PlayPilot, the premier platform for discovering movies and series across all streaming services, has leaped into the dynamic world of podcasts. Aiming to enhance podcast discoverability, PlayPilot has integrated with top podcast providers, including Apple, Google and Spotify podcasts, bridging the gap between visual and audio entertainment.
“With millions of podcasts released each year, both by amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals, discovering high-quality content has become a formidable challenge”, says David Mühle, Co-CEO at PlayPilot. “We’re addressing this issue by offering a one-stop solution for users seeking both visual and auditory entertainment.”
Discover and Recommend with Ease
PlayPilot’s new podcast feature allows users to not only access an extensive library of podcasts but also search for and discover related movies, series, and podcasts effortlessly. Users can explore curated collections from the best of both worlds, offering a holistic entertainment experience.
“Discovering great podcasts should be as easy as finding a great movie,” says David Mühle. ”Our platform enables users to seamlessly transition between visual and audio content while providing recommendations from fellow users and podcast creators. It’s about simplifying the discovery process and enhancing the overall entertainment journey.”
Commitment to community-driven content curation Users can share their personalized collections with favorite movies/series and podcasts, fostering a sense of community among entertainment enthusiasts. This approach empowers users to curate content that resonates with their tastes and to discover hidden gems they might have missed.
The PlayPilot app is free and available on App Store and Google Play. ______________________________________________________________________
About PlayPilot
PlayPilot is a pioneering platform dedicated to helping users discover the best movies, series, and podcasts across all streaming services. With a mission to simplify entertainment discovery, PlayPilot’s innovative features and community-driven approach make it the ultimate destination for entertainment enthusiasts.
NIRA Dynamics, leader in automotive technology software solutions, proudly announces a significant milestone: the sale of 100 million Tire Pressure Indicator (TPI) units. This achievement not only underscores NIRA’s prominence in the automotive sector but also highlights its commitment to sustainability and cost-efficiency since 2005.
In a remarkable shift from traditional hardware-based systems, NIRA’s TPI technology, a software-centric approach, has revolutionized tire pressure monitoring. By eliminating the need for physical sensors in each tire, NIRA’s TPI has substantially reduced electronic waste and manufacturing costs, fostering a more sustainable automotive ecosystem.
Key Impact
NIRA Dynamics’ TPI technology has redefined the landscape of tire pressure monitoring by significantly reducing the reliance on physical sensors and the associated electronic waste. By introducing this innovative software solution in 100 million vehicles, NIRA has contributed to a staggering reduction of electronic waste, with an estimated 40,000 tons of electronics saved. This monumental achievement not only reflects NIRA’s commitment to technological excellence but also underscores its dedication to promoting sustainability in the automotive industry.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Cost-Efficiency
NIRA Dynamics has not only set a benchmark in technological innovation but has also conscientiously contributed to environmental sustainability. The reduction in electronic waste and the need for fewer raw materials resonate with global efforts to minimize the ecological footprint of the automotive industry.
“Our journey to 100 million TPI units is not just a testament to our technological progress but also to our dedication to a greener, cost-effective future,” said Lisa Åbom, CEO, NIRA Dynamics. “This milestone is a leap towards our vision of an eco-conscious automotive landscape, where innovation drives sustainability.”
A big upside for car manufacturers when selecting a sensor fusion solution like TPI is the fact that costs are kept at a minimum, while all TPMS legislation globally are fulfilled.
Looking Ahead
As NIRA Dynamics celebrates this milestone, the company remains committed to advancing automotive technology solutions that deliver sustainable, cost-efficient value-adding services to cars and drivers globally. Just recently, NIRA launched a big update to TPI – TPI UX, offering enhanced detection performance and improved graphical interface for increased safety and performance.
Also, the latest solution in production is Road Surface Alerts – warns drivers for hazardous road conditions, and Road Surface Conditions – offers enhanced decision-making for ADAS services in varying road conditions.
