Month: March 2024

Dell Technologies and CrowdStrike Expand Partnership Delivering Comprehensive Managed Detection and Response

Dell Technologies  and CrowdStrike (Nasdaq: CRWD) announced an expanded strategic partnership to deliver Dell’s Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services with the industry-leading AI-native CrowdStrike Falcon® XDR platform, helping customers defend against increasingly complex cyberattacks.

According to the 2024 CrowdStrike Global Threat Report, cyber-attacks are faster, more sophisticated and stealthier than ever. At the same time, organizations are forced to do more with less as the cybersecurity skills gap grows. To protect against modern threats, customers need a holistic, intuitive managed security solution that reduces complexity and serves as a force multiplier for existing security and IT teams. The powerful combination of Dell’s global security operations experts and proactive threat hunting capabilities with the industry-leading Falcon platform delivers the security customers need across multi-cloud and multi-vendor environments.

“Working with industry leaders like CrowdStrike is critical to delivering choice and flexibility to customers in a very fragmented and complex security landscape,” said Mihir Maniar, VP of infrastructure, edge and security services portfolio, Dell Technologies. “Customers need scalable, outcome-based security solutions to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats. The combination of MDR and the CrowdStrike platform empowers customers to exponentially reduce threat exposures, detect and respond to incidents, and recover applications and systems.”

“The Falcon platform has quickly become the market’s cybersecurity platform of record. By expanding our strategic alliance with Dell to power their MDR services, we’re gaining access to more customers to bring them industry leading protection,” said Daniel Bernard, chief business officer, CrowdStrike. “Together with Dell, we see a significant opportunity to give all customers – from large enterprises to mid-market organizations and SMBs – the best security outcomes: stopping the breach, consolidating point products and driving down costs.”

Dell Managed Detection and Response is now available for global customers with the CrowdStrike Falcon XDR Platform as a direct solution and through channel partners.

Siemens Home Appliance has announced the extension of spare parts availability for both medium and small domestic appliances up to 15 years.

Siemens Home Appliances is delighted to announce the extension of spare parts  availability for both medium and small domestic appliances up to 15 years. The offer  includes functional relevant spare parts only, such as pumps, motors and electrical parts.  

This extension sees spare part availability for medium domestic appliances (MDA)  increase from 10 to 15 years, while availability for small domestic appliances (SDA) has  increased from 7 to 10 years. The spare parts offer recognises a consumer’s ‘right to  repair’ and aims to easily resolve problems that might occur with their Siemens  appliances.  

Trained and qualified engineers repair large Siemens appliances at the consumer’s  home and small Siemens appliances in the Siemens workshops based locally around  Ireland. From large Siemens appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers,  washer dryers, fridges, freezers, ovens, hobs, cooker hoods, warming dryers and coffee  machines, engineers will only ever replace faulty parts with original replacement parts  from the Siemens German warehouse.  

For further information on Siemens repair service, visit; https://www.siemens-home.bsh group.com/ie/customer-service/repair.  

EMEA Masters Returns for 2024

EMEA Masters returns in 2024 with exciting competitive updates, so mark your calendars!

The changes we’re making to the overall format of EMEA Masters aren’t just to shake the competitive scene up, they’re designed to usher in more competitiveness and bring more excitement to fans and players alike!

In 2023, we introduced two new EMEA Regional Leagues (ERLs) to the ecosystem, to better represent the EMEA region. We’ve seen some amazing players use our ERL and EMEA Masters infrastructure to move up to the LEC, with a few even making it to the recent 2024 LEC Winter Split Finals! This year, we’re looking to ensure that every team and player fighting for the spotlight has an opportunity to shine. We also brought the EMEA Masters Summer Finals to the main stage during our 2023 LEC Season Finals roadshow, and we’re happy to reveal that this year, our two EMEA Masters finalists will compete at the 2024 LEC Season Finals in Munich!

Spring Split

Looking towards the Spring Split for 2024, it will be held in a very similar competitive format. Unfortunately, we only have a two-week window in the competitive calendar for the EMEA Masters Spring Split due to overall calendar restrictions, which isn’t suitable to properly accommodate the tournament as we did in 2023. To remedy this, the number of parallel matches will be increased, but the overall amount of matches has remained the same.

