Category: Tech

Former Google X tech controller raised €1.1m crowdfunding to speak at ‘speed-funding event’

Tony Foote, who co-founded Foxes Bow Whiskey with Alice Carroll is set to share his investment journey with other fresh businesses looking to grow at and event with Ireland’s top lenders at a speed-funding event next week/February 22.

The Show Me the Money event, at the Republic of Work in South Mall, Cork, being run by small business support platform and membership community Enterprise Nation, will help start-ups and small businesses get access to early-stage seed funding and growth investment.

The event is the penultimate speed-funding session to be held, with previous events in Dublin and Galway attracting hundreds of founders.  It will see small business owners hear from experts on a range of funding solutions from venture to angel investment, crowdfunding to retail banks.

Tony Foote spotted a gap in the market for a modern, contemporary, consumer-facing Irish whiskey brand while he was working as a controller at Google X – Google’s moonshot ‘factory’ in Silicon Valley.

Tony said: “I love whiskey, but whiskey wasn’t speaking to me. Every bottle was marketed based on traditional values, pictures of rolling hills and castles and a sea of black and green bottles. I felt there was an opportunity to give it a fresh perspective and reach a whole new audience.”

After the initial idea in 2020, Tony brought in childhood friend Alice, who was at the time living in Toronto and working for Pernod Ricard. The brand was initially bootstrapped by the founders, and they both left their high-flying jobs in 2021 to work on the business full-time.

In May 2022 they successfully crowdfunded €625,000 on Crowdcube, from a mixture of 400 Angel and individual investors.

Tony said: “Crowdfunding works really well for consumer brands, but the proposition has to be compelling enough to align with people’s ideas and mindset. Crowdfunding can become a massive marketing exercise that creates an army of unofficial brand ambassadors.

“But for anyone considering crowdfunding I would say it’s not a silver bullet –the first campaign was a full-time job for us both for three to four months. If you go in and you know the level of effort it takes, then crowdfunding becomes a great vehicle for investment. But be aware it’s non-stop.”

Very quickly, Foxes Bow Whiskey was stocked domestically in Musgraves and Tesco, and the pair were exporting to Germany, Italy and built valuable accounts in Northern Ireland. But then the opportunity quickly came for them to go into the US – and they had to go back to the funding drawing board.

Tony said: “It was 12 months ahead of schedule if I’m honest. It’s expensive to launch in the US, it’s competitive and money talks.”

They went back to Crowdcube and raised another €500,000, taking their total raised to €1.1m.

Foxes Bow is now stocked in Texas – where there is a population of 40m – including a listing in Texas’ largest liquor store chain – Spec’s Wine & Liquor.

He’s joined at the event by John Stapleton, who has co-founded food industry-challenger brands including New Covent Garden Soup Company and Little Dish.

He now shares his experience and invests and mentors via Redesdale Food & Beverage Fund, which recently invested in Cork-based supermarket-supplier platform start-up Kwayga.

Also speaking will be Evelyn Moynihan, CEO of Kilkenny Group and Nora Irwin, Cork-based founder of sustainable solid fragrance brand Arona.

Enterprise Nation’s quarterly Small Business Barometer found 74% of Irish businesses said they plan to access funding this year. Just over a third (37%) plan to borrow €10,000 or less with one in five (18%) planning to borrow up to €20,000 and another 11 per cent raising up to €30,000.

A fifth (22%) expect to use alternative lending, but the most popular option for investment is still the bank, with a quarter (24%) looking to Ireland’s banking sector for funds. Only seven per cent said they would crowdfund.

The events are part of Access to Finance, a broader nationwide initiative in partnership with SBCI, Sage, BPFI, AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB to support more businesses to improve financial management skills. Since its launch last year, it has already supported just under 2,000 businesses, with 40 per cent of those at the start-up stage.

The event is free, but booking is essential hhttps://www.enterprisenation.com/find-something/show-me-the-money-cork/

Funders available at the event include:

 

Mags Fullen, head of mortgages and business banking at the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), said: “BPFI and our member banks are delighted to support the ‘Show me the Money’ event Cork. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in Irish society, accounting for around 60% of all employment in the economy. According to the CSO, most of these businesses, over 92%, are what we call micro enterprises, employing less than 10 people. It is absolutely vital that we support these small businesses, not only at the start-up phase but also to support them to grow and thrive, and it’s clear that access to appropriate funding plays an important role in this regard.

“Considering there are many different options available, we hope that this event will help business owners by providing a pathway to the information and support they need.”

