Category: Tech News

Unlocking the Value of Data at the Edge,Jason Ward, Vice-President and Managing Director, Dell Technologies Ireland

From the rapid growth in connected devices to the shift to ecommerce, organisations are struggling to manage the explosion in the growth of data. Edge computing is the answer to managing this data deluge and gaining business benefits from it. Many technology leaders in Ireland know it is no longer a nice to have, it is essential for businesses looking to innovate with real-time insights in a digital-first era. What’s more, as 5G connectivity comes on stream, those who embrace data at the Edge will reap the rewards on the road to recovery.

There is no doubt that the powerful convergence of cloud, AI and edge technologies will help organisations across Ireland to transform at speed. Paving the way for intelligent cities, homes and real-time services, turbocharged data management and processing power at the edge will drive businesses’ ability to consume more data. There is much to be gained for society as a whole, as well as the businesses that serve them when it comes to ramping up infrastructure at the edge – to seize today’s opportunities and prepare for tomorrow’s world.

As our lives become increasingly connected there is more data to be processed than ever. We’re no longer talking about gigabytes or even terabytes–the new unit of scale is the Zettabyte, equivalent to a billion terabytes. Our growing reliance on this data makes the evolution of core cloud technologies so important. Keeping up and staying ahead of the curve as these demands increase is already business critical – and requires an infrastructural step-up.

Jason Ward, Vice-President and Managing Director, Dell Technologies Ireland

The “5G Future SME Report”, by Amárach Research, highlights that the failure to invest in Ireland’s 5G network over the rest of the decade could see a significant loss of €12.6 billion in GDP by 2030. With 64% of Irish SMEs also believing effective 5G investment will be critical to Ireland’s economic recovery, it is clear that setting the groundwork now will serve businesses well as they look to grow over the coming months.

To feel the benefits of connected devices that provide real-time AI-powered insights, whether it’s in our factories, cars or shops, we need to embrace high performance computing. Then we can truly benefit from 5G speeds. This means firing-up the edge – and putting automation in the hotseat.       The recent launch of our PowerEdge Server provides a window into the future, revealing how the Zettabyte era will be managed – with automation, security and sustainability at its core. Only with turbocharged compute can the edge meet today and tomorrow’s challenges.

Overcoming data challenges with Automated Edge computing

In 2019, 53% of global data and analytics technology decision makers say they have implemented some form of AI or are in the process of doing so. By harnessing data for key insights, it enables them to respond rapidly to business opportunities, while maximising productivity. As these workloads grow there will be more demand on compute, speed and agility.

Today’s increasingly complex data landscape means many Irish organisations struggle to manage these workloads, applications, and data securely from edge to hybrid cloud. According to Gartner, 75 % of enterprise data will be processed outside a traditional centralised data center or cloud by 2025. So it’s imperative that these issues are addressed swiftly with modernised platforms that support their data-driven goals.

Ultimately, businesses must grow and evolve IT infrastructure to meet these challenges while keeping the lights on. In Ireland, our teams are at the forefront of these challenges. Thanks to their expertise and the work being undertaken in the 5G Edge Labs of Cork and Limerick, we are using the power of 5G and Edge Computing to bring next generation products and services to life .

However, the pandemic threw additional challenges into the mix, fast-tracking our hybrid working futures. It accelerated our reliance on hybrid cloud technologies, while spotlighting the need for greater efficiencies and security.

Cyber risks are obviously something front of mind for everyone right now and over the past year we’ve been reminding customers to increase their cyber security as workforces operated in a remote environment. Our latest Global Data Protection Index has shown that 82% of organisations globally have suffered from a disruptive event. Building proactive resilience and embedding trust into their digital transformation plans with security by design is key. This will help secure interactions, providing the ability to anticipate potential threats.

These challenges can be met with edge solutions that combine the compute power, to combat intense workloads at speed, with inbuilt automation to enhance productivity and seamless management. Apart from keeping businesses in Ireland competitive, getting to grips with the Edge will crucially enhance the sustainability of their data management too.

