How Technology Is Taking Over the Education Sector

How Technology Is Taking Over the Education Sector

Adults spend 57 hours staring at screens over Christmas12/23/2020 ● 12:12 PMThe average adult will spend more than 57 HOURS of their Christmas break staring at screens – and not just watching repeats or family favourites on the box. The study of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas found they will spend 49 minutes a day during the week’s holiday ‘mindlessly scrolling’ through their phones. An hour every day will also be spent looking at their computer or phone for work-related reasons. And another 34 minutes each day – totalling just under four hours over the week – will also go on video calls with friends or relatives. On top of this, adults will enjoy 116 minutes a day watching TV and an average of 95 minutes in front of films, with Home Alone, Elf, Love Actually and The Snowman on the must-watch list. Playing video games, additional use of tablets and texting tot up another 135 minutes. It also emerged that in the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, 37 per cent are looking forward to nothing more than lying in front of the TV ‘double screening’. The study also found that more than half of those polled expect their TV consumption to go up over the Christmas break, and three in 10 will look at their phones more often. On average, adults will look at their phone 10 times every waking hour over Christmas – once every six minutes. But all this screen time is likely to have an effect on Brits’ eye health, as 54 per cent confess to feeling ‘eye strain’ after too long looking at them. During the darker months, 49 per cent also admitted to spending lots of time looking at bright screens in dark rooms – because the sun has disappeared, but they can’t be bothered to get up and turn a light on. However, vision experts have warned that excess screen use can be especially harmful during times of low light in late December. Says Ashley Mealor for Vision Direct, which commissioned the research: “Everyone knows they should cut down on screen time – but Christmas is a time to relax, and how else do we do that? I know I’m going to be playing Sniper Elite 4 over the break when I’m not catching up with family. “For many people, sitting down on the sofa with a cup of tea and a bit of free time to browse social media is something that brings them happiness. “Not to mention all the time we’ll spend as families watching movies, Christmas specials on TV – or on video calls with people we can’t see in real life. “Sadly, for many adults during a hectic 2020, they’ll also spend a lot of time staring at their laptop screens keeping an eye on work.” To calculate how much time adults will spend watching festive fare on TV, Vision Direct has created an online tool – simply select which film you will watch, and find out how long you’ll be in front of the box for https://www.visiondirect.co.uk/christmas-screen-time BREAKDOWN OF FINDINGS: Video calls – 34 minutes daily Watching TV – 116 minutes daily Watching films – 95 minutes daily Playing video games – 49 minutes daily Scrolling mindlessly – 49 minutes daily Using tablets – 48 minutes daily Working – 60 minutes daily Texting – 38 minutes dailyTOTAL: 489 minutes x 7 days = 3423 minutes, or 57.05 hours TOP 30 CHRISTMAS FILMS BRITS WILL WATCH THIS SEASON Home Alone Elf Love Actually Home Alone 2: Lost in New York The Snowman It’s A Wonderful Life Miracle on 34th Street The Polar Express Die Hard A Christmas Carol The Muppet Christmas Carol How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Holiday The Christmas Chronicles The Santa Clause Scrooged Nativity National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation The Nightmare Before Christmas White Christmas Jingle All The Way Gremlins Arthur Christmas Bad Santa A Christmas Story About A Boy Meet Me in St. Louis Ernest Saves Christmas The Apartment The Lemon Drop Kid The post Adults spend 57 hours staring at screens over Christmas appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Brits to spend hours on Christmas Day immersed in tech Average adult spends equivalent of 34 YEARS staring at screens Brits spend two hours a day streaming TV

Five reasons to use residential proxies for web scraping12/23/2020 ● 10:36 AMResidential proxies are one of the most creative and efficient tools you can have for your company’s digital toolbox. People who require scraping the web for the business need residential proxies the most. Every business owner who relies on scraping the web understands the importance of using proxy management. As data scraping has become so popular, almost all the websites have come up with anti-scraping tools. These tools can determine whether you are a genuine customer or a bot, or a scraper. They will block your residential IP address if they sense any malicious activity from your server. To avoid such a scenario, you must use a residential proxy, which helps you bypass these anti-scraping protocols. To understand how residential proxies work, let us first discuss what web scraping means. What is web scraping? Web scraping is a process of using scrapers or bots to collect data from several web pages and saving it on your computer. This software can scrape several pages in a matter of minutes and come up with all the information you require. Every business owner needs to use a scraper to come up with relevant data to create interactive campaigns. Some of the uses of web scraping are: To monitor your competitor’s price for your eCommerce business. To generate better leads driven through digital marketing campaigns. You can track Search Engine Result Pages to understand your website’s SEO optimization. To check the latest travel fares and news around the globe. To determine how your brand’s ads are performing in different markets. These are some of the uses of a web scraper. Due to the growing usage of web scraping, websites have now come up with anti-scraping techniques to discourage such tools. The most common method they use is to track your IP address and block it from viewing the content. To avoid getting blocked, you have to use residential proxies. What are residential proxies? A proxy is an additional layer of security between your device and the internet. These third-party services can route your IP address from their server to make it appear as you are browsing from some other location. Residential proxies are better than regular proxies as it provides real IP addresses of devices across the globe. Your routed IP address is of an actual home-based IP, making it harder for websites to ban you. Residential proxies are the best way to cloak yourself while doing any online activities to avoid websites from tracking you. Some of the uses of using a residential proxy are: Less likely to get blocked by websites When you use a residential proxy, the server reroutes you through a proxy server. After rerouting, you are provided with a real-home-based server and IP address that exist someplace on the globe. This IP address acts as your IP address and has minimal chances of being blocked. Because of this proxy, you can anonymously surf the internet without worrying about being traced back to your residential IP. A Wider Range of locations When you use a residential proxy, you can connect to a server-based anywhere around the world. This feature helps you to access geo-restricted websites by connecting to a server where that website is available. You can use this feature to access a website that you might not be able to access from your own country. Connecting to a residential proxy gives you the freedom to connect anywhere worldwide. The ability to choose an IP from almost every city in the world Certain websites only provide geographic-specific information to the viewer. This limits the web scraper’s capability as it will only be able to scrape data that the website offers. By connecting to a residential proxy, you can connect anywhere worldwide and collect every data the website has to offer. Easier to rotate between different IP blocks The majority of the residential proxy providers offer you an option to rotate your proxies. This feature helps you get a new IP address depending on the request and device availability. You can even set the rotation parameters yourself to fit your needs. Using rotating IPs, you can eliminate the chances of being traced as you can get a new IP every few hours. The IPs are from multiple Internet Service Providers (ISP) These IPs provided by a residential proxy are usually from varying Internet Service Providers. Some ISPs can track your activities and store them in their database. Using a proxy will help you create a secure connection that any ISP cannot trace. You will get total anonymity while browsing the internet. Also, if you are using a rotating IP, you will get a new ISP with every new IP, making it almost impossible for websites to track you. Conclusion Web scraping is a useful tool at your disposal to collect data without any manual effort. This tool can help you create educated decision making to achieve your results. However, while scraping data, you must be careful and use residential proxies to avoid any undue risks.     The post Five reasons to use residential proxies for web scraping appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:How Do Rotating Proxies Benefit Your Business? Over 30% North Americans use dark web regularly Cyber Security Essentials: 4 Reasons Why You Should Be Using a VPN on Your Smartphone

Skoda combines mobile services into single MySkoda app12/22/2020 ● 12:11 PMSkoda is combining its mobile services into a single app – the new MySkoda App. The new app offers users access to all the mobile online services of Skoda Connect. In addition, it provides information about their car and the network of Skoda service partners. Switching over is straightforward for anyone using the previous apps, claims Skoda. It is available from Google Play and the App Store. The new MySkoda app, which combines the previous MySkoda app with the Skoda Connect app, delivers a consistent user experience across smartphones, smartwatches (iOS only) and the central display of the car’s infotainment system, says the car manuacturer. As with the previous app, users can access their car’s operating manual, and manuals for all Skoda  models are now included. There is also information about Skoda service partners, even abroad, in case there are problems with the car, for example, when on holiday. The new MySkoda app also offers support for vehicles that do not have access to the mobile online services of Skoda Connect, or that cannot be connected directly via SmartLink. In addition, Skoda drivers will find all the features they are familiar with from the previous Skoda Connect App in the new one. These include remote vehicle access, which allows the vehicle to be locked and unlocked via the app and displays the current parking location of the vehicle if required. Current driving data and information on the vehicle’s condition, such as range and maintenance intervals can also be accessed. Specific e-mobility features are available for electric Skoda models, such as a remote control for charging the battery. Skoda claims it has ambitious plans for future versions of the new MySkoda App. Mobile online services are already being prepared for the all-electric SUV Skoda Enyaq iV, which will be launched in spring 2021. The post Skoda combines mobile services into single MySkoda app appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Skoda partners with Parkopedia to help find parking spaces Skoda Marketplace to deliver localised driver discounts Skoda app diagnoses problems by listening to car

Smartphone use up 1 hour a day since lockdown12/22/2020 ● 11:49 AMThe average adult now spends an extra hour a day on their smartphone or tablet as they increasingly rely on tech and apps during lockdown. Research among 2,000 adults revealed they now typically spend three hours and 25 minutes using their phone or tablet daily, compared to two hours and 27 minutes pre-lockdown – a 39 per cent increase. And 44 per cent said they use technology more than they did last year to stay connected, shop online, stream TV shows, exercise, and manage their finances. As a result, 45 per cent now view technology in a more positive light, with 61 per cent putting this down to its convenience. More than half (55 per cent) also said it has helped them to feel less restricted by lockdowns. The study also found that seven in 10 adults felt technology has helped them significantly through the lockdown period – especially with staying connected to loved ones, buying food, and keeping them occupied. It also emerged that a quarter manage their finances more now than they did pre-lockdown. While 36 per cent never used an app to manage their finances before the global pandemic, almost half of UK adults now keep track of their finances using technology. The most frequent financially related tasks are checking balances, transferring money and paying bills, followed by managing savings accounts and paying in cheques. The study, conducted by OnePoll for First Direct, found 60 per cent now feel more confident when it comes to managing money. Says Chris Pitt, head of First Direct:  “Since March, we’ve all had to turn to technology more than ever and it’s encouraging to see people are becoming more comfortable with it and more aware of the benefits it can bring. “Staying connected while we’ve been kept apart has been a challenge for many of us, but tech has really helped combat this. It has allowed us all to keep in touch with family and friends, but it’s really important to note that almost a third said it’s also helped with their mental health.” TOP 10 ACTIVITIES PEOPLE DO MORE VIA TECHNOLOGY NOW COMPARED TO PRE-LOCKDOWN Catching up with friends and family (45 per cent) Keeping up with current affairs & news (39 per cent) Using social media (32 per cent) Streaming TV (31 per cent) Listening to music (30 per cent) Food shopping (29 per cent) Emailing (27 per cent) Exercising/gaming (26 per cent) Managing finances (24 per cent) Being productive via apps e.g. lists, reminders, alarms (21 per cent) The post Smartphone use up 1 hour a day since lockdown appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Top 10 activities that will continue after lockdown – video calling tops list Over 1 in 10 working in cupboard or bathroom during lockdown Top 20 skills ‘technophobe’ Brits learning during lockdown

