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Finally – Alexa and Amazon Echo devices now available in Ireland. #Alexa #Amazon #IoT

Launched back in 2014 and could previously ship them in via virtual adressess but now its got easier,this also opens the door for Irish developers, There also has been a battle between this and Google Home and Amazon is winning you can read more on this HERE ,This also means better IoT intergration for all at home and the likes has been heavily seen at CES this year with many prodcuts having the same embedded into new tech launching soon..

Amazon Alexa and Amazon Echo are now available in Ireland. Customers in Ireland can get the Alexa experience available in the United Kingdom on the all-new Amazon Echo, Echo Dot and Echo Plus, with skills from local developers including RTÉ News, Ryanair, Irish Radioplayer, Dublin’s FM104, and more. Customers can order from www.amazon.co.uk/echo and pay in Euro at checkout.

Additionally, Amazon has also expanded the Alexa Skills Kit (ASK) and the Alexa Voice Service (AVS) to enable developers around the world to build voice experiences for Alexa customers in Ireland.

“The customer response to Alexa and Echo across the world has been incredibly positive, and we’re excited to make them available to customers in Ireland,” said Jorrit Van Der Meulen, Vice President, Amazon Devices International. “Customers can just ask Alexa to provide information, play music, make calls, send messages, and use thousands of skills—including locally-developed skills from developers including RTÉ, Irish Radioplayer, Ryanair and more.”

Amazon Echo—Hands-Free, Always Ready, and Fast

Echo is designed around your voice, and is hands-free and always ready. Just ask for information, music, news, weather, and more from across the room and get results instantly. Echo uses far-field voice recognition with an array of seven microphones to clearly hear you from across the room, while advanced beam-forming technology combines the signals from the individual microphones to suppress noise, reverberation, and even competing speech.

The all-new Amazon Echo features 2nd generation far-field voice technology, and its audio design includes a dedicated tweeter, a 2.5” down-firing woofer, and Dolby processing to deliver crisp vocals and dynamic bass. Echo is designed to disappear into your home, with a variety of shell colours and finishes to fit into your home’s décor—choices include Charcoal, Sandstone, and Heather Grey. Echo Plus includes all the features of Echo, including room-filling sound powered by Dolby and a far-field microphone array, and adds a built-in smart home hub to help customers start their smart home. To help customers get started with their smart home, a Philips Hue smart lightbulb is included with the purchase of an Echo Plus while supplies last.

Echo Dot uses the same far-field voice recognition as Echo, and is designed so you can put an Echo Dot into every room. Use the built-in speaker to talk to Alexa and listen to music, or connect to speakers through Bluetooth or a 3.5mm stereo cable.

Alexa—The Brain Behind Amazon Echo

Alexa—the brain behind Echo—is built in the cloud, so she’s always getting smarter. Just ask and she’ll answer questions, play music, read the news, set timers and alarms, check your calendar, and much more. Customers in Ireland will be able to access the majority of features currently available in the UK on Amazon Echo, Echo Dot and Echo Plus—including the ability to make calls and send messages from Echo to Echo, or to and from the Alexa app for iOS and Android.

Amazon Music Unlimited—now in Ireland, and streaming on Alexa

Alexa offers a seamless, hands-free music experience with premier music services including the all-new Amazon Music Unlimited service—also available in Ireland. Customers in Ireland can stream Amazon Music Unlimited to hear a catalogue of more than 40 million songs, including a wide-selection of hand-curated playlists and personalised stations. Using just their voice, customers can search for music by artist, album, track or genre, and control volume and playback by saying “Alexa, turn it up”, or “Alexa, skip this song” If you aren’t sure who an artist is, just say “Alexa, which song is this?”

Amazon Music Unlimited is €9.99 per month for an individual plan, or €14.99 per month for a family plan covering up to six family members. Customers can also get an exclusive Echo subscription plan available for only €3.99 per month for a single Amazon Echo device, with full access to Amazon Music Unlimited.

