Category: Entertainment

Best Mobile Phones for Playing Online Poker in 2024

Online poker has grown over the last couple of years to become one of the most favoured pastimes by many around the world. With improved technology on mobile, it’s never been easier to play poker while on the move. With performance, graphics, and even truly excellent battery life in most modern smartphones, the 2024 market is full of models that will help anyone enjoy online poker. 

Why Mobile Phones Matter for Online Poker

  • Performance and Speed

Performance is everything when playing online poker. A strong processor and ample RAM in a mobile phone are needed to play games without lags. This makes one able to make decisions very fast and be competitive enough within the game. High-performance phones generally handle multitasking quite well, allowing one to switch between different poker applications and other applications seamlessly, which is crucial when you want to play poker online.

  • Display Quality

Display quality can make all the difference in an online poker game. High resolution, vivid colours, and clear details reduce fatigue in the eyes while watching action or reading text. Larger screens also offer more real estate for a poker table view, which could be of prime importance to players who take part in multi-table tournaments.

Top Mobile Phones for Playing Online Poker

  • iPhone 14 Pro Max

The iPhone 14 Pro Max would without a doubt be among the leaders in playing online poker in 2024. Equipped with the A16 Bionic chip, this phone is super fast and provides faultless performance, which ensures there won’t be any lagging during the game process. The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display is sure to please with brilliant brightness and contrast levels, bringing out every nuance of the poker game. Besides, ProMotion technology offers a far smoother scroll that sometimes can be helpful in poker applications.

  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Another excellent option for an online poker player would be the Galaxy S24 Ultra by Samsung. This model contains the newest processor, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which is supported by up to 12GB of RAM for powerhouse performance in all types of gaming. Its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate and brings sharp, clear visuals. Additionally, long battery life means players can enjoy extended poker sessions.

  • Google Pixel 7 Pro

The Google Pixel 7 Pro comes with great optimization in its software and a good user experience. This phone is driven by the Google Tensor G2 chip, which runs very smoothly and efficiently. Adding to that is the 6.7-inch QHD+ OLED screen running at 120Hz for sharp and fluent visuals for playing poker online. In addition to this, the device offers good battery life and fast charging to let users have long gaming sessions.

  • OnePlus 11

The OnePlus 11 makes for a good gaming phone, being now fitted with top-of-the-line specifications at an aggressive price. It has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and up to 16GB RAM for lag-free gaming. The 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED Display on the device runs at a refresh rate of 120Hz to provide fluid and vibrant graphics for playing games on the smartphone. Moreover, the device offers a good battery life, along with fast charging support to let users have long gaming sessions.

  • Xiaomi Mi 13 Pro

But of course, the most striking points about this phone, the Mi 13 Pro from Xiaomi, are its display and performance. Powered with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, up to 12GB of RAM ensures that online poker games go through without a hitch. The visuals are brilliant, with smooth transitions on the 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED display, which comes with a refresh rate of 120Hz. Its large battery and effective power management ensure players can enjoy their favourite poker games for a long period.

In conclusion, you want to get the right mobile phone for the best possible online poker experience. Of course, the gadgets which really nailed it with great performance, brilliant displays, and long battery life in this roundup are the iPhone 14 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Google Pixel 7 Pro, OnePlus 11, and Xiaomi Mi 13 Pro. These phones are great for playing poker at both casual and competitive levels, with enormous speed, brilliant graphics, and reliability for flawless gameplay. The future of online poker through smartphones is sure to be great with improving mobile technology.

 

Casino Apps Vs. Casino Sites: What’s the Difference?

The fact that online casinos have become immensely popular in Ireland – and the rest of the world, for that matter – has already been widely discussed on this site. 

What hasn’t been well covered is the subtle nuances you’ll encounter when playing casino games on different platforms. Most premium iGaming brands provide two versions of their product: a website for desktop gaming and an app for mobile gambling. 

Except for the obvious size difference between these two options, how different is the gambling experience itself? Let’s find out: 

Safety and security 

One of the biggest differences between casino apps and sites is the level of security provided. Casino apps, generally, are thought to be more secure. Vlad Grindu, a professional online casino reviewer, states that apps for online casinos often come with additional security features, such as face ID, fingerprint sign-in, and advanced encryption. The best casino apps are also available to download from Google Play or the Apple App Store. This means that they have met the strict screening requirements and have been approved as safe. 

In 2023, Apple rejected over 1.7 million app submissions due to privacy, security, and content concerns. This highlights just how stringent and security-concerned app stores are. 

Casino websites, on the other hand, do not feature biometric security. Plus, you access them via a Google search, which could result in you visiting a fraudulent website by mistake. They’re not screened by a major app store, meaning that the website itself could be spammy. If you don’t have safe browsing features on your desktop, this could result in your computer catching a virus. 

