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.

Learn How to Improve Your Apple Watch Security. #AppleWatch #Security

In case you have an iPhone and still do not wear an Apple Watch, then it is almost true this gadget is at the top of your wish list. First released back in 2015, Apple Watch evolved from a gadget that deeply relied on pairing with your iPhone to an intelligent and autonomous IoT device.

The latest version of Apple Watch is widely used to stay informed of social messages, pay for goods, manage a smart home, track your workout, monitor your health, and do plenty of other awesome things. It delivers really a seamless user experience. 

At the same, it stores a lot of your private data. It is in your best interest to safeguard it from evil eyes. Your text messages, your credit card details for Apple Pay, and your emails are just a few examples of what needs to be protected.

Although most people do know that they need to protect this sensitive data, the overall awareness of the watchOS built-in security mechanisms is not as high. 

This post will bridge the gap by providing you important tips to be sure your personal data stays safe even in a worst-case scenario.

Passcode Lock

Setting up a passcode is the most effective way to avoid unauthorized access to your device and its data.

If you do not implement this mechanism from the start, you may do it at any later point:

  1. Open the Apple Watch app on your paired smartphone
  2. Go to My Watch
  3. Press Passcode

Your passcode must be at least four digits long. You can also set a much more secure variant by entering up to 10 digits.

This process can also be done on the Apple Watch:

  1. Click Settings
  2. Tap Passcode
  3. Click Turn Passcode On
  4. Enter your code

It is important that the Apple Watch passcode does not match the passcode set on your iPhone. This way you will steer away from a single point of failure.

You are not obliged to enter the passcode every time you unlock the Watch (as opposed to the Passcode Lock feature on iPhones.) Your watch comes with a Wrist Detection function that automatically locks it once you take it off. The device will ask for the passcode when you put it on or restart the gadget.

To make things even easier, there is also the Unlock with iPhone feature. It is available from the Watch app on your iPhone. Once this feature is enabled, the watch will unlock whenever you unlock the smartphone.

Data Self-Destruction

To give your security an extra boost, you may set the number of unsuccessful unlock attempts after which personal data gets deleted from the device. By default, there is a one-minute delay after incorrect passcodes are entered six times in a row.

Although setting the device to erase all data may be like a scorched-earth tactic, it can really save you if an evil-minded person puts his on your device. 

On the other hand, this could be a serious problem. You may forget the passcode and quickly exceed the limit of wrong login attempts. Only having a backup to restore your data can save you in this scenario. It is recommended to use the Erase Data function only after weighing up all the pros and cons.

Activation Lock

Sometimes Apple Watches get stolen, sometimes people simply misplace it. Any security mechanism enabled beforehand is really a cold comfort as you may never see your digital pal again. However, you can always prevent your data from being obtained by third parties. Activation Lock does the trick. It makes the smartwatch completely useless for anybody who finds or steals it. Please mind it requires watchOS 2 or above.

Once enabled, Activation Lock just “bricks” the device. No malefactor will be able to unpair it from your iPhone or pair it with his phone or deactivate the geolocation function (unless he knows your Apple ID and password.)

In case the Find My feature is enabled, Activation Lock turns on automatically. Just check it one more time to be sure it is up and running:

  1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone
  2. Go to My Watch
  3. Tap the “i” icon
  4. In case Find My is listed there – it means the feature enabled

The good side of this function is that it does not require an Internet connection.

Lost Mode

As mentioned above, the Find My iPhone option has got your Apple Watch covered so that you can find your lost device. It is strange now, but the first generation of Apple Watch did not have the GPS module. So, its whereabouts could not be determined this way.

Starting with Apple Watch Series 2, the gadget was equipped with the GPS module but still relied on its paired iPhone to be found.

Beginning with Series 3, Apple Watch boasts LTE connectivity and so users can benefit from Find My feature to locate it based on signals from nearby cell towers. You do not even need to use the iPhone to find the Apple Watch. This option is available on iCloud.com.

Find My option provides another feature called Lost Mode. It permits to specify a short message to be displayed on the screen of the Apple Watch. In case some kind people find it, they may read your email address or phone number and contact you. Lost Mode is also good as it blocks Apple Pay on your smartwatch.

