Month: May 2024

Nike Air 180 (2024) review On-Feet Ireland

Most of my followers know I am an avid trainer collector as well as a phone collector and I do not review shoes at all but the Nike Air 180 (2024) deserve to be mentioned here as there is lots of tech involved this shoe as was back in 1991 designed by Tinker Hatfield and Bruce Kilgroe when they first came out. We have Leon Witherow and his team to thank for the all new version.

For me this was the ultimate training shoe back in the day but was re released back in 2018 when I had all colourways and cost me a small fortune not only that I had the ankle boot and basketball boot versions too and rumor has they are set to return again with this release being long awaited by fans worldwide and they sold out in minutes and I was lucky to get a pair on launch day.

The 2024 edition of the Nike Air 180 was retooled and 3D scanned and Nike had to go back to their archives to get the shoe back to their OG glory unlike the retro models that came out there was some differences with them mainly the Air Bubble unit in the heel which was half the size of the OG unit meaning less cushioned one would think but these shoes had a psi number attached to them. There is also an updated upper shape and an updated 180-degree visible Air unit which from the bottom does not resemble the 1991 model from my recollection.

The 2024 version of the shoe is part of their cult classics and as Nike says The Cult Classics Collection is a carefully curated line-up of iconic releases that transcend time and style. Each pair carries a story of cultural significance, whether it’s from the past or in the future.

These are iconic like the Nike Air Max 90 range which today is still a shoe we see time and time again in lots of new designs and colourways.

The Air 180 shoes back then were so comfortable and excellent for running however I did find they are not TTS ( True to Size) so a half size up was a better fit after having many pairs it was the way to go, in fact there is only a handful of Nike shoes that fit the same way for me.

With this release I find them as before they fit well look great and stand out an are really comfortable to wear but the only thing is keeping these clean and over time the yellowing of the Air unit might become an issue but time will tell.

Overall Nike has done a good job keeping it OG but never gave us the little bit and pieces in the box as before but thankfully I still have them at hand. You can see more of my collection on Instagram.

See some of our other Nike review

New 2024 Air max wallet 

Nike Air Max BW

Nike Air 180 2018

Video Review 

Air 180 concord 2024

 

 

 

 

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Tech Review – Sony WF-C700N earbuds

Sony, a renowned Japanese electronics giant, has maintained its stronghold in the earphones and headphones market, with its division reporting annual sales revenue exceeding $1 billion. The Sony WF-C700N earbuds are a budget-friendly option that offers key features expected from a premium brand, while also considering sustainability.

Design and Comfort

The earbuds weigh in at a surprisingly light 4.6 g each, thanks to their plastic-type material construction. The case also features the same material, ensuring a lightweight and portable package. The WF-C700N earbuds come in a variety of colours, including Sage Green, White, Black, and Lavender, allowing users to choose a style that suits their preferences.

Features

 

Features

  •         Waterproof IPX4 rating, protecting against splashes of water, making them ideal for gym use but not suitable for underwater activities
  •         Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity for stable and reliable wireless performance
  •         USB-C charging for convenience and compatibility with modern devices
  •         Support for Sony 360 Reality Audio and AAC codecs for immersive and high-quality audio
  •         Frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz for a wide and detailed soundstage

Headset operation features 

Battery:

Sony Headphones Connect App

The Sony Headphones Connect app, with over 10 million downloads and 229,000 reviews, boasts a 4.1 score on the Google Play Store. This app allows users to customise their listening experience by offering a variety of presets to match the genre of music they’re listening to, as well as the option to create their own custom EQ settings. The 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer feature also captures and analyses the user’s ear shape, creating a personalised spatial sound field when paired with BRAVIA XR™ TVs.

 

 Warranty and Drawbacks

The 1-year warranty is a disappointment, as I prefer to see longer coverage periods. Additionally, the build quality is noted to be plasticky, which may not appeal to those seeking a premium feel. The  Sony website has lots of information for support but is avoided given the actual warranty details which indicate retailers/regions may offer unique warranties depending on the promotions.

