Month: February 2024

Evolve IP Launch Powerful Card Payment Solution To Combat Radical Compliance Changes

Global collaboration provider, Evolve IP (EMEA), has launched a seamless end-to-end secure solution to address major payment card information (PCI) changes happening in March. 

Significant reforms are about to come into force that require businesses to have an evidence-based process for card payments, particularly over the phone. Ignoring the impending rule changes could expose businesses to sanctions, fines and irreversible reputational damage.

To help address this major market shake-up, Evolve IP has launched Anywhere Secure Call, the latest addition to its Anywhere Product Suite. This new innovation is powered by technology partner BroadSource who work to drive collaboration in the cloud by helping the globe’s most sophisticated service providers automate, integrate and differentiate their cloud collaboration solutions.

Evolve IP UK Solutions Director, Scott Rixon.

Simplifying business practices

Anywhere Secure Call has been designed to simplify PCI compliance and redefine the card payment landscape. It’s cost-effective, simple to set up, flexible and has been built from the ground up, ensuring proof of active adherence. The critical differentiation lies in ensuring customer payment card details are not stored within recorded voice communications.

Anywhere Secure Call, intelligently directs all transactional voice calls to a designated, PCI-compliant segment of its network automatically. In the event of a PCI audit, businesses need only prove the compliance of this specific component, simplifying the overall process. This innovative approach allows businesses to demonstrate that the relevant voice traffic is isolated from their intricate network infrastructure, effectively ‘de-scoping’ the compliance challenge.

Many organisations are still unaware and unprepared for the radical changes they need to introduce, according to Evolve IP’s UK Solutions Director, Scott Rixon.

He revealed: “From Spring, businesses will need to prove their innocence by providing real-life data and proof of their compliancy, rather than simply verbally defending any guilt that has been implied.”

Time is running out

Anywhere Secure Call is priced on a per-user basis rather than a per-transaction percentage, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes. Whether a small business with just one seat or an enterprise call centre with hundreds, the solution caters to diverse organisational needs.

Rixon emphasised: “At Evolve IP, we believe solutions should work for everyone but currently, that’s not always the case. Some PCI solutions require a minimum deployment of say 50 users which simply isn’t viable for a small business. Equally, other options need to have the ability to scale up to larger enterprises. Also, we even know of some models based on a low cost of entry but then charge higher transaction fees.

“Now any business that needs to take card payments can just enable Secure Call, from a small florist to a gardening company. It can be as simple or sophisticated as required and can even be plugged into a CRM database to automate the whole process. We are covering all angles. But time is running out. Don’t wait any longer.”

Continuing to partner with leading technologies

Haydn Faltyn, CEO and Co-founder at BroadSource, shares the same enthusiasm. He highlighted: “Anywhere Secure Call represents a revolutionary step forward in telecommunications, offering a secure, cost-effective, and customer-friendly solution for payment transactions over the phone. We are thrilled to be working closely with the team at Evolve IP to further solidify our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that address the needs of businesses and their customers. Anywhere Secure Call is poised to redefine the landscape of payment processing over the phone.”

CEOs forecast increase in revenues, profits and deal making in 2024, as AI adoption moves up the agenda

CEOs around the globe are optimistic about their ability to drive revenue growth and profitability in 2024 despite global economic challenges, according to the latest EY CEO Outlook Pulse survey.

The EY quarterly survey of 1,200 global CEOs on their prospects, challenges and opportunities, shows they are bullish on business performance for 2024 with a significant majority expecting an increase in revenue growth (64%) and profitability (63%).

Furthermore, 41% of Global CEOs, say they will be prioritising widespread adoption of AI technologies to drive efficiencies and improve business performance, while three in four (76%) agree the technology will have little impact on revenue growth at this time, viewing it as a strategic necessity rather than an immediate driver of revenues.

The optimism for success comes despite acknowledgement of a continued challenging macroeconomic environment with three-quarters (76%) of CEOs surveyed expecting the global economy to continue to endure low or no growth and over half (57%) forecasting an increase in the cost of business.

