Pivo Inc, leading AI technology developer that aids self-improvement by turning smart devices into a user’s personal camera crew, has launched their new premium offering: Pivo Max. Building on the success of their hero products Pivo Pod and Pivo Pod Lite, Max offers compatibility with tablets and cameras for the first time.
Pivo Max, named an Innovation Awards Honoree at CES® 2023, builds upon Pivo Pod’s existing capabilities. By simply attaching the smart mount to their tripod, users can capture stunning 360° footage with Pivo’s AI-powered technology. When synced with the Pivo+ and Pivo Play apps, Pivo’s Face and Body Auto-Tracking feature means users can move freely, never having to worry about leaving the frame.
The all-new Pivo Max has a wide range of uses – much like the Pivo Pod and Pivo Pod Lite models, it is ideal for fitness, coaching, equestrian and sports practice. With its larger, 2kg payload and tablet and camera compatibility, Pivo Max has a wider professional appeal, perfect for established creators, real estate agents and even those in education or business settings.
Like the Pivo Pod, Pivo Max maintains horse and dog [now out of beta] tracking capabilities, so users can capture training routines and coaches can join remotely.
Pivo Max comes equipped with six different rotation speeds: Slower, Slow, Normal, Fast, Frenzy, Turbo. Whether users are recording a presentation in-class or a dance tutorial at the studio, they can rest assured Pivo Max will keep up with them.
Pivo Max comes with an integrated LED status, so users can easily view power, pairing, connection, charge, capture and recording statuses. Also new is the Pivo Max Power Bank, available for purchase separately. The Power Bank allows users to simultaneously charge their Pod and personal device during use.
Ken Kim, CEO of Pivo says of the release, “Following the success of our other mounts – the Pivo Pod and Pivo Pod Lite, we wanted to offer a model that not only offers more premium features, but is also geared towards professionals in their field. Pivo Max is a game changer for markets like real estate and education, and we’re excited to see the technology that worked so well for our earlier models continue to reach new heights.”
Pivo Max, which comes with a remote control and is compatible with both Pivo apps, is available in the UK now from uk.pivo.ai with an RRP of £239.99. Between June 19th – 30th Pivo will be offering up to 30% off Pods as part of their Summer Flash Sale.
The Maynooth University Foundation is delighted to announce the creation of a state-of-the-art robotics lab, which will be supported by a donation from Intel Ireland. The lab will provide MU students with invaluable hands-on learning experiences using cutting-edge robotic technologies.
The establishment of the robotics lab at a total cost of €150,000 will equip Maynooth University students with access to innovative robotic technologies and equipment used by engineers from Intel and other companies. This hands-on experience will enable them to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, empowering them to develop and refine their skills in robotics.
The new robotics lab is set to become a hub of innovation, where students can explore and experiment with robotics, pushing the boundaries of technology and unlocking new possibilities. This new lab will support students in MU’s current degree programmes in Robotics and Intelligent Devices, Electronic Engineering and Computer Science.
The gift from Intel is coupled with an investment from the University, demonstrating the power of public-private partnerships to fuel innovation and improve student learning experiences.
The establishment of the robotics lab further strengthens the ties between Intel and Maynooth University.
Dave Selkirk, the Director of Advanced Analytics MSO Automation at Intel Ireland, said: “We are very proud of our close partnership with Maynooth University, a close neighbour of ours here in North Kildare. The development of key infrastructure in the area of robotics will provide an important opportunity for students to gain practical experience in an evolving technology field that has massive potential in Advanced High-Volume Manufacturing.”
Vice-President External Affairs at Maynooth University Rebecca Doolin said: “We are tremendously grateful to our neighbour and partner Intel for supporting the development of a new robotics lab, which will give Maynooth students hands-on learning opportunities to work with the same robots Intel engineers down the road are using, bringing their classroom learning to life.”
Doolin noted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Maynooth University and Intel in 2019, and its significance in creating a strategic research and innovation partnership.
“Over the years, Maynooth University has developed a strong partnership with Intel that has fostered collaboration in various areas, including student skills and experiences, research, innovation, and community engagement. As neighbours in a vibrant and fast-growing region of Ireland, today’s announcement not only deepens the ties between Intel and MU, but also demonstrates the positive impacts on student learning and innovation that such partnerships can yield.”
