Tag: features

Samsung Encouraging Users to Activate Latest Anti-Theft Features to Help Tackle Phone Theft

As incidents of phone theft continue to rise around the world, Samsung is calling on Galaxy users to activate the latest anti-theft features now available on their devices. These updates reflect Samsung’s commitment to delivering smarter, stronger protection – helping users safeguard their data and stay in control, even in high-risk situations.

Samsung recently started rolling out One UI 7 with security updates to existing features, including additional theft protection and anti-robbery features. These will now also be available to even more devices, having started with the launch of the Galaxy S25 series in February, and now expanding across more Galaxy smartphones throughout the year.

Samsung is introducing new security updates to better protect users in the event of phone theft. One major update is Theft Protection – a multi-layered suite of features developed to safeguard personal data, even in high-risk situations such as robbery.

Theft Protection builds on standard Android safeguards, which are effective in typical theft scenarios where the thief doesn’t know the PIN. With One UI 7, Samsung goes further by introducing additional protections that address more advanced or high-risk threat scenarios, including cases where access credentials may have been exposed.

Galaxy users can now enable a range of new security measures, including Identity Check, designed to offer stronger protection in complex theft scenarios. These features respond automatically and intelligently to suspicious activity, helping ensure that personal data remains secure and under the user’s control in these critical moments.

Existing and updated features in Theft Protection include:

  • Theft Detection Lock: This uses machine learning to detect motions associated with theft such as snatching, and instantly locks the screen to stop unauthorized access.
  • Offline Device Lock: The screen gets automatically locked if the device is disconnected from the network for an extended period, ensuring protection even when the device is offline.
  • Remote Lock: If the device has already been stolen, users can lock it remotely using their phone number and a quick verification step. Remote Lock also allows users to regain control of their account and explore additional recovery options.

 New Anti-Robbery features released on One UI 7 include:

  • Identity Check: In unfamiliar locations, the ‘Safe Places’ feature requires biometric authentication for any changes to sensitive security settings, adding an additional layer of protection when a PIN may have been compromised.
    • Security Delay: A key component of Identity Check, it triggers a one-hour waiting period if someone attempts to reset biometric data. This crucial buffer gives users time to lock the stolen phone from a connected device, such as a PC or tablet, before unauthorized access can occur.

These updated theft features are now becoming available on previous flagship devices, starting with the Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip 5, S23 and S22 series,  with future updates planned for even more Galaxy smartphones.

Further steps to take if your Samsung Galaxy device is lost or stolen

 

How to remotely lock your Samsung Galaxy device:

  • Sign into Samsung Find using your Samsung account
  • Select your phone on the left-hand side of the page, then choose Lost Mode in the device details section
  • Create a PIN to unlock your phone if recovered, and enter it twice to confirm
  • You will have the option to add an emergency contact and a custom message that will display on the locked screen (It’s recommended to skip this step to avoid sharing personal contact details)
  • When you are ready, select the Lock button and verify your Samsung account to activate Lost mode
  • If your device is recovered, you can unlock it using the PIN that was created when setting lost mode on your device

 

How to remotely delete data on your Samsung Galaxy device: 

  • Visit the Samsung Find website
  • Select the phone you want to erase and choose Erase Data
  • Verify your Samsung account credentials
  • Review the information provided and tap Erase to confirm
  • All the data on your mobile, including Samsung Pay information, will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered
  • This will also reset your phone, meaning you won’t be able to locate and control it via Samsung Find
  • Make sure to regularly back up your data to the cloud so you can restore it to a new device if needed

 

How to remotely change your Samsung and/or Google account passwords: 

  • It is recommended to change the passwords for your Samsung and Google accounts (or whichever accounts are linked to your device) by signing in through their respective websites
  • Once changed, you will be signed out of all connected devices, except the one you’re using
  • This prevents unauthorized access to account-linked features and protects your personal information

 

How to track your Galaxy device:

If your device is turned on and connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, its last known location will appear on a map

  • Visit the Samsung Find website
  • Sign in with the Samsung account associated with your device (or a guardian’s account)
  • If multiple devices are linked to your account, they will all appear – select the one you want to locate
  • You’ll see its current or last known location

 Other remote features available: 

  • Ring: Make your device ring even if it’s set to silent or vibrate
  • Extend battery life: Activate power-saving settings to keep your device on longer and improve the chances of recovery
  • Track location: Enable real-time location tracking and your phone’s location will update every 15 minutes until tracking is stopped

Other ways to locate Galaxy devices

 

Find your phone using your Galaxy watch (WearOS 5 or higher):

  • Swipe down from the top of your Galaxy Watch to open Quick settings
  • Tap the Find My Phone icon
  • Tap Start to begin the search – your phone’s ringtone will sound
  • Once found, tap Stop on your watch or the X icon on your phone

Find your Galaxy Watch: 

  • Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone
  • Tap Find My Watch (or Find My Band / Find My Gear, depending on your device)
  • If connected via Bluetooth, tap Start
  • Your watch will vibrate and play a sound (depending on model)
  • Once found, tap the X icon on your watch or Stop on your phone

Find your Galaxy Buds: 

  • Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone or tablet
  • Tap Find My Earbuds
  • Tap Start – your earbuds will begin beeping and gradually increase in volume for three minutes
  • Once found, tap Stop

Using Google’s Find My Device:

  • Google’s Find My Device is built into Android via Google Play Services
  • You will need a Google account to use it
  • With this tool, you can set a new password, make your device ring, display a message, lock and wipe your device, and more

Contact the authorities and your mobile network provider: 

  • Once taken the steps above, report your lost or stolen device to the police and record a crime incident report
  • Contact your mobile network provider to freeze your contract and prevent unauthorized usage

For additional device protection, it is recommended to have insurance that covers accidental damage, loss, or theft. Samsung offers a variety of protection plans – visit Samsung.com to explore coverage options that best suit your needs.

To find out more about the latest anti-theft features now available on Samsung devices please visit: Samsung.com/ie

See our Samsung Reviews

How to Get +70% Website Conversions with BDR Voice AI Agents

Most websites are basically digital ghost towns. Visitors arrive, look around, and leave without a trace. While the average site converts just 2.35% of traffic, some businesses are flipping this script entirely with Voice AI technology that actually talks to prospects.

These aren’t your typical chatbots. We’re talking about sophisticated AI representatives that hold real conversations, qualify leads on the spot, and hand off hot prospects to your sales team with context intact.

Why Your Website Stays Silent While Competitors Cash In

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: traditional contact forms capture less than 1% of your visitors. Think about that for a second. Ninety-nine percent of people who could become customers simply vanish because they hit a wall of friction.

Live chat sounds like a solution, but human agents can’t work 24/7 or handle traffic spikes. Most businesses admit they’re not happy with their conversion rates, yet they keep using the same broken playbook.

What if instead of hoping visitors fill out forms, your website could start conversations? What if it knew exactly what to say based on where someone landed and what they were looking for?

The Voice AI Breakthrough That’s Changing Everything

Voice AI has moved way beyond robotic responses. Today’s BDR (Business Development Representative) Voice AI agents sound natural, think strategically, and adapt their approach based on real-time visitor behavior.

They don’t just answer questions—they guide conversations toward conversion goals. Picture your best salesperson available every hour of every day, never taking a break, never having an off day.

Real Numbers from Real Businesses

Companies using Voice AI BDR systems aren’t seeing modest improvements. They’re reporting conversion jumps that sound almost too good to be true.

Visitors become 5x more likely to complete interactions when they can actually speak with someone (even if that someone happens to be AI). The psychological shift is massive—instead of filling out another form, prospects feel like they’re getting personalized consulting.

One client saw their website conversions increase by 70% within three months. Another reported even higher gains when they combined Voice AI with smart personalization. These aren’t outliers—they’re becoming the new normal for businesses that embrace conversational technology.

The difference comes down to engagement. Most people abandon websites within seconds if they can’t quickly find what they need. Voice AI eliminates that friction entirely.

Why Voice Conversations Convert Better Than Text

Something interesting happens when prospects hear a voice instead of reading text. Even though they might know it’s AI, their brain still processes it as a social interaction. Trust builds faster. Objections surface naturally. The entire dynamic changes.

Traditional forms hide problems. Someone might abandon your checkout because they have a simple question about pricing or shipping. Voice AI jumps in with instant answers, keeping the momentum going instead of losing the prospect to frustration.

There’s something else happening here that’s harder to measure but incredibly valuable. When people talk, you hear things you’d never catch in writing. Maybe they sound rushed (timeline pressure), maybe they’re excited about a specific feature, or maybe there’s hesitation around budget. The AI picks up on these vocal cues and responds accordingly.

Getting Started: The Smart Implementation Path

Rolling out Voice AI doesn’t require massive overhauls. The smartest companies start with their highest-traffic pages and most common questions.

First, identify where visitors typically drop off. Maybe it’s your pricing page or product comparisons. Install Voice AI there and watch what happens to engagement rates.

Next, train the system on your actual sales conversations. What questions do prospects always ask? What objections come up repeatedly? Feed this knowledge into the AI so it can handle these scenarios automatically.

Finally, connect everything to your existing CRM and scheduling systems. When the AI qualifies a hot lead, it should seamlessly book a meeting with your sales team and pass along the full conversation context.

Advanced Features That Separate Winners from Wannabes

Basic voice AI answers questions. Advanced systems do much more.

Smart AI knows which page triggered the conversation and tailors its approach accordingly. Someone reading case studies gets different treatment than someone checking out pricing. This contextual awareness can boost results significantly.

