Leading real hands on tech review site in Ireland with technology, business news and more. Jim O Brien Tech.
Author: Jim O Brien/CEO
CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.
MINIX, among others known for their high-quality mini PCs, Android media hubs and adapters for MacBooks, proudly present the NEO Storage: The World’s first device to combine a portable SSD storage hub with a versatile adapter for MacBook and MacBook Pro, featuring additional data and display output ports that ensure high-speed transfers and ultra-convenient usage. The MINIX NEO Storage was announced within the scope of the ISE fair in Amsterdam and is going to hit the shelfs early June 2019.
World’s First All-in-One Portable Storage Solution
The brand new MINIX NEO Storage redefines external SSD storage combining speed and functionality in a sleek, state-of-the-art aluminium hub that maximises the potential of Apple MacBook, Apple MacBook Air and Apple MacBook Pro. It includes built-in SSD Storage, HDMI [4K @ 30Hz], 2 x USB 3.0 and an USB-C pass-through charging port. This SSD-Adapter-Hybrid provides easy access to data and content and is among others an ideal device for storing 4K video and photos that can be output to an external display within seconds via the integrated HDMI port. The MINIX NEO Storage will come with two capacities: the MINIX NEO S1’s 120GB SSD storage supports up to 350MB/s read and write speed, while the MINIX NEO S2’s 240GB SSD storage supports up to 400MB/s read and write speed.
The MINIX NEO Storage will be available at selected e- and retailers from early June on; the MRSP for the 120GB version will be £69.90, the 240GB version will cost £89.90.
More information about the brand new MINIX NEO Storage and the complete MINIX portfolio is available at http://minix.com.hk/.
Sydney based consumer electronics brand, asap Technologies, the team behind four successful crowdfunding campaigns including X-Connect, the world’s most crowdfunded cable and over 200,000 cables sold worldwide is today pleased to announce that its newest product, the UNO cable is live on Kickstarter. With guaranteed shipping in July and pledges starting at just $21/£16, the UNO has already smashed its funding goal with 45 days still to go.
The UNO cable is the world’s first cross device USB Type-C magnetic cable, allowing it to work with Lightning, Micro USB & Type-C tips giving compatibility with all smartphones, tablets and USB devices. This latest innovation in magnetic cables offers unparalleled quality, convenience and aesthetics brought by a company who believe users should be the creators and innovators of products.
The UNO cable has a USB-C connector end which is an upgrade from the current USB Type-A. This allows a higher power input and output and enables the UNO to be compatible with QC4.0 and Apple fast charge. The cable is capable of 2-way full speed USB 2.0 data transfer at 480 Mbps between any USB devices and features a reversible magnetic connection which means instant fit every single time. No more fumbling around to connect devices, even in the dark.
Each UNO cable set features two N52 grade neodymium magnets which are the world’s strongest commercial grade magnets. Unlike poor market imitations, UNO is strong enough to hold an iPad Air which is 437g (0.96lb) without dropping the device. Additionally, asap Technologies have incorporated an innovative locking mechanism, giving the cable a stronger connection and longer lifespan. This stronger magnetic strength means it can support a heavier cable than ever before with an increased length of 1.5m (4.9ft) with a 2.5m (8.2ft) cable also available for purchase separately.
Thanks to its unique bevelled and concave magnetic connector design on both the tip end and cable head end, UNO will connect correctly even if the tip is flipped 180°, due to both the strong neodymium magnets having their polarity perfectly positioned. Competitor designs require the tips to be correctly aligned inside the cable head and use weaker magnets needing expert guidance to be connected correctly if missed. The magnetic cable tips on the UNO are also just 10mm (0.39″) wide allowing them to fit perfectly into all Apple and Android devices. asap Technologies have tested the tips on over 100 phone cases and found it fit on all of them.
The UNO cable is the first in the asap Technologies range to introduce an improved anti-fray neck, meaning the cable will have increased durability and less chance of fraying or snapping at the most common weak point. This anti-fray neck significantly increases the lifespan of the cable handling everyday wear and tear offering a longer connectivity lifespan of the previous cables from 30,000 to 40,000 connections. With the improved materials and machinery used to build each UNO cable, asap Technologies are so confident in the UNO’s build quality that the company is now offering apremium 10 year warranty – designed to outlast the next decade worth of phones!
