The Zenfone 7 Pro has landed and by all means packs some mighty specks and also sports 5G however the flip camera is one thing people are interested in and a different take than your typical punch hole in display camera and is very James Bondish if you will. Under the hood though this device packs some power too which is important and sports a 5000 mAh battery with quick charge, a 6.67-inch all-screen 90 Hz / 1 ms AMOLED NanoEdge notchless display has a Delta-E < 1 colour accuracy, delivering ultra smooth visuals and stunning colour fidelity. The display also supports HDR10+ for true-to-life visuals. ZenFone 7 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus 5G Mobile Platform, providing users with premium performance and blazing-fast connection speeds via 5G connectivity.
The Flip Camera with a triple front and rear camera system, which includes a 64 MP Sony IMX686 wide-angle main camera, a Sony IMX363 ultrawide-angle camera, and a telephoto camera. Both the wide-angle and ultrawide-angle cameras support optical image stabilisation which provides optimal focusing and blur-free photos and videos. ZenFone 7 can record up to 8K video and include professional-level video-recording features such as HyperSteady, Wind Filter and Mic Focus.
Any questions hit us up whilst we test this beast out and stay tuned for more cool handsets and more REAL hands on tech reviews.
If you are working as a freelance graphic designer for corporate clients, you know the importance of having the right tools in your arsenal. Creating high-quality illustrations, logos, and other visual material requires graphic design apps and hardware that can meet the demands of complex projects. In a field where you can capitalize on your skills and build a stable career in the creative production industry, investing in reliable tools defines your capacity to compete and succeed.
In order to thrive as a professional graphic designer, here’s a list of the best tools you should be using.
Graphics Tablet
Whether you are creating a logo or coming up with a design for a poster, you will need a graphics tablet that helps you translate concepts into products that sell. When it comes to choosing a graphics tablet, go for something that is durable and responsive at a price you can afford. If you are looking for high-end products that allow for higher resolutions, consider getting an iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil or a Wacom Cintiq 22. Despite being expensive, these tools can do a very good job turning out high-quality work.
Mac or PC
Of course, as a graphics designer, you will need the right hardware that matches the demands of every project you take. Choose a desktop computer that can handle intensive processing. You might be thinking of getting an iMac Pro with its 8-core 3.2GHz Intel Zeon processor, but you can find more affordable (and equally powerful) tools in the PC sector. You only need to choose computers with high processing speeds, upgraded graphics cards, and with enough memory to boot.
Hard Drive
If you are working on long-term projects, you are bound to produce multiple versions of a single output before your clients decide which of these versions to use. For this, purchasing a hard drive makes all the difference when it comes to storing large files. You might want to consider using a solid state drive (SSD). It is faster than your standard hard disk drive (HDD), but it has a hefty price tag that aptly justifies the benefits. You might as well opt for an HDD that churns out a high transfer speed. At any rate, you will need to conduct routine maintenance and fix problems like a Photoshop scratch disk full issue that often gets on the nerves of creatives.
Monitor
When it comes to purchasing a monitor, you will need to be very meticulous when it comes to resolution, colour accuracy, and pricing. Then again, it’s best if you are willing to pay more for a monitor that has all the right features, like the LG Ultrafine 4K which works well for both PC and Mac users. The size and resolution should give you an extra boost during intensive design projects.
You already have the right skills, so you might as well pair them with the right tools. Investing in the best hardware can help give you the edge you need to thrive as a creative.
Just Eat has announced that it is recruiting 700 additional couriers as the country enters a period of Level 5 restrictions. The new couriers will support the anticipated growth in online ordering in the period ahead, enabling restaurant owners across the country to deliver their food to more people, in more areas. The demand for couriers of late is on another level with thousands of jobs with the festive season approaching and big logistics firms already looking for hundreds of staff.
The investment in couriers is one of a package of measures developed to support the distressed restaurant sector and to help bring more food to more people throughout the country. Just Eat has also announced that this growing fleet will service expanded delivery areas in some key urban locations where independent restaurants have been most impacted by the latest set of restrictions. In addition, all restaurants that sign up to the platform in the next 2 weeks will enjoy a period of waived commission for their first 30 days on the platform.
The investments announced today build on a series of supports worth €1 million delivered in immediate response to the health crisis over the summer months. The focus by Just Eat has been on helping the traditional, local independent restaurant that wouldn’t previously have offered a delivery service to get online. While not replacing their traditional business model and sit-in offering, it does allow them to stay connected to customers and maintains some proportion of revenue during the period of forced closure.
