Tag: #Apps

Why Do Mobile Apps Need So Many Permissions?

There are many ways to spend your time doing nothing. But some things that constantly distract us from doing nothing. It’s either preparing for the next exam, doing some late-night homework, or writing some essay or research paper. All that while trying to have some sleep. 

Most likely, you wanted to take a trip or go to some party, but that seems to be possible only during the next spring or summer break. In the meanwhile, you need to focus on easier ways to relax.Yet, you can win some time with ‘do my  homework online’ services and free yourself from the paperwork.

Now, think about how to relax your mind. The best thing is to install a gaming or dating app. Maybe, you will match with someone. Maybe, you will have a new interesting game to play.

But, while installing it and giving the application all the required permissions, a question pop-ups. Why do mobile apps need so many permissions? This question bugs a lot of smartphone users and makes others indulge in conspiracy theories. 

So, to make it easier, let’s talk about why apps need those permissions. But before that, to avoid any hint of paranoia, let’s identify what permissions can be considered dangerous.

Types of Permission You Should Beware Of 

 

  1. Read External Storage – when the app is asking for this permission, you can get alerted. And you should think about why the application needs access to your external storage. If your app has to do something with cleaning up your smartphone, then it’s quite a logical request. 
  2. Modify or Delete External Storage – another point to get alerted and ask the question of why the app requires access to your external storage. And, again, most likely, it will be requested by the app that has something to do with cleaning up or managing your data. 

 

If the application is from a reputable developer, you can trust and grant permission. However, if you don’t want to grant access to your SD card, you can simply deny it. If you did provide the app with permission, the only thing to worry about is messing up with the settings (i.e., permitting to delete something you didn’t want to) or the case when the app is hacked. 

 

Generally, different messaging, navigation, and lifestyle apps are asking for too many permissions. But here are several aspects that you should be extremely cautious about:

 

  • unnecessary permissions – a flashlight app doesn’t need access to your storage data;
  • unknown developers – you are always at risk when downloading apps from unknown companies;
  • free apps – a free app can collect your data to sell it to third parties or spam you with numerous ads. 

 

There are a few things you need to keep in mind, though. Not all unknown developers are bad. And not all the free apps are mining your data. Try searching for some extra information on them. Make it a useful habit to do your research on the apps before downloading and installing them. Now, let’s talk about what permissions apps may need and why. 

Calendar

Some applications may need access to your calendar. It is wise to use them if they are work-related, and you would like to have all the appointments in your calendar. At the same time, games that don’t have live tournaments will unlikely require access to your calendar. 

Camera

If the application has something to do with making or sending videos and pictures, like Messenger, it may need access to the camera. But if the app doesn’t have any functions linked to the camera, the access to it is surely unjustified. You may be recorded on video without even noticing it. 

Contacts

Sometimes, granted access to your contact list is great. You may not have some of your old friends on social media, but an app can make them pop up on your friend suggestion list. Still, you must be extremely careful about it. By providing the app with your contact list, you not only give your information away but may cause a threat to your acquaintances. 

Location

There are several reasons why the app may require access to your location. Sometimes, it is easier for your friends to find you via sharing your location if you get lost. Knowing your location, dating apps can show your prospective partners that are nearby. But it may also lead thieves to your house. So, always tick the “only when using the app” option. 

Microphone

Sometimes, it is faster and easier to record a voice message rather than type it. That’s why messaging apps may require permission to access your microphone. But here, you need to trust only reputable developers. Apps from the unknown ones can record your private conversations and give them to hackers. 

Body Sensors

Various fitness trackers may require access to your body censors, such as information on your heart rate or steps counts. And it is okay to grant permissions to apps like that. But keep in mind that any other application asking for such permission should raise red flags at once. 

Phone

Apps like Facebook Messenger that use Voice Over IP connection may require access to your phone number and network information. However, it may lead to applications making phone calls without your consent if something goes wrong, for instance, if the app gets hacked. 

Conclusion

Digitalization has made a lot of things easier, but you need to remember that the online world is no safer than its offline counterpart. You are risking your data whenever you are going online. The worst thing you can do is give access to your private information without thinking about the necessity of such an action and its consequences. Yet, being more cautious about granting apps permissions and doing the research on their developers may keep you safer. 

