JBL welcomes the JBL Go 3 Eco and Clip 4 Eco to the stage

New innovative eco-friendly design. Same rich JBL Pro Sound performance. The two portable favourites from JBL now deliver great sound and features, sustainably. Created using 90% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic for the main construction with 100% recycled fabric on the speaker grille, the new portables also arrive in JBL’s most sustainable packaging yet. The new innovative eco-friendly design significantly reduces the amount of virgin plastic being used which not only reduces waste plastic, but also the overall carbon footprint of the product.]

The pocket-size JBL Go 3 Eco is the ultra-portable speaker in the JBL range. Power it up and prepare to be surprised. This mini speaker plays on for five hours on one charge, delivering rich JBL Pro Sound and punchy bass. At the beach or in the park, the IP67 waterproof and dustproof JBL Go 3 Eco never fails to set the stage for fun. The compact JBL Clip 4 Eco packs 10 hours of playtime and big bass performance into a compact and convenient speaker. The integrated carabiner clip can take whatever life throws at it, so hook it onto a backpack or bike as the Clip 4 Eco supplies the soundtrack for your adventures.

JBL Clip 4 eco – techbuzzireland

“Our new JBL Go 3 Eco and Clip 4 Eco portable speakers are designed with the listener and environment in mind. They deliver the JBL Pro Sound performance that our customers come to expect but from a product with a significantly reduced impact on the world. The circular economy is essential for the future of the planet but the quality of the products we produce must be maintained, and these new speakers are built to be enjoyed and to last.” said Dave Rogers, President, HARMAN Lifestyle Division.

The JBL Go 3 Eco and JBL Clip 4 Eco will be available in Forest Green, Ocean Blue and Cloud White from December 2022 on uk.jbl.com for £34.99 and £49.99 respectively.

Features of the JBL Go 3 Eco: as seen in header image

● Rich JBL Pro Sound
● Built with 90% PCR plastic and 100% recycled fabric on the speaker grille
● 5 hours of playtime
● IP67 water and dustproof rating
● Bluetooth 5.1
● USB-C charging
● Packaged in JBL’s latest eco-friendly FSC-certified paper-based packaging and printed with soy ink

Features of the JBL Clip 4 Eco:
● Rich JBL Pro Sound
● Built with 90% PCR plastic and 100% recycled fabric on the speaker grille
● 10 hours of playtime
● IP67 water and dustproof rating
● Bluetooth 5.1
● USB-C charging
● Packaged in JBL’s latest eco-friendly FSC-certified paper-based packaging and printed with soy ink

American Football analytics company Pro Football Focus targets European expansion

US Football Analytics company providing game and player insights to NFL and NCAA teams, Pro Football Focus (PFF) today announced its expansion into Europe with a diversification of its core products to service the US & European soccer market with its first club-focused product slated to launch next month.

This The development of a suite of soccer products will is expected to create 21 remote full time and 175 seasonal analyst roles in Ireland over the next three years.

Founded in the UK in 2009, PFF analyses player performance, ranks/grades players and assesses overall team performance. These insights can be accessed by customers through though a subscription-based platform.  In 2011, PFF began providing customised customized data monitoring services for three NFL teams.

PFF now supplies data for all 32 NFL teams, more than 100 NCAA football teams and seven CFL teams. Other notable customers include NBC Sports, CBS Sports, Fox Sports and EA Sports.

The European launch follows the Aer Lingus Classic between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Nebraska Cornhuskers, both clients of PFF, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

The decision to establish an operation in Ireland was primarily driven by the availability of talent and the flourishing sports tech ecosystem here.

Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Leo Varadkar said: “Pro Football Focus is a really welcome addition to the growing sports tech sector in Ireland. These are exciting and interesting roles in software development, data collection and analysis in an international sports analytics company. I’m particularly pleased to see the company provide remote working opportunities – it’s important to give employees the option, where possible and the Government is putting in place the infrastructure to support that choice. It also allows PFF to recruit from a rich talent pool, across the entire country. I wish the team at PFF the very best with this expansion.”

