DAACI AI-Music Composition Tool Wins Grant from Innovate UK

Groundbreaking AI music composition tool DAACI has won a grant of over a quarter of a million pounds from Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency.

DAACI joins an illustrious list of past Innovate UK grant recipients, including BMW, HSBC, Oxford and Cambridge Universities, as well as most other major universities. To illustrate, competition for the coveted Innovate UK grant was so high in its previous round that less than 10% of applicants succeeded.

DAACI excelled in all qualifying categories. Its proposal demonstrates DAACI’s rising status as game-changing, innovative, disruptive, and ambitious. It evidenced its plan to deliver a significant economic impact in terms of ROI, emphasising its potential to positively impact creative productivity and the UK economy more broadly.

Through their smart grants, Innovate UK drives productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas. They have awarded £25million for game-changing and commercially viable R&D innovation that can significantly impact the UK economy.

Innovate UK’s assessors returned exceptional feedback on DAACI’s proposal, stating, “The proposal contributes to the UK’s position as a leader in music, based on highly innovative technology to create original music, adaptive to a wide range of consumer preferences. This is an impressive team showing practical plans to deliver the project and credibility to commercialise successfully with associated societal benefits.”

They went on to say, “This is an ideal team positioned to deliver the project successfully with their combination of relevant skills and track record, and to exploit commercially.”

DAACI CEO Rachel Lyske said, “Innovate UK has added even more momentum to our charge forward as the leading AI music composition tool for any and every brief, and we’re immensely grateful. They’ve seen that DAACI has the creative and intellectual potential to redefine and regenerate the process of creating music in the era of the Metaverse and Web 3.0.”

Having successfully secured the Innovate grant, DAACI is extremely excited to be continuing its investment round. They are raising an EIS eligible £4m which will close in September https://www.daaci.com/daaci-deck

Office Factors That Can Negatively Impact Work Productivity & How To Eliminate Them

Office productivity is measured by determining a worker’s effort that they put into their everyday work. For workers who submit their reports late, or are often absent from work, in most cases there are a range of contributing factors within the office hindering their productivity. The importance of office productivity and output from workers is huge for businesses, therefore ensuring workers have high office productivity rates will create a better working environment for all.

Factors that hinder work productivity

How using just one monitor can be time consuming

As many office workers use computers for their everyday tasks, whether this be sending emails or writing reports, the performance of these tasks is often based on how many monitors a worker uses. Although one monitor can achieve all of the tasks a worker wishes to pursue, the effectiveness of the tasks are extensively slowed down. With spending time switching from one software to the next, this can make a simple 10 minute task an unnecessarily longer experience, subsequently having major effects on productivity rates of workers. 

Noisy office space becoming a distraction in the office

As offices are getting larger, so are the number of workers in the spaces provided. With more staff members surrounding, the noisiness of offices are bound to be louder, which can become a huge distraction on workers trying to proceed with their working tasks. From workers gossiping, to the loud clicks of keyboards and mouses and workers playing sounds from their monitors, these noises can quickly add up to create a very loud office space. As loud noises are such a distraction, this can hinder workers away from their desks and result in way less work getting done.

The effects of poor office furniture posture

With sitting down at work all day, it is very easy for office workers to adopt poor postures. The types of office furniture workers use can result in major back and body injuries with the strain of sitting there all day. For instance, some workers find themselves sitting on a chair so low that they are beneath their work desk. Due to the discomfort from the poor posture, some workers later develop back pains and are forced to take a sick leave, which only has negative effects on the productivity of their workload, therefore ensuring you sit at your desk correctly is vital for the wellness of your body.

Poor desk lighting becoming a burden in the office

Making sure workers have the most suitable lighting to be able to see their screens and get work done effectively is vital in contributing to the amount of work they get done. As some offices don’t have strong blinds or curtains, in the sunnier months it can be a huge restriction with not being able to see the screen to its fullest potential. On the flip side, some companies have curtains that darken a worker’s office space. If the weather is dull, or darker mornings and nights are on their way, the lack of light bulbs in an office may create too dark of a setting for workers to complete their work efficiently.

