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.

Detection Technology introduces revolutionary all-in-one CT detector system

Detection Technology, a global leader in X-ray detector solutions, introduces a game-changing all-in-one CT (computed tomography) detector system, purpose-built for X-ray system manufacturers and integrators. Designed to simplify system architecture and data transfer while delivering unprecedented performance, the solution represents a major leap forward for static and rotating CT systems across medical, security, and industrial applications.

The all-in-one CT detector system integrates key components, including detector modules, data combiner boards, data control boards, and optimized slip ring interfaces. It debuts with static CT systems, with plans to expand into rotating CT systems and advanced modalities like photon-counting CT (PCCT).

The detector system handles data at rates of tens of gigabits (Gbps) per second, enabling wider imaging coverage and reduced view times. These features enable more robust X-ray imaging systems that meet the increasing demand for high-resolution, low-dose imaging. The platform is designed to be seamlessly scalable, with data rates scaling up to hundreds, paving the way for photon-counting CT technology and next-generation imaging solutions.

“This platform brings unmatched efficiency and innovation,” said Tuomas Holma, Director of Product Management at Detection Technology. “Our all-in-one detector system minimizes risks, interfaces, and supply chain complexities while unlocking new imaging possibilities across industries.”

By combining hardware, firmware, and software in a modular and scalable platform, the detector system offers seamless integration. It reduces the need for multiple contact rings in slip ring interfaces, cutting costs and enhancing reliability. Its compatibility with the GigE Vision protocol and versatile support for slip ring interfaces ensures streamlined data communication.

Additionally, the platform supports dual-energy imaging and photon-counting CT, enabling improved spatial resolution, superior material discrimination, noise reduction, and wide imaging coverage. These benefits extend across security, medical, and industrial applications, providing a faster time-to-market for manufacturers.

The all-in-one CT detector system is designed to power a variety of high-performance X-ray applications:

  • Security CT: Enhanced 3D security screening systems for baggage and cargo.
  • Medical CT: Static and rotating systems with low-dose imaging.
  • Industrial inspection: High-speed, high-resolution 2D and 3D imaging for demanding applications.

“Our invention paves the way for transmitting up to 100x more data within a single CT system rotation period. This milestone brings us closer to fully unlocking photon-counting applications and meeting the industry’s need for high temporal and spatial resolution,” added Tuomas Holma.

Detection Technology will highlight the key features of its revolutionary all-in-one CT detector system at RSNA 2024 in Chicago, USA. Visit Detection Technology at Booth 4133 in the South Hall, Level 3, from December 1–4.

Winners Announced for the 2024 Tech Industry Alliance Leaders Awards

The Great Southern Hotel was abuzz with excitement and celebration tonight as the winners of the prestigious 2024 Tech Industry Alliance Leaders Awards were announced. The awards recognised outstanding achievements across the tech sector in the South West of Ireland, shining a spotlight on the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders driving growth and innovation in the region.

This year’s winners represented the leadership and dynamism of the tech community, ranging from pioneering start-ups to established enterprises. The awards ceremony brought together business leaders, policymakers, and academic luminaries to celebrate the achievements of this vibrant sector.

Speaking at the event, Gerry Murphy, Chairperson of Tech Industry Alliance, said:
“Tonight, we celebrate the visionaries and changemakers shaping the future of the tech industry in the South West of Ireland. These awards are not just about recognising success; they’re about inspiring the entire community to push boundaries, innovate, and make a lasting impact. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists—you are the driving force behind our region’s tech excellence.”

Sean Ryan, Board Member of Tech Industry Alliance, added:
“The calibre of entries this year was nothing short of exceptional, highlighting the remarkable talent and innovation that exists within our region. Each of our winners embodies the spirit of collaboration and ambition that defines the South West tech ecosystem. We’re incredibly proud to support their journey and look forward to seeing their continued success.”

The 2024 Tech Industry Alliance Leaders Awards Winners:

  • Tech Person of the Year Award: The McCarthy Family, Fexco
  • Tech Start Up of the Year Award: Stingray Labs
  • Scale Up of the Year Award: Green Rebel
  • Environmental Sustainability Award: Astellas Pharma Ireland
  • Multinational of the Year Award: ENERCON
  • Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet Best Learning Workplace Winner: Aspen Grove
  • Smart Technology Innovation Award: BioAtlantis
  • Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact Award: NetApp
  • Chairperson’s Award: Tír na nÓg Children’s Foundation 
  • Excellence in Education Award: Coláiste Gleann Lí

 

The Tech Industry Alliance extends its gratitude to all sponsors, partners, and attendees who made this event a resounding success. Special thanks to the judging panels and to all those who joined in celebrating the achievements of the tech community.

