Month: September 2020

Google announces the Pixel 4a 5G Pixel 5 New Chromecast and Nest Audio. #LaunchNiteIn #Google

Google this evening streamed their latest event which was fast and to the point dropping some more tech goodness to the fore including new handsets which might look familiar on the outside but have changed under the hood. Also dropped was their new Nest Audio which is a larger version of their previous iterations and an all new Chromecast with Google TV so there is something for everyone here and if you have bought into the Google Eco System you will find something here of value.

Pixel 4a 5g and Pixel 5

These are their new devices which both sport 5G. The 4a has been well received and has been my daily driver since it launched, The 4a 5G comes with more power with a 3800mAh battery and ultra wide lens and an edge to edge OLED 6.24 inch display, the wide lens was one thing many people where giving out about with the 4a and now this has been addressed, You also get a 12.2MP rear camera and an 8MP front facing camera but we get no wireless charging here. The device will cost €490.89 and is now available to pre-order

The Pixel 5 is the one that has my interest though, A metal unibody, 6 inch FHD OLDED display more RAM same camera set-up and chipset the 765G this has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging which is really cool so you can charge your Pixel Buds on the go with the 4000 mAh powerpack inside the Pixel 5 and this comes in two colours unlike the 4a which is Just Black you get the option to buy Sorta Sage here which would be my preference of the two. You can pre- order this now for €618.71

To top things off if you order either device you get a free pair of BOSE headphones but this is a limited offer so you will need to be quick, again these devices are on the small side and there is no XL variant this year but I and typically use to using the bigger device but have been using the 4a now some time and have found it fine bar typing sometimes so the trade off is not bad having a less bulky device in your pocket. There is also cases now available to order too for both devices and as always I advise you pick one up..

Google Nest Audio

If you are a fan of their smart speakers this one is something to check out offering 50% more Bass which for me is a win and any Bass fan and even louder claiming 75% more volume plus it has a bigger footprint over the Nest Mini and that cloth like finish this allows more tech to be packed inside giving the user an enhanced experience. This is also now available to pre-order for just €99 and is aimed at music fans and of course you can connect to pre existing google homes in your house or better again get two of these for some real oomph in your home. Read more on their blog HERE

Google TV and Chromecast

A new look and style and updated this is ideal for the home or those on the go, I do bring my existing chromecast with me when travelling and it is a must have you have 400k plus titles to pick from and a Google Assistant built into the remote to do more things in the home as well as search what is on, This is also now available on the waiting list for just €69.99 You can see more on the blog HERE

New DHL email scam to beware of. #DHL #Logistics #Scam #Phishing

Back in February this year there was a DHL scam doing the rounds via SMS which by no means is nothing new, However since then we have increased our online shopping due to the pandemic and this gives scammers a target to work on in some shape or form and it is not the last we will see of this either.

This time around the scam is via email and if you are a DHL customer or familiar with their emails you will see their email does not look like a typical email from DHL. On clicking the link seen in image 2 then image three all you need to do is look at the URL on top to see that this is a scam and just looking to get money from you by entering your credit card details, in short a phishing attempt for an apparent small fee., So as usual if you get an email like this just delete it and move along and let them keep trying..

We have contacted DHL and they have said “Hi Jim, thanks for your message and many thanks for sharing this with us. Our IT security team are aware of this matter. Many thanks.”

Microsoft Ireland launches virtual DreamSpace Digital Education Programme. #RTE #STEAM #DreamSpace

Microsoft Ireland today launched its virtual DreamSpace Digital Education Programme. Developed over the Summer by Microsoft’s education team, the programme will support schools and teachers to engage students in critical digital skills learning whilst current restrictions preclude students from visiting the DreamSpace hub located at Microsoft’s campus in Leopardstown, Dublin.

Amongst the new suite of supports is the option for schools to participate in a Virtual DreamSpace experience. Designed by the Microsoft education team, tailored experiences are available to primary and post-primary students who wish to get a glimpse into the world of technology. Engaging two schools per day in this digital experience, each session is two hours long and learning experiences include a virtual tour of Microsoft, exploration of AI, STEM activities focused on 21st century skills and coding. The experiences are tailored to the participating school’s own resources.

