With the effect of coronavirus meaning that holiday plans have had to be postponed, a lot of us are missing the ability to explore the world.
It’s perhaps unsurprising then that many people are using video calls as an opportunity to virtually travel, with holiday-style Zoom backgrounds seeing a huge 9,900% increase in searches according to Google Trends data.
Kuoni has made 14 backgrounds available, 12 images and two dynamic videos, that reflect some of their most popular destinations. From Bangkok cityscapes to crystal-clear Caribbean waters, the collection offers a range of amazing travel landscapes.
James Nye from Kuoni comments: “Just a few days into lockdown we started to hear about people using our destination images as backgrounds to their video calls, to at least momentarily transport them to somewhere else in the world. Coupled with the increase in online searches for travel-inspired video call backgrounds, we wanted to release a collection that hopefully gives people a slice of their dream holiday whilst they’re at home. The collection includes some of our most popular destinations and we hope the range of landscapes means you can switch up the backgrounds depending on where you want your wanderlust to take you.”
Destination Zoom backgrounds have seen a spike in popularity
Kuoni also delved into the search data to discover which destinations and landscapes are currently seeing the largest surge in popularity for virtual backgrounds. With its beautiful beaches and sparkling waters, it may come as no surprise that the Caribbean is the most popular Zoom background right now – seeing a whopping 9,900% increase in searches. The data shows that long-haul destinations are the favourites, with just Sweden making it into the top five from Europe.
Most Popular Zoom Background Destinations
Caribbean +9,900%
=Australia +9,800%
=Maldives +9,800%
=Vietnam +9,700%
=New Zealand +9,700%
=Sweden +9,700%
Philippines +8,800%
=Canada +8,500%
=Brazil +8,500%
USA +8,100%
Ireland +7,200%
India +6,500%
Portugal +5,000%
Spain +4,900%
When looking at holiday types, such as dramatic mountain scenes or serene waterfalls, it’s safari backdrops that are currently the most popular followed by mountain views and cityscapes.
Perhaps the most remarkable achievement Microsoft has pulled off over the last decade has been making Windows far more user friendly. While cliché to say, it’s nevertheless a distilled report of UX from users. From its beginnings as a tech geek, relatively cool product that – at times – frustrated non-technical folk, Microsoft has clearly listened to consumers over the years. Today, Windows 10 epitomises the marriage of its technical ability with a far more intuitive end user experience.
Microsoft has dominated the working world for years, and for good reason. Even early critics of Windows struggled to find the kind of apps Microsoft had already made mainstream 30 years ago. Not only does Microsoft Office suite remain streets ahead of competition in enabling businesses big and small, but Microsoft’s enterprise-grade Server products have enabled network access and management for thousands of large corporations. Both user security and efficiency have driven Microsoft’s overall suite development in the new millennium.
A heads up for everyone still running Windows XP or 7: those Windows versions are unsupported now, which means no security patches or upgrades of any kind are in your future. Unfortunately for you, that means high vulnerability and low security for your PC. Windows 8 was an unpopular option for many, as it followed a touchscreen design layout; in particular, business users weren’t ready to abandon their familiarity with previous versions. Which brings us to Windows 10, and some good news – it’s the best Windows ever.
Here’s why.
The benefits of Windows 10 for small business are many
Loyalties and bias aside, excerpts from a top IT concern in London covering What Are the Benefits of Windows 10 for Small Business? will win over many former critics. As a testament to Microsoft’s ability to respond to the market, they’re focus is on user experience, mobile access and the right box of tools.
Updates are (almost) pleasant now
Faced with competitors of various hues that included upgrades as a part of ‘maintenance’ at no charge, Microsoft has adopted a ‘software as a service’ (SaaS) approach, too. Facing the loss of consumer appetite for paid upgrades, Microsoft has reinvented its approach in line with such expectations. While small business users had to opt in and install Windows 10 when it arrived, future upgrades will roll out seamlessly in the background. In other words, they’ve taken the roundabout way of installing an OS and automated it.
A tiny tweak perhaps, but with huge implications for UX. Buying an installation disc or being billed for an online upgrade is over, too. The standard offering will be free, while users who employ more extensive versions or apps within Windows will pay per use.
