Month: October 2024

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the latest tech in my ears a while now and alongside that their Pixel 9 devices still my daily drivers which both combined work a treat.

Earbuds come through here so fast we have reviewed over 200 pairs now at this stage if not more and I love them but slightly off the topic Google Need to give us headphones next time around or even as a separate product and I am hoping they will soon but as far as their earbuds go they are one of if not the best out there today and a big improvement over the last model which is now around two years ago, why the gap one asks?

Smaller earbuds and a smaller battery this time around and they still deliver in every aspect and give you more this year with their smarts on board like most other brands and their AI but it is fair to say Google is way ahead of the game some time now and the rest are playing catch up.

OK so they are smaller and not the type of earbud I go for I rather stems however this time around the wing has a different shape and it is at the start a bit fiddly to get them in but once in they will not budge even if running, they are sleek and subtle and not only that you can wear these in bed lying down on either side without hitting a command and this for me is a huge bonus as I like to listen to music and podcasts in bed and also test the. This is a win for me.

They are small and look like a small pebble or mint and still at that people asked what are they when out and about and me with the big smile ohh they are the new Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and they were surprised to see the size and shape not only that the colour is also cool and the nicest out of the new range but I do like some other flavours too.

Sound then.. Yes they are better than the last version quite a bit actually and with all the new features on board they are topping the list for me which is a hard feat and I would say even better than Samsung’s Buds Pro 3 but again they are device specific like the Pixel Buds Pro 2 which loses features on iPhone but this is a game they are all playing.

Excellent volume decently loud great highs lows and mids really good bass and treble and then you have the app to play around with the EQs and get the best sound for you there is and whats more they sound like you are there in some aspects like in podcasts and also other settings and this is thanks to new features, again if watching movies footsteps and background noise more present and to top things off you have got spatial audio conversation detection and head tracking all thrown in here.

The gesture controls work really well and all the options are like skip and reverse track volume control call control play and pause and your AI assistant access. The ANC is pretty much up at the top here to but also do check the fit and tips and the earseal test as I always advise in any other earbud that offers the same which is now becoming a basic feature these days.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are almost on par with headphones now once you have the right tips and test done and for me this is the second pair of earbuds so far this year that have come close to this, you have you ANC on/off and of course transparency mode which is superb so you can hear your surroundings and again conversation detection so you have no need to remove one of your earbuds to hear that conversation.

Multipoint connection works seamlessly here and of like me you own more than one pixel device even better, battery is decent too and again a first with the tensor chip inside and overall even for an audiophile they might just give them the nod too and for me they are easy to recommend this year and better again if you are a Google Pixel owner you are in for a treat.

The App

 

Ten things to know about the Pixel Buds Pro 2

1 – Designed to be the most comfortable earbuds.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 are designed to be the most comfortable and secure-fitting earbuds. They were designed using 45 million data points from ear scans to come up with the optimal shape for maximum comfort and a secure fit. Combined with the new Tensor A1 chip, we were further able to reduce the size by 27% as well as make them lighter while increasing performance and battery life.

2 – Twist-to-adjust stabilizer for adaptable fit during exercise.

Use the twist-to-adjust stabilizer when you’re exercising to lock your Pixel Buds Pro 2 securely in your ear, or adjust in the other direction for all-day comfort.

3 – The first Tensor chip in an earbud.

The Tensor A1 chip was built for advanced audio processing and Google AI. It
processes audio 90 times faster than the speed of sound to adapt to you and
your environment, cancels twice as much noise,2 and helps deliver clear calls.

4 – Silent SealTM 2.0 cancels twice as much noise.

Active Noise Cancellation with Silent SealTM 2.0 adapts to your environment up to 3 million times per second, and adapts to your ear to cancel up to twice as much noise as before.2 By expanding the frequency range, Silent SealTM 2.0 also cancels
a wider range of noises, including even higher frequencies.

5 – Upgraded acoustic architecture for premium sound.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 have large 11 mm drivers for powerful bass and a new high- frequency chamber for smooth treble. Multi-path processing on the Tensor A1 chip adds an additional signal path for music. This allows it to bypass the Silent SealTM processing chain to deliver unaltered, pure sound to the speaker drivers.

6 – Improved Clear Calling.

Clear Calling on Pixel reduces the noise around the person on the other side of the call, enhancing their voice so you can hear them even more clearly.3 For example, when your friend is on the subway, you’ll hear them clearly through your Pixel Buds Pro 2, no matter which phone and earbuds they use. This year, updated algorithms reduce noise in even more settings.

7 – No more taking out earbuds to talk.

With Conversation Detection, Pixel Buds Pro 2 use AI to tell when you start speaking. Your music gets paused and the earbuds switch to Transparency mode. When the conversation ends, the music resumes automatically, going back to Active Noise Cancellation without you taking any action.

 

8 – More precise location tracking for your earbuds and case.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 support the new Find My Device network, so you can find your earbuds’ precise location on a map.4 When you’re close, just ring them or the charging case to find them even faster.

