Month: October 2024

Irish Consumers Look To AI To Help Get Their Lives Back

If you ever curse having to stay in doing housework and balancing bills rather than living life to the max, you’re not alone. On average, we spend three hours a week managing our life duties (75% of which is done on our smart phones), and over half of us (56%) say we never have enough time to get everything done. Because of this, almost a third of us (30%) resort to eating into our annual leave to catch-up on chores and life admin, jumping to 43% for millennials.

The findings come from new nat. rep. research on our expectations and hopes for the benefits that artificial intelligence (AI) enabled devices will bring to our lives. The research, conducted by 3Gem, on behalf of Samsung Ireland, coincides with the recent launch of Samsung’s latest AI enabled smartphones, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6.

Talkin’ ‘bout My Generation – Busy & Stressed!

Nearly two-in-five (39%) reported feeling that they spend too much time doing life admin, with Millennials and Gen Xers leading the pack on most time per week lost to such ‘distractions’ (29% and 25% respectively). Almost a third (32%) of parents with children under 18 say they typically can’t get any leisure time in their day, with 14% claiming to lose almost an entire workday (7 hours) each week to chores and life admin.

Comparatively, Gen Z  feels most stressed about their busy lives (50%) – equalling the stress felt by parents with children under 18! The least stressed are Baby Boomers at 27%. 62% of females versus 49% of males feel they never have enough time to get everything done, perhaps suggesting an unequal division of household duties.

Dear AI – Help Me Get My Life Back!

According to the survey, Two thirds (66%) of us would welcome anything that reduced the time spent on chores and personal admin, and many of us are looking to AI to help us get our lives back.

The top two areas Irish people would like AI to assist with are housework (39%) and life admin (37%), followed by grocery shopping (32%), physical and mental health (31%/29%), scheduling appointments (27%) and managing smart home devices (26%). Booking travel and holidays and nutrition and food advice are high priorities for 23%.

The research shows that Irish consumers can clearly see the potential positive impact of AI-enabled smartphones in improving their day-to-day lives. Of the myriad AI features available across the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, those most likely to be seen to ‘improve lives a lot’ are health and fitness (33%), Live Interpreter (33%), Chat Assist (29%) and Circle to Search with Google (28%). These are closely followed by Note Assist (27%), Transcript Assist (26%), Photo Assist (24%), AI Reply suggestions (23%) and FlexCam (20%).

Thanks AI. Now What Will I Do?

The research revealed that a quarter of us would catch up on sleep if we could get back two hours of free time a week with the help of AI. The top use for extra free time was spending time with family (39%), followed by exercise/playing sports (31%). After sleeping more, spending time on hobbies ranked fourth (21%), followed by personal mindfulness (18%), meeting friends (18%) and reading for leisure (16%).

AI Familiarity

The survey showed there is a reasonable level of claimed familiarity with AI, with around half (53%) saying they are very or somewhat familiar. Around a third (30%) are very or somewhat unfamiliar and a very small number who know nothing (3%).

The current usage for AI in Ireland among consumers is centered on the themes of communication, creation and search/planning. The main communication use is drafting messages (25%), followed by communicating better (15%) and considering other viewpoints (13%). In terms of creation, generating images and design are currently most popular (20%) and under searching /planning, finding Netflix ideas (15%) and planning travel 14% are the top two uses.

As to be expected with technology adoption, the younger generations are much more familiar with AI, with Gen Z (72%), Millennials (57%) compared to Gen X (40%) and Boomers (43%).

Who Do You Trust The Most?

While over half of Irish consumers are willing to use AI alongside their own experience and knowledge (59%), very few people are willing to trust AI recommendations completely (5%), even from a popular AI system.  The proportions are the same for the total sample and among only those familiar with AI.

See our Samsung reviews

For more information about Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Buds3 and Buds3 Pro, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, Samsungmobilepress.com, or Samsung.com.

HP Wolf Security Uncovers Evidence of Attackers Using AI to Generate Malware

HP has issued its latest Threat Insights Report revealing how attackers are using generative AI to help write malicious code. HP’s threat research team found a large and refined ChromeLoader campaign spread through malvertising that leads to professional-looking rogue PDF tools, and identified cybercriminals embedding malicious code in SVG images.