Prof Gerry Lacey, Head of Engineering at Maynooth University, said: “Robotics and AI are creating new industries, making agriculture more sustainable and revolutionising transportation. We are excited that Intel’s support will help our students to become leaders in creating this new future.”
FUJIFILM Europe GmbH, Imaging Division, announced today the launch of its new INSTAX SQUARE SQ40 instant camera (SQ40), a new addition to the INSTAX SQUARE lineup of instant cameras. Fujifilm has also introduced a new INSTAX SQUARE instant film variety, “Sunset”, featuring a variety of film borders with soft color gradients designed to be reminiscent of a serene, peaceful sunset.
“Consumers love our INSTAX MINI 40 instant camera, so expanding the line to also include a SQUARE format option just made sense,” said Shin Udono, Senior Vice President, Imaging Solutions, FUJIFILM Europe. “Not only can INSTAX fans now have another instant camera with a classic look, but they can also now enjoy the SQ40’s large, square image area.”
Key SQ40 features include:
Automatic Exposure function
The SQ40’s Automatic Exposure function automatically senses the level of ambient light when the shutter button is pressed, optimizing the shutter speed and flash output according to the scene. It allows even novice INSTAX instant camera users to take photos that are automatically adjusted regardless of interior or exterior conditions, producing high-quality photos on-the-spot.
Selfie Mode for quicker and easier selfies
Users can activate the Selfie Mode, perfect for taking selfies and close-up shots, by simply twisting the lens after powering the SQ40 on. Using this mode to take amazing selfies and close-ups is incredibly easy and convenient.
New Film Variety Introduced:
Also accompanying the launch of SQ40 is Fujifilm’s launch of the new INSTAX SQUARE “Sunset” variety of instant film. The design of this new square format instant film is inspired by the gentle gradation of the colors in the sky during a sunset. As with all INSTAX SQUARE instant film varieties, Sunset will be available in a single pack with 10 exposures.
INSTAX MINI EVO Now Available in Brown:
Fujifilm is also pleased to introduce brown as a new color option for its FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO hybrid instant camera (MINI EVO) product line. Initially introduced in 2021 in a black camera body, MINI EVO’s unique hybrid format combines the excitement and satisfaction of traditional instant camera functionality with the capabilities of digital imaging technology to select, share, and store specific images. Paired with INSTAX MINI instant film, MINI EVOcreates high-quality prints directly from the camera. Images can also be printed from a paired Smartphone camera roll using the INSTAX MINI EVO Smartphone App.
Pricing and Availability:
Fujifilm’s INSTAX SQUARE SQ40 instant camera will be available at Fujifilm stockist’s nationwide at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price EUR 150.00 (incl. VAT) and is expected to be available for purchase on 29th June 2023. For more product information, visit www.instax.ie/cameras/square-sq40/
INSTAX SQUARE Sunset instant film is also expected to be available on 29th June 2023 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of EUR 11.00 (incl. VAT) per pack (10 sheets). For more information about this new INSTAX SQUARE instant film variety, visit www.instax.ie/film/#film-selector.
Fujifilm’s INSTAX MINI EVO hybrid instant camera in brown will be available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of EUR 200.00 (incl. VAT) and is also expected to be available for purchase on 29th June 2023. For more information regarding the INSTAX MINI EVO product, visit www.instax.ie/cameras/mini-evo/
HP Ireland today issued its quarterly HP Wolf Security Threat Insights Report, showing threat actors are hijacking users’ Chrome browsers if they try to download popular movies or video games from pirating websites.
By isolating threats that have evaded detection tools on PCs, HP Wolf Security has specific insight into the latest techniques being used by cybercriminals in the fast-changing cybercrime landscape. To date, HP Wolf Security customers have clicked on over 30 billion email attachments, web pages, and downloaded files with no reported breaches.
Based on data from millions of endpoints running HP Wolf Security, the researchers found:
The Shampoo Chrome extension is hard to wash out: A campaign distributing the ChromeLoader malware tricks users into installing a malicious Chrome extension called Shampoo. It can redirect the victim’s search queries to malicious websites, or pages that will earn the criminal group money through ad campaigns. The malware is highly persistent, using Task Scheduler to re-launch itself every 50 minutes.
