Tag: App

HSE launches HSE Health App

The Department of Health and HSE have just launched the first version of the HSE Health App. It is one of the first initiatives delivered as part of Digital for Care, Ireland’s health and social care digital framework. Anyone aged 16 and over can download the app for free from Google Play or the App Store. However first phase functionality will be most useful for expectant mothers. 

This first phase functionality allows people to carry a digital list of self-declared medications and see a list of medicines received through the Drugs Payment Scheme or Medical Card Scheme. It allows them to store their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), medical card, Long-term Illness card (LTI), Drugs Payment Scheme card (DPS) and GP Visit card. It provides access to flu and COVID-19 vaccination records and allows the user to easily find information about HSE services, such as EDs and Injury Units. It further allows those involved to view maternity service appointments (for expectant mothers).

According to HSE CEO, Bernard Gloster, there has been “much progress made in modernising the data capabilities and digital technologies of our health service in recent years. The launch of the first version of the new HSE Health App represents the next step forward in our digital transformation journey, as we seek to harness the power of data and innovation to help improve access to care for patients and enhance efficiencies across services.

“Through utilisation and ongoing development of digital tools, such as the new HSE Health App, we see a future where our patients and the people who care for them are empowered and better informed about their care. I will continue to ensure that we prioritise providing increased access for patients to their data allowing them to interact with our health services to improve their experiences.”

Damien McCallion, HSE Chief Technology and Transformation Officer added that “anyone who wishes to, can use the first version of the HSE Health App. This is just the beginning – the app is an evolving programme of work, with new services and features planned each year, including expanding the appointment functionality for all public hospital appointments. This is a challenging undertaking but a key priority to deliver for everyone under our care.The app is one aspect of the digitisation of the health service and a major priority as we face new challenges and ensure we can provide the health service the country needs and deserves.” 

The app development team has consulted with a number of organisations representing disabled people and worked with a Patient Advisory Group to understand the needs of a wide range of individuals. This has ensured their needs are heard and they are involved in the design process. The app has also been tested with users who rely on assistive technology, and audited to ensure it reaches HSE and European standards for accessibility. Work is ongoing with users of the app to identify and implement improvements so new features and functionality can be added.

Future app features will be guided by ongoing research and engagement with patients, staff, and the public. For now, the HSE Health App is available in English and Irish – other languages are being explored for future versions. 

A verified MyGovID is needed to access personal health information. If the user does not have a verified MyGovID, they will still be able to use the app to find information about health conditions and HSE services.

For more information see hse.ie/health-app   

BBC Studios to make podcasts available to international audiences

Fans of BBC podcasts outside of the UK now have an all-new listening experience on BBC.com and the BBC app. The newly launched audio section of BBC.com and app is curated with international audiences in mind, making the BBC’s vast portfolio of current and archived podcasts, including hits like Global News Podcast, World of Secrets, and Infinite Monkey Cage, plus BBC Radio 4 and World Service radio stations, easier to find.

For the first time, audiences globally can enjoy a fully integrated experience on BBC.com and the app where the BBC’s award-winning audio content sits alongside our renowned journalism and storytelling. Through this new user experience, listeners can explore deeper context and analysis on select topics, gaining a richer understanding of the issues that matter most—all without leaving the platform.

As part of this launch, the BBC will also be making BBC Sounds available exclusively to UK audiences and ending access to the service for international users beginning Spring 2025. UK users who go on holiday (outside the UK) for a short period of time will still be able to use the BBC Sounds app abroad.

This new audio experience is the latest in a series of enhancements that we have been making to BBC.com and the BBC app. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build a single, one-stop destination for the best of BBC journalism and storytelling.

BBC Studios is responsible for the monetization of digital news and factual products including BBC.com, the BBC app, BBC Select and BBC Podcast Premium, whose profits help continue to fund the BBC’s world-renowned journalism and reporting.

