Category: Tech

Craigmore announces opening of £300K #KÄRCHER “Centre of the future” in Belfast #Jobs #Belfast

Local family established company Craigmore, the leading UK and Ireland distributor of Kärcher cleaning equipment, has announced the opening of a new state of the art 5,000 sq. ft. showroom in Belfast.

The facility which represents a £300k investment, will create 10 new jobs and provide an unrivalled customer service experience for commercial and domestic clients throughout Ireland.

A Kärcher dealer for almost 25 years, Craigmore has experienced significant growth over the last two years and identified the potential of a dedicated Belfast Center to capitalise on the growing demand for Kärcher products.  The in-store and online sales potential for the new showroom is around £1 million annually with exports to RoI representing a significant proportion.

Pictured at the opening of the new £300k Investment in the Kärcher ‘Center of the Future’ in Belfast are (L-R) Mark Venner, Chief Operations Officer at Kärcher UK, Lord Mayor of Belfast Cllr Nuala McAllister and Geoff Baird MD of Craigmore and Kärcher Center Belfast.

“The new system includes a Click and Collect app for customers which allows interaction between the store customers before, during and after the sale while tablet based software empowers staff to give the best customer service possible in-store and post transaction. In addition, the order management software for click and collect and repair requests allows front of house staff and those in the warehouse to communicate in real time, minimising any delays whilst integration codes enable all software within the new system to communicate and exchange data on everything from stock levels, availability and pricing,” said Mark.

 

Geoff Baird, Founder and Managing Director with Craigmore explains,

“This showroom is the first of its kind in the Kärcher network and represents the Gold Standard for our fellow distributors, with bespoke innovative software and hardware solutions to assist in the sales process as well as back end information gathering and sharing.  Our location on the Boucher Road gives us access to the greatest concentration of potential customers with a dedicated site to service our all-Ireland customer base.”

Pictured at the opening of the new £300k Investment in the Kärcher ‘Center of the Future’ in Belfast are (L-R) Mark Venner, Chief Operations Officer at Kärcher UK, Lord Mayor of Belfast Cllr Nuala McAllister and Geoff Baird MD of Craigmore and Kärcher Center Belfast. 

Offering the full range of products for home and garden, professional, industrial, spares and accessories, this Kärcher “center of the future” has been designed to revolutionise customers’ expectations by offering an experience more akin to a high end car showroom, with a 900-shrub living wall featuring the Kärcher irrigation system, refreshments from Nespresso and Hotel Chocolat and an 9 screen LCD wall demonstrating the Kärcher portfolio of cleaning solutions.

“We currently supply Kärcher cleaning equipment to all sectors of businesses including haulage, car dealerships, car valeting shops, engineering, food, retail and hospitality, offering everything from £100 vacuums up to £75,000 bespoke cleaning systems or multiple machine installations,” says Geoff, “but this new showroom has been tailored to maximise appeal among domestic customers who will feel more comfortable shopping in the engaging environment we have created.” 

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Nuala McAllister said: “I’m delighted to see further investment in the city because with that brings jobs creation and a boost to the local economy.

“This new business is the first success story to come from the council’s City for Investment Service which provides a ‘soft landing’ for businesses to tap into council networks and get marketing, employability and skills support.

“Through this new service we will proactively work with investors, providing the professional and personal connections to help them do business in our city successfully. I, and each one of the elected members for Belfast City Council, are committed to continuing this work to deliver our ambitions for the city and our Belfast Agenda.”

A significant element of the £300K investment has been the development of a bespoke suite of software and hardware that completely integrates the sales and business functions to maximise customer satisfaction and operational efficiencies. Kärcher UK Chief Operating Officer, Mark Venner explains,

The Kärcher Center Belfast will be open from 8.30am to 6pm, 6 days a week and will have specially trained Kärcher experts on site to explain and demonstrate the full product range.  For further information, go to www.karchercenterbelfast.com

Irish tech start-up Promo Pads promises the end of the line for queueing for food. #PromoPads

The average Irish person loses over 19 hours each year queuing for food and drinks at lunchtime, 2017 market research carried out by Irish start-up Promo Pads has shown. The average time people spend queueing for coffee or food is 5min 46sec. In total, that is over 41 million hours that Irish people waste each year waiting for food or drink service. This is something we probably all prefer not to do but with the busy hectic lifestlyes we all have today its nearly unavoidable but things are changing with food outlets now providing apps to skip the queue which is welcome. 

