Category: Tech News

Beta Festival, Ireland’s art and technology festival starts today

Featuring a robot that rolls its eyes at live social media algorithms, the opportunity to reduce emissions by distracting fossil fuel companies and digital tools that investigate real-life conspiracies, Beta runs until Sunday, November 17th at The Digital Hub and wider Dublin 8 area.
Co-founded and supported by The Digital Hub, Beta has announced a full line-up of artists, exhibitions, installations and workshops that will focus on the key theme of the relationship between technology and power, with specific focus areas including artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology.
In addition, a first-of-its-kind Assembly on AI and Art will bring together leading experts in technology and culture to discuss critical areas in the arts industry which are impacted by AI and should be considered for future policy developments. AI Ambassador for Ireland Patricia Scanlon will be among the facilitators leading discussions.
Cannes Film Festival winner Noire, the Unknown Life of Claudette Colvin will make its Irish debut at this year’s Beta Festival at the Samuel Beckett Theatre from Thursday, November 7th to Sunday, November 10th. Noire tells the real-life story of 15-year-old Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in a segregated 1950s Alabama. The production uses virtual reality to provide viewers with an immersive digital experience. Tickets for Noire are limited and range from €15 – €22.
Beta will also host an international exhibition Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance, which will explore how digital systems and algorithms shape, influence and govern our daily lives. Curated by Aisling Murray and Nora O’ Murchú, the exhibition will feature artists including Basil Al-Rawi, Tega Brain and Sam Levigne, Firas Shehadeh, and Winnie Soon and Tzu-Tung Lee among others.
Separately, the Local Artists Network will spotlight emerging Irish artists with new work from Conan McIvor and new commissions from Aisling Phelan and Cailean Finn. Both exhibitions are free of charge and will run from Friday, November 1st to Sunday, November 17th. Additional workshops covering digital democracy, facial recognition technology and artist networking events are taking place over the two weeks and will be free of charge to attendees.
Events and exhibitions will take place predominantly in buildings across The Digital Hub campus, including iD8 Studio, The Bank and wider Dublin areas including Pallas Projects Studios, Fire Station Artists Studio and the Samuel Beckett Theatre.
Beta will officially launch on Friday, November 1st with events including the Assembly on AI and Art, keynote from Abeba Birhane as well as free workshops and panel discussions.
The conference over the opening weekend will cover topics from digital activism to immersive storytelling, algorithmic resistance and future archives. Tickets for the conferences are available to purchase from the Beta website from €15 – €25.
Key highlights from the weekend will include:
  • Samuel Beckett Theatre will host performances from Noire, an immersive virtual reality performance that tells the story of Claudette Colvin who refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in the 1950s segregated Alabama. Directed by Stéphane Foenkinos and Pierre-Alain Giraud.
  • The Ethics Studio, a space for members of the public to engage with real ethical concerns and potential real-world impacts of new and emerging technologies developed with the festival research partner ADAPT Research Centre. This will include The Bigger Picture – an exhibition of new commissions that challenge outdated tropes and offers a more grounded, realistic portrayal of AI.
  • Keynote talks from Kay Watson, Head of Arts Technologies at London’s Serpentine Gallery and Abebe Birhane, who is a member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s AI Advisory Body and was featured in the TIME 100 Most Influential People in AI list.
  • International exhibition Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance, which will explore how algorithms and technology influence and impact our daily lives, with work including Cold Call, a call centre that reimagines carbon offsetting by encouraging viewers to call fossil fuel companies and distract them for as long as possible, delaying carbon-emitting activities.
The opening will take place on Friday, November 1st with a preview of the exhibition at The Digital Hub, with a reception supported by Diageo Ireland.
Aisling Murray, co-founder and director of Beta Festival, commented:
“In a moment where much of our interaction with the world is mediated by screens and dominated by AI-driven narratives —both utopian and dystopian—Beta aims to create a space where people can come together to critically explore the complexities of our digital culture. This year’s festival brings together artists, researchers, and technologists to examine the power dynamics embedded in new technologies and offer alternative approaches to how we engage with them. Through exhibitions, workshops, and discussions, we hope to empower the public with a sense of agency, encouraging them to question, resist, and rethink the platforms that shape our daily lives.
Ireland is uniquely positioned at this intersection of art, research, and technology, with a wealth of creative talent and intellectual rigor, alongside some of the world’s leading tech companies. By bringing these diverse voices into conversation, we aim to spark meaningful public engagement with the critical issues surrounding technology today. I am so grateful to The Digital Hub for supporting this project and seeing its value and relevance and am excited for this year’s edition.”
Fiach Mac Conghail, co-founder of Beta Festival and CEO of The Digital Hub, added:
“The Digital Hub has a strong track record of supporting digital technology industries, creative enterprises and community learning programmes in our Dublin 8 community and wider area. Beta aims to be a culmination of activities within the Liberties campus and act as a starting point to foster discussions on how we can make complex technologies more accessible and tangible for all communities. Beta’s programme for 2024 gives us a prime position to further these objectives and create a meaningful impact with communities interested in art and technology. We are delighted to see the return of Beta following its successful first year and look forward to seeing the work of many great artists and greet the visitors that join us for the festival from November 1st.”
The Digital Hub and Aisling Murray are being supported in its preparations for Beta by Science Week, Ambassade de France en Irlande and Institut Français, British Council, ADAPT Research Centre, Smart Dublin, Fire Station Artist’s Studio, Creative Futures Academy, The Arts Council and Pallas Projects.
Beta Festival will kick off Friday, 1st November with a variety of events and exhibitions during that time with the centrepiece exhibition, Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance and additional events at The Digital Hub running until Sunday, 17th November.
To find out more about Beta Festival 2024 and how to purchase event tickets, visit https://2024.betafestival.ie/