Dining out Data, What food apps know about you and its more than your toppings.

In the past 18 months QR codes and apps for restaurants and takeaways have replaced paper menus and card machine payments allowing customers to enjoy their food whilst reducing human contact.

Whether you are a fan of an ordering app or QR code menu, if you are a fan of eating out, there is a high chance you have had to scan your phone and enter your details to order your morning coffee or burger meal. We have noticed just how much QR codes have suddenly became popular again and highly visible even here in Ireland.

Let’s face it, food apps are taking over our phones and collecting our data as they go, but which apps are collecting the largest amount of data from us each time we order?

A new study by TechRobot has revealed the top apps and chain restaurants in the UK and US that are eating up our data each time we order:

The study reveals that:

  • Cafe Nero is the drinking up the most customer data of the chain restaurants analysed in the UK
  • There are five coffee chains that feature in the top 15 apps for data consumption in the UK
  • McDonald’s and Dominoes are in the top 5 apps in the UK saving consumers data – including your browsing history and personal ID
  • In the US, Caviar and Grubhub are the dining out apps that know the most about you
  • Dunkin’ and Chick-Fil-A both place in the top 10 most data invasive apps in the US

UK top 10 apps consuming the most data:

  1. Cafe Nero (68%)
  2. Paul UK (65%)
  3. Dominoes (50%)
  4. Wendy’s (47%)
  5. McDonalds (47%)
  6. Brewdog (42%)
  7. Costa (42%)
  8. Noxy Brothers (38%)
  9. Burger King (38%)
  10. Starbucks (38%)

US top 10 apps consuming the most data:

  1. Caviar (71%)
  2. Grubhub (71%)
  3. Postmates (68%)
  4. Uber Eats (68%)
  5. Subway (56%)
  6. Dunkin’ (52%)
  7. Chick-Fil-A (52%)
  8. Sonic (52%)
  9. Jack in the Box (50%)
  10. Whataburger (50%)

Worried about what data you are handing over then? Read more –  The security risks of dining out

 

Aer Lingus signs deal with Daon to extend use of VeriFLY app

Aer Lingus has signed a deal with Daon to extend the use of the VeriFLY app, following the successful rollout of the technology across its network.  Aer Lingus’s investment in VeriFLY allows customers to upload and receive approval of their travel documentation at home before travelling to the airport – particularly helpful in the context of the new travel requirements for entry into the USA*.  By using VeriFLY, Aer Lingus customers will be able to check in online and go straight to bag drop / boarding gate and avoid any queuing at check-in.

Aer Lingus started trialling VeriFLY in April 2021 and the airline is now using the app on the vast majority of its operations, including flights to and from Europe, from UK to Ireland, UK to and from Barbados and on transatlantic routes to and from the USA. To date, up to 250,000 Aer Lingus customers have successfully used the VeriLFY app.

The VeriFLY app can be downloaded for free to mobile devices and is designed to offer peace-of-mind before travelling. The app allows customers to upload Covid-19 related documentation required for travel to their destination, including vaccination records and negative Covid-19 results.  The documentation is then approved. Customers receive a “green tick” on the app, letting them know they have met the appropriate Covid-19 entry requirements for their destination. Aer Lingus customers travelling to USA will only be able to check-in online once they have verified their documentation using VeriFLY. This will help reduce any uncertainty or stress associated with travelling. At the airport, customers travelling to the USA will show their boarding pass to the Aer Lingus agents at the boarding gate. Currently customers who are traveling within Europe will show their VeriFLY “green tick” and boarding pass to agents at the boarding. Customers can then avail of a prioritised VeriFLY boarding process which minimises queues, allowing for a more seamless customer experience.

 

Peter O’Neill, Chief Operations Officer at Aer Lingus said:

“With travel to the US opening up on 8th November, and more people planning trips abroad to reconnect with family, friends and colleagues we want to make the experience as seamless as possible. VeriFLY is key to this, as it ensures our customers are confident that they are complying with their destination’s COVID related travel requirements before they leave home.  While there are new and varied rules across different countries, the use of the VeriFLY app means customers can very easily upload their travel documents and have them checked and approved before they fly. At Aer Lingus we are committed to using technology to improve our customers’ travel experience.”

