48 is back with new plans data allowance rather shy but has other good perks. #48

48, Ireland’s first truly digital-only youth mobile network, is changing up mobile with the introduction of two totally new SIM only plans sure to revolutionise the data experience, giving customers more choice and flexibility than ever before.  The new plans, starting from just €9.99 per month also offer a range of incredible new flexi-data features allowing customers to experience a mobile network in a way that truly works for them.

 

 

In what is a first for any mobile network in Ireland, customers can CARRY, SAVE, SHARE, SWAP AND DONATE their data each month; this is a good move here which no other networks offer and might swing customers but the overall allowance might not cut it for an extra 3 euro a month from GOMO with 80GB of data. DATA IS KING these days..

  • CARRY IT
    • Roll any excess data over to next month before you lose it.
  • SAVE IT
    • We get a lot of rainy days in Ireland. Save 5GB for a really wet one or an emergency.
  • SHARE IT
    • BFFs share everything. If yours is on 48 and needs some data, share some of yours through the My48 App.
  • SWOP IT
    • Turn minutes into gigabytes. Exchange minutes not used for extra data
  • BORROW IT
    • Down on data? Mates have nothing for you? Once a month, we’ll spot you 1GB and you can get us back next month – we’re sound like that.
  • DONATE IT Turn data into donations. Donate up to 1GB of data to 48’s chosen charity, FoodCloud (equivalent of 50 cent).

The new plans not only represent greater flexibility but also allow customers to do all of the things they love like talk, text, internet… without having to worry about cost.

For €9.99 a month, customers get 300 minutes, unlimited texts and 20GB data. 48 has also introduced a second membership plan for €14.99 per month offering customers 300 minutes, unlimited texts and 40GB of data.

Both memberships also offer 4G connectivity as standard and a monthly EU data roaming allowance is included. What’s more, there is no limit on the number of customers who can avail of these new membership plans – they are available to anyone looking to change up their mobile experience!

The new membership plans have been live since April 2020 with existing customers making the most of the flexi-data deals.

Speaking about the new membership plans, Eilis Fitzgerald, Marketing Manager, 48 said; “We’re incredibly excited to unveil our two new membership plans today. Since 2012, 48 is Ireland’s first digital-only youth mobile network and more recently we recognised the need to freshen up our membership plans to better suit our customer’s needs. We listened to our target market and have created a mobile experience that is truly different, offering the flexibility that our customers crave. Finally, Ireland has a mobile network serving the youth market, offering a revolutionary data experience, greater flexibility at an affordable price point.”

For new customers looking to change up their mobile network, it’s simple to join; customers can visit 48.ie or download the My48 app, fill in their details to receive their new SIM through An Post to any address in Ireland. There’s no need for existing customers to change their SIM, they can simply log on to 48.ie and sign up for one of the new monthly memberships. New customers also have the option to trial the service first by ordering a SIM preloaded with 1GB of data before choosing to activate their account.

Ireland’s first digital only network, 48 customers have the benefit of managing their account exclusively online or by speaking with a member of 48’s dedicated webchat team who are available seven days a week. 48 customers will also benefit from 98% 4G population coverage as standard.

Nik Collection 3 By DxO: A Faster and More Creative User Experience in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Classic

DxO, one of the most innovative companies in the photography and image-editing industry, has announced the immediate release of the Nik Collection 3 by DxO, a major upgrade to the famous plugin suite for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and DxO PhotoLab. The Nik Collection 3 By DxO has become even more powerful and versatile with each new version. It features a newly designed Nik Selective Tool, the suite’s plugin launcher for Adobe Photoshop, and new quick edit tools. Nik Collection 3 By DxO also offers a new non-destructive workflow, a unique feature that is perfect for Adobe Lightroom Classic users, as well as an eighth geometric correction plugin, Perspective Efex. Finally, the Message Centre lets Nik Collection users stay informed about new upcoming features and access new online resources.

Quickly Unlock Your Creativity in Adobe Photoshop with the Nik Selective Tool

The Nik Selective Tool is a dedicated palette that gives users direct access to the suite’s various plugins from Adobe Photoshop. The new Nik Selective Tool has been completely redesigned. This latest version revolutionizes how Nik Collection By DxO is used by simplifying the suite and providing faster access to each editing feature. The new version of the Nik Selective Tool features a new design that makes it easier to identify each plugin and clearly display your favourite presets. To optimize the workspace in Adobe Photoshop, the palette can be automatically collapsed with one click. The tool is also fully compatible with HiDPI screens and can be used in dual monitor mode for an even more productive experience.