Recruitment for a number of full time and seasonal roles is now underway.  To explore opportunities with PFF, visit https://www.pff.com/jobs

Nate Gerstle, GM Soccer Operations at PFF said: “Ireland will play a key role in PFF’s expansion into the beautiful game. Its strategic location, the availability of skilled labour, and rich history of achievements in science and technology are among the many reasons why our management team chose Ireland. To say nothing of the fact that the environment is simply welcoming; Ireland is encouraging PFF’s success, and our team wants to return that success in-kind.”

Mary Buckley, Executive Director, IDA Ireland said: “PFF’s decision to have a European presence in Ireland, is welcome news. A household name in the US, PFF is a significant addition to Ireland’s emerging sports tech cluster.  I’d like to wish the team every success with this expansion.”

Top technologies in 2022

Technology continues its unstoppable innovation, bringing new solutions to society. Perhaps some of them, as is the case of the metaverse, are not so important or socially relevant. However, in other cases we can find technologies that can have an application that can bring a lot to society, especially in certain countries, as is the case of Blockchain technology.

Metaverse

Many people may wonder what the metaverse can really contribute to people’s lives. In the opinion of many experts, perhaps little. What they can do is change the way we enjoy some experiences or perhaps envelop them with new sensations. For example, there are websites that claim that the metaverse will play an important role in casino games and the like. For example, being able to simulate the presence of the player in a real casino room, being able to enjoy from the comfort of your home the feeling of being in the gaming room of the best casinos in the world. For example, you will be able to visit and play at the tables of the Monte Carlo casino from the sofa of your home.

Some media also point to the possibility that we can have much more immersive distance learning experiences similar to a traditional classroom with physical presence and direct contact between student and teacher. In fact, online education can undergo a great evolution if it can fit well within an educational metaverse. Being able to ask questions to the teacher in real time in a much closer way than by a simple video call can make some trainings that are developed within the metaverse increase the quality and above all the knowledge that the student can obtain.

Blockchain

As for blockchain, large projects of great social significance have been generated within it. Blockchain technology should not be confused with cryptocurrencies, as they do not necessarily go together. Cryptocurrencies use blockchain technology, but they are not the same thing. For example, some of the most innovative projects using blockchain technology allow the donations that countries and individuals give to developing countries to be traced and, in a transparent way, it can be seen what that money is spent on and in whose hands it goes. This is something that can contribute to overcome the inequality that exists between many third world countries and more developed countries, since having the possibility of controlling and verifying what the donations are destined to, many more people may want to contribute to these countries without fearing that the money ends up diverted to the accounts of corrupt politicians in these less developed countries. In addition, the NGOs that may receive the funds will have full traceability of the money, being able to be transparent with their donors at all times.

In this aspect there are numerous social projects or projects of social interest that can be developed on the Blockchain, although few end up coming to fruition. In many cases, large sums of money are needed to finance the project, so they need to obtain funding and these times are not very good in that aspect, as many venture capital funds have stopped investing in companies that are not profitable and can offer a return on their investment in the short term, due to the crisis we are experiencing globally at the moment.

Artificial Intelligence

Undoubtedly the best example of the evolution of technology. This year there has even been news about the possible or theoretical consciousness that some artificial intelligences could have of themselves. However, artificial intelligence is something that will help many sectors in the coming years. One sector where a lot of work is being done with artificial intelligence is in the healthcare sector, where it is expected that artificial intelligence could help save many lives with artificial intelligence-based treatments and diagnoses in order to always do what is optimal for the patient.

Google even offers training on artificial intelligence so that users and developers can contribute to the ecosystem and take artificial intelligence to a new level where it can really have a great impact in favor of society in many different areas.

Ørsted announces acquisition of its first solar project in Ireland

Leading global renewable energy company Ørsted has today announced the acquisition of its first Irish solar project, in an agreement with renewable energy developer Terra Solar. This acquisition is a strategic first step in Ørsted’s commitment to multi-technology deployment in Ireland across a variety of renewable energy sources.

The acquisition of the Ballinrea solar project, located between Carrigaline and Cork City, will power up to 16,000 homes. With construction due to begin in 2024, the Ballinrea Solar Farm is expected to be operational by 2025 and will add a further 65MW of solar to Ørsted’s global goal of 17.5GW of onshore renewables by 2030. Ranked the world’s most sustainable energy company*, Ørsted’s Irish headquarters are based in Cork City, where it employs 90 people.