Memory matters too. When someone returns to your site, the AI remembers previous conversations and picks up where you left off. It feels personal because it is personal.

The best systems also handle multiple languages, expanding your reach without hiring multilingual staff. And when prospects are ready to buy, the handoff to human sales reps includes complete conversation history—no starting over, no lost context.

Measuring What Matters

Track engagement rates first. How many visitors start voice conversations compared to traditional contact attempts? Most companies see dramatic increases here.

Completion rates tell you if conversations feel natural or forced. Industry leaders achieve completion rates above 85% because their AI systems know how to maintain engaging dialogue.

Qualification accuracy matters most for sales teams. What percentage of AI-qualified leads turn into real opportunities? Top performers hit 90%+ accuracy because they’ve fine-tuned their qualification criteria.

Revenue attribution closes the loop. Which voice conversations turn into actual deals? This metric proves ROI and justifies continued investment.

Choosing Your Voice AI Partner

Not every Voice AI platform delivers the same results. Generic solutions often disappoint because they can’t adapt to specific industries or sales processes.

Companies like NextLevel.AI specialize in creating Voice AI Agents tailored for individual business needs. Instead of one-size-fits-all chatbots, they develop conversation experiences that actually fit how your business works and how your customers buy.

You want a partner who can customize everything, connects with your existing tools without headaches, and gives you real insights about what’s working. Most importantly, when prospects interact with it, they shouldn’t feel like they’re talking to a machine.

The Window is Closing Fast

Smart companies are moving quickly on this. While most businesses are still debating whether to try voice AI, the early movers are already capturing more leads and closing more deals.

Those 70% conversion jumps we’re seeing now? They’re happening because most competitors haven’t caught on yet. But that won’t last forever. Once everyone realizes what’s possible, the advantage shrinks.

The real question isn’t whether Voice AI will become standard—it’s whether you’ll be ahead of the curve or scrambling to catch up while competitors dominate your market with superior conversion rates.

8 Essential Features to Look for in a Memory Card

Have you ever run out of storage on your phone or camera at the worst possible moment? It’s frustrating, right? Whether you’re capturing precious family memories, storing important documents, or saving your favorite songs, having the right memory card can make all the difference. Memory cards come in various types, sizes, and speeds, which can be overwhelming if you’re not sure what to look for.

In this blog, we will share the essential features to consider when choosing a memory card to help you make an informed decision.

1. Storage Capacity

The first thing people often notice about memory cards is their storage capacity. This refers to how much data the card can hold. Memory cards range from a few gigabytes (GB) to several terabytes (TB). The right capacity depends on your needs. For example, if you’re just saving photos from your phone, a 32GB or 64GB card might be enough. However, if you’re recording 4K videos or need to store large files, you might need 256GB or even 1TB.

Consider how you plan to use the card. Frequent travelers or photographers may prefer larger capacities to avoid swapping cards often. Just remember, larger capacity cards tend to cost more. So, balance your budget with your storage needs.

2. Read and Write Speeds

Read and write speeds determine how fast data is transferred to and from the card. The write speed is how quickly data can be saved onto the card, while the read speed is how fast it can be accessed. If you’re shooting high-resolution photos or recording HD videos, faster speeds are crucial.

When looking for the fastest micro SD card, pay attention to speed class ratings. Cards labeled UHS-I or UHS-II offer faster speeds. UHS-II cards are quicker but may be more expensive. For everyday tasks, a card with moderate speeds will do, but professionals often need the fastest micro SD options to keep up with their work.

3. Card Type

Not all devices support every type of memory card. The most common types are SD (Secure Digital), microSD, and CompactFlash. SD cards are standard in cameras, while microSD cards are popular in smartphones, tablets, and action cameras. CompactFlash cards are usually used in professional cameras.

Make sure to check your device’s compatibility before buying. A microSD card with an adapter can work in SD slots, offering flexibility. However, always read your device manual to confirm which card type is recommended.

4. Durability and Reliability

Memory cards can face harsh conditions, especially if you travel or work outdoors. Some cards are designed to be water-resistant, shockproof, temperature-resistant, and even X-ray-proof. This added durability helps protect your data in tough environments.

If you’re a photographer shooting in extreme weather or someone who’s always on the go, look for cards with these protective features. Even if you don’t think you’ll need it, accidents happen. Investing in a durable card can save your valuable data from unexpected damage.

5. Speed Class Ratings

Speed class ratings indicate the minimum write speeds of a memory card. You’ll see symbols like Class 10, U1, U3, V30, or V60 on the card. Class 10 is suitable for HD video recording, while U3 or V30 is better for 4K video. The higher the number, the faster the minimum speed.

Understanding these ratings helps you pick a card that matches your device’s requirements. For example, recording a 4K video on a Class 4 card can lead to buffering issues. Always check your device’s recommended speed class before making a purchase.

