Category: Tech

Sony Xperia XZ2/Compact smartphones will be entitled to a 12 month subscription to PlayStationPlus

Recently we checked out these devices which are really cool and greatly improved over previous models, We will be talking more on them soon.Not only that if you pre-order either of the devices you can cash in on a bonus gift which we spoke about HERE 

Today more good news surfaces which will delight fans due to seeing this news from other regions.

SonyMobile has partnered with Playstation and  All customers purchasing the new Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact smartphones will be entitled to a 12 month subscription to PlayStation®Plus

Sony will be offering all Xperia customers purchasing Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact handsets a PlayStation Plus 12 month membership (worth €59.99) from launch at no additional cost, bringing them further into the incredible world of entertainment offered by Sony. PlayStation Plus membership gives qualifying Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact owners the ability to access PlayStation Plus benefits including access to online multiplayer gameplay on PlayStation 4, monthly games for PlayStation 4 at no extra cost, and exclusive discounts on PlayStation™Store.

The PlayStation Plus offer will be redeemable through the Xperia Lounge app, which comes pre-installed on all Xperia smartphones.

The XZ2 and XZ2 Compact are available to pre-order ahead of launch on 6th April 2018. Pre-order customers will also receive a free complimentary accessory as pointed out above.

Ciarán Cleary from Sony Mobile Communications, comments: “Sony has consistently been at the forefront of the gaming market. From the original PlayStation through to today’s PlayStation 4 Pro, PlayStation VR, and the latest PlayLink mobile gaming titles, Sony has pushed the boundaries of gaming as we know it. For several years now, we’ve positioned our Xperia smartphones as the window into the wider Sony world and with the launch of these new handsets, we’re looking to extend that message to our gaming fans and reward them for choosing a Sony device.” 

Advanced Discovery Expands Global Footprint with Ireland Office and Data Centre Opening

Advanced Discovery, a leading global eDiscovery and risk management company, today announces the launch of its Irish practice with the opening of a Dublin-based office and data centre, as well as the appointment of Greg Deane as Advanced Discovery Ireland’s regional director.

Prior to joining Advanced Discovery (formerly known as Millnet in the UK and Ireland), Deane spent 15 years working in some of Ireland’s leading law firms. Most recently, as head of eDiscovery and data management services at William Fry, Deane was responsible for building and overseeing the firm’s data management unit. His team assisted with a variety of projects such as due diligence exercises, regulatory investigations, discovery and data subject access requests.

William Fry Corporate Portraits.
Greg Deane.
Pictured is Copyright Fennell Photography 2017

“Greg’s understanding of the Irish legal market will be key in taking our business forward to meet the new challenges of the evolving commercial and legal landscape in Europe,” says Julia Chain, UK managing director and executive VP, International of Advanced Discovery. “Our new practice in Ireland will further enhance our ability to serve clients with complex multijurisdictional and multinational issues. As Brexit looms ever closer, we are delighted to be investing in Ireland with its stable presence within the EU.”

“I am excited at the prospect of establishing Advanced Discovery as a leader in eDiscovery and risk management in the Irish market. Our new Dublin-based office and ISO-certified data centre, patented solutions and teams of expert advisors will all benefit our Irish and growing roster of global clients as their eDiscovery and risk management requirements continue to expand,” says Deane. “As complexity increases, particularly with the advent of the GDPR, knowing what data you have and where it is stored is becoming increasingly important. Advanced Discovery offers a more consultative approach that allows our clients to plan effective strategies for information governance and manage their data in the most cost-effective manner.”

For more information, visit www.advanceddiscovery.eu.

SOUL X-SHOCK – True Wireless In-Ears for more Safety During Work-Out in the Dark

According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, about 40 percent of all crashes involving pedestrians occur at intersections, and more than half of all fatal pedestrian crashes occur at night, between the hours of 6 p.m. and midnight.

Hence, SOUL Electronics, a global leader in consumer audio designed for the active and fitness-oriented lifestyle now presents the new X-SHOCK Transparent Edition: truly wireless, sport earphones designed and built with a runner’s safety in mind. SOUL’s X-SHOCK Transparent Edition earphones boast bright LED lights, keeping them safe from traffic at all hours of the night.