Attackers bypass macro policies by using trusted domains: While macros from untrusted sources are now disabled, HP saw attackers bypass these controls by compromising a trusted Office 365 account, setting up a new company email, and distributing a malicious excel file that infects victims with the Formbook infostealer.
Firms must beware of what lurks beneath: OneNote documents can act as digital scrapbooks, so any file can be attached within. Attackers are taking advantage of this to embed malicious files behind fake “click here” icons. Clicking the fake icon opens the hidden file, executing malware to give attackers access to the users’ machine – this access can then be sold on to other cybercriminal groups and ransomware gangs.
Sophisticated groups like Qakbot and IcedID first embedded malware into OneNote files in January. With OneNote kits now available on cybercrime marketplaces and requiring little technical skill to use, their malware campaigns look set to continue over the coming months.
“To limit the chances of a security breach, businesses and users should avoid downloading files from untrusted sites. We have observed that threat actors are hijacking users’ Chrome browsers at times when downloading popular movies or video games from pirating websites. To protect against the latest threats, employees should be cautious of suspicious internal documents and check with the sender before opening. Organisations should also configure email gateway and security tool policies to block OneNote files from unknown external sources,” explains Val Gabriel, Managing Director of HP Ireland.
From malicious archive files to HTML smuggling, the report also shows cybercrime groups continue to diversify attack methods to bypass email gateways, as threat actors move away from Office formats. Key findings include:
Archives were the most popular malware delivery type (42%) for the fourth quarter running when examining threats stopped by HP Wolf Security in Q1.
There was a 37-percentage-point rise in HTML smuggling threats in Q1 versus Q4.
There was a 4-point rise in PDF threats in Q1 versus Q4.
There was a 6-point drop in Excel malware (19% to 13%) in Q1 versus Q4, as the format has become more difficult to run macros in.
14% of email threats identified by HP Sure Click bypassed one or more email gateway scanner in Q1 2023.
The top threat vector in Q1 was email (80%) followed by browser downloads (13%).
“To protect against increasingly varied attacks, organisations must follow zero trust principles to isolate and contain risky activities such as opening email attachments, clicking on links, or browser downloads. This greatly reduces the attack surface along with the risk of a breach,” comments Dr. Ian Pratt, Global Head of Security for Personal Systems, HP Inc.
HP Wolf Security runs risky tasks like opening email attachments, downloading files and clicking links in isolated, micro-virtual machines (micro-VMs) to protect users. It also captures detailed traces of attempted infections. HP’s application isolation technology mitigates threats that might slip past other security tools and provides unique insights into novel intrusion techniques and threat actor behavior
Jabra, a leader in personal sound and hybrid work solutions, announces new AI-powered features for its PanaCast 50 and PanaCast 50 Room System today at InfoComm 2023. Hybrid meetings are top of mind for businesses, with Jabra research* revealing that 80% of all meetings globally are either fully virtual or hybrid. So, it is important that employees get the most out of their meetings, regardless of where they are joining from. rom.
To address this need, in collaboration with Microsoft, Jabra is introducing new updates to its PanaCast 50 video bar, including Microsoft IntelliFrame with multiple video streams, as well as face and voice recognition functionality**. These new features aid Microsoft’s next-generation AI tools, including intelligent meeting recap in Teams Premium to revolutionise meeting experiences.
PanaCast 50 enable productivity powered by AI
As organisations strive to increase productivity in light of hybrid working, Jabra’s collaboration with Microsoft unlocks a new era of inclusive and dynamic communication. The PanaCast 50 will be one of the first intelligent front-of-the-room Teams Rooms on Windows video bar to enable Microsoft IntelliFrame with multiple video streams. Additionally, with Teams’ voice recognition capabilities, the PanaCast 50 allows in-room participants to maintain their identity in the meeting transcript, aiding AI based productivity tools.
With intelligent recap in Teams Premium, you’ll get automatically generated meeting notes, recommended tasks, and personalised highlights to help you get the information most important to you, even if you miss the meeting. Meanwhile, Microsoft IntelliFrame giveseach in-room participant a dedicated camera view, providing a more inclusive remote experience and providing an optimised front row experience in room-to-room meetings.
