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.

Sport Ireland digitally maps over 12,000 recreational facilities in Ireland

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), today announces that its digital mapping system is being used by Sport Ireland to digitally map over 12,000 recreational locations and facilities across the island of Ireland.

Sport Ireland has launched Get Ireland Active, a national digital hub which maps sports and recreation facilities, walking and cycling trails, public parks, and other amenities around the country to promote higher levels of physical activity.

Sport Ireland is the national authority responsible for developing sport and outdoor recreation in Ireland. Based on Esri’s ArcGIS system, Sport Ireland and Derilinx created Get Ireland Active, which anticipates over 15,000 visitors per month and aims to inspire people to get involved in sport and other recreational activities to improve their health and wellbeing.

The interactive digital map addresses the need for a single, authoritative source of data about sports facilities in Ireland that can provide ways for citizens to become more active, and can also be used to support policy decisions and inform the development of new facilities.

Validated data, for the whole of Ireland, is available to stakeholders via the fully interactive online data hub, created with ArcGIS Hub Premium. Users can collate, verify, analyse, and share data in real-time, including development, planning, and socio-demographic information. This provides actionable insights and allows policy makers in central and local government, sporting bodies, and other stakeholders to analyse gaps in the provision of services and easily identify development land or other potential areas that might be available to site new facilities.

Sport Ireland conducted audits of all sports facilities in Ireland to create the central data hub, which is flexible and scalable and will continue to be updated as data is made available.

Dr Úna May, CEO, Sport Ireland, said: “Esri Ireland’s expertise has been crucial in bringing the Get Ireland Active database to life. Their technology allows us to offer a user-friendly platform that has comprehensive information about recreational activities across Ireland.

“Technology is transforming how we approach our everyday lives, and it’s vital that we use this to our benefit. Our collaboration with Esri Ireland has made this a reality, and we are excited to build upon this work through the continued development of the Get Ireland Active database.” 

Padraig Quinn, Senior Account Manager, Esri Ireland, said: “We are proud to have supported the development of the Get Ireland Active national database, Ireland’s interactive activity, sport, and recreation hub. The benefits of having an interactive hub which can direct members of the public to their closest sport or recreation facilities are invaluable, especially coming into the winter months. Furthermore, the hub will continue to inform future development of sporting facilities across Ireland and embed a love of sport and the outdoors for both present and future generations. We are looking forward to continuing to work with Sport Ireland as the hub continues to grow.”

SiriusXM opens Dublin technology hub and announces plans to hire 200 new roles in Ireland

SiriusXM, a leading audio entertainment company in North America, announced today its plans to hire approximately 200 employees over the next few years in Ireland, an expansion supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland. The announcement coincides with the grand opening of the company’s new Technology Centre in Dublin, held yesterday at the Centre’s new state-of-the-art office space, which included a panel discussion and networking opportunities for potential new hires.

The Dublin-based team will be pivotal to SiriusXM’s continued digital transformation, serving as a centre of excellence for its Product and Technology organisation and fostering innovation and collaboration among SiriusXM’s growing international team. Focusing on key areas such as automotive technology, adtech, data science, and engineering, talent at the Dublin hub will drive the development of high-quality, scalable software solutions for SiriusXM’s streaming services and in-vehicle entertainment platforms.

“Dublin is a globally recognized hub for technology expertise, and we are excited to have opened our new space here and expand our roster of leading technologists,” said Joe Inzerillo, EVP, Chief Product & Technology Officer at SiriusXM. “Our team in Dublin will work alongside our global team of experts to continue to innovate and expand on our portfolio of audio entertainment and adtech products.”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, commented: “SiriusXM’s decision to expand in Ireland and hire 200 people is a strong vote of confidence in the country’s technology ecosystem. With access to a highly skilled talent pool, Ireland continues to be an attractive destination for innovative companies looking to invest in cutting-edge solutions.” 

SiriusXM’s Dublin facility will focus on recruiting in the following areas:

  • Software Development: These roles will support the development and implementation of innovation roadmaps and advanced operational capabilities.
  • Automotive Technology & Engineering: This team will focus on software and platform development for SiriusXM’s in-vehicle services, as well as consumer electronics, enhancing the customer experience and driving business growth.
  • AdTech, Data Science & Analytics: The Dublin team will modernise SiriusXM’s adtech infrastructure, working on efficiency and scalability, as well as creating new solutions for music discovery, content engagement, and subscription enhancement.