At the same time, the Nik Selective Tool has been expanded to include lightning-fast retouching options. Its new “Last Edit” feature recreates the last preset applied in a single click so users can quickly edit their images in the plugins of their choice. This feature is especially useful for editing batches of images or when users want to create a preset after editing a photo. Its brand-new “Quick Edit” option even lets users edit their images by applying the last action used without having to launch the plugin interface—all in a single click. Lastly, Silver Efex Pro and HDR Efex Pro now offer direct access to favourite presets, in addition to Color Efex Pro.

 

“The new Nik Selective Tool is a great way to make my post-processing workflow even more effective,” says Soli Kanani, professional photographer and DxO ambassador. “Just like a real-life assistant, it’s by my side around the clock, which lets me quickly open all the plugins I need at every step in the editing process, all without losing sight of what I’m doing.”

A Revolution for Adobe Lightroom Classic Users: A New Non-Destructive Workflow 

To better meet the needs of Adobe Lightroom Classic users, the Nik Collection 3 By DxO now offers a new workflow that lets photographers freely edit their files within the same plugin. This technology is based on the use of the TIFF MULTIPAGE file format, which combines the input image, the saved Nik Collection 3 By DxO editing parameters, and the output file all in the same file.  The Nik Collection 3 By DxO is the first suite of creative photo plugins to introduce a non-destructive workflow to Adobe Lightroom Classic, resulting in unparalleled versatility.

“The non-destructive workflow in Nik Collection 3 By DxO adds an incredible amount of flexibility and fluidity to the editing process,” says Jean-Marc Alexia, VP Product Strategy and Marketing at DxO. “It can be used with all host software programs that include a third-party export menu. It’s a huge improvement.”

Perspective Efex: The New Geometric Correction Plugin 

Perspective Efex is the new Nik Collection 3 By DxO plugin dedicated to geometric corrections. Drawing from DxO’s unique expertise, it combines a number of exclusive tools to remove defects and add effects to photos. 

Perspective Efex automatically corrects unsightly leading lines, no matter how complex, which is a very useful feature in urban photography. It is also the only plugin to offer a feature that automatically corrects shape distortion, providing an easy way to reestablish the natural shapes of subjects located on the edges of wide-angle photos. It is the perfect tool for group wedding photos and family photos! Thanks to the use of DxO’s powerful optical modules, Perspective Efex can even automatically correct fish-eye distortion. Lastly, its automatic horizon correction tool instantly levels out skewed horizon lines in architectural and landscape photos.

Miniature Effect

Perspective Efex can also be used creatively at the end of the editing process to simulate a shallow depth-of-field effect, i.e. miniature effect. Previously, such a result could only be obtained through costly and complex tilt-shift lenses. The plugin offers two blur gradients. Users can adjust placement and intensity and choose whether they would like the effect to be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Users can also change their aperture settings when simulating a bokeh effect.

Message Centre

The Message Centre in Nik Collection 3 By DxO can be accessed through the new Nik Selective Tool. This feature helps Adobe Photoshop users stay up to date on the latest news about the plugin suite and access a number of online resources, including webinars, tutorials, customer support services, and much more!

Price & Availability

The Nik Collection 3 by DxO (Windows and macOS) is now available for download on the DxO website (https://shop.dxo.com/en/photo-software/dxo-nikcollection) for a special launch price of £86.99 instead of £125, and £49.99 instead of £69 for the upgrade, until June 30, 2020.

 

Photographers who already own Nik Collection 2 By DxO or a previous version can upgrade their software by signing into their customer accounts. A fully-functional, one-month trial version of Nik Collection 3 By DxO is available on the DxO website: https://nikcollection.dxo.com/download/.

Meaco launches its first pedestal fan as the hot summer weather continues. #Meaco

2020 is likely to be a record-breaking year for high temperatures. April was the sunniest on record for the UK and May continued to bring the sunshine. Long range forecasters have predicted that 2020 will be one of the hottest on record, with the peak coming at the end of July. Meaco has seen an exceptionally high demand for fans this spring, partly due to this weather, and in part caused by the lockdown with more people working and exercising from home. It is therefore timely that Meaco has launched a new pedestal fan, to join its award-winning range of Meaco fans.

