Month: July 2023

PayPal study: 79% of people in Ireland are making daily cutbacks to prioritise travel

PayPal’s new Travel Check-in report* reveals the latest trends in the world of travel, as 85 per cent of Irish consumers either have or are planning to book a holiday for 2023 and almost a third (29%) are set to go on more than two holidays this year.

The research, carried out by Censuswide and involving more than 1,000 consumers across Ireland, found travel remains a priority for 62 per cent of people. While 64 per cent are looking to make up for lost travel time over the last couple of years, the high cost-of-living isn’t going unnoticed, with eight in ten (83%) being willing to adapt travel plans to be more cost-effective rather than cancel and more than three quarters (79%) looking to save money in their daily lives to prioritise travel/holidays.

Where are people headed for their vacations? Eight out of ten (81%) are planning to leave the Emerald Isles for their holidays. The most popular international destination picked was Spain (including Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza) (30%), followed by the UK (20%), Italy (16%) and France (16%). For those planning to stay closer to home, the top destinations within Ireland were Galway (22%), Cork (20%), Donegal (20%) and Dublin (20%).

Trips involving quality time with loved ones are high on the agenda for 71 per cent, with other popular trip types including enjoying the outdoors (40%), experiencing a different culture (29%) and focusing on health and wellness (20%) – this was important for almost a quarter of millennials (23% vs 20% general population). Gen Z were most open to ‘bleisure trips’ (mixing work and leisure) to enjoy more flexibility during their time off (12% vs 6% general population).

The average estimated spend on holidays for the year (including booking and all in travel costs) came in at approximately €2,320. The biggest spenders were from Clare (approx. €2,834), Cork (approx. €2,579) and Donegal (approx. €2,577).

“At PayPal, we’re seeing a surge in travel bookings and it’s encouraging to see that Irish people are being mindful of their budgets when it comes to being able to better afford that long-awaited trip,” said Maeve Dorman, Senior Vice President, PayPal. “We’re here to help Irish holiday goers make the most of their trip by providing peace of mind and simplicity for a seamless checkout from the moment they book flights, trains and accommodation all the way to after they’ve checked-in and are looking for local experiences and ticking off bucket lists.”

Check-out five tactics Irish holidaymakers are utilising to better afford travel this year:

  • Daily changes for weeks away: More than three quarters (79%) of consumers in Ireland are looking to save money in their daily lives to prioritise travel/holidays this year. The top cutbacks are cooking at home instead of getting a takeaway or eating out (58%), cutting back on nights out (50%), and making their own coffee at home instead of going to a coffee shop (42%).

  • Being savvy for sun, sea and… savings: The money-saving mindset doesn’t stop when it comes to booking with many using money-saving techniques to get the best price, including looking for discounts (53%), travelling on days when costs are cheaper (38%) and signing up for offers (26%).

 

  • Adapting for adventures: Some 83 per cent of people are willing to adapt their travel plans to be more cost-effective rather than cancel completely, be that looking for budget accommodation (29%), having just one main holiday (23%) or going on shorter trips (22%).

 

  • Planning perfection:  Eight in ten (78%) would rather book in advance to guarantee a price than take a risk on getting a better price closer to the time. Those from Leitrim are the most organised, booking nine months before their break, while those from Clare tend to book three months ahead of time.

 

  • Smart budgeting in the sun: Almost three quarters (73%) of consumers plan to adopt a saving approach on holidays, as opposed to splurging. In terms of other budgeting behaviours, over half (52%) will go cashless and 67 per cent of people will book everything in advance, instead of going with the flow. The most cited challenges/concerns for people when managing their budget on holiday, being able to track their spending ranks highest (46%), followed by fears of being scammed (37%) and security of funds (25%).

To learn more about how PayPal can be the perfect travel companion, visit paypal.com/ie.

Sharp Fall In Professional Job Vacancies In Ireland

The Morgan McKinley Quarterly Employment Monitor registered a decrease of 15.4% in the number of new professional job opportunities in Q2 2023 compared to the previous quarter across all professional sectors.

The monitor also recorded a slight decrease of 0.8% in professional job seekers during the second quarter. Overall, there has not been a significant change in the number of job seekers from one quarter to another. However, compared to the same period in 2022, the number of applicants in Q2 2023 was 20% higher, primarily due to the tech sector downturn and an increase in business support professionals entering the job market.

Rising inflation, slower business growth, and challenges in the housing market have impacted the overall landscape. Additionally, changes in working models have become apparent, as employers are increasingly resisting remote working arrangements and emphasising the importance of physical presence in the office. However, employers who are flexible have greater access to skilled talent.

