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.

How are EdTech Companies Changing the Way We Learn?

Education has seen immense evolution recently, with digital technologies at the forefront. It is now an integral part of the academic system. It has adjusted the way students and teachers carry out their duties, making their work easier.

EdTech takes the form of software, hardware, and other ‘tech’ means which help classroom duties. And so improve the learning outcome. You can agree that technology in the classroom is changing education, especially if you’ve come across or used it. Here, we go in-depth into the opportunities that exist.

EdTech Opportunities in Education

EdTech prioritizes efficiency in schooling. Through technologies made for the classroom, you can access materials and resources to help you do better in your schoolwork. You may ask, “How is technology changing the education system,” and in what specific ways? The opportunities listed above have influenced education in many ways. Some of these are:

Custom Writing Help

At some point in school, it will be necessary for you to write an argumentative essay or do research papers. One of the significant benefits of EdTech is helping with your writing assignments. There are different spectrums of these benefits. For instance, education technology allows conducting research without going to a library. Or, you can hire a professional custom writing service like Edusson to work on your paper for you. Such a service can help you get excellent results without wasting time on them. If students are very busy, this solution will be a great option. 

Students can also enhance the originality of their work by using the many accessible plagiarism checkers. After completing an assignment, making use of any of these tools guarantees the uniqueness of the essay. Given how strict the laws are against plagiarism, these tools are a great advantage.

Meanwhile, apps like Grammarly help you correct and polish grammar in research and essays. They help to improve punctuation and suggest improved ways to phrase writing, enhancing your language use.

Learning Languages

Another use of EdTech is to learn languages. Through language learning software applications, your vocabulary is sure to improve. Language learning programs like Duolingo emphasize the importance of technology in education. They expose you to many resources you’ll find helpful in learning a different language. For instance, you can learn to speak Spanish, German, or Portuguese on Duolingo. Moreover, the app additionally adopts Gamification. These help you when language-related schoolwork comes knocking.

Learning and Solving Mathematics

Mathematics EdTech is one of the leading technologies changing the face of education in schools. Calculating numbers is not the easiest, and it doesn’t help much knowing that arithmetic is compulsory in many courses. By using software like Photomath, solving mathematics questions and problems will become a piece of cake. Also, apps like Bytelearn allow teachers to combine teaching Mathematics with easy digital tools. As a result, preparing tests, worksheets, or quizzes becomes easier for tutors.

Getting History and Extra Knowledge Resources

Getting historical texts is a major influence of technology in education, learning, and teaching. Your professors often give you assignments about historical figures and events. You may even have to learn about a certain historical occurrence to grasp a subject better. Historical resources come in handy here. Some of the most popular history websites are:

 

  • History Channel
  • History Quiz 
  • History Timeline

 

There are online encyclopedias that give a more academic angle to history. The Britannica Encyclopedia, Encyclopeadia.com, and Wikipedia are a few among many.

Organizing Schoolwork and Materials

EdTech enhances schoolwork and materials for both instructors and pupils. Teachers can upload course outlines, assignments, and classes on a cloud website that is reliable and accessible to them. On the website, students submit work and get access to lessons and course materials. An excellent example of this type of e-learning is Google Classroom, which gives educators and learners access to an organized learning environment.

Learning Through Technology

Technology’s transformative impact on education, with a focus on innovative approaches that are becoming integral to modern learning environments. Below are some options EdTech provides:

 

  • Virtual Classrooms: The COVID-19 lockdown highlighted the influence of technology in education, bringing about the need for classroom improvisation. But, improvisation has now become commonplace because of its usefulness. Virtual classrooms connect students and teachers anywhere in the world. They now attend classes without being present, and professors teach from anywhere in the world. Many schools have adopted a hybrid teaching process, physical and virtual, while others rely on a virtual basis.

 

  • Digital Books: Gone are the days when you had to get a hardcover textbook to read for a test. Through modern technology, scholars now have access to books in digital formats. This way, you get to study for tests or exams without the extra load of textbooks. Besides, online bookstores provide books required for study that may be unavailable.