Newcastle set for e-scooter trial in 202112/22/2020 ● 11:26 AMNewcastle City Council and e-scooter operator, Neuron Mobility, have announced an e-scooter trial for Newcastle in early 2021, subject to government approval.  Early next year Neuron will deploy 250 safety-first e-scooters in Newcastle and that number will increase significantly throughout the 12-month trial, it claims. The distinctive orange e-scooters will provide Newcastle residents with a safe, socially-distanced and environmentally-friendly way to travel around the city, adds Neuron. The e-scooters are GPS-enabled and Neuron and Newcastle City Council will use Geofencing technology to control where they are ridden and parked, and how fast they can travel in certain areas by creating slow-zones, no-ride zones and no-parking zones. Each e-scooter will be fitted with a unique license plate for easy identification and to promote responsible use. Neuron will deploy a dedicated safety team as part of the trial. They will be armed with hospital-grade disinfectant to keep e-scooters and helmets clean and germ-free. Teams will be moving e-scooters to where they are needed most, assisting new riders with signing up on the app, and will deliver practical tips for safe riding. Says Zachary Wang, CEO of Neuron Mobility: “We are delighted to partner with Newcastle City Council to launch their first e-scooter trial. Newcastle is an incredibly vibrant and forward-thinking city and it was recently highlighted as the UK city most prepared for an e-scooter revolution – it is very exciting.” He continues: “Safety is our top priority, it dictates our e-scooter design and also the way we operate them. Our e-scooters are packed with cutting-edge safety features and our safety course and riding guidelines have been co-developed with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the UK’s leading accident prevention charity.” Adds Cllr Arlene Ainsley, cabinet member for transport and air quality at Newcastle City Council:  “We’re looking forward to working with Neuron to develop our proposals for an e-scooter trial in Newcastle. Reducing transport-related carbon emissions and air pollution is an urgent priority and this trial would help us to understand what role e-scooters could play in helping us to achieve this.” Neuron’s next-generation N3 e-scooters, which have already been deployed in Slough, have larger, 11.5” wheels and wider footplates than other e-scooters. They also come with an app-controlled Helmet Lock which secures a safety helmet to the e-scooter, electronically releasing it to use at the start of the booking. The company will use a topple detection feature that alerts Neuron’s operations team if an e-scooter has been left on its side so it can quickly be repositioned safely. There will also be a range of ‘smart parking’ initiatives to control and promote safe parking. The post Newcastle set for e-scooter trial in 2021 appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:12 month e-scooter trial to start in Slough Neuron Mobility partners with RoSPA for e-scooter safety Top 10 e-scooter friendly cities: Newcastle tops list

How Technology Is Taking Over the Education Sector12/21/2020 ● 11:24 AMEducation is changing in the sense that delivery methods are slowly being revolutionized. While old teaching methods have not been completely overshadowed, they are increasingly being replaced by new ways. Most of the modern techniques involve the use of technologies. Most teaching and learning resources have been computerized. There is a lot of improvement to be witnessed as some schools take longer to adopt the new methods. It helps to understand why digitizing education should be considered the new normal, at least for the future. Below are possible reasons. Technology Is Instrumental in Assistive Learning Students suffering from learning challenges tend to learn at a slower rate than their regular counterparts. Tutors and trainers have a difficult time getting such students on board. They need to be assisted in almost all instances, which can be a slow and frustrating process. Fortunately, with the use of technology, most of these students can learn faster. Technology comes with tools that make it possible for such students to learn at their own pace. Special assistive technology for disabled students is also a welcomed idea. Blind and deaf students can benefit from such tools and enjoy similar educational advantages to regular students. Technology Enhances Participation Tutors can choose to use programs that require their students to participate as the lesson goes on. This means that most of the students will be attentive because they are part of the lesson. What’s more, using devices that engage the students is the easiest way to improve their learning experience. Most students tend to be present when they are participants in the learning process. It also becomes easy for the educator to point out areas of weakness when dealing with individual students. The right programs will help students learn better and faster. Students Get to Learn at Their Pace Teachers understand that students are not creative equally. While a class may have fast learners, there may be a few struggling students who need attention to move along. With each student being involved in the lesson, tutors can note such students and figure out how best to help them. What’s more, the program used in training students will also interpret and record the findings made after each class. This makes it possible for researchers to explore and come up with better teaching techniques for such students. In the end, every student gets a chance to grow. Career Preparation Technology is the core of most future careers. When students are involved in technological activities, they tend to understand some of the fundamental processes. As they continue to use these tools and devices, they get to master some future work skills. After all, they will also need to use some of the skills they acquire to complete their assignments and projects, even if they can hire experts such as https://royalessays.co.uk/. Most workplaces will be digitized in the future. Getting kids to understand the significance of computers and other technologies is a step in the right direction. Helps Enhance Creativity and Innovation Most of the kids who grow up understanding the use and importance of technology will desire to venture into innovative and creative careers. Exposing students to such technologies at an early age works to their advantage. What’s more, the use of technology in class gives room for creativity, especially when gaming tools are used. Such programs encourage students to be critical thinkers, as well as boost their ability to focus. It is such precision that makes better engineers and doctors in the future. Makes Life Easy for Teachers Most of the programs used to teach students using these technologies are visually enhanced. This means that most students can grasp the concepts being taught faster than if they spent a few minutes explaining. As such, teachers appreciate the advantage that such technologies offer them, especially when dealing with many students at a go. The important thing is to ensure that the programs used in class are carefully selected and vetted to ensure that they are useful. The benefits that come with using technology in class setups are numerous and impossible to ignore. Any progressive school should consider incorporating these changes to match the demand and need. After all, technology can improve relationships between students and teachers, making the learning environment conducive for all. However, the use of technology in schools needs to be regulated and monitored to succeed. The post How Technology Is Taking Over the Education Sector appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Notable Benefits of Technology in Education 5 Actions That Tutors and Students Should Take to Benefit from Technologies Google answers 11 million questions from British children a day

5 Actions That Tutors and Students Should Take to Benefit from Technologies12/18/2020 ● 4:16 PMHow to make the entire high school class or college group benefit from tech advancements? More and more learning apps and games appear, and it is not easy to pick one. The market is overloaded with excellent solutions for both in-class and at-home usage. According to official reports, this industry’s size is set to increase by $46 to $88 billion during 2020-2024. With the help of educational software, media, the internet, and other technologies, students can significantly boost their academic performance and even be ahead of their teachers. This post will tell professors how they can make use of tech tools and innovations in the learning processes. Integrate Social Media Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social networks have a great impact on a student’s life, studies, and work. Such platforms are full of useful information for students, and, what is most important, they usually offer the latest news. Social media channels are effective when it comes to connecting learners to curriculum and various educational resources. It is also the time-tested method to keep in touch with peers and teachers. Tutors and students may create groups and events related to a specific subject or different topics that they cover in class. There, they may discuss questions, provide tips for each other, cover upcoming exams, and more. A good idea is to come up with unique tags to discuss lectures. Generate Content Digital content is one of the most popular ways to express yourself and share your knowledge about different topics. While working on the blog posts or infographics, students automatically develop their creative writing and research skills necessary for the successful completion of homework assignments. Young people have an opportunity to stress and accommodate their competitive advantages and address various communication styles. The most widespread types of digital content include: Flyers; Digital art; Videos; Blogs; Podcasts, etc. The goal of implementing digital content into education is to showcase studying processes. With such art, students can show their positions and rebel against things that disagree with on a legal level. It all leads to the fact that teens flourish as learners. Develop Research and Writing Skills Students can go online to do some research on their upcoming projects. If they feel like a prompt is too complicated, they can also download similar papers and try to mimic other authors’ styles. However, there is no guarantee that a student will rewrite an essay enough to make it more than 95% unique, and that is the general requirement of almost all educational institutions. Students may insert direct quotes, but they should not exceed five percent of the text. Besides, learners can make mistakes that will prevent them from earning the highest grades. To avoid such problems and catch up with all deadlines for sure, students can open Google and type in something like, “write my essay UK” to get help with their assignments from real tutors. They can also install and use different applications for research, reading, comprehension, and writing. Involve Gamification Many graduates share that learning games (and simply entertainment apps) taught them to type fast or calculate big numbers in their heads. Many games offer labs where students can get familiar with the basics of chemistry, physics, and other precise sciences. We are not even mentioning that almost any game provides users with such skills as dexterity, curiosity, attention to detail, savvy, problem-solving, and critical thinking. One of the most recommended genres for PC includes strategies. They help to develop an understanding of many subjects, and they are especially cool for students who have problems with describing war episodes in their history classes. Using tech advancements for gamified learning is one of the best ideas ever. Some learning games are designed specifically to encourage collaboration and teamwork in class, which is rather important. Teachers of elementary classes will benefit from allowing students to play such games during the lessons. Add Multimedia Lectures & Presentations It is not a secret that people learn better when having an opportunity to visualize the needed info. That is why various imitations and real-time models work the best when it comes to studying complex topics. Even the best college professors may sometimes lack an idea of explaining various themes to their students. It mostly happens because of the conflict between two generations. They might then use the following elements to interpret their thoughts: Images; Videos; Visual effects; Models; Layouts; Audio files; Slideshows; Digital presentations, etc. One more effective method is to engage with the students via software created for conference calls. Such apps as Skype, Facetime, and Hangouts would come in handy. Technologies play a vital role in the life of both students and their professors. Nowadays, tutors have to stay up to speed on the particular tech advancements that are designed to enhance learning processes. They should also focus on the philosophical implications of these instruments and protocols. It is essential to balance tech and mentor to achieve the best results within a short period. The post 5 Actions That Tutors and Students Should Take to Benefit from Technologies appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Notable Benefits of Technology in Education Technologies to Aid Special Needs Kids in Distance Learning Tech Essentials for University Students

7 Tech predictions for 2021 – private AI, rise of remote working12/18/2020 ● 3:45 PMTechnology has been our saviour this year, allowing us to continue to work and communicate, as well as contributing to the swift creation of a pandemic vaccine. But what does 2021 have in store? Pete Hanlon, Chief Technology Officer for Moneypenny predicts the following: #1 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WILL FIND ITS PLACE The trend for large tech companies like Google, Microsoft and Facebook to open source their research has supercharged the speed of innovation in 2020, specifically in the field of Natural Language Processing. The breakthroughs have been significant, but up to now much of the technology has been limited to academia and research labs. During 2021 we will start to see the technology mature into mainstream products allowing the wider business community to reap the benefits of these advancements; working smarter, giving us better ways to analyse data, streamlining supply chains, improving production processes and more, meaning less waste in our systems and increased sustainability. #2 DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS WILL INCREASE Businesses have had to embrace the use of digital communication technologies in order to ensure business continuity. This forcing of their hands will see the wider adoption and acceptance of technologies as both the technology advances and the new-normality resumes. This will not replace human communication but allow us to discover new ways to connect. I believe that businesses achieve greatest performance when human and machine work in partnership so consider AI as a way of enhancing rather than replacing human capabilities. #3 ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE WILL BECOME MORE PRIVATE Concerns around privacy will force companies to move AI processing closer to the end-user. Mobile phones, sensors and smart home devices will run AI processing locally thereby removing the need for data to be sent to a centralised service. This change in approach will mean faster AI capabilities with increased privacy. We can see this move starting to happen with the release of Apple’s M1 chip which comes with a Neural Engine baked directly into the silicon, setting the groundwork for privacy first AI solutions. For example, processing such as voice recognition or image processing that would normally use cloud services can happen directly on the device, keeping your data private and secure. #4 THE CONTINUED ADVANCEMENT OF SMART HOME-WORKING TECHNOLOGIES With the pandemic proving that agility and flexibility will be the key to business success in the new-normal, more and more businesses with be embracing remote-working and so the further development of smart home working technologies will be the focus. Keep a look out for some of the smaller tech companies innovating in niche markets too, like more immersive and natural video calling. #5 TECHNOLOGY WILL BECOME KINDER TO THE ENVIRONMENT Right now, not enough thought has gone into the impact of AI and Natural Language Processing on the environment, the power that is used and what is produced as a by-product. As these technological advances are embraced and refined, the impact of them will increasingly become a focus for researchers and companies alike.  #6 TECHNOLOGY WILL BECOME MORE BESPOKE Service businesses will continue to develop the ability to tailor their technology more so than ever to their clients’ needs and, more cost-effectively, meaning that smaller businesses will be able to benefit from those solutions typically only afforded by the larger multi-nationals. Already being demonstrated by companies like Amazon is technology that will provide more personalisation in real time, predicting clients wants and needs with ever-increasing accuracy. #7 OUTSOURCING WILL INCREASE 2020 taught us to focus on what we do best, bringing in experts in where we need specific solutions. This will only continue next year as businesses realise the benefits and adopt this business model. Pete Hanlon is CTO at Moneypenny which handles outsourced calls, live chat and digital communications for UK and US companies.   The post 7 Tech predictions for 2021 – private AI, rise of remote working appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Tech Leaders give their predictions for 2021 UK businesses were caught off guard by remote working Technology predictions for 2021 and beyond