FRKelly, leading specialist in intellectual property law, has announced its relocation to news offices at Waterways House, Grand Canal Quay, marking a significant milestone for the firm as it embraces a new era of growth. The firm’s move to Dublin’s Silicon Docks comes after spending 56 years in Clyde Road, Ballsbridge.
The new office, nestled in the heart of the Grand Canal area, is strategically positioned within Ireland’s innovation epicentre surrounded by a multitude of offices, young professionals and visionary entrepreneurs. Its central location is equidistant between Dublin’s traditional central business district of St. Stephen’s Green and Fitzwilliam Square, along with the commercial hubs on the Liffey Docks. It is also easily accessible by various modes of public transport.
Offering a breath-taking view overlooking the Grand Canal Dock, Waterways House is a multi-storey building designed and constructed to the prestigious LEED Gold standard that promises sophistication and sustainability. As well as the new Dublin head office, FRKelly has a presence in Belfast and Cork, with offices in both locations.
Gavan Ferguson, Managing Partner at FRKelly, said: “Waterways House embodies the spirit of progress and forward-thinking. The transition to the new office marks a brand-new chapter for FRKelly, unlocking boundless opportunities for business growth and innovation. This strategic shift aligns with our commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration, ultimately enabling us to attract top-tier talent and further elevate our services to clients.”
Currently employing 32 patent and trade mark attorneys, FRKelly foresees further growth in 2024. The firm’s recent recognition in the prestigious IAM 1000 patent rankings in 2023 and acknowledgment of four of its attorneys as IP Stars 2023 for their exceptional contributions in patent and trademark law further consolidate FRKelly’s standing as an industry leader poised for continued success.
The ANCwear wearable bluetooth speaker BT-208 is a portable and wearable speaker you can bring just about anywhere and clip it on anywhere too which is a neat idea if you want some sounds on the go if you do not wear earbuds. The package comes with several options to clip it on or wear on your wrist if you like, it is about the size of an egg and does not look that much out of place on the wrist, you may see joggers going around with a phone strapped to their arm and this is a similar idea and not as cumbersome to wear.
On the speaker itself there is several marked controls on it which allows you to skip and reverse tracks higher and lower the volume and play and pause you can also control calls too and use it as a mic, the buttons are nicely raised and it is simple to use with no app to install and only connect via bluetooth, you can charge it via mirco usb which is a bit behind the times but you get decent battery life out of it for its size and will last a full day easily.
This is ideal for anyone however more suited to those who are into fitness or camping,hiking or simply for a picnic or to the beach, the speaker is not going to impress but has some bass but nothing like bigger speakers out there but packs a decent enough punch for a small circle of friends to hear. It also comes with an IPX6 rating so fine for outdoors regardless. Overall it is a portable bluetooth speaker that can be used literally anywhere.
Check out the video below and see what it is all about.
True wireless stereo function: True wireless stereo technology allows you to enjoy the surround sound with exceptional clarity; pair two ANCwear speakers for a powerful stereo sound; Bluetooth 5.0 ensures instant pairing and rock-solid connection with any Bluetooth-enabled device to get seamless pairing.
☑️【60g Compact & Portable】ANCwear Portable Bluetooth Speaker is truly a mini speaker in all senses. About the size of an egg, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, feel nothing with you, except clarity music wherever you go.
⭐【Portable Bluetooth Speaker】: The wireless speaker has multiple options on how to carry it. Around your wrist like a watch, attach it to your clothes or accessories, attach it to your t-shirts whatever you prefer. Ideal for more intense activities such as hiking, cycling, jogging, climbing, camping or running.
IPX6 waterproof speaker: IPX6 rating means that it can withstand rain, snow, mud and water splashes, which is technical enough for running with sweat or rain. No worries about weather and outdoor conditions, a great Bluetooth speaker for travel and home.
Long battery life: the powerful lithium battery provides an incredible 9.5 hours of continuous playback and 1.5 hours charging time; keep in mind that factors such as volume can affect battery life. Built-in microphone allows you to receive hands-free calls on the go.
