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.

Ahead of Spiderman’s Release in Cinema’s, here are some Superhero brushes with death.

Superheroes have always had a huge appeal because of their superhuman abilities and charm. They’re able to fight their way out of almost any situation using unique combinations of strength, intelligence and their individual powers. Superhero comics and movies allow the viewer to check out of the real world for a while and escape to a fantasy where almost anything is possible. 

Having said that, there have been a few near misses and lucky escapes that seemed a little bit “too lucky”, but we won’t worry about those! When you’re reading about someone that can do almost anything you wouldn’t expect there to be space for a situation to feel too unrealistic, but that’s not the case. Here are a few of the luckiest superheroes that have escaped impossible situations on their journeys. Those that are feeling luckier than a superhero that has been able to survive a tricky situation can try their luck on these bingo sites at GamblingDeals.

Deadpool

Whether you can call Deadpool a superhero is up for debate as some people consider the character to be more of an anti-hero, but he needs to be mentioned for the ridiculous number of times that Deadpool has had a lucky escape, both in comics and films.

First of all, you need to understand his power. Deadpool has one of the most powerful healing powers in the entire Marvel Universe, and with that, you would think he’s completely invincible. Despite this, he has had so many close encounters with death that it’s a struggle to count, but of course, he always gets dragged back to the land of the living at the last moment.

From being split into four to, dying and then being restored, Deadpool has to be one of the luckiest superheroes in the Marvel Universe.

Spiderman

In between Deadpool being dead, then undead, then nearly dead, he was able to complete some missions. In one of the comics, Deadpool was hired to kill Peter Parker, Spiderman’s true identity. Deadpool believes that he needs to do it because Peter Parker has been responsible for some of the worst science projects in the universe.

Depending on where you read and who you listen to, Deadpool either accidentally kills Spiderman instead of Peter Parker (which makes absolutely no sense), or they get into a fight while Deadpool is in the middle of going on a rampage and Deadpool puts a gun under Spiderman’s chin and shoots him.

On top of this, how Spiderman is saved depends on where you read and who you listen to. In the version of the story where Deadpool somehow accidentally kills Spiderman, he has to go to hell in order to retrieve Spiderman’s soul. In the other version of the story, Deadpool can’t face watching Spiderman dying in his arms, so he mixes some of his own mutated blood with that of Spiderman in order to bring him back to life.

While neither of these stories makes a lot of sense, it’s clear that Spiderman was incredibly lucky to have survived, owing to a huge amount of plot armour!

Domino

Domino has the ability to subconsciously initiate random telekinetic acts that affect probability in her favour. While she can’t make impossible things happen, she is able to make improbable situations appear in her line of sight which causes her to have good luck, and her opponents to have bad luck.

While Domino needs to be on this list as the luckiest superhero owing to her ability to create situations in her favour and get out of sticky situations by being lucky, it’s clear that her luck does eventually run out. Domino was supposedly killed in the film Deadpool 2, but there are loads of fan theories spreading across the internet that question if she’s really dead and create space for her to come back.

Marvel DC Does Lucky Characters So Well

While the whole premise of the superhero genre is that the characters are able to fight their way out of almost every situation there are always a few scenarios where it’s unbelievable that even a superhero would survive. When it comes to getting out of a sticky situation Marvel are possibly one of the worst culprits, with “continuity” not being a word they understand. If DC ever gets into too much of a tight spot they simply reset the multiverse to start again with a clean slate. With the ability to reset the entire multiverse if things get too complicated, that makes Marvel DC superheroes are some of the luckiest characters out there. Of course, it isn’t just Marvel DC that do lucky characters well; there are a whole host of movie and comic book heroes that seem to have an endless supply of good luck.

Are Superheroes a Bit Too Lucky?

When you consider some of the scraps that superheroes have gotten themselves into; you could be forgiven for thinking that luck is on their side a little too often. After all, any superhero worth his weight in gold is a mortal enemy that is constantly plotting to bring them down – so how can they be so lucky? Well, the truth is that audiences love a good guy and they love good guys that do well. Seeing their favourite superhero succumb to a series of bad luck just won’t cut it when it comes to a hero to look up to. We want our superheroes to be flameproof, lucky and safe – otherwise, what is so super about them?