Graham Reid, Head of Tax & Law and Clients & Markets at EY Ireland, says:

“Even though CEOs are expecting slower growth in the global economy, this hasn’t dampened their confidence. Mirroring trends that we are seeing here in Ireland CEOs globally are seeking opportunities to drive efficiencies, transform their business for growth and to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence. While Ireland’s economy has not been immune to global macroeconomic trends over recent years, businesses here – whether indigenous or multinational – have handled this uncertain trading environment remarkably well and are now looking ahead with increasing confidence to the future.”

 

Lift-off for deals market in 2024

CEOs are anticipating a deals market bounce-back with eight in 10 (79%) respondents predicting an uptick in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) megadeals above US$10bn. Thirty-six percent of respondents are also actively pursuing M&A transactions over the next 12 months and a further 29% are seeking divestments. The US maintained its position as the most attractive target region in terms of M&A activity followed by Japan, the United Kingdom, China and India. Manufacturing was identified as the top sector for M&A deals closely followed by ‘banking and capital markets’, ‘insurance’, ‘consumer products’ and ‘mobility’ rounding up the top five.

This quarter, the survey also captured the perspectives of 300 private equity (PE) leaders across more than 20 countries, regarding their investment and portfolio management outlook. Mirroring CEO sentiment, the majority of surveyed PE leaders (71%) also predict an uptick in megadeals. Seventy percent of surveyed PE leaders predict an increase in corporate divestment or carve out activity in 2024, signifying a more buoyant deals market than seen in the previous year.

Graham Reid says, “Many CEOs globally are revisiting their business transformation plans, scanning for smart investments and laying the groundwork for potential alliances as the M&A market now begins to show signs of recovery.”

Transformation plans speed up, with a focus on efficiencies 

Underpinning the rise in CEO confidence is a rush toward strategic transformation, 58% of CEOs surveyed are accelerating their business transformation agendas – a significant leap, almost tripling from 21% in July 2023. In stark contrast, only 5% now report having no transformation plans, a fall from 37% in July 2023. Nevertheless, despite the bullish sentiment, CEOs are demonstrating pragmatism in their approach to business transformation. Primary focus areas include efficiency enhancements and cost management strategies.

Graham Reid says, “If 2023 was the year of transition as organisations grappled with a series of crises, 2024 is shaping up to be the year of action. With an acceptance that the costs of doing business are unlikely to fall to pre-pandemic levels, we’re seeing a shift in how CEOs approach business transformation, balancing optimism with pragmatism and focusing on efficiency and cost management.”

Geopolitical risks take centre stage in bumper year for elections

With over half of the world’s population going to the voting booth over the next 12 months, CEOs are acutely aware of geopolitical risks and the potential business impact. Over three-quarters of those surveyed (78%) are worried about the potential rise of populist movements to increase geopolitical uncertainty and create business challenges. Seventy-six percent of respondents were also concerned about the political misuse of AI in major 2024 elections.

While many CEOs feel confident about their organisation’s ability to integrate geopolitical turbulence into their decision-making, nearly half (48%) of respondents believe there is room for improvement in their defined and active processes for managing geopolitical risks. In fact, 98% of CEOs and PE leaders surveyed are having to make alterations to their investment plans including exiting certain businesses (32% of CEO respondents and 38% of PE respondents) or delaying a planned investment (42% of CEO respondents and 32% of PE respondents).

Graham Reid says, “The influence of the political world on the corporate world is as strong as ever, but this year we’re seeing another risk emerge – the rise of AI in political campaigning and the potential for its misuse. CEOs are well aware of the need to integrate geopolitical turbulence in their strategic plans. But with many still unsure about their AI risk management processes, now is the time to revisit and refine strategies to help them navigate the business landscape that continues to be volatile and unpredictable.”

To read the full report, please visit: ey.com/CEOOutlook.

Intelligent Video Bar Is An ISE Showstopper For Boom Collaboration

A new intelligent video bar with expandable audio was the star of the show for Boom Collaboration at the ISE 2024 trade show in Barcelona.

