Saturday 6th February will mark Bob Marley’s birthday and we wanted to share some information on House of Marley, the sustainably minded audio maker created in collaboration with the Marley family to carry on Bob’s legacy of love for music and the planet.
To celebrate the occasion, House of Marley will be offering 25% off all products with the code BOB76, from Friday 5th – Sunday 7th February at houseofmarley.co.uk.
For more than 10 years, House of Marley has consciously crafted audio products from sustainable materials such as FSC certified wood, bamboo and cork, as well as Marley’s signature REWIND™ fabric made from organic cotton, reclaimed hemp and recycled plastic bottles.
The Project Marley Global Giving initiative was created in honour of the legendary Bob Marley and his respect for the earth and its people. In addition to creating audio products that are better for the earth, House of Marley are also devoted to supporting global reforestation via One Tree Planted, a charitable initiative contributing to the planting of trees around the world. Since 2017 and through donations made to One Tree Planted, the company has helped to plant 223,000 trees. House of Marley recognises the responsibility to reduce its corporate footprint by contributing to positive environmental, social and economic impacts through carbon offsets, cleaner air, water filtration and greater biodiversity within the world’s forests and oceans, and also supports ocean conservation via the Surfrider Foundation.
House of Marley’s Redemption ANC are the first sustainably minded ANC true wireless earbuds. Crafted from bamboo, natural wood fibre composite and REGRIND™ silicone and IPX4 rated, these earbuds are ideal for all activities. Complete with 7 hours battery or 28 hours with the case, you’ll never be without your tunes. SEE OUR REVIEW
Crafted using bamboo, REWIND™ fabric and recyclable aluminium, the turntable not only looks good but is sustainable too. USB to PC recording means that not only can you listen to classic vinyl’s, you can also record and digitise music that can be listened to on laptops, phones or portable media devices.
Buying a new property is everyone’s dream. We all want to make sure everything is perfect at our new home. However, it is crucial to check the history of that property before buying it.
It is because there are many cases of fraudulent property selling that end up with legal problems. That is why people recommend knowing everything about a property before signing the papers.
Today, we will share a platform that helps you check the records of a property and its previous owner. It will make your work much easier and you won’t even need to contact anyone to get these details. So, let’s begin by discussing this online service and how it works.
What is an Address Lookup Service? How does it work?
As mentioned earlier, Address lookup is an online service that provides complete records of a property. You can check the complete details of any address without visiting it. Additionally, you can verify if there is any property at the provided address or not.
CocoFinder’s address owner lookup is not limited to the basic information as you can get the criminal activities done on that property as well. This data is shown through a report that will give you all the information you need for making a decision.
The information comes from the public database and you can rely on it without giving it a second thought. However, you need a powerful platform to use this service.
Here is our best recommendation to search for an address.
CocoFinder
CocoFinder is the leading application to find any public information online. It has a wide database where you can find any information related to a person, phone number, or address. This application is equipped with various features that will help you get any information within a few seconds.
When you search for a name or an address, it starts searching for the relevant information on millions of databases. After that, you can get the information in a well-designed report. That way, it can help anyone get the history of property without replying to any property agent.
It is completely secure as you do not need to create an account on the platform. Instead, you can visit CocoFinder’s website and start searching for any information you want. Your data and privacy stay safe as it does not collect data on the platform.
How to Use CocoFinder to Get Property Information
Considering the increasing cases of property fraud, CocoFinder has made it much easier to use its services. All you need to do is follow three simple steps and you can get complete information about any property you want.
Step1: Visit its official website and click on the address lookup feature from the homepage. It will redirect you to a new page where you can proceed with your query.
Step2: Enter the address and select the city of that property. Match your query and click on the start search option. It will take some time to analyze the database.
Step3: You will get a report where you can get a complete history of that property. The report is broken down into different sections to help you read it conveniently. Once you get the report, check all the information you want and close the website.
