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.

Sony announces all-new TV & home audio line up – Cinema Is Coming Home

Sony has announced the all-new BRAVIA TVs line-up, along with perfectly matching new BRAVIA Theatre home audio products – making it easier for consumers to choose and combine a complete home entertainment package for an outstanding cinematic experience.

BRAVIA

  • The flagship BRAVIA 9 is capable of high peak luminance, deep blacks, supreme contrast and beautifully natural colours.
  • BRAVIA 9 will feature Acoustic Multi-Audio+ and are the world’s first with Beam Tweeter at the top and Frame Tweeter at the sides to deliver cinematic surround sound.
  • Sony’s new Voice Zoom 3 recognises human dialogue through AI algorithms and amplifies or reduces its volume so even small dialogue sounds loud and clear.
  • Prime Video Calibrated Mode – a new mode designed to provide customers with even more ways to experience premium entertainment through the lens of the creator. Customers can enjoy optimum picture quality that is automatically calibrated across movies, series, and for the first time, live sports.

BRAVIA Theatre

  • With BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 and BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 you can enjoy 360 Spatial Sound Mapping using just a single soundbar. BRAVIA Theatre Quad can realise wider surround sound with 4 slim speakers.
    • 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, multiple phantom speakers are generated in locations where there are no actual physical speakers, such as above or to the side

 

  • BRAVIA Theatre Products are compatible with the Sound Field Optimization, which automatically adjusts and tunes each speaker
  • Introducing BRAVIA Theatre U – When you combine BRAVIA TVs and BRAVIA Theatre products, the Acoustic Center Sync function fuses the sound of the TV’s speakers and the soundbar seamlessly, creating a cinema-like experience where the sound appears to come directly from the TV screen.

 

Line up information

BRAVIA

  • BRAVIA 9 QLED (mini LED) available in 85”, 75”
  • BRAVIA 8 OLED available in 77”, 65”, 55”
  • BRAVIA 7 QLED (mini LED) available in 85”, 75”, 65”, 55”
  • See more –  here 

BRAVIA Theatre home audio

  • BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9
  • BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8
  • BRAVIA Theatre Quad
  • BRAVIA Theatre 
  • See more here

Sony releases large aperture wide-angle zoom G Lens FE 16-25mm F2.8 G

Sony has announced the latest addition to its full-frame α (Alpha) E-mount lens line-up. FE 16-25mm F2.8 G is a large-aperture wide-angle zoom lens that maintains an F2.8 maximum aperture over the entire zoom range from 16 mm to 25 mm, combining supreme image quality with excellent portability due to its compact and lightweight design.

This new lens offers high-resolution performance, beautiful bokeh, and high-speed, high-precision, quiet, fast-tracking AF (autofocus). Weighing an impressively light 409 g, it is highly portable so you can easily enjoy every day shooting that emphasises the sense of perspective that can only be achieved with a wide-angle lens. It benefits from the same filter diameter, operability and roughly the same size and weight as the “FE 24-50mm F2.8 G” announced in February 2024, easy to use when shooting hand-held or when combined with a gimbal. The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G expands the range of photographic and video expression for creators in a variety of scenes such as astrophotography, landscapes, architecture, portraits, general snapshots, and selfies.

