An Post announces even more hikes

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Legion Esports, has announced a ground-breaking new partnership with An Post Money Mate.

Ireland’s leading esports company, Legion Esports, has announced a ground-breaking new partnership with An Post Money Mate, the new digital money management app for young adults.

The partnership is seen as a hugely significant moment for the gaming and esports scene in Ireland as An Post lend their support to the fastest growing esports tournaments in the country.

Legion Esports was launched in January of this year by the organisers of Ireland’s leading gaming festival, GamerFest, with online tournaments running across a variety of popular games including FIFA 21, Rainbow 6 Siege and Fortnite. To date, Legion Esports tournaments have had over 3,000 participating players, more than 100,000 live stream views and thousands of euros in prizes awarded.

Speaking about the Gaming partnership, Conor Barron, Digital Marketing and CRM Manager at An Post, said:

At An Post, we are hugely excited to be involved with The Legion as the first Irish brand to enter a partnership of this size and scale with them. We share a keen sense of community with gamers and the gaming industry and we look forward to using this innovative and exciting medium to communicate with them both.”

Stuart Dempsey, Co-Founder & CEO at Legion Esports, added:

“We are incredibly proud to welcome An Post Money Mate as Title Partner of the Legion Esports Series and Official Partner of our Legion Creator Programme. This partnership is a great vote of confidence in the success of Legion Esports and the growth of gaming in Ireland.”

For gamers interested in participating in the An Post Money Mate Legion Esports Series, they can check out the full schedule of tournaments at www.legn.gg

An Post or any couriers Phishing SMS/ email scams and how to check if legit. #SMS #Scam #Anpost

Recently there have been scams involving AnPost and others including DHL where they ask for small fee to get your parcel delivered, As said before this will not happen but the inclusion of what to look out for is lacking detail. Whilst they do have a warning on their site there is no information there as to what exactly to look out for should you end up getting this message.

Above is  what you need to look out for even if you click the link in the text it is again quite similar to the recent DHL scam which gives you a legit looking page to fill but but with the alpha tag on the sms and the URL on the pages linked it is clear this is another phishing attempt from scammers.

 

Below is video how to check if you have a package or not from An Post this also applies to any courier, go to the website copy and paste the tracking number and see if it exists also check 17track to see if the tracking number exists and if it is life just to be sure. With the pandemic people are now shopping online even more and often the case might forget they had a package coming, also a shipment might have been split or you could be getting a package as a gift and this is the basis these work on..

 

Tech Review – Emporia Smart 4 smartphone for seniors. #Emporia #Smart4 #RealHandsOn

Mobile phones today are a plenty from dumb phones to high end models but the majority being higher end phones they are a difficult for the seniors to use and adopt. Emporia though is a company that is changing this by offering devices that are easy to use and  now they have a smartphone with all the convoluted mess hidden underneath and makes the move from a dumphone/feature phone easy and this also allows you to go further into the submenus should you wish, with most of used stuck in lockdown now and no end in sight just yet the senior community want to learn and stay in touch with family and friends and dumbphones do not allow this to happen where the smart 4 offers it all keeping it simple for everyone and making the switch easy..

The tiled layout is nice and these can be changed you will see a complete walkthrough of the UI below in the video and what the phone can do and it is quite simple and well executed for the desired target market of this device not only that this device is affordable and makes a perfect gift in my opinion, OK it will not blow your mind with the spec sheet or camera but it does the job simple and is powerful enough to keep in touch with social media and more.

 

Chris Millington, emporia’s UK and Ireland MD comments: “This is an exciting “first” in a new generation of mobiles to join emporia’s portfolio. I’m proud to announce the S4 as our most innovative device yet to the Irish market, working exclusively with An Post Mobile. This phone really responds to some of the more recent challenges and hurdles faced by our senior citizens in everyday life and mobile communication – especially in a modern world of social distancing and contact-free living. We have worked hard to include intuitive and completely audience-relevant features like the pre-installed QR scanner, contactless payment functionality, and improved camera for new features like a magnifier for when you have left your glasses at home.”