Kieran White, Vice President, Ørsted Europe Onshore said: “For Ireland to ensure energy resilience and deliver its 2030 energy targets, it is essential that multiple technologies are delivered in tandem, from solar and onshore wind to offshore wind and storage. This is a key priority for Ørsted, both in Ireland and overseas. Projects such as Ballinrea pave the way, but significant investment in our electricity grid is required to match the ambition of Government targets, continue the push to net zero and ensure energy security long-term.”

“The Ballinrea Solar Farm will make a meaningful contribution to Ireland’s national energy target of 80% renewables by 2030 as well as to the Government’s new 5.5GW solar target. It will also enhance the climate neutrality of the region by generating power for 16,000 homes, which is also the number of new homes planned to be built in the city between now and 2028.” 

The transaction marks a significant milestone for Ørsted following the acquisition of the Brookfield Renewable Ireland business in June 2021.

Concluding, Mr White added: “We are continuing to invest in our Cork-based team and development projects to grow our existing Irish operational asset base of 327MW. As well as the cost and security of energy, the ever-present climate crisis has never been more acute. It is essential that Government and stakeholders continue to work collaboratively with industry to ensure that it can deliver environmentally, socially and economically for Ireland. Issues such as long planning, licencing and judicial timelines, and access to adequate grid infrastructure continue to hold the renewable sector back.” 

Ways to Increase the Visibility of Your Ecommerce Store

With more than 20 million active eCommerce stores across the globe, it can be intimidating to start your own eCommerce business in today’s market. Not only are you competing with grand worldwide Amazon sellers, but you’re also competing with other smaller sellers who are chasing the same category of audience like you. However, most of these stores and sellers in the market are not making the most of the marketing and advertising tools and possibilities available nowadays. This can set you apart from the competition and help you attain your target audience in no time. It’s all about bringing the right marketing strategies into play and putting the needed effort to increase the visibility of your online store. Keep reading to find out how you can make your eCommerce stand out and boost its visibility.

Create Valuable Blog Posts 

People don’t realise how important blog posts are for spreading the news about eCommerce businesses. Engaging blog posts help increase the visibility of your content as well as generate increased revenue. Studies prove that about two-thirds of internet users living in the United States made online purchases as a result of blog posts they read in a single year. This is because blogging is one of the best forms of content marketing and it sure does bring a lot of benefits compared to traditional marketing. You can solve your customer’s problems and provide them with relevant answers to their questions through the content you share in your blogs. When incorporated with topics relating to your products, you can successfully increase the visibility of your store and attract new prospects.

Use Advanced Technology 

Professional 3D product visualization and modeling services can significantly enhance the visibility of your eCommerce store by providing high-quality, photorealistic images that attract and engage customers. Unlike traditional photography, 3D rendering allows for customizable, interactive visuals that showcase products from every angle, improving user experience and boosting conversions. These visually appealing assets also perform well on search engines and social media, increasing organic traffic and brand awareness. By investing in professional 3D visualization, your eCommerce store can stand out in a competitive market, build trust with potential buyers, and drive more sales.

Offer Value in Your Content 

A successful business always aims to create content that its audience would find helpful. Not every piece of content you post through your online outlets or social media platforms should be a sales pitch. You should focus more on providing your followers with valuable news and content that actually resonates with their needs. Everything relating to sales should follow. For example, if you sell yoga mats and yoga-related equipment, you should focus your content around fitness and health, dieting and nutrition, and other topics relating to the lifestyle of this category’s buyers. Offering valuable content goes a long way in retaining your existing customers and increasing the visibility of your products to prospective buyers.

Use Google Ads

One of the most important things you need to start with to guarantee a good exposure for your eCommerce store is registering your internet domain with the service provided by Google. This is crucial so that you would allow Google to rank your website when it discovers it. As you may already know, Google shopping ads get the premium spot, which means it’s a great opportunity for your store to appear in the search results of your prospective customers. Google uses different algorithms to track relevant demographics that can help you reach your buyers in a more direct way. It’s also free to register and won’t take you more than five minutes. You can then choose from several nifty Google Ads services that are all designed to enhance eCommerce visibility. Another popular alternative is an ecommerce facebook ads strategy.

