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”.
It’s been weeks since we’ve all been stuck at home, some working from home, some have taken exercise to another level while others are binge-watching everything and anything. We are in need of human connection more than ever and we are in need of experiences, “Unforgettable experiences” to be exact. Why ?..because we are social beings, so the need for doing new things, experimenting and creating unforgettable memories with the people that we love and care about is in our nature.
Unfortunately, activities (indoor and outdoor), meetups, travelling, and other basic human necessities have been temporarily taken away from all of us when COVID-19 began. Knowing the impact of this lockdown and self-quarantine phase on people’s psyche and their need to be social and bond with others, the activities booking platform “ActaFun.com” had a pivot to align with our sudden reality and quickly launched virtual activities, providing us with unique experiences.
What do we mean by virtual activities? – these are activities that users can do from the comfort of their homes while respecting the social distance safety guidelines.
Online Jiujitsu and Self-defence classes by Jaqueline Almeida, every Wednesday (6:30 pm) and Saturday (11 am). This class will teach you useful self-defence and escape techniques improve your muscle memory and to protect you when in a difficult situations https://actafun.com/activity-details/287
Are you a coffee lover that is missing their favourite coffee spot during this quarantine period? We have top quality home brewing coffee classes By Matt Coade – The Best seller Cafe’s head barista https://actafun.com/activity-details/279
Dance, tone up, burn calories and learn some amazing moves for your post quarantine nights out with AfroDance provided by Kareen SK from the Caribbean islands (Dominica/ Guadeloupe). https://actafun.com/activity-details/289
Dave O’Dwyer will be hosting his famous laughter Yoga classes. Besides being easy to do, laughter yoga can help to reduce stress, encourage a more positive outlook, and help you feel more refreshed and energetic, in other words, “its great crack” https://actafun.com/activity-details/284
The activities above have been the most popular ones, there’re are more free and paid online activities like juggling classes, Fitness classes available on Actafun.com
All virtual activities are bookable internationally through ActaFun’s website (ACTAFUN.COM) and their App, with classes taking place on Zoom. Now you can book an experience for you and your friends/family in Spain, Canada, Ghana, New Zealand or anywhere in the world (with Wifi access of course) and have a great laugh with them regardless of where you all are. Use the code “LetsHaveFun” to get 20% off any of their paid virtual activities in this article.
If you have a unique skill or teach a class that you would like to host on ActaFun, send an email to their virtual project manager Andrew@actafun.com.
Business continuity plans have come to mean instructions or procedures any business should follow in the face of a successful ransomware or other cyberattack. Although IT issues are often the most debilitating when it comes to getting things back to normal, ‘business continuity’ anticipates and includes responses to other disasters, like fire, flood and theft, too.
There are business processes, partners and suppliers, human capital, data and other assets to protect in the event of a disaster. While each dark episode in the life of a company will be unique in certain aspects, enterprise can avail itself of an essential toolkit – the business continuity plan – when things go wrong. Always variable and often unexpected, business calamities demand a strategy for the maintenance of business as usual, regardless of how unusual circumstances might be in the moment.
That strategy will optimise continuity and minimise negative implications, resulting in an overall minimisation of longer-term repercussions on business profitability. It’s often grisly and as often demanding of sudden decisions that are extraneous to the core plan, but the core plan is essential as a guidebook for the promptest and least stressful restoration of business, in order to maintain cash flow and overall profitability. Force majeure events (the Covid 19 lockdown is a classic example), physical destruction or damage to business premises, or a wholesale sacking of company data are all events capable of ending business for good. The stakes are high, and the fittest companies have a ready template of action for such dark moments.
Business continuity plans and Disaster Recovery (DR)
Disaster Recovery (DR) centres on restoring IT systems after a ransomware or other cyberattack. Often confused with a business continuity plan, DR protocols may well be the most important component of a business continuity plan, yet they remain but one component of an overall plan.
