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.

Drone sector hamstrung as regulators challenged with fast-evolving technology

Cyber security leader ANGOKA says that airspace regulators around the world face difficulties in keeping up with the rapidly changing pace of the drone industry.

Chief Technology Officer for ANGOKA and drone industry expert Shadi Razak says the development of safe air corridors and drone ports for use by emergency services and delivery firms has been accelerated by the latest developments in artificial intelligence, video and communications technologies.

“But regulators must work closer with drone technology providers to ensure frameworks are in place for the safe delivery of drone projects,” he says.

“We are currently in a Catch-22 situation. Such is the speed at which the sector is evolving, it is difficult to establish sound and future-proof regulations,” commented Mr Razak. “Yet without proper and effective regulation, our industry risks missing out on the tremendous benefits promised by drones.”

“We need policymakers to better understand the emerging risks for drone operation and their preventative solutions to those risks like cybersecurity to better understand the needs for safe and secure drone operations. Some of these solutions, like ANGOKA, are leading the field and guaranteeing the safe and accurate passage of drones to the last few centimetres of their journey by safeguarding the drone’s communication and identification throughout it journey”, says Mr Razak.

This was a key theme of the second UK & Ireland Drone Summit organised and sponsored by ANGOKA and supported by the UK Royal Air Force, Invest Northern Ireland and KPMG.

Whilst the summit highlighted that the industry is everchanging at a rapid pace, the speakers agreed on the need of the regulators to keep up with the pace in providing up-to-date guidance and policies to ensure the safety and cyber resilience of drone operations.

The conference heard from Julie Garland, CEO of Avtrain, an IAA Recognised Entity providing EASA Open & Specific Category Drone Pilot Training and Consultancy for Specific Category Operator Manuals and Risk Management Documentation for STS Declarations, PDRAs and SORA.

“We’re constantly working to keep the skies safe through the highest standards of training and certification and we need the support from regulators. We’re seeing wider adoption of varied drone use across different industries, particularly with the on-demand nature of our society now which plays into the desirability and acceptance of drones. But with societal acceptance comes regulator acceptance, and regulators need to work with drone operators and providers to ensure that relevant approvals in place so that we can serve societies in a timely and economic way.”

Both ANGOKA and Avtrain will be attending at The National Drone Summit and The Mobility Now Summit in RDS, Dublin between 1-2nd March.

What Are the Best Ways to Perform Cross-browser Testing for Websites: Essential Techniques and Tools

Cross-browser testing is an essential phase in the development cycle of any website, ensuring that users receive a consistent experience regardless of their choice of browser or device. With the plethora of browsers available—each with its own rendering engine—developers face the challenge of ensuring compatibility across all major platforms. It involves checking that webpages render well and functionality remains intact whether one uses Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or other less common browsers. From desktops and laptops to tablets and smartphones, each device adds another layer of complexity to the task at hand.

Incorporating a variety of website cross-browser testing tools is a reliable strategy for developers to systematically evaluate and enhance user experience. These tools automate the process of testing web applications across multiple web browsers, saving time and resources while increasing the scope of testing. The credibility and success of a website can hinge on its ability to function seamlessly across different environments, making the process of cross-browser testing non-negotiable.

Key Takeaways

  • Consistent user experience across browsers is critical.
  • Tools automate and streamline the testing process.
  • Compatibility boosts credibility and website success.

Preparing for Cross-browser Testing

When approaching cross-browser testing for websites, it is essential to identify the range of browsers and devices consumers may use, set up a dynamic testing environment, and understand web standards and best practices to ensure compatibility and functionality across platforms.

Identifying Target Browsers and Devices

A successful cross-browser testing strategy begins with recognizing which browsers and devices are most relevant to the target audience. This involves considering market share analytics to prioritize testing efforts. For instance, a website’s usage data might suggest that certain browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari account for the majority of its traffic. Coupling this data with global browser usage statistics, developers can create a focused and efficient testing plan.

Operating systems also factor into this decision-making process as they can affect browser behavior. As such, a chart like the following can be useful:

Operating System Browsers Market Share (%)
Windows Chrome, Edge, Firefox 45
macOS Safari, Chrome 20
Android Chrome, Firefox 25
iOS Safari, Chrome 10

Setting Up a Testing Environment

Developers must establish a testing environment that closely mirrors the live production environment while also allowing for the emulation of various browsers and devices. This might include using local testing servers, cloud-based platforms, or virtual machines. Appropriate tools and services can automate processes and enhance accuracy.

