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.

Irish Software Engineers Adopt Latest Tools To Streamline App Development

Irish software engineers are adopting the latest tools to streamline web app development. According to recent reports, over 75% of digital agencies identify poor app design as one of their most significant weaknesses. With growing demand throughout the industry, it is essential to improve design and development procedures. Importantly, this starts with investing in the right resources. As a software development enterprise manager, you need to integrate the latest innovative tools to streamline your web app development. This way, you can build professional, high functioning applications for your clients. Read on to learn about the latest tools Irish software engineers are adopting to streamline web app development. 

Web Development Frameworks

First, many software engineering firms in Ireland are adopting web development frameworks to streamline their development procedures. Typically, these tools serve as the starting point to develop dynamic web applications. With many frameworks, you can easily create front-end applications without complex plugins. This is because these tools often include well-designed templates, MVC architecture, and code generation features. In addition, many expressions are similar to code snippets. For example, they are commonly enclosed within brackets and do not use any loops or conditional statements. Furthermore, many web development frameworks include integrated tutorials or have published online courses. With these resources, you can efficiently learn how to use them. Definitely, Irish programmers are using web frameworks to simplify the build process. 

Centralized Repositories

In addition, Irish development professionals are also installing centralized repositories to streamline their web application developments. For example, Golang development teams are increasingly integrating GoProxy. Notably, these public centralized repositories are available to developers across the globe. Additionally, you can use these tools to host your open-source Go modules. Often, these are available in publicly accessible version control system (VCS) project repositories. Many of these, such as JFrog GoCenter are available to Golang developers for free. Of course, many developers around the world are learning Golang for its simple syntax and these increasingly accessible resources. Undoubtedly, Irish developers are installing centralized repositories to streamline module hosting.

Next, application development enterprises in Ireland are also using advanced code editors to increase coding efficiency. Many code editors include well-designed features and quick, high-performing user interfaces. For example, many of these systems can leverage various keyboard shortcuts. Indeed, this allows developers to perform simultaneous editing. Often, you can make the same changes to multiple selected areas at once. In addition, these editors allow you to navigate to your files, symbols, and lines with ease. When you’re spending full work days using a code editor, shaving seconds off your basic programming procedures adds up. For this improved efficiency, Irish developers are implementing advanced code editor tech to make working a happier and healthier experience. 

Source – Freepix

Frontend & Backend Tools

Moreover, Irish web app developers also use frontend and backend tools. Many backend tools include frameworks, database management systems, and API collaboration platforms. These innovative tools support some of the top web design trends for success. Importantly, many databases can provide multi-user access, easy set up procedures, and little maintenance. In addition, API collaboration platforms are designed to streamline communication, so you can create APIs faster. On the other hand, many developers use front end tools to streamline their programming processes. For example, some frameworks use JSX, which allows you to quote HTML and tag syntax to render sub components. Many frontend tools are also built with low-code interfaces for a more intuitive drag and drop interface. 

Prototyping Tools

Furthermore, software engineering agencies in Ireland are also using prototyping tools for their web app development projects. These are great tools to improve customer interaction and collaboration across your UI and UX design teams. For example, some high-fidelity prototyping tools include multi-player editing, easy sharing, and inline commenting features to boost collaboration. In addition, many components are reusable, so your team can get client approval faster. Of course, the best prototyping tools offer preview modes as well. With many low-code options available, this is a great solution to increase efficiency on your design teams. In short, many Irish developers are adopting prototyping tools, especially for UX and UI design techniques. 

Irish software engineers are adopting the latest tools to streamline web app development. First, web development frameworks are an essential starting point for any web application. Next, code editors are great resources to increase programming efficiency. In addition, centralized repositories are often easily accessible, especially for Golang teams. Moreover, frontend and backend tools are key building blocks for any project. Furthermore, install a prototyping tool to increase your design team’s efficiency. Consider these points to learn about the latest tools Irish software engineers are adopting to streamline web app development.