Edge tech

Sustainability is key to a future-proof edge

When we process data at the Edge, we are actually reducing a lot of power consumption, which is ultimately kinder to the environment – it also requires a smaller cooling footprint. The more we evolve edge computing to meet the needs of businesses and generate better outcomes, the more we accelerate inevitable adoption. The quicker businesses embrace the Edge, the quicker we can minimise resource heavy data transfers between devices and data centers. Dell is committed to, reducing the energy intensity of its entire product portfolio by 80% come 2030 – and by 2020 had already achieved a 69.9% reduction. Edge solutions are core part of this commitment.

What’s more, as Edge Computing lays the groundwork for 5G connectivity, it forms the backbone of a core technology set to help bridge digital divides – connecting those in more remote areas. Paving the way for 5G means preparing for a world in which everyone has access to remote learning, ehealthcare and digital public services. Understanding the bigger picture and human impact from today’s infrastructural decisions should empower businesses as they embark on their digital transformation journey.

Seizing future opportunities from the edge

As we look to the future, Edge technology can help to shape our digital future, driving innovation for business and helping to address societal challenges we face. It is imperative that amid today’s many challenges and opportunities, businesses and organisations in Ireland build their foundations with a long-term view, taking advantage of the immense compute power. There really is no other way to stay on top of the complexities of data-driven future

How Managing A Non-profit Can Be As Easy As It Is Rewarding

Managing a non-profit organisation is one of the most rewarding things that anyone can think of. It comes as no surprise that those who are part of non-profit organisations, regardless of the field or sector, are truly working towards making this world a better place. As a non-profit manager, you should often step back and take pride in what you do; you know that you are making a difference even if you are still at the beginning stages. All the activities that go on inside the organisation are intended to improve it, making the organisation even more influential. In a non-profit organisation, you have the chance to treat people and be treated as a person and not just a figure or a number as opposed to the corporate world. The rewards of managing a non-profit are endless. However, it is a challenging job that never gets easier. We know that you may wonder if the tiny milestones are worth all the challenges that come your way at times, and this is why we are here to tell you how managing a non-profit can be as easy as it is rewarding.

 

Review Your Policies

Any non-profit organisation’s board must cover all the fundamental policies in the aspect of good management and governance. New policies should also be established regularly whenever new issues or topics of interest arise. The key to effective management is to ensure that the policies cover all issues, are reviewed frequently, and are updated whenever necessary. Having a “Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics” policy is a must; it is one of the basic management policies that organisations should have. This policy serves as a guide for the organisation’s ethical and moral principles, behaviours, and management decisions. A “Conflict of Interest” policy is also one of the most basic and important non-profit policies. This policy prohibits that any party can benefit personally from the organisation. Parties must announce the conflict and abstain from voting on anything that has to do with it. A “Whistleblower” policy that allows employees to point out inefficient accounting or financial practices without being at risk of retaliation is another fundamental policy. A policy that outlines document destruction and retention practices is also needed. You should refer to IRS Form 990 to find out the standards of this policy. Your policy should generally state when and how documents should be destroyed, which documents should be kept, and how long they should be kept.

Incorporate Technology

Technology and innovation have undoubtedly made various jobs much easier. As a non-profit manager who has plenty to take care of, you should make use of novel software, click here to find out how it can make your job easier and efficiently manage your resources. Using board management software, board directors and vital members of the organisation will be able to share files and communicate effortlessly, easily, and securely. This saves time, diminishes miscommunication, and decreases cyber-security threats. You will ensure that all your data is present on one platform and is available whenever you need it, wherever you are. 

Be Transparent

Non-profit organisations are all about the public good and trust. Having people’s trust is one of the most important aspects of a successful non-profit organisation. This can be made possible by being totally transparent with the public and holding yourself accountable for your actions. You should always keep in mind that negative feedback spreads faster than positive. If one donor loses their trust or speaks up about a negative experience, your non-profit organisation will be quick to lose its reputation. As a result, your organisation’s finances will be severely hindered as well. Having clear policies and disclosing copies of the organisation’s tax-exempt status application, the most recent tax annual returns, and similar documents can help earn the trust of the public. You should also consider answering the optional questions at the end of IRS Form 990. These questions typically revolve around executive compensation, conflict of interest, document retention policies, and other topics of importance. Being transparent with your policies can show the public that your management practices are well.

Fundraising and Financing

Having a finance committee for your non-profit can help you manage your organisation better. This committee should be able to work on a budget and follow the financial policies. You should regularly follow up with and oversee the committee. It is great to have access to financial experts that the board can consult whenever needed.