 

  • Learning Management Systems: An LMS is for administrators, tutors, and students. Institutions adapt it to ease the general school process. It monitors pupils’ participation in studies, instructors’ work, and effectiveness. It also serves to manage the interaction between teachers and a class.

 

  • Smartboards: These are innovative ways of conducting classroom proceedings. It is an electronic whiteboard which works when connected to a PC. It works by touch and allows the teacher to write on it with a special pen. Educators now have the option to conduct research on Smartboards while teaching. This makes the teaching process easier. Recent advancements even allow users to connect to a board at the same time.

 

  • Gamification: Gamification makes learning more interesting. It involves using game scenarios and mechanics to teach students. This solution demonstrates the future of technology in education as it is more effective, motivating, and helps with memorization. The adoption of gamification is gaining ground in the classroom – enhancing the learning experience.

Final Thoughts

The use of new technologies in education has provided immense benefits for teaching and learning. The points above have answered the question ‘How important is technology in education” and have given applicable examples. Apart from the evident effectiveness in the classroom, EdTech provides a personalized learning process for learners. A customized learning system could prove more effective in the process of learning. Furthermore, by organizing the learning and teaching materials, it creates a better and more encompassing environment for learning. Education technology is, thus, a welcome innovation for the classroom and general experience of students.

 

Huawei and Ericsson Sign Long-Term Patent Cross-Licensing Agreement

Huawei and Ericsson have signed a long-term global patent cross-licensing agreement that covers patents essential to a wide range of standards such as 3GPP, ITU, IEEE, and IETF standards for 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular technologies. The agreement covers the companies’ respective sales of network infrastructure and consumer devices, granting both parties global access to each other’s patented, standardized technologies.

“We are delighted to reach a long-term global cross-licensing agreement with Ericsson,” said Alan Fan, Head of Huawei’s Intellectual Property Department. “As major contributors of standard essential patents (SEPs) for mobile communication, the companies recognize the value of each other’s intellectual property, and this agreement creates a stronger patent environment. It demonstrates the commitment both parties have forged that intellectual property should be properly respected and protected.”

Over the past 20 years, Huawei has been a major contributor to mainstream ICT standards, including those for cellular, Wi-Fi, and multimedia codecs. In 2022, Huawei topped the European Patent Office’s applicant ranking for number of patent applications filed, with 4,505 applications. At the innovation and intellectual property forum Huawei held last month, it announced that licensing revenue in 2022 was about US$560 million. This is testament to the industry’s recognition of the value of Huawei’s IP.

“Our commitment to sharing leading technological innovations will drive healthy, sustainable industry development and provide consumers with more robust products and services,” added Fan.

Huawei is both a holder and implementer of SEPs and seeks to take a balanced approach to licensing. Through the signing of this agreement, it is both giving and receiving access to key technologies. Fan said, “This agreement is the result of intensive discussions that ensured the interests of both patent holders and implementers are served fairly.”

AIG Ireland and University of Notre Dame Dublin Global Gateway hosted today the 2023 Cybersecurity Symposium & Sports Panel Event.

Over 250 of Ireland’s C-Suite executives, Academia, Government and Sports representatives gathered to hear from some of the world’s leading experts in Cyber Security, Risk, Technology, Law Enforcement, Governance, as well as a panel of leading sporting legends from Ireland and the US before the highly anticipated Notre Dame V Navy game in Dublin.

Guests had the opportunity to hear from: Honorable John F. Plumb, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, US Department of Defense; Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States of America; Jayne Brady, Head of Northern Ireland Civil Service; Mitch Kajzer, University of Notre Dame Cybercrime Investigation.

Research and Education (CIRE) Initiative, Associate Professor of the Practice; Dr. Heather Melville, CEO & Founder, Clarke Smith Advisory, Chancellor of York University and Senior Advisor (DE&I) to Teneo; Professor Joe Carthy, University College Dublin, School of Computer Science; Sophie De Ferranti, Senior Managing Director, Teneo , Global Head of Cybersecurity, Teneo People Advisory; Tracie Grella, Global Head of Cyber Risk Insurance, AIG New York; and, Ryan Lasmaili, CEO, Vaultree.

