Want to save money before the Christmas shopping spree? Virgin Mobile’s ‘Red Friday’ 545 offer is here – offering unlimited 4G Data, calls and texts for as little as €5 for 5 months on a 30 day contract!
What’s the deal?
Virgin Mobile Unlimited Plan €5 a month for 5 months on a 30 day contract. Just €25 after offer.
What’s new?
This is the first time non-Virgin Media customers have been able to get this 545 offer.
When’s it available?
Now until 2nd of December.
What’s in the plan?
Unlimited 4G data, calls and texts. get that RED Friday feeling – check it out on www.virginmedia.ie
A few months there was a scam going around purporting to come from Revenue offering you a refund of income tax and it was a good attempt to scam people but of course seeking personal information. This time of year is always busy with the scam front and I have been subject to an ongoing issue with PayPal myself which they are still trying to sort out.
Again this email is similar and here is what you need to look out for and it will ask you to open a link and fill in information but by all means DO NOT open any link in the email and just discard it straight away you can see the information provided in the link as what you need to watch out for so you have been warned and it is another phishing attempt.
Revenue do have an advice section on their website if you need or feel you have got a suspicious link HERE
Granite Digital, Ireland’s leading full-service digital agency, today announces that it has acquired Galway-based app development company, Apps Made Easy. The deal, which is part of an ambitious growth strategy for Granite Digital, will allow the Deloitte Fast 50 company to treble its app development revenues to €750,000 in the next 12 months.
Established in 2008, Granite Digital is a consulting group of more than 60 professionals providing Strategy, UX Design, Web solutions, SEO & managed hosting services to clients across a wide range of industries in the private and public sector. To meet growing market demand for the development of customer-focused mobile apps, the company has collaborated with award-winning Apps Made Easy on a number of projects for high profile clients including Fexco, Dublin City Council, UCC and Bon Secours Health System.
Pictured announcing Granite Digital’s acquisition of Apps Made Easy are (l-r) Robert Carpenter, founder, Granite; Conor Buckley, CEO, Granite; Alf Smiddy, Chairman, Granite; Niall Campbell, director, Apps Made Easy and Seamus White, co-founder, Granite.
As the provider of digital solutions for clients, Granite identified the opportunity to expand and enhance its mobile application offering further through an acquisition. By acquiring Apps Made Easy, Granite Digital will be able to extend its mobile app development service and establish a new dedicated division that will produce user-oriented mobile solutions.
Granite Digital is on an ambitious growth path, with overall revenues expected to hit €5 million in 2019 and to reach €10 million by 2022. The end-to-end provider for clients wishing to transform their digital presence cites the digital transformation of the financial services sector as a key driver of this. Current clients in this sector include Davy, Fexco, Aon and The Central Bank.
The announcement will also see Granite Digital’s geographical footprint expand to three locations in Ireland, adding Galway to its existing Dublin and Cork offices.
Pictured announcing Granite Digital’s acquisition of Apps Made Easy are (l-r) Robert Carpenter, Co-Founder of Granite Digital; and Niall Campbell, Director of Apps Made Easy.
Robert Carpenter, Co-Founder of Granite Digital, said: “Apps Made Easy is an exciting new addition to the range of services that Granite Digital provides. This acquisition will transform our service offering, enabling us to establish ourselves as a one-stop-shop for every aspect of our clients’ digital presence – whether that’s Digital Strategy, UX Design, Applications Development, SEO or App development.
“Having worked alongside the Apps Made Easy team on a number of projects in the past few years, we have seen first-hand their technical experience and premium service quality. We have ambitious growth plans and the acquisition of Apps Made Easy is part of the continuing expansion of our services.”
Niall Campbell, Director of Apps Made Easy said: “As one of Ireland’s most established brands in web development, Granite Digital is an ideal partner for Apps Made Easy. Our complementary expertise means we can offer unique and unparalleled software solutions to clients. We are excited to see how Granite Digital and Apps Made Easy can continue to grow together in the future.”
Pearl Abyss today released a free update to Black Deserton PlayStation 4, bringing Awakening Events for Striker and Tamer classes that boost their combat power. In addition, fairy companions have been added to support adventurers, and world bosses Quint and Muraka are now available.
Striker Awakened Skills
Echo Spirit – Summon the Striker’s spiritual alter-ego to bring down the apocalypse onto enemies.
Infernal Destruction – Bring down enemies with a leg-sweep followed by a powerful punch.
