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.

The PNY all-in-one USB-C mini portable dock. #PNY #Tech

PNY Technologies, the European leader in components and accessories, is today announcing the launch of its All-In-One USB-C Mini Portable Dock. This multifunctional all-in-one solution combines nine connection ports to allow USB, USB-C, HDMI, VGA, RJ45 inputs and outputs, as well as a SD and microSD slots.

Whilst more laptops and tablets are coming to the market equipped with Type-C, they usually only have one connection port. However, very often users need to be able to use various peripherals, which is a struggle with the one connection port. The PNY All-In-One USB-C Mini Portable Dock meets users’ needs by offering a flexible and portable multifunctional tool that’s capable of maximizing the potential of their work environment, no matter where they are. With an integrated foldable cable, it provides an ideal all-in-one compact solution to allow users to be more efficient and overcome any connectivity issues on both USB-C Macs and Windows compatible laptops.

The nine connection ports mean users can read their memory cards, connect a monitor and any other peripherals. Enjoy high-speed transfer up to 5Gbps, 4K high definition picture or video in HDMI or display in VGA, and wired reliable network access at speed up to 1 Gbps. Supporting Power delivery up to 100W pass-through charging, you can power your laptop while accessing the other functions of the dock. (Charger not included).

Additionally, the ergonomic design of the All-In-One USB-C Mini Portable Dock, enables users to create a working environment at home that’s as efficient as at the office. There’s no need for messy wires taking up desk space or running out of ports on your device – all you need is one cable connection from your laptop. Thanks to its simple, compact design and its soft touch finish, the PNY All-In-One USB-C Mini Portable Dock is easy to transport, making it ideal for mobile users whose work requires multiple connections in different locations. You can always have the right connection in the office or working from home.

 

Marlène Joseph, product manager at PNY says: “We are very proud to launch a product that meets the ergonomic and practical needs that users are looking for in their workspace. The crisis we are currently going through has shown us that it is possible to work from home and be productive if we are equipped with the right tools. With the All-In-One USB-C Mini Portable Dock everyone can have a functional and all-in-one tool to optimize their work environment and easily stay connected.”

PNY All-In-One USB-C Mini Portable Dock specifications:

  • Input/Output
  • 1 x USB-C input (connect to a Type-C host PC)
  • 2 x USB-C (Data & Power Delivery Charging)
  • 2 x USB-A 3.1 (up to 5Gbps data transfer, one BC 1.2 up to 1.5A downstream charging, one up to 900mA)
  • 1 x HDMI  – screens & projectors
  • 1 x VGA – screens and projectors
  • 1 x RJ45 – 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet performance
  • 1 x SD slot
  • 1 x microSD slot

  • Resolutions

– HDMI : Max 4Kx2k@30Hz

– VGA : Max 1920×1200@60Hz

  • Power supply: Type-C PD Charging: Max 100W(20V/5A)
  • Product size: 12 x 7 x 1,4 cm

PNY All-In-One USB-C Mini Portable Dock is available from Amazon at the end of June 2020 and at a RRP of 89,99€ / £79.99.

Esri Ireland launches interactive StoryMap of the History of Pride in Ireland. #Pride #StoryMap

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), is today launching an interactive StoryMap on The History of Pride in Ireland. Based on Esri’s digital mapping platform, the map allows users to explore the major historic places and dates which have helped lead to positive change and progress for members of the LGBTQ+ community across Ireland.

The timeline of the Irish Pride movement encompasses foundational events as far back as June 1974, when 10 people marched to the British Embassy in Dublin to protest against the criminalisation of homosexuality. The map provides information on the first official Pride Week in the city in 1979, through large scale LGBTQ+ protests in the 1980s and up to the same-sex marriage referendum in 2015.

Esri Ireland launches interactive StoryMap of the History of Pride in Ireland.

The StoryMap blends together maps, images, text, embedded videos and tweets, and links to further articles and information to present a comprehensive history of the Pride movement. Today, it has grown into one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Ireland, with tens of thousands attending the 40th anniversary of the very first Pride Festival last year.

Due to COVID- 19, this year’s festival was moved to a digital format, with the StoryMap providing all the relevant links for anyone wishing to learn more about the virtual parade and concert set to take place on Sunday, June 28th 2020. The StoryMap is available to view at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/df083b34c03f4f52ac166adcb60a871a

Google launches ‘Play with Art & Culture. #GoogleArts #Google #Arts #Culture

Google Arts & Culture launch a collection of interactive games that make art, culture and history accessible in a fun and educational way

Google have today launched ‘Play with Arts & Culture’, a collection of five interactive games that allow people to indulge in arts and culture with friends and family across the globe from the comfort of their own home. The games aim to make art, culture and history accessible in a fun and educational way and are an engaging way to get inspired and play while learning more about arts and culture.

