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.

New CS:GO Case: A Comprehensive Review and Item Analysis

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) has long held its reign in the gaming world, offering not just intense combat scenarios but also an engaging economy of in-game items. The thrill of unlocking a rare item from a newly released case is a feeling known well to the CS:GO community. With the unveiling of the new CSGO case, expectations soared, riding on waves of rumors and sneak peeks. This article aims to dissect the contents of the fresh case, providing a well-rounded review and an insightful analysis of the items encased within.

Overview of the New CS:GO Case

The excitement in the air was palpable as the clock ticked down to the release of the new CS:GO case. As the case burst onto the scene, it brought with it a promise of fresh aesthetics and a renewed vigor in the weapon skin collection domain. The case, named “Vanguard Reprise,” was released on August 18, 2023, and quickly became the talk of the town. Its unique feature lies in the blend of retro and futuristic designs, giving a nostalgic nod while embracing modern-day graphics. This fusion has not only made the new CS:GO case a visual treat but also a topic of hearty discussions among enthusiasts.

Detailed Item Analysis

The Vanguard Reprise case unfolds a diverse array of items, each with a distinctive appeal. Here’s a meticulous breakdown of the offerings:

 

– Weapon Skins: 

  • Hyperbeast Redux: A reimagining of the classic Hyperbeast skin, it now sports a sleeker, more streamlined look with an infusion of neon accents.
  • Retrograde: This skin takes a step back in time with its vintage design, yet holds a modern edge with its high-resolution textures.

– Stickers: 

  • Gamer’s Graffiti: A set of vibrant, playful stickers that resonate with the heart of every CS:GO player.
  • Battle-Scarred Badges: These stickers embody the grit and valor of the battlefield, a perfect emblem for the seasoned warrior.

– Other Items:

  • Victory Lap Glove Set: A pair of gloves adorned with the emblems of past champions, a tribute to the rich legacy of CS:GO.

Each item within the new CS:GO case carries a story, a tribute to the game’s glorious past while paving the way for an exciting future. The meticulous craftsmanship and the thought process behind each design reflect the creators’ profound understanding of the community’s evolving tastes.

Economic Impact

The release of the new CS:GO case has undeniably rippled through the in-game economy. Initially, the prices for the items within the Vanguard Reprise case soared as players rushed to obtain the fresh skins. The allure of being among the first to flaunt the new designs drove a spike in market demand, leading to a temporary inflation of prices.

As the initial hype simmered down, the market dynamics began to stabilize. The prices of the new CS:GO case items found a more sustainable level, aligning with the perceived value among the community. However, it’s noteworthy that some items, due to their rarity or popularity, maintained a higher price point, showcasing the economic intricacies within the CS:GO marketplace.

Trading has always been an integral aspect of CS:GO’s appeal, and the new case has added a fresh zest to this trade culture. The vibrant trading community swiftly embraced the new items, with trading forums and platforms bustling with activity. The economic interplay surrounding the new CS:GO case is a testament to the game’s enduring appeal and the continual evolution of its in-game economy.

Community Reception

The reception of the new CS:GO case has been a mixed bag of anticipation, excitement, and critiques. Social media platforms and gaming forums have been abuzz with discussions dissecting every aspect of the Vanguard Reprise case. The blend of retro and futuristic designs particularly sparked lively debates, showcasing the community’s diverse taste.

Professional players and streamers have also chimed in on the discussion, sharing their takes on the new CS:GO case. Their reviews, streamed live or shared on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, have further fueled the community’s interest. Their endorsement or critique significantly influences the perception and popularity of the new case items.

Moreover, various CS:GO communities have organized case opening events, fostering a sense of camaraderie among players. These events have not only provided a platform for players to share their excitement or disappointment but also strengthened the communal bond within the CS:GO ecosystem. The new CS:GO case has indeed contributed to enriching the vibrant culture surrounding the game.

