Tag: Apps

Tech Insight : Friendship Tech : From Novelty To Necessity

Posted on by Paul Stradling

In this Tech Insight, we look at how a new generation of digital platforms and community initiatives is rising to meet the growing UK demand for meaningful friendship, tackling loneliness through apps, events, and innovative social design that prioritises connection over dating.

A Growing Demand (And Rising Cost)

Loneliness in the UK is no longer just a personal struggle, but is now a public health issue. For example, according to the government’s 2023–24 Community Life Survey, around 3.1 million people in England report feeling lonely “often or always.” The Office for National Statistics puts the broader figure closer to 1 in 4 adults when occasional loneliness is included.

It seems that young people are among the most affected. Adults aged 16–24 are consistently more likely to report high levels of loneliness than any other age group. The same is true for people living in deprived areas, those with disabilities, and individuals whose gender identity differs from their sex registered at birth.

In health terms, the consequences are serious. For example, prolonged loneliness has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, depression, cognitive decline, and even early death. In fact, former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called loneliness “a greater threat to health than smoking 15 cigarettes a day.”

Why now?

Several factors have created new urgency, and opportunity, for digital tools focused on friendship, such as:

– Post-pandemic social gaps. Covid disrupted many people’s social routines. Friendships thinned out, and some never recovered.

-Life transitions. Moving for work, returning from university, post-divorce, all create social disconnection.

– Dating app fatigue. Many younger users are burned out by ghosting, mismatched intentions, or pressure in romantic spaces.

– Desire for real-world connection. There’s growing appetite for platforms that lead to shared experiences, not just online chat.

– Social infrastructure decline. Pubs, churches, clubs, and libraries aren’t what they were. New tools are stepping in to fill the gap.

Friendship-First Apps Gaining Ground

This growing demand has meant that several new and emerging apps are now tackling platonic connection head-on, with different approaches to solving the problem. Examples of these include:

Clyx

London-based, launched in 2023, and aimed directly at building real-life friendships. It scrapes event listings (from Ticketmaster, TikTok and others), then lets users see who’s attending and suggests potential matches based on shared interests. The app recently raised $14 million and is gaining traction with young adults looking for local events and new faces.

Gofrendly

This has a growing UK user base, especially among women. It focuses on interest matching, local discovery, and verified profiles to encourage safe, meaningful friendships, not dating. It’s one of the more community-led platforms in this space.

Bumble BFF

A mode within the main Bumble app that lets users connect platonically. Benefits from scale and user familiarity, but some users still report confusion about intentions, as the app straddles both friendship and romance.

Peanut

Originally created for new mums, Peanut now supports women across life stages, including those navigating menopause or fertility. It blends interest-based communities with discussion boards, making it a more supportive and topic-led experience.

Patook

This app is strictly platonic, with rules that penalise flirtation. It’s aimed at people who want clarity about the nature of their connections.

Hey! VINA

Marketed as “Tinder for girlfriends,” this app is designed to help women find new female friends, often during life transitions or moves to new cities.

Friender

A more traditional matching app that connects users based on shared activities, from walking to photography.

Timeleft

Focuses on time-based group meetups, e.g. 7 strangers meeting at 7pm. Aims to reduce the awkwardness of one-to-one planning.

Wyzr Friends, Les Amís, Pie, Meet5, BFF

Other platforms with varying levels of UK presence. Many focus on events or interest groups, but success often depends on having enough users in each area.

vTime XR

A UK-developed app offering avatar-based conversations in shared 3D virtual spaces. This is an example of more experimental social design, perhaps appealing to more tech-savvy users.

Other Ways To Connect Digitally

Obviously, not all digital friendship-building happens on dedicated apps. For example, some people find new friends in forums, comment sections, local Facebook or WhatsApp groups. Others use platforms like Reddit, Discord or Meetup to join interest-based spaces that lead to real-world interaction.

These alternatives may lack the structure of a matching app, but often feel more organic, and have the advantage of existing community momentum.

UK Initiatives Tackling Loneliness

It should be noted that the UK also has a growing number of non-app projects that support social connection in different ways. A few that stand out include:

The Chatty Café Scheme

This encourages cafés to offer “chatter and natter” tables where anyone can sit down and talk. Over 600 UK venues have taken part. Low effort, high impact.

The Lonely Girls Club

A UK-based organisation helping women make friends. It runs walks, brunches and local meetups in cities including London, Manchester and Brighton. Over 145,000 members and growing.

Do It and local volunteering schemes

Volunteering is a tried-and-tested way to build friendships. Sites like Do It help people find causes to support locally, often leading to lasting connections.

NSPCC’s Building Connections

This pairs young people with trained volunteers via text chat to help tackle loneliness in under-19s. It’s a structured, supported approach that’s designed to build trust gradually.

Silver Line

A free helpline for older people who feel lonely or isolated. Offers conversation, advice, and links to services.

Social prescribing

GPs and healthcare providers can now regularly refer patients to non-medical services, like walking clubs or creative groups, to help combat isolation. It’s a growing part of NHS practice.

The Gaps

Even with momentum, it seems that friendship apps and digital schemes face some difficult challenges. These include:

– User density. Many platforms only work well in big cities. In smaller towns, there just aren’t enough local users.

– Safety and moderation. Users want reassurance that people are who they say they are, and that harassment will be taken seriously.

– Drop-off after first contact. Even if a match is made, many connections fizzle out. Apps that don’t lead to real interaction risk compounding the loneliness they aim to solve.

– Unrealistic promises. No app can guarantee friendship. When expectations aren’t met, users may feel worse, not better.

– Privacy and data. Platforms must be careful not to over-collect personal data, or create social graphs that users wouldn’t want shared.

Where Businesses Fit In

Friendship isn’t just a personal issue. For example, loneliness affects productivity, mental health and team cohesion. With this in mind, ways in which forward-thinking employers are starting to act include:

– Social clubs and interest groups. Walking, running, book clubs and other low-stakes gatherings can help staff connect.