Skoda Marketplace to deliver localised driver discounts12/18/2020 ● 3:26 PMSkoda has launched a service called Marketplace which it claims will deliver exclusive and personalised discounts to drivers at a range of local services directly to their vehicle, from savings at the petrol pump to money off dining out. Through collaborating with various partners, Skoda Marketplace – initially only available in the Czech Republic – connects drivers with local businesses, if they choose to activate the service. When out on the road, the technology will deliver in-car notifications through the infotainment system when an offer is detected based on the proximity to local services. Over time the vehicle will be able to provide bespoke and personalised offers to each individual user, with the application able to analyse drivers’ behaviour, routines and popular routes.  If the driver chooses to accept an offer, Skoda’s navigation system will plan a route to the location. A barcode or QR code is emailed to the driver’s smartphone which applies the discount at the checkout, making it easy and convenient to save money.  Marketplace by ŠKODA AUTO sends location-based discounts and offers direct to the driver’s car Drivers can choose to activate Marketplace to access attractive deals through their infotainment system  Offers unique to the driver based on behaviour, popular routes and daily routines Service launched in the Czech Republic with other markets to follow  Initially, discounts will be available at petrol stations. The vehicle will identify when fuel is low and will display nearby services and the relevant discounts available – whether that be money off fuel or offers on drinks and snacks. As the Marketplace expands, Skoda owners will also be informed of special supermarket, hotel, restaurant and car wash offers as well as exclusive deals available from numerous other partners.  To grab these bargains, customers will need to activate the Skoda Connect app and register for Skoda Marketplace inside the vehicle. As well as receiving notifications of new offers, drivers will also have the option to search the digital marketplace for interesting deals at any time.  The new service is now live in the Czech Republic with the app available on the latest infotainment systems fitted in the Scala, Superb, Kamiq, Karoq and Kodiaq. The technology will be rolled out across the rest of the range and other countries in the future.  To find out more about Skoda, visit www.skoda.co.uk The post Skoda Marketplace to deliver localised driver discounts appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Skoda partners with Parkopedia to help find parking spaces Meet Laura, the Skoda in-car digital assistant Skoda app diagnoses problems by listening to car

Disabled access for EV charging needs improvement – survey claims12/18/2020 ● 1:11 PMA new survey of electric vehicle (EV) drivers has found issues around accessibility to the charging network for disabled users. Zap-Map, the UK’s EV mapping service, polled 2,200 EV drivers on their experiences of using Britain’s charging network. The survey has been running for four years and is seen as the go-to guide for tracking EV driver behaviour and charging patterns for the electric vehicle industry. Partnering with Motability, the national disability charity, this year’s survey asked respondents if they considered themselves to have a disability, and about the challenges they face while charging their electric vehicles. The results found that one-third of disabled people surveyed had difficulties locating a suitable charger that could meet their needs, with one in seven noting their very specific challenges with the weight of charging cables. The survey also revealed that some users experienced difficulties with the force required to attach the connector, the lack of dropped kerbs around charge points, and unsuitable parking arrangements. In addition, 8% of respondents identified as disabled, which is below the 20% rate of disability we expect to see within the UK population. The smaller proportion of disabled people using Zap-Map possibly indicates a more limited uptake of EVs among this group, with accessibility issues being a potential concern. Says Dr Ben Lane, Zap-Map’s CTO and Joint MD: “The UK is witnessing the start of an electric vehicle revolution with millions of zero-emission cars set to appear on our roads in the near future. The new charging infrastructure to serve those EVs is being built now and we can’t afford to leave anyone behind. Businesses and charge point operators need to focus more effort on improving accessibility and designing charge points which will benefit everyone” “The results of the Zap-Map/Motability survey should serve as a warning to the industry to sit up and take notice. Many disabled people will be thinking about investing in an electric vehicle but could be put off by a lack of accessibility at public charge point locations.” Adds Catherine Marris, Innovation Lead at Motability: “We know that one in five people in the UK are disabled and Motability’s recent research estimated that there will be 2.7 million disabled drivers or passengers by 2035, with 1.35 million expected to be partially or wholly reliant on public charging infrastructure. “As we approach what will be a transformative energy transition in the UK, there is a robust social and commercial case for ensuring that EV charging infrastructure is accessible for disabled people. If we want to work towards a society and economy that is inclusive for all, then accessibility must be a priority.” The post Disabled access for EV charging needs improvement – survey claims appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Zap-Map announces voice features for EV charging Plug-in hybrids gateway to electric future, claims survey Only 1 in 12 think next car will be electric, claims Kwik Fit

Online Casinos & Tech – Why a Live Dealer Option Is the Pick of the Bunch for Players12/18/2020 ● 11:34 AMOnline casinos are associated with the latest technology because they invest in anything and everything that enhances the user experience. Most of the time, the emphasis is on how their strategies impact the game providers. After all, you may think the House always wins. However, this is an unhealthy mindset if you are a player who wants to take advantage of what remote betting companies have to offer. The reality is, the new casino services and solutions open avenues for gamblers, and this is highlighted best by the emergence of live dealer options. If you haven’t tried them before, you should for these reasons. Finding the Right Table Is Easier It’s harder to find a suitable table at a traditional casino as the temptation to start gambling is intense. The idea of watching the roulette wheel to spot a pattern is fine on paper, but it comes undone when the excitement of playing stares you in the face. Thankfully, a live dealer roulette table encourages you to stick to a strategy and increases your chances of winning. To be successful, you have to understand how to win at online roulette, and having a plan is paramount. For example, you can choose between several progressive strategies, including the Martingale Strategy, the Simple Paroli System and the D’Alembert System. All which need you to tweak your stake depending on the circumstances. However, the table could be inappropriate if there are limits, which is why it pays to stalk it beforehand. You Can See the Action It’s essential that you don’t underestimate the impact of playing in-person. When you are face-to-face with your opponents, you can use the smallest details to help you win. Usually, digital services lose this element, yet live dealer casino games offer you the chance to read players, even if it is only remotely. Understanding body language is the best example because people have tells that give away their intentions. Of course, you need to spot them when they occur, or else you lose the advantage of playing games with live feeds. Therefore, a key element is to research the topic thoroughly to make sure you are in a position to bet accordingly when a competitor gives themselves away. It’s More Engaging Playing online casino games isn’t always about gaining an advantage. Many players enjoy the excitement when they log on and place a bet, and you might not be any different. In this case, a live dealer game can add value to the session as it provides a genuine and authentic experience you would normally only find in Las Vegas. It’s the little things that make the biggest differences, such as a professional dealer handing out cards and using quintessential slang. Plus, there is an atmosphere that other games don’t have due to the background noise coming from different player’s feeds. Even VR and AR headsets struggle to create the type of environment found in live dealer games. A live streaming service allows you to find the ideal table with perfect conditions. Also, it lets you read people’s body language, giving you a head start while making the entertainment engaging. What more could you want? The post Online Casinos & Tech – Why a Live Dealer Option Is the Pick of the Bunch for Players appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Live Dealer Casino Technology Reaches a Watershed Moment Mobile online casinos opening up to Indian players 5 tips to get the most out of online casinos

6 of the best stocking fillers for under £3012/18/2020 ● 10:51 AM2020 may have been a year quite like no other, but Christmas remains a time of celebration. According to a study by Nectar, the UK will spend a total of nearly £2.8 BILLION on Christmas stocking fillers this year. Chris Price picks six of the best products to buy for a friend, a loved one or even yourself for around for under £30…. Loop earplugs Want to catch up on your sleep over the Christmas period, but neighbours arguing over a burnt Turkey or the noise of a partner snoring keeping you awake? Then these two earplug designs from Loop may be just the ticket for you – or your partner. Named by The New York Times as the best earplug of 2020, Loop combines market-leading technology with high-end fashion, all within a ring-shaped design that fits snugly within the ear. Designed from soft, flexible silicone, the Loop Quiet is ideal for deep sleep offering 30dB of peace and quiet. While the Loop Experience is designed for those who don’t want to block out the world completely – such as students, musicians, workmen and motorcyclists – but who want to soften high-end noise. Both products are washable and reusable, making them far more sustainable than the traditional soft foam products of the past. Each product comes with six sets of ear tips and a leather carry case. Price: £14 (Quiet), £23 (Experience). Available here.    JLab GO Air earbuds  Offering over twenty hours of playtime, these lightweight buds deliver clean, crisp, audio. Featuring dual microphones, the earbuds can be used individually while the other remains in the charging case. Each earbud will hold up to five hours of battery life with the case providing an extra 15 extra hours. Users can play, pause, change tracks, and adjust volume by pushing or holding the outside buttons. Also on board are three Custom EQ settings – Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost – so that you can get the sound that suits the music best. The built-in microphones allow for phone calls to be answered and hung up, as well as activating voice assistants such as Siri or Google Assistant. Available in black, white and blue (pictured above), the JLab GO Airs provide IP44 sweat resistance. Price: £29.99. Available here.    Puro Basic kids headphones Over time, listening to music that’s too loud can damage your eardrums and can even lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Unlike most headphones, these models are designed specifically for children and limited to 85dB to protect their hearing. A wired design, they can be used with an iPad, iPhone or Android device – in fact any device with a 3.5mm audio connector. They’re pretty comfy too, featuring fake leather ear cups and a padded headband, along with a lightweight plastic frame which is flexible and can be adjusted to fit. Considering the bargain price tag, they sound pretty good too. They’re available in bright blue, bright pink and the bright green models pictured above.  Price: £19.99. Available here.    EZVIZ C1C Indoor Wireless Security Camera Want to keep a lookout for Santa coming down the chimney this Xmas? Rated as the best cheap security camera of 2020 by T3 magazine, the Ezviz C1C has a magnetic base for super easy installation. Features include night vision, two-way talk for instant communications and 130-degree viewing angle. Capable of 1080p HD resolution, the versatile indoor camera can even be used with the Alexa voice assistant.  Price: £29.99. Available here TCP Smart Wi-fi Bulb What do you buy the person who has everything? How about a smart light bulb. Unlike some smart bulbs which require the installation of a hub or bridge to connect to the internet, the TCP Smart Wi-Fi Bulb connects directly to your home wi-fi. All that’s required is a smartphone loaded with the free TCP-Smart App for communication with the device to begin.  The TCP Smart Wi-Fi Bulb allows you total control, using voice control for spur-of-the-moment lighting changes – via Alexa or Google Assistant – as well as your chosen schedule of set times and daily routines such as morning wake ups and cosy evenings. Price: £12.99 – available here   Fourfit Mini 2 Of course, you could spend a small fortune on a fitness tracker but these are pretty good for the money. Plus they will help get kids moving which has to be a good thing, especially right now. Available in five different colours (see pic above), the tracker lets you reward children for being active and set health goals. On board is a big OLED screen which displays features such as number of steps taken, calories consumed and heart rate. It even enables your little one to track their sleep patterns as well as lung health by measuring bloody oxygen saturation levels. A vibration smart alarm also helps get them out of bed on a morning! Price: £24.99 – available here The post 6 of the best stocking fillers for under £30 appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Amazon announces Alexa-enabled Echo Frames glasses Smart Home devices to exceed 13 billion by 2025 Facebook brings its video-calling Portal devices to UK