Security is state of the art
Enterprise now has a clear legal responsibility in terms of GDPR. Personal data is regulated, and the onus on business to both safeguard against and react towards its illicit dissemination is clear, with punitive measures against those who are negligent in looking after users’ or clients’ data.
Today, it’s surprisingly best not to supplement the Windows Defender suite of programs with other antivirus apps. Windows’ in-house security is tight, performs alongside the best, and makes extrapolation of security measures a cinch when needed. In other words, having Windows Defender up and running as it should be on the OS covers business in terms of its liabilities concerning personal data. It makes small business compliant, identifies and secures individual app access, and can limit files that apps can access.
Enterprise users can expect to be forewarned of illicit activity around access, and Bitlocker makes encryption a standard possibility for business now – not just James Bond.
Multiple device commonality
Sticking with user-driven common sense, the Windows 10 OS runs on desktops, laptops and tablets. It presents as a familiar face, with the design reminiscent of the older Windows the whole world became accustomed to over the initial years of use. That might seem unimpressive, but for working personnel, it’s the difference between feeling confident (in presentations or other participation where data needs to be shared) or feeling technically challenged.
As cloud computing becomes the norm, Microsoft’s OneDrive allows users to access data whenever and wherever. Being able to consistently access data easily between devices is now so commonplace that it might be overlooked as a new feature, but significant hard work went into making that possible.
Toggling devices and operating times
In an emerging gig economy, many people take work home and work at all hours of the day and night. The ability (continuity) to do so is, again, something we all simply expect as a default; but that, too, is a new feature with Windows 10.
Transitioning effortlessly between devices while drawing files down from OneDrive makes working access simple, anytime. The Timeline feature enables a linear work route too, as scrolling back through chronologically listed file access makes locating specific information easy. Likewise, using the Files On-Demand OneDrive feature allows users fast access without relying on a slower local drive.
Identity management
Apart from BitLocker, Windows Hello assimilates biometric data on users to grant access to files. Users typically encounter a two-factor authentication process that adds further security to business dealings. This might seem banal, but the reality is all these tweaks and touches have been modelled on user expectations and preferences, as well as the logic of easy, secure computing. Microsoft has become adept at imagining the experience of daily users, and designed Windows 10 in accordance with that.
Assorted local and networked resources can be accessed by identified individuals or groups. Managing access across a staff contingent, freelancers and clients has become a push-button process, as opposed to someone having to physically dole out and collect documents, or otherwise police company data. Office 365 Business and Enterprise users can also employ Azure Active Directory accounts to the same end.
Flexibility to scale
Offering users software subscriptions has changed Microsoft product licensing to the benefit of users. Utilising a per month or per user billing model has made Windows significantly more scalable – and pleasurable to use – because of it.
Should a small business need to add new staff, whether freelance or otherwise, per user costs can be defined based on deliverables for any project. Decreasing the number of users is now a simple matter, whereas before customers were ‘locked in’ to Windows for a term.
Upfront costs have disappeared, and business accounting departments across the globe are loving the predictability of a per user structure, too. Any small business paying for Windows products can be assured that they are utilising the same platform expertise as any large corporation elsewhere. The inbuilt universality of Windows 10 means top drawer service and security to all subscribers – a nice touch by Microsoft towards a level commercial playing field.
An assistant called Cortana
Cortana is Microsoft’s response to Alexa and Siri – an interactive voice command feature, with personality! Having had the benefit of watching assistants like Siri roll out and noting where they stumbled, Microsoft’s Cortana has started out at a higher level. She’s almost a personality (she has opinions on general life, too) and definitely an aide that will become indispensable once a user starts using the feature.
Cortana is simple to use but not simplistic in abilities, and pleasingly responsive and intuitive. Full of a host of time-saver tweaks once engaged, Cortana is a genuine efficiency boost in a busy digital world.
Microsoft products work very well together
Another major perk of Windows 10 is it’s the most enabling platform for any of the other Microsoft business suite products. Truly an undiscovered benefit until a company runs Office 365 or Microsoft Server, it’s often in expansion that a business realises what a hassle-free, empowering platform Windows 10 is. Microsoft Business Suite products are optimised on the Windows 10 OS in a manner that simply doesn’t happen any other way.