Dreame’s Black Friday Sale Arrives Early

Dreame Technology, a pioneer of innovative household appliances, has announced the launch of its early Black Friday sale, with the company offering unmissable deals between the 1st and 7th of November. 

Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or get ahead on Christmas shopping this Black Friday, these offers are the best way to get your hands on Dreame’s smart home appliances for less.

Dreame X40 Ultra Complete (Was £1,299, now £1,149) 

Equipped with Dreame’s latest core technologies, the X40 Ultra Complete offers exceptional cleaning efficiency in even the tightest spaces around the home. It features an extendable side brush, which moves in sync with the mop and main brush, separating wet and dry cleaning.

With Dreame’s MopExtend™ RoboSwing Technology, the robot vacuum can remove dirt from under low furniture and in hard-to-reach corners, as deep as 4cm. It also has 12,000Pa Vormax™ Suction, swiftly lifting debris with fewer passes on hard floors and carpets. AvDreame’s Black Friday Deals Arrive Early and They’re An Absolute Steal!
Available with an anti-tangle TriCut brush, the X40 Ultra Complete prevents clogs, making your cleaning routine easier and more efficient.

For improved versatility, the X40 Ultra Complete can auto-lift mops to 10.5mm and protect carpets from moisture. Additionally, you can create detailed 4-level maps with this robot vacuum, planning efficient cleaning routes and intelligently identifying and avoiding over 120 types of objects.

The Dreame X40 Ultra Complete has an automated cleaning station, which includes an auto washboard cleaning system to reduce stains and remove any odours on the mop pads. 

Dreame L40 Ultra Complete (Was £999, now £899)

Dreame’s newest flagship robotic vacuum features the latest MopExtend™ RoboSwing Technology, which enables the L40 Ultra Complete to analyse complex living environments and determine when and where the mops can be used most effectively. This technology also detects edges and corners using a position-sensitive sensor that automatically expands the range of the mops by up to 4cm.