The Morgan McKinley employment monitor measures the pulse of the Irish professional jobs market by tracking the number of new job vacancies and new candidates in the Republic of Ireland each quarter. To reflect the changing dynamics of the current employment market, Morgan McKinley are including both permanent and contract jobs in the employment monitor.

Trayc Keevans, Global FDI Director, Morgan McKinley Ireland, said:

“Various sectors experienced a decrease in employment opportunities during Q2 including Accountancy and Finance (-17.3%) and Projects, Transformation and Change (-25%). The decline can be attributed to market cautiousness driven by inflation, sluggish business growth, and difficulties in the housing market. The Technology sector has shown some resilience with single digit declines in professional job opportunities (-7.8%) and an 11% growth in contract opportunities.

“More notably there was a 43% decrease in construction opportunities coming to market for this period due to the long lag time in filling prior positions due to the shortage of skills and difficulty in bringing overseas talent into the market to bridge the gap due to challenges in securing housing. The sector is currently facing a severe understaffing issue, with one in four construction jobs remaining unfilled.

“Despite the challenges, certain sectors continue to experience growth, while employers and candidates navigate the evolving landscape of employment in Ireland. Life Sciences and Engineering saw an increase of 6%, Supply Chain and Procurement experienced a 23% growth quarter on quarter, and Banking and Financial Services recorded a 16% increase. These sectors have been driven by continued investment and expansions of foreign direct investment (FDI) companies, as well as increased demands resulting from regulatory changes.

“In most sectors, salaries have remained steady, except for high-demand positions in Projects, Transformation and Change, Life Sciences, Technology, and Banking where salary increases have been observed. The Banking sector, in particular, has experienced a notable surge in demand for technology professionals due to the growing need for cybersecurity and software application upgrades. However, some sectors have seen a decline in salaries due to increased expenses. Individuals who were let go from technology companies, specifically those in the human resources and talent acquisition field, are now reevaluating their salary expectations as they seek new employment opportunities.

“Although counteroffers during negotiation processes were not as prevalent as in previous quarters, they remained evident in certain sectors. Employee retention has become a strong focus for disciplines and sectors such as Human Resources and Life Sciences, prompting employers to offer higher salary packages and incentives to retain valuable employees critical for business continuity.

“Negotiation dynamics have shifted in certain sectors such as Accountancy and Finance and Engineering, resulting in an increase in under-offering by employers during this quarter. Candidates in these sectors encountered challenges when negotiating modest salary increases, as employers became more conscious of budget limitations and stricter in adhering to hiring budgets.

“The cooling of hiring in the tech sector, which is recovering from widespread resizing of local operations, has led to a larger talent pool of candidates seeking tech sales positions. This has created an employer-led market with increased competition and lower salary offers for senior employees.

“Inflation has impacted hiring practices in certain disciplines, particularly for professionals from lower-cost international locations. The higher cost of living in Ireland has caused professionals to reconsider relocating, while locally based professionals expect higher salaries to offset the impact of inflation. Employers are struggling to meet these salary expectations, leading to the loss of highly skilled talent in certain sectors over the past quarter.

“Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence have had minimal effects on hiring practices for the majority of sectors during this quarter. Companies are gradually adopting automation and technology advancements, which require skilled professionals to oversee and manage automated processes, rather than replacing jobs.”

Current most in-demand positions by discipline:

  • Technology: Full Stack Developers, Cybersecurity Engineers, Data Analysts, and Site Reliability Engineers (SREs).

 

  • Financial Services: Commercial Lines Broker, Claims Adjuster/Handler, Personal Lines Broker, Case Manager for mortgages and banking, Pension Administrators, Risk Assurance Analyst, Risk Assurance Manager, Compliance Analyst, Compliance Manager, Internal Audit Manager, Personal Lines Insurance Broker, Internal Auditor, Head of Function.

  • Accountancy & Financing: Newly Qualified Accountants (Big 4/Top 10 trained), Senior Accounts with 2-5 years of post-qualification experience, Tax Accountants, Tax Managers, Payroll, Accounts Payable Specialists, Credit Control, and Account Assistants.

 

  • Life Sciences & Engineering: Equipment Validation Engineer, Cleaning Validation Engineer, Process Validation Engineer, Computer Systems Validation Engineers, Qualified Persons, Process Engineers with Chemical Qualifications, Quality Control Specialists, Quality Control Engineers, Quality Assurance Analysts, Quality Assurance Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Mechanical Design Engineers, Health & Safety Engineers

  • Projects, Change & Transformation: Project managers, Program Managers, Business Analysts in consulting positions, Payment Roles, SAP Specialists and ERP Specialists.

  • Human Resources: HR Business Partners, HR Generalist and mid-level, HR Managers, HR Operations Specialists, HR Coordinators

  • Construction: Quantity Surveyors, Civil Engineers, Project Managers, Structural Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, and Electrical Engineers.

