Leading real hands on tech review site in Ireland with technology, business news and more. Jim O Brien Tech.
Author: Jim O Brien/CEO
CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.
If you want to change your audio game and on a budget the TONOR TC-777 might be one to check out with a simple set up and easy to use approach, Built well too this offers just a cardiod option so it just picks up sound from the front and can only be used this way and it does suppress background noise too so keep in mind as other mics out there offer more than just cardiod. No software is required to set up either and Windows 10 will pick up the device once plugged in.
You get a built in shock mount that looks like a tripod but this can be unscrewed and you can use the light elsewhere of if you have an existing arm for example and is the standard thread for this so it will work anywhere. The unit is foldable so it is portable but for most it will be a permanent fixture in a studio or you can carry if you plan to use outdoors.. Check out the video below and the audio sample included ..
This product was sent to us by the company with no preview nor influence or commision paid.
Instagram have dropped a nice little easter egg today which allows you to change the app icon which is pretty neat and this is something perhaps that could be done with other apps and gives you a bit more customisation to your home screen on your smartphone, the new change is on both Android and iOS and is simple to change and you have 10 options to pick from including the current one we all know.
All you need to do is go update your device and have the latest software at hand and go to settings then drag the screen down and you will then see the new change, All you do then after that is select the app icon you want and you are done, check the video below..
Businesses all over the country were scrambling last week to make the necessary adjustments to their websites as the Oct 5th deadline for online cookie compliance[1] fast approached. But by today businesses will be expected to have complied, and it’s unlikely that the many businesses that didn’t devote the necessary resources to this project will have gotten there on time. However, this should not dissuade them from taking action now, as there are significant penalties for non-compliance under GDPR legislation. This is the advice of the ACOI (Association of Compliance Officers Ireland) who say that implementation of the Data Protection Commission’s (DPC) guidance has significant implications for Irish businesses, particularly those SMEs whose resources may be already fully focused on surviving Covid and preparing for Brexit.
Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the ACOI explained,
“The ending of the grace period for implementing the DPC’s guidance on cookies and tracking technologies (See Appendix) is today October 5th, and anecdotal evidence has suggested that for many organisations, this has been overlooked, with energy, time and resources being placed instead on responding to COVID and Brexit. But it hasn’t gone away – and even though the business environment has never been more challenging, compliance is expected and will be enforced. With GDPR, the DPC has the power to impose significant sanctions on businesses that don’t comply, for example, if it was proven that a business did not gain affirmative consent from consumers using the site, then then they could potentially be fined a percentage of their turnover”.
In late 2019, the DPC carried out a cookie sweep of thirty-eight organizations, with a view to understanding current levels of compliance in Ireland[2]. The ACOI say this exercise raised significant issues across a range of areas. Some of the issues highlighted included websites setting cookies immediately on the landing page, in many cases for non-necessary cookies. Others misclassified cookies as necessary or strictly necessary, while consent was found to be bundled in many cases. In April 2020, the DPC then issued a guidance note which is intended to ensure greater levels of adherence across Irish organisations, and businesses were given 6 months to bring their sites in line with these new practices.
Mr. Kavanagh went on to comment,
“The implications for Irish businesses are considerable and extend beyond meeting the DPC’s list of requirements. For marketing and sales teams, the need to receive consent before deploying analytics cookies will effectively set a new baseline for their website metrics. A significant number of users are unlikely to opt-in, making it difficult to accurately compare year-on-year performance across the site. Customer service departments relying on website chatbots to deal with consumer queries must assess how to cater to customers who choose not to opt-in to this function. Many companies will need to implement a consent management platform (CMP) if one is not already in place. It will not be feasible to manually oversee aspects such as the requirement to reaffirm consent every six-months. Lastly, any firms still relying on pre-ticked forms of consent must amend their practices soonest. Compliance professionals will need to consult widely across the business to ensure key departments and stakeholders are aware of the upcoming changes, and to minimise the potential impact on day-to-day operations”.
The ACOI advise that all businesses should give high priority to this issue for the remainder of the year.
Appendix – Key Considerations from the DPCs Guidance Notes
Organisations must obtain consent to store or set cookies.
The rules apply even where cookies do not store personal data. ePrivacy focuses on the confidentiality of all electronic communications. If personal data is stored, the additional requirements of GDPR apply.