Even if advanced security measures are implemented and the site is trustworthy, app gaming remains far safer than desktop gambling. 

Accessibility and convenience 

While mobile casino apps are obviously more accessible than desktop equivalents, it’s still worth discussing the importance of accessibility when it comes to iGaming. 

If you want to optimize your mobile gaming experience, you must use a mobile app. Casino applications have been specifically designed to fit a small screen, which makes both gaming and navigation seamless. The software has also been configured to work on iOS and Android devices, meaning there should be no lag – only quick and intuitive play. 

Plus, the biggest bonus of gambling apps is that they provide portability, which is a benefit that desktop versions cannot provide. iGaming apps can easily be played on the go – whether you’re in the back of a taxi or taking the bus to work. They can also be played offline, meaning that you don’t even need a WiFi connection or data to play your favorite casino games. 

While it would be possible to take your laptop to your local coffee shop and play casino games there, the overall portability of desktop gaming is pale in comparison to app-based play. You generally need to carve out some specific game time for desktop gambling, as you cannot just pick up a desktop wherever you are and start playing as you can with an app. 

Plus, to access a website, you need an internet connection. Using public Wi-Fi isn’t always the best idea, given that hackers can easily compromise it and steal your data. According to a 2023 study by Microsoft Security, 43% of people in Ireland have experienced a cybersecurity incident in the last three years. This highlights how important it is to practice good cybersecurity, which includes being wary of public Wi-Fi. 

User experience and interface 

As we already mentioned, apps are designed to create seamless gaming on your phone. They come with an intuitive interface to create a comfortable gambling experience. However, this does not necessarily mean that mobile apps provide you with the best user experience. 

The wide-screen gaming provided by an online casino site creates a more authentic and immersive gambling experience. When playing online poker, the wide screen can make you feel as though you are actually in Las Vegas rather than your living room. This is especially true given the advanced graphics that can now be found on online gambling sites. If you like playing table games, you probably have to view several cards at once, which is far more easily done when using a desktop. Being able to review your cards fully allows you to make better gambling decisions. 

Plus, if you’re into VR, you could put on your helmet to create even more of a convincing gambling experience. The addition of a full keyboard and mouse also adds another dimension to digital gambling. Instead of relying on only screen taps, you have a much wider range of input options. This increases the range of your avatar’s movement and also holds some benefits for slot-based play. 

Notifications and power usage 

Mobile apps keep you better informed about limited offers and promotions via notifications. By setting up notifications on your phone, you’ll receive information regarding the likes of one-time offers throughout the day. This ensures that you are kept well-informed and don’t miss out on any lucrative gambling opportunities. 

Unless you’re on your desktop 24/7, casino websites cannot keep you informed to the same degree. This could result in you potentially missing out on unique gambling opportunities. 

However, the addition of notifications could cause your phone battery to drain more quickly. 24/7 updates could also prove costly on your mobile data plan. Casino websites, on the other hand, only use batteries when they’re open and in use. So, if you’re at all concerned about power consumption, iGaming sites may be the better option. 

Conclusion 

Both casino apps and casino sites are beneficial in different ways. For example, while casino apps may offer better security and safety, web-based casinos offer a better and more immersive user experience. Overall, it really depends on the type of casino experience you’re looking for – a more accessible one or a more life-like one. 

 

BBC announce Olympic related content for international audiences

The BBC have today announced extensive content from Paris during the Olympic Games for international audiences (ex-UK). The BBC is bringing people together so they can watch, listen to and read the latest from Paris, with comprehensive international coverage across its digital, TV, audio and newsletter platforms, and special content across the BBC News channel, BBC.com/Sport, newsletters, podcasts and features.

BBC Sport

Throughout the games BBC.com/Sport will have a dedicated “Paris 2024” sub-section which will cover the latest news from the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It will feature live text commentaries with the latest medal winners, expert analysis and user interaction; in-depth reporting on key athletes, major medal events, the host city and newsworthy events around Paris. There will also be regular star name columns from some high-profile former Olympians and Paralympians including Michael Johnson and Steve Cram. As well as live medal tables, schedules of events with results and stats, a day-by-day guide, as well as interactive content including a daily Olympic quiz and audience voting.

TechXplore

The BBC News channel’s technology and travel programme TechXplore will be airing three very special episodes before and during the games, exploring how cutting-edge technology and innovations are influencing how athletes train and compete, and also how the games are broadcast and experienced by viewers around the world.

