Tag: Android

If you are a Bank Of Ireland customer you may need to change your phone

If you are a Bank Of Ireland customer you might need to upgrade your smartphone to continue to use their digital services, this is because of security reasons and support of older devices which is running older software.

The 31st March is the date given to change your device if you use the app which is not much notice to be honest and for those who like to tamper with their device and use Huawei devices your luck is also out as they will not support either.

BOI says

Device manufacturers regularly update the software and hardware they use. When they do, older operating systems are discontinued, and older software which has become outdated is no longer supported. Apps including ours must stay up to date with updates, so that customers can continue to have access to new and existing features.

 

Devices supported are Android phones and tablets using Android version 11 or higher and iPhones and iPads using iOS version 15 or above so now would be a good time to go and check if you need to update your device

 

Mobile Operating System Support Policy

Update your device before 31 March 2024

31 March is a key date for any customer with an operating system on their device that is older than those mentioned below. After this date we will no longer offer support for these operating systems. Importantly, customers will not be able to download a new instance of the Bank of Ireland mobile app again on that device.

Your device may be running on one of the following affected operating systems:

  • iOS (Apple) devices using operating systems 14 and lower
  • Android devices using operating systems 10 and lower

Why updating is important: If your device is running on one of these older operating systems, and you do not update the device by 31 March, the existing version of the BoI app that you use today may not work. If you delete the app, you will not be able to reinstall it on that device. In other words, your phone or tablet will no longer work for mobile banking. The only fix for this is to update your device before 31 March.

Why is this happening? Device manufacturers regularly update the software and hardware they use. When they do, older operating systems are discontinued, and older software which has become outdated is no longer supported. Apps including ours must stay up to date with updates, so that customers can continue to have access to new and existing features.

Devices and operating systems that we support

We support the following smart devices and operating systems only:

  • Android phones and tablets using Android version 11 or higher
    Available from the Google Play store
  • iPhones and iPads using iOS version 15 or above
    Available from Apple store

Restrictions

  • Windows and Blackberry phones are not supported.
  • The app is not available for download from the Huawei app store.
  • Biometric login using face or fingerprint cannot be enabled on rooted Android or jailbroken iOS devices, in other words devices where any of the manufacturer’s software restrictions have been removed.

Source

UPDATE 28/8/24  Bank Of Ireland have now said they are extending the date till July 1st if you can’t use phone or tablet you can still access via your web browser or PC with a PSK (Physical Security Key)

Top 6 Things Every Android User Should Know

Welcome, Android users! If you’re reading this, it means you’re keen to uncover the hidden gems within your device. Whether you’re a new user or an Android aficionado, this blog post is going to reveal some essential tips that can truly transform how you interact with your device. Let’s delve into the world of these operating systems!

App Updates and Maintenance

Keeping your Android operating system and apps updated is crucial for a seamless user experience. These updates often provide new features, bug fixes, and security enhancements that keep your device protected and working optimally. Moreover, using some App Templates can help you customize your Apps for better performance too. Most Android devices automatically notify you when updates are available, but you can also check manually in ‘Settings’ > ‘System’ > ‘Advanced’ > ‘System Update’ for OS updates, and for App updates go to ‘Google Play Store> ‘My Apps & Games’. 

Remember to connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network before updating to save on data usage. Also, routine maintenance like clearing the cache, deleting unnecessary files, and restarting your device regularly can significantly improve its performance. Don’t worry, your personal data won’t be affected by these processes. So, to enjoy a smooth, efficient, and secure Android experience, regular updates and maintenance should be your top priority!

Google Account and Synching

Your Google account is like the master key to unlocking your Android device’s full potential. It offers access to an ecosystem of Google services like Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive, and more. Simply put, it’s the backbone of your Android experience. Now, onto syncing – this refers to the process of keeping your data updated across all your devices. 

Any changes you make on one device, like adding a contact or saving a photo, are mirrored on the others. To enable it, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Accounts’ > ‘Google’, choose your account, and select the services you want to sync. Remember, regular syncing ensures you have access to the latest information, regardless of which device you’re using!

