Category: Tech News

GoCar announces €1 million investment in national expansion

Ireland’s leading car sharing service GoCar, today announced an investment of over €1 million in the expansion of its car sharing fleet across new locations nationwide this year. The investment will primarily fund the provision of a new fleet of cars and vans in line with growing demand for GoCar car sharing services among the general public since the covid-19 pandemic.

By the end of 2022, the company forecasts a 15% increase in car sharing locations throughout Ireland compared to 2020. In total, GoCar will have more than 700 car sharing locations nationally this year, with more than 900 vehicles available to rent by the hour and more vehicles expected to be added in line with rising public demand.

Over the past two years, GoCar has been growing beyond its traditional urban centres in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway – this is part of the company’s strategic commitment to make car sharing more accessible to drivers across Ireland as a sustainable and flexible alternative to private vehicle ownership. The car sharing service has already begun its regional location rollout with car sharing now available in multiple locations throughout counties Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, Kildare, Meath, Louth, Mayo, Wicklow, Westmeath and Kerry.

Demand for car sharing services remained buoyant following the pandemic outbreak in 2020 and public interest began to rise last year with GoCar expanding its fleet of vehicles by almost 10% in 2021, with a total of 860 vehicles available to users across the country. The company also experienced a 5% increase in car sharing trips booked in 2021 compared to 2020.


Paul McNeice, Head of Country for GoCar, said: “It’s fantastic to see demand for car sharing among the general public on the rise and as a result we are determined to make it as accessible as possible for consumers across the country. For many households, GoCar presents a reliable and important alternative to car ownership and is a really cost-effective solution for daily transport needs including commuting, shopping, recreational trips, staycations and more.

“National preference and attitudes towards private car ownership and sustainable transport are constantly evolving, and now, more than ever before, people are re-evaluating their individual transport requirements and considering flexibility, cost and importantly, environmental impact. To this effect, we hope that our investment in the national expansion of our car sharing fleet will provide an effective transport solution for more people looking for alternative transport options.”

GoCar enables customers to rent cars and vans from just €10 an hour, with corporate customers using the service to meet work-related transport needs and reduce fleet costs. Registered users can easily book via the GoCar app, then unlock the vehicle with their phone; the keys are inside the car, with fuel, insurance and Dublin city parking all included in the rental price.

 

Further information about GoCar can be found at www.gocar.ie

Synch Payments appoints Nexi to provide and operate the tech platform for Ireland’s first instant mobile payment service

Synch Payments, the Irish instant mobile payments provider, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with the European PayTech leader Nexi as its platform and service provider to help bring the Synch proposition to Irish customers and merchants.

Synch recently secured authorization from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), essentially clearing it to trade and paving the way for the company to move its attention fully toward launch planning for the new app.

The appointment of a technology partner is a key milestone in this regard as the platform and service provider is an essential part of the business proposition. As selected provider, Nexi have already demonstrated their credentials in the mobile payments sector with their highly regarded Jiffy platform powering mobile payments service BANCOMAT Pay in Italy.

Working with Nexi, Synch will offer Irish based banks and authorized financial institutions an innovative service that will enable merchants to receive account to account payments through at point of sale and e-commerce with an effective “mobile-only” user-experience for consumers, reducing the overall costs and contributing to further accelerating the use of digital payments in Ireland.

Speaking today, Inez Cooper, Managing Director of Synch Payments said: “With CCPC approval to trade we are now moving forward and are putting in place the critical elements that will build the foundation of our payments service here in Ireland. Central to this is partnering with a trusted and established PayTech leader who will bring their experience, innovation and proven track record on service to the Irish market for the benefit of Irish consumers and merchants – as well as all payment service providers that are licensed to join the service.

“Since the recent CCPC announcement a week ago we have had a number of enquiries from organisations that want to join the service. It is a really exciting time and we are delighted that we will have Nexi working alongside us – ensuring that we have a trusted partner with world class credentials in digital payments. We look forward to working closely with the team at Nexi in the weeks and months ahead as we work toward our launch.”

