Month: December 2021

242% surge in cyberattacks in Ireland

Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions globally, is warning organisations in Ireland of a 242% surge in cyberattacks when globally, the figure is 40% in 2021 compared to 2020. What can Irish companies do differently? Check Point Software says now is the time to adopt a prevent-first approach.

There have been several high-profile cyberattacks in Ireland this year alone. Most recently, the National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway) fell victim to an attempted attack, causing widespread disruption to students and staff. And while there are promising initiatives happening, such as the Cyber Ireland National Conference, the 242% increase in cybercrime is a stark reminder that there is still a long way to go.

Check Point’s Country Manager for Ireland, Hugh McGauran says, “Clearly, Irish companies are attractive to hackers right now. However, we can absolutely reduce the risk of unknown attacks by implementing a prevent-first approach. This essentially means moving away from detection and response only, and neutralising attacks and malwares prior to the execution stage. If you think of the kill chain, the first step that a malware will take is to try and propagate and move laterally across your network as soon as it’s executing. But, if you can prevent it from executing in the first place, then all the efforts to trace, contain and remediate that damage are dramatically reduced.

“This is something even more important now than ever due to the cyber skills gap we currently have here in Ireland. If you can reduce the burden and eliminate a lot of the noise, then you can allow your smaller teams to focus on the real threats. To bring this into the context of the pandemic, whether you agree or disagree with the decisions of government, it really was a prevent-first strategy. The first thing most governments did was to ask everyone to separate – work from home, don’t go out if you don’t need to.

“The vaccine rollout is another layer of prevention. If we were to go back and use a detection and response approach only, then it would have centred around handing out thermometers and testing everyone – which doesn’t prevent anything. That would definitely have had a very different impact in terms of the infection rate, the load on hospitals and ultimately, the mortality rate. So, in cybersecurity, yes detection is important but if you can prevent something, why wouldn’t you?”

Hugh’s five tips for Irish companies looking to adopt a prevent-first approach:

  1. Visibility: Know what is connected to your network.
  2. Use block/prevent mode on high fidelity signatures. Tune said signatures based on devices within each network segment being protected to reduce false positives.
  3. Automate threat detection and remediation.
  4. Put in place guardrails to ensure configurations are properly maintained.
  5. Train your staff to operate the technology properly and if that is not possible, work with a managed services partner to fill skill gaps.

Tech Review – Fairphone 4

The Fairphone 4 is the latest phone on offer from the company and the big difference here between this phone and others is the ability to repair the device yourself and called a modular device, alone this also sparks another conversation which is the right to repair in which we are now seeing things happen whereby it will allow customers to repair their phones themselves or replace parts and this is where Fairphone stand out from the crowd here and not only recently either, the company have been doing this 7 years.. Fairphone are also known for sustainability too using 14 key materials from sustainable and fairer sources

Design and build

The phone itself is a pretty standard build and on the bigger side with a 6.3inch screen and a thickness of 10.5mm which is thicker than most however it feels solid in the hand and sturdy even though the back cover is plastic and removable which is a rare thing these days it but here is how you access the parts.. It has bezels all round with a slight teardrop up top which may annoy some folk but when you have bezels all round you get the full use of the screen estate and being a bigger phone it makes sense as for many it would be a two handed device but having said that it is a comfortable phone to hold with rounded edges and no sharp corners.

There is no headphone jack present here and on the right side is where all the action is with the volume toggles and power/on/off key which doubles as a fingerprint sensor, there is no tap to wake here or face unlock so you will be using this touch key to access the phone which some folk have complained about in the unboxing video below which has garnered much comments and thoughts on the phone.

On the bottom of the device you have a speaker and USB-C port and a mic so overall it is a clean to the point phone in my opinion though lacking in some other features at this pricepoint.

UNBOXING AND WALKTHROUGH THE FAIRPHONE 4

Under the hood

Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G, Fairphone OS based on Android 11, 6 GB/GB ram options, Storage comes at 128/256GB with micro sd card expansion, IP54 rated, Screen, 6.3in FHD+ LCD (410ppi) and cameras are a dual affair 48MP rear, 25MP selfie camera which is looks like many other offerings out there however there is a corner sliced off and no where near a bump like the others, there is a slight rock on a flat surface but only if you touch the far upper left hand side of the phone.

