Category: Tech News

PayPal study shows Irish people will spend 33% more on Christmas gifts this year

With Christmas fast approaching, PayPal’s Gifting and Giving 2021 study – involving over 1,000 Irish consumers – shows that Irish people are planning to spend 33 per cent more2 on Christmas gifts this year.

Compared to Christmas 2020, where the average spend on Christmas gifts was €541, those polled in Ireland plan to spend an average of €721 on gifts this Christmas. As for the most generous counties, these were revealed as Offaly (€1,004), Kildare (€928), Sligo (€890), Tipperary (€888) and Clare (€843).

 No Late Late Shoppers

It seems the majority of respondents aren’t hanging around either when it comes to ticking items off their list, with 32 per cent having a head start and finished with their Christmas shopping by the end of November. Furthermore, a quarter (25%) expect to have theirs completed by this first week in December.

However, a fifth (20%) of Christmas shoppers did admit that they usually leave their shopping until the last minute. Men are more prone to this than women with 30 per cent of male respondents leaving shopping to the last minute, compared to just 17 per cent of female respondents.

When it comes to how people are shopping, over half (53%) of Irish consumers Christmas shopping this year are doing more of their Christmas shopping online in order to avoid crowds. Meanwhile some 37 per cent plan to head into stores during quiet times for the same reason and almost a fifth (17%) intend to buy fewer physical gifts as a result of COVID-19.

Christmas with a COVID twist

The pandemic is causing some consumers a concern with 31 per cent worried about presents not arriving in time due to supply chain issues. Another main worry is that lockdown restrictions could prevent people from celebrating with family and friends in person (52%).

On a more positive note, 38 per cent of Irish people agree that it feels like Christmas will be back to normal this year and 56% of Christmas hosts are not anxious about hosting people over the holidays. Although, more than half (57%) of Christmas hosts said they will only invite double vaccinated guests for celebrations at home.

The Gift of Giving

The PayPal study also revealed that more than a third of Irish people (38%) say the pandemic has caused them to be more generous with their time and money in relation to charitable causes, with 92 per cent saying they donated to charity by giving money, donating items, offering raffle prizes or giving to a food bank.

According to the research, Irish people donate an average of €87 a year to causes dear to their hearts. Based on donations during the average year, the most generous givers are from Carlow (€178), Wicklow (€106), Sligo (€103), Meath (€102) and Wexford (€100).

Speaking about the findings, Maeve Dorman, Senior Vice President at PayPal, commented: “It’s that magical time of the year when people want to give back to their loved ones and their communities. After all, being generous to others makes us feel good and – something that is ever more important these days – helps us stay connected. Irish people in particular are known for their generosity and thoughtfulness, so it’s not surprising that they are going above and beyond this year when it comes to buying gifts for family and friends, and making donations to causes they care about.”

“At PayPal, we want to make it easy to support charities this Christmas and beyond, which is where ‘Give At Checkout’ comes in. It enables people to add a micro donation when they shop online with PayPal.”

‘Give at Checkout’ allows people to make micro donations of €1 when they do their Christmas shopping online with PayPal by selecting their favourite charity on this website or via the mobile app.

Infosys BPM to Create 250 Jobs in Ireland, With a New State-of-the-Art Delivery Center in Waterford

Infosys BPM, the business process management arm of Infosys, today announced that it is expanding its presence in Ireland, creating 250 jobs locally with the development of a new delivery center in Waterford.

Infosys BPM started its Ireland operations in Dublin in 2014, delivering exceptional service offerings across telecommunications, manufacturing, social media, healthcare, edtech, and fintech sectors. The company has since then, further expanded in Ireland through its offices in Waterford, Wexford, Clonmel, and Craigavon.

The new center in Waterford will provide voice support, customer service and technical support operations for large global enterprises. The new roles will cover several functions across various job levels, spanning a multitude of skills from customer and technical support roles to subject-matter-experts in the areas of finance, HR, planning, and capacity management.

The employees will be working at the cutting edge of innovation in the digital space, consistently providing anytime-anywhere experiences to empower some of the world’s largest organizations in navigating their digital transformation journeys. In line with the company’s mission to develop the workforce through continuous learning, Infosys will provide critical training and growth opportunities to nurture the next generation of digital talent.