Very high or low temperatures having drastic effects on productivity 

As workers thrive at their best in an optimal temperature, as soon as this is changed, so do the rates of their productivity. Finding a balance of temperature that satisfies all workers is an important job to ensure work gets done. An article from Open highlighted that 29% of office workers spend up to half an hour each day not working due to an uncomfortable office temperature. Whether the offices are too hot or too cold, this can have huge effects on how much workers can get work done everyday, which can only result in negative impacts on the business itself. 

Solutions to the factors affecting productivity

Introducing dual monitor desks 

Using more than one monitor can double your chances of productivity. By having two monitors, this gives workers the chance to perform different tasks simultaneously across two screens, resulting in more work getting done at faster rates. When switching to dual monitors for your office work, this means needing more space on your desk to hold all of your important documents and equipment. Many office furniture companies such as Southern Office Furniture offer a range of high-quality dual monitor desks to accommodate both your monitors for increased productivity in offices.

Providing designated rooms for loud spaces

As keeping workers from talking to each other is an unreasonable ask for workers, the rooms you work in are important to consider for working effectively. To reduce noise around your work space, incorporating office cubicles into your office is the perfect way to eliminate noise for concentrated and dedicated workers. There are many benefits to office cubicles, including the extra personal space and fewer distractions. These are a great way to ensure workers are in their own bubble when working without the limitations of noise affecting their work. 

Buying ergonomic office furniture to support workers

Buying furniture that will be comfortable for workers to be in all day is one of the main aspects to consider to ensure the contentment of workers. For instance, you wouldn’t purchase a high chair for a short person or buy a low desk for a tall person. Affecting workers’ postures will tire them out and provide them with multiple body aches, therefore slowing their productivity. So purchasing office furniture that is right for you is the key to comfort while working at the office. Excess furniture can always be disposed of with end to end waste management services.

The Truth Behind Bonuses: What You Need to Know

The first online casino opened in the mid-90s, and as technology has advanced the popularity of online casinos has grown to such an extent that playing online is preferable for many compared to visiting a land-based venue.

The online casino industry is so popular that new casinos are arriving on our pages every month, and although the choice is excellent for the customer, too much can be somewhat confusing, especially if you are new to the world of online gambling. 

Online casinos use different tactics to encourage new traffic, and one of the most successful is the online casino bonus, the welcome bonus (sometimes called the sign-up bonus) being the biggest. These bonuses replace land-based casino incentives like free drinks or loyalty programs.

Below we are going to take a look at a list of the best casino bonus offers today and what they mean for you as a player, but before we carry on please remember that just because a bonus is given to you, it does not mean that you can claim it right away. Before cashing out you will need to clear the bonus by completing the requirements set out when you opted in. All terms and conditions are clearly stated for each game and should be thoroughly understood. 

The Different Types of Online Casino Bonuses

  • The welcome or sign-up bonus is meant to attract new players and can be claimed upon registration at a new site. Offered as a single percentage bonus or as a package of bonuses ( a combination of a deposit bonus and free spins) the welcome bonus is only offered to new players. 
  • The deposit bonus (also called a match bonus) is offered when you deposit real money at an online casino. These bonuses offer a percentage of your deposit up to and beyond 100%. For instance, if you deposited £100 the casino would then match your deposit with a further £100 of casino bonus money, doubling your bankroll. 
  • No deposit bonuses are the direct opposite of a deposit bonus as there is no need to deposit to opt-in. These bonuses are rarer and are usually lower than a deposit bonus. Again, check the terms and conditions thoroughly for any restrictions that apply.
  • The reload bonus is offered to existing customers and takes the form of a match percentage (usually lower than 100%) on further deposits made into your online casino account.
  • The free spins bonus* is a popular choice with several benefits attached. When playing free spins (usually on a named game) there is the potential of building up some real cash (if you hit a winning streak) Of course, there is always the chance you will not hit a winning streak, but this type of bonus is fully immersive and exciting to choose.  

*JeffBet.com is currently offering a 20 free spins welcome bonus on Rainbow Riches with no wagering on your winnings requirement. 

