SIRO and Vodafone have been announced as connectivity partners for Monaghan’s newest enterprise hub, CTEK2. The Carrickmacross enterprise hub was officially opened earlier this month by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D., with representatives from Monaghan County Council, Enterprising Monaghan, elected representatives and other key stakeholders all in attendance.
The CTEK2 Hub has now also joined the Gigabit Hub Initiative. The Initiative is a partnership between SIRO and Vodafone, which brings Gigabit Fibre Connectivity to remote working and digital hubs across Ireland. CTEK2 is joining a host of other successful Hubs across Ireland, such as Dundalk’s Creative Spark, Galway’s PorterShed and Skibbereen Ludgate Hub which have already benefitted from the Initiative. CTEK2 is the 24th Hub to join the Initiative.
The CTEK2 Hub can now provide businesses and tenants with high-speed, high-quality fibre connectivity, supported by SIRO’s 100% fibre network, which can provide speeds of up to 25 Gigabits, future proofing the service for decades to come. This means that as the bandwidth and speed needs of Monaghan businesses grow in the years to come the CTEK2 Hub can continue to keep pace with their needs.
CTEK2 is already proving hugely popular with the Carrickmacross and wider Monaghan business community, with 11 tenants already availing of the 17 units onsite. The new hub compliments the existing CTEK1 building located next door, which has been open for several years. The new Hub is already supporting 50 jobs. Businesses using the Hub include a home care provider, an accountancy firm, an executive car rental company and physical therapist, among others. Overall, the 1,450-square-meter facility supports regional talent retention, provides a work base for former commuters, and attracts start-ups from Monaghan and surrounding counties.
Offering a range of office options, from hot desks to private spaces, CTEK2 is designed to meet the needs of various users, from solo entrepreneurs to established enterprises. Its extensive facilities, including ample parking and kitchen spaces, allowing tenants to work in a flexible, professional environment close to home. As CTEK2 continues to grow, it plans to host community events and offer further professional development opportunities, solidifying its role as a cornerstone for local business success and innovation.
SIRO is a leading full fibre broadband operator rolling out a 100% fibre broadband network across Ireland. Its network is already available in Carrickmacross and Monaghan town.
Monaghan County Council CEO Robert Burns stated:
“Supporting innovation and driving economic growth in the region are top priorities for Monaghan County Council. We are confident that the partnership between SIRO and Vodafone will significantly advance these goals. The Gigabit Hub Initiative, with its provision of high-speed connectivity, will foster the development of new businesses in the Carrickmacross area and promote sustainable job creation throughout the region.”
SIRO CEO John Keaney said:
“We’re pleased to partner with Monaghan County Council to bring Gigabit connectivity to CTEK2, a vital addition to Carrickmacross that supports local business growth and job creation. Through the Gigabit Hub Initiative, we are committed to empowering business communities across Ireland by providing the high-speed, reliable infrastructure they need to innovate, attract talent, and expand into new markets. CTEK2 is an excellent example of how world-class connectivity can drive regional economic growth, and we look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the local community.”
Vodafone Ireland CEO Amanda Nelson commented: “Vodafone is pleased to partner with Enterprising Monaghan to provide 100% fibre broadband at their new Carrickmacross facility as part of our Gigabit Hub Initiative. This high-speed connectivity will serve as an asset for the facility’s thriving community of businesses, start-ups, and remote professionals, enabling them with the digital infrastructure essential for growth and success, both locally and beyond.”
eir, Ireland’s leading telecommunications provider, has today released its first ever comprehensive Economic and Social Impact Report, which highlights that the company has invested almost €1.7 billion in telecommunications infrastructure in the last six years, supporting Ireland to become one of the most digitally connected countries in Europe.
eir has also announced a further €500 million investment to expand its fibre network across Ireland, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing nationwide connectivity.
The report has found that eir plays a pivotal role in advancing digital inclusion across Ireland, supporting €172 billion in digital economic activity with its expansive network. eir’s continued investments, in tandem with the Government’s National Broadband Plan, aim to ensure that by the end of 2028, every home and business in Ireland – covering over 2.4 million premises – will have access to high-speed gigabit broadband. This effort promises to bring transformative connectivity to communities nationwide, empowering Ireland’s digital future.
Key findings from the Report:
eir has invested €1.664 billion in Ireland since 2018, supporting substantial infrastructure development.
