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Opera Launches Updated Lucid Mode and Sunrise-Emulating Wallpapers to Help Users Ward Off Seasonal Sadness

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12 months ago

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OSLO, Norway, Dec. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Winter has descended upon the Northern Hemisphere, including the headquarters of Opera in Oslo. Further north, polar night kicks off this evening in Narvik, Norway, blanketing the area in a deep blue until January. Days spent in cold and darkness lead many people to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, which lowers their mood and causes sluggishness.

 

Studies have shown that poor video quality is linked to negative emotional responses in viewers – not the sort of feelings with which we want to saddle ourselves during an already trying time. That’s why, just in time for the short days of December, Opera has improved its Lucid Mode – a feature that provides videos with better-than-ever brightness, sharpness, and clarity. Not only has the underlying technology been upgraded – resulting in better browser performance and battery life – but users can now control the extent of video enhancement within Settings. Once they configure the video quality to their specifications, users can – by hovering on the Lucid Mode button on any video – click a slider that allows them to see the crispness boosted in real time.

“With many people already suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, we don’t want them to also have to deal with SDD – Standard Definition Disorder,” said Joanna Czajka, product director at Opera.

First identified by Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal in 1984, SAD is a condition that afflicts tens of millions of people around the world. Often called winter depression, SAD affects as many as twenty percent of adults to some greater or lesser degree, with symptoms including less energy, difficulty concentrating, and feeling generally down.

“It’s been famously quipped that, ‘Everyone complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.’ Well now we can! The general principle of fighting SAD is getting light, more light. And you can do that by going outside and walking, maybe going skiing up in the Alps if you can. But you can also do that through artificial means. So I would encourage everyone out there to go and get yourself some good light boxes,” said Dr. Rosenthal, the author of Defeating SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder): A Guide to Health and Happiness Through All Seasons.

On top of introducing an improved Lucid Mode, Opera has also created a special, luminous Sunrise wallpaper, designed to combat the winter blues by showering users with light. It may not be a substitute for a SAD lamp, but it’s the best we could do from a software perspective – for now!

Opera has also recorded a podcast discussing SAD with Dr. Rosenthal, where users can find more tips on how to beat the winter sadness.

Enabling Lucid Mode

The Lucid Mode icon appears as soon as a user accesses a website with video content. It can be activated by clicking the icon with three stars. The improvements to the video can be monitored in real time by dragging a slider from left to right across the video. The level of video quality enhancement can be further adjusted in the browser settings.

To access the new set of wallpapers, users need to go to Easy Setup and click on “get more wallpapers,” and then look for the “Sunrise” and “Sunrise in Motion” wallpapers by Opera.

To see whether you might be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, take Dr. Rosenthal’s quiz here. If you are feeling severely down or depressed, please consult your physician or a psychologist.

To download Opera, click here. To view the Opera Lucid Mode video, click here.

About Opera

Opera is a user-centric and innovative software company focused on enabling the best possible internet browsing experience across all devices. Hundreds of millions use Opera web browsers for their unique and secure features on their mobile phones and desktop computers. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Opera is a public company listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol “OPRA.” Download the Opera web browsers and access other Opera products from opera.com. Learn more about Opera at investor.opera.com  and on X @InvestorOpera.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opera-launches-updated-lucid-mode-and-sunrise-emulating-wallpapers-to-help-users-ward-off-seasonal-sadness-302007541.html

SOURCE Opera Limited

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Urgent Call: Donate Electronics to Empower Charities Nationwide

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14 minutes ago

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November 23, 2024

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TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2024 /CNW/ – This holiday season, the Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) is spreading the spirit of giving with its annual 12 Days of Electronic Giving campaign. Aiming to donate over 200 electronic devices to charities across Canada, ERA is committed to empowering organizations to deliver critical services to their communities.

However, the demand for electronics remains pressing. More than 500 charities are still on ERA’s waitlist—a number that highlights the urgent need for public and corporate donations of pre-loved technology.