Security Measures

Androids offer a variety of security measures that will provide peace of mind. Here are the best options: 

 

  • Lock screen
  • System updates
  • App permission management
  • App source verification
  • Antivirus
  • Device encryption
  • VPN
  • Google play protect
  • Secure browsing
  • Secure emails practices
  • Backup
  • Two-factor authentication

 

Android’s security is multi-faceted. Lock screens provide the first line of defense, while system updates regularly patch vulnerabilities. App permission management helps you control your data, and app source verification ensures you download safe apps. Antivirus software offers additional protection, while device encryption, VPN services, Google Play Protect, and secure browsing provide extra layers of security. Secure email practices, regular backups, and two-factor authentication further enhance Android’s security architecture.

Data Usage Management

Managing your data usage on Android is straightforward. Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Network & Internet’ > ‘Data usage’ to find an overview of your data consumption. Here, you can set a warning for when data usage approaches a certain limit and even specify a limit to automatically restrict data use. If you wish to understand which apps consume the most data, go to ‘App data usage’. 

Here, you can see a detailed breakdown per app and choose to restrict background data for apps that consume too much. This will cause these apps to only use data when actively being used. Proper data management helps avoid unexpected charges and ensures a smoother Android experience.

Data Backups

Data backups on Android operating systems are a lifesaver, allowing you to preserve and restore your personal information, apps, settings, and more. Google’s built-in backup service, tied to your Google account, automatically backs up data like Wi-Fi passwords, call history, and app data to Google Drive. To enable this, navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘System’ > ‘Backup’, and toggle ‘Backup to Google Drive’ on. 

If you ever switch phones or need to reset your device, you can restore this data during the setup process. Third-party apps offer additional backup options. Regular backups ensure you never lose important information and can resume your Android experience seamlessly, no matter what happens.

Battery Optimization

Optimizing your Android device’s battery life is essential for prolonged, uninterrupted usage. Android’s built-in battery optimization feature intelligently manages how apps use batteries by putting inactive apps into a low-power state. Access this feature at ‘Settings’ > ‘Battery’ > ‘Battery Optimization’. You can choose to optimize all apps or select specific ones. Additionally, Android’s Adaptive Battery feature learns your app usage patterns and prioritizes battery for the apps you use most. 

Also, the Battery Saver mode reduces your device’s overall power consumption by limiting features like location services and background data. Remember, a well-optimized battery ensures your Android device lasts the whole day, enhancing your user experience.

 

So, there you have it! These six essential tips can truly elevate your Android experience. Don’t forget that keeping your device updated, secured, and optimized not only enhances its performance but also extends its lifespan. So go ahead, unlock the full potential of your Android device, and enjoy the seamless, efficient, and secure experience it offers. Happy Android-ing!

EA SPORTS FC launches on mobile

Today, Electronics Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) celebrates the launch of EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile, marking a new beginning for the future of football on mobile platforms. EA SPORTS FC Mobile is available now to download on the App Store and Play Store across iOS and Android devices. For the existing mobile community of 100M+ active users, EA SPORTS FC Mobile will be available as a free update without need to redownload to devices.

EA SPORTS FC Mobile provides an unrivaled authentic football experience on mobile devices and features more than 15,000 fully licensed players across over 650 teams and over 30 leagues – including the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, LALIGA EA SPORTS, Bundesliga, and many more. True Player Personality is at the core of bringing this authenticity to life in-game, reflecting player characteristics with distinct strengths and weaknesses that diversify gameplay and team building.

“As we enter this new era with EA SPORTS FC, we are intent on meeting our global player community where they are to deliver on player choice and create the most immersive and authentic football experiences available,” said Nick Wlodyka, SVP & GM, EA SPORTS FC. “EA SPORTS FC Mobile is key to unlocking a new level of engagement to enrich the FC ecosystem for our players and continue our path into a fan-first future.”

Mobile Gameplay with High Impact and Speed

Bringing balance to pace and dribbling, Dynamic Game Speed manifests itself into a composed, mobile-friendly gameplay, providing players with more time on the ball to make decisions and diversify build-up play style. With the Elite Shooting System, shot types are crafted to feel unique and rewarding, each having their own character and purpose to put players in a position to score.

