Judopay, a leading mobile payments provider, today announces that it’s partnering withMastercard on its SCA compliant (Secure Customer Authentication, which requires two-factor authentication to ensure it is in line with Europe’s new regulations), Click to Pay solution.
Click to Pay offers consumers and merchants a more convenient and secure guest checkout experience supported by intelligent recognition. It makes it easier and safer for consumers to check out online without having to manually enter their card details every time or store them with multiple merchants.
In a post-pandemic environment, which has accelerated consumers’ use of contactless and mobile payments, this collaboration demonstrates Judopay and Mastercard’s commitment to improving the eCommerce experience, providing rich native components for customers to use within their mobile apps. Along with offering enhanced security, merchants across the Food & Beverage, Mobility and other sectors will also benefit from no additional transaction fees, as well as no additional onboarding or integration.
This solution adds an enhanced way for consumers to pay online via apps, with their mobile devices, and provides a seamless journey for guest checkouts, they can pay with ease on a website or app even if they have never visited it before by accessing their Click to Pay account. Card details are protected through tokensation, which allows payments to be completed without the merchant having to access the consumers personal information.
Using Mastercard Click to Pay, consumers do not have to enter in their card details, name, email address or billing details to complete a purchase, and instead use the details that are already stored in their Click to Pay to pay account. Furthermore, being SCA compliant, Mastercard offers enhanced security, using tokenisation, which reduces merchant risk and overall exposure to fraud.
Judopay’s CEO, Jeremy Nicholds, commented:“With people getting fully accustomed to using their mobile devices to pay when out and about, for both hygienic benefits and convenience, partnering with Mastercard to enable a Click to Pay solution makes sense as a next step in our relationship. It will be a key strategic partnership as we grow our business across a range of different markets and head into an increasingly digital future”
He added: “Having previously worked with Mastercard to provide their Pay by Bank App solution to our customers last year, using our strong relationship, we will work together in helping businesses to continually adapt to a touch-free economy.”
Scott Abrahams, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Mastercard UK & Ireland commented: “The new digital age spawns a fresh set of players who are keen to co-create and innovate on our network. Therefore, providing a single point of entry to technology, products and partnerships, as well as flexibility, is the company’s priority.
“Mastercard has been actively expanding its platform capabilities through the Mastercard Developers portfolio, adding a multitude of differentiated services to power new ways to pay, enhance the customer experience and infuse trust across the payments ecosystem.”
To learn more about the Judopay, please visit:judopay.com
Today, Jabra announces its latest addition to the new Elite series, with the Jabra Elite 4 Active. Bringing the Elite Active range to a broader audience, the Jabra Elite 4 Active allows for a new year, new you attitude, particularly suiting for those who love an active lifestyle, including popular workouts like yoga, boxing or running.
This latest product in Jabra’s true wireless range allows for heavy usage with an IP57-rated water and sweat proof durability. Their athleisure design also guarantees a unique, secure fit, designed to stay in while you work out. At £119.00 the earbuds offer a price conscious option for those, who are looking for a true wireless solution that does not only support their active lifestyle, but offers great call quality to connect with friends and colleagues. Whilst providing a long battery life of up to 7 hours play-time (up to 28 with the charging case), the Elite 4 Active also boasts fast charge capabilities.
Also unique for a product in this price category, is the Alexa Built-in or Spotify Tap playback experience and Google Fast Pair. The latter provides the experience of instant pairing when switching on. This creates a seamless connecting experience to Android devices. The Spotify Tap playback allows for faster access to music. Both features make it easier than ever before to make the most out of your Jabra earbuds.
To ensure maximum focus for the wearer, the Elite 4 Active blocks out noise at the gym with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). In addition to this, the immersive workout music experience is further enhanced via the customisable equaliser. These earbuds also include HearThrough for added awareness. Perfect for urban runs, so individuals can remain safe with an awareness of their surroundings when running.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers great calls with 4-microphone technology, protected by a special mesh covering for added wind noise protection, so you can be heard loud and clear on calls. Adding to a comfortable fit outside of sports, with a wing-free, ergonomic design. Jabra also provides something for everyone, as these earbuds come in colour themes consistent with the existing Elite Active range; navy, black and light mint.
