Month: January 2024

Why Evolve IP Is Ready To Roar In 2024

Evolve IP (EMEA) is primed for another record-breaking year after laying solid foundations for success over the last 12 months.

The white-label cloud collaboration service provider generated unprecedented growth and attracted record numbers of new partners during 2023.

Now the company is hailing 2024 as the ‘year to sell’ with new product innovations and enhanced levels of reseller support aiming to accelerate overall performance.

Paul Harrison, EMEA’s Managing Director of Evolve IP, says reseller traction is set to be propelled further forward especially across the UK and the Netherlands.

“Our ethos has been to land and expand in different regions, attract more resellers, grow where we can and develop relationships with existing partners to take them further forward.”

Paul Harrison, Evolve IP’s EMEA MD

Largest operators

Harrison explained: “We’ve grown into one of the largest operators in the UK. New partners come to us because of the innovation we offer and the channel-focused technologies we provide – recognising it’s not a one size fits all market. Equally, as an international business, we deliver services far and wide. This is becoming more and more important to our resellers. 

“We offer in-depth vertical expertise from hospitality to automotive to retail to healthcare and even finance. We have also really focused on our hardware offering as we still recognise its importance within a business’s communication strategy. We like to keep things simple and make sure that we’re easy to work with and remain competitive. We try and tick every box and understand that our partners need to make good margins.” 

Double-digit growth

Evolve IP’s carrier grade platform and expanded team of skilled sales and technical support specialists ensure customers are never let down, Harrison emphasised.

“We’re doing well and double-digit growth is very impressive in such a competitive space. For us 2024 is very exciting. It’s the year to sell. Over the last two years, the team behind me has been busy onboarding new products and streamlining our technologies, as well as automating internal processes such as in-house ticketing systems and developing enhanced online partner training.

“We’re primed to roar in 2024. The platform is in place and all the ingredients have been added to give each of our partners the ability to go to market with confidence and surety.”

Harrison highlighted how PCI 4.0 regulation changes take place in March, where Evolve IP’s Anywhere Secure Call (the latest addition to its Anywhere Product Suite) can help give resellers an advantage.

“We also have a partner day in April at Williams Racing which will further galvanise and invigorate our customer base.”

Bigger rewards

Harrison concluded: “Cloud technology is moving quickly but in an increasingly saturated market resellers need to stand out from the crowd to continue to win new business and nullify the threat of a commoditised channel. We understand the dangers of a ‘race to the bottom’ where the cheapest tender always wins purely on price alone.

“Many providers can make a phone ring but it’s about applying different layers of service and tools that can streamline business operations to make them more productive and successful. Surviving in a saturated market is getting harder but the rewards can be bigger than ever.”

Cybercrime is the number one threat when it comes to financial crime in Ireland

Hacking, phishing, online scams, and other variations of cybercrime are thought to be the most prevalent financial crimes in Ireland, as found in a new survey by the Compliance Institute, which polled 230 compliance professionals working primarily in Irish financial services organisations nationwide.

When asked what they consider to be the most prevalent financial crime in Ireland, respondents to the Compliance Institute Financial Crime answered as follows:

  • Cybercrime (hacking, phishing, online scams)                                                      34%
  • Tax evasion                                                                                                                    21%
  • Fraud                                                                                                                               21%
  • Money laundering                                                                                                         19%
  • Bribery and corruption                                                                                                  4%
  • Insider trading                                                                                                                 1%

Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute commented on the findings:

“While financial crimes from tax evasion to insider trading could be classed as the “traditional” criminal pursuits, cybercrime is more new-age and is developing and advancing at a pace so fast that organisations and legislators cannot keep up.

From the mid-term review of the 2019-2024 Cyber Security Strategy launched in the middle of 2023, we learned of the Government’s plans to create a national anti-ransomware organisation and offer cash subsidies to small businesses to help fight cybersecurity threats. The timelines for this are unclear, but there’s no doubt that the move would be laudable and welcomed with open arms by many businesses that continue to be plagued by ransomware attacks.

