Category: Tech News

Mitipi launches first human simulator to prevent burglaries

Mitipi Ltd., the Swiss innovator of home security solutions, announces the global launch of KEVIN®.3, the newest version of its successful home invasion deterrent device. Building on the success of its previous models that reached a very high customer recommendation rate of 92%, KEVIN®.3 is fully designed to bring even more security and comfort to its users through improved simulation, based on Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and energy consumption.

The device can be personalized not only via a new sound recording feature but also via new colors. Following a sustainability approach with lower energy consumption of just 9W, KEVIN®.3 is also the world’s first electronic device that can change its color within a second, answering the need of customers to adapt the color of the device to the furniture at home.

KEVIN®.3 uses advanced technology to simulate human behavior, making it difficult for burglars to distinguish between empty and occupied homes. The new product is the result of years of research and development, and comes with patented features, including the ability to customize light and shadow effects, authentic pre-recorded sounds, and the possibility to record and simulate its own sounds such as dog barking, home works, discussions among occupants, watching TV and others. KEVIN® also connects to the Mitipi-Kevin app that provides full control of one or multiple devices from anywhere, allowing users to schedule the simulation or to use the automatic simulation feature, based on GPS. KEVIN®.3 enables four weeks of simulation without any repetition.

The world’s first patents on the simulation of humans

Mitipi’s revolutionary innovation doesn’t stop at KEVIN®.3: The company has just been granted two United States patents covering the “method, device and system for the simulation of the presence of humans” and the “device and method for simulating shadows and/or noises of a person”. This achievement further cements Mitipi’s position as the world’s innovation leader in home security solutions.

“We believe in making people feel safe in their homes and businesses. With KEVIN®.3, we have created a product that makes it easy for anyone to do just that, says Patrick Cotting, CEO of Mitipi. Following the multifunctional tradition of other Swiss products such as the Swiss Army Knife, we have created a product that is not only doing its service while people are not at home, but that can also be used as a great Bluetooth speaker and lamp while being at home. We look forward to continuing to innovate and create new solutions to make the world a safer place”.

Targeting the US market

Mitipi is excited to bring KEVIN®.3 still this year to the United States, where it is actually field tested in two key markets, Boston and Washington, DC. MBA students from the Management School Fribourg, supported by Suffolk University, are conducting a market study testing KEVIN®.3, while interviewing consumers, businesses, and law enforcement agencies. The previous models of KEVIN® have been successfully implemented in more than 3,300 households, mainly in Switzerland, with a 0% break-in ratio since implementing the device and very high satisfaction and recommendation rates among its users. More than 9 out of 10 customers would recommend the device to a friend.
To learn more about KEVIN®.3 and Mitipi’s commitment to making homes and businesses safe, visit https://mitipi.com.

Stocktaking.ie and DigiTally Launch Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer Charity with Marathon and Steps Challenge

Ireland’s leading stocktaking service Stocktaking.ie, supported by food service software DigiTally, has launched its 2023 fundraiser to support the Cancer Fund for Children, an all-Ireland charity that provides emotional support to children diagnosed with cancer and their families. The fundraiser officially kicked off on Tuesday 18 April with a coffee morning, while on Sunday 23 April, CEO Patrick McDermott ran the London City Marathon in aid of Daisy Lodge Mayo, a short break centre for families.

Last year, Patrick also successfully ran the Chicago City Marathon, raising funds for Daisy Lodge Mayo. This year, the Stocktaking.ie team will support him with their own Steps Challenge to the equivalent of 55 marathons. The steps challenge also commenced on 18 April and will end on 25 May.

Daisy Lodge, in Newcastle Co. Down, is a nurturing and restorative space that provides families with a chance to connect during a difficult time. The charity urgently needs to build a second centre in Mayo, and the funds raised by Stocktaking.ie and DigiTally will contribute to this effort.

In 2022, Stocktaking.ie raised over €4,000 for the Cancer Fund for Children through a local table quiz and the Chicago City Marathon, with an additional €1,300 raised from the coffee morning. The fundraiser will now continue with former Irish rugby captain Rory Best’s walk from Dublin to Cong, which Patrick will assist with, to raise additional awareness for the cause.