For 2024, we’ll continue with the three-stage approach, which sees 28 teams competing over two weeks – starting on April 15 and concluding on April 28. As a friendly reminder, here’s the format for the Spring Split:

 

  • Play-in: 16 teams, split into four groups of four. Best-of-one, double round-robin format. The top two teams in each group progress to Knock-outs.

  • Play-in (Knock-outs): 8 teams will compete in a best-of-three series. The top four teams progress to the Group Stage.

  • Group Stage: 16 teams, split into four groups of four. Best-of-one, double round-robin format. The top two teams from each group progress to the Playoffs.

  • Playoffs: 8 teams will compete in a best-of-five, single elimination bracket.

Summer Split

We have, however, made changes to the 2024 EMEA Masters Summer Split. Firstly, it will now be held in three stages: Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQ), Group Stage and Playoffs. You’ll also see a total of 38 different teams compete throughout the tournament – so you better strap in for the ride!

 

 

Last Chance Qualifiers

The LCQ will be the stage for 24 teams to compete for a ticket to the Group Stage – with one to three teams competing per region. We’ll be sharing more information on the format of our opening stage for the 2024 EMEA Masters Summer Split in the coming months so stay tuned!

Group Stage

The Group Stage will consist of 16 teams, with 13 of the teams having automatically qualified – being the winners of each respective ERL Summer Final. The remaining three teams will qualify through our LCQ. Four groups of four teams will fight for victory in a best-of-three, GSL format. The teams will be assigned to their respective groups through a draw show. For a quick-fire explanation of GSL, if you win twice, you move on to the next stage – so the pressure is on! Teams will have a total of three chances to rise from their group. The top two teams from each of the four groups will then advance to the Playoffs.

Playoffs

Playoffs will see the best eight teams of the tournament fighting tooth and nail for the crown. The format will be a double-elimination bracket, with the first seeds from the Group Stage being placed in the upper bracket, and the second seeds progressing to the lower bracket. All matches will be best-of-threes apart from our Lower Bracket Finals and Grand Finals, which are both best-of-five – allowing teams to grapple with each other for the trophy!

Just like the 2023 EMEA Masters, this year’s Summer Finals will be taking place on the big stage, during the 2024 LEC Roadshow. The two finalists will compete in front of the crowd for the championship title. We’ll be announcing more information on the finals weekend later this year so make sure to stay tuned!

Why Furnished Rental Apartments are the New Trend in Real Estate in San Diego

In recent years, a major shift has occurred in San Diego’s real estate market, highlighting the growing popularity of furnished rental apartments. This pattern deviates from traditional housing alternatives, providing many perks tailored to modern people’s changing preferences and activities. From the simplicity of a turnkey lifestyle to the versatility of short-term leases, furnished apartments have become the new symbol of urban refinement in America’s Finest City.

The Appeal of Furnished Rental Apartments

  • Convenience and Comfort

Furnished rental apartments provide residents with ready-to-use living spaces complete with basic appliances and elegant furnishings. From comfortable sofas to cutting-edge equipment, these houses provide a stress-free transfer for anyone looking for a smooth relocation or temporary lodging.

Furthermore, the chosen interior design creates a pleasant and friendly ambiance, making inhabitants feel just at home from the start.

  • Flexibility and Mobility

In today’s fast-paced world, flexibility is essential for adapting to changing career possibilities and lifestyle choices. Furnished rental apartments allow you to adjust to changing circumstances without the limits of long-term contracts or the cost of equipping a new room.

Whether it’s a short-term task, a temporary move, or a desire for adventurous living, renters have the freedom to tailor their duration of stay to their requirements, which makes it a great alternative for contemporary nomads and entrepreneurs.

  • Cost-Effective Living

Furnished rental apartments might be a more affordable option than typical living. While the initial rental prices may appear to be greater than unfurnished homes, tenants can save greatly on furniture purchases, relocation expenditures, and utility setup fees.

Furthermore, the comprehensive nature of outfitted rentals minimizes the need for large deposits or the inconvenience of scheduling delivery, making it a cost-effective option for folks looking for a fully furnished living area without breaking the bank.

