Tag: emergency

Vodafone Ireland Launches Critical Service for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Vodafone Ireland has announced the launch of Real-Time Text (RTT), a breakthrough accessibility service designed to improve emergency communications for the Deaf and hard of hearing community.
Vodafone Ireland is the first mobile operator in Ireland to introduce RTT, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive, barrier-free digital communication and connection.  The service is now available for emergency calls following pilot tests on the Vodafone network supported by BT ECAS and ComReg.
RTT is a next-generation messaging technology that enables text to be transmitted instantly, character by character, while maintaining a voice connection – eliminating the need to press “send.” This creates a more natural, fluid communication experience, particularly for deaf, hard of hearing, and speech-impaired users.
Vodafone Ireland customers using both Android and iOS devices can now activate Real-Time Text (RTT) directly via their handset accessibility settings. Once enabled, RTT allows users to send and receive text instantly during a call – making communication more accessible, especially for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
 Crucially, RTT is fully compatible with Ireland’s Emergency Call Answering Service, allowing users to communicate directly with 112 or 999 in real time. This capability can be lifesaving in urgent situations where every second counts.

Approximately 5%, almost 270,000, of the Irish population reports a hearing impairment, according to latest Census data. With the European Accessibility Act coming into effect last month, the need for inclusive digital communication has never been more urgent and RTT is a vital step forward in ensuring equal access for all, especially in critical services like emergency response.

The RTT service is natively supported on smartphones that meet international accessibility standards.
These devices allow character-by-character text transmission during voice calls, without requiring third-party apps or additional hardware. This ensures that users can communicate directly and immediately in emergency situations and in everyday interactions.
Commenting as the service was launched today, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan T.D. said:
“The introduction of Real-Time Text by Vodafone Ireland marks a significant milestone in our national journey towards digital equality. As the European Accessibility Act comes into force, it is heartening to see Irish tech leaders stepping up with meaningful innovation which instantly improves lives. Most importantly, RTT empowers people who are deaf or hard of hearing to access emergency services with the same immediacy and simplicity as anyone else. This is not just a technological advancement – it is a statement of inclusion, of equality and our shared commitment to building a digital society with universal access.

The RTT service is already available on the majority of Vodafone smartphones in Ireland right now, meaning the opportunity to make inclusive communication the norm is already in our hands.  I encourage not only the Deaf and hard of hearing community, but the wider public also to embrace RTT. By making it part of our everyday communication and help ensure it becomes a turning point for real inclusion in a more connected society – one where everyone has the tools to engage, contribute and to be heard.”

Welcoming the launch, Chief Executive of Vodafone Ireland, Sabrina Casalta, said:

“At Vodafone Ireland, we’re committed to keeping everyone connected – our mission is to ensure digital access and connectivity for everyone, everywhere. RTT represents a significant step forward in digital accessibility, especially in emergency scenarios where real-time communication can save lives.  We are proud to be the first in Ireland and one of the leaders in Europe to bring this innovative service to market, that we believe can change lives for the better. The RTT launch has been developed in partnership with government stakeholders, accessibility advocates, and emergency response teams. Vodafone’s RTT deployment places Ireland at the forefront of inclusive tech innovation in Europe.”
Speaking at the launch, Mark Byrne,  CEO of Chime, Ireland’s national charity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people said:
“Chime is excited to see Vodafone Ireland leading the way in ensuring crucial accessibility to emergency services through its RTT service. We know this is a major challenge for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who face barriers in reaching emergency services when they need to.
We commend Vodafone for gathering important feedback from Irish Sign Language users on the RTT, ensuring inclusivity for everyone. We hope to see further investment and expansion of digital accessibility across the communications sector in Ireland.”
Vodafone is Ireland’s leading total communications provider with 2.4 million customers and employs over 2,000 people directly and indirectly in Ireland. Next year, Vodafone Ireland will mark 25 years in Ireland. Vodafone Ireland was recently named Ireland’s best mobile operator for the 10th year in a row by independent benchmarking organisation, umlaut. Vodafone Ireland was also recognised as Best in Reliability, Best in Voice, and Best in Crowdsourced Reliability.
What is Real-Time Text (RTT)?
RTT is an accessibility service that allows text to be transmitted instantly as it’s typed, allowing for natural, real-time conversations. Unlike traditional SMS or legacy TTY systems, RTT doesn’t require waiting for a full message to be typed before transmission. It is especially useful for Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired users and supports full interaction with emergency numbers 112 and 999.
How to Enable RTT on Your Device
Vodafone Ireland customers using both Android and iOS devices can now activate Real-Time Text (RTT) directly from their handset settings.
·       On Android, users can go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing > RTT and toggle the feature on.
·       iPhone users can enable RTT by navigating to Settings > Accessibility > RTT/TTY and switching on “Software RTT.” Once enabled, RTT allows users to send and receive text instantly during a call — making communication more accessible, especially for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
For more information, please visit www.vodafone.ie.

