Tag: App

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.

EVNTZ App Launches in Ireland

EVNTZ, an innovative new app designed by music lovers for music lovers, has officially launched in Ireland, transforming the way fans prepare for and enjoy live music events. With a focus on creating a seamless and comprehensive experience, EVNTZ is set to redefine concert experience for fans. 

This all-in-one platform allows fans to effortlessly manage every aspect of their concert experience with just a swipe of their finger. From booking accommodation, coaches, securing event parking and purchasing concert tickets, EVNTZ simplifies the process, making it easier than ever to enjoy live music. 

As an exclusive partner with MCD for Irelands hottest upcoming outdoor concerts, EVNTZ provides users with detailed event information including site maps to help fans navigate venues and find everything they need on the day of the show, ensuring that attendees can focus on what truly matters: the music. 

Some of the concerts included with EVNTZ include shows coming to Croke Park, Aviva Stadium, Malahide Castle, Marlay Park, St. Annes Park, Trinity College and RHK (all Dublin) Virgin Media Park (Cork) and Thomond Park(Limerick) with more to be added as announced.  

EVNTZ also offers the unique feature of allowing users to pre-order official tour merchandise* before they arrive at the event. This means fans can instead simply click and collect on-site, ensuring they don’t miss a single moment of the action. 

By booking through EVNTZ, music fans not only enjoy a streamlined concert experience but also earn rewards for all in app purchases. Users accumulate points for their in app bookings , and fan engagement unlocking exclusive competitions for merchandise bundles, concert tickets, and other exciting prizes. 

With EVNTZ, the concert experience is more than just attending a show; it’s about creating unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out , join Irelands fastest growing event community. Download EVNTZ app today and step into a world where the only thing you need to worry about is having the time of your life. 

For more see: www.evntz.ie

Best Practices on How to Improve Flutter App Performance

Flutter app performance optimization is crucial for creating smooth, responsive mobile applications that deliver exceptional user experiences. Developers must strategically address various technical challenges to ensure their Flutter apps run efficiently across different devices and platforms. Performance improvement involves multiple layers of optimization, including efficient widget rendering, minimizing computational overhead, reducing memory consumption, and implementing intelligent caching mechanisms. By understanding Flutter’s rendering pipeline, leveraging platform-specific optimizations, and applying best practices in code architecture, developers can create high-performance applications that feel native and responsive. The goal is to create Flutter apps that load quickly, maintain consistent frame rates, consume minimal system resources, and provide seamless interactions that meet user expectations for modern mobile applications.

Best Practices on How to Improve Flutter App Performance

Code Optimization and Performance Profiling

Implement advanced code optimization techniques to improve Flutter app performance. Use code generation tools like dart_code_metrics to identify and eliminate performance bottlenecks. Optimize algorithmic complexity and reduce computational overhead in critical code paths. Implement efficient data structures and algorithms that minimize processing time. Utilize Flutter DevTools and performance profiling to continuously monitor and analyze application performance. Create performance benchmarks and set clear performance metrics for your Flutter application. Use ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation for production builds to improve runtime performance. Implement code splitting and lazy loading of non-critical modules to reduce initial application load time.

Efficient Widget Rendering

Optimize widget rendering by minimizing unnecessary rebuilds and using const constructors in flutter app development services. Implement should Repaint and should Rebuild methods to control widget repainting in flutter app development services. Use Stateless Widget for static UI components to reduce computational overhead in flutter app development services. Leverage the RepaintBoundary widget to isolate complex widgets and prevent unnecessary redraws in flutter app development services. Implement lazy loading techniques for complex UI elements, ensuring only visible components are rendered in flutter app development services. Utilize the const keyword extensively to help Flutter optimize widget creation and reduce memory allocation in flutter app development services. Avoid deep widget trees and break complex layouts into smaller, more manageable components that can be rendered more efficiently in flutter app development services.