  • Enhanced Facilities and Services

Several of San Diego’s furnished rental apartments are located in boutique buildings or luxury residential areas that provide a plethora of facilities and services that are intended to improve urban life. These hotels provide a wide range of amenities to meet the various requirements and interests of their inhabitants, ranging from pet-friendly apartments and fitness facilities to concierge services and rooftop patios.

Furnished rentals revolutionize current living standards and establish a new norm for urban lifestyle by skillfully fusing elegance with ease.

  • Sustainable Living

For those who are concerned about the environment and want to live sustainably, furnished rental apartments are a great choice in this day and age. Through the utilization of pre-existing furnishings and services, these dwellings help minimize the waste that is linked to the creation and disposal of furniture.

To further increase the eco-friendly attractiveness of furnished apartments in San Diego, builders and property managers are progressively including sustainable design elements like renewable materials, energy-efficient fixtures and fittings, and green areas.

  • Community Engagement

Furnished rental apartments encourage social contact and a feeling of community among renters, in contrast to standard housing alternatives where occupants may lead secluded lifestyles. The common rooms and shared facilities, which include outdoor meeting places, co-working spaces, and lounges, provide members with lots of chances to interact with one another and build lasting relationships.

In addition to improving life in general, this sense of camaraderie creates a welcoming environment where people may flourish personally as well as professionally.

The Effect on the Real Estate Market in San Diego

Undoubtedly, the growing need for furnished apartment rentals has had an impact on San Diego’s real estate industry, forcing investors and developers to adjust to changing customer demands. Developers are taking advantage of the growing trend of workers, students, and transitory populations looking for flexible housing alternatives by adding furnished apartments to their residential buildings or renovating existing properties to accommodate the increased demand.

Comparison of Furnished vs. Unfurnished Rental Apartments

Aspect

Unfurnished Rental Apartments

Furnished Rental Apartments
Initial Setup Needs to buy and set up appliances and furnishings. Completely equipped with all the necessities and trendy furnishings.
Cost Reduced first-time rental fees but higher setup costs. Reduced furniture expenses offset higher initial leasing costs.
Flexibility Usually, long-term contracts with little room for flexibility. Short-term leases with a cancellation or extension option.
Convenience Outfitting and arranging utilities upon arrival is necessary. Completely furnished living space that doesn’t need relocating furnishings.
Lifestyle Enhancement Depends on outside amenities and services for convenience. Improved facilities and services in affluent neighborhoods.
Market Demand Appealing to those looking for sustained stability. Growing acceptance among migrant communities.

 

The Prognosis for the Future

The future of San Diego’s real estate market seems to be more and more entwined with this changing trend, as the appeal of furnished apartment rentals continues to draw in both residents and buyers. Furnished rentals, which place a strong focus on luxury, convenience, and flexibility, have the potential to completely change the urban living scene by providing a competitive option to both long-term leases and traditional owning.

Final Words

The growth of furnished rental apartments, which reflect the evolving requirements and tastes of contemporary inhabitants, signifies an abrupt change in San Diego’s real estate industry. America’s Finest City has new standards for refinement and versatility thanks to these homes, which capture the spirit of modern urban living with their alluring luxury features and turnkey ease.

Residents who adopt this cutting-edge housing option may benefit from the best of both worlds: the coziness of a fully furnished house and the flexibility to take advantage of new possibilities without being constrained by long-term obligations.

Furnished rental apartments are positioned to play a significant role in forming the urban fabric of San Diego for years to come as the city proceeds to develop as a vibrant center for creative endeavors and culture.

SUAS Aerospace seeks €5 million to develop Irish spaceport

Irish Aerospace Company, SUAS Aerospace, has announced a fund-raising round of €5 million for the development of a spaceport to facilitate orbital and suborbital rocket launches for carrying small satellites to polar orbits.

The company aims to have world-class upstream space infrastructure fully operational by 2027, facilitating up to forty-eight launches annually and driving initial projected revenues in excess of €70 million.  Long term plans include a major aeronautical facility that will encompass launchpads, integration facility, control center and visitor center.

