Tag: device

Google announces new settings and features to help parents, teens and families navigate safer experiences online

Parents  think deeply about how their children should use technology, including how to strike the right balance for time spent online. Every family has different needs and perspectives on this topic. Today, Google is announcing a new setting for Android phones and other devices that empowers parents to use a School time feature.

Helping students focus on learning during school hours

Google regularly engages with parents when designing products, and often hears directly from parents who do not want their children distracted at school but still want to be able to get in touch in case of emergency.

That’s why this year Google has introduced School time on Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatches. Over the next year, School time will be rolled out to even more devices including select Android phones, tablets and wearables including Samsung Galaxy Watches as part of ongoing work to promote productive learning environments.

School time enables parents to set their child’s personal device to a dedicated home screen with limited functionality during school hours, which helps reduce distractions during class. Parents can schedule and select which apps are allowed during School time in Family Link, the parental controls app for Google and YouTube. Parents will also have the option to allow calls or texts from specific contacts.

School time can also be turned on outside of class when it may be time to focus or take a break from screens. For teens who are not supervised by a parent through Family Link, Focus mode on Android devices can be used to prevent notifications and limit distractions during a specific time period.

Additional settings for teens and teen supervision

As children grow into teens, parents may want different supervision options to better reflect their teens’ understanding and use of technology. Recognising that the settings a family wants to use can differ by age and developmental stage Google is continuing to provide tailored settings and experiences:

  • New supervision features for parents of teens are coming to YouTube. In an update rolling out later this summer, parents and teens will be able to link their accounts, enabling parents to gain visibility into their teens’ activity and interests on YouTube.

  • In Family Link, supervision can be enabled for all ages. This helps give parents flexibility to determine the apps, products and experiences their teens can use, while also continuing to monitor their activity and set digital ground rules such as screen time limits or location sharing.

  • Default safety settings for all users under 18. This includes turning SafeSearch on, implementing content restrictions and turning autoplay off on YouTube. Recently introduced new safeguards limit recommendations of videos with content that could be problematic, especially for teens, if viewed in repetition –  such as content related to body image.

Ongoing investment in parental controls

Google is continuously investing in research and development to address the evolving needs of parents and children. By working closely with experts in child development, education and technology, with the goal to help ensure that time online and offline is time well spent.

Evolve IP Launches Anywhere Mobile – Putting The Power Of A Desk Phone Into The Hands Of Mobile Users

Evolve IP has launched a new Fixed Mobile Convergence [FMC] mobile solution, which seamlessly combines desk phone functionality within a personal mobile device, to further accelerate its ‘work from anywhere’ strategy.

The leading UCaaS collaborations provider has announced Anywhere Mobile which uses innovative eSIM technology, designed to streamline business communication into one personal device in a ‘best of both worlds’ scenario.

Powered by technology partner, Tango Networks, the service enables Evolve IP EMEA partners to have flexibility in device usage and encourages a BYOD (bring your own device) culture across a host of industries. This drives efficiencies and convenience by turning any employee’s personal mobile phone into a fully-featured business extension.

Making Business Mobile 

Evolve IP Solutions Director, Scott Rixon says the new addition gives a business direct control over a second line on an employee’s phone, whilst personal communications remain private and secure. All business communications use the existing UC platform and business number.

“This represents a major step forward and offers a host of benefits to organisations and their staff,” he explained. “For example, it allows employees to use the mobile phones they like and are familiar with. It’s about working smarter and more effectively in an increasingly mobile-driven world. As it’s a full extension the presence of a user is visible, and the calls can be recorded and fully reported with reports and on dashboards. This should be thought of as just another way to take a call, supporting all our platform features.”

Anywhere Mobile is simple to use and requires no special apps, phone clients or training. It supports eSIM and physical SIMs. Furthermore, a business can reduce administrative overheads by eliminating personal phone expenses, according to Rixon.

“They can prevent employees from making business calls with personal numbers and retain business contacts when employees leave. Routing calls correctly means having proper call treatment, fewer missed calls and ultimately higher customer satisfaction.”

Work Anywhere Technologies 

He says Anywhere Mobile offers the best of both worlds with added cost savings and convenience.

Rixon concluded: “This is another innovative addition to our Anywhere UCaaS Solutions. Anywhere Mobile is the latest UC solution we are excited to be offering to partners across EMEA after seeing a clear demand and understanding that mobile services should sit within the essential part of any UC offering. Empowering teams to have the tools that allow them to work anywhere.”

Lee Essex, SVP Global Sales and Marketing, Tango Networks, is equally enthusiastic and emphasised: “We are thrilled to partner with and support Evolve IP with their launch of Anywhere Mobile. As leaders in fixed mobile convergence, we want to work with fellow leaders in UCaaS. Evolve IP continue to show themselves as innovators in both technology and their approach to delivering customer focused outcomes. This collaboration underscores our joint commitment to delivering seamless communication solutions on a global scale.”

