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.

Bank of Ireland investing additional €34 million in customer service improvements

Bank of Ireland has announced a major additional investment in customer services with more than €34 million in the transformation of its telephony and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.

This investment in technology will lead to faster resolution of customer calls, enhanced self-service options (change account address, order duplicate statements, request a new card), allow more transactions to take place 24/7 via phone, and improved customer security. The investment will:

  • Provide 2,800 colleagues in branches and contact centres with quick ‘single view of customer’ data for faster call resolutions
  • Use voice biometrics to improve customer authentication for better fraud protection and reduce call waiting times
  • Enable more streamlined phone-based transactions which can be done 24/7, including improved customer verification methods, and removing complex menus

This latest announcement brings the total spend being made by Bank of Ireland on a range of customer service improvements to close to €150 million to the end of 2025.

Commenting on the investment, Susan Russell, CEO, Bank of Ireland Retail Ireland said:

“This is the largest single investment in enhanced systems and technology for our frontline colleagues in branches and contact centres that the Bank has ever made. We receive more than 11,000 calls on average each day and when customers call us they want speed, expertise and security. This investment equips colleagues with the latest technology to provide better and faster resolution of calls, and colleagues will now have a ‘single view’ of the customer at the touch of a button providing them with instant access to all their information without having to talk to another part of the bank. This investment will make things faster and better for customers and for colleagues, it’s a win-win.”

In January Bank of Ireland announced an investment of more than €60 million in a range of branch improvements, including the Bank’s largest single investment in ATMs in the last decade. The Bank also announced spending of €50 million on customer fraud prevention and protection in February including investment in new technology.

Datapac launches Pathways Inclusion initiative to widen tech talent pool

Datapac, Ireland’s leading technology solutions and services provider, is today announcing the launch of Pathways Inclusion, a new initiative which aims to expand access to technology careers through diversity and inclusion.

With the Pathways Inclusion initiative, Datapac plans to widen the talent pool within the technology industry by targeting largely untapped talent groups. These include career-changers with transferrable skills and rich work experiences, and those seeking direct entry into the workforce after secondary education. The initiative will also encourage more women and young girls to consider careers in technology. With a focus on collaboration rather than competition, Datapac aims to create a more inclusive environment within the indigenous IT industry in Ireland. This new initiative builds on Datapac’s successful work and graduate placement programmes, which have taken on over 220 candidates in the last 18 years.

Pathways Inclusion will seek to reach, empower, and support individuals throughout all the stages of their education.

  • Primary school: Much of the inequality in the technology sector, particularly the gender gap which is still prevalent, can be traced back to the very root of education. Datapac recognises the importance of early education in shaping perceptions and aspirations and will collaborate with key organisations to promote a more inclusive narrative about to children from a young age, helping to broaden their horizons for what’s possible during their life trajectory.
  • Secondary school: Mentorship and exposure to lived examples during the formative secondary school years can have a significant impact on career choices. Datapac, in partnership with Maynooth University, will participate in the STEM Passport programme from September 2024 to provide mentorship to Transition Year girls, encouraging their pursuit of STEM careers and culminating in a level 6 STEM qualification. Additionally, Datapac is embarking on roadshows at local secondary schools to inspire students by sharing first-hand experiences
  • Third level: Datapac’s third-level work placement programme offers students diverse, real-world experiences within the tech sector, exposing them to various roles and opportunities for growth
  • Post-graduation: The Graduate Development Programme at Datapac provides tailored career experiences and mentorship to graduates from a broad array of disciplines, equipping them with industry-recognised certifications and skills necessary to excel in the tech sector

Datapac, in close collaboration with its talent acquisition partner Intellect Talent, employs inclusive hiring practices to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds, focusing on transferrable skills and potential for growth over traditional qualifications.

