Category: Tech News

Nokia brings Wi-Fi 7 with launch of Beacon 4 and 9 home devices

Today, Nokia launched two new Wi-Fi 7 gateways designed to deliver, reliable, ultra-fast broadband to every corner of the home. Nokia’s entry level Beacon 4 and mid-tier Beacon 9 offer gigabit speeds over Wi-Fi – essential for supporting the expanding demands of streaming, online gaming, video, smart home, and security applications in the home.

As XGS-PON and 25G PON services grow, Wi-Fi upgrades are essential to delivering multi-gigabit speeds into homes.   Nokia’s new Beacon 4 and 9 are designed specifically for this purpose, allowing service providers to offer an affordable, best-in-class Wi-Fi 7 experience for the masses. Incorporating Wi-Fi 7’s full capabilities, the dual-band Beacon 4 gateway delivers 3.6Gbs speeds over Wi-Fi while the tri-band Beacon 9 gateway delivers blazingly fast 9.4Gbs speeds that help eliminate slowdowns and buffering issues. Both Beacons are powered by its Corteca software which allows operators to create and monetize better broadband experiences.

“As the connected home ecosystem grows increasingly complex, Wi-Fi 7 emerges not just as a technological upgrade, but as a strategic necessity. To unlock the full market potential of Wi-Fi 7, it is essential to accelerate its availability across a wider range of devices. Expanding access – while preserving opportunities for service providers to differentiate and monetize premium offerings – will be key to driving adoption at scale and delivering the elevated experience consumers expect.” said Alzbeta Fellenbaum, Practice Leader, Service Provider – Consumer at Omdia.

“Wi-Fi 7 is a pivotal new technology that will power the connected home of the future. Operators can now make Wi-Fi 7 a reality for customers, with two new affordable solutions that ensure multi-gigabit speeds are delivered to every corner of the home for the ultimate experience,” said Dirk Verhaegen, Head of Broadband Devices, Fixed Networks at Nokia.

The new gateways expand Nokia’s portfolio of Wi-Fi 7 devices which now include the Beacon 4, Beacon 9, Beacon 19 and Beacon 24 models, each designed to meet the varying demands of operators and end-users globally.

Multimedia, technical information and related news 

Web Page: Nokia Wi-Fi

Web Page: Nokia Beacon 9

Web Page: Nokia Beacon 4

One in 10 admit to pirating content on their work devices

IT.ie, a leading Irish IT managed services company, is today urging SMEs to strengthen their cybersecurity defences as the deadline for the EU’s NIS2 directive approaches. The need for businesses to reinforce their cybersecurity measures is highlighted in research carried out by IT.ie and SonicWall, which found that one in 10 office workers have pirated content on a work device in the last year.

The research of 1,000 office workers based in Ireland was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of IT.ie and SonicWall, a global leader in cybersecurity innovation. The research emphasises the human role in cybersecurity breaches, as well as a discrepancy between vigilance at home versus in the office.

The majority (65%) of office-based employees said they used a work device for personal tasks in the last 12 months. Of these, 32% have used it for online shopping, 24% for accessing a personal social media account, and 17% for streaming movies and TV shows. Additionally, 9% have used it for gaming and 7% for gambling. Many of these figures are significantly higher for office workers aged 18 to 24. Of this age group, in the last 12 months, 36% checked their social media on a work device, 24% gamed and 17% pirated TV shows or movies.

The survey suggests that these extracurricular activities are more likely to happen when employees are working from home, with 53% saying they are more inclined to use websites and apps that are not approved by their employer when they work remotely. Furthermore, 64% said being in the office makes them more vigilant about cybersecurity. This may explain why 58% feel more exposed to cyberattacks when working remotely.

Despite this, 28% of office workers said they do not use a company-provided VPN (virtual private network) when accessing work systems remotely. In fact, 23% say their employer doesn’t have specific remote working cybersecurity policies at all.

The research comes as the latest NIS2 Directive deadline approaches, requiring EU member states to provide a list of organisations that will fall under it. It is expected that compliance will be costly, highlighting the financial burden of adequate cybersecurity for SMEs. To address this, IT.ie is launching CyberProtect, a multifaceted solution designed to make cybersecurity more accessible to SMEs.

