Apple iPhone 6 and Apple Watch are launched, so what?

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9^th August 2014 witnessed the announcement by Apple CEO Tim Cooke of the new devices labelled iPhone 6, iPhone6 Plus and Watch at an auditorium filled with 2,500 tech heads, journalists and enthusiasts. The same place in Cupertino, The Flint Performing Arts Centre was where Steve Jobs launched the Macintosh 1984 and the iMac 1999 and now Watch was born here too. Below is a summary on each device, but let us take in the magnitude of an Apple launch. Remember what Steve Jobs was famous for??? Was he a computer creator genius? Was he a tech nerd? Maybe he was, but what he definitely was, was a marketing guru! He had great leadership skills, so much so we can see how he transformed the world to own “I THINK I NEED THE NEW APPLE” device, rather than purchasing products on their own steam. So much hype, lead people to jump the guns and be the “First” to have the latest model. Did they know what it was? Maybe? Did they really care? Maybe, but what was more important, was that they the customer was now cool, as they owned the coolest most talked about gimmick at the moment. Techie’s or nerds would always have said that Android created real devices that could do anything, where Apple created “easy to use” devices and appealed to those that are in market for prestige rather than power.

Apple iPhone 6

The range of iPhones are now in the scale of 6 with its partner 6 plus, which we also talk about. But 6 is a great number for a phone that has much to give. The marketing team spend some time on coming up with a name and landed with the number 6. Inspirationally, this number comes after 5, when we count from 1 to 10 and also, this number follows the last iPhone which was called iPhone5. Guess maybe the next release might be as a crazy and called 7. But anyhow, getting past the name, the phone sports a new Operating system called ios-8, which has been built on 64 bit architecture to give extra oomph and adaptability. The phone itself comes in a larger size of 4.7 inches and a thickness of 6.9mm, hoping it will take a little more abuse if falls. The camera got an upgrade and has the ability to take HD images with resolution of 1334 x 750, ability to shoot wider angles and a polariser to reduce sun glare when taking outdoor photos. The camera can record video at full HD at 60 frames per second to help capture special moments with its 8MP iSight camera upgrade. A security add-on that users can opt for fingerprint reading to unlock the phone, approve purchases via iTunes and iBooks. The NFC capabilities will allow for contactless payments in shops as you just scan the device through a reader or bounce a NFC ray to take money from your “Apple Pay” wallet.

Apple iPhone 6 Plus

The iPhone 6 Plus has all the benefits of the iPhone 6, but giving it a little growth in its size. Now your thumb will only get 1/3 way across the screen as opposed to half way, as the screen is 5.5 inches and 7.1mm thick. The camera giving larger resolution of 1920 x 1080 are the only real differences. Because it’s bigger, the battery is slightly larger boasting an extra 10 hours a day talk time, bringing it to a total of 24 hours! Would these 10 hours be notable in comparison to the iPhone 6, we don’t know, as when asked about the battery extension, little was said about it, conspiring theorists online to slam any potential difference from the iPhone 5.

Apple Watch

The Watch is a wearable technology that allows the user to have notifications such as calendars, tasks, texts and emails. Its display will show notifications in text format and also speak it if Siri is enabled. Siri has been upgraded with more character apparently, giving the user more information on the touch of a button (Digital Crown). When using Maps, it will help people navigate step by step with voice activation and if the person is exercising, it will record their heart rate with the monitor on the back of the watch. This watch is hailed to be the fitness toy of the year, for people to achieve goals and record progress in real time. The real gem on this item, is the battery charger! There is none!! Does it use sunlight? Does it use moisture? Its creativity team inserted magnets and all the customer needs to do to charge it is press a magnet cover to instantly charge the watch. With wifi and GPS built in and the crystal display, I assume recharging will occur often. A great way forward for Apple, when it launches there may be a time display too!!!

U2-What are they singing Apple about

U2 bizzarly offered their latest studio album Songs of Innocence to half a billion iTunes users for free. Their first album since 2009 and they have introduced to the world via iTunes and will later be distributed the normal method on 13^th October 2014. The biggest band and biggest marketing company of the world unite on stage with their announcement on the same day.