Suzanne Sweeney, head of strategy, finance and operations at the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), said: “Increasing access to finance, promoting sustainability and enabling small businesses to grow and prosper are our core objectives and define everything we do in the SBCI.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the Irish economy and play a vital role in job creation and innovation. However, they often face difficulties accessing financing due to limited collateral or high-interest rates. Our role is to provide dedicated financial support to Irish businesses by making it easier for them to get the finance they need to grow, innovate and prosper.

“Events, like ‘Show me the Money’ are vital to help businesses understand and demystify the wide range of fundings options available to them.”

Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, said: “What is the best kind of finance for your business and how do you go about accessing it? Our Show me the Money event in Cork will help busy founders work out exactly that by listening to experts from different areas of finance.

“There are a dazzling array of routes to investment – venture capital investors, angel investors, crowdfunding, banks and alternative lenders.  We’ve got them all in one room so that small businesses can ask questions and learn the best route for themselves.”

The Access to Finance programme continues through to Summer,  with an online library of eLearning materials on how small firms can access funding and grow.

Ex-Microsoft execs launch AR headset and partner with TeamViewer

The popular global leader in remote IT support TeamViewer has signalled its shift to augmented reality (AR) having struck a strategic partnership with AR startup Almer. This news comes hot on the heels of Apple’s entry into the AR market with the launch of their Vision Pro headset next month.
The Almer Arc headset enables collaboration with remote individuals as if they were physically present and augmentation of the wearer’s environment with relevant information for pointing out objects in reality. Almer is also announcing the launch of Arc 2, it’s latest headset which features a 25MP camera, beamforming microphones, built-in speakers, and a holographic see-through screen with 8-hours battery life. As opposed to Apple’s Vision Pro, the Almer Arc 2 is a mere 138 grams, 4 times lighter. Thanks to the completely transparent display of the Arc 2, it can be employed in mission critical task and changing environment, while the Vision Pro is for a static interior environment.
This partnership will enable TeamViewer to expand into untapped opportunities with industrial companies. Meanwhile, Almer will be able to scale its operations and advance AR adoption.
Mei Dent, Chief Product & Technology Officer at TeamViewer: “Approximately 80 percent of the global workforce does not work at a desk but at a company’s frontline, and most of them currently benefit very little from digital transformation. There is immense potential for efficiency and productivity gains by enhancing the frontline work with digital tools and connecting this huge part of the global workforce to their companies’ backend system. Our joint offering with Almer allows companies to explore how Augmented Reality opens new opportunities for business and operations and massively increases the speed of their digitization efforts.”
Almer Arc AR Headset – techbuzzireland
Almer was founded in 2021 by Sebastian Beetschen and Timon Binder. Sebastian was working on the Hololens 2 at Microsoft Research and felt the AR opportunity extended beyond clunky helmet-like apparatus. He felt he could make a more compact, comfortable, and affordable AR device and teamed up with Timon, a former jet fighter pilot, who recognized the potential. Timon brought his experience with AR jet fighter helmets that led to the creation of the Almer Arc headset.
Sebastian Beetschen, CEO and co-founder of Almer commented: “Our headset is much like a jet fighter visor, mounted directly in front of your eyes, featuring a transparent, see-through screen. The Almer Arc is a lightweight, compact, and easy-to-use AR headset. When a problem arises, the frontline worker takes the Almer Arc and contacts a remote expert, who can see and hear what the worker experiences. The expert identifies the issue, highlights objects, and displays documentation in the worker’s view, simulating a collaborative, in-person experience.”
Today, Almer has 21 customers, including Switzerland’s largest defense contractor, which uses the Almer Arc to service fighter jets remotely in the US, as well as several international machine manufacturers. Almer is venture backed startup having raised $7.6m to date from strategic investors including engineering giant Stena and manufacturing leaders Helbling among others. The Almer team consists of top talent from the fields of computer vision and microtechnology, from renowned Swiss institutes of technology, ETH and EPFL.
On the launch of Arc 2, Sebastian Beetschen commented: “We have learned a lot on how to make the headset super adaptable and users can set their preferences on how they wear it. Something new entrants like Apple still have to learn. Not only this, Arc 2 comes with an improved wide angle 25MP camera that can see and understand everything that you see and zoom into tiny details as never before. This makes it possible to understand the environment and assist, enabling superhuman capabilities”.
The global augmented reality market is projected to grow from $62.75 billion in 2023 to $1,1 trillion 2030, at a CAGR of 50.7%. Within this trend, the market for AR headsets is exponentially increasing over the next few years and is set to hit $120 billion in 2026. Initially, Almer is focusing on the Swiss industry and will soon expand into the neighboring DACH region before going global.
Sebastian Beetschen added: “The cost saving potential of using AR to service all installed machines for the 10 largest tooling-machine manufacturers in DACH alone accounts for £7.9 billion per year**. So, the opportunity is very real”.