Windows 10 is a feel-good Windows version, and a smart response to user issues over the years. Microsoft has responded well – even critics grudgingly agree that many of their complaints are now addressed with this version of Windows. Security is still benchmark, upgrades are no longer a looming hassle, and the access and identity management of Windows 10 makes for pleasurable working. Any small business would be hard pressed to better enable business processes, resident and remote staff, as well as the overall demands of daily business without it.
In recent weeks Tallaght University Hospital has introduced numerous new digital solutions to assist patient care and also enable patients and their families keep in touch during the COVID-19 pandemic. New technology combined with existing innovation has been put in place to support hospital staff communicating with colleagues in order to efficiently treat and diagnose patients as well as helping them provide support for community settings such as hospices and nursing homes.
Speaking about the impact COVID-19 is having on patients and staff, David Wall, Director of ICT at TUH said, “Last December the Hospital launched a five year strategy with a heavy emphasis on Digital Enabled Care, we did not realise that we would be introducing so many elements of that care within a few weeks. With the support of an incredible team of ICT, medical, nursing and Health and Social Care Professional staff the Hospital has been able to introduce a number of new innovations in the Hospital very quickly. The use of this technology is proving to be critical in supporting our response to patients’ needs during this challenging time. Combined with technology already in use in the Hospital, over the last number of weeks we have been enabling safe and efficient communication between colleagues as well as patients and their families. Advances in ICT at TUH have facilitated a number of ‘firsts’ for the Hospital including an online interactive lecture series using Zoom, medical teams being able to consult with colleagues using wearable cameras, remote monitoring and virtual visiting.”
Donations from companies, volunteer groups such as Covid4comfort.org and gift cards from Amazon have helped TUH enhance the technology being used in the Hospital. In ICU and Theatre, Echo Show devices enable two-way video calling so clinicians can consult with team members on video, rather than in person therefore reducing the level of foot traffic into a restricted area. The Hospital is also trialling voice activated, hands free devices that will also enabling communication between patients and their families over Skype.
Commenting on the assisted technology, Prof Paul Ridgway, Consultant Surgeon and Perioperative Director at TUH said, “The smart speaker technology enables our carers to more effectively communicate masked-face to masked-face. I have been very impressed how using Alexa has facilitated very effective staff to staff communications, reducing the need to enter areas where PPE is required saving both time and stock of PPE.”
Redzinc, an Irish based technology company have also donated five pairs of video glasses to TUH for six months. The wearable, point of view, wireless headsets are enabling medical teams to interact with each other in real time in order to diagnose and treat patients.
Dr. Peter Lavin, Consultant Nephrologist and Clinical Director of the Medical Directorate of TUH said, “The Redzinc glasses have been extremely useful and enable us to step into a clinical situation as if we were there. We are using them in theatre, the ED and ICU and they are helping us to reduce footfall into critical areas with vulnerable patients.”
IPad’s been placed on all wards to help patients keep in contact with family and friends at a time when visiting is restricted in the Hospital. The iPads are housed in c leanable, healthcare compliant cases and have been set up with Skype, Facetime and Google Hangout.
Áine Lynch, Director of Nursing at TUH said, “Maintaining a human connection with friends and family is vitally important for our patients and their loved ones. In the absence of face to face visiting, virtual connection has become so important. The nursing staff are helping patients use the technology so they can see as much of their families and friends as possible during this time.”
As one of the two main teaching hospitals of Trinity College Dublin, the hospital specialises in the training and development of staff in the community and so Age-Related Healthcare at TUH have collaborated with the All-Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care to deliver an interactive virtual lecture series for nursing home staff to update them on changing guidelines and provide clinical education in order to enhance care. Four lectures have been delivered to date with an average of between 300 and 600 participants. Participants can submit questions in real time and themes are identified and answered by panellists.
