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.

Jabra launches the Speak2 75, Speak2 55 and the Speak2 40 next gen speakerphones

Jabra, leaders in personal sound and office solutions, today launch the Speak2 range, the newest products in Jabra’s world market-leading Speak line-up of professional speakerphones which include the Speak2 75, Speak2 55 and the Speak2 40.  

Hybrid work has shifted the way we meet, with 80% of all meetings now being either fully remote or hybrid*. The new Speak2 range is engineered specifically to meet the need for an intelligent speaker that is built to handle anything a busy hybrid working day throws at you – whether it be conference meetings, direct calls, streaming media, presentation or other.  

With more than 9 million speakerphones sold worldwide, Jabra has long been leading the speakerphone market. Now, giving more power to the speaker than ever before, the Speak2 range is like widescreen audio for your ears, offering mobile and futureproof professional quality sound so all voices can be heard, wherever they may come from. 

Next generation engineering for each and every voice 

For all meeting participants to not only feel heard, but also listened to, the Speak2 range is engineered to go beyond standard speakerphone performance, and a full duplex audio. This speakerphone allows users who are talking simultaneously to conduct much more natural two-way dialogues, as though each speaker was there in person, without disrupting conversation flow.  

42% say they can’t hear what is being said in meetings*. With the Speak2 75, Speak2 55, and Speak2 40, gone are the days of raised voices straining to be picked up by poor quality speakerphones. Every speaker in this new range features cutting-edge Voice Level Normalisation technology and state-of-the-art beamforming microphones that eliminate background noise for superb voice pick up. 

Built with versatility in mind, the Speak2 range ultimately offers, professional, pocketable, and portable devices packed with the latest technology. All packaged up in a stylish, contemporary design with premium materials including 100% sustainable fabric for the speaker. When in call mode, the subtle user-interface ring lights up and brings use functions with relevant icons to life.  

Advanced professional speakerphone with superior audio  

Jabra Speak2 75 is like a boardroom in your pocket, being the only speakerphone in this range to feature a custom-designed Microphone Quality Indicator. The 360-degree light ring shows users how well their voice is being picked up by the microphones, giving users the reassurance of true professionalism from wherever they may be working. 

In addition, this speakerphone includes an advanced full range 65mm speaker, offering a dramatically more powerful audio experience and ultimately resulting in much more efficient and productive meetings.  

 

Compact speakerphones full of productivity-boosting tech  

With the Jabra Speak2 range, users can be sure to rely on seamless plug-and-play connectivity, so users can focus on what matters most; hosting professional and reliably brilliant meetings. For those who like choice, use the USB cable for a direct line with the Speak2 40 or go wireless with the Speak2 75 or Speak2 55.   

Finally, each Speak2 product is designed to work with all leading virtual meeting platforms, meaning users can participate confidently in calls and meetings from any location, without the worry of poor audio quality or connectivity issues. There’s even no need to be concerned about durability, since all of Jabra’s Speak2 products feature IP64-rated protection from dust and water. 

Aurangzeb Khan, SVP for Collaboration Solutions at Jabra says, “Sound clarity is fundamental when looking to ensure all employees feel included in hybrid meetings. Therefore, Jabra decided to take on the challenge of re-engineering the world-leading Jabra Speak series for better performance and optimised experiences. Engineered for the hybrid worker who wants to hear and be heard in the most productive way, the new Speak2 range demonstrates to those working flexibly between home and office, that their voice matters too. So, get ready to speak up.” 

Key shared features of the Speak2 range: 

·         Four beamforming noise-cancelling microphones with innovative background noise reduction technology 

·         Advanced full duplex audio  

·         Voice Level Normalisation technology 

·         Designed to work with all leading virtual meeting platforms, like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Zoom 

·         IP64-rated protection from dust and water 

Speak2 75 only: 

·         Super-wideband audio and full range 65mm speaker  

·         Microphone Quality Indicator  

·         Up to 33% sustainable materials (from mechanical parts) 

·         Easy connection with Microsoft Swift Pair 

·         Plug-and-play straight out of the box  

·         Up to 32 hours of wireless battery life 

·         Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms 

Speak2 55 and Speak 40: 

·         Plug-and-play for ease of use, with Jabra Speak2 55 boasting up to 12 hours of wireless battery life  

·         Contains more than 50% sustainable materials (from mechanical parts) 

Speak2 will be available from end of March 2023. 