Comparison to Previous Cases

The Vanguard Reprise case stands as a bridge between the nostalgic past and the promising future of CS:GO. When compared to previous cases, the new CS:GO case encapsulates a broader spectrum of design philosophy, embracing a modern approach while paying homage to classic designs.

The items within the new case hold a distinct aesthetic appeal, setting them apart from previous offerings. The level of detail and craftsmanship showcase a maturing design process, hinting at an exciting trajectory for future CS:GO cases. The comparison reflects the continuous effort by the developers to keep the game engaging and aesthetically appealing.

Moreover, the economic dynamics surrounding the new case show a pattern of healthy engagement and trading activity. Previous cases have also spurred economic activity, but the fresh designs and the well-balanced rarity of items in the new CS:GO case suggest a positive trend towards sustaining a lively in-game economy. The evolving nature of case offerings keeps the game fresh and continues to enthrall the vast community of CS:GO.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the new CS:GO case, Vanguard Reprise, has undoubtedly added a fresh layer to the rich tapestry of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s in-game economy and community engagement. Each item nestled within this case tells a story, bearing a blend of nostalgic allure and futuristic excitement. The meticulous design and thoughtfulness behind each item resonate with the community’s diverse taste, evoking a blend of excitement, critique, and thorough discussion.

The economic repercussions of the new CS:GO case have once again showcased the vibrant and dynamic marketplace inherent in the CS:GO ecosystem. It’s a living testament to the game’s enduring appeal and the significant role played by item trading and collecting. The fresh zest brought by the case to the trading scene reiterates the importance of continuous innovation in keeping the in-game economy lively and engaging.

In summation, the Vanguard Reprise case is more than just a collection of new skins and items. It’s a nod to the rich legacy of CS:GO, a stimulus to the thriving community discussions, and a promising glimpse into the evolving aesthetics and economic dynamics of the game. As the community delves into the treasures of the new CS:GO case, the journey of exploration and discussion it propels enriches the overall CS:GO experience, making the game continually engaging and rewarding.

 

Tesco Mobile Ireland launches Black Friday offers taking place throughout the month of November

Tesco Mobile Ireland has announced a month-long Black Friday celebration, offering customers an extended opportunity to enjoy exclusive deals on several Pay As You Go and Bill Pay devices and plans.

For those hoping to get a head start on Christmas shopping, looking to upgrade, or simply keen to bag the latest hi-tech bargain, the Tesco Mobile Black Friday sale offers unmissable deals available both online and in Tesco Mobile Phone Stores nationwide until 29th November!

With reductions across leading brands including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi devices, there’s a deal for everyone throughout November.

 Black Friday Bill Pay Offers Exclusive to Tesco Mobile Customers* 

Tesco Mobile customers, both existing and new, can reap the benefits of exclusive offers with savings of over €400 on Apple and Samsung devices.

  • Apple iPhone 13. Now €129.99 on €35 Monthly Plan, Save €320 

The Apple iPhone 13 offers an advanced dual-camera system and a state-of-the-art A15 Bionic Chip, boasting 2.5 more hours battery usage than its predecessor. This model also provides an improved OLED visual display and water and dust-resistant finish.

 

  • iPhone 11. €9.99 on €35 Bill Pay Plan, Save €190 

A dual‑camera system captures more of what you see and love. All‑day battery life lets you do more and charge less.

 

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. €9.99 on €35 Bill Pay Plan, Save €340 

Introducing the latest in the Samsung Galaxy FE family, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. The everyday epic adventure continues with a pro-grade camera, fastest processor, 5G, huge 4,500mAh all-day battery and incredibly immersive 120hz 6.4″ display

Black Friday Pay As You Go Offers from Tesco Mobile 

Tesco Mobile’s Prepay Data Plus Plan provides customers with access to 100GB for just €15 per month.

This Prepay Data Plus Plan, available online or across stores nationwide, also includes 1,000 any network minutes with Tesco Clubcard. In addition to 500 any network texts, this plan also offers unlimited Tesco Mobile calls and texts. All Tesco Mobile Pay As You Go offers include unlimited data.

