Tag: #home

Woodie’s expand online product range by thousands through Virtualstock partnership

 Woodie’s, Ireland’s leading DIY, Home and Garden retailer, has partnered with Virtualstock, the range extension platform, to scale its online product offering and deliver a richer customer experience. The collaboration has already seen Woodie’s expand its product range by 10% in the first quarter since going live, with a further 10,000 products set to go live in the coming months.

By integrating Virtualstock’s user-friendly dropshipping and supplier management tools, Woodie’s can now onboard suppliers faster and more efficiently, cutting time to market whilst increasing choice. The partnership is central to Woodie’s ambition to lead in omni-channel retail, offering customers an even wider selection of products both online and in-store.

Customers are already seeing the benefits with hundreds more orders processed each month, improved returns via Drop2Shop integration and easier access to new product categories. The returns process is also more convenient, with customers now able to return online purchases via QR code at any of Woodie’s 35+ stores nationwide, enhancing the post-purchase journey and brand loyalty.

“At Woodie’s, our mission is to be Ireland’s leading omni-channel DIY, Home and Garden retailer,” said Damien Dwyer, CEO, Woodie’s. “Our partnership with Virtualstock is a key part of that journey, enabling us to rapidly expand our product catalogue and offer customers more choice and flexibility than ever before. Virtualstock also allows us to bring new products and brands to market quickly, helping us stay ahead in delivering the variety and convenience our customers expect as market leaders.”

Ed Bradley, CEO, Virtualstock, added, “People are shopping online more than ever before – Ireland leads this trend, with 96% of internet users making online purchases last year. Purchasing home, furniture, and garden accessories online is on the rise. We want Woodie’s to be able to capitalise on that – giving them the tools to stay one step ahead of shifting demand.

Woodie’s has experienced an impressive 10% range uplift in the first quarter, and there’s lots more where that came from. Strategic range expansion is the fastest, smartest way to meet customer demand without overextending operations, and it’s a clear example of how smart technology can unlock scalable growth.”

Woodie’s is the latest in a growing cohort of major retailers investing in technology-first range expansion. With demand shifting fast and consumer confidence still recovering, giving customers more choice, without the stock risk, has become a strategic imperative.

ESET bulks up its ESET HOME consumer protections against identity theft, ransomware, phishing, and more

Last October, cybersecurity company ESET  announced some updates to ESET HOME Security  and I was wondering if you’d like to take a look at the latest version of ESET’s consumer offering to do a new review which covers the new features?

To rceap, ESET HOME Security is an all-in-one security management platform, available across all major operating systems and covering all typical smart home devices.  To complement the long list of existing layers of protection, including Antivirus & Antispyware, Firewall, Ransomware Shield, Anti-Phishing, Safe Banking, Safe Browsing, Password Manager, VPN and anti-theft, to name just a few, new features and upgrades have been added including:

  • New Dark Web Monitoring — ESET Identity Protection scours websites on the dark web, black market chat rooms, blogs, and other data sources to detect the illegal trading and selling of users’ personal information. ESET technology sends prompt alerts so users can take immediate action.
  • New ESET Folder Guard — This technology helps protect Windows users’ valuable data from malicious apps and threats, such as ransomware, worms, and wipers. Users can create a list of protected folders — files in these folders can’t be modified or deleted by untrusted applications.
  • New Multithread Scanning — Improves scanning performance for multi-core processor devices using Windows by distributing scanning requests among available CPU cores. There can be as many scanning threads as the machine has processor cores.
  • New Link Scanner — This feature improves  ESET Mobile Security Anti-Phishing that, in general, blocks potential phishing attacks coming from websites or domains listed in the ESET malware database. The Link Scanner is an additional layer of protection for Android smartphone users that allows ESET Mobile Security to check every link a user tries to open, not only those coming from supported websites and social network apps.
  • Improved Gamer Mode — This feature is for users who demand uninterrupted usage of their software without pop-up windows and want to minimize CPU usage. The improved version allows users to create a list of apps automatically starting gamer mode. For cautious players, there is also a new option to display interactive alerts while gamer mode is running.
  • Improved Password Manager — ESET Password Manager now includes an option to remotely log out of Password Manager when it is logged in on other devices. Users can check their password against the password breach list and view a security report that informs users if they use any weak or duplicate passwords for their stored accounts. Password Manager has an integrated option to use third-party programs as an optional two-factor authentication (2FA).
  • Improved Cyber Security for Mac users — ESET HOME Security tiers for Mac users now have a new unified Firewall with both basic and advanced setup options in the main Graphical User Interface (GUI). This means the solution is tailored to the needs of users from basic to more advanced, without unnecessary settings.

