Category: Tech News

Google Rolls Out New Resources in Ireland To Help Parents Stay In Control. #Google #Parenting

Today Google announces that it has rolled out a new online Safety Centre, a comprehensive site dedicated to helping parents educate children about keeping safe online. This is something that is much needed and ideally should be adhered too.

The Google Safety Centre features resources and information to help parents deal with important topics like data security, privacy controls, and online protections. The site will be available in more than 65 languages in the coming weeks.

These resources include:

  • Helpful security tips to keep parents and children safe whenever they’re online

The new Online Safety Centre follows on from the launch last year of Family Link the Google App that helps parents set online guidelines for their children. Parents can use Family Link to set certain digital ground rules that work for their family, such as managing the apps their child can use, keeping an eye on screen time, or setting a bedtime and daily limit for their child’s device. Ireland was the first country outside the US to launch Family Link to help parents stay in the loop while their child explores and enjoys the benefits of the internet.

Ryan Meade, Public Policy & Government Relations Manager at Google Ireland said: “Not everyone uses the Internet in the same way, but it’s important for parents and children to understand how to explore the online world safely. We designed the Google Safety Centre and Family Link to help parents to make the right choices around online safety for them and their family.”

JLab Audio launches JBuds Air – a true wireless earbud with charging case, EQ3 technology #earphones #JLab

Despite the darker nights, an increasing number of people have got the running bug and heading off, torch on head, each evening. JLab Audio is launching the new JBuds Air true wireless earbud with custom EQ3 sound which allows users to customise the sound to their taste with the option of Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost. Ideal too for the daily commute, city living and travel.

American awarding winning audio brand, JLab Audio, the fastest growing major headphone brand in the U.S, today launches the JBuds Air True Wireless Signature Earbud. The JBuds Air are the smallest, truly wireless earbuds JLab has designed so far, featuring no hook and a secure snug fit. The JBuds Air are available now from John Lewis and from 1st December at Selfridges for just £49.99

With 13-14 hours of Bluetooth playtime and custom EQ3 Sound, the lightweight buds deliver clean, crisp, audio for the daily listener. Automatically turning on and connecting to each other right out of the case, they provide a hassle-free and powerful Bluetooth 4.2 connection. Designed to go anywhere, the JBuds Air and their case are compact and small enough to fit in any bag or pocket.

The JBuds Air feature an ergonomic shape that keeps the earbuds comfortably in place, as well as additional gel eartips and a new style JLab Cush Fin. Designed with easy-to-use technology, the earbuds will automatically turn on and connect to each other when taken out of their case. After the first-time setup, the earbuds will automatically connect to a phone. Each earbud will hold a 3-4-hour battery life and their case provides 10 extra hours.

Amongst the earbuds features are play, pause, change tracks, and adjust volume by pushing or holding the outside buttons. Custom EQ settings can also be adjusted through the earbud and cycle through three sounds: Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost.

A built-in microphone also allows for phone calls to be answered and hung up, as well as activating voice assistants such as Siri or Google Assistant. An IP55 sweat resistance keeps the earbuds durable for day-to-day activities whilst unique technology allows natural ambient noise in so users are able to run and hear important external sounds such as cars or sirens in the background.

JLab CEO Win Cramer commented “The JBuds Air are a game changer. We’ve taken years of learning and built a product that makes true wireless accessible to everyone. Not only is the connection rock solid, the fit super comfortable, and an awesome look, but they sound simply stunning. The quality of sound that we deliver is unmatched. And we back it all up with a 2-year warranty. This is the best £49.99 you can spend for earbuds. We’re thrilled to launch this product.”

JBuds Air Specs:
  • 3-4-hour Bluetooth battery life in each earbud + 10 hours in included charging case
  • 500 mAh charging case
  • Bluetooth 4.2
  • EQ3 Sound: Signature, Balanced, Bass Boost
  • 2 gel ear tips, 2 Cush Fins
  • 2-year warranty
  • Universal Controls: play, pause, track forward, track back, adjust volume
  • Built-in microphone: take calls or activate Siri or Google Assistant
  • IP55 Sweat Resistance
  • Auto On and Connect
  • 8mm drivers

The JLab Audio JBuds Air True Wireless Signature Earbud is available for £49.99 now from John Lewis and from 1st December at Selfridges.

First look and unboxing. The August EP650B Wireless Headphones #headphones #August

Another set of headphones has arrived which is part of our Christmas tech guide and there is lots more to come so stay tuned. We will be bringing you plenty of handpicked tech and giving you,not just photos but hands on coverage of the products. The August EP650B are the latest addition from August who make really nice tech products that are affordable.

