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 Outlier Free Pro: This One’s for the Pros

Creative Technology today launched Creative Outlier Free Pro, its latest wireless bone conduction headphones equipped with all the features desired by pro-level sporting enthusiasts who love a soundtrack. Built to be tough yet comfortable in fit, unstoppable in the heaviest of rains and even underwater, indefatigable battery life and without the need for a device to play music, the Outlier Free Pro is simply at the top of its game.

Thanks to bone conduction technology, where sound waves are transmitted into the inner ears through vibrations from transducers on the user’s cheekbones, the benefits of open-ear listening are realized. With a much-heightened level of environmental awareness, users can enjoy a safer listening experience as compared to in-ear or over-ear headphones – joggers and cyclists can make their way down busy streets with ease; gym buddies can chat effortlessly during workouts. Additionally, for leisure activities such as the use of mobile karaoke apps, users can enjoy the better experience of singing while hearing themselves naturally.

The Outlier Free Pro stands out even more with its 8GB (stores 2,000 MP3 songs) built-in music player (also compatible with FLAC, WAV and APE file formats); it enables users to enjoy their favorite tunes without the need to carry their mobile phones. Thanks to its IPX8 rating (the highest waterproof rating for water immersion), swimmers can even swim underwater in the pool.

Trail runners and hikers who love to go the distance would always have their soundtrack on, as the Outlier Free Pro offers up to 10 hours of battery life per charge (10 minutes of quick-charging provides 2 hours of playtime).

The Outlier Free Pro is also an excellent all-rounder as a daily go-to headphone, offering multipoint connectivity with Bluetooth 5.3, delivering robust connections for up to 2 Bluetooth devices at a time. There is also a low-latency mode to minimize audio-visual lag for movie-watching; users have the added convenience with a built-in microphone for calls, and Siri / Google Assistant support. Lightweight silicone and titanium memory alloy are used to construct the Outlier Free Pro, translating to all-day comfort and fit.

With the price of UK£99.99, the Outlier Free Pro presents great value which is hard to beat for its comprehensive features set.

For more information, visit creative.com/OutlierFreePro.

IDEATE Ireland Searching For Next Cohort Of Irish Entrepreneurs

After the success of last year’s programme, IDEATE Ireland is returning for 2023. The initiative uncovers and empowers Ireland’s next generation of entrepreneurs, helping to turn their brilliant ideas into thriving international businesses.

IDEATE Ireland is now seeking applications for its 2023 competition, where candidates can develop their business ideas through mentoring and workshops, apply for start-up support and pitch for cash funding. Applications open on Wednesday, 15th February and will be accepted until midnight on Tuesday, 21st March. Last year’s winners were Dr. Mark O’Sullivan and Dr. Alison O’Shea of Neurobell, which is developing a pocket-sized brain monitor with automated seizure detection for new-borns, while the first runners-up were Sarusha Pillay and Dr. Fergus McCarthy of pHetalSafe, which seeks to detect and prevent fetal hypoxia and assess fetal well-being during labour.

As great ideas can come from anyone and anywhere, IDEATE Ireland is open to undergraduate, postgraduate or research students from any academic institution or research centre on the island of Ireland. The ten best submissions will be invited to participate in a 10-week mentoring and support programme and compete for a €27k prize fund. 

“Last year’s cohort of IDEATE showed us the extraordinary potential that entrepreneurs in this country have”, said Helen Fullen. “We’re looking forward to finding and working with this year’s participants and to continue inspiring future business leaders through the programme. We believe ideas can change the world; that’s why we’re just as excited and ambitious about our entrepreneurs’ projects as they are. Through IDEATE Ireland, entrepreneurs are provided expert guidance and support in a focused, motivational and hands-on environment, making it an invaluable and rewarding experience.” 

“We’re looking forward to writing the next chapter of Ireland’s leading third-level start-up competition with IDEATE Ireland”, added Chairman of IDEATE Ireland David Moffitt. “The competition’s success over the past 11 years highlights the importance of providing entrepreneurs across Ireland with education, mentorship, and a robust business network. The initiative is going from strength to strength, with exciting new partnerships since last year. Our mission is to capture the imagination of Ireland’s brightest minds, enabling and empowering them to make a lasting contribution to the global economy, employment, and society. We have a deep bench of alumni who are ready and willing to engage with the next generation of Irish entrepreneurs, offering them support and feedback; it’s also great to have the support of PWC and Key Capital as pillar sponsors for this year’s programme. We’re determined to sustain and grow this network to ensure IDEATE Ireland continues to be the best kick-start entrepreneurs can get on the island of Ireland.”