6. Security Features

Some memory cards come with built-in security features to protect your data. For example, certain SD cards have a physical write-protection switch. When enabled, this switch prevents data from being accidentally deleted or overwritten.

Other cards may offer encryption options, which are useful if you’re storing sensitive information. While these features aren’t necessary for everyone, they can be valuable for professionals or anyone concerned about data security.

7. Price vs. Performance

It’s tempting to buy the cheapest memory card you find, but this can be a mistake. Lower-priced cards often have slower speeds, less durability, and shorter lifespans. On the other hand, the most expensive card might offer features you don’t need.

Consider how you’ll use the card and find a balance between price and performance. If you’re a casual user, a mid-range card with good reviews will likely be enough. If you rely on your memory card for professional work, it’s worth investing a bit more for higher performance and reliability.

8. Brand Reputation and Warranty

When buying a memory card, the brand matters. Established brands have a reputation for quality and reliability. These brands often provide warranties, giving you peace of mind in case of defects. While off-brand cards may be cheaper, they can pose risks like data corruption or short lifespans. Always buy from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit products. Checking customer reviews can also help you gauge the reliability of a specific card. Look for brands that have been in the market for a long time and have consistently positive feedback from users. Reputable brands invest in quality control and rigorous testing to ensure their products meet high standards.

Moreover, consider the warranty and customer support options provided by the brand. A good warranty can be a lifesaver if your card malfunctions. Some brands offer lifetime warranties, while others may provide coverage for a few years. 

In conclusion, choosing the right memory card isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can find. It’s about understanding what features matter for your specific needs. From storage capacity to speed, durability, security, and brand reputation, each factor plays a role in how well the card will perform. Next time you’re shopping for a memory card, take a moment to consider these features. Doing so can save you time, money, and the frustration of lost data. Your memories and important files deserve the best storage solution you can provide.

TOZO NC9 ANC Earbuds Review

The TOZO NC9 ANC Earbuds are one of their latest on the market and now come with some new AI features since AI is the buzzword but it actually works quite well be it via text or speaking whilst having them in your ears.

The build quality it great and kept simple as always with TOZO and the fit nicely in the ears and with the right tips they will not fall out or budge.

These earbuds require taps to get the commands out and work really well and the earbud controls can be changed to suit your requirements.

There is no wireless charging here or auto play and pause so if these are things you require you may check out others from the brand but this is no huge deal with the audio quality you get here which is the most important factor for most.

The controls work really here and TOZO have been consistent here too we go through this in the video review below.

With the audio in mind yet again it is excellent and up there with more expensive brands out there at a fraction of the cost and there is a huge suite of EQ modes built in plus a community there to pick from and get suggestions, you have several noise cancelling modes here to which is also great including wind reduction mode and leisure mode all these can be changed by a tap too.

The sound is excellent and you will not be disappointed either feeling central and immersive when you turn the volume up and with the level of EQ settings you are in control, highs lows and mids are great excellent bass and no distortion or lag latency noted in my usual test run I was impressed yet again considering the cost factor here.

There is a latency mode built in for the gamers and works well when it comes to the audio so for the gamers you are covered here too.

You now also have AI built into the App whereby you can either type or ask a question which is handy this worked on most occasions and can only see it improve over time.

 

TOZO APP now with AI

 

  • Active Noise Cancellation】Hybrid 3-layer Active Noise Cancellation. 1. Outward-facing microphone detects external sounds and counter with equal anti-noise to first cancel noise. 2. Inward-facing microphone listens inside the ear canal to pick up internal sounds and produce anti-noise again to cancel the left noise. 3. Ear caps prevent 90% of noise going to the ear canal.
  • 【Transparent Mode】You can hear what you want to hear, which lets outside sound in so you can hear and interact with the world around you. You can clearly hear the announcement of the airline or subway and what is happening around you without taking off the headphones.
  • 【Built-in Dual Noise Cancelling Microphone】Double microphone noise reduction system suppresses environmental noise. A dedicated internal and two external microphones pick up your voice and isolate it from outside noise.
  • 【One-step Pairing】Pick up the two headsets from the charging case, and they will be paired automatically. Then simply enable Bluetooth connection on your mobile phone to pair the device with your earbuds.
  • 【Charge on the Go】TOZO NC9 wireless earbuds can last for over 13 hours of playtime from a single charge and 27 extra hours in the compact charging case. The Active Noise Cancellation mode can last for over 7 hours of playtime. Providing a convenient charging way with no strings attached.

BUY

Other TOZO reviews

Video review

December Pixel Drop: New features for your Pixel phone, Tablet and more

Starting today, new AI features on Android will help people express themselves authentically and connect their digital life with real-world experiences. The latest updates include audio captions that capture intensity and emotion, image descriptions enhanced with Gemini and clearer scans in Google Drive.
The latest Pixel Drop will bring more intelligent, helpful and intuitive features to devices, with new ways to use Gemini, camera improvements and security updates.