Andrea Mencarini, Cards & Digital Payments Director at Nexi stated “We were the first in Italy to develop and launch a P2P and P2B service via smartphone with Jiffy and today we feel really very proud of being selected by Synch and are eager to support the financial institutions and payments service providers that will join Synch, to deliver an instant mobile payment solution for Ireland. This is a further, important recognition of Nexi‘s capabilities to launch innovative initiatives by leveraging our know-how, expertise and people and also contributing to accelerating the development of digital payments in Europe.”

Synch, an independent corporate entity, was established in 2020 by some of Ireland’s leading banks including AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB and KBC. The ambition behind the solution is to have an account to account, mobile payment solution for all payment types -to friends, family, retail or e-commerce, with a simple, instant mobile payment experience for all consumers and businesses in Ireland.

Shannon-based EU Consortium awarded funding to develop Unmanned Flight Ecosystem.

A European consortium coordinated by Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI) in Shannon has been approved by the EU to develop a ‘Digital Sky Demonstrator’, for aerial Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems.

The research project, known as ‘EALU-AER’, will see FMCI and its consortium partners conduct engineering work at the FMCI facility to develop, deploy and optimise Europe’s unmanned flight ecosystem.

The three-year project involves Irish and European partners including Shannon Group, the Irish Aviation Authority, Collins Aerospace (Ireland and France), Dublin-based Avtrain, and Deepblue in Italy.

Work will be based at FMCI’s Advanced Aerial Mobility Research Test and Development Facilities at Shannon, but will include a network of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) routes across Ireland.

FMCI sees this project as ground-breaking new research and a  major vote of confidence in Ireland’s resourcing of advanced air mobility development, and in the industry operators and expertise present locally.

The consortium received a three-year funding award from the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking (JU) to develop unmanned aviation business opportunities in Ireland, in a collaborative research project that will also support modernisation of air traffic management in Europe.

The SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking is a European partnership of private and public-sector entities, established to accelerate delivery of the Digital European Sky through research and innovation.

The new funding will be deployed to build an end-to-end ecosystem that supports safe operation of unmanned flights, to help both conventional and unmanned aircraft safely integrate operations.

“FMCI couldn’t be more pleased to be working with this consortium on the implementation of the EALU-AER programme. This will result in developing and building-out the critical infrastructure to allow advanced air mobility proliferate across Europe.  It will secure access to airspace for large numbers of drones and eVTOL aircraft, resulting in safe, cost-effective and sustainable transport of freight and people in the future” says Russell Vickers, CEO of Future Mobility Campus Ireland.

“This award will help us work with our partners in Ireland to create a new industry that supports safe and connected unmanned flight,” says Boe Svatek, Unmanned Systems Value Stream Leader for Collins Aerospace.

“As a founding member of the SESAR 3 JU, Collins Aerospace is actively and practically supporting its quest to modernise European air traffic management.”

The new research and development will significantly accelerate the advent of the drone and the urban air mobility economy, according to the consortium.

Welcoming the funding announcement under the CEF for Transport programme, CEO of Shannon Group, Mary Considine said:

“This is exciting initiative in unpiloted aviation management.  Shannon Group is delighted to partner on the EALU-AER project and enable this important research and development to take place on the Shannon Campus.  Shannon Airport has been at the forefront of innovation over many decades, and it is essential that we help facilitate and participate in developing the new technology and processes that will allow unpiloted aviation to integrate with legacy airspace.”

Un-manned Aerial Systems (UAS) are expected to have a profound socio-economic impact across Europe, with extensive business, public services and social applications.

Dublin-based Avtrain is Europe’s leading drone pilot and operator training and certification organisation, and is proud to be part of the new industry collaboration, says the Avtrain CEO, Julie Garland.