With that said, it’s common to modern enterprise that almost nothing can be resolved without IT in place and running smoothly, hence the need to develop a reliable business continuity plan template with IT support well ahead of time. Business continuity is absolutely essential to map out while it’s still completely unnecessary. On the plus side, IT architecture lends itself to backup and security, and with typical Irish zeal and prowess in the arena, a detailed and ultimately successful continuity plan with adept DR protocols can be effectively formulated ahead of any possible disaster.
IT considerations for a business continuity plan
Storage. Where and how is data stored? What are the alternatives on access and/or storage if that particular access door closes? A company needs to know exactly how it will access what data it needs to roll on without hiccupping in the event of a complete denial of access or loss (removal) of working data.
Who are the key personnel in making IT continuity happen, and what are their responsibilities? It might seem a stupid question, but do they then have the authority or clearance (with accompanying credentials) to act on their responsibilities? Disaster recovery is a moment of unusual trust and professional performance – everyone needs to understand that, be equipped, and up to the task.
In the event of hardware damage or loss, where are new machines coming from, what or how much is needed to tie them into current daily operations, and what aspects of the current IT system or systems might snag on replacements of this nature?
Some broader considerations for business continuity plans
Manufacturing, sales and deliveries or service provision, as well as HR considerations feature in any decent business recovery template. How will normal comms evolve (or dissolve) during recovery? Would majority remote work be best, or perhaps a secondary location should be established that ultimately costs less and facilitates more in the event of a calamity? What functions can be contracted out?
To answer all the above questions, a business impact analysis will have been tabled and tested for validity way ahead of genuine disaster striking a company. This analysis will identify the most crucial aspects to maintain business continuity. A business impact analysis acknowledges vulnerabilities and doubles down on safeguarding these, while also looking at cost implications on all aspects of the business – what it will cost to put in place and what it might cost when absent. Generally, the latter costs a whole lot more in a typical disaster scenario.
Testing, testing, one two three
Disaster Recovery may be well-sorted by IT support in the event of catastrophe, but any successful, comprehensive business continuity plan has to factor in what happens with people and processes, too. Quite remarkably, the way in which a company performs under such adversity can often enhance client relations and go towards an overall greater profitability in the future. If ever there was a test of a business’ professionalism and real caring, it’s what it does and how it handles its clients in the event of disaster.
Effective disaster management can elevate a company’s reputation and generate an immense amount of goodwill, too. Being prepared and making the best of getting back on track can increase any company’s listed market value, plus boost customer numbers and overall confidence.
Such effective behaviour must include testing. Testing of a mock wholesale collapse of systems, testing of alternative (disaster) protocols, and testing of everyone’s ability to keep the wheels turning in a trial scenario. It might seem silly when everything is going well – much like those school drills that practise fire alarm responses – but testing a business continuity plan is as essential as formulating it in the first place. Companies that discover gaps in their contingency plans while suffering catastrophe are unlikely to be around afterwards. Testing allows for improvements and the fine tuning of the continuity strategy details.
The business impact assessment informs the drafting of the business continuity plan. That plan contains the DR component and goes on to address all aspects of the business. And it’s in the testing – regularly and repeatedly – that an enterprise will ready itself to survive even wholesale shutdowns or failures, and go on to a better future.
An image speaks louder than words, but what speaks even more emphatic than an image is compelling video. Whether you need to create animated videos to promote your business or want to make a video montage to play at your friend’s wedding, you don’t need to hire a professional as long as you have some cool video creation tools available.
There are lots of tools that turn your photos and movie clips into interesting videos. In this post, I selected the best video creation tool, FlexClip, which is full of features and can be easily used by anyone. Come on, let’s take a look.
What’s FlexClip video maker
FlexClip is a tool that has surprised me a lot because it has templates, which for users who have never made a video, can be enormously useful for making videos with photos very easily and quickly. Also, to start using the editor, you do not need to register, something that is also appreciated. However, once we have made our video, we will have to register to save or download it. Of course, your free creations will have a watermark at the beginning of each video that you can remove once you have switched to the paid version, which costs 8.99/month.
