6 Ways To Protect Yourself From Hackers

Hacking has been making waves in the tech world, especially since the rise of cryptocurrency. It’s a realm where brilliant minds seek innovation and disruptors try to cause chaos. Shockingly, recent data show that Ireland saw a 37% surge in cryptocurrency theft, totalling about €1.8 billion. Here’s the reality: the risk of getting hacked is greater than ever as these cunning cybercriminals evolve. However, you can fortify your defences by understanding their tactics. Here are six ways you could fall victim to hacking. 

  1. Smartphone apps 

Many people have and love those handy apps that make life easier. In today’s digital world, they’ve become essential. However, your smartphone could be more vulnerable if you’re an Android user without two-factor authentication (2FA). Android’s open-source operating system, while offering flexibility, can be a playground for viruses, making it less secure than the iPhone. When you open an app, you often share sensitive information, potentially giving hackers an open door. The solution is to be picky with your app choices, focus on the ones with credible ratings and reviews, and beef up your security with Two-Factor Authentication on all apps and devices. Don’t forget to double-check your links too. 

    2. Sites-cloning and phishing

Site cloning and phishing are a classic that has been around since the ‘dot-com revolution.’ As they say, ‘the old ones are the best.’ In one scenario, the cyber tricksters create a near-perfect replica of a legitimate website, hoping to trick you into entering your password or secret key. They might even slightly alter the website’s domain, so be vigilant. In the second scenario, they send emails that look identical to official communications but aim to trick you into clicking a malicious link and giving away your data. Trust your instincts, and if something feels off, delete it. Stick to websites with genuine HTTPS protocol. 

   3. Beware of public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is a hacking scenario that many naturally fear. Your device can connect to a hacker’s Wi-Fi network through a misleading link or accidentally choosing the wrong network. Anything you download or send while connected to that network is fair game for hackers. They can access your private keys from crypto wallets, online banking details, email passwords, and more. This issue is especially critical when using public Wi-Fi in railway stations, airports, hotels, or any crowded spot. Hackers can lurk incognito, waiting for an unsuspecting victim. The rule of thumb here is never to use public Wi-Fi for financial or sensitive transactions, not even with a VPN. Also, keep your router firmware updated, as manufacturers frequently release updates. Meanwhile, you can use SSID as an alternative. But what is SSID? It stands for Service Set Identifier, enabling you to learn more ways to protect yourself on Wi-Fi networks. 

   4. Malicious USB sticks 

You’ve probably heard stories of people finding USB sticks in parking lots and trying to do the right thing by returning them. However, there’s a darker side to this scenario. Sometimes, these USB sticks are loaded with malware and intentionally left by criminals. You don’t need to be the target of a specific attack to fall victim to malware. Inserting random devices like CDs, DVDs, USB drives, or any other found peripherals, such as a mouse or keyboard, puts you at risk of getting hacked. To protect yourself, use reputable antivirus software and make sure it scans all connected devices. While it’s not foolproof and can’t catch every threat, it significantly reduces the chances of falling prey to random malware or malware created by less skilled attackers. 

    5. SMS authentication 

SMS for authentication may seem like a quick and familiar way to confirm your identity, but it’s not as secure as you think. Positive Technologies, a cybersecurity company, has shown how easy it is for attackers to intercept SMS messages containing password confirmations, thanks to the Signalling System 7 (SS7) protocol used worldwide. They demonstrated that any system relying solely on SMS can be accessed by hackers, even if 2FA is used. To protect yourself, turn off call forwarding to prevent data access and consider using a software-based authentication solution instead. 

    6. Malicious documents

Hackers often hide malware in seemingly harmless Office documents like Word or Excel. When you open these files, your computer can get instantly infected. These malicious documents typically arrive in your inbox, disguised as seemingly secure emails. Upon opening, you might receive a pop-up message prompting you to enable macros to view the document’s content. If you allow macros, your computer becomes susceptible to malware attacks. So, avoid enabling macros and never open attachments from suspicious emails or unknown contacts. 