The 250 new roles in Ireland will build on Infosys’ recently announced 1,000 jobs in the UK, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting post-pandemic economic growth in the region.

Leo Varadkar TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ireland, said: “Congratulations to the entire Infosys BPM team, on this impressive expansion which will result in the creation of 250 new jobs in Waterford. This is a great boost for the South East and demonstrates the attractiveness of Ireland as a location for investment from leading companies from around the world. The best of luck to the team, I trust you will be very happy in Waterford.”

 

Anantha Radhakrishnan, MD & CEO, Infosys BPM, said, “The launch of the new center is a testament to our continued focus on the workplace of the future, grounded in building a robust talent pool with strong digital skills. This investment in Ireland builds on our long-standing commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce in Ireland and our focus on achieving breakthrough innovation for our clients in a collaborative environment. Hiring the best of talent will not only offer a significant boost to the regional economy, but also substantially enhance growth opportunities for us. This will further enable us to deliver amplified business value for our clients with agility and a superior stakeholder experience.”

 

Martin Shanahan, CEO, IDA Ireland, said, “As one of the largest employers in the South East, this announcement by Infosys BPM for 250 new roles at its new delivery centre in Waterford is very welcome. Infosys’ continued investment in their site in Waterford, as well as their other sites in Wexford and Clonmel, represents a strong endorsement of the talent available in the South East region – particularly in the IT sector. It should serve also as an example for other large international IT companies looking to expand into Europe that Ireland remains a premier location for doing so. I wish Infosys BPM the utmost success with their future operations.”

INTELLI launch clutter-free charging with new StepUp Magnetic Wireless Charging Station

Providers of clean, premium, intelligent technology products, INTELLI, is today pleased to announce the availability of StepUp, a clutter-free Magnetic Wireless Charging Station. The latest innovation in charging technology, StepUp is sleek, versatile, and has up to 15w of power delivery, with 2 pop out panels, allowing users to charge multiple devices such as the Apple Watch or AirPods simultaneously, anytime. The StepUp is available on the INTELLI website for $69.99/£54 and $69.99 on Amazon.com. Amazon UK is expected to stock shortly.

The StepUp wireless magnetic compatible hub features a modern design that can simultaneously charge an iPhone 12 or 13 series, AirPods and Apple Watch with 5MM induction distance. Compatible magnets hold the phone securely in place while charging, offering 5W/7.5W/10W/15W wireless charging for iPhones, 5W wireless charging for AirPods and 2.5W wireless charging for Apple Watch.

The AirPods and Apple Watch charging docks on StepUp can be pushed in or popped out as desired, giving the user the option of having a sleek looking wireless charger for their phone only, or the ability to charge their watch as well or even their AirPods with both docks out at the same time for a sleek and modern look with no cords or clutter.

The StepUp is available on the INTELLI website for $69.99/£54 and $69.99 on Amazon.com. Amazon UK is expected to stock shortly.

StepUp Specs

  • Magnetic Wireless Charging compatible
  • Charges up to 3 devices simultaneously
  • 5W/ 7.5W / 10W / 15W wireless charging for iPhones
  • 5W wireless charging for AirPods

Vestel introduces TV remote app for fifty TV brands across Europe

Vestel is set to bring viewers around Europe extra features for their Smart TVs with the launch of its TV Smart Centre app. Free-to-download, the new TV remote control app is designed for Smart TVs from fifty popular as well as premium brands, offering more personalised control, as well as ultra-convenient and fast access to TV listings, apps, and screen share functions.

Split into five sections – Home, Guide, Remote, Applications, and Settings, the app simplifies the navigation process, enabling users to enjoy a more intuitive user experience from their connected iOS and Android mobile devices.

Home screen 

To help narrow down searches, the Home screen’s Dashboard features extra information for up to thirty programmes and films, providing insightful synopses about shows and movies, as well as more detail about the genres and casts. While the Primetime section picks out and highlights specific programmes for peak evening viewing times between 8pm and midnight, the “For You” section does so for programmes, regardless of when they are scheduled.

