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.

How The Video Production Industry Is Leveraging Cloud Computing

The video production industry is leveraging cloud computing to increase its product value, decrease costs, and maintain streamlined operations. Using cloud-based services can help businesses in the visual effects (VFX) sector reduce time delays in rendering processes, which allows companies to deliver high-quality videos faster than ever before. Here is how it does that.

1. It ensures scalability

In the visual effects industry, there is a need for high-performance computing to process complex tasks. In order to render a 3D animation sequence in high-quality video footage, VFX experts use complex mathematical calculations that require large amounts of time and processing power. Cloud computing provides scalable resources that can be used as needed. For instance, cloud environments can automatically scale up when cloud workflow is taxing the available computational resources. If there is an increase in the demand for rendering services, servers can be added to handle the increased workloads. This results in lower costs and faster rendering times because there are no wasted resources during the entire course of the production cycle—which is usually over several months. 

2. It earns greater revenue

Cloud computing can also help companies in the visual effects industry increase their product value. With cloud-based solutions, businesses are able to create higher production quality by using increased compute resources that can be provided at a lower cost through the adoption of economies of scale. This way, businesses are able to spend less on expensive hardware and software licenses while saving time by being able to deliver videos faster. Instead of buying costly servers for local storage or licensing high-end software, video production houses now have access to virtual machine instances which offer processing power as needed.

When you call this commercial video production company, you can easily enhance your business offerings and take on more complex projects without significantly increasing costs.

3. It ensures effective management 

With cloud computing, companies in the visual effects sector also have better control over their infrastructures with tools that allow businesses to automate processes. Automated storage allocation, for instance, allows companies to manage their storage space more efficiently by having the ability to scale up or down the utilization of servers depending on the current workload demands. This way, cloud computing can help companies in visual effects save time and money during production cycles because they are able to focus on what is most important—creating top-quality videos. It also gives video production houses the freedom to focus on creating content without worrying about infrastructure management.

4. It has more personalized services and advertising 

The video production industry is also leveraging the use of cloud-based services to help marketers connect with their audiences by offering more personalized services. Cloud computing offers an unlimited capacity for data storage, making it easier for companies to create visual experiences that are customized according to audience preferences or specifications. Video production houses can now offer video content specifically tailored towards a target market without having to spend much on creating extensive data sets. Advertisers can now easily combine various types of media—including text, voice, graphics, and moving images in order to deliver attention-grabbing messages across multiple platforms. 

5. It has seamless geo-redundancy 

With cloud computing, companies in the video production sector can also ensure that their data is safe and secure because of geo-redundancy. This means businesses can easily manage data redundancy by adding more servers in different geographical regions to handle increased workloads during peak periods without having to worry about downtime or latency issues. Instead of investing in extensive hardware and software, companies in visual effects now have lower costs and greater bandwidth with the adoption of cloud computing solutions. Cloud computing also frees up time for business owners because they do not need to spend much on hardware and software licenses when they use the services provided by public cloud providers.

6. Easier managing nPVR and VOD services 

Companies in the video production industry are also able to leverage cloud computing to launch and manage interactive television (IPTV) or personal video recorder (PVR) services. Video production houses can use public cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform to host personalized applications that enable users to view their favorite channels and videos on any device, anytime and anywhere. This is made possible through digital rights management technologies that allow content owners or producers to limit access depending on location, so they can meet local programming requirements.  Cloud computing has also become the preferred choice of many companies in the visual effects sector because it offers greater reliability, which helps them to create high-definition videos without worrying about infrastructure downtime or bandwidth issues.

 

So, with the increasing use of video and visual effects in business and education, cloud computing has become a great way for these companies to create top-quality content without worrying about high costs. This also helps with the management of large amounts of data or storage, as it allows businesses to scale up or down as needed. If your business is looking at how they can use cloud computing, consider partnering with a trusted cloud services provider. Good luck!

Tech Review – Jabra Elite 7 Active

Jabra is a brand that we have been using and reviewing for some years now and they are a favourite here in techbuzz because they are consistent and the brand is strong and they like to innovate and each year for any brand it gets harder to improve on the previous and with competition rife and in an oversaturated market for true wireless earbuds it is a tough game to play and with three new pairs of earbuds this year from the brand it did give others something to think about having all tiers covered at entry mid tier and high end.