These enhancements correspond to the increasing number of advanced, automated, and AI driven threats targeting individuals and address growing concerns about data privacy, ransomware attacks, phishing, and scams. ESET offers three subscription tiers to ESET Home Security, more information on what’s included can be found here.

 

Smart Floors and Sensors: Revolutionizing Safety to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents

Incidents involving slips and falls represent a significant concern in both residential and commercial environments. According to the National Safety Council, slip and fall incidents account for over 8 million emergency room visits each year in the United States alone. These accidents can lead to severe injuries, legal liabilities, and financial burdens for both victims and businesses. As a result, the need for effective preventive measures has never been more crucial. Enter smart floors and sensors—innovative technologies that promise to transform safety protocols and drastically reduce the occurrence of such accidents.

Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents

According to one law firm, incidents involving slips and tumbles happen when a person loses their stability due to unsafe conditions and suffers injuries. These occurrences can take place in various environments, such as retail establishments, sidewalks, and corporate offices. Notably, the elderly and individuals with mobility issues are particularly vulnerable, often facing more severe consequences from such tumbles.

Statistics illustrate the gravity of the situation: slip and fall accidents rank as the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the United States, trailing only motor vehicle accidents. The repercussions extend beyond physical harm; they can lead to emotional trauma, lost productivity, and financial strain from medical expenses and legal fees. Therefore, addressing the root causes of these incidents is imperative for fostering a safer environment.

The Role of Technology in Safety

Technological advancements have revolutionized various industries, and safety is no exception. The introduction of smart floors and sensors exemplifies how innovation can enhance safety measures and prevent accidents. Smart floors integrate advanced sensor technology to monitor and analyze environmental conditions in real-time, alerting users to potential hazards before incidents occur.

These systems can detect moisture levels, temperature changes, and even the presence of foreign objects. For instance, if a floor becomes wet due to a spill, sensors can trigger an immediate alert, prompting cleaning personnel to address the situation. By leveraging data and insights generated from these systems, businesses can create a proactive approach to safety, ultimately reducing the risk of tumbles and falls.

How Smart Floors Work

At the core of smart flooring technology lies a network of sensors strategically embedded in the flooring material. These sensors continuously monitor environmental factors that contribute to slips and falls. For instance, moisture sensors can detect spills or leaks, while pressure sensors can analyze foot traffic patterns to identify areas with increased risk.

The data collected by these sensors is transmitted to a central system that analyzes the information in real-time. If the system detects a potential hazard, it can send alerts to staff or management through mobile applications or dedicated dashboards. This immediate feedback loop allows for swift intervention, significantly lowering the chances of accidents occurring.

Case Studies and Applications

Numerous businesses have already adopted smart flooring solutions with remarkable results. For example, a large retail chain implemented smart floors in high-traffic areas to monitor slip hazards. After the system went live, the company reported a 30% reduction in incidents involving slips and falls within the first year. Additionally, customer satisfaction improved, as shoppers felt safer navigating the store.

In healthcare settings, smart flooring has proven invaluable. Hospitals have adopted these systems to ensure the safety of patients and staff, particularly in areas prone to spills. By minimizing hazards, these facilities not only protect individuals but also reduce their liability and insurance costs. The success stories from various industries underscore the potential of smart floors to revolutionize safety standards.

Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits of smart floors are clear, some challenges may arise during implementation. One primary concern is the initial investment required to install these advanced systems. For some businesses, especially smaller ones, the cost may be a significant barrier. However, it’s essential to consider the long-term savings associated with reduced accidents, lower insurance premiums, and improved employee productivity.

Moreover, organizations must ensure that staff are trained to effectively use and maintain the smart flooring systems. Without proper training, the technology’s effectiveness may diminish, leading to potential lapses in safety protocols. Regular maintenance and updates are also crucial for ensuring that the sensors operate optimally and deliver accurate data.

Future Trends in Safety Technology

Looking ahead, the future of safety technology appears promising. Innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are poised to enhance the capabilities of smart flooring systems. By analyzing historical data, these technologies can predict potential hazards and offer insights into how to mitigate risks effectively.

Moreover, the integration of smart floors with other safety technologies—such as video surveillance and building management systems—could provide a comprehensive approach to workplace safety. This holistic strategy could not only enhance prevention of slip and fall accidents but also address various safety concerns, creating safer environments for all.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the integration of smart floors and sensors represents a significant advancement in the quest to prevent slip and fall incidents. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, businesses can proactively monitor and address hazards before they lead to injuries. As the world continues to embrace technological innovations, the potential for creating safer environments grows. Investing in smart flooring solutions not only enhances safety but also contributes to a more productive and positive experience for employees and customers alike. Embracing these technologies can pave the way for a future where slip and fall accidents are significantly reduced, ensuring safety for all.

 

The Role of AI in Identifying and Preventing Nursing Home Abuse: A New Frontier

Nursing home abuse is a pervasive issue that impacts the most vulnerable members of our society. According to recent studies, approximately one in six older adults experience some form of abuse in care settings. This alarming statistic highlights the need for innovative solutions to protect residents and ensure their safety and well-being. Enter artificial intelligence (AI), a technology that has the potential to revolutionize how we identify and prevent nursing home abuse. By harnessing the power of AI, we can create a safer environment for elderly residents, empowering caregivers and families alike.

AI technologies have emerged as essential tools in various sectors, including healthcare. These intelligent systems can analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and even predict potential risks. In the context of nursing homes, AI can be applied to monitor interactions between staff and residents, detect signs of abuse, and facilitate timely interventions. As we delve deeper into the role of AI in addressing nursing home abuse, it becomes clear that we are entering a new frontier in elder care—one that prioritizes safety, transparency, and accountability.

Understanding Nursing Home Abuse

According to the Law Office of Michael D. Waks, nursing home abuse manifests in several forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect. Physical abuse involves inflicting harm or pain on a resident, while emotional abuse encompasses verbal assaults, threats, or humiliation. Financial abuse refers to the illegal or improper use of a resident’s funds, and neglect occurs when caregivers fail to meet the basic needs of residents. Recognizing these types of abuse is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.

The impact of nursing home abuse extends beyond the individual victim. Families endure emotional distress and often face significant financial burdens as they seek justice for their loved ones. In many cases, abuse goes unreported due to fear or lack of awareness. By leveraging AI technologies, we can enhance the detection of abuse and provide the necessary support to those affected, ultimately transforming the landscape of elder care.

The Emergence of AI in Healthcare

AI has already begun to reshape the healthcare industry, offering innovative solutions for improving patient outcomes and streamlining processes. Machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics are just a few AI applications that have gained traction in recent years. These technologies enable healthcare providers to analyze patient data, predict potential health issues, and enhance decision-making.

In elder care, AI’s potential is particularly promising. For instance, AI can monitor residents’ health data in real-time, providing caregivers with valuable insights that inform care decisions. Furthermore, AI systems can streamline administrative tasks, allowing staff to focus more on resident care and less on paperwork. As the technology continues to advance, the integration of AI into nursing homes will become increasingly vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.

How AI Can Identify Nursing Home Abuse

AI technologies play a crucial role in identifying nursing home abuse by monitoring interactions and analyzing data. For example, video surveillance systems equipped with AI can detect unusual behavior patterns, such as a caregiver exhibiting aggressive behavior towards a resident. These systems can alert management and initiate investigations, allowing for timely interventions that can prevent further abuse.