In the first episode ‘Countdown to the Games’ (TX July 20th weekend), BBC tech journalist and huge Olympic and Paralympic fan, Paul Carter goes behind-the-scenes to see how technology underpins so much of the Olympics and Paralympics – from the events themselves to the way ‘digital twins’ of most of the key venues have been created in the virtual world. These simulations allow organisers, broadcasters and athletes to see precisely how these arenas will operate before they are even built, reducing the number of site visits needed to Paris. TechXplore also gets a sneak peek at the tools developed to streamline the Olympic experience for fans and athletes including the private 5G networks installed to help capture the opening ceremony and sailing events.

In episode two ‘The Global Experience’ (TX August 10th weekend) Carter continues his tech journey looking next at how the events taking place in the summer games in Paris will be experienced by a global audience. With AI and the Cloud transforming the global experience of the Paris games, this will be the first ever games not to use satellites as a key component in the broadcast infrastructure, instead all footage will be transferred via huge data centres in Frankfurt to broadcasters around the world, making the Paris Games far more sustainable than previous competitions.

The third episode ‘Breaking Barriers’ (TX August 17th weekend), airing in between the Olympics and Paralympics, sees Carter head to join the crowds in Paris to capture and join in with their experiences during some of the exciting highs and lows of the Olympic action. This is an opportunity for Paul to witness for himself some of the Paris atmosphere and to test the technology transforming the fan experience, including maps which are designed to help visually impaired people navigate the city and its venues.

Paul Carter, host of TechXplore Paris said: “As a lifelong fan of the Olympics and Paralympics, it’s been a privilege to see up-close how Paris will depend on technology like never before. From athletes to venues to broadcasters, tech will play a key role in making these Games a success and it’s been a real joy discovering what’s happening behind the scenes and I can’t wait for people to see it.”

TechXplore Paris ‘Countdown to the Games’ airs on BBC News on Saturday 20th July at 01:30 and 07:30 and Sunday 21st July at 14:30 and 21:30 (all times GMT).

BBC News Channel

There is a lot more Olympic related content across the BBC News Channel too, with a number of its flagship programmes including Influential with Katty Kay, The Travel Show and Talking Movies, as well as other special programming, all sharing a theme of celebration of the upcoming games.

The second season of the popular interview series Influential with Katty Kay, features four episodes with sporting legends in basketball legend Magic Johnson, alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn, track and field star Jackie Joyner-Kersee and 2-time Olympic gold medal gymnast Aly Raisman.

There will also be a repeat of the Paris special of The Travel Show titled ‘Paris: Beyond 2024’ (airing Saturday 20th July) which aired earlier this year, in which former Paralympian Steve Brown visited Paris to find out how the games are transforming the city.

Pedal to Paris will see UK celebrities traveling by bike from London to Paris and discuss issues of pollution, sustainability in sport, and beating the heat. Content will be featured across digital as well as on the BBC News Channel.

Film programme Talking Movies have also produced a special French Cinema Classics episode (repeating in August) , celebrating one of the most successful film industries in Europe.

Alongside all this special content, BBC News channel’s regular sports update Sportsday will have a reporter on location in Paris to capture the Olympic atmosphere and excitement providing updates on the games plus interviews with athletes and commentators. The programme airs at 23:45 (GMT) with overnight repeats.

Audio

In podcasts from BBC World Service English, Comedian Eliza Skinner and BBC Athletics Commentator Ed Harry interview remarkable athletes about the journeys they took to the Olympics and Paralympics in On the Podium. Presenter Rana Rahimpour takes a deep dive into the complicated relationship between Iran and its heroes with the deeply personal Amazing Sports Stories: Legend of Takhti which tells the story of the extraordinary Gholamreza Takhti, the multiple gold Olympic medal-winner, who in January 1968, was found dead in a Tehran hotel room.

BBC World Service English, will also host  Olympics news and updates from Paris in special editions of Sportsworld and Sport Today, presented  by Lee James, with on-site reporters, Ed Harry and Ade Adedoyin. Isaac Fanin will have reports and interviews on Newsday, while Sportshour, presented by Caroline Barker, will provide the human-interest stories behind the medals.

There are also a number of Olympic related audio documentaries across BBC World Service English throughout July and August including:

The Next Paralympians (TX: Saturday 24th Aug) presented by Dan Pepper, a British ex-Paralympic swimmer who has a learning disability, tells the story of pioneering athletes who are the first to represent their country at the Paralympics in the intellectual disability classification.

In Courting Success – A Journey to Paris 2024 (TX: Thurs 29th August) we hear about the life and career of wheelchair tennis champion Kgothatso Montjane, who has powerful feelings regarding diversity, equity and inclusion in sport and was the first black South African woman to compete at Wimbledon.

The gay activists who won an Olympic-sized battle (TX: Thurs 25th July) tells the inspiring story of a small campaign group who forced a change after the legislators in Cobb County Atlanta, a venue for the volleyball competition at the 1996 Olympics, passed a resolution in 1993 stating that “lifestyles advocated by the gay community are incompatible with the standards to which this community describes”.

