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.

PayPal study shows a quarter (25%) of gamers in Ireland earned money through gaming in 2023

Ireland has emerged as a strong contender in the global gaming industry, drawing the attention of enthusiasts and game developers. To dig deeper, PayPal commissioned a study conducted by Censuswide in November 2023 that polled 1,000 consumers who play online games to unveil latest behaviour and trends. PayPal’s gaming insights revealed that a quarter (25%) of gamers surveyed in Ireland started or continued earning money via gaming in 2023, with a further 22 per cent of those who will spend more money on games in 2024 considering it as an additional way to generate income.

Turning play into pay

The most popular ways of making money through gaming for respondents who started/ continued to earn money via gaming in the past 12 months were revealed as taking surveys (38%), ads (26%), and time playing or Mistplay (24%).

Going forward, some 31 per cent of gamers plan to increase their spend on games over the next 12 months – with the expected average spend expected to be €451 for respondents who spend money on online games. Using gaming to generate additional income through streaming was a driving factor for increased budgets among 22 per cent of respondents.

 Gaming can form connections

As an industry, gaming has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, and has become a leading form of entertainment in Ireland especially those in the age group of 25-34 years of age. Entertainment was the top motivation cited by 53 per cent of respondents followed by stress relief (47%) and escaping reality (37%).

A significant proportion of respondents who will spend more on games in 2024 revealed that gaming is their favourite hobby (37%) and a way for them to make friends (28%) and are some of the reasons why they plan to spend more on gaming in 2024. Over half (56%) of gamers in Ireland say playing games brings them closer to other people.

PayPal infographic

Gaming can also be beneficial for mental wellbeing with 34 per cent of those who will spend more on games in 2024 identifying it as their source of motivation. Twenty-one per cent turned to gaming to alleviate loneliness, while 25 per cent use games to socialise and connect with others. More than a quarter of gamers who will spend more on games in 2024 (28%) have fostered online friendships through gaming, and 27 per cent view it as a means to connect with friends and family.

Speaking about the findings, Jonas Breding, General Manager for PayPal Northern Europe, commented: “Our research highlights that there is a dynamic gaming community in Ireland, where gaming means more than just entertainment. For some, it serves as a tool for relieving stress and making connections. For others, they are transforming their passion for gaming into an income stream. We understand that safety is always a concern and provide gamers a more secure way to pay with PayPal for games and accessories.”

 Cost and safety concerns

The research found that certain factors would stop respondents gaming or spending money on it. More than two thirds (69%) identified high living costs and inflation as a potential deterrent, while concerns about fraud (34%) and the unavailability of payment options (29%) were also noted as being game-changers in this regard. PayPal was the most popular payment method used by 35 per cent of   gamers surveyed in Ireland who spend money on online games.

Safety is a priority for 64 per cent when buying or playing games. Furthermore, 67 per cent per cent are giving more consideration to safety when it comes to choosing a gaming platform and a similar proportion (69%) said safety increases their loyalty towards a game.

This is understandable given that 30 per cent of gamers have encountered safety concerns while gaming during the past year and more than a third (36%) have previously felt unsafe when completing a game purchase.

The most prominent safety concerns respondents have encountered while gaming in the last 12 months were revealed as abuse on gaming platforms (31%), loss of money or gaming funds (29%), bullying (28%), hacked gaming accounts (26%), and falling victim to fraud (22%).

Nearly 7 in 10 (69%) of respondents say that their loyalty towards a game increases when they experience safety. This is also the case for selecting a gaming platform.

New BBC.com and BBC App Launch Globally

BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the BBC, and BBC News today announced the global launch of the all-new BBC.com and BBC app, transforming the way digital audiences read, watch, and find the BBC’s renowned journalism and storytelling outside of the UK. Available to users worldwide, the new website and app boast an updated design and navigation along with more of the trusted, impartial journalism that consumers rely on the BBC for across the world. The new BBC.com and BBC app also allow for a more premium and sustainable commercial offering with ad tech enhancements that unlock new opportunities for advertisers.

The BBC app, which replaces the International BBC News app, brings together content from across the BBC, for the first time ever. The app mirrors the refreshed BBC.com experience, offering stories and videos across Business, Innovation, Culture, Travel, Earth and more, alongside News, Sport, and live coverage. The BBC app is available for download today in the App Store for Apple users and for Android devices via Google Play.