Skull Crusher – Spin in the air and and use the momentum to knock enemies down with a downward kick.
Rampaging Predator – Relentlessly chase down enemies and unleash a flurry of attacks.
Tamer Awakened Skills
Allround Spinner – Spins the Celestial Bo Staff around, striking enemies from all directions.
Legendary Beast Dance – Channel the spirits of the four legendary beasts through your Celestial Bow Staff to perform different attacks on your enemies.
Flow: Cloud Ride – Using the Celestial Bo Staff, Tamer launches herself forwards dealing damage and knocking enemies down.
Fairy Companions
Fairies offer great utility in Black Desert offering skills which help you on your travels. These celestial beings can provide auto-potions and Desert drinks, instant resurrections and more!
New World Bosses
Quint – As the first ancient troll, Quint is a statue-like being that will be difficult to topple. Since he does not take damage while standing, it is imperative to take out his legs first, where adventurers can unleash attacks on his relatively weak body.
Muraka – Emerging from the thick woods of Mansha forest, Muraka brings death and destruction to anyone foolish enough to stand in his way. While relatively slow, he unleashes incredibly powerful attacks that only increase in power when enraged.
Black Desert on PlayStation 4 is featured within the PlayStation Double Discount event, with 25% off all three game bundles and PS+ members receiving 50% off until November 22. Sales of Black Desert on PlayStation 4 have increased tenfold since the start of the event!
Fingerprint Cards (Fingerprints™) today announces the launch of a new side-mounted capacitive touch sensor for biometric authentication. Responding to customer demand, the slim FPC1540 sensor enables a range of the latest smartphone designs including borderless and foldable phones.
The sensor can be coated in a range of colors to complement the aesthetics of the smartphone design. The biometric sensor can also enhance the user experience beyond offering a convenient and secure authentication method, doubling as the power button, volume control, operating the camera shutter and scrolling.
FPC1540 expands Fingerprints’ portfolio of capacitive sensors that are now deployed on the front, back and side of over 400 different mobile device models.
“As smartphone design diversifies, biometrics are becoming an enabler for innovation and differentiation,” comments Ted Hansson, SVP Business Line Mobile at Fingerprints. “It’s not easy to create a sensor this slim while retaining industry-leading biometric performance. We’ve got years of experience, R&D expertise and our advanced algorithms to give OEMs maximum design flexibility, and without compromise to security or functionality.”
Fingerprints expects the first smartphone using FPC1540 to be launched early 2020.
For more information about Fingerprints’ smartphone and tablet solutions, visit the website.
The xdeck will be a place where experienced entrepreneurs and innovate companies share their knowledge, resources and network with emerging founders and support them in developing their potential.
The goals for participating startups are to reach product-market fit, to initiate a financing round, where appropriate, and to prepare for scaling. The xdeck aims to establish a sustainable startup ecosystem in the Rhineland that brings together startups and innovators from all over Europe. The application phase for founders starts now.
With the completion of Cologne’s new future-oriented office building THE SHIP, opening in early 2020, the xdeck will move into its premises. The accelerator program xdeck has been uniquely designed for founders – initiated by the successful founding trio of the company FOND OF, Dr. Oliver Steinki, Florian Michajlezko, and Sven-Oliver Pink. As part of a comprehensive service package, they aim, together with renowned partners, to pass on their vigorous experience to a selection of outstanding startups.
Next to FOND OF, the top-class xdeck partners to date include the globally leading top-management consultancy McKinsey & Company, the top German corporate law firm Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek, and Germany’s most active early-stage investor High-Tech Gründerfonds. Their common goal is to support startups in the xdeck to quickly develop innovative business models and to anchor them in the market.
In addition, the xdeck cooperates with partners from the university landscape, in particular the University of Cologne and its Excellence Start-up Center GATEWAY, the RWTH Aachen University, and its unit RWTH Innovation, as well as the Incubator of the leading business school WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management. The xdeck also cooperates with the non-profit association Wissensfabrik, which is committed to MINT education for children and young people and entrepreneurship in Germany, as well as with the PIRATE Summit, Europe’s largest “invitation only” startup conference.
