The Jabra Speak2 75 professional speakerphone is an ideal kit for those who use teams and more not only that it is a great personal speaker.
The Speak2 75 features a sleek, modern “puck” design with a brushed aluminum finish and a premium fabric speaker cover. It feels robust and well-built, giving it a professional aesthetic that fits seamlessly in any office or home setting and a nice upgrade to previous models. Weighing around 466g, it’s portable enough to put into a travel or tech bag with the included felt carry pouch, There is also an integrated USB-C cable with a built-in USB-A adapter, which makes it highly versatile and prevents the hassle of losing adapters. The capacitive touch controls on the top surface are intuitive and responsive, lighting up when in use which I really like.
This device is clearly tuned for voice, and it delivers as you will see in the video review compared to the laptops speakers. It features a full-range 65mm speaker and Jabra’s “Super-wideband audio” technology, which is designed to capture a wider range of frequencies for more natural-sounding conversations. For conference calls, voices come through crystal clear and rich. While it can also be used for a personal speaker it sounds good as you will see in the review also.
Microphone Quality
This is where the Speak2 75 truly shines. It is equipped with a four-microphone beamforming array that works with advanced digital signal processing (DSP) to effectively isolate voices and reduce background noise. The full duplex audio allows for natural, two-way conversations without participants cutting each other off. A standout feature is the “Microphone Quality Indicator,” a 360-degree light ring that provides real-time visual feedback on how well your voice is being picked up. This innovative feature is a game-changer for hybrid workers, as it removes the guesswork of whether you’re being heard clearly.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The Speak2 75 offers flexible connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.2 and a dual-connector USB-C/USB-A cable. It also comes with a Bluetooth dongle for a more stable wireless connection to a PC, and supports Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair for quick pairing with mobile devices. The battery life is impressive, with Jabra claiming up to 32 hours of talk time making it a reliable device for long workdays without needing a constant charge. It is also IP64-rated, providing protection against dust and water splashes.
Overall Verdict
The Jabra Speak2 75 is an excellent professional speakerphone. Its superb audio and microphone quality, combined with smart features like the Microphone Quality Indicator and full duplex audio, make it a top-tier choice for professionals who need reliable, high-quality communication. It’s ideal for a variety of use cases, from individual use at a home office to small group meetings. While the price might be a barrier for some, its performance and feature set make it a worthwhile investment for those who depend on clear, professional communication.
Jabra Sound Plus App
Features of theSpeak2 75
· Super-wideband audio and full range 65mm speaker
· Microphone Quality Indicator
· Up to 33% sustainable materials (from mechanical parts)
The PanaCast 40 VBS (Video Bar System), the newest meeting room camera in the premium collaboration portfolio from Jabra, is shipping from today.
PanaCast 40 VBS boasts advanced audio technology for exceptional voice clarity, as well as quick and easy installation, ensuring a seamless setup experience. This solution is a future-proof investment with flexible deployment options on Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or permanent BYOD setups and managed seamlessly with Jabra+.
The PanaCast 40 VBS delivers an all-in-one solution that transforms small meeting rooms into high-performing collaboration hubs. With its wide field of view, exceptional audio quality, and seamless usability, the PanaCast 40 VBS ensures every participant is seen and heard clearly, enabling organisations to fully utilise their small spaces and bring collaboration to new heights.
The sound is powered by a single high-quality speaker and six microphones with adaptive beamforming. Intelligent audio algorithms enhance sound clarity for exceptional voice pickup, fostering more natural and engaging virtual interactions and ensuring remote participants feel fully included.
Designed for ease of use and rapid deployment
New packaging enhances the deployment experience further by allowing provisioning without the need to remove the product from the box. The design also features easy cable routing, reducing installation time. The PanaCast 40 VBS is ideal for quick and easy installations in small rooms, and is a great Express Install for Microsoft Teams Rooms.
“By leveraging the strength of Microsoft Teams, the PanaCast 40 VBS provides an easy to install experience, reduces IT-complexity and enhances productivity. It’s a practical, versatile solution for organisations navigating the demands of hybrid collaboration in smaller rooms,” says Albert Kooiman, Senior Director Partner Engineering and Customer Experiences, Microsoft.
