Tag: #mobile

8 Interesting Facts About The Video Game Industry

Video games have come a long way since their invention in the late 1950s. They’ve revolutionized entertainment, kicked off enormous industries, and shaped generations of fans across multiple platforms. Today there are countless video game fans around the world, producing tons of revenue each year for publishers and creators alike. With such a huge following it can be hard to keep up with everything that is going on in the industry – but lucky for you we’ve put together nine interesting facts about the gaming industry! From rising stars within development houses to innovations helping cut down production times and costs – read on to find out more information that every gaming fan should know!

The global video game industry is worth over $140 Billion and is growing rapidly

Gaming enthusiasts, rejoice! The video game industry has now become a major player in the global market, with an estimated worth of the video game industry astounding $140 billion and counting. The growth of this industry is simply staggering, and it’s easy to understand why. With the advent of innovative technology and increasing accessibility, gaming has gone from a mere pastime to a full-fledged form of entertainment. Whether you prefer racing games or first-person shooters, virtual reality, or console gaming, there is something for everyone. It’s no wonder the industry is thriving and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. So grab your controller and get ready to immerse yourself in the exciting world of gaming.

Over 2.5 billion gamers are spread across the world, with the majority from Asia

Gaming has long been a favorite pastime for millions of people worldwide, with over 2.5 billion gamers spread across the globe. Interestingly, over half of these gamers hail from Asia, making it the largest gaming market in the world. With the rise of mobile gaming and the increased accessibility of consoles and PCs, the gaming industry has never been more popular. From fast-paced action games to thought-provoking puzzles and adventures, there’s a game out there for everyone. It’s fascinating to see how a simple hobby has become a multi-billion-dollar industry that continues to grow every year. Who knows what innovations and trends will emerge from this thriving community of gamers?

Mobile gaming accounts for more than 50% of all global gaming revenue

The rise of mobile gaming has taken the world by storm, accounting for more than half of all global gaming revenue. It’s no surprise, given the convenience and accessibility of gaming on the go. Gone are the days of needing a bulky console or computer to satisfy your gaming cravings. With mobile devices, players can easily access a wide range of games with just a few taps on their screens. Whether it’s a quick game during a morning commute or a longer session before bed, mobile gaming offers endless possibilities. As this industry continues to grow, it’s clear that we can expect even more exciting developments and innovations in the future.

Nintendo Switch is currently the most popular console on the market

Gaming enthusiasts worldwide have been raving about the Nintendo Switch, and it is expected that this innovative gaming console has quickly gained massive popularity. Nintendo Switch revolutionized the gaming industry with its versatile design that enables users to switch between handheld and docked modes with ease. The console’s portability and impressive gameplay make it a hit with both casual and hardcore gamers alike. Additionally, the console’s extensive library of exclusive games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey appeals to the nostalgia of its multigenerational fan base.


The average age of gamers is 36 years old

Gone are the days when video games were just a hobby for teenagers. Today, gamers come from all ages, and the average age might surprise you. According to recent studies, the typical gamer is 36 years old. This means that gaming is not just for the young anymore – it’s a form of entertainment that appeals to people of all ages. From nostalgic classics to innovative new titles, there’s something for everyone in the world of gaming. So if you’ve been hesitant to pick up a controller because you think you might be “too old,” think again!

Esports tournaments offer large prizes, with some reaching up to $30 million in total prize money

As the world of esports continues to grow at an exponential rate, so do the prizes offered at its tournaments. It’s not uncommon to see numbers in the millions of dollars when it comes to prize pools, with some tournaments even reaching a staggering $30 million. It’s no wonder that esports has become such a lucrative career path for many gamers, as they compete at the highest level for a chance to secure their share of the massive prize money on offer. Such large amounts are a testament to the increasing popularity and significance of esports in the modern world. The sky’s the limit when it comes to these high-stakes competitions, and it will be interesting to see what heights esports can reach in the future.

Video game streaming platforms are revolutionizing the industry

In recent years, the world of video games has undergone a major shift thanks to the rise of streaming platforms. With platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming, players can now broadcast their gameplay to an audience of millions, creating a new form of entertainment that has taken the industry by storm. These platforms have not only revolutionized the way people consume video games but have also provided a unique opportunity for aspiring gamers and creators to showcase their skills and build a following. In many ways, video game streaming platforms have opened up a whole new world of possibilities for the industry, allowing for greater transparency, accessibility, and collaboration among players, developers, and fans alike. This is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new era for video games.

