Month: October 2024

eir Survey Highlights the Positive Social Impact of Gaming in Ireland Today

eir, Ireland’s largest telecommunications provider, has today released the results of an online survey conducted with GamerFest attendees, ahead of Ireland’s premier gaming and esports festival, which kicks off this Saturday 19th October at the RDS, Dublin.

As the Official Network Partner for GamerFest for the third year, eir polled gamers over 18 years old to capture a snapshot of gaming culture in Ireland today. The survey results highlight the growing role of gaming in fostering social connections, promoting inclusivity, and reducing stress and anxiety among players.

Urban Gaming and Platform Preferences

The survey found that 60% of respondents were between the ages of 25 and 44, highlighting the broad appeal of gaming amongst adults. A significant 78% of gamers live in urban areas, solidifying the role of gaming as urban cultural phenomenon

When it comes to platform preferences, gaming consoles continue to dominate, with 61% of respondents choosing consoles over other platforms. PCs came in second, favoured by 24% of gamers, reflecting the continued popularity of console gaming in Ireland today.

The Social Impact of Gaming in Ireland Today

Social gaming also emerged as a significant trend, with 63% of participants enjoying gaming with others. Whether through multiplayer online games or in-person events like GamerFest, Irish players are increasingly using these platforms to socialise, form friendships and strengthen existing connections. While still popular with 31% of respondents, solo gaming is being outpaced by social gaming trends in Ireland. Furthermore, over 63% of respondents stated that gaming has helped them expand their social circle, while 68% said it helps them stay connected with friends and family. These findings illustrate gaming’s ability to strengthen and form new relationships both virtually and offline. Over 6,000 people are expected to attend GamerFest this weekend, showing how gaming communities are expanding across Ireland.

The survey also found that 86% of respondents reported that gaming helps reduce stress, while 71% said it alleviates anxiety. Moreover, 71% found that gaming helped them cope with feelings of isolation, showing that gaming plays an important role in supporting gamers’ wellbeing in Ireland today.

Inclusivity and Diversity in the Gaming Industry

Diversity remains a key area of growth within the gaming industry as highlighted by the survey. While  96% of respondents agree that gaming is inclusive and accessible to people from all backgrounds, 76% believe there is still a need for greater diversity in gaming content, underscoring the need for more representation in the industry.

Susan Brady, Managing Director of Consumer and Small Business in eir said:

“We’re excited to partner with GamerFest again this year and showcase the incredible gaming experience powered by eir’s 5G and fibre networks. These survey results confirm that gaming is not just a form of entertainment but a powerful medium for building communities and promoting inclusivity. At eir, we’re committed to supporting this culture by providing top-tier connectivity for gamers, whether they’re playing from home or on the go. Our high-speed Gigabit Broadband and 5G network ensure uninterrupted gameplay, making eir the best network for gamers in Ireland.”

Colm Roche, Director of Partnerships, GamerFest added:

We’re thrilled to be working with eir again this year to bring the best in gaming to Ireland. The festival is a testament to how gaming can bring people together, building communities, and create unforgettable experiences. With eir’s support and their industry-leading network GamerFest 2024 will be our best event yet, with over 6,000 gamers coming together to celebrate their shared passion.”

Powering the Future of Irish Gaming

GamerFest 2024 promises an action-packed weekend filled with gaming tournaments, tech showcases, and community-driven events. With eir’s sponsorship, attendees can look forward to uninterrupted, high-speed connectivity, keeping them online and engaged throughout the festival.

eir’s low-latency network ensures gamers’ actions are registered instantly, providing them with faster reaction times and an optimal gaming experience. With its industry-leading Gigabit Broadband network, offering speeds of up to 10GB per second and covering a record-breaking 1.2 million homes and businesses, or approximately 3 million people, across Ireland, eir is now the best network for gaming in the country.

Over the past four years eir has invested more than €1 billion in building world class connectivity infrastructure, enabling the build of Ireland’s largest Gigabit Fibre Network and Ireland’s best available 5G mobile network. eir has committed to investing an additional €1 billion to further expand its reach – to 1.9 million front doors, or 84% of homes and businesses in Ireland by 2026.