Performance

The WF-C700N earbuds deliver a lively and engaging sound, with good volume and stability. They provide clear vocals, detailed instruments, and a balanced sound profile that prioritises clarity. While the bass may not be as powerful as in more expensive options, it still offers richness and weight.

Overall

The Sony WF-C700N earbuds are a budget-friendly option with an abundance of features These earbuds come with 5mm drivers, active noise cancellation, and a battery life of 7.5 hours with ANC on and 15 hours total with the case. They weigh 4.6g per earbud and have Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, USB-C, and support for Sony 360 Reality Audio and AAC. The frequency range is 20Hz – 20kHz, and they have an IPX4 waterproof rating. The Sony Headphones Connect companion app allows for customisation, including ambient sound control and wind-reduction mics. The multimode option allowing connection to 2 phones Android & iPhone is a bonus which is a must for my requirements while carrying 2 phones on most occasions. The weight of the earphones stands out lighter than expected without compromising on the key features. The standardised USB C cable included is great to see from a premium brand rather than a proprietary cable with a solid app for customisations.

The Sony WF-C700N earbuds are a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly noise-cancelling option with good sound quality and a range of features. With their lightweight design, customizable sound profile, and support for advanced audio technologies, these earbuds offer excellent value for money. While the warranty and build quality may not be on par with more expensive models, the WF-C700N earbuds still deliver a satisfying listening experience that is hard to beat in their price range.

https://www.harveynorman.ie/tvs-headphones/headphones/all-headphones/noise-cancelling-headphones/sony-wf-c700n-in-ear-wireless-noise-cancelling-headphones-black.html

Video Review

Hitachi and Google Cloud Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Innovation and Productivity with Generative AI

Hitachi, Ltd. and Google Cloud today announced a multi-year partnership to accelerate enterprise innovation and productivity with generative AI. Hitachi will form a new business unit focused on helping businesses solve industry challenges with Gemini models, Vertex AI, and other cloud technologies, and it will also adopt Google Cloud’s AI to enhance its own products and services. Through the partnership, Hitachi will further accelerate growth of Lumada, its core digital business, and it will advance operational efficiencies for the Hitachi Group.

Led by GlobalLogic, a leader in digital engineering and a subsidiary of the Hitachi Group, the companies will establish the Hitachi Google Cloud Business Unit and the Google Cloud Center of Excellence (CoE) to rapidly scale Google Cloud technology to new and existing enterprise customers. Additionally, Hitachi will collaborate with Google Cloud to incorporate training on Google Cloud’s GenAI as part of Hitachi’s GenAI Professional training program. The program will deepen the expertise and managed services available through these business units, which will ensure large-scale organizations have access to the resources needed to fundamentally improve how they operate with AI.

Additional focus areas of the partnership will include:

  • New GenAI solutions for software modernization and customer service: Hitachi will use Gemini models to build solutions that help businesses efficiently modernize legacy software systems, and it will adopt Google Cloud Contact Center AIto power more effective and accurate customer service experiences. For instance, using Google Cloud Agent Assist, customer service representatives can be supported with real-time knowledge assistance and resolution suggestions to help them be more productive and provide better service. The new solutions will be compatible with GlobalLogic’s Platform of Platforms architecture, which is designed to address the needs of intelligent enterprises.
  • Enabling safe, secure GenAI solutions for on-premises and cloud environments: Hitachi’s new solutions will support customers running both on-premises and in the cloud, enabling enterprises to modernize operations while retaining existing IT environments. The solutions will also be compatible with Virtual Storage Platform One,so that users can build GenAI applications using data stored on Hitachi Vantara’s hybrid cloud platform.
  • Joint go-to-market initiatives: Hitachi and Google Cloud will better align their sales, marketing, and engineering teams to ensure that customers across industries have access to the resources needed to optimally deploy and manage GenAI projects through Hitachi Google Cloud Business Unit and Google Cloud CoE. This will include the GenAI Professionals that Hitachi trains on Google Cloud technology.
  • Strengthen GenAI talent development: Hitachi’s GenAI Professionals play a critical role in supporting customers’ transformation with AI, and Hitachi will train more than 50,000 GenAI Professionals through its global training program, As part of the program,  Hitachi will include      training on Google Cloud’s G     en     AI solutions and AI technology.

