our success and growth.”
“We’re proud to partner with EDL in the Irish market as they fully understand our audience and brand proposition, and I’m looking forward to a long-term partnership with Damian and the team. EDL are extremely credible in the retail channels and completely align with our strategy. They have the experience to expand our distribution territory and help drive sales for emporia in this key market. Their leading position will enable a greater number of retailers in Ireland to stock our range of corded and cordless phones, feature phones and smartphones, bringing connectivity and simplicity to retirees across the country,” adds Millington.
The new distribution partnership is effective immediately and will see emporia’s devices and phones now available to retailers in Ireland.
Damian Grant, MD of EDL says: “Being the distributor for emporia in Ireland is an honour. We’re delighted to be working with a brand with such heritage, popularity, and specialism in the retiree demographic. The range of telecoms products make a great addition to our expanding electrical products portfolio. We look forward to building emporia’s presence with retailers and customers in Ireland.”