Clive Bourke, President EMEA and APAC at Daon added: “With travel to the US and elsewhere opening up, for the first time since this pandemic began, we will see some families and friends being re-united. Now people will be able to take those much-needed breaks and important in-person business connections will be re-ignited. VeriFLY simplifies travel for passengers – the app guides the traveller through all the pre-departure COVID requirements for a destination and lets them complete those steps for both themselves and any traveling companions before they leave for the airport. We’re delighted to work with Aer Lingus to help make travel as stress-free as possible for passengers while enabling both Aer Lingus and passengers to efficiently comply with all the international travel requirements related to COVID.”

All data uploaded to VeriFLY or through aerlingus.com is not retained by either organisation and is purged post travel, unless a government requires specific information to be temporarily kept for attestation or contact tracing, in which case it will be safeguarded for a limited time strictly in compliance with GDPR laws.

Aer Lingus has introduced a range of tools to ensure travel is easy and stress free for customers. In addition to VeriFLY, Aer Lingus introduced a new digital Travel Support Tool in August, designed to remove uncertainty regarding travel restrictions and entry requirements for all Aer Lingus destinations.  The interactive tool on aerlingus.com, powered by Sherpa, allows Aer Lingus customers to search destinations and retrieve up-to-date tailored travel information based on their specific circumstances including vaccination status, return travel and flight connection requirements.

To book visit aerlingus.com and for more information on VeriFLY visit aerlingus.com/support/covid19-information/verifly/

How to Protect Your Smart Device From Intrusion of Dangerous Spy Apps

Is someone keeping tabs on your phone with spyware? If they are, they can steal your data and know private information about you. Find out how to protect your smart device from the instruction of dangerous spy apps.

Although they may not know about it, millions of people around the world are currently being tracked by parents, employers, or their partners, thanks to spy apps. While it’s bad enough that someone has access to your private conversations and personal data, it gets worse when you realize that hackers can gain access to data retrieved by spy apps and leak them.

Luckily, every person is always interested in learning how to protect their phone, and in this article, we’ll show you how you can do it. 

How to Tell if Your Cell Phone Is Being Spied On?

To protect your phone from spying, you have had to get smart and become extra sensitive to abnormalities that we would otherwise disregard. If you want to know how to catch someone spying on you, just read the signs below to find out.

Unusual Sounds During Calls

It’s easy to dismiss strange sounds while making calls and attribute them to poor signals. However, this is hardly true. In fact, these types of sounds are associated with analog networks, which made way for the digital networks we now use. Therefore, if you hear distant voices, a static or clicking sound while making a call, there’s a chance you’re being spied on.

Decreased Battery Capacity

Another way we have used to find out if your phone is hacked is through battery performance. When your smartphone is being tracked with a spy app, its battery will usually drain easily. The reason is quite simple. Spy apps perform all kinds of tasks on your phone. They gather data from multiple apps and send them to a third party. Some spyware can even record conversations, take selfies, and track your internet activities. Since it’s working round the clock, it’s bound to drain your battery regularly. If you use a smartphone with a removable battery, you can take it out and insert it on a similar phone to see if it drains as quickly as it does on your phone. If it doesn’t, you’re most certainly being hacked.

Phone Shows Activity When Not in Use

If you’re not using your phone, it should be silent with the lights out. However, a phone that is being spied on will exhibit strange behaviors, including alerts, turning on and off without touching it. These strange behaviors usually happen because someone has remote access somewhere, and they’re monitoring your phone habits.

Increased Data Usage

Spy apps need a data connection to send information from your phone to a third-party device. The information could include media files like videos and pictures. Hence, it will need to use your internet connection to send. If you notice a strange increase in data usage, you’re most likely being spied on. Go to your phone settings and check data usage to see how your data is being used.

How to Find Hidden Spy Apps on Android and iOS?

How can you protect your phone from spyware? First, you’d have to know how to find hidden spy apps on your phone. If you can easily find them, you’d be able to protect your smartphone a lot better. Here’s how to catch someone spying on your phone: 

Android

Most Android phones come with old hardware that allows access to malicious malware. They are also easier to root compared to iPhones. When rooted, someone can gain full access to your phone via spy apps without your knowledge. So, how do you catch them? You can fish out Android spy apps using an anti-malware tool. It scans your Android smartphone and removes spy apps and other malicious malware.

