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.

Black Friday sale with mophie – Up to 70% Off on Select Products

Black Friday offers have landed for the mophie range chargers and assorted accessories. These cutting-edge products are designed to elevate your audience’s tech game while keeping their wallets happy. The promotion goes until to 27th November.

During this time, select are on offer, with savings up to 70% off, including:

Please see here for the full list of discounted products and watch out for reviews soon

Love vs. Thermostats: Stoov’s Revelations on How Heating Sparks Relationship Drama in British Homes!

The cost-of-living crisis and pay-cap announcements are top of mind amongst the public, with most seasonal headlines reflecting these concerns. Stoov, the Dutch infrared heating brand aiming to warm Brits sustainably while saving on energy bills, found out how heating is affecting relationships at home. You can also check out our review of Stoov here.

Low temps = high tensions

When surveying Brits, Stoov discovered that tensions are both common, and high: over half of respondents have argued over when to turn on the heat this winter. Age factors in, too: Gen Z are most likely to have this argument (81%), in contrast with Millennials despite them being the ones who are most likely to turn on the heating first (62%).

Tensions largely stem from stress around the cost of heating: 85% of respondents are worried about energy costs this winter – 42% even feel more stressed than last year. Despite women (89%) and men (81%) feeling similar levels of anxiety, arguments may stem from which rooms need heating first. While couples agree on heating the living room (69%) and bedroom (32%) first, other rooms align with personal preference; women like to heat the bathroom (9%), while men prefer the kitchen (7%).

Heating Grinch vs. Chilly Billy

The gender temperature gap is a smaller factor in the home surprisingly, compared to places like the office or gym. Despite 86% of female respondents falling into the Chilly Billy category, saying they always feel cold, women are only 10% more likely to turn on the heat than men. Many opt to use additional layers of clothing to stay warm: 89% of respondents wear layers, most stop at two (43%) before turning on the heat.

Interestingly, four in ten of respondents have chosen to buy personal heating products like heating blankets, pads, cushions or hot water bottles, to reduce or circumvent the need for central heating altogether.

Despite finances at home having been a traditionally male-dominated space, progress has been made within modern relationships as financial control balances out between men and women. Men are only 8% more likely to pay the energy bills, and 4% more likely to have saved to create a buffer for heating costs, when compared to women. This implies that financial responsibility is becoming increasingly shared within British partnerships.

Becky Nascimento, UK Country Manager at Stoov says, “We often underestimate how much temperature can affect our wellbeing and headspace, especially at home. When finances become involved, it only becomes more complex. This survey shows that many Brits feel they must choose between financial savings and physical comfort, which affects the social dynamic at home. Luckily, many people looking for affordable, sustainable alternatives to central heating have discovered personal heating products as an ideal solution to ease tensions, as people can establish their own, ideal environment, anywhere in the home – even with their partner right next to them.”

Why Does Every Business Need Cloud Storage Services?

Managing data effectively is crucial for any business in today’s digital era. The best cloud storage solutions offer more than just data storage; they provide a secure and efficient platform to manage business information. From small startups to large corporations, cloud storage has become a key component in data management strategy. This article discusses the compelling reasons why every business should integrate cloud storage into their operations.

  1. Enhanced Security: A Robust Shield for Your Data

The most significant advantage of cloud storage is its superior level of security. Providers employ sophisticated encryption and robust security measures to protect data from unauthorized access and cyber threats. These security protocols are continuously updated to tackle the ever-evolving digital risks, offering businesses the assurance that their sensitive information is well-protected. This level of security is often more advanced than what most businesses could afford or manage on their own, providing an added layer of protection that is vital in today’s cyber landscape. Moreover, many cloud storage solutions include multi-factor authentication and regular security audits, further enhancing the safety of your data. This comprehensive security approach makes cloud storage essential to any modern cybersecurity strategy.

  1. Cost-Effective Storage: Maximizing Efficiency, Minimizing Expenses

Cloud storage stands out as an economical solution for businesses of all sizes. It eliminates the need for expensive physical storage hardware and the maintenance costs that come with it. Businesses can choose a plan that suits their needs and pay only for the storage they use, with the flexibility to adjust as requirements change. This scalability is particularly beneficial for SMEs, allowing them to manage their resources efficiently without heavy upfront investments. It’s a smart way to keep overhead low while ensuring data is stored securely and efficiently.

