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.

First Look – HHOGene GPods – The World’s First True Wireless Light Earbuds

Another day a new pair of earbuds here at TBI where we cover the biggest range of earbuds in Ireland and you see them in our hands, yes stock image reviews does not cut it nor have context but we give you all this here and these earbuds have lots to show off including changeable shells and they also light up and can be controlled with an app these are super cool but how will they sound and is aesthetics enough to give them a free pass, Well we will find out soon with our full review and we cant wait to get testing these new earbuds from HHOGene and they are their new GPods.

A unique software system allows full control of emanating light. Dimness, brightness, rhythm response, shades, and colours are at beck and call through digital technology built into all GPods.

Artificial Intelligence（AI）with algorithmic capabilities allow for arranging photos and analysing the colour ratios found in stored photo images. Colours for each pixel point in an image are sorted in order to calculate colour blocks. These blocks are transformed into light which is then projected in colourful style from each earbud.

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10% Off Coupon : UnboxBuzz

Unboxing

 

4 Steps Small Enterprise Owners Should Take If Their Business Data Were Breached

No matter how good your security measures are, you are always at risk of having your business data breached. Whether it is your work, documents or data about your clients or employees, all this valuable information can become someone’s target. And even though you are trying your best to prevent such incidents, sometimes, it is not possible. Therefore, knowing what you should do in such a situation is highly important. It will protect your business, employees and customers at the same time. Here are steps small enterprise owners should take if their business data were breached.

Invest In Tools That Will Reduce The Risk In The Future

Every business should have tools that will minimise the risk of data breaches. You should have software that will protect the computers of your employees, and you need to do your best to protect any data you have on your business, employees and clients. Companies such as SaaS Protection offer cloud storage that will reduce the risk of losing your data from Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. The data will be protected from malicious activity and other harmful elements in three backup points. And if by any chance you lose any data, there will be a higher possibility of their recovery.

Find The Cause And Extent Of The Breach

When your business data gets breached, you need to find the source and determine the extent of the malicious attack. The experts working for https://www.velocityit.net can explain how this step helps identify how the breach happened, what data was compromised, and whether it is still at risk.

Ideally, you should have in place tools and software that will notify you of any unauthorised log-ins and intrusions. With the information available, you will be able to address the problem as soon as possible and take other steps to prevent a similar incident in the future. You will be able to find out where the attack came from and which files were compromised. Based on the data you find, it will become easier to decide what you need to do next to resolve the issue.

Address The Problem As Soon As You Can

A solution to the problem will heavily depend on which files were attacked and how. However, no matter what you find out, you should immediately notify your IT experts, who know how to deal with data breaches. They will be able to act fast and control any damage. You might also have intrusion prevention systems that might be able to resolve the issue automatically. Nevertheless, you should still have your team involved. You also must remember that you should keep any evidence of the malicious attack that you can for your record and any legalities you might need to deal with.

Inform The Authorities And Anyone Affected By The Breach

In the event of a data breach, it is necessary for you to notify the authorities and anyone who might be affected. If your customers were affected by the malicious attack, you must ensure that they are aware of what happened and what was the extent of the breach. Telling them soon after the attack will give them enough time to protect their identities and take any measures they need. You should also tell the authorities who might be able to give you advice on any regulations you need to comply with.

 

Inaccessible websites mean up to 200,000 could be missing out on employment opportunities

Analysis from Inclusion & Accessibility Labs (IA Labs) and the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) has shown that nearly nine out of every ten job search sites are not digitally accessible – meaning that any individual with a disability would likely struggle to interact with the website, and engage with even its most basic functions. Such functions include applying for a job, navigating the scope of a webpage or searching for relevant employment opportunities.  

 Commissioned by the NCBI and prepared by IA Labs, the Irish Digital Employment Audit (IDEA) assessed Ireland’s leading job recruitment websites, performing a manual accessibility audit that used Google Lighthouse as its control. The report evaluated the employment websites according to a number of criteria, including whether the website published an accessibility statement. In addition, the Irish Digital Employment Audit provided an analysis of the critical user journey, taking account of navigation menus, interactive elements, tables, online forms and the colour contrast of images and text. 

