Category: Tech News

PayPal hosts hackathon to help make a real impact for 10 startups in Ireland

PayPal today announces the outcome of its ‘HACK for IMPACT’ initiative hosted in Dunboyne Castle in County Meath. The hackathon for startups saw PayPal support local entrepreneurship and collaborate with 10 local startups over a 24-hour period.

With the help of InnerCity Enterprise, the startups talked through their business plans and challenges, with ideas proposed by more than 30 PayPal mentors from teams across Ireland and Europe. The digital solutions workshopped during the event included website design, app creation and marketing strategies.

Having assessed the projects based on innovation, collaboration, impact, completion and presentation, the judging panel selected three winners. Treats by Sylvia, an award-winning mini cheesecake business enabled by an ecommerce website, took first place.

Mic Drop, a mobile application developed to enable networking and digital tipping for musicians in Ireland, came in second place and Vets Near Home, a home call out veterinarian services provider underpinned by an ecommerce platform with payment functionality, placed third. Eve Brassil, owner of Vets Near Home, commented: “The team have been incredible. They haven’t just developed a website but helped me future-proof my business.”

The other startups and concepts involved were:

  • Createnesz Virtual Solutions – A virtual assistance business hoping to develop a website booking system with payment functionality and membership area.
  • Oliverita – An olive oil business built on an ecommerce and inventory management platform with blockchain capabilities.
  • Perfect Fit Nutrition – A nutrition and wellness website and blog to offer advisory-based subscriptions.
  • Print Paper Press – A company specialising in creating vintage-style newspaper prints, empowered by an ecommerce platform with enhanced functionality.
  • Reflektor Coaching – An online booking and e-learning platform to facilitate wellness coaching.
  • The Mushroom Butcher – A farm-to-fork organic mushroom business supported by an ecommerce and inventory management platform.
  • Hug & Hold Doula support – A doula and post-partum/early childhood services provider seeking a mobile application and online booking and e-learning solution.

Speaking about the hackathon, Paul Ryan, Global Head of Risk Specialised Servicing and Ireland Site Lead, PayPal, said: “This hackathon is all about having an impact. As well as having an impact for the startups involved, in turn, they can have an impact on the wider community. From digital payments to online booking systems, this event shows the vital role that technology plays in how organisations originate and operate – and, perhaps more importantly, innovate. Through collaboration and expertise, PayPal takes pride in turning such great ideas into real outcomes.”

Evanne Kilmurray, CEO of Inner City Enterprise, added: “PayPal’s Hack for Impact is an incredible opportunity for our clients, who would gain access to professional mentorship and cutting-edge, tailored technical help designed specifically for their unique start-up business needs. I am both happy and impressed to see the innovations and collaborations that emerged from this event and how they made a meaningful difference for our community.”

The judging panel consisted of Evanne Kilmurray, CEO Inner City Enterprise; Neil McDonnel, CEO of the Irish SME Association (ISME); Luigi De Curtis, Senior Director of SMB Europe, PayPal; Paul Ryan, Global Head of Risk Specialised Servicing and Ireland Site Lead, PayPal; and Ciaran Maceochaidh, Senior Director of Global Professional Services, PayPal.

SteelSeries Unveils Rival 3 Gen 2 and Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2

