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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.
Recently here on techbuzz we have reviewed the Eufy doorbell and their outdoor cameras and now it is time to check out their indoor solution to protect your home, Speaking of indoor security cameras an Irish “security expert” claimed on national there is no need for such cameras in the house which is codswallop if you want to protect your home properly and also they can be used to monitor pets and our older generation as many do today and not only that should intruders get in to your house you can capture images and footage.
The Eufy indoor pan and tilt camera is feature rich and most importantly your data is kept safe which is a priority of the company and after my testing it is an excellent indoor camera to have which sports AI detection pet detection and two way communication all in 2K, this is a wired camera and will need a wall socket for power and it is not a huge obstructive camera to have in the home, check out the full video walkthrough below for all the details and of course the footage… Also a side note this only works on 2.5ghz Wi-Fi
Features
Relevant Recordings
: The on-device AI determines whether a human or pet is present and only records when an event of interest occurs.
The Key is in the Detail
: View every event in up to 2K clarity (1080P while using HomeKit) so you see exactly what is happening inside your home.
Smart Integration
: Connect your Indoor Cam to Apple HomeKit, the Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa for complete control over your surveillance.(HomeKit available via update. When opening HomeKit, users must add the device in the eufy Security app and then complete the activation process.)
Follows the Action
: When motion is detected the camera automatically tracks and follows the moving object. Pan the lens 360° horizontally or tilt it 96° vertically to get a clear view of the whole room.
Communicate From Your Camera
: Speak in real-time to anyone who passes via the camera’s built-in two-way audio.
Sony has the perfect deal for all gaming fans interested in gifting themselves or a friend this Christmas. The offer, currently available from Vodafone and O2’s online channels as well as Sony’s eStore, gifts customers over 18,000 Call of Duty mobile CP points, along with a Sony PlayStation DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller and mobile mount redeemable with every purchase of the Xperia 5 II.
Right up until Christmas Day* (while stocks last), anyone buying the Sony Xperia 5 II will bag this free game pack, helping them to make their mark on the Call of Duty mobile league tables.
The Sony Xperia 5 II, which retails at £799 and comes in a compact design, has a whole host of amazing features including real time AF for humans and animals, 6.1” 21:9 CinemaWide display and controls inspired by Alpha cameras. The smartphone’s gaming capabilities set it apart with smooth, blur free gameplay, with the display updating the image 240 times per second to ensure an exhilarating experience for all mobile gamers.
The promotion runs from 00:00:01 03/12/2020 until 23:59:59 on 23/12/20 at Vodafone UK, 24/12/20 at Vodafone Ireland and 25/12/20 at O2 or while stocks last and must be redeemed by 23:59:59 31/01/21. Terms and conditions apply.
FUZE4 Nintendo Switch have announced that their FUZE Player will be launching in the Nintendo eShop on 28th December 2020. Over the last year, hundreds of games have been written using FUZE4 Nintendo Switch. The FUZE Showcase Gallery was created to highlight the best submissions. However as many of these are so good, FUZE decided it was best to make them available beyond the FUZE community for other Switch users to enjoy.
With FUZE Player for Nintendo Switch you can:
: Play the built-in games
: Download lots more for free
: View the code to see how they were made
: Join the FUZE Arena community where you can submit you own games and apps made with FUZE4 Nintendo Switch
The initial release includes more than 20 games developed by FUZE and the FUZE Arena Community using the coding app FUZE4 Nintendo Switch. Included games:
Super Mega Arena Blaster● Fast Food Dizzy for FUZE ● Crazy 3D Shooter ● Vecroids ● Ninja Scroll ● Know Your Plaice!
● FUZE Bounce ● Asteroid Navigator ● Genial Chess ● Patience Solitaire ● Super Laser Blast ● Motorway Memory ● Missiles
No Escape from Red Hell● Vi-Race ● AnimeUltraHyperJump ● Da Bean ● Shapes Mini Game ● Cube Puzzle Toy ● Skatey Cat
Irish creative agency, Connector by Granite, has used AI to bring back Van Gogh and William Butler Yeats to create their Christmas cards this year. The company trained neural networks to recognise patterns in the source data from Van Gogh’s starry night and transpose it to iconic Dublin Christmas scenes. The project also tasked the AI with learning all poems by Irish poet, William Butler Yeats, to produce a special new poem to lift spirits in celebration of Christmas.