Heidi Davis, CEO of Peri has been awarded the Enterprise Ireland High-Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Founder of the Year for 2024

Heidi Davis, CEO of Peri has been awarded the Enterprise Ireland High-Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Founder of the Year for 2024. The company uses AI enabled technology to personalise the management of menopausal symptoms. The Peri, a wearable device helps users regularly update how they are affected by their symptoms and provides insights to guide women toward a personalised management plan.

The Founder of the Year Awards acknowledges and celebrates the commitment that entrepreneurs and start-ups have made to build world class companies of the future.  There were nine finalists for the 2024 Award, all of whom were voted for by their peers and have taken part in Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Founders Forum over the last year.

Barry McCann, Nua Surgical, Mark Kirwan, Positive Carbon and Alison Liddy, Relevium Medical were also acknowledged for their companies’ achievements to date and voted as runners-up on the night. Other finalists include: Darren O’Reilly, Whole Supp; Criona Turley, Capella; Aidan Finn, Binarii Labs; Raj Lyons Chohan, Affinity EV2 and Mike McGrath, Kwayga.

Now in its sixth year the HPSU Founders Forum, continues to grow with over 450 founders having participated to date from a variety of sectors including digital technologies, medical devices, fintech, food, engineering and construction.

The Founder of the Year 2024 was decided by a judging panel which included representatives from Enterprise Ireland, VentureWave Capital, Endeavour Ireland and Credit Logic.

Mark Barrett, Group CEO of APC and VLE Therapeutics, which specialises in the research, digitalisation and manufacture of medicines also joined the event to share his perspective on leadership and scaling a global business.

On receiving the award Heidi Davis, winner of the HPSU Founder of the Year Award for 2024 said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, particularly as the nominees are selected by Founder peers. Enterprise Ireland has been with us all along on our start-up journey and we look forward to working them as we launch the peri to market in 2025. Our ultimate aim is to grow the business globally, bringing the peri to the women of the world, allowing them to live healthier and more productive lives.”

Addressing the Awards ceremony, Michael Carey, Chairman, Enterprise Ireland said: “The Founder of the Year Awards promotes Ireland’s ecosystem of entrepreneurs who have displayed the potential and commitment to building their businesses and set their sights on global markets. We are delighted to build on the success of the Awards which is now in its sixth year, and the Founders Forum which acknowledges and celebrates high-performance, innovative Irish start-ups. I wish to congratulate Heidi on winning this year’s Award and also pay tribute to the other finalists, all of whom were shortlisted by their peers, which is a real testament to their potential and future success.”

Zens introduces the Wireless Charging Adapter

Zens, the market leader in wireless charging solutions, proudly presents its latest innovation: the Wireless Charging Adapter. This compact adapter, equipped with a USB-C port, keeps your devices fully charged wherever you are. With a sleek, minimalist design, it combines practical functionality with simplicity, making charging easier than ever.

Available in sleek black and white finishes, the Wireless Charging Adapter’s magnetic connection and soft grip material ensure your iPhone stays secure while charging. It’s the perfect companion for those who value style, ease, and power, whether at home, work or on the go.

“Bringing together wireless charging and USB-C in one compact design, we’ve created the ultimate charging solution,” says Johan Plasmans, CEO of Zens. “Imagine coming home from work with an empty battery, needing to cook. Just snap your phone onto the adapter, open your favourite recipe, and carry on. Always charged and ready. This Wireless Charging Adapter empowers people to connect and charge easily, anywhere.”

Key benefits:
Soft grip material and magnetic connection: A secure, non-slip hold that keeps your device in place and allows easy docking and undocking. Perfect for bedside, home office, or any space with sockets at eye level.
Dual charging for multiple devices: The built-in 18W USB-C port lets you charge a second device, like your iPad or AirPods, simultaneously.
Powerful 15W output with EU plug: Ensures your devices are always ready, delivering efficient and quick wireless charging.
Apple StandBy Mode compatibility: Enjoy a personalised display while your phone charges. Check the time, weather, or view a recipe video at a glance.
Minimalist design in black or white: Crafted to blend into any modern space, whether on your bedside table, kitchen counter, or work desk.

