Month: July 2020

Expleo announces role in cross-border StopCovid NI app. #Expleo #StopCovidNI

Expleo, the technology partner for innovative companies, today announces details of its role in the launch of the StopCOVID NI contact tracing app, built to have interoperability with the COVID Tracker app deployed in the Republic of Ireland. Expleo carried out extensive quality testing on the app, the world’s first cross-border tracker device aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19.

The StopCOVID NI app was built using the same technology and design as the Republic of Ireland’s COVID Tracker app, which Expleo’s quality assurance team was also heavily involved in. For the Northern Ireland app, Expleo’s team carried out more than 1,000 hours of testing and was responsible for ensuring that it was user-friendly, reliable and capable of sending and receiving anonymised data to and from both the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland versions of the app. As a result, users will be notified if they have had close sustained contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, regardless of which application they are using.

Expleo’s expert team carried out multiple processes and strategies to ensure that a user’s surroundings did not negatively impact the performance of the app. Testing was also carried out on public transport to ensure that users only received notifications when appropriate.

Quality tests included:

  • Performance testing – Expleo’s quality assurance and quality engineering teams carried out load testing on the app to ensure that large volumes of people could download it at the same time without causing it to crash.
  • Exposure Notification Distance Testing – As devices have varying Bluetooth signal strengths, Expleo tested varying attenuation values to maximise compliance with requirements.
  • Database Validation – Testers ensured that users’ anonymised data, gathered from downloads and registrations, was populated in the database without interfering with the anonymised data of other users.
  • Graphical user interface (GUI) testing – Expleo tested the look and feel of the app, ensuring user-friendly navigation; the correct and reliable function of buttons; and that all content and text matched requirements.

Dan West, Chief Digital Information Officer for the Department of Health, Northern Ireland said: “The StopCOVID NI app is an essential next step to successfully reopening Northern Ireland. The fact that this application can operate in conjunction with the COVID Tracker app in the Republic of Ireland offers even more protection – particularly for those living in the border regions.

“With consideration for GDPR and privacy concerns, there was obviously a stringent set of requirements for both these apps. Expleo’s knowledge and expertise ensured that both applications were completed in compliance with all regulations.”

Scott Armstrong, Director, Expleo, said: “COVID-19 has caused havoc for people and communities across the island of Ireland. After our involvement in the successful launch of the Republic of Ireland app, we are honoured to have the opportunity to use our extensive experience in software testing and quality assurance to also support Northern Ireland’s fight against coronavirus.”

“We have been very pleased to see such high volumes of people downloading the Republic of Ireland’s version and we hope that the app will be similarly embraced in Northern Ireland so that we can all work together to stem the spread of COVID-19.”

To find out more about the StopCOVID NI app check out www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/new-mobile-app-stopcovid-ni.

New Augmented Reality Game Lets Players Buy and Sell Real World Properties. #AR #LandlordGo #Property #Gaming

Walking down the street you notice something has changed. You take out your phone hastily, to check the available properties around you. Yes! There they are! New shares and you’re the first one to get them. You don’t think twice, cause you know you must have them! It’s not the first time when on your way to work you come across such valuable finds. We’re all part of this virtual map. With more than 3 billion mobile devices on the planet today, trillions of data trails are left behind unused. Now you can enjoy this mixture of digital and real world in the Landlord GO game. 

Landlord Go is a brand new game by Reality – that leverages these digital “footprints” in a fun and exciting way, allowing players to buy, sell, and collect rent on some of the world’s most famous buildings and landmarks. With over 1 million players worldwide, it’s the first real-world augmented reality game that uses real buildings, real people, and real prices to turn your city into an action-packed strategy game. With more than 14 900 players already making deals for  virtual ownership of the more than 61 500 in Dublin already, there’s no shortage of fierce competition ready for action. 

You walk your neighborhood every day, seeing familiar landscapes and buildings. Now you can view those daily sights in a whole new way by owning a virtual piece of your community. Whether you’re starting small or have grand visions to own the Custom House in Dublin or the Empire State Building in New York City, they’re yours for the taking with Landlord Go. 

Do you have unique knowledge of a part of your city that few others know? That local intel can translate into big profits in Landlord Go. If a new coffee shop is opening in your neighborhood and you think it’s poised to become the next Starbucks, put in a bid for it, and start raking in the rent payments from the crowds lined up outside the door. 

