Leading real hands on tech review site in Ireland with technology, business news and more. Jim O Brien Tech.
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.
Creative Technology today announced the release of the Creative Zen Air DOT, the latest true wireless earbuds designed to fit perfectly in the user’s palm while delivering a powerful audio punch that outshines both its compact form and wallet-friendly price point. Despite weighing only 33g, these earbuds offer more than meets the eye, with custom-tuned 13 mm Neodymium drivers, dual microphones with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology, a long battery life of up to 24 hours, Bluetooth® 5.3 connectivity, and an IPX4 rating, making them the ideal audio companion fit for every user.
Creative Zen Air DOT is the perfect combination of portability and performance all in one small package
The Creative Zen Air DOT boasts custom-tuned 13 mm Neodymium drivers that deliver powerful and detailed audio with deep bass, clear mids, and highs, ensuring that users will experience great audio with every beat. Together with Bluetooth® 5.3 technology and a battery life of up to 24 hours (7 hours on a single charge), users can enjoy uninterrupted audio throughout the day, making them the perfect companion for daily commutes, workouts, or travel. Moreover, the IPX4 rating offers water protection, making them suitable for intense workouts and outdoor activities.
Fitted with dual microphones enhanced with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology, these latest earbuds take call quality to the next level. The integrated microphones analyze and filter out unwanted background noise, providing crystal-clear voice input for better call quality, no matter the environment.
Lastly, the Creative Zen Air DOT also seamlessly integrates with popular third-party voice assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant, offering hands-free control and added convenience for a truly connected experience.
Pricing and Availability
Creative Zen Air DOT is priced at UK£29.99 and is available at Creative.com. For more information, visit creative.com/ZenAirDOT
Being a person that gets many packages a week I guess I would be prone to these scams but no I am not the only one, this text message landed on myphone last night so I did the usual and tinker around with the messages and went through the process to see where we are at here.
As seen above you can basically enter anything into the fields above for your personal details and it will will allow you carry onto the payment section for a small value which remains at 0.95 this morning still, however when you begin to enter your personal card details these auto pop up if you have your phone selected to do so, again however you can place anything but note you are never asked to enter a tracking number in the process, nor will you get a text message with the code,again this is a scam and scammers just trying to get your credit card details with half looks like a DHL portal but again the URL on top should be the main giveaway.
Again beware and let your friends and family know.The last notification of a scam on their website is here which needs to be adjusted.m
Edifier International, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets announces an update to the popular TWS1 earbuds: the TWS1 Pro 2. The TWS1 Pro 2 is a pair of truly wireless in-earbuds which combine Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, Ambient Sound Mode and a Titanized Hybrid Diaphragm to provide you with the ultimate true wireless, musical experience.
The new Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 feature Active Noise cancellation with multiple ANC mode, the earbuds boast a noise cancellation performance of up to -42dB, furnishing users with an exclusive, quiet
experience. Users can customize different levels of noise cancellation in the Edifier Connect App – eg – High or Low Noise Cancellation; Wind Reduction or even Noise Cancellation Off.
Thanks to the Ambient Sound Mode, users can always stay alert and aware of their surroundings. Simply tap the earbuds and turn on the Ambient Sound Mode for listening or communication and adjust the sound volume through the Edifier Connect App.
The Edifier development and technology teams are continuously looking at how to improve their award-winning products. For the TWS1 Pro 2, the Edifier Acoustics Laboratory selected a Titanized composite diaphragm to improve sound quality and create richer and more delicate sounds. Featuring surging bass and crystal-clear mid-range and treble, the earbuds present CD-level original sounds. Gamers have also been thought of! With features like optimized audio transmission and reduced latency, the earbuds can handle all mobile games.
Phone calls are also clearer, thanks to the AI Call Noise Cancellation Technology where the earbuds can intelligently identify and eliminate environmental sounds, enhance voice quality and improve call experience.
The earbuds are equipped with an intelligent wearing detection function to identify the wearing state and its pause and play features allow users to enjoy every listening moment.
The Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 feature a long battery life of up to 24 hours for your complete enjoyment. No running to charge at the last minute! A 10-minute charge gives an hour of use whilst a full charge gives 6 hours of playtime. Coupled with the charging case, the earbuds have a long battery life of up to 24 hours for you to lose yourself in wonderful, incredibly clear music.
Lightweight and ergonomically designed for a snug fit, the stylish low-profile true wireless earbuds carry an IP54 rated housing for dust and water resistance, making them perfect for use during a workout or on the go. The TWS1 Pro 2 is available in a range of 6 colours.
Main Features:
Long Battery Life. Around 4 hours music playtime with ANC ON with 12 hours charging case. A total 16 hours playtime.
Active noise cancellation with 2 levels of ANC selection and multiple ANC modes is designed to reduce unwanted background noise in various environments.
Clear call quality. Built-in microphone to ensure high quality calls.
Wear Detection. Music will pause automatically when taken out of your ear and will start playing once you place them back in.
Ultra-low latency connection with seamless experience on gaming activities.
Edifier Connect App. Unlock all the features through APP: customize control setting and EQ selection (Classic/POP/Classical/Rock).
Dust proof and splash proof for active wear. IP54 certified.
Three years on from the first Covid lockdowns, is the on-going conflict between working from home and returning to the office, coming to an amicable end?
Global video conferencing manufacturer Boom Collaboration feels peace might finally be on the horizon, as a clearer and more consistent picture begins to emerge.
Texas-based Boom Collaboration was founded by Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett in 2020, ironically right in the middle of the pandemic! The company initially saw an explosion in demand for USB home working devices but is now witnessing a 40% rise in office video bars plus a 32% growth in high performance PTZ cameras and expandable audio devices, this year.
Office real estate apocalypse
“Through these interesting, challenging and evolving times, from lockdowns to hybrid working, conferencing has been at the fulcrum of dramatic changes in daily and working life; how people interact and communicate, almost from anywhere,” Hulett explained.
“In many ways there’s no going back to how we were before in an increasingly AI-driven world.”
She says the impact on the office property market has been particularly hardest hit with the true costs yet to fully emerge.
“There are widespread reports of a $500 billion ‘office real estate apocalypse’ where the effect of remote working in the US is even worse than expected,” she highlighted. “But what is in little doubt is how offices around the world have had to restructure to the ‘new normal’ creating more huddle room facilities to accommodate more video meetings.”
Hörnkvist, who recently visited the UK, noted: “We know these trends are mirrored around the world with one in five Londoners estimated to be working remotely, while four out of ten balance working from home with going to the office. Three-quarters would leave their job if they were no longer able to work from home for some of the week, according to one recent study.”
But he feels ‘it’s a lot more complicated argument than just wanting to work from home’.
Mixed bag
“There’s still a ton of companies pushing hybrid and in person. Maybe the real estate crash will not be that bad. Time will tell.
“Some companies at first were looking to go full remote but now they have requested staff to come back. Some went full time whilst others prefer hybrid. Some will never go back. It’s kind of a mixed bag. The key is to be flexible to maintain their culture and retain a happy workforce.”
Going full remote can be difficult to achieve, according to Hulett. “Even here at Boom we are a relatively small team dispersed across many miles but we all value getting together in person on a regular basis when we can. There’s a balance.
“Face-to-face meetings and direct human interaction on a regular basis matter and add value in so many ways. There’s social interaction as well as business benefits.
“However much some people want to work from home in terms of a work life balance, they still need to be face-to-face regularly, rather than just being isolated. Obviously high performance video technology offers a compelling alternative.”
She continued: “One of the main arguments I used to hear from friends is, what is the point of being in the office if my colleagues are not there so I end up on a video call anyway that I could have made from home?
“Regular patterns of behaviour are being formed with people in the office with key colleagues when they need to be, and working remotely too. This can boost business productivity and smooth any friction between departments.”
No war
Hulett concluded: “Over recent years there seems to have been a constant battle between the office or hybrid work. But it doesn’t need to be that way. There’s a benefit to both and that’s certainly the view of many of our customers around the world.
