There’s always been an unwritten rule in website design that text uses more plain styles. Bold is acceptable, italics are OK from time to time, but underlining is seldom used. This design trend bucks that concept with text elements that use highlighter or underline elements to emphasize key words. And it works rather nicely.
What it takes to make this work is plenty of contrast and a design style that fits with underline or highlighted elements.
This design trend works thanks to clear intention. The words are obviously important to the overall meaning of the design or what visitors should take away from the content.
2. Distinct Geometry
Geometric shapes in website design have popped up as trending elements in a variety of forms. This iteration is pretty simple: Use of distinct geometry as part of the overall aesthetic.
Geometry might pair with illustrations, photos, text, or in the background or foreground. What’s great about shapes is that they are versatile and work with a lot of other design patterns.
What can be the most challenging about shapes and design is that distinct geometry requires some space and thought. Just tossing a few triangles or rectangles in a design without reason can look rather strange.
3. Shadow and Gradient Icons
Did you notice all the gradients and subtle shadows in icons in the images previewing iOS 14 or were you just looking at other changes (such as widgets) on the iPhone screen? We’ve been seeing more designers incorporating more shadows and depth into icons for a while, but this move by a major player in design will push it to the forefront fast. Each of the icons moves from a flat style to one with a background gradient color as well as more shadows within icon elements for depth.
Don’t worry, the design still looks very much like Apple, but is a little more reminiscent of the skeuomorphism style icons from earlier versions of iOS.
It’s nice that the color and shadow elements are contained within each icon. This creates more visual interest and depth for each element without getting cluttered or junky. The gradients are also super simple, using a darker version of the main color in a monotone element.
https://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.png00Dev Teamhttps://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.pngDev Team2020-07-15 16:59:292020-08-06 12:59:573 ESSENTIAL WEB & UI DESIGN TRENDS IN JULY 2020
It’s time for the May 2020 Android security patch! If you own a Google Pixel smartphone (any except for the original Pixel), you can perform a software update check now in System Settings to grab the new patch. Conversely, you can update manually or simply wait for the OTA notification.
According to the bulletin associated with the May 2020 Android security patch, there’s not much else going on here for Pixel phones. Usually, Google will include some new tweaks or features with its updates, but this time it looks to be just the security patch and the usual bug fixes.
With Google now doing so-called “feature drops”, the monthly Pixel updates end up being a little less exciting. Still, being up-to-date on security is always good, so don’t pass up the May 2020 Android security patch.
https://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.png00Dev Teamhttps://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.pngDev Team2020-05-20 10:20:392024-01-25 15:41:14Android security patch rolling out now to Google Pixel phones
Apple has announced a new iPhone SE, reviving a mid-market brand it had discontinued in 2018.
It resembles the form of 2017’s iPhone 8 with a 4.7in screen, and a fingerprint ID sensor but not a depth camera for facial recognition. It is powered by the same processor as the flagship iPhone 11 Pro, but lacks multiple rear cameras.
The iPhone SE is set to be priced at £419 in the UK.
One analyst said that having a mid-range phone again could help Apple compete for new customers against rivals such as Samsung and Google, which have a strong presence in that market sector.
The device supports wireless charging. Its rear-facing camera’s resolution is 12 megapixels and can still create background blur in portrait photos, despite lacking a second lens. The selfie camera is 7MP.
https://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.png00Dev Teamhttps://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.pngDev Team2020-04-16 18:08:132024-01-08 12:46:24New iPhone SE to target the ‘mid-range’ market
In light of the recent events
surrounding COVID-19, we want to let you know that we are monitoring the
unfolding situation and have taken preventive measures to ensure there is no
down-time or impact to our service for existing ‘LIVE’ systems.
Our technology infrastructure
and business continuity planning ensures we can work on your software and apps
remotely with minimal or no interruption to normal service levels. Should any
members of our team need to work remotely (e.g. through self-isolation or due
to school closures) or should we decide to close our offices and switch to
remote working we will be able to provide our usual maintenance service with
only minor interruptions. We believe our business continuity model will provide
a ‘business as usual’ approach to existing services in the event of needing to
work remotely. This will cover minor bug fixes, resolution of technical issues
and service support.
With regard to up time; all
our software and servers are cloud based in a distributed environment designed
to operate without interruption and to be effectively managed from anywhere.
All of our staff have access to our monitoring system and business email for
managing enquiries and issues being reported.