EA SPORTS FC Mobile introduces a new level of immersion to command the pitch with new Impact Controls, focused across three areas:

  • Power Shot: The Power Shot is the fastest shot type in the game, but comes with a risk vs reward mechanic. The animation length of a Power Shot is much longer than a regular shot and puts the player at risk to be tackled during the shot wind-up. Successfully unleashing a Power Shot not only looks great, but is immensely satisfying to score.
  • Hard Tackle: Hard Tackles are a powerful and far-lunging stand tackle, allowing players to crush attackers or make a last second shot block. Defenders can perform faster and more powerful tackles with Hard Tackle.
  • Knock On: Unlock full speed while dribbling and break away from defenders or create space to step into a shot. Knock On and also the newly added Hard Stop have been added to FC Mobile as Team Skill Moves, which allows for customization of the swipe direction control as desired.

“By honing in on what makes mobile gameplay special with our refined controls, we’ve created a football experience that’s approachable to all players and skill levels,” said Lawrence Koh, VP, EA SPORTS FC MOBILE. “With True Player Personality bringing authentic player characteristics in-game, we encourage our own community of players to discover their own style of play and celebrate the joy of glory alongside their favorite football stars.”

Experience the UEFA Champions League

Enjoy an authentic experience with the new UEFA Champions League Tournament mode. Take control of one of the qualified clubs, play to come out on top of the Group Stage, advance through the Knockout Phase, and compete to lift the trophy in the Final!

A New Look and Feel

An immersive matchday experience in EA SPORTS FC Mobile will bring the player community closer to The World’s Game than ever before with new visual and audio updates, including an all-new broadcast experience with match intro scenes and a wide camera that replicates the stadium atmosphere. A whole host of new set piece camera options, paired with enhanced audio featuring dynamic commentary and team-specific chants, will make key moments on the pitch come alive.

The Locker Room will also offer more options for fans to customize their team and players to fit their preferred style. Options will include adjusting their star players’ kit numbers and kit appearance including the length of their socks, sleeve length, and shirt tucking style. Elsewhere, in Club Identity, fans can add their own personal touch in Ultimate Team with their choice of Club Crest, User Logo, Ball, and Emotes.

The entire user interface has also been reworked to reflect the EA SPORTS FC Mobile brand. From background imagery to animations, icons, and fonts, the visual journey will feel fresh and modern as players build excitement before they take to the pitch.

Founders Pack

Users who log in to play EA SPORTS FC Mobile between September 26 – November 30, 2023, will also have the opportunity to score one coveted ambassador player item from the Founders Pack*:

  • Real Madrid CF’s Vinícius Júnior
  • Manchester City F.C.’s Erling Haaland
  • Liverpool F.C.’s Virgil van Dijk
  • Tottenham Hotspur F.C.’s Son Heung-min
  • Real Madrid CF’s Jude Bellingham
  • Liverpool FC’s Diogo Jota
  • Manchester City F.C.’s Jack Grealish
  • Juventus’ Federico Chiesa
  • Chelsea F.C.’s Enzo Fernández
  • Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko

EA SPORTS FC Mobile joins EA SPORTS FC™ 24, which launches on September 29, in marking a new beginning for the future of football to connect hundreds of millions of fans through console, mobile, online and esports products.

DOWNLOAD NOW: iOS/App Store | Android/Google Play Store

What Causes Low Bluetooth Volume in Your Android and How to Fix it?

The people who use smartphones can be divided into two categories. There are two types of people: those who are unhappy about the loss of the 3.5mm headphone jack and others who are absolutely OK with or even prefer utilizing Bluetooth headphones.

Inevitably, wired headphones will always have an advantage over Bluetooth headsets when it comes to sound quality. Especially in cases when the volume on Bluetooth headphones is set too low and the user is unable to boost it beyond a certain point.

There seems to be a solution for this, and several different sources have published guides on how to fix the volume of Bluetooth on Android devices. So, let’s have a look at what causes low Bluetooth volume and how to fix it.

What Causes Low Bluetooth Volume on Your Android?