  • Business Support: Executive Assistants, Office Managers, Receptionists, Office Administrators, and Sales Administrators.

  • Supply Chain & Procurement:  Production Managers, Supervisors, and Operators in the food industry. In the pharmaceutical industry, there has been a need for Planners.

  • Multilingual: Sales, Content Reviewer/Content Moderation, Quality Analyst, Operations/Administration, and Customer Support.

  • Marketing: Communications Specialist, Digital Marketing Manager, Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, and Sustainability Manager.

 

  • Legal: Corporate Lawyers, Funds Lawyers, Capital Markets Lawyers, Company Secretaries, and Construction Lawyers.

 

  • Executive Search: Head of Risk, Head of Compliance, Head of Audit, CEO (Financial Services)

Statistical methodology

  • Monthly new jobs and new candidates:

Monthly new jobs and new candidate figures are based on Morgan McKinley’s monthly records of new permanent and contract job vacancies and new candidates registering with the firm for employment. Statistics for the full market are derived using Morgan McKinley’s market share.

  • Job classification:

Job vacancies are professional-level positions within the following sectors and functions: Legal, Funds, Technology, Admin/Office Support, Sales, Supply Chain & Procurement, Life Sciences, Executive Search, HR, Multilingual, Contract, Marketing, Banking & Insurance, Accounting & Finance, and Projects/Transformation/Consulting.

  • Geography:

The data is based on new job vacancies and new candidates registered with Morgan McKinley’s network of Irish offices in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford.

Adding Food Delivery As An Option? Here’s How To Make That Fly

Food delivery is growing in popularity among both customers and businesses due to the increasing demand for convenience. Providing this service can lead to higher sales, broader customer reach, and improved customer loyalty. But before you jump into offering food delivery services, there are some important considerations to make sure you get it right. From choosing the right delivery partner to setting up processes that ensure your food arrives in perfect condition every time, there are many steps involved in making a successful launch. In this article, we will discuss how to set up a successful food delivery business so that you can start taking orders as soon as possible!

Assessing the Viability of Food Delivery

Before you decide to offer food delivery services, it’s important to assess the viability of such an endeavor in your local area. Consider factors like market demand, competition, and cost. Analyzing these aspects can help you determine whether offering delivery is a viable option for your business or not. A lot of businesses have had success with delivery, but make sure to do your research and ensure that it’s right for you. You want to make sure you don’t waste your time and money setting up something that won’t be profitable in the end.

Conducting Market Research and Identifying Demand

Once you’ve decided to move forward with offering a food delivery service, it’s time to conduct proper market research. This is an important step in order to understand customer preferences and make sure your product meets their expectations. Talk to potential customers, analyze data from competitors, and take the time to really get to know what they want. You can also use social media platforms to survey customers and get an idea of what they would look for in a food delivery service.

In addition, you should also explore available delivery partners and research pricing models that are competitive in the market. This will help you come up with an attractive offer for customers and ensure that your service is cost-effective.

Finding the Best Online Food Ordering System

Now that you’ve done your market research and identified demand, it’s time to find the best online food ordering system for your business. There are a variety of platforms available, from restaurant-specific services to comprehensive delivery networks. When trying to find the best online food ordering systems for business, consider factors such as features, pricing models, and customer service options when selecting an online food ordering system. You want to make sure it meets all of your needs and provides a reliable service for customers. When selecting a platform, make sure to also consider online payment options as well as any additional fees that may be associated with the service.

Creating a User-Friendly Delivery System

Once you have identified demand and chosen appropriate delivery partners, it’s time to put together an effective system for fulfilling orders. This includes setting up delivery preferences, determining the best times for pickups, and establishing a system for tracking orders. To ensure your customers receive their orders on time, make sure you have enough staff available to handle the demand. Don’t forget to factor in packaging and order accuracy when designing your delivery process.

On the other hand, make sure your website or app is user-friendly and allows customers to easily place orders. Users should be able to customize their orders and include special instructions if necessary. You should also include a tracking system so customers can keep an eye on their order status in real-time.

Making Sure Your Food Arrives In Perfect Condition

To ensure a successful launch, it’s crucial to make sure the food is always delivered in perfect condition. Properly package and insulate all orders for stable temperature during delivery. 

It’s also important to provide detailed instructions on reheating foods if needed. For example, when ordering pizza, make sure to include instructions on how long the pizza should be reheated in order for it to stay fresh. Also, if you’re offering delivery of alcoholic beverages make sure to include clear disclaimers and age verification processes. Having a well-thought-out process for food delivery can go a long way in improving customer satisfaction, so make sure to take the time to get it right.

