The first post COVID-19 public survey released by Civica, a global leader in software for public services, has reinforced that:
Almost half of Northern Irish adults (49%) say they want to use digital tech more frequently following lockdown
one third of citizens surveyed believe the public sector could make better use of digital technology to enhance their lives.
Led by a national impetus for better digital technologies and reliable online services, the survey shows the ‘need to connect’ is now embedded. Public appetite for use of technology and online services has undergone a distinct shift and public sector organisations need to recognise and work with this change.
The report is based on key findings from senior leadership forums and two new sets of research from more than 2,000 citizens across Northern Ireland. It explores how public sector organisations throughout the region must recognise and capitalise on this digital momentum to re-shape the delivery of public services for the future.
The report also found:
Almost half (46%) of surveyed citizens believe digital technologies can connect the community or improve the lives of citizens following the pandemic
26% claim they trust government services more following the pandemic
Mark Owens, Managing Director at Civica Northern Ireland explained: “This is a comprehensive survey of attitudes to online engagement with public services. It shows that the government can respond in record time to deliver effective software such as the COVID-19 NI symptom tracker information app and recent track and trace version.
“But we cannot wait for a crisis to deepen before we recognise, we have the technology to give remote access to vital services such as GP appointments, manage socially distanced out-patient services or provide personalised benefits support. Plus, the public is clearly telling us that they want these services online and will use them.”
The report also calls for the Northern Ireland government to support affordable and reliable broadband, as well as fast tracking procurement of user-friendly government software and apps. This will make it easier, particularly for older people, to access the services they need online.
“Previous surveys showed slow progress in older generations embracing technology to access public services, but the current pandemic has shown a dramatic change in attitudes.
“Last year we brought together digital leaders in the public and private sectors to discuss how we could speed-up government and private sector collaboration.
“Our public sector leaders agreed that more strategic digital programmes were crucial as digital communications are central to our lives. But to successfully lead these, we need collaboration, closer partnerships with digital suppliers and a procurement framework that puts the citizens’ needs above all else.
“The challenge now is for public and private sector leaders in NI to continue to invest in initiatives designed to meet the growing demand in all areas of life. To support communities, people and employees on the difficult road ahead.”
‘Passing the tipping point for digital: the nudge effect of the pandemic’ is the latest instalment in Civica’s Changing Landscape seriesof reports.
Cowboy, the Belgium start-up with a vision to transform urban mobility, is using technology to reshape bike safety by introducing the industry’s first software designed to detect crashes and collisions – Crash Detection. Cowboy is putting rider safety at the very core of their mission to transform urban mobility and cities for the better with the new feature helping to protect over one million kilometers ridden by Cowboy users all over Europe every month.
Currently available in beta for a thousand users, the industry-first feature will be rolled out to all Cowboy 2 and Cowboy 3 riders by the end of September at no charge.
Using highly sensitive built-in sensors combined with GPS signal tracking, the bike communicates with the Cowboy app to detect a fall. If an accident occurs and the rider doesn’t confirm they’re fine within 60 seconds, Cowboy instantly alerts the rider’s emergency contacts (up to 2) to check in and offer help, while sharing the real-time rider position so they can be quickly located.
To provide riders with complete peace of mind, the Cowboy bike is also equipped with a SIM card that is completely independent from the phone and will work in every scenario, e.g. if the phone is damaged in a crash. This allows Cowboy to notify the emergency contact(s) without having to rely on the user’s phone.
Safety. At the core of Cowboy’s mission.
The Crash Detection feature was created as a result of a first-hand experience. Last year, Cowboy’s co-founder Tanguy Goretti had an accident with his bike. “The road was icy and visibility was limited”, Tanguy says. “I crashed after the first turn and glided for at least five meters. Luckily, there were people nearby to make sure I was okay and to help me and my bike off the street.” Thankfully, Tanguy’s accident only resulted in a few bruises and scratches, for him and his bike.
But walking away safely and relatively unharmed from a bike accident is not the case for everyone. “In Europe, most serious accidents occur just outside urban areas. In that scenario, you don’t always have someone to help and you might be left for a long time awaiting assistance. That’s how the idea for Crash Detection was born”, Tanguy who is responsible for the software development at the Brussels-based start-up further elaborates.
When done right, technology can have a huge impact on people’s lives and the safety of communities. Crash detection is Cowboy’s latest addition to an already comprehensive list of safety-first related features and innovations now available on the recently launched Cowboy 3 as well as previous versions of the bike:
Flashing brake light. The rear light flashes when you slow your speed so you’re more visible to the traffic behind you.
