Tag: life

Piceasoft introduces new, unique solutions to extend the lifecycle of mobile devices and advance the circular economy

Finnish circular economy company Piceasoft introduces major updates to its unique-to-the-industry PiceaOnline platform to boost circular economy, increase customer choices, and broaden retailer business and sustainability program opportunities in the used mobile phones market.

Mobile phones are one the most common electronic devices, but at the same time, one of the least recycled or resold. According to the International Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) forum, 5.3 billion mobile phones were thrown away in the year 2022 alone. With many of these potentially reusable, better access to mobile reselling opportunities could significantly reduce the 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste produced annually, a significant amount of which comes from discarded mobile devices.

Also, there is a chronic shortage of pre-owned mobile phones in Europe, so the sales of used phones are severely limited by supply. Used phones are exported from the USA, which partly meets the demand. But US devices are not CE marked, and only phones with CE approval can officially be sold in Europe. While compliance with CE standards varies across Europe, this further complicates the availability of used devices.

Despite the many mobile phone trade-in programs from operators and retailers, it is estimated that less than 20% of consumers recycle their phones. One major reason is the lack of transparency in the trade-in process: many times, the actual trade price for the old phone can be significantly lower than the original estimation due to the shortcomings in accuracy and lack of transparency of the diagnostics and evaluation process. These issues limit consumer options, demotivate them to recycle phones, and hinder trust towards the whole trade-in process.

Now through major developments to the PiceaOnline platform, Piceasoft is bringing unique features and benefits currently missing from the mobile trade-in business. These advancements make recycling phones and extending their life cycle easier and more valuable to both consumers and retailers.

“The mobile phone industry is one the largest in the world, but still in the starting blocks regarding circular economy. Now it is the time to start walking the talk, since the current system is broken and not fair to the customers. Old phones and other consumer electronics create a lot of waste. In fact, waste streams equivalent to more than 300,000 double-decker buses are created every year by smartphones and similar devices sent to waste and buried underground. Also, the consumer awareness of reselling your old phone is still quite low, and the whole value chain needs to take more responsibility in changing this,” says Kristian Järnefelt, the CEO of Piceasoft.

An operating system for circular economy

Usually, when reselling their phones, operators and major retailers only have the option to provide offers from only one trade-in partner program. PiceaOnline’s Multi-partner trade-in increases the value of mobile phone trade-in programs by offering fair and best prices for consumers from multiple trade-in partners, so consumers can benefit from the best and highest-value option for their reselling. Also, the operators and retailers can decide to sell devices matching their self-defined criteria directly to their customers instead of shipping them to the trade-in partner.

“Consumers, trade-in partners, and other retailers can see us as an operating system for the circular economy: we bring concrete, fair, and easy-to-use circular economy choices to every consumer interaction when they are buying a new phone, whether in digital or in stores. PiceaOnline platform merges mobile device lifecycle management technology and consumer-facing services into one easy-to-use business platform. We aim to make Piceasoft Europe’s leading platform to extend the lifecycle of mobile devices,” Kristian Järnefelt continues.

One of the bottlenecks in mobile phone recycling and reselling is the accuracy of grading devices to check their condition. It is estimated that around 78% of consumers lose interest if grading their device requires installing a new app on their smartphone. PiceaOnline’s new Web-based diagnostics make the trade-in process easier for consumers by accurately grading the devices without the need to install an app. Also, more automated diagnostics help to grade the devices in more detail, resulting in concrete value estimates that consumers can trust will be the price they get from their old phone.

PiceaOnline’s new Mobile SDK makes it possible to enhance the reach and value of trade-in programs by integrating PiceaOnline’s trade-in capabilities into retailers’ or mobile operator’s apps. By integrating the PiceaOnline Mobile SDK into their applications, operators, and retailers can directly engage with mobile device consumers, enhance user experience, and provide seamless trade-in experiences and instant trade-in quotes—all within the existing apps. Similarly, the PiceaOnline Mobile SDK can be utilized for self-support use cases.

Piceasoft is showcasing PiceaOnline and how it connects business opportunities to mobile devices’ circular economy with its new features at Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona 26.-29. February 2024.

Half of Irish people have used AI in their personal life but are hesitant to use it in the workplace

Almost half of Irish people (44%) say they have experimented with AI or use it regularly for personal use, according to a new report by Dye & Durham, the leading provider of practice management solutions to legal professionals. The Dye & Durham Ireland Pulse Report for Q4 2023, a survey of 1,001 adults in Ireland conducted by YouGov, explores trends in technology, the economy and the property market.