Discover a new way to charge: compact, sleek, and always ready to go. The Wireless Charging Adapter (€49,99) is now available in black and soon in white at zens.tech.

 

See our Zens reviews

Husqvarna Group unveils four new robotic lawnmowers

The new Husqvarna Automower models – 580L EPOS, 580 EPOS, 560 EPOS, and an updated 535 AWD EPOS – showcase the company’s dedication to innovative landscaping technology. All four models offer features such as precision GPS navigation, boundary wire-free mowing, and selectable cutting patterns. These capabilities enable effortless and efficient turf management, designed to save time, reduce emissions, cut costs, and elevate turf quality for commercial users.

Future-proofed, the 560 and 580 models will also gain functionalities like solar panel compatibility and advanced AI-driven features such as night vision and obstacle avoidance by 2026, further raising the bar in professional landscaping solutions.

Key Facts about the new powerful boundary wire-free models:

 Automower 580 EPOS: Ideal for sports fields with its ability to mow large areas in patterns.

Capacity up to 16,000 m².

Automower 580L EPOS: Suitable for golf course with its low-cut disc cutting as low as 10 mm.

Capacity up to 16,000 m².

Automower 560 EPOS: Designed for facilities with optimized uptime and excellent slope performance.

Capacity up to 12,000 m².

Automower 535 AWD EPOS: Updated EPOS version of 535 AWD. Specialized for rough, hilly and undulated terrain areas around golf courses.

Capacity up to 6,000 m2.

 
“Through close dialogue with our customers, we have developed these new models to meet their high standards. As demand for reliable commercial autonomous turf care solutions rises, Husqvarna Group expands its boundary wire-free robotic lawnmower offering from four to seven models, demonstrating our commitment to revolutionizing professional green space management”, says Glen Instone, President Husqvarna Forest & Garden.

Available globally from March 2025, the new models expand Husqvarna’s portfolio of professional robotic solutions, solidifying its position as a leader in autonomous turf care technology. Since launching Husqvarna CEORA in 2021, the Group has experienced double-digit growth in professional robotic lawnmowers annually. In 2025, Husqvarna Group aims to launch a total of ten new boundary wire-free robotic lawnmowers for professional and residential customers.

Learn more about the upcoming professional models here.

Record Numbers for National Womens Enterprise Day 2024

A new record attendance for National Women’s Enterprise Day was set at events that took place across the country today (October17th).  Over 2,200 female entrepreneurs and women in business attended the 14 Local Enterprise Office led events nationwide, the most that has attended the day since it’s inception in 2006.

It was also revealed that so far this year 64% of those who availed of training this year by the Local Enterprise Offices were women and that 61% of the participants in the Local Enterprise Offices Start Your Own Business programme in 2024 have been female.

Breege Cosgrave, Co-Chair of National Women’s Enterprise Day 2024, said; “It is fantastic to see a record turnout for this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day.  Since Covid we have seen how important these events can be for helping female entrepreneurs and women in business to grow their networks and see there is support out there within their community to help get them started and to grow their businesses.  

We have 14 fantastic events across the country covering everything from getting started and funding through to digitalization and sustainability.  There’s something for everyone and some amazing businesses and female entrepreneurs telling their stories of how they got started and overcame challenges.  National Women’s Enterprise Day is vital for showcasing the very best of our female entrepreneurs and showing those who hope to take that leap in the future that the support is there.”     

This was the 18th year of National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) and the theme of this year’s event was, “Making it happen”.  The event aims to encourage businesswomen to take that next step whether that be to act on an idea, grow their business or take steps to change or innovate in their business.  The event also highlights the supports available to early stage small businesses from funding and grants to mentoring and training.

Some of those that took part this year included Aimee Connolly, founder and CEO of Sculpted by Aimee, Anne Heraty founder of CPL Resources, Oonagh O’Hagan of Meaghers Pharmacy, broadcaster and entrepreneur, Norah Casey, Martina Fitzgerald of Scale Ireland, entrepreneur Chupi Sweetman and broadcaster and podcaster Sile Seoige.  They were joined at the events across the country by a host of female led small businesses and start-ups are telling their story of how they began and made it happen with their ideas.

