Fall in love with these his and her gadgets this Valentine’s Day. #Tech #ValentinesDay

With just over two weeks until Valentine’s Day, the challenge is on for lovers across the UK and Ireland to find the perfect gift for their partners. Here is a selection of tech gadget and accessory gift suggestions for shoppers searching for the perfect presents – no matter who you are buying for. Ranging from £9.99 to £54.99, including stylish cases for mobile devices and headphones, there’s a special gift for everyone.

Groov-e Stylish & Fashionable iPhone 6/7/8 Plus Case – Marble with Heart

Price: £9.99  Available from: www.groov-e.co.uk

This stylish and fashionable case is the perfect gift for romantics on Valentine’s Day with its heart shape design. With precision cut outs for ports and buttons, this stylish case also offers scratch protection plus it also supports wireless charging (iPhone 8 Plus only).

Groov-e EarMOJI headphones

Price: £9.99 Available from: www.groov-e.co.uk

These fun stereo earphones with their cute heart emoji’s design are perfect if you are looking for a small token gift for your loved one. With a comfortable fit, they are ideal for use with smartphones or tablets. There’s also six great designs to choose from including ‘heart eyes’ and ‘kissing face’.

Groov-e Ultra wireless charging Bluetooth headphones (Gold)
Price: £34.99
Available from: www.groov-e.co.uk

Reviewed –  https://techbuzzireland.com/2020/01/05/tech-review-the-groov-e-ultra-headphones-with-wireless-charging-headphones-tech/


The sleek Groov-e Ultra Bluetooth headphones would make a great Valentine’s Day gift for music lovers. Available in black or gold, the Ultra headphones are affordable at just £34.99 yet feature the latest technology. Bluetooth 5.0 and 40mm drivers deliver high quality sound with dynamic bass making them perfect for listening to music or watching videos. Completely free from cables, they also support wireless charging.

Twelve South AirSnap Pro

Price: £34.99

Available from: www.amazon.co.uk

A premium leather case accessory designed to protect Apple’s AirPods Pro noise-cancelling earbuds while offering convenient carrying and charging options. The stylish AirSnap Pro is the ideal gift for those wanting to protect their shiny white AirPods Pro wireless charging case from scratches and scuffs. Offering more than just protection, it also allows users to charge the earbuds and case wirelessly using their favourite Qi-certified wireless charger or via a Lightning cable.

Groov-e Light Curve

Price: £39.99

Available from: www.groov-e.co.uk

 

Help your loved one start their day a little easier with the Groov-e Light Curve wake-up light, alarm and radio. The light, which mimics natural daylight, will come on at the selected time, starting off gently and gradually getting brighter until it’s at the optimum level to help rouse sleepy-heads up – better than a Valentine’s breakfast in bed.

Additionally, for those who have trouble going to sleep, the sunset stimulation mimics the end of the daylight, helping users ease into a relaxing light as they head into slumber.

If your other half likes to read or you need the light on darker mornings to get ready without waking anyone else, the Light Curve has 10 levels of brightness using its LED lamp. And for those who want to create more of an atmosphere, one of the seven coloured mood lighting options can be selected.

Twelve South BookBook for Kindle Paperwhite

Price: £49.99                                                                                                      

Available from: Amazon.co.uk

The BookBook for Kindle Paperwhite is a vintage inspired, one-of-a-kind case designed to protect Amazon’s latest e-reader. Enhancing the joy of reading, BookBook transforms the Kindle Paperwhite into what looks and feels like an elegant, leather-bound hardcover book. Made from hand-distressed, genuine leather which is different and unique on every BookBook, the case even features an integrated folding kickstand that props up the Kindle Paperwhite for hands-free reading, perfect for those bookworms who want to finish a chapter over breakfast or lunch. The BookBook for Kindle Paperwhite is the ideal gift for anyone who takes their personal library everywhere.