A future-proof investment
The PanaCast 40 VBS is built to adapt to the evolving needs of modern workplaces, particularly for small Android environments. With its compatibility for Android environments, it offers flexibility for installations such as Zoom Rooms.
“With the launch of PanaCast 40 VBS, it will be even easier to design Zoom Rooms that deliver a big impact, even in small spaces. PanaCast 40 VBS is built to allow for seamless integration and high performance, which underscores our shared commitment to advancing video technology for modern meeting spaces,” said John Stearns, Head of Zoom Spaces at Zoom.
PanaCast 40 VBS includes optional accessories such as a touch controller and a detachable faceplate. Furthermore, seamless integration with ecosystem partners ensures a future-proof investment, complemented by up-to-date manageability through Jabra+ software and the reassurance of Jabra Warranty+ services.
Key features of the PanaCast 40 VBS:
Full-room coverage – 180° field-of-view with dual cameras and 4x digital zoom.
Superior audio – 1 speaker and 6 microphones, enhanced by intelligent audio algorithms for crystal-clear sound and voice pickup.
Streamlined setup – New packaging enables provisioning without removing the product from the box.
Consistent experience – Shared touch controller and stand with the PanaCast 50 VBS medium room solution for seamless integration across spaces.
Effortless installation – Simplified cable routing and protection for easy, clean setup.
Flexible deployment – Compatible with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and BYOD setups.
PanaCast 40 VBS is an MDEP-based solution (Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform), delivering strengthened security and enhanced meetings experiences.
Intelligent Meeting Space enables users to personalise and set virtual meeting space boundaries – perfect for open-plan offices or glass-walled rooms.
Always up to date – Managed via Jabra+, ensuring the latest features and functionality.
Reliability – Backed by Jabra Warranty+ for added peace of mind.
Modern design – Clean, professional aesthetic that fits seamlessly into contemporary workspaces.
Practical features – Easy-clean cover and ADA compliance for enhanced usability.
Certa, which is part of DCC plc, is expanding to 25 HVO fuel sites across Ireland as it responds to soaring demand from thousands of diesel drivers who are choosing the renewable fuel to reduce their carbon emissions while they hold back on switching to an electric vehicle (EV).
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is produced from waste plant matter and can be used as a direct replacement for diesel without any need for engine modifications to help motorists lower their carbon emissions by up to 90%.
Demand for HVO is being driven by diesel drivers who want to ‘go green’ but who have put off switching to an electric vehicle (EV) for a variety of reasons, including the cost of buying an EV, the lack of charging infrastructure across the country, and not having their own driveway or off-street parking where they can install a home charger.
Certa is expanding its HVO offering at a rapid pace and its new HVO fuel site in Portlaoise, which opens to the public this week, is the 25th such site to open over the past 18 months across 17 counties, marking a significant milestone for the company and the fuel industry in Ireland.
Certa opened Ireland’s first fully fledged HVO fuel station in Liffey Valley in late 2023 at a cost of €1 million. 15 of the 25 HVO fuel sites that Certa currently operates have opened over the past eight months and the company has plans to open five more HVO fuel sites over the coming months.
Certa operates a total of 54 forecourt sites and is now the largest supplier of HVO to motorists across Ireland. Demand for the renewable fuel has also been helped by Certa’s decision to provide the new HVO pumps alongside its diesel and petrol pumps. The fuel is distinguished by a pink nozzle to stand out from the traditional black diesel and green petrol nozzles.
“Certa is delighted to open our 25th HVO fuel site in Portlaoise this week and to continue leading the way in making HVO more widely available to motorists across Ireland. Our goal is to make it easy for motorists to transition to HVO as a renewable alternative to diesel to help them to lower their carbon emissions.
‘Diesel and petrol cars accounts for 84% (2.14 million) of the cars on Irish roads. 17% of all new cars sold in Ireland so far this year were diesel. Diesel drivers are holding off on making the switch to EV driving for a variety of reasons. HVO provides an alternative solution and diesel drivers are switching to this biofuel where it is available to them.