Managing a non-profit organisation is one of the most rewarding jobs you can find. There is nothing that compares to knowing that you are making a difference as you set out for work each morning. Though, like everything else, being a non-profit manager has its challenges. Hopefully, these tips can help make your job easier.

On the 3rd Anniversary of GDPR: 46% of businesses admit they still struggle with GDPR regulation #GDPR #ACOI

More than 4 in every 10 Irish businesses are still struggling with elements of GDPR in their day-to-day operations three years after its introduction.  This is one of the primary findings of the latest nationwide survey from the Association of Compliance Officers in Ireland (ACOI). The survey of over 300 organisations, answered by ACOI members with responsibility for compliance in financial organisations throughout the country, was released in tandem with the third anniversary of the introduction of the EU wide regulatory system for data control and privacy. The survey found that while two thirds of organisations are fully or almost fully compliant, another third of firms have yet to reach that level.

Speaking of the findings, Michael Kavanagh, CEO of ACOI, commented,

“It’s encouraging to find that everything is ‘running smoothly’ for 54% of businesses in their GDPR operations and control. This is certainly something to be lauded, as implementing the code has proved a complex and often time-consuming task for many. Which is why it’s concerning, but perhaps unsurprising, to find the remaining organisations that participated in our survey (46%) are still struggling, despite being three years into the regulations. This raises questions around whether or not businesses feel they have enough support in this area? And more importantly, is there more that can be done to help companies struggling in this regard?”

GDPR regulation requires businesses to protect the personal data and privacy of EU citizens for transactions occurring within EU member states.

Mr. Kavanagh commented,

“The survey reveals that a quarter of businesses are “fully compliant” with the regulations. This means they have successfully implemented all the measures required and that they have limited their exposure to regulatory penalties. A further 42%, the majority of respondents, were “almost fully compliant”, meaning they still have elements to work on in terms of their exposure to penalty. This could be in an area of accountability and governance they have overlooked, or it could be to do with privacy rights, or data security.  31% agreed that they were “somewhat compliant”, but that gaps remained. 

To any companies that may overlook their compliance in this critical area of business, or indeed who may have let their systems lapse owing to pressures in other areas of operations, we would advise them to rectify the issues as soon as possible, because EU regulatory bodies have, and will inflict heavy penalties on companies that do not adhere to  the required GPDR standards.”

COVID & GDPR

The ACOI survey also found that almost 4 in 10 businesses believe GPDR would make it very difficult for businesses to collect and collate employee health and vaccination data.

Mr. Kavanagh went on to say,

“Like most things, COVID will have implications for GPDR and vice versa in terms of collection of employee health and vaccination data. It is  evident from our survey that if employers were to gather this data, many employers feel that GDPR could hamper their efforts – so consideration would have to be given to this area”.

Mr. Kavanagh concluded,

“We would encourage business owners to make full use of the various supports and resources available to businesses to help them in this area, which range from online GDPR checklists to compliance professionals which can audit your GDPR compliance, improve systems, and fill in any outstanding gaps.”

Most Irish Organisations Would Fail ePrivacy Compliance Standards if Tested. #GDPR #ePrivacy

Political parties are not the only bodies overstepping GDPR boundaries – organisations the length and breadth of the country would fail to meet the required ePrivacy standards if put to the test. Such is the contention of experts at Baycloud, data protection specialists, who say reports on the misuse of electoral data is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of non-compliance across all industries. The experts say they believe a significant percentage of non-compliance cases are a result of a genuine lack of knowledge around GDPR and ePrivacy and a dearth of know-how as to how to put the correct structures in place to ensure a business complies with what is required of them by the Data Protection Commissioner and European regulators.

 

Baycloud’s Founder Mike O’Neill spoke of the importance of ensuring businesses are supported in data protection, which will ultimately ensure better protections for public privacy,

“It makes sense for companies to use their public facing websites to build trust, and this means not only being transparent about personal data, but also ensuring their website visitors have full control and a clear choice.  Our mission is to make this as easy and automated as possible for companies to become fully compliant with privacy laws”.

 

Baycloud say the issues raised by the Data Protection Commissioner Helen Dixon recently in relation to the capture of data by political parties through social media is only one signal of the more widespread non-compliant practices of businesses and organisations when it comes to the collection of personal data.