The L40 Ultra has an outstanding suction power of 11,000Pa, effectively removing animal hair, dust, and debris. Combined with the Anti-Tangle TriCut Brush, this performance enables faster and better cleaning results in fewer passes. The innovative dirt detection function, supported by an RGB AI camera, allows the L40 Ultra Complete to independently detect dirt on the floor and adjust its performance accordingly. 

The robot vacuum is equipped with a fully automated, multifunctional base station that manages routine tasks efficiently, providing a hands-free cleaning experience. After completing its work, the L40 Ultra returns to its station, where it independently cleans the mops with 65-degree water and blow-dries them with warm air for two hours to prevent unpleasant odours. The washboard also cleans itself to avoid stain residue, with its optimised design preventing water pollution and increasing cleaning efficiency. 

Dreame L20 Ultra Complete (Was £849, now £649) 

The L20 Ultra Complete is equipped with Dreame’s most advanced and powerful suction system with 7,000Pa Vormax™ Suction, as well as MopExtend™ Technology. Utilising a position sensitive detector to identify edges and corners, this technology automatically extends the mops to reach tight spaces around the home for deeper, closer cleaning. Intelligent algorithms also help the L20 Ultra Complete to navigate complex home environments to know when, where, and how it should best extend and retract its mops.

Dreame’s DuoScrub™ Mopping System deploys two high-speed rotary mops that scrub stubborn dirt and spills under pressure, preventing messes from lingering in your living space. It operates quietly with a liftable rubber brush and a fan motor that automatically closes.

The L20 Ultra Complete also features Pathfinder™ Smart Navigation, an AI-driven obstacle avoidance system and 3D structured light to learn about your home, identify 55 different types of obstacles, and plan how to clean more effectively. With a built-in LED, the robot vacuum can clean efficiently in dim spaces and dark rooms.

Dreame D10 Plus (Was £279, now £229) 

With the D10 Plus’ auto-empty function, you can enjoy 45 days of hands-free cleaning as the robot vacuum quietly empties its dustbin in just seconds to minimise disruption and maximise cleaning time. Dreame’s DualBoost technology provides efficient dust collection by blowing and suction via two air circulation paths to take in the dirt, remove odours and prevent clogging. 

The robot vacuum also boasts 4,000Pa suction power that can be automatically adjusted for different flooring types with a main brush roller design combined for deep, effective cleaning. With a 5,200mAh large-capacity battery, the D10 Plus can cover more space on a single charge for maximum coverage and convenience.

The D10 Plus can also accurately map your home in as little as 8 minutes, avoiding obstacles for effective, efficient cleaning. Using the LiDAR navigation and SLAM algorithm, it scans an 8-metre radius to create dynamic maps and intelligent route planning.

With more deals to come this Black Friday, please visit the Dreame UK website for more information: https://dreamestore.co.uk/products/ 

Free your inner DJ: Introducing the DDJ-FLX2

AlphaTheta, a world-class manufacturer of DJ equipment, announces the release of the DDJ-FLX2, an easy-to-use DJ controller that’s perfect for anyone thinking of starting to DJ.

Simply install one of several compatible DJ applications on your smartphone, tablet, or computer, connect it to the DDJ-FLX2, and you’ll be ready to seamlessly mix tracks and apply exciting effects with ease, just like professional DJs do. And don’t worry if you don’t have your own music files – you can start DJing using compatible streaming services, such as Apple Music via Algoriddim’s djay app. 

Whether you want to get a reputation for crowd-pleasing party sets, express yourself creatively through DJing, or just enjoy mixing with your friends, the DDJ-FLX2 is the perfect controller to help you turn your fantasy into reality.