This Google-certified smartphone runs on an Android 10 operating system, with an emporia interface that is tailored and adapted to the 66+ year old user.

The smartphone’s 5” screen is easy to read, with large fonts and app icons, and a soft touch coating makes it very easy to hold and use one-handed. Like all emporia devices it is also hearing-aid-compatible and is fitted with an emergency assistance button on the back for peace of mind for users.

The S4 comes complete with emporia’s unique comprehensive 135-page training book, allowing users to learn at their own pace and as a reference point. The concept of this training book extends much beyond instilling confidence and driving independence; it’s imperative to emporia’s customers and responds to how the human brain works and is the catalyst to changing smartphone value for this group. 

Key features of the senior S4 smartphone in a new digital world

What makes the S4 different to other smart devices in the emporia range is its following new features that bring the senior user further into the digital world, but in a simple way:

 

  • 13 megapixel main camera and 8mp selfie camera
    In a world where video calls and photo sharing are the most common form of communication, our S4 has an improved camera quality so users can be involved and connected in this way and stay in touch, even if isolated, with family and friends.

  • QR scanner
    The improved processing power on the latest S4 model sees the introduction of a QR scanner, meaning senior users are able to use the NHS track & trace / Ireland’s COVID tracker / Protect Scotland / StopCOVID NI apps, or register their check-ins, for safety and reassurance in a post-pandemic world.

  • Magnifying function
    Most of us experience presbyopia as we age, meaning we need glasses to read and struggle with close up text or smaller fonts. Whilst emporia’s devices are already tailored to help the users to use and enjoy the phone, when users are out and about, reading everyday things like restaurant menus may not be as easy, especially when we leave our glasses at home. This key app is designed to take away that frustration and act as an aid for our customers in everyday life – a reliable companion.

  • App Installer
    There are apps for everything out there, and this can be overwhelming when you need a key app like a track-and-trace, or WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, need to share pictures, check the weather forecast or check the news. The App Installer on the S4 contains a list of the most useful 20 apps, making them all easier to download and locate so the older user gets the key apps straight away.

  • NFC technology
    Whilst NFC or contactless payments in credit and debit cards isn’t new, the new S4 brings NFC (near field communication) technology, or more to the point contactless payments to a new audience. When social distancing and contact-free are the norm, this function can offer a whole new shopping experience for older customers who tend to use cash. With the new 16-page guide to how to set-up Google Pay and the benefits of the security this brings, the retired audience will be equipped for the new era upon us.

T o buy S4 smartphone, please visit: www.anpost.com/mobile or emporiatelecom.ie/products/overview/emporiasmart4

 

5 Ways Technology Can Keep You Safe in Your Car

This Blog has been written and provided by An Post Insurance. #ad

Thankfully, we’ve come a long way from the days when seat belts and airbags were the height of car safety.  Even though these are still very important aspects of car safety, nowadays, with technology so advanced, there are more and more safety features built into our cars.  Here, An Post Insurance look at five of the latest advances in technology that may help keep us safer in our cars.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

It’s not always easy to keep an eye on the speedometer to make sure you’re staying within the speed limits. Ford.com offer three different ACC options beyond the usual Cruise Control.

Ford explains that their ACC with Stop-and-Go not only lets you keep a set speed, but it also helps you keep a defined distance from the vehicle in front of you. It’ll even come to a complete stop if needed.

Ford tells us you can also add Lane Centering which detects lane markings on the road to keep your vehicle securely in your lane. Ford’s 3rd option is Intelligent ACC, which adds speed sign recognition that automatically adjusts the set speed of your vehicle to the posted limit. This should help to keep drivers safely within the speed limit, reducing risk and helping avoid penalty points too!

Automatic Emergency Braking

This technology aims to reduce potential collisions on the road. Renault Ireland call it their Active Emergency Braking System. The system alerts the driver to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists at low speeds and takes control of braking if the driver doesn’t appear to react, aiming to help avoid a collision with other road users.