That’s it. No registration or sign up required. You can also use its other features such as background check, people search, and phone lookup for other information. However, we recommend checking out the features to understand how they work.
What Information Does the Report Include?
An address lookup report includes everything you need to know about the property, owner, and neighborhood.
Section1: About Property
The first section of the report covers some important details about the property. Please know that the details are uploaded from the previous records and the data is updated regularly. It includes:
Complete surface in square feet
Design (number of rooms)
When the house was built (year and month)
PIN code of the area
The average value of property
Tax Information related to Mortgage and pending loans
The second section of the report covers everything about the previous owners of the property. It is not limited to their name as you can check their records as well. That way, you can know what type of person has lived at that address.
It includes:
Full name of the owner/owner’s
Contact details including phone and landline number
Other ways to contact (Social media and other profiles)
Previously owned property by the owner
Criminal records
These details will help you know if the person had any criminal record or not. We recommend using the background check feature on the owner to get more details.
Section3: Neighbourhood Details
Neighbourhood plays a key role in helping you make a decision of buying a property. That is why this report includes complete information about the neighbourhood of the property. No matter what property you are searching for, you can get complete details in this section.
It includes:
Value of the property in that area
Nearby market and general stores for convenient living
Type of people who live there ( find out if there is any sex offender)
The average income of people who live there
Demographic information
If you want to check the complete list, you can visit its website and search for the property yourself.
Final Words
Getting the public records of a property is no longer a challenging task. You can get this information from any address lookup service at the comfort of your home. All you need is a trusted service that does not sell your data to other companies.
CocoFinder comes out as an excellent solution to do it. You can browse any service while protecting your identity. Additionally, you do not pay a single dollar to use its services. Thus, it is a complete solution for anyone looking for address lookup services online. You can visit its website and check its service by entering your address as well.
Microsoft Ireland was joined today by the Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD to announce a further expansion of its Dublin-based EMEA Digital Sales team with the creation of 200 new jobs. The company also unveiled details of its new Microsoft Sales Academy, which will enable 25 recruits from a variety of backgrounds and with little or no digital skills to establish a career in digital sales. Today’s announcement builds on Microsoft Ireland’s November 2020 engineering investment announcement, which saw the creation of 200 new engineering roles and an investment of €27m in a new Engineering Hub at its growing campus in Leopardstown, Dublin.
Microsoft Ireland today announced the expansion of its Dublin-based EMEA Digital Sales team with the creation of 200 new jobs. Recruitment for the 200 new positions at Microsoft is underway with the intention to have all roles filled before May 2021. For more visit: careers.microsoft.com. Pictures taken outside Microsoft’s campus in Leopardstown, One Microsoft Place. Pic:Naoise Culhane –
Recruitment for the 200 new positions is underway with the intention to have all roles filled before May 2021. Microsoft Ireland is seeking applications to fill a broad array of digital sales positions including Sales Representatives, Technical Sales Specialists, Cloud Solution Architects, Account Executives and Sales Managers. The company is seeking candidates with fluency in languages including English, French, German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Italian, and Spanish to help meet the needs of customers across the EMEA region.
Speaking at today’s announcement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said: “I warmly welcome this latest job announcement by Microsoft as a strong vote of confidence in Ireland as a destination for investment, and in the talent of our workforce.
“In the coming months we will be focusing on delivering a recovery that is both inclusive and sustainable, central to this will be getting people back to work and protecting and creating employment fit for the future. Attracting highly sought-after digital jobs like those created by Microsoft today is an important step in that journey.”
Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland said: “We are delighted to be in a position to announce the further deepening of our footprint in Ireland. Following so soon after our Engineering investment, it highlights the importance of our Irish based operations to Microsoft globally. The growth of our EMEA Digital Sales team reflects the dynamism and growth mindset that is at the heart of our company. Our existing digital sales team has been working hard to provide organisations in Ireland and across Europe, the Middle East and Africa with digital technologies they need to transform their business model and achieve success.