Adding to this, Emma Scott, People Partner at PwC, said: “With IDEATE Ireland, we have a great opportunity to develop talent, as well as engage with PwC graduates and encourage them to participate in the competition. We look forward to seeing even greater innovation in 2023, discovering what ideas entrepreneurs around the country are working on, and providing them with a structured insight into how to progress their business.”

Conor Killeen, Chairman of Key Captial, is looking forward to supporting entrepreneurs throughout the competition: “We aim to develop commercial know-how and allow entrepreneurs to engage with like-minded people so that their business can have a global impact. Entrepreneurs can speed up their learning through exposure to the best in the business.” 

This year’s IDEATE Ireland sponsors are PwC, Key Capital, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Irish Life and Each & Other.

Website: www.ideateireland.ie

Tech Review – ESR iPhone 14 Pro cases Classic Hybrid and Kickstand with HaloLock

Not picked up the iphone 14 Pro yet due to the hype of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra well here is some new cases to check out from ESR and also stay tuned to see more from them very soon for your iPhone 14 pro but the company also does not just cater for iPhone users and of course cater for Samsung.

Today we check out two cases from the company which are simple and effective and do a super job keeping your phone out of harms way and not only this they look good and give you addition gripping power too.

ESR Classic Hybrid Magnetic Case with HaloLock

This is a simple and effective case with HaloLock, clean all round and transparent which allows you to see your device in its natural colour which many people like this case also has anti yellowing which transparent cases have been known to suffer from but not the case here, the buttons work really well with good travel and also all ports accessible and not only that you can still wirelessly charge your phone without having to remove the case it is a win win.

  • Stronger Magnetic Lock: powerful built-in magnets with 1,500 g of holding force enable faster, easier place-and-go wireless charging and a secure lock on any HaloLock or MagSafe accessory
  • Compatibility: only compatible with iPhone 14 Pro; full functionality maintained via precise speaker and port cutouts and easy-press buttons
  • Military-Grade Drop Protection: rigorously tested to ensure total protection on all sides, with specially designed Air-Guard corners that absorb shock so your phone doesn’t have to
  • Screen and Camera Protection: raised screen edges and Camera Guard lens frame provide enhanced scratch protection where it really counts
  • Stay Original: scratch-resistant, crystal-clear acrylic back lets you show off your iPhone 14 Pro’s true style in stunning clarity that lasts

ESR Classic Kickstand Case with HaloLock

This case is more or less the same as the one above however with an additional kickstand thrown in and high quality which enable the user to use the phone for media consumption without having to remove the case to do so which is real handy and common today with case manufacturers not only that you again get additional grip here with a raised front and you can place the device down either on its face or rear without the the camera lens or screen damaged. There is air guard on the corners which give extra protection if dropped and the phone can be used in several ways to consume media on the go or at home, it is a must have case at an affordable price which will save you an expensive bill if you drop the iPhone 14.

 

  • Stronger Magnetic Lock: powerful built-in magnets with 1,500 g of holding force ensure a secure lock on any HaloLock or MagSafe accessory
  • Adjustable Camera Guard Kickstand: fully adjustable between 0 and 85° to ensure the perfect angle for catching up on your favorite shows
  • Built to Last: robust and durable zinc-alloy construction ensures stand stays looking like new while hinge is lab tested to retain its strength after more than 3,000 uses
  • Military-Grade Drop Protection: Air-Guard corners, scratch-resistant acrylic back, and raised edges combine to keep your phone protected from drops, bumps, and scratches

Video review

Irish consumer sentiment improves but many still feeling the pinch of rising prices

Irish consumer sentiment is on the up, but inflation remains a key concern, a new Deloitte survey shows. More than three in four respondents are concerned that the prices of everyday purchases will increase – 2% down on last month – but the highest of 24 countries surveyed.

The Deloitte January Global State of the Consumer Tracker benchmarks the sentiment and beliefs driving consumer behaviours in Ireland and 24 other markets throughout the world. The Tracker team engages with 20,000 consumers to understand their perspectives on their financial wellbeing, where they spend their money and how they select and purchase their products.