X-SHOCK Transparent Edition Earphone Features:

  • Sleek transparent case with bright LED light for night-time jogging
  • 3,000 mAH Power bank provides 18 additional charges, up to 60 hours of playtime and features a USB-port to charge smartphones once fully
  • Superior connectivity with Bluetooth 4.2 and a gold-plated antenna that minimizes interference
  • Sweat and rain-proof with iPX5 rating, allowing for water submersion up to 16 feet and for 30 minutes
  • Auto-on and instant pairing when placing earbuds into the ear
  • Compatible with Siri and Google Assistant for added convenience on-the-go
  • Tight seal to isolate music for a bass boost and block out ambient background noises

The X-SHOCK Transparent Edition are available now through Indiegogo and on www.soulelectronics.com for $149.

“Who Owns Who In The Internet World.” #Infographic. #web #internet

GUEST POST by Karthik Reddy, It is a common thing for one big company to own several other large companies. As a matter of fact, there are about a dozen companies that own all the other ones. Did you know that only a while ago (December 2017), Apple acquired Shazam for $400 million? Or that Facebook owns both Instagram and WhatsApp, and that Microsoft bought LinkedIn, Skype, MSN, and Bing?

Tech companies are well known for being addicted to their mergers and acquisitions. Whether it’s Amazon buying up ecommerce companies or https://www.16best.net/expedia/ famous for its discount codes and cheap hotel bookings, internet based companies are trying to dominate their respective industries and become the most successful companies they can be. 2017 was a year full of important tech mergers, so let’s take a look at some of the substantial ones.
1. Amazon
In June 2017, Amazon sealed the deal to buy Whole Foods Market for an eye-watering $13.7 billion, a huge acquisition which catapulted the ecommerce giant into physical stores and fulfilled Jeff Bezos’ long term ambition of Amazon being able to sell more grocery products.
2. Cisco
Cisco bought AppDynamics, one of its all time biggest acquisitions. This acquisition was all about helping companies make sense of big data in their companies quickly. As data becomes a hugely important part of our daily lives, it appears that Cisco hope to capitalize on the need for companies to understand and interpret it.
AppDynamics can help its customers translate business data into easy to digest analytics and insights. AppDynamics itself had a year full of growth, expanding by over 50%.
Cisco also bought Viptela for $610 million. Viptela is a developer of software defined networking technology widely used by leading telecom carriers such as Verizon. With these two acquisitions, Cisco made it clear that the company is seriously thinking about acquiring software related companies as business slowly but surely moves into the digital realm.
3. Palo Alto Networks
In February 2017, it bought LightCyber for a princely sum of $105 million. The LightCyber technologies work to bring automation and machine learning to cybersecurity and have a vision of developing technologies, which can identify sophisticated attacks that often go undetected. This was a strategic buy by the Palo Alto company and boosts its technology portfolio massively. In 2014, it acquired Cyvera and CirroSecure in 2015 to add further security capabilities for its SaaS application. Want to learn more about which tech companies own other tech companies? Check out our infographic below, you might just find yourself very surprised! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magician turned entrepreneur launches new online platform for planning children’s parties.

PartyWizz is the new online platform designed to cater to all parents’ and event organisers’ needs when planning children’s parties and booking entertainment.

The online booking-platform is the first of its kind on the market and allows the customer to choose from a variety of suitable party entertainers based on theme, location, price, and real-time availability. Having spent 20 years working in the marketing industry and developing a successful advertising business in Dubai, founder Hamish Urquhart decided to return to his passion – magic and entertainment.

Hamish Urquhart

From his first-hand experience working in the industry, he recognised a gap in the market for a tool for easily booking entertainment and bringing party planning into the 21st century.

Commenting on the launch of his new business, Hamish said: “PartyWizz has been the perfect outlet to combine my passion for entertainment with my marketing and business development skills.

“From working as an entertainer, I saw first-hand the pressure parents were under in organising parties, and I knew there had to be a way to make the process much simpler. I was hugely inspired by what was happening in the on-demand economy with the likes of Uber, Airbnb and homegrown Hassle – creating market place solutions for problems.”

 

Research phase

Research conducted by PartyWizz during the development stages of the platform found that the average spend per party was between €350 – €400, with many key factors contributing to this spend for parents, including:

  • The guilt of not spending enough time with their children;
  • Lack of time for planning and;
  • The pressure of coming up with original ideas.