Top 7 Multiplayer Card Games to Play on Mobile

Are you someone who thrives on social interaction and cherishes those moments spent bonding with friends and family? Well, what if I told you there’s a fantastic way to combine your love for socializing with the thrill of gaming? Games have an incredible ability to bring people closer, fortify relationships, and provide endless entertainment. Today, we’re here to introduce you to seven of the most engaging multiplayer card games that you can easily enjoy on your mobile device. So, let’s dive right into the world of digital card battles and discover which ones are perfect for you. 

Hearts 

Hearts are often the first game that comes to mind when many people gather to enjoy a card game. This classic trick-taking game has been a beloved pastime for generations, known for its simplicity and ability to captivate players of all ages. This amazing multiplayer card game is typically played with four players, although variations exist for three to six players. It revolves around a set of 52 playing cards and the cards are ranked in their usual order, with the Ace being the highest and the two as the lowest. 

One of Hearts’ defining features is the concept of “shooting the moon.” This daring strategy involves trying to collect all the penalty cards (the hearts) and the Queen of Spades in a single round. Successfully shooting the moon can lead to a spectacular win or, if it fails, a substantial loss, making it a high-risk, high-reward aspect of the game.

Slay the Spire 

Have you ever imagined a game that combines the elements of deck-building strategy and roguelike adventure into a single, captivating experience? If so, then “Slay the Spire” is a game that will undoubtedly pique your interest. This indie gem has taken the gaming world by storm with its innovative gameplay and addictive replayability.

“Slay the Spire” is a deck-building roguelike game developed by MegaCrit and has garnered a devoted following since its release. At its core, the game presents you with a simple yet compelling challenge: ascend the titular Spire by battling through a series of procedurally generated floors, each teeming with unique enemies, treasures, and increasingly formidable bosses.

UNO 

UNO, the iconic card game known for its fast-paced action and colorful cards, has been a source of fun and laughter for players of all ages for decades. At its core, UNO is a game of strategy, luck, and cunning. The objective is simple: be the first player to empty your hand of cards by matching them to the top card of the discard pile either by number, color, or special action. The deck consists of four colors—red, blue, green, and yellow—and each color has cards numbered from 0 to 9, along with special action cards that can change the course of the game.

UNO’s special action cards include the Skip card, which forces the next player to miss their turn; the Reverse card, which changes the direction of play; and the powerful Wild card, which allows the player to choose the next color. The Wild card can be a game-changer, as it introduces an element of unpredictability and strategy, leading to unexpected twists and turns in the game.

Euchre

When it comes to multiplayer card games, no one can deny the power of Euchre. Euchre is a classic trick-taking card game that has been captivating players for generations. This game is renowned for its simplicity and strategic depth, making it an ideal choice for gatherings and social events. Euchre is typically played with four players, divided into two partnerships. The deck is reduced to 24 cards, with the 9s through aces in all four suits. 

The objective is to win tricks and earn points, but what sets Euchre apart is the concept of “trump,” where one suit becomes more powerful than the others. This dynamic adds an element of strategy and bluffing, making every hand a thrilling challenge. Euchre’s popularity endures due to its blend of luck and skill, making it accessible to newcomers and endlessly engaging for seasoned players. 

Oh Hell 

This game is another multiplayer card game that has captured the minds of players due to its unpredictability. Oh Hell, also known as Oh Pshaw, is a trick-taking game that can accommodate a variable number of players, making it suitable for both intimate gatherings and larger gatherings. It’s often described as a game of controlled chaos, where every round presents players with a fascinating mix of calculated decisions and unexpected twists.

Oh Hell typically uses a standard deck of cards, and the objective is to predict and capture a precise number of tricks each round. What adds a tantalizing twist to the game is that the number of tricks players must take varies from round to round, creating an element of suspense and excitement. Participants must assess their hands and predict how many tricks they can win, but there’s always the risk of overestimating or underestimating, which can result in penalties.

Spades

Spades is something like the heavyweight champion of trick-taking card games. It stands out as a game of strategy, teamwork, and calculated risk that has enthralled card enthusiasts for generations. This four-player game typically played with a standard 52-card deck, is known for its fiercely competitive spirit, where partnerships must work together to outwit their opponents.