The report provides an analysis of real-world cyberattacks, helping organisations to keep up with the latest techniques cybercriminals are using to evade detection and breach PCs in the fast-changing cybercrime landscape.  Based on data from millions of endpoints running HP Wolf Security, notable campaigns identified by HP threat researchers include:

  • Generative AI assisting malware development in the wild: Cybercriminals are already using GenAI to create convincing phishing lures but to date there has been limited evidence of threat actors using GenAI tools to write code. The team identified a campaign using VBScript and JavaScript believed to have been written with the help of GenAI. The structure of the scripts, comments explaining each line of code, and the choice of native language function names and variables are strong indications that the threat actor used GenAI to create the malware. The attack infects users with the freely available AsyncRAT malware, an easy-to-obtain infostealer which can record victim’s screens and keystrokes. The activity shows how GenAI is lowering the bar for cybercriminals to infect endpoints.
  • Slick malvertising campaigns leading to rogue-but-functional PDF tools: ChromeLoader campaigns are becoming bigger and increasingly polished, relying on malvertising around popular search keywords to direct victims to well-designed websites offering functional tools like PDF readers and converters. These working applications hide malicious code in a MSI file, while valid code-signing certificates bypass Windows security policies and user warnings, increasing the chance of infection. Installing these fake applications allows attackers to take over the victim’s browsers and redirect searches to attacker-controlled sites.
  • This logo is a no-go – hiding malware in Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) images: Some cybercriminals are bucking the trend by shifting from HTML files to vector images for smuggling malware. Vector images, widely used in graphic design, commonly use the XML-based SVG format. As SVGs open automatically in browsers, any embedded JavaScript code is executed as the image is viewed. While victims think they’re viewing an image, they are interacting with a complex file format that leads to multiple types of infostealer malware being installed.

Val Gabriel, Managing Director of HP Ireland, comments: 

“There has long been speculation about AI being used by attackers, but evidence has been scarce, so this finding is significant. Typically, attackers tend to obscure their intentions to avoid revealing their methods, so this behaviour indicates an AI assistant was used to help write their code. It’s cases like this that showcases threat actors are constantly updating their methods. Instances like this one further lower the barrier to entry for threat actors, allowing novices without coding skills to write scripts, develop infection chains, and launch more damaging attacks. So, businesses must build resilience, closing off as many common attack routes as possible and adopt a defence in depth strategy to mitigate any risks.”

By isolating threats that have evaded detection tools on PCs – but still allowing malware to detonate safely – HP Wolf Security has specific insight into the latest techniques used by cybercriminals. To date, HP Wolf Security customers have clicked on over 40 billion email attachments, web pages, and downloaded files with no reported breaches.

The report, which examines data from calendar Q2 2024, details how cybercriminals continue to diversify attack methods to bypass security policies and detection tools, such as:

  • At least 12% of email threats identified by HP Sure Click bypassed one or more email gateway scanners, the same as the previous quarter.
  • The top threat vectors were email attachments (61%), downloads from browsers (18%) and other infection vectors, such as removable storage – like USB thumb drives and file shares (21%).
  • Archives were the most popular malware delivery type (39%), 26% of which were ZIP files.

HP Wolf Security[i] runs risky tasks in isolated, hardware-enforced virtual machines running on the endpoint to protect users, without impacting their productivity. It also captures detailed traces of attempted infections. HP’s application isolation technology mitigates threats that can slip past other security tools and provides unique insights into intrusion techniques and threat actor behaviour.

emporia SMART.6 lite smartphone review

The emporia SMART.6 lite smartphone is one of their latest devices to their portfolio of simple to use phones for the older generation amongst us which is great as technology is now being embraced by such and not only that some situations in life now require such devices at hand to do certain things.

emporia have been leaders in this area with smartphones offering a variety of easy to use devices in which takes away the convoluted mess people have to go through for setting up and more and making it simple to use and set up to each individual’s requirements without the hassle of too many settings and sub-menus.

They do however have a newer model which is the ME.6 which needs to be mentioned for a more seasoned elderly user that allows both the true Android user experience and not only that reverts to the simple menu emporia are renowned for and this device is again a simpler version of the SMART.6

Now I am fortunate enough to get to test the best phones on the market costing up to two grand and more and even for a seasoned poweruser all year round with several devices in use at one time or on rotation I often get frustrated with such phones with all the menus and sub menus and finding things people need and have to look for but with emporia phones this is not the case with this and other models.