“Together, We Can Create Impact”
Bojan Paduh, Founder and President of ERA, urges individuals and businesses to step up this holiday season:

“We’ve accomplished so much, but hundreds of charities are still waiting for essential technology to continue their work. I encourage everyone to consider donating their unused laptops, tablets, or cell phones. Your generosity can transform lives and reduce e-waste at the same time.”

ERA’s 12 Days of Electronic Giving campaign is already making an impact, supporting a wide range of organizations across the country, including:

Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton – Edmonton, ABWinnipeg Humane Society – Winnipeg, MBBent Arrow Traditional Healing Society – Edmonton, ABCanadian Mental Health Association – Toronto, ONYork Region Educational Services – Toronto, ONIt Takes a Village Community Outreach and Advocacy – Halifax, NSToronto Fringe – Toronto, ONMarina Housing Co-op – Vancouver, BCAgape Table Inc. – Winnipeg, MBGreater Edmonton Live-In Society – Edmonton, ABEqual Housing Initiative Inc. – Winnipeg, MBValley Community Learning Association – Kentville, NSAlberta Children’s Hospital – Calgary, AB

How You Can Help
The holidays are the perfect time to give back. If you or your organization have unused electronic devices gathering dust, ERA invites you to donate and make a meaningful difference. Whether it’s a laptop, tablet, or cell phone, every device can create opportunities, reduce e-waste, and bring hope to someone in need.

Donating is Simple
ERA offers convenient, free pickup services across Canada.

Call: 1-877-9EWASTE / Email: info@era.ca / Visit: www.era.ca to schedule a pickup.

Let’s Make This Season Count
“Your donation today can change lives tomorrow,” adds Paduh. “Together, we can meet the urgent needs of these charities while fostering a sustainable future.”  Don’t wait—help ERA ensure no charity is left behind this holiday season.

SOURCE Electronic Recycling Association

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MyDataRemoval Proven More Effective Than Competing Data Removal Services [updated links]

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1 hour ago

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November 23, 2024

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Internal and external reports show MyDataRemoval to be the most effective personal data removal service. MyDataRemoval has achieved over 70% data removal within the first week and 90% within four months, outperforming industry competitors who average 26% in the first week and 35% within four months.

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Recent findings from a consumer advocacy group have raised concerns about the effectiveness of people-search site removal services, revealing high rates of ineffectiveness among tested companies. Notably, MyDataRemoval was not included in this study. In response, MyDataRemoval conducted an internal audit [updated link] to evaluate its standing relative to the competition, revealing that it was already leading the industry. Building on this success, MyDataRemoval has since enhanced its methodologies and technologies for data removal. As a result, MyDataRemoval is now reaching a 90% removal rate within four months and exceeding a 70% removal rate within the first week—results that place it well above the competition.

MyDataRemoval will remove your data from people search sites more effectively than anyone else out there.

Over 70% of personal data removed within the first week: MyDataRemoval successfully removed over 70% of personal data from people-search websites within just one week, outperforming all other services tested by Consumer Reports.Effectiveness over time: MyDataRemoval maintained superior performance compared to other data removal services, with 80% of data removed within one month and 90% within four months.Competitor Comparison in one week: The average effectiveness for the first week across competing services was 30%, whereas MyDataRemoval removed over 70%, demonstrating a clear advantage.Competitor Comparison at four months: Competing services demonstrated significantly lower data removal rates, with some services removing only 27% of personal data within four months.

MyDataRemoval’s internal audits have demonstrated that the service is not only more effective in the initial stages of data removal but also continues to outperform over time. Its proprietary methods, commitment to ongoing audits, and dedication to continuous improvement ensure that it remains a leader in data removal.

MyDataRemoval acknowledges that while current effectiveness rates are industry-leading, there is still room for growth. The goal is to achieve over 90% removal rates across all categories and time frames. MyDataRemoval is committed to conducting monthly audits and making these results publicly available to ensure transparency and continuous improvement. You can see the most recent audit results here [updated link].