The Home screen also offers quick and easy access to a whole range of flexible, and customisable viewing options. With one tap of the screen mirroring button, viewers can bring their saved videos, music, and photos straight to the big screen, and with one tap of the red control, record or set a reminder for their favourite TV series.

From the Home screen, Follow Me TV can also be accessed, enabling users to tune into live TV content on any connected mobile device from anywhere within range of the user’s home WiFi network.

Remote screen 

Bringing together all the most frequently used functions to one centralised place, the TV Smart Centre app Remote screen features a power button to switch the TV on, a 4-way D-pad, and buttons for several alternative search style options. These include modes for searching with numerical and alphabetical keyboards, and a touchpad, as well as a voice search function for simple remote control commands.

To stream the most highly sought-after content quickly and easily, there are also shortcut buttons for Netflix and YouTube, and a selection of media player controls that are immediately to hand.

Guide and Apps 

Giving viewers more personalised control and flexibility, the Guide screen offers further access to the screen mirroring button and the Follow Me TV function, along with the latest, most up-to-date TV listings with its “What’s on TV” section.

Searching for must-see VoD content is also quick and easy, thanks to the Apps screen. Viewers can count on one-click access to all the streaming apps available on their Smart TVs, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube as well as Rakuten, Twitch, Amazon Music, YouTube Kids and Red Bull TV2.

“We are pleased to introduce an app that can help to maximise the Smart TV user experience,” said to Barış Altınkaya, Vestel Vice President of Marketing and Product Management . “Whether you prefer to search by voice, touch, or traditional D-pad, the TV Smart Centre app gives you more personalised control, enabling you to choose the search styles that work best for you from your own connected mobile device.  

With features, such as one-click access to streaming apps, and selections of popular recommendations, the TV Smart Centre app is also ideal for navigating vast libraries of entertainment, ensuring that viewers can browse less, and find more of what they most like to watch, or listen to.” 

For a full list of TV brands, please view here

MFA vs. SSO: How Do They Compare?

Multi-factor authentication and single sign-on are important parts of identity and access management. 

They’re also something every business should understand right now because they prevent many of the main cybersecurity vulnerabilities that come with remote and hybrid work environments. 

Rather than looking at them as competing elements of a cybersecurity plan, you should instead consider them two things that work together. 

The general concept underlying both MFA and SSO is that a password and user ID combination are no longer adequate to protect sensitive data and information. 

Below are details about both. 

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication or MFA uses different factors to verify someone’s identity and then ultimately grant access to systems, data, and software. 

Most MFA systems will use at least two factors to authenticate users and devices.

The first is typically characterized as “what you know.” What you know might include recovery questions or a password. 

Another potential category is what you have, which can include a one-time password or a token. 

A third factor is who you are, meaning a biometric factor like a fingerprint. The fourth possible factor is what you do or where you’re at. This category can include location-based authentication or keystroke biometrics, which assess how you type. 

The advantage of MFA is the security. 

Other benefits of MFA, along with additional security layer include that it’s easy to implement, and your employees and customers feel like they’re being protected. Ultimately, you can lower your operating costs because you’re spending less on cybersecurity problems, and it can reduce the burden on your IT team. 

The biggest issue with MFA is that it can be cumbersome to manage, which is why a good MFA solution can keep your employees productive and make things easier for them without sacrificing security. 

What Is Single Sign-On?

Single sign-on, in some ways is a more straightforward concept than MFA. Single sign-on refers to scenarios where a user has a master sign-on to authenticate themselves before they start working. If they need to log into another tool to do their work, the SSO solution will log them in. 

The credentials to log into all needed platforms are stored by the SSO solution. 