In India’s Wrestling School for Girls (TX: Thurs 25th July) BBC Journalist Divya Arya looks at how young girls living in In the industrial town of Haryana in Northern India, are breaking barriers by training to become the next generation of gold medal winning wrestlers – and what it takes to become an Indian wrestling heroine.

And finally, with this year’s Olympic Games in Paris seeing the introduction of breakdancing as a new sport, B-girl Raygun – Breaking into the Olympics (TX: Tues 6th August) follows Rachael Gunn, known as b-girl Raygun, the highest ranked female breaker in Australia and her nation’s biggest hope for a gold medal. What techniques can she use to prepare for the unknown? And where does sport end and art begin?

Newsletter

The BBC Sport team will also be delivering a daily newsletter called BBC Medal Moments offering readers a global picture from the greatest sporting show on earth. BBC Sport has every angle covered from the Paris Olympics – the medal haul, the athletes to watch, the stories behind the remarkable journeys many have taken to earn their place at the Games, recaps of the can’t-miss highlights from the previous day’s action – and looks ahead to what to watch out for, and is available for sign-ups now.

Features

Sections across BBC.com will also have plenty of content including:

Earth will be publishing a series on Sports and Sustainability delving into the environmental impact of the Olympic games.

Innovation will be looking into the Science of Fitness with topics ranging from Olympic sports to everyday athleticism. It will also be covering the Paris Paralympics, looking at how tech can improve accessibility to and beyond sport.

Travel will feature its twice-weekly guide, The SpeciaList, which will be providing a local take on France, Paris and beyond, for those interested in more than just the games. Whilst The World’s Table will have interviews with the French chefs running the world’s largest restaurant: the one at Olympic Village.

Culture will also cover related topics ranging from significant moments of Olympic history to the teams with the best style today.

 

Cassian Harrison, SVP Content Creation & Acquisition at BBC Studios said: ‘As always, the BBC is marking the world’s oldest sporting festival with all the richness, depth and authority that only the BBC can bring. Across our digital, television and audio platforms, we will be offering a definitive but also singular and surprising overview of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games for our audiences worldwide’.

Expert suggests summer of sport TV time for workers may boost return to office and team morale

As we approach a summer of sport across Ireland, many avid supporters may be looking to keep up with their sport of choice. With Euros already begun, Wimbledon on the way and the Paris Olympic Games kicking off from July, many workers residing in the office may hope to catch matches and games whilst at work.

Past YouGov studies have revealed only 23% of employees at a permanent workplace have permission to watch TV at work, meaning a large portion of the workforce will miss out on watching the action live, or worse, will instead choose to miss work so they can get involved in the action elsewhere.

The same survey noted that almost 1 in 3 (29%) of workers would like the opportunity to watch sporting events whilst at work. More than a fifth of male employees surveyed in the research suggested watching sporting events encourages ‘good team spirit’ in the workplace.

Is TV time at the office the key to boosting team spirit and morale?

Shane Duffy, Managing Director at Click Offices says that hosting watch parties in the workplace is a great way to not only encourage employees into the office, but to also provide flexible working solutions that fosters greater team morale.

“We all know how hard it’s been to get people back to the office since the pandemic, and with more people than ever choosing flexible working patterns that allow them better work/life balance, you really have to make coming to the office a worthwhile affair for employees.

It’s all well and good providing varied work environments and top of the range serviced offices, but employees are wanting more than just coffee making facilities and proximity to a good sports bar to watch the game after work.

“Gen Z especially are wanting more of an experience from their work days, and their motivations are different to the generations before them. It’s not just all about the money for them, they want to feel like they’re part of a team, they need motivation in other ways.

A survey recently showed that more than half of Gen Zers say that watching live games is one of the best ways to engage with the Euros especially, and so combining their passions outside of work with an enthusiastic work environment is an easy way to attract and maintain the Gen Z workforce.

“What’s more attractive to employees than coming together with your work mates to watch some sport, enjoy some food, have a laugh and maybe answer a few emails while you’re at it?”

How to balance fun work environment with HR-approved inclusivity

Hosting a workplace watch party isn’t as easy as bringing in the big TV and putting on some food and drink for the team – there are a number of things employers need to be mindful of when encouraging staff to let their hair down in a professional environment.

David Rice, HR expert at People Managing People shares his top tips for hosting a workplace watch party that won’t get you in trouble with the HR team.

  1. Keep Things Inclusive

“Just make sure you create a welcoming environment for everyone. That means food options for everyone, including those with allergies or dietary requirements. Put out a quick survey so you know if there’s anything people can’t enjoy, such as gluten or shellfish. This way you have options for everyone.

