Leading real hands on tech review site in Ireland with technology, business news and more. Jim O Brien Tech.
Author: Jim O Brien/CEO
CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.
You can order this week the same time as the new iPhone..But again we are fleeced.
Apple have announced a new iPad. Well its kind of new,not much of a difference overall considered the specs on board plus the starting price is €419 for the base model and climbs up to €519. If you go Wi-Fi and cellular it starts from €579..
In their press release…
Apple today updated its most popular-sized iPad, featuring a brighter 9.7-inch Retina display and best-in-class performance at its most affordable price ever, starting at $329 (US). Designed for unmatched portability and ease of use, along with incredible performance and all-day battery life, iPad is the world’s most popular tablet and the primary computing device for millions of customers around the world. Through the more than 1.3 million apps designed specifically for iPad, customers can do even more, from learning to code with Swift Playgrounds and reading books on the large screen to boosting productivity through Microsoft Office and using multitasking features like Split Screen.
Also in their press announcement Apple say
“iPad is the world’s most popular tablet. Customers love the large, 9.7-inch display for everything from watching TV and movies, to surfing the web, making FaceTime calls, and enjoying photos, and now it is even more affordable,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “New customers and anyone looking to upgrade will love this new iPad for use at home, in school, and for work, with its gorgeous Retina display, our powerful A9 chip, and access to the more than 1.3 million apps designed specifically for it.”
See the full press release HEREand all the details on the Irish Apple store HERE
You can order the new variant from 15:01 on 24.03 starting at €889.00
If you are fed up with the traditional colourways these might be for you but they do come at a price.. Also it launches the same time around the world which will suit potential Irish buyers better at a 3 PM check in rather than midnight.. Apple state
A portion of the proceeds from every (PRODUCT)RED purchase will go to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.
Every purchase contributes to the Global Fund to support HIV/AIDS programmes and help deliver an AIDS-free generation.
Apple have come under fire though on some boards with the money they already make per iPhone and this one comes in more expensive than the default models which again some users have said get a dbrand skin for example or a case. However there is a good cause behind it and if you dont mind shedding the extra cash well it might just be up your street… The 128GB and 256GB are only available in this colour so it will not be cheap regardless. I would also like to know how much ” A PORTION” actually is too..
Kodi, the open source media player that’s taking the world by storm. It’s been only 3 years since Kodi upped its game but its popularity seems to be multiplying on a day-to-day basis. If you’re new to the glittering world of Kodi and want to know more about what makes this media player a cut above the rest then this is the post you wouldn’t want to miss for the world.
What Is Kodi?
Kodi is one of the most famous and open source media center offering a rich collection of repositories and third party add-ons for livestreaming sports events, movies, TV shows and more.
Due to the popularity, there are people who tend to stream copyrighted content on Kodi device. But XBMC Foundation, the owner of Kodi project, doesn’t encourage people to indulge in violation of copyright laws.
Why Is Kodi So Popular?
Kodi is a popular media center, because it’s free and open source software, available for online streaming lovers. With its popularity increasing with each passing day, the number of Kodi users is also showing a tremendous increase. With easy-to-use repositories and one-click add-on installation process, Kodi is having a bright future ahead.
What Is Kodi Compatibility With?
When it comes to compatibility, Kodi is super compatible with all the major platforms and smart devices. Yes, it works fittingly well with any device or platform you intend to use, including Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android, Amazon FireTV, Raspberry Pi, We Tek Play, Chromebox, CompuLab Utilite, Intel NUC, ODROID, Razor Forge TV etc. Kodi’s flexibility and compatibility makes it a popular choice for all and sundry. That’s an incredible range of devices for Kodi!
What’s The Legality Status Of Kodi Today?
Using Kodi is not illegal at all. There are many third party add-ons available for Kodi users, which are deemed illegal in relation to the violation of international copyright law. Most of the users tend to use these add-ons to stream their favorite programs on Kodi.
XBMC Foundation – the organization behind Kodi – does not support any illegal streaming service and has advised the Kodi users not to indulge in any copyright violations.
EPL And Court Order Step In The Ring
A recent court order that allows EPL to track illegal streaming of soccer matches on Kodi boxes has triggered a furore amongst the Kodi lovers. This is first such instance of court order issued for preventing illegal streaming of EPL matches on Kodi / IPTV Boxes.
