Month: August 2022

The Ascent: Cyber Heist launches August 18th

Publisher Curve Games and Swedish indie studio Neon Giant are excited to announce new DLC for their popular Cyberpunk action-shooter RPG The Ascent, titled The Ascent: Cyber Heist, which will be available from 18th August 2022.

The Ascent: Cyber Heist is set after the base game’s main story and is accessible for those who’ve completed the main campaign and want to take on a new contract for a top-secret mission. Continue the story either solo or co-op with friends in a range of all new main missions and exciting side quests. Players can blast or smash their way through with brand new weapons, including advanced melee combat, in a new never explored before location.

In Cyber Heist, Kira, your former employer, has a new top-secret job, and as a newly independent contractor how could you refuse?  Venture outside of your familiar arcology into a brand new arcology owned by the Malhorst-Gelb Group. There’s some new ground-breaking tech ripe for the taking, but you’re not the only one with their sights on the prize.

Solo or in co-op with your friends, take on new challenging missions, explore brand new environments, fight your way against new enemies, and experience new ways of fighting using melee weapons!

  • CONTINUE THE STORY – SOLO OR IN CO-OP: The Ascent: Cyber Heist can be accessed once you’ve completed the base game campaign. Bring your friends with you to take on this new challenging contract. Your squad hasn’t caught up with you yet? No problem, as long as you as the host has completed the main campaign, your squad can join up and help! (We know you’ll be carrying them anyway…)
  • NEW WEAPONS: Speaking of carrying, experiment with all-new weapons, including for the first time in The Ascent – Melee weapons! So now you can get up close and personal with the new Rock Crusher and Guillotine!
  • NEW OVERWORLD LOCATIONS: Discover and explore a brand new arcology owned by the Malhorst-Gelb group with breathtaking new locations and environments.
  • NEW MAIN & SIDE MISSIONS: Continue the story of The Ascent by completing new challenging main and side missions. Encounter colorful new characters like Ontario and Zell along the way, and fight against new enemies.

Cyber Heist will be available for £7.99/€9.99/$9.99.

Cyber Edition

There is now a special Cyber Edition of The Ascent available, this includes the previous DLC packages Cyber Warrior and Cyber Sec  plus the new Cyber Heist DLC, all for £36.99/€44.99/$44.99

Noghead Plush

The Ascent brings you Noghead! Designed by Curve Games and Neon Giant, Noghead Plush is made with an Ultra Soft Fleece exterior that feels amazing! A powerful ally to have in-game and an adorable plushie companion in real life.

To find out more check out the link here: Noghead Plush | Makeship

Store links

Steam link: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1802450/The_Ascent__CyberSec_Pack/

Windows Store link: https://www.microsoft.com/store/r/9msnfxqmxrt8

Tech Review – GravaStar Mars Pro bluetooth speaker

Here on techbuzz we review lots of speakers that come in all shapes and sizes however the theme is pretty much the same which is just a standard square or circular type speaker just plain run of the mill stuff, this speaker however is different and by that I mean the design the shape the build quality and there is some RGB lights thrown into the mix too and not only that it has legs that change position.

OK the legs changing position may not be a huge plus side but in this case it is due to the theme here and overall the speaker looks super cool even as a piece in your room and to look at it first you may not think anymore of it in fairness but upon closer inspection you will see why this is different and then it will become an attraction if you will.

On top you have a volume control slider with a difference too as it uses touch to control it and then three physical buttons to power on/off in which you get a nice audio tune to go along with both which sounds cool and you have a button for pairing and then one for the RGB lights which are placed around the unit, you will see all this demoed in the review along with the audio

Speaking of audio it is bass heavy which suits me fine as I like my bass to be heavy so for some it may not be their cup of tea but again this can be tweaked with EQs on phones today. It does easily cover a large room and sounds cool and it is loud and punchy too so far any music fan it is a must.