Additionally, Microsoft has created DreamSpace TV to bring students, whilst at school or at home, on a STEAM learning journey focused on computational thinking, creativity and problem-solving. The lessons, which are aimed at 4th to 6th class students in primary schools, will go live every Tuesday over the next ten weeks. Subsequent episodes, which will support both primary and post-primary students, will follow in January 2021. The first DreamSpace TV episode will go live at 10am on Tuesday 29th of September and, as Microsoft has partnered with RTÉjr to extend the reach of the lessons to as many teachers and students as possible, the episodes will be available to view at www.aka.ms/DreamSpaceTV and www.rte.ie/learn.

 

Microsoft has also developed DreamSpace Teacher, which empowers teachers to deliver their own DreamSpace experience in the classroom or by way of independent learning modules for students. Each DreamSpace Teacher package contains a structured scheme of work, as well as classroom resources that include tutorial videos, worksheets, challenge activities and extension activities, enabling each student to work at their own pace.

Speaking today, Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland said: “We’re delighted to launch our virtual DreamSpace Digital Education Programme, a suite of supports for schools, teachers and of course students to enjoy over the coming academic year. Our DreamSpace experience is extremely popular and since launching in 2018 it has engaged over 40,000 students in tailored STEAM experiences, opening their minds to a new way of learning and the possibility that technology holds for them in their future careers.

 “With schools back open, we can continue to connect with and engage schools, teachers and students across the country through a number of exciting and immersive STEAM education programmes. In its virtual form, our DreamSpace experience will once again bring STEAM education alive and DreamSpace TV will enable even more students to engage in and learn through STEAM experiences. It’s testament to the quality of the TV series created that we have teamed up with RTÉjr to extend the weekly lessons to their online audience.”

The new DreamSpace learning and teaching supports build on the success of DreamSpace HomeSpace, a dedicated online resource that was launched in March of this year as schools closed due to the pandemic. DreamSpace HomeSpace enabled young people to engage in STEAM from home via free webinars. Additionally, Microsoft provided free remote learning resources and support to teachers, parents and students to support learning at home and remote teaching.

The announcement today comes as Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) confirmed last week funding for a project by Maynooth University and Microsoft Ireland to understand the impact of the DreamSpace HomeSpace series that ran earlier this year. In addition to providing a repository of STEAM education resources that can be used to support the STEAM education of all Irish families, the project will also serve to explore the impact that home-schooling has had on families and understand how DreamSpace HomeSpace encourages students to learn STEAM subjects. The funding also ensures the continuance of STEAM education by way of DreamSpace TV.

For more information about the new DreamSpace education resources, log onto www.microsoft.com/dreamspace.

Nokia signs 5G deal to become BT’s largest infrastructure partner. #Nokia #5G #BT

Nokia today announced that it has extended its long-term strategic relationship with BT into the 5G arena, following its selection as a 5G RAN vendor for the UK operator. As part of the deal, which will make Nokia BT’s largest equipment provider, Nokia will provide equipment and services at BT radio sites across the UK, helping to evolve BT’s radio access network to 5G and supporting its goal of maintaining the UK’s best network.

BT’s Nokia-powered network, which currently includes Greater London, the Midlands and rural locations, will be extended to also cover multiple other towns and cities across the United Kingdom( Aberdeen, Bournemouth, Brighton, Cambridge, Carlisle, Cheltenham-Gloucester, Chesterfield, Dundee, Exeter, Grimsby, Hull, Ipswich, Lincoln, Newbury, Northampton, Norwich, Peterborough, Plymouth, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent, Swindon, Torbay, York). This enhanced Nokia footprint will support BT’s commitments to the UK government around the use of High Risk Vendors (HRVs) in UK network infrastructure.