Ireland was identified as one of the top three suitable locations in Europe for a Spaceport in a technical feasibility study commissioned by SUAS and undertaken by British-based high-altitude expert B2Space.  The study looked at safety, launcher range and flights paths and concluded that orbital rocket launches for small satellites can be achieved from various locations in Ireland.

The SUAS Aerospace project aims to capitalise on Ireland’s location and climate advantage for small satellite launching and will also respond to the deficit in European launch capabilities for European companies developing commercial launch vehicles.

Rory Fitzpatrick, CEO, SUAS Aerospace, said: “This is a significant opportunity for Ireland to establish itself as a leader in the European space sector. The current round of seed funding will help SUAS Aerospace substantially progress its vision to to create a thriving space hub in Ireland.    It will help develop initial infrastructure, conduct test launches, establish strategic partnerships and ultimately pave the way for the first orbital launch from Irish soil. Our hope is that it will inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in an indigenous Irish operation.”

SUAS Aerospace was founded in 2019 and is supported by the Enterprise Ireland.  With initial investment of  €1.1 million to date, SUAS has secured significant partnerships with major European Companies including Skyrora, T Minus Engineering, Pangea Aerospace and is part of a successful consortium awarded a €5m grant from Horizon Europe to develop interoperable (plug and play) rocket engine testing infrastructure for Europe.

SUAS Aerospace is currently headquartered at National Space Centre in Cork.

NEW Lomography Premium 110 Film Camera with a Glass Lens

Crafted for those who crave spontaneity and live for carefree moments, the Lomomatic 110 is designed to capture  a fragment of every memory with distinctive 110 charm. A window to snippets of your world; wherever the road  leads, whatever escapades unfold, this tiny marvel is a pocket-sized companion for the unexpected twists and  turns of life. From everyday moments to special occasions, capture a glimpse of life through its sharp glass lens  and compact creativity! Available now in the classic silver metal edition and colorful Golden Gate edition, both  with additional flash attachment, it’s time to explore the world with the Lomomatic 110! 

SMALL CAMERA,  BIG ADVENTURES 

Don’t be fooled by its size — this creative companion is bursting with big ideas! It’s a thrilling companion for  analogue beginners, the sharpest and most trusted 110 camera for seasoned photographers, and a nostalgic  voyage for those yearning for the grand old days of 110 film. Opening the door to a world of possibilities with fully  automatic settings, controllable ISO, zone focusing, and interchangeable apertures, it can squeeze into all types  of small spaces for crazy Lomographic perspectives. Ready for anything, the Lomomatic 110 captures fragments  of life, each frame is a glimpse into a spontaneous moment frozen in time, effortlessly transformed into a vibrant  memory. 

WHAT IS 110? 

First soaring to popularity in the 1970s, the simple yet mighty 110 format made photography approachable and  accessible. Though this miniature format faced a period of decline, we brought it back in 2012 and now proudly  stand as the sole brand manufacturing new 110 films and cameras, offering an unparalleled selection of creative  

films, including color negative, black & white, redscale and LomoChrome films as well as the compact Diana Baby  and Fisheye Baby cameras. As part of our dedication to keeping analogue alive – the cutting-edge Lomomatic 110  is now available, ushering in a new era of advanced creativity! 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Film format: 110  

Lens focal length: 23 mm 

Available apertures: Day f/5.6, Night f/2.8 

Maximum aperture: f/2.8 

ISO: controllable 100, 200 or 400 

Shutter speed: Auto (A), Bulb (B) 

Focusing: zone focus  

Flash: “Day”, “Night” and “OFF” manual settings,  

interchangeable color filters included 

Multiple exposures: unlimited 

Tripod socket: no 

Battery: 1 x CR2 (1.5 V)

Lomomatic 110 Camera and Flash Classic Edition
MSRP: £149
https://shop.lomography.com/lomomatic-110-film-camera-flash-metal

Lomomatic 110 Camera and Flash Golden Gate Edition
MSRP: £109
https://shop.lomography.com/lomomatic-110-glass-lens-camera-flash-color-edition

Lomomatic 110 Camera Golden Gate Edition
MSRP: £89
https://shop.lomography.com/cameras/lomomatic-110-glass-lens-camera-color-edition

