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.

BBC announce Olympic related content for international audiences

The BBC have today announced extensive content from Paris during the Olympic Games for international audiences (ex-UK). The BBC is bringing people together so they can watch, listen to and read the latest from Paris, with comprehensive international coverage across its digital, TV, audio and newsletter platforms, and special content across the BBC News channel, BBC.com/Sport, newsletters, podcasts and features.

BBC Sport

Throughout the games BBC.com/Sport will have a dedicated “Paris 2024” sub-section which will cover the latest news from the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It will feature live text commentaries with the latest medal winners, expert analysis and user interaction; in-depth reporting on key athletes, major medal events, the host city and newsworthy events around Paris. There will also be regular star name columns from some high-profile former Olympians and Paralympians including Michael Johnson and Steve Cram. As well as live medal tables, schedules of events with results and stats, a day-by-day guide, as well as interactive content including a daily Olympic quiz and audience voting.

TechXplore

The BBC News channel’s technology and travel programme TechXplore will be airing three very special episodes before and during the games, exploring how cutting-edge technology and innovations are influencing how athletes train and compete, and also how the games are broadcast and experienced by viewers around the world.

In the first episode ‘Countdown to the Games’ (TX July 20th weekend), BBC tech journalist and huge Olympic and Paralympic fan, Paul Carter goes behind-the-scenes to see how technology underpins so much of the Olympics and Paralympics – from the events themselves to the way ‘digital twins’ of most of the key venues have been created in the virtual world. These simulations allow organisers, broadcasters and athletes to see precisely how these arenas will operate before they are even built, reducing the number of site visits needed to Paris. TechXplore also gets a sneak peek at the tools developed to streamline the Olympic experience for fans and athletes including the private 5G networks installed to help capture the opening ceremony and sailing events.

In episode two ‘The Global Experience’ (TX August 10th weekend) Carter continues his tech journey looking next at how the events taking place in the summer games in Paris will be experienced by a global audience. With AI and the Cloud transforming the global experience of the Paris games, this will be the first ever games not to use satellites as a key component in the broadcast infrastructure, instead all footage will be transferred via huge data centres in Frankfurt to broadcasters around the world, making the Paris Games far more sustainable than previous competitions.

The third episode ‘Breaking Barriers’ (TX August 17th weekend), airing in between the Olympics and Paralympics, sees Carter head to join the crowds in Paris to capture and join in with their experiences during some of the exciting highs and lows of the Olympic action. This is an opportunity for Paul to witness for himself some of the Paris atmosphere and to test the technology transforming the fan experience, including maps which are designed to help visually impaired people navigate the city and its venues.

Paul Carter, host of TechXplore Paris said: “As a lifelong fan of the Olympics and Paralympics, it’s been a privilege to see up-close how Paris will depend on technology like never before. From athletes to venues to broadcasters, tech will play a key role in making these Games a success and it’s been a real joy discovering what’s happening behind the scenes and I can’t wait for people to see it.”

TechXplore Paris ‘Countdown to the Games’ airs on BBC News on Saturday 20th July at 01:30 and 07:30 and Sunday 21st July at 14:30 and 21:30 (all times GMT).

BBC News Channel

There is a lot more Olympic related content across the BBC News Channel too, with a number of its flagship programmes including Influential with Katty Kay, The Travel Show and Talking Movies, as well as other special programming, all sharing a theme of celebration of the upcoming games.

The second season of the popular interview series Influential with Katty Kay, features four episodes with sporting legends in basketball legend Magic Johnson, alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn, track and field star Jackie Joyner-Kersee and 2-time Olympic gold medal gymnast Aly Raisman.

There will also be a repeat of the Paris special of The Travel Show titled ‘Paris: Beyond 2024’ (airing Saturday 20th July) which aired earlier this year, in which former Paralympian Steve Brown visited Paris to find out how the games are transforming the city.

Pedal to Paris will see UK celebrities traveling by bike from London to Paris and discuss issues of pollution, sustainability in sport, and beating the heat. Content will be featured across digital as well as on the BBC News Channel.

Film programme Talking Movies have also produced a special French Cinema Classics episode (repeating in August) , celebrating one of the most successful film industries in Europe.