The Local Enterprise Offices also run a number of initiatives to foster entrepreneurship across the country. These include Local Enterprise Week, the National Enterprise Awards, the Student Enterprise Programme, Local Enterprise Village at the Ploughing Championships and Local Enterprise Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.

Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 75,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses.

For more information on National Women’s Enterprise Day go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie/NWED

BOI – Urgent Fraud Alert – Live Chat Scam

Bank of Ireland is warning businesses about a recent increase in ‘Live chat’ scams. Fraudsters are mainly targeting business banking customers with this scam, duping them into allowing remote access to their computers and bank accounts.

Fraudsters are calling customers pretending to be from Bank of Ireland, claiming that their account has been compromised, directing them to a live chat service or to download software to your computer, and asking for card details, online banking details and activation codes.

 What happens?

  • The customer gets a phone call from someone claiming to be from Bank of Ireland.
  • The caller asks the customer to log into their online banking as normal.
  • The caller (fraudster) then asks the customer to go to another new website address, saying that this is: “for a live chat service” or “to verify the customer’s PC”, but in reality it allows the fraudster remote access to the customer’s PC. The fraudster can now see the customer’s screen and access all of the customer’s files and programmes.
  • The caller will set up payments on the customer’s online banking and ask the customer to read out the one-time codes from their BOI app to approve the payments.

 

Bank of Ireland’s advice

  • If you get a call from someone who asks you to go to a website or to click on a link that they will send to you, just hang up.
  • Never allow a caller to take remote access of your PC.
  • If someone asks you for a one-time code from your online banking app, they are a fraudster. Never, ever share those codes with anyone, even if they say they are from Bank of Ireland.
  • Be very careful when logging on to your online banking website. The safest thing is to type in the website address yourself or to log in through the main Bank of Ireland website at bankofireland.com

 

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud, Bank of Ireland said: “We’ve had an increase in reports into our fraud line in recent days so we want to warn businesses in particular to be extremely alert to this scam. Fraudsters try to convince people to allow access to their PCs via a fake ‘live chat’, where they can then access business customers’ online banking, and other personal files and information. Never allow a caller to take remote access of your PC.  If someone asks you for a one-time code from your online banking app, they are a fraudster.  Never share those codes with anyone, even if they say they are from your bank. If you get a call like this, just hang up.”

UNISOC T760 powers Motorola’s new moto G35 5G

UNISOC has announced that the moto G35 5G, Motorola’s a new 5G smartphone that recently launched in the Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, is powered by the UNISOC T760. The moto G35 5G promises users an extraordinary audio-visual and photography experience and the UNISOC T760, featuring an independent NPU with robust computing power up to 3.2 TOPS, empowers it with advanced AI camera capabilities.

With the T760’s support, the camera system fully unleashes its potential, integrating advanced features like Google Lens™ and Gesture Capture. The 50MP rear camera, aided by Quad Pixel and autofocus technology, effortlessly captures thrilling moments and performances at sports events, concerts, and more, making every photo vivid and lifelike.

In 2024 Q2, UNISOC achieved a 13% market share in global smartphone application processors and is committed to providing high-quality 5G products and solutions for consumer electronic market

The new moto G35 5G boasts a 6.72” FHD+ LCD display that delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals. Whether immersed in thrilling TV dramas or gaming adventures, the 120 Hz refresh rate ensures a buttery-smooth viewing experience. Furthermore, with a brightness level of 1000 nits and display color enhancement, the screen exhibits exceptional contrast and color saturation, even in bright environments. To elevate the user experience, the moto G35 5G is equipped with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos® support to immerse users in a sound experience that comes alive with greater depth, clarity and detail. A 5000mAh battery and fast 18W charging ensure all-day usage without interruption.

Additionally, the moto G35 5G is equipped with an 8MP ultrawide camera, perfect for creative group photos or expansive landscapes. Meanwhile, the 16MP selfie camera, enhanced by the T760, offers features like Auto Smile Capture, Auto Night Vision, and Face Retouch mode, ensuring everyone looks their best.