Doro Aurora A30 Seniors Phone Review

Smartphones are aplenty these days for the seniors in our lives however some offer no help for those adopting technology in their later years and some do the Doro Aurora A30 does both as it offers a simple UI to work from and the typical standard Android menu giving those who want to learn the option too or just keep it simple. You can check out the first look and unboxing here.

The phone itself is well built with a 6.1 inch screen which might be a tad too big for some however those who like their media on their device this is ideal. It is on the slightly thicker side again this is not for all but some prefer a phone they can hold and know it is in their pocket too and by that I mean you can feel the device unlike other feature phones and dumb phones etc.

On first looking at the device myself it does feel and look solid there is your volume keys on the left and your power on/off key and quick action key on the right side. On the front of the device there is three physical buttons which are nicely shaped and make it easy for calls and return to home however once opened you can also have a choice of gestures or touch based options which is the norm now on Android devices.

On the back of the phone you have the camera array and the Doro secure button this is how you can contact your relatives once you have numbers assigned on the device. You also have your flash and speaker here too. The main camera is 50Mp which is plenty you can see the image and video gallery below for sample and you be the judge it is a decent all round camera for the target market.

Doro Aurora A30 images and video samples 

Under the hood we have decent specs on board for those wondering, this is not boasting top of the range specs however plenty to keep anyone going with their daily tasks, as a power user myself I had no issues with doing what I do which is much more than your average user or senior it is fair to say and it worked fine over my test period.

I tested out the 4GB RAM 128GB model which runs Android 14 with MT6769Z (G85) chipset which I consider mid range and as said it performs well for the target market here. The app I use for videos had a hard time trying to upload a 4K video but when converted to 1080p for the image and video samples it was fine, again the target market would not use such apps but just to give you an idea.

Stand out features one the Doro Aurora A30 are ClearSound which is also compatible with hearing aids The Doro Secure Button which enables you to assign contacts for care etc, The menu structure which keeps it simple, each time you add an app for example it will prompt you to have on your home screen, You also have biometrics on board with Face unlock and there is theft protection and finally you have two tiers of support including Team Viewer as Seen Below and how it works.

Overall this is not a bad phone that will be suitable for any senior to get started on the smartphone buzz, there is a trend that people want to come off such devices which is fine and there is also a trend of those wanting more than feature phones but are afraid of the convoluted mess Android delivers but this offers a fresh easy to use UI with tutorials on board making life simple, after all not all seniors are not capable of enjoying a phone to the max but there is some coming out of retirement from dumb phones and feature phones and I know some that suffer with FOMO, check out the videos below for more and what to expect.

TeamViewer on the Doro Aurora A30

 

 

Features

  • SIMPLE & SECURE SENIOR PHONE: Easy to use, the Doro Aurora A30 smartphone is ideal for older adults. It features a large 6.1″ screen, practical buttons, clear sound, and an SOS button to ensure peace of mind every day.
  • PRACTICAL FEATURES: Compatible with hearing aids (HAC), this easy-to-use mobile phone features Doro ClearSound technology for clear calls. It is also equipped with a 50MP camera and a user-friendly interface.
  • DORO SECURE BUTTON: In an emergency, simply press the Doro Secure Button with GPS location on the back of the Doro phone. It will alert the users connected responders to let them know help is needed.
  • PRACTICAL AND ERGONOMIC: Combining modern use with practicality, the Doro Aurora A30 senior smartphone offers smooth touch navigation and easy-to-use, tactile call buttons, while providing an excellent grip.

