Category: Apps

British music streaming firm ROXi launches new FREE TV Music App on millions of TVs

British music streaming company ROXi, backed by Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams, announces the launch of its revolutionary new free TV Music App available on millions of TVs across the UK.

Until now music streaming services simply gave you something to listen to, in audio. ROXi changes everything by igniting all the senses, transforming the way you experience new music and your favourite tunes in the home.

Dedicated entirely to music and featuring an intuitive new TV user interface, ROXi is the only holistic TV Music App designed to bring friends and families together to enjoy unlimited  free music videos, sing karaoke and play interactive music games on TVs, for free with ads.

ROXi provides unlimited access to every original music video, album and song with 70 million music recordings from all the major and leading independent labels constantly updated with the latest releases.  For creators and performers, ROXi also offers access to a growing library of copyright free music perfect for background use or inspiration.

ROXi also features hundreds of exclusive music video channels for every mood and occasion and for karaoke fans there are 140,000 traditional karaoke and ‘Karaoke With The Stars’ singalong tracks, plus interactive music games to test your musical knowledge, and more.  For versatile soundscapes and content creation, explore royalty free music options.

An optional upgrade to the ROXi Premium tier offers full ad-free access to all of ROXi’s features for just £6.99 per month and comes with a no obligation 30-day free trial.

Millions of free ROXi Karaoke Microphones

To celebrate the launch of ROXi’s new TV Music App, the company is giving away more than ONE MILLION ROXi Karaoke Microphones worth £29.99 to new users.** The ROXi Karaoke Microphone features a built-in amplifier and speaker, and works with any TV, perfect for singing along to ROXi’s 140,000 karaoke tracks with friends and family.

Revolutionary new TV User Interface

Dubbed “Netflix for music” by new users, ROXi’s new TV Music App user interface makes it easy to find and play all your favourite music videos, songs and albums, browse and select music video channels for every mood. You can check out the latest releases and discover new music with a familiar and intuitive on-screen design and simple controls via your TV or set-top box remote control or ROXi’s Mobile Companion App (available for Android and iOS).

ROXi CEO, Rob Lewis said, “ROXi’s new free TV Music App is the best way to enjoy music together at home. It gives millions of households across the UK free unlimited access to every music video, album and song as well as karaoke sing-a-longs and music games to enjoy together on their TV – delivering unlimited fun with family and friends for free. With ROXi, we’re shifting the dial away from solitary to shared music experiences.”

“Following the lead of Netflix and Disney+, we’re bringing ROXi’s TV Music App to millions of UK households this year through Apps on Smart and Pay TVs. We’re doing for music what the video-on-demand services have done for movies on the TV, but for free.”

“The launch of our new TV Music App is just the beginning. We have a raft of exciting innovations for the ROXi platform in the pipeline”, concludes Lewis.

The new ROXi TV Music App launches today for the vast majority of UK households using connected TV devices on Sky Q, Fire TV, Android TV, Google TV including compatible Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Toshiba, TCL, HiSense and Shield Smart TV platforms with Samsung TV and others coming soon.

New ROXi research published

New research carried out by CensusWide for ROXi and published for the first time – found 83 per cent of UK households now use Smart TVs. Video-On-Demand services like Netflix and Disney+ are driving a surge in consumer downloads and use of TV Apps on Smart and Pay TVs with over 63 per cent of Brits now downloading Apps to their TV.

The research also found the average British household downloaded their first TV App over two years ago.

In addition to watching on-demand movies and box sets on TV, the ROXi poll found 64 per cent of Brits expressing a preference were interested in free unlimited music video streaming on their TVs with 78 per cent of 25 to 44-year old’s the most enthusiastic at the prospect.

Multi-million pound ROXi TV Ad Campaign

ROXi’s launch of the new Music TV App will be supported by a multi-million pound TV ad campaign across hundreds of UK TV channels and with over 500 million TV ads by the end of 2021.

To ensure users with older TVs can still enjoy the service, ROXi offers the ROXi Console and Microphone Controller which works on any TV.

Aer Lingus signs deal with Daon to extend use of VeriFLY app

Aer Lingus has signed a deal with Daon to extend the use of the VeriFLY app, following the successful rollout of the technology across its network.  Aer Lingus’s investment in VeriFLY allows customers to upload and receive approval of their travel documentation at home before travelling to the airport – particularly helpful in the context of the new travel requirements for entry into the USA*.  By using VeriFLY, Aer Lingus customers will be able to check in online and go straight to bag drop / boarding gate and avoid any queuing at check-in.