Both features play a key role in helping employees to have more productive meetings, get up to speed on focus topics, organise key discussion points, and summarise actions so that the entire group understands the next steps.
PanaCast 50 enables dynamic communication by facial and vocal identity technology
The new multiple video stream functionality enables remote users in the Teams meeting to have a better view of who is in the meeting room with three video streams: the first stream is the current speaker, the second stream is for the previous speaker, and the third stream is the full panoramic room view of the meeting room or space, so no individual is excluded. The upcoming face recognition functionality allows in room participants – upon authorisation with individual enrollment – to display their names to remote users and populate the meeting room roster.
Voice recognition functionality – upon individual enrollment – enables in room participants to maintain their identify in the meeting transcript, enabling more precise intelligent recaps for users with a Teams Premium license.
Hybrid meetings are also taken to the next level as the system comes equipped with the Jabra Intelligent Meeting Space. The new features allow customers to set a meeting room or space virtual boundary with PanaCast 50, so that people within the defined space are fully included, whereas people outside of the boundary are not inadvertently included. The new feature allows PanaCast50 to exclude people who are visible through glass walls and are not part of the meeting.
Aurangzeb Khan, Senior Vice President of Intelligent Vision Systems at Jabra, says, “At Jabra, we are always looking for ways to harness the power of cutting-edge AI technologies to revolutionise hybrid and remote meetings. This is why we are thrilled to introduce these new PanaCast 50 capabilities for collaboration with Microsoft Teams. These features are set to give professionals immediate productivity benefits, helping them better navigate the hybrid working era seamlessly, online and offline.”
Albert Kooiman,Senior Director, Microsoft Teams Devices Partner Engineering and Certification at Microsoft says, “Microsoft Teams leverages the power of AI to create unique user experiences before, during and after Teams meetings, to enhance employee inclusion and drive natural collaboration. Jabra and Microsoft closely worked together on the PanaCast 50 to make this device an essential component of unlocking these AI powered features for individuals, teams, and businesses.”
Building a next generation device management platform.
Jabra is looking to bring the same level of innovation into the device management side of our collaboration solution space. With IT managers and partners, the task of managing their installed devices is a vital success factor and Jabra PanaCast customers are no different. Jabra’s intelligent meeting room solutions require a management platform that takes full advantage of all the capabilities on offer, while also ensuring we reduce time and effort spent managing them. This reimagined management platform is planned for wider availability by the end of this year.
Iconic German fashion brand, HUGO, and Swedish lifestyle audio brand, Urbanista, are proud to announce the launch of HUGO x Urbanista Los Angeles headphones: the must-have audio fashion accessory of the season. HUGO x Urbanista Los Angeles is an exclusive, limited edition HUGO-style version of the innovative Urbanista Los Angeles solar-powered headphones, using ground-breaking Powerfoyle™ solar cell technology.
HUGO is for those who prefer to lead, not to follow. Geared towards style individualists who always go their own way, the HUGO brand combines a mix of modern tailoring and strong casual influences, delivering unconventional looks for trendsetters, movers and shakers. Urbanista was born in 2010 in Stockholm, Sweden, out of love for cities and urban life, and is renowned for producing products rooted in Scandinavian design tradition and inspired by music, arts, fashion, and urban culture.
The HUGO x Urbanista collaboration combines HUGO’s streetwear-inspired flair with Urbanista’s understated Scandinavian design aesthetic, coming together in an exclusive, limited edition pair of headphones. These audio accessories are truly a one-of-a-kind style statement, with their unique two-tone colourway taking inspiration from HUGO’s iconic collections.
Urbanista Los Angeles was first launched in August 2021, as the world’s first self-charging wireless headphones, powered by Powerfoyle™ solar cell material. Using advanced green technology, Los Angeles converts all light, outdoor and indoor, into energy to deliver virtually infinite playtime. Since 2021, the Urbanista Los Angeles headphones have been awarded with numerous design awards, including the renowned Red Dot Best of the Best 2022 Award and iF Design Award 2022, among many others.