I would put the SMART6.Lite in the mid range with the pricing and specs here overall it has all the features you would expect on any other smartphone but simplified to a simple menu structure and again comes with a cool leather cover case with a visible screen and 4 main keys and once you open the cover you have 4 options present which of course can be changed by pressing and holding to select whatever suits you better and do check the emporia coach app which needs to be installed.

On the homescreen you will see a settings icon swipe left for contacts and emergency options and swipe right for your favourite apps and swipe right for you full list of favourites now these can be changed when you add your own apps and on the bottom right you can see and all apps folder and then these can be used as shortcuts.

The smartcover can be changed to functions/favourites or turned off but I highly suggest it is used even at default settings and it is going with the company’s ethos keeping it simple and you should look at the accessibility menu here for more.

The triple lens camera has a 13MP main camera with depth of field and macro for fantastic photos using the easy camera App, or you can use the Pro-Camera App . The 8mp selfie camera on the front brings fun snaps every day and is ready for WhatsApp video calls.The camera is ok in mostly yielding better results on outdoor settings in the daytime you can see samples taken by me below on the best settings if you are one that still likes to take photos which would be the case for family gatherings and so on for the older gen these days and from a typical user the camera is fine but will not win awards for the usual expectations you would see on more expensive devices which is fine as in my experience these days with the older folk including my father is not to pushed on taking photos but just looking at them online or what has been sent to him on WhatsApp and so on.

Image and video samples

There is a One touch Panic button on the back in the camera array which you will add a number to on the homescreen by swiping left as mentioned above and can be used to keep you safe at night or used as a quick access key for your camera or the handy torch.

 

Overall for me this is a well built device offering the basics and more for the older generation keeping things simple you are not getting the bells and whistles you may find on other phones here but this is not intended for that market and it can easily do your daily tasks and more.

As a long time user of emporia products and putting them to real world testing loaded with my app collection multitasking and more these are the best devices on offer for those wanting more and going forward will need more for certain tasks in life and my own father has switched some time ago from his much loved Nokia phones to an emporia device I gave to him and to be fair he has not much patience with smartphones but I get it like his friends and neighbours they just want things kept simple and empora is the way forward if you are moving up from a dumbphone or feature phone for the first time.

Specs

 

  • 4G smartphone with 5.45″ HD screen
  • Award winning emporia easy to use interface (switchable to standard android)
  • Smart cover with 4 interactive buttons for key features (including use of Camera / calls & torch)
  • Easy charging cradle included
  • NFC for contactless payments and real-time blood glucose monitoring
  • Finger print reader for biometric security
  • Physical panic button for personal security
  • 6GB RAM & 128GB RAM (Expandable with micro SD card)
  • Octa-core 1.8GHz processor processor
  • Triple lense 13MP main camera with 8mp selfie camera
  • Height: 147 mm Depth 9mm

BUY 

Other emporia reviews

Unboxing and UI walkthrough

109 Irish companies secured European Space Agency (ESA) support in 2023

Enterprise Ireland has today published the ‘Space Activities in Ireland 2023’ Report, highlighting the growing participation and success of Irish companies in the European space sector. By the end of 2023, 109 Irish companies were actively engaged with ESA, demonstrating the significant expansion of Ireland’s role in this high-growth industry.

In 2023, ESA awarded contracts worth €9.9 million to Irish companies primarily focused on industrial activities. Industrial co-funding of €2.2 million further supported these enterprises. Throughout the year, 25 companies, including three newly space-active businesses, were supported in developing products and technologies across sectors including telecommunications, earth observation, and space exploration.

A key highlight of the year was the successful launch of the Educational Irish Research Satellite 1 (EIRSAT-1), Ireland’s first satellite, on 01 December 2023, marking a significant milestone. EIRSAT-1 is a student-led project from University College Dublin (UCD) and was developed in collaboration with Irish technology companies.

Commenting on the 2023 report, Minister Emer Higgins, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, said:

“2023 was a momentous year for the Irish space sector. The increasing number of Irish companies working with ESA, alongside the launch of EIRSAT-1, highlights Ireland’s strong position in this fast-growing sector.

“As Ireland’s space community continues to innovate and collaborate with European and global partners, the future of the country’s space sector looks brighter than ever. The Irish Government is committed to continuing its support for innovation and enterprise in the space sector as we look to build on these successes and further strengthen Ireland’s role in the global space economy.”

