Month: May 2024

Dublin City Council launches first ever Drone Strategy

Dublin City Council is delighted to announce that it has today launched its first Drone and Urban Air Mobility Strategy 2024-2029 for the city.

This ambitious and forward-thinking Strategy aims to transform how the city utilises drone technology to enhance public services while understanding their future potential.  Increasingly drones are being applied across a range of city services helping to increase service efficiencies, reduce costs and streamline operations. Areas where drones are being applied within the Council include mapping, dangerous buildings inspections or emergency response.   They are also being used to access to hard-to-reach areas for surveys and environmental monitoring, providing better oversight and management of urban spaces.

Eileen Quinlivan, Assistant Chief Executive and Chair of the DCC Drones High Level Steering Group of Dublin City Council, speaking from the launch at the DCC innovation hub in the CHQ building said:

“This strategy marks a significant milestone for Dublin City Council. By embracing drone technology, we are not only enhancing our service delivery but also paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable city. Drones will revolutionise how we approach various tasks, from emergency response and infrastructure inspections to environmental monitoring and urban planning. The benefits for our staff and citizens are immense, and we are committed to ensuring that Dublin remains at the forefront of this urban innovation.”

A new dedicated Drone Unit is being established in the Council to centralise drone operations and support internal departments to accelerate the adoption of the technology. This unit will build on existing capabilities and resources and maximise efficiencies across the Council. The unit will also play a role in supporting innovation in the drone industry by helping develop new services that benefit citizens and communities as the commercial sector grows.

Jim Gavin, Chief Operations Officer in the Irish Aviation Authority, express his support of the Strategy:

“The Irish Aviation Authority is very supportive of public sector bodies developing drone strategies. We are delighted to support this initiative by Dublin City Council to develop their drone strategy where they will drive innovation and development in the drone sector.

By harnessing the potential of drones, Dublin City Council is taking proactive steps to enhance public safety, improve efficiency, and foster economic growth. We believe that this initiative will pave the way for advancements in urban air mobility, benefiting both the public and the broader aviation industry.”

The development of the Drone and Urban Air Mobility Strategy for Dublin City Council has been led through the Smart City programme which supports the council in future-proofing how new and emerging technologies are applied. By fostering a vibrant drone technology ecosystem, Dublin has the potential to attract new businesses and drive economic growth, positioning itself as a leader in this emerging sector.

Julie Garland, Founder and CEO of Avtrain, who provided expertise and guidance on the Strategy emphasised the transformative potential of drones:

“Drones are revolutionising how we think about urban mobility and public service delivery. Dublin’s strategy is a step towards a future where drone technology can improve our daily lives, enhance safety, and contribute to a more sustainable environment. By integrating drones into various city services, cities can streamline operations, reduce response times in emergencies, and provide more efficient monitoring of infrastructure and environmental conditions.”

Philip Butterworth-Hayes, principal consultant of PMI Media Limited, who advised DCC on the Strategy provided an international perspective:

“Dublin’s approach to integrating drone technology into city services sets a new benchmark globally. The strategy’s focus on safety, efficiency, and public engagement is exemplary and will undoubtedly inspire other cities to follow suit. The efficiency gains from using drones for tasks such as infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring, and emergency response are significant, leading to cost savings and more effective service delivery. The strategy’s commitment to public engagement means that the community is actively involved and informed, fostering trust and collaboration.”

This strategy has been developed through extensive consultation with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that it aligns with Dublin’s unique needs and leverages the latest advancements in drone technology. The strategy also supports compliance with evolving European Union regulations and emphasizes public trust, safety, and privacy.

For more information and to discover the benefits of the Dublin City Council Drone and Urban Air Mobility Strategy 2024-2029, please visit: https://smartdublin.ie/dublin-city-drone-strategy  and see Drones

Certa awarded coveted Guaranteed Irish symbol

Ireland’s largest fuel supplier Certa, which is part of DCC plc, has been awarded the coveted Guaranteed Irish symbol in recognition of its commitment to creating sustainable jobs, supporting local communities and promoting Irish provenance.