Moreover, AI can analyze communication patterns between residents and staff. By employing sentiment analysis, AI systems can assess the emotional tone of conversations, identifying potential signs of distress or fear among residents. This proactive approach enables nursing homes to address concerns before they escalate, fostering a culture of safety and trust.

AI’s Preventative Measures Against Abuse

In addition to identifying abuse, AI can implement preventative measures that enhance the safety of nursing home residents. For instance, AI-driven alert systems can notify caregivers when a resident exhibits signs of distress or if a caregiver’s behavior deviates from established norms. These alerts promote accountability and ensure that staff members remain vigilant in their interactions with residents.

Furthermore, AI can be instrumental in training and educating nursing home staff. By analyzing data on best practices and common pitfalls, AI systems can provide tailored training programs that improve caregiving techniques. Empowering staff with the knowledge and tools to deliver compassionate care not only reduces the risk of abuse but also enhances the overall quality of life for residents.

Ethical Considerations and Challenges

While the integration of AI in nursing homes offers significant benefits, it also raises ethical concerns that must be addressed. Privacy is a paramount consideration, as residents have the right to feel secure in their living environment. Implementing AI technologies requires careful planning to ensure that residents’ privacy is protected while still allowing for effective monitoring.

Additionally, the cost of implementing AI solutions can be a barrier for many nursing homes, particularly those with limited budgets. To overcome this challenge, collaboration among stakeholders—such as government agencies, technology providers, and care facilities—will be essential. By fostering partnerships and investing in AI technologies, we can create a more sustainable model for enhancing elder care while addressing the pressing issue of nursing home abuse.

Conclusion

The role of AI in identifying and preventing nursing home abuse represents a new frontier in elder care, one that prioritizes safety, transparency, and accountability. By leveraging AI technologies, nursing homes can enhance their ability to detect and address abuse, ultimately fostering a culture of care and respect for residents. As we move forward, it is crucial for stakeholders to embrace these innovations while addressing the ethical considerations and challenges that accompany them. Together, we can create a safer environment for our elderly population, ensuring that they receive the compassionate care they deserve. Through the integration of AI, we can pave the way for a future where nursing home abuse becomes a relic of the past, replaced by a commitment to dignity and respect for all residents.

 

Samsung Announces Massive Black Friday Savings

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching but fear not as Samsung’s Black Friday deals are sure to appeal to everyone on the gifting list. From smartphones that enhance productivity, to the must-have home entertainment setup and award-winning TV and soundbar range, get your hands on the latest cutting-edge technology at incredible prices.

In addition to these deals, Samsung users can enjoy the gift of Circle to Search with Google to find the best bargains for all items on their lists. Circle to Search is a Google-powered feature on all Samsung smartphones enabled with Galaxy AI and allows you to quickly search for information about what you see on your screen — including images, videos or text by making a simple circle gesture with your finger or the S Pen.  Perhaps you are scrolling on social media and see the perfect jumper or pair of shoes for a friend, or loved one – simply circle it and receive search results for identical and related items, allowing you to compare prices in an instant and make the most of Black Friday.

Mobile – Offers valid until 3rd December

SAVE €220 on the Samsung Galaxy S24

  • Welcome to the era of mobile AI. With Galaxy S24 in your hands, you can unleash whole new levels of creativity, productivity and possibility — starting with the most important device in your life. Your smartphone.

Enjoy €300 off the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra (14.6″ Wi-Fi)

  • Experience the power of Circle to Search with Google on a larger screen on the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. Just circle, highlight, or tap an image or text to get Google Search results. You can even get instant translations.

SAVE €100 on the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

  • Nightography just got fun. The Galaxy A35 5G comes with an improved NPU and enhanced sensor that makes photos clear with detail even in the dark. From nightscapes to night portraits, you’ll get more detail in every shot.

Enjoy €120 off the Galaxy Watch Ultra

  • Gear up for every expedition with a range of band options for all terrains. With the new One UI, powered by an all-new processor, Galaxy Watch Ultra has you covered for all your exciting thrills.

