Leading real hands on tech review site in Ireland with technology, business news and more. Jim O Brien Tech.
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.
GoGallop Studios, a leading Australian mobile games publisher, is delighted to announce the global launch of Equestriad World Tour, a free to play mobile title that sees players jump into the world of equestrian care and competition, on Android devices.
Now available on both Android and iOS, the team behind Equestriad World Tour, GoGallop Studios, has been listening to players’ feedback to make the game a first in class. Whichever platform players find themselves on, they’re now able to buy and sell horses to maximise their potential in competition.
That’s not to forget the hundreds of unlockable items players can access in the game’s Tack Shop to customise the look of their steed, too. As we enter the holiday season, there will be more ways to turn horses into pretty ponies with the arrival of Christmas-themed items in the Tack Shop. Turn your steed into a famous, red-nosed reindeer, give it an adorable Santa hat, and more!
Mastering skills in the three equestrian disciplines of jumping, cross-country, and dressage is just the first step in Equestriad World Tour. A solo career mode and the ability to compete as part of a team with friends and family give players choice as they take on the equestrian world. Whether players are aiming to be the top stud, or seek success as part of a team, they compete in qualifying events to reach the ultimate challenges of Equestriad World Tour, the official horse trial events.
The launch of Equestriad World Tour on Android welcomes the latest licensed horse trial event to the game: Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event! Followers of equestrian sports will recognise Kentucky as the only five-star event in the western hemisphere, and one of only six in the world.
Fans and newcomers all over the world will be able to test their skills in this prestigious 3-day eventing competition as Equestriad World Tour also adds localisation in several new languages. Players can now enjoy the game in German, Italian, and Spanish, in addition to English (French localisation coming soon!)
“We’ve had some great feedback from our iOS community and we’re really impressed with how players have gone from trot to canter with Equestriad World Tour already,”said Craig Laughton, CEO at GoGallop Studios, “With the game’s launch on Android we’re excited to open our doors to even more players and give everyone the immersive anytime, any place equestrian experience we’ve been working so hard on.”
Equestriad World Tour is now available worldwide on Android and iOS devices. Looking for more information? Neigh problem
This is a neat little gadget for you car and offers several solutions in on with this model in particular, We have seen several options of bluetooth transmitters available in the past that I have typically used and now they have advanced some more due to technology.
This is a simple plug and play solution to get calls, music and audio onto your current vehicles set up not only that it charges your phone too and also offer a USB port to plug in music from a flash drive etc and keeping you hands free too. To set up you simply tune into a free station on your current radio and connect via bluetooth via your smartphone and away you go it is that easy.
Using the device itself also offers all the functions you need with a twisty wheel up top that can control music and calls and works really well overall it is a simple to use product that makes like so much easier in the vehicle, it was a good test sample in my case as I have a brand new vehicle and cant connect my devices to it via bluetooth and awaiting a software update by the manufacturer which is unreal in this day and age and people cant here me but I can hear them but with this unit it all works fine, I tested this with an iPhone 12 and Google Pixel 5 and worked flawlessly on both phones and that includes my music too and calls are great. To top it off you get a bass button for the bass lovers.
Features
Compatible with most devices on the market.
● Dual USB charger with one PD 18W USB-C port and a QC 3.0 USB port.
● CVC technology is anti-interference performance and noise suppression.
● Bluetooth 5.0 for strong and stable connection.
● With bass booster button helps to add bass to songs fast and easy.
With the current pandemic there has been an influx of UV gadgets like earbuds and charge docks etc some of which we have covered or in the review process now and they are aimed to protect us which is not a bad thing, this gadget we where asked to review is another such product and worth the review in my book, There is other alternatives out there now but just offer a metal bar in a similar shape to this when opened but this on has internal and external UV protection which makes it a nice little gadget to have.
This will fit in your pocket and is the size of a credit card in with but several more in thickness but not a cumbersome piece to have in your pocket and keeping you safe, when you think of it the amount of doors you might open on a daily basis and buttons you push this is an ideal tool to keep you even more protected going forward which is great, check out the video below for more..
