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.

PSB Speakers Announces the Launch of the Alpha iQ, Streaming Powered Speakers with BluOS

PSB Speakers, long renowned for excellence in loudspeaker design, announces the Alpha iQ, Streaming Powered Speakers with BluOS, an all-in-one audio system that sets a new benchmark for modern, tangle-free, audiophile-grade listening. Attendees of the CEDIA Expo will be among the first to experience the product.

PSB’s Alpha iQ will be available for pre-order online on October 19, 2022, for US$1,499 / GBP£1,299 / EUR€1,499 / CDN$2,199. Retail availability will begin in late November 2022.

Comprising two bookshelf speakers with built-in amplifiers and a network streamer based on the award-winning BluOS multi-room music platform, the Alpha iQ lets listeners enjoy PSB’s acclaimed “True to Nature” sound with more than 20 streaming services and hundreds of Internet radio stations. The Alpha iQ has a wide array of inputs so users can connect source components such as a turntable, TV, disc player, or game console. Listeners can share their music over a home network with up to 63 other BluOS-enabled components.

A World of Music

Setting up and using the Alpha iQ is simple. Plug the speakers into power outlets, then connect the Alpha iQ to a home network using the intuitive BluOS Controller app on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. Now the speakers are ready to play music from more than 20 streaming services supported by BluOS, including several that offer high-resolution audio, such as Amazon Music Ultra HD, Deezer, Qobuz, and Tidal. BluOS also provides access to hundreds of Internet radio stations around the world, covering all musical genres.

 

The Alpha iQ has built-in two-way Bluetooth, with support for the high-quality aptX-HD codec for wireless streaming from any mobile device. Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility allows listeners to stream CD-resolution music from any app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect are both supported, so listeners can cue up music in the apps for those services, then transfer playback to the Alpha iQ.

Tangle-free

Users don’t have to clutter their living spaces with speaker wires to enjoy “True to Nature” sound from the Alpha iQ. The left and right speakers communicate via a wireless link that can cover most rooms in an average-size home, so that music stays synched and clear regardless of speaker placement.

Audiophile-Grade

Available in satin white and satin black finishes, the Alpha iQ has a sleek, modern design. Inside each enclosure is a 4″ polypropylene mid-bass driver with steel basket and rubber surround, and a 0.75″ aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnet and ferrofluid damping.

Each woofer has its own 60W class-D amplifier, and each tweeter its own 30W class-D amp, for total system output of 180W. Thanks to their powerful amplifiers, tuned bass ports, and DSP-enabled low-frequency extension, PSB’s Alpha iQ speakers can deliver bass output that completely belies their diminutive size.

The Alpha iQ employs a DSP-based active crossover. As with many PSB designs, the tweeter is placed below the woofer. This arrangement provides greater flexibility in listener position because the blend between woofer and tweeter remains consistent whether one is sitting or standing.

High Resolution

The Alpha iQ’s audiophile-grade DAC supports resolution to 24-bit/192kHz and has full MQA decoding and rendering capability for high-res streaming from Tidal. BluOS also lets listeners enjoy four stations with MQA-encoded high-resolution music from Radio Paradise.

Well Connected

The Alpha iQ boasts an extensive range of input and outputs. The primary speaker has a built-in MM phono preamp and RCA jacks plus ground terminal, so vinyl fans can connect a turntable. An HDMI ARC port lets users experience sound with TV and movies. There’s also an optical input for connecting a disc player or game console, and a 3.5mm auxiliary input for connecting analogue sources. Listeners can also use the BluOS app to play music files stored on an external drive connected to the Alpha iQ’s USB port.