Focused on reducing costs for those most at risk within the sector, Just Eat continues to help its new and existing restaurant partner base to trade efficiently during these difficult times with real-time business intelligence data providing valuable insights on menu offerings, opening times and geographic range.
Commenting on the announcement Amanda Roche-Kelly, Just Eat Ireland Managing Director said; “2020 has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone, but few have been hit harder than our partners in the restaurant sector, with these latest restrictions bringing huge uncertainty and worry for so many local independent business owners right across Ireland. As the market leader in the food delivery sector, we are committed to supporting our partners in the sector through the crisis which is why we are launching this additional package of support measures.
“For those restaurants who haven’t previously offered a delivery option, or are new to the Just Eat platform, we’re delighted to be in a position to help them get online and remain trading while their sit-in or outdoor dining options remain closed. Through our investment in the recruitment of drivers we’re both expanding our delivery within those key urban areas most impacted, but also our capacity to service the growing demand from our customers – helping our restaurant partners to deliver their much loved food to more and more people during these hugely difficult times.”
Commenting specifically on the plan to recruit 700 couriers Ms Roche-Kelly said: “We are delighted to be in a position to build our courier network at a time when many people have had to temporarily or permanently leave their jobs. We anticipate increased demand during the lockdown period and want to ramp up in order to ensure that we capture all those orders on behalf of our restaurant partners. With the additional fleet we can service more restaurants in more areas – reaching more hungry consumers.
“Anyone who is keen to join the Just Eat courier network as an independent contractor is encouraged to apply at https://couriers.just-eat.ie/application. We look forward to hearing from them.”
Effective immediately, Just Eat has also committed to an extension of the 14-day Courier Relief Payment for those who may become ill or need to self-isolate as a result of the virus. Equivalent to two-thirds of a courier’s average weekly earnings from the past 6 weeks, this Courier Relief Payment can be claimed weekly in addition to the COVID-19 illness benefit made available by the government for workers unable to make a living as a result of the virus.
Just Eat’s highest priority throughout this crisis is to protect the couriers it works with, its customers and restaurant partners. To date, Just Eat Takeaway.com has spent more than €30 million in support for restaurants worldwide and approximately €6 million in support for healthcare workers. The company will continue to explore introducing further support measures in the future, ensuring that its delivery courier network remains open and fully operational.
Most companies will need to transport large sets of data at some point in their lifetimes. Whether you are upgrading your storage hardware or replacing a database, you will need to employ a reliable set of data migration tools to get the job done. But if you’re new to this sort of job, finding the right tools can be difficult. In our latest blog post, we’re offering a comprehensive guide to data migration as well as tips for finding the right tools for your organization.
We will review:
The basics of data migration
Different tools your company can use for data migration
Challenges and risks of data migration
Tips for successfully planning your data migration
Let’s get started!
What is Data Migration?
Data migration is a key focus for data storage professionals.
So, what is data migration exactly? The concept is actually quite simple. Data migration is the process of transferring data from one storage location to another. During this process, a company must prepare, extract, and even transform the data. Not to be confused with data replication, which occurs when someone copies data from one platform before sending it to another, data migration can be a long and tedious process.
Purpose of Data Migration Projects
There are a number of different reasons why a company needs to invest in a data migration project. They might be upgrading a server or launching a new application. If they acquired another company, they will need to transfer the data from the old company into their current one. Some other common types of data migrations include:
Performing storage migration for a technology refresh
Moving a database into cloud storage or some other platform
Transitioning data between different applications after switching software platforms
While transferring the data, the company wants to complete the process with no data loss. When possible, it will also want to minimise the amount of data that requires manipulation or recreation.
Data Migrations Tools Your Company Might Use
Self-scripted, on-premises, cloud-based, and more services can be used for data migration.
Data migration tools are not all built the same. There are a number of different data migration tools you can use to successfully complete your project. Smaller companies might prefer to use a self-scripted, “do-it-yourself” tool while larger ones might require extra assistance for developing a cloud-based program. The three main types of data migration tools include:
Self-scripted programs
On-premises tools
Cloud-based sources
Understanding the basics of these programs as well as the needs of your organisation can help you pick the right tools for your company. Make sure you weigh the key points of these programs against the key goals of the data migration project you’re organising. Another great tool you could use is Sharegate’s teams migration tool.