Twelve South PowerPic

Price: From £59.99  Available from: www.very.co.uk

The perfect Valentine’s gift for him or her, the PowerPic is a beautiful picture frame and Qi wireless charger in one. Modern and stylish and crafted from the finest New Zealand pine, the frame blends seamlessly into any home or office décor, making it ideal to display favorite photos on a desk, bedside table or shelf. Getting rid of ugly cables or docks, the PowerPic doubles up as a Qi wireless charger – just set any Qi-compatible phone inside the frame to start charging. PowerPic holds any 5” x 7” photo and is available in black or white.

3/4s of Irish businesses say Ireland’s data protection is becoming increasingly “uncertain” #WorldDataProtectionDay

76% of Irish businesses have experienced growing uncertainty across the data protection spectrum over the last 12 months with no signs of this abating. This is according to a new survey  from the Association of Compliance Officers Ireland (ACOI) released today in the run up to World Data Protection Day (Jan 28th).

The survey of more than 250 organisations throughout the country – answered by ACOI members with responsibility for compliance in financial and other organisations, sought to assess views surrounding Ireland’s data protection landscape for 2021.

Respondents cited uncertainty as a result of Brexit (32%); an increase in remote working (26%) and the impact of the Schrems II ruling (23%) as the primary drivers behind heightened threats to data protection and mounting challenges for organisations in ensuring compliance.

Speaking of the findings, Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the ACOI,

“These are turbulent times in the world of data protection and there is no doubt that businesses and other organisations throughout Ireland are struggling with a myriad of issues. It is perhaps unsurprising that Brexit is the forerunner in terms of what people see as the reason behind the growing uncertainty in DP, but what’s arguably more insightful is that more than ¼ of respondents say the growing prevalence of remote working is causing major issues and a similar number feel that the implications of the Schrems II ruling is adding to the ambiguity”.

The ACOI have set out key data protection areas for concern and action that they believe should be on the agenda of business entities throughout the country if they want to successfully navigate their way through 2021:

  1. The Schrems II ruling and international data transfers.

Mr. Kavanagh explained,

“Businesses will be watching closely to see the final outcome with regard to the European Commission’s recent public consultation on a draft revised set of standard contractual clauses (SCCs). SCCs are widely used by both SMEs and multinational firms to facilitate international transfers of data. Similarly, in our experience, industry views the proposed supplementary measures proposed by the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) as too onerous and unworkable.

  1. Brexit

The ACOI report that, while the Trade and Cooperation Agreement’s provision of 4 – 6 months ‘transition’ for UK-EU data transfers is welcomed, businesses must remain vigilant and watch closely to assess if an adequacy decision will take place within that timeframe.

  1. Guidance

According to the ACOI, more clarity and consistency on implementation of fines would be hugely beneficial to companies of all sizes across all industries, to enable these organisations and their Boards to adequately assess the risk and impact of potential fines and take appropriate action.

  1. The Basics

Mr. Kavanagh went on to advise,

“Businesses should continue to focus firstly on the basics. Having clear policies in place and developing a robust data protection culture throughout the whole organisation. Human error is often a key factor in data breaches, so ensuring that new and existing staff receive regular training on privacy best practice is key.”

The ACOI survey also revealed that, of the smaller cohort of survey respondents who believe the landscape is actually less uncertain that it was a year ago (24%) the increased clarity on Brexit (31%) and DPC Requirements and penalties (29%) and improved staff training were seen as the main reason for this.

F-Secure urges public to act now as UK sits on ticking time bomb of data fraud. #DataFraud #FSecure #DataPrivacyDay

Ahead of Data Privacy Day on 28 January 2021, cybersecurity experts F-Secure are calling for consumers to be more aware of where their data is as the UK faces major challenges with data fraud.

The plea comes following the news that credit card, identity and cyber-fraud is now the biggest type of crime within the UK, meaning that it is the most likely crime the public will fall victim to. In 2019-20 there were 3.7 million reported incidents according to the Crime Survey for England and Wales.

Tom Gaffney, principal security consultant at F-Secure comments: “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has seen an increase in internet usage, from shopping online to homeschooling and criminals are looking for ways to exploit the sharp rise of online resilience.

“Whilst F-Secure research found that 65% of internet users are worried or very worried about having their identity stolen, many consumers are still making obvious errors when it comes to their online activity. This is a serious issue and if criminals do get hold of our data they can do anything – from stealing our passwords, to accessing our critical accounts, to taking over our identities. It’s therefore really important that people start being more vigilant with their personal data so they don’t fall victim to crime.”