“We are entering a new era of innovation where the success of the industry will depend on the integration of unmanned aircraft into our airspace, rather than the segregation of airspace.  

“We look forward to working with Collins Aerospace, FMCI, Shannon Group and our partners in the project to move the industry to the next level” the CEO of Avtrain commented.

Funded by Enterprise Ireland and industry partners, the unique FMCI campus at Shannon was selected as home to the unmanned flight ecosystem development project, on account of its state-of-the-art digital framework facilities and facilities, including a recently developed Advanced Air Mobility Hub.

FMCI has already worked with Skyports, Avtrain, Shannon Group and Federal Express trialling freight delivery services using autonomous, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations.

Sony unveils gaming gear brand, INZONE, with gaming headsets and monitors

Sony Europe B.V. today announced INZONE™ – a new gaming gear brand for PC gamers that sharpens the senses and maximises gaming ability. INZONE monitors feature incredible, high-resolution, and high-dynamic range picture, while the headsets include superior audio and 360 Spatial Sound for Gaming. This new brand embraces Sony’s expertise as a pioneer of audio-visual technology, delivering features that will immerse gamers into the action with total focus. Designed for extraordinary performance, INZONE allows you to dive into an immersive zone, leading to a victorious ending.

“The market has been expanding with a higher interest in gaming with the spread of e-sports tournaments and the advancement of gaming entertainment. With Sony’s strong history of high-end audio and visual technology products, we believe this new line will offer even more options for those looking to upgrade their current gaming systems. We are committed to contributing to the growth of gaming culture by providing PC and PlayStation® gamers with a wider range of options to enrich lives through gaming. Also, Sony is proud to have a sponsorship with leading global e-sports leagues, Evolution Championship Series (Evo) 2022 and 2023, PGL DOTA2 Arlington Major 2022 and the VALORANT Champions Tour with our wish for further advancement of gaming culture.” said Yukihiro Kitajima, Head of Game Business and Marketing Office, Sony Corporation.

Gaming monitors overview

The all new INZONE M9 gaming monitor with HDR offers 4K resolution and high contrast with Full Array Local Dimming, for gamers seeking a better experience when playing games with details in deep blacks and brightness. Gamers can also look forward to a 144Hz refresh rate, IPS and 1ms GtG (Gray to Gray) response time for quicker reactions. Additionally, the INZONE M3 gaming monitor provides a high refresh rate of Full HD 240Hz with 1ms GtG (Gray to Gray) and variable refresh rate technologies, allowing gamers to accurately capture movements of rivals in shooter games.

Designed to fit for unique playing styles

The unique, low depth tripod stand provides total gaming comfort while optimising desk space for peripherals. With a small monitor footprint, players can easily position an angled keyboard and large gaming mouse pad around or under the display. Other features include adjustable height and tilt, a selection of rear lighting colours and cable management for a clean desktop.

Utilities for gameplay

Featuring Auto KVM Switch (Auto USB Hub Switch), users can control up to two PCs from a single keyboard, mouse and headset connected to the monitor. With FPS Game Picture Mode, brightness and contrast are optimised to view opponents clearly. Additionally, the Black Equalizer feature allows for uncovering details even in shadows.

Gaming headsets overview

The new line will feature two new wireless headsets, the INZONE H9 with 32 hours of battery life and INZONE H7 with 40 hours of battery life, along with a wired headset, the INZONE H3. All three models are equipped with a flexible flip-up boom microphone with mute function, allowing users to communicate effortlessly in-game with squad members.

Take action first with Precise Target Detection

Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound for Gaming, activated by the INZONE Hub PC software, reproduces spatial sound out of multi-channel audio signals as the game creators intended. This accurate sound reproduction boosts spatial awareness, enabling the player to precisely hear footsteps and movements. With the smartphone app “360 Spatial Sound Personalizer,” users also get the spatial sound optimised to their ear shape for truly personalised gameplay.

