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.

Microsoft Announces details of new AI Dream Space TV Series: brAIn_waves

Today Microsoft announced details of a newly produced Microsoft Dream Space TV series: brAIn_waves. The series, which is freely available online from today via rte.ie/learn, is designed to develop both AI (Artificial Intelligence) literacy and the skills required for the era of AI in young people.

Microsoft Dream Space TV is an innovative initiative that combines the expertise of the Microsoft education team with RTÉ’s commitment to engage young people in the world of technology and, in this case, AI.

This latest series of Microsoft Dream Space TV is the fifth to be produced in collaboration with RTÉ Learn, with previous episodes focusing on developing digital skills through themes of inclusivity, sustainability, and health and wellbeing.

brAIn_waves

brAIn_waves is comprised of six episodes, two of which have been designed for upper primary school students and four for post primary students. For upper primary school students, the two-part series explores computational thinking, algorithms, data, and how AI works at a basic level. For post-primary students, the four-part series explores the fundamentals of AI and its impact on our everyday lives with specific lesson areas including algorithms, data, machine learning, and ethics.

Post-primary students will have the added opportunity of participating in the Microsoft Dream Space and RTÉ Learn brAIn_waves series competition and will be in with a chance of winning incredible team prizes and competing for the All-Ireland title. The competition element simply focuses on putting the learnings from each episode into practice. Students will be encouraged to work in teams and develop their own AI for Good solutions, which they can then enter into the national brAIn_waves competition. Entries will be evaluated on innovation, data collection, machine learning, impact, creativity, and ethics. 20 teams will win a prize for their school and one overall winner will take home the grand prize and brAIn_waves All-Ireland Title.

Microsoft’s Commitment to Skill Up Ireland
This new online series builds on Microsoft’s recent commitment to help ‘Skill Up Ireland’ for an AI future by way of its national AI skilling programme. The programme is comprised of three initiatives targeted at providing access to industry recognised certificates for adult learners, including in Generative AI, and Microsoft Dream Space AI certificates for student learners.

Commenting on today’s announcement, James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Vice-President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre: “We’re delighted to join the team at RTÉ Learn to announce the fifth series from Microsoft Dream Space TV – brAIn_waves. The series’ focus on AI is particularly important given the technology itself is central to many discussions across business, our education sector, and wider society. Through our STEM education experience, Microsoft Dream Space, we are helping the next generation to develop the skills that are required to succeed in our digital society and economy. AI is no longer a future technology, it is rapidly becoming accessible to all, and therefore it’s really important that we seek to immerse students in all things AI, helping to develop their understanding of and skills in this technology“Our commitment at Microsoft to empower people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences to gain the skills that are required to participate in our AI-enabled economy is the driving force behind our national AI skilling programme, which we launched late last year. As part of this commitment, we are providing every student across the island of Ireland – almost 1 million in total – with the opportunity to engage in Dream Space, our STEM-based learning experience.

“Our aspiration is that teachers and students leverage this free learning resource to bring AI to life in classrooms around the country. Critically though, I hope at the end of the series that the students are inspired to learn more about AI and cultivate their skills in this area. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this series a reality.”

Speaking about the initiative Suzanne Kelly, Group Head of Children’s & Young People’s Content at RTÉ said: “RTÉ are excited to once again team up with Microsoft Dream Space, this time to explore the latest frontier in technology – AI.  AI technology touches almost every aspect of our lives and is continually evolving at breakneck speed, this incredibly timely series showcases how best to harness and understand where AI is going next.

“The Dream Space team have created informative, thought provoking, free learning materials to be used in classrooms across Primary and Post Primary schools and RTÉ Learn are delighted to work with Dream Space to deliver these resources.”  

Microsoft Dream Space TV series: brAIn_waves is available from today via rte.ie/learn. A support guide for educators is being made available to support the delivery of the episodes to students and young people in classroom settings.

QDOS launches Samsung Galaxy S24 phone cases

QDOS, a global designer and manufacturer of premium cases, screen protection and power, has launched its case collection for the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, with an emphasis on sustainability boosting the recycled content within the product line-up.

QDOS’ brand new collection of HYBRID clear cases for the S24 are all made using 83% recycled and recyclable materials and boast plastic free, 100% recycled and recyclable packaging. What’s more, showing QDOS’ commitment to using a minimum of 50% certified recycled content in its products, the cases are all GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified.

The range of HYBRID crystal-clear cases has been designed to perfectly fit the Samsung Galaxy S24 5G, Samsung Galaxy S24+ 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G, and all the cases are compatible with wireless charging. The range is available to buy in the UK from the QDOS website.