Using a massive pool of data, including detailed information about more than half a billion real world properties, Landlord Go connects the user to their city in an exciting and innovative new way that no other game can offer. 

Players can start small and quickly create a vast real estate empire through savvy investing. Put properties on the market, or engage in furious bidding wars with other players, recreating the experience of competing in the thrilling real estate market right from their phone. 

Landlord Go is incredibly accurate, reflecting real-world values of properties using details like distance from the city center and building amenities. By using our own data set combined with NASA satellite scans showing nighttime light emissions, we’ve created one of the most realistic and data-driven property dealing games ever conceived. 

You can really get the feeling that the level of realism is truly what sets Landlord Go apart. Anytime another player visits your property in real life, they pay you rent in the game. The more visitors your property gets, the higher its value. Using a proprietary AI and data platform called Big Dots, we’re able to add real-world data to any desktop and mobile apps. 

The game is exciting as players see their fortunes grow and engage in sky-high value transactions, competing with other players for dominance in the real estate market. There’s nothing quite like it available today, and nothing that even comes close to the level of accuracy and detail found in Landlord Go. 

Google Play [Download for Android]  or on App Store [Download for iPhone]

Review – The Smile Jamaica Wireless 2. #HouseOfMarley #SmileJamaica #Tech

The Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 are the latest on offer from the company that has the environment in mind which is a good thing and not only that you do no shed features due to materials used nor quality either. We have checked out several of the brands earbuds and recently the REDEMPTION ANC which are a fantastic pair of earbuds if you fancy spending some more for a tradional pair of truw wireless without the cables,these do have a cable but still deliver with everthing you would expect from a pair with none, they look great and stand out with the colour scheme too and I am a fan of this.

When it comes to functions they are all present which again is great,many earbuds that come with inline controls lack in this department but not here, we go through the process in the video review below on what you get. Overal the sound is great,crisp and clear with their signature bass tone too,there is no app but it is not needed, There was no lag latency either noted during my testing period and overall the sound is quite good and better than expected for the price commanded here. If you are in the market for this kind of true wireless these should be on the list .

PRODUCT FEATURES

  • Materials: FSC certified wood and recyclable aluminium
  • 9-hour battery life with USB-C quick charge technology (15 minutes = 2 hours playtime)
  • IPX4 rating for sweat-proof and weather-resistant design.
  • Microphone with 3-button control offers remote functionality for calls and music
  • Tangle-resistant, durable braided cable made of 99% post-consumer plastic fibres.
  • Bluetooth® 5.0
  • Two size ear gels (S, M)
  • Available in three colourways; Copper, Signature Black and Rasta
  • SKU: EM-JE113
  • RRP: £29.99

Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 are available now on www.thehouseofmarley.co.uk, Amazon, HMV and select retailers nationwide.

 

Review – MNML case round up for the iPhone 11. #iPhone #MNML #Tech

Last year we checked out the MNML case range for the google Pixel 4 and these are simple clean cases with no branding and all the cut outs you would expect to find on your typical phone case not obstructing anything. The same applies again here today with the iPhone 11 case nothing has changed and it is a nice clean case to give you some form of protection for your phone, there is no lip around the front of the device so it is still something to keep in mind.

I like to sport a case on my phones and at times like that naked feel these cases are the closest you will get to it if you are a full time fan of no cases but even to have one on going out may save you an expensive repair. Anything iPhone is expensive to fix and this covers all corners and the back including the lens with a bump to go around the frame.

1 / 13

Protect and show off your investment with the iPhone 11 MNML Case.
. Slim, sleek, non-branded case preserves the beautiful look and feel Apple phones are famous for
. Raised bump around back camera provides camera extra protection from scratches
. Special finish prevents fingerprints on the notorious fingerprint-magnet iPhone glass back

BUY HERE

DOUBLE TAKE. First look at the Edifier TWS6 and GM3SE gaming earbuds. #Edifier #Tech #Gaming #TWS6 #GM3SE

Edifier have sent us out their latest gaming earbuds and True Wireless to check out here at techbuzz, The TWS 6 is their latest true wireless on offer and the GM3SE are for the gamers so we have something for everyone here today, We go through the features on offer and you can ask questions whilst we check them out in the next week or two..

The TWS6 

The IPX5 water resistance will protect the earbuds against sweat or rain, making these the perfect partner for a gym workout. The interchangeable earplugs come in three different designs – foam, silica and ear wings – for maximum comfort. Varying sizes of each provide the user with an excellent and stable fit for prolonged and secure wear.