What are crypto payment gateways and how do they work?

In the dawn of the 21st century, the world witnessed a digital renaissance that reshaped every facet of our lives. From communication to commerce, the digital revolution brought forth innovations that once seemed the stuff of science fiction. Among these groundbreaking developments, cryptocurrencies emerged, challenging traditional financial paradigms and offering a new form of decentralized currency. As businesses adapt to this new digital age, the significance of crypto payment gateways becomes ever more pronounced. These gateways, pivotal in the crypto ecosystem, serve as conduits, enabling businesses to harness the power of cryptocurrencies, thereby ushering in a new era of commerce that’s both global and instantaneous.

The Basics of Crypto Payment Gateways

A crypto payment gateway can be best described as a digital portal, facilitating the acceptance of cryptocurrencies as payment for goods and services. Much like traditional online payment systems that process fiat currencies, these gateways handle crypto transactions, ensuring that businesses receive their due value. Platforms for swaps payment gateway for crypto have emerged, catering specifically to this niche, enhancing the ease of crypto transactions for merchants. At their essence, these gateways serve as a bridge, seamlessly connecting merchants to the expansive crypto world. By doing so, they not only enable businesses to tap into a global market of crypto enthusiasts but also provide an avenue for consumers to spend their digital assets in real-world scenarios, making the abstract concept of cryptocurrency tangible and practical.

The Mechanics Behind Crypto Payment Gateways

Delving into the intricacies of crypto payment gateways, the transaction process is a marvel of digital innovation. When a customer opts to pay with cryptocurrency, the gateway generates a unique address for the transaction, allowing the customer to transfer the exact amount of crypto. Once initiated, the transaction is broadcasted to the respective cryptocurrency’s network, awaiting confirmation.

Here, the blockchain plays its pivotal role. As a decentralized ledger, the blockchain verifies the transaction’s authenticity, ensuring no double-spending or fraudulent activities. Once verified, the transaction is added to a block, permanently recording it on the blockchain.

For businesses, while accepting cryptocurrencies is a step forward, operating entirely on them might not be feasible. Hence, many crypto payment gateways offer a conversion service. After a transaction is confirmed, the cryptocurrency can be instantly converted to a preferred fiat currency, ensuring businesses receive a stable value, insulated from the notorious volatility of crypto markets.

Advantages of Using Crypto Payment Gateways

The allure of crypto payment gateways isn’t just their novelty but the tangible benefits they bring to the table. Their speed is unparalleled; transactions, especially cross-border ones, are processed in minutes rather than days. This rapidity, combined with the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies, ensures a global reach, allowing businesses to cater to customers worldwide without the hassles of currency conversion or international transaction fees.

Speaking of fees, one of the standout advantages is the reduced transaction fees. Without the need for intermediaries, costs are often significantly lower than traditional payment methods. But it’s not just about saving money; it’s also about security. Crypto payment gateways employ enhanced security measures, leveraging the inherent security of blockchain technology. This ensures transactions are not only fast but also secure, minimizing the risks of fraud and unauthorized access.

Comparing Crypto Payment Gateways to Traditional Payment Methods

In the grand tapestry of financial transactions, crypto payment gateways stand out, offering a distinct approach compared to their traditional counterparts. Central to this difference is the decentralized nature of crypto transactions. Unlike conventional systems, where a central authority or bank validates and processes transactions, crypto operates on a decentralized network, ensuring no single entity has overarching control. This decentralization not only reduces potential bottlenecks but also enhances security, as hacking a decentralized system is exponentially more challenging than a centralized one.

Furthermore, crypto gateways champion transparency. Every transaction is recorded on a public ledger, the blockchain, allowing anyone to verify its authenticity. This open system builds trust and accountability, traits sometimes lacking in traditional setups.

Lastly, the world of crypto thrives with fewer intermediaries. The direct nature of crypto transactions means fewer hands in the pot, leading to reduced fees, faster transaction times, and a smoother overall experience for both merchants and consumers. In essence, crypto payment gateways streamline the process, cutting out unnecessary middlemen and offering a more direct, transparent, and efficient mode of transaction.