Advanced technology optimises acoustics

Developed from Sony’s expertise in headphone technology, the diaphragms of the INZONE H9 and INZONE H7 both have a unique shape that allow the headphones to reproduce extremely high frequency sounds with high compliance, as well as authentic low frequencies for an immersive gaming experience.

Ducts on the housing of the INZONE H9, INZONE H7 and INZONE H3 control and optimise low-frequency sound reproduction for powerful bass that makes deep sounds seem incredibly real.

Game for hours in comfort

The wide, soft headband cushion spreads the weight evenly across the player’s head for long-term wearing comfort. The earpads are shaped to minimise pressure on the player’s ears by optimising contact with the side of their head.

Noise cancelling and Ambient Sound Mode

From noisy heaters and PC fans, to loud construction work outside, INZONE H9 has multiple noise cancelling microphones that keep out any performance disturbing noise. To further the gaming experience, Sony has incorporated the same Dual Noise Sensor Technology used in the industry-leading 1000X series headphones for invincible gaming. Never miss important ambient sounds such as a phone call, the doorbell ringing, or a partner speaking while playing games with Ambient Sound Mode.

Interoperability for better gameplay

Perfect for PlayStation®5

The INZONE M9 monitor provides Auto HDR Tone Mapping, which works with PlayStation®5 consoles to automatically recognise the monitor during initial setup and optimise HDR settings. Additionally, the monitor will automatically switch to Cinema Mode when watching movies on PlayStation®5 and Game Mode when playing games.

INZONE H9 and INZONE H7 include on-screen indication, so players can easily adjust settings on their headset and see the settings reflected on the screen in the PlayStation®5 Control Center. Both headphones also come with gaming and chat balance, allowing players to change the volume balance between game audio and voice chat from the headset. They also come packed with features including the ability to work with Tempest 3D AudioTech, which allows players to enjoy the immersive sounds when gaming with greater spatial expression.

INZONE Hub PC software: personalise your gameplay

Sony’s INZONE Hub PC software was created to control INZONE monitors and headsets, allowing users to personalise experiences by customising a wide range of operations, including a variety of sound and picture settings.

Sustainability in mind

The packaging material of Sony’s products is plastic-free and uses only recycled materials and non-woven cellulose, reflecting Sony’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of products and practices.

INZONE gaming monitor specifications:

INZONE M9: 27-inch 4K/144Hz Gaming Monitor

  • INZONE M9 boasts 4K resolution and high contrast by Full Array Local Dimming with DisplayHDR™ 600 certification and more than 95% coverage of DCI-P3 colour space, providing great highlights and deep blacks as well as accurate colour reproduction.
  • Up to a 144Hz refresh rate, IPS, 1ms GtG (Gray to Gray) response time with variable refresh rate technology such as NVIDIA® G-SYNC® Compatible and VRR in HDMI 2.1 standard.

INZONE M3: 27-inch Full HD/240Hz Gaming Monitor

  • Up to 240Hz refresh rate, IPS, 1ms GtG (Gray to Gray) response time with variable refresh rate technology such as NVIDIA® G-SYNC® Compatible, and VRR in HDMI 2.1 standard.
  • Featuring DisplayHDR™ 400 certificationsRGB99% coverage colour space and 1.07 billion colour support, providing a vibrant gaming experience with rich colours.

INZONE wireless gaming headsets specifications:

  • INZONE H9: Wireless Noise Canceling Gaming Headset: Precise target detection with 360 Spatial Sound for Gaming and advanced technology that optimises acoustics, Game for hours with a comfortable headband and earpads, Noise Cancelling and Ambient Sound Mode. 32 hours of battery life and a 10-minute quick charge offers up to an hour game time.
  • INZONE H7: Wireless Gaming Headset: Precise target detection with 360 Spatial Sound for Gaming and advanced technology that optimises acoustics, Game for hours with a comfortable headband and earpads. 40 hours of battery life and a 10-minute quick charge offers up to an hour game time.
  • INZONE H3: Wired Gaming Headset: Precise target detection with 360 Spatial Sound for Gaming and advanced technology that optimises acoustics, Game for hours with a comfortable headband and earpads.

