Month: October 2019

Chargeasap launches INFINITY Cable – The world’s first truly universal USB Cable.

Sydney based consumer electronics brand, Chargeasap, the team behind five successful crowdfunding campaigns including UNO and X-Connect, the world’s most crowdfunded cable, is pleased to announce that it has launched INFINITY Cable on Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/asaptechnologies/infinity-cable); the world’s first cable capable of data transfer and charging on all Micro USB, Lightning and USB-C devices. With shipping in February 2020 and pledges starting at just $25/£20, the campaign will run until 22nd November.

The INFINITY Cable is the most powerful product from the cable specialists and is the one and only cable users will ever need instead of having to carry several for each device. INFINITY is capable of data transfer and charging for Micro USB, Lighting (Apple iPhone/iPad) USB Type-C and USB-C notebook connections including the Macbook Pro, meaning it works with virtually every modern USB device launched within the last 5 years. This latest innovation in magnetic cables offers unparalleled quality, convenience and aesthetics brought by a company who believe users should be the creators and innovators of products.

Unlike other cables from Chargeasap including the most recently launched UNO, the INFINITY Cable is power delivery (PD) compatible for USB-C up to 100W, allowing cross-device charge compatibility for a greater range of devices. This means users can charge their Android or Apple phones with their USB-C laptop power adapter with just one cable. Power delivery (PD) charging is a fast charging protocol to make use of the great functionality and universality and a common feature of current and future flagship devices.

The USB-C connector end allows a higher power input and output and enables INFINITY to be compatible with QC3.0, QC4.0 and Power Delivery. The cable is capable of two-way full speed USB 2.0 data transfer at 480 Mbps between any USB devices and features a reversible magnetic connection which means instant fit every single time. No more fumbling around to connect devices, even in the dark and the INFINITY offers a thicker and stronger magnet for optimum power.

Each INFINITY cable set features two N52 grade neodymium magnets which are the world’s strongest commercial grade magnets. Unlike poor market imitations, INFINITY is strong enough to hold an iPad Air which is 437g (0.96lb) without dropping the device. Additionally, Chargeasap has incorporated an innovative locking mechanism, giving the cable a stronger connection and longer lifespan. This stronger magnetic strength means it can support a heavier cable than ever before with a cable length of 1.2m (3.2ft) with a 2m (6.5ft) cable also available for purchase separately.

Similarly to UNO, INFINITY has a unique bevelled and concave magnetic connector design on both the tip end and cable head end, allowing it to connect correctly even if the tip is flipped 180° due to both the strong neodymium magnets having their polarity perfectly positioned.

The magnetic cable tips on the INFINITY are also just 10mm (0.39″) wide allowing them to fit perfectly into all Apple and Android devices.

Pricing

The INFINITY Magnetic Cable is available NOW on Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/asaptechnologies/infinity-cable); until 22nd November with shipping to start in February 2020.

Pledges start from $25/£20 for one INFINITY Cable with one magnetic tip

Extra magnetic tip are available for $10/£8 as well as an optional 2m cable available for $25/£20

First look and unboxing. The Instax Mini Link smartphone printer. #instaxminilink #Tech

Today the all new Instax mini Link smartphone printer launched and we attended the launch event in Dublin and first of all we would like to thank Elevate PR, Instax/FujiFilm for a great night and the location food and staff is superb at Suesey Street

This new gadget will be a hit and certainly something to think about for a Christmas present, the Mini Li Play was a popular hit last year and this will follow suit. The device comes in Three colours so you have choice and they are great colour palettes to and not only that the device is robust..This is not a camera remember its a smartphone printer and follows on the idea of printing photos like the Mini Li Play.

Any questions on the device or app itself feel free to ask below or on our social media as per norm and we will gladly answer them. Read more on the Instax Mini Link HERE

INSTAX Mini Link is available now in FUJIFIILM outlets nationwide, RRP €120.00 prices may vary by retailer. Or see https://www.fujifilm.eu/ie/

@NeosSmartHome launches smartcam upgrade: NEOS BOOST. We check it out. #Security #Tech #NeosBoost

Neos, the UK’s first smart home insurance provider, has released a new upgrade plan, Neos Boost, to advance the capabilities of their award-winning indoor smart camera, the Neos SmartCam. One of the cheapest home security cameras on the market has just got better for a small price to pay and we have been asked to test this out over the last while prior release and give feedback on how the new features work as we have done so with similar products and it is nice to share and help in such things and be part of a community.