The HUGO x Urbanista limited edition headphones will be compatible with the Urbanista mobile companion app. The mobile app allows you to customise features and personalise the way you use and experience your audio. The app has a live-charging view for following the headphones’ battery gain and drain status. You can also switch between different sound modes with ease, create personal settings to your headphones’ controls, and six unique EQ settings.
Priced at 209 GBP/249 USD/239 EUR, the HUGO x Urbanista Los Angeles will be available from 14th June 2023 at selected retailers worldwide, and online at www.urbanista.com/hugo and www.hugo.com
Tuomas Lonka, Brand and Marketing Director, Urbanista, comments: “The HUGO x Urbanista collaboration is a unique pair of headphones that’s truly designed to stand out. We are proud and honoured to partner with HUGO to bring the exclusive HUGO x Urbanista limited edition headphones to our fans and customers, letting them express their personal style with a true audio fashion accessory.”
When it comes to the gambling world, technologies keep evolving, and the changes that continuously emerge are meant to improve the overall user experience. Additionally, technologies also play a huge role in ensuring that the processes in online and offline casinos are safe for everyone involved. If you’re looking to learn more about the latest tech trends and advancements that keep transforming the casino industry, keep reading.
Mobile Gaming
Not that long ago, you had to visit a land-based casino or a modest website on a personal computer in order to access your favourite games. Nowadays, you can enjoy the convenience of using different types of mobile devices to play.
Thanks to the increased availability of affordable smartphones and the global expansion of stable internet connections, there are many people in the world who can easily join a mobile platform of their choice. Moreover, many operators have already extended their offering through exciting mobile apps available on iOS and Android devices.
Variety of Payment Options
Playing at online casinos is now much easier than before thanks to the wide selection of payment options. Today, the majority of online casinos accept different methods, including credit cards, debit cards, wire transfers, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Not only can the players easily pick the option that suits them best, but they can also enjoy faster transactions. The top operators owe thanks to the latest tech for making their payouts faster. For example, there are many Revolut casino sites where players can complete transactions almost instantly, and at the same time, they can explore a rich collection of game titles.
Greater Security
Data safety is one of the most important aspects that can make or break an online gambling experience. That is why the leading operators turn to advanced security systems such as SLL encryption, Random Number Generator (RNG), and others.
Thanks to these types of software, it is almost impossible for hackers to access sensitive user information, so players can rest assured that their data is safe. Since more and more online casinos continue to adopt advanced security systems, players can also have the freedom to withdraw their winnings whenever they want, knowing that the funds are safely stored on the platform.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology is one of the latest innovations in the casino world, but from what we’ve seen so far, it has the power to transform the way online payments are made. One of the main features of the technology lies in the emergence of cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Bitcoin. At the moment, it seems like it is only a matter of time before cryptos join all the other universally accepted payment options.
Cryptos offer a number of benefits to users. First and foremost, they guarantee fast transactions that are also extremely safe. Next, they involve fewer restrictions when compared to traditional currencies. Finally, users who opt for cryptocurrency transactions can keep their identities safe. They can make all the necessary transactions without entering their personal information.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality, also known as VR, is a computer-generated world that simulates the actual surroundings. The players can interact with the exciting virtual world, but in order to do so, they will need to use special equipment such as VR headsets and gloves with sensors. Once they enter the world of virtual reality, players can engage with an incredibly realistic game design and flawless audio quality.
Virtual reality has helped online casinos transform their offer and boost the experience of a large number of players. Thanks to such advancements, users can access virtual parts of online gambling venues and start interacting with game dealers and other players. The new options have elevated the gameplay to the point that players can pretty much feel as if they were present in a land-based venue, as long as they have access to proper equipment.
Gambling is an industry that is highly driven by technological advancements, and since we live in a digitalized world, the scene keeps evolving on a regular basis. As technological innovations arise, online casinos enrich their offering with fresh options and features that continue to attract new players and keep existing ones engaged.
Pioneer DJ announces an upcoming series of workshops to celebrate the LGBTQI+ community. Throughout the months of June and July, aspiring DJs and producers from the LGBTQI+ community will have the chance to learn new skills and gain insight into effective ways to pursue a career in music at the in-person workshops in the UK.