These attacks can have catastrophic consequences not just for those whom they are perpetrated against, but for the wider public. We only have to look at the devastation that was caused to patients following the 2021 hacking of the HSE to understand the severity of the crimes”.

Fraud

Mr. Kavanagh continued, “Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) stats show fraudsters stole nearly €85 million (€84.6m) through frauds and scams in 2022, an increase of 8.8% on 2021. As a New Year commences, there’s a real concern that we will see an uptick in these figures”.

Mr. Kavanagh concluded,

“Ireland is now Europe’s largest data hosting cluster, putting the need for elevated cybercrime and data protection systems into sharp focus.

Regulators in Ireland, and around the world, are constantly updating and issuing new guidance to firms in response to emerging cyber security issues, such as fake documentation and the reliability of information sources.

Regulators need to ask themselves how they can regulate and supervise without stifling innovation. Businesses and organisations need to ask how can they best prepare and respond, and the general public also needs to know what measures they can take to protect themselves”

UPS customs fee sms scam to watch out for

There is plenty of scams knocking about now and if you are one to regularly get packages like me it seems like an easy target for scammers be it coincidental or not these scams are getting better all the time and catching people out and even some high profile individuals have took to the press here which was a silly move in my eyes they should know better.

When it comes to scams they are with all courier companies and in the form of looking for some form of payment such as customs fees and they do have tell tale signs from the offset such as a bad URL and incorrect spelling in the text itself.. See  below what the situation is with the UPS customs fee scam is.

In all cases if you do get an sms or email and not sure you can always check if these are real or fake by checking the tracking code with the courier website or using 17 track as we have shown above and in the video below and you will swiftly get the result, in all cases you should always ask and check before proceeding any further as it is most likely a scam and this one with UPS is a new one on me and for the most looks original.

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Dublin Tech Summit Partners with Pegasus to Host First Ever Irish Leg of the Startup World Cup

The Startup World Cup, the world’s largest startup pitch competition, will make its debut in Ireland, with the semi-final taking place at Dublin Tech Summit 2024. Powered by Pegasus Tech Ventures, the tournament consists of over 50 regional startup competitions across over 20 countries, providing an unmatched opportunity to access Ireland’s startup ecosystem and global tech companies.

The contendants will be judged at the event by a panel of venture capitalists, with the winner attending the grand final in Silicon Valley to compete against 50 other semi-finalists from across the globe for the $1,000,000 investment prize. The judging panel will consist of esteemed venture capitalist organisations, aimed at supporting startup growth. Featuring partners and directors from, VC Seraphim Space, Sure Valley Ventures, Techstars Sustainability Paris, Anamcara Capital, and The Launch Code.

“The Startup World Cup Grand Finale 2023 in San Francisco was more than just an event; it was a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Martin Tantow, Partner at Pegasus Tech Ventures. “Each pitch brought something unique to the table, elevating the competition to new heights of excitement. To be able to bring such an arena to a highly receptive audience in Ireland, has been a long awaited affair for Pegasus Tech Ventures, and we are honoured to partner with Dublin Tech Summit to bring the first ever leg of the event to Ireland, given the nation’s esteemed tech prowess in Europe”

Dublin Tech Summit 2024 will also be expanding its Accelerate initiative. Accelerate provides an opportunity for Irish start up & scale-up brands to expand internationally and get noticed by technology movers and shakers, to maximise investment opportunities for the Irish startup scene. Dublin Tech Summit will exhibit all entries in its Accelerate hall for the duration of the summit.

“Dublin Tech Summit is thrilled to announce not only the expansion of our Accelerate programme to empower local innovators but its commitment to empowering those very talents on a global stage as host to the Startup World Cup. To be able to utilise our position as a seminal voice in the mainstream techworld to provide opportunities to the next generation of changemakers, is something Dublin Tech Summit and our Accelerate programme take great pride in. In a world of ever changing corporate tax receipts, nurturing our local and start-up economy is as vital now as it ever was”, said Tracey Carney, Managing Director, Dublin Tech Summit.