Enjoy €60 off the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro

  • Leave your phone in your pocket and conveniently control your earbuds by using simple gestures. Even with a swift swipe, rest assured your Galaxy Buds3 Pro stay securely in your ears.
  • TV/AV Black Friday Offers – Valid until 2nd December

 

Receive a complimentary The Freestyle 2nd Gen worth up to €700 when you buy any 2024 Neo QLED 8K TV

  • Get a free sleek, sharp and portable projector which can project up to an 100” frame for free when you buy any 2024 Neo QLED 8K TV

Claim up to €360 cashback on OLED TVs

  • Purchase any of the award-winning 2024 S90D, S93D or S95D models and claim up to €360 OLED TV’s.

Home Appliances – Valid until 2nd December

SAVE over €500 on the Samsung Silver Classic AI Fridge Freezer [RB53DG706AS9EU]

  • Maximise space with this smart fridge freezer which offers more room on the inside whilst maintaining the same size on the outside due to its slimmer walls. Smart all-around cooling maintains a steady temperature throughout the entire fridge, without it building up any frost.

SAVE over €500 on the Samsung American Style Fridge Freezer with SpaceMax™ [RS64DG5303S9EU]

  • This super sleek Samsung fridge freezer is big on capacity, style, and quality, with its larger capacity allowing you to stock up the fridge for the whole family.

SAVE over €500 on the Samsung Series 7 Side-by-side [RS68CG882ES9EU]

  • With impressive Twin Cooling Plus technology, this fridge freezer uses two separate air flows to stop your food from drying out, meaning it stays a fresh and tasty for longer. Ensure you’re always ready for a celebration, this appliance has an extra wide wine shelf fitted.

SAVE over €1300 on the Samsung Family Hub [RF65DG9H0ESREU]

  • This fridge freezer helps you keep on top of your groceries in a smart way. With AI Vision, you can monitor the food that are in the fridge freezer and can even generate a shopping list or meal plans based on what’s you already have in stock.

SAVE over €100 on the Samsung Series 5 Classic Fridge Freezer [RB38C605DB1/EU]

  • With AI Energy Mode, this fridge freezer tracks your power consumption so that you can keep on top of your bills. Not only that, you can also select the perfect temperature and humidity for your fruit and veg with the Humidity Fresh + drawer. This fridge freezer offer optimal personalisation for you and your family.

See our Samsung Reviews 

What Fuels the Growing Popularity of Home EV Chargers in Ireland

Gone are the days when car owners would go to flashy showrooms just to see what electric vehicles are all about. The EV revolution is well underway, and many homes in Ireland already come equipped with home EV chargers. This shouldn’t come as a surprise as this new breed of “filling station” appears all set to disrupt the entire automotive industry.

Home EV chargers provide all the solutions EV owners have been looking for: convenience, cost savings, and control. The rise of this trend is fueled not only by practicality, but by a cultural shift that reflects the growing desire for self-sufficiency and sustainability.

Why Home Charging is Gaining Traction

Who actually likes going to the petrol station? The stink of fuel, wrestling with that clunky pump, and feeling the glare of the drivers queuing up behind you aren’t exactly the best part of anyone’s day. For those driving electric, that whole weekly petrol station dance is starting to fade out. Home charging gives you back those little moments that used to get sucked away by that boring chore. Imagine getting home after a crazy day, plugging in your car just like you would your phone, and you’re done.

Speaking of phones, remember back in the day when mobile phones first came out and you’d get those crazy phone bills all the time? Public charging can feel a bit like that—a constant hit to your wallet. Charging at home gives you the power to actually manage how much you’re spending on powering your car. Not only can you make the most of those cheaper electricity rates at off-peak times, but you can also keep an eye on how much you’re using with those fancy smart charging apps.

Government Initiatives and Support

The Irish government actually seems to be on board with making this whole thing easier! Take those folks at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), for example. They’re practically throwing money at you to get a charger installed at home. Their grant scheme can cover a huge chunk of the installation cost, so it’s a total no-brainer if you’re thinking about going electric. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, we get that this whole eco-friendly tech thing can be a bit pricey, so here’s a little something to help you out.”