GlobalLogic and Google Cloud have collaborated for more than 15 years and helped empower enterprises with solutions that achieve their business objectives with efficiency and scale.

“Through this partnership, Hitachi will leverage Google Cloud’s AI capabilities to improve and enhance employee productivity and accelerate innovation. By augmenting the capabilities of our developers and customer success units with Google Cloud GenAI solutions, such as Vertex AI and Gemini models, Hitachi will be able to better serve the needs of its customers in diverse industries and across complex domains such as energy, mobility, manufacturing and digital services,” said Toshiaki Tokunaga, Executive Vice President and Executive Officer at Hitachi.

Nitesh Banga, CEO, Digital Engineering Business Unit, Hitachi, and President & CEO, GlobalLogic, added: “Through this global alliance, Hitachi is strategically aligning its go-to-market approach together with Google Cloud to drive tangible results. We are establishing clear pathways for collaboration, ensuring enhanced efficiency and acceleration in delivering solutions to our collective clients. This investment in building our Google Cloud Business Unit will provide the necessary energy, focus, and cohesive teamwork essential for achieving the desired accelerated time-to-market, translating innovation into swift revenue growth.”

“To solve complex business challenges with generative AI, enterprises need advanced technology and the technical expertise to successfully deploy it throughout their organizations,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud. “Our partnership with Hitachi will provide customers with the resources needed to optimally build, implement, and manage every stage of their generative AI projects.”

Google launches dedicated AI training module for SMEs in Ireland

Widespread adoption of generative AI has the potential to boost Ireland’s GDP by up to €45 billion (8%) in ten years, according to a report conducted by Implement Consulting Group and commissioned by Google. The increase is predominantly driven by a productivity boost to two-thirds of Ireland’s workers. The report is part of a comprehensive study carried out between November 2023 and March 2024 that unveils the transformative economic potential of generative AI in the EU. Several countries, including Ireland, were analysed across the following areas:

 

  1. The economic impact of AI

  2. The impact of AI on jobs

  3. Key sectors benefiting from AI adoption

  4. AI readiness

  5. AI and societal challenges

 

Economic impact

The 8% increase in GDP is largely attributed to a productivity boost to the majority of workers (66%) by augmenting their capabilities and enhancing efficiencies. The calculation takes into account the impact of re-employment of a small share of workers. At its peak, the productivity effect of generative AI in Ireland is estimated to be equivalent to 1.4% of GDP annually. A five-year delay in capturing the benefits of generative AI is estimated to reduce the GDP growth potential from 8% (€40-45 billion) to only 2% (€8-10 billion).

Peter Burke T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment:

“AI offers the potential to deliver a step change in productivity and growth in business, including for our SMEs. Our goal is for Ireland to be a leader in adoption of human-centric, trustworthy AI, as set out in our National AI Strategy, ‘AI – Here for Good’.

AI technology is clearly an enormous opportunity, and we must act now to seize the opportunity in order to harness AI technology for the good of both our economy and society. I welcome the publication of this research and Google’s engagement to support Ireland’s small businesses.”