The TWS6 provides up to eight hours of playback in a single charge, and the efficiently designed, 22mm charging case is easily portable. The case allows for three extra charges, totalling 32 hours of use between mains charging.

Buy 

The GM3SE

With a detachable omni-direction microphone and in-line microphone the gaming chat and call quality is excellent. The dual moving coils with dual vibration driver units produce immersive and deep bass whilst gaming or streaming video. The earphones also come complete with arc shaped ear wings for added comfort and stability and ear tips in various sizes for optimum fit. The multi-use inline control allows you to adjust the volume, mute microphone function, answer calls and play / pause and skip audio tracks. *Control functions will vary dependant on operating system.

The GM3SE are manufactured from premium materials and feature a CNC machined cover with coloured accents. A generous 1.3m cable provides enough length to allow freedom of movement when in use. Available at £34.99 the GM3SE are an excellent quality in ear gaming headphone.

Buy –

 

Lumonitor Announces Self-Powered 4K Portable Monitor now on #Kickstarter #Tech #Lumonitor #4K

The founders of Lumonitor have long been present in the audio-visual industry and have contributed to some of the major developments in portable device technology. Now, they’ve come together to launch their own product with the help of backers on the crowdfunding site Kickstarter.

Their new product is called Lumonitor. It’s a portable touchscreen monitor with 4K resolution, hi-fi speakers, and a built-in power source that allows users to operate the monitor much like a stand-alone tablet.

Lumonitor features innovative technology at the cutting-edge of the industry which puts it far and above the options currently on the market.

“Lumonitor stands alone among portable monitors,” commented Annie Lawson, a Lumonitor engineer. “It blurs the lines between monitor and tablet. You can use it with your computer, with your phone, or with nothing but a Fire Stick or USB drive. Lumonitor is packed with premium productivity and entertainment features, and it comes in a smaller package and at a significantly lower price than a tablet.” Lumonitor is accepting backers now on Kickstarter and www.lumonitor.com

Lumonitor hopes to connect with Kickstarter’s base of tech enthusiasts to build a market for their product. While they admit they don’t have the resources to compete with giants like Samsung and Apple, they believe that their superior product will turn enough heads.

Lumonitor is slimmer, lighter, and more powerful than any portable monitor of its kind. The 15-inch screen has 4K Ultra-HD resolution for cinematic visuals. And the built-in hi-fi speakers are louder and clearer than other monitors, making Lumonitor ideal for presentations at work and on-the-go entertainment.

Lumonitor is incredibly easy to use. It is universally compatible with any device or operating system, (including computers, smartphones, and gaming consoles) and it connects instantly without the need for apps or setup.

Users can connect their device by using one of Lumonitor’s many ports: 2x USB, HDMI, Micro-USB, 3.5mm AUX.

The most unique aspect of Lumonitor is its built-in power source, which allows the device to transfer power via HDMI. The company claims that this allows users to unplug and use the monitor like a tablet. By connecting a Chromestick, Fire Stick, Roku, or another digital media player, Lumonitor can be used independently of any other device.

When you choose to use Lumonitor with a phone or laptop, its built-in battery will charge your devices as you work, watch, or play (much like a power bank).

Additional features of Lumonitor include:

– True LED backlighting
– 2x screen brightness compared to other monitors
– PinPoint touchscreen technology for a rapid response rate of <10ms
– Eye protection: anti-glare, anti-blue light, and anti-flicker

Lumonitor is now available for pre-order on Kickstarter. Early backers will have the opportunity to claim perks such as special discounts and bundle offers. Learn more at www.lumonitor.com and become a Lumonitor backer today!

About Lumonitor Labs

Lumonitor Labs is an audio-visual innovator and product development brand. It was founded by engineers and entrepreneurs in the audio-visual field with a background in OEM/ODM monitor manufacturing. The founders no longer wanted to support the labor practices of giant tech companies. They believe that by taking their innovations directly to the people, they can produce superior technology in a more sustainable way.

One way they envision doing this is by launching products with the help of crowdfunding. This allows for the acquisition of capital before the wide release of a product, providing the means to streamline production and pay fair wages.