Uvict features:
Ultimate protection
Uvict is the world’s first door opener with UV light sanitizer internally and externally. The internal one can disinfect the hook with effective ultraviolet light waves in 20s after it returns into the case. The external one on the side is up for additional sterilization when you need to disinfect small items or any dirty surface.
Intuitive to use
Uvict is built to protect you from the dirty surface like door handles and elevator buttons, mitigating the risk of contracting germs, bacteria and viruses. Simply press the button then eject the hook when opening doors and pressing buttons.
Wide application
Uvict contactless door opener has a wide variety of uses. To open doors, to press buttons, to disinfect the surface. From your phone to public toilet seat, the extra UV light on the side can be your sanitizer at hands.
Ergonomic comfort
Palm size, lightweight, and easy to carry. It’s only 86g. Definitely an essential for your everyday carry. Case is designed with ridged surfaces for better finger grips and the hook is made from stainless steel that is built to last longer than you expected.
Built to perform
Packed with a 500mAh rechargeable battery, it can be fully charged within 2 hours. Uvict contactless door opener can last for up to 15 days uses on one charge.
Bank of Ireland has issued a fraud alert today urging extra vigilance against investment fraud. Following an increase in reports of incidence of investment fraud the Bank is strongly advising consumers to be alert to investment scams being carried out by false and unregulated companies offering fake investment opportunities.
Describing how investment scams can operate, Edel McDermott, Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland said: “There has been a notable increase in false and unregulated companies offering convincing investment opportunities promising a quick profit. For example, they might be selling cryptocurrencies or offering bonds and share investments that do not exist. A consumer or investor who falls victim to these companies and hands over money is unlikely to see their money again. There is unfortunately no redress for a consumer or investor who hands over money to an unregulated firm. By being aware of how these false companies turn up and the tactics that they use, consumers and investors can take steps to protect themselves against fraud and financial loss”.
Common ways to encounter these bogus companies and warning signs include:
Internet search: Bogus firms online may appear when searching for investment opportunities or via pop-up message on a website or through social media.
False endorsement: Online article where a celebrity appears to promote an investment or tells a story about how much they made from it.
Cold calls: Unsolicited calls or emails from someone who claims to be from a legitimate investment company who puts pressure on the consumer to take advantage of an urgent opportunity.
How consumers can protect themselves from these scams:
Do not respond to cold calls and don’t be rushed into investing your money.
Be suspicious of any offers that guarantee a return or a large profit.
Research the company and check the Central Bank register before making any investment.
Many of these firms might appear to have legitimate websites and convincing products or investor ‘log in’ to check your investment. To safeguard against this, consumers and investors are urged to ensure that any company they are considering investing with is a regulated firm by checking the Central Bank of Ireland register (ROI) or Financial Conduct Authority (UK). If a firm is not listed, do not invest with them.
Bank of Ireland is committed to building awareness around fraud, including investment fraud of this nature. Bank of Ireland will continue to focus on the issues around fraud, through the Bank’s own channels and by working collaboratively through the Bank and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) FraudSMART campaign.
HP today released its 2021 predictions on how security threats – such as human-operated ransomware, thread hijacking, unintentional insider threats, business email compromise and whaling attacks – are set to increase in the next 12 months.
“Organizations have had a tough 2020, and in Ireland specifically, the financial services and healthcare sectors have been particularly vulnerable to attacks. The shift to remote working has widened the attack surface and made life even more difficult for security teams, meaning the days of the hardened perimeter are behind us. Now, more than ever, organizations need to shift their focus to delivering protection where it is most needed: the endpoint. Over the course of 2020, we have seen hackers become increasingly targeted, while also using sophisticated lures to trick users into engaging in risky behaviours. Over the next 12 months we will see more of the same, with targeted and sophisticated attacks directed at users and endpoints,”
Gary Tierney, Managing Director at HP Ireland. “Organizations cannot afford to close their eyes and hope for the best in 2021, which is why it’s critical that they adopt a protection-first approach to endpoint security to keep them a step ahead of cybercriminals.”