Speak2 75 MSRP £297/€339 

Speak2 55 MSRP £144/€169 

Speak2 40 MSRP £127/€149 

 Find out more about Jabra Speak2 at www.jabra.co.uk/speak2 

Nokia introduces Beacon 10, its first Wi-Fi 6E gateway for a multi-gigabit world #MWC23

Nokia has today launched the Beacon 10, its first gateway supporting Wi-Fi 6E to provide seamless, high-capacity mesh networking. The Beacon 10 is a true tri-band device which can provide Wi-Fi throughput of 10Gbps. It includes a 10G WAN interface to pair with 10 Gb/second fiber modems for multi-gigabit services to the home. The new gateway is shown for the first time at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona.

Widespread roll-out of 10G fiber powered by XGS-PON requires upgrades to home and business Wi-Fi to deliver super high speeds to enabled devices. The ‘E’ in Wi-Fi 6E means faster speeds and lower latencies, ideal for the latest office applications, home entertainment and home working experiences.

Additionally announced at the show, Nokia has upgraded its Nokia WiFi Cloud Controller to act as a User Services Platform (USP) controller. USP is the industry standard protocol (also known as TR-369) to manage services and configurations in network devices (either remotely by a cloud application or locally by a mobile app). Nokia’s USP agent in the Beacon 10 is based on the open-source OB-USPA so it can be managed by any USP controller, including the Nokia WiFi Cloud Controller.

Nokia’s presentation at MWC also highlights its newly developed, all-in-one console for Wi-Fi management and optimization. The console will be available to customer care operators, network administrators, onsite technicians and level 3 support staff to provide advanced WiFi optimization, troubleshooting and management.

 

Nokia has established a complete eco-system of app developers to ensure CSPs can offer the value-add services they need to their customers on their Wi-Fi units. The Beacon 10 supports the latest, fully integrated cybersecurity application from F-Secure which is delivered as a containerized application.

Dirk Verhaegen, VP Broadband Devices, Nokia, said: “We are proud to introduce Nokia’s first Wi-Fi 6E product for premium, high-performance Wi-Fi in the home and office. Not only does it offer faster speeds, but it also supports 3rd party applications and a USP agent to be fully compatible with multiple controllers, making it much easier for operators to manage. Third party apps and USP are both of strategic interest to Nokia and we will include them in all new broadband devices we introduce, as well as retro-fitting to select existing equipment”

Michael Philpott, Research Director, Digital Consumer Services at Omdia, said: “Vendors like Nokia are paving the path for the next generation of in-home broadband devices with a container application framework that separates the application from the operating system. F-Secure is the first partner to fully leverage Nokia’s application ecosystem to bring its cybersecurity solution to Nokia broadband devices using this innovative and open environment.”

Understanding the Basics of Mobile App Development

If you’re thinking about developing a mobile app, it’s important to understand the basics of the process. In this blog post, we’ll cover some essential information on mobile app development, including what you need to get started and what to expect along the way. You can also learn how to find a startup app development agency to help you with mobile development. Whether you’re new to app development or have some experience under your belt, this post will give you a good foundation for creating successful apps. So let’s dive in!

What Is Mobile App Development?

Mobile app development refers to the process of designing and creating dedicated applications, or apps, specifically intended for use on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. Although the actual development process may vary depending on the specific project, it typically begins with creating a detailed plan for design and cost feasibility, followed by programming and testing phases before publishing. The advantages of mobile app development are plentiful; users now have access to a vast array of helpful apps requiring only consent from their respective computing platforms and minimal download time. Developing mobile apps not only contributes to convenience but also works to improve and streamline various processes from management across multiple disciplines, making them incredibly valuable tools. Plus, with app development consulting services, it’s possible to create a personalized app that caters to the needs of your business or organization. It’s also worth noting that many mobile app development companies offer conversion services to make existing websites compatible with mobile devices.

