Category: Tech News

Skullcandy launches the Dime Evo

Skullcandy announced the all-new Dime Evo, the ultimate audio sidekick, featuring big sound, all the must-have features, and a unique slide-out case with a built-in clip for unparalleled portability. The new earbuds will be on sale for £39.99 MSRP on Skullcandy.co.uk and at select retailers.

“We’re excited to introduce our new everyday carry earbuds that you’ll never want to leave home without. The case easily clips to backpacks, key rings, or pants to keep your music or media close at hand,” shared Justin Regan, VP of Marketing at Skullcandy. “Packed with easy-to-use features and on-the-go convenience, Dime Evo earbuds are primed for any situation—just ‘Clip it and Rip it’”

Dime Evo is a portable powerhouse for big sound on the move. With IPX4 water-resistance, 36 hours of battery life, and rapid charge, it’s ready for any adventure. Google Fast Pair for Android and Auto Connect make pairing simple and straightforward. Multipoint pairing makes multi-tasking a snap, and a simple button press on either bud gives users full control of calls and media. The Skullcandy App allows for personalizing Dime Evo, enabling selection of a preset EQ or customization of preferences, including adjusting Stay-Aware Mode to tune into surroundings according to preferences.

Tech specs tied to Dime Evo include:

Skullcandy Dime Evo True Wireless Earbuds – £39.99 MSRP

Up to 36 Hours Battery Life – 8 hours in the earbuds, 28 hours in the charging case

IPX4 Sweat and Waterproof – Worry-free durability for any adventure

Rapid Charge – A quick 10 minute charge gives you 2 hours of playtime

Adjustable Stay-Aware Mode – Make necessary audio adjustments to stay alert and hear surroundings

Clear Voice Smart Mic – Experience a reduction in background noise to ensure calls are crystal clear

Preset & Custom EQ Modes – Adjust your EQ or create your own custom EQ modes

Customizable Button Functions – Personalize your earbuds by customizing your controls via the Skullcandy app

Google Fast Pair – Seamlessly pair to your Android device every time you take your earbuds out of the case

Noise Isolating Fit – ​​Ergonomic, ovalized design provides all-day comfort and a noise-isolating fit

Skullcandy App Compatibility – Enables users to dial in their audio experience, including button customization and custom equalizer levels

Multipoint Pairing – Seamlessly pair to multiple devices at once, regardless of platform or manufacturer

Sidetone – Counteract occlusion, allowing users to hear their own voice more naturally

See our Skullcandy Reviews

Meet HMD Skyline: designed for creation

Tech innovator, Human Mobile Devices (HMD), spearheaded the dumbphone trend by reimagining feature phone classics for the modern day as consumers sought to limit their screen time for their own mental wellbeing. The European phone manufacturer then called time on hard-to-maintain and fix technology by introducing smartphones that can easily be repaired.

Now, the tech disruptor brings you the affordable HMD Skyline, which marries detox and repairability as well as a camera packed full of tricks – including a 108MP hybrid OIS triple rear camera. With the all-new Capture Fusion, 4 x Zoom and Portrait Mode for stunning 50mm shots with natural bokeh effect.  Detox Mode is available from August and brings a dumbphone function to a smartphone – it is designed to help users when they want to step away from that always on feeling by deactivating a bespoke selection of apps or contacts.

HMD Skyline also debuts a new era for smartphone design called Gen2 Repairability; your friendly service centre can simply pop off the back cover, remove some screws, and get that screen replaced nice and quickly.

In testament to its super-powerful photo capabilities, Human Mobile Devices has turned to Gen Z superstar snapper Rosanna Elettra to test drive the new HMD Skyline, capturing ten striking images shot and edited entirely on HMD Skyline following a group of Gen Z fashionistas on a night out.

Celebrity photographer Rosanna Elettra took the HMD Skyline for a test drive, she commented: “I’ve had the joy of capturing acclaimed artists like Rhianna, Central Lee, Aitch and Cara Delevingne. HMD Skyline is Gen Z’s dream device, so I wanted to show the phone in its natural habitat, in scenes dripping in Gen Z culture. I’m used to shooting celebrities, but I loved turning the camera on Human Mobile Device’s latest launch and taking its super impressive camera for a test drive. The shots – all taken on the phone – are super cool, stylish and have main character energy – just like Skyline.”