“As for alcohol, you’ll want to think about the fact that some folks don’t drink or may be in recovery for alcoholism and provide support if the event is triggering in some way. Whether that’s pairing them with other people in recovery or creating alcohol free spaces for them to enjoy.”

  1. Avoid Creating Distractions

“These sorts of events are good in a few ways. For one, they definitely boost morale and create a sort of bonding experience for employees where they can find common ground and chat with people they wouldn’t normally interact with. But it also breaks up the monotony of the working calendar and provides something memorable. This is a nice way to mark a time of the year and create memorable experiences in the workplace.

“If it becomes excessive, it can be a distraction. If you have employees who are fans of other countries, it’s important to be respectful of everyone and celebrate their cultures. Nationalism is inherent to some extent in international sports, but that can turn ugly if nurtured in the wrong way.”

  1. It’s Not That Deep

“Since the Ancient Greeks, sport has been used to entertain, celebrate and enjoy a distraction from daily life. This time in history isn’t that different and we should use it to remind ourselves that life isn’t just corporate deadlines and P&L reports.

“Sports inspire people to try harder, take better care of themselves, overcome adversity and work together. That’s why they’re such a great metaphor for teamwork in all settings, but in this case, the CEO doesn’t have to make some cringey reference to getting the ball over the goal line, people can just see the dynamics of teamwork and how everything comes together by watching what plays out.”

  1. Promote Workplace Flexibility

“Summer tends to be a period in which people cash in annual leave or they tend to disengage as their desire to be out and about in the sunshine increases. By embracing these types of events, you allow for people to break without actually taking holiday or just actively disengaging. They’ll appreciate your flexibility and understanding of the importance of such events in the national culture.”

For more information on serviced office solutions in Dublin, please visit Click Offices: https://www.clickoffices.com/serviced-offices/ireland/dublin

TV delivers high active engagement, finds research by Amplified Intelligence, RED C, and TAM Ireland

Amplified Intelligence, the most trusted source for accurate attention measurement, has released an in-depth evaluation of attention paid to ads on linear TV and BVOD (broadcast video on demand). Conducted in partnership with Ireland’s premier research consultancy provider, RED C Research, and TAM Ireland — The Irish TV measurement organisation — key results include the finding that 62% of Irish viewers consistently engage with TV ads.

The partnership brings together Amplified Intelligence’s industry-leading AI-powered technology and RED C Research’s unique panel to accurately measure the power of traditional media channels. Quantifying the persistent value of TV advertising, this research provides a vital insight base for brands and agencies aiming to craft high-impact cross-channel campaigns.

Encompassing a 200-strong panel of Irish viewers and 13,000 ad views, the study measured live engagement with creative from three major brands – including AIB and Irish Life — over linear TV, as well BVOD ads served to TV and mobile screens. Using Amplified Intelligence’s smart eye-tracking and gaze detection technology, in-the-moment viewing was meticulously measured to achieve a refined understanding of active, passive, and non-attention. 

 Key takeaways include: 

  • Six in ten viewers are engaged: 

A sizeable 62% of viewers consistently engage with ads at some level; paying either active or passive attention, which is directly related to the quality of content across the TV network. 

  • Advertising on TV increases likelihood to buy by 30%: When advertising on linear TV and BVOD, brands are 30% more likely to be chosen in a purchasing situation. Purchase probability is particularly high in key categories such as finance and healthcare, with each seeing increases of 68% & 21% respectively.

  • Ads captivate attention for longer: Attention duration among viewers exceeds other markets; ranking at 300% higher than global Amplified Intelligence benchmarks for linear TV and BVOD, suggesting a reduced level of attention decay. 

“An accurate understanding of attention is critical to fortifying media and advertising for the future. Our human-centric approach has always been at the forefront of all our research and this partnership with RED C Research and TAM Ireland proves that human behaviour is ever-changing and the only true indicator of the effectiveness of media platforms. We hope that this data will encourage advertisers and agencies to reevaluate their campaign strategies, and also serve as proof of concept that TV is still a valuable sector for ad dollars.” said Dr Karen Nelson-Field, Founder and CEO of Amplified Intelligence. 

Jill McGrath, CEO at TAM Ireland commented: “We wanted to better understand what drives the effectiveness of TV advertising and gain a comprehensive insight that underpins more impactful and cost-efficient campaigns. The results exceeded our expectations and reinforced our belief that Linear TV and BVOD are holding their own in the face of stiff competition from new media.”

Richard Colwell, CEO, RED C Research added: “Our long-standing relationship with Amplified Intelligence already demonstrated the efficiency and effectiveness of measuring true audience behaviour in live environments, with collaborative efforts exploring the impact of social media ads. This research cements the precision and quality of its robust measurement approach, as well as expanding on our previous knowledge base. Looking at TV through a comparable lens, we can now provide insights that allow us to give clients an even better understanding of how their ads perform, at a brand level and across varying platforms.”

