Tag: #uk

Tile integrates with Life360 as location app announces 64% increase in UK paid membership

Life360, the family locator app and safety membership platform, has today announced a 64% growth in UK premium members over the last year, alongside a range of new features included in its free membership offering, rolling out over the next weeks. This includes further integration with Tile, the leading Bluetooth tracker brand it acquired in 2021.

Used by more than three million people in the UK and 50 million people worldwide, Life360 offers families peace of mind by allowing them to coordinate daily activities in real time, find important items, stay connected with those who matter most, and assist in emergencies.

The Tile integration allows Life360 users’ entire “Circle” of family and friends to see the location of important items within their Life360 map. Life360 members will automatically be able to see Tile and Tile-enabled products’ last reported location, so everyone in their Circle can easily locate shared items or help each other retrieve something that’s been misplaced. Tiles can be attached to everyday essentials like bikes, keys, wallets, bags, and more.

Life 360 existing features include; advanced intelligent location sharing between Circle (group) members through Place Alerts, which send a push notification when members leave or arrive at a designated location; Check-ins, which allow a user to send their location via push notification instantly to every member in their Circle and Family Driving Reports, which allow families to see how (and what) drivers are doing behind the wheel to encourage safe habits and more.

Other new free features unveiled today include:

Free Crash Detection, which notifies Circle members and emergency contacts when Life360 detects they are in a car accident. If help is needed or the member doesn’t respond within a five-minute grace period, all Circle members and emergency contacts are notified via a text message with the user’s exact location. The app notification will also play a unique sound on the phone that will repeat for either 10 minutes or until the notification is acted upon. Of course, no one ever expects to be in a car crash, but the truth is that they happen more often than you might think and the time it takes to get help is critical.

Enhanced SOS, which means that after triggering an SOS Alert, a 10 second countdown will begin, after which Life360 will call and text all Circle members and emergency contacts for the Circle the alert was triggered in. Circle members will also receive a push notification. The phone call and text message will say where the user was when the SOS Alert was triggered. SOS alerts are available to all Life360 users, meaning parents of all ages, including new drivers and university students, can be reassured that if a loved one requires emergency assistance but can’t contact 999 because they are unable to talk on the phone, Life360 can help.

David Rice, Life360’s International GM and CSO, said: “There’s a reason why one in eleven UK families already use Life360. The launch of these new services form part of our vision to expand our offering in the UK and to help better connect and protect the people and things that matter most.

“Members can now expand their Circle to include items using Tile and these services combined feed into our mission to deliver safety options for families and their things. So whether you’re retrieving keys lost down the back of the sofa with Tile, or sending your teen driver immediate help following Life360’s crash detection, the ability to confirm the people and things that matter most are safe and accounted for and takes the stress out of everyday life.”

As a top 25 iOS app in the UK, Life360 will be introducing more additional features to the UK market over the coming months.

For more information on Life360, visit www.life360.com.

Zipp Mobility Expands UK Footprint Following Acquisition by ZEUS

Zipp Mobility – recently acquired by ZEUS, Ireland’s largest micromobility company, today announced that it is expanding its UK footprint with an e-scooter trial in Barnstaple, Devon. Zipp is partnering with North Devon County Council and the new e-scooter trial will go live on Wednesday 17 May, with a launch event and training session in Barnstaple.

Zipp Mobility, headquartered at NovaUCD in Dublin, already operates in five markets across the UK, which makes the company one of the largest and most experienced e-scooter operators in the country. 

This is the first of several upcoming launches by the company following its acquisition by ZEUS.

At the core of the Barnstaple trial is safety, both for the e-scooter riders themselves and other road users and pedestrians. Zipp Mobility has already led several informal discussions with local councillors and other stakeholders, in particular representatives of disability organisations, to understand their concerns and address these in the design of the trial.

Damian Young, CEO, ZEUS said, “We’re thrilled to bring our range of top-quality e-scooters to even more people in the UK following ZEUS’ acquisition of Zipp Mobility. This expansion is a testament to our commitment to providing reliable, eco-friendly transportation options that improve people’s lives. We can’t wait to see the positive impact that our e-scooters will have on the local community in Barnstaple, and we’re excited to be a bigger part of the UK’s transition towards more sustainable mobility solutions.”