Lumonitor Labs’ first product is Lumonitor, a 4K touchscreen monitor with a built-in power source. Lumonitor is hoping that its product will find support among tech lovers on Kickstarter and help to create a new business model of sustainable practices within the tech sector.

To support Lumonitor and get a 4K portable monitor for 50% off the retail price, visit. http://lumonitor.com/kickstarter

@ThePeakyBlinder: Mastermind to hit PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC this August.#PeakyBlinders

Curve Digital is excited to reveal that the very first game based on the award-winning Peaky Blinders TV series – Peaky Blinders: Mastermind – will launch across PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC on 20th August.

Peaky Blinders: Mastermind – which can be pre-ordered on Xbox One and Steam for PC from today – is a puzzle-adventure game based on the multi-award-winning TV show, developed by celebrated independent studio FuturLab, in collaboration with the creative and production teams behind Peaky Blinders, the independent production company Caryn Mandabach Productions.

Taking place immediately before the events of the show’s very first season, players will join the Shelby family’s criminal organisation as they discover a sinister plot to put Tommy out of business.

Players must plan and enact strategies by taking direct control of key members of the Shelby family simultaneously over the same timeline, moving characters into position at exactly the right moment in order to navigate challenging scenarios.

To celebrate the announcement, developer FuturLab has produced a brand new trailer featuring the vocal talents of Cillian Murphy, who plays the show’s lead, Tommy Shelby. You can check out that trailer here –

According to James Marsden, Game Director at FuturLab, the game is a creative interpretation of the world the TV show has created.

“It’s been an honour to be trusted with the Peaky Blinders license,” says Marsden. “our team has created a game that reflects the heart of what makes the show compelling: Tommy Shelby’s ability to manipulate friends, family and foes in the pursuit of his master plan.”

In Peaky Blinders: Mastermind, players will be able to freely set and rewind each character’s path in order to tune all of their actions for perfect coordination, tactically utilising characters and stealth to solve increasingly complex puzzles. It’s a bold take on the series that suitably impressed the show’s distributor Endemol Shine.

Anil Mistry, Director of Gaming & ECommerce, ESG said “We are thrilled to be partnering with Curve and FuturLab in making the first official Peaky Blinders game. Futurlab has faithfully re-created the Peaky Blinders’ universe and having Cillian provide the voiceover adds a real sense of authenticity to this game. Hopefully, fans of the show and gamers alike will be excited to get their thinking caps on and enjoy this compelling puzzle adventure like no other.”

In Peaky Blinders: Mastermind players will: –

  • Witness the rise of Tommy Shelby as the true leader of the Peaky Blinders in early 20th century Birmingham
  • Utilise Tommy’s prowess for planning to set up complex scenarios
  • Control Tommy, Arthur, Polly and more on the ground as they pull off mission after mission

Caryn Mandabach Productions’ Jamie Glazebrook, executive producer of all five series of Peaky Blinders, who was involved in reviewing the creative for the game, said “The trailer dropped in my inbox, and I watched it five times in a row. It blew me away. And it’s Peaky Blinders through and through. I can’t wait for players to experience this incredible game“.

FuturLab has collaborated with Feverist, the U.K. art-rock band who were involved in the soundtrack to Peaky Blinders Season 1, to create an original bespoke soundtrack for the game. The single Reveller, from the game’s upcoming soundtrack album, will be revealed tomorrow as will the track The Secret, which features in the reveal trailer.

Peaky Blinders Seasons 1 to 5 are available on Netflix in the UK. The fifth season launched on BBC One in autumn 2019 to its highest ratings yet.

Created and written by Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things, Eastern Promises and Locke), the multi-award-winning BBC One is produced by Peaky Blinders official brand owner Caryn Mandabach Productions and by Endemol Shine Group’s Tiger Aspect Productions.

Endemol Shine Group represents a range of global ancillary rights for Peaky Blinders which is distributed by Endemol Shine International. Peaky Blindershas sold across 189 countries and aird widely on Netflix Internationally including USA.

Peaky Blinders: Mastermind will launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam for PC on 20th August 2020 for $24.99/€24.99/£19.99. You can pre-order the game on Xbox One and Steam for PC with a 20 percent discount for all formats from today. Those who place a pre-order on PC will receive the game’s official soundtrack by Feverist for free.

Black Desert launches crossover content based on Netflix Original Series, Cursed. #Trailer #Netflix

Pearl Abyss and Kakao Games announced today that they are developing in-game content for Black Desert based on the Netflix Original Series, Cursed. Netflix’s Cursed is a ten-episode medieval high fantasy series that premiered on the popular streaming service on July 17, 2020.

