Category: Tech News

See how online creativity is connecting young people with lifelong health conditions and disability across Ireland

An upcoming nationwide art exhibition series will highlight the benefits being brought to the wellbeing, confidence and social connectivity of young people across Ireland living with lifelong physical health conditions by Helium Arts’ Distance Creates online art programme.

Helium Arts is a national charity supporting children in Ireland with lifelong physical health conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions, spina bifida, juvenile arthritis and rare conditions, among others. The charity runs a range of art programmes dedicated to improving the wellbeing of these children and young people.

Helium Arts has announced that its Creativity Unlimited art showcase will open on 16th October in Limerick City Gallery of Art, where a flagship exhibition will run until 25th October. A family day will be taking place on Saturday, 19th October, with special events and activities. Follow-on exhibitions will be taking place in several Connected Hubs’ locations across the country, including in Cork, Galway and Dublin during November. All of the exhibitions and associated events will be open to the public free of charge.

Creativity Unlimited will display creative works by young people aged between six and 16 from across Ireland who have been participating in Helium Arts’ Distance Creates online programme. The theme ‘About Me’ celebrates the creative stories of the online participants presented through zines exploring identity, and the children and young people’s journey through the online programme.

Distance Creates is the online component of Helium Arts’ wider creative health programme, which also delivers in-person, artist-led, medically supported creative workshops in hospital paediatric outpatient clinics and community settings in locations in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, the Mid West, Galway and the West.

In 2023, 114 children and young people from across 22 counties in Ireland living with lifelong physical health conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus and cystic fibrosis participated in Distance Creates online.

Feedback conducted by Helium Arts through surveys and consultations with the young people, parents and programme coordinators involved in the online programme showed how the process of being creative was a joyful and calming experience, that it promoted confidence and a sense of self, and fostered new friendships and connections between participants, who can often feel socially isolated.*

Announcing Creativity Unlimited, CEO of Helium Arts, Helene Hugel, said: “Our online programme has allowed us to widen our reach and bring the benefits of art and creativity to more children and young people living with the effects of illness or disability every day. Distance Creates facilitates them to take part from anywhere in Ireland, whether that is in the comfort of their own home, during a stay in hospital, or within a community context. I’m very grateful to Limerick City Gallery of Art and the Connected Hubs network for providing space for the exhibition series as a way of recognising the talent and accomplishment of our young artists in the heart of their own communities, while connecting with a new, wider circle of social support online.”

Welcoming being a venue partner for Creativity Unlimited, Connected Hubs’ National Hubs Network programme manager, Stephen Carolan, said: “Connected Hubs is delighted to support Helium Arts’ innovative online programme, which empowers children and young people across Ireland to engage in creative activities, no matter their health condition or location. This complements our innovative Art in the Hubs partnership with the Contemporary Irish Arts Society to place pieces of art in hubs all over Ireland.”

How Distance Creates works

The Distance Creates programme offers a blend of online and offline creative activities. Upon signing up, children and young people receive an ‘art box’ in the post, curated by Helium Arts, containing all the necessary art materials. Participants then receive creative activities, demonstrations, and tips from a professional artist via email, allowing them to complete projects and get creative at their own pace. Additionally, there are opportunities to connect with others through Zoom sessions and ‘post pal’, where you are connected with another participant around the country to exchange artwork by post.

Distance Creates is open to young people aged between six and 16, and like all Helium Arts programmes, it’s free of charge.

What participants have to say

Jason Harper, age 15, from Kilkenny, lives with the genetic condition 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Jason is a participant of Helium Arts’ Distance Creates online programme for ages 13-16 and will have his work featured in Creativity Unlimited.

Commenting on the experience and benefits for him of the online programme, Jason said: “The tutors were really friendly and welcoming. The art pack they sent had lots of supplies. I enjoyed the watercolour painting and rice maps. The techniques I learned at the camp are currently helping me with my Junior Cert art project as I am using the same techniques for my project. I look forward to learning more.”

David Savage from Mullingar is dad to Aisling, age eight. Aisling lives with epilepsy and is a participant of the Distance Creates online programme for ages six to eight. Aisling will also have her work featured in the showcase.