Puncture-resistant tires. All-rounder tires handle the load and the road.
Integrated front and rear lights. Be seen by others on the road, ever aware of your surroundings.
Hydraulic disc brakes. Ride fast and in control with hydraulic brakes that provide total stopping power the second you make contact.
Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), today announces findings from a new nationwide survey which showed that during COVID-19 restrictions, 44% of adults in Ireland travelled outside the imposed 2km, 5km or 20km restricted travel radius for reasons other than essential journeys. Alongside this I myself have observed we seem to be forgetting there is a virus out there and mask wearing is also now becoming less visible and we need to take a long hard look at ourselves.
As further lockdown restrictions are mooted by government, the survey of more than 1,000 adults in Ireland – conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Esri Ireland – discovered that the top three non-essential reasons for people breaching local travel restrictions were to meet family members (17%); get more exercise (16%); and gain access to a wider choice of shops (14%).
In terms of overseas travel, the survey found that almost two-thirds (64%) of people in Ireland postponed or cancelled holidays abroad in 2020, with nearly a quarter (22%) opting for ‘staycations’ around the country in place of their original plans. It was also found that despite the impact of the coronavirus, respondents aged under 25 were twice as likely as those over 25 to still travel abroad in 2020 as planned.
Esri Ireland commissioned the independent research to better understand how people in Ireland are navigating the new realities of life during the pandemic. The survey highlighted new means of keeping up to date with COVID-19 developments, with 62% of the public using online mapping resources to view updates about COVID-19 and 93% of these finding maps a helpful way of staying informed about the virus.
Looking to future methods of managing and planning for other unexpected events or pandemics, the majority of respondents agree that geography and science will play an important role. 55% of respondents believe that geography and science lessons are more important following the outbreak of COVID-19. Having been removed as a core Junior Certificate subject in 2018, 59% believe that geography should be reinstated as a mandatory subject for Junior Certificate students.
Paul Synnott, Managing Director, Esri Ireland
Paul Synnott, managing director, Esri Ireland, said: “Our day-to-day lives have been dramatically impacted by the outbreak of coronavirus and this survey sheds some light on how the Irish public has collectively approached the imposed travel restrictions. Location, place and geography play a key role in terms of containing localised outbreaks, limiting the spread of the virus across borders and helping the public to understand and visualise these restrictions.
“It’s reassuring to see the majority of people recognise the importance of geography and science in modern education. Geographic knowledge empowers us to think critically, see the big picture and solve problems. Mapping and geography are essential for today’s policy-makers requiring detailed and accurate information to manage this crisis, but also for tomorrow’s leaders seeking to build a stronger public health policy and enact the changes that our world needs to address future challenges.”
Olive Group, the Irish-founded EdTech company, today announces the official launch of a new online training course, Being There, to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to support colleagues, friends and family who may be experiencing emotional distress. The course content has been adapted from the popular workshop series of Dr Derek Smyth, the esteemed international psychologist and co-author of anger management programme, Defusing the Bomb.
A separate version of the Being There course geared towards professionals is in the process of being approved as a Continuous Professional Development aid for the healthcare and legal sectors.
Recent research carried out by Mental Health Reform and the COVID-19 Psychological Research Consortium* has found that one-third of the population in Ireland has experienced mental health difficulties as a result of the pandemic. A further 75% of the population are concerned that social distancing measures and restrictions will have a long-term impact on the mental health and welfare of society more broadly.
The research also found that 80% of the population believe that mental health charities and voluntary mental health services should receive extra supports and funding to deal with the heightened strain on these services in recent months. Being There is designed to empower individuals nationwide to play their part in the mental health recovery of society.
The course has been divided into nine modules, with core strands including active listening, self-awareness and crisis intervention. Being There has already been successfully trialed by a sports club, trade union and a nursing organisation, as well as individual participants.
Simon Harris TD. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science speaking at the launch of ‘Being There’ an Interactive Programme from Olive Group. Photo: John Ohle Photography.
Course creator, Dr Derek Smyth has a rich history delivering a range of highly coveted in-person workshops on human growth and development to organisations, institutions and individuals across Europe and the US for the last 30 years. Commenting on the launch of Being There, he said: “During these unprecedented times, it is vital that people are prioritising not just their own mental health, but that of their friends, colleagues and loved ones. Many of us have been experiencing feelings of confusion and apprehension due to the ongoing pandemic, and that is totally normal. The importance of knowing how to express our feelings, and to support those who may be having a difficult time has never been more pronounced. However, the reality is that the majority of us are not trained in these critical listening and development skills.