How Cloud Computing Can Be A Game Changer For Software Developers12/18/2020 ● 10:43 AMWhile cloud computing provides significant cost benefits associated with software development, there is much more to using cloud computing for software development projects than just saving money. Software development on cloud computing opens up a whole lot of other avenues for software developers and gives them greater flexibility in deployment and management of their software and applications. It supports agility, shorter time, and high performance in software development. It also provides an environment for automated testing and hence makes the entire process of software development very convenient. The benefits of using cloud computing and Cloud servers for developers are listed below: 1. Cloud servers bring in virtual resources Cloud servers give software developers access to numerous resources which include test servers and stage servers. Not only does it speed up the process of testing your software, but it also decreases the time required for delivery. This increases the developers’ productivity as they are able to complete tasks quicker and give results much faster than before. These resources are also scalable, and hence their use can be tuned up or down as and when required. This means that software developers don’t have to wait around to receive data space or server space. 2. Cloud servers reduce product delivery time From inception to delivery, software and applications can take a lot of time to get to the market. In between this time, you could face competition from another company that has a similar idea, and they could potentially bag the label of being the first mover. However, rushing your product out isn’t recommended either. Cloud servers allow developers to reduce the time needed to deliver the final product and produce high-quality content at the same time. Cloud servers allow developers to check for any bugs, features and fix everything that needs to be fixed prior to delivery. 3. Cloud servers are very safe Cloud servers allow software developers to address and maintain data security at all times. Data integrity is at the heart of all cloud platforms, and this is not different. Especially during the phases of testing and producing software, it is essential that developers take great care of preventing a data threat. Cloud servers do just that and provide an extremely safe and secure environment for developers. 4. Cloud servers are cost efficient Cloud servers are highly cost-efficient and hence are very popular for software development too. They also have a pricing model, which allows you to pay only for the resources that you use. Developers can also pause their use of resources when they aren’t developing anything and hence get immense cost savings.   To add to this, the multitude of features in cloud servers also enable cost savings. For instance, being able to use multiple testing avenues of the server while isolating certain parts of the code, and being able to work on different parts of your code at the same time also enables cost savings. To add to the above, when developers save time in delivery projects, that enables them multiple cost savings as well.   The post How Cloud Computing Can Be A Game Changer For Software Developers appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:AI and Data Analytics Will Be Top Game-Changing Technologies Developers reveal missing features from Google Stadia Can You Run Linux on a Power Server?

How to check your WiFi coverage12/17/2020 ● 10:59 AMWireless networks like WiFi have become an essential part of our lives. Whether we are working from home, helping our kids with their homework, or streaming our favorite shows on Netflix, we cannot imagine our everyday life without an internet connection. There are times, however, when we experience unexpected WiFi network outages that can disrupt our routine tasks. A number of factors can affect your WiFi connection, including slow internet speed, congestion, no connection, or weak signals in some parts of your home or office space. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common WiFi issues that you encounter, and also provide tips on how to check your WiFi coverage. Most common WiFi issues When you experience WiFi connection issues, make sure to check your WiFi router first to single out the root cause. In most cases, unplugging your router and plugging it back in after five seconds can do the trick. Here are some of the common WiFi issues that you can commonly come across: No WiFi Connection Occasionally your internet connection can die on you. A dropped WiFi connection will indicate no signals on your WiFi indicator. This means that your device is connected to your local network but not to the internet. Run your network troubleshooter to fix the problem. If it doesn’t work, then open Network and Internet settings on your PC or Mac and check if your IP address is valid. Another reason your WiFi connection died could be due to a service outage that’s affecting your area. Call your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to see if your area is affected. Slow or Weak Connection Your WiFi signal’s strength can tremendously affect your browsing activity. A slow or weak WiFi connection indicates a problem with your internet connection. If you see less than two bars on your WiFi icon, it means your connection is weak. Try resetting your router by pressing the reset button down for 30 seconds and then setting up your router properly. Also, make sure nothing is blocking your router. An obstacle around your modem/router can also cause weak WiFi signals. Slow or No Internet Coverage in Some Parts of The House A WiFi network uses radio signals to transmit data from your device to a wireless router which receives the signal and decodes it. These radio waves transmit at frequencies of 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz. Your WiFi connection might have a great speed. However, if it is not set up in the right place in your house, you can experience connection issues. A Wi-Fi heatmap maps wireless signal’s coverage and strength and shows it in a real map of your house. You can then find the dead zones and make necessary adjustments. Free Wi-fi heatmap softwares like NetSpot, can help you understand the radio frequency behavior of your connection. How to Create a WiFi Coverage Map To check your WiFi coverage, you need to analyze the strong and weak points of your network connection. A WiFi analyzer will help you create your WiFi coverage map. A WiFi heatmap will find you a better coverage so you don’t have to guesstimate the range of your Wifi signals. WiFi Heatmaps and Visualizations A Wi-Fi heat map uses a color-coding theme to visually represent your wireless signal’s strength and coverage. Red color represents strength and blue represents weakness. When you use the heat map, these colors will pop up in the area of examination. A good wireless network mapper will allow you to visualize your WiFi coverage, your signal strength, noise and interference across your entire network area. One of the best heatmappers that you can invest in is the NetSport WiFi heatmap software. NetSport is for both Windows and Mac and it allows you to visualize your WiFi coverage in heat waves so you can easily locate the dead zones that need improvement. Through NetSpot survey, you can upload a map of your network area, and carry your laptop to various spots and take data samples at each spot. You will then be able to see visualizations of your signal coverage which you can use to make necessary adjustments to your network map. How to Create a WiFi Heatmap The heatmapper doesn’t require any additional hardware. NetSpot uses advanced visualization of data, and provides users with a comprehensive and complete WiFi site survey solution. Creating a wireless network map with NetSpot is a simple process and involves only a few steps. Download and launch app. Once you are all set, you can start a new survey, and load or create a map of your space. You can then start the heat mapping process, and wait for the results, analyze your results and save your heat map for future reference. In this day and age of the internet, you cannot afford to be cut off from your connection to the digital world. While everyone desires a strong, stable and working WiFi connection, not many think about an equally important component in establishing a successful WiFi connection–a heatmapper. A good heatmapper like NetSpot will significantly improve your internet coverage in all parts of your house or an office area. Avoid buying multiple routers when you can solve your connection issues using a simple heatmapper. The post How to check your WiFi coverage appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:It takes us just 3 minutes to notice WiFi is down, research reveals 1 in 3 homes ‘cannot access WiFi in every room’ Over 1 in 10 working in cupboard or bathroom during lockdown

Nissan Leaf celebrates 10 years of electric driving12/16/2020 ● 3:06 PMIt doesn’t feel like that long of course, but Nissan is celebrating ten years of electric driving as its mass-market LEAF enters its second decade of production.  Driven by more than 180,000 people across Europe, the LEAF has prevented a massive 2.5 million tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere every year, claims Nissan, while covering enough kilometres to drive around the earth 400,000 times. Announcing the global milestone, Gianluca de Ficchy, Chairman of Nissan AMIEO, said: “With more than half a million LEAF sold globally, customers continue to embrace this pioneering electric vehicle. In celebrating how far we have come, we are pleased to highlight the impact our owners have made, leading us all towards a greener future.” Cleaner future As its battery capacity, performance and efficiency have continued to improve, the Nissan LEAF has attracted the biggest and most loyal driver community worldwide. Owners have collectively travelled approximately 16 billion clean air kilometres since launch.  Equipped with a zero-emission powertrain, the LEAF is optimised from the ground up, delivering a fully electrified driving experience. On average, it can regenerate 744 kWh of clean energy every year when driven 18,000 kilometres – enough to power a mobile phone for 372 years, claims the manufacturer. Says Arnaud Charpentier, Region Vice President, Product Strategy and Pricing, Nissan AMIEO: “As customer demand for EVs expands, and the need for them to be embedded into our daily lives increases, Nissan is committed to developing advanced electrified cars with technologies that help drivers feel more confident, connected and excited to join the EV revolution.” In July this year, Nissan unveiled the all-electric crossover coupe Ariya which is billed as a key model in the company’s Nissan NEXT transformation plan. Under this plan, Nissan intends to sell 1 million electrified vehicles annually by 2023, including EVs and vehicles with e-POWER electrified powertrains. You can find more information about the electric Nissan LEAF at www.nissan-europe.com. To view the Decade by the Numbers in full, visit here. The post Nissan Leaf celebrates 10 years of electric driving appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Nissan unveils RE-LEAF, emergency response vehicle Nissan LEAF named most reliable electric vehicle Nissan turns LEAF into Christmas Tree

Consumers download extra 2.8GB of data per day in 202012/16/2020 ● 12:59 PMIn 2020, the nation consumed a record-breaking amount of data, tuned into more TV, and spent longer on the phone, based on analysis of more than six million Virgin Media cable and mobile customers. Customers downloaded an extra 2.8GB of data per day on average in 2020, and between them, burnt their way through 26,530 petabytes (26,530 million gigabytes) of data – in this record-breaking year for broadband use. When it comes to upload traffic, Virgin Media’s network saw data use jump up by 64% across the year, driven by people working from home, connecting with loved ones on video calls and playing online video games. The nation turned to the small screen, with households spending an extra 21 hours on average watching TV each month – equivalent to 10 full days per year and enough to watch all four series of The Crown six times over. During a year that forced people to keep apart from friends and family, the length of an average mobile phone call also shot up by 28%, with Virgin Mobile customers collectively spending an extra 1,605 years on the phone compared to last year. The same trend rang true for landline calls, with the amount of time spent on the traditional ‘home phone’ up by 21% this year. Despite people spending more time at home, mobile data usage increased by nearly a quarter (23%) in 2020, with the biggest amount of data used on 11 December. Virgin Media customers downloaded an extra 2.8GB of data per day on average in 2020, making it the busiest year ever for home broadband use November was the busiest month on record for network traffic, driven by the second national lockdown, launch of next-generation consoles and major game releases Households spent an extra 21+ hours watching TV each month, with news channels seeing the biggest increase during this tumultuous year Mobile phone calls were 28% longer than last year as the nation stayed connected from afar, with calls lasting nearly twice as long (up 87%) during the early part of the first national lockdown The time spent on landline calls increased by 21% compared to last year Despite more time spent at home, mobile data usage shot up by nearly a quarter (23%) Record-breaking broadband While data use has been consistently high throughout 2020, the second national lockdown, the launch of two next-generation games consoles and the return of rugby with the Autumn Nations Cup meant Virgin Media saw its busiest month of broadband traffic on record in November. During November, customers downloaded an average of 17.3GB per day – enough to stream six hours of HD TV, send and receive 900 emails, play three hours of online games, as well as spending hours browsing the web and social media channels – all in the space of 24 hours. The busiest day ever was on Tuesday 10 November when a total of 108 Petabytes of data was consumed, linked to the launch of the Xbox Series X/S consoles and games including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. It’s good to talk  With people having to stay at home and socially distance, the nation picked up the phone more than before. The most mobile calls were made on 17 March, shortly after the Prime Minister’s address to the nation about the national lockdown, with calls during this part of early lockdown lasting nearly twice as long (87%) as before. The most landline calls were made the next day, on 18 March, with the amount of time spent on fixed-line phone calls increasing by 21% since last year. The number of texts exchanged also increased by 72% during the second half of March. News matters  After an unprecedented year, staying up to date with world events became essential to people across the country. As a result, the viewing share of news channels increased by 56% compared to last year. During the US presidential election, viewers shifted in their droves to CNN which became the second most-watched news channel after the BBC, with its viewing share increasing four times as people tuned in to see the latest results. Documentaries and factual shows also soared in popularity in 2020 with viewership up by 23% in lockdown, and 12% year on year. Small screen entertainment prevailed While news channels saw the biggest increase since last year, customers turned to entertainment for some light-hearted relief. Traditional TV viewing on Virgin Media’s network was up by 8% in 2020, with the third episode of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing being the most viewed TV moment of the year, pipping ITV’s I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! to the crown. Paddington 2 was the most popular movie on TV, while England’s victory over Ireland during the international football friendly on 12 November was the most viewed sports moment of the year to date. Meanwhile, streaming and on-demand viewing time leapt by 26%, with Sky One’s Brassic topping the list of most popular boxsets, closely followed by Bulletproof, Code 404 and Manifest. April and May were record-breaking months for boxsets with nearly twice as many views when compared to 2019 (up 90%). Regional broadband trends During the record-breaking month of November, data usage varied significantly between regions. Customers in Northern Ireland top the table for overall traffic during the busiest 8pm-10pm period, with the North West experiencing the biggest growth when compared to last year (44% increase). When it comes to upload traffic, Londoners churned through the most data in November and the biggest increase in 2020 was seen in the East of England (23% increase). Says Jeff Dodds, Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Media:   “After an extraordinary year we’ve seen unprecedented demand for our services across the board; whether that’s broadband traffic, binge-worthy box sets or people picking up the phone to check in with friends and family. “The unexpected shift towards working, living, learning and socialising from home drove record-breaking traffic on our network and we provided a lifeline in lockdown. “Staying connected, informed, and entertained is more important than ever, and despite the additional demand and challenges we’ve faced this year, our network has played a key role in keeping the country connected to the things and people that matter most.” The post Consumers download extra 2.8GB of data per day in 2020 appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Virgin Media reveals lockdown leap in broadband traffic Virgin Media sees record-breaking traffic on Xbox launch EE Mobile Network data report – usage shifts from cities to suburbs