The Boom HALO features a 4K UHD camera, six microphone array and high fidelity speakers for a seamless all-in-one collaboration experience. In addition up to eight extra speakers can be connected to maximise audio and voice pick-up in larger or more flexible rooms.

Available in white and black colours, the HALO boasts many advanced features such as facial recognition, speaker tracking, intelligent noise reduction and AI auto-framing.

Visitors to the international AV and systems integration event witnessed all of Boom’s latest innovations, such as high performance cameras and audio devices as well as convenient all-in-one systems. Its new MAGNA Pro powerful camera, GOJO camera controller and forthcoming ZYGO user-friendly connectivity hub attracted lots of attention. All products are available from distributor Westcoast.

Boom Collaboration at ISE 2024

Boom also ‘teased’ a new PTZ camera with 25x optical zoom and NDI video over IP support. Another variant boasts highly responsive ‘intelligence’, including voice tracking. Furthermore a new wireless sharing dongle was also demonstrated alongside an innovative connectivity station – that allows instant switching between in-room PC or Bring Your Own Device deployments, across up to a 100 metre installation range.

Launchpad

The fast-growing video conferencing manufacturer, hailed the four-day show – which attracted over 73,000 attendees – a perfect launchpad to accelerate further forward this year.

Co-founder Holli Hulett emphasised: “Boom is based on delivering better meetings, simply. This was our third consecutive year at ISE and each time it gets bigger and better for us. The HALO video bar was one of many stand-out innovations.”

Fellow founder Fredrik Hörnkvist added: “We have exciting growth plans for 2024 and ISE provided a perfect platform to help us accelerate much further forward and really begin to boom. We are determined to remain the friendly face of video conferencing, based on a personal touch and a passion for long lasting partnerships through the distribution channel. ISE 2024 inspired lots of interest and future success from the tens of thousands of visitors.”

Dyson Airstrait now available in the UK and Ireland

The eagerly anticipated wait of Dyson’s latest haircare innovation is finally over… Airstrait is HERE and available to purchase in the UK and Ireland from today the 5th of February 2024.

After revolutionising the haircare industry in 2016 with the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, Dyson are proud to launch this unique addition to their haircare family in the UK and Ireland.

Fuelled by the desire to improve everyday technology, the Dyson Airstrait straightener is a wet to dry straightening tool with air. No hot plates. No heat damage. With its cutting-edge technology and sleek design, this sought after hair tool is a must-have one of a kind that is set to change the game in haircare. 

So, what are you waiting for, get your hands on the latest Dyson hair care innovation now!

Fueled by the desire to improve everyday technology, James Dyson has announced the European launch of the Dyson Airstrait™ straightener – wet to dry straightening with air. No hot plates. No heat damage.

Dyson Airstrait

Engineered for multiple hair types, stylers can achieve a natural straight style, with body and movement, whilst maintaining the strengthand healthy look and feel of their hair. The hair tress is contained by two arms, from which a precisely angled high-pressure blade of air is forced downwards and into the hair, both simultaneously drying and straight styling, with one machine. 

“Having a strong understanding of how to manipulate and realise the potential of powerful airflow is fundamental to the performance of the Dyson Airstrait™ straightener. This expertise, which we’ve gained over the last 25 years, is what has enabled us to deliver our first wet to dry straightener, with no hot plates, and no heat damage. Delivering the ease-of-use that people love about straighteners but with high-velocity air blades, saves time, maintains hair strength and achieves an everyday natural straight style.” James Dyson, Founder and Chief Engineer.

Airflow. Precision air jets.

Along the arms of the machine are two 1.5mm apertures. Airflow is accelerated through these apertures, creating two high-velocity downward blades of air. Projected at a 45° angle, they converge to form one focused jet of air, creating the downward force to straighten hair as it dries, with control. This directional airflow helps align the hair strands for a smooth and shiny finish.

The science behind styling

Dyson has been researching into the science of style for over a decade and is investing half a billion GBP to expand and accelerate research and technology development across the beauty category. Our engineers have studied in detail everything from the structure of hair to airflow dynamics whilst understanding thermal, mechanical and chemical damage – and the subsequent effects on hair health.  