Screen Notifications

With so much of our data being collected by online services these days, and so many phishing attacks, privacy becomes our top priority. Many of you may want to hide personal messages and notifications from curious friends or snoops. Thankfully, Notification Privacy is one more remarkable feature available on watchOS. To turn it on:

  • Go to the Watch app on your iPhone
  • Click My Watch
  • Go to Notifications
  • Slide the Notification Privacy toggle to the right

From now on, the Apple Watch will still let you know there is a new message, but no actual details will be shown on the screen. To see the actual message, just tap the alert.

Conclusion

Not only does Apple Watch help you be well-organized and stay connected at all times, but it also goes with quite a few security features that protect your personal data and privacy from various attacks targeting Apple devices. Although some people fail to apply these simple security mechanisms, it is never too late to do it and enjoy both security and convenience.

David Balaban is a computer security researcher with over 17 years of experience in malware analysis and antivirus software evaluation. David runs Privacy-PC.com and MacSecurity.net projects that present expert opinions on contemporary information security matters, including social engineering, malware, penetration testing, threat intelligence, online privacy, and white hat hacking. David has a strong malware troubleshooting background, with the recent focus on ransomware countermeasures. https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-balaban/

Audi is number one in terms of patents for electric drives. #Audi #Motoring #VorsprungdurchTechnik

Technical Development – internally referred to at Audi as “TE” – is the place where the brand’s heart beats. It is the place where “Vorsprung durch Technik” becomes a reality. The engineers develop innovations from the initial idea to market level. The new “Audi TechFocus” online newsletter provides detailed insights behind the scenes of TE. The topic of the premier issue: patents. Or: this is how we document “Vorsprung durch Technik.”

In 1970 – exactly 50 years ago – the “Technical Development” department moved into the first new facilities on the northern periphery of Ingolstadt. The complex has continuously been expanded ever since. By now, nearly 10,000 technicians and engineers are engaged in research and development just at the Ingolstadt location. Together with the nearly 2,000 TE employees in Neckarsulm and the developers in Győr, Beijing and San José Chiapa they form the innovation laboratory of Audi– and very successfully so. The number of patent applications filed is one of the benchmarks for the brand’s strong innovative prowess.

How many patent applications does Audi file per year?

In 2019, there were more than 1,200 patent applications filed, more than three on each day of the year. The subject matter and focus of patents change in line with shifts in social awareness. In earlier years, the main emphasis was put on ideas and inventions from the areas of chassis, conventional engine technology and transmission. At the moment, digitalisation and electric mobility are at the top of the list. In total, the company currently holds some 13,000 patent families worldwide, which equates to approximately  23,000 individual patents and patent applications. For the complex procedures involved, Audi employs specialised patent attorneys. “We protect the ideas and inventions of our engineers and thus our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik,’” says Jama Askaryar, the patent attorney responsible for electric and hybrid drives.

AUDI AG is the leader in patent applications filed for electric drives in Germany

Whereas many competitors purchase electric drive technology, Audi develops it in-house in many areas. As the most innovative premium brand, Audi is the leader in patent applications filed for electric powertrains in Germany. The statistics prove this, too: According to an analysis of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office and the European Patent Office (EPO), in 2019, a total of 660 patents were filed with effectiveness just in Germany. These applications refer only to vehicles with electric powertrains. Compared to 2017, this corresponds to an increase of 42 percent. With 57 patent applications filed for the plug-in hybrids and the models of the all-electric Audi e-tron, Audi occupied the top spot. “This is ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ and shows the great innovative spirit of our developers,” says Roman Straßer, Head of Development, Power Electronics and Charging Systems. But not just the Patent Office documents Audi’s top ranking in the area of ideas and inventions. In 2020, the renowned Center of Automotive Management (CAM) recognises Audi as the winner in the area of alternative drives with the Automotive INNOVATIONS Award.

What are examples of patent applications?

Two Audi engineers have invented a new method of operating the electric machines of the Audi e-tron. Their function for predictive energisation of the e-machines via smart and innovative power electronics enhances driving dynamics. At the same time, it minimises electric power consumption by “anticipating” the desired driving commands and predictively initiating them.

