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.

How Material Sciences in Jewelry Create Hypoallergenic, Durable, and Sustainable Earrings

In recent years, material sciences have made a big impact on various industries, including jewelry. Jewelers are now integrating scientific insights into their designs, enhancing both functionality and appearance. This shift is especially noticeable with earrings, as there’s rising demand for pieces that are not only beautiful but also durable and safe for all skin types. This interest comes from growing awareness about different skin sensitivities and preferences among consumers. By using advanced materials, jewelry designers aim to create pieces that meet modern needs.

Here, technology and tradition blend together, showing how scientific advancements are reshaping the production of earrings and studs alike. You’ll discover the process of selecting quality materials, improving strength, ensuring skin compatibility, and adopting sustainable practices. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of how these innovations are setting new standards for jewelry design, shaping what consumers can expect from their favorite pieces.

Material Sciences in Jewelry

Material science is key to modern jewelry making, guiding choices and techniques for crafting earrings that work well for everyday wear. At its core, this field emphasizes how properties like hardness, flexibility, and conductivity impact the final product. For instance, metals like platinum or palladium add both shine and strength, while polymers and ceramics offer lightweight options with unique patterns. 

Understanding alloy composition is essential, as small changes can affect an earring’s durability and resistance to tarnish. These principles help address practical issues like skin sensitivity and lifespan. Combining technology with artisanal skills leads to innovative, beautiful, and comfortable earrings. Scientific advancements are transforming earring production by addressing the complexities of material selection, enhancing strength, ensuring skin compatibility, and incorporating sustainable sourcing and surface treatments.

Innovations in Durable Earring Materials

When it comes to durable earrings, new materials are changing how we think about strength and longevity without losing style. Engineers and designers now use advanced technologies like nanostructuring and metal matrix composites to make metals tougher for everyday wear. This means earrings stay shiny and keep their shape longer. 

Treatments like anodization and ion plating add protective layers to resist scratches and damage, extending the life of earrings without sacrificing beauty. For consumers, this means jewelry that not only looks stunning but also lasts—bringing together tradition and modern technology for durability and style.

Creating Hypoallergenic Earrings

To meet the demand for hypoallergenic earrings, jewelers now focus on using non-reactive metals and specific treatments for sensitive skin. Materials like titanium, niobium, and surgical-grade stainless steel are popular choices because they rarely cause allergies. Titanium, for instance, is strong and skin-friendly, making it ideal for people with sensitivities. 

Surface treatments like rhodium plating and oxide coatings add a protective layer, reducing direct contact with the skin. For customers, hypoallergenic earrings offer both comfort and peace of mind. Jewelers committed to these materials and methods show a dedication to inclusivity, making stylish earrings wearable for everyone.

Coatings and Surface Treatments

Coatings and surface treatments play a vital role in enhancing both the look and durability of earrings, helping them stay beautiful and last longer. Using processes like electroplating and vapor deposition, thin layers of metals or ceramics are applied to protect against tarnishing. This prevents oxidation, keeping earrings shiny and extending their lifespan by reducing wear. These treatments also make earrings more comfortable for sensitive skin; for instance, gold plating not only gives a luxurious finish but also limits exposure to allergens. 

These innovations ensure that earrings withstand daily wear while maintaining their appearance. For consumers, this means owning jewelry that lasts, combining beauty with engineering. For designers, it reflects a blend of tradition and technology, expanding what’s possible in modern jewelry design.

Sustainability and Ethical Material Sourcing

Today, sustainability and ethical sourcing are transforming jewelry production as awareness of environmental impact grows. Advances in material science are helping by making it possible to use recyclable and ethically sourced materials in jewelry, meeting the demand for eco-friendly products while keeping to strict environmental standards. For example, using recycled gold and silver cuts down on mining and its ecological footprint, while responsibly sourced gemstones support fair labor practices and local communities. 

These practices appeal to environmentally conscious buyers and set a new bar for ethical craftsmanship. Transparency in sourcing builds trust and connects buyers with the story behind each piece, showing that jewelry can be both beautiful and responsibly made. A great example of this are lab grown diamonds, which avoid the ethical concerns of mining and exploitation by being produced sustainably in a controlled environment.