The DDJ-FLX2 is available now for £159. For more information, head to alphatheta.com. See more news here

NSAI Launches Europe’s First Verified Global Navigation Satellite System Data Stream Service

The National Standards Authority of Ireland’s National Metrology Laboratory (NSAI NML) today announced the launch of Europe’s first ever verified GPS/GNSS Data Stream (VGDS) service, an extension to the National Timing Grid of Ireland (www.ntg.ie). This initiative developed in partnership with Timing Solutions, marks a significant step forward in ensuring secure and reliable Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data, vital for government organisations, public institutions and business sectors including communications, energy, and transportation, public services, financial services, and cloud data centers as a source of accurate time.
The VGDS service provides verified GNSS data in the form of Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) packets via the internet, allowing users to verify their own GNSS data streams.
GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), such as the US’s Global Positioning System (GPS) and the EU’s Galileo, are invaluable in our daily lives as they provide real-time navigation assistance for people and assets helping them find the most efficient routes, avoid traffic, and reach their destinations safely and quickly. In emergency situations, GNSS devices help locate individuals quickly, allowing first responders to reach them faster.
David Fleming, NSAI Technical Manager for Time & Frequency said,
“We are so excited to be launching in Ireland, Europe’s first ever Verified GNSS/GPS Data Stream service. As Ireland’s digital economy continues to grow and more services and public safety aspects are dependent on GNSS/GPS data, the importance of verifiable GNSS/GPS data in Ireland is paramount which made the establishment of this service a key priority for the NSAI NML.”
As Ireland’s national authority for measurement standards, NSAI NML is responsible for creating, maintaining and developing the national measurement standards for physical quantities (e.g. kilogram, second, meter, etc.) and making these standards available to Irish users. The VGDS service is being delivered by NSAI NML and led by specialist partner Timing Solutions, a NovaUCD and ESA BIC Ireland client company.
Dr. Zdenek Chaloupka, Founder, Timing Solutions said:
“The Timing Solutions team is delighted to be taking the lead in establishing Ireland as one of the leading countries around the world with respect to the provision of safe GNSS/GPS data and signals thereby improving the resiliency of the Critical Infrastructure sectors.”
GNSS systems like GPS have become an essential part of everyday life, from driver navigation and optimising farming operations to coordinating emergency services. However, their widespread use has also exposed vulnerabilities that can be exploited for criminal activities, including signal jamming and spoofing—both of which can disrupt crucial services and threaten public safety.
By offering a verified stream of GNSS data, the VGDS service mitigates these risks, ensuring that users in Ireland and beyond can trust the accuracy and reliability of their location and timing data. This service is particularly critical for Critical Infrastructure sectors, which depend on GNSS for accurate timekeeping, communications, and operational efficiency.
Dr. Chaloupka from Timing Solutions is presenting this new initiative at the International Time and Sync Forum (ITSF 2024), the world’s largest timing and sync event, gathering in Seville in November 2024. Access to the VGDS service can be requested by emailing NSAI NML at gnssdatatrial@nsai.ie or Timing Solutions at vgds@timingsolutions.ie.

21% of employees in Ireland were paid late multiple times in last 12 months

SD Worx Ireland, a leading payroll and HR solutions provider, today announces the results of their latest research which has revealed a trend of dissatisfaction with salary payments and processes among employees in Ireland. The research found that 21% of employees were paid late by their employers on several occasions in the last 12 months, while alarmingly, 27% reported errors in their salary calculations.

The independent study was commissioned by SD Worx and carried out by iVOX among 1,000 employees in Ireland to gain insights into the efficiency and accuracy of payment processes in Ireland and how they are impacting the workforce. The findings point to a broader need for businesses to reassess how they manage payroll operations.

The research also revealed that a significant portion of employees (39%) would prefer greater flexibility in choosing when they receive their salary, with the option for early access to better meet their financial needs. Moreover, transparency in payroll processes is a key issue with 10% of employees reporting that questions regarding their payslips remain unanswered, underscoring the need for clearer communication around payroll. This payroll mistake highlights the growing demand for payroll proficiency as employees seek greater autonomy over their finances.