How To Develop A Mobile App

Developing a mobile app isn’t as complicated as it may sound. It all starts with an idea that you want to bring to life and materialize into an application. The real work begins when you need to design the visual components and write the underlying code that’s needed for the app to function correctly. This is where the coding experience comes in handy, ensuring any errors are caught before testing begins. After extensive testing, you can be confident that your app runs smoothly and fulfills its purpose of entertaining or providing convenience to users. With these steps in mind, anyone can harness their imaginative ideas into tangible mobile applications with proper knowledge of the tech involved! When developing an app, it’s important to make sure you’re staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. Also, It’s essential to consider what platform your app will be built for. Different devices have different operating systems, so your app needs to be designed accordingly. 

How Much Does It Cost

Developing an app can be a complicated and costly process with no one-size-fits-all answer. Depending on the complexity of your app and the amount of effort you’re willing to put into it, the cost of creating a mobile app can range from as little as a few hundred dollars to more than $100,000 or more. It is important to remember that there are many different components involved in successful coding, design, and development – from ideation costs to server fees – so it is best to work with experienced professionals who understand your budget and goals. With the right team on board, it is possible to create an effective, powerful mobile app on any budget. If you’re looking to develop a mobile app but are not sure where to start, consider consulting professionals who specialize in the design and development of mobile applications. A reliable team will be able to create an app that meets your needs while staying within your budget. 

The Different Types Of Mobile Apps

Did you know that the mobile app development industry has grown exponentially over the past few years? Did you also know that this growth is thanks to the different types of mobile apps – native, web, and hybrid – available to users? Native applications are developed specifically for one type of platform, such as iOS or Android. Web applications are accessible through a web browser and run on remote servers. Hybrid applications run inside a native container and combine features from both web and native apps. With the ever-growing popularity of mobile devices, these different types of mobile apps are becoming more commonplace – providing us with convenient access to all kinds of content and activities.

How To Choose

When it comes to deciding which app development service is the best option for your business needs, the choice can be confusing. There are three primary types of services available: native app development, web app development, and hybrid app development. Each type has strengths and weaknesses, so you’ll want to consider how data will be managed, how user interface design should be handled, and if essential features can be supported. The type of service that’s right for you will depend greatly on your project’s requirements, budget constraints as well as platform target users. It’s important to do thorough research when deciding which type of development services are best suited for your business needs.

App Store Optimization Tips

If you’re developing a mobile app, chances are you need to optimize it for the app store so it can reach the right audience and get more downloads. App store optimization (ASO) may seem daunting—there’s no guarantee that your efforts will increase downloads—but understanding the basics and knowing which tips to use can give your app a leg up in an increasingly competitive field. Conducting market research is a great place to start: focus on who your potential users are and what features they need in order to persuade them to download. After that, it’s all about building effective relationships with users, optimizing keywords, leveraging third-party resources, maintaining high ratings and reviews, using visuals that are both visually appealing and functional, and continuing to track page metrics like page views and conversions. With some dedication and creativity, success in the app store isn’t out of reach for anyone!

 

In conclusion, developing a mobile app is a complex process that involves many different components. It’s important to understand the different types of apps and how to choose the right service for your project. Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with tips on how to optimize your app in order to get more downloads and reach the right audience. With proper planning, research, and dedication, your mobile app can be successful in no time.

Irish Insurance market to embrace email intelligence to fight fraud

Shane McCabe, strategic account manager, Insurance, Ireland, LexisNexis Risk Solutions 

An Garda Síochána (Ireland’s National Police and Security Service) lists the ‘Advance Fee Fraud of Ghost Broking and Car Insurance Fraud’ as one of the six most common types of fraud happening in Ireland today.  A new survey by LexisNexis® Risk Solutions of Irish insurance customers certainly seems to back this up.  Our findings show that over a third (34%) have been tempted by an advert for cheap insurance on social media – a common sales channel used by ghost brokers – and 16% of 17-24 year olds have actually bought insurance through a social media advert.  Equally concerning is the fact that just 24% of the people surveyed know about ghost brokers.