HP’s cybersecurity experts including – Julia Voo, Global Lead Cybersecurity and Tech Policy; Joanna Burkey, CISO; Boris Balacheff, Chief Technologist for Security Research and Innovation at HP Labs; Dr Ian Pratt, Global Head of Security for Personal Systems; and Alex Holland, Senior Malware Analyst – and experts from HP’s Security Advisory Board – Justine Bone, CEO at MedSec; and Robert Masse, Partner at Deloitte – all gave their predictions for the year ahead.
Weakened organizational security will lead to more unintentional insider threats
The dramatic changes to how we work in 2020 and the shift to remote working will continue to create challenges, says Julia Voo: “COVID-19 has weakened organizational security. Remote access inefficiencies, VPN vulnerabilities and a shortage of staff that can help the business adapt means data is now less secure.” From a cybercriminal’s perspective, the attack surface is widening, creating more opportunities, as Joanna Burkey explains: “We can expect to see hackers identifying and taking advantage of any holes in processes that were created, and still exist, after everyone left the office.”
Boris Balacheff points out that this also means that home devices will be under increased pressure: “We have to expect home infrastructure will be increasingly targeted. The scale at which we operate from home increases the incentive for attackers to go after consumer IoT devices and pivot to business devices on the same networks. And as we know, if attackers are successful with destructive attacks on home devices, remote workers won’t get the luxury of having someone from IT turning up at their door to help remediate the problem.”
Burkey also believes there will be more unintentional insider threats: “With employees working remotely, the lines between work and personal equipment are blurred, and innocent actions – such as reading personal email on a company machine – can have serious consequences.” Overall, the pandemic has increased the risk of employees making errors, as Robert Masse explains: “If you view the pandemic as a war experience, then organizations will be dealing with employee burnout. This can lead to an increased risk of errors in judgement.”
Human-operated ransomware attacks will remain an acute threat
Ransomware has become the cybercriminal’s tool of choice, and this is likely to continue in the year ahead, comments Burkey: “What we’ll see is a rise in ransomware-as-service attacks where the threat is no longer the ‘kidnapping’ of data – it’s the public release of the data.”
The rise of ransomware has fueled the growth of an ecosystem of criminal actors who specialize in different capabilities needed to pull off successful attacks. Malware delivered by email, such as Emotet, TrickBot and Dridex, are often a precursor to human-operated ransomware attacks. “To maximize the impact of an attack, threat actors use their access to compromised systems to deepen their foothold into a victims’ networks. Many crews use offensive security tools to gain control of a victim’s domain controllers, which are often the best point in a network to deploy ransomware,” explains Dr Ian Pratt.
This trend is of particular concern to those in the public sector, as Alex Holland explains: “The rise of ‘double extortion’ ransomware, where victim data is exfiltrated before being encrypted, will particularly hurt public sector organizations, who process all manner of personally identifiable information. Even if a ransom is paid, there is no guarantee that a threat actor won’t later monetize the stolen data.”
Greater innovation in phishing will see thread hijacking and whaling attacks
In 2021, there will be more innovative phishing lures designed to trick users and make attacks harder to identify. “The most innovative mass phishing technique we see is email thread hijacking, which is used by the Emotet botnet. The technique automates the creation of spear-phishing lures by stealing email data from compromised systems. This data is then used to reply to conversations with messages containing malware, making them appear very convincing,” explains Dr Ian Pratt. We can also expect to see more of these attacks targeting individuals working remotely, says Justine Bone: “Thanks to everything relying on strong authentication, as opposed to in-person presence, there is more opportunity for hackers to engage in social engineering to trick employees into divulging credentials.”
The prospect of continued social isolation has encouraged people to share more personal information online, which cybercriminals can weaponize. “Whaling, a form of highly targeted phishing attack aimed at senior executives, will become more prominent with cybercriminals able to take personal information shared online to build convincing lures leading to business email compromise fraud,” comments Masse. Many of these phishing emails will continue to exploit people through fear, according to Voo. “New fears will be used to drive people to open malicious emails – whether it’s COVID vaccines, financial concerns related to the lockdown and any political instability.”
