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.

Nokia introduces new Wi-Fi 6 mesh router and technology innovations to deliver ultimate gigabit experience in a 5G world. #Nokia #5G #WiFi

Nokia today announced it is adding a new Wi-Fi 6 Beacon to its whole-home WiFi portfolio, helping operators to deliver a powerful user experience. Providing a high-capacity, high-performance in-home solution, the new Beacon 6 uses Wi-Fi 6 to deliver 40 percent faster speeds than previous Wi-Fi generations.

 To further enhance the in-home experience, Nokia is also adding low-latency technology built on Nokia Bell Labs innovations to its Wi-Fi portfolio. Drastically improving residential Wi-Fi networks, the Nokia Beacon 6 provides operators with an easy to install solution that can support low-latency applications such as gaming and gigabit speeds essential for creating a seamless end-to-end 5G experience.
 

Ben Wood, chief of research at CCS Insight said: “The benefits of 5G are going to change user experiences and customers’ expectations. The blend of the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, low latency performance and in-home Wi-Fi mesh solutions linked to 5G will allow operators to deliver a seamless communications platform for next generation applications and solutions.”

 

Currently more than 25 percent of homes globally are connected to a Wi-Fi network and there are about 5 billion Wi-Fi-connected devices in the home including home computing, smart TVs and smart home devices. To cope with this growth, operators and end-users are investing in devices that support Wi-Fi 6, a new Wi-Fi standard that improves speed by at least four times in dense areas and reduces latency by 75 percent.

 

The Beacon 6 is the first Nokia WiFi device to showcase several new technologies working seamlessly together. This includes:

  • Support for Wi-Fi 6 which improves the overall speed, performance and latency of a Wi-Fi network with OFDMA, a modulation scheme used in 5G that allows the access point to talk to more devices at once.
  • The Beacon 6 introduces Wi-Fi Certified EasyMesh3 and is fully interoperable with 3rd party Wi-Fi Certified EasyMesh products for easy install. Nokia’s new mesh controller capabilities ensure the best Wi-Fi performance is achieved in the home by managing channel selection and adding advanced interference capabilities that are unique in the market.
  • Nokia Bell Labs low-latency innovations including PI24 algorithm (available 2H20) that consistently improves latency even in congested environments. With PI2, latency is reduced from hundreds of milliseconds to 20 milliseconds which can be further reduced to <5 milliseconds when paired with L4S in the core network. L4S is currently being standardized by the IETF5 and builds on Bell Labs innovations that eliminate jitters and delays that can impact the user experience in low-latency applications like gaming and virtual reality.

The introduction of Nokia’s Beacon 6 and new low-latency innovations will play an important role in helping operators deliver a powerful 5G user experience at home. With Nokia’s Beacon 6, operators can leverage the speed and performance of Wi-Fi 6 to seamlessly off-load 5G mobile traffic to the Wi-Fi network, allowing end users connected to a 5G wireless network to go from the car into the home without any disruptions. This is critical for operators looking to free up expensive 5G spectrum for higher ARPU use cases like Industry 4.0 and IoT.

 

“Nokia’s new Beacon 6 will play a fundamental role in helping operators significantly enhance residential Wi-Fi and for the first time, deliver a true 5G experience across the network,” said Sandra Motley, President of Fixed Networks at Nokia.  “By leveraging the power of Wi-Fi 6, Nokia’s new Beacon 6 can help establish a significantly faster and more powerful Wi-Fi network in the home that will forever change the game for operators and end users alike. Whether it’s a home, work or public environment, the ability to seamlessly offload from mobile 5G to Wi-Fi 6 will enable operators to accelerate 5G rollouts, reduce costs and ultimately ensure a consistent, premium 5G end-users experience is achieved.”