“Our portfolio is built with tomorrow’s meetings in mind. We offer future proof solutions with solid components and technology to stand the test of time. From all-in-one-systems to multiple video camera mixing controllers and full room solutions.
“We recognise quality makes a huge difference. It really matters. That’s why we went straight into 4K picture resolution for example. 4K is the future. It’s about continually raising the game and raising the bar. Our flexible technology covers all bases.
“Wherever people are working the latest video conferencing technology can help. The battle is over. There’s no war. Peace is being restored.”
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a platform that allows business owners to manage all aspects of business operations. The program undergoes continuous updates to facilitate daily operations by providing real-time data. ERP systems are common in different industries, including health-care, education, nonprofits, financial services, and utility industries. However, they are typically helpful for large companies with different departments or branches in different locations. The system provides a central source of information from various departments and facilitates daily operations. This piece will discuss a few things business owners should consider to choose a suitable ERP.
Features and Functionality
When buying an ERP system, its modules, features, and functions is the first thing buyers should consider. Modern ERP systems can perform many tasks, but business owners should narrow their options to those optimized for the required functionality. The system should adapt to the businesses’ functions rather than the business adapting to the software functions. Business owners running financial services businesses, for example, should invest in an ERP system that supports accounting processes. It should have a general ledger, accounts receivables, accounts payables, and supply chain features. Therefore, large business owners need to get ERP software with features matching their routine functions. They can do so by comparing the available options and assessing the return on investment they would enjoy from each.
Integration Process
The next important consideration is how well the potential ERP software integrates with other business systems. Even if a business owner invests in an advanced ERP system, it might only enhance business operations if it can receive data from or send it to other software. So business owners who need reports from accounting or marketing departments must choose the ERP software that integrates with the programs used in those departments for easy access to relevant information.
Flexibility and Scalability
Although paying attention to current needs is crucial, future needs should also guide purchase decisions. Therefore, choose a flexible and scalable ERP software with features that adapt to relevant changes as the business expands. A reliable ERP system should support business growth for 5-10 years to avoid downtime associated with implementing new ERP software. An inflexible ERP software might hinder business growth or increase costs since business owners might need to spend more on customization. Therefore, business owners should consider the flexibility and scalability of an ERP system to ensure long-term use.
Vendor’s Reputation and Expertise
Nobody wants to deal with an unreliable software service provider because software challenges could affect business operations. Always pick a vendor with a reputation for providing reliable ERP systems and support. Consider visiting various review websites to determine what others think of a particular vendor. Although it is hard for any vendor to have positive reviews only, many positive reviews indicate that the vendor is reliable. The leading software vendors usually provide 27/7 support and ensure their programs function seamlessly.
Implementation Process and Long-term Costs
Some business owners focus on the current ERP implementation costs and overlook future costs. However, it is advisable to pay attention to the implementation and long-term costs associated with additional support or infrastructure. Remember that high cost does not always translate to high value. This means that business owners should choose affordable ERP systems with only the features they actually need to get value for money and a high return on investment.
ERP systems help manage business operations and enhance efficiency. However, since ERP programs are relatively expensive, business owners should choose one that matches their business needs. These simple considerations in this guide can be useful when choosing an ERP system.
Cables can be a messy thing around the home or office and we have over the years seen many ways to counter this problem and again mobfree has come up with another genius product to help alleviate cable management in one small gadget and this is no your typical solution that we have seen in other forms before either.
XuperCable now on Kickstarter is the latest 3 in 1 device to solve several issues at once and allowing you to charge up to three devices at once including laptops which is a crux of any other offering in the past I have seen before, so what we have here is a device that can rotate 360 degrees too which is great meaning it is not fixed so once placed on your table it can rotate unlike other offerings that are fixed in one spot making it more convenient for at home office or travel use. This means less cables to carry and one portable product that can be put into your pocket and of course your travel bag.
XuperCable uses MSC Technology for Safe Charging – Charge Three Devices Simultaneously so we have USB-C micro USB which will be soon phased out but there is a plethora of devices out there today that still uses it and of course lightning so you are covered from all angles here which is great via one small compact unit.