Job implications

Most jobs in Ireland (66%) are expected to be assisted by generative AI – automating a limited share of tasks and helping to create content including text, code and images, and collaborating with workers on complex problems. Unlike previous waves of automation that mainly impacted manual workers, generative AI is expected to primarily affect office-based professionals. An estimated 28% of jobs in Ireland are likely to remain largely unaffected by generative AI. These jobs include manual labour, outdoor tasks, such as construction and cleaning, and human-to-human tasks, such as personal care and food services. A small share of jobs (6%) are expected to have over half of their activities exposed to automation by generative AI.

Key sectors benefiting from AI adoption

The complementary role of generative AI means it can boost productivity across all sectors. Due to the vast size of Ireland’s manufacturing sector (45% of Irish GVA), this is the area that holds the largest economic potential, where generative AI is estimated to boost annual productivity growth by 1.2% at peak, representing an increase of €15-16 billion. In contrast to past automation, such as robots, generative AI has the ability to boost productivity in the service sector, and many other countries are expected to see the greatest economic gains there.

AI Readiness

When it comes to AI adoption in Irish enterprises, Ireland is on par with the EU average level of adoption at 8%, but lags behind Northern European frontrunners such as Denmark (15%), Finland (15%), and Belgium (14%). In terms of research and development, Ireland cannot compete with large economies, such as the United States, and will therefore be dependent on EU-wide initiatives. Current gaps suggest that Ireland needs to focus on strengthening AI-related innovation drivers, such as the build-up of AI-related talent and research.

Google has today announced a new AI education training pillar for SMEs in Ireland. ‘Get ahead with AI’ is a module offered as part of You’re the Business, Google’s digital upskilling programme delivered in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. The resource, available free of charge, provides on-demand training, educational resources, and tools to help SMEs use AI effectively for their businesses. More information is available at g.co/yourethebusiness.

Societal challenges

Generative AI can help us address societal challenges like climate change enabling Ireland to achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Agricultural emissions can be reduced by AI, where machine learning algorithms allow precision farming practices that are more eco-friendly. It can optimise critical resources in the healthcare sector leading to enhanced patient care. AI can also contribute to  a more equitable society – early studies suggest that generative AI can help close the skills gap for those with the lowest skill levels.

Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland said:

“For the past twenty years, Ireland has been at the forefront of the digital age, embracing new technology and leading innovation in Europe . Today we are at an inflection point and we have an immense opportunity to ensure Ireland remains at the heart of this next transition to AI.

“It is not too late to be early with AI. At Google, we’re approaching this work boldly and responsibly and we are committed to ensuring that Ireland remains a digital frontrunner. Which is why today we are launching a new AI education pillar on You’re The Business  to help SMEs use AI effectively for their businesses. “

Martin H. Thelle, Partner at Implement Consulting Group:

“Ireland should seek to leverage the national presence of multinational tech giants by incentivising partnerships and mentorship programmes between these corporations and SMEs. This can facilitate knowledge transfer, provide access to advanced AI tools and resources as well as encourage the development of AI-based business models in the start-up ecosystem.”

Information on You’re the Business is available at g.co/yourethebusiness.

The Main Benefits of Lockout Stations

In an industrial setting, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. Using large, potentially dangerous machines requires great safety protocols to keep workers safe. One of the best measures for implementing safety is a lockout station.

If you aren’t quite sure what a lockout station is, it is a place where lockout keys and tags are stored for each machine. As it turns out, there are several benefits to be had by having at least one lockout station on the shop floor.

Improved Organization

At first glance, the biggest benefit of lockout stations from a vendor like RS is improved organization. One of the most critical aspects of workplace safety is ensuring that all workers are on the same page and know where things are. That can cut down on inefficiencies and eliminate potentially simple errors from creeping up.

With a dedicated space for storing lockout tools, devices, and accessories, there are no questions about where to find them. It prevents potential misplacement or loss of those essential safety items. It also promotes a more organized workplace, something that can benefit everyone in the end. Don’t overlook how valuable something so small and seemingly inconsequential can be.