For more information about the winners or to learn more about Tech Industry Alliance initiatives, see below or visit www.techindustryalliance.ie

 

Winner Smart Technology Innovation Award: BioAtlantis

BioAtlantis is a world leader in stress mitigation technologies. Extensive research and collaboration with leading research institutes worldwide has enabled the company to develop the AgriPrime Range. AgriPrime products nourish crops form soil to harvest, helping them cope with various stress and growth limiting factors, allowing them to reach their genetic potential.

Winner of the Tech Start Up of the Year Award: Stingray Labs

Stingray Labs is a technology startup developing products to streamline and digitise legal and financial services, meeting the needs and expectations of tech savvy customers. Stingray Labs route to market is through partnerships, working with existing legal and finance organisations to offer streamlined products to the market. 

Winner of the Excellence in Education Award: Colaiste Gleann Lí   

Coláiste Gleann Lí is a multicultural, multi-denominational, coeducational post primary school based in Tralee which operates under the patronage of Kerry ETB. Coláiste Gleann Lí is a school for all. Coláiste Gleann Lí believe in harnessing and nurturing technology in their approach to provide students with a rounded education.

Winner – Chairperson’s Community Award: Tír na nÓg Children’s Foundation (Louise Quill)

Louise Quill began working in Tanzania in 2006. Whilst there she could see a great need for a facility that would provide a family unit for the orphaned and abandoned children of Tanzania. The Tír na nÓg Children’s Foundation was created to alleviate the suffering of Tanzanian children and to provide a home where they would be nurtured in a loving, safe environment. The aim of Tír na nÓg is to educate these children according to their abilities.

The foundation believes in developing not only schools to create the leaders of tomorrow, but also long-term sustainable projects to provide employment for local people. The foundation has been established and operated from Tralee & Tanzania. Louise who lives and teaches in Kerry divides her time between both locations, striving to provide the conditions, training and resources needed to help children grow mentally, physically and spiritually in those values that assure a fruitful and happy future. 

Winner of the Tech Scale Up Award: Green Rebel

Green Rebel is a dynamic Irish company specialising in data delivery, analytics, and consultancy to support offshore renewable energy developments. Green Rebel was founded by environmental advocate and entrepreneur, Pearse Flynn, to provide an Irish based, complete offshore survey service, support offshore wind energy projects, and help Ireland achieve its climate objectives.

Winner of the Diversity, Inclusion & Social Impact Award:  NetApp

NetApp is the intelligent data infrastructure company, combining unified data storage, integrated data services, and CloudOps solutions. NetApp creates silo-free infrastructure, harnessing observability and AI to enable the industry’s best data management. 

Winner of the Best Learning Work Place Award:  Aspen Grove

Aspen Grove Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS) optimises workflow enabling automation, tracking, and managing of any process to enhance responsiveness and productivity while controlling costs and minimising risk. 

Winner of the Environmental Sustainability Award:  Astellas Ireland

Astellas Ireland (Kerry Plant) is a finished goods pharmaceutical facility based in Killorglin, Co. Kerry, and headquartered in Japan. The Kerry plant manufactures and packages lifesaving products for the global market including lifesaving immunosuppressants and biologic treatment for cancer patients.

Winner of the Multinational of the Year Award:  ENERCON

ENERCON is a pioneer of wind energy technology and a partner of the energy transition, that specialises in turbine and technology development, production, sales and servicing of onshore wind turbines. Pursuing its mission of ‘Energy for the world’, ENERCON has driven sustainable energy generation from onshore wind for over 40 years. 

Winner Tech Person of the Year Award : The McCarthy Family, Fexco

The McCarthy Family have contributed significantly to the development of the South West region not only in terms of economic development, employment creation but also in leading the way as a global Technology leader in their space. Their focus on technology – enabled innovation is underpinned by their collaboration with the Science Foundation of Ireland and UCC where they aim to discover and develop the next generation of Financial Services Technology. 