– Peer matching. Pairing employees for coffee chats, especially across departments, builds new bonds.

– Sponsored meetups. Subsidised lunches, away days, and wellbeing events give employees time and space to talk outside of work tasks.

– Coworking support. Remote staff can be encouraged to work from shared hubs once a week, keeping them socially active.

– Onboarding support. Helping new joiners build a social network, especially those who’ve moved, reduces early drop-off and increases engagement.

– Leadership by example. When senior staff take part in informal social activities, others follow.

Helping people build friendships at work isn’t just “nice to have”, but can also be very good business. For example, when people feel seen, included and socially healthy, they stay longer, perform better, and support others more effectively.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The rise of friendship apps and local initiatives reflects a growing effort to redesign how people find and build social connection in everyday life. It seems that these tools are no longer fringe or experimental but are now part of a wider ecosystem responding to a social problem that governments, charities, employers and individuals all recognise. For some users, these platforms offer a lifeline out of isolation. For others, they may simply provide a way to expand social circles, build support networks or feel more rooted in a new place.

That said, the picture is far from complete. For example, many of the tools gaining attention still rely on user density, active moderation and effective onboarding to work well. Without enough people nearby, or a clear route from match to meeting, the experience can quickly disappoint. Also, while digital platforms play an important role, they cannot replace the value of shared activity, physical presence or community familiarity that real-world connection offers.

That’s why non-app initiatives remain essential. For example, programmes like the Chatty Café Scheme or The Lonely Girls Club don’t just reduce friction, they change norms. They make conversation with strangers feel less unusual and give people permission to reach out without awkwardness. These models, grounded in familiarity and low-pressure interaction, can succeed in ways algorithms sometimes cannot.

For UK businesses, this raises new questions. Employers have become more focused on wellbeing in recent years, but friendship and social support often remain under-addressed. A lonely employee may not present as unwell, but over time the impact can be felt in engagement, collaboration and retention. That means employers are not just well-placed to help, they may be expected to. Practical steps like encouraging interest-based groups, supporting social meetups and offering flexible coworking options are not just soft benefits, but they are investments in team cohesion and long-term workforce resilience.

Policymakers will also need to think carefully. While loneliness is now recognised at a national level, digital inclusion, funding for local groups and access to social infrastructure will all shape how far these efforts reach. That includes ensuring these tools and spaces are safe, accessible and open to all, regardless of postcode, age, ability or income.

Ultimately, friendship is hard to manufacture but easy to overlook. What this growing sector of tools, platforms and initiatives reveals is that the need is clear, the demand is growing, and the routes to connection must be many, not just digital, but human, local and shared.

News : Windows 365 Streams Microsoft Apps

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Microsoft has launched a public preview of Windows 365 Cloud Apps, offering businesses a way to stream essential applications to users without loading an entire virtual desktop.

App-Only Access Now a Reality

The new feature, announced on 17 September, allows organisations to deliver key Microsoft 365 apps such as Outlook, Word and Teams directly to users via the cloud, thereby removing the need to spin up a full Cloud PC session. Microsoft says the service is ideal for task-based roles where a full desktop adds unnecessary complexity.

“This is ideal for organisations that want to streamline app delivery, reduce overhead, and modernise their virtual desktop infrastructure,” explained Serena Zheng, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft. “Cloud Apps delivers only essential applications like Outlook or Word without loading a full desktop.”

The service is built on Microsoft’s existing Windows 365 Frontline model, which enables multiple users to share a single Cloud PC licence, one active user at a time. It’s a cost-effective approach for sectors such as healthcare, retail and logistics, where staff typically work in shifts and only require access to a handful of cloud-hosted tools.

Streamlined Access, Simplified Management

The big advantage with Cloud Apps is that users can bypass the traditional Windows desktop and launch the apps they need directly from the Windows App interface. Microsoft says it has also introduced new features to improve the experience, including automatic OneDrive launch and a dedicated Windows 365 filter to make navigation easier.

Simpler and More Efficient

The focus is essentially on speed, simplicity and resource efficiency. For example, a warehouse operative may only need Excel and a time-tracking app. Launching just those apps, rather than an entire cloud desktop, reduces bandwidth use, improves performance and shortens login times.

Modernisation

From the management side, Microsoft is trying to modernise how applications are deployed across user environments. For example, at present, administrators must create and maintain custom Windows images in order to deliver internal apps via Cloud Apps, which many see as a process that’s quite outdated and slow.

Microsoft has confirmed it will integrate Intune, its cloud-based device and app management platform, to allow app deployment using Autopilot. This move is designed to eliminate the need for image creation and streamline the rollout of line-of-business software. “We will support Intune’s approach to modern app delivery for Windows 365 Cloud Apps,” said Zheng, confirming the transition is already under way.

Facing Off With Citrix and Omnissa

The launch of Cloud Apps places Microsoft in more direct competition with virtual desktop incumbents like Citrix and Omnissa (formerly VMware’s end-user computing division). These providers have long specialised in app streaming and VDI platforms, often deployed in hybrid infrastructure environments.

Omnissa, for example, used its annual conference this month to unveil tools that simplify the delivery of apps across both physical and virtual endpoints. The company is also branching into automated security, with its AI-driven Workspace ONE Vulnerability Defense platform and support for diverse hypervisor stacks including Nutanix AHV and OpenStack.

While Omnissa focuses on compatibility and openness, Microsoft is doubling down on integration, i.e., linking Cloud Apps tightly to Microsoft 365, Azure, and Intune. This ecosystem-first strategy could be appealing to IT teams already committed to Microsoft environments, but may be less flexible for organisations managing mixed infrastructure.

Limitations and Early Feedback

Although well received during testing, Windows 365 Cloud Apps is not without limitations. For example, critics have highlighted the continued reliance on custom images for deploying internal applications, which remains a pain point until full Intune integration is released. Some organisations have also questioned whether the app catalogue will expand beyond Microsoft’s own software to include more third-party or industry-specific tools.