Since launching in January this year, the Neos SmartCam has sold over 75,000 cameras in the UK and figures are climbing fast. Its’ high-tech features for an unbeatable price of £24.99 RRP, have proven to be a firm favourite with consumers, and Neos Boost only further emphasises the company’s dedication to home safety and incident prevention. Check our video review below of the NEOS prior this upgrade.

Neos Boost allows customers to capture more key moments on their Neos SmartCam, with 5X longer video clips and up to 12 hours of daily recording time. Customers also get the capability to personalise their in-app notifications by setting Security Scheduling and Activity Zones.

Neos Boost is available for a competitive monthly fee of just £3.49 – with the first 30 days free. Customers can set up Neos Boost easily and quickly in the Neos app using Apple or Google pay. Neos remains totally committed to making new innovative technology available at affordable prices.

Neos Boost features:

  • Extended Clip Recording: Capture more of what matters most with video footage recording, upgraded from 12 seconds to 1 minute. Neos Boost also cuts time between clips providing up to 12 hours of Cloud storage each day.

  • Activity Zones: Select specific areas to monitor, such as windows, doors, or the baby’s cot, so you don’t get a notification every time the dog makes a guest appearance!

  • Security Scheduling: Monitor when it’s needed most; set your own schedule to arm and disarm your Neos SmartCam while you’re at home or away.

 

Since launching in 2017, Neos has worked closely with its customers to continuously develop its range of products and services, bringing the next generation of connected home solutions to UK households.

“We’re so excited to launch Neos Boost and offer our customers an even smarter way to look after their home,” commented Matt Poll, CEO and Co-Founder of Neos. “We’re constantly looking for ways that we can develop and improve our offering, and we consider all customer feedback to ensure we deliver what people really want.

With Neos Boost, customers can capture more of what matters and personalise their app experience, so they feel even more confident that their home is being looked after while they’re not there. Prevention is at the heart of everything we do, our smart technology alerts customers the moment anything unusual is detected in their homes to give them the best chance of catching threats early and prevent major problems. With Neos Boost we’re making it even easier for customers to actively look after their home.”

FUJIFILM announces The INSTAX Mini Link now available in Ireland. #INSTAX #instaxminilink #FUJIFILM

FUJIFILM Corporation and its President, Kenji Sukeno, today announced the release of INSTAX Mini Link (RRP €120). This sleek instant photo printer will revolutionise how people embrace photography on their smart phones. Linking to phones via Bluetooth, the nifty printer and dedicated mobile phone app makes it easier than ever to turn photos saved on smartphones into lasting memories. The INSTAX Mini Link is available in Ireland from today and in three attractive colours; dusky pink, ash white and dark denim.

QUALITY PRINTS IN AN INSTANT

What sets INSTAX Mini Link apart from other smartphone printers is the fantastic image quality which it delivers. The easy to use printer uses FUJIFILM real film technology to offer unrivalled prints, all of which feature the iconic INSTAX white boarder that the brand is famous for across the globe. In addition to quality prints, INSTAX Mini Link is lightweight for excellent portability. The printer truly is instant with a fast speed of about 12 seconds per print.

A NEW USER EXPERIENCE

Another distinctive feature of INSTAX Mini Link is the simple yet fun app that links smartphones to the printer. With multiple modes and functions there is something to meet every printing need, not to mention, lots of ways to have fun and stay entertained.

Simple Print – shoot with a superimposed INSTAX white frame that gives users a visual reference, so it eliminates any uncertainty of exactly what’s in the picture, ensuring users get the photo they want each time. This intuitive function allows for allows easy photo adjustments, such as making it larger or smaller, rotating it, applying a filter or adjusting brightness.

 

Video Print –this cool function allows users to scroll through video frames left to right to choose the most memorable moments. Once selected, all that’s left to do is press the extract button to turn their favourite part video clip into an Instax print.

Frame Print – The Frame Print feature allows users to pick from 27 different templates to create quirky and show stopping pictures.

 

Collage Print – this function has four amazing features that are perfect when creating images with friends. The Collage Print feature allows users to combine lots of their favourite photos onto one print.