Virtual reality gaming has seen tremendous growth in recent years and is expected to continue to grow

Virtual reality gaming has taken the world by storm in recent years, providing players with an immersive gaming experience like never before. With the use of advanced technology and realistic graphics, virtual reality games offer a whole new level of engagement and interactivity. Players can explore fantastical worlds, interact with characters and objects, and experience intense adrenaline rushes like never before. This form of gaming has seen rapid growth in recent years, with millions of players worldwide embracing this revolutionary gaming technology. And with continuous advancements in technology and the increasing availability of virtual reality hardware, virtual reality gaming is expected to continue its tremendous growth in the years to come.

In conclusion, the video game industry is an ever-growing and profitable powerhouse. With 2.5 billion people around the world playing games, it’s no wonder why the global gaming industry continues to grow at record speed and number. Mobile gaming accounts for more than half of all revenue generated by the industry, making it an integral part of success. The Nintendo Switch is currently leading console popularity charts, while Esports tournaments offer huge cash prizes for those that can reach the level of excellence necessary for such renown. And finally, virtual reality gaming has seen extraordinary advances in recent years and looks poised to continue its growth in the coming years. It doesn’t look like these numbers are slowing down anytime soon!

eir Extends Partnership With GamerFest, Ireland’s Leading Gaming Festival as Ookla Confirms eir Ireland’s Lowest Latency Broadband Provide

eir, Ireland’s largest telecommunications provider, today announces an extension of the partnership with GamerFest, Ireland’s biggest gaming and esports festival as Official Network Partner. The event, established in 2017, will hold two events in Dublin in 2023, on May 27th & 28th and October 21st & 22nd, enabling more gamers from across Ireland to experience the future of gaming in the RDS, Dublin. The extension of the partnership comes as Ookla® confirms eir as the fixed network with the best latency, based on analysis of Speedtest Intelligence data for fixed multi-server latency in Ireland, Q1 2023.

eir’s low latency means gamers’ actions are registered faster, giving them more time to react and make strategic decisions. Having delivered its best latency Gigabit Broadband network, capable of speeds of up to 10GB per second, to a record breaking one million homes and businesses across Ireland, eir is now the best network for gaming in Ireland.

Susan Brady, Managing Director of eir Consumer and Small Business “We’re delighted to partner with GamerFest again this year and look forward to showcasing the best possible gaming experience that the eir network enables at the events in the RDS.  The confirmation from Ookla on the low latency of the eir network this week allows the gamers of Ireland access to a competitive advantage when gaming. Low latency is critical for gaming and with the latest technology and infrastructure, eir’s network also offers lightning-fast download and upload speeds, ensuring that gamers can play their favourite games without any lag or interruption also. We’re proud to deliver that to one million premises across Ireland, making eir undoubtedly the best network for gamers in Ireland.”

Stuart Dempsey, GamerFest’s CEO: “The whole GamerFest team are proud to partner with eir. We’ve been blown away to see eir build out their Gigabit Fibre network to more than one million homes and businesses, which is huge news for our gaming community across Ireland as Gigabit Fibre speeds combined with the lowest latency provides an unmatched gaming experience.

Mobile gaming is also steadily increasing in popularity due to the expansion of 4G and 5G mobile technology. With eir’s 5G network, gamers can rest assured that they will always have the best possible gaming experience. We’re incredibly excited to welcome visitors back to GamerFest 2023 in May and October to experience all the amazing gaming content and technology across the weekend and to partner with eir again as our Official Network Partner.”

Over the last four years, eir has invested more than €1 billion in building world class connectivity infrastructure, enabling the build of Ireland’s largest Gigabit Fibre Network and Ireland’s best available 5G mobile network. eir has committed to investing a further €1 billion over four years, through to 2026 and is rolling out its Gigabit Broadband network to 1.9 million front doors, or 84% of homes and businesses, by the end of 2026.