For more information on the new Technology Centre and upcoming career opportunities, please visit https://landing.cpl.com/siriusxm/careers.html

EA SPORTS FC and Nike Collaborate on Exclusive Nike x EA SPORTS FC Founders Shirt

EA SPORTS FC and Nike are merging digital and on-pitch football at a new level with an exclusive, physical Nike x EA SPORTS FC Founders shirt. For the first time, fans will be able to access digital products and purchase a physical  shirt for themselves through .SWOOSH, Nike’s home for gaming. Nike members will be able to link their EA account associated with their FC Founders status with Nike Membership and pre-order the product beginning November 13 (9:30am PT / 5:30pm GMT / 6:30pm CET) in order to redeem access to the product.

The Nike x EA SPORTS FC Founders shirt is inspired by retro kits from the ’90s and is made exclusively for Founders, the biggest fans of the game. Founders build the future of FC, and this piece is a celebration of the FC Founder community.

Additionally, Nike and EA SPORTS’ expanded partnership  also includes exclusive, in-game Nike kits for Founders and Club members within EA SPORTS FC 25.

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The Role of Insurance Companies in Personal Injury Defense Cases

Did you know that insurance premiums in the US exceed one trillion dollars annually? This highlights the central role that insurance companies play in many sectors.

When a personal injury claim is made, several parties are involved. However, the insurance company plays the most important role.

Understanding this role can make the process clearer. It can also help claimants navigate the process more effectively.

In this article, you will learn about the essential role of insurance companies in personal injury defense cases. Read on to examine their strategies and effects on case resolutions.

Evaluating Claims

One key role of insurance companies is evaluating claims. They check if the injury was caused by their client’s actions. This involves:

  • gathering evidence
  • speaking to witnesses
  • reviewing medical reports

The company may also consult experts to understand the extent of the injury. They look for any signs of fraud or exaggeration in the claim.

If there is enough evidence to support the claim, they may offer a settlement. If the evidence is weak, they may choose to challenge the claim in court. A thorough evaluation helps the company decide whether to fight the claim or settle.

Legal Representation

Insurance companies provide legal representation for their clients in personal injury cases. Once a claim is filed, they engage attorneys well-versed in such matters. This is to protect the interests of their policyholders.

These legal experts navigate the complexities of the legal system. They offer strategic advice and craft compelling defenses. This often leads to more favorable outcomes.

To learn more about this intricate field, check out https://stevedimopoulos.com. They offer legal representation and expert guidance.

Settlement Negotiations

After assessing a claim, insurance companies play a key role in settlement negotiations. They aim to reduce the financial impact on their clients or defend injury claims.

By settling, they can avoid long court battles. This saves time and resources. Settlements are also faster resolutions than going to trial.

Insurance companies also help ensure that their clients are not burdened by prolonged legal proceedings. They may offer a settlement that is lower than what could be awarded in court. This approach helps prevent uncertainty and additional costs.

Risk Management

Insurance providers also focus on risk management. They analyze claims history and study common injury trends. This helps them improve their policies and cover acceptable risks.

It protects their clients and strengthens their financial position. By doing this, they can make better decisions in legal defense strategies.

Underwriting Policies

Insurance companies are responsible for underwriting policies. These policies set the coverage provisions for their clients. In personal injury defense, understanding the policy language is important.

The terms decide coverage limits and the scope of protection. This affects how defense strategies are planned. Insurers must make sure policyholders know their coverage to avoid surprises during claims.

Public Relations and Reputation Management

Insurance companies play a key role in public relations during personal injury disputes. A well-handled case can improve their image.

They communicate effectively and stay involved in the community. They also work to maintain a positive reputation, even in tough cases.

Managing Personal Injury Defense Cases

Insurance companies play many roles in personal injury defense. They evaluate claims, provide legal representation, negotiate settlements, and manage risks.

These actions help resolve cases efficiently. For those dealing with personal injury claims, understanding the role of their insurance provider can be very helpful.

Don’t stop here, there’s so much more to learn about on our website. Browse our other blog posts for more information.

EIT Jumpstarter Grand Final 2024: New start-ups enter the European innovation scene

The EIT Jumpstarter Grand Final event is an annual culmination of a pre-acceleration programme that supports European innovators and entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into market-ready start-ups. It focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and developing start-ups scene in Central-Eastern and Southern Europe.
This year the Grand Final will be part of the bigger EIT Community conference “The next decade of innovation for the future of Europe”, which celebrates the 10th anniversary of the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS). This is a key initiative under Horizon Europe aimed at reducing regional disparities in innovation across Europe. The EIT Jumpstarter Grand Final will include a dynamic live pitching session, followed by an awards ceremony to celebrate the top start-ups in each category.
The conference is free of charge, upon registration only.