Nokia will supply its AirScale Single RAN (S-RAN) portfolio for both indoor and outdoor coverage, including 5G RAN, AirScale base stations and Nokia AirScale radio access products. These solutions will enable BT to build on its existing network leadership in the UK  to deliver connectivity and capacity benefits to consumers at ultra-low latencies as well as reducing complexity and increasing cost efficiencies. The deal will also see Nokia optimize BT’s 2G and 4G networks and work alongside BT on the development of the OpenRAN ecosystem.

As part of BT’s network transformation, the operator will also utilize Nokia Software’s ng-SDM and NetAct network management platform, supporting the network evolution to 5G. These build upon the existing network architecture and provide an immediate cornerstone and single platform for new 5G-based services. Nokia will also provide its state-of-the-art Cell Site Gateway product providing key backhaul connectivity.

 

Nokia will also provide digital design and deployment for a faster time to market as well as optimization and technical support services.

Philip Jansen, CEO, BT Group said: “Digital connectivity is critical to the UK’s economic future, creating jobs and underpinning sustainable growth. That’s why BT is making game-changing investments in full fibre and 5G. In a fast-moving and competitive market, it’s critical we make the right technology choices. With this next stage of our successful relationship with Nokia we will continue to lead the rollout of fixed and mobile networks to deliver stand-out experiences for customers.”

Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO, Nokia, said: “I am delighted that BT has extended its partnership with Nokia on 5G RAN, making Nokia BT’s largest infrastructure partner. Our two companies have collaborated for over a quarter of a century in order to deliver best-in-class connectivity to people across the United Kingdom. We are proud to support BT’s 5G network evolution and look forward to working even more closely together in the years to come.”

Review – Lost universe accessories to brighten up the room or studio. #LostUniverse #Tech

Lost universe recently launched in the UK which offers tech and gaming gadgets to people and at good prices they recently sent us two to check out and they are a PS4 controller light and the ON AIR neon sign which can brighten things up in the house of if you have a little studio.

ON AIR NEON WALL SIGN..

You can transform any room into your very own recording studio with this Neon on Air Wall Sign.

When switched on this wall light will glow bright red which could indicate that you do not want to be disturbed. It is also a great way to decoate a make-shift recording room.

Add some character to your room with this stunning wall light that will illuminate your room. This would also make the perfect gift for anyone aiming to be a studio owner or radio host.

BUY

Sony Playstation DS4 Controller Icon Desk Light

This icon light is a scaled-down version of a PlayStation 4 DualShock (DS4) controller. Designed with details that stay true to the famous PlayStation hand-held device which is known and loved around the world. The light is decorated with the triangle, circle, square and X symbols plus the PlayStation logo on the stand which when pressed illuminates the controller with bright white light. A great piece of gaming memorabilia, it makes the perfect gift for any PlayStation fan or gamer. Powered by 2x AAA batteries (not included) so you can place the light anywhere in your home, gaming den or brighten up your desk at the office.

BUY

Lost universe sent us these to review with no compensation,influence or pre approval of my thoughts.

 

 

5G Myths and Facts – But is It Really Worth It?

The 2002 movie Minority Report may have been too futuristic but that scene of a holographic person exhibiting sufficient knowledge of the purchasing history of a customer gave the world a preview of the 5G network. As if that’s not enough, the 2008 movie Wall-E showcased the technology’s capability to allow consumers to virtually try on clothing and see how they look in it without actually wearing the items. These movies offered a snippet of how the 5G wireless technology could change the world once it is fully rolled out.

While 5G technology started to take off in 2019, and is live in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, its impact has yet to be felt worldwide. The full impact of 5G will soon be felt in Malta after Melita applied for a license to put the fifth generation technology into trial phase, with the use of existing frequencies. With this, Malta is now one of the very first countries in Europe that can boast of the 5G network.

The 5G technology is said to be the next decade’s most important investment. But like most novelties the technology has been widely feared and criticised for a variety of reasons. Concerns about its radiation effect has led to a halt in 5G testing in Belgium.  Countries like Switzerland are also monitoring the possible negative effects from the use of such technology. But are these myths and facts about 5G real?