To compete on the pitch stage at the DTS24, startups must register online to participate in the Accelerate programme and founders must have formed a legal business entity. The startup can be at any stage of development, from pre-seed to scale-up, and each entrant will submit a 90-second video pitch. 50 startups will be selected from the video pitches to compete in knockout presentation rounds on day one of the summit, with finals on day 2 for those who advance in the competition.

“It is an unprecedented opportunity for Irish startups to get their idea in front of expert investors, and the chance to be in the global grand finale competition in Silicon Valley. Entrepreneurial dreamers are the life of the innovation economy. Providing Irish expertise to the world is a key feature of the Accelerate programme, one which has the potential to see significant dividends in the economy as wider society in dynamic times”, said DC Cahalane former GCMO for Dogpatch Labs, and now Venture Partner at Sure Valley Ventures, and DTS Accelerate stage MC.

Tech Review – OpenRock S Open-Ear Air Conduction Headphones

Last September we checked out the OpenRock Pro Air conduction support headphones and now they have introduced their latest offering the OpenRock S Open-Ear Air conduction Headphones which is is all the rage now with many brands jumping on board the Air Conduction tech.

The design is familiar and will sit on the ears well and will not fall off so ideal for commuters and gym goers any sports enthusiast actually.

It can take a bit to get use to the controls once fitted, there is no tips here which is great and out of the box you are good to go, we discuss the controls below in more detail you have just about enough to stop you taking your phone out to get things done.

Controls.

You have to music modes here one being relax mode and one being Rock mode which oddly enough cannot be changed with music playing but there is a notable difference between the two, you also have other controls on board such as voice assistant obtained by tapping either side for three seconds, you can also skip and reverse tracks by holding for two seconds and answer and hang up calls, there does not seem to be a volume control option built in, you can play and pause tracks with a double tap.

The sound quality out of the box is pretty decent, there is no app access here which is disappointing and something they might work on in a future pair but overall the sound is decent it is loud crisp and clear no lag latency noted and no distortion maxed out on volume or tinny sound either testing all genres and with Rock Mode you can feel that bass kick in.

Overall if you are into sports or just want something new being air conduction technology you might want to check these out, they look clean and fit well and do an excellent job overall and sound good which is important.

 

  • Excellent Bass Capabilities – OpenRock S open-ear headphones adopt a new generation of TubeBass bass enhancement technology that concentrates and transmits the energy emitted by the speaker to the ear canal, achieving far-field silencing, reducing sound spillage, and allowing music to surround only the user’s ear canal. Paired with a 16.2mm dynamic driver, it provides unprecedented bass capabilities in open-ear headphones.
  • 60 Hours of Playtime – The earphone’s powerful battery can provide up to 19 hours of listening and talk time at 70% volume on a single charge, plus a 750mAh charging box that can last for 41 hours, and the OpenRock S can provide 60 hours of playback time on a single charge.
OpenRock S Open-Ear air conduction sports earbuds – techbuzzireland
  • Bluetooth 5.3 plus IPX5 Waterproof – OpenRock S wireless earbud’s latest Bluetooth 5.3 further achieves low energy consumption and high transmission rate on the basis of Bluetooth 5.2, shortening the delay time and making the headset connection smoother. It is also IPX5 sweat-proof and waterproof, allowing you to enjoy music worry-free while exercising.
  • Open-Ear Design, Adjustable Earhook – OpenRock adopts the global exclusive titanium alloy ear hooks, the shape of the ear hook can be adjusted according to the size of each person’s ear. Compared with in-ear earbuds, they fit the human ear better, disperse gravity, and are stable and comfortable to wear.
  • AI 4-Mics Call Noise-Canceling – Four high-quality microphones use beam-forming technology to form an array to assist the AI call noise reduction algorithm, achieve four-mark AI call noise reduction, and eliminate environmental noise. Even if the wind is strong around you, the other party can still hear your voice clearly.
  • Rock/Relax Dual Mode – The rock mode emphasizes low-frequency, rhythmic sports sound effects, aiming to reduce sports fatigue and activate your sports potential. The Relax mode emphasizes three-frequency natural and comfortable sound effects, aiming to help individuals relax their body and mind and reduce pressure.