The survey suggests that as businesses continue to struggle with the hiring and retention of talented people, these issues could have a profound impact on their ability to do so. SD Worx’s research found that 56% of employees consider salary to be the most important factor when choosing an organisation to work with. A similar proportion (54%), meanwhile, said that salary is a key factor for being engaged and motivated within an organisation. Given the motivational role that salary plays, unsurprisingly, some 40% of those surveyed said that dissatisfaction with their salary would be a main reason for leaving an employer.

Eimear Byrne, Country Leader, SD Worx Ireland, said: “Getting payroll right and on-time is not just about compliance—it’s about protecting the financial well-being of employees and sustaining a positive employer-employee relationship. A person’s salary is deeply personal; it has a major and wide-reaching impact on employees’ lives and enables them to pay their mortgage or rent, pay childcare costs, buy groceries, cover medical expenses, or even just buy a special gift for someone.

“Payroll doesn’t just impact the individual; it has a societal impact, too. By ensuring their payroll is clear and transparent, businesses can gain key insights into the equality and fairness of salary payments – helping them to determine areas for improvement. Part of this must include transparency for employees and ensuring that they understand how their salary figure is determined. This is also good for business, as our research underscores that an efficient and precise payroll process is crucial to fostering a motivated and loyal workforce.

“At SD Worx, we see first-hand the influence that salary has on people’s lives and encourage businesses to reassess their approach to payroll to ensure accuracy, openness and clarity for all employees. Our solution MegaPay empowers employers to analyse wage data, benchmark salaries, adjust pay frequencies and incorporate remuneration elements like travel allowances or performance bonuses, all while ensuring compliance with evolving payroll regulations. This helps businesses stay competitive while ensuring they can attract and retain top talent.”

Notion launches new productivity features and previews Notion Mail at flagship event

Notion has launched a suite of new features at Make With Notion, the company’s first global conference held at Pier 27 in San Francisco. The new tools include Forms, Layouts, a new Marketplace, and more connected, customisable automations. Notion has also previewed its upcoming email solution, Notion Mail, designed to reimagine the email app. These features are designed to enhance Notion’s flexible, streamlined, and intuitive user experience for its community of builders and creators and enhances productivity.

Forms:

Notion’s new native form tool enables users to capture responses directly within the platform. It provides everything needed in a ‘forms’ tool while leveraging the power of Notion to organise, analyse, and track information in one place. Users can now:

  • Capture everything in one place: Whether that’s feedback, bug reports, campaign requests or event RSVPs
  • Kick off work in one step: Teams can be more efficient with forms connected to workflows. Once a form is submitted, it can automatically create a task, assign it to the appropriate team members, and notify stakeholders of progress

All users will have unlimited access to forms for free.

 

Layouts:

Layouts allows users to more easily customise the look and feel of their Notion pages. Different use-cases, such as tasks, projects or meeting notes can each have their own layouts, which can be configured easily by dragging and dropping properties and modules. This includes the ability to:

  • ‘Pin’ key database properties for easy access and organise others into collapsible sections
  • Organise files, media, and large text fields to match how you work
  • Use a simple drag-and-drop builder for customising layouts

All users will have access to layouts for free.

 

Improvements to automations:

Automations within Notion are now more connected and customisable, with three new action capabilities being introduced.

  • Connecting workflows in Notion and Gmail: Users are now able to use an automation to notify people via Gmail quickly and easily. This could include instances like a form being submitted or the status of a project changing
  • Customising automations with formulas: Database and button automations now support formulas that can complete steps in the background when an action is triggered. For instance, when a task is marked as done, it can automatically show how long it took to finish. Many repetitive workflows can now be fully automated in this way
  • Web request actions: This enables users to automate actions in other tools using simple low-code / no-code platforms based on real-time triggers in Notion. This functionality is coming soon

These automations will be available in all paid Notion plans.

 

Marketplace:

The new Marketplace is a redesigned website experience and accessible within the Notion app via the sidebar. Marketplace serves as a trusted place to find and get inspired by what’s possible in Notion, with templates made by a community of experts, designers, and everyday users. Templates are a quick and easy way to get started with Notion, a source of inspiration, and a way to learn the product or a new use case.