Privacy is more important than ever, and MyDataRemoval is here to help individuals reclaim theirs. Do not settle for ineffective data removal—trust the service that has been proven to deliver results. Find MyDataRemoval at www.mydataremoval.com or contact us at hello@mydataremoval.com or call (855) 700-2914 to start your journey towards a more private online presence.

Stay tuned for our monthly audit updates to see how we are continuously improving to make your personal information private once again.

Audit date: 8/9/2024

Profiles removed within 1 week: 85%Profiles removed within 1 month: 71%Profiles removed within 4 months: 73%

Audit date: 9/9/2024

Profiles removed within 1 week: 85%Profiles removed within 1 month: 78%Profiles removed within 4 months: 92%

Audit date: 10/9/2024

Profiles removed within 1 week: 59%Profiles removed within 1 month: 81%Profiles removed within 4 months: 90%

Audit date: 11/9/2024

Profiles removed within 1 week: 77%Profiles removed within 1 month: 81%Profiles removed within 4 months: 90%

Media Contact

James Wilson, MyDataRemoval, 1 8557002194, hello@mydataremoval.com, https://www.mydataremoval.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/mydataremoval-proven-more-effective-than-competing-data-removal-services-updated-links-302313853.html

SOURCE MyDataRemoval

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AABE, FPL and Partners Hosted the Blacks in Energy Event and Generator Build Competition at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School

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2 hours ago

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November 23, 2024

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Black Energy Awareness Month event in West Palm Beach.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — In recognition of Black Energy Awareness Month, members of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), Florida Chapter, partnered with Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), and others, to host and conduct a Generator Build Competition at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“It is such a joy and delight to witness the determination of these young and ambitious students who are focused-driven and eager to excel,” says Whitney Walker, Lead Community Relations Specialist with Next Era Energy/FPL.

During the event, high school students were provided with an overview of the energy industry and introduced to the field of engineering. The students met with and heard from engineers and senior managers in the industry, and took part in the generator build competition, where they learned the basics of generator theory and how electric voltage is created. Each member of the competition’s winning team received a $50 gift card.

“It is such a joy and delight to witness the determination of these young and ambitious students who are focused-driven and eager to excel,” says Whitney Walker, Lead Community Relations Specialist with Next Era Energy/FPL.

Other empowering speakers included: Dr. Michelle Saunders, Lead Project Manager – Distribution, Next Era Energy/FPL; Norman Riemer, SECME District Coordinator – Palm Beach County School District; Dion Watson, Director – Next Era Energy Resource Development – Next Era Energy/FPL; Oleg Andric, Department Chair & Professor, Electric Power Technology – Palm Beach State College, and Jasmine Govan, Community Relations Specialist, Next Era Energy/FPL.

This event was made possible by the generous support and involvement of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) – Florida Chapter, Florida Power & Light Company, NextEra Energy, Inc., the University of Florida – SECME of Palm Beach County School District, Palm Beach State College and Palm Beach Lakes Community High School.

About AABE

Established in 1977, the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is an association founded and dedicated to ensuring the input of African Americans and other minorities into the discussions and developments of energy policies regulations. The national membership includes more than 1,600 professionals representing every sector of the energy industry. There are 40 chapters located in states, metropolitan areas and college campuses around the country. AABE utilizes the expertise of their members to analyze energy policy and serve as a resource for community leaders, consumers, policymakers and regulators on the impact that these policies have on underrepresented communities.

The members of AABE are committed to building the pipeline of African Americans in leadership positions in the energy industry. Through scholarship programs, students who plan to major in science, mathematics, engineering and technology have the opportunity to receive scholarships on the local, regional and national level. The AABE members have the opportunity for professional development at chapter meetings, regional and national conferences. For more information about the association, visit www.aabe.org.

Media Contact

Bernadette Morris, Sonshine Communications, 1 3059488063 201, bmorris@sonshine.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/aabe-fpl-and-partners-hosted-the-blacks-in-energy-event-and-generator-build-competition-at-palm-beach-lakes-community-high-school-302314611.html

SOURCE AABE

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