In this article, you will see how easy it will be for you to edit videos with FlexClip and share them with your audience on social networks. I am currently working on some intros/outros and so on for my own site which you will see soon on our YouTube
Before opening the editor, a screen appears that indicates two options, a template version with all the predefined effects and a blank version for a quick video. To create a new project in FlexClip, you can go to “Start from scratch” and choose the format as (16: 9), (1:1) or (6:19).
To enter images or videos, you have to go to the storyboard and add local files. It also provides a library with videos, pictures, and sounds for free use that we can integrate into our projects if we wish.
What you can do with the FlexClip video maker
We already knew that FlexClip is a tool, which stands out for its ease of use and simplicity. However, what exactly can you do with the FlexClip video maker?
Trim and split Videos
Oftentimes, you will find that a specific video is too long, or you need some videos to reflect your message better. In such cases, it will be very beneficial to use the trim and split features. You can simply cut out the parts of the video that are most useful and interesting and then blend them into your storyboard to create a smooth and entertaining video.
Insert text to video
FlexClip offers us options to add texts to our projects in a simple way. In the upper part of the menu bar, you will see different designs appear to add text, and then you can drag the text to the segment where you want it to appear. In advanced edition, you can work better on editing texts, choosing typography, sizes, shadows, reliefs, etc. In addition, you can also edit the timeline for texts when they appear and disappear from the video, which allows you to give the video more movement.
Add Filters in FlexClip
It is one of the most interesting options of this video editing tool, and it sets it apart from other editors. In the menu bar at the top of the editor, you will find the option ‘Filters’. There is a gallery with 17 filters that you can use for free. You can, for example, put some Instagram type filter, which imitates the filters offered by this social network. The effect is stunning, giving your video a different touch. In the option of “adjust”, you can also adjust exposure, contrast, brightness, saturation, shadow, and clarity of the video.
Insert widgets and overlay
FlexClip has a variety of widgets for multiple platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. There are a few other decorative widgets as well. Layers work similarly to filters, but with different effects on the images and videos, you are working with. They are both elements that can be incorporated into the project between the image and the text, and give an exceptional finish to your video.
Choose a transition and modify video speed
If you have previously edited a video, you will know what transitions are. They are effects that improve the passage from one element (image or video) to another element. For example: cross dissolve, fade, zoom, wipe, etc. Adding many types of transitions to a video is not recommended, as they can be distracting to the public. In addition to the type of effect, you can change the video playback speed. Tinker around a bit and choose the one that best fits your project.
Insert music to your video
We leave the introduction of music in the editing of the video for the last. Because listening to the music over and over again until the project is finished can be exhausting. You can use the music that appears by default in FlexClip, totally free to use, or upload the music you want (as long as it is free to use and add the author in the video credits) and avoid having problems with the Copyright.
Once we have finished our edition, we can export the final result in MP4 and distribute the final file freely. With all of these straightforward features, FlexClip is a handy tool, especially for those who want to edit their videos going. Why not try it, and give the videos a nice boost in your shape and, therefore, views.
The Digital era is now, visual elements are needed. From creating cool logos, designing wedding invitations, brochure designs, to designing social media posts, visual elements are like one of the necessities and very necessary.
So no wonder, the ability of free design is now a special demand for various needs. No wonder also why the profession as a graphic designer is in great demand and sought after today.
If you have a blog or website, for example, of course, To get a logo should be on your must-do list. Sure, you can use the services of a logo maker out there. But what if you made your own website logo?
Right now, you can easily create a logo. There are lots of alternatives that you can use, and one, of course, is the logo maker application, both free and paid logo maker applications. Among these online logo makers, DesignEvo could be a good alternative to help you create your brand logos.
What is DesignEvo?
DesignEvo is available for free with a myriad of features. Noted, there are more than 10,000 templates that are ready to use, just change, to then be adjusted to our needs.
As mentioned above, DesignEvo has more than 10,000 templates. Of that many collections, of course, you can be more flexible when making logos online when using it.