The government’s also looking beyond our own driveways, with some pretty ambitious plans to get more electric cars on the road and build up a proper charging network. They’re putting money into public charging stations, pushing those smart charging technologies, and even looking at how to plug electric cars into the national grid.

Now, let’s get to those enticing extra perks: lower motor tax, cheaper tolls, and even getting to park in those fancy preferential spots. They’re really laying on the perks to get people to ditch their old diesel guzzlers and go electric. It’s a bit of a carrot-and-stick situation, maybe, but hey, who’s complaining when the carrots are this sweet?

Choosing the Right Home Charger

Picking a home EV charger can feel a bit like trying to choose a new phone. There are tons of options with all kinds of fancy features, different brands all trying to get your attention, and a whole load of tech specs that can make your head spin. Unlike your phone though, you’ll probably have this charger for quite a while, so it’s worth taking the time to figure out what you really need.

To start, let’s consider the difference between tethered and untethered chargers. As you might guess, a tethered charger has the cable permanently attached to the unit. It’s a bit like those old landline phones—always there when you need it, but not exactly designed for portability. Untethered chargers, however, offer greater flexibility. With a separate cable, you can use it with different vehicles without having a cable hanging from your wall when not in use.

Next up, we need to think about charging speed. Do you need a charger that can juice up your car in a flash, or are you okay with a slower, overnight charge? This really comes down to how you use your car, the size of your car’s battery, and how much patience you have. Just keep in mind that those super-fast chargers usually come with a heftier price tag.

Smart chargers should also be on your radar. These clever little gadgets can do all sorts of things, like making sure your car charges when electricity is cheapest, keeping things balanced so you don’t overload your home’s electricity, and even tracking how much energy you’re using. You can even get chargers than can also charge or kids electric ride on car. 

And unless you happen to be an electrician (and let’s face it, most of us aren’t!), you’ll need to get someone in who knows what they’re doing. They’ll take a look at your home’s electrical setup, figure out the best spot for your charger, and make sure everything’s installed properly and safely. You know, so you don’t have to worry about any unexpected fireworks displays.

One last thing: think about the future when you’re choosing your charger. You don’t want to get something that’s going to be outdated in a couple of years, right? So, ask yourself, will you be getting a car with a bigger battery down the line? Would you be interested in vehicle-to-grid, where your car can actually pump energy back into the grid? It’s worth thinking about these things now, so you don’t end up regretting your choice later.

 

Certa launches new lower carbon biofuel for home heating

Fuel supplier Certa has become the first Irish operator to launch a new lower carbon blended biofuel for the home heating market as it continues to pursue its strategy of delivering cleaner energy solutions for domestic customers.

The company, which is part of DCC plc, has said that its new fuel could enable each of the 700,000 Irish households who currently use liquid fuel heaters to lower their home heating carbon emissions by up to 20%. Ireland’s residential sector currently accounts for 10% of national emissions.

The newly launched biofuel comprises a 20%/80% blend of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), which is produced from waste plant matter, and kerosene. Householders can use this instead of home heating oil directly without any need to replace or modify their boilers.

The new lower carbon fuel will be rolled out across Certa’s national network of 23 home heating depots, starting this week with its depot in Tallaght which will supply customers in south and west Dublin and north county Kildare.

Kerosene is the most common fuel used in home heating systems in Ireland. Certa supplies almost 100,000 customers with 265 million litres of home heating fuel each year. The average household consumes between 1,000 and 2,000 litres of home heating fuel per annum.

The new product launch will be supported by a full marketing campaign across print, digital and out of home to promote and further encourage customers to switch to the new blended biofuel.

Orla Stevens, Managing Director, Certa Ireland said:

“Our goal at Certa is to make it easy for customers to transition to cleaner energy solutions that reduce their carbon footprint. We are leading the way in introducing solutions that are accessible and affordable. Switching to this lower carbon HVO-Kerosene fuel is easy. There is no requirement to upgrade your home heating boiler and it can be done with zero disruption to the household”.

