Leading real hands on tech review site in Ireland with technology, business news and more. Jim O Brien Tech.
Author: Jim O Brien/CEO
CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.
Next in from Gravastar is the Sirius Pro Earbuds which look great and come in a really cool case that looks like a fancy lighter but in fact can be used as a bottle opener but the thing here is that is is made of metal and not plastic like most earbud cases are and the thing is then what people asked how do they sound after all having a good look? Does aesthetics win over the audio experience? Let’s find out..
First of all the design is quite nice and they fit well in the ears, they might be hard to get out of their case sometimes but this is the only thing I could say bad on them, there is no app either which is fine in this instance because they are quite good and impressed me, the earbud is on the larger than average size too so keep that in mind and they are built quite well.. To top this off you get RGB lights built into the case which is a new one for me and it looks great.
Featuring Knowles balanced armatures, the Sirius Pro wireless earbuds deliver an incredible, well-rounded sound. They are built on GravaStar’s exclusive DSP audio algorithms and offer an immersive, crisp experience through Bluetooth 5.2 True Wireless Stereo. They have in-ear detection, 65ms latency, and give you a balanced punchy bass and 3D surround sound with custom modes for music, gaming, and movies
Once fitted they give a decent seal from the outside world too and may protrude on some people’s ears as always everyone’s ears differ just like our hearing too. For me they where fine and did not fall out and felt fine during the test period and did not feel any pressure when changing tracks etc.
GravaStar gaming earbuds – techbuzzireland
When it comes to sound they deliver too, loud and punchy with bass, highs lows and mids are fine too and overall a great audio experience and there is three modes here to pick from.
Gaming Mode Pinpoint the direction of your enemy’s footsteps with 5.1 virtual surround sound.
Movie Mode Get a full cinematic experience with HD surround sound and be right in the middle of the action.
Music Mode Feel like you’re at the front row at a concert with clear, natural vocals and a deep bass you can feel through your entire body.
Movie mode is my personal favourite here and if you are a gamer you will also be delighted with the audio experience and then for the music fan which I am I just found movie mode the best choice for me you will also enjoy the audio experience here in conclusion did aesthetics take away from the audio experience, well the answer is simply NO. Check the video below for more.
Electric vehicle (EV) software provider Monta and Core Solutions, one of Ireland’s largest installation providers, have partnered together to provide robust charging solutions across Ireland.
The partnership will kick off with the installation of 50 charge points in workplaces and multi-unit developments across Ireland, combining high quality hardware installation with easy-to-use charging software.
Chargers will be equipped with Monta’s software to enable easy management of the charge point. Users will also be able to access Monta’s feature rich app which provides roaming, payments via Google Pay and Apple Pay, and other useful tools for EV drivers.
Core Solutions will be using Monta as its exclusive software provider in Ireland, and the two companies say that the partnership will provide seamless charger installation with reliable servicing and management.
“We’re excited to launch our first partnership in Ireland” said Max Scherer, COO at Monta. “Core Solutions have a great reputation for providing thoughtful and purposeful EV charge point installations. Our platform will support Core Solutions by providing reliable software that makes EV charging flexible and fuss free in the workplace” Scherer concludes.
John McDonagh, Managing Director at Core Solutions, said: “We are incredibly excited to partner with Monta, the most reliable, scalable, and seamless EV charging solution there is. Working together with Monta we will unlock the full potential of our EV charging installations and place our clients on the best path for success in the new EV landscape.”
Since 1981 Core Solutions has been providing innovative electrical installations from their office in Dublin. Their mission is to provide outstanding end to end experiences for their customers and to create a greener, quieter, safer driving future for businesses and homes across Ireland.
Available as a web-based app, Monta allows businesses to manage their charge points, track energy consumption, usage, and costs in real time. Monta also provides a consumer app which allows users to share their charge point, access roaming networks, and view their charging data.
Zodia Custody (Ireland) Limited has been added to the Central Bank of Ireland’s Virtual Asset Service Provider Register, becoming the first dedicated cryptoasset custodian to be registered to provide commercial services to clients in Ireland.
Zodia Custody, an institutional cryptoasset servicing company headquartered in London, established its Irish subsidiary in August 2021. Zodia Custody, a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered Bank and with investment from Northern Trust, satisfies institutional investors’ need for a cryptoasset servicing provider that meets institutional standards and expectations.