If this method doesn’t work, you can always try a full factory reset. This method will delete every app on your phone, including the ones you need. Therefore, it’s seen as a last resort. If you wish to know how to prevent spyware on Android, the best advice is to keep your phone to yourself. People can only install spyware on your phone if they have physical access to it. Keeping your phone away from people will help protect your phone from spyware. 

iPhone

iPhones are usually more difficult to spy on. Their security system is more robust, and performing a jailbreak will be difficult. Yet, it’s not impossible. Check your iPhone for the Cydia app. This app promotes iPhone customization. If you find it, chances are someone has performed a jailbreak on your iPhone and a spy app is in there somewhere. If you’re looking for how to block spyware on the iPhone, you might be disappointed.

The only way to reverse a spyware attack is to perform a factory reset to remove the spy app and jailbreak.

What Are Smartphone Surveillance Apps?

Smartphone surveillance apps are software that helps you keep tabs on people’s phone habits remotely. With a spy app installed on someone’s phone, you can view their text messages, monitor their calls, and spy on their social media apps, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You will also be able to monitor their location through a GPS location feature.

 

Is it illegal to spy on someone? Technically, it is. But some of these apps are parental software that parents use to monitor their kids. So even though spying on someone is illegal, spy apps are not. Currently, there are several spy apps on the market. If you wish to know more, read about the top Android spy software.

Conclusion

Can someone hack your iPhone? Absolutely. Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android device, you can be hacked. But how can you protect your phone from spying? The only way is to block spy apps on your phone.

Virgin Media Business Team Up with Dublin Cycling Buddy App to promote Sustainable Commuting

To promote a healthier and more sustainable way of getting around Dublin, Virgin Media Business has teamed up with Smart Dublin and their Dublin Cycling Buddy app to launch the ‘Virgin Media Business Cycling Challenge’ and give users of the app the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes throughout the month-long competition.

The challenge, which asks participants to record at least one cycle trip on the app between the 26th of October, and the 21st of November, will result in spot prizes including cycling accessories such as Lazer Compact Helmets, Grip Grab Knitted Waterproof Gloves, Bookman Curve Lights – Front and U lock Kryptonite Keeper – Sold Secure Bronze.

There will also be a grand prize of a Tern Link C8 Folding Bike for one lucky winner to be chosen at the end of the month-long campaign, with €250 vouchers for Rothar bike shop for the second and third place winners as well.

Alison Gilliland, Lord Mayor of Dublin said: “I’m delighted to see the continued growth of the Dublin Cycling Buddy app since its summer launch! This Dublin City Council Smart Dublin challenge with Virgin Media Business will help introduce it to a whole new group of current and soon to be cyclists, particularly those returning to offices, schools, and campuses.”

Aidan D’Arcy, Director of Business at Virgin Media Ireland said: “Virgin Media Business is an advocate for cleaner and more sustainable ways for people to get around and partnering with Smart Dublin and their Dublin Cycling Buddy app reinforces our commitment to promoting healthier and more environmentally friendly modes of transport, as many of us start returning to our places of work and education.

“I’m so excited to see more and more people take up cycling and using the new Dublin Cycling Buddy App and, with great prizes to be won as part of the Virgin Media Business Cycling Challenge, there’s never been a better time to start cycling.”

Deirdre Kelly, Cycling Officer, Dublin City Council said: “This Virgin Media Cycle Challenge and Dublin Cycling Buddy app really complement our efforts to promote cycling and active travel in Dublin. The app is very helpful for new cyclists looking at bike-friendly routes, which is even more important now as people physically return to offices, campuses, and other indoor environments.”

The cycling community in Dublin has grown significantly during and throughout the COVID-19 restrictions. When compared to using a private vehicle, cycling contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution and the improvement of air quality.

Jan Nykl, Product Lead, Dublin Cycling Buddy app said: “The support of Virgin Media in this challenge would be great in promoting our bike-friendly routing functionality for Dublin residents. Especially those thinking of cycling for the first time. It could be the first step in nudging others to adopt the bicycle in their daily commutes.”

The Dublin Cycling Buddy app, which was launched by Smart Dublin earlier this year, was created to help Dublin residents and visitors to safely and efficiently plan a cycling route. Thanks to the community feedback aspect and use of artificial intelligence, the recommended routes in the app should have reduced vehicle traffic, greater number of segregated cycle lanes and better road surface quality.