Pricing and availability:

INZONE gaming monitors

INZONE gaming headsets

The new INZONE gaming headsets will be available in July at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers.

For more information, please visit: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/inzone-gaming-gear

Three Ireland announces 175 new jobs in its award-winning Limerick customer experience centre to support Three UK business customers

Three Ireland today announced a strong expansion of its operations at its Limerick customer experience centre, with the creation of 175 new jobs over the next four years as the Irish office begins to export services to Three UK business customers for the first time.

The 175 new jobs will include both full time and part time positions and openings across a range of job titles and experience levels in the B2B sector. The employment opportunities will range from Customer Care, Team Leaders, Operations and Management.

The Limerick customer experience centre has a strong history in Castletroy, originally established over 20 years ago and currently employing close to 400 people. Given the skills, expertise and talent in the Limerick centre, it is well placed to advise international clients across a broad range of connectivity services including IoT, ICT products and cost management. The continued and steady growth of our care teams in Limerick is a testament to the continued career development programmes and upskilling opportunities available to Three Ireland employees.  The expansion to support business customers in the UK market is the realisation of a key strategic objective for the team in Limerick. This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Tánaiste & Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Leo Varadkar TD said: “These 175 new jobs for Castletroy are really welcome news from Three Ireland. For over 20 years, Three Ireland has invested in Limerick and the Mid-West region, creating jobs and providing services. These new jobs further strengthen the company’s presence and commitment to Limerick and are a testament to the existing staff in Castletroy. The best of luck to the team with this latest expansion.”

Announcing the new jobs, Robert Finnegan, CEO of Three Ireland and Three UK, said: “This expansion of operations in our award-winning Limerick Customer Experience Centre demonstrates the strength of Three’s customer service in Ireland and we are very excited to build on the high standard of talent we have. As the largest mobile telecommunications provider in Ireland by market share, with the fastest overall network, our Customer Care was awarded Contact Centre of the year in 2021 and we’re extremely happy to bring this exceptional level of service to our Three UK Business customers as well.

This also underlines our commitment to Limerick as an employment hub into the long-term. Three Ireland has been investing and growing in Limerick for over 20 years, and today, we are reaffirming and increasing that commitment with the creation of these roles”.

IDA CEO Martin Shanahan said: “Three’s decision to expand the strategic operations at its Customer Experience Centre in Limerick is terrific news for the Mid-West Region and demonstrates Three’s confidence in its ability to service international clients from Limerick. I wish to congratulate Three on this expansion and assure the team of IDA Ireland’s continued support.”

Avanade Ireland creates 200 new jobs to meet Irish businesses’ digital transformation needs

Avanade, the leading Microsoft solutions provider, today announced ambitious growth plans in Ireland as it continues to see increasing demand for digital transformation technologies. During the past 18 months, the current Microsoft Partner of the Year for Ireland has doubled its workforce to over 150 people and now plans to more than double it again over the next 18 months.

In the four years since opening for business in Ireland, Avanade has grown exponentially as Irish businesses rush to invest in technologies that will enable them to better serve their customers and employees; improving engagement through data and AI, empowering their people to work flexibly and efficiently, and becoming more cost and price competitive.

Avanade is now seeking the very best talent, across a range of disciplines, to be part of its Irish success story. With over 25 different nationalities, and 45% female workforce, Avanade Ireland has proven its commitment to being an inclusive employer that that is leading by example in providing a better employee experience. The company was also ranked the number one Top Employer of the Year in Ireland in 2021, by the Top Employer Institute.