 

Gail Chalmin of Chalmin Data Protection and consultant to Baycloud said,

“As the DPC publishes its draft Regulator Strategy and as Schrems enforcement moves across the EU, we can expect a robust follow through on the assertions they made and a clamp down on any organisation that does not meet the compliance standards that have been put in place.”

Baycloud warn that Irish organisations are leaving themselves hugely exposed to fines and penalties from Data Protection regulators both here and at a European level.

Mike O’Neill explained,

“It is incumbent on those who interact with clients, customers and/or the general public to arm themselves with the power to understand their data networks and therefore enable their customers to freely give informed and specific consent”.

Baycloud is challenging the public to use its free tool to check the websites they access most often and take note at the levels of non-compliance. The check will also give an insight into the use of tracking analytics that can identify individual users, as well as the countries in which sites process their personal information. 

 Liam Coyle, head of iSeek.ie and consultant to Baycloud said, “I think people would be shocked to learn how many organisations do not meet the standards required of them. Anecdotal evidence has suggested to us that the complexity of GDPR requirements and a misunderstanding of obligations around cookies and ePrivacy etc., is hampering businesses from maintaining the necessary standards – rather than an outright disregard of regulation. But the reality is that, in most cases, legislation surrounding cookies is much less complex than it seems, which is why Baycloud’s services are designed so that organisations can automate their compliance solutions across multiple domains, enabling companies to maintain their focus and attention on their core business activities – without having to worry about GDPR.”

 The Baycloud cookie consent management platform was the first to market in 2010 and since then has helped organisations ranging in scale from SMEs to blue chip global consumer goods companies to ensure they are GDPR compliant.

 Baycloud have published a top ten steps/checklist that, they advise, all businesses with an online presence to consider:

  1. Use the new online resource to first help you determine the data protection/ePrivacy status of your website.
  2. Prepare evidence of and know your own data processing, including your website cookies, and the requests transmitted to or from third parties.
  3. Remember that consent from the end users must be obtained before placing or using non- exempted cookies on the end users’ end terminal.
  4. Ensure that this consent meets the requirements of the GDPR.
  5. Note that pre-checked boxes do not satisfy consent requirements under directive 95, e-Privacy, and GDPR.
  6. Be sure to inform users of the duration of the cookie, what it is being used for and whether third parties will have access to the data.
  7. It is also worth noting that the applicability of Article 5(3) of the e-Privacy directive is wider than just cookies. In fact, it applies to ‘storing of information or the gaining of access to information already stored, in the terminal equipment of an end user’ if this is not ‘strictly necessary’ in order for the ‘provider of an information society Service’ explicitly requested by the end user.
  8. Engage with the experts to simplify your website compliance programme.
  9. Do not forget about Transparency Notices for compliance with Art12.13 and 14 of the GDPR with a view to enforcing data protection compliance across your website.
  10. Have a carefully drafted Privacy Notice which will build trust for your business partners and customers alike.

Five of the most common mistakes on business websites when it comes to cookies:

  • Deploying a generic cookie notice with only an “accept all” button for cookies, and no ability to continue to use the site when the user has not agreed.
  • Soliciting advice from website designers who are not always fully versed in data protection legislation when it comes to controlling the use of cookies on their domains.
  • Applying a cookie policy page to their website but failing to update it when changes occur.
  • Connecting 3rd party services to their websites, such as Facebook or Instagram feeds, whilst not taking into account their impact on data protection and cookies.
  • Prioritising systems like Google Analytics ahead of their visitors’ data protection rights and their website’s compliance with data protection legislation.

Baycloud has just opened an office in Cork, Ireland following on from the opening of our branch office in Marseille, France, last year. 2021 will also see us release a unified product, combining our state-of-the-art website privacy auditing and governance tools, our first to market cookie consent platform, our privacy preserving website analytics which serves as an alternative to conventional analytics platforms where users have declined their consent to the invasive use of cookies, as well as bot detection systems, together with our new California Consumer Privacy Act compliance service and support for the Global Privacy Control (GPC) Signal. Everyone, from individual website owners and online privacy consultants to the web controllers of vast multinationals can bring their sites up to date with global legislation and maintain a clear picture of their compliance status from our comprehensive management dashboard.