Their organisation, Fexco, from its beginnings in 1981, when it was the first to get a foreign exchange license as a non-bank in Ireland, when it established itself as the Foreign Exchange Company of Ireland it has grown from strength to strength winning many prestigious awards. It is a global leader in the payments and FX technology sector, providing its solutions and services globally with operations in over 50 countries and employing over 2,900 employees worldwide, yet it still remains a very strong family affair over its 4 decades of existence. 

Emporia Mobile Black Friday Deals – now live

Black Friday is here and there is deals all across the web and if you need a new phone to purchase for the elders in your life who want to dabble with a new smartphone without the fuss Emporia have a full range of devices for your to pick from.

From simple button phones to entry level mid tier and higher tiered smartphones that stand out alone just with their looks you have plenty to pick from with their latest deals.

Having tested most of their range with real hands on reviews and demos there is something for all here be it a simple button phone or a smartphone without the convoluted mess you find with menus check out the sale now on at Expert Electrical and see if you can pick up a device for a loved one in your Family this weekend or even for the Christmas season.

emporia offer a wide range of products at all price points delivering a simpler experience when it comes to using smartphones for the elders in our lives without the fuss and embracing technology for those who want to learn some more even at the older stage in their life.

See our wide range of reviews here and check out the sale on Expert Electrical here.

Currys Black Friday Deals

Currys, the UK’s largest tech retailer, has launched its Black Friday deals with offers on over 3,000 products, with huge discounts on big brands including SAMSUNG, LG and Oral B.

For those looking to upgrade their phone this Black Friday, look no further than the flagship foldable SAMSUNG Galaxy Z Fold6 – 256 GB, Silver. Now reduced from £1,799 to just £1,499. The device has a 6.25-inch outer screen which gives you plenty of space for all your apps and a 7.6-inch main display, making it ideal for watching films and TV. The 50MP triple camera system means you can capture amazing pictures day and night. See our review

Been deliberating over getting a new laptop? Now is the perfect time to pick up the LENOVO Yoga Slim 6 14″ Laptop – Intel® Core™ i5, 512 GB SSD – Storm Grey with £300 off (was £799, now £499). The laptop has a sharp 2.2k IPS display with Dolby vision, so working on a design project or bingeing all your favourite shows will be an absolute joy with this device.

For the food lovers, check out the TEFAL Easy Fry Dual Zone EY905D40 Air Fryer & Grill – Stainless Steel, with a saving of £90 this Black Friday (was £199.99, now £109.99).  Choose from eight presets for fries, chicken or desert with no preheating required, so you can start cooking straight away.

Looking to make the most of nights in this winter with films and TV? Telly fans will delight at saving £600 on an LG C4 65 inch OLED evo 4K HDR Smart TV – OLED65C44LA (was £2,299, now £1,699). The LG uses self-lit pixels for perfect blacks and brilliant highlights, so you’ll be able to pick out every star in a night sky.

The HISENSE U7N 55 inch Mini LED 4K HDR Smart Freely TV – 55U7NQTUK also has an incredible saving of £300 this Black Friday (was £999, now £699). The TV comes with IMAX Enhanced, which brings home the thrill of the cinema thanks to its brilliant picture and immersive audio.

Want to look your best ahead of the party season? The Babyliss Rose blush hair straightener is the perfect choice for a good hair day, every day, at a reduced price of £34.99 (was £84.99). The Advanced Ceramic heating system maintains consistent heat on every section, so you can kiss goodbye to frizz. Plus, the straighteners can heat up in just 10 seconds.

Keep the party going with the JBL Xtreme 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Black with £120 off this Black Friday (was £299, now £179). The speaker has a battery life that can last up to 15 hours on a single charge, making it the ideal companion for any event this festive season and beyond.

Currys has also launched its new minimum standard for Black Friday Deals this year, which ensures customers can shop with confidence knowing that every Black Friday deal has not been cheaper at any point in the last six months. In fact, more than half of products are at their lowest price ever. Currys also discloses the price a product was before it went on sale, and the date it was at its previous price, both in-store and online for added reassurance for customers.

Currys Black Friday deals also come with the Currys Price Promise, which price matches against any other UK retailer, online or in store price if customers claim within seven days. Terms and Conditions apply, please see here.

Savvy shoppers can get four months Apple TV+ with any transaction at Currys over Black Friday*. With no minimum purchase, customers can even buy just a pack of batteries to take advantage of the offer

Shoppers can also save with Currys perks with benefits such as discounts on entertainment, shopping and more.