Ofcom to help protect children as Online Harms bill introduced12/15/2020 ● 5:12 PMUK watchdog Ofcom is set to gain the power to block access to online services that fail to protect children and other users with the introduction of the Online Harms Bill. The regulator will also be able to fine Facebook and other tech giants billions of pounds, and require them to publish an audit of efforts to tackle posts that are harmful but not illegal.  Under the proposed legislation, social media firms will face fines up to 10 per cent of their turnover for breaching Duty of Care laws, as ministers pledged there will be “no safe space online for horrors like child sexual abuse or terrorism”. Unveiling the new Duty of Care in an article for The Telegraph, Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary, said the Government will take powers to shut down firms that fail to remove child abuse, terrorism or suicide content from their sites by blocking their access to UK users. But he stopped short of immediately introducing criminal sanctions against named directors whose companies failed to comply with the Duty of Care – as demanded by children’s charities and campaigners including the NSPCC. Instead, these will be held back as “reserve” powers that will be marshalled against the tech giants if they fail to clean up their acts or do not allow Ofcom access to their algorithms which have been blamed for promoting harmful content to children. Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden told parliament the legislation represented “decisive action” to protect both children and adults online. “A 13-year-old should no longer be able to access pornographic images on Twitter, YouTube will not be allowed to recommend videos promoting terrorist ideologies and anti-Semitic hate crimes will need to be removed without delay.” The Children’s Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, said there were signs that new laws would have “teeth”, including strong sanctions for companies found to be in breach of their duties. She welcomed the requirement on messaging apps to use technology to identify child abuse and exploitation material when directed to by the regulator. Added Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s Chief Executive:  “We’re really pleased to take on this new role, which will build on our experience as a media regulator. Being online brings huge benefits, but four in five people have concerns about it. That shows the need for sensible, balanced rules that protect users from serious harm, but also recognise the great things about online, including free expression. We’re gearing up for the task by acquiring new technology and data skills, and we’ll work with Parliament as it finalises the plans.”   Plans to introduce the law were spurred on by the death of 14-year-old Molly Russell, who killed herself after viewing online images of self-harm. In 2019, her father Ian Russell accused Instagram of being partly to blame, leading ministers to demand social media companies take more responsibility for harmful online content. The post Ofcom to help protect children as Online Harms bill introduced appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Tech firms could be fined by Ofcom over harmful videos Tech firms should protect us online, say 90% of children in NSPCC survey Ofcom report reveals increasing online concerns

Vauxhall offering ‘free electricity’ to Corsa-e customers12/15/2020 ● 12:00 PM  Vauxhall is offering new Corsa-e customers a free Home Charging Unit and 30,000 miles of free electricity for a limited time, in partnership with British Gas.The offer gives access to an exclusive British Gas Dual Fuel Tariff, with Vauxhall crediting each customer’s account to cover the cost of charging for the equivalent of 30,000 miles over a three-year period. Running an equivalent Corsa 1.2 100PS petrol model for 30,000 miles would cost £2,900 at today’s petrol prices, claims Vauxhall. The limited-time offer is available on customer orders from 8th December 2020 to 11th January 2021. The offer is available on Personal Contract Hire purchases, whilst stocks last, with prices for the award-winning Corsa-e with the free Home Charging Unit and 30,000 miles worth of electricity starting from just £330 per month with a £1,980 initial rental fee. As part of the offer, Corsa-e customers will also receive a free six-month subscription to the Polar public charging network, the UK’s largest public charging network, with more than 7,000 charging points nationwide. Powered by a 50kWh lithium-ion battery, the Corsa-e comes with a zero-emissions range of up to 209 miles from a single charge and supports up to 100kW rapid charging technology – allowing for an 80 per cent charge in as little as 30 minutes, claims Vauxhall. The new Corsa-e also comes with an eight-year warranty on the 50kWh battery as well as eight years’ roadside assistance, giving owners peace of mind wherever they drive. MPG = 52.30 Miles per Litre (1 Gallon = 4.546 Litres, so 52.30 / 4.546) = 11.5 Number of Litres used for 30,000 miles = 2607.65 Cost of Litre of Petrol (gov.uk 1st December) = £1.1261 Fuel Cost = £2,936.47 Corsa 1.2 (100PS) Turbo Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Full Term (3 years) Annual mileage 10,000 10,000 10,000 30,000 Miles per gallon 52.30 52.30 52.30 52.30 Miles per litre (1 gallon = 4.546 litres) 11.50 11.50 11.50 11.50 Litres used 869.22 869.22 869.22 2607.65 Cost of litre of petrol (GOV UK – 1st December 2020) £1.126 £1.126 £1.126 £1.126 Fuel consumption cost £978.82 £978.82 £978.82 £2,936.47 The post Vauxhall offering ‘free electricity’ to Corsa-e customers appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Vauxhall Corsa awarded Connected Car of the Year Mini Electric partners with OVO energy for free miles Mazda MX-30 EV customers to receive free home charger wall box

Dott to launch brightly-coloured e-bikes in London12/15/2020 ● 7:00 AMEuropean micro-mobility operator Dott (www.ridedott.com) is set to launch its distinctive-looking, brightly-coloured e-bikes in London, March 2021. London will become the 16th European city that Dott operates in, with e-scooter operations already existing in Belgium, France, Italy, Germany and Poland.  Dott, which is primarily known in Europe for its established scooter operations, has spent two years developing its latest bike which has been dubbed the most advanced e-bike on the market. The initial March launch will include 100 rental e-bikes across 30 locations with the aim to scale up quickly to 700 bikes.  Featuring what Dott bills as a state of the art parking solution, the bikes only allow riders to complete journeys in Dott allocated zones with the use of advanced GPS navigation software.  Dott e-bikes will be available for riders to rent from March 2021 onwards first in London and in Paris. The e-bike, which is available in three colours (see above) is, claims the manufacturer, comfortable to ride, built to last and packed with the latest technology for proper parking, anti-theft and anti-vandalism. It has been designed and manufactured in Europe to guarantee the highest quality and lowest carbon footprint, in line with Dott ethos of clean rides for everyone.  Says Maxim Romain, COO and Co-Founder of Dott:  “This European made bike has been designed in line with our mission: to make mobility accessible to all. Our multimodal (e-bike and e-scooter) service will include the same level of operational excellence: removable batteries, secure charging, operations performed by experienced professionals, systematic repairs and recycling. “We want to provide a great e-bike service that is reliable for the city, comfortable for the rider and sustainable for the planet. We are super excited to launch it soon in London.” Check out a video of Dott unveiling its new e-bike here. Key features of the Dott e-bike: A unique frame made from a single piece to guarantee solidity  Custom-developed foam tyre inserts to increase durability and cushion  Shaft drive hidden inside frame. No greasy chains! A removable battery system identical to e-scooters  Precise geolocation system to guarantee good parking    The post Dott to launch brightly-coloured e-bikes in London appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Lime partners with what3words to find mis-parked e-bikes and scooters faster Ducati announces three new folding e-bikes TfL to trial rental e-scooters across London

Coventry best place for plug-in car owners12/14/2020 ● 12:46 PM  Coventry City Centre (2019) – Photography by Si Chun Lam (林詩雋)Coventry is the best place in mainland Britain for plug-in car owners to charge their vehicles – but it lags behind the OUTER HEBRIDES overall, research has revealed. Analysis of latest available government data revealed there is currently one charging device for every 15 plug-in cars registered in the UK. But in Coventry, there is one device per 2.3 registered plug-in car owners. EV (Electric Vehicle) and plug-in hybrid owners living in the Outer Hebrides are better off though – with the Na h-Eileanan Siar local authority having one charger for every 2.13 cars. Other areas with a good cars-per-charger ratio were Fermanagh and Omagh in Northern Ireland (2.5 cars per charger), Wandsworth in London (2.6) and the Isle of Anglesey (2.8). Making up the top 10 were Brighton and Hove (2.83), Sunderland (2.94), Eden (2.95), Pembrokeshire (2.95) and Middlesbrough (2.97). Following the findings, car manufacturer Jeep has created an interactive map showcasing the number of registered plug-in cars per public charging device by local authorities – see below.Says Damien Dally, Jeep country manager: “The UK’s charging infrastructure is improving every day and it’s great to see charging devices popping up across the country. “Sales of plug-in hybrids are up by almost 90 per cent this year as motorists look for a more sustainable way of driving around.” To get a broad view on the ‘EVolution’ of motoring, Jeep surveyed 2,000 UK motorists – 1,600 petrol, diesel, and hybrid car owners and 400 who have either a plug-in hybrid  or pure electric car. It found the average motorist drives just 26 miles per day – while 60 per cent of petrol and diesel car owners drive fewer than 20 miles per day. It also emerged 79 per cent of motorists think the government should be investing more in improving public charging infrastructure. And 76 per cent said there should be a greater investment in on-street charging where motorists don’t have off-street parking. The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found one in five petrol and diesel drivers support the introduction of road pricing to offset the loss in fuel duty revenue. This rises to 59 per cent of plug-in drivers. Adds Damien Dally, Jeep country manager: “Our research shows the public is supportive of the move towards electric vehicles, and it shouldn’t be a surprise that those who have made the switch are more in favour of the transition.” Local Authority / Plug-in cars per charging point Na h-Eileanan Siar 2.13 Coventry 2.33 Fermanagh and Omagh 2.50 Wandsworth 2.60 Isle of Anglesey 2.80 Brighton and Hove 2.83 Sunderland 2.94 Eden        2.95 Pembrokeshire 2.95 Middlesbrough 2.97 Gwynedd 3.16 Stockton-on-Tees 3.19 Shetland Islands 3.29 Dumfries & Galloway 3.37 Argyll & Bute 3.38 Greenwich 3.40 Highland 3.57 Lambeth 3.63 East Lothian 3.73 Boston 3.79 Plymouth 3.89 Islington        3.93 Liverpool 3.96 Southwark 4.00 Hyndburn 4.04 Copeland 4.32 What some local authorities are doing to improve infrastructure for owners of plug-in cars: Coventry City Council: They have 39 rapid charge points, around 190 on-street residential charge points with a further 209, at least, by the end of next March. They are also working with charge point operators to promote the installation of charge points at business premises, supporting businesses by providing assistance with grant applications and advice on the type and siting of charge point within the business premises through the Plug-in Coventry scheme. Sunderland: Sunderland City Council operated car parks’ spaces with electric charge points are free to use for up to four hours while the car is charging. Back in April 2019, the UK’s first drive-through fast-charging station with a charging capacity of up to 350 kW launched in Sunderland to help meet the demand for the growing numbers of electric vehicles in the city. Work is now complete on more new rapid hubs located across the region. These rapid charging stations are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are enabled for 350 kW charging, the fastest charging rate in the UK. Wandsworth: More charging points than any other local authority area in the whole of the UK. 120 more lamppost charging points are due to become available in Wandsworth in the spring. The Highland Council, Scotland: Electric vehicle users parked in dedicated EV bays are not charged for parking. Currently, charging an electric vehicle on a Highland Council hosted public charging point is free. The Highland Council has an existing programme to install an additional 50+ charging points across 24+ sites during 20/21. The post Coventry best place for plug-in car owners appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:EV owners could get 1000 FREE miles, claims Volkswagen Only 1 in 12 think next car will be electric, claims Kwik Fit 1 in 4 would hire electric car on holiday