Commenting on the fundraiser Patrick said: “We are proud to launch this effort to support the Cancer Fund for Children and contribute to the building of a second Daisy Lodge in Mayo. We hope to raise as much awareness and funds as possible to support families affected by childhood cancer.”

For more information visit www.stocktaking.ie

Detection Technology launches high-resolution and high-speed TDI-cameras to enhance in-line battery inspection

Detection Technology, a global leader in X-ray detector solutions, is broadening its LDA (linear detector array) offering that is based on TDI (time delay integration) technology to enhance in-line battery inspection. The company has launched X-Scan T02 cameras, which come with unique high-resolution, high-speed CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor design and upgraded front- and back-end electronics to maximize the benefits of industrial inspection to its fullest.

”The X-Scan T02 series combines the advantages of X-ray flat panel detectors (FPD) and line scanners. It features superior image quality as FPDs, and fast scanning speeds associated with LDAs. Very high resolution and high speed make it an ideal solution for in-line industrial inspection that values the most accurate detection of the smallest quality issues, fast product throughputs, and maximized production line up-times,” says Tomi Fält, Director, Product Management, at Detection Technology.

X-Scan T02 is a perfect match for the inspection of different types of battery cells and battery modules at different stages of manufacturing processes. It is designed and optimized for battery inspection of electric vehicles to cover all types of battery cells such as cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch cells with Li-Ion and other commonly used battery chemistries. TDI-boosted line-scan modality enables the rapid and accurate inspection of placement and alignment of laminated electrode layers and other critical features without imaging distortion or projection errors.

Furthermore, the X-Scan T02 series is fitted for quality inspection of applications where very high spatial resolution is critical. Examples of such applications are high-value automotive, aerospace, and electronic components, parts and assemblies, and food and pharmaceutical goods.

The X-Scan T02 features a CMOS sensor with a 50 µm pixel size to enable high sensitivity and spatial resolution with low X-ray doses. Typically, spatial resolution that is dependent on magnification measures a few micrometers. Furthermore, X-Scan T02 enables fast scanning speeds of up to 20–30 kHz line rates. Depending on the cell size, this means 1–1.5 m/s object movement or 1,000–2,500 parts-per-minute speed with TDI-processed native image data resolution.

The series is equipped with smart features and configuration options, which enable object movement to be further sped up, or to multiply parts-per-minute inspection rates in the process. Such features and options include digital TDI operating modality, bidirectional scanning operation, defect pixel mapping and correction functionality, region of interest configuration, programmable ROI mode, and flexible pixel binning options.

“We are particularly proud that the X-Scan T02 comes with the 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface and is compatible with the GigE Vision Protocol. This enables robust, reliable, and fast communication between the detector and X-ray systems, and supports third-party software platforms without the need to have a specific image grabber hardware on the system computer.”

The series operates in the energy range of 20–200 kV to cover different X-ray imaging applications. Its industry-standard mechanics support easy system integration and upgrades. The product family has active area length options of 200 and 400 mm and a compact size. In addition, its high resolution enables the system configurations to be shrunk even further as there is less need for high magnification.

The product family has the highest level of integration and a simplified system design. This delivers digitally enhanced image quality, total cost savings, minimized risks, longer lifetimes, and maximized up-times to original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and system integrators. Furthermore, the series is equipped with state-of-the-art radiation hardness.

The X-Scan T02 camera family will be available to order by the end of 2023 and deliveries will start in 2024. For speeding up design and system integration, world-class engineering support and a customer evaluation unit are available. The company will showcase the benefits and the key features of X-Scan T02 at Control, the international trade fair for quality assurance, in Stuttgart, Germany on 9–12 May 2023.

Survey shows 24% increase in IT investment with AI and cloud top of the priority list

A survey from Irish IT service provider Auxilion has revealed that business leaders in Ireland expect to invest an average of nearly €1 million on IT in 2023, with the average IT budget for 2023 expected to come in at €988,726.