In 2023, eir’s capital expenditure was €288 million, consistent with previous years.
eir employs 3,170 people directly across Ireland, creating approximately 4,755 indirect and induced jobs nationwide.
eir’s broadband infrastructure underpins €172 billion in Ireland’s economic activity, essential to the country’s digital economy.
eir’s investments help Ireland rank among the top five EU countries in the Digital Economy and Society Index.
eir aims to provide gigabit fibre connectivity to 1.9 million homes and businesses throughout Ireland. To date, this network is already available to more than 1.3 million premises, with almost 500,000 homes and businesses now connected.
Speaking at today’s launch, Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir, said “A digitally inclusive economy and society are crucial for Ireland’s future. With an additional €500 million committed investment in our communications infrastructure, eir is committed to strengthening this foundation. This report not only highlights our direct contributions to the Irish economy through employment and investment but also our broader impact in enabling the digital economy. Our extensive network infrastructure is essential to Ireland’s digital transformation, supporting both EU and national strategies that prioritise digitalisation for societal, economic, and environmental advancement. eir’s infrastructure underpins €172 billion in economic activity across Ireland.”
Also speaking at the launch of the report, AssociateProfessor Emeritus of Economics, Anthony Foley, of Dublin City University Business School, and author of the Report, “What we have found in conducting this research is that a cutting-edge digital network infrastructure is the foundation of a flourishing digital economy and society. The globalisation and FDI aspects of the Irish economy mean that broadband infrastructure and services, and international digital connectivity are significant competitiveness issues. Ireland is a very open economy. There is a continuing need to match, and ideally exceed, international broadband capability.”
The Report also underscores eir’s commitment to sustainability, with the rollout of a full-fibre network to 84% of Irish homes and businesses playing a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and improving network resilience against climate-related storms.
Through ongoing infrastructure investments, a focus on sustainability, and promoting digital inclusion, eir is shaping Ireland’s digital future and eir’s further €500 million network investment will fuel innovation, enhance connectivity, and create new opportunities for businesses and communities across the country.
SiriusXM, a leading audio entertainment company in North America, announced today its plans to hire approximately 200 employees over the next few years in Ireland, an expansion supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland. The announcement coincides with the grand opening of the company’s new Technology Centre in Dublin, held yesterday at the Centre’s new state-of-the-art office space, which included a panel discussion and networking opportunities for potential new hires.
The Dublin-based team will be pivotal to SiriusXM’s continued digital transformation, serving as a centre of excellence for its Product and Technology organisation and fostering innovation and collaboration among SiriusXM’s growing international team. Focusing on key areas such as automotive technology, adtech, data science, and engineering, talent at the Dublin hub will drive the development of high-quality, scalable software solutions for SiriusXM’s streaming services and in-vehicle entertainment platforms.
“Dublin is a globally recognized hub for technology expertise, and we are excited to have opened our new space here and expand our roster of leading technologists,” said Joe Inzerillo, EVP, Chief Product & Technology Officerat SiriusXM. “Our team in Dublin will work alongside our global team of experts to continue to innovate and expand on our portfolio of audio entertainment and adtech products.”
Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, commented: “SiriusXM’s decision to expand in Ireland and hire 200 people is a strong vote of confidence in the country’s technology ecosystem. With access to a highly skilled talent pool, Ireland continues to be an attractive destination for innovative companies looking to invest in cutting-edge solutions.”
SiriusXM’s Dublin facility will focus on recruiting in the following areas:
Software Development: These roles will support the development and implementation of innovation roadmaps and advanced operational capabilities.
Automotive Technology & Engineering: This team will focus on software and platform development for SiriusXM’s in-vehicle services, as well as consumer electronics, enhancing the customer experience and driving business growth.
AdTech, Data Science & Analytics: The Dublin team will modernise SiriusXM’s adtech infrastructure, working on efficiency and scalability, as well as creating new solutions for music discovery, content engagement, and subscription enhancement.
Virgin Media is shaking up the Black Friday season by turning it ‘Red’ with a series of fantastic offers across its Broadband, TV, and Mobile services. Starting from November 12th, Virgin Media is inviting customers to experience top-of-the-line connectivity, entertainment, and mobile plans at outstanding prices with exclusive free gifts and savings.
The headline offer for new customers, is a FREE 43” TCL 4K Smart TV when they sign up to Virgin Media’s ultrafast, reliable 1Gb broadband combined with Virgin Media’s popular ‘Streaming TV’ package, perfect for immersing themselves in the latest and greatest entertainment.