“The creation of the Microsoft Sales Academy further supports those efforts by building and nurturing a diverse pipeline of talent both now and into the future, ensuring our team reflects the diversity of the customers we serve. By adding to the diversity of skills and backgrounds within our Dublin-based team, we can continue to innovate at speed as we reimagine Ireland’s future.”
Microsoft Ireland today announced the expansion of its Dublin-based EMEA Digital Sales team with the creation of 200 new jobs. Recruitment for the 200 new positions at Microsoft is underway with the intention to have all roles filled before May 2021. For more visit: careers.microsoft.com. Pic:Naoise Culhane
Lisa Dillon, Vice-President, Microsoft EMEA Digital Sales said: “I am delighted that we are expanding our EMEA Digital Sales team so that we can best meet the evolving needs of our customers. In just four years, we will have established and grown the team to over 1,000 employees. This rapid growth is creating superb career development opportunities for the dynamic team which today represents more than 75 nationalities and fluency in over 35 different languages.
“The EMEA Digital Sales team leverage Microsoft technologies, including AI and machine learning, and enhance them with digital selling capabilities to transform our engagement with customers. This allows us to meet and exceed the needs of our customers and partners, engaging them at the right time in their digital journey to help drive their business success. I am looking forward to welcoming our new recruits and supporting them as they contribute to the continued growth and success of the team.”
The new Microsoft Sales Academy will provide recruits from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skillsets with the sales and technical skills to succeed in a digital sales environment. The Academy builds on Microsoft’s ongoing digital education and training programmes to help people to participate fully in the digital economy. With four intake waves planned per calendar year, the six-month sales training programme will provide recruits with the expertise to support the digital transformation journey of organisations globally. At the end of the programme, recruits will transition into a Digital Sales Representative role with the skills to support customers’ digital transformations. 25 of the new jobs announced today are for Sales Academy positions.
New recruits will join an existing team of more than 1,000 highly trained sellers leveraging cutting-edge technology platforms and analytics to better meet customer needs. First established in 2017 with an initial headcount of 500 employees, the EMEA Digital Sales team in Dublin has expanded rapidly as organisations globally embrace digital transformation. Upon conclusion of the current phase of recruitment Microsoft Ireland will employ more than 2,800 people in Ireland across its Leopardstown campus and within its Data Centre operations.
Microsoft Ireland offers an extensive array of benefits in addition to a competitive package for the right candidates. For those interested in a starting or furthering a career in digital sales, visit: careers.microsoft.com.
Poly has today announced the Poly Studio P Series of professional-grade personal video conferencing equipment designed to up the game of today’s remote worker. The webcams, video bars, speakerphones and an all-in-one video conferencing monitor deliver the professional edge to look and sound your best, wherever you choose to work.
Developed with the work-from-home and remote worker’s success and convenience in mind, the Poly Studio P Series applies Poly’s renowned professional audio and video expertise, from the company that put the first headset on the moon, to command a conversation with total confidence.
Fine-tuned camera optics and microphones ensure you are seen and heard with exceptional clarity, while brilliant colours and automatic low-light compensation deliver broadcast-quality video from personal and shared spaces.
The Series includes:
Poly Studio P5 Webcam – Personal webcam with camera optics optimised for video conferencing, with 1080p resolution, 4x digital zoom and directional microphone. It comes with a built-in privacy shutter and integrated USB connectivity for headsets, for easy audio plug-and-play connectivity.
Poly Studio P15 Personal Video Bar – Personal video bar with powerful 4K clarity, automatic camera framing, and a powerful integrated speaker and microphone array with advanced NoiseBlock AI technology to block outside noise. Everything you need in one sleek device so you look and sound your best.
Poly Studio P21 Personal Meeting Display – Video conferencing display that includes everything you need for a premium video conferencing experience, including a 21” display, camera, and audio — all in one device. Dynamic ambient lighting adjusts to illuminate and improve your appearance and overall video quality. USB connectivity frees Poly Studio P21 to work with any PC or Mac running your video apps.