So yes, statistically they’re probably a lot luckier than the average person but then they have superhero powers and if you can’t use them for good, what‘s the point? There are lots of superhero movies due out over the next year or so, and we’re hoping that the streak of good luck continues for them all. We love seeing our favourite heroes escape situations unscathed and hope that this tradition continues in superhero comics and movies for a long time to come!

 

How has Song Streaming Changed the Music Industry?

Whether you like it or not, streaming has certainly completely changed the music industry. When you look at services such as Spotify or even Apple, you will soon see that they have made music far more affordable and that the way we listen to songs has also changed. If you want to find out more about that, then simply take a look below.

Song Writing

An increasing number of artists are now creating songs that jump right into the chorus. There are no instrumentals, beat drops, bridges or anything else of the sort. This is efficiency at its finest and it is because artists know where you are going to fast forward to hear the main part of the song. Back in the day, things never used to work this way. People had set structures that they would work to when creating songs and this would help them to make sure it had a solid structure. Now things are far different.

Content Delivery

Streaming has also changed the way that we access music. At one point, if you wanted to hear a new CD, you would have to go to your local shop and hope that they have it available. You would also have to wait until the shop opened before you could even make your purchase. Now things have changed and you don’t need to wait until a store is open. You can access what you want, at the time of its release, wherever you are. The casino industry for example has changed a lot because of this movement as well. You once could only gamble at a licensed stone foot establishment, but now you can play a huge range of games online – at sites such as the online casino Netbet platform – instantly.

Social Media

Communication, especially on social media, is very quick. This trend is having a huge impact on the way that various artists interact with their audiences. If you look at the opening track on the latest Kanye West album, you will soon see that it is called “I Thought about Killing you”. It sounds like it is an Instagram story, but in the first half of the song, it would seem that Kanye is not speaking in time or following the beat. He’s thinking out loud, and it is no surprise that this trend is catching on quickly with millennial rappers. The SoundCloud movement is big, and it’s taking over far faster than you think.

Smaller Streaming Profits

When you stream something, the artist will get way less when compared to if you bought their CD. Lil Uzi Vert actually only got around $.005 every time the song was streamed. His hit song XO Tour Llif3 was streamed a total of 1.3 billion times. With streams paying such small amounts of profit, musicians no longer have the motivation to create long songs, and this is really working against everyone in the music business. It is certainly a new movement, and it looks like it’s sticking around for a while.

Broadband vs. Wifi: Choosing What’s Best For You

Nearly 90% of the households in the United States have some type of Internet connection. Over the past decade, an Internet connection has gone from a luxury to a necessity in the eyes of American consumers. If you are in the market for an Internet service provider, you need to do your homework before making a selection.

There are two basic types of Internet connections available to modern consumers. Choosing between broadband and Wi-Fi is a lot harder than it might seem. Reader below to find out more about these connections and which one is the best fit for your needs.

What is Broadband Internet?

One of the most popular Internet options on the market is broadband. This type of Internet transmits Internet data by using various cables and lines. If traditional dial-up Internet is considered to be a one-way street, then broadband can be labeled as a highway with multiple lanes. The various data packets transmitted via broadband Internet connections are done so with the help of various lines. When attempting the parallel transfer of multiple data packets, you can increase the overall speed of your Internet with the help of broadband.

What Is Wi-Fi Internet?

The Wi-Fi technology used to power some Internet connections uses radio frequencies and signals. These signals and frequencies allow for information to be sent between devices wirelessly. The Wi-Fi connections available in the United States run on either 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz frequency. If long distances need to be covered with a Wi-Fi connection, 2.4Ghz is used. The 5Ghz option is used to cover shorter distances and larger bandwidths. If you are looking at Internet connections in terms of popularity, then Wi-Fi is the obvious choice. There are currently millions of homes in the United States using Wi-Fi to power their Internet.

Source-Pixabay

What’s The Difference Between These Internet Connection Options?