Spades is all about mastering the art of communication without speaking a word. The game revolves around a simple yet intriguing premise: players must predict how many tricks their team can take, with the added twist that spades are always the trump suit. This dynamic makes each hand a tantalizing puzzle, where players must decide when to bid big or hold back.

Crazy Eights

Crazy Eights is a card game that has the potential to make you crazy in the most delightful way possible. This game is a favorite among all ages, thanks to its straightforward rules and a healthy dose of fickleness. It’s a game that’s perfect for family gatherings, casual hangouts, or those moments when you simply want to unwind and have some fun.

The premise of Crazy Eights is as simple as it gets: players aim to be the first to get rid of all their cards. The catch? You can only play a card that matches either the suit or the rank of the top card on the discard pile, with one remarkable exception—the eights. Eights are the game changers. When played, you get to choose the new suit, adding an element of strategic choice and surprise to every round.

Cards Against Humanity Online

Cards against humanity online (via Rotten Apples on bloob.io) is a delightfully chaotic twist on the party card game you know and love—without the need to download anything. Players take turns judging while everyone else submits their funniest card combinations, all with customizable rules and settings. Want to pick your gameplay style? Choose from classic judge mode or a democratic voting system, swap out unwanted cards with a “dump round,” toggle NSFW content, adjust hand size, or decide how a match ends—whoever hits the score or round cap wins. You can even import or create your own card sets using Cardcast, making each round fresh, personal, and hilariously unpredictable.

New Google Maps updates: Immersive View for routes and other AI features

Over the past few years, Google Maps has transformed how people interact with the world with features like fuel-efficient routing and Live View to help you orient yourself when walking with augmented reality. Today with the power of AI, Google are announcing even more updates so you can confidently plan and navigate trips, make sustainable choices, and get quick inspiration for things to do.
Chris Phillips, VP & General Manager, Geo gives us the details..

Know before you go with Immersive View for Routes

Google Maps provides over 20 billion kilometers of directions every day. And with AI, we’re reimagining how you plan your trips before you go. At I/O this year, we announced Immersive View for routes, an entirely new way to preview every step of your journey — whether you’re driving, walking or cycling. This week, Immersive View for routes starts rolling out in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo and Venice on Android and iOS.

Say you want to bike along the water to the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Just request cycling directions, then tap the Immersive View preview to see your route in a stunning, multidimensional view from start to finish. You can prepare for each turn as if you were there with detailed, visual turn-by-turn directions, and use the time slider to plan when to head out based on helpful information, like simulated traffic and weather conditions. That way, you can easily avoid riding during rainy weather or heavy traffic.

All of this builds on our  work for Immersive View for places, which uses AI to fuse together billions of Street View and aerial images so you can know what a restaurant or landmark is like before you go. Now developers can also create their own immersive experiences with the launch of Photorealistic 3D Tiles in Google Maps Platform this week.

Easily understand your surroundings with Lens in Maps

Google Maps also makes it easier to understand your surroundings once you get somewhere — like if you’re exiting a subway station and need to orient yourself or if you’re scoping out a new neighborhood and need to find the nearest coffee shop. Lens in Maps (formerly called Search with Live View) uses AI and augmented reality to help you quickly acclimate yourself — whether you’re navigating a new city or discovering local hidden gems.

Simply tap the Lens icon in the search bar and lift your phone to find information about nearby ATMs, transit stations, restaurants, coffee shops and stores. In our biggest expansion of this feature yet, starting this week Lens in Maps is coming to more than 50 new cities including Austin, Las Vegas, Rome, São Paulo and Taipei.

Navigate with confidence with a more detailed map

Today, hundreds of millions of drivers depend on Google Maps’ helpful information about real-world conditions, like nearby crashes or upcoming traffic jams.

Soon, the navigation map will reflect the real world even more accurately. In addition to updated colors throughout the map, you’ll see more realistic buildings to help you better orient yourself – like if you’re driving downtown and need to understand where you are during the final stretch of your ride. And on highways, where some of the trickiest driving maneuvers often happen (like that annoying exit that requires you to quickly cross multiple lanes), you’ll see improved lane details to help you feel prepared. These updates start rolling out in the coming months in 12 countries, including the U.S., Canada, France and Germany.