QDOS Samsung Galaxy S24 cases – techbuzzireland

Here are the new QDOS products in more detail:

HYBRID for Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra

  • All cases SRP £19.99
  • Ultra-transparent, super robust, clear case
  • 83% recycled materials

The HYBRID range not only protects your Samsung Galaxy S24, but the planet too. GRS certified, our ultra-transparent, crystal-clear case is made from a blend of 83% recycled materials, is recyclable through the QDOS Case Recycling Programme and is also shipped in 100% recyclable packaging.

The HYBRID is durable inside and out, protecting your Samsung Galaxy S24 5G while showing off its minimalist design and unique colour. Made with a rigid polycarbonate back and flexible TPU frame, the case features air-cushioned corners to absorb falls up to 2 meters.

It also boasts slightly raised edges around the screen and camera lens to avoid scratches, and is coated in an anti-yellowing treatment developed to prevent discoloration.

With the HYBRID you can count on long-lasting clarity and depend on daily defence, whilst fully protecting their device by pairing the cases with QDOS’ ECO Glass Screen protection, made using 60% recycled glass.

Tech Review – Limited Edition AirLove Couple CloudCush MagicStand cases for iPhone 15 Pro

Not so long ago Casekoo had a nice limited edition Christmas phone case which we check out along with their MagicStand CloudCush cases and now with Valentines day coming up they have a range of Cases for that too which is an excellent idea and an ideal gift if you are stuck for something to pick up for your partner.

Once again these cases are excellent when it comes to protecting your iPhone and I can stand by this as I have been using them some time now and have dropped my phone many times and to this day not a mark on it.

Again we see the features which are important with the Koo Air-cushioning technology with 3D printed hearts inside the airbag on the sides and you have 3-meter military grade drop test which tested out in the Christmas phone case.

You also have tactile buttons here which work well as you will see in the video review below and not only this you can download a matching wallpaper which is cool and not something I have not seen before.

His wallpaper
Hers wallpaper

You of course have a Magsafe compatible MagicStand and this also has a note written on it and underneath and of course works with all MagSafe products.

Check out the video review for a closer look

Features 

Koo Air-cushioning Technology

3-meter military-grade drop defense

3D printing technology

Petite hearts delicately adorn the airbag’s edge

Flexible and adjustable stand

Integrated magnetic ring compatible with Magsafe

IML tech which stops fading

AlphaTheta launch the OMNIS-DUO, a portable all-in-one DJ system and the WAVE-EIGHT, a portable DJ speaker

AlphaTheta Corporation announces the new AlphaTheta brand, leveraging the experience built under its Pioneer DJ brand. Two new products launch under AlphaTheta – the OMNIS-DUO, a portable all-in-one DJ system and the WAVE-EIGHT, a portable DJ speaker.

Perfect for throwing DJ parties with your friends anytime, anywhere, the OMNIS-DUO is a portable DJ setup that is lightweight and compact enough to fit in a good-sized backpack, so it can be taken anywhere. It’s easy to set up and enjoy an authentic DJ experience in any location – even outside – thanks to its Bluetooth®/MD audio output function, battery power, 2-deck + mixer interface and touchscreen features. There’s no need to take your laptop or cables – whether you want to party at the beach, in a park, or even in a vehicle, there’s no limit.

With the OMNIS-DUO you can get the crowd involved with its Bluetooth audio input function so anyone can connect their phone and play their favourite track. All the unit’s effects can be applied to the Bluetooth audio and there’s a choice of other input options too. This all-in-one DJ system will provide a party atmosphere for everyone and create unity through music. Its design adopts a distinctive indigo colour, inspired by the versatility of denim jeans, so it looks at home in professional venues and casual environments.

Also launching under the AlphaTheta brand is the WAVE-EIGHT – a portable wireless DJ speaker that enables you to set up effortlessly and perform in places you never imagined were possible. The WAVE-EIGHT will help you bring the vibes to your party and with its SonicLink ultra-low-latency wireless technology, you can set up quickly, easily and cable-free – which has never been practical before due to the sound delay when using Bluetooth®/MD features.

The speaker offers a professional sound quality even when using it outdoors, thanks to its high level of sound pressure and rich bass reproduction. You can combine multiple speakers wirelessly to suit the size of your party and, with easy-to-understand sound modes available at the flick of a switch, you can instantly find the right musical vibe.

Having a party in an adventurous location? Whether you want to play next to a lake, on a hillside, or anywhere else, then the WAVE-EIGHT is the ideal sound solution. You won’t need a power source thanks to its 8-hour battery life and it’s even waterproof with an IPX4 rating. With built-in casters and an extendable handle, it’s easy to transport the speaker wherever you want to go.