Marina Donohoe, Head of Research and Innovation at Enterprise Ireland, added:

“The strong growth in Irish companies engaging with ESA, now reaching 109, is a clear indicator of Ireland’s expanding footprint in the global space economy. This year’s report demonstrates the progress and impact Irish companies are making through collaboration with ESA, not only in advancing space technology but also in driving innovation in sectors with downstream applications. Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting these companies and the growing number of research teams actively involved in space-related developments supported by ESA.”

The space economy was valued at $630 billion in 2023 and is forecast to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, with an average annual growth rate of 9%, significantly outpacing global GDP growth[1]. This rapid expansion, driven by both public and private sector investments, has opened new opportunities for ‘NewSpace’ companies developing innovative space-related products and services.

In a demonstration of Ireland’s position at the front rank of space technology development, ESA’s new rocket the Ariane 6, which launched smoothly in July this year, used two technology systems designed and built by Irish space engineering company Réaltra. Enterprise Ireland’s ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) Ireland also had a successful year, welcoming seven new start-ups. These companies are focused on developing both upstream and downstream applications, further bolstering Ireland’s contribution to the burgeoning space sector.

Another key development for the sector in 2023 was the establishment of the Irish Space Association (ISA), a new organization designed to foster collaboration among space-active companies and research organizations in Ireland. This collaborative network will play a pivotal role in the future growth of Ireland’s space sector by promoting knowledge-sharing and enhancing the country’s competitive edge in the global space market.

The ESA End of Year Activities Report 2023 underscores the significant progress being made by Irish companies and researchers as they collaborate with ESA and European partners. With Irish companies continuing to leverage the opportunities created by NewSpace, the future looks bright for Ireland’s expanding space sector.

For more information or to download the full report, visit enterprise-ireland-esa-2023-report-en-134478.pdf

Digital Transformation: How Technology Changed Healthcare Business

The health sector has undergone a serious transformation in recent years, mainly because of technological changes. This digital revolution has not only enhanced the care provided to patients but also smoothed operations and made healthcare access more efficient. The inclusion of telehealth, which is seen as a fundamental component of contemporary healthcare delivery, has undoubtedly been one of the largest shifts.

The Rise of Telehealth

Advanced health care facilities offer telehealth appointments, which is a method of receiving healthcare remotely via digital information and communication technology, such as computers and mobile devices. This technology allows patients and doctors to communicate efficiently but remotely, which omits the need for visiting doctors in person even for minor health issues. It has been particularly beneficial for those patients who reside a long distance away, have transportation complications, or would simply be better at ease being treated virtually.

Telehealth is the lifeline of COVID-19, wherein consultations and treatments are given amidst avoidance of exposures. This idea aided in minimizing the spread of the virus and helped keep essential healthcare services available.

Enhanced Patient Care

Better patient care is one of the main advantages of the digital transformation in healthcare.  Instead of using papers and endless file, patient records are stored electronically. This change allows users to access a patient’s complete medical history with a single click or tap. This leads to more complete diagnoses and better-informed treatment options.

Moreover, wearable technology and remote monitoring devices enable healthcare professionals to monitor patients’ vital signs and other health status measures in real-time. Such a possibility of continuous monitoring allows doctors to detect problems well in advance and interfere with treatment when an issue can be effectively dealt with.

Operational Efficiency

Similarly, there has been a vast enhancement in operational efficiency since digital transformation came into being. With automation, administrative tasks, like setting up appointments and billing, fall off the workers’ shoulders, leaving them with substantial time to cater to the patients.

AI and machine learning algorithms analyze vast volumes of data to predict patient needs and optimize resource allocation. The analytics-driven approach empowers healthcare organizations to make better, more wholesome decisions that enable prudent resource utilization and cost savings.

Improved Accessibility

Technology integration widens access to healthcare. Mobile health applications and online portals enable patients to schedule appointments, verify their test results, and communicate with their healthcare providers anywhere at any moment that is most convenient for them.

Telehealth platforms have also given patients access to specialists who could be in other cities or countries. That way, it democratizes access to specialists and thus helps patients get the best treatment possible based on their location.

Besides, health booths equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and telemedicine capabilities are being deployed in public spaces. In the near future, they will be deployed in remote areas, allowing people to access healthcare instantly. These booths enable patients to receive immediate medical diagnostics and medicine without traveling to a hospital or clinic. They can also consult with healthcare professionals. This further enhances accessibility, especially for underserved populations.