Lars Silberbauer, Global CMO of Human Mobile Devices, said; “Human Mobile Devices is human by design…and that’s what we’ve done with HMD Skyline, put consumers first. There are so many great functions on this phone to call out. The camera is a creator’s dream, a step-changing detox mode too. And it looks absolutely beautiful.”

Celebrity photographer, Rosanna Elettra, said: “HMD Skyline is Gen Z’s dream device, so I wanted to show the phone in its natural habitat, in scenes dripping in Gen Z culture. I’m used to shooting celebrities, but I loved turning the camera on Human Mobile Device’s latest launch and taking its super impressive camera for a test drive. The shots – all taken on the phone – are super cool, stylish and have main character energy – just like Skyline.”

Your shots are about to take off: snap, selfie-check, and socialise (in ultrawide)

Skyline has been built with a progressive GenZ audience firmly in mind so the camera capabilities are stand-out and seemingly endless. The 50MP front camera comes with autofocus and eye-tracking to ensure the sharpest of selfies, and with Skyline, creators don’t even need to press a button or set a timer to take a picture. The device comes with in-built ‘selfie gesture’ hardware, which means all users have to do is to look at the phone while making the universal peace sign (or one of three other hand signs) to activate the camera. You can also create video selfies in 4k when this feature arrives in August.

The 108MP Hybrid OIS triple rear camera is equally impressive. This camera really is ready for any shot, portrait mode allows for stunning 50mm shots with beautiful natural bokeh effect and crisp close-ups can be achieved with the x4 zoom function. Night Mode 3.0 balances exposure and preserves detail and stunning scenery and group shots can be captured using the 0.5x ultra-wide mode and there’s AI Capture Fusion too to add maximum detail to zoom images.

A smartphone with dumbphone functionality: Detox Mode shuts down your socials

And the good news just keeps on coming. From August, the super-slick smartphone for the ages will come with a powerful new in-built Detox Mode with bespoke app and contact blocking, allowing users to tailor their detox to their needs, focus on the real world and enjoy a balanced smartphone experience whenever they need a break from the digital world

With the digital detox movement continuing to gather pace, particularly among Gen-Z, it is a timely technological advance that stands above competitors detox functions which usually only silence apps and notifications.

The cherries on top

HMD Skyline’s battery has up to 48 hours per charge, and you can charge wirelessly with any magnetized Qi2 charger. The battery stays in great shape for hundreds of charges, and has been tested by Human Mobile Devices to maintain at least 80% of its original capacity after 800 full charging cycles. 3 And if it ever does need replacing, you can gain easy access thanks to its unique repairable design.

 Thanks to its display and sound specs, Skyline is a fantastic device for entertainment. Everything from short reels to high-end games will get the color and clarity they deserve with the bright poled display, boasting a 144 Hz refresh rate and HDR10 video playback, and they’ll sound ace with the stereo speakers. At the heart of it all is a Snapdragon® 7s Gen 2 chipset, made for high performance and smooth multitasking.

You can make your HMD Skyline even more “you” with the Custom Button. Users can set it up to do one thing when they hold the button down, and another when they double press it. It’s your personal shortcut to your favourite game, navigating home, asking the AI-powered assistant of your choice burning life questions, and more.

Skyline launches in two distinct colourways, neon pink and twisted black it is available now at hmd.com/ie and in-store in August for €499

See our Nokia 3210 2024 review

Creative Launches New Headphones for Adventurers and Daily Commuters

Creative Technology today announced the release of the Creative Outlier Go, the latest wireless open-ear headphones designed for personalised comfort and rich audio, perfect for those who are always on the move. Featuring custom-tuned 14.2 mm Neodymium drivers and an adjustable fit that suits all ear shapes, these headphones are a must-have for adventurers and daily commuters looking to enjoy superior sound quality while staying connected to their surroundings.

