Mitipi partners with Foncia to improve home security in France

Mitipi, the manufacturer of the KEVIN anti-intrusion device, partners with Foncia and joins the marketplace of France’s leading property management and rental company. This collaboration aims to improve home security through innovative technologies in France. KEVIN has proven to reduce the probability of burglaries by up to 100%.

A lot of burglaries in France

According to the Service statistique ministériel de la sécurité intérieure (SSMSI), in France (excluding Mayotte), 211,400 burglaries or attempted burglaries were recorded by the national police and gendarmerie services in 2022. This represents an average of 5.8 burglaries per 1,000 homes, one of the highest burglary rates in the world. According to initial, as yet unofficial estimates, these figures have risen again in 2023[1].

Improving home security in France

KEVIN, developed by Swiss company Mitipi, is a pioneering solution for deterring burglars. The device simulates human behavior using cutting-edge technology, making it harder for burglars to tell the difference between an empty and an inhabited house. Inspired by the “Home Alone” films, KEVIN® offers a series of patented functions, including the adjustment of light and shadow effects and the reproduction of pre-recorded authentic sounds. In addition, users can record and simulate their own noises, such as dog barking, domestic activities, TV viewing, and conversations between residents.

Mitipi has obtained US and EU patents for the “method, device and system for simulating human presence” and the “device and method for simulating a person’s shadow and/or noise”. Field research in collaboration with the police, burglars, and universities has shown that the presence of people is the best protection against burglary. In the thousands of homes where KEVIN® is already in use, no break-ins have been recorded, and the user recommendation rate has reached an impressive 92%.

We are delighted to welcome Mitipi as a new partner to the Foncia Marketplace. Mitipi’s innovative home security solution enhances the range of products and services selected by our teams. This new collaboration reinforces our commitment to our customers to offer innovative and accessible technological solutions that enhance the experience of living better at home,” explains Arnaud Dufour, Foncia’s Director of Marketing, Digital and Customer Experience.

Patrick Cotting, Director of Mitipi, emphasized the importance of this partnership for home security in France: “French tenants and landlords suffer from a huge number of burglaries. We are all the more grateful that Foncia offers its customers a simple and affordable solution against burglaries.

[1] Source: https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/actualites/communiques-de-presse/insecurite-et-delinquance-en-2023-premiere-photographie

MIXX introduces its StreamBuds Solo true wireless earbud range offering the ultimate in quality, functionality and affordability

Mixx, known for its premium yet affordable audio solutions, is pleased to introduce the Mixx StreamBuds Solo True Wireless Earbuds range. Mixing a blend of functionality and stylish design, they offer up to 18 hours of playtime, hands-free calling, changeable ear cushions, and touch sensor controls, providing the ultimate in comfort and convenience. The StreamBuds Solo range are available from MIXX in a choice of capsule, hybrid or silicon fit with four colour options including black, white, champagne and blue metal. The range will also be available soon in PC World and HMV. Music lovers can now find the ideal, comfortable fit for all day wearability whilst still looking stylish. All for an incredibly affordable £25!
The Solo earbud range offers 4.5 hours of playtime on a single charge with the magnetic flip top case adding another 13.5 hours of charge totalling an impressive 18 hours. In the unlikely event, a wearer runs out of juice, the quick charge feature gives 2 hours of additional playtime in only 15 minutes, so the music never needs to stop. Ideal for long commutes, for holiday travel or to keep the tunes coming all day long.
Offering a truly hassle free experience, once initially paired, the earbuds offer automatic dual pairing and will reconnect every time they are taken out of the case. The touch buttons on the earbuds make controlling the music an absolute breeze and users can play and pause, answer or decline calls on the go and activate Google Assistant or Siri with a single touch.
A common complaint from wearers of earbuds is they do not fit well and are even prone to falling out completely. MIXX aims to address this issue with a choice of capsule [C1], hybrid [C2] or silicon [C3] fit so sure to be a comfortable and snug option for everyone.
MIXX is fully committed to less plastic use in the future and all its packaging is FSC certified and made with paper from sustainable sources. Any plastic used is made from 30% recycled plastic and is 100% recyclable.
The StreamBuds Solo range truly is the go to choice for a stylish and functional audio experience at an accessible and affordable price.