The MeacoFan 1056 Pedestal air circulator is the first pedestal fan for Meaco, developed and built following customer demand.  According to Chris Michael, MD of Meaco “customers were looking for a floor fan, as they had no spare furniture space to place the current 1056 model on.  They can now use their floor space, and also have the fan above the height of objects that might otherwise have obstructed the airflow.  This makes it perfect for the bedroom or a home office setup.”

 

The 1056P has the same features and benefits as the award-winning table-top model, circulating the air within a room efficiently and quietly.  The fan head moves side to side, up and down bouncing the air off the walls and ceiling to create a pleasant breeze rather than just blowing the air in one direction.

Low on energy consumption and extremely low on noise levels, the 1056P has been awarded a Quiet Mark. Its low energy DC fan motor ensures the ultra-low noise, making it perfect for use in bedrooms, and home offices.  You will hardly know it is on!

The MeacoFan 1056P comes with a magnetic remote control and a display in the base to show the room temperature and selected fan speed.  In ECO mode the fan speed automatically changes as the temperature in the room changes; at night the Off Timer will silently turn the fan off and the display light can be turned on or off as required. For help with operating the remote at night, there is a spotter lump on the down speed button to help you work out where you are on the remote in the dark.

Finishing touches include a stylish design with faux “leather” handle.

BUY – https://www.meaco.com/cooling/meacofan-1056p-air-circulator

How to Tell When it’s Time to Buy a New Smartphone…

Some people buy a new smartphone as soon as Apple, Samsung, or other manufacturers release their latest products. However, for most of us, we like to keep our mobile devices running for as long as possible and put our money into other things. Plus, putting off upgrading devices until it’s necessary also means no need to worry yet about transferring data onto a new phone or spending time on the other facets of this process. When days are busy, it’s tricky fitting in all the must-do tasks, let alone adding tech issues to the mix!

However, sooner or later, all phones start to play up and eventually need replacing. You don’t want to be left in the lurch with no smartphone to use for a time, but you also don’t want to jump the gun and buy something new before you have to. If you’re not sure how long you might get out of your current gadget, or whether you could perhaps simply book in for an affordable cell phone repair instead, here are some signs to look out for. 

Super Slow Touchscreen Response Time

All smartphones misinterpret or miss taps or swipes at points. However, if your touchscreen is driving you crazy because it’s ridiculously slow to respond or register actions or simply ignores them altogether, it’s likely time to go shopping for a new device. This issue is a sign that the tech is at the end of its life. Plus, you won’t have much luck getting many tasks done on the phone, which renders it pretty obsolete anyhow. 

Power Button Doesn’t Work

Another problem is if your phone won’t power on or off. If you leave your phone on all the time, this may not be the biggest deal at first, but over the long-term, this can cause considerable issues if you can’t turn the phone off to reboot it or update software, or can’t turn it back on again after taking such steps. Newer smartphones have only a few buttons on them, but the power switch is critical. When this starts playing up, your phone may be on the out. 

The Phone Gets Too Hot

A common issue many users have with their smartphone is that after a while, the tech tools overheat. If this starts to happen with your device, especially when you’re not even using the gadget for calls or other tasks, you should get it checked out by a repair service person or a manufacturer’s rep. 

This problem – when it overheats to a high level, and you’re worried it’s dangerous – can stem from a variety of small and large things going wrong. You don’t want the item to burn or explode on you, so it’s best to investigate the matter ASAP. Some causes can be solved relatively inexpensively, but others will show you it’s more economical to buy a new product instead.

Strange Lines or Other Issues on the Screen

Have you noticed that there are weird happenings on your device’s screen? For instance, there might be strange lines or bands that make it hard to read, or other anomalies such as flickering or jumping lights, or dead pixels on the screen. When this happens, it’s time to have the phone checked out by a qualified technician. It could have damaged components that need repairing, but often these screen occurrences point to more expensive faults that may not be possible to or worth fixing. 

Phone Keeps Shutting Itself Down

Another regular problem with smartphones after they’ve been in use for a few years (or earlier, in the case of broken or faulty gadgets) is that they shut themselves down unexpectedly. If this happens as a once-off, don’t stress, but if it is a regular point of annoyance for you, you could face an issue with the phone’s battery. 

You may expect that you can quickly and affordably replace the battery if this is the case, but in reality, some phones have easily-accessible batteries while others do not. If your tech tool falls in the latter category, it may cost you too much in labor costs to bother fixing it. 

