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.

PlayShifu is turning screen time into family time, launching the first ever Phygital board game

Leading early learning toy brand, PlayShifu, has launched the first-ever phygital board games that help merge essential skills with playtime. Built on innovative touch technology and AI, Tacto by PlayShifu turns your tablet into an interactive game to play with real figurines that drive the gameplay on screen.
Whether to further your child’s learning during playtime or upgrade family game nights, innovative phygital toys are the new norm. And Tacto by PlayShifu is a must-have!
Children can master the basics of coding with Tacto Coding and learn all about dinosaurs with Tacto Dino. They can explore the science of light with Tacto Laser and learn to play Chess the easiest way with Tacto Chess. They can play all-time favourite board games like Ludo, Checkers or Naughts & Crosses with a storytelling twist on Tacto Classics. There’s something for everyone on Tacto. Children as young as four can learn essential foundational and S.T.E.A.M. skills whilst enjoying their favourite games.
Tacto is the third flagship line from PlayShifu – the pioneers behind Orboot and Plugo – with all products focusing on building a full spectrum of foundation skills — S.T.E.M., S.T.E.A.M., and beyond — through fun interactive gameplay.

Available to purchase in the Tacto game sets are:
  • Tacto Classics: Add a fun twist of storytelling to all-time favourite board games. Outwit friends and family in brain-teasing strategy games and develop planning skills and foundational maths along the way.
  • Tacto Chess: Traditional chess figurines meet modern characters in digital gameplay. Learn to play the ultimate strategy game through a unique AI-driven learning mode or battle it out in story-based settings with family or friends.
  • Tacto Laser: Explore the science of light with thrilling story-based games. Reflect the light or split it into seven colours to overcome obstacles and develop problem-solving skills.
  • Tacto Coding: Programme your way through each level with story-based gameplay. Use visual cues to code as a beginner, or use Scratch if you’re familiar with the basics.
  • Tacto Dino: With interactive games and activities, this game set takes children back in time to the prehistoric world and brings alive their favourite dinosaurs.
“Screen time is a worry for every parent, and knowing how much is too much is always difficult. We want to help parents by making screen time a positive learning experience and hands-on. It’s such a great opportunity for kids to learn in an environment that is engaging for them and lets parents be involved as much as they want to.” said co-founder and CEO Vivek Goyal.
“We are thrilled to introduce our Tacto line and continue to help foster foundational skills in children around the world,” added co-founder Dinesh Advani.
Four of the five Tacto game sets—Classics, Laser, Coding, and Chess—will be available on PlayShifu.com, Amazon & Very from 26th October. Tacto Dino will be rolling out in November. Each Tacto set is priced at £49.99 and comes with a unique set of figurines. Tacto also comes with frames that hold the tablet securely. All five gaming sets work with the free Tacto app and have three or more story-based games with hundreds of levels in each.

5G networks still to reach market penetration tipping point research finds

Only 14% of 5G networks have reached 10% subscriber penetration according to the latest Omdia research. While 147 operators had launched 5G by the end of June 2021, the data shows that only 14% (21 operators) have reached 10% subscriber penetration on their network.

Omdia analysts have found that 10% in-network penetration is a key milestone for 5G as this is the point at which 5G appears to begin to have a positive impact on mobile revenues.

Data from leading 5G market South Korea shows a clear revenue uplift post-5G launch once market penetration passed 10% a year ago. In China, 5G subscriptions nearly doubled in the first half of 2021 to reach 318 million in June, which is equivalent to 11% of total mobile connections. Meanwhile, mobile services revenues grew 4.7% and 3.7% year on year in Q1 and Q2 – a level that hasn’t been seen since early 2018.

“We can only speculate about the impact of 5G on service providers until the technology reaches a certain critical mass beyond early adopters. Only South Korea has reached this point and the story there is a positive one,” said Ronan De Renesse, senior research director, Omdia. “Another 24 markets are due to reach 10% 5G population penetration by the end of 2021, 37 in 2022 and over 100 in 2026.”

Chinese, Korean, Japanese and US operators commanded over 93% of the global 5G market in Q2 2021. Among the more than 400 million subscriptions globally, 82% are in Asia, of which 87% are in China. Markets outside Asia with more than 5% population penetration include the US, Finland and Ireland.

