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.

Dell Technologies Forum reveals how emerging technologies will shape the future economy. #DELL #IoT #AI #IT

At the Dell Technologies Forum taking place in Dublin today, leading technologist and Global CTO Patricia Florissi outlined how AI can utilise unimaginable amounts of data to develop critical business insights which will drive business growth.

Over 400 business leaders and IT experts gathered to listen to the global CTO for sales of Dell Technologies as she explained how businesses need to embrace this innovative new technology to remain competitive in the world of 2030.

The event also included specific workshops and breakout sessions led by experts from the Dell Technologies family on the move to the cloud, improving cyber security, AI and Machine Learning as well as 5G technology. These workshops enabled Irish business leaders to see how they could use these innovative technologies to drive growth and improve competitiveness at their business.

Patricia Florissi, Vice-President and Global CTO for Sales, Dell Technologies said: “It’s great to be here in Dublin meeting with so many business leaders from across Ireland. Technology is having a profound effect on how we live and work, so it is imperative that businesses embrace the possibilities that digital transformation offers. Artificial intelligence is turning valuable data into even more lucrative insights which will allow businesses to maintain their position at the forefront of their industry. At Dell Technologies we are committed to working with our customers to ensure that technological innovation helps them achieve their business goals”.

Sustainability was an important theme at this year’s Dell Technologies Forum as it is a key concern for businesses and organisations across Ireland. Everyone at Dell Technologies is committed to using technology to create a sustainable economy and society.

Mark Hopkins, General Manager, Dell Technologies Ireland added: “Dell Technologies Forum is always an important event for us as it allows us to showcase the opportunities that emerging technologies can offer our customers. It has been interesting listening to Patricia Florissi’s valuable insights on future technology trends, and to see how we can use technological advances to drive sustainability and create a thriving planet.

“The potential improvements that technologies such as AI and IoT can offer businesses are truly transformational and at Dell Technologies Ireland we want to ensure that Irish companies take the necessary steps to make that transformation a reality.”

Review – The Polaroid One Step+ i-Type camera. #Polaroid #Photography #Tech

This is my second real camera if you will to review and having used the Instax mini Li Play it is nice to actually hold a camera and capture an image with a proper camera and I say that as I always use my smartphone and never owned a real standalone camera however this is different to some degree. First check out the unboxing then we will take a look later at a video review.. If you want to check out a similar camera the Mini Li-Play is a good example

Simplicity is what it is all about here with nostalgia being the theme given its boxy look most people will not mind its cumbersome shape and size. The camera is nothing like modern cameras of today and ones you would need a degree in just to take an image as most people just want to point and shoot and job done,even now with smartphones we see post processing software to modify or edit images which for me is false,depending on the subject of course all of that is cut out here with a simple click and go with minor changes on offer via the app on this model.

I only had the Black and White film to test this camera on which is a pity but if you are into those type of images you will not be disappointed with the turnout of the images and you can see side by side the phones image vs the camera image which will be ejected from you camera just like the old days and this is whom this camera is for and even people today who remember the time these were a thing which I do or even the youth of today would like the idea and it is a nice camera to have even if you are collector of sorts which many will appreciate and they not expensive either,check out the video review and app walk through below for more.

  • Measures approx. 15 cm x 11 cm x 10 cm
  • Weighs approx. 493 grams (without film)
  • Material: ABS plastic and polycarbonate
  • Tripod mount
  • External viewfinder
  • Lens: fixed focus
  • Lens material: polycarbonate
  • Standard focal length: 103 mm
  • Portrait focal length: 89 mm
  • Battery: 1100mAh lithium-ion
  • Charges via USB (cable included)

BUY HERE

 

Jabra presents the 4th generation in true wireless earbuds with the Jabra Elite 75t #Jabra #Elite75t

Jabra, leader in personal sound as well as office solutions,  announces the next generation true wireless earbuds, the Jabra Elite 75t. Engineered to last longer and designed to fit better, the Elite 75t takes things up a notch, building on the same great calls and music that fans of the Elite 65t have come to love – with a notably longer battery life and a smaller, more secure, comfortable fit.  As a user and fan of the true wireless from Jabra I look forward to checking these out soon..