Header imager credit BBC

New app allows food aid donations to be tracked like online shopping

A pioneering app,Track Your Impact, has been launched by social enterprise E2G FOOD to transform donation transparency in humanitarian aid. The app allows donors to follow their contributions—high-protein FOOD bars—from production to disaster zones and into the hands of those in need, all in real-time.
Developed in partnership with global tech firm SASI, the platform offers a seamless three-step tracking system: recording production, monitoring transit, and confirming final delivery—all updated in real-time to donors. The partners simply scan QR codes to log E2G FOOD bars into the system.
This innovative track-and-trace functionality builds trust and confidence, setting a new standard in today’s donation landscape.
Pete Henderson, CEO of E2G FOOD and a former BBC cameraman who has witnessed famine and crises across 114 countries, said the app is about more than just delivering food.
“Our partnership with SASI and our tech advisor has brought transparency to the donation ecosystem. We’re enabling like minded people, from everyday consumers to global corporations, to be able to donate nutritious food for as little as £1.65—the cost of one FOOD bar and less than a cup of coffee— ensuring that every pound spent makes a tangible difference. Partnerships are the only way we will advance the sector and bring traceability to donations.”
The launch comes as global hunger reaches alarming levels, with 828 million people going to bed hungry each night, according to the UN. Since September 2024, E2G FOOD has delivered 30,000 FOOD bars to disaster-hit regions across the Middle East, Africa, and the US, leveraging technology to instil confidence in donors from individuals to corporate sponsors.
“SASI was created for organisations to manage data and communications in areas with low-tech infrastructure. We believe our technology provides donors and other stakeholders with valuable transparency to increase confidence, engagement, and support for humanitarian projects. As such, we were excited to work with E2G FOOD and kickstart this project by donating the configuration of their tracking platform for their donors to track their donations, from point of purchase to the end impact”. Commented Yumeho Sekiya, VP of International Affairs at SASI.
The app‘s wider functionalities include a live news feed, ability to share campaigns with loved ones, a dedicated donor profile showcasing total impact in FOOD bars, monetary donations alongside continual impact (monthly) and moments of impact (one-off donations). Partners receiving donations can also upload images of the FOOD being enjoyed in the community, which are automatically shared with donors.
Indika Maligaspe, Technology Advisor for E2G FOOD and developer of the consumer-facing Track Your Impact app commented: “We wanted to ensure that transparency was at the heart of the app with users able to see the progress of their donations in real-time. We are building a community of givers, our FOODIES, and hope to incentivise users to continue to engage and donate.”
Be part of the FOODIE movement creating a more nutritious and transparent world by downloading the free app, TrackYourImpact, and supporting FOOD relief programmes. It’s time to work together to leverage the power of technology and feed the world more nutritiously whilst tracking our impact, one FOOD bar at a time.

Halosphere VR Review: Unlocking the World’s Hidden and Disappearing Treasures

In an era where travel is constrained by time, finances, or physical limitations, Halosphere VR offers a revolutionary way to explore the world. Fully integrated with Apple Vision Pro, this virtual reality platform brings history, culture, and nature to life through immersive 8K 3D video in 360° and 180° formats.

Halosphere VR isn’t just another travel app—it’s a tool for preservation, showcasing iconic and endangered locations in the highest quality. Whether you’re a travel enthusiast, history buff, or someone unable to travel physically, Halosphere makes virtual travel a reality.

What is Halosphere VR?

Halosphere VR is a virtual reality platform that takes users on journeys to breathtaking destinations—all from the comfort of home. With 8K 3D video resolution, optimized for Apple Vision Pro, Halosphere offers sharp visuals for an immersive experience.

Featuring over 100+ locations across seven continents, Halosphere VR celebrates cultural landmarks, natural wonders, and ecosystems at risk of disappearing. Learn more at Halosphere.ca.

Key Features of Halosphere

  1. Exclusive Apple Vision Pro Integration

Halosphere VR uses Apple Vision Pro capabilities to deliver smooth 360° and 180° experiences. Every detail—from vibrant landscapes to cultural relics—comes alive in 8K 3D resolution with Spatial Audio.

  1. 8K 3D Video Content

Halosphere VR sets a new standard for virtual travel. Whether marveling at Iceland’s northern lights or diving into Indonesia’s reefs, Halosphere ensures unmatched quality.