That 200,000 people who living with a disability but keen to work, could be missing out on job opportunities will be of particular frustration to businesses throughout Ireland, many of whom are grappling with acute shortages of staff, and persistent difficulties in recruiting and retaining talent.  

Public sector websites are required to meet specific digital accessibility standards under the Web Accessibility Directive laid down by the European Commission and transposed into Irish law in 2020. Though there are currently no such mandates currently imposed on non-public sector websites, the adoption of the European Accessibility Act (EEA) will require private sector service providers to make their websites and mobile devices easily accessible. This is the first time that technical standards for private sector websites have been adopted under the EAA; and IA Labs contends that private companies should put themselves ahead of the curve, in advance of forthcoming legislation. 

Co- Founder and Director of IA Labs, Kyran O’Mahoney said: “The findings issued today as part of the Irish Digital Employment Audit demonstrate the tangible barriers that people with disabilities face when trying to carry out basic tasks; such as searching or applying for a job. Diversity of experience and ability can be a powerful tool for any business – as time and time again, research shows that companies with an inclusive ethos tend to experience both increased profits and improved productivity.  

 

Kyran O’Mahoney

The Irish Digital Employment Audit is particularly pertinent given the ongoing ‘War for Talent’, and in light of the fact that businesses throughout the country are struggling to recruit staff. Yet despite this, we have up to 200,000 people – most of whom are keen to participate in the labour market – who are prevented from seeking employment owing to the fact that the overwhelming majority of job search sites are inaccessible. Forthcoming legislation will require these websites to become digitally accessible; and so is it vital that businesses become proactive in this regard”. 

For more, visit: https://ialabs.ie/

Creative Launches the Pebble Pro

Creative Technology today launched Creative Pebble Pro, the popular Pebble speaker series’ latest and best addition, which boasts a compelling mix of size-defying audio quality, minimalist elegance in form, and a subtle yet distinctive personable touch of RGB lighting to adorn any desktop setup.

This new 2.0 USB speaker system sees various improvements across its features set, headlined by its audio performance. With revamped full-range drivers, and featuring digital amplifiers with built-in audio processing, which replace analog ones used in previous models the Pebble Pro belies its diminutive form factor with more headroom for louder, clearer audio across the volume range, as well as up to 3.5 times more bass than the previous model Pebble V3.

Two of Creative’s proprietary audio technologies apply further audio shine:

 

  • BassFlex – delivers an extended low frequency response and deeper bass across all volume levels, without the need for a subwoofer

 

  • Clear Dialog – enhances vocals such that they sound more natural and are easily comprehensible; this is especially helpful when watching movies on the PC

Considering its tiny size, the Pebble Pro’s acoustic power output is capable of reaching a mind-boggling 30W RMS and 60W peak when connected to a 30W PD adaptor, which unleashes the full potential of its audio competence.

The visual appeal of the Pebble Pro is accentuated by a new RGB lighting feature, tastefully integrated at the bottom of each speaker. Users can take their pick from a wide color spectrum by conveniently dialing the volume knob to set the mood of the day, and illuminate their desktops creatively with 3 lighting effects (Cycle, Pulsate or Solo).

Other features which make the Pebble Pro a must-have desktop accessory:

  • A wide array of connectivity options that include Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology, 3.5mm AUX-in port, USB-C port for audio streaming and power

  • Headphone and microphone ports to transform the Pebble Pro as a convenient communications tool, or for late-night private listening

  • Series signature 45-degree elevated angle for optimal audio projection to users’ ears

  • Long wire (1.8m / 5.9 ft) connecting both speakers; offers more flexibility in placement

  • Long USB-C cable (1.5m / 4.92 ft) for connection to the computer

Pricing and Availability

Creative Pebble Pro is priced at € 79.99, £ 65.99, US$59.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit www.creative.com/PebblePro.