  1. Accessibility and Collaboration: Enhancing Productivity Across Borders

The accessibility offered by cloud storage is unparalleled. It allows data access from anywhere, fostering a collaborative work environment. Employees can work on documents and projects in real time, regardless of their location, promoting efficiency and teamwork. This feature is invaluable for businesses with a global presence or those employing remote workforces. It ensures consistency and fluid communication across all levels of the organization, making it an indispensable tool for modern businesses.

  1. Disaster Recovery: A Reliable Backup Plan

Cloud storage is a crucial element in disaster recovery strategies. In the event of physical disasters or system failures, having data stored in the cloud means it’s safe and can be quickly restored. This level of preparedness is essential for maintaining business continuity and reducing downtime during crises. The ability to recover data swiftly ensures that businesses can resume operations with minimal disruption, safeguarding their reputation and financial stability. Cloud storage also offers version control and history tracking, enabling businesses to revert to previous versions of documents if needed. This feature is particularly important in mitigating the impact of ransomware attacks or accidental data deletions, ensuring that critical business information is never lost.

  1. Scalability: Tailored to Fit Your Business Growth

The scalability of cloud storage is one of its most appealing features. Businesses can easily increase their storage capacity in line with their growth without the need for significant hardware investments. This flexibility is key for businesses experiencing rapid growth or those with fluctuating storage needs. It provides the agility needed to adapt to changing market conditions and business requirements without the logistical challenges of traditional storage expansion.

  1. Environmentally Friendly: Supporting Sustainable Practices

Opting for cloud storage is a step towards sustainability. It reduces the dependence on physical storage devices and data centers, which typically have a larger environmental impact. By choosing cloud solutions, businesses contribute to reducing energy usage and promoting eco-friendly practices. This not only helps the environment but also aligns with the growing global emphasis on corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

  1. Competitive Advantage: Staying Ahead in the Digital Race

Adopting cutting-edge technology like cloud storage can provide a significant advantage in a competitive business environment. It streamlines business operations, allowing companies to focus more on innovation and core activities. Embracing cloud storage demonstrates a commitment to technology and efficiency, enhancing a business’s reputation in the market. It’s a strategic move that positions companies for success in an increasingly digital world.

In conclusion, integrating cloud storage into business operations is not just a trend but a strategic necessity in the digital age. The benefits of cloud storage, ranging from enhanced security and cost-effectiveness to improved collaboration and environmental sustainability, are clear and substantial. By adopting the best cloud storage solutions, businesses of all sizes can ensure their data is secure, accessible, and efficiently managed. This step is crucial for achieving operational excellence and maintaining a competitive edge in today’s dynamic business landscape.

 

Elevating Development: The Advanced MySQL Features Toolkit

Uncover the pivotal role of table optimization as the gateway to unleashing the true potential of advanced MySQL features. In the dynamic realm of database management, understanding the fundamentals is paramount. Dive into the importance of strategic table optimization, where the choice of data types and meticulous indexing lay the groundwork for seamless integration of advanced features. This introduction sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of MySQL’s advanced toolkit, where every developer can harness the power of optimized tables as a precursor to unparalleled efficiency and performance. Let’s elevate your development experience together!

Understanding Data Types: Choosing Wisely for Efficiency

The engine of database performance hums at its best when fueled by the correct data types. The choices you make here can have far-reaching effects, from the speed of data retrieval to the efficiency of storage space utilization. Each data type in MySQL comes with its own set of storage requirements and performance characteristics, making your selection a critical decision in the optimization process.

Impact of Data Types on Performance

Choosing a data type that is too large for the required data can lead to wasted space, slower disk I/O operations, and unnecessarily hefty memory usage. On the flip side, a type too small may result in overflow issues and inaccurate data representation, hindering performance. A perfectly sized data type ensures that queries run swiftly and that data is stored as compactly as possible.