Tara Maitra, Chief Commercial Officer, BBC Global Media & Streaming, BBC Studios, said: “We are excited to bring the new website and brand-new BBC app to audiences and partners around the globe, following a successful first introduction to consumers in North America. These new digital products deliver an experience as premium as our news and storytelling and offers us the opportunity for future growth as we remain focused on finding new and innovative ways to make BBC content more easily accessible across the globe.”

Naja Nielsen, Digital Director for BBC News, said: “We know there is huge appetite for impartial BBC News journalism as we report – without an agenda – on the burning issues of our time. Thanks to our independent journalism, the BBC is the world’s most trusted international news media organisation, reaching more than 400 million people each week. As we expand and develop our global digital newsroom, I am thrilled our new global app and website will provide an excellent experience and much better showcase our world-beating journalism.”

Lori Suchcicki, SVP Advertising EMEA, BBC Studios, said: “The new website and app provide a trusted, premium environment for advertisers and represent the BBC’s continued investment in high-quality journalism globally and our commitment to bringing news and insights from the EMEA region to millions of people across the world. We’re excited that our commercial partners will enjoy several enhancements that make it easier for brands to connect with the BBC.com audience, unlocking new partnership capabilities and opportunities for marketers.”

BBC.com, which re-launched in North America last December, and the BBC app allow users to engage with the BBC’s content in a more cohesive experience. Some of the changes to the website and app include:

  • New Homepage: The new BBC.com homepage and home screen now include a mix of the biggest global news stories of the moment plus a selection of timely and relevant features, curated by BBC editors.
  • New Look, Same Trusted News: Visitors looking to dig deeper into what’s happening around the globe can navigate to News to find articles, videos, and live coverage. Those looking for news from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East can find it in the World section under News.
  • New Sections: BBC’s arts and entertainment coverage in Culture, technology, health and science in Innovation, and sustainability and environment in Earth. Sport, Business and Travel continue to offer agenda-setting stories from around the world, as well as the thought-provoking features readers have come to love from the BBC.
  • More BBC Videos: New Video section offers an extensive library of BBC videos and multimedia storytelling featuring content ranging from news and sport updates to captivating stories on climate, sustainability, science, health, entertainment, and history.
  • More Live Coverage: New Live section makes it easier to find live news updates and live global sport coverage as they unfold.
  • Up-to-the-Minute Breaking News Alerts: Audiences can sign up to receive the same breaking news notifications they always have.
  • The BBC Direct to your Inbox: Discover our newsletters, including The News Briefing, US Election Unspun, Tech Decoded, Future Earth, The Essential List and the brand-new In History

The new website and app, together, create a streamlined digital ecosystem that makes it easier than ever for audiences worldwide to discover a wider array of BBC content. The consistent, unified layout across web and app results not only in an improved user experience, but the unified, single product suite also allows for more opportunities and flexibility for advertising and sponsorship across both web and app.

Advertising partners can now take advantage of more premium high impact ad units that live seamlessly alongside the BBC’s content, making for a more effective consumer journey. Marketers will also benefit from advanced targeting capabilities featuring more sophisticated audience intelligence, segmentation, and attribution that connects campaigns across web and app products, delivering enhanced measurable results for partners.

These new digital platforms and features, coupled with research that shows advertising within news can drive business results, together bolster the opportunity for marketers to reach the coveted BBC.com audience of engaged and informed news consumers. In fact, according to the IAB, advertising in news creates a halo effect, with consumers more likely to consider making a purchase after being exposed to a brand’s advertisement within their preferred news sources. Findings show that 90% of consumers have either a positive or neutral response to brands that advertise within news, while nearly half of consumers find brands that advertise in the news to be more customer-focused and engaging, more innovative, and relevant to them. The study from the IAB reinforces internal findings into the aggregated performance of advertising on BBC.com, which show an 80%+ average lift in likelihood to recommend and consideration across key categories.

BBC.com and the BBC app are the latest step in the company’s ongoing digital transformation, and is supported by its investment in North America, which includes an expanded newsroom that facilitates deeper analysis and local expertise of the regional stories affecting the world. Recently, the company also launched the BBC News FAST channel in the U.S. across leading services, more than doubling the channel’s reach in the region. Ranked as the most trusted news broadcaster in the world, the BBC is driven by its public service mission and editorial guidelines and standards for which the organization is known.