“Olive Group’s ‘Being There’ platform teaches essential counselling skills for everyday life and empowers individuals to become agents of support for each other. I’m proud that my work has been adapted into this new interactive learning medium, extending the benefits to a global audience online.”
Speaking at the launch of Being There, the Minister for Higher Education and Innovation Simon Harris, said: “Technological progress has touched all our lives and reshaped the way we socialise, communicate and interact with society. The ‘Global Village’ has brought huge benefits to our world. However, these changes have also come at a cost.
“We must recognise that for many in our society, there is a profound sense of loneliness, isolation and anxiety that they must live with each day.In recent months, the changes to our lives as a result of COVID-19 have created additional challenges and brought mental health and wellbeing into very sharp focus.
“Whether it be at home, in a work or community environment, or as a professional, ‘Being There’ will provide both professionals and non-professionals alike with the skills and techniques they will need to be present in a supportive capacity.”
Brendan Kavanagh, CEO, Olive Group, said, “The pandemic has had a profound impact on people’s mental health, and it has also resulted in a discontinuation of crucial in-person mental health services. Being There has been carefully crafted to provide all the benefits of face-to-face support so that anyone can learn to be a source of strength for those who need it.
“People who have previously completed Dr Smyth’s programme have noted major improvements in the way they navigate their personal and professional lives. The course content also gives them the tools to help others in their time of need, expanding their interpersonal skills and strengthening personal relationships.”
The Xperia 5 II takes many of the leading features from Xperia 1 II, including a triple lens camera paired with ZEISS optics calibrated specifically for Xperia 5 II. Also included are Photography Pro with technology from from AlphaTM series cameras for fast and accurate AF/AE, Cinematography Pro “powered by CineAlta” for similar parameters and colour settings as professional filmmakers and a 21:9 CinemaWide display for viewing pleasure. In addition, superb audio features include High-Resolution Audio, a 3.5mm audio jack, and front-facing stereo speakers, plus a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 865 5G Mobile Platform, all rounded up in a compact and beautiful, slim design to fit perfectly in your pocket. It also adds 120Hz Refresh display rate and 240Hz Touch scanning rate to give the smoothest and most accurate gaming experience.
“Sony’s heritage has been rooted in technology and engineering, and our portfolio has expanded to include the field of entertainment from music, movies, games and much more,” said Mitsuya Kishida, President of Sony Mobile Communications. “With this unique background, Xperia smartphones are feature-packed with Sony’s advanced technologies in a compact body, with a profound passion to push the boundaries of what is possible.”
Capture perfect portraits and unmissable moments, always in focus
Taking a leaf out of its big brother’s (Xperia 1 II) book, Xperia 5 II is designed with technology from AlphaTM series cameras for razor sharp results. Perfect portraits aren’t always posed and creating clear, spontaneous shots is where Real-time Eye AF comes into its own. Whether you’re photographing fast-moving people or animals, Real-time Eye AF makes sure the most expressive part of the face takes centre stage, even when one eye is covered or the person is moving quickly.
Xperia 5 II captures unmissable moments by offering continuous AutoFocus that performs AF / AE calculations at 60 times per second, which enables you to shoot and store 20 shots (20fps) with high precision, accurate focus and optimised exposure.
The versatile triple lens camera, with three focal lengths: 16mm/24mm/70mm, captures beautiful landscapes and portraits, and lets you zoom in on distant subjects. The ZEISS optics are specifically calibrated for the Xperia 5 II and feature the renowned ZEISS T coating for reduced reflection, resulting in exquisite contrast and image rendering. Quality images are captured when shooting at low light with its 1/1.7-inch large sensor and noise reduction with Bionz X™ for Mobile engine.
Like Xperia 1 II, it offers Photography Pro, a user interface that was developed in collaboration with professional photographers and mirrors many of the manual controls available in AlphaTM series cameras including ISO, Shutter Speed and EV Indicator, whilst also providing RAW support.