Zodia Custody Ireland’s registration with the CBI means that the company will be subject to the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 (as amended), demonstrating its commitment to high standards of compliance. Cryptoassets were brought within the scope of the Act in April 2021 and registration is now mandatory for all firms providing cryptoasset services in Ireland. Following the European Union’s agreement on MiCAR in June 2022, Zodia Custody Ireland’s registration will mean the company is well positioned to service clients across the EU when this regulatory regime comes into force.
This expansion comes in the wake of news that Zodia Custody has become one of the first cryptoasset custodians to achieve ISO 27001 certification and to have completed a SOC1 Type 1 report. As a subsidiary of a tier-one banking group, Zodia Custody continues to strengthen its credentials to satisfy the ever-evolving need of institutional investors.
Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Seán Fleming TD, said “I would like to congratulate Zodia Custody for registering as a Virtual Asset Service Provider. The move is highly significant for Ireland, as the Government seeks to focus on innovation in the financial services sector as a key provider of growth in the economy. Blockchain technology is one of the great disruptors for payments and capital markets. Ireland can grasp this opportunity with our strong track record for building globally recognised payment companies and innovative financial services businesses. I wish Zodia Custody every continued success for the future.”
John Cronin, Chief Executive Officer of Zodia Custody Ireland said “There’s been a lot of activity surrounding cryptoassets in Ireland recently, with the CBI’s approval of a Qualifying Investor Alternative Investment Fund to invest in cryptoassets, the Irish Funds Industry Association publishing a paper on cryptoassets and several firms establishing a presence here to build out the ecosystem. We aim to play our part by providing institutions with a safe and secure solution for investing in cryptoassets.
We are in the process of obtaining similar registrations in jurisdictions across Europe, ensuring we are well-positioned for MiCAR.”
Kieran Donoghue, Global Head of Strategy, Public Policy and International Financial Services, IDA Ireland, said “Zodia Custody’s decision to establish its EU crypto custodian business in Ireland and to secure registration as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) is a significant development in an emerging and rapidly growing sector of the financial services industry. This investment will act as a strong reference case in seeking to further develop the nascent crypto custody sector. We are grateful for Zodia’s commitment to Ireland and the leading-edge capabilities it will bring to the industry here across governance, custody and compliance. I wish John and his team every success”
One of the country’s leading hydrogen experts says now is the time to realise the wide-ranging benefits offered by the versatile carbon free gas.
Speaking at the launch of the inaugural Hydrogen Ireland Conference today, Gas Networks Ireland Hydrogen Programme Manager, Dr Andrea Ahern, said current events affecting Ireland’s climate and economy mean now is the time to act.
“Hydrogen can reduce carbon emissions across a number of key sectors while also enhancing Ireland’s energy security and diversity,” Dr Ahern said.
“Ireland’s national gas network is one of the safest and most modern renewables-ready gas networks in the world. It’s a ready-made decarbonisation solution that can be leveraged to accommodate biomethane made from farm and food waste and hydrogen produced from offshore wind.”
Hydrogen can be made from renewable electricity through a process known as electrolysis and stored until needed, making it an attractive option to decarbonise the Irish energy system.
It is also a strong example of how greater integration between Ireland’s gas and electricity networks can support a low carbon economy.
With Ireland’s significant onshore and offshore wind resources, the potential for Irish made green hydrogen is very high.
“We can enable national decarbonisation at size and scale by connecting indigenously produced hydrogen with customers and markets across the island of Ireland, but we must act now in line with national and EU policy,” Dr Ahern said.
Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, will be the keynote speaker at the Hydrogen Ireland Conference which will take place at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin, on November 22 and 23.
The event is being launched just days after the government announced 2GW of hydrogen production from offshore wind and launched of an eight-week public consultation period as part of the process of developing a National Hydrogen Strategy.
Hydrogen Ireland is an all-island organisation which works to promote the role of hydrogen and fuel cells as key components of a future low carbon economy.
Chairperson Paul McCormack said he is looking forward to seeing the Government’s vision.
“Given the heat extremes seen just this month, the rising cost of living and the pressures on supply because of international factors and our reliance on imports, it has never been more important to realise and maximise the potential offered by hydrogen,” Mr McCormac said.
For more details on the conference, check out www.h2irl.com.
GamerFest, Ireland’s biggest gaming and esports festival, is returning to the RDS, Dublin this October 22nd & 23rd. The epic weekend celebration of gaming entertainment will include the latest games, VR gaming, esports and gaming challenges, a host of special guests including top Twitch and YouTube creators, and a variety of live stage content.