Commenting on the research findings, Hamish said: “From the hundreds of parents we engaged with in the development of the platform, the overwhelming feedback was that parents do not have enough time and are under pressure juggling multiple demands. My hope is that by bringing all elements of party planning together on one platform, PartyWizz will alleviate the stress and pressure from children’s party-planning and take party-planning into the 21st century.”

The site enables the user to easily organise key areas of a party: entertainers can be reviewed and booked; add-ons such as themed party bags, decorations can be ordered in the same transaction; and all of the entertainers have been hand-picked to give parents maximum peace of mind.

PartyWizz is live now: www.partywizz.com.

Adonit Introduces its Windows Exclusive INK Pro Business Stylus to the UK #Adonit

Leading stylus manufacturer, Adonit, is today pleased to announce the UK availability of INK Pro – a fine point stylus with a built in microphone to support Cortana voice command, created exclusively for Windows powered tablets and devices with business users in mind. The INK Pro is available for £79.99 from Amazon with Prime delivery.

Certified by Microsoft, the Adonit INK Pro provides a turnkey stylus solution to any Windows device and is the perfect business accessory with Cortana compatibility. Simply connect to the INK Pro via Bluetooth and write and draw in exquisite detail with the INK Pro’s 1mm fine point tip that is both replaceable and streamlined. Featuring a pressure sensitive tip, the Adonit INK Pro emulates real handwriting with lines appearing thicker or thinner depending on how hard the stylus is pressed whilst drawing or writing. Notes, brainstorms and other designs can be created as naturally as if using pen and paper.

Fast paced business meetings and note taking can be much neater with the handy palm rejection feature that allows users to write naturally and comfortably without worrying about extra marks on the page or PowerPoint slide. If a mistake in notes is made, the two shortcut buttons on the INK Pro allow for easy right clicking and erasing.

Features

·         Compatible with Windows Tablets & 2-in-1 laptops

·         Palm rejection

·         Pressure sensitivity

·         Presentation mode and shortcut buttons

·         Cortana voice enabled

·         Laser pointer

·         1mm fine point tip

·         Charging dock

With 80 hours of battery life or 24 hours of continuous use and chargeable with any micro USB, travelling with INK Pro could not be more convenient. Users can easily take notes, sketch or brainstorm whilst on long plane, train or car journeys and have no concerns about battery life with the INK Pro.

Featuring a built-in microphone and supporting Cortana voice command, it is ideal to use when in a boardroom for seamless business meetings or just for use in the office. Using Cortana with the stylus can allow users to create notes, find out schedule detail, to translate languages and many other actions simply with voice commands. The INK Pro also includes up and down page buttons to easily switch to the next slide during a presentation with the front-end design laser pointer allowing for points to be clear. Ideal for the modern business-person, the stylus will make the perfect partner for pitches, reports and daily business activity.

Versatile apps

Whether in a boardroom meeting, a presentation, in the office or working from home, the INK Pro makes life more convenient for any business person. Using apps such as PowerPoint and OneNote, handwritten notes can be taken as if using pen and paper. If looking for a more creative use, the Ink Pro works with apps including Sketchpad, Autodesk SketchBook and Fresh Paint allowing users to create sketches, illustrations or brainstorm diagrams. A full list of apps available for Windows INK can be found here.

Adonit INK Pro is available in Black and White for £79.99 ​from​ ​Amazon​. See more on Facebook @ Adonit Europe.

Segway Robotics Defines the Future of Mobile Robots with Loomo. #Loomo #Indiegogo

Loomo is a personal mobile robot that “transforms” between a mini personal transporter and robot companion. It responds to voice, gesture, touch and app control and sees the world through Intel’s RealSense ZR300 camera for depth-sensing & motion tracking.

Segway Robotics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Segway-Ninebot Group, is proud to launch Loomo, a smart machine that toggles between a mini personal transporter and mobile robot sidekick. Loomo is now available for pre-order on Indiegogo today, with limited early bird pricing starting at $1299.

Loomo will launch with a core set of foundational features, with more capabilities unlocked over time through over-the-air (OTA) updates. Out of the box, you can ride Loomo as a mini transporter, let it follow you autonomously as a robot sidekick, or show off Loomo’s playful personality to your friends. Loomo also comes with a free Android-based SDK for professional developers and enthusiasts alike to build on top of our mobility + AI platform.