Output Options

For late-night listening, listeners can connect a pair of headphones to the combined optical / headphone jack or via two-way Bluetooth. For enhanced bass, there’s a subwoofer output. When a subwoofer is connected, BluOS engages a low-pass filter for the sub and a high-pass filter for the mains, which frees the Alpha iQ from having to produce deep bass sounds

 

Smart and Simple

Listeners can manage every aspect of the Alpha iQ’s operation using the rich, robust BluOS Controller app, which is available for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. For making quick adjustments without using the app, there are touch controls on the top of the primary speaker for changing volume and pausing and resuming playback. Voice control is also possible using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri (via AirPlay 2).

Like all BluOS-enabled components, PSB’s Alpha iQ BluOS Powered Speakers can be integrated into popular smart-home systems, including Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, and URC. IR command learning is available for listeners who use harmonized remote controls to operate multiple A/V devices.

“The Alpha iQ is a perfect choice for music-lovers who want a sophisticated all-in-one system that delivers great sound without the fuss of cables and multiple components,” said Joe de Jesus, product manager, PSB Speakers. “We think of it as beautiful sound made simple.”

Features & Details

  • 4″ polypropylene mid-bass driver with steel basket and rubber surround
  • 0.75″ aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnet and ferrofluid cooling
  • Fully active design, with DSP crossover and dedicated amplifiers for each driver: 60W for each woofer and 30W for each tweeter
  • Tuned port and DSP-enabled bass extension for excellent LF performance
  • Low-latency wireless connection between the primary and secondary speakers for tangle-free installation
  • Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Built-in network streamer based on the award-winning BluOS multi-room music platform
  • Integrated support for more than 20 streaming services, including several that offer lossless and high-resolution audio
  • Music can be played through as many as 63 additional BluOS-enabled components
  • Audiophile-grade DAC with maximum resolution of 24-bit/192kHz
  • MQA decoding and rendering capability for high-res streaming from Tidal
  • Apple AirPlay 2 support for streaming from iPhones, iPads, and Macs
  • Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect
  • MM phono, HDMI eARC, optical, and auxiliary inputs
  • USB port for connecting an external drive containing music files
  • Subwoofer output with DSP-enabled low-pass and high-pass filters
  • Support for Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, and URC home-control systems
  • Support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri voice control
  • IR learning capability for operating the Alpha iQ with harmonized remotes

Multi mobility app FREE NOW announced as official Mobility App Partner for Munster Rugby until 2025

Ireland’s leading multi mobility app FREE NOW is partnering with Munster Rugby as its Official Mobility App Partner until 2025. The new partnership will bring FREE NOW and Munster Rugby together for the 2022-23 season and over the next three years.  

This announcement builds on FREE NOW’s commitment to support local communities and organisations across the country by providing them with flexible and sustainable transport solutions to help meet Ireland’s changing transport needs. 

Since launching its sustainable ECO booking (EV/hybrid) option on the app last year for passengers in Cork, the uptake of green journeys on the FREE NOW app has grown by 430% with 28% of the fleet in Cork being ECO. This function will be available to Munster Rugby supporters, staff and players, facilitating more sustainable transport choices in line with the team’s matches and travel requirements. 

As part of the partnership, fans attending the upcoming matches will be able to participate in competitions for a chance to win FREE NOW vouchers. 

Speaking at the launch of the partnership, Regional Development Manager for FREE NOW, Denis Fogarty said, “We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Munster Rugby for the next three years and as a former Munster player myself for over 12 years, I am really excited about this new sponsorship and to see FREE NOW supporting sport in the Munster region. 

FREE NOW has been providing public transport solutions for passengers in Cork for almost 10 years now and we look forward to expanding our offering further in the coming years in the region, helping more people get from A to B thanks to our fleet of driver partners across the country.”

Welcoming the news of the partnership, CEO of Munster Rugby, Ian Flanagan said, “We are delighted to partner with FREE NOW  in expanding our offering to our support base. Working with an organisation with a shared sense of community and sustainability at the centre of its offering is hugely important to us and we look forward to the next three years with FREE NOW.”