Alexa Skills Kit—Developers Can Create New Skills for Alexa

Amazon has made the Alexa Skills Kit (ASK) available to developers interested in building skills for customers in Ireland. ASK is a collection of self-service APIs and tools that make it fast and easy for developers to create new voice-driven capabilities for Alexa. No experience with speech recognition or natural language understanding is required—Amazon does all the work to hear, understand, and process the customer’s spoken request so a developer doesn’t have to. In addition to offering skills from Spotify, Philips Hue, IKEA, Hive and more, Alexa also has skills from Irish developers including RTÉ, Ryanair, Irish Radioplayer and more.

Alexa Voice Service—Device Makers Can Integrate Alexa into Their Devices

The Alexa Voice Service (AVS) enables developers to integrate Alexa directly into their products, bringing the convenience of voice control to any connected device. Through AVS, hardware manufacturers can build Alexa-enabled products and offer customers in Ireland access to a growing number of Alexa features, smart home integrations, and skills. AVS provides developers with access to a suite of resources to quickly and easily build Alexa-enabled products, including APIs, hardware development kits, software development kits, and documentation.

Developers can learn more about the Alexa Skills Kit and the Alexa Voice Service here: https://developer.amazon.com/alexa.

Pricing and Availability – Customers in Ireland can order Amazon Echo from just £89.99, Echo Plus for just £139.99, and Echo Dot for just £49.99 from Amazon.co.uk, with the option to pay in Euro at checkout, with Irish credit cards, and ship directly to addresses in Ireland. For more information on Echo devices, visit www.amazon.co.uk/echo.

Argos also have some prodcuts listed right now so check them out HERE

Verizon Telematics Continues European Expansion with its Acquisition of Movildata Internacional

The parent company of Irish fleet and mobile workforce management solution provider Fleetmatics has continued its European expansion with the acquisition of Movildata Internacional, a Murcia, Spain-based provider of commercial fleet management solutions.

Verizon Communications Inc. has today announced the acquisition of Movildata Internacional, a Murcia, Spain-based provider of commercial fleet management solutions. Terms of the transaction, which closed on Jan. 19, 2018, have not been disclosed.

Verizon Telematics is an established leader across Europe with a strong presence in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Poland. Movildata, an established industry leader in Spain, complements Verizon Telematics’ expanding operations in southern Europe, specifically Portugal and Italy.

“We see Movildata as a natural fit and highly synergistic with our European business,” said Andrés Irlando, CEO of Verizon Telematics. “This strategic acquisition strengthens Verizon Telematics’ market position, accelerates growth and allows us to expand the footprint of our market-leading solutions and services.”

With more than five million commercial vehicles, Spain represents the second largest market for commercial vehicles in Western Europe according to leading industry analyst firm Berg Insight. Furthermore, the market for fleet management solutions is significantly underpenetrated compared to other major markets in Europe, creating opportunities for growth.

Movildata employees have joined the Verizon Telematics team and will continue to drive sales and support for its current fleet management products. In addition, Verizon Telematics plans to add Fleetmatics’ REVEAL™ to the portfolio of software solutions available to Spanish fleet operators. Verizon Telematics provides world-class vehicle tracking and business intelligence solutions designed to help generate cost savings, improve productivity and help monitor driver safety for virtually any mobile workforce.

“We are proud of what the company has accomplished in this market, and we know that with this transaction our success will continue,” said Luis Enrique Rodrigo, CEO of Movildata. “Verizon Telematics’ expansive global reach and robust portfolio of technologies and solutions will allow us to grow the business in Spain and expand our customer service to the next level.”

#Freda – The new organic period care range using #AI to drag #Femcare into the 21st Century @fredaspeaks

For the ladies to take note.. Freda is the first truly organic, 100% cotton, eco-friendly period care range that is using tech and artificial intelligence to reboot femcare for the 21st Century, and is on a mission to de-stigmatise periods and end period poverty which affects over 130m women and girls worldwide.