Digitalization in healthcare has been nothing less than revolutionary. From offering telehealth appointments to AI for predictive analytics, technology has turned how healthcare is delivered upside down. It is critical to emphasize that the more we forge ahead in this digital era, the more integration of technology will continue to drive the future of health, making healthcare truly patient-centric, effective, and accessible.

HIMOINSA Launches Yanmar-powered HGY Series Generators for Critical Power Supply

HIMOINSA, part of the Yanmar Group, has launched the HGY Series, a new power solution poised to become a leader in power generation for mission-critical projects.

Developed collaboratively by HIMOINSA and Yanmar Power Technology (YPT), the HGY Series combines HIMOINSA’s expertise in power generation with YPT’s advanced engine technology.

HIMOINSA is a manufacturer of power technology solutions that designs and produces generator sets, battery storage systems, lighting towers, automatic transfer switches, monitoring controls and accessories, for backup and continuous power supply.

The launch event for the new HGY Series generators launch event took place in Madrid, Spain, where around 400 customers and partners enjoyed a breathtaking show in the Metropolitano Stadium.

The HGY Series is powered by Yanmar engines, ranging from 1250kVA to 3500kVA (future plans up to 4000kVA). This includes the GY175L engine family, featuring multiple models with 12 and 16 cylinders and future engine developments with 20 cylinders, all of which are electronically controlled.

In terms of sustainability, the HGY Series is configured to support the future adoption of alternative fuels such as HVO, gas and hydrogen. This is a significant step towards environmental responsibility and will help support end-users in their strategy to attain Net Zero.

The HGY generators are equipped with exhaust after-treatment systems to meet European, German, and British regulations for mid-combustion plants operating more than 300 or 500 hours. The new series includes an EPA Tier 2 certified version for emergency applications in the United States and complies with NEA regulations in Singapore.

Designed to reduce emissions, HIMOINSA will provide the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) to provide comprehensive information on the product’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. This helps customers make more sustainable purchasing decisions and implement low-carbon strategies.

“The new HGY marks the start of a new chapter in the story of critical power generation,” said Francisco Gracia, President and CEO of HIMOINSA. “Design and engineering teams from both HIMOINSA and Yanmar have worked closely with our dealers and customers to develop an innovative solution that addresses the clear demand for energy-efficient, low-emission, and comprehensive power solutions,” Gracia emphasized that the launch of the HGY series is a significant step forward in reinforcing HIMOINSA’s growth in the global market.

This new development has generated a significant increase in the industrial capacity for both companies with the launch of a new production line for the Yanmar GY engine at the Amagasaki factory in Japan and the establishment of a new HIMOINSA production center in Spain. This new facility for Power Solutions has an area of 17,000m2 and a production capacity of 1,000 units of generators annually.

The HGY Series includes generators with varying power outputs for different applications, including emergency (ESP), continuous (PRP), data center power (DCP), COP, and LTP. This ensures the best solution for healthcare, data centers, capacity markets and other mission-critical sectors.

GY Yanmar Engine: Quality and Reliability
Yanmar has over 100 years of experience in developing reliable, fuel-efficient engine technology for power generation, marine and construction equipment industries. The GY engine family is proven technology based on Yanmar’s renowned marine engines, known globally for their reliability.

“Customers in the critical power segment can have faith in our engine technology and trust it to deliver. We have worked very closely with the HIMOINSA engineering team, utilizing their expertise in the power generation market to create an engine solution that will perfectly match the needs of critical power customers”, explained Masaru Hirose, Director, General Manager of Large Power Products Business at Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd.

The GY is a new family of high-speed engines with a common rail injection system. It combines the unique combustion technology for high-speed engines with the reliability of medium-speed engines, ensuring high performance and efficiency. This technology supports operation in extreme conditions, compact footprint, multiple fuel capabilities and low emissions.

  • Common-rail Fuel Injection Systems and High-Pressure Pump: Generates up to 2,200-bar injection pressure for maximum efficiency, optimizing the combustion pressure curve through multiple injections.
  • High Power Density: The HGY Series delivers exceptional performance in terms of emissions and power density (up to 37.9kWm/L). The high specific power density reduces footprint and impacts the total life cycle carbon footprint.
  • Single Cylinder Prototype: The design of the piston head and the fluid analysis is key for engine efficiency and performance. Yanmar has invested thousands of engineering hours in this development stage.
  • Fast Response: In power generation applications where rapid response is crucial, fuel injection plays an important role. The electronic control unit (ECU) can swiftly react to sudden changes in speed within milliseconds. Additionally, the engine can commence operation in less than8 seconds and meets the performance standards of the ISO8528-5 G3 class conditions.
  • Intuitive Engine Control Unit (ECU): The ECU includes several physical parameters for optimal control of the injection system. The control system includes integrated, intuitive, operable diagnostic software, allowing remote monitoring of the engine and generator.