Brits spend 182.5 hours per year searching for something to watch, study finds

Being stuck between multiple streaming services and debating what to watch can be time-consuming. A recent study by Currys uncovered how much time people spend choosing a programme or movie to watch and asked 2,018 Brits to understand their challenges and difficulties in selecting what to watch. Out of those asked, 10% admitted they spend up to 2 hours trying to find something to watch, with the average time spent, across all respondents, on this decision dilemma being 30 minutes a day.

For those who find themselves watching TV daily, this 30 minutes per day translates to a staggering 182.5 hours per year dedicated to the daunting task of deciding what to watch—equivalent to just over 7 days annually lost to “choice paralysis”.

The survey also revealed that nearly 60% admit that after endless scrolling, they give up on finding something to watch altogether.

Endless scrolling for the perfect show can lead to overwhelming anxiety, making the search for something enjoyable more stressful than fun.

Dr. George Fieldman, a Consultant Psychologist, offers insights into the reasons behind people’s anxiety when it comes to deciding what to watch on TV, he said: “Fear and danger are poorly correlated which means that people fear making the wrong choice. Even when it comes to picking something to watch on TV still comes with a fair amount of factors to consider which can lead you to spiral into anxiety. What you watch is a significant investment of time and people don’t want to make the wrong choice. It has to be worthwhile to justify spending that time which could be spent elsewhere.

“Those that suffer from anxiety are more likely to experience choice paralysis. This usually happens because making the right choice is important for them and they overestimate the impact of making the wrong decision.”

Brits only give shows 34 minutes to impress them

The study also revealed that UK viewers take a surprisingly short time to figure out if they want to continue watching a show or not, with the average decision time being 34 minutes to assess whether the unfolding plot or character dynamics align with expectations and preferences.

When it comes to movies, Brits take even less time to decide as the average time is just 30 minutes before turning it off.

The storyline was found to be the most important factor for 47% of Brits when choosing a TV program. Delving deeper into their considerations, the cast and actors follow closely at 41% and genre at 40% (with drama voted as the UK’s go-to genre). Combining this with the influence of reviews standing at 31%, it highlights a varied approach to viewers’ decision-making process.

Top pet peeves for Brits when trying to watch something 

Considering the hassle of trying to decide what to watch, the last thing Brits want is to be disturbed while viewing. The survey found that the top bug bear of Brits while watching a film or TV is someone talking, this being a top annoying habit for 45% of respondents.

Next is spoiling key moments for 32%, in joint third, people checking their phones (30%) and constantly asking about the plot (30%) and lastly falling asleep during the show or movie, which is a pet peeve for 27%.

Action % who find this annoying
Talking 45%
Spoiling key moments 32%
People checking phones 30%
Constantly asking about the plot 30%
Falling asleep 27%

You can find the full study here: https://www.currys.co.uk/techtalk/tv-advice/no-you-choose.html

Entertainment OS on Sky keeps getting smarter thanks to clever new features

A raft of new updates are set to launch on Sky Glass and Sky Stream through Entertainment OS, the operating system that keeps getting smarter. New features include a personalised recommendation rail, enhanced voice control options and lower latency on Sky Sports Main Event.

Five new Entertainment OS 1.2 features to try now: 

Tailored viewing recommendations with new personalised movie and TV genre rails…

  • Feeling stuck on what to watch next? With the latest personalised rails, it has never been easier with recommended TV shows and movies based on genres you’ve watched.
  • If you’ve been engrossed in ‘Ferrari’ or ‘Oppenheimer’, personalised genre rails will showcase similar biographical and historical dramas. Designed to recommend more than 30 different genres, from the most popular to the most niche, they help you discover the content you love.
  • Movie recommendations are available to try now, with the feature launching for TV shows soon.

Your favourite actors, all in one place

  • Show Pages now include a Cast and Crew rail featuring the actors from the TV series or movie you’re watching. This allows you to discover everything they’ve ever been in and brings up new suggestions for you to watch.

“Hello Sky, rewind”

  • A much-loved feature on Sky Q has come to Sky Glass and Sky Stream. You can now fast forward and rewind using your voice, so you can skip to the good bits or re-wind and enjoy all the best dialogue from Succession all over again.

Find the music you love, faster

  • You can now use your voice to find your favourites on Amazon Music and ROXi. Simply saying “Fred Again on Amazon Music” or “Harry Styles on ROXi” will launch the app and find Fred Again or Harry Styles singles & albums on the artist page.

Playlist with personality

  • You can now personalise your playlist even further with a range of new character avatars. Kids can choose from popular characters including favourites from Paw Patrol, Scooby Doo, Peppa Pig, SpongeBob, Trolls and Pip & Posy. We’ll be adding more avatars later this year.