ABLIC launches the S-82K5B/M5B Series; ABLIC’s first secondary protection ICs with cascade function for power tools and e-bikes

These ICs reduce voltage monitoring board size, provide the industry’s highest level of accuracy and contribute to improved safety

ABLIC a group company of MinebeaMitsumi Inc., has launched the S-82K5B/M5B Series secondary protection ICs for 3 to 5 serially connected cells, which are ABLIC’s first secondary protection ICs with an integrated cascade function that can reduce the number of components required for monitoring of batteries with 6 or more serially connected cells by approximately 30% compared to conventional products.
Secondary protection ICs are used in a wide range of applications which require high voltage such as power tools, vacuum cleaners, and e-bikes, and applications that require a high degree of safety.

Secondary protection ICs are used in combination with protection fuses which blow when an external signal is received. When an overcharge occurs, a signal from the secondary protection IC causes the fuse to blow and break the charging current path to protect connected devices. Conventional secondary protection ICs could monitor batteries with up to 5 serially connected cells but required a large number of external components to monitor larger numbers of serially connected cells.

The new S-82K5B/M5B Series launched today is a secondary protection IC for 3 to 5 serially connected cells with the following features: (1) A cascade function (a function which enables connection protection of more batteries than the maximum number of batteries that a single protection IC can protect) which makes it possible to carry out voltage monitoring of rechargeable batteries with 6 or more serially connected cells using far fewer components than conventional products; (2) an open detection circuit (*1) which detects communication failures between ICs to enable safer voltage monitoring; (3) a lineup of two products to ensure that we can flexibly respond to customer needs: the S-82K5B Series with ±20mV overcharge detection voltage accuracy, and the S-82M5B with the industry’s highest (*2) accuracy of ±15mV.

Going forward, ABLIC will continue to leverage our technology and knowhow to develop lithium-ion battery protection ICs with even greater accuracy and higher performance and to release products for applications in a wide range of fields.

(*1) An open detection circuit is a circuit which can detect failures such as component damage, poor pin contact, or disconnection caused by poor mounting.
(*2) Based on our research as of March 2024

Example protection circuit for 10 serially connected cells using the S-82K5B/M5B Series

[Major Features]

1.Ability to monitor voltage for 6 or more serially connected cells using 30% fewer parts than conventional products thanks to the integrated cascade function
A cascade function is provided to enable voltage monitoring for 6 or more serially connected cells. This function makes it possible to reduce the number of parts by 30% compared to conventional products to reduce board size and device size.

2. Circuit for detecting open failures in communication between ICs
An open failure in the wiring used to communicate between ICs is a potential failure mode when using the cascade function. The S-82K5B and the S-82M5B Series are equipped with an open failure detection circuit to detect open failures in communication circuits. This function helps improve the safety of used devices.

3. A lineup of two devices which provide the industry’s highest level of voltage detection accuracy
We offer a lineup of two devices: the S-82K5B Series with an extremely high overcharge detection voltage accuracy of ±20mV and the S-82M5B Series with an ultra-high detection voltage accuracy of ±15mV; to enable customers to select products with detection voltage accuracy that best suits their needs. In addition, both devices offer excellent temperature characteristics between -10°C to 60°C, and the S-82K5B Series’ ±25mV and S-82M5B Series’ ±20mV are the industry’s highest (*3) temperature characteristics and have helped to further improve both device safety and charging efficiency.

(*3) Based on our research as of March 2024

[Major Specifications]

A cascade function that allows for monitoring of 6 or more serially connected cells
Overcharge detection voltage: 3.50 to 4.70V,
S-82K5B Series: ±20mV (25°C), ±25mV (-10 to 60°C)
S-82M5B Series: ±15mV (25°C), ±20mV (-10 to 60°C)
Current consumption during operation: 5μA max.
The CO pin output voltage is 7.5V max. so a low gate withstand voltage FET can be used
Maximum rating: 28V
Operating temperature: -40 to +85°C
Packages: TMSOP-8, SNT-8A

[Application Examples]

Lithium-ion rechargeable battery packs, lithium polymer rechargeable battery packs

[Examples of products using these ICs]

Power tools, vacuum cleaners, e-bikes, etc.

