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.

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

The camera will be eight megapixels (three more megapixels than the camera on the current version) and promises to be sharper.

The new iPhone will have faster upload and download times (handy for opening or sending images or browsing the web through the in-built Safari browser).

The new iPhone has improved wireless performance, and can switch between mobile phone towers mid-call to get the best call-quality.

One of the talking points of the new handset though, is ‘Siri’ a voice-activated virtual assistant

Phil Schiller, Apple’s vice president of product marketing, set the scene: “What we really want to do is talk to our device.”

Schiller said that Siri allows you to ask question in natural language and give dictation.

The iPhone 4S will run the latest version of Apple’s operating system – iOS5 – which is released as an upgrade to existing Apple device users two days before the 4S hits the shops.

The handset will be available with 16, 32 or 64GB of storage.

To read about the features of the new iOS, see our earlier blog post.

To see all the UK updates, see Apple’s overview.

Apple also announced details of the latest version of their bestselling iPhone – the iPhone 4S. Stay tuned for our overview…

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.

Key differences between the Kindle Fire and the iPad 2:

• Screen size: Kindle Fire – 7 inches; iPad 2: 9.7 inches.
• Built-in camera: Kindle Fire – no; iPad 2: yes.
• 3G access: Kindle Fire – no; iPad 2: yes – at an extra monthly cost.
• Wifi access: Kindle Fire – yes; iPad 2: yes.
• Cost: Kindle Fire – $199 (£127); iPad 2: start at $499 or £399.

According to the Guardian, “Forrester research estimates that the Kindle Fire will sell between 3m and 5m units in its first year, compared to 9.3m iPads sold between April and June.”

The Kindle Fire will have a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime, the paid-for service that gives members free delivery on goods and the ability to stream videos.

The Kindle Fire comes with a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime, the company’s premium membership service that will allow users to stream videos and free delivery of goods bought via Amazon.

A new Kindle, was also announced, which retains a black and white screen and is 30% lighter, gains a new touchscreen and will cost £89.

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.

In these younger groups, BlackBerry was the most popular brand – which is likely to be due to the instant messenger facility on BlackBerrys which provides a free way to chat among friends.

The report also looked at adult use of the internet through broadband connections. By far the most popular activity (89%) was sending and receiving email, while a large 61% used internet banking online and 41% watch TV through their connection.

The report also found differences in the age groups when it came to concerns. Just 6% of 16-24-year-olds were worried about their privacy online, compared with 13% of 55 to 64-year-olds.

To make sure you use the internet in a safe way, see our guides on internet safety.

Read more

How to choose a smartphone
Help choosing between iPhones, BlackBerrys and Android handsets.

Internet banking: how to bank online
A simple guide to signing up for online banking and making a payment.

How to watch TV online
You’ll never need to miss any of your favourite programmes or leave your computer to watch the box.

Discover the new BBC iPlayer

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

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

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.

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.