To learn more, resellers can register to attend a webinar on August 7th by clicking here.

 

Piceasoft’s new AI-powered self-service promotes mobile device circularity by bringing troubleshooting assistant to your pocket

Piceasoft, Europe’s leading provider of mobile device lifecycle solutions, has expanded its Picea® Online mobile circularity platform by developing AI-supported self-service device diagnostics and troubleshooting capabilities. The new self-service features, currently being piloted with a major mobile operator, allow end users to remotely detect and resolve device issues or find the most relevant trade-in or repair options wherever they are.

Self-service capabilities make it easier than ever for end users to access the right services to get the most from their mobile devices. There is no need to visit a physical store; customers can initiate the service from a link or QR code. The platform also enhances mobile operators’ customer experience, allowing them to promote the most relevant add-on services, such as trade-ins and repairs at the right time, uniting mobile operators, trade-in vendors, and repair centers as a full-service ecosystem.

“Picea® Online’s expansion into self-service opens up a whole new workflow for mobile operators and gives them greater access to new business opportunities throughout the entire self-service journey,” says Samuli Ylinen, Product Director at Piceasoft. “The platform performs a personalized, AI-supported device analysis based on the issues experienced by the customer and then recommends resolutions for device problems. These allow operators to promote the most relevant add-on services, for example, trade-in, repair, or insurance, giving operators full control of the entire process through a single platform.”

The solution also promotes device circularity and prevents old phones from being scrapped and ending up as e-waste, as operators are able to offer trade-ins or repairs precisely when the customer needs them. Based on the results of the AI-supported diagnostics, operators can then provide tailored services addressing specific device issues experienced by the consumer.

“The new developments strengthen PiceaOnline as a comprehensive, all-in-one solution for mobile circularity. We’re effectively the middle layer between mobile operators and end customers, as well as the glue holding together all the ecosystem services from partners like trade-in vendors, repair centers, and insurance providers.” Ylinen explains.

Self-service, AI-supported diagnostics, and troubleshooting provide an additional time and cost-saving benefit by significantly reducing the number of No Fault Found (NFF) cases faced by mobile operators, retailers, and repair companies.

“According to our customers, as many as 60%-70% of devices sent for repair are recorded as NFF. NFF cases are very costly for operators and present a significant sustainability issue from the unnecessary shipping of devices that could have been fixed with the right self-service diagnostics,” Ylinen explains. “Most often, these could be avoided if users were guided in the diagnostics phase to perform simple steps like rebooting their device, updating to the latest software, or freeing up some of the devices’ memory.”

Increasing the supply of used mobile devices

Despite high and increasing demand, the supply of used mobile devices in the European market remains low. As this demand continues to grow, the market’s success depends upon increasing the supply of second-hand devices, for example, through effective trade-in programs.

“From a sustainability and mobile circularity point of view, self-service has an extremely high potential to drive change,” says Samuli Ylinen, Product Director at Piceasoft. “There’s a severe shortage of second-hand mobile devices, but there is significant, and increasing consumer demand. One of the major challenges holding back device circularity is the fragmented nature of the process for trade-ins. By supporting customer-driven processes, operators can significantly incentivize trade-ins by providing the best deals for the customers, which helps put more sought-after second-hand devices back into the market.”

YASHICA Launches Revolutionary Night Vision Device

YASHICA, an esteemed name in the world of photography with over 75 years of rich legacy, proudly announces the release of the YASHICA Vision: a revolutionary night vision that redefines low-light observation, combining advanced features and superior technology to bring the night to life in stunning 4K UHD full-color detail. 

YASHICA Night Vision comes to redefine nocturnal exploration with its high-tech night vision, featuring an impressive 5x digital and 3x optical zoom. It captures the night in full-color and IR modes, offering clear visibility from up to 600 meters away—an ideal companion for activities like hunting, camping, hiking, or observing wildlife in their natural habitat.“The application of night vision technology on camera aligns with the core value of YASHICA products – providing innovative tools and gadgets to empower users who enjoy photography no matter where or when they are,” says Kondo Hidenobu, the CEO of YASHICA. 

“Nighttime is scary because of the feeling of vulnerability in the unknown and unseen. Our latest product is the game-changer solution to break down the barriers of low-light conditions and deliver values to customers with improved images and videos with clarity and details.”