Entertainment OS 1.3 features, rolling out from May:

 

Auto Game Mode levels up gameplay

  • Good news for gamers, Auto Game Mode is launching on Sky Glass which uses Auto Low Latency (ALLM) to offer a more responsive gaming experience for casual players. Simply plug in your console and Sky Glass will automatically switch to Auto Game Mode.

Add actors to your Playlist

  • Add your favourite actors to your playlist, and then easily find movies and TV shows they’ve been in to watch whenever you want. Soon, football fans will be able to follow their teams to enjoy the latest matches all in one place.
  • Simply press the + button on the remote whilst browsing for people in the UI, e.g. from the new Cast & Crew rail on the show page, or search for your favourite people and add from there. When a person has been added, you can find them within a ‘People you follow’ rail within the playlist section.

“Hello Sky, add to Playlist”

  • You’ll be able to use your voice to add movies and shows to your playlist. Simply go to the show or movie page and say, “Hello Sky, add to playlist” to save things you want to watch later.

Sky Sports Main Event soon to be available in Low Latency

  • Sky Sports Main Event viewers will soon be able to watch the channel in Low Latency, reducing the time between the action on the pitch and watching on your Sky Glass or Stream. Latency has been reduced by over 20 seconds, which means you can now watch your favourite sports faster than many other streaming services.
  • Sky Sports Main Event viewers will be able to watch sports in Low Latency over the coming months, before being rolled out to other Sky Sports channels this year.

Show Page to show Rotten Tomatoes ratings

  • Show pages will feature Rotten Tomatoes scores to save the hassle of googling a rating before jumping into a movie, as well as a range of new icons.

Enjoy all your favourite shows and movies with subtitles

  • All Ultra HD on demand content, including Sky Nature shows and blockbuster films, will have the option for subtitles by the end of the summer – a feature already available on HD
  • Coming soon, Audio Description, a popular feature on our TV channels, will also be available on video on demand content

Eat, sleep, game, repeat with new Sky Live games

Sky Live, our innovative smart camera tailor-made for Sky Glass, transforms your TV experience, offering an endless range of interactive experiences. New motion games for all the family to enjoy are regularly added to the platform, including:

Basketball Knockout

  • Become a basketball pro by getting as many basketballs as possible through the hoop, either in arcade style, or one on one or against a friend. Available to play now.

Tennis Smash: Racketville

  • Inspired by the action on Sky Sports Tennis? Channel your inner Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu and get moving in Sky Live’s new tennis motion game.
  • Using your hands to hit the virtual tennis ball, players can play tournament style games as various characters. Players can also unlock more characters as they play more games.
  • Tennis Smash: Racketville will be available for Sky Live customers soon.

Starri

  • You can now play two-player in Starri, the music rhythm game. Battle it out against your friends to see who has the best moves.

For more information about Sky Glass and Sky Stream and for pricing, visit Sky.com/ie.

Real Money Games in Ireland

Ireland is a great destination for gamblers because they have regulations and laws that allow gambling. This means that players can play all sorts of games from licensed gaming operators in the region. Irish players can also enjoy real money games, which are the bread and butter of gamblers around the world. There are different types of real money games available to players in Ireland and we will be examining some of them in this guide. These real money games improve the quality of the gaming experience in Ireland and allow players to get the most value for money.  

What Are Real Money Games?

Real money games are games that allow players to win money that can be withdrawn. Simply put, they are games that allow players to stake their own money to win money from a game. This is different from demo games, which do not require money and can be played  for free. Using websites like betpack, players can see the casinos that offer real money games to players in Ireland. Real money games usually have maximum/minimum deposit amounts, multipliers, bonuses, and other in-game features that determine how much players are able to collect.

Real Money Money Games Available in Ireland

As a player in Ireland, there are many real money games that are available to you. These games include the following:

Slots

Slots are games of chance that require players to spin a reel to match symbols along paylines. There are different kinds of slots, including 3 reel, 5 reel, progressive, fixed, and special slots. Furthermore, there are video slots which give players an improved experience because of their graphics and play style. Jackpots are another feature of slots that multiply the amounts that players win. These jackpots can run into millions of dollars, depending on the slot and provider. 

Table Games

Table games are some of the most popular games available to players at online casinos. These games have different rules and play styles which determine how wins occur. Some of the table games available at casinos in Ireland include blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, and craps. Most table games are played against a dealer or banker (the casino) but some, like poker, pits players against themselves. Table games are controlled using Random Number Generators (RNGs) which ensure that the games are fair and balanced. 

Lotteries and Bingo

Lotteries are scratch card games where players purchase random cards in the hope of getting the right number combinations. These are among the oldest games played by gamblers and they provide the opportunity of winning millions with one ticket. About 1.3 million adults living in Ireland are said to play the lottery which goes to show how much of an impact this has on the populace. 