While Irish consumers are embracing AI in their personal lives, they are more hesitant to use it in their professional lives, with 35% saying they have experimented with or regularly use AI for professional reasons. The remaining 65% say they have never used AI for professional use.

Despite hesitant adoption of AI for professional use, more than three quarters of Irish workers (79%) say technology plays an important or critical role in their day-to-day work. Nearly half (44%) expect AI to become important to the way they do their jobs in the next five years while less than a quarter (23%) are of the opposite opinion. Other technologies expected to emerge as key to their jobs include cloud computing (59% say it will be important), analytics (57%), and 5G (56%).

When it comes to technology’s role in the provision of government services, more than half (58%) of Irish consumers say government agencies would benefit from incorporating more technology into their services when asked to choose from a list. Similarly, 53% say the same of doctors / medical practitioners, while 44% and 38% say financial services and lawyers/conveyancers would benefit, respectively.

David Nash, Chief Product Officer at Dye & Durham, says: “We’re seeing an interesting adoption pattern when it comes to emerging technologies in Ireland. When it comes to AI, for example, there is broad recognition of its impact on the way we do our jobs, but people are taking an incremental approach to using it themselves, especially for professional purposes.”

“For our customers in the legal sector, this is a very important trend to watch. Their clients are engaging with new technologies and expecting them to take on a bigger role in their lives over time. That has clear implications for how legal services will be delivered in the future.”

 Near-term economic outlook is positive but nearly half expect a recession in next 12 months

 The Q4 2023 Ireland Pulse Report also reveals that Irish consumers have a generally positive economic outlook over the near term, with just over half (51%) saying they don’t expect a recession in the next six months. They are also more optimistic about their financial situations than they were in Q3 2023. More respondents (26%) say they’re in a better financial position than they were a year ago (vs. 19% who said the same in Q3 2023). At the same time, fewer respondents (39% in Q4 2023 vs. 48% in Q3 2023) say they are in a worse financial position than they were a year ago.

On the other hand, as they look further ahead, more consumers (48%) are expecting a recession in the next 12 months. But just 24% expect to be in a worse financial situation a year from now, and fewer (6% in Q4 2023 vs. 10% in Q3 2023) plan to hold off on property purchasing plans to wait for lower prices.

Martha Vallance, Chief Operating Officer at Dye & Durham, says: “Our Pulse Report for Q4 2023 shows encouraging signs when it comes to how Irish consumers are feeling about the economy as a whole. This is good news for small and medium-sized law firms who have been managing through reduced case volume. As consumer optimism grows, so too does the opportunity to capitalize on increased transaction activity. Forward-looking law firms who invest in operational efficiencies now stand to gain the most from these positive indicators.”

Dell Lifecycle Hub now available in Ireland – simplify end-to-end device lifecycle management solution

Dell Technologies now offers Dell Lifecycle Hub managed service in Ireland to simplify IT by providing an end-to-end, multi-vendor device lifecycle management solution. The service means Dell manages the use of a customer’s PC fleet from the first use through to disposition of the device at end of life, allowing the IT team to focus on other business priorities.

Lifecycle management for end user devices is becoming more complex as companies embrace the hybrid workplace, especially for larger customers with multiple office locations and remote team members. Combining warehousing and inventory management with configuration services and deployment expertise into one end-to-end solution, Dell Lifecycle Hub:

  • Ships configured PCs and new hire kits to maximise day one productivity
  • Manages returns when employees leave the company and optimises device utilisation
  • Provides whole unit exchange when device failures occur, rapidly returning users to productivity
  • Manages device refresh at lease end or when fully depreciated
  • Facilitates proper device disposition at end of life

 Dermot O’Connell, senior vice president for Services in EMEA, said: “Now more than ever, IT is challenged to oversee the employee technology experience, maximise device utilisation and ensure their company is making the most of their PC investment. With Dell Lifecycle Hub, Dell Technologies takes care of device lifecycle management, so our customers don’t have to, allowing them more time to focus on strategic business priorities.”

Dell Lifecycle Hub is available immediately and is also offered as a resell option for channel partners. Learn more in Dell’s blog on unlocking the power of customers’ PC ecosystem.

10 Must-Have Apps for Your Everyday Life

Are you looking for ways to make your everyday life easier and more efficient? With the help of technology, this is possible! There are countless apps available that can help streamline your daily activities. From communication tools to productivity hacks, here are 10 must-have apps for your everyday life.