Prioritizing Customer Service and Feedback

Offer customers the opportunity to provide feedback on their experience in order to further enhance the delivery process. This could include anything from how quickly orders were delivered to food quality. Also, ensure that your website or app offers good customer support options such as an FAQ page or live chat feature. You can also give customers the opportunity to submit complaints or suggestions in order to make sure their feedback is heard.

Overall, setting up a successful food delivery business requires careful planning and research. From assessing the viability of such an endeavor to finding the best online ordering system and making sure your food arrives in perfect condition every time, there are many steps involved. Additionally, it’s important to prioritize customer service and feedback so that customers have a positive experience with your product or service. With these considerations in mind, you can be on track for launching a successful food delivery business!

4 Reasons Why the Dell PowerEdge R630 Delivers Performance

Are you searching for a server that can deliver exceptional performance and meet the demands of your business? Look no further than the Dell PowerEdge R630.

This server powerhouse has powerful Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 processors, ensuring lightning-fast processing speeds and seamless multitasking capabilities. With its high scalability and flexibility, the PowerEdge R630 can easily adapt to your ever-changing workloads, making it the perfect choice for businesses of all sizes.

So why settle for anything less when you have a server that maximises your potential? The Dell PowerEdge R630 is for sale at major retailers like ETB  Technologies to take your business’s performance to new heights. Read on to find out more about the specifications and more. 

#1 Dell PowerEdge R630’s Powerful Intel Xeon processors

You will be amazed by the performance of the Dell PowerEdge R630, thanks to its utilisation of powerful Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 processors. These high-performance computing powerhouses are designed to handle even the most demanding workloads easily.

With advanced server technology, these processors deliver exceptional speed and efficiency, allowing you to run multiple applications simultaneously without lag or delay.

The Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 processors used in the Dell PowerEdge R630 are specifically optimised for data centre environments, making them perfect for businesses that require robust computing power. Whether you’re running complex simulations, analysing large datasets, or managing virtualised environments, these processors can handle it all effortlessly. Their multi-core architecture and hyper-threading capabilities ensure that every task is executed quickly and efficiently, maximising productivity.

#2 Dell PowerEdge R630’s High scalability and flexibility

With its impressive scalability and flexibility, the Dell PowerEdge R630 offers a level of adaptability that will leave you in awe. Whether your organisation is experiencing rapid growth or facing scalability challenges, this server can easily accommodate your changing needs.

The R630 supports up to 24 DIMM slots, allowing a maximum memory capacity of 1.5TB. This means you can scale up the memory as your workload demands increase, ensuring optimal performance at all times.

In addition to its scalability benefits, the PowerEdge R630 also offers high flexibility. It features multiple storage options, including support for up to eight hot-plug hard drives or solid-state drives. This allows you to choose the storage configuration that best suits your requirements, whether high-capacity HDDs for data-intensive applications or fast and reliable SSDs for latency-sensitive workloads.

Moreover, the R630 supports various RAID configurations and has built-in redundancy features such as hot-plug power supplies and fans. This ensures your system remains highly available and resilient even during hardware failures.

#3 Dell Poweredge R630’s Reliable Performance And No Downtime

Despite concerns about potential downtime, the Dell PowerEdge R630 ensures reliable performance, allowing businesses to operate seamlessly without interruptions. With its advanced hardware and software features, this server is designed to minimise data loss and reduce maintenance costs.

The PowerEdge R630 incorporates redundant power supplies and fans, ensuring the system can continue running smoothly without disruptions, even during a component failure. This reliability is crucial for businesses that rely heavily on their servers to store and process critical data.

Furthermore, the PowerEdge R630 has features like hot-swappable hard drives and RAID controllers, further enhancing its reliability. These features allow for easy replacement of failed components without shutting down or interrupting server operations. As a result, businesses can significantly reduce maintenance costs as they no longer need to schedule downtime or hire additional staff for regular hardware replacements.

In addition to minimising data loss through its robust hardware features, the PowerEdge R630 also offers various software tools for data protection and recovery. Dell’s integrated management software allows users to monitor their servers in real-time and receive alerts about potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach helps businesses identify and resolve issues quickly, preventing any significant impact on their operations.

#4 Dell Poweredge R630’s Adaptability To Changing Workloads

The adaptability of the Dell PowerEdge R630 is crucial for businesses to handle changing workloads seamlessly. With its flexible resource allocation capabilities, this server allows you to manage your workload without any hiccups efficiently.

Whether you’re experiencing a sudden surge in demand or dealing with fluctuating workloads, the PowerEdge R630 can easily adapt and allocate resources accordingly. One key feature contributing to its adaptability is its ability to adjust CPU performance based on workload demands dynamically. This means that the server can scale up or down its processing power as needed, ensuring optimal performance at all times.