Licensing is another area to watch. While the shared model in Windows 365 Frontline keeps costs down, it still only allows one active user per Cloud PC. In high-demand environments, this could create bottlenecks if multiple users try to access the same licence at once.

Despite these concerns, it seems that the broader move towards lighter-weight cloud access is gaining ground over traditional full-desktop approaches.

A Strategic Move

For Microsoft, Windows 365 Cloud Apps is more than just a new feature and reflects a strategic rethink about how virtual workspaces are delivered. For example, rather than just assuming that every user needs a full Windows desktop in the cloud, Microsoft is now offering more targeted access options that scale with different workforce models.

This should give Microsoft a competitive edge in environments where Citrix or Omnissa might previously have been seen as the more flexible or affordable choice. By bundling Cloud Apps into its existing ecosystem, Microsoft is making app streaming more accessible for its own customer base, particularly in sectors with large numbers of part-time or mobile workers.

For rivals like Citrix and Omnissa, the challenge will, therefore, be to differentiate on functionality, performance and cross-platform compatibility, especially for organisations that aren’t tied to the Microsoft stack.

For businesses, the appeal is likely to lie in cost control, user simplicity and administrative efficiency. App-only access can also reduce bandwidth demands, simplify onboarding for temporary staff, and help IT teams maintain tighter control over the user environment.

It may also support wider trends such as device sharing, BYOD strategies, and edge computing, all of which benefit from lighter, modular access models.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

Although still in preview, Windows 365 Cloud Apps appears to be a deliberate move by Microsoft to reshape how businesses think about virtual access. Rather than replicating the entire desktop experience for every remote or part-time worker, it now offers a leaner model that better reflects how many people actually use software in practice. That change is not just technical, it’s operational. It has implications for how organisations design their IT environments, manage their budgets, and support flexible working at scale.

For UK businesses, this could be especially valuable in sectors facing workforce volatility or rising technology costs. Employers in areas like retail, logistics, hospitality, and healthcare may find that app-only delivery offers a more practical alternative to expensive desktop virtualisation. With fewer moving parts to manage, smaller IT teams can focus on delivering exactly what each user needs, without overcommitting infrastructure or licensing resources.

The wider impact will depend on execution. Microsoft still needs to address concerns around deployment complexity, image management, and third-party app support. Intune integration may fix some of these issues, but the service will need to evolve quickly if it’s to meet the expectations of enterprise IT leaders.

At the same time, Cloud Apps puts pressure on VDI competitors to prove the value of their broader platforms. If Microsoft’s tightly integrated model proves easier to deploy, configure and support, it could change buying patterns across the market. For stakeholders managing hybrid or mixed environments, the question may no longer be whether they can live without a desktop, but whether they still need one at all.

Tech News : Rapid 47% Drop In Google Play Store Apps

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Google’s app marketplace has shed nearly half its titles since early 2024, in what looks like the biggest quality purge the platform has ever seen.

A Surprising Stat with Big Implications

Whereas at the start of last year, Google Play Store had around 3.4 million apps, according to new analysis from app intelligence platform Appfigures, that number has now dropped to just 1.8 million. That’s a massive 47 per cent decline in just over 12 months.

For comparison, Apple’s App Store grew slightly over the same period, from 1.6 million to 1.64 million apps, making this a Google-specific shake-up, not part of some wider trend.

What’s Causing the Decline?

The reason for this dramatic cut in the number of apps available in Google Play Store is (a long overdue) sweeping house clean. Google says the reduction is the result of tougher policies rolled out over the past year, aimed at ridding the Play Store of poor-quality, misleading, and potentially harmful apps.

For example, back in July 2024, the company introduced higher quality standards for all apps. Rather than simply focusing on broken or crashing apps in the firing line, Google’s new rules targeted apps with “limited functionality and content”, including text-only tools, apps that just opened PDFs, or single wallpaper apps with no interactive features. It appears that even apps that appeared to do nothing at all have been on Google’s hit list.

In addition to this, other efforts to sift out the worst of the apps included:

– Google requiring new developer accounts to undergo expanded verification checks.

– Using more human reviews to spot fraud or deceptive behaviour.

– A more robust pre-launch testing requirement being introduced, i.e., 20 users for 2 weeks before publishing.

– The ramping up of AI-powered threat detection tools.

In fact, the company confirmed it blocked 2.36 million policy-violating apps from being published in 2024 alone, and banned more than 158,000 developer accounts trying to sneak in malicious content.

A Long-Overdue Clean-Up?

Google Play has long been criticised for taking a relatively hands-off approach to app approvals. While Apple’s App Store famously subjects every app to manual human review before it goes live, Google has historically relied on automated checks, often with faster approval times and fewer upfront hurdles. However, that flexibility came at a cost as the Play Store became a magnet for:

– Spammy clones and copycats.

– Apps stuffed with ads and offering little value.

– Low-effort tools and “test” apps abandoned mid-build.

– Dodgy apps hiding malware or misleading users with fake functions.

By 2023, user complaints were mounting, and developers trying to launch quality products were finding it harder to compete. Visibility was skewed by a flood of questionable listings. Google’s new policies, while harsh, appear to be a direct response to those long-standing criticisms.

A Policy Shift in Europe

One other key factor that Google hasn’t officially cited, yet which may be playing a quiet role, is the EU’s new trader status rule. For example, since February 2024, developers distributing apps in the European Union have been required to list their name and address publicly. Apps that fail to comply are removed from EU stores.

While Apple implemented the same rule without any noticeable drop in app count, some Android developers may have balked at the extra requirements, or simply missed the deadline. Either way, the trader status change may have helped accelerate the purge in certain regions.

Which Apps Were Hit the Hardest?

According to Appfigures data, some categories were hit particularly hard in the Google Play Store app purge. For example:

– Games. Nearly 200,000 titles removed

– Education. Around 160,700 apps dropped

– Business. Some 115,400 apps vanished

It seems that many of these were simply low-quality or abandoned projects, but not all deletions were necessarily harmful, i.e. some developers may have had legitimate products removed if they didn’t meet the updated guidelines or failed to pass the new verification processes.