48 New Start-ups Poised to Enter the Innovation Scene

This year’s EIT Jumpstarter Grand Final will take place in Budapest on November 28th, showcasing 48 start-ups. The top six from each of the eight categories — Food, Health, Manufacturing, Raw Materials, Energy, Urban Mobility, New European Bauhaus, and Rebuild Ukraine — will be awarded up to €10,000. These categories align with the EIT Community’s mission to bring innovative solutions to global challenges. Additionally, in recognition of the EIT’s strong presence in the Western Balkans, the competition will feature a special prize for a high-potential start-up from the region. In total the best teams will receive almost €150,000.
“The pipeline of start-ups established in non-Western countries through programmes like EIT Jumpstarter is growing every year, and many ventures from previous editions have now reached multimillion valuations. This is particularly important for regions in Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe, where the start-ups create new jobs, bring new skills and stimulate entrepreneurship in the region,” says Marta Kaczmarek, leading the EIT Community Strategic Regional Innovations Cluster, coordinating such activities as the EIT Jumpstarter Programme.
“Considering that every euro invested in the programme generates 30 euros in external funding for newly built start-ups, EIT Jumpstarter truly serves as a springboard for talented founders,” adds Marta Kaczmarek.

EIT Jumpstarter in Numbers

Since 2017, the programme has trained 1,180 participants, leading to the establishment of 124 new start-ups and contributing to the creation of 2,100 new jobs in the countries, which are considered emerging and moderate innovators, according to the European Innovation Scoreboard. These start-ups collectively attracted €150 million in external investment up until now. EIT Jumpstarter is open to more than 22 countries and regions and is led by EIT Health in collaboration with EIT Food, EIT InnoEnergy, EIT Manufacturing, EIT RawMaterials, EIT Urban Mobility.
Throughout the seven-month programme, participants identify and validate the best business model for their science-based innovative ideas. Participants learn how to refine their concept, conduct market segmentation, develop a strong customer value proposition, manage financials, understand investment and legal basics, and more. Graduates of the programme possess the skills and knowledge to launch their companies. As part of the alumni community, they receive further support, including various financial options, and dedicated advice from the EIT Communities regarding the next stage of their start-up journey.

Virgin Media Turns Black Friday ‘Red’

Virgin Media is shaking up the Black Friday season by turning it ‘Red’ with a series of fantastic offers across its Broadband, TV, and Mobile services. Starting from November 12th, Virgin Media is inviting customers to experience top-of-the-line connectivity, entertainment, and mobile plans at outstanding prices with exclusive free gifts and savings.

The headline offer for new customers, is a FREE 43” TCL 4K Smart TV when they sign up to Virgin Media’s ultrafast, reliable 1Gb broadband combined with Virgin Media’s popular  ‘Streaming TV’ package, perfect for immersing themselves in the latest and greatest entertainment.

Virgin Mobile customers also have plenty to celebrate this ‘Red Friday.’ Those who purchase a Samsung Galaxy S24 (128GB), Apple iPhone 14 (128GB), or Google Pixel 8 Pro (128GB) from November 12th will receive a complimentary pair of JBL Live Pro 2 earbuds (RRP €149.99), delivering premium sound quality to match their top-tier devices.

Virgin Mobile is also offering upfront savings and reduced monthly fees on some of its most popular handsets. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, now available for €199 upfront and €40 per month, offers customers an €80 saving. In addition, the Samsung Galaxy S24 (128GB) can be purchased with no upfront cost and a reduced monthly bill of €35, giving customers a €5 monthly saving.

“Our ‘Red Friday’ deals are our way of giving back to our customers with offers that bring exceptional value across broadband, TV, and mobile services,” said Paul Higgins, VP of Commercial at Virgin Media Ireland.

“From fast, reliable internet and immersive entertainment to cutting-edge mobile devices, we’re committed to providing unbeatable experiences for Irish households. This Black Friday, Virgin Media is making it easier than ever for customers to access the very best in connectivity and entertainment at incredible prices.”

 

  • All free gifts with Virgin Mobile are subject to availability, available for a limited period only, and are provided at the time of purchase with delivery or upon collection.
  • Free TCL 43” 4K Smart TV is subject to availability, available for a limited period only, and will be within 5 days once the customer has been installed for 28 days.
  • All offers are subject to application check, availability, and contract terms and conditions.
  • All offers are correct as of November 12, 2024.

For full T&Cs and more information, please visit www.VirginMedia.ie.