Party Print – INSTAX Mini Link is all about connecting with friends and family and there is no better way to do that than with a Party Print. This entertaining feature gives users the ability to create one photo with loved ones by connecting up to five smartphones to the app. The app receives a picture from each of the devices and combines them into one INSTAX print. Once smartphones are linked together, users can select the layout of the images, or use ‘surprise mode’ to get a shock! In the “Surprise Mode,” no one knows what kind of pictures others have chosen and what the final print will look like until the images appear on the print.

 

Match Test – Have hours of fun with the Match Test function, a quirky game that allows the user to check the compatibility of two people in a photo. The app has the “Quick diagnosis” mode to check compatibility of people shown in a picture, and the “Precision diagnosis” mode that involves answering some questions.

TAKE CONTROL

When taking pictures from the printer’s dedicated app, users can use INSTAX Mini Link main unit to remotely control the camera operation. For example, they can zoom in and out by tilting the printer in different directions. Printing multiple copies of a picture has never been easier, simply hold the Link with the printout end pointing down and press the button at the centre.

Bring people together for a group shot by using the camera as remote controller for your smartphone’s camera. INSTAX Mini Link is available now in FUJIFIILM outlets nationwide, RRP €120.00 prices may vary by retailer.

Belfast – HeightLight, the world’s first handheld laser height measurement device from Capaltec. #Capaltec #Equine #HeightLight

Today, Capaltec Ltd, Belfast-based technology company, announced the launch of HeightLight, the world’s first handheld laser height measurement device. HeightLight was unveiled at this year’s Horse of the Year Show at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, where it was exhibited amongst the world’s leading equine technology and innovation.

The idea for HeightLight came from County Tipperary pony breeder, Michael Grace, who saw an opportunity to bring equine measurement from the analogue age of measuring sticks and tapes into the digital age. Resulting in the founding of Belfast-based start-up Capaltec to bring this technology to market, HeightLight was developed over the past five years with investor and Invest NI support.

Speaking on the launch, Robert Park, CEO at Capaltec stated: “This is a world first innovation for the global equine market, bringing five years of extensive research and development to create an easy to use hand-held laser height measurement device. For too long, the industry has depended on inaccurate measurements for equine purchasing or competition.

“It may seem like a simple idea, but this type of innovation has never been utilised for height measurement, until now and we’re already seeing the huge demand for this product through our pre-sales. This is just the beginning of our journey with HeightLight, as this type of technology can be utilised for so many other industries such as medical, construction or DIY.”

HeightLight was specifically engineered and designed to bring accuracy and dependability to the process of measuring horses and ponies for passports, competition and sale. The device provides total precision measurement by combining triangulation technology with proven mathematical theory. Whereas approaching a horse or pony with a measuring stick or hand-measurements can result in an adverse reaction, the compact handheld HeightLight provides the means to measure without distress.

HeightLight comes complete with a carry case, wrist lanyard for use when measuring, 2 x AA batteries and a mini screwdriver for easy battery access. HeightLight has further multiplicity of use in the veterinarian, human health, construction and DIY sectors.

HeightLight is available to Pre Order for £200.00. To reserve a device or learn more, visit: www.heightlightstore.com.

Zurich Leverages Digital Voice Assistants to enhance Customer Experience. #Zurich #DigitalAsisstants

Zurich is the first Insurance Company in Ireland to leverage the capabilities of digital voice assistants, such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa, to enable parents to get a quick estimate of the likely cost of their children’s education.

Responding to an increasing number of people using digital voice assistants, with research showing half of online consumers globally now using the devices, Zurich Life is leveraging the technology in Ireland with the Zurich Ireland skill for Alexa and Google action.

By simply saying “Hey Google/Alexa, talk to Zurich Ireland” people can interact with Zurich’s secondary school and third-level cost of education calculators to find out how much money the calculators suggest to put aside to cover their children’s education. In addition to accessing the calculators via digital voice assistants, people can also view the most recent 2019 cost of education research on their mobile device. Most homes today have either Amazon or Google assistants in their homes today and the number of such is growing each year and in some cases more than one in each household for an example I have 4 in total at the minute.