The moto G35 5G comes with 128 GB of storage, expandable up to 1 TB via microSD card, catering to users’ high-capacity storage needs. With 8GB RAM expandable up to 16 GB through RAM Boost, users can enjoy a smoother and more seamless experience. The new device will also roll out to select markets in Latin America and Asia, enabling more users to enjoy the excitement of 5G technology.

LOCO Motion Pro E-Scooter Review

I am no stranger to E-Scooters ( Electric Scooters) now and have owned several over the years and are quite handy for going to the local shops or even further depending on the range to do certain jobs and for me a break from the Benz and getting fresh air on the way too.

E-Scooters are also great for that last mile journey but it has took years to get laws passed and so on and now thmarkey are banned from buses and trains which might be good news for some due to some taking up space and so on but they are citing batteries and not having the CE mark now for fire hazzards on public transport which is utter bullshit since they are still allowing electric bikes on.

OK they can and are a nuisance like cyclists there with a select cohort out there that do not care nor obey the rules and that will always be the case and the same for motorists and is just a part of society in general but for the most they are a really cool piece of kit to get to work and more for many people as you would see on your commute both in the evenings and mornings and anytime of the day in fact.

I also own a mountain bike which I use but when doing things local when I am home and especially the weekend it is the e-scooter or bike for anything local which would be alot in fairness and it is basically free to do rather than take out the big merc and do the same thing that costs a tenner to go to the shop.

So LOCO is an Irish company and as most people say is support local business and in these times with this product it is right due to the amount of e-scooters here that can travel as fast as cars and e-bikes which is not untrue this company goes by the rules and sticks by them.

Who is LOCO

Founded in 2020 by friends, Jason and Paddy, on the belief that transportation should be not only efficient but also eco-friendly, we embarked on a mission to provide convenient, fun, and environmentally conscious solutions for modern city living. With our expertise in engineering and design, we’ve curated and crafted a range of electric scooters that marry style with functionality, delivering an unparalleled riding experience for our customers.

But LOCO is more than just a retailer and electric scooter manufacturer – we’re a community of enthusiasts dedicated to reshaping the way people move around urban landscapes. Whether you’re zipping through busy streets, exploring scenic paths, or simply cruising to your favourite café, our electric scooters are your trusted companion, offering reliability, agility, and zero emissions every step of the way. You can read more about them here.

The company sent us their LOCO Motion Pro for review and asked for an honest review and those who follow me now at this stage you know you get what I see good and bad and we have been testing this out for some time now and we are here to tell you some more about it.

Setting up is quick and hassle free more or less after you screw in the handlebar section and this I like as almost out of the box it is power on and and you are on the move straight away if there is enough charge there,  you get two NFC keys and you can download the Green Drive App seen below and you are good to go.

You get all the bells and whistles here no pun intended so to speak with lights galore it is probably one of the most robust e-scooters I have seen, tested or tried out it is heavy but that is not really an issue if you do not need to lift anywhere, the deck you stand on is super grippy and this is important and you will not be slipping off this one and it is wide enough for those with big feet like me.

The handlebars are grippy and feel nice along with the throttle and brake handle, there is a small turning bell there but it is loud enough for people to hear without headphone or earbuds but you also have a light up front you can use. There is a small easy to read dashboard that compliments the app.

The wheels are solid and thicker (10 Inches) than others meaning better grip and less incidents of falling through small gaps.

Up front there is a dual suspension which is really cool none of my prior models have had this as an early adopter and this makes the ride more comfortable, there is three reflectors up front but no indicators like the rear which could be added I guess via third party offerings if you want them.

On the rear there are indicators a tail/brake light and reflectors alongside the motor and like the front has a mudguard which is excellent and are quite easy to see and be noticed day or night.

The ride so to speak is solid and comfortable here with the suspension up front and after testing this over rough ground maxing out the speed you ain’t falling of the deck as this is perfect and very grippy, the brakes are also solid too and wont flip you over the handlebars either and it is easy to maintain the balance on it.