9 – Switch audio automatically.

Easily switch from watching a movie or show on your tablet to listening to your running playlist on your watch.

10 – The best earbuds for Pixel.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 are deeply integrated with your other Pixel devices. Features like Clear Calling, Spatial Audio with head tracking, precise location tracking of your buds and case with Find My Device, and seamless switching make them the
best earbuds for everything Pixel.

Other Pixel Reviews

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Video Review

EHS International Launches €3 Million Safety Training and R&D Facility

EHS International has officially opened a €3 million Safety Training and Research & Development facility in Little Island, Cork, establishing a new benchmark for fire safety training nationwide.

The state-of-the-art 11,000 sq ft centre, spearheaded by founder and CEO Chris Mee, will provide the most advanced fire and safety courses — such as cutting-edge firefighter robot training — to tackle complex fire and life safety challenges. This includes fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in many technologies including but not limited to e-bikes and e-scooters, with EHS International the first environmental, health and safety (EHS) training centre in Ireland offering their comprehensive suite of solutions, along with R&D, in this area.

Speaking on the opening of the new centre in Cork, CEO and founder of EHS International Chris Mee said: “As e-scooters and e-bikes become more popular, the fire hazards from compromised lithium-ion batteries are rapidly increasing. The occurrence of these fires is growing rapidly worldwide with a 46% increase in recorded fires in the UK from 2022 to 2023. These fires have resulted in multiple deaths, countless injuries along with unknown long-term health effects from the inhalation of toxic vapours.

“Our vision for this facility is bold: to be the first company in the EU to research, test and develop new viable, cutting-edge solutions for the market to allow for the safe removal, storage, and transportation of lithium-ion battery cells across industries. To achieve this, we’re going to be investing heavily in R&D. Our team is already planning breakthrough solutions using technology, AI, and robotics. We want to push boundaries — in lithium-ion battery safety and all aspects of fire safety — and are committed to extending our reach across Europe and beyond, providing world-class EHS services to industries globally.”

The new facility, part of EHS International’s mission to create safer workplaces and communities, is the sole EHS training facility in the country offering training with the Avenger Fire systems. This state-of-the-art robot for first responders and firefighters will have multiple facets and will be engineered for precise fire-fighting solutions that protect firefighters at all times. The facility is designed to incorporate sustainable technologies, including a SuDS (Sustainable Drainage System).

The Little Island facility also features immersive training tools like a synthetic smoke system and a configurable search and training space, complete with a confined space and working at height sections. There is also a range of simulations including stoichiometry, dust explosion, flange fire, flashover unit, and rescue drills for high-risk scenarios.

EHS International, which is a single-source provider of environmental, health and safety services, was launched in October 2023. It now has offices in Cork, Dublin, Belfast, and London. The company has grown rapidly over the last 12 months, with a selection of open career opportunities for R&D and EHS operational staff.  For more information, visit ehsinternational.com.

Dell Technologies Propels Telecommunications into the AI Era

Dell Technologies today announced Dell AI for Telecom, a program designed to simplify and accelerate AI deployments for communications service providers (CSPs).

A recent MeriTalk study, commissioned by Dell Technologies, found that 48% of telecom executives see AI as the industry’s most transformative technology in the next five years, yet 68% feel their organization is struggling to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies and customer needs.

The Dell AI for Telecom program, part of the Dell AI Factory, addresses these challenges by bringing together Dell’s AI expertise, infrastructure and services with software and silicon from across the AI ecosystem. The program will develop and deploy on-premises AI solutions that CSPs can use to enhance network performance, improve customer service and provide greater value at the enterprise edge.

“Capitalizing on the multiple opportunities presented by AI has become the most compelling driver of network cloud transformation,” said Dennis Hoffman, senior vice president and general manager, Telecom Systems Business, Dell Technologies. “Dell AI for Telecom brings together Dell’s AI expertise and infrastructure, with partners across the ecosystem, to help network operators implement AI solutions in and on the network that reduce OPEX, improve performance and create new edge revenue opportunities.”

Dell Collaborates with NVIDIA to Transform Telecom Networks with AI Solutions
Dell extends its collaboration with NVIDIA to:

  • Co-create and validate telecom AI solutions for CSPs, built upon and validated with the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA. Using Dell PowerEdge servers, NVIDIA GPUs and enterprise-grade AI software, the solutions help CSPs use AI to:
    • Enhance customer care and improve network maintenance with the Amdocs amAIz platform.
    • Automate call center scripts and customer care operations with Iternal.
    • Conduct network troubleshooting and analysis with Kinetica SQL-GPT.
    • Develop digital twins for networks and perform predictive network maintenance with Synthefy.

  • Facilitate AI deployments at the edge of the telecom network with the PowerEdge XR8000 server, now available with NVIDIA L4 Tensor Core GPUs. Designed for telecom and edge use cases, the PowerEdge XR8000 servers are available in compact form factors with a scalable, modular design that simplify deployment and maintenance.