Boasting up to 26 hours of total playtime, the Creative Outlier Go keeps the beats going all day long. These headphones are also all about comfort, featuring an adjustable fit with soft silicone ear hooks that keep users comfortable even during marathon music sessions. Plus, users get to enjoy seamless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4 and low latency mode, offering minimal audio delay for a smooth and lag-free listening experience.

The Creative Outlier Go is also adventure-ready, featuring an IPX4 splashproof rating and dual microphones for clear calls and uninterrupted jams in any environment. Users can further personalise their listening experience using the Creative App, customising controls to match their preferences. Additionally, the multi-device connectivity enables seamless connection to two devices simultaneously, making switching effortless. Along with voice assistant support such as Siri and Google Assistant, hands-free control is more convenient than ever.

From exploring new trails to kicking back with favourite tracks, the Creative Outlier Go keeps users grooving wherever they go, ensuring they never miss a beat.

Pricing and Availability

Given these features at its irresistible launch price of 54.99 GBP, the Creative Outlier Go is simply a steal.

See some of our Creative reviews

For more information, visit creative.com/OutlierGo

Dyson launches their all new OnTrac headphones

Today, Dyson unveils its first high-fidelity, audio-only headphones: the Dyson OnTrac™ headphones. Offering best-in-class noise cancellation, these headphones deliver up to 55 hours² of immersive listening.

With over 2,000 customisable colour combinations for outer caps and ear cushions, each ear cushion is crafted from ultra-soft microfiber and high-grade foam for superior comfort and acoustic seal. Multi-pivot gimbal arms and a uniquely positioned battery in the headband ensure balanced weight distribution.

Jake Dyson, Chief Engineer: “Dyson’s audio engineering mission is to preserve the integrity of the artist’s sound wave, free from interference. We also wanted to create a set of headphones that people would cherish, be excited by, and be proud of. With over 30 years of experience in aeroacoustics, we’ve mastered sound physics. By reducing noise through in-house anechoic chambers and expert engineers, we’ve applied and further expanded our audio knowledge to develop the Dyson OnTrac™ headphones. Our first over-ear audio only headphones deliver best-in-class ANC, exceptional sound quality, and all-day comfort through unique materials, design and customisation.”

Best-in-Class Noise Cancellation

To create an optimal listening environment, the Dyson OnTrac™ features a custom Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) algorithm which uses 8 microphones, sampling external sound 384,000 times a second. This combines with superior materials and carefully designed internal geometry to cancel up to 40dB of unwanted noise.

Enhanced Sound Range

With 40mm, 16-ohm neodymium speaker drivers and advanced audio signal processing, the Dyson OnTrac™ ensures that every note or word is delivered with precision. The headphones reproduce frequencies from as low as 6 Hertz to as high as 21,000 Hertz, providing deep sub-bass that you can feel, and clear highs at the upper end of the frequency range. Meanwhile, the speaker housing tilted 13˚ towards the ear for a more direct audio response.

55-Hour  Battery Life with ANC

With up to 55-hour  battery life, Dyson OnTrac™ provides up to two weeks of listening  even with ANC enabled. The two high-capacity lithium-ion battery cells are suspended in the headband for more even weight distribution. To switch between ANC on and off, simply double tap on either ear cup.

Engineered for All-Day Comfort and Acoustics

Certified comfortable by US Ergonomics, Dyson OnTrac™ unites comfort and acoustics with precision. Select materials and ergonomic design ensure a superior acoustic seal and lasting comfort. High-grade foam cushions and multi-pivot gimbal arms relieve ear pressure, while battery positioning in the headband evenly distributes weight. Soft micro-suede ear cushions and optimized clamp force provide a consistent fit across diverse head sizes.

Customisable with Durable Materials and Premium Finishes

The Dyson OnTrac™ comes in four colourways, each precision-crafted with unique, durable finishes designed by Jake Dyson and our CMF team. Inspired by the CNC manufacturing process, options include CNC Aluminium, Copper, and Nickel. The Ceramic Cinnabar variant has a ceramic-feel painted finish. In addition to these four colourways, you are able to customise your Dyson OnTrac™ with custom outer caps and ear cushions in various colours and finishes.

Launch Colourways – Available direct from www.dyson.ie Price €499.00  from 1st August.