Understanding Web Standards and Best Practices

Web standards are crucial to cross-browser compatibility. Developers should construct their code according to specifications set by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and ensure it adheres to CSS and JavaScript features supported by targeted browsers. Additionally, familiarity with best practices such as progressive enhancement and graceful degradation ensures that a website maintains fundamental functionality even if certain features are unsupported in older browsers. 

Understanding these three key components—recognizing the mix of browsers and devices, perfecting the testing setup, and aligning with web standards—lays the groundwork for effective cross-browser testing.

Executing Cross-browser Tests

When ensuring that web applications perform optimally across different browsers, developers and QA teams execute cross-browser tests to identify and address inconsistencies. They typically choose between manual testing, automated testing, or a combination of both to cover various test cases and user interface scenarios.

Manual versus Automated Testing

Manual testing involves the hands-on effort of a tester to navigate through a website across different browsers, checking for cross-browser issues such as visual inconsistencies and functional defects. It enables the examiner to experience the website as real users would but is time-consuming and more prone to human error. Automated testing, on the other hand, uses tools and frameworks to simulate user interactions with browsers. Automation can rapidly conduct repetitive test cases, detect performance issues, and is less error-prone, but it requires initial setup and maintenance.

Utilizing Tools and Frameworks

The use of specialized tools enables teams to effectively automate cross-browser tests. These frameworks provide an environment to script or record tests that can be replayed across multiple browser environments. QA teams must select the tools and frameworks that align with their testing strategy and are capable of catching a wide array of potential faults within the user interface and functionality of the web application.

Analyzing Test Results and Reporting Issues

Upon completing tests, the next critical step is analyzing test results and identifying bugs. Reports are generated detailing the outcomes of each test, which the quality assurance team scrutinizes for inconsistencies and performance issues. Any identified bugs must be documented, often using bug-tracking systems like JIRA, then prioritized and assigned to developers for resolution, ensuring that the end product meets the expected quality assurance standards.

Conclusion

Performing cross-browser testing is critical in ensuring that a website provides a consistent experience across different browsers and devices. Utilizing a combination of automated testing tools and manual inspection can lead to thorough coverage and efficient identification of issues. With practices like scaling tests across various browsers and incorporating real user conditions, web developers can confidently deliver websites that meet the demands of a diverse online audience. It’s an indispensable step in the web development process for achieving optimal functionality and user satisfaction.

 

Transform Your Irish Skills with Free AI Language Coach – Gaeilgeoir AI

Speak Irish fluently with the launch of Gaeilgeoir AI, a groundbreaking language learning tool arriving just in time for Seachtain na Gaeilge. This cutting-edge technology leverages the power of AI, backed by research, to revolutionize the way people learn Irish.

A recent McKinsey study highlights the immense potential of AI in education, suggesting it can enhance learning outcomes by as much as 20-30%.  Specifically for language learning, AI tools have been shown to help learners develop conversational skills up to 6 times faster than traditional methods.

Key Features: A New Era of Irish Language Learning

  • Intelligent AI Conversations: Practice realistic, everyday Irish with an adaptive AI partner that tailors the experience to your skill level.
  • Personalized Learning: Receive customized feedback and targeted lessons that focus on your individual needs.
  • Engaging & Accessible: The interactive and gamified approach makes learning Irish enjoyable and keeps learners motivated.

Founder’s Vision: Empowering a New Generation of Irish Speakers

“The essence of language is communication. Yet, traditional methods for teaching Irish often overemphasize memorization of poems and vocabulary, often leaving learners unable to actually hold a conversation. Gaeilgeoir AI aims to change that,” says David, founder of Gaeilgeoir AI.

The launch couldn’t be more perfectly timed.  With Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations underway, Gaeilgeoir AI provides an innovative and accessible way for people worldwide to connect with the Irish language and culture.

Experience the future of Irish language learning – for free! Visit www.gaeilgeoir.ai and start your journey to fluency today. We welcome media inquiries and are open to interviews and demonstrations.

About Gaeilgeoir AI

Gaeilgeoir AI is on a mission to make Irish language learning accessible. Our AI tools are designed to empower learners from all backgrounds.

Bainigí taitneamh as Seachtain na Gaeilge!