With 20 places available for each workshop, topics will include: An Introduction to DJing, An Introduction to Scratching, An Introduction to Music Production and How to Build a Music Identity – which focuses on career progression in the music industry (DJing or otherwise). Participants will learn to use Pioneer DJ equipment under the guidance of international artists, DJ schools, and Pioneer DJ product experts.
The intention behind the Start From Scratch programme is to support minoritised and underrepresented communities. The goal is to create a safe and productive space to nurture talent. Pioneer DJ has a commitment to making sure that there is increased diversity within the industry. Research shows that targeted events like these help to close the gap. Check out the dates, times, and locations for the workshops in the table below and sign up here.
Special thanks go to the incredible partners for supporting this celebratory moment and facilitating workshops and training: On the Rise DJ School, Plastic DJ Academy, BoxPark Wembley, FOL Sound & Vision, Bluedistribuition, Point Blank, Make Me a DJ and The Rouge Room.
Evolve IP’s fast-growing EMEA region has added a powerful new contact centre solution to its integrated collaboration services mix – as demand intensifies for a more centralised omnichannel customer experience.
Integrated with its UCaaS collaborations solution, the company has unveiled an enhanced Omnichannel Contact Centre as a Service offering, powered by Enghouse Interactive, a leading global player in the omnichannel market. Anywhere Contact Centre is designed to support valuable use cases for customer service, sales, help desks, or virtually any environment requiring the intelligent handling of communications and digital interactions.
The solution greatly minimises or eliminates IT resource support and infrastructure investment. Available as a flexible ‘SaaS’ model with a choice of contract term, users can take advantage of the latest omnichannel customer engagement functionality, benefitting from instant scalability, business agility and analytics that combine to create the best possible customer experience.
Raising the game
Evolve IP works with many of the world’s biggest tech companies and innovative industry leaders to create robust and reliable solutions for its growing reseller base. As a global collaboration provider, it specialises in securely integrating unified communications, collaboration tools, voice, and omnichannel contact centre solutions into the cloud.
The new CCaaS development is a natural and progressive step forward which helps accelerate digital transformation – and enable reseller partners to ‘raise their game’ by meeting expanding customer requirements. That’s the view of Evolve IP’s UK Technical Account Director, Scott Rixon, who says organisations need to catch up to their customers’ needs by developing strategies not just fit for today but long into the future.
He highlighted how the latest service enables seats to be added in seconds with ‘flex on demand’ capabilities allowing easy logging in of new agents as needed.
Rixon continued: “This plugs a gap in our UK portfolio and enables our partners especially in the mid-market sector to target major growth opportunities for those looking for an omnichannel experience – much more than just great audio-only interaction.
“Our latest offering makes it easy to execute, manage, monitor and oversee a complete omnichannel strategy – covering standard email and chat options as well as the main social media channels.”
He emphasised: “Backed by the latest industry research, we expect overall CCaaS will hit mainstream adoption for customer service and support organisations this year, based on 50% of contact centres already migrating to a cloud-based model in 2022.
“Multiple platforms, video calls, mobile devices and even traditional deskphones all have a role to play in keeping businesses and their people connected wherever they may be. Driving customer engagement is crucial too.”
He added: “Choice is good. However, businesses need to be able to engage via every available channel – from one centralised, all-in-one-place communications platform – to maximise efficiency and performance.
“It’s an omnichannel approach which requires seamless integration, as technology continues to transform the buying process and how and where people work. Responding to this omnichannel challenge is the next step on our journey.
“We believe it should be all about making things as easy as possible. Regardless of industry sector, location or seat size, the user experience and customer experience are now mainstream concepts at the centre of a fast changing and flexible buying process.”
Understanding customer behaviour
Separation between those channels of communication makes for a resource-heavy, fragmented eco-system with huge potential to frustrate customers and agents alike, Rixon stressed. In addition, this kind of fragmentation is a barrier to the smooth harvesting and interpretation of communication data which is key to understanding customer behaviour and supporting the design of more efficient workflows.
He concluded: “Consumers expect to be able to interact with organisations easily and in their preferred channel of communication. We are supporting our partners to competitively, economically and accessibly deliver services to organisations of all sizes, providing them with the agility they need to develop and integrate communications channels and features, which ultimately drive business growth.”
A webinar to introduce the new solution takes place on June 21st.
