Category: Tech

#Airbus – Global Deans and UNESCO join forces for more diversity in engineering

Call for entries opens for the 2017 “Airbus Diversity Award

Airbus, the leading aircraft manufacturer, and the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC), have launched the call for nominations for the 2017 edition of the “Airbus Diversity Award”. This award aims to shine a light on successful projects which have encouraged more young people of all profiles and backgrounds to study and succeed in engineering. The award was developed and funded by Airbus in partnership with the GEDC, the leading international organisation leaders of schools and colleges of engineering. For this fifth anniversary edition, the award will be placed under UNESCO patronage.

The long term goal is to increase diversity among the global community of engineers so that the engineering industry reflects the diversity of the communities it supports, with diversity recognised as a driver for innovation and growth.

“At Airbus we know that a diverse and inclusive culture is an asset”, said Jean Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President Engineering Airbus Helicopters and patron of the award. “It boosts the innovative mind-set that underpins the vast technological advances happening in aviation and aerospace today. We are committed to developing the next generation of engineering talent and are proud to partner with UNESCO and engineering schools around the world to achieve that.”
 
“We need more young people from every background and of every profile to acquire the skills the world needs to solve our greatest global challenges, as well as realise the potential of new opportunities”, said Flavia Schlegel, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences. “So I am excited to bring UNESCO’s support to this valuable partnership”.

Last November, the Airbus Diversity Award went to Dr Yacob Astatke, from Morgan State University in the USA, for his impressive introduction of technology and training initiatives across universities in Ethiopia to improve the delivery of engineering education in Africa.

“In 2017 we invite everyone working to improve diversity in engineering education around the world to put their successful projects forward, to share their good ideas and innovative approaches and to inspire others to do more on this critical issue”, said Peter Kilpatrick, McCloskey Dean of Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, USA, and GEDC Chair.

Entries for this new award will close on 10th July with the winning project to be announced at the GEDC Annual Conference in Niagara Falls, Canada in October 2017. Entries can be made online by any individual or team working with or in an engineering college/faculty, whose project has demonstrated tangible results in bringing more diversity among engineering students and/or graduates.

More information is available at: www.airbusgroup.com/diversityaward

SCAPLERS – CEX now command €295 for the #NES. #CEX #Gaming

The thieving you know whats are at it again…Thats CEX.. They BUY for €100 and sell for €295

CEX a few months ago came under the spotlight for fleecing customers who wanted to purchase the NES they commanded a silly price for it which back then was  €190 

The NES Mini list price was approx €65  and up until yesterday they where charging between €135/€165 because I have been watching. However last night it was announced that the console would be no longer made for now in North America at least…

 

https://twitter.com/techbuzzireland/status/852596936611942400

 

Now CEX have once again hopped on the gravy train and want to scalp people right over for this much loved piece of kit and its become very annoying for people who have waited so long for it not to get hold of it,Most people have got pissed off with Nintendo and have looked for another form the machine which also has been now discontinued the Famicon Classic edition..

So here is what CEX have to offer. Just ignore it and dont even think of paying this much for it…

 

How technology is effective with In Store Marketing – What You Need To Know #Marketing #technology

Appealing to the modern consumer can be difficult. Consumers are becoming more and more demanding and they expect a certain standard when it comes to the shopping experience.

Technology plays an important role within that and according to a Deloitte, 64% of sales are digitally influenced. This essentially means that you need to meet your customers where they are – on their smartphone.

Many customers now even use their smartphones in-store to check product information. This doesn’t mean that they’re going to buy the product online and often they just want to check reviews online before buying in-store. Even things like having a good website can help draw customers in-store so you should ensure to have information about your store location and hours visible on your website.

Check out this infographic from M2 On Hold for more information on how your store can go the extra mile to keep customers happy.

 

 

 

NTA Leap top-up enhancement goes live this week, iPhone users still left out. #NTA

The latest version of National Transport Authority’s Leap Top-Up app goes live this week, with several innovative features being rolled out.