Hackers will tailor attacks to target specific verticals – in particular, critical infrastructure, pharma and healthcare, Industrial IoT and education
One of the most at-risk verticals in 2021 will be healthcare. “Healthcare has been a perfect target – society depends on it and these organizations are typically under-resourced, change-averse and slow to innovate. Education also fits this criterion and could be another prime target,” says Bone. However, this threat extends beyond hospitals and doctor’s surgeries into more critical areas. “Due to the race to develop a new vaccine, pharmaceutical companies and research facilities will also continue to face adverse risk,” comments Masse.
But the next 12 months will also see other targets come into consideration for hackers. “Car makers, particularly EV companies, will become bigger targets as they grow in prestige and profitability, and we can also expect to see critical infrastructure and the Industrial Internet of Things continue to be in hackers’ crosshairs,” explains Masse.
Zero trust is here to stay, but needs to be implemented in a way that is transparent to the user
Zero trust as a concept isn’t new, but the increase in remote working means that it is now a reality that organizations need to accept. “The traditional ways of securing access to the corporate network, applications and data are no longer fit for purpose. The perimeter has become obsolete. Over the years the workforce has become more dispersed, and SaaS adoption has risen – this means critical data is being hosted outside the enterprise firewall. The time has come for organizations to start protecting against the unknown, which means utilizing zero trust, but in a way that is transparent to the user,” comments Pratt.
COVID-19 will be a key driver behind zero trust adoption and also means we’ll see greater innovation in this area. “Zero trust is the best defensive approach for enabling remote working, but for identity and access management to be seamless it needs to be easy to use. Quality authentication methods are a key enabler of zero trust, which is why technologies such as biometrics will be expected by end users in the future,” comments Bone.
A new approach to security is needed
“2020 demonstrated that is has become critical to manage highly distributed endpoint infrastructure,” comments Balacheff. “Organizations need to accept that the future is distributed. Everything from remote workers’ devices to industrial IoT devices have become the new frontlines of the cybersecurity battleground in our increasingly cyber-physical world. To meet this challenge, organizations need to re-think their security architectures and controls, and embrace the necessary innovation in technology and processes to help them support this new environment. For example, modern hardware technology exists that can help not only protect but also recover employees remotely and securely in the face of destructive attack like those we have seen in the last few years.”
“Organizations face a huge security challenge in the year ahead, with cybercriminals becoming savvier about how to extract the most value out of victims,” comments Ian Pratt. “Relying on detection alone will only result in an unsatisfactory outcome for the organization, so a more architecturally robust approach to security is required; one that builds protection in from the hardware up. Hardware-enforced technologies like micro-virtualization are transparent to the end user – this means they can click on email attachments and download files as they normally would, but are safe in the knowledge that if anything is malicious, it is rendered harmless. This protection-first approach leaves hackers with nothing to steal and no way to persist, helping organizations to deal with the variety of threats 2021 and beyond will throw at them.
ARTICLE 19, an international organisation that works to defend and promote freedom of expression and access to information throughout the world, has today announced the official launch of #KeepItReal, a campaign on disinformation and freedom of expression in Ireland.
It has arguably never been as important as it is today, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, for the public to be aware of how online disinformation may be an obstacle to access accurate and reliable sources of information that may affect their rights.
In Ireland, research from FuJo – the Institute for Future Media and Journalism – and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland shows that so far social media companies have not done enough to counter the spread of disinformation on their platforms. In this climate, the campaign #KeepItReal aims at empowering young adults in Ireland to articulate their views on how to counter disinformation and protect their right to free speech in the framework of the ongoing debate on the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill.
Speaking on the launch of the campaign, Pierre François Docquir, Head of Media Freedom at ARTICLE 19 said:“ARTICLE 19 has long been speaking on these issues with legal and policy experts but the debate on such important matters should really belong to the general public. This is the challenge that we are tackling with the group of ambassadors. I don’t think we could have picked a better place than Ireland to launch this type of work.
“Not only is Ireland the headquarters of social media companies in Europe, it is also in the middle of a vibrant and ground-breaking debate on platform regulation and online safety with the current drafting of an Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill and the formation of the Media and Online Safety Commission.