Remote Resistance Despite Company Mandates, 92% of Irish Employees Seek Flexibility

Four years on from when the pandemic started, the Irish workforce is still debating the merits and downfalls of hybrid work patterns, according to insights gleaned from professionals and employers by global talent services company, Morgan McKinley.

Insights from the Global Workplace Guide found:

  • Preference for Hybrid or Remote Work: 92% of respondents in Ireland express a strong preference for continuing in a hybrid or remote work model
  • Employee Satisfaction: Professionals working in hybrid models express the highest contentment with their work patterns, with 59% willing to forego pay raises for desired flexibility
  • Remote Rewind: Despite employee preferences, 56% of companies globally are urging staff to return to the office more regularly
  • Employee Dissatisfaction: Onsite workers show higher rates of actively seeking new employment opportunities compared to hybrid and remote workers
  • Impact on Talent Attraction: Flexible working arrangements emerge as a crucial factor in talent attraction and retention, with 80% of hiring managers highlighting its importance.

The survey found that 1-2 days in the office is the favoured weekly working pattern for 47% of professionals, with a further 25% selecting 3-4 days in Ireland. Only 8% are happy to be in the office for the full 5 working days. The survey also revealed that half of employees would even skip a pay raise if it meant they got their desired flexibility.

Despite employee preferences, 56% of companies globally with 42% in Ireland are urging staff to increase their in-office presence, indicating a disconnect between employer and employee expectations. The research also showed the potential attrition of employees with 56% of respondents who work onsite five days a week are the ones most actively looking for a new job in the next six months compared to hybrid employees (41%) and fully remote employees (44%).

The survey also found regional differences from companies mandating for employees to return to the office with Hong Kong (91%), Australia (65%), Japan (62%), Singapore (61%), and China (59%) exhibiting higher rates of return-to-office mandates compared to 40% in the UK, 40% in Canada and 42% in Ireland.

Stephen O’Brien, Managing Director, Morgan McKinley, commented: “Four years post-pandemic, the global workforce is still grappling with the ongoing debate surrounding hybrid work models. Simply mandating a five-day-a-week office presence would likely encounter resistance and productivity dips. Our research underscores the resounding preference for flexibility, with 86% advocating for continued adoption of hybrid arrangements.”

“Companies, therefore, need to implement a strategic and mindful approach to this remote rewind. Striking the balance between flexibility and practicality calls for close collaboration through open communication channels and understanding the motivations driving employees’ desires for flexible work arrangements. 2024 will be a pivotal year to see if organisations see flexibility as not just a perk but a fundamental aspect of workplace cultures creating a more inclusive, productive, and resilient workforce.

The Morgan McKinley Global Workplace Study gathered insights about various hiring and workplace trends by surveying over 3400 professionals and 650 employers/hiring managers globally with 1100 professionals in Ireland.

Fibre and Fixed Wireless Access are the two fastest-growing fixed broadband technologies in the OECD

The latest OECD statistics show that Fibre and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) have seen the strongest growth in fixed broadband technologies in three years. Fibre subscriptions have increased by 56% between June 2020 to June 2023, and FWA subscriptions have increased by 64%. The United States (252%), Estonia (153%), Norway (139%) and Spain (118%) led this FWA growth. The dynamism of fibre and FWA stands in stark contrasts to the decline in DSL (- 24%).

Fibre, which is the dominant technology since 2021, amounts to 41% of total fixed broadband subscriptions in June 2023 (see graph below). FWA still represents a more modest share of 3.7% of total fixed broadband subscriptions (in countries where data is available). DSL now represents a share of 22% of total broadband, while cable accounts for 30.5% of overall connections. Satellite, which grew 11% over the last three years, represents 0.7% of fixed broadband subscribers.

Broadband access technologies as share of total fixed broadband subscriptions in OECD countries, June 2023

Nine OECD countries have more than 70% of fibre connections over total broadband, with Korea, Japan, Iceland, Spain leading the way with the highest fibre penetration rates of 89%, 86%, 85%, and 84%, respectively. The highest fibre growth rates are in Europe, with Austria and Belgium having growth rates of 75% and 73% over the last year, closely followed by Mexico with a growth in fibre of 68%. Two other Latin American countries are in the top 7: Costa Rica and Colombia with fibre growth rates of 42% and 34%, respectively.