HP Wolf Security report: Daily QR “Scan Scams” Phishing Users on their Mobile Devices

HP Ireland has today issued its latest quarterly HP Wolf Security Threat Insights Report, showing hackers are diversifying attack methods, including a surge in QR code phishing campaigns. By isolating threats on PCs and mobile devices that have evaded detection tools, HP Wolf Security has specific insight into the latest techniques being used by cybercriminals in the fast-changing cybercrime landscape. To date, HP Wolf Security customers have clicked on over 25 billion email attachments, web pages, and downloaded files with no reported breaches.

From February 2022, Microsoft began blocking macros in Office files by default, making it harder for attackers to run malicious code. Data collected by the HP Threat Research team shows that from Q2 2022, attackers have been diversifying their techniques to find new ways to breach devices and steal data. Based on data from millions of endpoints running HP Wolf Security, the research found:

  • The rise of QR scan scams: Since October 2022, HP has seen almost daily QR code “scan scam” campaigns. These scams trick users into scanning QR codes from their PCs using their mobile devices – potentially to take advantage of weaker phishing protection and detection on such devices. QR codes direct users to malicious websites asking for credit and debit card details. Examples in Q4 included phishing campaigns masquerading as parcel delivery companies seeking payment.
  • HP noted a 38% rise in malicious PDF attachments: Recent attacks use embedded images that link to encrypted malicious ZIP files, bypassing web gateway scanners. The PDF instructions contain a password that the user is tricked into entering to unpack a ZIP file, deploying QakBot or IcedID malware to gain unauthorised access to systems, which are used as beachheads to deploy ransomware.
  • 42% of malware was delivered inside archive files like ZIP, RAR, and IMG: The popularity of archives has risen 20% since Q1 2022, as threat actors switch to scripts to run their payloads. This is compared to 38% of malware delivered through Office files such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

“We have seen a rise in scan scams, malvertising, archives and PDF malware recently, and we would encourage everyone to look out for emails and websites that ask to scan QR codes and give up sensitive data, as well as PDF files linking to password-protected archives. Being aware of the signs to watch out for is the first line of defense when it comes to detecting and eliminating any breaches, it ensures these threat actors don’t gain access to sensitive data and move throughout systems,” explains Val Gabriel, Managing Director of HP Ireland.

In Q4, HP also found 24 popular software projects imitated in malvertising campaigns used to infect PCs with eight malware families – compared to just two similar campaigns in the previous year. The attacks rely on users clicking on search engine advertisements, which lead to malicious websites that look almost identical to the real websites.

“While techniques evolve, threat actors still rely on social engineering to target users at the endpoint,” comments Dr. Ian Pratt, Global Head of Security for Personal Systems, HP Inc.

“Organisations should deploy strong isolation to contain the most common attack vectors like email, web browsing and downloads. Combine this with credential protection solutions that warn or prevent users from entering sensitive details onto suspicious sites to greatly reduce the attack surface and improve an organisation’s security posture.”

HP Wolf Security runs risky tasks like opening email attachments, downloading files and clicking links in isolated, micro-virtual machines (micro-VMs) to protect users, capturing detailed traces of attempted infections. HP’s application isolation technology mitigates threats that might slip past other security tools and provides unique insights into novel intrusion techniques and threat actor behavior.

The full report can be found here: https://threatresearch.ext.hp.com/hp-wolf-security-threat-insights-report-q4-2022/

Tesco Mobile Ireland announces Price Plan Freeze

The grand stretch doesn’t just apply to spring evenings anymore, as the increased cost of living is forcing families and individuals to stretch their income against a sharp and unpredictable rise in monthly utility bills, with many of Ireland’s largest mobile providers set to increase their prices over the coming weeks.

Committed to helping households across Ireland cut the cost of connectivity, Tesco Mobile Ireland has taken action to support its customers during these challenging times, by announcing a price freeze across all bill pay plans. Effective immediately, existing and new Tesco Mobile Ireland customers* signing up to or in 24 or month contracts will enjoy the same great-value prices, safe in the knowledge that their monthly charge will not change for the duration of their minimum term.