Charlie Gleeson, founder and Chief Executive, Zipp Mobility said, “Our emphasis will be on safety both for e-scooter users and the general public. We really hope that people will see the advantage of getting around town in a cleaner, greener way while being aware of and considerate to other road users and pedestrians. I believe this climate-conscious, community-spirited attitude will be the key to the trial’s success.”

In order to ride an e-scooter, a user must be at least 16 years old and hold at least a provisional driving license. The Zipp e-scooters will be using geofencing technology to prevent riders from going into wholly pedestrian areas or onto major roads. The maximum speed limit is 15.5 mph.

The UK Department for Transport has made e-scooters legal to use on road, cycle lanes and cycle paths only. Zipp e-scooters will operate 24 hours, seven days a week. It will cost £1 to unlock the e-scooter and 20 pence per minute thereafter.

How Technology is Changing Home Improvement in the UK

According to Statista, the total annual turnover of retail sales in the decorating and DIY market peaked at £9.1 billion in 2020.

This highlighted a marked increase when compared with previous years, with this driven in part by the coronavirus pandemic and the fact that many people were required to spend considerably more time at home than usual.

Technology is also changing techniques and behaviour in the marketplace, but how exactly is this manifesting itself? Let’s get into it!

#1. Better Quality Materials

Perhaps the biggest impact of technology and innovation can be observed in materials and equipment, especially those that are now widely available to homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.

From the emergence of advanced plastics and carbon fibres to less reactive metals and strong alloys, it’s now possible to access a broader and better range of construction materials. Similarly, tools have also evolved and become increasingly innovative, including those sold on the mass market to customers.

Take the current range of Milwaukee drill drivers, for example, which are tech-led and widely recognised for their considerable quality and innovative selection of features. They also feature ergonomic and robust design, which makes them easier to use across a range of projects.

#2. Remote Technology for Improved Safety

Remote technology has also evolved markedly in recent times, from sensors and automated machines that enable tasks to complete more efficiently and while safeguarding your physical health.

Make no mistake; the rise of automation allows you to leverage machines to complete certain tasks and improvements around the home, while you’re tasked with operating devices at a safe distance.

Of course, you’ll still need some skill and knowledge to operate certain software and systems, but this is much safer than getting to grips with heavy duty or powerful machinery.

#3. The Rise and Rise of Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is different to VR, as while the latter creates completely virtual settings and backgrounds, whereas the former integrates people and corporeal elements into virtual environments. 

As a result, AR can be used to visualise the result of DIY projects in your home, using specific software that recreates your home or interior space virtually and enables you to experiment with different settings.

AR also allows for accurate insights into the future results of your DIY project and design work, enabling you to adjust plans and your vision before you get started in earnest.

What’s more, it’s more accessible than VR as you can access AR software through a simple smartphone app and display, rather than having to don an expensive headset!

iMind Reviews in the United Kingdom: Reasons to Start Using iMind.com Today

Team communication is essential to the success of any company. This also applies to relationships within the family and between friends. Previously, the distance was an obstacle to high-quality interaction. Today, video conferencing platforms solve the problem. Users can communicate, learn and work online for example, on the iMind platform. 

3 Reasons to Choose iMind

iMind is the leader among dozens of other popular video conferencing systems in the United Kingdom. The platform has good reviews from users, professional critics, and competitors. There are several reasons for this:

The Platform is Suitable For Different Types of Clients

iMind.com has features for every user. The service will be equally comfortable for those who want to find foreign investors, plan to hold an online training webinar or just chat with relatives from another city.

User Safety is The Top Priority of The Platform

You don’t have to remember your password to log in: each time you receive a one-time code to your email address. It gives you access to your account. This also makes your account difficult to hack. 

Amazing Sound And Video Quality 

Another reason why you should choose iMind is because it offers quality sound and video output. For every video conferencing tool, sound and visual are two important components. While some tools have good sound but poor audio and vice versa, iMind offers the two qualities simultaneously. 

It is designed to suppress background noise. So if you are having a meeting in an environment with a lot of interference, you don’t have to worry. Also, it offers premium video quality. It transmits from SD to HD. This ensures that video output remains quality. 

How to Choose a Platform for Online Communication?