On the road to glory and the brand’s 25th anniversary in 2026, SteelSeries, the global leader in premium gaming and esports peripherals, today unveiled the Rival 3 Gen 2 and Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 gaming mice. Building on the legacy of the original Rival mice, which debuted in 2013, the new generation of mice marks an evolution of the beloved Rival 3 Series, delivering top-tier speed, all-new performance, and durability at an accessible price point in the “affordable luxury” category.
The award-winning Rival Series mice have been the staple gaming peripheral for players entering the PC gaming arena for the first time, making them true ‘game-changers.’ Crafted for versatility and durability, the Rival 3 Gen 2 and Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 are the marathon performers in the world of gaming mice, offering a battle-tested design powered by precision-engineered mechanical switches that are guaranteed for 60 million clicks. Speed is key, and an ultra-optimized 1.35ms (wired) and 1.9ms (wireless) click latency, combined with fast TrueMove Optical Sensors that have been co-developed in collaboration with PixArt, plus 100% PTFE feet for ultimate glide, deliver near-instant responsiveness for lightning-fast reactions and pixel-perfect accuracy.
RIVAL 3 GEN 2 SERIES
The Rival 3 Gen 2 Series gaming mice are engineered for superfast performance, featuring ultra-optimized click latency of just 1.35ms. This ensures near-instant responsiveness for lightning-fast reactions, allowing gamers to outperform the competition. Additionally, a True Move Core 8,500 DPI optical sensor ensures precision and accuracy with every glide.
Durability and endurance are hallmarks of the Rival 3 Gen 2 Series, with 60 million clicks guaranteed. Weighing in at 77g (95-106g for the wireless version), the battle-tested design of the Rival 3 promises long-lasting performance, ensuring reliability for years to come.
The Rival 3 Gen 2 places a strong emphasis on style, featuring a 360° enhanced underglow powered by SteelSeries Prism lighting technology.
RIVAL 3 GEN 2 WIRELESS SERIES
In addition to all the key features of the Rival 3 Gen 2 wired mouse, the Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 introduces substantial enhancements with the True Move Air 18k DPI optical sensor, delivering exceptional in-game execution for both flicks and drags. Coupled with a maximum acceleration of 40g and ultra-optimized click latency of just 1.9ms, players can experience best-in-class performance.
Quantum 2.0 Dual Wireless technology is yet another benefit for players, providing a wide array of flexibility with a USB dongle for gaming-grade wireless connectivity along with Bluetooth 5.0. This enables connectivity to a wide array of devices, enhancing the overall versatility and convenience, and is ideal for those switching between work and play.
To prevent those inconvenient interruptions, the battery life of the Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 has been significantly extended, offering 45 to 200 hours on 2.4GHz and up to 450 hours with Bluetooth. This allows gamers to enjoy many months of uninterrupted play without the need for frequent battery replacements. The mouse operates on a single AAA battery and is compatible with rechargeable options, achieving a reasonable weight reduction while maintaining the full Rival feel. This ensures the Rival 3 Gen 2 Wireless mouse remains efficient, durable, and lightweight for extended gaming sessions.
Additionally, gamers can now add a splash of color to their setups with new vibrant color options, including aqua, lavender, and white, alongside the classic black colorway.
Available at SteelSeries.com and retailers around the world, the Rival 3 Gen 2 and Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 are available for the following MSRPs:
  • Rival 3 Gen 2 – US $34.99 | EMEA €39.99 | UK £34.99 | APAC $39.99
  • Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 – US $59.99 | EMEA €59.99 | UK £54.99 | APAC $59.99

Reviews from SteelSeries

Using sound waves to create a smart T-shirt

Imagine wearing a T-shirt that measures your breathing or gloves that translate your hand movements into commands for your computer. Researchers at ETH Zurich, led by Daniel Ahmed, Professor of Acoustic Robotics for Life Sciences and Healthcare, have laid the foundations for just such smart textiles. Unlike many previous developments in this area, which usually use electronics, the ETH researchers rely on acoustic waves passed through glass fibres. This makes the measurements more precise and the textiles lighter, more breathable and easier to wash. “They are also inexpensive because we use readily available materials, and the power consumption is very low,” says Ahmed.

Acoustic sensors embedded in fabric

The researchers call their development SonoTextiles. They have transformed normal fabrics into smart sensors that react to touch, pressure and movement. “While research has already been conducted into smart textiles based on acoustics, we are the first to explore the use of glass fibre in combination with signals that use different frequencies,” explains Yingqiang Wang, the first author of the study that has been published in the journal external pageNature Electronics.

The researchers have woven glass fibres into the fabric at regular intervals. At one end of each glass fibre is a small transmitter that emits sound waves. The other end of each of the glass fibres is connected to a receiver that measures whether the waves have changed.

