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.

Compu b rebrands as Select in Ireland & the UK and launches new Discovery Hub service for customers

Compu b, the Apple Premium Reseller and leading technology sales and repair service provider for the consumer, business and education sectors in Ireland is rebranding to Select. The move will bring the company’s 6 stores in Ireland, and its 23 Stormfront stores across the UK under the same brand identity delivering an elevated experience and providing a complete Apple solution for consumer retail, business and education customers locally.

Select has also invested over €1 million in its online offering with the launch of its new website, selectonline.com for the Irish and UK markets, ensuring that customers can access technical support and training as well as retail services and repair services at any time.

The Irish-owned company employs over 330 highly trained Apple experts across Ireland and the UK, supporting over 4 million customers per year and managing over 120,000 repairs annually across its customer base. Select is a trusted Apple supplier to financial institutions, primary and second-level schools, third-level institutions, airline groups, healthcare companies, semi-state bodies, the public sector, technology companies and FMCG organisations, supporting businesses of all sizes and sectors, from start-ups to enterprise companies.

Central to Select’s enhanced offering will be the Discovery Hubs service, which is now available to all customers in their local stores. Select’s Discovery Hubs are a one-stop service for businesses, education customers and consumers.  A dedicated slot or slots can be booked for groups of employees at a Discovery Hub with a Select expert who can provide full onboarding, troubleshooting, technical and training support to help them get the most out of their Apple products.

Customers and employers can continue to avail of this service any time they require it and will be of particular benefit for businesses implementing a hybrid working model with employees working from home and requiring local support.

“We have invested over €3 million in delivering our in-store Discovery Hubs service. Select is a trusted partner for all our customers, giving them peace of mind that they are in the hands of Apple Experts and importantly providing this expertise locally. In addition to this investment, we recently opened our new two-storey flagship store on South King Street, in the heart of Dublin’s main shopping district.” said Ciaran McCormack, Managing Director. 

“Group sales this year will be over €130+ million as we continue to invest in providing market differentiating services for our customers across our portfolio of offerings, keeping easy, local access to expertise for our customers at the core of our business model”, Ciaran continued. 

Select is now one of the largest Apple Authorised Service Providers across Ireland & the UK and offers technical expertise which is market leading. As an Apple Premium Reseller, Select provides both instore and online access to the full suite of Apple products and accessories, including iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and Beats, along with other leading premium brands such as Native Union, Therabody, Sony, Urbanista, Joby, Eufy, Incipo, and Click & Grow.

Select has Ireland’s only team of dedicated Apple Education Specialists (AAES). The company has 25 years of experience in delivering teaching and training solutions, led by a dedicated team of Apple Professional Learning Specialists, offering a suite of digital technology to unlock student potential and foster their creativity. Working in partnership with primary and second-level schools and leading educational institutions in Ireland (such as Trinity College Dublin, Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh and The Law Society of Ireland) Select introduce the latest Apple technologies into the teaching and learning arena, integrating devices into the syllabus and supporting the teachers and lecturers and professionals through bespoke training and learning.

Zipp Mobility Opening Statement – Joint Committee on Transport and Communications

I dtús báire ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leat a Chathaoirleach agus Baill an Choiste ar  son Zipp Mobility as cuireadh a thabhairt dom teacht anseo inniu agus roinnt libh ár dtuairimí  ar an mBille um Thrácht ar Bhóithre agus um Bóithre 2021 go háirithe maidir le cúrsaí scútar  leictreach. 

Our company, Zipp Mobility, is Ireland’s leading shared micromobility provider, and we  strongly support the efforts being made to legislate for the use of e-scooters in Ireland. We  currently provide shared e-scooter and e-bike solutions to cities and towns across Ireland, the  UK and mainland Europe. We are an Enterprise Ireland client company and have been awarded  High Potential Startup status. Since our founding in 2019, we have grown to a team of 25 people and hope to create 50 more high-paying, skilled jobs in Ireland over the next 18  months. At Zipp we believe in “mobility done right”. This means it is our mission to do  everything we can to help decarbonize transport, but it must be done in a principled way that  respects the needs of the entire community. 