Audi patents are also found in the field of fluid mechanics – the utilisation of the physical flow behaviour of fluids. For instance, to efficiently cool the rotor in an electric motor. Traditionally, the heat is dissipated from the outside. Audi does this additionally via a coolant fluid and smart cooling ducts directly in the rotor core, from the inside. The complex technological feat of assembling the individual rotor sheets results in particularly effective rotor cooling.

Another example of e-mobility ingenuity at Audi is a patent on a solution enabling the absorption of hectic accelerator pedal actuations, which makes it possible to avoid load alterations from acceleration to deceleration mode. This is achieved by complex filtering of driving behaviour, which considers and optimises all parameters from the driver’s wish to the current torque distribution on the two axles and on all four wheels. Similar technology is now being adapted to the newer models of high-end kids electric cars.

Technology highlights from Audi’s history

The fast-running permanent quattro all-wheel drive has been and will remain a shining beacon of “Vorsprung durch Technik.” With the all-wheel drive technology unveiled in the original quattro at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show following a three-year development period, Audi revolutionised not only the automotive industry but motorsport, too.

A large number of other Audi innovations and patents have decisively shaped the automobile as well. For instance, the Audi Space Frame (short: ASF) unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA in 1993, on which aluminum replaced the previously used steel as the material for the unibody in the Audi A8. To this day, this lightweight engineering know-how has seen consistent further development. The current Audi A8 in its structural components even combines a material mix of four different lightweight materials: aluminium, steel, magnesium and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) – for a new level of multi-material design.

ToDo List to Get a Master’s Degree Shortly and Effortlessly. #Programmes #Students

Dreams and ambitions are what keeps us going through challenging periods in life. It is the same for students – they have to put in a lot of efforts during their studies, but what motivates them is the desire to hold a Master’s degree.  

We won’t lie to you – the process is not easy. You will have to be dedicated, and maybe even ask others for help, such as hiring a master’s thesis writing service, for example AdvancedWriters. But if you are determined to get that degree, here is a list of things that can help you get it shortly and effortlessly.

Find the Program That Suits You 

The first thing you want to do is to find a program that suits your preferences and desires. We assume you will stick to pursuing masters in the niche you are passionate about, but what type of program fits your schedule? If you have started working or plan to return to your hometown to cut expenses, you can consider online programs. They may require a great level of focus, but if you dedicate to the studies, you can complete them effortlessly.

For those that are employed, there are also night and hybrid programs they can consider. These are tailored to your busy schedule and might be more feasible for a working person. 

Create a Support System and Rely on It

You can count on two different types of support systems when on master’s studies. As with anything else in your life, you probably cannot achieve long-term goals without the support of your close ones. Make sure that your family and friends understand when you do not have enough time for them, and ensure that they will be there to listen and offer tips when you need support.

Additionally, you want to create a network of people that are experts in your niche. Get to know the other students, and do not be afraid to talk to professionals in your industry and ask for input or advice. 

How Professional Writers Can Help

When you are close to completing the master studies, you will face writing a thesis. It is the final academic assignment you will do in the written form, and it is extremely important to impress your professors. It is not easy to write any paper, let alone a thesis. If you feel overwhelmed with the project, how about hiring experienced writers to help you? You will find many teams offering their custom writing services online.

Make sure to find reliable authors – the ideal scenario is to find someone with the degree in your niche and an author with previous experience on similar topics. We advise you to learn the mistakes essay writing service users make before you pay for papers.

The Importance of Time Management

Once the studies start, there is one crucial thing to take care of – time management. You are a student with experience now, and you probably know that productivity directly depends on how well you design your schedule. Some of the tips to apply to include prioritizing and using a checklist. Make sure to eliminate any distractions, and stay focused on the current task you have to complete. Do not forget about the reward concept – if you completed a significant task in the last several hours, you deserved a little break. 

Talk to the Professors

We already mentioned establishing a network, and professors should be an important part of it. When you are pursuing a master’s degree, communicating to professors becomes even more important. Keep in mind that your tutors and school want you to complete the program because it would make them look good. That is why professors are more than happy to offer guidance should you need it. Make sure to see what is the preferred method of communication for your tutor – some prefer e-mail messaging while others like to talk in person. 