Buying a new smartphone can be a fun task if you love technology and having the latest machines to use. However, upgrading to a new device is also costly and time-consuming. As such, consider the factors mentioned above, along with other common phone issues, to see if you truly need to replace your gadget or can try other fixes first. 

Urbanista London true wireless now on pre-order. #UrbanistaLife #TrueWireless

Fancy some new true wireless? The recently announced Urbanista London are now available to pre-order and will be shipping in Mid June. The New true wireless offer everything you would expect from Urbanista including looks with several colours and all the features along with ANC.

Urbanista London is packed with style and creativity and our earphones are inspired by the vibrant and busy city. To express your personal style, London is available at launch in Midnight Black (Black), Rose Gold (Pink), White Pearl (White) and Dark Sapphire (Blue) and comes with a sleek and slim colour-matched charging case. London has an IPX4 waterproof rating and is therefore protected from splashing water at any angle.

Designed for Life in Motion

Staying connected is easy with London: the latest in 5.0 Bluetooth connectivity means London is compatible with your iOS, Windows or Android device and allows you to have your voice assistant available at the touch of a button. Whilst on the go, the built-in noise cancelling dual microphone allows you to make or receive stereo phone calls, adjust the volume, play and stop.

London provides a playtime of 5 hours, and with 4 additional full charges from the case, a total playtime of 25 hours. The indicator lights will let you know when you are out of charge and then you can conveniently charge your earphones in under one hour on any Qi-certified pad or via the USB Type-C cable, straight out of the box.

Key Features of Urbanista London

  • Active noise cancelling (ANC) feature
  • Built-in ear detection sensors
  • Ambient Sound Mode
  • Wireless charging in one hour under any Qi-certified pad
  • Slim, colour matched charging case carrying 4 full charges
  •  4 indicator lights showing battery capacity
  • 25 hours playtime: each playtime runs up to 5 hours. The pocket-sized charging case is ready for another 4 full charges recharging house
  • IPX4 protected – protected from splashing water at any angle
  • Bluetooth 5.0 connection
  • USB Type-C cable
  • Silicone earbuds – different sizes available for a more personalised in-ear fit
  • Four stylish colours: Midnight Black (Black), Rose Gold (Pink), White Pearl (White) and Dark Sapphire (Blue).
  • Volume and music control
  • Voice control (Siri and Google Assistant)
  • Stereo phone calls
  • Full iOS, Android and Windows compatibility

PRE-ORDER 

The Nokia 5310 2020 edition now available in Ireland. #Nokia #5310

Back in March Nokia announced a slew of new phones which are now starting to appear in shops here in Ireland and the revitalised 5310 of yesteryear is now on sale for 39.90 which is a great price for a spare device and another original alongside the 3310 and 8110. The Nokia 5310  2020 edition, ( I still have my own original 5310 and will compare soon)brings with it an MP3 player  and FM radio, combined with powerful, dual front-facing speakers letting you carry your favourite tunes with you on the go. The Nokia 5310 remixes classic design with a slick new feel and battery that’s built to last, keeping you connected day after day. 

The 5310 is now on sale at Harvey Norman..

Southern Health & Social Care Trust partners with Civica on new employee app #Civica #SHSCT #App #Covid19

Southern Health & Social Care Trust (SHSCT) is working with Civica, a global leader in software for public services, to provide its employees with the new SHSCT Connect App. The app will play a vital role in keeping the Trust’s employees informed of the latest updates during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a central hub for information and issuing alerts.

SHSCT provides health and social care services across five council areas in Northern Ireland, and employs more than 13,000 people.

As an established partner Civica has been working with the SHSCT to support delivery of care using its patient administration and document management systems. Following Civica’s collaboration with the Northern Ireland Department of Health to develop the COVID-19 NI mobile app, the Trust commissioned Civica to help build an app to ensure vital information is shared with all its staff, including those with no access to corporate systems such as contract and agency staff. The app is a vital source of information, guidance and engagement for employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The app provides the Trust with direct control over all content using a flexible content management system, providing complete autonomy. It was developed in four weeks following a virtual design workshop with Civica, SHSCT and UX design company, Big Motive, as just one innovation within the Civica North Star lab.

This is a first for the Trust and will give all employees access to the content they need on a day-to-day basis, as well as provide a central hub for podcasts and newsletters. Chatbot functionality enables employees to ask questions and get a response at any time of day or night. It then provides a daily breakdown of questions being asked so the Trust’s communications team can refine the content and resources within the app accordingly. In addition, the Trust can send out push notifications for important announcements, such as notifying employees of a new PPE delivery.