In search of the best value deals, 16% of Irish consumers have switched to a cheaper mobile phone or broadband provider in the last two-months, with Tesco Mobile Ireland reminding customers that a reliable service shouldn’t come with a premium price tag. With double the points when you register your Clubcard to your Tesco Mobile account, as part of Tesco’s ongoing commitment to providing more value and rewards to customers, every €5 in Clubcard vouchers will also give you €15 off your phone bill.

So, whether you’re a family budgeting for the weeks and months ahead, a student trying to stay connected or a savvy shopper navigating financial uncertainty, Tesco Mobile Ireland provides more help than you’d expect from a supermarket mobile. Switch and save today as you join over 400,000 Tesco Mobile customers across Ireland already enjoying 99% network coverage.

For more information on the Tesco Mobile Ireland price freeze and bill pay plans, visit in-store or online at www.tescomobile.ie.

Understanding the Basics of Mobile App Development

If you’re thinking about developing a mobile app, it’s important to understand the basics of the process. In this blog post, we’ll cover some essential information on mobile app development, including what you need to get started and what to expect along the way. You can also learn how to find a startup app development agency to help you with mobile development. Whether you’re new to app development or have some experience under your belt, this post will give you a good foundation for creating successful apps. So let’s dive in!

What Is Mobile App Development?

Mobile app development refers to the process of designing and creating dedicated applications, or apps, specifically intended for use on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. Although the actual development process may vary depending on the specific project, it typically begins with creating a detailed plan for design and cost feasibility, followed by programming and testing phases before publishing. The advantages of mobile app development are plentiful; users now have access to a vast array of helpful apps requiring only consent from their respective computing platforms and minimal download time. Developing mobile apps not only contributes to convenience but also works to improve and streamline various processes from management across multiple disciplines, making them incredibly valuable tools. Plus, with app development consulting services, it’s possible to create a personalized app that caters to the needs of your business or organization. It’s also worth noting that many mobile app development companies offer conversion services to make existing websites compatible with mobile devices.

How To Develop A Mobile App

Developing a mobile app isn’t as complicated as it may sound. It all starts with an idea that you want to bring to life and materialize into an application. The real work begins when you need to design the visual components and write the underlying code that’s needed for the app to function correctly. This is where the coding experience comes in handy, ensuring any errors are caught before testing begins. After extensive testing, you can be confident that your app runs smoothly and fulfills its purpose of entertaining or providing convenience to users. With these steps in mind, anyone can harness their imaginative ideas into tangible mobile applications with proper knowledge of the tech involved! When developing an app, it’s important to make sure you’re staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. Also, It’s essential to consider what platform your app will be built for. Different devices have different operating systems, so your app needs to be designed accordingly. 

How Much Does It Cost

Developing an app can be a complicated and costly process with no one-size-fits-all answer. Depending on the complexity of your app and the amount of effort you’re willing to put into it, the cost of creating a mobile app can range from as little as a few hundred dollars to more than $100,000 or more. It is important to remember that there are many different components involved in successful coding, design, and development – from ideation costs to server fees – so it is best to work with experienced professionals who understand your budget and goals. With the right team on board, it is possible to create an effective, powerful mobile app on any budget. If you’re looking to develop a mobile app but are not sure where to start, consider consulting professionals who specialize in the design and development of mobile applications. A reliable team will be able to create an app that meets your needs while staying within your budget. 

The Different Types Of Mobile Apps

Did you know that the mobile app development industry has grown exponentially over the past few years? Did you also know that this growth is thanks to the different types of mobile apps – native, web, and hybrid – available to users? Native applications are developed specifically for one type of platform, such as iOS or Android. Web applications are accessible through a web browser and run on remote servers. Hybrid applications run inside a native container and combine features from both web and native apps. With the ever-growing popularity of mobile devices, these different types of mobile apps are becoming more commonplace – providing us with convenient access to all kinds of content and activities.

How To Choose

When it comes to deciding which app development service is the best option for your business needs, the choice can be confusing. There are three primary types of services available: native app development, web app development, and hybrid app development. Each type has strengths and weaknesses, so you’ll want to consider how data will be managed, how user interface design should be handled, and if essential features can be supported. The type of service that’s right for you will depend greatly on your project’s requirements, budget constraints as well as platform target users. It’s important to do thorough research when deciding which type of development services are best suited for your business needs.