Virgin Mobile customers also have plenty to celebrate this ‘Red Friday.’ Those who purchase a Samsung Galaxy S24 (128GB), Apple iPhone 14 (128GB), or Google Pixel 8 Pro (128GB) from November 12th will receive a complimentary pair of JBL Live Pro 2 earbuds (RRP €149.99), delivering premium sound quality to match their top-tier devices.
Virgin Mobile is also offering upfront savings and reduced monthly fees on some of its most popular handsets. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, now available for €199 upfront and €40 per month, offers customers an €80 saving. In addition, the Samsung Galaxy S24 (128GB) can be purchased with no upfront cost and a reduced monthly bill of €35, giving customers a €5 monthly saving.
“Our ‘Red Friday’ deals are our way of giving back to our customers with offers that bring exceptional value across broadband, TV, and mobile services,” said Paul Higgins, VP of Commercial at Virgin Media Ireland.
“From fast, reliable internet and immersive entertainment to cutting-edge mobile devices, we’re committed to providing unbeatable experiences for Irish households. This Black Friday, Virgin Media is making it easier than ever for customers to access the very best in connectivity and entertainment at incredible prices.”
All free gifts with Virgin Mobile are subject to availability, available for a limited period only, and are provided at the time of purchase with delivery or upon collection.
Free TCL 43” 4K Smart TV is subject to availability, available for a limited period only, and will be within 5 days once the customer has been installed for 28 days.
All offers are subject to application check, availability, and contract terms and conditions.
Today, Prime Video announced a November 26 premiere date and released the official trailer and key art for It’s in the Game: Madden NFL. The docuseries will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. It’s in the Game: Madden NFL is the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime Video members enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership.
It’s one of the biggest video games of all time, a groundbreaking brand that became a worldwide phenomenon, spanning generations—but it almost never happened…
It’s in the Game: Madden NFL reveals the never-been-told story of Madden NFL, from its archaic 8-bit origins to its success as an annual must have—against all odds. For the first time ever, EA SPORTS is opening their vault of rare and never-been-seen footage, while also allowing cameras to follow along as the team finishes the next generation of the game. What started as an unlikely pairing between a computer whiz and a football legend, ignited a revolution and triggered a seismic collision between the worlds of jocks and geeks. They should have failed. Instead, their game changed the game—and our culture, too.
Presented by Prime Video and A+E Factual Studios group, the It’s in the Game: Madden NFL is produced by the A+E Factual Studios group, SMAC Productions, Misher Films, and MTP. The series is executive produced by Kevin Misher and Andy Berman of Misher Films; Michael Strahan, Constance Schwartz-Morini, and FredAnthony Smith of SMAC Entertainment; Mike Tollin of MTP; Sandy Montag of The Montag Group; Steve Ascher, Kristy Sabat, and Jessica Conway of A+E Factual Studios; Daryl Holt, Seann Graddy, and Julie Foster of EA SPORTS; and Nathan Caswell, Jeremiah Zagar, and Jeremy Yaches of Public Record. Caswell and Zagar are set to direct.
The international student design competition, which has now supported more than 400 problem-solving inventions from young engineers and scientists worldwide, received nearly 2,000 entries this year.
Speaking of the 2024 winners, James Dyson said: “We started the James Dyson Award nearly 20 years ago to encourage students at university to solve problems. And we’ve had thousands and thousands of entries since. It’s wonderfully encouraging to see how many students have solutions to severe global problems. Instead of sitting back and talking about it, they’re doing something about it – and that’s what the James Dyson Award encourages. We’ve got two brilliant winners this year which we’re thrilled to support, and I hope the Award will give them a springboard to future success.”
James Dyson surprised Olivia, Shane and Danial with the exciting news during an online video call.
Medical Winner – Athena, by Olivia Humphreys from Ireland.
The problem
Some 65-99% of patients going through chemotherapy will be affected by chemo-induced hair loss. Current hair-loss prevention techniques commonly use scalp cooling, a method which involves applying ice cold temperatures to the scalp before, during, and after chemotherapy, which can be very painful for patients. It mitigates hair loss by shrinking blood vessels and limiting blood flow to the scalp. After chemotherapy, cooling can also help hair grow back faster and stronger.