Speaking about the innovative lecture series, Dr. Dan Ryan, Consultant Geriatrician at TUH said, “We have made the series as interactive as possible and the majority of the hour is dedicated to an open Q&A to provide a platform for answering practical questions that arise from staff. Nursing homes have traditionally been geographically cut-off from centres of learning and this current COVID crisis has exposed a historical lack of education investment provided to care homes”.
Other panellists have included TUH Consultants; Dr. John Cullen, Respiratory Consultant, Dr. Anna Rose Prior, Microbiologist, Prof. Sean Kennelly, Geriatrician with frequent panellist attendance from Dr. Stephen Higgins and Dr. Cliona Lorton, Palliative Care Consultants at TUH and Our Lady’s Hospice along with Claire Noonan, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Older Persons at TUH.
The Hospital Robot Doctor, LUCY, has continued to provide invaluable help during ward rounds to support staff and patients during the pandemic. To help support staff, a number of which are now working in locations outside of the Hospital or redeployed within the Hospital, a staff app has been developed to ensure they are kept up to date with hospital news. Pastoral Care have also launched a video service, “Chat with the Chaplain” enabling chaplains to virtually visit patients and can be access through mobile phone or email.
During this Pandemic, the Hospital is also supporting the care of over 1,000 residents in 14 local nursing homes. This sector has been particularly severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the TUH specialist team to support these services has used technology to facilitate communication and clinical review. Prof Sean Kennelly, Consultant Geriatrician at TUH said “Unfortunately nursing homes have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, with many residents becoming unwell. We have developed a telehealth outreach service for general practitioners and directors of nursing to our local residential care facilities, including video-consultations to support care in place. The multidisciplinary team has managed over 400 contacts in the last six-weeks, and this link to a specialist service has been essential in supporting these care facilities during a very challenging time.”
The Irish are – per capita – leading the globe towards a cashless system. Unfortunately for us, this might not be a good thing.
Irish business and consumers alike are more cashless than ever thanks to the latter’s expectations of commerce. The fact is cash is diminishing as a payment method globally, and indeed Ireland might just be the number one nation employing digital payments within the next few years. By all credible accounts, Sweden currently carries the title of the world’s most cashless society based on GDP, but adoption in Ireland is continuing apace.
When it comes to future predictions of which nation will emerge as the one most at home with cashless payments, uptake rates and practical application are key, and Ireland is at the forefront. This has produced some interesting (and challenging) scenarios for business at large, and there’s a palpable perception that so-called ‘old school’ business practices – especially in retail – are going to lose or are already losing customers if they’re not implementing digital payment methods.
Cashless convenience is a ‘sidegrade’ for Irish business
Rather than a downgrade (losing tech, capacity or the ability to service clients) or an upgrade (spending extensively on rebuilding customer management systems from scratch), going cashless for Irish businesses is a ‘sidegrade.’ In other words, the ‘problem’ of going cashless in business is a nice problem to solve. For those businesses taking the plunge, it’s relatively easy to effect and a continuous joy to use thereafter. After all, it implies doing less – no cash box, drop safe, or banking of cash; and it removes the prospect of being swindled with counterfeit or robbed when carrying cash.
Oddly enough, it’s often very large and very small businesses that still need to enact a cashless option. Furthermore, specific sectors or industries tend to lean towards cashless payments or, on the other hand, lag in their implementation. Retail is the most seamless in application, being the coalface for interaction with consumers. That said, B2B transactions often quickly adopt modern consumer conveniences, too. As any IT company in London, Dublin, or New York can attest, implementing systems to render cashless transactions is a regular and growing component of their daily work. For example, UK cash payments have dipped from above 60 percent in the noughties to around 40 percent today. If this trend continues, only around 20 percent of payments will be cash in the country by 2030. Ireland might race ahead a little, being predominantly cashless within five years.
Are there really advantages for a cashless business?
The short answer is yes.
Whatever the reasons driving cashless transacting – if you offer it, you’re not alienating potential clients. As cashless payments become increasingly commonplace, any business (especially those dealing with consumers) will want to offer the facility of doing so to avoid losing sales. With online shopping being the flagship that’s driving expectations around purchases, consumers are used to super-fast and hassle-free buying.
