Month: March 2022

AIB and Revolut SMS scam sms purchase

A quick heads up on a new sms scam doing the rounds to keep your eyes open for with AIB and Revolut, in recent times this BANK OF IRELAND scam was popular and here is all the details on that and the identifier is what you need to watch out for if you do deal with your bank on your phone.

The latest message claims to come from AIB this time around and of course both AIB and Revolut have been contacted on the issue which some could fall for, most of the banks moved over to SCA (Strong Customer Authentication) so when you use your card online you will authenticate the purchase via your app on your smartphone for example.

Both AIB and Revolut are now aware of the issue and have responded with their usual lines seen below

Revolut – Thank you for sharing this with us. We can confirm that the message wasn’t sent by us. Please don’t share any details via this link and remember that we’ll never ask you to provide any details via a link sent in SMS. Stay safe!

AIB – Hi Jim, This is a fraudulent text message. If you clicked on the link, please call on 01 2695022 or +353 12695022 from abroad, 7 days a week, 8am to midnight. If possible, please forward the text message to us on the following link: aib.ie/security-centr Thanks ^CK

Source 

Royal Frontier – Epic Turn Based RPG out now onPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. Steam PC and Nintendo Switch

Indie publisher Ratalaika Games, in collaboration with Finland developer Woblyware, is delighted to announce the digital release of Royal Frontier  for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. Steam PC and Nintendo Switch.

Billed as an epic roguelite styled, light hearted, turned based, strategic adventure it encompasses many exciting experiences and challenges giving it a broader appeal than many other similar games of this genre.

Setting the scene

Settlers are ready to head East, across the perilous continent, through hardships and dangers, in hopes for a better life in the far away land. A group of heroes is tasked to guide the caravan safely through the dangerous continent. Not all succeed. The main goal of the game is to choose the right paths, make the right decisions while making the most of the resources you have available, and guide the settlers safely through the continent. The game also gives players smaller challenges they can try to complete on each run.

Features:

  • Unlock characters and power ups for your next trip
  • Use the gold to buy weapons and equipment
  • Take decisions that can help or hurt your party
  • Turn-based and time-based combat
  • Choose your road wisely

 

The Challenge is set

Each run will be different, and as you play more you will unlock new heroes to try out and more powerful blessings that will push you towards the final boss. 60 optional challenges  that vary from surviving 4 days without taking any damage to hunting down Old Sawtooth, an ancient grizzly living in the heart of the forest.

Royal Frontier has a wide variety of items, spells, heroes and monsters to keep each run interesting. The paths and events the player experiences are randomly chosen for each run, so every time you play the game, it should be a new experience. Combinations of different heroes will require the player to try new tactics and finding the right combination of heroes can be critical for survival.

Get Ready

Before each run the player will get to choose 3 heroes from a total of 6. After that they will choose 3 out of a selection of 48 blessings. Blessings will give the party various buffs that will increase the chances of survival. The party will face a wide variety of monsters along the way. From lowly goblins to powerful ogres. There is also a boss at the end of each area, as well as optional bosses the players can hunt down, in search of greater challenges and rewards.

The length of the game will of course vary greatly depending on the player’s abilities but Royal Frontier has a really nice intuitive feel to ensure fun and immersement into the experience.The game doesn’t end when the player completes one run. Each run is different and the player won’t be able to find all treasures, bosses, or complete all challenges during one run. So the replayability is quite high

VR Bartending heads into Space to Meta Quest and Meta Quest 2

Startenders, developed by Bristol-based Foggy Box Games, is a new VR bartending experience out now on Meta Quest and Meta Quest 2. An immersive arcade-style game with a wacky sci-fi narrative, Startenders puts players behind the bar to mix cocktails for an assortment of weird and wonderful patrons.