To change your hair style, hydrogen bonds within each hair strand must be broken and reset to hold a new shape. This can be done with heat or moisture. Styling with powerful airflow from wet, results in less need for high heat, creating less frizz and flyaways and protects natural shine. 

When hair is wet, water naturally weakens these bonds. In this state, the bonds are more elastic and can be reset as hair dries, without using extreme temperatures. By using the optimum level of heat and controlled airflow, we’ve found a way to style hair with less damage.  Styling with air allows for the creation of straight styles whilst maintaining volume and movement. Once hair is dry and aligned, the bonds are reset in different ways, locking the new style in place.

Dyson Hyperdymium™ motor

The Dyson Airstrait straightener is powered by the Hyperdymium motor – specifically engineered to be at the heart of Dyson’s Hair Care technologies. It is small, light and powerful enough to generate the airflow needed to dry and straighten hair simultaneously, from wet. A 13-blade impeller spins up to 106,000rpm, propelling over 11.9 litres of air through the machine per second. This generates up to 3.5kPa of air pressure, enough to straighten hair as it dries. At 27mm, the motor is small enough to fit in the handle – with no sacrifice on power.

Intelligent Heat Control

Like the rest of the Dyson hair care range, the Dyson Airstrait straightener features intelligent heat control. Glass bead thermistors measure the temperature of the airflow 30 times per second to prevent heat damage and protect hair’s natural shine. This data is sent to the microprocessor which regulates the heating element, ensuring airflow doesn’t exceed the temperature required.

 

Two styling modes. Temperature control.

The Dyson Airstrait™ straightener has ‘Wet’ and ‘Dry’ styling modes, and a ‘Cool’ mode to set the style. The ‘Wet’ and ‘Dry’ modes are pre-set with the specific heat and airflow combination for the best results. In ‘Wet’ mode, choose among three heat settings of 80°C (175°F), 110°C (230°F), and 140°C (285°F). In ‘Dry’ mode, choose between 120°C (250°F) or 140°C (285°F) or a top up “boost”. For airflow control, there are two speed settings, low flow and high flow, as well as a cold shot and root drying mode.

The Dyson Airstrait straightener will be launched in the UK and Ireland in February 2024, and is priced at £449.99/ €499.99 available from Dyson Demo Stores and www.dyson.ie 

 

 

Bank of Ireland invests €2.5 million in hybrid working hubs

Bank of Ireland has launched the latest addition to its nationwide network of hybrid working hubs. The new hub, based at the Bank of Ireland Douglas in Cork, provides a range of hot desks and meeting rooms for all Bank of Ireland colleagues whether based in the region or visiting from other areas.

Depending on their role, most Bank of Ireland colleagues can work from a combination of home, central office locations, and a network of hybrid working hubs. The Douglas hub complements 15 other Bank of Ireland hybrid working hubs in Balbriggan, Ballycoolin, College Green Atrium, Dundalk, Galway, Gorey, Limerick, Mullingar, Naas, Newbridge, Newlands Cross, Northern Cross, Omagh, Santry and Swords.

Douglas is the sixteenth remote working location opened by Bank of Ireland since 2021 and will provide desk space for 36 colleagues. To date, the Bank has invested €2.5 million in its hub network, focused on IT upgrades, reconfiguration and building refurbishments.

Pictured at the launch were, left/right; Susan Russell, CEO Retail Ireland; Minister for Finance Michael McGrath, TD, Aisling Killilea, Bank Manager, Douglas branch; and Bank of Ireland Group Chief Executive Myles OÕ Grady.

Speaking at the launch of the new Cork hub, Minister for Finance Michael McGrath, TD, said:

“I was delighted to launch Bank of Ireland’s Cork hybrid working hub in Douglas Village Shopping Centre and meet with staff using the hub. Bank of Ireland’s investment in their Douglas hub shows both a commitment to hybrid working and also in the people and talent that we have here in Cork. The flexibility which hybrid working affords to both employees and employers, in both the private and public sectors, opens up more jobs and opportunities to people right across the country.”