Myths and Facts about 5G

 

5G is a health hazard

There are sectors that have criticised the use of 5G as a health risk considering that it works through radio frequencies. This belief is not entirely impossible considering that the World Health Organization raised the possible carcinogenic effects of cellphone radiation to humans. But others argued that even pickled food and diesel fuel are considered carcinogenic too. Others fear that 5G can lead to the death of human cells, stunt brain formation and function, and cause infertility.

While the raging debate on whether or not 5G is harmful to humans remains unsettled, the technology seemed to have earned the approval of Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai. His proposal to establish a $9-million 5G fund is expected to pave the way for network connectivity in the United States countryside.

5G can be used for surveillance and espionage

There is no arguing that the 5G network will be widely scrutinised in the United States and in the United Kingdom due to security concerns. After all, at least two of the nine companies that provide the 5G infrastructure, are either owned in part of in whole, or have close ties with the Chinese government. These are Huawei and ZTE. The other providers are Qualcomm, Samsung, Nokia, Ericsson, Datang Telecome/Fiberhome, Cisco Systems and Altiostar.

There are fears that the information that flows through 5G technology could somehow be tapped by a foreign agency. However, the same argument can be made against 4G which is now being used worldwide, although 5G’s potential is more far-reaching. As the world becomes totally connected, it becomes more vulnerable to cyber attack or even espionage.

 

 

Such criticisms, however, disregarded the real reasons why 5G technology is needed. Among these reasons are the need for massive connectivity and higher mobility to respond to the requirements of various sectors including public safety, agriculture, manufacturing and transportation.

5G was responsible for the spread of Covid-19

The claim that 5G led to the spread of the pandemic might be absurd but you can blame it on conspiracy theories concocted by fertile minds. Such theory has been attributed to British physicist Dr. Barrie Trower, who is considered a Microwave Weapons Expert. He claims that 5G is responsible for weakened immune systems. Not too many people believed him then, until COVID-19 became a global health hazard.

Trower’s theory has been debunked by some sectors who claimed that COVID-19 is present even in countries without the 5G service such as Iran. In contrast, South Korea which is a trailblazer when it comes to the 5G technology, has successfully contained the health crisis. Scientists argued that COVID-19 could not be transmitted through 5G as it is passed on through respiratory droplets.

Regardless of how people perceive the 5G technology, it is something that has already started and has proven its worth in specific industries. More people have realised the importance of being connected especially now that almost every country has imposed a lockdown due to COVID-19. More people have become dependent on connectivity to make things work.

Ericsson has projected that at least 1.5 billion people will be using 5G by 2024. On the other hand, Ovum Consultancy reported that a third of mobile connections in North America will be running on 5G in the next three years.

The race to building smart communities is on, and the 5G technology is expected to play an important role in fulfilling that goal. Just like every technology, 5G has its advantages and disadvantages. And for sure, people will be taking advantage of this new technology, either with good or bad intentions, But seeing how it could revolutionise medicine, agriculture and manufacturing, 5G could be well worth the risks.

Is CompTIA Network+ Certification Beneficial? Find out If You Should Earn It

For all professions, there are things that employees are expected to meet. And this includes benchmarks like exams and certifications. But in industries like IT, a badge may not be necessarily a prerequisite for getting employment.  http://www.examcollection.biz 

However, it definitely is going to determine how you’ll be perceived by your potential boss or fellow employees. So, is the CompTIA Network+ certification beneficial? Indeed, if you possess this credential, the significant potential to grow in your career is obvious. Besides, numerous professions now require testing & troubleshooting of networks and ensuring the security of computer systems, which why such a credential is a must. So, when presented with an option to pursue a rewarding career in networking, would you go for it? We bet you would because you’d like to prove your seriousness by investing in something that rewards you handsomely. https://www.examsnap.com/n10-007-dumps.html  But how does the Network+ badge benefit you? 

 

 

How Network+ Certification Is Beneficial?