Self-scripted Programs
Self-scripted programs are best suited for small data migration projects. They are great for companies in need of a quick fix or who have a source-destination that isn’t supported by other tools. They also tend to be cheaper than the other programs listed.
However, you will need someone on your team with coding skills if you want to use a self-scripted program. Because your company’s need will be constantly changing, the increase in cost for using these self-scripted programs can seriously add up over time.
On-premises Tools
Certain compliance requirements prevent businesses from using cloud-based solutions for data migration. As a result, they turn to on-premises tools. On-premises programs are great for IT teams that can handle their management and upkeep.
Cloud-based Sources
If you have multiple destinations for your data, a cloud-based program might be the best fit for you. Cloud-based solutions are great for companies that need to scale up or down. If you are managing a geographically dispersed team, cloud-based programs are great for helping everyone stay in the loop.
Some people do have concerns over the security that cloud-based sources offer. As a result, you might need to take extra steps in ensuring the safety and security of your chosen program.
Challenges and Risks of Data Migration
Businesses rely on properly-run data management projects for the success of their overall operations.
Data migration does come with its own challenges and risks. You might be faced with data loss or compatibility issues that impede the process of your data migration. Poorly run projects can also cause your company to lose money in the long-run.
That’s why it’s crucial to select a tool that can handle the needs of your organization. Some companies try to save money by completing the process in-house. But if they don’t have enough time and resources to give their team to complete the migration, they are at risk of setting themselves up for failure. If necessary, you might need to recruit some outside help for planning the migration.
How to Build the Right Data Migration Strategy for Your Company
Make sure you find the right tools for your company.
When building a data migration strategy, you need to consider your company’s budget and unique needs. In general, you should include enough money in your budget to hire data migration consultants, this might mean you need financing through means likerevenue based loans. Planning out the strategy with these consultants can help set your organisation up for success. Make sure you consult with the end-users of this project as well. They might need help with understanding and managing the data.
If you’re planning a data migration project for your organisation, you need to find the right tools to help you pull it off. Some companies prefer to perform this process in-house, if for example they are preparing to move to an open banking system to help with finances. Others need extra assistance for such a large job. Whatever you decide, you need to review the basics of data migration. Familiarising yourself with them can help you find the right tools and expert assistance for your company.
As we go back into a complicated world of local lockdowns, households will find themselves increasingly relying on their digital devices for work and leisure. That’s why Dropbox has created a new plan specifically adapted for families, making it easy and safe to share content and manage passwords.
A recent study by Ofcom found that adults in the UK had become glued to their devices for more than 40 per cent of the waking day due to lockdown, highlighting the relevance of Dropbox’s family plan, which will enable six users to stay connected in one virtual family room, with 2,000 GB of space to share photos, videos, and even Google Docs.
Key features:
· The great digital declutter
o On the family plan, everyone has their own separate account for personal files, but everything can easily be shared with other family members
o You can also back up all of your Facebook photo libraries in a few clicks
· Dropbox Passwords
o Netflix, Amazon Spotify and Asos, on the family plan, all members can securely store their passwords with zero-knowledge encryption to ensure that all members and their devices are protected
· Dropbox Vault
o For your sensitive files, like bank statements or identity documents, Dropbox Vault provides an additional layer of security. You can also select one member of your family to access your vault in an emergency
· Computer backup
o Forget the worries of hard drive crashes or the hassle of manual data transfer, the computer backup feature automatically syncs documents on your devices into your Dropbox folder.
The service will cost £16.99 per month (£13.99 when you sign up to an annual subscription) and will offer something new and unique to families. Not everyone wants to jump on the social media gravy train and Dropbox has finally found a way to share and communicate digitally without the additional pressure or feeling of being on a digital stage.
Gamesir, a leading provider in innovative, high quality game peripherals are pleased to announce that the X2 Mobile Gaming Controller is now available.
The emergence of cloud gaming is changing the way we play mobile games. With smartphones getting bigger and more powerful to handle more complex games, the GameSir X2 will keep you ahead of the rising trend and enhance your cloud gaming experience.
Designed to provide a full array of controls and minimise lag to maximise your gaming, the GameSir X2 uses a wired connection. Using an innovative, movable Type-C plug which has an adjustable range of up to 51° allowing you to plug and unplug your mobile phone with ease to protect it from damage, the GameSir X2 virtually eliminates delay input allowing you to stay in control of any gaming situation at all times.