The most interesting, you are possible to create a logo for any needs, ranging from making website logos, application logos, to the logo for the design of wedding invitations.
Key Features of DesignEvo
10,000+ Templates: Of the wide range of templates, you only need to use specific keywords to find the logo template that suits your needs.
Abundant Font and Icon Choices: There are millions of icon choices and more than 100 font choices that can help you design a logo as needed.
Easy to Edit: One of the leading features is that all the templates provided are very easy to edit and adjust to your preferences.
Export in Vector Form: Want to use a logo template that was created in another software? Just export it in vector form SVG or PDF, so the quality will not be damaged if the resolution is changed.
Suitable for use in print media such as clothes, brochures, banners, and so on.
In addition to vector, you can also download logos that have been created in PNG and JPG formats.
Cloud-storing: That way, you don’t need to worry about losing logo data that hasn’t been finished or has already been created.
You can also synchronize it on various devices, whether it’s on a browser, desktop, or mobile application.
Free: In addition to the paid package, of course, you can also make a free logo with DesignEvo. And many more.
Well, of all the features above, what features are most interesting to you?
DesignEvo Price
DesignEvo can be used free of charge. It’s just that the features offered in the free service are very limited. This free feature is very suitable to use if you want to try all the features first before actually buying it.
If appropriate, you can buy one of the two paid packages that it offers. DesignEvo offers Basic and Plus packages, each for $24.99 for the Basic package and $49.99 for the Plus package.
Wrapping up
DesignEvo is very user-friendly. If you have no design skills and need a logo in short, you can do it by yourself with this tool.
The Nokia 1.3, delivering modern technology andthe brand–new Android 10 (Goedition) OS, at a more accessible price point than ever before. Among the first smartphones with Camera Go, as well as low-light AI image fusiontechnology, Gallery Go and a bright HD+ edge-to-edge screen, the Nokia 1.3 lets you truly see it all whether you’re indoors or in the bright outdoors.
One of the first to launch with Android 10 (Go edition), theNokia 1.3 benefits from more speed, more security and millions of apps to get your day going.Plus stay up to date and benefit from an experience that just keeps getting better with a device that will be ready for Android 11 (Go edition).The Nokia 1.3 is available from Vodafone Irelandstarting early Mayand comes in Cyan and Charcoal with a retail price of just 79 Euros. It is also available now in Argos and Littlewoods but you pay slightly more.
Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer, HMD Global:“Our close partnership with the team at Google didn’t only allow us to launch one of the first smartphones running Android 10 (Go edition), but it also allowed us to be among the first to debut the all new Camera Go app. Our goal was to build on what an affordable smartphone can deliver, without compromising on modern tech essentials. That’s why we’ve included a large HD+ display, with improved brightness, while remaining true to our Finnish roots, combining performance and function with our classic Nordic design for our latest accessible smartphone.”
Go bigger, brighter and bolder with a beautiful 5.71” HD+ edge-to-edge screen and a notch design. The Nokia 1.3 delivers a visual experience that’s great even in brighter conditions with 400 nits brightness. Plus, take beautiful photos, even in darker conditions with theNokia 1.3’s AI-powered low light image fusion technology. Inaddition to a rear 8MP auto focus camera with LED Flash,Nokia 1.3 comes with a 5MP front facing camera and brightness boost, so you can take your selfies to the next level.
Thissmartphone elegantly balances performance with a battery that’s built to last so fans can keep snapping all-day. The Nokia 1.3 has the speed you need thanks to the optimised Qualcomm® 215 Mobile Platform and all-day battery life courtesy of its 3000mAh battery.
The Nokia 1.3is also the first Nokia 1 to feature a button dedicated to the Google Assistant, lending you a helping hand. Fans can ask questions, see their schedule and even dim the lights by pressing button that learns and adapts with every use.