The longest queueing time measured was 16min 18sec, when a premises had a lunchtime special offer. Numerous people were observed changing their mind and leaving the queue in frustration.

Start-up Promo Pads promises to give Irish people the 2.5 months of their life they would spend queuing for food and drinks back.

Diarmaid Murphy, CEO of Promo Pads said: “Three years ago I left a café in frustration because of a dozen people ahead of me waiting for service. That’s why we created Dine, so people can spend their time enjoying the social experience of a café, bar or restaurant, instead of spending their time just waiting to order”.

Promo Pads’ tabletop ordering system Dine® was designed to allow customers of coffee shops, restaurants and pubs to simply sit down, relax and order from the table. No more queuing, no more waiting for a server to take their order.

“We started the journey to create Dine so we could benefit the customers of bars and cafes, but we ended up developing a system which also has just as many benefits for owners and operators of premises”, Diarmaid Murphy added.

Promo Pads’ founder invested his own money with support from friends and family to build BETA units and prove the concept. The business now has a campaign on Kickstarter to generate public support to finish the system and save many more people from having to queue or wait for service.

 About Promo Pads

Promo Pads’ Dine System was created with the goal of never again having to queue, just to re-order coffee. Dine® is the only custom digital tabletop ordering system in Europe. Digital menus on tables in bars and cafes, so customers don’t waste time standing in a queue just to order. Even better, the menus provide discounts and promotions at the table, saving patrons money and giving them free product samples to make their  visit more enjoyable. The future of food & drink service convenience has arrived! 

Our promise:

·         No more standing in a queue just to order lunch, a coffee or beer

·         No more having to sit with a hand in the air just to get the attention of a server

Support them and their idea over on KICKSTARTER

 

Yubico Launches New Developer Program and Security Key for FIDO2 and WebAuthn W3C Specifications

Yubico, the leading provider of hardware authentication security keys, today launched the Security Key by Yubico, the company’s first hardware authentication device that fully supports the new FIDO2 and WebAuthn API authentication standards from the FIDO Alliance and World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

As a core inventor and driver of innovative, open authentication standards, first with FIDO Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) and now FIDO2, Yubico is introducing its first FIDO2-enabled authentication security key.   The Security Key by Yubico delivers FIDO2 and FIDO U2F in a single device, supporting existing U2F two-factor authentication (2FA) as well as future FIDO2 passwordless implementations.

The company is also introducing the Yubico Developer Program, a resource for organizations exploring adoption and implementation of strong authentication for web and mobile applications, using Yubico supported protocols including FIDO U2F, OTP, PIV (Smart Card), OpenPGP, OATH (HOTP/TOTP) and the new FIDO2 Client to Authenticator Protocol (CTAP) specification.

“Since we launched the first YubiKey 10 years ago at the RSA Conference, our mission has been to enable one single security key to work across any number of services, and with great user experience, security, and privacy. Today, this vision is closer to its reality,” said Stina Ehrensvard, CEO and Founder, Yubico. “FIDO2 is a natural evolution of U2F, delivering trusted, passwordless authentication for the modern, distributed workforce.”

“The FIDO Alliance thanks all organizations and members that have contributed to the FIDO2 open standards work, enabling a future of simpler, stronger and passwordless authentication for users across the globe,” said Brett McDowell, executive director, the FIDO Alliance. “Yubico plays a central role in this creation process, from co-inventing the protocol that enables one single security key to access any number of services, without shared secrets, to where we are today, announcing the FIDO2 Project.”

What is FIDO2 and how does it differ from FIDO U2F and FIDO UAF?

U2F is an open authentication standard that enables hardware authenticators, coupled with a username and password, to securely access any number of web-based services — instantly and with no drivers or client software needed.

The FIDO2 Project consists of an API (Application Programming Interface) and a Protocol. The Security Key by Yubico supports both the WebAuthn API and FIDO’s CTAP.  FIDO2 provides strong authentication as a single factor, eliminating the need for passwords.  FIDO2 can also conveniently pair with PINs, biometrics, or gestures as additional on-device authentication factors.

FIDO UAF (Universal Authentication Framework) is a separate technical working group and standards initiative within the FIDO Alliance, focused on biometrics and mobile devices that requires client software.