In the U.S., you’ll soon see if there are HOV lanes along your route so you can make a more informed decision about how to get to your destination. And in Europe, our AI-powered speed limit information is expanding to 20 countries so you can stay safe even when it’s hard to spot speed limit signs on the road. Both features start rolling out on Android, iOS, and for cars with Google Built-in in the coming months.

Reduce charging anxiety with even more EV information

If you’re an electric vehicle driver, you may be familiar with charging anxiety. Whether you’re on a road trip, commuting to work, or heading across town, there’s nothing worse than not knowing where you can charge mid-trip.

Starting this week, building on our capabilities in cars with Google built-in, EV drivers on Android and iOS will now see even more helpful charging station information, including whether a charger is compatible with their vehicle and whether the available chargers are fast, medium, or slow to help you find the charging station that best meets your needs. And since 25% of all chargers in the U.S. are down at any given time, you can also see when a charger was last used to help you avoid wasting time heading to a broken charger. These updates start rolling out globally on iOS and Android this week wherever EV charging station information is available.

EV charging information will also be available to developers on Google Maps Platform in the Places API, so companies can show real-time EV charging station information in their websites and apps.

Find inspiration for things to do with new ways to search

Sometimes you know exactly what you want to do, but aren’t sure where to go. Search in Google Maps is evolving to give you even more answers to your questions, help you discover things to do, and find inspiration in a whole new way.

Now, when you search in Maps for specific things like the best place to find “animal latte art” or “pumpkin patch with my dog,” you’ll get photo-first results of what you’re looking for. These results are based on the analysis of billions of photos shared by the Google Maps community — all done with AI and advanced image recognition models. With this visual list of places, you can discover new spots that match exactly what you’re looking for. Just scroll through the results, tap on a photo to learn more, and navigate right there. This new way to search in Maps starts rolling out in France, Germany, Japan, the U.K. and the U.S. this week, and we’ll expand to more countries over time.

And for those times when you’re starting from scratch and have no idea what to do — like when you magically have a free weekend — you’ll soon see better-organized search results to spark your imagination. So if you’re in Tokyo, you could search for “things to do” to see thematic place suggestions like “anime”, “cherry blossoms” or “art exhibitions.” Tap on the places that interest you to learn more, and even save the options to a list if you want to check them out later. Thematic results for activities and dining roll out globally on Android and iOS in the coming weeks.

Google Maps is transforming how people explore and navigate, and AI continues to play a pivotal role in bringing how we’re building innovative experiences for people around the world. To learn more about how we use AI, check out this deep dive about how AI and imagery bring Immersive View to life. 

Electric vehicle charging points vulnerable to cyber attack

Belfast based cyber security specialist ANGOKA says developers of the UK’s fast-growing network of electric vehicle charging points could be sleep-walking into a high-risk vulnerability to hacking and cyber-attacks.  

Significant and rapid growth in the number of electric vehicle charging points is expected in the next three years. There are estimated to be more than 100,000 petrol and diesel pumps across the UK while the number of EV charging points( home and Public) stands at over 350,000 and counting.  While the growth in public charging points will grow exponentially, the risk of hacking, disabling and even weaponizing these has become an increasingly recognized problem. 

Richard Barrington, ANGOKA’s head of land mobility says the race to decarbonize and the shift to electrification goes hand in hand with digitization.  

“We need to electrify our economy but we have not fully understood the need for cyber security in this transition,” says Mr Barrington.  

“While data protection through encryption is in place to prevent the theft of financial information through credit cards and electronic payment forms, the cyber security of the actual charging points should be at the top of the agenda,” he says. 

Because EV charging points are all networked, the risk goes beyond theft of financial information or abstracting electricity. ANGOKA says the potential to engineer an attack back onto the national grid or spoof charging indicators allowing batteries to be over or undercharged means the industry must adopt the Zero Trust principles of Never Trust, Always Verify! 