It’s time to have some fun while immersing yourself in the history of the world’s culture and art!  Whether you want to solve artistic jigsaw puzzles together with family and friends using PUZZLE PARTY, discover more art through unexpected pairings in VISUAL CROSSWORDS, compare cultural moments in time on WHAT CAME FIRST, color your way through the palettes of famous paintings in the ART COLORING BOOK, or get cultured playing CULTURAL CROSSWORDS now you can all from the comfort of your couch.

 

Google Arts & Culture puts the treasures, stories and knowledge of over 2,000 cultural institutions from 80 countries at your fingertips. It’s an immersive way to explore art, history, wonders of the world  and stories about cultural heritage from Van Gogh’s bedroom paintings, Mandela’s prison cell to Ancient Temples, Dinosaurs, Indian Railways or Food in Japan. Google has been an innovation partner for cultural institutions since 2011 working together on developing and applying technologies that help to preserve and share culture in new ways.

 

The Google Arts & Culture app is free and available on the web, on iOS and Android.

 

Review – CLCKR Stand and Grip Case Carbon Fibre. #CLCKR

There is a wide variety of phone accessories available today and choice which is important for consumers and some can be expensive whilst others not but combining a good stand and case built in one is a hard find that will last, CLCKR is a company that offers both be it the stand on its own or both the case and stand as one unit and these are a must have accessory for your smartphone for two reasons, One being protection and Two the ability to consume media uninterupted and without the need to remove your case.

CLCKR has a range of products to address this. Recently we checked out the phone stand and grip case which is your typical phone case but with the stand built in too and has been solid so far for me and has not had any signs of wear and tear so it is a durable product..

This case we have today is carbon fibre and looks really well and not only that very light,robust and ads virtually no bulk to you iPhone. There is a small lip around the front so the device can be placed face down as well as rear down, the keys work a treat and no issues there and again this case is ideal for consuming media in portrait or landscape mode. All cutouts are present so no issues with cables or speaker port being blocked and overall it is a worthy investment for your phone.. Check out the video below for more.

Options.

The brand-new range includes phone cases with an in-built CLCKR stand and grip are available for iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 11 Pro, as well as a universal CLCKR stand and grip that fixes directly to the device. All the cases are drop tested up to 2.2m and are compatible with QI certified wireless chargers.

Protect Your Phone in Style – Available in two colours, Black and Navy Blue, the phone cases or universal stands are available in a choice of four materials:

Carbon Fibre – A stylish and modern effect which also gives extra grip and protection for your device. Priced at £34.99

Saffiano – Made using a PU Saffiano material, the crosshatch effect gives this case a sleek, smart and classy feel. Priced at £29.99

Perforated – Boasting circular perforations give the perfect mix of edgy and sporty and is ideal for everyday use. Priced at £34.99

Studio – The clear design of the case allows you to show off the colour of your device whilst the CLCKR is made from a soft PU material for comfort when using. Priced at £24.99

BUY  – https://www.clckr.com/uk/clckr-case

UPS, Sealed Air, Smurfit Kappa and MacFarlane Packaging simplify wine and spirits exporting. #ecommerce #Logistics

UPS, a global leader in logistics, global packaging experts Sealed Air (SEE), Smurfit Kappa and top UK distributor Macfarlane Packaging are today launching a new range of packaging specially designed for shipping individual bottles of spirits and wine, to help producers in the UK and Ireland expand their markets and reach new customers.

 

“Ecommerce presents a huge opportunity for drinks producers wanting to grow their businesses, as a fifth of alcohol consumers in key export markets are already purchasing their favourite brands online,” said Mark Vale, President, UPS UK & Ireland. “We designed this new packaging to simplify the process and bring peace of mind that these fragile products will arrive safely at their destination. By combining this specialised packaging with UPS’s smart global logistics network, brokerage expertise and service coverage, distillers can focus on their passion and sharing their savoir-faire with the world.”

With alcohol e-sales in the UK and Ireland experiencing double digit growth this packaging addresses the challenge of how to safely pack and ship individual bottles that come in a range of shapes and sizes. It has been developed and tested by UPS, in partnership with leading packaging companies Smurfit Kappa and Sealed Air, and is distributed by Macfarlane Packaging. Alcohol producers shipping with UPS benefit from damage cover when they use this UPS Approved packaging.

              

“At the moment, people are ordering more goods from online retailers so that they can stay at home,” said Laurel Granville, Marketing Director, Macfarlane Packaging. “There is a growing demand for bottle packs as there is a need to effectively pack and distribute these products without damage. At Macfarlane, we offer our clients the most innovative and environmentally friendly protective packaging options for their businesses and we are proud to work with UPS to offer this pack to ecommerce customers.”