Alongside all this special content, BBC News channel’s regular sports update Sportsday will have a reporter on location in Paris to capture the Olympic atmosphere and excitement providing updates on the games plus interviews with athletes and commentators. The programme airs at 23:45 (GMT) with overnight repeats.

Audio

In podcasts from BBC World Service English, Comedian Eliza Skinner and BBC Athletics Commentator Ed Harry interview remarkable athletes about the journeys they took to the Olympics and Paralympics in On the Podium. Presenter Rana Rahimpour takes a deep dive into the complicated relationship between Iran and its heroes with the deeply personal Amazing Sports Stories: Legend of Takhti which tells the story of the extraordinary Gholamreza Takhti, the multiple gold Olympic medal-winner, who in January 1968, was found dead in a Tehran hotel room.

BBC World Service English, will also host  Olympics news and updates from Paris in special editions of Sportsworld and Sport Today, presented  by Lee James, with on-site reporters, Ed Harry and Ade Adedoyin. Isaac Fanin will have reports and interviews on Newsday, while Sportshour, presented by Caroline Barker, will provide the human-interest stories behind the medals.

There are also a number of Olympic related audio documentaries across BBC World Service English throughout July and August including:

The Next Paralympians (TX: Saturday 24th Aug) presented by Dan Pepper, a British ex-Paralympic swimmer who has a learning disability, tells the story of pioneering athletes who are the first to represent their country at the Paralympics in the intellectual disability classification.

In Courting Success – A Journey to Paris 2024 (TX: Thurs 29th August) we hear about the life and career of wheelchair tennis champion Kgothatso Montjane, who has powerful feelings regarding diversity, equity and inclusion in sport and was the first black South African woman to compete at Wimbledon.

The gay activists who won an Olympic-sized battle (TX: Thurs 25th July) tells the inspiring story of a small campaign group who forced a change after the legislators in Cobb County Atlanta, a venue for the volleyball competition at the 1996 Olympics, passed a resolution in 1993 stating that “lifestyles advocated by the gay community are incompatible with the standards to which this community describes”.

In India’s Wrestling School for Girls (TX: Thurs 25th July) BBC Journalist Divya Arya looks at how young girls living in In the industrial town of Haryana in Northern India, are breaking barriers by training to become the next generation of gold medal winning wrestlers – and what it takes to become an Indian wrestling heroine.

And finally, with this year’s Olympic Games in Paris seeing the introduction of breakdancing as a new sport, B-girl Raygun – Breaking into the Olympics (TX: Tues 6th August) follows Rachael Gunn, known as b-girl Raygun, the highest ranked female breaker in Australia and her nation’s biggest hope for a gold medal. What techniques can she use to prepare for the unknown? And where does sport end and art begin?

Newsletter

The BBC Sport team will also be delivering a daily newsletter called BBC Medal Moments offering readers a global picture from the greatest sporting show on earth. BBC Sport has every angle covered from the Paris Olympics – the medal haul, the athletes to watch, the stories behind the remarkable journeys many have taken to earn their place at the Games, recaps of the can’t-miss highlights from the previous day’s action – and looks ahead to what to watch out for, and is available for sign-ups now.

Features

Sections across BBC.com will also have plenty of content including:

Earth will be publishing a series on Sports and Sustainability delving into the environmental impact of the Olympic games.

Innovation will be looking into the Science of Fitness with topics ranging from Olympic sports to everyday athleticism. It will also be covering the Paris Paralympics, looking at how tech can improve accessibility to and beyond sport.

Travel will feature its twice-weekly guide, The SpeciaList, which will be providing a local take on France, Paris and beyond, for those interested in more than just the games. Whilst The World’s Table will have interviews with the French chefs running the world’s largest restaurant: the one at Olympic Village.

Culture will also cover related topics ranging from significant moments of Olympic history to the teams with the best style today.

 

Cassian Harrison, SVP Content Creation & Acquisition at BBC Studios said: ‘As always, the BBC is marking the world’s oldest sporting festival with all the richness, depth and authority that only the BBC can bring. Across our digital, television and audio platforms, we will be offering a definitive but also singular and surprising overview of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games for our audiences worldwide’.