Combining a comfortable and stylish design with the latest technology including Bluetooth 4.2, NFC and aptX Low Latency (LL) functionality, the August International EP650 Bluetooth headphones are the perfect option for audio and music enthusiasts. Offering the best listening experience, a dedicated ‘August Audio App’ allows users to customise the sound settings to their liking. Available in six vibrant colours.

Check out the unboxing below and if you have any questions feel free to ask below or on our social channels. On a side note I don’t often comment on a product till fully reviewed but for the money you pay on these the sound is fantastic and the companion app really is a welcome inclusion.

Reviewed – The August Bluetooth Hat

Reviewed – The August Smart Health Wristband

Reviewed – The August Bluetooth LED desklamp.

August EP650 Bluetooth headphones – £39.95 from Amazon.co.uk

Lifesize Maximises Collaboration and Cost-Effectiveness with Lifesize Dash. @LifesizeHD

 Lifesize®, a global innovator of video collaboration and meeting productivity solutions, have announced the launch of  Lifesize Dash™, a software-based solution for real-time video collaboration designed for mini meeting spaces and affordable for organisations of any size.

“Mini spaces and huddle rooms are quickly becoming the go-to location for meetings in today’s fast paced, collaborative environment,” explained Craig Malloy, CEO of Lifesize. “We designed Lifesize Dash as a way to help maximise productivity in these spaces while still offering the benefits of larger meeting room solutions. Now, companies have another option that is simple, cost-effective, and above all else, intuitive for their users.”

According to Frost & Sullivan, many of the 32 million small meeting spaces or “huddle rooms” in offices around the world go largely unused because they lack anything more than a phone for team members to communicate and collaborate together. Lifesize Dash cost-effectively transforms these underutilised rooms into collaboration hotspots, empowering more teams to be more productive more often.

Lifesize Dash uses WebRTC technology to enable video, audio and web meetings on inexpensive Chromeboxä devices from Acer and Asus and offers easy-to-use meeting controls, centralised management and automatic updates for a truly effortless meeting experience. Lifesize Dash seamlessly integrates with a variety of third-party USB cameras and audio devices including AVer, Logitech, Huddly, MXL and others, so customers can create the best meeting room solution for their unique needs.

Lifesize recently completed an extensive beta test program for Lifesize Dash with overwhelmingly positive feedback. The program involved more than 90 participants, including current customers and evaluators interested in a low-cost mini room video solution, and influencers looking for innovative solutions to recommend to their audiences.

“It’s really simple to setup and use,” said Marius van Wyk, director of operations and technical at SkyGroup Communications. “The quality is surprisingly good. Great software solution for small huddle spaces.”

Existing and new customers who subscribe to the Lifesize cloud-based service (Between Oct. 30, 2018 – Jan. 31, 2019) will receive a free Lifesize Dash subscription. For more information about Lifesize Dash, please visit www.lifesize.com/video-conferencing-solutions/lifesize-dash.

Hër – Stylish On-Ear Bluetooth Stereo Headphones, Launching in the UK. #Headphones #hearher

European audio specialist, Hër, announces the launch of its stylish, on-ear Bluetooth stereo headphones in partnership with the highly regarded, premium retailer, Selfridges. The headphone range will be available in store by mid-November. Perfect for the retailers’ fashion conscious and quality driven shoppers, it introduces great sound aligned with a stylish and minimalistic look. Lightweight, comfortable and cable free, they are everyday headphones that fit in perfectly with busy lifestyles. This also means irish customer’s can now get their hands on the goods via virtual shipping addresses now available.

 

Hër is a statement item, combining technology with contemporary design, enabling them to live to their own soundtrack with confidence. Standing out with its elegant yet simple style, the nude and beige colours complement any outfit and fit in perfectly with that Instagram feed. The matte metal and soft leather are high quality whilst remaining incredibly lightweight at just 200 gms and easy to store in the supplied linen bag when on the go.

The extra soft ear cushions provide an incredibly comfortable fit and the frame can be adjusted to fit all head shapes so they can be worn with ease on long flights, commutes or to drown out distractions when working out.

A built-in microphone makes it easy to answer calls with Hër. There is no need to dig around a handbag for a mobile phone as the buttons can be used to answer or reject calls. This feature can be used not only for phone calls but also for music so the headphones can be paused with ease.

Effortless to set up with Bluetooth 4.1, they allow for full freedom of movement whether at the gym, at home or traveling with at least a 10m range. However, if the battery does run out, the headphones can also be used with the included standard jack cable so no need to worry if the battery is running low. The headphones offer a 23 hour talk time, 21 hour playback time after no more than three hours charging.