The new Marketplace includes several tools to help creators list and sell their templates more effectively. These include:

  • Native payments and refunds for template creators, with a fee paid to Notion, so that creators can monetise their templates more easily
  • Ratings and reviews, so users and creators can see clear feedback on templates
  • Access locking, to protect templates for being shared outside of the workplaces where it was initially added
  • Template analytics, for creators to see how their templates are performing

 

Notion Mail [preview]

Notion Mail, which is coming soon, is a new take on email apps. It syncs with Gmail and allows users to move away from the old ways of a rigid inbox and embrace a new way—where email works for you and your workflows. With Notion Mail, users can expect to:

  • Craft timely, beautiful emails: Notion users get to take advantage of the typical Notion experience, but in email
  • Have a view for every need: Notion Mail distils email down to its building blocks, enabling users to create tailored views, layouts and actions for every type of use case and workflow
  • Put email on autopilot: With Notion AI, users can simply set a prompt, and emails are automatically organised, drafted and archived. Users can even let Notion AI handle the tedious back-and-forth such as scheduling and follow-ups
  • Schedule with Notion Calendar: Users can easily book time directly with others, with a scheduling button that already knows their availability

House of Marley announces new range of eco-conscious audio products

The new Revolution Turntable and Speakers sound system is crafted from sustainable materials including bamboo, post-consumer plastics and the brand’s signature REWIND™ fabric – a blend of organic cotton, reclaimed hemp and recycled PET. The turntable and bookshelf speakers not only look great but sound great too, featuring an Audio-Technica stylus, felt mat, and pre-calibrated tracking force and anti-skate. The system is easy to set up; simply plug in the turntable, slide on the counterbalance as far as it can go and tighten, then plug in the speakers. Accompanied by a sleek, easy-clean dust cover, the turntable requires minimal maintenance. Once a refrigerator drawer (yes, really), the dust cover protects from particles and is made from 100% post-consumer plastic. There’s Bluetooth® connectivity, as well as a power cable and quick-start guide included.

The Revolution Turntable and Speakers sound system is available to purchase from thehouseofmarley.co.uk, HMV and Amazon (RRP £249.99). The Revolution Turntable is also available to purchase individually from thehouseofmarley.co.uk, HMV and Amazon (RRP £149.99, PROMO £129.99).

The Zion True Wireless Earbuds are crafted from bamboo and Marley’s own REGRIND™ material – made from 100% recycled plastic mixed with mica or wood fiber, helping to reduce waste. These sustainable materials not only offer a great aesthetic but are also really durable. The lightweight Bluetooth® earbuds are perfect for long listening sessions as the non-occluding comfort fit is designed to reduce pressure on the ears while delivering a secure, airy fit for a natural, balanced sound experience. They provide up to 16 hours of playtime thanks to the transparent charging case and come with a USB-C charging cable, quick-start guide and 100% plastic-free packaging.

The Zion True Wireless Earbuds come in black or cream and can be purchased from thehouseofmarley.co.uk, HMV and Amazon (RRP £49.99).

Finally, the Smile Jamaica Mini True Wireless Earbuds are extra-small and lightweight and feature premium bamboo and recycled plastics. They offer up to 14 hours of total playtime with the compact charging case, superior sound and a secure fit. There’s a versatile cord to attach to keys and bags and they come with a USB-C cable for quick charging and spare ear tips to ensure the perfect fit.

The Smile Jamaica Mini True Wireless Earbuds come in black or cream and can be purchased from thehouseofmarley.co.uk, HMV and Amazon (RRP £29.99).

See our House of Marley reviews 

Jabra research shows more than three-quarters of UK office workers don’t use AI

Jabra, a global leader in enterprise audio and video solutions, reveals that while UK leaders (70%) have strong levels of trust in AI, very few UK office workers (23%) are using it in their daily roles, or even their personal lives (25%). This disconnect suggests that even though leaders are optimistic about AI’s potential, they may yet lack the necessary vision or skills to effectively implement it across the workforce. 

