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.

Jabra announces their new Elite 85t earbuds and releases ANC update for 75t earbuds #JabraElite85t #Jabra

Building on a leading track record of innovation in true wireless earbuds, Jabra introduces ANC to its award-winning compact true wireless portfolio with the all new Elite 85t and upgraded Elite 75t series, with no compromises made on the sleek design or optimal fit.

 

The Elite 85t is engineered to defy the boundaries of how much noise can be removed in a set of true wireless earbuds. It features Jabra’s most advanced and powerful ANC technology, without compromising on the size or the signature design that looks and feels great to wear all day. With the Elite 85t, there will be no compromise in the discreet design or comfort, no compromise in the calls or music experience and no compromise in the effectiveness of the ANC.

 

 

The updates to the Elite 75t series – both Active and non-Active – will happen via a firmware update in the Sound+ app. Jabra is the first company to deliver ANC on an existing true wireless product line, creating one of the broadest true wireless ANC line-ups in the market. All based on the miniaturisation standards the market has come to expect from Jabra.

Elite 85t with Jabra Advanced ANC TM

The newest addition to the Elite series, the Jabra Elite 85t, comes with Jabra Advanced ANC TM  which delivers a level of noise-cancelling that goes one step further than Jabra’s standard ANC offerings. Dual chipset in the earbuds deliver strong ANC capability as well as optimal sound processing. These are some of the smallest earbuds that offer premium ANC to create your private, quite space and delivers HearThrough to let you hear your surroundings – both features fully adjustable and with extra focus on natural sound performance and limited occlusion (blockage/closure), achieved via the semi-open design and multiple ANC microphones.

 

As more people than ever demand flexibility in making and taking calls, the new Jabra Elite 85t earbuds bring outstanding call quality for the user and the person on the other end, with the 6-mic technology (three on each ear, two on the outside, one on the inside). On top comes improved wind noise protection enabling great calls anywhere. Microphones on the inside and outside of the earbuds are used to provide Jabra Advanced ANCTM, which allows for improved noise cancellation, filtering out more noise. The flexibility of the Jabra Advanced ANCTM goes beyond an on/off solution as it is adjustable with dual slider from full ANC to full HearThrough, and anywhere in between, meaning the Jabra Elite 85t offers a more personalised experience that puts the user in control of their surroundings.

 

Semi-open design

The 12mm speakers allow the Jabra Elite 85t to produce a big sound and powerful bass, while still enhancing comfort and relieving ear pressure with its semi-open design. Jabra has also adapted the ear gels to an oval shape providing a better sealing in the ear. This means the tower of the Elite 85t does not sit as deeply within the ear, giving users a more comfortable earbud, while maintaining a very secure fit.

Elite 85t provides up to 5.5 hours of listening with ANC on, which extends to 25 hours with the charging case with ANC on and 31 hours with ANC off.

René Svendsen-Tune, CEO at Jabra, said: “At Jabra we engineer products for purpose and today we are proud to show that our commitment to ANC is no exception. Users today are looking for great things in small packages, so we are thrilled to be offering our users best-in-class ANC in a very compact and sleek design. We are also excited to take our current users on the ANC journey with us with a free upgrade to their existing Elite 75t products – leading the charge as the first global brand to execute this over-the-air update. For us, ANC now means ‘Accept No Compromise’!”

Elite 75t with ANC as standard

Now with ANC – the award-winning Elite 75t, both Active and non-Active earbuds. Same great calls, same great sound and a fit like no other, now with the addition of Jabra’s standard ANC solution, applying to music and media playback. This free upgrade is being made available to users through Jabra’s engineering on Qualcomm technology. Taking advantage of the superior digital audio processor already available in Elite 75t and leading ANC know-how, Jabra has been able to deploy ANC in the existing product line.

The Jabra Elite 75t series will also be available to purchase with ANC as standard from October 2020. This means that both those who have an Elite 75t product, or are in the market for one, can experience Jabra’s standard level of ANC; ensuring noise cancellation on lower frequencies.

The ANC enabled models will also continue to have IP55/IP57 rated durability, and a two-year warranty. With ANC on, battery will be 5.5 hrs on a single charge (24 hrs in total with charging case), and with ANC off it will be the existing 7.5 hrs and 28 hrs in total. Better still, the addition of ANC as standard adds no additional cost to the earbuds.