Identify Your Target Audience 

Knowing who your customers are will provide you with relevant insights into how they think, what their interests are, and how you can satisfy these interests with your products and services. It’s also the first step in starting a profitable eCommerce business and a defining decision for your entire career. After identifying your target audience, you have to tailor your content accordingly to provide your prospective customers with relevant answers to what they may be searching for. Knowing your target customers will also allow you to adjust your product selection so that you can actually offer content that your buyers are looking for. This will unlock unlimited possibilities for your eCommerce business while letting you increase your reach.

Exploit Social Media Platforms  

Social media is one of the most powerful weapons you can use to benefit your business. Almost everyone uses the internet nowadays to look up products and make purchase decisions. You need to find the social media platform that your target audience uses the most to reach them and engage with their interests. This way, you can tailor your content and promote your business through optimized marketing posts. Social media is, hands down, the best marketing strategy you can take advantage of to gain more visibility for your eCommerce store.

Social Media

Starting your own eCommerce businesses or trying to grow your online store is a process that depends on your marketing tactics and level of business exposure. You need to make sure to put your business out there and make it stand out to increase its visibility. These tips will help you gain the most visibility for your eCommerce store as well as increase your revenue

Edifier launches the W240TN piston-inspired earbuds.

Edifier, the forward-thinking audio-technology brand, have announced the release of a brand  new earbud, the W240TN, which continues in the brand’s outstanding record for affordable but premium quality audio. Aimed at the highly competitive under  

$100 market, the W240TN true wireless earbuds with  Active Noise Cancellation have a range of exciting  features and continues Edifier’s signature design  language and stellar audio fidelity capabilities. Armed with Dual Dynamic Drivers (Φ6mm+Φ10mm)  the W240TN creates a wide sound field aimed at immersing listeners in their favourite songs. Compared to single drivers, the W240TN maintains delicate details  even at a high volume threshold and the hybrid ANC functions allow users to block out unwanted sounds and focus in on the music that makes them happy. With an industrial-chic, gunmetal black or white finish the W240TN is inspired by the shape of a robust piston head.

Rugged yet trustworthy, the metallic design carries the legacy of the TWS1 Pro and  the finished product speaks volumes for Edifier’s pursuit of style. The result has an iconic  profile that balances modern lines with a retro, almost 80s-like character; think Robocop  meets Blade Runner 2049. In comparison to other earbuds on the market, which often take  an altogether more minimal or maximalist approach, the W240TN gives off an effortlessly  clean look, one that wouldn’t look out of sorts on the streets of Manhattan, Dubai, Tokyo or  London.  

Unlike the majority of its competition the buds feature the latest in Bluetooth 5.3 technology  which not only provides impressively low latency (which can be reduced even further via a  dedicated ‘Game’ mode) but consistently ensures that users never feel far from their  favourite sounds. With a compact charge case, the W240TN provides 8.5 hours of playtime  and a further 17 hours via the case, making unnecessary cutouts and low battery disasters  are a thing of the past. And, users can enjoy crystal clear phone calls thanks to innovative AI  DNN Adaptive Call Noise Reduction technology – blocks out unwanted noises and focuses  in on your voice. 

The W240TN also includes a range of ergonomic features. For those who lead a busier life,  listening to music in the gym or whilst they’re out for a run, the buds are IP55 certified –  meaning they are water resistant and sweat proof – and feature Edifier’s impressive AI call  noise cancellation technology, which allows users to enjoy clear and life-like call audio  without external noise interfering. To ensure your safety whilst listening to your favourite  artists or calling an old friend, the W240TN also comes with an optional ‘Ambient Mode’  designed to allow environmental sounds (like car engines, tannoy callouts or dogs barking)  to seep through into your listening.

Designed to keep up to speed with the modern individual, bustling from one situation to the  next, the W240TN are lastly compatible with the Edifier Connect App – which gives  smartphones users the option to customise their call settings, EQ levels, ANC mode and  more with the tap of a finger. If you prefer a sturdy button, over a delicate touch sensitive  one, the W240TN also comes with handy push controls allowing you to stay in control with  ease. 

For under $100 the W240TN provides a highly competitive option for audio lovers on a  budget and adds to Edifier’s groundbreaking range of consumer audio products. 