Before choosing a video conferencing service like iMind, you should pay attention to:

 

  • data privacy – you need to make sure your personal information is protected. This is especially important for large enterprises and businessmen who discuss financial transactions, projects and ideas online;
  • versatility and many tools – it is worth choosing a program that has online chat, screen sharing mode, and individual and group rooms. The more opportunities the platform offers, the more convenient it is to build the communication process;
  • user reviews – the description of the service on the platform should not always be trusted. Each service wants to show its best side to attract more customers. It is worth finding online reviews such as the iMind reviews where users honestly talk about the experience of using the platform. This way you can get an objective assessment of the service done by individuals and entities who have tested the service. 

You would not have a problem if you pay attention to the following considerations.

Final Word 

We have seen all the reasons an individual or business should start using iMind and what to consider. However, these possibilities are only a part of what is inside iMind. Open the service in a browser to explore its tools in more detail.

What is a forex spread, and how does it operate in the UK?

Forex trading spreads are the difference between the buying price of a currency and its selling price. Forex traders buy currencies when they believe their value will increase and sell them when they believe their value will decrease. Because different factors affect the prices of different currencies at different times, forex traders must constantly monitor global markets to take advantage of this price movement.

Several vital components help determine the pricing for each currency pair traded on the forex market. These include supply and demand, interest rates, inflation expectations, political events, economic growth statistics, financial stability picks/jolts (such as bank failures), central bank interventions such as rate changes or direct market purchases/sales of foreign currency, economic indicators and a variety of other factors.

In the UK, forex traders generally use the services of a commercial bank or an independent trading company to execute their trades. These institutions take on the role of the market maker by purchasing and selling currencies at different times throughout the day to maintain liquidity for investors. In exchange for these services, they typically charge a commission and a small fee based on the spread between buying and selling prices, which is how these institutions make money.

Forex spreads vary greatly depending on which currency pairs are being traded and when those trades are executed. In general, however, you can expect much lower spreads at off-peak hours than during regular business hours or peak market volatility periods such as the New York close. Some traders also elect to use automated trading software that uses complex algorithms to buy and sell currencies at the most advantageous times, further improving their trading results and minimising their exposure to unnecessary risks.

Using forex spreads in the UK

In the UK, forex spreads tend to be higher than elsewhere in Europe or North America, and this is due to several crucial factors, including increased competition among brokers and tighter government regulations on financial markets. Despite these challenges, forex traders can still find opportunities in the market by choosing an effective trading strategy and working with trusted brokers who have established reputations for providing high-quality customer service.

What is technical analysis in forex trading?

One popular approach for minimising risk while maximising returns is known as technical analysis. This type of trading involves studying historical data and market patterns to identify forex trends and predict future movements in the prices of currencies. Technical traders often use complex computer models, but many successful traders rely on more intuitive methods to make their decisions.

How to use positions trading in forex

Another strategy that can effectively reduce risks and make good use of market movements is known as position trading. With this approach, a trader will hold a long or short position on a currency pair for several days or weeks, depending on the market conditions. Position trading requires patience and discipline, but it can effectively minimise losses and let you identify new opportunities in the forex market in the long term.

Are there any risks associated with using forex spreads?

Although forex spreads can offer traders several benefits, some risks are associated with this type of trading. One potential pitfall is the high level of leverage many brokers offer, making it easier to lose more money than you intended, so choosing your broker carefully and managing your risk is essential.

Additionally, sudden shifts in market conditions can cause significant losses if you need to prepare for them. Traders can protect themselves against these types of risks, and it’s essential to do thorough research on the strategies you plan to use and always stay up-to-date on current events that could impact the markets. 

Overall, forex spreads provide an effective way for traders to increase their returns while reducing their exposure to risk, making them an attractive option for those traders who want to get involved in the exciting world of forex trading.

The bottom line

Whether you are just starting with forex trading or are an experienced trader, choosing a trading strategy that fits your goals and abilities is essential. To learn more about forex spreads, technical analysis, and other strategies for successfully navigating the forex market, speak with a knowledgeable broker or visit online forums for traders in your area.

How To Watch UK Shows In The US

It can be difficult to keep up with your favourite UK shows when you’re living in the United States. Between time differences and the fact that many shows aren’t aired on American networks, it can seem impossible. However, there are a few ways to make watching UK shows easier. In this article, we’ll discuss some of those methods and help you find the best way to watch your favourite programs.

1- Using VPN

If you’re looking to watch UK shows while in the US, you’ll need to use a USA VPN. This is because most UK shows are geo-blocked in the US, meaning that they can only be watched by people located in the UK.