Jabra Elite 85t key features and specifications:

  • Compact design and oval silicon EarGels™ for a secure seal and comfortable fit
  • Dedicated ANC chip which is more efficient in removing surrounding noises
  • 6-microphone call technology and wind protection for superior calls wherever you are
  • 4-microphone ANC using mics on the inside and the outside of the earbuds
  • 12mm speakers for big sound and powerful bass
  • Semi-open design with natural hear through
  • Adjustable ANC with dual sliders from full ANC to full HearThrough
  • IPX4-rated durability and 2-year warranty* against dust and water
  • Up to 5.5 hours battery on a single charge and up to 25 with the charging case with ANC on, 7 hours battery on a single charge and 31 hours with ANC off
  • Qi-certified, for wireless charging, and compatible with all Qi-certified chargers
    • Customisable equaliser in the Sound+ App makes your music sound even better
    • Voice assistant enabled. Elite 85t works with Alexa, Siri® and Google Assistant™
  • ‘MyControls’ to define button settings and Jabra MySound for individualised sound

Jabra Elite 85t Pricing and Availability

Jabra Elite 85t will be available in selected retailers from November 2020, MSRP (€229/ £219.99). The earbuds will be available in Titanium/Black from November 2020, and Gold/Beige, Copper/Black, Black and Grey from January 2021.

 

Find out more about Jabra at www.jabra.co.uk/elite85t

Two new microphones from beyerdynamic bring sound perfection into the musician’s life. #beyerdynamic

The second generation of the TG D70 and the TG I51 impress musicians with the unmistakable sound from beyerdynamic

Heilbronn, September 22nd, 2020 – beyerdynamic is expanding its product portfolio with two new microphones within the Touring Gear (TG) series. The dynamic kick drum microphone TG D70 and the instrument microphone TG I51 are characterized by a clear sound spectrum and a robust construction. The two microphones are made from high-quality materials at the Heilbronn production site. Thanks to the robust zinc die-cast housing and compact design, both microphones are ideally suited for everyday studio and stage use. At a recording session in the in-house recording studio in Heilbronn, Jost Nickel, drummer at Jan Delay & Disko No. 1, be the first to convince you of the new microphones.

Unbeatable on the kick drum: The TG D70

The 2nd generation of the TG D70 is the specialist among drum microphones. Equipped with a large diaphragm, it was specially designed for use on the kick drum. The sound recording works quickly and easily from the start. The TG D70 is particularly narrow and therefore fits through every hole in a conventional kick drum. In addition, the microphone can also be at the Caj ó n and be placed on bass guitar amp, optimal capture to the sound of the instruments.

Versatile use on the instrument: The TG I51

As an all-rounder, the TG I51 gets the best out of every instrument – whether on the snare and the toms of the drums, on the electric guitar amplifier or on the brass instrument. The microphone impresses with its excellent sound quality. Thanks to its slim shape and short shaft, it can be easily attached to the tripod or snare using the popular beyerdynamic MKV 87 microphone clamp. The microphone is a real asset and relief for producers and sound engineers.

The legendary M88 capsule in a new shape

With the 2nd generation of the TG D70, the further development of the world-famous M 88 capsule from beyerdynamic ensures even better sound quality than the previous model. The capsule system is elastically mounted so that no impacts from the floor are transmitted via the tripod. The legendary microphone capsule is characterized by its crystal-clear and unadulterated sound.

 

 

Precision in noisy environments

The hypercardioid characteristic of the TG D70 ensures good shielding against ambient noise and prevents acoustic feedback. The microphone completely suppresses sound from the rear and only detects side sound extremely quietly. The dynamic microphone is therefore particularly suitable for recording drums in noisy environments such as live concerts.

Well-known artist is the first to play

At a recording session in the in-house recording studio in Heilbronn, Jost Nickel, drummer at Jan Delay & Disko No. 1, be the first to convince you of the new microphones. -Definitely worth having for a whole new level of music recording experience. Explore other options on the best dynamic microphones for live and home recording on https://musiccritic.com/equipment/microphones/best-dynamic-microphone.— Nickel can also be heard on songs by a number of national stars such as Sasha, SEEED and Johannes Oerding. Thanks to the long-term cooperation between the native Berlin-based manufacturer and the traditional manufacturer from Heilbronn, the first pieces of music have already been recorded with the new microphones. The exclusive recording session can be seen in this video .