  1. Virtual Access to Endangered Locations

Many destinations are at risk due to climate change or urbanization. Halosphere preserves these treasures in stunning detail.

  1. Inclusivity and Accessibility

With features like subtitles and an intuitive interface, Halosphere is ideal for hearing-impaired users and individuals with mobility challenges.

  1. Interactive Learning Tools

Explore destinations with in-app information powered by Wikipedia, complemented by quizzes for an engaging educational experience.

  1. Offline Access

Download locations and enjoy offline—perfect for travel or remote settings.

Why Halosphere VR is a Must-Have

  • For Travel Enthusiasts

Halosphere VR provides access to over 100+ locations across all seven continents, including Greece’s ancient ruins, Iceland’s natural beauty, and the Maldives’ coral reefs. This Halosphere VR review highlights how the app redefines exploration by combining cutting-edge technology with stunning destinations. For those seeking immersive adventures, Halosphere VR travel offers the perfect solution.

  • For Environmental Advocates

Halosphere promotes sustainable tourism, reducing the need for physical travel while protecting fragile ecosystems.

  • For Those with Limited Mobility

Halosphere VR is a lifeline for individuals unable to travel physically, offering the world’s beauty in an accessible format.

How to Get Started

Halosphere VR is available now on the App Store. Visit Halosphere.ca to explore more and join the growing community of virtual travelers.

Final Thoughts

Halosphere VR isn’t just an app—it’s a movement to preserve, educate, and inspire. With immersive 8K 3D video, Apple Vision Pro integration, and destinations spanning every continent, Halosphere sets a new benchmark for virtual travel experiences. As the ultimate Halosphere virtual reality platform, it ensures the wonders of the world remain within reach for everyone.

Download Halosphere VR today at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/halosphere-virtual-travel-app/id6478453596 and explore the world like never before.

BluePoint is A Free Irish Phone App to Combat Plastic Pollution

Created under the EU-funded BluePoint Project, the app leverages cutting-edge technologies to tackle marine plastic waste while fostering innovative solutions.

Co-director of the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems at UL, Professor Gerard Dooly, said the new app, which is available for iPhone and Android, could also create a pathway for recycling plastic pollution collected along Ireland’s 3,172 kilometres of coastline – the longest coastline per head of population in Europe. “Employing drones equipped with sensors, the app leverages cutting-edge technologies such as infrared (IR), multispectral imaging, LiDAR, and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and locate plastic waste in natural environments, particularly beaches and can scan vast areas to pinpoint the exact locations of plastic debris,” he said.

Prof Dooly said anyone with a suitable camera-equipped drone could scan any area and upload the data and disclosed that commercial partners plan to incorporate the project’s outcomes, using recycled raw materials to drive a circular economy and promote industry-wide sustainability. “In minutes, the BluePoint app identifies pollution hotspots and can even locate items as small as a bottle cap. BluePoint enables communities to keep their coastlines free of plastic pollution, and we can link them up with companies who can commercialise this waste – it’s a win-win for everybody,” he added.

Team member Mr. Jose Alvarez said the app features an intuitive user interface, making it easy for anyone to navigate and contribute to cleanup efforts. “On top of that, BluePoint offers an augmented reality (AR) mode, allowing users to visualise the plastic waste in real-time and better understand its impact on the environment.

Prof Dooly said BluePoint is more than just an app, describing it as a powerful environmental conservation tool. “By engaging the public and providing them with the necessary information and resources, we can collectively make a significant difference in protecting our oceans and beaches.”

BluePoint is available for download on iOS https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/blue-point/id6720749903 and https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.glorystats.bluepoint&hl=en_IE

To learn more about the project and how you can get involved, visit  https://www.bluepointproject.eu/the-project.htm.

More tech news

Bank of Ireland sees record Christmas digital banking usage

Analysis of Bank of Ireland customer behaviour between 14 and 24 December has shown record Christmas digital banking usage.