The latest Pixel Drop brings more intelligent, helpful and intuitive features to your devices, with new ways to use Gemini, camera improvements and security updates. Better yet, it brings some favorite features to more countries.

Use Gemini in new ways

Customize how Gemini helps you

Get more personalized responses from Gemini with the new saved info feature in Gemini Advanced. Saved info lets you ask Gemini to remember your interests and preferences so it can provide more helpful and relevant responses, tailored to your goals and needs. For example, tell Gemini you’re a vegetarian, and Gemini will remember and provide you vegetarian-friendly recipes without needing constant reminders. You can easily view, edit or delete any information you’ve shared as well as see when it’s used.

Get help across more of your favorite apps

We’re making it easier to access more apps and services from Gemini on Android. You can now ask Gemini to call personal contacts or businesses, as well as draft and send messages with your default phone and messaging apps. You can even set alarms, control your device settings, and open your camera to take a quick selfie.

We’ll be adding support for even more apps in the coming weeks. With the new Spotify extension you can play your favorite songs and discover playlists for any mood. You’ll be able to ask Gemini to control smart home devices that your Google Account can access such as lights, AC or TV, as well as ask Gemini for more information about a place on Maps and have it read reviews and scan websites to answer any questions.

Additionally, Gemini Live is now available in more languages!

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Answer phone calls the smart way

Screen calls with even smarter replies from Gemini Nano

Gemini Nano on Pixel can now suggest more contextual easy-to-tap replies for you in Call Screen. This means you can easily respond to unknown callers without having to take the call yourself. For example, if a package is being delivered, you can use this feature to respond to the delivery person by answering their yes or no questions or asking relevant follow-up questions — all via simple prompts that will show up on your screen.

See live transcripts of your screened conversations so you know if want to pick up

You can now peek into conversations between the caller and the AI agent during an automatic Call Screen. You can also answer or decline a call at any time during the screening session.

Capture memories, get creative and stay organized

Share to social in fewer steps

Now you can capture and share Ultra HDR photos — full of bright intensity, higher contrast and more detail — right to your Instagram Feed.

Easily find photos and videos to share on Snapchat

It’s even easier to find photos and videos that you want to share on Snapchat. Instead of scrolling through your device photo albums, now you’ll see all your folders, favorites and cloud photos through the Photo Picker.

Strike a pose with Dual Screen

Don’t struggle to get the perfect portrait photo this holiday season: Take advantage of Dual Screen on your Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold in Portrait Mode so you and your photo subject can preview every shot before capturing the moment.

Get more smiles with Made You Look updates

Made You Look is now available on the first-generation Pixel Fold! Use fun animations on the outer screen to grab your little one’s attention and snap a photo at the perfect moment.

Plus, Pixel 9 Pro Fold users get an extra treat: Joy from Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out joins the fun, bringing even more smiles to your photos.

Send Pixel Studio stickers right from Gboard

Want to show off your Pixel Studio sticker creations in more places? They’re now available in your Gboard keyboard, so you can share them with friends and family via messages, social media and more.11

Discover more wacky emoji mash-ups

Emoji Kitchen in Gboard is your source for all the weird and hilarious emoji mixes of your dreams. And now with updated navigation, it’s easy to find the perfect expression when a standard emoji isn’t enough, straight from your keyboard.12

Get super-organized with screenshots

New Pixel Screenshots upgrades will help you stay organized during a busy holiday season. For starters, when you’re using Circle to Search and find something you like, you can save to Pixel Screenshots with just a tap so you can always find it later — no more lost gift ideas!

And Pixel Screenshots now automatically categorizes your screenshots, so it’s even easier to find exactly what you need with new search filters. When you find what you’re looking for, Pixel Screenshots provides helpful suggested actions based on the information you saved — like creating a calendar invite or getting directions.

Pixel Screenshots also lets you add tickets or credit cards you’ve screenshot to Google Wallet giving you quick access to things like your driver’s license, boarding passes and more in one convenient spot.

And in Gboard, you’ll now see movie, music, product and other text suggestions from your screenshots while searching in relevant apps. Just turn on “Show suggestions from your screenshots in other apps” in the Pixel Screenshots app.

Listen (and look) at better audio-visual tools

Give your captions new life

Expressive Captions, now available for Android phones, uses AI to automatically capture the intensity and emotion of how someone is speaking for any content with sound on your phone, even livestreams. When you’re watching live sports, texting, using social media or watching a video message, you’ll see things like a gasp at a juicy secret, cheers and applause for a big win and all caps when someone is really excited.