Each transmitter works at a different frequency. This means it requires little computing power to determine which fibre the sound waves have changed on. Previous smart textiles often struggled with data overload and signal processing issues, since each sensor location had to be evaluated individually. “In the future, the data could be sent directly to a computer or smartphone in real time,” says Ahmed.

When a glass fibre moves, the length of the acoustic waves passing through it changes, as they lose energy. In the case of a T-shirt, this can be caused by body movement or even breathing. “We used frequencies in the ultrasonic range, around 100 kilohertz – well beyond the range of human hearing, which is between 20 hertz and 20 kilohertz,” Wang emphasises.

Highly versatile

The researchers have shown that their concept works in the lab. In the future, SonoTextiles could be used in a variety of ways: as a shirt or T-shirt, they could monitor the breathing of asthma patients and trigger an alarm in an emergency.

The material remains elastic despite the interwoven glass fibres. The sound waves measure when someone breathes in and out. (Video: Daniel Ahmed / ETH Zurich)

In sports training and performance monitoring, athletes could receive real-time analysis of their movements, to optimise their performance and prevent injuries. The textiles also have potential for sign language: gloves with this technology could simultaneously translate hand movements into text or speech. They could also be used in virtual or augmented reality environments.

“SonoTextiles could even measure a person’s posture and improve their quality of life as an assistive technology,” adds Chaochao Sun, who shares first authorship of the study. People who want to improve their posture could receive targeted feedback to correct poor posture. The textiles could also indicate when a wheelchair user needs to change position to prevent pressure ulcers.

Although the everyday usability of SonoTextiles is potentially very high, Ahmed adds that there is still room for improvement in terms of practical application. Glass microfibres worked well as sound conductors in the lab, but they could potentially break in everyday use. “The beauty is that we can easily replace the glass fibres with metal. Sound also propagates effectively through metal,” explains Ahmed, adding “We would like to expand our research in this direction and also into other applications.” The researchers now want to make the system more robust and examine how the electronics can be better integrated into the textiles.

Knowles and SoftBank release TW-9100 TWS earbuds Tuned to the Knowles Curve

Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN), a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components for innovative technologies, including capacitors, radio frequency (“RF”) filters, advanced medtech microphones, and balanced armature speakers, announced that SB C&S Corp., a SoftBank Corp. group company, has selected Knowles balanced armature (BA) drivers for its latest premium true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds under the GLIDiC audio brand.

Launching today in Japan, the high-end GLIDiC TW-9100 earbuds feature Knowles BAs in a hybrid configuration with dynamic drivers to deliver exceptional sound performance across the entire frequency spectrum. The Knowles BA drivers handle the critical high-frequency reproduction, while dynamic drivers deliver rich mid and low frequencies, creating a comprehensive soundstage that reveals intricate musical details with natural tonal balance.

Tuned to the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve, the TW-9100 earbuds incorporate audio innovations backed by substantial research indicating that consumers of varying ages and hearing capabilities gravitate toward enhanced high-frequency performance extending past 10 kHz, resulting in significantly richer musical enjoyment. Through the implementation of Knowles’ BAs, GLIDiC delivers the extended frequency range necessary for superior sound reproduction while maintaining the authentic sonic signature that sound enthusiasts prize.

“The GLIDiC TW-9100 represents the culmination of years of sound creation expertise, bringing together our unique audio know-how with Knowles’ industry-leading BAs,” said Satoru Takeshita, Head of Product Division 1 Consumer Business Unit at SB C&S Corp. “Our goal with this first hybrid design as the GLIDiC TWS earbuds was to create a high-resolution sound experience that truly resonates with listeners, delivering realistic details from delicate, clear treble to rich, powerful bass in a premium package.”

In addition to superior sound quality, the GLIDiC TW-9100 features an elegant design and advanced capabilities, including adaptive hybrid active noise cancellation that automatically adjusts based on ambient noise levels, AI noise reduction for crystal-clear calls, and multipoint connectivity allowing simultaneous connection to two Bluetooth devices.