However, the availability of scalp cooling is limited due to its high costs. This year’s Medical Winner is from Ireland where the Minister for Health estimated the total cost of installing a scalp cooling machine at €216,000, with additional costs needed for staffing as the treatment requires additional help to operate the equipment.
Ensuring the equipment fits the patient properly and the extended time it means someone needs to be in hospital for are additional hurdles. There are cheaper, manual cooling alternatives available, yet these are less powerful, and they don’t provide long-lasting effects.
Not all hospitals offer scalp cooling for patients too. In fact, in Ireland, scalp cooling is only available in eight out of the country’s 86 hospitals.
The solution
Olivia Humphreys, a 24-year-old product design and technology graduate, invented Athena to tackle these issues after witnessing the impact of chemotherapy-induced hair loss when her mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. Having spent time with her mother during treatment, Olivia was inspired to reimagine hair-loss prevention technology.
Athena is a portable, thermoelectric hair-loss prevention device that uses scalp cooling. It’s more cost effective and timesaving than current hospital models, without compromising on the quality of treatment. For those exploring advanced hair wellness solutions and scalp care.
Current scalp cooling products use refrigeration technology requiring constant plugged in power. The patient must arrive at hospital 30 minutes early and stay for 90 minutes after infusion for pre and post scalp cooling. Battery powered Athena, weighing around 3kg, consists of a carry case and a cooling headpiece, that fits to different head shapes, and enables people to spend less time in hospital on a chemotherapy infusion day. It works by using low-cost thermoelectric semiconductors called Peltiers, and these cool a tank of water, which circulates the cold water around the head with the smartly designed headpiece.
With Athena, patients can start and end the scalp-cooling process themselves from wherever they wish, such as the comfort of their own home. At full power, it can run for 3.5 hours, allowing the patient to commute to and from the hospital while cooling, and move around during infusion, such as for bathroom visits. Athena aims to give control back to patients during a time when they usually have little of it.
Athena is patient-centric and so Olivia also chose bright colours for the device’s materials as a change from conventional, clinical colours found in hospitals. Taking its name from the powerful Greek Goddess of wisdom and battle strategy, for Humphreys, Athena is a symbol of resilience, which is a quality often seen in those living with an illness as serious as cancer and going through the necessary treatments.
The estimated cost for Athena would be around €1,000, according to Olivia, which is significantly less than industry machines which start at around €20,000. Athena has the potential to make hair-loss prevention more accessible and affordable for both patients and healthcare providers – Olivia’s ideal scenario would involve partnering with hospitals and charities to offer Athena through a rental or loan scheme.
To take Athena to the next level, extensive research and development is required, and the James Dyson Award prize money will kickstart this. Long term, Olivia is exploring novel technologies for future hair loss prevention methods beyond scalp cooling.
James Dyson, Founder of Dyson, said: “I haven’t had cancer, but members of my family have had cancer and hair loss is a particularly depressing and debilitating part of chemotherapy treatment. You can freeze your scalp which you have to do in special facilities, but these aren’t always available, are costly and it’s very painful. This year’s Medical Winner, Olivia Humphreys, has tackled this problem by designing Athena, for portable scalp cooling. You can wear it while you travel, you can wear it in the car to and from hospital, you can use it at home – it’s a low-cost alternative available to everybody, with the potential to make a real difference.”
Speaking about the development of Athena, Olivia Humphreys said: “I decided to build a working prototype to test the capabilities of the Peltier semiconductors. Using a Peltier computer cooling fan system, a diaphragm pump, my mum’s old suitcase, and my dad’s plane battery, I was able to create a strong proof of concept to gather valuable feedback to develop the concept. Following this, I focused on the product’s form, creating cardboard and foam models and determining functionality aspects and touchpoints to ensure the best user experience. Ultimately, I arrived at my final model, Athena, which was crafted using SolidWorks 3D CAD modelling.”
On winning the James Dyson Award, Olivia said: “I’m incredibly proud of the hard work, ambition, and commitment that went into creating Athena. The recognition from the James Dyson Award validates not just my efforts, but also the stories and insights shared by people who’ve experienced cancer treatment. My mum inspired this journey, and it’s incredibly emotional and rewarding to have my project reach this level. The Award has motivated me to recognise my potential, and it opens up exciting opportunities for me as a young designer and innovator.”