Eamon Gallagher, founder and managing director, IT.ie, said: “As the EU-wide NIS2 Directive approaches, businesses are now facing the ever-present risk of cybersecurity attacks, along with the new risk of non-compliance with the Directive. Our research shows that human error – and simple human nature – remain significant risks to businesses. For example, we found that 46% of employees have viewed confidential work documentation in a public place in the last 12 months.

“Such practices should be addressed – and hopefully eliminated – with frequent cybersecurity training. But that must be backed up by combined measures that can help to protect a business if, and when, an employee does make an error. Employees are not acting maliciously, but they do make mistakes. This needs to be countered by simply making it impossible for employees to access pirate websites, gambling sites and many others using their work devices.

“Many SMEs struggle to implement comprehensive security measures due to financial constraints and poor availability of options. CyberProtect recognises this urgent need by making cybersecurity more accessible to businesses, regardless of their size. It is a comprehensive security stack that eliminates the need to deal with multiple vendors. With SMEs accounting for 99.8% of businesses here, we must ensure we do everything we can to protect them – and our economy.”

Stuart Taylor, Regional Director for Northern Europe, Sonicwall, said:

“These office behaviours, especially in hybrid or remote environments, highlight the importance of a layered security approach – one that extends beyond traditional perimeter defences. Solutions like SonicWall’s layered security architecture integrate advanced threat protection, cloud secure edge, zero-trust access, endpoint control, and secure mobile connectivity can help organizations protect every access point, whether in-office or remote.”

IFA Moments launches: Where tech meets culture – IFA Berlin cooperates with Home Again Club Festival

IFA Berlin, the world’s largest home and consumer tech event, brings back IFA Moments – a platform for cultural highlights that extends well beyond the main event in September and unfolds throughout the year. The campaign kicks off with a partnership with the Home Again Club Festival, taking place at Berlin’s Club Revier Südost from 28 May to 2 June 2025.

The IFA Moments campaign launches with a clear focus: Tech meets Techno. Loud, creative and deeply rooted in Berlin’s club scene, it forms a space where culture and innovation collide – uniting electronic music, community and future-facing technology. Headline acts include Peggo Gou, Solomun, Helena Hauff, Job Jobse, I Hate Models, Octo Octa and many more.

At the heart of this collaboration with the Home Again Club Festival is the panel “Innovation, imagination and the future of the music scene“, on 31 May. Artists, DJs and tech visionaries will explore how sound, innovation and community co-create tomorrow´s cultural spaces – openly, inspiringly, and with a visionary spirit. Expect fresh perspectives, honest conversations and a preview of how IFA Moments is redefining what a tech platform can be.

“With Home Again Festival, we’ve found a partner who shares our vision: To make technology something you don’t just see but feel and experience. In the club, on stage, and through dialogue. Technology is part of a wider cultural movement and that’s exactly what we aim to highlight with IFA Moments, as our contribution to the cultural scene,” says Leif Lindner, CEO of IFA Berlin.

IFA Moments creates direct exchange between brands, artists, communities and technologies. Through events, co-creations and creative partnerships, IFA Berlin makes it clear: IFA is not only the world’s largest consumer tech event – it’s also a platform that drives cultural momentum, enables meaningful encounters, and opens new perspectives at the intersection of tech, culture and community disciplines.

Learn more about the IFA Moments platform and the 31 May panel at:
ifa-berlin.com/ifa-moments 

Ireland puts pressure on Big Tech to tackle surge in online financial ad scams

Online financial scams are accumulating a substantial toll within the European Union, as consumers continue to be defrauded at an estimated €4.3 billion in 2022, and similar trends continuing in the year after. 

Sophisticated yet misleading advertisements have been pushed across major social media and technology platforms have become a primary conduit for these fraudulent activities.

Ireland’s stand: A push for pre-emptive action from tech giants

In response to the escalating threat, Ireland is spearheading an important initiative within the EU that proposes a rule change that would force Big Tech companies to vet financial advertisers before their advertisements are published. 