3,000 Students Attend 10th Annual I Wish STEM Showcase Empowering Girls in STEM

I Wish, the social enterprise inspiring girls globally to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), is welcoming almost 3,000 female students to its 10th annual Showcase today (February 8) in the RDS, Dublin. Over the past decade, I Wish has engaged with over 60,000 students, hosted close to 1,000 speakers, and partnered with over 50 industry leaders. 

This year’s event boasts a line-up of over 50 influential speakers including former President of Ireland and current chair for elders Mary Robinson. Irish science communicator and entrepreneur Ciara Judge; VP of Mid-Market Global Business Group, EMEA Meta and Head of Meta Ireland, Anne O’Leary; global diversity and inclusion leader Furkan Karayel; aeronautical engineer Dr Norah Patten, and Irish Olympian hockey player and biomedical engineer Katie Mullan will also share their insights and experiences, igniting inspiration among the young attendees. 

Mrs Robinson, who will speak at a session today on climate justice and the challenges in achieving gender equality globally, outlined the importance of “seeing is believing”, with female role models inspiring girls to think bigger. In the recent I Wish Survey of Female Students’ Attitudes to STEM, 51% said a barrier to STEM was a lack of female role models while 66% cited poor gender equality in STEM careers.  

Mrs Robinson said: “I am delighted to join I Wish again this year, marking their 10th anniversary. It’s an honour to be part of an event that ignites the spark of possibility in the hearts of young women. As a staunch supporter of ‘girl power’, I witness its transformative impact every day through my work.  

“I recognise and applaud the profound influence that organisations like I Wish have on teenage girls, assisting them to embrace their power, and enabling them to forge paths in careers they are passionate about. Seeing is believing for young minds. Together, let us inspire and pave the way for a generation of fearless trailblazers, breaking barriers and shaping a world where every dream is within reach.”   

Echoing Ms Robinson’s sentiments, I Wish co-founder Caroline O’Driscoll highlighted the significance of providing access to inspiring role models, stating: “When we founded I Wish 10 years ago, our guiding ethos was to give ‘Choices, Chances, Changes’ to girls and ensure that they have every opportunity to take their place in the economies of tomorrow and not be left behind by broken stereotypical biases of the past. 

“In our annual survey, time and time again girls tell us that they want more information about STEM and report that access to female role models positively influences them. At our Showcase, over 3,000 teenage girls get the opportunity to listen to the lived journeys of some amazing trailblazers. This in turn allows them to see what a career in STEM is truly like, understand the variety of careers and pathways available and the positive impact that STEM has on our world.”  

This year’s event sees the introduction of the inaugural Podcast Hub, in association with Amy Jane Keating, founder of the Go Do You podcast, featuring insightful conversations with leading female STEM voices. These recorded podcasts will be rolled out over the coming months, further amplifying the impact of the event. Also, as part of an extended partnership, Iarnród Eireann and Bus Éireann are providing free rail and bus transport to almost 1,500 girls from 15 locations across Ireland to the event. 

I Wish co-founder, Gillian Keating extended her thanks to the 40 leading companies from pharmaceutical, technology, and engineering sectors taking part in the event, from speakers to interactive exhibitions. “We are fortunate in Ireland to have so many multinational and indigenous companies committed to showcasing STEM pathways to the next generation of female leaders and innovators. They understand that their future and the sustainability of their business are inextricably linked to the career choices young women make today.  

“We applaud the STEM leaders such as Deloitte, Dell, PepsiCo, Johnson and Johnson, Merck, Regeneron, Qualcomm and AWS who inspire our female talent every day to explore the power of STEM to make a real difference to the world we live in.” 

Gillian added: “The I Wish Showcase event has expanded exponentially over the last decade as a true coalition supported by the public sector, private industry and the higher education institutes and hundreds of selfless volunteers all committed to listening to the next generation of women, understanding what they want in a future career and telling the STEM story in a way that resonates with them. Change is happening, we are at the cusp of real transformation.”

I Wish is a multi-faceted STEM community committed to showcasing the power of STEM to teenage girls. They run outreach activities, mentorship, twinning, entrepreneurship programmes and education programmes along with showcase events reaching a global audience. Later this year I Wish expect to roll out a Pilot Primary programme. For more information see iwish.ie.