Technologies to Aid Special Needs Kids in Distance Learning12/11/2020 ● 10:11 AMThe introduction of distance learning for most children has been nothing but chaos for many families. However, it has been especially difficult for families with special needs kids. For example, children with autism require strong schedules from day to day that they can rely on. Getting up early in the morning for breakfast, going to school, learning, talking to their friends, going back home, doing homework, and then relaxing with the family. The coronavirus infection has put an end to all of this. Only a small percentage of kids, which are most likely phlegmatic in their nature, have been dealing with distance learning pretty well. All other children cannot keep their studies on the right track and seriously miss all the socialization they received from going to school. To help special kids in this situation, certain businesses decided to develop apps and small devices. Because distance learning is still only in its beginning phases of development, many people feel the need to contribute to its development and try improving the experience for everyone. Nonverbal Communication over the Web One group of special needs kids who struggle pretty badly with distance learning is the children who are nonverbal or minimally verbal. In real life, such kids are taught to communicate via AAC (Alternative Augmentative Communication). AAC instruments can range from a text-to-speech generator like Stephen Hawking had to using a pen and paper to communicate with drawings. Distance learning is very limited in its AAC options. The communication between people is usually not live when it’s text-based communication, and there are basically no options for graphical communication. This can feel very isolating for the special needs kids, and it’s why a company iTherapy is working on a live, text communication application with the option for graphical communication. Time and Goal Management Special needs kids can often have a lot of trouble keeping up with their assignments and staying on track in studying. Well, there’s an easy-to-use, wearable gadget called Goally – it’s a device that you can program beforehand to set activities and goals for the day. The device will issue out prompts and reminders to the child, making sure they stay on track. With Goally, every special need kids can realize their full potential of being a great academic essay writer and just a well-performing student. What’s great is that Goally incorporates a reward-based system for successfully completed tasks. The rewards range from a trip to McDonald’s to watching an episode of their favorite show. Goally allows parents to step away from continuous micromanagement of their children and simultaneously improve their kids’ self-sufficiency. The biggest advantage of Goally over other, free application alternatives is that it’s a real device, it’s tactile – special needs kids respond much better to it. Reading Aid Many special needs children have either dyslexia or even cerebral palsy, which significantly affect their ability to read and take in textual information. Luckily for them, there is a government-backed, free database of books called Bookshare. It provides its users with audio, braille, and large font books completely free of charge. Another great option for children who have trouble reading is the VarsityTutors application. It’s an online-based system that allows gathering children with similar knowledge levels and identical impairments to create study groups. Due to the fact that special needs kids with the same disabilities are not concentrated in certain geographical areas but rather scattered throughout the US, VarsityTutors makes it easy for special needs kids to find study groups with similarly-abled students. Boosting Creativity Then there’s the question of how to relax from learning and put it aside if you’re doing it at home in your room.  Some special needs children have this issue of dividing their time, separating learning and just being at home. For such children, the game company Osmo creates physical learning environments. These physical learning games are perfect for relaxing, and taking a break from long hours behind the computer, trying to learn new ideas and concepts. Osmo usually produces kits in which the child decides the rules of this small world. The child is encouraged to create and build whatever they like, which has shown previously to positively affect the social interaction and desire to self-express of the special needs kids. Improving Distance Learning Although distance learning has a long way to go before being able to substitute traditional, in-class learning completely, it’s constantly being improved upon by companies from around the world. With so much devotion to amending distance learning, it has a lot of potential for becoming a great option for learning. The post Technologies to Aid Special Needs Kids in Distance Learning appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Panasonic offers refurbished laptops for e-learning The Rise of E-Learning: Should you Enrol in an Online Course? US senators demand answers over Facebook Messenger Kids app flaw

Ford’s Spin announces e-scooter trial in Essex12/10/2020 ● 4:35 PMFord e-scooter company Spin has announced the launch of its first public hire e-scooter trial in Basildon, the first of its kind in Essex. Spin is launching the service with 50 e-scooters available for hire in the town from this week. This is the first step in a managed phased launch which Spin is looking to gradually expand hand in hand with demand and working closely with Basildon Council.  Two of Spin’s programmes supporting key workers and low-income riders will also be available in Basildon. All National Health Service (NHS) workers that work in a healthcare facility in Spin’s active trial locations will be eligible for 30-minute free rides – a scheme known as Everyday Heroes. Another scheme, Spin Access will provide subsidised fares – 50% off –  for those who qualify. To begin with, the scheme will offer subsidised rates to unemployed and low-income riders registered with Jobcentre Plus and who have access to a Jobcentre Plus Discount Travel Card. Spin is working closely with Basildon and Essex County Council to trial this new transport mode that provides choice and accessibility for local residents as alternative to short-distance car journeys.  Spin will continue to work with local authorities in Essex as it looks to roll out in other locations over the coming months. Commenting on the launch, Steve Pyer, UK Country Manager at Spin said:  “We are excited to launch the first of our Essex e-scooter trials in Basildon. Our aim is to develop an affordable and reliable service that gives the local community of more than 100,000 residents a more sustainable, fun and socially-distanced way to travel around the town.  “Unlike private e-scooters that are still illegal in the UK, we have much more control of the e-scooters speed and the areas where people can ride. As this is part of the national trials we’ll be closely monitoring it and sharing findings and feedback with the Department for Transport and local authorities and fine-tune operations as and when needed.” The trial will have strict operational rules to ensure safety of all road users with e-scooters speed-restricted to a maximum of 15.5 mph. Spin will use geofencing technology to create dedicated ‘go slow’ and ‘no ride’ areas and to prevent its e-scooters from being operated outside of permitted areas. Outside of the ‘no ride’ areas, e-scooters can be ridden anywhere that bicycles are allowed to go, including most low-speed (up to 30mph) roads. Use of e-scooters is not permitted on pavements. For up to date information on where people can ride as well as not permitted areas users should visit the Spin App.   The post Ford’s Spin announces e-scooter trial in Essex appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:12 month e-scooter trial to start in Slough E-scooter firm Spin launches micromobility fund Two in three people would ride e-scooter to work, claims survey

Electric car sales reach 15% of marketshare, claims BuyaCar12/10/2020 ● 3:41 PMElectric car sales have reached their highest-ever level in the used market, according to the online car supermarket BuyaCar.co.uk. After languishing for most of the year at around one in every hundred sales, December has seen them taking 15% of market share. The surge in demand for EVs is believed to have been largely inspired by the recent announcement of a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel models from 2030. BuyaCar analysts believe that although motorists still have plenty of time to stick with their familiar existing petrol, diesel and hybrid models, consumer curiosity about all-electric cars has reached a historic tipping point. And while EVs still tend to be significantly more expensive than ICE (internal combustion engine) cars in the new market, those price premiums are less pronounced among second-hand cars. According to BuyaCar.co.uk, the used market may be key to the future mass adoption of EVs, by enabling more cost-conscious car buyers to take a tentative first step into electric motoring. News that December has seen a breakthrough in used EV sales came as the Nissan Leaf was crowned as Britain’s best used electric car by BuyaCar’s sister site DrivingElectric.co.uk, which focuses on plug-in cars. Christofer Lloyd, editor of BuyaCar.co.uk, believes that early examples of the Nissan Leaf are increasingly being sought as an entry-level EV model of choice for families who want an inexpensive practical second car for local trips. With the Leaf now available for headline prices as low as £5,500 he suggests that many customers now see such examples as the perfect way to become accustomed to all-electric motoring without the outlay or risk they might feel going straight for electric as the main household vehicle. “Searches have steadily increased over the past few weeks, to the point where more than one in 10 customers are arriving on our site with an EV in mind as their initial choice,” says Lloyd. “And now we are seeing EVs taking 15% of the market, it is clear that a breakthrough is underway.” The post Electric car sales reach 15% of marketshare, claims BuyaCar appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Interest in electric vehicles surges by 500%, claims retailer Toyota’s hybrid electric vehicle sales reach 15 million Only 1 in 12 think next car will be electric, claims Kwik Fit

OVO Energy links smart thermostat to smart meter12/10/2020 ● 2:44 PMOVO Energy is offering beta testers a tado° Smart Thermostat that is linked to their smart meter and able to extrapolate data to provide bespoke advice on how to save money on their energy bills. By reducing the amount of energy used, consumers will also reduce their carbon footprint. The initial beta test will be rolled out and available to all OVO Energy members in the UK in autumn 2021. Once a tado° Smart Thermostat has been installed by an OVO Energy smart meter engineer, members will be able to sync their tado° account with their OVO Energy account. This enables the energy usage to be matched against the choice of temperature controls. The second phase of the beta trial will involve self-installation of the smart thermostat.  Once installed, a new ‘Smart Thermostat’ option in the My OVO app will appear and provide the member with personalised advice using the data from both devices. For example, based on a member’s energy usage in the home, it will be able to tell them the exact amount of money they could save if they turned down their heating at specific times of the day. Additional features include: Scheduling: Schedule, and control of heating and hot water from anywhere easily, via the My OVO and tado° app. Location-based control: Geofencing reminds members to turn down the heating when the last person leaves home, and to turn it up in time for the first person’s arrival. Weather forecasts: tado° Smart Thermostat local weather forecasts to advise on turning heating on or off. Platform compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant are integrated into the tado° Smart Thermostat. This winter, boiler usage is likely to rise by 56% due to more people working from home. By being able to see the cost implications of setting various temperatures, OVO Energy members will, for the first time ever, see the value of temperature controls. And because using less energy means less carbon, members will also reduce their carbon footprint. Says Jessica Tan, Managing Director of Smart Home, OVO Energy: “For too long customers have been in the dark on how much they spend heating their homes. By partnering with tado° Smart Thermostat, we’re going to change that, giving our members ultimate control over their heating and bespoke advice on how to lower the cost of their energy usage and cut carbon.” Adds Toon Bouten, CEO of tado°: “Making homes more energy efficient is a key part of lowering carbon emissions and we’re thrilled to partner with OVO Energy. The partnership brings together two companies at the forefront of the digital energy transition and as a cross-manufacturer platform, tado° connects with any kind of heating system to serve all kinds of homes. “Together with OVO Energy, we are demonstrating how customer-friendly technology can have a positive impact on the environment as well as home finances and comfort.” https://www.ovoenergy.com/smart-home/smart-thermostat           The post OVO Energy links smart thermostat to smart meter appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Mini Electric partners with OVO energy for free miles Smart thermostat tops smarthome gadget list, survey shows 6 Top Tips to Save Money on Energy Bills during COVID-19 Lockdown