Organisers have also announced an exciting new partnership with Lucozade, the 2022 Title Sponsor of GamerFest, who will be showing up big at the event and supporting a wide range of gaming activations across the entire weekend.
Since its establishment in 2017 GamerFest has established itself as a diverse, community-led gaming event for everyone with a passion for gaming, whether that be casual gaming with friends or those who engage in competitive esports tournaments, game development and design or content creation.
Over the last number of years GamerFest has become a hub for content creator talent in Ireland, with a host of YouTube and Twitch special guests set to attend October’s event. Content creators confirmed to date include Antitinkerbell, Jamie Jay Car, The Gara Show, Audrey and event hosts All Cast Irish Gamers with more special guest announcements coming soon.
Fans of esports will witness a packed line-up of competitive action on the GamerFest Main Stage including an Official Partnership with Ubisoft and the launch of the GamerFest Rainbow Six Siege Ireland Open. This tournament offers an incredible opportunity for Irish teams to qualify for the UK Ireland Nationals (UKIN) and ultimately earn a professional spot in the Rainbow Six Northern Premier League.
Organisers have also confirmed a ground-breaking partnership with Legion Collegiate Esports, Ireland’s dedicated esports series for third-level students in Ireland, which will see some of the best student esports talent in the country go head to head across a range of titles including Rocket League, Apex Legends and FIFA.
Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to get hands on with HADO, the very latest in Augmented Reality (AR) gaming, where players do battle with virtual energy balls and shields on a real life court. HADO will also launch the first ever Irish HADO Championship at GamerFest which will see the winning team represent Ireland at the upcoming HADO European Championships in France.
The wide array of gaming entertainment on offer at GamerFest includes:
The latest titles, VR gaming and technology
A showcase of the best in Irish gaming content creator talent with a new ‘Creator Zone’ offering visitors the chance to meet their favourite Twitch and YouTube creators
An expo hall and market place to get the latest gaming equipment and gear
A host of esports tournaments featuring on the GamerFest Main Stage
A range of special guest appearances and Meet + Greet opportunities
GamerFest CEO Stuart Dempsey says:
“Like our visitors, the team behind GamerFest are gamers. Ever since our first event five years ago, we’ve kept an absolute focus on one thing – the gaming community. Community guides us in everything we do, ensuring we have the best games, content, special guests and entertainment possible at all our events.”
“Just like every other live event, it’s been incredibly tough not seeing our community since 2020 throughout the Covid pandemic. So, we’re incredibly excited to see the anticipation for the return of GamerFest this year. It will be wonderful to see people physically come together and celebrate all things gaming, bringing to life all the incredible friendships and relationships that have developed online over the last number of years.”
GamerFest takes place at The RDS, Dublin this October 22nd and 23rd with tickets on sale now at GamerFest.ie.
It’s no secret that video games can be a lot of fun. But what you may not know is that they can also be a great way to make some extra money on the side. In this article, we’ll discuss how to make money playing Apex Legends, one of the most popular battle royale games out there. By following these tips, you’ll be able to pad your wallets with some extra cash in no time!
Sell Your Accounts
The first step is to sign up for an account with a site like PlayerUp. This will allow you to connect with other players who are looking to buy and sell in-game items. Once you’ve created an account, take a look at the listing for Apex Legends and see what people are selling and for how much. If you see something that you think you could sell for a higher price, make an offer!
Win Tournaments
Another great way to make money playing Apex Legends is to participate in tournaments. Many online gaming sites host competitions with cash prizes, so if you’re good at the game, this could be a great way to earn some extra money. Simply search for “Apex Legends tournaments” online to find a list of upcoming events.
Make Youtube Videos
If you’re good at Apex Legends, consider making youtube videos about the game. There are a lot of people who are interested in learning how to play the game, and by sharing your knowledge.
Try to Work for Apex Boosting Services
Apex boosting is the process of helping other players reach higher levels in the game, and it can be a very lucrative business. To get started, you’ll need to create a resume that highlights your experience with Apex Legends. Be sure to list any skills or strategies that you think would be helpful to other players. Once you have your resume created, reach out to different Apex Legends boost services and inquire about job openings.
Streaming
Finally, you can also make money by streaming your gameplay on platforms like Twitch. If you build up a large enough following, you can start earning money from donations or sponsorships. So if you’re looking to make some serious cash from playing Apex Legends, this is definitely a viable option.
Final Words
By following these tips, you’ll be able to start earning money from playing Apex Legends in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start raking in the cash!