Calum MacDougall, SVP at Jabra said, “We all understand the importance of keeping fit and healthy, but working at your own pace is essential. The new Jabra Elite 4 Active offers a relatable alternative for those who love an active lifestyle but are not looking for the intensity of its more aspirational sister in this range, the Jabra Elite 7 Active. Again, Jabra steps up to offer something that’s just right for everyone’s own personal journey.”
Elite 4 Active Key features:
Secure active fit with ergonomic, wing-free design
IP57-rated water and sweat proof durability
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
6mm speakers and customisable equaliser
HearThrough technology for added awareness
4-microphone call technology
Up to 7-hours playtime (up to 28 hours withcharging case)
Use either earbud with mono mode
Alexa Built-in or Spotify Tap playback, and Google Fast Pair*
The Elite 4 Active will be available from today at selected retailers for MSRP £119.00
Acer today unveiled three new Chromebooks designed for consumers needing a secure, easy-to-use, and affordable device for productivity, entertainment and communication. These new Chromebooks come in three sizes and form factors, and are furnished with everything consumers need, plus exceptional audio and video technology for entertainment and video conferencing.
“This new trio of Acer Chromebooks offers the best of several worlds; they deliver solid performance capabilities, have great extra features, and give users the latest technology while staying within budget,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business, Acer Inc. “Today’s users need a reliable, easy-to-use means to stay productive, connected and entertained when they’re at home—these three new Acer Chromebooks fit that bill.”
With a svelte design and a durable aluminum case, the new Acer Chromebook Spin 513 (CP513-2H) is the ideal Chromebook to take on-the-go for school, passion projects, work, and more. Powered by the new super-fast MediaTek Kompanio 1380 processor with eight cores for enhanced multitasking, it lets users stay productive all-day with exceptional performance and up to 10 hours of battery life. A productivity-boosting VertiView 13.5-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio gives users 18% more vertical screen space so they can see more content before needing to scroll. Furthermore, the gorgeous display’s 2256×1504 resolution panel and 7.7 mm (0.3 in) narrow side bezels serve to highlight these visuals.
The new Acer Chromebook Spin 513’s convertible design makes it a great choice for people who take their device with them when they travel. It can transform between four different usage modes, such as tent mode for making the most of space-constrained spaces like trains or airplanes and tablet mode for use on-the-go, and features military-grade MIL-STD 810H durability. When out and about, Wi-Fi 6 helps maintain reliable connections to networks and hot spots. In addition, the Chromebook has a backlit-keyboard for low-light areas and a USB Type-C port for connecting to peripherals, transferring data and charging mobile devices.
DTS® Audio and a pair of upward-facing speakers deliver high-quality and distortion-free sound, whether it’s on a video call for work or school, or while enjoying streamed entertainment. A pair of upward facing microphones completes the package, giving users everything they need for crystal-clear conference calls.
Acer Chromebook 315 — Large 15.6-inch Anti-Glare Display and OceanGlass Touchpad
Acer builds on its position as the industry leader in large-screen Chromebooks with the Acer Chromebook 315 (CB315-4H/T), bringing an affordable option to users seeking a device for smooth and effortless multitasking. This portable device keeps users connected, engaged and entertained from different areas of their home—or even while outdoors. The Acer Chromebook 315’s huge FHD IPS 15.6-inch display is anti-glare, so it can be enjoyed on the patio, balcony or garden as well as throughout the home and office. Plus, an optional touch-screen display allows for easy navigation, while the large keyboard has room for a dedicated numeric keypad, a bonus when working on home finances and schoolwork.
Complementing the display’s extra real-estate, the Acer Chromebook 315 includes technology for clear and reliable video conferences. Hybrid workers and students will be seen and heard thanks to a wide field-of-view HDR webcam with flare-reducing technology and a pair of integrated microphones. DTS Audio delivers rich sound with deeper bass, ideal for video calls as well as enjoying games or streamed content, while the latest Intel® processors and Wi-Fi 6 provide reliable performance and connectivity. On top of 10 hours of battery life[1], users will also appreciate two USB Gen 2 Type-C ports, one on each side, and the ability to easily transfer videos and photos thanks to a MicroSD card reader.