App Store Optimization Tips

If you’re developing a mobile app, chances are you need to optimize it for the app store so it can reach the right audience and get more downloads. App store optimization (ASO) may seem daunting—there’s no guarantee that your efforts will increase downloads—but understanding the basics and knowing which tips to use can give your app a leg up in an increasingly competitive field. Conducting market research is a great place to start: focus on who your potential users are and what features they need in order to persuade them to download. After that, it’s all about building effective relationships with users, optimizing keywords, leveraging third-party resources, maintaining high ratings and reviews, using visuals that are both visually appealing and functional, and continuing to track page metrics like page views and conversions. With some dedication and creativity, success in the app store isn’t out of reach for anyone!

 

In conclusion, developing a mobile app is a complex process that involves many different components. It’s important to understand the different types of apps and how to choose the right service for your project. Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with tips on how to optimize your app in order to get more downloads and reach the right audience. With proper planning, research, and dedication, your mobile app can be successful in no time.

OPPO Launches Find N2 Flip Globally

OPPO has unveiled its first foldable smartphone for international users, the OPPO Find N2 Flip. With this flip device, OPPO is officially expanding the foldable product line to overseas markets after the great success of the OPPO Find N and OPPO Find N2 series in China.

Combining the largest cover screen on any flip phone with all-day battery life and SUPERVOOC flash charging, the OPPO Find N2 Flip takes foldables from the fringes to the forefront in a compact, sleek way.

The new OPPO Find N2 Flip puts an industry-leading cover screen into palms and pockets, challenging what users have come to expect from small form-factor foldables. Together with its light weight and pocketable size, the OPPO Find N2 Flip’s vertical cover screen turns the company’s debut flip phone into an incredible photography tool. The large cover screen also features powerful widgets that help users stay on top of up to six notifications at a time and handle other simple tasks without needing to open the phone.

Empowered by world-class hardware, a flagship camera system with a Sony IMX890 sensor, powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9000+, ultra-fast dual-SIM 5G connectivity, and best-in-class charging speeds, the OPPO Find N2 Flip marks the start of a new chapter for OPPO’s foldable product portfolio and flip phones on the whole.

Redefining the Cover Screen

Measuring at 3.26 inches, the OPPO Find N2 Flip’s cover screen is the largest of any flip phone on the market. Its generous size makes everything easier to do whether taking selfies or checking notifications.

The vertical orientation is a game changer, allowing the Cover Screen to display up to six notifications in one view, which is industry-leading. Quickly reply to messages in mainstream messenger apps, toggle settings, record a voice note, answer a call and more – all without opening your phone.

Balancing useful features with fun, playful moments, the OPPO Find N2 Flip’s cover screen lets you customise your home screen in interactive ways. Pet lovers can choose between a bird, cat, dog, hamster, or rabbit, and you’ll have company whenever you fire it up. From playful to laugh-out-loud, set a GIF as your cover screen wallpaper for memes on loop, and if you’re a Bitmoji fan, your sticker pack can be your AOD (always-on display). In addition to Bitmoji, the AOD also displays helpful insights including the time, date, power status, and notifications.

Rather than creating a loud, attention-grabbing aesthetic for the OPPO Find N2 Flip’s design, OPPO went for a sleek look, so the phone’s style acts as a backdrop for the cover screen to shine.

With polished aluminum sides, a fingerprint-resistant glass cover and a unique micro-etched wave pattern across the hinge, Find N2 Flip has a simplified design, which feels premium in the hand and is available in two colours: Astral Black and Moonlit Purple.

Weighing just 191g and measuring only 7.45mm in thickness, the OPPO Find N2 Flip is thin and light, and with its micro-arc, precision curved glass back cover, it is a comfortable fit in your hand, whether open or closed.

It’s the immense 6.8-inch E6 AMOLED display is picture perfect, with its cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio and smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Viewability is excellent in different environments thanks to an advanced anti-reflection film and up to 1600 nits of peak brightness.

The Best Flip Phone Camera

The OPPO Find N2 Flip’s flagship 50MP main camera features a large Sony IMX890 sensor with an f/1.8 lens – a strong foundation for incredible imaging.

See more and capture with confidence, as the largest cover screen of any flip phone gives you the clearest selfie preview available. And if you’re taking a photo or video of someone else, fire up Dual Preview so they can see how they look.