This marks a 24% increase in IT investment compared to previous research by Auxilion which showed that C-suite executives were planning to invest an average of €747,071 by the end of 2022.*

The company’s latest survey of 100 C-suite executives in larger companies or enterprises (more than 250 employees) across Ireland, carried out by Censuswide, found that while the average IT investment looks set to rise this year, almost half (49%) of respondents are more hesitant due to economic uncertainty.

However, investment appears to be much needed given that 31% don’t think their organisation is equipped with the necessary processes and tools to support the modern workplace. The leading aims of workplace transformation were revealed as increasing productivity (36%), driving business growth (32%), and improving sustainability (31%).

In terms of the main investment areas for 2023, these will be Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud infrastructure, and IT service desk – each 28% respectively. Twenty-two per cent of business leaders are also prioritising spending across hybrid working technologies, green technology, Robotic Process Automation, and collaboration platforms.

While companies are continuing to develop the modern workplace, hybrid working models are also being reviewed. In fact, 45% said they are planning to reassess their company’s hybrid working model in 2023 and 35% are considering moving to a four-day working week in 2023.

Perhaps this is unsurprising with 45% of business leaders also admitting that the new world of work brings a new level of pressure to their role. Moreover, some 40% do not believe that employees are coping well with the blurred boundary between work and home life which comes with hybrid working.

Commenting on the results, Auxilion CEO Philip Maguire said: “The past number of years have been challenging for many companies and it’s understandable that business leaders might have started 2023 off being somewhat hesitant with their budgets. However, it’s positive to see that organisations are planning to invest more in IT and are open to implementing new technologies to shape the modern workplace.

“With businesses looking to further digitally transform and modernise their operations, while also adapting work styles and patterns, there has been a shift in the provision of managed services enabling greater automation and creating more self-sufficiency. In turn, this will see operations streamlined, people supported, and businesses grow. It will also support innovation and sustainability, which are crucial for the modern business leader.

“While every organisation is different and has specific objectives, all business leaders need to carefully plan their investment in technology. Working with a trusted provider can help on this front in terms of identifying the right solutions and services – from cloud to collaboration – to overcome challenges and capitalise on opportunities.”

IBS Software Partners with CarTrawler to Expand Ancillaries for iFly Staff & Corporate Customers

IBS Software, a global leader of SaaS solutions to the travel and transportation industry, has chosen CarTrawler, a leading B2B technology provider of car rental solutions, to offer car hire & insurance services to IBS iFly Staff & Corporates customers. 

This partnership will simplify and enhance the Whole of Trip (WoT) experience for iFly Staff & Corporate customers, in addition to expanding IBS Software’s footprint in non-air ancillaries in the global travel industry. Currently, airline staff and corporate travel involves navigating multiple applications to book essential add-ons. IBS Software’s partnership with CarTrawler enables iFly Staff users to book car rentals and car insurance through an integrated and seamless staff travel system.

Since its inception in 2004, CarTrawler has provided more than 75 airlines with global car rental and mobility solutions for commercial purposes. CarTrawler also holds the widest breadth of car rental supply of any provider across over 1,700 suppliers in 55,000 locations. Its partnership with IBS Software signals an unprecedented and strategic step to offer an integrated travel experience for airline staff within corporate travel.

Madhu Nair, Head of iFly Staff Product Management and Strategy at IBS Software, says: “We’re delighted to partner with CarTrawler, a renowned and well-respected global car rental solutions provider. Motivated by a need to improve, simplify and boost efficiency across the end-to-end travel experience for our iFly Staff and Corporate customers alike, we’re working closely with CarTrawler to provide a unique and innovative Whole of Trip travel experience.”

Aileen McCormack, Chief Commercial Officer at CarTrawler, says: “We’re excited to partner with IBS Software and to support them in the expansion of their Staff Travel & Corporate solution for current and prospective customers, using CarTrawler’s technology to seamlessly improve travel experiences through flexible and simple end-to-end bookings.”