Clearly Visible

A simple but common issue as it relates to workplace safety is visibility. Keeping your lockout station in an area that isn’t easily accessible or visible will create confusion and other potential issues. It puts things back at square one. For that reason, lockout stations need to be stored in clearly visible spots to improve accessibility.

A lockout station typically comes designed with compartments and labeling that are easy to see. You can find a variety of lockout devices all in one convenient place. It not only promotes better organization but also makes it easy to identify the various lockout items. Finally, it promotes using the proper lockout tools for each task, making the workplace safer as a whole.

Critical Information in One Place

Information is one of the most vital parts of workplace safety. When everyone is on the same page and knows where things are, it cuts down on confusion. Having a centralized lockout station also means having proper information in one place, making it easily accessible so that everyone remains informed at all times.

Essential information like emergency contact details, equipment specifications, and lockout/tagout procedures are all incredible. Allowing workers to have the proper information readily available is as important as it gets. There is no question about where to find that information, limiting confusion while taking workplace safety to an entirely different level.

Safety Reminders

Sometimes, workers need continuous reminders of safety protocols. It’s not that they don’t care, more that they are busy with a million other things throughout the day. It becomes easy to forget about safety protocols, especially if you aren’t necessarily practicing them on a regular basis. By having safety reminders in the lockout stations themselves, there is a constant reminder of those safety protocols.

Having a lockout station prominently displayed will serve as a constant reminder of the importance of safety. They will see how critical the lockout/tagout procedures are to workplace safety. Most importantly, it means promoting a more safety-conscious culture throughout the workplace. That is the best way to implement safety procedures on a company-wide basis.

At the end of the day, it might not look like much, but a lockout station can wind up being a game-changer. They are easy to implement, make everything better organized, and ensure that workers are constantly reminded of current safety standards and procedures that must be followed.

 

Digital StoryMaps bring Galway’s heritage to life

Students from the University of Galway are playing a key role in an innovative new digital project that brings County Galway’s unique heritage to life.

Spearheaded by Galway County Council in conjunction with Galway County Heritage Forum, The Heritage Council and local community and heritage groups, ‘Galway County Heritage Trails’ showcases the cultural and historical significance of almost half of County Galway’s 4,556 townlands through meticulous research and the application of cutting-edge technologies.

One of the standout features of the project is the creation of StoryMaps, a series of interactive maps combining geographical data with multimedia elements to guide users through the historical landscapes of County Galway’s townlands, towns and villages.

In recent months, University of Galway students Dylan Reilly, Joseph Ennis and Natalie Cyrkle have been working with the Heritage and GIS teams of Galway County Council to convert historical data from sources, including O’Donovan’s Ordnance Survey Letters, Griffiths Valuation, the Down Survey, and the 1901 and 1911 censuses, into digital formats.

161 townlands in the civil parishes of Kiltartan, Kinvaradooras, Kilcolgan, Kilthomas and Killinny have recently been digitised while online StoryMaps also have been created for Oranmore, Mountbellew, Monivea and Ballyglunin, bringing to 2,000 the number of townlands now digitised through the project.

Cllr Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said, “StoryMaps is a simple yet powerful way to share information and enlighten, engage, and inspire people with stories that relate to locations of interest around us.  Incorporating location and mapping into the context of a story, each StoryMaps is designed to provide an immersive experience, shedding light on the cultural and historical significance of various locations.”

“Placements such as those with the Heritage Office allow students from the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies to develop important skills and broaden their horizons in terms of longer-term career options open to them. The positivity shown by students in their presentations in Áras an Chontae only serves to demonstrate the value of their experience in this project,” added the Cathaoirleach.

Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services, Director of Services for Economic Development & Planning added, “By combining academic rigor with local authority and community collaboration, this project underscores the power of digital technology in preserving and sharing local history. The digitised sources and StoryMaps not only honour the past but also pave the way for dynamic, future-oriented research and learning and are an invaluable resource for researchers, educators, the diaspora and history enthusiasts.”