Fuelled by 150 years of audio engineering excellence, Jabra has a proven track record within true wireless. The Elite 75t leverages a lower power platform and connectivity technology from sister company GN Hearing as well as miniaturization know-how built up from four generations of true wireless Elite products.

The Elite 75t is specifically designed to provide enhanced comfort through its optimal earbud shape and size. The earbuds have been extensively tested for secure fit, so users can be confident that the earbuds will stay put, no matter what activity they may be engaged in. The sleek design makes the Elite 75t ideal even for smaller ears, while the ergonomic shape makes them so comfortable, users can enjoy their music and calls for extended periods of time.

 

Determining key user needs

Jabra developed a comfort and fit simulation model based on thousands of ear scans from global users to determine the most optimal 3D shape and size, that fits ears comfortably across a range of users. Taking it one step further, Jabra also collated valuable insights on user needs and preferences to determine the primary barriers to a true wireless experience.

There’s a constant consumer demand for more battery life, better fit and ease of connectivity to devices which Jabra is seeking to address with the newest addition to the Elite range. The Elite 75t offers up to 28 hours of battery life with the charging case and 7.5 hours without. Those in a rush will appreciate the fast USB-C charging that ensures that you never run out of battery when you need it the most – perfect for modern life on the go. A wireless charging variant will also be introduced to the market at a later date.

Clever engineering ensures that the new compact size continues to deliver the fundamentals consumers expect form Jabra, namely – robust connectivity, durability, ease of use and a superior calls and music experience. Making and taking calls is a great experience with the 4-microphone call technology, enhanced with Jabra’s latest noise and wind reducing algorithms. This feature gives you the confidence to take that call, even in busy environments like the street or subway. We enhanced the ease of use of the charging case by ensuring easy access and adding magnets.

René Svendsen-Tune, CEO at Jabra, said, “Our biggest news at IFA 2019 is also our smallest yet. It is a result of our dedication to listening to and providing for changing customer expectations for a truly wireless experience. Taking a great product and making it better is a complex undertaking and that is exactly what we have achieved today. We have elevated the earbud experience, ensuring the most comfortable and long-lasting solution for on-the-go lifestyles. We are excited to welcome the Elite 75t, our newest, most innovative addition to our award-winning Elite range,” he added.

Users can instantly connect to Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant, quickly accessing the information they may need – from setting appointments, to finding nearby events or having messages read out. Furthermore, Bluetooth 5.0 allows users to seamlessly connect the Elite 75t to their smartphones.

The Jabra Sound+ app allows users to choose their voice assistant, customize their music profile with the equalizer, modify how much nearby noise they want to hear (HearThrough), adjust their calls experience, keep track of battery charge, and much more.

The Elite 75t will be available in two colours – Titanium Black, and Gold Beige, offering varied options to users to suit their preferred style. There will also be a black version exclusive for Best Buy in the US.

Key features and specifications: 

  • New compact earbud shape tested for comfort and secure fit
  • More than 7.5 hours battery life, up to 28 hours with the charging case
  • 4-microphone technology for crystal clear calls even in noisy and windy environments
  • Fast charging with USB-C
  • Reliable true wireless connectivity with no audio dropouts
  • Music your way with the customizable equalizer, available in the Jabra Sound+ app
  • IP55-rated durability and 2-year warranty against dust and water*
  • One-touch access to Amazon Alexa**, Siri® and Google Assistant™
  • Compatible with all Bluetooth audio enabled phones and tablets
  • The Jabra Sound+ companion app is compatible with iOS and Android devices

Pre-order your iPhone 11,11 Pro or 11 Pro Max shell and get -20% off with @noreve #iPhone11 #noreve

Apple have donned us with new iPhones and you will want to case up as they are expensive. noreve is now taking pre-orders on new shells and this company makes hand made cases and we have something on the way from them which was custom made to our choice. It hard to get custom cases and noreve allow you customise and are made from the best quality materials there is.

For the release of the latest Apple smartphones, get -20% off your iPhone 11, 11 Pro or 11 Pro Max by pre-ordering the shell now. Visit  www.noreve.com

Check out the range of cases we have reviewed.