On Thursday, 19 December close to 1.6 million digital banking logins were recorded across Bank of Ireland’s iOS and Android mobile apps, as well as through its online banking website. This is higher digital banking usage than any other peak holiday or shopping period including Christmas, the traditionally busy Black Friday sales, and the Easter holiday season. The peak 2024 login figure is an increase of 4% compared to December 2023.

Biometric logins to the mobile banking app have also grown in popularity, up by 45% in December 2024 compared to December 2023. Over 3 million biometric logins were recorded during the month.

The pre-holiday period analysed saw contactless transactions increasing by 2%, with over 1.9 million contactless transactions recorded on 23 December alone, also making this a record-breaking figure for contactless transactions by Bank of Ireland customers. And, while digital banking and contactless payments increased, the number of ATM transactions fell 12% in December 2024 compared with the same date range (14 – 24 Dec) in 2023.

Ciarán Coyle, Group Chief Operating Officer, Bank of Ireland said: “As demonstrated by these latest figures consumers really value the speed of digital banking, especially during particularly busy holiday and shopping periods. We pair that digital service with telephone and branch options for more complex matters or bigger decisions. Being able to bank from anywhere – home, office, or on the move – is one of the greatest benefits of digital banking and that’s why we are focussed on continuing to invest in and enhance our digital banking services.”

JLab Releases New JBuds Flow Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Bundle

JLab, an award-winning designer of personal technology, introduces today a new work bundle making its debut at CES 2025®. The JBuds Flow Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Bundle is a wireless duo that offers an ergonomic design for everyday use, prioritising comfort, efficiency and productivity for only £59.99.

Whether working from home, in the office or on the go the JBuds Flow Bundle has you covered with a keyboard and mouse that are fully customisable and connected to the JLab Work App. Like all JLab products, the Flow Bundle is competitively priced and stacked with innovative features, creating a unique value for those looking to elevate their work tech setup.

Flow Keyboard

The Flow Keyboard features a flowing design that matches the natural curve of your hand, complemented by a soft, padded palm rest for added support. It features a dedicated AI button to provide quick access to AI apps like Gemini, ChatGPT, CoPilot programmable via the JLab Work App.

Users can take advantage of the JLab Work app to program hotkeys for specific shortcuts within any application and save up to three unique profiles for different use cases; easily toggle between them depending on the task at hand. 

The keyboard’s Smart Media Knob will provide users with quick control of audio directly from the keyboard. Whether you’re answering an important phone call or finding the perfect song to get in the zone, easily adjust the volume to your preferred comfortability. 

Flow Mouse

The ambidextrous full-size Flow Mouse provides ultimate comfort for any workspace. With the versatile connectivity options, this mouse can easily switch between three saved devices (laptop, phone, tablet).

Jlab Work Desktop App

Personalise your work experience with the JLab Work desktop app. Customise hotkeys, save up to three unique profiles to fit your specific needs and preferences depending on your task, and program the dedicated AI button with your preferred AI app. 

Availability & Price

JBuds Flow Bundle is priced at £59.99 USD and will be available for order on www.jlab.com starting January 6 on JLab.com.

 

Technical Specifications 

  • Multi-device connect via Bluetooth or included USB dongle
  • Wireless range 30+ feet (10 m)
  • Keyboard battery life: Estimated 7+ months
  • Mouse battery life: Estimated 4+ months
  • 105 keys (includes number pad)
  • Device switch keys
  • OS layout keys (Mac, Windows, Android)
  • Adjustable DPI button to quickly change mouse sensitivity
  • Mouse Scroll wheel
  • Left and right buttons
  • Bundle is compatible with Windows® 10 or later, mac OS 10.15 or later, iPadOS 13.1 or later, IOS 11 or later, Chrome OS, Android™ 7 or later, works with surface

See some keyboard reviews

Edison launches a new e-Mobility app and platform with Landis+Gyr OCEAN EV Charging Software

Edison – a leading energy company, with over 140 years of history and records that make it the oldest operator in the sector in Europe – launches a new e-Mobility app and platform with Landis+Gyr OCEAN EV Charging Software, which provides access to more than 30,000 charging stations from Edison and other major operators in Italy.