Realising the Potential of Edge for Irish Businesses. #Dell #EdgeComputing

By John O’Donoghue, Dell Technologies Ireland

Edge computing is quickly emerging as the next “big thing” in technology. From mobile devices and cell towers to refrigerators and industrial control systems, the data being generated at the edge by these platforms has enormous value for businesses across Ireland.

Telecommunications carriers, to take one example, are building innovative “micro towers” to drive a broad range of innovative 5G networking services. Similar to small data centres, these micro towers house hyperconverged computing platforms that can deliver experiences such as augmented and virtual reality to every end user accessing a 5G network.

Another example is SK Telecom, which has partnered with Dell Technologies to accelerate its 5G wireless network rollout using a multi-access edge computing (MEC) architecture. This partnership has enabled SK Telecom to decrease application latency on its network services to under 10 milliseconds.

Edge computing technology concept. Blue integrated circuit with icons. Futuristic tech of data processing.

In fact, edge computing platforms will be employed to further automate every business process imaginable using machine and deep learning algorithms deployed at the very edge of the network. Instead of waiting for data to be analysed by an application residing in the cloud or local data centre, algorithms will optimise business processes in real time based on events as they occur.

The shift towards edge computing is also driving a sea change in application development. The emergence of Edge Native Applications allows for applications to be built and deployed on edge devices for processing data at low latency.

Everything from connected cars to augmented and virtual reality applications will depend on the ability to process and analyse data in real time at the network edge. In fact, just about every instance of digital business transformation, both in Ireland and farther afield, will soon be driven by edge computing platforms capable of processing data in real time. Gartner estimates that by 2025, 75% of enterprise-generated data will be created and processed outside the traditional, centralized data center or cloud.

This will result in significant change for firms of all sizes in Ireland who have adopted new technologies at pace over the past year. However, business leaders who fail to recognise the opportunities in edge computing are at risk of finding themselves lagging behind their more innovative rivals as digital transformation accelerates even further. As a means of establishing a competitive advantage, edge computing can increase efficiency, generate new revenue streams, improve customer experiences, and build businesses and organisations to rebuild and recover.

The technology is not without its challenges. The total cost of ownership for all these platforms is staggering. Furthermore, finding the IT expertise required to manage edge computing platforms at scale requires access to IT automation frameworks that most businesses in Ireland are not in a position to build and support on their own. The level of expertise required first to define and maintain edge computing platform standards and then to make those platforms part of the extended enterprise requires a strategic partner dedicated not only to achieving a specific business outcome but also to minimising possible risks.

At Dell Technologies, we’ve already invested in edge computing platforms with a number of long-time global partners ranging from AT&T to SAP. It has been our privilege to provide IT platforms that millions of businesses across the world rely on every day.

As edge computing evolves, Dell Technologies will continue to be there every step of the way. Some examples of the innovative business outcomes we’re already enabling include:

  • McLaren Racing, a division of McLaren Group, is taking advantage of edge computing platforms from Dell Technologies to analyse nearly 100GB of data in real time that is captured by more than 200 sensors embedded in its race cars. More than 100,000 data points per second are streaming from each McLaren car per second to determine when to make a tire change, evaluate track safety, and even when to make gear changes during the race.
  • Manufacturing giant Emerson uses Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to help its customers gather data insights from sensors embedded in their digital valve controllers. Emerson and Dell Technologies have developed a wireless valve monitoring solution that collects information from digital valve controllers and sends it through a Dell Edge Gateway to the cloud. The Dell Edge Gateway aggregates, analyses, secures, processes and shares sensor data at the edge and also sends it to a Microsoft Azure-based cloud platform.
  • Olivetti provides small and medium-sized manufacturers with an IoT-based plug-and-play solution to make their machines and plants smarter, and their operations more efficient. Together, Olivetti, Dell Technologies and Alleantia have developed a turnkey solution that enables the digital transformation of production processes into Industry 4.0 logic. The solution takes data from the production line or machines and makes it immediately available through multiple interfaces. The processor performs near real-time data and event processing before distributing information to the customer’s applications either directly or via a secure Olivetti cloud-based infrastructure.