 

“New Zealand already has some of the fastest internet connectivity in the world thanks to the strong customer uptake of the FTTH Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) program,” said JB Rousselot, Chorus New Zealand’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are building on this fantastic progress with the launch of our 10G GPON services under the product banner of HyperFibre and are excited about the role that WiFi6 will play in enhancing the customers experience.  Lab testing of the Beacon 6 on our fibre network has demonstrated that we can take wireless speeds beyond a gig.  This new technology provides a way for our fantastic fibre asset to play a meaningful part in New Zealanders 5G wireless experiences.”

 

COVID-19 Pandemic Will Force Companies Around the World to Radically Rethink How They Operate and Embrace Technological Investment

The Coronavirus outbreak and the worldwide reaction to the pandemic will force companies to radically rethink how they operate and embrace technological investment, states global tech market advisory firm, ABI Research.

In its new white paper, Taking Stock of COVID-19: The Short- and Long-Term Ramifications on Technology and End Markets, ABI Research Analysts look at the current and future ramifications of COVID-19 across technologies and verticals. Analysts also offer recommendations to weather the storm and strategies to help companies rebound and prosper after the pandemic has slowed.

“To effect change, there must be a stimulation of a magnitude that means companies cannot do anything but make bold decisions to survive. COVID-19 is that magnitude,” explains Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer at ABI Research.

Bold decisions and technological investments could lead to outcomes such as:

  • A more concerted and widespread move to lights-out manufacturing
  • Increased usage of autonomous materials handling and goods vehicles
  • A more integrated, diverse, and coordinated supply chain
  • Investment in smart cities to support community resilience
  • A move to virtual workspaces and practices
  • And so much more

“Before we feel this potential long-term impact, there will be some serious short-term implications. Contractions in consumer spending, disruptions to supply chains, and reduced availability of components will create a rough sea for all boats,” Carlaw says. “In the short-term, there will be a retrenchment in outlooks a reduced investment in modernization, as survival instincts trump the drive to prosperity.”

For a clearer picture of the short- and long-term global impacts of COVID-19, download the whitepaper Taking Stock of COVID-19: The Short- and Long-Term Ramifications on Technology and End Markets.

Working from home in times of Crisis. #AVer #Tech #WFH

Rene Buhay, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at leading AV manufacturer AVer Europe says that in times of crisis, remote working is increasingly important for a business to continue to function, and with it the communications technology that makes it work.

Telecommuting, distance working, remote working: the reality is that working away from the office is a legitimate and rapidly growing occurrence in business. Remote working is extremely appealing to many businesses keen to capitalize on the flexibility and cost savings it brings, whilst helping build genuine relationships with remote teams and partners. It can also be a crucial part of a business continuity plan, if an office has to shut, or staff are unwell and need to work from home.  Businesses can continue to operate with a minimum amount of disruption if the technology is in place to help staff work remotely.

The idea of working from home is already extremely popular with employees, and has seen a steady increase in recent years. A younger generation of workers, who have grown up with technology and are accustomed to making connections remotely from early childhood, can carry that experience with them into the workforce. With innovations in communication technology, the lines between workplaces and living spaces are virtually non-existent. Anyone can use cloud-based platforms and a laptop to instant message or video chat with co-workers.

If remote working has not yet played a role in the way a company does work, it undoubtedly will soon. But businesses will need a reliable way to create meaningful and productive connections with employees scattered around the world if this is to be successful. Video conferencing is the answer.

At AVer Europe we have been developing a range of products for this kind of interaction, with hardware certifications for major conferencing platforms like Google Hangouts Meet and Zoom Rooms. Cameras have been designed for every type of meeting room and situation, with products suitable for remote or small groups of distant workers. Options like the CAM340+ and the VB342+ Video Soundbar deliver diverse interoperability with most cloud-based video conferencing systems so team members can connect wherever they are and however they communicate.

Particularly useful for lone workers is our CAM340+, a compact, portable high-quality HD intelligent camera that allows the user to communicate from anywhere. Compatible with all common applications, it connects to a computer via a single USB cable, ready to use as soon as it’s plugged in to a laptop or monitor. Another useful tool is our VB342+, an all in one USB 4K UHD smart room camera/audio soundbar, featuring smart functions for automatic FOV framing and voice tracking, that creates a feeling of closeness for remote workers.