“Our collaboration with SB C&S demonstrates how Knowles BAs can help audio brands create truly exceptional listening experiences,” said Jon Kiachian, President of Medical and Specialty Audio at Knowles Corporation. “For more than 75 years, Knowles has pioneered balanced armature technology that enables unprecedented sound performance for its size, and we’re proud to see this heritage continue in premium products like the GLIDiC TW-9100.”

The GLIDiC TW-9100 will be available starting today, at ‘SoftBank’ stores across Japan, as well as through Trend Tech SoftBank SELECTION.

https://glidic.jp/tw-9100/

See the biggest range of earbuds reviews in Ireland

RØDE Reshapes Sound With The NTH-50 Headphones

RØDE has today unveiled the NTH-50 professional on-ear headphones, the latest addition to its award-winning headphone lineup. Designed for professionals who demand pristine audio, the NTH-50s deliver extraordinary sonic precision, exceptional comfort, and superior noise isolation in a lightweight, durable on-ear design. Offering a natural and balanced sound signature with ultra-low distortion and superior passive noise isolation, the NTH-50s are tailor-made for DJs, sound engineers and creators who require premium sound reproduction, all-day comfort, and rugged durability. Priced at just US$99, the NTH-50s provide an unparalleled opportunity for anyone serious about sound to elevate their listening experience.

KEY FEATURES OF THE NTH-50 HEADPHONES
Custom-matched 40mm driver with revolutionary resonant chamber that provides deep and balanced bass while maintaining detailed midrange and treble clarity

Innovative acoustic design that offers accurate frequency response and ultra-low distortion for a rich and detailed listening experience

Superior passive noise isolation for undisturbed critical monitoring

Contoured headband to minimise wearing fatigue and encourage extended creative sessions

Sleek, durable and lightweight construction that offers the ideal blend of contemporary design and long-lasting performance

Detachable cable with locking connector featuring dual-sided attachment for maximum flexibility and convenience

Designed and made with a lifetime warranty using high-grade components in RØDE’s state-of-the-art facilities in Sydney, Australia

“At RØDE, we are committed to developing innovative audio solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of creators,” said Damien Wilson, CEO of RØDE. “The NTH-50s embody this philosophy, offering a level of sonic accuracy, comfort and durability that marks a new gold standard for on-ear headphones. Engineered from the ground up by our dedicated headphone innovation team in Germany, we’ve crafted a pair of premium headphones at an affordable price point that deliver an incredibly detailed and immersive listening experience in any environment. Once again, RØDE has over-achieved in the pursuit of delivering world-class monitoring technology.”

BEAUTIFULLY BALANCED AUDIO

At the heart of the NTH-50s is a custom-engineered 40mm dynamic driver housed within an innovative resonant chamber. This design delivers impeccable sound clarity, offering incredibly accurate frequency response, ultra-low distortion and a perfectly balanced sound signature that combines rich, natural bass with detailed midrange, and crisp highs. Whether you’re monitoring, mixing, mastering, or enjoying your favourite tracks, the NTH-50s provide incredibly accurate sound reproduction and dynamic tonal depth, capturing every nuance exactly as intended.

Engineered to excel in diverse environments, the NTH-50s offer outstanding passive noise isolation (-21 dBA), minimising external distractions and preventing sound bleed during recording. With high SPL capabilities and exceptional sensitivity, the NTH-50s generate pristine audio even in the noisiest settings, making them ideal for live performances and studio monitoring.

UNRIVALLED COMFORT FOR EXTENDED USE

With any pair of headphones, comfort is just as vital as sound quality, and the NTH-50s deliver on both fronts, seamlessly blending precision engineering with a design that prioritises the user experience. A contoured headband, featuring an integrated fontanel recess has been adopted to alleviate pressure on the top of the head, significantly reducing fatigue during extended creative sessions in the studio, on stage or in the field. Lightweight and fully adjustable, the NTH-50s evenly distribute pressure for a tailored fit that effortlessly accommodates all users, including those who wear glasses, empowering all creators to hone their craft for hours on end in supreme comfort.