These apps will give you a better handle on managing tasks, tracking important dates, staying connected with friends and family around the world, finding new recipes or DIY projects to try out at home, and much more. So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and explore these amazing tools!

What are the 10 most commonly used apps?

A stunning 89% of employees confess to losing precious hours on the job daily. An extraordinary 31% squander a full hour per day while in their workplace, resulting in an average non-work activity expenditure of 2.9 hours for every eight-hour shift amongst U.S staff! In this swiftly shifting and digitally-interconnected world, the time has become the most precious commodity. As a result, nearly everyone is looking for better ways to maximize their productivity so they can work smarter with whatever time they have available. Thankfully, because of digital innovation, there’s now an abundance of smartphone apps that are meant to streamline our lives professionally and personally alike. If the technology exists precisely to make life easier – why not take advantage of it? Let us make use of tech to its maximum potential!

Whether you’re an app aficionado or just discovering the magic of must-have downloads, it’s time to get your phone ready for these top 10 cool apps free that have made their mark in our digital world. From trusted favourites like Twitter and Google Maps, here are some new additions to your technology toolkit that you won’t want to miss!

 

  1. VeePN – this is a powerful VPN (Virtual Private Network) app that can help you access blocked content, hide your IP address, and encrypt all of your internet traffic. VeePN offers you top VPN services at an affordable price and with free trial options as well. You can also get a free trial to test out the features before deciding if it’s right for you. For example, if you want to keep your Netflix unblocked during your trip abroad, then you should give VeePN a try! VeePN is also available on iOS and Android devices.
  2. Tor Browser – this is a popular browser that is designed to protect your anonymity and privacy while browsing the web. It encrypts all data sent over the internet, so you don’t have to worry about sensitive information being exposed or tracked.
  3. LastPass Password Manager – LastPass Password Manager takes the hassle out of remembering all your passwords – no more jotting them down, or worrying about someone else gaining access! With this app, you can easily generate strong and secure codes for each of your accounts. With a simple one-click access to the Play Store, users can easily download and install the app on their devices. This convenience allows more people to take control of their online privacy without complicated setup processes.
  4. DuckDuckGo –Keep your data secure while surfing the web with DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser – the ultimate safety net for you and all of your information. Block unwanted trackers and keep your information secure, all within a user-friendly browser that efficiently provides search results without collecting any of your data!
  5. Clover – At first glance, it may appear to be just a typical note-taking task manager. However, upon closer inspection, you will discover that there is much more beneath its surface. With features like Daily Notes and powerful tracking capabilities, your tasks won’t slip through the cracks ever again!
  6. Waze – With Waze, you’ll never be late again! Its innovative navigation app finds the quickest route to your destination while keeping an eye on traffic congestion and potential hazards – so you can get there safely and in record time.
  7. Brave Browser – this is a fast and secure web browser that protects your data from being collected or sold for advertising purposes. It also blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts.
  8. ProtonMail – ProtonMail is the ultimate email service for secure communication. Outfitted with enhanced end-to-end encryption technology, your emails will be safeguarded from any exterior access – permitting you to exchange confidential information without worry.
  9. Notion – Notion is a cutting-edge app that will revolutionize the way you take notes and create to-do lists. Its intuitive design enables users to keep track of all their important information in one organised place, allowing for smoother productivity and improved efficiency. Plus, with encrypted backups for extra peace of mind, it’s never been easier or more secure to stay productive!
  10. Miro – Connect with people from around the world and collaborate on creative projects using Miro, an innovative platform designed to increase collaboration between teams, businesses and individuals. Join millions of users in making their ideas a reality!

 

By downloading these apps and taking all necessary steps to protect your privacy, you can ensure that your data remains secure in this digital age. also, don`t forget about the best Netflix VPN for watching your favourite movies and shows! With VeePN you can be sure that you staying safe and secure so that you can get the most out of this digital revolution. We want you to check the numerous amount of reviews, there is a link where you can find this, and of course, don’t forget to protect your privacy and security in the digital age! To feel secure while taking full advantage of the internet’s convenience and capabilities, a few straightforward steps are all it takes!

 

Final thoughts

Nowadays, we must protect our data. As such, if you download the apps discussed in this article, your records will remain safe from outside sources and free from snooping eyes. With their superior end-to-end encryption methods, your emails are guarded securely against any possible infringements — giving you peace of mind! Therefore be sure to maintain privacy on the web using these must-have applications for everyday life!