CitySwift announces latest UK partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester

CitySwift, leader in performance optimisation for the public transport sector across the globe, has partnered with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), local government body responsible for transport in the Manchester region. This partnership looks to power the future of Manchester’s public transport network through the use of AI and data.

This move makes TfGM the first franchised transport authority in the UK to utilise AI to deliver more reliable, frequent and quicker bus journeys, building on the Greater Manchester Bus Strategy announced last year. The plans laid out in this report highlight Greater Manchester’s vision for the future bus network, aiming to make buses the first choice for more journeys within the Bee Network.

The strategy sets an initial target of a 30% increase in bus patronage by 2030 from 2022/23 levels, equating to nearly 50 million additional bus journeys annually. This growth will be driven by improvements such as a more integrated, user-friendly, and frequent network, and better infrastructure for reliable bus journeys, with CitySwift playing a key role in this transition.

Founded in 2016 by Brian O’Rourke and Alan Farrelly, CitySwift’s performance optimisation platform gives operators and transport authorities insights, recommendations, and predictions, supporting them in the delivery of efficient, reliable and in-demand services.

CitySwift empowers public transport authorities and operators to achieve unparalleled efficiency by leveraging advanced analytics, simulations, and optimisations. With its easy-to-use industry-leading technology, CitySwift envisions a future where public transport is the travel mode of choice for all people.

Speaking on today’s announcement, Brian O’Rourke, CEO and Co-founder of CitySwift said “The goals and vision set out in the Great Manchester Bus Strategy speak clearly to our mission at CitySwift – grow patronage with frequent and more reliable buses.. I am thrilled that we’re partnering with TfGM, supporting them in achieving this goal through our transport data-solutions, as we continue to build the smart cities of the future.”

 

Through this partnership, TfGM will have access to CitySwift’s performance data across the entire Bee Network, helping to identify trends and pain points such as traveller destinations and service performance, allowing them to recognise where improvements should be made to benefit passengers. Additionally TfGM will leverage CitySwift’s latest product offering, Spotlight, a globally leading intelligent recommendation engine for bus network enhancements.

Designed for stakeholders, the product enhances decision-making by providing AI-powered insights into performance and resource parameters like timeliness, cost, and vehicle numbers through scanning the whole network, executing optimisation variations, and proposing ROI improvements.

Catherine Towey, Senior Lead for Bus Franchising at TfGM said: “Customers are at the heart of the Bee Network and by working with CitySwift we will be able to see more clearly than ever how services are performing. We can then use this information prioritise improvements and deliver a better service for passengers.”

Powered by AI data processing, CitySwift optimises over 1 billion passenger journeys annually, working with public sector transport authorities and private bus operators to break down the barriers to accessing and interpreting transport data, replacing manual analysis with reliable, actionable insights. This solution enhances efficiency, benefiting drivers, passengers, partners, and cities, whilst remaining human-centric throughout.

This news follows a series of other partnerships for the data transportation company across the UK, including National Express, Transport North East, Transdev Blazefield, and trentbarton. Since its inception, CitySwift has grown to have a presence across the UK, US and its home territory of Ireland, covering transport networks in all major UK cities.

Creating Secure and Efficient Payment Systems with Blockchain in iGaming

Blockchain technology has changed the technological landscape by providing an alternative to traditional technology models.

This change is present in payment systems that power iGaming activities. Players need to fund their accounts to play games, and the infrastructure has to be reliable to facilitate transactions. There are many problems with the current state of online payments. We have highlighted some of these problems and the solutions that blockchain has provided. Let’s begin!

Current Challenges in iGaming Payments

Operators and players are unable to perform seamless transactions with the current payment systems.  Withdrawing and depositing funds is a big part of online gaming. This is why iGaming crypto excitement has picked up steam with the introduction of the blockchain. Here are some of the problems associated with iGaming payments.

Security Threats

The current security measures available to protect online payments are subject to attacks from bad actors. Phishing emails, keyloggers, SQL injections and other hacking techniques are used to attack iGaming websites. When these attacks are successful, it can lead to serious security implications for players. Loss of funds, personal data, and other negative consequences can deter new players from gaming online.  