For further information and to access the free scanner tool to check any websites compliance status and cookie usage: https://baycloud.com/ or https://chalmindataprivacy.ie/scanner/

Poly announces the launch of the Voyager Focus 2. We take a first look. #Poly #VoyagerFocus2

Poly recently announced the Voyager Focus 2, the latest addition in Poly’s best-selling line of stereo Bluetooth headsets. The Voyager Focus 2 is a smart, wireless headset with amazing audio that’s intuitive and easy to use, combining Poly’s next generation Acoustic Fence technology with Advanced Digital Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to help you concentrate on what matters most.

“In this work-from-anywhere era where background noise comes at you from all sides, we saw an opportunity to build the next closest thing to a virtual sound wall by creating a literal ‘focus zone’ with the new Voyager Focus 2 headset,” said John Lamarque, vice president and general manager of the voice collaboration & professional headset business unit at Poly. “The Voyager Focus 2 is packed with three levels of hybrid ANC so all you hear is your call, while on the far end, all they hear is your voice because of our high-performance microphones and Poly’s Acoustic Fence technology. This headset is the best of the best, with the all-day comfort you need to stay focused.”

Crazy good sound

Callers are guaranteed to hear you clearly – not your surroundings – when you’re using the Voyager Focus 2 headset. Poly’s pro-grade noise-cancelling microphones with Acoustic Fence technology provides Poly’s best noise reduction yet, delivering crystal clear phone calls. Poly’s Advanced Digital Hybrid ANC comes with three settings: high, mid, and off so you can set the right level for your surroundings. A convenient carrying case is also included, so you always have a headset to use wherever you go.

Pro-grade performance

While the Voyager Focus 2 is smart, you’ll never have to worry about not being heard. The Dynamic Mute Alert feature lets you know if you’re speaking while on mute, and an online ear cup indicator flashes when you’re on a call for a visual cue to others that you’re busy. Additional smart sensors will help you answer calls and play or pause music, and the smart microphone boom will automatically switch left and right audio no matter which side the headset is worn. The headset intuitively mutes the headset when the boom is in the up-right position to make sure you are always in control of your call.

Longer talk time 

Poly has supersized its most popular Voyager Focus headset by not only extending the battery life in the latest model, but by also providing the option to use it as a corded device, with audio over USB mode. The battery alone will offer longer talk time, with up to 19 hours.

Works the way you do

The Voyager Focus 2 headset is available in two different options to meet users’ complete connectivity needs. The VoyagerFocus 2 UC headset connects to mobile phones and PC/Mac via Poly’s new BT700 USB adapter that ensures a more stable audio connection and extended range in an ultra-compact form factor for when you need to step away from your device while staying connected. It also has a convenient desktop charging stand option to ensure one is always charged, plus serves for easy desktop storing. For those who need to connect to multiple communication devices throughout the workday, the Voyager Focus 2 Office headset connects with desk phones, mobile phones, and PC/Mac. The Office version continues to charge in the base when the headset is not in use, so you are always ready to take a call. It can also be used as a wired headset when plugged into the computer’s USB port.

Microsoft Teams Open Office certification 

The Voyager Focus 2 headset has earned the Microsoft Teams Open Office premium microphone specification with its noise-cancelling microphone that’s enhanced with Poly’s Acoustic Fence technology, ensuring nearby conversations are always kept private. It is Microsoft Teams-certified and comes with a dedicated Teams button for instant access to the app. It’s also compatible with Zoom right out of the box to seamlessly support all your collaboration and communications needs.

“As employees look for more flexibility in the way they work with a greater need to focus and work from anywhere, the Voyager Focus 2 aims to please,” said Mohamed Alaa Saayed, ICT industry director & fellow – connected work, Frost & Sullivan. “Poly’s Acoustic Fence technology and Advanced Digital Hybrid ANC technologies are premium features that improve not only the user’s experience, but also the experience on the far-end – providing an all-around amazing pro-grade, audio experience.”

Poly+ and Poly Lens supported 

For added convenience, the Voyager Focus 2 supports Poly Lens, a personal device support service, making it easier for IT teams to troubleshoot and manage devices while working remotely. The Voyager Focus 2 comes with a two-year limited warranty and access to Poly’s standard support. For additional peace of mind Poly+ is available, a paid subscription service that offers 24/7 technology support for personal devices around the world and a third-year warranty.