Certa has qualified to become a member of the Guaranteed Irish organisation as a homegrown Irish company that employs over 370 people in communities all over Ireland through its network of 49 pay@pump forecourts and 29 home heating depots.

The Certa brand developed through the amalgamation of the Emo Oil, Campus Oil, Jones Oil and DCC Lubricants brands who have been part of the fabric of cities, towns and villages throughout Ireland for more than 35 years.

Certa’s support for local communities goes well beyond job creation and extends to volunteering, sponsorship, donations and fundraising, all of which was examined as part of the qualifying criteria for the Guaranteed Irish symbol.

Certa is heavily involved in sports sponsorship as the title sponsor of the Ireland Women’s cricket team and is helping the sport to thrive from grassroots to elite level and to inspire young cricket players to follow their dream of playing professionally in Ireland.

It has also developed a series of community-based CSR initiatives including its Volunteering Day Programme which allows its 370 strong workforce to take a paid day out of the business each year to volunteer and give back to their local communities.

Certa has also partnered with the Open Doors Initiative to provide opportunities for some of the most marginalised members of society through the creation of pathways to work, training, education, employment and entrepreneurship.

It is continuing to invest in the service it provides to customers and is now the leading supplier of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in Ireland. The renewable biofuel helps motorists and businesses to make greener, sustainable choices that reduce their carbon emissions and lower their energy costs.

Certa opened Ireland’s first HVO biofuel station in Liffey Valley last year and is currently upgrading its network of 49 pay@pump forecourts to offer HVO at all sites alongside other fuels. Solar PV panels are also being installed to enable its forecourts to generate their own power.

Orla Stevens, Managing Director, Certa Ireland said:

“Certa is very proud to be a homegrown Irish brand that operates at the heart of local communities. We are delighted to be awarded the Guaranteed Irish symbol which helps consumers and businesses to identify products and services that are an altogether better choice for the life of their community.

Certa is committed to supporting local communities across Ireland and to continually enhancing the service that we offer to domestic, commercial and industrial customers as we continue to pursue our vision of becoming Ireland’s most progressive energy company. We look forward to promoting our Guaranteed Irish credentials as we continue that journey”.

Brid O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish said:

“We are delighted to welcome Certa as a member of Guaranteed Irish. The Guaranteed Irish symbol is a national symbol of trust that is only awarded to companies in Ireland that support sustainable jobs, contribute to our local economies, and are committed to Irish provenance. This has been at the core of Certa’s development as an Irish company over the past 35 years and we look forward to working with Certa as it continues to grow and enhance the service that it provides to communities across Ireland’.

 

JBL Live Beam 3 First look. Control your music from your earbuds case.

JBL had a Dubin launch event recently and we went along to check out the latest on offer from the brand and there is some really cool tech on offer if you are into your audio and after several demos there is plenty here to keep those ears happy let me tell you.

We have several reviews coming up an if you want to see the coolest earbuds case on the market it has to be this one on the Live beam 3 which we are looking at today. if you have any questions do drop them in the comments and we will gladly answer. Check out the JBL Go4 speaker Tune 770 NC headphones and watch out for more reviews soon.

With three different wearing styles – Buds, Beam and Flex – the JBL Live 3 Earbuds series ensures comfort and flexibility. Equipped with Hi-Res Audio Wirelessly and JBL Signature Sound, the newest true wireless lineup also features Bluetooth 5.3 with LE so users can enjoy stable multipoint connections plus an improved, extended battery life. Available in two new colorways, Black and Silver, the JBL Live TWS 3 lineup offers users both style and durability with an IP55 waterproof rating.

Features

● Smart charging case

● 10mm dynamic driver

● True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with custom controls

● BT 5.3 with LE Audio*

● High-res audio wireless with LDAC

● JBL Spatial Sound

● 6 mics for perfect calls and customized call experience

● IP55 certified waterproof

● Personi-Fi 3.0

● Multipoint connection

● Wireless charging

Up to 40 hours total playtime

10+30H play time (ANC off) with speed charge (10min=4h) via Type-C

The JBL Live 3 Earbuds series are now available on JBL.com for $199.95

 

Unboxing

FREENOW partners with MOBY to offer in-app bookings for pedal and e-bikes in Dublin

FREENOW, Ireland’s number 1 taxi app, has partnered with Irish bike sharing provider MOBY to make its 500+ pedal and e-bike fleet available on the FREENOW app. MOBY and FREENOW co-branded bikes will be available to book in Dublin via the FREENOW app alongside taxis from today.