 

Loomo’s key features include:

  • Self-Balancing Transporter: Smooth ride experience across most terrain types, with speeds of up to 11 MPH, and the capacity to cover 22 miles in one charge; a voice-based tutorial allows anyone to learn how to ride Loomo in mere minutes
  • Auto-Follow Expert: With advanced computer vision, Loomo can follow you autonomously, shoot stabilized video, and more
  • Avatar: Use your smartphone as a remote control to access all of Loomo’s capabilities – see, speak, interact, and explore as if you are Loomo
  • Friendly & Expressive Personality: Powered by its emotion engine, Loomo’s lovable nature and lighthearted expressions will cheer you up and impress everyone around you
  • Multiple Control Methods: You can control Loomo via your smartphone app, voice command, gestures and touch sensors
  • New Skills Unlocked Over-the-Air (OTA): Loomo will continuously update its software and app OTA to include new features
  • Free Loomo Android SDKfor developers: Directly access Loomo’s mobility and AI capabilities to build a range of playful features or practical solutions

“Segway-Ninebot has already put millions of wheels on the ground that cover 180 million kilometers each year. But what happens if you combine Segway’s proven mobility technology with cutting-edge AI? Well say hello to Loomo,” said Li Pu, President of Segway Robotics.  “For many, Loomo is a reflection of our movie fantasies growing up… it embodies our vision of how mobile personal robots can become a part of our everyday lives.”

The Loomo Indiegogo campaign launches March 6, 2018. Limited early bird pricing will be set at $1299. The basic pack includes 1 Loomo, 1 AC/DC adapter, 1 extended air tap, and 1 USB 3.0 Type-C cable. Loomo will begin shipping to backers in May 2018.

 

 

Loomo’s core technologies include:

 

  • Mobility and Intelligent Motion Control System: Loomo incorporates Segway Mini Plus’s latest magnesium alloy base, which comprises of more than 400 self-balancing patents. A quick response motion control system and 11-inch anti-slip tires allow for smooth riding on uneven roads and the ability to keep balance in other challenging situations. Powerful motors and a large volume battery enable speeds of up to 11 MPH, up to a distance of 22 miles
  • Multi-Sensor Perception: Loomo is equipped with an Intel RealSense ZR300 camera for depth sensing and motion tracking, which enables robot mapping and obstacle avoidance. Loomo also has a 1080p HD-camera stabilized by a 3-axis gimbal which enables stable video capture while moving, a 5-microphones array on its head to determine voice/noise direction and recognize voice commands, two infrared-distance sensors and an ultrasonic sensor in the front for obstacle detection and fall warning, and several other touch sensors on its body
  • Visual Perception and Understanding: Driven by deep learning and computer vision technologies, Loomo owns a powerful visual system consisting of an object Detection and Tracking System (DTS) and a Human Understanding System (HUS). DTS enables the detection and tracking of multiple-objects in real time, and is the foundation for many applications. HUS enables Loomo to recognize faces and understand human properties, e.g. gender, gestures, and other behaviors that are required for human understanding and interaction analysis
  • Easy-to-use Android Platform: We have developed a customized Android Platform to manage hardware, software and algorithms as a whole. With our free SDK, developers can control the base assembly and robot head at a proper abstraction level. Through the hardware extension bay in the back, mechanical and electrical engineers can design and attach additional components to the robot, enabling even more flexibility and a wide range of creative possibilities

Almost two-thirds of Irish workers don’t have full remote access during #StormEmma

Storm Emma has taken everyone by surprise and frankly I don’t think we were prepared for it and it could cost the economy millions. From a business perspective things can keep going though via remote access which I do myself but there is businesses out there that could be more proactive in this department. Will the likes of these severe weather conditions be a kickstart for a business to now have a protocol in place? Some do but there is many there that do not so maybe now this might change after recent events.

Severe weather conditions have forced the closure of many Irish businesses as Status Red and Orange snow and ice warnings have been issued across the State. The resultant impact could end up costing Irish companies millions, as many fail to embrace the technology capable of empowering remote working.