Furthermore, efficient workload management is another aspect where the Dell PowerEdge R630 excels. Its advanced management software provides comprehensive monitoring and control options that help optimise performance and ensure smooth operation even during peak periods. The server’s intelligent automation capabilities enable it to intelligently distribute workloads across multiple processors, maximising efficiency and minimising response times.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dell PowerEdge R630 is a top choice for businesses seeking outstanding server performance. With its powerful Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 processors, this server delivers exceptional speed and efficiency to handle even the most demanding workloads.

It’s high scalability and flexibility allow for easy expansion and customisation to meet changing business needs.

With its exceptional performance and ability to maximise server potential, the Dell PowerEdge R630 is an excellent investment for any organisation looking for top-notch server capabilities. Will you invest in the Dell Poweredge R630. 

 

Business Water Suppliers in Scotland – 5 Things To Know

Are you a business owner in Scotland? If so, then pay attention to this article about business water suppliers in Scotland. We’ve compiled a list of five important things you need to know before choosing a water supplier for your business. Trust us; it’s not as simple as turning on the tap!

First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand the different types of business water suppliers available in Scotland. From national providers like Castle Water to regional companies, each has advantages and disadvantages. We’ll break down these options and help you determine the best fit for your needs.

Additionally, we’ll discuss key considerations such as customer service, reliability, and sustainability practices that should be considered when selecting a supplier.

So let’s dive into the world of business water suppliers in Scotland!

Types of Business Water Suppliers in Scotland

Scotland has several types of business water suppliers, each offering unique services and benefits to cater to different business needs.

One type of supplier is the regional water company, which provides water and wastewater services to specific areas within Scotland. These companies have established infrastructure and networks that efficiently deliver water to businesses across their designated regions.

Another type of supplier is the licensed provider, which operates independently from the regional water companies. Licensed providers offer competitive rates and flexible packages that can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of businesses. They often provide additional value-added services such as leak detection, water efficiency audits, and customised billing options.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Business Water Supplier in Scotland

When selecting a supplier for our commercial water needs in Scotland, it’s important to consider several key factors carefully.

First and foremost, we need to assess the reliability and reputation of the business water suppliers. Choosing a supplier with a proven track record of delivering high-quality water consistently and on time is crucial. Trustpilot is a fantastic resource to use to assess this!

Additionally, we should evaluate their customer service and responsiveness to ensure that any issues or concerns will be addressed promptly.

The cost is another important consideration when choosing a business water supplier in Scotland. We need to compare the pricing structures of different suppliers and analyse what services are included in the quoted price. Finding a supplier that offers competitive rates without compromising the water quality is essential.

As we delve into the subsequent section about regulations and licensing for business water suppliers in Scotland, it’s essential to understand how these factors can impact our choice of supplier.

Regulations and Licensing for Business Water Suppliers in Scotland

One interesting statistic to consider is that all business water suppliers in Scotland must be licensed by the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) to operate legally. This licensing ensures that the suppliers meet certain standards and regulations set by the commission, which helps to protect businesses from unreliable or subpar service. The WICS also monitors and regulates the pricing of these suppliers’ water services, ensuring that they’re fair and transparent.

These regulations are crucial in maintaining a competitive market and ensuring businesses access reliable and affordable water services.

Cost Factors and Pricing Structures of Business Water Suppliers in Scotland

If you’re a business owner in Scotland, understanding water services’ cost factors and pricing structures can help you make informed decisions when choosing the right supplier for your needs. Various factors influence the cost of water services for businesses in Scotland.

One factor is the size of your business and its water consumption. Typically, larger businesses will have higher costs compared to smaller ones. The type of industry your business operates in can impact pricing. Certain industries may require higher levels of water supply and treatment, leading to higher costs.

Another significant cost factor is the location of your business premises. Suppose your business is located in a remote area with limited access to infrastructure or sources of water supply. In that case, additional transportation or infrastructure requirements may increase costs. Furthermore, some suppliers offer different pricing structures based on the volume of water your business consumes. This means you might be eligible for discounted rates if you use larger volumes of water.

Understanding these cost factors and pricing structures can help you assess the affordability and suitability of different suppliers for your specific needs. With this knowledge, you can decide which supplier offers competitive prices while meeting all necessary regulatory standards.

Benefits of Using a Business Water Supplier in Scotland

By working with a business water supplier, you can enjoy several benefits that can help streamline your operations and save costs. Here are five key advantages to consider:

– Cost savings: Business water suppliers in Scotland often offer competitive pricing structures and packages tailored to meet your company’s specific needs. This can help you reduce overall water bills and save money in the long run.

– Expert guidance: With their industry expertise, business water suppliers can provide valuable insights and guidance on optimising water usage. They can suggest measures to improve efficiency, reduce wastage, and implement sustainable practices that align with environmental regulations.