Mary Rose Burke, CEO, Dublin Chamber of Commerce said: “We’re delighted that active travel is being encouraged in this challenge for both climate action and health reasons. Workers returning to the office will be able to take full advantage of Dublin Cycling Buddy to find more convenient routes to take.”

The community feedback reports also help other users in real time, giving them updates along their routes about potential hazards and things to be aware of.

The app allows users to collect virtual badges for carrying out specific tasks as well as participate in larger community-based challenges, including the new Virgin Media Business Cycling Challenge.

This particular challenge was set up to highlight the ongoing lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, meaning many more Dublin residents will once again be able to commute to their colleges, workplaces, and other places of interest over the coming weeks and months.

The Virgin Media Business Challenge seeks to encourage people to choose cycling as their mode of transportation. Coupled with Dublin Cycling Buddy’s routing function to find more conducive routes, the challenge hopes to engage not only current cyclists, but also, non-cyclists considering using the bike for the first time.

To learn more about how you can participate in this challenge and the Dublin Cycling Buddy app, please visit: https://smartdocklands.ie/virginmediacycle/

Future Planet – World’s first AI platform to enable businesses combat climate change challenges

IRELAND PIONEERING THE WAY WITH THE WORLD’S FIRST AI PLATFORM TO ENABLE BUSINESSES COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGES

Future Planet, an Irish-developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) based sustainability transformation platform that is a world first in enabling businesses to map and deliver their sustainability ambitions, has been launched.

Created by software entrepreneur, Donal Daly and sustainability supply chain expert, Ingrid De Doncker, Future Planet is the only software solution of this kind on the market. The cloud-based platform maps out, and builds, a company’s sustainability journey, defining target outcomes and enabling an actionable plan. Traditionally, using a sustainability consultancy firm takes on average six weeks for in-depth analysis. Using Future Planet will reduce this to less than a day — saving time and resources.

The team have also launched a free personal carbon footprint app, available on IOS and Android, for the general public and employees working from home to assess their own CO2 emissions. This will mean companies can include their team’s homeworking in their emissions calculations.

With the country’s first carbon budget due to be announced and the gathering of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), major changes are imminent to everyday lives to bring climate change under control. Ireland has made a commitment to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050 and a 51% reduction by 2030. This requires a reduction of at least 7% per annum.

Future Planet founder Donal Daly said: “Businesses have a crucial role in meeting the net-zero target by reducing their own emissions. Almost 70 of Ireland’s largest companies have publicly signed The Low Carbon Pledge, committing to recording and reducing their carbon footprint. This is an encouraging start, but more need to get onboard. Tighter mandatory restrictions for businesses on emissions are inevitable. If not outlined at the upcoming COP26, they will be developed in the near future. 

“The stakes are real for companies. Outside of climate change being a collective crisis for humankind, failure to have carbon targets in place can impact access to capital, the ability to attract new investors, retain customer loyalty and also affect attracting top talent. However, the challenge for many businesses is that they see corporate climate action as being both costly and complicated. Our mission is to be part of the solution, making it easier for companies to build a clear roadmap that will help them define and achieve their sustainability targets while delivering their commercial goals.”

The AI software has synthesised 30 main sustainability challenges that companies face into an easily understood structure. It incorporates knowledge relating to the main reference bodies and ratings agencies such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and other key global standards.

Future Planet’s Head of Research and Innovation Ingrid De Doncker added: “The software dramatically removes barriers for responsible business leaders who are trying to deliver sustainability projects but who struggle because of a lack of time or knowledge. Through assessment, individual journeys, and reporting, the platform discovers a company’s sustainability maturity, calculates a score, and builds an instant report to create a transformation plan. This lets all stakeholders know the actions they need to take to improve and meet their targets.”

Speaking on the launch of Future Planet, Norman Crowley, CEO of Cool Planet Group said: “Climate change is the critical challenge for our planet, we know that. For more than a decade we have been helping companies reduce their emissions, and we are really excited about what Future Planet brings to help solve that problem. The approach is unique, and recognises that reducing emissions doesn’t necessarily mean reducing profits. In fact it shows that the opposite can be true by using AI to help a business grow while reducing its impact on the planet.”