Interestingly, while the overall app count plummeted, the number of new releases has gone up. Appfigures reports that as of April 2025, 10,400 new apps had already been released on Google Play this year, which is up 7.1 per cent year-on-year. That suggests the door is still open to new entrants (if they can meet the new requirements).

What This Means for Google

Google is positioning the move as part of a broader shift toward a safer, higher-quality Play Store. By reducing the clutter and filtering out low-value apps, Google hopes it can improve trust in the platform and reduce reputational risk. This may be especially important in an age where app-based scams, data leaks, and malware campaigns are making headlines.

The move may also help with compliance in regions like the EU, where digital marketplaces are facing mounting scrutiny under new regulations like the Digital Services Act (DSA).

What About Users?

For Android users, especially businesses, there’s a potential upside here. A streamlined Play Store could mean:

– Fewer scammy or broken apps to sift through.

– A higher likelihood of finding safe, functional tools.

– Better visibility for genuinely useful software.

However, there’s a trade-off. Some niche or legacy apps may disappear, and smaller developers might find it harder to get their products published without resources for extended testing or policy compliance. That could leave gaps in the market, particularly for highly specialised business apps or locally developed tools.

For businesses relying on Android apps, especially in sectors like logistics, sales, training, or fieldwork, ongoing monitoring of app availability and updates will be key.

A Boost for Rivals?

With the Play Store slimming down, competitors may see an opportunity. Apple’s App Store, with its more curated approach, has long marketed itself as the safer option. Now, the gap may feel narrower, however Apple may still have the edge in perception. Meanwhile, alternative Android marketplaces like the Samsung Galaxy Store or Amazon Appstore may try to appeal to developers turned off by Google’s tighter restrictions.

As regards the web, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), which run in the browser but behave like native apps, could benefit if developers find store-based deployment too complex. Google itself has championed PWAs in the past, though app store monetisation remains a sticking point.

The bigger question now appears to be whether Google’s quality-first pivot will restore confidence and encourage better apps, or simply make life harder for developers without solving the bigger issues of trust and discoverability.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The sharp decline in Google Play Store app numbers shows that Google is moving away from simply having as many apps as possible, and is now focusing more on safety, quality, and following the rules.

For years, Google tolerated a bloated ecosystem filled with low-effort apps in the name of openness and speed but while the clean-up addresses longstanding complaints from users and developers alike, it may also introduce a new set of challenges.

For developers, particularly smaller teams and indie creators, the bar has been raised. Verification, testing, and compliance now demand time, planning and resources. This may put added pressure on early-stage projects or solo ventures, and could discourage experimentation. For users, the improved app quality is likely to be welcomed, but there’s a risk of reduced choice in more niche or specialist areas, where smaller developers often filled gaps that larger players ignored.

For UK businesses, a cleaner Play Store should make it easier to identify trustworthy apps for productivity, communication, or customer engagement, without the clutter of spam or bloatware. However, firms developing or commissioning Android apps for internal or client use may now face higher development costs and longer go-to-market timelines due to the stricter rules. Those in regulated sectors, or who serve clients in the EU, will need to keep a close eye on compliance requirements too.

Google clearly feels this is a necessary reputational reboot.

Tech Tip – Keep ChatGPT Conversations Going While Using Other Apps

Posted on by Paul Stradling

You don’t need to stop your ChatGPT conversations just because you switch apps or lock your phone – there’s a handy feature to keep the chat flowing in the background. Here’s how it works:

How to:

– Open the ChatGPT app and tap the two-line menu button in the top-left corner.

– Press your account name at the bottom of the menu to access settings.

– Select ‘Voice’ and enable ‘Background Conversations’.

– Now, you can talk to ChatGPT while using other apps or even when your screen is locked.

– To disable this feature, simply turn off ‘Background Conversations’ from the same menu.

Bonus:

– On the same screen, you can customise the assistant’s voice. Tap ‘Voice’, scroll through options, and pick your favourite (e.g. Vale and Arbor are British ones).

– Hit Done to save your preferences.

This is perfect for multitasking, like asking questions while browsing or replying to messages on WhatsApp without pausing your conversation.

Company Check – Italian Spyware Firm Accused of Distributing Malicious Apps

Posted on by Paul Stradling

According to TechCrunch, it’s alleged that Italian spyware maker SIO has been distributing malicious Android apps designed to masquerade as WhatsApp and other widely used applications while covertly harvesting sensitive data from targeted devices.

The spyware, dubbed ‘Spyrtacus,’ has been operating undetected for years, raising fresh concerns about government-backed surveillance tools and the extent of their reach.

It’s been reported that the discovery was triggered late last year when a security researcher provided TechCrunch with three suspicious Android apps, believed to be government spyware used in Italy. Following independent analyses by Google and mobile security firm Lookout, it was confirmed that these apps contained spyware designed to infiltrate users’ devices. Spyrtacus has been found capable of stealing text messages, social media chats, and contact details, recording calls and ambient audio, and even taking images via a device’s cameras.

SIO, the company behind the spyware, is an Italian firm that sells surveillance tools to the Italian government. Lookout has reported that Spyrtacus samples were found to be embedded within apps mimicking popular services, including those belonging to Italian mobile providers TIM, Vodafone, and WINDTRE. It’s alleged that these fraudulent applications were distributed through malicious websites disguised as official sources. While Google confirmed that no versions of this malware exist on its Play Store, a 2024 report by Kaspersky suggests that earlier versions were available there in 2018 before moving to independent distribution channels.

The spyware appears to have been used in a highly targeted campaign, but the identities of those affected remain unclear. Given that the apps and distribution sites were in Italian, security analysts believe that law enforcement agencies in Italy were the likely operators of the campaign. The scandal comes amid separate allegations that Israeli spyware firm Paragon provided sophisticated surveillance tools used against journalists and NGO founders in Italy.