Availability and prices

The TG D70 and TG I51 are now available in the online shop at www.beyerdynamic.de at a recommended retail price of 219.00 euros (TG D70 including VAT) and 119.00 euros (TG I51 including VAT). Both microphones are supplied with an integrated clip and bag and will soon also be available from specialist retailers.

TG D70: https://www.beyerdynamic.de/tg-d70.html

TG I51: https://www.beyerdynamic.de/tg-i51.html

@EdwardsVacuum to open new Service Technology Centre in Dublin. #Edwards #Tech #IDAIreland

Edwards, the leading supplier of vacuum and abatement services and solutions to the global semiconductor industry, announced today that it is establishing a new Service Technology Centre (STC) in Blanchardstown, Dublin to support the semiconductor manufacturing industry in Ireland. The new centre and associated field service operations are expected to employ up to 120 people across activities such as technology, engineering and support.  The development represents an investment in the region of US$7.5 million.
Semiconductor manufacturing is essential to supporting developments in the technology, electronics, transport, scientific and healthcare sectors – all of which have been classed as critical industries during the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Edwards is the world leader in supplying the vacuum and abatement technology, along with the equipment and services, necessary to support the efficient and environmentally sustainable production of semiconductors.

Edwards’ new 4,000m2 STC will utilise advanced automation and data solutions to disassemble, clean, inspect, repair, replace and reassemble vacuum pumps and abatement equipment. The STC is ultimately a remanufacturing operation designed to recycle used products and deliver them back to customers to full specification – all with minimum impact to the environment. Water consumption is minimised through environmentally efficient wastewater treatment and LED lighting will be used to minimise the factory’s carbon footprint.

The facility will include warehousing facilities, factory areas, meeting rooms, and a dedicated training centre to cater to the practical and theoretical training needs of both Edwards employees and those of Edwards’ customers.

 

 

Edwards is supported by IDA Ireland through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD said: “I’m pleased Edwards have chosen Blanchardstown for their new flagship facility, creating 120 new jobs for the area. Blanchardstown has the talent and connectivity to make it an excellent location for any company to invest in and I wish Edwards the very best as they grow their operations here.”

Troy Metcalf, President, Edwards Semiconductor Service, commented: “This is an exciting development for Edwards and for our customers. Our new Dublin site will become a flagship facility in our global network of STCs, utilising advanced automation and data analysis to support the safe, productive and environmentally sustainable manufacturing of semiconductors in Ireland and across Europe. The increased utilisation of automation and lean manufacturing processes will contribute to improved safety standards, support greater operational excellence, and promote our strategy to attract a more diverse workforce into Edwards and the wider engineering and semiconductor sectors.

“On behalf of Edwards, I would like to extend our thanks to IDA Ireland for the valuable support they have provided us in this exciting new venture.”

Commenting on the announcement Martin Shanahan, CEO, IDA Ireland said: “This is a significant commitment by Edwards in Ireland.  The investment of US$7.5 million and creation of 120 jobs by a global leader in this highly specialised area demonstrates a huge vote of confidence in Ireland.  Our strong value proposition and our agile and adaptable business environment remains intact despite the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and continues to resonate with overseas companies.”

Edwards will soon begin recruiting for the new Dublin facility. For more information about the company and emerging roles, visit https://www.collinsmcnicholas.ie/edwards-vacuum/ or send your details to edwardsvac@collinsmcnicholas.ie.  For a confidential discussion,  please contact one of the dedicated consultants at Collins McNicholas, Edwards’ selected recruitment partner, on (01) 662 0088.

00 AGENT Nomi has been captured entirely on a smartphone, The Nokia 8.3 5G launches in Ireland October 1st #Nokia

British actress Lashana Lynch who plays 00 agent Nomi in the 25th James Bond movie No Time To Die has been captured…entirely on a smartphone. Social media ‘phone-ographer’ Ben Maclean captured the images on the new Nokia 8.3 5G the world’s first truly global 5G1 smartphone and the official phone partner to No Time To Die, in cinemas this November. 