Consent must meet GDPR standards, being freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous. It must be as easy for a user to withdraw consent as it was to provide it in the first place.
Pre-ticked boxes and bundled consent, where approval is sought for a range of processing activities, are not allowed.
Continuing to use a website or scrolling through a landing page do not imply consent. It must be an affirmative action by the consumer such as ticking a box.
Default settings on a browser do not constitute affirmative consent.
Analytics cookies require consent. However, the guidance states it is unlikely first-party analytics will be considered a priority for enforcement action.
Consent must be reaffirmed every six months. It is worth noting a similar view has been taken by the French supervisory authority.
Businesses must have clear retention periods for each cookie. Retaining cookie data indefinitely does not meet the GDPR’s requirement for proportionality.
The guidelines do not recommend a particular method for obtaining consent. They recognise that website cookie banners are a typical way of achieving this objective.
Companies should avoid using language or interfaces that nudge the user to accept cookies.
The Commission recommends having both a cookie policy and a privacy policy, as these meet the requirements of ePrivacy and GDPR respectively.
The guidelines apply to other tracking technologies as well as cookies. For example, pixel trackers, like buttons and social sharing tools.
Companies must be aware of any data shared with third parties, for example through social tools, and put in place data processing agreements where necessary.
Finally, every effort should be made to present cookie banner information in a clear and accessible manner.
Over the last few days I have been testing out the all new Google Nest speaker, it packs a punch and overall trounces the past iterations and the bass delivered is also excellent. For me that is good and anyone that likes bass so lets get this out of the way, the volume is also superb and it can be heard throughout the whole house and not only this you can of course pair up to existing speakers and if you have two of these you are in for some real audio pleasure if the tone suits you.
On the rear there is a mic switch but there is other buttons on top hidden underneath the fabric if you will that can play and pause and control the volume levels but you can ask the device to do the same which is the point of such devices but for those who wish to do so can touch the device to command those simple functions.
If you currently have any of the smaller speakers you might ask is this worth the upgrade and the answer is yes and if you have the money to spare I would suggest buying two. Overall here you are getting a faster better experience and also a seamless connection to older devices but this is much louder and faster than before and I for one will be getting another one in the house.
Check out the unboxing below and how it works and how loud it is and notice no distortion on max volume and how fast it responds to your questions. You can read some more on their blog post here
Industry experts have warned of the dangers of running out of raw materials for batteries used in technology if we fail to recycle used ones.
A surge in sales of devices such as laptops, drones, power tools and e-scooters has seen demand soaring for cobalt and lithium, which are essential for the production of rechargeable lithium batteries that power these devices.
Demand for e-cars, e-bikes, phones, smartwatches and fitness monitoring devices are also putting pressure on these two key materials. In the first six months of 2020 alone, WEEE Ireland reported a 50% increase in rechargeable lithium batteries entering the Irish market.
“The global demand for cobalt has tripled in the past five years but there is a limited supply. We need to find ways to ensure we have sustainable reserves. There’s one simple way to do this and that’s recycling our old devices,” said Leo Donovan of WEEE Ireland.
“Many of us needlessly hold onto end-of-life gadgets that we’ve already replaced, such as phones and laptops, storing them in our attics, spare rooms, sheds and kitchen drawers.
“By doing so, we are unwittingly contributing to an ever-growing supply problem as many of the metals and compounds can’t be recovered to be re-used in the manufacture of new batteries.
“Lithium batteries are a key underpinning technology in the modern world.
“They power mobile devices vital to government, business, healthcare and society and are essential to the decarbonisation of transport, a key goal of the Climate Action Plan (CAP).
“By 2030, the Irish economy will be more dependent on the supply and efficiency of lithium batteries to power transport and communications if we are to meet the CAP and help to limit the effect of climate change.”
As Ireland and the world shifts towards greener technologies, there will be a massive increase in demand for cobalt and lithium.
Research from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) suggests there is not enough capability to mine and process the materials to meet that demand, which could reach 430,000 tonnes in the next decade – 1.6 times today’s capacity.
Separate research from the European Commission reveals the EU will need up to 18 times more lithium and five times more cobalt in 2030 for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage and almost 60 times more lithium and 15 times more cobalt in 2050, compared to the current supply. Ireland can help to reverse this lack of supply by recycling old batteries responsibly.