Payment Fees

When players make transactions online, they pay processing fees. These fees increase the cost of funding gaming accounts and create a barrier to entry. If players do not have enough money to cover the fees, they are prevented from gaming. The amount charged on fees is dependent on the payment processor used on the iGaming website. These charges usually vary between 1% and 5% of the amount sent to or from the website. These charges are listed and players can choose the most affordable payment processor. Some examples of Payment processors include Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and Maestro. 

Slow Processing Time

The time it takes to send money between an iGaming website and your bank account varies. It could be as little as 10 minutes or as long as 5 days. The traditional payment infrastructure is designed with legacy technology that makes these processes slow. This creates a bottleneck that slows down the pace of playing and churns out users who cannot wait. Operators lose out on customers because of a factor that is beyond their control. The processing time depends on the payment method used. Card processors like Visa and Mastercard can take up to 3 days to clear.

Blockchain Solutions to iGaming Payments

The blockchain has provided different solutions for payments in the iGaming space. These solutions create efficiency and provide a secure environment for transactions. Here are some of the benefits blockchain payments provide. 

Security

Blockchain technology is secure and user data is safe from hacks. The structure of a blockchain ensures that its information is securely spread around computers or nodes. These nodes are all connected to the network and there is no central point of failure. All transactions are approved using proof of work or proof of stake principles. This security ensures that players can make payments seamlessly without any interruptions. 

Anonymity

Players love to be anonymous online. This protects their identity and allows them to game without fear or prejudice. Blockchain technology provides a layer of anonymity that allows players to make payments without exposing themselves. It also removes the need for AML (Anti-Money Laundry)  and KYC (Know Your Customer) checks, which operators use to verify the identity of players. Abstracting away this layer improves the payment experience and allows for more flexibility for players. 

Speed

Sending money through the blockchain is fast and nearly instant. Players no longer have to wait days to receive their funds. This will improve the gaming experience and create fast turnover for operators. It will also help operators to seamlessly pay players their winnings without delay or hassle. The benefits of speedy payments are noticeable for operators and players. This harmony will create an environment of trust and it will provide more options to players in remote areas. 

Low Fees

Players can send and receive money over the blockchain for little to no fees. Traditional payment methods require users to pay fees to cover the cost of transactions. Using the blockchain lowers these fees and removes the barrier to entry. Players who were previously excluded because of their weak financial capacity can now enjoy games online. Eliminating fees will also increase the profits of iGaming websites because players will have more money to add to their bankrolls. 

 

ZAGG launches new Samsung compatible accessories

ZAGG, the global leader in accessories and technologies that empower mobile lifestyles, today announced its strongest screen protection and case offerings designed for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Watch7, and Galaxy Watch Ultra. These accessories are designed to deliver durable protection to the latest devices from Samsung. ZAGG InvisibleShield screen protectors have even been certified to meet Samsung performance standards through the Samsung Mobile Accessory Partnership Program.

The ZAGG InvisibleShield product lineup for Flip6 and Fold6 includes:

Glass Elite (£29.99): made with aluminosilicate glass, Glass Elite is up to 5x stronger than traditional glass screen protection.Reinforced edges prevent cracks from starting and spreading. Glass Elite has a smooth, silky feel and ClearPrint™ technology that makes fingerprints virtually invisible when your screen is turned on.

  • Ultimate Scratch Protection: Aluminosilicate glass is strengthened with ion exchange technology for greater strength and scratch-resistance.
  • Smooth, Silky Feel: The surface has the same smooth, silky feel as your device’s original screen.

Glass Elite (Flip / Fold)

Glass Elite Anti-Reflective camera lens protection (£14.99): The pictures you capture on your phone are precious. Glass Elite Anti-Reflective lens protection has been tested up to 5x stronger than traditional glass screen protection and disperses light to enhance colour depth and vibrancy. Keep those camera lenses safe from scratches, surface damage, and the contents of your bag.

In addition to being SMAPP Glass Elite features anti-microbial properties that protect the screen protector by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria and guarding against degradation from microorganisms. It has also received a TÜV Rheinland Certified Green Product Mark, meaning it’s made with up to 30% recycled glass, installation trays are made from up to 100% recycled content, and packaging is up to 100% recyclable. And with recyclable packaging made from up to 100% recycled materials, Glass Elite has been certified by FSC, an organization working to protect healthy forests.