Efficiency shouldn’t mean compromising your data. With theNokia 1.3people can get more out of their monthly data plans with powerful data saving features allowing you to choose which apps use your data and when. For example, with YouTube Go fans can enjoy shows on the move; choose the playback quality and even download videos to watch offline later for no additional charge.
The Nokia 1.3 doesn’t compromise on style either. Function meets design with the Nokia 1.3 featuring all the hallmarks of Nordic design, from its sleek glass front and elegant 3D nano-patterned back and durable casing, to a beautiful yet solid finish that’s available in three stunning colours – Cyan, Sand and Charcoal.
Ready. Set. Android 10(Go edition)
One of the first smartphones to launch with Android 10 (Go edition), the Nokia 1.3 benefits from more speed, more security and millions of apps to get your day going. Android 10 (Go edition) also includes a new form of encryption that delivers the same level of data security as any Android device, without compromising performance.
With smaller app sizes, more storage space, and more control over how your content is stored, Android 10 (Go edition) helps you save space,whenever it’s needed. Plus stay up to date with a device that will be ready for Android 11 (Go edition). The Nokia 1.3 will receive guaranteed monthly security updates.
Last month Nokia announced a few new handsets to their line up which is rather interesting including a future-proof 5G device and a retro 5310, The all new 1.3 is now available to buy online from Littlewoods but you are going to pay much more extra for it rather than the listed estimated price it was given which was slated at €79 from vodafone, Given the phone is sim free you expect it to be a tad more expensive but it is littlewoods we are dealing with here. There will be more availability soon and you will get it cheaper.
The Nokia 1.3 delivers modern technology and the brand-new Android 10 (Go edition) OS, at a more accessible price point than ever before. Being among the first smartphones launching with Camera Go, as well as low-light AI image fusion technology, Gallery Go and a bright HD+ edge-to-edge screen, the Nokia 1.3 lets you truly see it all whether you’re indoors or in the bright outdoors. One of the firstphones to launch with Android 10 (Go edition), the Nokia 1.3 benefits from more speed, more security and millions of apps to get your day going. Plus, you will stay up to date and benefit from an experience that just keeps getting better with a device that will be ready for Android 11 (Go edition).
At CES 2020 Targus announced a new line up of bags for the tech enthusiast or for those who travel and these are bags you should check out if you need something robust and that looks good. This time however they are Sustainable bags made with recycled bottles which is good for the environment and a move many companies are now adopting to help with climate change and so on and of course it is a good move and nobody can complain about that.
Do you suffer with quality though?? Not at all the bags are still as tough as before and look good and have a nice feel to them two as my last bag still goes strong I expect this one to be no different here. This bags is part of the Cypress collection and is a convertible which makes the bag more useful in my eyes compared to the backpack we recently done and yet still looking good. You can wear this on your back,carry it like a briefcase or sling it on your shoulder which is great.
Built to fit 15.6” laptops, this eco-friendly bag’s unique design lets you carry it as either a backpack or briefcase, with shoulder straps that can tuck away when not in use. Other features include a dedicated padded compartment to cradle your laptop, two main compartments with pockets to organise your files and everyday essentials, ergonomic shoulder straps to make your commute more comfortable, and a trolley strap to attach the convertible backpack to rolling luggage.
The bag is designed for all type of people be it one who travels to the office,work,events and more with straps that can be put away and a passthrough on the rear, inside we have padded protection and several pockets to store cables,phones,tablets chargers and more so all in all it serves many people regardless and is one to look at, The price here too is fair running you around €70 at the time of writing this, You might see alternatives out there half the price but you get less quality and function and I find with the likes of those the straps break too quick,the zippers break and in general a cheap built,this is not the case here with bags from Targus.
FEATURES
Made from 24 recycled plastic water bottles
Converts from backpack to briefcase
Shoulder straps can be tucked away when not in use
Top and side comfort carry handles
Dedicated padded laptop compartment
Two main compartments for files and gear, with pockets for smaller accessories
Front, quick-stash pocket
Ergonomic shoulder straps and padded back panel for comfortable carrying