Helping children & young people reflect, recognise and reset- Safer Internet Day Turns 21

Celebrated in more than 180 countries worldwide, today, February 6th marks the 21st anniversary of Safer Internet Day, which has become a landmark global event in the online safety calendar. The theme for Safer Internet Day 2024 is ‘Tech in our World’ and through a series of events taking place involving 200,000 children and young people from schools and organisations across Ireland, will explore the role of digital technology in young people’s lives, their views on new and emerging technology and the changes they would like to see enacted online.
Safer Internet Day 2024 kicks off today with an event hosted in Microsoft’s Dream Space and will feature contributions from the Webwise Youth Advisory Panel; Niamh Hodnett, Online Safety Commissioner; Kieran McCorry, National Technology Officer, Microsoft, and Dr Emma Murphy, School of Computer Science – TU Dublin.  The session will also include interactive stakeholders’ discussions that will explore some of the opportunities and challenges as they relate to the role of the internet and digital technology in young people’s lives.

Webwise Youth Panellist Billie Constantinou, 19, said:‘We live in a world where internet technology is constantly evolving, one where we wake up with new AI capabilities, new apps and new trends every single day. To discuss tech in our world, we must understand that the future is uncertain and being able to adapt in tandem with this advancing online technology is a key skill in ensuring our safety in this every changing world.’

The themes that will be explored at today’s event will encourage schools, children, teens and parents to:

  • Reflect: an opportunity to reflect on tech in their world, the challenges, opportunities and big changes.
  • Recognise: give learners an understanding of the influence of digital technology in their daily life, exploring the concept of persuasive design and the influence of algorithms.
  • Reset: learn tips to help reset online experiences and empower young people to make the most of their online world.

Niamh Hodnett, Online Safety Commissioner said: “I am delighted to celebrate my first Safer Internet Day as Online Safety Commissioner by taking part in Webwise’s ‘Tech in our World’ session. Safer Internet Day is a great chance for me to hear the views of young people on the role technology plays in their lives. It is also an opportunity to highlight the work of Coimisiún na Meán including preparing our first Online Safety Code, as part of our overall online safety framework. I would especially like to commend the essential work of the Irish Safer Internet Centre in supporting parents, children and teachers in navigating the online world in a safe and responsible way through the work of Webwise, the ISPCC, the National Parents Council and Hotline.ie.”

Minister for Education Norma Foley T.D. said:“Safer Internet Day is a day in which we focus on promoting the safer use of the internet by children. 

 We acknowledge the great work of our schools. We salute too the work of Webwise and the Oide Support Service for Teachers, who provide additional resources and training to schools and webinars for parents to support them in keeping their children safe on the internet.

 “Of course, we’re also very keen that parents would continue to engage with the guidelines that have been presented around the use of smartphones for young people in primary schools.”

Safer Internet Day in Ireland is coordinated by the Irish Safer Internet Centre, a partnership between Webwise, ISPCC, National Parents Council and Hotline.ie, providing a range of complementary online safety services, including an education and awareness centre, child and parent helplines and a hotline. The Centre is coordinated by the Department of Justice and co-funded by the European Union.

 

Irish Safer Internet Centre

The Irish Safer Internet Centre is a partnership of four leading organisations – Webwise, Hotline.ie, ISPCC and National Parents Council, with a mission to make the Internet a better place for children and young people, under the coordination of the Department of Justice – Cybercrime Division. The Irish Safer Internet Centre partner organisations work towards a shared mission of making the internet a safer and more inclusive place for children and young people.

 

Webwise is the online safety initiative of the Department of Education and co-funded by the European Commission. Webwise promotes safer, better internet use through awareness raising and education initiatives targeting teachers, children, young people and parents. Webwise develops and disseminates resources that help teachers integrate digital citizenship and online safety into teaching and learning in their schools. Webwise also provides information, advice, and tools to parents to support their engagement in their children’s online lives. Webwise is part of Oide, a new support service for teachers and school leaders, funded from the Department of Education.
Hotline.ie is Ireland’s primary national channel for members of the public to anonymously and confidentially report suspected illegal content online, such as child sexual abuse material, technology facilitated child sexual exploitation – child grooming, non-consensual sharing of intimate images and videos (also known as intimate image abuse), racism and xenophobia, and financial scams. Further information can be found here.
ISPCC operates the Childline Listening Service, Ireland’s only 24-hour active listening service for children and young people. The service is here to listen to children, to support and empower them and to help to strengthen their resilience so they can cope with any challenges they face. Any child or young person can contact Childline for free and in confidence, at any time, to talk about any issue on their mind. The service can be reached online at Childline.ie or calling 1800 66 66 66. Parents/caregivers can check out the Digital Ready Hub to upskill their knowledge on the digital environment.