– Consolidated billing: Partnering with a business water supplier allows you to consolidate all your water-related expenses into one comprehensive bill. This simplifies the payment process, making it easier for you to manage your finances effectively.

– Dedicated customer support: Business water suppliers prioritise their clients’ satisfaction by offering dedicated customer support services. Whether you have questions about your bill or need assistance with an issue, their knowledgeable team is there to assist you promptly.

– Access to additional services: Some business water suppliers go beyond providing water by offering additional services such as leak detection, maintenance support, and metre reading analysis. These value-added services can further optimise your operations and ensure the smooth functioning of your company’s facilities.

Partnering with a business water supplier in Scotland offers numerous benefits that enhance operational efficiency and contribute towards cost savings and sustainability efforts.

In Summary

In conclusion, after investigating the various aspects of business water suppliers in Scotland, we confidently say that a business water supplier is a wise choice for any company.

So if you’re looking for a reliable solution for your company’s water requirements, consider partnering with one of Scotland’s trusted business water suppliers. You’ll enjoy peace of mind and contribute towards sustainable practices by making responsible choices regarding your water consumption.

Will you be making a switch?

Tech Review – Woov is a cordless design heating cushion for your furry friends from stoov

When it comes to tech we mostly think of ourselves let’s be honest but there is tech for you pets to these days you know, only kidding but since I got a new pet in the house Lola has been in a few videos not with pet products and some of which do have a tech element to it and this product does and this company does not only cater for your cat or dog they cater for us humans too and have a really nice range of products you might not even think about and how they work and as some said to me it is just a cushion and there was my answer back, don’t judge a book by its cover.

When asked to check this out first I was about to pass on it but I changed my mind and said we would take a look and I am glad I did as this particular product is for your cat or dog be it Winter or Summer due to how it works and how it works is what people miss and for a regular visitor to pets stores I have yet to see anything like it personally.

This works with a simple process and is simple to use and set up which takes around 3 minutes to do in fact and the job is done, there is two ways to look at this or use it if you will and both will keep your pet happy and if cold will keep them warm. So in the box you get your cushion your cover and an external cover and also a charger and plug and on the outer cover there is a simple control to power on/off and change the heat temperature.

For me the pillow is comfortable and it is not one that you could fall of the edge of if you understand so your pet will not fall of the edge of it as it is soft and sinks down making it safe, we do have other standard pillows here which the dog would lie or sit on but would not hover on the edge as it is a more solid material and she would be edging back to jump off it or if on couch for example as it is not stable like this pillow is.

OK so then end result then, well I cant speak or my dog but I know when she is happy and she has made herself a new bed now and from my own personal take it is comfortable and does the job and I love the heating element to it too and so will you and your pet, again it is my own view on the matter and trying to take all into consideration and be subjective, everyone’s taste is different and that is no different to your pet but from seeing what she has and has not liked over the years this is a winner and she will not move off it now.

What is this all about then and who is stoov

Stoov live for those moments where we forget about time and just enjoy the moment. Stoov® is all about bringing coziness, whether its inside on your couch, outside on a fresh spring morning or harvesting the last lights on an autumn day. Their infrared heating products will keep you warm, whether you are at home, in your garden, on the sea or camping, so you can focus on the moment and enjoy life.

The Woov heated cat & dog bed

Animals love to be warm, and your furry friends will often be found lounging in the sun. But what about when the sun isn’t shining? With the Woov heated dog and cat bed, you can give your pet a cozy spot to relax in the house, no matter the weather. It’s a surefire way to keep them warm and comfortable.

Lola woov and Stoov indoors – techbuzzireland

 

How does the Woov heated bed for your dog and cat work?

The Woov heated bed for your furry friends uses smart infrared heat technology, just like all other heating products from Stoov®. Don’t worry, it’s completely safe for both humans and animals. Plus, it has a timer and thermostat built in for extra safety. So you can relax, knowing that it won’t get too hot and it will automatically shut off after 8 hours.

What are the thermal dog beds made of?

When it comes to the heated dog beds, you have options! The Woov Woolly is made of a super soft and cozy fabric that feels like a sheepskin. And the Woov Outdoor is perfect for those less tidy and clumsy pets. It’s made of a synthetic fabric that’s water and dirt repellent, plus UV resistant, making it perfect for outdoor use.

Make your four-legged friend happy with a heated cat or dog bed

Don’t be surprised if your dog or cat barely notices the cozy new heated bed you bought for them! We all know that, in particular, cats can be stubborn and often prefer the smallest cardboard box. But don’t worry, if that’s the case, you can always use the cushion yourself. Plus, you have 30 days to return it for any reason.