Guide to Selecting Optimal Data Types

  • Numeric Data: Use INT for whole numbers, considering TINYINT, SMALLINT, MEDIUMINT, and BIGINT as needed based on the size range. For decimal numbers, choose DECIMAL with specified precision to store exact values, or FLOAT and DOUBLE for approximate representations where precision is less critical.
  • String Data: When possible, prefer VARCHAR over CHAR, as VARCHAR only uses as much space as needed, while CHAR is fixed-length and may waste space. For larger text, use TEXT types, selecting the appropriate length like TINYTEXT or MEDIUMTEXT.
  • Date and Time: Opt for DATE or TIME if you only need to store a date or a time, respectively. Use DATETIME or TIMESTAMP for both, choosing based on the range required and whether time zone conversion is necessary.

Balancing Storage Requirements with Query Efficiency

The art of optimization lies in striking the right balance between the amount of storage used and the query execution speed. Consider the following:

  • Type Conversion: Implicit type conversion can slow down queries. Ensure that the data type in the schema matches the type used in the application to avoid on-the-fly conversions.
  • Normalization: Use normalization to reduce data redundancy, but also consider denormalization for frequently joined tables where read performance is critical.
  • Indexes: Tailor your indexes to the data type. For example, prefix indexes can be useful for long strings, whereas full indexes are more suitable for shorter, fixed-length data.

By choosing the most appropriate data types and keeping a close eye on how they interact with your queries, you can fine-tune the balance between disk space and speed, leading to a well-oiled database that performs optimally in both storage and retrieval operations.

Advanced MySQL Features for Developers

Advanced MySQL features leverage the fundamental groundwork laid by strategic MySQL table optimization — where data types are meticulously chosen, and indexing is artfully applied. With this solid base in place, developers can harness the full spectrum of MySQL’s advanced functionalities to craft robust, scalable, and efficient applications. The journey into these advanced features promises to expand your toolkit, providing new avenues for innovation and performance enhancement in your database-driven projects.

1. Mastering Stored Procedures: A Developer’s Secret Weapon

Stored procedures in MySQL are akin to well-oiled gears in the machinery of database management, encapsulating complex SQL queries into reusable and efficient units of code that reside on the database server.

Stored procedures are batches of SQL statements that are stored and executed on the database server. They can be called upon to perform complex operations without the need to rewrite queries, thus reducing network traffic and improving performance. These procedures are precompiled, which means MySQL can execute them more efficiently than running multiple separate queries.

Benefits include:

  • Performance: Stored procedures increase performance through minimized network traffic and precompiled SQL code, which speeds up execution times.
  • Maintainability: Changes made in a stored procedure automatically reflect wherever it’s called, simplifying database management.
  • Reduced Client-Server Traffic: Since operations are performed on the server side, there’s less data transmitted over the network.

Strategies for Optimizing Query Performance

  • Parameterize Queries: Use parameters to pass values into stored procedures. This helps avoid SQL injection attacks and allows the database to cache plans and reuse them for different parameter values.
  • Local Variables: Declare local variables for temporary storage to minimize re-calculation of expressions and reduce complexity.
  • Modular Approach: Break down complex operations into smaller, modular stored procedures to simplify debugging and enhance readability.

Enhancing Security and Modularity through Stored Procedures

  • Access Control: Stored procedures provide a layer of security by restricting direct access to database tables. Users can execute stored procedures without having permissions to execute the SQL statements directly.
  • Consistency and Integrity: They ensure that all applications use the same rules and algorithms to access data, maintaining data integrity.
  • Code Reusability: Stored procedures promote code reuse by encapsulating frequently used operations. This modularity makes it easier to manage and update business logic.

Incorporating stored procedures into your MySQL workflow is not just about code organization; it’s about elevating the security, efficiency, and maintainability of your database operations. As developers harness the power of these robust SQL tools, they unlock the potential for refined control and precision in database management.

2. Harnessing the Potential of Triggers: Triggering Efficiency in Database Operations

Triggers are a critical feature in MySQL, serving as automated responders to various database events, allowing developers to enforce complex business rules at the database level seamlessly.

A trigger in MySQL is a set of commands that automatically execute in response to specific events on a particular table. These events include INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE actions. Triggers operate as silent watchers, waiting for their defined conditions to be met and then springing into action without the need for explicit invocation.