To help narrow the gender gap, Mastercard has been cultivating young technology enthusiasts as part of its signature education platform, Girls4Tech. Currently in its fifth year, this hands-on, inquiry-based STEM program has reached more than 400,000 girls (ages 8-12) in 25 countries, more than doubling its established 2017 goal Today, as Mastercard marks the 5th anniversary of the program, the company builds on a successful track record of impact with an even more ambitious commitment to reach one million girls by 2025.
Mastercard created Girls4Tech in April 2014 to inspire young girls to pursue STEM careers through a fun, engaging curriculum built around global science and math standards. The program incorporates Mastercard’s deep expertise in payments technology and innovation, and includes topics such as encryption, fraud detection, data analysis and digital convergence.
“Today we celebrate the 400,000 girls who gained new STEM skills through the Girls4Tech program and learned that a future in technology can and should include them,” says Susan Warner, senior vice president of Global Volunteerism at Mastercard. “We hope to have sparked many future careers in STEM fields, because gender parity in tech will ultimately make all companies – and our society at large – better and stronger.”
New Curriculum Unveiled
As technology skills continue to evolve, the Girls4Tech program is launching a new curriculum to give girls deeper exposure to the growing fields of cybersecurity and AI.
Furthermore, to continue the engagement with girls who have already participated in the program, Mastercard is launching Girls4Tech 2.0. Designed for older students, ages 13-16, the new program aims to keep girls excited about STEM throughout the critical high school years and also emphasizes important 21st century skills – such as collaboration, creativity and communication – as they work in teams to apply their technical knowledge to solve real-world challenges.
New Partnerships to Expand Reach and Narrow the Gender Gap in STEM Education
Girls4Tech works with a network of global partners to increase the reach and impact of its program.
In the U.S., Mastercard and Scholastic will continue to work together into 2020, building upon a successful first year. The custom, co-branded program will expand the Girls4Tech curriculum with new themes in privacy, AI and algorithms.
In partnership with American Airlines, Mastercard will host its first Girls4Tech Takes Flight The two-day event will challenge 50 girls to innovate solutions to humanitarian challenges outlined by the United Nations on gender equality; smart cities and sustainability; health and wellbeing; and quality education.
In Ireland, in partnership with the golf organization R&A, Mastercard recently launched an evergreen golf-themed version of the program, where girls gain exposure to STEM through a deeper dive into business and science
In partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB), Mastercard will continue working with MLB youth academies and organizations later this year with the customized Girls4Tech program that includes sports and STEM components.
Impact Highlights from the First 5 Years
To date, Girls4Tech has reached over 400,000 girls, with events in 25 countries and on 6 continents.
The program has engaged more than 3,500 employee mentors worldwide.
Mastercard has partnered with Be Better China, MLB, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), R&A, Scholastic, and Singapore Committee for UN Women to further scale the program and offer STEM skills in unique ways to girls ages 8-12.
The program has achieved global reach with the curriculum translated into 12 languages.
“Teachers and students alike are eager for resources that help connect curriculum standards to the real world of today, and tomorrow.” says Ann Amstutz Hayes, senior vice president of Scholastic National Partnerships. “We are pleased to be collaborating with Mastercard on this important program to increase awareness of STEM career opportunities for all students and help drive an understanding for the importance of creative thinking and problem solving across the curriculum and throughout life.”
“Mastercard’s Girls4Tech program has been a huge benefit to our Youth Academies, especially in giving our kids opportunities beyond the playing field,” says Del Matthews, vice president of Baseball Development, MLB.“Part of our mission with the Youth Academy network is to open up worlds of possibilities, and Girls4Tech is something that can help them prepare for a great variety of careers, in baseball and elsewhere. We are excited to continue this partnership into 2019.”
Cosmic Watch is an app you might remember from before which is high quality simulation app that renders the earth and the sky in real time. It shows the positions of the sun, moon, planets and stars from the earth’s point of view, telling the time according to the motion of the cosmos,not only that it has fantastic graphics and brings AR to the table.
This time around its the earths core and the app allows you to see the planets internal structure and explore the layers of the earth,the layer names,temperature and depth of each layer. Once again beautiful graphics are present and makes using this an enjoyable experience.
Earth’s Core shows the inner mechanics of our planet. Just point with your mobile to the center of the Earth and experience a deep look inside our planet. Right beneath your feet, thousands kilometres deep, lies a giant ball of molten iron as hot as the surface of the sun!
Urbanista have launched some new true wireless earphones which look really nice and come in several colours to boot. We will also have a review soon on these. The previous true wireless TOKYO where and still are a good contender in the market with excellent sound a volume levels and still go strong today so we look forward to seeing how these fair out.
