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.

Konftel Calls For Change As World Leaders Gather For Major Climate Summit

Konftel is urging the wider communications industry to follow its lead and take the greener route to success – after enabling customers to ‘conference with a clear climate conscience’.

With the COP26 UN climate change conference now underway in Glasgow, Konftel has issued a rallying call having become the first manufacturer of its kind to achieve Climate Neutral certification.

In an era of agile working with huge demand for conferencing and collaboration hardware, protecting the planet is just as important as connecting the world, says CMO Stefan Eriksson.

“We were the first in the collaboration devices sector to earn official Climate Neutral certification – which has been successfully extended for the second year in a row.”

Stefan Eriksson Konftel CMO

He continued: “For us, it’s not enough to simply provide innovative technology, equipment and support which helps people communicate more effectively without having to travel. We also have to pay attention to our own carbon footprint in a way which encourages others to do the same. 

Cut impact at source

“The basic benefits of conferencing have always had a positive environmental impact and the technology we produce works in harmony with our climate neutral philosophy. More video meetings means less car and rail journeys, fewer flights, less-full offices, reduced gas and electricity consumption. The two strategies operate together. By choosing Konftel users really can conference with a clear climate conscience from the very first meeting.”

Climate Neutral Certified status means all greenhouse gas emissions have been offset, across all aspects of the business, from manufacturing and product packaging to transportation. Konftel continues to cut impact at source too.

Investment in worldwide carbon credits are in turn used to support controlled and certified projects across the world, such as forest conservation in Cambodia, clean electricity in Indonesia, landfill gas in the USA and also clean cookstoves in Mali.

Eriksson concluded: “Today’s hybrid working trends has triggered a huge explosion is conferencing equipment sales. But buying from Konftel ensures there is no overall impact on the planet. As world leaders gather in Glasgow to make major global changes we can all play our part, however big or small.”

 

More about Konftel’s climate neutral commitments can be found here and also via the official Climate Neutral website here

 

Zara opens concept store in Liffey Valley with the latest digital innovations.

Zara today opens its new concept store in Dublin’s Liffey Valley Shopping Centre- one of Ireland’s largest shopping and leisure destinations. The opening marks the debut of Zara’s new concept store in the country and will feature the very latest digital innovations, which fully integrate the store with online to guarantee customers a seamless shopping experience.

The store spans over 30,000 square foot across two floors and features Women, Man and Kids collections – it will also be the first store in Ireland to provide an area dedicated to Zara’s new Beauty collection.

The store concept, designed by Zara’s Architecture team, encapsulates the four characteristics that define the architectural philosophy of Zara: simple, functional, sophisticated, and refined. The store features concentric spaces which act as the perfect frame for the Zara collections, where the product and the customer play the leading role. Thanks to its studied commitment to organic shapes and flowing series of smooth curves, the project honours the beauty of fabric and natural material with a palette of brown  and stone shades and matt finishes. This aesthetic continues throughout other store elements, such as screens and furniture which are notably curved.

This novel architectural translates into how the brand’s collections are presented: bringing them to light in the recesses in the walls. The sleek white surface runs across the ceilings and walls and creates a backdrop that enhances the collections. They are showcased in soft, warm and natural environment with pockets of greenery, which characterises the brand linking the product to is sustainability standards, inviting customers to enjoy a holistic shopping experience.

 

zara liffey valley

In terms of digital innovations, the store includes an automated pick-up point for customers to collect online shopping orders in a matter of seconds, and self-checkouts on exiting fitting rooms to offer the utmost convenience. The new digital functionality ‘Store Mode’ will also be available for customers through the Zara app. This allows customers to browse items in the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre store through the app and order for collection in store in half an hour, as well as the ability to book fitting rooms through the app and locate items easily.