Did Apple bring any new technology to the market?

From what I have read so far, I have seen no new technology advancements in the IT world with the Apple releases. The Watch, named Gear or Moto 360 from other vendors has been around for a few years from Android phone manufacturers Motorola and Samsung. The NFC capabilities works on Google Store and Android phones for a few years also and HD capabilities has also been introduced in Android phones. Sounds more like a case of Apple catching up rather than innovating this time. Even Microsoft phones that own a little share in smartphone markets have surfaced with HD in their models.

I would like to hear if you agree or disagree with these thoughts, by emailing help@Cybersafetyadvice.com

To catch up on any missed articles written by Niall Mulrine of Pc Clean, go to www.PcClean.ie and www.CyberSafetyAdvice.com

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Google Search Blocked in Schools PDST Filtering

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Recent changes by PDST.ie in the Irish schools internet access has caused some issues for school staff and students.

The original changes were created a few months ago by the PDST (formally NCTE) to help increase the filtering process within the schools broadband networks. Schools were apparently notified who this would affect their usage. But the weekend of 8th June 2014, Google changed algorithims in the Search Settings which meant the previous settings by PDST were outdated and did not work.

If you are getting this message on your screen below, follow the below steps

The User no which is the IP address of the Router will be different for every school.

Steps to fix the Google Filter Search Error in Irish Schools

The user is prompted to click on http:www.Google.ie/Preferences

This is where the user must change the Filter Settings. CLICK on FILTER EXPLICIT RESULTS

To confirm settings. Click SAVE at the bottom of Page

This may work first time or you may need to go in and check again if the Filter mark is checked and SAVE again.

To check do a Google Search up in the top bar or search bar to investigate.

Once this is carried out on one browser, it has to be REPEATED ON ALL BROWSERS ON ALL COMPUTERS IN THE SCHOOL

To change the settings if the Preferences does not work

For some browsers Google Chrome and Firefox, the user may have to go to www.Google.ie and click on Settings on Bottom of screen

If none of these steps are helpful,

Please contact me 086-2377033

or sales@pcclean.ie

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Windows XP running out soon.What will you do?

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Should we have Facebook RIP Memorial Pages

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In the wake of recent suicides in Ireland, we have seen an unprecedented amount of activity on Facebook after the bully victim has taken their own life. RIP Facebook Memorial Pages are souvenirs for people who either know the victim well or have not met the deceased but are compassionate to the surroundings of the case. It may help some families but not all. Recently Shannon Gallagher who is Erin’s sister took her life on 13th December 2012 only 6 weeks after loosing Erin. Should a RIP page be created? What do you think? Comments below please

Do People latch onto the tragedy?

But is it more to do with the situation or the person who passed? For the people that have no idea who the victim was, will comment on how “Heaven took an angel too early” because of their age and maybe less on fact how they would of known them. Its human nature, we don’t need to know the family of a bereaved one to sympathise. We try to extend our kind thoughts and prayers, as we don’t know what else we can do. It has been part of Irish society for decades, maybe centuries and it’s no different now but how we express these emotions are changing. We now have Social Media to increase our reach to more people.

723,400 Irish Youths on Facebook under 18

Facebook being the most popular of social media platforms with 723,400 Irish youths between age of 13 and 18 is where we are expressing these thoughts now. That does not include the under 13’s as Facebook rules stipulate no membership for under 13’s. But that does not hinder children to get on the site, they will add a few years maybe more to their real age to get logged on. All too much thoughts are often expressed and people’s opinions become a catalyst for a debate.

Taken from Amanda Todd’s RIP Facebook

Facebook RIP Pages

Over the past few months, I have come across YouTube and Facebook pages dedicated to people who passed away from taking their own lives. The bulk of the messages on these sites are expressing concerns over the tragedy, whilst other people are just being curious to what happened, by asking lots of details of the death. With this, people also have the ability to put their 10 pence worth in. On one such Facebook page, comments such as “Online Hoe” were describe about the person who died.

