Category: Tech News

Trust in Tech: Dargan Forum 2024 Offers Solutions as Ireland’s Confidence Wavers

The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer Ireland Report reveals a significant lack of trust in institutions and identifies a lack of understanding of new technologies as a key barrier to their implementation. This educational deficit can foster fear and hinder the integration of innovation into Irish society.

Next week’s Dargan Forum 2024 directly addresses these concerns by promoting understanding and trust around innovation while showcasing the positive impact of technology. With the Edelman report showing trust in NGOs, government, business, and media at just 47% in Ireland, the forum’s dynamic program of open and informative discussions is both timely and essential in facilitating conversations that shape a future where innovation benefits all.

Dublin, Ireland – One week from now, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers will converge at the Dargan Forum 2024 to explore the intersection of technology, empowerment and community building. Set in venues across picturesque Dún Laoghaire, an historic hotbed for innovation, the Dargan Forum 2024 intends to ignite conversations and inspire innovation, laying a path to digital, green future for Ireland’s communities.

Opening this year’s conference with expert insight into how technology can serve people and places is Bobby Healy, CEO of MANNA Drone Delivery, who will share his company’s inspiring vision for a net zero future for deliveries. Keynote speakers include Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State for Digital Transformation; Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the Western Development Commission; David Curtin, CEO of .ie; and Emma Jones, founder and CEO of Enterprise Nation which recently announced a strategic partnership with the Dargan Forum.

Other key event partners include Irish Rail, Connected Hubs, Søstrene Grene and Fáilte Ireland. Bank of Ireland is also a long-term supporter of the work of the Dargan Institute through the Dargan Hub, Dún Laoghaire.

With only one week to go you can secure your place at this exciting, innovative free event by visiting the Dargan Forum website:

https://www.darganinstitute.ie/dargan-forum

OBSBOT Unveils the Tiny 2 Lite: Redefining Video Excellence at an Affordable Price

OBSBOT, the pioneer in AI smart imaging technology, proudly introduces the OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite, setting a new standard for affordable excellence in AI smart webcams.

Building on the groundbreaking legacy of the Tiny series, OBSBOT continues to push boundaries with innovative features tailored to meet the demands of remote workers and gaming enthusiasts.

The Tiny 2 Lite delivers uncompromising quality with advanced 4K imaging, Auto tracking with Auto Zoom, dual-omnidirectional microphones, Gesture Control 2.0, multiple shooting modes and a suite of other innovative features including beauty mode and privacy protections—creating the perfect blend of professional performance and user convenience.

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite is a feature-packed and affordable AI smart webcam, offering exceptional performance in a compact design.

Elevate Your Video Experience with Unmatched Clarity and Crystal-Clear Audio

Combining advanced technology with crystal-clear audio capabilities, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite boasts a large 1/2” CMOS sensor for breathtaking 4K video quality that captures every detail with precision, regardless of lighting conditions.

This elevated visual experience redefines virtual communication, making every interaction engaging and dynamic. Paired with dual-omnidirectional microphones featuring adjustable noise cancellation and human voice augmentation technology, the Tiny 2 Lite ensures crystal-clear sound in any environment—from gaming streams to video calls and beyond.

Intelligent Auto Tracking with Auto Zoom and Customizable Control

Equipped with enhanced Auto Tracking with Auto Zoom, the Tiny 2 Lite’s 2-axis gimbal and Deep Learning Neural Network Algorithm guarantee fluid, precise tracking that keeps subjects in focus effortlessly.

Thanks to a refined algorithm, this compact camera now supports hand tracking and bodypart tracking functions, elevating the filming experience to a new level of humanized control and flexibility. Users can seamlessly switch between Standard Mode and Motion Mode tracking options, adapting to different filming needs on the fly. 

Cutting-Edge Control at Your Fingertips

Gesture Control 2.0 empowers users with intuitive operation, allowing seamless zooming and focusing with simple hand gestures. Advanced PDAF (Phase Detection Auto Focus) technology ensures swift and precise focusing, capturing moments effortlessly.