“The threat landscape becomes even more extensive when you consider the bi-directional data exchange between vehicle and charging point,” says Mr Barrington, “this data exchange can be unprotected and vulnerable meaning hijacking, the introduction of malware and denial of service attacks become probable. 

ANGOKA says the responsibility of providing the cyber security to protect these from attack has fallen between the players in the supply chain, Manufacturers, Installers, operators and procurers e.g. local authorities. 

New regulations coming into force next year creates a more open market in that anyone should be able to use any charging point  irrespective of the operator.  Unfortunately greater levels of interconnectivity will lead to a widening of the threat landscape and risk potentially at national scale.  Mr Barrington. “We believe there is an approach that can address these concerns and the  EV charging sector and the motor industry must step up and take action.” 

Representatives from the automotive sectors are due to meet ANGOKA representatives in Belfast in the coming weeks in anticipation of new EV charging point regulations to be introduced next summer.  

Tech Review – Nava Bands Voyager Loop strap for Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Nava Bands Voyager loop strap for Apple Watches might look familiar to those who bought the first Apple Watch Ultra, Nava Bands has a wide range of straps that may look familiar but much cheaper than what Apple charge and a wider variety of colours and style, The Voyager Loop is one of those and my favorite so far and having has a similar band on the Apple Watch Ultra 1 I had to test out this one on the Watch Ultra 2.

There is an extra loop on this one vs what Apple offer and looks better, the strap is comfortable and easy to take on an off compared to the other Nava Band strap we tried out the Nautico band that we recently checked out. I find this strap more secure all round and again if comes in a range of colours but limited unlike the Nautico range.

This strap would suit most users and in my opinion and more comfortable and for me looks better but that is subjective the straps in all sizes again like the Nautico Band and again costing less and I feel this one is better than what Apple offers.

BUY 

Video Review

Tech Review – GAOMON PD1161 digital drawing tablet

The  GAOMON PD1161 is a digital drawing tablet with an 11.6-inch IPS display that can connect to a laptop allowing drawing on the Tablet. The kit has 8 Shortcut customised keys and 5 Menu Keys on the tablet. The kit is solid to feel with grips to prevent slipping and working tilted allowing for E-learning, digital drawing, animation, sketching, photo editing, 3D sculpting etc The tablet is small and portable, making it easy to carry around.

Supplied Accessories

 

Setup:

The connection required the integrated cables connected to various ports in the Tablet and laptop. This looks confusing in the number of cable ports to connect but works well once connected.

Installation software – This is downloaded free from www.GAOMON.net/download

Screen calibration is recommended on initial setup and pen pressure test

The software download, setup, and calibration worked well with no issues observed allowing the tablet to be placed flat on a surface or at an angle ( Bracket not supplied for angle use ) Once connected to the Laptop the option to duplicate / Extend the display is available.

Manufacturer:

GAOMON was started in 2011 with a core area in pen tablets, pen displays, and manual tracing boards with a sales network spanning across more than 50 + countries and regions for their ten digital products used in various fields.

Comparison :

GAOMON Multi-Size Graphic Drawing Tablet with screen and pen for selection

Warranty

The warranty is disappointing in one year and I would have liked to see more on the warranty for a quality product.

Conclusion

The drawing table is listed as suitable for beginners and certainly requires minimal technical use to set and use.  The software installation & calibration on a laptop worked flawlessly we have reviewed similar tablets in the past here and this one comes out tops with ease of use. 

The 11.6 inch IPS screen display & 1920*1080 Resolution gave excellent picture quality allowing a high zoom option to get into detailed drawing close up. The 60-degree tilt Function allows for multiple uses to ensure comfortable hand movement.