Potential Challenges and Concerns

While crypto payment gateways offer a plethora of advantages, they aren’t devoid of challenges. The volatility of cryptocurrency values stands as a primary concern. With prices of cryptocurrencies often experiencing sharp fluctuations, businesses face potential risks in value retention. Additionally, the evolving landscape brings regulatory considerations. As governments grapple with the rise of digital currencies, businesses must navigate a maze of regulations, ensuring compliance and avoiding potential legal pitfalls. Lastly, integration challenges loom large. Incorporating crypto payment gateways into existing e-commerce systems can be complex, requiring both technical expertise and strategic foresight.

The Future Outlook for Crypto Payment Gateways

The trajectory for crypto payment gateways is undeniably upward. With increasing recognition and trust, we can anticipate a surge in the adoption of crypto payments in mainstream business. As technology evolves, the sector will witness cutting-edge advancements, making transactions even more seamless and secure.

Conclusion

The digital age has ushered in a wave of innovations, with crypto payment gateways standing at the forefront of this revolution. Their transformative potential is undeniable, reshaping the very fabric of business transactions. As the world marches forward, businesses must embrace this change, staying informed and considering the myriad benefits of integrating crypto payment solutions. The future beckons, and it’s digital.

 

How to Monitor Retailer Pricing?

In highly competitive retail industries with numerous participants, finding an edge can be challenging. This emphasizes the importance of gathering ample information, especially regarding the prices of your products and those offered by your competitors. In such cases, there is no such thing as having too much information.

What is Retailer Pricing Monitoring?

Retailer price monitoring involves the ongoing surveillance of third-party resellers who distribute your brand’s products. Its purpose is to verify that these resellers adhere to the pricing terms agreed upon in the contract. It is essential to note that while retailer price monitoring is crucial, it should be just one element of a comprehensive retailer monitoring strategy.

Other significant aspects, such as competitor promotion monitoring, personnel monitoring, and sales monitoring, should also be considered. By implementing intelligent price management systems, you can simplify the price management process and enhance your return on investment (ROI).

What Elements Should You Be Monitoring?

Implementing a strategy to maximize sales through reseller partnerships can be advantageous, but it comes with risks if proper monitoring is neglected. Resellers may easily deviate from agreed-upon rules, potentially harming your brand’s reputation. To mitigate such risks, it is crucial to establish a preemptive action plan to promptly respond to any misconduct.

Focusing on key elements of your resellers’ item listings allows you to allocate your time and resources effectively. Employing e-commerce monitoring tools proves particularly helpful in tracking these essential elements. Here are three critical factors to monitor:

Pricing Pages

Monitoring reseller pricing pages is paramount. Gaining an overview of the products offered by third-party sellers and their corresponding prices provides insight into compliance with contractual obligations. Tools like map monitoring can help assess adherence to minimum pricing standards. While manual checking may suffice for a few pages, larger agreements demand more efficient methods. 

Stock Levels

Monitoring resellers’ stock levels is essential to ensure the availability of a full range of inventory to meet customer demands. Swiftly identifying out-of-stock products enables you to take immediate action, whether by refreshing stock or resolving other related issues.

Reviews

Another effective method is analyzing consumer reviews to evaluate third-party sellers. Reviews offer valuable insights regarding customers’ opinions on pricing and overall satisfaction with purchases. Though reviewing product listings and customer feedback is useful, it is vital to exercise discretion when drawing conclusions, as subjective views may be present.

By diligently monitoring these crucial aspects, you can mitigate risks associated with working with resellers, maintain brand reputation, and drive business success.

Challenges of Third-Party Retailer Proliferation

When you partner with third-party marketplaces or retailers to sell your products, it’s important to acknowledge that there may be a loss of control over consistency. Here are some areas where inconsistency may arise:

Pricing: There is a risk of retailers selling your product at higher or lower prices than desired, potentially impacting customer perception and purchase behavior. Higher prices may drive customers away, while lower prices might divert sales from your own website.