Key features of FE 16-25mm F2.8 G

  • Compact and lightweight design with the latest optical and mechanical design.
  • Filter diameter φ67 mm, maximum diameter 74.8 mm, length 91.4 mm, weight approximately 409 g.
  • By effectively arranging three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glasses and four aspherical lenses, including one ED aspherical lens, various aberrations such as chromatic aberration are reduced, and high-resolution performance is achieved from the centre of the screen to the corner.
  • The 11-blade circular aperture and optimisation of spherical aberration provide the beautiful bokeh that is the hallmark of Sony G lenses.
  • High close-up shooting capability with a minimum shooting distance of 0.18 m and a maximum magnification of 0.20x[i].
  • Equipped with two linear motors, it enables high-speed, high-precision, high-tracking, and quiet focusing even on fast-moving subjects. It also supports high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking of up to approximately 120 frames per second for the α9 III full-frame mirrorless camera[ii]. Smooth tracking even when shooting 4K120p/FHD240p[iii] high frame rate videos that require precise focusing.
  • The adoption of linear response MF during manual focus allows for smooth and high-quality image expression.
  • Reducing the focus breathing allows high-quality movie expression.
  • Compatible with the α series camera’s image stabilisation “Active Mode”[iv], achieving high image stabilisation effects.
  • High operability, including a focus hold button, aperture ring, aperture click ON/OFF switch, and focus mode switch.
  • Designed to be dust and moisture proof[v] with a fluorine coating that prevents dirt from sticking to the front surface of the lens.

Pricing and Availability

The new FE 16-25mm F2.8 G will be available in the UK and Ireland for approximately £1250 and €1400, respectively. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers throughout the UK and Europe.

A variety of exclusive stories, videos and exciting new content shot with the newest cameras and other Sony products can be found here. Sony’s European photography hub is available in 22 languages and details product news, competitions and an up-to-date list of Sony events in each country.

For more information about FE 16-25mm F2.8 G, please visit the links below.

UK:

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/e-mount-lenses/sel1625g

Ireland:

https://www.sony.ie/electronics/e-mount-lenses/sel1625g

Majority launches the Majority MP3 Go

With its compact design, 5.0 Bluetooth connectivity and sports clip, the Majority MP3 Go is the perfect addition to any workout, walk, hike or commute, delivering wireless audio for up to 34 hours.

Say hello to the active audiophile’s ultimate companion. With an impressive 34 hours of playtime, a handy sports clip and weighing only 33g, the Majority MP3 Go is the ideal device to put a musical kick into your workouts and adventures. Simply clip on to your clothes or bag and feel the music.

With the busy lifestyle of the modern audio fan in mind, the MP3 Go offers a fast-charging time of only 3 hours. Combined with the cutting edge 5.0 Bluetooth connectivity, listeners can enjoy wireless freedom to run errands or simply pair to Bluetooth speakers for room-raising sound.

Designed for the ultimate music journey, the Majority MP3 Go has been meticulously engineered to amplify the richness and depth of your music via the integrated speaker. No longer does your listening experience have to suffer, simply connect the included earphones or external speakers and surround yourself with your favourite sounds.

For music fanatics who can’t stand being too far from their favourite songs the MP3 Go’s 16GB of internal storage, equating to 4000 songs will be a lifesaver for those long commutes and days running errands. Equipped to offer further entertainment, the MP3 Go is compatible with SD cards of up to 128GB to deliver a further 36,000 songs.

Designed in the UK and with a 3-year warranty, Majority produce products that will last and stand the test of time.

The Majority MP3 Go is available in the UK, US, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain from Amazon for £29.95/€34.95/$34.95.

Key Features of the Majority MP3 Go:

 

  • 5.0 Bluetooth Connectivity
  • 3hr Charging Time
  • 16GB Internal Storage
  • Compatible with SD cards up to 128GB
  • Earphones included
  • Integrated Speaker
  • 1.54 inch IPS screen
  • Dimensions: 14.1cm x 14cm x 2.6cm
  • Weight: 33g

IKEA opens its first Distribution Centre in Ireland

IKEA Ireland is today opening its state-of-the-art distribution centre in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion within Ireland. This new facility, employing over 200 people, follows investments in six plan and order points, upgrades to the Ballymun store, and an innovative collaboration with Tesco Ireland on affordable collection service, all to bring IKEA closer to customers across the country.
The new distribution centre will result in IKEA’s business in Ireland having one of the shortest delivery times in Europe. Before now, IKEA deliveries to Irish consumers required dispatch from the UK. With the inauguration of this new multi-million-euro facility in Ireland, delivery times will reduce to just three days. This strategic move not only brings IKEA products closer to its Irish customers but also significantly improves product availability throughout Ireland.