According to Omdia’s market predictions, markets on average are expected to see a 5% data ARPU (average revenue per user) uplift from two years onwards post 5G launch. However, there is no direct correlation as markets are affected by other factors such as macroeconomic dynamics, COVID recovery, local market competition and regulation.

Adversely, Omdia expects mature markets to see less growth in percentage terms than others because growth coming from digital services inclusion in developing and emerging markets will dwarf the effects of 5G. For example, while 5G may command a 10% increase in ARPU, a first-time smartphone user in Africa may double their mobile bill.

“5G is still in its infancy and we have yet to see its full potential from a technology and commercial perspective,” continued De Renesse. “Similar to 4G when it launched, 5G adoption is mostly supply-led which means that demand for 5G needs to be created by the industry. Operators in China and South Korea have shown that if you put 5G in the hands of consumers then revenues are likely to follow.”

Technology That Has Revolutionized the Gaming Industry

Technology has changed the way that people live completely, from how they socialize to the way that they see the world. The gaming industry has not been untouched by the hugely influential effects of technological innovations. If you are a technology lover or an avid gamer, this guide is here to help you learn more about how technology has revolutionized the gaming industry.

Connecting World Wide Players

As any devoted fans of World of Warcraft, Elder Scrolls Online or RuneScape will tell you, that often half of the fun of the game is talking to other players. Technology has enabled gamers not only to connect with their friends or people in their local area but across the world too. With technology, gaming is expanding the environments in which people can meet and spend time together, as players can interact and connect all in the security of a digital, fantasy world.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is one of the biggest technological innovations in the gaming industry in recent years. In fact, studies have found that the revenue of the virtual reality gaming market is forecast to generate up to 19.5 billion U.S dollars by the end of 2025. There are many advantages that virtual reality technology offers over traditional gaming models. Firstly, virtual reality offers an enriched gaming experience. This, in turn, leads to an enhanced user engagement rate. The cutting-edge technological capability also leads to expanded content possibilities.

Increased Online Safety

As Jackpotcity casino online slots site explains, technology is not only changing the way that games are made and experienced but also the level of security afforded to online players. Increasingly sophisticated online security measures enhance the level of protection that all online players of respected sites will experience. The increase in the use of cryptocurrencies also boosts the level of security of online players.

Hyperreality

Hyperreal gaming is a big trend in the gaming industry at the moment. Hyperreal gaming experiences are location-based, which means that they blend virtual reality and physical reality to create fully immediate and immersive gameplay. Unlike virtual reality, in which everything takes place in the world of the headsets, with hyperreality, the players will see both the game and their physical environment. This combination of visuals means that hyperreality promises to bring a more enhanced, sensory gaming experience.

Player Generated Games

Technology is not only enabling trained developers to enhance their capabilities but also the players too. Experts suggest that the future of the gaming industry will involve more players as creator-based games. Player-generated games are enabling dedicated fans to add their own touches and input on games and levels, which they will then share online. This will not only increase the possibilities that you can expect from new games in the near future, but it will also likely increase the strength of the already dedicated online gaming community.

Technology has and continues to transform every aspect of modern life, and the gaming industry is no exception. As more technological advancements are coming, gamers should be open to new opportunities and experiences in the very near future. 

#CyberSecMonth 2021 – Four common mistakes people make online that could put their money at risk #ThinkB4UClick

A recent study by Uswitch found that Brits are spending a whopping 384 minutes (6.4 hours) using the internet every day, yet even those who are ‘tech savvy’ are unaware of the extent to which their browsing and social media activity is tracked. Not only is this intrusive, extensive cross-platform tracking also makes it easier for cyber criminals to access personal information.

While most people are aware that there are risks associated with browsing the web, many are unaware of how their data is used, and of the severity of those associated risks.

Tom Gaffney, Security Consultant at F-Secure flags four common mistakes that even tech savvy people are making online, and provides top tips on how they can keep themselves safe.

Mistake 1: Using one browser for everything.