The OPPO Find N2 Flip’s 17:9 aspect ratio cover screen is the same vertical orientation as your phone’s camera sensor, keeping cropping to a minimum for maximum detail.

Unlock even more creativity with FlexForm Mode, made possible by the second-generation Flexion Hinge, as the OPPO Find N2 Flip holds its position mid-fold between 45-110 degrees for waist-level dynamic angles and evocative 4K time-lapse video.

FlexForm Mode also turns your flip phone into a tripod-steady, hands-free camera. Just part-fold it, place it on a surface and then trigger the shutter release with an open palm gesture – perfect for group shots. It also harnesses the power of the 32MP selfie camera. With its Sony IMX709 sensor, autofocus, and wide-angle lens, rest the phone down for a high-quality hands-free video call, with FlexForm mode optimized for apps like WhatsApp and Zoom.

Co-developed with legendary camera manufacturer Hasselblad, the OPPO Find N2 Flip captures pro-grade colours, a fully featured Professional Mode, and its unique XPAN mode freezes time in a wide, cinematic frame.

Much more than just a photography champion, the OPPO Find N2 Flip’s in-house imaging NPU, MariSilicon X, boosts night video to capture ultra-clear 4K footage in low light, and you can also hold the phone part-folded and sideways, just like a camcorder for a steadier grip.

Tested to Over 400,000 Folds

Much of what makes the OPPO Find N2 Flip outstanding is its second-generation Flexion Hinge, which works in harmony with the main display to create a robust folding screen with an incredibly subtle crease.

The hinge’s miniaturised design is made up of fewer components than the first-generation Flexion Hinge used on the OPPO Find N, and in its intricate simplicity, OPPO has achieved a new standard of mechanical stability. The second-generation Flexion Hinge is more compact than ever, creating extra space for a larger cover screen and a higher-capacity, faster-charging battery.

Just as with the OPPO Find N and OPPO Find N2, there is no hinge gap when you close the OPPO Find N2 Flip, so it keeps dust out to better protect the inner display. The phone has also been independently certified by TÜV Rhineland to withstand over 400,000 folds and unfolds at standard room temperature. That’s equivalent to opening and closing the phone around 100 times a day for more than ten years, and it’s also tested up to 100,000 times at 50 degrees Celsius and 95 per cent humidity, and at -20 degrees Celsius.

OPPO iterated its second-generation Flexion Hinge to guide the screen into the gentlest folding angle possible, creating a waterdrop-shaped fold that results in a significantly shallower, narrower crease than other flip phones when unfolded. In addition to being incredibly subtle to the eye, it also feels virtually imperceptible to the touch for an uninterrupted flat-screen experience.

The Longest Lasting and Fastest Charging Flip Phone

The OPPO Find N2 Flip fits a large 4,300mAh battery in its compact body. This is the biggest battery in any flip phone by a huge margin, resulting in reliable all-day battery life.

OPPO worked closely with MediaTek to create an optimised version of its flagship Dimensity 9000+ chipset for the OPPO Find N2 Flip. These efforts have resulted in over one hour of video calling, more than two hours of social media and five hours of music streaming.

The OPPO Find N2 Flip is the first flip phone to confidently offer a full day of use on a single charge – resolving one of the most critical pain points among existing and potential users of flip smartphones.

OPPO has included the fastest charging of any flip phone in the OPPO Find N2 Flip – 44W SUPERVOOC – taking the battery from nearly empty to 50% in just 23 minutes and up to 100%in less than one hour.

ColorOS 13 with the longest OS and security support in Android phones

In addition to world-class hardware, the OPPO Find N2 Flip is a huge step forward with the software experience for flip smartphones. It runs OPPO’s latest ColorOS 13 specifically optimized for the new form factor, taking full advantage of the large cover screen, Flexform Mode and a lot more. It is also OPPO’s first phone to offer four years of major ColorOS updates and five years of security updates, joining the ranks of the longest support in any Android phone.

In summary, the OPPO Find N2 Flip breaks through barriers with the largest cover screen on any flip phone. With it, world-class selfies and flagship photography experiences are made possible.