The critical thing to ensure when starting your master’s pursuit is that you have plenty of motivation and desire to complete the studies. Make sure to remind yourself that you want to be respected in your field, and that is why you are doing this. If necessary, get some assistance from experienced writers, and make sure to organize your schedule properly to maximize productivity. As long as you make smart use of your time, you will be on the right path to obtaining the degree you have been dreaming of since you were a teenager.

First look at the Jam Audio TWS EXEC and TWS Athlete. #JamAudio #TrueWireless

Free from wires, free from worries, TWS Athlete and TWS Exec true wireless earbuds provide total freedom and isolation from the noises around you.  Each new release to JAM Audio’s true wireless collection of under £100 earbuds deliver a full set of features to prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to get professional, true wireless freedom.

Today we take you through them and a give you a first look at the new products on offer to suit several lifestyles and people at an affordable price, Any questions feel free to hit us up over the next week or two whilst we test run them. Need more info in the interim please go here

 

Poly Leads Industry with the Most Microsoft Teams Certified Headsets Available. #Poly #MicrosoftTeams

Plantronics, Inc. (“Poly” – formerly Plantronics and Polycom), a global communications company that powers meaningful human connection and collaboration, today announced that Poly now has the largest portfolio of Microsoft Teams certified headsets available, offering greater flexibility and choice with more than 20 headsets and personal speakerphones certified for Teams. This solidifies Poly as having the most comprehensive end-to-end suite of Teams certified headsets, video devices, phones and speakerphones available.

Poly has sold nearly 17 million Microsoft compatible devices over the last three years. Our latest portfolio of certified devices with the dedicated purple Teams button includes the Voyager 4200 Office Series and Voyager 5200 Office Series headsets, Calisto 3200 and 5300 speakerphones,  Blackwire 3300 Series, and the recently announced Blackwire 8225 headsets. The dedicated Teams button allows you to instantly invoke your Teams meeting as well as receive alerts and notifications so you never miss a beat.

“Customers and users need options when they’re determining which premium headset or USB audio device they need to get their work done – especially as we navigate new working environments like our kitchen tables,” said Christine Roberts, senior vice president and general manager of enterprise headsets, Poly. “When it comes to high-quality options that seamlessly integrate with Microsoft Teams, no one else can give you as much choice and flexibility as Poly.”

With the significant increase in home working here to stay, our need to collaborate at a distance will remain essential. As such, Microsoft Teams usage continues to skyrocket, having gone from 32 million users in early March 2020[1] to 75 million users by April 2020[2], creating an even greater need for Teams integrated devices.

“As distance and remote working continues for many organisations, the need for a wide variety of UCC integrated devices, including Microsoft Teams, will remain a top priority,” said Alaa Sayed, industry director, Frost and Sullivan. “No other vendor comes close to Poly’s deep portfolio of Teams certified devices for home, office, and everywhere in between. Poly’s ability to offer simple, flexible and reliable communications endpoints is just one of the reasons Poly continues to be a leading provider of global enterprise headsets.”

Poly’s portfolio offers Teams certified devices ranging from wireless DECT™ headset systems like Savi 8200 Office and UC Series, to premium Bluetooth® headsets that connect to PCs and mobiles like the Voyager family, to portable USB speakerphones like Calisto 5300. All certified products have been rigorously tested and Microsoft certified to ensure the best audio and user experience and have been thoughtfully designed to work flexibly and seamlessly with Microsoft Teams – creating a one-stop shop for your organisation’s collaboration device needs whether you’re a Microsoft Teams aficionado or just starting your journey to leverage Microsoft Teams.

For a full list of Poly Microsoft Teams certified devices now available for order and shipping, please visit here for more information.

Wireless charging Jabra Elite 75t range now available. #JabraElite75t #JabraEliteActive75t

The Jabra Elite Active 75t and Elite 75t in-ear true wireless earbuds are now available with wireless charging. This will allow users to charge their earbuds by simply placing the case on the charger*. Jabra has developed the wireless charging variant of the Elite 75t range so that users are no longer restricted by low battery levels. The wireless charging capabilities are not only convenient but also practical, as users have the choice to charge their earbuds as they wish.