  • The social media bonus is only available through an operator’s social media account. This type of bonus is used to get the online casino more social, followers and is usually well worth considering as they can be better than the normal bonuses on offer
  • Cashback bonuses are a percentage of your losses given back to you by the online casino. The percentage differs so check before opting in.
  • The High Roller or VIP bonus is offered to those players who are regulars and spend higher amounts of money. Access to exclusive games, events and offers that all have higher winnings or bonus offers attached are part of this type of bonus.
  • Bonus codes are released by operators (to a specialist review site) to attract more traffic. The bonus codes can take the form of free spins or even larger bonus amounts. All you need to do is enter the code and hit confirm to grab yours. 

 

House of Marley Introduces New Collection of Sustainably Designed Charging Accessories

Today, House of Marley launches a new collection of charging cables and accessories designed with sustainable materials to power phones, wireless earbuds and other electronic devices. Crafted from mindfully sourced materials – including highly renewable bamboo and recycled plastics – the new accessories include the One Drop Wireless Charger (£49.99), the REWIND® 3.5mm M/M Audio Cable (£24.99, available later this year) and the REWIND® Charging Cables, available in USB-C to Lightning (1.5-meter, £34.99 and 3-meter, £49.99), USB-C to USB-A (3-meter, £29.99) and USB-C to USB-C (3-meter, £29.99). All the new accessories come in 100% plastic-free recyclable packaging.

“House of Marley is committed to minimising the environmental footprint of the electronics that are a part of our daily lives. This value is at the centre of our first line of charging accessories,” said Joshua Poulsen, House of Marley’s Director of Product Development. “The market is flooded with poorly made products that quickly end up in landfills, contributing to global e-waste. At House of Marley, we do things differently. We specifically created our new accessories to last longer through premium, sustainable materials and timeless design – engineering our cables to be stronger and last longer and minimising waste by using upcycled materials.”

SUSTAINABLY MINDED

House of Marley’s eco-conscious identity was created in collaboration with the Marley family to carry on Bob Marley’s legacy of love for music, people and the planet. House of Marley’s global give back initiative, Project Marley, supports global reforestation and ocean preservation through One Tree Planted and the Surfrider Foundation. For more information on House of Marley’s sustainability efforts and commitment to crafting products from mindfully sourced materials, please visit https://www.thehouseofmarley.co.uk/materials/.

 ONE DROP WIRELESS CHARGER

The One Drop Wireless Charger includes a premium quality, Qi-certified pad that powers Apple and Android phones as well as compatible earbuds. Simply place your phone or earbud case on top of the pad to begin charging. The One Drop’s durable sides and base are made from REGRIND™ Silicone, a unique material created by reclaiming and upcycling post-process silicone scraps that would otherwise go to waste, while the charging pad itself is crafted with CNC-milled bamboo. The wireless charger’s integrated REGRIND™ Silicone Cable Management strap helps keep everything organised on your table top or in your bag.

REWIND CHARGING CABLES

The REWIND® Charging Cables are also crafted with premium quality, sustainable materials including FSC™ Walnut[1] sourced from responsibly managed forests. The braided cables use REWIND® fabric woven with 99% post-consumer recycled GRS certified material and have a convenient cable management strap made from upcycled REGRIND™ silicone and recycled aluminium. An extended strain relief provides added protection against normal wear and tear. The cables are available in MFi certified USB-C to Lightning, and USB-IF certified USB-C to USB-A and USB-C to USB-C, for improved safety and quality.

 REWINDⓇ AUDIO CABLE (available later this year)

The premium REWIND® Audio Cable is built for longevity and offers a 3.5mm to 3.5mm jack that connects your device, speaker, turntable, or headphones via the 3M long audio cable for direct audio playback. Like the charging cables, the REWIND® Audio Cable has an FSC™ Walnut cable enclosure, a durable extended strain relief, and a REGRIND™ silicone cable management strap to keep cables organised.

 The collection of charging accessories are available now at www.thehouseofmarley.co.uk, Amazon and select retailers nationwide in Signature Black.

Tech Review – Noreve leather cover for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Need to spruce up your Galaxy S22 Ultra well noreve has plenty on offer which are luxurious cases for your smartphone and more, noreve offer real leather products for phones and tablets and are not hugely expensive either in comparison to standard cases on offer today, Noreve also allow you customise your case with text and logos and also colour and finish and you get a real quality product for your money too giving you a look that stands out and that is different to the most popular cases people buy on a mass scale.