State Management Optimization

Choose lightweight state management solutions that minimize performance overhead. Implement Provider or Riverpod for efficient state handling with minimal computational cost. Avoid global state management for small applications, focusing on localized state control. Use Value Notifier for simple state changes instead of full-blown state management solutions. Implement reactive programming principles to reduce unnecessary state updates. Minimize the use of setState and prefer more granular state update mechanisms. Create compact, focused state management classes that update only specific components rather than entire widget trees. Use stream-based state management for real-time data updates with minimal performance impact.

Memory Management and Optimization

Implement aggressive memory management strategies to prevent memory leaks and reduce application overhead. Use dispose methods consistently to clean up resources, controllers, and listeners. Employ weak references and proper memory cleanup techniques in complex applications. Implement object pooling for frequently created and destroyed objects to reduce memory allocation overhead. Use const constructors and immutable data structures to minimize memory consumption. Profile memory usage regularly using Flutter DevTools to identify and resolve memory-related performance bottlenecks. Implement lazy loading for large data sets and complex widgets to reduce initial memory footprint. Carefully manage image and asset loading to prevent unnecessary memory consumption.

Network and Data Optimization

Design efficient network request strategies to minimize performance overhead. Implement intelligent caching mechanisms using packages like dio_cache_interceptor. Utilize isolates for complex background processing and data parsing to prevent main thread blockages. Implement pagination and lazy loading for large data sets to reduce initial load times. Use efficient JSON serialization techniques with code generation tools like json_serializable. Minimize network requests by implementing intelligent data fetching strategies and local caching. Compress network payloads and implement efficient error handling to reduce unnecessary network operations. Use stream-based data loading for real-time applications with minimal performance impact.

Platform-Specific Optimization

Develop platform-aware optimization strategies for iOS and Android environments. Use platform channels efficiently for native code integration. Implement adaptive layouts that respond to different device capabilities and screen sizes. Utilize platform-specific performance techniques like Metal on iOS and Vulkan on Android. Create separate optimization strategies for different platform rendering engines. Use platform-specific widgets and rendering techniques to improve native performance. Implement conditional rendering based on platform capabilities to ensure optimal performance across different devices. Leverage platform-specific performance profiling tools to identify and resolve platform-specific bottlenecks.

Conclusion

Flutter app performance optimization requires a holistic approach combining efficient coding practices, intelligent architecture, and continuous performance monitoring. Developers must focus on creating lightweight, responsive applications that deliver exceptional user experiences across different devices and platforms. By implementing these strategies, Flutter developers can create high-performance mobile applications that meet modern user expectations for speed, responsiveness, and efficiency.

More than a third of Irish consumers would put off saving to buy a house in favour of more immediate satisfaction

Research in conjunction with Revolut, the global financial app with more than 45 million customers worldwide, and over 2.8 million in Ireland, has found that more than a third (36%) of consumers in Ireland would put off saving to buy a house in favour of medium to short-term satisfaction.

Asked what big spending projects they would consider putting off in favour of instant gratification, consumers across Ireland also claimed that both their own wedding (17%) and having children (14%) could also fall by the wayside in favour of more immediate satisfaction.

The survey, conducted by market research company Dynata, asked a random sample of 1,000 consumers across Ireland, with the findings representative of people from every county.

These revelations come as 11% of Irish savers also pointed to low interest rates as the main challenge facing them when trying to put aside money. Meanwhile, just short of one in five Irish consumers (19%) claim inflation is stifling their savings.

12% of respondents believe they will never be able to consistently save enough to fund these kinds of big life projects, and therefore prefer to enjoy medium to short-term satisfaction.

Revolut launched its Instant Access Savings accounts in Ireland at the end of May, offering customers competitive interest rates across all its different plans, with interest paid out daily.

Maurice Murphy, General Manager at Revolut Bank UAB – Ireland Branch, said: “Every bank’s mission should be to give its customers the opportunity to build their own financial wealth. With Revolut, consumers all across Ireland can get a good return on their deposits to ensure that they don’t need to miss out on or put off those big life moments such as buying a home, having children, or getting married. Revolut savers on all of our plans benefit from really competitive interest paid out to them daily, as well as immediate access to their money.”