Commenting on the experience and benefits for Aisling of the online programme, David said: “Aisling’s favourite thing about the online workshops is being able to see other people’s work. She loves to see the different ways other people have done the project, and she also loves seeing their names and ages. She knows they all have conditions too. This makes her feel less alone. Aisling also adored the post pal and stayed in touch with her pal, a girl the same age as her living in Roscommon. They wrote letters to each other and shared art by post which was great fun and so lovely to see.”

For more information about Helium Arts, including about its Distance Creates online programme and the Creativity Unlimited art showcase, visit www.helium.ie.

Helium Arts’ national Creative Health Programme is supported by Rethink Ireland, Community Foundation Ireland, the Arts Council and the Lakeside Fund. The Programme is also funded by the Communities Integration Fund. Helium Arts’ national Online Creative Health Programme is funded thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous trust as well as a grant from the ESB Energy for Generations Fund.

Jabra Amazon Prime Day deals

Need some new earbuds for yourself or perhaps a gift for someone else now Jabra have some really tasty Amazon Prime day deals on offer and now is the time to hit that purchase button.

Jabra Elite 10 – Was £229.99, Now £149.99 

See our review

Jabra’s newest and most comfortable addition to its Elite range. These true wireless earbuds deliver crystal clear calls and are optimised for Dolby Atmos with Dolby Head Tracking for a truly immersive experience.

Jabra Elite 8 Active – Was £199.99, £129.99 

The world’s toughest earbuds – tested to US military grade standards, these earbuds are waterproof, sweatproof and dustproof, and with a secure design and fit, they won’t shift, even during the most strenuous workouts.  Powered by Dolby Audio, the buds deliver lifelike, clear sound 

See our review 

Jabra Elite 5 – Was £149.99, Now £74.99

Find tranquillity amidst chaos with the Jabra Elite 5, featuring Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling that utilises microphones both inside and outside your ear to block out noise.

See our review

Jabra Elite 4 Active – Was £119.99, Now £54.99 

Water and sweat proof, ergonomic, and incredibly durable, Jabra Elite 4 Active are designed to stay comfortably in place whatever your activity.

See our review 

Jabra Elite 4 – Was £99.99, Now £44.99 

These affordable true wireless earbuds are packed with features with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Multipoint connectivity and Fast Pairing (Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair). They offer comfort, optimal sound and convenience, all at a reasonable price.

Beta Festival announces programme including award-winning XR performance Noire, conference featuring Abebe Birhane and international exhibition Unsettling the Algorithm

Beta, Ireland’s festival of art and technology, will return for its second edition with a focus on interrogating the relationship between power and technology, examining how digital tools influence society and how we can take agency back in their use.

Co-founded and supported by The Digital Hub, Beta will return from 1st to 17th November and will feature a series of events including two exhibitions, several interactive workshops, performances, a thought-provoking conference, and an assembly focussed on artificial intelligence and art.

Cannes Film Festival winner Noire, the Unknown Life of Claudette Colvin will make its Irish debut at this year’s Beta Festival. Directed by Stéphane Foenkinos and Pierre-Alain Giraud, Noire tells the real-life story of 15-year-old Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in a segregated 1950s Alabama through an immersive and encapsulating digital performance showing the power of storytelling through technology. Noire is presented by The Digital Hub, the French Embassy in Ireland and Institut Francais, as part of the official Novembre Numérique programme, and is supported by Smart Dublin.

This year, Beta will host two exhibitions: the first Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance, is an international exhibition curated by Aisling Murray and Nora O’ Murchú. Featuring artists including Irish-Iraqi artist Basil Al-Rawi, Tega Brain and Sam Levigne, Firas Shehadeh, Winnie Soon and Tzu-Tung Lee, Nora Al Badri and !Mediengruppe Bitnik among others, the exhibition will explore how digital infrastructures and algorithms shape, influence and govern our daily lives. Separately, the Local Artists Network will spotlight emerging Irish artists with new work from Conan McIvor, Aisling Phelan, Cailean Finn, and more.