The Acer Chromebook 315 features a unique eco-friendly OceanGlass™ touchpad which is made entirely out of ocean-bound plastic waste that has been recycled into a glass-like texture, giving it sleek and responsive tactile feedback, contributing to the reduction of plastics adrift in the ocean.
Acer Chromebook 314 — Budget-friendly and Portable with an OceanGlass Touchpad
Designed for students and families with school-age children, the Acer Chromebook 314 (CB314-3H/T) is powered by the latest Intel® processors for solid everyday performance and features MIL-STD 810H durability[2,3]. Users can expect up to 10-hours of battery life[1], plenty long enough to make it through the entire school-day, while Intel® Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) provides connectivity speeds up to 3x faster than Wi-Fi 5.
The Acer Chromebook’s 14-inch FHD IPS touchscreen display features an anti-glare coating so it can be used even in brighter lighting conditions, while its narrow 8.1 mm (0.32 in) side bezels further keep the focus on the visuals and contribute to the Chromebook’s compact size. Users can navigate Chrome OS via the optional multi-touch display, or by using the OceanGlass™ touchpad that delivers a sleek touch experience and contributes to the reduction of ocean-bound plastic waste.
The Acer Chromebook 314 provides an excellent remote-learning experience with two built-in microphones and a flare-reducing webcam with temporal noise reduction (TNR) technology for better video quality in low-light conditions. DTS Audio delivers full, high-quality, distortion-free sound. A pair of USB Type-C ports completes the packaging, offering users a convenient means to connect to a wide variety of peripherals.
Chrome OS and App Support
The new Acer Chromebooks utilize Chrome OS to deliver fast boot times, ease of use, security, and longer battery life. They support web-based apps and apps on Google Play, so users will have access to all the apps they need for productivity, school, creativity and more.
Pricing and Availability
The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 (CP513-2H) will be available in North America in June 2022 starting at USD 599.99; and in EMEA in April 2022 starting at EUR 649.
UK June – from £599
The Acer Chromebook 315 (CB315-4H/T) will be available in North America in January 2022 starting at USD 299.99; and in EMEA in late Q1 2022 starting at EUR 399.
UK June – from £299
The Acer Chromebook 314 (CB314-3H/T) will be available in North America in June 2022 starting at USD 299.99; and in EMEA in April 2022 starting at EUR 369.
Redison, the French connected music start-up, is introducing two new products at CES 2022. Following the success of Senstroke, the connected sensors for drummers, Redison now adds the WeGroove app and Senspad wireless, smart digital drum set to its range, making drumming accessible to anyone.
WeGroove:
The WeGroove app turns any smartphone into a drum teacher. Ideal for those starting out in drumming, those looking to improve their existing technique or anyone who just wants to have fun, WeGroove allows users to drum along to their favourite track. Users can choose from hundreds of songs from well-known artists including ACDC, Queen, Led Zeppelin and more. Users can play the drums on WeGroove either with their fingertips or by connecting to an electronic drum kit.
The interactive drumming lessons within the WeGroove app have been designed to aid better and faster progression for those learning the drums. What’s more WeGroove can help users form a band with their buddies by allowing them to play alongside their friends online too.
WeGroove App
The WeGroove app will also release a host of exciting features in Spring 2022 including:
Online challenges with other app users
Tracking playing stats and improving them over time
Learning to play the drums over hundreds of famous songs with features including loop mode, metronome and tempo change
Learning with a Redison coach via interactive lessons through videos and connected devices.
Jerome Dron, Founder of Redison said: “It’s so much easier to learn an instrument when you can do it with songs you already know and love. Not only is it more engaging, it makes it more fun. Being able to play alongside your friends despite your location is a feature we know users will love too. The WeGroove app is the first step in our plan to develop the learning side of our company. Our aim is to make learning the drums as easy as gaming.”
The WeGroove app is available to download for free on the App Store and Google Play.
Senspad:
Senspad
The next generation of electronic drums, Senspad is an ultra-portable wireless and connected drum kit that makes drumming more accessible than ever before. The first ever multizone drumming pad, Senspad is wireless, smart and scalable.