Revolut Bank UAB (Irish Branch) was recently recognised by financial comparison site Bonkers.ie as ‘Ireland’s Best Consumer Business’ and ‘provider of the Best Current Account’, while the company ranked 9th as part of the Ireland RepTrak® 2024 study earlier this year.

For more information, visit: www.revolut.com/en-IE

Revolut enables Tap to Pay on iPhone for business and freelance customers in Ireland

Revolut, the global fintech with more than 45 million customers worldwide and over 2.8 million in Ireland, today announced that it has enabled Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone contactless payment acceptance technology for Revolut Pro and Revolut Business customers across Ireland.

With Tap to Pay on iPhone and the Revolut iOS app, designed for customers with a Pro account, such as sole proprietors or small business owners, or the Revolut Business iOS app for business of all sizes, Revolut customers will now be able to accept in-person, contactless payments with just an iPhone – no need for additional terminals or hardware. The feature provides an easy way for merchants to accept payments from contactless debit and credit cards, Apple Pay and other digital wallets that enable contactless transactions.

For payments to be accepted, customers simply need to hold their contactless card or payment device near the merchant’s iPhone until the transaction is complete, just as with a traditional contactless payment terminal. Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone technology uses the built-in features of iPhone to keep both business and customer data private and secure. 

Revolut Pro and Business customers can start using Tap to Pay on iPhone directly within the Revolut app or the Revolut Business app. New customers wishing to use Tap to Pay on iPhone can do so by downloading the Revolut app or the Revolut Business app on the Apple App Store using an iPhone XS or later running the latest iOS version. From there, they can sign up with a Revolut Pro or Revolut Business account directly within the app to start accepting contactless payments within minutes.*

James Gibson, GM of Revolut Business: “Since 2017, Revolut Business has been providing hundreds of thousands of business customers around the world with a comprehensive platform to manage business finances effectively. We are excited to be amongst the first to enable Tap to Pay on iPhone for our business customers in Ireland and to be providing this simple and secure solution that offers greater flexibility for accepting payments. We are continuously expanding the benefits of the Revolut Business platform, and this is another great tool to support customers to do business seamlessly.”

Alex Codina, GM of Merchant Acquiring at Revolut: “Our ambition in Merchant Acquiring is to provide customers with the products and services they need to accept payments in a secure and convenient manner. The launch of Tap to Pay on iPhone allows us to offer greater choice for both consumers and merchants in Ireland. We expect to see all kinds of businesses, from retail stores to barbershops and food stands, quickly start accepting in-person contactless payments with only an iPhone.” *Terms and Conditions apply.

Some contactless cards may not be accepted. The Contactless Symbol is a trademark owned by and used with permission of EMVCo, LLC. Tap to Pay on iPhone is not available in all markets.

Travel Sustainably This Bank Holiday Weekend with Too Good To Go’s NEW City Guide

This Bank Holiday Weekend thousands of Irish people will be swapping the umbrellas for beach towels, jetting off to sunny spots like Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy this August Bank Holiday and beyond.

While you’ve packed your travel and accommodation apps, don’t forget to download Too Good To Go – your ticket to sustainable travel through discovering and saving delicious surplus food at a reduced price.  With over 160,000 partners across the world the Too Good To Go new City Guides feature means you can explore local culinary gems wherever you go. Once you download the free Too Good To Go app, and it will notify you when you’re near these participating shops, restaurants, and supermarkets, in that location making it easy to save food and money on the go.

The new City Guides Series adds an extra layer to your experience by providing curated local food recommendations abroad not only are you supporting local businesses, but this feature helps you discover the heart and soul of a city through its food scene, all while making a positive impact on the environment and your travel budget.


Machaela O’Leary, Sales Manager for Too Good To Go commented: “At Too Good To Go, we believe every meal has a story worth savouring. Through City Guides and Too Good To Go we’re not just reducing waste but also supporting local businesses and protecting our planet. Whether you are in London, New York or Rome every city offers a unique culinary journey. We’re excited to help travellers discover these hidden gems while making a positive impact.”