Now that you know more about these two Internet connection options, you are probably wondering how they are different. One of the main differences between these two connection types is that Wi-Fi doesn’t require the use of a physical connection to transfer data. However, if you are looking for high computing speeds, broadband is a good option.  You can optimize the speed of this Internet connection by using a LAN cable.

With some research, you can find a great Internet service provider in your area. If you are looking for a great Internet connection, check out this HighSpeedOptions list. The more you know about the service providers in your area, the easier it will be to choose the right one to meet your needs. When looking for a service provider, be sure to check out their online reviews and the prices they offer. With this information, you can start to narrow down the list of service providers at your disposal.

It’s Time To Make a Choice

By using the information in this article, you can find an Internet connection option to fit your needs. While you may have to invest some time into researching your options, it is worth the effort invested.

Tech Review – The Pamu Z1 True wireless earbuds

Pamu is a new brand that have been offering really good earbuds for an affordable price and I have tested them all over the last year or two and they have not disappointed me either and with their latest model now on offer people will of course ask the same thing and are they as good as the rest and I am delighted to report they certainly are indeed and have a totally new look and design too but there is no loss on audio quality either.

Design and build

These have a similar design to some newer earbuds out there now but there is not many that have this design, they are not a stem type earbud but one that will stick out slightly from the ears they twist and lock into place giving a secure grip and will not fall out of the ears either and look well in the colour options available they do have a smaller profile than others with this design and once the right tips applied you are good to go with a great seal to get the most beneficial audio experience.

Controls

The controls on these earbuds work really well with a touch area as it is on the larger side all the control functions you need are present and can be edited to suit your needs which is another bonus these have had no problems during my use and no repetitive taps required to execute the command you wish.

Sound

Once again the company has delivered another great sounding product at a great price and with the app you get that bit more than others offer even at a higher price,they are loud and punchy with nice bass thrown in too and overall a great pair of earbuds giving a decent audio experience even for those who want more for less.

Conclusion

If you do no want to spend silly money on earbuds there is no need too, I have been saying this some time now and the prowess of overhyped earbuds is long over there is better out there with great value to be had and these fit right in and they also look great too and move away from the industrial standard look. See more in the video review below..

Pamu Z1 charging on my Google Pixel 6

Main Features

  • Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, reduce noise up to 40dB
  • Dual-Mic Noise Reduction
  • Gaming mode, Low latency
  • In-App firmware update and customization to key functions
  • Dual Master, simultaneous transmission of both ears, both of them can be used separately
  • Compatible with Qi-certified wireless chargers
  • Replaceable shell design, customize your exclusive color
  • Water Resistance: IPX6

BUY

Video Link

Jabra and UMA deliver integrated meeting room technology solutions to transform the workplace

Jabra and UMA have partnered to deliver innovative video conferencing and meeting room solutions, enabling Jabra devices to be managed seamlessly from one place on the UMA dashboard with real-time analytics.  With Jabra PanaCast intelligent video conferencing cameras, users can manage meeting room occupancy levels and control room occupancy levels from a desktop, smartphone or meeting room display panel to optimise the use of office space.

The Jabra PanaCast and PanaCast 50’s unique 180-degree field-of-view covers the whole room and generates anonymous room occupancy data.  This feeds real-time information into the UMA dashboard, providing insights and analytics. UMA automatically makes a meeting room available to book in the event of a no-show. Rooms can also be automatically booked by simply walking in.

With the shift towards hybrid working, companies are reviewing their technology investments and utilisation of office space. UMA enables users to manage meeting room and desk utilisation, room, resource booking and device management of audio-visual devices, all from a single pane of glass.  Organisations are now able to optimise their facilities and technology infrastructure to create an efficient and safe workplace, compliant with Covid Winter Plan workplace guidelines.

 

The combined value proposition of UMA and Jabra allows customers to realise an improved return on their technology investments through the availability of business intelligence and simpler mechanisms to support and maintain their meeting room technology. Users can check the status of Jabra devices, remotely diagnose and fix issues, and push software updates.