Among these installations will be the interactive artwork Boogaloo Bias, which explores the dangers of unregulated use of facial recognition technology particularly among law enforcement. Created by Jennifer Gradecki and Derek Curry, the project examines the practice of ‘brute forcing’, where law enforcement substitutes images of celebrities resembling suspects when high-quality images are unavailable and explores themes of accountability and bias in automated systems.

Keynote addresses by cognitive behavioural scientist and member of the UN’s AI Advisory Board Abebe Birhane and Head of Arts Technologies at London’s Serpentine Gallery Kay Watson will be delivered at the conference, while several workshops, discussions and think-ins will be hosted by ADAPT research centre, the Creative Futures Academy, Fire Station Artists’ Studios and Creative Spark during the festival.

Key highlights for the festival will include:

  • Noire, the Unknown Life of Claudette Colvin tells the real-life story of the 15-year-old who refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in a segregated 1950’s Alabama in a near-mirror event to that of Rosa Parks, told through an immersive digital performance. Noire won the inaugural award for Best Immersive Experience at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and the production is brought to Ireland by the Beta Festival and The Digital Hub, in association with the French Embassy and Institut Francais, and is supported by Smart Dublin. Noire will make its Irish debut at the Samuel Beckett Theatre from 7th – 10th November.
  • Assembly on Art and AI will bring together AI researchers, policy makers, cultural leaders and artists to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on arts and culture and identify challenges and opportunities to fuel a rolling agenda of areas to consider when creating policy centred on AI.
  • Cold Call, a call centre created by Tega Brain and Sam Lavigne that reimagines carbon offsetting, by transforming the concept of time theft – a form of resistance where employees deliberately slow productivity – into a carbon-saving strategy aimed at high-emission companies. Through the call centre, viewers are encouraged to call fossil fuel companies and distract them for as long as possible, delaying carbon-emitting activities.
  • Keynote discussions by Head of London’s Serpentine Gallery Kay Watson and UN’s AI Advisory Board Abeba Birhane, encompassing AI’s potential benefits and proven risks

The official opening will take place on Friday, 1st November at The Digital Hub in Dublin 8.

Aisling Murray, co-founder and director of Beta Festival, commented:

“I am thrilled that Beta is returning for its second year and very grateful for the continued support from co-founders The Digital Hub and funders Science Week. It has been an exciting opportunity to work with Nora O’ Murchú on curating our international exhibition Unsettling the Algorithm, which complements this year’s programme that showcases some of Ireland’s most exciting art and technology offerings and gives audiences a chance to explore international best practice of new technologies. The outstanding XR performance Noire will be a highlight of our programme and is the best integration of immersive technology with storytelling that I have come across, which I cannot wait to share with audiences.

Fiach Mac Conghail, co-founder of Beta Festival and CEO of The Digital Hub, added:

“At The Digital Hub, we always consider the impact of emerging innovations in technology on our society. We provide a creative and safe space for audiences to understand these developments in a tangible and meaningful way. We believe that artists can assist us in this understanding and this year’s programme at Beta is no exception. Through an invigorating programme of important artworks, workshops, innovative keynote speeches and engaging performances, we are in a position to offer this insight and consideration to our communities at The Digital Hub. We are excited to launch the 2024 edition of Beta festival on 1st November and look forward to seeing the great work of so many artists and the visitors that join us over the two weeks.”

The Digital Hub has a strong track record in supporting digital technology industries, creative enterprises, and community learning programmes in Dublin 8 and beyond. Beta is aimed to be both a culmination of various activities within the Liberties campus, as well as a starting point for further discussion on how to make complex technologies more accessible to communities.

The Digital Hub and Aisling Murray are being supported in its preparations for Beta by Science Week, Ambassade de France en Irlande and Institut Francais, British Council, ADAPT Research Centre, Smart Dublin, Fire Station Artist’s Studio, Creative Futures Academy, The Arts Council and Pallas Projects.

Beta Festival will kick off from Friday, 1 November with a variety of events and exhibitions during that time with the centrepiece exhibition, Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance and additional events at The Digital Hub running until Sunday, 17 November.