“The demand for HVO has grown as we have opened each new HVO fuel site across our network and our plan is to complete the upgrading of our entire network into next year as we continue our journey towards a net zero future.”
The Certa and Emo forecourts selling HVO include Liffey Valley, Finglas (Clearwater), Dundrum, Clarehall, Tallaght and Greenogue in Dublin; Lee Tunnel in Cork, Corofin in Clare, Letterkenny in Donegal, Ballinasloe in Galway, Maynooth in Kildare, Killarney in Kerry, Portlaoise in Laois, Moyne in Longford, Dundalk in Louth, Ballyhaunis in Mayo, Trim in Meath, Kilcormac in Offaly, Clonmel in Tipperary, Waterford city in Waterford, Athlone and Mullingar in Westmeath, and Castlebridge, Gorey and Wexford town in Wexford.
Cutting edge portable projector tech from the Vali 1 offers best in class sound and vision performance at £269 / $319 while T2 Ultra offers a step up in entry level performance at just £229…
Vali 1
Wanbo officially introduces the Wanbo Vali 1 – a truly flexible, portable, and intelligent home cinema projector, packing big screen performance into a compact form factor.
Featuring a 200° adjustable gimbal stand, 900 lumens of brightness, Android TV 11, smart auto-calibration and a screen size of up to 130 inches, the Wanbo Vali 1 offers all the features you need at a price point that aims to shake up the market in 2025.
All the viewing angles
The Wanbo Vali 1 boasts a integrated flexible stand that rotates through a full 200° range. Users can pivot the image onto walls, ceilings and dedicated projector screens. Complemented by ±30° auto-keystone correction, it instantly straightens any image in a few seconds, making projection alignment effortless.
Whether it’s transforming a blank ceiling into a star-studded night scene or shifting from lounge based gaming to a movie night in your bedroom, the Wanbo Vali 1 allows you to enjoy your TV, movies and gaming with no mounting or manual set up required.
Double the brightness
With 900 ANSI lumens – almost double the amount of rivals, the Wanbo Vali 1 delivers vivid and vibrant visuals even in brightly lit daytime rooms. Paired with native 1080p resolution, detail pops with exceptional clarity, enabling easy viewing without the need to dim lights.
Stereo sound
A built-in pair of 6W full-range stereo speakers ensures punchy audio, creating an immersive soundstage that matches the picture quality. A headphone socket allows you to connect headphones or an external speaker.
All your favourite apps
Powered by Android 11, Wanbo Vali 1 grants easy access to over 7,000 Google Play apps including Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, HBO Max, and many more. Official Netflix certification ensures reliable, high-quality playback.
Integrated Google Assistant allows voice control hands-free, while Chromecast built-in makes wireless screen mirroring easy. A dedicated remote is included with one touch access to key streaming services.
Smart AI set up
The Wanbo Vali 1’s ASA 3.0 (Auto‑Focus + Keystone + ScreenFit + Obstacle‑Avoidance) is an intelligent projection assistant. It detects the screen’s boundaries, focuses sharply, squares the image and notes interference automatically. The advanced level of automation enables stress-free set-up across different surfaces and angles.
Quiet cooling
A standout among compact projectors, the Wanbo Vali 1 features Wanbo’s largest cooling fan to date (10 cm diameter, 3.3 cm height), optimised to maintain quiet operation at all times.
Compact Design
The power socket is mounted directly on the gimbal bracket rather than the projector, eliminating cable clutter and offers unrestricted viewing movement. Multiple mounting options including ceiling, wall, stand and bracket are supported.
Game mode and ambient art walls
For gamers, the Game Mode activates low latency and high refresh responsiveness. Artistic Ambient Wall mode casts ambient visuals (think tranquil ocean waves or starfield animations) transforming any space into a living art canvas
The Wanbo Vali 1 is out now priced £269 / $319.
UK retailers include HMV, Amazon and Robert Dyas.
If you can use the following links it would be appreciated. Review samples available now.