Marc Mellotte, Head of Engagement at the University of Galway commented, “Our engagement with organisations and businesses is a very important part of our students’ development and our own commitments as a university. Our B.Sc. (Social Sciences) graduates see their careers and futures in many different areas of work and the placements and internships offered by Galway County Council really help to broaden their perspective and allow them to see new opportunities for their future.”

Meanwhile, Galway County Council is inviting members of the public to contribute to ‘Galway County Heritage Trails’ with the objective of digitising heritage information relating to all 4,556 County Galway townlands. To date, the Heritage Office has worked with community heritage groups, active retirement groups, Forum Connemara, Galway Rural Development, schools, University of Galway students, and The Heritage Council in digitising 2,000 of the County’s townlands.

“Making heritage more accessible to everyone is one of our main goals,” explained Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer with Galway County Council.

She added, “There are over 64,000 townlands in Ireland of which there are in the region of 4,556 in County Galway, Ireland’s second largest county. The townland is a uniquely Irish division and one of the oldest in existence. The boundaries of the townland have often been redefined to match borders with other divisions. It is the smallest notable division and is often the one with which people identify themselves.”

“In addition to the academic aspect of the project, there is a strong emphasis on community engagement. Galway County Council and the students have worked closely with local heritage and community groups to collect and present local heritage information that enriches the content of the StoryMaps. This collaborative approach ensures that the digital heritage trails reflect the authentic voices and experiences of the community,” Ms. Mannion concluded.

Michael Mulkerrins, Principal of Peterswell NS, whose 5th and 6th class students collaborated with the Heritage Office of Galway County Council on mapping the townlands of the civil parish of Kilthomas, said, “The children spent time studying our school maps to decide on what townlands they could visit and then it was decided that each student would photograph a small number of townlands. Students worked hard to find suitable points of interest to photograph in each townland and were thrilled to get the opportunity to visit every corner of our homeplace. Seeing their photographs now on the completed storyboards is fantastic recognition for our students.”

Meanwhile, Eilish Kavanagh of Kinvara Heritage Group said the new digital heritage resources have opened access to the rich heritage of Galway’s townlands and places for the ordinary person.

“This project not only aids in preserving local history but also serves as a model for other communities interested in digitising their historical records,” she added.

To view the StoryMaps and Townland research, visit www.galwaycoco.maps.arcgis.com.

Brittany Ferries to Explore All-Electric Zero-Emissions Ferry Project

Brittany Ferries and industry partners, Wärtsilä1 and Incat2 have signed a partnership deal to explore design and technical requirements for a 137m zero-emissions ferry.

The project comes as Brittany Ferries nears completion of the biggest fleet renewal programme in its history. Five new vessels will have joined the fleet between 2020 and 2025, including two LNG-powered ships (currently in service) and two shore-power-ready LNG-electric hybrids.

The tripartite deal brings together heavyweight marine partners with complementary strengths. Expertise includes design and construction of fast craft, all aspects of engineering and technical needs, and experience in operating a large and diverse fleet.

Wärtsilä is a supplier to all five new ships in Brittany Ferries’ on-going fleet renewal project. This includes LNG engines that power Salamanca, which joined the fleet in 2022, and Santoña in 2023. In addition, Wärtsilä is installing LNG-hybrid drivetrains for hybrid vessels, currently under construction and set to sail for Europe by the end of this year.

Brittany Ferries took delivery of an Incat fast-ferry in 2005. Under the name Normandie Express, she sped from Tasmania to France and served the company until 2021. She is currently under charter from Brittany Ferries to Condor Ferries operating with the name Condor Voyager. She operates St Malo – Channel Islands routes.

Brittany Ferries is a minority shareholder of Condor Ferries and chief executive Christophe Mathieu is also Condor’s CEO.