Kristina Balaam, a researcher at Lookout, revealed that 13 distinct Spyrtacus samples had been identified, with the earliest dating back to 2019 and the most recent traced to October 2024. The continued presence of these samples across multiple years highlights the persistence of state-sponsored spyware and its evolving distribution methods. Also, Kaspersky researchers report finding indications of a Windows version of Spyrtacus and possible variants for iOS and macOS, suggesting a broader cross-platform surveillance effort.

Despite multiple requests for comment, neither SIO nor its senior executives, including CEO Elio Cattaneo, CFO Claudio Pezzano, and CTO Alberto Fabbri, have responded to the allegations. Also, the Italian government and Ministry of Justice have remained silent on the issue, leaving major questions unanswered about the scope and legality of such surveillance operations. The case adds to growing concerns about the global spyware industry and the blurred lines between national security and invasive digital espionage.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The allegations against SIO and its Spyrtacus spyware highlight growing concerns over state-backed surveillance and the ethical boundaries of digital espionage. While governments often justify such tools for security purposes, the secrecy surrounding their use raises serious questions. The knowledge of the deployment of spyware disguised as legitimate apps undermines public trust and exposes broader cybersecurity risks.

For UK businesses, this case is a reminder of the dangers posed by sophisticated malware. While not direct targets, organisations handling sensitive data must remain vigilant against similar threats. The methods used, i.e. malicious websites and fake applications, demonstrate vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit.

More widely, this case reflects the unchecked expansion of the spyware industry. With no accountability from SIO or the Italian government, concerns grow over how such tools can be used without oversight. Stronger international regulations are needed to balance security with the protection of civil liberties, or the lines between lawful surveillance and invasive digital monitoring will only continue to blur.

Tech Tip – Quickly Calculate Dates Using the Calendar

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Rather than opening additional apps, you can save time by simply using the built-in Windows calendar app to quickly calculate dates for deadlines, appointments, or projects. Here’s how:

To Open the Calendar:

– Click the date/time in the taskbar (bottom right).

Navigate Dates:

– Use the arrows or scroll to jump forward or backward, and click specific dates to set reminders or view events.

Tech Tip – Super-Fast, Easy Way to Show the Desktop

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Need to check a file, open a shortcut, or access a widget on your desktop without disrupting your apps? Use a quick and easy to control shortcut to peek at the desktop and return to your work instantly.

How to Use the Shortcut

1. Peek at the Desktop:

– Press and hold Win + , (Windows key and comma). This will make all open windows temporarily disappear, revealing your desktop.

2. Return to Your Apps:

– Release the keys to instantly bring your windows back, exactly as they were.

Tech News : NHS iPhone Device Checks For Throat-Cancer

Posted on by Paul Stradling

In a move poised to transform cancer diagnostics, the NHS has announced it is piloting an innovative iPhone-based device to help detect or rule out throat cancer more swiftly.

What Device? 

Developed by Endoscope-i Ltd, a West Midlands-based medical technology company, the device, called the endoscope-i adapter, connects over the iPhone’s rear camera lens, securely aligning the endoscope with the iPhone’s main camera for high-definition imaging. This setup allows the iPhone to capture high-definition images from any endoscope with a 32mm eyepiece.

Converts iPhone to Diagnostic Tool 

Equipped with the 32mm lens adapter and supported by a custom-built app, this ground-breaking technology converts an iPhone into a high-definition diagnostic tool for healthcare practitioners, offering a potentially life-saving option for patients. Initial trials in the West Midlands have already demonstrated the device’s promise, delivering quicker diagnoses and freeing up vital NHS resources to focus on those most in need.

Rapid Turnaround Enabled 

This new adapter/app/iPhone system allows nurses to conduct endoscopic examinations directly from an iPhone, with live HD footage instantly available for specialist review via a secure data cloud. From there, consultants can assess the video for any cancerous indicators and promptly report back to the patient, enabling results to be delivered within hours rather than weeks. This rapid turnaround has been welcomed by both patients and healthcare professionals for its potential to reduce stress and improve early intervention rates.

A Milestone for Early Detection 

Speaking about the importance of early detection, Dr Cally Palmer, NHS England’s National Cancer Director, highlighted the impact of the technology: “Detecting cancer early is key to providing treatment as soon as possible, giving patients the best chance of survival. For those needing tests to investigate suspected cancer, it can be an extremely worrying time. Being able to rule out the disease sooner can make a huge difference for patients and their families.” 

Dr Palmer added that while NHS staff are treating record numbers of cancer patients, the need for swift diagnosis remains essential, particularly in light of an increasing number of referrals. “By adopting innovations like this iPhone device, we can improve both the speed and accuracy of diagnoses, providing a system that’s convenient and less invasive for patients.” 

Transforming Patient Experience 

In initial tests at North Midlands University Hospitals NHS Trust, the iPhone device was trialled with patients identified as low-risk for cancer. Results from these trials are reported to have been encouraging, with over 1,800 patients receiving reassurance they were cancer-free in just a few days following their exams.

No Cancers Missed 

Crucially, the NHS pilot has so far reported that none of the patients screened by the device has had their cancers missed, with test results being processed within an average of 23 hours. Of those categorised as low-risk, around one in a hundred was subsequently found to have cancer, underscoring the device’s accuracy in screening high volumes of cases effectively.

No Waiting for Weeks 

Janet Hennessy, 76, one of the trial patients from Stoke-on-Trent, praised the iPhone device for its speed and convenience. “I think the app is absolutely brilliant. When you have a procedure done and then wait weeks for results, it’s always on your mind. With this, you get answers so much quicker. It gives such peace of mind,” she said, noting the efficiency and care shown by NHS staff during her experience.

Addressing Rising Demand for Cancer Screening 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHS has seen a surge in urgent cancer referrals, with little change in the total number of diagnosed cases. This trend has put pressure on diagnostic services, particularly for head and neck cancers, which are notoriously challenging to detect early. For example, according to recent statistics, the NHS receives around 250,000 urgent referrals annually for suspected head and neck cancer, with only 5 per cent (around 12,500 patients) eventually being diagnosed with cancer. This new device promises to streamline the process, reducing waiting times for thousands of patients and allowing healthcare staff to focus on those most in need.

