Author: Jim O Brien/CEO

CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.

#EatMessage turns players faces into controllers as they catch and dodge emojis sent by their friends

Futurefly (www.futurefly.net), the Helsinki-based developers and creators of Rawr Messenger, has launched EatMessage (www.eatmessage.com), the first ever iMessage selfie-based game which allows users to challenge their friends to eat or dodge emojis –

 

EatMessage chomps at Snapchat’s heels: 

 

  • EatMessage uniquely turns players’ faces into controllers as they catch and dodge emojis sent by their friends

 

  • Accessible within the iMessage App Store menu, the free-to-use EatMessage lets users select a combination of food emojis (such as apples, doughnuts, and pizza) and inedible emojis (including spanners, light bulbs, and rainbows) to be ‘thrown’ in-app at their friend. The user sends an EatMessage challenge to their friend whose front facing camera transplants them into an augmented reality world in which they use their mouth to catch edible food emojis, and their face to dodge other, less desirable items.

 

 

  • Knowing what to eat and what to dodge is crucial, with players having to think on their feet and react quickly to a wide variety of emojis being virtually flung in their direction

 

  • After all of the items have been successfully (or unsuccessfully) been caught or avoided, a GIF of the player, as well as a selfie complete with an amusing filter and accompanying movie quote, are sent to the other friend, making EatMessage the easiest and cheekiest way to ask for a selfie

 

 

Check out the EatMessage on the App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/dk/app/eatmessage-selfie-game/id1184800021?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2

Loot Crate is a fan-commerce product box.. #Tech #Gaming #Gadgets #LootCrate

Loot Crate is a fan-commerce product box and essentially a subscription based service which has just launched in Europe. Loot Crate is the first of its kind, offering a curated collection of items from the best pop culture franchises delivered to your door every month. Loot ranges from gaming, collectables, apparel, tech gadgets, art, and other epic gear. 

 

 

 

A typical crate includes 5-7 items, with fan products ranging from Marvel, Disney, Lucas Entertainment, DC Entertainment, WWE, Sanrio, the Halo franchise, and the Gears of War franchise. Crates vary from more general ‘core’ items to specific genres such as gaming and anime.

 

 

 

 

Loot Crate Key Facts:

  • Has shipped 10 million crates since 2012
  • Over 650K subscribers in 35 countries
  • Inc Magazine’s fastest growing private company in 2016
  • US based and expanding its operations with a new UK HQ servicing customers in UK + EU
  • Main demographic is 18-34 males
  • 20 percent of customers are international/ outside of the US
  • 30 percent of subscribers are female
  • Half a million fans watch the Loot Crate Facebook Live videos each month
  • Loot Crate has 2.5 million Facebook followers and 594,000 Twitter followers

 

 

To find out more, visit https://www.lootcrate.com or @LootCrate on twitter..

#Blackboard Ranked First in Framework to Provide Virtual Learning Environment Solutions in Scotland

Institutions able to partner with Blackboard without additional tender process.. 

Blackboard Inc. today announced that it was awarded the framework contract for the provision of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) solutions and services to Scottish institutions by APUC (Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges) Limited, the procurement centre of expertise for all Scotland universities and colleges. Moreover, Blackboard has obtained a number one ranking, which enables all APUC member institutions to partner directly with Blackboard without an additional tender process.

The decision was taken after a thorough review of several criteria including Core VLE functionality and testing, support and maintenance, innovation and customer leverage. 

“We are honoured that Blackboard has been ranked first in the framework for provisioning VLE solutions in Scotland,” said Lee Blakemore, President of Blackboard International. “We are already working with many institutions in the region, and we are looking forward to helping even more students, teachers and staff achieve their learning goals.” 

#YubiKey – The future of cybersecurity. #Phishing #Scams #Cybercrime

Did you know that phishing scams are the leading cause of cybercrime?

A report by tech security company PhishMe last year found a staggering 91 per cent of all cyberattacks in 2016 were triggered by a phishing email.

And the number of these bogus email attacks aimed at duping recipients into divulging personal or confidential information such as passwords or bank account details is rising at an alarming rate.

The Anti-Phishing Working Group (AWPG) said there were more than 1.2 million reported phishing attacks last year, a whopping 65 per cent rise compared to 2015, while telecoms firm Verizon’s 2016 Data Breach Investigations Report found 30 per cent of phishing emails were opened by recipients.