Datapac employees benefit from a range of support systems designed to enhance their professional skills and personal growth. These include an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), continuous learning and upskilling opportunities, and a Community Contribution Initiative which encourages employees to engage with and contribute to charitable causes, supported by additional leave for volunteering. They can also avail of flexible working and a range of initiatives aimed at promoting work-life balance.

Karen O’Connor, General Manager, Datapac: “At Datapac, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential for driving innovation and success in the technology sector. The modern technology landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, but a significant portion of the talent pool remains untapped due to outdated barriers to entry. To help address this inequality and evolve the narrative, Datapac is launching the Pathways Inclusion initiative as a movement towards greater industry-wide inclusivity.

Bronagh Murphy, HR Generalist, Datapac: “This goes beyond merely attracting talent at the recruitment stage and looks to how individuals can be supported once they enter the industry, and through an investment in the root of the talent tree. Through our Pathways Inclusion initiative, we are committed to creating opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to thrive in the industry and, in turn, create a vibrant and diverse technology talent pool in Ireland.”

Nine in 10 Irish execs expect Gen AI chatbots to have an impact on their organisation’s business processes

Nine in 10 (90%) Irish executives anticipate a medium to high impact to their organisation’s business processes in the next three years as a direct result of generative AI chatbots, with almost two in five (39%) reporting it as transformational change, according to Accenture’s annual Technology Vision Report for 2024.

Accenture’s Technology Vision 2024: “Human by Design: How AI Unleashes the Next Level of Human Potential”, which is run across 20 countries and 21 industries, revealed that 97% of Irish executives agree that the capabilities of AI are expanding, moving from assisting to acting independently. Almost all, 99%, of executives agree that making technology “more human” will massively expand the opportunities of every industry.

The findings reveal that while Ireland is making strides alongside its global counterparts when it comes to technologies such as AI and Gen AI, Irish businesses have been slower to adopt other technologies and trends featured in the report, such as spatial computing and body sensing technologies. While 84% of Irish executives agree that spatial computing will be used to build enriching experiences, providing a realistic alternative or enhancement to in-person experiences, a higher 92% globally believe this to be the case.

Consumers are even further behind in terms of adopting spatial computing, with only 36% saying that they would be interested in it to learn and develop new skills and less than three in 10 (29%) interested in using it to shop, compared to an only slightly higher 33% globally. Spatial computing blends digital content with the physical world in natural way. Virtual reality (VR) is a type of spatial computing.

When it comes to body sensing technologies, while it is clear that the technology has the capability to be transformative, with AI-powered wearables, brain-sensing neurotech and eye and movement tracking, there is some concern around the ethics. 66% of Irish consumers agree that in order to gain trust, organisations will need to develop responsible guidelines on biometric privacy and neurotech ethics and standards.

Austin Boyle, Head of Technology at Accenture in Ireland commented on the findings: “Irish businesses have been leveraging AI at scale for some time now and continue to see its value as it becomes even more “human”. That said, what we are seeing amongst our clients, is that as a country we are still behind when it comes to the adoption of cloud in Ireland, which in turn is inhibiting the integration of other innovative technologies, including Gen AI.

“By fully adopting cloud and Gen AI, we can lay the foundations for the next wave of AI technologies that can be leveraged by Irish businesses, which include spatial computing and body sensing technologies. Globally, spatial computing mediums have already begun to close the physical-digital divide to enable simultaneous activities in multiple spaces and body sensing technologies are raising the bar when it comes to understanding people’s behaviours and intentions, making it particularly useful for customer service of the future.

“In order to gain a competitive advantage, Irish businesses must prioritise integration and adoption early and receive training from the C-suite down, to fully capitalise on the new technologies which have the potential to completely revolutionise Irish business. We are excited to see the opportunities that will present themselves once organsations heed to this.”