Using artificial intelligence to predict your start date its online period tracker allows you to sync the delivery of your products to ensure they arrive a few days before your cycle. The tracker combines an advanced algorithm and insight from specialist consultant gynaecologists. As you input your personal data, the algorithm gets to know your period cycles over time which makes even irregular periods more predictable and the Freda delivery timelier.

Named after Freyja who, in Norse mythology, is a goddess associated with love, sex, beauty and fertility, Freda believes that having honest conversations is key to creating a generational change towards bringing periods to the forefront of awareness which will help to bust myths, break taboos and normalise the conversation. A Freda subscription costs around £6.99 a month.

Aimed at modern, health and socially conscious women, its tampons are made of 100% certified organic cotton that are biodegradable, hypoallergenic – and free from chemicals and synthetic fibres commonly found in some big brand tampons – whilst their pads contain 100%eco-friendly, biodegradable materials. Freda is on a mission to break down taboos and stigma by normalising conversation around periods. The company has been created for women by women – and they give back to women as a portion of every Freda purchase is donated to initiatives worldwide tackling period poverty.

“From transparency to responsibility to access, the whole femcare space needs rebooting. And Freda is here to reboot it”, says Freda founder Affi Parvizi-Wayne who started the company after seeing refugees stuck at European border crossings on the news and wondering how they managed their periods. “We want to talk openly about the subject without patronising women or telling them how to live their periods. We want to embrace how we experience periods and start recognising them as a sign of a healthy woman”, Affi adds.

Freda is an online subscription service which understands that every cycle is different, and allows you to select your own combination of products and absorbencies based on your period. Using artificial intelligence to predict your start date its online period tracker allows you to sync the delivery of your products to ensure they arrive a few days before your cycle. The tracker combines an advanced algorithm and insight from specialist consultant gynaecologists. As you input your personal data, the algorithm gets to know your period cycles over time which makes even irregular periods more predictable and the Freda delivery timelier.

A Freda subscription costs around £6.99 a month and can be purchased at www.myfreda.com

Instagram @MyFreda – Facebook @MyFreda – Twitter @fredaspeaks

Need new earphones/headphones. Check out @sudiosweden ‏and our 15% discount.

If you are huge headphone/earphone fan like me and is in the market for something new check out Sudio Sweden who have some really nice products on offer and we have teamed up with them and they have kindly given our readers a 15% discount on all purchases all you need to do is enter (techbuzzireland15) at the checkout.

Sudio has engineered an ultra-modern range of lifestyle headphones so that you’ll never miss a beat. No matter what you’re up to, bring along crystal clear, studio-quality sound and find your perfect Sudio Moment.

Check out their website HERE and dont forget to use the code techbuzzireland15 at the checkout. We will be speaking some more on their prodcuts in the coming weeks so stay tuned for more..

CHECK OUT THE SUDIO REGENT

VEGAS Pro 365 subscription now available. #Video #Editing #Software

Focused on the first-time users, this new version offers a complete video and audio editing solution with all the features of VEGAS Pro 15 and SOUND FORGE Audio Studio 12, along with online training courses to learn VEGAS Pro.

VEGAS Creative Software adds a first-of-its-kind video and audio production package to the award-winning VEGAS Pro product line. The subscription-based-offering VEGAS Pro 365 is priced from $16.67/month.

The existing versions and 30-day trial version of VEGAS Pro continue to exist.

“With VEGAS Pro 365, we want to make it easier for aspiring video creators and enthusiasts to access professional video and audio production software. With flexible terms and additional services, we seek to fulfil a long-standing demand of our VEGAS Pro fan base” says Gary Rebholz, Product Owner.

For video editors, the new software package includes all the latest features of VEGAS Pro with high-end plug-ins and online training courses to learn to use VEGAS Pro. Users now also have full access to the audio editor SOUND FORGE Audio Studio to add high quality sound to their projects. Video projects can be edited offline within the subscription just like with the perpetual license. Projects also remain fully accessible to users even after expiration and can be easily imported and edited by other versions of VEGAS Pro. All components of the package stay up-to-date with the latest feature and product updates.