Glass elite (Camera Lens) (Flip / Fold)

The ZAGG case lineup for Flip6 and Fold6 includes:

Bridgetown (£39.99): Specially made for the Galaxy Z Flip6 and Z Fold6 folding designs, Bridgetown covers the back of the phones and frames the exterior displays for added protection. This slim, lightweight case has been tested and proven to protect your phone from drops up to 10 feet (3 meters). Bridgetown combines protection, function, and minimalist design.

  • Strengthened with Graphene: Graphene is harder than diamond, yet more elastic than rubber, and it’s up to 200x stronger than steel.
  • Designed to Fold: Bridgetown covers both back and front of the phone, framing the exterior display.
  • 78% Recycled Content: Bridgetown is made with up to 78% post-consumer recycled materials.
  • Wireless Charging Compatible: No need to remove the Bridgetown case to charge your phone.
  • Bridgetown (Flip RRP £39.99 / Fold RRP £44.99) 

Bridgetown Snap (£44.99): Bridgetown Snap includes all features of the Bridgetown case but adds magnets that are compatible with magnetic wireless chargers and accessories. Bridgetown Snap is made with up to 74% post-consumer recycled materials.

Device protection for Galaxy Watch7 (40mm, 44mm) and Galaxy Watch Ultra includes:

Ultra Eco (£19.99): This product protects your Galaxy Watch7 and Ultra while also protecting the planet.

  • Plant Based: Made with up to 99% plant-based materials.
  • Shatter Protection: Edge-to-edge impact and shatter protection for your flat or curved device.

EZ Apply® Installation: EZ Apply® tabs and an installation tray made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials make applying your InvisibleShield simple and accurate.

Like InvisibleShield screen protection for the Galaxy Z Flip6 and Fold6, Ultra Eco for the Samsung Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra features anti-microbial properties that protect the screen protector by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria and guarding against degradation from microorganisms.

Ultra Eco (7 & Ultra) (RRP £19.99)

See more on the new Samsung Series

Discover the Top Benefits of Rear View Cameras – Enhance Your Drive

In today’s fast-paced world, ensuring the safety and convenience of your driving experience is paramount. One effective way to enhance your vehicle is by installing a rear view camera. This article delves into the myriad benefits of rear view cameras and why they have become a popular choice among car owners.

 

Explore the wide range of premium car audio solutions at https://radioking.ie/. Enhance your driving experience with the best rear view cameras and Android car radios. Visit now!

Increased Security: Enhancing Your Peace of Mind

Rear view cameras significantly contribute to the overall security of your vehicle. By providing a clear view of what is behind your car, they help prevent accidents and enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians. Installing a rear view camera can be a proactive step in ensuring that you have an extra set of eyes, especially in blind spots that traditional mirrors might miss.

Reducing the Risk of Damage: Protecting Your Investment

One of the primary concerns for any car owner is avoiding damage to their vehicle. Rear view cameras can play a crucial role in mitigating this risk. By offering a detailed visual of the area behind your car, these cameras help you avoid obstacles that might otherwise go unnoticed. This not only protects your vehicle from potential damage but also helps in maintaining its value over time.

Convenient Parking: Simplifying the Process

Parking can be a challenging task, especially in crowded urban areas. Rear view cameras simplify this process by providing a clear and comprehensive view of the space behind your car. This assists drivers in making precise and safe parking maneuvers, reducing the stress and hassle associated with parking in tight spots. The convenience offered by rear view cameras makes them an indispensable tool for modern drivers.

Comparative Analysis: Traditional Mirrors vs. Rear View Cameras

Feature Traditional Mirrors Rear View Cameras
Field of View Limited to mirror angle Wide-angle, comprehensive view
Blind Spot Coverage Limited Extensive, minimal blind spots
Clarity in Low Light Poor, reliant on ambient light High, often with night vision
Obstacle Detection Visual estimation Real-time visual aid

As demonstrated in the table above, rear view cameras offer a superior driving experience compared to traditional mirrors. The enhanced field of view, better coverage of blind spots, and improved clarity in low light conditions make them a valuable addition to any vehicle.