The build quality is also excellent too and as the company states Mars Pro’s cutting-edge technology means you can feel the heavy bass at both low and loud volumes. The Bluetooth speaker gives you an ultra-powerful bass that sends vibrations through its sphere and into the room.

They also say – The GravaStar Mars Pro is created for audiophiles. The Bluetooth speaker has built-in, exclusive DSP audio algorithms that gives you a deep bass, accurate mids, and crisp highs. Combined with an equal-loudness contour, you get a powerful sound experience

If that is not enough check out the video review below and check out the range that is on offer which comes in several cool colours too.

BUY

Video Link

Paypal and Walmart scam to be aware of

Ok so Paypal have tried my patience and have vented so on twitter only to be told to send it to their phishing department then when done so they respond with this waffle below. Now to most who are aware of scams there is telltale signs within but to others it is clever to an extent but here is what they said back to me twice, yes I have had two in two days and a generic response to which I am still waiting an answer for despite handing over the emails and them knowing I have no account in that name.

Dear TechBuzz Ireland,

Thanks for your submission. We’ll review it and let you know if the
email you reported is genuine or fake.

We’re continuously working to counteract fraud, including phishing
emails, websites, and text messages. We work with law enforcement around
the world to stop online criminals.

If you disclosed any financial or personal data, or entered your details
on a suspicious website:

• Change your PayPal password immediately.
• Contact your bank and let them know what happened.
• Review your recent PayPal payments. Report any unauthorized payments
in the Resolution Center.

Thanks,
PayPal Security

Ok so the first email looked for $1000 then the second reduced to $600 and of course the option to login and pay. See the samples below..that have two different invoice numbers which is also a giveaway here along with the Billing department of Paypal then there is the phone number to call, if you were not wide to such you would probably call it right? Even the domain name looks good as you can see up top.

Click to enlarge images

 

Now if you click on the link it will tell me the resource has been deleted on one email which does look identical to the PayPal site what is there though is an actual invoice with Walmart eCards purchased and a made up email claiming you bought Walmart eCards which alone is an odd one. So perhaps they are working on something..

The font and the spacing is also odd to the norm here but the rest looks legit and PayPal need to get on their bike and just tell people this is in fact a scam and nothing for us to wait for an answer for.

Tech Review – GravaStar Sirius Pro Gaming Earbuds

Next in from Gravastar is the Sirius Pro Earbuds which look great and come in a really cool case that looks like a fancy lighter but in fact can be used as a bottle opener but the thing here is that is is made of metal and not plastic like most earbud cases are and the thing is then what people asked how do they sound after all having a good look? Does aesthetics win over the audio experience? Let’s find out..

First of all the design is quite nice and they fit well in the ears, they might be hard to get out of their case sometimes but this is the only thing I could say bad on them, there is no app either which is fine in this instance because they are quite good and impressed me, the earbud is on the larger than average size too so keep that in mind and they are built quite well.. To top this off you get RGB lights built into the case which is a new one for me and it looks great.

Featuring Knowles balanced armatures, the Sirius Pro wireless earbuds deliver an incredible, well-rounded sound. They are built on GravaStar’s exclusive DSP audio algorithms and offer an immersive, crisp experience through Bluetooth 5.2 True Wireless Stereo. They have in-ear detection, 65ms latency, and give you a balanced punchy bass and 3D surround sound with custom modes for music, gaming, and movies

Once fitted they give a decent seal from the outside world too and may protrude on some people’s ears as always everyone’s ears differ just like our hearing too. For me they where fine and did not fall out and felt fine during the test period and did not feel any pressure when changing tracks etc.

GravaStar gaming earbuds – techbuzzireland

When it comes to sound they deliver too, loud and punchy with bass, highs lows and mids are fine too and overall a great audio experience and there is three modes here to pick from.

Gaming Mode Pinpoint the direction of your enemy’s footsteps with 5.1 virtual surround sound.

Movie Mode Get a full cinematic experience with HD surround sound and be right in the middle of the action.

Music Mode Feel like you’re at the front row at a concert with clear, natural vocals and a deep bass you can feel through your entire body.