CompTIA credentials are taken seriously by leading industries in the world. And since standing out from the crowd is your desire, then you should earn one. Here’s what you gain by earning the Network+ badge:

  • More opportunities to grow your education

The Network+ isn’t valid forever and needs renewing every three-year period. As you update and maintain with the CompTIA CE program, you’ll be advancing your skills. Moreover,>>>>>> there are courses which also form part of the requirements for the certification renewal. This means that you’ll remain informed in your industry and be aware of emerging issues. And this is how you stay valuable to your organization or employer!

  • Reinforcement of your resume

Those individuals responsible for hiring in organizations prefer applicants with the Network+ credential. 

https://www.examsnap.com/comptia-network-plus-certification-dumps.html   

Therefore, if this badge appears on your resume, the chances that a hiring manager will consider you over other applicants will be high. The positions you should consider applying for include a computer technician, network technician, network analyst, IS consultant, network administrator, and network support specialist.

  • Enhancement of your credibility in your profession

When you own the Network+ badge, it implies that you have credible skills. And since every profession demands credibility,

 https://www.examsnap.com/comptia-security-plus-certification-dumps.html 

your certification will show that you’re noteworthy. Undoubtedly, it’s a way to prove that you’re knowledgeable in networking concepts and skills and are proficient enough to solve any problems arising in the networks. Other specialists and your peers can also see your commitment to your profession as you pursue excellence.

  • Rewarding salary

When you’re committed to something, you’ll reap the proceeding benefits in terms of being employed and earning rewarding pay. 

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The report from PayScale.com on the salary for the CompTIA Network+ specialistssays that their average income is $65,958 per year. 

Conclusion

A committed specialist who goes for the CompTIA Network+ certification shows their interest to improve their position. And with 9-12 months of experience recommended for this badge, It’s going to be beneficial to you.  

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 So, for growth, rewarding job title, and salary you’d better be seeking this certification!

Senior phone brand responds to tech struggles of lockdown for UK and Ireland retirees emporia’s industry-first Training Book is focus of new campaign. #emporia #Tech

emporia, the Austrian-based retiree phone brand, that launched in the UK and Ireland at the start of the year, has made its ground-breaking Training Book the focus of its latest advertising campaign. emporia has found that its Training Book is the breakthrough enabler to help older users to become confident using a smartphone and stay digitally connected.

 

The 135 page simple to navigate Training Book has been developed for those who have not previously used a smartphone, or for existing owners, to build their confidence and get the most out of the experience. It allows them at their own pace to understand what a smartphone is and how to use it. Topics include Wi-Fi and bluetooth and how to connect to them, through to how to make a voice, WhatsApp or video call. It also explains basics which many already familiar with technology take for granted, such as how to swipe and use a screen, download and use apps or Google maps.

 

 

The demand for the Training Book is driven by two factors; that 76% of those aged over 66 do not use a smartphone so have little experience of its capabilities. And secondly, even if a person has a smartphone, following retirement, device use drops from over three hours a day to around 15 minutes. The less people use it, the less they will use its functionality leading to forgetting how to make full use of the device or basic feature handling. The Training Book not only introduces people to how they can make the most of a smartphone, because it is paper based, but it also acts as a reference to go back to if users become unsure or forget how to do certain activities. Most importantly, they can do this independently without help.

 

Feedback from consumers since the launch in January has been incredible, including a 94 year old lady who has never owned a smartphone before and used the Training Book to get herself connected and happily using the device daily.

 

Drawing on its 29 years experience in the sector, emporia hired an expert trainer to develop and write the Training Book. Over a two year period, hundreds of interviews and group feedback sessions took place to ensure the content, layout and exercises cover all the areas a first-time smartphone user may need help with.

 

Chris Millington

 

Chris Millington, managing director of emporia UK and Ireland said: “At emporia our philosophy is ‘simple is the new smart’ and we apply that approach to everything we do. We are passionate about the retiree market and we know that this Training Book will transform the way phone users in this audience segment will connect digitally. Our customers want to independently build their knowledge and boost confidence around using a smartphone and our Training Book ticks all those boxes.