The vast distribution centre is over 27,000 square metres, has a storage capacity of 20,000 cubic metres – equal to over 258,000 flatpack BILLY bookcases or double the size of Croke Park pitch – and is capable of housing up to 9,000 different product lines, spanning across almost every product in the IKEA range.

IKEA expects the distribution centre to be making more than 300,000 deliveries in the first year of operation, with that figure almost doubling to nearly 600,000 within five years. Eventually the plan is to be able to deliver up to three million items a year from the centre.

“The opening of Ireland’s first IKEA distribution centre will greatly benefit our customers through faster and more reliable deliveries. It marks a key step in our ambitious expansion plans across Ireland. We remain committed to – and are continually investing in – the future of our physical store in Dublin, but we want people to enjoy the IKEA experience no matter where they choose to engage with us, whether through our full-size store, plan and order points, or online. This new distribution centre will greatly enable this, by increasing availability of our products and reducing lead times”

Jakob BertilssonCountry Customer Fulfilment Manager, IKEA Ireland and UK

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

This new distribution centre also underscores IKEA’s firm commitment to sustainability. The building is one of the most sustainable and energy-efficient logistics facilities in Ireland. It has a Building Energy Rating (BER) of A2 and includes features like rainwater harvesting and roof-based solar panels.

IKEA is also transitioning to exclusive zero emission home deliveries, which together with locating the distribution centre closer to its customers, will result in significant reduction in CO2 emissions and more sustainable deliveries.From today, customers with Dublin Eircodes will receive their home deliveries in zero-emission vehicles. IKEA has committed to ensuring all deliveries to customers across Ireland will be exclusively in zero-emission vehicles by August 2025.

As the first step to advance towards this goal, 17 electric vans will deliver IKEA goods across the country, with the number of zero emissions vehicles doubling by August 2025. As of now, two zero emission vehicles will be based in Cork, two in Athlone, four at the Ballymun store, and nine at the new distribution centre. These 17 zero emission vans will replace diesel delivery vehicles, resulting in an estimated annual saving of 283,000 litres of diesel, equivalent to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 750 tonnes per year.

To support the transition to zero emission deliveries, IKEA has established an extensive electric vehicle charging network at the distribution centre, comprising of three rapid charge points for quick top-ups and 20 overnight charging points for full recharges.

IKEA’s 8MW wind farm near Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, will also support the retailer’s transition to zero-emission deliveries and use of 100% renewable energy to power the distribution centre and IKEA’s flagship store in Ballymun, Dublin. It is projected that the wind farm produces about twice the amount of electricity required by the new distribution centre and the Ballymun store.

Furthermore, to secure even more renewable energy for the future, Ingka Investments, the investment arm of the company, has invested in a 10GW offshore wind project portfolio in Ireland and UK.

“The opening of this new distribution centre not only demonstrates IKEA’s desire to become more accessible to our customers in Ireland, but also our commitment to sustainability and innovation. IKEA is committed to the Paris Agreement and to helping limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. By transitioning to zero emission deliveries and having an energy efficient distribution centre, we are playing our part in protecting the planet, and taking another significant step in our journey to becoming a climate positive business.”

Marsha SmithDeputy CEO of IKEA Ireland and UK

The launch of the logistics facility is operated by logistics firm and longstanding IKEA service provider, Wincanton.

James Wroath, CEO at Wincanton, added: “Wincanton is excited to mark this key milestone in the expansion of IKEA in Ireland, who will benefit from our unrivalled expertise and proven operational excellence in eFulfilment. The opening of this new, state-of-the-art distribution centre just outside of Dublin further strengthens a partnership focused on our shared goals of meeting IKEA’s customers’ needs quicker than ever before.”

Deliveries will be carried out by XPO Logistics, supporting IKEA on its journey to only deliver by zero-emission vehicles.

Dan Myers, Managing Director for UK and Ireland at XPO Logistics, said: “This is a huge milestone for IKEA in what is an important market for the business. The investment is a demonstration of IKEA’s confidence in Ireland. As a long term partner, we are committed to working together to create a better everyday life for many people which is also sustainable and aligned with our combined environmental commitments.”