How Smart Glasses Could Reshape Crypto Casinos

With smart glasses coming back, blending the digital with the real world is increasingly seamless. Smart glasses, which can place digital information directly in our line of vision, are burgeoning far beyond any novelty and becoming both practical and fashionable devices.

Put alongside crypto, these spectacles make the experience of playing on crypto casino websites way more immersive and engaging. Smart glasses might redefine how players interact with the online gaming worlds: from live streaming with real-time virtual dealers to augmented reality, there’s a huge amount going on here! This will make every game instance feel more distinctive and captivating. Even big brands like Ray-Ban and Facebook are interested in this space – and they’re far from alone.

Smart Glasses Bring Crypto Casino Experiences to Life

Imagine entering a casino where the key details of every game appear before your eyes at a glance. That virtual experience is something smart glasses/wearable technology can offer in the world of online gaming. With digital information superimposed onto the physical environment, smart glasses could enable players to see statistics, principles, and advice in real-time without interrupting their play.

For people who are fanatical blackjack or poker players (and these are two of the top card games in most casinos these days), this is a massive development. No more having to sit on the sidelines watching the other players enjoying themselves while you judge if a given table feels like a good fit to you. All the relevant information could be there at a glance. You wouldn’t even need to manually look anything up: the information would just be there. 

Of course, in the digital world, this kind of information is usually accessible if you want it, but it’s a revolutionary breakthrough for those playing in physical spaces. Even on the crypto casino websites, having this info just floating in front of you when you need it would be a vast improvement from having to navigate to a different page to access it – potentially breaking the flow just when you are getting immersed. The added level of engagement that this brings could make gaming worlds feel more immersive than ever before.

This interactivity would be particularly beneficial to players on crypto casino websites, where a wide range of games are available, from virtual slots to digital poker. Smart glasses could offer an experience in which each turn and every game feels much more immersive, injecting something extra and encouraging players to stay invested. Through real-time overlays, players gain a new level of control over their experience, which is a massive benefit to everyone.

How Smart Glasses Tailor Social Gaming Experiences

Smart glasses tailored for gaming could mean every user’s experience is unique, amplifying the appeal of crypto casinos by adding an immersive, customized touch. Social interaction and connectivity in virtual gaming smart glasses have the potential to create a more social experience within crypto casinos. 

In crypto casino games, socializing could mean chatting with friends, seeing their reactions, or even “sitting” together at virtual tables. These interactions, facilitated by smart glasses, could make crypto casinos more than just gaming platforms — they could become social spaces where users connect, share experiences, and enjoy a heightened sense of togetherness.

Upgraded Privacy for Crypto Casino Users

It is absolutely necessary that users in the crypto casino world maintain their personal privacy, and an added layer of protection for sensitive information comes in the form of smart glasses. Equipped with the ability to show information only to the person wearing them, smart glasses are a major step forward for anyone who values data security. Players can manipulate their digital wallets or crypto assets on a screen only visible to them. This newly improved privacy is in line with what crypto players want. Security and anonymity: these are the main features which they look for in online interactions.

No more worrying about who may be looking over your shoulder – these glasses are  – literally – for your eyes only. This means that it is both easier and also much safer to take care of things while out wandering around than has ever been possible before.

The Future of Smart Glasses in Crypto Gaming

As smart glasses and other forms of emerging technologies become more integrated into our digital lives, they bring all kinds of fresh possibilities into this ever-popular field. To begin with, one’s experience of gaming online at a crypto casino is growing ever more immersive and enriched thanks to these new gadgets. Smart glasses combine AR, social features, and heightened privacy: they are about to level up the experience of being in a crypto casino, taking things well beyond what we thought possible several decades ago. The future of crypto gaming looks bright and with accompanying games that make the most of the tech, we foresee amazing things here. Only time will tell exactly what this space holds and what new, exciting hardware might still be on the horizon!

Skullcandy Sesh ANC Active review

The Skullcandy Sesh Active ANC are the latest earbuds on offer and a mighty pair they are too and deliver all round as expected and these are the new updated version of the old Sesh ANC you could say.

These are slightly larger earbuds and fit well in the ears despite their size and for me not my usual favourite styled earbud but once fitted with the right tips they were fine after a few days testing and they grew on me and of course sounded great with all the options available minus one I love that Skullcandy offer.

The case they come in is pretty cool too and kept simple just like the earbuds and this case will slip into any shirt or trouser pocket or tech bag.