Gary Hopwood, Managing Director at Ricoh Ireland, commented: “Between the severe conditions that engulfed the country this week and Storm Ophelia late last year, Ireland has experienced two Status Red nationwide weather warnings in recent times. Events such as these impact the entire workforce and can cause a huge amount of disruption to unprepared businesses, in terms of both time and money. Ensuring the safety of the workforce is paramount, however it is essential that employees can stay safe at home whilst having the capacity to work productively. That is where remote working technology comes in.

Gary Hopwood, general manager, Ricoh Ireland

A recent survey from Ricoh Ireland found that almost two-thirds (63%) of Irish workers don’t have the authorisation or remote access tools needed to work effectively from home. With extremely low temperatures and blizzard conditions caused by Storm Emma, many employees have either been unable to complete their daily work, or have seen their productivity greatly impacted by a lack of mobile workstyle supports.

“At Ricoh Ireland, we have implemented our own business continuity plan which enables all Ricoh employees to work effectively and efficiently from home. We recognise the value of mobile working during times like these, not only in terms of upholding business continuity and delivering a high standard of customer service, but also enabling employees to innovate and collaborate from remote locations. In other words, supporting mobile workstyles is advantageous for the individuals but also the organisation and, perhaps most importantly, its customers.

In addition to the impact on a company’s bottom line caused by office closures, the study found that Irish businesses are missing out on a further range of benefits by failing to empower mobile working. Respondents cited the main benefits of remote workstyles as greater flexibility (79%), the ability to attract and retain the best talent (37%), and improved customer service (36%).

The research, which was carried out in association with TechPro magazine in November 2017, surveyed 175 IT professionals from private and public sector organisations across Ireland.

Boots Ireland App update has a host of features and New Digital Advantage Card #Boots #Apps #AdvanatageCard

The Boots Advantage Card is used regularly by 1 million Irish customers and is one of Ireland’s most loved loyalty programmes. The Boots Digital Advantage Card is now available via the Boots phone app which we have covered before and will enable customers to earn points simply and swiftly at the till via the phone app, with a host of additional new functions also available. Boots Advantage Card customers earn 4 points for every €1 spent. Boots customers that download or upgrade the app can avail of a bonus 400 points when they spend €20 in store or online.

The generous points system remains unchanged, with Boots Advantage Card customers earning 4 points for every €1 spent, and members of the Boots Parenting Club, and the Over 60s programme, earning a boosted 10 points for every €1 on a selected range of products.

The new version of the Boots Ireland App has a host of features other than the New Digital Advantage Card, including:

  • A range of personalised offers for each customer
  • Online shopping and appointment booking service
  • New vitamin reminder and health advice function
  • Store locator to quickly find nearest Boots store and the services offered
  • Wide range of photo printing services

As a special offer, Boots customers can avail of a bonus 400 points when they spend €20 in store or online.

Insights from the Boots Advantage Card programme reveal that the most popular item to be redeemed via points is cotton wool pads, followed by bottled water and Boots cucumber face wipes. Looking further at the spending habits of Irish Boots Advantage Card users, Christmas is the most popular time of year for Boots customers to choose a points purchase, and Fridays top the table as the most popular day of the week for customers to pay with points – allowing a little more spending power heading into the weekend.

Commenting on the launch of the Boots Digital Advantage Card, Mark Barry, IT Director for Boots UK & Ireland said: “We are always looking to bring our customers new and exciting ways of getting better value for their purchases and bringing the Boots Advantage Card into the digital space is an important step in making it easier than ever to collect and spend points. The new app also offers a range of new services that were developed with the Boots customer in mind, which we hope will be really popular.”

Commenting on the new launch, Gillian Hennessy, Head of Marketing at Boots Ireland says: “We are really proud of what the Boots Advantage Card has offered to Irish shoppers over the last decade, and this new launch introduces the easiest way ever to carry your Boots Advantage Card. The insights show that a million Irish people regularly benefit by using the Boots Advantage Card points system, and we’re delighted the new digital version provides a streamlined way to earn and spend points.”

How to get the Boots Digital Advantage Card:

  1. Download the Boots app on the Apple App Store or on Google Play
  2. Customers who have a Boots Advantage card then click ‘My Advantage Card’
  3. Click ‘Add my card’ and enter your Boots Advantage Card number and details
  4. You’re all set! Your Boots Digital Advantage Card barcode, points available to spend and personalised offers will appear in the app

For more information on the Boots Digital Advantage Card and how to download, visit boots.ie/advantage-card