The development and operation of BBC.com and the BBC app is driven by BBC Studios Global Media & Streaming division, which leverages the power of the BBC to reach and engage audiences worldwide. GM&S is responsible for the distribution and advertising of BBC News globally outside of the U.K. GM&S is a division of BBC Studios, the BBC Group’s commercial arm that helps to fund innovation, internationally recognized programming, and the organization’s public service mission.

Prepping for European spring /summer travel? QDOS has you covered

If you’re travelling to Europe this summer, QDOS has you covered for all your power charging needs.

Whether you’re traveling alone, in a couple or with the kids, don’t waste precious packing space with multiple chargers that you could end up leaving or losing!

And if you’re doing a bit of work while you’re there, QDOS have got the perfect power combo.

PowerSnap with Stand

Price £39.99

Available: QDOS website

  • Compact, MagSafe compatible wireless charger with a convenient viewing stand.
  • Effortlessly charge devices safely and securely with perfect magnetic alignment, for fast wireless charging up to 15W.
  • Flick up the viewing stand function and enjoy the viewing angle for watching movies, FaceTiming friends or streaming videos.
  • Complete with an integrated 1m USB-C cable.

EU PowerCube 45W Trio

Price £69.99

Available: QDOS website

 

  • The ultimate Apple charging bundle with EU plug
  • Charge your iPhone x3 faster than any other power adaptor
  • Charge at 45W when using just 1 port or charge 2 devices simultaneously, with 1 port offering 20W and the other port offering 25W, for a higher speed charge.
  • Using Programmable Power Supply (PPS), providing the most optimum charge to connected devices, whilst GaN Technology improves energy efficiency, heat dissipation & provides compact housing.
  • The MFI Lightning to USB-C and USB-C to USB-C cables are high quality, reinforced cables and both 1.2m in length. Compatible with all USB-C or Lightning enabled devices.

 PowerLink Combi 8-in-1 USB-C hub

Price £59.99

Available: QDOS website

  • Connect your tech life in one place with this slim, easily transportable Powerlink Combi; charge, sync and display effortlessly with this elegant 8-in-1 multi-port USB-C hub.
  • Portable and lightweight, it charges at Max 100W with Power Delivery USB-C and sync at 10Gbps.
  •  Display in 4k with HDMI and connect your audio devices with the classic Audio Jack.
  • Transfer data with SD and Micro SD.
  • See our review HERE

 

Dating as a single dad: Tips that will help you

Most people think that dating as a single father is way easier than it is for single moms, and they’re right – women love responsible guys who love kids and want to create families. Meanwhile, guys might feel confused by how to date as a single dad. In fact, by using some dating sites for single fathers like https://www.dating.com/ and knowing some tips, you can find your love easily!

Prioritize Self-Discovery

Before venturing into the dating world, take the time for self-discovery. Understand your values, priorities, and what you’re looking for in a partner. This self-awareness will guide your choices and contribute to a more fulfilling dating experience.

Balance Your Roles Mindfully

Strive for a mindful balance between your role as a parent and your personal life. Clearly communicate your availability and schedule with potential partners. This upfront transparency sets the tone for understanding and mutual respect.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

Instead of pursuing a high quantity of dates, prioritize quality connections. When using a dating site for single dads, focus on ladies who not only respect your role as a single dad but also appreciate the unique dynamics it brings. Quality relationships add to a more enriching life.

Integrate Family-Friendly Activities

When planning dates, consider activities that can include your child if appropriate. This not only showcases your commitment to your child but also allows potential partners to witness your parenting style in action.

Be Transparent About Your Priorities

From the outset, communicate openly about your priorities. Let potential partners know about the importance of your child in your life and how you manage your time. Transparency fosters a foundation of trust and understanding.

Engage in Thoughtful Conversations

Move beyond surface-level discussions and engage in thoughtful dialogues. Share your experiences, values, and goals, and also encourage your date to do the same. Meaningful conversations contribute to a deeper connection.

Celebrate Your Parenting Strengths

Acknowledge and celebrate your strengths as a single dad. Enjoy the resilience, dedication, and love you bring to your parenting journey. Demonstrating confidence in your role attracts partners who appreciate and admire these qualities.

Be Open to Learning

Approach dating with an open mind and be willing to learn from each experience. Each interaction offers insights into your preferences and helps refine what you’re looking for in a partner.