Web Authentication

The WebAuthn API was developed by FIDO Alliance members, including Yubico, Microsoft, Google, PayPal, Mozilla and Nok Nok Labs, and standardized by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Once a specification is endorsed by the W3C, it becomes globally available, creating a ubiquitous web platform for FIDO2 support. WebAuthn allows for a Security Key to create a public key-based credential for authentication and use that credential to securely log in with a web-based interaction similar to U2F.

Client to Authenticator Protocol (CTAP)

CTAP is an application layer protocol and is used to communicate between a client (desktop) or a platform (operating system) and an external authenticator (i.e. Security Key by Yubico). The CTAP model allows one device, such as a Security Key by Yubico, to act as an authenticator to log in to a second device.

Yubico Developer Program

The Yubico Developer Program is designed to enable integration of strong authentication to support Yubico hardware within web and mobile applications. Those who sign up will have access to developer resources including workshops, webinars, implementation guides, reference code, and SDKs. Those interested in FIDO2 can sign up to receive early access to Yubico resources to aid in implementations of the FIDO2 open authentication standard. Organizations can sign up here to begin receiving updates on the Yubico Developer Program and early FIDO2 materials from Yubico.

Yubico will demonstrate the Security Key by Yubico and new functionality next week at the RSA Conference 2018, booth #S2241.  The Security Key by Yubico is available for $20 at the Yubico online store. To learn more about Yubico and the company’s products and ecosystem, visit www.yubico.com

Yubico Delivers Passwordless Login for Enterprise Authentication on Windows 10 Devices

Yubico, the leading provider of hardware authentication security keys, today announced that the new Security Key by Yubicosupporting FIDO2, will be supported in Windows 10 devices and Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). The feature is currently in limited preview for Microsoft Technology Adoption Program (TAP) customers.

This means that organizations will soon have the option to enable employees and customers to sign in to an Azure AD joined device with no password, simply by using the Security Key by Yubico to get single sign-on to all Azure AD based applications and services.

“Microsoft’s FIDO2 implementation using the Security Key by Yubico is just the beginning of a passwordless world; there are no limits as to where this technology can take us,” said Stina Ehrensvard, CEO and Founder, Yubico. “Passwords have been an age-old pain point for both individuals and organizations, and now, we have developed a unified open standard that can finally solve the problem at scale.”

Yubico created and designed the first FIDO2 Client to Authenticator Protocol (CTAP)-enabled authentication device on the market, and recently introduced the first security key supporting FIDO2 to be integrated into Windows and Microsoft cloud services. Together, these technologies are widely applicable across industries, particularly those with a distributed workforce in a shared or multi-device environment such as: retail, healthcare, transportation, finance, manufacturing, and more.

“Passwordless login represents a massive shift in how billions of users, both business and consumer, will securely log in to their Windows 10 devices and authenticate to Azure Active Directory-based applications and services,” said Alex Simons, Director of Program Management for Microsoft’s Identity Division. “We’re excited to partner with Yubico as we work together to eliminate passwords.”

“While multi-factor authentication provides a needed layer of security, most MFA solutions also require the use of a standard username and password, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient,” said Garrett Bekker, principal Analyst, 451 Research. “The WebAuthn and CTAP client functionality within FIDO2 helps Yubico offer a hardware-based MFA approach that is both more secure and easy-to-use compared to static credentials.”

FIDO2 is on track to be supported on over 600 million desktop and mobile devices around the world running Windows 10 Redstone 4 or later. For businesses interested in transitioning to passwordless authentication with the Security Key by Yubico, organization’s can gain access to valuable training and open source assets via the recently launched Yubico Developer Program.

The Security Key by Yubico is available for $20 at the Yubico store. To learn more about Yubico and the company’s products and ecosystem, please visit www.yubico.com.

First look and unboxing, The Skullcandy sport method wireless earbuds.#earbuds #tech

Next up from Skullcandy is the sport method wireless with really nice colourful earbuds which move away from the normal black or grey type and it gives them a nice look. Ideal for the sport minded folk these offer a built-in mic for on the go calls,a flexisport collar and pureclean protection, We will check these out over the next week of two so if you have any questions feel free to ask below or on social media we will gladly help out as always.. Check out the unboxing below.

See more HERE 

First look and unboxing, The Skullcandy Hesh 3 wireless headphones. #headphones #tech

Skullycandy is a brand that makes nice headphones and we have tried out several and their crusher wireless still serve me well today and have amazing battery life,comfortable and build solid to boot. The Hesh 3 might look slightly similar to them but they are not offering up to 22hrs of battery life and 4 hours of play with just 10 minutes of charging.  With premium amplified audio drivers can they deliver,check out our review soon and watch the unboxing below, Any questions feel free to ask as always.