How is technology revolutionising Ireland’s healthcare? We take a look at some of the 2022 innovations for Ireland.
Medical negligence cases in Ireland have seen a worrying increase in recent years as figures reveal that during the 2019 to 2020 period, there were approximately 4,022 open cases at any given time.
As with so many other sectors, many feel that the answer to improving health and medical care in Ireland lies in advanced technology and, in this article, we’ll take a look at some of the new technology which will be transforming health in Ireland in 2022.
SynchroPhi
Monitoring vital signs (heartbeat, pulse rate and respiration rate) is an essential first defense in detecting possible medical problems. By monitoring these factors, healthcare professionals can provide fast treatment to avoid a condition from becoming worse.
Founded in Galway by David Toohey, SyncroPhi provides wireless patient monitoring services. This clever innovation allows patients, doctors and nurses to remotely monitor vital signs for changes and issues and is already proving to be a vital addition to Ireland’s healthcare network.
My OT & Me
Occupational therapy interventions are resources designed to help young children develop essential motor skills such as hand strength, manipulation and endurance skills, which are required to complete basic tasks.
A lack of these resources in Ireland, led Jess Kennedy and Sean O Tuama to launch My OT & Me. OT & Me is an online health tech platform packed full of pediatric occupational therapy resources for children and young people.
The platform also provides lots of useful information, blogs and courses for parents.
Gasgon Medical
Winner of the 2021 InterTradeIreland Seedcorn competition, Gasgon Medical is the inventor of AirVault, a device which removes air bubbles from fluids in IV infusions. Launched in Cork by Vincent Forde, this device eliminates the need for nurses and medical staff to intervene in order to remove air bubbles which may lead to issues.
The device also allows for the delivery of more accurate doses of IV infusions, leading to faster recovery for patients. If left undetected, air bubbles within IV fluids can lead to air embolisms which block blood vessels and can lead to serious conditions and, in some cases, death.
While training, especially with accelerated online degree programs and making the industry more attractive to talented medical workers remains a priority, technology is becoming more and more vital in supporting hard working employees.
Wearable Technologies
Ireland has been making serious inroads with health and medical based wearable technology, with a few standout companies. These include Dublin based, PacSana, which has developed bracelets which provide data on movement and activity and, wearable thermometers and fingertip pulse oximeters.
Another shining light for wearables is Think Biosolution, founded by Dr Shourjya Sanyal and Koushik Kumar – Think Biosolution creates privately labeled wearable devices and software which harness the power of sensor technology to allow for remote patient monitoring.
xWave Technologies
A 2021 report revealed that waiting times for radiology scans have risen by around 16% in Ireland in recent years, meaning that many patients are waiting an unacceptable length of time to receive a diagnosis.
Dublin based health tech startup, xWave Technologies, led by CEO, Mitchell O’Gorman, aims to change that. With 600,000 Euros raised in pre-seed funding, xWave Technologies has developed xRefer, a smart healthcare platform which will enable doctors and clinicians to send referrals through a computer or phone, along with a search function, to quickly determine the most appropriate scan for a patient and to search availability.
MedDeus
We’ve all heard the jokes about the illegible handwriting of many doctors when issuing prescriptions and, all joking aside, this can sometimes lead to errors which impact on a patient’s health. MedDeus aims to eliminate this problem through its cloud based ClearScribe system.
The system can be used by doctors and other medical professionals to generate error free prescriptions at the point of care.
FeelTect
Venous leg ulcers are chronic and long-lasting sores which usually develop on the inside of the leg, just above the ankle. If left untreated, these ulcers can be painful and uncomfortable and can, in some instances, spread to other areas of the leg.
Galway startup, FeelTect, has developed Tight Alright – a pressure sensing device which, when attached to a compression bandage, measures and monitors pressure. Created by Dr Andrew Cameron and Darren Burke, Tight Alright will provide assistance to medical professionals in monitoring patients.
PPR Healthcare
Many new mothers are forced to suffer in silence due to a lack of adequate postpartum care. A New Mum, developed by PPR Healthcare, has produced a range of over-the-counter products and information resources to help new mothers tackle infection and discomfort as well as post-natal depression after giving birth.
Health-tech innovations are helping reduce waiting times for patients
In 2022, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are under more pressure than ever before as tight budgets and staff shortages continue to create obstacles. While training and making the industry more attractive to talented medical workers remains a priority, technology is becoming more and more vital in supporting hard working employees.
Technology such as wearable monitors work alongside medical professionals to provide more comprehensive care, as well as allowing patients to have significantly greater control over their own monitoring and treatment.