Navigate Introductions Thoughtfully

If the relationship progresses and introductions are on the horizon, approach them thoughtfully. Consider the comfort of both your child and your potential partner, ensuring that the introduction is a positive and inclusive experience.

Elevate Your Self-Care

Make a conscious effort to prioritize self-care as a fundamental aspect of your routine. Allocate time for little things that bring you real joy and relaxation, nurturing your overall well-being. By tending to your personal needs, you cultivate a positive mindset that actually contributes to the health and vitality of your relationships.

Celebrate Shared Interests

Look for partners who share your real interests and also values. Celebrating shared hobbies or activities fosters a deeper connection and can create a harmonious family dynamic if the relationship progresses.

Cultivate a Supportive Community

Forge connections with a supportive network of friends and family who comprehend and champion your path as a single dad. A robust support system not only offers valuable guidance but also uplifts your confidence throughout the dating journey. Embracing a community that understands and uplifts you creates a foundation for success in your personal and relational endeavors.

Tech Review – AENO RC2S Robot Vacuum Cleaner

The AENO RC2S Robot Vacuum Cleaner is an affordable piece of kit your home should have especially if you hate doing the cleaning which is why most of my place is done in flooring but not only that the hoovering is a chore most do not like to do but has to be done and if you have a pet even  more so on a regular basis, The vacuum cleaner works effectively with all types of surfaces: carpets, laminate, parquet, tiles and other surfaces that might be useful for the user. You can check out a first look at it here for all the parts etc.

This Vacuum cleaner not only maps you the ares required to be cleaned but you a hoover and wash with the same product meaning less clutter and cables and it has a home base with its own charge station and returns home when low on power and not only that it comes with an app so you are in full control of what does on which is handy.

It is on the large size however this is average if you have seen any similar products out there or some of the ones we previously check out on site you would be best to find a good permanent spot for it in my opinion and then you will not encounter any problems.

The set up can take a few minutes and there is several buttons up on top of the unit and it is pretty simple to use once you get to grips with how it all works via the app or unit itself.

There are two removable trays on the cleaner one for dirt and one for washing which simply swaps out making it easy giving you more room than ones that come with both built in. On the underside you will see the wheels and brushes and on the outer ring there is the bumper loaded with sensors allowing you to get the harder spots done like under tables and chairs etc.

The product is not that hard to get to know via the app you can of course just hit the start/power button on the unit itself and let it do what you have set up on the app which I think is the easy option, you can abort a cleaning return it for charge and more and when the battery runs low it auto returns to base.

I found it to work well with objects and no issues to report there was no hassle picking up any dirt or grime and then you could run the mop over it after use and the brushes keep moving with it, the trays are simple to remove and you can get a bottom floor complete in your house if say the sitting room runs into the kitchen for example and it handles objects in the way well not that mine where large anyway but most houses are the same now.

See the video below for more.

 

The App is both available on Android and iOS and tested on both and there seems to be no difference between both in my testing the app is simple to use and works well and keeps track of all the details and lets you know when something needs adjusting or changing you can also reset items in the wear part of the app should you need to swap brushes or fabric mop etc.

Features

Efficient wet cleaning

3 modes of electronic water flow provide effective and safe cleaning for different floor types and mess levels

Cleans of all types of surfaces

The vacuum cleaner works effectively with all types of surfaces: carpets, laminate, parquet, tiles and more. You won’t need other devices to complete your cleaning

Effective daily cleaning of pet hair

Save yourself the discomfort of a large amount of pet hair around the house

Up to 130 min of cleaning without recharging

5 hours charge will be enough to clean an area up to 150 m²

Modes for every need

Need to remove pet hair from carpet? Turbo mode will help you. Spread grain over the floor area? Use Spot mode. Child’s room requires daily cleaning? Single room mode is a good solution

Super powerful

The exceptional power 2500 Pa of the robot vacuum cleaner AENO can clean even long pile carpets, thoroughly collects any debris on the floor. Just use the Turbo mode for highly messed areas

Reliable Japanese Nidec motor

Nidec motor provides peak performance and long-lasting reliability

Up to 150 m² wet cleaning without water refill

Enlarged 350 ml water tank capacity makes it possible. Just fill the water tank before cleaning and don’t think about it anymore

High step overcoming – 18 mm Threshold, cable, high pile carpet – won’t be a hindrance to cleaning the whole home

All consumables always available

Regular cleaning in hard-to-reach places

Forget about inconvenient cleaning under dressers, beds, and other furniture

Includes:

  • HEPA 12 filter
  • Fabric mop
  • 2 x Side brushes

BUY

Video Review

Danish Car Subscription Service Expands in Europe with New Franchisee

Dribe, one of Denmark’s leading car subscription services, has entered a franchise agreement with Greek car distributor Kosmocar. The partnership marks the first milestone in :Dribe’s international expansion, driven by an ambition to fulfill a global demand for a strong, digitally driven concept for simple and flexible car access.