 

National Parents Council (NPC) provides a dedicated helpline to support parents and carers in dealing with issues relating to online safety, including cyberbullying. The National Parents Council also provides parents with training courses, both online and face-to-face. Further information about the National Parents Council Helpline can be found here. 

Dyson’s spring cleaning tips, get rid of mites allergens and more

House dust mites, and their faeces which contain microscopic enzymes, are common in house dust. House dust mites feed on moulds, as well as animal and human skin flakes. They flourish in textiles, such as bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture like sofas and carpets and after the Christmas period it is time your house is due a clean out and a good one at that and nobody likes mites..

Household dust can be a concern, as it may contain allergens such as dust mite faeces and pollen. Mattresses, bedding, upholstery and carpets can all accumulate unseen dust.

There are a lot of misconceptions about how to best remove the allergens found in dust from your home.

Dyson’s research has shown that the best way to deal with bacteria, pollen and dust mite allergens is to remove them from your home completely. That’s why Dyson focuses on designing vacuum cleaners that pick the dust up, have cyclones that are incredibly efficient to keep it in the machine, as well as filters and seals to make sure it doesn’t get emitted back into the home.

When it comes to cleaning your home this spring, here are some things you can do.

  1. Vacuum mattresses on a regular basis to remove dust mite allergen and skin flakes which dust mites feed on. Vacuum both sides of the mattress with a vacuum cleaner with an advanced filtration to prevent the allergen being placed back into the room by exhaust air.
  2. Wash bedding on a hot wash to destroy allergens. Washing the bedding on a 60°C or 90°C wash will help to break down allergen (proteins) and reduce the amount to cause allergies.
  3. Wash or replace duvets and pillows to reduce the amount of dust mite allergen and skin flakes present in your bed.
  4. Remove dust from kitchen cupboard tops. This is an often overlooked place that dust collects and through air movement can be displaced into the kitchen air.  Either remove with a vacuum with an advanced filtration system or by dusting with a clean damp cloth or cleaning wipes.
  5. When dusting either use a clean damp cloth or cleaning wipes which traps the dust more easily or use a vacuum with an advanced filtration system which will collect the dust. A vacuum cleaner with different attachments and suction is ideal for dust round your home.
  6. Vacuum your home after dusting so that any dust that has been disturbed and placed onto the floor is removed and not redistributed around the home by normal activity.
  7. Move furniture that can be moved and vacuum the places not often vacuumed, such as under the furniture.
  8. Vacuum the sofa and chairs regularly; these can harbour not only large debris but also dust mites, skin flakes and other allergens such as pollen and food allergens. Wash any coverings and cushions to reduce the level of dust caught within them.
  9. A lot of dust can gather in curtains and blinds. Make sure vacuum them regularly or launder them if possible and practical.
  10. Remove dust from walls by dusting with a damp cloth or cleaning wipes or using a HEPA filtered vacuum. Dust on certain wall types can contribute toward the growth of mould; if the room is humid and not well ventilated the dust can act as the nutrient source for the growing mould.
  11. Clear kitchen sides and cupboards to deep clean. Use a vacuum with advanced filtration to remove dust and debris then wash with warm water and detergent – make sure you follow up by drying all surfaces.
  12. Dust lights and light fittings. A lot of dust can gather in lampshades and light fittings which can burn on hot bulbs producing VOCs and odour or be moved round the room by the production of warm air round the bulbs.
  13. Empty the fridge and freezer and clean all surfaces with warm water and detergent or cleaning product. Vacuum round the back and under the fridge and freezer without forgetting the cooler element on the back as this will have the added benefit of improved performance.
  14. Dust behind radiators; a hidden place often missed during normal cleaning. Significant dust collects behind the radiator, and this can be distributed around the room by the air flow produced by the warm air from the radiator.  The radiator is not hot enough to prevent bacteria from surviving and can be maintained viable in the dust contained behind the radiator.
  15. Deep clean cupboard, wardrobes, and drawers in the bedroom. This is a place rarely emptied and cleaned but dust and fibres can accumulate in the very place you keep your clean clothes. Dust mites can live anywhere there is a source of food; so wherever there is dust there is the possibility of dust mites. 