To browse the entire range of discounted products, see the Currys website.

FULAIM X5M Wireless Lavalier Microphone review

The FULAIM X5M Wireless Lavalier Microphone is an affordable kit for those who want to up their game in the audio area for podcasts, videos and more.

Coming in a super cool case in comes with plenty of accessories and will be kept secure and charged in the case which alone garners attention and anyone that has been in my house spotted this a mile away not realising how much the technology has changed over the years when it comes to mics.

You have 4GB of on board storage and will store in WAV format and you can then transfer via USB-C however not compressed there is one click noise cancelling too which is hand and it is easy to set up with no software installation required and is widely compatible with other products such as phones and tablets and of course cameras and it is a plug and play set up, in fact the easiest ones to use full stop making it ideal for anyone in a rush or stuck on time.

You get all the attachments in the box along with the three main components here and is securely held in the case when not in use and you get around 9 hours of use and a killer feature is the range it has which is said to be 656ft which is remarkable.

The transmitter itself can be mounted anywhere including you under your shirt or top and not visible and no wires visible giving it a professional look.

There UI is easy to read and there is not an ocean of buttons to play around with and the display is clear and looks well on the unit and in colour.

Compared to other models out there this is the best one stop shop and easy to use mic out there now and worth every penny, see more in the video below and some audio samples.

 

  1. One-touch noise reduction function 
  2. Onboard Memory: Built-in storage function to prevent audio frame drop, loss, and other issues. 
  3. Long press the SET button of the TX for 2 seconds to start/end the recording. b. This function is only be used for audio backup. 
  4. Recording files are automatically saved/deleted in cycles. 
  5. Storage space is about 4GB and it can store audio in WAV format. The audio files will not be compressed. The recording files are exported by using the Type-C cable. 
  6. Magnetic attachment: The transmitter can not only be worn on clothes through the clip but also has a magnetic attachment that can be worn at any position. 
  7. Charging case design: Intelligent management of TX/RX power switch, no need for manual operation (automatic shutdown with the lid closed, automatic power on with lid open) 
  8. 18 Hours Long-Lasting Power Supply, easy for outdoor use 
  9. 6 hours of each TX + 6h2 The charging case can fully charge the microphone device twice. 
  10. Vastly compatibility 
  11. Equipped with 3.5MM, Type-C/lightning adapters. 
  12. Multi-mode audio output 
  13. Mono 
  14. Stereo 
  15. Ms(safe track output): The right channel output is 6 dB less than the left channel. 
  16. Support cell phone external monitoring: When using the microphone on a cell phone, in addition to the traditional way of plugging a 3.5mm headphone into the receiver for real-time monitoring, it also supports cell phone external monitoring. 
  17. The audio sample rate and audio bit depth of X5 mics are 48000Hz and 16 bits.

Fulaim website: https://bit.ly/45GDxP4  10% off code: FULAIM
Amazon.uk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D4LN468M

Video Review

‘Mindful’ spending Irish will still treat themselves this Black Friday

As Black Friday approaches, shoppers across the country are adopting a more mindful approach to spending, new data from Revolut, the global fintech with more than 2.8 million Irish customers and over 50 million globally, suggests.

As financial pressures continue to tighten the purse strings, 30% of Irish consumers have reported that they plan to spend less this Black Friday, reflecting a blend of financial caution and a desire to indulge in more meaningful purchases either for themselves or loved ones.

The study also suggests that ‘treat culture’ is still making a significant mark on Irish society, with one in five (20%) citing a desire to treat themselves to something new as their main motivation for any Black Friday spending. Those wanting a little treat this Black Friday are 25% of 18-24-year-olds, while half (49%) of 18-34-year-old consumers will use this occasion to spend mindfully, purchasing things they wouldn’t normally be able to afford.

This move towards a more mindful way of spending has also impacted where consumers are choosing to shop. Despite Black Friday historically being a popular online retail event, many plan to head back to the high street this year. Two in five (42%) shoppers will hand Ireland’s small shop owners a boost, with many citing a desire to support small businesses and escape long delivery times as factors in their decision-making.

Youngsters are the most motivated by Black Friday shopping with 90% of 18-24-year-olds agreeing Black Friday is a good chance to grab a great deal compared to the more sceptical over-65s (59%) – 15% of whom claim that the deals on offer aren’t as good as they used to be.