Complementing the on-ear design, the earcups are lined with premium memory foam padding, expertly engineered to conform to the unique contours of any ears. This ensures a snug yet breathable fit, enhancing airflow to reduce heat buildup while simultaneously offering advanced passive noise dampening.

BUILT TO LAST A LIFETIME

Designed and built in Sydney, Australia, the NTH-50s have been masterfully crafted using lightweight yet durable materials such as premium aluminium faceplates, developed to withstand the rigours of daily professional use. Backed by RØDE’s lifetime warranty, a modular design featuring replaceable components such as the headband, ear cushions, and cables ensures maximum longevity, while dual-sided cable attachments add flexibility to any workflow. Colour-coded earcup identifiers have also been applied to ensure quick and easy orientation in low-light environments, a thoughtful touch that reflects RØDE’s commitment to innovation. Finished with a scratch-resistant matte black coating, the NTH-50s offer a sleek and professional aesthetic that accentuates their robust performance.

The NTH-50s include a premium 1.7m double-coiled monitoring cable, storage pouch, and a 3.5mm to ¼-inch adapter, ensuring seamless connectivity across professional setups. Thoughtfully designed for creators, they feature colour-coded ID rings for easy cable management and full compatibility with the NTH-100 accessory range, including modular cable options. For even greater versatility, the NTH-Mic transforms them into a broadcast-quality headset, making them the ultimate tool for podcasting, streaming, and content creation.

The NTH-50 on-ear headphones are available to purchase now for US$99 and are shipping worldwide. Learn more about the NTH-50s at https://rode.com/headphones/on-ear/nth-50

See our headphone reviews

Maxcom launches the mRing: Stylish, affordable smart ring

Maxcom, an innovative Polish company producing and distributing consumer electronics has launched the mRing, a beautifully designed smart ring that combines powerful health tracking features with effortless style. Using the latest technology to offer 24/7 wellness insights from a sleek device no larger than a wedding band, mRing is perfect for users who value both functionality and fashion. At just £59.99 and available from Amazon UK, mRing is making wearable tech more accessible than ever. 

Designed with durability and aesthetics in mind, the mRing is crafted from lightweight stainless steel and shaped for maximum comfort, meaning users can wear it all day and night without irritation – whether they’re at the office, at the gym or asleep. Easily mistaken as jewellery, it is available in three refined finishes – silver, black and gold.

This smart ring not only catches the eye but thanks to advanced sensors inside and a companion app, it can provide valuable insights into the body’s condition, motivating users to be more conscious of their health and fitness. Features include:

Precise health monitoring:

mRing can track vital body parameters around the clock, utilising advanced algorithms to interpret data on heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature and heart rate variability (HRV). HRV provides insights into the body’s recovery level, energy potential and responses to physical and mental stress. Additionally, the mRing can help women track menstrual cycles by monitoring temperature fluctuations. 

Steps taken; calories burned:

During activities, from a casual walk to intense training, mRing collects information about a user’s performance. It analyses the number of steps taken, distance covered, heart rate and energy expenditure in the form of calories burned. Paired with the intuitive Aizo Ring app, the mRing makes it easy to assess current fitness level, track progress and plan future goals. 

Detailed sleep analysis:

During the night, mRing continuously monitors the quality of rest, tracking different sleep phases, from light to deep to REM. It also detects moments of waking, evaluates breathing and measures resting heart rate, providing a comprehensive picture of the body’s recovery. Reports with daily, weekly and monthly data help users understand their sleep patterns and improve sleep hygiene.

Body recovery assessment:

The collected information on activity, sleep quality and key health parameters creates an overall picture of the body’s condition. mRing interprets this data, offering guidance to help improve daily habits. 