If a business uses Zoom for video conferencing, the EP65 all-in-one touchscreen with integrated Zoom Rooms software is a great solution as it is designed for distance collaboration, features 4K imaging and a high-quality audio experience that brings remote workers into the room. A shared digital whiteboard and wireless screen sharing capability allow virtual participants to contribute as if they were present in-person. Also, the VB342+ Video Soundbar is perfect for huddle rooms, with SmartFrame and SmartSpeaker auto framing and voice tracking functions.

If staff are not IT proficient or are wary of new technology and how to set up devices, smart functions incorporated in conferencing technology will eliminate the need for them to be IT experts, taking away their fears of using new technology. One of the main benefits of smart functions in the video conferencing room is that they eliminate clumsy manual camera setup and operation. Technology like SmartFrame and SmartSpeaker are excellent examples of functions that automatically adjust a camera’s field of view (FOV) and zoom via facial and voice recognition algorithms. With these solutions the user doesn’t have to pan, tilt, or zoom a conferencing camera to make sure a person is in frame. There’s also no need to manually switch the camera’s focus from speaker to speaker. SmartFrame lets you set the perfect frame to start a meeting with one push of a button. SmartSpeaker differentiates between random noises and the human voice to switch between speakers. These features cut out a significant amount of downtime, allowing staff to focus on the important work that needs doing.

A welcome result of video conferencing is the reduced carbon footprint for an organisation, with less travel. Most companies like to talk a lot about corporate social responsibility and using video conferencing to reduce travel is one of the best ways to back up that rhetoric. In a world that is growing increasingly more virtual, with requirement to work away from the office for travel, sickness, or work-life balance, video conferencing means that communication and efficiency don’t need to be heavily impacted, and business operations can keep running smoothly.

We are reviewing an eSim that works in Ireland but what exactly is it? Find out more. #eSim #Tech #Mobile

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (“Embedded Subscriber Identification Module”) is a small chip that is embedded inside a wide range of newer devices – everything from smartphones and smartwatches, to laptops and tablets. It works just like a second SIM card in a phone, but unlike a physical SIM, an eSIM cannot be removed and can be programmed to any mobile network that supports eSIM service.

 

 

How do you use an eSIM in your smartphone?

An eSIM comes embedded as-standard in many of the latest devices. However, to activate the eSIM you will need to purchase an eSIM plan from a traditional mobile network provider (like Vodafone), or purchase an eSIM plan online. This plan, depending on who you purchase from, can give you access to voice, SMS and/or data services through the eSIM on a second mobile phone number. The plan is often installed via a QR code or by downloading an app. 

 

Does Ireland support eSIM?

Right now, Irish domestic operators (like Vodafone and Three) do not support eSIM. This means you can’t visit one of their stores and request an eSIM plan to activate the eSIM within your device. However, customers can purchase global roaming eSIM plans from a number of online stores that will activate the eSIM in their device and allow them to use their eSIM in Ireland. The eSIM will ‘roam’ onto mobile operators’ networks and can be used at home or abroad. 

 

What are the benefits of using a global roaming eSIM?

An global roaming eSIM purchased online can be used at home or overseas, giving the user a range of different benefits.

 

Using an eSIM in your home country:

  • Make use of two mobile phone numbers on one device – great for those who have a personal line and a business line
  • As a global roaming eSIM can roam on any network, users may be able to switch network providers to access better coverage in remote locations
  • Affordable international calling rates

 

Using an eSIM overseas:

  • Affordable roaming voice, SMS and data plans – often cheaper than traditional network providers
  • No need to remove your current SIM card and replace it with a local SIM
  • Your primary SIM number can be used at the same time as your eSIM

What devices work with eSim..