The new partnership with MOBY is part of FREENOW’s ongoing commitment to enhance urban transportation choices by offering a range of sustainable and efficient transport options to passengers in Ireland. It will allow FREENOW users to adopt a more flexible approach to daily transport and choose from different transport options when travelling for work or leisure, easily combining taxis and bikes with existing public transport. This mirrors the multi-modal progress made by FREENOW in other markets, such as the UK, France, Spain or Germany, where passengers are combining a variety of transport options to get about the city – from e-scooters, e-bikes, e-mopeds, and taxis to car sharing, all available via the FREENOW app.

FREENOW’s growing multi-mobility offering also contributes to its sustainability efforts, as the company takes measurable sustainability efforts to become a net-zero platform. This is clear from insights drawn from other European countries, where a variety of mobility options are already seamlessly integrated into the FREENOW app. With over 200K e-scooters and e-bikes vehicles available across Europe, during 2023 alone, electric shared vehicles on the FREENOW platform saved 2,067 tons of CO2, highlighting the positive impact of multi-modal transport. 

MOBY operates public bike share schemes in Dublin, Athlone, Mullingar, Ashbourne and Tullamore and corporate bike share schemes for Dublin Airport, Eastpoint Business Park and Sport Ireland, as well as a growing international business. Currently, it has over 500 bikes available throughout Dublin city, and plans are underway to extend this number to 1,500. To unlock a bike, users pay a €1 fee; the first three minutes are then free, and after that period, it costs €0.15 per minute for an e-bike and €0.02 for a manual bike. Users can locate and book the e-bikes through the FREENOW app under the new ‘2-wheels’ option and use them within the designated operating area visible on the map in the app in Dublin.

Commenting on the launch, Charlie Gleeson, General Manager of FREENOW Ireland, said: “We are delighted to partner with MOBY to integrate a new bike service to the FREENOW app, making it easier for passengers to consider efficient and sustainable transport options.

The Irish government’s ambitious target to reduce carbon emissions by 50% in the transport sector by 2030 sets a clear focus for the sector before the turn of the decade. At FREENOW, we are committed to supporting the taxi industry’s progression towards these targets by continuing to onboard more EV drivers and expand our green (EV) taxi fleet alongside increased micro-mobility solutions, such as the MOBY integration.

This announcement is also timely given the recent micromobility regulations introduced under the Road Traffic and Road Act 2023. The new legislation will positively contribute to the integration of both e-bikes and e-scooters on Irish roads and support the safer use of micromobility moving forward. This partnership with MOBY forms part of our wider plans to integrate additional mobility options into the FREENOW app, offering more choice to passengers in Ireland in the coming months in line with this new legislation.

We will continue to drive change by ensuring passengers can have easy access to more and increasingly sustainable transport options that residents or visitors can conveniently use and combine with existing public transport options to move fast and safely from A to B in Dublin and beyond.”

Also commenting on the launch, Akash Kajal, Operations Manager of MOBY said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with FREENOW to enhance mobility choices for Dublin transport users, making it even easier to rent and ride a bike for more people. By integrating seamless MOBY bike rentals directly into the FREENOW app and leveraging Dublin City Council’s commendable efforts in expanding bike lanes citywide, we truly believe that multi-modal transportation can empower consumers with more efficient, sustainable, and healthier travel options throughout Dublin.”

Research* conducted by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in its ‘Walking and Cycling Index’ reveals the growing demand for sustainable transport options in Ireland. According to the NTA findings, 1 in 4 adults in Ireland currently cycle at least once a week, and 39% expressed a desire to cycle more. Every day, those who walk and cycle take nearly 530,000 private cars off the road in the Dublin Metropolitan Area.

Planned Equinix data centre will support 10,000 jobs in Ireland

Equinix, Inc., the world’s digital infrastructure company, announces that a planned data centre in Dublin would be capable of supporting 10,000 jobs in Ireland. This follows a newly published report from Equinix, carried out by KPMG, which shows that Equinix’s existing facilities in Ireland currently support businesses which account for 53,000 jobs – or 2% of the workforce in Ireland.