The 8  Customisable  Shortcut keys and 5 Menu Keys are excellent allowing modification of the colorimetry, brightness, contrast, etc

Most users will notice the Battery-Free Pen which allows painting similar to using a standard pen and is compatible with the major drawing programs: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio, Lightroom, Sketchbook Pro, Manga Studio, CorelPainter, FireAlpaca, OpenCanvas, Paint Tool SAI2, Krita etc. The tilt, drawing pressure, and calibration option allow for easy use of the pen which feels like a standard pen, and the 1920*1080 display is clear. This is an easy-to-use, detailed clear tablet/pen use

Features

  • [11.6 Inch Work Area] GAOMON PD1161 drawing tablet comes with 11.6 inch IPS screen display & 1920*1080 Resolution, which can make you draw intuitively. Richer Color Gamut—178° Viewing Angle & 72% NTSC & 16.7 million display colors. Suitable for both right and left-hand users.
  • [8192 Battery-Free Pen] AP50 with 266PPS & 8192Levels & 5080LPI, you could have a comfortable painting and natural drawing feeling. Needs no charge or battery, which is environmentally friendly.
  • [Support Tilt Function] 60 Degrees Tilt Function, Simply tilt to add shading to your creation and enjoy smoother and more natural transitions between finest sketches and lines.
  • [Customisable Express Keys] 8 Shortcut keys and 5 Menu Keys. There are 8 shortcut keys on the left side, you can set 8 press keys based on your preference, which not only saves your time but also enhance your creativity.[5 Menu Keys]—- AUTO/+ /- /MENU/POWER. They are placed on the left side of the tablet, which allows you to easily adjust the colorimetry, brightness, contrast, etc.
  • [OS Support& Art Program Compatibility] GAOMON PD1161 drawing pen display must be used with a computer. Support Windows 7/8/8.1, Mac OS 10.12 or later; Compatible with most drawing programs: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio, Lightroom, Sketchbook Pro, Manga Studio, CorelPainter, FireAlpaca, OpenCanvas, Paint Tool SAI2, Krita and so on; It’s ideal for E-learning, digital drawing, animation, sketching, photo editing, 3D sculpting, and more

BUY ON AMAZON 

Buy Direct

Video Review

67% of teenage girls lack crucial information about STEM careers, reveals I Wish Report 2023

The I Wish Report 2023, an annual examination of female Transition Year students’ perspectives on STEM careers, has revealed that 67% of teenage girls lack essential information about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Furthermore, 64% of respondents cited their lack of information on STEM college courses as a considerable barrier to pursuing careers in these fields.

I Wish, the organisation inspiring teenage girls globally towards STEM, asked 2,335 teenage girls about perceived barriers to a career in STEM. The results highlight the power of knowledge, with 41% of students emphasising the need for more career guidance and work-related activities during their school years. Surprisingly, 21% of girls reported never having a career guidance class, despite 97% having access to a guidance counsellor. These findings result in a failure to bring STEM to life for girls and the opportunities to design a better and more inclusive future through STEM.

The ground-breaking research comes as I Wish gears up for its 10th annual STEM Showcase event, taking place on 8 February 2024 at the RDS Dublin. Registration is open at iwish.ie/register, with an estimated 3,000 female students expected to attend. Over 2,000 will receive free rail transport from across the country as part of a national partnership with Iarnród Éireann. Bus Éireann will also be providing free return busses between Heuston Station and the RDS. There will be I Wish watch parties for an international audience post-event.

Gillian Keating, co-founder of I Wish, said on the findings: “These statistics raise questions about the guidance counselling provided in some schools. It’s deeply concerning that 64% of girls lack information about STEM college careers and job opportunities. We must diversify how we present STEM careers and pathways, equipping young women with the knowledge they need.”

In a STEM landscape where only one in four professionals is a woman, the survey respondents revealed well-paid work, the chance to make a meaningful impact, and making discoveries as key values in STEM-related careers. In contrast, their own work-related values prioritised a good work-life balance, a high salary, and the opportunity to travel.

Caroline O’Driscoll, co-founder of I Wish, stated that they have engaged with over 60,000 girls in the past decade and have witnessed substantial positive change. “There has been a notable increase in female enrolment in STEM college courses, with the proportion rising from 29% in 2014 to 36% last year. Nevertheless, while significant progress is evident, there is still room for improvement. We must better appreciate the work-related values held by these girls. A career in STEM arguably embodies these values, but perhaps we are not conveying the story effectively. This is where the I Wish survey plays a crucial role, allowing us to use the data to enhance the way we tell the story and change the story for girls,” she said.