Professor Mark Beresford, Consultant Oncologist at the Royal United Hospital Bath, said: “Hair loss is one of the most outward and distressing side effects of chemotherapy. Current scalp cooling techniques can reduce the risk or extent of hair loss, but need to be attached in the chemotherapy unit for a period of time before and after the chemotherapy infusion, committing patients to a long day in hospital. This new mobile version will allow patients more freedom, reclaiming some of their day, and also free-up valuable chemotherapy chair time for other patients to receive treatment.”
Liz Yeates, CEO of the Marie Keating Foundation, said:“I want to congratulate Olivia for creating the mobile scalp cooling device and being awarded this year’s global winner of the James Dyson Award. Any invention that can help prevent hair loss for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy would be so positively received. When I went through cancer, there was no option for me to use a scalp cooling device, and losing your hair can be one of the most devastating impacts for most people. This device offers new hope, and it could make a real difference for those facing chemotherapy in the future. Any use of scalp cooling should always be under the guidance and direction of the patient’s oncology or cancer care team.”
Sustainability Winner – airXeed Radiosonde, by Shane Kyi Hla Win and Danial Sufiyan Bin Shaiful from Singapore.
The problem
Every day, weather stations worldwide launch devices via weather balloons that gather critical atmospheric data for accurate weather forecasting. These small devices, called radiosondes, measure air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction and transmit this data back to ground stations, helping meteorologists track weather patterns and forecast conditions. However, current devices are single-use and contribute to tonnes of plastic and e-waste globally.
After reaching high altitudes, the balloon carrying the device bursts, and the sensor descends rapidly, often crashing in remote and costly-to-retrieve locations, without collecting further atmospheric data as it falls.
There are 1,300 weather stations around the world, and it’s predicted they release at least two single-use radiosondes per day. So, over a year, almost one million radiosondes are released, costing $190million and estimated to cause 48 tonnes of e-waste.
These devices are crucial to the rapidly growing weather forecasting industry, valued at over $2.25 billion in 2023 and projected to reach approximately $5.23 billion by 2032. This growth is driven by the rising demand for precise weather forecasting across sectors like agriculture, energy, transportation, and aviation. Extreme weather events have increased the demand for better forecasting systems too.
The solution
This year’s global Sustainability Winner aims to make weather forecasting more eco-friendly. AirXeed Radiosonde is a reusable device tackling the amount of e-waste created by single-use radiosondes on the market. It also aims to increase the amount of atmospheric data these devices collect, improving quality of forecasting.
Young engineers Shane Kyi Hla Win and Danial Sufiyan Bin Shaiful, from the Singapore University of Technology and Design, drew inspiration from nature to create airXeed Radiosonde. Their focus was to improve the descent and end-of-life of a radiosonde to make them reusable, reducing e-waste and minimising pollution in remote areas.
The team used the autorotation of maple seeds in their solution. A maple seed’s asymmetrical shape creates lift and drag, allowing it to spin like a helicopter as it falls. Shane and Danial applied this principle to their radiosonde design, enabling it to spiral during descent. This not only slows the device, preventing damage upon impact with the ground, but also increases the likelihood of it landing in an accessible location, making retrieval and reuse easier. The team used machine learning to optimise this design for the best flight performance. AirXeed’s controlled descent allows it to collect and transmit more atmospheric data to weather stations, as traditional radiosondes cannot do this.
To avoid collision with aircraft, and very windy conditions that could deviate the descent, Shane and Danial’s device stops auto rotating when passing through aircraft cruise altitude. It enters a dive mode to increase its speed. The team have also added an onboard controller to manage the device’s stability and flight path to land without impact near the closest collection zone for reuse.
This controller is enhanced by machine learning to estimate wind speed and direction onboard, as well as select the best landing location. Collection zones would be established based on weather patterns and local government collaboration. Equipped with GPS and flight navigation, the radiosonde would select the optimal collection zone from multiple options at each weather station, ensuring a smooth return based on weather and flight trajectory.
Shane and Danial prioritised sustainability in their material choice, using balsa wood and foam for the lightweight wing and cowling. Modular components allow for easy replacement and recycling of worn parts, catering to industry needs.
After winning the James Dyson Award, Shane and Danial hope to collaborate with more weather stations and weather sensor manufacturers for real-world trials to gather data and feedback to improve their invention, to ultimately bring airXeed Radiosonde to market.