 

In the shoot LashanaLynch appears in character as00 agent Nomi.The Bond-inspired shoot captured at London’s Pinewood Studios featuresan Aston Martin DBS Superleggera anda Triumph Thruxton RS motorbike,special effects including smoke and a 30-foot rig which suspendedthe ‘phone-ographer’ in the air to capture the ultimate shot.

 

EDITORIAL USE ONLY New 00 agent Lashana Lynch is photographed with a Nokia 8.3 5G smartphone ahead of her Bond debut in No Time To Die, out this November. The 32-year old British actress was posing as her character Nomi at Pinewood Studios ahead of the 25th James Bond film, which sees the 00 agents switch to Nokia smartphones. Photo credit should read: Ben Maclean/Nokia For more information contact Kate Bailey on 07896 055 088
EDITORIAL USE ONLY New 00 agent Lashana Lynch is photographed with a Nokia 8.3 5G smartphone ahead of her Bond debut in No Time To Die, out this November. The 32-year old was posing as her character Nomi at Pinewood Studios ahead of the 25th James Bond film which sees the 00 agents switch to Nokia smartphones. Photo credit should read: Mikael Buck/Nokia For more information contact Kate Bailey on 07896 055 088

 

The epic 00 shoot marks the official release of the Nokia 8.3 5G smartphone, which is available inIreland from this Thursday 1st October. The ‘only gadget you’ll ever need’ features four cameras to enable 64MP pictures, 4k filming and ZEISS cinematic film effects.

 

Lashana Lynch, who plays 00 agent Nomi in No Time To Die, said: “The world we live in now means we all have the ultimate gadget in our pockets and it’s amazing what smartphones can do nowadays. It’s exciting to be unveiling this new smartphone to celebrate the release of No Time To Die in November, and the Nokia 8.3 5G is proof that Bond gadgets are always ahead of the game.”

 

Florian Seiche, CEO of HMD Global which produces Nokia phones, said: “The Nokia 8.3 5G smartphone is the official phone partner for the 25th Bond movie No Time To Die, and we wanted to mark its launch with something truly epic. A 00 agent, cars, bikes, an 8,000 square foot stage at Pinewood Studios and a stunt phone-ographer capturing everything on the Nokia 8.3 5G smartphone, felt about right and the results show the possibilities of this new smartphone. The Nokia 8.3 5G really is the only gadget you’ll ever need”

 

The Nokia 8.3 5G smartphone is the world’s first truly global 5G

The countries with the best infrastructure for e-learning: Ireland ranks 25th. #elearning #tech

The digital learning platform Preply has published a study that examines the technological infrastructure and accessibility in 30 countries worldwide. The state of digital infrastructure, the number of digital educational courses, and the market for e-learning were all analysed to uncover the countries best prepared for a shift to online learning.

School closures as a result of coronavirus exacerbated weaknesses in Ireland’s digital infrastructure. This study compares the digital infrastructure in Ireland with other countries worldwide to identify necessary areas for development. Pertinent data were analysed on the state of the nation’s digital infrastructure, digital educational offerings, and the e-learning market to give a comprehensive overview of multiple factors that influence access to e-learning.

“We are convinced that e-learning has a great potential to improve educational opportunities worldwide,” says Kirill Bigai, CEO of Preply. “The coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated that access to digital education is unequally distributed, but that there are ample opportunities to begin investing in the digital infrastructure necessary for a national shift to online learning. This study aims to uncover the extent to which all learners have access to adequate digital tools and resources.”

 

 

 

Ireland ranks 25th place overall. However, for government spending on education per pupil, Ireland ranks second to last in the Index, ahead of only Greece. For accessibility to education, Ireland ranks 15th, with only 83.5% of students having access to a computer at home, indicating a significant degree of educational inequality. Ireland performs better in the ranking for the number of online educational courses available, with 296 –  more than Germany with 220. Online teaching proves a more lucrative profession in Ireland than in other countries. Ireland ranks in the top 10 for salaries paid to tutors, at €19 per hour, compared to €16.16 per hour in the UK.

Table 1: Top 16 countries with the best conditions for e-learning, with selected factors.