Poly Studio P5 Kit – For collaboration confidence, Poly Studio P5 Kits bring a ready-to-work, out-of-the-box experience bundling the new P5 camera with an award-winning Poly headset or the portable Poly Sync intelligent speakerphone, to optimise your work-from-anywhere set-up.
“We’re in a new era of work that has put home set-ups in the spotlight. Work is no longer a place, it’s what you do and how you do it, and presenting your best self from your home environment can make all the difference in how you stand out and command the virtual room,” said Tom Puorro, executive vice president and general manager of global products at Poly. “The new Poly Studio P Series brings the freedom to work wherever you want, with pro-grade audio and video devices that allow you to bring your best self to work and smash every conversation, call and collaboration.”
The Poly Studio P Series products are available for pre-order now for purchase in April 2021, on Poly.co.uk and with select retailers in the UK and Ireland. The Poly Studio P15 is available for pre-order and is Zoom and Microsoft Teams certified.
For more information on pricing and availability visit:
Badminton World Federation (BWF) has partnered with Creative Technology to enhance the fan experience of watching badminton matches by bringing the audience closer to the action through holographic audio.
Since the 30th January at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals in Bangkok, Thailand, live and delayed matches on BWF’s YouTube channel will be enhanced with SXFI LIVE. Making its debut as the latest iteration of the multiple award-winning Super X-Fi headphone holography, SXFI LIVE adds audio holography and recreates the soundstage of a premium multi-speaker system in a pair of normal headphones.
Processed in real time at the source of the live stream, fans will be able to enjoy the lifelike effects of Super X-Fi audio, regardless of the headphones they wear when watching the live streams on YouTube, and feel as though they are watching the matches live in the arena.
Bringing the Game Closer to the Fans
BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund said the progressive partnership was a positive step for badminton. “2020 was an unprecedented year in sport. The BWF has learned some valuable lessons about content curation in the absence of live events.
“As we begin 2021 with the possibility of some of our events hosted without live audiences, such as in Bangkok this week, we are delighted to partner with Creative to enhance the audio fan experience, even when virtual.
“We look forward to working with Creative and the clever SXFI LIVE technology going forward.”
Sim Wong Hoo, CEO of Creative, said: “We are thrilled to be partners with BWF in a first-of-its kind initiative. This is a win-win-win partnership – Creative brings its technology and products to a global sport and audience. BWF becomes the first sports body to incorporate ground breaking audio technology to its events. Over 700 million badminton fans can now enjoy lifelike badminton live streams through their headphones.
“By transforming the audio quality right from the source, we bring the best seat in the badminton arena, smashes, flicks and all, to the fans in the comfort of their own homes. This is as close to the real thing as it gets, short of the fans returning to the arena. Aside from creating the spatialization and improving the immersion, SXFI LIVE will let people hear more details from the matches, through an ultra-wide soundstage compared to regular audio.”
SXFI LIVE for all BWF Major Championships and BWF World Tour Finals
SXFI LIVE will be featured in all of BWF’s top-tier Major tournaments in 2021, including the TOTAL BWF Sudirman Cup, TOTAL BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals, BWF World Championships and HSBC BWF World Tour Finals.
Jabra, leaders in personal sound and office solutions, announces three new features on the Jabra Elite 85t, made available via the Jabra Sound+ app; MyFit, headset renaming and Off-mode to earbud toggle. This is the first software upgrade offered to Elite 85t users following the launch in October 2020, that adds brand new features to the earbud.
MyFit – ensuring the best ANC and music experience
The MyFit feature on the Sound+ app allows Elite 85t users to confirm their correct EarGel™ size and position to optimise their ANC and audio experience. The feature works as a fit test where a 6.5 second multitone is played to check for sound leakage with the help of the in-ear microphone. Sound leakage detected in either earbud is an indication of a poor fit and users will be requested to readjust their earbud or change their EarGel size. The process can be repeated until a good fit is achieved.
