Category: Tech News

Nikon announces the COOLPIX P1100 compact digital camera

Nikon has announced the COOLPIX P1100, a compact digital camera boasting a 125x optical zoom with superior operability. Designed for photography enthusiasts, the COOLPIX P1100 enables the capture of high-quality images whilst providing an enhanced super-telephoto experience.

Building on the legacy of its predecessor, the acclaimed COOLPIX P1000, the COOLPIX P1100 offers improved usability and advanced features. Its 125x optical zoom spans an impressive focal range of 24–3000mm, providing versatility from wide-angle to super-telephoto, while for those seeking greater reach, the Dynamic Fine Zoom pushes the zoom range to a staggering 250x (6000mm equivalent).

In addition to the extended zoom, the COOLPIX P1100 now offers improved flexibility with a selectable AF-area mode in Bird-watching mode, allowing for more precise framing. What’s more, users can assign functions to the Fn1/Fn2 buttons on the optional ML-L7 Remote Control, improving control during remote shooting.

Like the COOLPIX P1000, the new COOLPIX P1100 combines Nikon’s powerful EXPEED image processor and high-performance NIKKOR lens to deliver consistently clear image quality, at extreme zoom levels. Dual Detect Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) provides stabilisation equivalent to 4.0 stops, reducing camera shake and ensuring sharp, detailed results – even during hand-held shooting of distant subjects like birds or celestial bodies.

For video enthusiasts, the COOLPIX P1100 supports 4K UHD/30p recording, as well as superlapse and time-lapse movie options. With its versatile operability and compatibility with a wide range of accessories, this camera empowers users to push creative boundaries and experiment with diverse imaging possibilities.

Dirk Jasper, Product Manager at Nikon Europe, comments: “Building on the success of the COOLPIX P1000, the COOLPIX P1100 offers an expanded 125x optical zoom and improved image stabilisation, supporting photographers to capture distant moments with enhanced clarity. Whether you’re photographing wildlife, the moon, or faraway landscapes, we are proud to offer the COOLPIX P1100 for photographers looking for reliable performance, flexibility, and the creative freedom to explore new frontiers in photography.”

Summary of key features

125× optical zoom with advanced stabilisation. The COOLPIX P1100’s NIKKOR lens covers 24–3000mm (equivalent), with Super ED and ED elements ensuring sharp, high-quality images across the range. Dual Detect Optical VR compensates for 4.0 stops of camera shake, enabling clear handheld shots of distant subjects like birds and celestial bodies.

 Enhanced shooting modes for creative precision. Dedicated Bird-watching and Moon modes are easily accessible via the mode dial, with customisable AF-area options in Bird-watching mode for sharper, more precise shots. A new Fireworks mode prevents blown-out highlights, enabling stunning long-exposure captures.

4K UHD video with super-telephoto power. Record stunning 4K UHD/30p movies with 3000mm-equivalent zoom and save frames as high-resolution still images for capturing moments beyond the reach of burst photography.

Lightweight design for effortless super-telephoto shooting. Weighing just 1,410g*, the COOLPIX P1100 is easier to handle than DSLR or mirrorless systems. A deep grip ensures stability, while a focus-mode selector and control ring provide quick access to key settings like white balance and manual focus.

Extensive accessory support for enhanced shooting. The COOLPIX P1100 features an accessory shoe and terminal compatible with Nikon’s wide accessory range, including Speedlights and a dot sight for easier telephoto composition. The optional ML-L7 Remote Control adds full button functionality via Bluetooth®︎, reducing camera shake and expanding remote shooting possibilities.

Molekule Air Mini+ now available in the UK

Molekule, the leader in reinventing air purification, today announces that the Molekule Air Mini+ is now available in the UK from Healf.com and Amazon.co.uk. Powered by Molekule’s patented Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) technology, the Air Mini+ air purifier is designed to destroy a full spectrum of indoor air pollutants, including allergens, mould, viruses, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air we breathe. 

Unlike traditional air purifiers, where pollutants can potentially escape the filter, grow on them, or re-release entirely, the Molekule Air Mini+ eradicates pollutants, preventing the possibility that they could return to the air. Molekule’s PECO technology is proven to destroy pollutants 1000 times smaller than what HEPA standards test for.  