Here are four common mistakes that leave people vulnerable online and what they can do to increase their protection:

 Sharing isn’t always caring:

Streaming services have soared since the pandemic with many of us turning to TV in lieu of normal activities. But with this has come an increase in sharing platform logins.

F-Secure research last year found that 42% of Brits said they share streaming services with between one to three people, including those outside of their own household such as colleagues and former partners. Subsequently, 37% of people are getting their online content through a mix of their own subscriptions and using shared access through someone else’s account.

The danger here is that your password is in the hands of someone else who may not be following best practice when it comes to data security. So whilst it may seem like you’re doing a friend a favour, it may result in you being a victim of crime.

Password problem: 

F-Secure research found that 41% of respondents use the same password on multiple accounts, with 56% using the same password with only slight variations. With the average person having 18 password protected accounts, one leaked credential could quickly lead to multiple risks for each user.

It’s therefore vital to have strong, unique passwords across accounts to be protected. Regularly change these too and make use of software that securely saves them for you.

Living your life online:

There is no doubt we are all spending more time online since COVID-19. However, this can mean personal details are being shared more than ever, which can lead to clues about passwords. Kids’ names, birthdays, pets, anniversaries and addresses can all be common threads when it comes to passwords and sharing these online can lead to criminals accessing your accounts and data.

So, think twice about what you share and who to. As ever it’s always good to keep on top of your privacy settings on social media too.

Educating home learners:

With many of the UK’s children currently homeschooling, the use of online tools and resources have soared. Lessons are now carried out via Zoom or Google Classroom, and apps such as Reading Eggs and Numberbots have become great ways to educate at home. However, these accounts are often set up quickly by parents or by children themselves with little or no understanding of the importance of secure passwords and accounts. This creates dangerous territory for many.

Children are typically well educated on cyber bullying and other dangerous online activity but less so on fraud. Now is a great time to explain to children why keeping personal data secure is so crucial and how criminals can exploit these details if they’re not safeguarded.

Despite the very real threat of cyber-crime, many people still aren’t putting suitable measures in place to protect themselves. Creating and managing multiple strong and unique passwords is tricky, which is why F-Secure launched ID PROTECTION, helping users stay safe online while removing the hassle of juggling several passwords at once. ID Protection also continuously monitors and detects exposed personal information online, providing instant alerts and guidance on how to respond when there has been a breach or data leak.

Skullcandy is launches their first noise cancelling earbuds, The Indy ANC #Skullcandy #Tech

Skullcandy Inc., the original lifestyle audio brand, is unveiling an exciting new addition to their most popular product family.

Skullcandy’s best-selling product line, Indy True Wireless, is expanding to include Active Noise Cancelling technology with Indy ANC. This will be the brand’s first true wireless earbud to feature ANC technology.

“Skullcandy products are always made with our fans in mind as we look to infuse new technologies in our headphones and earbuds,” said Jeff Hutchings, Skullcandy Chief Product Officer “When it came to Indy, we listened — giving one of our most popular lines the upgrade that customers have been wanting. We stand behind building quality products for every experience and Indy ANC does just that!”

The earbuds use Skullcandy Active Noise Cancelling technology with customisable Personal Sound via the Skullcandy App for a truly unique listening experience tailored to each user. The app also allows you to select a different listening mode from music, movie and podcast, ensuring that Indy ANC suits for any occasion.

“After two very successful product launches, we are thrilled to bring Personal Sound to the realm of true wireless with our partners at Audiodo,” says Hutchings. “It’s become clear from the reviews that people are  loving their Crusher ANC and Crusher Evo headphones and we expect nothing less from Indy ANC.” 

The enhanced fit of Indy ANC, as well as ambient listening mode, provides more comfort and convenience with the ability to use each bud solo, giving the user full control. With up to 19 hours of total battery life with ANC on, IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistance, Lag-Free Connection, Tile tracking and a wireless charging case, Indy ANC combines the best features of the previous Indy earbuds to create the pinnacle true wireless experience. Indy ANC will be available for £99.99 in True Black. Available in selected retailers and at Skullcandy.co.uk on January 28th.