James Dyson, Founder of Dyson, said: “Weather balloons that collect atmospheric information fall back to Earth and pollute the environment with electronic waste. Shane and Danial, our Sustainability Winners, have found a way of returning these devices to Earth highly intelligently to where the operators want them to land. AirXeed Radiosonde uses the maple seed principle, helicoptering down gently but also plummeting in areas where there are likely to be planes. This is a reusable weather detector, saving environmental waste and saving money. I think it’s a very clever idea.”
On winning the James Dyson Award, Shane said: “Winning the James Dyson Award global sustainability prize is a huge step forward for us. It shows that our design has potential and gives us a platform to showcase how airXeed Radiosonde can positively improve the weather industry – hearing it from James Dyson himself makes it even more special. It’s incredibly motivating to see such a prominent figure in innovation take the time to encourage young inventors like us, developing solutions that are sustainable and address critical global challenges”.
On what’s next for the team, Danial said: “With the Award’s recognition, we hope to connect with experts in the weather industry, secure partnerships and attract funding to further test and develop our design. It’s a huge boost in our journey towards turning airXeed Radiosonde into a fully realised solution that can reduce electronic waste and make weather monitoring smarter
The Pro Keys 2 folio case and keyboard turns your iPad into a mobile powerhouse, allowing for seamless productivity wherever users go. With refined, laptop-style keys for a responsive typing experience and up to 6.6 feet of iPad drop protection, the Pro Keys 2 features a detachable keyboard, multi-device pairing functionality, an adjustable stand, backlit keys for dimly lit environments, a stylus holder, and more.* It’s the perfect tool for anyone needing a flexible keyboard and protective case solution for their iPad.
“Our goal is to provide premium keyboards and accessories that elevate our users’ mobile experiences,” said Gavin Slevin, Managing Director at ZAGG International. “The Pro Keys 2 keyboard combines productivity-enhancing features with a price point that delivers excellent value to ensure users have the right tools to stay efficient and connected from any location.”
Unlock the full potential of your iPad with the Pro Keys 2 wireless keyboard and detachable case. It boasts an upgraded keyframe for smoother and more precise key travel, providing an effortless touch-typing experience. The case is designed to magnetically hold the stylus with the iPad, offering a streamlined user setup.
Key features include:
Enhanced Protection: The durable polycarbonate shell, combined with rubberized edges and reinforced corners, delivers drop protection from heights up to 6.6 feet (2 meters).
Magnetic Folio Cover: When detached from the keyboard, the folio-style cover protects your screen from scratches and bumps.
Superior Typing Experience: The redesigned keys are crafted for quicker, more comfortable typing with accurate keystrokes.
Removable Keyboard: Separate the keyboard from the case to position your iPad on one surface while using the keyboard on another.
Adjustable Viewing Stand: The foldable cover converts into a stand, providing two viewing angles for your convenience.
Long Lasting Battery: Benefit from prolonged battery life thanks to the efficient sleep/wake function that conserves power.
Stylus Storage: Keep your ZAGG Pro Stylus or Apple Pencil securely stored with the snap-fit holder.
Dual-Device Pairing: Seamlessly switch between two paired devices with the Bluetooth keyboard.
Forward-facing Speakers: Audio is directed straight toward the user for a better listening experience.
Customizable Backlit Keys: Choose from seven vibrant colors to keep working efficiently in low light.
Space-Saving Design: The foldable stand occupies minimal space, ideal for working in tight or compact areas.
Pricing and Availability:
The ZAGG Pro Keys 2 folio case with detachable, wireless keyboard is available today at ZAGG.com and at select retail stores globally for €109.99 / £109.99 / $109.99 for the iPad Pro 11 (M4) and iPad Air 11 (M2), and €169.99 / £159.99 / $169.99 for the iPad Pro 13 (M4), and iPad Air 13 (M2). Designed to provide unmatched productivity on the go, the Pro Keys 2 offers a premium solution for iPad users at a competitive price. Visit ZAGG’s website or your nearest retailer to enhance your iPad experience today.
Conferencing manufacturer Boom Collaboration has launched a dedicated ‘meeting room in a box’ video kit for large rooms.
The all-in-one innovation features an intelligent videobar, expandable mics and one-cable connection hub – designed to simplify installations and capitalise on high demand for Bring Your Own Device deployments.
It’s part of a new range of complete solutions, demonstrating the Texas-based company’s ethos of delivering better meetings, simply.
Rollercoaster
The BYOD Large Videobar Kit can be found at boom.co and features the popular HALO videobar, two mics and the ZYGO multi-connectivity hub. It’s available in black or white colours.