Vivienne Toal, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development at Southern Health & Social Care Trust said: “Together with Civica and Big Motive, we have been working extremely hard over the past month to find a way to ensure all our employees, including those who do not have easy access to a computer, can access information regarding news, benefits and health and wellbeing on a regular basis.

“Engaging with and listening to our staff is fundamental to helping us create a great place to work. One of the key areas we identified for improvement following our 2019 staff survey was communication and engagement, so we are thrilled that this app will enable us to connect and engage with everyone across the organisation quickly and effectively. This roll-out is just the first phase and we are very excited about how the app will develop over time.” 

Steve Brain, Executive Director, Health and Care, Civica added: “Technology and software are key enablers to improving communications and driving efficiencies across the NHS. The SHSCT Connect App will allow the Southern Health & Social Care Trust to share focused, easily consumed content with its 13,000 employees, ensuring they are always kept up-to-date. We are delighted to be supporting the Trust with its digital transformation strategy at this crucial time and improving its employees’ engagement and wellbeing at work.”

While COVID-19 drove the creation of the app, it has also been designed as part of the Trust’s wider digital transformation plan and will continue to function as a key HR and Communications platform post-pandemic. The Trust is also looking at using the app to provide online and virtual training as well as clinical guidance for medical workers in the future.

FUZE4 will be doing a live ‘learn to code’ workshop on Tuesday 2nd June at 2pm. #Fuze #Coding #NintendoSwitch

FUZE have announced they are going to be doing a live ‘learn to code’ workshop on Tuesday 2nd June at 2pm. Dave from FUZE will introduce families to simple coding using FUZE4 Nintendo Switch. The workshop will go from the very basic up to beginning to make your own simple Switch game – ideal for families looking for something educational and productive to try.

Tuesday 2nd June – 2:00 pm – 2:45/3:00

FUZE4 Nintendo Switch Live Workshop!

Dave from Fuze will be introducing families to simple coding using FUZE4 Nintendo Switch. Perfectly bridging the gap between block based coding languages such as Scratch and more complex languages likes Python, FUZE4 Nintendo Switch is a text based language that teaches users to code by creating their own games on the Switch. The workshop will go from the very basics up to beginning to make your own simple Switch game. Ideal for families with children stuck at home looking for something educational and productive to do in the afternoon!

Get your coding questions answered live if you need help.

Dave will be live on the FUZE YouTube Channel – which is FUZEArena. Link here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbUt0ZVIYAxBM8DBNNSB8Ng

Carlow based company @FeverDefence secures €1m investment for fever detection device #IrishBiz #FeverDefence

Carlow-based company, Xenon, has announced today that it has secured €1m in funding for their handsfree, infrared temperature testing device – Fever Defence.

The investment was made by New York based venture capitalists Antonio Ruiz-Gimenez and Kerry Propper. Fever Defence is a standalone device that uses a thermal imaging camera and facial detection camera to test people’s temperature, upon entry to a building or site.

The non-contact device measures skin temperature in less than one second, and is accurate up to ±0.3°C. Upon reading the temperature, it then alerts the individual of the result using a red and green light stop-go system and an audible notification if a potential fever temperature is detected.

Commenting on the investment, Paddy Byrne, Managing Director of Xenon Fever Defence, said: “We are delighted to have secured this investment, which will help us to scale our operations across Europe and the United States.

“Employers are moving quickly to put additional safety measures in place to protect their workplaces and their customers against the risk of COVID-19. Our devices have been installed at companies and organisations across a number of different industries – from construction sites and offices to retail and childcare settings in the Irish, European and US markets.  

“Fever Defence acts as the first layer of defence for businesses, as they navigate their way through operating during the pandemic. This funding will allow us to expand our reach, and help organisations across the globe in reopening for business as soon and as safely as possible.”

Managing Partner of ATW Partners, Antonio Ruiz-Giménez, said that Fever Defence provides a smart solution for businesses worldwide as they begin to reopen: “The COVID-19 crisis has meant that businesses and organisations have had to reimagine the way they work, and the safety measures they have in place. 

“Fever Defence will help create safer environments for people to be in, which is something we fully support. The product has excellent market potential and we are looking forward to working with the team to help them advance and scale in Ireland, Europe, the US and beyond.”