Datapac, Ireland’s leading technology solutions and services provider, today announces the results of a new survey which found that an estimated 89,744* SMEs (31%) in Ireland have had data stolen in the last 12 months. Furthermore, the research revealed that over two fifths (41%) of small and medium-sized businesses have permanently lost critical data within the same timeframe.
The survey of 150 SME business owners in Ireland was carried out by Censuswide in association with Datapac and cybersecurity and backup specialist, Datto, during February 2022.
The research shows 37% of Irish SMEs experienced a known cyberattack in the last year. Looking ahead, 86% of SME business owners are concerned that they will become a cybercrime target. However, almost a quarter (23%) admit that they are not at all prepared to defend themselves against cybercrime.
Evolving Threat Environment
The years of the Covid-19 pandemic witnessed rapid digital transformations across many organisations, largely to help facilitate new remote and hybrid working environments. 56% of businesses reported a reliance on cloud storage for some or all of their data storage needs.
When asked about the impacts of permanently losing data, over a quarter (27%) believe they would go out of business. SME owners also said the loss of critical data would impede their business growth (38%), damage their professional reputation (35%), lead to regulatory consequences (32%), contribute to employee attrition (31%) and result in the loss of some of their customers (29%).
Despite the prevalence of cybercrime and data loss, just 5% of Irish SMEs back up their data in real-time, with nearly three quarters (72%) reporting that their data backup frequency is once per week or less. The research shows around a fifth (21%) of small businesses don’t have a tested Disaster Recovery (DR) plan in place in the event of data theft or loss. In addition, 43% admitted they don’t have a secure copy of their data held offsite.
83% state that they have plans to increase their level of outsourced IT to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) over the coming year. Nearly a third (32%) attribute this decision to a need to address cybersecurity shortcomings in the face of the cybercrime risk, while 36% cited the need to access a wider range of expert IT skills and knowledge.
Commenting on the survey results, Karen O’Connor, General Manager, Datapac said:
“Our survey has highlighted the unprecedented scale of cybercrime for small and medium-sized businesses in Ireland today. With over 4 in 10 of all Irish SMEs permanently losing mission-critical data over the past year and almost a third having data stolen, this can have significant and damaging repercussions for these businesses and their customers.
“The vast majority of business owners are concerned about being a cybercrime target, yet many still don’t seem to be taking the necessary steps to improve their protection. While threat detection and prevention are important parts of the cybersecurity puzzle, they don’t solve it alone. Data backup is a vital component and one that shouldn’t be overlooked. With almost three quarters of firms only backing up their data weekly or even less, this presents a huge challenge for businesses to maintain continuity after an incident.
“In the likely event of a cyberattack, a robust backup and business continuity solution is the last line of defence and enables most businesses to recover quickly from business-critical data loss. Put simply, data cannot be recovered if it isn’t backed up effectively to begin with.”
Nicholas O’ Donovan, Sales Manager, Datto Ireland, said:
“The pandemic has permanently changed the way many organisations work, fundamentally altering where data is created and stored. A more dispersed workforce creates a larger network threat perimeter, which increases the risk of cyberattack.
Wherever the data lives, be it in an on-premises server or in the cloud, it needs to be backed up with the highest frequency possible in a way that allows instant restoration for when disaster strikes.”
Independent research commissioned by Gas Networks Ireland shows that three out of every four households in Ireland now own a carbon monoxide alarm, an increase of 212% on 2014 when Gas Networks Ireland first introduced the animated canary character, Tommy McAnairey, in its carbon monoxide awareness campaign.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Networks Safety Manager, Owen Wilson, said the goal must be to get to 100%.
“We are delighted to see the increase in ownership of carbon monoxide alarms, however not every home has one yet,” Mr Wilson said.
“Statistics indicate that, on average, six people die in Ireland every year from carbon monoxide poisoning.
“A carbon monoxide alarm can alert you to the presence of this deadly gas and potentially save lives.”
Most homes in Ireland use gas, oil or solid fuels for cooking and heating. Boilers, cookers, solid fuel fires and other fuel burning appliances can produce dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide if they are not installed properly, are faulty or are not used correctly. The research indicates that awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide is now as high as 92%. Last year, Gas Networks Ireland advanced the safety campaign to remind the public to give their carbon monoxide alarm a monthly test.
“Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas that can be produced when any fuel is burned, including coal, turf, oil, gas and wood,” Mr Wilson said.