The thicker tyres have been put through their paces too with random sharp turns etc and I did not budge even at high speeds and again this is a heavy e-scooter with a wide deck so it all balances out really well here.

Overall this is one of the best I have tested myself alongside others I had myself or friends of late and even though it is expensive you get what you pay for in the end and you know the old saying pay cheap pay twice this is not the case here though.

The Green Drive App

Turn on the light/  You can double tap the power button to turn on/off also
Change speed modes
Emit a beeping noise to locate your scooter
Change the speed limit
Lock your motor

Waterproof

The LOCO Motion Pro electric scooter is entirely waterproof with all internal components rated IPX7 against water ingress. We are so confident that if your LOCO Motion Pro gets water damaged, we will replace it for free. It’s no secret that Irish weather is unpredictable, so we’ve got a fully waterproof electric scooter to meet the needs of commuters in Ireland.

Anti-Theft

Each LOCO Motion Pro electric scooter comes with two unique LOCO NFC cards, and your LOCO Motion Pro will not turn on until you tap one of your LOCO cards on the display. You can also lock the motor electronically using a mobile app, which prevents anyone from pushing the scooter, even when turned off. We know you’re concerned about theft and we have worked hard to bring you a secure electric scooter that is useless to a potential thief. Lost or stolen NFC cards can be cancelled and replace by the original owner.

Theft Insurance

As always, you talk and we listen. We know that many of our customers are concerned about their electric scooter being stolen and we are offering users 12 months theft insurance for just €119 (for scooters up to €1000). Forget about worrying about your electric scooter being stolen and insure it with LOCO today!

For full details see our insurance terms and conditions through this link https://locoscooters.ie/pages/insurance-terms-and-conditions

Climbing Hills

A super-powerful 400w brushless DC motor in the rear wheel delivers an exceptionally smooth ride, and hills are no match for this electric scooter. Similarly, the large rear wheel drive means that the LOCO Motion Pro is equipped to move a heavier load than most electric scooters, with its max load of 120kg. Say goodbye to electric scooters that slow down going uphill and struggle under heavier rider weight and say hello to a seamless and effortless new mode of transport.

Suspension

Front fork suspension ensures that no matter what the road surface under you is like, the LOCO Motion Pro will get you there smoothly and safely. Stop worrying about potholes and uneven surfaces and think about what you’re going to do with all the spare time you’re going to have that you didn’t spend sitting in traffic.

Foldable

A simple to use, one-handed folding system allows you to collapse the steering pole, folding the scooter in half. A hook & receiver then secures the scooter in the folded position so that you can pick it up and carry it by the steering pole, making it very easy to lift on an off the bus, train, tram or in and out of your home or car.

Warranty

Our unmatched 2 year warranty on the LOCO Motion Pro has got you covered. We’re covering all original manufacturer defects for 2 years and that includes water damage. Our electric scooter repair centre in Dublin 15 is rated 5 stars on Trustpilot and it’s no wonder we are Ireland’s favourite electric scooter retailer, repair centre and now manufacturer. We hold stock of all spare parts for the LOCO Motion Pro, from the battery to the smallest nuts and bolts, we’ve got it all so you don’t have to wait. Why not add an extended warranty to your new LOCO Motion Pro, taking your warranty up to a whopping 3 years!

 

IP Rating Fully waterproof
Anti-theft Unique NFC key card to start
Suspension Yes
Indicators Integrated rear indicators
Locking In-app motor lock
Max Speed 30km/h (20km/h in-app speed limit)
Max Range 60km
Real World Range 35km
Battery 13Ah
Resistance Waterproof
Motor Rated Power 400W
Weight 20kg
Max Load 120kg
Charging Time 4.5 hours
Lights Front, rear and brake lights
Charging Cycles 500 charging cycles
App Connectivity Bluetooth
Driving Mode Eco / Drive / Sport
Tyres Front wheel (10 inch tubed pneumatic) Rear tyre (10 inch solid tyre)
Brakes Drum brake front, electronic motor brake rear

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Video Review

EKRUZER Partners With TAV Systems to Create the World’s First Gaming-Compatible E-Scooter

EKRUZER, the innovative micromobility startup known for merging technology with immersive gaming, confirms a significant partnership with TAV Systems in the design, engineering and manufacture of its flagship product, EKRUZER #1 – the world’s first ‘gaming console on wheels.’