 

 

To combat this growing concern, tech giants such as Google, Facebook and Salesforce have introduced a new security device to their employees – and now it is available to billions of their users.

 

Introducing Yubico’s YubiKey

The YubiKey security key by Yubico eradicates the dangers of phishing attacks by adding an extra layer of login security to a range of leading websites such as Google, Facebook, YouTube, Dropbox, Salesforce and many more.

By employing two-factor authentication (2FA), the hack-proof USB stick works by requiring users to activate it after inputting a username and password to gain access to personal accounts. Without a password AND a YubiKey, access is denied, preventing anyone who does not have both from logging in.

 

Unlike two-step verification, which involves sending a temporary login code to a user’s mobile phone via text, the waterproof YubiKey, which is already used in 160 countries, removes the need for transmissions that can easily be intercepted by tech-savvy cybercriminals.

Having been adopted by staff at multinational corporations such as Facebook and Google, the compact YubiKey, which weighs just 3g and offers options for both computer system and smartphone protection, is now available to UK consumers from just £17.50.

For more information visit www.yubico.com

We will have a review soon…

#Snatch – The app that turns real life into a fast paced reality game. #AR #Gaming #UK

British AR gaming experience Snatches the crown from Pokemon Go!

  • Thousands of Brits are taking to ‘Snatch’ to steal and snatch real prizes from the streets and from each other – the craze has overtaken Pokemon Go for daily downloads in the App Store

 

 

Though Brits are still going crazy for Pokemon Go, with many chasing down the 80 new monsters available in their recent update, thousands of Brits are also going crazy for a new augmented reality (AR) gaming experience. Snatch, the game that rewards player’s virtual efforts with real prizes, has overtaken Pokemon Go in the UK App Store and now sits at number one in the adventure chart, as well as being in the top 20 for all apps and top 10 for all games – all within the first month of its launch.

 

Snatch combines augmented reality with geo-location technology and turns the world around players into a massive, virtual treasure hunt. Instead of hunting down virtual monsters, players hunt down virtual parcels that transform into real prizes. This month UK players have already walked away with prizes including: a share of £250,000, clothing for a year from high street brands like TopShop and TopMan, free food from JustEat, Nando’s and Pizza Hut Delivery among others.

 

 

The game has £15m worth of prizes ready to be won, with new rewards being added on a weekly basis. The game has landed 195,000 players one month into launch, with the average player spending more than an hour in-game every day.

 

The treasure hunt hasn’t just been a success with gamers – Unilever Ventures, the investment arm of Unilever, recently invested a significant sum into the start-up – a rarity for any company pre-series A funding. Snatch is also set to introduce the product to the US market in the next few months, with an exclusive preview this month in Austin, Texas at music, film, and technology festival – SXSW.

CEO and Founder, Joe Martin comments: “I had worked on Snatch for two years before the launch – and I was confident it would be a success but the amount of players already snatching is amazing. To reach more than 195,000 players and to overtake Pokemon Go in the App Store in our first month is just incredible and I’m so happy people are really going snatch-crazy. We’ve already given away £250k in cash, as well as hundreds of other prizes and we are just getting started.

“Players can expect us to introduce new features, new prizes, and new ways of playing the game that will change the way people see augmented reality.”

 

Download Snatch for free on iOS and Android

The Bugatti case collection for the Samsung S8 and S8+ #Bugatti #Samsung

Handcrafted from premium and full grain vegetable-tanned leather and finished with a gentle burnishing process, the Bugatti cases are built for character. The natural beauty of leather becomes stronger and richer as it comes into contact with you and your environment and ages gracefully adding charm over time. This distinguished trademark enables leather to connect to your personality like no other material in the world.

 

 

  • Exclusively crafted from durable full grain leather
  • Characterised with a gentle burnishing finish
  • Environmentally friendly because of vegetable tanning
  • Sophisticated back slot to protect and store your essential cards
  • Soft touch microfiber lining to keep your device scratch-free and clean
  • Clean-cut ergonomics for optimal access to all device functions and ports
  • Distinct appeal because of its slim and sleek design
  • Ultimate 360º protection due to ‘Flawless Fit Technology’
  • Luxuriously debossed bugatti logo on front side
  • Designed in Europe

£34.99 for Samsung Galaxy S8 and £34.99 for Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus.  Available from Carphone Warehouse

The Zurigo

 

 