Types of Triggers and Appropriate Use Cases

MySQL supports several types of triggers:

  • Before Triggers (BEFORE INSERT, BEFORE UPDATE, BEFORE DELETE): These triggers execute before the respective DML (Data Manipulation Language) action. Use them for pre-validating data or transforming values before committing them to the database.
  • After Triggers (AFTER INSERT, AFTER UPDATE, AFTER DELETE): These execute after the DML action has occurred, suitable for audit logging, updating other tables in response to the changes, or enforcing referential actions that need to occur after the fact.

Choosing the right type of trigger depends on the specific business logic and operational requirements of the application.

Advantages for Data Integrity and Operational Efficiency

Triggers confer several advantages:

  • Data Integrity: By automatically enforcing business rules at the data level, triggers help maintain the integrity of the database. For example, a trigger can prevent the insertion of an order into a database if it doesn’t meet certain criteria.
  • Automatic Audit Trail: Triggers can be used to automatically create an audit trail. Every time a record is modified, a trigger can insert a log entry into an audit table, tracking who made the change and when.
  • Operational Efficiency: They streamline complex operations by handling tasks that would otherwise require additional application logic. This can simplify the code in your application and offload processing to the database, where it can be executed more efficiently.

By harnessing the potential of triggers, MySQL developers can automate critical aspects of database operations, from data validation to maintaining audit trails, thus enhancing the efficiency and reliability of database systems.

3. The Art of Indexing: Boosting Query Performance with Precision

In the world of databases, indexes are the silent accelerators of query performance. They are the secret to achieving rapid data retrieval in a landscape where every millisecond counts.

An index in MySQL is a data structure that allows the database server to quickly find rows with specific column values. Without an index, MySQL must scan the entire table to locate the relevant rows — the equivalent of leafing through every page in a book to find a particular word. Indexes provide a map to the data, enabling the database to skip straight to the desired content, vastly reducing the number of pages it needs to examine.

Insight into Different Index Types and Their Uses

MySQL supports a variety of index types, each tailored to specific kinds of queries and data patterns:

  • Primary Key Index: Uniquely identifies each row in a table. Every table should have a primary key index for both data integrity and performance.
  • Unique Index: Ensures that all values in a column are distinct. Use it when business logic requires uniqueness, such as email addresses or user IDs.
  • Composite Index: Combines two or more columns in a single index. Ideal for speeding up queries that filter or sort on multiple columns simultaneously.
  • Full-text Index: Designed for performing complex searches against character-based data. Utilize this for columns that store large amounts of text.
  • Spatial Index: Used with spatial data types to speed up the retrieval of rows based on spatial conditions, like finding all locations within a certain distance.

Best Practices for Index Creation and Maintenance

Creating and maintaining indexes is an art form, requiring a balance between accelerating data access and managing the overhead that indexes themselves introduce:

  • Index Only What’s Necessary: Every index comes with a cost to write operations and storage. Evaluate the query patterns of your application and index the columns that are frequently searched or sorted upon.
  • Monitor Index Usage: Use tools like EXPLAIN to understand which indexes your queries use. Remove or modify indexes that are not used to reduce storage and maintenance overhead.
  • Consider Index Cardinality: The more unique values in a column, the more effective the index. Low cardinality columns may not benefit much from indexing.
  • Keep Indexes Lean: For composite indexes, include only the necessary columns. The smaller the index, the faster it is to read from disk.
  • Regularly Review and Optimize Indexes: As the data grows and query patterns evolve, periodically review the indexes to ensure they remain optimized for current conditions.

By mastering the art of indexing, you can significantly boost the speed of your MySQL queries, providing users with faster, more responsive experiences. It’s a precision craft where strategic thinking and ongoing vigilance pave the way for peak database performance.

4. Exploring Views: Simplifying Complex Queries for Enhanced Productivity

When it comes to managing complex queries in MySQL, views act as a powerful abstraction layer that simplifies interactions with underlying data tables. They are virtual tables representing a subset of the data from one or more tables.

A MySQL view is essentially a saved SQL query. When you create a view, you define a query that pulls data from one or more tables. This view can then be used like a regular table in SQL queries, even though it doesn’t store the data itself. It’s a window through which stored data can be viewed or changed.