As a newly enrolled intern in the Startenders Academy, players will have to shake, slice, cryo blast and serve to level up their skills behind the bar. Startenders has over 100 named recipes utilising over 25 ingredients which can be served at three different temperatures, within three styles of glass and topped off with 13 different garnishes, so there’s plenty to keep on top of as you rise through the bartending ranks. That’s over two million unique combinations of possible drinks – a lot.

Startenders offers ‘Story’, ‘Free Mix’, ‘Pass the Headset’ and ‘Daily Run’ game modes, allowing players to enjoy a hilarious narrative adventure meeting new alien species, experiment with the craziest cocktails imaginable or compare their drinks-making skills with the rest of the world in daily challenges.

“We wanted each player’s Startenders experience to be unique, so we built a system that can provide endless procedurally generated shifts, with different customers and orders each time you play,” says Chris Youles, Creative Director of Foggy Box Games. “We strove to create an experience where the players are not punished for having fun, even if it means going off script. The game doesn’t have fail-states or restarts, we want players to experiment and let their creativity influence their mixology.”

Features

  • Full hand tracking
  • Pass The Headset local social party mode
  • Create your own custom drinks for customers to order
  • Make multiple drinks on time and as requested – the quicker and more accurate your concoction the higher your tips.
  • Upgrade your equipment, purchase different ingredients to discover a wide array of drinks to serve.
  • You get one chance a day compete on the global leader board for the best score in Daily Play
  • Relax or train in-between shifts in your habitat

Startenders features a range of VR specific accessibility options for the comfort of players. Playable seated or standing, the game also allows for teleport node-based locomotion and optional snap turning, seated mode height offsets, in-world subtitles and height adjustment on all surfaces.

Startenders is out now on Meta Quest and Meta Quest 2 priced $14.99 / £11.99 / €14.99. PlayStation and PC VR versions are planned for a later date. Developed by Foggy Box Games and published by Yogscast Games.

Visit joinstartenders.com for more info.

Glofox to Grow Headcount by 150 This Year

Glofox, one of the fastest growing fitness business management software platforms, today announced its plans to hire 150 new employees throughout 2022, bringing their headcount to 350. This follows on the back of continued strong growth with the team doubling in size to 200 in 2021. Glofox  serves 80 countries, supporting 17 languages and 40 currencies,with plans to invest more to support payments in the Middle East as well as explore how to better serve LATAM

The innovative platform provides powerful, easy to use software for studio operators and staff, a seamless and engaging multi-platform member experience, and network-wide management solutions for franchisors.

Glofox’s all-in-one platform replaces outdated and over complicated systems with a streamlined experience for members and staff alike. Built to address the intricacies that come with managing both independent fitness businesses and large fitness franchises, the platform delivers a powerful suite of tools to drive success and empower operators globally.

Glofox recently announced its partnership with Xponential Fitness, a curator of leading brands across a variety of verticals in boutique fitness including Club Pilates, Pure Barre, Rumble and CycleBar, to support its network of franchise partners as it expands into new markets beyond the United States.

Conor O’Loughlin, Glofox CEO said, “The hiring of 150 new roles as part of our continued expansion, is an exciting step as we continue to capture new global markets. Glofox employees will have significant opportunities to enhance their careers across a fast-growing and dynamic sector. Each member of the team will play a key role in further driving our commercial expansion or in the development of new industry leading solutions.”

Approximately 40% of the new roles will be in Research and Development, with the rest consisting of specialists to support customer success and growth as Glofox continues their strong growth and further develops their innovative software and customer offering.

Glofox is a fully remote company that takes pride in its employee satisfaction rate. The Founding team have made it a priority to ensure that their company is a healthy and enjoyable place to work, implementing regular pulse surveys as one method of measuring sentiment. The company hosts a wealth of employee benefits to drive wellbeing and balance, including Unlimited Annual Leave, monthly Mental Health half day Fridays, Gym and wellness stipends as well as Pawternity Leave (for people who’ve just welcomed a new pet into their home). These are just a few of the many initiatives Glofox employs to deliver care to its team. This has led to a collaborative environment driven by trust and a genuine shared passion for the company vision among its employees.

