Category: Tech News

Sony BRAVIA TVs compatible with Amazon Alexa. #Sony #Bravia #Alexa

Sony has announced today that thanks to a recent firmware update, Amazon Alexa-enabled devices can now control Sony 4K HDR BRAVIA TV models with Android. Alexa is now getting popular here in Ireland alongside similar products which are slowly trickling in,other than that we have to import them.

With this update users can ask Alexa to perform basic TV functions such as controlling the TV power, volume, play/pause/stop/fast forward controls, switch inputs and change channels. Voice control is a natural way to interact with technology in the home, and now owners of Amazon Echo, Echo Plus, Echo Show, and Echo Dot and a Sony 4K HDR televisions with Android can simply ask “Alexa, turn on my Living Room TV” or “Alexa, change channel to BBC One HD on my living room TV.”

“This is a great example of Sony’s commitment to delivering a wide range of innovative technologies to our customers.” said Mike Somerset, TV Marketing Manager, Sony UK. “Through our award winning BRAVIA range with the Android platform we are able to offer compatibility to consumers who have an Amazon Echo, Echo Plus, Echo Show and Echo Dot device in their home to use their devices to interact with the home entertainment experiences made possible by Sony BRAVIA.”

An Amazon Alexa-enabled device connected to one of Sony’s 4K HDR televisions with Android TV enables an easy path to joining the world voice-enables home automation and connected devices.

Selected models of Sony’s Android TVs will become compatible with Amazon Alexa via a firmware update available in November.

This functionality is currently only supported in the United Kingdom and the United States. For a complete list of supported models visit and detail about the firmware update visit: https://sony-eur-eu-en-web–eur.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/143558

Let your dream job come to you with @WorksApp_Me #Jobs #WorksApp

WorksApp was created for the new-age job seeker, offering personalised job alerts sent straight to your WhatsApp inbox. James from WorksApp tells us more below about the company.

Our tailored job search algorithm means that with one simple sign-up candidates can ensure the perfect job doesn’t pass them by – leaving them with more time to get on with the important things in life. Our ‘search and match’ approach is different from other spammy e-mail signups that other companies offer.

You won’t be sent a Director of Marketing role if you’ve just graduated; similarly, you won’t be inundated with Internship opportunities if you’re the HR Director for a large multi-national.

WorksApp is job seeking for everyone – whether you’re currently unemployed, a graduate starting out or just interested in keeping one eye on the market while you forge ahead with your career, WorksApp can take care of your job search so you don’t have to.

See more over at https://www.worksapp.me/

Prominent astrophysicist visits Ireland for talk on Milky Way exoplanets. #science #astrology

The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) School of Cosmic Physics will tomorrow (19.10.17) host Professor Giovanna Tinetti of University College London for a public lecture on the exoplanets of the Milky Way.  The lecture, entitled ‘Brave New Worlds: The Planets in our Galaxy’ will take place at 6.30pm in Theatre C (O’Connor Theatre – Room H2.22), Science Hub, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4.

 

Over the past 20 years, over 3,500 exoplanets – i.e. planets that orbit stars other than our Sun – have been discovered in distant planetary systems of the Milky Way.  Tomorrow’s lecture will explore these exoplanets and the Earth’s place in our galaxy and, ultimately, in the universe.

 

The event is open to the public, free of charge. To register your attendance, go to: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/brave-new-worlds-the-planets-in-our-galaxy-tickets-37247044914.

GDPR – The Final Countdown.. AMI is set to run a seminar to help Irish organisations. #GDPR

AMI is set to run a seminar to help Irish organisations understand the legal requirements of the impending General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the run up to the legislation coming into force.

Pearse Ryan, partner with Arthur Cox Solicitors; Paul Hearns, editor of TechPro magazine; and Steve Mellings, CEO of the Asset Disposal and Information Security Alliance (ADISA); will speak at the event and provide information on companies’ obligations in the face of GDPR.

See the full press release below..

AMI, Ireland’s leading secure IT retirement company, will host a seminar on Thursday, November 23rd in the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin, to help Irish organisations understand the legal requirements of the impending General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The event is open to business and IT professionals eager to identify their obligations in the face of the new legislation, which is now just seven months away.

 

GDPR is set to come into force in less than eight months’ time, and will have a dramatic effect on how organisations collect and process data. As well as this, companies will have to place renewed focus on ensuring the secure disposal of end of life IT equipment, to prevent sensitive information falling into the wrong hands.