After taking over the video editing software VEGAS Pro from Sony Creative Software in 2016, MAGIX has since then released two new versions, VEGAS Pro 14 and 15. The additional offer of VEGAS Pro 365 now makes the product even more accessible. “We will continue to offer and update perpetual licenses of VEGAS Pro. What we want is an additional complete package customized to the needs of first-time users” says Rebholz.

More detailed information can be downloaded here:

http://www.vegascreativesoftware.com/gb/vegas-pro-365/

New instagram update shows your “activity status” by default, so change it. #instagram

Social networks now are more or less following each other on ideas and the latest one is the “Activity Status” simply meaning the obvious letting others know when you are online and when your friends are online kinda like what Facebook does and also WhatsApp, and this also notes when you have checked your Direct messages with a read/seen receipt.

This is rather creepy and sad and it just came in my update tonight and I am glad I checked because it show your status by default the sneaky buggers. So to turn it off head to your settings page and scroll down to Activity Status and toggle to “OFF” When this is done you are covered and means you cant see others status unless you are into that kind of things.

Hit us up there by the way for the latest tech products and pictures. Follow us HERE

Adonit Introduces its Windows Exclusive INK Stylus to the UK. #Windows #Microsoft #Adonit

Leading stylus manufacturer, Adonit, is today pleased to announce the UK availability of INK – a fine point stylus created exclusively for Windows powered tablets and devices. The INK is available for £44.49 from Amazon with Prime delivery and the ‘Amazon’s Choice’ badge making it even easier to order on an Echo device.

Certified by Microsoft, the Adonit INK provides a turnkey stylus solution to any Windows device. Write and draw in exquisite detail with the INK’s 1mm fine point tip that is both replaceable and streamlined. Ideal for design, the tip is also pressure sensitive and emulates real handwriting. Lines appear thicker or thinner depending on how hard the stylus is pressed whilst drawing or writing, meaning that intricate pieces of art can be created as naturally as if using pen and paper. The INK has a pressure level of 4096 for Surface 5 PRO and 1024 for Surface 4 PRO.

Rushed business meetings or frantic note taking at the back of a lecture theatre 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. If a mistake in notes or doodles is made, the two shortcut buttons allow for easy right clicking and erasing.

With no need to connect to Bluetooth or an app, simply power on the INK to begin using it, saving time and effort. Once on, a green light will display enabling the user to place the tip on the screen to navigate, tap or write. Never get caught out again by a low power stylus with the INK’s useful LED lights that indicate whether the device is turned on or off, the level of charge and when it is charging. The quick connection is designed to fit into users’ busy, fast moving daily lives to make sure notes, reminders or design inspiration are never missed.

With 80 hours of battery life and a full charge time of just 45 minutes by USB, travelling with the INK could not be more convenient. Users can enjoy being creative whilst on long plane, train or car journeys and then simply use the clip function to ensure the INK is with them at all times. Weighing just 12g and having a 9.2mm diameter, it is a very comfortable travel companion.

Versatile apps – Whether in a board room meeting, a lecture hall, noting down recipes in the kitchen or sketching new designs, the INK makes life more convenient. Using apps such as PowerPoint and OneNote, handwritten notes can be taken for business, studying or leisure. If looking for a more creative use, the INK works with apps including Sketchpad, Autodesk SketchBook and Fresh Paint allowing users to create sketches, paintings and illustrations on the move. A full list of apps available for Windows INK can be found here.

Jasper Li, CTO for Adonit comments, “INK was our opportunity to create the ultimate stylus for Windows users. We wanted to make INK as versatile as possible, incorporating premium features like pressure sensitivity and shortcut buttons for artists and productivity seekers alike. It’s a highly capable, convenient, and affordable solution that brings convenience and accuracy to Microsoft customers.”