However, we do expect there
to be delays for some clients where new development work is involved. We will
inform those that we feel may be impacted independently, and keep you updated
as the situation unfolds.
Please accept our sincerest
apologies in advance if you or your business is impacted by these delays.
If you need to discuss any of
this with us, please call our office on +44 (0)114 2555 855.
https://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.png00Dev Teamhttps://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.pngDev Team2020-03-23 16:03:562020-03-23 16:04:27Coronavirus Warning & Business Plan
Samsung launches three models in its new flagship ‘Galaxy S20’ smartphone range, all of which will be 5G-compatible. The top-end Galaxy S20 also introduces a 100x zoom camera.
They have also confirmed a new foldable; the Galaxy Z Flip. It uses “folding glass” in its display and small fibres in its hinge to protect itself from damage and Samsung have assured potential buys that it will not make the same mistake it did when it launched its last foldable, the Galaxy Fold. However, the Z Flip will only be available with 4G.
There are three Galaxy S20 variants:
S20 Base with a 6.2in (15.7cm) display. It has three rear cameras: a 64-megapixel telephoto lens, a 12MP wide and a 12MP ultra-wide. It starts at £799
S20 Plus with a 6.7in (17cm) display. It adds a depth sensor to the basic model’s array. It starts at £999
S20 Ultra has a 6.9in (17.5cm) display. Its telephoto lens is only 48MP, but the wide-angle lens is bumped up to 108MP. It starts at £1,199
The S20 Ultra’s camera module is thicker than that of the others to incorporate a periscope. This uses a prism to reflect light into the device’s interior, allowing the wide-angle option to feature a longer lens and bigger sensor.
Although it is possible to take 108MP shots, owners are expected to let the phone automatically merge groups of nine pixels into one most of the time. This aids low-light photography.
The 100x “super-resolution zoom” facility uses the lower-resolution 48MP camera. Machine-learning techniques stitch together pixels from up to 20 different frames to achieve a better result than would be possible via a simple digital zoom.
Several of its features – including a clamshell design with a small display on the outside and a 6.7in foldable screen on the inside.
It represents the firm’s second attempt at a foldable after the troubled launch of the Galaxy Fold tablet-phone hybrid.
This time round, the concept is a tall-screened phone that can be used one-handed when opened, and made wallet-sized when closed.
The hinge mechanism has also evolved. It now incorporates tiny brushes to sweep away dirt and dust particles. In addition, it can hold the device partially open, which Samsung is pitching as being helpful for taking selfies or recording vlogs.
The firm says it can be opened and closed more than 200,000 times. and the other big change is to the display, which now features a substance Samsung calls “folding glass”.
The Z Flip will cost £1,300 in the UK and becomes available on 14 February.
Media House has been our home for over 10 years now and it will be missed, along with our friends and fellow residents in the building, some of which we’ve known since before P&P was even established. But, with us changing our structure (and where we live) Media House is no longer the best place for our HQ! We’ve been looking for new premises for some time but had little luck finding something that fits the bill!
Fortunately, Sheffield Business Park, host to Sheffield Business Centre (SBC) had the ideal office space for us. Formally Sheffield City Airport, the entire area has been transformed into Yorkshire’s largest business park and now accommodates businesses of all shapes and sizes.
Retaining it’s ‘airport quirkiness’ the now retired Runway Control Tower is a unique 3 story office space with 360-degree views over the entire area. Perfectly suited to become our new HQ! Over the coming weeks we’ll be moving equipment and staff over and should have fully relocated come March 2020. We look forward to developing mobile apps and bespoke Business Software from our new Sheffield offices.
Additionally, we’d also just like thank the staff over at SBC. They have been fantastic and accomodated all our questions and requests! We very much look forward to working from our new office and being part of the SBC community.
https://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.png00Dev Teamhttps://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.pngDev Team2020-01-12 09:27:192024-01-08 12:43:59Goodbye Media House, Hello Control Tower!
Apple iPhone 5 users have been asked by Apple to update their OS before 3rd Nov or they will lose access to the internet. Apple said users who did not download iOS 10.3.4 by 3rd November would be locked out of features that rely on the correct time and date.
This includes the App Store, email, web browsing and storage service iCloud and although it’s not the latest version of the Apple iOS, it is the most up-to-date available for the iPhone 5.