According to BBC News, “For the first time this will enable the Premier League to disrupt and prevent the illegal streaming of our matches via IPTV, so-called Kodi, boxes,” said a representative of EPL body.
Up till now there is no major impact of court order. Only a few of individual illegal streaming videos of EPL have been targeted and taken down. The spokesman wants a swift action against illegal streams in a “precise manner.” Let’s see what happens. We can only wait and watch.
Are People Stuck? Or Is There A Workaround?
Kodi enjoys a remarkable position in the international market. Many people will still want to use the open source software and livestream their favorite programs any way. Despite the legal hurdles, the number of Kodi users has seen a tremendous increase. And that’s the real testimony to Kodi’s popularity.
If you are one of the Kodi geeks who want to live stream programs right from their homes, it’s better to use a fast, reliable and affordable Kodi VPN, as a perfect solution. It will provide you with ultimate buffer-free streaming experience without any hiccups like never before.
About Brad Haddin…
Brad Haddin is an avid tech blogger who loves to research and write about the various technological trends and innovations. I am a regular contributor on other sites also and have had my work published over places like Creately, YFS Magazine, Geek Time and Grand Apps.
Brad has been working in the IT industry for the past 7 years. Currently works for a US-based Online Security Firm, and blogs in his spare time.
FLAVR – the Real Flower Collection. Featuring real flowers encased within each transparent case these are perfect to fit in with floral Spring trends. Each case is totally unique as the flowers used differ on each and they are perfect to tie in with the arrival of Spring and the warmer weather..
Following the huge success of its lifestyle and Christmas case ranges, FLAVR, the new fashion brand from global mobile accessories and connected devices specialist, STRAX GmbH, today introduces its stunning, eye catching Real Flower Collection of transparent cases. The new cases feature real flowers encased within the unit and there are four beautiful designs to choose from: Amelia, Grace, Daisy and Ella – all available from Carphone Warehouse for £19.99 in March.
The Flower Collection was inspired by the edgy, bold designs hitting the catwalk at London Fashion Week with strong, floral prints and vibrant hues translated onto the new FLAVR range ensuring the collection will appeal to the fashion conscious who love to stand out from the crowd. The real flowers used mean that every case is unique so no phone will look identical.
The transparent cases are also designed to enhance the iPhones looks by leaving the iconic apple logo and text clear to be viewed together under the case with a discreet FLAVR logo featured on the case.
Upon conception, FLAVR conducted a RangeLens test survey of the new case range in conjunction with SOUNDOUT and with at least 75% of those surveyed loving the new designs, STRAX are confident the entire range will be extremely strong sellers. The concept of real flowers within the case was seen to be innovative, stylish and a perfect compliment to any phone.
The FLAVR cases are available for £19.99 from Carphone Warehouse
Lost pens and misplaced mobile phones might just be a thing of the past, after a revolutionary new product was revealed by one of stationery’s most forward thinking brands.
CROSS Pens, the revolutionary fine writing instruments brand, has developed its new CROSS Peerless TrackR, which could spell an end to the frustration associated with misplacing a treasured pen.
The CROSS Peerless TrackR works when paired with a state-of-the-art app. It then uses Bluetooth* and Crowd Locate technology to keep people in touch with their faithful writing tools while on the move.
If the pen falls from the pocket of a business suit or is left in a meeting on the other side of the world, the device can alert the owner to its last known location using the TrackR app.
When the pen’s Bluetooth connection is disconnected from its paired mobile phone, TrackR’s Crowd Locate community will automatically start searching for your pen. If one of the millions of TrackR app users walks by your missing pen while running the app, you’ll receive a confidential update with your pen’s last known location
Furthermore, the pen can even help people find their misplaced mobile phones. Following a simple button press on the cap, the pen can alert people to their device’s whereabouts, even when left in silent mode.
Available in both carbon black and head-turning quartz blue, the Peerless TrackR boasts the latest Bluetooth technology and is powered by two replaceable CR1220 batteries.
Nicola Shepherd, Marketing Director, EMEA at A.T. Cross, said: “We believe that the Peerless TrackR is a ground-breaking product, unlike anything else currently on the market.