  • Help CSPs design and deploy GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) offerings, so they can provide on-demand NVIDIA GPU capacity for enterprise customers. With infrastructure solutions optimized for enterprise AI workloads, CSPs can unlock new revenue opportunities and use their networks to deliver carrier-grade, low latency AI inference and training closer to data. Enterprises can scale AI deployments and resources as needed, while maintaining data ownership and governance.

Dell Professional Services help CSPs with their strategy, implementation and operation of AI solutions for telecom use cases.

Collaborating with Network Operators to Speed AI Adoption and Innovation

Dell is already partnering with CSPs in the Dell Telecom Open Ecosystem Labs to develop AI solutions with Dell AI Factory infrastructure and ecosystem partners to enhance customer experiences and improve network performance.

  • Lintasarta, an Indonesian information and communication technology solutions company, is offering GPU Merdeka, a GPUaaS, to provide AI infrastructure, including NVIDIA GPUs with Dell PowerEdge XE9680 servers, for national businesses.
  • SK Telecom, Dell, and other partners are collaborating to develop an AI chat agent for communications service providers. By creating the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) AI Platform, the team aims to integrate AI into existing business support systems (BSS) to enhance telecom business operations, drive revenue growth and quickly address and solve customer problems.

“As part of our collaboration with Dell Technologies and NVIDIA, Lintasarta will provide GPU-as-a-Service (Deka GPU) with Dell AI infrastructure and NVIDIA GPUs for national businesses, providing them access to the latest AI capabilities tailored for high-demand computing tasks,” said Gidion Suranta Barus, Chief Cloud Officer, Lintasarta.

“The creation of the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) AI Platform signifies a pivotal step in integrating AI into existing business support systems (BSS). This innovation aims to not only enhance our telecom business operations, but also drive revenue growth and resolve customer issues with unprecedented speed and efficiency by minimizing legacy burdens and standardizing so that LLMs can easily understand MNO products, supporting well-organized API calls necessary for problem-solving. Through our collaboration with Dell Technologies, we aim to accelerate AI adoption and innovation to deliver superior service and value to our customers,” said Haisung Kwon, Head of MNO AI Platforms, SK Telecom.

Additional Quotes:

“Telecom networks provide a critical fabric to bring AI applications to consumers and enterprises at scale. With NVIDIA’s AI suite, Dell is accelerating the adoption of AI factories, AI-powered operations and AI-RAN in telecom, as well as helping communications service providers apply these technologies to augment their own network operations and enhance customer experiences,” said Ronnie Vasishta, senior vice president, Telecom, NVIDIA.

“Our collaboration with Dell Technologies uses the Dell AI Factory and Amdoc’s amAIz platform to deliver AI solutions that will transform business operations for communications service providers and accelerate GenAI adoption,” said Anthony Goonetilleke, group president of technology and head of strategy, Amdocs.

How AI is Shaping the Future of Creative Writing Tools

Alright, let’s dive into something super exciting and a little bit mind-bending—**AI in creative writing**. Now, if you’re a writer (or someone who’s even dabbled a little), you probably know the struggle of staring at a blank page, waiting for that *one* genius idea to strike. Writer’s block is no joke, and sometimes it feels like creativity decides to take a vacation right when you need it most. But what if I told you that artificial intelligence (yes, robots!) is stepping up to lend us creative humans a hand? Or, well…a few hundred lines of code.

Let’s face it: AI is slowly seeping into every aspect of our lives. We’ve got smart homes, self-driving cars, AI assistants that can remind you to drink water (because apparently, we forget), and now—creative writing tools powered by AI. It sounds a bit crazy, right? But believe me, it’s happening, and it’s shaking up how we approach writing. AI isn’t just for crunching numbers or playing chess anymore. It’s creating, innovating, and helping writers push boundaries in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.

So, let’s get into it. How exactly is AI shaping the future of creative writing tools, and should writers be celebrating or side-eyeing these advancements?

1. Breaking Through Writer’s Block

You know those moments where you’ve got the beginning of a brilliant story, but halfway through, you just…freeze? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Whether it’s writing a novel, a blog post, or even a short poem, getting stuck happens to the best of us. AI is like that friendly nudge you need to keep going.

Enter AI-powered plot generators like squibler, tools designed to help you get unstuck in your creative process. With just a few inputs, these systems can spit out ideas, generate plot twists, or help you develop characters in ways that might surprise you. It’s like having a brainstorming buddy that never runs out of juice or needs coffee breaks. Pretty neat, right?

And before you start thinking, “Oh, great, now AI is going to write my entire story for me,” hold up. AI isn’t here to replace writers. It’s more like a trusty sidekick—like Robin to your Batman. It helps kickstart your imagination, but you’re still the one in control of the steering wheel.

2. Personalized Writing Assistants

You’ve probably heard of **Grammarly** or **Hemingway Editor**, right? These tools use AI to polish your writing, catch pesky grammar mistakes, and suggest ways to improve readability. But we’re now moving way beyond just catching spelling errors.