A VPN is a service that allows you to connect to the internet via a server located in a different country. This means that you can appear to be located in that country, and thus have access to all of the websites and services that are available there.

A VPN is a service that you sign up for with a provider. There are many different providers to choose from, so be sure to do your research before signing up. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll need to download and install the VPN software onto your device.

Once the software is installed, open it up and connect to a server located in the UK. Once you’re connected, open up your web browser and go to the website of the UK broadcaster that you want to watch. You should now be able to watch all of the shows that are available on that broadcaster’s website.

2- Using Smart DNS Service

Another great way to watch your favourite TV shows is by using a smart DNS service. This technology allows you to redirect traffic from your computer or device through an approved server, which can then help you to access websites that are usually blocked. Many of these services will have lists of UK-based servers that are approved for use, so be sure to select the right one when setting up your account.

3- Using Kodi Add-Ons

What are Kodi Add-Ons? Kodi Add-Ons are plugins that can be added to the Kodi media player in order to expand its capabilities and allow it to stream content from a variety of sources. Some add-ons are designed specifically for watching UK shows online, and they work on any device where Kodi can be installed. However, it’s important to note that some of these add-ons may contain content from unauthorised sources, so you should proceed with caution when using them. Still, if you’re already familiar with Kodi or if you’re interested in learning more about this popular media player, then adding some add-ons to your setup could be a great way to stream UK shows from back home.​

So, there you have it! With a VPN and the right tools, you can watch all of your favourite UK shows while living in the US. We hope this article has been helpful and that you are now able to enjoy your favourite programs without having to miss out on anything. If you have any questions or need more help getting set up, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Akara robot enabling more medical procedures in UK trial

An Irish robot that decontaminates air is being trialled in a major NHS hospital in Cornwall, UK – with early results suggesting it could reduce room downtime in critical parts of the hospital by more than 60%.

The robot, made by Akara who are based at The Digital Hub, has been on the ground at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (RCHT) since June 2022 where it has been used in parts of the hospital where the air has a higher chance of contamination.

The idea was born out of COVID-19 pressures, where thorough cleaning of air was paramount to avoid infection spread. The robot is designed to eliminate COVID-19 as well as other viruses, including flu.

Dr Conor McGinn, co-founder and CEO of Akara explained the project’s potential: “We need technology to disinfect the air because it’s simply not a job that people can do. While ventilation helps, the cost and time needed to upgrade rooms to the levels needed is rarely practical. Our disinfection robots are mobile, allowing them to be rapidly deployed in minutes to the regions that need it most while their sensors and AI enable them to dynamically respond to the environment in ways that aren’t possible with static purification units.”

Already being utilised by staff, the robot is being trialled in the endoscopy department and is showing promising results in its ability to disinfect the air. Following certain medical Following certain medical examinations where aerosol generating procedures are performed, rooms needed to be left vacant for periods of more than 25 minutes in order to allow the air in the room to be replenished by clean air from the ventilation system. With the Akara robot, the process of air replenishment can be greatly accelerated, cutting the downtime to just 10 minutes. These findings will be presented at the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) Conference in Bournemouth on Oct. 17-19.

Joanne Taylor, Consultant Nurse and Deputy Director of Infection Prevention and Control at RCHT, commented: “The robot has definitely improved things for patients as the reduced downtime means we can get more patients seen in a day, while maintaining the highest standards in environmental cleanliness. Based on time savings made during the trial period, we estimate that its use could enable as many as 2,400 additional procedures a year which would have a very significant effect on reducing the waiting lists.”

Lynsey Farrell, Endoscopy Unit Lead at RCHT, said: “The robot has had a really positive impact on the department. Staff are concerned about the increased risk of COVID-19 for patients due to aerosol-generating procedures, and also for themselves, so they’re very keen to work with new technologies offering the potential to make the environment safer for everyone.”

The trial has been carried out in collaboration with the University of Plymouth and DIH Hero, a European innovation hub with a goal to accelerate innovation in robotics for healthcare European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 825003.

UK Gambling Industry Awaits News of Proposed Changes

The gambling industry in the United Kingdom is one of the largest in the world, with millions of people spending billions of pounds each year. Recently, there are calls for changes to be made to the industry, specifically around how online gambling is regulated. Therefore, the UK gambling industry is eagerly awaiting news of the proposed changes that the government is planning to make. The changes are intended to make gambling fairer and safer for players, but there is some concern about how these changes will affect the industry as a whole.