And to add a Christmas bonus, all Pay As You Go offers can be reduced further for Tesco Clubcard holders, look out for more information in-store and online.

Black Friday Prepay offers tesco mobile Ireland

 

  • Xiaomi Redmi 12C on Pay As You Go Now €79.99, Save €70 with Clubcard Price 

The Xiaomi Redmi 12C will elevate every movie or gaming experience with its stunning 6.71” HD+ display. This device has a smart and striking design and the massive 5000mAh battery and 10W fast charging ensures that users can enjoy a longer battery life all day long.

Frozen Contracts 

While other operators are increasing their prices, Tesco Mobile is committed to helping households across Ireland cut the cost of connectivity and has frozen contracts across all Bill Pay plans until 31st December 2023. Existing and new Tesco Mobile customers signing up to 24-month contracts before the end of the year will enjoy the same great-value prices, safe in the knowledge that their monthly charge will not change for the duration of their minimum term.

Refer a friend 

Tesco Mobile has launched its ‘refer a friend programme’, where existing customers can earn up to €100 in Tesco gift vouchers for referring friends onto Tesco Mobile prepay. More information here

https://www.tescomobile.ie/refer-a-friend. 

Check out all these great Tesco Mobile Black Friday deals and more on www.tescomobile.ie/blackfriday.

The Challenges You Face with a Very Niche Business

Narrowing down your business to a very specific niche often has some great advantages. You can target a small but loyal target audience, perhaps meeting a particular need that no one else is providing for. However, there are disadvantages to this business approach too. You can find yourself facing many challenges when you choose to run a business within a small niche, or within a niche that’s seen as alternative or risky. But, although these challenges can be difficult to grapple with, there are always things you can do to try and overcome them. Approach these challenges in the right way and you could make your niche business a success.

Finding the Right Services

For some businesses within a specific niche, finding the right services can be tricky. This is especially true if your business is within a niche seen as risky and if you’re looking for financial services. One of the ways to ensure you get the right tools and services for your business is to look for those designed specifically for businesses like yours. If you can find merchant accounts for CBD businesses, a bank that’s willing to work with casinos, or a payment service that understands your business model, it can really benefit you. These services are set up for businesses like yours.

Explaining Your Business

One thing that can help you find the right business services, among other things, is being able to explain your business clearly. This isn’t always an easy thing to do, as you can find yourself having to explain your business and product to someone unfamiliar with many of the terms and concepts you might want to use. But if you can tell people what your business is about and who it’s for, it could help you secure funding, generate leads, and much more. Perfecting your pitch in understandable language can really help you.

Finding and Retaining Customers

Of course, any business has the challenge of finding and keeping the right customers. But if you work within a very small or unusual niche, your target audience could be a lot smaller than others. Just finding the right audience can be a challenge. You need to work out where to target them, whether it’s on certain social media platforms, in industry magazines, at events, or anywhere else they might be found. And, because your audience is smaller, customer retention can be a lot more important too.

Smaller Growth Potential

A small niche will often mean smaller growth potential too. Your potential pool of customers is likely not as large as some other businesses. However, this is something many small businesses have to face. You may be happy with the idea that your business is only going to grow so far. But if you do want to keep expanding, you could consider ways to broaden your horizons. New products or services, or perhaps widening the net on your target audience, could help your business keep growing like what we see now with the rise of Full Spectrum CBD oil businesses. 

Very niche businesses will always face certain challenges. But if you’re aware of them, you can develop the right tactics to tackle them.

Jabra’s Study at the LSE Behavioural Lab Highlights Critical Role of Technology in Boosting Collaboration in Meetings

Globally, there are over 572 million knowledge workers*, and each week, billions of hours are spent in online meetings. Yet many of these meetings are held in settings that are not at all supportive for collaboration or productivity. In Jabra’s recent Hybrid Ways of Working 2023 Global Report, only 15% of employees say that all of their office’s meeting rooms are equipped with video cameras for online meetings, and around 60% of knowledge workers still rely on built-in laptop cameras and microphones. This begs the question: how much is the technology we’re using impacting our behaviour in meetings and our ability to collaborate effectively?

