Sonatus, a leading automotive software company accelerating the transition to software-defined vehicles (SDVs), today announced it has opened an R&D and engineering center in Dublin, Ireland, to expand its engineering and business capabilities. With the importance of Europe as a hub for many major automotive manufacturers, Sonatus is deploying seasoned talent to expand its footprint and enable closer collaboration across this important region and beyond. Establishing this new center will support the company’s service to existing and future customers.
“Software technology in vehicles is accelerating and Sonatus is at the forefront of working with vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers to enable the future capabilities consumers will demand,” said Jeff Chou, co-founder and CEO of Sonatus. “We are investing in developing an R&D and engineering center in Ireland to ensure we can respond effectively to the needs of our customers globally.”
Sonatus has hired a local management team responsible for this new center, comprising seasoned business and technical leaders. Serving as General Manager of the Ireland office and overseeing business operations is Marc Synnott, who brings over 20 years of management and financial experience to Sonatus. Business and technical staff in the new Dublin center, spanning a range of disciplines, will work closely with other Sonatus design centers around the world.
“The opportunities for software-defined vehicles are expanding significantly, but can be technically complicated, requiring close collaboration between automotive manufacturers and technology leaders like Sonatus,” said Marc Synnott, General Manager, Ireland Operations, Sonatus. “This new R&D and engineering center gives Sonatus access to Ireland’s highly skilled and qualified pool of engineering and technical talent, and brings Sonatus closer to more customers as we continue to expand our business across Europe and the rest of the world.”
“IDA Ireland is proud of Ireland’s reputation as a trusted technology hub and pleased to welcome Sonatus’ new design center in Dublin,” said Mary Buckley, Executive Director of IDA Ireland. “This announcement is testament to the talent and expertise that global companies can access here. The automotive technology market is rapidly growing and Sonatus’ arrival in Ireland will expand this important growth sector.”
Dell Technologies has announced the launch and general availability of Dell APEX File Storage for Microsoft Azure, a new high-performance multicloud file storage solution designed to bridge the gap between cloud storage and AI-driven insights to accelerate AI innovation for businesses of all sizes.
Dell APEX File Storage for Microsoft Azure represents a significant milestone in Dell’s ongoing collaboration with Microsoft. This powerful solution empowers businesses to unlock the full potential of AI by providing a robust, scalable, and secure foundation for their most demanding workloads.
Dell APEX File Storage for Microsoft Azure leverages PowerScale OneFS, a high-performance scale-out file storage solution, to provide customers with effective data consolidation and management, reduced storage costs, and enhanced data protection and security, all while integrating seamlessly with native cloud AI tools to accelerate insights.
This solution is specifically engineered to support the flexibility required in today’s diverse cloud ecosystems and is ideal for AI workflows, offering capabilities like advanced native replication and enterprise-grade features of PowerScale One FS even in the cloud.
“With Apex File Storage for Microsoft Azure, we’ve brought the familiar capabilities and performance of PowerScale OneFS into the Azure cloud environment, ensuring a seamless and efficient storage experience that meets the demands of modern multicloud strategies,” said Kshitij Tambe, Principal Product Manager at Dell Technologies. “Our goal is to empower businesses to not only manage their data more effectively but to also harness the full potential of AI with the best performance at scale.”
The storage solution is built for scalability, supporting up to 18 nodes and 5.6PiB in a single namespace, significantly enhancing cluster performance and resilience compared to other cloud file storage solutions.
Nearly six out of ten (58%) Irish SME businesses are confident they can meet all new mandatory wage hikes and supplementary business expenses linked to staff expenditures in 2024, according to the latest Linked Finance SME Confidence Index, based on research conducted by B&A.
On the 1st of January 2024, businesses saw a 12% surge in the national minimum wage, climbing from €11.30 to €12.70 per hour placing fresh challenges and expenses on to SME businesses. In addition, SMEs are confronting additional hurdles including the introduction of new sick pay and parents’ leave entitlements.
In addition to the mandatory wage pressures, 37% of SME businesses expect to implement wage increases the coming year, with only 2% of businesses citing the need to reduce staff numbers to manage the increased wage costs.