“Our vision with xdeck is to generate new fuel for entrepreneurship. The xdeck is unique in our eyes, because it is characterized by three things: First, it hosts an accelerator program from founders for founders. We are entrepreneurs ourselves and know what other founders need in order to develop successful startups”, says Dr. Nils Eiteneyer, Founding Managing Director of xdeck. “Secondly, it involves outstanding corporate partners who share their expert knowledge and resources. And third, the xdeck is a non-profit initiative that is strategically interesting for all parties but does not pursue a focus on investment or returns. Above all it is socially motivated. Founder teams do not have to contribute equity to participate in the xdeck program.” Nils Eiteneyer has extensive industry experience. Previously, he was Managing Director of a FOND OF founders’ startup investment in the retail sector and was a consultant at McKinsey & Company. During his doctorate he also headed the startup center at RWTH Aachen University.
What founders can expect from the xdeck program
Founders who obtain a place in the xdeck program benefit from a comprehensive service package without additional costs or equity from the startup. Services include:
Network access: individual mentoring by successful entrepreneurs, such as the FOND OF founders, and personal contact with professional investors;
Knowledge transfer: tailored to the needs of the founding teams, for example in the areas of financing, performance marketing, or employment law;
Financial resources: an initial funding of up to €20,000 for relocating to Cologne (for the duration of the program), an office space in THE SHIP with access to the FOND OF Design Lab and Tech Credits (e.g. AWS).
The program is structured in two phases. During the first four months, the founding teams receive active support in optimizing their business model. The focal point of this phase is to achieve product-market fit. Customer acquisition and -feedback as well as product development are therefore key. The program focuses on personal exchange with experienced mentors, experts, and other founders offering regular sparring to help teams prioritize their challenges.
In addition, workshops, lectures, and expert consultancy provide answers to all growth-related questions. The curriculum is tailor-made for each team without being overloaded. In the second phase of the program (a further two months), startups will have the chance to pitch in front of professional investors and initiate scaling. After a total of up to 180 days in the xdeck program, the teams move out of THE SHIP, but remain an important part of the community.
Application
The xdeck aims at ambitious B2C and B2B founder teams across Europe in the fields of consumer goods, retail, and digitization. Their startups should be in an early stage, have a prototype or MVP ready (or in late stages of development), and have already achieved usage numbers or revenues with (pilot) customers.
The Pioneer Batch will be launched in spring 2020. Interested founders can get an overview of the xdeck program here and apply for the first round until end of January. Applications can be submitted continuously and will be considered on an ongoing basis.
Additionally, xdeck is looking to increase its partner network. Companies that are willing to actively contribute to the xdeck can qualify regardless of size and industry. In doing so, they contribute to an emerging ecosystem of startups and companies, creating value for both sides.
New research today reveals the extent to which naughty Brits are using innovative home security camera tech to check up on each other, their kids and their pets.
The research, conducted by Neos Smart Home Insurance in partnership with YouGov, finds a whopping 83% of UK consumers are using smart security cameras to monitor our nearest and dearest.
The stats reveal pet-parents are the worst culprits, with 35% of people using their security cameras to dote on their furry friends from afar, compared to just 28% who use them to watch their kids. Millennials are the age-group most obsessed with their fur babies, with 38% of people aged 25 to 34 confessing they predominantly use their security cams to peek at their pets. Scots are the worst out of all the Brits, with 58% saying they obsess over their pets remotely.
As well, 12% of Brits confess they use their security cameras to watch what their partner is doing at home when they are out (or in another room). Men particularly enjoy a snoop with 14% owning up to watching over their partner versus just 10% of women. Perhaps not so shockingly, tech-obsessed millennials aged 25-34 like to check up on their partners more than the other generations (17%) and couples aged 45-54 (4%) are the least likely. Those who live in the South East of England peak at their partners the most (16%) and the Welsh (9%) are the least likely to do so.
Comfortingly, 80% of people surveyed do get round to using their security cameras for what they’re actually intended – keeping an eye on their home to help prevent break-ins and disasters, such as leaks and house fires. In fact, 63% of Brits say they feel much safer with security cameras watching over their homes.
Matt Poll, co-founder and CEO, Neos says, “It’s great so many Brits are taking advantage of smart technology to better protect their homes – and quite funny that they’re also using it for a good old fashioned snoop when they’re out of the house. Even more incredible is our research found people place their pets above their offspring in the pecking order for who they want to watch over with their security cams… Each to their own!”
“In addition to keeping a watchful eye over loved ones and pets, it’s fantastic to see that security cameras like Neos are predominantly being used by Brits to take a proactive approach to home safety and security. It’s a real pleasure to know that security cams are helping the majority of Brits to feel safer.”