“The ability to successfully drive our vision forward is in the collective hands of our global team. Being totally remote allows us to welcome talented people from anywhere in the world, whilst our responsibility to support them to live healthy, well-balanced lives is something we consider to be crucial in creating an exceptional working environment” said Conor O’Loughlin, Glofox CEO.

Why to Implement Digital Signage: Key Benefits & Opportunities

You can expect the long-term benefits of using digital signage in marketing campaigns. There are various ways to use digital signage, from tiny displays to massive display walls. By inviting consumers to participate in market research, locate stock or browse product options, interactive digital signage may take engagement to a whole new level. In some instances, digital demonstrations of items or services are offered on storefront signs. You will want to collect as much information as possible such as digital signage pricing, before making a choice that might have a long-term influence on your organization. Likewise, consider the following advantages and opportunities before launching into the creative process with digital signage.

Increased exposure

Unlike print runs and email lists, digital signage in high-traffic locations allows you to reach an almost infinite number of people. It’s also possible to show more messages at a higher frequency and control when and where they appear. You can show a digital sign on any device with a screen. If you like, you may send messages to all of these devices simultaneously or any combination of them.

Self-service

It’s clear from recent research that internet users prefer self-service over calling customer support for help. One possible implementation is a self-service digital signage that enables customers to browse inventory or ask inquiries. When conventional customer service is too time-consuming or expensive, our service provides a cost-effective and rapid alternative. It is essential to have a strategy for swiftly and readily giving clients the information they need to purchase.

Customers who are left waiting and dissatisfied are the last things you need. They may go through with the transaction, but they may never return.

Attention-grabbing

Overall, digital signage is a great way to draw attention to a business and attract new customers. People are attracted to these things because of their intrinsic uniqueness. In addition, the displays are frequently rated highly for their aesthetic attractiveness. It is common for the colors to be considerably more brilliant and dazzling than on a print sign. A lot of attention has been paid to this issue.

When it comes to material and its presentation, you have a wide range of options for drawing attention. The usage of animations and movement may be quite beneficial. Our eyes easily detect moving objects and changes in the environment.

You can show off the sign better using these effects. On the other hand, you may utilize it to draw attention to certain aspects of your content. One way to draw attention to your standout product is through animated visuals.

Increased flexibility with reduced risk

Businesses need every tool they can get their hands on to keep up with the ever-increasing demands of their customers, prospects, and staff. In the digital era, “Mad Men” type marketing efforts are rare because there is too much risk to invest in a static message that may not connect with your audience as you think it would. Yet, it is here that digital signage has had a significant impact.

With the unprecedented ability to handle material remotely, the chance of a catastrophically unsuccessful marketing campaign is much reduced since any advertising may be modified or replaced totally in seconds – not days or weeks. The cloud-based system allows users to make modest changes to their website and full-scale rebranding from any location in the globe.

Interactivity

Almost everyone has a smartphone these days, and they are accustomed to using touchscreens to access information. Your digital signage may provide a more immersive experience for your audience if you include interactivity, such as a voice or touch user interface. Using self-service kiosks, customers can easily find the information they are looking for and get to the parts of the process that matter most to them. You may also provide a wide range of alternatives on a single screen using touchscreens, such as interactive wayfinding, directories and menu boards. The use of interactive displays also allows your personnel to provide a more customized level of service to customers.

Whether it is a single screen or a worldwide network, digital signage displays are the best way to communicate effectively. Regardless of your audience, they are used to seeing information presented graphically, dynamically and in real-time. Digital signage can assist any business and provide solutions for hospitals, schools,  banks, hotels or government offices to attract and retain customers.

Key Ways Technology Can Help You Improve Your Supply Chain

As many business owners and managers have discovered since the global pandemic hit, it only takes one or two significant changes and disruptions to cause all sorts of issues with the supply chain, regardless of the types of items you deal with. 