Brand Assets: Ensuring that partner retailers maintain your brand’s assets, such as logos and packaging quality, is crucial. For instance, if your brand is known for its recyclable packaging, it’s important that third-party marketplaces also adhere to these standards. Failure to do so may lead customers to associate your brand with non-compliance and doubt your claims.

Social Media Content: Brands may lose control over the consistency of social media content published by their third-party marketplaces. These platforms will have their own strategies, layouts, and campaigns, potentially impacting the messaging and brand representation.

Item Listings: When third-party marketplaces or retailers list your items on their websites, it is vital to ensure that the displayed product images and item descriptions are accurate. Consistency in content presentation helps maintain a cohesive brand image and avoids confusion or misrepresentation.

While it may be challenging to maintain complete control over these aspects when partnering with other retailers, establishing clear communication channels and enforcing guidelines can help mitigate inconsistencies and protect your brand’s integrity.

How Can You Use Retailer Monitoring?

Retailer monitoring is a valuable tool that can help companies improve performance, enhance the customer experience, and generate revenue. Here are some ways you can effectively leverage eCommerce monitoring:

  1. Strengthen your brand identity: columnfivemedia.com says that the consistent pricing is crucial for a positive brand reputation. By monitoring prices across your retail partner brands, you can discover the optimal pricing strategy that satisfies both your customers and your profit goals. Striking the right balance ensures a stable brand image.
  2. Set unique triggers: Take advantage of online retailers’ ability to set specific triggers that notify you when competitors undertake certain actions. This enables you to stay informed about sales, initiatives, and collaborations. By monitoring competitors’ tactics, you can learn how they enhance sales and improve customer experiences, allowing you to adapt and maintain competitiveness in the industry, says sellbrite.com.
  3. Analyze historical pricing trends: Utilize retailer price monitoring to gain insights into customer pricing preferences. Historical pricing trends reveal what customers are willing to pay and what may be considered too expensive. Additionally, studying competitor pricing patterns for different times of the year or special occasions helps you align your pricing strategies accordingly. For example, understanding changes in competitor pricing during past holiday seasons can inform your pricing strategies for upcoming profitable seasons.
  4. Develop curated strategies and campaigns: Retailer price monitoring provides actionable insights that support scenario planning. Analyze your competitors’ product launch timing, sales periods, and discount extents to create effective campaigns and strategies. Utilizing data-driven information from competitors rather than relying on predictions helps optimize your marketing efforts.

By effectively employing eCommerce monitoring techniques, businesses can gain a competitive advantage.

Following Success of the Care Line, eir Launches Age Friendly Care Services in All Irish Stores

eir, Ireland’s largest telecommunications provider, is extending its Age Friendly Care service to all its stores across Ireland, providing dedicated customer care and technical support service to senior customers, aged 65 and over.

Co-designed in partnership with Age Friendly Ireland and Age Action, the Age Friendly Care initiative is designed based on a bespoke care programme that takes the complexity out of the services and helps build relationships with customers by making everything simple – from bills to mobile data, broadband or landline queries.

Initially consisting of a dedicated phone line for customers aged 65 and over, with a team of 20 dedicated agents specially trained in technical and soft skills, the service has grown in popularity since its introduction, with over 65,000 calls received to the Age Friendly Care line, with 23,500 calls in 2023 alone. The average time spent on each call is 10.5 minutes, and average answer speed of 1m 10s. The bespoke care approach has proven so successful that eir is now introducing in-person Age Friendly Care to their customers, in stores. The Age Friendly Care team was recognised by industry at the CCMA awards in 2022 taking home the prestigious title of Care Team of the Year.

Commenting on the launch of the in-store Age Friendly Care services, Sinead O’Gorman Managing Director of eir’s Customer Operations said: “At eir, our purpose is to connect for a better Ireland. Our experience during the pandemic made it clear that our customers rely on our stores and in person care for more than shopping: we’re here to provide them with care, answer their questions and help overcome connectivity challenges. Based on the success we’ve had with the initiative for almost two years since launch, we’re delighted to bring our hugely popular Age Friendly Care programme to life in our stores. The team in-store has been specially trained to provide care for older customers every day. If a customer feels they want more time to discuss their problem, dedicated in-store time for Age Friendly Care support has been set aside each Tuesday morning between 10 am and 12 pm.”