Wanbo officially launches the T2 Ultra, a bold reinvention of the portable projector that promises to redefine home entertainment with superior brightness, immersive audio, and seamless usability, all in a sleek, compact package.
Built around Android TV 11, viewers can effortlessly stream in 1080p from services like Netflix and Disney+, ensuring vibrant, high-definition playback at home or on the go.
The T2 Ultra raises the bar for visual performance too: delivering 500 ANSI lumens – this projector enhances color accuracy and contrast for truly immersive imagery.The inclusion of ASA 3.0 auto‑alignment technology guarantees pristine focus and alignment instantly, even when projecting from unconventional angles.
On the sound front, the T2 Ultra features 10W dual full-range speakers, enriched by dual bass diaphragms that extend bass respons.
Its integrated 120° gimbal stand effortlessly adapts to any projection surface (even ceilings) liberating users from the constraints of rigid projector setups.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION: T2 Ultra
Operating System
Android TV 11
Brightness
500 ANSI lumens
Alignment
ASA 3.0 for instant clarity
Audio
10W speakers, dual bass diaphragms, 40 Hz bass.
Bluetooth 5.0.
Form Factor
120° adjustable gimbal stand
Noise
30 dB operation
The Wanbo T2 Ultra is out now priced £229.
UK retailers include HMV, Currys, Amazon and Robert Dyas.
If you can use the following links it would be appreciated. Review samples available now.
In today’s data-driven world, managing storage infrastructure efficiently has become increasingly complex for IT professionals. The challenge of configuring RAID arrays while balancing performance, capacity, and data protection often leads to time-consuming calculations and potential errors. Enter the UGOS CloudRAID calculator – a powerful tool designed to streamline storage planning and eliminate the guesswork from RAID configurations. This innovative solution helps IT teams optimize their storage infrastructure while reducing the risk of miscalculations that could impact system reliability. Whether you’re building a new storage array or expanding existing infrastructure, this calculator empowers you to make informed decisions quickly and confidently, ensuring your storage solutions meet both current needs and future demands.
What Every IT Pro Should Know About RAID Basics
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology forms the backbone of modern storage infrastructure, offering various approaches to balance data protection and performance. At its core, RAID combines multiple physical drives into a single logical unit, with different levels serving distinct purposes. RAID 0 stripes data across drives for maximum performance but offers no redundancy, making it suitable for non-critical data requiring high speeds. RAID 1 mirrors data between drives, providing excellent redundancy but at the cost of 50% storage efficiency. RAID 5 introduces parity for fault tolerance while maintaining better storage efficiency, though write performance can be impacted.
RAID 6 adds a second parity block for enhanced protection against drive failures, particularly valuable in large arrays. RAID 10, combining striping and mirroring, delivers both high performance and redundancy, though at a higher drive cost. Understanding these configurations is crucial as each level’s capacity calculation follows different principles—a key consideration when planning efficient and reliableNAS storage systems. This foundational knowledge enables IT professionals to make informed decisions based on their specific requirements for performance, redundancy, and storage efficiency.
Common RAID Configuration Challenges
Storage administrators frequently encounter significant challenges when configuring RAID systems manually. Calculation errors can occur when determining usable capacity across different RAID levels, potentially leading to undersized storage arrays or overestimated available space. Drive compatibility issues often emerge when mixing drives of different speeds, capacities, or manufacturers within the same array, resulting in reduced performance or system instability. The complex tradeoff decisions between performance and redundancy present another crucial challenge – while RAID 0 offers maximum performance, its lack of redundancy makes it unsuitable for critical data storage.
Conversely, implementing RAID 6 provides excellent data protection but impacts write performance and requires additional drives. Disaster recovery planning becomes particularly challenging when considering rebuild times for large arrays, especially in RAID 5 configurations where the failure of a second drive during rebuild could result in complete data loss. These technical hurdles underscore the importance of careful planning and precise calculations in RAID implementation to ensure optimal system performance and data protection.