Adding cashless payment options provides needed and good diversity, rather than the typical ‘fluff’ businesses often add on to themselves when jostling in the marketplace. It’s easy to see how in the next decade or two, every retailer – from the local newsstand to SuperValu – will likely offer all payment options possible, and this will become the norm and standard expectation. Remember when online shopping was a dangerously unfamiliar arena and involved waiting up to three weeks for delivery? Commerce has been working furiously to narrow that gap, and has done so fairly successfully by (partly) driving the swing to cashless transacting.
Amazon might be the epitome, launching a drone to ship goods speedily, but they’re nothing if not indicative of the consumer service ethic that’s pushing businesses all over the globe. That push seems symbiotic with being cashless and helps to inform it. Some obvious commercial beneficiaries of a cashless economy would be restaurants and those in hospitality who no longer need to keep cash on the premises late at night. Any business with a busy supply chain needed to produce its product or service could win back several hours in their day, too, and all businesses that see large volume will see their insurance premiums dip if there’s no cash on premises.
The significant benefit to all business is that mobile, digital payment potentially provides plenty of customer data to use at your discretion (within GDPR guidelines, of course). Not only will it deliver what payment option they prefer, but what they bought, how often they’re in-store, what they’re buying and how much their overall spend is. That’s meaty intel for any marketer, and will go towards refining presentation and ultimately the consumer experience. As a wholly immersed generation carries their digital acumen into their daily lives, more businesses will need to offer cashless options in order to serve the majority coming through the doors.
With a vast variety of bags and backpacks out there today we are spoilt for choice when it comes to carrying our goods but how they look is another matter and the materials used, Recently we checked out the Praper backpack but this time is the ladies turn as we check out the Parlan backpack which comes in a range of colours and is affordable at €99 and looks great too. You also get bag a free 2020 Limited Edition Plånkan Cardholder.
This bag would be considered a bit smaller than the average but still boasts great looks and functionality making it more usable than you might think with two front pockets a secret back pocket and a padded internal pocket to to house your chromebook or netbook with ease and anything up to an A5 sized documents so for the college goer or office folk this is something you perhaps might want to check out as it looks really well and current and looks more expensive than you pay for it.
Pärlan is made from comfortable, lightweight and water-resistant nylon, durable enough go with you anywhere. The inside is compact, but still with enough room for all your daily necessities, and a special compartment that holds up to A5-sized documents. It’s designed with a comfortable fit, and security in mind, with a hidden back pocket where you can store your most precious valuables.
You can also get a 15 % discount using the code TECHBUZZ
A new pair of cans have arrived and this time from Groov-e who make great tech affordable and having test most of their products I can stand by them easily with the feature set you get for the money you pay in comparison to more expensive brands.
The Zen wireless headphones are ideal for those who want an affordable headset packed with all the latest technology. Active Noise Cancelling reduces unwanted ambient sound to provide an immersive listening experience whilst 40mm drivers handle heavy beats well and can reproduce a full range of frequencies so music can be heard as it was intended. Featuring premium, soft foam earpads the Zen headphones also ensure a comfortable listening experience at all times. If you have any questions in the interim as always feel free to ask.
The Groov-e Zen Wireless Headphones are £54.99 available now from www.groov-e.co.uk.
Joué Music Instruments, an innovative French-based music company plans to launch its next-generation instrument called Joué Play on popular crowdfunding site Kickstarter starting today. Joué aims to democratize music creation via engaging music instruments and a user-friendly app.
Designed by Pascal Joguet, co-creator of the multi-touch Lemur controller made popular by artists such as Daft Punk and Nine Inch Nails, the Joué Play is a series of modular instruments that can turn even an amateur music lover into a creative musician. Three years ago, Joué launched its first MIDI controller aimed at seasoned musicians now used by many artists throughout the world today.
The second generation Joué Play is specifically designed for amateur musicians looking for an easy, fun way to create meaningful music without complexity. Joué Play then introduces budding artists to a whole new way to share and co-create music with others. Crafted in France from sustainable materials Joué Play was designed by experienced musicians to please both touch and ear.