“This is an important project as we look at different ways to reach net zero by 2050,” said Christophe Mathieu. “All-electric power is a potential solution, best suited to shorter ferry routes. At this stage we don’t know what is feasible, and upon which route, but what we can say is that trusted partners will help us scope it out. Upon completion of the project we can move quickly. Brittany Ferries has a track record of walking the talk when it comes to leading the industry on sustainable ferry travel, as our investment in LNG and hybrid ships shows.”

“Ferries play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for environmentally sustainable transport options, and the investment Wärtsilä makes in R&D to develop technologies and integrated solutions are key in enabling this development,” added Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine and Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation. “This is why we are proud to have been selected to support Brittany Ferries in their goal of bringing cleaner vessels to the regions in which they operate. As a leader in shaping the decarbonisation of the marine industry, we value our long-term relationship with both Brittany Ferries and Incat, sharing a joint commitment to accelerate the industry towards net-zero emissions shipping.”

“Incat has long standing and successful relationships with Brittany Ferries and Wärtsilä, built upon shared values and a vision for innovation and environmental sustainability,” added Stephen Casey, Chief Executive Officer of Incat,  “We know that battery electric propulsion coupled with lightweight aluminium vessels is the ideal choice to eliminate emissions, and we are thrilled to be continuing our relationship with both Brittany Ferries and Wärtsilä as we collectively lead the next evolution of sustainable maritime transport throughout Europe.”

Tech Review – SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Security Camera

The SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Cam is one of several home security devices from the company and we have tested their indoor security system recently here which works really well and now we are going outdoors this time around.

Having outdoor security is equally as important as having indoor security in my book especially when you are not at home and having a simple system to set up is even better which SwitchBot is and takes only a few minutes to get up and running.

If you are not sure on how to install onto you wall or facia you can always ask someone else to do it or indeed the whole camera I often have done it myself for some folks which is fine and great to lend a hand.

Once you have the app installed you can then set all the parameters required to suit your needs and start protecting your home there is a myriad of features here on this camera including two way audio and nice loud alarm and a spotlight which gives you a color view at night but also acts as a light if you need to do something and of course there is AI built in to determine what has been spotted.

The app has plenty to toggle with and we go through it all in the video review below to give you an idea, it is best to get an sd card to store footage locally which you can download or view on your smartphone which is hand you can also view from anywhere in the world on your phone and get notifications do you are safe no matter where you are to get notifications should they arise.

I have tested this both on Android and iOS and there is not difference in how the app works and it works really well as does the camera having test other SwitchBot camera this one again yields a really good camera to have at your house and delivers each time on testing and in general and easy to recommend but do check the full video review below for more and what to expect.

Switchbot App

 

Features

  • Features AI Human/Pet Detection: SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Camera is able to differentiate between human, pet, and other forms of movement to help prevent false alerts. You can also receive smart alerts when motion is detected.
  • Weather Resistant with Great Battery Life: Dust, rain, snow? No problem, whatever the weather our battery operated security camera is made to withstand, and we’ve included a 10,000mAh battery to give you a longer charge life. Also offers an optional SwitchBot solar panel for unlimited power supply(Additional purchase required).
  • 1080P Clear Night-vision: With a built-in infrared sensor and lens you’re now able to get an even clearer picture when recording at night, all in color. There’s also a spotlight that can be activated when movement is detected.
  • Includes Two-way Talk: You can communicate using the built-in mic on our cam and talk to whoever is on the other side, you can even use Alexa or Google Home and use voice commands to check devices like Echo Show (2.4Ghz Wi-Fi only).
  • Local & Cloud Storage Options: You can store video either via a MicroSD card (supports up to 256GB) or via the cloud using our AWS server services to safely backup your footage.

BUY 

Video Review

LeanBPI launches digital fitness check for small business

LeanBPI, the Irish digital growth consultancy for SMEs and microenterprises, today announces the launch of its Digital Readiness Assessment – a personal digital readiness assessment for microenterprise leaders in Ireland. By providing this measurement, LeanBPI will help microenterprises to understand their current capabilities and guide them in adopting appropriate digital technologies.