Tip: Most people use only one browser, whether that’s Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc, for all their online activity. However, Tom recommends using at least two – one for work and online banking and one for personal use – as not only will this be beneficial to privacy and security, but it will also give you separation in what you’re browsing and what you’re doing.

“Using separate browsers for casual browsing vs. ‘serious stuff’ like accessing online banking hugely minimises the risk of hackers getting to those sensitive accounts,” says Tom, “I personally never use the same browser to read news articles and browse social media as I would for online banking; casual browsing is generally how vulnerability issues arise — we click links that pique our interest without a second thought and hackers know this. Having a dedicated ‘serious’ browser enables you to shift your mindset into protection mode, you’re less likely to make risky decisions which could compromise your accounts when using your “serious-stuff browser”.”    

Mistake 2: Ignoring important security settings

Tip: Despite spending more time with their apps and web-browser, most of us are unaware of the security and privacy settings. We should all spend just a few minutes to check and configure security settings within our browser to enable safer internet surfing. Regardless of which browser you use (Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome or Firefox), each gives you options to disable cookies and block security risks such as malware that can sneak in through infected pop-ups, plug-ins and extensions, compromising your privacy.

Default browser settings leave your data exposed so at a minimum Tom advises you should:

  • Disable pop-ups and redirections as cyber criminals could use these to spread malicious software.
  • Don’t allow automatic downloads as these could contain malware and viruses. Ask to be prompted before downloading anything.
  • Set your browser to ask permission before accessing your location, camera and microphone.
  • Turn on “Send a do not track request” to help prevent websites from tracking you
  • Think carefully before allowing browsers to save passwords as although it’s convenient it creates a security risk. Laptops and mobiles can fall into the wrong hands, it doesn’t take much for a hacker to find the stored password information.

Mistake 3: Not clearing cookies in your browser  

Tip: Cookie banners pop-up every time we visit a website and most of us will click ‘accept’ without thinking. Cookies are small files that websites send to your device that the sites then use to monitor you and remember certain information about you i.e. what’s in your shopping cart, or your login information. Basically, cookies track you as you browse.

There are several reasons why Tom recommends deleting cookies such as:

  • Over time you could accumulate a lot of cookies which will slow your browser down
  • Cookies store your personal information and enable websites to track and follow you around the web, developing a profile of your online habits. In doing so they build a mosaic which maps your interests, identity, age, location, religious beliefs and even sexual identity. While this is used for providing you with targeted ads, this data is sold between organizations and has a more insidious target of knowing everything about you.

“Most browsers make it straightforward to view and delete cookies,” says Tom, “simply go to browser settings and look for the privacy or security section. It’s also worth noting that all browsers have a setting which allows you to browse the web anonymously, which you should have on by default. This will ensure that less of your personal information is shared with data brokers.”

Mistake 4: Not using a VPN

Tip: Even the most secure browser with the most advanced settings can’t always keep your browsing activities safe or private which is why you should consider a VPN such as F-Secure FREEDOME.

“VPNs offer you complete privacy for your activities online,” says Tom, “no one will be able to track you or see what you are doing, not even your Internet Service Provider. They can block harmful websites and hacking attempts, encrypt data to protect your real IP address and online traffic and protect you even when you’re using public Wi-Fi.”

 

Last word: Overall, it’s important that you exercise common sense when using the internet. Many organizations have made the web a simpler place to surf and shop with one-click purchasing. Sometimes we actually need to slow down, especially when shopping, banking or paying bills to allow our minds to engage critically.  At the very least, make sure you update your browser regularly as using old software can provide a way for hackers to break into networks. Updates will address any security issues and help your browser run better.

Tech Review – Poetic cases for the Google Pixel 5

Poetic cases is a well known case maker overseas but we have been using them over the years and they have sent us the latest cases for the iPhone 13 Pro and the Google Pixel 5 and today we look at the latter, the pixel 5 might be considered old now however it is still a phone I use on a daily basis and very current and will remain so for some time yet given the Pixel 6 series is launching soon.

We look at two cases for the phone today and watch out for a bigger range for the iPhone 13 Pro in our mega case line up series. We have the poetic Guardian and Revolution cases for the Pixel 5 and these are really cool cases which will certainly protect your phone from harms way and they both come with optional screen protection built in or you can go without which is nice ans something you do not see with other case makers.