The Hër on-ear studio headphones don’t only look and feel great but sound great too. As one of the most established sound technology producers and wholesalers in Europe, Hër refuse to compromise on audio class. Meeting the highest quality demands and having a razor-sharp sound, listening to the latest tunes will sound exactly as the artist intended.

The name Hër combines the English pronoun ‘her’ with the German ‘hör’, the imperative of ‘to hear’ demonstrating the amalgamation of the headphones’ feminine style with a strong focus on sound quality. The company aim to bring a headphone to market that is stylish as well as being actively committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women.

The use of their hashtag #hearher aims to make women heard more worldwide with, at least 3% of the profits made, donated to the German Committee for UN Women.

Specifications:

  • Bluetooth version: 4.1
  • Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, APTX, HSP, HFP
  • Talk time: at least 23h
  • Playback time: at least 21h
  • Stand-by time: 840h
  • Charging time: 2 – 3h
  • Wireless range: at least 10m
  • Impedance: 64Ohm
  • Sound pressure level: 102 ± 3dB at 1kHz 1mW/IEC318
  • Total harmonic distortion: < 5%
  • Frequency response: 20Hz – 20KHz
  • Power supply: 5V (integrated Li-ion battery)
  • Materials: leather, metal, synthetic
  • Weight: 0.2kg
  • EAN: 4260416830646
  • Accessories: USB charging cable, 3.5mm jack cable (120mm), canvas carrying bag

The Hër on-ear Bluetooth headphones are available to buy from www.hear-her.com and will soon be available in Selfridges for £99.99

EXCLUSIVE – Sneak Peek: @TheLightCo is Advancing Computational Photography in Smartphones. #Light #Tech

Tech blogs have been abuzz this year over the future of smartphone technology in 2019 and beyond. Between company announcements and leaked prototypes, some of the most common features we’ve seen smartphone manufacturers and tech companies currently developing include foldable display screens, new charging technologies, new security features and multi-lens cameras. While the next generation of smartphones promises multiple advancements, the imaging capabilities showcase some of the hardware and software improvements that will enable these anticipated camera upgrades and other new technologies.

 

Leaked photos of the Huawei P20 before the phone’s release. Photo from Android Authority.

Cameras have been one of the most rapidly developing features since smartphones became ubiquitous, and that shows no sign of slowing down in 2019. Huawei set the scene this March with the release of the three-lens P20 Pro. Since then, several other manufacturers have released multi-lens cameras, including HTC’s four-lens U12 Plus and LG’s five-lens V40. In July, camera technology company Light announced a prototype for a camera phone with up to nine lenses. The phone, expected to be released later this year, will have the ability to capture up to 64-megapixel images and will feature advanced low-light capabilities.

The prototype is certainly different from the other multi-lens smartphones we’ve seen so far, but the more revolutionary aspect of the phone may be the software that will produce these high-end images. While smartphones with multiple lenses already incorporate computational imaging technology, a Light smartphone may help take this tech to the next level.

The Light smartphone prototype. Photo from Light.

The startup company currently sells a 16-lens compact camera called the L16, and has made waves as a pioneer in computational photography. The L16 camera was released in 2017 with the goal of fitting the capabilities and technology of a DSLR camera into one compact device. The device boasts broad, optical zoom range of 28-150mm, and the lens arrangement allows users advanced depth-of-field control.

With the production of the L16, Light aimed to incorporate professional photography capabilities into a lightweight device that would free users from the bulk and additional gear often required by traditional photography. Specifics for the Light phone have not yet been released, but early discussion of product hints that it will adapt these professional-grade features of the L16 for smartphone use.

The Light L16 camera. Photo from Light.co.

In addition to the hardware of the revolutionary multi-lens camera, the anticipated Light smartphone will likely incorporate elements of Light’s computational imaging capabilities. The L16  currently captures up to ten images simultaneously. Once photos are taken on the L16, Light’s desktop image editing software, Lumen, uses computational algorithms to combine the multiple images into one.

Lumen works in tandem with the L16 to create and export these photos with up to 52-megapixel resolution. Early coverage of the Light smartphone has promised image quality of up to 64-megapixels, higher than any smartphone currently available, and would likely include some of the most advanced imaging capabilities incorporated into smartphone devices.

 

Light is partnering with a smartphone manufacturer to release the phone later this year, although as of today, they’ve remained silent about which company. In preparation for their move into the mobile market, Light raised more $100 million from SoftBank and German camera manufacturer Leica earlier this year. In a blog post about the funding, the company promises that the incorporation of Light technology into smartphones will “shatter the expectations of mobile photography”. The product will not only be the next step in bringing high-end camera technology to smartphones, but will also likely put high-powered imaging capabilities into the pockets of many smartphone users.