Helping people to breathe safer and cleaner air, the Air Mini+ features particle sensor technology which detects the amount of particulate matter in the air of the room in which the device operates. When on Auto Protect Mode, Air Mini+ will automatically adjust the device’s fan speed based on particulate matter sensed in the air. It responds in real-time to reduce the amount of particles in the air like pollen and dust, while also capturing and destroying other indoor air pollutants including VOCs, mould, bacteria and viruses. 

“The air we breathe has never been of greater concern and more and more research continues to surface on the tiny, but toxic pollutants found in the air. It’s estimated that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air,” said Jason DiBona, CEO of Molekule. “Even things like household cleaning products, air fresheners, hair spray and candles can increase indoor air pollution, putting our health in danger. Using PECO technology in our devices to destroy the widest range of pollutants in the air including dust, pollen and pet dander, helps to dramatically improve indoor air quality and reduce symptoms associated with asthma and allergies.” 

The stylish Molekule Air Mini+ is designed to look elegant anywhere in the home. With five fan speeds it’s perfect for spaces up to 250 square feet in size and will sit comfortably on a kitchen work surface, coffee table or nightstand. Air Mini+ stands 12 inches high, 8.26 inches in diameter, and weighs just over seven pounds. 

App-enabled, the Air Mini+ allows users to keep an eye on their air quality with daily and weekly air history stats, track changes to particle levels in five-minute increments or go back as far as the previous four weeks. The Molekule Air Mini+ is available for from Healf.com and Amazon.co.uk with an RRP of £349.99. 

See our air purifier reviews 

Jabra launches the PanaCast 40 VBS: the first 180° Android-powered video bar designed for small rooms

Today, Jabra, the world’s leading professional audio brand, announces the launch of the PanaCast 40 VBS, the only Android-powered video bar designed specifically for small meeting rooms that captures the entire room with 180-degree FoV. This latest innovation builds on the success of Jabra’s PanaCast 50 VBS, bringing the same powerful performance to smaller spaces in a more compact and cost-effective package.

As more organisations transition back to the office and hybrid work environments become the norm, the demand for efficient small meeting space solutions continues to grow. These spaces often pose unique challenges for video collaboration. Traditional solutions often struggle to capture all participants equally, particularly those seated closer to the screen, while some lack video conferencing equipment altogether. This imbalance can result in empty meeting rooms and gaps in communication, highlighting the need for solutions that provide clear, inclusive experiences for everyone, regardless of location.

The PanaCast 40 VBS bridges this gap by delivering an all-in-one solution that transforms small meeting rooms into high-performing collaboration hubs. With its wide field of view, exceptional audio quality, and seamless usability, the PanaCast 40 VBS ensures every participant is seen and heard clearly, enabling organisations to fully utilise their small spaces and bring collaboration to new heights.

Redefining collaboration for small spaces

Globally, less than 3% of huddle rooms are video enabled*, leaving millions of small meeting spaces underutilised and underserved. The PanaCast 40 VBS addresses this challenge with its innovative dual-camera systems, delivering a seamless180° field of view through advanced stitching technology. This ensures full room coverage, making every participant clearly visible on video.

The video capabilities are matched by the advanced audio performance, which stems from the GN group-wide unique sound processing capabilities. The sound is powered by a single high-quality speaker and six microphones with adaptive beamforming. Intelligent audio algorithms enhance sound clarity for exceptional voice pickup, so every word is heard clearly and accurately, fostering more natural and engaging virtual interactions and ensuring remote participants feel fully included.

By reimagining what’s possible in a huddle room, the PanaCast 40 VBS transforms a small space into a comfortable collaboration area, allowing facility managers to unlock the full potential of these underutilised spaces.

Designed for ease of use and rapid deployment

Designed with simplicity and ease of use at its core, the PanaCast 40 VBS offers a straightforward installation process—from unboxing to mounting to the first meeting. Its intuitive setup ensures that even first-time customers can get their systems up and running in seconds, making collaboration effortless.