Boasting advanced 0.0037lux sensitivity, this night vision marvel ensures that even the faintest starlight brings your surroundings into sharp, full-color focus. With its intuitive design and powerful technology, YASHICA Vision pushes boundaries even further, allowing the observation of objects in pitch darkness, such as basements, from 20 to 50 meters away, using only the first level of the IR illuminator—no additional light source is required. 

Key Features include but are not limited to: 

  • Full-Color Night Vision 

YASHICA Vision introduces a full-color night vision mode, departing from the conventional green or monochrome spectrum. This feature enhances your ability to observe the night environment in a more natural and nuanced way, even in challenging lighting conditions. 

  • 4K UHD Image Quality 

Equipped with advanced optics and a superior CMOS sensor, YASHICA Vision offers high-resolution 4K UHD images. This feature allows users to reveal previously unnoticed details in low-light conditions, fostering a deeper connection with the surrounding environment. 

  • Up to 600m View Distance 

YASHICA Vision extends your observational reach with an exceptional view distance of up to 600 meters in complete darkness. This capability enables users to explore and appreciate the nocturnal world with enhanced clarity and detail. 

  • 3x Optical Zoom, 5x Digital Zoom 

Providing versatility in capturing distant subjects, YASHICA Vision features a 3x optical zoom and a 5x digital zoom. This functionality allows for precise framing and observation without compromising image quality, making it a valuable tool for various scenarios. 

  • Long Battery Life 

With a focus on prolonged usage, YASHICA Vision offers up to 16 hours of battery life. This extended duration empowers users to engage in extended nocturnal activities, be it wildlife observation, night exploration, or simply immersing oneself in the tranquility of the night.

 

Ultimate Clarity with F/1.0 Aperture 

The YASHICA Vision stands apart from other night visions with its wider F/1.0 aperture blade and 7-layer coated lenses. Engineered to capture every nuance of the environment, the Vision absorbs more light than any other model in its class, effortlessly illuminating even the darkest scenes. Not only does this mean more details, but it also translates to brighter, sharper visuals that truly bring the night to life. 

Built for Adventure, Crafted for Durability 

Tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, YASHICA Vision boasts a robust construction with IP65 water and dust resistance. The binocular night vision is not merely a device but a reliable companion for extended adventures. Equipped with a compass, SOS/guiding lights, and an expansive 512GB storage capacity, YASHICA Vision is ready to endure the elements and support users in their quest for exploration. This durability ensures that the vision performs seamlessly in challenging environments, providing peace of mind for those embracing the great outdoors. 

A Design Tailored for Convenience 

YASHICA Vision’s handheld structure and user-friendly interface are designed to enhance the spontaneity of adventures. The intuitive design ensures ease of use, allowing users to seize the moment without being hindered by complex controls. The binocular design aligns with the natural viewing experience of the human visual system, offering a comfortable and immersive way to engage with the surroundings. YASHICA Vision empowers users to explore with confidence, capturing the essence of the night in a way that feels intuitive and natural. 

SPECIFICATIONS

VIDEO RESOLUTION Up to 4K
IMAGE RESOLUTION Up to 58MP
FOCUS RANGE 50 cm to infinity
OBJECTIVE LENS 25mm
APERTURE F/1.0
IR ILLUMINATOR 850NM
IR LEVELS 3 levels

 

VIEWING RANGE 600m
DISPLAY 4-inch TFT ultra-high definition display
SCREEN RESOLUTION 400*960
EXTERNAL MEMORY Micro SD card supports up to 512GB
ZOOM 5x Digital zoom
SENSOR Galaxycore 1/2.9 CMOS
BATTERY 5000mANh built-in lithium battery
OPERATION TIME up to 16 operation time with IR off, up to 5 hours of operation time with IR on

 

What’s in the box: 

  • Night vision device 
  • Type-c charger 
  • Cleaning cloth 
  • Neck strap 
  • Storage box 

Availability 

YASHICA Night Vision is currently available for pre-order through Indiegogo, prices starting at $149, with shipping commencing in June 2024.

Links: 

Indiegogo campaign: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/yashica-vision-night-vision-capture-night-in-4k–2#/

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

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

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

BOI says

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

 

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

 

Mobile Operating System Support Policy

Update your device before 31 March 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Devices and operating systems that we support

We support the following smart devices and operating systems only:

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

Restrictions

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

Source

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

Jabra Launches Jabra+ for Admins, a Cloud-Based Platform for Easy, Secure Video Device Management

Jabra, a global leader in true wireless sound and hybrid work solutions, has announced Jabra+ for Admins, a cloud-based API-first software platform for remote monitoring and management of meeting rooms and devices, at ISE 2024.  

Jabra+ for Admins offers a seamless experience from start to finish, allowing users to manage their communication devices with ease, saving time on administration and troubleshooting. IT administrators will have visibility and control over settings, firmware and insights from one unified software platform and can check in for real-time status updates from anywhere.  