Through providing this feature, Jabra is ensuring that users of the Elite 85t have the best seal possible, ultimately giving the users an enhanced audio experience, improved active noise-cancellation and deeper base.
Further personalisation with more sound mode cycle options and a headset name
The next feature being offered to Elite 85t users is related to the sound mode cycles available (controlled via the buttons on the earbuds), which adds to the previously available cycle options; HearThrough and ANC. With this addition, users will now be able to cycle between HearThrough, ANC and off.
Jabra has now expanded the cycle option on the earbud to become the same as the cycle option in the app, providing users with the complete variety of sound mode cycles:
HearThrough & ANC
HearThrough & Off
HearThrough, ANC & Off
Finally, Elite 85t users will now also have the option to name their headset, further enhancing the personalisation experience Jabra strives to deliver. This addition will change the name of their headset in both the Sound+ app and the Bluetooth list, so there is no confusion on who they belong to.
Jabra Elite 85t key features and specifications:
Compact design and oval silicon EarGels™for a secure seal and comfortable fit
Dedicated ANC chip which is more efficient in cancelling surrounding noises
Adjustable ANC with dual sliders for full ANC or full HearThrough
6-microphone call technology for superior calls wherever you are
4-microphone ANC using mics on the inside and outside of the earbuds
12mm speakers for big sound and powerful bass
Semi-open design with natural hear through
IPX4-rated durability and 2-year warranty* against dust and water
Up to 5.5 hours battery on a single charge and up to 25 with the charging case with ANC on or 7 hours battery on a single charge and 31 hours with ANC off
Qi-certified, for wireless charging and compatible with all Qi-certified chargers
Customisable equaliser in the Sound+ App makes your music sound even better
Voice assistant enabled. Elite 85t works with Siri® and Google Assistant™
Bluetooth 5.1
‘MyControls’ to define button settings and MySound for individualised sound
MyFit via the Sound+ app, ensuring the best possible fit and seal for users
Opportunity to personalise the name of the Jabra Elite 85t
Jabra Elite 85t Pricing and Availability
Jabra Elite 85t is available in selected retailers, MSRP (€229/£219). The earbuds are available in Titanium/Black, Gold/Beige, Copper/Black, Black and Grey. Find out more about Jabra at www.jabra.co.uk/elite85t
Remote working and the threat of cyber-attacks are the number one data protection concern for 65% of Irish companies in 2021. This is according to a new survey from the Association of Compliance Officers Ireland (ACOI) which sought to understand the current data protection risks facing companies – 85% of whom have more than 75% of their workforce currently working from home. The survey of more than 250 organisations – answered by ACOI members with responsibility for compliance in financial organisations throughout the country, revealed that the mobile workforce arrangements, necessitated by the pandemic since last year, have left employers feeling increasingly vulnerable to data protection breaches.
Speaking of the findings Michael Kavanagh, CEO of ACOI,
“It’s abundantly apparent from this survey that remote working is a major issue facing firms this year when it comes to data protection, with 34% of businesses voicing their concerns around the risks associated with it. Given how intertwined the two things are it is perhaps unsurprising that risk of cyber-attack was cited by 31% of respondents as the biggest concern. Indeed, the two are not mutually exclusive, with remote working increasing organisations’ vulnerability to attacks.
85% of our respondents have more than 75% of their workforce out of the office at the moment and while the survey suggests that the remote working landscape will certainly not look the same in 12 months, it is clear that the intricacies of having a national mobile workforce is something that all organisations will have to consider, both now and into the future, as flexibility around where people carry out their various roles becomes a key feature of modern day business.”
The remote working risk
The ACOI report that in the last 12 months many organisations have had to reassess their data security systems to adapt to new levels of cyber risk to internal assets and data, and urge that any that have yet to do so, need to move with some immediacy to rise to the data protection challenges of an off-site workforce. When asked ifthe risk of cyber-attack hasbecome a greater consideration since the redeployment of staff to home-based working, 89% of respondents said it has, to varying degrees.
