Latest news with #FastTrack
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
Surfshark brings faster speeds and performance with the introduction of FastTrack
Surfshark has launched its new feature, FastTrack, designed to boost VPN speeds, connectivity, and performance. The feature optimizes your VPN traffic by routing it through a network of servers, rather than a single VPN tunnel, and can boost speeds by up to 70%. Surfshark's innovations are one of the reasons we rank it #2 on our best VPN list. You can learn more about them in our Surfshark review. Fast track is now available on Surfshark's Mac VPN apps and users can try out the enhanced connectivity by connecting to servers in Sydney, Seattle, and Vancouver. "We understand how VPN speed and low latency are important to our users," said Karolis Kaciulis, Leading System Engineer at Surfshark. "For this reason, we are proud to introduce a technology that can optimize network routing by finding the best data paths to increase connection speeds and reduce latency in real time." Surfshark: the best cheap VPN Surfshark sits at #2 on our best VPN list and is also the best cheap VPN out there. $1.99 per month ($53.73 up front pre-tax) gets you a super fast and secure VPN, innovative features like Alt ID, FastTrack, and Bypasser, and protection for an unlimited number of devices – it's also great for streaming. There's an extra 3 months of protection for free and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also try Surfshark risk free with its 7-day free-trial. FastTrack is built on the Surfshark Nexus infrastructure. Nexus is a multi-server routing system which connects users to Surfshark's entire VPN server network, rather than a single VPN tunnel. When using FastTrack, your VPN traffic is automatically routed in the most efficient way before connecting you to your chosen location. This isn't always the most direct route, it may actually be more efficient to run your traffic through higher-capacity cables and more powerful routers. The technology is constantly evaluating and monitoring different routes and connection speeds across the whole Surfshark network. When network conditions change, the system adjusts to ensure optimized and stable pathways. Globally distributed probes check speed and latency information and filter this back. According to Surfshark, this results in up to a 70% increase in VPN speeds. Your connection also makes multiple hops. This creates an additional layer of security and means your connecting IP address can't be linked with your internet activity. For now, users can only make use of FastTrack when connecting to servers in Sydney, Seattle, and Vancouver but Surfshark has said more destinations will be coming in the future. The feature is also currently available on macOS only. To access FastTrack all you have to do is connect to one of the three specified locations and they are marked by a FastTrack icon. You don't need to do anything yourself, simply press connect. Determining the most efficient route is done automatically behind the scenes. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Scotsman
Top 10 ‘buy and bin' holiday items revealed as peak holiday season commences
Over half of holidaygoers (51%) have admitted to purchasing new inflatable floats for their trips, only to ditch these just eight days later. The result? A staggering 54.5 million inflatables are abandoned each year, enough to circle the Earth twice. These short-lived purchases are creating a global graveyard of forgotten inflatables, leaving a serious mark on the planet. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Research commissioned by London Luton Airport (LLA) reveals the Top 10 'buy and bin' holiday items contributing to the 20.9 million tonnes of plastic waste left by holidaygoers every summer: Sandals/flip flops/beach shoes (32%) Sunglasses (24%) Beach towels and mats (22%) Books (20%) Sun hats and caps (18%) Swimwear (16%) Inflatable lilos (12%) Snorkelling sets (12%) Travel games (cards, compact board games) (11%) Inflatable pool / beach toys / pool rings (10%) To combat the soaring numbers of plastic waste caused by abandoned inflatables, LLA has introduced a new Lilo Exchange scheme to tackle plastic waste. With an estimated 2.5 million holidaygoers will pass through this summer. The 'Lilo-brary' is located in London's 'simplest and friendliest' airport, offering pre-loved inflatables to holidaygoers, free of charge. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad London Luton Airport (LLA) launches the LLA Lilo Exchange, a library of pre-loved inflatables for holidaymakers to borrow this summer. Returning flyers can drop off their used lilos and enjoy a free Fast Track security pass, making future journeys at the UK's simplest, friendliest airport even smoother. While inflatables have become a victim of 'buy and bin' holiday products; over half (61%) of passengers are inclined to use 'pre-loved' items. Along with 83% will consider rehoming, with the consumer interest in sustainability increasing, with 72% of passengers desiring to act more environmentally responsible. LLA's 'lilo-library' will be stocking a wide range of inflatables from the classic lilo to oversized unicorn floats, from the 1st-14th August, while stocks last. Encouraging passengers to act more environmentally responsible and stop contributing to the plastic waste. Passengers are motivated to rehome their unwanted inflatables through the incentive of exchange for a free Fast Track security pass for their next trip from LLA. Additionally, to celebrate Jet2's first summer of operations at LLA, sunseekers can also be in with a chance to win a free seven-night holiday for four from LLA to the four-star+ Enotel Lido Resort in Madeira, and free Fast Track security passes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad London Luton Airport (LLA) launches the LLA Lilo Exchange, a library of pre-loved inflatables for holidaymakers to borrow this summer. With 1 in 10 (12%) inflatables abandoned in holiday destinations every year returning flyers can drop off their used lilos and enjoy a free Fast Track security pass, making future journeys at the UK's simplest, friendliest airport even smoother.