Since the introduction of the CDJ-500 in 1994, products with cutting-edge technology to help DJs excel have been produced. And as we look to the future, the AlphaTheta brand is committed to growing with the community of people who are connected by a passion for music and its culture. The OMNIS-DUO will be available for £1,369 and the WAVE-EIGHT for £859. For more information, head to alphatheta.com.

Cybersecurity Mastery: 6 Insider Tips to Safeguard Your Data and Identity

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is a growing concern for individuals and businesses alike. With the constantly evolving technology landscape, the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches has become more prevalent than ever before. From phishing emails to ransomware attacks, our personal information and sensitive data are under threat every day.

As we continue to rely on technology for work, communication, and daily tasks, we must take proactive measures to protect ourselves from these potential threats. Let’s dive in and learn how to master cybersecurity!

Consider Removing Your Data

Many people are unaware that their personal information is publicly available on various websites, making them vulnerable to identity theft and other cybercrimes. If you no longer need your account or just want to remove your online presence, you should know how to remove info from MyLife and similar websites. By doing so, you will reduce the chances of your data being accessed by unwanted parties.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Having a strong, unique password for each of your online accounts is no longer a recommendation but a necessity. Hackers and cybercriminals constantly come up with new ways to access personal data, and using easily guessed information like birthdays or common words only makes it easier for them. To ensure your online security, it’s best to use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters that aren’t easily tied to your personal information. The next time you’re creating a password, think beyond the obvious and get creative!

Activate Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, is an additional layer of security that requires users to provide two forms of identification before accessing their accounts. This typically involves a password and a unique code sent to your phone or email.

Once you enable 2FA, you add another level of protection against unauthorized access to your accounts, even if someone manages to obtain your password. Many popular websites and apps offer this feature, so be sure to activate it whenever possible.

Stay Alert for Phishing Attempts

Phishing is a common tactic used by hackers to steal personal information through deceptive emails or websites. These fraudulent attempts often appear legitimate and may include links, attachments, or requests for personal information.

To safeguard against phishing attacks, you must stay alert and never click on suspicious links or provide personal data unless you’re absolutely certain of the source. Even some seemingly authentic emails can be phishing attempts, so always double-check the sender’s email address and verify any requests for sensitive information before taking action.

Keep Software and Devices Updated

Regularly updating your devices and software is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your digital footprint. These updates are not just about adding new features or improving performance — they often contain important security patches that safeguard against known vulnerabilities.

If you keep your devices and software up to date, you can minimize the risk of cyber-attacks and protect your sensitive information. Don’t procrastinate on those pesky updates because your cybersecurity depends on it!

Use Reliable Antivirus Software

Reputable antivirus software offers real-time protection and detects any malicious activity or attempts to access your personal information. Make sure to research and choose a trusted antivirus software that fits your needs, and keep it updated regularly. Antivirus software can also provide additional features such as anti-phishing tools and ad blockers to further enhance your online security.

By following these insider tips, you can better protect yourself against potential cyber threats and safeguard your data and identity. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing effort, so stay vigilant and keep up with the latest best practices to ensure your digital safety. Don’t let cybercriminals get the upper hand — take control of your cybersecurity today!

Innovative delivery management platform Scurri launches new European headquarters in Wexford

Next generation delivery management software company Scurri, has today, officially launched its new state of the art European headquarters. The Wexford born multi-million euro platform has opened a brand new operational base for over 100 workers with plans to recruit for 40 new roles across Sales, Marketing, Support and Engineering over the next 24 months. Based in the heart of Wexford Town (on Selskar Street), Scurri is an innovative delivery management platform that connects and optimises the entire online ordering, shipping and delivery process for retailers.

Following the company’s launch in 2010, hugely successful enterprise Scurri has grown its global footprint, processing over €10.5 billion worth of shipments worldwide in 2023 alone. To date, it has raised €15.3 million in investment through Gresham House, ACT & Episode, Enterprise Ireland and private angel investors.

Scurri’s new headquarters will support both the planned expansion and staff across the UK and Europe. The company has become a leading player in the delivery management software space across Ireland, the UK and now Europe, supporting notable European eCommerce retailers.

The new state of the art headquarters designed by Wexford architect Dermot Troy, is based around enhancing team collaboration. Its unique design features a modern central spine and a cutting edge glass interface which aims to encourage employees to build meaningful connections, while maintaining openness with the wider Wexford community. Other key features include an on-site gym, canteen, rooftop terrace and ‘chill and connect’ rooms for staff. Surri’s central location also ensures employees can walk everywhere as part of the company’s wider mission to scale sustainably whilst enabling workers to perform at their best and helping to build those all important social connections.