 

 

Sean Carty, Head of Online and Digital, Zurich, said: “With a simple question said aloud, customers can take the first step towards planning for the cost of their children’s education. Our 2019 Cost of Education survey showed that the cost of secondary school rose 16% compared with last year, so it will be a key concern for parents.  We appreciate that parents have very busy lives, so by leveraging the technology available through digital voice assistants with our Cost of Education Calculators, we want to make it as convenient and easy as possible for them to interact with Zurich products and services and to take their first step in planning ahead for their children’s future.”

 

Arlo Pro 3 now available to pre-order on Amazon. #Arlo #ArloPro3 #Security

The Arlo Pro 3. Designed to provide home and small business owners with a high-performance, simple, wire-free security solution, Pro 3 features 2K resolution with high dynamic range (HDR), an integrated spotlight with colour night vision and a super-wide 160-degree field of view. Engineered to work indoors or outdoors, Pro 3 offers advanced image quality for DIY security that anyone can easily install in minutes and monitor from anywhere using the Arlo app. Pro 3 also includes a new Smart Hub that securely manages network traffic to the camera in addition to enhancing power and WiFi performance for better range and battery life.

Completing the security solution, Pro 3 comes with a three-month trial of Arlo Smart, Arlo’s AI and computer vision-based service that delivers advanced detection of people, vehicles, animals and packages. In addition, Arlo Smart enables personalised notifications with custom activity zones and cloud storage for video recordings up to 2K in resolution. Pro 3 camera systems, which include the SmartHub, start at £549.99 for a 2-camera system. Add-on Pro 3 cameras start at £279.99 for those who need to add more cameras to their Pro SmartHub. Pro 3 will be available to pre-order on Amazon from 1st October, shipping from 28th October. Additional retailers to follow.

With category-leading 2K image quality boasts nearly 80 percent more pixels than its predecessor, Arlo Pro 3 takes the Pro Series up to a new level of performance. With a brand-new image sensor, Pro 3 can record video at up to 2K in resolution with HDR for enhanced details and clarity across light and dark areas in a scene, with a new super wide angle 160-degree field of view. Pro 3’s wire-free design includes a weather-resistant housing that can be installed at nearly any angle via a magnetic mount or screw mount for added physical security.

Arlo Pro 3 marks the first time a camera in the Pro series will feature a built-in siren that can be triggered automatically, or manually from the Arlo app, when motion or audio is detected, as well as an integrated spotlight to light up the night and ward off unwelcomed guests. Colour night vision further differentiates Pro 3 from other conventional security cameras, by allowing users to see what’s lurking with color video instead of traditional black-and-white security footage.  Additionally, superior two-way audio lets users have clear, natural conversations remotely through the camera’s built-in microphone and speaker. 

 

“As our new Pro Series flagship product, Pro 3 is packed with the latest innovations that give DIY users the ability to monitor their home or business with more clarity and details, along with all of the convenience of Arlo’s award-winning wire-free design,” said Naveen Chhangani, Vice President of Product Management. “By further factoring in the capabilities of Arlo Smart’s artificial intelligence, it only alerts you for the activities that matter most to you.”

 

With the purchase of the Pro 3 system, users will receive a complimentary three-month trial to Arlo Smart, which offers rolling 30-days of cloud recordings to store and view video clips at 2K resolution. In addition, users will be able to customise their experience by adjusting notification settings to spot people, vehicles, animals or packages. Controlled entirely through the Arlo app, users can easily view live streams and recordings from their Pro 3 cameras, adjust their camera’s settings or access cloud recordings with the available Arlo Smart trial.  

 

With its fast and simple wire-free setup and weather-resistant design, Arlo Pro 3 is the perfect solution for monitoring any outdoor or indoor area. Pro 3 includes a magnetic mount that allows users the flexibility to easily angle their camera in nearly any direction and almost any type of surface, including walls, ceilings, tables, awnings, and more. The new system includes a rechargeable, long-lasting battery along with a magnetic charging cable that can also be used to directly power the camera. Using the same accessories as Arlo Ultra, Pro 3 users can further customize their set-up with convenient add-ons like the solar panel, extended length outdoor charging cables, and a dual charging station designed to quickly charge two batteries at once. 