Enjoy cleaner audio

Reduce noise and distractions automatically with the new update to the Recorder app. Whether you’re using the app to record a lecture or important interview, distracting background noises can make audio playback hard to follow. You can now enable the “Clear voice” feature on Recorder to focus on speakers and reduce background noise.

Enjoy a smoother, faster Pixel experience

Make your Pixel easier to read and navigate

We’re introducing a new way to navigate your smartphone with Simple View. Simple View increases your phone’s font size and touch sensitivity, making it easier to see and use controls, apps and widgets.

See what’s playing

Discover more songs and artists with Now Playing’s latest upgrade. You’ll now be able to see album art for each song in your Now Playing history, so it’s easier to explore new music.

Access controls on Pixel Tablet faster

You can now jump straight into using your go-to controls on your Pixel Tablet. All you have to do is swipe right from your tablet’s lock screen to access widgets for quick controls for your smart home devices, timers, music and more.

Try expanded safety and security features

Travel with peace of mind

Are you traveling this holiday season? Now, when you’re in a new location, Identity Check in beta will require your face or fingerprint authentication before any changes to sensitive settings can be made on your phone. This gives you extra protection against anyone who might try to take your phone and access your passwords, change your PIN or turn off theft protection features.

Keep your data even safer

Previously only available on Pixel phones, you can now use our free built-in Google VPN on your Pixel Tablet. This means data like your internet traffic, private messages and photos, health information, banking details and location data are all protected when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.

Tune into your home from your wrist

See who’s knocking at your door from your Pixel Watch 2.21 When you get a notification from your Nest Cam or Nest Doorbell, you can now see a live view of your porch and talk with whoever’s there right from your wrist.22

Check out health and safety tools in new regions

We’ve expanded access to Loss of Pulse Detection for Pixel Watch 3 users in Germany and Portugal. Loss of Pulse is a first-of-its-kind feature that can identify when someone’s heart suddenly stops beating due to conditions such as cardiac arrest, poisoning or respiratory arrest, and then prompt the watch to call emergency services for help.

For people in Germany, we’re also expanding access to Fall Detection for all Pixel Watch generations and Car Crash Detection to Pixel phones as well as Pixel Watch 2 and 3.

Stay in tune with your body’s recovery

Our enhanced Daily Readiness algorithm and new tools — Cardio Load and Target Load — originally launched with Pixel Watch 3. Now they’re coming to Pixel Watches and Fitbit smartwatches and trackers that support Readiness starting December 9. Powered by Fitbit’s advanced health and fitness capabilities, these metrics help you know your body better and balance activity with recovery so you can optimize your workouts and rest to prevent overtraining. On Pixel Watches, you can view these metrics on-wrist within the Fitbit Today app or by adding the Readiness complication to your watchface, and for Fitbit devices you can view these metrics in your Fitbit mobile app’s Today tab.

The December Pixel Drop, as well as new Android features, begins rolling out today.

Secure Your Website with Reliable Maintenance Services

Understanding the Importance of Website Security

In today’s digital age, a website is often the first point of contact between a business and its customers. With increasing online interactions, websites have become prime targets for cybercriminals. The risks associated with poor website maintenance can range from minor glitches to catastrophic data breaches. Despite this reality, many businesses still overlook the importance of maintaining their websites, potentially exposing their operations and customers to vulnerabilities.

Website security is not just about having the right tools in place; it’s a continuous process that requires regular updates and monitoring. This ensures that sensitive data, such as customer information and proprietary business data, remains secure from unauthorized access. The consequences of neglect can be severe, including loss of customer trust, legal complications, and a damaged brand reputation.

The Role of Reliable Maintenance Services

Reliable website maintenance services play a pivotal role in securing a website. These services go beyond occasional updates; they implement comprehensive strategies to maintain a website’s functionality, performance, and security. Professional maintenance services include monitoring site uptime, analyzing performance metrics, and applying security patches promptly. By prioritizing these actions, maintenance services are a primary defense against potential security threats.

Regular maintenance helps identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Experienced professionals can spot unusual activities, warning signs of a possible attack, or weak points in a website’s architecture, allowing for proactive measures rather than reactive solutions. This is crucial in reducing the risk of data breaches and ensuring a seamless experience for users.

Regular Updates: A Cornerstone of Security

Software updates are fundamental to maintaining website security. Whether it’s a content management system (CMS), plugins, or themes, updates usually contain patches for known vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals often target outdated software with unpatched vulnerabilities, making regular updates a crucial component of website security.

Ignoring software update notifications can be dangerous even if a website does not appear to need updates. Staying updated ensures that your site’s features operate smoothly and visitors are safe from potential security threats. Automated update solutions or maintenance packages offered by professionals can help manage these tasks seamlessly without requiring the website owner to be constantly involved.

Monitoring and Response: Key Maintenance Features

Continuous monitoring is essential to keep a website running smoothly and securely. Real-time alerts allow for quick responses to any unusual activity, such as unauthorized login attempts or sudden spikes in traffic that might suggest a Denial of Service (DoS) attack.