 

Compliance is not optional and failure to comply with regulatory changes stemming from the legislation will have serious consequences for businesses. Those who fail to demonstrate compliance could find themselves liable to fines of up to 4% of global turnover or €20M, depending on which is greater.

At the event, a number of industry experts will guide attendees through the legal requirements of GDPR and highlight the steps that they need to take to avoid significant fines. Firstly, Pearse Ryan, partner at Arthur Cox solicitors, will instruct attendees on their legal obligations under GDPR, and highlight the steps that they need to take to work towards compliance.

Pearse specialises in the areas of information technology (including IT disputes), sourcing, outsourcing, cyber-security, computer security/fraud, e-commerce and intellectual property (with an emphasis on IT related matters), making him ideally placed to provide an overview of the legal aspects of the incoming legislation.

Steve Mellings, CEO of the Asset Disposal and Information Security Alliance, will also speak at the event. He will focus on helping companies to understand their relationship with their data processor, i.e. the company responsible for processing their data. Understanding this relationship is a crucial element of GDPR. Steve has over 15 years’ experience in asset retirement working with industry, global manufacturers and personally helping to write and implement asset disposal policies for some of the largest organisations in the world.

 

Finally, Paul Hearns, editor of TechPro Magazine, will present the results of a recent survey carried out by TechPro in association with AMI. The survey sought to identify the potential blind-spots in Irish organisations’ information security strategies in advance of GDPR, and the results reveal some fascinating findings. AMI will also launch a whitepaper highlighting the results of the survey and all event attendees will receive a copy. Coming from a development and security background, Paul has broad experience of enterprise IT and will also host the event.

 

Event attendees will have the opportunity to network with senior IT decision-makers and GDPR experts, and gain valuable insights into how to prepare for the coming regulation. For more information and to register for the event visit:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gdpr-seminar-registration-38386541178. Refreshments will be provided on the day.

Top UK Organisations Still Too Exposed to #CyberThreats According to New RiskIQ Research

This morning, leader in digital threat management, RiskIQ reveals its latest report on the current cyber security threats existing amongst the FT30. With cyber criminals on the prowl to exploit the UK’s largest organisations, and vulnerabilities found comparable to Equifax, protection of an ever expanding digital attack surface is crucial in preventing millions more falling victim. For more read the press release..

Unpatched web infrastructure and de-centralised web management practices are leaving UK organisations vulnerable to cyber-attacks and high profile data breaches. New RiskIQ research reveals a loss of control amongst the FT30, expanding their digital attack surface and opening doors to cyber criminals.

New insight exposes five key areas leaving businesses exposed to cyber-attack as a result of increasing digital transformation, including: servers and frameworks, certificates, test site, data collection, and  web management. Cyber criminals are constantly researching organisations’ digital footprints and exploiting known vulnerabilities. Worryingly, RiskIQ discovered 5,127 at risk servers and 2,045 at risk frameworks among the UK’s top 30 firms. This is an average of 171 at risk servers and 68 at risk frameworks currently existing per organisation.

When assessing the public websites of the FT30, a total of 99,467 live websites were discovered; an average of 3,315 websites per business. Such expansive digital presence is the result of digital transformation efforts which can often result in the loss of security control, leading to  opportunities for cyber adversaries to exploit weaknesses and access critical business and customer information.

Whilst businesses continue to be exposed to risk outside of the firewall, there is simultaneously an impact on consumer trust and long-term business success. For example, expired or untrusted certificates result in warning messages that dent consumer confidence and can lead to disengagement. The research uncovered an average of 35 expired certificates and 250 untrusted certificates per organization.

Risk is also present when it comes to data collection within the FT30. If done insecurely, this can lead to loss or fraudulent use of customer data, whilst impacting a business’s reputation and revenue. A total of 13,194 instances of data collection through login or input forms was discovered, of which over a quarter (29%) had no encryption, and 5% were using old encryption algorithms or expired certificates.

Fabien Libeau, VP RiskIQ, EMEA says, “Gaining visibility over an ever expanding web presence isn’t a simple task. We have recently seen the consequence of Equifax losing control of its infrastructure and web assets before falling victim to cyber-crime and impacting millions of customers. It is crucial that other organisations don’t follow suit by ensuring their digital attack surface is constantly monitored, kept under control and secure from cyber adversaries on the prowl.”