1 in 3 rely on phone ‘completely’ for social life12/10/2020 ● 2:13 PMThe only thing not on lockdown this year it seems is the mobile phone with usage soaring and 36 per cent relying on it completely for a ‘social life’. A study of 2,000 smartphone users found almost half have used their phone more than usual during 2020, sending more messages, making more phone calls and posting more on social media than the previous year. Phones have also been used more for reading the news (81 per cent), online shopping (62 per cent) and dating via apps (13 per cent). Virtual activities enjoyed via handsets also included having a drink ‘together’ (17 per cent), watching a film or TV show ‘with’ others (12 per cent) and taking part in quizzes (28 per cent). The increased use resulted in an additional 156 calls made, 104 extra social media posts shared and 364 WhatsApp messages each sent this year than in 2019. The research, commissioned by Three Mobile, also revealed more than a third would have been bored without their mobile phone this year, while 29 per cent wouldn’t have been able to cope. Almost a third (32 per cent) feel their handset allowed them to have a bit of normality during 2020, with 30 per cent admitting that speaking to others on the phone helped their wellbeing. The study found 10.9 million phone users took part in virtual quizzes during lockdown, while 88.2 million messages were sent on dating apps every week while unable to actually go out on a date. And when restrictions were lighter, 9.2 million drinks were ordered at pubs and restaurants via phone apps. A further 22 per cent have used their phones to play ‘board’ games and 24 per cent enjoyed the trend of watching TikTok videos. Many kept track of their health on their phone, with 18 per cent analysing their sleep, 12 per cent using mindfulness apps and 16 per cent measuring their heart rate. More than a third of phone users (35 per cent) also tracked their daily step count. But women were proven to be more health-conscious than men, with twice the number of females using their phones for exercise. When it came to homeschooling, more than half of mums admitted they searched online for answers to their kids’ work – while only two-fifths of dads did so. It also emerged more than a quarter of those polled made more time to speak to people via their phone than they usually would. Phones were also used to take an average of 19 photos a week during 2020, with 12 per cent capturing their work from home set up and 15 per cent documenting their DIY jobs. Says Three’s spokesperson, Aislinn O’Conner: “Our report truly reflects the mood of the nation this year and proves how now, more than ever, our mobiles are far more than just the ability to simply to make and receive calls and texts. “They have been a lifeline for many and helped to keep our spirits high at times where we’ve needed it most.” To see Three’s full MyPhone 2020 Report visit https://www.threemediacentre.co.uk/ What people used their smartphone for in 2020: Texting Reading the news Personal phone calls Using WhatsApp Watching YouTube videos Online shopping Reading social channel news feeds Posting on Facebook Liking other people’s posts on social media Having video calls Work phone calls Ordering food in a restaurant/cafe via an app Tracking their daily step count Posting on Instagram Searching for jobs Posting on Twitter Watching TikTok videos Ordering drinks in a pub via an app Played ‘board’ games e.g. Scrabble Go Using LinkedIn The post 1 in 3 rely on phone ‘completely’ for social life appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:1 in 5 adults overshare on social media Half would rather buy new phone than wait for repairs, claims EE Top 4 ways parents can keep children safe on social media

Notable Benefits of Technology in Education12/10/2020 ● 10:12 AMThe debate on the potential role of technology in the classroom has been going on for a while, with some compelling arguments from both sides of the divide. Already, there is no denying that technology has permeated all aspects of human life, including how we communicate and interact. The opportunities for educational tech are unlimited, although some challenges exist. In this article, we examine some notable benefits of educational technology as well as considerable challenges. Please understand that integrating tech in the learning environment goes beyond the simple use of computers and software. It demands the effective participation and collaboration of those involved as well as connection to the real work. Also, introducing new tech to the classroom environment can help students and teachers, although equal and meaningful access is important. Here are some prominent perks of education tech: Technology Encourages Expression and Self-Initiated Learning Research shows that using educational technology encourages learners to participate actively throughout the process of instruction. Students get to express themselves through various platforms, relating to other classmates. Whether in traditional classrooms or online, tech permits interactive learning, without the need for students to rely on being physically present in the place of instruction. There is also the possibility to order assignments online, just by sending a message — write my essay. Educational Technology Saves Time Another benefit of using educational tech in the classroom is that it improves efficiency and reduces the time it takes to perform certain tasks. With improved efficiency, students can dedicate some of the time to their studies and extracurriculars. As things stand, many students already find academic life hectic, with tons of assignments demanding their attention and exams to prepare for. With the right technology, researching papers and writing essays becomes easier. There are also time-management applications as well as tools for preventing distractions. Technology Supports Assessment and Classroom Management Effective instruction ought to be founded on a good understanding of the abilities and needs of individual students. This tailored approach to instruction ensures that material is designed and disseminated effectively. The good news is that students and teachers are no longer limited to traditional notes and textbooks. Many assessment tools can allow teachers to evaluate and keep track of student progress. Technology Improves Motivation One of the most notable benefits of educational technology is that it enhances learner engagement with course material. With so much going on in students’ personal and academic lives, staying focused can be challenging. There are days when students wake up feeling demotivated and unwilling to attend classes. Even finding the inspiration for research, writing assignments can be a challenge. Using technology in the classroom improves students’ motivation by giving them something to look forward to. Students also have a chance to work and learn at a pace that suits them, without interfering with others. There is the possibility of looking up information after classes. There are also educational games that have been shown to reinforce classroom concepts. Technology Improves Communication One of the most notable benefits of technology in the educational setting is improved communication. Students can ask questions at any time, besides being able to get instant feedback on projects. If, for instance, there are assignment instructions that you don’t fully understand, you can email your teacher to ask for clarifications. Classroom blogs also help parents to remain informed about the learning progress of their children. Parents can also communicate with teachers, ask about homework, and remain involved in their children’s learning. Technology Improves Access and Affordability Technology has allowed students to access quality education and overcome various barriers to access, including cost and distance. Today, learners can attend lectures in top universities without even leaving the comfort of their homes. Students are also able to attend field trips and perform virtual experiments. Technology-assisted learning is also relatively more flexible and convenient. Learners can plan their lessons according to their schedules, ensuring they choose optimal circumstances and locations. Technology Prepares Learners for the Future One of the main goals of education is to prepare students for life after school. Employers already prefer workers with some level of technological education. By exposing students to technology, learning institutions impart useful life skills. The exposure prepares the learners for what they are likely to encounter in the workplace. Technology has numerous benefits for students and teachers, although some challenges should be addressed. The focus should be on designing applications and tools in ways that facilitate learning and optimize outcomes. With the many benefits, investing in education is a worthy cause. The post Notable Benefits of Technology in Education appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:DfE to launch competition to find best Children’s Education apps 3 Notable Ways Technology Has Transformed The Workplace And The Way We Work Online Gaming – eye opening benefits 

Online marketplaces failing to remove dangerous products, reports Which?12/10/2020 ● 1:01 AMOnline marketplaces are failing to respond adequately to reports about dangerous products and allowing them to remain on sale even when they have been recalled, a Which? investigation has revealed.   The consumer watchdog’s research found that Amazon.com, eBay and Wish were all allowing dangerous products to be sold that have been banned Europe-wide. Yet when Which? researchers went undercover to report these products in the same way that an everyday consumer would, not one of the items was removed from sale. People are more reliant on shopping online than ever this winter and Which? is calling for the government to make online marketplaces legally responsible for stopping dangerous products from being sold on their sites, so that consumers are protected from products with serious safety flaws being sold by third-parties.  Which? searched on Safety Gate, a database of dangerous consumer products from across Europe that have been identified as posing a safety risk to consumers, and found nine products that were still available to order from online marketplaces including Amazon.com, eBay and Wish. It proved difficult to report these banned items effectively. Amazon and eBay have reporting tools on their product listings, but Which?’s experts struggled to find a clear option for reporting a safety issue – instead it found ways to report issues like ‘incorrect product information’ or ‘prohibited items’. In the end, they plumped for reporting as a ‘product quality issue’ and ‘fraudulent listing activities’.  When Which? replicated the reporting process that an everyday consumer might use, using pseudonyms, no action was taken by either online marketplace. Researchers did receive a response from Wish – it said that it would review the report to see if the product listing breached its policies. However, there was no further response from Wish and, nearly a month later, the listing for the dangerous recalled product remained live. Only after the issues were reported to the firms’ respective press offices by Which? was action quickly taken to remove the products.  These sites have all signed up to the EU’s product safety pledge, which states that marketplaces should provide a clear way for customers to notify them of dangerous product listings and give an appropriate response within five working days. However, these findings suggest they are falling short – raising questions about the effectiveness of voluntary initiatives.  Even when Which? experts have reported dangerous items to online marketplaces in an official capacity and the sites have taken the listings down, they have often reappeared in new listings within days.  Earlier this year, eBay pledged to investigate multiple listings for three dangerous, recalled counterfeit Samsung charging plugs that were found for sale on the site. According to eBay’s own listing information, more than 360 of the chargers had been bought across five of the listings and Which? was able to buy these dangerous plugs without receiving any recall information or warnings from the sellers. However, seven months later,  Which? found hundreds of listings for the chargers still on sale. eBay has now removed the specific listings that Which? shared but a number of other listings still appear to remain on the site.   Says Natalie Hitchins, Which? Head of Home Products and Services: “Our investigation suggests many customer reports of dangerous products for sale online could end up being ignored or disregarded, and that it can be difficult to report products accurately in the first place.  “It is unacceptable that the biggest online marketplaces only seem to take safety concerns seriously when a watchdog like Which? comes calling. “That’s why it’s vitally important for online marketplaces to be given greater legal responsibility for the safety of products sold on their sites, to ensure that they take proactive action to protect their customers.” Replies an Amazon spokesperson said: “Safety is our top priority and we want customers to shop with confidence on our stores. We have proactive measures in place to prevent suspicious or non-compliant products from being listed and we monitor the products sold in our stores for product safety concerns.  “When appropriate, we remove a product from the store, reach out to sellers, manufacturers, and government agencies for additional information, or take other actions. If customers have concerns about an item they’ve purchased, we encourage them to contact our Customer Service directly so we can investigate and take appropriate action.” Which? advice on how to avoid fake and dangerous products Deals that look too good to be true, often are – many of the dangerous safety issues found by Which? have been discovered on cheap products bought online. Stick to known brands – the majority of problems we’ve found come from unknown brands, or unbranded products. Do your research – it’s worth putting the time in before you buy, and don’t just rely on high customer review scores which can be artificially inflated on the marketplaces. For more tips on shopping safely online this winter visit: which.co.uk/shopsmart The nine banned products, according to Safety Gate, that Which? found were available for sale on online marketplaces   Listing Risk of product with same characteristics according to Safety Gate Which? found these products were available on Grow Snow Insta-Snow Powder The powder expands by more than 50%. If a child puts the powder in the mouth and swallows it, it could cause occlusion of the respiratory tract or intestinal blockage. eBay.com Zviku Magnetic Light Up Fishing Baby Bath Toys Set for Toddlers – Includes Rod & Reel with Turtle and 5 Unique Fish The magnet can easily detach from the toy, and a small child may put it in their mouth and choke. Amazon.com WOW! Stuff Collection Harry Potter Golden Snitch Heliball The remote control’s battery compartment can be easily opened without the use of any tools, leaving button batteries accessible. A child could put them in the mouth, which could cause damage to the child’s gastrointestinal tract or choking Amazon.com Shadowhawk Rechargeable Tactical X800 Flashlight* The clearance and creepage distances between the primary and accessible secondary circuit are not sufficient. The user could touch accessible live parts and receive an electric shock. Wish eBay One Step – Hair Dryer and Styler The resistance of the mains cable is too high. The product could overheat, melt or even catch fire during use. eBay Samsung EP-TA20EWE (counterfeit) The clearance/creepage distances between the primary and accessible secondary circuits are not sufficient. The secondary part of the USB charger could become live, leading to an electric shock if touched by the user. eBay Samsung ETAOU10EBE (counterfeit) The clearance/creepage distances between the primary and accessible secondary circuits are not sufficient. The secondary part of the USB charger could become live, leading to an electric shock if touched by the user. eBay Samsung ETA-U90EWE (counterfeit) The clearance/creepage distances between the primary and accessible secondary circuits are not sufficient. The secondary part of the USB charger could become live, leading to an electric shock if touched by the user. eBay Surker professional hair clipper The product is advertised with a substandard adaptor for permanent use with inadequate insulation. As a result, a person could touch the live part of the adaptor and receive an electric shock. AliExpress  * A version of this product is still available to buy on Amazon but Amazon has provided documentation to show that the product has been re-manufactured and passed relevant safety tests.   The post Online marketplaces failing to remove dangerous products, reports Which? appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Two-thirds of online marketplace products fail safety tests Coronavirus: eBay and Amazon failing to prevent profiteering, claims Which? Fake review sales rife on Facebook and eBay, reports CMA