Moreover, a reliable maintenance service will also include regular performance monitoring. By analyzing load times, server uptime, and user interactions, professionals can ensure that the website offers a seamless user experience. If unaddressed, performance issues can affect user satisfaction and SEO rankings.

This proactive approach addresses immediate concerns and contributes to a strategic improvement plan that optimally aligns your website’s functionality with business objectives and user expectations.

Backups: Your Safety Net

Website backups act as a safety net in the event of data loss due to cyberattacks, server failures, or human error. Regularly scheduled backups ensure that a recent copy of your site can be restored quickly, minimizing downtime and potential data loss. This essential element of website maintenance helps maintain business continuity, even in disruptions.

A comprehensive maintenance service should offer automated, regular backups stored securely. This approach ensures that reinstating a website to its fully functional state is fast and straightforward, avoiding potential revenue loss or reputation damage associated with long periods of downtime. Coupled with robust security measures, backups assure businesses that their data integrity remains intact.

Cost Efficiency Through Proactive Maintenance

While hiring professionals to manage website maintenance comes with an initial cost, it is often more cost-effective in the long run. Proactively managing and maintaining a site prevents minor issues from escalating into major, more expensive problems. Recovery from cyberattacks can be extremely costly, involving technical repairs, potential legal fees, and revenue losses due to downtime.

Proactive maintenance also saves money by streamlining operations and ensuring that a website is always at peak performance. Optimized site performance retains users and improves conversions, adding value beyond site security. Furthermore, by maintaining high efficiency, businesses can allocate their resources more effectively, focusing on growth and innovation rather than crisis management.

Choosing the Right Maintenance Service Provider

Choosing the right maintenance service provider is crucial for ensuring robust website security. Look for providers with a proven track record and expertise handling websites like yours. They should offer comprehensive packages that include security audits and updates to performance monitoring and regular backups.

Reliability, transparency, and experience are key attributes when selecting a partner. A provider that keeps pace with the latest security trends and technological advancements is invaluable in maintaining a secure and efficient website. Building a long-term relationship with a skilled provider can offer peace of mind and focus your energies on what truly matters: growing your business.

Conclusion: A Secure Future Through Maintenance

Securing your website through reliable maintenance services is not an option but a necessity in today’s digital world. By understanding the importance of regular updates, continuous monitoring, and professional maintenance services, businesses can protect themselves from potential threats and ensure a seamless online experience for their users. Implementing proactive maintenance strategies safeguards digital assets and enhances user trust and operational efficiency, laying a solid foundation for sustained online success.

In a constantly changing digital landscape, harnessing the expertise of a reliable maintenance service mitigates risks and unlocks opportunities for your online business, ensuring it stands the test of time.

Notion launches new productivity features and previews Notion Mail at flagship event

Notion has launched a suite of new features at Make With Notion, the company’s first global conference held at Pier 27 in San Francisco. The new tools include Forms, Layouts, a new Marketplace, and more connected, customisable automations. Notion has also previewed its upcoming email solution, Notion Mail, designed to reimagine the email app. These features are designed to enhance Notion’s flexible, streamlined, and intuitive user experience for its community of builders and creators and enhances productivity.

Forms:

Notion’s new native form tool enables users to capture responses directly within the platform. It provides everything needed in a ‘forms’ tool while leveraging the power of Notion to organise, analyse, and track information in one place. Users can now:

  • Capture everything in one place: Whether that’s feedback, bug reports, campaign requests or event RSVPs
  • Kick off work in one step: Teams can be more efficient with forms connected to workflows. Once a form is submitted, it can automatically create a task, assign it to the appropriate team members, and notify stakeholders of progress

All users will have unlimited access to forms for free.

 

Layouts:

Layouts allows users to more easily customise the look and feel of their Notion pages. Different use-cases, such as tasks, projects or meeting notes can each have their own layouts, which can be configured easily by dragging and dropping properties and modules. This includes the ability to:

  • ‘Pin’ key database properties for easy access and organise others into collapsible sections
  • Organise files, media, and large text fields to match how you work
  • Use a simple drag-and-drop builder for customising layouts

All users will have access to layouts for free.

 

Improvements to automations:

Automations within Notion are now more connected and customisable, with three new action capabilities being introduced.

  • Connecting workflows in Notion and Gmail: Users are now able to use an automation to notify people via Gmail quickly and easily. This could include instances like a form being submitted or the status of a project changing
  • Customising automations with formulas: Database and button automations now support formulas that can complete steps in the background when an action is triggered. For instance, when a task is marked as done, it can automatically show how long it took to finish. Many repetitive workflows can now be fully automated in this way
  • Web request actions: This enables users to automate actions in other tools using simple low-code / no-code platforms based on real-time triggers in Notion. This functionality is coming soon

These automations will be available in all paid Notion plans.