The GameSir X2 features a split design – on each side there is a single joysticks along with a set of 4 buttons. The control buttons come with a service life of up to 3 million pushes – you can be sure that your thumbs will get worn out before the GameSir X2 does! The simple design ensures that your phone is held securely thanks to the durable stretch design, and the well thought out features – such as the soft rubber grips and gap between the phone and X2 unit to ensure air circulation will make sure that you get the best gaming experience at all times.
The Ultra-low power consumption will ensure you are able to play for a long time. The GameSir X2 itself doesn’t contain a battery, and is powered through the Type-C port. You needn’t worry about the X2 draining too much power when in use though, the super low power consumption means it only consumes about 0.06% of the phone battery – you will barely notice it!
Have you ever been in a game when you wished you had got a record of a particularly good move? The added screenshot button will mean that you always have the chance to take a quick snapshot of your best gaming moments.
The X2 supports Microsoft xCloud, Google Stadia, Vortex and so on.
The GameSir X2 – bringing you a simply outstanding cloud gaming experience.
Available from Amazon.co.uk for £69.99 Watch out for our review soon..
Sony Europe today announced that customers can now access the Apple TV app on select Sony smart TVs to enjoy Apple TV+, Apple TV channels, new and popular movies, and personalised and curated recommendations. The Apple TV app will begin rolling out today in Europe on Sony’s XH90 series via a software update.
The Apple TV app brings together all the ways to watch shows and movies in one place. The app features Apple TV+, Apple’s new video subscription service offering original shows, movies and documentaries from the world’s most creative storytellers, including ‘The Morning Show,’ ‘See,’ ‘Defending Jacob,’ ‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘Greyhound,’ ‘The Banker,’ ‘Boys State’ and ‘Beastie Boys Story.’ Also on the Apple TV app, customers can subscribe to Apple TV channels and watch ad-free and on demand, directly on the Apple TV app. Through Family Sharing, up to six family members can share subscriptions to Apple TV channels using their personal Apple ID and password.
Sony’s smart TVs provide users with easy access to a range of content and services. With Sony’s best-in-class family of X1 processors, TRILUMINO Display and immersive sound features, customers can experience content just as the creator intended with the Apple TV app. Sony’s smart TV users can browse the Apple TV app to buy or rent more than 100,000 movies and TV shows, including titles available in 4K HDR and with Dolby Atmos, as well as enjoy personalised and curated recommendations and access their library of movie and TV show purchases from Apple. Select Sony TVs also support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. With AirPlay 2, customers can effortlessly play videos and other content from their iPhone, iPad or Mac directly to their smart TV. HomeKit allows customers to easily and securely control Sony’s smart TVs using the Home app or by asking Siri on their Apple devices.
Customers can subscribe to Apple TV+ on the Apple TV app on Sony’s smart TVs, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, Mac and other platforms, including at tv.apple.com, for €4.99/£4.99 per month. For a limited time, customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch or Mac can enjoy one year of Apple TV+ for free.
The Apple TV app will launch on Sony’s select 2018 TV models and most 2019 and 2020 models by the end of the year.
Ireland’s largest recycling scheme has called on consumers to boost the lifespan of unwanted electronics by repairing them or passing them on to others.
The call to recognise the potential left in electronic products comes from WEEE Ireland as International E-Waste Day reveals that the raw material value of global e-waste in 2019 was worth approximately €50.8bn, the equivalent value of 2.9 million electric cars.
Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world. It is estimated that a new high of 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste were generated across the planet in 2019.
E-waste is projected to reach an incredible 75 million tonnes by 2030, which is 9 kg for every person in the world. Every house has an average of 72 electrical products, 11 of which are broken or not being used anymore.
International E-Waste Day is organised by the WEEE Forum, an international association speaking for 40 not-for-profit e-waste producer compliance schemes, including WEEE Ireland whose annual conference ‘Financing the Future, the WEEE Circular Economy’ will also take place virtually today to coincide with International E-Waste Day.
“It is, essentially, about loving our electronic items for longer,” said Leo Donovan, Chief Executive of WEEE Ireland.
“Before putting an electronic item to recycling we would ask people to consider if it can be repaired or if someone else might find a use for it. Research shows that 81% of all requests for product repair results in successful fixes, extending the product life.
“We are making the request in support of a transition towards a zero carbon more circular economy, which aims to keep our resources in circulation for longer, reducing waste and easing demand for new raw materials used to manufacture new electronic goods.
“If we really want to progress to a circular economy in Ireland, we need to look further up the waste hierarchy and that may mean including more criteria such as durability and repairability in the information provided to customers.