Top TV and Cinema Hits That Have Been Turned into an Online Slot Game12/9/2020 ● 5:45 PMOnline pokies have gained massive popularity all over New Zealand, with more Kiwis finding them easy, fun, and rewarding to play. Unlike in the past when pokies came in fruit symbols, now you can find any theme on your favourite pokie game. The latest inspiration is from TV shows and movie hits. Now, you can interact with your favourite movie characters in an attempt to win big at an online casino as movie and television show-inspired pokies have become extremely popular over the past few years. Here are the top five latest online pokies that were inspired by TV and cinema hits. Game of Thrones (GOT) Pokie Game of Thrones was a hit series that was well-received worldwide. The popular television show was a sensation that broke records globally from the first time it aired. Its popularity caught Microgaming’s attention and they decided to make a pokie game out of the show in 2014. To make it more realistic, it features iron thrones as the scatter symbols. Also, you will enjoy the bronze and gold theme as in the show’s intro and the GOT soundtrack that plays in the background to make the betting experience more thrilling. Conquer all the battles to emerge as the true king of the seven kingdoms as you try your luck on this wonderfully designed pokie. It is your chance to relive the series all over again. Deal or No Deal Pokie The Deal or No Deal game show was so popular that Playtech decided to make a pokie game from it. The pokie features different symbols from the game show, including the official neon sign as the wild symbol. You will also see the black phone that the banker uses as the scatter symbols all over the display screen. Also, the show’s theme music plays as the soundtrack in the background. You have five reels and 20 paylines to bet on this pokie for a chance to walk away with a good deal of money. The pokie also comes with three progressive jackpots up for grabs. Jumanji Pokie Are you a fan of Jumanji franchise? If yes, you will enjoy the Jumanji pokie game even more. Net Entertainment released this online pokie in 2018 after Karen Gillian and Dwayne Johnson starred in the movie. If you are in an adventure mood, looking for ways to escape the gaming world before you lose all your three lives, you will enjoy playing this online pokie. It features sticky vines, monsoon wilds, the rhino stampede, and money mayhem as some of its symbols. You will also enjoy dozens of free spins for a chance to win big. The Dark Knight Pokie From the second trilogy of The Dark Knight is this impressive pokie game. If you love watching superhero movies, you will enjoy playing this classic title of the grand battle between Batman and The Joker, his arch-enemy. You’ll get to see Heath Ledger’s last role before his untimely death. The game captures the darkness of the story as you can see from the nocturnal scenes and visuals. Just as the movie came with tons of surprises, the game has random cash prizes to keep you captivated. The title is also a progressive pokie, which means you can walk away with a grand prize in millions. Family Guy Pokie The show Family Guy filled most homes with laughter as they connected to watch it, with Peter Griffin’s character having an infectious laugh. It is ranked among the most popular cartoons, and it managed to air 18 seasons. Its popularity inspired IGT to come up with a pokie title based on the show. It features five reels and 30 paylines. Expect to see amazing graphics and many references to the show as you interact with your favourite character in an attempt to strike a big bounty. Conclusion As people flock the internet scouring for new pokie games to play, you can expect to find something entertaining and worth your fancy. Head online now and interact with your favourite movie characters in a pokie game. You can start with the above-reviewed pokies, which are bound to catch your attention.     The post Top TV and Cinema Hits That Have Been Turned into an Online Slot Game appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Top 50 online activities during lockdown The new era of online gaming Call of Duty hits 60.5 Million units on best-selling PS4, Xbox list

Preview: VW ID.4 electric vehicle12/9/2020 ● 3:43 PMAs part of its e-offensive, the Volkswagen brand plans to offer electric cars in all major vehicle segments by 2022 and aims to become the world market leader in e-mobility in the coming years. Chris Price preveiws the second EV in its line-up, the ID.4… Following the launch of its electric hatchback, the ID.3, VW has revealed its next all electric-model: the ID.4. It’s a five-seat electric SUV, similar in size to the popular VW Tiguan, and is available with two battery sizes: a 52kWh unit and a larger 77kWh battery. However, it’s expected only the larger battery pack will be offered initially, with the cheaper 52kWh models available later in 2021. VW claims the larger battery model is capable of unlocking a range of 323 miles on a single charge – more than enough to address range anxiety for most people. A 201bhp electric motor powers the rear axle, capable of propelling the car from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 99mph. As for charging, various levels are anticipated with the highest level (125kW charging) capable of delivering 199 miles of range in just half an hour.  Touch and voice control Volkswagen’s first fully-electric SUV features ample space and a modern design. Passenger volume is similar to the Tiguan despite the overall smaller footprint, with 41.1 inches (104.4cm) of leg room for front passengers and 37.6 inches (95.5cm) in the rear seat. Boot space comes in at 543 litres with all seats in place, or 1,575 litres with the rear seats folded down.  Mirroring the futuristic look of the exterior, the interior is completely controlled by either touch or voice control. The 5.3-inch ID.Cockpit (digital driver display) replaces the traditional instrument cluster and is operated with touch-sensitive controls on the leather-wrapped multifunction heated steering wheel. Three tiles show the most important information, with the display for battery status and range underneath. The traditional gearshift is replaced by a large rocker switch on the right of the ID.Cockpit, and a control panel to the left of the steering wheel integrates the lighting functions, including automatic headlights. A 10-inch Discover Pro touch infotainment display is located in the middle of the dash panel, angled slightly towards the driver. This screen can be configured to driver preference and manages the standard navigation system, all telematics, entertainment, driver-assistance systems and vehicle settings. Menus can be moved using gesture control, simply by swiping your hand in front of the screen. Sliders for volume and temperature adjustment are located on the inclined surface below the display. Also standard on the ID.4 is natural voice control called “Hello ID.” The car follows the instructions spoken by the driver and passengers and is capable of understanding simple commands from everyday language, such as “Hello ID., I’m cold” to turn up the heat. Volkswagen ID.4 offers a range of comfort and convenience features found throughout the rest of the brand’s lineup include rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone Climatronic® climate control, and KESSY® keyless access. To manage cold temperatures, the ID.4 features a standard heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors and washer nozzles, and, on all-wheel-drive models, a heated windscreen.  Leasing options Available by the end of the year, Volkswagen has so far confirmed two versions of the ID.4 for the European market. Both versions use the 77kWh battery and 201bhp electric motor system and have very high specifications.  Prices begin from 49,950 euros (£45,800) for the ID.4 1st Edition and 59,950 euros (£55,000) for the ID.4 1st Edition Max before any government incentives. Apply the £3,000 UK plug-in government grant, and it looks as if the high-spec launch versions coming to the UK will begin from around £43,000.  Autoexpress claims launch versions are limited to 27,000 units though more variants of the ID.4 will be delivered throughout 2021. This will include entry-level 52kWh cars with a price tag closer to the £35,000 mark.  However, if that all sounds too expensive then a better option may be to lease a new VW electric vehicle instead. Visit the Orangewheels website to see the latest deals.   The post Preview: VW ID.4 electric vehicle appeared first on Tech Digest. Related posts:Lexus introduces battery-electric vehicle, UX300e Ford survey shows most people want electric vehicle VW unveil classic looking e-BULLI electric vehicle

How Technology Is Taking Over the Education Sector

• 12/21/2020
• 11:24 AM
• Tech Digest
• Tech Digest Correspondent
• Web site view

Education is changing in the sense that delivery methods are slowly being revolutionized. While old teaching methods have not been completely overshadowed, they are increasingly being replaced by new ways. Most of the modern techniques involve the use of technologies. Most teaching and learning resources have been computerized. There is a lot of improvement to be witnessed as some schools take longer to adopt the new methods. It helps to understand why digitizing education should be considered the new normal, at least for the future. Below are possible reasons.

1. Technology Is Instrumental in Assistive Learning

Students suffering from learning challenges tend to learn at a slower rate than their regular counterparts. Tutors and trainers have a difficult time getting such students on board. They need to be assisted in almost all instances, which can be a slow and frustrating process. Fortunately, with the use of technology, most of these students can learn faster. Technology comes with tools that make it possible for such students to learn at their own pace. Special assistive technology for disabled students is also a welcomed idea. Blind and deaf students can benefit from such tools and enjoy similar educational advantages to regular students.

2. Technology Enhances Participation

Tutors can choose to use programs that require their students to participate as the lesson goes on. This means that most of the students will be attentive because they are part of the lesson. What’s more, using devices that engage the students is the easiest way to improve their learning experience. Most students tend to be present when they are participants in the learning process. It also becomes easy for the educator to point out areas of weakness when dealing with individual students. The right programs will help students learn better and faster.

3. Students Get to Learn at Their Pace

Teachers understand that students are not creative equally. While a class may have fast learners, there may be a few struggling students who need attention to move along. With each student being involved in the lesson, tutors can note such students and figure out how best to help them. What’s more, the program used in training students will also interpret and record the findings made after each class. This makes it possible for researchers to explore and come up with better teaching techniques for such students. In the end, every student gets a chance to grow.

4. Career Preparation

Technology is the core of most future careers. When students are involved in technological activities, they tend to understand some of the fundamental processes. As they continue to use these tools and devices, they get to master some future work skills. After all, they will also need to use some of the skills they acquire to complete their assignments and projects, even if they can hire experts such as https://royalessays.co.uk/. Most workplaces will be digitized in the future. Getting kids to understand the significance of computers and other technologies is a step in the right direction.

5. Helps Enhance Creativity and Innovation

Most of the kids who grow up understanding the use and importance of technology will desire to venture into innovative and creative careers. Exposing students to such technologies at an early age works to their advantage. What’s more, the use of technology in class gives room for creativity, especially when gaming tools are used. Such programs encourage students to be critical thinkers, as well as boost their ability to focus. It is such precision that makes better engineers and doctors in the future.

6. Makes Life Easy for Teachers

Most of the programs used to teach students using these technologies are visually enhanced. This means that most students can grasp the concepts being taught faster than if they spent a few minutes explaining. As such, teachers appreciate the advantage that such technologies offer them, especially when dealing with many students at a go. The important thing is to ensure that the programs used in class are carefully selected and vetted to ensure that they are useful.

The benefits that come with using technology in class setups are numerous and impossible to ignore. Any progressive school should consider incorporating these changes to match the demand and need. After all, technology can improve relationships between students and teachers, making the learning environment conducive for all. However, the use of technology in schools needs to be regulated and monitored to succeed.

The post How Technology Is Taking Over the Education Sector appeared first on Tech Digest.

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2. 5 Actions That Tutors and Students Should Take to Benefit from Technologies
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