Fuel Consumption | Best-in-class efficiency
Efficiency is a primary objective for HIMOINSA and Yanmar, and the HGY generators have been designed to ensure optimal fuel consumption. This is achieved through a new common rail highpressure fuel injection system, advanced piston design, and high-power density. This focus on efficiency translates to cost savings, reduced emissions and extended autonomy, making the HGY Series one of the most efficient and competitive products on the market.

Serviceability and Extended Service Intervals
Easy maintenance and accessibility have been integral to the new product development. All engine consumable parts, such as fuel and air filters and the oil filling point, are conveniently located on one side.

Most parts are compatible across various engine versions and models. This design ensures customers need less spare parts stock, as common components such as fuel filters, fuel pumps, and injectors can be shared. This sophisticated, modular design means more efficient servicing, reduced spare parts inventory, and streamlined technician training.

The HGY Series offers extended service intervals and features a top overhaul interval of 10,000 hours and a major overhaul interval of up to 30,000 hours for continuous operation. HIMOINSA provides a generator management platform for remote monitoring, control, and maintenance of power generators. This comprehensive solution provides real-time tracking of critical parameters, automatic alerts for faults or anomalies, and tools for proactive maintenance planning, all aimed at maximizing operational efficiency and minimizing downtime.

Additionally, the platform features advanced reporting and data analysis capabilities, empowering informed decision-making and ensuring optimal performance of generators across any location. Customers will benefit significantly from this platform by accessing all data via an API.

Revolut launches Revolut Terminal, its new POS device

Revolut, the global fintech with more than 45 million customers worldwide and hundreds of thousands of business customers, has today announced the launch of Revolut Terminal in the UK and Ireland, with pre-orders beginning today in the UK and in the next month for Ireland. A new point of sale device optimised for speed, Revolut Terminal will allow businesses to accept payments in seconds and meet the growing demand for quick, reliable point-of-sale (POS) devices.

With its Terminal device, Revolut Business aims to deliver 99.9%+ platform uptime for uninterrupted sales even during the busiest periods. Integrated WiFi and SIM connections and a battery that lasts all day ensure the device is always ready to take payments on the spot when it matters most.

Available on exclusive pre-sale,* Revolut Business customers can access the Terminal at a cut price rate of €139 +VAT down from €189 +VAT and receive the device in time for the busy retail season; with Black Friday and Christmas on the horizon meaning merchants need a terminal they can rely on to take payments without downtime. While high demand for payments on Black Friday can occasionally cause digital outages for many providers, Revolut Business’ payment processing technology achieved 100% platform uptime on Black Friday last year.

The all-in-one solution offers Revolut Pay, a unique payment method where Revolut customers can pay directly from their Revolut app, earning RevPoints** — loyalty points accumulated from spending on Revolut — in the process at no cost to the merchant. When paying with Revolut Pay, customers can redeem their earned points for discounts on their spending. In turn, Revolut Pay transactions give merchants access to lower fees (0.5% + €0.02 for Revolut Pay transactions).***

Revolut Terminal integrates seamlessly with Revolut Business technology, aiding cash flow with funds accessible within 24 hours. It can be paired with our Point of Sale software to give merchants access to advanced analytics, table mapping, multi-location management and customer catalogues, streamlining the process of dealing with multiple service providers and making expense management easy. 

The launch follows the publication of Revolut Business’ annualised revenue surpassing $500M globally as the group commits to doubling down on its B2B offering and driving investment into product innovation to better serve business customers. 

Alex Codina, General Manager of Merchant Acquiring at Revolut, commented: “We’re excited to be offering Revolut Terminal as an all-in-one, powerful POS solution for our business customers. This launch comes as we continue to invest into our B2B offering and particularly double down on the hospitality and retail industries as an acquirer. A truly reliable payment solution is the difference between closing the sale and losing money – with Black Friday round the corner, Revolut Terminal is built to withstand high customer demand; and it could be yours in time for the busy season at an exclusive, reduced rate.”