As a first in Europe, the Greek car distributor Kosmocar enters a franchise partnership with :Dribe, a Danish tech innovator within car subscription services for private consumers and businesses. Kosmocar is now unveiling :Dribe’s concept and digital platform, enabling simple and intuitive management of car subscriptions, while short 30-day binding periods provide subscribers with great flexibility and freedom.

The partnership is the first step in :Dribe’s international expansion, where the company plans to enter franchise agreements in the UK, the Benelux, France, German, and more. Their international roll-out will cater to the dynamic, urban lifestyle through simple and flexible car access. Yiannis Emirzas, CEO of Kosmocar, is optimistic about the new partnership.

– With this franchise agreement, we are taking a confident step towards meeting the evolving needs for simple, flexible, and sustainable mobility solutions. :Dribe offers us valuable knowhow in addition to a robust, highly advanced IT-platform and a plug-and-play model that is easy to implement, says Yiannis Emirzas. He adds:

– By adding a well-tested, customer-driven subscription model to our existing business, we’re expanding our mobility services, and we are putting the power of mobility back into the hands of people. We’re excited to embark on this journey and shape the way people move in Greece.

According to a 2024 report from McKinsey Digital, digitalization can significantly increase profitability in the Greek retail sector. The report further notes that Greece’s digitalization is lacking behind that of its European peers. It’s no coincidence that :Dribe looked to Greece as the first destination in :Dribe’s European expansion. Jesper Hill-Kjærsgaard, CEO of :Dribe, says:

– We see a substantial, unrecognized potential in Greece, where we have a competitive edge in having built a powerful digital platform that allows for efficient administration of an extensive fleet of vehicles. Our :Dribe-platform facilitates a subscription-based business model that requires minimal manual intervention and optimizes resource utility, says Jesper Hill-Kjærsgaard. He adds:

– We immediately saw a perfect match in Kosmocar. Like us, they are digital natives who adapt to new technologies and are passionate about meeting market demand for simple and flexible car access.

An Important Milestone

:Dribe is owned by Semler Group, one of the biggest players in the Danish automotive business. Ulrik Drejsig, CEO of Semler Group, agrees that the new franchise agreement is an important milestone.

– During our century-long history, our company has experienced first-hand the constant change that occurs in the auto business. We have invested in :Dribe’s car subscription-model to embrace a relational business method. Now, five years into our journey, we are taking the first important step into the European market, and we are proud to have Kosmocar by our side, says Ulrik Drejsig.

The new franchise agreement between :Dribe and Kosmocar is founded on a common set of values.

– Innovation, trust, cooperation, and accountability are four values that we strive to demonstrate daily to our customers and business partners. We consider it as a major perk to have found a franchisee who shares our values, and we are very excited about our partnership, says Jesper Hill-Kjærsgaard.

eir unveils first major brand refresh in nearly a decade with new ‘eir for all’ identity

eir, Ireland’s leading telecommunications company, has unveiled ‘eir for all’ a new modern, inclusive and accessible brand identity.

The company has invested €2 million in this new ‘eir for all’ identity representing a major transformation for the business, following its €1.2 billion five-year investment in Ireland’s telecommunications infrastructure and the transformation of eir’s customer experience. This is eir’s first new identity since its rebrand from Eircom in 2015.

Bridging eir’s heritage with its pivotal role in contemporary Irish society, ‘eir for all’ underscores the company’s enduring commitment to enhancing connections across Ireland. Highlighting eir’s integral presence in communities and its mission to facilitate stronger, more meaningful connections for a better Ireland. Through ‘eir for all’ the company showcases its efforts in fostering inclusivity and accessibility, reinforcing its vision of a connected community where everyone can thrive.