“The challenges posed by COVID-19 have highlighted the importance of these debates, so this really is an interesting and fascinating time. Disinformation about COVID-19 remains a threat to public health and with the prospect of a vaccine on the horizon, it is vital we remain constantly vigilant where we source our news from.
“Our ambassadors are a part of a generation that are not only highly engaged with the digital evolution of the media, who have witnessed the rise of the Internet, but they are also very aware of both the rich opportunities for expression and risks for privacy that social media presents. I am already very impressed by their engagement and am looking forward to seeing the substantial contributions made by this campaign.”
A group of young adults aged 18-25 years old from across the country will lead a discussion among their peers about how a pluralistic and tolerant society – one that listens to different perspectives, encourages dialogue and treats people equally – should respond to the issues of disinformation and regulation of social media. Well-known Irish artists, including Dublin based illustrator Fuchsia MacAree, are collaborating with ARTICLE 19 to represent through their artwork how disinformation is affecting young people’s right to freedom of expression in Ireland.
ARTICLE 19 Ambassador Laura Bartley, from Louth, said: “Although people my age are very active on social media and came of age with the rise of the internet, we still risk falling foul of disinformation, especially nowadays in relation to COVID-19 and vaccination. I want to do my part to make sure the young people of Ireland are equipped with the tools to make informed and safe decisions.
“During my studies, I was really interested in the impact of technology on human rights, democracy and violent extremism and knew I had something to offer to the discussion. My generation understands the long-lasting impact of the Online Safety and Media Regulations Bill and we will be the ones most affected by these discussions”.
Fellow Ambassador Ruairí Harrison, from Dublin, added: “As a passionate free speech advocate, I joined ARTICLE 19 as a youth ambassador in order to help highlight disinformation issues in Ireland and promote the broader democratic benefits of informed public debate on divisive issues. In the recent months during the pandemic, I have seen first-hand how rapidly disinformation can spread, and fragile Ireland is to the threats it poses. We can only act as citizens if we have access to reliable information.
“It is vital we make our voices heard and empower young people throughout Ireland to understand how to recognise when we are being misled. We really have the opportunity to make a real difference with this campaign, not only in Ireland, but throughout the world. I am excited to get started!”
Through this campaign, ARTICLE 19 is advocating for the establishment of an Irish Social Media Council. This self-regulatory mechanism, inspired by the experience of press councils, would provide an open, transparent and accountable forum to address content moderation issues – such as disinformation – on social media platforms. This initiative in Ireland is the first of its kind run by ARTICLE 19.
Creative Technology has announced the partnership with World of Warships, a popular naval-warfare themed massively multiplayer online game (MMO) published by Wargaming, an award-winning online game developer and publisher. Fans of the naval combat game will be getting a more immersive audio experience and more content on a sizeable discount.
Both World of Warships (PC) and World of Warships: Legends (console) players will be able to enjoy exclusive in-game gift bundles (worth up to €20) with the purchase of any of these Creative products – SXFI GAMER, Sound Blaster AE-9, Sound Blaster AE-7, Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus, Sound Blaster G3, Sound BlasterX G6, Sound BlasterX Katana and T100. Creative will also be extending a €20 discount code on these purchases as the icing on the cake. The special promo code will be announced along with the new game update release in the World of Warships newsletter to be published on 2 December 2020.
Low Long Chye, General Manager of Creative, said, “Creative’s audio products come perfectly into play to provide rich and immersive audio for games, and complements the already engaging World of Warships very well. We are excited to partner Wargaming and enhance the gamers’ overall experience together, especially considering the current climate where everyone is spending more time at home.”
Philip Molodkovets, Executive Producer at World of Warships said: “Our players appreciate the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of epic naval combats and feel like admirals on the high seas. Bringing authentic sounds is a key part of this experience. We are happy to partner with Creative and bring this attractive offer to our existing and new players.”
This promotion is will be valid from 17 November 2020 – 28 February 2021, for the UK, Germany, France and Italy. For more details on the collaboration and how to redeem the exclusive in-game gift bundles, please visit this web link.