“It’s hard to believe we’re just four years old, and that much of that time has been dominated by the ongoing complexities of a global pandemic. The phenomenal – and growing – demand for our services is a testament to the talented people we have in our organisation and the close partnership we have with Microsoft. We’re proud to have created an environment that empowers our employees to flourish in their careers, while at the same time, looking after their wellbeing. In doing so, we continue to uphold Avanade’s long-standing reputation for being a great place to work and the go-to partner for clients looking for leading innovative solutions on the Microsoft ecosystem,” commented Adam Kelly, country manager, Avanade Ireland.

Microsoft Ireland General Manager Anne Sheehan said: “Partners, like Avanade, are essential to how Microsoft builds and delivers intelligent solutions and processes that empower people and organisations to achieve more. Our partnership with Avanade has gone from strength to strength due to the similarities in our values; enabling businesses to adopt a growth mindset and having a transformative impact on the organisations we work with. We’re excited to continue working closely with Avanade to accelerate this transformation using Microsoft innovations.”

“Avanade has been central to us getting to that position more quickly than we could have done before and there is no doubt we will continue to maintain our leadership position and serve our customers even better than we do today because of them,” said Graham Fagan Group Director of Technical and Operations, Allied Irish Bank.

“As businesses in Ireland start to scrutinise their expenditures even more closely, turning attention internally becomes ever more important. Facilitating slicker modern work practices and scrutinising the efficiency and effectiveness of your existing data and infrastructure should remain a top priority for business. We’ve set out ambitious growth plans already, but the potential is easily even greater,” added Kelly.

Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Intel rank highly with students across Business/Economics, Engineering & IT disciplines

Leading multinational companies located in Ireland are the employers of choice for third-level students across the country, according to research published today by leading employer branding specialists, Universum, part of IrishJobs.

The Most Attractive Employers Index Ireland 2022, which was conducted among 8,000+ students in Ireland across Business/Economics, IT, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Medicine, reveals that top multinationals in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors remain the most desired employers for Gen Z and Millennial students.

Tech Giants
Improving slightly on their rankings from last year, multinational tech giants Google, Microsoft and Apple all feature within the top five employers for Business/Economics, IT and Engineering students.

IT students rank them in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place respectively, followed by Amazon and Intel in 4th and 5th place. Meanwhile, Intel has moved into 1st place as the top preference amongst Engineering students with Google ranked 2nd and Microsoft coming 3rd.

The main attributes that students associate with the top-performing tech multinationals is market success, a willingness to embrace new technologies and innovation.

Top 10 employers among IT students

Employer Rank 2022 Rank 2021
Google 1 1
Microsoft 2 2
Apple 3 3
Amazon 4 4
Intel 5 5
Facebook 6 6
IBM 7 8
Samsung 8 9
Dell Technologies 9 7
PayPal 10 13

 

Top 10 employers among Business/Economics students

Employer Rank 2022 Rank 2021
Google 1 1
Apple 2 2
KPMG 3 3
Microsoft 4 6
Deloitte 5 4
J.P. Morgan 6 10
Amazon 7 7
Facebook 8 9
PwC 9 5
Ernst & Young 10 8

 

Top 10 employers among Engineering students

Employer Rank 2022 Rank 2021
Intel 1 4
Google 2 1
Microsoft 3 7
Apple 4 6
Pfizer 5 2
Boston Scientific 6 3
Jacobs Engineering 7 5
Johnson & Johnson 8 8
Aer Lingus 9 11
Stryker 10 10

 

Airline resurgence
Bouncing back from last year’s rankings, Irish airlines Aer Lingus and Ryanair have enjoyed a resurgence in 2022 following the lifting of travel restrictions and a return to full flying capacity earlier this year. This is particularly apparent among Business/ Economics students, with Aer Lingus climbing to 12th position (up seven places) and Ryanair moving up the rankings by 11 places to come in at number 20.

For Engineering students, Aer Lingus has moved up two places to 9th place while Ryanair has moved up six places and now sits in 15th position.