The Jabra Elite 7 is one of their high end offerings and quite similar to the Elite 7 Pro and for me always an exciting time to test a product as I have been a huge fan of their earbuds and they have been a high end offering but as mentioned Jabra have tackled the entry and mid level tiers, they have been always a strong winner in the high end market so how does the new Elite 7 stack up this time..

UNBOXING THE ELITE 7 ACTIVE 

 

Design, build and fit.

Jabra have changed the design language here and all of their new earbuds, it is clean simple and works and nothing too outlandish either, the profile is also good for size and they fit well with a good seal once using the right tips which is a must wearing any earbuds. They have a more flat appearance than older models however they have a good seal.The buttons are clicky and tactile and work 100% and some prefer this over the touch option for me either is fine but I tend to lean towards the buttons option.

 

Setting up

The setup is simple as always, in almost all cases an update is due out of the box which takes a few minutes and you are good to go to get the latest features on your earbuds and you should update anytime you are prompted to do so, then head through the app to personalise to your needs, you have headset settings My Fit which is important My Sound My Controls etc. See below for what you will expect to find. And with them latest update you can now get multipoint connection. This is crucial for those who work on two devices.

Controls

Controls are quality and work each time, again Jabra have the clicky button effect which I like but the thing is you can change the settings to what suits you best and this is great as there is many settings here available which makes it much better than custom defaults you tend to get on other earbuds this should be the same for all earbuds in my opinion.

Sound

The sound is always the key factor in these reviews and one argues everyone’s ears differ which is correct but when testing earbuds on such a regular basis it is not hard to find what is rubbish and what is not, the Jabra soundstage has always been a great one, highs lows and mids are great and with my usual testing regime they have done a really impressive job with no lag latency noted, again you have the custom EQ here to play with, they can be used individually too which is great, the ANC is also now adjustable and to the max is the way to go but I found the ANC not quite as strong as previous models and perhaps a software update might fix that but overall strong enough and better in quiet environments. It was hard to tell the difference here between these and the 7 Pro being honest.

Jabra Elite 7 Active techbuzzireland
Elite 7 Active Techbuzzireland

Conclusion

If you want a great pair of earbuds check these out the days of overpriced alternatives are long gone and the same applies to Apples prowess here, some still might find these still too expensive but you have to pay to play here given there is cheaper earbuds out there now with much of what you find here but it is the overall experience here in one package you will get here that wins for me. However with the 7 Pro out there and the new Elite 4 there is much on offer at all price tiers here and the 7 Pro has a slight bit more to offer.

Buy

Video Link

 

 

BGFG Launches AgencyGMR in Game-Changing Move for Tech and Gamer Brands

Tech, gaming and esports digital publisher By Gamers For Gamers (BGFG) is launching AgencyGMR in February 2022. The full-service digital agency will provide creative, content, and strategic services for brands in the tech, gaming, and hardware industries, with plans to move into the wider consumer electronics market.

As an official TikTok partner, AgencyGMR aims to help brands reach new audiences across the globe via live commerce, playing on BGFG’s existing connections and credibility to attract clients and outpace the competition.

“We bring experience and credibility from our digital publishing arm. With our owned IP we know how to create content that resonates with gaming and hardware audiences,” said Craig Kirkcaldy, AgencyGMR’s Managing Director and COO of BGFG Group.

“With a growing global audience of gamers and hardware enthusiasts, we have unparalleled strategic data and insight…We’re a recognised player within the sector and in our network, putting us in a great position to help brands create content that resonates,” said Roddy Burns, AgencyGMR’s Head of Partnerships.

AgencyGMR also plans to host product experience workshops in its dedicated event space, providing brands with a physical hub to showcase their products. AgencyGMR is also working closely with SODA (School of Digital Arts) at Manchester Metropolitan University, and HOST Salford, to help develop the next generation of industry talent.

BGFG was founded in 2019 by brothers Andrew and Craig Kirkcaldy & William Blears. Today it’s one of the most exciting publishers in the tech and gaming sector, following investment in 2021 from Bill Holroyd – one of the original investors of global appliance firm, AO.com. With this financial backing, paired with a significant global audience, BGFG intends to become one of the leading businesses in the digital publishing and agency space.

BGFG is made up of passionate and experienced gamers and tech lovers, providing unbiased reviews, buyer’s guides, and answers to FAQs, designed to keep its global audience abreast of the latest tech and gaming trends.