Aer Lingus started trialling VeriFLY in April 2021 and the airline is now using the app on the vast majority of its operations, including flights to and from Europe, from UK to Ireland, UK to and from Barbados and on transatlantic routes to and from the USA. To date, up to 250,000 Aer Lingus customers have successfully used the VeriLFY app.

The VeriFLY app can be downloaded for free to mobile devices and is designed to offer peace-of-mind before travelling. The app allows customers to upload Covid-19 related documentation required for travel to their destination, including vaccination records and negative Covid-19 results.  The documentation is then approved. Customers receive a “green tick” on the app, letting them know they have met the appropriate Covid-19 entry requirements for their destination. Aer Lingus customers travelling to USA will only be able to check-in online once they have verified their documentation using VeriFLY. This will help reduce any uncertainty or stress associated with travelling. At the airport, customers travelling to the USA will show their boarding pass to the Aer Lingus agents at the boarding gate. Currently customers who are traveling within Europe will show their VeriFLY “green tick” and boarding pass to agents at the boarding. Customers can then avail of a prioritised VeriFLY boarding process which minimises queues, allowing for a more seamless customer experience.

 

Peter O’Neill, Chief Operations Officer at Aer Lingus said:

“With travel to the US opening up on 8th November, and more people planning trips abroad to reconnect with family, friends and colleagues we want to make the experience as seamless as possible. VeriFLY is key to this, as it ensures our customers are confident that they are complying with their destination’s COVID related travel requirements before they leave home.  While there are new and varied rules across different countries, the use of the VeriFLY app means customers can very easily upload their travel documents and have them checked and approved before they fly. At Aer Lingus we are committed to using technology to improve our customers’ travel experience.”

Clive Bourke, President EMEA and APAC at Daon added: “With travel to the US and elsewhere opening up, for the first time since this pandemic began, we will see some families and friends being re-united. Now people will be able to take those much-needed breaks and important in-person business connections will be re-ignited. VeriFLY simplifies travel for passengers – the app guides the traveller through all the pre-departure COVID requirements for a destination and lets them complete those steps for both themselves and any traveling companions before they leave for the airport. We’re delighted to work with Aer Lingus to help make travel as stress-free as possible for passengers while enabling both Aer Lingus and passengers to efficiently comply with all the international travel requirements related to COVID.”

All data uploaded to VeriFLY or through aerlingus.com is not retained by either organisation and is purged post travel, unless a government requires specific information to be temporarily kept for attestation or contact tracing, in which case it will be safeguarded for a limited time strictly in compliance with GDPR laws.

Aer Lingus has introduced a range of tools to ensure travel is easy and stress free for customers. In addition to VeriFLY, Aer Lingus introduced a new digital Travel Support Tool in August, designed to remove uncertainty regarding travel restrictions and entry requirements for all Aer Lingus destinations.  The interactive tool on aerlingus.com, powered by Sherpa, allows Aer Lingus customers to search destinations and retrieve up-to-date tailored travel information based on their specific circumstances including vaccination status, return travel and flight connection requirements.

To book visit aerlingus.com and for more information on VeriFLY visit aerlingus.com/support/covid19-information/verifly/

How to Protect Your Smart Device From Intrusion of Dangerous Spy Apps

Is someone keeping tabs on your phone with spyware? If they are, they can steal your data and know private information about you. Find out how to protect your smart device from the instruction of dangerous spy apps.

Although they may not know about it, millions of people around the world are currently being tracked by parents, employers, or their partners, thanks to spy apps. While it’s bad enough that someone has access to your private conversations and personal data, it gets worse when you realize that hackers can gain access to data retrieved by spy apps and leak them.

Luckily, every person is always interested in learning how to protect their phone, and in this article, we’ll show you how you can do it. 

How to Tell if Your Cell Phone Is Being Spied On?

To protect your phone from spying, you have had to get smart and become extra sensitive to abnormalities that we would otherwise disregard. If you want to know how to catch someone spying on you, just read the signs below to find out.

Unusual Sounds During Calls

It’s easy to dismiss strange sounds while making calls and attribute them to poor signals. However, this is hardly true. In fact, these types of sounds are associated with analog networks, which made way for the digital networks we now use. Therefore, if you hear distant voices, a static or clicking sound while making a call, there’s a chance you’re being spied on.