James Gibson, General Manager of Revolut Business, commented: “We’re continuing to see lots of momentum in Revolut Business, having this summer surpassed $500M in annualised revenue and onboarding over 20,000 new customers per month. Revolut Terminal marks the latest investment in our business customers, with merchants of all sizes now able to easily accept payments directly into their Revolut Business accounts, without juggling multiple providers.”

Revolut Business customer, The Mulligan Room, added: “We started taking payments 10 minutes after setting up the Revolut Terminal, it was that easy! Now we benefit from lower costs with great rates and having a merchant and business account in one. The Terminal lets us process payments fast, has robust design and great features like custom tipping.”

Getting to Grips with Mobile Gametech

Wow, has mobile gaming changed. Over the decades, it’s transformed from peripheral entertainment niche into enormously significant and lucrative sector within both the mobile app and gaming ecosystems. For several years now, mobile games have generated over half of all global gaming revenues, outperforming both the incumbent console and PC markets – impressive in our eyes, at least!

According to a recent report by Statista, the mobile gaming industry is forecast to hit a value of over $118 billion in 2027 – truly underscoring its dominant status in gaming. 

And the success of mobile gaming is no mere trend! It’s a result of technology utterly transforming the gaming landscape. Exciting advancements in tons of different areas – mobile hardware, software development, and operational tech – have rewritten our sense of what’s possible. Nowadays, you can use your phone to enjoy the kind of experience that you’d once only have expected on high-end consoles and PCs. Plus, have you seen the sheer scale of games available for mobile these days? Cards, bingo, slots, poker, adventures, horror, and more. Users can access everything from casino games to esports tournaments on their smartphones. Want to try your hand at slots or poker without having to do more than pick up your phone and open an app? You can enjoy super high-end graphics and gorgeous functionality in today’s mobile casino games, all from your smartphone! It’s one very clear marker of just how far we’ve come.

And sure, there are plenty of other genres that your mobile can handle, but there’s no question that digital casino games are especially well-suited to this format – supported by their popularity today.

The Mobile Gametech Ecosystem

To fully grasp how mobile gaming thrives, it’s crucial to dissect the technologies that sustain it. The mobile gametech ecosystem can be broadly categorised into three domains: Development, Consumer Tech, and Operations. 

Development

Development is at the heart of any gaming experience, and for mobile developers, the landscape is more competitive than ever. From casual commute-friendly games to AAA multiplayer titles, there’s an ever-increasing demand for new mobile experiences, which makes development tech that can handle the demand essential. 

Consumer Tech

Of course, all the development technologies in the world wouldn’t make a difference if it weren’t for devices. What else would we play the games on? The latest smartphones now come equipped with faster processors, stronger GPUs, and RAM aplenty, making it possible for developers to create games that were once only feasible on games consoles. 

Connectivity also takes a pivotal position in the mobile gametech ecosystem. As controversial as it remains, 5G has been a boon for mobile gamers, offering low latency and lightning-fast download speeds. 

Operations: Monetization, Data, and Maintenance

The operational side of mobile gaming is also crucial to the ecosystem. This includes everything from backend infrastructure to player engagement techniques.

A Deep Dive into Mobile Game Engines

Most app developers today are increasingly turning towards using game engines. It will surprise absolutely no one that using the right software to develop a gaming app is key, but did you know it can make the difference between a mediocre title cluttering up the app stores and a standout hit everyone wants to try? Developers need engines that aren’t just robust, but also flexible enough to handle the unique challenges of the mobile platform – which are not insignificant! 

What is a Mobile Game Engine?

A mobile game engine is essentially a software framework designed to simplify game development. These frameworks provide the necessary tools to create, manage, and optimise all the elements of a game – not just graphics, but also sound and networking. When creating mobile gaming apps, a game engine can be used to render graphics and manage the game’s underlying logic, which ensures a seamless experience across all mobile devices. 

The Best Mobile Game Engines

There are several game engines in existence and, while none are exclusively designed solely for mobile development, a number do stand out for their adaptable feature sets, which make them ideal for the sector. The likes of Unity and Unreal are the market leaders, but don’t stop with them. There are also a couple of up-and-coming tools that deserve your consideration!