Before we discuss electric scooters, I think it would be worth giving context to this conversation  by reviewing Ireland’s transport-related greenhouse gas emissions. Transport is the second  largest contributor to Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to this, the transport  sector has been Ireland’s fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions since 1990, with  transport emissions doubling in that time. And when you break this down further, it is clear  that private car usage is the leading cause of transport emissions, contributing to nearly 50%  of total transport emissions in some years and consistently being over twice the size of the  next largest emissions category. 

Ireland has set the ambitious goal of reducing its emissions by 51% by 2030 and getting to  net zero by 2050. This means we need a 7% reduction in emissions per annum for the next 8  years. In 2020, despite Covid restrictions and an economic slowdown our emissions only went  down by 3.6%. I believe this illustrates how great of a task we have at hand here. We must  achieve twice the reduction brought on by a global pandemic and repeat that year-on-year  for eight consecutive years while also trying to grow our economy and fix the housing crisis,  among other policy goals. 

 

To achieve this, it is vital that we consider every solution possible, and therefore e-scooters  must be a part of the conversation when it comes to decarbonizing transport. We need to  make it easier for people to make more sustainable transport choices. This can start with our  urban areas where over 60% of our population lives. By giving people safe and sustainable  transport options like e-scooters we can achieve these goals. E-scooters could be  transformational for reducing our reliance on private cars. If you’re a young person and you  can’t afford a car then getting an e-scooter could be a safe, sustainable and affordable  alternative. Scooters could also vastly increase the number of people who use public transport. If you’d like to use public transport more but you live too far away from the nearest bus or  train link then shared e-scooters could solve that problem because that 30 minute walk  becomes an 8 minute scooter journey and suddenly using public transport becomes a lot more  attractive. It is also important to remember that shared e-scooters are not just restricted to  cities like Cork and Dublin. We operate a shared e-scooter service in the English village of  Princes Risborough with a population of less than 10,000 people. This mode can work for  suburban and rural communities too. 

Other countries’ experience with e-scooters shows that e-scooters can be legislated for in a  way that achieves the dual goals of safety and sustainability. There is a balance that is required  here. On the one hand you want to reduce the barriers of entry for someone using an e-scooter  to maximize modal shift away from less sustainable modes of transport. However, the vehicles  must also meet rigorous safety standards and users must obey the rules of the road. As one  of the last developed countries in the world to enact e-scooter legislation, we can take this as  an opportunity to cherry-pick best practices from other jurisdictions and create a world-class  legislative framework for e-scooters that works for everyone. 

Shared e-scooter services give cities and towns a great deal of control over how these vehicles  interact with the public realm. Local authorities get a say in what types of vehicles are  introduced on the streets, how the operators must interact with the community and they can  enforce operating restrictions as they see fit. This control gives us the ability to introduce  scooters to cities and towns in a community-centric way, in order to build consensus around  their introduction. Zipp actively consults with members of the visually impaired and disabled  communities and their representative bodies and we are committed to ensuring that when our  service rolls out in Ireland, it is one that respects the needs of this community. We will engage  groups such as the NCBI, the IWA and the Guide Dogs, pre-launch and post-launch of our  service in a way that gives them a meaningful say in the operations of Ireland’s shared e scooter services. We can address their concerns through targeted speed reductions in certain  areas, enforcing mandatory parking zones, providing effective safety communications and by  taking a tough stance on misuse, among other initiatives. 

Chair and members of the committee, I would like to thank you once again for inviting me  here today to speak with you. I hope to give you our views on e-scooters as a representative from the shared micromobility industry, but also as a young Irish person, I hope to  communicate to you how passionate we are about ensuring Ireland becomes a world leader  in climate action. Legislating for e-scooters may seem like a small step but with a task this big  ahead of us, it is not about the silver bullet solutions, it will be about the myriad of small steps  that we take as a nation, together, in our quest to conquer the greatest problem of our age — climate change. 

Oireachtas press release: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/press-centre/press-releases/20220301-joint-committee-on-transport-and-communications-to-continue-engagement-on-road-traffic-and-roads-bill-2021/

Joint Committee on Transport and Communications: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/committees/33/transport-and-communications/

LucidSound Announces Price Drop On Their Flagship LS50X Wireless Gaming Headsets

LucidSound, one of the fastest growing gaming headset brands, is thrilled to announce that its flagship LS50X Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox Series X|S with Bluetooth is getting a £50 price drop down to £199.99. With this reduction, LucidSound aims to make its ultimate Xbox headset accessible to a broader audience.