The cameras

OK they are not going to win awards here however this is not what the company wants to do either but give a fair price phone that just about does everything and they do this overall, the camera specs is what many people like and is the b all and end all of a phone which is polarising for me, I like a phone that gets the job done, I use an iPhone 13 Pro and Galaxy Z flip 3 as faily drivers but could use this phone too should I need too I am lucky to have access to many phones on the market and my current daily drivers change all the time and for the last while I have been using another smartphone alongside this and again the same applies, it is a cheaper handset and like I have said before the need to spend over a grand on a phone is long gone.

The camera performs better in the day and at times I have noticed shutter lag and again it is not the only phone to have seen this happen, once in bright well lit areas it will do well some images felt a bit washed or overexposed and you can tinker with image editors to get a better result, at night well its not great and I hate to say things like that but it is the case here and again the same is said about another device I am testing and it is part and parcel of phones priced similarly but it has to be said some more expensive phones can be worse off here, the video below will let you see and make your own call here anyway but  it does a decent enough job but more so in good lighting conditions.

IMAGE AND VIDEO SAMPLES

 

Performance

It performs pretty well there was some lag here and there on multitasking and scrolling but overall done fine for the tasks I use and I am a power user with any phone I use and test battery was decent easily getting me through a day no problem the 3,905 mAh battery is replaceable and can be charged to 50% in 30 minutes (with minimum 20W charger) two days was a push given I work with two phones normally but when testing just over a day was average using this phone as the main device for my work social media and more.

Conclusion

The phone is not out to set any records and the company has a different approach than others but want to get a message across and save the planet whilst doing so and this is a good move and more should be doing it, e-waste is a huge problem and we are all guilty of it but they other main key thing is here is the option to repair the phone yourself. Look here for the price at the parts and see for yourself. To top things off you get 5G speed which requires a 5G sim but that is something I would stay away from for another year at least in Ireland,plus you get the additional 5-year warranty.

BUY 

 

 

Yes Dynamic launches new staff & payroll solution in Ireland and the UK

Business app implementation and support consultancy firm, Yes Dynamic has today announced the launch of PayPro365, a payroll solution that will enable SMEs to gain greater flexibility and insights for their staff.

Available as an additional solution for businesses either already operating on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or looking to invest in a new connected cloud business management solution, PayPro365 is now available for customers in Ireland and the UK looking to bring automation to their HR services.

By eliminating duplication of data entries and affording a greater margin of analysis through connection to the general ledger and banking system, PayPro365 allows organisations of any size to efficiently process salary payments and protect payslips and employee data.

Designed with HR professionals in mind, the solution will also allow organisations to manage staff annual leave policies and monitor attendance on a daily and monthly basis. With PayPro365 in place, businesses will have the ability to manage leave requests, transactions and salary revisions all in a centralised and easy-to-use solution, allowing for a more cost-effective and familiar experience for HR professionals.

As an add-on for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, PayPro365 is now available to SMEs in a variety of sectors including construction, supply chain, manufacturing and distribution.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a comprehensive business management solution that helps small and midsized companies connect their finance, sales, service, and operations teams within a single easy-to-use application. Confidently move to the cloud and unlock the insights needed to adapt faster, work smarter, and perform better.

Commenting on the announcement, Yes Dynamic Managing Director, Gerry Power said: “We are excited to launch PayPro365 in Ireland and the UK and deliver an innovative solution for businesses looking to enhance their HR and payroll processes. As part of Microsoft’s wider Cloud strategy to deliver more value in less time, PayPro365 allows for a much tighter alignment between HR and finance offering new opportunities to improve human capital management for businesses. From automation of finance systems to more insightful management of your teams, PayPro365 empowers CFOs and CPOs to unlock a truly all-encompassing management solution which will ultimately improve their organisation’s performance.

“Yes Dynamic is currently engaging with a number of prospective clients in a variety of sectors and we hope to reach other organisations looking to improve their office processes and manage their staff more seamlessly. We are confident this new payroll solution is the next step for these businesses in unlocking the potential of data optimisation.”