How Innovation and Research Can Tackle Waiting Lists 

Karin Smyth, Minister of State for Health, said, “This technology is a shining example of how innovation and research can tackle waiting lists, improve patient experience, and speed up diagnosis. By catching cancer earlier and treating it faster, we can ensure more people survive this devastating disease.” 

Funding for the System 

The NHS Cancer Programme Innovation Open Call, which funds pioneering diagnostic and treatment solutions, provided Endoscope-i Ltd with a share of £25 million to develop this device. As part of the broader NHS 10-Year Health Plan, the project aligns with efforts to digitise healthcare services, reduce demand on hospitals, and provide community-based care that meets patients closer to home.

Other Healthcare Apps Enhancing Patient Diagnostics 

The iPhone-based throat cancer device is part of what appears to be a broader trend towards mobile health technology, with a range of other apps and digital tools emerging to facilitate early detection and patient empowerment. Other notable examples making strides in healthcare include:

– SkinVision. Designed to aid early skin cancer detection, the SkinVision app allows users to take high-resolution images of moles or lesions that they find concerning. Using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the app analyses the images for any signs of potential skin cancer and provides an immediate risk assessment. SkinVision claims to have an accuracy rate of over 95 per cent for identifying suspicious skin conditions and is endorsed by several European health organisations.

– Babylon Health. This system offers users the opportunity to consult with GPs through an AI-powered app that evaluates symptoms and provides potential diagnoses or further guidance. With access to live video consultations, patients can discuss symptoms, receive advice, and be referred for further tests if necessary, all from their mobile phone. The app has become particularly popular for addressing a wide range of concerns, including mental health and chronic illness management.

– Heart Monitor by KardiaMobile. Designed for people with heart conditions, KardiaMobile’s Heart Monitor app works with a small external device that patients place their fingers on to record a 30-second ECG. The app provides instant analysis of heart rhythms and detects signs of atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition that can increase the risk of stroke. Users can easily share their ECG results with healthcare providers, facilitating a proactive approach to cardiovascular health.

Each of these apps, like the NHS’s new iPhone device for throat cancer screening, empowers patients by providing quick, accessible, and often less invasive diagnostic options. Such innovations can help alleviate the strain on health services, offering peace of mind to patients while enabling early detection of serious health issues.

A Vision for the Future of Diagnostics 

As the NHS continues its partnership with the government to develop the 10-Year Health Plan, innovations like the iPhone device and other healthcare apps offer a glimpse into a future where technology supports preventative care. By equipping the NHS with cutting-edge tools, the aim is to shift from analogue to digital, from hospital to community-based care, and ultimately from reactive to preventative healthcare.

Ajith George, consultant head and neck surgeon at University Hospitals North Midlands NHS Trust, sees this new pathway as a major improvement, saying: “This rapid referral service is a radical change we have long needed. With cancer referral rates increasing exponentially while diagnosis rates stay the same, it’s vital to focus on those who truly need treatment”. 

What Does This Mean for Your Business? 

The NHS’s adoption of the endoscope-i device could mark a transformative step towards more accessible, efficient, and patient-centred diagnostics in the fight against cancer. By allowing healthcare practitioners to deliver rapid throat cancer screenings from an iPhone, this technology addresses a critical demand for quicker diagnostics, especially amid rising cancer referrals and strained resources. The encouraging trial results demonstrate that this system has the potential to alleviate waiting times and streamline focus on patients with confirmed cancer, thereby effectively balancing NHS resources in a way that benefits both healthcare providers and patients alike.

For patients, this innovation offers the ability to obtain results within hours instead of weeks, thereby reducing stress and providing peace of mind, particularly for those who are ultimately found to be cancer-free. The technology’s seamless integration of hardware and software to deliver high-definition imagery accessible by specialists is a prime example of how mobile technology can be harnessed to improve patient outcomes. Also, as trials have shown, this device’s accuracy in identifying cases in need of further investigation ensures that fewer cancers are overlooked, aligning with the NHS’s mission to offer the best possible care.

The success of the endoscope-i app highlights the growing demand for mobile diagnostic tools and shows that collaboration between healthcare providers and technology developers can result in real-world applications that are both life-changing and commercially viable. This success story will likely inspire app developers to explore new, medically validated tools for early diagnosis and remote monitoring, further expanding the role of mobile technology in healthcare.

The endoscope-i device is part of a larger vision in the NHS’s 10-Year Health Plan, aiming to shift from hospital-based to community-based care, and from reactive to preventative health management. As the NHS invests in digital-first solutions, we may witness an ongoing shift towards healthcare that is more responsive to patient needs, less reliant on physical facilities, and ultimately, more sustainable.

Incorporating such advanced diagnostics technology into everyday NHS practice could become a defining feature of modern healthcare. As always, this will mean more reliance on data (and data security) as a result.

Essentials Explained : What Can Microsoft 365 Do?

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Microsoft 365 is packed with numerous apps designed to save time, boost productivity and help you work smarter. Here’s a closer look at some essential (yet often under-utilised) applications that can make a significant difference in your daily workflow.

Planner 

This app is a task management tool that helps teams create detailed plans, assign tasks, and track progress using visual boards and charts. Planner integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 apps like Teams and Outlook, allowing for efficient task management and collaboration across different platforms.

Whiteboard 

Whiteboard is a digital canvas that allows teams to brainstorm, plan, and create together in real-time, no matter where they are located. Whiteboard supports collaboration with tools for drawing, note-taking, and diagramming, enhancing team creativity and productivity

Bookings

This is a great scheduling tool that simplifies managing appointments with customers and clients. Bookings provides a web-based booking calendar that integrates with Outlook to automatically send confirmations and reminders, helping to reduce no-shows and ensuring smooth appointment scheduling. It’s Microsoft’s answer to the popular ‘Calendly’ software.