New packaging enhances the deployment experience further by allowing provisioning without the need to remove the product from the box. The design also features easy cable routing, reducing installation time. The PanaCast 40 VBS is ideal for quick and easy installations in small rooms, such as Express Install for Microsoft Teams Rooms.  

It also ensures a consistent and seamless experience for small meeting spaces by sharing many of the same accessories as its medium room counterpart, the PanaCast 50 VBS. This enables simplified operations for administrators and flexibility across different room sizes, making the PanaCast 40 VBS a versatile and efficient solution for modern office needs.

A future-proof investment 

The PanaCast 40 VBS is built to adapt to the evolving needs of modern workplaces, particularly for small Android environments. With its certified compatibility for Android environments, it offers flexibility with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and BYOD deployment options.

To enhance usability and longevity, the PanaCast 40 VBS includes optional accessories such as a touch controller and a detachable faceplate for easy cleaning. It can also be purchased as a bundle, with both the PanaCast 40 VBS and the touch controller included. Furthermore, seamless integration with ecosystem partners ensures a future-proof investment, complemented by up-to-date manageability through Jabra+ software and the reassurance of Jabra Warranty+ services.

Holger Reisinger, SVP Enterprise Video Business Unit at Jabra said: “The modern workplace is undergoing a transformation, with organisations reimagining how their spaces can drive productivity and collaboration. Small rooms, phone booths and huddle spaces are a cornerstone of this evolution, yet they’ve often been overlooked by traditional video solutions. With the PanaCast 40 VBS, we’re addressing this gap by delivering a flexible, intuitive, and future-proof Android solution that empowers teams to collaborate seamlessly, regardless of room size or platform preference.”

Key Features of the PanaCast 40 VBS:

  • Full-room coverage – 180° field-of-view with dual cameras and 4x digital zoom.
  • Superior audio – 1 speaker and 6 microphones, enhanced by intelligent audio algorithms for crystal-clear sound and voice pickup
  • Streamlined setup – New packaging enables provisioning without removing the product from the box.
  • Consistent experience – Shared touch controller and stand with the PanaCast 50 VBS medium room solution for seamless integration across spaces.
  • Effortless installation – Simplified cable routing and protection for easy, clean setup.
  • Flexible deployment – Compatible with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and BYOD setups.
  • PanaCast 40 VBS is an MDEP-based solution (Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform), delivering strengthened security and enhanced meetings experiences
  • Intelligent Meeting Space enables users to personalise and set virtual meeting space boundaries—perfect for open-plan offices or glass-walled rooms.
  • Always up to date – Managed via Jabra+, ensuring the latest features and functionality.
  • Reliability – Backed by Jabra Warranty+ for added peace of mind.
  • Modern design – Clean, professional aesthetic that fits seamlessly into contemporary workspaces.
  • Practical features – Easy-clean cover and ADA compliance for enhanced usability.

Jabra PanaCast 40 VBS will be available from Mid-2025. MSRP $1,499 / £1,310.

Please find out more information at https://www.jabra.com/panacast40vbs.

See our Jabra reviews

Qualcom to grow revenues to €18M by end of 2027

Qualcom, a leading Irish provider of IT and cybersecurity services, today announces that it expects to grow its revenues from €13.5 million to €18 million in the next three years. This represents approximately 10% year-on-year growth for the business by the end of 2027.

Within this timeframe, the company will increase its employee numbers by 20% across its information security, professional services, and support desk teams. Qualcom currently has a team of 70 people across its locations in Dublin and Belfast.

As well as organic growth of the business and team, the IT and cybersecurity services provider is open to accelerating this growth through acquisitions. Target companies would be similar to Qualcom in terms of services and culture.

Over the next three years, Qualcom expects to see the biggest growth in cybersecurity services, managed IT services, compliance, and round-the-clock IT support. This demand is being driven by the changing cyber risk landscape, advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and expanding attack surfaces.

Qualcom is also seeing heightened demand from customers for support around standards such as ISO 20007, as businesses increasingly look to secure their supply chains in response to growing cyber threats. To meet this need, the team is rolling out a number of new cybersecurity and managed services.

As a result of this expanded offering, Qualcom forecasts that it will also grow its customer base by more than 25% by 2027. This will include organisations spanning a broad range of industries and across the island of Ireland, with a particular focus on the retail sector in Northern Ireland.