GameSir launches the VX AimBox Multi-platform Console Adapter. #GameSir VXAimbox

Gamesir, a leading provider in innovative, high quality game peripherals is pleased to announce the launch of the new VX AimBox. 

Designed for use with multiple consoles, the VX AimBox features the most advanced technology for a keyboard and mouse adapter for PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. 

Console controllers are excellent for playing many games, but if you are a gamer who wants to be highly competitive and perform your best, you need that bit extra. If you play FPS it can be difficult to transition to using a controller – especially if you have been using a keyboard and mouse throughout your gaming life. The GameSir VX AimBox is simply the best option for gamers to work around the restrictions of console controllers and get back to using a mouse and keyboard combo with the adapter.

The VX AimBox is a wired adaptor with no wireless receiver or power switch meaning there is a fast and flexible connection with no latency. Easy to use with advanced VX agility translator technology, the VX AimBox provides 1:1 gaming accuracy with mouse and keyboard on the Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Highly customizable for each game thanks to the GameSir mobile app, you can modify the keymaps and mouse sensitivity to suit you for any game. 

The three USB 2.0 ports are reversible so you can plug a USB mouse and keyboard in any direction that you choose without having to worry about whether the unit is upside down or not. The VX AimBox also features a Type C interface to provide a power supply if you choose to use a keyboard or mouse that needs an extra power boost. 

Compatible with all gaming keyboards and gaming mice, the VX AimBox is the only adapter you need, no matter which console you choose to game on. 

The GameSir VX AimBox is available for RRP £59.99 / $49.99 from https://www.gamesir.hk/products/gamesir-vx-aimbox

Mobistealth remotely monitors phones and computers.

Mobistealth is one of the best spy apps with unique features. It is compatible with a wide range of phones. The user interface of Mobistealth is also is the best. An app is spy software installed on devices to track its activities. The size of the app is about 1MB. 

Many people or family members sometimes need to track other members. One of the critical usages of mobile spy app is that it allows for tracking your device. In case you lost your phone, or it is stolen, or you forgot it somewhere, Mobistealth will make it convenient for you to recover or reach your device.

  • Installing the spy app on a smartphone is easy and require just a few steps.  The steps are described below for those who are not aware of the app installation process.
  • Go to the home screen, click the menu and check the unknown sources option in the settings.
  • Open the mobile browser and open the link given by the Mobistealth. The mobile spy app installation will start on your phone.
  • When the downloading is complete, open the notification menu and confirm the installation by pressing the download finished. As it is a spy app, it is not named Mobistealth, the name of the app on your device will be SecurePhone. Click the install button, and you will be done with the installation process.

Restart the phone to make sure Mobistealth is ready to perform desired functions. After 5-10 minutes of installation, the data is uploaded on the Mobistealth. Now you can monitor all the activities of the phone.

The spy app can save personal information, contact information, monitor the activities on the Google, YouTube or social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter even it can keep the sensitive data like password and account details of the owner.

How Does Mobistealth Work?

Mobistealth is installed on a mobile device and then connected to the website where all the phone data is uploaded. From there you can check the message and calls and with the browsing history and other information you are concerned.

Spying on Calls/SMS/ pictures/videos

After few minutes of installing the spy app on the phone, you will see the messages, call history of the mobile, access the browsing history, and all the phone data, including the pictures and videos. The phone you are spying does not indicate that the other person accesses the data on the phone.

GPS

The spy app can easily trace the location. Now and then, location data is updated. You can adjust the time interval for which you need to be informed about the user’s location. Location accuracy can get optimized based on your needs. And this is a handy feature if you have lost your cell phone, you can easily reach its location and make it possible to get it back.

Recording

The recording is the most useful and exciting function that you can perform through Mobistealth. You can record the calls on the phones without the person knowing it. Also, the Mobistealth is so highly developed that it can record the surrounding voices.

The most exciting thing about the spying app is that it does not notify the person using the mobile phone. He/she will have no idea that someone is observing and recording every single activity on the phone.