The jewelry industry is entering a new era where science and ethics drive innovation, especially in earring production. With advanced materials, hypoallergenic options, and sustainable practices, jewelers are meeting modern demands for beauty, durability, and inclusivity. From hypoallergenic metals to protective coatings and ethically sourced gemstones, these advancements ensure that earrings not only look stunning but also provide comfort, longevity, and environmental consciousness. By blending tradition with cutting-edge material science, today’s earrings are setting new standards in quality and responsibility, redefining what consumers can expect from their jewelry.

1 in 7 Irish Workers have Felt Pressure to Act Unethically

About one in seven (15pc) Irish workers (on par with the global average) have felt pressure to act unethically and there has been a slight increase in the number of Irish employees who have felt pressured to compromise their organisation’s standards of behaviour over the last three years (up from 13pc in 2021 to 15pc in 2024).

Research released by the Institute of Business Ethics (IBE), in conjunction with Compliance Institute as a national partner, found some distinct differences between the experiences of men and women in Irish workplaces with twice as many men (16pc) as women (8pc) citing an unethical culture in their organisation as the main cause of pressure on them to bend the rules, while peer pressure is more likely to be a reason for women to act unethically than it is for men (27pc versus 19pc).

The Ethics at Work: 2024 International Survey of Employees was carried out by the Institute of IBE in conjunction with the Compliance Institute in Ireland, and polled 12,000 employees in 16 countries over four continents. A total of 750 of those surveyed were in Ireland.

Headline findings from the Ethics at Work: 2024 International Survey of Employees – Irish Edition reveal that:

  • The top five reasons people came under pressure to breach their organisation’s moral code were: following their boss’s orders (35pc), time pressure and unrealistic deadlines (27pc), under-resourcing at the workplace (26pc), a request to take shortcuts (25pc) and peer pressure (23pc). (See Table 3 below)
  • Women are more likely than men to feel swayed by their boss’s orders (42pc versus 29pc).
  • One in seven (14pc) Irish workers cited budgeting and financial pressures at the company as the main reason they came under pressure to act unethically.
  • Managers are twice as likely as non-managers to have come under pressure to breach their organisation’s standards of ethical conduct (23pc v 10pc).
  • More men (17pc) than woman (12pc) have felt compromised while younger staff were also more likely to have felt under pressure to bend the rules here with almost one in five (19pc) 18-34 year-olds admitting to this compared to 14pc of 35 -54 year-olds and 8pc of over-55s.
  • The research also found some geographic differences in feedback from workers when it comes to the likelihood to come under pressure to act unethically with Carlow (40pc), Donegal (30pc), Kilkenny (29pc), Cavan (25pc) and Kerry workers (23pc) being the most inclined to admit this. (See Table 2 below)

Commenting on the survey findings, Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute, said,

“If an employee feels pressure in the workplace to act unethically, for whatever reason, then there is something fundamentally wrong. It seems, from this survey, that depending on your age, gender and role within an organisation, that one in seven (15pc) workers in Ireland have felt this way – and this is of course concerning.

Putting pressure on employees to act unethically so that short-term business goals are reached is unlikely to be in the best long-term interests of the company and its staff. A Machiavellian approach or culture in work is likely to backfire for bosses, management and staff alike. It could damage a company’s brand, land management and employees in trouble with corporate regulators, and also lead to poor staff morale.

The research today also reflects the extent to which so much of the Irish workforce is grappling with time pressure and unrealistic deadlines  – and it is concerning that almost three in ten find themselves under pressure to act unethically as a result of this.  Employee burnout is increasingly becoming a feature of the modern workplace and this is likely to continue – recent research  found that four in ten Irish workers had found that their workload has risen significantly in the last 12 months. Irish workers need to be supported so they can achieve their work goals and deadlines – without having to bend the rules or take shortcuts to do so.”

Tolerance of ethics breaches

  • More than half of workers think rule breaches at work are simply inevitable, but one in four (26pc) disagree with this way of thinking.
  • Three in ten workers say they wouldn’t worry about minor breaches so long as they delivered on what they needed to on time and within in budget – though four in ten disagree with this rationale. Men are more likely than women to be tolerant of minor infractions (36pc v 27pc).
  • While the majority (70pc) believe it is not acceptable to artificially increase a company’s profits, about one in seven (15pc) workers deem it acceptable to do so – with twice as many men (21pc) as women (10pc) holding this view.