Benefits of Using Views for Complex Query Management

  • Simplification of Complex Queries: Views can encapsulate complex joins and calculations, presenting a simple interface to the user. This means less room for error when building queries that report or modify data.
  • Consistency and Reusability: By defining a view, you ensure that everyone uses the same logic to retrieve data. This consistency is invaluable in large applications with many database users.
  • Security: Views can restrict access to certain data within a table, allowing users to see and work with only what they need.

How Views Can Improve Development Efficiency and Code Readability

  • Modular Approach: Views allow developers to modularize queries, which can be particularly useful in applications with layered architectures. Instead of repeating the same complex query logic in various parts of an application, a developer can define it once in a view.
  • Performance Tuning: While views do not inherently improve query performance, they can be used to simplify performance tuning. Instead of re-writing complex queries, you can optimize a single view definition.
  • Code Clarity: With views, the database-related code in your application becomes more readable and clear. Complex operations are hidden behind simple view interfaces, making the code easier to understand and maintain.

In essence, views are a quintessential element in a developer’s toolkit, offering a sophisticated yet straightforward way to deal with complex queries. By leveraging views, you can enhance productivity, enforce consistency, and maintain the integrity and security of your data.

Summary

In conclusion, the advanced features of MySQL, from the robustness of stored procedures to the automation capabilities of triggers, and from the precision of indexing to the simplification offered by views, form a formidable toolkit for any developer. These features not only streamline complex database operations but also significantly contribute to the optimization and performance of your databases. As you integrate these powerful tools into your projects, remember that they are not just about enhancing current systems but also about embracing a mindset of continuous learning and improvement. The landscape of database technology is ever-evolving, and staying ahead means constantly refining your skills and understanding of these advanced features. Let this be both a foundation and a springboard for your development journey as you continue to explore and apply the full spectrum of capabilities that MySQL has to offer.

First Look – Jabra Elite Active 8 and Elite 10

Finally here the latest from Jabra the Jabra Elite Active 8 and Elite 10 are in for review and we have been waiting patiently for these to arrive and the wait over, the newest tech from Jabra offers more than before and the two new pairs will offer something for everyone here.

Launched at IFA 2023 Jabra say The Jabra Elite 8 Active, tested to be the world’s toughest earbuds, and the Elite 10, Jabra’s most advanced earbuds for work and life with clear calls, all-day comfort and optimised to deliver a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience through Dolby Head Tracking. 

On first look these have a familiar design and a new finish on the earbuds themselves and the cases have a more matt feel to the touch and slimmer and after initial set-up they are sounding great but we will give them a good run for their money and check out their app and new features and if you have any questions as always feel free to as on our social media or YouTube and we as always will answer. Until then stay tuned for more we are busy it is the silly season now and there is lots of cool tech in house so watch out for more in the coming weeks.

Key features of the Elite 8 Active: 

  • IP68 rated dustproof, watertight, sweatproof and 1m drop-resistant earbuds, and an IP54 rated dust and splash proof case 
  • Crystal clear sound and added dimensionality with Dolby Audio 
  • Jabra ShakeGripTM technology for secure fit in a wing-free, sleek design 
  • Adaptive Hybrid ANC auto-filters background noise  
  • Wind Neutralising HearThroughTM for indoor and outdoor activities 
  • 6-mic call technology with wind noise protecting mesh 
  • 6mm speakers 
  • Up to 8-hours battery life and up to 32-hours with case (ANC on) 
  • Stable Smartwatch connectivity** 
  • Google Assistant, Fast Pair, Swift Pair & Spotify Tap playback 
  • Bluetooth Multipoint connection 
  • Ready to support Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) & LC3, LC3plus codec with future firmware update 

 

Key features of the Elite 10: 

  • Optimised for Dolby Atmos with Dolby Head Tracking, which enables a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience 
  • Jabra ComfortFit technology for a natural airy fit and less occlusion with semi-open design to relieve ear pressure 
  • 6-mic call technology with advanced algorithms for better call clarity in any environment 
  • Jabra Advanced ANCTM which blocks out 2x more noise than Jabra’s standard ANC 
  • HearThrough technology with wind noise reduction 
  • 6-hour battery (27 hours with case) with ANC on, including pocket friendly cradle optimised for wireless charging 
  • IP57-rating 
  • Bluetooth Multipoint connection 
  • Hands-free Voice Assistant, Fast Pair, Swift Pair, Spotify Tap playback 
  • Ready to support Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) & LC3, LC3plus codec with future firmware update