     

    DYSON’S BEST-SELLING VACUUMS FOR THE ULTIMATE SPRING CLEAN (all available on www.dyson.ie or in Dyson stockists nationwide

 

 

The Dyson Gen5 detect™ vacuum ( €849.99 www.dyson.ie)

 Dyson’s most powerful cordless vacuum features a new fifth generation Hyperdymium motor, delivering powerful suction. The machine also features a fully sealed, whole-machine HEPA filtration system, engineered to capture 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns , as small as viruses.  A new Fluffy Optic™ cleaner head has also been re-engineered, revealing twice the amount of microscopic dust for increased brightness and range so you can see exactly where to clean.

Dyson V15 Detect Total Clean cordless vacuum (€599.99)  https://www.dyson.ie/vacuum-cleaners/sticks/dyson-v15/detect-total-clean

 The most awarded cordless vacuum on the market. 240 air watts of powerful fade-free suction⁶ with up to 60 minutes run time to deep clean your whole home.

Fluffy Opticᵀᴹ cleaner head reveals twice the amount of invisible dust on hard floors.

Digital Motorbarᵀᴹ cleaner head powerfully removes dirt and dust, automatically de-tangling hair and adapting suction across different floor types.

Dyson V15s Detect Submarine (€899.99)  https://www.dyson.ie/vacuum-cleaners/wet-dry/v15s-detect-submarine/yellow-nickel

Dyson V15s Detect Submarine™ wet and dry vacuum cleaner.

Dyson’s powerful vacuum now washes hard floors.

Removes spills and tough stains.

Reveals 2x more invisible dust.

Captures hair without tangling.

Dyson Vis Nav robot vacuum (€1299.99)

Launched in mid 2023 to much acclaim, Dyson’s Vis Nav robot vacuum is the most powerful robot vacuum cleaner with 6 times the suction of any other robot vacuum.

It has Intelligent 360° vision system analyses its surroundings, building a map of your home, so the robot can see where it needs to clean.

This little beast deep cleans across all floor types, right up to the wall and under low furniture. With intelligent obstacle avoidance and dual link suspension, it gets in where it needs to clean.

The Vis Nav Automatically adapts its suction power when more dust is detected, with up to 65 minutes of fade-free suction.

Customise your clean, receive cleaning reports and set rules and routines with the My Dysonᵀᴹ app. Also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, simply connect to Wi-Fi.

Dyson Omni-glide™ + vacuum (€419.99) https://www.dyson.ie/vacuum-cleaners/multi-directional-vacuums/omni-glide-plus-gold

The Dyson Omni-glide™ + vacuum features Dyson technology, concentrated and rearranged in-line, allowing it to lie flat³ and clean in tight spaces. The omnidirectional Fluffy™ cleaner head glides effortlessly in all directions – forwards, backwards, even sideways – with two motorised Fluffy™ rollers to pick up everything from large debris to fine particles.²

  • Dyson’s slimmest, most manoeuvrable vacuum for hard floors
  • The first omni-directional Fluffy™ cleaner head.
  • Our first button-operated cordless vacuum
  • Includes light-pipe crevice tool allowing you to see where you’re cleaning.

QDOS launches Samsung Galaxy S24 phone cases

QDOS, a global designer and manufacturer of premium cases, screen protection and power, has launched its case collection for the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, with an emphasis on sustainability boosting the recycled content within the product line-up.

QDOS’ brand new collection of HYBRID clear cases for the S24 are all made using 83% recycled and recyclable materials and boast plastic free, 100% recycled and recyclable packaging. What’s more, showing QDOS’ commitment to using a minimum of 50% certified recycled content in its products, the cases are all GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified.

The range of HYBRID crystal-clear cases has been designed to perfectly fit the Samsung Galaxy S24 5G, Samsung Galaxy S24+ 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G, and all the cases are compatible with wireless charging. The range is available to buy in the UK from the QDOS website.

QDOS Samsung Galaxy S24 cases – techbuzzireland

Here are the new QDOS products in more detail:

HYBRID for Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra

  • All cases SRP £19.99
  • Ultra-transparent, super robust, clear case
  • 83% recycled materials

The HYBRID range not only protects your Samsung Galaxy S24, but the planet too. GRS certified, our ultra-transparent, crystal-clear case is made from a blend of 83% recycled materials, is recyclable through the QDOS Case Recycling Programme and is also shipped in 100% recyclable packaging.