Tech Review – MIXX StreamBuds Solo 1

The MIXX StreamBuds Solo 1 are a new trio of earbuds recently launched that are an affordable pair of earbuds that come in a unique kind of charging case too which piqued my interest out of the box as to how secure my earbuds would be in this and all being told they are safe and sound with a good strong magnet behind the magnetic flap that closes them in.

The earbuds are small and so is the charge case here which is handy for pockets and handbags alike and for earbuds it is not often you see them this small but they fit well in the ears and are secure and look different by their design which again I like which is a different take to the common look on earbuds today, there is no srem so they just sit in the ears and again as always mentioned go through the tips to get the right ones for you, the better the seal the better the sound and that will always be the case.

Being cheap does not mean bad performance in some cases and given there is no app here I was not expecting them to be by all means high end when it comes to sound as there is no EQ here but out of the box they sound good in fairness with decent volume they are not overloaded with bass but on the brighter side for me, the highs lows and mids are fine no lag latency noted or tinny sound as you would tend to find on cheaper earbuds.

Battery life is decent enough and they come with fast charge too which is fine considering the size of these earbuds which is smaller than my usual go to but i have come to like them alot while reviewing them.

They have plenty of controls built in and nothing missing here which stands up for them, there is no auto play or pause or wireless charging and you are given all the basics such as voice assistant access, play and pause tracks, volume control and call control and you can skip and reverse tracks too.

Overall these are a solid pair of earbuds that do a good job for the price which a different look all round with the case and earbud design.

MIXX StreamBuds Solo 1 out of case – techbuzzireland

Features

  • 4.5 hours play time on a single charge
  • 13 hours extra charge in charge case
  • *Total of 18 hours playtime when you include the charge case
  • Hands free calling
  • Dots design – small and discreet in size
  • Changeable ear cushions to find perfect size
  • Touch sensor controls – play pause and more
  • Google and Siri Assistant compatible
  • Quick charge option – 15 mins charge = 2 hours play time

BUY

Video Review

Workhuman revolutionises workplace insights with industry-first AI Assistant

Workhuman, the company revolutionising the way employees celebrate, connect with and appreciate each other in the workplace, has unveiled the latest innovation in its platform – the addition of a generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistant to its cultural [workforce] intelligence tool, Workhuman iQ. Workhuman is launching this tool as many HR and business leaders struggle to access organisational insights, which are often buried in static, incomplete, and cumbersome data analytics systems. Workhuman iQ offers an intuitive generative AI interface that surfaces dynamic and actionable answers and insights powered by an organisation’s rich, authentic, and unique Social Recognition programme data, and Workhuman’s 25 years of culture and recognition research.

 Workhuman iQ is the only solution in the industry that provides a comprehensive view of an organisation’s people dynamics, performance and skills, state of cultural health, and where and how work is getting done. Workhuman’s new AI Assistant within Workhuman iQ leverages the world’s first recognition-specific language model, built by Workhuman, and uses data from a customer’s own recognition programme to provide real-time insight that can inform decisive actions to maximise people and business results.

This innovation allows people managers and business leaders to quickly and easily get accurate and interactive answers to many types of employee, team, department, and organisation-level questions. These include: “Who within the organisation is demonstrating our company values?”, “What is the current skills profile of my team?”, “What impact is employee recognition having on top-talent or overall retention in my department?” and “Who are the best internal candidates for this role?” The AI Assistant provides highly accurate responses, putting answers at the fingertips of those who need them most without the need for even more technology or data analytics expertise.

Transforming the way companies monitor and enhance their culture, Workhuman iQ leverages proprietary algorithms and AI to analyse data within the Workhuman platform, offering leaders and managers clear insights into the state of their culture and talent. Acting as a virtual consultant and a single source of truth, AI Assistant and Workhuman iQ goes beyond reporting, uncovering previously hidden workplace insights and providing unparalleled insights into people dynamics, performance, skills, and more, empowering leaders to make informed and strategic decisions. The manual and labour-intensive process of generating actionable insights is replaced with real-time, on-demand trends, patterns, and precise answers to people and organisational questions.