Practical Applications and User Testimonials

Many drivers have experienced the benefits of rear view cameras firsthand. For instance, John, a regular commuter in Dublin, shares, “Installing a rear view camera in my car has been a game-changer. It not only makes parking easier but also gives me confidence when reversing in busy areas.”

Similarly, Emily, who frequently drives in the city, notes, “The rear view camera has significantly reduced my stress while driving. Knowing that I have a clear view of what’s behind me at all times is incredibly reassuring.”

These practical applications and positive user experiences highlight the growing importance and preference for rear view cameras among drivers.

Enhanced Safety Features: More Than Just a Camera

Modern rear view cameras come equipped with additional features that further enhance their utility. These may include night vision, motion detection, and integration with other safety systems in the car. For example, some advanced models offer guidelines on the display screen to assist with parking, making the process even more straightforward and safe.

Integrating Rear View Cameras with Car Systems

Integrating a rear view camera with your car’s existing systems can enhance its functionality. Brands like RadioKing specialize in providing high-quality Android car radios and stereos that seamlessly integrate with rear view cameras, offering a comprehensive solution for car safety and entertainment. This integration ensures that drivers can enjoy a connected and safer driving experience.

By understanding and leveraging the benefits of rear view cameras, drivers can significantly enhance their driving experience. These cameras not only provide increased security and reduce the risk of damage but also simplify parking, making them an essential addition to any modern vehicle.

First Look – Edifier W830NB Open-Ear ANC Headphones

The all new Edifier W830NB Open-Ear ANC Headphones have dropped in for review and we look forward to testing the latest on offer out but also if you missed check out their high end STAX Spirit S5 Wireless headphones.

Out of the box these are nice and light and have a nice colour these come in three colors and we have the sand white here, the cushions and padding is soft and the headphones are nice and light too with simple controls on one side.

The headphones also come with Hi-Res Audio with LDAC and of course app support so if you fancy finding out more over the coming week or so stick around and we will have all the details and a look at their app as we always do.

Any questions drop em below and we will see you soon for more tech review there is plenty of cool tech incoming. Read more on the W830NB here

Features

  • [Hi-Res Audio with LDAC] The W830NB features 40mm large dynamic drivers and an independent acoustic chamber layout, supports LDAC high-definition decoding for Hi-Res Wireless audio, transmitting at a transfer rate of 990kbps，offering 3X music detail of standard Bluetooth codes and delivering rich sound quality that lets you feel every note.
  • [-45dB Noise Cancellation] Upgraded hybrid digital noise-canceling technology achieves noise reduction of up to -45dB, an 18% increase compared to the previous generation. Supports four ANC modes that hear what you want by switching modes.
  • [Immersive Spatial Audio] With a three-dimensional sound stage algorithm, it brings a cinema-level surround atmosphere to provide an immersive stereo listening experience.
  • [Astonishing 94 Hours Playtime & Fast Charge] Featuring a built-in large-capacity battery and a low power consumption chipset, it offers an impressive 94 hours of continuous music playback with ANC off. Fast charging feature supports up to 10 hours of use on a 15 minute charge. Easily extends usage without the hassle of frequent recharging.
  • [DNN Noise Reduction for Clear Call] Deep Neural Network (DNN) noise reduction technology intelligently recognizes speech and precisely separates human voices from noise, enabling you to talk clearly even on noisy places.
  • [All-day Comfort & Foldable] Featuring ergonomic design with soft, comfortable earpads and an adjustable headband, weighing around 265g for extended listening sessions. Fully foldable design for flexible portability, travel-friendly.
  • [Latest Bluetooth V5.4 Technology] Featuring the latest Bluetooth V5.4 technology, enjoy a more stable and smooth connection when playing music, online meetings and calls.

Check out the WH700NB review and the WH820NB Plus review

Price & Availability:

Available for £79.99

Unboxing Video

Taylor Swift fans ‘shaking it off’ could be felt as far as Wexford

Researchers at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) have found that Taylor Swift triggered seismic activity during the three nights of her Eras Tour at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium recently, with activity being identified more than 100km away during fan favourite ‘Shake It Off’.