At the core of this Irish amendment, which would add to the already extensive payment services regulation, is to mandate that only financial service providers (who are officially registered with national competent authorities) would be permitted to run financial ads within the EU. 

Such a proactive stance is designed to shift the onus of initial verification onto the platforms themselves, in part because those with the broadest shoulders should bear the greatest burden. Though, the crux of the debate is simply that if a platform “airs” an ad, they should be responsible for it. 

The debate has similarities to the debate of whether web hosting providers, particularly cheap and accessible providers like IONOS, should be responsible for the sites that they host. The proposal has gained a lot of eyes, and traction, with around half of EU member states reportedly expressing support. Though, figures like US President Donald Trump have previously advocated for scaling back the regulation of major American technology firms, so this could further stoke the fire of what appears to be the EU and US going head to head.

Digital Services Act and internal conflict 

Ireland may well face internal conflict too, as a big challenge to the proposal lies in its potential conflict with the EU’s landmark Digital Services Act (DSA). Several EU diplomats have indicated that the European Commission sees a requirement for Big Tech to pre-vet online advertisers as contravening the DSA provisions, which generally don’t force platforms to conduct broad-based, proactive monitoring of content. Of course, broadly speaking, the mood around this topic might be changing, and Irish MEP Regina Doherty has countered that the requirement can be structured to align with existing law. Doherty claims it could focus on verifying the advertiser’s authorised status rather than policing the specific content of each ad, a little bit like how one must be FCA authorised to conduct crypto ads in the UK now. 

Alternative suggestions also exist, like Poland’s proposal for streamlined communication between payment providers and platforms to facilitate post-fraud content removal. Though, this is deemed insufficient by industry critics who argue this reactive approach fails to address the speed and impact of initial fraudulent postings. 

Supporting the need for more proactive urgency, the Bank of Ireland claimed that over 75% of its customers’ fraud losses during the past year come from investment scams, of which many are promoted online.

Creating a safer digital financial ecosystem

The growing crisis of online financial ad scams highlights that something needs to be done, and as is often the case, the EU is where it is most likely to happen. As Ireland pushes for this proactive amendment, we are yet to see how not only internal disagreements play out, but also how US Big Tech reacts to their ongoing battles with the EU.

Kayna announces plans to create 13 new high-skilled jobs over the next two years,

Kayna, the Cork-based InsurTech founded by local entrepreneurs Paul Prendergast and Peter Bermingham, welcomed the Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, Mr. Robert Troy T.D., to its headquarters on Friday last for a high-level meeting focused on innovation, international growth, and the role of government support in Ireland’s thriving tech sector.

The Minister’s visit comes as Kayna announced plans to create 13 new high-skilled jobs over the next two years, as the company accelerates its expansion into the US and UK insurance markets. Kayna’s platform aims to simplify and embed insurance at the point of need, targeting underserved SME sectors such as construction, hospitality, and legal services. The model addresses a critical market gap: 40pc of small businesses in the US alone currently have no insurance, while a majority of the rest are underinsured.

Paul Prendergast, chief executive and co-founder, Kayna, spoke of the company’s future plans,

“The opportunity is huge. Embedded insurance is forecast to account for 15pc of the global insurance market, worth $1.5 trillion, within a decade. Kayna’s goal is to lead from the front, and to do so from Cork.”

Minister Troy met with Kayna CEO Paul Prendergast to hear directly about the company’s scaling plans and the wider policy considerations that can support home-grown InsurTech success stories like Kayna.

Speaking at the meeting, Robert Troy TD, Minister of State for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, said: “Kayna is a real success story, and represents the growing environment for InsurTech innovation in Ireland. I congratulate them on their plans to hire new staff and expand further into more markets. As Minister of State with Responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions, and Insurance I am committed to ensuring that Ireland remains a globally competitive and supportive environment for financial services, including InsurTech. A well-functioning insurance market is vital for any economy, and the work that Kayna is doing to support businesses navigate the sector is the sort of innovation I want to continue to foster in Ireland.”