Benefits of single sign-on include:

  • With the move to the cloud, employees are increasingly using apps for work, and each of those can otherwise require a different password or username. This is burdensome and leads to serious cybersecurity vulnerabilities stemming from password fatigue. Signing on once can improve employee productivity and save everyone time. 
  • SSO can save on IT costs because there’s less being spent on password resets and troubleshooting. It’s optimal if SSO is part of a centralized access management system that uses a central directory for the provisioning and de-provisioning of users. You can relatively easily define policies based on location, user role and other traits. 
  • The use of SSO can prevent shadow IT. Shadow IT refers to unauthorized workplace downloads. With cloud downloads so prevalent, the risk of shadow IT continues to grow. SSO can help employers monitor the apps employees use, reducing the risk of shadow IT.
  • Having SSO in place can encourage employees to use available technology tools. If you invest in new technology and employees aren’t willing to use it, it’s a wasted investment. You want any technology investments to make your employees’ lives easier rather than harder, and SSO can help with that. 

Comparing MFA and SSO

SSO focuses on users getting access to all needed resources with one authentication. Multi-factor authentication is about stronger verification of identities. One doesn’t eliminate the need for the other. They do different things and should ideally be used together. 

When using both MFA and SSO, benefits include enhanced security and convenience. You’re simultaneously taking the burden off employees to remember so many passwords, and you’re also reducing a potential surface area for a cyber-attack. 

MFA can serve as a backup for SSO because it adds additional layers of authentication. Both can work to increase employee productivity. Workers aren’t spending all their time concerned with password and log-in issues. 

MFA and SSO can both fit into the larger concept of identity and access management (IAM), which focuses on making sure the right people in your organization have access to the right resources at the proper time across increasingly diversified technical systems. 

Understanding identity and access management should be one of your top priorities for the upcoming new year, along with general cybersecurity in a modern, cloud-driven environment.

Giftable Experiences Now Available Across 19 European Countries Including Ireland

Giftable, the popular startup that’s been transforming online gifting into real life experiences, is expanding its service from its native Luxembourg to 19 additional markets across Europe. In doing so, Giftable will make it easier to rebuild social connections and boost social interaction.

The Giftable app combines the concept of online gifting – which has grown exponentially during the pandemic – with in-person experiences, empowering users to build meaningful relationships with their contacts in just three clicks.

Users simply select an experience, which can be anything from a salon visit to a romantic dinner, and send it to a lucky friend, family member, or colleague to show how much they care.

Previously available only to users within Luxembourg, where Giftable is based, a recent partnership with TUI Musement is helping the company to expand across Europe. A part of the TUI brand, TUI Musement provides a digital platform that enables brands to operate internationally with local delivery. This partnership also means Giftable’s gift catalogue will swell to more than 40,000 different options.

Now, anyone in Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain can access the app, gift an experience, and boost the human connection.

Entrepreneur Michel Hoffmann, Founder of Giftable, says “During the pandemic, practically everything moved online. For the most part, that was a good thing. With online shopping, for example, we have access to more products and services from the sofa than we do from the high street. However, social interaction is one area where digital is still letting us down.

“Zoom is no match for a coffee with a friend. Skype is no match for an exhilarating game of laser tag with a group of good buddies. Through Giftable’s European expansion, we hope to show the world that all those things we loved to do before the pandemic hit are all still waiting for us and still possible.”

Giftable’s focus on human-centric relationships aligns perfectly with the ethos of parent company The Kindness Group, which prioritises ‘putting the human back in the centre of relationships’. The Kindness Group has enjoyed some highly positive news itself in recent weeks, having appointed former Princess of Luxembourg and renowned businesswoman Tessy Antony de Nassau to strengthen its board of directors following completion of an equity funding round.

Vafa Moayed, President of the Board of Directors, says “We are delighted to welcome Tessy Antony de Nassau to the board, and we look forward to growing The Kindness Group with the help of her entrepreneurial vision”.

The Giftable app is available to download for free on iOS and Android devices, with experiences available across 19 countries within Europe.

To find out more, or download the app, visit www.giftable.com

Novaerus by McGreals Health becomes Official Clean Air Partner to Leinster Rugby

McGreals Health, distributor of Novaerus NanoStrike™ technology in Ireland, has become the official clean air partner to Leinster Rugby for the protection of players and staff.   

The Irish-designed Novaerus air disinfection device use patented NanoStrike™, a technology that has been independently proven to inactivate all airborne viruses and bacteria including 99.997% of Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. 