Nigel Dunn, Managing Director, EMEA North at Jabra says, “We are thrilled to be teaming up with UMA to deliver a new standard in meeting room solutions for hybrid working. Jabra PanaCast’s data-driven insights and analytics gives a real-time view of how the workplace is being used, enabling companies to improve efficiency and maximise their real estate. It’s now time to start thinking about future-proofing offices and taking conferencing and the meeting booking experience to the next level.”

Stephen Milner, CEO UMA says, “Jabra’s range of meeting room technology will enhance the collaboration experience and with the integration to UMA, end customers will benefit from rich data insight on workplace occupancy and environment and an easier way to manage and support Jabra technology through its lifecycle. We look forward to the collaboration with the Jabra team and together driving innovation to transform the workplace.”

Nathan Rogers, Head of Channel, UMA says, “I’m looking forward to continuing to build a strong partnership with Jabra.  The UMA and Jabra integration will deliver meaningful insights to businesses ensuring they understand how their real estate is being used.  UMA delivers a simplified user experience to enable the booking of meeting spaces, and when partnered with the Jabra PanaCast the business has enhanced analytical data at their fingertips.  Jabra’s audio experience and smart UC technology working in coalition with our Workplace Software will deliver a game changing advantage to users.”

Working in partnership with our mutual UK and European distributors means the reseller and Integrator customers will get a cohesive approach.”

The Jabra PanaCast is supported on UMA’s platform today, with PanaCast 50 to follow in early 2022.

Crypto Trading: A Beginner’s Guide On Avoiding Risks

Cryptocurrency is getting better compared to recent years, and if you are not updated with the latest news, Bitcoin has recently reached its all-time high. That’s right, its market value has increased, and people who have invested are happy about it. Added to that, Ether also hit its all-time high. If you haven’t invested in crypto, you might be missing out on something big. 

If you are new to the crypto world and you want to get involved through investing or day trading, one of the many essential things you should be aware of is that cryptocurrency has risks. There were a few investors who didn’t prepare themselves for these risks, and it heavily affected their investments. As a new investor, you should be well prepared before you start spending your money. It is advisable that you turn to a website with 24/7 support and beginner-friendly software like the Bitcoin Superstar crypto trading platform. In this article, we will show you a quick guide on what you should prepare for to avoid the risks associated with crypto.

Bottlenecked Exit

Considering that there are more than 1600 varieties of cryptocurrencies, this vast number ensures that there’s a thing for everyone and anyone looking to get into cryptocurrency. Though that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to get big with your assets – the ease of entry with cryptocurrency with a bottlenecked exit means that you’re going to struggle as you exit your investment with particular crypto coins.

If you think of it like everyone rushing to get into the stores during Black Friday, you’re for sure to get caught in the mayhem and may even find yourself struggling to get out. Reasons for a bottlenecked exit with cryptocurrency could be due to the technological difficulties, currencies being inconvertible, and a very little party of those who would like to trade. In addition, you wouldn’t want to get caught in the panicked reaction of the crypto market.

Not Physical, Uninsured, and Illiquid

One of the desirable traits that cryptocurrency does possess is that it is decentralized. Therefore it doesn’t have to go through the painstaking process that banks and centralized markets go through. However, although it might be desirable, that doesn’t guarantee its usability and its insurability when it’s time for you to use your crypto coins.

Cryptocurrency is entirely digital, so you’re sure to encounter some struggle when you want to spend your coins – which brings up the struggle of converting your coins. Not to mention the inherent volatility that cryptocurrency’s nature has, you’re going to find it challenging to choose the best times to cash out – since the values are constantly fluctuating.

Prone To Manipulation and Extortion

In the first place, when dealing with cryptocurrency, you should be using money that you’re already prepared to lose. However, in the rare case that you aren’t ready to do so with your crypto, then you might be subject to social engineering and misinformation risks. In addition, especially those newer to the crypto world can be easily susceptible to extortion, fraud, and market manipulation.

Security Risks

Being an investor in cryptocurrency means that you should be prepared for any of the malicious attacks that could come your way – which means that you should double down on your security as much as you can. Ensure that the exchange platforms you’re active on can guarantee your asset security since it will burn a hole in your pocket if your assets get stolen from underneath your nose.