Answering that question has taken over a year of work by Jabra using state-of-the-art facilities to study human behaviour in a controlled environment at the Behavioural Lab at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The study, ‘Meeting Great Expectations: Behaviour, Emotion and Trust’, sought to understand the biopsychological impacts of the technology we use in our day-to-day work, and how it affects collaboration and inclusion in meetings.

Professional meeting technology is key to meeting equity

Meeting experiences are holistic and need to factor in all participants. When we first made the shift to remote work during the pandemic, most organisations provided employees with headsets and webcams for online meetings. However, the quality of this technology varied and was oftentimes inadequate. In fact, only 19% of knowledge workers** are using a personal, professional webcam.

Looking into how technology impacts the quality each person can access a meeting, and how much an equal playing field impacted everyone’s overall collaboration perceptions, the study observed significant improvements when everyone in a meeting uses professional Jabra equipment, when compared to using the nearest competitor’s video bar or built-in laptop audio and video. There was a 27% increase in clarity, 16% more trust, 35% greater expressiveness, and a 47% perceived improvement in the quality of input.

Additionally, remote workers often face the greatest challenges with technology in hybrid meetings. When armed with professional headsets and cameras, the research saw overall call clarity improved by 18% among remote workers, while meeting room participants also rated remote users 32% higher in terms of expressiveness. Meeting room participants also showed nearly twice (84%) the perceived level of engagement when comparing hybrid workers using professional equipment with those on laptop with built-in hardware. Furthermore, remote participants also trusted others joining remotely 22% more when using professional technology. These findings highlighted the increased levels to which remote workers can show up and contribute to hybrid meetings, and the advantages technology can provide them.

Meeting room equipment directly improves remote users meeting experience

We’ve all been in that situation where we join a meeting remotely while everyone else is in the office. It can be frustrating – you might struggle to hear what’s being said, not be able to see everyone in the room, and sometimes feel overlooked. But what if having the right tools could make you feel more present and included?

The study found that when people used professional technology both in the meeting room and remotely, those joining remotely reported a 56% improvement in the quality of conference room contributions. While nothing can quite replace face-to-face interaction, the second-highest ratings for collaboration, right after in-person meetings, came from remote participants rating conference room users equipped with professional video gear.

These findings highlight that technology can bridge the gap between meeting participants separated by physical distance. In summary, it’s clear that high-quality in-room technology significantly enhances the experience for remote participants. Any business aiming for inclusive meetings should prioritise updating their meeting spaces to support fair collaboration.

Holger Reisinger, SVP at Jabra said, “High-quality technology has a profound impact on the effectiveness of remote collaboration. Our research demonstrates that when businesses invest in professional equipment for both in-room and remote participants, they can achieve remarkable improvements. These findings underscore the pivotal role of technology in optimising meeting experiences and fostering successful hybrid collaboration.”

Dr Simon Noyce, British Chartered Psychologist, Lead Project Researcher said, “In today’s world of hybrid meetings, bridging the gap between in-person and remote collaboration has never been more important. Our aim is to encourage businesses to harness this technology to enable meaningful interactions that come as close as possible to the richness of face-to-face engagement.”

Download a copy of the full report here: jabra.com/lse

*Jabra’s Global Knowledge Worker Survey, 2023

**Jabra U&A Collaboration Study, 2022

How to Develop a Robust Cybersecurity Plan for Your Business

As businesses in the 21st century continue to rely more and more on technology for everyday operations, having a trustworthy cybersecurity plan is becoming increasingly important. As cyberattacks become increasingly common, a strong focus must be placed not only on protecting against breaches but also on investing in best practices that will further shield an organization from malicious attacks or data loss. 

To ensure your business has adequate protection against present and future cyber threats, it is essential to develop a comprehensive and reliable cybersecurity strategy that will harden its defenses without compromising convenience or employees’ ability to work efficiently. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips to help you create comprehensive yet efficient cybersecurity plans for your business.

Train Your Employees – Educate your staff 

In this age of technological advancement, businesses are facing more cyber threats than ever before. That’s why it’s crucial to properly train your employees on safe cyber hygiene practices. Incorporating cyber training for employees can not only protect your company’s sensitive information but also help prevent reputational damage. Hackers are always on the prowl for vulnerabilities and one click can lead to a complete data breach. 

By investing in the proper training, you can ensure your employees have the knowledge and skills necessary to keep your business safe from cyber threats. Don’t wait until it’s too late, start implementing proper cyber hygiene practices today.

Invest in the Right Tools – Invest in antivirus software

There’s no doubt that our personal and professional lives rely heavily on our electronic devices. However, with that convenience comes an increased risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches. That’s where investing in the right tools comes in. Antivirus software, firewalls, and other necessary security tools provide an essential layer of protection to safeguard our data and prevent unauthorized access. It’s crucial to take proactive steps to secure our devices and data, so investing in these tools is undoubtedly a wise decision. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action today to protect what matters most.

Create a List of Security Policies – Have clear policies 

Now, it’s more important than ever to have airtight security policies in place when it comes to sensitive information. Not only do these policies protect your company’s data and assets, but they also provide peace of mind for both your employees and clients. Having clear guidelines on who can access what information and how it should be protected is crucial in maintaining the integrity of your organization. By implementing comprehensive security policies, you can ensure that your company is equipped to handle any potential security threats that may arise. So don’t wait until it’s too late – take action now and create a list of security policies to keep your business safe and secure.

Monitor Access and Activity – Establish rules 

As businesses become more digitally integrated, it’s crucial to keep track of who has access to what information and what they’re doing with it. Establishing rules for monitoring user access and activity within your digital environment can mitigate the risk of fraud, data leaks, and other security breaches. Additionally, tracking activity can give you a better understanding of how your systems are being used and identify areas for improvement. By enforcing clear guidelines for access and activity monitoring, you can ensure that your business stays secure and efficient.

Back-Up Data Regularly – Develop a regular schedule

Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses. From important client information to crucial financial figures, it’s essential that the data stored on your systems is secure and backed up regularly. That’s why developing a routine for backing up your data is so important. By establishing a regular schedule, you can ensure that your vital information is protected against unexpected disasters. Whether it’s a simple mistake or a catastrophic hardware failure, your backups will provide a safety net that can help you get back on your feet with minimal disruption. So take the time to develop a backup schedule that works for you, and rest easy knowing that your data is always safe and secure.

Update Software as Needed 

With the increasing number of cyber attacks, it’s more important than ever to keep your software updated. This means regularly checking for and installing the latest security patches to ensure your system is protected. While it may seem like a hassle, taking the time to update your software can save you a lot of headaches down the line. Hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit, and outdated software is like an open invitation for them to wreak havoc on your system. So don’t wait until it’s too late – make sure to update your software as soon as updates become available.

Secure Your Wi-Fi Network – Secured wireless network 

In today’s digital age, having a secure Wi-Fi network is an absolute must. With more and more of our personal and professional lives being conducted online, the last thing you want is for a hacker to gain unauthorized access to your network. One of the easiest ways to make sure your wireless network is secure is to have a strong password that is difficult to guess. Additionally, encryption protocols should be put in place to further protect your network from prying eyes. By taking the time to secure your Wi-Fi network, you can have peace of mind knowing that your personal information is protected.

Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Set up MFA 

Protecting sensitive information has become a top priority for businesses. That’s why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a crucial step towards enhancing security and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data. By setting up MFA for all employees and customers, businesses can add an extra layer of protection against cyber threats. 

With MFA in place, users are required to provide an additional form of identification beyond a username and password, making it much more difficult for attackers to gain access to accounts or confidential information. By utilizing MFA, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to security and provide peace of mind to their employees and customers.

Security should be of utmost priority for all businesses to ensure their data is kept safe and secure. The importance of having the right tools, training your employees, monitoring access and activity, backing up data regularly, updating software as needed, securing Wi-Fi networks, and utilizing MFA should not be taken lightly. Every business has different requirements and needs when it comes to their cyber security needs. 

It’s important to consult with a certified security professional to best evaluate your current system and make any changes and updates as needed. At the end of the day, investing in defense measures is essential for any business’ digital success. Take action today to protect your data from possible threats by ensuring you have the necessary resources in place.

First Look – emporia SMART.6 user-friendly 5G smartphone

The emporia SMART.6 is the latest phone on offer from the company that attends the needs of our senior community, we have been testing their products for some time now and this is one of their latest products on offer but stay tuned for more over the coming weeks and they really upped their game.

The SMART.6 is the newest mobile phone and it has come on in terms of specs and features however keeping it simple for the seniors out there, today’s smartphones are getting more complicated with settings and features buried in sub menus which is annoying and emporia take out the difficulty of navigating a smartphone.

With this user-friendly 5G smartphone with top features, emporia is opening a new chapter. With the new E series, the technology leader for easy-to-use smartphones is aimed at self-confident people who value a high-end product that is easy to use, offers product security thanks to regular Android updates and meets all the standards that apply today be placed on a smartphone.

Technically, the emporia E6 plays in the same league as the Samsung A series or Apple refurbished. Latest 5G technology, top camera and Camera Pro, NFC, fingerprint sensor, voice input. The emporia E6 is a product that was created in collaboration directly with the target group. In countries such as the Federal Republic of Germany, Great Britain, Italy and France there were workshops in which the participants defined their demands and wishes for the smartphone of the future. The result: “A smartphone as it should be”.

Despite the high-tech equipment, the Linz-based company has not forgotten what has made the company a technology leader and three-time senior smartphone manufacturer of the year with the emporia E6: ease of use thanks to the patented emporia surface, state-of-the-art technical support for people with limited hearing. And don’t forget the patented Emporia emergency call function, if you want to feel safe going home at night or if you have fallen while mountain biking or hiking and need help quickly.

Check out what you get this time around with the unboxing of the device and we will take it off and test it out over the coming weeks so if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Features

  • Popular 5G smartphone, 6.58 inch touch display
  • Contemporary, Android 13
  • Beautiful photos, triple main camera 50+2+TOF megapixels
  • Selfie camera 8 megapixels
  • On and off button with fingerprint sensor
  • Smart cover with 4 buttons

BUY 

Unboxing Video 

Amazon Dublin Supports Local Bereavement Charity

A charity supporting families affected by stillbirth has received a €1,000 donation from the team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin.

Féileacáin was formed by a group of bereaved parents to offer support to families affected by stillbirth or neonatal loss. The charity provides hospitals in Ireland with a ‘Gifts of Remembrance’ service which includes memory boxes, clay imprints, sibling support and more.

The donation from Amazon will be used to provide memory boxes to Maternity and Children’s Hospitals that are then gifted to parents after the loss of their baby.

Darragh Kelly, General Manager at Amazon in Dublin, said:

“Experiencing the loss of a child will never be an easy journey but with the right support and guidance, families have a safe space to grieve. Féileacáin is run by an amazing team of staff and volunteers who give everything to support families in the community. We hope that this donation can help support the important work they do across Ireland.”

Joe Monahan, an employee from Amazon in Dublin who nominated the charity for support, said:

“Féileacáin is a charity very close to my heart. The endless support the charity’s volunteers provide is outstanding and can be such a blessing for people experiencing the loss of a child. I’m pleased Amazon is showing their appreciation with this donation.”

Nina Doyle, from Féileacáin, added:

“Féileacáin relies on the support of the community to function, and without donations like this, we couldn’t provide our vital services to individuals and families who need it. Thank you, Darragh and everyone at Amazon in Dublin, for believing in what we do.”

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

Since opening its doors one year ago, 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.

Amazon provides competitive pay, excellent benefits and a modern, safe and engaging work environment for its employees. Amazon pays all its employees in Dublin, whether they are full-time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal, at least €14.25 per hour employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package including include private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection and an employee discount as well as a company pension plan.

Twinkly Announces New Smart Light Offerings for Christmas 2023

Twinkly, the leading innovator in smart decorative lighting, is gearing up to illuminate this Christmas season with a wide range of festive decorations. From cosy indoor Christmas tree light effects to spectacular outdoor installations, Twinkly has something for everyone. This Christmas season Twinkly introduces the Plus line as well as the new C9 faceted LED string lights, adding a touch of classic holiday charm with a dash of Twinkly magic.

Twinkly Plus: Taking Holiday Decor to the Next Level

Twinkly Plus is designed for “Prosumers” who want to create large and stunning outdoor Twinkly installations. The Plus line is the perfect solution for limitless creativity and crafting the most magical and boundless Christmas light effect. The new Twinkly Plus line includes a Plus Controller, and five of Twinkly’s most popular products, including Icicle, Strings, Dots, Curtain and S14.

The 4-port Plus Controller can host four Twinkly Plus light strands and supports up to 1000 smart LEDs, with over 16 million colours and app-controlled features. Create professional-level lighting effects with ease. With an IP65 certified weatherproof design, the Plus line is tailored for the outdoors and guarantees durability season after season. The controller can connect via WiFi or Ethernet cable offering speed, convenience and stability. For even bigger setups, Plus Controllers can be paired via the Twinkly App offering a countless number of  LEDs.

Offering professional-grade installations, Twinkly Plus is the perfect solution for small businesses who want to decorate their shops, restaurants, event venues, inside or outside without the need of professional technicians. The Plus line is also the perfect product for any customer wanting to elevate their outside installations. The products can be purchased individually or in a Twinkly suggested bundle which includes the controller and four 250 LED Strings.

Twinkly Plus Controller at £179.99, Plus Dots 250 LED at £109.99, Plus S14 40 Bulbs at £199.99, Plus String 250 LED at £159.99, Plus Icicle 250 LED at £199.99 and Plus Curtain 250 LED at £169.99 while the Plus Bundle retails at the MSRP of £999.99.

Twinkly C9 smart lights

C9 Faceted Lights: An Iconic Classic Reimagined with Twinkly Technology

Set a merry scene with  traditional pine cone lights reimagined with Twinkly technology. The C9 faceted lights are designed to embellish homes with a mix of tradition and innovation. The C9 LED string lights come with Twinkly’s patented smart light technology to create the most captivating holiday display.

The C9 come in two lengths 12 or 24 metres (40 and 80ft). The C9 are www.twinkly.com at the MSRP of £99.99 for the 12 metres and 40 LEDs model, while the 24 metres and 80 LEDs variant comes at the suggested MSRP of £189.99.

All Twinkly products, including Christmas Wreath, Icicles, Pre-lit Christmas trees, Strings, and more, are available at www.twinkly.com for the holiday season.

New Irish multi-brand no-fees digital gift card – OptionsCard the Christmas gift of choice

The new multi-brand digital gift card, OptionsCard, is the perfect gift this Christmas. OptionsCard was created to provide a world-class gifting experience, free from fees and fuss and with an always visible live balance in your mobile wallet. The multi-choice OptionsCard can be redeemed for more than 60 premium brands such as Brown Thomas, Ikea and Ticketmaster. OptionsCard allows people to easily share or re-gift part of their gift card. To find out more visit www.OptionsCard.ie 

An iReach consumer sentiment survey of over 1,000 adults nationwide commissioned by OptionsCard, revealed that almost 4 in 10 (37%) would share their last gift card value of €20 with a family member and 31% would share the last €20 on their gift card with their partner. The survey also revealed that 62% of consumers see a gift card as a special treat, preferring to spend it on something that they would not normally buy, such as a premium product or experience.  

OptionsCard holders will have access to exclusive special offers and promotions from retail brand partners.