This expected growth follows on from the company recently achieving a Microsoft designation in Azure Infrastructure. In fact, it was just one of a select number of Microsoft partners in Ireland to receive this designation, which adds to its existing Microsoft Modern Work SME and Enterprise designations.

Ken Ryan, Managing Director, Qualcom: “We live and work in an increasingly connected world, so the demand for comprehensive managed IT and cybersecurity capabilities will only increase in the years to come. That’s not to mention the pressure on organisations to be compliant with changing legislation and regulations.

“To meet these evolving needs, we are scaling our operations. As well as expanding the team and adding to our portfolio, we are keeping an eye out for possible acquisitions. This ambitious growth plan will further strengthen the support we provide – enabling us to deliver ultra-secure services that give customers peace of mind and drive innovation, not just today but for the future.”

Leading the Charge: Boom Collaboration Debuts Game-Changing Solutions at ISE 2025

Fast-growing Boom Collaboration is planning to unveil two brand new innovations at ISE 25, designed to ‘raise the game’ in video conferencing.

The Texas-based manufacturer has developed its own dedicated wireless content sharing solution, and masterminded an innovative expandable speakerphone that can link up to a further eight devices. 

In addition, Boom has launched a ‘meeting room in-a-box’ video kit range, to be officially revealed at the Barcelona tech show for the first time. The all-in-one solutions feature video and audio hardware plus a one-cable-connection hub – designed to simplify installations and capitalise on high demand for Bring Your Own Meeting deployments.

“The video conferencing world moves fast, and we know we have to move even faster to stay ahead,” says Co-Founder Fredrik Hörnkvist.

“Our focus has always been on creating solutions that simplify meetings while delivering an exceptional experience. ISE is our chance to show just how far we’ve come – and what’s next. These innovations are about making collaboration easier and more intuitive for everyone.”

A BYOD Large Videobar Kit for example, can be found on stand 2S240 at the show from February 4-7th. It features the popular HALO videobar, two mics and the ZYGO multi-connectivity station. It is complemented by a BYOD Small Room kit comprising the MEZZO 4K camera, GIRO PRO speakerphone and ZYGO hub. Many other variants will be displayed too.

Expandable

Fellow founder Holli Hulett says Boom will be demonstrating its complete range of video, audio and connectivity solutions, which are also available from boom.co

“Simplicity is our compass. Our meeting room in-a-box kits make it easier to choose the right equipment for any space while delivering the high-quality features teams need to work effectively. They’re practical, efficient, and designed to take the hassle out of getting your stuff done.”

Visitors will be able to experience the HALO videobar which boasts ultra HD 4K performance, a wide angle 120° field of view, AI Auto-framing and speaker-tracking, 10x ePTZ, six digital array mics plus the option of up to 8 additional expandable mics. It’s available in black or white colours.

Hulett emphasised: “This is our fourth year at ISE and every year it feels like we’re stepping onto a bigger stage. We’ve worked hard to bring products to market that solve real problems – things like streamlining setups, making BYOM seamless, and making sure every room, no matter its size, delivers the best experience. This year, we’re excited to show how Boom is growing as a company and as an innovator in this space.”

More BOOM news

Rain Technology Embeds Visual Security and Delivers Display Innovation From Enterprise to Healthcare

CEO Robert Ramsey, Ph.D. and Chief Scientist Michael Robinson, Ph.D. of Rain Technology, creator of the world’s most advanced directional display technologies, today shared expert commentary and select video explainers about:

  • The market outlook for emerging display technologies.
  • The big leap in visual privacy to combat shoulder surfers.
  • Key advances and early adoption across enterprise and personal computing, smartphones, automotive, hospitality, healthcare, banking and retail.
  • Opportunities to capitalize on display innovations today.

The Market Outlook for Emerging Display Technologies

Whether for business or personal use, displays of all types are central to our everyday experience. However, the amount and type of information displayed, the types of devices themselves, the hardware technologies used to provide higher quality and more efficient images, and the situations in which these devices are used all continue to expand at an incredible rate. As such, significant market opportunity exists for companies developing innovative solutions.