Decreased Battery Capacity

Another way we have used to find out if your phone is hacked is through battery performance. When your smartphone is being tracked with a spy app, its battery will usually drain easily. The reason is quite simple. Spy apps perform all kinds of tasks on your phone. They gather data from multiple apps and send them to a third party. Some spyware can even record conversations, take selfies, and track your internet activities. Since it’s working round the clock, it’s bound to drain your battery regularly. If you use a smartphone with a removable battery, you can take it out and insert it on a similar phone to see if it drains as quickly as it does on your phone. If it doesn’t, you’re most certainly being hacked.

Phone Shows Activity When Not in Use

If you’re not using your phone, it should be silent with the lights out. However, a phone that is being spied on will exhibit strange behaviors, including alerts, turning on and off without touching it. These strange behaviors usually happen because someone has remote access somewhere, and they’re monitoring your phone habits.

Increased Data Usage

Spy apps need a data connection to send information from your phone to a third-party device. The information could include media files like videos and pictures. Hence, it will need to use your internet connection to send. If you notice a strange increase in data usage, you’re most likely being spied on. Go to your phone settings and check data usage to see how your data is being used.

How to Find Hidden Spy Apps on Android and iOS?

How can you protect your phone from spyware? First, you’d have to know how to find hidden spy apps on your phone. If you can easily find them, you’d be able to protect your smartphone a lot better. Here’s how to catch someone spying on your phone: 

Android

Most Android phones come with old hardware that allows access to malicious malware. They are also easier to root compared to iPhones. When rooted, someone can gain full access to your phone via spy apps without your knowledge. So, how do you catch them? You can fish out Android spy apps using an anti-malware tool. It scans your Android smartphone and removes spy apps and other malicious malware.

If this method doesn’t work, you can always try a full factory reset. This method will delete every app on your phone, including the ones you need. Therefore, it’s seen as a last resort. If you wish to know how to prevent spyware on Android, the best advice is to keep your phone to yourself. People can only install spyware on your phone if they have physical access to it. Keeping your phone away from people will help protect your phone from spyware. 

iPhone

iPhones are usually more difficult to spy on. Their security system is more robust, and performing a jailbreak will be difficult. Yet, it’s not impossible. Check your iPhone for the Cydia app. This app promotes iPhone customization. If you find it, chances are someone has performed a jailbreak on your iPhone and a spy app is in there somewhere. If you’re looking for how to block spyware on the iPhone, you might be disappointed.

The only way to reverse a spyware attack is to perform a factory reset to remove the spy app and jailbreak.

What Are Smartphone Surveillance Apps?

Smartphone surveillance apps are software that helps you keep tabs on people’s phone habits remotely. With a spy app installed on someone’s phone, you can view their text messages, monitor their calls, and spy on their social media apps, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You will also be able to monitor their location through a GPS location feature.

 

Is it illegal to spy on someone? Technically, it is. But some of these apps are parental software that parents use to monitor their kids. So even though spying on someone is illegal, spy apps are not. Currently, there are several spy apps on the market. If you wish to know more, read about the top Android spy software.

Conclusion

Can someone hack your iPhone? Absolutely. Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android device, you can be hacked. But how can you protect your phone from spying? The only way is to block spy apps on your phone.

Virgin Media Business Team Up with Dublin Cycling Buddy App to promote Sustainable Commuting

To promote a healthier and more sustainable way of getting around Dublin, Virgin Media Business has teamed up with Smart Dublin and their Dublin Cycling Buddy app to launch the ‘Virgin Media Business Cycling Challenge’ and give users of the app the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes throughout the month-long competition.

The challenge, which asks participants to record at least one cycle trip on the app between the 26th of October, and the 21st of November, will result in spot prizes including cycling accessories such as Lazer Compact Helmets, Grip Grab Knitted Waterproof Gloves, Bookman Curve Lights – Front and U lock Kryptonite Keeper – Sold Secure Bronze.

There will also be a grand prize of a Tern Link C8 Folding Bike for one lucky winner to be chosen at the end of the month-long campaign, with €250 vouchers for Rothar bike shop for the second and third place winners as well.