 

Available caps and cushions for customisation – Available direct from www.dyson.ie from Aug 1st 2024.

The outer caps are machined from high-grade aluminium, for a lightweight, durable finish in a range of colours and finishes – ceramic or anodised. Each set is costed at €49.00

MyDyson™ App

The MyDyson™ app, includes real-time sound tracking that monitors in-ear and external volume, alerting users to potentially harmful levels. The MyDyson™ app³ also enables owners to choose between three custom EQ modes: Bass Boost, Neutral and Enhanced.

Additional Features –

  • Head Detect: Capacitive sensors detect when earcups are removed from the ears, signalling to pause your audio. Audio resumes automatically once replaced.
  • Intuitive Joystick: Easily play, pause, skip, fast forward, and rewind tracks, or hold down for voice commands.
  • Crystal-Clear Calls: Dual beam-forming microphones pick up your voice clearly, not outside noise.
  • Real-time sound tracking: Continuously monitors in-ear and external volume, and indicates potentially harmful levels through live reports in the MyDyson™ App.
  • Controlled by the MyDyson™ app: The MyDyson™ app gives you automatic software updates.

Check out our Dyson Air headphones review these are super cool

MEF’s 10th Annual Consumer Trust Survey highlights the rise of the ‘savvy consumer’

The Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF) has released its 10th Annual Consumer Trust Survey, which takes the global pulse of the mobile ecosystem – from the point of view of the consumer.

This landmark study, with data from 15 different markets, combined with the analysis of results from the past decade, delves into the evolving perceptions and expectations of consumers, enterprises, and other stakeholders from across the globe. It sheds light on the challenges and triumphs encountered in building and maintaining trust through increasing awareness of how personal data is used, ensuring appropriate control over that personal data, and providing confidence in security safeguards.

This year’s Survey shows that while globally trust continues to decline and concerns about data collection increase, consumers are becoming more aware of how their data is collected and used, with a growing number of users now being classed as ‘savvy consumers’.

The key trends from the Survey over the last ten years are:

 

1) The rise of the “Savvy Consumer”: The reports highlight the emergence of the “savvy consumer,” who is more cautious about data sharing and demands greater control and transparency. This segment is increasingly seeking tools and services that empower them to manage their data.

 

2) Declining Trust: There’s a consistent decline in consumer trust regarding how companies handle their data. This is evident in the decrease in users who are “always happy” to share personal information and the increase in those who feel they have “no choice” but to share data to access services.

 

3) Increased awareness of data collection and use: Consumers are becoming more aware of how their data is collected and used. This is reflected in the growing importance they place on transparency and the desire to know how their data is being utilized.

 

4) Growing concerns about data security: Security remains a top concern, with identity theft and data breaches being major worries. This is driving the increased adoption of protective measures like password managers and antivirus software.

 

5) Importance of user experience and transparency: A poor user experience and lack of transparency are major factors that erode trust. Companies need to prioritize clear, concise privacy policies and user-friendly interfaces to build trust with consumers.

 

6) Impact of regulations: Regulations like GDPR and CCPA have increased awareness of data privacy rights and influenced consumer expectations. However, there’s still a gap between the perceived importance of these rights and their actual implementation.

 

7) Growing adoption of mobile payments: The use of mobile payments is increasing, but concerns about security and overspending remain. Companies need to address these concerns to build trust in mobile payment solutions.

 

8) Rise of Data Abstinence: In recent years, users are increasingly practicing “data abstinence,” choosing to limit data sharing as a way to assert control. This trend poses challenges for businesses that rely on data for personalization and targeted advertising.

MEF’s 10th Annual Consumer Trust Survey is an essential tool for the mobile ecosystem, letting stakeholders know where the issues lie and ensuring they have the data needed to make decisions about the future development of products and services. By understanding consumer concerns, companies operating in the mobile ecosystem can work towards allaying those fears.