Leinster Rugby aims to reach the highest standard of excellence both on and off the pitch, and the partnership with Novaerus by McGreal’s Health will offer an additional safeguard to the strict safety measures already in place in and around Leinster Rugby facilities, not only protecting them from Covid-19 but also from additional viruses that could impact player performance. 

The partnership between Leinster Rugby and Novaerus by McGreals Health is a landmark and first of its kind in the rugby world.  

Novaerus by McGreals Health will install scientifically proven Novaerus devices throughout the Leinster Rugby high performance centre in UCD including the team gym, player’s lounge, media conference rooms, reception area and other key locations across campus.  

In addition, Novaerus devices will be positioned in the Leinster changing rooms at all home games at both the RDS Arena, Energia Park and Aviva Stadium.  

Deirdre Devitt, CEO of Novaerus by McGreals Health, said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Leinster Rugby to become official clean air partner to Irish rugby’s most successful team.  

We hope that the addition of Novaerus technology will give Leinster the physical and competitive edge by disinfecting the squad and management team’s indoor air safely, 24/7. Clean air is as important to a world-class winning team as clean water, superb nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle, all improving cognitive and physical attributes on and off the pitch. We look forward to the next three years working with Leinster and to bringing the most innovative, globally-renowned Irish technology to their winning formula.”  

 

Eamon De Búrca, Sponsorship Manager at Leinster Rugby said: “This is an exciting, pioneering partnership for Leinster Rugby and we’re delighted to welcome Novaerus by McGreals Health to the wider Leinster family.  

 “We’re particularly impressed with the impact the technology will have in protecting both players and staff at our high-performance centre in UCD.  

 “Maintaining a safe working environment for all staff in UCD has become a huge focus for everyone in Leinster Rugby and we believe that this extra safeguard will help us to continue our pursuit of excellence with greater peace of mind.   

 “We are delighted to be working with Novaerus by McGreals Health, an Irish brand as well, and we feel this is a real bonus as we move into the winter months and continue to live with the pandemic as best we can.” 

The Novaerus range of devices are available in four sizes (NV 200, NV 800, Defend 400 and Defend 1050), catering for small to large spaces. The Novaerus patented NanoStrike™ technology obliterates pathogens in the air at DNA level, in a sub-second time frame, without generating any harmful by-products to clean the air 24/7. The devices are sold in 65 countries worldwide, supporting sectors with additional frontline protection to continue to operate safely. For more information visit www.novaerus.ie.

How to Change Google Chrome Language.

Google Chrome is the most popular web browser worldwide. Thanks to its user-friendliness, high speed, functionality, and stylish interface, it’s a clear favorite for many. Chrome supports a broad range of languages and automatically chooses a language based on your profile preferences. You can, however, change the language manually to any other that you prefer. 

Changing Language in Google Chrome

In this post, we will guide you on how to change language settings in Google Chrome. We will highlight the steps to follow on Windows, Android and iPhone, and iPad. 

Changing Google Chrome Language on Windows

When changing language settings on Windows, you can either translate a webpage or adjust the language of your Google Chrome browser. 

How to Translate Webpage Content in Chrome

Translating a webpage comes in handy when you encounter a website written in a language you don’t understand. Here’s how you do it:

  • Open your Chrome Browser on Windows.
  • Head to a website or webpage written in a foreign language.
  • A Google Translate box will pop up at the top right side of your browser. If it doesn’t, refresh the webpage, then check again. 
  • Change the language to the one you prefer on the Google Translate section.
  • Google Chrome will change the webpage content to your preferred language. 

How to Change Default Language Settings 

Adjusting the language of your Chrome browser changes the language of all Chrome menus and settings. This option is handy when you want the settings and menu to show in your preferred language. Here’s how you do it:

  • Open your Chrome browser on Windows.
  • Click More (the three-dot icon) at the top right of your browser.
  • Select Settings.
  • Click Advanced, then select Languages.
  • Click the drop-down icon next to Language. If there isn’t any language listed, you can add one by tapping Add languages.
  • Once you add the language, click More (the three-dot icon) next to the language you want, then tap Display Google Chrome in this language.
  • Apply the changes by restarting your Chrome browser.