Datapac’s managed IT solution helps Special Olympics Ireland to go the distance

Datapac, Ireland’s leading technology solutions and services provider, today announces that it has implemented a fully managed ICT solution and security upgrades for Special Olympic Ireland (SOI). This represents an evolution of the long term-relationship between SOI and Datapac who, since 2006, has provided managed print services to Special Olympics Ireland, as well as a host of additional volunteering services including personnel, logistics and warehousing facilities.

SOI identified the need for a fully outsourced and integrated managed ICT solution to enable ongoing benefits for almost 8,000 athletes in 293 clubs nationwide. Datapac was successfully awarded the contract through a competitive tender process. Key integration of Datapac’s service management team and SOI stakeholders ensured a seamless onboarding process for staff transitioning to the new system.

The managed services solution designed by Datapac has been implemented across SOI’s five locations, with a dedicated IT helpdesk solution available to the head office in Blanchardstown, Dublin, and bases in Cork, Sligo, Belfast and Abbottstown, Dublin.

The flexible and scalable service provided by Datapac helps to facilitate SOI events around the country such as sporting fixtures and charitable functions. Access to Datapac’s customer support centre through a variety of convenient media allows SOI staff to receive the ongoing support that they need, including access to a 24-hour support service.

Datapac provides a complete and proactive approach to managed security, underpinned by industry leading Sophos™ firewalls, cutting-edge HPE Aruba secure wireless technology, and a range of managed services including vulnerability testing of devices across the organisation. This ultimately protects and provides peace of mind to all who engage with SOI, including almost 8,000 athletes in 293 clubs across the country.

This solution is helping SOI to securely roll out services such as virtual training courses and online ‘Together at Home’ video sessions as part of its Young Athlete Programme, which is a play and sports activity programme for children aged four to 12 years with an intellectual disability.

The advanced managed solution supports in excess of 200 devices, enabling employees to safely work from home. Provision of advanced communications technology in the form of the Microsoft Office 365 suite and remote working hardware ensures that the great work done by SOI never skips a beat, no matter where their staff are located. Datapac’s proactive monitoring of the organisation’s IT infrastructure allows swift responses to potential issues or threats, ensuring minimal staff downtime and business disruption. Regular Disaster Recovery (DR) tests are carried out, which play a vital role in providing business continuity. The fully managed IT support helpdesk, with dedicated phoneline, ensures that a team of experienced engineers are always on hand to assist with day-to-day IT queries, further enhancing the employee experience while working remotely.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held in Kazan, Russia in January 2023, while German capital Berlin will host the next Special Olympics World Games in 2023.

Matt English, CEO, Special Olympics Ireland: “Datapac’s proactive approach to our technology needs provides peace of mind to Special Olympics Ireland, benefitting not only our employees, but all those who interact with the organisation. Problems are often resolved before we are aware there was an issue to begin with.

“It was hugely important to us that the service had a human touch, and the reassurance of knowing there is an expert available 24/7 to assist with any IT challenge is invaluable as our needs evolve and change depending on whether it’s a Games year, or whether other events are taking place.

“Datapac’s solution is far-reaching and facilitates the organisation’s endeavours far beyond our expectations, underpinning everything from events to online resources, which are increasingly important in today’s climate.”

Christine Fortune, Sales Manager ICT Services and Solutions, Datapac: “Special Olympics Ireland is an incredible organisation that provides such a vital service for people throughout Ireland. By outsourcing IT management to Datapac, it frees up their teams to carry out even more vital services. We designed and delivered a tailored helpdesk and security solution across SOI’s five bases, which in turn, has helped the organisation to enhance its service delivery and support secure home working for employees.

“We will conduct strategic reviews of the IT environment, in consultation with Special Olympics Ireland, to ensure the solution is continuing to underscore organisational success. Our proactivity provides confidence to them in the increasingly challenging IT and security landscape.

“Datapac has a long history of supporting Special Olympics Ireland beyond professional services and we’re happy to offer our facilities, volunteers and become involved in any way we can. We were delighted to be chosen to work with Special Olympics Ireland on this project and continue to build on our valued relationship.”

Dell Technologies makes ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’ programme available on-demand

Dell Technologies today announced that it is making its pioneering ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’ educational programme available on demand due to the significant demand amongst those working within the healthcare sector.