For more information on the full range of Arlo Smart Home products and services, visit www.arlo.com. or https://www.arlo.com/uk/products/arlo-pro-3/default.aspx

Competition Heats up in the South West Tech Hub as it@Cork Leaders Awards Shortlist is Revealed

This week 21 tech-leading organisations in the Cork region received word that they have been selected to go to through to the final stage of the judging process in the celebrated it@Cork Tech Leaders Awards 2019.

Making the announcement Anthony O’Callaghan, Chair of it@Cork, said,

“We are delighted with the applications received for the 7 award categories this year, and the calibre of each and every submission brings home what we already know – that our IT sector is brimming with talent, ambition and innovation. Whittling it down to just 3 candidates per category was an unenviable task, which the judging panel spent hours upon hours poring over. Those who have been shortlisted this year were the standout IT leaders in an exceptionally talented pool, and they should be extremely proud of this achievement”.

The awards, which are in their 13th year, shine a light on those people who are leading the charge for the region’s tech community and are paving the way for the continued success of tech in the South West region.

Winners of the 7 categories will be announced at a Gala dinner to take place at the Rochestown Park Hotel on October 18th. The night will also see one person take home the coveted Tech Person of the Year Award, which, in the past, has been won by gamechangers of Ireland’s tech industry, such as Peter Coppinger and Daniel Mackey of Teamwork, and Dan & Linda Kiely of Voxpro.

it@Cork also announced the addition of the new “Trend Micro Excellence in Education Award”.

Mr. O’Callaghan added,

“We have added a hugely positive incentive to the award this year, with the winner receiving a prize to the value of €5,000, which can be used towards purchasing equipment to further their STEM initiatives. We collectively feel that this is a very important give-back initiative, one which the entire it@Cork community feel very strongly about, and we are thankful to the continued support of Trend Micro and in particular William Dalton and Avril Ronan, who jumped at the opportunity to support this initiative.”

Avril Ronan, Global Programme Manager Internet Safety, Trend Micro commented,

“We passionately promote cyber safety education and the positive use of technology in communities around the world. That’s why we seek to award the Excellence in Education award to the school that has not simply demonstrated the use of digital technology in class, but that also actively engages and promotes STEM; incorporating software and hardware development skills into the curriculum, prioritising teacher support and training to advance IT/ICT skills and sharing what they learn with those outside the school walls, right into local community, making a real difference. With open positions in the IT sector in Ireland at an all-time high, these schools are nurturing a sense of creativity and curiosity in their students, and hopefully a desire for a career in technology and so are helping us fill those open positions. This is why we applaud all of the schools who submitted applications for their foresight and leadership.” Shortlisted post-primary schools are Mayfield Community School, Coláiste Éamann Rís and St Brogan’s College.

This year will also see one company win the inaugural it@Cork Skillnet Best Workplace Award, which Mark Jordan (CTO) of Skillnet Ireland described as a “fantastic addition to the already broad accreditation base”,

“A work environment can bring out the best or the worst in a team – we know we have the people and the skills in the region, but it’s up to the employers to foster a community of inclusion, personal development, and creativity in their workplace. And we know from working with employers that so many of them are excelling in this regard and are really delivering for their employees. We think their work should be commended and we hope that it may inspire others to follow suit or to learn from their best practices”. Shortlisted companies for this year are McKesson, Poppulo and VMware.

The theme of this year’s Leaders Awards is ‘Towards 2020’, which it@Cork say is a celebration of all the previous winners who have contributed immensely to the tech industry in the region, and a nod to the present and future leaders who will bring the Irish tech industry into the next decade.

An exciting addition to this year’s initiative is the opening of the new it@cork Tech Leaders Hall of Fame, into which all previous winners of the prestigious Tech Leader of the Year award will be inducted.

it@Cork Leaders Awards 2019 – Shortlist

  1. Excellence in Education (listed in main body text)

Mayfield Community School (post primary)

Coláiste Éamann Rís (post primary)

St Brogan’s College (post primary)

2 – CSR AWARD

Gas Network Ireland

McAfee

McKesson

3 – Best Workplace Award (listed in main body text)

McKesson

Poppulo

VMware

4 – MNC of the Year Award

McAfee

Quest

IBM

5 – Smart Technology Innovation Award

Keelvar

Spearline

Blink

6 – One to Watch

Asystec

GridBeyond

Rinocloud

7 – Tech start-up of the Year

Apis Protect

Work Vivo

Swyft Energy

See https://www.itcork.ie/