Plus, as costs rise and the environmental impact of logistics continues to be felt, it’s becoming increasingly evident that all entrepreneurs who buy and move goods need to find ways to be more efficient and less wasteful with their supply chain movements. Happily, technology can help us improve this area of our organizations and be kinder to the earth.

Real-Time Data for Better Decision Making and Communication

It’s vital to move goods around as quickly as possible and get items delivered to the right places on time, every time. Big data programs can help make this happen, as you can learn about weather and traffic conditions as details get updated in real-time. You’ll enjoy a clearer picture of when deliveries will arrive and if you need to make changes to delivery locations or inform customers of delays or other factors. 

If your business makes, sells, or transports perishable goods, in particular, or offers express delivery options to your clients, this information will help with both decision-making and communication and keep consumers happier in turn. 

Also, you can use analytics programs to help you decide which stock to order and when, since software can track the performance metrics of various product lines, the outcomes of different marketing promotions and other activities, and sales and pre-order tactics. 

Another logistics decision organizations are faced with constantly is what goods to put on which trucks or in shipping containers, etc., and when. Happily, you can utilize tech tools to help you work out how to best streamline the movement of products by consolidating shipments. Rather than sending too many partially-full loads out, wasting delivery time, fuel, driver hours, and other resources, you can let consolidation programs determine the best way to combine purchase orders and pack truck beds and containers, etc. 

On top of noting parcel weight, stackability, vehicle capacity, and the like, software can use algorithms to take note of empty pallet spots on trucks in nearby areas that might be able to pick up single inventory items as they pass nearby. This lessens wasted trips and reduces the number of times you “ship air.”

Increase Inventory Visibility and Management

When companies handle a tremendous amount of inventory, it gets time-consuming and stressful trying to find out which stock is on which truck or boat or train, etc., and then unpacking orders and ticking off deliveries to ensure orders are complete and correct. There’s also wasted time and money when searching for missing items or concluding that goods have disappeared. Technology can aid you in this area as well, though. 

For example, place RFID tracking sensors on packages so you can check at any time exactly where a package is, whether in transit, at a warehouse, or elsewhere. When deliveries arrive at your location, you can also use RFID readers to scan whole boxes at once. This means stock can be unloaded and given to customers ASAP or otherwise used rather than waiting for each piece to be checked individually. This tech is also helpful if you use it in warehouses to locate items, especially those that seem to have gone missing.

The right service provider is key to making this all work. It’s worth seeking out a vendor of big data and analytics services that can help you set up the software, integrate it with your existing infrastructure, and customize it to your organization’s needs. That’s why it’s important to click to request a quote before making a final decision. Comparing your options and selecting a technology partner that can cater to your unique needs will help you make the most of the tech available and improve all areas of your supply chain. Plus, as new technology emerges, they can keep you updated on how it could benefit your organization. You’ll always be ahead of competitors who don’t utilize such tools or partners.

Manage Supplier Networks

If you’re a retailer or wholesaler and deal with significant supplier diversity, managing all these relationships and the different orders you place at different times can get tricky. However, with the aid of technology, namely big data, you can use analytics solutions to understand which suppliers perform best for your needs and make changes accordingly. 

For example, compare actual performance on things like breakages, correct deliveries, on-time shipments, and customer satisfaction against key performance indicators (KPIs) you set at the start (which could even be part of supplier contracts). Integrate analytics software into your vendor systems, accounting programs, social media feeds, and the like to keep updated on the cost of goods, delivery timeframes, customer complaints, and more. You can then have your tech tools send you alerts or prepare reports if KPIs drop below a specific range. 

Other ways technology can help you improve your supply chains include enabling better forecasting and trend spotting, improved route planning in transit, driver behavior tracking, and warehouse inventory setup and management. 

As you can see, there are all sorts of helpful ways digital systems can benefit your business, so it pays to start utilizing tech tools more today.