Goodbye 2020,
Long live the Future.
The air grew still, and then
A murmurous laugh arose;
A starlight glimmered through,
A misty and hazy fire.
Together with kindred spirits
Every soul should seek,
For music that can burn
And love is all around
But no, farewell;
A starlight glimmering through, a misty and hazy fire.
– William Butler Yeats
According to Ivan Adriel, Creative Strategy Director: “Connector has always been an agency with creativity in our DNA and this year we were acquired by Granite Digital – Ireland’s biggest digital agency. We wanted to merge the power of technology and creativity to show that AI can open new realms of creative possibility, in contrast to dystopic headlines heralding technology as the death of creativity.”
In an effort to avoid waste, the company is not posting cards this year but is sending them to clients by email.
Ergotron, a global company focused on improving how people work, learn, play and care for others, has today announced the release of a complete range of ergonomic supports for video-game enthusiasts to improve their comfort, concentration and immersion when gaming. As the choice and design of screens continues to grow, gamers now must look into optimising the ergonomics of their workstations if they want to stay focused for longer and improve their performance while avoiding injury and pain.
There are an estimated staggering 2.7 billion gamers across the globe. Although boys aged under 18 make up 17% of all gamers, the average age for gamers is 34 years old. Alongside this higher average age is a heightened risk of the development of diseases commonly found among sedentary computer users. As a result, it is vitally important to integrate ergonomic equipment to help combat physiological risks, like musculoskeletal disorders and obesity, linked to physical inactivity and poor playing posture, while also improving player comfort and efficiency.
“With the English market estimated at £3.86 billion in 2019, the gaming market has experienced sustained and continuous growth for many years. This is particularly due to technological developments and the continued activity of manufacturers and publishers to meet ever-growing demand,” says Richard Guy, Country Sales Manager UK & Ireland at Ergotron. “As a key player in workstation ergonomics, we feel a responsibility to promote awareness among the approximately 32.4 million British gamers of the potential incurred physiological risks, and offer them solutions to look after their health.”
Neo-Flex stand
The Neo-Flex stand is the perfect accessory for all gamers with a laptop. Its 15.6cm height adjustment allows the user to position the screen at the right height to keep the head upright and prevent neck pain during long gaming sessions. Furthermore, the Neo-Flex support is the most ergonomic solution on the market, offering a 25° inclination, as well as a 360° left-right orientation thanks to casters located under the base.
HX range
The HX arm range can support one to three screens for a unique experience. Recognised by the industry as the flagship of ergonomic supports, the HX single-screen arm can support the majority of new generation curved screens up in many cases up to 49ins wide (or 19.1kg), which are particularly popular in the gaming industry.
The single-screen HX solution offers a large number of settings to ensure maximum ergonomic support for the most demanding gamers. Equipped with a height adjustment of 29.2cm, an inclination of 75°, a left-right pan of 180° or the portrait/landscape function, the HX range is distinguished by its irreproachable manufacture quality and a 10-year warranty.
Equipped with the optional tri-screen bar, the HX arm can attach up to three 24-inch screens for an unforgettable gaming experience. Two joints allow you to perfectly adjust the viewing angle of each of the three screens for total immersion. Whether the user is passionate about adventure, simulation or first-person shooter games, the HX range will provide unmatched comfort for maximum enjoyment and performance.
A flexible experience
Ergotron also offers wall mounts for large screens that are uniquely robust and technical. Some offer a screen-height adjustment of more than 50cm effortlessly and without the need for extra tools. The most seasoned gamers will appreciate keeping the screen at the correct height at all times, whether they are playing seated or standing.
All technical product information is available on the website: www.ergotron.com. A configurator, accessible from the homepage, provides access to all compatible products from a screen reference.