The 50,000-strong Friday night crowd danced, cheered and stomped the loudest of the three gigs with particular impact coming as fans danced to ‘Love Story’. Eleanor Dunn, PhD candidate at DIAS, is lead researcher on the Swift Quake programme which has deployed the highest number of seismometers (21) for a purpose-made Eras Tour seismic study.

Seismographic data summary

  • Long-Distance Detection: The concert was well detected by a seismometer at an Irish National Seismic Network (INSN) station approximately 14km away from the Aviva Stadium in the Dublin mountains. Additionally, the song ‘Shake It Off’ was identifiable on another INSN seismometer more than 100 km away in Wexford, with the observed frequency (2.66Hz) matching with the song’s beats per minute (BPM) of 160.
  • Energy Output: Analysis from instruments at DIAS on Burlington Road indicated that the first night of the concert series produced the highest energy output at 5600 joules. Nights two and three also exhibited high energy levels, measuring 5500 joules and 5250 joules, respectively.
  • Seismic Amplitude: The song ‘Love Story’ generated the highest seismic waves each night, indicating the largest seismic waves of the event.
  • The seismic activity from the concert was detected by 21 seismometers placed in the vicinity the Aviva Stadium.

Seismic activity is a vibration generated by an earthquake, explosion, or similar energetic source that travels within the Earth or along its surface. Seismometers were placed outside the Aviva Stadium to measure seismic activity generated during the concerts.

A seismometer is a very sensitive instrument which measures ground vibrations and can be used to detect earthquakes. When a seismometer detects seismic activity, it records this information digitally so that it can be analysed later.

Commenting on the research findings, Eleanor Dunn, lead researcher said “My goal for this research is to create a greater understanding of seismic activity. The engagement with fans has been great so far with lots of people sharing their concert videos with us. The videos help us to enhance our understanding of the seismic impact of each concert and the research data has revealed some fascinating insights into the energy generated by Swifties. It’s important to note the movement generated by the concert was unlikely to have been felt by anyone other than those in the immediate vicinity.

“Fans took Swift’s encouragement to ‘Shake It Off’ to a new level with it being detectable over 100km away in Wexford! It’s amazing that we’ve been able to measure the reaction of thousands of Swifties through our data. The opportunity to explore a seismic activity created by a different kind of phenomenon has been really interesting and shows how seismicity happens every day without us knowing. We’re still working on analysing data from the concert and we’d love if fans could continue to send us their videos from each night of the concert via our social media channels and website.”

Further information about Swift Quake is available on social media at:

Molekule offers £200 off its Air Pro air purifier for Amazon Prime Day

As air quality concerns continue to rise globally, Molekule is offering a discount on its Air Pro air purifier during Amazon Prime Day 2024. Scheduled for July 16-17, Prime Day will see Molekule offer consumers 25% off the Molekule Air Pro, reducing the cost from £799.99 to £599.99, a saving of £200.

Unlike any other air purifier on the market, Molekule air purifiers use patented technology to do what other purifiers can’t — destroy airborne pollutants at the molecular level.

“Maintaining a healthy home environment is more important than ever with air quality alerts hitting smartphones every day. Prime Day is the perfect time to upgrade your home’s indoor environment with an app-enabled device that is scientifically proven to destroy airborne pollutants,” said Brett Taylor, Director of Global Retail at Molekule. “With savings of £200 on our powerful, design-forward air purifier, cleaner indoor air has never been more accessible.”

With a focus on innovation, the Molekule Air Pro features proprietary, photoelectrochemical oxidation — PECO — technology that ensures optimal performance and durability. PECO reacts with ultraviolet light to oxidize various airborne pollutants, including viruses, bacteria, mold and volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Molekule’s PECO technology has been independently tested and shown to capture 95% of airborne allergens, making it an effective part of a symptom toolkit for allergy sufferers.