How Technology is Making it Easier To Live At Home

The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to revolutionize the way we live our day-to-day lives in our homes. It isn’t just turning on lights with our voices that will be possible, but total immersion into a world where our homes are truly smart. Artificial intelligence will allow our homes to learn about their inhabitants, and anticipate their needs. By outfitting multiple rooms with Google Speakers, you can easily control them as a group rather than singling out each speaker individually. And when your fridge detects you’re low on milk, your Alexa device can automatically add it to your shopping list. The key to expanding your smart home system is a connection. With user-friendly setup processes, anyone, regardless of technical prowess, can use such advanced technology examples as IoT devices.

How Technology Made Our Life More Easier?

Many gadgets and appliances are now seamlessly connected, allowing us to control them through voice commands and mobile apps. We now have greater access to the internet, and our households are more efficiently managed. Furthermore, our health is also monitored with the assistance of smart tools. Experts predict that there will be 25.4 billion IoT devices by 2030. In essence, many daily tasks become fully automated, thus providing us with a more convenient and effortless way of living.

Solutions for Taking Care of Plants

Hi-tech sensors for indoor plants are simple to use and typically solar-powered. They wirelessly connect to a plant identifier app on users’ smartphones. With an app for plant watering providing real-time information on light requirements, as well as its temperature preferences, you can keep your plants thriving. A traffic light system connected to the web makes it simple to interpret the data, with green indicating that your plant is in top form and red warning that it might be in danger. For those struggling to keep their houseplants healthy, these sensors and an accompanying plant app can offer a helping hand. With the help of an app for iPhone that provides tutorials and uses cameras to identify plants, users can now access information that was once available only to experts in the field. They provide valuable insights into pants’ needs, helping users care for them better than ever before.

Secure Solutions

Smart doorbells and security cameras are no longer just a means of monitoring your property; they can now recognize familiar faces and alert you to any suspicious activity. Using connected smartphones, you can keep tabs on your home no matter where you are in the world. But that’s not all – smart locks have also replaced traditional keys. They support palm and facial recognition and allow you to use key cards.

Massaging Chairs

While new technology may not make your couch any cozier, investing in a massage chair could be just what you need to soothe your tired muscles. With advanced features like programmable massage settings and specialized modes for different parts of your body, these chairs offer a comprehensive and customizable massage experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a college student cramming for exams or a busy working professional, a massage chair can help soothe your tired muscles and give you the relaxation you need to keep going.

Smart Ovens

Boasting features like wifi connectivity and remote control through a smartphone app, these appliances offer unparalleled convenience. Say goodbye to endless peeking through the oven window to check on your cook time. With a smart oven, you can monitor cooking progress from afar through your phone. Not to mention, these ovens provide access to a wide variety of recipes, cooking tips, and maintenance information-all at your fingertips.

Virtual Assistants

Speech recognition technology is expanding beyond our everyday devices like smart speakers and phones. Sectors of the economy, such as healthcare and the automotive industry, are finding innovative uses for this technology. These advancements are making communicating simpler and more efficient. Intelligent voice assistants offer a wide range of benefits, from understanding natural language to assisting with basic tasks. While most of these assistants default to a female-sounding voice, users have the option to change it to another voice.

Robotic Vacuums

Sweeping and vacuuming can take up precious time and energy but luckily, there’s a solution that can free you up to do other things. Robotic vacuums are an innovative way to save time and energy while ensuring your home is clean and healthy. These advanced devices are capable of sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping for you; freeing your hands and time to do other tasks.  In 2023, the number of IoT devices is expected to reach 15.14 billion. Robotic vacuums clean with high efficiency and quality, removing even the tiniest specks of dust and other unhealthy elements from your floor.

How is Technology Changing the Homes We Live In?

With the click of a button or the sound of our voice, we can easily access our favorite shows and music, enhancing our overall entertainment experience. Similarly, everyday chores like washing and drying clothes have also become effortless with the introduction of automatic washing machines and dryers.

Smart devices like smartphones and smart speakers have made life easier by automating mundane tasks like setting alarms, searching for information, and even making phone calls with just the sound of your voice.

In the coming years, we can expect a surge of innovations that transform the very notion of what it means to have a smart home. Thanks to artificial intelligence, our homes will become highly intuitive environments that cater to our every need. Voice assistants, once limited to playing music and telling jokes, will take on bigger roles, acting as the brain of our households, automating and synchronizing all our smart devices. With robots assuming important tasks, the levels of convenience and comfort we experience will reach unprecedented heights. Future smart homes will use sensors to monitor for issues like water damage and pest infestations, giving homeowners peace of mind knowing their homes are always taken care of. Get ready for a revolutionary new era of smart homes.