Edison thus improves the user experience: drivers will be able to plan trips with charging points always at hand and will have an intuitive and functional app.

Edison aims to achieve an 8% market share in the supply of electricity used for recharging electric vehicles and to install over 100,000 charging points (cumulative), including innovative solutions such as smart charging and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid).

“The collaboration with Landis+Gyr gives us the opportunity to rely on a competitive and specialized product, that will constantly evolve following the dynamic and developing market we’re operating in. We chose a product capable of managing e-Mobility activities and services dedicated to both residential and commercial or public customers”, says Davide Dotti, Business Innovation Director of Edison.

“By adopting a single software platform, we are able to offer different customer segments personalized experiences based on their needs, so as to constantly improve the use of e-Mobility services. With Landis+Gyr and our Italian partner we have built a very scalable and flexible architecture, that allows us to reduce the time-to-market of bids and initiatives and ensure high service levels. Also through these technology solutions, Edison affirms its commitment to transformation in the Energy Market according to our Sustainability and Strategic Plan” says Antonella Periti, Chief Information Officer of Edison

“We are proud to partner with Edison and support them in enhancing and expanding their EV charging services,” said Matevž Mencin, Senior Key Account Manager at Landis+Gyr EV Solutions. “Customer satisfaction and user experience are the main pillars of our business cooperations. With this in mind, we look forward to seeing Edison gain a better overview and control of their charging network through OCEAN, while their users enjoy a seamless interface.”

In e-Mobility, Edison operates through two companies: Edison Energia, which is active in the sale of electricity and gas to households and businesses and provides value-added services to the retail market, will offer the new app to end customers; Edison Next, besides accompanying companies and territories on their path to decarbonisation and ecological transition, will use the platform to manage charging infrastructures.

 

Native vs Hybrid App Testing Tools Key Differences

Quality Assurance (QA) teams play a crucial role in the development process, diligently ensuring that software applications perform reliably and meet user expectations. Their work involves anticipating potential issues during real-world use, such as performance bottlenecks, security vulnerabilities, or compatibility problems with different devices. By rigorously testing applications across various scenarios, QA teams strive to deliver a seamless experience for users.

Choosing between a native and hybrid mobile app testing tool isn’t just some small technical decision. It’s more like picking between taking the scenic backroads or jumping on the highway. QA teams are already racing against deadlines and trying to catch every possible bug. The last thing they need is to realize halfway through that they picked the wrong testing approach.

Native Testing Tools: Focused and Reliable

Native testing tools are like tools made for a specific car model. They fit perfectly and know every nut and bolt. These tools are built to test apps designed for a particular platform, like iOS or Android. That focus is their biggest strength.

When you’re using native tools, you’re working with a solution that understands the platform inside and out. That means everything from swiping gestures to GPS functionality gets tested exactly the way users will experience it. For QA teams, this precision is a game-changer.

Why QA Teams Count on Native Tools

Platform Integration

A native mobile app testing tool doesn’t just test functionality—they test how the app “feels” on its platform. Is the animation smooth on an iPhone? Does the Android version handle the app behavior accurately, etc?

Device-Level Testing

Real-device testing is where native tools shine. Whether it’s testing a front-facing camera feature or a fingerprint scanner, native tools let you get hands-on with the real thing.

Spotting Performance Bottleneckss

Since native tools are tied closely to the platform, they excel at catching problems like slow load times, resource hogging, or memory leaks.

The Tradeoff

The downside? Native tools are laser-focused. That’s great if you’re building for just one platform. But if your app needs to work across iOS and Android, you’re looking at twice the effort—separate tools, separate tests, and separate expertise.

Hybrid Testing Tools: Flexible and Broad

Hybrid tools are like a universal toolkit. They’re designed to work on multiple platforms, so you don’t have to carry separate tools for every situation. These tools focus on testing apps built with frameworks like Flutter, React Native, or Ionic, which are designed to work across platforms from the get-go.

For QA teams handling apps that straddle multiple ecosystems, hybrid tools offer a way to test quickly and efficiently. They allow you to write a single set of tests and run them on both iOS and Android. Which is a huge time-saver.