Another highlight of the new headquarters is its ‘Art in the Lobby’ initiative, which invites local artists to showcase their creations each month. Scurri is also an avid supporter of the South East tech community, recently sponsoring and hosting the re-launch of the Wexford Tech Meetup.

With a continued focus on innovation, research and development, Scurri also recently launched ‘Scurri Track Plus’ to cater for an increase in demand for post purchase experience software. This, along with Scurri Connect for delivery management, gives retailers control over their end-to-end customer delivery experience.

Speaking about the launch of its new headquarters which will act as its global base, Rory O’Connor, CEO and founder of Scurri said: “The opening of the office is another milestone in Scurri’s journey, which gets more and more exciting every day – particularly as Scurri has just completed a very successful 2024 trading period with over 100 million deliveries powered by Scurri technology. As we remain firmly focused on expansion and growth in 2024, it’s very important to create a business base that gives our team the best quality of life possible, and Wexford provides the ideal location to make that work-life balance easier to achieve. We’re very proud to have opened our new HQ in our hometown of Wexford”

Speaking at the launch AnnaMarie Turley, Manager, Entrepreneurship and High Potential Start-Ups with Enterprise Ireland said: “Enterprise Ireland is proud to have a long, fruitful relationship with the team at Scurri and we are delighted to see these remarkable headquarters officially opened today.  We look forward to working with Scurri on its ambitious expansion plans into the future as it builds a truly global brand from the heart of Wexford Town.”

Secondary school boosted by literary donation from Amazon in Dublin

A secondary school in Dublin has received a donation of books and bookcases worth over €1,000 from the team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin.

Pobalscoil Neasáin, located in Baldoyle, provides a caring learning environment for both staff and students to reach their full potential.

The team from Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin visited the school to deliver and set up eight bookcases for the school’s library, as well as donating over 50 books including Charles Dickens and Jane Eyre collections.

Gedvis Venckus, an Amazon employee who set up the bookcases at the school, said:

“The team and I had a fantastic time setting up the bookcases for the pupils at Pobalscoil Neasáin. It was a pleasure to help revitalise the library with a range of books, too. It has been a while since I’ve visited a school which brought back many great memories and it was great to see pupils helping us out. As someone who grew up reading Edgar Allan Poe, I hope the pupils get as much enjoyment out of his work as I did.”

Darragh Kelly, General Manager at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin, said:

“We’re proud to support Pobalscoil Neasáin with this donation of books and bookshelves. Our team really enjoyed helping to spruce up the school’s library and I hope the staff and pupils are pleased with the results and are benefitting from the new books.”

Julia Galiza, a student from Pobalscoil Neasáin, added:

“On behalf of everyone at Pobalscoil Neasáin, I would like to say thank you to the team from Amazon in Dublin for their support. This donation of books will help myself and my peers to engage in reading and have a better understanding of classic literature.”

The donation to Pobalscoil Neasáin was made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities in and around its operating locations in Ireland.

Since opening its doors in 2022, the Dublin fulfilment centre has supported many community organisations locally, with donations totalling €46,000. Charities supported by the team at the fulfilment centre include Cliona’s Foundation, Jigsaw and LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

The Amazon fulfilment centre in Dublin, the first of its kind in Ireland, opened in August 2022 providing more than 500 new permanent jobs. The 630,000 square foot centre at Baldonnell Business Park in Dublin holds millions of items that are picked, packed and shipped to customers across Ireland and the rest of Europe.

Engineering and construction dominate top 20 hardest to fill jobs

Jobs for online moderators, ad reviewers, tax consultants, assorted engineers and construction specialists are among the top 20 hardest to fill in Ireland, according to new data from Indeed.

The global job site’s latest “Hardest to Fill Jobs” analysis of Irish job posts shows engineers and specialist construction staff remain difficult to recruit with a number of roles in both sectors dominating the top 20.  

Indeed’s analysis examined job postings from January 1st through to the end of November 2023 to determine which positions were most likely to remain open for over 60 days – an indicator of them being ‘hard to fill’.

Job postings for instrumentation engineers ranked in No:1 position with just under 63% of advertised roles remaining open for 60-plus days. These engineers are responsible for planning, installing, monitoring and maintaining control systems and machinery within manufacturing environments. 

Other engineering disciplines feature throughout the top 20, with many involving construction related roles. Jobs for resident engineers (5th) and design engineers (6th) feature in the top 10 with roles for senior structural engineers in 11th position.