How To Find An Affordable Life Insurance Rate and Fit It Into Your Budget

Finding a life insurance policy that fits into your budget is easier than ever.

Life insurance is one of the best ways to find peace of mind in knowing that your family would be financially supported if you were to pass away. The money received by beneficiaries can help pay off any outstanding bills and debts, pay for final arrangements, and even act as an inheritance for your children. While the benefits are clear, if you have a tight budget, life insurance may feel like a luxury you cannot afford. But, if you shop around for the best rate possible and do a little bit of repositioning in your budget, you might be surprised at how affordable it can really be. 

4 Tips To Find Affordable Life Insurance Rates

Finding an affordable rate will make it easier to fit your premium into your budget

 

The first step in finding a life insurance policy that can work within your budget is to find an affordable rate in the first place. There are plenty of ways that you can save money while still finding a policy that gives you the coverage you want. 

1. Get Your Health In Order

Your health is one of the biggest determining factors when a life insurance company considers how much coverage you can get and how much you will have to pay for it. When you apply for a life insurance policy, you will be asked quite a few questions about your health, and you should do your best to provide as much information as possible. 

Specifically, your height and weight can play a big part in determining your premiums. Your body mass index (BMI) can make the difference between your rate class, so, if you have a higher BMI, you’re likely to pay more. On top of that, things like your blood pressure and your cholesterol can do the same to your rates. Add in any smoking habits, and you can say goodbye to affordable rates. If you have started to notice some issues with these health vitals or if you are a smoker, you may want to get these in check before applying for a life insurance policy. 

Let’s say that you need a life insurance policy sooner rather than later, but you don’t have the time to wait to work on your health. You might get locked into a higher premium rate at first, but there are still ways you can get a lower price. If you’ve quit smoking and have made major improvements to your health, you can always ask your life insurance policy carrier to re-evaluate your health to see if you can get a better rate. Normally, you have to provide some medical records to prove that you are not only in better health now, but you have also maintained better health for a certain period of time. If your carrier does not give you the opportunity for a rate re-evaluation, you can always shop around for a new policy. Chances are, you might find a policy elsewhere for a better price. 

2. Find The Right Type Of Coverage

When trying to get a life insurance policy for the most affordable rate possible, the type of insurance you get will have a big impact on how much you pay monthly. The two most popular types of life insurance are term and permanent, but you’ll pay a vastly different amount for each. 

Out of the top two, term life insurance tends to be the most affordable. This is because term life insurance is the most basic type of life insurance you can get, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great way to get coverage. Term life insurance covers you for an agreed-upon period of time for a certain amount of coverage. If the policyholder were to die within that time, then their beneficiaries would receive the death benefit. 

Nowadays, the internet has made it so much easier to find life insurance online. Whereas traditional approaches to life insurance policies require applicants to undergo a medical exam, you can now find great rates for life insurance without a medical exam through accelerated term life insurance. Not every company offers this type of insurance, but it has been popping up more and more in recent years. While you will still have to answer some questions about your medical history, you won’t need to take time out of your busy schedule to get a medical exam. Instead, companies use the information provided on your application and use algorithms to determine if they can approve you for coverage as well as how much you will pay for the coverage. All in all, it’s a much simpler and quicker process and you will still be able to get a great rate for the coverage you need. 

Permanent life insurance, on the other hand, covers a policyholder for their entire life rather than a certain period of time. The death benefit also has some additional benefits as well. As the policyholder pays their premium, that money accumulates and translates into a cash value that can be used while the policyholder is still alive to borrow against. With this added benefit of guaranteed coverage over the course of life as well as the cash value, permanent life insurance can be very appealing until someone sees the price tag. 

3. Ask About Discounts

You should always ask the carrier if they offer any types of discounts. In a lot of cases, there are ways that you can unlock even more savings. 

The most common way that people receive discounts on life insurance is by paying their premium payments in full for, let’s say, a year. If this is something you are financially able to do, your provider may offer anywhere from a 2-8% discount. Before you get a life insurance policy, ask to see if your carrier provides any discounts such as this one. On top of that, some carriers will provide a certain discount if you have a certain job or profession. So, if you are in the military or are a teacher, there could be even more saving opportunities. 