“We know that a barrier to purchase a beautiful pen is the fear of losing it. Pens often assume sentimental value and are highly valued. Not only this, but they are a highly personal and important style accessory. With this in mind, we think that the Peerless TrackR will be one of our most successful products, as it clearly addresses a consumer need and will resonate with a great number of people.”
CROSS has also unveiled an accompanying pen pouch that features a TrackR bravo device, to keep valuables and stationery essentials at hand, whatever the adventure.
The stylish pouch, which is detailed with an instantly recognisable yellow zip, houses the TrackR bravo device inside an integrated pocket.
The TrackR bravo can ring your phone just like the Peerless TrackR, making it a fashionable yet functional accessory on-the-go or at your desk.
The CROSS Peerless TrackR (RRP £215) and CROSS Pouch (RRP £35) will be available in April 2017 from all fine stationery stockists or at Cross.com/TrackR.
Chris Herbert, CEO and co founder, TrackR, commented; “We’re ecstatic to continue expanding our works with TrackR program by partnering with well-known brands worldwide such as CROSS. The new Peerless TrackR Pen is another leap forward in effortless tracking, giving people peace of mind by relying on technology to remember where all our important items are located for us.”
Artificial Intelligence to Have Dramatic Impact on Business by 2020, According to Tata Consultancy Services Global Trend Study
Majority of Companies see AI as Essential to Competitiveness, Consider it Transformative and View the Technology as Important or Highly Important to Remaining Competitive in 2020
68% of Companies use AI for IT Functions, but 70% Believe AI’s Greatest Impact by 2020 Will be in Functions Outside of IT such as Marketing, Customer Service, Finance, and HR
Companies with the Greatest Financial Improvements from AI Investments Expect Three Times as Many New AI-Related Roles by 2020 as Compared to Companies With Smallest Improvements
Tata Consultancy Services a leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organization, today unveiled its Global Trend Study titled, “Getting Smarter by the Day: How AI is Elevating the Performance of Global Companies.” Focused on the current and future impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the study polled 835 executives across 13 global industry sectors in four regions of the world, finding that 84% of companies see the use of AI as “essential” to competitiveness, with a further 50% seeing the technology as “transformative.”
Widespread AI adoption expected across job functions
Exploring the views and actions of decision makers from global companies with average revenues of $20 billion, the study revealed AI is spreading across almost all areas of a company. The biggest adopters of AI today are, not surprisingly, IT departments, with two-thirds (67%) of survey respondents using AI to detect security intrusions, user issues and deliver automation. However, by 2020, almost a third (32%) of companies believe AI’s greatest impact will be in sales, marketing or customer service, while one in five (20%) see AI’s impact being largest in non-customer facing corporate functions, including finance, strategic planning, corporate development, and HR.
Companies participated from a range of industries, including automotive, banking and financial services, energy, healthcare, life sciences, industrial manufacturing, and retail. This cross-sector level of insight highlighted AI’s workplace impact as an important supplemental force for the next few years. Examples include guiding customer service representatives to more quickly resolve customer problems and anticipate future purchases, quickly and securely reconciling mass overnight transactions for financial institutions, or giving time back to HR professionals by managing the time consuming on-boarding processes for new hires.
As for the ongoing debate regarding AI’s impact on jobs, business executives in the study estimated net reductions in each function by 2020 of between 4% and 7%. However, companies with the biggest revenue and cost improvements from AI see the need for at least three times as many new jobs in each function by 2020 because of AI, as compared to companies with the smallest AI-related revenue and cost improvements. AI is already being used to automate certain processes and drive efficiencies, help employees be more productive and devote more time to more strategic business needs, and create new work and services that were not possible in the past.
“As companies begin to gain a better understanding of AI’s application for business, they will realize the significant impact of this transformative force. This is reflected in our Global Trend Study, which shows that forward-thinking companies are beginning to make major AI investments,” said K Ananth Krishnan, Chief Technology Officer of TCS. “Given the increasing digital disruption across every industry and the public sector, AI should become a key and integrated component of an organization’s strategy.”