“At low levels carbon monoxide can cause sickness and at high levels it can kill in as little as three minutes, so it is important to have an alarm and test it monthly.
“Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable and that’s why we’ve been using our loveable singing canary, Tommy McAnairey, and his catchy songs to make people aware that while having a carbon monoxide alarm in your house will significantly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, it needs to be working correctly for it to be effective.”
With Tommy’s help urging people who already have an alarm to check their device on a monthly basis to ensure it’s still in working order, the research shows that 40% of adults checked their alarm within the past month, up from 25% in 2018. The number who tested their alarm in the last 6 months at 61%, up from 55% in 2020. Altogether the campaign has won over 25 advertising industry awards to date, including winning three Shark awards and a further two Art Directors of Europe Awards in 2021.
Earlier this year, Gas Networks Ireland introduced the fourth part of its carbon monoxide safety campaign, again featuring the iconic Tommy McAnairey, this time advising on the steps to take if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off. To find out more about the causes, signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to protect yourself and others, visit https://www.carbonmonoxide.ie/ or call the Carbon Monoxide Awareness Line on 1800 89 89 89.
Gas Networks Ireland also promotes public safety through the gas escapes emergency service, Dial Before You Dig, meter tampering and using a registered gas installer campaigns.
Compu b, the Apple Premium Reseller and leading technology sales and repair service provider for the consumer, business and education sectors in Ireland is rebranding to Select. The move will bring the company’s 6 stores in Ireland, and its 23 Stormfront stores across the UK under the same brand identity delivering an elevated experience and providing a complete Apple solution for consumer retail, business and education customers locally.
Select has also invested over €1 million in its online offering with the launch of its new website, selectonline.com for the Irish and UK markets, ensuring that customers can access technical support and training as well as retail services and repair services at any time.
The Irish-owned company employs over 330 highly trained Apple experts across Ireland and the UK, supporting over 4 million customers per year and managing over 120,000 repairs annually across its customer base. Select is a trusted Apple supplier to financial institutions, primary and second-level schools, third-level institutions, airline groups, healthcare companies, semi-state bodies, the public sector, technology companies and FMCG organisations, supporting businesses of all sizes and sectors, from start-ups to enterprise companies.
Central to Select’s enhanced offering will be the Discovery Hubs service, which is now available to all customers in their local stores. Select’s Discovery Hubs are a one-stop service for businesses, education customers and consumers. A dedicated slot or slots can be booked for groups of employees at a Discovery Hub with a Select expert who can provide full onboarding, troubleshooting, technical and training support to help them get the most out of their Apple products.
Customers and employers can continue to avail of this service any time they require it and will be of particular benefit for businesses implementing a hybrid working model with employees working from home and requiring local support.
“We have invested over €3 million in delivering our in-store Discovery Hubs service. Select is a trusted partner for all our customers, giving them peace of mind that they are in the hands of Apple Experts and importantly providing this expertise locally. In addition to this investment, we recently opened our new two-storey flagship store on South King Street, in the heart of Dublin’s main shopping district.” said Ciaran McCormack, Managing Director.
“Group sales this year will be over €130+ million as we continue to invest in providing market differentiating services for our customers across our portfolio of offerings, keeping easy, local access to expertise for our customers at the core of our business model”, Ciaran continued.
Select is now one of the largest Apple Authorised Service Providers across Ireland & the UK and offers technical expertise which is market leading. As an Apple Premium Reseller, Select provides both instore and online access to the full suite of Apple products and accessories, including iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and Beats, along with other leading premium brands such as Native Union, Therabody, Sony, Urbanista, Joby, Eufy, Incipo, and Click & Grow.
Select has Ireland’s only team of dedicated Apple Education Specialists (AAES). The company has 25 years of experience in delivering teaching and training solutions, led by a dedicated team of Apple Professional Learning Specialists, offering a suite of digital technology to unlock student potential and foster their creativity. Working in partnership with primary and second-level schools and leading educational institutions in Ireland (such as Trinity College Dublin, Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh and The Law Society of Ireland) Select introduce the latest Apple technologies into the teaching and learning arena, integrating devices into the syllabus and supporting the teachers and lecturers and professionals through bespoke training and learning.
myVolts Ltd. today announced the launch of a new product: ReVolt. Anything that is usuallypowered by batteries can now be powered by USB. Just swap out the device’s batteries with the correct ReVoltadaptor and you’re good to go. Deceptively easy to use – but much harder and many hours of R&D to get just right.