For more information on Future Planet see futureplanet.com.

Almost 1,000 new applications are published on Apple App Store daily

The Apple App Store is among the most sought after mobile application marketplaces for developers globally. Consequently, the platform is recording a significant number of new app publications.

According to data presented by Burga, as of September 5, 2021, the average number of apps published on the Apple App Store per day is 988. The figure translates to 41 apps per hour, 6,916 per week and 29,640 per month. The estimates further indicate that developers are publishing around 355,680 apps on the App Store per year.

In terms of categories of all apps on the App Store, games account for the top spot with 247,589 applications, followed by business at 183,658. Education occupies the third spot at 179,070. Entertainment apps are in the tenth spot with a count of 76,593. Data on the number of apps on the App Store is provided by mobile app intelligence platform 42matters.

Factors driving App Store new app publications

The average number of apps published on the App Store reflects the platform’s position as a vibrant marketplace for mobile applications. The app publication is significantly inspired by several factors that are driving the consumer demand for the applications that aim to compliment other device accessories like phone cases. The ability to reach a global audience on the App Store has helped developers and publishers utilize the platform to share their products.

In general, the App Store position in the app ecosystem potentially stems from the platform’s dynamic options for consumers amid a growing community of developers. Notably, Apple, to some extent, has supported the developers with educational and app-building resources.

Worth noting is that the publication of apps data comes in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that shifted focus to smartphones and consequently high demand for apps.

Amid the pandemic, changing consumer behaviour compelled developers to come up with the necessary apps to help people navigate the crisis. For instance, apps in delivery, education, games and entertainment recorded significant interest as they helped people maneuver the health crisis. At the same time, the publication correlates with the growing penetration of smartphones.

Furthermore, the number of published apps remains significant despite Apple’s introduction of new regulations to improve standards and quality. For instance, the platform has recently removed old apps that are no longer compatible with new versions of the iOS, apps that copy other apps, and those that provide tools that aren’t needed on the iPhone, like antivirus. With this regulation, the number of newly published apps might slow down, but the quality improves.

Interestingly, the App store publications come despite Apple engaging in tussles with developers over the controversial 30% commission fee. The fee had threatened the status of the App Store before Apple moved in to salvage the situation. The company recently introduced the App Store Small Business Program. Under the new plan, the commission has been lowered to 15% for developers grossing less than $1 million a year.

 

Why games is the leading App Store category

Additionally, the game consists of the top category in the Apple App Store correlating with the thriving mobile gaming sector. The growth has prompted developers to invest more resources into creating new games and mobile versions of well-known stationary games.

At the same time, the growth of in-game applications emerged following the pandemic, with developers capitalizing on the stay at home orders to give consumers an alternative form of entertainment.

Further, games also hold the pole position partly due to the growth of casual games. In recent years, gaming developers have been targeting casual gamers. Notably, a big section of casual gamers is reluctant to spend money on games since they don’t intend to play them in the future.

 

New App Provides New Visitor Experience At Cliffs Of Moher

A free interactive mobile app has today (29 July 2021) been launched for those visiting or planning to visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience in County Clare.

Pictured above launching the new Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience app at the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland (l-r) Leonard Cleary, Director of Service, Rural Development and Tourism, Clare County Council; Bobby Kerr, Chairperson of the Board of the Cliffs of Moher Centre Ltd.; and Geraldine Enright, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.

With free Wi-Fi available throughout the main visitor centre building and viewing platforms, visitors will be able to access a range of information about the Cliffs of Moher via their smartphone.

The app also contains 13 audio tracks narrated by Conor Tallon and featuring contributions from people with an intrinsic knowledge of the rich history, geology, flora and fauna of Ireland’s most visited natural attraction.

Bobby Kerr, Chairperson of the Board of the Cliffs of Moher Centre Ltd., commented, “A key feature of the new app is to educate visitors and to significantly improve visitor experience while on-site, but also in the pre- and post-stages of their visit.  It will be effective in providing information to helping guests find their way and to make the most out of their day.”

Leonard Cleary, Director of Service, Rural Development and Tourism, Clare County Council, added, “We are continually seeking new ways to further enhance the overall visitor experience at the Cliffs of Moher.  The app, which is free to download, is educational and it also allows us to promote what the rest of County Clare has to offer visitors.”