Tired of Manual RAID Math? Let UGOS Cloud Handle It for You
The UGOS Cloud RAID Calculator revolutionizes storage planning by providing a comprehensive solution for IT professionals struggling with complex RAID configurations. This powerful tool seamlessly integrates with the broader UGOS Cloud ecosystem, offering real-time calculations and automated validation checks that eliminate human error. Unlike traditional manual methods that require multiple spreadsheets and complex formulas, the calculator instantly processes drive specifications and RAID level requirements, delivering accurate results in seconds. The tool excels in practical applications, from designing new storage arrays to expanding existing infrastructure, by offering dynamic visualization of capacity utilization and performance metrics.
IT teams can leverage its predictive analysis capabilities to model different RAID configurations before implementation, ensuring optimal resource allocation. The calculator proves particularly valuable during storage upgrades, allowing administrators to simulate various drive combinations and RAID levels to achieve the perfect balance between performance, redundancy, and cost-effectiveness. By streamlining the decision-making process, it enables organizations to implement storage solutions confidently while maintaining high availability and data protection standards.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using UGOS Cloud RAID Calculator
Inputting Drive Specifications
Begin by accessing the UGOS Cloud RAID Calculator’s intuitive interface through your dashboard. In the drive specification panel, enter the total number of drives in your array. For each drive, input the capacity in TB or GB, ensuring accurate representation of your hardware. The interface allows you to specify drive parameters including rotational speed (RPM), interface type (SATA/SAS), and manufacturer details. The calculator automatically validates input consistency to prevent configuration errors.
Selecting RAID Configuration
Once drive specifications are entered, explore the RAID configuration matrix displaying available RAID levels. The calculator’s smart recommendation engine analyzes your input and highlights optimal RAID configurations based on your drive count and capacity. Each RAID level shows projected performance metrics, redundancy levels, and space efficiency. The system automatically flags incompatible configurations and explains why certain RAID levels may not be suitable for your specific drive setup.
Analyzing Results
The results dashboard presents comprehensive metrics for your selected configuration. View the total raw capacity alongside usable storage space after RAID implementation. Performance indicators display expected read/write speeds, taking into account your drive specifications and RAID level. The redundancy analysis shows fault tolerance levels, providing clear insights into how many drive failures your array can withstand. Interactive graphs visualize capacity distribution, helping you understand storage allocation across the array. The calculator also generates detailed reports including rebuild time estimates and recommended hot spare configurations for enhanced reliability.
Compatibility Considerations for Hard Drives
When implementing RAID configurations, drive compatibility plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal system performance and reliability. Storage administrators must carefully evaluate interface specifications, as mixing SATA and SAS drives within the same array can lead to communication bottlenecks and potential system instability. Drive capacity matching is essential – all drives in a RAID array should have identical capacities to prevent capacity loss and performance degradation. Speed synchronization demands equal attention, as combining drives with different rotational speeds or performance characteristics can force the entire array to operate at the speed of the slowest drive.
Many IT professionals turn to trusted manufacturers like UGREEN for their network-attached storage solutions, as they provide specific compatibility matrices for their enterprise drives, recommending matched sets for optimal RAID performance. Additionally, firmware versions should be consistent across all drives in the array to prevent unexpected behavior and ensure seamless operation. The UGOS Cloud RAID Calculator automatically validates these compatibility requirements, alerting administrators to potential issues before implementation.
Advanced Storage Management with UGOS Cloud
The UGOS Cloud platform extends beyond basic RAID calculations to provide comprehensive storage management capabilities. Through intelligent capacity planning features, administrators can model future storage growth patterns and receive proactive alerts when systems approach capacity thresholds. The platform’s performance optimization engine continuously monitors I/O patterns, suggesting configuration adjustments to maintain peak efficiency as workloads evolve. For future-proofing storage infrastructure, UGOS Cloud enables seamless integration of new storage technologies and expansion options without disrupting existing arrays.
The system’s predictive analytics help identify potential bottlenecks before they impact operations, while automated storage tiering recommendations ensure optimal data placement across different storage media. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, UGOS Cloud adapts its optimization strategies to your specific usage patterns, providing increasingly refined recommendations over time. This forward-thinking approach to storage management helps organizations maintain operational excellence while preparing for future storage demands.