“Everyone hates buying, using, and disposing of batteries.” says Luke Brennan, MD at myVolts Ltd.
“Despite drives to recycle, 100,000,000 kilos of batteries end up in landfill each year in the EU alone. So we spent 2020 and 2021 developing ReVolt – the solution to this global problem. We think we’ve made something great, and we can’t wait to share it with the world.”
Features and benefits of ReVolt include:
Adaptable: Use in 1000s of devices: toys, radios, small synths, handheld games consoles etc. ● Flexible: Use with any USB port.
Mobile: Power your device with a USB power bank for total power freedom.
Global: ReVolt can be safely used anywhere in the world.
Multi-use: Take it out of one device, use it in another.
Non-destructive: Remove it and your device can take standard batteries again, any time. ● Economical: Buy once.
Durable: Use 1000s of times.
Environmentally friendly: No consumables to dispose of.
Modular: Get add-ons from the system to power different devices.
No cut-outs: Always know your device will have power.
No leaks: Safely store devices with ReVolt installed.
ReVolt will go live on Kickstarter 27 May 2021, at 2pm GMT, price starting at 39.99 EUR. The first run of the product is already manufactured and ready to ship worldwide July 2021, so backers can buy with full confidence.
myVolts Ltd has been solving the power problems of consumers and professionals for well over a decade, has two previously successfully funded and shipped Kickstarter campaigns, and served tens of thousands of happy customers on Amazon, eBay and their own webshop.
Naenka Lite Pro uses Qualcomm’s latest Bluetooth 5.2 chip to support Aptx/AAC high-quality transmission protocol. Qualcomm 3040 chip low-power dissipation solution, single time charging supports the playtime up to 7 hours, and 28 hours with the backup of charging case. It enables 1-2 days trips charging free.
Naenka Lite Pro has a customised acceleration mode, three-click the right ear to enter the low latency game mode, delay instant reduced by 50%, one-click game acceleration.
Naenka Lite Pro also has a 13mm large speaker driver, with a titanium-plated three-layer polymer composite diaphragm, which can suppress unnecessary vibration, reducing noise and reproducing high-resolution sound, mellow and surging subwoofer, and maximum reproduction. Each earphone is equipped with 2 microphones, with ENC noise reduction technology to improve the quality of the chat, and the quality of your voice can be clearly transmitted through a noisy environment. The talking quality is comparable to the direct cash register of the mobile phone, and completely release your hands during the communication. On using these earbuds these have proven great for gaming videos, you tube Netflix and much more with loud volume which i like best and great bass highs lows and mids and direction on max volume watching films these are superb to say the least and I was not expecting such so overall a superb experience.
Naenka Lite Pro also uses dual microphones with ENC noise reduction technology, dramatically reduces environmental noise, accurately calculates the caller’s position, and has a wind-proof cavity design.
A single earphone weighs only 3.8g, which is as light as feather, wearing it senselessly.
Magnetic design for Charging case, the earbuds can be charged immediately after placed into the case. The charging case adopted with type-C interface, the fully charged time just cost 2 hours.
Naenka Lite Pro with Qualcomm Bluetooth 5.2 chip, one-click game mode, 13mm composite diaphragm large speaker drive, dual-mic ENC call noise reduction, IPX5 deep waterproof, support type-c fast charge, smart support touch, adjust volume, the headset has a battery life of up to 7 hours alone. It can provide 28 hours of extended battery life when used with a charging compartment. These are one of the best earbuds I have tried this year and that is no mean feat. Get a 16% discount using the code JOBT16,
Irish consumers have started planning for a summer outdoors, and recent Google search terms show that the weather is top of mind with searches for ‘retractable windbreakers for gardens’ increasing by 429% last month.
Other popular items are picnic baskets and barbecue tool sets, searches for which increased by 119% and 180% respectively month-on-month. With recent trends showing a 20,000% increase in searches for “support local businesses”, Google is highlighting the importance of for small businesses to be visible online in order to reach new and existing customers.
Commenting, Alice Mansergh, Director for Small Business at Google said, “These trends show that people are already planning how they are going to make the most of the longer days and warmer weather. We know that Irish consumers are actively supporting local businesses, and what we’re seeing is that they are searching for very niche products to buy locally. This is a prime example of how being visible online and appearing in those search results can help retailers capture business and ultimately drive sales.”