The programme which provides healthcare professionals in Ireland with the tools and knowledge to apply new technologies within healthcare settings has been rolled out in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Since its launch in September of last year, the online course has provided 1,400 healthcare workers and leaders with the opportunity to develop much sought-after skills to accelerate the digital transformation of Ireland’s healthcare system.

Due to the significant demand for the programme, everyone involved in providing healthcare services in Ireland will have the ability to upskill and play an active role in transforming the way healthcare services are designed, developed and delivered into the future. To register for the on-demand content, visit: https://dell.to/3pNLugL.

This comes as the Government this week unveiled its new National Digital Strategy, entitled ‘The Digital Ireland Framework’, which sets target in the provision of digital public services. The strategy includes the phased deployment of electronic health record systems, telemedicine, remote care monitoring solutions and the greater use of ePharmacy and ePrescribing.

Participants of the ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’ programme to date have gained unique insights into the importance of cyber security, data analytics, next-generation remote imaging, diagnostics and machine learnings as well as the organisational change required to adopt technology in healthcare. These insights will help healthcare workers at all levels to support the roll-out of emerging technologies, connected health, and personalised health solutions which will help to improve patient outcomes.

Speaking about the course, Jason Ward, Vice President and Managing Director of Dell Technologies Ireland, said: “The past two years has demonstrated the benefits of embracing technology to empower our frontline workers while meeting the needs of patients. We now have an opportunity to accelerate the pace of digital transformation to meet the goals of Sláintecare.

 “That’s why we’re delighted to see so many people from across the healthcare system take part in our ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’ programme in the past five months and gain the skills to help Ireland become a European digital leader. By gaining the skills to apply digital tools withing GP surgeries, hospital settings and many more, our healthcare workers can become digital change makers. 

 “To ensure that every person in the healthcare sector has an opportunity to take part in the ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’ programme, we are making the course available on-demand for free. I would encourage anyone interested to register and help unleash a new era of healthcare transformation in Ireland.” 

Included among the subject experts delivering the programme include Ryan Heynes, Healthcare leader for Dell Technologies Ireland; Paul Reid, CEO of the HSE; and Neil O’Hare, CIO and Professor of Health Informatics at Children’s Health Ireland. The final two sessions of the programme focused on ‘Emerging Technologies in Healthcare’ and ‘Connected Healthcare’ will go live on February 16th and March 24th respectively.

Esri Ireland creates digital map as rugby kicks off this weekend

With the rugby kicking off this weekend and Ireland playing its first match against Wales on Saturday, digital mapping specialist Esri Ireland has mapped the upcoming fixtures for each of the competing countries. Whether tackling a trip overseas or staying on home soil, fans can use the interactive map to find out who is playing who (and when).

See HERE for more

 

Tech Review – ROXi Karaoke Mic and TV app

Most of us would be familiar or tried a hand a Karaoke in our time and it is a great entertainment platform which you would see lots of on holidays and in pubs and it is a great idea for entertaining the family at home and so on which over the last two years would be a more familiar place to use such equipment but with things now taking a turn it will not be long before Karaoke will be in full swing again in local bars where after a few pints you might get brave and pic up that mic,something I have tried in the past and miserably failed at..

Over the years this has been brought into the home though and it is great for family gatherings and over the Xmas period I tired this out with family and friends none of which wanted to be featured in my video but so be it but there was plenty of fun had with this and passed lots of time. I remember as a kid when Karaoke machines came out and then they got integrated into consoles which is more my scene and again had a dabble at it with the same results and just sat back and watched the rest blast away..

The ROXi system though keeps it simple with no expensive hardware required to get going and now there is a new TV app which we spoke about before here on site. This makes access even easier for everyone and can give you something to do if you are bored and want to liven things up. The MIc itself is easy to use with just two slider buttons and a power key and that is it..

Set Up is simple and only takes minutes with the bundle tested which was a Mic and Amazon Fire stick, If you have a compatible TV you can download the app and a software update is all that was required in my instance and you are good to go straight away, The UI is clean and easy to navigate and similar to YouTube but you can check out the video below for more and what you find in the UI which is easy to use which for me is important and ideal for family use no matter what age they are.