Movie mode is my personal favourite here and if you are a gamer you will also be delighted with the audio experience and then for the music fan which I am I just found movie mode the best choice for me you will also enjoy the audio experience here in conclusion did aesthetics take away from the audio experience, well the answer is simply NO. Check the video below for more.

BUY

Video Review

 

Monta signs partnership in Ireland with Core Solutions bringing 50 new EV charge points

Electric vehicle (EV) software provider Monta and Core Solutions, one of Ireland’s largest installation providers, have partnered together to provide robust charging solutions across Ireland.

The partnership will kick off with the installation of 50 charge points in workplaces and multi-unit developments across Ireland, combining high quality hardware installation with easy-to-use charging software.

Chargers will be equipped with Monta’s software to enable easy management of the charge point. Users will also be able to access Monta’s feature rich app which provides roaming, payments via Google Pay and Apple Pay, and other useful tools for EV drivers.

Core Solutions will be using Monta as its exclusive software provider in Ireland, and the two companies say that the partnership will provide seamless charger installation with reliable servicing and management.

“We’re excited to launch our first partnership in Ireland” said Max Scherer, COO at Monta. “Core Solutions have a great reputation for providing thoughtful and purposeful EV charge point installations. Our platform will support Core Solutions by providing reliable software that makes EV charging flexible and fuss free in the workplace” Scherer concludes.

John McDonagh, Managing Director at Core Solutions, said: “We are incredibly excited to partner with Monta, the most reliable, scalable, and seamless EV charging solution there is. Working together with Monta we will unlock the full potential of our EV charging installations and place our clients on the best path for success in the new EV landscape.”

Since 1981 Core Solutions has been providing innovative electrical installations from their office in Dublin. Their mission is to provide outstanding end to end experiences for their customers and to create a greener, quieter, safer driving future for businesses and homes across Ireland.

 

Available as a web-based app, Monta allows businesses to manage their charge points, track energy consumption, usage, and costs in real time. Monta also provides a consumer app which allows users to share their charge point, access roaming networks, and view their charging data.

Zodia Custody becomes the first dedicated cryptoasset custodian registered in Ireland

Zodia Custody (Ireland) Limited has been added to the Central Bank of Ireland’s Virtual Asset Service Provider Register, becoming the first dedicated cryptoasset custodian to be registered to provide commercial services to clients in Ireland.

Zodia Custody, an institutional cryptoasset servicing company headquartered in London, established its Irish subsidiary in August 2021. Zodia Custody, a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered Bank and with investment from Northern Trust, satisfies institutional investors’ need for a cryptoasset servicing provider that meets institutional standards and expectations.

Zodia Custody Ireland’s registration with the CBI means that the company will be subject to the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 (as amended), demonstrating its commitment to high standards of compliance. Cryptoassets were brought within the scope of the Act in April 2021 and registration is now mandatory for all firms providing cryptoasset services in Ireland. Following the European Union’s agreement on MiCAR in June 2022, Zodia Custody Ireland’s registration will mean the company is well positioned to service clients across the EU when this regulatory regime comes into force.

This expansion comes in the wake of news that Zodia Custody has become one of the first cryptoasset custodians to achieve ISO 27001 certification and to have completed a SOC1 Type 1 report. As a subsidiary of a tier-one banking group, Zodia Custody continues to strengthen its credentials to satisfy the ever-evolving need of institutional investors.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Seán Fleming TD, said “I would like to congratulate Zodia Custody for registering as a Virtual Asset Service Provider. The move is highly significant for Ireland, as the Government seeks to focus on innovation in the financial services sector as a key provider of growth in the economy. Blockchain technology is one of the great disruptors for payments and capital markets. Ireland can grasp this opportunity with our strong track record for building globally recognised payment companies and innovative financial services businesses. I wish Zodia Custody every continued success for the future.”