Today we look at the leather back case for the S22 Ultra however there is other styles of cases on offer and make sure you check them out over HERE

Without protection, your Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is vulnerable to external damage such as scratches. Fortunately, thanks to the high-end slim back cover dedicated to this smartphone and crafted by Noreve, you can protect it effectively. In addition to protection, this accessory will also offer style to your device while leaving you free to access the screen. It is important to note that the Noreve Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra case, like all the brand’s smartphone protectors, is handmade in France. Add to that the use of top of the range leather and you have a product of unequivocal quality. Indeed, the brand has already been awarded several times for its innovation, its contribution to the made in France, and especially for the quality of its products. Aesthetic and functional, this luxury case for Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has cut-outs that give access to the different connections of the smartphone, such as the charging cable or the headphones. The camera and flash are also visible. With this protective accessory, the edges of your smartphone will remain intact. The thermoplastic inner frame with the brand logo will not interfere with the operation of your device.  On the other hand, you can also personalise your smartphone cover with Noreve.

Check out the video review below and check out what else noreve has to offer on their site.

Video review

Irish Cybersecurity company warns of latest scam to hit Ireland!

Galway based Cyber security experts TitanHQ have warned Irish people to be on the lookout for the latest email scam, after a school district in the United States admitted last month to transferring nearly €200,000 to an account controlled by cybercriminals.

TitanHQ are warning the Irish public that the phishing scam is likely to hit Irish shores over the coming months after phishing attacks reached an all-time high in the first part of 2022.

The Floyd County school district in Georgia received an email requesting payment, supposedly from a company that had previously completed building work for a school in the district, called Ben Hill Roofing.

They unwittingly made the payment and only realised their mistake after the real Ben Hill Roofing Company submitted an actual invoice.

The school district explained that “Floyd County Schools has been made aware of a phishing incident. This cyber-attack resulted in funds being stolen from the school system by an outside source.”

The attack is what’s known as “spear phishing”, which is a targeted attack where a cyber criminal poses as a trusted sender and will include information known to be of interest to the target, such as current events or financial documents that they might be expecting.

In a recent survey, TitanHQ found that 85% of organizations have experienced up to 17 types of security incidents in the past 12 months.

Speaking on the latest scam, Ronan Kavanagh, CEO of TitanHQ explained that:

“Cyber criminals have become more and more sophisticated, finding ways to create scam emails and websites that look legitimate. 

We would urge people to be extra cautious and always verify the sender’s contact details. 

If a vendor or customer you are familiar with contacts you via email, asking you to change their account payment details, or anything else that seems suspicious, then be sure to reach out to your direct contact at the company to make sure the request is legitimate.”

The visible consequences, and the financial consequences, of these incidences, are really ringing home with people. And the reality is they are becoming more sophisticated, they are becoming more prevalent, and they’re affecting all different areas, not just large entities like the HSE and Universities but also smaller businesses, many of which you just don’t hear about.

Here are some tips to help you prevent phishing attacks

  1. Learn to spot phishing attacks
  2. Improve Email security
  3. Provide training to boost security awareness
  4. Update web browsers regularly
  5. Install and use an antivirus program
  6. Disable popups and adapt a reporting policy
  7. Use a DNS filter

How can we use technology to improve our financial performance?

We live in a technology era. As time goes by technological advancements provide humans with a plethora of advantages. Nowadays in the global financial markets, including Forex and stock markets, people use technologies to get the most out of their trading process. Financial markets are becoming more open, accessible, inclusive, and efficient as a result of digital disruption. Regulators also benefit from this information since it provides a clearer picture of the risks that participants generally accept.

The forex market has been profoundly altered by technological advancements and forex traders must adapt or risk being left behind. Tech-related challenges for forex traders are examined in this piece, along with how tech-savvy traders might benefit from these challenges.

The fact that technology is always changing means that people have access to greater opportunities. With better and quicker internet connections, better trading platforms, and more sophisticated software available to the public, forex trading has never been simpler. In this article, we’ll provide you with information on how technologies can be used for making our financial performance more efficient.

How technologies affect the financial markets

In the finance world, there are various ways in which technology is changing things, from automating long-term activities to creating a completely new monetary system known as cryptocurrency.