(“Enjoy Seachtain na Gaeilge!”)

Zyler Virtual Try-On for Menswear Launched

Anthropics, the world leaders in virtual fashion try-on technology, has announced the launch of Zyler Virtual Try-On for Menswear today. Zyler enhances the way consumers shop for clothes, providing a realistic virtual try-on experience. Customer uploads a headshot, enters some measurements, and then sees themselves on the screen wearing the outfit. Zyler fashion retail partners have seen an increase in browsing time and higher engagement among other positive outcomes.

Powered by the latest research in Artificial Intelligence, Zyler creates a lifelike virtual representation of the user, allowing them to see how different garments fit and look on their unique body shape.

Commenting on the launch, Alexander Berend, CEO of Anthropics, expressed excitement about the potential impact of Zyler Virtual Try-On on the men’s fashion industry, stating, “We believe that Zyler will transform the way men shop for clothes online. By combining advanced artificial intelligence technology with a user-friendly interface, we aim to provide an unparalleled virtual try-on experience.”

Zyler Virtual Try-One for Menswear in action
This innovative solution not only sets retailers apart in a competitive market but is also a valuable tool for driving customer engagement, satisfaction and loyalty.

Expanding Zyler Virtual Try-On for menswear from an in-store installation, as, for example, currently used by Larusmiani – an iconic Italian bespoke menswear retailer – to an online offering is a natural move.

 

To learn more about Zyler Virtual Try-On, please visit: www.zyler.com.

Over 500 projects registered for ESB Science Blast at the RDS Simmonscourt, 4-7 March 2024

Primary school children from all over Ireland will take part in ESB Science Blast, the RDS’s flagship Science and Technology programme, asking questions about climate change, biodiversity and the impact of fast fashion on the planet!

ESB Science Blast will take place in Dublin in RDS Simmonscourt for four days, from Monday 4th March and finish with a lá speisialta do Ghaelscoileanna agus do scoileanna Ghaeltachta on 7ú Márta, 2024.

The event starts at 10.30am each day.

One of the largest science education programmes of its kind, ESB Science Blast is a free and hands-on way to engage young learners with STEM, specifically designed for primary school and delivered by the RDS Foundation through its Science and Technology Programme. It involves the whole class investigating the science behind a simple question and then showcasing their work at the event with support and feedback from a STEM expert.

Dell Technologies unveils 2024 Partner Programme

Dell Technologies has launched its 2024 Partner Programme aimed at enabling greater collaboration with partners in Ireland and delivering enhanced profit potential in critical growth areas.

With partners playing a key role in supporting success at Dell for over forty years, the 2024 programme provides a new tiered programme structure to reward partners and enhance growth over the next 12 months.

Strategic updates to the programme to continue rewarding partners include streamlining the Dell APEX Infrastructure offerings into Storage+ and Server+ product categories. The full incentive-eligible Dell APEX portfolio now qualifies for base rebates and behavioural incentives, increasing profit potential for partners.

Partners that invest in and hold the PowerFlex Design 2023 Certification will now be eligible for a stackable 4% rebate kicker on New Business and Competitive Swap incentive opportunities.

Metal-tier partners with a Client+ competency that hit their client peripheral revenue gate can now benefit from a five times multiplier on the base rebate when selling Dell Client Peripherals and two times the base rebate when selling Precision Workstation, Dell Displays & Docks and Dell Latitude Rugged laptops and tablets.

Dell Technologies is also introducing new competencies in Data Science & AI, Edge Solutions, and Sustainability & ESG to align with evolving customer priorities and market opportunities. These competencies aim to validate partners’ expertise in Dell’s offerings and address the growing demand for sustainable technology solutions.

Commenting on the launch of the programme, Mark Hopkins, Channel Director at Dell Technologies Ireland, said: “Partners are critical to our success. That’s why we’ve launched Dell Technologies 2024 Partner Programme. It will further strengthen our collaboration by opening access to new market opportunities and financial rewards for partners. By building on the partnerships we have developed here in Ireland, we can further grow and modernize the core business in the year to come.”

Catherine Doyle, Managing Director of Dell Technologies Ireland added: “At Dell Technologies, our partners are a critical in helping us meet the diverse and rapidly evolving needs of our customers. By adding new capabilities to our newly enhanced Partner Programme, including data science & AI, we can support businesses across Ireland to accelerate their digital transformation plans and better harness the power of GenAI and other emerging technologies.”