Mr Kavanagh added,

“While ‘minor’ breaches might seem acceptable to some workers, the concern is that such breaches could foster an unscrupulous workplace – and furthermore, there is always a danger that a ‘minor’ breach could in fact be much more serious than thought or even be the precursor to be much more serious breach.

While it is encouraging that most workers believe it is not acceptable to artificially boost a company’s profits, it is worrying that one in seven think it’s okay. This is an illegal practice which could not only land a company in trouble with the law, it could also cause severe reputational damage for the company and undermine investor confidence.”

Why TVCMALL is Your Top Choice for Wholesale Cellphone Cases and Bulk Purchases

In today’s fast-paced market, retailers need a reliable wholesaler with a strong supply chain to keep up with consumer demand for mobile accessories. TVCMALL stands out as a leading wholesaler for phone cases bulk purchases, offering a comprehensive selection, competitive pricing, and valuable support services that make bulk purchasing both easy and profitable.

1.Wide Range of Phone Cases in Bulk

TVCMALL provides retailers access to over 1 million unique SKUs in wholesale cellphone cases and accessories, covering styles such as clear, leather, silicone, and rugged cases. With 100,000 new items added weekly, businesses can stay on top of trends and cater to varied customer preferences. From sleek, clear phone cases bulk options for iPhones to durable, protective cases for active users, TVCMALL ensures that retailers can meet every type of demand with a diverse inventory.

 

  1. Competitive, Factory-Direct Pricing

TVCMALL’s competitive pricing is enabled by direct partnerships with over 3,000 factories and suppliers in their vast supply chain. This network allows TVCMALL to offer factory-direct pricing on all wholesale cellphone cases, giving businesses a chance to maximize profit margins while providing customers with affordable products. By purchasing phone cases bulk, retailers benefit from significant per-unit savings, and frequent discounts make TVCMALL a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes.

 

  1. Customization Options to Stand Out

Customization is a growing fashion in the phone case industry. Consumers love including a non-public contact to their smartphone cases, whether through their names, initials, or creative designs. To help businesses differentiate in a crowded market, TVCMALL offers both OEM and ODM services for phone cases bulk. Retailers can add brand logos, create unique designs, or even develop fully custom cases that align with their brand identity. These customizable wholesale cellphone cases add value for customers and boost repeat sales, making TVCMALL an ideal partner for retailers looking to offer something unique.

 

  1. Reliable Shipping and Global Supply Chain Reach

With a highly efficient supply chain that delivers to over 200 countries and serves 1.5 million users worldwide, TVCMALL guarantees reliable and timely shipping for phone cases bulk orders. Whether a retailer is based in North America, Europe, or elsewhere, TVCMALL’s dependable logistics ensure smooth order fulfillment. This robust supply chain minimizes stock disruptions, allowing businesses to keep up with demand and stay competitive.

 

  1. High-Quality, Certified Products

Quality is a priority for TVCMALL. Every certified item in their wholesale cellphone cases catalog undergoes thorough inspections by experienced quality control teams at partnered factories. Each product comes with a certification report, providing retailers and their customers with confidence in product durability and safety. Whether it’s premium clear cases that resist yellowing or eco-friendly materials, TVCMALL’s rigorous quality control promotes customer satisfaction and encourages repeat purchases.

 

  1. Value-Added Services and Personalized Support

As a comprehensive wholesaler, TVCMALL goes beyond product sales by offering a suite of value-added services to support business growth. These services include custom labeling, packaging, warehousing, API integration, and factory audits—all designed to streamline operations and enhance product presentation. TVCMALL also provides one-on-one customer service, assigning a dedicated representative to each client to assist with everything from placing phone cases bulk orders to tracking shipments. This personalized support helps businesses thrive and maximizes the value of a partnership with TVCMALL.