One thing that’s important to mention here is that the free app will have limited features. There will be no assistance if you face technical difficulties related to Mobistealth.

Which App Is Better Than Mobistealth?

Several apps are used for spying. Mobistealth reviews by the people are very positive and cheerful. Some of the other cell phone tracking reviews are given below.

Mspy: Mspy is a parental app. They use it to keep an eye on their children. Firstly, it shows the location of the user. And this is important for a parent, so they know where their child is. Secondly, the children having mobile phone and internet may be involved in unethical activities.

This app is handy to keep a strict check on social media chats and browsing on the internet.

Spyder: the best thing about spyder is that you do not need to root the target audience. Also, it has a very convenient interface that is easy to use. It can track location, can spy call logs and monitor application activities.

XNSPY: this is the spying app that can be used on all iPhones, iPods and smartphones. It requires one-time access on the device; once the setup runs, it is easy to spy on the device location, messages, calls, internet browsing, and social media activities.

People have a different liking and mobile spy app reviews based on their experience

Polygiene’s subsidiary Addmaster contributes to the @CatRuggedPhones launch of the first fully antimicrobial mobile phone

British Addmaster Holdings Limited is since January 8, 2021, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polygiene with specialist skills within antimicrobial technology and hard surfaces. The company has a range of products for this kind of applications, found in consumer products, public spaces as well as in hospital environments and more.

The UK-based Bullitt Group, makers of military-grade smartphones and the global licensee for CAT® phones, has launched the first fully antimicrobial mobile phone – the CAT S42. The entry-level Android smartphone with antimicrobial protection is designed for military use but is now also available to the public.

Every exterior component of the product including the screen made from Corning Gorilla Glass 5s has been treated with Addmaster Biomaster antimicrobial technology and tested to ISO 22196.

The technology inhibits the growth of microbes on the phone surface offering protection for the lifetime of the unit. Research shows that mobile phones harbor thousands of germs, with one University of Michigan study finding in excess of 17,000 bacteria on handsets. According to research from Deloitte, on average we interact with our mobile devices around 47 times daily. Bacteria or other microorganisms can easily transfer from the hard surfaces of your phone to your hands and face.

Biomaster technology combines with the existing CAT phone rugged credentials that ensure the device can be thoroughly and regularly washed with soaps and water, sanitizers and even bleach.

“The acquisition of Addmaster makes the company a comprehensive supplier of antimicrobial solutions for both soft and hard surfaces, and we clearly see synergies where existing and new partners can take advantage of our complete range of stays fresh solutions for any surface or product. And the partnership with Bullitt Group and CAT® phones is just the beginning”, says Andreas Holm, CCO of Polygiene.

Peter Cunningham, VP Product Portfolio at Bullitt Group says: “Throughout 2020 we have consistently been driving awareness of the importance of mobile hygiene for us all, but this is vital for those among our customers working within a health or social care setting and those visiting multiple sites for their job.”

“Using a CAT phone already allows them to have confidence that they can wash and sanitize their CAT phone regularly or between visits. The addition of antimicrobial product protection into the CAT S42 is another first for CAT phones and will make the CAT S42 more hygienic for users – such an important feature in the current climate.”

The Biomaster-treated CAT S42 is the first of a series of devices in the Bullitt Group phones range with antimicrobial technology, with others coming later in the year.

Find more information on CAT® phones here.

Key Specifications

  • Powerful 4,200mAh battery
  • Water / Dust proof (IP68, IP69), Drop tested to 1.8M onto steel, MIL SPEC 810H, Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5
  • Waterproof Smartphone – up to 1.5 meters for 35 minutes
  • 5″ HD+ 18×9 display optimised for outdoor use with a touchscreen that can be used with wet fingers or when wearing gloves
  • Android™ 10 (with upgrade to 11)
  • 3GB RAM, 32GB ROM, Expandable Storage (microSD™)
  • Mediatek Helio A20 MT 6761D chipset, 1.8GHz quad-core processor
  • 13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera
  • LTE Cat 6, VoLTE, VoWiFi
  • Textured, extra grip design
  • Programmable Shortcut Key useful for Push to Talk (PTT), SOS (Lone worker app), or to easily launch its torch or camera
  • Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
  • 5mm audio jack (waterproof)
  • Curated apps and content catalogue
  • Dual SIM – Nano SIM + microSD™
  • 2-year warranty
  • Android Enterprise support
  • Security updates cover for 3 years
  • Zero-touch support