 

DxO PureRAW 2: Versatility, speed, and support for Fujifilm X-Trans cameras

A revolution for RAW files, DxO PureRAW 2 now allows users to pre-process images without leaving Lightroom and offers significant speed improvements. Support arrives for X-Trans cameras, offering Fujifilm photographers excellent image quality, and improved OS integration brings access via context menus.

Awarded the EISA Best Advanced Photo Software 2021 upon its release, DxO PureRAW set a new standard in RAW conversion through its pioneering use of artificial intelligence, establishing superior image quality at the beginning of the editing process — all without disrupting photographers’ existing workflows. DxO PureRAW 2 builds on this success, offering new features and greater efficiency.

New integrations offer a smoother workflow.

DxO PureRAW 2 acquires two new integrations to make the workflow even smoother. In Lightroom Classic, users can right-click on a number of RAW files and have DxO PureRAW 2 process the images, creating newly enhanced Linear DNG files back into the same folder, without having to step outside of the application. Similar functionality is now integrated into Windows File Explorer and macOS Finder: simply right-click files and choose from the context menu to start the process.

Support for Fujifilm X-Trans cameras.

DxO PureRAW 2 now supports RAW files from X-Trans sensors, bringing the significant benefits of DeepPRIME to Fujifilm XT photographers. Expect clean images, free of noise and artifacts, with deep, vibrant colours even at high ISO levels.

Faster and more efficient.

DxO DeepPRIME receives a significant upgrade in speed. Not only more responsive, processing and export times have been improved — up to four times faster on Apple Silicon machines and up to 1.5 times faster on the latest Windows computers.

Support for HiDPI displays and a host of new camera/lens combinations.

HiDPI displays are now supported, offering greater comfort to photographers on Windows machines.

Updates to DxO’s Optics Modules brings the total number of supported camera and lens combinations to more than 70,000.

Support for even more equipment.

DxO PureRAW 2 supports 40 new cameras: 

Canon EOS R3 (Canon RF) – sensor Bayer

DJI Mavic 3 / Mavic 3 Cine (Drone) – sensor Bayer

Fuji GFX 50S II (Fuji GFX) – sensor Bayer

Fuji X100F (Compact) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X100S (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X100T (Compact) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X100V (Compact) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X20 (Compact) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X30 (Compact) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X70 (Compact) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-E1 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-E2 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-E2S (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-E3 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-E4 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji XF10 (Compact) – sensor Bayer

Fuji X-H1 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-M1 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-Pro1 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-Pro2 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-Pro3 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-S10 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T1 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T10 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T2 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T20 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T3 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T30 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T30 II (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Fuji X-T4 (Fuji X) – sensor X-Trans

Leica M10-R (Leica M) – sensor Bayer

Leica SL2 (L-mount) – sensor Bayer

Leica SL2-S (L-mount) – sensor Bayer

Nikon Z9 (Nikon Z) – sensor Bayer

Ricoh GRIIIx (Compact) – sensor Bayer

Sigma Fp-L (L-mount) – sensor Bayer

Sony A7 IV (Sony FE) – sensor Bayer

Sony A7R IIIA (Sony FE) – sensor Bayer

Sony A7R IVA (Sony FE) – sensor Bayer

Sony FX3 (Sony FE) – sensor Bayer

Should an Obsessive PC Player Take a Career in Software Engineering?

On one hand, someone with such a keen interest in video games might have the analytical skills and creative thinking necessary for a successful career in software engineering. On the other hand, some might argue that too much time spent playing video games could lead to a lack of focus and dedication in this more serious field. So, what’s the right answer? Let’s find out. 

What Software Engineering Requires

The first thing we should consider is what software engineering entails. It’s not just about knowing how to code – it’s about understanding algorithms, being able to solve complex problems, and having strong analytical skills. It also requires at least an online software engineering degree because with proper education you can better master the knowledge needed. A software engineer needs to be able to think abstractly and see the big picture. They need to be able to understand how the different parts of a system fit together and how they interact with each other. They also need to be able to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable pieces.