Could Slingo Games Bring About Other Hybrid Offerings in iGaming?

Slingo is a concept that was introduced back in 1994 by a New Jersey real estate developer. The prescient game designer was way ahead of his time, as he came up with the concept of combining slots and bingo before either game had boomed online.

Now, thanks to the rise of the online bingo industry, Slingo has become one of the most popular categories in the iGaming sector. The popularity of these games could lead to more hybrid offerings at online casinos in the future.

What is Slingo?

Slingo is a portmanteau of slots and bingo, and the game combines elements of both. These titles shot to worldwide notoriety alongside the online bingo industry, as developers saw them as a great way to introduce casino players to bingo. Take, for example, the amount of Slingo games for real money at Paddy’s, including Slingo Super Spin, Slingo Lightning, and Slingo Starburst. The fact that there are so many different themes available shows how popular these titles have become.

Slingo games appeal to slot players because of the facets that they share with the reel spinners, but they also attract bingo fans because of the numbers involved. They can help slots players discover online bingo, and bingo players to venture into playing online slots. It’s clear that these games have had a great effect on the bingo industry because the ball draw is now attracting a much broader range of people than it did in the days before the Internet.

What Other Games Could Become Crossovers?

Thanks to the success of Slingo, it was only a matter of time before developers would attempt to create other offerings that cross over between genres. This is already being seen in some other areas of the iGaming industry. For instance, slots have always used themes to entice players, with ancient Greece being one of the most common subject matters. Culture Trip discusses how the Greeks changed the world, and modern generations still appreciate that.

The ancient Greece-themed Age of the Gods is one of the most loved slots series, and it has now branched out into roulette and bingo as well. This highlights how the top franchises in the iGaming industry could soon spread across a range of games, with elements of each game category being added to others. 

Hybrid Games That Combine with Technology Could be the Future

Aside from making hybrid games that mix different online casino offerings, developers are working hard to combine their titles with upcoming technology. This could come in the shape of games that cross over between online and live elements.

Augmented reality will be the next big thing according to Hongkiat, and it could end up being a revelation for bingo. It could give players the feeling that they are sitting in a bingo hall, when in fact they are still playing the online version in the comfort of their homes.

Thanks to the unprecedented success of Slingo, there could be many more hybrids and genre crossovers on the way in the future. Who knows, soon elements of roulette and blackjack could end up being combined with bingo as the lines between these different iGaming categories become more blurred.

Tech Review – Andobil MagSafe Tripod – MagStick

There is tripods and there is tripods but this one has MagSafe built in for iPhone users however all devices can be used with this product and it makes life simple for creators or for those who like to take selfies, being adjustable to make height choice better than most options we have tried this is versatile and can be used at almost any angle with a 360 degree face rotation and 180 degree neck rotation.

Height is one place where this tripod stands out for me and with holding a heavy iPhone it does not budge either or wobble like some others can, the built quality is great and you get a remote shutter that you can take out and use or leave in the socket on the leg so it can be used again basically anywhere and setting it up is like pairing any bluetooth device and once connected you can take photos or videos on the go, selfie lovers will like this too due to the telescopic extension which is longer than most we have tried and will allow you get that super wide shot easily using your wide angle lens on your camera, think huge crowds here.

You even have an extension for a mic or light on the side to making this a perfect piece of kit for those who want things kept simple and overall a robust product that is portable and can be placed in your travel bag. See the video below for more.

Features

[The perfect shoot assistant for iPhone] The world’s first compatible MagSafe tripod, magnetic adsorption,one-handed operation, you can start your photography journey by easily placing the phone

[Super flexible and multi-angle] Easily pull from 12.3 inches to 63.5 inches, from 180° neck rotation to 360°face rotation, MagStick can adjust the angle at will, giving you and the beauty more possibilities!