  • Ticket Sales – Customers can now purchase tickets directly via their app, without having to visit a retail outlet
  • Email receipts for top-ups and ticket purchases to ensure greater clarity
  • Detailed Ticket Information Screens
  • Detailed Card Information Screens

 

NTA said: “The app has been a resounding success, and we want to make sure that it continues to meet people’s need and expectations.

“The enhancements are being introduced in response to feedback from customers, and we believe they will improve the functionality of the app in a meaningful way.

“We saw where last year, the numbers of people using, subsidised public transport services provided by Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Iarnród Éireann, and Luas increased by 4.4% and we want that trend to continue.

“That is why all our apps undergo a continuous process of enhancement and improvement on an ongoing basis.”

App stats:

  • Total Downloads/Installs: 138,000
  • The average volume of total monthly top-ups on the app in 2016 was 66,982.
  • In the month of March this year, there were 154,700 top-ups performed on the app.
  • The average value of monthly total top-ups on the app in 2016 was €875,469.
  • In the month of March this year, the value of top-ups performed on the app was €1,960,379.
  • The total value of top-ups made on the app, up to 31st March this year, was €15,927,200.

 

 

Background:

Since 2016, Leap Card users with Near Field Communications (NFC)-enabled Android phones can check their card balance and instantly top-up their card with travel credit or collect pre-purchased tickets, including TaxSaver tickets, onto their Leap Card – all by touching their card against their phones.

Leap Top-Up App uses NFC technology to communicate directly between the phone and the Leap Card.

This new enhancement will be particularly useful to Leap Card users who most regularly travel by bus as, until now, they have had to detour to a shop to upload credit or ticket products bought earlier online.

Any Leap Card holder with an NFC-enabled Android smartphone with a Google Play account can download the Leap Top-Up App.

In addition, people with the App on their phones can check a friend’s Leap Card Balance for them, allow them to collect a ticket or pay for a friend’s Leap Card top-up, instantly, and in their own time.

Apple has not yet decided to allow access to NFC technology by third parties.  If and when they do, the National Transport Authority plans to develop this App on iOS for iPhone owners.

See more on https://www.transportforireland.ie/available-apps/  or download the Android App HERE

Twitter rolls out “Twitter Lite” If you have shit data speeds its for you. #Twitter

Twitter has announced a new version called Twitter Lite which is basically as faster version on the web but you can also use it on your mobile phone and in effect it will save you on data charges too and loading quicker. It however has all the features you would expect to find n your typical native app you may have installed on your mobile phone today… It works fine having tried it out albeit is bit slower with touch.. Given we have substandard internet speeds and sporadic connection issues in most of the country here this might be a better alternative here for people to try out that use the micro blogging site..

 

 

Twitter says.. on its Blog 

 

Every day, millions of people around the world use Twitter to see what’s happening right now. However, there are several barriers to using Twitter, including slow mobile networks, expensive data plans, or lack of storage on mobile devices. While smartphone adoption grew to 3.8 billion connections by the end of 2016, 45% of mobile connections are still on slower 2G networks, according to GSMA.

 

https://twitter.com/Twitter/status/849866660882206721

 

Starting today, Twitter Lite is available globally by visiting mobile.twitter.com on your smartphone or tablet. You can find more information about Twitter Lite at lite.twitter.com.

 

13 Awesome Wi-Fi Facts You Probably Didn’t Know [Infographic] #WiFi

Chris Labbate owner of Wavedirect.net and their team has compiled an interesting infographic on the topic – “13 Awesome Wi-Fi Facts & Info Everyone Must Know’’ Check it out below..

Now who does not want to know about Wi-Fi.. Enjoy the information provided below which is quite useful and interesting..

 

UK mobile app users face heightened security risks, new nationwide survey reports. #RISKIQ #Apps 

Almost half do not scrutinise app details, 60 per cent rarely review permissions being requested before download..