Alison Gilliland, Lord Mayor of Dublin said: “I’m delighted to see the continued growth of the Dublin Cycling Buddy app since its summer launch! This Dublin City Council Smart Dublin challenge with Virgin Media Business will help introduce it to a whole new group of current and soon to be cyclists, particularly those returning to offices, schools, and campuses.”

Aidan D’Arcy, Director of Business at Virgin Media Ireland said: “Virgin Media Business is an advocate for cleaner and more sustainable ways for people to get around and partnering with Smart Dublin and their Dublin Cycling Buddy app reinforces our commitment to promoting healthier and more environmentally friendly modes of transport, as many of us start returning to our places of work and education.

“I’m so excited to see more and more people take up cycling and using the new Dublin Cycling Buddy App and, with great prizes to be won as part of the Virgin Media Business Cycling Challenge, there’s never been a better time to start cycling.”

Deirdre Kelly, Cycling Officer, Dublin City Council said: “This Virgin Media Cycle Challenge and Dublin Cycling Buddy app really complement our efforts to promote cycling and active travel in Dublin. The app is very helpful for new cyclists looking at bike-friendly routes, which is even more important now as people physically return to offices, campuses, and other indoor environments.”

The cycling community in Dublin has grown significantly during and throughout the COVID-19 restrictions. When compared to using a private vehicle, cycling contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution and the improvement of air quality.

Jan Nykl, Product Lead, Dublin Cycling Buddy app said: “The support of Virgin Media in this challenge would be great in promoting our bike-friendly routing functionality for Dublin residents. Especially those thinking of cycling for the first time. It could be the first step in nudging others to adopt the bicycle in their daily commutes.”

The Dublin Cycling Buddy app, which was launched by Smart Dublin earlier this year, was created to help Dublin residents and visitors to safely and efficiently plan a cycling route. Thanks to the community feedback aspect and use of artificial intelligence, the recommended routes in the app should have reduced vehicle traffic, greater number of segregated cycle lanes and better road surface quality.

Mary Rose Burke, CEO, Dublin Chamber of Commerce said: “We’re delighted that active travel is being encouraged in this challenge for both climate action and health reasons. Workers returning to the office will be able to take full advantage of Dublin Cycling Buddy to find more convenient routes to take.”

The community feedback reports also help other users in real time, giving them updates along their routes about potential hazards and things to be aware of.

The app allows users to collect virtual badges for carrying out specific tasks as well as participate in larger community-based challenges, including the new Virgin Media Business Cycling Challenge.

This particular challenge was set up to highlight the ongoing lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, meaning many more Dublin residents will once again be able to commute to their colleges, workplaces, and other places of interest over the coming weeks and months.

The Virgin Media Business Challenge seeks to encourage people to choose cycling as their mode of transportation. Coupled with Dublin Cycling Buddy’s routing function to find more conducive routes, the challenge hopes to engage not only current cyclists, but also, non-cyclists considering using the bike for the first time.

To learn more about how you can participate in this challenge and the Dublin Cycling Buddy app, please visit: https://smartdocklands.ie/virginmediacycle/

StoryToys announces New LEGO DUPLO MARVEL Collaboration for Preschool App Launching December 2021

StoryToys, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Team17 Group plc, the LEGO Group and Marvel Entertainment are bringing the fun and excitement of the LEGO® DUPLO® brand and Marvel Universe to preschoolers with the unique LEGO DUPLO MARVEL mobile app. Coming this December, the app is now available for pre-order on the App Store and Google Play.

The LEGO DUPLO MARVEL app will allow preschoolers to join Spidey, Captain America, Ghost-Spider, and other heroes for learning adventures and imaginative play. Each activity will feature a play experience where kids can help their favorite Marvel hero save the day by shooting webs with Spidey and his Amazing Friends or rescuing a kitten with Captain America.

The LEGO DUPLO MARVEL app is carefully aligned with the esteemed Headstart Early Learning Outcomes Framework to ensure it meets the developmental needs of 2–5-year-olds. Each activity will feature fun and engaging challenges to support learning and development skills including, early math, creativity, reasoning, and problem-solving.

The LEGO DUPLO MARVEL app launches worldwide in twenty-eight languages initially, with more to come in 2022. The LEGO DUPLO MARVEL app will be free to download and include additional content to purchase.