GUDIED BY ECO- EFFICENCEY

Designed with sustainability in mind, Zara Liffey Valley complies with Inditex Group’s environmental commitments and incorporates the latest eco-efficiency innovations to reduce water and energy consumption compared with a conventional store. Inditex’s environmental commitments do not stop at store design, as eco- efficiency is central to the manufacturing processes and raw materials used to create garments. This commitment is reflected through Join Life, an initiative that brings together fashion and sustainability. All products under Inditex’s Join Life label are made using the most sustainable materials and/or processes or with technologies that save water or reduce carbon emissions.

In 2020, more than 35% of Inditex’s garments carried the Join Life label and over 50% of garments will have this label by 2022. Inditex’s goal is to use only more sustainable cotton and cellulosic fibres by 2023. By 2025, all polyester and linen will be 100% recycled or sustainable.

The Liffey Valley store will also include collection containers for customers to donate clothes they no longer wear to our charity partner Oxfam Ireland.

Aer Lingus signs deal with Daon to extend use of VeriFLY app

Aer Lingus has signed a deal with Daon to extend the use of the VeriFLY app, following the successful rollout of the technology across its network.  Aer Lingus’s investment in VeriFLY allows customers to upload and receive approval of their travel documentation at home before travelling to the airport – particularly helpful in the context of the new travel requirements for entry into the USA*.  By using VeriFLY, Aer Lingus customers will be able to check in online and go straight to bag drop / boarding gate and avoid any queuing at check-in.

Aer Lingus started trialling VeriFLY in April 2021 and the airline is now using the app on the vast majority of its operations, including flights to and from Europe, from UK to Ireland, UK to and from Barbados and on transatlantic routes to and from the USA. To date, up to 250,000 Aer Lingus customers have successfully used the VeriLFY app.

The VeriFLY app can be downloaded for free to mobile devices and is designed to offer peace-of-mind before travelling. The app allows customers to upload Covid-19 related documentation required for travel to their destination, including vaccination records and negative Covid-19 results.  The documentation is then approved. Customers receive a “green tick” on the app, letting them know they have met the appropriate Covid-19 entry requirements for their destination. Aer Lingus customers travelling to USA will only be able to check-in online once they have verified their documentation using VeriFLY. This will help reduce any uncertainty or stress associated with travelling. At the airport, customers travelling to the USA will show their boarding pass to the Aer Lingus agents at the boarding gate. Currently customers who are traveling within Europe will show their VeriFLY “green tick” and boarding pass to agents at the boarding. Customers can then avail of a prioritised VeriFLY boarding process which minimises queues, allowing for a more seamless customer experience.

 

Peter O’Neill, Chief Operations Officer at Aer Lingus said:

“With travel to the US opening up on 8th November, and more people planning trips abroad to reconnect with family, friends and colleagues we want to make the experience as seamless as possible. VeriFLY is key to this, as it ensures our customers are confident that they are complying with their destination’s COVID related travel requirements before they leave home.  While there are new and varied rules across different countries, the use of the VeriFLY app means customers can very easily upload their travel documents and have them checked and approved before they fly. At Aer Lingus we are committed to using technology to improve our customers’ travel experience.”

Clive Bourke, President EMEA and APAC at Daon added: “With travel to the US and elsewhere opening up, for the first time since this pandemic began, we will see some families and friends being re-united. Now people will be able to take those much-needed breaks and important in-person business connections will be re-ignited. VeriFLY simplifies travel for passengers – the app guides the traveller through all the pre-departure COVID requirements for a destination and lets them complete those steps for both themselves and any traveling companions before they leave for the airport. We’re delighted to work with Aer Lingus to help make travel as stress-free as possible for passengers while enabling both Aer Lingus and passengers to efficiently comply with all the international travel requirements related to COVID.”

All data uploaded to VeriFLY or through aerlingus.com is not retained by either organisation and is purged post travel, unless a government requires specific information to be temporarily kept for attestation or contact tracing, in which case it will be safeguarded for a limited time strictly in compliance with GDPR laws.