As a colocation data centre provider, Equinix provides digital infrastructure to hundreds of businesses operating in Ireland. In doing so, it plays a major role in supporting the Irish labour force. However, digital infrastructure companies, such as Equinix, are currently being denied new connections to Ireland’s electricity grid. A planned 9.9 MW retail international business exchange facility, in Profile Park, Clondalkin, saw an application for a connection to the grid rejected last August. Equinix estimates that this facility would be capable of supporting businesses in maintaining a further 10,000 jobs in Ireland.

The report calculates that the construction of this facility would generate an economic output of over €200M. Due to the rising demand for digital services, this expansion would also see Equinix grow its own team in Ireland from 150 to 170 and further support local SMEs. The team in Ireland has grown by 20% since 2021, with this growth now also paused due to the current data centre moratorium.

In the report it was found that there were 40,000 visits to Equinix retail colocation data centres in 2023 – equating to a rate of 13 people an hour. Visitors came from a range of sectors including FinTech and financial services, manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences. Customers visit Equinix international business exchanges to maintain their digital infrastructure equipment and ensure they are maximising the value of digital connectivity.

Equinix hosts more than 260 businesses at its existing Irish facilities, including more than 130 Irish enterprises. More than half (56%) of Equinix’s customers in Ireland have their business headquarters in the country, ensuring that Equinix is facilitating the digital activities and growth of local businesses.

Peter Lantry, Managing Director for Ireland, Equinix, said: “This research shows the vast spectrum of companies and industries working with Equinix and using our services. We are supporting companies of all sizes, from multinationals to smaller Irish enterprises, with more than 30 of our customers having fewer than 20 employees. All of these enterprises are not just key for our economic growth, but vital in our daily lives, too. Innovation is happening every day in Equinix, shown by the number of people using our data centres as a digital hub on a daily basis.

“Digital infrastructure is essential in supporting Ireland’s workforce – especially with the rise in data processing including AI activity, and hybrid and remote working – and it is only set to grow in importance. At Equinix, we want to continue supporting businesses and economic growth in Ireland, but we are now at the point where multinational companies are choosing to base themselves elsewhere due to our ongoing national grid crisis. We have the ability and technology to operate flexibly off the grid, meaning we can be self-sufficient when the grid is at capacity. By allowing Equinix to provide this service to the grid, Ireland can save its reputation as a digital powerhouse, supported by some of the best talent in Europe.”

CRKD and Limited Run Games Announce a Range of Tomb Raider Special Edition Collectible Controllers

CRKD, the premium collectible brand behind the award-winning Nitro Deck, NEO S and recently announced Nitro  Deck+ controllers, announced today a collaboration with Limited Run Games, celebrating Lara Croft, gaming’s greatest heroine, with a limited-edition range of themed controllers including the Tomb Raider Special Edition Nitro Deck+ for Nintendo Switch and OLED Switch, and NEO S for Nintendo Switch, PC, Mobile and Smart TV Gaming.
The new range of collectible controllers is strictly limited to 1000 units each and has been meticulously crafted to showcase the stunning artwork so symbolic of Lara Croft’s greatest adventures.
With artwork inspired by Lara’s legendary escapades, the Tomb Raider Special Edition Nitro Deck+ for Nintendo Switch and OLED Switch is a sight to behold, with towering mountains and intricate hieroglyphic symbols intertwined with foliage and cracked rocks, evoking ancient civilizations and mysteries yet to be discovered. The Nitro Deck+ is the ideal way to experience Lara’s greatest hits, eliminating stick drift forever, enhancing accuracy, and improving responsiveness and precision. New features to the Nitro Deck+ include an all-new Thumbstick layout, HDMI™ output for TV play, Bluetooth® connection for firmware updates and so much more.
The ideal companion to the Nitro Deck+, the Tomb Raider Special Edition NEO S Controller again utilises the full footprint of the controller to deliver unique artwork inspired by the Tomb Raider series. Featuring the iconic Lara Croft silhouette, would-be-heroes are invited to embark on an odyssey of untold wonders, where adventure awaits in the depths of every shadow. Included in pack, the matching Charging Dock proves that the Tomb Raider Special Edition NEO S Controller is no mere controller, serving as both a statement piece of gaming hardware and prized collectible.
Both the Tomb Raider Special Edition Nitro Deck+ and the Tomb Raider Special Edition NEO S Controller have been designed to fully integrate with the CRKD ‘True Collection System,’ a free mobile App for iOS™ and Android® which will register the product number and rarity ranking of your hardware into your secure collection, as well as CRKD CTRL where you can customize your controllers’ adjustable settings, not only adding to your bragging rights and giving instant oversight to all your CRKD gaming gear but fine tuning the settings you desire for the best gaming & user experience possible.
The Tomb Raider Special Edition Nitro Deck+ retails for $79.99 and the Tomb Raider Special Edition NEO S Controller retails for $59.99. Both controllers are available for pre-order today and expected to begin shipping from September 2024. Each controller is strictly limited to 1000 units and is available exclusively via the Limited Run Games website.
Pre-order the Tomb Raider Special Edition Nitro Deck+ or Tomb Raider Special Edition NEO S Controller today at: https://go.crkd.gg/tombraider