 

Top Benefits of Buying Clear iPhone Cases in Bulk

Clear iPhone cases remain popular among consumers for their minimalist design and essential protection. Sourcing these wholesale cellphone cases in bulk from TVCMALL offers multiple advantages, including competitive pricing, high-quality materials that prevent yellowing, and options from trusted brands like Torras and MOFI. By stocking up on clear iPhone cases bulk and other popular styles, retailers can attract a broad customer base while boosting profit margins.

 

Conclusion

If you’re looking to boost your online sales, partnering with a professional B2B wholesaler like TVCMALL is the key to success. With over 1 million products, competitive factory-direct pricing, a reliable supply chain for fast global shipping, and comprehensive value-added services, TVCMALL empowers retailers to meet customer demands and thrive in a competitive market. Take your business to the next level—request a quote today and discover the benefits of working with an industry-leading B2B wholesaler.

Vodafone awards four small Irish businesses display advertising at the Aviva Stadium for the Autumn International Series games

Vodafone Business has announced the winners of its ‘Your Business Can’ competition. These four small Irish businesses, SOS Cookies from Limerick, The Farmhouse.ie from Longford, and Dublin-based JANDO and Lotts & Co. have been awarded an unparalleled opportunity to advertise their brands at the iconic Aviva Stadium during the Autumn International Series. With over 50,000 fans attending events and broadcasts reaching both local and international audiences on channels like RTE and TNT Sports, this prize offers these small businesses a significant leap in global visibility.

The competition, now in its fourth year, is worth over €25,000 in media value per winner. JANDO’s brand will light up the Ireland vs. New Zealand on 8th November, while Lotts & Co. will shine during the clash with Argentina the following week. The Farmhouse.ie will feature as Ireland take on Fiji and SOS Cookies will close out the series at the Australia game on 30th November.

The prize will see JANDO, Lotts & Co., The Farmhouse.ie and SOS Cookies branding flash up on perimeter advertising boards which line the pitch throughout each game. Studio time for each winner to design their creative advert was included in the prize. Adding a personal touch, JANDO, who have built their business on their creative flair, took the opportunity to design their own unique in-stadium branding.

JANDO, based in Dublin 1, founded by Wicklow couple Julie and Owen, is known for its striking and vibrant, architectural landmark-themed art prints which are sold online and in their studio.

Lotts & Co. is owned by John Byrne, brothers Barry and Paul McNerney and run by Managing Director Rory English. From their three locations in Dublin—Clontarf, Terenure, and Beggars Bush—they offer a range of high-quality, chef-prepared meals, fresh produce, and gourmet groceries, both in-store and online. In addition, they provide catering services and gifting hampers.

Family run, The Farmhouse.ie is based in Abbeyshrule Co.Longford and is run by Pat and Fiona McCormack, with the help of their two children. The Farmhouse.ie produce honey and pure beeswax candles from their farm which is home to over 1 million native bees in the summer. They specialise in locally sourced produce which they sell both online and in store.

SOS Cookies, founded by Sarah O’Sullivan from Ballysheed in Limerick, started as a passion project over the pandemic and is now on track to produce over 700,000 cookies to meet the demand of online customers and its three stores nationwide including its primary location in the Milk Market, Limerick and pop up stores in Dundrum Shopping Centre and Arnott’s in Dublin.

Vodafone Ireland has been the main sponsor of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) since 2016. As part of this sponsorship, Vodafone shares a number of exclusive benefits with its customers, allowing them to feel part of the #TeamOfUs.This competition along with practical supports like V-Hub, a free digital support service offering tailored advice to help businesses navigate their digital transformation journey, are just some of the ways Vodafone is supporting small businesses just like JANDO, Lotts & Co, The Farmhouse.ie and SOS Cookies.

Julie McLoughlin, Cofounder at JANDO said: ‘’Winning this prize is a dream come true. The exposure it provides our brand is priceless, and the chance to create our own artwork for the stadium is truly incredible. We cannot wait to see it on match day.’’

Rory English, Managing Director of Lotts & Co said: “Having our brand showcased in the Aviva Stadium, close to our stores, is a huge milestone. This exposure will boost our visibility and customer engagement, especially as we gear up for the busy Christmas season.”

Pat McCormack, Cofounder at The Farmhouse.ie said: ‘’Winning this competition means a lot to our family business. Seeing our brand featured in the stadium is a wonderful opportunity, and we’re really excited to see our advertising on match day.’’