 

There are four customisable versions of the new one-bottle packs that can accommodate most of the wine and spirits bottles on the market. The packaging is also fully recyclable. It features the Korrvu® Retention technology by Sealed Air that allows the bottle to be suspended in transparent film, the pack can be used for display in a shop or bar, or sent to family or friends as a gift.

 

UPS also provides a direct-to-consumer wine shipping export service from selected countries in Europe to destinations in 60 countries across North America, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Africa, in addition to its global business-to-business alcohol shipping services.

 

For more information on the new packaging, visit ups.com/spiritspack. To download UPS’s full guide to shipping alcohol, visit the UPS website.

Creative SXFI TRIO: USB-C In-ears with the Super X-Fi Difference. #Creative #SFXITRIO

Creative Technology today announced the launch of the Creative SXFI TRIO, triple-driver USB-C in-ear headphones, designed to deliver high-quality holographic audio with all-day comfort on Android phones, PCs and laptops.

 

Implemented with the latest Super X-Fi Gen2 technology, users can expect greater accuracy in personalisation and a better all-round audio experience. Powered by the same triple-driver system as the well-received Aurvana Trio and fitted with a custom-designed Kevlar USB-C cable, SXFI TRIO sets to exceed expectations with balanced, accurate, and natural-sounding digital audio for users on the go.

Wired for Pristine Digital Audio

SXFI TRIO delivers pristine digital audio and great performance powered by an in-house tuned, hybrid triple-driver system. Each of the three drivers (two precision balanced armature drivers for detailed mids and highs, and a bio-cellulose driver for powerful yet clean bass) plays an important part to achieve maximum audio fidelity. Yielding up to 100 dB SNR and 0.008% IMD, SXFI TRIO offers users exceptional audio clarity with balanced and accurate audio that is natural sounding.

 

Intricately designed and engineered, SXFI TRIO is also fitted with a custom-designed, Kevlar-reinforced cable for exceptional tensile strength, and wrapped in an aluminium and copper shield for higher durability. Its all-round superior quality makes it perfect for use on mobile devices while on the go.

 

The cream of the features crop is the critically-acclaimed Super X-Fi technology, which is incorporated through an attached in-line SXFI WIRE, which is a 40% smaller version of the already finger-sized SXFI AMP, the first-ever Super X-Fi product and an icon in its own right. Users can enjoy holographic audio which is personalized for an all-natural surround audio experience, that can rival a high-end 7.1 surround sound system.

Work-Learn-Play from Home All Day

SXFI TRIO truly sets itself apart with a new level of audio realism for calls, and makes video calls with family and friends more intimate. It’s also excellent for long calls, where the spatialisation of Super X-Fi eliminates the fatigue associated with conventional headphones.

As such, SXFI TRIO is the perfect companion to Work-Learn-Play from home with, instead of bulky headphones.

SXFI TRIO’s angled earbuds are intricately designed and fine-tuned for long-lasting comfort, and it comes with 6 pairs of different silicone ear tip sizes, so it will be a breeze to find the perfect fit.

Creative’s CEO Sim Wong Hoo said, “The SXFI TRIO is an all-rounder, ideal for all day in all places. It’s a miniaturised wonder. The triple-driver performance can rival high-end, bulky headphones; with Super X-Fi integrated, I believe it will be very hard to match. Moreover, you are getting two products for the price of one, because it basically integrates the SXFI AMP and the Aurvana Trio into one – their combined price is twice that of SXFI TRIO.”

Pricing and Availability

SXFI TRIO is priced at £124.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/sxfitrio.

Official data hub launched to provide comprehensive COVID-19 information to public. #DataHub #Covid19

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), today announces that a new COVID-19 data hub, compiling official figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and the Health Service Executive (HSE), is now publicly available to view.

The data hub is a result of a collaboration between Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi), the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) and the Department of Health, with Esri Ireland providing technical support for the hub built using its GIS technology and platform.

All figures and data on the hub are updated in line with the latest national figures. In addition to headline figures on total confirmed cases and total deaths, the hub makes large swathes of entirely new information for the public, including testing figures, ICU admissions and hospital capacity.

 

Furthermore, the hub presents confirmed COVID-19 case counts by electoral division, enabling detailed analysis of the location of cases and for the first time, bringing geography to the forefront in the management of the virus in Ireland. People can now view accurate and up-to-date information on COVID-19 cases in their locality.