The new Urbanista Stockholm provides you with true wireless freedom. Designed with simplicity in mind these new earphones will fit perfectly for your everyday use. Available in a selection of four colours, you’re sure to find a pair that fits your personality.
Stockholm is the pinnacle of wireless earphones. True wireless means true freedom, and with a sleek charging case that provides for 14 hours of total playtime, four appealing colours to choose from and simple and intuitive controls, you can go anywhere while always equipped with incredible sound.
Features
Total Playtime: 14 hours
3.5 hours per charge
Slim charging case with 3 charges
Dual microphones on the right earbud
which cancels the surrounding noise
Stereo phone calls
Bluetooth 5.0
Touch control
Volume and music controls
Voice control (Siri, Google Now)
Compatible with Android and iOS
The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO made its world debut,with race car-inspired upgrades and tuning improvements that maximize its exhilarating performance. The model was showcased alongside the new 50th Anniversary Edition as Nissan celebrated 50 years of GT-R heritage at the New York International Auto Show.
“The 2020 GT-R NISMO has evolved into a balanced, yet extreme, performance car,” said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist for the GT-R. “Pursuing driving pleasure is the most important concept behind GT-R, and the new NISMO’s performance suggest it is a car that belongs on the race track – but is also at home on the open road.”
Designed for a pro, built for everyone
For the 2020 GT-R NISMO, Nissan engineers set out to take race-proven technology and make it accessible and comfortable for drivers of all skill levels. Vehicle control and predictability were critical in achieving this; thus, they adopted the theme “absolute street and track performance” when developing the car.
Setting the most potent and exclusive of all GT-Rs apart from the rest of the pack is the amount of carbon fiber found throughout the car, including the front and rear bumpers, front fenders, hood, roof, side sill covers, trunk and rear spoiler. Each component has been improved to cut weight, increase downforce and enhance aerodynamics. These exterior parts alone have resulted in a total weight savings of 10.5 kilograms, in addition to nearly 20 kg of reductions from other upgrades and new components.
The front fenders now resemble those on the GT3 GT-R. Scalloped vents help funnel hot air away from the engine bay and provide exceptional downforce onto the front tires, without additional drag. They also improve aerodynamics by smoothing out airflow along the body, with special consideration given to avoiding the rear spoiler, promoting high-speed stability. A new compression process gives the carbon fiber roof a lightweight, tight weave.
The 2020 GT-R NISMO’s exclusive 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum wheels are lighter than before and incorporate a nine-spoke design that enhances their rigidity. Newly designed Dunlop tires, with a wider tread and fewer grooves, increase the contact patch by 11%. This results in higher cornering force, enhanced steering response and improved rolling resistance when compared with the previous model.
Inside the cabin, exclusive GT-R NISMO front seats are designed to focus on holding the shoulder blades and lower body points, giving the driver a better sense of car and body as one.
Transcending perfection
Few cars possess the GT-R’s driving performance. For the 2020 model, the engineers sought to improve what was essentially already mechanical perfection, “making small tweaks to squeeze out as much as possible from the engine and chassis,” according to Tamura.
Nissan’s 3.8-liter V6 24-valve twin-turbocharged engine – each handcrafted by its own takumi technician – remains the heart of the GT-R’s drivetrain. The GT-R NISMO features an exclusive turbocharger design – direct from the GT-R GT3 race car – with a modified turbine shape and fewer blades. This optimizes the flow rate and enhances the acceleration response by 20%, without a loss of horsepower.
The car’s revised 6-speed dual-clutch transmission features a refined “R mode” that not only shifts faster but also optimizes gear selection, especially when exiting corners. This enhances the feeling of acceleration and deceleration on both road and track. The adaptive shift control has also been programmed to adapt shift schedules to the user’s driving style. This makes it possible to drive in a law-abiding way on public roads and in a highly spirited fashion on a race track, without manually changing modes.
The car’s exhaust note is the product of a revised titanium exhaust with handcrafted burnished blue tips.
When it comes to handling, the 2020 GT-R NISMO has few equals. Its updated suspension tuning improves cornering stability, with enhanced yaw rate response and smoother ride quality. The steering features better linearity and precision than ever, requiring minimal corrections at speeds of up to 300 kph (186 mph).
