Category: Tech News

Introducing the Amazing Edifier QD35 Bluetooth Speaker – “Acoustics, Lumia, and Electric All-in-one System”.

High-quality acoustics expertly combined with Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification and support for LDAC. Lighten up your mood with the stunning ‘Lumia Art’ effects: – pulsating, dynamic, vivid lights combined with powerful audio to give a creative, musical experience.

Edifier, the forward-thinking audio-technology brand, have announced the release of the QD35 – a tabletop, Bluetooth speaker expertly designed combining high spec audio features with ‘Lumia Art’ effects for the best acoustic/visual effect. The term Lumia was coined by a twentieth-century artist, Thomas Wilfred, when artists began to promote colors and light together in their works as a form of art that uses light. ‘Lumia Art’ was originally associated with music then latterly paintings. The QD35 is a perfect example of how Edifier have created an aesthetically pleasing speaker incorporating a brilliant, kaleidoscopic display of colored lights. Various preset light effects are available but you can also customize your own light effects using  the Edifier Connect app. 

The QD35 is an all-in-one music system. It is certified to both “Hi-Res Audio” and “Hi-Res Audio Wireless” standards. The USB-A port and the AUX jack on the rear panel support high-resolution audio signals. With the enhancement of LDAC technology, you can also stream high-quality music with a 96kHz sampling rate to this speaker via Bluetooth. 

The full-digit DSP chipset divides the signals precisely into treble and mid-bass. In two independent ways, the TI Closed Loop digital amplifier distributes enhanced audio signals of different frequency bands to target drivers for accurate reproduction. With a total power output of up to 40RMS, the audio blasting from the QD35 can easily fill your lounge, studio or other home living space. 

The casing for the QD35 has been designed to perfectly intensify and balance the acoustics. The 3-inch mid-bass drivers, with the aluminium alloy diaphragm (benefitting from the ‘long stroke’ design) reproduces bass frequency down to 60Hz and provides a mid-sound which is intense and rich. The 1-inch silk diaphragm dome tweeters are finely tuned for the exact reproduction of highs, from which the trebles sound crisp and bright. With the enhancement of MazeTube Bass Reflex Channels and TurbMuff Air Noise Suppression Technology, port noises and resonance are reduced to their lowest level.

Powered by TurboGaN’s high-efficiency charging technology, it can charge 1000+ compatible devices. With the addition of full-time fast charging technology, full time temperature control technology and smart power assignment technology, charging is quick and safe.

The Edifier Connect app allows you to synchronize the clock automatically or manually, customize your own EQs and share your EQs with friends. 

Main Features:

  • LDAC codec with Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification
  • “Hi-Res Audio” and “Hi-Res Audio Wireless” standards
  • Stunning lighting displays
  • Bluetooth 5.3, USB-A, Aux-in
  • 40 RMS setting
  • Customized EQ settings

Price & Availability –  The Edifier QD 35 will be available in the UK from April at £189.99 inc

Creative launches its newest under-monitor soundbar, The Creative Stage SE

Creative Technology today announced the release of Creative Stage SE, the latest under-monitor soundbar that is designed to amp up the user’s desktop audio experience. Despite its compact size, the Creative Stage SE packs a powerful audio punch with custom-tuned racetrack drivers and Sound Blaster technology to deliver a clearer and more immersive audio experience. This soundbar is also simple to set up and powers up easily via a power adapter; it also offers both USB digital audio and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. Together with convenient controls and tone adjustments, the Creative Stage SE sets the stage for an elevated movie, music, and gaming experience for PC users.

Creative Stage SE offers clearer, louder, and punchier audio in a smaller form factor.

Fitted with powerful full-range racetrack drivers and oversized radiators, the Creative Stage SE is able to deliver clearer and punchier audio, even without a subwoofer. With a total peak power of 48W, this soundbar surpasses the audio performance of any default PC built-in speakers to offer a better listening experience for users. The Creative Stage SE also features Sound Blaster audio technologies such as Clear Dialog and Surround Sound, which offer users clearer dialogue even amidst jam-packed scenes and a cinema-like audio experience with a widened sound stage.

On top of that, the Creative Stage SE also allows users to switch between warmer and brighter audio reproduction with the latest tone adjustment feature. Now users can tune and adjust tone neutrality to their liking with a simple press of a button.

Lastly, for a seamless listening experience, the Creative Stage SE features a simple plug-and-play setup that supports both USB digital audio and Bluetooth connectivity. Furthermore, the soundbar includes an integrated volume control knob conveniently located on the side for users to make quick sound adjustments on the fly, as well as a remote control to toggle a variety of features such as tone adjustments, surround sound, and clear dialogue mode selections.