Ireland’s COVID-19 Data Hub can be viewed on the Government’s GeoHive platform at: https://covid19ireland-geohive.hub.arcgis.com/

Mobility companies say programme commitment to legislate for e-scooters should be urgent priority in new government #escooters

A group of major mobility providers in Ireland have written to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party to welcome the commitment in the Programme for Government to legislate for e-scooters, but have also called for a radical rethink in how Ireland manages transport.

FREE NOW, Lime, Bleeperbike, Zip Mobility and Zeus have said any new incoming government must make legislation for e-scooters and other forms of Powered Personal Transporters (PPT) an immediate priority in the wake of COVID-19.

In an open letter sent to the leaders of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party, the providers highlighted the need to radically rethink how Ireland manages transport and the requirement for new forms of micro mobility: “Now, more than ever, we can encourage a shift into alternative forms of transport. Other countries have made the deployment of micro-mobility a key step in supporting their re-opening, it is time for Ireland to do the same. COVID-19 has changed how people will travel and many are seeking alternatives that allow social distancing. E-scooters and other forms of micro-mobility can support this.”

Image by Christian Bueltemann from Pixabay

Alan Fox, General Manager of FREE NOW said: “We have brought together the major mobility providers in Ireland and are calling on any incoming government to prioritise the legislation of e-scooters and other micro mobility as a matter of urgency. While we welcome the commitments made in the new Programme for Government, we urge any incoming government to make this legislation a top priority. Ireland needs to radically rethink how we manage the traditional transport modes such as buses and trains to reduce clustering of commuters at peak times.  Taxi drivers have been working throughout the pandemic to get essential workers to where they need to be. Taxis will continue to offer the potential to transport passengers in an effective, socially-distanced way, but we now see people looking for greater mode diversity and alternatives to public transport as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We need to offer alternative modes of transport that enable people to get around without putting more private cars on the streets, which would ratchet up congestion again and increase harmful carbon emissions. Now is the time for any new government to allow for more choice and encourage people to leave their cars at home and use e-bikes, e-scooters and other forms of micro mobility.”   

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport ran a public consultation on Personal Powered Transporters (PPTs) last year, but no recent progress has been made to introduce new legislation that would permit the use of e-scooters in Ireland. The commitment to legislate for e-scooters was included in the recently-announced Programme for Government.

The mobility providers also said in the letter that: “We believe that we can help people travel responsibly and we will help usher in the return of economic activity. This is a great opportunity for a new government to encourage passengers to get out of private cars and onto bikes, scooters and other forms of micro-mobility.” 

Electric scooters, an efficient and carbon-friendly transport mode that is tailor-made for the new socially-distanced normal, are already an integral part of the transport mix in many European countries like Germany and France that are easing restrictions with measured transport circulation.

GungHo Launches Ninjala exclusively for the Nintendo Switch today. #Ninjala #Gaming #NintendoSwitch

GungHo Online Entertainment (GOE) today released its bubblegum arena brawler Ninjala exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. The free to play title features two exciting multiplayer modes including an eight-player arena battle and a 4v4 team battle, as well as a single-player training mode. Pick and customize your ninja kid before you burst onto the scene of the World Ninja Association’s (WNA) ultimate ninja tournament, Ninjala.

By chewing super-powered Ninja-Gum, these modern-day ninjas can blow bubbles that can be targeted at their foes, craft all sorts of weapons, and fly across the battlefield with enhanced speed and agility…all with only one small side effect – it turns them into kids!

Download Ninjala here. Check out the launch trailer here.

To celebrate the launch of Ninjala, Japanese pop sensation Kyary Pamyu Pamyu collaborated with celebrated American musician and producer, Steve Aoki. The pair teamed up to remix Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s hit song Ninja Re Bang Bang which is out now! Listen to it here and check out the special mashup video here.

Also available today is Chapter One of the Story Mode DLC which features Van, a naturally talented kid who loves playing basketball. After learning from his master about his family’s ninja ancestry, he resolves to wield his ninja powers for good to defend the WNA and the world at large. With the power of Ninja-Gum, Van will be able to use special ninja abilities, fly around the city, stealthily pursue his targets, and take on huge bosses in epic battles.

But when it comes to taking down the enemy, whether it’s a space ninja or a giant, monstrous soda bottle, Van needs to use every trick in the book to gain the upper hand. Van’s Story Mode chapter one is regularly $9.99 USD, but is currently on sale for $4.59 USD. Story Mode is available now in the Nintendo eShop – look out for chapters from other Ninjala characters in the future!

To learn more about the fantastical story behind Ninjala and its eight main characters, check out the 2D cartoon anime series from GOE. The first episode, Bloodline of the Shinobi, follows Van’s story as he uncovers the mystery behind why ninjas attacked his father, and how it ties to his ninja heritage.The episode is available on YouTube here.