Irish Mobile Data Usage Surges 41% YoY

eir, Ireland’s largest telecommunications provider, has reported a significant increase in data usage year on year for Q1 2023 (January 1st through to March 31st) across their mobile network. The eir mobile data report shows a 41% increase in data usage, with each county experiencing substantial growth. County Leitrim saw the most significant growth at 50% versus last year following eir’s investment of more than €2.5 million in Leitrim’s mobile network. While County Westmeath saw a lower growth at just over 22% Cork tops the list for busiest locations for mobile data and voice usage. The findings highlight an evident increase of data usage in each county, showcasing where and how consumers are enjoying superfast connections more than ever on eir’s award winning mobile network.

Cork City is ranked as the busiest voice and data usage location in the country according to the report. Fairhill, Cork is the number one location for voice calls, followed by Athy in Kildare, and Poppintree, Coolock and Blanchardstown, all three in Dublin. Tuam in Galway, Athy in Kildare, the Dublin Airport and Edenderry in County Offaly are the next busiest locations for data usage after Cork.

The mobile data report also reveals increased 5G usage across Ireland, with Dublin Airport being the top site for 5G usage, followed by Mullingar Town Centre and O’Connell St Dublin in third spot. The increase in mobile data usage in Ireland can be attributed to several factors including competitive unlimited minutes and unlimited data tariffs and the increased adoption of 5G enabled devices with next generation capabilities and an increase in data-intensive applications, including video and gaming streaming services.

Susan Brady, Managing Director of eir Consumer and Small Business commented “At eir, we provide our customers with access to world class connectivity, our broadband having recently been confirmed by Ookla to have the lowest latency in Ireland. eir invests more in Irish telecommunications than anyone else, investing €250 million annually in its communications networks, these results are a testament to eir’s commitment to providing high-quality mobile services to its customers, and the company’s investment in 5G technology.

The Q1 data report provides key insights into Ireland’s ever-growing data and connectivity demands, providing invaluable insight on how eir’s customers use eir’s services, helping us to continuously innovate to ensure that we’re consistently meeting our customers’ demands, and keeping the nation connected”.

HONOR Launches for the first time in Ireland with the HONOR 70 Lite

Global technology brand HONOR today announced the launch of the HONOR 70 Lite in Ireland. The latest HONOR 70 Lite is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 5G Mobile Platform, a best-in-class camera system and a stylish design, as well as a high-capacity 5000mAh battery to deliver a smooth user experience all day long. Combining a balanced performance and advanced camera system, the HONOR 70 Lite sets a new benchmark for affordable smartphones, now available in Ireland, exclusively in Three stores nationwide and on Three.ie from €199.99.

Stylish Design with an Immersive Display

While the flat-edge design brings a sharp look to the device, the HONOR 70 Lite features rounded corners on all four sides to deliver a comfortable grip, making it a delight to use and carry around in your palm. With the side-mounted fingerprint scanner, the HONOR 70 Lite brings a quick and secure way to easily unlock your phone.

The HONOR 70 Lite has a 6.5-inch HONOR FullView Display to bring users a clear and vibrant display for viewing photos, videos, movies and more. Certified by TÜV Rheinland, the smartphone has built in technology to effectively reduce harmful blue light. With a screen refresh rate of up to 90Hz – higher than most devices in its price range – the HONOR 70 Lite delivers smooth visuals for a superior gaming and browsing experience.

Advanced Photography and Videography Performance

Alongside an 8MP Front Camera, the HONOR 70 Lite boasts a class-leading 50MP triple rear camera system comprising a 50MP Main Camera, a 2MP Macro Camera and a 2MP Depth Camera. With compelling photography capabilities, the HONOR 70 Lite enables users to capture images in vivid detail, even for night shots and all-important selfies.

Enabling users to produce captivating video content, the HONOR 70 Lite features Dual-View Video recording which captures dual perspectives using the front camera and the rear camera at the same time, giving users even more options and flexibility to express their creativity.

 Powerful Performance Enabled by Qualcomm Snapdragon Chipset

The HONOR 70 Lite uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 Plus 5G Mobile Platform to deliver truly global 5G performance. Offering enhanced connectivity and processing speeds, the HONOR 70 Lite enables users to enjoy seamless communication and productivity at all times.