Many users are always on the go, which creates a need for the availability of fast and extended charging solutions. The new wireless charging variants are the same in looks and features as their non-wireless charging counterparts and can be charged both via a charging pad, or via the USB-C cable – offering double the options to charge up your earbuds. Both the Elite Active 75t and the Elite 75t come with up to 7.5 hours battery life, extending to 28 hours with the charging case, allowing users to totally immerse in calls or music for hours on end.

The new wireless charging variants of the Elite 75t range are a testament to Jabra’s commitment to expanding its true wireless offerings. With multiple colours, wireless charging, as well as Active and non-Active versions to choose from, the Elite 75t earbud range is set to provide a choice for any user.

All variants of the Elite Active 75t and Elite 75t now include MySound, a feature that enables automated hearing tests for users to calibrate their earbuds to their own unique hearing profile. MyControls is now also available, which gives users the option to personalise the button use of the earbuds. This means the ‘Next Track’ and ‘Previous Track’, or Mute on/off functions can be moved from the left to right earbud, or fitted to personal taste.

 

 

Calum MacDougall, SVP at Jabra, said: “The award-winning Elite range is a testament to Jabra’s engineering expertise, proving our commitment to creating the best user experience in the market. We are so excited to take this further by incorporating wireless charging. 

“We wanted to provide our busy, on the go users with practical and convenient charging options. Instead of being bogged down by low battery levels, our users now have the choice to charge their earbuds as they please.”

 

Jabra Elite Active 75t key features and specifications: 

  • Compact earbuds, tested for a secure active fit with optimal noise isolation
  • Up to 7.5 hours battery life, and 28 hours with the charging case
  • 4-microphone technology for crystal-clear calls in every environment
  • Wireless charging enabled (wireless charger not included)
  • Customisable equaliser in the Jabra Sound+ App makes your music sound even betterIP57-rated durability and 2-year warranty against dust and sweat
  • One-touch access to Siri® and Google AssistantTM Jabra MyControls to define button settings and Jabra MySound for individualised sound

SEE OUR JABRA ELITE ACTIVE  75T REVIEW 

Jabra Elite Active 75t Pricing and availability
Jabra Elite Active 75t wireless charging are now available in selected retailers, MSRP £209.99. The wireless charging earbuds are available in two colours: Navy and Grey

SEE OUR JABRA ELITE 75T REVIEW 

Jabra Elite 75t key features and specifications: 

  • Compact new earbud shape tested for comfort and secure fit
  • 4-microphone call technology for superior calls wherever you are
  • Up to 7.5 hours battery, up to 28 hours with the charging case
  • Wireless charging enabled (wireless charger not included)
  • Customisable equaliser in the Jabra Sound+ App makes your music sound even better
  • IP55-rated durability and 2-year warranty against dust and water
  • One-touch access to Siri® and Google AssistantTM
  • Jabra MyControls to define button settings and Jabra MySound for individualised sound

Jabra Elite 75t Pricing and availability

Jabra Elite 75t wireless charging are now available in selected retailers, MSRP £189.99. The wireless charging earbuds are available in two colours: Black and Titanium Black

Find out more about Jabra at www.jabra.com/elite

PayPal Giving Fund launches in Ireland as online charity donations jump by almost 40% #PayPal

With PayPal’s support, PayPal Giving Fund Ireland is launching today to enable people to support their favourite charities online and help such organisations raise vital funds. In 2019 alone, PayPal processed a record $10.3 billion in charity donations across the globe, demonstrating the scale and appeal of online donations for both charities and consumers.

PayPal Giving Fund Ireland is a new registered charity which will meet the growing demand among people in Ireland to be able to support worthwhile causes through digital donations, following an almost 40% increase in online charity contributions in Ireland during the coronavirus crisis.

New research from PayPal conducted by Ipsos and involving 2,000 Irish consumers, reveals that online charity donations increased dramatically in Ireland during the pandemic with four in five contributions made online. Furthermore, over two thirds (68%) of people said they will continue making online donations after the crisis.