Sky and Amazon announced a new long-term partnership that will see Prime Video launch on Sky and NOW TV devices across Europe from today, while the NOW TV and Sky Ticket apps will also come to Fire TV devices. The partnership means customers in the UK, Ireland, Austria, Germany and Italy will be able to watch all the most talked-about and award-winning TV series, films and sport from Sky and Prime Video in one place in time for Christmas.
For the first time UK customers will be able to watch every live Premier League fixture on Sky Sports, Prime Video and BT Sport without switching devices. Plus, with new Amazon Original series like survival drama series The Wilds and The Grand Tour: A Massive Hunt launching in December, this deal opens up new depths of entertainment for Sky and NOW TV customers, all in one place. And in time for Christmas, movie fans will have access to a wide range of new releases and family favourites across Prime Video including Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Uncle Frank and I’m Your Woman for the ultimate movie marathon.
“We’re pleased to be bringing our Prime Video app to Sky Q and NOW TV devices in time for the holidays,” said Jay Marine, Vice President, Prime Video Worldwide. “With winter settling in, and our new binge-watch obsession The Wilds about to launch, it’s a perfect time for Sky customers to catch up on our award-winning Prime Video TV shows, movies, and live sport, including Prime Video’s exclusive live broadcasts of over 20 English Premier League games this December. Plus, with NOW TV launching on Fire TV – customers in the UK have never had it better when it comes to choosing what to watch however they are watching.”
Stephen van Rooyen, EVP & CEO UK & Europe, Sky said: “Sky Q customers are receiving an early Christmas present on their boxes this year in the form of Amazon Prime Video. Anyone who needs to get stuck into something new after The Undoing on Sky Atlantic will now be able to flip right over to The Boys on Prime Video, without ever leaving Sky Q. Amazon Prime Video TV shows, movies and more will sit alongside Sky Originals and Netflix, as well as apps like Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Fiit and much more. This will make it even easier for you to access everything you love, in one place. I’m delighted that this deal will give even more people access to our brilliant NOW TV and Sky Ticket apps through Amazon Fire TV devices and Fire Edition TVs.”
In the UK, Italy and Ireland the Prime Video app will launch on NOW TV devices, as well as Sky Ticket devices in Germany, on 14th December. The NOW TV app will be rolling out to select Fire TV devices and Fire TV Edition smart TVs to customers in the UK also on 14th December and in, Italy, Ireland, Austria and Switzerland through early 2021 with Sky Ticket also rolling out on Fire TV devices and Fire TV Edition smart TVs in Germany through the first part of 2021.
It’s easy to watch Prime Video on Sky Q
Sky Q customers will be able to find Prime Video in the Apps section or by saying “Launch Prime Video” into their voice remote to pair their Sky Q box with their existing Prime membership. Must-watch Amazon Originals will be featured on the Q Home page alongside the best from Sky, Netflix and Disney+, making it easier than ever to choose what to watch. And customers can expect even more Prime Video integration, such as voice search for TV series, movies and more, in 2021. Sky customers who are not yet Prime Video customers can sign up via the Amazon Prime Video app, to enjoy a 30-day free trial.
NOW TV on Amazon Fire TV Devices in the UK
The NOW TV app will be available on Fire TV devices from December- with roll-out beginning on Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick Lite and Fire TV Stick 4K from 14th December. On Fire TV devices, finding the NOW TV app is easy, NOW TV customers will be able to download the app and log in to access Original shows on Sky Atlantic, the biggest fixtures on Sky Sports and family favourites on Sky Cinema. Fire TV customers who are not yet NOW TV customers can sign up to NOW TV passes, including Sky Cinema, Entertainment and Sky Sports by visiting nowtv.com/amazon.
Beacon Hospital is now at the leading-edge of neurosurgery, with the investment of half a million euro in the revolutionary ORBEYE technology, making it the first hospital in Ireland or the UK to use this equipment. This 3D camera system allows surgeons to see intricate images of the areas they are operating on, enabling them to perform and collaborate on complex and delicate brain procedures more effectively.
The equipment offers an alternative to traditional microscopic surgery. It produces magnified, high-resolution, three-dimensional digital images for the neurosurgeon. The technology has extremely powerful magnification and illumination which allows surgeons to see fine details, such as the smallest nerves and blood vessels, in deep parts of the brain.