  • Exclusively crafted from durable full grain leather
  • Characterized with a gentle burnishing finish
  • Environmentally friendly because of vegetable tanning
  • Extensive but subtle slots to protect and store your cards, ID and money
  • Soft touch microfiber lining to keep your screen scratch-free and clean
  • Clean-cut ergonomics for optimal access to all device functions and ports
  • Comfortably watch videos and slideshows thanks to build-in landscape stand
  • Ultimate 360º protection due to ‘Flawless Fit Technology’
  • Strong magnetic lid to safely secure your device
  • Luxuriously debossed bugatti logo on front side
  • Small cut out on the front enables phone calls with closed front cover
  • Designed in Europe

£39.99 for Samsung Galaxy S8 and £39.99 for Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus.  Available from Carphone Warehouse

 

Parigi

 

 

  • Exclusively crafted from durable full grain leather
  • Characterized with a gentle burnishing finish
  • Environmentally friendly because of vegetable tanning
  • Firm and invisible magnets integrated for careless closing
  • Sophisticated back slot to protect and store your essential cards
  • Soft touch microfiber lining to keep your screen scratch-free and clean
  • Clean-cut ergonomics for optimal access to all device functions and ports
  • Ultimate 360º protection due to ‘Flawless Fit Technology’
  • Luxuriously debossed bugatti logo on front side
  • Small cut out on the front enables phone calls with closed front cover
  • Designed in Europe

£29.99 for Samsung Galaxy S8 and £29.99 for Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus.  Available from Carphone Warehouse

Stylish protection for your Samsung S8 from #FLAVR for ladies. #SamsungS8

FLAVR’s brand new range of phones cases for Samsung Galaxy S8/S8 Plus, the Real Flower Collection includes real, pressed flowers in each transparent case so that every case made is totally unique and individual. The cases are not only colourful and pretty but also feel great to the touch. Perfect for bringing in the summer with your new phone. The new cases will be available for £19.99 from www.shopflavr.com and selected retailers.

 

 

The Pop collection from FLAVR has designs all in line with the latest trends from the catwalk – florals, tropical motifs and tattoo-style motifs. The transparent case still shows the colour of your new Samsung Galaxy S8 / S8 Plus but also adds a bright design, a personal touch and style. The Pop collection will also be available from www.shopflavr.com and selected retailers for £14.99.

 

 

 

Trusted Protection for the Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ with GEAR4’s new range of D3 cases

S8 owners can now ensure their brand new phone has the ultimate protection with D3O shock absorbing technology

 

With a new smartphone announcement comes all the excitement of consumers rushing to get their hands on it first and with today’s launch of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, GEAR4, the UK’s number one impact protection case brand, are on hand to offer the best protection possible for all those shiny new devices. The new Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ case range, featuring D3O® – the most advanced shock absorbing technology for enhanced impact protection adds two brand new cases to the range, the Battersea and Greenwich as well as the new Oxford and the ever popular Piccadilly to colour match perfectly  the new S8 and S8+.

 

 

The latest edition to the Samsung family can now be wrapped in the same D3O® impact absorbing technology that is trusted worldwide in military combat uniforms, motorcycle clothing and protective gear worn by pro athletes (including Usain Bolt). With these sorts of ringing endorsements, Galaxy S8 owners can be assured of unrivalled protection without adding bulk or unsightly padding to their new device.

GEAR4 designers have combined this unique technology with designs that enhance the elegant form of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ to deliver an unprecedented level of protection while still honoring the design of the device itself.All of the new GEAR4 cases for Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ are available at GEAR4.com and Carphone Warehouse.

 

The Greenwich 

 

 

The Greenwich case for Galaxy S8 and S8+ is big on style, easy on the eye, and heavy on impact protection thanks to a higher proportion of D3O.

Featuring the world’s first Metallic D3O technology to perfectly colour match the S8 and S8+, the case appears as an extension of Galaxy S8 and S8+ adding minimal bulk, whilst offering the best protection possible. GEAR4 is the first case brand to use INJECTABLE D3O, delivering more impact protection per cubic millimetre than other leading materials.

The Greenwich has a stylish grooved transparent polycarbonate back and is available in Orchid Grey, Gold, Silver and Black to perfectly frame the Galaxy S8 and S8+.

 

The Battersea

 

 

With a soft touch finish and grooved black polycarbonate styling for extra grip, Battersea offers style and reassurance that your device is protected against life’s everyday knocks and drops. It features extra D3O to keep the Galaxy S8 and S8+ looking smart whilst staying safe. This little black number looks good and feels good anywhere, anytime.