Sony showcase the latest tech on offer.. #Sony #Gaming #TV #Audio #Headphones

Sony Ireland showcased their latest goods on offer in the Dean hotel during the week and we got to try out the range and some hands on with their latest tech. For TV fans their new TV is certainly one to watch and for the headphone fanatic like me their latest headphones again are a must  have in your collection.

Sony also have new e-paper watch which is excellent however expensive in my view but the idea is brilliant and something for the fashion conscious to consider with the ability to create your own designs aside picking from the hundreds already free. See more on the watch in the video and check it out HERE

See the entire range and more details and images of their Christmas suggestions for that tech partner of yours HERE

 

EMR announces €500K investment and plans to increase headcount to 50. #EMR #Jobs #IrishBiz

Leading SCADA network and mobile telecommunications supplier, EMR Integrated Solutions today announced a €500,000 investment and plans to increase headcount to 50 over the next 12 months.

This represents a doubling of the workforce since 2016.

The investment comes on the back of strong trading, with this year’s revenue set to increase by 18%.  The growth is due in large part to the success of its recent entry to the UK market and several significant contract wins in the utility and wind energy sectors there.

Increased project completions for long-established customers throughout Ireland, North and South have also boosted operational performance.

The company has moved to a new 5,000 sq. ft. premises at Dunboyne Business Park in Co Meath to accommodate growing headcount, while the existing premises, also in Dunboyne, will be retained as EMR’s primary engineering and logistics centre.

EMR specialises in designing and building telemetry networks and management systems for energy suppliers and water companies.

Commenting on the development, Mark Quinn, managing director with EMR said:

“This investment represents the culmination of targeted execution and tremendous teamwork.  Early on, we recognised the rapidly changing nature of the utility industry at home and abroad, and set about developing the skills and expertise required to assist these organisations with the digital transformation of their networks. 

“We’re now viewed as a trusted partner for many global organisations and we’re ambitious about the potential for further expansion into the UK market,” he said.

The company continues to invest in headcount with recruitment focused on apprentice electricians, mechatronic, electrical, automation engineers and project management roles.

The company also operates a graduate program with the Blanchardstown Institute of Technology, where mechatronics students can benefit from practical work placements during their period of study.

“Forging strong links between academia and business is very important to us,” explained Derek Glynn, chief operating officer with EMR. 

“Getting the right staff with the right qualifications at an early stage allows us to embed them into our own mentoring program and this coupled with practical experience has helped us to build a reputation for engineering excellence in SCADA and telemetry networks.  Continued skills investment in all of our staff keeps us ahead of the competition,” he said.

EMR was founded in the early in 1980s and has a strong management team with a wealth of industry experience.  The company has a high profile client base including Irish Water, Northern Ireland Water, SSE and PowerHouse Generation on the island of Ireland as well as Affinity Water, Welsh Water and Greencoat UK Wind in the UK.  The company has also completed communications projects for ESB, Eir, RTÉ NL, Virgin Media, the Defence Forces and many of the country’s county councils.

Virgin Media proud to support Gorey as Ireland’s 2018 Digital Town. #IEDR #VirginMedia

Virgin Media will be in Gorey on Thursday 25th October to celebrate Ireland’s Internet Day and the designation of Gorey as the 2018 Digital Town by the Irish Domain Name Registry (IEDR).

The ‘Digital Town’ initiative highlights the benefits and possibilities of the internet and celebrates the digital achievements of a local town. Gorey was chosen for cultivating a truly digital environment in the town, and for its ongoing successes in fully embracing digital for its residents and for local businesses.

During the day, there will be discussions and presentations on the benefits of high speed broadband and digitisation – in the Digital Dome being established in the town centre by IEDR and Gorey Chamber to mark Gorey’s success. Business guru and broadcaster Bobby Kerr will MC the proceedings which will also include many local business success stories.

Through our national Project Lightning network investment programme, Virgin Media has extended its ultrafast network to circa 20,000 premises in Gorey, Enniscorthy, New Ross and Wexford in the past year, bringing Ireland’s fastest broadband and the best connected entertainment to Gorey.  Virgin Media also introduced Free Public Wi-Fi for citizens in the town, contributing strongly to Gorey’s capability and success as Ireland’s 2018 Digital Town.

Towns across Ireland including Gorey are currently benefiting from our ongoing network expansion programme which involves connecting local communities to Ireland’s fastest broadband provider. Over the past two years, Virgin Media has added 100,000 new homes and businesses to its network map in Ireland, and is on target to reach the 1 million milestone over the next 2 years.