Creative Stage SE is priced at UK£69.99 and is available at Creative.com. For more information, visit www.creative.com/stagese

Sleep better with Google this World Sleep Day

Google searches for Sleep are at an all time high. How can I fall asleep faster? Why can’t I sleep? How much sleep do I need? Did I sleep well? are just some of the questions people turn to Google for help with everyday. Google Search trends are telling us that phrases like “sleep,” “sleep apnea” and “night routine” are trending more than ever and with World Sleep Day coming up on the 17th March, here is some Google products and features that can help to create routines for winding down, enjoying a deeper rest and waking up feeling your best.

How your Pixel phone can help you rest undisturbed

Many people keep their phone on their nightstand but with that comes the temptation to  scroll through emails and social media, or check every notification instead of getting some rest. Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7 and Pixel 6a come with features that can help people avoid this. Flip to Shhh puts the phone into Do Not Disturb mode when laid face down, and Digital Wellbeing lets users manage time spent on the phone while setting limits on certain websites and apps. When it’s in Bedtime mode, Pixel can also help people understand the quality of their sleep using AI to analyze audio such as coughs and snores during the night.

How Pixel Buds Pro can tune out the world

Whether it’s bustling city noise or a snoring partner, it can be hard to find peace and quiet when it’s time to wind down. Pixel Buds Pro have Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal to help block outside noise. Pair with Pixel Watch or Pixel Phones for a mindful meditation from YouTube Music in the evening. See our Pixel Buds Pro review and pixel watch strap review and if you need a case look here.

How the Pixel Watch and Fitbit Versa 4 detects personal sleep trends

Pixel Watch and the Fitbit Versa 4 are both equipped with sleep tracking features that are powered by Fitbit’s sleep technology. Combining accelerometer data, heart rate variability (the changes in time between beats) and proven machine learning algorithms, Pixel Watch and the Fitbit Versa 4 can estimate how long people spend in light, deep and REM sleep stages, as well as time awake each night. Users can wake up to their Sleep Score and better understand personal sleep trends so they can experiment and make adjustments that work for them. 

How Nest Hub (2nd Gen) can sense sleep quality
Prefer not to wear a watch to bed? Nest Hub (2nd Gen) with Sleep Sensing tracks sleep without a camera, using a low-energy radar that analyzes movement and breathing. Wake up with gentle sounds and a soft change in light then check out the sleep summary to see sleep length, disturbances like coughing or snoring and whether the bedroom temperature got too low or high.

How Google Home app can automate the bedtime routine

Setting a consistent routine is one of the best ways to improve sleep over time. By creating a Personal or Household routine in the Google Home app, people can cue actions like turning off the lights or the TV at a certain time and playing relaxing meditation music on the Nest Hub (2nd Gen). If the room gets too hot or cold at night, the Nest Hub can be used the following night to make adjustments like changing the temperature on the Nest Thermostat.

Tesco Mobile Ireland announces Price Plan Freeze

The grand stretch doesn’t just apply to spring evenings anymore, as the increased cost of living is forcing families and individuals to stretch their income against a sharp and unpredictable rise in monthly utility bills, with many of Ireland’s largest mobile providers set to increase their prices over the coming weeks.

Committed to helping households across Ireland cut the cost of connectivity, Tesco Mobile Ireland has taken action to support its customers during these challenging times, by announcing a price freeze across all bill pay plans. Effective immediately, existing and new Tesco Mobile Ireland customers* signing up to or in 24 or month contracts will enjoy the same great-value prices, safe in the knowledge that their monthly charge will not change for the duration of their minimum term.

In search of the best value deals, 16% of Irish consumers have switched to a cheaper mobile phone or broadband provider in the last two-months, with Tesco Mobile Ireland reminding customers that a reliable service shouldn’t come with a premium price tag. With double the points when you register your Clubcard to your Tesco Mobile account, as part of Tesco’s ongoing commitment to providing more value and rewards to customers, every €5 in Clubcard vouchers will also give you €15 off your phone bill.

So, whether you’re a family budgeting for the weeks and months ahead, a student trying to stay connected or a savvy shopper navigating financial uncertainty, Tesco Mobile Ireland provides more help than you’d expect from a supermarket mobile. Switch and save today as you join over 400,000 Tesco Mobile customers across Ireland already enjoying 99% network coverage.

For more information on the Tesco Mobile Ireland price freeze and bill pay plans, visit in-store or online at www.tescomobile.ie.