The study, conducted among 1,800 AI decision makers surveyed across 6 countries and 4,200 employees from 14 countries, highlights that despite strong enthusiasm for AI, there is a clear disconnect between trust in the technology and its actual use in the workplace.  

In the UK, 84% of UK decision-makers express strong interest in AI. The UK is among the top countries with highest intent to plan additional budget for AI (53%) alongside Germany, with India leading the way followed by Japan. This is above the global average (49%). 

Nearly two-thirds of decision-makers (64%), along with 46% of employees, believe AI can improve their work. Yet, the vast majority (83%) of leaders acknowledge that they need to better understand the workplace benefits and how AI can improve efficiency. Nearly half of employees (47%) see AI as a buzzword used by every company at the moment.  

This lack of understanding has left many business leaders in a ‘wait and see’ phase – engaging in much discussion but taking little concrete action. 

Without a well-defined roadmap, employees are struggling to understand how AI will be integrated into their daily tasks and the broader company strategy. More than a third of UK employees are afraid that AI is coming for their job (37%).  

Jabra’s study reveals additional challenges and demographic considerations that are hindering adoption of AI:   

  • 85% UK of employees wouldn’t trust AI for tasks that require creativity and innovation. This reluctance isn’t just about trust, it’s also about the satisfaction that comes from being personally involved in these tasks that are considered more meaningful. 
  • Globally, there’s a clear generational divide in AI adoption, with 47% of Millennials and 37% of Gen Z indicating they feel positive about AI versus only 15% of Boomers. Adoption wise, 28% of Millennials and Gen Z use AI day to day at work, versus just 15% of Boomers.  
  • Around the world, AI decision-makers are relatively young – 58% are between the ages of 18 and 39 – and 71% are not from the IT department.  

 

Paul Sephton, Head of Brand Communications at Jabra, said: “We see many UK organisations eager to jump on the AI wave, but some are still dancing in the dark when it comes to effective implementation and meaningful use. As tools rapidly shift toward voice-driven input rather than text alone, it’s crucial for organisations to recognise how this evolution will change our interactions with AI and enhance productivity.” 

“To avoid what we call “AI-washing” – simply jumping on the AI bandwagon – organisations must carefully evaluate the productivity gains that AI can offer and actively involve their employees in this journey. AI’s implementation must be thoughtful – it’s not just there to enhance productivity, but to foster a more connected and capable workforce, driving innovation and collaboration at every level.” 

Read more and download full report here:   

https://www.jabra.com/thought-leadership/ai-at-work

See our Jabra reviews 

Shure’s Digital Wireless In Ear Monitoring System Has Arrived: Introducing Axient Digital PSM

Today, Shure announced Axient Digital PSM, its first digital wireless in ear monitoring solution that exceeds the needs of today’s top-tier touring acts and large-scale productions.

Axient Digital PSM has been meticulously designed and developed to meet the rigorous demands of touring professionals and rental houses, ensuring high-performance RF and spectral efficiency that caters to the rapidly evolving wireless landscape. This new digital in ear monitoring system is Shure’s first Wireless Multichannel Audio System (WMAS) enabled product line, empowering audio professionals to adapt to a wide variety of environments.1 With its forward-looking design, Axient Digital PSM represents a long-term investment for tours, venues, and other applications, elevating flexibility and scalability to unprecedented levels.

“For nearly a century, Shure has pioneered innovative solutions that help solve our customers’ problems while moving the industry forward. Now, Axient Digital PSM offers a revolutionary digital radio with WMAS capabilities, remote management for engineers, and a pristine audio experience for performers,” said Nick Wood, Senior Director, Global Marketing and Product Management, at Shure. “To unlock new possibilities and applications, Shure is dedicated to advocating for spectrum efficiency and WMAS regulations worldwide. Axient Digital PSM takes advantage of this opportunity, giving users more resources to optimise performance and make the best possible use of spectrum, now and in the future.”