Speaking on the survey launch, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “The I Wish 2023 report highlights a stark reality – that a significant percentage of our young girls lack crucial information about STEM opportunities. STEM fields are pathways to innovation, progress, and limitless potential. We are committed to ensuring that every young woman in our country has the knowledge and support needed to excel in STEM.

“I commend I Wish’s decade-long effort in empowering young women to pursue STEM careers, and for this annual report which offers invaluable insights.”

I Wish’s aims to provide female STEM role models, address post-graduate gender disparities in STEM careers, improve access to STEM subjects, and enhance focus on STEM-related careers throughout students’ education.

mophie introduces the 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe and 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe for fast, convenient charging

mophie, a leading brand in power, today announced the 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe and the 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe to help consumers stay powerful.

The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe delivers up to 15W of power to your phone, AirPods, and Apple Watch. The extendable stand with weighted base saves space on your work surface and lifts your phone up to your line of sight while it charges. So, you can video chat or make hands-free calls. The extendable stand and adjustable head let you find the perfect, flattering viewing angle. And the magnetic surface ensures precise alignment for charging that begins on contact.

The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe features the following:

  • Fast Wireless Charging: This MFi-certified 3-in1 charger delivers up to 15W of fast-charging wireless power to your Apple devices.
  • Made for MagSafe: This 3-in-1 stand is MFi-certified so you know it’s safe to use with your Apple devices.
  • Accurate Alignment for a Full Charge: The magnetic charging pad ensures your phone snaps into the sweet spot for optimal charging that begins on contact.
  • Fast Apple Watch Charger: The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe can charge your Apple Watch Ultra/8/7 from 0-80% in approximately 45 minutes.
  • Space-saving Design: The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe takes up little surface area and holds your devices above the clutter of a desk or tabletop.
  • Extendable Stand: The charging stand extends from approximately 7.5” to 16” so you can set your phone screen in your line of sight.
  • Tilting Head: The phone charging pad can be tilted to a perfect viewing angle or a flattering angle for video chats.
  • AirPods Charging Spot: The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe has a designated charging spot for AirPods that delivers up to 5W.
  • Portrait and Landscape Modes: The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe can charge your phone in portrait or landscape mode.
  • Weighted Steel Base: The sturdy, weighted steel base keeps the 3-in-1 charging stand stable and secure while it’s in use.

The 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe features dedicated charging spots for all your main Apple devices. You’ll stay charged on vacation or during a business trip. And, when you’re ready to head back home, it all packs up into a convenient carrying case.

The 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe features the following:

  • Charge Three Devices Simultaneously: With dedicated spots for your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods/AirPods Pro, you can easily charge all your everyday accessories in one central location.
  • Compatible with MagSafe: The built-in Apple MagSafe charger for iPhone (MFi Certified) and charger for Apple Watch.
  • Fast Wireless Charging Up to 15W: Enjoy the fastest wireless charging speed for your iPhone.
  • Sleek, Compact Design: Tri-fold and fits perfectly into its designated space in the matted travel pouch.
  • Premium Materials: Textured outer fabric, with soft touch internals to match the beauty of your devices.
  • AirPods Charging Cradle: Dedicated wireless charging cradle for AirPods.
  • Travel Ready: Have everything you need to charge your most personal devices in a compact, matted travel pouch.

“We’re excited to introduce these products from mophie, and we invite users to experience charging accessories that are not just practical, but also versatile,” said Gavin Slevin, Managing Director for ZAGG International. “The 3-in-1 extendable stand levels up your desk or tabletop by freeing up space and keeping your phone line-of-site and the 3-in-1 travel charger allows you to stay powerful on the go!”

Availability:

The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe and the 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe are available now for order on mophie.com and at well-known retailers worldwide. ZAGG warrants these products against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of two years, as applicable, from the date of retail purchase by the original end-user consumer.

Are casino wins taxed in Ireland

You went to the casino the other night and enjoyed a night out with friends while you all played black roulette. You happened to win the most from the group and now you are worried that you need to declare this amount for taxes. 