Mobile data usage per subscription grew substantially by 28% in one year passing from 10.2 GB to 13 GB per subscription per month in OECD countries as of June 2023. The amount of data consumed in countries vary greatly from 6 GB to 46 GB, with Latvia being the OECD leader.

Despite an already very high mobile broadband penetration in the OECD area, overall mobile subscriptions continue to grow by 4.6% over the last year, which totalled 1.8 billion as of June 2023, up from 1.74 billion a year earlier. Mobile broadband penetration is highest in Japan, Estonia, the United States and Finland, with subscriptions per 100 inhabitants at 200%, 192%, 183% and 161%, respectively.

Eighteen countries were able to provide the number of their 5G subscriptions separately from mobile broadband subscriptions. The share of 5G in total mobile broadband subscriptions is 23% on average for the OECD countries that provided this data.

Machine-to-machine (M2M) SIM cards grew 14% increase in one year. The two leading countries are Sweden with 238 M2M SIM cards per 100 inhabitants and Iceland (203), followed by Austria (179), the Netherlands (93) and Norway (76). Both Sweden and Iceland issue M2M SIM cards for international use.

Download broadband data, charts and penetration maps by country at:  http://oe.cd/broadband.

Tech Review – QDOS Galaxy S24 Ultra HYBRID CLEAR Case

Just picked up your  Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra? Check out the QDOS S24 Ultra Hybrid clear case now on offer from the company which will save you from an expensive drop which is something you do not want, the S24 Ultra is an expensive piece of kit and requires a case in my book no matter if you prefer to go naked as they say.

With this case you are kind of naked being a clear case which many will like, it has anti yellowing treatment and made with a flexible TPU frame with air cushioning which feels nice to hold in the hand and giving you additional grip and giving you peace of mind should you drop the phone you are in good hands.

All the keys work well with nice travel and no interruption in the ports either and allowing you to access the SPen when you need it.

You can still wirelessly charge your phone with this case too and we have tested on several chargers in the house and all work with no issues with any which is great.

There is a raised lip top and bottom and slightly lower on the sides meaning it can be placed face or back down as the camera array is also protected with a raised edge and again giving you some peace of mind.

Overall for the price the case is a worthy investment and best practice to save you from an expensive repair bill.

 

 

Ultra-transparent protective case designed with a combination of 2 recycled materials:

• Rigid polycarbonate back with scratch-resistant coating
• Flexible TPU frame with air cushions to absorb falls of up to 2m

Unrivalled clarity, perfectly showcasing the design of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G:

• Microdot technology, preventing light interference (Newton ring effect)
• Treated with an anti-yellowing agent for long-lasting transparency

Case optimally adapted to the shape of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G:

• Flexible edges for easy installation and a perfect fit
• Easy to press button cover, responsive touch
• Raised edges protect the screen and lens when placed face down

Environmentally friendly:

• Made from premium recycled materials
• Eco-responsible packaging, FSC cardboard

Versatile:

• Wireless charging compatible
• Compatible with OptiGuard® screen protectors (not included)

BUY 

Video Review

Sound Advice: Why The Allure Of Audio Conferencing Is Gaining A Louder Voice

Manufacturer Boom Collaboration is on a mission to amplify the allure and importance of audio conferencing, fuelled by a rapid rise in demand. In an age of 4K picture performance and AI face and zone tracking, the fast-growing hardware specialist says the power of sound shouldn’t be under estimated – or become the poor relation of meeting room collaboration.

Without being heard clearly effective communication becomes virtually impossible, it argues. Founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett are stressing that in a world of intelligent video equipment, high quality audio matters more than ever.

“Camera technology has advanced dramatically in recent years and it’s important audio performance is of a similar quality to deliver an optimum user experience. Don’t neglect audio is our message,” Hulett emphasised.

Sexy

She added: “It’s true audio conferencing has been seen as ‘less sexy’ in recent years compared to hi-tech cameras, but its value shouldn’t be overlooked. Some of our latest innovations are definitely accelerating audio allure and raising its game. There needs to be a perfect marriage between the two mediums.” 

Beamforming microphones that deliver a more defined and direct sound, intelligent noise reduction and high fidelity speakers are just some of the ways audio technology is developing, she stated.