Jodie Purcell (12) from Dublin encouraging us all to recycle our old devices. WEEE Ireland, the country’s largest recycling scheme, has warned of the dangers of running out of raw materials for batteries used in technology if we fail to recycle used ones. . WEEE Ireland Picture Conor McCabe Photography.
“As consumers we can all play our part in increasing supply by recycling all of our end-of-life devices. This can be done by taking them to local authority recycling centres nationwide or any retail store that sells batteries,” said Mr Donovan.
WEEE Ireland represents 96% of the Irish battery industry and 74% of the household electrical and electronic industry, who have a producer responsibility to organise and finance the environmental management of their products at their end of life.
emporia telecom is delighted to announce yet another retail partner to its growing UK list. Established telecoms provider, The Phone Co-op will now retail three of emporia’s hero handsets from this week.
Chris Millington, UK and Ireland MD of emporia comments: “This partnership is another recognisable milestone for emporia. Our strategy for the UK and Irish markets was to reach the wide audience group in many familiar ways that mirror our different consumers’ habits and platforms. To have such a credible organisation like The Phone Co-op retail our devices is another success since our European expansion and launching here at the start of 2020.”
“We’re especially delighted about working with The Phone Co-op even more so because of its trusted membership model and growing reach in terms of customers and geographical locations. This partnership will see some of our devices available to their members and customers; of which we share a similar older demographic. A huge focus in the interface of our devices is around use ability and independence; enabling our users to learn at their own pace with handset training books and to have a phone that meets their needs. We hope this partnership will enable more retirees to access our devices and technology,” Chris adds.
Lizzie Hieron, Chief Operating Officer at The Phone Co-op comments: “We’re the UK’s only co-operative telecoms supplier and an established MVNO. As part of the Midcounties Co-operative we’re committed to working ethically, treating our people fairly, and caring for our customers and our communities.
“Working with emporia means we have now positively expanded our product portfolio to bring on three new devices that are easy-to-use and enriching for customers that need simple communication.
“Supporting older people in our local communities has never been so crucial with many people feeling isolated or lonely following months of shielding because of Covid-19 and we hope that our new partnership with emporia will be a great help in keeping families and communities connected during these difficult times where face-to-face visits are unfortunately restricted”.
The Phone Co-op will be stocking the following three emporia devices:
Smart S3
Simple is the new smart with emporia’s latest smartphone. Running on Android 9.0 operating system, and with an impressive 5.5” HD display and 13MP camera, this easy-to-use smartphone combines modern and sleek design, with a simple user interface. Like all emporia devices, it is complete with large text and icons, clear sound, and an emergency button; making it completely user friendly for retirees.
TOUCHsmart
The popular TOUCHsmart operates like a traditional feature phone; with an easy-to-use keypad and large buttons. It gets the name TOUCHsmart as the clamshell phone’s display can also be used as a touch screen to navigate the device and it comes complete with some smart features like internet or built-in WhatsApp, but without all the overwhelming complications that a smartphone can pose for some customers. It has a camera, is HAC (hearing aid compatible), has loud and clear sound, and a built-in emergency call button on the back for assistance.
emporiaACTIVE
This feature phone is a bar design, with a beautiful, wide, clear display and wonderful shape to fit comfortably and confidently in the palm of the hand. It has 4G, 3G and 2G connectivity for best connectivity and coverage. Like all emporia’s phones, it is suited to retirees with its loud and clear sound and hearing aid compatibility.
A charging cradle is included, but it also works with the usual USB-C charging for the easiest way to plug in; the lead can go in any way around for ease. The ACTIVE has a 2MP camera, and of course emergency button for those “just in case” moments.
Like all emporia devices, these three handsets come complete with the right training books and guides to give their users complete support and confidence in their purchase. The S3 smartphone has a comprehensive training guide, the TOUCHsmart has a 10-page WhatsApp guide to introduce users to the world of messaging, and the ACTIVE comes with a comprehensive instruction manual.
These all enable customers to purchase from a store or retailer like The Phone Co-op and be able to understand and learn their device, apps and smartphone terminology at their own pace. emporia prides itself on creating phones that are intuitive for retirees, give confidence, and are responsive to this generation’s needs. Individual training books in the smartphone range offer exactly that and are the tool to empower customers to become digitally connected; even more so at a time when covid-19 and social distancing restrictions are meaning many customers in emporia’s audience group are left isolated.