Tickets for Noire are available from 12pm, Thursday October 3rd and are available to purchase at https://2024.betafestival.ie/.

The eir VIP Publishing Power of Women Awards rewards and celebrates Irish female entrepreneurs

The fourth eir VIP Publishing Power of Women Awards launched with an inspiring networking event in eir’s HQ in Dublin, ahead of the awards which will take place on the 8th of November in the 5-star Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel.

The event aims to shine a spotlight on the exceptional achievements of Irish female entrepreneurs, with over 110 women nominated across 12 diverse categories. The awards will also feature a special honour: the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, celebrating one standout leader in Irish business.

The launch brought together nominees, guests, and industry leaders for an engaging and informative panel discussion, moderated by Susan Brady, eir’s Managing Director of Consumer & Small Business, and Bianca Luykx, Editorial Director of VIP Publishing. Former award winners Helen Steele, Jennifer Rock, and Fiona Parfrey shared their experiences, offering advice on what it takes to succeed as a female entrepreneur in today’s competitive landscape.

Winners will be decided upon by a panel of judges made up of Susan Brady, eir’s Managing Director of Consumer & Small Business; Lily O’Donoghue, eir’s SMB director; Pippa O’Connor Ormond, last year’s winner of Entrepreneur of the Year; Ruth O’Connor, journalist; Kathryn Thomas, broadcaster and businesswoman; Rebecca Brady, Commercial & Events Director of VIP Publishing; and Bianca Luykx, Editorial Director of VIP Publishing and Editor-in-Chief of VIP magazine.

The awards will see the return of eir as title sponsors for the third year, supported by a prestigious group of Irish and international category sponsors including Very, Weir & Sons, Suir Engineering, Kérastase, Boots, Dr Hauschka, AYA supplements, Uniphar, Penneys, Lindt and Tanqueray Gin.

 

Pippa O’Connor Ormond, last year’s winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award said: ““I am thrilled to be on the judging panel for this year’s eir VIP Publishing Power of Woman awards. To have won entrepreneur of the year in 2023 was such an honour. Awards like these are a great boost for women in business. A reminder to celebrate ourselves & others. I look forward to meeting more like minded, inspiring women at this year’s awards’’.

VIP Publishing’s Commercial & Events Director Rebecca Brady said: “VIP Publishing are thrilled to partner with eir and all of our fantastic sponsors to bring you the 4th annual Power of Women Awards. We  are delighted to see Irish and international businesses join forces to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ireland’s most remarkable female entrepreneurs. Women are the driving force behind all that we do at VIP Publishing and we are proud to provide a platform that highlights the passion and perseverance of Irish female entrepreneurs. We look forward to celebrating their achievements once again this year.’’

Susan Brady, Managing Director of eir Consumer and Small Business expressed her pride in hosting the eir VIP Publishing Power of Women nominee announcement at eir’s headquarters: “We are honoured to return as the title sponsor of the eir VIP Publishing Power of Women Awards, which celebrates the outstanding achievements of female entrepreneurs and business leaders across Ireland. These women are not only driving innovation and economic growth, but they are also creating lasting positive change in society.

At eir, our purpose is to connect for a better Ireland, and our role in supporting small businesses – by providing the connectivity and solutions they need to grow and thrive – directly aligns with the spirit of these awards. By shining a light on the incredible contributions of female business leaders, we hope to inspire the next generation of women to lead with innovation, create stronger communities, and build a more inclusive future for all.”