Main features: 

  • Dual Dynamic Drivers (Φ6mm+Φ10mm) 
  • Bluetooth 5.3 
  • 8.5-hour playback + 17 hours with charging case 
  • Eye-catching metallic design inspired by a piston-head 
  • Hybrid ANC  
  • Compatible with the Edifier Connect App 
  • Dedicated low latency gaming mode 
  • Ambient ANC mode 
  • IP55 water resistant and sweat proof 
  • AI DNN call noise cancellation technology 
  • Push-button controls 

Price & Availability: 

Available for £79.99 

 

Fitbit introduces the Inspire 3 Versa 4 and Sense 2

Fitbit has just announced its next generation of wearables to help give you fitness, health and wellness tools to help you reach your goals. So whether you’re just starting out or love to dig into health stats, they have a device to fit everyone’s needs.

Whether you’re focused on improving your mental health, gearing up to run a marathon, or starting a new health and wellness routine, you have a range of easy-to-use devices to choose from. By giving you information about your body that otherwise wouldn’t be top of mind — like your resting heart rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), sleep trends and body’s responses to stressors — you can better understand how to manage your holistic health. Here’s a look at how each device can fit your needs:

  • Inspire 3 is a fun, easy-to-use tracker that helps you stay on top of your health with 10 days of battery life. It’s a great entry-level device with a rich color display that can track important metrics at our most accessible price point.
  • Versa 4 is a fitness-focused smartwatch that offers over 40 exercise modes, real-time stats, built-in GPS and Active Zone Minutes, plus Premium features like Daily Readiness Score to help you reach your activity goals – all with 6 days of battery life in a thinner and lighter design.
  • Sense 2 is our most advanced health-focused smartwatch with more than six days of battery life that helps you manage stress and track your heart health with sensors that can detect signs of atrial fibrillation through our ECG app and PPG algorithm (both FDA cleared and CE marked), heart rate variability, skin temperature and more. It also includes our new Body Response sensor, which measures cEDA for all-day stress management.

 

Getting the most out of your Fitbit experience

The newest offerings are just the start of how we can help you uncover information to improve your overall health and wellness. With the Fitbit app, you can stay motivated and on track with weekly and longitudinal stats about your activity, heart health, sleep and stress. Plus you can log your hydration, menstrual health, mood, nutrition and glucose levels all in one place. Seeing all of your metrics together can help you better understand how the actions you take each day can impact your well-being and make better decisions for your daily life.

You’ll also access important health features, including Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications, which uses our photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor to assess your heart rhythm for signs of atrial fibrillation or AFib, for users 22 years or older with no known history of irregular heart rhythm. This feature has both FDA clearance and CE marking, and it’s compatible with a rangeof heart-rate enabled devices.

Fitbit Premium, which is included with all new device purchases for six months, takes your experience even further with additions like Daily Readiness Score and Sleep Profile to dive deeper into your stats and progress, and over 1,000 workout and mindfulness sessions to keep your mind and body active.

The Fitbit app and Fitbit Premium give you essential insights, tools and motivation to help you reach your goals. The free Fitbit app brings together the stats on your wrist with tools for sleep tracking, stress management and more, to give a more complete picture of how it all fits together. With Fitbit Premium, you can take your Fitbit experience even further with features like Daily Readiness Score and Sleep Profile, more personalized insights, advanced analytics, and more than 1,000 workout and mindfulness sessions.

Experience Fitbit for yourself

Whether you’re just starting out or love to dig into health stats, Fitbit have a device to fit your needs. Don’t know which device is best for you? Take the quiz to find out. They will be confident you’ll find something that makes it easier than ever for you to put your health and wellness first and empower you to be your best self along the way.

Fitbit also announced that it is bringing a new heart health feature to Ireland, Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications, following CE Mark approval. Fitbit’s mission has always been to help make everyone in the world healthier and with the introduction of this feature, it is continuing to innovate to make the invisible, visible, bringing new health and wellness metrics to users.

The Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications feature is powered by Fitbit’s PPG (photoplethysmography) algorithm. The feature passively assesses your heart rhythm in the background while you’re being still or sleeping. If there’s anything that might be suggestive of AFib, you’ll get notified via the Fitbit app so you can talk with your doctor for a more informed discussion and assessment

New XPS 13 2-in-1, XPS 13 Plus Developer’s Edition and Pro Webcam announced from Dell

Dell Technologies has announced the arrival and availability of the XPS 13 2-in-1, XPS 13 Plus Developer’s Edition with Ubuntu 22.04, and Dell Pro Webcam (WB5023), a best-in-class together image quality webcam with intelligent features for everyday professionals who want to look their best on video calls, broadcasts or live streams without breaking the bank.

New XPS 12 2-in-1 & XPS 13 Plus Developer’s Edition

For customers who prioritize versatility like students and entrepreneurs, the XPS 13 2-in-1 empowers users to seamlessly transition between work, school, entertainment and much more. Complete the experience with an optional XPS Folio and XPS Stylus — transition freely and fluidly from consumption to full productivity mode by attaching the magnetic XPS Folio and enjoy a natural writing and inking experience with the XPS Stylus.  Available in Sky with Wi-Fi 6e at launch.

The first OEM PC to be certified for Ubuntu 22.04, Dell’s flagship XPS 13 Plus Developer’s Edition is available pre-installed with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. The Ubuntu certification program ensures that all of the components in a certified computer work as expected, so the user can be sure of the best experience out of the box. Certified devices also include specific software or drivers that differ from the default distribution where required. These are defined in a meta-package that automatically installs the optimal configuration of packages, drivers and kernel to deliver the best experience on that device. For a full breakdown of the new features of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, read the release notes and official announcement.

Dell Pro Webcam

Dell continues to expand its portfolio of personal collaboration devices to cater for the varying needs of hybrid work. On the heels of the flagship 4K Dell UltraSharp Webcam launch, the company is adding Dell Pro Webcam (recent examples include the Dell Speakerphone and Dell Slim Conferencing Soundbar). This professional-grade 2K QHD webcam provides the world’s best image quality in its class offering superior image quality over a FHD (1080p) webcam and delivering clear, professional quality in any lighting condition.

The Sony STARVIS™ sensor and multi-element lens take in substantial light to deliver crystal-clear picture clarity. The combination of Digital Overlap HDR and Facial Detection Auto Exposure optimizes images, helping users to always look good.

Advanced Image Signal Processing and 3D/2D noise reduction automatically eliminates grainy images, making sure to look your best – even in low light. The webcam’s intelligent AI Auto Framing feature ensures users are always centred in the frame.

This sleek-looking cylindrical webcam also features a built-in noise reduction mic for clear communication, a magnetic shutter cap for privacy and a built-in mounting clip for easy attachment to a monitor, notebook or affix to a tripod.  Compatible with Windows and Mac Operating Systems, this webcam works well with all leading UC platforms and is certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Lastly, make the most out of the webcam with the Dell Peripheral Manager where users can customize the webcam settings such as Field of View, brightness, sharpness, contrast and saturation based on their preferences.

Pricing & availability

  • XPS 13 2-in-1 w/ Folio: Available in Ireland in September, with pricing to be announced upon release.
  • XPS 13 Plus Developer’s Edition: Available in Ireland in the coming weeks, with pricing to be announced upon release.
  • Dell Pro Webcam (WB50523): Available in Ireland now starting at €107.99 ex.VAT

 

How Technology Helps Restaurant Owners Manage Payments More Quickly

Technology impacts almost every aspect of our lives. It has been an important part of the hospitality industry for a long time. Today’s technological advancements are being used in restaurants around the world to great success. These advancements are helping restaurant owners to expand their businesses. Nowadays, creating a website for your restaurant is simple, even if you don’t have any experience building websites. With a restaurant website maker, you can easily create a professional-looking website that showcases your menu, hours, location, and more in just a few minutes.

This article will tell you how technology helps restaurant owners to manage payments more quickly:

Touchscreen POS Terminals

Implementing smart retail technology, such as touchscreen POS terminals, is highly efficient. They are used in most businesses nowadays. Touchscreen terminals are powered by POS software, like the micros restaurant system, which operate with an easy-to-use interface. POS software simplifies the order-taking process, so that staff can take orders at a quicker pace. Most POS systems also have customer-facing screens that allow customers to see their orders being placed in real-time.