Mr. Kavanagh commented,
“Redeploying employees to work from home has “considerably” increased risk for 37% of organisations, while 52% said it had increased risks “a little”. What’s interesting is that when we asked the same question last year 10% fewer organisations felt the risk had increased “considerably”. This would suggest that the recognition of, appreciation for, and experience of, risk is growing.
The context for cybercrime and cyber-attack in Ireland is constantly evolving. PWC’s Irish Economic Crime Survey 2020[1] found that 69% of firms in Ireland have experienced cybercrime in the last 24 months, and that the incidence of cybercrime in Ireland (69%) is double that experienced by global companies (34%). The report also outlines that Ireland is now Europe’s largest data hosting cluster, putting the need for elevated cybercrime and data protection systems into sharp focus.”
The ACOI advise that regulators in Ireland and around the world have been constantly updating and issuing new guidance to firms in response to emerging cyber security issues, such as fake documentation, the reliability of information sources, and data privacy and protection. While the level of risk varies according to the sector, it is widely accepted among the financial services sector that COVID-19 has led to heightened risks in relation to money laundering and cyber-attacks.
Detect and Protect
Mr. Kavanagh explains that there are ways for compliance professionals to detect and mitigate the increasing level of risk from cyber-crime that the business world is seeing.
“Whether it’s keeping your software and security systems up to date, running regular checks, or introducing more complex processes such as two-step authentication to your transactions and communications, there are small steps that businesses can take that will help detect and protect them from cyberthreats. However, a combination of technology and human resources will always be the best approach to maintaining cyber-safe and secure working practices and operational environments.”
Appendix
What is the number one data protection risk for your company in 2021?
Remote working 34%
Cyber-attacks 31%
New rules around International data transfers – Schrems II 13%
The volume of staff training needed 8%
Brexit 7%
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism obligations 7%
Approximately what percentage of your organisation’s staff are now working remotely?
100% 40%
Between 75 – 100% 45%
Between 50 – 75% 3%
Between 25% – 50% 4%
50% 2%
Less than 25% 6%
Approximately what percentage of your organisation’s staff are likely to be partially or fully working remotely in 12 months?
Between 50 – 75% 38%
Between 75 – 100% 25%
Between 25% – 50% 14%
50% 8%
Less than 25% 8%
100% 7%
Has financial crime and the risk of attack become a greater consideration since some of your workforce have been redeployed to work at home?
Yes, it has increased the risks a little 52%
Absolutely, it has increased the risks considerably 37%
Thrive.App, a leading provider of employee communication and engagement software, has made two senior hires this month to fuel further growth in its business.
Steve Mason joins as VP of Sales, with 14 years’ experience in employee communications, benefits and rewards with Personal Group, most recently as Business Development Director. Steve heads up enterprise sales across the UK and Ireland for Thrive.App. Previously Steve spent eight years with Welcome Finance, part of Cattles PLC, where he became one of the youngest area managers in the company’s history.
The employee engagement specialist also welcomes Laura Ard to its growing team, as Digital Marketing Specialist. With 10 years’ multi-sector experience in brand, marketing and digital communications, Laura leads the company’s digital marketing efforts, with responsibilities including SEO, PPC, social media and email marketing. Laura is a Google and HubSpot-certified Chartered Marketer.
The new appointments are part of a significant recruitment drive for the company with further plans to expand the team throughout 2021 with a particular focus on adding to sales and marketing, customer success and development.
The new recruitment drive follows a significant period of growth and new client wins with 22 new clients coming on board in the last twelve months across sectors including healthcare, local authorities, logistics, utilities and energy. These clients include Meath County Council, Children’s Health Ireland, The Derry Group and Certification Europe.