The absolute performance theme is also fittingly reflected by the addition of a carbon ceramic brake system. The combination of the Brembo carbon ceramic rotors — 410 mm up front and 390 mm at the rear — and Brembo calipers significantly improve reaction time, durability and overall stopping performance. At the same time, their lightweight nature decreases the unsprung weight on each wheel, allowing the car to trace the intended driving line in a highly precise manner. The carbon and silica carbide structure of the rotors is nearly as hard as diamonds. When paired with the new material of the brake pads, they generate more friction for an enhanced controlled feeling in all types of braking situations. The new materials also help decrease braking footwork by shortening the brake pedal stroke. The newly developed high-rigidity calipers are dipped in bright yellow paint that can resist temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees Celsius.
“We have built the 2020 GT-R NISMO for our customers to be the ultimate track and street vehicle,” Tamura said. “It is about total balance management, not just chasing power figures. The new NISMO has been brought to a new level, with enhanced engine, handling, braking and aerodynamics.”
Arthur Cox is pleased to announce the appointment of Eileen Burns as Head of our Legal Tech and Innovation Services Group. Eileen brings close to 30 years of experience in international consulting services and the tech industry to the firm.
Prior to joining Arthur Cox, Eileen spent almost 20 years in senior leadership positions at both European and global levels within Accenture CIO, focusing on digital transformation programmes which delivered tangible and game changing outcomes for the consulting giant. Eileen worked for 10 years in the Accenture Management Consulting practice, working directly with clients on large-scale business change programmes across a range of industries in Ireland, the UK, France and Germany.
Eileen will lead the Arthur Cox Legal Tech and Innovation Services Group. The group offers our clients a world-class solution for large scale data-intensive projects. With its multi-disciplinary teams of legal professionals and consulting, project management and legal tech staff, the group provides an innovative, reliable and efficient service to our clients.
Harnessing the firm’s significant investment in globally recognised legal tech software solutions, the group has extensive experience in the successful delivery of due diligence, contract reviews, regulatory investigations, data access requests and loan due diligence projects at scale for our clients. Its focus on quality, supported by project management and the latest technology has earned the group a reputation both nationally and internationally for excellence in client service and is attracting interest from corporate, institutional and government bodies both at home and abroad.
Arthur Cox. Photo Chris Bellew /Fennell Photography Copyright 2018
Commenting on the appointment, Brian O’Gorman, Managing Partner of Arthur Cox, said: “We are delighted to welcome Eileen to the firm. Eileen brings with her a wealth of experience in business consulting, technology and leadership. We look forward to Eileen bringing this experience to bear in the delivery of next generation legal services for our clients”.
Eileen comments: “I am delighted to join Arthur Cox at this exciting time for the legal profession globally. With the recent advances in legal tech, the explosive growth of data, increased regulation for many industries and globalisation of business, there has never been a more important time to drive innovation and address client challenges in a new way that goes beyond the traditional law firm approach”.
Making its debut at the 2019 New York International Auto Show, the 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition takes the nameplate to a level that was unimaginable when it was first introduced 50 years ago. To celebrate the half-century of the GT-R, engineers challenged themselves to find undiscovered performance potential while still making sure the car can be enjoyed by drivers at any level.
“A GT-R is about total balance management,” said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist for the GT-R. “It is not about chasing a power figures, but creating a new GT-R, where no aspect has been overlooked. This is appropriate to celebrate the GT-R 50th anniversary.”
A 50th Anniversary Celebration
The 2020 Nissan GT-R will come in three trim levels in most markets: GT-R Premium, GT-R Track Edition and GT-R NISMO. In select regions, there will also be the Pure, Prestige and Black models, but it is the 50th Anniversary Edition that truly celebrates the GT-R’s rich heritage.
The special edition car will come in three heritage-era, two-tone exterior colour combinations meant to represent the GT-R’s liveries from the Japan GP series – of which the original GT-R was born to dominate in. Retired since the GT-R “R34” model, Bayside (Wangan) Blue makes a return, complete with white racing stripes. A four-coat, double-heat treatment process ensures a vivid blue with striking highlights and deep shadows. Blue accents on the wheel spokes are among several fine touches made to celebrate the GT-R’s milestone. Pearl White with red stripes and Super Silver with white stripes round out the 50th Anniversary liveries.
Inside the 50th Anniversary Edition is a special grey interior colour scheme, which gives the cabin a sense of luxury, reminiscent of the atmosphere of the night sky after the twilight hour (the colour is also available on select other 2020 GT-R models). Additional 50th anniversary features include unique steering wheel and shift knob trim, special seat embossing, an Alcantara®headliner with unique stitching, Alcantara-wrapped sun visors, and more.