 

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Dyson releases major data study of indoor pollution levels in Irish homes

Dyson unveils the results of its first Global Connected Air Quality Data project. The project analyses indoor air quality information collected by 2.5m Dyson purifiers from 2022 to 2023 to measure air quality in real homes across the world, to a high degree of granularity, breaking down pollution into gas and particle pollutants, and profiling trends over days, months, seasons and the full year. The data comes from Dyson purifiers connected to the MyDyson app; the volume of data exceeds half a trillion data points and paints a precise picture of indoor air quality in cities and countries globally to help build understanding and awareness of indoor air pollution.

From a wealth of data, this project focuses on two types of pollutant – PM2.5, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

PM2.5 refers to particles as small as 2.5 microns in diameter, 1/25th the diameter of a typical human hair. These particles are invisible to the naked eye, can be inhaled and are an area of increasing scientific and health research. Sources include combustion, wood burners, or gas cooking and heating – pet dander, ash and dust.

VOCs are gas pollutants including Benzene and Formaldehyde which can be emitted from activities like cleaning or gas cooking as well as from products including deodorants and body sprays, candles, furniture and furnishings.

“Our connected air quality data allows us insight into the real problem of indoor air pollution in homes across the world. This gives us a direct understanding of the challenges Dyson purifiers face in real environments and the knowledge to engineer ever-better machines to tackle those challenges. But the data we capture isn’t just an engineering tool – on an individual basis, this data is shared back through the MyDyson app in real-time and via monthly reports, to help our owners improve their air quality understanding.” – Matt Jennings, Engineering Director for Environmental Care

“We all think of air pollution as being an outdoor or roadside problem. Indoor air pollution research is growing but continues to be underdeveloped. Dyson’s findings give us a valuable insight into the real pollution levels in homes across the world, helping us to understand the patterns of pollution daily, monthly, and seasonally. The Dyson data is an incredibly powerful education tool and the opportunities for positive impact are boundless – understanding the pollution around us is the first step to reducing our pollution exposure.” – Professor Hugh Montgomery, Chair of Intensive Care Medicine at University College London, and Chairperson of Dyson’s Scientific Advisory Board

Nearly all homes experienced indoor air quality worse than outdoor with Ireland peaking in December and March but Dublin city specifically peaked in January and March.

All but four of the countries studied exceeded outdoor PM2.5 levels for six months or more. In February, most countries experienced the largest gap between indoor PM2.5 as compared to outdoor, where indoor exceeded outdoor levels by the highest proportion compared to all other months.  All but four countries studied exceeded outdoor PM2.5

Ireland ranked 28th globally for indoor/outdoor ratio of PM2.5 levels with China, Austria, and Spain at the top.

DUBLIN CITY SHOWED NEARLY DOUBLE WHO GUIDELINE PM2.5 LEVELS   

The city of Dublin had slightly higher levels of PM2.5 than the rest of the country with the average being 9.81 µg/m3 PM2.5, which was still below the global average.  However, this measurement still exceeded the WHO long term exposure guidelines of what is deemed safe long term PM2.5 levels.  In fact, Dublin came out as having nearly double the amount of what WHO guidelines for PM2.5 levels are. In Dublin city in January 20022, 12.54 µg/m3 PM2.5 levels were documented, which is 2.5 times over what the WHO guidelines suggest.

December and March saw the highest spike of PM2.5 levels in homes in Dublin.

Dyson air purifier data showed that winter across all countries was the most polluted season indoors overall. Given that 90% of our time is spent indoors, the results showed PM2.5 peaked throughout the colder months with January being the most polluted month globally.

Evening pollution was higher than any other time of day in most countries, including Ireland, with spikes between 7pm and 11pm recorded on Irish Air Purifiers. This stat coincides with the time of day that many people spend in their homes.

Exposure is the measure of air pollution concentration over time, which within the air quality research community is a key consideration – a spike of air pollution (a very high level for a short period of time) is not necessarily worse than prolonged exposure to ‘poor’ or even ‘fair’ air quality. Therefore, data from Dyson purifiers suggests that this longer, more polluted period may account for increased exposure to PM2.5 in homes.