Google has announced a number of free tools and resources for Irish SMEs to help them transition to operating online, regardless of their skills or resources including the Google for Small Business and free digital skills training.
Google for Small Business is designed for small Irish businesses and provides a free step-by-step guide to taking a business online, from setting up a Google Business Profile to creating a website, along with tips and advice on how to reach and grow a customer base.
“While getting online is crucial for small businesses, it can be overwhelming especially in the midst of the challenges that businesses are facing. We’ve launched Google for Small Business for those who possibly don’t know where to start. Our goal is to support them on their online journey in their own time and at their own pace,” concluded Alice Mansergh.
Any businesses hoping to start reaching customers immediately can do so by setting up a free Google Business Profile and simply adding their location and contact details, in addition to photos of available stock and other details like availability of click and collect and delivery options.
Other Google tools and resources such as free digital skills training is accessible for Irish SMEs on the Grow with Google website.
Today OPPO, the world’s leading smart device brand, has launched its new series of 5G premium smartphones, the Find X3 series, including the Find X3 Pro 5G, Find X3 Neo 5G and Find X3 Lite 5G. With a cutting-edge quad camera and a one billion-colour immersive screen, the flagship Find X3 Pro has been carefully designed to capture true-to-life images as you’ve never seen them before. It was also an excellent online presentation and one of the best I have seen in a while. Again OPPO now bring more choice and value for money for the consumers in the Irish market and is most welcome. Do not forget to stay tune for real hands on reviews very soon and fire any questions you might have at us via our social media or comments section below.
Picture perfect with DSLR-level features
The OPPO Find X3 Pro is the brand’s first ever smartphone to capture and display up to one billion colours in a single image – ten times more than the human eye can detect.
The crown jewel of the new series, the OPPO Find X3 Pro, is the first smartphone to combine both two primary 50MP cameras (wide-angle and ultra-wide angle) with a new-to-market Sony IMX 766 imaging sensor, to revolutionise how users film and take photographs on the move.
In Cinematic Mode, the Find X3 Pro delivers wider dynamic range and colour depth with professional DSLR-level features capturing high-quality video. The camera offers full manual control over shutter speed and focus – making it a videographer’s best friend. Plus, the Find X3 Pro debuts an ultra wide-angle camera with a freeform surface lens that helps drastically reduce distortion around the edges of photos and videos.
Maggie Xue, President of OPPO Western Europe, said: “The Find X Series continues to enjoy huge success globally. The new Find X3 Series pushes innovation synonymous with OPPO even further. Our flagship Find X3 Pro 5G smartphone combines true image capture performance with a one-of-a-kind, elegant design. With this new series our focus was to help customers bring colours to life and inspire them to explore new possibilities with the latest technology.”
Maximum display in a minimalist design
OPPO’s incredible display housed in the compact and sleek design of the Find X3 Pro is driven by a 10-bit-full-path Colour Management System which captures, stores and displays photos in unparalleled colour with cutting-edge clarity. With an unflinching focus on premium design, the camera module has been encased in the back panel so that it blends in with the clean, streamlined and ergonomic design. Built with durability in mind, the Find X3 Pro is both dust and water resistant, perfect for creators on the move.
Powerful processing for unparalleled performance
The OPPO Find X3 Pro 5G is a true powerhouse, running on the latest and most advanced, Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 888 5G Mobile Platform. Users can easily multitask and switch between the most demanding apps, while enjoying 5G connectivity.
Whether users are gaming or binge-watching the latest Netflix series the combination of the Qualcomm mobile platform and 4500mAh battery allows for continued unparalleled performance. Plus, with 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 Flash Charge, 30W AirVOOC Wireless Flash charge and reverse charging, this smartphone will always be ready to go.
The Find X3 Pro (€1149 RRP) in Blue, Find X3 Neo (€749) in Starlight Black and Find X3 Lite (€449) in Starry Black and Galactic Silver will launch in Ireland in mid-April, with carriers and retailers to be announced imminently.
Uncover more: OPPO Find X3 Neo 5G and Find X3 Lite 5G
Two new smartphones join the Find X3 Series family, the OPPO Find X3 Neo 5G and Find X3 Lite 5G, bringing 5G connectivity and performance to a wide range of users, thanks to the use of advanced Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 5G Mobile Platforms.