Technology offers endless opportunities to streamline life and work, and a stylus brings an added level of convenience. Adonit INK combines a high quality and on-trend design with the essential accessory needed for any Windows user.

Windows Compatible – INK was created exclusively for Windows powered tablets and 2-in-1 devices and is compatible with many Asus, Dell, HP and Microsoft devices including the Surface range. For a full list of devices that the INK will work with, please see here.

Adonit INK is available in Black, Silver and Midnight Blue £44.49 from Amazon. See more on Facebook @ Adonit Europe.

Unboxing the ZEISS VR One Plus Virtual Reality Headset. #VR #AR #Tech #ZEISS

Pretty cool looking it is and great to see something different rather than the many generic VR headsets we have out there today, The ZEISS VR One Plus headset has dropped in with thanks to the good guys at ZEISS.

Today we have a quick unboxing and walkaround before we check it out and see how good it is which I am looking forward to, I If you have any questions in the meantime please ask below or on Social Media.

There is several apps you can download on Android and iOS to enjoy the experiences ZEISS have to offer. The VR ONE Plus’ lenses offer a sharp picture over the entire field of view of 100°. No manual adjustments necessary. And it even works for wearers of spectacles. The headset can be purchased HERE

Brainwavz introduces its Delta IEM in-ear noise isolating #earphones to the UK.

Brainwavz – the Delta IEM in-ear noise isolating earphones. For just over £20 /$27.50, they deliver a great sound and don’t break the bank! No available in the UK.

Global audio specialist Brainwavz, established in 2008 with a focus on offering high quality products at a competitive price, today announces the availability of its Delta IEM Noise Isolating Earphones in the UK. The Delta IEM are the latest in the Brainwavz range of over 25 earphones and headphones and have already received acclaim from U.S website The Wirecutter who picked them as the best in-ear earphones for under $40. The Delta IEM represent great value at £20.27 /$27.50, fromwww.brainwavzaudio.com

Image converted using ifftoany

The Brainwavz Delta produce vocals and instruments with detailed clarity, ensuring music sounds just as the artist intended. With dynamic 8mm drivers encased in an all metal housing, the Delta earphones are tuned to pair with all genres of music. Together with a multi-function 3 button microphone and remote, the Deltas deliver perfect audio sound and clarity whether used for general music listening or for audio calls.

Whilst most other earphones available for a similar price make a compromise on sound quality, the Delta with its balanced bass do not with The Wirecutter commenting, “The Brainwavz have a sense of space that makes music sound like a concert happening in front of you. This is a sign of higher quality drivers.“

For the excellent price, the Delta IEM noise isolation earphones also come with a hard case, 3 sets of silicon ear tips (small, medium and large) as well as a set of S-400 Comply foam tips and a shirt clip and Velcro cable tie to ensure maximum comfort and positioning whilst listening to music or taking a phone call.

Brainwavz continues to add to its following of loyal fans with its reputation for affordable audio products of great quality, value for money and superb after sales service. The Delta IEM isolating earphones with microphone & remote hope to increase this fan base further in the UK.

Brainwavz also have a fantastic range of audio accessories including headphone memory foam earpads for extra comfort on both Brainwavz or other branded headphones here and headphone hangers and storage solutions here. We also have reviewed some of their products which you will find using the search bar be sure to check them out.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Drivers: Dynamic, 8 mm
Rated Impedance: 16 Ω
Frequency Range: 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz
Sensitivity: 100 dB at 1 mW
Rated Input Power: 20 mW
Cable: 1.3 m Y-Cord, Copper
Plug: 3.5 mm, Gold Plated

MULTI-FUNCTION 3 BUTTON MICROPHONE & REMOTE:

Supports Apple iOS & Android Products
Phone Call Control
Audio Player Control
Volume Control
Supports TRRS Connector

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES:

Earphone Hard case
3 sets of Silicone Ear Tips (S M L)
1 set of Comply Foam Tips S-400
1 Shirt Clip
Velcro Cable Tie
Instruction Manual
Warranty Card (24 month warranty)

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