 

Marketplace:

The new Marketplace is a redesigned website experience and accessible within the Notion app via the sidebar. Marketplace serves as a trusted place to find and get inspired by what’s possible in Notion, with templates made by a community of experts, designers, and everyday users. Templates are a quick and easy way to get started with Notion, a source of inspiration, and a way to learn the product or a new use case.

The new Marketplace includes several tools to help creators list and sell their templates more effectively. These include:

  • Native payments and refunds for template creators, with a fee paid to Notion, so that creators can monetise their templates more easily
  • Ratings and reviews, so users and creators can see clear feedback on templates
  • Access locking, to protect templates for being shared outside of the workplaces where it was initially added
  • Template analytics, for creators to see how their templates are performing

 

Notion Mail [preview]

Notion Mail, which is coming soon, is a new take on email apps. It syncs with Gmail and allows users to move away from the old ways of a rigid inbox and embrace a new way—where email works for you and your workflows. With Notion Mail, users can expect to:

  • Craft timely, beautiful emails: Notion users get to take advantage of the typical Notion experience, but in email
  • Have a view for every need: Notion Mail distils email down to its building blocks, enabling users to create tailored views, layouts and actions for every type of use case and workflow
  • Put email on autopilot: With Notion AI, users can simply set a prompt, and emails are automatically organised, drafted and archived. Users can even let Notion AI handle the tedious back-and-forth such as scheduling and follow-ups
  • Schedule with Notion Calendar: Users can easily book time directly with others, with a scheduling button that already knows their availability

GoFundMe and Instagram Team Up to Supercharge Charity Fundraising with Game-Changing Social Features

GoFundMe and Instagram are launching innovative and new social sharing features to supercharge charity fundraisers and help raise more money for charities.

GoFundMe and Instagram’s new integration introduces a range of enhanced features designed to make fundraising more effective and engaging. Charities and fundraising organizers will benefit from enhanced sharing capabilities that allow their fundraisers to stand out in social feeds, making it easier to capture attention and build support. The integration also provides seamless sharing across Instagram and Instagram Stories, giving fundraisers a wider platform to reach followers and engage their communities. With native donation experiences built directly into Instagram, users can now donate without leaving the app, simplifying the process and increasing conversion rates. Additionally, real-time dynamic progress bars and a newly designed donate button will inspire immediate action by showing the live impact of contributions, encouraging more people to give and share with their networks. This integration is set to supercharge fundraising efforts, bringing greater visibility and engagement to causes that matter most.

Speaking about the new integration, GoFundMe CEO, Tim Cadogan says, “Ireland is the most generous country on GoFundMe and that extends to charity. Around one in every five GoFundMe pages in Ireland is for a charity. This integration will unlock powerful new channels for Irish people to raise millions more for charities – and give organisations the tools to inspire a new generation of supporters to make a difference for the causes they care about.”

These new features on Instagram are set to officially launch on 31st October, allowing charities and fundraisers to start leveraging the enhanced social sharing and donation tools in the run up to Christmas. With this integration, charities will be able to raise more funds by engaging with their Instagram communities in a seamless, user-friendly way. Additionally, Facebook will soon follow with similar enhancements, expanding the reach of fundraising efforts across both major platforms. This dual-platform integration will maximize the impact of every fundraiser.

“We are thrilled to introduce new features that will help connect more people with charity fundraisers shared on Facebook and Instagram,” said Allison Hartnett, Director of Central Social Impact at Meta. “We have heard from our charity partners that fundraising on their platform of choice is important, and are excited to be working with partners like GoFundMe to expand our offerings for nonprofits.”

To enable these new fundraising features, charities will need to ensure they meet a few key requirements. First, they will need to have a Facebook business page, which acts as the foundation for linking their social media presence with the fundraising tools. Next, they’ll need a professional Instagram account that is linked to their Facebook page. This connection is crucial as it allows the charity to seamlessly integrate GoFundMe fundraising with Instagram’s sharing and donation capabilities. Finally, charities must be enrolled in Facebook’s fundraising tools. This enrolment ensures that the necessary infrastructure is in place to process donations directly through Instagram. Once these steps are completed, charities will be able to leverage the enhanced sharing tools, real-time donation tracking, and dynamic donation options to boost their fundraising efforts and engage with their communities more effectively.

About GoFundMe:

GoFundMe is the world’s leading crowdfunding platform dedicated to helping people help each other. GoFundMe has helped raise over $30bn for people and charities.

For charities to leverage the new enhancements, they will need the following

  1. You’ll need a Facebook business page
  2. You’ll need a professional Instagram account, linked to your FB page
  3. You’ll need to be enrolled in Facebook’s fundraising tools

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

BUY 

Other emporia reviews

Unboxing and UI walkthrough