Bingo on the other hand is similar to the lottery but players have to match the numbers on their purchased cards to the numbers provided. The more numbers they have, the higher the amount they win. Getting a perfect match wins the player the highest amount up for grabs. 

Live Games

Live games are online real money games where players are immersed into a video experience. These games have live dealers and players would also be able to play with other players from the comfort of their preferred devices. It is important for players to have a reliable internet connection from providers like esimatic to fully enjoy live games. This experience was designed to give players a feel of gambling at a physical casino. It improves the online gambling experience and allows players to interact with other participants. Most table games have a live version but some other examples include Monopoly Live and Deal or No Deal.

Sports Betting

Sports betting is huge in Ireland as punters place wagers on their favorite sports including football, tennis, basketball, and rugby. There are different bookmakers that provide the odds and exchanges that allow players to bet against each other. Bets are won when predictions come true and players are only allowed to stake real money. Where applicable, players can use their bonus money to place bets on their favorite sports or teams. 

Tips to Playing Real Money Games

When playing real money games, there are some tips you can use to improve your chances of winning. Some tips you should try include:

 

  • Choose Registered Gambling Websites: Always use websites that are registered with the appropriate regulatory body. Doing this will help you to avoid predatory websites that may steal your information or money. Always verify the registration status of any gambling operator before you use them.

 

  • Learn the Games: Do not put money on games you do not understand as this is the quickest way for you to lose your money. Only play games that you understand or learn how the game works properly. Using the demo mode where possible is always a good idea. 

 

  • Use Bonuses: Bonuses increase your bankroll but also allow you to bet without using your money first. Take advantage of all the bonuses you can and ensure that you use them to maximize your wins. 

 

  • Use a Budget: Budget your spend on games and do not exceed this budget when it is exhausted. Budgeting helps you to manage your bankroll and it prevents you from spending all your money on gambling. Once your budget has been spent, stop all gambling activity.

 

  • Make Small Bets: You do not always have  to make large bets when gambling. Start with small bets and pace yourself throughout your gambling session. 

Ireland As a Destination For Gamblers

Ireland is a great destination for gamblers who want to enjoy a range of real money games. These games cut across various genres including slots, table games, and live games. It is important to only gamble at licensed casinos, as this will protect you from predatory operators. Furthermore, we also provided tips that we think you should follow if you want to have a pleasurable real money gambling experience. Manage your bankroll wisely and do not bet more than you are willing to lose while you gamble. 

 

Why Combining Different Ways of Playing Is Taking Off

Evolving technology has changed the way we play and it’s also led to some intriguing hybrid games where two ideas are mashed together. We’ve seen some examples of games lately that prove that combining two or more ways of playing tends to be memorable when done well.  

Slingo Combines Bingo and Slots

You probably know that bingo and slot machines are very simple gambling games. Both games have successfully moved online and diversified with new themes and features being added to them. However, the emergence of the Slngo genre that combines them is a fairly recent phenomenon you might not have noticed yet.

Sligo games are typically listed on a bingo site alongside different versions of bingos and slots. Each time you play you’re shown a grid of numbers, as you would expect to see a bingo card. Press the spin button to see what numbers pop up, with these numbers marked off your card. The more winning lines you complete, the higher the prize. Games like Slingo Money Train and Slingo Da Vinci Diamonds are based on popular slots and introduce some elements of their gameplay too. 

Mobile Versions of Classic Board Games

Board games have been popular in many different forms over the centuries, with chess and the Egyptian game of senet among the oldest types that we’re aware of. Mobile technology now gives us a way of accessing board games at any time highly conveniently, providing a simple way to try many different games from around the planet or even to discover historic games that are no longer widely played on physical boards.

This list of some of the best mobile board games includes the fairly complex Brass and Steam city-building games by renowned developer Martin Wallace, where players need to build up their economy in a realistic way. While mobile gaming was once based on simple casual games with basic controls and few rules, this genre gives a good example of how more complexity and mature themes can be added.

Rogeuelike Games with Cards to Collect

The roguelike deck-building genre has grown enormously in popularity in recent years. These are based on a deck-building card game with a large element of randomness added to create exciting and highly varied gameplay around different themes. The history can be traced back to the medieval-themed Dominion deck-building game that was released in 2008 and led to many similar games being created in the following years.

A good example can be seen with dev_hell, which sees players take on the role of a software developer who works for a corporation that’s reshaping the future of the world. Developed by Unhinged Studios, it’s about drawing cards and then using them against databases and anonymous feedback while trying to hold onto your job. This game is due for release later in 2024.

All of these different ways of playing have been inspired by two or more original games and that results in a fascinating combination of features and gameplay that makes them appealing to different kinds of players.