For more information about the Dell Technologies Partner Programme visit: https://www.dell.com/en-us/blog/dell-technologies-partner-program-seizing-opportunities-to-win-together/

Tech Review – The Nokia Clarity Earbuds 2+ So Pink

The Nokia Clarity Earbuds 2+ So Pink is one of the latest on offer from the company and they also come in two other color variants being So Grey and So Purple so there is choice for everyone here and this also moves away from the traditional Black color we see to much of these days from all brands.

So being Pink these are for the ladies and the case they come in too is pretty solid and looks nice and fits in any pocket and the case seems really robust and will stand the test of time and it looks nice too with a small LED light up front a small button for pairing and USB-C port underneath with a nice solid closing lid and comes with wireless charging.

The earbuds themselves are a standard looking affair with small stem and they do look nice from the side and have a busy light so to speak that surrounds the outer shell which looks really nice when lit and overall the fit is tight giving a good seal and some passive noise isolation, there is ANC on board that can be turned off and is also decent at the price point.

The fit is solid and secure once the right tips are applied and they will not fall out even for the more energetic folk and can be easily used for runs or trips to the gym if required to.

The controls are great on these and have a large touch are making it easy to get the commands you put in so for me in my testing they worked really well not dishing out any unwarranted actions as this often happens with smaller sized earbuds even for me with big fingers they worked a treat as seen in the video review below.

On the control side you have call controls access to your voice assistant skip and reverse tracks and play and pause, there is no volume control on these which is odd and there is no app which hopefully will change over time but overall the basics are present.

Nokia Clarity Earbuds 2 + So Pink – techbuzzireland

The sound is pretty good all round given there is no app to change EQs and they are loud and punchy and well balanced is the best word to describe them, highs lows and mids all good and with my usual test run with all genres everything was great here it has to be said and calls included.

Overall for me these are easy to recommend with my favourite features including wireless charging, busy light and multipoint connection so for those on the go or working in an office environment they should be on your radar.

Features 

Bluetooth: 5.2
Features: Active Noise Cancelling, Dual mic noise reduction with Qualcomm® cVc™ technology, Multipoint connectivity, In-call -light ring indicator
IPX4 sweat and splash resistant
USB connection: USB Type-C
Fast Pair and Low Latency for Gaming and Video
Wireless charging with up to 35h with ANC on
Product is made with 60% Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) material and packaging is made of 100% recycled materials.
BUY

RETN Unveils Initiative to Drive Global IPv6 Adoption; Tackling Key Internet Challenges

In a significant stride towards the future of internet connectivity, RETN, a leading international network services provider announces an ambitious 12-month initiative to bolster the transition to IPv6, the next-generation internet protocol. This initiative comes at a critical time as the internet community faces the need for a more scalable, secure, and efficient networking infrastructure.

RETN’s initiative, aimed at encouraging IPv6 adoption, offers an unparalleled incentive: for every IP Transit service purchased, RETN will match the customer’s committed data rate with an equivalent IPv6 traffic capacity at no additional cost until March 31st 2025. This effort is designed to mitigate the financial and operational barriers associated with IPv6 transition, thereby accelerating global adoption rates.

The Urgent Need for IPv6 Rapid Adoption
The internet is facing a critical juncture with the depletion of IPv4 addresses, making the transition to IPv6 beneficial, essential for the continued growth and sustainability of online services and long overdue, the protocol having been ratified by the IETF in 1995. IPv6 addresses the limitations of its predecessor by providing a vastly expanded address space, enhanced security features, and improved efficiency in routing and network auto-configuration. These advancements are crucial for supporting the burgeoning number of devices connecting to the internet, the expansion of IoT (Internet of Things), and the development of new, innovative online services.

Addressing IPv6 Adoption Challenges
Economic and innovation drivers are significant motivators for IPv6 adoption, with national infrastructures that embrace IPv6 poised to better support economic opportunities and innovation in critical areas such as IoT and smart infrastructure. However, the transition requires concerted efforts to expand the base of IPv6 users and address the perceived lack of immediate need due to temporary workarounds like Network Address Translation (NAT).

RETN reports a 40% IPv6 adoption rate among its customer base, closely aligning with Google’s observation of 41.72% among its users as of February 19th, 2024, according to Google’s IPv6 adoption statistics (https://www.google.com/intl/en/ipv6/statistics.html#tab=ipv6-adoption).

