Archive for August 26, 2021

Chargeasap Launches Flash & Flash Pro Plus On Indiegogo

Posted in Commentary with tags on August 26, 2021 by itnerd

Sydney based consumer electronics brand, Chargeasap, known for its incredibly successful crowdfunding campaigns including Infinity UNO and X-Connect cables, is pleased to announce its latest innovation, the Flash Pro and Flash Pro Plus. Following the huge success of the predecessor, Flash 2, which raised over $1,668,532, the next generation power bank will be available on Indiegogo from 20th July. The campaign will run for a 60-day period with shipping expected in December 2021. Pledges for Flash Pro start at $139, a discount of 54% from the RRP $299 and $149 for Flash Pro Plus, a discount of 54% on the RRP $319.

The next generation is here; the world’s fastest charging power banks reengineered for today’s Apple and Android users. After assessing the feedback from over 10,000 backers, Chargeasap has re-engineered the ultimate mobile charger to truly complement users’ work and lifestyle needs. This includes the addition of an extra battery to upgrade the capacity by an additional 20% to 25,000 mAh, giving the extra power that backers requested. It now has enough capacity to charge a 13-inch Macbook 1.3 times, or charge an iPhone 12 Pro 7 times.

A 3rd USB-C port has also been added by popular demand to allow full-speed charging for a 16-inch Macbook Pro, a 13-inch Macbook Pro and an iPhone 12 Pro – all at the same time and at maximum speed. The USB-A port now has an increased 50W of power to support more proprietary fast charging technology from major brands including Samsung, Huawei, Oppo and Vivo. It will also be able to support up to 22.5W for all Huawei devices. A single USB-C port is able to support 100W Power Delivery 3.0 while the additional USB-C ports are able to reach 60W and 20W respectively. Each USB-C port also supports the maximum charging speed of 20W for the iPhone 12 Pro range.

Flash Pro is ideal for Android users, with a wireless fast charging pad upgraded from 10W to 15W, whilst Flash Pro Plus has been designed with Apple users in mind, by incorporating 15W MagSafe compatibility and a 5W Apple Watch wireless pad. Flash Pro Plus is capable of 15W wireless charging. Just place the iPhone 12 on top of the MagSafe charging pad and it will magnetically attach to help the device remain in place. The MagSafe wireless charger is also able to support up to 10W wireless charging for all other devices such as Apple AirPods. Flash Pro Plus delivers an impressive 190W of combined power meaning it can charge up to 6 devices at the same time, so all Apple devices are covered.

Chargeasap has worked hard too on increasing the charging capability with Flash Pro charging at an extraordinary 80% in only 43 minutes, with a full charge delivered within 70 minutes. This makes it the world’s fastest high-capacity charging power bank. The secret to this fast charge technology lies in the same revolutionary graphene batteries, designed by Panasonic and used by a leading pioneer of electric vehicles, used in the original Flash power bank. Graphene batteries are safer and support faster charging at lower temperatures. Flash Pro and Flash Pro Plus will still perform as if they were new, even after 5 years of daily use, with an extended 2,000 use life cycle, 4 times longer than standard batteries with only 500 cycles. The company is so confident in its power banks it offers consumers a two-year guarantee. The clutter is now also removed with pass-through charging allowing charging of up to 6 devices at the same time, even whilst charging Flash Pro.

What really makes Flash Pro unique, is the 1.3-inch OLED screen making it the world’s first power bank to display real-time charging volts and amps, so a user will know exactly how fast the various devices are charging. This is coupled with dual NTC thermistors that “measure” operating temperature for peak efficiency and safety that can be monitored live. The industry leading smart chip ensures the optimum amount of power is distributed from each port, enabling support for all the differing USB devices. It is also upgraded to now detect and charge low powered devices such as earbuds or smart watches.

Chargeasap has also improved the design by making changes, based on feedback received, with the aim of enhancing the user’s experience. The edges have been smoothed out, the corners have been rounded and the power button has been re-designed so that it’s more flush, easier to press and feels sturdier. It has also added a subtle LED glow that makes it simple to turn on the Flash Pro Plus in the dark as well as giving it a sleek look. Additionally, the glass wireless charging pad has been removed to increase the durability of Flash Pro Plus and to make it drop proof, ensuring it can withstand any bangs and drops it may encounter.