Aer Lingus has introduced a range of tools to ensure travel is easy and stress free for customers. In addition to VeriFLY, Aer Lingus introduced a new digital Travel Support Tool in August, designed to remove uncertainty regarding travel restrictions and entry requirements for all Aer Lingus destinations.  The interactive tool on aerlingus.com, powered by Sherpa, allows Aer Lingus customers to search destinations and retrieve up-to-date tailored travel information based on their specific circumstances including vaccination status, return travel and flight connection requirements.

To book visit aerlingus.com and for more information on VeriFLY visit aerlingus.com/support/covid19-information/verifly/

First look at the Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro

Over the last few months I have been using the Liberty Pro 2 and they are in my top 5 earbuds this year which is a tough act to follow and stay in the top 5, the true wireless market is huge and over saturated and it is very interesting times now with the cost to performance ratio dropping all the time, the new Liberty 3 Pro have a totally new look and the presentation is also excellent which goes a long way as first impressions last for most.

Today we take a quick first look and unboxing and as ususal you know what to do if you have any questions whilst we test these out alongside many other earbuds we have here with us now…

 

KEY FEATURES

  • ACAA 2.0 with Knowles Balanced Armature driver and 10.6mm dynamic driver.
  • HearID ANC for customizable usage scenarios
  • LDAC, AAC and SBC codec for best sounding music
  • Two transparency modes enhance the outside noises without removing earbuds.
  • Upto 8-hour battery in earbuds with ANC off / 6-hour battery with ANC on (at 60% vol.)
  • Wireless charging compatible case with 32-hour battery (with ANC off) and 24-hour battery (with ANC on) as well as USB-C charging.
  • Anker Fast Charging technology – 15 minutes charging earbuds = 3 hours of playtime
  • 6-mic AI uplink noise reduction helps minimize background noise during calls
  • Customizable user touch controls for play/pause, track advance, volume, etc.
  • Bluetooth version – 5.2
  • Waterproof rating – IPX4
  • Available in Four Colors: Midnight Black, Frost White, Fog Gray and Dusk Purple
  • Earbud size // Case size – 0.69″ x 1.11″ x 1.05″ // 2.79″ x 2.18″ x 1.10″
  • Earbud weight / Case weight – 0.21 oz // 1.55 oz

 

First look – The Konftel C 2070

The Konftel C2070 is a video package for huddle to medium meeting rooms, uniting the Konftel Cam20 4K conference camera with the Konftel 70 speakerphone and its OmniSound audio quality.

Konftel’s OCC Hub brings everything together into one convenient kit, so a single USB cable is all users need to connect the camera, the sound unit and the room’s screen to the video collaboration app on their laptop. Today we check out what the kit looks like in the flesh and we will be putting it to the test with end to end video calls with our other Konftel products so stay tuned for a real hands on of what to expect and any questions feel free to ask below or on our social media accounts.

First look at the Jabra Evolve 2 75

Next in from Jabra is the all new Evolve 2 75 headset which sets a new standard for hybrid working, with working from home now a thing you need the right tools and this headset fits the bill nicely, today we take a first look at the new headset and we will of course have a full hands on review soon here on techbuzz. Any questions you may have fire them in the comments below and we will answer all questions or hit us up on our social.

Key Features and Specifications:

  • 26% per cent more Noise Cancellation than Evolve 75 through Adjustable Jabra Advanced ANC, dedicated chipset and Jabra’s new Dual Foam Technology
  • Premium Open Office microphones with a 33 per cent shorter hide-away microphone boom arm than Evolve 75
  • 8 microphone technology
  • Superior quality calls
  • High quality audio with the boom arm retracted in discreet mode, or when fully down in performance mode. Optimised for a flexible worklife
  • Certified for all major UC platforms
  • Up to 30m/100 ft wireless range
  • Connect two devices with dual connectivity
  • Dedicated Teams button (on MS Teams variant)
  • Integrated 360° busylight
  • Up to 36h MusicTime, 24h TalkTime (without ANC and Busylight) 33% more TalkTime than Evolve75
  • Powerful music w/ 40mm speakers & AAC codecs
  • Device management with Jabra Direct and Xpress
  • Personalisation with Jabra Sound+ and Jabra Direct
  • Google fast pair (Android Only