To help further elevate audio conferencing attraction, Boom has developed a new HALO videobar with expansion for up to eight individual speaker units.  It is also witnessing strong demand for wireless communication where a dual speaker GEMINI system smashed its sales targets by 37% last year. All products are available in the UK from distributor Westcoast.

Eighties

Boom says it has broken down the barriers of traditional videobar deployments to dramatically increase the sound stage and audio pick-up especially in larger rooms.

Hörnkvist highlighted: “Traditional videobars were initially only really suited for smaller or medium rooms where everyone faced the same wall. But with some rooms now being used in more flexible ways and especially for larger spaces, expandable audio is the answer to overcome the traditional challenges of limited fidelity range.”

He added: “Audio conferencing has been around since the late eighties and we both used to work for the original inventors. Covid lockdowns triggered an explosion in video calls and in many ways audio was rapidly overtaken. But it’s definitely on the rise again in terms of advanced features, flexibility and overall performance.

“Technologies such as Acoustic Echo Cancellation and Automatic Gain Control enhance the meeting experience and work to ensure Full Duplex quality at distances of six metres.

“Active intelligent microphones with high sensitivity can automatically adapt to the size of meeting rooms and different numbers of participants. They work in tandem to focus on individual people and also eliminate background noise to help create a more natural experience. 

“It used to be the softly spoken CEO would sit at the end of the room and would struggle to be heard because they were too far away. The loudest voice was heard but that’s not the case anymore. There’s no one size that fits all.”

Hulett concluded: “Boom is based on delivering ‘better meetings simply’ and there’s definitely been a renewed focus on audio in recent times. Users are demanding more robust high quality audio options that are wire-free, platform agnostic, easy to connect and expandable. Ceiling mount kits are becoming more common too.

“People are beginning to realise that audio quality needs to match picture performance. One without the other is a false economy. If people can’t be heard clearly it will ruin any remote meeting. Audio is definitely gaining a louder market voice as sales continue to rise.”

The European Recycling Platform Aims to Banish Unused Cables Snaking Around Irish Homes with St. Patrick’s Festival Partnership

As new research shows that 1 in 3 are hoarding up to 10 unused cables, ERP is encouraging people to go green and recycle this St. Patrick’s Weekend

 

The European Recycling Platform (ERP), Ireland’s only pan-European compliance scheme for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Waste Batteries today announced research results by Coyne Research which revealed that 1 in 3 adults have between 5 to 10 unused electrical cables in their homes. Charging cables are the most common type of unused cables (77%), followed by USB (66%) and HDMI Cables (49%). Almost half of those surveyed keep these unused cables in a drawer in the home.

The research, commissioned by ERP, revealed that over half of all adults surveyed were aware of legislation announced by the European Council, Commission, and Parliament which requires all new smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other electronic gadgets marketed in the EU to have a USB-C charging port by the end of 2024. As this change comes into effect, households will likely have plenty of waste cables snaking around their homes to be recycled.

This St. Patrick’s Day, ERP is encouraging people to go green and banish unused cables from their homes – not by putting them in their domestic waste bins, but by recycling them at their nearest electrical retailer or recycling centre.

ERP Ireland was recently announced as a Sustainability Partner for this year’s St. Patrick’s Festival. As part of their partnership, ERP worked with artist Ned Leddy to create a WEEE inspired installation entitled ‘Trash Mammoth’ to raise awareness among festival goers about the importance of recycling electrical waste. Made from over 100 small electrical items and standing at 13 feet tall, the installation will be on display at St. Patrick’s Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks on 16th – 17th March.

Festival Quarter kicks off the Bank Holiday weekend at 12pm on Saturday 16th with a jam-packed family friendly programme of events including craic, ceol, dancing, games, conversation, workshops, food, and all kinds of entertainment for absolutely everybody, before Mother’s Cultúr Club takes over the site on the evening of March 16th for a massive St. Patrick’s Eve party. On March 17th, Festival Quarter will be a huge celebration of Irish culture throughout the day and night and is again completely FREE.

James Burgess, Country General Manager of ERP Ireland said: “We are excited to announce our sustainability partnership with St. Patrick’s Festival and align our purpose with the festival’s commitment to an eco-friendly St. Patrick’s celebration. This St. Patrick’s Weekend, ERP is encouraging everyone to join us in banishing unused cables from their homes and recycling them at their nearest free electrical recycling drop-off point. We believe that through such initiatives and partnerships we can collectively make a positive impact on our environment.”