Ghost brokers promote unrealistically cheap car insurance on social media and sell on bogus policies using stolen ID to unwitting younger or high-risk drivers who are in search of a cheap policy.  Little wonder over half (58%) of the insurance customers we surveyed are worried their identity could be compromised for insurance fraud and the vast majority (89%) now expect insurance providers to undertake identity checks.

There is no denying that fraud costs the Irish insurance industry dear.  Aside from ghost broking, insurance providers face the growing problem of people deliberately misstating information in an application for a cheaper quote – 25% of Irish insurance customers in our study thought that this is somewhat or completely acceptable, rising to 43% of the 17-34 year old population.  

Despite investment in educational campaigns warning of its danger, an estimated €200 million is lost to insurance fraud each year which inevitably impacts upon insurance premium prices for innocent policyholders.  In fact, approximately €50 on every motor insurance policy goes towards covering the cost of fraudulent claims on an annual basis. 

Countering fraud starts with confirming that an applicant is who they say they are and not linked to fraud, often using public records data and data shared amongst insurance providers. This continues to provide a strong basis for identity validation, but can prove time-consuming and may cause friction when the vast majority of genuine customers deserve a quick and painless application and purchase experience. 

The next evolution in identity validation uses email address intelligence.  This has worked to great success in the U.K insurance market where it is providing flags for fraud early in the application process and helping to cut cancellation costs. Now insurance providers in the Republic of Ireland are set benefit.

An email addresses is a unique global identifier and one of the most commonly used components for any online transaction.  An email address is also linked to multiple online accounts and transactions. This means each individual email address creates a digital footprint which can make it one of the most powerful tools for detecting application fraud. 

Solutions such as LexisNexis® Emailage® Rapid provide an instant risk score at the point of quote to indicate a genuine identity, whether the identity has previously been linked to fraud or whether it could be a fraudulent ID created to either procure insurance with the sole intent of making a fraudulent claim, or to sell insurance on as a ghost broker. It can also indicate whether the email address and domain even exist, when the email address was first seen, or whether the email address bears a close resemblance to the proposer’s name for the policy.

This solution leverages billions of online transactions and email address data points, including 82,200 fraud events shared on average daily.

Internet penetration stands at over 90% in Ireland and as nearly one third (32%) of younger people  aged between 16 and 29 years either bought or renewed existing insurance policies online last year,  it is easy to see how vulnerable they might be to fraud but also how susceptible the insurance market is to online fraud.  

As the volatility of the macroeconomic environment continues unabated, it is more important than ever for insurance providers to conduct robust fraud prevention strategies.  Innovations such as email identity validation can help to boost the Irish insurance market’s resilience to identity fraud, protect unwitting motorists from the threat of ghost brokers and ensure a streamlined quote experience for the genuine customers.

In February 2020, LexisNexis Risk Solutions acquired Emailage, a fraud prevention and risk management solutions provider. LexisNexis® Emailage® is a proven risk assessment tool that is fuelled by continuously updating global digital insights and uses a patented, proprietary analytic approach to reimagine fraud detection.

Flip phone trend and the rise of feature phones – National Retro Day

Essential feature phones are making a comeback with people craving simplicity and a way to escape digital fatigue by going back to basics. Not only that, Y2K and retro trends are showing no sign of slowing in 2023 with Google searches for “Y2K” up and on the rise since 2021 according to the latest report on Gen Z by GWI. Nokia have 4 iconic feature phones from HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones to obsess over this National Retro Day (27th February).

To celebrate all things retro you can claim a 10% discount across all feature phones online at  https://www.nokia.com/phones using the code RETRO from Monday 27th February until Sunday 5th to March 23:59 GMT 2023.