 

First look at the Jabra Elite 7 Pro

Recently on techbuzz we checked out the Jabra Elite 3 which are an entry level pair of earbuds from the company which announced their new line up a short time ago, next up for review is the high end Elite 7 Pro and we cant wait to put these through their paces over the coming weeks, Today we take a first look at the new Elite 7 Pro unbox them and compare to the Elite 3 and the 85T and you can see the new design language they have adopted here. Any questions feel free to ask below or on our social handles and we will as always respond and will have a full hands on review soon..

Elite 7 Pro key features and specifications: 

  • Jabra MultiSensor VoiceTM for professional-grade audio
  • Adjustable ANC for full immersion
  • 9 hours non-stop play time with ANC, 35 hours with case
  • IP57 rated durability
  • BT ver. 5.2
  • Use either earbud & multi-connect (by upgrade)
  • Alexa built-in, Siri and Google Assistant* (*Android only)

 

ZenaDrone – Innovative Agri-Drone to create greener fields for Ireland’s farms

Canadian technology firm ZenaTech’s newest venture, ZenaDrone, has today announced its entry into Ireland’s agriculture sector. ZenaDrone is a professional spec two-meter drone for the agri-industry that uses specialised high-definition camera and computer vision to monitor and treat crop plantations across large areas. In addition to providing a sorely needed solution to close the growing labour gap in Irish agricultural services, ZenaDrone will create up to 30 new jobs in Ireland over the next 12 months, including roles in design and development, technical support, and sales and marketing.

ZenaTech is a technology solution provider that specializes in drone development, tracking solutions, augmented reality, and more. Founded in 2018 by serial entrepreneur Dr. Shaun Passley as a spin-off of Epazz, Inc. it then become a Canadian company in 2018 in order for it to go public on the Canadian Securities Exchange. The company’s initial products were aimed at marijuana and hemp-related businesses that included tracking plants from seed to sale and processing payments. The capabilities of drone technology in tracking plant progress in any field has resulted in an ambitious expansion plan for ZenaDrone. Ireland was chosen by Shaun and his team due to its major agricultural sector, combined with the relative size of the country.

The ZenaDrone 1000 is the latest iteration of the drone, created entirely in-house by the company’s design team. It consists of industrial and automated sensors for monitoring, a high definition camera for image and video capturing, GPRS abilities, and carbon fiber shell coating for durability. It is capable of hovering for an extended period with its long-lasting battery giving it a total of 60 minutes flight time. The OctoCopra feature enables camera stabilization and a vertical take-off and landing mechanism. It is the smallest lightweight flying camera that can record 4K videos, capture high megapixel photos, proficient in both active tracks, and tap flying for effortless complex shots. It is made explicitly for multipurpose uses in various industries, especially in farming.This innovative drone can also be used in other industries such as roofing, construction, forestry, and many more.

ZenaDrone 1000 Features:

  • Plant Disease Detection – ZenaDrone can monitor plant health and potential problems using its multispectral sensor

  • Intelligent Flight Battery – ZenaDrone has a built-in and long-lasting battery for extended and uninterrupted flight time of up to 60 minutes

  • Automatic Charging – wireless charging pad that detects the source of power automatically and charges in 60 minutes

  • VTOL Flight Mode – ZenaDrone can hover steadily, take off and land even during rough winds and requires less horizontal space to launch

  • OctaCopter Drone – Eight propellers provide greater lift, faster movement and stability

  • Carbon Fiber Body – the frame, body and mounting plates consist of robust composite carbon fiber for a durable drone

Dr. Shaun Passley holds numerous masters degrees from DePaul University, Benedictine University and Northwestern University and has a PhD in Business Administration. In addition to ZenaTech, he is also Chairman & CEO of Epazz, Inc. – an enterprise-wide cloud software company, and the manufacturing company Ameritek Ventures – a manufacturing company. ZenaDrone is an entirely bootstrapped venture.