Not only are the newer investors prone to such unfair treatment, but there are still some veteran investors that can still fall under the traps of investment scams and other attacks like phishing and hacking – which nobody would ever like to happen to them. Not to mention that most of the transactions that occur are irreversible and untrackable by normal means since most of the information is basic and confidential.

Conclusion

There are plenty more risks associated with cryptocurrency, so if you’re looking to make it big time in the crypto world, you’re going to need to do some thorough research. In addition, you’re going to need to make up some plans and follow some strategies that other big-timers made – though you could always add your twists to the strategies and tactics.

How To Avoid High Fees When Transferring Money Online

Transferring money overseas through your bank is one of the easiest ways to get the funds where they need to go. However, that convenience often comes at a price. These money transfers often come with high fees that means you end up losing some of your funds in order to pay it off. Here are some ways in which you can transfer money online without the cost of high transfer fees.

Exchange Rates

One of the biggest factors that impacts the money you are sending, potentially decreasing the amount that is received is the current exchange rates between two money markets. It is smart to consider the different exchange rates for your relevant currencies to determine if you should send the money. If exchange rates favor one currency and that is not in the direction you are sending your transfer, it might be a good idea to wait until those rates improve. If the rates are beneficial for your transfer, you might want to consider even increasing the amount you are sending in order to fully maximize the transfer. Of course, these situations and circumstances don’t apply to everyone, and some people need access to funds immediately, not having the ability to wait for a better window or time frame. In that case, you will want to look at options to save on transfer fees or rates with different companies.

Money Transfer Companies

Instead of using a bank, consider businesses that focus on transferring money. The benefit of utilizing or going through different companies is that you get better rates in terms of the exchange of currencies, as well as lower fees associated with utilizing their services. A drawback with these companies is that because they are not as known or popular as bank transfers, the money transfer can take longer to complete for several reasons. First, you will need to open an account with the company you are transferring money with. Once set up, the transfer itself may also take an extra day or two longer to complete than traditional financial institutions. However, if time is not of the essence and you can afford to take a couple extra days to transfer your funds, the extra effort and time may be worth it to ensure that you are able to send the most money possible. These, of course, will vary from company to company, so be mindful of what companies in your area provide in terms of services and options.

Money Remittance Company

When it comes to making smaller transfers, consider using a money remitter. These are ideal for sending money to family and friends, as opposed to sending money for business or commercial purposes. This is similar to a money transfer company, but deals with physical currency, while other transfer companies deal with cashless transfer options. This can be especially important and essential for certain countries and different circumstances where you need to send money in its cash form quickly. Be mindful to use the best international money transfer app for your needs, ensuring that the availability is present in your country and that the transfers go through with full confidence at the lowest rates. These transfers are also optimal for smaller amounts of money transfer versus larger transfers. 

Peer To Peer Transfer Companies

These companies operate in a similar way as money transfer companies, acting independently from banks or financial institutions. However, they operate in a unique manner that allows them to save you money. When it comes to peer to peer transfers, the money is not physically sent from one country to another. What occurs is that money you intend to send to another country is then matched by another transfer going in the opposite direction. This saves on transfer fees, creating a lower cost to the customer and recipient in general, making such peer to peer companies a viable solution for many users. In terms of transfer time, these may be faster than other companies since money is not physically moving itself, but being drawn from currency of that area. 

When you are sending money overseas, there are many factors to consider to ensure that you are using the options that are most optimal and ideal for your situation. Consider the transfer amount you need to send, as well as the different currencies, exchange rates, and transfer fees. You work hard for your money and you want to ensure that as much of it stays in your pockets or makes its way to the people that need them.

Scorn, the visceral biomechanical labyrinth, set to release in October 2022

Ebb Software has revealed that Scorn, the highly anticipated atmospheric first-person adventure game, set in a nightmarishly biomechanical universe, will be opening its twisted gates in October 2022.

Revealed on the Xbox Showcase, the announcement trailer teases players with an all-new in-game environment and invites speculation about the disturbing encounters awaiting players on their journey.