Scoop
31-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Watchdog Invited To Submit To Panel On Mine – Not The Same As Our Day In Court
Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki has been invited to speak to the Fast Track Panel on the Waihi North Project application by Ocean Gold. This application is the first mining proposal to be considered under the new law. ' We appreciate the panel recognising the 45 year history we have with the mining issue in our region, but 20 working days is all the time we have to write a submission of a huge complex application prepared by a wealthy company and their hired guns . The Fast Track process excludes so many voices and dictates narrow terms even if you are selected to be heard. It's not fair on so many communities and groups who have deep concerns and questions about the Wharekirauponga and Waihi town mining projects.' Says Catherine Delahunty Chairperson of Watchdog. ' The Panel itself has acknowledged the complexity of the application and the difficulties in accessing experts to inform them on the many aspects of the application. Oceana Gold have combined an extension of mining in Waihi town ( more open cast and underground mining) with a totally different project, the first underground mining in conservation forest in the Hauraki region. Whether you are the Fast Track Panel appointed to look at this application, or the iwi and community groups trying to raise issues about risks and consequences of gold mining in Wharekirauponga or Waihi, it's hard to find the right experts and evidence in the short time given. It is clear that the Panel will not be hearing from experts on all the issues of concern. ' The majority of relevant experts in ecology, toxic impacts, hydrology, economics, and social impacts, who are specialist consultants in this country, are already employed, associated or relying on contracts with the mining industry. We spent two years searching for these local experts to help us prepare for a court hearing which the Fast Track law eliminated. People were afraid to be associated with us in case it jeopardised future industry opportunities. What is even more worrying is that the Panel must assess a highly technical application when independent scientific baseline data on issues like water hydrology in the area does not exist . Despite our best efforts only overseas experts have shown a willingness to work with us and there is barely time for them to read this enormous application if in fact they are available to help us immediately, We will do our best to represent our community to the Panel, but everyone needs to understand that this is a David versus Goliath struggle with Oceana Gold. They have the resources and a government determined to facilitate their interests, we have community support and a very limited resources. At least the Court processes allowed everyone to participate and not just the chosen few. In the past everyone could argue their case and cross examine company witnesses, The Fast Track is essentially unfair, elitist and unbalanced, we don't even know if Panel recommendations can succeed in stopping the Minister saying ' yes' to anyone in a hard hat who wants to drill holes in the country for the benefit of foreign corporates.' Ms Delahunty said.