7 in 10 people feel uncomfortable about giving personal data to providers

Most Irish people (70pc) feel some level of discomfort around giving their personal information away to product and service providers. Of this group half say it makes them anxious to do so, while the other half say they are very guarded and will not give personal data away unless they “absolutely have to do so”.

Additional key outputs of Compliance Ireland’s ESG Consumer Survey revealed that:

  • Almost half of people aged 55+ (49pc) are extremely hesitant to share details about themselves unless absolutely necessary, compared with just a quarter of people aged 25 to 34.
  • Women are much more troubled by handing over their personal data than men at 77pc vs. 64pc.
  • Three times as many men than women don’t give it a second thought (16pc vs. 5pc).

The Compliance Institute say that, with Ireland being at the top of the EU league table for the aggregate fines imposed last year, these statistics give an insightful picture of people’s rightful protectiveness over their information.

Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute commented:

“The large volume of people expressing their reluctance to providing personal information is most likely a consequence of the many data leaks and breaches that have been given prominence  in recent Irish news stories. 

The younger generation have less reservations around providers accessing personal data, which is perhaps understandable given that they have grown up in an online world whereas the older generation are extremely hesitant to share details about themselves unless absolutely necessary.”

The Compliance Institute survey shone a light on the huge mistrust that exists amongst the general public around social media companies. These giants of the digital world topped the poll as the least trusted entities when it comes to guarding the personal information of users, with six in ten (56pc) people regarding them as the most untrustworthy. Those aged 18-24 were significantly more likely to feel this way at 74pc.

Online retailers came in second place with almost one in five (18pc) saying they would be least likely to trust these businesses with their personal information.

Mr. Kavanagh, added: “Social media platforms such as Facebook and Tik-Tok have exploded in recent years with a huge amount of people, both young and old, sharing personal details and minute-by-minute updates of their lives with their world of followers which results in a large volume of personal data being in the hands of social media companies. From a GDPR perspective, information is considered personal when it can identify an individual either directly or indirectly.”

Other notable findings from the survey include:

  • Just over one in ten (12pc) say they are least likely to trust government agencies such as HSE, Dept of Social Protection, Revenue Commissioners etc. with their personal data.
  • Over one in five of those who view Government agencies as the least trustworthy with their data were aged between 25 and 34.
  • 7pc claim they don’t trust banks with their data.
  • Telecoms providers such as mobile phone or broadband providers as well as, utility providers such as gas and electricity providers came in lowest at 4pc and 2pc respectively meaning, people tend to trust these entities the most with their information.

Mr. Kavanagh concluded, “Cybercriminals are either keeping pace with, or advancing ahead of, the cyber-security measures being put in place and people are acutely aware of the menacing risk of identity theft being on the rise.

Product and service providers collect a vast array of information on people, and even if one piece of data alone doesn’t identify someone, when paired alongside other pieces of data, a person’s identity can quickly become known.”

Martin Heydon launches €7m Sustainable Digital and Data Research Programmes

The Innovation Value Institute (IVI) at Maynooth University has been selected to lead the €7 million Digi+ and ENTRUST programmes that are focussed on sustainable digital transformation and data. The programmes are funded by the EC under the Marie Sklowdowska-Curie programme and Digi+ is also co-funded by Lero and Adapt; both world leading Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centres.

Data Driven technology is viewed by many as the next frontier for agriculture and a crucial component required to achieve a sustainable ecosystem, yet there remains a global challenge with a lack of skills and expertise in this space. ENTRUST tackles this challenge head on through the formation of a doctoral network that brings together 16 leading European research institutions. This will attract top tier doctoral candidates who will emerge as leading experts in addressing current challenges around data governance in agriculture and farming.

They will provide evidence based information in relation to the adoption of Data Technologies in order to allow farmers to unlock data potential while safeguarding their data. The ENTRUST programme will build towards a fair and trustworthy agri-data space that is aligned with the European Data Strategy and Green deal. This places Ireland at the forefront of agri-data driven technology on an international stage.

Speaking on the announcement of the awards, Martin Heydon, Minister of State for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Research and Development, Farm Safety and New Market Development said: “I am delighted to announce Maynooth University has successfully been selected to lead the 7m €Digi+ and ENTRUST programmes in these two European  research initiatives. I commend the Irish researchers involved for their success in these highly competitive research calls.  The research will contribute to Digital innovation which is fundamental to achieving sustainability in all its forms. Ireland’s agri-food sector has been making good progress in embracing technology and innovation in recent years. These awards highlight Ireland has an innovative, competitive, and resilient agri-food sector, driven by technology and talent.”