“MEF’s 10th Annual Consumer Trust Survey serves as a critical compass, providing invaluable insights into the current state of trust in the mobile industry. With a decade of experience in examining trust dynamics, this study offers a unique longitudinal perspective, tracking trends and identifying emerging concerns. It explores a wide range of factors, including fraud prevention, data privacy, security practices, and the impact of new technologies like 5G and artificial intelligence.” said Gavin Patterson, Director of Data, MEF

Key Insights include:

  • Trust is a critical factor: It influences consumer behaviour, including app downloads, purchases, and engagement with services.

 

  • Transparency and control are paramount: Consumers demand clear information about how their data is used and want the ability to manage their data.

 

  • Security concerns remain high: Companies need to prioritize data security and proactively address consumer concerns to build trust.

 

  • The need for user-friendly solutions: Data protection tools and services need to be easy to use and understand to encourage adoption.

 

  • The importance of education: Educating consumers about data privacy and security is crucial to empower them to make informed decisions and protect themselves.

 

  • Stagnant Trust: The Global Trust Index, a measure of user confidence in personal data sharing, remains weak at 55% and has not improved since last year.

 

  • Awareness of Data use is a mixed blessing: While awareness of how personal data is used is high, it may be driven by negative news and data misuse. Increased awareness alone does not improve trust; greater confidence in control and safeguards is also necessary.

 

  • Positive perceptions have plateaued: Perceptions of ease, convenience, online confidence, and privacy have stagnated or declined, reversing a long-term upward trend.

 

  • Incremental decline in data harm is not enough: Although there has been a slight decrease in reported data harms, it hasn’t translated to improved trust. Most data harms remain more common than in previous years.

 

  • Fewer users are noticing improvements: The proportion of users who perceive improvements in data education, controls, and security has plateaued or declined.

 

  • Protective actions are no longer increasing: For the first time, there is no continued upward trend in protective actions taken by users. There’s also a lack of certainty that these actions significantly improve safety.

MEF’s 10th Annual Consumer Trust Survey was carried out in January and February 2024. On behalf of MEF, On Device Research surveyed 9,750 smartphone users, 650 in each of 15 markets.

“Ten years is a significant milestone, one that provides an opportunity to reflect on progress and future trajectories. With the annual Consumer Trust Survey, MEF has championed the importance of consumer perception of safety and privacy in mobile for a decade,” said Dario Betti, CEO of MEF.

For more information: https://mobileecosystemforum.com/10th-annual-trust-study/

Trinity College Dublin Launches €1.3M ‘Twilight’ Project: Revolutionising Optical Networks with Digital Twins

Trinity College Dublin announces the launch of the €1.3 million ‘Twilight’ project, aiming to revolutionise optical networks with cutting-edge digital twin technology, enabling rapid and disruption-free advancements.

Minister for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD, has recently announced 28 funding awards valued at €34 million to support research across seven Higher Education Institutions.

One of the awarded projects is Twilight: Twin Lightpaths, A Digital Twin Framework For Full Automation Of Disaggregated Optical Networks. Marco Ruffini, Professor at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Principal Investigator in the CONNECT Centre, and lead author of the project proposal, emphasises the project’s transformative potential:

“Optical networks are the lifeblood of the internet. They must evolve to support the ever-increasing usage of the internet and digital innovations like Smart Cities and Virtual/Augmented Reality. Twilight’s digital twin project will ensure safe, rapid advancements without network disruption.

We are grateful to Minister O’Donovan for supporting this important initiative. I would also like to thank our colleagues from HEAnet and GÉANT who supported us and are going to be collaborating with us on this project.”

HEAnet, Ireland’s National Education and Research Network, manages a national optical network of over 2,500 km, which is a central part of Ireland’s national research infrastructure. HEAnet has collaborated with the SFI Connect Centre over many years, providing connectivity services and research demonstrations on the HEAnet production network. .

In 2022, HEAnet connected directly to Prof. Ruffini’s Open Ireland test network at Trinity College Dublin. This has provided Prof. Ruffini’s group with access to the production HEAnet optical network while also enabling HEAnet to gain valuable insights into the characteristics of the HEAnet production network. HEAnet connects to the GÉANT pan-European research and education network in both Dublin and Cork. The Twilight project will provide optical connectivity from the Open Ireland test bed to the GÉANT optical network via the HEAnet network for the first time.  