John Cronin, Chief Executive Officer of Zodia Custody Ireland said “There’s been a lot of activity surrounding cryptoassets in Ireland recently, with the CBI’s approval of a Qualifying Investor Alternative Investment Fund to invest in cryptoassets, the Irish Funds Industry Association publishing a paper on cryptoassets and several firms establishing a presence here to build out the ecosystem.  We aim to play our part by providing institutions with a safe and secure solution for investing in cryptoassets. 

We are in the process of obtaining similar registrations in jurisdictions across Europe, ensuring we are well-positioned for MiCAR.”

Kieran Donoghue, Global Head of Strategy, Public Policy and International Financial Services, IDA Ireland, said “Zodia Custody’s decision to establish its EU crypto custodian business in Ireland and to secure registration as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) is a significant development in an emerging and rapidly growing sector of the financial services industry. This investment will act as a strong reference case in seeking to further develop the nascent crypto custody sector. We are grateful for Zodia’s commitment to Ireland and the leading-edge capabilities it will bring to the industry here across governance, custody and compliance. I wish John and his team every success”

Hydrogen development must be ramped up in line with EU policy

One of the country’s leading hydrogen experts says now is the time to realise the wide-ranging benefits offered by the versatile carbon free gas.

Speaking at the launch of the inaugural Hydrogen Ireland Conference today, Gas Networks Ireland Hydrogen Programme Manager, Dr Andrea Ahern, said current events affecting Ireland’s climate and economy mean now is the time to act.

“Hydrogen can reduce carbon emissions across a number of key sectors while also enhancing Ireland’s energy security and diversity,” Dr Ahern said.

“Ireland’s national gas network is one of the safest and most modern renewables-ready gas networks in the world. It’s a ready-made decarbonisation solution that can be leveraged to accommodate biomethane made from farm and food waste and hydrogen produced from offshore wind.”

Hydrogen can be made from renewable electricity through a process known as electrolysis and stored until needed, making it an attractive option to decarbonise the Irish energy system.

It is also a strong example of how greater integration between Ireland’s gas and electricity networks can support a low carbon economy.

With Ireland’s significant onshore and offshore wind resources, the potential for Irish made green hydrogen is very high.

“We can enable national decarbonisation at size and scale by connecting indigenously produced hydrogen with customers and markets across the island of Ireland, but we must act now in line with national and EU policy,” Dr Ahern said.

Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, will be the keynote speaker at the Hydrogen Ireland Conference which will take place at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin, on November 22 and 23.

The event is being launched just days after the government announced 2GW of hydrogen production from offshore wind and launched of an eight-week public consultation period as part of the process of developing a National Hydrogen Strategy.

Hydrogen Ireland is an all-island organisation which works to promote the role of hydrogen and fuel cells as key components of a future low carbon economy.

Chairperson Paul McCormack said he is looking forward to seeing the Government’s vision.

“Given the heat extremes seen just this month, the rising cost of living and the pressures on supply because of international factors and our reliance on imports, it has never been more important to realise and maximise the potential offered by hydrogen,” Mr McCormac said.

For more details on the conference, check out www.h2irl.com.

 

GamerFest, Ireland’s biggest gaming and esports festival, returns to Dublin this October

GamerFest, Ireland’s biggest gaming and esports festival, is returning to the RDS, Dublin this October 22nd & 23rd. The epic weekend celebration of gaming entertainment will include the latest games, VR gaming, esports and gaming challenges, a host of special guests including top Twitch and YouTube creators, and a variety of live stage content.

Organisers have also announced an exciting new partnership with Lucozade, the 2022 Title Sponsor of GamerFest, who will be showing up big at the event and supporting a wide range of gaming activations across the entire weekend.

Since its establishment in 2017 GamerFest has established itself as a diverse, community-led gaming event for everyone with a passion for gaming, whether that be casual gaming with friends or those who engage in competitive esports tournaments, game development and design or content creation.

Over the last number of years GamerFest has become a hub for content creator talent in Ireland, with a host of YouTube and Twitch special guests set to attend October’s event. Content creators confirmed to date include Antitinkerbell, Jamie Jay Car, The Gara Show, Audrey and event hosts All Cast Irish Gamers with more special guest announcements coming soon.