A vision to blend gaming and outdoor exploration

EKRUZER was born out of a passion to bring video games into the real world. While gaming captivates many, it often keeps them indoors. EKRUZER’s mission is to change that by encouraging outdoor adventures while staying connected to gaming.

As the company’s founder, known by his alias “Squad Leader,” said: “I saw how gaming kept people inside, and thought, why not combine it with outdoor fun?” EKRUZER blends those elements to create real-world excitement.

Founded in January 2024, EKRUZER has brought together engineers, designers, and gaming experts from Australia and Southeast Asia. Their mission is to revolutionise urban transportation by introducing gaming elements to micromobility.

What is EKRUZER #1?

EKRUZER #1 is more than just an e-scooter, it’s a next-generation gaming platform on wheels, designed to bridge the gap between virtual play and outdoor activity. It’s set to be the first open-platform, augmented reality (AR) gaming-compatible electric scooter, with a range of over 200km – the longest of any micromobility vehicle on the market. Key features include:

  • Hubless Wheels: Sleek, futuristic, and efficient, EKRUZER #1’s hubless wheels provide improved aerodynamics and a distinct visual appeal.
  • Kontrollor Bar: A game-changing feature, the Kontrollor Bar blends gaming controls directly into the Kruzer’s handlebars, allowing users to navigate the real world while seamlessly interacting with in-game actions.
  • Interchangeable Batteries: These high-capacity batteries offer flexibility and convenience, allowing users to easily swap out for a fully charged unit and extend their adventures.

Partnerships with TAV Systems

To bring this ambitious vision to life, EKRUZER has partnered with TAV Systems, a leader in electric powertrain technology. Founded in 2020, TAV Systems specialises in designing innovative powertrains for e-mobility, focusing on delivering high performance and sustainability. With an engineering hub in Adelaide, Australia, and a manufacturing facility in Chennai, India, TAV Systems brings the expertise and technical know-how necessary to ensure that EKRUZER #1 offers not only superior performance but also unparalleled reliability.

Founder and CEO of EKRUZER, known only by his gaming handle, Squad Leader, said: “Partnering with TAV Systems allows us to create a groundbreaking product that will completely change how people experience micromobility and gaming. EKRUZER #1 is more than just an e-scooter, it is a game-changing platform that blends the physical and digital worlds, redefining outdoor entertainment. Our goal is to encourage people to get out, explore and play, all in one immersive experience.”

Raphael Garcia, Research and Development Specialist at TAV Systems, commented: “We are excited to work with EKRUZER and D+I on this incredible new project. Our electric powertrains are designed to offer range and performance, and we are confident that EKRUZER #1 will set new standards for urban mobility and gaming. Our design and engineering team has been busy designing and crafting the elements to make EKRUZER the best device in its class, and we can’t wait to showcase this once ready. It will be incredible.”

Safety and Innovation at the Core of EKRUZER #1

Safety is at the forefront of EKRUZER’s product design. EKRUZER #1 will be equipped with a robust Pack Management System (PMS) to ensure optimal safety and performance during long rides. Additionally, EKRUZER has integrated an AI-powered Squad Buddy, featuring irregularity sensors to detect and alert riders to any potential issues, such as tyre pressure anomalies or battery irregularities, enhancing rider safety and peace of mind.

Using the EKRUZER App, parents will be able to geofence areas in which the EKRUZER’s gaming technology is operational, to ensure there are no distractions when riding on public highways and shared cycle paths.

The Future of Micro-Mobility

EKRUZER’s vision is to shape the future of micromobility by combining mobility with digital gaming experiences. Their mission is to reconnect friends, families, and communities through this innovative platform.

The waitlist for EKRUZER #1 will open in November 2024, and interested customers can sign up on the EKRUZER website to stay updated: www.ekruzer.com

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