Check out familypets.ie for your local pet supplies

BUY

Video Review

Kidovo secures seed round for kids interactive learning app

The next generation of children are growing up with digital devices all around them. As a result, they’re spending increasing amounts of time on these devices in passive consumption of content which is leading to a range of development issues. In addressing this pressing concern, fun learning platform Kidovo is today launching with a $1.2 million seed funding round to provide every child (2-8 years old) with personalised interactive learning.

The funding round saw participation from Venture Highway, Amplify PCC, Good Capital, & prominent angels including Ashish Singhal from Coinswitch among others. Using interactivity, Kidovo is aiming to turn passive consumption into active participation from kids, which helps avoid many of the problems prevalent today with kids’ screen time.

Kidovo was founded by Sameer Goyal, ex Amazon & AWS engineer, and Rahul Bhatnagar, ex Uber, Cubical Labs, Amazon. They met while beginning their careers at Amazon over a decade ago. Together, they have a combined experience of over 20 years in the tech industry.

“When Rahul reached out to me, about building an interactive learning platform for kids, I was sure something like this must exist. But I was surprised to see very few options for such content. Further, we both realised the massive size of this problem. This affects most of the kids on the entire planet. We started researching the space and found that there is a massive opportunity to build better learning experiences for kids using the latest technology.” said Sameer Goyal, co-founder of Kidovo.

“We’ve been testing the early versions of the product with a small group of about 60 families as part of our co-builder program since December 2022. While we have been constantly improving the product based on feedback from that program, the platform has already grown to serve 4000 registered families. Further, as a testament to our team’s commitment to improving kids’ learning experience and safety, we have already received kidSAFE COPPA+ certification as well as a 5 star certification from educational app store in just 6 months since our platform accepted its first external user. We are now confident in serving more users on our platform and have begun rolling out our paid subscription plans.”

Recent studies have suggested that kids spend about an hour everyday on Youtube. With shortage of workers in the childcare industry, increasingly these devices are the child’s nanny (Source). Further, since generation alpha is the first generation to grow up around digital devices, parents are increasingly finding it difficult to limit screen time without access to other sources of more meaningful & productive entertainment for children.

The American academy of Pediatrics recommends for children 2 to 5 years of age to limit use to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming, while parents co-view & help children understand the content and help them apply what they learn (Source). Kidovo is designed to provide children with a digital playmate, who would fulfil the above responsibilities when a parent is unavailable to do so.

“We found that existing interactive solutions were too focussed on academic outcomes & hence were unable to engage the child over a long period of time. Further, they lacked the variety of content that would support children as they explore different areas of interest. Therefore, we decided to work together with the best kids content creators and empower them with interactive tools to make more engaging content.” said Rahul Bhatnagar, co-founder of Kidovo.

Since children are spending increasing amounts of time on digital devices, the time they spend practising speaking has gone down leading to speech delay problems. The team has devised an innovative approach to get kids to speak while learning on their platform. One of the forms of interactivity on the platform is where kids are asked questions from the content and they need to speak to answer and get real time feedback almost as if there’s a real life tutor with them. The owl mascot, Ovo, also involves kids in casual conversation to help them build confidence to express themselves.

Kidovo not only helps children with healthier screen time options, but also helps parents participate in their children’s learning journeys. The platform offers parents key moments they might have missed from their kids’ activity on the platform, they can hear their kids speak, see what they drew. Further, parents are offered tips on activities & discussions that they can engage in with their kids based on their activity on the platform.

Kidovo plans to use this investment to move closer to their vision of empowering every child worldwide to reach their full potential through personalised, immersive, and engaging experiences that make learning fun and accessible.

The Evolution of Radio: From Morse Code to Digital Communication

Radio has played a pivotal role in communication technology, shaping how we connect and interact with the world around us. From its humble beginnings as a means to transmit Morse code messages, it’s evolved into a highly powerful tool. In this article, we trace its development from the early experiments of inventors to the advent of modern digital communication systems.

Morse Code

This communication system uses a series of dots and dashes to represent letters, numbers, and punctuation marks. It was developed in the early 1830s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail, as a method of transmitting messages using telegraph wires. The system was simple and efficient to use. Radio operators used it to send messages across vast distances, especially during times of war or emergencies. Morse code was particularly useful because it could be easily understood – even with poor signal quality.

With the advancement of technology and the invention of more sophisticated communication systems, morse code gradually became obsolete. These days people research the price of 2-way dispatch radios that can be used for fleet management. They feature GPS employee tracking, on-device recording, and emergency SOS buttons.

Marconi And The Invention Of Wireless Telegraphy

Guglielmo Marconi was born in Italy in 1874, and he developed an interest in science and technology from an early age. He was particularly captivated by the concept of using electromagnetic waves to transmit messages over long distances. Marconi’s experiments and inventions led to the development of practical wireless telegraphy systems. As a young man, he successfully sent his first wireless signal over a distance of one mile. This achievement laid the foundation for further advancements in radio communication.