The HYBRID is durable inside and out, protecting your Samsung Galaxy S24 5G while showing off its minimalist design and unique colour. Made with a rigid polycarbonate back and flexible TPU frame, the case features air-cushioned corners to absorb falls up to 2 meters.

It also boasts slightly raised edges around the screen and camera lens to avoid scratches, and is coated in an anti-yellowing treatment developed to prevent discoloration.

With the HYBRID you can count on long-lasting clarity and depend on daily defence, whilst fully protecting their device by pairing the cases with QDOS’ ECO Glass Screen protection, made using 60% recycled glass.

HMD’s Pink Phone Collection

Add a splash of pink to your tech game because, on Wednesdays, we dial pink! Inspired by the highly anticipated Mean Girls movie remake this week, HMD, the makers of Nokia phones, pick their ultimate selection of pink devices that would make ‘The Plastics’ green with envy. The list includes smartphones, a top-selling feature phone and the latest earbud accessory.

And, in case you missed the memo, Mean Girls is back, and this time the drama is set in modern day. In a world where pink reigns supreme, check out HMD’s Pink Phone collection:

The Nokia 2660 Flip

Price: €74.99

Availability: here 

Colours: Pop Pink, Lush Green, Red, Blue, Black

Materials: Free of PVC, nickel, brominated and chlorinated compounds. Packaging made of renewable material.

Escape the drama with the current favourite amongst Gen Z, the Nokia 2660 Flip phone. This little gem sold out in 2023 due to demand but is back for more in 2024. It has received high praise globally for its gorgeous clamshell design, simple functionality and…lack of notifications! Create tech-free zones or times to prioritise face-to-face time. The Nokia 2660 Flip phone is affordable, stylish and has plenty of battery to keep you connected.

Nokia G42 5G So Pink

Price: was €249.99 now €209.99

Availability: here 

Colours: So Purple, So Pink and So Grey

Materials: Free of PVC, nickel, brominated and chlorinated compounds. Packaging made of renewable material and 100% recyclable

The Nokia G42 5G So Pink brings sass to your tech game – it comes with 5G connectivity so you can seamlessly snap, share, shop, stream in style, all at your own pace. Plus, it’s made with a 65% recycled back cover.  If you’ve ever dropped a phone, you’ve probably had to live with a cracked screen. The Nokia G42 5G is built with QuickFix repairability so you can replace cracked screens, bent charging ports and old batteries, all by yourself at home. In collaboration with iFixit, the Nokia G42 5G can be repaired with handy step-by-step repair guides and affordable replacement parts.

*Discounted offer in January sales

Nokia C32

Price: was €149.99 now €129.99

Availability: here 

Colours: Pink

Materials: Free of PVC, nickel, brominated and chlorinated compounds. Packaging made of renewable material.

We don’t always know where the day will take us. But, with a three-day battery life, the Nokia C32 is ready to go on that journey with you. With a rear dual camera to capture more light and deliver stunning Night mode shots, it’s perfect for sun set. It’s got a great feel with a glass back and beautiful accent details. Nokia C32 is your new sidekick in the ultimate movie of your life.

*Discounted offer in January sales

The Nokia Clarity Earbuds 2+ So Pink

Price: €89.99

Availability: here *So Pink is not available to shop on IE site yet but coming soon

Colours: So Pink, So Purple, So Grey, Black

Materials: Free of PVC, nickel, brominated and chlorinated compounds. Packaging made of renewable material.

You know what’s fetch? Elevating your audio game with earbuds that match your Mean Girls attitude. Enter the Nokia Clarity Earbuds 2+ – the ultimate accessory for those who slay in pink and mean it. Eco-Fabulous made with 60% recycled plastic, on-the-go charging with a carry case that gives you up to 35 hours of ANC. Come rain or shine, these buds are weather-ready with an IPX4 rating, making them splash resistant.

Blink Parametric Strengthens Blue Cross Partnership in Canada

Blink Parametric has agreed to a further three-year deal with Blue Cross, Canada’s most trusted insurance provider. Blue Cross was first to launch the Blink Parametric flight disruption real-time assistance solution in the Canadian market in October 2018. The solution is now offered by Blue Cross in eight Canadian provinces, including Ontario, Québec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.

This extended, three-year agreement holds particular significance for the Ireland-based InsurTech. Blink Parametric CEO, Sid Mouncey, commenting on the deal said, “Blue Cross backed us right out of the gate in 2018, and was the first brand in Canada to use our innovative platform to assist insured travellers experiencing flight delays or cancellations. Their decision was prescient back then, ahead of the unprecedented global travel turmoil that was to follow. This agreement speaks volumes for the strength of our long-term collaboration and growth over the past five years. I’m proud of the great teamwork and look forward to the next chapter of serving the Canadian market.”