Users of older iPhones have also been advised to update their software in order to maintain GPS location services.
To find out more and to see other devices directly effected please visit the original source at the BBC.
https://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.png00Dev Teamhttps://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.pngDev Team2019-10-29 09:18:142024-01-25 15:41:44iPhone 5 owners MUST update iOS
Our old (and trusty) website was turned off today after serving us for almost 8 years (we know right!). It’s been long overdue an overhaul but with client commitments and new projects we’ve just not managed to find the time to really work on our own projects.
Today, we are pleased to unveil our new, fully responsive desktop and mobile website, designed and developed by us (with a little help from WordPress!), that highlights a new direction for Pipe & Piper Ltd. With our new logo and branding, we feel this better depicts the type of work we do and the people we work with.
Although it’s still not perfect and there’s a ton more tweaking and content to add we felt it just couldn’t wait any longer! We hope you like what you see!
https://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.png00Dev Teamhttps://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.pngDev Team2019-08-07 18:39:052020-02-04 17:55:20Our new responsive website goes live… about time too!
Over one year from its a initial launch data, and nearly half a year from its iOS launch, Fortnite has finally announced the list of Android devices that will also soon support the popular video game. A full list of supported platforms is provided at the bottom of this article, but suffice it so say that a majority of newer Google, Huawei, Sony, Samsung, and Motorola phones will be supported.
This much-anticipated release reportedly also comes in concurrence with the release of the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, which will enjoy exclusive access to the game for a month before the full rollout to all other supported devices. That’s right, if you’ve preordered the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 not only will you be able to use the game a month before every other Android user, but you will also be rewarded with a substantial amount of in-game currency called V-bucks. Allowing the user to buy their particularly famous dance moves, taunts, skins, and more.
The app does not currenlty have an official release date, but many have speculated that it will drop for everyone with the supported devices around the games 1 year anniversary on September 25.
Harnessing technology to improve sustainability is increasingly becoming a top priority for businesses across all industries. A recent PwC study revealed that by using AI systems across their operations, global agriculture, transport, energy and water sectors could contribute to a 4% reduction of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
One industry that is emerging at the forefront of sustainability is the data centre industry. While driving energy efficiencies delivers benefits back to the business, it also has a positive impact on clients and of course, our environment. Any good data centre business knows that taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of their facility is essential, but how are the best ones already responding to this challenge?
https://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.png00Dev Teamhttps://pnp.digital/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PNP-Digial-DLB.pngDev Team2019-08-05 10:03:232019-08-07 18:06:10CloudTech: The trends emerging to create a more sustainable data centre industry
3 ESSENTIAL WEB & UI DESIGN TRENDS IN JULY 2020
Cloud, Industry, Web1. Text Highlights and Underlines
There’s always been an unwritten rule in website design that text uses more plain styles. Bold is acceptable, italics are OK from time to time, but underlining is seldom used. This design trend bucks that concept with text elements that use highlighter or underline elements to emphasize key words. And it works rather nicely.
What it takes to make this work is plenty of contrast and a design style that fits with underline or highlighted elements.
This design trend works thanks to clear intention. The words are obviously important to the overall meaning of the design or what visitors should take away from the content.
2. Distinct Geometry
Geometric shapes in website design have popped up as trending elements in a variety of forms. This iteration is pretty simple: Use of distinct geometry as part of the overall aesthetic.
Geometry might pair with illustrations, photos, text, or in the background or foreground. What’s great about shapes is that they are versatile and work with a lot of other design patterns.
What can be the most challenging about shapes and design is that distinct geometry requires some space and thought. Just tossing a few triangles or rectangles in a design without reason can look rather strange.
3. Shadow and Gradient Icons
Did you notice all the gradients and subtle shadows in icons in the images previewing iOS 14 or were you just looking at other changes (such as widgets) on the iPhone screen? We’ve been seeing more designers incorporating more shadows and depth into icons for a while, but this move by a major player in design will push it to the forefront fast. Each of the icons moves from a flat style to one with a background gradient color as well as more shadows within icon elements for depth.
Don’t worry, the design still looks very much like Apple, but is a little more reminiscent of the skeuomorphism style icons from earlier versions of iOS.
It’s nice that the color and shadow elements are contained within each icon. This creates more visual interest and depth for each element without getting cluttered or junky. The gradients are also super simple, using a darker version of the main color in a monotone element.