Further findings from Accenture’s Technology Vision Report 2024 revealed:

  • 99% of Irish executives agree that generative AI will compel their organisation to modernise its technology architecture.
  • 98% of Irish executives agree that AI agents will begin to collaborate with other agents to accomplish organisational tasks.
  • 99% of Irish executives agree that leveraging AI agent ecosystems will be a significant opportunity for their organisation in the next 3 years.
  • 100% of Irish executives agree that the way we interact with data will change, from searching for information to asking questions and receiving direct advice and answers.

First Look – Majority MP3 Pro

I can’t even remember the last time I had an MP3 player which was many years ago and I went through quite a few since mobile phones came along and now we get the chance to turn the clock back and listen to music the old way with this device.

For me this is great and will keep me off my phone and listen to music for many hours a day, you do get earphones with the product and this also gives me a chance to test out my endless supply of headphones earbuds and speakers.

First impressions of the Majority MP3 Pro are good so far and this has an excellent build quality and not made with plastic it has a simple to use menu and UI and now it is time for me to get the device loaded and get away from my laptop and phone for a few hours, so if you have any questions feel free to ask while we test this out and watch out for the full review in a week or two and do check out the unboxing and first look below.

 

The Majority MP3 Pro is available on Amazon for £34.95/€39.95/$39.95.

Key Features of the Majority MP3 Pro:

  • 5.0 Bluetooth Connectivity
  • 4hr Charging Time
  • 65GB Internal Storage
  • Compatible with SD cards up to 128GB
  • Earphones included
  • Integrated Speaker
  • Dimensions: 4.2cm x 6.6cm x 1.8cm
  • Weight: 33g

BUY

Unboxing and walkthrough

 

Twitch Has Shut Down Its Streaming Platform in South Korea

In a surprising turn of events, Twitch, the globally renowned live-streaming platform, bid farewell to South Korea in December, leaving its community of streamers and viewers in the region in a state of uncertainty. The decision to shutter its operations in the country was driven by the formidable challenges posed by high-performance costs, signaling a significant shift in the dynamics of South Korean live-streaming market. 

Twitch’s Departure: A Loss for South Korean Streamers

For years, Twitch has been a cornerstone of the South Korean live-streaming scene, providing a platform for content creators to showcase their talents and engage with audiences in real-time. However, with the announcement of its departure, streamers and viewers alike were left grappling with the implications of losing access to the platform’s extensive array of features and community-driven culture.

Impact on the South Korean Live Streaming Landscape

Twitch’s exit from South Korea created a void in the live streaming market, prompting a reevaluation of the platforms available to both creators and consumers. With Twitch out of the picture, alternative platforms such as AfreecaTV and CHZZK quickly stepped in to fill the gap, vying for dominance in a landscape ripe for disruption.

AfreecaTV and CHZZK: Rising Stars in South Korea

AfreecaTV, a longstanding player in the South Korean live-streaming scene, emerged as a frontrunner following Twitch’s departure. With 98 million hours watched in the first quarter of the year, AfreecaTV reaffirmed its position as a leading platform for content creators and viewers alike. Additionally, CHZZK, backed by Naver, made significant strides, securing 59 million hours watched during the same period, cementing its status as a formidable competitor in the market.

The Emergence of Global Platforms: AfreecaTV’s SOOP and CHZZK’s Expansion

In response to the shifting landscape, both AfreecaTV and CHZZK announced plans to expand their reach beyond South Korea. AfreecaTV unveiled its plans to launch the beta version of SOOP, its global streaming service, in the first half of 2024, signalling its intent to compete on a global scale. Similarly, CHZZK, with Naver at its helm, initiated a beta rollout of its platform, setting the stage for a worldwide expansion in the near future.

South Korean Twitch Users Seek To Preserve Stream Memories

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Twitch’s departure, South Korean users flocked to third-party software tools to download their favorite streamer’s content. Clipsey is one of the most popular software tools used, as it allows users to download a streamer’s clips for offline viewing. It provides South Korean users with a means to preserve cherished memories even as they bid farewell to Twitch.