Use PRIVILEGE CODE : IPHONE11

Apple prices vs average salary: Can Irish people afford the latest iPhone? #Apple #iPhone11

Apple as you know have just launched the next generation products last night and they do give impressive shows I must add despite my gripes with them and their mantra.But as expected the upgrades are iterative and not much improvements on last years. Pricing is another matter on configuration and you if you go top tier you are talking €1700 which costs the same a macbook.

The prices in case you missed..

iPhone Pro Max €1279 – Pro €1179 iPhone 11 €829. These are base pricing…

Picodi.com have sent us a report about how many workdays an average Irish person would need to save up for iPhone 11 Pro. Lets take a look..

The official price of the iPhone 11 Pro (64GB) in Ireland is going to be €1179. Assuming that, according to Central Statistics Office, the average gross salary in this country is €769.98 (€605 net), a statistical Irish person would have to work for 9.7 days to afford this year’s iPhone (not counting living expenses). That is 0.3 of a day less than the previous year.

On the other hand, in Malta, where the iPhone 11 Pro price is going to be the same as in Ireland, citizens would have to work almost two times longer than Irish people. With the average annual salary amounting to €19390 (€15418.50 net), an average Maltese needs 19.2 workdays to afford the new Apple gadget. Still, it is 0.7 of a day less than in 2018.

In the lead of the rank are the Swiss, Americans and Luxembourgers, where the ratio of the iPhone’s price to the average salary is the most attractive. A statistical Swiss should be able to save up for iPhone 11 Pro in 4.8 days, an American – in 5.8 days, and a Luxembourg – in 6.7 days.

The reverse record belongs to Mexicans: a statistical resident of this country would have to lay aside 54.2 days worth of wages to buy the iPhone. In countries like Montenegro or Russia, the new gadget has got the value of 48.5 and 47 workdays, respectively.

SEE FULL REPORT

See https://www.apple.com/ie/ for prices

Give the gift of INSTAX this Christmas. #INSTAX #Photography #Tech #Camera

Christmas is the season of giving, and INSTAX is here to help. With tonnes of models to choose from, there is something to suit every family member and friend, even the ones that are notoriously difficult to buy for!

For hard to buy for teenagers, why not gift the Mini LiPlay? This is the first instant camera to fully embrace sound, making it Fujifilm’s most playful camera yet. The Mini Li-Play has the ability to record audio via a dedicated sound button located on the front of the camera. The audio clip is converted into a QR code, which is printed onto the INSTAX print. This cool feature is perfect for capturing all the magical sounds of Christmas, from carols to the laughter that fills family get-togethers. We have reviewed the LiPlay and love it and you should check it out. See the full review HERE

Fashion mavens and dapper dans will squeal with delight as they unwrap the INSTAX SQ6. Undoubtedly one of the sleekest instant cameras on the market, its classic retro design is the perfect accessory to party looks this festive season. Not only does the SQ6 have a selfie mirror, but it also captures every party moment in perfect symmetry in a 1:1 snap, with a neat white border.

And finally, for those who are seemingly impossible to buy for, look no further than the INSTAX Mini 9. This iconic instant camera is perfect for all ages. It is fun and stylish, and features an automatic brightness adjustment, as well as a specially designed selfie mirror, for the perfect Christmas pics. The INSTAX Mini 9 comes in an array of colours, even a merry poppy red colour for the day that’s in it.

INSTAX cameras are available in FUJIFILM stockists nationwide. Prices start from €84.99 and may vary by retailer.

www.INSTAX.ie

 

 

€4.5bn of new Irish data centres to be built by 2025. #DataCentres #Ireland

The construction of new data centres will generate more than €4.5 billion in inward investment for Ireland by 2025, according to the latest industry update report from Host In Ireland in association with Bitpower.

Thirty-four new data centres are now likely to be operational in the next 6 years, in addition to the 53 which are currently active. With eight new data centres under construction, and 26 with planning approval in place, the value of the projects is expected to deliver €4.5bn in inward investment to the Irish economy over a 6 year period.

The Quarter 2 report also highlights the growing level of direct investment in renewable energy from the data sector with Amazon only recently announcing Cork as the location for a wind farm development, on top of an earlier investment in April this year in Donegal.