The Digi+ programme complements the goals of ENTRUST through its multi-sector focus addressing the global challenges of sustainable digital and data ecosystems. Embedded within Ireland’s leading SFI-funded research centres, Lero and Adapt, and led by Maynooth University, it brings together a group of world-leading experts that will develop a new generation of creative, entrepreneurial and innovative research leaders, able to face current and future challenges aligned with EU’s Digital and Green Agenda.

Ireland will benefit significantly from this cohort of 20 highly skilled Postdoctoral Researchers that the programme will fund. They will work towards advancing digital transformation practices, addressing vital areas such as new and innovative business models, accelerating digital and data skills, developing forward looking data governance and business models while ensuring alignment to the EU sustainable development goals. Ireland is well positioned to be a leader in the digital and data economy and this €7m investment will contribute strongly to Ireland’s continued sustainability and progression towards world leading status both in the private and public sector.

Professor Markus Helfert, Director of the Innovation Value Institute and the Science Foundation Ireland EMPOWER Data Governance Programme explains: “The cross-disciplinary focus on sustainable digital transformation and data will deliver significant positive impact on multiple sectors including agriculture, health, climate, fintech, construction and manufacturing.

 “This investment will drive the co-creation of new ways of doing business, creating value and moving from ‘potential’ to ‘real’ benefits for companies and public sector organisations. At IVI, we are looking forward to working with our partners and prospective new partners to achieve these goals and advancing the digital and data research fields.”

Professor Eeva Leinonen, President of Maynooth University said: “At Maynooth University, we are delighted to play a world leading role towards achieving sustainable digital and data ecosystems. With a growing focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors, Digi+ and ENTRUST are timely initiatives that will address the challenges across the ESG spectrum through a highly collaborative engagement model that benefits from the Digital and Data expertise in IVI.”

START FROM SCRATCH – Pioneer DJ workshops set to celebrate International Women’s Day

Pioneer DJ announces an upcoming series of workshops to celebrate International Women’s Day, which took place on Tuesday March 8, 2023. Throughout the month of April, female identifiers participating in the in-person UK workshops will have the chance to learn new skills and gain insight into effective ways to pursue a career in music.

With 20 places available for each workshop, topics include: An Introduction to DJing, An Introduction to Scratching, and An Introduction to Music Production – 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 this industry. Research shows that targeted events like these help close the gap.

Check out the dates, times, and locations for the workshops in the table below and sign up here. More information about International Women’s Day can be found 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, Vibra Music School, Cantieri Culturali, Auberge Napoleon, reason Studios, Fluidae Collective, Connect’Her and BoxPark Wembley. 

Pioneer DJ launches all-in-one DJ unit, the OPUS-QUAD

Pioneer DJ, a world-class manufacturer of DJ equipment, announces the release of the OPUS-QUAD. This new professional all-in-one DJ system puts you in control of the music, like the conductor of an orchestra. Introducing a completely fresh approach to DJ equipment that harmonises design and playability, the OPUS-QUAD raises the level of elegance in musical direction and the space the music fills in any venue or environment, helping to create a special experience for your audience.

The role of the DJ is becoming increasingly diverse, with DJs often performing at a myriad of types of venues and events, from clubs and hotel lounges to fashion parties, sports events, product launches, and on live streams. As the musical direction needed from DJs is more diverse than ever, they need to be ready to adapt to different situations. By redefining the ideal all-in-one DJ system for the constantly evolving DJ scene, the OPUS-QUAD has risen to the challenge of harmonising playability and design.

The fresh design of the OPUS-QUAD doesn’t just look stunning – it enhances the unit’s playability too. The distinctively shaped top plate is sloped and has a rounded edge at the front, making it more elegant and comfortable to rest your hands on. With a matte black finish across its body and earth-coloured slits on the front and sides of the unit, the OPUS-QUAD complements the aesthetics of any venue or space. And certain elements that are key to a musical performance are accentuated to make them easily identifiable: for example, the control knobs with copper-coloured markings.

To create a perfect grip for mixing and direct control of the music, the jog wheels have streamlined dimples and a textured finish on the outer and top parts respectively, harmonising playability and design. Hidden LEDs on the jogs emit a gentle glow that matches the colour you’ve pre-assigned to each deck, indicating its playing status while also transmitting a feeling of sophistication to the audience when you DJ.

This new unit, with its game-changing design and evolved features, gives you more flexibility and greater control of the music so you can raise the level of your performances and create a better experience for your audience. The OPUS-QUAD is now available to buy for £2,899. Perfect for those wanting to add a touch of style to their playing environment, this DJ system offers a striking aesthetic to complement any living space or venue. For more information, go to pioneerdj.com. 