For the sake of user safety, Android sets a relatively modest maximum volume for wireless Bluetooth devices. Furthermore, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) may set their own standards for Bluetooth loudness, and devices from the same manufacturer don’t have to have identical volume levels.

Before Android 7 Nougat, users could adjust the volume independently for each of their connected devices, such as Bluetooth speakers or earbuds, allowing them to crank it up to an audible decibel level. With the release of Android 7, this feature was removed. Obviously, this wasn’t a big deal back when wired headphones were the norm. However, the 3.5mm headphone port is becoming rarer on newer devices as wireless headphones gain popularity.

How to Fix Low Bluetooth Volume Issue?

If you’re having trouble hearing Bluetooth audio on your Android device, you can easily increase the volume by going into the Developer Options menu. As soon as you get there, turn off the “Absolute Volume” button.

After that, the volume controls on your smartphone and your Bluetooth speaker will be completely independent of one another. When you remove the restrictions that the Android system places on your Bluetooth headphones or headphones, you may turn up the volume to its maximum level and enjoy it to the fullest extent possible.

Other Ways to Fix Low Bluetooth Volume Issue

Restart Your Bluetooth Device and Phone

The first thing to do while troubleshooting is to turn off both devices and then turn them back on again. When you restart either device, the sound problem is resolved. You might try restarting both your phone and the Bluetooth device. Then connect it to your phone and make sure it works. If the volume remains extremely low, follow the next solution.

Check Bluetooth Device with another Phone

Can you connect the Bluetooth device to another phone and verify that it works? If you haven’t already, now is the time. Problems with the hardware, such as broken speakers, are a typical occurrence with Bluetooth audio devices. The easiest method to check is to pair the device with another phone or computer. If the volume is higher than when using your own phone, you are in the right place to continue with the solution.

A hardware problem may exist in the Bluetooth device if the volume remains low even after pairing it with another phone or computer. The device must be returned to the seller for servicing or repair.

Reset Wireless Settings

Some Android phones with low Bluetooth volume may be fixed by resetting the wireless connection. If the problem with the phone’s volume remains, resetting the wireless settings may help.

  • Go to Settings Menu on Your Phone
  • Select “System” and Tap on “Advanced” Option
  • Now, Choose “Reset” Option and Tap on “Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile and Bluetooth”
  • Now Restart Your Phone and Connect with Bluetooth Device Again

Disconnect Phone Calls for Bluetooth Devices

It is possible that turning off incoming calls on all connected devices would resolve the volume problem while using a Bluetooth headset or speaker system. Below are the steps to disable “Phone Calls” on all Bluetooth devices.

  • Go to Settings
  • Choose “Connected Devices”
  • Now, Select Previously Connected Devices
  • Tap on a Gear Icon (Right Next to the Connected Device Name)
  • Turn Off “Phone Calls” Option
  • Repeat this Process for all Other Connected Devices

What’s more?

Boosting the volume a little bit using an equaliser, either built into the operating system or a third-party programme, is another option. You may boost the Bluetooth volume a little bit by using an equaliser in an app like Spotify. Most Bluetooth headphone pairing apps also include an equaliser for customising your listening experience. Additionally, the Sound Settings menu may provide a few additional customisation options. In the case of Samsung Galaxy smartphones, the “Advanced” option includes features like “Adapt Sound,” which automatically adjusts the volume depending on your age.

The Last Word

That’s all folks! This is how to fix a problem with low volume while using Bluetooth headphones or speakers with an Android phone. What did you find to be the right solution? Use the comment section below to share your thoughts with us. Please feel free to post any inquiries you may have, and we will do our best to respond.

Fairphone 4 joins Android Enterprise Recommended programme

Fairphone, the Dutch social enterprise building a market for ethical smartphones, is proud to announce that it has received Android Enterprise Recommended (AER) Certification for Fairphone 4. The AER program aims to make it easier for enterprise businesses to integrate mobile solutions into their operations, providing a security and management framework built into Android.

By joining the program, Fairphone is working to provide enterprises with the best and most secure mobile experience possible. Fairphone’s inclusion in the program gives customers added assurance that Fairphone 4 meets Google’s strict enterprise requirements for hardware and software and they can feel comfortable about setting their business up on mobile with Fairphone 4. AER also means that customers get timely security patches and clear information about major updates.