Volatile Organic Compound (VOCs) levels in Ireland

European cities also top the rankings of VOC levels indoors: Munich takes top spot, followed by Beijing, and then its fellow German cities – Cologne in 3rd and Berlin 4th.

Dublin and Madrid are particularly high – occupying spaces 11 and 12, both higher than Shenzhen, Busan, Tokyo, Manila, Hong Kong SAR and other larger EMEA cities like Paris, London and Amsterdam.

Dublin, Paris and Milan rank above megacities like Tokyo and Seoul, and above all US cities as well as London.

EQUIPMAKE DOUBLES FLEET REPOWER AGREEMENT WITH BIG BUS TOURS

Equipmake, the UK-based engineering specialist pioneering the development and production of electrification products across the automotive, aerospace, bus, and coach industries, has doubled its fleet repowering agreement with Big Bus Tours.

Following on from an initial contract with the world’s largest sightseeing company –announced in September 2023 – to repower 10 double-deck, open-top buses with its cutting edge electric zero emission electric drivetrain technology, Equipmake has now extended the agreement to a fleet of 20 vehicles.

As millions of tourists arrive in London every week, many hop on an iconic open-top tour bus to see the city’s famous and historic sites. Supporting Big Bus Tours’ commitment to sustainability, Equipmake is working with the operator to convert even more of its existing fleet from diesel to fully electric.

All 20 vehicles are Ankai double-deck sightseeing buses – and each will be converted to incorporate Equipmake’s cutting-edge Zero-Emission Drivetrain (ZED) technology, which in this specification features a 327kWh capacity battery, providing a 120-mile daily range. The entire repowered fleet will be delivered by January 2025, with three buses delivered by May 2024, and two per month thereafter. The first is set to enter service in Q1 2024.

Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake, commented: “Our industry-leading integrated zero emission drivetrain system continues to impress new and existing customers, as evidenced by the extension of this contract with Big Bus Tours. This agreement will double the size of its fully electric, repowered fleet, demonstrating both the quality and efficacy of our state-of-the-art technology, and the level of investment being made across the transport sector as it moves towards a net zero future.”

Gerry Price, Executive Vice President – Group Operations at Big Bus Tours added: “As part of our drive for global net zero, Equipmake’s performance to date with the development of the first 10 buses ordered made the decision to increase the number an easy one and will further progress our class leading zero emissions status in the London tourism market.”

Each Equipmake repower is completely bespoke to the requirements of the specific vehicle with service routes simulated to ensure the optimum battery level is selected, and that required mileage is achievable.

The ZED, which is completely modular and scalable and can be applied to single as well as double-decker buses, features Equipmake’s in-house developed electric motor, inverter, and power electronics, combined with the latest in lithium-ion batteries. In addition, one of its most important features is Equipmake’s patented ultra-efficient thermal management system, which maintains all three of the ZED’s key components – the battery pack, motor, and inverter – at an optimum operating temperature, maximising vehicle range.

Featuring an advanced water-glycol cooling circuit, the system has the added benefit of providing interior heating during cold conditions with captured thermal energy. When the battery is depleted at the end of a complete duty cycle, it can be recharged at the depot overnight via a CSS DC charging point.

By choosing to repower existing buses using Equipmake’s revolutionary technology and methods, significant cost and environmental benefits are achievable. Repurposing an existing bus chassis and body can save 90 tonnes of embedded CO2, in comparison to producing brand new electric double deck buses. Each conversion costs less than half of a new electric bus, and with most buses in service for 14 years or more, operators can make significant savings by repowering a bus halfway through its operational life.

Why is Roulette So Popular in The Middle East: Understanding Its Success

Roulette is a popular game among online casino players in the Middle East, known for its straightforward rules and many betting options. This luck-based game can yield returns up to 35 times the initial bet, making it an attractive and potentially profitable option for players. Plenty of resources are available in Arabic on how to play and the best tips for winning online roulette and maximizing your chances. This article focuses on roulette’s rules,  betting options, and its appeal to bettors in the Middle East. It covers strategic betting choices and details of the roulette table, providing essential information to help players navigate this game of chance.