Train Yourself To Take on the World on Your Own Bike. #MotoGP

Dorna Sports is delighted to announce a partnership with Moto Trainer to launch a training revolution for riders across the globe. Bringing the thrill of Grand Prix racing to fans the world over, Moto Trainer is a motorbike simulator that allows riders to train on their own bikes.

Moto Trainer’s incredible software can virtually transport riders to the world’s greatest tracks, allowing riders to train on each and every MotoGP™ circuit across the globe. Suitable for sports bikes of all shapes and sizes, Moto Trainer can either be linked to the official MotoGP™ videogame, produced by long-standing MotoGP™ partner and videogame developer Milestone, or riders can follow an OnBoard lap of the track on which they wish to train.

Linking the simulator to MotoGP™ videogame allows riders to become part of the action like never before, with real-world movement perfectly synchronised to the digital rendering of their riding on-screen. On-board laps, meanwhile, provide the perfect blueprint for riders to follow – allowing even the most veteran riders to train in seamless synchronicity with their on-screen counterpart.

Andrea Lombardi, CEO of MotoTrainer: “The software behind Moto Trainer, developed by our engineers, is capable of playing any onboard video, and allows riders to save their efforts on a telemetry master track. This means that you can load any circuit and motorbike you want, with riders replicating the video to the reference telemetry. The software then analyses the rider’s performance by monitoring the accelerator, front and rear brakes, gearbox and trajectories. It’s a platform that allows bikers to train on every circuit in the world at an affordable price.” 

Pau Serrancanta, Managing Director at Dorna Sports: “I’m delighted to be able to announce this agreement, adding yet another way in which fans are able to connect with and enjoy their favourite sport. In addition, the fact that it can also be used alongside the MotoGP™ videogame proves another bolster to Dorna’s eSports project, which continues to go from strength to strength.”

Evernote welcomes Home, a new way to stay organised and focussed in 2021. #Evernote #Apps

Evernote, the productivity app that lets users remember everything and accomplish anything, today unveils Home, the first in a series of powerful new features being introduced this year. Home is a one-stop dashboard that gives users access to their most relevant content. Important notes, tags and shortcuts are instantly available and neatly organised upon opening the app, making Home the fastest way to get to things that matter.

Evernote Home is rolling out to Mac, Windows and Evernote Web customers over the next few weeks, with iOS and Android to follow.

Home provides users with more than one way to organise their content, giving them the freedom to shape their Evernote experience and see the information they want, the way they want it. This new feature will enable users to work faster and stay focussed, helping them to keep on top of everything without feeling overwhelmed.

When opening Home, Evernote Basic and Premium users will find three default widgets:

  • Notes: Users can select “Recent” notes to quickly pick up where they left off with any project; or choose “Suggested” notes and let Evernote’s powerful AI surface the content needed
  • Scratch Pad: Users can stay in the zone by jotting down quick notes on Home’s scratch pad. Notes can be left there forever, erased or converted into a note at any time.
  • Recently captured: This widget shows users all the rich content saved recently, taking users straight to their web clips, images, documents, audio and emails.

Evernote Premium and Business subscription users also have access to widgets for Notebooks, Pinned Note, Tags and Shortcuts as well as the ability to customise their home background image to fit their personal style. The combination of these widgets provides a powerful way for Evernote users to see their content and manage it all.

Ian Small, Evernote CEO comments: “When we began rolling out the new Evernote in September we promised that it was just the start of the journey and that we were laying the groundwork for new features and faster innovation in the future, the first of which is Home. Over time we’ll be making these widgets more powerful, more flexible and more helpful, adapting them to the wide variety of uses users rely on to manage their busy lives. We’ll also be introducing additional widgets that reach deeper into Evernote and explore new capabilities, making Home the perfect place to start the day.”