“As a lifetime fan of both Marvel and LEGO bricks, this project is one that’s very close to my heart,” said Emmet O’Neill, CEO of StoryToys. “We’re delighted to once again be collaborating with our amazing partners at the LEGO Group, and to be working with Marvel for the first time on such a special project. Preschoolers adore and aspire to be Marvel heroes and this app will offer them a positive digital experience tailored to their abilities. Whether kids are LEGO DUPLO fans, Marvel fans, or both, it’s our absolute privilege to bring them the opportunity to engage with their favourite heroes in this fun and educational digital experience.”

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring Super Hero adventures to our youngest fans,” said Daniel Fink, SVP of Business Development and New Initiatives, Marvel Entertainment. “Not only will it delight today’s young Marvel fans, it also provides an all-ages experience for parents to introduce their own favorite Marvel super heroes to their children. The LEGO Group and StoryToys are both experts in making high quality preschool educational products, and we look forward to how the app will resonate with families everywhere.”

Sean McEvoy, VP of LEGO Games said “Building on the LEGO Group’s long history of successful partnership with Marvel and our expanding partnership with the digital play experts at StoryToys, we were keen to bring the LEGO DUPLO Marvel world to life in digital form. The app perfectly encompasses our core values of imagination, fun, creativity, learning, caring and quality. We’re excited to bring this world to young Marvel fans while inspiring and developing the builders of tomorrow.”

Pre-order now:

App Store

Google Play

Future Planet – World’s first AI platform to enable businesses combat climate change challenges

IRELAND PIONEERING THE WAY WITH THE WORLD’S FIRST AI PLATFORM TO ENABLE BUSINESSES COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGES

Future Planet, an Irish-developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) based sustainability transformation platform that is a world first in enabling businesses to map and deliver their sustainability ambitions, has been launched.

Created by software entrepreneur, Donal Daly and sustainability supply chain expert, Ingrid De Doncker, Future Planet is the only software solution of this kind on the market. The cloud-based platform maps out, and builds, a company’s sustainability journey, defining target outcomes and enabling an actionable plan. Traditionally, using a sustainability consultancy firm takes on average six weeks for in-depth analysis. Using Future Planet will reduce this to less than a day — saving time and resources.

The team have also launched a free personal carbon footprint app, available on IOS and Android, for the general public and employees working from home to assess their own CO2 emissions. This will mean companies can include their team’s homeworking in their emissions calculations.

With the country’s first carbon budget due to be announced and the gathering of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), major changes are imminent to everyday lives to bring climate change under control. Ireland has made a commitment to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050 and a 51% reduction by 2030. This requires a reduction of at least 7% per annum.

Future Planet founder Donal Daly said: “Businesses have a crucial role in meeting the net-zero target by reducing their own emissions. Almost 70 of Ireland’s largest companies have publicly signed The Low Carbon Pledge, committing to recording and reducing their carbon footprint. This is an encouraging start, but more need to get onboard. Tighter mandatory restrictions for businesses on emissions are inevitable. If not outlined at the upcoming COP26, they will be developed in the near future. 

“The stakes are real for companies. Outside of climate change being a collective crisis for humankind, failure to have carbon targets in place can impact access to capital, the ability to attract new investors, retain customer loyalty and also affect attracting top talent. However, the challenge for many businesses is that they see corporate climate action as being both costly and complicated. Our mission is to be part of the solution, making it easier for companies to build a clear roadmap that will help them define and achieve their sustainability targets while delivering their commercial goals.”

The AI software has synthesised 30 main sustainability challenges that companies face into an easily understood structure. It incorporates knowledge relating to the main reference bodies and ratings agencies such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and other key global standards.

Future Planet’s Head of Research and Innovation Ingrid De Doncker added: “The software dramatically removes barriers for responsible business leaders who are trying to deliver sustainability projects but who struggle because of a lack of time or knowledge. Through assessment, individual journeys, and reporting, the platform discovers a company’s sustainability maturity, calculates a score, and builds an instant report to create a transformation plan. This lets all stakeholders know the actions they need to take to improve and meet their targets.”

Speaking on the launch of Future Planet, Norman Crowley, CEO of Cool Planet Group said: “Climate change is the critical challenge for our planet, we know that. For more than a decade we have been helping companies reduce their emissions, and we are really excited about what Future Planet brings to help solve that problem. The approach is unique, and recognises that reducing emissions doesn’t necessarily mean reducing profits. In fact it shows that the opposite can be true by using AI to help a business grow while reducing its impact on the planet.”

For more information on Future Planet see futureplanet.com.