The full UK FT30 report and findings can be found here.

Image source

Ireland’s Red Alert forces thousands of companies to work remotely. #Ophelia #Abodoo

Many companies in Ireland are ‘going remote’ today (16.10.17) for the first time, out of necessity rather than choice. With the arrival of Storm Ophelia to Ireland, forcing school closures, limited public transport and warnings for people to stay in-doors, Abodoo are highlighting reasons why companies should encourage remote working all year round. Sadly though some services will have to continue like first repsonders and so on and other major businesses will have to have staff on the ground but going remote is an option and perhaps some have chose to ignore perhaps until now.

Top 7 reasons to go remote with your workforce:

Remote workers save, on average, between €2,000 and €7,000 and hundreds of hours of travel time per year – just by removing their daily commute.

82% of those who work from home report lower stress levels as a result.

58% of companies in Ireland (in a 2016 survey of 540 companies) confirmed they are investing in cloud technology, of which 46% confirmed this would benefit remote working.

15% of large multinational companies in Ireland now support home-working, and this figure is increasing year on year.

Companies that promote remote working report an increase in staff retention of over 50 per cent; and a reduction in absenteeism of 63%.91% of companies that facilitate remote working experience increased productivity.

Companies will save an average of €11,000 per employee that is remote and many start by implementing a hybrid or flexible model.

Abodoo, the online platform that connects employers directly with professionals who want to work remotely, has attracted support from the IDA and open eir.

Vanessa Tierney, co founder of Abodoo is a champion of flexible working. She stated today: “More and more companies want to find great remote workers. Until Abodoo there was no dedicated job platform for connecting employers and workers in Europe. We have made it free to access and have a panel of experts on hand to support companies in their workforce transition

“Ireland and the UK have some of the best national fibre roll out initiatives in Europe, which will bring huge flexibility for where employees work.”

Employers and those seeking remote-working careers can register now at http://www.abodoo.com.

One-third of workers fear losing their jobs due to lack of digital skills. #Digital #Jobs #Ricoh

Ricoh Ireland, today has announced the results of a survey of 3,600 European workers, including 250 from Ireland. The major finding is that one-third of workers from Europe and Ireland fear losing their job because of a lack of proficiency in digital skills.

Other interesting results are summarised as follows:

 

  • 70% believe younger employees are better suited to working with new types of technology.
  • Two thirds of employees want more training in digital technologies from their employers.
  • 36% feel that their business will fail within 5 years if the right investments in technology aren’t made.
  • 72% believe that senior management will only introduce new technology if it helps to cut costs, rather than empower employees.

See press release below.

Ricoh Ireland is today announcing the results of a survey which has found that a lack of proficiency in digital skills is a major concern for Irish and European employees, with 33% worrying they will soon be out of a job. Concerns about a growing generational gap are apparent as 70% believe that younger employees are better suited to working with new types of technology.

The survey by Censuswide of 3,600 employees from across Europe, including 250 in Ireland, found that while workers want to use more innovative digital technology, 40% admit that they lack the skills to make it effective. In addition, 67% want employers to put more emphasis on digital skills training so they can do the best job possible with the new tools and services being introduced.

Most workers surveyed are positive about the potential of new technology to empower them to work in smarter ways. This includes more immediate access to data (44%), the ability to work from home more frequently (42%) and the reduction of repetitive tasks (41%).

72% of those surveyed believe that senior management will only introduce new technology if it helps to cut costs, rather than empower employees. Yet there are drastic perceived risks of underinvestment, as 36% of employees think that their business will fail within five years if the right investments in technology aren’t made. What’s more, almost half (46%) feel that their competitors already have a technological edge.

Chas Moloney, director, Ricoh Ireland and UK

Almost two-thirds (65%) of the workers surveyed say automation technology will enable them to be more productive, while 52% believe that artificial intelligence will have a positive impact on their role.

Commenting on the survey results, Chas Moloney, director, Ricoh Ireland and UK, said: “Despite the headlines about robots taking over the workplace, most employees see the benefits of automated technologies, particularly where it frees them up to do more interesting work. Digital empowerment through new technologies has the ability to greatly improve productivity and employee engagement, as menial tasks can be automated and streamlined.