In the digital age, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, deploying deceitful tactics to defraud individuals and businesses. Understanding the landscape of these scams is the first line of defense; awareness and vigilance are potent weapons in the battle against fraud. From phishing to a full-blown business email compromise, criminals’ arsenal is varied and insidious. Here’s a dive into the most common ones.
Types of Scams
Both individuals and businesses are vulnerable to many scams, which can result in significant financial losses. While new scams continue to emerge, some have stood the test of time and remain prevalent today.
Business Number Spoofing Scams
Business number spoofing scams involve fraudsters using technology to alter the caller ID to make it appear that the call is coming from a legitimate business number, often recognized and trusted. This scam tactic is not only a problem for the individuals who receive the calls but also for businesses whose numbers are spoofed. Customers may be tricked into giving away personal information or making payments, thinking they are dealing with an actual company representative.
Individuals must independently verify the caller’s identity, such as calling the business back through the official number on their website. A good scam likely fix for businesses should involve informing customers through various channels that they will never ask for sensitive information or immediate payment over the phone. Additionally, companies should monitor for reports of their business number being misused and take steps to alert customers promptly if such incidents occur.
Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by disguising as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. These attacks often come in emails but can also occur via text messages or social media platforms.
The scammer will typically use a sense of urgency or fear to prompt the victim into providing personal information. For example, an email may claim that your bank account has been compromised, and immediate action is required to prevent fraud. The sender will then provide a link for you to click on, leading to a fake website that steals your login credentials.
Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal information. Be wary of urgent or threatening language, and never click on links or open attachments from unknown sources. If you receive an email claiming to be from a legitimate company, it’s always best to go directly to their website instead of clicking on any provided links.
Business Email Compromise
Business email compromise (BEC) scams target businesses using social engineering and email spoofing to deceive employees into transferring money or sensitive information to the scammer. These scams often involve a hacker gaining access to a company’s email system and posing as a high-level executive, such as the CEO or CFO, to request urgent wire transfers or confidential data
Businesses should implement strict authentication processes for financial transactions and educate employees on the red flags of a potential scam. Reviewing and regularly updating security protocols, such as multi-factor authentication, is essential to prevent unauthorized access to company emails.
Online Shopping Scams
With the rise of e-commerce, online shopping scams have become increasingly prevalent. These scams often involve fake websites or social media pages advertising popular products at meager prices. Once a customer makes a purchase, they receive a counterfeit or never receive the product.
Always research before purchasing from unfamiliar websites or social media pages. Look for reviews and ratings from previous customers, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Use secure payment methods such as credit cards or PayPal, which protect against fraudulent charges.
Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams often target the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency. These scams involve a criminal posing as a government official, such as an IRS agent or immigration officer, and threatening legal action if payment is not made immediately.
It’s important to remember that government agencies will never demand immediate payment over the phone or via email. If you receive a call or email from someone claiming to be from a government agency, hang up and contact the official agency directly to verify the information.
Investment Scams
Investment scams often promise high returns with little to no risk and can take various forms, such as Ponzi schemes or cryptocurrency fraud. These scams prey on individuals’ desire for quick and easy wealth, luring them into investing their hard-earned money into fraudulent ventures.
Always do thorough research before investing in any opportunity. Be wary of promises of high returns with low risk, and never feel pressured to make a quick decision. Seek advice from trusted financial advisors or research before making any investment decisions.
Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams involve fraudsters pretending to be from a reputable tech company, such as Microsoft or Apple, and claiming an issue with your computer or device. They will then ask for remote access to your device, install malware, and charge a fee for their “services.”
Legitimate tech companies won’t contact you out of the blue asking for personal info or remote device access. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a tech company, verify with the official company. Always be cautious of unsolicited requests for device access or personal info.
Protect Yourself
In addition to being aware of common scams, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim:
Never give out personal information over the phone, email, or social media unless you have verified the recipient’s identity.
Keep your devices and software updated to prevent hackers from accessing sensitive information.
Be cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources.
Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts, and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
Stay informed about the latest scams and be vigilant in detecting fraudulent activity.
Being aware and vigilant helps prevent scams. If targeted or victimized, resources like the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau are available for reporting and recovering from financial loss. Act swiftly if you suspect a scam to minimize potential damage.
Overall, in a world rife with fraudsters, maintaining vigilance is paramount. By staying informed about the common types of scams and their telltale signs, individuals and businesses can take proactive measures to protect themselves from becoming the next victims. Remember, when something seems too good to be true—it probably is. Stay safe, and don’t get duped.
This is Dyson’s first wearable and being a tech reviewer that goes hands on with more headphones and earbuds than anyone in Ireland this is a different approach than your typical pair of headphones and we look forward to testing these out for ourselves over the coming weeks as we go full hands on with them and find out what is on offer here.
Dyson engineers had to think about comfort in a new way. Detailed research into head and face geometries meant engineers could measure how the Dyson Zone air purifying headphones would sit on and perform on different heads– informing the clamp force of the headband, the geometry and materials of the visor, the adjustability of the machine and much more.
Taking inspiration from the shape and design of a horse’s saddle, the Dyson Zone is engineered to distribute weight over the sides of the head, rather than on the top. A saddle typically curves over the horse’s spine distributing the load through contact with the areas left and right of the backbone – a format used for the central cushion on the headband.
The development of the ear cushions is important for three reasons: comfort, on-head stability, and passive attenuation. Foam is an obvious choice for ear cushions, but Dyson engineers dug deep into the make-up of different foams to choose the most suitable material based on density, rate of compression and spring-back rate – all of which change the way pressure translates onto the head.
When choosing the optimal foam for the ear and headband cushions, it was important to balance the comfort it provides, its stability when moulded to the ear, but critically the acoustic benefit it provides. Moulding around the ear increases the size of the contact points providing better sealing – and inhibiting additional urban noise entering the ear. The cushion is purposefully flatter than conventional ear cushions for both attenuation and comfort, and the cushions are angled in line with the angle of the ear on the head for optimal comfort.
The Dyson Zone air-purifying headphones are available in stores and online at www.dyson.ie
Check out the first look and tour of these headphones below and stay tuned for a full hands on review in the coming weeks any questions drop em in the comments on our social media and YouTube.
New findings from Morgan McKinley, the Irish global talent services company, reveal that 25% of hiring managers have identified a lack of skilled candidates as their main challenge in 2024.
Research conducted as part of Morgan McKinley’s2024 Salary Guide indicates that the recruitment landscape in Ireland’s technology sector remained tight in 2023, with 76% of hiring managers experiencing tough competition in making new hires.
The guide identified key challenges for 2024, with 25% of hiring managers citing a shortage of skilled candidates as their primary obstacle. Other challenges included difficulties in competing on pay and benefits (22%) and a lack of organisational approval for new headcount (19%).
For 2024, the outlook is more optimistic, with 50% of technology hiring managers planning to expand their teams in the first six months. Additionally, 46% of tech workers are considering new opportunities during this period, with another 31% contemplating a job change.
In terms of career moves, tech professionals prioritise a higher salary (40%), followed by opportunities for career advancement (14%) and the option to work remotely (13%).
The value placed on flexibility, such as working from home and flexible hours, remains high among tech workers, ranking as the most and third most important benefits respectively, along with bonuses, health insurance, and pension plans. Notably, the tech sector has the highest percentage of individuals who consider remote work as a top benefit (71%).
When it comes to workplace preferences, 4-in-10 tech professionals would like to work in the office 1-2 days per week, while only 8% prefer being on-site full-time. Over half (53%) would forgo a salary increase for more flexibility. In response to the competitive hiring environment, 69% of employers anticipate raising salaries for hard-to-fill tech roles, with an additional 20% planning to increase salaries across all tech teams.