Elite 8 Active: MRSP £199.99, available in caramel, navy, black and dark grey, August 2023. Find out more at www.jabra.com/elite-8-active 

Elite 10: MRSP £229.99, available in cream, cocoa, titanium black, gloss black, matte black, September 2023. Find out more at www.jabra.com/elite-10 

 

Unboxing Video

Tech Review – Cobra SC 400D Smart Dash Cam

Whether you’re on the road or parked, a commercial driver or commuter, hauling cargo or chauffeuring kids – you’re covered from all angles in all situations. With stunning, easily shareable 4K UHD resolution, Alexa built-in, and heads-up navigation, there’s no better way to protect the vehicles, drivers, passengers, and cargo you value most.

The SC 400D series combines the best tech in an easy-to-use and easy to set up dash cam, allowing you to get started smarter and safer more easily. And I have been testing this bad boy out the last while and as always say everyone should have a dashcam in fact it should be part and parcel of buying any vehicle today.

This Dash Cam can come in various configurations ie the main unit itself or two separate cameras one being rear view or cabin view also there is a cabin view option we tested this kit in the cabin view mode as my car is off the road for now and I am travelling with work so it suits and gives you an idea of what to expect.

Setting up takes a few minutes it is simple to mount it and you can route the wires around your headliner or whichever suits you best and you can also get a hardwire kit which is probably the best route to take, also this comes with an SD card which many companies leave out these days and I Know as I have tested around 50 Dash Cams now and for me is a nice sweetener as some retail outlets chance their arm with way over the top pricing here on them.

Dashcam at night driving cab view – techbuzzireland

The App itself is one of the best I have tried on a dashcam with quick connectivity to access files on the go and drop them onto your phone I have had multiple incidents recorded and left some samples in the review but it gives you an exact map or where the incidents happen which is great with a little map of your driving at the time and you can just cut the clip on your phone to what is vital information and save it on device though it will be backed up on the dashcam itself but one thing to note is you need to keep an eye on saved clips and erase when required as it will not left you avail of the emergency record feature, you will be prompted to delete files though..

The Drive Smarter App

The Drive Smarter platform is not only powered by advanced hardware and software, it’s made possible by the community of drivers and sensors that share driving alerts. Families, rideshare and delivery drivers, and businesses are all a part of our network of people who aim to drive smarter. Below is samples of what you will find on the app plus a detailed look in the full video review below. From having tested this in both in the UK and Ireland we need more in the Irish community as you will get little notifications however in the UK it is a MUST HAVE dashcam and super effective as I drove from Holyhead to London and probably saved myself hundreds in fines not being to familiar with the camera network.

 

Features 

See Every Detail In Stunning 4K

With Ultra HD 4K resolution, you’ll get 4x the pixel resolution vs 1080P, so you can see and capture every detail on your drive

Alexa Is Always Ready To Help

From playing music to navigating to finding restaurants, Alexa is ready to help answer any question or request while you’re on the road,this feature I never used on dashcams however it is there if required.

Cover All The Angles Needed

Record ahead, behind, and even inside the vehicle all at the same time so you can cover all the angles and know exactly what happened

More Than Just A Dash Cam

Get notifications of red light camera locations, speed traps, and many more alerts from our nationwide network of drivers and sensors.

Overall for me this is a MUST HAVE dashcam after tested many over the last 3 years this one is the most efficient and reliable one with no loss of data as many dashcams with their SD cards tend to get corrupted in a short space of time and for me proved to be a valuable tool at my disposal. See the video review for a deeper dive into this excellent product.

BUY 

Video Review

Sale shoppers urged to walk, not run, this sale season amidst Black Friday scams

Revolut, the global financial app with over 2.5 million customers in Ireland, warns that euphoria and urgency experienced by shoppers seeking to score a deal may come at a cost.