Edge computing isn’t simply the latest example of an overly hyped IT trend, but rather represents a profound transformation of how companies do business in Ireland that may soon eclipse the cloud in terms of strategic importance.

Tech Review – Quntis 30W USB- C fast charger for Apple and Android devices. #Tech

Need a new affordable charging brick for your phone and dont even get the charger in the box Check out the Quntis 30w fast charger, This is slated for iOS devices but works on Android too and it is listed in their spec sheet, this is a compact charging block with a good long cable on tow to give you more flexibility not on that you get your devices charged quicker too and up to two hours in some cases, this works quite well on both Android and iOS devices as I have of course tested both.

Not only does this supply faster charging you can also do data transfer too up to 480 mps, Quntis Type-C to lightning cable supports fast data transfer of up to 480 Mbps. 1GB large files will transfer in 25s. Quntis 30W USB C Charger Plug with USB-C to Lightning Cable 2m provides a much more faster charging speed for your iPhone and iPad, eg. iPhone 11 can be charged from 0% to 50% in only 0.5h, 2.5 times faster than 5V/1A adapter. 2.5Hrs Full Charge for MacBook 12″, 3Hrs full charge for Nintendo Switch (With USB C to C Cable)

Check the video for a closer look and you can purchase on Amazon, Note you can buy this on the UK and DE store but if DE you get the two pin option like all tech purchased from DE.

Quntis sent us this sample and are seeing this review the same time as you.

Quntis 30w fast charger: 10% off UQuntis01 (store: Ulinek) End date: 01/31/2022

Tech Review – ProLab Mouse. A new way to control technology. #Prolab #Tech

We are all fond of and use to the standard mouse and remote control and we all have some in the house the thing is though they cost money and they are often lost but how about one gadget to control all your bluetooth devices give presentations and do everything these other gadgets do well there is now a new product on kickstarter called the ProLab mouse and having used it over the last few days it is a neat gadget to own and some might argue it is a solution to a problem we do not have but if you are a multidevice user it is not the case and can be quite handy is is more effective than one might think when you begin to see how it can be used and given its size and the price it is a must for those like me who have multiple gadgets in the house and especially projectors. Selfie fans can also rejoice here and so is smart phone users as this can make life so easy if you want to use your smartphone as a companion device beside your workspace.

The Future of Smart Controllers – ProLab explains..

There’s nothing like the ProLab Mouse. Without question, we’ve designed the smallest and most advanced control hub in the world. Weighing just 8g (.3 oz), the ProLab Mouse puts full control of your smart devices right at your fingertips. This valuable tool for work and play is a combination of an air mouse, a keyboard and a remote PPT/camera /media controller. Using Bluetooth technology, the ProLab Mouse instantly connects to most laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This allows you to control music, videos, web navigation, and more. Change settings at the touch of a button, and enjoy digital control with no limits.

The ProLab Mouse is ultra-compact, weighing only 8g and is no larger than a Bluetooth earphone. It is also easy to hold and even easier to use. With its 360-degree rotated trackball and four clicker buttons, it only takes one hand to control dozens of different functions. Once you hold the ProLab Mouse, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

The ProLab Mouse features three different easy-to-use modes: Air Mouse Mode, Media Mode, and Keyboard Mode. A single touch of the Side Button allows you to easily switch from one mode to the next.

SPECS

Battery Life: 15 Hours

Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 4.2

Bluetooth connection distance: 10m

Input Voltage: DC-5V 500mA

Weight: 8g / 0.3 oz

Dimensions: 29*29*13.5mm / 1.14*1.14*0.53in

Compatibility: iOS, iPad OS, Android, Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, Linux and more

Check out the video below for more and do support them on KICKSTARTER any questions feel free to ask, I have been using this for a bit and find it very useful and it really is an all in one hub control unit..