Over the past 12 months, 92% of businesses have maintained or increased staff levels, showing the resilience and demand within the labour market in Ireland. This comes as the latest CSO unemployment rate for February fell to 4.2% from the rate of 4.5% recorded in January 2024, and from 4.1% in February 2023, as the Irish labour market remains tight.
Overall, the Business Optimism Index rose year-on-year from 60.1 in Q4 2022 to 62.4 in Q4 2023, but it is down from 64.13 in Q3 2023. Yet, 70% of SME businesses anticipate improved or stable results in Q1 2024 when compared with Q1 2023. This suggests the decline in optimism is more likely a recalibration rather than negativity, signalling a more cautious outlook among SMEs as they go into 2024.
Niall O’Grady, CEO of Linked Finance, said:
“The confidence exhibited by Irish SMEs in meeting new mandatory requirements at a time of continued economic challenges is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. As businesses continue to navigate challenges and pursue growth opportunities, strategic foresight and proactive measures will be crucial in ensuring long-term success.”
Nearly half of all SME businesses (49%) implemented a price increase in Q4 2023. While there are some tentative signs of a plateauing, there is large difference in the businesses willing to push prices onto customers, as 63% of larger SMEs (those with 10+ employees) increased prices in Q4 2024, compared with only 39% of micro-SMEs (those with 1-3 employees).
According to the flash estimate of the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) from the CSO, the inflation rate slowed to 2.3% in February 2024, yet businesses continue to feel the pinch, especially smaller SME businesses who may be experiencing heightened market competition and the imperative to maintain close customer relationships.
On a positive, 59% of SMEs reported either higher or the same level of operational profits in Q4 2023 compared to 12-months ago, suggesting that businesses are effectively managing their operations and remaining competitive in the market.
Niall O’Grady, CEO of Linked Finance, said:
“SMEs play a pivotal role in driving innovation and sustaining economic growth. At Linked Finance we are dedicated to empowering these businesses through accessible and efficient funding solutions. As SMEs navigate today’s competitive economic landscape the research shows positivity and resilience among SMEs, and with almost €300M in capital loans already provided to SMEs across Ireland, Linked Finance stands ready to continue supporting SMEs on their journey.”
For more information about the Linked Finance SME Index, please visit https://www.linkedfinance.com/.
Fifteen Cork start-up founders have completed Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Programme in MTU’s Rubicon centre. Starting last September, the group participated in a 6-month, full-time acceleration programme, benefitting from seed funding of €15,000, individual professional mentoring, expert-led workshops, access to MTU’s research expertise and free office space for their start-up. The startups have moved from concept to investor readiness, pitching in front of investors in Ireland and the USA. In addition to the support from the Rubicon team, mentors and trainers, the founders benefited from the wide range of supports available for startups across the Southwest region and the wide network of New Frontiers alumni.
Nine of the startups have already launched their products on the market, with customers in Ireland and abroad. Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices are continuing to provide assistance and many of the startups are working with MTU’s Technology Gateways which are providing technical supports to help them implement their product road maps.
New Frontiers Programme Manager, Aoife McInerney said “It’s been very rewarding to watch these founders develop their products and engage with the vibrant start up community that exists in the region. We look forward to seeing them continue to grow in the coming months and years”.
Elvis Seporaitis of Volta Robotics received The Best Business Opportunity Award at the end of programme and Paula McGovern of Wizard and Grace Candles received the award for Best Pitch. Elvis Seporaitis commenting on receiving his award said “New Frontiers provided me with new skills and networks to accelerate my startup business, in a dynamic entrepreneurial environment. I look forward to growing my business using the networks and support available, in the years ahead.”
Alumni of the New Frontiers programme in Cork include LegitFit, BladeBridge, HaPPE Earth, Swyft Energy, Spéire and Kuul Play.
Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme equips ambitious founders with the right connections, the right skills, and the right route to capital. It empowers them to take an idea or early-stage business through the initial development phases and prepare for their first phases of fundraising and growth. Delivered nationally, New Frontiers is the right way to build a successful and sustainable startup.