In addition, Cinematography Pro “powered by CineAlta” now enables more choice for engaging, story-telling with dramatic slow-motion cinematography creation, making it the world’s first 4K HDR 120fps slow-motion movie recording in a smartphone which can capture and playback up to 5x slow-motion when set at 24fps. It also records in 21:9 ratio at 24/25/30/60fps enhancing cinematic expression. Eight different Look colour management pre-sets allow you to change the mood of your scenes to different cinema styles. Whilst Sony’s unique Intelligent wind filter technology uses award-winning audio separation technology to reduce wind interference for clearer audio recording.
Gaming on the Go
The combination of Xperia 5 II’s premium entertainment features enable it to become a mobile gaming powerhouse. It takes you deeper into the action with an immersive 21:9 display – and with Game enhancer, ultra-fast performance, 120Hz Refresh rate display, and precise 240Hz Touch scanning rate, Xperia 5 II sets you up with a strong advantage to win the game. All features have been developed in response to working with professional e-sports gamers to ensure the best experience.
The 21:9 display is wider than conventional displays, revealing more of the action – so you can see your opponents before they see you and give you the advantage, especially in first-person shooter games. Not only do you get an unrestricted view of your gaming action on the native 120Hz Refresh rate display, fast-moving objects are rendered clearly for seriously smooth gameplay. But the Xperia 5 II doesn’t stop there – with 240Hz Motion blur reduction, the display updates the image an incredible 240 times per second for blur-free action.
For games that require fast fingers, the Xperia 5 II gives you the edge. It supports 240Hz Touch scanning rate, which is up to 4x higher than the previous model – meaning the action happens exactly as you intended for precision control. Touch response has been improved by 35% compared with the previous model with the system recognising your touch at the precise moment you intended.
Game enhancer offers a range of features and settings to help you improve your gameplay and assist in achieving more wins with Competition set. You can share your best moments too, using screenshots, audio or video clips. HS Power Control also enables you to play longer and avoid overheating.
Taking your gaming one step further, connect a PlayStation®4 DUALSHOCK®411 Wireless Controller and play Android games for an authentic gaming experience. Xperia is the official smartphone of the Call of Duty®: Mobile World Championship Tournament 2020 and the Xperia 5 II is ready to answer the call. Whether you’re playing for fun or serious about winning the title, Xperia 5 II can provide an optimised quality experience with its unique tuning in collaboration with Qualcomm® Snapdragon Elite Gaming™.
Pocket Perfect for Entertainment
Xperia 5 II is perfect for movie lovers, with its 21:9 CinemaWide 6.1” FHD+ HDR OLED notch-less display, it puts the widescreen experience in the palm of your hand. Plus, with 5G connectivity you can download and stream content faster than ever. Colour reproduction when watching your movies is exquisite, inspired by Sony’s professional technologies used in leading Hollywood studio productions, Creator mode “powered by CineAlta” brings content to life exactly as it was envisioned. The X1™ for mobile engine brings BRAVIA HDR remaster technology to everything you watch to enhance the contrast, colour and clarity of any content, even streaming services. Whilst the 120Hz Refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and internet browsing.
Xperia is now synonymous with great audio and it hasn’t stopped with Xperia 5 II, enhancing the immersive entertainment experience. Watch a movie with Dolby Atmos® sound, tuned in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment, for a multi-dimensional surround sound experience. Music sounds better too with audio tuned in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment to deliver a truly authentic listening experience. 360 Reality Audio hardware decoding optimises sound quality when listening to music on global music and entertainment platform, TIDAL12. And new TIDAL subscribers will get 3 months of TIDAL Hi-Fi free when they buy a Xperia 5 II, including the 360 Reality Audio experience.
High-quality music can be enjoyed through the front stereo speakers or when listening with headphones either wirelessly or with the 3.5mm audio jack. The jack provides clearer left and right audio separation, reducing signal noise to an imperceptible 20dB – over 90% lower than USB-C headphone connections.
Whatever format you’re listening to, Xperia 5 II ensures you get the most out of your music. As well as High-Resolution and High-Resolution Wireless Audio, Xperia 5 II offers DSEE Ultimate which enhances the quality of your digital music using AI, including audio and video streaming services. It automatically improves audio frequency and dynamic range in real-time, taking each track close to high-resolution audio.
Compact but Powerful
At just 68mm wide and 8mm in depth, the Xperia 5 II is tailor-made for one-handed use – it has even been designed with a softer shape on the corners than its predecessor for a more comfortable feel for a perfect fit in your hand or pocket.