A modular solution which can be set up in less than two minutes, Senspad has different configurable zones so that users can customise it to sound like their favourite drum kit. Integrated LEDs guide the drummer to play in time to the rhythm as well as complete exercises that aid better technique, helping users work on their dexterity, coordination and precision
Senspad connects to smart devices so that users can have all the features of a high quality digital drum set on their phone or tablet. Waking up the neighbours at midnight while jamming is a thing of the past as the Senspad plays the drumming noise through headphones and the sound on the pads is minimal. This allows users to practice and follow along as well as save and share their session so they can track their progress.
Jerome Dron said: “Despite its huge popularity drumming has always struggled to become more mainstream for learners due to the size and noise of the drums. That’s why we created Senspad to allow musicians the chance to drum anywhere and at any time. Not only can people now have more opportunities to practice, they can also use our technology to improve their technique.”
Senspad is available for pre order for €200, £170 and $220USD; With delivery expected April 2022.
Tech-Break, an award-winning new invention that helps families reclaim quality social time by temporarily removing digital distractions, will launch in the USA at CES 2022.
Tech-Break is a physical solution to the disconnect in American families that’s caused by excessive screen time — family members lock away their gadgets inside Tech-Break, set the timer for their desired length of time, and enjoy spending quality time together with no digital distractions.
According to the New York Times, children’s screen time in the US doubled during the pandemic, with apps like YouTube, Roblox and TikTok proving hugely popular. A survey of over 3,000 parents in the US, conducted by Parents Together in early 2020, revealed 85% were concerned with their children’s usage of apps, games, and social media platforms.
Dad of three and British tech entrepreneur, Bill Stirling, imagined the concept for Tech-Break in 2019 when trying to encourage his family to enjoy screen-free time together. His children resisted with tantrums while Bill and his wife struggled to switch off from checking emails and social media. This led him to create a solution to help families like his own enjoy the benefits of technology while maintaining a healthy balance of screen-free time.
TechBreak
“As a tech entrepreneur, I firmly believe technology enhances our everyday lives,” said Mr. Stirling, “however, we only have to look inside our own homes to see the need for balance. Children in particular need to have time away from screens and it’s on parents to set an example of what healthy screen usage looks like. I know this is easier said than done however, as we have an ‘always on’ culture and children rightly question why they should turn their devices off when parents are still scrolling. As a dad and person in the tech industry, I felt responsible to create a solution that helps children in particular, enjoy technology in a healthy way.”
The concept has received praise from a leading British child psychologist, Dr. Amanda Gummer, as an effective method of implementing screen breaks and teaching younger children the importance of time spent offline.
“When children do something physical, like putting a device away in a particular place, it can help process and reinforce the routine,” said Dr. Gummer, “children thrive on routines as it gives them confidence and helps embed healthy habits.”
Our Family Reviews tested Tech-Break and found it helped their children enjoy other screen-free activities
Tiffany Shlain, Emmy-nominated American filmmaker and best-selling author of 24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week believes Tech-Break could make a real difference to American families who want to go tech-free for a whole day each week.
“My book offers in-depth advice on how to prepare for your tech-free day and make the most of your time off screen with meaningful and fun outdoor and indoor activities. It will become your family’s favourite day of the week,” says Tiffany, “I love how Tech Break keeps the devices out of sight, out of mind for an hour, bedtime, or what I suggest in my book, a full day each week.”
Tech-Break has also partnered with National Day of Unplugging, an awareness campaign that promotes a 24-hour respite from technology annually observed the first weekend in March. Details for the event will be announced soon.
“One of the most effective ways to reverse the negative impact of tech burnout is to spend time connecting to something bigger than ourselves,” says Kim Cavallo Executive Director of
Unplug Collaborative, home to National Day of Unplugging, “our nonprofit organization suggests activities like scavenger hunts, spending time in nature, crafting, volunteering and other tech-free experiences that will take the focus away from screen time and make human connection the priority. Putting devices in a sleek, safe space, like Tech-Break, increases the odds that mobile technology will stay out of sight while we fill our time with meaning.”
Tech-Break has just received two Gold awards in the entertainment and entertainment accessory categories at the Mum’s Choice Awards by UK Mums TV.