Experts in optics and photonics with a legacy in 3D cinema, Rain Technology scientists are radically changing the playing field for visual privacy and superior optical performance in emerging display technologies, which will transform the market by enabling the type of experiences that drive mass adoption through quality and comfort.

One of Rain Technology’s innovations that has been broadly adopted is Switchable Privacy™, a thin liquid crystal layer in the display that switches privacy on and off, preventing peripheral viewers from seeing sensitive content. See the details of how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/y05VX8Pundg. This has applicability across fraud prevention, securing confidential information, and ensuring personal privacy.

It has already shipped millions of units through industry-leading partners. In addition, the company’s innovations in privacy have been successfully leveraged and deployed in the automotive sector. Specifically, No-Driver-Distraction™ helps create safer driving experiences by preventing driver distraction caused by light emitted from passenger screens, and Display Screen Branding™ provides off-axis brand promotion by manufacturers and retailers.

Rain Technology will subsequently be adapted to further define the future of AR and VR in gaming, business, medical, and military defense. Its patented approach, Anamorphic-XR™, which relies on common, easy to manufacture materials, delivers fundamentally superior capabilities to existing AR and VR optics to improve user experience, performance and comfort. It has the potential to significantly increase consumer adoption as well as time spent engaged with devices, opening new opportunities for consumer, enterprise, military and industrial uses.

A Big Leap in Visual Privacy for Every Device

Identity theft and data breaches are on the rise, compounded by mobile work, whether remote or simply in transit. Shoulder surfers, visual hackers, and snoopers are omnipresent. Although the market for adhesive-based privacy screens for smartphones, laptops and monitors is valued at over a billion dollars and set to double in five years, it is a stopgap, lacking the ability to be controlled by enterprise IT and security policy and compromising device performance and usability.

Consumers will begin to see device and display manufacturers as well as enterprise IT departments and application developers placing a higher priority on integrating software solutions with new embedded display technologies to deliver increased privacy and control at the source. This newfound level of security will put mobile privacy in everyone’s pocket and across laptops, point of sale, automotive, tablets, and other devices.

Rain Technology is powering this change. Its patented Switchable Privacy controls the viewing angle to protect enterprises and individuals from visual hacking, data fraud, and identity theft. Switchable Privacy is applicable across the displays for smartphones, laptops, POS and ATM terminals, automotive dashboards and in-cabin displays, and medical kiosks. See more about Switchable Privacy here: https://youtu.be/4IzHUionehY.

Key Advances in AR and VR Performance to Spur Mass Adoption

AR and VR devices have been hyped for decades but have yet to realize their potential. To achieve mass adoption, the device hardware must significantly improve in weight, power efficiency, brightness, image quality, and eye comfort. Rain Technology’s Anamorphic-XR represents a crucial advancement in the evolution of AR and VR features, functionality and performance.

Rising consumer interest and commercial long-term strategies from the major players in AR and VR will be complemented by substantial government investment in these innovations, particularly in headsets and navigation and targeting systems. This dual trajectory of technological enhancement, spurred by Anamorphic-XR, and strategic funding will propel the industry forward.

This will effectively pave the way for broader integration by the leading AR and VR manufacturers into various sectors, ultimately transforming how people interact with their digital and physical environments. As these improvements are integrated, a surge in user engagement can be expected in terms of session time and application diversity, from entertainment to surgery to day-to-day interaction with the environment.