Looking Ahead: The Future of South Korean Live Streaming

As the dust settles on Twitch’s departure, the South Korean live-streaming market finds itself at a crossroads, poised for transformation and innovation. With platforms like AfreecaTV and CHZZK leading the charge, the landscape is ripe with opportunities for both creators and viewers to explore new avenues of content creation and consumption. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: the spirit of live streaming in South Korea will endure, fueled by the passion and creativity of its vibrant community.

First Look – SJCAM C200 Pro Action Camera

The SJCAM C200 Pro Action Camera is their latest offering in their product line up and we have one in for review so stay tuned for that over the coming weeks here on techbuzzireland our YouTube channel.

The SJCAM C200 pro is the follow up to the C200 which is a pocket friendly device to capture more or less anything on the go and with good quality we have checked out the C300 around this time last year and you can see more on that here.

Today we take a quick first look at the latest from the company and if you have any questions feel free to ask while we test this little guy out.

 

Features

  • The C200 Pro action camera has a built-in Sony sensor. 4K/30FPS Ultra HD resolution makes the picture quality more and realistic
  • 20MP pixel pictures make the details as clear as the eye can see
  • Features Six-Axis Gyro anti-shake technology and an intelligent shake compensation algorithm that corrects for offset and shake, allowing smooth and fluid shots to capture more exciting motion details
  • HDR Automatically corrects for loss of brightness detail due to differences in shadows. It is not overexposed in strong backlighting, with more information in the dark areas
  • 30 m professional grade waterproof with a case. Waterproof to 5 meters without a waterproof case It is equipped with a particular waterproof case that can reach IP68 waterproof level for diving. It is also drop-proof, dust-proof, and shockproof, allowing you to dive, hike, surf, ski, and ride without worries
  • 135 degrees FOV ultra wide angle
  • Relying on software intelligent algorithms, the action camera can effectively correct fisheye images. Wide-angle shooting can also achieve the average visual effect of the human eye
  • The C200 Pro features a 1.3″ HD touch colour screen with colour fidelity
  • lt adopts intelligent face recognition technology. When a face above appears on the screen, the camera can realize automatic photo taking in standby mode, so you can enjoy the moment of gathering with your friends.
  • The camera connects to the cell phone APP, making it easy to control the real-time shooting screen. You can edit the shooting material anytime and anywhere and share it with one click

BUY 

 

Unboxing

Globalstar Celebrates 10,000 Rescue Milestone

Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. the leader in satellite messaging and emergency notification technologies, announced today that Globalstar devices, including SPOT satellite GPS messengers have to date played a role in over 10,000 rescues worldwide.

This landmark milestone includes incidents, many of which being life-threatening, where emergency support was rapidly delivered precisely where needed thanks to satellite-enabled alerts from economical and rugged Globalstar devices.

Rescues have taken place all over the globe, including over 7,000 in North America. To date, there have been 479 rescues in EMEA (including 376 in Europe and 103 in Africa), and 569 in APAC (of which 462 were in Australia).

Globalstar’s compact and cost-effective SPOT devices provide reliable, near-global coverage thanks to Globalstar’s next-generation Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network. Always-on connectivity and real-time tracking capabilities are assured, even in remote or challenging environments where traditional telecom networks may be unavailable.

SPOT Gen4 was designed for outdoor recreation, and has been embraced by adventure enthusiasts whose activities take them beyond reliable mobile network coverage. Its always-on, ubiquitous tracking and user-centric functionality make SPOT Gen4 an increasingly popular companion for outdoors people of all kinds, delivering peace of mind to users, their friends and family, all over the world.

In an emergency, pressing SPOT’s one-touch SOS button instantly sends an alert including the user’s GPS coordinates to Globalstar partner, FocusPoint, SPOT’s 24/7 crisis response centre. From there, needs are assessed and local first responders are engaged in order to dispatch help rapidly.