A quarter of Irish people also said that they are helping or engaging in charity activities with more frequency than before. In terms of the types of organisations chosen, people are more likely to select a local charity.

As well as enabling people to give money to charities more directly, PayPal Giving Fund provides a directory for PayPal users who want to make a charitable donation. It enables them to search for charities within a given space, such as cancer research or mental health charities.

Meanwhile, registered charities can enrol with PayPal Giving Fund, which then grants funds to them without charging the charities or individual donors for its services – the result being that 100% of the funds PayPal Giving Fund receives go to charities. PayPal Giving Fund allows Irish charities to connect with donors online and maximise their fundraising efforts during these challenging times.

PayPal Giving Fund will also be working with partners in Ireland, including The Wheel and Charities Institute of Ireland (Cii), to spread the word to charities that will be able to benefit from its programmes.

Maeve Dorman, Vice President of Global Merchant Services, PayPal

 

Maeve Dorman, a trustee of PayPal Giving Fund Ireland and Vice-President of Global Merchant Services, PayPal said: “We are very aware of the generosity of Irish people and how much they enjoy giving back to their communities – in fact, Ireland ranked fifth in last year′s CAF World Giving Index for giving. This is what makes the launch of the PayPal Giving Fund Ireland so exciting.

 

“We hope it will make a real impact to the fundraising community in Ireland with its ability to connect donors and charities in a quick, easy and impactful way. Of course, this is something which is important at any time, but especially now with many traditional fundraising channels no longer available for these organisations.

 

“PayPal Giving Fund Ireland harnesses the power of digital technology to meet the growing demand for online donations and enables people in Ireland to contribute in a relevant and engaging way to the causes they are passionate about as part of their everyday lives. In turn, this support enables charities to continue the valuable work in communities across Ireland and make a difference in our society.”

For more information on PayPal Giving Fund, visit the PayPal Giving Fund website

A world-first in Dublin as @UPS and @DubCityCouncil innovate to reinvent sustainable last mile deliveries. #Cycling #Walking #Logistics

An innovative walking and cycle based system designed to optimise deliveries in city centres has launched in Dublin. Operating out of mini urban distribution centres and combining powered e-Walkers and e-Quad cycles, this model allows for last mile deliveries that don’t add to local emissions or congestion, enabling a step change in the way goods are delivered in busy city locations.

Funded by Dublin City Council, Enterprise Ireland and Belfast City Council, the unique solution was developed as part of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) challenge that sought new approaches to optimising deliveries. Participating in the challenge enabled Fernhay, an innovative design and manufacturing consultancy, to develop the new zero emissions delivery solutions for global logistics carrier, UPS, to trial.

The e-walker and e-Quad operate from “urban package eco hubs” that UPS has introduced around the city. The eco-hubs take in larger consignments of deliveries and redistribute them to walkers and cyclers using removable Cube containers. There are already two of these mini distribution centres up and running in Dublin which has facilitated the removal of five diesel vehicles from the road, reducing carbon emissions by up to 45%.

Speaking at the launch, Owen Keegan, Dublin City Council Chief Executive, said: “collaboration is key to tackling the challenges facing our city right now so we are very happy to see our Transportation Department and Smart City programme working with innovative partners such as Fernhay and UPS to address last mile deliveries. This solution helps the city adapt to the Covid-19 situation by enabling foot and bike deliveries and discouraging the return of congestion.”

“It is really exciting to be piloting this in Dublin –the first city to test the Fernhay eWalker. As cities reopen for business after the Covid-19 shutdowns, those looking for ways to keep goods moving while minimising the return of congestion and pollution, should take note.” – said Frances Fernandes, Director, Fernhay.

She explained: “Fernhay’s eWalker and eQuad are part of a wider system that enable key workers to deliver groceries, medicine and parcels without the use of vans. Cities are facing huge change to respond to ‘social distancing’ with pavements widened outside shops and roads narrowed to make more space for walking and cycling. Our system offers a clean and viable option and rethinks how cities can support last mile deliveries now and in the future.”