Equipped with HONOR RAM Turbo on a 4GB RAM model, the HONOR 70 Lite converts 3GB of storage into RAM, respectively, which expands the RAM to deliver a smoother operating experience. HONOR RAM Turbo prevents background processes from getting terminated when users switch between apps, allowing users to run apps faster without relaunching them.

Long-lasting Battery Life for All-day Connectivity

The HONOR 70 Lite packs an ultra-large 5000mAh battery to power users through the day. On a single charge, the device delivers up to 19 hours of online video playback, 26 hours of music streaming, 14 hours of gaming, or 52 hours of calls enabling users to stay online and entertained all day long. Users can easily keep the HONOR 70 Lite powered with 22.5W Wired HONOR SuperCharge with HONOR’s fast charging and battery optimization technology, for a whole day of daily use.

User-centric Features for a Smooth Smartphone Experience

Thanks to a large built-in storage of up to 128GB, the HONOR 70 Lite can keep more than 28,000 pictures, 11,000 songs or 450 HD videos locally on the device. The HONOR 70 Lite also supports microSD cards up to 1TB in capacity, making it extremely convenient for users to save and access files without the worry over insufficient storage space.

Running the Android 12-based Magic UI 6.1, the HONOR 70 Lite offers a range of smart features such as HONOR Share for speedy wireless file transfers across different devices, helping users to achieve higher productivity.

Bond Zhang, CEO at HONOR UK and Ireland, said: “HONOR has seen great success in the UK market over the last decade, and I’m really excited to be able to bring our great products to Ireland, including the HONOR 70 Lite.”

Bond continued: “As a global tech brand, HONOR is always looking for ways to expand into new markets, and Ireland is a really exciting step for the HONOR business in that journey.”

Shane O’Brien, Head of Devices, Three Ireland and Three UK said “At Three, we are committed to bringing innovation to the marketplace and this exclusive partnership with HONOR is another example of providing customers with more options at great value.  We have seen how successful this device has been in the UK and we know this will impress Irish users. As Ireland’s fastest and most consistent 5G network, we are excited to work with HONOR as they look to continue their global expansion”

Pricing and Availability

The HONOR 70 Lite will be available in Midnight Black, and from today will be available from Three Ireland with prices starting from just €199.99.

For more information, please visit https://www.three.ie/buy/phones.html#honor.

 

SSE Airtricity launches new ‘first and best in market’ solar installation offering

SSE Airtricity, together with partners Activ8, have launched a new solar product that will ensure customers are paid a market leading 34c per kWh for excess solar energy produced and exported back to the grid.

New and existing SSE Airtricity customers who have had their solar panels installed with Activ8 from April 13, 2023, will be eligible to be paid a premium of 10 cent per kWh exported on top of the current 24 cent export rate, for two years.

The product launch comes as the Irish government abolished the rate of VAT for domestic solar installations from May 1, 2023. This offer complements the existing range of energy solutions SSE offers customers, providing easy access to green energy and improving energy efficiency in homes across the country.

Solar panel installations have many benefits:

  • Households can save up to 50% on energy bills and generate up to 80% of their hot water needs.
  • Surplus energy generated through a typical solar PV install can be exported back to the energy grid, putting money back in customers’ pockets and providing more renewable electricity for Ireland’s energy system.
  • The majority of installations are completed in one day with minimal disruption to the household.
  • As an SSE Airtricity customer, a new installation will earn an export rate of 34 cent per kWh. That is a 10 cent premium versus the standard rate of 24 cent per kWh.

Helen Ryan, from County Louth, who had her solar installation completed recently with Activ8, said:

“We decided to install solar panels to help save on our electricity bills as well as wanting to produce renewable energy on our own. We have a gas boiler, so being able to generate so much hot water was also a massive reason as to why we went with solar panels.