Rank
Country
Access to computers
Internet-

speed

Broadband

 
Tutoring per hour
Score
1
Norway
94.9%
127.2 Mbit/s
€22.52
100.0
2
Denmark
93.1%
141.7 Mbit/s
€29.39
99.4
3
Switzerland
90.3%
155.9 Mbit/s
€29.13
95.4
4
Luxemburg
95.4%
114.3 Mbit/s
€25.00
94.4
5
Netherlands
97.6%
112.8 Mbit/s
€18.00
84.8
6
Sweden
92.8%
141.7 Mbit/s
€16.89
79.0
7
Austria
85.4%
56.5 Mbit/s
€20.00
75.8
8
New Zealand
80.0%
114.8 Mbit/s
€16.77
73.8
9
Finland
93.5%
91.9 Mbit/s
€19.00
71.0
10
Australia
82.4%
45.9 Mbit/s
€18.23
67.7
11
Canada
85.6%
123.3 Mbit/s
€16.35
66.5
12
United States
72.0%
138.0 Mbit/s
€15.78
61.1
13
Germany
92.9%
91.3 Mbit/s
€11.00
60.8
14
France
84.1%
135.2 Mbit/s
€19.00
57.3
15
Hungary
79.7%
131.2 Mbit/s
€7.17
52.7
16
United Kingdom
91.7%
67.2 Mbit/s
€16.16
51.9
…
 
25
Ireland
83.8%
79.2 Mbit/s
€19.00
31.3

*This list is an extraction of a greater study. A complete overview of all data, methodology and sources can be found at https://preply.com/en/d/e-learning-index/

 

Further findings:

  • Mexico offers the worst conditions for e-learning offerings. Only 44.3% of Mexicans have private computer access, and slow internet makes real-time collaboration impossible.
  • The United States offers 9,303 online degree programs and courses that can be taken entirely online, while also providing the greatest variety of digital educational opportunities.
  • Canada offers the best value for money when it comes to internet access. In addition, the Canadian government invests around 31% of GDP per capita in tertiary education.
  • Internal data from Preply reveals that the biggest market growth last year was in Portugal.
  • Japan ranks surprisingly poorly, in 26th place. The technologically advanced country offers a rich market for e-learning offerings, but sluggish Internet and inadequate digital educational opportunities are holding back the potential for e-learning.

 

 

 

Royole New Foldable Smartphone FlexPai 2 is at the Heart of 2020 Flexible Technology Strategy #Royole #FlexPai2

Royole Corporation, a leading innovator and pioneer of next-generation human-machine interface technologies and products such as fully flexible displays, fully flexible sensors, foldable smartphones and other smart devices, announces the global launch of the Royole FlexPai 2 smartphone. The successor to the world’s first smartphone with a fully flexible display, Royole FlexPai, FlexPai 2 has today been announced at the 2020 Royole Strategy and New Product Launch event and introduces upgrades in performance, design and user experience.

Utilizing Royole’s most advanced, the 3rd generation Cicada Wing® fully flexible display, FlexPai 2 brings new possibilities for human-machine interface and delivers the brightest, most color-rich screen of any foldable smartphone and with a response speed of just 0.4ms. Royole’s fully flexible display is extremely thin and light, like wings of the cicada, and is as smooth as a mirror. The display is super flexible and robust, having been folded over 1.8 million times during Certified Display Folding Reliability Tests by National Institute of Metrology, China. Another essential advancement is the use of Royole’s proprietary seamless and stepless 0-180o hinge constructed from aircraft grade materials that includes durable aluminum titanium alloy and liquid metal. This incredible piece of engineering allows for smooth positioning of the FlexPai 2 at any angle and for a truly gapless fold, reducing the thickness by 40% compared to the previous generation FlexPai. The structure of the hinge is stable and shockproof, providing the great protection for the screen. It has more than 200 precision components with 0.01 mm processing accuracy. The hinge technology holds around 200 patents and solved many issues seen in other foldable smartphones.

 

 

“Our vision at Royole Corporation is to continue to build a Flexible Planet, an ecosystem of products that have integrated flexible electronics and unlock new possibilities in how humans interact with the world. By introducing the FlexPai 2, we have combined a timeless and stylish design with the best of our technology to bring a smartphone that elevates the consumer’s day-to-day utility of a phone or tablet.” says Bill Liu, founder, chairman and CEO of Royole Corporation “From the release of the world’s first foldable smartphone with the original FlexPai in 2018, we have learned and improved upon our previous successes to create a product that prioritizes user experience, comfort and service. Our flexible electronics create new possibilities for unlimited interaction and the FlexPai 2 showcases this.”