Adam Ferguson, Head of Product Marketing at HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones says

“Gen Z and Millennials are going back to this style of device for a number of reasons. The clamshell design and retro camera aesthetic are all nostalgic of the 90s and Y2K era that has been so popular of late. Plus, with SMS and calls only, they are great for going back to basics, if you want to reduce screen time and take a digital detox. The iconic Nokia 3310 is still a perennial favourite given its iconic shape and it has that element of fun and feel good about it with classic features such as Snake.”

Nokia 2660 Flip

Starting at €74.99 RRP

Iconic flip design with a big display, big buttons, and zoomed-in interface.

Made of tough polycarbonate with a selection of stylish colours including red, black and blue.

Battery for weeks and tens of thousands of flip cycles endured to ensure superior durability, so you can go about your day with confidence and keep your phone for years.

Listen to FM Radio through earphones or the hands-free speaker and enjoy your favourite sport, music or broadcasts at home or on the move.

 

Nokia 8210

Starting at €74.99 RRP

Fall back in love with the return of an icon – the Nokia 8210 4G is reimagined for a modern-day audience and provides a timeless classic for today’s retro lovers.

The Nokia 8210 4G is inspired by the classic feature phone, but is now equipped with contemporary features including in-built MP3 player, wireless and wired FM radio, and a camera to capture life’s best bits – alongside a slice of retro courtesy of fan-favourite games like ‘Snake’.

A light and compact design seamlessly carries a massive battery which allows for longer conversations and weeks of standby so users can call, text, and go offline with confidence.

Nokia 5710 XpressAudio

Starting at €84.99 RRP

A completely unique device, this innovative feature phone features built-in wireless earbuds housed beneath a sleek and robust slider on the back of the phone saving you space in your pocket and letting you charge on the go.

A unique and stylish design – available in white/red and black/red colour combinations.

Dedicated music buttons make playback easy, the in-built MP3 player stores thousands of your songs, and wireless FM radio keeps you in the loop at home or on the move.

The big 1450 mAh battery  delivers even longer talk time and playback time and lasts for weeks in standby.

Nokia 3310

Starting at €59.99 RRP

  • An iconic phone, re-designed for today with a reimagined rounded form in a selection of classic colours.
  • Remember when you could leave the house without a charger? Well, with the new Nokia 3310, you can. Talk all day or leave on standby for up to 31 days with the long-lasting battery.
  • Beat your high score with the legendary Snake game, updated for the colour screens.

First Look – Urbanista Phoenix solar powered earbuds

Just over year ago a pair of headphones was introduced that could charge by solar power and it grabbed people’s attention it must be said and some even snubbed the idea until they seen it first hand from me with the Urbanista Los Angeles headphones and still up till now I have not seen any mainstream headphone/earbud manufacturer come up with an alternative and the same thing has happened again after showing the new Urbanista Phoenix off.

Now Urbanista has brought the same powerfoyle technology to their earbuds which makes for a very interesting path forward with this technology and hopefully more will adopt it in the future.

Urbanista Phoenix is compatible with the Urbanista mobile companion app that puts you in complete control of your audio experience. The Urbanista app, available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store, gives you deep customisation options, including EQ controls to adjust the audio to meet your taste. The companion app also provides information on how to get the most out of the product’s playtime, including visual indications of solar charge levels and usage, and the option to customise the earphones controls and voice assistant.

 

Tuomas Lonka, Urbanista’s Brand and Marketing Director, comments: “It’s a privilege to continue on this path of innovation together with Exeger and use the latest in solar cell technology to bring ground-breaking audio products to market. Our Los Angeles self-charging headphones were so well received by customers and consumers alike, that we knew right away that we wanted to apply this futuristic way of consuming audio to a true wireless design. Urbanista Phoenix really is a market leading product, and we are excited to see how these shape the future of our listening experiences in years to come.”