AI investments and returns rising; North America and Europe lead the charge
As AI becomes a mainstream technology, financial investments in AI are set to rise, as 7% of companies each earmarked at least $250 million toward AI in 2016 and 2% already plan to invest more than $1 billion by 2020 – likely looking to gain a competitive advantage as early adopters.
The Global Trend Study revealed a clear correlation between investments in AI and business impact. The companies that realized the greatest AI-related revenue improvements and cost reductions spent five times more on the technology than the companies with the lowest AI-related revenue and cost improvements. In turn, leaders generated average revenue increases of 16% from AI initiatives in 2015 versus 2014, whereas laggards saw a modest 5% revenue growth. At a regional level, North American companies were the leading investors in AI in 2015, with an average per-company spend of $80 million, followed by Europe with $73 million, Asia-Pacific with $55 million and Latin America with $51 million.
Cyber security top of mind when adopting AI
Executives participating in the Global Trend Study across all regions and sectors rated the top four factors as most important to AI gaining widespread acceptance and driving business benefits. Almost seven out of 10 (68%) companies currently use AI to detect and prevent potential hacks and security threats to their systems. And moving forward, the other key factors include developing cognitive systems that continually learn, have the ability to make reliable and safe decisions based on masses of data, and gain the confidence of managers to trust what AI is advising them to do.
About The 2016 Global Trends Study
The seventh annual Global Trends Study from TCS surveyed 835 leading executives from companies in four global regions, with an individual mean annual turnover of $20bn. The four regions surveyed were North America (including Canada), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Denmark and Switzerland), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Australia, and Japan) and Latin America (Brazil and Mexico). The study was concluded in June 2016. For more information, or to download the study, go to http://sites.tcs.com/artificial-intelligence/
The Berlin-based company behind the freemium piano-learning platform, has launched on iPad.
Previously only available via web browser, Skoove is bringing the most effective and complete way of learning the piano, to iPad, combining professional and conventional musical training to beginners, through to advanced players. Skoove teaches the player all elements of piano learning, including technique, improvisation and music theory, all available via the app.
Having already provided over 200,000 lessons to players in over 187 countries, the new interactive app allows players to learn and play the piano in the comfort of their own home. Without having to attend lessons and cutting the costs of expensive one-on-one tuition provided by private tutors, Skoove is making the steps to achieving proficiency in piano-playing even easier.
Skoove Features
Pitch detection and instant feedback
Skoove’s virtual guide takes the learner through every lesson, while providing real-time feedback, which listens to the player via the iPad’s in-built microphone. The note that is played is highlighted on-screen as Skoove gently guides users to play the melody correctly and confidently, until they are ready to move onto the next step. If an incorrect note is played, Skoove will show users where they are making mistakes, and encourage them until they are ready to move onto the next step, adapting to the needs of each player.
Music Theory
Easy-to-follow, real-time sheet music is clear and simple to understand, meaning that beginners can pick up and read sheet music from lesson one. Skoove regularly adds more courses that contain a distinctive mix of popular songs, as well as the classical pieces, and music theory tips and techniques.
Composition and improvisation
Skoove also provides the students with the opportunity to develop their love of music further, teaching a vast array of skills essential to any musician, such as composition and improvisation, enabling users to create their own masterpieces as they learn.
Skoove is available worldwide in English and German. Beginners, refreshers, and intermediate players can try it out with free lessons and then upgrade to Skoove Premium to enjoy full access, one-on-one learning support, and exclusive content with new lessons and music theory tips. Skoove Premium currently starts at £8.25 (UK), $9.95 (US.), and €9.95 (Europe) per month, based on a yearly subscription.
Fashionable, UK manufactured bean bag will hold iPads, tablets and e-readers at the perfect angle on any surface
With more and more of us, both young and old, now regularly working on, playing on, surfing on and socialising on our iPads or tablets, it is more important than ever, that we can do so in comfort. Awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the 2016 Gift of the Year Awards, iBeani is a stylish bean bag, specifically designed to hold tablets, books or e-readers on any surface at the perfect angle avoiding joint and muscular pain associated with RSI type injuries.
Whilst other tablet stands will only work on flat surfaces, the iBeani is able to shift its shape to support and keep your device in the position you want, wherever you are. The iBeani is not just restricted to tablets either, it holds books, can be used as a travel pillow and can even act as a steady camera mount. On the train, plane on the sofa or bed or on a kitchen worktop, the iBeani works everywhere!