Maurice Murphy, General Manager at Revolut Bank UAB – Ireland Branch, said: “Managing your money needn’t be complex or confusing but it pays to be mindful, and this data clearly shows a change in consumer behaviour ahead of this year’s Black Friday. Irish shoppers are purposefully savvy, but with plenty of deals on offer, it’s good to see consumers unafraid of treating themselves at this time.”

With consumers in Ireland increasingly prioritising mindful purchases, brands and retailers alike are preparing for a season defined by quality offerings and compelling deals. Revolut will also take part in this year’s Black Friday with some exciting deals available in-app this month: 

 

  • Aer Lingus: Until the end of November 2024, earn 10x RevPoints when you choose to pay with Revolut Pay at the checkout.
  • The Irish Independent: Until the end of November 2024, earn 10x RevPoints when you choose to pay with Revolut Pay at the checkout.
  • HelloFresh: Until the end of November 2024, get a 50% discount and 20x RevPoints.
  • Vision Express: Until the end of November 2024, get a free eye test and 30% off when you spend €60 or more, as well as 20x RevPoints.

 

Revolut Bank UAB (Irish Branch) was recently recognised by financial comparison site Bonkers.ie as ‘Ireland’s Best Consumer Business’ and ‘provider of the Best Current Account’, while the company ranked 9th as part of the Ireland RepTrak® 2024 study earlier this year.

 

For more information, visit: www.revolut.com/en-IE

ZHIYUN Photo And Video Gear Black Friday Sale

Top-selling ZHIYUN equipment with major price reductions includes WEEBILL 3E camera gimbals, SMOOTH 5S AI smartphone gimbals, and the CINEPEER CQ5 combo gimbal stabilizer for smartphones, which is reduced by 50%. There’s also popular lighting equipment, such as the powerful CINEPEER CX100, and the compact FIVERAY M20C COMBO portable RGB photography light. In fact, special Black Friday discounts are available for almost every ZHIYUN product, including the CRANE and MOLUS ranges.

 

WEEBILL 3E – Lightweight Gimbal for Effortless Professional Video

This compact, feature-packed gimbal empowers creators of all levels with unparalleled mobility and creative control. The featherweight, compact, and ergonomic gimbal offers advanced stabilization technology with powerful motors, intuitive control and uninterrupted creativity – and has extended runtime up to 16 hours. The easily-portable gimbal offers extensive camera compatibility. WEEBILL 3E’s price is reduced from $249 to $211 during the sale. Discover the WEEBILL 3E at: https://geni.us/pr-WB3E

 

SMOOTH 5S AI – Smart Assistance for the One-Person Film Crew

With advanced AI tracking technology, ZHIYUN’s SMOOTH 5S AI gimbal provides unparalleled stabilization and effortless operation for capturing smooth and professional-quality footage with a smartphone. SMOOTH 5S AI delivers incredibly smooth and stable shots, whether capturing fast-paced action or calmer cinematic scenes. It features AI-driven precision tracking and intelligent algorithms for seamless tracking shots, and an orthogonal 3-axis structure for unlimited smooth and stable movement. The gimbal’s intuitive tactile controls allow users seamless control without taking their eyes off the action. During the sale period, the price of SMOOTH 5S AI is cut from $169 to just $143, and there are similar reductions on the SMOOTH 5S AI Pro and Combo sets. Find out more at: https://geni.us/pr-SM5SAI

 

CINEPEER CQ5 – Compact Combo Gimbal Stabilizer For Smartphones

Reduced in price by 50% during this sale, the compact, foldable, but powerful, CQ5 smartphone stabilizer offers AI tracking, anti-shake technology, and hands-free voice control for seamless content creation. The extendable gimbal enables wide-angle shots, and magnetic fill lights can ensure high-quality footage in all situations. With up to 11 hours of battery life, the CQ5 supports all-day shooting, and can charge while in use, ensuring that content creators never miss a moment. This full-featured smartphone gimbal stabilizer is available for just $49.50 during the sale. To take advantage of this offer now, visit: https://geni.us/pr-CQ5

 

CINEPEER CX100 and FIVERAY M20C COMBO RGB Portable Lights

ZHIYUN’s powerful CINEPEER CX100 provides 100W of light in a sleek palm-size unit with professional color rendering and versatile accessory support – and it’s amazingly lightweight, just 710g (25oz). For users who need an even smaller and lighter solution, the FIVERAY M20C COMBO RGB is 100% pocketable, no bigger than a sticky note, but still fills the shot with 20W of RGB color-adjustable light. Multiple M20C units can be controlled with bluetooth, to provide adjustable light wherever it is needed.