Meaco unveils evolutionary fans moving more air, creating less noise and lower bills

The UK’s leading air treatment brand Meaco, has launched the new MeacoFan Sefte range. The first two models to be released are the MeacoFan Sefte 10” Table Air Circulator and the MeacoFan Sefte 10” Pedestal Air Circulator.
The new models are the most powerful, yet quietest and most energy efficient fans available from Meaco.
Key features and benefits of the new fans include high-efficiency brushless motors that spin at 1450 RPM, enabling the fan’s deep draw blades to propel 19m³ of air per minute at sound as low as 25dB. The result is more air, moved further and faster, all while making less noise.
New oscillation motors enable 65° vertical and 120° horizontal movement. These combine to help reach every corner of the room, while new Air Beam Precision allows users to precisely position the airflow between narrow, medium and wide angles. These features can be effortlessly adjusted from a glow in the dark remote control, helping people to rest, relax and sleep at the touch of a button.
Chris Michael, Managing Director of Meaco says, “Meaco has re-designed these new fans from the ground up, incorporating customer feedback from its best-selling, multiple award winning MeacoFan 1056 and MeacoFan 1056P models.
Every detail of these new air circulators has been meticulously thought through and re-examined, resulting in new models that build upon and surpass the quality and performance of their predecessors.”
He adds, “The launch comes before what is expected to be the hottest British summer on record. People are increasingly aware of the benefits of air circulation to help keep them cool when working, studying, at leisure and most importantly, when trying to sleep during those hot, sticky nights. We are proud to provide consumers with even greater quality, low energy, low noise fans for unsurpassed cooling comfort.”
Stay tuned for our next review
Availability 
The MeacoFan Sefte range are available from Meaco, Amazon, John Lewis, and CostCo.
Links
Table YouTube video: https://youtu.be/a_vudOC6Bw8
Pedestal YouTube video: https://youtu.be/omT2GGfNjAk

5 Tips for Working Remotely in Different Time Zones

As a remote worker, you get various opportunities to work with clients and companies from around the world and even though working as a remote worker has many benefits, there are certain problems that most remote workers struggle with and the time zone difference is one of those. Working from one side of the world with clients from the other side can be difficult because of the time zone difference, the communication barriers, the scheduling conflicts, and maintaining a work-life balance.

It can be difficult to work remotely in different time zones but worry not, as we have got you covered. Let’s discuss some tips that can make it easier for you to work remotely in different time zones.

Plan Everything Ahead

The first tip to work successfully as a remote worker is to plan ahead every day. Whether you are working with a global team or client, one thing that you will have to do is familiarize yourself with the local time of that area and the time zone difference. Before you even schedule a meeting or set a deadline, consider time zone differences between you and your client, and try to find a suitable time that will work for everyone.

You can use various tools and apps that can help you sort out the time zone differences easily so that you can plan your day accordingly. The importance of planning everything ahead is that it can make things easier for you as well as your clients and it won’t matter if your client is living in Minneapolis, MN, or Los Angeles, CA because you will be well-informed and well-prepared for everything.