Unity

Perhaps the most popular engine for desktop and console games, but that’s not all! It also ranks highly in the mobile world. If you’re creating 2D or 3D mobile games, it’s excellent, and it’s also versatile and super easy to use. Plus, cross-platform capabilities! They mean that developers can build for Android, iOS, Windows, and more at the same time – definitely a win. 

Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine, developed by Epic Games, counts as another major player here. Sure, it’s better known for AAA console and PC games, but does that mean it’s useless for mobile games? No! Its powerful visual scripting tool called Blueprints lets developers build games without needing to write a single line of code, opening up options for folks everywhere. 

Godot

Free and open-source, Godot is swiftly gaining popularity. Like the engines above, it supports 2D and 3D game development, but it’s much more lightweight than Unreal, which makes it ideal for creating mobile games that are compatible with less powerful devices. 

Cocos2d-x

Popular among developers creating 2D and indie games, Cocos2d-x is a lightweight, open-source engine. It’s widely used in the Asian markets, particularly during the development of hypercasual and puzzle games. However, thanks to its support for Android, iOS and Windows, it’s becoming more popular with developers in the UK and Europe. 

 

SKROSS travel accessories review

Going on some trips soon or just need some new accessories to power you on the go or at home SKROSS travel accessories might be a place to check out and we have some of their products here to show you today.

Below is a list of products ideal for those who want that bit more and affordable and ideal for the home or office and most importantly those who travel quite often with more than one gadget at hand.

See the full video review below for more.

PRO Light USB AC45PD – World

Features 

  • The compact universal 3 pin travel adapter with built-in fast charging USB PD charger (1 x USB C and 1 x USB). The PRO Light USB AC45PD – World ensures easy and secure connection of 2- and 3-pin devices from around the world to more than 200 destinations.
  • The power is up to 1750W, so you can connect even powerful devices such as laptops or travel hair dryers.
  • The dual USB port provides enough power to easily charge two USB devices (1 x USB C and 1 x standard USB device), even if another device is connected via the high-performance adapter at the same time. The built-in USB-C port charges laptops and other devices super fast!
  • Input plug: Switzerland, Italy, Brazil, UK, USA/Japan, Australia/China, Europe (Schuko and Euro 2-pin) Output plug: USA, UK, Australia/China, Europe (Schuko)
  • Input voltage: 100-250V AC, 50/60Hz maximum. Load: 7A Rated Power: 100V AC – 700W / 250V – 1750W Replaceable Fuse: T 7A 1 x USB Type-C Output: 5.0V DC/Max. 3.0A, Max 15.0W, 9.0V DC/Max Max 3.0A 27.0 W, 15.0 V DC/max. Max 3.0A 45.0 W, 20.0 V DC / Max. Max 2.25A 45.0W 1 USB Type A Output: 5.0V DC/Max. 2.4A Max 12.0 W, 9.0 V DC / max. 2.22A Max 20.0W – Dual Port Output (A+C): 5.0V DC/Max. 4.8 A, (24.0 W) split. Does not convert voltage

BUY

 

Power Charger 65W PD UK

Features

  • GAN network charger with 2-ship 65 W European socket: small and powerful, 65 W PD top up of 3 USB devices (2 x USB C, 1 x USB A).
  • This ultra-compact and high-performance USB-C 65-W-PD from Skross guarantees
  • Using Power Delivery (PD), it can easily be able to feed laptops, smartphones, tablets, audio devices and much more on ultra tarpaulin. Characterized by ultra-root dimensions that use the latest GAN technology.
  • Technical specifications: USB 1 x USB Type-C1 (PD) Exit: 5.0 V CC / Max. 3.0A, 9.0V CC/Max. 3.0 A, 12.0 V CC/Max. 3.0 A, 15.0 V CC/Max. 3.0 A, 20.0 V CC/Max. 3.25A, Massimo 65.0 W 1 x USB Type C2 (PD) Output: 5.0 V CC / Max. 2.4A, 9.0V CC/Max. 2.22 A, 12.0 V CC/Max. 1.67A, Massimo 20.0 W
  • USB output: max. Total 65.0 W – Input: 100 V – 240 V, 50/60 Hz, 1.5 A – Weight: 88 g – Dimensions: l 42 mm at 60 mm p 30 mm

BUY 

 

USB-C – USB-C Cable Fast Charging

Features

Charges and synchronises all USB devices with USB Type-C ports

Fits with many Android and New iPhone smartphones on the market
Reinforced jacket on Type-C Connectors
100W Power Delivery Support
Various cable lengths available!