 Bank of Ireland Group Chief Executive Myles O’ Grady said:

“Our ambition is to be one of the best places to work in Ireland, and there are three core elements to this – hybrid working, progressive people policies, and competitive pay.

“Hybrid working, which offers many of our colleagues greater flexibility as to how they work, is therefore a big part of offering as an employer.  We’re committed to our flexible approach because it works.  It is good for our colleagues and makes commercial sense, and these are the reasons why we continue to invest in it. 

“On top of this, opening hybrid hubs in large regional centres like Cork also means that we can better attract talent from right across the country. That’s really important for the future development of our business. Talent is everywhere, and these hubs help us find skilled people in all parts of the country.”

The latest survey of Bank of Ireland colleagues showed that 85% feel that the hybrid working model supports balancing work and personal commitments, up 3% on the previous year.

Full list of Bank of Ireland’s Hybrid Working Hubs:

No. Hubs Desks
1 Balbriggan 51
2 Naas 50
3 Gorey 18
4 Mullingar 16
5 Dundalk 16
6 Northern Cross 18
7 Newlands Cross 25
8 Santry 40
9 Newbridge 12
10 Ballycoolin/Blanchardstown 38
11 Swords 23
12 Limerick 12
13 Dockgate 20
14 Douglas 36
15 Omagh 8
16 College Green 24
    407

ESET researchers have found a cyber espionage campaign that used Google Play to distribute apps bundled with VajraSpy RAT code

ESET researchers have identified 12 Android espionage apps that share the same malicious code; six were available on Google Play. All the observed applications were advertised as messaging tools, apart from one that posed as a news app. In the background, these apps covertly execute remote access trojan (RAT) code called VajraSpy, used for targeted espionage by the Patchwork APT group. The campaign mostly targeted users in Pakistan. Based on ESET’s investigation, the threat actors behind the trojanized apps probably used a honey-trap romance scam to lure their victims into installing the malware.

VajraSpy has a range of espionage functionalities that can be expanded based on the permissions granted to the app bundled with its code. It steals contacts, files, call logs, and SMS messages, but some of its implementations can even extract WhatsApp and Signal messages, record phone calls, and take pictures with the camera.

Based on available numbers, the malicious apps that used to be available on Google Play were downloaded more than 1,400 times. During the ESET investigation, weak operational security of one of the apps led to some victim data being exposed, which allowed researchers to geolocate 148 compromised devices in Pakistan and India. These were likely the actual targets of the attacks. ESET is a member of the App Defense Alliance and an active partner in the malware mitigation program, which aims to quickly find Potentially Harmful Applications and stop them before they ever make it onto Google Play. As a Google App Defense Alliance partner, ESET identified the malicious apps and reported them to Google, and they are no longer available on the Play store. However, the apps are still available on alternative app stores.

Last year, ESET detected a trojanized news app called Rafaqat being used to steal user information. Further research has uncovered several more applications with the same malicious code. In total, ESET analyzed 12 trojanized apps, six of which (including Rafaqat) had been available on Google Play, and six found in the wild – in the VirusTotal database. These apps had various names, such as Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Rafaqat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Chat, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat.

To entice their victims, the threat actors likely used targeted honey-trap romance scams, initially contacting the victims on another platform and then convincing them to switch to a trojanized chat application. “Cybercriminals wield social engineering as a powerful weapon. We strongly recommend against clicking any links to download an application that are sent in a chat conversation. It can be hard to stay immune to spurious romantic advances, but it pays off to always be vigilant,” advises ESET researcher Lukáš Štefanko, who discovered this Android spyware.

According to the MITRE ATT&CK database, Patchwork has not been definitively attributed and only circumstantial evidence suggests the group may be a pro-Indian or Indian entity. This APT group targets mostly diplomatic and government entities.

For more technical information about VajraSpy and the spying apps from the Patchwork APT group, check out the blog post “VajraSpy: A Patchwork of espionage apps” on WeLiveSecurity.com. Make sure to follow ESET Research on X (formerly known as Twitter) for the latest news from ESET Research.

ITU’s AI for Good Global Summit 2024 puts tech to the test for people and planet

Global leaders and innovators in artificial intelligence (AI) will join the humanitarian community at the AI for Good Global Summit 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland on 30-31 May to explore how new technology can drive sustainable development.