“In recent years the video conferencing market has been a rollercoaster ride offering two distinct ways forward – with dedicated in-room systems on the up, whilst Bring Your Own Device alternatives seemed to be heading down, particularly for many larger organisations,” explained Co-Founder Fredrik Hörnkvist.
“But wider industry analysis mirrors our own findings that the use of individual devices is taking over. From our conversations, sales and interest from around the world, it’s an 80/20 split. BYOD is back with a bang with plug-and-play simplicity, lower costs and a platform agnostic approach some of the main driving forces.”
He emphasised: “Our new approach sees the creation of complete ‘meeting room in a box’ kits. These are designed to simplify the process of choosing the right equipment for the right rooms, to optimise the overall user experience and take away any installation headaches. Our new videobar kit for larger rooms will add further fuel to the BYOD fire.”
The solution is spearheaded by 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 eight additional expandable mics.
Embracing
Many businesses are now opting for flexible, cost-effective solutions, agrees fellow founder Holli Hulett. “The pandemic created a shift towards more agile, plug-and-play systems, where users wanted to use their own devices without relying on permanent room systems. There’s more personalisation too such as when screen sharing.”
She added: “The flexibility and lower cost of BYOD solutions – where users bring their laptops or mobile devices to connect to a room’s AV system – have seen a significant rise, as hybrid and flexible work models became more common.
“This is especially popular for SMBs embracing hybrid work. They greatly outnumber bigger organisations by around 1000:1 so there’s more volume and more reseller opportunities compared to fully-fledged room systems. Our new dedicated kit for larger rooms makes it easy for installers and their customers to create the optimal BYOD meeting experience.”
Today, Ookla, a global leader in connectivity intelligence, announces its partnership with Dublin City Counciland the City Telecoms Association to identify and tackle telecoms deficits in Dublin. This first-of-its-kind initiative, fueled by Ookla’s Speedtest Insights®, offers a practical blueprint for l cities across Europe to drive digital inclusion and optimise network outcomes through actionable, data-driven insights.
The partnership demonstrates how a data-driven approach can enhance connectivity outcomes in a tangible way, empowering cities to better serve citizens. For the first time, the city is addressing connectivity gaps through targeted policy interventions, and fostering collaborative efforts with operators to attract investments that were previously hindered by site acquisition challenges.
You can find the full partnership case study here with more information about the five high-impact use cases created by Dublin City Council using Ookla’s network intelligence data.
Key points from the study:
Telecoms strategy and digital inclusion: A proactive data-driven telecom strategy aimed at bridging digital divides, with significant analysis of how socio-economic factors affect connectivity outcomes, especially in areas with high social deprivation.
Identification of connectivity gaps: Ookla’s real-world data has enabled DCC to pinpoint key areas in Dublin with significant connectivity issues, influencing policy and planning to prioritise interventions where they are most needed.
Innovative use of city assets: Dublin’s approach to leveraging city-owned assets for telecom infrastructure, including facilitating multi-operator site access, represents a strategic move to optimise asset use and reduce urban clutter, aligned with EU regulatory goals.
Transparency and public engagement: The Council has launched a public educational initiative on telecom infrastructure, including visualisations of before-and-after network improvements from new site deployments, to engage citizens and increase acceptance of new infrastructure.
Comparative benchmarking in Europe: Through Ookla’s data, Dublin has gained insights into its telecom performance relative to other European cities, highlighting areas of competitive strength in 5G availability and identifying room for improvement in 4G speeds.
Key data and methodology:
The collaboration saw Ookla collect Speedtest® network data across the city over two 12-month periods (June 2022-June 2023 and June 2023-June 2024) with a sample size in the tens of millions; creating the most comprehensive analysis of mobile network performance ever conducted at the city level in Ireland.
Leveraging Ookla’s Speedtest® Insights platform, DCC were able to integrate other data sources, such as internal city asset registries, mobile site location maps from Ireland’s telecoms regulator ComReg, and social deprivation data from Pobal.
Geospatial analysis created a localised tile-based grid across the entire city to categorise mobile network performance at different times of the day. Performance was evaluated against two metrics; signal strength and download speed. Each location tile was categorised as unacceptable if it had less than 11 dBm signal strength and 5 Mbps download speed. Anything above 11 dBM and 5 Mbps was categorised as ‘acceptable’.