Offering a premium experience within the LucidSound range, the LS50X Hybrid Wireless and Bluetooth Gaming Headset for Xbox sports a luxurious design. Its gel-cooled, spacious earcups and flexible lightweight frame ensure superior comfort across longer play sessions, made possible thanks to a reliable up to 20 hour battery life. For the more competitive gamer, the LS50X boasts lag-free wireless audio and crystal-clear chat with dual mics enabling effective communications with party members in the heat of action.

Other features of the LS50X:

  • Intuitive controls: Easily control audio and chat without breaking your concentration via on-earcup quick-access controls including game/chat balance control
  • Custom-tuned audio: 50mm drivers with 5 custom-tuned EQ modes deliver high-fidelity stereo and surround sound on Xbox with Windows Sonic.
  • Stream bluetooth simultaneously while you play on Xbox: Connect and use your Bluetooth devices while you play on Xbox. Play your own music in-game, use team chat apps from your PC, and take calls without interrupting your game.
  • Easy setup for lag-free interference-free wireless: The advanced chipset in the LS50X enables a strong and clear wireless signal even in crowded WiFi and mesh network areas. One-step setup gets you gaming on Xbox in no time

Bird’s Opening Statement to the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications

Bird is a last-mile electric vehicle company dedicated to bringing affordable, environmentally friendly, and safe transportation to cities and towns across the world. 

Now trusted to operate in over 350 markets – half of which are in Europe – we provide shared micromobility programs through our electric scooter and electric bike partnerships with local authorities. Shared micromobility helps communities strengthen the local economy, alleviate traffic and parking congestion, reduce harmful emissions, and enhance transit access and first/last mile connectivity. 

Bird is one of the few shared micromobility companies to research, develop, design and manufacture our own scooters. Our team of former automobile and aerospace engineers build to strict vehicle standards using components, systems and testing processes from electric cars. Our goal is to create the safest and most sustainable vehicles in the industry, which are built to last in all environments. 

Last November, Bird became the first major micromobility company to list on the New York Stock Exchange, with a valuation of over $2.3bn. The significant capital raised ahead of the public listing ensures Bird will continue to drive innovation . Introducing our industry-leading micro-EV’s to Ireland is a top priority for us. 

As the category creator operating in more cities than any other company, we have a wealth of data and experience in places large and small. We understand how to partner with Governments and local Councils to help them achieve their own goals – in particular making their towns and cities more livable. 

We applaud the progress the Irish government, and in particular Minister Ryan and Minister Naughton, have made in the creation of a new category of Powered Personal Transport, through which electric scooters will be legalised on Irish roads. In particular, we believe that the specifications set out in the legislation – with a maximum speed of 25 km/hr and a maximum weight of 55 kg – are appropriate to ensure electric scooters are a viable alternative to private car use. 

Furthermore, we welcome the statement from Ministers Ryan and Naughton last week that the proposed maximum power rating of 250W for electric scooters could be adjusted through secondary legislation to account for technological developments as well as their safe and efficient use across hilly terrain. 

We are encouraged by the fact that Minister Ryan has proposed outlawing the use of electric scooters on footpaths. Our view is that electric scooters, like bikes in Ireland, belong on the road or in the cyclelane, and that local councils should decide, in partnership with their preferred shared scheme providers, specific areas of the Council in which their use should be encouraged or restricted. 

As an organization, our number one priority is safety, from a vehicle, from a rider, and from a general public perspective. We therefore welcome the strict prohibition and appropriate sanctions against the consumption of alcohol while operating an electric scooter. And, while helmets and high-visibility clothing should not be made mandatory through the legislation due to the impact it would have on modal shift, it is essential that we educate the public on the importance of using such protective equipment. 

That is why Bird recently announced a first-of-its-kind partnership in Ireland with the launch of our E-Scooter Safety School. The partnership with the Irish School of Excellence – Ireland’s largest youth driving school – will see 80% of all secondary schools in Ireland have access to best-in-class e-scooter safety training for those 16 and older. 