Eoin Kenny, Innovation and R&D Manager at HEAnet, highlights the project’s efficiency: 

“Planning network changes has always been challenging. Twilight’s digital twin will streamline this process, save time and help HEAnet to optimise our network resources.

We are very pleased with the work carried out on the OpenIreland research infrastructure and look forward to continuing this close collaboration.”

HEAnet is a member of GÉANT, the collaboration of European National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), who interconnects Europe’s NRENs with the high bandwidth, high speed and highly resilient pan-European backbone, together connecting Europe’s researchers, academics and students to each other, and linking them to over half the countries in the world.

Guy Roberts, Senior Transport Network Architect at GÉANT also expressed enthusiasm for the Twilight project: 

“The future for anyone working with optical networks looks bright with all the new technologies on our side. We are continually dealing with the issues of dynamic provisioning of optical paths. Despite making extensive use of optical equipment vendors’ planning tools, we have discovered anomalous situations that can lead to some level of service disruption.

GÉANT will work with TCD and HEAnet to provide measurements to train the digital twin algorithms, help with any fine-tuning and carry out experiments on the use cases we have jointly defined.”

To learn more about the Twilight project or to get involved, contact marco.ruffini@tcd.ie. 

Jabra’s research reveals how audio volume affects performance and office vibe

9 in 10 (92%) UK workers say getting work done, being able to focus on work, and maintaining good mental health are equally important. But according to Jabra’s latest research, the role that audio plays on cognitive, emotional and physical wellbeing in the workplace cannot be undersold. Nearly three quarters (71%) of UK respondents say working in a loud environment makes them mentally tired, and that clear and high-quality sound enhances their ability to focus on tasks.  

The research was carried out amongst 2,000 knowledge workers across France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. The findings revealed that improving neurodiversity in the workplace and creating an inclusive space can positively influence mental wellbeing and productivity, ultimately encouraging better mood and providing organisations with a competitive advantage.   

Office buzz or a productivity buzzkill? 

While organisations are continuing to push for employees to return to offices, half (50%) of UK respondents say they are stressed by noise at the office not allowing them to focus. 

Jabra’s research found that 47% say it was difficult for them to be productive at work when colleagues were taking calls at their desks without headphones. Meanwhile, 49% reported it was equally difficult to lead or participate in calls when colleagues are taking calls from their desks without headphones. To avoid noise and limit distractions, over half of UK workers (53%) say they are expected to take calls or online meetings away from their desks in a separate room and use professional headphones (66%).  

The findings show the impact noise has on overall productivity and performance. With 72% saying clear and high-quality sound enhances their ability to focus on tasks and projects, it is critical that leaders do all they can to provide the right technology and a conducive environment for employees returning to the office, to avoid the productivity buzzkill.  

Loud environment and its impact on mental wellbeing  

Poor audio quality has negative consequences on work and wellbeing, with 58% of UK workers saying poor quality audio during conference calls negatively impacts their wellbeing.  

The impact loud environments have on mental health and wellbeing is clear: nearly three quarters (71%) say working in a loud environment makes them mentally tired. Furthermore, six in ten respondents agree that working in a loud environment makes them physically tired (60%) and it is difficult for them to feel passionate about their work when working in such an environment (59%). 

Workers also believe higher-quality meeting audio can positively impact their interpersonal skills in the workplace through clearer communication (46%), improved collaboration (44%), and enhanced communication skills (39%).  

While noise has a negative impact on overall mental health and wellbeing, workers believe employers have a responsibility to address audio issues in a variety of ways. This ranges from providing noise-cancelling headphones as part of standard office equipment (36%) and allowing employees to work from home more frequently (39%). Over a third (34%) say their employer could also designate specific areas for different types of activities such as quiet zones or collaborative zones to ensure employees have the options available in the offices for optimal performance and mental wellbeing.  

Inclusive and neurodiversity in the workplace fuels business results 

Neurodiversity refers to the diverse number of ways a human brain processes information. It highlights there is no one-size-fits-all approach to how people approach a similar situation. The research findings show that this concept applies to the workplace too.  