Imagine an AI that understands your unique writing style, can analyze your voice, and suggests edits that don’t just fix grammar but enhance your flow and creativity. That’s where the future is headed. Personalized AI writing assistants could soon learn your favorite phrases, your tone, and even the genres you like to write in. They’d adapt to you, making the editing process a whole lot smoother.

Writers are already using AI-driven assistants to speed up their work and make their prose shine. And while nothing can fully replace a human editor’s nuanced touch, AI is getting frighteningly good at offering instant feedback and ideas. It’s like having an editor-in-chief sitting on your shoulder, minus the judgemental looks.

3. Experimenting with New Forms of Writing

Okay, this is where things get really interesting. AI is not just enhancing traditional forms of writing; it’s also pushing the boundaries of what we think of as “writing” altogether. AI-generated poetry, screenplays, and even interactive fiction are already in the works.

You’ve got platforms where you can input a few basic elements—like setting, characters, and a theme—and the AI takes it from there, crafting entire stories or scenarios. Writers are using AI to explore new kinds of narrative structures, testing out plotlines and character arcs that they might not have thought of otherwise. Sure, sometimes the results can be a little wacky, but that’s part of the charm, right? Creativity is all about experimentation, and AI is giving writers a playground full of possibilities.

Even big-name writers are getting in on the action. Novelist **Robin Sloan** (author of “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore”) has openly talked about using AI to co-write parts of his novels. He feeds the AI writing prompts, sees what it churns out, and then tweaks it to fit his own style. The result? A blend of human intuition and machine creativity. Sounds like the future is already here, doesn’t it?

4. Collaborative Writing with AI

Speaking of collaboration, one of the coolest things about AI is that it can actually *work with* writers in real-time. There are AI platforms where writers and AI can co-write a story together. How it works is simple: you write a paragraph, the AI generates the next one, and you build from there. The AI might suggest surprising plot twists or new character developments you hadn’t even considered. It’s like having a brainstorming session, except your partner is a super-fast, idea-generating machine.

And let’s not forget that AI doesn’t get tired, doesn’t lose focus, and never misses a deadline. While you’re off getting your second cup of coffee, AI is ready to keep churning out words.

5. Helping Writers Become More Efficient

One of the biggest perks of AI is how it helps writers become more productive. From outlining to drafting and even editing, AI can speed up various parts of the writing process. Think about all the hours we spend outlining story arcs, researching character backstories, or fact-checking our own work. AI can assist with all that.

For instance, there are tools that can help organize your notes, research for you, or even automate some of the more tedious parts of the writing process. And when you combine those tools with AI-powered brainstorming platforms like a **plot generator**, you’ve got yourself a powerful writing toolkit that’s designed to make the process faster and more efficient.

It’s not about cutting corners; it’s about freeing up more time for the part of writing we all love—the actual creation. AI handles the mundane, so we can focus on crafting those heart-pounding action scenes or perfecting that witty dialogue.

6. The Future is (Mostly) Bright

Of course, the rise of AI in creative writing comes with its fair share of skeptics. There are worries that relying too much on AI might lead to a loss of originality or that machine-written content could saturate the market with lifeless, cookie-cutter stories. But let’s be real: creativity is a deeply human trait. Sure, AI can assist, suggest, and even co-write, but it’s the human touch—the emotion, the lived experience—that makes a piece of writing truly special.

The key is finding a balance. Using AI as a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it. Writers who embrace these technologies will have an edge in productivity, experimentation, and efficiency. But ultimately, it’s still up to the writer to weave the magic that makes readers laugh, cry, and keep turning those pages.

Wrapping It Up: AI as a Creative Co-Pilot

AI might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of creative writing, but it’s fast becoming a game-changer. From overcoming writer’s block with tools like a plot generator to experimenting with new narrative forms, AI is pushing creative boundaries in all kinds of unexpected ways. While it’s still early days, the future of creative writing could be a fusion of human imagination and machine efficiency. 

So, should you be worried? Nah. Should you be curious? Absolutely. Because in the end, AI might just be the spark that takes your writing to the next level.

 

Poetic Revolution case for iPhone 16 review

The Poetic Revolution case for iPhone 16 is the ideal case for one stop shop protection for you iPhone 16 and other devices they cater for.

With the revolution series cases you get two layers of protection on the rear and a built in screen protector and if you already have a screen protector on this will still work also you get the option to use with two separate pieces to use one with and without the screen protector  built in which is not seen anywhere else.

This case also adds additional grip has a camera protector that slides and a kickstand built in so overall you have everything you need in one case that caters for all unlike other cases that have several variants on offer. The kickstand also adds a layer of security if holding the phone out in public either in portrait or horizontal mode as your fingers can fit through.

The buttons ate tactile and work well and there is a port cover to keep dirt and dust out it also still charges wirelessly given the thickness and for me that is a bonus but it will not stay on home or car chargers so keep that in mind so you will need the older traditional phone holders. Having said that it still offers full protection all round which is important than convenience of using MagSafe holders and home charging stands but again that is kind of subjective.