This Christmas, it’s more important than ever to stay connected to our loved ones. No matter where you’re spending the holidays. Tesco Mobile wants to help you find the perfect gift with an amazing range of handsets at great prices, available online and in Tesco Mobile Phone Shops nationwide.
You can shop from the comfort and safety of your own home or in store, the choice is yours and enjoy great savings on smartphones, with something for everyone on your list. Give the gift of connectivity, upgrade or switch to Tesco Mobile.
TESCO MOBILE IRELAND BILLPAY CHRISTMAS OFFERS
Dates available: December 1st – December 28th
Including the very best Android and Apple handsets, Bill Pay customers will enjoy great seasonal savings on all the leading smartphones from just €30 per month. Running from today (Tuesday December 1st), right through the festive period, these great value price plans start with 15GB of high-speed 4G data with 500 texts and 500 minutes on our €30 per month plan.
Huawei P30 Pro now only €49.99. Save over €190 (Pay €30/Month)
Capture the best things in the moment and create your vision for the future. Featuring the Leica Quad Camera and an immersive 6.47-inch curved OLED screen, take breath-taking portraits and night shots, all with the Leica quad camera. This unmatched super camera system includes a Super Zoom Lens, a 40 MP Super Sensing Camera, a 20 MP Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens and a HUAWEI TOF Camera, giving you the freedom to capture your incredible moments. Allowing you to record exciting videos while on the go, the professional AIS plus OIS makes handheld video seamless and steady. Capture and relive your precious family memories as you have always wanted with the Huawei P30 Pro.
Apple iPhone XRnow only €49.99. Save over €245 (Pay €40/Month)
Featuring a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, advanced Face ID lets you securely unlock your iPhone, log into apps and pay with just a glance. Featuring a 12MP camera system with portrait mode, portrait lighting, enhanced bokeh and all-new depth control as well as a 7MP true depth front camera, an A12 Bionic Chip uses real-time machine learning which will transform the way you experience photo’s, gaming and more. The iPhone XR is brilliant in every way.
Samsung Galaxy S20FE 4G now only €99.99. Save over €195 (Pay €40/Month)
This is the phone for people who want it all. Whether you’re a fan of photography, gaming or filling your feed with all that inspires you. This is the phone that gives you what you want, to do more of what you love. The 6.5-inch Full HD+ Infinity-O Display with a more immersive screen that makes your gaming, streaming, and video calling way more fun. With a stunning rear-mounted triple camera array featuring 12MP wide angle, 12MP Ultrawide and 8MP Telephoto Camera allows you to get closer to the action. Also allowing you get that professional #nofilter-worthy shot with ease. When there’s a 32MP Front Camera, your selfies and vlogs are taken to a whole new level. Be the star of the shot and enjoy more detail in your photos and videos with the Galaxy S20FE battery packs in 4500 mAh, that’ll keep you going – cleverly using power to save it for when you really need it.
TESCO MOBILE IRELAND PREPAY CHRISTMAS OFFERS
Dates available: December 1st – December 27th
With up to €50 off great Tesco Mobile prepay offers this Christmas, you or your loved one will have the freedom to pay what you want when you want. Clubcard customers will also earn double points on all prepay top ups, with 30GB of 4G data and unlimited* any network minutes when they top up by just €15.00.
Alcatel 1. Only €39.99!
This all-in-one device offers everything you could need! A compact and light-weight handset boasting a 18:9 5” display with high-grade design and smooth system performance, made only better with Android Go- featuring a camera complete with all social media sharing features stay connected with your Christmas festivities.
Nokia 2.3. Now only €78.36. Was €98.36. Save €20
The Nokia 2.3 is guaranteed to get you the best snap, with a feature-packed camera fueled by AI technology and an impressive 6.2” HD+ 19:9 screen. The battery will last up to 2 days and unlocks with just a glance! The gift they want and at a price you’ll love, the Nokia 2.3 is ready for Android 10 and beyond, so you can look forward to 2 years of Android upgrades and 3 years of monthly security upgrades.