See more HERE

Kinetic Ireland launches new In-House Digital Division; D:FOUR. #Kinetic #Digital #DOOH

Kinetic Ireland, the Out of Home (OOH) media agency, is delighted to announce the launch of its new Digital Out of Home (DOOH) system and division; D:FOUR. The dynamic system is powered by an in-house content management system that allows content, creative, moderation, preview and dynamic ad-serving from a centralised platform at its Dublin headquarter. The new division will be headed up by Rachel McCloskey, who has been with Kinetic since 2015.

Pictured at the launch of Kinetic’s D:FOUR are: (L:R) – Simon Durham, CEO; Rachel McCloskey, Account Manager and Aoife Hudson, Deputy Managing Director

Digital OOH currently accounts for 15% of total OOH spend but this is expected to grow to 19% in 2018.  The introduction of new digital formats from a number of media owners across 2018 + 2019 will help attract new advertisers and new ways of using the medium.

D:FOUR aims to improve how the market is currently using Digital Out of Home and to provide clients with more data-driven and dynamic campaigns. D:FOUR will provide endless scope for creativity as Kinetic innovates new ways to reach consumers by bringing various data sources together with brand insights in order to create and build reactive campaigns. The system will integrate seamlessly with media owner scheduling systems enabling innovative, dynamic campaigns.

Pictured at the launch of Kinetic’s D:FOUR are: (L:R) – Aoife Hudson, Deputy Managing Director; Rachel McCloskey, Account Manager and Simon Durham, CEO

The innovative name for the new division, D:FOUR derives from the elements the system will use to contextually connect with audiences;

  • Dynamic referring to the endless possibility for creativity within the new system.
  • Data-Driven ensuring that data sits at the core of the platform acting either as a trigger to allow serving of dynamic messages or as content.
  • Digital Out of Home is the network of digital screens which allows bespoke messaging drawing relevance from locations, mindsets and environments.

In anticipation of D:FOUR’s release Rachel McCloskey, Account Manager of Kinetic said, “Our new D:FOUR system will have a positive influence on how our clients use Digital OOH to connect with consumers throughout the day. The system allows bespoke, contextually relevant messaging which in turn will enable us to further connect with audiences on a more personal level. Research has shown that the use of contextual, dynamic content can lead to an additional sales uplift by 8% .”

Kinetic will be hosting a seminar on Dynamic Digital OOH in May to introduce D:FOUR, explore the dynamic capabilities of DOOH and highlight how clients and agencies can take advantage of the new D:FOUR platform.

Simon Durham, CEO for Kinetic added “D:FOUR will hugely benefit our clients and agencies and we look forward to demonstrating our new system at our seminar in May. The seminar will allow us to effectively demonstrate how our advanced system will assist our clients in creating contextually relevant advertising. Digital Out of Home now has more in common with digital online and we should be aligning these strategies to reach consumers effectively.”

Sperho Mini – First look, An app enabled robotic ball. #Robots #Coding #tech #kids

Some tech for the kids has arrived in our first robotic tech arrival,there is more to follow.. This is a an enabled robotic ball which does more than you might first think, Coders for one will like it and you can play an array of games, It comes with again miniature cones and bowling pins to get started and get creative by building your own courses. You can also play other games and use your face to move the little guy that has a gyroscope, accelerometer, and LED lights.  We will have a review soon so if you have any questions feel free to ask.

See more HERE

First look at the Ecovacs OZMO 610 floor cleaning robot #tech #robots

Housework is a chore we can all do without but thankfully tech is now here to help many ways not only with the cleaning. A robot has arrived to which would be our first in the cleaning department from a company called Ecovacs, The OZMO 610 is a floor cleaning robot which can be controlled by an app and you can just sit back and relax.

Check out the unboxing below and if there is any questions feel free to ask in the meantime during our test period.

DEEBOT OZMO 610 is the key to tackling your household messes. Using an intelligent new mopping system, DEEBOT OZMO 610 deeply and thoroughly cleans your floor. With its Smart Cleaning Path and interchangeable suction inlet, this remarkable robot always ensures an effective clean. Let DEEBOT OZMO 610 give you a spotless home.

– Smart Cleaning Path with less missing
– Vacuum and mop combo for deep cleaning
– Capable of cleaning life’s messes
– Total control in your hands

See more HERE