Tech Review – Aukey 1080p webcam. #Tech #Webcams #Aukey

Since this covid lark began things also started changing for many workers in Ireland and that is working from home, this was already happening though over the last two years and the pandemic only accelerated it. For me it has been the same, gradually over the last three years I left a company I worked for as a contractor for 18 years and found a niche in the industry

I do know of plenty of people that do work from home and have done so for years, long before this situation arrived but the likes of zoom and teams was not needed, we had skype and other means to do business over the phone or via your pc/laptop but now with teams and zoom being hugely popular I chose teams to be my means of contact when I require to speak to more than one person since some people are from strategically placed business in Ireland it is impossible to get all in one place at one time given we do have the rights to travel for essential purposes but me being me I decided to use tech to make life easier for all and get the same job done without moving.

Lets be up front most of our built in webcams are rubbish and you will see why here I have several laptops and they are all brutal with the built in webcam and you will see the difference by using an external webcam and not only that you are not so restricted either as it can be moved anywhere within the cables confines and the picture and audio is also better too, there is people out there who worry about what they look like on the likes of zoom and so on and need to stop this. I did hear a radio topic on this the other day and it is not right worrying how you look on these platforms, If that is you external webcams are for you and we have some in to check out, the one here today is the AUKEY 1080P webcam and it is a simple plug and play and job done, no software no nothing just plug it in and switch to it on whatever platform you are using..

  • 1080P High Resolution: With a 1/3 inch CMOS image sensor, the webcam with a resolution of 1920*1080p delivers clear video for video chatting and video recording, provides good performance even in dimly lit rooms (≤ 5 lux)
  • Built-in stereo microphone: the two digital microphones provide clear, natural sound and significantly reduce background noise
  • Plug & Play: Thanks to USB Video Class (UVC) you do not need to install any drivers or software, simply connect to the USB port of your device
  • Compatible with Windows XP/2000/2003/Vista/7/8/10, Mac OS 10.6 and Android 5.0 or above, works with Smart TV, Android TV Box, Skype, MSN, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Youtube, Yahoo Messenger etc.
  • Box contents: Aukey PC-LM1E webcam 1080p, instruction manual (English language not guaranteed)

BUY HERE

Tech Review – Vantrue N2S dual dashcam. #Motoring #Vantrue #Tech #Dashcams

I have tested a huge range of dashcams here in Ireland the most from any tech site anyway and this is the first time to test out the brand VANTRUE and today we have the N2S dual dashcam which is ideal for any driver and particularly those who carry passengers ie taxi men etc. But yes anyone can use this dashcam and everyone should have a dashcam.

First thing here to note is you will need to buy an SD card and do not cheap out here either you will need a class 10 card up to 256GB, the more storage the better due to the options on this cam the higher the setting the better the quality the more space it takes up however it does not overwrite protected files your normal recorded files are like any other dashcam but it is better to be safe than sorry buying cheap SD cards go and buy a good branded one rather than something cheap of Amazon.

The dashcam has plenty of features but no app which is shame but still it works really well and simple to use we go through all this on the video review anyway so you will be able to navigate through it. So we have two cameras in operation here that can be set to a resolution your prefer.

In Dual Recording mode:1440P+1080P(30FPS); 1080P+1080P
(30FPS): 1080P+720P(30FPS); 720P+1080P(30FPS); 720P+720P(30FPS); IN SINGLE FRONT CAM RECORDING mode, 2592x1520P(30FPS);
2560x1440P(30FPS); 1920x1080P(30FPS); 1280x720P(30FPS)
Other features included are loop recording, time lapse, parked recording inside and out with sensors, heat and cold resistance, wide angle, GPS player which you will need to download.
Set up is easy we go through this in the video review, you have some buttons up top for navigation and an emergency key to record on the back so once hit file is recorded and protected. You can adjust both the inside camera to your needs so it is not a fixed camera like the front but there is a ball and socket joint to get the angle you prefer this will work in any vehicle.
Once it is set up that is it job done just leave it there and let it do its job.
Overall this is a great dashcam coming in much cheaper than its rivals minus the app it is not a touch screen either but the controls work well and it is easy to use and the menu structure is not exhausted either by sub menus galore..