Kayna, founded in 2021 is the third start up from its co-founders, whose previous ventures in the sector have achieved international scale. Backed by €1 million in funding and a partnership with multinational broker Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WTW), Kayna is delivering embedded insurance solutions that allow small businesses to access tailored coverage directly through the software platforms they use daily.

Kayna has announced plans to begin hiring software engineers and business development specialists to support its growth plans.

The team will remain rooted in Cork, a city Mr. Prendergast describes as “central” to their entrepreneurial journey,

“We’ve always believed in building from Cork. Over the years, we’ve launched and scaled three insurtech companies here with invaluable support from Enterprise Ireland. That backing combined with strong government policy has never been more important. If Ireland is to remain a tech hub of global relevance, we must continue to invest in the ecosystem that enables founders to take bold ideas to market quickly and effectively.”

Enterprise Ireland, which has supported Kayna since its inception, was also represented at today’s meeting.

Anna-Marie Turley, Department Manager for Fintech and Financial Services, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting Irish-owned businesses to start, compete, scale and connect, and this includes innovative companies like Kayna, who are providing cutting-edge solutions to global challenges. It is our long-term ambition that exporting Irish companies become the primary driver of the Irish economy, and we are proud to work with Paul and Peter as they scale their third business, having already secured a major partnership with WTW for the UK and US markets.  We would like to congratulate them on this milestone, and wish them every success on their business journey.”

QDOS launches PowerLoop: 2-in-1 lanyard and charging cable for security and power

QDOS, a leading UK designer of premium tech accessories, is revolutionising mobile convenience with the launch of PowerLoop, a stylish 2-in-1 smartphone lanyard and fast-charging cable available in three different colours.

Designed for power on-the-go, PowerLoop keeps any Android or iPhone device secure and accessible while ensuring it always stays charged up and connected.

No more scrambling for cables

Say goodbye to tangled wires and rummaging through bags for a charger. PowerLoop integrates a high-speed USB-C 60W charging cable with 480Mbps data transfer into a lightweight, durable lanyard, offering both practicality and elegance. Whether commuting, travelling, or on the move, your phone stays close, charged, and ready to go.

Versatile wear for everyday use

Designed for ultimate flexibility, PowerLoop’s 1.2m length allows it to be worn cross-body, around the neck, or over the shoulder. The soft woven fabric is gentle on the skin, ensuring all-day comfort. The USB-C connector end makes it compatible with iPhone and Android devices. Plus, the flexible, clear lanyard tab makes attaching it seamless to most phone cases.

Key features:

  • 2-in-1 Design: Keeps your phone accessible while doubling as a high-speed USB-C cable.

  • Fast charging & data syncing: 60W charging power and 480Mbps data transfer.

  • Stylish & comfortable: Soft, skin-friendly woven lanyard for all-day wear.

  • Universal compatibility: Works with iPhone (*iPhone 15 or later) & Android devices.

  • Tangle-free convenience: No more messy cables in your bag.

Price and availability

See our QDOS reviews 

HighPoint Launching Revolutionary 976TB External NVMe Storage Solution for AI, Media, and Data-Intensive Workflows

HighPoint Technologies is introducing an industry-first, portable, near-petabyte NVMe storage solution. The solution leverages eight Solidigm™ D5-P5336 122TB SSDs in a HighPoint RocketStor 6542AW NVMe RAID Enclosure to deliver an astounding 976TB storage capacity in an ultra-compact high-performance design. This innovative solution is designed to deliver scalable, server-grade NVMe storage for a variety of data-intensive applications, including artificial intelligence (AI), media production, big data analytics, enterprise data backup, and high-performance computing (HPC).

Industry-First Portable near 1 Petabyte Storage Solution

The RocketStor 6542AW supports up to eight Solidigm D5-P5336 SSDs via a single PCIe connection, delivering a massive 976TB of storage capacity. This solution not only breaks through the capacity limits of portable storage devices but also ensures exceptional data read/write speed via HighPoint’s proven PCIe Switching technology. The combination of near-petabyte capacity together with ultra-fast transfer performance represents a significant milestone in storage innovation, and is ideal for enterprise workflows designed to handle massive datasets.