UPS International Sustainability Director, Peter Harris, said: “This is about reimagining last mile logistics. Cities need solutions that eliminate emissions and congestion and this system achieves that. But it goes further. The ability to load the box that the eWalker and the eQuad carry anywhere within our network will help UPS operate more efficiently. Taking this concept of removable containers, long since practiced in long haul freight, into the urban environment is a game changer and furthers UPS’s long-standing commitment to bring its customers sustainable solutions.”

Finally, Tom Kelly, Head of Innovation, Enterprise Ireland, said: “We are happy to support this challenge which delivers benefits both for Dublin citizens and the innovative technology companies that are helping the City Council address the issue and public impacts of last mile delivery. The SBIR programme is unique in providing public sector bodies and innovative companies the opportunity to work together to develop innovative solutions to big problems, such as optimising deliveries in cities”.

The UPS/ Fernhay partnership won SBIR support because it encourages safer, cleaner, more pedestrian friendly urban environments, and for its potential replicability in other contexts. As pressure mounts to ditch diesel and switch to sustainable, this dynamic consolidation and redistribution model is already contributing to emerging conversations on urban mobility and liveable cities. Other carriers have registered interest in operating similar systems in Dublin, and Belfast are assessing learnings from the initiative for potential applicability there. Last mile deliveries may never be the same again.

Expleo announces its role in testing COVID-19 contact tracing app. #Expleo #Covid19ireland

Expleo, the technology partner for innovative companies, today announces details of its role in the development and launch of the HSE’s COVID-19 contact tracing app. Through quality assurance and software testing, the company was responsible for ensuring that the app was user-friendly, fast and reliable, which involved testing it to be able to handle one million downloads in an hour.

The app, which at the time of issue has been downloaded more than one million times, and we take a look at here was developed by the HSE and Department of Health, with input from An Garda Síochána, Science Foundation Ireland and private partners from Ireland’s technology sector. It notifies users if they have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, defining a close contact as someone who was within two metres of a confirmed case for 15 minutes or more. To find out more about the COVID Tracker app, or to download it, visit www.covidtracker.ie.

Expleo’s test team started work on the project on 17th March 2020 and since that date, carried out approximately 3,400 individual software tests before the app’s launch. The work totalled 4,727 man hours – the equivalent of almost 591 working days. A total of 26 Expleo employees were involved in the project, while a core team of 10 led and oversaw testing.

To ensure that a user’s surroundings, or large crowds, did not negatively impact the performance of the app – and to ensure the safety of the testers – testing was carried out in multiple simulated environments with multiple devices. Testing was later carried out on public transport to ensure that users only received notifications when appropriate.

Phil Codd, Managing Director, Expleo Ireland

Additional testing included:

  • Performance testing – Expleo’s quality assurance and quality engineering teams carried out load testing on the app to ensure that large volumes of people could download it at the same time without causing it to crash.
  • Exposure Notification Distance Testing – As devices have varying Bluetooth strengths, Expleo tested varying attenuation values that manage Bluetooth strength to maximise compliance with requirements.
  • Graphical user interface (GUI) testing – Expleo tested the look and feel of the app, ensuring user-friendly navigation; the correct and reliable function of all buttons; and that all content and text matched requirements.
  • Database Validation – Testers ensured that users’ anonymised data, gathered from downloads and registrations, was populated in the database without interfering with the anonymised data of other users.

Fran Thompson, CIO, HSE, said: “The COVID Tracker app is an essential addition to the HSE’s existing contact tracing work. For it to be effective, it needed to be easy to download and use, with highly responsive software that can cope with a very large user base. We chose Expleo due to their extensive experience in software testing and quality assurance. Their knowledge and commitment was invaluable in ensuring that the contact tracing app met all of the stringent targets and requirements we had set.”

 

Phil Codd, Managing Director for Ireland, Expleo, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has had – and continues to have – a devastating impact on people and communities across Ireland. We therefore felt honoured that in recognition of our experience and expertise, we were invited by the HSE to join the fight against COVID-19 by carrying out software testing on one of the world’s first contact tracing apps.

 

“Our team went through a rigorous, lengthy process to ensure that the app is fast, reliable and easy to use. We are delighted to see such high volumes of people downloading it and hope that this will continue so that we can all work together to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection for everyone.”