“Through a variety of methods we should look at keeping suitable products in use for as long as possible, either by the original user, flowing to new owners or utilising repair services.”
WEEE Ireland was the second-best performing recycling scheme in Europe in 2019, with 38,594 tonnes of waste electrical items and the equivalent of over 44 million used AA portable batteries collected.
A new national record of 10.89kg of e-waste was recycled per head of population last year by WEEE Ireland, on behalf of over 1,114 members and partners – a rise of 6.2% on 2018.
Alongside International E-waste Day, International Repair Day takes place this Saturday, October 17 to encourage people to reduce the amount of goods discarded of every year and use authorised repair engineers for quality and safe repair of home electrical equipment.
By visiting RepairMyStuff.ie consumers can access an online directory of repair professionals nationwide.
As well as discussing initiatives to encourage consumers to prolong the use of their electronics today’s WEEE Ireland conference highlights the future requirement for eco-modulation.
This is a possible future economic instrument to put the circular economy in practice by providing a financial incentive to companies to redesign products to reduce their environmental impacts.
Today QDOS, a brand leader for its ground-breaking glass screen protection and iPhone, Smartphone protection, is introducing a range of premium accessories across their main product categories QDOS I PRO:TECT and QDOS I OptiGuard™ for the new Apple iPhone 12 series.
Including brand new collections of cases and screen protection, the line-up is available to pre-order now from www.qdossound.com and will go on general sale on 16th October. The entire range has been designed to perfectly fit the new iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Sleek, slim and easy to grip, the crystal-clear QDOS I HYBRID case perfectly showcases the design of the iPhone 12 while providing everyday protection. The HYBRID is made from a unique blend of highly protective materials and features air-cushioned TPU corners that can keep the iPhone safe from a drop of up to 4ft. With flexible sides (available in clear, navy or space grey) and a solid, scratch-resistant and transparent polycarbonate back, the HYBRID case is easy to get on and off. To ensure the case stays looking pristine, the HYBRID has been treated with an optimised coating to prevent discolouration.
Designed to stand out, the stylish semi-transparent QDOS I HYBRID NEON case provides a fluorescent green, blue or pink tint to the iPhone 12 while keeping it protected. Built by dual injection with advanced shock-absorbent polymers, this case has a robust design providing up to 3m of military grade drop protection. Solid and seamless with flexible buttons, the HYBRID NEON case is comfortable and easy to grip. Combining fashion and functionality, it has raised bevel edges to protect the iPhone screen when placed face down, as well as precision cut-outs for full access to all ports and lenses.
Soft to the touch, the QDOS I TOUCH case for iPhone 12 is made with real liquid silicone for a silky-smooth finish that is easy to grip. Combining a shock-absorbent polycarbonate inner shell with a high-quality wipe-clean finish, the TOUCH provides everyday protection from knocks and bumps and is resistant to dust, dirt, spills and marks. The interior has been lined with soft microfibre which encases the iPhone 12 perfectly. TOUCH has also been designed with precision cut-outs, offering easy access to ports and buttons.
QDOS I OptiGuard™
SRP from £19.99
QDOS’ new generation of OptiGuard™ screen protectors, now available for the iPhone 12 series, are as tough as they come. Made from premium Japanese tempered glass with a hardness rating of 9H, they offer protection against impacts, scratches and shock, without affecting the sharpness, clarity or touch sensitivity of the screen. Antimicrobial protection kills 99.99% of bacteria on the surface of the phone while an oleophobic coating repels fingerprints and oily residue. Each screen protector comes with an original bespoke application tool that helps to remove bubbles for the perfect installation. The OptiGuard™ range, which also offers a limited lifetime warranty, includes:
QDOS I OptiGuard™ Glass Protect: Ultra-thin 0.3mm glass screen protection with a 9H hardness rating and ultra-clarity. Offering hassle-free installation with an easy applicator tool, the OptiGuard Glass offers perfect touch sensitivity for the iPhone 12. Available for:iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12/12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
QDOS I OptiGuard™ Glass Curve Clear: Curved and designed to fit around the display of the iPhone 12, the OptiGuard Curve offers maximum edge-to-edge protection against impact and scratches. Available for:iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12/12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
QDOS I OptiGuard™ Glass Curve Privacy: Shielding data from shoulder-surfers in public, the OptiGuard Glass Privacy incorporates a 180-degree privacy filter. This restricts the angle of view to the user directly facing the screen. Available for:iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12/12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