23 mm Minitar CX multi-coated glass lens
Automatic exposure
Multiple and long-exposure shooting modes
Zone focusing
Adjustable ISO
Lomomatic Flash with colored filters
Metal Wrist Strap & Tin Can for 110 negatives included in flash package

With an innovative sliding mechanism, this portable pleasure can squeeze into any space for crazy Lomographic perspectives, capturing a slice of life on 110 film. Designed for everyday photography, it’s easy for anyone to use! For those less familiar with the 110 format, they have created a dedicated page all about 110 including tips and tricks for mastering creative techniques as well as a list of places to get 110 film developed.

HP’s Work Relationship Index Reveals AI’s Potential to Unlock Better Relationships with Work

Today at the HP Amplify Partner Conference, HP Inc. announced new findings from its Work Relationship Index, a comprehensive study that explores employees’ relationships with work around the world. The study, which surveyed more than 15,600 respondents across 12 countries, reveals that while the world’s relationship with work is strained and employee expectations are rising, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is seen as a key to unlocking better relationships with work.

“Workers around the world are looking to senior leadership for guidance on how to navigate the AI terrain effectively: the stage is set for business leaders to seize the opportunity to both empower their employees and drive success,” states Val Gabriel, Managing Director of HP Ireland.

“AI represents a significant opportunity to transform our work dynamics and unlock a more positive and productive environment for all. To foster greater understanding and acceptance of AI – and ensure employees know how to reap its benefits – business leaders must take the initiative to educate employees on AI’s potential and spearhead its effective integration.”

The World’s Relationship with Work Is Strained: AI Can Help

In today’s global workforce, there’s a notable strain in the relationship between individuals and work, with just 27% of knowledge workers reporting a healthy work relationship. Simultaneously, knowledge workers’ expectations of their relationship with work have surged, with 58% globally reporting that their expectations have increased over the past three years. This is particularly pronounced in growing economies, at 71%, compared to 50% of workers in mature economies.

AI’s potential to foster healthier relationships with work is well understood by the workforce – with business leaders and IT decision makers leading the way. 54% of knowledge workers, 72% of business leaders and 70% of IT decision makers see the role AI can play in improving work-life balance. To a similar extent, employees believe that AI can streamline tasks and make their job easier (business leaders 75%, knowledge workers 58%).

Notably, in growing economies, 76% of knowledge workers think AI will make their job ‘easier’ and 75% ‘more interesting’ (vs. 48% and 44% respectively in mature economies).

Business Leaders Must Guide AI Integration

The gap between business leaders, ITDMs and knowledge workers demonstrates the need for business leaders to effectively communicate the benefits of AI and educate employees on how to integrate it into their work processes – to help drive better business outcomes at the same time as strengthening individuals’ relationships with work. The survey showed that uncertainty persists regarding how best to use AI and take full advantage of it:

  • Almost 2 in 5 (42%) individuals feel unsure of when to use AI in the workplace.
  • 41% feel ill-equipped to harness AI’s full potential in their role.

With 73% of business leaders and 66% of knowledge workers advocating for proper AI training, there’s a clear call for organisations to prioritise upskilling initiatives to empower their workforce in embracing AI technologies.

Download the full Work Relationship Index ‘AI in the Workplace’ report here under “Download Latest Reports.”

First Look – AENO RC2S Robot Vacuum Cleaner

The AENO RC2S Robot Vacuum Cleaner is one of several models available from the brand and these are more common today in the home than they once where when they came on the scene some years ago and after reviewing several brands over the years we look forward to checking this model out from this company which has many household tech items on offer and one such recent product was their premium eco smart LED heater which has been popular.

 

We will today have a quick first look and tour of the device and see what you get and what to expect and later on a full review of course, yes a review not an our testers have opinions review with Zero context as we always do and go hands on show you the device in action and check out the app.

Any questions you might have while we test this over the next few weeks feel free to comment as always and check out the unboxing video linked below and comment there..