With 3.8 million cyber-crime offences reported in the UK last year, new RiskIQ research reveals how consumers’ poor security awareness and demand for mobile apps is placing identities and devices at risk.

On more than one occasion, 12 per cent of people in the UK mistakenly installed an app in the belief that it originated from a trusted source later to find out this was not the case.

 

Poor security awareness, coupled with an insatiable demand for mobile apps, are placing UK consumers’ identities and devices at risk. A new nationwide survey commissioned by RiskIQ of 1,000 people across the country* reveals that almost half (45 per cent) do not scrutinise the app’s details while 60 per cent never or only occasionally review the privacy policy and permissions requested by the app before downloading. Such a fast and carefree approach to mobile apps is leaving UK consumers vulnerable to cyber criminals seeking to infect the mobile devices and steal information from unsuspecting victims.

 

 

With 3.8 million cyber-crime offences[2] reported in the UK last year, cyber criminals are capitalising on consumers’ poor security awareness. Despite the prevalence of malvertising as an attack vector, RiskIQ’s survey found that 45 per cent have clicked on an advertisement promoting a mobile app, movie or game. This is followed by over a third (37 per cent) who have clicked on a link in an email, website or social media feed to download an app, movie or game. Consumers’ propensity to click through without thoroughly inspecting details such as the developer, last version update and any reviews, increases their risk of downloading counterfeit or malicious apps. Alarmingly, on more than one occasion, one in ten (12 per cent) have mistakenly installed an app in the belief that it originated from a trusted source later to find out this was not the case.

 

Colin Verrall, VP EMEA, RiskIQ comments, “Unlike businesses that are becoming increasingly mobile security savvy, many consumers remain unaware and vulnerable. Given the volume of personal information being requested and shared through mobile applications, the need for better mobile security awareness has never been greater.”

 

Generational and gender differences in mobile app and security behaviours are also apparent:

 

Generational differences – Millennials more vulnerable

  • Millennials are guilty of clicking before thinking, 14 per cent have mistakenly installed an app they believed was from a trusted brand. In comparison, seniors (60+) have never or rarely done so
  • 13 per cent of millennials have jailbroken their phones, citing the freedom to download and install what they want as the biggest factor (73 per cent). Almost none of the seniors had done so, while 10 percent of Gen Xers and 3 per cent of baby boomers have
  • Over half of millennials (56 per cent) have clicked on an ad on their mobile promoting a mobile app, movie or game compared to 51 per cent of Gen Xers, 38 per cent of baby boomers and 25 per cent of seniors

Women at greater risk

  • A quarter of women (26 per cent) never read a mobile app’s data and privacy policy or review permissions requested compared to 17 per cent of men
  • Women are less likely to install additional security software on their mobile phones (39 per cent) compared to more than half of male respondents (53 per cent)
  • Women (28 per cent) are less likely to consider security features when buying a new phone versus 39 per cent of men

“The vastness of the app store ecosystem provides the perfect place for malicious actors to hide, luring consumers into believing their apps are official or their brand affiliation is legitimate. RiskIQ works with many major organisations to police their apps and brands across hundreds of different app stores but it’s no replacement for consumer vigilance. With the number of blacklisted apps** doubling between 2015 and 2016, it’s time for consumers to up their ‘security awareness’ game”, concludes Verrall.

 

* The Mobile Apps survey, conducted by Ginger Comms on behalf of RiskIQ in March 2017, sourced answers from 1,016 nationally representative UK adults aged 18 and above.

*RiskIQ research on mobile apps affiliated with top UK brands across 150 different app stores.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ResourceKraft to offer new #IoT energy monitoring solutions with VT & Sigfox

Through a partnership with VT, ResourceKraft is now offering Sigfox-enabled energy monitoring solutions and applications, which will give its Irish customers access to simple, low-cost options using this cutting-edge technology.