Categories are as follows:

Digital & Tech – Sponsored by eir

Máirín Murray and Vicky Twomey-Lee (TechFoundHer)

Rena Maycock (Chirp)

Tammy Darcy (Shona Project)

Clare McSweeney (KuulPlay)

Niamh Donnelly (Akara Robotics)

Anna Carmody (Little Red Edu)

Rosanne Longmore (Coroflo)

Deirdre Lyons (Examifly)

Fashion Retail – Sponsored by Lindt

Emma Manley (Manley)

Lucy Nagle (Lucy Nagle)

Faye Rochford (FéRí)

Laura Weber (LW Pearl)

Aoife McNamara (Aoife McNamara)

Rosie Connolly (4th Arq)

Fiona Heaney (FeeG)

Lisa McGowan (Lisa & Co)

Beauty Industry – Sponsored by Uniphar

Linda Stintson (Bellamianta)

Kerry Hanaphy (Kerry Hanaphy Aesthetic Clinic)

Liz Dwyer & Nikki Dwyer (Future of Beauty)

Dr Emma Cunningham (Dr Emma Skincare)

Vanessa Gomez (Essences Day Spa)

Agnes Rafal (HOMEface yoga by agnes)

Anna Forde (Haumea)

Noelle O’Connor( TanOrganic and VeganTan)

Hair Care – Sponsored by Kérastase

Denise Phillips (PELO/Voduz)

Anita Donohue (Annutri)

Claire Balding /Fullam (Remi)

Nancy Cavanagh (Belle Hair Extensions)

Helen Reavey (Act+Acre)

Stephanie Nwambu (Callah Crowns)

Aine Kennedy (Smooth Stick)

Mairead Ronan (Faro)

Cosmetics & Skin Care – Sponsored by Boots

Charlene Flanagan & Niamh Ryan (Ella & Jo)

Niamh Hogan (Holos Skincare)

Dr. Helena McMahon (Seabody)

Una McGurk (Seoulista Beauty)

Sonia Deasy (Pestle & Mortar)

Susie O’Neill (AYU Cosmetics)

Geraldine Jones (Skin Formulas)

Michelle Regazzoli Stone (MRS Glam)

Communications

Valerie Roe (Valerie Roe PR)

Rebecca Burrell (Burrell Marketing and Publicity)

Hannah Saunders (Hannah Saunders PR)

Sonia Harris (Harris PR)

Lindsey Holmes (Lindsey Holmes Publicity)

Rachel Sherry (Sherry Communications)

Tara O’Connor (Tara O’Connor Consulting)

Kerryann Conway (The Hive Agency)

Creative – Sponsored by Dr. Hauschka

Audrey Hamilton (Audrey Hamilton Art)

Orla de Brí (Orla de Brí)

Ciara & Rachel Howard (Howrad Studios)

Jenny McCarthy (By Jenny McCarthy)

Clíodhna Doherty (Clíodhna Doherty Art)

Heather Condren (Flowerpop)

Jenny Buckley & Carol Gunner (Tamber Media)

Deirdre Young & Sinead Bailey Kelly (H&G Creations)

Lifestyle – Sponsored by VERY

Una Leonard (2210 Patisserie)

Lucy Hagerty (La Bougie)

Portia Quinn & Robin Thompson (Harley & Marley)

Natasha Rocca Devine (NRD Designs)

Adrienne Heslin (West Kerry Brewery)

Laura Bonner (Muff Liquor Company)

Sadie Chowen (Burren Perfumery)

Barikisu Ali Telfer (Sahara.ie)

New Founder – Sponsored by Weir & Sons

Suzy Griffin (Hildun Beauty)

Ngozi Elobuike (Hi Spirits Wine Club)

Olivia Humphries (Athena)

Destiny Ayo Vaughan (Mind The Gap)

Evie and Eliza Ward (NutShed)

Ellie Haughney (Anam Cosmetics)

Shona Mahon (Speedy Lash / Wink With Mink)

Susan Fox & Carly Colgan (Ealu)

Wellness – Sponsored by AYA 

Kylie O’Donoghue (FemFuelz )

Laura Dowling (fabÜ)

Orla Hopkins (New Dimensions Active)

Audrey O’Connor (CoreState)

Kira Walton (Voya)

Maura Rath (Yoga with Maura)

Gráinne Byrne (Norma)

Shawna Scott (Sex Siopa)

Sustainability – Sponsored by Suir Engineering

Nicky & Ella Dwyer (Drobey)

Ella de Guzman (Siopaella)

Sarah Fliessbach (Share Club)

Fiona Fahy (Feed Me Mother)

Jess Dollinger (The Good Neighbour)