Samsung Galaxy A20E. Now only €117.23. Was €167.23. Save €50
Including all the essential features you need on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, the A20e has you covered with a large 5.8” infinity screen, dual rear camera, huge 3000mAh battery and rear mounted fingerprint scanner.
Check out all these unmissable Christmas deals and more on www.tescomobile.ie
A ground-breaking report has uncovered the astounding ways in which music impacts our everyday lives, as well as the ways it affects us physically and psychologically more than we know. Scientific studies have proven that music can be a mood regulation tool, with tempo significantly altering our emotional response. Major and minor tones can take something from uplifting to melancholy.
58% of people across Europe report feeling lower than ever before during the pandemic, with 72% of people recognising that music has helped them through a difficult time
The report uncovers the relationship between Emotion vs. Music: led by Dr David Lewis of Mindlab International and reveals the power of sound, with music acting as a mood regulation tool that can aid wellbeing
The findings have been brought to life in two beautifully compelling videos; experiment for yourself to see how you feel after watching them. Watch as the body reacts to music – powered by Sony’s MHC-V83D High Power Audio Speaker – with the science of Cymatics demonstrating how omni-directional soundwaves influence paint, sand and liquid to the beat in an erratic but mesmerising way
With 85% of people across Europe having seen their mood affected by music (from instilling happiness and excitement to feelings of nostalgia and sadness), to test this out the second video shows the powerful influence and effect lower tempo music can have.
Dr David Lewis at Mindlab International, said: “Sad music can help us through tough times. The most intense emotional responses, whether of happiness or sadness, were found to occur when one tune contrasts emotionally with that heard immediately before it. The next time you want to be uplifted and re-energised by music, create a musical sandwich. Play a song that saddens you right before one that makes you cheerful, positive and optimistic. That way the power of the uplifting track will prove even more impactful”.
Music is also a powerful cue that can restore, often vividly, long-forgotten emotional experiences, with 88% of those polled across Europe admitting they have a memory where music has played a significant role.
It can affect how our mind works but equally the ways in which we behave and respond to those around us.
On average, we listen to over 285 hours of music a year (12 full days), giving it a unique power to brighten our lives during these difficult times. With 80% of people saying they want to listen to more music, knowing it has benefits to both our physical and mental wellbeing.
Informed by research from Dr David Lewis, Sony has created two new visual representations of how powerful music can impact us physically and emotionally. Powered by Sony’s new High-Power Audio speakers, the MHC-V83Dand MHC-V73D the videos portray the ways in which high and low tempo music, coupled with the speakers omnidirectional sound and lighting features, effects our bodies and the objects around us.
Experiment for yourself; put the power of music to the test to see what emotions it evokes for you…
Watch the video with a slower tempo music track first, which should evoke more melancholic feelings with Tails by Jack Chown, The Music Lab
Then re-energise with a song that has a faster tempo that should evoke happiness; brought to life by Gutenmorgen from Jack Chown, The Music Lab
Top 10 effects music has on us
Dr David Lewis looked at the effect music has on our bodies, minds and emotions, from increasing our memory function, heartbeat and pupil dilation to triggering teardrops, inducing sleep and instilling happiness.
Tears
Increase memory function
Happiness
Slow down, relax or speed up heart rate
Affect our actions
Create friendships and relationships, and even shape one’s identity
Create a ‘curing’ effect
Help induce sleep
Cause your spine to tingle and make hair stand on end
Pupil dilation and trigger ‘fight or flight’
A Sony spokesperson, said: “We can all think back to a moment in our lives where music has played an integral role. From nursery rhymes as children to our wedding day dance song; it evokes feelings and memories, taking us on a journey.”
“2020 has been a tough year for us all, we wanted to create this report and video to demonstrate how powerful music is, inspiring more people to use it as a tool for positivity in their lives. Our range of High-Power Audio speakers bring the power of sound out loud and clear, perfect for those wanting to enjoy listening to music together.”
Sony’s two exciting new models in its High-Power Audio Systems range, the MHC-V83Dand MHC-V73D, have been designed to expand choices for party lovers and families with omnidirectional sound and lighting, portable design and ultimate party entertainment.