Our E-Scooter Safety School will launch as soon as legislation is passed, and will be available in every county and indeed constituency across the country, teaching participants essential safety requirements such as: the rules of the road, how to park properly, how to ride safely and how to interact with other road users, including those

who are more vulnerable. Bird would be delighted to extend an invitation to all members of this Committee to attend such a safety course in a school in their  locality, or alternatively to set-up a demo of this course for Committee members. 

In summary, we are thrilled by the potential Ireland holds for the uptake of shared micromobility. While Ireland remains heavily reliant on the car as the primary mode of transport, even for journeys under 2km, we believe that this legislation could be the dawn of a new era of sustainable travel across the country, complementing existing and planned infrastructure. 

Studies have shown electric scooters could help us reduce emissions from energy consumption by 68% by 2030, which is in line with the Irish Government’s goals of reducing emission from transport by 42-50% set forth in the Climate Action Plan 2021. Ireland is in a unique situation whereby the current date of adoption of this new transport mode allows you, Committee members, to take learnings from mature markets across the world. There can be no one-size-fits all approach, and so we warmly welcome the invitation from the Committee today to share our learnings from our 350 markets, and offer our views on what constitutes best-practices, so that the Committee can develop a bespoke set of rules for Personal Powered Transporter users domestically. 

Tech Review – Edifier W820NB wireless headphones with ANC

Over the last few weeks we have been testing some headphones at all price points which is great for the consumer and the latest from Edifier which come in under the 100 euro mark have been on my ears for two weeks now and it is time to talk about them and if they are worth your money and with Edifier we never expect a poor performance and indeed that is the case here again with their latest cans..

These are plain and to the point built mostly of plastic light and comfortable and comfort here is great even for long periods of use and as with all my headphones they get tested for hours as it suits me here in the house to try out everything they have to offer be it for work or leisure.

The controls on the headphones are all one one side here too which make it simple for the user with raised buttons, now they do look cheap but are easy to use blindly and tactile and do a great job every time you press them and this is something people prefer this over swiping or touch based headphones so overall you cant really complain.

Both side have the old ratchet arm extensions which solid and will not move once on your head, also there was no clamping feeling noted here during my time with them, this is something that can happen even with more expensive headphones but not the case here at all. The cups are soft and plush as is the headband so overall a really comfortable pair of headphones. Battery life is also decent enough here at this pricepoint and again this will differ between people and how they use them with volume levels and ANC etc, you can toggle between ANC modes and also a gaming mode in the app.

When it comes to sound these do a great job, to make it to the point they are decently loud, deliver on highs lows and mids with a nice bit of bass thrown in and for music movies and more anyone will be pleased with the listening experience that is not a real audiophile, coming from someone who has tested most of the companies products for the price they sound good is my point and you also get access to their Edifier Connect app which enhances the experience even more even though there could be more options in the app. Check the video review for more on the headphones and the app.

Edifier W820NB and Edifier Connect app

Main Features:

  • Hi-Res Audio standard for a rich listening experience
  • Active noise cancellation technology isolates unwanted noise
  • Ambient sound mode allows you to hear environmental sounds such as traffic or flight announcements
  • Built-in microphone with DNN (deep neural network) noise cancellation for clear phone calls
  • Large driver with titanium diaphragm delivers crystal-clear sound
  • Low latency for game mode gives players an immersive gaming experience
  • Up to 49 hours continuous playback
  • Lightweight headset assures comfortable fit

BUY

Video Link

 

 

Useful Tech Tools That Will Ensure Your Business Meetings Are Completely Secure

If you are hosting a meeting for your company, then it’s your job to make sure that the information is kept safe. And all of these tools will help you do just that! From sending encrypted emails with PGP encryption to using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), these tools can help shield all of your important data from outside hackers-so give them a try!

Encrypted Emails

Emailing sensitive information has never been riskier than it is today, and even if you work in an office with high-security standards, there’s still no guarantee that someone won’t leave their email open on their desk at some point during the day or take screenshots of sensitive documents without realizing what they’re doing.

The best way to protect yourself and your business is to start sending encrypted emails with PGP encryption. This involves using software that will scramble your message so that it can only be read by the person who has the key to unlock it-even if someone else intercepts the email, they won’t be able to make any sense of it.