Metro
29-07-2025
- Metro
UK airport offers service to skip queues at security — and you can get it free
With ever-changing liquid rules, school holiday chaos and people who just can't follow instruction, going through airport security is rife with anxiety. No matter how much time you give yourself, you somehow always end up watching the clock tick by, terrified your gate is about to close. But there's a little-known hack that can save you the stress of those dreaded queues. TimeSlot is a service which allows passengers to schedule when they go through security. It's as simple as booking a delivery slot for your groceries: you simply go to the TimeSlot website, select your flight and a time you'd like to go through — and that's pretty much it. Currently availale at Manchester Airport at T2 and T3, the airport describes the system as 'perfect for those organised travellers who like to stick to a schedule'. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Once you've booked online, you'll get a confirmation email and a QR code. Simply arrive at the airport at your designated time, and head to the TimeSlot lane, where you show the QR code and your boarding pass for scanning. Passengers can book up to 14 days in advance, although you'll want to get in there quick during the busy holiday period. It's available to book every day from T2 from 03:30am to 07:30am and 11:30am to 3:00pm, and in T3 from 4am to 6pm. The service is affordable, with some times even free of charge, and the most expensive at £4.99 per person. You can book groups up to six. Be warned though, TimeSlot may not stick around forever. Heathrow trailed the service for six months in 2023, and it's no longer available at the airport. Manchester is currently the only airport where TimeSlot is available to book. Travel influencer, Raimee, tried TimeSlot at Heathrow back in October 2023. Speaking in a TikTok video, she said: 'This is the coolest thing I've seen any airport do.' Sharing screengrabs of Timeslot, Raimee continued: 'You'll make your way to the specific area in Heathrow – there are signs everywhere, you'll be able to find it.' The video shows Raimee taking her liquids out, and heading on through security. Raimee, who is from the USA, adds: 'I am not kidding when I say I got through Heathrow security in less than five minutes.' FastTrack, which is available at airports across the UK, allows travellers to bypass the crowds at security and join a different, shorter queue. Prices vary, but at Heathrow, a FastTrack pass costs from £12.50 per person, at Edinburgh it's £7 and at Bristol it's £6. You don't book to arrive at a specific time, but rather you can use your pass to join the FastTrack queue whenever you choose. More Trending TimeSlot on the other hand, is about scheduling in the specific time you'll arrive and pass through security. According to Which?, the average time spent going through security at UK airports last year was 19 minutes. So, it depends on what kind of traveller you are. If you airports send you into a mild panic, you might want to do it for your own peace of mind. However, if you aren't too concerned, you could think about saving yourself the cash, as you'll likely be queing for less than 20 minutes. It's also worth considering when you're flying (as queues will inevitably be longer during peak times) and how many of you are travelling. For example, FastTrack passes for a family of four at Heathrow Airport will set you back £50. Birmingham Airport: 28 minutes London Heathrow Terminal 4: 23 minutes Manchester Terminal 1: 23 minutes Manchester Terminal 3: 23 minutes Belfast International: 22 minutes London Luton: 22 minutes Cardiff: 21 minutes London Stansted: 21 minutes Norwich: 20 minutes Glasgow International: 19 minutes Leeds Bradford: 19 minutes Glasgow Prestwick: 21 minutes London Heathrow Terminal 2: 19 minutes Manchester Terminal 2: 19 minutes Southampton: 19 minutes Bristol: 18 minutes East Midlands: 18 minutes Exeter: 18 minutes London City: 18 minutes London Heathrow Terminal 3: 18 minutes Belfast City (George Best): 17 minutes London Heathrow Terminal 5: 17 minutes Aberdeen: 16 minutes Edinburgh: 16 minutes Liverpool (John Lennon): 16 minutes London Gatwick North Terminal: 16 minutes London Gatwick South Terminal: 16 minutes Newcastle: 15 minutes Bournemouth: 13 minutes Inverness: 13 minutes Source: Which? Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Airport liquid rules are changing across Europe — which ones are scrapping the 100ml limit? MORE: Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now? Latest UK Foreign Office tourist advice MORE: Is it safe to travel to Greece? Latest tourist advice amid 'unpredictable' wildfires
RNZ News
29-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
'Way too much flip flopping' on resource management law
Labour leader Chris Hipkins. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii Labour leader Chris Hipkins says his party will make changes to the coalition government's new Fast Track regime if elected next year, but will not completely scrap it. Labour's Taranaki-King Country branch published a Facebook post last month which suggested the party would repeal the government's Fast Track legislation. The post said that commitment was one of the biggest "takeaways" from a Hamilton East Labour dinner attended by Hipkins and MPs Kieran McAnulty and Arena Williams. After enquiries from RNZ, the post was deleted. Speaking on Morning Report , Hipkins said the party had yet to set out its intentions for the Fast Track regime. "We haven't actually said that [we'll repeal it]," he said. "I've said that we'll make changes to it and we'll set those out before the election." Hipkins said he believed there had been "way too much flip flopping" on resource management law and infrastructure priorities and Labour would not continue that. "One of the things that I will do is make sure we don't simply stop projects that are underway because the previous government... started them," he said. Speaking later at Parliament, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told reporters the government was doing everything it could to get infrastructure projects up and running to help support the construction sector and wider economy. "What we've done is got rid of a lot of the red tape by trying to crash through the system with the Fast Track legislation," he said. "We're moving everything we can: planning laws, accelerating investment in infrastructure, real projects happening." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