Despite being a relatively new concept to UK workers, with 21% saying it was the first time they were hearing about the term “neurodiversity”, around 7 in 10 believed that neurodiversity in the workplace can improve business through increased creativity (72%) and collaboration (74%) – ultimately driving better business results (71%).  

It is clear from the research findings that audio levels have a varied effect on workers and can have a profound effect on overall health and quality of life. Improving neurodiversity in the workplace can be a way to boost work performance (61%), and employees are more empowered to “bring their whole self to work” in an inclusive workplace (60%). With a positive impact on both business and employees, nearly two thirds (64%) of UK workers agree that employers should invest more in creating an inclusive, neurodiverse workplace. Gone are the days where workplaces solely catered to a single type of employee, and an evolution is needed to ensure employers are catering to different individual needs within the workforce.  

Nigel Dunn, VP EMEA North at Jabra, said: “The way of work is constantly evolving, and with the return to the office, UK workers are struggling with the ability to focus in the workplace. Sound type, intensity and individual sensitivity play significant roles in how we function at work and have a huge impact on mental health and wellbeing, and productivity and performance. GN’s recent “Listen to This” campaign highlights the strong link between audio and our overall cognitive and mental wellbeing. UK leaders need to invest in creating an inclusive and neurodiverse workplace, combined with high-quality technology to ensure workers can bring their true and best selves to work and thrive professionally and mentally.”  

Please see here for the full report

Datapac’s technology supports horse health and wellbeing for the Irish Equine Centre

Datapac, Ireland’s leading technology solutions and services provider, is today announcing that its technology is helping to drive equine disease diagnosis and research for the Irish Equine Centre (IEC). Founded in 1983, the Kildare-based IEC is a leading scientific and diagnostic service provider dedicated to the health and wellbeing of horses.

The IEC’s existing IT infrastructure was no longer able to keep pace with the growing technology demands of the equine diagnostics field. Following a competitive tender, Datapac delivered a complete refresh of the centre’s IT ecosystem to support the rollout of a wide range of services, including laboratory diagnostics, disease surveillance, and research on equine health and biosecurity.

The solution is underpinning continued growth and success for the IEC, which has just launched the Pet Vet Lab, a new service dedicated to advancing the health of household pets. It offers a ground-breaking screening service directly to pet owners, producing a personalised probiotic which is unique to each pet.

Datapac’s fully managed solution includes a comprehensive overhaul and integration of the IEC’s networking, compute, and storage infrastructure, built on Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) hardware and software. As the leading diagnostic service provider to the Irish equine industry, infrastructure uptime and resilience is vital for the IEC. The technology provides robust cloud data backup and recovery, with the ability to restore data in minutes in the event of an incident.

Advanced de-duplication vastly reduces the size of data storage, with up to 90% data capacity savings, and has significantly reduced cloud hosting costs for the centre. It also ensures speedy access to applications and data, boosting productivity for the IEC’s 69 employees.

Meanwhile, in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, Datapac’s Managed Threat Ops service provides round-the-clock monitoring, response, and neutralisation of cybersecurity threats. The IEC also serves as a teaching centre for third-level veterinary students and Microsoft Office 365 software with individual accounts and storage space provides a seamless user experience.

In addition, Datapac has enhanced connectivity across the IEC campus, implementing a wireless network solution and upgrade to next-generation Wi-Fi 6. The consolidation of technologies coupled with support from Datapac engineers for day-to-day technical queries has reduced the burden on in-house IT resources, freeing up time to focus on driving innovation for the centre.

Michael Mahady, IT Manager, Irish Equine Centre, said: “We had worked with Datapac in the past, and knew that its skilled team was best placed to deliver on our key objectives as technologies continue to advance. The flexibility and high level of data protection provided by the HPE Simplivity platform is of the utmost importance, as secure backup and business continuity is crucial to enable us to continue to roll out our services and resources. Furthermore, Datapac’s solution provides the benefits of a smaller storage footprint while retaining the operational horsepower of a much larger system to support the early detection and management of diseases. Reliable access to Datapac’s experts is invaluable and gives us the peace of mind to focus on delivering value-adding projects for the centre.”