As a pioneer of flexible electronics, Royole’s mission is to revolutionize the way people experience and interact with the world, bringing new possibilities with unlimited interaction. FlexPai 2 is a demonstration of the company’s vast knowledge and capabilities in this space and shows how the addition of fully flexible electronics can transform a device into a totally new way of communication and interaction. A smartphone for convenience and 7.8” tablet for entertainment or business, all in one stunning anodized aluminum device and for the price of a regular smartphone.

 

A powerful quad camera array ensures the Royole FlexPai 2 competes with the leading flagship smartphones in the market and thanks to its form, FlexPai 2 offers unique shooting modes depending on the subject and needs of the user. USB-C fast charging, 4500mHa battery, updated Water OS software, 5G dual-mode connectivity and the latest Snapdragon 865 processor complete the flagship specification and ensure incredible performance whether in tablet, table or smartphone use.

Royole FlexPai 2 is an incredible technical advancement compared to its predecessor and this is more than just in the specification. The premium anodized aluminum finish with nanostructure optical coating, slim bezels, stunning display and choice of three stylish colors ensure the FlexPai 2 will not look out of place in any setting. Accessories include a synthetic leather case and Royole RoPods true wireless earbuds complete the high-end package.

Royole proudly moves both flexible electronics and foldable phones to the next level with the FlexPai 2. It will be available in Cosmic Gray, Midnight Black and Sunrise Gold from September 22nd, 2020 for RMB 9988 (approx.$1,427) in China, making it the most affordable foldable smartphone in the market right now.

 

 

Founded in 2012, Royole Corporation has offices in Shenzhen, Hong Kong and California. For more information, please visit: www.royole.com.

CIVICA NI – Launch First Public Post-Lockdown Surveys on Accessing Public Services Online. #CIVICA

The first post COVID-19 public survey released by Civica, a global leader in software for public services, has reinforced that:

  • Almost half of Northern Irish adults (49%) say they want to use digital tech more frequently following lockdown
  • one third of citizens surveyed believe the public sector could make better use of digital technology to enhance their lives. 

Led by a national impetus for better digital technologies and reliable online services, the survey shows the ‘need to connect’ is now embedded. Public appetite for use of technology and online services has undergone a distinct shift and public sector organisations need to recognise and work with this change.

The research is revealed in a new Civica Changing Landscape report, ‘Passing the tipping point for digital: the nudge effect of the pandemic’.

The report is based on key findings from senior leadership forums and two new sets of research from more than 2,000 citizens across Northern Ireland. It explores how public sector organisations throughout the region must recognise and capitalise on this digital momentum to re-shape the delivery of public services for the future.

The report also found: 

  • Almost half (46%) of surveyed citizens believe digital technologies can connect the community or improve the lives of citizens following the pandemic
  • 26% claim they trust government services more following the pandemic


Mark Owens, Managing Director at Civica Northern Ireland explained: “This is a comprehensive survey of attitudes to online engagement with public services. It shows that the government can respond in record time to deliver effective software such as the COVID-19 NI symptom tracker information app and recent track and trace version.

“But we cannot wait for a crisis to deepen before we recognise, we have the technology to give remote access to vital services such as GP appointments, manage socially distanced out-patient services or provide personalised benefits support. Plus, the public is clearly telling us that they want these services online and will use them.”

 

 

The report also calls for the Northern Ireland government to support affordable and reliable broadband, as well as fast tracking procurement of user-friendly government software and apps. This will make it easier, particularly for older people, to access the services they need online.

“Previous surveys showed slow progress in older generations embracing technology to access public services, but the current pandemic has shown a dramatic change in attitudes.

“Last year we brought together digital leaders in the public and private sectors to discuss how we could speed-up government and private sector collaboration. 

“Our public sector leaders agreed that more strategic digital programmes were crucial as digital communications are central to our lives. But to successfully lead these, we need collaboration, closer partnerships with digital suppliers and a procurement framework that puts the citizens’ needs above all else. 

 

“The challenge now is for public and private sector leaders in NI to continue to invest in initiatives designed to meet the growing demand in all areas of life. To support communities, people and employees on the difficult road ahead.” 