In today’s article, we will go through the legislations relating to gambling and tell you how much you need to pay in Ireland and the United Kingdom. In some countries, the winnings are taxable, while in others they are not. So, let’s find out!

Gaming Legislation in Ireland

Ireland has regulated the gaming industry with laws and amendments that were approved and updated throughout the years. For instance, betting is regulated by the Act of Betting that was approved back in 1931. In addition to that, the most recent legislation that was agreed upon in betting was that of 2015, which aimed to cover contexts that were previously missing. 

Similar to that, gaming and lottery has an old act of law that was present ever since 1951, and an updated one that came out more recently in 2019. These laws mainly solved the issues on who gets a license on opening up a business related to any type of gaming. It was decided that individuals or companies get to apply for licenses, which might be approved or disapproved based on the criteria. 

Are winnings taxed in Ireland? 

No, winnings are not taxed in Ireland because of the many rules and regulations that cover the whole gaming system. The recent legislations that were introduced previously have decided that taxes are only to be paid by the operator, be it an online casino or a physical location, and not the players or potential winners. This is of course great news for the gambling community in Ireland.

Though despite this, there are separate legislations that may apply to those who treat gambling and casinos as more than entertainment or pastime. These individuals are sometimes referred to as professional gamblers, due to a large portion of their income being generated through various games. 

There are several examples of these types of players throughout history, perhaps the most famous being the case of Archie Karas, a man who profited millions of dollars in the risky gambling industry, while starting at almost the rock bottom. 

Of course, the story is of Archie is far from the average casino customer experience, which correlates to no taxation for an amateur gambler. The industry is complex enough as it is, without the worry of splitting potential revenue. 

There are games such as blackjack or poker that do require a decent amount of skill to compete and succeed. Even in cases of pure RNG or luck, an example being a slot machine system in both its online and physical formats, the taxation would detract from the overall customer experience, which is exactly why a lot of casinos don’t implement it.

This way, you can go ahead and play online slots, take the money and then use it to your own need, without having to report about it or think how much it would be left after taxes. This is without doubt a great feeling for the players which could also serve as motivation for them on this journey. 

After all, when discussing slots in particular, the appeal has always been high profit while working against extremely overbearing odds. The high-risk high-reward RNG system is a huge part of the customer interest, and this system is better off without reduced potential earnings. 

Gaming Legislation in the UK

UK has a similar legislation structure to that of Ireland which we presented earlier in this article. The United Kingdom approved its Gambling Act back in 2005, where a lot of issues regarding gaming were regulated and solved. This law is valid for all the three states of Wales, Scotland and England. Excluded from this law is the Northern Ireland, which has its own laws and regulations on gaming.

It should be noted that gaming industry has many rules and measures to follow when operating in the United Kingdom. For instance, there is an Act for the National Lottery which was introduced back in 1993 and which states that only one person can get the license to run the National Lottery based on the Director General decision. 

Are winnings taxed in the UK?

We have a positive answer on whether casinos winnings are taxable in the UK. So, the short answer is, no, you don’t have to pay taxes, no matter the amount that you put in to play, or the amount that you win at the end of the day. 

That being said, it has been noted that quite a lot of people come to the UK to gamble because of this tax-free situation, which in the long run benefits the country since it brings tourists who stay and enjoy the country. 

The situation is however different when it comes to business holders. There are various rules to be observed if one is interested in opening up a casino business in the UK, including primarily licensing. 

If you are thinking about investing in a casino business of any kind of gaming, then we suggest you consult the laws since there are rules, measures and exceptions in all Acts.

Should casino winnings be taxed?

Casino success and casino security has made it possible for this business to flourish worldwide. This has contributed into the popularity of the gaming industry but has also caused a stir in discussing different topics. One of the most prominent discussion is on whether people who win at casinos should return some of their profit in tax. 

While we agree that businesses need to pay their part in taxes because they operate just like any other business, casino winners should be exempted from tax. Needless to say, most of the countries seem to agree with this opinion, as they don’t really tax any of the players for their winnings. 

That being said, go ahead and win as much money as you can from casinos. And of course, enjoy them just as much because hey, on top of everything, this is a tax-free earning!