 

CINEPEER CX100 is reduced from $179 to $143. Purchase at: https://geni.us/pr-CX100

The M20C COMBO’s price is down from $159 to $129. Purchase at: https://geni.us/pr-M20C

Explore Exclusive Savings with ZHIYUN‘s Full Black Friday 2024 Discount of up to 50% on the ZHIYUN Amazon and official website Black Friday Pages.

Check our ZHIYUN Reviews

WHERE TO BUY

Promotion period: November 18 to December 31, 2024

Available online from ZHIYUN’s own store and from ZHIYUN’s official Amazon store.

Amazon Store Link: https://geni.us/AMZ-Store-PR-Sales

ZHIYUN Official Store Link: https://geni.us/ZHIYUN–Store-PR

Samsung Announces Massive Black Friday Savings

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching but fear not as Samsung’s Black Friday deals are sure to appeal to everyone on the gifting list. From smartphones that enhance productivity, to the must-have home entertainment setup and award-winning TV and soundbar range, get your hands on the latest cutting-edge technology at incredible prices.

In addition to these deals, Samsung users can enjoy the gift of Circle to Search with Google to find the best bargains for all items on their lists. Circle to Search is a Google-powered feature on all Samsung smartphones enabled with Galaxy AI and allows you to quickly search for information about what you see on your screen — including images, videos or text by making a simple circle gesture with your finger or the S Pen.  Perhaps you are scrolling on social media and see the perfect jumper or pair of shoes for a friend, or loved one – simply circle it and receive search results for identical and related items, allowing you to compare prices in an instant and make the most of Black Friday.

Mobile – Offers valid until 3rd December

SAVE €220 on the Samsung Galaxy S24

  • Welcome to the era of mobile AI. With Galaxy S24 in your hands, you can unleash whole new levels of creativity, productivity and possibility — starting with the most important device in your life. Your smartphone.

Enjoy €300 off the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra (14.6″ Wi-Fi)

  • Experience the power of Circle to Search with Google on a larger screen on the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. Just circle, highlight, or tap an image or text to get Google Search results. You can even get instant translations.

SAVE €100 on the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

  • Nightography just got fun. The Galaxy A35 5G comes with an improved NPU and enhanced sensor that makes photos clear with detail even in the dark. From nightscapes to night portraits, you’ll get more detail in every shot.

Enjoy €120 off the Galaxy Watch Ultra

  • Gear up for every expedition with a range of band options for all terrains. With the new One UI, powered by an all-new processor, Galaxy Watch Ultra has you covered for all your exciting thrills.

Enjoy €60 off the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro

  • Leave your phone in your pocket and conveniently control your earbuds by using simple gestures. Even with a swift swipe, rest assured your Galaxy Buds3 Pro stay securely in your ears.
  • TV/AV Black Friday Offers – Valid until 2nd December

 

Receive a complimentary The Freestyle 2nd Gen worth up to €700 when you buy any 2024 Neo QLED 8K TV

  • Get a free sleek, sharp and portable projector which can project up to an 100” frame for free when you buy any 2024 Neo QLED 8K TV

Claim up to €360 cashback on OLED TVs

  • Purchase any of the award-winning 2024 S90D, S93D or S95D models and claim up to €360 OLED TV’s.

Home Appliances – Valid until 2nd December

SAVE over €500 on the Samsung Silver Classic AI Fridge Freezer [RB53DG706AS9EU]

  • Maximise space with this smart fridge freezer which offers more room on the inside whilst maintaining the same size on the outside due to its slimmer walls. Smart all-around cooling maintains a steady temperature throughout the entire fridge, without it building up any frost.

SAVE over €500 on the Samsung American Style Fridge Freezer with SpaceMax™ [RS64DG5303S9EU]

  • This super sleek Samsung fridge freezer is big on capacity, style, and quality, with its larger capacity allowing you to stock up the fridge for the whole family.

SAVE over €500 on the Samsung Series 7 Side-by-side [RS68CG882ES9EU]

  • With impressive Twin Cooling Plus technology, this fridge freezer uses two separate air flows to stop your food from drying out, meaning it stays a fresh and tasty for longer. Ensure you’re always ready for a celebration, this appliance has an extra wide wine shelf fitted.