Eoin Connolly, Operations Director, Morgan McKinley Ireland, commented: “While the technology market as a whole definitely softened during 2023, we also saw several areas such as Cybersecurity and Data Science experience strong growth. This was coupled with growth in contract opportunities, across multiple facets of technology. Throughout Q3 and Q4, we saw a marginal increase in both permanent and contract jobs available, which bodes well for positive levels of hiring activity in 2024.”
“Technology salaries in Ireland increased slightly in 2023, partially due to the impact of inflation, but also due to the shortage of talent. This has also increased the prominence of counteroffers, with employers offering their top performers 15-20% increases to stay on board.”
“The sentiment from organisations is generally positive for 2024; there is still some cautious decision making when it comes to hiring budgets for the year, but by and large, the fight for top talent is still a real issue for most companies. January started slowly as it always does but it has been a very busy month for us, which is an indicator of a strong quarter, and hopefully year ahead.”
A wheelchair rugby club in county Laois has received a €1,000 donation from the team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin.
Formed in 2013, Laois Lions Wheelchair Rugby Club supports wheelchair users who have a passion for the sport. The rugby club provides wheelchair users with the accessibility to be involved with non-wheelchair users and participate in the sport together.
The donation from Amazon in Dublin will go towards Wheelchair Rugby Support Equipment and team costs.
Alongside the donation, Declan Naughton from Laois Lions Wheelchair Rugby Club visited Amazon in Dublin for a behind-the-scenes tour of the fulfilment centre.
Tadas Valaisa, an employee from Amazon in Dublin who nominated the charity for support, said:
“As a volunteer for the rugby club, the staff, players and other volunteers have a special place in my heart. I’m pleased that Amazon in Dublin is supporting Laois Lions Wheelchair Rugby Club with this donation.”
Darragh Kelly, General Manager at Amazon in Dublin, said:
“We’re proud to support Laois Lions Wheelchair Rugby Club with this donation. Tadas has raised awareness of the rugby club, and we couldn’t be more pleased to recognise his and the many other staff and volunteers’ service with this donation. We were pleased to welcome Declan on site too, to find out more about his involvement with the club and give him a tour of our workplace. It was a pleasure!”
Declan Naughton, from Laois Lions Wheelchair Rugby Club, added:
“On behalf of everyone at Laois Wheelchair Rugby Club, I would like to say thank you to the team from Amazon in Dublin for their support. Not only are we here to support wheelchair users, we’re also here to provide a great workout with a bit of fun along the way. The donation will assist us as we prepare for the upcoming Irish league and a tournament in Germany at the end of March. Thank you also for hosting me on site – it was lovely to put faces to names.”
The donation to Laois Lions Wheelchair Rugby Club was made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities in and around its operating locations in Ireland.
Since opening its doors in 2022, the Dublin fulfilment centre has supported many community organisations locally, with donations totalling €46,000. Charities supported by the team at the fulfilment centre include Cliona’s Foundation, Jigsaw and LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.
The Amazon fulfilment centre in Dublin, the first of its kind in Ireland, opened in August 2022 providing more than 500 new permanent jobs. The 630,000 square foot centre at Baldonnell Business Park in Dublin holds millions of items that are picked, packed and shipped to customers across Ireland and the rest of Europe.
Celebrated in more than 180 countries worldwide, today, February 6th marks the 21st anniversary of Safer Internet Day, which has become a landmark global event in the online safety calendar. The theme for Safer Internet Day 2024 is ‘Tech in our World’ and through a series of events taking place involving 200,000 children and young people from schools and organisations across Ireland, will explore the role of digital technology in young people’s lives, their views on new and emerging technology and the changes they would like to see enacted online.
Safer Internet Day 2024 kicks off today with an event hosted in Microsoft’s Dream Space and will feature contributions from the Webwise Youth Advisory Panel; Niamh Hodnett, Online Safety Commissioner; Kieran McCorry, National Technology Officer, Microsoft, and Dr Emma Murphy, School of Computer Science – TU Dublin. The session will also include interactive stakeholders’ discussions that will explore some of the opportunities and challenges as they relate to the role of the internet and digital technology in young people’s lives.