Availability

The Voyager Focus 2 joins Poly’s ever popular Voyager Focus UC line, which will continue to be available for purchase worldwide. The Voyager Focus 2 headset is available today on Poly.com and with authorised resellers worldwide.

For more information on pricing and availability of the Voyager Focus lineup, please visit: Voyager Focus 2 and Voyager Focus UC.

Give an unforgettable gift from Tile this Father’s Day. #Tile #tracking #Tech #Fathersday

Tile’s Bluetooth trackers are the must-have gadgets for all busy Dads – ideal to attach to his bag, car keys or slip into his wallet to keep track of his most prized possessions. What’s more, Tile’s trackers are now available in a new Azurite colourway and a range of limited edition designs, making for a more personalised gift.

  • Pro is Tile’s high end tracker. It’s ideal for keys, backpacks, athletic gear or anything else you value. Pro has a 400 ft. Bluetooth range, Tile’s loudest ring and a user replaceable battery.
  • Slim is made to slide into narrow spaces and is perfect to tuck into your wallet or pocket. It can also be stuck onto flat surfaces such as your laptop.

If you’ve misplaced an item, simply ring your Tile from the app or enlist the help of the Tile Network, comprised of other Tile users, and locate your lost item almost anywhere in the world. Find more info on how Tile works here.

Check out our TILE reviews HERE

The new McLaren 720S includes 3D printed parts. #3DPrinting #McClaren720S

Along with aerospace, robotics and education, the automotive industry remains one of the key sectors adopting and embracing 3D printing.  Not only does the industry use the technology for components and tooling equipment, but also for the customisation of parts, for example, wall panels, bumpers and car doors. 

3D printing functional parts has become more prevalent in the automotive sphere, especially with the adoption of additive manufacturing technology, Selective Laser Sintering. However, the ultra-lightweight McLaren 720S has made the headlines because of its completely exposed exterior made from carbon fibre, combined with the use of 3D printed parts to improve vehicle performance. 

We look at the people behind the innovation, the differences it makes to high-end vehicle functionality and why the McLaren 720S could mark the start of a new age in the manufacture of high-performance cars. 

McLaren 720S Light-weight advantages 

Specialists in aftermarket carbon fibre and ECU tuning, 1016 Industries works on exclusive and exotic cars across the world and has already used 3D printing technology for prototypes and the production of spare parts. They worked alongside Abushi to produce the main parts for this ultra-lightweight 720S sports car. 

The fully functional parts of the special edition model are up to around 9% lighter than the original factory model, with the combined use of 3D printing and carbon fibre dropping its weight from 1,419 kg. Founder of 1016 Industries, Peter Northrop says that the main aim was to see how 3D printing and carbon fibre processes could work together in auto design. The new model is the result of ‘years of extensive field testing and design validation. He states that it’s no secret that 3D printing makes way for more ‘nimble manufacturing’ but the process has also allowed engineers to apply improvements to the ‘quality and precision of each functional part’.  

How were the 720S parts made? 

Typically, automotive parts manufacture is an extensive process incorporating the use of conjoined pieces for the making of the panels. However, using an extremely high-resolution resin 3D printer used for creating large scale models, the 720S components were made in just 120 hours and with one single piece, which helps to strengthen the structure of the part. 

The research and design process adopted by 1016 also provided ways to adapt the printing to scaled manufacturing development. 1016 used Computational Fluid Dynamics to help improve ergonomics, an especially important feature for performance sports cars. The 3D printed parts on the vehicle include the inner bumper structures, outer door wings and the hood and as linkages within the wing kit. 

The full process, which resulted in thousands of hours of engineering, means that prototypes as well as final designs were able to be produced. The company now plans for tooling to be made via 3D printing for the moulds of the 720S and possibly other performance cars it works on in the future. 

3D printing in the auto industry

As the call increases for greater performance in standard vehicles, as well as performance cars, 3D printing makes way for the production of more ‘performance enhanced’ features, and an improvement in the overall production process with the use of 3D printed tooling equipment. For example, Volkswagon’s Autoeuropa factory which began using 3D printing for tool production a few years ago, now uses it predominantly for inhouse tooling production of jigs and grips to help cut costs from 70% to 95%, as well as reducing lead times.  