For those looking to enhance both safety and performance, combining advanced braking systems with lowering springs can improve the car’s handling, offering better stability during emergency stops. These modifications not only lower the center of gravity but also complement modern safety features like emergency braking for a more secure driving experience.

Rear View Camera

Rear view cameras are not only handy for parking, guiding the driver neatly into their spot, but they could also help prevent children and animals from being accidentally injured. Citroën Ireland explains that their reversing camera shows the area behind the car once the car goes into reverse. The picture appears on the main cabin screen and displays different colours to show how close objects are to your vehicle. 

Blind Spot Detection

The blind spot detection technology available from Renault Ireland works to help prevent crashes or collisions. It lights up an LED in the mirror letting you know there’s a vehicle approaching in your blind spot, so you don’t drive out and risk a possible collision.

Safety Exit Assist

The Safety Exit Assist System is very clever and is ideal for a family car. When reviewing the Hyundai Sante Fe, CarsIreland.ie explains that this feature aims to stop kids from opening the back doors onto oncoming traffic and cyclists by locking them when it senses objects approaching. It could be particularly useful during school drop-offs, when cars, pedestrians and cyclists are moving in close proximity to each other. Just one small way to make those busy mornings a little safer, and a lot less stressful. 

All of these new technological advances can make you feel safer on your journey. For further protection, find a great value car insurance quote from An Post Insurance now.

One Direct (Ireland) Limited, trading as An Post Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. One Direct (Ireland) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of An Post.

This blog post is not intended as an advertisement for any of the brands or websites mentioned. All the information on this blog is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. While An Post Insurance makes every effort to ensure that the information appearing on this blog is accurate and complete, it does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability or accuracy of this information, whether express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. Any action you take upon the information you find on this blog is strictly at your own risk. An Post Insurance will not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses and/or damages in connection with the use of, or action taken in reliance on information contained in our blog.

Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of An Post Insurance. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites and if you click on links to these websites you will be subject to the terms and conditions of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

emporia S4 smartphone launches in Ireland with An Post. First Look and unboxing. #emporia

emporia – the European leader in simple phones for retirees – is delighted to announce the Irish launch of its latest and most advanced smartphone in its portfolio yet; the S4. The launch coincides with its announcement of its first network partner An Post Mobile, which is retailing the device https://www.anpost.com/Shop/Products/Post-Mobile-Products/Emporia-Smart-Phone-S4 
 
Tackling some of the common technological issues felt by the senior user in 2020, this smartphone includes key features that respond to the demands of our older citizens in a world of track and trace, security concerns and mobile involvement like never before.
 
Chris Millington, emporia’s UK and Ireland MD comments: “This is an exciting “first” in a new generation of mobiles to join emporia’s portfolio. I’m proud to announce the S4 as our most innovative device yet to the Irish market, working exclusively with An Post Mobile. This phone really responds to some of the more recent challenges and hurdles faced by our senior citizens in everyday life and mobile communication – especially in a modern world of social distancing and contact-free living. We have worked hard to include intuitive and completely audience-relevant features like the pre-installed QR scanner, contactless payment functionality, and improved camera for new features like a magnifier for when you have left your glasses at home.”

 
Partnering with leading network provider An Post
 
“We’re delighted to announce our first Irish network relationship with An Post Mobile. To have such a credible and respected network partner on board to help us introduce the S4 to the Irish market is key to boost our visibility in front of senior citizens. Working with An Post Mobile will enable us to reach a large proportion of seniors in Ireland and introduce them to the world of simple and easy technology and access a whole new world of communication, confidently and independently,” comments Millington.
 
The S4 is available contract free with An Post Mobile from €139.95, and comes with unlimited calls, texts and 4G data for just €15 per month on its new plan (see anpost.com/mobile for details and terms and conditions). With the current offer of the first month for free if customers switch their number to An Post Mobile, this S4 senior-focused smartphone will enable this generation to stay connected.
 