This year’s edition of the AI for Good summit event will showcase innovations in generative AI, robotics and brain-machine interfaces that can accelerate progress in areas such as climate action, accessibility, health and disaster response.

Summit speakers, including some of the world’s foremost AI luminaries, will explore the latest breakthroughs in AI and examine actions to ensure that AI works to humanity’s benefit.

“ITU’s annual AI for Good Global Summit brings together a diverse set of voices to look at the latest AI developments and find ways to ensure this technology remains a force for good, driving inclusive growth and sustainable and equitable progress for all,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “This summit and our year-round AI for Good platform are powerful tools for accelerating progress in our race to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.”

On 29 May, discussions dedicated to AI governance will explore the surge in global efforts to craft AI policy, regulation, and governance frameworks. AI Governance Day – bringing together representatives of governments, companies, academia, civil society, and UN agencies – aims to forge pathways to transform dialogue around AI governance into impactful action.

The UN platform for AI powered by ITU

AI for Good identifies practical applications of AI to accelerate progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals and connects AI innovators with public and private-sector decision-makers to help scale up AI solutions globally.

ITU, the UN specialized agency for information and communication technologies, organizes the yearly AI for Good Global Summit together with 40 partner UN agencies. The event is co-convened by the Government of Switzerland. 

AI for Good discussions foster international cooperation and innovation to create equitable access to new technologies. The discussions support ITU in spurring timely policy exchanges, developing best practices and technical standards, and catalysing partnerships for AI solutions to contribute to sustainable development.

Thought leaders and thought-controlled machines

In addition to talks by AI thought leaders, this year’s summit will host machine learning masterclasses, curated by experts for experts, covering topics from deepfakes and climate change to brain-machine interfaces, AI for public services, explainable AI, and machine learning in communication networks.

Start-ups, young people and creatives will demonstrate their ideas at the AI for Good Innovation Factory Grand Finale, Robotics for Good Youth Challenge, and Canvas of the Future art contest.

The summit’s exhibition space will feature an array of cutting-edge demos, including AI for accessibility, collective drone swarms, bio-inspired rescue robots, a RoboCup robot football tournament, performance-boosting exoskeletons and AI-inspired art.

Exhibition highlights will include demos of brain-machine interfaces – an AI advancement that promises to open new frontiers for neurotechnology. A press conference on brain-machine interfaces will highlight new technologies enabling mind-controlled movement and communication for persons with disabilities, offering insights on how progress in the field could impact the future of human performance, mental health and wellbeing.

The 2024 edition of the summit comes in conjunction with the WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event. The World Summit on Information Society event brings together the world’s digital development community to discuss concrete actions to advance sustainable development.

The AI for Good Global Summit will take place at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG).

Registration for media accreditation for reporters wishing to cover the AI for Good Global Summit is open. Registration for the public is also open and is free of charge. Registrants can attend either in person or online to connect with an expected 2,500 participants in Geneva and over 25,000 professionals worldwide who are part of the AI for Good Neural Network. Capacity is limited and early registration is encouraged.

Confirmed speakers include:

  • Doreen Bogdan-Martin – ITU Secretary-General
  • Geoffrey Hinton – Advisor for the Learning in Machines & Brains, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (presenting remotely)
  • Sam Altman – CEO, OpenAI (presenting remotely)
  • HRH Princess Beatrice – United Kingdom
  • Abeba Birhane – Senior Fellow in Trustworthy AI, Mozilla Foundation, Time 100 AI
  • Stuart Russell – Professor of Computer Science at University of California, Berkeley, and author of “Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control”
  • Daron Acemoglu – Institute Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and New York Times bestselling author of “Why Nations Fail: Power, Prosperity, and Poverty”
  • Gary Marcus – Scientist, best-selling author, and serial entrepreneur, New York University
  • Nicolas Thompson – CEO, The Atlantic
  • Fatmah Baothman – CEO, Alothaim Investment AI and R&D Company
  • Vincent Vanhoucke – Senior Director of Robotics, Google DeepMind
  • Mo Gawdat – Former Chief Business Officer at Google X, and best-selling author of “Scary Smart” and “Solve for Happy”

 

See all of the AI for Good Global Summit 2024 speakers here. 