To find more about Munster Rugby please visit https://www.munsterrugby.ie/

myPOS obtains e-money licence from the Central Bank of Ireland & plans to grow local team

Award-winning fintech myPOS is announcing today that it has received authorisation as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) from the Central Bank of Ireland, the country’s financial services regulator.

myPOS, which provides point-of-sale payment acquiring and payment solutions to more than 150,000 small and medium-sized merchants in more than 30 European countries, plans to grow its Dublin-based team to around 30 by the middle of next year.

“Our international growth demands a talent pool, a strategic location and a robust legal and regulatory framework, and Ireland offers all of these,” said Stephane Pilloy, CEO of myPOS Ireland.

He added: “We are excited as the new EMI authorisation will enable us to bring all regulated services under the myPOS Group umbrella, therefore becoming even more efficient at empowering small businesses across Europe and accelerating our growth strategy.”

Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Seán Fleming TD, said: “I would like to congratulate myPOS on its new Irish license. The Government is focused on improving Ireland’s status as a global fintech hub, and I am pleased that myPOS has chosen Ireland as its European regulatory headquarters. All the best to the entire team and I look forward to following their success in the future.”

The new myPOS EMI authorisation comes in the wake of news that the fintech company is planning to open its second store and experience centre in France, while earlier this year it continued its expansion by opening stores in Rome and Bucharest. A Dublin experience centre is also planned for 2023.

Martin Shanahan, CEO, IDA Ireland said “The myPOS expansion is impressive and we are delighted that another of the world’s most dynamic organisations, which puts innovation in payments at the service of its merchants, has chosen Ireland as its European regulatory headquarters.”

myPOS is the only payment service provider in Europe that gives SMEs instant access to their funds from card transactions, at no added cost. As a result, more and more businesses are choosing myPOS, as shown by the continued growth in the platform’s transaction processing in the last year. The company is expected to meet its targeted annual growth of more than 60% and reach €8 billion in total payment volume, with circa 200k POS terminals in circulation.

64% of Irish organisations View Customer Service as a Revenue Generator

Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the global leader in CRM, today released the fifth edition of its State of Service report that shares insights from over 8,000 professionals across 36 counties, including 100 from Ireland on how customer service organisations’ priorities, challenges, success measures, and strategies are shifting amid digital-first customer expectations and economic headwinds.

Key insights of this year’s State of Service report include:

Economic Uncertainty Prompts a Focus on Efficiency. As inflation takes hold and rate hikes dominate headlines, customer service teams are leaning into new success measures and technologies that promote productivity and efficiency. 78% of service organisations in Ireland use workflow and process automation.

Digital-First Customer Service Continues to Rise. Customer migration to digital channels took off during the pandemic, and shows no signs of slowing. 64% of service organisations in Ireland offer video support, and 63% offer live chat.

The “Great Resignation” Prompts a Focus on Employee Experience. With high turnover rates, service organisations are offering perks like remote work and improved career development opportunities. Service organisations in Ireland experienced an average turnover rate of 17% over the past year.

Customer Service Continues to Expand Beyond the Contact Center. Field service is now table stakes beyond its original domain in industries such as energy and utilities. 93% of service organisations with field operations in Ireland say it’s critical to scaling their business.

Comments on the news:

  • “Customer service is on the forefront of shifts to digital-first customer engagement.” said Brian Solis, Salesforce Global Innovation Evangelist. “As economic uncertainty prompts customers and businesses to reevaluate their priorities and investments, it will be all the more critical for leaders to take stock of how their capabilities, success metrics, and strategies reinforce customer service’s position as a revenue generator that drives customer loyalty. This research provides valuable baselines and differentiators that help inform important decisions .”

For more information:

The Most Fun Multiplayer Games With Friends

Multiplayer games serve as a source of triumph and laughter. Playing a solo game is fine, but multi-playing is more fun. You enjoy watching your counterpart help you achieve your wins and succumb to your powers. These games wouldn’t be interesting without having a bunch of people running around killing, maiming, or occasionally helping each other. 