To mark the launch of PayPro365, Yes Dynamic hosted an exclusive webinar for Microsoft Partners in collaboration with payroll support partners, ODoherty Biz, and MicroWarehouse, Microsoft’s largest Dynamics 365 software distributor in Ireland.

To watch back the event visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/1653687897699621123

Deezer releases Christmas Flow Mood Wheel

The holiday season is finally upon us! Music fans are getting ready to sing along to their favourite Christmas tunes. Deezer is here to help you get into the  festive spirit, so we’ve added a brand new seasonal ‘Christmas’ mood to the Flow Wheel. All you have to do to get an endless stream of holiday-themed tunes that are tailored to your unique taste, is bring up the Flow Moods wheel, select “Christmas” and enjoy*.

To find the Christmas mood, first select ‘Flow’ in the Deezer app. Then simply tap the Flow Moods rainbow wheel icon above the cover art to bring up the seven different mood options, pick “Christmas” and let us do the rest. Oh, and there’s snow. To help you dream of a white Christmas, Deezer has made sure that the snow is falling in your player as long as the Christmas Flow mood is on.

“We know that music helps our listeners make the holidays feel special. But it’s easy to get stuck listening to the same Christmas album over and over again. Our new Christmas Flow mood lets users enjoy an endless and varied stream of holiday tunes that is in sync with their personal taste. It’s one of the ways we wish Happy Holidays to all of our listeners and thank them for their continued support,” said Deezer’s Head of Product, Alexandra Leloup.

In addition to the new Christmas mood, Deezer’s Flow Mood Wheel offers listeners six different options to tailor their personal stream of music to their mood:

  • You & Me – Helps to set the mood for romance with feel-good tracks that you and your partner will love
  • Motivation – Make workouts a joyful experience with a power mix to keep you pumped
  • Chill – Let your favorite artists help you unwind and relax
  • Melancholy – If you’re in the mood for a good cry or are feeling blue, these tunes will help you get through it
  • Focus – Let us help you stay in your zone and avoid distractions with the right kind of music to help you concentrate
  • Party – Get in the spirit with an endless mix of crowd-pleasing music to get you dancing.

If you prefer the comfort of an expertly curated musical Christmas, have no fear! Deezer’s editors have made you a channel with the best tunes for the upcoming Holidays. Here you’ll find everything from playlists made by artists like Michael Bublé, Mariah Carey, Sam Smith and Leona Lewis, and a curated selection of podcasts and albums. The Christmas Channel is available now for all Deezer users. And don’t forget, it’s easier than ever to sing along to your favourite snowy tunes thanks to Deezer’s synchronised lyrics feature in the app!

* The Deezer Christmas Flow Mood is available to all Deezer users on iOS from 6 December. We will roll-out the feature to Android users between 13 and 20 December. IOS users need version 9.1.0 of the Deezer app to enjoy this feature, while Android users will need version 6.2.42.

ebay.ie’s Top Gifts for Christmas 2021 from Irish sellers

With Christmas shopping ramping up, ebay.ie has revealed its most searched-for products over the past 4 weeks to show what’s on the nations’ wish list this festive season. The PS5 tops the charts..

The 10 most searched for items over the past four weeks were: 

  1.     PS 5
  2.     iPhone 11
  3.     Pokémon Cards
  4.     Nintendo Switch
  5.     Xbox Series X
  6.     Laptop
  7.     iPhone 12
  8.     Murphy Models (model trains)
  9.     Gaming PC
  10.     Lego

Gadgets, tech and gaming

  • 70% of the most searched-for products on ebay.ie are electronics and gadgets, with gaming consoles, iPhones and laptops all making the top 10 searched list
  • The PlayStation 5 is the most searched for games console, making the no. 1 spot, followed swiftly by the Nintendo Switch in 4th place.
  • The iPhone 11 is the most popular Apple product on ebay.ie, coming in at number two on the list, while the iPhone 12 was close behind making it into the 7th place

Tech gifting on ebay.ie

For those looking to shop Irish this Christmas, ebay.ie has it covered with over 2,400 small Irish businesses operating on the marketplace, offering a huge variety of goods at a range of price points, with speedy delivery to boot!