Apple Phone iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, XS, XS Max, XR
Tablet iPad Mini (5th gen.), iPad (7th gen.), iPad Air (3rd gen.), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd gen.), 11-inch iPad Pro
Wearable Apple Watch Series 3, 4, 5
Samsung Phone S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, Z Flip, Galaxy Fold
Wearable Gear S2, S3 Frontier 3G, S3 Classic, and Galaxy Watch and Watch Active 2
Google Phone Pixel 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL , 4, 4 XL
Motorola Phone Razr
Microsoft Tablet Surface Pro X, Surface Pro with LTE Advanced
Huawei Wearable Huawei Watch 2 Pro
Xiaomi Wearable Smartwatch

DxO PhotoLab 3.2 Is Expanding Its Set Of Local Adjustment Tools And Improving Its PhotoLibrary

DxO PhotoLab 3, the market’s leading photo-editing software in terms of image quality developed by DxO, has now become even better with its latest 3.2 update. After introducing the DxO ColorWheel, which offers users a brand-new approach to colour, DxO PhotoLab 3.2 has made local adjustment mask management even more flexible, optimized its Repair Tool, and improved PhotoLibrary keyword support. In addition, the software now supports five new cameras, including the recent Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, the Nikon D780, and the Olympus E-M1 Mark III.

Improved Mask Management

In addition to the existing display, opacity adjustment, and mask reversal features, the improved Local Adjustment Palette available through DxO PhotoLab 3.2 includes two new settings: Duplicate and Rename. With these features, users can enjoy even more flexibility when managing several local adjustment masks within a single image. Photographers can duplicate control points, graduated filters, or masks to retain the same settings as the original and adapt them to suit their needs. Users can also assign a customized name to their masks to identify them more easily. In addition, the ability to move automatic masks and masks created with the Brush Tool is now available on the Windows version as well.

With the new Duplicate and Rename features, users can enjoy even more flexibility when managing several local adjustment masks within a single image.

New Display Mode For The Repair Tool

DxO PhotoLab 3.2 has optimized the display of its Repair Tool, a powerful paintbrush that can be used to remove any unwanted elements from an image. Users can now enjoy a more streamlined display. The areas being retouched are now highlighted by a thin outline to make them easier to see without obstructing the background.

This design lets photographers reposition the area in the source image that is used to reconstruct the portion being edited. Feathering and opacity level are still adjustable.

 

The Repair Tool’s retouching areas are now indicated by an outline to make them more visible without obstructing the background.

Improved Keyword Support

DxO has improved keyword support in the DxO PhotoLibrary to offers users a workflow that is ever more comprehensive—from the image organization stage to export. In addition to the ability to add, delete, and rename the keywords that are paired to an image, DxO PhotoLab 3.2 now lets users differentiate between keywords that are tagged to several images and has added the renaming feature to the Windows version.

Support For Five New Cameras

DxO’s engineers have worked hard to include support for the latest cameras released in early 2020. DxO PhotoLab 3.2 now supports the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, the Nikon D780, and the Olympus E-M1 Mark III. The software is also compatible with the Leica D-Lux 7 and Q2.

 

More than 770 optical modules have also been added to the DxO PhotoLab 3.2 database, which now includes over 60,000 different camera/lens combinations. Through the high-quality RAW conversion technology included in DxO PhotoLab 3.2 and DxO’s scientific calibration process, the photos taken with these devices will be automatically corrected for any optical faults.

 

These cameras are also supported by DxO FilmPack 5 and DxO ViewPoint 3.

Price And Availability

The ESSENTIAL and ELITE editions of DxO PhotoLab 3.2 (PC and Mac) are now available for download through DxO’s online store (http://shop.dxo.com/en) for the following launch prices until March 31, 2020:

 

DxO PhotoLab 3.2 ESSENTIAL Edition: £86.99 instead of £112

DxO PhotoLab 3.2 ELITE Edition: £129.99 instead of £169

How UPS and other logistics companies are dealing with COVID-19 #UPS #Coronavirus #Logistics

Over the last while I have been asking questions about how courier companies are dealing with the current COVID-19 issue but until recently DPD have issued on how they are dealing with the problem going forward and my concern was with handheld terminals and not only this the handling of freight via sorting hubs and staff internally. In most cases a handheld terminal is passed to the customer to sign but it is good see that some have stamped this out for the foreseeable future. An Post have also posted some information on their site despite the lack of listening to drivers and staffs requests in recent times they have information now posted  HERE

DPD have this statement up on their site on how they are moving forward. Fastway have included this on their homepage. And DHL have guidelines listed 

 

UPS however have just issued this statement.