Opportunities to Capitalize on Display Innovations Today

  • Smartphones – Rain Technology is working with smartphone manufacturers to integrate its embedded Switchable Privacy display technology, ensuring peak performance in optical clarity, color and luminance, while providing Privacy Mode for optimal protection and Share Mode for collaboration. Available now for smartphone brands, display manufacturers, and component suppliers from Rain Technology.
  • Laptops, Tablets and Monitors – Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables viewing in Share Mode and Privacy Mode as well as delivering best-in-class performance for image clarity, color and luminance. Available now to laptop brands and manufacturers from Rain Technology.
  • Retail POS – Customer and staff-operated POS terminal numbers are expanding rapidly, and customers are increasingly sensitive to their data being “visually hacked” or even their privacy compromised during cart review, transaction or tipping at point of sale. Optimizing POS devices for both retailers and consumers, Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables manufacturers to deliver a Privacy Mode for consumer transaction security as well as a Share Mode for brand promotion. Now available to retailers from POS manufacturer Datecs and direct from Rain Technology.
  • Bank ATMs – With more than 3 million ATMs around the world, shopping, dining and withdrawing cash puts consumers as well as merchants, retailers and bankers at risk. Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables ATM manufacturers to ensure financial service providers can mitigate the risk of data breaches, meet regulatory compliance, and foster consumer loyalty and trust. Available today to ATM manufacturers and supply chain providers direct from Rain Technology.
  • Medical Kiosks – Private patient information, governed by HIPAA regulations, is often displayed on screens across the medical environment, from check-in kiosks to registration desks to hospital nurses stations, pharmacies and more. Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables manufacturers of monitors and tablets to deliver a Privacy Mode for patient privacy and Share Mode for collaboration. Now available to manufacturers and display providers across the healthcare industry through Rain Technology.
  • Automotive Displays – Bridging the gap between passenger infotainment and safe driving while meeting evolving legislative safety standards, Rain Technology’s No-Driver-Distraction controls the viewing angle and luminous levels so the display screens within the cabin can only be viewed by the intended audience (driver or passenger). Rain Technology’s Display Screen Branding delivers a unique in-cabin design and branding opportunity for marketers. Available today to automotive suppliers, tier one integrators, and brands both directly from Rain Technology and via display manufacturer Tianma.
  • AR and VR – The future of AR and VR relies at least partly on hardware device advances. Rain Technology is the first to introduce a patented optical design approach — Anamorphic-XR — that holds significant advantages over existing systems in the areas of image quality, color, field of view, brightness (up to 10x improvement), weight, and comfort. Currently available as a proof-of-concept demonstrator, Rain Technology is actively engaging with partners to integrate this technology into future device and wearable offerings.

To learn more, please visit www.raintechnology.com.

NIRA Dynamics secures continued partnership with Trafikverket for high-frequency road monitoring

NIRA Dynamics has announced that their Road Health solution will continue to be a key part of Trafikverket’s Connected Road Surface Monitoring, extending our successful collaboration in high-frequency asset management across Sweden’s road network.

After several years of evaluation, Trafikverket has awarded NIRA Dynamics a full continuation of services, recognizing our best-in-class capabilities, recognizing our best-in-class capabilities for detection of pavement damage such as potholes, winter damages due to freeze-thaw and frost damages.

This extension solidifies our role as the prime partner in modernizing Sweden’s road monitoring for both summer and winter conditions.

“We are thrilled to continue to work with Trafikverket in their mission to enhance road maintenance through high-frequency data collection. This partnership has already delivered significant improvements, and we look forward to driving even greater efficiency in road management,” says Johan Petersson, Product Manager at NIRA Dynamics.

Advancing road maintenance with connected vehicle data NIRA Dynamics’ Road Health utilizes real-time data from connected vehicles to provide unparalleled insights into road conditions. By capturing and analyzing data at high frequency, we enable road authorities to: Detect sudden road damages before they escalate into costly repairs.

Identify winter-related wear and freeze-thaw damage that impact road construction longevity.

Optimize maintenance planning with data-driven decision-making. Prevent major structural damage to the road and reduce the need for extensive resurfacing.
“The project has been a very instructive innovation journey for all parties. One of the success factors in the project was the way to prevent the gap between the development phase and the deployment phase, the “valley of death”, namely including development, evaluation and implementation in the same innovation procurement.

Beside a reliable technical solution, this approach requires suppliers with skills for cooperation, responsiveness and flexibility to adapt their solutions to the needs of the stakeholders” says Hawzheen Karim, Coproject Manager and innovation leader at InfraSweden.

New capabilities for the next phase
As part of this continuation, lane marking detection is now being introduced. This nationwide scanning feature will initially serve as a cost-effective screening tool, helping Trafikverket keep track of road markings and improve asset management.