This will enhance the competitiveness of Ireland’s microenterprises, help ensure their survival in the digital age and open up new revenue streams. In doing so, it provides a vital service to the country’s economy, which is highly reliant on microenterprises.

LeanBPI is partnering with a number of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) on the rollout of the Digital Readiness Assessment, including those in Tipperary, Offaly, Mayo, Longford, Leitrim and Cavan, with promising take-up across other counties.

Collectively, microenterprises employ 28% of the workforce and contribute 16% to Ireland’s Gross Value Added (GVA). However, due to their size, microenterprises often lack the in-house skills and budgets required for digital transformation.

Minister for Business, Employment and Retail, Ms Emer Higgins, T.D., said, “I’m delighted to welcome LeanBPI’s new digital fitness test. As a Limerick-based digital growth consultancy, working with our Local Enterprise Offices, they play a crucial role in assessing the digital readiness of microenterprises across Ireland. Given that small businesses employing up to nine people make up more than 90% of our business sector, their growth is essential for the Irish economy.

“It’s encouraging to see real-world impact already, such as the experience by the Tipperary-based Crossogue Preserves through digital transformation. Initiatives like this are vital for helping small businesses capitalise on technological opportunities, digitise and modernise effectively. These companies are the heart of our communities, and their success is vital to our economy.”

John O’Shanahan, managing director, LeanBPI said: “Microenterprises make up far more of our national workforce and contribute far more to our economy than people are aware of, but many of them are not realising their full potential due to a lack of digital systems. By helping small businesses to make the most of the opportunities presented by technology, we are modernising microenterprises across Ireland and helping them – and our economy – to flourish.”

The Limerick-based company is working with LEOs across the country and conducting digital readiness assessments, which provide a clear evaluation of the digital readiness of decision-makers in microenterprises. LeanBPI’s appraisal determines a readiness level ranging from high to low, while also assessing a number of key factors – such as optimism, innovation, discomfort and insecurity – relating to businesses’ approach to digital, change and growth. This allows LeanBPI to also provide microenterprises with their digital readiness profile, ranging from ‘Explorer’ to ‘Avoider’. This tailored analysis enables appropriate, actionable plans which will guide microenterprises in effectively integrating digital tools and strategies into their operations.

LeanBPI has been helping microenterprises and SMEs in Ireland to implement digital systems for more than a decade and has a technical team capable of deep customisation to meet the needs of its customers.

Crossogue Preserves

Tipperary-based Crossogue Preserves sells a comprehensive range of more than 250 products from its shop and website, while also providing a wholesale service to hoteliers, as well as a large number of artisan shops and delicatessens. Veronica Molloy founded the nine-person family business and runs it alongside her son, Mark, and his wife, Jennifer. Last year, the company was struggling with an overload of paperwork, manual stocktaking and waste management. To address this issue, Crossogue began working with LeanBPI through its LEO last year and has seen significant benefits since improving its digital capabilities.

The comprehensive digital inventory management system created by LeanBPI, which gives Crossogue’s team oversight on the expiration dates and stock levels of all of its products, has allowed the company to streamline production and online sales, while also vastly reducing waste.  An annual stocktake, which previously took two of its nine staff two weeks to complete every January, has now been rendered redundant. The system instead enables continuous monitoring and assessment throughout the year. The digital transformation has also allowed for future planning, with Crossogue targeting more direct sales through its online business, facilitated by LeanBPI’s digital solution.

Veronica Molloy, owner and founder, Crossogue Preserves, said: “The difference between before and after we started working with John and the team in LeanBPI is night and day. The amount of stocktaking, paperwork, and waste management that was being done by hand was immense and very labour-intensive. With over 250 products, some of which are on a two-year production cycle, having systems to simplify this and help our staff make the most of their time has been invaluable.”