Its compact size doesn’t make it any less powerful, Xperia 5 II is powered by a high-capacity 4,000mAh battery with fast charge that charges up to 50% in just 30 minutes. With a strong heritage in developing battery technologies to improve the battery lifespan, Sony can confidently say that Xperia 5 II will have a healthy battery even after 2 years of usage
Built for speed, the Xperia 5 II can connect to super-fast 5G networks, enabling you to enjoy uncompromised high-quality downloads and seamless streaming – even of high-resolution files – quickly and easily. The Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 865 5G Mobile Platform and the Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF system empowers you to game, capture, multi-task and connect like never before with staggering multi-gigabit 5G speeds and improved performance with 25% faster CPU and GPU than the previous model.
Not only is it compact, it also provides peace of mind with IP65/68 water resistance and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6 on both sides, making it sturdy as well as beautifully designed.
Accessories
The perfect accompaniment to Xperia 5 II is the Style Cover with Stand which provides a comfortable viewing angle when watching video content or gaming when paired with a controller. The stand is discretely built into the rear of the case, whilst still providing a slim hand fit design. Style Cover with Stand is available to purchase separately to match two colours of Xperia 5 II in Black and Blue.
Availability
Xperia 5 II will be available in Black and Blue in the UK and Ireland, shipping with AndroidTM 10 from Autumn 2020. Priced at £799/€899 SIM free. Customers can pre-order their handset from the Sony eStore.
HP has debuted new OMEN accessories featuring Warp Wireless Technology with OMEN Command Center integration to offer a wireless ecosystem that transforms gaming experiences. The company also adds NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 30 Series GPUs to its OMEN 30L Desktop empowering users with the freedom and flexibility they need for top-notch gaming experiences. The wireless accessories were showcased during OMEN underground, which featured world renowned skater Tony Hawk co-hosting an 8 person Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 tournament. The tournament is available to watch here on the PAX Arena Twitch channel.
During these unprecedented times, gaming benefits are being unlocked as people spend more time at home exploring new ways to be entertained and find mental well-being. PC gamers are spending an average of four additional hours or more a week gaming. This is driving today’s gamers to look for new, powerful accessories that unclutter play spaces while offering the power to play all day with pristine latency. Cable management is a serious issue for most gamers, as they want a clean desk. HP designed a new wireless accessories portfolio – OMEN Frequency Wireless Headset, OMEN Vector Wireless Mouse, and OMEN Spacer Wireless TLK Keyboard – featuring Warp Wireless Technology – for flawless audio, wire power without the wire, and long-lasting game play. Leveraging Warp Wireless Technology with its 2.4 GHz connection1 technology, gamers get a secure, flexible, and immersive wireless experiences within the OMEN ecosystem. Pairing the new wireless accessories with an OMEN 30L Desktop featuring an NVIDIA® RTX™ 30 Series GPU, wireless and powerful gaming takes on the next level of play.
“Gamers have long been hesitant to go fully wireless with their accessories due to concerns over lag, battery life, and overall quality, despite the strong desire for more space efficiency, especially with streaming setups becoming more widespread,” said Judy Johnson, Director of Gaming and Esports, HP Inc. “HP continues to break new ground with the expansion of our world-class OMEN ecosystem to enhance gaming experiences with wireless freedom with wired performance into our portfolio with zero compromise.”
NEW LEVEL OF WIRELESS GAMING EXPERIENCES
OMEN Frequency Wireless Headset provides lag-free audio, so players never miss a critical sound during intense gameplay. Wireless has grown by leaps and bounds with gamers today now spending 40% of their time using a wireless connection, 33% of their time using 3.5mm connection, and 24% of their time using USB when it comes to gaming headsets. Experience flawless audio with powerful 7.1 surround sound and C-Media Xear™ combined with customisable EQ and Lighting within OMEN Command Center to create a powerful and personalised soundscape. Supported by up to 30 hours of battery life3, USB-C® charging, and an environmental noise cancelling microphone, this headset is built for accurate and reliable wireless audio immersion.
Enjoy this headset across a wide array of non-PC devices with compatibility for Mac, iOS, Chrome, PC, PS4™, PS4™ Pro, Xbox One™, Xbox One™ X, and Nintendo Switch thanks to an optional audio-only wired connection.
OMENVector Wireless Mouse debuts as the world’s fastest USB-C® charging gaming mouse. Desires for a wireless experience have extended to mice as well, with nearly half of gamers preferring a wireless mouse option. Yielding up to 10 hours of battery life in a mere five minutes of charging and a full charge in 90 minutes with up to 180 hours of battery life, gamers can simply charge and play. This mouse checks the boxes for lag-free gaming including OMEN Command Center integration for sensitivity settings, key binds and lighting, a 16000 DPI Pixart PAW3335 Wireless Sensor, and Omron mechanical switches with a 50 million click lifespan.