Check out the video below for more and what you can expect from this simple product and support them on Kickstarter
3-in-1 Design, One Cable for All Your Devices
XuperCable features three connectors (Lightning, Micro USB & USB-C). This 3-in-1 design works with all your modern tech devices from tablets to smartphones, Nintendo Switch, GoPro, earbuds, the list is endless.
100W Power Delivery Fast Charging, Charge Almost Any Laptops at Full Speed
With a built-in advanced E-Mark chip, XuperCable supports up to 100W Power Delivery, providing fast charging for almost any phone, tablet, USB-C laptop at full speed. MacBook Pro (13”) can be charged to 65% in 30 minutes (with a 100W PD charger).
Features
Adjustable Lengths for Different Needs – From 75cm to 175cm
Adhesive Base for Stable Connection – Stick it anywhere you like
360° Rotation for Ultra Convenience – Flexible charging angle
MSC Technology for Safe Charging – Charge Three Devices Simultaneously
Twelve South, a leading tech accessories designer, has today introduced a new, more affordable iteration of its best-selling Curve stand for laptops for just £39.99. Its appearance is in keeping with the original Curve and height adjustable Curve Flex, but comes in silver aluminium (rather than interior design inspired matte black or white finishes that complement your space) and requires some simple assembly, whereas Curve is a seamless single ribbon of shaped aluminium.
Curve SE offers users improved comfort and posture, elevating laptops to an ergonomic standard 6.5 inches above the desk to avoid the requirement of hunching or straining to see the screen, which can result in neck and shoulder tension. The elevation also offers a more flattering angle for video calls, giving users more confidence on important conference calls.
Pair with a full-size keyboard and mouse for a comfortable setup and for those who use an additional monitor or two, Curve SE can align a laptop to the same height as an external monitor(s) via the monitor’s adjustable stand or an external riser, for a seamless multi-screen setup.
The silver aluminium colour universally complements any setup and the slender arms offer robust support to keep devices in place without being too clunky for today’s lightweight laptops and MacBooks. Using lipped arms as a base also offers better ventilation for fans, which are usually located in the base of the laptop (which some stands cover and can cause hotspots).
Curve SE comes in three parts, which users simply snap together before using the stand. No screwdriver or other tools required. Once assembled, Curve SE is designed to be a permanent solution, so disassembly is not recommended.
Curve SE is available now exclusively from Amazon in the UK for £39.99 and Prime members can also take advantage of free shipping.
Network optimisation specialists Data Edge today announces it has successfully delivered a new solution for BT Ireland to overhaul its Network Operating Centre (NOC) and allow it to resolve issues more quickly, enhance network reliability and improve the customer experience.
The solution, which is based on Broadcom’s DXNetOps, combines performance management, fault management, Netflow Analysis, and Virtual Network Assurance. It was designed and implemented by Data Edge with the aim of allowing for better detection of incidents in real time and to reduce false alarms to lower noise on the network, and ultimately better prevent outages.
The new performance management solution has achieved a number of key metrics, as the mean time to repair issues has decreased by 40%, meaning less downtime for BT Ireland’s customers. The number of alarms has also come down, by 80%, freeing up BT Ireland’s team to focus on delivering the best customer experience instead of responding to erroneous alerts.
BT Irelands challenge was that its NOC was reliant on multiple systems and screens to provide up-to-date analysis and information on issues in its network. It needed a fully integrated and scalable performance management system. Data Edge was chosen to provide a Single Pane of Glass solution to show all network events in one place and grant BT Ireland the ability to easily connect and monitor all of its current and future platforms.
The solution, provided in partnership with Broadcom, has proved to be highly effective and also features full neighbourhood topology, triage functions, as well as third party access to better streamline BT’s services.
Paul Hackett, BT Ireland’s Head of Architecture, said; “Enabling digital customer experiences are of upmost importance to BT, and working with reliable partners like Data Edge makes those digital customer journeys much easier.
“Integrating BT’s systems into a single view, has streamlined our in-life processes, meaning we resolve issues faster than before. We’ve moved from reactive to proactive resolutions, which is critical in the modern marketplace.”