There is 12mm drivers packed in these earbuds which might be a factor in their size and with the EQs on the app and other options you can customize these to your own needs and not only that these have multi pairing which for me is ideal working on two devices all day long and not only that can be used individually effectively doubling your battery life.

You can have spotify on tap or take a photo with these but this there is no hey skullcandy feature this time which makes sense at the price this is one of my favourite features they do offer on other products and missed here however no big deal as everything else is there that I need including access to my voice assistants.

The sound is great and they get plenty loud too with adjustable stay aware mode and ANC of course which works really well even on calls on a windy day all was clear both ends and the ANC is decent here.

You have also got low latency built in and clear voice smart mic making these an overall greatly packed pair or earbuds with features for all.

The sound overall is great and highs lows and mids fine, loud no lag latency or tinny sound noted when maxed out and great direction too putting you in the center stage and an overall great audio experince and that goes for podcasts and gaming too.

See the video below for more and what you will find.

The App

 

 

Features

  • 28 Hours Total Battery Life (ANC On): 7 hours in earbuds, 21 hours in case​
  • 48 Hours Total Battery Life (ANC Off): 12 hours in earbuds, 36 hours in case​
  • Rapid Charge: 10 min = 2 hours
  • 12mm Drivers​
  • Personal Sound by Mimi®​
  • Google Fast Pair
  • Multipoint Pairing​
  • Clear Voice Smart Mic​
  • Custom 5-Band EQ Mode​
  • Preset EQ Modes (Music, Bass Boost, Podcast)​
  • Low Latency Audio​
  • Call, Track & Media Controls​
  • Custom Button Functions​
  • Natural Voice Sidetone for Calls​
  • Spotify Tap™​
  • Activate Voice Assistant​
  • Use Either Bud Solo​
  • Auto On/Connect​
  • Bluetooth® v5.3

Other Skullcandy Reviews

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First of new DART+ trains unveiled

Iarnród Éireann has unveiled the first five-carriage train of the new DART+ Fleet, at Inchicore Works in Dublin.

The new DART fleet which will enable Iarnród Éireann to improve the customer experience across the Greater Dublin Area, including capacity, accessibility and customer information.

The five-carriage train is the first of 185 carriages already on order from rail manufacturer Alstom, and entering service from early 2026 onwards.  The trains were purchased in two orders as part of a framework agreement which provides for up to 750 electric/battery electric carriages over a ten-year period

The fleet orders, funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) under Project Ireland 2040, are part of the wider DART+ Programme.  DART+ is a series of infrastructure projects which, together with train orders, will double the capacity and treble the electrification of the Greater Dublin Area’s rail network.  The DART+ Programme is a key element of the NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy, 2022-2042. DART+ will facilitate sustainable mobility and development to enhance quality of life in our capital and its surrounding counties, through a series of fleet and infrastructure projects. The DART+ Programme is being delivered by Iarnród Éireann on behalf of NTA.

Including the first train, a total of 155 out of the 185 carriages on order are battery-electric which deliver more capacity for commuters in advance of electrification of the lines on which they will operate, with the balance of 30 being electric-only.  The first trains will operate on the Drogheda to Dublin Commuter route, with recharging facilities under construction at Drogheda Station.

The arrival of the new fleet, from Alstom’s Chorzów facility near Katowice in Poland, marks a significant milestone in Iarnród Éireann’s journey to become the backbone of the sustainable transport network in Ireland.

The carriages are the first part of the largest and most sustainable public transport fleet order in Irish history and, once operational, will further improve network accessibility and customer experience by offering:

  • Independent access with low-floor height doorway being equipped with an automatic retractable step, offering the potential for unassisted level access from suitable platforms, aligned with platform enhancements.
  • Wide gangways between carriages creating an open and spacious environment.
  • Improved facilities for wheelchair users, families and cyclists, with dedicated wheelchair and family spaces.
  • Transformed customer information systems on-board including large, high-resolution onboard displays with real-time updates, door illumination and additional features designed for the needs of sensory impaired customers including inductive hearing loops.
  • An advanced on-board CCTV system with cameras throughout every carriage, to enhance safety and security for customers and employees

As the first train in a brand new fleet on the Iarnród Éireann network, the carriages will now begin a rigorous regulatory approval, and testing and commissioning process, at Inchicore Works and on the Greater Dublin Area rail network, before entering service in early 2026.

Each 10-carriage train, made up of two of these five car train sets joined, will be the longest train size operable by the new fleet on current infrastructure, and will have capacity for at least 1,100 customers.

More carriages will arrive steadily over the coming months, with each set undergoing the testing and commissioning process.