Amanda Todd RIP Facebook Page comments

Also, comments that would personally attack victims “I couldn’t dislike her ugly face ..:3” These people are not comforting with others when putting up these comments. They are looking for attention maybe out of an already delicate tragedy.

Lara Burn’s Facebook page 1 day after her death

Even more recently a young male put on a message on an RIP that he would not grieve over another suicide if it was similar to Amanda Todd’s “Amanda todd killed herself over flashing her tits, so eh, I’m not gonna mourn someone who doesn’t deserve it”. These type of comments were fuel for another Cyber Bullying attack. More and more people will retaliate with their opinions that are often vicious in their sentiment.

Ireland had 527 recorded suicides in 2011

It’s ironic that the people maybe commenting on someone who passed away by the tormenting of cyber-bullying, yet they begin a new session on the same spot. Almost like Irish society again, “Of the 527 recorded suicides in Ireland last year 75 -80% had alcohol as the main agent….yet the first place we go from the churchyard is to the pub to celebrate the life and times of our dearly departed friend….maybe it’s just me but I believe we are missing the point!!”- Martin Mc Fadden – Counsellor & manager of Friends of Bill W Donegal Town.

Exactly a good point, we go to the place where maybe been an agent of why someone took their lives. What do you think about these pages? I asked some people that question and these are comments I got

Comments from the public

“young people get very emotional…follow the pack type thing……i have seen a lot of anger on these pages too….more bullying in a a way????????/”- Mary Mc Gowan, Parent

“There is no Facebook in heaven and about time a lot of people realised that!”- Anoyomous

“Think that it just depends. If the family get comfort from the messages then I think it could be a positive thing to help the grieving process, everyone is different I suppose” – Tracey Catherine Hurst, Parent

“Another example of how distasteful society has become. . . Ppl are becoming emotionally stunted bc they are losing all real communication skills bc they can only “speak” online !!!!”- Trasa, Professional

“They often prolong the grieving process for many friends and family. Grieving, if possible, should be done in a private, personal environment within the support networks of family and close friends.” –Simon C, Student

“People have the best intentions but if they really wanted to pay respects to the family they should do it privately.” – Anon, Student

For more information & tips on Cyber Bullying & Internet Safety log on to

www.CyberSafetyAdvice.com and www.PcClean.ie

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Lara Burns- Another victim to cyber-bullying

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Lara Burns, 12 years of age, from Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland has been rumored online to be another victim of Cyber-Bullying according the Facebook Memorial Page setup in her memory.

Lara Burns Should not be another victim to Cyber-Bullying

This is far too soon and should not be another death in this way.Apparently another cyber bully victim. This is too much and I cannot believe this has happened again so soon after Ciara Pugsley and Erin Gallagher. She is even being referred to as another Amanda Todd. On the page I have come across already so many instances of bullying again from people who left comments on different parts.
Recently there have been reports to suggest bullies are sometimes only slagging (as its part of being Irish) which continues as a snowball effect until there is no turning back.
Fact is, Lara is 1 too many after Erin Gallagher and Ciara Pugsley.

Ciara Pugsley with her brother Daniel

Feedback I was getting from the children in the 10-12 age group has been scary this year. I had one particular 10 yr old who had her profile on Facebook set to 42 yrs old, as that was her mothers age. Another girl, stopped to speak to a stranger on the street who asked her facebook password. When I asked them if they would be my friend, 90% of said they would only after 5 minutes of addressing them. Statistics online are outdated and the feeling I am getting on the ground, is there is less awareness than what the country think our children have.
If you like any info for parents/children, check my site http://www.PcClean.ie/InternetSafety
And soon to be launched website http://www.CyberSafetyAdvice.com
Other resources I would direct people to is,
Webwise.ie
Cybertiponline.org

Hotline.ie
Reachout.com

We are not the only country that are having issues with Cyber bullying at the moment. Australia are having worrying amounts of issues with teenagers also. In fact, I had a call from a community co-ordinator in Melbourne, contact me ask what we are doing over here to curb it and the longer we spoke the more we discovered, both our countries are in the same position. We not doing enough to educate our children and parents of safety online.