Strategic Approaches to IPv6 Adoption
Adopting IPv6 involves strategic considerations, including addressing private and public interoperability with IPv6 networks. Organisations are driven by various factors, including regulatory mandates and the need to cater to IPv6-only clients, particularly in the mobile and IoT sectors. RETN is poised to support these strategic needs by facilitating IPv6 adoption through its innovative matching initiative.

Despite the clear advantages of IPv6, such as enhanced efficiency, security, and performance, the transition to date has been slower than anticipated. RETN’s initiative aims to alleviate these concerns by providing a cost-effective pathway to IPv6 adoption.

Joining Hands for the Good of the Internet

RETN recognises the importance of IPv6 in ensuring the internet remains unrestricted, accessible, and capable of supporting future technological innovations. By offering IPv6 transit free of charge alongside IPv4 purchases, RETN is not only easing the transition for customers but also contributing to the global effort to adopt IPv6. This initiative reflects RETN’s dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions and our commitment to the long-term success and resilience of the internet.
Tony O’Sullivan, CEO of RETN.

Datapac enables faster rollout of vital services for Cope Foundation

Datapac, Ireland’s leading technology solutions and services provider, is today announcing that it is delivering a managed IT helpdesk solution to Cope Foundation following a competitive tender, enabling faster rollout of the organisation’s vital services to over 2,800 children and adults with an intellectual disability and/or autism across Cork City and county.

Founded in Cork in 1957, Cope Foundation is a non-profit organisation which supports people to live a life of their choosing, in their chosen communities. The Cork-based charity provides individuals and families with support services and resources such as education, training and employment opportunities, Community Hubs, residential houses, day services, Arts and Creative Art Therapies and Physical Activity and Sports.

As the organisation grew, Cope Foundation needed to refresh its technology infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the organisation, its employees, and the people it supports. Datapac rolled out a fast and reliable IT support service for over 1,000 employees across Cope Foundation’s 70+ locations which has reduced downtime and boosted productivity right across the organisation. In turn, this is enabling employees to focus on delivering Cope Foundation’s services to children and adults in local communities across Cork.

Datapac’s service acts as an extension of the organisation, supporting employees by quickly and effectively remediating daily challenges such as connectivity problems, issues with devices, and access issues such as password losses or resets. Since implementation, the managed IT helpdesk has reduced the number of support tickets raised by 27%. This has freed up time for the organisation’s internal IT team, enabling them to focus on their core tasks. A key priority for the team is continuing to bolster Cope Foundation’s cybersecurity strategy to ensure that the sensitive information of the people they support is protected. The solution is flexible and will scale as the organisation continues to grow.

Datapac also provides comprehensive software maintenance and support services for Cope Foundation’s server and storage ecosystem. This underpins the organisation’s intranet and email capabilities, ensuring seamless communication for dispersed teams across Cope Foundation’s locations.

In addition, Datapac has rolled out a managed print service to Cope Foundation which has reduced the organisation’s printing costs by 40% annually. Datapac upgraded Cope Foundation’s entire print fleet with no disruption to daily operations, and provided training to employees.

Colin Chapman, Business Relationship Manager, Datapac, said: “Cope Foundation is a remarkable organisation that has been doing incredible work in Cork communities for nearly 70 years. The invaluable services that the organisation provides to families are underpinned by Datapac’s managed helpdesk, which provides employees with access to reliable IT support and enables them to continue to roll out critical resources to those who need them. It acts as an extension of the organisation, with speedy and seamless remediation for day-to-day support queries. Not only does this ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the organisation, but it delivers critical time savings for the IT team. We look forward to continuing to build on our relationship with Cope Foundation as it grows and expands its network of crucial services.”

Sean Abbott, Chief Executive Officer, Cope Foundation, said: “Having enlisted Datapac’s services in the past, we knew we could trust them to deliver on this next phase of our journey with an overhaul of our IT support processes. The enhanced service gives us the peace of mind and confidence to support and launch innovative new resources for families across Cork.”

Brian Marshall, IT Manager, Cope Foundation, said: “Datapac have provided us with a managed print solution that has driven down the cost of printing right across the organisation. They now provide us with IT support services and server maintenance that has allowed the IT team to focus on core projects that they would otherwise be unable to. I would happily recommend their services to any organisation.”