Sarah O’Sullivan, Founder & CEO of SOS Cookies said: ‘’As a Limerick founded business that has seen rapid expansion online and through pop up stores in Dublin, it is fantastic to get this brand visibility on an international stage.’’

Amanda Nelson, CEO at Vodafone Ireland said: ‘’We are really proud to champion and support businesses just like JANDO, Lotts & Co., The Farmhouse.ie and SOS Cookies as we know they play a crucial role in driving economic growth and creating employment all over Ireland. They have all embraced the benefits of digital transformation, meaning they can truly benefit from the global exposure this prize offers. It is fantastic to share the benefits of our sponsorship with passionate businesses like Julie, Owen, John, Barry , Paul,  Rory, Pat, Fiona and Sarah.’’

Sustainability Trends in Irish Businesses

Irish businesses are increasing their focus on sustainability according to the latest EY Ireland’s State of Sustainability report, as an increased understanding of sustainability, its impact on the bottom line, and a desire to create a more sustainable business approach becomes embedded across the economy.

At a time of growing scrutiny around transparency and authenticity of sustainability credentials, business leaders are also reporting a rise in concern around accusations of greenwashing, as well as increased prioritisation of sustainable practices by investors in the capital markets, directly linking ESG performance with financial opportunity.

The report, which surveyed 200 senior sustainability decision-makers across the public and private sector in Ireland, reveals that 81% of respondents report a heightened focus on sustainability over the past year, a 19% increase from the last survey in 2022. This is the largest percentage increase noted in the study, indicating that Irish businesses are now making a significant commitment to sustainability. The findings suggest progress is being made by Irish businesses when it comes to sustainability, as 74% of respondents rate their efforts on sustainability as ‘established or better’, a rise from 61% in 2022, and 15% consider their efforts ‘industry leading’, doubling from 7% in 2022. However, 35% of respondents feel their organisation is not doing enough, a notable rise from 17% in 2022, showing that there is still more to do.

Meanwhile, awareness of the negative impact and reputational risks of misleading sustainability claims is growing as 35% of respondents indicate that fear of greenwashing influences their communication strategies, a significant increase from 13% in 2022.

Key sustainability motivations

Increased stakeholder interest, regulations, and perceived bottom-line benefits are key motivating factors driving sustainability in organisations. Almost two thirds (65%) of businesses reported wider stakeholder enquiries about sustainability impact, up from 49% in 2022. More than half (58%) believe demonstrating a greater commitment to sustainability is necessary for them to get access to capital and 36% of businesses are looking to improve their position on sustainability by merging with or acquiring another company. Interestingly, almost a third (30%) indicated they are increasingly assessing the sustainability status of target companies when considering a merger or acquisition.

Derarca Dennis, EY Ireland Partner and Sustainability Services Lead says: “It’s very encouraging to see a shift amongst Irish businesses towards a better understanding of sustainability, its impact on the bottom line, and a real desire to create a more sustainable business approach across all sectors. The findings show the link between sustainability and profitability is increasingly influencing the corporate strategies of Irish organisations, including how they approach mergers and acquisitions. As companies embrace this agenda, it’s vital they engage with all stakeholders to create a more resilient and sustainable business.”

Regulatory concerns

Negotiating a path through complex new and existing EU regulations is the leading sustainability-related concern for organisations with the EU Emissions Trading System cited as a cause for concern by almost two-thirds (65%). That is followed by supply chain due diligence (62%), likely driven by the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). More than half (54%) of respondents were concerned about the EU Deforestation Regulation, which has far-reaching implications for what can and cannot be produced or sold within the EU, and plastic packaging-related measures were cited by 46%, relating to the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

The regulation which is of the least concern is the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), cited by just 15%. This is likely because many organisations believe they are prepared to meet CSRD and International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) reporting obligations. 52% said they are either very prepared or have established reporting practices in place, while just 10% said their organisations are not prepared at all.

Supply chain responsibility

Sustainability regulations such as CSRD and CSDDD are designed to make organisations more sustainable by making them responsible not only for their own impacts but also for those of their supply chains, so it is not surprising to see that 62% of respondents cite supply chain due diligence as their biggest sustainability-related concern.