 

The Piccadilly

 

 

The most popular case in the GEAR4 range, the Piccadilly is now available in new colours Coral Blue and Orchid Grey, perfect for Samsung fans who have splashed out on the Galaxy S8 or S8+ and don’t want to spoil the look of their phone with a bulky, case that hides the design of their device.

With the same Metallic D3O technology as the Greenwich to perfectly colour match, Piccadilly is also scratch-protected with UV coating and offers easy access to all ports. Available in Black, Coral Blue, Silver, Gold and Orchid Grey.

The Oxford

 

 

 

 

 

X-Doria Unveils Ultra Protective Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus Cases

X-Doria, the leading manufacturer of fashion-forward protective accessories, is introducing three stylish case collections to outfit and protect the new Samsung S8 phones. The premium collection consists of Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus cases, designed with distinct aesthetics to appeal to individual personalities and now featuring a new and improved one-piece construction.

 

 

 

X-Doria’s Defense Lux for Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus combines refined luxury and durability to create the ultimate protective case. Defense Lux features an improved, one-piece, simple snap-on construction, engineered with a soft inner rubber layer, impact resistant polycarbonate backing, and machined with an aluminum outer frame. The aluminium outer frame protects the perimetre of the Galaxy, whilst inside, the soft rubber wraps around the phone protecting it from up to 10’ (3m) drops on concrete, exceeding military drop test standards (MIL-STD-810G).  For a more sophisticated look, an additional back panel is included, available in a choice of Black Carbon Fibre, Black Leather, or Rosewood. The cases can be purchased for £29.99 (£34.99 Rosewood) on Amazon.co.uk or XDoriaLife.com for Samsung Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8 Plus.

 

 

The Defense Shield series merges polycarbonate, soft rubber and anodized aluminium to form the ultimate in protection for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus.  X-Doria utilises machined metal as opposed to plastic to ensure its Defense Shield provides military-level drop protection that has been tested to survive 10’ (3m) drops on concrete, surpassing the MIL-STD-810G standards for protection. The back perimetre of the S8 is protected by machined aluminium while the edges are wrapped with soft rubber, ensuring the metal never touches the device. The screen is protected from surface scratches by a raised lip, and the rear is shielded by an improved & hardened clear polycarbonate, protecting the device without covering it up. The simple, one-piece, snap-on construction requires no tools for assembly. Available for £24.99 on Amazon.co.uk or XDoriaLife.com for Samsung Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8 Plus.

 

 

Defense Clear is a see-through case, available for Samsung S8 and S8 Plus, with triple layer shock protection, designed to actively deflect the force of drops away from the phone, while maintaining a lightweight and ultra-slim look. The protective case is engineered with two layers of shock absorbing rubber, including a scientifically proven DropShield™ edge lining that hardens on contact. This offers the ultimate drop protection, exceeding MIL-STD-810G by protecting for drops from 10’ (3m) safeguarding all sides of the phone. The Defense Clear is available in multiple colours including Black & White. Available for £24.99 on Amazon.co.uk and XDorialife.com for Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8 Plus.

 

 

Defense 360 is the ultimate lightweight and clear case, available for Samsung S8 and S8 Plus, providing full screen protection with full touch control. Defense 360 has an industry first, hard injected protective shield that completely covers the front, sides and back of the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus. This allows total control of the phones multi-touch screen; a perfect alternative to the sometimes tricky task of applying a screen protector with the curved screen edge. The tough polycarbonate construction provides all around protection from scratches, marks, and other hazards. Available for £19.99 on Amazon.co.uk and XDorialife.com for Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8 Plus.

For more information on X-Doria’s Samsung S8 and S8 Plus case collection, please visit XDoriaLife.com.

About X-Doria:

X-Doria is a leading innovator of fashion-forward and technology accessories for mobile lifestyles. Based in Santa Monica, CA, X-Doria incorporates the city’s warm and vivacious design in its iPhone, Samsung, and Apple Watch accessories. With its approachable and customer-centric design, the company’s mission is to consistently push the boundaries of innovation. Using a focused approach that rapidly tracks changing style trends, X-Doria responds with the best, top-of-the-line designs and military-grade protection. X-Doria’s marquee products continue to lead the way in mobile accessories for a new generation of style-conscious mobile consumers. Its products can be found at major retailers, with distribution around the world. Learn more about X-Doria at www.xdorialife.com.