Colin Chapman, Business Relationship Manager, Datapac, said: “The Irish Equine Centre does such important work to promote horse health in Ireland, and our technology infrastructure overhaul is providing the proactive support and increased capabilities to continue to advance these vital services. Our solution has future proofed the IEC’s IT systems which will help the centre to grow and innovate in line with evolving industry demands. We are looking forward to building on our relationship with the centre as it continues to develop its cutting-edge resources.”

Gamgee Unveils Gamgee Wi-Fi Fall Protection for Elderly Safety

Gamgee, a leader in digital technology and home automation, launches the Gamgee Wi-Fi Fall Protection for Elderly Safety. This system leverages the widespread presence of Wi-Fi to deliver a unique and comprehensive solution for elderly care. In a market primed for innovation, our system addresses the increasing need for effective fall detection and emergency response for the elderly population, allowing them to live independently and safely in their own homes.

Utilizing the Wi-Fi signals emitted by routers and mesh extenders, the Gamgee Wi-Fi Fall Protection for Elderly Safety captures disturbances caused by movement within the home. Unlike conventional fall detection systems, Gamgee’s technology goes beyond basic motion detection by analyzing disruptions in Wi-Fi signals to accurately detect falls and differentiate them from normal activities. This advanced feature allows the system to provide reliable monitoring without the need for uncomfortable wearable devices.

“Our Wi-Fi Fall Protection system doesn’t just detect falls; it understands them,” said Paul Hendriks, CEO and Co-Founder of Gamgee. “By converting every router into a potential safety device, we are significantly enhancing the safety and independence of elderly individuals everywhere.”

Our system comes with a user-friendly mobile app that connects a network of caregivers and family members, enabling them to keep a close eye on their elderly loved ones from afar. If the system detects a fall, it instantly alerts each caregiver according to the preferences set by the senior, making sure everyone involved is quickly up to speed on any emergencies. This community-focused approach not only strengthens the collective support for seniors but also ensures their safety without being intrusive. The system works quietly in the background, constantly monitoring for movement and falls, offering peace of mind to seniors and their caregivers alike.

Key features of the Gamgee Wi-Fi Fall Protection for Elderly Safety include:

  • Fall Prevention Recommendations: Receive safety tips and fall prevention advice from the get-go and based on the monitored data, helping to reduce risks.

  • Immediate Alerts on Falls and Other Irregularities: Instantly get notified via text or push notifications when a fall or an irregular activity is detected, ensuring swift response and assistance.

  • Monitor Activity and Health: Monitor daily movements, detect anomalous behaviour, and track sleep patterns. Understand the elderly individual’s routine and spot any irregularities.

In addition to its safety features, Gamgee has made sure the system is compatible with various Wi-Fi setups, with a particular focus on mesh technology to ensure robust signal coverage throughout the home. It also doubles as a ‘regular’ Wi-Fi network, providing seamless internet access. This dual functionality not only supports continuous monitoring for falls and movements but also enhances the home’s connectivity, making it a practical solution for both safety and everyday online activities.

The introduction of the Gamgee Wi-Fi Fall Protection for Elderly Safety represents a significant milestone for Gamgee, known for its commitment to enhancing user experience through technological innovation. This system is not just a new product but a new approach to elderly care, one that leverages existing technology in a novel and highly effective way.

To bring this product to market, we are launching a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. We invite you to join us in revolutionizing elderly care by supporting our campaign.

This is the second campaign launched by Gamgee, using Wi-Fi to disrupt the smart home hub market. Our first campaign introduced the Wi-Fi Home Alarm System, which leverages Wi-Fi signals to detect disturbances caused by movement. Unlike conventional security systems, this system analyzes disruptions in Wi-Fi signals to create a ‘body print’ of individuals, distinguishing between humans, pets, and inanimate objects. This innovative approach has set a new standard in home security, providing intelligent differentiation, customizable detection zones, enhanced privacy, and continuous learning for improved accuracy and reduced false alarms.

For more information about the Gamgee Wi-Fi Fall Protection for Elderly Safety or to learn about Gamgee’s range of digital solutions, please visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gamgee-wi-fi-fall-protection-for-elderly-safety/x/35276146#/.