Communication Skills Are A Must

In addition to all of this, a successful software engineer needs to be a good communicator. They need to be able to explain their ideas clearly and concisely, both in writing and in person. They also need to be able to listen attentively and understand the ideas of others.

The Skills of a Gamer

Now that we know what’s required for a career in software engineering, let’s take a look at some of the skills that a gamer might have. Gamers are often very analytical and good at problem-solving. They’re also typically creative and have strong attention to detail. They often have strong technical skills and are familiar with different coding languages. They’re also usually good at working under pressure and can stay calm under stress.

Are These Skills Transferable?

So, do the skills that gamers have transferred over to a career in software engineering? The answer is yes – many of them do. However, it’s important to note that not all gamers will have all of the necessary skills for software engineering. And, even if they do have the skills, they might not be able to transfer them over to this new field. It’s also worth noting that many of the required skills for software engineering can be learned through proper education and training. It’s ultimately up to the individual to decide whether or not they want to pursue a career in software engineering. If they have the required skills and are willing to put in the hard work, then there’s a good chance they’ll be successful in this field. However, if they’re not dedicated or don’t have the right skill set, then it’s probably not the best career choice for them.

So, someone who is an obsessive PC player could have a successful career in software engineering if they have the right skills and are willing to put in the hard work. However, it’s ultimately up to the individual to decide whether or not this is the right career choice for them.

Bord na Móna announces eight Irish scaleup companies for its Accelerate Green programme

Bord na Móna has today announced the eight companies which have been chosen to take part in Accelerate Green, the first  accelerator programme aimed at supporting early-stage companies leading the response to climate action and sustainability.

The new accelerator programme for sustainable business, Accelerate Green, is delivered by Resolve Partners and sponsored by Bord na Móna. It is the first accelerator of its kind in Ireland dedicated to supporting companies developing products and services based on green innovation. Accelerate Green will help the eight business leaders identify clear pathways to scaling their novel solutions, delivering measurable impact and supporting economic development.

The innovation and potential of Irish business can be seen in the different business models and focus of each of the companies selected. Real Leaf Farm, for example, has developed Ireland’s first 100% Hydroponic farm which grows salad vegetables 365 days a year, while Positive Carbon has enabled hotels and food service providers to develop waste reduction strategies through waste sensors and food detection AI.

The eight companies selected for the Accelerate Green programme are: EpiSensor, Borrisoleigh Bottling Ltd, CameraMatics, Positive Carbon, Real Leaf Farm, Automsoft, Go Eve and Jones Celtic Bioenergy Ltd (JCBE).

Speaking at the launch of Accelerate Green, Tom Donnellan, Chief Executive, Bord na Móna, said: “We are delighted to be announcing the eight companies that have been selected to take part in the Accelerate Green Programme. As a climate solutions company Bord na Móna is determined to help these companies deliver novel solutions to enable a low-carbon economy while delivering sustainable jobs.  Accelerate Green is an excellent opportunity for our eight selected companies to engage with key industry partners and gain potential financial investment.”

Emphasising the commercial scalability that is at the heart of Accelerate Green, Alan Costello, Resolve Partners said; “it is significant to note that as a group, the eight participating companies, currently already employ over 120 people, and have raised over €20M in funding. This sharpens the programme’s focus, to support these companies in becoming the next leaders in their sectors, and to inspire and signpost other startups and scaleups across Ireland towards success.”

Over the course of the programme the eight companies will be brought through a series of deep learning and mentoring sessions and will engage with a broad array of speakers from enterprise and energy agencies, Irish corporates, research networks, investors, and successful business leaders. The programme will be delivered in person at a former Bord na Móna site in Boora, Co. Offaly.

The companies will also be able to avail of up to €20,000 of research funding with Irish university researchers. Following the completion of the programme the companies will participate in a leading industry conference, “Ireland Sustainable Future”, taking place in June, to coincide with the programme finish date