Water resistance:

Thanks to its robust construction and IP68 water resistance rating, users don’t have to worry about the mRing getting wet. It can be worn confidently while swimming, showering or washing hands. High-quality stainless steel and meticulous craftmanship ensure durability and long-lasting appearance, no matter how intense activities are. 

Six days of battery life:

Efficient energy management allows the mRing to operate for up to six days without needing a recharge. When it’s time to recharge, the magnetic charger quickly restores the ring’s full functionality, ensuring convenience and readiness every day. 

The Maxcom mRing is available now for £59.99 from Amazon.co.uk in gold, silver and black. There are eight sizes to choose from, based on a user’s finger circumference, to ensure the perfect fit. The mRing works with the Aizo Ring app which is compatible with both iOS and Android. 

See our Maxcom Reviews

Doro unveils game-changing Aurora smartphone series: Empowering seniors and their loved ones

Doro, the global technology leader for seniors, today announces the launch of three new Doro 4G smartphones  – Doro Aurora A10, Doro Aurora A20 and Doro Aurora A30. The devices are available to purchase on doro.com now and Harvey Norman retailers in the coming month.

Developed to meet the evolving needs of seniors and users needing more from their technology, the Aurora series futureproofs Doro’s commitment to user-friendly and help technology. Featuring a new, robust and easy-to-grip design with a simplified interface, each component prioritises ease of use and user peace of mind.

A recent Doro study revealed that 51% of seniors worry about pressing the wrong thing on their devices, while 49% struggle with app navigation. To address these challenges, the phones feature three physical buttons for easy calling and a dedicated home key, making navigation simpler for all users, including those with impaired sight or dexterity. The devices, with the buttons and their streamlined interface, also provide quick access to Google Gemini features.  With loud and clear sound quality powered by Doro ClearSound, they ensure crystal-clear communication.

Users benefit from peace of mind with the signature Doro Secure Button, featured on every device. A single press instantly sends an alert and connects users with their trusted support network when assistance is needed, providing reassurance for both users and their loved ones through Doro’s innovative help technology.

With TeamViewer, the user can gain real-time technical assistance remotely — making technology hurdles disappear with quick, convenient support. This addresses a critical need, as 59% of supporting relatives confirm their senior family members struggle with handling updates and settings on their own. The devices highlight why seniors deserve technology crafted specifically for their unique needs, rather than second-hand devices passed on from friends or relatives.

The phones come in a variety of designs: the Aurora A10 is a perfect compact 4.5” smartphone, the Aurora A20 is a 4.5” smartphone with a flip-down number keypad, and the Aurora A30 is a smartphone with a large 6.1” display. The A10 and A20 feature a 13MP camera, while the A30 offers a Doro-best enhanced 50MP camera.

Ben Crompton, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Doro, says: “With the launch of the Doro Aurora range, we are taking a bold step forward in redefining how technology can empower senior users and their supporting relatives. Our new smartphones are designed to be intuitive and effortlessly accessible, with new and improved features like the Doro Secure Button ensuring users stay safe and then the Doro Easy Call allowing people to stay connected more easily. Research indicates that the number of over-50s experiencing loneliness is set to reach two million by 2026, making connection and communication more important than ever.

The Doro Aurora smartphones are the latest instalment in the Doro ecosystem, meeting our users’ evolving needs. At Doro, we believe technology should boost independence, not complicate it – and Aurora is a testament to that commitment.”

Availability and Pricing

  • Doro Aurora A10 €260
  • Doro Aurora A20 €285 
  • Doro Aurora A30 €335

All three phones will be available on the Doro website from launch, and high street retailers and network operators in the near future.

FEATURES

The Doro Aurora A10, Doro Aurora A20, and Doro Aurora A30 cater to a wide range of needs, featuring:

  • Doro Secure™ Button – One-touch access to immediate support and assistance.
  • Doro Easy™ Interface – A simplified smartphone experience tailored for all users.
  • Loud and Clear Sound – Doro ClearSound ensures optimised audio for enhanced clarity.
  • Remote Support – Loved ones can provide assistance remotely, reducing stress and ensuring a seamless experience.
  • Eco-Friendly Design – Crafted with recycled materials, reflecting Doro’s commitment to sustainability.
  • Easy charging – The Doro Aurora wireless charger makes charging easy and seamlessly blends into the home environment. It is ideal for hands-free video calling and comes with a dimmable light to be able to see at night easily. Available for purchase separately to the phones or as a bundle.