Higher-end POS terminals also allow for payments to be made through a reader integrated with the terminal itself.

Pay at the Table

For several years now, businesses have encouraged the use of pay-at-table applications. These applications display a restaurant’s menu and allow customers to order directly from their phone, without having to communicate with staff.

Due to strict COVID-19 regulations introduced to the hospitality sector by governments from around the world, restaurants have made pay-at-table applications mandatory.

Pay-at-table applications give a restaurant’s guests the ability to order and pay for their meal without having to break social distancing guidelines and without having to come into contact with other people. This gives your staff and your guests peace of mind. It also allows your restaurant to run more efficiently. If you need some furniture you should check out what is on offer here for restaurants 

Some restaurants, like Yo! Sushi, for example, have used conveyor belts for many years. Now they use them in combination with pay-at-table applications to further reduce the chances of viral transmission taking place inside their restaurants. Guests order from their phones, and their meal is delivered by conveyor belt.

Contactless Payments

Contactless payment is very important to customers. It is fast, efficient, and easy. They don’t have to bother counting out notes or writing a check, and instead, can tap their card and get back to entertaining their guests.

Contactless also allows customers to avoid physical contact with people, which is very important in the wake of the pandemic.

The only downside to contactless payment machines is that there are often limits to how much people can spend. While this does stop fraud, it also makes them less helpful in preventing the spread of viruses.

Self-Order Kiosks

Self-order kiosks are very popular in large fast-food restaurants like Burger King and McDonald’s. They are also growing in popularity among smaller businesses. They allow guests to pay for their food without having to interact with other people. They also make it easier for guests to review a restaurant’s menu and customise their order.

If self-order kiosks are used correctly, then they can actually increase the amount of money that your customers spend. They can also reduce queue times and help your staff to manage orders more efficiently.

Because multiple people will use a self-order kiosk, it’s important that it is regularly disinfected and cleaned. You should also offer bottles of antibacterial hand gel at tables next to each kiosk.

KDS

KDS or kitchen display systems are another great technological addition to the hospitality sector. They do not process payments but are still very effective. In busy restaurants, screens are used to display orders. This helps kitchen staff to keep on track and get orders out to guests quickly.

They are typically mounted on the wall, which allows all kitchen staff to view open orders on a single screen. These screens display orders in real-time, so staff can begin putting meals together the minute that the order is placed.

Receipt and Kitchen Printers

After payment has been processed, most customers will expect to receive a receipt. A receipt will tell them what they have ordered and, in most cases, give them an order number. Receipt printers are used by the front-of-house staff. In busy restaurants, printers are very important.

Kitchen printers are used as an alternative to the above-mentioned kitchen display systems. They are less common nowadays but are still used in smaller restaurants. Kitchen printers print out orders as they come in. These receipts are then stuck to a board. The kitchen staff will begin preparing orders after the receipts have been stuck to the board.

Cash Drawer

While cash is used less and less, more so in the wake of the pandemic, cash drawers are still important. They are also vulnerable to theft. It’s important that you invest in the highest quality cash drawer that you can.

You can find high quality, modern cash drawers that utilise the latest technology to secure your money. You should make sure that you empty out your cash draw every night, keep it locked, and do not leave it unattended.

Food-Delivery Applications

With the first COVID-19 lockdown came a huge surge in the food-delivery industry. Restaurants that had never previously offered takeout began using applications like Just Eat, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo just to keep their doors open. Most businesses are still relying on food-delivery applications, even after lockdowns have finished. Food-delivery applications are now a must-have for all types of restaurants, especially since the government cannot rule out further lockdowns taking place.

Some restaurants have also designed their own native food-delivery applications. This gives customers the ability to order from a business without using a third-party application and having to pay the fees and costs associated with using these applications.

Prebooking Applications

Prebooking applications have existed for a long time. They allow customers to book tables from the comfort of their homes, without having to worry about walking in and not finding a table or battling through busy phone lines. Some of these applications also allow customers to order drinks and starters to be brought to them after they arrive. This allows them to relax upon arriving and gives them time to collect themselves before they begin looking through the menu and selecting main course meals.

Technology has allowed businesses to streamline their payments. As time goes on, more and more incredible technological innovations will be introduced into the hospitality sector. For restaurants, this is fantastic.