Features

Efficient wet cleaning

3 modes of electronic water flow provide effective and safe cleaning for different floor types and mess levels

Cleans of all types of surfaces

The vacuum cleaner works effectively with all types of surfaces: carpets, laminate, parquet, tiles and more. You won’t need other devices to complete your cleaning

Effective daily cleaning of pet hair

Save yourself the discomfort of a large amount of pet hair around the house

Up to 130 min of cleaning without recharging

5 hours charge will be enough to clean an area up to 150 m²

Modes for every need

Need to remove pet hair from carpet? Turbo mode will help you. Spread grain over the floor area? Use Spot mode. Child’s room requires daily cleaning? Single room mode is a good solution

Super powerful

The exceptional power 2500 Pa of the robot vacuum cleaner AENO can clean even long pile carpets, thoroughly collects any debris on the floor. Just use the Turbo mode for highly messed areas

Reliable Japanese Nidec motor

Nidec motor provides peak performance and long-lasting reliability

Up to 150 m² wet cleaning without water refill

Enlarged 350 ml water tank capacity makes it possible. Just fill the water tank before cleaning and don’t think about it anymore

High step overcoming – 18 mm Threshold, cable, high pile carpet – won’t be a hindrance to cleaning the whole home

All consumables always available

Regular cleaning in hard-to-reach places

Forget about inconvenient cleaning under dressers, beds, and other furniture

Includes:

  • HEPA 12 filter
  • Fabric mop
  • 2 x Side brushes

BUY

Unboxing

New EU project focusses on fighting online manipulation and interference

Researchers from ADAPT, Dr. Brendan Spillane (UCD) and Prof. Owen Conlan (TCD), have announced their involvement in a new Horizon Europe project named ATHENA. This €3.1 million Horizon Europe project, titled “An exposition on THe forEign informatioN mAnipulation and interference,” aims to detect and analyse disinformation associated with Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI). The work of the ATHENA project is crucial for the protection of democratic processes in Europe in light of recent FIMI campaigns using disinformation and the surge in cyber-attacks originating from countries like Russia and China.

The project’s primary goal is to understand the Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures employed by perpetrators in these activities and to provide policymakers and stakeholders with ATHENA the necessary tools for combating FIMI and disinformation. This will enable the project to develop countermeasures and evaluate their impact.

ADAPT researchers contributions to ATHENA include in depth case study explorations of known FIMI campaigns in Europe, the creation of a FIMI detection platform including a toolbox for analysis, a knowledge graph to store the data, and a dynamic dashboard to enable European policy makers to monitor FIMI activities to devise effective counter-strategies. ATHENA will additionally conduct a comparative legal and regulatory analysis of how eight EU Member States address FIMI, identifying areas where policy enhancement is feasible. The consortium will devise an accessible questionnaire for public utilisation, enabling individuals to recognise encounters with FIMI in their daily lives.

Dr Brendan Spillane highlighted ADAPT’s significant experience of research into disinformation: “The research being undertaken by ADAPT researchers in ATHENA builds on their coordination from another Horizon Europe VIGILANT project (https://www.vigilantproject.eu/) which will equip European Police Authorities with technology to detect, analyse and combat disinformation linked to criminal activities, and a previous H2020 project called PROVENANCE which developed technology to warn end users of disinformation when using the Internet or social media.

Engagement with stakeholders is a key aspect of the project, as ATHENA will engage a diverse range of stakeholders in interviews and workshops. Additionally, ATHENA will focus on knowledge dissemination and training in universities and schools, amplifying widespread awareness of FIMI and fostering defences against it.

Dr. David Wright from Trilateral Research, coordinator of the Project said: “The ATHENA project is not just a response to current threats but a proactive step towards a more secure digital future for Europe”.

“Disinformation spread as part of FIMI campaigns has the potential to negatively impact societal values and undermine political processes. ATHENA will develop advanced AI-informed countermeasures and playbooks to help policy makers combat FIMI.”, said Prof. Owen Conlan from Trinity College Dublin and ADAPT.

ATHENA involves 14 partners including Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH, Greece), the University of Cyprus (UCY), the Bavarian Police Academy (Germany), the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), Laurea University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Fundació Eurecat (Spain), Storyzy (France), Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), the European Organisation for Security (Belgium), Maldita (Spain), EU-Disinfo (Belgium) and University College Dublin (Ireland).