Why QA Teams Lean on Hybrid Tools

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Hybrid tools are perfect for apps built with shared codebases. You can test once and apply the results to both iOS and Android versions.

Speed and Simplicity

By consolidating workflows, hybrid tools reduce the complexity of managing multiple test environments.

Cost-Effectiveness

Fewer tools mean fewer licenses to buy and less time spent training teams on different systems.

The Catch

Hybrid tools have limitations, too. Because they’re designed to cover multiple platforms, they sometimes miss the finer details. Platform-specific bugs or issues with hardware integration (like testing a gyroscope) can sneak through.

The Key Differences Between Native and Hybrid Tools

QA teams often wonder: What’s the real difference? It’s more than just platform compatibility. Let’s break it down into the specifics that matter most during testing.

  1. Platform-Specific Testing
  • Native Tools: Deep and precise. They excel at catching issues tied to the unique quirks of iOS or Android.
  • Hybrid Tools: Broad and efficient. Great for ensuring that shared functionality works seamlessly across platforms.
  1. Test Coverage
  • Native Tools: Limited to one platform at a time.
  • Hybrid Tools: Cover multiple platforms in a single go, but might miss certain platform-specific behaviors.
  1. Time and Cost
  • Native Tools: Higher upfront investment in terms of setup and resources.
  • Hybrid Tools: More budget-friendly, with faster turnaround times for cross-platform apps.
  1. Real-Device Testing
  • Native Tools: Shine in this area, offering more granular mobile app testing capabilities on physical devices.
  • Hybrid Tools: Can support real-device testing but may need additional setups to match the depth of native tools.
  1. Maintenance
  • Native Tools: Require frequent updates to keep up with changes in iOS or Android.
  • Hybrid Tools: Often evolve alongside the frameworks they’re built for, keeping updates streamlined.

Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

There’s no universal “best” testing tool. The right choice depends on your app’s needs, your team’s experience, and the scope of your testing. Let’s break it down with some real-world examples.

Scenario 1: A Fitness App with Heavy Hardware Use

If your app relies on hardware like GPS tracking, a heart rate monitor, or step counting functionality, native tools are your best bet. They’ll dig deeper into how these features perform on each platform.

Scenario 2: An E-Commerce App Built with React Native

If your app runs on both iOS and Android with a shared codebase, hybrid tools will save time and resources. You can test features like shopping cart functionality or payment processing without duplicating effort.

Tips for QA Teams to Succeed

Whether you’re using native tools, hybrid tools, or a mix of both, a smart approach to mobile app testing can make all the difference. Here are some practical tips:

  1. Start with a Plan: Understand your app’s architecture. Decide which features need deep testing and which can be handled broadly.
  2. Balance Efficiency with Depth: Use hybrid tools for general functionality and native tools for the details.
  3. Invest in Real-Device Testing: Emulators are helpful, but nothing beats testing on real devices. Bugs that show up on actual hardware are the ones users care about most.
  4. Train Your Team: A skilled team can maximize any tool. Invest in regular training to keep their knowledge sharp.
  5. Monitor and Adapt: Testing needs change as your app evolves. Be ready to adjust your approach when new challenges arise.

Common Missteps to Avoid

  1. Skipping Real-Device Testing: Don’t rely solely on simulators or emulators. They’re helpful but can’t replicate every real-world condition.
  2. Overlooking Platform-Specific Features: If your app uses unique platform capabilities, hybrid tools might not catch everything.
  3. Underestimating Maintenance Needs: Both native and hybrid tools need regular updates. Keep this in mind when choosing your stack.

Conclusion 

Testing isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the safety net that ensures users have a smooth experience. For QA teams, the choice between native and hybrid testing tools comes down to priorities. Are you diving deep into one platform? Go native. Testing for a broader audience? Hybrid tools can handle the load.

At the end of the day, the right tools make all the difference—not just in finding bugs but in making your app something users can count on. That’s the goal, isn’t it? A product that works, no matter where or how it’s used.