However, apart from the fact that multiple-player games are interesting, it brings friends and families together. Adults can keep their brains sharp by playing online. It also helps individuals to tackle stress and build their overall well-being. It is hosted by setting up a valheim dedicated server that supports multiplayer. The best valheim server host helps you to host your game locally on your PC. A dedicated server will mean the world is always online, and the host won’t need to be online before others can play. 

 

Top Most Fun Multiplayer Games With Friends

This section entails the top Multiplayer games that can be easily played with friends. 

Valiant

Valiant is one of the good games that you can play with friends. It is a thrilling, 5-v-5 action that involves proper teamwork and strategies. It is played online and is only available for PC users. Valiant has assured mobile gamers that it’ll be available in Android and iOS versions soon. 

The main objective of you and your partner is to eliminate the other team on the server. To be good at this, you need proper knowledge of the multiple maps in which the matchup is played. 

Apex Legends

Apex Legend is a fast-paced battle royale you can play with two friends at a go. It has a little similarity with valiant. The numerous characters are called legends. It is available on multiple platforms. The mobile version was recently launched this year. It is available as a mobile version to so many countries worldwide. 

Also, Apex Legends is a good option for individuals that love fast-paced and gun-fighting actions. 

Among Us

Among Us is an online competitive activity that requires about 4-15 players. It is unusual; it entails a real-life conversation among players to discover an imposter among them. It’s one of the best multiplayer games to play with friends because it’s free. Apart from that, anyone with a medium to low-speed PC can play it. 

It is a conversation-based multiplayer. It’s also available on mobile devices as well as high-end gaming consoles. 

Call of Duty: Warzone

Another royale multiplayer game with friends is Call of Duty warzone. It allows about 150 players on its server to battle against each other. However, the number of players increases to 200 in some limited-time modes. You can team up with your friends to play against other teams worldwide. 

Rocket League

Rocket League is a fantasy sport that you can play with friends. It also supports an unturned dedicated server, making you a host without being a participant. In Rocket League, the site supports unturned server hosting. This platform allows you to drive coked-up, rocket cars, etc.

It can be played on a local area network or online. You can also add your friends to the platform you’re playing on. This service is available on different platforms. They include Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox consoles, etc. 

League of Legends

League of Legends is listed under the multiplayer online battle arena category of games. It might be complicated to understand if you’re playing for the first time. You can team up with your friends to create a five-member team and join a virtual map where you’re allowed to compete with other teams. 

The main objective in League of Legends is to destroy the structures that the enemy team is safeguarding before they destroy yours. 

Conclusion

Multiplayer games are the best option for enjoying a fun and lively gaming activity. Whether you’re home or on vacation, you can join friends and play your favorite right on your PC or Smartphone. The platforms mentioned meet server requirements, and you won’t experience any glitches while playing. No order is required for these platforms to follow. Choose anyone that catches your fancy. 

Nokia 5710 XpressAudio first look – A phone with earbuds built in

Nokia had a slew of Xpress Music phones back in the day which was aimed at the music fan we have them all here but today we skip forward some years and we now have their Nokia 5710 Xpress Audio which is not a smartphone but still has lots on offer like a built in radio too and many other features which would suit most, this could be used as a spare device or as intended a music device with the built in earbuds which I look forward to testing too.

So lets cut to the chase here, we take a quick first look and unboxing of the Nokia 5710 XpressAudio and see what you get and have a look at the UI so if you have any questions feel free to drop them below and we will gladly answer. Back in 2020 we checked out another music orientated device called the Nokia 5310 2020 edition you can see that review here

The Nokia 5710 XpressAudio takes what people loved about the Nokia 5310 and makes it even better. A bigger battery, dedicated audio control keys, and a built-in wireless earbuds ramp up the audio experience to the next level and meet the needs of modern users. When not in use, earbuds are housed beneath a sleek slider on the back of the phone, so you always know where they are and charged. That, together with loud dual speakers means you can enjoy music privately or together with friends just like the artist intended with rich bass, clear highs, and natural vocals..