Guide to driving theory practice apps

You wouldn’t expect to pass your driving test if you hadn’t practiced any of your manoeuvres. Well, the same applies for your theory test. The theory exam puts your knowledge of the highway code, road signs and your alertness to the test, along with many other things. 

Bad news is each time you fail your test, you’ll be required to pay to re-take it once more, so you’re going to want to prepare as best as you can to help you to pass first time. Once you’ve passed your theory test, you’ll be able to inform your driving instructor and think about booking your practical exam!

Thankfully, there are plenty of useful resources out there to help you practice for your theory test. There are even apps that will help you find driving test cancellations meaning you can take your test more quickly. You can now download some handy apps so that you can practice on the go, and here’s our guide to some of the best on the market.

Official DVSA Theory Test Kit

If you’re looking for that go-to app that will help you to ace your theory test, then this Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) app is for you. This is the official DVSA mobile resource and contains the Highway Code, interactive hazard perception videos and a multitude of tips to help you to revise. Unfortunately, the app isn’t free, but it could be the best £4.99 that you’ve spent in a while. 

2021 Driving Theory Test

This app is a great if you’re looking for a free resource to help you to study for your theory test. You can be rest-assured that the 2021 Driving Theory Test app contains the relevant information that you’ll need to pass, since it’s licensed by the DVSA. 

Just like the official DVSA app, this option provides you with hazard perception practice, road sign questions and mock testing. The beauty of this resource is that it is at your fingertips wherever you go, since you can use it even if your mobile device isn’t connected to the internet. Unfortunately, this app is currently only available for IOS users.

Driving Theory Test 4 in 1

If you need an app that will keep track of your progress to motivate you, then we recommend the Driving Theory Test 4 in 1 app. 

It includes:

  • Mock tests and quizzes
  • Multiple choice DVSA questions
  • Case study questions
  • 85 interactive Hazard Perception videos
  • Official DVSA advice/explanations
  • Customisable features — to help you focus on your weaker areas
  • Free support
  • A progress monitor

Coming in at £4.99, this app has all of the bells and whistles that any tech fan would appreciate. 

Gone are the days when you had to lug a heavy DVSA textbook around and head to your computer if you wanted to practice some hazard perception. Now, you can download some helpful, fun apps that will provide you with all the information and testing that you’ll need to help pass your theory exam. What’s more, since the majority of these apps don’t require an internet connection to work, you have no excuse not to practice!

What are you waiting for? Get practicing and get that test booked! 

KidsBeeTV: a new brand on kids’ streaming apps #edtech #streaming

The edtech Magikbee announced that its popular kids’ video app KiddZtube  undertook a rebrand and is now called KidsBeeTV. 

KidsBeeTV borrows the “Bee” from the parent brand Magikbee, and is deeply  committed to being “The kids’ app that cares”. Like bees help plants grow, the new  brand wants to have a positive impact in kids’ development. 

“We needed a brand that clearly expressed our values – family fun, positive education  and diversity. We have more than a safe, fun and educational app for kids. We have an  interactive video experience that sparks imagination and curiosity. And we also care a  lot about parents. They can monitor kids’ activity, questions answered, and, to protect  

their kids from being too much time in front of a screen, daily time limits can be  setup”, explains Hugo Ribeiro, Magikbee’s CEO. 

KidsBeeTV, a global brand with a global  message 

In the last few years, there was a major growth in the offer of streaming services for  kids. Magikbee needed to stand out showing what makes it different.  

The name change is accompanied by a refresh on the brand’s visual identity, with a  new colorful palette that suggests diversity, in line with its global expansion strategy.  The USA and the Middle East are the two main markets of KidsBeeTV, but the app  has customers worldwide in more than 200 countries. That is why it needed to build  a diversified catalog: to answer to a variety of kids’ interests and to meet the  demands of a growing worldwide community of parents that seek to find content  that respects cultural differences and, at the same time, resonates a universal  language. 

Magikbee has been licensing content for KidsBeeTV from the best studios and  content producers. The most recent agreements were inked with studios like  Millimages (Molang and Mouk), Twist Animation (TuTiTu), Xilam (Where’s Chicky) or  Aurora World (Yoohoo and Friends). Some youtubers, like Caletha Playtime and  Get Matt, are also making their way into the app, but, contrary to what happens on  the social network, there are no videos with unboxings or product placement – only  positive meaningful messages are allowed to pass KidsBeeTV filters conducted by  teachers.  