 

“The online campaign has been developed to generate significant traffic to emporia’s growing range of retail partners, including several key, new retail relationships which will be announced soon.

 

“The COVID situation reinforces the ongoing challenges faced with getting the older generation digitally connected. To help with isolation, we saw relatives giving a parent or grandparent an old smartphone or even a new one to Facetime or WhatsApp, but they did not continue using them because they are complex for this audience and rely on someone to teach and remind them how to use it. The combination of an emporia simple-to-use smartphone and the Training Book addresses these issues and ensures that retirees independently master the technology and remain digitally connected to their friends, family and the wider world.”

 

For more information on emporia’s products, please visit: www.emporiatelecom.co.uk

Equinix Collaborates with Nokia for Global IoT Platform and Edge Enablement. #Nokia #WING #IoT #Equinix

Equinix, Inc. the world’s digital infrastructure company, today announced it has been selected as a strategic supplier for Nokia’s Worldwide IoT Network Grid (WING) managed service, in a collaboration to bring next-generation edge architectures and services to market. WING allows operators without an IoT footprint to gain fast entry to the IoT market or to help operators expand an existing IoT business.

Nokia is leveraging Equinix IBX data centres to deploy both core and edge nodes to support mobile, IoT and cloud connectivity at global scale. With Platform Equinix®, Nokia WING is able to support markets across the globe in areas such as IoT data traffic and device density, as well as local regulatory environments (such as GDPR). Nokia is leveraging Equinix’s global data centre footprint to enable the efficient collection from, and distribution across, multiple networks and clouds. Additionally, Nokia and Equinix are exploring edge architectures and deployment models that can improve the performance of use cases relating to cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning and IoT.

 

 

The globally anticipated proliferation of data will increase demand for localised data collection and analysis across cities and countries. Faster, lower latency infrastructures—like that brought to market by Equinix and Nokia—provide the required gigabit speed and the ability to connect and collect data from billions of IoT devices. With this solution, Nokia is helping mobile network operators extract valuable insights to evolve their business performance. Nokia is working with Equinix to roll out WING deployments quickly and efficiently for its customers across regions.

Key Facts

  • Nokia is a world leader in digital technologies with a portfolio of products and services that enable new ways of connecting people, things and services instantly and effortlessly. Nokia WING enables operators to provide one worldwide IoT network grid across borders and technologies. It provides worldwide Infrastructure as a Service for low-latency and global reach to accelerate the deployment of IoT. It is a “one-stop-shop” for IoT managed services that includes a pre-integrated global IoT core network and connectivity management, as well as dedicated IoT operations, billing, security and data analytics, along with an application ecosystem.
  • Equinix is a leading global data center provider that delivers consistently high-quality service around the globe and access to all the major clouds, NSPs and ecosystem players across 55+ major metros worldwide.
  • Platform Equinix provides access to nearly 10,000 businesses around the world in rich vertical ecosystems, including more than 1,800 networks, 2,900 cloud and IT service providers and 3,000 enterprises. This supports Nokia WING’s focus on providing access to nine vertical markets (connected car, healthcare, logistics and transport, smart cities, utilities, connected agriculture, connected retail, smart home and building, connected industry). Today, Equinix operates more than 210 IBX® data centers in 55+ markets, providing customers with even more ways to connect with other businesses around the world on Platform Equinix.

Quotes:

  • Ankur Bhan, Head of WING, Nokia

“Nokia WING offers a superior IoT service experience for operators through global network presence, unified orchestration and consistent service level agreements. This deal will support our efforts to manage IoT-related data analysis on a global basis.”

  • Jim Poole, VP, Equinix

“Nokia needed access to multiple markets and ecosystems to connect to NSPs and enterprises who want a play in the IoT space. By directly connecting to Nokia WING, mobile network operators can capture business value across IoT, AI and security, with a connectivity strategy to support business transformation.”