Too Good To Go will continue to add city guides for destinations around the world. The Too Good To Go app has over 95 million registered users and is active in countries across Europe and North America. Too Good To Go users have already saved more than 330 million meals from going to waste, avoiding 891,000 tonnes of CO2e and 267 billion litres of unnecessary water use.

Too Good To Go has grown a strong presence in Ireland, with 2,182 businesses and 586,227 app users actively participating in reducing food waste. This extensive network, highlighted by the recent milestone of rescuing 1 million Surprise Bags, positions the company to significantly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By mobilising collective action towards sustainable development, Too Good To Go is making a substantial impact in Ireland’s fight against food waste and environmental sustainability.

For more information about Too Good To Go, visit https://next.toogoodtogo.com/en-ie

The Latest Technology Used in Home Stairlifts

You or your loved one with mobility retirements can use home stairlifts to get some mobility and freedom back. Installing a home stairlift in your home can help you to transport those with mobility issues up and down stairs safely. Home stairlifts provide a sense of independence and enhance quality of life. 

Home stairlifts are affordable and come with unique features. Home stairlift technology can make stairlifts convenient and reliable. The advancements in technology enhance the safety, comfort and effectiveness of home stairlifts. 

Read on to learn the latest technology used in home stairlifts: 

Memory Seats

Do you use a stairlift to get up and down stairs in your home? Then, you probably want to find the perfect seated position. Thankfully, memory seats allow you to store your preferred seat position and height. You can program your preferred seat position and height. Your stairlift will automatically adjust to your saved settings. 

Emergency Stop Mechanisms 

Home stairlifts have emergency stop mechanisms. The emergency stop button provides an additional safety layer. You will just press the button during an emergency. It will stop your stairlift quickly and safely. You will not even feel sudden jerking movements. So, you do not have to worry about falling down the stairs. The emergency stop button can give you and your loved ones peace of mind. 

Obstruction Detection System

Home stairlifts come with obstacle detection systems. The obstruction detection system detects potential obstacles on the stairs. How? It uses infrared sensors or lasers. So, if the system detects an obstacle, the stairlift automatically stops. The purpose of this feature is to avoid a collision and keep the users safe. You will never have to worry about your loved ones. 

Pressure Sensors

Pressure sensors are embedded in the seat. They detect whether the home stairlift is occupied. Therefore, it prevents the stairlift from operating accidentally. For instance, if you accidentally bump the control, the stairlift will not move. The lift only moves when the seat is occupied. The pressure sensors can also stop the stairlift if the lift encounters obstacles. 

Powered Footrests

You no longer have to manually adjust footrests. Powered footrests are one of the best safety features found in modern home stairlifts. You can adjust the footrest with a simple press of a button. And the footrests automatically retract and extend as your stairlift moves. Powered footrests can improve user experience and ensure a smooth ride. 

Swivel Seats

Many modern home stairlifts feature swivel seats. Swivel seats rotate 45 or 90 degrees. So, they can help you mount and dismount the stairlift. That is why they are suitable if your legs are weak. You will be able to get on and off the seat of your stairlift with ease. They can reduce the risk of falls. 

Mobile App Connectivity

We use our mobile phones to do so many things. You can, for instance, use your smartphone to control electronic devices. Nowadays, you can also use your smartphone to control your home stairlift remotely. You can even monitor the operation status of your stairlift from your smartphone. You will, therefore, be able to manage your mobility needs easily. 

Smart Home Integration

Do you want to control your home stairlift with your voice? It is now possible. In fact, you can use virtual assistants, such as Google Assistant or Alexa, to control your stairlift. You do not even have to press a button to control your stairlift. You will just use your voice to control it. And if you want to create a smart home, your home stairlift can be connected to other smart devices in your home. 

Backup Battery 

You may want to use your home stairlift throughout the day. Thankfully, modern home stairlifts have a backup battery. So, you do not have to worry about power outages. If there is no power in your home, you can still use your stairlift. The backup battery charges automatically. And it holds power for 6 – 8 trips. 