Communicate Clearly and Set Clear Expectations

As mentioned earlier, working remotely comes with its fair share of challenges and communication barriers are one of them. Clear communication is very important for remote workers because miscommunication or lack of communication can make things go bad. Therefore, communicate properly with your client or team and inform them about your work hours, response times, and availability.

During this, make sure that you are transparent about everything and communicate about time zone differences that exist. Set clear expectations for each task and project and define your goals, roles, responsibilities, and deadlines clearly in advance.

Leverage Technology

Technology is your best friend when it comes to working remotely because there are various tools that you can use to stay connected, organized, and updated. Not only are there team communication tools available but there are also cloud-based platforms available that make it easier to manage documents on the go.

Plus, certain other tools can make it easier for you to schedule meetings, check prayer times, and perform face-to-face communication. Make sure that you leverage technology as a remote worker and some of the tools that you can use as a remote worker include Microsoft Teams, Notion, Google Drive, OneDrive, Calendly, and Zoom. 

Learn to Compromise and Be Flexible

Working across various time zones is not easy because you will have to adjust your schedule every once and then until you strike a perfect balance. Remote working with global clients and teams requires you to compromise and be flexible because there may be times when you will have to adjust your schedule to accommodate a deadline or meeting. Therefore, keep an open mind about all of this and be highly flexible when it comes to your schedule.

If you are working with remote colleagues, be understanding and compromising. Maintain a positive attitude and open lines of communication so that you can work together in a positive environment.

Use Asynchronous Communication

While working remotely, there may be times when you communicate with your team members or clients and don’t get an immediate response because of time zone differences or schedule differences. In such cases, you should use asynchronous communication tools like messenger apps, email, and project-building apps. With these apps, you can leave a message to your client or colleague and give them the flexibility to respond when it is convenient for them.

The benefit of asynchronous communication is that you can send a message or email without expecting an immediate response, which alleviates pressure and helps to create a more relaxed work environment.

5 Effects of Slow Internet on Business Performance

Successful businesses need a fast internet connection for better performance and productivity. A slow-speed internet can be much greater for businesses, especially those engaged in data-intensive activities. It would slow down their operations and thus make it difficult for them to compete. Let’s look at five effects of slow internet on business performance. 

Decreased Productivity

When the internet is slow, it makes it hard for employees to get work done quickly. Things like opening web pages, downloading files, or working together online take a long time. This means employees waste time waiting instead of getting things done. It can mess up projects, make deadlines harder to meet, and ultimately decrease the company’s profits.

Communication Delays 

When the internet is slow, it makes communication harder. Emails take longer to send, messages might be delayed, and video calls can have a bad sound or picture quality. This not only makes it tough for team members to communicate but also affects customers’ communication. Slow internet can lead to misunderstandings and make it harder to grow the business.

Reduced Customer Satisfaction

When the internet is slow, it can make customers unhappy. A slow internet connection can interrupt effective communication, resulting in unhappy customers. Moreover, in the online world, people expect websites to load quickly. However, if pages take too much time to load, customers might give up and go to another website.

Slow internet can also make it hard for companies to help customers quickly, leading to more frustration and bad experiences.  Moreover, your internet speed also affects the loading times of websites, but does not directly relate to website performance.  You can also run this simple test to access your website speed. 

Delayed Cloud Computing Backup

Many businesses use cloud services to store important data and keep backups. But if the internet is slow, saving this data in the cloud can take a long time. This delay means that if something bad happens, like a cyberattack, it takes longer to get back the saved data. This can make the business stop working for even longer and increase the chance of losing important information, which is really bad for the company. Moreover, it’s important to regularly test the speed of your Vodafone internet to ensure it meets your business needs. 

Loss of Competitive Edge

In business, it’s important to be quick and responsive to stay ahead of others. But if the internet is slow, it can make things harder. Businesses with slow internet might struggle to keep up with faster ones. 

Also, in industries where using new technology is really important, slow internet can make it harder to come up with new ideas and launch new products. This can make it tough for the business to stay competitive.