Tech-Break will be exhibiting at booth 15691 at CES 2022, where product demos and accompanying materials will be available.
Tech-Break can be purchased online via Tech-Break.com and Amazon and is shipped in 100% plastic-free packaging.
Pocketalk today announces its plans to become a global communication platform following the success of its digital language translation device. To date Pocketalk has focused on innovation to break down communication barriers through hardware and software services, but the company now has its sights set on bringing simple, quick and effective language translation to all through its new cloud-based solutions – the Pocketalk App and Pocketalk Subtitles.
Since Pocketalk launched in 2017, the company has been a leader in the handheld translator market and now holds 98% market share with its Pocketalk Classic and Pocketalk S devices. Pocketalk Plus, the largest device in the lineup, which was developed in response to the pandemic, is also set to launch in Europe in January 2022. This device will provide a solution for healthcare workers, educators, emergency services and other professionals in need of translation.
Pocketalk has connected people of all backgrounds through language translation and the engine has been honed by over half a billion translations achieving an unparalleled level of speed and accuracy. To date the company has sold nearly one million Pocketalk handheld devices.
Pocketalk App
Pocketalk will today expand from exclusively a hardware device into a cloud-based solution software as its aims to connect all humans through conversation, quickly and easily. The Pocketalk app, which will be available on Android or iOS devices, is the perfect companion for the existing Pocketalk hardware. Users can now instantly translate up to 82 languages using the app. With an easy install on your mobile device, the app hosts a number of features including voice input which translates as text and audio, reverse translation, pronunciation practice, translation history and camera translations, all at the user’s fingertips. The Pocketalk App will be available in Spring 2022 priced at $2.99 per month.
Pocketalk subtitles
Virtual meetings became a way of life in 2021. Ideal settings for single language discussion but a platform that fell short on the needs of the global business environment and multilingual world. Pocketalk Subtitles meets this challenge head on with the fastest way to generate subtitles, most importantly, conversationally accurate ones, currently available on any meeting platform. Pocketalk Subtitles is ideal for business, education, or personal communication in 82 languages. Pocketalk subtitles will be available in April 2022 priced at $9.99 per month. Open beta will be available in February 2022 on both Mac & Windows. This is going to be downloadable as a free trial period.
Nori Matsuda, Pocketalk’s CEO, said: “Our mission is now an international one: to remove language barriers and connect all humans through conversations — the ones happening in all sorts of environments: medicine, education, logistics, personal. We’re now speaking in one “common” language — a necessity in a world where, as the past two years have shown us, we share one common biology. We believe that everyone should be able to communicate easily across every corner of the globe which is why we have created these new products to cater to everyone’s needs.”
To meet global standards, all translation and services are GDPR compliant. This provides both consumers and businesses the confidence to know their translation data is managed with the utmost care and consideration.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company rolling out the new high-speed fibre broadband network under the Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) has today announced that it is currently delivering high speed broadband infrastructure to six islands off the coast of Donegal and Mayo.
The islands are Eadarinis / Inishcoo, Eighter Island, Rutland Island and Inishfree Island off the coast of Donegal, as well as Inishlyre and Collanmore Island off the coast of Mayo.
NBI has already completed the engineering survey and design phase of the project on these islands, with four of them (Collanmore, Eighter, Eadarinins / Inishcoo and Rutland) currently under construction meaning that service activation is currently scheduled for Q1 2022.
The quality and broadband speeds available on the islands will be at the same level as homes connected through the NBP on the mainland. As of today, the NBI network is offering users a high-speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 500Mbps from the outset and with the option to avail of a 1Gbps service.
Peter Hendrick, CEO of National Broadband Ireland said, “A fundamental objective of the NBP is to radically transform the country’s broadband landscape through the delivery of quality, affordable, high-speed broadband to all parts of Ireland that have been left behind by commercial operators; and this includes the islands.
In our view, building this world class infrastructure now ensures that all people and businesses on the islands will have access to a broadband network capable of supporting the communications, information, education and entertainment requirements of current and future generations.
NBI has always believed that better broadband networks promote social progress, equality and sustainability and we believe that the island communities will be empowered to achieve more through this initiative; and given the unique geographical challenges, the economic and social benefit to be accrued from the project have the potential to be disproportionally positive.”