SPOT X offers two-way SMS and email messaging as well as GPS tracking and one-touch SOS. SPOT X is the only satellite messenger on the market to give users free incoming messages, easy check-in function and a full, backlit QWERTY keypad for intuitive typing. SPOT X also offers the industry’s longest battery life in both tracking and SOS modes and is priced competitively.

The activities that have accounted for the 10,000 rescues vary widely, but the majority of emergency incidents happened while users were engaging in motorsport/driving (2,503), hiking and mountain sports (2,241), and boating (1,007).

SPOT devices have also seen dramatic increases in uptake by a diversity of organisational customers. For a professional user such as a lone or at-risk worker, SPOT devices can be configured to transmit alerts to an organisation’s operations or security centre.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), for example, uses SPOT Gen4 satellite GPS messengers to track and provide safety for Royal Air Force (RAF) Force Protection personnel during training exercises.

The tracking solution provided by SPOT Value Added Reseller 3S Group is the sole tracking system recommended by the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) to safeguard young people on expeditions. SPOT was chosen for its reach, ease of use and reliability, providing schools, parents, and public and nature authorities, with peace of mind, while enabling good welfare governance.

SPOT devices are today providing communication and safety for solo-working staff, or those who operate in hazardous environments, at an array of commercial and non-commercial organisations. These include disaster relief agencies, utilities suppliers, forestry agencies as well as civil, national and multinational defence organisations.

All these users recognise that whenever their activities take them beyond the reach of conventional cellular networks or other terrestrial communications systems, only satellite technology can provide trustworthy and ubiquitous connectivity.

“We are extremely proud to have played a role in over 10,000 rescues worldwide,” said Mark O’Connell, Globalstar EMEA & APAC General Manager. “As the capabilities, reach and reliability of the Globalstar family of products become ever more widely acknowledged, we look forward to continuing to provide critical emergency support to adventurers, sportspeople and professional users wherever they travel.”

Welcome to the world of “Nike x EA SPORTS FC: WHAT THE FC” in EA SPORTS FC 24

The ‘WHAT THE FC’ takeover of EA SPORTS FC 24 Season 6 will bring focus to the heritage and innovation of Nike’s most iconic football collections

Today, the out of this world “Nike x EA SPORTS FC: WHAT THE FC” takeover comes to EA SPORTS FC™ 24. Nike and EA SPORTS FC have teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind experience that takes football to places it’s never been before. Players will experience a world that celebrates the beautiful game and all things football, including customization items, objectives and more across Ultimate Team™, Clubs and VOLTA FOOTBALL™.

“We’re excited to create amazing new possibilities for FC 24 players with Nike” said DJ Jackson, VP, Franchise Strategy and Marketing. “WHAT THE FC blurs the virtual and real worlds of football culture, through designs that celebrate Nike and EA SPORTS FC heritage, as worn by stars of the game, past and present.”

‘WHAT THE FC’ will feature two headline Kit and Stadium collections:

Nike Air Max Collection: Inspired by legendary Nike Air Max innovations past and present, and vetted by stars of today such as Sam Kerr, Vini Jr. and Erling Haaland, the Nike Air Max collection represents virtual-first designed items inspired by the popular Nike Air Max Plus Tn, Nike Air Max 95, and all new Nike Air Max Dn collections.

Nike x EA SPORTS FC Heritage Collection: Honouring legends of the game such as Mia Hamm, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo and featuring iconic Nike Football kits, the Nike x EA SPORTS FC Heritage collection is inspired by EA SPORTS FC’s heritage with a retro twist.

In addition to this, players can earn other ‘WHAT THE FC’ seasonal customization items; such as crests, stadium themes, TIFOs, VIP areas, trophies, VOLTA FOOTBALL apparel, footwear and more.

Tech Review – MORENTO Smart Air Purifier for Large Rooms

The MORENTO Smart Air Purifier for Large Rooms is an ideal product to have in your house to get cleaner fresher air, this one is on the larger size say the size of a paper shredder but bigger means better in this case.