Wayne Huang, Vice President of Product at Fairphone states: “We’re proud to have received AER certification for Fairphone 4. As a small smartphone brand, it’s quite a challenge to meet Google’s high hardware and software standards. Our inclusion in the program allows us to expand our reach into the enterprise space by demonstrating that although we are a small company, we can offer customers the same standard of support in terms of frequency and longevity of security upgrades, zero touch updates and mobile device management (MDM) as other major smartphone companies around the world. The enterprise space has been dominated by bigger brands and there hasn’t been a sustainable phone that meets all of Google’s high standards in the AER offering until now.  And now that we have overcome these challenges, we want to encourage businesses to include more sustainable smartphones in their mobile offering”.

With Fairphone 4, the company is raising the bar for itself and the industry by introducing a five-year warranty at no additional cost to encourage people to use — and enjoy — their phones for longer. This is an unrivaled commitment in the electronics sector and is an addition to Fairphone guaranteeing long-term availability of spare parts combined with software support. For Fairphone 4, software support is guaranteed until the end of 2026 and includes upgrades to Android 12 and Android 13 (and aiming for Android 14 and 15). With this unparalleled ambition, Fairphone aims to repeat what it succeeded in doing with Fairphone 2: almost seven years of software support from the launch of an Android device. Joining the AER program goes hand in hand with the company’s plans for extended software support for Fairphone 4.

About Fairphone

Fairphone is building a market for ethical phones, motivating the industry to act more responsibly and pioneering more sustainable ways to make smartphones. Our latest device, Fairphone 4, is described with the tagline ‘Sustainable. Long-lasting. Fair. Fairphone 4 offers an unprecedented 5-year warranty*, is a unique electronic waste-neutral handset and contains fairly sourced materials, challenging the electronics industry to take a more responsible approach. It is the only smartphone on the market certified with the German eco-label Blue Angel and TCO Certified (for sustainable IT products).

  • 5G and dual SIM
  • Modular design for easy repair
  • 5-year warranty* for maximum longevity
  • 48MP dual rear cameras with supporting sensor and 25MP selfie camera

The smartphone was launched in 2021 at a suggested retail price of €579 (6GB RAM, 128GB internal memory) or €649 (8GB RAM, 256GB internal memory). The two variants of the device are available in Europe from a wide distribution network of (online) retailers and network operators and Fairphone’s website. To learn more about Fairphone 4 click here.

*if bought before 31/12/2022, and warranty activated within 90 days on Fairphone.com/warranty

See our review

Adyen launches Android POS terminals

Adyen, the global payments platform of choice for many of the world’s leading companies, today announced the launch of mobile Android point of sale (POS) terminals in the EU, UK, and the United States. The devices represent a fundamental change in the role of the payment terminal, functioning as an all-in-one solution, eliminating the need for separate cash registers, barcode scanners, and customer facing displays.

Additionally, the terminals come with an app management system, allowing merchants to upload and manage the apps they use every day, for inventory management, loyalty programs, returns and more. The launch of these multi-purpose terminals will not only reduce the cost of their hardware, but also help businesses drastically improve in-person customer experiences.

Palisis, a provider of sales and operations solutions for tourism and transportation business, and Immfly, an in-flight digital services provider, are among Adyen’s first merchants to roll out the terminals.

“Consumers increasingly want to pay for products, tickets, or their meal where they are, without standing in lines. Existing mobile POS solutions typically involve multiple pieces of hardware. Our all-in-one Android terminals combine the flexibility of the Android platform with the security of a PCI certified payment terminal. They support a vast array of use cases, and both Immfly and Palisis are great examples of how they bring increased mobility and functionality to our merchants and their staff,” said Jan-Pieter Lips, Head of Unified Commerce at Adyen.

“Convenience is key in providing the best customer experiences, and these terminals help merchants meet that standard. Additionally, the use of these devices allows the merchants we work with to run a lean operational set-up, foregoing the need to install separate systems to make it all work.”

For more information on Adyen’s POS offering, click here.