Video 

 

What Education Apps Would Enhance Your Academic Performance

According to a recent “Educational Technology” poll, 87% of college students rely on mobile applications to help them study at university and keep organized. However, considering there are more than 520,000 educational applications to choose from in 2022, selecting those of excellent quality may seem like an overwhelming effort. It might be challenging to find high-quality apps to enhance learning. But don’t worry; we’ve covered you and picked the top programs for you.

Companion apps

Students identified Todoist and Dropbox as two of the most useful tools for managing their time and reducing the pressure of approaching due dates. These apps aren’t designed to teach college kids directly, but they help students succeed in school by improving their time management, study habits, and deadline adherence.

Sometimes students procrastinate about writing a paper until the very last minute. What app can help in this case? You can buy assignment and no longer have to feel the overwhelming number of responsibilities trap you. Even if you have a paper due the next day for an assignment, you can still obtain expert assistance. Homework assistance service is an intelligent way to deal with a problem because you may use the paper as a sample in the future and learn from it. 

Kahoot!

With this app, teachers might transform a dull class into a fun game. Kahoot allows you to make your classroom a game show, enhancing the learning experience. Input your pre-thought questions and answers into the website, and you’ll have a fun, interactive game in no time. Everyone may install Kahoot on their mobile devices and join the fun. It works with iOS and Android smartphones alike. This program is unique because it keeps tabs on each student’s development by plotting their responses on a bar graph.

edX

When using the edX app, you’ll have access to courses taught at various global institutions. It was released in 2012 as an online education platform developed by Harvard and MIT. It features tutorials and online courses in a wide variety of disciplines. Everybody c utilize these materials to further their knowledge and understanding in various fields. 

Photomath

Students may use the camera on their mobile devices to snap a picture of a math issue. Then one can use the app to obtain a detailed walkthrough on how to solve the problem. It clears up any confusion about mathematical concepts. You may improve your reasoning skills by using this application. The primary objective is not just to realize what the correct response is. The key part is to comprehend the reasons behind why it is correct.

Duolingo

Students can study more than 30 different languages with this program. Put it to use in the classroom, at home, or even on the go. This is a free program that can teach you languages and is compatible with devices running Android and iOS. Duolingo offers tasks for developing different skills – speaking and listening to grammar. The app’s more advanced classes provide each student individualized feedback and practice. Also, the dashboard that comes with Duolingo allows monitoring of the progress of each individual. The app motivates users to try harder by setting all things like a competition.

Here are more similar apps to enhance your skills in different fields.

Cite This For Me

A proper citation is required if words or concepts are taken from another source. Students may benefit significantly from using this tool. Especially if they have a hard time drawing up the bibliography. It not only generates a citation by scanning a book’s barcode with your phone’s camera, but it also styles the citation in MLA, Chicago, or any style your school requires. It’s cost-free, and it works with both Android and iOS devices.

Apps to enhance learning: closing thoughts

There is a broad range of topics and learning styles catered to by the plethora of education applications available today. Using such apps makes students more likely to participate, stay interested, and achieve their full potential. Also, learning apps are a terrific tool to keep teaching techniques and lessons interesting. We hope our app list will help you achieve your academic and personal goals. 

 

iPhone 14 Pro unboxing and side by side with the 13 Pro and the cases problem

The iPhone has just dropped and moving on from the 13 Pro I have been asked and asked myself about the case issue which is will the 14 pro fit the 13 and vice versa, we have plenty of iPhone 14 Pro cases coming in for review next week but this is just a quick look at both iPhones and explaining that the cases will not fit both and of course a clever move by Apple to get more cash.