Susan Brady Managing Director eir Consumer and Small Business commented: “At eir, we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible in person retail experience. Alongside introducing new in-person services such as Age Friendly Care we’re proud to announce this significant €4 million investment in our retail network and unveil our new look stores, which reflect our commitment to offering the best of modern retailing and in-store experiences. We are progressing the transformation work at pace to ensure minimum disruption for our customers.”

eir’s ‘age friendly’ care line can be reached on 1800 252 252 and will be accessible between the hours of 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. If an older person wishes to nominate a friend or family member to manage their account on their behalf, this nominee can work with the age-friendly care team to resolve any issues. Age friendly support is available in all eir’s stores every day, with a dedicated slot from 10am to 12pm on Tuesdays for queries that may take a bit longer.

6 Smart Solutions for Modern Living

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern living, technological advancements continue to shape the way we interact with our homes and the world around us. From the convenience of remote-controlled appliances to the power of interconnected devices, smart solutions have become integral to our daily routines. As we navigate the complexities of a fast-paced world, these innovations offer us a streamlined and efficient way of managing our lives. In this article, we delve into six smart solutions that have revolutionized modern living, seamlessly integrating technology to enhance convenience, comfort, and connectivity.

Home Automation: Streamlining Daily Tasks

Home automation has taken center stage in modern living, allowing us to control various aspects of our homes remotely. From adjusting the thermostat to managing lighting and even setting the coffee maker to brew before you wake up, these systems create a cohesive living environment. Smart assistants like Amazon Echo and Google Home respond to voice commands, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, smart locks provide enhanced security, letting you lock and unlock your doors remotely while receiving real-time notifications of entry.

Energy Management: Sustainable Living Made Effortless

As we grow more conscious of our carbon footprint, energy management solutions have gained popularity. Smart thermostats, such as Nest and Ecobee, learn your habits and adjust the temperature accordingly, optimizing energy usage. These devices also enable remote control, ensuring you never return to a freezing home after a vacation. Solar panels integrated with smart inverters allow you to monitor energy production and consumption in real time. Some systems even enable you to sell excess energy back to the grid, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Kitchen Innovations: Culinary Excellence with a Tech Twist

The heart of every home, the kitchen, has also embraced the digital age. Smart kitchen appliances have transformed cooking into a more efficient and enjoyable experience. Imagine preheating your oven on your way back from the grocery store or receiving a notification when your meal is ready. Smart refrigerators equipped with cameras let you check their contents remotely, ensuring you never forget a crucial ingredient again. Furthermore, precision cookers and smart sous-vide machines take the guesswork out of culinary endeavors, allowing you to achieve restaurant-quality dishes with ease.

Home Security: Protecting What Matters Most

When it comes to modern living, safety and security are paramount. Smart home security systems provide comprehensive protection through a network of interconnected devices. These systems include motion sensors, doorbell cameras, and window sensors, all accessible through a single app on your smartphone. It is especially important to connect your internet, as a stable internet connection ensures real-time monitoring and immediate alerts in case of any suspicious activity. Some systems even allow two-way communication, letting you talk to visitors at your door from anywhere in the world.

Health and Wellness: Revolutionizing Self-Care

Technology’s influence on modern living extends to health and wellness, as well. Smart wearable devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches monitor your physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns, providing valuable insights for a healthier lifestyle. Some devices even detect irregular heart rhythms, potentially alerting you to underlying health issues. Home gym setups have also evolved, with connected exercise equipment offering guided workouts and progress tracking. These innovations empower individuals to take charge of their well-being, all while staying seamlessly connected to their devices.