 

Tech Review – Soundcore LIFE Q30 hybrid ANC headphones. #Tech #Headphones

I like my headphones and have an extensive collection but what I like more is when a pair of headphones come in cheap and deliver on all aspects and saves you money. These are such a pair and I like them. We go through all the features as usual below so you don’t have to in the video review.

The Soundcore LIFE Q30 by Anker are a really comfortable fit with soft cups and headband and can be worn for hours with no issues with sweat so for long term use there are great. Sporting 40mm drivers these are loud and it is how I like my headphones and with ANC on board you can immerse yourself in to your music  and forget what is going on outside and to top it off the ANC is decent too, I also tested these with a projector I was testing out recently the PICO GENIE and they worked really well and gave me countless hours of bliss enjoying my Netflix and You Tube and of course listening to my music tracks these headphones delivered all round, when it comes to the above, Direction is good, you are central, voice is good instruments you name it all was good here in short you will like them. My usual testing tracks all great and there is great bass here to and of course there is the soundcore app which can enhance your listening experience even more and tailor to your needs it is a great app too by the way.

The controls are easy to use with slightly raised keys easy to navigate and on both sides you also have a touch area on side to switch between modes and there is a NC button too and all these work well all of the time. All features are there as you would expect to control your music without the need to take your phone out of your pocket and as mentioned we go through these in the video below. Battery life is excellent on these with up to 40 hours of life and you also have a quick charge of 5 minutes that gives you up to 4 hours of life which is excellent.

Overall for the price you pay on these I cant really complain about them they deliver on comfort, sound and features and for me an excellent pair of headphones for the price and easy to recommend.

Features

  • Hi-Res Certified Music: Hear every detail of your favorite songs thanks to Life Q30’s 40mm drivers. The highly-flexible silk diaphragms reproduce thumping bass and crisp treble that extends up to 40kHz for improved clarity.
  • Advanced Noise Cancellation Technology: Maintain your focus with Life Q30’s hybrid active noise cancellation. Dual noise-detecting microphones pick up and filter out up to 95% of low-frequency ambient sound to ensure nothing distracts you from your music.
  • Ultimate Noise Cancellation Experience: Customize Life Q30’s noise cancellation with 3 modes—Transport minimizes airplane engine noise, Outdoor reduces traffic and wind, and Indoor dampens the sound of busy offices with people talking in the background.
  • 40-Hour Playtime: Life Q30 active noise cancelling headphones play up to 40 hours of music in noise cancelling mode. Standard mode extends the playtime to 60 hours, while a short 5-minute charge gives you 4 hours of listening.
  • Pressure-Free Comfort: Life Q30 active noise cancelling headphones have ultra-soft protein leather earcups with memory foam padding to fit snugly over your ears. The lightweight build also ensures they’re comfortable for long listening sessions.

BUY HERE 

Tech Review – Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro True Wireless. #Tech #Soundcore

Recently I checked out this companies headphones the Soundcore Life Q30 and was really impressed with them and they are value for money and people have been asking how did these TWS earbuds work out and again the story is the same and I cant fault them at all and they have earned a place in my top 5 in fact.

From the presentation to the product you are getting quality here all round with the feel of the charge case and a kind of textured feel on the earbuds both combined is really nice and they look great too once again putting Apples to shame which so many tech journos froth at the mouth over. I will say it again “you do not need to spend that much money on Apple products when there is better for less and these without doubt are an easy win here”. No disrespect to Apple they make nice products but their pricing is just wrong.

When it comes to comfort again it is great and the fit is really nice and they wont budge, I have started listening to podcasts lately and use these to help me fall asleep and when I wake up they are still there. I tend to listen to lots of music and TV in bed at night when testing headphones and earbuds and it is hard to find earbuds that stay put, headphones are obviously out of the equation here when trying to get asleep.

Controls are great and a simple tap or two and you can change whatever is required including the sound profile and a double tap to turn on/off the ANC we go through the rest in the video but overall with their own app they are yours to set up as you see fit and not stuck at a stock setting which is great for personalisation which is what consumers like these days.