The Digital Hub welcomes 29 new and returning companies to Liberties campus

The Digital Hub has welcomed 29 companies and organisations to its Dublin 8 campus since the start of 2022. Of the 26 companies, 19 are new companies, two are longer-term alumni who have decided to return operations to The Digital Hub and five are companies who had left during 2020-21 and have since returned last year.

Collectively, the new companies are leasing over 16,000 sq. ft. of office space. A total of 48 member companies now reside at The Digital Hub, up from 29 at the beginning of 2022 and collectively employing over 400 people.

Among the companies who joined the campus in the last half of 2022 are Usheru, a collaborative company using data intelligence to transform the filmmaking industry, PatientMPower, a developer of remote monitoring health solutions for patients living with chronic diseases, who return to The Digital Hub, and Henny Penny Vintage, an e-commerce vintage clothing outlet focused on sustainable fashion.

The Digital Hub has also welcomed VM Digital, a digital marketing and production agency, Payoma, a Digital Payment Solutions Provider, and Pocket Forests, a collective group bringing integrated nature projects to urban spaces, to their growing group of member companies in the latter half of 2022.

The creative nature of The Digital Hub’s surrounding area is reflected in a growing sub-cluster of artistic companies residing in the campus. This cluster includes London and Dublin based theatre group Dead Centre, who became members of The Digital Hub in the mid-2022. Dead Centre joins existing groups Block T,  field:arts, PhotoIreland and Pallas Projects who also became member companies of The Digital Hub last year.  Thanks to the collaboration with Block T and Pallas Projects there are now over 60 artists and craftspeople using studios in Digital Hub buildings.

In 2022, The Digital Hub’s multipurpose spaces including iD8 Studio, Studio 2, and Bay 1 were in high demand for events, rehearsal space, training days and meetings, with over 330 days of the calendar year used as such, collectively across all three locations. Local educational institutes BIMM Dublin and NCAD utilised multipurpose spaces for a number of classes throughout the year.  The Abbey Theatre was among five theatre companies which occupied space for rehearsals. 50% of the days booked were by organisations external to The Digital Hub, showcasing the increased demand for flexible networking and collaboration options in Dublin city.

Fiach Mac Conghail, CEO of The Digital Hub, said: “Last year, it was encouraging to welcome a diverse range of innovative companies to The Digital Hub. The increased demand for event and meeting space is reflective of a return to regular in-person gatherings following the challenges that were encountered over the past number of years. Our reputation as a location of choice for Irish and international businesses is evident from an increase in new member companies and the return of alumni organisations over the past year and I look forward to welcoming further innovative companies to our campus in 2023.”

Ollie Fegan, CEO of Usheru, said: “Collaboration is at the heart of Usheru’s operations and joining a campus of like-minded, innovative individuals and businesses is a positive move in developing our business. The Digital Hub is an ideal location with a variety of companies from diverse backgrounds collectively together on one campus in a central Dublin location. Developing technology that supports filmmakers to bring stories to life on screen is a focus of our work and we look forward to developing our operations at The Digital Hub over the coming year.”

Áine Hennessy, Founder of Henny Penny Vintage said: “As the sole operator of a business, it was a great opportunity to join a community of innovative and creative businesses developing solutions to everyday societal challenges. Henny Penny Vintage is shifting a focus from fast fashion to sustainable style by providing quality, vintage clothing for all sizes. The Digital Hub’s community and dedication to sustainable initiatives proved that the campus was a perfect fit to move business operations to an environment surrounded by a supportive network. I look forward to continuing to operate Henny Penny Vintage at The Digital Hub campus.”

The companies and organisations that have joined or returned to The Digital Hub campus in 2022 are:

  • ACGT Vector
  • Allgo
  • Alone
  • Arenametrix
  • Block T
  • BIMM Institute Dublin
  • Bitcoin Marketing Team
  • Campsited
  • CB Media
  • Dead Centre
  • Dublin Inquirer
  • Eclipse Pictures
  • field:arts
  • Henny Penny Vintage
  • Hustl + Flo
  • Kavaleer
  • Pallas Projects
  • Payoma
  • PatientMPower
  • PhotoIreland
  • Pocket Forests
  • Robert Emmet Community Development Project
  • Rolling News
  • South Wind Blows
  • Usheru
  • Verdant Productions
  • VM Digital
  • Wattics
  • ZenaDrone

For a full list of companies at The Digital Hub see www.thedigitalhub.com/member-directory