Microsoft Loop 

This co-creation tool brings together components like tasks, notes, and data from various Microsoft 365 apps into collaborative workspaces. Loop helps teams stay organised and work together efficiently by consolidating all the necessary elements of a project in one place.

Power Automate 

If you’re looking for an automation tool that helps save time on repetitive tasks like data entry, email notifications, and file management, Power Automate could be for you. It essentially connects your apps and services to create automated workflows. Power Automate supports a wide range of triggers and actions, making it highly customisable for various business needs.

Power Apps 

If you need to build custom apps but have a minimal knowledge of coding, Power Apps may be just what you need. Power Apps enables you to create apps that can interact with data stored in various Microsoft 365 apps like SharePoint, Dynamics 365, and SQL Server, thereby providing a flexible and scalable solution for unique business processes.

Microsoft Viva 

Viva could broadly be described as an ‘employee experience platform’ that brings together communications, knowledge, learning, resources, and insights to support your workforce. Viva aims to improve employee engagement and well-being by integrating with existing Microsoft 365 apps and services.

SharePoint 

Although you may have heard the name SharePoint, if you haven’t tried it, you may not realise how versatile and helpful SharePoint can be. This is a platform for creating websites, sharing documents, and collaborating across teams and departments. SharePoint allows for the creation of custom intranet sites and document libraries, which can help streamline information sharing and document management within an organisation. Using SharePoint can therefore help enhance efficiency, reduce duplication of effort, plus ensure that all team members have access to the most up-to-date information, thereby improving overall productivity and decision-making.

Microsoft Forms 

A tool for creating surveys, quizzes, and polls, Forms collects real-time responses and provides analytics to help you make data-driven decisions, making it easy to gather feedback, conduct research, or assess employee or customer satisfaction.

Yammer 

Although now quite an old app (introduced in 2008 and acquired by Microsoft in June 2012), Yammer still reportedly has tens of millions of monthly active users worldwide. This enterprise social networking service facilitates communication and collaboration within your organisation. Yammer enables employees to create groups, share updates, and engage in discussions, fostering a more connected and informed workplace.

Sway 

This digital storytelling app enables you to create interactive reports, presentations, and newsletters. One big advantage of Sway is that it offers easy-to-use templates and design tools that help users create visually appealing content without the need for advanced design skills, making it ideal for sharing information in an engaging way.

Stream 

Introduced to Microsoft 365 back in 2017, Stream is a video service for businesses to securely upload, share, and manage videos. Stream integrates with other Microsoft 365 apps, enabling features like automatic transcription, video search, and embedding videos in Teams and SharePoint, thereby enhancing the way teams can use video for communication and training.

To Do 

As the name suggests, this task-management app allows you to plan your day and keep track of your to-do lists. To Do integrates with Outlook tasks, thereby enabling you to manage all your tasks in one place (which is very convenient) and set reminders and due dates to stay on top of their responsibilities.

Clarity 

This is a web analytics app that provides insights into user behaviour on your website. For example, Clarity offers heatmaps, session recordings, and other analytical tools to help improve user experience and engagement, thereby making data-driven decisions easier and more effective.

Microsoft Lists 

If you need to track information and stay on top of organising work, Lists does just that. Lists helps you to create, share, and track lists with anyone, using templates to get started quickly and customising views and formats to fit the team’s specific needs. It also integrates with Teams for seamless collaboration.

Clipchamp 

This video editing tool enables you to create and edit professional-looking videos with relative ease. Clipchamp offers a range of templates, effects, and editing tools that make video production accessible even to those without extensive video editing experience.

Intune 

Intune is a cloud-based service focusing on mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM). This app can help secure your organisation’s data by managing how devices access and share information, ensuring compliance with security policies.

Microsoft Entra ID 

If you need to protect sensitive information and ensure that only authorised users can access critical data and systems, then Microsoft Entra ID identity and access management service can help. Microsoft Entra ID enhances security by managing user identities and access to resources across your enterprise.

How Do You Find and Access Microsoft 365 Apps? 

Accessing the wide variety of apps available in Microsoft 365 is designed to be simple and convenient. The Microsoft 365 app launcher, a grid icon in the top-left corner of the Microsoft365.com page, is your primary gateway. Clicking this icon reveals a menu of all your available apps. If you don’t see the one you need, clicking “All apps” provides a comprehensive list. The launcher also tracks your most recently used apps for quick access.

Many Microsoft 365 apps can also be installed directly on your desktop or mobile devices, ensuring you can use them offline. For desktop applications, visit the Microsoft 365 downloads page to download apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Mobile users can find these apps in the App Store or Google Play Store, making it easy to access tools like Microsoft Outlook and OneDrive on the go.

Microsoft Teams integrates several Microsoft 365 apps within its interface, enhancing collaboration. By signing into Teams, you can browse and install apps like Planner and Lists from the “Apps” section, allowing seamless use within your team channels and chats.

Also, most Microsoft 365 apps have web versions accessible from any browser, eliminating the need for downloads. Simply go to Microsoft365.com and select the app you need from the homepage or app launcher. These web apps offer functionalities similar to their desktop counterparts, ensuring a smooth experience across devices.

For added efficiency, bookmark the Microsoft 365 login page and frequently used app URLs. Pinning your most-used apps in the launcher also ensures easy access. This way you can maximise productivity with the comprehensive suite of Microsoft 365 apps, whether in the office, at home, or on the go.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The extensive array of apps offered by Microsoft 365 provides many advantages for businesses and individuals. By integrating these apps into daily operations, businesses can significantly enhance their efficiency, productivity, and overall workflow. Applications like Planner and To Do streamline task management and ensure that teams stay on track, while Power Automate eliminates repetitive tasks through automation, allowing employees to focus on more strategic activities.

For businesses, the use of tools such as SharePoint and Microsoft Viva can improve collaboration and information sharing across departments, fostering a more connected and informed workplace. SharePoint’s custom intranet sites and document libraries make it easier to manage and disseminate information, while Viva supports employee engagement and well-being by integrating communications, knowledge, and learning resources.