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UI walkthrough on the Doro Aurora A30 

PanPan Kids Smartwatch: A Safer, Smarter Alternative to a Smartphone for Young Children

Tunstall Emergency Response and Pandu have partnered to launch the PanPan Kids Smartwatch, a wearable device designed to keep children aged 7 – 12 years safe and parents connected without the need for a smartphone or internet access. Prioritising safety, privacy, and ease of use, the PanPan Kids Smartwatch provides peace of mind for parents while allowing children to explore with a sense of independence.
The PanPan Kids Smartwatch is built with safety at its core, featuring:
  • No Camera, No Recording Function – Designed for enhanced security and privacy compliance, making it suitable for schools and aligned with GDPR policies.
  • Full Parental Control – Parents have complete access through the app to customise settings and manage features.
  • Geo-Fencing for Extra Security – Parents can set safe zones and receive instant alerts if their child moves beyond them.
  • Two-Way Calling – Parents and children can communicate easily, ensuring peace of mind and instant connection when needed.
  • Seamless Communication –  High-quality, crystal-clear audio enhances two-way conversations for reliable interaction.
Equipped with a built-in SIM card, the PanPan Kids Smartwatch enables two-way calling, so kids can easily reach their parents in any situation. It also features a dedicated SOS button that, when pressed, sends an instant alert to the parent’s app, along with the child’s real-time location. These features, combined with GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and optional 24/7 support, make it a comprehensive safety solution for families.
Parents can feel confident knowing their child is safe and secure—whether at home, school, on a playdate, or a school trip. The built-in GPS tracker allows parents to check their child’s location in real time, while the two-way calling feature ensures kids can always reach their parents, and vice versa.
What Parents Are Saying
Louise Rawlins, a mother of two young girls, shares her experience: “As a parent, safety is my top priority. I want my daughters to have independence while avoiding risks associated with the internet and social media. The PanPan Kids Smartwatch gives me peace of mind while allowing them to explore safely.”
Krystle Foley, a mother of three boys, values the focus on childhood without unnecessary technology exposure: “Children should enjoy being kids for as long as possible. Smartphones bring distractions and risks that I’d rather avoid. The PanPan watch is the perfect solution—it keeps us safely connected without needing a phone.”
Key Benefits for Parents
  • Privacy-Focused – No camera or recording functions, ensuring safety at school and compliance with GDPR.
  • Affordable and Convenient – Provides essential connectivity without the distractions or risks of a smartphone.
  • SOS and Two-Way Calling – Instant connection between child and parent at any time.
  • Real-Time Location Tracking – GPS location accessible through the app.
  • Geo-Fencing Alerts – Parents can set safe zones and receive notifications when their child moves beyond them.
  • Activity Monitoring – Built-in pedometer promotes movement and healthy habits.
  • Durable & Kid-Friendly Design – Comfortable, customisable straps and available in fun colours.
  • Optional 24/7 Monitoring Support – Additional security for families (available at an extra cost per month).
“We’re thrilled to launch the PanPan Kids Smartwatch. In today’s digital world, it’s more important than ever to let kids be kids—protecting their safety while giving them space to grow,” said James Doyle, MD of Tunstall Emergency Response. “The PanPan offers parents a smart, simple way to keep children connected without a smartphone.”
Guoxian Yang, Founder & CEO of Pandu, added, “We’re pleased to partner with Tunstall to bring the PanPan Kids Smartwatch to market. By leveraging advanced GPS and secure communication technology, we provide parents with a reliable, easy-to-use safety solution in a connected world.”
The PanPan Kids Smartwatch, designed for children aged 7–12, is typically priced at €200, with a €20 per month monitoring and SIM fee and €7 per month for app access.
For a limited-time launch offer, the PanPan is available for €185 plus €12 per month for app and call services until 30th April 2025. Available now through the Tunstall Emergency Response website
or by calling 0818 999247.

emporia SMART.6 lite smartphone review

The emporia SMART.6 lite smartphone is one of their latest devices to their portfolio of simple to use phones for the older generation amongst us which is great as technology is now being embraced by such and not only that some situations in life now require such devices at hand to do certain things.

emporia have been leaders in this area with smartphones offering a variety of easy to use devices in which takes away the convoluted mess people have to go through for setting up and more and making it simple to use and set up to each individual’s requirements without the hassle of too many settings and sub-menus.

They do however have a newer model which is the ME.6 which needs to be mentioned for a more seasoned elderly user that allows both the true Android user experience and not only that reverts to the simple menu emporia are renowned for and this device is again a simpler version of the SMART.6

Now I am fortunate enough to get to test the best phones on the market costing up to two grand and more and even for a seasoned poweruser all year round with several devices in use at one time or on rotation I often get frustrated with such phones with all the menus and sub menus and finding things people need and have to look for but with emporia phones this is not the case with this and other models.