“However, no amount of infrastructure spending will help a business that isn’t encouraging and enabling its staff to develop the right skills. To ensure long term success, staff retention and ongoing competitiveness, business leaders must listen to and embrace the needs of employees from every generation in the workplace.”

Major new London event announced to promote tech opportunities in Ireland. #tech

A major new event to showcase tech opportunities in Ireland will take place in London next February, it has been announced. 

The announcement was made at the inaugural 404 event, which saw hundreds of skilled techies descend on the Royal Hospital Kilmainham over the weekend.

The follow-on London event – Tech/Life Ireland | 404 London – will be the first international tech recruitment event of its kind.  It will take place in the heart of London in February 2018.  Similar events are being planned for other European locations later in the year. 

The event will be delivered by the team behind 404 Dublin and the well-established Career Zoo events, on behalf of Tech/Life Ireland, which is a joint initiative of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.Tech/Life Ireland’s purpose is to promote the unequalled tech career opportunities in Ireland and attract critical emerging skills in areas like data, security and fintech.

 Speaking from 404 Dublin, Jackie Slattery, event co-founder, said: “Ireland’s thriving tech scene is well-documented, as is the need for a pipeline of skilled professionals to ensure continued growth within the sector. 

 “For globally-minded professionals with the right tech skills, Ireland has so much to offer.  Both in terms of career development and quality of life, the opportunities here are amongst the best in the world. 

 “There are over 365,000 developers in the Greater London area and, in a recent survey, more than a third said they would consider relocating in light of Brexit.  Ireland is a natural choice for those seeking to relocate. 

 “As such, next February we’re bringing the energy, diversity and opportunity of Ireland’s tech ecosystem to London to show people there what we have to offer at Tech/Life Ireland | 404 London.

 “Now is the time for Ireland to play to its strengths, to tell the exciting story of Irish tech innovation and lead the way internationally in attracting top tech talent.  The London event in February will be a not-to-be-missed showcase of top tech companies and career opportunities in Ireland,” concluded Jackie Slattery.

 404 Dublin

Hundreds of tech professionals from Ireland and further afield attended 404 Dublin, which was run in partnership with Tech/Life Ireland, at the weekend. Billed as the “ultimate tech meetup”, the line-up included award-winning game designers, technology experts, Javascript DJs, AI-generated poetry and meditative VR. 

 Participating companies included Accenture, Aer Lingus, BearingPoint, CarTrawler, Demonware, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, IBM, Liferay, Nitro, Oath, Ocuco, Pivotal, Pramerica, Qualtrics, SIG, Version 1 and Ward, amongst others.

 Tech Tour of Dublin

Three London-based tech professionals were flown in as VIP guests for the event, after winning a competition run in partnership with Aer Lingus and Tech/Life Ireland.

The prize included return flights to Dublin, two nights’ accommodation, a tour of top tech HQs, and attendance at 404 Dublin.

Speaking from 404 Dublin, competition winner Matthew Gilbert – who’s a software director for high-speed computing, from Texas and currently living in London – said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to come to Dublin and get a really strong flavour of Ireland’s tech community.

 “Dublin as a tech hub is clearly buzzing – it’s definitely a city with strong appeal for globally-minded tech professionals.”

Further information about Tech/Life Ireland | 404 London is available at www.404.ie.  Any companies looking to get involved in the next 404 event should email: hello@404.ie.

 

Royal Hospital Kilmainham to transform into tech playground tomorrow.#404Events #Tech

Hundreds of tech professionals; award-winning game designers; leading tech companies; technology experts; and Ireland’s meet-up community will converge at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham tomorrow, Saturday, 7th October 2017 from 10am to 5pm for Ireland’s newest tech event, 404.

GET TICKETS HERE 

Billed as the ultimate tech meetup, programme highlights for 404 will include:

 

  • Javascript DJs: a collective of artists performing through Javascript;
  • Cello Fortress: a live gaming + music performance by a cellist defending his fortress;
  • A Pythonista creating AI-generated poetry;
  • Tech for Good’s Digital Missing Maps;
  • IBM’s Hackable City;
  • DEEP by Owen Harris: a meditative VR game controlled by breathing;
  • Speakers from over 40 tech meetup groups;
  • 30 top technology companies;
  • Lots of interactive demos, including VR storytelling and the latest AR technology from Google, Tango.

Further information and the full line-up for the event is available at www.404.ie.