Find X3 Lite 5G
Bringing true imaging innovation to the mid-tier, the smartphone combines a range of AI features including AI Highlight Video, Live HDR and Ultra Night Video to create stunning shots. Together with features like the 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 Flash Charging, the 90Hz screen, 5G connectivity, and a sleek, light design, the Find X3 Lite is the perfect device for trendsetters around the world.
Maggie Xue, President of OPPO Western Europe said:
“The Find X3 Lite represents our promise to deliver innovation at every level. Our vision was to leverage both software and hardware to deliver a trail-blazing AI-powered photography experience, making the device a true creative powerhouse. In addition, thanks to a unique design process, we were able to create a stunning finish that stands out with Galactic Silver. All this comes powered by segment-leading hardware, giving you a high-performance OPPO device in an accessible package.”
An AI-powered expert in portrait photography
The OPPO Find X3 Lite introduces an impressive camera system featuring a 64MP rear quad camera module and a 32MP ultra sharp front camera. These are further enhanced by OPPO’s Portrait Video System. The system is composed of two engines, the Quality Enhancement Engine and the Portrait Perception Engine. The former helps capture clear video in any conditions, even if you’re shooting low-light or backlit scenes, in motion or standing still. The Portrait Perception Engine focuses on detailed portrait effects to bring out your subjects in videos.
The industry-leading AI Highlight Video feature automatically detects the ambient light in a scene, taking your portraits to the next level. In addition, the Ultra Night Video and Live HDR features allow you to brighten up scenes in low-light environments and reduce overexposed areas when shooting backlit subjects.
With the Portrait AI Video feature the Find X3 Lite can detect up to 194 key facial feature points to provide tailored highlights specifically based on your subject. Eight customisable tools allow you to refine portrait details to your liking.
Get in on the action with the Dual-view feature. This double-perspective recording function enables you to use both the front and rear cameras – great for vloggers and those who want to capture both sides of the story.
In addition, the Find X3 Lite comes with a slew of features to enhance the shooting experience. With the help of OPPO’s Image-clear Engine and AI Scene Enhancement, shots look clearer, brighter and richer in colour. Able to recognise up to 22 different scenes, the Find X3 Lite’s AI can help create stunning photos through just one tap.
Iconic design with a unique finish
The Find X3 Lite is designed with trendsetters and trailblazers in mind. The smartphone comes in three elegant colours: the shimmering Galactic Silver, Astral Blue and Starry Black.
Through the Diamond Spectrum process, the Galactic Silver finish creates a stunning visual effect that looks like thousands of colours when light hits the phone’s surface from different angles. The finish is also created with the Find X3 Series Glow process, uniquely designed by OPPO. This gives the smartphone a subtle glittery effect similar to many small diamonds, making it fingerprint-resistant.
Designed to be exquisitely compact and sleek, the Find X3 Lite weighs only 172g and is only 7.9mm thick. The bottom bezel has been reduced by 28% compared to its predecessor, leading to an immersive edge-to-edge display experience with a screen-to-body ratio of 91.7%. In addition, Hidden Fingerprint Unlock is integrated underneath the display to ensure instant unlocking while keeping data secure.
The 6.4″ OLED screen with a single punch-hole design delivers a more vivid display, which, combined with a crisp FHD+ resolution and silky smooth 90Hz refresh rate, make for a life-like entertainment experience. The Find X3 Lite with Netflix HD and Amazon Prime Video HD Certification, allowing you to stream content in even greater detail. And, the low-blue light screen, fully tested, verified and certified by the world-renowned SGS, is designed to protect your vision while you’re binge-watching your favourite shows.
Best-in-class hardware and software for a great performance every time
The OPPO Find X3 Lite is designed with efficiency and performance in mind. Coming with an ultra-fast 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 Flash Charge feature, the smartphone removes battery anxiety entirely. Able to charge up to 100% of its battery in 35 minutes and coming with a large 4300mAh battery, the Find X3 Lite offers hours of fun without worry.
The Qualcomm™ Snapdragon® 765G 5G Mobile Platform helps deliver speedy performance with balanced power consumption across the board. Together with ColorOS 11.1, the Find X3 Lite ensures greater efficiency and a smooth software experience as well.