Ergonomically crafted with a rugged rubber grip and snag-free long-lasting braided cable, this expertly crafted mouse features storage on the bottom for its USB receiver, so it never gets lost during travel.
The stunningly compact OMEN Spacer Wireless TKL Keyboard features a design that allows for a more ergonomic posture while freeing up desk space. Insights have shown that a resounding 60% of gamers are either somewhat or extremely unlikely to purchase a wired keyboard in the future6. Designed for meeting this transition, the keyboard comes with dual mode for the freedom to play wirelessly or wired. With up to 75 hours of play, it takes five minutes of USB-C® charging to generate six hours of battery life without backlight, all monitored and controlled within OMEN Command Center. Wireless freedom also achieves comfort and precision with quiet yet tactile MX Cherry Brown switches, 100% anti-ghost and N key roll-over, and magnetic detachable palm rest for long gaming sessions.
Built with industry leading security by way of AES Standard 128-bit encryption to prevent cyber-thieves from intercepting your keystrokes.
NEXT-GEN GRAPHICS POWER
OMEN 30L Desktop is taking graphics performance to the next level with the introduction of the new NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3090, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3080, and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 GPUs. The new NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 30 Series GPUs – the 2nd generation of RTX – features new RT Cores, Tensor Cores and streaming multiprocessors, bringing stunning visuals, amazingly fast frame rates, and AI acceleration to games and creative applications. Powered by the NVIDIA® Ampere architecture, which delivers increases of up to 1.9X performance-per-watt over the previous generation, the RTX 30 Series effortlessly powers graphics experiences at all resolutions, even up to 8K at the top end. The GeForce RTX™ 3090, 3080, and 3070 represent the greatest GPU generational leap in the history of NVIDIA®.
“It’s incredibly important to deliver the best gaming experience possible,” said Matt Wuebbling, vice president of global GeForce marketing at NVIDIA®, “which is why we’re thrilled that HP is adding NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 30 Series GPUs to the OMEN 30L Desktop – bringing amazing performance and RTX to gamers across the world.”
TOP TIER GAMING ECOSYTEM
Experience stunning 7.1 surround sound7 with 53 mm drivers via the new OMEN Blast Headset. Built with coziness in mind due to a suspension headband and large premium leatherette earpads, the headset also features a retractable boom mic with passive noise-cancellation, so your teammates only hear you in the heat of battle. Flexibility reigns supreme with a 3.5 mm aux that provides compatibility for a variety of consoles, while OMEN Command Center support adds the ability to create and save audio EQ profiles.
The HP X24i and HP X24ih Gaming Monitors make a splash as the ultimate entry-level gaming displays, both built with an IPS panel providing ultra-wide viewing angles with colourful pictures and in the case of the X24ih, a height adjust stand. Laser sharp accuracy by way of a 144 Hz refresh rate with 1ms response time and AMD FreeSync™ Premium yielding fluid gameplay that jumps off the screen, these monitors keep gamers well ahead of the competition.
For more information about the OMEN ecosystem of gaming PCs, displays and accessories, visit: omen.com
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY 13
OMEN Frequency Wireless Headset is expected to be available in December, pricing TBC
OMEN Vector Wireless Mouse is available in September for a starting priceof €99.99
OMEN Spacer Wireless TLK Keyboard is expected to be available in September for a starting priceof €200
HP X24ih Gaming Monitor is expected to be available in November for a starting price of €200
OMEN Blast Headset is available in September for a starting priceof €99.99
OMEN 30L Desktop with new NVIDIA® GPUs are expected to be available from October (RTX-3080) other models (RTX-3070/90) landing in OMEN 25/30L in November this year.
PS5 rolls out in select markets including North America and Japan on November 12, followed by Europe and additional regions on November 19 which includes Ireland
The best games lineup in PlayStation history is coming to PS5, including Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, and Demon’s Souls – providing extraordinary experiences that showcase the future of gaming
On November 12, PS5 will launch in seven key markets: the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea. The global rollout will continue on November 19 with launches throughout the rest of the world, including Europe, Middle East, South America, Asia and South Africa. The PS5 Digital Edition will be available for a recommended retail price (RRP) of $399.99/¥39,980/€399.99, and PS5 with an Ultra HD Blu-ray™ disc drive will be available for an RRP of $499.99/¥49,980/€499.99. Pre-orders will be available starting as early as tomorrow at select retailers.