How they sound is what everyone is here for and in short they are excellent for the price. Great on voice, voice calls, instruments and direction with no lag latency either, when doing my usual test loop they easily pass when watching Netflix and You Tube etc. With the choice of having ANC/Transparency mode and Normal a click away you are in control. You should by the way do the sound test to get the best results it it will take around 4/5 mins to complete. These are also decently loud too which for me is great, Selecting custom mode is worth a view too and with the options in there again you are in control. In transparency mode you have fully transparent and vocal mode..

Battery life has been rather good on these and stand up to their claims obviously with high volumes and ANC on it hits the juice but you can quickly charge up,10 minutes charging earbuds = 2 hours of playtime and use wireless charging I actually use this more than I do on my phones and usually have my earbuds on charge from the selection I am currently using. You can use these independently too so if one is charging you can still use the other.

Overall these are an easy pair of earbuds to recommend and for the money here I cant say one bad thing about them and that is a rare thing to say and from testing the biggest range of TWS in Ireland I know what I am talking about.

KEY FEATURES

  • ●  PureNote Driver technology with 11mm drivers for accurate sound and clarity at all frequencies.
  • ●  Multi-mode ANC with Transport, Indoor and Outdoor settings for customizable usage levels
  • ●  Two transparency modes enhance the environment including voices without removing earbuds.
  • ●  7-hour battery in earbuds with ANC off / 6-hour battery with ANC on
  • ●  Qi wireless charging case with 26 hour battery with ANC off / 21 hour battery with ANC on as well as USB-C charging.
  • ●  Anker Fast Charging technology – 10 minutes charging earbuds = 2 hours of playtime
  • ●  Premium call quality using 6-mic uplink noise reduction helps optimize voices and minimize background noise.
  • ●  Customizable user touch controls to set preferences for play/pause, track advance, volume, etc.
  • ●  Voice-assistant compatibility with Siri at launch and other popular voice-assistants in the future.
  • ●  Nine sets of silicone ear tips, ranging from XXXS to XL and L+ in ensure a proper fit.
  • ●  Bluetooth version – 5.0
  • ●  Waterproof rating – IPX4
  • ●  Available in Four Colors: Onyx Black, Titanium White, Sapphire Blue, and Crystal Pink
  • ●  Earbud size // Case size – 1.47” x 0.87” x 0.91” // 2.44” x 2.35” x 1.18”
  • ●  Earbud weight / Case weight – 0.37 oz // 1.78 oz

The Liberty Air 2 Pro now available in four colors including Onyx Black, Titanium White, Sapphire Blue, and Crystal Pink with an MSRP of $129.99 at Amazon.com, Soundcore.com and BestBuy.com. Additional retailers will be added in the coming weeks. the Liberty Air 2 Pro are available in the U.K for £129.99; Europe for €129.99 and Canada for $169.99 (CAD).

 

 

First Look and Unboxing. The Urbanista Miami Headphones with ANC #UrbanistaLife #Tech

Brand new to the market, Urbanista Miami is an Active Noise Cancelling, over ear headphone available in 4 stylish colours: Midnight Black, Pearl White, Teal Green and Ruby Red. Today we do a first look and unboxing of the new cans and these have a real premium feel to them..
Designed for those that live life in motion, Miami is the perfect over ear alternative to the brands latest London earbud and is packed with features such as Active Noise Cancelling, Active Voice Mode and 30 hours playtime, putting the listener in control and the headphones at the top of their league for a very affordable £129 MSRP.
Axel Grell, Urbanista’s acoustical engineer has critiqued, developed and fine tuned the sound of Miami to give it a warm contoured bass that extends to ultra-low frequencies, clean mids and highs. Miami provides a stunning, crisp sound experience whether you choose Active Noise Cancelling, Default or Ambient Sound Mode.
Key features:
  • Active Noise Cancelling
  • Ambient Sound Mode
  • 30hrs+ total playtime
  • Operating time with ANC on: 30hrs
  • On-Ear detection
  • Type C Charging
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Compatible with iOS and Android
  • Google Assistant

BUY HERE