Ultra-Compact Powerhouse

With its near-petabyte storage capacity, compact footprint measuring just 4.84 inches tall and 9.25 in length, and dedicated PCIe x16 host to device connectivity, the HighPoint RocketStor 6542AW NVMe RAID Enclosure is ideal for environments where space is limited but high performance is essential. Whether in an enterprise data center environment, media production studio, or portable setup for an on-the-go professional, this solution delivers uncompromised storage capacity and performance while maintaining a sleek and space-efficient form factor.

Empowering AI/ML and Big Data Analytics

For artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) workloads, data throughput and processing speed are critical factors in model training efficiency. The RocketStor 6542AW, combined with high-performance Solidigm D5-P5336 SSDs can significantly accelerate AI/ML model training times. For researchers and developers working with large datasets, this solution provides a powerful boost to productivity and efficiency.

Ideal for Enterprise Backup and HPC Applications

Data security and backup efficiency are paramount in the enterprise. The RocketStor 6542AW’s redundant RAID technology and robust CDFP connectivity facilitates rapid and secure backups of large datasets. Additionally, the compact solution excels in high-performance computing (HPC) environments and is capable of supporting intensive computational workloads with minimal latency. It is particularly well-suited for scientific research and engineering simulations, where fast and reliable data access is critical.

Seamless Handling of High-Resolution Media Workflows

For high-resolution media applications such as 4K/8K video editing and rendering, storage capacity and data access speed are often bottlenecks. The solution’s 976TB of capacity and 28GB/s of transfer bandwidth effortlessly accommodates large volumes of video files, ensuring smooth playback and accelerated production pipelines. This makes it an ideal choice for High-resolution media applications such as film production, animation design, and rendering.

HighPoint Technologies: Redefining the Boundaries of NVMe Storage

“This collaboration between HighPoint and Solidigm is a game-changer in enterprise storage,” said May Hwang, VP at HighPoint Technologies. “By qualifying the Solidigm D5-P5336 SSDs in our RocketStor 6542AW, we’ve created an unprecedented solution that combines high-capacity NVMe storage with seamless scalability. AI, HPC, and data-driven industries can now harness near-petabyte storage in an ultra-compact form factor without compromising performance.”

“As Hardware RAID adoption in the AI ecosystem is becoming more prevalent, this collaboration is significant using Solidigm industry-leading, high-capacity SSDs and HighPoint’s HW RAID enclosure.” – Mike Mamo Senior Principal Engineer/ Senior Director at Solidigm

A New Benchmark for External Storage Expansion

The HighPoint solution with Solidigm SSDs sets a new standard for external NVMe storage expansion, addressing the growing demand for external, high-performance, high-capacity storage in AI, media production, and big data analytics. With its exceptional speed, unparalleled capacity, and flexible RAID technology, the 976TB external NVMe storage solution is poised to become the go-to choice for customers seeking reliable and efficient storage support in their data-intensive workflows.

Learn More

RocketStor 6542AW: 8-Bay PCIe 4.0 x16 NVMe RAID Enclosures

https://www.highpoint-tech.com/nvme-enclosure/rs6542aw

New Seven-inch Camera Monitor from Viltrox: The DC-A1

Meeting the needs of professional filmmakers and photographers for a compact but clear monitor that makes brilliant shots easy, Viltrox is pleased to announce the launch of the DC-A1 Camera Monitor, a seven-inch ultra-bright 1920×1080 FHD touchscreen. The DC-A1 displays in 4K resolution at 60Hz, delivering lossless, high-definition HDMI 2.0 signals for a clear, smooth monitoring experience.

The impressive 2800-nit ultra-bright high-resolution wide-angle display effortlessly handles strong illumination and complex lighting environments, ensuring clear visuals in any situation, especially outdoor shooting – a detachable easy-to-use sunhood is included.

Equipped with advanced monitoring tools and functions – such as 3D LUT, gyroscope, focus peaking, false color, anamorphic de-squeeze, and more – the DC-A1 delivers precise image control to enhance shooting accuracy and efficiency. The DC-A1’s custom LUT import enables seamless color consistency, from on-set monitoring to post-production. This monitor ensures stellar results, with powerful features guided by user-friendly control, making it ideal for aspiring photographers or professional teams. It’s ideal for film crews, as it meets the demanding standards of high-quality productions.