Overall this is an affordable home entertainment package which is great for family and friends and if you are into your music this is a real bonus. There is over 140K songs to pick from and a cool game to guess the track there is also a premium package you can sign up for and you get a free mic, it is little money if this is your thing and we all probably have enough subscriptions right now and while I am here it is a good time to check at what you really need and perhaps save yourself a few quid which I did and cancelled loads and then leave yourself open to spend your money elsewhere and if music is your thing this perhaps could be an option for you and the family.

BUY

Video Link

 

Gamigo’s community plants more than 110,000 new trees through Eden Reforestation Projects

gamigo is proud to announce that its community reached another milestone in getting trees planted through its permanent cooperation with Eden Reforestation Projects.

In September 2021, gamigo announced that this partnership would be made permanent and that players could support the nature conservation campaign through its charity website. Between the end of September and December 2021, funds were raised through the generous contributions of gamigo’s community to plant more than 110,000 new trees.

By purchasing the charity packages for select gamigo games, players are rewarded with in-game items. Due to contributions of gamigo players, the planters of Eden Reforestation Projects are able to plant new trees in affected regions of the world and, thanks to this support, receive fair remuneration for their valuable work in return.

The cooperation with Eden Reforestation Projects is part of the initiative of the gamigo group and its parent company MGI to raise awareness for sustainability among its players and to support this through further measures.

Additional activities of gamigo comprise of, among others, maintaining carbon neutrality for the whole group.

More information about the Eden Reforestation Projects and details about the participating games can be found on the charity website. Packages can be purchased for the following games from gamigo:

  • Aura Kingdom
  • Desert Operations
  • Echo of Soul
  • Fiesta Online
  • Grand Fantasia
  • Last Chaos
  • Rift
  • Shaiya
  • Trove
  • Wargame 1942
  • WolfTeam

Players of the above-mentioned titles are encouraged to regularly check in as these packages are expected to change over time.

 

Jagex Partners Signs Deal With Outlier Games To Publish ‘This Means Warp’

Jagex, the leader in developing and publishing deep, community-driven video games, today announced that it has signed a deal with Irish/Canadian indie developer Outlier Games to publish the studio’s inaugural game – the spaceship management roguelike This Means Warp. The game is set to be released on PC via Steam Early Access on March 17th 2022.

Designed with multiplayer and replayability at its core, This Means Warp encourages players to cooperate and think tactically in hectic, real-time space battles, and adopt shrewd strategies as they guide their ship through a hostile, procedurally generated universe. Taking inspiration from roguelikes such as FTL and party games such as the Overcooked series, This Means Warp sees players control crew members onboard a ship, manning different systems, targeting weapons and conducting repairs, and ultimately charting a course through the treacherous void of space.

This Means Warp is the first game to be developed by Outlier Games, an independent studio founded by Paul Froggatt and Matt Rathbun in 2018, based in Dublin, Ireland, and Toronto, Canada. It will be the third game to be published by Jagex Partners, the publishing arm of the British game developer of deep, community-driven games and best known for the RuneScape franchise. Jagex Partners will be providing additional resources, marketing support and its extensive publishing experience throughout This Means Warp’s launch and commercial lifecycle.

Technical director and co-founder of Outlier Games Paul Froggatt said: “We’re incredibly excited to be working with Jagex Partners to bring This Means Warp to market. The scale of support that we’ve been able to draw on in the run up to our Early Access release has really impressed us, not just in terms of the specialised skill sets that the teams at Jagex bring to the table, but how much their support has allowed us to plan for the future of both This Means Warp and Outlier Games as a company. They’ve been nothing but responsive and professional throughout this entire process and we look forward to working closely with them moving forward.”

Phil Mansell, Jagex CEO, said: “When we were first introduced to Outlier Games, we were incredibly impressed with what they’d created in This Means Warp – it combines some of the best aspects of roguelikes with party games in a way that encourages cooperation and has endless replayability. What most stood out to us as a publisher was how Outlier has involved its community at every stage of development so far, putting player feedback at the centre of how the game is made, and influencing the direction its development has taken. As a publisher, it’s a rare pleasure to find a game that resonates with its player base, that can bring that appeal to the wider gaming audience, and that has serious long term commercial opportunity. We look forward to supporting the launch of This Means Warp later this year, and Outlier Games as a developer well into the future.”

More details about This Means Warp can be found on the official Steam Page here, where players can also enjoy a fully playable demo of the game prior to its launch on Steam Early Access later on March 17th 2022.