In short the buttons are basically lowered down on the phone which you will see in the video below, There is room for argument on thinner based cases where you may get some functionality but not all so in short the cases for the 13 Pro will not fit the 14 Pro properly, they will go on each other but that’s as far as it goes but you can look at it this way if you are waiting on a case for the 14 Pro you can perhaps get a thinner one on but as you will see in this video depending on the thickness of the case it will be an issue.

Stay tuned for more on the iPhone 14 pro and case reviews. Check out the Apple Watch SE 2022 unboxing

Video Link

 

Campaign shot on mobile phones shows real life impact of high-speed fibre broadband for two Irish families

A new National Broadband Ireland (NBI) advertising campaign features two Irish families demonstrating the benefit of Ireland’s National Broadband Plan in their daily lives in videos filmed entirely on their mobile phones. The campaign follows ‘A Day in the Life’ of two Irish families – the Curley family in Co. Galway and the Randall’s Ayle Farm in Co. Tipperary.

The campaign is part of NBI’s commitment to create limitless opportunities through connectivity and access to high-speed fibre broadband for those living in rural communities, where such services are not available commercially. The campaign is running across social, digital and VOD channels including: RTE, Virgin Media and Channel 4.

The videos show the positive impact that high-speed broadband has made for both the Curley family and Randall’s, who have seen massive improvements in internet speeds, and also experience benefits for family’s life, business enterprises and careers.

Peter and Lorraine Randall in Co Tipperary, bought Ayle Farm in 2005 and produce award winning artisan chutneys, granola, and more in small batches. One of the added benefits of the installation of the fast speed solution by NBI, is the security aspect for rural businesses and enterprises. Peter Randall is able to access alerts and live feeds across the farm, “which are things we could never do before”, he says.

Lorraine Randall explained how access to high-speed broadband has meant she could begin working for a global company as one of the conditions was access to “good internet speed so I could work from home”, she remarks. 

In the new post-pandemic era of remote working, The Curley Family in Co. Galway echo this sentiment stating that they are saving almost 2 hours of a commute each day by working remotely – leaving more time for family, activities and the children. On the video we see the Curley family describe that “back in March 2021 our download speed was 1.35Mb and in 2022 our download speed is now 640Mb – we now know what a true internet connect is”.

The Campaign development has been managed by Pauline Broderick, Head of Marketing at National Broadband Ireland, who says:

“NBI is delighted to launch  the first phase of our new advertising campaign, illustrating  the real-life impact of high-speed fibre broadband on the well-being and quality of life of those families involved. The aim of the campaign is to allow NBI’s end users to describe their own experience of gaining access to the fibre network, enabling families throughout Ireland to become multi-device households, and to ensure businesses can make use of new technology and open up economic opportunities in the future. 

Overall, 1.1 million people living and working in almost 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms, are set to benefit from access to the broadband network being rolled out by NBI under the National Broadband Plan. The videos give a small glimpse into the real-life experiences and upsides, as a result of the high-speed broadband connections.”

NBI is the company rolling out the new high-speed fibre broadband network under the Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP). To date, a total of 18,592* premises – including homes, schools, businesses and community facilities – are now connected to NBI’s network, meaning that these premises now have guaranteed access to minimum broadband speeds of 500Mb.

The campaign reflects National Broadband Ireland’s strategic approach to transform Ireland’s broadband landscape. The plan is to deliver quality, affordable high-speed broadband throughout Ireland including areas where such services are not available commercially.

Commenting on the campaign, TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer at National Broadband Ireland said: 

“There has never been a more appropriate time to introduce high speed fibre broadband in rural Ireland. During the pandemic, many families were forced to rely on their internet connection to complete daily tasks such as working remotely, home schooling and other daily roles. Remote and hybrid working is still a factor to consider for homes and businesses meaning high-speed fibre broadband is still a requirement in these rural areas. At National Broadband Ireland, we are committed to connecting families, homes and businesses to the network throughout the country.”