Speaking at the launch of the Q2 report, Garry Connolly, President of Host In Ireland said:

“What is most encouraging is that this year we have seen several large scale investments in the renewable energy sector from leading data centre operators. We expect these non-subsidised investments to continue.”

The uncertainty around Brexit has not affected momentum in the data centre industry either according to Mr. Connolly:

“We have not seen any detrimental effects on investment from our projections two years ago despite uncertainty around Brexit. In fact, from our original projections they have risen by €1billion for 2021.” 

Key findings of the Q.2, 2019 Update Report include:

  • Annual Investment in data centres has reached €1.3bn on an annual basis
  • Cumulative investment in the data centre sector up to 2023 is ex €11bn
  • Dublin South West remains the largest cluster of data centres in Ireland with 14 active data centres

FULL REPORT

Verizon Connect Introduces Immobilisation for Verizon Connect Reveal Helping Improve the Security of Vehicles

Verizon Connect introduces Immobilisation for Verizon Connect Reveal, a powerful tool developed specifically for customers who want to help prevent unauthorised use of vehicles and aid in the recovery of stolen vehicles. Immobilisation for Verizon Connect Reveal works with the Verizon Connect Reveal platform and enables fleet managers to remotely disable a vehicle’s ignition once the vehicle’s engine has been shut off, effectively stopping vehicle misuse in near real time.

“With Immobilisation for Verizon Connect Reveal we are helping give customers a level of safety and security they’ve never had before,” said Derek Bryan, EMEA vice president, at Verizon Connect. “They have peace of mind knowing they have the power to take action quickly and safely, with the push of a button.”

Immobilisation for Verizon Connect Reveal can be viewed from the Reveal Vehicle page where users can locate and choose which vehicles to immobilise, and is compatible with most CalAmp hardware.

Notable features include the ability to:

  • Remotely disable a vehicle’s ignition directly from the Reveal web portal or mobile app
  • Check when the request to immobilise a vehicle has been sent, if it’s pending and when it’s complete
  • View history of when and where a vehicle was immobilised or mobilised

For more information about Immobilisation, visit www.verizonconnect.com

Review – The tp-link Kasa Spot home security camera. #Tech #TPLINK #KasaSpot #Security

If you are in the market for a new security camera or an additional one that is easy to set up with no issues this is the one, Right now on Amazon this sells for around €32 which is good for the money in my book.

Set up took me around three minutes and that for sure is a good thing,some cameras take much longer and can be annoying but here it is almost plug and play and you are good to go,you have to enter minimal information and connect to your WiFi from the app and thats it,no messing with location or qr codes for the camera to scan,you then place it where you want and you are done.

You are limited to an extent as to where you can put it as it is a wired camera but there is a decent cable inside the box and the camera is also small and light and not cumbersome and can be placed just about anywhere. The app is easy to navigate too you will see all this in the video review below and the options to change the settings is simple and nothing too difficult about the whole process which is welcome and compared to other apps it is less convoluted and nothing hidden deep in menus.

You can set up up to 4 activity zones which is handy and can cut down on notifications you do not need the camera is sensitive but can be changed but having the option to insert activity zones is good and not seen to often at this price range. I have tested the camera out in several situations and found for example pointing out one window my neighbours washing on the line constantly set it off but with some adjustments that cured it, You can point out the window too you do not have to have it strictly pointing indoors so that is also good, For indoor use it is where it will shine best with two way audio that is clear and clear footage which can be changed from 720-1080p though this requires a stronger internet connection.

 

You will get good footage day or night you can see samples in the video review and this is well worth the money and the only gripe I have is in the app where you cant dismiss notifications and they stay in the timeline but this is something I have seen on other cameras at this pricepoint.

Check the video below for footage and the app review and feel free to comment below or on our social channels.

Features

  • Sharp and clear 1080p full-HD video

  • Crisp two-way audio for seamless communication

  • Wide angle view 130 degrees – Set it up in a corner and get a full view of your room

  • Night vision up to 20 feet

  • Automatic alerts when your Spot detects motion or sound – No need to check your Kasa Spot throughout the day

  • Configure up to 4 customizable zones for more meaningful alerts at no extra cost

  • Up to 30 days of cloud storage

The KC100 from £29.99 from Amazon.

VIDEO REVIEW