All of this is protected by aircraft grade aluminium and comes with over a dozen safety features and international certifications, making it an extremely durable power station that’s safe for airline travel. It is also incredibly portable as the Flash Pro Plus and Flash Pro comes in a pocket-sized 583.5g (1.28lb) 572.5g (1.26lb) respectively. So, whether travelling, on the go or in need of some extra power, users can charge in a flash, with the next generation Flash Pro and Flash Pro Plus.

The Indiegogo campaign runs from 20th July for a 60-day period with shipping expected in December 2021. Pledges for Flash Pro start at $139, a discount of 54% from the RRP $299 and $149 for Flash Pro Plus, a discount of 54% on the RRP $319.

Here’s a video:

Trend Micro Partners With Carleton University To Support Women In STEM

Posted in Commentary with tags on August 26, 2021 by itnerd

Trend Micro Incorporated and Carleton University have partnered to support more women pursuing careers in STEM through the Women in Engineering and Information Technology (WiE&IT) Program, launching this September. As one of the first sponsored programs of its kind in Canada, it aims to close the gender gap in STEM careers by providing women undergraduate and graduate-level students access to tools, knowledge, and resources for a successful transition into the workforce.  

As an organization that prioritizes learning and encourages employees to grow and take risks, Trend Micro proudly supports the university’s vision for the WiE&IT Program. This vision focuses on increasing awareness of women role models and providing young women with the tools and knowledge for a successful transition into the workforce.

Currently, less than twenty-five per cent of the entire Canadian STEM workforce is female. This program will create mentorship opportunities, host events for women students to build relationships with industry and government partners and provide a special fund to support allies at Carleton in meeting their equity, diversity and inclusion goals.

The program launches this school year at the beginning of September and will be virtual.  

Guest Post – Holding Out for a Hero: Why the World Needs More Cybersecurity Professionals

Posted in Commentary on August 26, 2021 by itnerd

By Center for Cyber Safety and Education

The cybersecurity industry is expected to grow by $160 billion over the next four years; as a result, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), cybersecurity jobs are projected to grow by 27 percent between 2014 and 2024, increasing from 209,000 to 257,700 job openings. This growth is happening not only because of cybersecurity breaches from hackers and malicious actors but also because of businesses’ need for more trained professionals to protect their data.

Why is There a Shortage of Cybersecurity Professionals?

Amid a global pandemic and political unrest, cybercriminals have taken advantage and applied emerging technologies and sophisticated techniques to carry out an alarming number of attacks worldwide. By 2025, experts project that cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually. 

As a result, businesses and even governments are scrambling to reinforce their cybersecurity—but they lack the talent to respond adequately.

With cybersecurity becoming increasingly important to business, infrastructure and society, there’s a huge demand for cybersecurity professionals: There are approximately 3 million cybersecurity positions worldwide. Unfortunately, there are not enough people graduating with the skill sets needed to meet this demand, so only about one-third of those jobs are filled. 

How Your Company Can Help

More responsibility is needed by both employers and educators alike to teach future generations about cybersecurity early on with classes at schools and colleges worldwide. We’re doing our part by starting them out young, helping them understanding cyber threats and how they can keep themselves safe through online safety education, but there’s more to be done! Your company could sponsor such education at schools in your community

It’s important to be proactive in promoting STEM education, which includes cybersecurity as well as IT careers in general. The next step would be having technical education programs within high schools, community colleges and universities that demonstrate how tech can also serve society’s interest over profit margins.

Your company can also help solve the shortage of cybersecurity professionals by training from within and integrating the value of cyber education into your company culture. Business and community leaders need to focus on cybersecurity readiness now more than ever. If you’re struggling to fill a cybersecurity position in your organization, you can support continuous learning by enrolling team members in security certification training programs.

At the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, we aim to help businesses bridge the gap by providing future information security professionals with scholarships to prepare them for a rewarding career in this important field. You company could donate to our scholarship fund or establish a named scholarship of your own to fulfill your own corporate responsibility goals now and help recruit potential employees.

Learn more about how your company can impact and inspire tomorrow’s cybersecurity professionals