Poetic Guardian

 

  • MILITARY GRADE DROP TESTED Google Pixel 5 RUGGED CLEAR CASE – Protects your Google Pixel 5 from all angles. Includes: Built-in Screen Protector, Clear polycarbonate back, and TPU lining and Bumpers.
  • SAFE SCREEN PROTECTION – Extra raised lips and corners of the front hard frame provide super protection from drops, keep your screen safe.
  • SHOCK ABSORBING – Impact resistant TPU lining around the polycarbonate case provides shock absorbing bumper protection for the corners and enhances grip to prevent sliding.
  • ANTI-SCRATCH CLEAR BACK – Premium clear polycarbonate prevents scratches on the device. The full clarity and gloss showcases the best that your device has to offer.

 

 

BUY HERE 

Poetic Revolution

  • MILITARY GRADE DROP TESTED [MIL-STD 810G – 516.6] Google Pixel 4A RUGGED CASE – Protects your Google Pixel 5 from all angles. Shockproof/Drop-proof/Import resistant/Scratch-proof.
  • SAFE SCREEN PROTECTION – Extra raised lips and corners of the front hard frame provide super protection from drops, keep your screen safe.
  • HEAVY DUTY SHOCK-PROOF MATERIAL – Composed of premium polycarbonate and shock absorbing TPU bumper for drop protection.
  • BUILT-IN-SCREEN PROTECTOR – Front polycarbonate casing with a 3D Curved built-in screen protector adds a layer of protection without affecting screen responsiveness.

 

BUY HERE

Check the video below for a hands on look at both these cases

 

Tech Review – Planet Buddies wireless headphones for kids.

Planet Buddies recently announced new headphones for kids which are a safer option with a volume limit and they also look nice with the colours they have on offer. Having tested these out with my daughter they are a really nice pair of headphones for kids lightweight and give good sound considering they are aimed at kids.

Design and build

These are lightweight and can be worn for long periods of time and can be connected to tablets and mobile phones and you also have the option to share the headphones with an extra headphone socket built in.

Controls

The controls are kept nice and simple here and are on one side with a nav pad type setup build into the outer cup of the headphones and they work really well, the power key serves as a play and pause button to and you can skip and reverse tracks and control the volume too with this navi pad control and it will be super simple for kids to follow unlike more high end ones that would be confusing to some extent but kids still often get them as gifts etc so simplicity is key here.

Sound

Sound is great considering they are kids headphones after all and even from my own testing they pass as a decent quality set of headphones with good sound and not forgetting the volume control here too which is a good thing as for me I like to go max volume which is more than likely doing my ears no good. There is no app or anything like that so it is a simple job to just connect to the desired device and off you go job done.

Conclusion

These are ideal for kids and make a great gift idea and look nice and easy to recommend with the safety aspect of keeping your kids hearing in check they should be on your list for Christmas or birthdays or if you want to just cheer a child up as they are not expensive either. They also have a really good battery life as you know how it is with kids they forget to charge things,these go a good distance. The new wireless headphones comes in a variety of characters including Pepper the Penguin, Olive the Owl and Pippin the Panda. The headphones allow kids the freedom to move without a wire and get the feel of what wireless headphones is as most would be custom to cabled options.

Custom stickers can greatly stimulate children’s creativity and unique individuality. Children can create their own unique sticker designs based on their own imaginations and submit them to GSJJ. Whether it’s a drawing of a monster, a dream castle, or a photo with a friend, print the stickers and apply them to the headphones, instantly transforming them into something unique and a symbol of personal style. For children, this is undoubtedly a creative world full of fun and endless possibilities.

 

Planet Buddies new range

 

Planet Buddies Bluetooth Headphone Features:

  • Child-safe limited to 85db volume limited audio
  • Wireless compatible with iOS/Android
  • Up to 38 hours total playtime (2 hours charging time)
  • Built-in microphone
  • Extra line-out jack for music sharing
  • Strong, adjustable design for comfort and durability
  • Foldable, portable design with carry pouch included
  • 100% recyclable packaging with zero plastic

 

Planet Buddies Product Availability

Priced at £39.99, the Planet Buddies Bluetooth Wireless Headphones will be available from October 2021 through Amazon and planetbuddies.com. For more product information and the entire range, please visit Amazon Planet Buddies Store and planetbuddies.com.