James Scott, CEO and Co-Founder of Thrive.App, comments: “At a time when communications and employee engagement and wellbeing are so important combined with such a huge majority of the workforce now being dispersed, deskless and now working from home or in fragmented teams across the country, keeping employees engaged an informed has never been more important. As a result, we continue to grow as businesses look for effective, efficient and affordable solutions to meet these challenges. I am very pleased to welcome Steve and Laura to the Thrive.App team, and I know they will both play a key part in our continued success moving forward.”
Belfast-based Thrive.App is a leading provider of employee communication and engagement software, with its platforms and apps used by more than 250,000 employees and usage hitting all-time highs during the current pandemic. In the wake of Covid-19 almost every organisation is relying on technology more than ever before, and with 80 per cent of the world’s workforce currently deskless, employee communication apps are playing a key role in keeping front line teams informed, engaged, supported and recognised.
Thrive’s most recent development is a new rapidly-deployed version of its app, transforming the way businesses communicate with staff during and beyond Covid-19, moving from noticeboards to mobile devices within a matter of hours. The new version brings together all of the key capabilities needed to power up internal communications with front-line, dispersed, deskless employees in a fast, efficient and cost-effective manner.
The Thrive.App platform improves communication with front line staff, builds a stronger team, creates a community, nurtures talent, shares success and supports leadership. Its client-base includes councils, healthcare companies, manufacturing businesses, food firms, retailers and other organisations across the UK, Ireland and internationally.
Thrive’s intuitive content management system enables anyone in an organisation to take charge of company communications, creating and adding content to a single platform and distributing it to front line teams’ mobile devices.
This software as a service solution enables HR, Marketing, Internal Comms, Corporate Comms, IT and other professionals to create and promote important, relevant, timely and customised information to their ‘Hard to Reach’ teams. Those who have no access or limited access to email. https://thrive.app/
A new product that has just launched will provide a stylish and low-cost laptop alternative for students and young professionals around the world. The Leef laptop is a beautifully designed laptop shell that receives its computing power from a connected smartphone. Weighing just 1 kg, and being 12mm thin; it retails for less than nearly any other laptop on the market while still being of high-end build and design quality. It was conceived in Ireland and developed in China. Leef is now available to pre-order on the Kickstarter website.
Leef is the creation of Christian McKeever from Ardee in Co Louth. A recent economics graduate of Trinity College Dublin, he has been inspired by new companies that have used technology to reimagine and reinvent existing products and services. A smartphone and computer user for his entire life, McKeever believes strongly that the time for these to be merged has arrived. He says: “The computing power in a smartphone is extraordinary and, docked with a compatible keyboard and screen, it can deliver a low-cost computing solution that will fulfil the average person’s needs.” He continues: “My vision is for a world where the smartphone will be the only computer people will need – to be used with a Leef laptop of course.”
Following intensive research, McKeever selected a Chinese company to support him with developing and designing his novel laptop alternative. ShenZhen LKKER SCM Co, a subsidiary of a leading Chinese industrial design company, will also manufacture and deliver the Leef laptops worldwide. About his Chinese partners, McKeever says: “As well as providing exactly the functionality we set out to provide, they have designed something really beautiful. I hope it will appeal and that people will really enjoy using it.”
Any smartphone with the ‘desktop mode’ feature is compatible with the Leef laptop; this includes all Samsung and Huawei flagship models as well as several models of LG. Leef displays the connected smartphone’s apps and user-interface on its screen in a desktop, Windows-like format. It features a full-size keyboard and trackpad, a 12.5-inch Full HD LCD display, USB-C ports for fast charging and connection to smartphones; its full aluminium body is just 12 mm thick and weight just 1 kg. Users of Leef can do anything that they would do on a traditional laptop: socialise, be productive, be entertained or play games. Examples of compatible apps include: Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office apps, AutoCAD Mobile, Adobe Photoshop apps, Google Chrome, YouTube, Gmail, Netflix and Spotify.
The Leef is now ready to be mass produced. It is now available to pre-order starting at a cost of €164 on the Kickstarter website. As soon as a sufficient quantity of orders have been received, the laptops will be manufactured and delivered to customers.