“We are delighted to be the first fuel supplier in Ireland to launch a new lower-carbon fuel for home heating. We will empower our customers to make positive and impactful environmental changes in their own homes and to help Ireland achieve its longer-term ambition of net zero by 2050.”

The launch follows Certa’s success in attracting diesel drivers to switch to HVO to reduce their carbon emissions by up to 90%. Last year, it became the first fuel operator to open a fully-fledged HVO fuel station in Liffey Valley and has since become the first to offer HVO at 10 of its forecourts. One in five of Certa’s network of 49 unmanned, pay@pump forecourts now offers HVO alongside other fuels.

Certa’s commitment to making new cleaner energy solutions more accessible and affordable has also led to its acquisition of leading solar and renewable energy specialists Alternative Energy Ireland. AEI offers Ireland’s only cashback guarantee if the solar system does not perform as promised, providing customers with financial compensation for the amount of the loss concerned.

Certa has also helped a growing number of businesses and events to lower their emissions and to transition to HVO as a renewable fuel, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), John Sisk & Son Ltd., Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, The National Ploughing Championships, the Irish Open and Bloom.

The company is one of the first HVO suppliers in Ireland to be awarded International Sustainability Carbon Certification (ISCC) which provides full transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. This certification enables Certa to create and assign Proof of Sustainability (POS) certification to the businesses that it supplies with HVO.

Renovation Nation: Home improvement projects drive consumer spending surge in Ireland

Revolut, the global financial app with more than 45 million customers worldwide, and over 2.8 million in Ireland, has identified a surge in the amount its customers across Ireland are spending on home improvements projects.

Revolut’s consumer spending analysis tracks millions of card payments each month to indicate several real-world spending trends by the country’s Revolut customers.

With Ireland’s national Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) increasing by more than 10% in the 12 months to August 2024, it could be that rising prices are pushing many across the country to renovate rather than relocate.

Rising prices driving renovation demand?

Whether getting onto the property ladder for the very first time or weighing up whether a move to a bigger home is within reach, it appears that priority number one for families across Ireland is renovating houses in accordance with their needs. Revolut’s analysis suggests that people are opting to renovate rather than relocate, either by extending or remodelling homes.

Headline figures included a 30% rise (QoQ increase) in payments to special trade contractors, with an additional 14% rise (QoQ increase) in masonry, stonework, and plastering costs, pointing to a probable jump in the number of house extensions getting underway last month.

Architects and tradespeople the beneficiaries

With an increased demand for work on home improvement projects, architectural firms and surveyors are proving the beneficiaries of people in Ireland’s need to renovate their homes. Spending on fees for these services rose 22% (QoQ increase) — up 18% on this time last year.

Busier carpentry contractors (33% QoQ increase) and heightened spending on plumbing and heating equipment (19% QoQ increase) suggests increasing workloads for these trades too.

Meanwhile, the amount spent at household appliance stores rose by 22% (QoQ increase), as consumers spent a third more (33% YoY increase) on furnishings for their homes in Ireland compared to last September — with a 22% increase in the last quarter (QoQ increase) reinforcing this trend.

Credit enabling home improvements

Revolut customers in Ireland looking to renovate their homes can avail of personal loans of up to €30,000 at competitive interest rates from 6.50% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) variable. Whether for home improvement projects, or something else, customers can spread the cost with flexible repayments. Over 20% of Revolut’s existing personal loan customers said their reason for accessing credit was to carry out home improvements, while in the last month, the amount of home improvement loan applications Revolut received rose by 4% (MoM increase).

A recent survey by market research company Dynata on behalf of Revolut found that over 18% of people (from a sample of 1,000 respondents representing every county in Ireland) said that renovating their house or apartment would be a good reason to use a loan in the next year.

Maurice Murphy, Head of Lending – Europe at Revolut Bank UAB, said: “During those big life events, such as moving or renovating your home, it’s important to be able to trust your bank, get a great return on your deposits, and have hassle-free access to credit when you need it. These spending patterns suggest that a growing number of our customers in Ireland are putting their money towards decorating, renovating, or extending their homes.”