Both PS5 models use the same custom processor with integrated CPU and GPU for high-fidelity graphics up to 4K, as well as the same ultra-high speed SSD with integrated I/O that will deliver lightning-fast loading. Both PS5 models also offer a deepened sense of immersion through the DualSense wireless controller and 3D audio capabilities, so players will enjoy the same transformative gameplay experiences regardless of which PS5 they choose.
“Since we first announced our next generation console last year, we have received astounding support from developers and gaming fans all around the world, and it’s truly humbling,” said Jim Ryan, president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment. “Now we are just a couple of months away from launching PS5, which will offer a new generation of experiences that go beyond players’ expectations of how games can look, feel, sound, and play. We can’t wait for our fans to experience for themselves the incredible speed, the heightened immersion and the breathtaking games on PS5 when we launch this November.”
Adding to its growing games portfolio, SIE today unveiled several new titles coming to PS5, including:
Devil May Cry 5™ Special Edition (Capcom)
Final Fantasy XVI (Square Enix)
Five Nights at Freddy’s Security Breach (Steel Wool Studios and ScottGames)
Hogwarts Legacy (Warner Bros. Games)
A new God of War title(Santa Monica Studio)
With titles such as Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, and Demon’s Souls, the breadth of unique gaming experiences coming to PS5 represent the best lineup in PlayStation history. Exclusive titles from SIE Worldwide Studios will be priced at launch from US$49.99 to US$69.99 (RRP) on PS5.
To support the PlayStation®4 community as they transition to the next generation when they’re ready, SIE will launch PS4™ versions of a few exclusive titles: Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Sackboy A Big Adventure, and Horizon Forbidden West. While these three games were designed to take advantage of PS5 and its unique next-gen features like the ultra-high speed SSD and DualSense controller, PS4 owners will also be able to enjoy these experiences when they launch. The PS4 digital versions of launch games include a free upgrade on both PS5 consoles, while the PS4 disc versions of these games include a free upgrade on the PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-Ray disc drive.
In addition, SIE today revealed the PlayStation Plus Collection, a curated lineup of PS4 games that defined the generation, which will be available to PS Plus members to download and play on PS5. The PS Plus Collection features critically acclaimed games, including Batman™ Arkham Knight, Bloodborne, Fallout 4, God of War, Monster Hunter: World, Persona 5 and many more.
SIE also announced the price for the following accessories that will launch alongside the PS5 console:
Most people use the internet with abandon, oblivious to the dangers that lurk in the shadows, and to the fact that they can protect themselves. When you browse, anyone can see your online activity and see all your communication. To prevent this from happening, you can use a VPN. You may have heard of Surfshark and other known names but check out below for more.
What is a VPN?
A VPN or a Virtual Private Network consists of servers that you can connect to via your ISP (Internet Service Provider). The VPN provides your devices with a secure tunnel through which they can securely log into the internet. The VPN hides your ISP address and location, allocating you a virtual server in a different location. You can log into the internet on a server in France while you are in the U.S, making it hard for anyone to pinpoint your location.
Why Use a VPN?
There are numerous reasons why you should use a VPN, chief among them being:
Security
One of the main reasons why you should use a VPN for accessing the internet is security. A VPN encrypts all your data using AES256, which is one of the strongest encryption standards. If a hacker tries to intercept your browsing data, such as steal your credit card number while making online purchases, the encryption stops their efforts. This is why it is an excellent idea to use VPNs on public networks such as airports and coffee shops.
Privacy
Privacy is closely tied to security. Whatever you like to browse for on the internet, it should be nobody else’s business but your own. By using encryption for your online data such as the shows you stream, or what you write in forums, you keep it strictly your business by using a VPN.
Virtual Locations
A VPN gives you virtual locations, making it impossible for hackers to locate your address. This aspect is also useful when you are trying to log in to geo-restricted sites. If you are in China and trying to stream your favorite T.V show, the VPN can bypass the restrictions and you can watch the program as if you were back in the U.S.
How to Choose a VPN Service Provider
There are hundreds of VPN service providers in the market. Here are some of the qualities you can look out for:
Cost and Security
The more security a VPN offers, the more it costs. Beware the free VPNs, which claim to protect you at no subscription cost. Their justification for the free service is to sell your data to third parties.