Lots of people buy devices to embrace red light therapy at home and use them to enhance muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and promote skin health. These devices allow users to easily incorporate therapeutic treatments into their daily routines, providing a convenient way to support overall wellness from the comfort of home.

Entertainment Integration: Immersive Digital Experiences

Entertainment has undergone a significant transformation with the integration of smart solutions. Smart TVs offer access to a world of content through streaming platforms, eliminating the need for traditional cable subscriptions. Voice-controlled remotes and AI-powered recommendations make navigating this content effortless. Surround sound systems can be connected to smart home ecosystems, allowing you to create immersive viewing experiences. Gaming consoles and virtual reality setups further enhance entertainment options, immersing you in interactive digital worlds.

In an era defined by technological prowess, embracing smart solutions for modern living has become a logical progression. The conveniences offered by home automation, energy management, kitchen innovations, health and wellness devices, entertainment integration, and home security not only enhance our daily lives but also pave the way for a more connected future. By adopting these smart solutions, we navigate our lives with greater efficiency, comfort, and control, demonstrating our ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of modernity. So, whether you’re adjusting the thermostat from your office or checking your fridge’s contents at the grocery store, the possibilities of smart living are endless, promising a lifestyle that’s both convenient and interconnected.

Tech Review – PSB M4U 8 MKII Headphones in Espresso Brown

Way back in 2018 and longer than I had thought in the unboxing video which I said three years ago, we checked out the PSB Speakers M4U-8 headphones and to me they were something else back then in 2018 and yeah my review was short but were  only starting out back then after covering Nokia only tech for years and have turned up the game since, Yes 2018 and a pair of headphones I miss, To this day certain brands are applauded every year and is now getting boring and after testing or trying most of these myself.

OK they look the same which is no harm and if something aint broke dont fix it is what they say the cans are comfortable to wear for hours on end even for gaming and movies which is what I have done here whilst reviewing, the headband and cups are super soft and comfortable as before only this time in a new colour which is Espresso Brown and I love it, it is not to often you seen brown headphones.

The controls are all on one side and again I like this it is my personal preference and the size of the controls again something I like which makes it super easy to execute commands every time and again all features are present with call control voice assistant skip and reverse tracks and volume up and down and of course play and pause is all preset and again demonstrated in the video review below.

Personalised Sound with Audiodo™

Using breakthrough technology and a non-replicable set of algorithms, Audiodo Personal Sound™ calibrates the headphones to adjust to the unique hearing of every listener, revealing the “True to Nature” sound signature which PSB Speakers is known for. Through a quick and easy hearing assessment, Audiodo Personal Sound™ maps out a precise and thorough understanding of the listeners hearing, calculates what changes need to be made based on personal sound perception and hearing abilities, and creates a unique profile for every user. All customisation options, including Audiodo Personal Sound™ profiles, are accessed through the PSB Headphones app, a full-featured app that regularly keeps the headphones up-to-date with the latest firmware updates and codes.

Controls on the PSB Speakers M4U 8 MKll

Feature and Comfort Rich

Enhanced battery life, aptX™ HD Bluetooth, the latest active noise cancelling technologies and more highlight the M4U 8 MKII listening experience, while PSB’s immersive RoomFeel™ technology delivers the clear, natural sound of a live performance and stunning musicality overall. To ensure fatigue-free listening over long periods, the two-way adjustable ear pads are gyro-suspended for optimal ergonomics and supreme comfort. Soft foam ear pads, an adjustable, expandable headband and a lightweight design provide a customised, unrestrained fit so that nothing stands between users and what they want to listen to. Whether for work or play, the M4U 8 MKII headphones bring comfortable and noise-free extended listening to any hi-fi lover on-the-go.

The App

The app is excellent with two parts to it you could say and you need to once again complete a hearing test which is common these days and it is for your benefit in the end and my god the audio on these is as before superb, this is in the audiowizard side of the app where you can switch moods and cinema is the best one here for me but overall they all sound good and you can also custom tune the bass and treble here which will be welcome to anyone who uses them, the front end of the app is a bit on the lame side however there is again many options to control them, some of the options can be tuned on the controls too on the headphones, there could have been more presets here but there is enough to keep you going and fine tune yourself in the end and you have room feel,better dialogue, more detailed and tighter bass so in here you can tune to your personal taste.