Molekule Air Pro key features and benefits include:

  • Increased airflow – Designed to meet the needs of larger areas, Air Pro improves air quality across larger home spaces, offices and schools.
  • Fine-tuned detection – Air Pro harnesses finely tuned sensor capability to break down detected particles into three sizes, from PM10 (pollen) and PM2.5 (dust) to smaller than PM1 (smoke) and down to particles 0.3 microns in size to help increase people’s understanding of what particles are potentially in the air they are breathing.
  • Three ways to protect – In addition to a 6-speed manual mode, Air Pro delivers two Auto Protect modes, Standard and Quiet, to automatically regulate fan speed based on particle levels sensed in the air, all while keeping noise to a minimum.
  • App-enabled – App connectivity allows users to set the device up, control the Air Pro’s fan speed, check air particle levels and filter status, providing notifications when it’s time to change the PECO-Filter. Users can subscribe to the filter program to ensure they always have fresh filters when needed.
  • Instantly starts cleaning the air: Air Pro is quick to set up, requires no retrofitting or duct work, and is designed for up to 1,000 square feet of space.

For more information about how Molekule’s air purification technology detects and destroys organic pollutants, please visit molekule.com.

See some of our air purifier reviews

Tech Review – instax WIDE 400 instant camera

The instax WIDE 400 instant camera is the latest now on offer from FUJIFILM and it is a big boy this one, everywhere I went with it I was stopped and questions asked never mind looking like an American tourist but this did not bother me in the slightest as it catches eyes.

The camera is simple to use with simple controls and of course an array of filtered prints available and you get an add on selfie extension for those who like to take selfies which many do.

There is a selfie timer up front and of course your shutter key which you need to watch out your finger does not end up in the photo, that being said with big hands it is just me but just beware anyway, there is also your flash up front and that big lens that twists to two settings which I enjoy opening and closing.

Up top your wide image comes out and on the rear is your viewfinder and hatch for the films that we all love that just slot in with ease and also a counter for remaining shots.

There is a tripod mount there and also a strap with two blocks to help you get that right angle you need at the time of shooting.

This runs on batteries so be sure to fully close the lens after use. Also on the unit is two strap holders for carrying the camera around which is fun and gets you noticed.

The camera is analogue and twists open to give two ranges of shooting mode being 90cm to 3m and 3m to infinity you could say. You are also provided with the extra close up accessory of selfie clip as I call it as that is what my daughter just used it for and you can also capture images up to 40cm away for macro photography.

The camera is fun to use however there is not much control of what you can do here and no app to go with it and it is their first Wide camera in many years so for me they have kept things  simple which is fine.

When it comes to image quality this will vary and again on the light and film you pick and I found their monochrome and black and white films to be rather good over the usual cartridges however this depends on the pictures you are taking on the day.

Overall the instax WIDE 400 camera from FujiFilm is a simple fun camera to use with a built in selfie timer for those selfie fans and in most instances you will get good snaps some did come out overexposed as expected from an analogue camera which does waste expensive film..

Pricing and Availability:

Fujifilm’s instax WIDE 400 instant camera will be available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of EUR 150.00 (incl. VAT). It will be available to buy from FUJIFILM stockists nationwide from July 12th, 2024. For more product information, visit https://www.instax.ie/cameras/wide-400/

Main features of the instax WIDE 400:

(1) Analogue instant camera compatible with wide-format film.

・This simply designed analogue instant camera is compatible with instax
WIDE-format film. With automatic exposure and flash control, simply turn the lens to switch it on, hold the camera and press the shutter button.

After turning the lens to switch the power on, turn it further in the same direction to switch to Landscape mode, allowing you to capture distant scenery from a distance of more than 3m. Furthermore, by attaching the included close-up lens, you can capture images up to 40cm away for macro photography.

(2) Equipped with a lever-operated self-timer for that analogue feel.

A lever-operated self-timer is mounted on the front side of the camera. When the lever is turned, the LEDs light up in sequence and the self-timer can be set for up to 10 seconds.

Pressing the shutter release button starts the countdown and the LEDs go off one by one every two seconds. Group shots can be easily taken while enjoying the sound of the timer and the operation of turning the lever.

(3) Includes useful accessories for self-timer shooting.

By using the included camera angle adjustment accessory, choose between two height options for the optimum shooting angle, all without the need for a tripod.

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See our other instax reviews

instax WIDE 400  instant camera Walkthrough video