[Full function expansion] Suitable for 99% of phones and cameras, can be installed with microphones and fill lights, from travel shooting to live video, allowing you to do anything!

[Super bluetooth remote control] Effective range of 50 feet, easy to install and disassemble at any time,not easy to lose, long standby, giving you the greatest freedom of photography.

[Extremely Portable] Only 12.5 feet, easily fit into a travel bag, waiting to explore the beauty of the world with you.

[Sturdy] Made of aviation-grade aluminium alloy and high-toughness PC material, the magnetic attraction and the mechanical arm are double-fixed, giving you enough security.

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Video review

First look – FUJIFILM INSTAX SQUARE Link Smartphone printer

It is coming up to the holiday season and what a great time to take photos and have the right tools to do so, not only that you can have a copy, remember we used to always get our photos printed all them years ago well now you can those special memories there and then with the latest from FUJIFILM and the Instax square link smartphone printer.

And we have one here to check out so you can see what to expect and with a full hands on review soon stay tuned for what is on offer and be sure to check out their last smartphone printer we reviewed the Instax mini Link 2 which we still use today and will give you some idea of what is to come.

Any questions feel free to drop them below and we will as always answer all and have a detailed review soon.

See more about the latest smartphone printer HERE

Unboxing

Go-Ahead Ireland and Lime Partner in Driver Safety Campaign

Lime, the world’s largest shared e-bike and e-scooter provider, has announced a safety partnership with Go-Ahead Ireland (GAI). The partnership will see the two companies working together to increase awareness e-bike and e-scooter riders for Go-Ahead Ireland’s bus drivers, helping them to better navigate sharing the road ahead of the passing of e-scooter legislation next year.

Bus drivers in Go-Ahead’s Ballymount and Naas depots will be provided with practical guidance in the form of a safety manual which will provide tips and methods for drivers to safely share Irish roads safely with e-scooter riders and cyclists. The manual will include background information on e-scooters and e-bikes as new modes of green transport, as well as reminders for bus drivers on blind spots, particularly on roads where there is not dedicated cycling infrastructure.

In order for GAI bus drivers to put the programme into practice, Lime will provide e-scooters and e-bikes to the company. The vehicles will help the drivers to understand first-hand what it is like to ride an e-scooter and/or e-bike alongside buses, and how to interact on roads safely.

GAI provides all of its drivers with professional training before they begin driving on the network. This includes theory testing and NCT qualifications, and all drivers also must have Certificates of Professional Competence (CPC) cards issued by the Road Safety Authority. Drivers also receive training on the specific routes they will be driving on before entering service.

Nicole Quadrelli, Risk Manager for Go-Ahead Ireland said: “More and more people are travelling by e-bike and e-scooter, and with some bus routes do not yet have dedicated cycle lane infrastructure. It’s really important to us in GAI that we make sure all our drivers are safely and respectfully sharing the road with cyclists and e-scooter users alike. We are delighted to be partnered with Lime in anticipation of the roll out of its e-scooter sharing services in Ireland next year”.

Hal Stevenson, Lime Senior Public Affairs Manager for Ireland said: “The safety of all road users is a priority for Lime everywhere we operate, which is why we are committed to working closely with Go-Ahead Ireland, and wider stakeholders to make sure everyone feels confident sharing Ireland’s roads. Lime and GAI ultimately have the same goal, which is to shift people from their cars and onto shared, more sustainable ways of traveling like cycling, e-scooters, and public transport. Lime’s services are designed to complement public transport networks, offering first and last mile solutions to users”.

Lime is committed to ensuring e-scooter and e-bike riders understand the rules of the road and riding best practice, alongside drivers. It provides safety training to e-scooter riders via its First Ride Academy in all the cities it operates services in. This in-person course provides practical training for riders, including how to inspect scooters for safety before each journey, and how to safely ride.