Changing Google Chrome Language on Android

The quickest way to change your Chrome language on Android is from the system settings. Once you adjust the settings, Chrome automatically displays its user interface in your chosen language. 

How to Translate Webpage Content in Chrome

Alternatively, you can also translate web pages in your Chrome app. Here is a guide on how to do it. 

  • Go to your Chrome app on your Android phone.
  • Open a webpage displayed in a foreign language.
  • A Google Translate box will pop up at the bottom. If it doesn’t, refresh the webpage. 
  • Change the language to the one you prefer on the Google Translate pop-up. 
  • Chrome will change the language according to your selection. 

If the language you want is not available on the Google translate section, click More, then select the Choose another language option.

Changing Google Chrome Language on iPhone and iPad

Like Android OS, you first need to adjust the default language in your iPhone or iPad to change the one in your Chrome app. You can adjust it in your iOS system settings. 

How to Translate Webpage Content in Chrome

Here are the steps to translate language of Chrome webpages on your iPhone or iPad. 

  • Go to your Chrome app on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Open a webpage displayed in a foreign language.
  • Select the language you prefer on the Google Translate pop-up. 
  • Chrome will translate the language to the one you choose. 

Closing Remarks

Now that you know how to change Google Chrome language, you can browse any foreign webpage or website you want. It’s always a good idea to use a JavaScript-enabled browser so that you can enjoy a faster and better browsing experience. Here is a guide on how to enable JavaScript in Chrome Windows 7, or any Windows version for that matter.

Deezer releases Christmas Flow Mood Wheel

The holiday season is finally upon us! Music fans are getting ready to sing along to their favourite Christmas tunes. Deezer is here to help you get into the  festive spirit, so we’ve added a brand new seasonal ‘Christmas’ mood to the Flow Wheel. All you have to do to get an endless stream of holiday-themed tunes that are tailored to your unique taste, is bring up the Flow Moods wheel, select “Christmas” and enjoy*.

To find the Christmas mood, first select ‘Flow’ in the Deezer app. Then simply tap the Flow Moods rainbow wheel icon above the cover art to bring up the seven different mood options, pick “Christmas” and let us do the rest. Oh, and there’s snow. To help you dream of a white Christmas, Deezer has made sure that the snow is falling in your player as long as the Christmas Flow mood is on.

“We know that music helps our listeners make the holidays feel special. But it’s easy to get stuck listening to the same Christmas album over and over again. Our new Christmas Flow mood lets users enjoy an endless and varied stream of holiday tunes that is in sync with their personal taste. It’s one of the ways we wish Happy Holidays to all of our listeners and thank them for their continued support,” said Deezer’s Head of Product, Alexandra Leloup.

In addition to the new Christmas mood, Deezer’s Flow Mood Wheel offers listeners six different options to tailor their personal stream of music to their mood:

  • You & Me – Helps to set the mood for romance with feel-good tracks that you and your partner will love
  • Motivation – Make workouts a joyful experience with a power mix to keep you pumped
  • Chill – Let your favorite artists help you unwind and relax
  • Melancholy – If you’re in the mood for a good cry or are feeling blue, these tunes will help you get through it
  • Focus – Let us help you stay in your zone and avoid distractions with the right kind of music to help you concentrate
  • Party – Get in the spirit with an endless mix of crowd-pleasing music to get you dancing.

If you prefer the comfort of an expertly curated musical Christmas, have no fear! Deezer’s editors have made you a channel with the best tunes for the upcoming Holidays. Here you’ll find everything from playlists made by artists like Michael Bublé, Mariah Carey, Sam Smith and Leona Lewis, and a curated selection of podcasts and albums. The Christmas Channel is available now for all Deezer users. And don’t forget, it’s easier than ever to sing along to your favourite snowy tunes thanks to Deezer’s synchronised lyrics feature in the app!

* The Deezer Christmas Flow Mood is available to all Deezer users on iOS from 6 December. We will roll-out the feature to Android users between 13 and 20 December. IOS users need version 9.1.0 of the Deezer app to enjoy this feature, while Android users will need version 6.2.42.