Update 13-12-12

Another tragedy in Donegal when Erin’s sister Shannon Gallagher took her own life only 6 weeks after Erin’s passing. She was thought of being talking a lot of how she missed her sister and then disappeared whilst wrapping christmas presents for her family. This is not a case of cyber-bullying, but a loss of her sister had deeply effected her. Shannon Gallagher was only 16 years of age and had been commenting on Facebook how she missed her sister.

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Some steps if you are getting Cyber Bullied

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Are you getting cyber bullied? Here are a few tips on what steps you can take. This may also be for a friend you know. Pass this on if it will benefit any person who maybe a victim

Niall Mulrine on Cyber Bullying in Irish Daily Mirror 26-9-12

Irish Daily Mirror feature Niall Mulrine on Cyber Bullying workshops he delivers around schools for parents.

Steps to take if you are cyber bullied

Don’t React or Respond
Take a screenshot
Take note of time and date it occurs.
Keep a record of times and dates
Block them from your social network or phone number
Stay off the phone or network
Tell an adult ASAP
Possibly tell the bully how you feel
Have an action plan with your parents

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The Top 50 Acronyms Parents should know

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Parents are often confused with the language children use on mobiles, instant messengers and other sites, so this list gives the top 50 Acronyms. Enjoy, if in doubt. Let me know

This is not my own research, its from the following website, but I was asked to share this on my site by parents wanting to learn the new shorthand lingo that children are using online.

http://www.netlingo.com/top50/acronyms-for-parents.php

Top 50 Acronyms for Parents

8 – Oral sex
1337 – Elite -or- leet -or- L337
143 – I love you
182 – I hate you
1174 – Nude club
420 – Marijuana
459 – I love you
ADR – Address
AEAP – As Early As Possible
ALAP – As Late As Possible
ASL – Age/Sex/Location
CD9 – Code 9 – it means parents are around
C-P – Sleepy
F2F – Face-to-Face, a.k.a. face time
GNOC – Get Naked On Cam
GYPO – Get Your Pants Off
HAK – Hugs And Kisses
ILU – I Love You
IWSN – I Want Sex Now
J/O – Jerking Off
KOTL – Kiss On The Lips
KFY -or- K4Y – Kiss For You
KPC – Keeping Parents Clueless
LMIRL – Let’s Meet In Real Life
MOOS – Member Of The Opposite Sex
MOSS – Member(s) Of The Same Sex
MorF – Male or Female
MOS – Mom Over Shoulder
MPFB – My Personal F*** Buddy
NALOPKT – Not A Lot Of People Know That
NIFOC – Nude In Front Of The Computer
NMU – Not Much, You?
P911 – Parent Alert
PAL – Parents Are Listening
PAW – Parents Are Watching
PIR – Parent In Room
POS – Parent Over Shoulder -or- Piece Of Sh**
pron – porn
Q2C – Quick To Cum
RU/18 – Are You Over 18?
RUMORF – Are You Male OR Female?
RUH – Are You Horny?
S2R – Send To Receive
SorG – Straight or Gay
TDTM – Talk Dirty To Me
WTF – What The F***
WUF – Where You From
WYCM – Will You Call Me?
WYRN – What’s Your Real Name?
zerg – To gang up on someone

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Ask.FM response to recent Cyber Bully victims in NorthWest of Ireland

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“Please tell us why you will not talk to the Irish people regarding the deaths by suicide of two young Irish girls because of bullying they received through this site?” – Elaine McGrath.

ASK.FM in the news again

ASK.FM cyberbully platform repsonse to Elaine McGrath

Mark Terebin from ASK.FM from a question posed by Irish Girl Elaine Mc Grath ” Don’t blame a tool, but try to make changes… start with yourself… be more polite, more kind, more tolerant of others… cultivate these values in families, in schools.”

Have a look at this link for the full answer given regarding the question recent deaths of Ciara Pugsley, Dromahair, Leitrim age 15 and Erin Gallagher, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal age 13. http://ask.fm/mark

http://ask.fm/mark/answer/11724326664