Supporting all-around customisation, Find X3 Lite users can design their own Always-on Display, and dark-mode to truly make the phone their own. Further innovative features such as Flexdrop and Three-finger Translate with Google Lens significantly increase productivity. And Gaming Shortcut Mode, Gamer Mode, Bullet Screen Messages, and Adjustable Gaming Touch allow you to be totally immersed in entertainment.
Security is also enhanced at the operating system level with Private System – allowing owners to create multiple accounts on the phone with partitioned apps and data. The Find X3 Lite’s data security has been certified by renowned third-party organisations including ISO, ePrivacy and TrustArc.
The OPPO Find X3 Neo 5G brings an outstanding camera and fast 5G connectivity in a shiny new package
The Find X3 Neo, a smartphone designed for those who want to take their photography to the next level. Part of the new Find X3 Series, the smartphone combines innovative technology with outstanding looks. Bringing top-class hardware such as the Qualcomm™ Snapdragon® 865 5G Mobile Platform and a robust battery with SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging, the Find X3 Neo offers a leading 5G smartphone experience across the board in a slim and trend-setting design.
Maggie Xue, President of OPPO Western Europe said:
“As a company we always put our customers first. The Find X3 Neo combines best-in-class hardware and a tailor-made Sony IMX 766 imaging sensor offering even more people the chance to transform their photography. Using this large sensor in combination with our industry-leading AI helps us deliver an amazing experience across the board, but especially when it comes to low light photos. And, with its optimised battery and shimmery design, the Find X3 Neo is sure to become a great companion for those looking to push their creativity to its limits.”
Co-developed imaging sensor taking portraits to the next level
Leveraging a long-standing tradition of using tailor-made imaging hardware, OPPO has worked closely with Sony to push the boundaries of innovation in imaging technology. The co-created IMX766 sensor delivers outstanding optimisation especially for low light photography, backlit scenes and fast-moving action shots. This, combined with an ultra wide-angle, telephoto and macro camera as well as a colour temperature sensor, ensures consistently high quality, sharp images with every photo.
The Find X3 Neo’s IMX766 sensor lets you harness advanced focusing. Delivering improved focus speed and accuracy, the sensor allows real-time autofocus with the Focus Tracking feature. Together with the AI-based movement predictor, the feature can anticipate movement and adjust focus in advance so videos will come out sharp every time.
In addition, with the Flash Snapshot feature, the camera shutter button engages a quick focus function that ensures photos are crisp and clear, regardless of how rushed the shot might be. Combined with OPPO’s exclusive video features like AI Highlight, AI Portrait tools, and Ultra Steady Video 3.0, the Find X3 Neo guarantees effortless and stunning portrait videos in any situation.
Powerful hardware meets ColorOS 11.1 for a superior, all-round experience
Built on a foundation of top-end hardware, the Find X3 Neo runs on the Qualcomm™ Snapdragon® 865 5G Mobile Platform and features a 90Hz 3D curved display for an immersive visual experience. With a Multi-Cooling System and a reliable battery, the smartphone offers a comprehensive 5G experience even for the most demanding users.
To help make the 5G experience last even longer, the Find X3 Neo also features 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 – one of the fastest charging technologies commercially available on the market. This means it can charge up to 100% in as little as 35 minutes.
The newly optimised ColorOS 11.1 enables you to truly take advantage of the smartphone’s powerful hardware. OPPO’s Android-based operating system particularly shines when it comes to gaming, being designed to deliver a more immersive and fluid gaming experience. The high refresh rate screen ensures a faster frame rate for smoother gameplay. With Gamer Mode, players can free themselves from unwanted distraction by temporarily disabling alarms, notifications, incoming calls, gesture controls and more. Game control is also fully customisable thanks to Adjustable Gaming Touch, which allows players to adjust game settings like touch sensitivity to five different levels, for a tailored and comfortable experience.
A glowing finish in an ultra-sleek design that captures attention
Staying true to OPPO design, the Find X3 Neo is ultra-sleek at just 7.99mm and weighs an impressive 184g. This makes for an excellent fit in hand, be it while gaming, snapping pictures or watching your favourite shows.
Through a unique AG glass process, designed exclusively by OPPO, the back of the smartphone delivers a stunning visual effect that glitters in the light under the matt glass finish. Shimmering like millions of diamonds embedded into a moonlit ocean, the effect is particularly dazzling on the unique Starlight Black finish.