Server Quantity
A VPN provider with many servers means you will not be crammed into an already crowded server, making your connection times slower.
Server Location
If you regularly stream content from Europe and live in the U.S, a VPN service provider with numerous servers in various parts of the world will serve you better.
IP Sharing
A quick technique to evaluate a VPN service provider is to check if they give one IP address to several users. When many users are sharing the same IP address, it offers a degree of protection since a hacker cannot pinpoint a single user.
Multiple Device Support
When you subscribe to a VPN service, you will want to connect all your other devices such as tablets and routers. Go online and search VPN for multiple devices to get a list of those VPNs that provide multiple device support. Most service providers allow a connection of at least five devices, but ensure to check before you subscribe.
IP Leakage
One easy technique to evaluate a potential VPN provider is by checking if they have free trials. If they do, go ahead and sign up, then tunnel in. After tunneling in, visit their website to help you know if the provider has an IP leak, meaning your location is not hidden. If you see your real physical location or IP address on this page, you need to find a VPN provider with more security.
User Interface
Check how the VPN provider’s software operates and looks. Is operating it straightforward? Is turning it on and off easy? How easy is it to change your tunneling location?
Conclusion
In these times of online insecurity, hacking cases have gone up, with hackers using sophisticated hacking techniques to get hold of your data. Protecting yourself using a VPN is one of the best ways to protect your online activity. A VPN uses sophisticated encryption techniques to protect your data and hide your IP and physical address. If you travel to a geo-restricted country, you are still able to stream your favorite shows using a VPN. Before subscribing to a VPN, ensure you go through what it offers, and do not pick a free VPN. Instead, you will find the more expensive a VPN, the better its services.
If any company is worth its salt in the VPN world today, it’s also going to have a mobile device app to match the same protection service provided on a regular computer. The simple fact is, people spend more time on average with their phone or tablet than they do with a desktop computer or even a laptop. No surprise then, there’s a lot of apps out their promising to help and do their work, but in reality are just empty functions assuming users know nothing about how to test encryption and hoping their tool spreads for money, popularity, or worse, fraud.
Fortunately, a handful of VPN providers offer a very reliable channel for mobile devices, and they are well recognised in the VPN world in general as safe, reliable and functional. They also have the ability to break through geo-block barriers that hamper enjoyable streaming as well as monitoring. Best of all, these VPN tools can easily work over any Wi-Fi, keeping one’s connection costs down and Internet capability up and running for low or no ISP cost. Here are seven of the top players to consider:
ExpressVPN
One thing that made Apple a raging success was how intuitive its products were. ExpressVPN follows the same philosophy with its app, making it extremely easy to learn. The ExpressVPN tool also works amazingly fast without drops, buggy performance or unreliable connection.
Surfshark
A well-proven winner in the VPN world, particularly in Europe as well as the U.S., Surfshark for mobile offers a budget-sensitive user a solid VPN package that delivers reliability and function without the corporate price tag being attached.
NordVPN
Its brand awareness is something to be jealous of because just about anyone trying to connect to the Internet with encryption has heard of NordVPN somewhere somehow. Their app VPN is fast, has a high score in reliability, and the pricing tends to be competitive even if not the cheapest service available.
IPVanish
The beauty of this choice is that it can handle multiple connections at the same time on the same account. And that can be pretty handy when one needs to share their mobile VNP with work partners or family on a trip. IPVanish has robust support network and stays competitive with an affordable price point as well.
CyberGhost
The beauty of this choice tends to be their sign up teaser. A user can have six months of free service with CyberGhost and enjoy a support network that is actually bigger than some of the other players on this list. The value and price point are competitive, and CyberGhost’s VPN program works on multiple OS environments without issue.
PrivateInternetAccess
A well-established name recognized for amazing speed delivery in data transfer connections, PIA also gets top billing for privacy protection as well as adware blocking. Available on Android, Linux and iOS, PIA comes with a variety of plan choices, and it is highly customizable which tends to be an attraction for those who like to tweak their apps.
TorGuard VPN
For those folks who like to download a lot of data from Bittorrent and similar, TorGuard VPN is a custom-designed answer in the VPN world. Specific to iOS, TorGuard takes advantage of Tor’s extensive server network, and it hits the middle of the pack with speed ratings. The interface isn’t the friendliest or most intuitive, but Tor folks tend to be techy-oriented anyways.