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

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

ESET bulks up its ESET HOME consumer protections against identity theft, ransomware, phishing, and more

ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, has announced the launch of its upgraded consumer offering ESET HOME Security, introducing new features such as ESET Folder Guard and Multithread Scanning, together with an overall improvement of its capabilities. Identity Protection featuring Dark Web Monitoring is now globally available.

These enhancements to ESET HOME Security, as an all-in-one solution for consumers, correspond to the increasing number of advanced, automated, and AI-driven threats targeting individuals and address growing concerns about data privacy, ransomware attacks, phishing, and scams.

Despite being packed with the latest technology, ESET HOME Security remains easy to use thanks to ESET HOME, a comprehensive security management platform available across all major operating systems — Windows, macOS, Android, iOS — and covering all typical smart home devices. Now ESET HOME Security offers even more formidable protection for entire households.

“As a progressive digital life protection vendor, ESET is dedicated to always being one step ahead of adversaries. Our team of experts created a powerful digital life protection solution that blends more than 30 years of human expertise with artificial intelligence, multilayered security technology, and live cloud protection. Following a prevention-first approach that stops threats before they can do any harm, ESET HOME Security brings peace of mind regarding privacy and security, while staying user-friendly, powerful, light, and fast,” said Viktória Ivanová, Vice President of Consumer and IoT Segment at ESET.

To complement the long list of already existing layers of protection, including Antivirus & Antispyware, Firewall, Ransomware Shield, Anti-Phishing, Safe Banking, Safe Browsing, Password Manager, VPN, and Anti-Theft — to name just a few — new features and upgrades have been added:

New Dark Web Monitoring — ESET Identity Protection* scours websites on the dark web, black market chat rooms, blogs, and other data sources to detect the illegal trading and selling of users’ personal information. ESET technology sends prompt alerts so users can take immediate action.

New ESET Folder Guard — This technology helps protect Windows users’ valuable data from malicious apps and threats, such as ransomware, worms, and wipers (malware that can damage users’ data). Users can create a list of protected folders — files in these folders can’t be modified or deleted by untrusted applications.

New Multithread Scanning — Improves scanning performance for multi-core processor devices using Windows by distributing scanning requests among available CPU cores. There can be as many scanning threads as the machine has processor cores.

New Link Scanner — This feature improves ESET Mobile Security Anti-Phishing that, in general, blocks potential phishing attacks coming from websites or domains listed in the ESET malware database. The Link Scanner is an additional layer of protection for Android smartphone users that allows ESET Mobile Security to check every link a user tries to open, not only those coming from supported websites and social network apps. For instance, if a user receives a phishing link in a game app and opens it, the link is first redirected to the ESET Mobile Security app, where it is checked, before being redirected to the browser. If the user is using an unsupported browser, the Link Scanner will block the malicious link in this case.

Improved Gamer Mode — This feature is for users who demand uninterrupted usage of their software without pop-up windows and want to minimize CPU usage. The improved version allows users to create a list of apps automatically starting gamer mode. For cautious players, there is also a new option to display interactive alerts while gamer mode is running.

Improved Password Manager — ESET Password Manager now includes an option to remotely log out of Password Manager when it is logged in on other devices. Users can check their password against the password breach list and view a security report that informs users if they use any weak or duplicate passwords for their stored accounts. Password Manager has an integrated option to use third-party programs as an optional two-factor authentication (2FA).

Improved Cyber Security for Mac users — ESET HOME Security tiers for Mac users now have a new unified Firewall with both basic and advanced setup options in the main Graphical User Interface (GUI). This means the solution is tailored to the needs of users from basic to more advanced, without unnecessary settings.

This robust all-in-one security product is an ideal solution for all who have concerns beyond general cybersecurity, and it includes privacy protection, identity protection, performance optimization, device protection, and smart home protection. Because in a world of advanced cyberthreats, quality matters.

More information about the consumer offering and subscription tiers can be found here.