Michael Ahern, An Post Mobile Manager, comments: “2020 has shown just how important mobile communications are to the community and An Post is especially aware that many of our older citizens have gone for long periods without close contact with family, friends and neighbors. We see the introduction of the emporia S4 smartphone to the An Post Mobile phone range as another opportunity to make life just that little bit easier and safer for the older generation and their families.”

 

Introducing the emporia S4

This Google-certified smartphone runs on an Android 10 operating system, with an emporia interface that is tailored and adapted to the 66+ year old user.
 

The smartphone’s 5” screen is easy to read, with large fonts and app icons, and a soft touch coating makes it very easy to hold and use one-handed. Like all emporia devices it is also hearing-aid-compatible and is fitted with an emergency assistance button on the back for peace of mind for users.

 

The S4 comes complete with emporia’s unique comprehensive 135-page training book, allowing users to learn at their own pace and as a reference point. The concept of this training book extends much beyond instilling confidence and driving independence; it’s imperative to emporia’s customers and responds to how the human brain works and is the catalyst to changing smartphone value for this group. 

 

Key features of the senior S4 smartphone in a new digital world

What makes the S4 different to other smart devices in the emporia range is its following new features that bring the senior user further into the digital world, but in a simple way:

 

  • 13 megapixel main camera and 8mp selfie camera
    In a world where video calls and photo sharing are the most common form of communication, our S4 has an improved camera quality so users can be involved and connected in this way and stay in touch, even if isolated, with family and friends.

  • QR scanner
    The improved processing power on the latest S4 model sees the introduction of a QR scanner, meaning senior users are able to use the NHS track & trace / Ireland’s COVID tracker / Protect Scotland / StopCOVID NI apps, or register their check-ins, for safety and reassurance in a post-pandemic world. 

  • Magnifying function
    Most of us experience presbyopia as we age, meaning we need glasses to read and struggle with close up text or smaller fonts. Whilst emporia’s devices are already tailored to help the users to use and enjoy the phone, when users are out and about, reading everyday things like restaurant menus may not be as easy, especially when we leave our glasses at home. This key app is designed to take away that frustration and act as an aid for our customers in everyday life – a reliable companion.

  • App Installer
    There are apps for everything out there, and this can be overwhelming when you need a key app like a track-and-trace, or WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, need to share pictures, check the weather forecast or check the news. The App Installer on the S4 contains a list of the most useful 20 apps, making them all easier to download and locate so the older user gets the key apps straight away.

  • NFC technology
    Whilst NFC or contactless payments in credit and debit cards isn’t new, the new S4 brings NFC (near field communication) technology, or more to the point contactless payments to a new audience. When social distancing and contact-free are the norm, this function can offer a whole new shopping experience for older customers who tend to use cash. With the new 16-page guide to how to set-up Google Pay and the benefits of the security this brings, the retired audience will be equipped for the new era upon us.

The older generation and trust in contactless payment technology

Millington says now is the right time to introduce NFC technology to the senior mobile phone market: “We know that mobile phone banking and contactless payments are increasingly on the rise across the UK and Ireland; even more so this year with a focus on contact-free due to Covid concerns. But this doesn’t make it automatically trusted. We want to challenge this misconception; and NFC and Google Pay in a mobile phone addresses this concern for seniors head on.”
 
“What we are helping our users understand in our separate training book is that contactless payments on a phone are safer than using a bank card; they’re passcode protected, unlike an ATM card which can be stolen and used by anyone – the phone cannot be used without the passcode. Similarly, it is a reassurance for if cards are mislaid, and adds a whole new level of identity protection as cards registered on Google Pay as not visible to the merchant. Couple this with the added benefit of being able to add in store reward cards to the S4, and it makes the whole shopping experience with a smartphone seamless,” adds Millington.
 
Irish seniors post-covid
 
Whilst life post-covid presents a lot of uncertainty, one result of the pandemic is that it has brought society even closer together. The technology offered by the emporia S4 will act as a key enabler in maintaining that closeness – both in terms of checking in with loved ones, and track and trace apps – to enable all of us, including our older citizens, to get on with their lives and stay connected. 