“I am a keyboardist, Music Director, and touring musician, and I would absolutely urge everybody to get on the Shure IEM system. You can count on it being clear allowing you to hear finest of details. The performance environment and audiences change, even the way we play may change but the one constant has been the Axient Digital PSM in ear monitor system.” – Roland Hamilton, Professional Musician.

Key Features and Benefits

Superior RF Performance and Audio Quality
Axient Digital PSM enables engineers to say ‘yes’ to more complex and creative productions because they’ll have access to more on-air channels of in ear monitoring. With a next-generation digital radio and sophisticated headphone amplifier design, performers will enjoy the highest audio quality with no compromises to signal reliability and less than 2.9ms latency for the most immersive audio experience.

Powered by Shure WMAS, Axient Digital PSM features a multi-channel wideband mode that significantly increases spectral efficiency. With multi-channel wideband mode, users can free up radios for improved RF performance or channel count scalability.

Developed by Shure, Spatial Diversity employs two transmit diversity antennas, each sending an identical signal on the same frequency, providing RF engineers with a new, easier option for supporting separate zones and optimizing coverage for stadiums, indoor venues, and broadcast studios. When Spatial Diversity transmitters engage with True Digital Diversity bodypack receivers, Axient Digital PSM combines four discrete signal paths per channel to deliver advanced protection against multipath interference and RF noise.

Axient Digital PSM transmitters support both analog and digital input formats, including AES3, Dante, and AES67, which enables monitor engineers to easily connect to modern consoles. Standard AES256 encryption is available for secure transmission.

“I tested Axient Digital PSM with my musicians, and they said it was fantastic. The signal sounds clearer and cleaner. My two favorite features from Shure’s new system are Spatial Diversity and ShowLink, as they do the work for you: it syncs immediately, ensures a robust RF, and allows me to do everything from side stage, avoiding hiding behind my guitarist or musicians. It’s one less thing that we engineers need to worry about.” – Kyle, Professional Monitor Engineer.

Axient Digital PSM 4-ch Wideband supporting up to 28 channels per 6 MHz

Flexibility and Scalability
Axient Digital PSM features two single rack space transmitter options: ADTQ Quad Transmitter and ADTD Dual Transmitter. Both offer four flexible and powerful transmission modes.

  • Multi-channel Wideband (available regionally according to WMAS regulations), supporting up to 28 channels per 6 MHz in the US and 40 channels per 8 MHz in Europe. This exceeds FCC’s requirement for WMAS to have a mode of operation in which it can operate with at least three audio channels per MHz.
  • Narrowband provides access to more RF output power per channel and maintains spectral efficiency at 17 channels per 6 MHz.
  • Analog FM allows for high-quality audio with ultra-low latency.
  • Axient Digital Standard (Point-to-Point Mode) will let users send long-distance audio to any Axient Digital microphone receiver. It will be available through a post -launch firmware update.

With Axient Digital PSM, engineers and rental houses can address their needs today while being prepared for the future.

Command and Control
Axient Digital PSM is supported by Shure’s Wireless Workbench® and ShowLink® ecosystem. For the first time, monitor engineers can enjoy comprehensive remote management of every bodypack receiver on stage, with visibility to key parameters and the ability to make adjustments if necessary.

  • With ShowLink, real-time control enables continuous monitoring of all bodypack receivers, including channel quality, battery life, volume position, headphone connect status, and more. Remote management helps audio professionals know when it’s time to swap batteries, when to intervene if channel quality is compromised, resolve volume control issues for the artist, and troubleshoot faster.
  • With Wireless Workbench and the AD600 Spectrum Manager, engineers can address technical issues, monitor RF spectrum, and maintain backup frequencies, ensuring smooth performances from start to finish.

Axient Digital PSM wireless in ear monitor system will be available early 2025. For more information please visit: www.shure.com/adpsm