Android security patch rolling out now to Google Pixel phones
Industry, Mobile, WebIt’s time for the May 2020 Android security patch! If you own a Google Pixel smartphone (any except for the original Pixel), you can perform a software update check now in System Settings to grab the new patch. Conversely, you can update manually or simply wait for the OTA notification.
According to the bulletin associated with the May 2020 Android security patch, there’s not much else going on here for Pixel phones. Usually, Google will include some new tweaks or features with its updates, but this time it looks to be just the security patch and the usual bug fixes.
With Google now doing so-called “feature drops”, the monthly Pixel updates end up being a little less exciting. Still, being up-to-date on security is always good, so don’t pass up the May 2020 Android security patch.
New iPhone SE to target the ‘mid-range’ market
Industry, MobileApple has announced a new iPhone SE, reviving a mid-market brand it had discontinued in 2018.
It resembles the form of 2017’s iPhone 8 with a 4.7in screen, and a fingerprint ID sensor but not a depth camera for facial recognition. It is powered by the same processor as the flagship iPhone 11 Pro, but lacks multiple rear cameras.
The iPhone SE is set to be priced at £419 in the UK.
One analyst said that having a mid-range phone again could help Apple compete for new customers against rivals such as Samsung and Google, which have a strong presence in that market sector.
The device supports wireless charging. Its rear-facing camera’s resolution is 12 megapixels and can still create background blur in portrait photos, despite lacking a second lens. The selfie camera is 7MP.
The iPhone SE goes on sale on 24 April.
You can find out more about Apples new SE on their website: https://www.apple.com/uk/iphone-se/
Coronavirus Warning & Business Plan
CompanyIn light of the recent events surrounding COVID-19, we want to let you know that we are monitoring the unfolding situation and have taken preventive measures to ensure there is no down-time or impact to our service for existing ‘LIVE’ systems.
Our technology infrastructure and business continuity planning ensures we can work on your software and apps remotely with minimal or no interruption to normal service levels. Should any members of our team need to work remotely (e.g. through self-isolation or due to school closures) or should we decide to close our offices and switch to remote working we will be able to provide our usual maintenance service with only minor interruptions. We believe our business continuity model will provide a ‘business as usual’ approach to existing services in the event of needing to work remotely. This will cover minor bug fixes, resolution of technical issues and service support.
With regard to up time; all our software and servers are cloud based in a distributed environment designed to operate without interruption and to be effectively managed from anywhere. All of our staff have access to our monitoring system and business email for managing enquiries and issues being reported.
However, we do expect there to be delays for some clients where new development work is involved. We will inform those that we feel may be impacted independently, and keep you updated as the situation unfolds.
Please accept our sincerest apologies in advance if you or your business is impacted by these delays.
If you need to discuss any of this with us, please call our office on +44 (0)114 2555 855.
Galaxy S20 and Z Flip, Samsung’s flagship devices
Industry, MobileSamsung launches three models in its new flagship ‘Galaxy S20’ smartphone range, all of which will be 5G-compatible. The top-end Galaxy S20 also introduces a 100x zoom camera.
They have also confirmed a new foldable; the Galaxy Z Flip. It uses “folding glass” in its display and small fibres in its hinge to protect itself from damage and Samsung have assured potential buys that it will not make the same mistake it did when it launched its last foldable, the Galaxy Fold. However, the Z Flip will only be available with 4G.
There are three Galaxy S20 variants:
More information can be found on Samsung’s S20 website.
The S20 Ultra’s camera module is thicker than that of the others to incorporate a periscope. This uses a prism to reflect light into the device’s interior, allowing the wide-angle option to feature a longer lens and bigger sensor.
Although it is possible to take 108MP shots, owners are expected to let the phone automatically merge groups of nine pixels into one most of the time. This aids low-light photography.
The 100x “super-resolution zoom” facility uses the lower-resolution 48MP camera. Machine-learning techniques stitch together pixels from up to 20 different frames to achieve a better result than would be possible via a simple digital zoom.
The Galaxy S20’s OS will be Android and we look forward to designing and developing bespoke mobile apps that can utilise Samsung’s new flagship hardware.
The Z Flip
Several of its features – including a clamshell design with a small display on the outside and a 6.7in foldable screen on the inside.
It represents the firm’s second attempt at a foldable after the troubled launch of the Galaxy Fold tablet-phone hybrid.