From a competitive standpoint, Microsoft’s comprehensive suite of productivity apps positions it strongly against competitors and have helped make it the most popular suite of applications for business, boasting some 345 million users worldwide. The seamless integration of these apps within the Microsoft ecosystem provides a unified experience that can be difficult for competitors to match. This integration is further enhanced by Microsoft Teams, which acts as a central hub for communication and collaboration, incorporating apps like Planner, Lists, and Whiteboard directly into its interface.

Since the arrival of AI and its widescale incorporation into many Microsoft 365 apps, this has provided many extra benefits for businesses. AI-driven features in apps like Microsoft Loop and Clarity, for example, provide deeper insights and facilitate smarter decision-making. Clarity’s analytical tools are able to offer potentially valuable insights into user behaviour, allowing businesses to optimise their websites and improve user engagement. AI in Power Automate and other apps also helps create more sophisticated workflows that adapt to the needs of the business, further boosting productivity.

Looking ahead, the integration of AI will continue to evolve, providing even more powerful tools to enhance business operations. Microsoft’s ongoing investment in AI technologies, thanks to very close relationship with OpenAI, should mean that its apps will remain at the forefront of innovation, thereby helping businesses to stay competitive and efficient in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Sustainability-in-Tech : New Apps Tackle World’s Fishing Sustainability

Posted on by Paul Stradling

With the world facing challenges like tackling overfishing while trying to support those in local communities who rely on fishing for a living, a South Africa-based company has developed apps to address both issues and more.

What Are The Issues? 

Today’s ocean and coastal communities are now threatened by rising temperatures, overfishing and biodiversity loss. Add to this a huge rise in global demand for fish supply and you get overfishing. In fact, with 30 per cent of fisheries are currently overexploited and 60 per cent are fully utilised, the scale and nature of some serious issues around fishing soon become painfully clear.

However, to fully understand the scope of the problem so that it can be effectively tackled, governments and marine scientists first need access to current, accurate, critical data about the origin of fish catches. To help tackle the overfishing problem and restore fish populations, they also require the support of local communities who depend on fishing for their livelihoods.

ABALOBI 

ABALOBI is a hybrid social enterprise, public non-profit technology initiative with ideas and technology to tackle these issues. ABALOBI’s technology is designed specifically to support sustainable fishing practices, empower small-scale fishers, and ensure traceability and transparency within the seafood supply chain. Its platform (designed around 3 apps) has been developed to benefit coastal communities by enhancing their livelihoods for social, economic, and ecological sustainability as well as preserving marine ecosystems (from the threat of overfishing). The apps also help ensure traceability and transparency within the seafood supply chain.

What Are The Three Apps & How Do They Help? 

The 3 apps that feed into the ABALOBI’s fishing sustainability platform are:

1. ABALOBI Fisher. This app is designed for small-scale fishers to log catches and manage their activities, such as recording catch data, tracking efforts, managing finances, and getting weather updates. This helps with resource management, operational efficiency, and safety. This app has been designed to enhance sustainability through accurate data logging, empower fishermen with better management tools, and to improves safety at sea.

2. ABALOBI Marketplace. Among its many features, this app essentially enables direct sales of seafood between fishermen and buyers. For example, fishermen can list catches for direct sale, manage orders, and access market prices. It also ensures full traceability from catch to consumer.

In terms of benefits, this marketplace app provides market access and fair pricing for fishermen, enhances transparency and trust in the supply chain, and can support fair compensation and improved livelihoods for fishers.

3. ABALOBI Monitor. This app provides a means for data collection by researchers and fisheries managers. For example, it collects data on fish stocks and socio-economic conditions, conducts surveys, and offers analytical tools for generating reports.

Being able to access this valuable and accurate data could help support sustainable resource management, inform research and policy decisions, and engage communities to address their needs and promote resilience.

Collectively therefore, these apps and the platform can empower small-scale fishermen, promote sustainable practices, and ensure supply chain transparency.

Well Received 

ABALOBI’s technology has been well received and the company was a finalist for last year’s Earthshot Prize, the global environmental award designed to incentivise solutions to the planet’s greatest environmental challenges.

At the time, Serge Raemaekers, Co-Founder and Managing Director of ABALOBI, said of his company’s technology: “Coastal communities are instrumental in the fight to preserve the health of our oceans. Our technology, developed in partnership with fishing communities, is both easy to use and can be adopted at scale, meaning responsible small-scale fishers across the globe can be appreciated as stewards of the ocean”. 

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation?

The development of technology like ABALOBI’s apps shows how innovative tech-based solutions can address significant global challenges and offer benefits across many industries. For UK businesses, this highlights the potential of apps to gather substantial amounts of accurate data and facilitate connections between diverse stakeholders, such as buyers and sellers or scientists and policymakers.

In ABALOBI’s case, its apparent success in developing technology to promote sustainable fishing practices and enhance the livelihoods of coastal communities illustrates how technology can drive sustainability and transparency, and improve lives. Similar approaches can be applied in different sectors, enabling businesses to optimise resource management, improve operational efficiency, and meet consumer demands for ethical practices.

Also, the ability of ABALOBI’s apps to provide real-time data and insights highlights the importance of accurate information in making informed decisions. Businesses can leverage such data to enhance their supply chains, ensure fair pricing, and build trust with customers and partners.

While technology can play a vital role in tackling tough challenges, it’s often not a standalone solution. Addressing complex issues like overfishing, for example, requires a multifaceted approach, including regulatory support, community engagement, and educational initiatives. For example, enforcing sustainable practices, raising awareness about environmental impacts, and supporting local communities are essential complementary measures.

ABALOBI appears to have developed a technology-based solution to help tackle a very real and pressing global food sustainability issue. For businesses generally, however, it provides an example of how the targeted incorporation of technology into a business strategy can help find workable solutions to problems, improve transparency, and foster resilience. Although ABALOBI is a non-profit initiative, it still serves as an example to other businesses and organisations of how technology can contribute to global sustainability efforts while enhancing their own operations and reputation.