Aisling Cullen (Thanks Plants)

Nicola Connelly (Nunaïa)

Fran Fogarty (Lily Mais)

Accesories

Julie Peelo (Peelo)

Lyndsey Cavanagh (One Dame Lane)

Lisa Ruttledge (Fabulisa)

Sallyann Concannon (Mettle & Bloom)

Suzanne Jackson, Terrie McEvoy & Siobhan Murray (MANTRA Official)

Nicki Hoyne (Nicki Hoyne)

Margaret Urbanowicz (Sómas)

Megan Nolan (MNW Design)

 

 

Samsung Galaxy Ring Now Available in Ireland

The Samsung Galaxy Ring is now available here in Ireland finally some might say, the latest wearable ring to the market is ideal for those who want to keep track of their health in a minimal way and is very discreet and for those who do not like to wear smart watches or bracelets.

Coming in several colours Titanium Black, Titanium Silver, Titanium Gold there is something for everyone here who wants to try these out we will have a review soon so stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.

Key Features:

  • Its distinct concave surface adds a touch of style while maintaining durability.
  • With a 10ATM water resistance[ and Titanium Grade 5 you can confidently wear Galaxy Ring anywhere without worry.
  • Up to seven days battery life with quick charging case.
  • All data and insights integrated into Samsung Health
  • Powerful sleep AI algorithm to help you understand your sleep patterns and build better habits.
  • Sleep Score and snoring analysis, new sleep metrics such as movement during sleep, sleep latency, heart and respiratory rate provide a detailed and accurate analysis of sleep quality.
  • Cycle Tracking to better track your menstrual cycle through overnight skin temperature monitoring.
  • Galaxy AI generates a detailed health report that includes various health metrics like Sleep Coaching.
  • New Energy Score enhances your awareness of the ways your health influences your daily life, so you can utilise recommendations based on your current physical state to focus your daily efforts on making improvements.
  • Receive personalised to enhance your well-being with Wellness Tips
  • With Heart Rate Alert receive instant notifications regarding unusually high or low heart rates in real-time via the Samsung Health app
  • Find the location of your Galaxy Ring via your Galaxy smartphone with Find My Ring on Samsung Find.
  • Available At –  Samsung.com and online and in-store at Harvey Norman

See our latest Samsung Reviews

AlphaTheta launches the HDJ-F10 professional wireless DJ headphones

AlphaTheta, a world-class manufacturer of DJ equipment, announces the release of the HDJ-F10 professional wireless DJ headphones.

Enhance your performances with ultra-low-latency SonicLink technology, engineered specifically for professional DJs to deliver wireless audio seamlessly to your ears. When using the HDJ-F10 headphones with the HP-TX01 transmitter – which can be connected to the DJ mixer –  you’ll enjoy freedom from cables so you can energise the crowd by dancing and moving around the DJ booth or stage without ever tangling or pulling on a wire.

You’ll hear everything loud and clear when you perform with the HDJ-F10 headphones. Their newly developed drivers produce high-resolution, powerful sound with a wide range. With enhanced earpads and housing structures, their sound insulation is outstanding too. And these headphones are built to withstand life on the road. They’re highly durable and have passed demanding tests so you can enjoy lasting durability and can be relied on to handle life in any environment.

With total versatility, you can sync the HDJ-F10 headphones to your phone or another device via a Bluetooth connection, and you can turn on the Noise Cancelling mode to help immerse yourself in the music as if you’re checking the sound of each track in the studio or simply shut out the background noise, even in a busy city. Turn on Transparency mode, and you can let external sounds in so you can continue having conversations with people around you while listening to music. These headphones offer the best experience for both onstage and everyday use by professional DJs, and you can buy them on their own or in the HDJ-F10-TX bundle, which includes the transmitter.

Featuring a long battery life, a fully charged HDJ-F10 headphones will offer 9 hours of use with SonicLink or 30 hours of use with Bluetooth – allowing you to enjoy music on the go for longer or for playing those extended DJ sets. Available now, the HDJ-F10 headphones can be bought for £369 or with the transmitter as a bundle for £469. The transmitter is priced at £109 separately. For more information, head to alphatheta.com.