Fans of esports will witness a packed line-up of competitive action on the GamerFest Main Stage including an Official Partnership with Ubisoft and the launch of the GamerFest Rainbow Six Siege Ireland Open. This tournament offers an incredible opportunity for Irish teams to qualify for the UK Ireland Nationals (UKIN) and ultimately earn a professional spot in the Rainbow Six Northern Premier League.

Organisers have also confirmed a ground-breaking partnership with Legion Collegiate Esports, Ireland’s dedicated esports series for third-level students in Ireland, which will see some of the best student esports talent in the country go head to head across a range of titles including Rocket League, Apex Legends and FIFA.

Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to get hands on with HADO, the very latest in Augmented Reality (AR) gaming, where players do battle with virtual energy balls and shields on a real life court. HADO will also launch the first ever Irish HADO Championship at GamerFest which will see the winning team represent Ireland at the upcoming HADO European Championships in France.

The wide array of gaming entertainment on offer at GamerFest includes:

  • The latest titles, VR gaming and technology

  • A showcase of the best in Irish gaming content creator talent with a new ‘Creator Zone’ offering visitors the chance to meet their favourite Twitch and YouTube creators

  • An expo hall and market place to get the latest gaming equipment and gear

  • A host of esports tournaments featuring on the GamerFest Main Stage

  • A range of special guest appearances and Meet + Greet opportunities

GamerFest CEO Stuart Dempsey says:

“Like our visitors, the team behind GamerFest are gamers. Ever since our first event five years ago, we’ve kept an absolute focus on one thing – the gaming community. Community guides us in everything we do, ensuring we have the best games, content, special guests and entertainment possible at all our events.”

 “Just like every other live event, it’s been incredibly tough not seeing our community since 2020 throughout the Covid pandemic. So, we’re incredibly excited to see the anticipation for the return of GamerFest this year. It will be wonderful to see people physically come together and celebrate all things gaming, bringing to life all the incredible friendships and relationships that have developed online over the last number of years.”

GamerFest takes place at The RDS, Dublin this October 22nd and 23rd with tickets on sale now at GamerFest.ie.

How To Make Money by Playing Apex Legends

It’s no secret that video games can be a lot of fun. But what you may not know is that they can also be a great way to make some extra money on the side. In this article, we’ll discuss how to make money playing Apex Legends, one of the most popular battle royale games out there. By following these tips, you’ll be able to pad your wallets with some extra cash in no time!

Sell Your Accounts

The first step is to sign up for an account with a site like PlayerUp. This will allow you to connect with other players who are looking to buy and sell in-game items. Once you’ve created an account, take a look at the listing for Apex Legends and see what people are selling and for how much. If you see something that you think you could sell for a higher price, make an offer!

 

Win Tournaments

Another great way to make money playing Apex Legends is to participate in tournaments. Many online gaming sites host competitions with cash prizes, so if you’re good at the game, this could be a great way to earn some extra money. Simply search for “Apex Legends tournaments” online to find a list of upcoming events.

Make Youtube Videos

If you’re good at Apex Legends, consider making youtube videos about the game. There are a lot of people who are interested in learning how to play the game, and by sharing your knowledge.

Try to Work for Apex Boosting Services

Apex boosting is the process of helping other players reach higher levels in the game, and it can be a very lucrative business. To get started, you’ll need to create a resume that highlights your experience with Apex Legends. Be sure to list any skills or strategies that you think would be helpful to other players. Once you have your resume created, reach out to different Apex Legends boost services and inquire about job openings.

Streaming

Finally, you can also make money by streaming your gameplay on platforms like Twitch. If you build up a large enough following, you can start earning money from donations or sponsorships. So if you’re looking to make some serious cash from playing Apex Legends, this is definitely a viable option.

Final Words

By following these tips, you’ll be able to start earning money from playing Apex Legends in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start raking in the cash!