Levels of engagement with supply chain suppliers on ESG reporting by organisation varies. 26% have not engaged with their supply chain on ESG reporting at all to date, while 19% of businesses have had initial conversations and 17% have had advanced discussions about the importance of collaboration.

Encouragingly half (50%) of all organisations have technology solutions in place to gather data from their supply chains for compliance purposes while 32% have systems to gather information in order to assess the ESG performance of their supply chains.

Derarca Dennis says: “Given the growing demands of regulators, investors and consumers for sustainable supply chains, organisations that have not yet started engaging and collaborating with their supply chains run the risk of being left behind. We need to continue to see more organisations having advanced discussions with suppliers and putting sustainability reporting systems in place. Technology will have a critical role to play in supply chain engagement. Vast amounts of data from disparate sources will need to be collected, curated, analysed, and put into a form that meets regulatory standards. There is a huge opportunity for companies that want to get sustainable procurement right.”

Majority introduces the Moto Plus Bluetooth Turntable with 2.0 Bookshelf Speakers

Following the triumphant success of the Majority Moto, Majority, a leading innovator in audio technology, introduces its impressive Moto Plus Turntable and Bookshelf Speakers with Bluetooth, USB Recording, Audio-Technica cartridge and a precision-engineered dampening platter. This cutting-edge audio solution is set to redefine the home entertainment experience, delivering unparalleled sound quality and an immersive musical experience.

With 5.3 Bluetooth capability, easily pair your devices for wireless music streaming and pair with Bluetooth devices for room-filling audio. Perfectly complemented by the exceptional sound reproduction of the Audio Technica AT3600L cartridge, the Majority Moto Plus ensures a superior listening experience for both classic and new vinyl releases.

Teamed with a stylish pair of bookshelf speakers with a walnut wooden finish to match the turntable and a 2.0 Speaker Channel, the Moto Plus is the next generation of turntable entertainment from Majority to deliver surround sound across both physical and digital media.

Complete with a precision-engineered dampening platter and feet minimize vibrations, the Majority Moto provides a stable foundation for your vinyl records and delivers a distortion-free sound experience. Additionally, the Majority-branded slip mat for smooth rotation and reduced friction, enhances the overall performance.

With a sleek design, precision tonearm, and user-friendly controls, this turntable is where style meets function for home entertainment.

The Moto is available on Amazon for £129.95 today

Key Features of the Majority Moto Plus:

  • 2.0 Bookshelf Speakers
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: In & Out
  • AT3600L Audio-Technica Cartridge
  • USB Recording
  • Dampening Platter
  • Plays 33/45/78 Vinyl Records
  • Dimensions: 45.1cm x 20.1cm x 41.8cm; 3kg

See our Majority Reviews 

Majority unveils the D100 Bookshelf Speakers

Majority, a leading innovator in audio technology, introduces the Majority D100 Bookshelf Speakers. With a 3-driver sound system, this is the most powerful addition to their speaker range.

Where style meets substance, the Majority D100 not only awakens your home audio but features premium rotary dials, a sleek remote control and removable cover for an innovative aesthetic.

Designed for the audiophile who is craving perfection, the D100’s 3-driver sound system work in perfect harmony to enhance every beat and melody to deliver crisp mids and clear highs. Alongside this, the Xtra Bass ensures deep resonant lows for room-filling sound.

Housing an astounding 100W of power, the D100 Bookshelf Speakers packs a wallop for a revolutionary sound experience, making them the seamless fit for gaming, movies, music, sport and more.

Providing excellent sound fidelity, the premium metal speaker cones offer low density, reduces dampening and eliminates inconsistency, while delivering outstanding audio quality.

Equipped with 5.3 Bluetooth connectivity, listeners have the pleasure of experiencing wireless audio, and the freedom to take their pick of connectivity ranging from HDMI ARC to Optical.

Additionally, the D100 Speakers prove its multi-capability via the USB port- not only audio be streamed, but smartphones can also be charged using the same port.