A solution for road authorities worldwide
While this project focuses on Sweden, the benefits of high-frequency road monitoring extend far beyond national borders. NIRA Dynamics works with road authorities globally to transform road maintenance through smart, scalable, and efficient solutions.

More on the project: https://infrasweden.nu/uppkopplade-fordon-ska-hjalpa-till-att-forbattra-vagunderhallet/

Vodafone makes first space video call

Vodafone has successfully made the world’s first space video call using normal 4G/5G smartphones and satellites that will allow multiple users in areas of no mobile coverage to make and receive video calls, access the Internet and use online messaging services. It is the only satellite technology of its kind built to offer a full mobile broadband experience and paves the way for universal digital connectivity and the closure of mobile coverage gaps.

Unlike today’s satellite-based services, users do not need a special dish, terminal or expensive satellite phone to benefit from full mobile broadband connectivity. The service they will receive mirrors the experience of existing 4G and 5G mobile networks, enabling them to use everyday smartphones to switch between space and ground-based networks automatically.

Astronaut Tim Peake and Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, marked this significant milestone at Vodafone’s new space-to-land gateway, which receives and channels all the signals sent from a user’s smartphone via the BlueBird satellites of Vodafone’s partner, AST SpaceMobile. Vodafone engineer Rowan Chesmer put it to the test when he made the historic space-based video call to Margherita from a remote mountainous location in mid-Wales – where there has never been mobile broadband before. Rowan, who joined Vodafone’s graduate scheme in 2017, is now developing cutting-edge satellite technologies that will improve global connectivity.

Margherita Della Valle said: “Vodafone’s job is to get everyone connected, no matter where they are. Our advanced European 5G network will now be complemented with cutting-edge satellite technology. We are bringing customers the best network and connecting people who have never had access to mobile communications before. This will help to close the digital divide, supporting people from all corners of Europe to keep in touch with family and friends, or work, as well as ensuring reliable rural connectivity in an emergency.”

Operating from low Earth orbit, it is the only satellite service in the world today that offers mobile broadband directly to multiple 4G or 5G smartphones by working seamlessly as an extension of Vodafone’s leading land-based networks. Satellite is a complementary, bolt-on technology providing valuable coverage where no feasible mobile or fixed alternative exists at present. Together, the satellite service and terrestrial network will give Europe a communications infrastructure for use in any location, including mountains, or out at sea, at any time, as well as boosting overall resilience.

International Cybersecurity Expert to Explore the Disruptive Danger of Disinformation in the Age of AI at Public Lecture

Trinity College Dublin and the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre today announced an upcoming visit of internationally renowned expert in cybersecurity, Professor David J. Hickton of the University of Pennsylvania, in March. Professor Hickton will deliver a public lecture titled: “The Disruptive Danger of Disinformation in the Age of AI” on Wednesday 5th March at 5pm in the Swift Theatre in Trinity College Dublin’s Arts Building.  The event is free and open to the public.  Registration here: https://forms.gle/rSNvsQaJXaccQpd66

Professor Hickton, a former U.S. Attorney and Founding Director of the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security, will deliver this lecture as part of his March visit to Trinity College Dublin. During his time in Dublin, he will also engage with faculty, researchers, and students along with policymakers and other stakeholders through workshops, guest lectures, and roundtable discussions. During his visit, Professor Hickton will also assume the role of Adjunct Professor in the School of Computer Science and Statistics at Trinity College Dublin.

This timely public lecture will examine the pervasive influence of disinformation in an era defined by rapid technological advances and the rise of generative AI. Professor Hickton will explore the historical roots of disinformation, its role in undermining trust in institutions and science, and the urgent need for global cooperation to address these challenges. The lecture will also discuss potential pathways to address this growing crisis, balancing free speech with the urgent need for regulation.

Professor Hickton’s visit builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last year between Trinity and the University of Pittsburgh, establishing a partnership to drive innovation in AI safety and governance. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to addressing the complex challenges of the digital age,” said Professor John Kelleher, Director of ADAPT. “We are honoured to welcome Professor Hickton to Dublin and look forward to the rich insights and contributions he will bring.”

To learn more about Professor David Hickton and his work, please visit: https://www.cyber.pitt.edu/people/david-j-hickton-jd