Doro recently launched its new range of Doro 4G feature phones, the Doro Leva L10, Doro Leva X10, Doro Leva L20 and Doro Leva L30, offering a unique blend of style and functionality.

The Swedish company has also launched innovative smart devices tailored to the needs of senior users, including the Doro Hemma Doorbell, the Doro HearingBuds and the Doro Watch.

Other Doro Reviews 

HighPoint’s PCIe Gen5 x16 RocketStor 8631CW Breaks New Ground for GPU Expansion

HighPoint’s RocketStor 8631CW represents a revolutionary leap forward in eGPU (external GPU) connectivity. Designed for professional media, industrial applications, and high-demand computing environments, the RocketStor 8631CW leverages industry-proven PCIe Switching technology and robust CopprLink CDFP connectivity to deliver an unprecedented x16 lanes of dedicated host-to-device PCIe 5.0 bandwidth.

 

Key Features
Burdened by performance and latency bottlenecks imposed by Thunderbolt and OCuLink connectivity? This groundbreaking solution liberates users from the limitations of conventional eGPU solutions, offering unparalleled performance and flexibility.

Unleash the True Potential of Your GPU with Industry-Leading PCIe Switching Technology: The RocketStor 8631CW harnesses the power of cutting-edge PCIe Gen5 switching technology to ensure your GPU operates at its maximum potential. This technology eliminates the performance and latency bottlenecks commonly associated with traditional eGPU enclosures, providing a seamless and efficient connection between your host system and GPU.

Ready for Today’s Fastest, Power-Hungry GPUs: The RocketStor 8631CW is engineered to support the most advanced, power-hungry GPUs available, including full-height, 2-slot, and 3-slot models from NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, and more. It provides a massive 600W of direct power, ensuring that even the most demanding GPUs can operate at peak performance without any power-related constraints.

Robust CopprLink CDFP Connectivity Delivers x16 Lanes of Dedicated Gen5 Host Bandwidth: The innovative CopprLink CDFP connectivity delivers a dedicated x16 lane connection, offering a staggering 128GB/s of bi-directional bandwidth. This ensures that your GPU receives the full bandwidth it needs to handle the most intensive workloads with ease.

Low-Profile LP-MD2 Adapter for Compact Workstations and Mini-PCs: The RocketStor 8631CW includes a low-profile LP-MD2 adapter, making it an ideal solution for compact workstations, rackmount chassis, and mini-PCs. This adapter ensures that even space-constrained systems can take advantage of the RocketStor 8631CW’s powerful capabilities.

Advanced Dual-Fan Cooling System with Programmable Smart Fan Control: To maintain optimal performance, the RocketStor 8631CW features an advanced dual-fan cooling system with programmable smart fan control. This system effectively dissipates heat, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring that your GPU operates at peak performance even under heavy loads.

Simple & Seamless Plug-and-Play Software-less Installation for Linux & Windows Platforms: The RocketStor 8631CW offers a straightforward plug-and-play installation process that requires no additional software. This makes it easy to integrate into both Linux and Windows platforms, allowing for quick and efficient deployment in any professional or industrial environment.

Target Use Cases
AI/ML Computing & Deep Learning: The RocketStor 8631CW is perfect for AI and machine learning applications that require the processing power of high-end GPUs. Its robust connectivity and power delivery ensure that these demanding workloads are handled with ease.

High-Performance Content Creation & Rendering: For content creators and 3D artists, the RocketStor 8631CW provides the performance needed for real-time rendering and high-resolution video editing, making it an invaluable tool for professional media production.