Jabra+ for Admins will pave the way for future experiences for IT administrators, end users, and partners – starting with meeting room and video device management that customers can sign up for now via an Early Adopter Program, with wider availability this summer.  

Next Generation Meeting Room and Video Device Management 

With Jabra+ for Admins, users can effortlessly monitor and manage all Jabra meeting room solutions with a clear visual overview of rooms, locations, and devices. The modern user-interface (UI), new design, and enhanced intuitiveness make device management more accessible, offering a comprehensive solution for IT administrators.  

The platform also allows users to manage all devices in a room collectively, optimising the in-room experience by remotely configuring devices and updating firmware. Furthermore, the real-time online/offline status tracking of rooms and devices helps to identify immediate issues, reducing IT tickets and ensuring a seamless meeting experience.  

A Unified and Secure Cloud Platform  

As a unified software platform, Jabra+ for Admins can integrate with IT help desk systems and third-party tools to create an ecosystem for device management. Whether updating devices, customising headsets, or integrating with Jabra devices, users engage with just a single system.  

Jabra+ for Admins also leverages the security and scalability of Microsoft Azure, providing a future-proof platform with Single Sign-On (SSO) for easy access. SSO enhances security by reducing attack surfaces and streamlining user authentication, resulting in a better user experience and alleviating IT burdens associated with password recovery. 

Holger Reisinger, SVP Enterprise Solutions at Jabra said, “In the hybrid workplace where managing meeting rooms and multiple devices is increasingly complex, we understand the importance of simplicity and efficiency. This is why we created Jabra+ for Admins; a streamlined, secure platform that is easy to use. Users can now be more productive and spend more time on what makes their business thrive.”  

Experience the Future of Intelligent Meetings with Jabra PanaCast at ISE 

Jabra will also showcase its latest video collaboration solutions, the Jabra PanaCast 50 and Jabra PanaCast 50 Video Bar System, at ISE 2024. These cutting-edge solutions feature innovative AI-powered experiences, including the new Intelligent Meeting Space feature.  

Now available, this feature empowers users to personalise and set virtual meeting space boundaries, ensuring only relevant participants within this defined area are included, while excluding bystanders and passersby.  

Jabra will also be presenting its new Mind the Gap – How Gen Z is Disrupting the Workplace in 2024 report at ISE. Download a full copy of the report here: www.jabra.com/GenZ-2024  

Find out more about Jabra at ISE or visit them in Hall 2, Stand 2P130. 

Availability and pricing  

Jabra+ for Admins for meeting rooms and video devices is currently available via an Early Adopter Program, with wider availability this summer. Personal device management is planned later this year. 

Three UK expands business offering with launch of Device Management proposition, supported by CWSI

Three UK has announced the launch of its new Business proposition – Three Device Management.

Powered by Ivanti, Three Device Management is a single solution for the modern management of iOS, Android and the ever-increasing demand for more devices and apps in the workplace.

Three Device Management will be supported by CWSI, a leading European mobile and security management specialist. CWSI will provide service delivery and support expertise for the Three Device Management product suite, including professional, managed and support services.

Targeted towards Medium and Corporate markets, Three Device Management will enable those businesses to easily onboard devices and configure them over the cloud with all the apps, settings and security needed to deliver a seamless experience across any device, ensuring that employees can use mobile devices to access company networks, applications and data securely wherever and however they work. Businesses can rest assured that data and assets remain secure across a fleet, whilst enabling separation of business and personal data on devices to protect employee privacy (BYOD).

The service includes a free 3hr enhanced technical set up, with in-life support provided to all customers as standard by CWSI. Three Device Management offers a tailored experience to customers, ensuring they effectively set up and realise the full benefits of the proposition.

Snehal Bhudia, Director of Business Propositions & Go To Market for Three UK, said:

“In the norm of ‘office anywhere’ where working across multiple devices, and often some of those devices being the same for both personal and business use  –  protection of that business data and maintaining personal privacy, all whilst having a seamless productivity enhancing experience for employees, is an absolute must.

What makes Three Device Management unique is that we’re offering this solution, combined with industry leading support and expert setup from our partner CWSI – one of Europe’s leading mobile security and management specialists, so we can offer a tailored experience to suit the specific network, security and software requirements of each business.”

Ronan Murphy, CEO, CWSI, said:

“We are delighted to work with Three UK on this exciting new service. If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that work is an activity, not a place. The modern workplace requires the ability to work seamlessly from anywhere while maintaining the highest levels of security, with a device network that is easy to manage. At CWSI, we have an unrivalled understanding of enterprise mobility, and this technology will help to underpin growth and enable success for modern businesses.”