Video link

Tech Review – Garmin campervan Sat-Nav review

I have been testing this piece of kit out for a few weeks now and one thing people say is this not redundant and I do get their point with our mobile phones doing everything from weather to music calls and traffic but this is on a smaller scale and phones are not specifically designed for the aforementioned.

Garmin are well known in the industry and also have dash cams and smartwatches too some of which we have reviewed in the past but today we take a closer look at the Campervan Sat-Nav, we also have a real hands on look at the unit in our video review below so you get some context over stock image reviews. We show you the features, the unit in operation and more so you get to get a better idea of what exactly you get from the product.

Build and set up

Basically it is a big tablet and it is a well built one at that however it can be placed nicely in your window or where suits you best and it is a simply suction cup and cable to get things going and you are good to go, you might be better off walking through the menu first to change any settings that suit your need though. You should also download the Garmin Drivesmart app to get extra features, I did once snub the app but it has much improved and now includes really cool weather features too, live traffic and much more

The display is bright and clear and one thing I love is the voice navigation it is pleasing which some might find odd but I love it it is clear loud and not really robotic like some systems are. You can also make calls on this and again clear and concise.

Who is this for

It is aimed at those who like camping which has seen a huge rise in recent times but anyone can use it including van drivers that want that bit more and you can see yourself what is on offer via the menu and if like me you like hotels, food and the likes there is a tripdavisor suggestion tool along with many others which you can select from to suit your own personal requirements. Having said all that this can be used by anyone in fairness and it is a nice piece of kit to have.

Features

The Campervan Sat-Nav has many features on board which basically covers you all round, you have Bluetooth, WiFi big clear screen loud clear navigation prompts, warnings for your speed which is vital for how things work today with the fish in a barrel approach by the speed detection vans and pop up windows for turns where applicable to give you a better view of the lanes you might be approaching, again all this is seen in the video review..

Price

This might put some off for a standalone kit, even for me I was kind of leaning the same direction but the pros outweigh the cons as you keep your phone to yourself and you have everything else at your fingertips here on a big screen and the feature I love most asides the navigation is the weather feature which is really cool.. The price of this unit will set you back 299 euros

BUY HERE

Video link 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mobile Finance Usage Increases Through Time

It’s been an exciting year for mobile applications, as the COVID-19 epidemic has resulted in extraordinary growth across a wide range of verticals and industries. Fintech applications were already seeing a substantial increase in popularity in most countries, and their popularity has increased even more this year as economies and user habits change to accommodate lockdowns and social distance limitations.

The latest Mobile Finance Report, published in collaboration with mobile market intelligence specialists Apptopia, delves into the realm of mobile fintech, examining global and important regional trends across banking, payment, and investing applications. As well as best practices for finance apps and insights from finance industry professionals across a variety of countries, the study includes an extensive examination of finance app performance and how the epidemic has pushed digital banking adoption. The report is available for purchase here.

More and More People Use Finance Apps

Financial services firms must adapt to give customers more via their applications, according to a recent article from Mobile Marketer, which discussed the report’s results on mobile banking. To cope with the health issue, several financial institutions and investment firms either closed temporary locations or mandated that staff work from home. Meanwhile, many of their clients opted to remain at home to avoid face-to-face interaction. Because of these abrupt shifts in behavior, mobile banking applications are becoming more essential.

 

Investing apps saw a significant rise in activity in 2020, with an adoption of 88 percent and surpassed casual and hyper-casual games, according to the report. One of the main reasons behind this is that the popularity of mobile trading has increased significantly, as people stayed at homes and were seeking additional ways to make money. Furthermore, when lockdowns went into place and customers switched to their banking and payment applications more often, the cost of recruiting these new users dropped by 77% between February and May (a cost that had been increasing before 2020).

In addition to downloads and use statistics, time spent in-app is also on the rise in the personal financial ecosystem. More time spent within the app indicates that users are more interested in tracking their wealth growth and investments, as well as learning about new financial services that may aid in long-term capital gains. This is good news.