For patient’s surgical incisions are significantly smaller, therefore potentially resulting in a shorter stay in hospital, quicker recovery time and a lower risk of infection. The technology enables an entire surgical team to see exactly what the surgeon is seeing on a large 3D screen in the operating room. This makes it the ultimate teaching tool for the next generation of neurosurgeons.
When using traditional operating microscopes, neurosurgeons can spend many hours with their neck bent forward and often in awkward positions. This can lead to surgeon fatigue, pain and discomfort. Using Orbeye, surgeons can access these complex areas without having to get into awkward positions for lengthy surgeries.
At Beacon Hospital, Professor Mohsen Javadpour has been successfully using the Orbeye for surgery on benign and malignant brain tumours.
Professor Mohsen Javadpour, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Beacon Hospital said:
“In my view this technology offers us one of the most significant advancements in neurosurgery in recent years, totally revolutionising how we perform operations. Orbeye technology enables us to look straight ahead at a 3-D screen, it illuminates corridors deep into the brain, allowing us carry out these complex surgeries like never before. Vitally, it also improves communication, education and learning within the operating theatre as an entire team can see what is happening on a large screen with a 3D view. This is an extremely promising development for neurosurgery in Ireland and worldwide.”
Michael Cullen CEO of Beacon Hospital said:
“At Beacon Hospital, we’re committed to continuous investment in the very best technology, talent and treatments, to ensure we remain at the forefront of innovation. We’re delighted to be first in Ireland or the UK to invest in and use this new ORBEYE equipment. Already ten complex brain surgeries have been carried out using this technology in our theatre, and it will continue to be a game-changer for patients and surgeons alike.”
Alison Harvey, Olympus Country Manager said:
“Beacon Hospital are our technology partners here in Ireland and an investment of this nature is evidence of the Hospitals’ ambition and commitment to Irish healthcare”
At Beacon Hospital, the system will be used initially for brain surgery.
Need a new smartphone for Christmas? Well we have teamed up with TCL and have their fantastic TCL 10L to giveaway just in time for the festive season.. We have reviewed this device not so long ago and find it an excellent piece of kit with a big screen to consume media and much more. Check out the review HERE
Bank of Ireland has issued an advisory to consumers today to be extra vigilant against parcel fraud in the peak Christmas shopping and online delivery period. With the seasonal upsurge in parcel delivery, the Bank has noted a high volume of calls from customers reporting fraudulent activity via ‘smishing’ texts where fraudsters send fake messages claiming to be from recognisable delivery companies.
These ‘smishing’ texts will ask a customer to follow to a link to a fraudulent payment site that will, for example, ask customers to pay a small customs charge or confirm details. The branding on these texts and the destination website will be of one of a household name delivery company like UPS, DPD or An Post. We have covered many of these here before if you search you will get an idea what to watch out for. Here is one example
Edel McDermott, Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland said; “The middle of the busiest shopping period of the year is an obvious time for fraudsters to target consumers. People may be distracted and have less available time to stop, think and check the details on a text and simply reply ‘automatically’ to a company they recognise. There’s also a good chance that consumers will have bought something online recently so are more likely to think the text is genuine and click one of the fraudulent links currently in circulation. If they do, they will be brought to a website where they are asked to give their Credit or Debit card details. The message here is simple: no matter how busy you are, always pause before replying or clicking on a link and take the time to independently check whether a text is legitimate, even if it appears to be from a familiar brand or company. And never disclose confidential banking details”.
Reminders to consumers:
Always think before you click: Does this text refer to a legitimate delivery that you are expecting?
Do not respond to or click a link in an unsolicited text, even if it appears to be from a company that you recognise. Always check independently that the text is genuine.
Do not use a phone number given to you in the text.
Never disclose confidential banking details or security details such as your any digits from your PIN or online password.
Bank of Ireland is committed to building awareness around fraud. Bank of Ireland will continue to focus on the issues around fraud, through the Bank’s own channels and by working collaboratively through the Bank and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) FraudSMART campaign www.fraudsmart.ie