The D100 is available on Amazon for £119 now

mophie Celebrates rebrand with the launch of the Juice Pack for iPhone 16 series

mophie, a leading brand in power and innovator of intelligent solutions for mobile devices, has announced a new brand identity, including a refreshed corporate logo. The new branding represents a major evolution for mophie, reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation, user experience, and providing powerful charging solutions. The new brand identity aims to embody mophie’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to delivering top-tier charging solutions that empower users to stay powerful.
In celebration of the new logo and brand identity, mophie today announced the Juice Pack cellphone battery case for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max that bear elements of the company’s new brand identity. The newest iteration of the Juice Pack expands mophie’s robust range of portable charging solutions, offering a convenient way to keep devices powered throughout the day. Tailored specifically for iPhone 16, Juice Pack contains an internal 2,800-3,600 mAh lithium-ion battery, providing ample capacity to ensure users stay powered without interruptions.
Product features include:
·         A key enhancement with the iPhone 16-compatible Juice Pack is its integrated passive magnet, allowing users to easily attach Qi2 and MagSafe-compatible accessories, such as car mounts, wallets, and stands. This feature offers greater flexibility and convenience, letting users easily secure iPhone in various setups whether at home, in the car, or on the move.
·         Staying true to mophie’s legacy of smart power management, the updated Juice Pack features the advanced Priority Plus pass-through charging technology. This intelligent feature delivers power first to iPhone when connected to an external power source, and then recharges the battery case itself. This guarantees a seamless and efficient charging experience, minimizing downtime for users.
·         Designed with user comfort in mind, Juice Pack for iPhone 16 offers a soft-touch finish using a premium acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material, ensuring a comfortable grip that feels great in the hand. Despite the robust internal battery, the case maintains a slim and ergonomic profile, with strategically reinforced edges that provide protection against everyday bumps and drops.
In a continued effort toward sustainability, mophie has incorporated up to 50% post-consumer recycled materials into the Juice Pack for iPhone 16.1
Additional Juice Pack Technical Specifications:
iPhone 16: contains an internal 2,800 mAh battery
·         L: 16.91 mm (0.67 in)
·         W: 75.6 mm (2.97 in)
·         H: 161.34 mm (6.35 in)
iPhone 16 Pro: contains an internal 2,800 mAh battery
·         L: 17.3 mm (0.68 in)
·         W: 75.45 mm (2.97 in)
·         H: 163.85 mm (6.45 in)
iPhone 16 Pro Max: contains an internal 3,600 mAh battery
·         L: 17.3 mm (0.68 in)
·         W: 81.1 mm (3.19 in)
·         H: 174 mm (6.85 in)
Availability:
The mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max (£99.95) are available today at mophie.com. Each product includes a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, offering peace of mind with each purchase.2