Investment in the stock market is now more accessible than it’s ever been. Fintech startups like Robinhood are making a splash by providing commission-free stock and other asset trading through smartphone applications. As a result, a large number of new investors signed up for the Robinhood app to participate in the pandemic’s stock market, only to lose money when GameStop’s stock price collapsed.

By using AI and predictive intelligence, consumers and financial professionals may make better-informed judgments about cash flow. The advent of digital systems, as written on the page of Axiory.com, has made previously unavailable data sets readily accessible. When it comes to data-backed prediction judgments, these systems and algorithms provide a neutral, impartial forecast based on the facts.

Companies have access to a new world of possibility because of technology, which eliminates waste and streamlines procedures. For example, mobile banking applications allow clients to access their financial information while on the move, eliminating the need to visit a physical branch and freeing up staff time to concentrate on other customer requirements.

COVID-19 “further boosted the already exponential growth of fintech applications in 2020,” according to the Mobile Finance Report 2020, a worldwide standard for banking, payment, and investing apps. To put it another way, if you want to keep track of your money, chances are there’s an app for it. Financial technology start-ups are receiving investment from venture capital firms, many of which promise to simplify and make financial services more accessible to the general public.

The forex market and forex traders are being transformed by new technology. Using a smartphone app, you may trade forex from the comfort of your own home or on the road. This may have boosted the number of forex brokers. All you need now is an internet connection!

Data, data analysis and decision-making go hand in hand with technology. Using technology to gather data has profoundly changed the financial environment.

How traders use technology to become more successful

When it comes to financial markets, many technologies can be used to make your trading process more efficient. There’s no denying that the foreign exchange market has changed dramatically in the twenty-first century. Internet and electronic devices have had a significant influence. With modern technology like “point ‘n click” algorithmic forex trading systems are providing an easy-to-use interface to execute transactions without the need for human participation. As a result, it’s easy to observe how contemporary technology influences the judgments and strategies of forex traders and you can use a fintech software development company 

Currently,brokers are using fiber-optic connections and are putting up their computers in the same data centers as liquidity providers to maximize bandwidth. Another advantage of direct market access is that it eliminates the need for dealing desk involvement, allowing for faster execution of deals without the need for a delay due to market makers’ checks.

Traders who can anticipate market shifts have the greatest advantage. Traders may now benefit from predictive analytics thanks to artificial intelligence-backed solutions. Moreover, trading strategies may now be formed based on data that robots can provide, rather than wasting time hunting for patterns and trends. Artificial intelligence (AI) in foreign currency trading has led to the development of more effective trading strategies that have the potential to generate higher profits.

You may use forex arbitrage software to assist you to find the greatest trading chances in the currency markets. Additionally, forecasters may utilize the daily and weekly data on key currencies and commodities, as well as macroeconomic factors like the Growth of GDP and inflation, to make educated selections when investing in foreign currency assets.

Online gaming for beginners: everything you need to know

When playing online casino games for the first time, the huge number of casino sites and colourful games on offer can sometimes be overwhelming. Even just knowing where to start can be tricky. So, for the next time you play online casino games at Sky Vegas, we’ve comprised a short list of everything you need to know before logging into a casino site.

Read on to find out more.

Pick the right online casino for you

Firstly, it’s important that you sign up for a reputable and reliable online site. Read reviews about the casino you’re thinking of playing at, and make sure they have games from some of the many leading gaming providers like Evolution and Playtech. Another site worth looking at is legale goksites.

Once you’ve selected your casino, keep an eye out for any welcome bonuses you might find. These could include anything from free spins to an additional percentage of your deposit added to your account for you to play with.

Have an idea of the games you’d like to play

Next, you should try and have an idea of the type of games that you’d like to play. Your chosen site should have a huge variety of games including Poker, Slots, Bingo and even Slingo, so a great way to brush up on your skills and find the game that’s right for you is to try demo modes and free games first.

We recommend having an understanding of the house edge, and how to play each game. For example, if you’re new to Roulette, we recommend playing on a European wheel and placing outside bets, as this has the lowest house edge and the bets provide you with higher winning chances.

Plan your budget

In order to remain safe when playing at an online casino, it’s important that you start off with a budget, also known as your bankroll. This should be made up of spare money you’ve set aside for gambling purposes only, and be no more than you can afford to lose.