“AI is changing the way work gets done, and with the introduction of generative AI tools within programmes that generate significant data, it opens the door for people without analytics backgrounds to easily access information it would have otherwise taken them days or weeks to uncover,” said Kevin Heinzelman, Workhuman Head of Product Management. “Workhuman iQ analyses an organisation’s unique recognition data and surfaces personalised, recommended actions based on identified patterns to help managers make informed decisions and foster an encouraging environment – further driving optimal team engagement, retention, and performance. Our solution equips managers with the information they need to better support their team and induces them to take a more proactive role in shaping culture, and our AI Assistant takes those analytics capabilities to the next level.”

The new AI Assistant comes on the heels of additional innovations in the Workhuman Platform, Admin Hub, and Automated Welcome Awards, which significantly improve and empower the Social Recognition Programme Manager experience.

Workhuman iQ empowers HR leaders and people managers to measure recognition programmes, track culture and engagement, measure skills and performance, and actively know how to improve every day. To learn more, please visit: www.workhuman.com/capabilities/workhuman-iq.

Practical Gifts for College-Bound High School Graduates That They’ll Actually Use

Smart, Useful, and Appreciated Gifts Your Grad Will Love..

Throughout the years, I’ve been through my fair share of graduation seasons, seeing off my little ones as they step boldly into the next chapter of their lives. With graduation just around the corner, the pressure to find the perfect gift that won’t just gather dust in a closet is on. It’s a challenge, I know! You want something thoughtful, useful, and perhaps a bit fun, right? Well, you’re in luck because today I’m sharing my top picks for graduation gifts that are not only practical but are sure to be appreciated and used by your graduates.

Essential Tech Gadgets and Gear

In our digital age, tech gadgets top the list of must-have items for young adults. Whether they’re heading to college, starting a new job, or taking a gap year, here are a few gadgets that can help make their transition smoother:

  • Laptops and Tablets – Choosing the right laptop or tablet is crucial for any graduate. For college-bound students, look for models that offer a balance of power, durability, and battery life to handle coursework and multimedia needs. Popular choices include the MacBook Air for its long battery life and lightweight design, and the Microsoft Surface for those who prefer a touch interface with the versatility of a detachable keyboard.
  • Ebook Readers – For the voracious reader or the college student majoring in literature, an ebook reader like the Kindle Paperwhite can be a godsend. It reduces the need to carry heavy books and provides instant access to thousands of titles at their fingertips. E-readers are particularly useful for reading in various lighting conditions, thanks to their glare-free screens, and their battery life lasts weeks, which is perfect for the hectic schedules of busy graduates.
  • Smartphones – A reliable smartphone can serve as a lifeline for new graduates. It keeps them connected with friends and family, helps manage their schedule, and supports countless apps that can aid in daily tasks and productivity. The latest models from Apple, Samsung, and Google not only offer excellent camera quality for capturing memories but also come with powerful processors to handle everything from social media to sophisticated job-related applications.
  • Smart Watches – Beyond just telling time, smart watches like the Apple Watch or the Samsung Galaxy Watch can track fitness, monitor health, and allow easy access to notifications without needing to pull out a smartphone. They are especially useful for graduates who have a busy schedule, providing reminders for appointments, emails, and calls right on their wrist.
  • Laptop Backpack – Equipped with their new tech, your grad is going to need something reliable to cart it around campus. Look for college backpacks made from high-quality materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. 
  • Cable Organizers – A perfect addition to a laptop backpack, cable organizers can help your grad keep their cords organized as they hop from class to class. 