Now, another very popular way to save money on life insurance is to bundle it with other insurance you may need. Most commonly, people will bundle their life insurance with their home or auto insurance. Especially if you need these insurances, why pay a higher price to get your insurances separately when you can bundle and potentially save even more money?

4. Shop Around

The best way to get the most affordable life insurance rate possible is by doing your due diligence and shopping around. Luckily, the internet makes it so incredibly easy to get quotes from multiple providers, compare your offers, and pick the option that makes the most sense for you. Not all companies will give you the same rates for the same or similar coverage amounts, so it is always in your best interest to get a healthy amount of quotes to compare. It may be tempting to automatically select the policy with the lowest monthly premium price, but you should always weigh the coverage amount and the price so that you are getting the most for what you are paying. 

How To Adjust Your Budget To Fit Life Insurance Costs

Now that you’ve found a great rate, it’s time to re-evaluate your budget and make any necessary adjustments

 

With an affordable life insurance policy rate locked in, now it’s time to see how it plays into your budget. By reviewing your current budget and making some adjustments, you will have a better understanding of what you need to change about your spending habits in order to afford your rates. 

Review Your Budget

The first step in adjusting your budget to fit life insurance costs is to review your current budget. It’s good to do this from time to time anyway so you can make sure your budget still works for your needs. 

When reviewing your budget, first start by comparing your planned spending and your actual spending habits. Using a budgeting app or going through your bank statements, you can get a better idea of where you are aligned with your planned spending and where you may be missing the mark in actuality. 

With a better understanding of your spending habits in mind, you will next want to consider any new expenses. In the case of life insurance, you may want to test how your budget may change if you decide to pay your premiums in full for the year or if you decide to pay monthly. 

Looking at the bigger picture, keep your financial goals at the top of your mind as well. This may impact how much you need to modify your spending habits if you find that you don’t have enough room in your budget to realistically achieve your goals. 

Determine What You Can Cut In Your Budget

Now that you have a better idea of where you would like your money to go and how you have actually been spending, you can then start to modify your budget. If you have crunched the numbers and have determined that you can realistically fit your life insurance into your budget without needing to make any significant changes, then you may not need to modify your budget very much at all. Or, the solution may be to simply move planned spending budgets from category to category. 

However, if you have noticed that your financial priorities have changed and you don’t have the wiggle room to accomplish what you need, then cutting back on your unnecessary spending is a great place to start making changes. While this will look different for everyone depending on their own habits, some popular ways to cut back are as follows: 

  • Cut back on going out to eat.
  • Plan nights in rather than nights out. 
  • Audit your subscriptions and cut back where you can.

Even simple but consistent changes can add up and make room for your new financial priorities. 

 

Life insurance policies are a great way to ensure that your family will always be financially supported, even if you were to pass away. With that in mind, know that life insurance isn’t a luxury that only a few can afford. With a little bit of research and some adjustments in your budget, a life insurance policy is well within reach. 

 

Ireland is the 24th best country to live in, according to Digital Quality of Life Index

The fourth annual edition of the Digital Quality of Life Index (DQL) reports that Ireland is the 24th best country to live in regarding digital wellbeing. That is out of 117 countries, or 92% of the global population. Out of the five fundamental digital life pillars, Ireland’s worst score is for internet affordability (ranking 36th globally), and the best is for e-infrastructure (18th). Ireland’s e-government services come 23rd, while e-security and internet quality rank 25th and 35th, respectively. In the face of waging inflation, fixed broadband internet has become less affordable worldwide for the second year in a row, prying the global digital divide even further.

Surfshark’s study evaluates countries based on five fundamental digital wellbeing pillars: internet quality, e-government, e-infrastructure, internet affordability, and e-security. This year, Ireland has made it into the top 30 globally, ranking 24th in the final index and 19th in Europe. 

The country has not changed its ranking since last year’s edition. Out of all index pillars, Ireland’s weakest spot is internet affordability, which needs to improve by 780% to match the best-ranking country’s result (Israel’s).

Internet quality in Ireland is above average, and on a global scale fixed broadband internet is better than mobile

Ireland’s internet quality, considering internet speed, stability, and growth, ranks 35th in the world and is 17% better than the global average. Regarding internet speed alone, Ireland’s fixed broadband internet ranks higher than mobile in the global ranking, operating at 124.9 Mbps/s (32nd globally). Meanwhile, the mobile internet comes 38th (63.7 Mbps/s).