Beta Festival, Ireland’s art and technology festival starts today

Featuring a robot that rolls its eyes at live social media algorithms, the opportunity to reduce emissions by distracting fossil fuel companies and digital tools that investigate real-life conspiracies, Beta runs until Sunday, November 17th at The Digital Hub and wider Dublin 8 area.
Co-founded and supported by The Digital Hub, Beta has announced a full line-up of artists, exhibitions, installations and workshops that will focus on the key theme of the relationship between technology and power, with specific focus areas including artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology.
In addition, a first-of-its-kind Assembly on AI and Art will bring together leading experts in technology and culture to discuss critical areas in the arts industry which are impacted by AI and should be considered for future policy developments. AI Ambassador for Ireland Patricia Scanlon will be among the facilitators leading discussions.
Cannes Film Festival winner Noire, the Unknown Life of Claudette Colvin will make its Irish debut at this year’s Beta Festival at the Samuel Beckett Theatre from Thursday, November 7th to Sunday, November 10th. Noire tells the real-life story of 15-year-old Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in a segregated 1950s Alabama. The production uses virtual reality to provide viewers with an immersive digital experience. Tickets for Noire are limited and range from €15 – €22.
Beta will also host an international exhibition Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance, which will explore how digital systems and algorithms shape, influence and govern our daily lives. Curated by Aisling Murray and Nora O’ Murchú, the exhibition will feature artists including Basil Al-Rawi, Tega Brain and Sam Levigne, Firas Shehadeh, and Winnie Soon and Tzu-Tung Lee among others.
Separately, the Local Artists Network will spotlight emerging Irish artists with new work from Conan McIvor and new commissions from Aisling Phelan and Cailean Finn. Both exhibitions are free of charge and will run from Friday, November 1st to Sunday, November 17th. Additional workshops covering digital democracy, facial recognition technology and artist networking events are taking place over the two weeks and will be free of charge to attendees.
Events and exhibitions will take place predominantly in buildings across The Digital Hub campus, including iD8 Studio, The Bank and wider Dublin areas including Pallas Projects Studios, Fire Station Artists Studio and the Samuel Beckett Theatre.
Beta will officially launch on Friday, November 1st with events including the Assembly on AI and Art, keynote from Abeba Birhane as well as free workshops and panel discussions.
The conference over the opening weekend will cover topics from digital activism to immersive storytelling, algorithmic resistance and future archives. Tickets for the conferences are available to purchase from the Beta website from €15 – €25.
Key highlights from the weekend will include:
  • Samuel Beckett Theatre will host performances from Noire, an immersive virtual reality performance that tells the story of Claudette Colvin who refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in the 1950s segregated Alabama. Directed by Stéphane Foenkinos and Pierre-Alain Giraud.
  • The Ethics Studio, a space for members of the public to engage with real ethical concerns and potential real-world impacts of new and emerging technologies developed with the festival research partner ADAPT Research Centre. This will include The Bigger Picture – an exhibition of new commissions that challenge outdated tropes and offers a more grounded, realistic portrayal of AI.
  • Keynote talks from Kay Watson, Head of Arts Technologies at London’s Serpentine Gallery and Abebe Birhane, who is a member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s AI Advisory Body and was featured in the TIME 100 Most Influential People in AI list.
  • International exhibition Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance, which will explore how algorithms and technology influence and impact our daily lives, with work including Cold Call, a call centre that reimagines carbon offsetting by encouraging viewers to call fossil fuel companies and distract them for as long as possible, delaying carbon-emitting activities.
The opening will take place on Friday, November 1st with a preview of the exhibition at The Digital Hub, with a reception supported by Diageo Ireland.
Aisling Murray, co-founder and director of Beta Festival, commented:
“In a moment where much of our interaction with the world is mediated by screens and dominated by AI-driven narratives —both utopian and dystopian—Beta aims to create a space where people can come together to critically explore the complexities of our digital culture. This year’s festival brings together artists, researchers, and technologists to examine the power dynamics embedded in new technologies and offer alternative approaches to how we engage with them. Through exhibitions, workshops, and discussions, we hope to empower the public with a sense of agency, encouraging them to question, resist, and rethink the platforms that shape our daily lives.
Ireland is uniquely positioned at this intersection of art, research, and technology, with a wealth of creative talent and intellectual rigor, alongside some of the world’s leading tech companies. By bringing these diverse voices into conversation, we aim to spark meaningful public engagement with the critical issues surrounding technology today. I am so grateful to The Digital Hub for supporting this project and seeing its value and relevance and am excited for this year’s edition.”
Fiach Mac Conghail, co-founder of Beta Festival and CEO of The Digital Hub, added:
“The Digital Hub has a strong track record of supporting digital technology industries, creative enterprises and community learning programmes in our Dublin 8 community and wider area. Beta aims to be a culmination of activities within the Liberties campus and act as a starting point to foster discussions on how we can make complex technologies more accessible and tangible for all communities. Beta’s programme for 2024 gives us a prime position to further these objectives and create a meaningful impact with communities interested in art and technology. We are delighted to see the return of Beta following its successful first year and look forward to seeing the work of many great artists and greet the visitors that join us for the festival from November 1st.”
The Digital Hub and Aisling Murray are being supported in its preparations for Beta by Science Week, Ambassade de France en Irlande and Institut Français, British Council, ADAPT Research Centre, Smart Dublin, Fire Station Artist’s Studio, Creative Futures Academy, The Arts Council and Pallas Projects.
Beta Festival will kick off Friday, 1st November with a variety of events and exhibitions during that time with the centrepiece exhibition, Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance and additional events at The Digital Hub running until Sunday, 17th November.
To find out more about Beta Festival 2024 and how to purchase event tickets, visit https://2024.betafestival.ie/