The QDOS PowerCube 45W Trio is a versatile and efficient charging solution for various devices, including smartphones and laptops. The product is manufactured by QDOS, a UK-based company that has been designing premium tech accessories since 2006. QDOS is committed to sustainability and uses state-of-the-art machinery to reduce water and energy consumption, increase the use of recycled raw materials, and reduce its carbon footprint.
The PowerCube Trio 45W comes with a 45W (EU) PowerCube dual-port USB-C power adapter, a USB-C to MFI lightning cable, and a USB-C to USB-C cable. The PowerCube Trio 45W is optimised for Apple devices and can charge an iPhone three times faster than any other power adapter, allowing two devices to charge simultaneously. The power adapter can charge at 45W when charging one device with one port and can charge two devices simultaneously at 20W and 25W high-speed charges. The adapter is equipped with Programmable Power Supply (PPS) technology, which tailors the most efficient charge to the connected device, and GaN technology, which improves energy efficiency, heat dissipation, and compact housing.
45W (EU) PowerCube (Dual Port USB-C power adapter)
Charge at 45W when charging 1 device with 1 port
Charge 2 devices simultaneously at 20W and 25W high speed charge
Charge your iPhone and iPad simultaneously, in one location
Programmable Power Supply (PPS) – Tailors the most efficient charge to the connected device
GaN technology – Improved energy efficiency, heat dissipation & compact housing
Optimised for Apple devices
The USB-C to MFI lightning and USB-C to USB-C cables are 1.2m in length and support Power Delivery (PD), enabling high-speed charging with a maximum of 60W. The cables are reinforced, reducing breakage and prolonging cable life, and are MFI-certified. The PowerCube Trio 45W is compatible with Apple, Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi, Google, and other USB-C or Lightning-enabled devices.
The charger comes with cables for both Android and iPhone, ensuring users are up and running without the need for additional cables. However, the product only comes with a one-year warranty, which is a disappointment for a company that claims sustainability is a priority. The product is optimised for devices up to 45W, including MacBooks, laptops, iPads, iPhones, and smartphones. However, it may also work for USB-C laptops that require a power lower than 45W. It is essential to check the manufacturer’s charger requirements before using it as a backup charger for a laptop.
In conclusion, the QDOS PowerCube 45W Trio is a reliable and versatile charging solution for various devices. Its Programmable Power Supply (PPS) provides optimum charge to connected devices, and GaN technology improves energy efficiency, heat dissipation, and compact housing. The MFI-certified ( made for iPhone ) cables are reinforced and of superior quality, and the product is compatible with all USB-C or Lightning-enabled devices. (Branded as QDOS inspiring confidence in the cables) Although the one-year warranty is a disappointment, the product’s quality and flexibility make it an ideal multipurpose charger for users who need a reliable and efficient charging solution.
The UCD Centre for Digital Policy, with the support ofMinister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary TD and Microsoft, today announced the release of a newly created AI video series to help build AI policy understanding and capabilities among policymakers, developers and others.
Bringing expert academic, legal, industry, political and policy expertise and insights together, the five short videos provide a solid base for anyone interested in deepening their knowledge and understanding of this dynamic technology and social policy space. Contributors include Minister Dara Calleary; AI Ambassador, Patricia Scanlon; Drs. Elizabeth Farries and Susan Leavy from UCD; AI Advisory Council member, Barry Scannell; and TrialView’s Stephen Dowling.
The video series builds on a collaboration between UCD and Microsoft, which saw the introduction of the Microsoft-UCD Digital Policy Programme at UCD in 2020 with the goal of building digital policy capability amongst the public and private sector in Ireland and across the wider EU.
The announcement was made at the Digital Ireland Conference organised by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment today in Dublin Castle. The event sought to underline Ireland’s position as a digital leader at the heart of European and global digital developments and demonstrate Government’s commitment to drive greater clarity, coherence and cooperation in digital in Ireland.