 

ResourceKraft is a global leader in easy-to-use and cost-effective energy management solutions for businesses, institutions and government agencies. VT operates Ireland’s nationwide Sigfox network, which is dedicated to connecting simple Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to the cloud. Together, VT and ResourceKraft will provide Sigfox technology to some of Ireland’s largest organisations.

 

ResourceKraft’s integration of Sigfox-enabled Adeunis sensors for temperature/humidity monitoring and pulse reading on electricity, water and gas meters will allow companies to monitor their energy usage without complicated installation or maintenance.  The sensors will use VT’s Sigfox network to send the data to the cloud. ResourceKraft’s Advisor 10 energy monitoring application will then process and analyse energy data from the Adeunis sensors and convert it into business information, enabling organizations to understand how and where energy is being consumed at any given time across all sites.

 

 

The Sigfox network is optimized for simple sensors and devices, providing low-cost, low-energy connectivity for IoT solutions. For example, Adeunis sensors operate on batteries, and can run autonomously for up to 10 years because it takes only a small amount of energy to send information with Sigfox. There are Sigfox networks in 31 countries, and devices can roam seamlessly between them.

 

“Sigfox connectivity has proven to be an excellent option in the field of energy monitoring,” said Mark Bannon, co-founder and CEO of VT. “It allows manufacturers to create affordable, autonomous monitoring solutions that can be easily retrofitted onto existing infrastructure, which lowers the barrier for companies to monitor and conserve their energy use. We’re happy to be working with ResourceKraft, which has a wide base of customers that could benefit from this new technology.”

 

“The exciting and unique properties that the Sigfox technology offers makes it a compelling proposition for our customers and we are delighted to partner with VT,” said Liam Relihan, founder and CEO/CTO at ResourceKraft.

 

ResourceKraft will be at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Energy Show on the 5th and 6th of April to showcase their cost-effective energy management solutions.  The show will be held at the RDS, Dublin 4.  Make sure to visit ResourceKraft at stands B1 & B2.  For more information about the show, visit http://www.seai.ie/EnergyShow/.

 

#Blink – The UK’s most affordable smart home security and alert system. #home #Tech 

Blink video security system now available in the UK via amazon.co.uk and we will have our review in the coming days on it…

 

Blink, the affordable, wire-free, home security and HD video monitoring system, announces that it is now available in the UK.

Blink is a battery-powered home security and HD video monitoring system that’s simple to set up and use, giving peace of mind to people who worry about the security of their property while away. Blink provides a watchful eye and one-click connection to the home through the free Blink Home Monitor app for iOS and Android devices.

 

 

As opposed to traditional security systems which add video as an afterthought and may have ugly wires which require professional installation, Blink offers quick and simple do-it-yourself installation, as well as a stylish, totally wireless, and innovative design including HD video technology with motion and temperature sensors.  When Blink detects motion, it immediately sends a push notification alert and HD quality video to the user’s smartphone so that they may instantly see who is at the door or wandering around their home. The system is entirely accessible via the Blink App, giving users the flexibility to arm/disarm, live stream video, and check status remotely, anytime and from anywhere.

 

 

 

Peter Besen, CEO of Blink comments: “We’re absolutely thrilled to bring Blink to the UK. We already have UK users who have bought the product from the USA. The beauty of Blink is that it is totally wireless and the battery life is now over two years.”

 

 

Blink has unprecedented image quality, battery life (two years on 2 x AA lithium batteries), aggressive price point (systems start at £129.99, far less expensive than competitive systems) and simplicity (do-it-yourself set up in minutes). Its motion-activated video alerts and live view options deliver instant peace of mind from any location directly through the Blink Home Monitor app, making it the perfect solution for homeowners, renters, small business owners, second home owners and many more.

Pricing 

1 cam £129.99

2 cam £199.99

3 cam £269.99

5 cam £399.99

Add on cam £99.99