Urbanista Phoenix key features:

●      Solar and ambient light charging with Powerfoyle™
●      Hybrid active noise cancelling
●      Transparency mode
●      Multipoint connection
●      Playtime 8 hours
●      Total battery reserve 32 hours
●      Microphone noise reduction
●      In-ear detection
●      Automatic power off
●      Touch controls
●      Voice assistant support
●      IPX4 water resistant
●      USB type-C charging
●      Bluetooth 5.2 version
●      Urbanista mobile app compatible
●      Available in Midnight Black (Black) and Desert Rose (Pink)

BUY

Unboxing

Thousands of primary school children to descend on RDS for ESB Science Blast from tomorrow

Thousands of primary school children will head to the RDS in Dublin over the coming days for ESB Science Blast. ESB Science Blast, delivered by the RDS, is a STEM-focused education programme involving whole classes investigating the science behind a simple question, such as “how will climate change affect baby sharks?”.

ESB Science Blast will take place in Dublin in RDS Simmonscourt for four days, starting tomorrow, Monday 27th February, finishing with a lá speisialta do Ghaelscoileanna agus do scoileanna Ghaeltachta taking place on 2ú Márta, 2023. Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, will be at the event at 12.30pm Tuesday, 28th February.

The event starts at 8.30am each day.

Pupils from each class participating will showcase their experiment and discuss their investigation with a STEM expert (Judge/Moltóir). The judging is non-competitive and aimed at growing pupils’ interest and passion for STEM. Now in its fifth year, over 35,000 children have participated in ESB Science Blast to date, making it the largest primary school programme on the island of Ireland.

Five Video Games to Improve Concentration and Cognitive Function

Video games aren’t just for fun; they can also be incredibly beneficial to your brain health. From improving focus and concentration to increasing cognitive function, there are a variety of games that can give your brain the boost it needs. 

Utilising these games are becoming more commonplace these days for a variety of reasons. Improving concentration is so important for a number of factors, whether it be getting on with work from minute one in the office, to battling conditions such as alcoholism and drug addiction, which is becoming even more prominent in society. In fact, in many a rehab clinic you’ll actually find certain games are recommended to be played for this very reason.

But what are the five best games to play to improve your concentration and cognitive functionality?

1. Portal 2

Portal 2 is a puzzle-based game that requires you to think strategically and use problem-solving skills in order to complete levels. The game is designed to make you think ahead, plan your moves and think outside the box. It is a great way to exercise your cognitive skills and sharpen your concentration.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild challenges players to explore a vast world with an open-ended format. Players must use their memory and focus to navigate the world, solve puzzles and complete quests. The game encourages strategic thinking and problem-solving, which can help improve concentration and cognitive function.

3. Monument Valley

Monument Valley is a puzzle-based game that requires players to solve optical illusions and manipulate the environment. The game is designed to make you think critically and use problem-solving skills. It can help improve focus and concentration, as well as overall cognitive function.

4. Minecraft

Minecraft is a sandbox game that allows you to create and explore virtual worlds. It encourages creative thinking, problem-solving and strategizing, which can help improve concentration and focus. The game also helps develop spatial reasoning skills, which can be beneficial for improving cognitive function.

5. Peggle

Peggle is a classic puzzle game that requires players to clear a level by hitting specific targets. It is designed to test your reflexes and sharpen your focus. The game also requires players to think strategically and plan ahead, which can help improve cognitive function.

First Look – Urbanista Atlanta hybrid ANC multipoint connection earbuds

The Urbanista Atlanta, advanced true wireless earphones for total music listening with hybrid active noise cancelling and multipoint connection for up to two devices which in today’s world is one of the latest key features required for people on the go and work on multiple devices be it at home or in the office.

With working from home still a thing or being in the office having a multipoint connection is a key feature people need for swapping between devices as most of us are using both at the same time or at least one of them if like me having a laptop and phone on the go it is vital I have a multipoint connection and the latest from Urbanista have just that feature..

Today we take a first look at the Atlanta which also has app access which is great for fine tuning these earbuds and with Urbanista you are guaranteed great sound to enjoy your music and your calls, any questions fire them below or on our YouTube channel.

Features 

Playtime 8 hours
34 hours total playtime
Hybrid active noise cancelling
Transparency mode
Microphone noise reduction
Automatic play/pause
Multipoint connection
Touch controls
Voice assistant support
Wireless charging
IPX4 water resistant (earphones)
USB Type-C charging
App support

BUY

Unboxing