Practical Household Items

If your grad is moving out for the first time, there are a few household items that can be incredibly useful:

  • Mini Coffee Maker – Coffee makers are perfect for fueling late-night study sessions or getting an early start before classes. Compact models from Keurig or Nespresso don’t take up much space and work wonders. Plus, it’s better than paying for a cup from a coffee shop.
  • Microwave or Toaster Oven – A compact microwave is another must-have for quick meals. This is particularly crucial for students in dorms where kitchen access can be limited. A microwave can help them heat up leftovers, make popcorn for movie nights, or prepare simple meals like microwaveable rice or pasta, ensuring they’re well-fed even on their busiest days. Just be sure that your grad is allowed one on campus, or that they will be able to return it if it’s not allowed. 
  • Quality Bedding Set – A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable. Invest in a high-quality bedding set to give them the comfort of home, wherever they are.
  • Desk Lamp – A well-lit workspace is essential for productivity. A sleek, adjustable desk lamp not only helps prevent eye strain during late-night studying but can also add a touch of style to a work area. Look for models with built-in USB ports for charging smartphones or other devices, adding extra functionality.

Financial Gifts

Let’s talk about a practical and increasingly popular gift choice—financial gifts. These can help set your grad up for financial success:

  • Gift Cards – Versatile and practical, gift cards let grads buy what they need when they need it. You might get your grad a gift card to their campus bookstore, a local grocery store, or just a plain use-anywhere gift card.
  • Subscriptions and Memberships – Paying for subscriptions or memberships can be a thoughtful way to provide ongoing support throughout the year. Consider services that match the graduate’s interests or needs, such as Netflix or Spotify for entertainment or Adobe Creative Cloud or Microsoft Office for their educational needs. 
  • Savings Bonds or Stocks – Gifting savings bonds or stocks is a great way to introduce graduates to the world of investing. This can teach them about saving and investing for the future, and provide them with a financial asset that can appreciate over time. Savings bonds are a particularly safe investment, while stocks can allow them to start learning about the stock market and financial planning.
  • Cold Hard Cash – Let’s face it—college is expensive. While it isn’t always the most personalized gift, you can rest assured that a cash gift will definitely be used.  Your grad can use it towards books, tuition, or anything else they feel they need. You can never go wrong with cash.

 

Choosing the right gifts for our graduates means considering their future needs and personal tastes. Let’s celebrate this milestone by giving them something that not only marks the occasion but also supports and enhances their new adventures. Here’s to finding the perfect gift that your graduate will truly appreciate and use!

 

Happy gifting and congratulations to all the graduates and their proud families!

 

International Rugby Experience to be Gifted to People of Limerick

One of Ireland’s leading visitor attractions, the state-of-the-art International Rugby Experience (IRE) on O’Connell Street, Limerick, will be donated by JP McManus and his family to the people of Limerick.
The IRE, initially funded through a €30 million investment by the JP McManus Charitable Foundation, is a fully immersive, hands on, multi-sensory experience designed to engage and inspire families and individuals alike. Inspired by World Rugby’s values of Passion, Discipline, Integrity, Solidarity and Respect, visitors hear the stories, feel the passion and test their own skills as they move through six, awe-inspiring stages inside the ‘Home of Legends’.
Following a process of due diligence, the 30,000 square foot centre will be owned and operated by Limerick City & County Council. It is envisaged that Discover Limerick DAC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Limerick City and County Council, will oversee the day-to-day operations, while the IRE will continue to be managed by the existing team appointed on opening last year.
Heads of Terms have been signed by both parties and the transition process will commence once due diligence is completed. This transaction will enhance the current offering of Discover Limerick DAC particularly for visitors also travelling to their other attractions, such as King John’s Castle, Lough Gur Visitor Centre and Adare Heritage Centre.
Designed by renowned architect, Níall McLaughlin, the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) announced the IRE as the winner of the Public Choice category at the Irish Architecture Awards 2023 and the building has since been recognised internationally for its world class design and structure. The ground floor retail space, first floor café and event spaces will also come under the remit of the local authority.
It has been an eventful first year in operation for the IRE, with a star-studded launch last May featuring legends of the game such as Jonathan Sexton, Martin Johnson, Sean Fitzpatrick, Bryan Habana, Joy Neville, Matt Dawson, Danielle Waterman and Francois Pienaar.
International Rugby Experience CEO, Barry Hannon said: “Over the course of the first year in operation, we have seen our corner of O’Connell Street revitalised by the International Rugby Experience with visitors to the building from far and wide to partake in the AV experience, for our local food offering or to support one of the many local artists who are displaying in our gift shop. We would like to recognise Paul O’Connell and Keith Wood for their incredible insight and expertise to ensure the successful outcome of the project. The IRE has truly become the public and civic building we sought to create and this next stage of the journey in public ownership will protect the buildings legacy, outlasting us all for generations.”
Deputy Chief Executive of Limerick City & County Council, Gordon Daly added: “This is an exciting opportunity for the Council to add International Rugby Experience to our existing successful tourist attractions; King Johns Castle, Lough Gur, Limerick Greenway and Adare Heritage Centre and build stronger synergies to drive tourism development and promotion in Limerick. We are working closely with IRE to advance the due diligence process and commence the transition.”
For more information, or to book tickets, visit: www.internationalrugbyexperience.com