Compared to the U.K., Ireland’s mobile internet is 29% slower, while broadband is 17% faster. Since last year, mobile internet speed in Ireland has improved by 33.7% (16.1 Mbps), and fixed broadband speed has grown by 10.7% (12.1 Mbps). In comparison, Singapore’s residents enjoyed mobile speeds up to 104 Mbps/s and fixed to as much as 261 Mbps/s – that’s the fastest internet in the world this year.

Internet in Ireland is moderately affordable compared to global standards, but there’s still room for improvement

Ireland’s internet affordability ranks 36th in the world. Residents can buy 1GB of mobile internet in Ireland for as cheap as 1 minutes 51 seconds of work per month, 4 times more than in U.K.. However, compared to Israel, which has the most affordable mobile internet on the planet (5s per 1GB), Irish work 23 times more. Its affordability decreased since the previous year, making people work 85 seconds more to afford the same mobile internet service.

Fixed broadband costs Irish citizens around 1 hour 43 minutes of their precious working time each month. To afford it, Irish have to work 5 times more than Israeli citizens, for whom the most affordable package costs only 19 min of work monthly. Since last year, broadband internet has become less affordable in Ireland, making people work 3 minutes more to afford fixed broadband internet service.

The global digital divide is now deeper than ever

Globally, broadband is getting less affordable each year. Looking at countries included in last year’s index, people have to work six minutes more to afford broadband internet in 2022. In some countries, such as Ivory Coast and Uganda, people work an average of 2 weeks to earn the cheapest fixed broadband internet package. A similar trend was observed last year. With the current inflation, the pressure on low-income households that need the internet has become even heavier. Surfshark’s study also found that countries with the poorest internet connection have to work for it the longest.

 “While countries with a strong digital quality of life tend to be those of advanced economies, our global study found that money doesn’t always buy digital happiness,” – explains Gabriele Racaityte-Krasauske, Head of PR at Surfshark. “That is why, for the fourth year in a row, we continue analyzing the Digital Quality of Life to see how different nations keep up with providing the basic digital necessities for their citizens. Most importantly, our research seeks to show the full picture of the global digital divide that millions of people are suffering from.”

The best and the worst countries to live in by the digital quality of life

Overall, 7 out of 10 highest-scoring countries are in Europe, which has been the case for the past three years. Israel ranks 1st in DQL 2022 and Denmark is the runner-up in the second place. Germany ranks 3rd, and France and Sweden round up the top five of the 117 evaluated nations. Congo DR, Yemen, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Cameroon are the bottom five countries.

Regionally, the US stands out in the Americas as a country with the highest digital quality of life, while Israel takes the leading position in Asia. Among African countries, people in South Africa enjoy the highest digital life quality. In Oceania, New Zealand takes the lead outperforming Australia in various digital areas this year.

METHODOLOGY

The 2022 DQL research examined more than 7.2 billion people regarding five core pillars and 14 underpinning indicators that provide a comprehensive measure. The study is based on the United Nations open-source information, the World Bank, Freedom House, the International Communications Union, and other sources. This year’s study includes seven (6%) more countries than DQL 2021, most of which are African countries.

 The final 2022 Digital Quality of Life report and an interactive country comparison tool can be found here: https://surfshark.com/dql2022

Is a pirate’s life for you?

Ahoy there matey! Are you up for an adventure across the slot sea, where chests overflowing with gold and sought-after treasures are hidden within the lands? Seeking out the treasures hidden within the reels can be smooth sailing or a topsy turvy adventure when the seas get rough, but that’s what a pirate’s life is all about.

If you’re up for joining our quest along the lobby lands of Paddy Power Games online casino, then jump aboard our pirate ship as we venture through the slot sea in search of the perfect treasure; pirate-themed Slots.

Scroll to jump aboard…Pirate Frenzy

Sail to a deserted island, where the only things to be found are a crab, palm trees, the ocean, three rows and six reels.

With the sounds of not only the ocean in your ears but classic fruit machines too, your pirate adventure begins as soon as you press spin.

To make the adventure around the reels more pirate-friendly, the slot symbols consist of bottles of rum, oranges, golden anchors, sacks of gold coins and gems, as well as a parrot. If you create the perfect symbol combination along the reels, you could see yourself sailing off with a treasure chest of prizes worth up to 10,000x your wager!

Pirate Gold

Our next stop on the pirate map takes us towards land. Set at the crack of dawn, you’ll see the sun rising in the distance and the morning mist along the ocean top and around the ships setting the mood along the harbour for a heist, pirate style!