Rhoda Twombly, Secretary of Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann commented, “Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann / The Federation of Irish Islands is pleased to see the start of NBI’s fibre to the home roll out on the islands. We are looking forward to the delivery on all islands. High speed reliable broadband will enable islands to attract new residents, as well as retaining islanders who want to work remotely.”
NBI is encouraging people to keep-up-to-date with Eircode specific updates at https://nbi.ie/eoi/ and is inviting residents on Collanmore, Eighter, Eadarinins / Inishcoo and Rutland to order service from their chosen Retail Service Provider.
National Broadband Ireland is actively working across the country to design and build the new high-speed, Fibre-to-the-Home network, which will connect over 1.1 million people and over 554,000 premises in the project’s Intervention Area.
In advance of the Fibre-to-the-Home roll out, the NBP provides for the delivery of Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) nationwide. 430 BCPs have been installed to date, with 333 of these sites are now ‘live’. These facilities – which include sports clubs, community centres and tourist sites – are providing free public access to high-speed internet in the rollout area. Indeed, a number of BCPs are already connected on other islands – Comharchumann Thoraí Teo (Tory Island) and Clare Island Community Centre.
Other live Donegal BCP’s include Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair, Fort Dunree / Dún Fhraoigh and the Ray Community Centre / Ionad Pobail na Ráithe; while Keel Community Centre, CLG Béal An Mhuirthead and Belderrig Community Centre are amongst the live BCPs in County Mayo.
The future is here and it’s better than we ever could have imagined. Scientists and inventors all over the world are coming up with new technologies that make our lives significantly easier. 3D printing, virtual reality, and even smart home appliances connect us to the world in ways we never thought possible. All of these amazing innovations will change how people design products and create their futures. Let’s explore some of these tech solutions that will completely change the future of product design.
1) Prioritising User Experience
The future of product design is all about creating a user-friendly experience. Designers and engineers are beginning to see the importance of prioritizing UX (user experience) in all of their products, which is why there is so much pressure when it comes to designing experiences that satisfy users. For example, FitBit is known for its wearable fitness trackers that sync to your phone or computer to keep track of your daily fitness goals. The Fitbit app is known for being user-friendly and easy to use, making the entire experience more enjoyable for customers. It’s important to see how future technologies can be used in smart ways to help improve the user experience for people using your product.
2) Using Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is known for being a great way to escape into another world. The possibilities are endless when it comes to virtual reality and the applications are endless as well. From enhancing player experiences to creating a realistic prototype, VR can benefit many different industries. That’s why companies like Google and Facebook are creating virtual reality headsets of their own. It’s easy to see how this technology will be beneficial for everyone from engineers to educators.
3) 3D Printing is Revolutionary
In the future, everyone is going to have a 3D printer in their home. These printers are a great way to print 3D objects in a variety of different materials. A good example is the Orbit 3D printer that prints using filaments. Not only are 3D printers useful for producing objects, but they also have many educational applications in schools. Creating a prototype with a 3D printer is much easier than having to go to a manufacturer and purchase one (plus it’s cheaper). 3D printers will dramatically change the future of product design.
4) Connecting Everything to the Internet
The future of product design will incorporate products that are interconnected and able to connect with the internet. Whether it’s appliances in your house or a wearable device, these are all examples of how everything will be connected to the internet. That means there will be a bigger focus on security in the future of product design. Hackers will have access to many more products and engineers need to think about how they can make their devices more secure.
5) The Future is in Augmented Reality
Another future tech that will completely change the way products are designed is augmented reality. Augmented reality takes the physical world and enhances it with computer-generated elements to create a realistic virtual environment. If this sounds confusing, just think about Pokemon Go. The whole point of the game is to use augmented reality to capture digital creatures that are placed within the real world. Augmented reality will be used in many different industries including education, manufacturing, and construction.
6) Automation is the Key to Productivity
Getting products manufactured in a timely manner is an ongoing struggle for many companies. It’s common for there to be downtime during the manufacturing process, but automation will be the future of product design. Companies like Toyota are looking at how they can use automation in their factories to improve productivity and reduce costs. This is commonly known as “lean manufacturing.” Automation will also help reduce the number of injuries workers are exposed to.