Pharmaceutical giants
Although some have dropped slightly on the positions they held last year, many of the pharmaceutical and healthcare companies that enjoyed a surge in 2021 due to their high-profile engagement with the Covid-19 vaccine development effort, continue to perform strongly in the Index. Multinational pharmaceutical giant Pfizer continues to rank in first position among Natural Sciences students, while taking 5th place among Engineering students and moving up 14 places to 15th position among IT students.

Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson and Boston Scientific feature in 2nd and 3rd place respectively for students in the Natural Sciences sector, maintaining the rankings they held in last year’s Index, while the HSE has moved up one place to take 4th spot for students in this sector, followed by consumer goods employer Glanbia.

Top 10 employers among Natural Sciences students

Employer Rank 2022 Rank 2021
Pfizer 1 1
Johnson & Johnson 2 2
Boston Scientific 3 3
HSE 4 5
Glanbia 5 4
Google 6 8
Kerry Group 7 6
MSD 8 10
Dairygold 9 12
Regeneron 10 7

New entries & greatest employer gains
New entries to the Index in 2022 include homegrown Irish companies An Post and Irish Rail, which rank among all the student disciplines, as well as top international group, AXA Insurance. Meanwhile, the greatest gains in 2022 versus 2021 were for brewery manufacturer Heineken and ESB, both of which went up by 40 places among IT students.

Commenting on the research, Steve Ward, UK and Ireland Business Director, Universum said: “As the world of work continues to evolve and the competition to attract talent remains high, The Most Attractive Employers Index offers an important snapshot of the type of companies and attributes that current students and graduates are searching for in their future employer.

“With renowned tech and pharmaceutical multinationals leading the way in this year’s Index, it’s clear that third-level students are keen to play their part in helping to shape the growing digital and scientific transformation that is underway across our economy and society, not only in Ireland, but across the globe.

“Both science and technology played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling people to work from home, businesses to continue functioning and healthcare to take place virtually, while also resulting in the development of a number of vaccines to help protect people during what was an extremely unsettling and uncertain period.

“The success of tech leaders such as Google, Microsoft, Apple and Intel in the market, and their ability to embrace new technologies and drive innovation during this period, have emerged as key drivers for students in choosing these companies, something which should help to give an indication of the type of attributes graduates today are searching for in their future employer.

“It’s also encouraging to see Irish companies continue to rank well among students in this year’s Index, with the emergence from the pandemic having a particularly positive impact on the Irish airline sector. It is also good to see longstanding homegrown companies An Post and Irish Rail enter the rankings for the first time.

“Through the Index today we want to help employers who are looking to attract up-and-coming talent with an insight into student preferences so they can take this on board when planning their talent acquisition strategies. Every company, no matter what sector it operates in, can illustrate an ability and willingness to embrace new technologies and innovate to drive their company forward. The findings today show us that by demonstrating the role a company is playing in helping to shape and drive the Fourth Industrial Revolution that is now underway, employers will be better positioned to attract and retain talent into the future.”

Expleo Ireland announces 200 new jobs and plans for regional hubs

Expleo, a global technology, engineering and consulting service provider, today announces 200 jobs and the opening of its first regional hub in Mahon, Co. Cork. The company is investing €10M in the expansion of its workforce, along with the establishment of a network of regional hubs as part of the investment.

Expleo has been operating in Ireland for over 20 years. Working with enterprise clients to fast-track value-driving innovation, futureproof their businesses and innovate consistently at scale, the company has seen a 25% growth in Irish revenues over the last two years, spurred by widespread digitalisation across all industries. To facilitate this, and further growth, the company will grow from 800 to 1,000 employees in Ireland over the next two years.

The majority of the 200 jobs will be highly skilled IT roles in disciplines including software development, DevOps, software engineering and technical engineering. The new hires will work on transformative technologies and projects such as hyperautomation, robotic process automation (RPA) and agile transformation in industries including life sciences, financial services and aviation.