Demos of robots, drones, and brain-machine interfaces include:

 

The AI for Good Global Summit 2024 is supported by Immersion4 (Diamond sponsor), DLA Piper (Diamond sponsor), AWS (Gold sponsor), Alibaba DAMO Academy (Gold sponsor), ZTE (Gold sponsor), and KUKA (Networking sponsor).

Dell Announces New AI-Driven Headset Portfolio

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, effective communication is the cornerstone of productivity and collaboration. Combine that with the impact of AI on the future of work, the increase in hybrid work and the overall emphasis on employee experience, and it is exactly why Dell Technologies is investing in its peripheral portfolio with the latest technological innovations. Simply put – Dell knows that customers need more than a PC to work – they need a comprehensive ecosystem across peripherals, software, support, and services to be productive as possible in the place, space and pace at which employees work.

You’ll continue to hear about Dell’s investments in this space throughout the year, but today we’re pleased to reach out about Dell’s all-new line up of Dell intelligent headsets, built from the ground up with the latest AI-driven technology. With world class noise canceling performance and long-lasting, comfortable wear, these wireless and wired headsets are reliable for all-day conferencing.

Dell Pro Wireless ANC Headset (WL5024) and Dell Pro Wired ANC Headset (WH5024)

Dell presents the world’s most intelligent wireless[1] and wired[2] headsets in their class, the Dell Pro Wireless ANC Headset (WL5024) and Dell Pro Wired ANC Headset (WH5024). Each is equipped with built-in AI-driven noise cancellation microphones that pick up and filter out background noises, offering a new level of audio experience.

See below for a breakdown of top features:

  • AI- Driven Technology: AI-driven noise cancellation microphones pick up and filter out background noises for clear communication. By utilizing a robust AI-processing model, environmental noise cancellation is more intelligent, reliable, and accurate in distinguishing human voices from surrounding noises.
  • Clear Listening: Both headsets offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that reduces and blocks out unwanted environmental noise making it easier to focus on your what you are listening to. We take the WL5024 a step further by offering a more sophisticated Hybrid ANC which combines both feed-forward and feed-back ANC providing better noise reduction across a broader range of frequencies.
  • Collaborate effortlessly: Pair your wireless devices effortlessly and securely in just one-click using Dell Pair software[3] and customize your audio settings with Dell software.
  • Convenience: Smart sensors mute your conversation when you remove your WL5024 wireless headset and resumes your call when you put it back on, while the WH5024 Pro Wired ANC boasts easy in-line control for common tasks.
  • Swift Connection: Flip the discreet boom mic down to answer calls/unmute and flip up to mute or neatly tuck it away when not in use.
  • Sleek Design: With ergonomics and comfort in mind, the headsets are built with premium quality materials that include adjustable leatherette headband and replaceable[4] memory foam ear cushions.
  • Platform Compatibility: Certified for Microsoft Teams (Open Office) and Zoom, compatible with leading UC platforms. Open Office qualification includes the strictest test on how the headset microphone suppresses surrounding noise and office conversation from multiple directions. This certification provides the ultimate assurance that the headset meets the premium microphone standard in an open office environment.
  • Long-Lasting Battery: Easily charge your wireless headset (WL5024) by placing it on the charging dock[5] for convenient rapid charging with up to 8 hours in 15min. On a full charge, enjoy up to 78 hours[6] of listening time.
Dell Wireless Headset (WL3024) and Dell Wired Headset (WH3024

Expanding the portfolio even further, and available now are the Dell Wireless Headset (WL3024) and Dell Wired Headset (WH3024). Easy to use, these headsets make the perfect choice for the everyday, no-frills consumer who is looking to benefit from a smooth sailing workday. And stay tuned in the coming months as Dell ramps up to announce a high-end addition to the lineup!