High-End Gaming, VR, and Media Platforms: Gamers and VR enthusiasts can benefit from the RocketStor 8631CW’s ability to support the latest, most powerful GPUs, providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

Scientific Research & Big Data Analytics: Researchers and data scientists can leverage the RocketStor 8631CW to accelerate complex computations and data analysis, enabling faster insights and more efficient research processes.

Enterprise Workloads & Cloud Computing: The RocketStor 8631CW is also suited for enterprise environments, where it can enhance the performance of cloud computing platforms and support the demanding workloads of large-scale data centers.

In Summary
HighPoint RocketStor 8631CW is a game-changing eGPU expansion solution that breaks free from the constraints of traditional connectivity options. With its industry-leading PCIe Gen5 switching technology, robust CopprLink CDFP connectivity, and advanced cooling system, it delivers unparalleled performance and reliability for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re a professional media creator, a data scientist, or an enterprise IT manager, the RocketStor 8631CW is designed to meet your most demanding GPU expansion needs.

Learn More
RocketStor 8631CW – PCIe 5.0 x16 GPU Expansion Chassis
https://www.highpoint-tech.com/rs8631cw-individual-page

First ever Dublin Tech Week all set to launch!

Dublin City Council is proud to announce the first ever Dublin Tech Week, running from 23-30 May.

In just over a week, Dublin will become the epicentre of global innovation as it welcomes a week-long celebration that promises to energise the city with the brightest ideas, the boldest technology, and a shared vision for the future.

This first-of-its-kind initiative will unite the capital’s top innovators, global tech leaders, creatives, educators, and the wider community through a dynamic mix of over 30 events, spanning everything from AI and cybersecurity to blockchain, smart cities, fintech and beyond.

But this is more than just a calendar of events. Dublin Tech Week is a movement — one that underscores the city’s position as a bold, collaborative, and forward-looking global tech hub.

Ross Curley Head of Economic Development, Dublin City Council & Dublin Regional Place Brand said: “Dublin is one of Europe’s most important tech hubs and a leading smart city. Dublin City Council and the Dublin Brand are proud to support the City’s first ever Tech Week showcasing our world-class talent, cutting-edge innovation, and collaborative spirit. Initiatives like this not only highlight our position as a leader in the tech industry but also inspire future innovation, and strengthen our city’s reputation as a forward-thinking, welcoming and thriving destination for local and global business.”

From flagship conferences like the Dublin Tech Summit at the RDS, Blockchain Ireland Summit at Trinity Business School, Dublin 2 and ETHDublin at Dogpatch Labs, to grassroots meetups, hackathons, and family-friendly discovery trails, the programme is designed to be as accessible as it is ambitious.

Event highlights include Smart Dublin’s ‘The Connective Detective’ – build your own smart city; ‘All We Feel is How it Moves’ – a live audiovisual work driven by real time data at the Hugh Lane Gallery; a session on the Cultural Audit and Culture Near You Map by the Dublin City Council Culture Company and ‘Learn the Art of Lock Picking’ among many others.

Both the tech and wider community can immerse themselves in topics ranging from the future of AI and immersive tech, to ethical hacking, Web3 governance, smart urban planning, and the power of inclusive innovation. Events range from ticketed to free and open to attend/participate in, with booking information provided on the event listing.

All of this is made possible by a powerful coalition of partners and stakeholders across Dublin’s ecosystem, including: Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin, Dublin Chamber, the Dublin City Local Enterprise Office, NovaUCD, the ADAPT Centre at Trinity College, Dogpatch Labs, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Blockchain Ireland, ETH Dublin, TU Dublin, Tech Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland.

Together, they’re helping to build a platform for discovery, investment, talent, and community impact that will reverberate long after the week finishes.

Dublin Tech Week is open to all. Whether you’re a startup founder, developer, policy thinker, educator, student, or simply curious about what the future holds, there’s a place for you in this citywide conversation.

Explore the full programme and get involved at dublintechweek.com
Follow the buzz: #DublinTechWeek