Many casinos allow you to set a loss limit, so you can easily keep track of your money when enjoying the games. You can also set win limits and a time limit, to help to feel really in control of your gameplay.

Know how to deposit and withdraw money

You’ll only ever be charged at an online casino site once you’ve added funds into your account. Many reputable sites have a variety of ways you can do this, accepting e-wallets and many major credit cards. Withdrawing money is simple too; once you’re ready to take the money out of your account, you’ll simply be able to withdraw it back into your e-wallet or credit card. This may take some time to process, but any reputable online site will ensure this happens smoothly.

So, now you know everything you need to know before logging into an online casino site, you can sit back and enjoy the convenience of playing on whatever device you fancy, anywhere you have a stable internet connection. Online gaming really doesn’t get much better than this!

PayPal Strengthens Links with Cryptocurrencies

PayPal has become an increasingly popular payment at online casinos in recent years. The same can also be said when it comes to the use of cryptocurrencies. It’s good news therefore that PayPal is now strengthening their links with cryptocurrencies.

It was recently announced that PayPal can now be used to receive, transfer and send cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash. That’s something that has been desired for a while now.

Online casinos have become more willing to accept PayPal as one of their payment methods. You can make deposits using this method and also make withdrawals. As you will read, there are some big advantages when PayPal is used as your payment method. This explains why there are an increasing number of UK online casinos where you can use PayPal.

Why is this the case? The amount of personal information that you need to use when choosing PayPal is just the email address used for your account. If there is a security breach, then that information isn’t going to be of much use to the fraudster. 

PayPal also often requires authentication checks to be carried out before an account can be accessed. If the fraudster doesn’t have the users phone, then that’s again going to restrict access.

Another advantage is the speed of the financial transactions. A deposit goes straight into your online casino account. Withdrawals are swift too, much better than the several days when using a debit or credit card.

Cryptocurrencies have similar characteristics when it comes to financial transactions at online casinos. It is therefore logical for PayPal and cryptocurrencies to be working more closely.

October 2020 saw the beginning of PayPal allowing the use of some types of cryptocurrencies. That showed the growing acceptance of, for example, Bitcoin. There are still of course some concerns over the volatility of these cryptocurrencies when it comes to their value. Recent months haven’t been easy for cryptocurrencies but this news from PayPal is better news for them.

Now fast forward to 7 June 2022 and a major announcement from PayPal. Before that date it was not possible to move the digital assets away from the platform. Since the introduction of cryptocurrencies on PayPal, their users have been keen to see them being able to make cryptocurrency transfers.

This proved to be one of the most popular requests from customers and now PayPal have taken notice of them. US customers will now be able to make the transfers they’ve wanted to be able to do so. You can bet that they will be delighted that the company has listened to them. PayPal were happy too when the news resulted in their share price going up.

US customers will now be able to send cryptocurrencies to their family and friends. The even better news is that the transactions will take place in just a few seconds. The fact that there are not going to be any fees charged is also great news.

Any people who use these payment methods for gambling will be delighted. Cash flow is so important when it comes to gambling. Not just to ensure you have funds in your account but withdrawals return to you as soon as possible. There’s nothing more frustrating than having a big win and then it takes ages for you to be able to have access to it.

PayPal is a company that likes to be the first to do something. That’s one of the reasons they have defied the odds and become one of the most popular businesses in the world.

They have done it again by becoming the first company to hold a conditional Bitlicense and then see it converted into a full one. That took place recently with the full Bitlicense being granted by the New York Department of Financial Services.

They are likely to improve even further how cryptocurrencies can be used at PayPal. Their desire is to create a financial system that is “more inclusive and effective.”

The more acceptance there is of cryptocurrencies, the better news for this payment method. More businesses, including online casinos, are likely to consider using cryptocurrencies as a way for customers to make financial transactions.

PayPal is also introducing an additional identity verification process. Again, this will increase the protection of personal details and that will please many, including users of online casinos.

It’s good to see the recent developments regarding PayPal and cryptocurrencies. Both have had their own battles to gain recognition of their services. Online casinos for example, needed to be convinced that their use is safe and secure. 

It’s perhaps been more of a struggle for cryptocurrencies with not everyone knowing a great deal about them. If the volatility problems can be sorted out, then the future looks rosy for them.