There has been a 63% rise in the amount of time people spend on personal financial applications each week, making it the most popular time of the epidemic. Even when compared to sectors like retail and e-commerce applications (65 minutes), entertainment apps (67 minutes), and music apps (70 minutes), these figures hold up (80 minutes).

Aside from people’s newfound interest in improving financial results, a greater amount of time spent in-app may be traced back to the rise in smartphone use among captive audiences during the pandemic, which increased by 10 minutes per day. There has been a 102% rise in the average use duration among Gen Z and millenials, according to research.

While it is undeniable that the pandemic was a driving force behind the uptake of personal financial applications, this change in behavior and attitude had been developing for many years prior to the outbreak. As the number of people using digital tools to monitor their spending, manage their money and increase their assets grows, the potential for growth in the personal finance sector seems limitless.

Targeting the Users

If consumers don’t stay around and keep using the applications, gaining a large number of them is of little value to fintech firms. In his piece on retention rates, Ian Kar, a financial sector thought leader and publisher of the industry magazine Fintech Today, looked at data from Adjust’s study.

In the latter stages of fintech businesses, customer loyalty is becoming an important measure. A company’s lengthy yet high payback over time balances historically growing acquisition costs such that these firms are profitable per-user over time due to sticky customers staying on the platform for years and increasing their engagement over time. Making a banking app that people want to use for years is a difficult aspect of the problem to tackle.

In all fintech sub-verticals, consumers’ preferences are shifting toward mobile devices, and businesses are responding by expanding their product lines to include new features and services that eliminate the need for in-person contacts. Fintech is a sector to keep an eye on because of the rise in digital usage and the possibility of unexplored markets.

Building client trust is the most critical step in the development of a personal financial app. Why should a user select your personal financial services over the many others on the market? Customer confidence in your brand has a lot to do with things like the simplicity of use and an overall smooth experience.

Personal finance brands may now build trust in a variety of methods, including via brand perception campaigns and the generation of social proof, such as through client testimonials, referral programs, or word-of-mouth from influential individuals in the industry. It doesn’t matter what you do, always keep in mind that running ads to build your brand’s trustworthiness isn’t enough. 

Irish Student Innovators Offered Opportunity Of A Lifetime

Student entrepreneurs, creators and innovators are driving positive change for the future and Red Bull is giving these young change-makers an opportunity to bring their idea to life by applying for Red Bull Basement by Saturday, 23rd October at 11pm.

In this global program, students are empowered to showcase their innovative ideas, using technology to make tomorrow’s world a better place. The National Finalist team will be invited to travel to the Global Workshop in Turkey to present their idea and collaborate with thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries from around the world.

Numerous teams from previous Red Bull Basement events have gone on to expand their ideas on the world stage. The top team from 2019, Austria’s Audvice, has made important strides since their participation, recently receiving six-figure funding in the first investment round for their learning and collaboration tool.

Last year the UK’s Lava Aqua X team wowed the experts as they pitched an ecologically friendly reinvention of the washing machine. With the momentum they gained, they are now working to bring their product to market.

Ireland’s 2020 finalists, Ben Ralph and Tadhg Crowley have been working hard on the continued development of their sustainable energy solution DemRes, driving the development of an app which has garnered interest from key players in the Irish energy industry.

To apply for the 2021 edition, entrants can visit the Red Bull Basement website and upload a video that clearly and concisely explains their team idea. Entrants must be 18+ years old and currently enrolled in third level. The public will be able to give online “shout-outs” to their favourite ideas, and those shout-outs will be part of the criteria that judges consider – along with feasibility, creativity and impact – to determine the national finalists. Then the national teams will have five weeks to further develop their ideas with the help of resources including an international mentorship program before attending the immersive, three-day Global Final in Istanbul, Turkey.

Timeline, Red Bull Basement 2021

1 September – 23 October:
Application window is open. The Irish public are invited to give “shout-outs” to their favorite teams.

25 October – 2 November:
National judges select one team to represent Ireland at the Global Final, concluding with a simultaneous announcement of all selected teams.

13 – 15 December:
The international teams connect and pitch their ideas at the Global Final in Istanbul, Turkey.