VPNs

If you’re hosting a meeting for your company, then there’s a good chance that you’ll be discussing confidential or sensitive information. And if that information is being shared over the internet, then it’s vulnerable to hackers who could gain access to it without your knowledge. People in the medical field need to make sure all their meetings are safe as the information they deal with is confidential. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a great way to keep your data safe while you’re online. It creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server, which means that no one can see what you’re doing or steal your information.

Password Managers

It’s no secret that most people are terrible at choosing strong passwords-in fact, research suggests that the average person uses just six different passwords for all of their online accounts. This leaves your accounts vulnerable to hackers if just one of your passwords is leaked.

  • Choose a password that is at least 8 characters long
  • Include a variety of characters, including numbers, letters, and symbols
  • Avoid common passwords (like “password” or “123456”)
  • Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts

Once you’ve created a strong password, it’s important to make sure that you never share it with anyone. The best way to keep your passwords safe is to store them in a password manager. This is a software program that will keep all your passwords safe and encrypted so that no one can access them without your permission.

Anti-Virus Software

Anti-virus software is a must-have for any business, as it helps protect your devices from malware and ransomware attacks. Ransomware is a type of malware that locks you out of your device or encrypts your files until you pay the hacker a ransom, and it’s been on the rise in recent years.

Secure Wi-Fi

If you’re meeting with clients or suppliers away from the office, then it’s important to make sure that you’re using a secure Wi-Fi connection. Otherwise, someone could potentially intercept your data or eavesdrop on your conversation.

Install a firewall

A firewall is a piece of software that helps protect your computer from hackers and malware. It blocks unauthorized access to your device and keeps your data safe.

Firewalls are a crucial part of online security, and every business should have one installed on all of their devices. A firewall prevents people from eavesdropping on your conversations and stealing your information.

There are a number of different firewalls to choose from, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs. Some firewalls are free, while others come with a price tag. If you’re not sure which firewall is right for you, then consult with an IT expert who can help you choose the right one for your business.

Physical Security

Finally, don’t forget about the importance of physical security. Make sure that your meeting is taking place in a secure location, and always keep your devices with you. If you need to leave them unattended, make sure that they’re locked in a safe place.

It’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure your meeting is secure from outside threats. Whether you are hosting a business meeting or attending one, these six tech tools will help shield all of your data and keep it safe. From encrypted emails with PGP encryption to using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), there are plenty of ways for you to protect yourself against hackers-so give them a try!

F-Secure launches free password generator to encourage public to use stronger passwords

Today, cyber security provider F-Secure released a free online tool that helps people create super strong passwords for all their crucial accounts. In just a few seconds, the Strong Password Generator creates new passwords that are strong enough to resist cracking attempts by hackers.

“By now, everyone should have heard that they need strong, unique passwords for their essential online accounts. But every time a site or service is hacked and users’ passwords are released, we see credentials like ‘12345’ or ‘password1’ over and over again,” said F-Secure Executive Vice President of Consumer Security Timo Laaksonen. “This new tool makes creating strong, unique passwords for different accounts as easy as using your cat’s name to secure your account.”

A recent F-Secure survey found that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have become more reliant on online services and accounts. 

More than one-third of consumers, 38%, reported that they have increased the number of online purchases made on their PCs since the crisis began. 32% of consumers said they’ve increased purchases on their mobile, and 31% said they spend more time working from home. 

Any account related to these sensitive activities could be a target for an account takeover, which could lead to identity theft or fraud. Protecting accounts with strong, unique passwords is an effective measure to prevent such compromises. 

“The passwords that secure our accounts have never mattered more and we’ve never had more crucial accounts to secure,” Laaksonen said. “Because this tool comes from F-Secure, with well over three decades of protecting consumers and securing their data, you can count on the Strong Password Generator to make it easy to get strong passwords that won’t fall into the wrong hands.”

Find out more about why every password matters here.

ROOM Teams Up with Zoom and HP to launch Purpose-Built Video Conferencing Room for Zoom in Ireland

ROOM is launching ‘Room for Zoom’ in Ireland with Zoom Video Communications, Inc and HP Inc. This turnkey video collaboration suite for modern offices and workplaces will support businesses to better connect remote employees with those who have returned to the office.