David Eborne, Head of Financial Crime at Revolut shares types of scams shoppers should be weary of:

  • Fake websites: Scammers use the latest and greatest tech to set up fake retailer websites so that they look exactly like genuine online retail stores. Some of the fake stores will send you the product you purchased but their real goal was to obtain your personal and card data.
  • Selling fake goods: Some sites sell luxury items like popular jewellery or clothing brands, or electronics at very low prices. Sometimes shoppers will receive the item they paid for but they will be fake or other times they will receive nothing at all.
  • Temporary fake sites: A newer version of online shopping scams involves the use of social media platforms to set up fake online stores. The stores open for a short time and then disappear after some sales are made.
  • Social media advertising: Scammers use social media to advertise their fake website. Often they use “Swipe up” features and put a time pressure against it to create a sense of urgency.

The Safest Way to Shop Online
For many customers, a fear when shopping online is to have their card details stolen. However, David says this risk can be mitigated by using Revolut’s single-use virtual disposable cards. The cards provide users with a temporary, randomly generated card number, CVV, and expiration date to be used for a single transaction. Once the transaction is completed, the virtual card is automatically deleted, reducing the risk of unauthorised transactions, and safeguarding personal and financial information. David also advises that if a purchase is not received or was misrepresented by the seller, then customers should raise a dispute via the Revolut app.

Last year, over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Revolut customers in Ireland spent €1.5m on more than 30,000 virtual disposable cards – a year on year increase of 136% as compared to the same timeframe in 2021.

Across the industry, fraudsters stole €84.6m through frauds and scams in 2022, an increase of 8.8% on 2021. The data from BPFI also reported a 19% decrease in authorised push payments (APP fraud) transactions in 2022 compared to 2021*. David encourages even more customers to use virtual disposable cards to help with security when shopping online.

David Eborne, Head of Fraud Operations at Revolut, says: “Black Friday shoppers are regularly left deflated and out of pocket after being duped by online scammers, particularly when under time pressure to buy an item.

“At Revolut, our top priority is to help avoid online fraud to keep you and your money safe. Protected by a 2,500-strong, 24/7 fraud prevention team, in 2022 we prevented our customers from falling victim to more than €220M in potential fraud. Our sophisticated fraud detection systems constantly monitor for high risk transactions to keep you safe while you continue saving, sending and spending with ease.”

ZEUS Partners with UCC to Unveil a Cinematic Revival and Micromobility Future

ZEUS, Ireland’s leading homegrown micromobility company, proudly announces its partnership with University College Cork (UCC) for the Irish premiere of the restored silent-era classic, The Signal Tower. Last shown in Cork in 1925, this timeless film returns to the big screen for a free gala screening, with live musical accompaniment by one of the world’s leading silent-film musicians, Stephen Horne, at the Aula Maxima in UCC on Tuesday, November 21.

The gala evening, supported by ZEUS, celebrates the convergence of history and modernity. As Ireland’s largest homegrown micromobility company, ZEUS looks forward highlighting the transformative role of e-scooters in Ireland’s urban mobility and contributing to the nation’s future by offering sustainable and convenient alternatives for short-distance travel.

Expressing enthusiasm for this historic collaboration, ZEUS CEO Damian Young stated, “We are thrilled to be part of the revival of such a significant piece of cinematic history. The Signal Tower’s return aligns seamlessly with ZEUS‘ commitment to connecting the past and future, just as our e-scooters are poised to revolutionise transportation across Ireland”.

The restoration of The Signal Tower is a testament to the dedication and international dimension of film preservation and was led by Photoplay Productions and the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. Robert Byrne, President of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival and an award-winning film restorer with a history of collaboration with UCC’s Department of Film and Screen Media, will introduce the screening and will also deliver a masterclass on film restoration on Wednesday 22nd November.

Research reveals rare metal could offer revolutionary switch for future quantum devices

Quantum scientists have discovered a rare phenomenon that could hold the key to creating a ‘perfect switch’ in quantum devices which flips between being an insulator and superconductor.

The research, led by the University of Bristol and published in Science, found these two opposing electronic states exist within purple bronze, a unique one-dimensional metal composed of individual conducting chains of atoms.