AirPop is bringing its expertise in creating high-performance air wearable products to the UK, with the launch today of their new line of face masks. Three AirPop mask models are available for purchase – the Light SE, the Pocket, and the AirPop mask for kids – with Original and Active models coming later in Q4 2020. These masks are part of a bigger category of air wearable products that AirPop pioneered to create better fit and more comfortable breathing for millions of mask consumers worldwide.
Air quality has been a problem for decades, in fact the World Health Organisation estimates that 4.6 million people die each year from causes directly attributable to air pollution. AirPop recognised that for too many people, wearing a mask was a daily necessity to combat the detrimental effects of air pollution from both manmade sources and natural causes. In addition, the threat of dangerous pathogens – from SARS to H1N1 to the flu and now a global COVID-19 pandemic – increased the need for a barrier of defence for consumers. With that AirPop was born.
Since 2015, AirPop has harnessed filtration science and technology innovation to build high-performance products that deliver unrivalled comfort & breathability – revolutionising the mask wearing experience for consumers. AirPop masks provide a serious line of defence against airborne threats carried by particles and droplets and they are designed to be breathable, stylish and wearable. They offer the same, highly-effective two-way barrier as the best medical and industrial-grade masks, but are specifically engineered for consumers to be comfortable all day on a variety of face shapes and sizes.
“Masks provide the first line of defence from airborne threats, but they’ve been largely unregulated, under-designed and ineffective for the consumer market. So we at AirPop set out to change that.” said Chris Hosmer, Founder of AirPop. “Because we all have a vital role to play in reducing the spread of COVID-19 through our communities, choosing an appropriate mask means it has to both fit and filter well to reduce transmission from airborne particles and droplets. With AirPop there is finally an option that protects the rest of us, doesn’t divert critical N95s from healthcare professionals, yet meets the same high quality standards and 2-way filtration as the best medical & industrial respirators.”
The AirPop Difference
AirPop delivers superior performance by solving three key issues that plague most masks: fit, filtration and breathability. All of the materials used to manufacture our masks are tested by accredited 3rd party labs to exceed the World Health Organisation and FDA medical mask material performance standards.
• Fit: An accurate, close fit is essential to prevent the inhalation and exhalation of small particles and droplets. AirPop masks feature a patented soft-seal and frame that responds to different fit profiles to help ensure a snug, but comfortable fit. And the tented, 3-D Air Dome shape keeps the filter away from the face, increasing airflow and improving breathability and comfort.
• Filtration: When it comes to harmful pollutants, size matters. Anything smaller than 2.5 microns is known as “fine particulate matter” (PM 2.5) – think airborne bacteria, for example. AirPop masks create a barrier down to 0.3 microns with greater than 99% effectiveness at this scale. Our unique combination of 4-layer filter material provides an effective 2-way barrier against particles and droplets.
• Breathability: Superior breathability is also vital – consumers won’t wear what isn’t comfortable or doesn’t work. AirPop masks “give and take” in sync with your natural breath. And they have four layers of protection – from the droplet-resistant, non-woven outer layer to the filter and skin-friendly inner layer to ensure security and comfort.
Introducing the AirPop Mask Portfolio
AirPop masks come in two options – multi-use disposable masks (Pocket, Lightweight & Kids models, available today) or reusable/washable masks with disposable filters (Original & Active models, coming soon).
Available Today: AirPop multi-use disposable masks provide 99.3% particle filtration and 99.9% bacterial filtration, plus fluid resistance, to deliver a robust two-way defence for up to 40 hours.
• AirPop Light SE: The patented design of the Light SE creates a “lighter than air” feel with a 3D domed structure that enables effortless breathability. Ergonomic wings, adjustable ear loops and a cushioned nose seal provide superior comfort and fit
• The Light SE comes in black or white colours and retails for £9.99 (£29.99 for 4-pack; £139.99 for 20-pack).
• AirPop Pocket and Pocket Case: The Pocket is a light mask that comes with a compatible carrying case – great for using on the go. The Pocket’s Ergo-Foam seal conforms to the nose bridge and its top vent allows for moisture to evaporate between wears. Its convertible structure provides compression strength during wear while still being flexible enough to fold down to 25% of its original size — perfect for tucking away into its case and fitting in a back pocket, backpack or handbag.