F-Secure Adds Industry-Leading Scam Protection Capabilities to F-Secure Total

 F-Secure, a global leader in consumer cyber security, today announces that F-Secure Total, its online security application, will now host several new features specifically designed to protect consumers against scams by utilising AI. These new advanced features protect users against the most prevalent scams in the digital world, which consumers are exposed to while going about their daily lives.

The seven new features include:

  • Shopping Protection

  • SMS Scam Protection

  • Banking Protection

  • Browsing & Phishing Protection

  • Wi-Fi Protection

  • Cookie Popup Blocker

  • Ad Blocker

New AI integration means F-Secure Total users can now have scam SMS messages immediately deleted/flagged. Users also receive a pop-up warning on an unsecure site or see if they are entering a safe banking or payment site. This level of constant monitoring is unique to F-Secure Total.

Responding to one of the biggest consumer threats today

The suite of protection features has been developed as a response to the increasing number of scams faced by consumers. Research from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), of which F-Secure is a member, found that £119.6 billion ($159bn) was lost to scams in 2023 alone, with 73% of consumers now encountering a scam monthly. At the same time many consumers can find cyber security confusing and are unsure how best to protect themselves.

These industry leading features, along with a dedicated Scam Protection Engineering Team, mark the new direction for F-Secure as it sets out to be the number one provider of scam protection.

Timo Laaksonen, President and CEO at F-Secure says: “The biggest online threat to the modern-day consumer is scams. We have seen the issue increase year-on-year not only in volume but in credibility and effectiveness. As a company we are committed to providing a complete solution that keeps our customers safe across their digital lives. Thanks to AI we are now able to fight back against even the most sophisticated scams and provide safety across a number of areas. These new features are just the beginning for F-Secure as we continue to pioneer in scam protection.”

The new features will be rolled out on F-Secure Total throughout the rest of this year, and include:

Shopping Protection

A completely unique feature, F-Secure Total will now provide clear real-time reliability ratings for online stores and block malicious sites while users browse. Not only does this feature help prevent a potential scam, it also helps to improve awareness and to ensure users avoid questionable online stores.

Available now on desktop and mobile platforms.

SMS Scam Protection powered by AI

Many people are falling victim to SMS scams due to the use of advanced technology. F-Secure reports that SMS scams have ‘exploded’ into popularity in the last year.

AI can now create sophisticated, seamless and convincing scam messages. F-Secure has also used AI to create the unique SMS Scam Protection feature which analyses received text messages for potentially harmful intent. Bad messages are flagged or automatically sent into a junk folder preventing the user being put at risk.

Available for both iOS and Android by the end of this year.

Banking Protection

UK Finance’s Annual Fraud Report 2024 reported remote banking alone accounted for £152m in unauthorised fraud losses and F-Secure reports their sophistication is increasing at an alarming rate. The new Banking Protection feature, unique to F-Secure, visibly secures sessions on legitimate banking and payment sites and blocks untrusted connections, preventing session hijacking to keep users’ money safe.

Available on desktop and now also on mobile Chrome and Safari.

Browsing & Phishing Protection

Browsing protection works in the browser by preventing access to known malware and phishing sites.

Available on desktop and now also on mobile Chrome and Safari.

Wi-Fi Protection

Allowing users to enjoy public Wi-Fi hotspots with peace of mind, this feature safeguards personal information and issues alerts if it detects potential network risks, which could lead to theft of information like banking credentials, so the user can select another network or turn on VPN.

Available now on mobile platforms.

Cookie Popup Blocker

Protects user privacy by automatically rejecting non-essential cookies from common cookie consent providers. Users also encounter fewer cookie prompts.

Available now for Windows and Mac. Coming for Android and iOS at a later date.

Ad Blocker

As well as improving browsing experience, Ad Blocker decreases exposure to potential scams and fraud that utilise ads. It also enhances browsing experience and speeds up page loading by blocking advertising loading when accessed through desktop.

Available now on desktops and on iOS by the end of the year.