His most notable feat involved transmitting the letter “S” across the Atlantic Ocean – from Cornwall, England to Newfoundland, Canada. This marked a monumental milestone in global communication history. It firmly established Marconi as one of the leading figures in wireless telegraphy.

The Invention Of The Radio

Samuel Morse’s telegraph laid the foundation for wireless communication technologies. Building upon this achievement, he made groundbreaking advancements that enabled long-distance transmissions. These ultimately lead to the establishment of commercial radio broadcasting.

Over time, more scientists and inventors contributed their expertise to radio technology. It evolved from using vacuum tubes to transistors and eventually microchips. Radios became smaller and more portable, while offering enhanced audio quality.

The Rise Of AM And FM Broadcasting

AM (amplitude modulation) and FM (frequency modulation) became popular methods of radio broadcasting in the early 20th century. AM broadcasting uses changes in amplitude to carry sound signals, and it gained popularity due to its long-range capabilities. It allowed stations to transmit signals over vast distances, reaching remote locations and connecting people across different regions. This widespread coverage made AM radio an essential medium for news dissemination, entertainment, and cultural exchange.

FM broadcasting emerged as a more refined alternative to AM. It uses changes in frequency instead of amplitude to encode sound signals. FM provided clearer audio quality with reduced noise interference. This improvement made FM suitable for music broadcasts. This created a new era for radio that focused on entertainment, rather than solely informational content. The introduction of stereo sound further enhanced the listening experience and solidified FM’s place as the preferred platform for music lovers.

The Digital Revolution

This has transformed various forms of communication, including the evolution of radio from analog to digital. Digital communication relies on binary code, which breaks down information into a series of ones and zeros. This method allows for more efficient transmission and clearer reception, compared to analog signals.

By converting analog waves into digital data, radio transmission became more reliable and resistant to interference. Furthermore, digital technology enabled the development of new features such as HD Radio and satellite radio. These offer listeners enhanced audio quality and a wider range of stations.

Streaming Services And Internet Radio

The world has seen the rise of platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora. Users can now access an extensive library of music from a wide range of genres. These services offer convenience and portability, plus personalized recommendations based on individual preferences.

In addition to music streaming, internet radio has gained popularity as well. Platforms like iHeartRadio and TuneIn allow users to listen to live broadcasts from global radio stations. This means that listeners are no longer limited by geographical restrictions.

As you can see, the evolution of radio has been persistent and impressive. In turn, it offers more possibilities than ever before. From the early days of Morse code, it’s now developed into a global phenomenon that continues to advance.

Boom Launches AI Video Bar

Boom Collaboration has launched a powerful new ‘intelligent’ video bar, as the growing appeal of all-in-one devices continues to accelerate.

The US-based manufacturer has unveiled the Boom AURA, a stylish video bar with built-in AI functions designed to deliver superior meetings.

The Boom AURA offers 4K Ultra HD picture quality, 10x digital zoom and a wide 120 degree field of view. AI functions include highly responsive facial detection and sound source localization providing intelligent auto-framing and voice-tracking. 

Six digital array mics with six meters of pickup ensure crisp high fidelity audio and an optimal intuitive response. An 8MP CMOS sensor is combined with plug-and-play functionality and a standard three-year warranty

The all-in-one AURA delivers a smart professional user experience backed by intelligent hardware that makes for better meetings. Simply. That’s the view of Fredrik Hörnkvist who set-up Boom Collaboration with co-founder Holli Hulett in 2020.

Holy Grail

“There’s little doubt the popularity of video bars continues to rise as they provide a perfect solution especially for huddle rooms which are now an integral part of today’s hybrid work trends,” he explained.

“The AURA offers many exceptional features to create a complete conferencing solution combining stylish design with high performance and ease of use.”

The AURA joins the Boom UNO vertical video bar as part of an expanding portfolio, with further product developments in the pipeline.

However both Hörnkvist and Hulett insist video bars might not be the ‘holy grail’ of conferencing for every environment, especially very large rooms.

“Despite their growing popularity video bars have limitations especially in larger rooms where people might be sat a long way back,” Hulett highlighted. “PTZ cameras with optical zoom offer the ultimate visual performance and when paired with our GEMINI expandable wireless audio system, for example, it’s often a better experience.

“We have also just introduced the Boom GOJO multi-camera controller which makes it easy to add a new dimension to conference meetings and live events by utilising more than just one PTZ camera.”

She concluded: “Boom Collaboration provide solutions for all room types, from home workers to the biggest boardrooms – raising the bar in performance and convenience, whether that’s all-in-one or more powerful PTZ camera technologies. The popularity of bars and cameras remain high.”