Richard Tierney, CEO of St. Patrick’s Festival said: “We are delighted to partner with the European Recycling Platform in our shared mission to promote sustainability. Sustainability is one of our core organisational values, and it’s an area where we feel we can really lead from the front on. Partnering with organisations like the European Recycling Platform means we can inspire communities to embrace responsible recycling practices and pave the way for a greener future”.

Visit the MyWaste.ie website to locate your nearest free recycling drop-off point on their interactive map at www.mywaste.ie/waste-service-locator/.

7 in 10 fear the planned digital euro will leave consumers vulnerable to technical glitches and cybercrime

More than seven in ten (73pc) compliance experts in the Irish financial services sector are concerned that the planned digital euro could leave consumers and businesses vulnerable to cybercriminals and technical glitches. While more than six in ten (63pc) compliance experts in the financial sector don’t believe there is a need for a digital euro.

This is according to the findings of a new survey by the Compliance Institute, which polled 175 compliance professionals working primarily in Irish financial services organisations nationwide. The survey examined attitudes towards the digital euro, which has been described by the European Central Bank (ECB) “as an electronic form of cash for the digitalised world”. The ECB started preparatory work on the digital currency in November 2023 with the earliest possible launch date recently mooted as 2026[1].

Privacy fears around the currency also rank highly in the list of potential cons, with more than half (51pc) concerned that there could be issues around data protection and privacy if the digital euro is introduced. However, approximately half of all respondents accepted that the new digi currency may well bring benefits such as lowering the cost of banking and leading to greater convenience and efficiencies in transactions.

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

“Just 6pc of respondents said they have no concerns about the digital euro – which mean that the remaining 94pc feel some level of unease about the planned new currency. It would seem that the ECB has much work to do to allay fears around it ahead of any launch.”

The Top Five concerns which compliance professionals have about the digital euro, according to the survey, are:

  1. Consumers would be at the mercy of technology and could be unable to access their money in the event of a glitch (73pc expressed this worry)
  2. Its digital nature makes it susceptible to hackers, fraudsters and cyberattacks (73pc)
  3. The potential for consumer confusion, with a likely lack of knowledge on how to use the digital currency (65pc)
  4. It could lead to issues around data protection and privacy (51pc)
  5. It could displace and lead to less availability of cash (50pc)

Mr Kavanagh added:

“The thinking behind the digital euro is that it would give consumers the option to use central bank money in a digital format, complementing banknotes and coins – however, our survey found that there are concerns that the rollout of the currency could in time lead to less availability of cash. There are also clearly fears that consumers could be at a financial loss with this digital currency, particularly in relation to accessing their money in the event of a technical glitch – and potentially falling prey to fraudsters. Interestingly, almost half (47pc) of those surveyed were worried that the digital euro could give more power to tech and fintech companies.”

 

Asked in the survey what they believed the main advantages of the digital euro to be:

  • One in five (20pc) can see no benefits to its introduction
  • Almost six in ten (59pc) believed it would lead to more efficient transactions, with a similar number (56p) stating the convenience of the digital euro would be one of its main advantages.
  • Half believe it will reduce banking costs and be a cheaper way for consumers and businesses to pay for things and for people to exchange money.
  • Only one in four (24pc) felt it would offer a safer alternative to cash and card
  • Less than one in three (30pc) said the digital euro would be less vulnerable than existing currencies to counterfeiting.

Mr Kavanagh added:

“The ECB has said that the digital euro would make people’s lives easier by providing a digital means of payment universally accepted throughout the euro area, for payments in shops, online or from person to person. However, with a ream of avenues already in place for electronic and digital payments, including contactless mobile phone payments and electronic bank payments, it is understandable that so many compliance professionals believe the digital euro is already redundant. This, combined with the extent of concerns around the digital euro, shows that the ECB has a job ahead of itself in convincing the Irish and wider European public that this is a safe, inclusive and easy-to-use currency.”

 

[1] See Interview with Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, on 8 May 2023. Fabio Panetta, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, also estimated a launch date of 2026. Header image credit