3D printing to help improve sports car performance 

When it comes to sports vehicles like the McLaren 720S, other manufacturers, such as Porsche, has also incorporated the technology into their prototype production. More recently, the company created 3D printed aluminium pistons for the engineering of its iconic 911 GT2 RS model, in partnership with mechanical engineering company, Trumpf, MAHLE. The inclusion of the 3D printed pistons supports greater efficiency to boost the Horse Power of the vehicle. Frank Ickinger, Porsche project team leader said that the technology makes it possible to reach 30 PS more power from the 700 PS biturbo engine, and the same time, efficiency is improved. 

A new era in 3D printing for performance vehicles? 

The overall developments in 3D printing across the auto industry have been impressive, however, as the first to use ‘000’ carbon fibre features, together with additive manufactured parts, the engineering of the McLaren 720S potentially marks one of the most exciting developments in 3D printing. 

Along with the prospect of producing vehicle body components in large scale manufacturing processes and plans to do more with 3D printed components for the other high-performance vehicles it works on, the story for 3D printing for performance has not come to a conclusion yet. Coupled with mainstream vehicle manufacturing’s commitment to 3D printing adoption and continued research, it looks like we can certainly expect further developments all round in the automotive sector. 

Deezer brings offline listening to Apple Watch. #Deezer #AppleWatch

Deezer, has released a new Apple Watch app which will allow users to benefit from offline listening on the Apple Watch, a feature currently unavailable on Spotify for example. This will provide Apple Watch users with a greater variety of potential streaming services, and Deezer users with an optimal experience when using an Apple Watch.

Key features:

  • Offline listening
  • Download music straight to Apple Watch
  • add or remove playlists that you no longer want to hear.
  • Family subscribers will also be able to download playlists and favorites from individual profiles

 

Gifts for music-mad Dads from House of Marley and JAM Audio. #Tech #FathersDay

JAM Audio and House of Marley – the sustainable audio brand created in collaboration with Bob Marley’s children – have a range of gifts for music-mad Dads. With stylish bookshelf speakers and turntables to blast his golden oldies and true wireless earbuds for listening on-the-go or whilst exercising – all of his music needs are sorted!

House of Marley Champion True Wireless Earbuds – RRP £59.99

Available from: thehouseofmarley.co.uk, Amazon, HMV

The Champion TWS Earbuds are crafted from REGRIND™ silicone, bamboo and natural wood fibre composites. What’s more, the braided charging cable is made from 99% post-consumer recyclable polyester. With 8 hours of battery and a sweatproof design, the Champion TWS Earbuds are ideal for all of Dad’s daily activities.

 

Get Together Duo Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers – RRP £179.99

Available from: thehouseofmarley.co.uk, Amazon, HMV

 

Introducing the brand new Get Together Duo, bookshelf style speakers with Bluetooth connectivity. Capturing House of Marley’s signature style with materials that make a difference to the footprint we leave behind. Get Together Duo are crafted from Bamboo and REWIND™ Fabric. The speakers sync together as soon as you connect them, or can be used separately. One is a permanent plug-in home wired speaker (with built-in RCA and Aux inputs) and the other is rechargeable for life on the move. The wireless and rechargeable speaker carries 20 hours of playback for easy listening wherever the beat takes you. The speakers can be paired with the Stir It Up Wireless turntable, and purchased as part of a bundle.

Stir It Up Wireless Turntable – RRP £229.00

Available from: thehouseofmarley.co.uk, Amazon

Bamboo, REWIND™ fabric, REGRIND™ silicone and recyclable aluminium have been used to make this stylish product. This turntable wirelessly connects to any Bluetooth speaker and offers a built-in switch pre-amp allowing seamless compatibility with Marley speakers or in-home receivers. It also includes a USB port for PC recording. The turntable can be paired with the Get Together Duo speakers, and purchased as part of a bundle.

JAM Audio Bluetooth Speaker & Turntable Bundle – RRP £179.98

Available from: uk.jamaudio.com

The JAM Speaker and Turntable Bundle is the perfect set-up for all vinyl lovers. This all-in-one vinyl solution allows Dad to surround himself with his go-to albums, delivering a clear, rich audio experience. The Stream turntable allows for easy streaming of Dad’s favourite vinyls to the Bookshelf Speakers. The speakers and turntable can also be used separately.