The Digital Unite Blog

Online banking for the over 55s – slowly, slowly, catchy monkey…

Posted in In the news, Learning, New Technologies, Uncategorized, What We're Up To

We were interested to read a report this week that only a quarter of people aged over 55 years bank online. The research, released by PayYourway.org.uk, showed that whilst 71% of users aged over 55 feel confident about making online transactions, only one in four (25%) had tried managing their money through online banking.

Earlier this year, we were told by our own sample of internet users aged over 55 that for 86% being online has improved their lives with a key reason being that they can do things quicker (71%). Long queues at banks or the hassle and cost of posting cheques can be easily avoided with the click of a button.

However we also know that for many security fears and identify theft as a result of internet transactions is still a major concern and the thought of laying personal account details to bear on a computer screen is probably a step too far right now.

People also still want and need the interaction with service providers and a trip to their bank, for which many have a well-worn relationship, can fulfil that desire. Certainly at Digital Unite we don’t believe the internet should be an exclusive tool that negates the need for human contact but should instead be used to enhance day-to-day living.

That said as the modern age is increasingly demanding and incentivising people to engage with products and services in a cost-effective and time-efficient way being online is becoming an essential requirement for everyone. And here’s where organisations such as ours come in.

Having worked with the over 55s for the last 15 years we know that the process of engagement isn’t one that can be hurried or enforced – a slow, measured and supportive approach is essential to ensure that once older people experience life online they remain interested and willing to explore further. Maybe that’s through supporting self-learning, or through providing tuition, local support or formally trained mentors, one size certainly does not fit all.

Our research sample also told us that being online makes them feel more like part of modern society (81%). More work at both a national and local level must be done to ensure many other thousands of older people not yet using the internet have the chance to feel like that too.

November 10th, 2011 katharineteed | No Comments »


iPhone 4S to hit shops on 14 October

Posted in New Technologies

iPhone 4SThe latest version of the iPhone (confusingly often dubbed the ‘iPhone 5’ in the run up to today’s official announcement but actually called the iPhone 4S) is to be released in the UK on 14 October, 2011. If you’re yet to join the world of smartphones, our Learning Zone guides could help explain some of this jargon.

The new handset looks very similar on the outside to the existing iPhone (the iPhone 4) but has had much tinkering under the bonnet.

Read the rest of this entry »

October 4th, 2011 hollyseddon | No Comments »


iPhone’s nifty new iOS 5 arrives next week

Posted in New Technologies

iOS5The latest version of Apple’s ‘iOS’ (the mobile operating system that runs on the iPhone and iPad) will be released on 12 October in the UK. iOS 5 will be available free to everyone with an existing iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad, iPad 2 and third and fourth generation iPod Touches.
If you’re not an Apple device user and some of these terms are leaving you cold, you may find the section on ‘smartphones’ in our Learning Zone helpful.
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October 4th, 2011 hollyseddon | No Comments »


Amazon announces iPad rival: Kindle Fire

Posted in New Technologies

Amazon kindle fireRight in time for Christmas, online giant Amazon has announced a far cheaper rival to Apple’s iPad and other tablet computers like the Samsung Galaxy.

The Kindle Fire will sell in America for $199 (£127) with a release date of 15 November. Although pre-ordering is only available in the US currently, commentators predict a UK release date to be announced ready for Christmas demand.

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September 28th, 2011 hollyseddon | No Comments »


One in three adults uses a smartphone – do you?

Posted in In the news, New Technologies

smartphoneNew data released by Ofcom today says that a third of all adults in the UK uses a smartphone, with Apple’s iPhone at the top of the list in most age groups.

The report says that Facebook was the most visited website through a handheld device, with a massive 43 million hours spent on it in December 2010.

While adults en masse are taking to smartphones with aplomb, smartphone use differs in popularity through different demographic groups. Some 58% of men own a smartphone, to 42% of women. But in younger age groups, 52% of teenage girls use a smartphone with 48% of boys using one.

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August 4th, 2011 hollyseddon | No Comments »


New Version of iPlayer

Posted in New Technologies, Tech Tips and Top Websites

iPlayer is one of those killer apps on the Internet and the BBC have just give in some more whistles and bells with it’s  Beta version launched in May. You can find out more and have a play:

Discover the new BBC iPlayer

What is your favourite programme on the BBC at the moment?

July 6th, 2010 kate | 1 Comment »


Dame Vera Lynn says "It's never too late"

Posted in All posts, Events etc., Learning, New Technologies, Silver Surfers

At the age of 93, Dame Vera Lynn is embracing technology and encouraging everyone to have a go on Silver Surfers’ Day 2010 – Friday 21st May.

Attend a Silver Surfers’ Day event and you will be able to listen to Dame Vera’s new album online – and maybe even learn how to download it yourself!

Find an event in your area by clicking here or make a free phone call to 0800 100 900.

And find out what else Dame Vera and her daughter Virginia  have to say on YouTube here

May 13th, 2010 fionasyrett | No Comments »


Get Connected

Posted in All posts, Events etc., Help & Resources, Learning, New Technologies

get-connected-286x161If you are a Radio 2 listener, you will have already heard that their Get Connected campaign launched yesterday. The aim of the campaign is to help more of their listeners get online and understand digital technology better. Many Radio 2 shows will be involved throughout the whole of March and there are lots of tips on their website from presenters such as Terry Wogan. You can also phone 08000 150 950 and they’ll send you a booklet.
There’s more here.

March 2nd, 2010 fionasyrett | No Comments »


Never too old to Tweet!

Posted in All posts, In the news, Learning, New Technologies

Fiona

Fiona

This story in the Independent online caught my eye this morning. Ivy Bean, who at 104 is Bradford’s oldest resident, is also our oldest Tweeter! (That’s people who use Twitter for the uninitiated). In fact, she’s quite an old hand at social networking, having used Facebook until she reached the maximum of 5000 friends. She then moved on to Twitter where she now has 55,000 followers, including several celebrities!

Ivy lives in a residential home where she doesn’t get many visitors and before she had access to the internet she says all she did was sit and fall asleep. Now, through the wonders of technology, she spends her time chatting to her thousands of new friends from all over the world.

You can read more about Ivy here.

February 3rd, 2010 fionasyrett | No Comments »


Grants for Digital Media projects

Posted in All posts, Funding, Learning, New Technologies

Fiona

Fiona

The Media Trust Community Voices programme is looking for 26 community projects  to receive funding of either £1,500, £7,000 or £14,000, as well as support from digital mentors to help make a difference in our communities.

They want to fund 26 community-driven projects that help to address issues of isolation and disadvantage with the help of digital media. Communities will be selected based on the strength of their overall proposal, and they’re keen to represent a diverse range of communities, projects, and digital media across England.

Anyone can apply as long as you can show how harnessing digital media can make a positive difference in your community through your activities. You have until 28th February to submit your application. You can read a Help Guide and apply online here.

January 29th, 2010 fionasyrett | No Comments »