These specially selected gifts from Irish businesses on eBay are just the ticket if you’re in need of some tech inspiration for your loved ones:

Tech Review – Jabra Elite 7 Pro

Jabra is a brand that we have been using and reviewing for some years now and they are a favourite here in techbuzz because they are consistent and the brand is strong and they like to innovate and each year for any brand it gets harder to improve on the previous and with competition rife and in an oversaturated market for true wireless earbuds it is a tough game to play and with three new pairs of earbuds this year from the brand it did give others something to think about having all tiers covered at entry mid tier and high end.

The Jabra Elite 7 Pro is their high end offering and for me always an exciting time to test a product as I have been a huge fan of their earbuds and they have been a high end offering but as mentioned Jabra have tackled the entry and mid level tiers, they have been always a strong winner in the high end market so how does the new Elite 7 Pro stack up this time..

 

 

Design, build and fit.

Ok so Jabra have changed the design language here and all three of their new earbuds have this new design present too, it is clean simple and works and nothing too outlandish either, the profile is also good for size and they fit well with a good seal once using the right tips which is a must wearing any earbuds. They have a more flat appearance than older models however they have a good seal.

 

Setting up

The set up is the same as ever, when you get new earbuds you update the sound plus app which is one of my favourite apps on the game you need to keep your earbuds close to your device for the update and can take some time, a purple light will flash on the case over the USB- port which is placed at the front this time around rather than the rear which is no a big deal but traditionally the port is at the rear and in some cases on the side which you will see on other reviews we are working on. You also get to personalise the sound here with a kind of ear test many use these days in fact this is similar to what you get done at ear test centres where | recently had mine checked out and this overall gives you the optimum performance here tailored to your ears.

Sound Plus app

I have always been boasting about the app which is duly deserves and again we have all the features one would come to expect from Jabra but some features were omitted in the Jabra Elite 3 which is the entry level model we reviewed earlier and if you check out that review you can find what was left out however for the Elite 7 pro it is all there and one would expect that at the price here although they have come down in price at launch for the high end offering.

Controls

Controls are quality and work each time, again Jabra have the clicky button effect which I like but the thing is you can change the settings to what suits you best and this is great as there is many settings here available which makes it much better than custom defaults you tend to get on other earbuds this should be the same for all earbuds in my opinion.

Sound

The sound is always the key factor in these reviews and one argues everyone’s ears differ which is correct but when testing earbuds on such a regular basis it is not hard to find what is rubbish and what is not, the Jabra soundstage has always been a great one, highs lows and mids are great and with my usual testing regime they have done a really impressive job with no lag latency noted, again you have the custom EQ here to play with, they can be used individually too which is great, the ANC is also now adjustable and to the max is the way to go but I found the ANC not quite as strong as previous models and perhaps a software update might fix that but overall strong enough and better in quiet environments.

Jabra Elite 7 Pro techbuzzireland

Conclusion

If you want a great pair of earbuds check these out the days of overpriced alternatives are long gone and the same applies to Apples prowess here, some still might find these still too expensive but you have to pay to play here given there is cheaper earbuds out there now with much of what you find here but it is the overall experience here in one package you will get here that wins for me.

Elite 7 Pro key features and specifications: 

  • Jabra MultiSensor VoiceTM for professional-grade audio
  • Adjustable ANC for full immersion
  • 9 hours non-stop play time with ANC, 35 hours with case
  • IP57 rated durability
  • BT ver. 5.2
  • Use either earbud & multi-connect (by upgrade)
  • Alexa built-in, Siri and Google Assistant* (*Android only)

Check out the Jabra Elite 3 review

Check out the Jabra Evolve 2 75 review 

Now available widely in most tech retail stores

 

 

Tech Review – Super EQ Q2 Pro earbuds

The Super EQ Q2 Pro earbuds are the latest on offer from the company and are a solid purchase after my testing over some weeks, these have a slightly larger profile than the average ear so may not suit all however they are a solid fit and more so for those with larger ears.