 

 

Overall It has to be said the company have done it again with a superb pair of headphones with a new color that I like, you are getting super comfortable headphones loud volume and many other features thrown in, there is no lag latency they work great on calls and if you are watching a movie or gaming you are center stage here and will not be dissapointed one bit.

Key Features of the M4U 8 MKII

Bluetooth HD wireless connection with aptX™ HD and Qualcomm® cVc™ technology
Separate Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), Active, and Passive Modes
All-digital ANC with digital MEMS microphones decreases audio conversion error
PSB’s latest RoomFeel™ technology with greater detail and better imaging
Personal Sound by Audiodo™ through the PSB Headphones app
Access additional features, settings, and over-the-air updates using the PSB Headphones app
NFC pairing for supported devices
Over-ear, amplified, closed back design
Physical controls for volume, playback, and mode selection
Unique dual 3.5mm input connections (left or right side)
Tangle-free cords for analogue wired and USB-C connection
1/4” stereo and dual-input flight adapters
Runs on included rechargeable battery power
Up to 25 hrs battery playtime in Active Mode
Gyro-suspended ear pads
Carry case and easy folding for travel and storage

Buy

Video Review

 

52% of Irish SME businesses have raised prices to counteract inflation squeeze

There is a continued trend of price hikes across the business landscape as 52% of Irish SME businesses have taken the step to raise their prices, according to the latest Linked Finance SME Confidence Index, based on research conducted by Behaviours & Attitudes.

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Consumer Price Index was 4.6% for July, down from 4.8% in June; and 9.6% in July 2022. Initial steps taken by businesses to tackle the inflation squeeze have focused on price increases, but as Ireland’s rate of inflation slows down, businesses are looking to boost earnings.

The survey found 54% of businesses have taken measures beyond pricing to mitigate the effects of inflation. The measures include: 34% of businesses have cut their operational costs, 19% have pursued product diversification, and 12% have introduced discounts and promotions to navigate the challenging economic environment.

Despite tightness, a positive sign is evident as fewer businesses anticipate a decline in activity for the upcoming quarter, with a projected uptick in business activity for Q4 2023. The Index shows that 83% of businesses expect to perform better or in line with projected expectations compared with the same period last year.

“Notwithstanding inflation and a price squeeze on businesses and consumers, there is evidence of the resilience that defines Ireland’s SME sector and reflect its adaptability in the face of changing economic currents,” comments Niall O’Grady, CEO of Linked Finance. “The ability for businesses to innovative and put solutions in place such as product diversification and promotional campaigns, underscores the evolving strategies adopted by businesses as they navigate through a phase of tempered enthusiasm.”

Niall O’Grady, CEO of Linked Finance. Pic. Bryan Meade 17/02/2021

Overall, the Q2 2023 SME Index sees a notable levelling off in business optimism. The latest Index showed Business Optimism at a level of 61.90 (out of 100), only slightly up from 61.62 a year ago, despite a large drop in inflation during the same period last year.

In a surprising turn, the retail sector has demonstrated remarkable performance, defying expectations. This quarter, retail businesses have seen significant gains in their business activity. Recent findings from the ESRI also found that strong improvements in retail sales continues to drive growth in the Irish economy.

However, it is noteworthy that 75% of Retail & Wholesale businesses have increased their prices, reflecting the overarching trend of price adjustments in response to inflationary pressures.

“While we are seeing increased business activity in segments of the economy and business continue to pass higher prices onto consumers, it hasn’t fully translated into higher profits and earnings. This highlight the pressure that businesses are under due to external factors and influences,” continues O’Grady.

“While challenges remain, the anticipation of improved business activity for Q4 2023 and the potential for job growth in regional markets provide hope for SMEs.”

Through its online lending platform, Linked Finance provides accessible and efficient funding options for small businesses, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.

For more information about the Linked Finance SME Index and to access the full report, please visit https://www.linkedfinance.com/.