ZenaDrone is aiming to help the agri sector in Ireland close its emerging labour gap through automation. Information from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicates that cereal production in Ireland declined by 16% between 2019 and 2020 driven by labour shortages. In addition to this, data from Trading Economics shows a drop in the number of people employed in Agriculture in Ireland, from 5.8% of the population in 2012 to 4.48% in 2020.

Commenting on ZenaDrone launch in Ireland, CEO and Founder of ZenaDrone, Shaun Passley said: ‘At ZenaDrone, our team has a commitment to innovate, improve, test, and enhance our drone technology to help meet the needs of the farmers in these uncertain times. We strive to ensure that we are providing the latest tech, most advanced software and best customer service. We look forward to being able to help Irish farmers and producers and also to welcoming more Irish talent to the ZenaDrone team.’

When Is the Best Time to Sell Your SaaS Business?

The future of SaaS businesses is sustainable because they offer a competitive service that customers need. A SaaS business is only as valuable as the revenue that is produced, and to sell this type of business you need to have it valued. Building up a business and selling it can be daunting, especially when you have put a great deal of effort into its sustainability.

Entrepreneurs starting a SaaS company can make a good income by valuing the business and predicting when is the best time to sell. With some of these easy tools, you can determine whether to sell your business in a few months or a year, to maximize profit.

When the Market Dictates It

Apart from evaluating the business from every point to assess its profitability and sustainability, you may be able to predict when an ideal time to sell the business would be. There may be a new competitor on the scene that is undercutting your prices too much to remain relevant in the market. Perhaps you know that one of your biggest clients is preparing to churn. If any of these factors come into play then you will want to sell your business immediately.If you’re wondering how do I sell my business, it’s recommended to seek advice from business brokers or professionals experienced in mergers and acquisitions to guide you through the process and ensure a successful transition. They can provide valuable insights into the current market conditions, help you determine the appropriate valuation for your business, and assist in preparing all necessary documents and negotiations.

Selling a business when the market changes allow a business owner to convert their investment into a liquid asset that can fund another business or retirement. 

When Your Metrics Show Value

Metrics can be used to assess the business’ revenue growth, churn, the cost of acquiring the business, and the involvement of the original director of the SaaS company. Most important is the revenue growth and market statistics for the business, as this directly relates to how successful the company is. This is calculated by the monthly recurring revenues (MRR) but also includes the cost of investment to get to that point. The higher the MRR growth rate, the more positive growth that can be expected. 

Churn is the rate of customers lost over a specific timeframe and is used to evaluate the probability of further business losses. A negative churn rate is ideal for prospective buyers, as it shows that the business has a stable recurring revenue stream from existing customers. 

The role of the founder in the business is also vital because it indicates the original creator’s current personal involvement in the business. If the seller of a SaaS company is too involved to the point that operation would diminish without them, the business may not survive post-sale. All of these factors determine whether the business will be attractive to buyers or not.

The LTV: CAC Ratio

The cost of acquiring a customer (CAC) versus the lifetime value of that customer (LTV) is critical when preparing to sell your SaaS business. The ideal ratio is your CAC must be three times less than the LTV. For example, LTV: CAC 3:1 would be the perfect ratio, illustrating how much money you are spending in the business to sign up new customers and retain existing ones. 

This calculation shows you how much money you are investing in a new customer against the output of that business. If you spend too much with a little positive outcome, your ratio will be less than ideal. Keep in mind that it generally takes a year or more to see a return on that investment to obtain new customers. 

Choosing to sell your SaaS company can be a tough experience when you’ve put years, money, and personal effort into making it a successful venture. SaaS businesses can be highly profitable when you do sell, but you need to make sure that the metrics show good statistics so that more buyers become interested, and you can increase the sale revenue of the business.