More details on the currently in development crossover content will be released soon, but to celebrate the premiere of Cursed and to make sure that everyone can join in the fun once the crossover content is available, Black Desert Online will be free to download starting today from blackdesertonline.com. If Adventurers are able to reach level 50 between July 23rd and August 5th, the game is theirs to keep.

Cursed is a re-imagining of the Arthurian legend, told through the eyes of Nimue, a teenage heroine with a mysterious gift who is destined to become the powerful (and tragic) Lady of the Lake. After her mother’s death, she finds an unexpected partner in Arthur, a young mercenary, in a quest to find Merlin and deliver an ancient sword. Over the course of her journey, Nimue will become a symbol of courage and rebellion against the terrifying Red Paladins, and their complicit King Uther.

The series was adapted by comic book legend Frank Miller and screenwriter Tom Wheeler and stars Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why), Devon Terrell (Barry) and Gustaf Skarsgård (Vikings).

For more information on Netflix’s Cursed, please visit the official page.

Review – The SecureData Bluetooth 16GB Secure USB. #Tech #SecureData

The SecureData 16GB Secure USB is a Hardware Encrypted USB Flash Drive built with strong and sturdy from a physical side to been Encrypted.   The flash drive looks like an ordinary flash drive but is configured via mobile to allow access once plugged into a Laptop. The flash drive also comes with preinstalled Malware Protection as little point backing up corrupted files.  This model is available in 16GB, 32GB, 64 GB and 128 GB, big enough for data in terms of computer backup files, etc. Recently from the company we checked out the secure drive USB key and secure drive ssd drive 

 

Features:

  •         IP57 Certified: Dust and Waterproof (up to 1m)
  •         OS/Host Independent. Works with any device with a powered USB port
  •         Interior Parts Covered in Epoxy – No intact media removal for hackers
  •         Hardware Encryption – AES256-bit XTS
  •         User Authentication w/ Secure Wireless Mobile App w/ Encrypted BT (iOS/Android)
  •         Remote Wipe, 2 Factor Authentication, FaceID/Touch ID Authentication, Password Retrieval
  •         Admin/User Mode, Read-Only Mode, Time Out Auto-Lock
  •         Remote Management Ready – Learn More
  •         Preloaded with DriveSecurity® ESET Antivirus (1 Year License Included)
  •         3 Year Limited Warranty
  •         4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB options

 

 

 

Setup:

The setup is standard, Scan the QR code from the Quickstart guide, install, (Write down the 8 digit code on the silver part of the USB flash drive). Plugin the USB drive and follow the instructions on screen. 

Once installed using the 8 digit code (written down) and the default code is given in the quick start guide the drive is set up. It is recommended to change the default code via the app, and ensure this new code is kept safe away from the actual flash drive. When setting up full access to the 16Gb data is available on the Flash drive with the option to run the antivirus software stored on the drive.

 

 

Note The option to remote wipe if the flash drive is lost or stolen.

 

Conclusion:

Good practice of backing up personal data is important for individuals but for any business, this is critical whether documents, contacts, contracts, correspondence, accounts, and so on. The loss of data can compromise a company leading to lost profit, damage to reputation, and recovery costs. The dilemma is then how to backup, leaving on site opens the opportunity to fire or flood where all the data is lost or stolen. Removing the data off-site is good practice but the potential of loss or theft of the data has many implications and fines through GDPR if in the wrong hands.  The SecureData 16GB Secure USB device is an ideal option with the data encrypted to a high standard with various levels of security to ensure the data is not compromised if lost.

The use of the device would require careful monitoring if given to an employee, as should the employee leave not on the best of terms the pin code may not be provided.  There is No backdoor if the PIN is forgotten the data is permanently erased after 10 consecutive incorrect PIN entry attempts. This is ideal if lost or stolen whereas a challenge if lost by a staff member.

Following on from software “First, if you didn’t go looking for it, don’t install it. Second, if you installed it, update it. Third, if you no longer need it, get rid of it!” and finally if you need it Back it up,  The SecureData 16GB Secure USB is Military Grade AES256 bit encryption which should the worst happen you are covered.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SecureData-SecureUSB-Hardware-Encrypted-Compliant/dp/B07LFNY1CP €105