For more information about F-Secure, please visit https://www.f-secure.com/en/total/scam-protection.

Skullcandy Revives Icon Franchise with All-New Icon ANC Headphones

Skullcandy announces the return of its iconic headphone franchise with the launch of the all-new Icon ANC. Nearly 20 years after the original Icon headphones made waves in the boardsports community, the new and improved Icon ANC is here to elevate the listening experience with active noise cancellation, sweat- and water-resistance, and an impressive 60 hours of battery life. Icon ANC is available globally now for $99.99 MSRP at Skullcandy.com and select retailers nationwide. 

“The original Icon was a true fan favorite in the boardsport community. We took our fans’ requests to heart and gave it a stylish and versatile makeover that’s perfect for any adventure,” said Justin Regan, VP of Marketing at Skullcandy. “Transcending its heritage, Icon ANC is all about embracing an active lifestyle for a new generation. From the slopes to the streets, these headphones aren’t just an accessory—they’re a statement.”

This time around, the Icon ANC isn’t just for boardsports; it’s designed as an active-capable, everyday headphone that seamlessly blends style and performance into any daily routine. Icon ANC redefines the standard for on-ear headphones with features like active noise cancellation—something the majority of competitors’ on-ear headphones don’t offer.

The modernized Icon ANC also offers unparalleled comfort and distraction-free listening both on and off the mountain. With an IPX4 rating for sweat- and water-resistance, these headphones are designed to withstand any environment. The durable metal headband and plush earcups ensure maximum comfort, while the included protective travel bag makes them easy to take anywhere. The Adjustable Stay-Aware mode ensures that users can remain aware of their surroundings when needed. With up to 60 hours of battery life, Icon ANC is built to keep the soundtrack going long after the day’s adventures have ended.

Icon ANC is available in both a black and bone colorway. Additional details surrounding Icon ANC include: 

Icon ANC True Wireless Headphones – $99.99 MSRP

  • Up to 60 Hours of Battery Life (ANC Off); Up to 50 Hours of Battery Life (ANC On)
  • Rapid Charge (10 min = 4 hrs)
  • IPX4 Sweat & Water Resistant
  • Active Noise Canceling
  • Personal Sound by Mimi®
  • Adjustable Stay-Aware Mode 
  • Clear Voice Smart Mic
  • Custom & Preset EQ Modes (Music, Bass Boost, Podcast)
  • Low Latency Audio Mode
  • Natural Voice Sidetone for Calls
  • Skullcandy App Compatible 
  • Google Fast Pair and Google Finder
  • Multipoint Pairing
  • Spotify Tap™
  • Onboard Call & Media Controls 
  • Customize Button Functions

See our Skullcandy reviews 

BUY

Creative Technology Launches New Sound Blaster GS5

Creative Technology today announced the release of the Sound Blaster GS5, a sleek and compact soundbar designed to elevate the audio experience while taking up minimal space. With versatile connectivity and exceptional audio performance powered by SuperWide™ technology, the Sound Blaster GS5 creates a wider, more immersive soundstage—perfect for intimate gaming sessions or cosy movie nights with family and friends.

Despite its compact size, this soundbar packs a punch with deep bass and crystal-clear sound. It is powered by advanced full-range racetrack drivers and a built-in port tube with a peak power output of up to 60W, making every sound—from subtle whispers to dramatic explosions—come alive.

Coupled with SuperWide™ technology, the soundstage expands to make the audio experience even more immersive. The Sound Blaster GS5 features two SuperWide™ modes—Near Field for desktop use and Far Field for larger spaces—ensuring an optimal audio experience no matter the setting.

Connectivity is also a breeze with a range of options, including USB-C, AUX input, optical-in, and Bluetooth 5.3, allowing for a seamless plug-and-play setup with TVs, PCs, and gaming consoles. Additionally, the customisable RGB lighting adds a touch of flair, and the included remote control allows for quick adjustments on the fly. With its slim profile and array of nifty features, the Sound Blaster GS5 truly shines as the ideal audio upgrade for any setup.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster GS5 is priced at £59.99 and is available at Creative.com.

See our creative reviews