The Irish survey found that six-in-ten Irish consumers have no extra money left at the end of the month and half of all Irish respondents feel their financial situation has worsened over the past year.  However, a quarter of respondents said they expect their situation to improve in the next 12 months.

Daniel Murray, Partner and Head of Consumer at Deloitte Ireland said today: “The results from the Deloitte Consumer tracker remind us of the importance of ongoing and consistent surveying of consumer attitudes. Once again, this month we see that Irish consumers are the most concerned about inflation, with 76% =concerned about the prices of everyday purchases. While this is the same percentage as Australia, it marks a consistently high level of concern about inflation in the minds of Irish consumers.

“Those countries that were least concerned were China (37%), Saudi Arabia (52%), Brazil and India (53%).  80% of Irish consumers expect prices to rise in restaurants (verses 72% average across the 24 countries) and 78% expect to see further rises in household utilities (verses 70% average across the 24 countries) The number who expect fuel to increase increased 4% to 68%.”

Murray continued: “We are also seeing some interesting demand increases which will require continued and careful contingency planning to avoid potential issues. 40% of Irish respondents said they planned to take an international flight in the next three months. This is an increase of 3% on this time last year. We also expect to see similar level of rail travel to this time last year with 34% of respondents expected to travel by train, rather than by rental car (13%). 51% of respondents expect to stay in a hotel in the next three months, which is the same level of demand to last year. Interestingly, just 25% would choose to book private accommodation, such as Airbnb.”

Murray concluded: “There are some interesting trends in several grocery categories. In the meat category, own brand and low cost have seen a quarter-on-quarter decline of -6% and -3% respectively, while purchasing premium meats has not declined at all. “This may suggest that Irish consumers are once again focusing on the food quality when selecting their meats in particular. Having said that, only 23% have bought several ‘nice to have’ items which shows caution remains when it comes to their purchases.”

Envisage wins Sage Irish Partner of the Year Award

Envisage, Ireland’s largest Sage partner, a division of the Noledge Group, today announces that it has been recognised as ‘Sage Partner of the Year for Ireland’, as revealed at Sage’s 2023 Partner Kickoff event.

Sage – the leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses – awarded Envisage the accolade for its success in generating strong revenue and in boosting the industry standard for software implementation.

By implementing Sage accounting and ERP solutions for its customers, Envisage focuses on automating and streamlining processes, reducing time, and making it easier for them to do business. For more than twenty years, the team at Envisage has served customers such as Tour America and Mr. Price, while more recent customer additions include Jump Juice Bars and The Institute of Education.

Ray Ryan, CEO of Envisage, said, “Envisage has had a successful few years, so it’s wonderful to see Sage recognise the effort of our growing team and our dedication to offering the best accounting and ERP solutions and services to our customers. This accolade acknowledges our amazing team, so we are thrilled to receive this prestigious award.

 “From sales and marketing to project execution, development, customer support and accounts, we have a remarkable group of talented individuals. We pride ourselves in delivering quality projects and ongoing services to our customers to make their businesses more profitable.

“Supporting our clients in a friendly and helpful way is at the core of what we do. Our business model depends on establishing sincere, honest connections with our customers and demonstrating that we care. We greatly look forward to the year ahead and the opportunities it may bring.”

Photo – (L-R) Paul Struthers; EVP & Managing Director UK and Ireland, Sage; Steve Boyes, Customer Care Director, Envisage; Amy Hughes, Sales Manager, Envisage; Sinead Galligani, Marketing Director, Envisage; Roger Gribbin, Sales Director, Envisage; and Brian Habanna, Former South African Rugby Player. Envisage received the award at Sage’s 2023 Partner Kickoff event for its success in generating strong revenue and in boosting the industry standard for software implementation.

PSB Announces the M4U 8 MKII in Espresso Brown

PSB Speakers, long renowned for affordable excellence in loudspeaker and headphone design, announces a new Espresso Brown colourway for the M4U 8 MKII wireless ANC headphones at the CanJam premier headphone and audio show in New York City, New York, ahead of the public release. The advanced, wireless active noise cancelling headphones are the company’s leading headphone product and the new finish option will be made available across PSB sales channels in the spring of 2023.