As lit lanterns blow in the wind, hanging from a wooden grid comprised of five rows and four rows, it’s the symbols you need to keep watch of in order to claim the jackpot worth up to 32,000x your wager. With bronze, silver and gold coins, a hook, a telescope, a treasure map, a ship and a treasure chest spinning around this slot, alongside male and female pirate symbols, could you spin a winning combination, left to right, and claim the treasure hidden within?

Pirates Hold

Time to sail into the unknown where three shipmates could help transform your gameplay and possibly your bankroll too, with just a spin of five reels and three rows. Set somewhere within the sea, when you open the game, you’ll be welcomed with a slot grid with a ship on the left and land on the right.

In order to start reaping rewards from the reels, you’ll need to create winning combinations with symbols such as a treasure chest, compass, a gun, jewels, a cannon wild and three shipmates; Anne Robber, Davy Locker and Jack Arrow.

If you land one of the three shipmates on reel five, along with a handful of coins, you’ll activate bonus features attached to each pirate.

  • Anne Robber – opens a ship battle round. She’ll clone wilds within the reel to create bigger winning opportunities.
  • Jack Arrow – pulls us underwater to the seabed, where a sequence of expanded reels and free spins are waiting for you.
  • Davy Locker – opens his bonus on a separate screen that features a special wheel that will award you varying free spin amounts.

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Will you become a fully-fledged pirate of the online Slots or will you end up walking the plank? There’s only one way to find out!

New Technologies That Can Help Improve The Life Expectancy Of The Irish

The downsides of the modern way of life are threatening the health of nations across the world. In Ireland alone, over 10,000 people died last year from cardiovascular-related diseases, and the most common cause of death was unpredictable strokes and heart failure. 

However, there are promising signs of improvement with the help of technological advances that can increase the life expectancy of the nation. Keep on reading as we’ll discuss some of the new technologies on the way.

This table by this comparison website reveals that the Irish life expectancy past 65 is significantly lacking behind other countries. Of course, like with every new technology, these revolutionary approaches are often not available to everyone. The availability is rather due to scarce medical supplies than to a lack of sufficient funds. Scientists are working on commercializing these new technologies, reducing the costs of production, and improving the chance for everyone to use them. If the new approaches and discoveries are successful, chances are these technologies will be more available to many. Until then, many hospitals still have to make selective decisions on which patients are a priority to receive treatment.

MRI and CT scans 

New improvements have been made in the field of CT and MRI scans. The new advancements are estimated to ease the diagnoses and discovery of hidden tumours and underlying issues. The standard scans came with flaws and establishing a correct diagnosis has been known to be an issue. Thankfully, the new advancements may allow for more precise and more accurate diagnoses, and with the early discovery of tumours and cancer cells, the treatments and their effectiveness will be increased. 

Biopharmaceuticals 

The number of prevalent diseases has risen over the years, despite the many advancements made, as simultaneously the number of factors contributing to the spreading of diseases has risen as well. 

As the statistics suggested, in Ireland alone, over 40,000 people are fighting these diseases each year. The biopharmaceutical industry has had an astonishing rise in the last decade. The technology behind it allows for more effective treatment of metabolic diseases and even cancer. These technologies rely on living cells, modified through cutting-edge methods. The range of diseases treatable with the technology is astonishingly broad. The modified organisms or cells are used in the treatment of cancerous cells, allergies, inflammatory tissue, and gene therapies. The treatment is specifically meant for rare disorders, but also represents an effective method of fighting cancer. 

Control and management 

We have so far listed the most common health concerns and issues such as cardiovascular problems, strokes, tumours, and genetic disorders. However, another common problem has become diabetes, which approximately 6% of the population of Ireland deal with. Thankfully, with sensors and insulin checkers, regulating your sugar levels has never been easier and more effective. 

Better control over the issues allows for a more effective treatment. And trackers and sensors are also available for other issues: respiratory monitoring, cardiac monitoring, and health monitoring of the body during invasive treatments, like chemo. Wearables now can allow people to track the pulse and overall condition of their body. 

The control and management of such serious conditions, and even the regular control of healthy individuals, will drastically reduce death outcomes and allow longer life and more productive ones. 

These bright numbers suggest a better future for the vast portion of the population. Over 200,000 individuals in Ireland have been successful in treating cancer and surviving after several sessions of chemo and radiation. Surviving a stroke or heart attack has become standard with checkers monitoring cardiac disease and with bypass operations having an almost 100% success rate. The future looks optimistic, and we can only hope the best is yet to come.