I want to share an update on what UPS is doing to keep our customers and our people safe while continuing to deliver around the world.
UPS is following the guidance of global health experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We are reminding our employees about frequent hand washing, and we are regularly cleaning and disinfecting our facilities and equipment. Importantly, we are asking that our drivers, pilots, and other employees stay home from work if they feel sick.
Many people are asking the same question: is it safe to receive and handle a shipment? The WHO and CDC have stated that the likelihood of catching the COVID-19 virus by touching cardboard or other another shipping container is low.
From the outset, UPS has maintained delivery services except where limited by government restrictions. We have also worked in partnership with governments around the world to obtain exceptions that allow our shipments to continue in restricted areas.
UPS has long been a trusted partner in communities around the world. As with other global humanitarian crisis events, we are helping with relief related to COVID-19 and will continue to seek opportunities to assist our communities in need.
As this situation is evolving rapidly, we have created a web page with information on how UPS is responding to COVID-19 and tools you can use during this time.
UPS’s network planning and operations teams are experienced with adapting to changing conditions, and are developing contingency plans to address potential sources of disruption in our air and ground networks.
Our teams are working to continue to serve the supply chain needs of businesses during this time, while keeping our employees and customers safe.Thank you for trusting us with your business.
David Abney
Chairman and CEO
UPS
Severe weather, natural disasters, and other conditions beyond our control can occasionally disrupt our services. If there is an active service disruption, it will appear below. A gold alert ribbon will also appear at the top of all ups.com pages. If there is no service alert information below, the UPS transportation network is operating normally. See UPS Ireland for updates HERE 

Tech and toys to keep you entertained at home during the coming weeks. #Tech #Toys #MenKind

With lots of families staying home over the next few weeks or more despite my own claiming they have nothing to do and are bored when they have everything here is a few ideas from MenKind that might help out. Tensions may be showing already but lets check out some ideas here and see if they can alleviate that with a selection of tech and toys on offer.

Sega Mega Drive Mini Console

Hark back to the 90s with this classic console, pre-loaded with 40 classic games including everyone’s favourite hedgehog, Sonic! Relive your childhood and share it with the next generation while hitting those high scores. Comes with two controllers for multiplayer fun.

Price: £75

Link to buy

RED5 Orbit Gaming Headphones

Video games are a great way to pass the time when indoors and stay in touch with friends. This RED5 gaming headset is affordable and has light up details.

Price: £25

Link to buy

Jumanji Board Game

The classic, magical board that is perfect for 2-4 players to while away the hours immersed in the dangers of the jungle.

  • Coloured pawn movers (four in all)
  • One rhino mover
  • One sand timer
  • Two dice to roll to your heart’s content
  • 4 rescue dice
  • Thirty-three danger cards
Price: £18

SOhi Orbit ball

Get the whole family playing outside with this super high bounce ball, providing hours of fun and is also great to play on your own.

  • Dimpled surface helps with the bounce… plus makes it look spacey

  • Available in 4 different colours, shipped at random

  • Great fun for all ages

  • Measures approx. 7 cm x 7 cm x 7 cm

Price: £5

Link to buy

Robotic Hedgehog

The robotic hedgehog is not only super cute and lots of fun to play with, it’s also fun and educational to build together. It comes complete with the kit needed, but you’ll also need a cross-head screwdriver, a ruler, a marker pen, and 4 AAA batteries. Once assembled, it responds to your commands and does tricks such as extending its spikes!