Webwise Youth Panellist Billie Constantinou, 19, said:‘We live in a world where internet technology is constantly evolving, one where we wake up with new AI capabilities, new apps and new trends every single day. To discuss tech in our world, we must understand that the future is uncertain and being able to adapt in tandem with this advancing online technology is a key skill in ensuring our safety in this every changing world.’
The themes that will be explored at today’s event will encourage schools, children, teens and parents to:
Reflect: an opportunity to reflect on tech in their world, the challenges, opportunities and big changes.
Recognise: give learners an understanding of the influence of digital technology in their daily life, exploring the concept of persuasive design and the influence of algorithms.
Reset: learn tips to help reset online experiences and empower young people to make the most of their online world.
Niamh Hodnett, Online Safety Commissioner said: “I am delighted to celebrate my first Safer Internet Day as Online Safety Commissioner by taking part in Webwise’s ‘Tech in our World’ session. Safer Internet Day is a great chance for me to hear the views of young people on the role technology plays in their lives. It is also an opportunity to highlight the work of Coimisiún na Meán including preparing our first Online Safety Code, as part of our overall online safety framework. I would especially like to commend the essential work of the Irish Safer Internet Centre in supporting parents, children and teachers in navigating the online world in a safe and responsible way through the work of Webwise, the ISPCC, the National Parents Council and Hotline.ie.”
Minister for Education Norma Foley T.D. said:“Safer Internet Day is a day in which we focus on promoting the safer use of the internet by children.
We acknowledge the great work of our schools. We salute too the work of Webwise and the Oide Support Service for Teachers, who provide additional resources and training to schools and webinars for parents to support them in keeping their children safe on the internet.
“Of course, we’re also very keen that parents would continue to engage with the guidelines that have been presented around the use of smartphones for young people in primary schools.”
Safer Internet Day in Ireland is coordinated by the Irish Safer Internet Centre, a partnership between Webwise, ISPCC, National Parents Council and Hotline.ie, providing a range of complementary online safety services, including an education and awareness centre, child and parent helplines and a hotline. The Centre is coordinated by the Department of Justice and co-funded by the European Union.
Irish Safer Internet Centre
The Irish Safer Internet Centre is a partnership of four leading organisations – Webwise, Hotline.ie, ISPCC and National Parents Council, with a mission to make the Internet a better place for children and young people, under the coordination of the Department of Justice – Cybercrime Division. The Irish Safer Internet Centre partner organisations work towards a shared mission of making the internet a safer and more inclusive place for children and young people.
Webwise is the online safety initiative of the Department of Education and co-funded by the European Commission. Webwise promotes safer, better internet use through awareness raising and education initiatives targeting teachers, children, young people and parents. Webwise develops and disseminates resources that help teachers integrate digital citizenship and online safety into teaching and learning in their schools. Webwise also provides information, advice, and tools to parents to support their engagement in their children’s online lives. Webwise is part of Oide, a new support service for teachers and school leaders, funded from the Department of Education. Hotline.ie is Ireland’s primary national channel for members of the public to anonymously and confidentially report suspected illegal content online, such as child sexual abuse material, technology facilitated child sexual exploitation – child grooming, non-consensual sharing of intimate images and videos (also known as intimate image abuse), racism and xenophobia, and financial scams. Further information can be found here. ISPCC operates the Childline Listening Service, Ireland’s only 24-hour active listening service for children and young people. The service is here to listen to children, to support and empower them and to help to strengthen their resilience so they can cope with any challenges they face. Any child or young person can contact Childline for free and in confidence, at any time, to talk about any issue on their mind. The service can be reached online at Childline.ie or calling 1800 66 66 66. Parents/caregivers can check out the Digital Ready Hub to upskill their knowledge on the digital environment.
National Parents Council (NPC) provides a dedicated helpline to support parents and carers in dealing with issues relating to online safety, including cyberbullying. The National Parents Council also provides parents with training courses, both online and face-to-face. Further information about the National Parents Council Helpline can be found here.