Navee launches Navee GPT, the anti-counterfeiting solution that redefines brand security with automatic counterfeit moderation

Navee, a leading player in the fight against online counterfeit, announces the launch of Navee GPT, a revolutionary technology that enables automatic moderation of high risk counterfeit listings, 24/7, 365 days a year.

If counterfeit production were a country, it would be the sixth largest emitter of CO2 globally, with devastating consequences for the environment, society, and economy. In light of this urgent challenge, Navee is taking the lead with the launch of Navee GPT, a large-scale language model (LLM) that takes the fight against counterfeiting even further.

This new technological advance complements Navee’s earlier innovation, the CVAN (Collaborative Visual Authentication Network). Result of collaboration between brands and platforms, CVAN blocks counterfeits, at upload, across the platforms using semi-exact image matching and insights sharing, allowing them to proactively fight counterfeits. Navee GPT further reinforces this technology by using AI to analyze and tackle high risk listings that may have slipped past CVAN. This new multimodal LLM aims to help brands and platforms double their listing moderation and cut average processing time by up to 10 times.

Increased and automated processing capacity
With the integration of Navee GPT, the initial moderation capacity could multiply fivefold or even tenfold, enabling the processing of up to 15,000 counterfeit cases per month per customer to be processed. This allows Navee to empower their partners and customers to triple the efficiency of their analyst teams.
The system quickly identifies and evaluates suspicious content, and when combined with CVAN, it can automatically reduce counterfeiting by up to 90% without human intervention. This technological breakthrough provides prompt and precise feedback while helping brands trim operational costs, making it an indispensable tool for organizations seeking to streamline their content moderation processes and improve overall performance.

Human precision and uninterrupted moderation
Navee GPT uses its powerful algorithm to assess the risk level of each listing, pre-moderating high-risk content not addressed by CVAN. Trained using a structured and moderated guide, reinforced by Navee’s moderation history, its accuracy rivals that of human moderators. The solution operates continuously 24/7, facilitating large-scale, high-quality moderation.

A step towards market balance
Navee’s aim is not to do away with human moderation, but to improve its accuracy and efficiency. Given the ease and speed with which counterfeit listings are uploaded and spread, automation is essential for efficient detection and management. The startup aims to balance the market against counterfeiters exploiting the internet’s susceptibility to fake content creation.

Matteo Amerio, co-founder and CEO of Navee, comments: “Today, it’s much easier to create thousands of counterfeit listings than to detect a single one. The cost of identifying a counterfeit product is now higher than the cost of listing it online. This is where our solution shines. By further automating moderation, we empower companies to remove counterfeit content even more effectively.”

Navee GPT takes moderation to new heights of speed, efficiency and precision. With 99% accuracy, this incredibly revolutionary solution brings the world a little closer to counterfeit-free every day.