New Colour, Same Great Sound

PSB has a long-held reputation since 2011 of creating award-winning headphones. The M4U 8 MKII implements advanced personalization technology by Audiodo Personal Sound™ along with a comprehensive set of features. The new Espresso Brown colourway continues this legacy while bringing added luxury to the mobile listening experience.

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.

M4U 8 MKII in Espresso Brown

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.

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

Tech Review – Arylic S10 WiFi Music Streamer

Looking for a new Wi-Fi streaming well look no further than this affordable piece of kit that connects to all your favourite streaming apps and more and comes in at a really good price and upgrades your home system you can even use your smartphone too which for me is really handy as it is where all my music is stored. You can also use a USB key stored with music to make this kit even more useful and there is multiple ports to pick from and it will work with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth,

You can stream Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Napster, TuneIn, Internet Radio, iHeart Radio, QQ Music, QQ FM and not only that you can stream music from your devices library to if you wish which is excellent.

The S10 mini stereo receiver connects directly to your online streaming providers to play high quality audio, avoiding Bluetooth bottlenecks and compression so in short better audio and no lag latency noted.

Connectivity is another win on this device as there is plenty and it is easy to set up to and comes with a  free app called 4Stream and you can see all this in action in the video review below.You can also add other Arylic wireless streaming devices to build a multiroom system, manage and control all your wireless audio devices in one app.

Connections

Airplay – Stream any audio directly from your iOS system.

Bluetooth – Play any sound from your smart devices and paired with their streaming devices.

Web Control – Quick web control without app, enjoy your preset content and personal radios in a sec.

Remote Control – local remote control without network.

4STREAM APP – Take full functionally control via our 4STREAM app with network, streaming your favorite sounds, multiroom control and other personalize settings, this app is simple to use with a nice UI and makes life easier.

BUY

Video

Exploring the Latest Technological Trends in Online Casinos

The online casino industry is constantly evolving and embracing new trends to stay ahead of the competition. As a result, more and more players are now flocking towards these platforms in hopes of experiencing the next big thing. With that being said, this article will take a look at some of the most popular technological trends currently shaping up the online gambling industry.

Check out what casino online in the UK has in store if you’re interested in playing some of the latest games.

Exploring the rise of virtual reality in online casinos

Virtual reality (VR) technology has been around for a few years now, and it’s slowly making its way into the online casino industry.

VR casinos are still in their infancy but offer an immersive experience that can’t be found anywhere else. Players can enjoy a realistic gaming environment with 3D graphics and sound effects that make them feel like they’re actually inside a real-life casino. The technology also allows players to interact with other players in the virtual world, creating an even more engaging experience.

With the rise of virtual reality in online casinos, players can look forward to an even more exciting gaming experience than ever before! As VR technology continues to evolve, so will the possibilities for online casinos. Developers are already working on ways to incorporate virtual reality into existing games, such as slots and table games, as well as developing new titles designed explicitly for VR platforms.

How cryptocurrency payments are changing the gambling scene

Cryptocurrencies are becoming increasingly popular among online casinos due to their low transaction fees and fast processing times. Cryptocurrency payments are revolutionizing the gambling scene, offering players a secure and anonymous way to make deposits and withdrawals. Players can now enjoy faster payouts with fewer restrictions than ever before.

These payments offer an extra layer of security for the player and the casino. Transactions are encrypted using blockchain technology, making them virtually impossible to hack or tamper with. This means that players can rest assured that their funds will remain safe while they play at any online casino accepting cryptocurrency payments.

Cryptocurrencies provide a level of anonymity that traditional payment methods cannot match. Players don’t have to worry about revealing personal information when making transactions, as all transactions are done through public addresses rather than names or bank accounts.

Social media integration with online casinos

Social media integration with online casinos is becoming increasingly popular as it allows players to stay connected and engaged with their favorite casino games. By integrating social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram into the gaming experience, players can easily share their wins and losses with friends and family. This also helps to create a sense of community among players, which can be beneficial for both the casino and its customers.

Social media integration allows casinos to offer exclusive promotions or discounts to their followers on these platforms. This encourages more people to join in on the fun while also providing an incentive for existing customers to remain loyal.

Using social media analytics tools, casinos can gain valuable insights into customer behavior that can help them better understand what content resonates best with their audience. This information can then be used to tailor marketing campaigns that are more likely to result in conversions.