 

 

 

  • [Slide Camera protection] – Make the revolution series even better with slide camera cover. The camera slider protects your camera lens from scratches, bumps & shocks.
  • [16 Case] – 20FT Military Grade Drop Tested Case protects your 16 6.1 from all angles. Shockproof/Drop-proof/Impact resistant/Scratch-proof.
  • [16 6.1 Case with Kickstand] – Built-in Pull out kickstand for hands-free viewing in portrait or landscape mode.
  • [16 Case with Screen Protector] – Front polycarbonate casing with a built-in screen protector adds a layer of protection without affecting screen responsiveness.
  • [Case for 16 6.1 inch] – Included two front frames, one with film, one without film. Enjoy the case with a built-in screen protector or use the front frame without film with your own tempered glass. Both choices should work out perfectly.

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Expel Announces Expansion into Ireland with Creation of 50 Cybersecurity Jobs

Expel, the leading managed detection and response (MDR) provider, today announced plans to establish a fully remote workforce in Ireland, creating up to 50 high-skilled cybersecurity jobs over the next three years, thanks to the support of the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Expel’s investment is part of its ongoing expansion strategy into the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) market and aims to tap into Ireland’s thriving technology ecosystem and skilled talent pool.

With a diverse customer base spanning industries such as aviation, technology, and professional sports, Expel’s move into Ireland marks a significant milestone in its global expansion efforts. Expel is trusted by some of the world’s most recognisable brands for their cyber security needs. The company combines world-class security practitioners and its AI-driven platform, Expel Workbench™, to provide cutting-edge visibility for cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments.

This strategic expansion into Ireland underscores the country’s reputation as a global hub for technology and cybersecurity innovation. As Expel continues to strengthen its foothold in EMEA since its initial expansion into the market in late 2022, collaboration with IDA Ireland and this investment highlights an exciting cornerstone for the future of cybersecurity technology and the accompanying booming workforce in the region.

Emer Higgins, Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, welcomed the announcement, saying: “We are delighted to welcome this investment in Ireland’s growing cybersecurity sector. The establishment of Expel’s remote workforce, creating 50 new high-quality jobs, demonstrates the strength of Ireland’s position as a hub for innovation and digital expertise. This commitment not only reinforces our reputation as a leader in the tech industry but also provides valuable opportunities for skilled professionals across the country. We look forward to supporting Expel’s continued success and growth in Ireland.”

 

Cat Starkey, Chief Technology Officer of Expel, said: “Ireland offers the rare mix of a world-class technology infrastructure, a highly talented workforce, and a cybersecurity culture that aligns with our own, making our decision to invest in growing our team there an easy one. We’re thrilled to grow our presence in Ireland, and we look forward to welcoming some of the world’s best cybersecurity professionals and engineers as Expletives.”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: “Cyber security continues to be an important cluster across Ireland, and we are a recognised destination of choice for global tech companies. Expel’s decision to establish operations here is a testament to the strength of our talent and technology ecosystem. We are delighted to welcome Expel and look forward to supporting their growth as they create new opportunities in cybersecurity, a critical industry for our economy and the wider global market.”

Improving Your Business Prospects Quickly

If you are thinking about trying to improve your business’ chances of success, there are so many approaches that you might be able to take towards this which might help you out considerably. It’s amazing what a difference it can actually make, in fact, and once you start looking into it you will see how much it really can help. So what are some of the things you can do to improve your business’ prospects, and how might you be able to make use of them as soon as possible?

In this post, we are going to discuss some of the main approaches that you might want to take. Any of the following could be really helpful, and you might find that they make a huge difference to your business’ chances of success. Let’s take a look and see what you might want to consider here.

Hire Better Staff

It might sound harsh, but you do need to make sure that you have good staff around you if you are going to improve your business’ prospects as much as you can. This is the kind of thing that you are going to want to think about for sure as it really does make a huge difference. If you can fully trust the people around you in business, that tends to mean that you are going to get a lot more out of them and that the future of the business looks a lot brighter as a result.

So take a look at your team and think about what you might be able to do in order to improve it. You might find that there are a lot of quite obvious things that you can bear in mind here, so that is something that you might want to consider first of all. Anything else can then be made to happen a lot more easily and quickly as a result of this first initial change.

Make Good Use Of Profits

Once you start profiting from a business, you might find yourself wondering what you can or should be doing in order to make good use of those profits, and to ensure that you are doing all you can to make them work for you as best as possible. Of course, there are endless options here, and it’s not always going to be obvious which you should opt for. But some of the most important are also going to be worth thinking about.

In particular, anything that is going to help your profits go further is going to be well worth thinking about. So you might find that putting some money into crypto using a multichain block explorer could be a way to invest, for instance. Or you might want to just redirect profits into the business in whatever way you think is appropriate. However you do it, it’s all about making sure that you are going to make good use of your profits, and as long as you have done that, the business will benefit.