• The Pocket also comes in black or white colours and retails for £14.99 for 2-pack; (£24.99 for 4-pack; £99.99 for 20 pack)
• AirPop Kids: We used the same patented design principles that make the AirPop Light SE superior to create a one-of-a-kind children’s mask. The AirPop Kids mask is light and breathable, giving kids the defence they need against airborne threats while providing comfort and ease for all-day wear. Pocket case sold separately, in either black or white, for £9.99.
• AirPop Kids masks come in blue, pink or white colours and retail for £14.99 for a 2-pack; £24.99 for a 4-pack. Compatible with Pocket carrying case
Coming Soon: AirPop reusable/washable masks feature disposable, snap-in filters that block 99.97 PM0.3, including dust, bacteria, and viral matter, and deliver up to 40 hours of use. Both the Original and Active models feature AirPop’s patented 3D Air Dome design that creates a canopy of clean air and balanced air circulation for the wearer, resulting in better breathability and wearability. They are made with cutting-edge fabrics that deliver strength and flexibility while remaining lightweight and easy to clean. These masks will also deliver up to 40 hours of wear time per filter. More details to come later in Q4.
You can find all AirPop multi-use disposable masks at Amazon.com or the AirPop website (www.airpophealth.com). AirPop reusable masks with disposable filters are coming soon.
Alexa is making it easier than ever to navigate, stay connected, and be entertained on-the-go, while helping you focus on the road ahead. Make the most of your drive with Auto Mode, a new feature that makes Alexa in the vehicle even better.
Auto Mode in the Alexa app lets you see and do more with your Echo Auto and supported Alexa auto accessories by turning your phone into a smart, driver-friendly display that enhances Alexa’s in-vehicle voice experience. Auto Mode was designed to help you stay focused on the road with easy to read visuals, large touch targets and intuitive features and shortcuts for the most common Alexa interactions used in the vehicle like navigating to saved locations, placing calls to contacts and Alexa devices, and playing recent media. Auto Mode consists of four screens — Home, Navigation, Communication, and Play — and a persistent menu bar allows users to quickly switch between them.
Let’s take a closer look:
Home Screen: The Auto Mode home screen is designed to provide one-touch access to your frequent actions, with shortcuts to play and pause your current music source, navigate to home or work, and to make a call. You can simply tap on the shortcut to initiate the action or ask Alexa, for example “Alexa, continue playing my music.”
Navigate: The Navigate screen provides one click access to your favourite locations stored in the Alexa app. Choosing a destination will open your preferred navigation app and begin guidance. You can switch back to the Alexa app using only your voice by simply asking, “Alexa, go back to the Alexa app.” You can also ask Alexa to help you find someplace new, for example, “Alexa, find nearby coffee shops.” As Alexa reads back the responses, Auto Mode displays a simplified list showing only the most relevant information, allowing you to either use your voice to make a selection or simply touch on it to begin navigation.
Communicate: The Communicate screen allows you to easily place a call, Drop In, or make an announcement to your Alexa devices. You can ask Alexa to initiate the action or touch your selection, and Auto Mode will provide an easy to read list of recently placed calls and devices. If you want to drop in on your family to let them know you are headed home, you can say “Alexa, Drop In on my Kitchen Echo Show,” or simply tap on the screen and Alexa will do the rest.
Play: The Play screen shows the most recent media played using any Alexa device and a convenient button to play or pause, along with a list of most recently played media. Selecting any of the items in the list starts playing the media and brings up the Now Playing screen, which provides additional controls specific to the type of media being played and the service used. You can stay entertained while on-the-go just by asking Alexa or using Auto Mode’s shortcuts and easy touch controls.
Auto Mode is rolling out to Android and iOS in the coming weeks, and will be available in the U.K and Ireland.
The Now TV app is now available on Sony BRAVIA Android TVs in the UK and Ireland. The Now TV app gives customers access to their range of new and original British comedies, Oscar, BAFTA, and Emmy award winning dramas, Sky originals and movies, and all without a contract.
Sony’s Android TV with the Google Assistant, Google Play Store and Chromecast built-in, offers users easy access to content, services and devices via its extensive platform. To download the Now TV app, simply head to the Google Play Store on your Sony TV.