Cliffs of Moher App techbuzzireland

Geraldine Enright, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, said, “The launch of this interactive app ties in with our sustainability ethos as it will greatly reduce the amount of information brochures being distributed on site.  Everything from a map of the attraction to the weather forecast and items of local interest is there on the app.”

“The audio tracks featured on the app will provide context and extra life to what visitors are experiencing during their trip to the Cliffs of Moher,” explained Ms. Enright.  “Our staff provide local insight on the myths, history and the biodiversity of the site, while the busking tradition at the site and the traditional music of North Clare and the wider county also features.”

The app, which has been developed by Digisoft.tv in conjunction with Cork-based Inhand Guides Smart Audio, is available to download from the Apple App Store and Android Playstore.

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is a signature discovery point on Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, a main Geosite of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark, a Special Protected Area for Birds and Wildlife and is a wholly owned tourism asset of Clare County Council.  Visit www.cliffsofmoher.ie for more details.

Bumble Predicts a ‘Bank Holi-dating’ Boom in Ireland #Bumble #Dating

New research from Bumble, the popular women-first dating app, shows that this July is due to be the most popular time of year to date for Irish people, with 54% of singles lining up dates to take place over the August bank holiday.

Bumble have coined this dating revival ‘Bank Holi-dating’, as singles across Ireland look to make use of the bank holidays to meet new people.

The research found that over half (54%) of Irish singletons are busy lining up dates to take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with a quarter saying that the bank holiday is the best time to go out on a date.  Keen to make up for lost time, 39% aren’t even waiting for the long weekend to head out to meet someone new, they are already plotting and planning.

The great news is that the vibes are good . 38% are feeling optimistic about dating, 36% say they are excited, and over half, (55%), feel that things have evolved so much now in Ireland that there will be less judgement about meeting people from dating apps as restrictions ease. So it seems that friends and family mean a great deal to us (even if some have spent a LOT of extra time with family this year!). However, over half of those surveyed said they would cancel on friends and family to go on a date, with pretty much all other European countries saying they would, according to Bumble’s research.

Ready to live life to the fullest, almost half (46%) would meet up with potential love interests after two weeks of talking, with men much keener to meet up sooner than women. Women want to spend more time getting to know the person before meeting than men do. Thanks to Bumble’s video dating feature, it looks like the video dating that took place during covid is here to stay?

After three lockdowns, single Irish people are calling on the powers that be to lend a helping hand when it comes to finding love this summer. Over a third (36%) say that work should give a free half day on the Friday before the bank holiday, and another one in three want more holidays during the summer to give them enough time to socialise and go on dates.

When it comes to dating, singletons are dating once more, 54% saying they go on 1 or 2 dates a week.

Naomi Walkland, Bumble’s Head of UK and Ireland said, “Last year, ahead of lockdown fully lifting in June, we saw people using the Bumble app more as they got ready to date again. This year, we think it will come a little sooner with people looking to make use of the two long weekends in May to meet new people. We anticipate that Bank Holi-dating will be the biggest dating trend, with people looking to take control of their dating lives this spring and make up for lost time ahead of summer.”

 

As people look to date more over the bank holiday, tips from Bumble show how you can make your Bumble profile stand out and help you bank holi-date over the long weekend.

  1. The best photos are recent and show a slice of your actual life; if your dog is the center of your world, include a cute snap of you and the pup. And the more photos, the better. Top photo suggestions are showcasing your everyday life and selfies (62%) and getting dressed up (31%). Research also shows since 2020 we have seen the decline of the gym snap… finally

 

  1. Opt for what you do want vs. what you don’t. It’s also a good rule of thumb to avoid including what you aren’t looking for (e.g., “not seeking anything serious” “no drinkers”). Instead, reframe your bio to emphasize what you DO want, like casual dates with fellow sober folks. Including things you could potentially have in common provides people with the tools to make an informed decision and also helps start a conversation

 

  1. Take advantage of the badges on Bumble to add details while saving precious bio space. Adding a Badge to your Bumble profile – like if you have pets or your zodiac sign – is super easy and increases your chance of matching by up to 70%*. If you’re looking for a serious relationship you can also filter potential matches to streamline who appears for you