To support the recruitment process, and to ensure that it attracts the best talent from across Ireland, Expleo will establish a series of regional hubs that will be complementary to the company’s Irish HQ in Dublin and its base in Belfast. The first office in Mahon, Co. Cork, is now open, with subsequent hubs planned for Galway and Limerick.

Team members based in the hubs will be offered the same flexible working arrangements as those in the Dublin and Belfast offices, allowing them to split their time between working from home and working from Expleo’s hub offices or client sites. Regular team collaboration days, meanwhile, will ensure that all new hires will feel included and part of the core Expleo team.

Phil Codd, Managing Director, Expleo Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled to announce our expansion plans as Expleo continues to go from strength to strength on the island of Ireland. Following extensive research of available resources and skills throughout the country, it was evident that regional hubs would provide Expleo with the additional talent and impetus we need to deliver on our ambitious growth plans.

“Our new hires in Cork will have access to all the benefits our current employee base enjoys including competitive salaries, flexible working, world-class training programmes and a highly supportive working culture. We’re also looking forward to expanding our national footprint further with new hubs in Galway and Limerick also expected to open this year.”

You don’t need to go to the cinema, because the i-box Impulse brings the cinema to you

The Impulse sound bar by the audio brand i-box is stylish and compact, with a sleek design and excellent audio response. With the latest, state-of-the-art sonic technology, it packs a powerful punch. With a full-on 100W sound experience that will give you crystal highs, rumbling bass, and a mid-range to bring the dialogue to life –movies will move you like never before.

A dark room, some popcorn and an immersive audio-visual experience that transports you to a different world; there’s nothing quite like a trip to the cinema. Imagine taking all the best things about going to the movies and leaving out all the worst bits like finding a parking space, queueing up at the snack counter and that incessant sound of crinkling crisp packets. Well, now you can with the i-box Impulse TV Dolby Digital Bluetooth sound bar.

So, what makes the i-box Impulse the best sound bar? Let’s start with the six, full spectrum 100W speakers. Our sound bar has two mid-range and four full-range drivers designed to create the ultimate immersive effect by adapting the acoustic output to the dimensions of the room. To truly complete the experience, the legendary Dolby Digital surround sound will draw you right in, making you feel a part of the action.

The Impulse has a wealth of features that will complete your home cinema set up

  • Six speakers to give you a crystal-clear sound with a deep bass
  • Dolby Digital for a superb surround sound experience
  • A stylish fabric finish and modern design that will complement any room decor
  • Flexible input audio sources including HDMI (ARC), optical, coaxial, AUX In and USB
  • Multiple EQ modes can be set to optimise audio output
  • Bluetooth 5.0 so you can wirelessly stream music, podcasts, and audio books from any mobile device
  • +/-5 levels bass and treble adjustments

When it comes to connectivity, we understand that not all home cinema set-ups and televisions were created equal. So, we’ve made sure the Impulse sound bar supports almost any audio source including optical, coaxial, HDMI (ARC), AUX IN and USB MP3 playback.

Of course, you’ll want the flexibility to make adjustments to the output, because watching Godfather II will not require the same head-exploding bass as Apocalypse Now. The Impulse sound bar’s Multiple EQ modes can be set to optimise your audio allowing you to tweak the bass and treble fine tuning.

And the fun doesn’t have to stop just because the film has. The i-box Impulse can still play a starring role in your home entertainment even after the credits have rolled. With Bluetooth 5.0, you can wirelessly stream music, podcasts, and audio books from any enabled mobile device.

They say the devil is in the detail, we know how annoying it is when you buy a new piece of kit and there are basic functionality problems. While you might think it’s an obvious choice to include a remote, the fact remains that too many sound bars don’t come with a remote control. But ours does and it gives you full control over volume, mode, output, EQ and audio settings.

While the premium fabric finish might seem like the least important feature of the Impulse sound bar, you should never underestimate the value of style. The sleek, luxe design looks as good as the speaker’s sound and will look at home in any living room.