 

‘Passing the tipping point for digital: the nudge effect of the pandemic’ is the latest instalment in Civica’s Changing Landscape series of reports. 

To read more about the new report, please visit www.civica.co.uk/digital-ni-2020. 

Cowboy helps riders stay safe on the road with Crash Detection, an e-bike industry first. #ebike #cycling

Cowboy, the Belgium start-up with a vision to transform urban mobility, is using technology to reshape bike safety by introducing the industry’s first software designed to detect crashes and collisions – Crash Detection. Cowboy is putting rider safety at the very core of their mission to transform urban mobility and cities for the better with the new feature helping to protect over one million kilometers ridden by Cowboy users all over Europe every month.

Currently available in beta for a thousand users, the industry-first feature will be rolled out to all Cowboy 2 and Cowboy 3 riders by the end of September at no charge.

 

Using highly sensitive built-in sensors combined with GPS signal tracking, the bike communicates with the Cowboy app to detect a fall. If an accident occurs and the rider doesn’t confirm they’re fine within 60 seconds, Cowboy instantly alerts the rider’s emergency contacts (up to 2) to check in and offer help, while sharing the real-time rider position so they can be quickly located.

 

To provide riders with complete peace of mind, the Cowboy bike is also equipped with a SIM card that is completely independent from the phone and will work in every scenario, e.g. if the phone is damaged in a crash. This allows Cowboy to notify the emergency contact(s) without having to rely on the user’s phone.

Safety. At the core of Cowboy’s mission.

The Crash Detection feature was created as a result of a first-hand experience. Last year, Cowboy’s co-founder Tanguy Goretti had an accident with his bike. “The road was icy and visibility was limited”, Tanguy says. “I crashed after the first turn and glided for at least five meters. Luckily, there were people nearby to make sure I was okay and to help me and my bike off the street.” Thankfully, Tanguy’s accident only resulted in a few bruises and scratches, for him and his bike.

 

But walking away safely and relatively unharmed from a bike accident is not the case for everyone. “In Europe, most serious accidents occur just outside urban areas. In that scenario, you don’t always have someone to help and you might be left for a long time awaiting assistance. That’s how the idea for Crash Detection was born”, Tanguy who is responsible for the software development at the Brussels-based start-up further elaborates.

 

When done right, technology can have a huge impact on people’s lives and the safety of communities. Crash detection is Cowboy’s latest addition to an already comprehensive list of safety-first related features and innovations now available on the recently launched Cowboy 3 as well as previous versions of the bike:

 

  • Flashing brake light. The rear light flashes when you slow your speed so you’re more visible to the traffic behind you.

  • Puncture-resistant tires. All-rounder tires handle the load and the road.

  • Integrated front and rear lights. Be seen by others on the road, ever aware of your surroundings.

  • Hydraulic disc brakes. Ride fast and in control with hydraulic brakes that provide total stopping power the second you make contact.

 

Review – STM Goods Myth 18L backpack. #TechBag #Travel #Tech

Travelling and a tech fan well this bag might just be the one to look at, I have been using bags from this company for some years now and they fit my daily usage perfectly. Optimal comfort is a key feature here with how this bag is designed and that it is with the arched back lined with good padding yet your cargo remains protected inside by way of slingtech which keeps the cargo off the ground no matter where and of course the extra padding and gapless corners so in essence the bags could be dropped and all remains fine.

There is no shortage of storage compartments here either and you get a sunglasses storage area lined to protect them so for carrying phones,tablets headphones,earbuds battery power banks you have a spot for them all including your laptop which would most likely be one of the most expensive items in your back all is in safe hands here and to top it off you have a cable ready system to connect items to powerbanks and still have easy fast access to the device charging.

Weight distribution is another factor worth noting ,there is a luggage pass-through built into the bag which will make it real secure and is integrated with the lumbar support of the back panel.

Features

  • AirPod pocket offers quick, easy access to your wireless headphones
  • Dedicated place to keep ear buds safely stowed, corralled, and untangled
  • TPU coated webbing handles with rivets ensures durability
  • Water repellent C6DWR coating applied to fabric
  • Air channel back panel system promotes air flow, keeps you cool and comfortable
  • Reverse coil zippers protect teeth, keep moisture and grunge out
  • Internal fleece lined sunglasses pocket

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