Merging a deep black colour with the glittering design, results in a rich finish that both looks and feels unlike any other. And, with OPPO’s all-new Diamond Spectrum process, the Galactic Silver finish brings the phone alive by creating a beautiful effect when viewed from different angles or under different lighting.
The leading multi-mobility platform FREE NOW has partnered with micro-mobility operator TIER, meaning people in Ireland could soon book e-scooters through the FREE NOW app. The partnership will initially launch in eight German cities next month, followed by France before a wider European roll-out, which both companies plan will include Ireland, should TIER be successful in launching an e-scooter rental scheme in one or more Irish cities.
A recent passenger survey revealed growing demand for multi-mobility options among FREE NOW passengers in Ireland, with 59% saying they would like to see additional mobility options available in the app. In response to this demand FREE NOW is progressing plans to add more mobility options to the app, starting with e-scooters and partnering with TIER and other mobility providers as legislation comes into effect.
The partnership follows the Government’s recent announcement that it will legalise e-scooters on roads, with the legislation expected to be passed in the coming months, followed by city tenders. TIER, which recently won highly prized tenders in Paris and Dubai, will partner with FREE NOW in all common markets, with both companies united in their mission to improve urban mobility and reduce dependency on car ownership.
Anyone booking a TIER e-scooter through the FREE NOW app will get the benefit of industry- leading safety features which minimise the risks to riders and the public, including an integrated helmet, indicator lights, shock absorbers and the largest front wheel in the market to better handle varied terrain. They also have triple brakes and a double kickstand which help TIER to lead the sector when it comes to stopping-distance and wind resistance.
Commenting on the announcement, General Manager for FREE NOW Ireland Niall Carson said: “Our new partnership with TIER is another key milestone in the growth of FREE NOW’s multi mobility offering to passengers in cities across Europe. In the Irish market, we welcome this announcement and are working closely with TIER and other leading micro-mobility providers to offer passengers a broader range of transport options in the future. Already in other markets such as Germany and soon in France, we have a mix of taxis, e-scooters, e-bikes, e-mopeds and car sharing on the FREE NOW app, offering a more integrated approach and we look forward to expanding this further in Ireland. We are proud to be working with partners such as TIER who have a strong track record of success with a clear focus on safety, which is of critical importance to us.
Fred Jones, Northern Europe General Manager of TIER, commented:“We are on a mission to transform urban mobility and to do that, we need brilliant global partners, like FREE NOW, who share our vision for greener, less congested cities.
“This partnership is a major milestone for TIER and we are hugely excited at the potential prospect of rolling out the feature in Ireland, so that Irish riders can have the convenience of booking a ride with the press of a button through the FREE NOW Ireland app.”
Founded in 2018, TIER was the first micro-mobility provider in the world to go climate-neutral, and its sustainable approach also applies to its business model, with the company reaching profitability in June 2020, shortly before securing a $250 million Series C fundraising.
emporia – the European leader in simple phones for retirees – is delighted to announce the Irish launch of its latest and most advanced smartphone in its portfolio yet; the S4. The launch coincides with its announcement of its first network partner An Post Mobile, which is retailing the device https://www.anpost.com/Shop/Products/Post-Mobile-Products/Emporia-Smart-Phone-S4
Tackling some of the common technological issues felt by the senior user in 2020, this smartphone includes key features that respond to the demands of our older citizens in a world of track and trace, security concerns and mobile involvement like never before.
Chris Millington, emporia’s UK and Ireland MD comments: “This is an exciting “first” in a new generation of mobiles to join emporia’s portfolio. I’m proud to announce the S4 as our most innovative device yet to the Irish market, working exclusively with An Post Mobile. This phone really responds to some of the more recent challenges and hurdles faced by our senior citizens in everyday life and mobile communication – especially in a modern world of social distancing and contact-free living. We have worked hard to include intuitive and completely audience-relevant features like the pre-installed QR scanner, contactless payment functionality, and improved camera for new features like a magnifier for when you have left your glasses at home.”
Partnering with leading network provider An Post
“We’re delighted to announce our first Irish network relationship with An Post Mobile. To have such a credible and respected network partner on board to help us introduce the S4 to the Irish market is key to boost our visibility in front of senior citizens. Working with An Post Mobile will enable us to reach a large proportion of seniors in Ireland and introduce them to the world of simple and easy technology and access a whole new world of communication, confidently and independently,” comments Millington.