Make Your Storage Setup Stronger with the Right RAID Solution
The increasing complexity of storage infrastructure management demands sophisticated tools that can eliminate human error and streamline configuration processes. The UGOS Cloud RAID Calculator addresses these challenges head-on by providing IT professionals with an intelligent, automated solution for RAID planning and implementation. By automating complex calculations, validating drive compatibility, and offering detailed performance metrics, this tool significantly reduces the risk of configuration errors while saving valuable time.
The integration with the broader UGOS Cloud ecosystem further enhances its value, offering advanced features like predictive analytics and capacity planning that help organizations stay ahead of their storage needs. For IT professionals seeking to optimize their storage infrastructure while ensuring data protection and system reliability, the UGOS Cloud RAID Calculator represents an essential tool in their technical arsenal. Take control of your storage management today by leveraging this powerful solution to build more efficient, reliable, and future-proof RAID configurations.
There’s nothing like swapping the drizzle-soaked streets of Dublin for the sun-scorched boulevards of the UAE, especially when you’re behind the wheel of something that makes heads turn. And let’s be honest, Bugatti hire Dubai is about as far from your everyday runaround as you can get. One minute you’re dodging puddles on O’Connell Street, the next you’re cruising past the Burj Khalifa with enough horsepower under your foot to make a racehorse blush.
From Guinness to Gadgets
For most Irish folk, Dubai is already on the radar for its skyscrapers, gold souks, and beaches that look straight out of a postcard. But what really sets the place apart is how it’s turned itself into a futuristic playground. We’re talking autonomous taxis, drone deliveries, robot baristas – it’s like stepping into tomorrow.
While Dublin has its fair share of tech hubs and innovation, the scale of it in Dubai is something else entirely. Here, they don’t just think big – they think outrageous. You’ll find AI-powered police patrols, driverless metro lines, and malls where robots greet you before you’ve even had your morning coffee.
Why Go for the Bugatti
Now, you might be wondering: “Why in God’s name would I rent a Bugatti for a few days?” The answer is simple – because you can. If you’re already in a place that’s obsessed with luxury and speed, why settle for anything less than the full experience?
Yes, it’ll cost you more than a weekend in Galway, but it’s not about the practicality – it’s about the craic. There’s something deeply satisfying about hearing that engine growl as you glide down Sheikh Zayed Road, with the desert on one side and the Gulf on the other. Besides, in a city where Lamborghinis are as common as Toyotas back home, a Bugatti is your ticket to standing out.
A Tech Lover’s Paradise
Dubai isn’t just for petrolheads – it’s a haven for tech enthusiasts. The Museum of the Future is a must-see, with exhibitions that make even the most cutting-edge Silicon Docks start-ups look like they’re still playing with Meccano. There’s also the Expo City district, still buzzing with innovation since Expo 2020, where you can walk through pavilions showcasing everything from smart agriculture to space travel.
And if you’re into retail therapy, the Dubai Mall’s VR Park will blow your mind – think roller coasters without the queues, zombie shootouts without the bruises, and flight simulators that could trick your mam into thinking you’ve actually gone to space.
Top Routes for a Bugatti Blast
Dubai to Abu Dhabi – Smooth motorways, jaw-dropping skyline views, and a quick jaunt to see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Jebel Jais Mountain Road – A driver’s dream. Hairpins, elevation changes, and scenery that makes you want to stop every five minutes for a photo.
The Desert Loop – Early morning runs through the dunes when the air’s cool, the roads are empty, and the only thing in your rear-view is a trail of sand.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re a tech buff, a speed demon, or just an Irish lad or lass looking for a change from soggy weekends, Dubai delivers in spades. With its blend of cutting-edge innovation and unapologetic extravagance, it’s the sort of place where swapping your Leap Card for a Bugatti key fob actually makes sense – at least for a few days.
So pack your sunnies, charge your phone for all those “look at me now” photos, and get ready to trade the rain for robots. Dubai’s waiting, and it’s ready to blow your mind.
Storm Technology, a Littlefish company, today announces new findings from its survey* which found that 68% of IT leaders believe the use of AI by staff reduces stress levels.