  • Can walk, roll into a ball, roll backwards, and more!
  • Requires 4 x AAA batteries and a few tools for assembly
  • For ages 8 and up

Price: £30

Link to buy

Moral Conflict

Moral Conflict is a card game filled with outrageous ‘most likely’ scenarios, find out what your family really thinks of you! It’s a great Saturday night game for some light relief that is bound to end with laughter.
  • For 3-6 players
  • 6 paddle whiteboards, 6 whiteboard markers with erasers on the end
Price: £12

3-in-1 Smart Viewer

Watch your favourite shows and films from anywhere in the house or garden with this fantastic 3-in-1 smart viewer that turns your smartphone into a TV! It also charges your smartphone while in use and comes with a built-in speaker to amplify the sound and offer better audio quality.

Price: £25

Link to buy

100 Cult Movies Scratch Poster

Take your movie bingeing to a whole new level with this 100 cult movies bucket list poster. Scratch your way through 100 cult classic films, the finished poster also makes a great wall art addition.

Price: £9

Link to buy

Get a 15% discount on new headphones and True Wireless from Urbanista. #UrbanistaLife

Fancy some new headphones or True Wireless? Urbanista have given us a code to share with our readers to purchase some new tech and we have been testing their products some time now too and can easily recommend these for the price and what you get. These have it all and anyone who buys these will not be disappointed with what they offer and you can see our reviews HERE.

You can also check out the entire range reviewed from Urbanista HERE

You can get a 15% right now on a new purchase by using the code TECHBUZZIE by hitting this link and enjoy a further discount on already well priced tech. So head over to Urbanista today and check out what is on offer.

Disclaimer,We earn some commission when purchased through our link above and it will help keep us bringing you more real hands on reviews which take time.

 

Review – The House of Marley Redemption ANC True Wireless #Tech #TrueWireless

Over the last while I have been testing out these earbuds and I have been impressed to say the least and not only this the attention they have been getting from people on the street or family circle due to how they look,they really stand out and look great and to top it off they sound great too and potential buyers will not be disappointed at all here with the overall package on offer.

The Marley Redemption are not your typical pair of true wireless earbuds but made with bamboo and sustainable materials which many companies are now doing to tackle the climate change issue we constantly hear about. The charging case is also quite nice and different with a bamboo finish and a speckled soft touch finish on the inside, We have quick charge here which will see you around two hours in a 15 minute charge which is great. The overall battery without ANC is on par with the claims and without ANC on the last longer but you will be using the ANC here.

When you pair these up they for the first time you will have no issues from here on and they pair pretty quick too out of the box once you have your bluetooth activated, You also get a non robotic voice when changing mode and a real stereo effect sounding lady which also sounds nice and better than what we typically here with true wireless earbuds and this is when you first experience how good these sound as a whole.

Controls are easy to use with touch set up rather than button and these worked great during my testing each and every time, We have double tap on the left for voice assistants and the same for call control and calls are pretty clear too and sounded good both ends on my testing, They do not allow you to reverse track which was my only real gripe but not an issue for me, You can play and pause tracks with a double tap on the right and again on the right a tripple tap will skip tracks. Tripple tap on the left allows you to change the mode with ANC, There is no volume control on these which might bother some but we have auto play and pause. These offer a great seal in general and block out a good deal of the outside world but you can let that in should you wish to do so and for those into fitness they will not fall out.

On my usual test run with Netflix/You Tube they worked a treat with great balance overall and good direction with loud volume and good highs lows and mids and overall pretty impressive with a good bit of bass and good separation you will not be let down here, No lag latency either I am no audiophile expert but have tested over a 100 pairs of true wireless and I know a good pair when I hear them and these certainly fit in my top ten to date.

Battery life is on the low to mid end here but you get fast charging and there is no wireless charging on the case which would have been a nice finish to the product as a whole but with whats on offer here they are priced a little high for some and I tend to agree but you get something different here that stands out and they would earn my hard earned money if put in front of me.

BUY HERE