SAVE over €1300 on the Samsung Family Hub [RF65DG9H0ESREU]

  • This fridge freezer helps you keep on top of your groceries in a smart way. With AI Vision, you can monitor the food that are in the fridge freezer and can even generate a shopping list or meal plans based on what’s you already have in stock.

SAVE over €100 on the Samsung Series 5 Classic Fridge Freezer [RB38C605DB1/EU]

  • With AI Energy Mode, this fridge freezer tracks your power consumption so that you can keep on top of your bills. Not only that, you can also select the perfect temperature and humidity for your fruit and veg with the Humidity Fresh + drawer. This fridge freezer offer optimal personalisation for you and your family.

See our Samsung Reviews 

Business Leaders Say The Nature Of Business Travel Has Changed Forever Due To Technology

The latest business leader research from International Workplace Group, the world’s largest provider of flexible workspace with brands including Regus and Spaces, underlines the changing nature and frequency of business travel.

The International Workplace Group report highlights how business executives are prioritising strategically important meetings for corporate spend, while routine meetings between global participants are taking place largely online using the available technology, amidst rising costs, environmental concerns and geopolitical uncertainty.

The study among more than 500 business leaders highlighted that the rapid development of digital infrastructure means functional meetings can now be held online. More than three quarters (77%) of business leaders say technology has enabled them to continue to conduct pure ‘business as usual’ meetings virtually to drive efficiency.

That’s not to say business travel has been made redundant by hybrid working. In fact, the majority (87%) of CEOs firmly believe that technology will never replace the value of strategically important face-to-face meetings, and business travel will invariably play a crucial role in strengthening relationships and when signing key commercial deals.

The rising cost of business travel

A third of business leaders cited escalating costs as an influential factor for their post-pandemic travel decisions. Research into the cost of business travel by Harris Williams found that airfares had risen by 38%** when compared to pre-pandemic prices and hotel costs had risen by at least 82%***. With an expectation of continued growth in 2025, 77% of CEOs noted that the ability to host meetings virtually enables them to reduce the number of business trips, allowing for a focus on crucial face-to-face meetings.

Geopolitical uncertainty

Looking at other macro trends, CEOs said that increasing geopolitical uncertainty had significantly impacted the nature of travel at their companies. One in five said that the current geopolitical climate has had a major impact on business travel, with changes in the global health landscape (19%) and visa regulations (19%) also influencing how they prioritise strategically important travel.

Environmental considerations

As companies look to reduce their environmental footprint, many are more considered in their approach to corporate travel. Three quarters (75%) of leaders said that the development of hybrid work and the adoption of online platforms has enabled them to reduce the number of environmentally unfriendly trips. For larger organisations facing greater scrutiny over their carbon emissions, corporate ESG reporting and policies have led to leaders being more strategic with their travel plans.

Extending business trips to maximise efficiencies

Three quarters (75%) of corporate leaders said that business travel is now more efficient and more than half (61%) say they tend to travel less but stay longer due to the availability of flexible workspaces enabling them to remain productive between meetings. A quarter (26%) now extend their travels to fit in additional meetings, reducing the need for short visits, whilst others (23%) have attended industry events or conferences to maximise their trips.

As leaders enjoy greater flexibility in their working patterns, 87% are spending the extra time to enjoy their destination and experience local culture. One quarter (24%) said they had actually combined a work trip with a holiday. In an encouraging move for the whole business, the benefits of travel and leisure are not exclusive to leaders – with 74% encouraging their employees to work from abroad to make the most of travelling, too.

Mark Dixon, International Workplace Group CEO stated: “Advancements in digital technology coupled with the rising cost of international travel, geopolitical uncertainty and environmental considerations mean the world of business travel has been transformed and we are unlikely to see a return to pre-pandemic levels.   “Executives are now prioritising travel for the most strategically important meetings such as major business deals or nurturing significant relationships with partners. For these types of occasions, technology can and will never replace the value of in-person transactions for the most valuable meetings.”

*Research among 500 CEO participants in June 2024 by Mortar. Mortar is Market Research Society (MRS) accredited and the research adhered to MRS guidelines.

** Global Travel Outlook Spring 2024 Report by Harris Williams, OC&C Strategy Consultants

*** Data sourced for i by hospitality data intelligence firm Lighthouse.