Robust enough for over a decade of folding, and with all-day battery life and fast charging, durability and battery anxiety will be a distant memory as the OPPO Find N2 Flip marks the start of a new chapter for foldables and smartphones.

Price and Availability

The OPPO Find N2 Flip will be available in Ireland later this year. Stay tuned for more information on available colours, pricing and further details but you can still buy from the UK from March 2nd  if you do not want to wait.

International Calling: Everything You Need to Know

It may be unsettling to be away from home for a long time without keeping in touch with loved ones. Would you agree? It can also slow down business operations if you can’t connect with business partners back home, so it’s important to have data on hand. If you’re traveling overseas soon or intend to go abroad in the future, the following information may help you better grasp how international phone calls work and how to get the most out of them.

1. Think About Using Mobile Applications

Even if you have a special international phone plan, you should download a few programs for calling Kenya online or any other country, just in case. Keep in mind that using apps while traveling could use up a lot of data and cost you more money on top of the data fees. Therefore, to avoid racking up a large data bill, just use these apps when connected to Wi-Fi. 

Even if you’re on a business trip or vacation, being unable to interact with loved ones back home can be frustrating and even terrifying. With a bit of understanding of how mobile calling apps work, you may have a less stressful journey and safeguard your budget.

2. Think About Getting an Unlimited Plan

There are a surprising number of phone plans that only cover domestic calls. Unlike phones from some other countries, which automatically work overseas, handsets often need extra international packages. Even if you have a plan that allows you to use your phone in foreign countries, you will likely be charged hefty roaming costs if you make international calls or use data. 

Given how much it costs to use an international calling service, it might be smart to get an unlimited plan if your current plan doesn’t let you make international calls. This is especially helpful if you want to travel for a long time and need to stay in touch by phone without having to pay a lot every time you call an international number.

3. Employ the Session Initiation Protocol to Improve Communication

With the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), voice and other integrated communication systems can be set up and sent over the Internet. Global SIP can be used with local branch exchanges that are IP-enabled, such as Private Branch Express, which is a business phone system. You may route calls and messages to any of your company’s phone lines using a PBX system. 

If you don’t have a VoIP phone system yet, SIP trunking lets you send and receive calls over the internet instead of using a regular phone system. Also, using VoIP, any kind of data can be sent from one system to another. Because of this, more and more businesses are using VoIP office solutions to simplify and manage all of their communication channels.

 

eir release ‘2022 Year in Data’ highlighting Irish data usage trends for 2022

eir, Ireland’s superfast broadband network, has revealed its ‘2022 Year in Data’, an annual snapshot of home broadband and mobile data usage across its national customer base across the year. Showcasing when, where and how we use our data, the ‘2022 Year in Data’ highlights some interesting trends across the last 12 months including:

Fixed Broadband

  • Total broadband data usage in 2022 dropped slightly versus 2021, with 4,400 PB in 2022 vs 4,500 PB in 2021 as Covid restrictions lifted.
  • For the first five months of the year, data in 2022 was lower than in the same months in 2021 as customers returned to normal post Covid.
  • Fibre-to-the-Home broadband data increased by 37% in 2022 at 1,500 Petabytes (PB), up from 1,100 PB in 2021.
  • On average, each household used just under 6,000 Gigabytes (GB) across the 12-month period, this is equivalent to 8 hours of video per day.
  • The record high in data usage in 2022 so far was 15.9 PB on Sunday 4th December.
  • Lowest data usage for fixed broadband in 2022 was on Wednesday 4th May at 9.3 PB.
  • Surges in eir TV traffic occurred at several moments in the year including the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday December 20th, the RTE Late Late Toy Show on Friday 25th, the GAA All Ireland Finals on July 17th and 24th.
  • On average, Sunday was the highest data usage day of the week across 2022.
  • Weather incidents such as Storm Eunice in February saw a surge in usage as households spent more time at home.
  • The total broadband usage across the network (4,400PB) is the equivalent of 220 billion hours gaming, or 13 billion hours of video chat, or 2 billion hours film streaming or 678 billion songs streamed.