Speed Control 

You need to consider the speed at which the home stairlift travels. Stairlifts have a speed of around 0.16 to 0.34 miles per hour. Manufacturers place speed limiters on modern home stairlifts. The speed limiter prevents speed malfunctions. So, it prevents dangerous speeds. It will ensure the stairlift does not exceed the top speed of the stairlift. If you can prevent your stairlift from going too fast, you can prevent unnecessary accidents in your home. 

Emergency Contact Button 

Some modern home stairlifts have an emergency contact button. You can use it in an emergency to contact emergency services or a loved one. You will just program the emergency contact button. The stairlift can even store multiple emergency contacts. 

Diagnostic Systems

You would want to know the well-being of your home stairlift. You can, therefore, use the diagnostic display to monitor the performance of your stairlift. The diagnostic system can even help you detect potential issues. You will need to fix these issues to prevent breakdowns. The system alerts service providers and users. Do not ignore these alerts. 

Final Thoughts 

Modern home stairlifts from trusted local companies such as O Connor Carrol Stairlifts Kildare are safe and convenient. They provide a safe way to go up and down the stairs. They can reduce the risks of falls in your home. However, you still want to make sure your home stairlift suits your needs. You may need to test different models to find the best one for your home. 

A good home stairlift is affordable and convenient, comfortable and can help you gain independence. Do not forget to maintain your stairlift. Why? Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your stairlift.

Coillte and HiiKER Unveil Innovative Pilot Programme to Enhance Visitor Experience at Seven Coillte Forests

Coillte, Ireland’s semi-state forestry company and leading provider of outdoor recreation, has announced an exciting new pilot programme in partnership with Irish start-up HiiKER, creators of an innovative hiking app. This initiative will offer a new and innovative way for local and visiting outdoor enthusiasts to experience Coillte forests by offering walkers and hikers real-time forest and walking trail insights before and during their visits.

Launching this summer, the pilot programme will introduce advanced features to HiiKER’s “Parks and Recreation” functionality. New enhancements include trail distances, accessibility reports and difficulty levels. Users will also benefit from real-time updates on trail busyness, parking availability, food options and toilet facilities. The HiiKer app will, for the first time, give visitors a real sense of the various activities available in Coillte’s forests and improve the overall visitor experience.

This new technology will be piloted in seven Coillte forests across the country including: Cruagh Woods, Ticknock, and Tibradden Woods in Dublin, as well as Donadea Forest Park in Kildare, Portumna Forest Park in Galway, Farran Forest Park in Cork and Dromore Forest in Kerry. Visitors to these forests will be the first to experience the enhanced capabilities offered by HiiKER.

HiiKER, is an Irish start up founded by Paul Finlay in Co. Meath. The app has helped over 1 million hikers to plan and navigate their hiking adventures all around the world. The app curates the best hikes on the planet, along with important points of interest to help users to plan the perfect hike. Most importantly, it works with the most notable map developers and cartographers to bring a wealth of verified route information to the public.

HiiKER on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 – techbuzzireland

Coillte and HiiKER will pilot the technology over a six-month period, utilising Coillte’s extensive expertise. The collaboration will yield valuable insights into forest and trail usage, allowing Coillte to make data-driven decisions to further enhance the visitor experience for all.

Daithi de Forge, Head of Recreation at Coillte said “Coillte forests attract an average of 18 million visits annually and we are delighted to partner with HiiKER on this pilot which aims to enhance the walking and hiking experience across several of our beautiful forests. This innovative programme supports our commitment to enhancing the recreational, social and wellbeing benefits from our forests and to making them more accessible and enjoyable for all. 

“By integrating Coillte’s extensive knowledge of the natural environment with HiiKER’s cutting-edge technology, we aim to provide visitors with an enriched, informed and seamless experience when they visit our forests.

Paul Finlay, HiiKER CEO added, “We are excited to join forces with Coillte to launch this innovative pilot programme that will transform the way people explore Ireland’s forests. Our new HiiKER Parks and Recreation functionality and Coillte’s extensive database of recreational maps and data, enables the public to explore Coillte forests like never before. We’re encouraging everyone to download the app for free and start exploring these forests today.”

Download HiiKER from the Appstore or Google Playstore and search for one of the pilot forests.