Restructuring of UK Gambling Laws

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission is reviewing the country’s gambling laws and is expected to announce proposed changes in the near future. The changes come as the industry faces increased scrutiny from both the government and the public. Players in UKGC licensed casinos are eagerly awaiting news of the proposed changes, as they could have a major impact on how gambling is conducted in the UK. In particular, players are interested in any changes that would affect online gambling, as this is the most popular form of gambling in the country. The UKGC is expected to announce its proposed changes sometime in the next few months.

The Current State of Gambling in the UK 

The UK’s gambling laws are some of the most restrictive in Europe. Players must be 18 or over to gamble, and casinos are only allowed to operate in designated areas. In addition, all forms of advertising for gambling products are heavily regulated. These restrictions have limited the growth of the gambling industry in recent years. The UKGC’s review of gambling laws was announced in May 2018 and is part of a wider government review of all aspects of society that may be harmful to individuals or families. 

What Changes Are Proposed?

The Gambling Commission released a statement earlier this month outlining the potential changes that can happen to the industry with groups like Aspire global international The most significant change may be a £2 limit on stakes for online slot games. This would be a major blow to the industry, as online slots are one of the most popular and lucrative forms of gambling. Other proposed changes include making it more difficult for people to open new accounts with gambling companies and banning “VIP” schemes that offer perks to high-spending customers. 

One of the other proposed changes is increased regulation of online gambling. This would include things like age verification checks and limits on how much money can be deposited into an online account. There are also calls for a ban on credit cards being used for online gambling, as well as restrictions on advertising. All of these changes are designed to protect vulnerable people from getting into debt or being exposed to addictive behaviour.

What Would These Changes Mean For Players?

If these changes are introduced, it would mean that gamblers would have to take more responsibility for their actions. Age verification checks would ensure that only people over the age of 18 could gamble online. And limits on deposits would prevent people from gambling with more money than they can afford to lose. While some might see these as hindrances to their enjoyment, ultimately they are designed to protect you from potentially harmful consequences There is no doubt that these changes would have a significant impact on the gambling industry in the UK. How exactly these changes would affect players is not sure, but it is safe to say that they would not be positive. With any luck, the government may listen to the concerns of those who may become affected by these changes and make adjustments accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The gambling industry in the United Kingdom is vast and hugely popular, but there are calls for changes to be made, specifically around online gambling. The proposed changes to the gambling industry are sure to have a major impact on both gambling companies and players alike. These changes include increased regulation, bans on credit card use, and restrictions on advertising. While some might see these as hindrances to their enjoyment, ultimately they are designed to protect you from potentially harmful consequences. Only time will tell if these changes are implemented, but it’s important to be aware of them so that you can plan accordingly. 

Players are also waiting eagerly for news about proposed changes to gambling laws in the United Kingdom. The changes are part of a wider government review into areas that may be harmful to individuals or families, and they are expected to be wide-ranging and far-reaching. It is hoped that they will protect vulnerable people from harm while still allowing adults to make their own choices about how they spend their leisure time. As long as the official announcement is made all the players can do is gamble safely and carefully.

Pioneer DJ is providing workshops for people of colour across the UK, giving participants a unique chance to learn new skills and progress their music career

Pioneer DJ, a world-class manufacturer of DJ equipment, is inviting people of colour to its upcoming series of workshops. Throughout the month of October, people of colour that haven’t DJ’d before will have the chance to learn new skills and gain insight into effective ways to pursue a career in music at the in-person workshops in the UK.

Workshop topics include: An Introduction to DJing, An Introduction to Scratching, and an Introduction to Production. Participants will learn to use Pioneer DJ equipment under the guidance of DJ schools, Pioneer DJ staff and product experts, and international artists including Genius Elijah, Cutmaster Swift, A.G. and more. Promising participants could have the chance to be sponsored by Pioneer DJ through a local DJ school course and beyond.

The first workshop will take place on 17th October 2022 at On The Rise DJ Academy in London, with more scheduled throughout the month in both London and Manchester. Check out all the dates, times, and locations for the workshops and sign up here.

Special thanks go to the incredible partners for supporting this celebratory moment and facilitating workshops and training: Make Me A DJ, On The Rise, BOXPARK Wembley, Macarena Club Barcelona and Het Leienpaleis. For more information, head to www.pioneerdj.com.