 

Mobile Data

  • 12 million minutes of mobile voice calls were recorded on Christmas Eve, making it the busiest day for mobile conversation as people shared festive wishes with friends and family.
  • Tuesday, December 27th was the busiest day for mobile data usage, as customers streamed video and music services.
  • The equivalent of five million movie downloads took place across the mobile network over the festive period, December 24th – 28th, an increase of over 40% on the same period in 2021 as customers streamed entertainment on the go.
  • Traffic doubled across eir’s 5G network versus the same period in 2021. 5G, is the fifth generation of mobile technology that is up to 100 times faster than 4G, providing faster connectivity speeds, ultra-low latency and greater bandwidth, excellent gaming and video streaming experiences.

Commenting on eir’s ‘2022 Year in Data’, CEO Oliver Loomes: “At eir, we provide our customers with access to world leading technologies and the highest-quality connectivity. The ‘2022 Year in Data’ report provides interesting insights into how our customers use eir’s services, helping us to continuously innovate to ensure that we are constantly delivering what they need, when they need it and helping them connect throughout the year. To this end, eir is investing €250 million per annum in our network to improve speed, coverage and resilience, with 5G already available to over 530 cities and towns and full fibre broadband made available to more than 900,000 homes and businesses across the country. We are well on our way to our ultimate target of 1.9 million homes and businesses across Ireland connected with full fibre superfast broadband.”

The Big Brand Takeover of Mobile Gaming

For several years now, mobile gaming has been leading the way in the global gaming industry. Since 2018, it has overtaken both console and PC gaming combined to become the world’s most popular way to play and access games. In 2021, for instance, mobile generated 52% of global gaming revenues, bringing in as much as $93.2 billion during the 12-month period.  

Little wonder, then, that the mobile gaming space has become increasingly attractive to major tech brands. While the nature of mobile lends itself perfectly to indie gaming – app developers can create, launch and sell their games with relatively low barriers to entry – it is, nevertheless, a sector that holds lucrative potential, especially for those brands that have the resources to go all-out in terms of innovation and development.  

Mobile is one of the most diverse sectors when it comes to game variety, with players able to do everything from play poker on mobile to compete in eSports events. Since the major mobile gaming rush at the start of this decade, we’ve seen big players in the tech industry step into the space one after another. In this article, we’ll share the lowdown on the big brand takeover of mobile gaming.  

Microsoft Has Activision in Its Sights

Microsoft is no stranger to a big tech takeover; after all, with a market worth of $1.82 trillion, it’s made some pretty savvy moves to both reach and stay at such dizzying heights. 

It first made its intentions to dominate digital gaming known in 2020 when it bought out Bethseda – the development company behind Skyrim and Fallout – to the tune of $7.5 billion. Now, Microsoft has Activision in its sights and is willing to pay $69 billion for its acquisition.  

This contentious deal could well be the biggest takeover of an entity in the history of gaming. Activision is, of course, responsible for mammoth games like Candy Crush, World of Warcraft and Call of Duty. And, while Microsoft claims the deal is necessary to boost its Xbox Game Pass offering, it has nevertheless attracted attention from the tech giant’s main competitor, Sony.  

Sony Goes Mobile 

Sony may be pushing ahead with a legal dispute against Microsoft, but that hasn’t stopped the company from making its own strides into claiming the mobile space. After nearly 30 years specialising in console gaming, the company is now expanding into mobile via the Sony PlayStation brand. 

In September 2022, PlayStation Studios announced that, following its purchase of Savage Game Studios, it would be diversifying its brand with the Studios Mobile Division. Rumoured to be running independently of the console division, the mobile arm will develop games based on existing PS IP, as well as brand-new experiences created for mobile devices. 

Interestingly, this Big Three incumbent is taking a different approach to mobile expansion to its main rival. Rather than splashing out on big-budget deals, instead, Sony is taking a low-key approach with a mixture of smaller acquisitions and strategic hires.  

More Netflix Games for Android Users 

Streaming specialist Netflix made headlines last November when it announced its debut lineup of mobile games exclusively for iOS and Android subscribers. Marking the brand’s first steps into the mobile gaming market, over the past 12 months it has expanded its portfolio with a number of free games, including those based on popular Netflix IP.  

Now, it has announced plans to unleash more games for 2023, bringing the total available on the platform to 48. This includes Vikings: Valhalla, expected during Q1 2023, Kentucky Route Zero, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge.