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 Google Maps updates: Immersive View for routes and other AI features

Over the past few years, Google Maps has transformed how people interact with the world with features like fuel-efficient routing and Live View to help you orient yourself when walking with augmented reality. Today with the power of AI, Google are announcing even more updates so you can confidently plan and navigate trips, make sustainable choices, and get quick inspiration for things to do.
Chris Phillips, VP & General Manager, Geo gives us the details..

Know before you go with Immersive View for Routes

Google Maps provides over 20 billion kilometers of directions every day. And with AI, we’re reimagining how you plan your trips before you go. At I/O this year, we announced Immersive View for routes, an entirely new way to preview every step of your journey — whether you’re driving, walking or cycling. This week, Immersive View for routes starts rolling out in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo and Venice on Android and iOS.

Say you want to bike along the water to the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Just request cycling directions, then tap the Immersive View preview to see your route in a stunning, multidimensional view from start to finish. You can prepare for each turn as if you were there with detailed, visual turn-by-turn directions, and use the time slider to plan when to head out based on helpful information, like simulated traffic and weather conditions. That way, you can easily avoid riding during rainy weather or heavy traffic.

All of this builds on our  work for Immersive View for places, which uses AI to fuse together billions of Street View and aerial images so you can know what a restaurant or landmark is like before you go. Now developers can also create their own immersive experiences with the launch of Photorealistic 3D Tiles in Google Maps Platform this week.

Easily understand your surroundings with Lens in Maps

Google Maps also makes it easier to understand your surroundings once you get somewhere — like if you’re exiting a subway station and need to orient yourself or if you’re scoping out a new neighborhood and need to find the nearest coffee shop. Lens in Maps (formerly called Search with Live View) uses AI and augmented reality to help you quickly acclimate yourself — whether you’re navigating a new city or discovering local hidden gems.

Simply tap the Lens icon in the search bar and lift your phone to find information about nearby ATMs, transit stations, restaurants, coffee shops and stores. In our biggest expansion of this feature yet, starting this week Lens in Maps is coming to more than 50 new cities including Austin, Las Vegas, Rome, São Paulo and Taipei.

Navigate with confidence with a more detailed map

Today, hundreds of millions of drivers depend on Google Maps’ helpful information about real-world conditions, like nearby crashes or upcoming traffic jams.

Soon, the navigation map will reflect the real world even more accurately. In addition to updated colors throughout the map, you’ll see more realistic buildings to help you better orient yourself – like if you’re driving downtown and need to understand where you are during the final stretch of your ride. And on highways, where some of the trickiest driving maneuvers often happen (like that annoying exit that requires you to quickly cross multiple lanes), you’ll see improved lane details to help you feel prepared. These updates start rolling out in the coming months in 12 countries, including the U.S., Canada, France and Germany.

In the U.S., you’ll soon see if there are HOV lanes along your route so you can make a more informed decision about how to get to your destination. And in Europe, our AI-powered speed limit information is expanding to 20 countries so you can stay safe even when it’s hard to spot speed limit signs on the road. Both features start rolling out on Android, iOS, and for cars with Google Built-in in the coming months.

Reduce charging anxiety with even more EV information

If you’re an electric vehicle driver, you may be familiar with charging anxiety. Whether you’re on a road trip, commuting to work, or heading across town, there’s nothing worse than not knowing where you can charge mid-trip.

Starting this week, building on our capabilities in cars with Google built-in, EV drivers on Android and iOS will now see even more helpful charging station information, including whether a charger is compatible with their vehicle and whether the available chargers are fast, medium, or slow to help you find the charging station that best meets your needs. And since 25% of all chargers in the U.S. are down at any given time, you can also see when a charger was last used to help you avoid wasting time heading to a broken charger. These updates start rolling out globally on iOS and Android this week wherever EV charging station information is available.

EV charging information will also be available to developers on Google Maps Platform in the Places API, so companies can show real-time EV charging station information in their websites and apps.

Find inspiration for things to do with new ways to search

Sometimes you know exactly what you want to do, but aren’t sure where to go. Search in Google Maps is evolving to give you even more answers to your questions, help you discover things to do, and find inspiration in a whole new way.

Now, when you search in Maps for specific things like the best place to find “animal latte art” or “pumpkin patch with my dog,” you’ll get photo-first results of what you’re looking for. These results are based on the analysis of billions of photos shared by the Google Maps community — all done with AI and advanced image recognition models. With this visual list of places, you can discover new spots that match exactly what you’re looking for. Just scroll through the results, tap on a photo to learn more, and navigate right there. This new way to search in Maps starts rolling out in France, Germany, Japan, the U.K. and the U.S. this week, and we’ll expand to more countries over time.

And for those times when you’re starting from scratch and have no idea what to do — like when you magically have a free weekend — you’ll soon see better-organized search results to spark your imagination. So if you’re in Tokyo, you could search for “things to do” to see thematic place suggestions like “anime”, “cherry blossoms” or “art exhibitions.” Tap on the places that interest you to learn more, and even save the options to a list if you want to check them out later. Thematic results for activities and dining roll out globally on Android and iOS in the coming weeks.

Google Maps is transforming how people explore and navigate, and AI continues to play a pivotal role in bringing how we’re building innovative experiences for people around the world. To learn more about how we use AI, check out this deep dive about how AI and imagery bring Immersive View to life. 

Electric vehicle charging points vulnerable to cyber attack

Belfast based cyber security specialist ANGOKA says developers of the UK’s fast-growing network of electric vehicle charging points could be sleep-walking into a high-risk vulnerability to hacking and cyber-attacks.  

Significant and rapid growth in the number of electric vehicle charging points is expected in the next three years. There are estimated to be more than 100,000 petrol and diesel pumps across the UK while the number of EV charging points( home and Public) stands at over 350,000 and counting.  While the growth in public charging points will grow exponentially, the risk of hacking, disabling and even weaponizing these has become an increasingly recognized problem. 

Richard Barrington, ANGOKA’s head of land mobility says the race to decarbonize and the shift to electrification goes hand in hand with digitization.  

“We need to electrify our economy but we have not fully understood the need for cyber security in this transition,” says Mr Barrington.  

“While data protection through encryption is in place to prevent the theft of financial information through credit cards and electronic payment forms, the cyber security of the actual charging points should be at the top of the agenda,” he says. 

Because EV charging points are all networked, the risk goes beyond theft of financial information or abstracting electricity. ANGOKA says the potential to engineer an attack back onto the national grid or spoof charging indicators allowing batteries to be over or undercharged means the industry must adopt the Zero Trust principles of Never Trust, Always Verify! 

“The threat landscape becomes even more extensive when you consider the bi-directional data exchange between vehicle and charging point,” says Mr Barrington, “this data exchange can be unprotected and vulnerable meaning hijacking, the introduction of malware and denial of service attacks become probable. 

ANGOKA says the responsibility of providing the cyber security to protect these from attack has fallen between the players in the supply chain, Manufacturers, Installers, operators and procurers e.g. local authorities. 

New regulations coming into force next year creates a more open market in that anyone should be able to use any charging point  irrespective of the operator.  Unfortunately greater levels of interconnectivity will lead to a widening of the threat landscape and risk potentially at national scale.  Mr Barrington. “We believe there is an approach that can address these concerns and the  EV charging sector and the motor industry must step up and take action.” 

Representatives from the automotive sectors are due to meet ANGOKA representatives in Belfast in the coming weeks in anticipation of new EV charging point regulations to be introduced next summer.  

Tech Review – Nava Bands Voyager Loop strap for Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Nava Bands Voyager loop strap for Apple Watches might look familiar to those who bought the first Apple Watch Ultra, Nava Bands has a wide range of straps that may look familiar but much cheaper than what Apple charge and a wider variety of colours and style, The Voyager Loop is one of those and my favorite so far and having has a similar band on the Apple Watch Ultra 1 I had to test out this one on the Watch Ultra 2.

There is an extra loop on this one vs what Apple offer and looks better, the strap is comfortable and easy to take on an off compared to the other Nava Band strap we tried out the Nautico band that we recently checked out. I find this strap more secure all round and again if comes in a range of colours but limited unlike the Nautico range.

This strap would suit most users and in my opinion and more comfortable and for me looks better but that is subjective the straps in all sizes again like the Nautico Band and again costing less and I feel this one is better than what Apple offers.

BUY 

Video Review

67% of teenage girls lack crucial information about STEM careers, reveals I Wish Report 2023

The I Wish Report 2023, an annual examination of female Transition Year students’ perspectives on STEM careers, has revealed that 67% of teenage girls lack essential information about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Furthermore, 64% of respondents cited their lack of information on STEM college courses as a considerable barrier to pursuing careers in these fields.

I Wish, the organisation inspiring teenage girls globally towards STEM, asked 2,335 teenage girls about perceived barriers to a career in STEM. The results highlight the power of knowledge, with 41% of students emphasising the need for more career guidance and work-related activities during their school years. Surprisingly, 21% of girls reported never having a career guidance class, despite 97% having access to a guidance counsellor. These findings result in a failure to bring STEM to life for girls and the opportunities to design a better and more inclusive future through STEM.

The ground-breaking research comes as I Wish gears up for its 10th annual STEM Showcase event, taking place on 8 February 2024 at the RDS Dublin. Registration is open at iwish.ie/register, with an estimated 3,000 female students expected to attend. Over 2,000 will receive free rail transport from across the country as part of a national partnership with Iarnród Éireann. Bus Éireann will also be providing free return busses between Heuston Station and the RDS. There will be I Wish watch parties for an international audience post-event.

Gillian Keating, co-founder of I Wish, said on the findings: “These statistics raise questions about the guidance counselling provided in some schools. It’s deeply concerning that 64% of girls lack information about STEM college careers and job opportunities. We must diversify how we present STEM careers and pathways, equipping young women with the knowledge they need.”

In a STEM landscape where only one in four professionals is a woman, the survey respondents revealed well-paid work, the chance to make a meaningful impact, and making discoveries as key values in STEM-related careers. In contrast, their own work-related values prioritised a good work-life balance, a high salary, and the opportunity to travel.

Caroline O’Driscoll, co-founder of I Wish, stated that they have engaged with over 60,000 girls in the past decade and have witnessed substantial positive change. “There has been a notable increase in female enrolment in STEM college courses, with the proportion rising from 29% in 2014 to 36% last year. Nevertheless, while significant progress is evident, there is still room for improvement. We must better appreciate the work-related values held by these girls. A career in STEM arguably embodies these values, but perhaps we are not conveying the story effectively. This is where the I Wish survey plays a crucial role, allowing us to use the data to enhance the way we tell the story and change the story for girls,” she said.

Speaking on the survey launch, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “The I Wish 2023 report highlights a stark reality – that a significant percentage of our young girls lack crucial information about STEM opportunities. STEM fields are pathways to innovation, progress, and limitless potential. We are committed to ensuring that every young woman in our country has the knowledge and support needed to excel in STEM.

“I commend I Wish’s decade-long effort in empowering young women to pursue STEM careers, and for this annual report which offers invaluable insights.”

I Wish’s aims to provide female STEM role models, address post-graduate gender disparities in STEM careers, improve access to STEM subjects, and enhance focus on STEM-related careers throughout students’ education.

mophie introduces the 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe and 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe for fast, convenient charging

mophie, a leading brand in power, today announced the 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe and the 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe to help consumers stay powerful.

The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe delivers up to 15W of power to your phone, AirPods, and Apple Watch. The extendable stand with weighted base saves space on your work surface and lifts your phone up to your line of sight while it charges. So, you can video chat or make hands-free calls. The extendable stand and adjustable head let you find the perfect, flattering viewing angle. And the magnetic surface ensures precise alignment for charging that begins on contact.

The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe features the following:

  • Fast Wireless Charging: This MFi-certified 3-in1 charger delivers up to 15W of fast-charging wireless power to your Apple devices.
  • Made for MagSafe: This 3-in-1 stand is MFi-certified so you know it’s safe to use with your Apple devices.
  • Accurate Alignment for a Full Charge: The magnetic charging pad ensures your phone snaps into the sweet spot for optimal charging that begins on contact.
  • Fast Apple Watch Charger: The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe can charge your Apple Watch Ultra/8/7 from 0-80% in approximately 45 minutes.
  • Space-saving Design: The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe takes up little surface area and holds your devices above the clutter of a desk or tabletop.
  • Extendable Stand: The charging stand extends from approximately 7.5” to 16” so you can set your phone screen in your line of sight.
  • Tilting Head: The phone charging pad can be tilted to a perfect viewing angle or a flattering angle for video chats.
  • AirPods Charging Spot: The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe has a designated charging spot for AirPods that delivers up to 5W.
  • Portrait and Landscape Modes: The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe can charge your phone in portrait or landscape mode.
  • Weighted Steel Base: The sturdy, weighted steel base keeps the 3-in-1 charging stand stable and secure while it’s in use.

The 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe features dedicated charging spots for all your main Apple devices. You’ll stay charged on vacation or during a business trip. And, when you’re ready to head back home, it all packs up into a convenient carrying case.

The 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe features the following:

  • Charge Three Devices Simultaneously: With dedicated spots for your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods/AirPods Pro, you can easily charge all your everyday accessories in one central location.
  • Compatible with MagSafe: The built-in Apple MagSafe charger for iPhone (MFi Certified) and charger for Apple Watch.
  • Fast Wireless Charging Up to 15W: Enjoy the fastest wireless charging speed for your iPhone.
  • Sleek, Compact Design: Tri-fold and fits perfectly into its designated space in the matted travel pouch.
  • Premium Materials: Textured outer fabric, with soft touch internals to match the beauty of your devices.
  • AirPods Charging Cradle: Dedicated wireless charging cradle for AirPods.
  • Travel Ready: Have everything you need to charge your most personal devices in a compact, matted travel pouch.

“We’re excited to introduce these products from mophie, and we invite users to experience charging accessories that are not just practical, but also versatile,” said Gavin Slevin, Managing Director for ZAGG International. “The 3-in-1 extendable stand levels up your desk or tabletop by freeing up space and keeping your phone line-of-site and the 3-in-1 travel charger allows you to stay powerful on the go!”

Availability:

The 3-in-1 extendable stand with MagSafe and the 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe are available now for order on mophie.com and at well-known retailers worldwide. ZAGG warrants these products against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of two years, as applicable, from the date of retail purchase by the original end-user consumer.

Are casino wins taxed in Ireland

You went to the casino the other night and enjoyed a night out with friends while you all played black roulette. You happened to win the most from the group and now you are worried that you need to declare this amount for taxes. 

In today’s article, we will go through the legislations relating to gambling and tell you how much you need to pay in Ireland and the United Kingdom. In some countries, the winnings are taxable, while in others they are not. So, let’s find out!

Gaming Legislation in Ireland

Ireland has regulated the gaming industry with laws and amendments that were approved and updated throughout the years. For instance, betting is regulated by the Act of Betting that was approved back in 1931. In addition to that, the most recent legislation that was agreed upon in betting was that of 2015, which aimed to cover contexts that were previously missing. 

Similar to that, gaming and lottery has an old act of law that was present ever since 1951, and an updated one that came out more recently in 2019. These laws mainly solved the issues on who gets a license on opening up a business related to any type of gaming. It was decided that individuals or companies get to apply for licenses, which might be approved or disapproved based on the criteria. 

Are winnings taxed in Ireland? 

No, winnings are not taxed in Ireland because of the many rules and regulations that cover the whole gaming system. The recent legislations that were introduced previously have decided that taxes are only to be paid by the operator, be it an online casino or a physical location, and not the players or potential winners. This is of course great news for the gambling community in Ireland.

Though despite this, there are separate legislations that may apply to those who treat gambling and casinos as more than entertainment or pastime. These individuals are sometimes referred to as professional gamblers, due to a large portion of their income being generated through various games. 

There are several examples of these types of players throughout history, perhaps the most famous being the case of Archie Karas, a man who profited millions of dollars in the risky gambling industry, while starting at almost the rock bottom. 

Of course, the story is of Archie is far from the average casino customer experience, which correlates to no taxation for an amateur gambler. The industry is complex enough as it is, without the worry of splitting potential revenue. 

There are games such as blackjack or poker that do require a decent amount of skill to compete and succeed. Even in cases of pure RNG or luck, an example being a slot machine system in both its online and physical formats, the taxation would detract from the overall customer experience, which is exactly why a lot of casinos don’t implement it.

This way, you can go ahead and play online slots, take the money and then use it to your own need, without having to report about it or think how much it would be left after taxes. This is without doubt a great feeling for the players which could also serve as motivation for them on this journey. 

After all, when discussing slots in particular, the appeal has always been high profit while working against extremely overbearing odds. The high-risk high-reward RNG system is a huge part of the customer interest, and this system is better off without reduced potential earnings. 

Gaming Legislation in the UK

UK has a similar legislation structure to that of Ireland which we presented earlier in this article. The United Kingdom approved its Gambling Act back in 2005, where a lot of issues regarding gaming were regulated and solved. This law is valid for all the three states of Wales, Scotland and England. Excluded from this law is the Northern Ireland, which has its own laws and regulations on gaming.

It should be noted that gaming industry has many rules and measures to follow when operating in the United Kingdom. For instance, there is an Act for the National Lottery which was introduced back in 1993 and which states that only one person can get the license to run the National Lottery based on the Director General decision. 

Are winnings taxed in the UK?

We have a positive answer on whether casinos winnings are taxable in the UK. So, the short answer is, no, you don’t have to pay taxes, no matter the amount that you put in to play, or the amount that you win at the end of the day. 

That being said, it has been noted that quite a lot of people come to the UK to gamble because of this tax-free situation, which in the long run benefits the country since it brings tourists who stay and enjoy the country. 

The situation is however different when it comes to business holders. There are various rules to be observed if one is interested in opening up a casino business in the UK, including primarily licensing. 

If you are thinking about investing in a casino business of any kind of gaming, then we suggest you consult the laws since there are rules, measures and exceptions in all Acts.

Should casino winnings be taxed?

Casino success and casino security has made it possible for this business to flourish worldwide. This has contributed into the popularity of the gaming industry but has also caused a stir in discussing different topics. One of the most prominent discussion is on whether people who win at casinos should return some of their profit in tax. 

While we agree that businesses need to pay their part in taxes because they operate just like any other business, casino winners should be exempted from tax. Needless to say, most of the countries seem to agree with this opinion, as they don’t really tax any of the players for their winnings. 

That being said, go ahead and win as much money as you can from casinos. And of course, enjoy them just as much because hey, on top of everything, this is a tax-free earning!

Version 1 brings National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park alive with new AI-led app

Version 1, a leading digital transformation partner and The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC), home to the world’s largest collection of working historic computers, today announced the brand new TNMOC Mate application, designed to transform the museum’s visitor experience for all age groups, cultural origins, and linguistic backgrounds.

TNMOC Mate uses generative AI to present compelling exhibit information in a way that is easily understandable, making sure that the intricate details of the history and future of computing are accessible to everyone.

Exhibitions at TNMOC can be incredibly detailed, particularly as they portray cryptographic machines and the historical development of computers. These exhibits are sometimes more challenging for certain visitors to fully appreciate, including those for whom English is not their primary language, younger visitors, or those with neurodiverse profiles.

TNMOC wanted to avoid any factors that may prevent all visitors from having the same level of participation and worked with Version 1 to create the app, specifically designed for inclusivity in a way that has not previously been explored.

 “We chose to work with Version 1 because they understood exactly what we wanted to achieve. As well as having the right advanced technical expertise, Version 1 shares the goal to leverage today’s cutting-edge technology for the benefit of absolutely everyone,” said Jacqui Garrad, Museum Director at TNMOC. “We’re proud to be able to deliver educational opportunities with this accessible tool, immersing our visitors in our exceptional collection. Thanks to Version 1 for realising our vision. This undoubtedly makes us one of the most accessible museums in the world.

“Version 1’s leading capabilities in the use of generative AI, not just for improved, but also more accessible and inclusive user experience means that we are constantly pushing the boundaries to deliver on the expectation of next generation consumer interaction,” said Brad Mallard, Chief Technology Officer at Version 1. “When we worked with TNMOC to shape the vision for the app, we were excited to imagine how we could use the most cutting-edge technology with them, especially given the historic importance of Bletchley Park and its association with Alan Turing and his ground-breaking work on AI back as early as 1935. It truly delivers the inspiration of the museum exhibits in the same degree of vivid and fascinating discovery to every visitor, regardless of who they are.”

TNMOC Mate offers clear directions for seamless museum navigation, facilitated by a persona that the visitor can choose to match their age group and language preference. All the prompts are delivered in the preferred language and enhanced with audio and animated visuals. The app helps users to navigate through the museum using an interactive floor map that highlights exhibit details with simplified text and audio.

The museum will host a relaxed opening and launch of TNMOC Mate today, Wednesday 25th October, at a unique event called “Digital Future Days: Relaxed Opening and Home Educators Day” welcoming visitors to try out the technology and explore the museum in their own way against a tranquil setting.

Tech Review – ZHIYUN MOLUS G200 Video Light

Be it a content creator filmmaker you need lights, how many will vary and this to some extent is an overkill for me however will be used and going forward with plans will be part of the set-up and you could consider this  rather affordable start up cost for a small producer I might ad as some kits run into the thousands. This one the ZHIYUN MOLUS G200 Video Light will set you back 400 euro but it is worth the money and portable and everything comes in a cool travel case saving space time and keeps all the kit in one place.

Probably an overkill for me however the light output is fantastic as you will see in the video demo below and alongside the app makes it simple to use and it can certainly give you the light required to focus on a subject or area, the app allows you to control the lights as well as the controls on the device itself which for me is a better option so the light can be placed anywhere and for the user standing back away from it can get a better idea of the brightness situation rather than being behind it which gives you a better look from both perspectives.

There are two fans on the device and yes it can be warm around it,these fans are silent more or less and emit no noise which is important for most using this I would imagine having such a big output,  The ZHIYUN MOLUS G200 boasts a peak output of up to 200W under normal usage, with a one-press MAX Extreme mode that delivers a staggering peak output of up to 300W.

Three modes for professional scenes

Normal mode: Simply turn on the light using the conventional switch.
Live mode: Automatically turns on as soon as it’s powered on. You can sync multiple lights with a single power source.

Music mode: The built-in radio port flashes synchronously according to the ambient sound volume.

The App

The ZY Vega App supports Bluetooth Mesh networking, allowing for remote dimming and quick switching of presets. Achieving professional lighting on any film set or studio is effortless and convenient.

 

Features 

Powerful, steadfast illumination

At peak brightness, G200 offers: 9460 Lux (without reflector); 61500 Lux with ZHIYUN’s standard reflector (at 1m). In MAX Extreme mode it offers: 13800 Lux (1m, without standard reflector) 85800 Lux (1m, with ZHIYUN standard reflector). CCT (colour correlated temperature) range is excellent: 2700K – 6500K. A colour rendering index (CRI) of ≥95 and a television light consistency index (TLCI) of ≥97 make for accurate rendition of the subject’s colours.

Three lighting modes = exciting visual experiences 

In normal mode, you can turn on the light and adjust the brightness to your desired level. Live mode automatically turns on as soon as it’s powered on. Music mode syncs your lighting with music beats to create a dynamic and immersive experience for your audience.

Accessories and apps for full creative control

The G200 comes with a stand with 180° flexibility: the stand’s 180° adjustable arm and full-range rotation capabilities, making it easy to adapt to any setting. The stand has a universal lighting umbrella slot for added convenience. The G200 is compatible with the Bowens mount accessories by ZHIYUN and other Bowens accessories. In addition, ZHIYUN’s ZY Vega app: supports Bluetooth Mesh networking, allowing for remote dimming and quick switching between presets, allowing for professional lighting results on any film set or studio.

• One-press MAX Extreme Mode for 300W Peak Output
• DynaVort Cooling System™
• 180° flexible support for full adjustment
• Easily equipped with a variety of light control accessories
• Three Modes for professional scenes：Normal mode, Live mode, Music mode

BUY

Video Review

HID Opens New Logistic Center in Shannon, Ireland

HID, a worldwide leader in trusted identity solutions, is pleased to announce the opening of its new Logistics Center in Shannon, Ireland. The new facility is HID’s second largest Logistics Center, supporting 55 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

The occasion was marked with an official ribbon-cutting and a visit from local government and business leaders, as well as HID’s operations leadership team. The new 4157 m2 Logistics Center is double the size of HID’s previous facility and employs 60 people with a goal of expanding headcount in the years to come.

“The new Logistic Center is strategic in sustaining the global growth HID has experienced, and it demonstrates our commitment to fostering innovation and product availability across the region,” said Josh Freeman, HID’s Senior Vice President and Head of Operations.

“Congratulations to HID on the opening of their new Logistic Center in Shannon. Since 2006 HID’s growth and expansion here in Ireland is truly a great success story, and the new Center will allow for an even better service to their European customers. I’m delighted that HID has chosen Shannon and the Mid-West Region for this new expansion, and welcome all growth opportunities, especially in regional areas. Shannon is thriving in the technology space and having a global leader such as HID open in the area is a very welcome addition. I wish all the team the best with this new expansion and continued success,” said Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary.

“I wish to congratulate HID for the establishment of its second site in Ireland, and its second largest Logistics Center. A leading technology solutions company operating in several fast-growing markets, HID is a welcome addition to the Midwest established Technology cluster. I wish HID and its team in Shannon every success with this expansion,” said CEO of IDA Ireland, Michael Lohan.

Operating in Ireland since 2006, HID has steadily expanded its manufacturing, R&D, supply chain customer service, IT, finance, human resources, and other business functions in Ireland to support a growing customer base across EMEA.

HID first established itself in the country in Tully, County Galway in 2006. The company is best known in Ireland for providing the enabling technology for Ireland’s revolutionary passport card program, which was the first of its kind to allow travellers to cross borders in Europe with an electronic passport card rather than a traditional passport booklet. In 2022, HID opened an award-winning Center of Excellence in Galway city, employing about 500 people.

Image caption From left to right: Will Corcoran, Regional Manager Mid-West IDA Ireland; Björn Lidefelt, Executive Vice President and Head of HID; and Eoin Gavin, President of the Shannon Chamber of Commerce participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony of HID’s newest Logistics Centre that will support 55 countries across the region.