Videos curated by teachers, quiz questions  on top 

Good-quality, engaging and age-appropriate videos continue to be the core of the  app. The videos are curated by teachers and other specialists, and to make the  experience less passive, the app offers pop-up quiz questions (ABC, Colors,  Counting, Language, Maths, Science, among others) on top of the videos. 

“For more than a decade, YouTube was almost synonymous with video streaming. At  the time we started our platform, it made sense to present it as a safe alternative to  YouTube for young kids. The name “kiddZtube” reflected that mission. But now our  mission is broader”, says Hugo.

Hugo came up with the idea for the app because of a challenge he was facing as a  parent: finding a safe environment for his daughters to watch good-quality videos  without the risk of crossing paths with inappropriate or even disturbing content,  such as the violent parodies of Peppa Pig and other cartoons widely reported a  couple of years ago. 

As he deepened in the searches, he found that there was a need for wider curation.  

Kids learn best when they are having fun 

“We know the importance learning in the early years plays on kids’ development and  we are committed to helping them discover their abilities and reach their full potential.  This is not a curriculum-based app, nevertheless, we do have curriculum-based  entertainment and activities. The main purpose of the app is to be fun. Being  educational is a natural consequence of the kind of content we hand-pick and the way  we choose to present it to the kids. They learn best when they are having fun”, tells  Hugo. 

The platform features now more than 500 hours of video and plans to add more IPs  monthly aimed at kids up to 8 years old. Having no ads and an image-based  interface, it is perfect for young kids, especially toddlers and preschoolers. 

Website – KidsBeeTV
App Stores: iOS | Google Play | Amazon

You can now Explore the Emirates A380 or Boeing 777 in VR

Experience Emirates’ fully-enclosed Gamechanger First Class Suites, explore the airline’s signature A380 Onboard Lounge, or check out the cabin around your own seat in row 77 from the comfort of your home, with the airline’s award-winning and industry-leading virtual reality (VR) experiences.

Available on emirates.com to anyone with an internet connection, via the Emirates app, and now on the Oculus Store for Oculus Rift users, Emirates has taken the next step in its ambition to reach and engage audiences around the world with cutting-edge VR technology. Learn more about the Emirates VR experience on Oculus Rift here

Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, said: “Emirates aims to provide innovative and outstanding customer experiences whether onboard, on the ground, or in the digital space. In 2018, we were the world’s first airline to introduce advanced web VR technology on our digital platforms, offering our customers an immersive opportunity to learn about the fantastic Emirates experience that awaited them before they stepped on board. We’ve continued to invest and develop that experience, and today we are delighted to be the first airline to launch a fully-fledged Oculus VR app.

“This initiative expands our global reach and ability to engage with our audiences across digital platforms. It is also particularly relevant right now, as many people have not travelled for a while due to the pandemic, and are seeking inspiration and researching and rediscovering their flight options.”

Created in partnership with technology company Renacen, Emirates’ customers can navigate through Economy, Business and First Class cabins, explore their seats, as well as the iconic Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa on the Emirates A380 using navigational hotspots. Emirates is working on an updated version featuring its Premium Economy cabin and latest A380 aircraft interiors.

In future developments, Emirates plans to offer customers the ability to explore destinations, select a cabin, and book and pay for their Emirates flight from within the Emirates Oculus VR app.

Currently, users can explore the following Emirates’ VR experiences via:

  • Emirates Oculus VR app on the Oculus Store: offering users accurate, life size and interactive cabin interior experiences onboard Emirates’ flagship A380 aircraft and Boeing 777-300ER Gamechanger aircraft. For instance, users can “pick up” items from the Onboard Lounge, “turn on” the Shower in the Shower Spa, or close the private suite doors behind them. They can even explore the cockpit.
  • Emirates.com on PCs, mobile devices or the Emirates app for iOS and Android: An immersive 3D, web VR and 360 degree view of Emirates’ Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft cabin interiors (all 20 different configurations across the airline’s fleet). Customers can explore their seats before checking in online with the 3D seat map. The tool allows customers to navigate from one seat to another, and even allows would-be customers to book their preferred seats from within the 3D environment. Users can also enjoy hands-free cabin navigation and seat selection by using any VR headset like Google Cardboard. This award-winning technology is compatible with all devices without the need for external applications or plugins.