The new brand identity was unveiled to more than 3,000 eir staff at events in eir’s Dublin HQ today, in four care hubs across Sligo, Cork, Limerick and Waterford, and with staff in retail stores and in the field. It will be phased in through the company’s operations starting from today and will also feature via TV and online advertising, out of home advertising, stores, websites, and digital platforms.

‘eir for all’, will also feature prominently in eir’s national sponsorships and community partnerships, including as one of the title sponsors of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship, GamerFest, and as long term supporters of Special Olympics Ireland.

The launch of ‘eir for all’ coincides with unique data showing how eir is delivering more meaningful connections across Ireland

  • In the past 12 months fixed broadband increased by 24.9%. This increase is equal to 127 billion hours gaming, 7.5 billion hours video chat, 1.3 billion hours film streaming or 390 billion songs streamed
  • Over the past 12 months, on average, each household used 8.1 hours of HD video per day and Sunday was the highest data usage day of the week.
  • Over the past 12 months 5G Data Traffic has increased some 110% and Data Traffic is up
  • Last month, St. Brigid’s Festival of Light in Dundalk saw a 3TB surge in local data traffic in Dundalk town centre celebrating the St. Brigid’s festivities Sunday was the highest data usage day of the week

The new ‘eir for all’ brand identity profiles individual people, families and communities across Ireland demonstrating how eir’s technology helps people connect for a better Ireland. They include a TikTok performer, a young hurler, a Special Olympics athlete, a family of gamers and a group of surfers among others.  Please click here for more detail: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=eir+for+all

The new ‘eir for all’ brand identity follows a year of significant achievements across all eir’s operations. eir has passed more than 1.2 million homes and businesses across Ireland with future-proofed fibre to the home broadband network. This makes it possible for more than 3 million people throughout Ireland to access the latest technology and fastest download speeds to enhance how they live and work. As part of its new brand identity, eir has also invested €4 million refurbishing 21 stores on high streets and in retail parks.

Addressing eir colleagues, Susan Brady, Managing Director, Consumer and Small Business, eir, said;“We are delighted to introduce ‘eir for all’ our new consumer-focused brand proposition that marks a significant milestone in our journey as Ireland’s leading telecommunications company. This initiative underscores our dedication to redefining connectivity across the nation, ensuring every individual has access to seamless, world-class technology and connectivity solutions. Our commitment extends beyond infrastructure to creating an inclusive, effortless experience for our over two million customers daily. ‘eir for all’ embodies our vision of a modern connected Ireland, reinforcing our pledge to enhance Ireland’s digital landscape and make superior connectivity accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstances. As we continue to expand Ireland’s largest high-speed fibre and leading 5G networks, we remain grateful for the unwavering support of our employees, partners, and customers who share in our mission for a better-connected Ireland.”

 

Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir commented on today’s announcement: “Over the past five years, eir has embarked on a transformative journey, investing over €1.2 billion in expanding and enhancing Ireland’s fibre and mobile network infrastructure. This significant investment underscores our commitment to providing the most reliable and extensive connectivity across the nation. Moreover, we’ve made a deliberate move to onshore and establish a new care function, ensuring our customers receive the highest quality of service. Today, hundreds of our directly employed staff in our Care Hubs in Sligo, Cork, Limerick, and Waterford are dedicated to caring for our customers. This strategic shift towards improving our infrastructure and customer care underlines our dedication to not just meeting, but exceeding, the evolving needs and expectations of our customers. It’s in this spirit of transformation and commitment to excellence that we chose to reposition and revitalise the eir brand, making a clear statement that we are here for all, committed to delivering unparalleled connectivity and service to every corner of Ireland.”

 

Tech Review – Creative Pebble X Plus

Previously reviewed on techbuzz the Creative Pebble X which for me are worth every cent their big brother the Creative Pebble Plus outdo those which i did not think would be possible however the Plus sign here unlike phone is worth the name on the end and these pack even more of a punch and notable if ran side by side but the configuration is different and the there is some difference between the Pebble X.

This time around we get a subwoofer which is super solid and has some decent weight to it meaning it will not wobble around even when maxed out on volume and they do get seriously loud too. The woofer has no lighting at all however the speakers retain the RGB lighting that is customizable to your own requirements

The design of the speakers is the same but lacks the radiators on the side, these have moved onto the box if you will giving you a centre stage sound but mighty, the controls and ports remain the same as the Pebble X and set up is the same again and fairly simple, there has been some updates to the app since my testing and you most likely will need to update when you pick them up, this will prompt you to remove the cable and when setting up again holding down the RGB button and plugging in the USB-C cable at the same time and things go back to normal..