Welcoming the release of the AI video series, Minister Dara Calleary TD said: “Ireland can lead in responsible AI and innovative AI and be at the core of AI innovation in Europe. As we look ahead, skilling up in AI will give people the skills and confidence to deal with and manage AI. Skills are also crucial to understanding ethical AI and person-centred AI which are two key principles of Ireland’s national AI strategy.”
Dr. Elizabeth Farries from the UCD Centre for Digital Policy said: “Communication and comprehension needs to occur along every point of the AI supply and development chain. We need communication and understanding of ethics from researchers and developers to Governments embracing these technologies. That is why we recommend capacity building for policymakers and developers alike through education including the programmes offered at UCD Centre for Digital Policy.”
James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Lead and Vice President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Center said: “AI is a transformative technology that has huge potential to empower workers, businesses and communities across Ireland. As the use of AI tools and technologies accelerates, it is important that both the policy opportunities and challenges created by the technology are well understood. By providing insights from a wide-ranging set of experts across academia, policy and industry, the new AI video series produced in collaboration with the UCD Centre for Digital Policy can help to deepen understanding in these key areas and ensure responsible AI principles are put into practice.”
The AI Video Series, along with a similar series on Cyber Security produced last year, are available to view at www.digitalpolicy.ie.
A raft of new updates are set to launch on Sky Glass and Sky Stream through Entertainment OS, the operating system that keeps getting smarter. New features include a personalised recommendation rail, enhanced voice control options and lower latency on Sky Sports Main Event.
Five new Entertainment OS 1.2 features to try now:
Tailored viewing recommendations with new personalised movie and TV genre rails…
Feeling stuck on what to watch next? With the latest personalised rails, it has never been easier with recommended TV shows and movies based on genres you’ve watched.
If you’ve been engrossed in ‘Ferrari’ or ‘Oppenheimer’, personalised genre rails will showcase similar biographical and historical dramas. Designed to recommend more than 30 different genres, from the most popular to the most niche, they help you discover the content you love.
Movie recommendations are available to try now, with the feature launching for TV shows soon.
Your favourite actors, all in one place
Show Pages now include a Cast and Crew rail featuring the actors from the TV series or movie you’re watching. This allows you to discover everything they’ve ever been in and brings up new suggestions for you to watch.
“Hello Sky, rewind”
A much-loved feature on Sky Q has come to Sky Glass and Sky Stream. You can now fast forward and rewind using your voice, so you can skip to the good bits or re-wind and enjoy all the best dialogue from Succession all over again.
Find the music you love, faster
You can now use your voice to find your favourites on Amazon Music and ROXi. Simply saying “Fred Again on Amazon Music” or “Harry Styles on ROXi” will launch the app and find Fred Again or Harry Styles singles & albums on the artist page.
Playlist with personality
You can now personalise your playlist even further with a range of new character avatars. Kids can choose from popular characters including favourites from Paw Patrol, Scooby Doo, Peppa Pig, SpongeBob, Trolls and Pip & Posy. We’ll be adding more avatars later this year.
Entertainment OS 1.3 features, rolling out from May:
Auto Game Mode levels up gameplay
Good news for gamers, Auto Game Mode is launching on Sky Glass which uses Auto Low Latency (ALLM) to offer a more responsive gaming experience for casual players. Simply plug in your console and Sky Glass will automatically switch to Auto Game Mode.
Add actors to your Playlist
Add your favourite actors to your playlist, and then easily find movies and TV shows they’ve been in to watch whenever you want. Soon, football fans will be able to follow their teams to enjoy the latest matches all in one place.
Simply press the + button on the remote whilst browsing for people in the UI, e.g. from the new Cast & Crew rail on the show page, or search for your favourite people and add from there. When a person has been added, you can find them within a ‘People you follow’ rail within the playlist section.
“Hello Sky, add to Playlist”
You’ll be able to use your voice to add movies and shows to your playlist. Simply go to the show or movie page and say, “Hello Sky, add to playlist” to save things you want to watch later.
Sky Sports Main Event soon to be available in Low Latency
Sky Sports Main Event viewers will soon be able to watch the channel in Low Latency, reducing the time between the action on the pitch and watching on your Sky Glass or Stream. Latency has been reduced by over 20 seconds, which means you can now watch your favourite sports faster than many other streaming services.