In conclusion, online casinos are rapidly embracing the latest technological trends to provide players with a more immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.

Ford F-100 Parts: Keeping Your Classic Pickup in Top Condition

The Ford F-100 is a classic pickup truck that was produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1953 to 1956. These trucks are known for their toughness, versatility, and timeless style, making them popular with collectors and enthusiasts. If you own a Ford F-100, it’s important to have access to high-quality parts to keep it in good condition. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of Ford F-100 parts and what to look for when choosing parts for your classic pickup.

Types of Ford F-100 Parts

There are many different types of Ford F100 parts, including engine components, suspension parts, body parts, interior parts, and more. When choosing parts for your Ford F-100, it’s important to consider the age and condition of your truck, as well as your intended use. Here are some of the most important parts to consider:

  1. Engine Components: The engine is the heart of your Ford F-100, so it’s important to choose high-quality engine components. This includes parts like spark plugs, air filters, oil filters, and more. Using high-quality engine components will help to extend the life of your engine and keep it running smoothly.
  2. Suspension Parts: The suspension is what keeps your Ford F-100 on the road, so it’s important to choose high-quality suspension parts. This includes parts like shocks, springs, control arms, and more. Using high-quality suspension parts will help to improve the handling and ride quality of your truck.
  3. Body Parts: Body parts are an important aspect of the appearance of your Ford F-100. This includes parts like fenders, doors, hoods, and more. When choosing body parts, look for parts that are made from high-quality materials and that are designed to fit your truck precisely.
  4. Interior Parts: The interior of your Ford F-100 is just as important as the exterior. This includes parts like seats, door panels, and more. When choosing interior parts, look for parts that are comfortable and that match the style of your truck.
  5. Electrical Parts: Electrical parts are an essential component of your Ford F-100. This includes parts like starters, alternators, and more. When choosing electrical parts, look for parts that are reliable and that are designed to work with your truck’s electrical system.

Where to Find Ford F-100 Parts

There are several places you can find Ford F-100 parts, including online retailers, specialty shops, junkyards, and more. Here are some of the best options:

  1. Online Retailers: Online retailers offer a wide selection of Ford F-100 parts, including both new and used parts. Shopping online can be convenient and may also save you money compared to shopping in person. However, it’s important to make sure you choose a reputable retailer and to carefully inspect any parts you purchase before installation.
  2. Specialty Shops: If you’re looking for high-end Ford F-100 parts, you may want to consider shopping at a specialty shop. These shops specialize in classic truck parts and often have a wide selection of parts for the Ford F-100. They may also have experts on hand who can help you find the right parts for your truck.
  3. Junkyards: Junkyards can be a great place to find affordable Ford F-100 parts. However, it’s important to thoroughly inspect any parts you find to make sure they are in good condition and suitable for your needs.
  4. Ford Dealerships: If you’re looking for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, you may want to consider shopping at a Ford dealership. Ford dealerships typically carry a wide selection of parts for Ford vehicles, including the Ford F-100. However, these parts may be more expensive than other options.

Tips for Choosing Ford F-100 Parts

When choosing Ford F-100 parts, there are several factors to consider to ensure you find the right parts for your truck. Here are some tips to help you choose the best parts:

  1. Choose Parts that Fit Your Truck: Make sure the parts you choose are designed to fit your Ford F-100. This includes checking the year, make, and model of your truck, as well as any other specific requirements, such as engine size or body style.
  2. Consider Quality: When choosing Ford F-100 parts, it’s important to consider the quality of the parts. Choose parts that are made from high-quality materials and that are designed to last.
  3. Look for Warranties: Consider the warranty offered on the parts you choose. A warranty can give you peace of mind and help to protect your investment.
  4. Consider Compatibility: When choosing parts for your Ford F-100, it’s important to consider compatibility with other parts. For example, make sure the suspension parts you choose are compatible with your engine and other components.
  5. Research Your Options: Take the time to research your options and compare different parts. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and consult with experts to find the best parts for your Ford F-100.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to maintaining your Ford F-100, choosing high-quality parts is essential. With a little research and attention to detail, you can find the parts you need to keep your classic pickup in top condition. Whether you’re restoring your truck, using it for work, or simply enjoying it as a collector’s item, having access to the right parts will help you get the most out of your Ford F-100.