The unit is not too heavy but some may find it on the bulky side there is a bit of weight to it which will keep it in place where you put it.

The app as seen below is a simple affair and easy to set up and will give you a graph over time how things are going and below is initial set up and what you can expect at first while it cleans the air in the room, as seen it is unhealthy now and it gives your phone a notification to make you aware, see samples below on initial set up. On first testing blowing smoke into it yields immediate results so it works.

There is a tray on the front and rear so this covers a large area but do not place it against a wall or it will not work to its full potential, there is rubber feet underneath and up top and front you have an array of controls some of which can be used in the app. Once on you will feel the fan at work and it is refreshing. Even if you want some cool air.

The touch sensitive keys up top work really well allowing you to make a quick set up for your needs and the app is quite responsive and fast too on my testing and you can see more of that in the video review below.

There is four fans speeds and the top speed can be a bit noisy in a quiet environment however the sleep mode does a good job and will not keep you awake which is great and the display on the front of the unit also goes out so no light distraction either.

Once set up you will have a red ring outside the front display with a countdown timer this will read according to the settings you set it up for with fan speed and timer. You can set scenes if you wish to do so and use your voice assistant like most home smart appliances but this is not for me.

This is ideal for getting rid of smells fast especially after cooking for example it removes dust pollen smoke and more and gives you clean air and again can be move between rooms upstairs and downstairs in your home.

Overall the product is simple to set up and use and you can basically just press a button or two and leave it there to do the job and it does it well and you will feel the difference in the air and your phone will not be shy letting you know the progress either.

 

 

Havaworks app notification
Display on front and notification on Apple Watch Ultra 2

 

Features

  • Enjoy Clean Air: MORENTO HY4866-WF smart air purifiers for home can be used at home to effectively capture 99.97% of airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns, including dust and pollen. This air purifiers for home large room with a CADR of up to 300 m ³/ h, one air change per hour can be completed for rooms up to 1076 ft² or 100 m². This air purifier for home can use with the “Havaworks” app to monitor the air quality from your phone in real-time.
  • App-Enabled Wi-Fi Control: Use the “Havaworks” app to turn your air purifiers for home into a remote. Set an active schedule for convenience or manually control the settings for a burst of clean air. Monitor the air quality and check the filter life on this hepa air purifier display or APP at your leisure.
  • Intelligent Voice Control: Go hands-free and use your voice to monitor and change the HY4866-WF hepa air purifier’s settings through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
  • High Efficiency Filtration: The double air intake design of this hepa air purifiers for home allows the multi-layer HEPA filters to purify from both sides simultaneously, increasing the purification speed. The smart display of this air purifiers for home and app monitors the filter life and will let you know when to replace them. Search for B0BMDYDXFK (enhanced) or B0C3GWNR29 (original) on Amazon for replacement filters.
  • Sleep Well: In sleep mode, this air purifier for bedroom will run at its lowest fan speed at less than 24dB (the equivalence of ambient silence) with the display lights off. Enjoy an interrupted night’s rest with clean air. Activating the display of the air purifier will exit sleep mode.
  • 4 Fan Speeds: Select from fan speeds of 1F/2F/3F/4F for this HY4866-WF hepa air purifier for home; the higher the fan speed, the quicker the air is filtered and purified. In automatic mode, the fan speed will automatically adjust to the air quality. Couple this with a 2/5/8 hour timer to have this air purifier for bedroom run for the designated period of time while sleeping or heading out.
  • Air Quality Monitoring: The PM2.5 infrared sensor monitors the air quality in real-time and displays this information on the screen of MORENTO smart air purifiers and on the “Havaworks” app. If the air quality drops, the screen of air purifiers for home large room will display yellow or red and the app will send a notification in accordance to current air quality rating.

BUY

Video Review