This time round, the concept is a tall-screened phone that can be used one-handed when opened, and made wallet-sized when closed.
The hinge mechanism has also evolved. It now incorporates tiny brushes to sweep away dirt and dust particles. In addition, it can hold the device partially open, which Samsung is pitching as being helpful for taking selfies or recording vlogs.
The firm says it can be opened and closed more than 200,000 times. and the other big change is to the display, which now features a substance Samsung calls “folding glass”.
The Z Flip will cost £1,300 in the UK and becomes available on 14 February.
More information can be found on Samsung’s Z Flip website.
Goodbye Media House, Hello Control Tower!
CompanyMedia House has been our home for over 10 years now and it will be missed, along with our friends and fellow residents in the building, some of which we’ve known since before P&P was even established. But, with us changing our structure (and where we live) Media House is no longer the best place for our HQ! We’ve been looking for new premises for some time but had little luck finding something that fits the bill!
Fortunately, Sheffield Business Park, host to Sheffield Business Centre (SBC) had the ideal office space for us. Formally Sheffield City Airport, the entire area has been transformed into Yorkshire’s largest business park and now accommodates businesses of all shapes and sizes.
Retaining it’s ‘airport quirkiness’ the now retired Runway Control Tower is a unique 3 story office space with 360-degree views over the entire area. Perfectly suited to become our new HQ! Over the coming weeks we’ll be moving equipment and staff over and should have fully relocated come March 2020. We look forward to developing mobile apps and bespoke Business Software from our new Sheffield offices.
Additionally, we’d also just like thank the staff over at SBC. They have been fantastic and accomodated all our questions and requests! We very much look forward to working from our new office and being part of the SBC community.
iPhone 5 owners MUST update iOS
Industry, MobileApple iPhone 5 users have been asked by Apple to update their OS before 3rd Nov or they will lose access to the internet. Apple said users who did not download iOS 10.3.4 by 3rd November would be locked out of features that rely on the correct time and date.
This includes the App Store, email, web browsing and storage service iCloud and although it’s not the latest version of the Apple iOS, it is the most up-to-date available for the iPhone 5.
Users of older iPhones have also been advised to update their software in order to maintain GPS location services.
To find out more and to see other devices directly effected please visit the original source at the BBC.
Our new responsive website goes live… about time too!
Web, CompanyOur old (and trusty) website was turned off today after serving us for almost 8 years (we know right!). It’s been long overdue an overhaul but with client commitments and new projects we’ve just not managed to find the time to really work on our own projects.
Today, we are pleased to unveil our new, fully responsive desktop and mobile website, designed and developed by us (with a little help from WordPress!), that highlights a new direction for Pipe & Piper Ltd. With our new logo and branding, we feel this better depicts the type of work we do and the people we work with.
Although it’s still not perfect and there’s a ton more tweaking and content to add we felt it just couldn’t wait any longer! We hope you like what you see!
Finally… Fortnite reaches Android!
MobileOver one year from its a initial launch data, and nearly half a year from its iOS launch, Fortnite has finally announced the list of Android devices that will also soon support the popular video game. A full list of supported platforms is provided at the bottom of this article, but suffice it so say that a majority of newer Google, Huawei, Sony, Samsung, and Motorola phones will be supported.
This much-anticipated release reportedly also comes in concurrence with the release of the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, which will enjoy exclusive access to the game for a month before the full rollout to all other supported devices. That’s right, if you’ve preordered the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 not only will you be able to use the game a month before every other Android user, but you will also be rewarded with a substantial amount of in-game currency called V-bucks. Allowing the user to buy their particularly famous dance moves, taunts, skins, and more.
The app does not currenlty have an official release date, but many have speculated that it will drop for everyone with the supported devices around the games 1 year anniversary on September 25.
CloudTech: The trends emerging to create a more sustainable data centre industry
Cloud, Industry, WebHarnessing technology to improve sustainability is increasingly becoming a top priority for businesses across all industries. A recent PwC study revealed that by using AI systems across their operations, global agriculture, transport, energy and water sectors could contribute to a 4% reduction of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
One industry that is emerging at the forefront of sustainability is the data centre industry. While driving energy efficiencies delivers benefits back to the business, it also has a positive impact on clients and of course, our environment. Any good data centre business knows that taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of their facility is essential, but how are the best ones already responding to this challenge?
You can read CloudTech’s full article on this here