The Blink Parametric flight disruption solution simply requires a customer to register their flight details prior to travel. Blink Parametric then monitors the flight(s) in real-time. If a delay or cancellation occurs on the flight schedule, in line with policy terms, the traveller is automatically notified and offered instant choices. These can include cash pay-outs, lounge access or more to help alleviate the stress and consequences of the delay.

“Our teams ensure that our policy holders enjoy travelling with confidence and peace of mind, whether they are exploring Canada or the world,” said Tim Bishop, Managing Director, Blue Cross of Canada. “Millions of Canadians trust that the travel coverage we offer delivers the assistance they need and we are excited to continue our successful partnership.”

This collaboration is between Blue Cross and Blink Parametric with support from Red Consulting, one of Canada’s leading travel consulting companies.

Navigating the World of IT Recruitment: Taking on an IT job

The task of filling a vacancy in IT is a journey that intertwines the precision of technology with the unpredictability of human aspiration. In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, IT recruitment is not just about matching skills with requirements, it’s about understanding the synergy between technology and people. This intricate process demands a nuanced approach, recognizing that each vacancy and candidate is unique.

IT Recruitment Landscape

Acknowledging the rapid technological advancements and the ever-changing skill sets required in the industry. The role of an IT recruiter is akin to that of a navigator, guiding both companies and candidates through a sea of opportunities and challenges.

Key Trends Shaping IT Recruitment

Several trends are currently shaping the IT recruitment landscape:

 

  • Emerging Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in areas like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity.
  • Remote Work: The rise of remote and hybrid work environments, altering the traditional workplace dynamic.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: A growing focus on creating diverse and inclusive workplaces.

 

Understanding these trends is essential for successfully navigating the IT recruitment process, ensuring that each vacancy is approached with a contemporary and informed perspective.

The Process of Filling an IT Vacancy

Filling a vacancy in the IT sector is a multifaceted process, demanding a balance between technical acumen and human understanding.

Identifying the Right Candidate

The first step is understanding the specific needs of the vacancy. This goes beyond technical skills and includes factors like company culture fit, career aspirations, and potential for growth. An effective recruitment strategy involves:

 

  • Analyzing the Role: Determining the exact skills and experience required.
  • Candidate Sourcing: Identifying potential candidates through various channels, including networking events, social media, and specialized job platforms.
  • Screening and Evaluation: Assessing candidates through interviews, technical tests, and reference checks.

However, you can automate the whole process by not wasting your time on endless data collection for potential candidates with the help of recruiting agencies. One of the most important factors is implementing a hiring management system for recruitment firms, thus facilitating the whole workflow and streamlining the recruitment process.  Since such software enables recruiting agencies to access big talent pools, you can easily customize your search according to your potential employee’s work experience, certification, or other features. This will give you a clearer perspective of your main goals for the role and the features you look for in potential hires.

Successfully navigating these steps ensures a comprehensive approach to recruitment, maximizing the likelihood of finding a candidate who not only fits the technical requirements but also aligns well with the company’s ethos and future direction.

Building a Connection

The human aspect of recruitment is about building connections. It’s about understanding the candidate’s career goals, personal values, and what they seek in a role. This understanding helps in presenting opportunities that align with their aspirations, leading to more fulfilling and lasting employment relationships.

The Future of IT Recruitment

Looking ahead, the field of IT recruitment is set to continue evolving. Technological advancements will bring new challenges and opportunities, but IT recruiting agencies, like a Huntly, adapt and innovate constantly to successfully face future challenges. The future will likely see a greater emphasis on:

 

  • Data-Driven Recruitment: Leveraging data analytics to refine recruitment strategies and decision-making.
  • Personalization: Tailoring the recruitment process to meet the specific needs and preferences of candidates and companies.
  • Continuous Learning: Keeping abreast of new technologies and industry developments to remain relevant and effective.

 

Embracing these future trends will be key for IT recruiters in navigating the complexities of the tech world, ensuring they can connect the most suitable candidates with the right opportunities in an ever-changing landscape.

The Science of Recruiting for IT

In conclusion, the task of filling a vacancy in IT is a complex blend of understanding technology, industry trends, and human dynamics. It’s about connecting the right people with the right opportunities, creating relationships that foster growth and innovation. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too will the art of IT recruitment, remaining an essential component of the technology sector’s success.