Build and design

These are built well and solid and made from plastic with a step effect from the top down they are similar to others out there in shape and size but the effect from the top down makes them stand out and they look nice in fairness with the gold band around the touch area of the earbud which is great by the way for executing controls

Sound

These are really good on the bass side of things and are considered bass heavy in my book which for some is what they want to hear, they are loud and punchy fine with highs lows and mids and overall gave me a great listening experince overall and cant really complain, even on maxed out volume there was no distortion either no lag latency and loud and feeling centre they do a great job even though there is no app for them at present.

These can be also used individually which is another plus and will extend battery life if you are one to use earbuds in this fashion be it for work or driving for example.

Call are fine too work really well and clear both ends on my testing period..

Modes

You have transparency mode here which is what we are now seeing drop into the cheaper earbuds before this was ANC and the transparency mode worked quite well even in a busy environment.

Super EQ Q2 techbuzzireland

Features

Hybrid active noise canceling technology) SuperEQ Wireless Earbuds come with a professional feed-forward and feedback active noise canceling function to reduce ambient noise up to
33dB filter out noise by 90% It’s never been easier to completely immerse yourself in sound, taking the bustle out of travel and commuting • Transparency model You may still need to pay attention to external sounds when you wear true wireless earbuds on an airplane, subway, bus, or in the office. Just switch to
Transparency Mode. It lets the outside sound in and allows you to talk to people nearby without taking off the earphones.
One step Pairing Simply open the charging case and turn on the Bluetooth to build a connection. Q2 Pro wireless earbuds support Single Bud Listening. Listen via either the left or right earbud without having to worry about fiddly connections and complicated setup.
Calls with excellent clarity Thanks to the CVC 8.0 technology, which is short for “Clear Voice Capture, wireless earphones pick up your voice with incredible accuracy. Calls sound crisp, clear, and free of unwanted noise
Charge on the go Pro wireless earbuds can last for over 8 hours of playtime from a single charge and 28 extra hours in the compact charging case Fits travel everywhere and ensure the music is playing throughout all-day.
20% discount code: GETQ2PRO

BUY 

VIDEO LINK 

Seven in 10 Irish people rely on their smartphone for work

Nearly three quarters of Irish adults (68.6%) rely on their smartphones while working, at least some of the time, according to new research revealed by Samsung Ireland. This research highlights a change in work habits, especially when it comes to how people leverage technology. Almost sixty per cent of Irish people (59.5%) need technology to multitask, while the survey also revealed that the majority of Irish respondents never leave their house without their smartphone (62%).

With this research, Samsung wanted to explore the role technology plays in enabling the transition to better ways of working, including the ability to work from anywhere, multitasking and better productivity. The national survey of over 1,000 people, conducted by Opinion Matters found that the use of technology made users more productive and even became a source of inspiration to many respondents.

Smartphone Reliance

Samsung’s research revealed that people still rely heavily on their smartphones, particularly in the world of work where 7 in 10 (68.6%) rely on their smartphone devices to work, at least some of the time, with:

  • Almost one in four (23%) said they consistently use their mobile devices throughout a workday
  • A further 13% claiming they are on their devices all of the time, and
  • While 32.7% rely on their device at least some of the time

This also rings true in younger demographics, with three quarters of Millennials (76%) saying they rely on their smartphones to do their job, 26.3% consistently check in on their devices while working, and almost half (49.3%) claim they would feel lost without their smartphone device.

Multitasking

More than half of Irish people (60%) say they need technology to multitask. Interestingly, 35-44 year olds are 10% more likely to multi-task than their next generation, 45-54 year olds. The research revealed due to reliance on smartphones, multitasking has become easier for respondents with most Irish people revealing they regularly watch or play something on their devices even while they watch TV (63%). Over a quarter of 16–25-year-olds admit to using their phone while at the cinema (30.6%) or a friend’s birthday party (42.1%), while they are least likely to sneak a text at a christening (12.9%).

Paul Toland, Ireland Sales Lead for Samsung’s IM Division commented, “It’s incredibly interesting to see the increased adoption of technology in work environments. Our research proves that there’s a demand for more innovative devices, and we are proud to have made huge strides in this area recently through the launch of our latest range of Foldables. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 blends smartphone and tablet functionality, where users can easily run three apps on screen at the one time. Through products like this, we can see the technological advancement for productivity is becoming a priority in new device design.”