Despite the fact that e-scooters are currently still not legal to use on public roads in Ireland, their popularity has been increasing in recent years. The Road and Road Traffic Bill 2021, which will allow for their use, is currently making its way through the Seanad. In the interim, and in anticipation of future sharing schemes, the partnership will help to foster a better understanding between bus drivers and e-scooter users. The partnership may also lead to the provision of Lime’s shared e-bikes to GAI employees via long term loans to encourage more sustainable commuting choices.

Lime’s partnership with GAI is part of its commitment to invest €10 million in its Irish operations as it looks to launch e-bike and e-scooter sharing schemes in towns and cities across the country. Last month Lime launched a 12-month shared e-bike pilot in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, which will see up to 100 bikes available for hire in virtual parking bays across the town. Lime also hopes to launch its e-scooter sharing service in Ireland next year following the passing of legislation and regulations to make e-scooters legal on Irish roads.

Microsoft Announce Collaboration with Irish Pharmaceutical Blockchain Disruptors ServBlock

ServBlock, a Blockchain and pharmaceutical compliance company is collaborating with Microsoft’s Early Access Engineering programme to produce a novel business case for the use of NFT technology in meeting compliance standards.

Servblock translates the current human to human based quality assurance process to a digital first trust system underpinned by machine to machine interactions and blockchain technology, providing verified data that is automatically checked for compliance.

Pharmaceutical compliance entails a multitude of processes requiring manual checking of data and tasks which require detailed attention, passing numerous levels of scrutiny often multiple times. ServBlock automates this process in a much more secure, timely and cost-efficient manner than the current status-quo with the use of blockchain technology.

The use of blockchain helps create validated digital traceability systems for pharmaceutical parts by recording data in real-time throughout a supply chain. With blockchain solutions, pharmaceutical-based transactions and processes can become secure, cheaper, and quicker than usual. For new biotech facility start up projects ServBlock can save 14,400 commissioning hours resulting in an average saving of 1.5 million euros per project.

As well as cost reduction ServBlock’s technology:

  • Eliminates fraud in the pharmaceutical supply chain

  • Eliminates the risk of counterfeit or contaminated drugs entering the market

  • Greatly reduces human error in the supply chain.

Blockchain is most commonly known for its uses in the financial industry and being particularly rooted in cryptocurrency over the last decade, but its fundamental data integrity properties means it is particularly suited to regulated industries, such as pharmaceutical production and distribution.

In collaboration with Microsoft, ServBlock has developed a novel use of non-fungible token (NFT) technology. NFTs are unique cryptographic tokens that exist on a blockchain and cannot be replicated, normally bought and sold. This model presents the perfect framework to ensure transparency for all stakeholders from beginning to end.

John Ward, CEO and founder of ServBlock, said: ‘Implementing new technologies to aid in the continued improvement of compliance standards is a core pillar of what ServBlock does. To have Microsoft on board gives further validation to the work we have been doing since founding the company and blockchain as a powerful business tool. NFTs have gained recognition and popularity for their use in selling art and a new internet culture, but we are glad to be starting the adoption of real world use within an enterprise setting.’

Quality assurance data is tokenized and in this way shows an end-to-end business use case for NFT use in the pharmaceutical industry. Every business process is signed by business participants, stored then shared through a ledger which itself shows ownership of assets from their creation. Every business process is shared among business participants ensuring traceability at every stop.

Small, Medium & Corporate Lead for Microsoft Ireland, Peter Lougheed said: “NFTs are one of the most exciting concepts to emerge from blockchain technology, and have grown to be hugely significant. It’s great to see a Microsoft Founders Hub member, like ServBlock, continue to scale and expand. We, at Microsoft, are excited to collaborate with ServBlock in developing their technology to better enable the pharmaceutical industry to meet their, often very complex, compliance standards.”

This collaboration presents the first use case of NFTs within a pharmaceutical manufacturing setting and therefore uncovers great potential for the use of blockchain technology in a variety of areas which rely heavily on secure, transparent ownership of assets.