Create More Leads

At all times, you should be thinking about some of the ways in which you can create more leads. It’s amazing what this can do for your business prospects, and you are going to find that you are so much more likely to make a huge difference this way. If you have lots of potential leads coming in, it is always going to mean that your business has a pretty good chance of developing as you would hope it to. So keep your eyes open and think about some of the ways in which you can develop these leads. You’ll be glad you did, and you’ll find that you are really going to make a difference this way.

Boost Marketing

By this we mean that you are both improving the way in which you approach your marketing, and increasing the amount of funds available for that marketing. If you are doing both of those things at once, you are going to find that it leads to a much better ability for your business to grow and develop, and it really is amazing what this can do for you. So make sure that you always have one eye on your marketing and that you are doing everything you can to make it as strong as possible.  That is really going to help a lot.

Beta Festival announces programme including award-winning XR performance Noire, conference featuring Abebe Birhane and international exhibition Unsettling the Algorithm

Beta, Ireland’s festival of art and technology, will return for its second edition with a focus on interrogating the relationship between power and technology, examining how digital tools influence society and how we can take agency back in their use.

Co-founded and supported by The Digital Hub, Beta will return from 1st to 17th November and will feature a series of events including two exhibitions, several interactive workshops, performances, a thought-provoking conference, and an assembly focussed on artificial intelligence and art.

Cannes Film Festival winner Noire, the Unknown Life of Claudette Colvin will make its Irish debut at this year’s Beta Festival. Directed by Stéphane Foenkinos and Pierre-Alain Giraud, Noire tells the real-life story of 15-year-old Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in a segregated 1950s Alabama through an immersive and encapsulating digital performance showing the power of storytelling through technology. Noire is presented by The Digital Hub, the French Embassy in Ireland and Institut Francais, as part of the official Novembre Numérique programme, and is supported by Smart Dublin.

This year, Beta will host two exhibitions: the first Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance, is an international exhibition curated by Aisling Murray and Nora O’ Murchú. Featuring artists including Irish-Iraqi artist Basil Al-Rawi, Tega Brain and Sam Levigne, Firas Shehadeh, Winnie Soon and Tzu-Tung Lee, Nora Al Badri and !Mediengruppe Bitnik among others, the exhibition will explore how digital infrastructures and algorithms shape, influence and govern our daily lives. Separately, the Local Artists Network will spotlight emerging Irish artists with new work from Conan McIvor, Aisling Phelan, Cailean Finn, and more.

Among these installations will be the interactive artwork Boogaloo Bias, which explores the dangers of unregulated use of facial recognition technology particularly among law enforcement. Created by Jennifer Gradecki and Derek Curry, the project examines the practice of ‘brute forcing’, where law enforcement substitutes images of celebrities resembling suspects when high-quality images are unavailable and explores themes of accountability and bias in automated systems.

Keynote addresses by cognitive behavioural scientist and member of the UN’s AI Advisory Board Abebe Birhane and Head of Arts Technologies at London’s Serpentine Gallery Kay Watson will be delivered at the conference, while several workshops, discussions and think-ins will be hosted by ADAPT research centre, the Creative Futures Academy, Fire Station Artists’ Studios and Creative Spark during the festival.

Key highlights for the festival will include:

  • Noire, the Unknown Life of Claudette Colvin tells the real-life story of the 15-year-old who refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in a segregated 1950’s Alabama in a near-mirror event to that of Rosa Parks, told through an immersive digital performance. Noire won the inaugural award for Best Immersive Experience at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and the production is brought to Ireland by the Beta Festival and The Digital Hub, in association with the French Embassy and Institut Francais, and is supported by Smart Dublin. Noire will make its Irish debut at the Samuel Beckett Theatre from 7th – 10th November.
  • Assembly on Art and AI will bring together AI researchers, policy makers, cultural leaders and artists to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on arts and culture and identify challenges and opportunities to fuel a rolling agenda of areas to consider when creating policy centred on AI.
  • Cold Call, a call centre created by Tega Brain and Sam Lavigne that reimagines carbon offsetting, by transforming the concept of time theft – a form of resistance where employees deliberately slow productivity – into a carbon-saving strategy aimed at high-emission companies. Through the call centre, viewers are encouraged to call fossil fuel companies and distract them for as long as possible, delaying carbon-emitting activities.
  • Keynote discussions by Head of London’s Serpentine Gallery Kay Watson and UN’s AI Advisory Board Abeba Birhane, encompassing AI’s potential benefits and proven risks

The official opening will take place on Friday, 1st November at The Digital Hub in Dublin 8.

Aisling Murray, co-founder and director of Beta Festival, commented:

“I am thrilled that Beta is returning for its second year and very grateful for the continued support from co-founders The Digital Hub and funders Science Week. It has been an exciting opportunity to work with Nora O’ Murchú on curating our international exhibition Unsettling the Algorithm, which complements this year’s programme that showcases some of Ireland’s most exciting art and technology offerings and gives audiences a chance to explore international best practice of new technologies. The outstanding XR performance Noire will be a highlight of our programme and is the best integration of immersive technology with storytelling that I have come across, which I cannot wait to share with audiences.