The S4 is available contract free with An Post Mobile from €139.95, and comes with unlimited calls, texts and 4G data for just €15 per month on its new plan (see anpost.com/mobile for details and terms and conditions). With the current offer of the first month for free if customers switch their number to An Post Mobile, this S4 senior-focused smartphone will enable this generation to stay connected.
Michael Ahern, An Post Mobile Manager, comments: “2020 has shown just how important mobile communications are to the community and An Post is especially aware that many of our older citizens have gone for long periods without close contact with family, friends and neighbors. We see the introduction of the emporia S4 smartphone to the An Post Mobile phone range as another opportunity to make life just that little bit easier and safer for the older generation and their families.”
Introducing the emporia S4
This Google-certified smartphone runs on an Android 10 operating system, with an emporia interface that is tailored and adapted to the 66+ year old user.
The smartphone’s 5” screen is easy to read, with large fonts and app icons, and a soft touch coating makes it very easy to hold and use one-handed. Like all emporia devices it is also hearing-aid-compatible and is fitted with an emergency assistance button on the back for peace of mind for users.
The S4 comes complete with emporia’s unique comprehensive 135-page training book, allowing users to learn at their own pace and as a reference point. The concept of this training book extends much beyond instilling confidence and driving independence; it’s imperative to emporia’s customers and responds to how the human brain works and is the catalyst to changing smartphone value for this group.
Key features of the senior S4 smartphone in a new digital world
What makes the S4 different to other smart devices in the emporia range is its following new features that bring the senior user further into the digital world, but in a simple way:
13 megapixel main camera and 8mp selfie camera
In a world where video calls and photo sharing are the most common form of communication, our S4 has an improved camera quality so users can be involved and connected in this way and stay in touch, even if isolated, with family and friends.
QR scanner
The improved processing power on the latest S4 model sees the introduction of a QR scanner, meaning senior users are able to use the NHS track & trace / Ireland’s COVID tracker / Protect Scotland / StopCOVID NI apps, or register their check-ins, for safety and reassurance in a post-pandemic world.
Magnifying function
Most of us experience presbyopia as we age, meaning we need glasses to read and struggle with close up text or smaller fonts. Whilst emporia’s devices are already tailored to help the users to use and enjoy the phone, when users are out and about, reading everyday things like restaurant menus may not be as easy, especially when we leave our glasses at home. This key app is designed to take away that frustration and act as an aid for our customers in everyday life – a reliable companion.
App Installer
There are apps for everything out there, and this can be overwhelming when you need a key app like a track-and-trace, or WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, need to share pictures, check the weather forecast or check the news. The App Installer on the S4 contains a list of the most useful 20 apps, making them all easier to download and locate so the older user gets the key apps straight away.
NFC technology
Whilst NFC or contactless payments in credit and debit cards isn’t new, the new S4 brings NFC (near field communication) technology, or more to the point contactless payments to a new audience. When social distancing and contact-free are the norm, this function can offer a whole new shopping experience for older customers who tend to use cash. With the new 16-page guide to how to set-up Google Pay and the benefits of the security this brings, the retired audience will be equipped for the new era upon us.
The older generation and trust in contactless payment technology
Millington says now is the right time to introduce NFC technology to the senior mobile phone market: “We know that mobile phone banking and contactless payments are increasingly on the rise across the UK and Ireland; even more so this year with a focus on contact-free due to Covid concerns. But this doesn’t make it automatically trusted. We want to challenge this misconception; and NFC and Google Pay in a mobile phone addresses this concern for seniors head on.”
“What we are helping our users understand in our separate training book is that contactless payments on a phone are safer than using a bank card; they’re passcode protected, unlike an ATM card which can be stolen and used by anyone – the phone cannot be used without the passcode. Similarly, it is a reassurance for if cards are mislaid, and adds a whole new level of identity protection as cards registered on Google Pay as not visible to the merchant. Couple this with the added benefit of being able to add in store reward cards to the S4, and it makes the whole shopping experience with a smartphone seamless,” adds Millington.
Irish seniors post-covid
Whilst life post-covid presents a lot of uncertainty, one result of the pandemic is that it has brought society even closer together. The technology offered by the emporia S4 will act as a key enabler in maintaining that closeness – both in terms of checking in with loved ones, and track and trace apps – to enable all of us, including our older citizens, to get on with their lives and stay connected.