“We wanted to eliminate the frustration of all people who do not play an instrument because of the complexity of the art. We are therefore delighted to offer simple and fun Joué instruments to a new generation of musicians. “says Joué founder and CEO Pascal Joguet. “At the crossroads of electronic machines and traditional instruments, we have created new types of instruments which encompass the power & ease of the digital world coupled with the expressivity and beauty of the traditional one.”
Made of natural Beech wood, the Play board supports swappable silicone pads that resemble piano keys, guitar neck, synth keyboard or drum pads in addition to being easy to use: simply plug Joué Play into your tablet or smartphone, launch the app, and start making music. Joué Play’s colourful pads reminiscent of your favourite instruments make the experience fun regardless of music skill level.
Perfect for parents who want their kids to get into music in a simple, fun way. Aspiring musicians alike can make a beat, add a deep pad sound, then switch to a distorted guitar solo in a snap and share it online via the dedicated app which allows you to play, record and make loops on the fly.
Joué players can then share their music online and even collaborate with others. Easy to carry in a backpack, Joué Play allows creators to make music, jam with friends, practice on the road, or just have fun anywhere.
Joué Play has won a 2020 CES Innovation Award and was named by TIME MAGAZINE, WIRED and Techcrunch as one of the best new products of CES 2020.
Music lovers will have a chance to reserve their Joué Play via a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign that opens to backers starting now, and runs until June 8th, 2020. Backers will have a chance to purchase the entire bundle which includes the Joué board and four instrument pads (drums, piano, guitar, and synthesizer) for a low $289.
Over the last few weeks the use of Messaging apps has surged due to the covid pandemic and has changed the way we communicate for some and some apps in particular have seen an astronomical rise in use such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Video messaging is a huge thing today and may be the norm for some time to come yet and could be a new move going forward in how we communicate which might make some businesses rethink their strategy.
Our friends at picodi have sent over this study to showcase what apps are being used
In 14 countries — including Ireland — the most popular messaging client was Zoom. The interest in this app skyrocketed mostly in the northern European countries (United Kingdom, Norway), in some Baltic countries (Lithuania, Estonia), as well as in Ukraine and Moldavia.
Skype gained popularity in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Greece. Similar to Skype, Viber and Microsoft Teams ruled only in four countries. The popularity of both messaging clients increased in the Balkans. Microsoft Teams won in Liechtenstein and Viber ranked first in Belarus. Denmark was the only country where Google Meet took first place among other messaging clients.
co:dublin has launched it’s directory of local Dublin restaurants, cafes, shops, and other services around the city that have adapted their business offerings to stay operating during the Covid-19 shut down.
co:dublin is a 100% volunteer based project, set up as more and more local businesses struggle to stay operating and keep staff. The directory lists businesses lucky enough to be able to adapt online and service their customers throughout the lockdown by switching to a delivery or takeout service, offering gift vouchers, or streaming online classes.
The site already lists 36 local businesses including cafes like 3fe, who are now re-opening within social distancing parameters as well as restaurants like BuJo Burger and Fallon & Byrnes who are now delivering meals and drinks while everyone stays at home. Health and wellness studios like Flux Lab, and Reformation are featured as they have been able to move classes online.
The site also lists Vouch For, another Irish non-profit launched by Recroot founders, Cian Farrell and Nev Flynn. Vouch For allows customers to purchase digital vouchers for their favorite restaurants around Ireland that can be redeemed at a later date when business returns to usual.
co:dublin was launched by Web Summit VP, Aoileann Ni Chuilleanain, Web Summit alumni, and now early-stage investor at Techstars Investments, Declan Kelly, and product designer Jaqueline Chen both based out of Berlin.
“We got in touch with Jaqueline Chen and set up co:dublin as we know how integral local businesses are to the cultural and social fiber of our community. Small business owners in Dublin have been incredibly creative adapting to social distancing and government guidelines. They’re working endlessly to keep their businesses operating in some capacity and keep their staff employed. – says co:dublin host, Aoileann Ni Chuilleanain.
She adds – “We want co:dublin to drive as much local support online to those who had worked so hard to set up shop in the first place and help them survive. Covid-19 is testing them greatly and hopefully, co:dublin and Vouchfor can play a part in supporting them”.