Fiach Mac Conghail, co-founder of Beta Festival and CEO of The Digital Hub, added:

“At The Digital Hub, we always consider the impact of emerging innovations in technology on our society. We provide a creative and safe space for audiences to understand these developments in a tangible and meaningful way. We believe that artists can assist us in this understanding and this year’s programme at Beta is no exception. Through an invigorating programme of important artworks, workshops, innovative keynote speeches and engaging performances, we are in a position to offer this insight and consideration to our communities at The Digital Hub. We are excited to launch the 2024 edition of Beta festival on 1st November and look forward to seeing the great work of so many artists and the visitors that join us over the two weeks.”

The Digital Hub has a strong track record in supporting digital technology industries, creative enterprises, and community learning programmes in Dublin 8 and beyond. Beta is aimed to be both a culmination of various activities within the Liberties campus, as well as a starting point for further discussion on how to make complex technologies more accessible to communities.

The Digital Hub and Aisling Murray are being supported in its preparations for Beta by Science Week, Ambassade de France en Irlande and Institut Francais, British Council, ADAPT Research Centre, Smart Dublin, Fire Station Artist’s Studio, Creative Futures Academy, The Arts Council and Pallas Projects.

Beta Festival will kick off from Friday, 1 November with a variety of events and exhibitions during that time with the centrepiece exhibition, Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance and additional events at The Digital Hub running until Sunday, 17 November.

Tickets for Noire are available from 12pm, Thursday October 3rd and are available to purchase at https://2024.betafestival.ie/.

The eir VIP Publishing Power of Women Awards rewards and celebrates Irish female entrepreneurs

The fourth eir VIP Publishing Power of Women Awards launched with an inspiring networking event in eir’s HQ in Dublin, ahead of the awards which will take place on the 8th of November in the 5-star Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel.

The event aims to shine a spotlight on the exceptional achievements of Irish female entrepreneurs, with over 110 women nominated across 12 diverse categories. The awards will also feature a special honour: the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, celebrating one standout leader in Irish business.

The launch brought together nominees, guests, and industry leaders for an engaging and informative panel discussion, moderated by Susan Brady, eir’s Managing Director of Consumer & Small Business, and Bianca Luykx, Editorial Director of VIP Publishing. Former award winners Helen Steele, Jennifer Rock, and Fiona Parfrey shared their experiences, offering advice on what it takes to succeed as a female entrepreneur in today’s competitive landscape.

Winners will be decided upon by a panel of judges made up of Susan Brady, eir’s Managing Director of Consumer & Small Business; Lily O’Donoghue, eir’s SMB director; Pippa O’Connor Ormond, last year’s winner of Entrepreneur of the Year; Ruth O’Connor, journalist; Kathryn Thomas, broadcaster and businesswoman; Rebecca Brady, Commercial & Events Director of VIP Publishing; and Bianca Luykx, Editorial Director of VIP Publishing and Editor-in-Chief of VIP magazine.

The awards will see the return of eir as title sponsors for the third year, supported by a prestigious group of Irish and international category sponsors including Very, Weir & Sons, Suir Engineering, Kérastase, Boots, Dr Hauschka, AYA supplements, Uniphar, Penneys, Lindt and Tanqueray Gin.

 

Pippa O’Connor Ormond, last year’s winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award said: ““I am thrilled to be on the judging panel for this year’s eir VIP Publishing Power of Woman awards. To have won entrepreneur of the year in 2023 was such an honour. Awards like these are a great boost for women in business. A reminder to celebrate ourselves & others. I look forward to meeting more like minded, inspiring women at this year’s awards’’.

VIP Publishing’s Commercial & Events Director Rebecca Brady said: “VIP Publishing are thrilled to partner with eir and all of our fantastic sponsors to bring you the 4th annual Power of Women Awards. We  are delighted to see Irish and international businesses join forces to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ireland’s most remarkable female entrepreneurs. Women are the driving force behind all that we do at VIP Publishing and we are proud to provide a platform that highlights the passion and perseverance of Irish female entrepreneurs. We look forward to celebrating their achievements once again this year.’’

Susan Brady, Managing Director of eir Consumer and Small Business expressed her pride in hosting the eir VIP Publishing Power of Women nominee announcement at eir’s headquarters: “We are honoured to return as the title sponsor of the eir VIP Publishing Power of Women Awards, which celebrates the outstanding achievements of female entrepreneurs and business leaders across Ireland. These women are not only driving innovation and economic growth, but they are also creating lasting positive change in society.

At eir, our purpose is to connect for a better Ireland, and our role in supporting small businesses – by providing the connectivity and solutions they need to grow and thrive – directly aligns with the spirit of these awards. By shining a light on the incredible contributions of female business leaders, we hope to inspire the next generation of women to lead with innovation, create stronger communities, and build a more inclusive future for all.”