 

To find out more about the S4 smartphone, please visit: www.anpost.com/mobile or emporiatelecom.ie/products/overview/emporiasmart4 

Bank of Ireland Fraud Alert: Think outside the box and beware of parcel fraud. #Parcels #Fraud #Smishing

 Bank of Ireland has issued an advisory to consumers today to be extra vigilant against parcel fraud in the peak Christmas shopping and online delivery period.  With the seasonal upsurge in parcel delivery, the Bank has noted a high volume of calls from customers reporting fraudulent activity via ‘smishing’ texts where fraudsters send fake messages claiming to be from recognisable delivery companies.

These ‘smishing’ texts will ask a customer to follow to a link to a fraudulent payment site that will, for example, ask customers to pay a small customs charge or confirm details. The branding on these texts and the destination website will be of one of a household name delivery company like UPS, DPD or An Post. We have covered many of these here before if you search you will get an idea what to watch out for. Here is one example 

Edel McDermott, Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland said; “The middle of the busiest shopping period of the year is an obvious time for fraudsters to target consumers.  People may be distracted and have less available time to stop, think and check the details on a text and simply reply ‘automatically’ to a company they recognise.  There’s also a good chance that consumers will have bought something online recently so are more likely to think the text is genuine and click one of the fraudulent links currently in circulation.  If they do, they will be brought to a website where they are asked to give their Credit or Debit card details.  The message here is simple: no matter how busy you are, always pause before replying or clicking on a link and take the time to independently check whether a text is legitimate, even if it appears to be from a familiar brand or company. And never disclose confidential banking details”.

Reminders to consumers:

  • Always think before you click: Does this text refer to a legitimate delivery that you are expecting?
  • Do not respond to or click a link in an unsolicited text, even if it appears to be from a company that you recognise.  Always check independently that the text is genuine.
  • Do not use a phone number given to you in the text.
  • Never disclose confidential banking details or security details such as your any digits from your PIN or online password.

Bank of Ireland customers who think they have been the victim of this type of fraud, should contact the Bank as soon as possible: https://www.bankofireland.com/security-zone/report-fraud/

Bank of Ireland is committed to building awareness around fraud. Bank of Ireland will continue to focus on the issues around fraud, through the Bank’s own channels and by working collaboratively through the Bank and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) FraudSMART campaign www.fraudsmart.ie

An Post Mobile Launches ‘€15 Unlimited’ Christmas Cracker. #AnPost #Mobile

An Post Mobile has launched ‘€15 Unlimited’, the new pre-pay offer with unlimited data, calls and texts to any network for as little as €15 per month. Customers switching to An Post Mobile can avail of their first month for free with a top up of just €15 each month thereafter. The ‘€15 Unlimited’ deal also offers customers excellent connectivity with 99% 4G population coverage and the benefit of no contracts and no bills.

For anyone in search of Christmas gift ideas – whether it’s a handset for the chatty Dad who needs the unlimited calls, a phone for the niece who always needs more data or for anyone who just fancies switching because €15 a month for unlimited calls, texts and 4G data is great value, An Post Mobile offers a range of quality phones at price points to suit every pocket including the Samsung A21s for €129.95 as part of the ‘€15 Unlimited’ package for new customers.

Additional handsets in the ‘€15 Unlimited’ offer with discounts on selected handsets for customers who switch their number include:

  • MINT + iPhone X (64GB) from €549.00
  • MINT + iPhone 8 (64GB) from €299.00
  • MINT + iPhone 7 (32GB) from €199.00
  • Huawei Y6 2019 from €99.95
  • Alcatel 20.03 only €39.95

Additional An Post mobile customer benefits include the new Auto Top-Up service which allows customers to automatically buy credit on a day of their choice each month.
Joining An Post mobile has never been easier – join online at www.anpost.com/mobile or at a local post office.

For further information on An Post Mobile’s Christmas products, pop into your local post office or visit: https://www.anpost.com/Mobile