I would put the SMART6.Lite in the mid range with the pricing and specs here overall it has all the features you would expect on any other smartphone but simplified to a simple menu structure and again comes with a cool leather cover case with a visible screen and 4 main keys and once you open the cover you have 4 options present which of course can be changed by pressing and holding to select whatever suits you better and do check the emporia coach app which needs to be installed.

On the homescreen you will see a settings icon swipe left for contacts and emergency options and swipe right for your favourite apps and swipe right for you full list of favourites now these can be changed when you add your own apps and on the bottom right you can see and all apps folder and then these can be used as shortcuts.

The smartcover can be changed to functions/favourites or turned off but I highly suggest it is used even at default settings and it is going with the company’s ethos keeping it simple and you should look at the accessibility menu here for more.

The triple lens camera has a 13MP main camera with depth of field and macro for fantastic photos using the easy camera App, or you can use the Pro-Camera App . The 8mp selfie camera on the front brings fun snaps every day and is ready for WhatsApp video calls.The camera is ok in mostly yielding better results on outdoor settings in the daytime you can see samples taken by me below on the best settings if you are one that still likes to take photos which would be the case for family gatherings and so on for the older gen these days and from a typical user the camera is fine but will not win awards for the usual expectations you would see on more expensive devices which is fine as in my experience these days with the older folk including my father is not to pushed on taking photos but just looking at them online or what has been sent to him on WhatsApp and so on.

Image and video samples

There is a One touch Panic button on the back in the camera array which you will add a number to on the homescreen by swiping left as mentioned above and can be used to keep you safe at night or used as a quick access key for your camera or the handy torch.

 

Overall for me this is a well built device offering the basics and more for the older generation keeping things simple you are not getting the bells and whistles you may find on other phones here but this is not intended for that market and it can easily do your daily tasks and more.

As a long time user of emporia products and putting them to real world testing loaded with my app collection multitasking and more these are the best devices on offer for those wanting more and going forward will need more for certain tasks in life and my own father has switched some time ago from his much loved Nokia phones to an emporia device I gave to him and to be fair he has not much patience with smartphones but I get it like his friends and neighbours they just want things kept simple and empora is the way forward if you are moving up from a dumbphone or feature phone for the first time.

Specs

 

  • 4G smartphone with 5.45″ HD screen
  • Award winning emporia easy to use interface (switchable to standard android)
  • Smart cover with 4 interactive buttons for key features (including use of Camera / calls & torch)
  • Easy charging cradle included
  • NFC for contactless payments and real-time blood glucose monitoring
  • Finger print reader for biometric security
  • Physical panic button for personal security
  • 6GB RAM & 128GB RAM (Expandable with micro SD card)
  • Octa-core 1.8GHz processor processor
  • Triple lense 13MP main camera with 8mp selfie camera
  • Height: 147 mm Depth 9mm

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Unboxing and UI walkthrough

Tech Review – GlobalLink Multipurpose solar charged lamp

Now that the dark evenings are in this could be one solution and the right piece of tech to carry with you as you can charge by day and party by night and not only that you can charge your phone or tablet on the go, this lamp by GlobalLink has many other tricks up its shirt too with three different light modes on the exterior torch and when it opens up it has an accordian style lamp ( 360 degree light) which also has three light modes both are standard light brighter and flashing which can be useful. You also get a strap which is heavy duty and can be used for whatever purpose you may find use for and it is ideal for those who go camping.

Night time sample of the GlobalLink multipurpose lamp techbuzzireland

 

This can also be used at home in the house or at a festival and charges by mains or solar which is great, there is an 800 mAh battery inside which is not the biggest in the world but the portability factor here is great as it folds down into a pocket size tub if you will and it also has a hook up top and the solar panels are underneath, the torch is on the opposite end and all in all makes a handy little gadget to have in your kit for going camping, to the beach and more. There is a carabiner and Survival Bracelet with Whistle Included – A whistle is for signal delivery, survival bracelets are prepared for any emergency, stretchy material makes it fit for small and large wrists. It is also handy to wear it on and off.

GET A DISCOUNT USING THE CODE – AGUQMOFW

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Video Link