Categories are as follows:

Digital & Tech – Sponsored by eir

Máirín Murray and Vicky Twomey-Lee (TechFoundHer)

Rena Maycock (Chirp)

Tammy Darcy (Shona Project)

Clare McSweeney (KuulPlay)

Niamh Donnelly (Akara Robotics)

Anna Carmody (Little Red Edu)

Rosanne Longmore (Coroflo)

Deirdre Lyons (Examifly)

Fashion Retail – Sponsored by Lindt

Emma Manley (Manley)

Lucy Nagle (Lucy Nagle)

Faye Rochford (FéRí)

Laura Weber (LW Pearl)

Aoife McNamara (Aoife McNamara)

Rosie Connolly (4th Arq)

Fiona Heaney (FeeG)

Lisa McGowan (Lisa & Co)

Beauty Industry – Sponsored by Uniphar

Linda Stintson (Bellamianta)

Kerry Hanaphy (Kerry Hanaphy Aesthetic Clinic)

Liz Dwyer & Nikki Dwyer (Future of Beauty)

Dr Emma Cunningham (Dr Emma Skincare)

Vanessa Gomez (Essences Day Spa)

Agnes Rafal (HOMEface yoga by agnes)

Anna Forde (Haumea)

Noelle O’Connor( TanOrganic and VeganTan)

Hair Care – Sponsored by Kérastase

Denise Phillips (PELO/Voduz)

Anita Donohue (Annutri)

Claire Balding /Fullam (Remi)

Nancy Cavanagh (Belle Hair Extensions)

Helen Reavey (Act+Acre)

Stephanie Nwambu (Callah Crowns)

Aine Kennedy (Smooth Stick)

Mairead Ronan (Faro)

Cosmetics & Skin Care – Sponsored by Boots

Charlene Flanagan & Niamh Ryan (Ella & Jo)

Niamh Hogan (Holos Skincare)

Dr. Helena McMahon (Seabody)

Una McGurk (Seoulista Beauty)

Sonia Deasy (Pestle & Mortar)

Susie O’Neill (AYU Cosmetics)

Geraldine Jones (Skin Formulas)

Michelle Regazzoli Stone (MRS Glam)

Communications

Valerie Roe (Valerie Roe PR)

Rebecca Burrell (Burrell Marketing and Publicity)

Hannah Saunders (Hannah Saunders PR)

Sonia Harris (Harris PR)

Lindsey Holmes (Lindsey Holmes Publicity)

Rachel Sherry (Sherry Communications)

Tara O’Connor (Tara O’Connor Consulting)

Kerryann Conway (The Hive Agency)

Creative – Sponsored by Dr. Hauschka

Audrey Hamilton (Audrey Hamilton Art)

Orla de Brí (Orla de Brí)

Ciara & Rachel Howard (Howrad Studios)

Jenny McCarthy (By Jenny McCarthy)

Clíodhna Doherty (Clíodhna Doherty Art)

Heather Condren (Flowerpop)

Jenny Buckley & Carol Gunner (Tamber Media)

Deirdre Young & Sinead Bailey Kelly (H&G Creations)

Lifestyle – Sponsored by VERY

Una Leonard (2210 Patisserie)

Lucy Hagerty (La Bougie)

Portia Quinn & Robin Thompson (Harley & Marley)

Natasha Rocca Devine (NRD Designs)

Adrienne Heslin (West Kerry Brewery)

Laura Bonner (Muff Liquor Company)

Sadie Chowen (Burren Perfumery)

Barikisu Ali Telfer (Sahara.ie)

New Founder – Sponsored by Weir & Sons

Suzy Griffin (Hildun Beauty)

Ngozi Elobuike (Hi Spirits Wine Club)

Olivia Humphries (Athena)

Destiny Ayo Vaughan (Mind The Gap)

Evie and Eliza Ward (NutShed)

Ellie Haughney (Anam Cosmetics)

Shona Mahon (Speedy Lash / Wink With Mink)

Susan Fox & Carly Colgan (Ealu)

Wellness – Sponsored by AYA 

Kylie O’Donoghue (FemFuelz )

Laura Dowling (fabÜ)

Orla Hopkins (New Dimensions Active)

Audrey O’Connor (CoreState)

Kira Walton (Voya)

Maura Rath (Yoga with Maura)

Gráinne Byrne (Norma)

Shawna Scott (Sex Siopa)

Sustainability – Sponsored by Suir Engineering

Nicky & Ella Dwyer (Drobey)

Ella de Guzman (Siopaella)

Sarah Fliessbach (Share Club)

Fiona Fahy (Feed Me Mother)

Jess Dollinger (The Good Neighbour)

Aisling Cullen (Thanks Plants)

Nicola Connelly (Nunaïa)

Fran Fogarty (Lily Mais)

Accesories

Julie Peelo (Peelo)

Lyndsey Cavanagh (One Dame Lane)

Lisa Ruttledge (Fabulisa)

Sallyann Concannon (Mettle & Bloom)

Suzanne Jackson, Terrie McEvoy & Siobhan Murray (MANTRA Official)

Nicki Hoyne (Nicki Hoyne)

Margaret Urbanowicz (Sómas)

Megan Nolan (MNW Design)