Alongside the announcement of the launch date, Ebb Software have also released a deeper development update for their Kickstarter community. This update includes a more technical look at the team’s development progress for Scorn, an interview with their art team and shares a behind the scenes sneak peek at some work-in-progress content. You can check out the community post here on Kickstarter 

“We’re really pleased to be able to share more news on the game and its release date. Scorn has been a real work of passion for the entire studio. The atmosphere, the journey, and the experience, we want every moment in Scorn to elicit an emotional response and feeling. It is our hope that Scorn stays with players long after they reach its ending. We’re looking forward to sharing more news and updates with our community as we move closer to launch” – Ljubomir Peklar, CEO Ebb Software

 

Tech Tips for a Happy Festive Season – Tara Gale Dell Technologies Ireland

By Tara Gale, Client Solutions Product Manager, Dell Technologies Ireland

With the festive season fast approaching, people across Ireland will be spending significant time purchasing gifts for loved ones online. It is expected that this year’s holiday season will be another year of record-breaking online sales.

We often spend so much time on our chosen e-commerce platform, that it never crosses our minds what happens behind the scenes. There are many threats online, especially during this time of year, and it’s very important to make sure that as you navigate shopping online, you are doing so safely.

Often, we get excited to purchase and open a brand-new device that we forget how we can make use of our old one. Have you thought about recycling your old version or extending the battery life of your current tech gadget? At Dell Technologies, we are here to help guide you to safely shop for new tech, dispose of the old and keep powered up over the festive period.

SAFE SHOPPING ONLINE

The convenience of the internet continues to create new opportunities for online shopping by ways of apps, microsites and so on. However, it’s also a time of year when experts see an uptick in cyberattacks. With both An Garda Síochána and Europol recently warning businesses and shoppers of the dangers of ransomware in the lead-up to Christmas[1], consumers should stay vigilant and follow these tips to stay protected while online shopping:

  • Be sure to use a secure website by looking at the URL (https://)
  • Avoid making purchases on public computers and public Wi-Fi as they may contain malicious software and are not secured
  • Ensure you have a strong password or passphrase, consisting of numbers, letters and special characters
  • Never reuse or recycle passwords and use multi-factor authentication whenever possible
  • Never click on suspicious links

YOU BOUGHT A NEW PC, NOW WHAT?

You successfully got through the online shopping experience for your new device, now what?

Data is often stored on the hard-drive of your PC or computing device. So, when it’s time to make that holiday upgrade to a powerful new system you’ve had your eyes on, you’ll want to safely remove your personal files and information from your old device before disposing of it.

For this, you have options. Some computers already have data removal software. For Dell computers, many models include the Dell Data Wipe feature built into the System Setup. Other brands may have similar software. If your computer does not have software to erase the hard drive, there is software you can purchase.

Once you have removed your files from the computer, what should you do with it? We see out-of-use devices as a valuable resource, one that can go on to be refurbished, reused or recycled. We believe in working with industry to advance sustainability by recycling materials needed to produce our devices.

Through Dell Technologies, we make it simple for our consumers to participate in one of our free consumer recycling programs – taking back any brand, in any condition. In Ireland for example, if your computer is a bit older or no longer working, our Return to Dell mail-back service offers free recycling, even covering the cost of shipping.

TRAVELLING WITH YOUR NEW LAPTOP? TIPS TO EXTEND YOUR LAPTOP BATTERY LIFE

Whether you are closer to home or on the road to visit loved ones over the holiday break, I understand the obstacles that come with technology on the road and the feeling when your battery life runs out along the way. Now that you have your new laptop up and running, let’s make sure the battery life will last as long as possible during your travels this festive season. Here are a few quick tips that may help conserve some battery time:

  • Power off your device before placing it in a laptop bag or other enclosed area.
  • Always use the original AC adapter provided with the laptop. Do not use third-party AC adapters or batteries.
  • Reduce the brightness of the screen.
  • Reduce the amount of open software.
  • Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. If the system is exposed to extreme cold or hot temperatures, allow it to reach normal temperature before use and before charging.

When it comes to online shopping it’s important not to lose sight of the dangers, even more so in the coming days and weeks. Whether you are buying a new device or disposing of old one, take note of all of the above and make your online shopping experience safe and sustainable.

From everyone at Dell Technologies Ireland, enjoy the festive season.