“Our customer feedback helps us deliver the best devices possible, particularly inspiring us to incorporate innovative smash-proof solutions such as Gorilla Glass Victus and Armor Aluminum frame, in our latest Flagship range. While mobiles are more prevalent, in Ireland Samsung saw a 15% increase in tablet sales in the first three quarters of 2021, highlighting consumers love for multi-device usage.”

A Source of Inspiration

Smartphones are now one of our greatest companions for both work and life, with over 82.4% of respondents claiming that the content they see on their device brings them inspiration. The research revealed that the majority of Irish people never leave their house without their smartphone (62%), while 30.3% of 16-24 year olds claim that their smartphone means more to them than most of their possessions.

When it comes to purchasing smartphones, there’s a keen interest in innovation with people wanting more from their devices. Over 70% of respondents want a device that stays charged for longer (72.8%), while other key requirements include wanting a smash-proof (61.3%) and water-proof device (59.8%) that has access to the internet from anywhere (54.5%). It is clear that respondents don’t want to spend a minute without their smartphones regardless of location, accidental drops or even if they’re out in the rain.

Quentin Doran O’Reilly, Head of Product Management said, “At Samsung we have seen first-hand a transformative change in the world of work thanks to technology, which is why we developed, and are constantly refining, the Samsung Ecosystem. Our goal is to empower people with technology, be it smartphones, tablets or wearables that integrate seamlessly. The Samsung Galaxy Ecosystem, thanks to app continuity, pursues a connected lifestyle that makes it easier and more comfortable to use Galaxy devices simultaneously or switch between them easily. From experience, it is invaluable to be able to seamlessly connect your collection of devices to your phone without spending five minutes in the settings. When working from home, I can easily join calls whilst walking using my Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds”.

Zhiyun Smooth 5 Gimbal Combo Pack first look

Recently announced the all new Zhiyun Smooth 5 Gimbal has arrived but we have the combo pack which is an ideal tool for vloggers and more to look at and comes with all the accessories required in one kit and also a travel bag to so you can store everything in one bag which is also quite handy. The Smooth 5 can be bought on its on too if you wish at a cheaper price which also gives the consumer options.

SMOOTH 5 Feature Highlights

Design – Upgraded motor performance and algorithm

  • The SMOOTH 5 has a smaller size than its predecessor but much stronger performance thanks to an upgraded motor performance and algorithm. The industry-standard 3-axis design allows movements in all angles to be amazingly smooth, even in extreme angles.

  • This makes it easy to shoot in all angles switching seamlessly from portrait to landscape mode, and it mounts easily on the phones favoured by mobile filmmakers like the iPhone 13 Pro MAX, Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold, Huawei Mate X2, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra thanks to its smart lock design.

Easy to use control panel – Point, click, and shoot

  • Users will feel at ease thanks to the all-in-one control panel that allows them to adjust many features with only one hand without the trouble of using an app. There’s also a multifunctional control wheel that gives users perfect control over zooming and focusing.

Creative Functions – Next-generation tools for the mobile creative genius

  • With the SMOOTH 5, mobile filmmakers can reach their creative peak. Some of the creative features included in the SMOOTH 5 are Magical Pano, allowing for a magnificent view in your smartphone with 180° panorama, Timelapse, where you can watch the time go by at a quicker pace to experience scenes that are used to take a longer time., and Live Stream Master, which allows for face tracking for the perfect live stream experience. Other features include SmartFollow, which automatically tracks a designated person or object, Dolly Zoom, which mimics a Hollywood style dolly shot without the expensive equipment, and MagicClone which allows you to clone yourself and to appear in multiple parts of a scene.

Today we have a quick first look at the product and show you what you will get in the package and if you have any questions feel free to ask below or on our social handles and we will have a full real hands on review soon.

The SMOOTH 5 is available for £159, or with a combo that includes a tripod, carrying case, and magnetic fill light as well as a VIP membership card all for £209 .Amazon or ZHIYUN’s online store.