Room for Zoom provides a tailored space for one of the most popular collaboration software, and at the same time bridges the gap between in-person and remote working for the new hybrid workplace that puts people’s needs first.

As workers in Ireland get ready to readjust to life back in the office, demand for integrated workspace designed for Zoom’s video communications platform will increase. Room for Zoom is a soundproof, modular architecture solution that’s fitted with built-in VC lighting, a monitor, webcam, skylights, connected power sources, ventilation and more to offer the ultimate video conferencing room.

In a time when the workspace is at stake, it needs a complete overhaul In a recent survey carried out by Ireland Thinks, 71% of workers said that if they can work remotely, they should have the right to do so. Earlier this month, the IBEC said
that workplaces in Ireland must be facilitated in their attempts to manage requests for remote working in a flexible and collaborative manner which is suitable for their business.

The CIPD — the body representing HR professionals also published a survey in late 2021 on hybrid working. Its figures suggest that 40% of surveyed employers expect that more than half of their staff will work from home after the pandemic has ended. Most employees expect to work part of the time in a central or local office.

It’s clear that in a post-pandemic Ireland, people will demand flexible, hybrid work arrangements — neither working entirely from home, nor entirely from an office.

“The return to office working is a much-debated topic among businesses and workers globally, but one thing that everyone agrees on is video communications are very much here to stay. We’ve teamed up with Zoom and HP to create a solution that allows employees in the workplace to seamlessly connect with their remote-based colleagues” said ROOM Co-Founder, Morten Meisner-Jensen. “Our aim is not just about changing spaces – we want to rethink and redesign our relationship with work. Improving life for employees at work is now on the radar of CEOs and CFOs globally. This is why we have designed a space in which employee-centric software and modular architecture complement each other. Modular architecture makes workspace design affordable and flexible because it can grow with a company.

It’s something that’s right for today but can also be reconfigured to evolve with the changing needs of a business tomorrow” added Meisner-Jensen. Room for Zoom: Modular architecture that meets the needs of a hybrid world Room for Zoom, like all of ROOM’s modular products, includes sustainable soundproofing made from recycled plastic bottles, which is engineered to reduce noise by 27dB. The Room also features a custom accessory rail for personal belongings, and a whiteboard provides users with a comfortable, clutter-free workspace and ample natural light.

ROOM’s innovative, adaptive, modular office furniture provides dedicated environments for both individual or collaborative work. ROOM’s products are pre-fabricated, sustainably sourced, and flat-packed, offering both quick assembly and continued flexibility to accommodate the changing needs of companies navigating the post-pandemic return to physical offices.

To combat the uncertainty of flexible lease terms and hybrid work models, ROOM helps to inform customers’ spatial planning across workspaces with Room Sense. This is the company’s proprietary analytics dashboard that provides companies with real-time data on product utilization and office density.

Room for Zoom combines ROOM’s modular Focus Room with an HP Collaboration G6 27-inch All-in-One touchscreen, paired with a Logitech Brio Ultra HD PRO Business Webcam, pre-installed with Zoom Rooms software for seamless communication and collaboration in ROOM’s modular solution.

Room for Zoom also features two custom-built LED light strips with remote dimming that create the perfect, shadow-free video conference experience. Room for Zoom is available in two different colour pallets, light and dark, and costs €16,495. More information on Room for Zoom is available here.

As with ROOM’s modular Focus Room, Room for Zoom will also feature:

● Adjustable desk heights, providing comfort for all seating positions
● Built-in power sources, so employees never run out of battery
● Silent fans and fresh air ventilation to ensure the working environment comfortable, regardless of the season
● Optional HEPA filtration for clean, filtered, fresh air

“Architecture and location can be a source of stress during video calls: lighting, background noise and the chance someone could walk into the room during a conversation. ROOM worked with us to put together a product that removes those pain points while helping people in workplaces in Ireland work more closely together, regardless of their location,” adds Phil Perry, Head of UK & Ireland at Zoom. “We’re excited by this collaboration, and we’re looking forward to seeing Room for Zoom roll out across Ireland in the coming months.”

For more information on ROOM’s workplace solutions visit room.com.