Similarly, new apps and platforms empower patients to gain more insight into their condition and to more effectively become involved in their treatment.
As we move forward, further advances in technology will almost certainly help to bridge the gap between healthcare services. Therefore, reduce waiting times as well as more effectively providing vital services to patients
Poco is not that familiar brand here in Ireland however I have seen in recent times some of their devices pop up in these tech shops all over the place now but not in retail, there is several devices out there and most notable and nice looking I might ad is their Yellow devices that really stand out and the model we have comes in this flashy yellow which I would of liked but is also nice in the colour we had to review. Now for those who do not nor heard of the name POCO is a sub-brand owned by the Chinese electronics company Xiaomi Corporation.
The build quality may feel cheap to some but having used it some time it is holding up and seems robust enough and you do of course get a case in the box which helps alot here as finding a case in store here would be near impossible and you would have to resort to buying online or perhaps the store where you may have picked one up from, having said that you get the clear tpu case in the box but after how long would that start yellowing I do not know as I have not had the phone long enough to see..
Unboxing and walkthrough of the POCO X4 5g
Design
The device does look well and stands out although it has a huge camera hump on the back which is following a trend that is getting annoying now when most of the hump is just wasted in fairness but this is common and no attack on the company there is just no need for it anymore from anyone in my opinion. Overall the rear of the device does make it stand out with the glossy finish and looks well and does catch people’s attention the device is a bit slippy but with the case provided that eliminates this caveat.
Screen
The killer feature for anyone that can even notice this is the 120 hz screen now for someone who has the latest phones and uses the top phones out there and more the 120 hz bandwagon crew need to step back it is not that much notable if coming from 90 hz and everyone’s eyes are different and whilst it is good to have it is not the feature that will be a dealbreaker for the phone but at the price point one could argue that feature and people who really want it and feel the need for it I guess.The screen is nice overall making media consumption more enjoyable.
Battery
Whilst we have a decent battery inside I was still getting a day at most out of the device being on from 7am till 12 pm that night but then again I am a power user and would not have the same use case as any normal joe soap you could say but for those it would be a two day device.
Camera
The camera is where most phones fall at these price points and in this case it is sad to say it is true for this phone but for anyone that is not looking for 1000 euro results on a 250 euro phone it does ok I am not going to bore you with specs but check out the samples below and make your own mind up, the phone does well during the daytime and has good audio results in comparison to some other devices I have tested this year.
Images and video samples taken on the POCO X4 5G day and night
Conclusion
Overall for the money you get what you pay for and the phone falls down at the typical features phones do in this price point but its not all that bad and not going to bother those who like phones for this price and you can get decent video and images in the right conditions, it performs well under normal use for multitasking and I had no issues there at all during my testing.
Creative Technology has launched Creative Live! Cam Sync V3, its latest UVC-compliant digital webcam with stand-out features of 2K QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution quality and 4X digital zoom in a plug-and-play package – a choice solution for video calls at work or simply catching up with loved ones.
Creative Live! Cam Sync V3 puts users under that star spotlight.
Creative Live! Cam Sync V3 is everything one wants in a webcam – and more. Users do not just enjoy crystal-clear visuals with the 2K QHD resolution quality; with 4X digital zoom, they get the flexibility to adjust their frame for both intimate heart-heart chats, or boisterous group catch-ups. Additionally, the webcam is fully adjustable with 360 o horizontal rotation and 30° tilt with the lens offering up to 95o field of vision. Advanced settings like brightness/contrast, white balance and backlight compensation can also be fine-tuned with the Creative app (available on PC). Everything and everyone can be projected in visual harmony while remaining in clear focus. An integrated lens cap protects for privacy easily when needed with the bonus of keeping dust away. A compact universal tripod mounting plate means it will fit any laptops, desktop monitors or even tripods.
This webcam has the audio competence to match its visual prowess too – dual built-in omnidirectional microphones pick up speech clearly and accurately. With the Creative app, users can access SmartComms Kit to enhance their audio further – NoiseClean-out reduces background noise effectively from the user so unwanted distractions like airplane and vacuum cleaner noises are eliminated; VoiceDetect automatically mutes and unmutes the microphone for the user’s convenience. Creative Live! Cam Sync V3 is quite simply the ideal webcam for looking good and sounding great on every occasion.
Pricing and Availability
Creative Live! Cam Sync V3 is aggressively priced at £64.99 and is available at the Creative online store.