A shortage of construction workers in Ireland has been well-documented and posts for mechanical and electrical project managers, civil supervisors, civil technicians, mechanical, electrical and plumbing managers and ecologists all feature in the top 20. The latter are required to report on the likely impact of proposed construction works on the environment and surrounding habitats.

Jobs for lawyers rank 4th on the list with 57% remaining open for more than 60 days while 49% of job postings for tax consultants remain open after this time period.

In a sign of the increasing prevalence of online advertising and the rise of social media, jobs for ad reviewers rank in 2nd position at 61% while posts for online moderators are in 13th at just under 50%.

Ad reviewers are in charge of checking ad content to ensure it is accurate and appropriate. Moderators tend to increasingly work for online companies, particularly those involved in social media, to review content and ensure it adheres to a platform’s rules and ways of working. They may also review complaints or material flagged as inappropriate by users or by AI systems.

The demand for certain workers in the technology sector is also confirmed by the top 20 with nearly 53% of roles for python developers proving hard to fill and just under 52% of principal software engineer roles.  

Jack Kennedy, senior economist at Indeed, said: “These results highlight the sectors in which employers are finding it difficult to recruit staff. The engineering and construction roles proving the hardest to fill are specialised and require either extensive education or training in addition to experience in many cases.

We know that there is great demand for housing in the country and that the construction of new homes is increasing year on year. We also know that engineers in certain disciplines are required to work on transformative projects, including large-scale infrastructure developments, that will help businesses, organisations and the country to meet carbon reduction targets.

At a time when the unemployment rate is low, many employers in these sectors are seeking to recruit overseas workers or to convince Irish diaspora to return home. In certain cases, this is proving challenging in itself given the pressure on housing supply and the relatively high cost of living in Ireland. With a limited talent pool, those employers who can offer flexibility and other benefits in addition to competitive salaries are more likely to win over recruits.

“Given the increased cost of living, employees in some hard to fill roles may have a degree of leverage when it comes to seeking pay rises and the option of potentially moving roles if the available ones offer better pay and conditions. Meanwhile, the list should make for interesting reading for policy makers and those in the education and training sectors already focussed on ways to increase the talent supply for crucial sectors whether that is through more third level places or apprenticeship opportunities.”    

Rank Job Title % of postings open 60+ days
1 Instrumentation Engineer

62.7
2 Ads Reviewer

61
3 Mechanical and Electrical Project Manager

58.8
4 Lawyer

57.4
5 Resident Engineer

54.4
6 Design Engineer

54.1
7 Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Manager

53.2
8 Python Developer

52.6
9 Principal Software Engineer

51.6
10 Civil Supervisor

51.5
11 Senior Structural Engineer

51.3
12 Civil Technician

51.2
13 Moderator

49.6
14 Senior Mechanical Designer

49.1
15 Tax Consultant

49
16 Junior Engineer

48.8
17 Senior Process Engineer

48.6
18 Electrical Project Engineer

48.4
19 Senior Engineer

47.6
20 Ecologist

47.4

Tech Review – STM Goods iPhone 15 Pro Cases – The Focus Collection – Cases to calm your mind

The new FOCUS iPhone 15 collection from STM Goods are not just ordinary phone cases; they are designed to promote mindfulness, improve focus and help restore personal well-being. We have been checking these out and there is something for everyone here so check out the video review below for a close up and hands-on of the latest from STM. Also if you need a great wireless charger check out our CHARGETREEGO 3-in-1 wireless charger review.

This new game-changing collection (including the Relax, Reawaken, and Reveal cases) comes with a variety of designs that incorporate tactile materials, serene colour palettes, and interactive features that encourage users to be in the moment. The cases are made from impact resistant, high-quality materials that are comfortable to the touch yet durable for everyday use.

RELAX:

Like having a tropical beach or warming sand dune in your hand everywhere you go, focus your mind with the flowing sands of the RELAX case. Be transported as the sand moves hypnotically through the case and take a momentary break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

REVEAL:

Upon first glance the REVEAL just looks like a smart black phone case. Watch as a warming touch reveals a hidden pattern, helping to uncover a world of mindful focus. The heat-reactive overlays changes when touched by a source of warmth, unveiling a ripple of colour to invigorate your mind.

REAWAKEN:

Featuring captivating contours, the REAWAKEN cases releases your mind from the clutter of life through tactile feedback. Feel your way along the contoured surface and take a breather, allowing yourself to refocus at any point in the day.

STM Reawaken – £29.95

STM Reveal – £39.95

STM Relax – £39.95

https://www.stmgoods.com/focus-collection/

Video Review