Proofreading Mistakes That You Might Want to Avoid

The process of writing a text is complex and has phases that need to be followed to ensure quality. One of these phases is proofreading, which is the process of checking the text for grammar mistakes, typographical errors, and other inaccuracies. Proofreading is important because it is the final chance to catch and correct any errors in a text before it is published. A well-edited and proofread text looks more professional, accurate, and polished. In addition, catching and correcting errors can improve the clarity of a text.

Proofreading is an important step in the writing process because it can make your text look more professional and error-free. However, if you don’t do it correctly, you might end up making mistakes that can affect the overall quality of your text. In this article, we will discuss some common proofreading mistakes that you should avoid

Fully relying on Spellcheckers

Many people make the mistake of relying too much on spell checkers. Spellcheckers are helpful tools, but they are not perfect. They can often miss mistakes, especially if the words are spelled correctly, but are used in the wrong context. For example, the word “its” is spelled correctly, but it is used in place of “it’s” (which is short for “it is”). Sometimes other words might simply be in the wrong place or function, and if you are not too savvy with doing the final assessment on your own, consider hiring UK proofreaders that can help scan your text with a fresh pair of eyes. This is an amazing benefit because writers sometimes go back and forth with a text so many times they simply go over those mistakes, not even noticing them. 

Not reading your text out loud

Another common proofreading mistake is not reading your text out loud. This is a good way to catch errors because when you read aloud, you can hear how the text sounds and catch mistakes that you might have missed when you were reading it silently. It is considered good practice when you are taking a break from sitting and writing to stand up and stretch, and try to read the text out loud. Doing these two things at the same time will help you stay focused and catch any mistakes you may have missed.

Making assumptions about grammar rules

There are many rules about grammar that seem like they should be followed, but there are also many exceptions to these rules. If you are not sure about a particular rule, it is best to look it up rather than make assumptions. For example, the rule about using “than” versus “then” is often confused by writers. “Than” is used when comparing things, and “then” is used to indicate time or sequence. However, there are many cases where either word can be used incorrectly. The best way to determine which word to use in a specific situation is to look it up in a grammar book or online grammar resource.

Not using a style guide

When you are writing, it is important to use a style guide to ensure that your text is consistent and appears polished. A style guide will provide you with the rules for formatting your text, using correct punctuation, and referring to sources. There are many different style guides, such as the MLA Style Guide and the APA Style Guide. If you are not familiar with a particular style guide, it is best to consult with someone who is before you start writing your text.

Editing for clarity

One of the most important aspects of proofreading is editing for clarity. This means checking your text to make sure that all of the points are clear and that there are no confusing or ambiguous passages. You can do this by reading your text out loud and asking yourself the following questions: 

 

  • Is the meaning of each sentence clear?
  • Are the points being made in a logical order?
  • Are any words or phrases unclear?
  • Can any sentences be shortened or rewritten for clarity?
  • Is the tone of the text appropriate?

 

If you answer “no” to any of these questions, then you will need to revise your text for clarity.

Repeated words or phrases

Another mistake that can be made when proofreading is to have repeated words or phrases. This can make the text appear choppy and disrupt the flow of the writing. You can check for this by reading your text aloud and listening for any words or phrases that are repeated. If you find any, revise them. Repetitive words make the entire syntax sound poor and unprofessional, and in case you don’t have an alternative way of restructuring that part of the text, you can always try to find a synonym for the repeated word. 

Using incorrect punctuation

One of the most common mistakes that people make with punctuation is using it incorrectly. This can happen when people are not familiar with the rules about how to use punctuation properly. A good way to avoid making this mistake is to familiarize yourself with the rules and then practice using them correctly. You can also use a style guide to help you with this. Another common mistake that people make is using the wrong type of punctuation mark. For example, using a comma instead of a semicolon or vice versa. You can avoid this by being familiar with the different types of punctuation marks and knowing when to use each one.

Leaving comma splices 

A comma splice is a mistake that occurs when two independent clauses are joined together with only a comma. This can make the text difficult to read and can be confusing for the reader. You can avoid this by making sure that each clause is properly punctuated. This means using either a comma and conjunction (such as “and” or “but”) or a semicolon to join the clauses together.


Proofreading is an important part of the writing process because it can make your text look more professional and error-free. However, if you don’t do it correctly, you might end up making mistakes that can affect the overall quality of your text. In this article, we will discuss some common proofreading mistakes that you should avoid.