Overall here if you have the extra few quid to spend I would spend it on these but if not the Pebble X is more than good enough, the sound on these is louder more punchy excellent bass and you do see me get a little excited in the full video review below. If you want great sound for more than a reasonable price for your Laptop/PC or Phone this is where it is at and easy to recommend. You can see a software demo here but we have a good look below in the video review.

Click to enlarge

 

Taking the audio game up a notch, the Creative Pebble X Plus sports a sleek subwoofer with dual passive radiators, designed to be compact enough to sit seamlessly on any desk setup. With added features like Dialog+ and BassFlex, these latest speakers can deliver powerful bass and crystal-clear spoken dialogues without compromising volume.

Despite their small footprint, these speakers can envelop users with an acoustic power output reaching up to 15W RMS and a peak of 30W when plugged into a PC port. When connected to a 30W (or higher) PD adaptor*, these speakers truly shine as it can deliver a peak power of up to 60W, unleashing their complete audio potential for an outstanding listening experience.

 

Creative App offers the following features for the Creative Pebble X series.

  • Ability to apply different Sound Modes, Equalizer and Acoustic Engine settings.
  • Configure the lighting effects on the speaker.
  • Configure the Microphone Equalizer.
  • Perform firmware or software upgrades.

    Creative Pebble X Plus is priced at US$129.99, UK£134.99, EU€139.99 and is available for pre-order at Creative.com

    For more information, visit creative.com/PebbleXPlus

Video Review

Google Ireland opens the doors to its first dedicated Accessibility Discovery Centre to drive R&D in accessible technology

Google is opening a dedicated accessibility space  where Google engineers, researchers and wider product teams will focus on driving new innovation in accessible technology to help to remove some of the barriers that people with disabilities face everyday.

The ‘Accessibility Discovery Centre’ has been built in consultation with local partners including Spinal Injuries Ireland, ADHD Ireland, the National Disability Authority, Fighting Blindness  and Google’s internal Disability Alliance employee resource group. Not only a workshop for research and product development, the centre will be a space for cross-industry learning, sharing information and building greater understanding and empathy among the accessibility community.

The centre will also facilitate tours to increase awareness of the power of technology to empower those with disabilities. These tours will include real life examples of new technologies empowering people with disabilities via a series of interactive zones and gaming zones that bring to life the ways people with disabilities interact with technology. The opening is also an acknowledgement that there is much more to do to meet people’s ever changing needs, allowing Google to learn from and partner with accessibility and disability communities to keep improving and innovating for users.

Christopher Patnoe, Accessibility and Disability Inclusion, Google, said,  “The Accessibility Discovery Centre isn’t just a place where we will build better products and services – it’s also a medium through which we can engage more effectively with different disability communities to better understand and address their needs. The new space can break down barriers and will ultimately change lives for the better. Today’s event marks the beginning of that exciting journey that will first understand the myriad problems that exist and then address them in an inclusive manner.”

Sinead Burke, CEO, Tilting the Lens said, “As the CEO of Tilting the Lens, a global accessibility consultancy, our value is not merely in guidance and advice, but in creating meaningful connections. Over the past year, we have been fortunate to bring our clients together at Google’s Accessibility Discovery Centre in London, where they have been energised by the advancements in accessible technology and ambitious to implement better practices in accessibility. As an Irish-based company, we’re excited to leverage Google’s global influence through their newest Accessibility Discovery Centre at home.”

Dr Gerald Craddock Chief Officer at The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design at the National Disability Authority commented: “The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) welcome the launch of the Accessible Discovery Centre (ADC), a great initiative by Google in creating an innovative space for co-designing and learning on accessibility with the disability communities in Ireland.  These elements are the bedrock of Universal Design which is enshrined in legislation in Ireland and we readily recognise the value of this new initiative.  The ADC will provide a ‘discovery’ space for everyone as well as demonstrating new and inclusive technologies.”

Among the first events to take place at the new space will be regular readouts with accessibility and disability communities. Developers will also be given the resources they need to integrate accessibility into products from the beginning of their processes.

This is Google’s first Accessibility Discovery Centre in the EU and builds on years of investment and innovation in helpful technology that can improve the lives of people with disabilities.