Pricing & Availability (all prices excl. VAT)

  • Dell Pro Wired ANC Headset (WH5024) is available January 30th starting at €109.99, £90.7
  • Dell Pro Wireless ANC Headset (WL5024) is available January 30th starting €207.99, £181.59
  • Dell Wired Headset (WH3024) is available now starting €63.99, £55.75
  • Dell Wireless Headset (WL3024) is available now starting €159.99, £139.27

 

Accessories Pricing & Availability (all prices excl. VAT)

  • Dell Pro Wired /Wireless Headset Ear Cushions (HE524) is available January 30th at €22.39, £19.59
  • Dell Pro Headset Charging Stand (HC524) is available February 29th starting at €47.99, £41.91
  • Dell Wired Headset Ear Cushions (HE324) is available now at €15.99, £13.91
  • Dell Wireless Headset Ear Cushions (HE424) is available now at €15.99, £13.91
  • Dell Wireless Audio Receiver (HR024) is available now at €59.99, £52.23

[1] Based on Dell analysis, November 2023

[2] Based on Dell analysis, September 2023

[3] Dell Pair is available on select Dell PCs

[4] Sold Separately

[5] Sold Separately

[6] Based on Dell analysis (busy light and ANC off mode) of battery life usage model calculations assumption of an average use of 8 hours a day, Nov 2023.  Results vary depending on use, operating conditions and other factors.

Zoom launches newest AI innovations

Today Zoom announced new AI Companion capabilities to help improve connection, productivity, and collaboration across the platform. Along with additional enhancements across Zoom Team Chat, Zoom Whiteboard, and Zoom Meetings, Zoom AI Companion, the company’s generative AI assistant that is included at no additional cost,* can now help administrators track AI usage and adoption, and contact centres agents improve interactions with customers.

“AI Companion has generated over 5 million meeting summaries since we launched it in September 2023,” said Mahesh Ram, head of AI at Zoom. “We are focused on building AI capabilities that support collaboration, connection, and productivity, and empower users to do their best work. By continuing to launch new features for AI Companion, including an analytics dashboard and AI Companion for Zoom Contact Center, our aim is to help more people feel supported and enabled to build connections together.”

AI Companion analytics at admins’ fingertips

To help streamline the usage and adoption of AI Companion across an organisation, Zoom is introducing an analytics dashboard to help owners and admins gain a better understanding of how AI Companion is being used across their organisation and if more support is needed.

  • Analytics dashboard: Zoom admins can now access an AI Companion analytics dashboard in the Zoom admin portal that helps them to better understand usage and adoption of AI Companion within their organisation. This provides opportunities for admins to provide support and remind their users of the ways AI Companion can help streamline their workday.
Zoom AI innovations – techbuzzireland

Zoom Contact Center gets a boost from AI 

AI has become a critical ingredient for many successful contact centres. To help businesses big and small get the most out of Zoom, AI Companion is now more widely available across the platform, including with Zoom Contact Center.

  • Contact Center: AI Companion for Contact Center can now summarise customer chats and conversations to enable better agent understanding and smoother hand-offs, generate post-call tasks for follow-up, and support speech analytics and live sentiment.

Supercharging workplace communications with AI

Zoom is constantly innovating and bringing new capabilities to market in an effort to help users improve productivity and collaboration in the workplace. Stop toggling back and forth between apps, and let AI Companion help you spend less time on busy work with these new capabilities:

  • Team Chat: When using Team Chat, AI Companion will detect intent to schedule a meeting and will generate a pop-up that, when clicked, opens a calendar invite pre-filled with attendees, as well as date and time information for users, all based on the message’s content. All you have to do is click Send!
  • Whiteboard: Users now have the ability to create mind maps within Zoom Whiteboard using AI Companion to help visually organise thoughts that stem from a central idea based on user prompts.

AI makes Zoom Meetings more inclusive

Using the right pronouns is critical to engaging with teammates equitably to help  them feel comfortable and so they can collaborate with others.

  • Meetings: AI Companion will use attendees’ gender pronouns from their Zoom profile when generating Meeting Summaries to help meeting participants feel seen and acknowledged.

For more information on AI Companion, visit the Zoom website.