Martin O’Leary, Senior Account Manager, Data Edge, said, “Having worked with BT Ireland for over a decade, we have been by the company’s side as it has grown and developed its portfolio of network and communication services in Ireland. We are very proud to have delivered such a successful and impactful new solution and will continue supporting BT Ireland on its growth journey.”
Gerry O’Hara, BT Ireland’s Head of Network Assurance, commented; “The DXN functionality means we only see the relevant alarms which assists the NOC in resolving issues more quickly than we ever have before. Data Edge has a deep understanding of our networks and operations, and was able to design, implement and manage this highly integrated and effective network management solution for us. Ultimately, it helps us to provide even higher levels of service to our growing partner and customer base. Furthermore, the DXN functionality means we only see the relevant alarms which assists the NOC in resolving issues more quickly than we ever have before.”
Remember when we used to walk up to our car and use a key to unlock the door? These days, walking up to a car with your key still in your pocket will do the trick. Yet we still find using a physical key normal to let us into our home. Over the last couple of years many smart home solutions have been adapted into our homes, and just across the channel in the Netherlands, the LOQED Touch Smart Lock has been tried and tested on its home market and is now set to launch in the UK.
LOQED is committed to providing smart, secure, and convenient solutions for home access. Keyless locks have existed for some time, but what sets LOQED apart is that it is the first smart lock that opens and closes with one touch, while your smartphone remains in your pocket. You can even open your door with your knee or elbow for convenience while your hands are full.
Forgot your phone or your battery has died? No problem. You can still unlock your door with a safe and secure personalised code. The smart lock runs on batteries for up to twelve months. Should the batteries die unexpectedly, you can jumpstart your smart lock with a 9-volt battery available at any local petrol station.
After locking himself out and paying for an expensive locksmith on several occasions, LOQED founder, Pierre van den Oord, had enough and wanted to exchange his old fashioned door lock with a more innovative solution. Together with friend and innovator, Jeroen van Oorschot, they began to develop the LOQED Touch Smart Lock in 2016. According to Statista 2023, 81% of Brits own smart home entertainment devices such as Bluetooth speakers and smart TVs, but only 30% own smart home security devices. Introducing the easy to use LOQED Touch Smart Lock with an eye-catching and robust stainless steel design, because what is a smart home without easy access?
CEO, Pierre van den Oord says:“Locks that open when a smartphone is nearby often aren’t accurate. These would open, for instance, when you’re still parking your car, or coming in through the back door. Our lock knows whether you’re inside or outside and doesn’t make that mistake thanks to geofencing and proximity detection on the inside and outside of the lock to ensure that this function works reliably.”
The weak link in a front door is often the lock’s keyhole and cylinder which can easily be snapped by burglars. With LOQED, the original cylinder is completely replaced by a highly secure cylinder, removing the weak point and the need for a keyhole altogether. The lock has been awarded the highest achievable SKG*** certification. Combined with end-to-end encryption and digital signatures using the same standard as banks, hackers and burglars don’t stand a chance.
Send digital keys to friends, family and workers using the LOQED app, available for Android and iOS users. You can also easily assign and remove keys whenever you want, perfect if you own an Airbnb. The LOQED Touch Smart Lock can also be integrated with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and many other smart home ecosystems. The Matter protocol is set to follow towards the end of 2023.
To celebrate the new product launch, the LOQED Touch Smart Lock is now available in stainless steel on Amazon with a 10% introductory offer of £269 which lasts for one month. RRP after this time is £299.
For more information, please check out the website and watch the product introduction video below.
Features of the LOQED Touch Smart Lock:
Easy one touch access
Easy set up (around 30 minutes)
Personalised integrated code access with a jump start connector as a safety net
Secure decentralised key storage
Highest 3 star SKG, EN 1303, and EN 15684 certification
Battery life up to 12 months
LOQED app connectivity for Android and IOS to check if door is locked and receive notifications when the door is opened
Send digital keys to friends and family via the app
Guests without access to the LOQED app can open the door with a link provided by owner
Set timers to automatically lock and unlock your door
Set time schedules for staff and guests
Voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant connectivity. The Matter protocol will also be available towards the end of 2023.