The future of product design will continue to evolve and change as new technologies and innovations are introduced. The six tech solutions we’ve discussed in this article can be used today to improve the user experience with your company’s products or services, but there are many more possibilities on the horizon for how these principles could shape our world tomorrow.
If you’re an engineer, designer, entrepreneur, educator – whoever you are – it may seem overwhelming at times when considering all of the possibilities out there. But no matter what industry you work in or where technology is headed next, one thing remains true: the design will always be a key component that helps people interact with their surroundings better through interacting with the physical environment (i.e., augmented reality) by overlaying digital information
Hair and beauty salons have had a lot to deal with since early 2020 and innovation has very much been the name of the game. A significant number of salon owners such as Notorious Barbers Galway have turned to technology – particularly apps to help them to streamline their businesses, manage their staff and colour inside the lines when it comes to COVID-19 guidelines. During this time, booking apps have been extremely popular but, with increased technology comes an increase in cybercrime.
It’s a steal
In 2020, businesses across the world scrambled to get their hands on technology which would help them to ride the storm of the pandemic and come through on the other side. Unfortunately, this created a playground for cybercriminals – so much so that, last year, six in ten companies reported that they had fallen victim to some kind of cyber attack. Needless to say, this proved devastating for businesses which were already under the cosh and, sadly, many were simply unable to survive.
These attacks were particularly prevalent within the hair and beauty industry – a sector which has been fairly slow to get on board with technological advancements. From identity theft to ransomware attacks, a huge number of salons struggled to manage their new tech while optimising security – something which was a worry with scheduling software which deals with a large amount of customer data.
Safe and secure
A common complaint from salon owners and managers is that they don’t have the technical know-how when it comes to cybersecurity. While nobody’s expecting salon owners to become tech experts overnight, there are a few things which can really help to cut down on cyber attacks and keep customer and salon data safe:
A code of conduct – Something as simple as password protecting all devices and systems and making sure that you change the passwords regularly can really help with your security. Make sure that all employees understand the importance of keeping these passwords safe.
Wrapping the wifi – In 2021, salons are very much expected to offer free wifi to their customers – in fact, some customers will actively avoid salons who don’t. When offering this service, be sure to secure it properly. Ill-protected wifi can be the weakest link when it comes to security. If in doubt, it’s always a good idea to consult an expert on this to stop the baddies tapping into your system.
Beating the baddies with Booksy
Because of these issues, savvy salon owners chose to hitch their wagon to Booksy’s super-secure suite of tools. Primarily an appointment scheduling app, Booksy also has lots of great features to make running a salon a breeze. Features include a scheduling app which allows customers to book and manage their appointments from their phones, payment and prepayment options which significantly reduce salon no-shows, upselling tools and, marketing tools including email outreach. There’s also the excellent customer service—according to data from 1800liveperson, Booksy is one of the least visited pages on their site.
The sentiment says it all, too. As claimed by Brand24’s sentiment analysis of almost 1,500 mentions, the feeling towards Booksy is overwhelmingly positive at 82.1%.
No matter if you want a beard trim, a simple haircut, or get yourself a fade, Notorious Barbers Galway can be accessed via a mobile device either through a browser or the Booksy app.
Safe and secure
As well as being a game changer for salon management, the folk are serious about security. The system includes a number of safety features as standard, including:
Access levels – Booksy allows salon owners to set access levels for employees, depending on their role and level of responsibility. This helps to ensure that access to sensitive data is only granted to those who need it – and can be trusted with it.
Password protection – Booksy offers super-secure encrypted password protection to help ensure that private data stays that way.
Alerts – As secure as Booksy is, we all know how tenacious cybercriminals can be. For this reason, Booksy’s security system features alert notifications to let you know if somebody has attempted a violation. This handy feature allows for quick action in the event of an attempted breach.
Conclusion
Technology gives salon owners the power to manage their salons more efficiently but, as we know, with great power comes great responsibility. Cyber security should never be an after-thought for salons but should be a major focus for every business. Prioritising security prevents theft and builds trust with customers who have entrusted salons with their precious data.