Tiny changes in the material, for instance prompted by a small stimulus like heat or light, may trigger an instant transition from an insulating state with zero conductivity to a superconductor with unlimited conductivity, and vice versa. This polarised versatility, known as ‘emergent symmetry’, has the potential to offer an ideal On/Off switch in future quantum technology developments.

Lead author Nigel Hussey, Professor of Physics at the University of Bristol, said: “It’s a really exciting discovery which could provide a perfect switch for quantum devices of tomorrow.

“The remarkable journey started 13 years ago in my lab when two PhD students, Xiaofeng Xu and Nick Wakeham, measured the magnetoresistance – the change in resistance caused by a magnetic field – of purple bronze.”

In the absence of a magnetic field, the resistance of purple bronze was highly dependent on the direction in which the electrical current is introduced. Its temperature dependence was also rather complicated. Around room temperature, the resistance is metallic, but as the temperature is lowered, this reverses and the material appears to be turning into an insulator. Then, at the lowest temperatures, the resistance plummets again as it transitions into a superconductor.

Despite this complexity, surprisingly, the magnetoresistance was found to be extremely simple. It was essentially the same irrespective of the direction in which the current or field were aligned and followed a perfect linear temperature dependence all the way from room temperature down to the superconducting transition temperature.

“Finding no coherent explanation for this puzzling behaviour, the data lay dormant and published unpublished for the next seven years. A hiatus like this is unusual in quantum research, though the reason for it was not a lack of statistics,” Prof Hussey explained.

“Such simplicity in the magnetic response invariably belies a complex origin and as it turns out, its possible resolution would only come about through a chance encounter.”

In 2017, Prof Hussey was working at Radboud University and saw advertised a seminar by physicist Dr Piotr Chudzinski on the subject of purple bronze. At the time few researchers were devoting an entire seminar to this little-known material, so his interest was piqued.

Prof Hussey said: “In the seminar Chudzinski proposed that the resistive upturn may be caused by interference between the conduction electrons and elusive, composite particles known as ‘dark excitons’. We chatted after the seminar and together proposed an experiment to test his theory. Our subsequent measurements essentially confirmed it.”

Buoyed by this success, Prof Hussey resurrected Xu and Wakeham’s magnetoresistance data and showed them to Dr Chudzinski. The two central features of the data – the linearity with temperature and the independence on the orientation of current and field – intrigued Chudzinski, as did the fact that the material itself could exhibit both insulating and superconducting behaviour depending on how the material was grown.

Dr Chudzinski wondered whether rather than transforming completely into an insulator, the interaction between the charge carriers and the excitons he’d introduced earlier could cause the former to gravitate towards the boundary between the insulating and superconducting states as the temperature is lowered. At the boundary itself, the probability of the system being an insulator or a superconductor is essentially the same.

Prof Hussey said: “Such physical symmetry is an unusual state of affairs and to develop such symmetry in a metal as the temperature is lowered, hence the term ‘emergent symmetry’,  would constitute a world-first.”

Physicists are well versed in the phenomenon of symmetry breaking: lowering the symmetry of an electron system upon cooling. The complex arrangement of water molecules in an ice crystal is an example of such broken symmetry. But the converse is an extremely rare, if not unique, occurrence. Returning to the water/ice analogy, it is as though upon cooling the ice further, the complexity of the ice crystals ‘melts’ once again into something as symmetric and smooth as the water droplet.

Dr Chudzinski, now a Research Fellow at Queen’s University Belfast, said: “Imagine a magic trick where a dull, distorted figure transforms into a beautiful, perfectly symmetric sphere. This is, in a nutshell, the essence of emergent symmetry. The figure in question is our material, purple bronze, while our magician is nature itself.”

To further test whether the theory held water, an additional 100 individual crystals, some insulating and others superconducting, were investigated by another PhD student, Maarten Berben, working at Radboud University.

Prof Hussey added: “After Maarten’s Herculean effort, the story was complete and the reason why different crystals exhibited such wildly different ground states became apparent. Looking ahead, it might be possible to exploit this ‘edginess’ to create switches in quantum circuits whereby tiny stimuli induce profound, orders-of-magnitude changes in the switch resistance.”

 

Paper

‘Emergent symmetry in a low-dimensional superconductor on the edge of Mottness’ by P. Chudzinski et al. in Science.