Sky Sports Main Event viewers will be able to watch sports in Low Latency over the coming months, before being rolled out to other Sky Sports channels this year.
Show Page to show Rotten Tomatoes ratings
Show pages will feature Rotten Tomatoes scores to save the hassle of googling a rating before jumping into a movie, as well as a range of new icons.
Enjoy all your favourite shows and movies with subtitles
All Ultra HD on demand content, including Sky Nature shows and blockbuster films, will have the option for subtitles by the end of the summer – a feature already available on HD
Coming soon, Audio Description, a popular feature on our TV channels, will also be available on video on demand content
Eat, sleep, game, repeat with new Sky Live games
Sky Live, our innovative smart camera tailor-made for Sky Glass, transforms your TV experience, offering an endless range of interactive experiences. New motion games for all the family to enjoy are regularly added to the platform, including:
Basketball Knockout
Become a basketball pro by getting as many basketballs as possible through the hoop, either in arcade style, or one on one or against a friend. Available to play now.
Tennis Smash: Racketville
Inspired by the action on Sky Sports Tennis? Channel your inner Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu and get moving in Sky Live’s new tennis motion game.
Using your hands to hit the virtual tennis ball, players can play tournament style games as various characters. Players can also unlock more characters as they play more games.
Tennis Smash: Racketville will be available for Sky Live customers soon.
Starri
You can now play two-player in Starri, the music rhythm game. Battle it out against your friends to see who has the best moves.
For more information about Sky Glass and Sky Stream and for pricing, visit Sky.com/ie.
The Skullcandy Ecobuds are the latest edition to their earbuds collection which are aiming at the environment all round but not forgetting their audio prowess either at an affordable price.
Coming with a new look charging case and a built in cable these look well out of the box and a different approach to their case and how they charge which is through your smartphone or tablet with a USB-C connection, you can off course opt to plug into a wall but charging this handy and different and then you have no need to worry about forgetting a cable with you as it is right there on the case.
The fit is secure with the design and will not fall out of your ears they are a perfect fit with the right tips giving an excellent seal which is the best way to use your earbuds, always check the tips to get the best seal.
The sound here is great and I expected no less,based on the Dime series earbuds the controls have all the features you would expect to find here with plenty to keep you going and their EQ mode is excellent here given there is no app this time around.
Controls
Hold for one second on left and right for volume up and down
Track forward and reverse tap twice on left and right
Voice assistant tap the right earbud for 4 seconds
EQ change is tap`the left earbud for 4 seconds
Play and pause is a single tap on either
The sound overall is great and well balanced and I am not complaining one bit here they have done a great job with decent volume and a full suite of controls for calls and music with no lag latency or tinny sound and you will be impressed at what is given here.
Overall you can’t go wrong for what you get here and their mission and they also look cool and with a built in cable you are always covered should you need to charge up.
Features
Up to 8 Hours of Battery Life + Rapid Charge – 10 minutes of charging gives you 2 hours of playtime • Charge From Your Phone with Integrated USB-C Charging Cable
Premium Audio Quality with Microphone in Each Earbud
Noise Isolating Fit
Music, Bass Boost and Podcast EQ Modes
Bluetooth® (v5.2)
IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistance
Auto On/Connect
Call, Track & Volume Controls with Capacitive Touch
Heineken®, in collaboration with tastemakers in street culture, Bodega have launched ‘The Boring Phone’ produced by Human Mobile Devices (HMD).
The limited run of ‘dumb’ phones – specifically designed to have reduced tech capabilities – has been created to encourage people to enjoy better real-life connections on nights out by disconnecting from their smartphones.
With smartphones becoming so advanced and interesting to the user, it’s easier than ever to connect to the online world but harder to stay in the moment. Produced by European mobile innovator, Human Mobile Devices (HMD), the Heineken® x Bodega Boring Phone strips back the distractions of today’s smartphones. Designed to deliver the basics needed for a great night out, the phone’s primary function is to send and receive calls and text messages.
The phone’s transparent casing and holographic stickers draw inspiration from Gen Z’s love of Newtro fashion and design and are reminiscent of mobile phones of the early 2000s. With modern-day frills removed, the phone is unable to download social media or other apps that take away from being present. It also has a handy week of standby time and up to 20 hours of talk time.
As smartphones continue to dominate attention spans globally, new research commissioned by Heineken® reveals 90% of Zillennials* across the UK and US confess to doom scrolling while socialising with friends and family; checking their devices seven times each night out on average.
When it comes to the biggest distractions, two-thirds admit to checking social media (62%) when hanging out with others, while over a third (36%) confess to checking work emails. Three in ten (30%) also revealed they sneakily play games instead of engaging with their family and friends in the moment.
But as over a third (37%) reveal that they check their phones more often than they should when socialising, the tide is beginning to turn with 32% admitting they would like to be able to switch off from their phones while on a night out.
Encouragingly, one in five (22%) revealed they already turn their phone off or leave it at home ahead of social occasions and a further two in five (38%) say they’d consider doing so.
Heineken® and Bodega have embarked on this partnership to show people that there is more to their social life when there is less on their phone.
Nabil Nasser, the Global Head of Heineken® comments, “We could all do with a break from the constant distractions of smart tech; something our research has shown is even more important to our Gen Z and Millennial consumers. When we spoke to them about their smartphone usage, we quickly realised that many feel they are habitually distracted when socialising by their device but also admit they didn’t want to go completely phone-free. At Heineken®, we want to foster moments of genuine connection and help people experience the joy of true togetherness. In creating The Boring Phone we have gone back to basics, we have dialled down the tech to help people truly connect over a beer, without any distraction from the constant buzzing and dings.”
Lars Silberbauer, CMO of Human Mobile Devices (HMD), Europe’s leading mobile innovator and manufacturer said,“Early in 2023, we spotted something cool with Gen Z in the US. They started cutting down their screen time to feel better mentally, swapping their smartphones for simpler phones. As big fans of unplugging from the digital buzz, we’re super excited about launching The Boring Phone with Heineken and Bodega. It’s definitely going to get people talking when they’re out and about.”
Oliver Mak, co-founder of Bodega adds, “At Bodega, we see ourselves as a vehicle for connecting culture and young people, so when Heineken approached us to collaborate on a project designed to do exactly this, we were excited to get involved. Despite having grown up surrounded by technology, us Gen Z and Millennials are now recognising that our dependence on our phones is impacting our ability to make actual, real-life connections. This in turn impacts our ability to have fun, and on a macro level, the development of culture.
“Smartphones can be too interesting, so we wanted to design a boring one. We were really inspired by the rise of Newtro and wanted to reinterpret a past cultural icon that some younger Zillennials may not have experienced before. We can’t wait to see the response to The Boring Phone as we merge our visions in a shared pursuit of creativity and community. This is truly going to help answer the call for better nights out.”
Emerging Ibiza-based, British producer, TSHA, who is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young artists in the industry, will be celebrating The Boring Phone launch with a giveaway to fans, having experienced first-hand how smart tech serves as a barrier to being in the moment at music events.
TSHA says, “As an artist, you want to connect with the audience to know they’re having a good time, but it’s hard to do this when you look up from the decks and see a sea of smartphones flashing in your face. I would love to see a world where we enter the venue and just live in the moment; connect with the artist, your mates and just have a good time. The Heineken x Bodega Boring Phone is the perfect antidote to the barriers smart tech pose to nights out.”
Heineken® and Bodega will unveil The Boring Phone at Milan Design Week on Thursday 18th April, with a party hosted by the collaborators. Following this, devices will be given away to revellers around the world, so they can disconnect, reclaim quality time with friends, family and loved ones, and dial up their nights out.
An app that will turn smartphones boring will also be launched in June to give those who don’t manage to get their hands on a physical device the Boring Phone experience.
To discover more about The Boring Phone and why ditching smart tech enables better nights out, visit: www.heineken.com/theboringphone.