“The Nissan GT-R has been the icon of our company’s driving performance for the past half century,” said Shinichiro Irie, program design director for the GT-R. “We were highly motivated to ensure that the GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition stands out. While the exterior and interior changes may seem subtle at first glance, they’re still impactful, especially with the new paint schemes, keeping the car’s lines and overall presence modern and edgy.”
Upgraded performance, born from racing
While many believed that the refinement and performance of the GT-R’s 565-horsepower 3.8-litre V6 24-valve twin-turbocharged engine – each handcrafted by its own takumi technician – were so high that there was no room for improvement, the car’s engineers had a few tricks up their sleeves. Among them was incorporating new turbochargers, which help increase the engine’s low rpm response due to an abradable seal, providing tighter clearances and a 5% increase in efficiency. Overall, they provide even sharper engine response in and out of corners, making the driving experience more rewarding and richer than ever before. The exhaust manifolds, inspired by racing technology, have optimized turbo flange attachment points, which allow for easier servicing and potential tuning, without touching the exhaust manifold.
GT-R features a revised 6-speed dual-clutch transmission with a refined “R mode,” made for both road and track. It features more aggressive downshifts to better anticipate swift cornering exits, with gear selection happening during ABS engagement, resulting in reduced understeer and a more driver-intuitive feeling. The adaptive shift control is programmed to change shift schedules to fit the user’s driving style, making it possible to drive according to the law on public roads, with full brute force available on the race track, without needing to manually change shift modes.
The GT-R’s signature exhaust note is the product of a new titanium muffler, featuring titanium finishers with burnished blue tips.
The electronically controlled suspension has been tuned to provide better cornering stability and a smoother ride. The steering is more linear and precise than ever, requiring minimal corrections at speeds of up to 300 kph (186 mph). A new brake booster increases the initial braking response by engaging with less pedal stroke, resulting in enhanced stopping power and feel.
A cabin worthy of GT-R
The GT-R’s cabin represents the ideal blend of luxury and sport. The distinct driver-oriented cockpit has comfortable yet supportive seats for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard is designed to convey a “horizontal flow,” delivering a sense of high stability for front seat occupants. It comes wrapped in a single, seamless piece of hand-selected Nappa leather, artfully stitched with takumi-style precision. The centre dashboard integrates navigation and audio controls and an 8-inch capacitive touch-panel monitor. The large icons on the display screen inform the driving experience without distracting from it.
Mounted to the sporty steering wheel are shift paddles that allow drivers to change gears in mid-turn without taking their hands off the wheel.
All 2020 Nissan GT-Rs come with the NissanConnectSM integrated audio, navigation and communication system in select markets. It allows users to remotely lock or unlock the doors, activate the alarm, summon emergency services or track the car’s whereabouts using smartphone apps.
A revised 2020 GT-R Track Edition
For those inclined to take their GT-R to a race circuit, Nissan offers the revised and very potent 2020 Track Edition, which comes with an optional carbon fibre roof that sports a clean, tight weave made possible by a new construction process.
The engine (for U.S. models) is borrowed from the famed GT-R NISMO, with newly redesigned turbochargers from the latest GT3 series GT-R race car. This results in a 20% increase in pedal-down acceleration reaction time and 600 horsepower.
Optional on the Track Edition are special Brembo carbon ceramic rotors and callipers. Made of carbon and silica carbide, the rotors (410 mm front and 390 mm rear) are nearly as hard as diamonds. Paired with the performance brake pads, they generate more friction, which translates into better feel and control in all types of braking situations.
“With the 2020 GT-R, we kept to the car’s concept – pursuing ultimate driving pleasure,” said Tamura. “Once you take hold of the steering wheel, you will immediately know that no other car in the world delivers as much satisfaction to the driver, both physically and spiritually.”
Some new cans and earbuds have just arrived from Skullcandy which are the Venue headphones with ANC and the True Wireless earbuds both in the Elevated Olive colour which look really nice and differ from the industry Black and White we tend to see across the board.
First up is the Skullcandy Venue Headphones with ANC which has everything you need in a headphone along with comfort,easy to use controls and they come with a carry case which is important. The also support TILE and also have a 24HR battery life which is enough for those on the go and you can also use your digital assistant. Any questions hit us up in the usual spots in the interim.
Next up is the Push true wireless earbuds which is now the craze and even my own collection is catching up on my Headphone stash, True Wireless buds are the thing now for everyone especially those who go to the gym and commuters alike, they come with a charging box which gives additional power on the go.