“We have noticed a big difference in our bills, even for the months of January, February and March. Our electricity bills are currently 30% of what they were and that’s not accounting for our savings on gas with our hot water production from the solar panels. It’s funny how we changed our usage behaviours so quickly after installation too. My parents are awaiting a survey now after seeing our panels in action, so I would definitely recommend them.”

Klair Neenan, Director at SSE Airtricity said:

“As a company with green in our DNA, we know that customers want easy access to green energy solutions that help them and the environment. At SSE Airtricity we want to empower our customers and be their one stop shop for all energy related matters. With 0% Vat and up to €2,400 available in SEAI Grants, there has never been a better time to invest in renewable solar energy and offset rising energy costs. Families and households can generate their own electricity for their home and lower their bills, all while contributing to the ultimate goal of net zero.”

This offer is available for all new solar installations (from April 13, 2023), visit www.sseairtricity.com for more information.

Limerick’s International Rugby Experience Opens

Some of the most famous faces in rugby union were in Limerick today to launch the six-storey International Rugby Experience, Ireland’s newest interactive visitor experience situated in the heart of the city.

A variety of World Cup winners, British & Irish Lions legends and Irish Rugby stars including Bryan Habana, Francois Pienaar, Jonathan Sexton, Joy Neville, Danielle Waterman, Keith Wood, Paul O’Connell, Jeremy Guscott, Matt Dawson, Sean FitzPatrick, Martin Johnson, Peter Stringer, Ciara Griffin and Rory Best were among today’s inaugural visitors to the six-storey “Home of Legends”.

From tomorrow the general public can visit the Experience. With tickets priced at just €10 for children (under 18) and €15 for adults, individuals and families can discover what it takes to Become a Legend – following the game from grass roots right up to the players, clubs and nations that have reached legendary status.

Inspired by World Rugby’s values of Passion, Discipline, Integrity, Solidarity and Respect, visitors will hear the stories, feel the passion and test their own skills as they move through six, awe-inspiring stages inside the state-of-the-art building. Using leading, custom-made, real-time software coupled with the expert knowledge of Jock Peggie, Head of Education, Laws and Compliance at World Rugby, the interactive experience delivers a truly authentic and exciting reflection of the game, with visitors having hands-on fun every step of the way.

Stunning 360-degree views of Limerick city centre ensure that the sixth floor Legends Gallery will be a jaw-dropping end to this unique, interactive, experience. Walk in visitors are welcome from tomorrow morning with tickets available to pre-book from May 15th online at www.internationalrugbyexperience.com.

The not-for-profit venture was initially funded via a €30 million investment by the JP McManus Charitable Foundation.

International Rugby Experience Chairperson, Paul O’Connell said he was delighted to now be able to welcome the public to the building: “It’s been years in the making, but we’re finally able to throw open the doors and the whole team are really looking forward to it. This is a visitor attraction that Limerick, and indeed the whole country, can be proud of and we’re very thankful to those who have helped us along our journey to this point.”

 International Rugby Experience CEO, Barry Hannon, echoed O’Connell’s sentiments: “We’re delighted to be able to say that we’re open for business tomorrow and that advance tickets can now be pre-booked on our website, with entry dates from 15th May; we’d encourage everybody who is interested in visiting to book online as soon as they can. Judging from the level of interest we’ve already received, demand will be high and we want people to make sure they’re getting the dates and time slots they want. This is going to be a really unique and fun way to spend time in Limerick city – for families, fans and those just looking for something different to do. Come and see for yourselves!”

 The International Rugby Experience ground floor retail space and first floor café are also notable features of the new building. Offerings include everything from locally produced contemporary ceramics by Aoife Slattery, customised collections of rugby inspired prints by Nell Stritch and Paul O’Brien’s unique artwork of local landmarks, to bespoke branded clothing and much more. With locally sourced food suppliers to the fore, the International Rugby Experience café offers a selection of light bites, quality coffee and a unique setting overlooking Limerick city from the first floor.

The International Rugby Experience tours, gift store and cafe will be open seven days a week from 3rd May onwards; 9.30am to 6pm, with the last tour starting at 4.30pm.

For more information, or to book tickets, visit: www.internationalrugbyexperience.com