The research – involving 200 IT decision-makers and leaders across Ireland and the UK (100 respondents per market) – found that 60% think AI will help reduce burnout in their organisation, with almost three quarters (72%) of respondents of the opinion that AI would help employees to achieve a better work life balance.
Meanwhile, some 66% think AI would allow employees to reduce manual repetitive tasks and focus on more meaningful work, with 57% revealing employees are optimistic about the potential impact of AI on their day-to-day routine.
Showing the influence of AI and the current level of uptake across businesses in Ireland, some 69% of IT leaders in this market would prefer to work for a company that is more advanced in terms of AI adoption.
The research found that 70% of respondents in Ireland are in organisations which already permit the use of AI and 68% are using the technology to assist with their own work. In fact, over half (51%) use AI on a daily basis for work purposes and only 2% never use it at all.
However, the research found that barriers remain when it comes to AI adoption, the most cited one being a lack of understanding within the wider organisation about potential applications or benefits – selected by 31% of all respondents.
Backing this up, almost three quarters (73%) of IT leaders agree that user adoption is a concern when it comes to AI implementation. Furthermore, almost a third (30%) do not believe senior management in their organisation understand the potential of AI.
The other top barriers to AI adoption were the management of data, privacy and security (28%), lack of trust in AI (27%), employee resistance (27%), and a lack of AI skills in the organisation (27%).
On the topic of AI skills, 40% of IT leaders do not believe their team currently has the technical skills or knowledge to implement or adopt AI. Perhaps unsurprisingly then, 70% think employees expect to receive AI training and enablement.
John Tallon, M365 Productivity & Adoption, Azure Application Innovation and Azure Data & AI Practice Director, Storm Technology, said: “AI is creating a predicament for people and businesses. On the one hand, it is seen as a means of reducing workload stresses, supporting creativity, and productivity. However, on the other hand, there is reluctance to adopt AI, stemming from a gap in understanding and the necessary skills required. Businesses will need to bridge this knowledge gap to capitalise on the benefits of AI. Empowering people will drive the biggest impact across the whole business.”
Pure Telecom, Ireland’s high-speed broadband and telecoms provider, today announces the results of its annual Connected Lives survey which reveals 370,000 adults in Ireland have engaged in a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot within the last 12 months. The research indicates a growing interest in AI for romantic connections, with a further 12% of adults – almost half-a-million people – revealing they wouldn’t rule it out in the future.
The nationally representative survey was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom, surveying 1,001 adults in Ireland. The research examines the evolving relationship between humans and AI, in particular their personal relationships with chatbots such as ChatGPT or Gemini. As the lines between humans and technology become increasingly blurred, chatbots have opened the door for people to explore a new form of emotional connection.
Much like with human partners, AI ‘relationships’ are formed when an individual develops a sense of attachment to an AI chatbot through the sharing of daily experiences and engaging in deep conversations. The bot reciprocates this affection and can recall previous conversations, thus building a rapport and reinforcing the recipient’s perception of a relationship.
Pure Telecom’s research revealed that in the last 12 months, 13% of men have conducted a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot. This is almost double the 7% reported by women. Across age groups, the figure was highest among 25-34-year-olds at 16%.
The survey also indicated an openness among many to conduct a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot at some point in time. Almost half-a-million (12% of adults) wouldn’t rule out a relationship with an AI bot in the future. In keeping with this outlook, 20% believe romantic relationships with AI would be less complicated than humans ones. A further 10% maintain romantic relationships with AI are a good way to practice real life relationships. This belief is higher among men at 16% in comparison to women at just 6%.
The humanisation of chatbots doesn’t end there. Almost one in five (19%) of adults speak to AI like it’s a friend, while 36% admit to saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to their AI chatbot. Furthermore, 18% use it to research health symptoms and treatments, while one-in-10 use it as a form of therapy and to get life advice. The same proportion use it to prepare for difficult conversations, like a break-up or confrontation.
Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom, said:“This research highlights the pivotal role that AI is beginning to play not just in our professional lives, but our personal ones also. As people and technology become increasingly integrated, and AI becomes progressively more advanced, adults in Ireland have found it to be an unexpected source of emotional connection. The recent AI boom means that these bots are now readily accessible to all of us – and there’s no agony of waiting around for a reply!
“While relationships with bots may seem unconventional, it underscores the remarkable capacity of artificial intelligence to foster connections as it becomes increasingly responsive to our needs. The use of these large language models (LLMs) requires fast, reliable internet access and as a provider of this, we at Pure Telecom are excited by the possibilities that AI unlocks. However, it is no replacement for the rewarding spontaneity and depth of human connection.”
The Nearity Open Bluetooth Earbud MemPod Pro 2S are a neat pair of open-ear bluetooth transcription headphones that you can also listen to music on so these effectively are a hybrid product which would suit many people out there today. This works on device and can also transcribe phone calls if required.
The design is simple and there is a retractable mic which is handy and three buttons on the device itself all on one side keeping it all easy to use and there is a button on the mic to start and stop recording, the mic is not removable for those wondering.
The build quality is excellent and something akin to what you would find on open-ear sports earbuds and there is a cover on the charging port.
There is an app as you can see below and also the video review and again simple to use a nice simple UI and does not make life difficult at all and you can also switch between two devices.
One can argue our phones can now dictate but this device does it in a simple effective way with ease and with no real effort required some might argue that you are using another device which again true this acts more than just a dictation device and can be used for calls and music at home or on the go.
With the Nearify app you can get things done live in front of you and use ChatGPT to summarise again on the go or at home or in the office and me a useful gadget which I would use with the ability to connected to two devices which are always with me and that I work from..
The Nearify App
Features
Dual-Mode Recording: The MemPod Pro 2S works as a headset for calls, a music device, and a versatile recording device. It offers two modes: Phone Call and Normal recording. Start recording by easily controlling the Nearify application or long-press the mute button for 1 second. Designed for iPhone and Android users, it allows you to enable the recording function discreetly without notifying the other party. Perfect for clear audio during meetings, interviews, lectures, and note-taking.
Nearify — Your Smart Audio Recording Assistant: Nearify leverages the power of ChatGPT to bring you a next-level recording experience. Record, transcribe, and summarize effortlessly. Whether you’re on the go or offline, the app transcribes in English and Chinese, offering AI transcription and summarization for up to 480 minutes/month for free. With support for 97 languages, you can easily search, share, and manage your audio content. Recording and sharing are always free. Compatible with iPhone and Android.
Reliable Connection with Dongle: In addition to Bluetooth 5.3, our open-ear Bluetooth headphones now feature a Dongle for stable, low-latency audio on PC and Mac. The USB connection eliminates wireless interference, ensuring seamless meetings, gaming, and recording. It’s plug-and-play for quick setup and provides continuous power for extended use. With broad compatibility and reliable performance, it’s the perfect choice for dependable connectivity.
Crystal-Clear Calls with Advanced HiFi4 DSP： Experience superior noise cancellation with HiFi4 DSP and dual MEMS microphones. Whether you’re in a noisy office, bustling street, or crowded restaurant, our open ear headphones ensure crystal-clear voice pickup. ENC technology effectively filters background noise, so the person on the other end of the call hears you with exceptional clarity, as if you were speaking face-to-face.
Ultimate Comfort & Long Battery Life: With an open-ear design, our headphones provide comfort and safety while keeping you aware of your surroundings. Weighing just 31g and crafted from skin-friendly silicone, they offer a lightweight fit ideal for extended wear. Enjoy up to 15 hours of music playback or 12 hours of talk time on a single charge, combining all-day comfort with long-lasting battery life, so you stay connected without compromise.
Dual Connectivity: The MemPod Pro 2S open ear headphone can simultaneously connect to two devices. The multipoint connectivity allows for a seamless switching between two devices, like a phone and laptop, without the need to disconnect and reconnect. This boosts productivity by enabling multitasking, such as taking calls on one device while staying connected to another for media, and enhances convenience by eliminating the need for manual pairing.