Intuitive controls and operating system

The familiar tactile knob and button controls let users easily navigate functions quickly with one hand for precise control. The customizable preset buttons help photographers instantly access key monitoring features with a single touch. The touchscreen ensures all functions are at the user’s fingertips for an intuitive and seamless creative process. Intuitive pinch-to-zoom allows for detailed inspection of every corner of the frame, ensuring no detail is missed.

Multiple power options, enduring performance

With versatile power supply options, the DC-A1 ensures uninterrupted operation in any environment, making it ideal for extended shooting sessions. For reliability, the monitor supports three power sources: The included NP-F series lithium batteries, DC IN (direct current), and USB C charging.

Silent cooling helps get the best shot, all day

The quiet cooling fan automatically adjusts speed according to the temperature of the monitor, ensuring stable operation even during long hours of work – and keeping the monitor cool without excessive noise. The monitor is compact and lightweight at just 188x110x28mm and 348g.

Comprehensive accessories included

The standard package provides everything needed for immediate use. As well as the DC A1 monitor, it includes a robust hard carrying case, custom-designed tilt and swivel mount, NF-F550 battery, convenient quick-release sunhood, custom-fit screen protector, HDMI cable, mini HDMI cable, and USB-C power cable.

More details and how to buy

For more information, please visit: https://geni.us/DCA1_PR

Amazon Store:

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8NG1DMZ

Europe: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0F8NG1DMZ

 

MSRP: $278 / €319 / £260

Other Viltrox news 

Skullcandy Crusher 540 Active Headphones Made for The Gym

Skullcandy, the original lifestyle audio brand, unveils Crusher 540 Active (£169.99), the first in its iconic Crusher line of headphones to be purpose-built for the gym. Designed to help users find their zone and stay in it, this new model features Skullcandy’s patented Crusher bass technology, offering a multi-sensory bass experience that makes every beat hit deeper and every rep feel more powerful. Sweat and water resistant with a specialized nano coating, the Crusher 540 Active is designed to help people stay in the zone no matter where their workout is.

“Fans have been asking for Crusher’s signature bass in a purpose-built gym-ready headphone for years,” said Justin Reagan, VP of Marketing at Skullcandy. “Music is a motivator, and we created the Crusher 540 Active to be the perfect partner in the gym or during an outdoor workout when you want to tune out the rest of the world.”

Built for endurance, Crusher 540 Active packs up to 40 hours of battery life, and when time is tight, a 10-minute Rapid Charge delivers 4 hours of playtime. 

With breathable fabric ear cushions, sweat-resistant nano-coating, and a secure fit headband designed to stay put, Crusher 540 Active is built to power through even your toughest workouts. 

Alongside new active-ready updates, Crusher 540 Active retains the signature features fans love—like a fold-flat design for easy portability and an adjustable bass slider for personalized sound.

Skullcandy Crusher 540 Active is now available globally at Skullcandy.com and select retail locations.

 

 

Key Features Include:

  • Adjustable Sensory Bass powered by Skullcandy’s signature Crusher technology
  • Sweat and water resistant with a nano-coating and silicone TPU band for fearless workouts
  • Breathable fabric ear cushions and enhanced clamping force for a secure, comfortable fit
  • Up to 40 hours of battery life with Rapid Charge (10 minutes = 4 hours) 
  • Noise-isolating over-ear design to block distractions and lock in focus
  • Personal Sound by Audiodo™ for a customized audio experience
  • Skullcandy App compatibility for deeper control
  • Built-in Tile™ Finding Technology to help you keep track of your gear
  • Bluetooth® 5.0 Auto Connect and integrated controls for convenience on the move
  • Two full-range 40mm drivers, plus additional dual bass drivers 
  • Adjustable bass slider to let you dial in your perfect bass experience
  • Protective travel bag
  • Back-up AUX cable for plugging in
  • USB-C charging cable

See our Skullcandy Reviews