The iBeani is manufactured entirely in the UK from carefully selected quality fabrics to ensure customers get the highest quality and durable product possible. There are 42 different variations of the iBeani with different materials and designs such as Harris Tweed tartan, Herringbone Grey, colourful Spring designs such as Floral Plum and Van Gogh Sunflowers and even some for all animal lovers out there including Bees, Paw Prints, Cool Cats and Hound Dogs. More designs are coming soon to appeal to men, women and children of all ages.
For just £24.99 from www.ibeani.co.uk the iBeani is a great household accessory or gift.
How does the iBeani differ from other iPad and Tablet Stands?
Handmade in the UK: Unlike most competitors, ALL iBeani products are manufactured in the UK. Meaning they support local companies and suppliers, and everyone involved is paid at least UK minimum wage. Each bean bag is lovingly made by hand.
You can use the iBeani bean bag anywhere: On a desk, on your lap, in bed, on the sofa, in the car or on a plane! Unlike other stands, which require hard level surfaces, the iBeani can be used wherever you need to us your tablet.
You can change the angle: Depending on where or how you are sat (or slumped!), you may need your tablet to be angled differently. With the iBeani you can easily change the angle to whatever you need.
Fits any device: The iBeani bean-bag will fit any tablet device of any size, and any way round.
Comfy: Whether resting on your lap or at a desk, the iBeani is adaptable to ensure you have a comfortable experience, with as little strain as possible, avoiding the risks of iPad RSI & iPad Shoulder.
Social: The iBeani allows you to get the perfect angle to prop-up your tablet so you can share photos, videos, music or anything with friends and family. It’s also perfect for using with Skype or other video chat services too. Simply put your tablet on the iBeani, get the best angle for your camera and then chat away – gesticulating with both hands as much as you want!
Multi-use: The iBeani has many additional uses! Use it as a book stand for the kitchen or office, a steady camera stand when videoing or using long-exposures, or even use it as a handy travel pillow!
Chargys are giving users of smartphones freedom from low battery anxiety.
Managing Director Jonathan Madden tells us more…
Current charging solutions require either a fixed location (cable and plug) or planning ahead (rechargeable power bank). A Chargy releases you from these constraints. Now you can just grab a little boost from your nearest shop/bar/train or bus station, whilst on the go. No more unnecessary and lets be honest ridiculous worry.
Trialled in select locations across the country, the Chargys have proven their worth over the past two months.
100% of funds raised from the recycling of Chargys goes to our official partners. The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. They provide direct funding to the families of children with brain damage.
They come in two types colour coded for simplicity. Green for Android with a micro USB connector and Red for iPhone with a lightening connector.
To use simply remove the power saver tab and insert the Chargy into your phone. The power is delivered over approximately one hour after which the phone will vibrate to let you know the charging is complete. All our retailers accept back used Chargys. We then collect and recycle. 100% of the funds raised from this process are donated to the Jack and Jill children’s foundation.
We believe the incentive to help the Jack and Jill foundation combined with competitions we run on our social media pages will ensure that users recycle the used Chargys.
Bryan Larkin my co founder is in sales and I Jonathan Madden am in I.T. which allows for gives us some very complimentary skills. Between us we are putting every spare minute and penny into Chargys. We know Chargys will help people so we are dedicated to it.
Bryan first had the idea after a night out in Loughrea county Galway. He was to call home, 12 miles away if he needed a lift. It turned out he needed that lift but his phone was dead. It only took about 3 hours to get home. Giving him lots of time to ponder solutions.
This is quite a funny story to us but there is a serious side also. Walking on a rural Irish road late at night is very dangerous and a Chargy could have helped avoid that.
Chargys cost €5 each on either Android or iOS or you can buy a pack of 5 again on both platforms at €22.50 with free shipping.
I have discussed battery anxiety here several times and tried out multiple portable powerbanks over the last two years but this is a genuinely great idea as a whole,not only helping the consumer with great product that is easily identifiable but proceeds go to charity too which is fantastic so everybody wins here with a good pricepoint, Watch out for these everywhere folks….