This Black Friday make sure you take advantage of Neos’s 20% off Black Friday deals, a real steal when Neos has the market leading price point for home security cams! Neos also has a partnership with Amazon this year where you can snatch up a Neos SmartCam and an Amazon Echo Show 5 for a reduced cost. Neos Black Friday deals can be found on Amazon, Curry’s PC World, Very, as well as onshop.neos.co.uk.
Everyone has special photographs they want to treasure forever, and now this is possible with the opening of two new worlds of wonder in Galway on Saturday, 30th November, and Ennis on Saturday, 7th December. Local Ennis Man, Niall Considine, in partnership with FUJIFILM, has announced the opening of two regional Wonder Photo Shops in Ireland just in time for Christmas. With so many services available, the Wonder Photo Shops in Galway and Ennis will offer everything from photo printing, personalised gifts and wall decorations, to a selection of frames and stationary. The Wonder Photo Shops will also carry the ever popular INSTAX cameras, which are on everyone’s gift list this Christmas.
“This is a very exciting time for photography fans in Ireland, as Wonder Photo Shop by FUJIFILM offers a wide range of products and services, making the concept of photo creation entertaining in a fun atmosphere”, said Kyran O’Kelly, general manager of FUJIFILM Ireland. He added, “On visiting, you are encouraged to explore the latest photo printing trends, gifting ideas, wall art concepts, cameras and film, and express your creativity by transforming treasured photo prints into beautiful creations”.
Niall Considine described the journey awaiting shoppers at the new Wonder Photo Shops, saying: “There are different areas designated for individual experiences, which are specifically designed to assist you on your creative journey. Have fun with photos by creating customised albums and prints, wall decorations and lots more. You can create an entire photo book by just using your mobile phone! There is also a photo gift area, where you can create one-of-a kind personalised gifts for family and friends this Christmas”.
FUJIFILM’s new Wonder Photo Shops will open in Galway’s Corbett Court Mall on Saturday 30th November, (open Monday-Thursday and Saturday from 9.15am to 6pm, Fridays from 9.15am to 8pm and Sundays from 1pm to 5.30pm), and in The Town Square in Ennis on Saturday 7th December (open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 6pm).
For further information on FUJIFILM and its new Wonder Photo Shops, please visit fujigalway.ie / fujiennis.ie. @FujiEnnis @FujiGalway
Is there a day that goes by whether you’re walking, cycling, using public transport or driving that you don’t open Google Maps at least once? It’s the app that’s made travelling and getting around easier and this month a new feature will make travelling even easier.
When you’re in a foreign country where you don’t speak or read the language, getting around can still be difficult, especially when you need to speak with someone. Think about that anxiety-inducing time you tried to talk to a taxi driver, or that moment you tried to casually ask a passerby for directions.
To help, Google is bringing Google Maps and Google Translate closer together with a new translator feature that enables your phone to speak out a place’s name and address in the local lingo. Simply tap the new speaker button next to the place name or address, and Google Maps will say it out loud, making your next trip that much simpler.
As well as speaking the local lingo on your travels get to know the other Google Maps features that will help take the hassle out of your daily commute as well as your travels.
Go Handsfree Keep your focus on the road by using voice commands on Google Maps. Just say “OK Google, find petrol stations” or “ Show alternate routes” to get the information you need, hands free.
Wait time estimates and popular times: Use Google Maps to find out what the estimated wait times and popular times are at your favorite businesses so you can beat the crowds and save time.
Offline maps: No data? No problem. You can still find your way even if you have spotty reception or an expensive data plans. Whether you’re on a road trip or traveling abroad, you can download a map of an area so you can see directions and use turn by turn navigation even when you can’t get online.
Remember where you parked: After navigating somewhere, use Google Maps to save your parking location so you never have a “Dude where’s my car?” moment again.
Add detours to your route: We’ve all been there – you’re on your way to a birthday party and you’ve forgotten to buy a present. Cue panic – or not. With Google Maps you can easily search for places along your route while in navigation mode, so you can find the nearest store and get back on the road as quickly as possible.
Never miss your stop again: Use Google Maps to get transport navigation times, ETAs and a notification that tells you when to transfer or get off your bus or train, so you can stop worrying about missing your stop and start enjoying the sights.
Create listsso you can keep track of your favorite places and share them with friends.