Explaining The Popularity of Roulette

Roulette’s appeal lies in its intriguing mix of strategic play and chance, making it a favorite among both experienced and novice bettors. Roulette stands out for its simplicity, especially compared to more complex casino games like Baccarat, Poker, or Blackjack.  It stands out as one of the most iconic casino games, easily recognizable by its spinning wheel and the distinctive sound of the ball.

The roulette wheel features 38 numbered sections ranging from 1 to 36, divided into 18 black and 18 red spaces. In the American version of the game, there are two additional green sections labeled 0 and 00. Players can place bets on various number combinations or single numbers before the wheel is spun. The croupier then spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction. The winning section is determined when the ball lands in one of these 38 spaces and bets on that section win.

How to Play Live Dealer Roulette?

Live dealer online Roulette games broadcast the gameplay to online players through a real-time video feed utilizing secure streaming technology. This setup facilitates interaction between players and the Roulette dealer. The live chat feature allows players to communicate with the dealer and other participants, creating a social gaming environment. Players can engage in conversations, pose questions, and exchange strategies with others at the table while the dealer responds verbally or through chat. This interactive environment mirrors the experience of playing Roulette in a physical casino, enabling real-time betting and dynamic interaction between players and the dealer.

Betting Options in Roulette

Roulette offers a range of betting options that cater to different strategies and risk preferences. It’s important to understand these options, including inside and outside bets.

Inside Bets Explained

Inside bets in roulette involve betting on single numbers or combinations. They offer higher payouts than outside bets but come with greater risks. Key types of inside bets include:

  • A Straight Bet is betting on a single number with a payout of 35:1.
  • A Street Bet entails betting on a row of three numbers with an 11:1 payout.
  • A Split Bet is placing a bet on two adjacent numbers, offering a 17:1 payout.
  • AFive-Number Bet is betting on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 33 with a 6:1 payout.
  • A Corner Bet, also known as a Square Bet, involves betting on four numbers forming a square, with an 8:1 payout.
  • A Line Bet, or Double Street Bet, allows betting on two adjacent rows of three numbers each, with a 5:1 payout.

Outside Bets Overview

Outside bets suit players seeking lower-risk roulette strategies, as they have higher chances of winning but lower payouts. These include:

  • Dozens Bet is betting on groups of twelve numbers with a 2:1 payout.
  • High or Low splits the numbers into high (19-36) and low (1-18), with a 1:1 payout.
  • Odd or Even is betting on odd or even numbers, excluding 0 and 00.
  • Columns Bet means betting on 12 numbers in three separate groups, each represented by a column.
  • A Snake Bet covers the board in a zig-zag pattern, selecting only red numbers, typically with a 2:1 payout.

This variety of betting options allows players to tailor their roulette strategies to their preferences and risk tolerance.

Final Thoughts

Roulette’s popularity can be explained by its thrill and quintessential casino experience, as well as the fact that it has a simpler gameplay than other complex casino games. Because of its simplicity, it is accessible to both seasoned gamblers and beginners alike. The game offers various betting possibilities, including inside bets with bigger rewards and outer bets with increased odds of winning. Such adaptability in betting strategies caters to many different player preferences and risk tolerances, contributing to Roulette’s continued success in casinos all around the world.

Tech Review – SMANIQUE Apple Watch Ultra Alpine Loop Band – Zefiro

The SMANIQUE Apple Watch Ultra Alpine Loop Bands look familiar but come at less than half the price than what Apple command which is 99 euro which is a complete rip-off.  I have been using NAVA bands recently and again these look pretty much the same and come in slightly cheaper, between them both you will pay around 25-30 euro plus shipping and taxes for them but either way they both look and feel good and comfortable to wear.

The SMANIQUE Apple Watch Ultra Alpine Loop Band – Zefiro which we have two of are well built and design albeit a strap but you want the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to feel secure on your wrist as it is an expensive item to be wearing and costly if you loose it.

The straps offer good breathing space and made with a double layer nylon and the closure is 316L stainless steel. There is a variety of colours available too which is also nice and not limited, NAVA bands are limited on choice for the Watch Ultra 2 with strap colours.

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