Versatile and User-Friendly

Designed for versatility, the Tiny 2 Lite offers multiple shooting modes—including landscape, portrait, and even upside-down—accommodating diverse filming scenarios. Its compact, space-saving design incorporates an integrated stand for easy setup and stability.

Enhanced Features for a Complete Experience

In addition to its powerful imaging capabilities, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite comes equipped with a Beauty Mode that instantly smooths skin and brightens eyes, ensuring a radiant appearance with just one click. Privacy protection features, including Device Auto Sleep and customizable background uploads, safeguard user privacy during use.

Furthermore, the Tiny 2 Lite supports the OSC protocol, Stream Deck, and SDK, providing enhanced control and increased flexibility for users in broadcast, education, medical industries, and beyond.

Notably, a custom plugin makes Tiny 2 Lite compatible with Stream Deck+, allowing direct control through dials and seamless integration with other live streaming setups. This versatility makes the Tiny 2 Lite a top choice not only for professionals but also for any user seeking optimal customization and efficiency in their video setup.

Availability and Pricing

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite will be available globally in June 2024 on obsbot.com and major retailers worldwide. Pricing starts at $179 USD in the US, with regional variations. Visit the official website for more information on availability in your region.

Check out the Tiny 2 review

Elevate your video experiences with the future of intelligent imaging technology. Discover the OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite today.

For regional availability, please visit the product website and the  OBSBOT official store.

Can Taylor Swift fans trigger seismic activity at her Dublin shows?

Are Irish swifties ‘ready for it’? A researcher at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) is investigating the potential for seismic activity at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concerts in Dublin this weekend.

Seismic activity is a vibration generated by an earthquake, explosion, or similar energetic source that travels within the Earth or along its surface. Seismometers will be placed outside the Aviva Stadium to measure seismic activity generated by Swifties during the Eras Tour concerts. The seismic data measured will be used to work out what songs are fan favourites and what is happening inside the stadium.

A seismometer is a very sensitive instrument which measures ground vibrations and can be used to detect earthquakes. When a seismometer detects seismic activity, it records this information digitally so that it can be analysed later.

Thanks to local residents and businesses allowing the seismometers to be placed on their property in recent weeks, lead researcher, Eleanor Dunn, has installed three different types of seismometers around the Aviva: Raspberry Shakes, ‘SmartSolos’ and ‘le-3Dlites’. The variety of seismometers will be used to measure different strengths of ground vibrations.

Speaking about her research, Eleanor Dunn, PhD candidate at DIAS, said “Through my research I hope to make more people aware of seismicity, that it’s more than just an earthquake and that seismicity is being created every day in Ireland through activities like transport, construction and concerts. Irish earthquakes are usually such a small magnitude that we don’t tend to feel them, but they do occur here. However, it is important to note the seismic activity generated at the concert will not lead to any kind of earthquake or danger to fans in or around the stadium!

“I would love for fans to get involved by sharing their videos of the concert with us on social media by using #swiftquakeDUBLIN. This will allow us to compare the seismic activity with moments in the concert and will hopefully inform us on what songs are fan favourites and which night had the most active fans. I’m also hoping that this will bring science to a new audience and encourage young people to be curious about the world around them.”

Further information about Swift Quake is available on social media at:

During Covid, researchers at DIAS conducted a similar type of study and measured a noticeable decrease in the noise generated by human activity in Ireland as a result of pandemic lockdown measures. The measurements were taken by the Geophysics section of DIAS.

OxygenCare announces new partnership to improve access to life-saving defibrillators in Ireland

OxygenCare, a leading provider of life-saving medical equipment and solutions, announces a new partnership with Defibtech, a manufacturer of life-saving resuscitation devices, to improve the availability of rescue-ready defibrillators in Ireland which could save lives.

Defibtech, a long-standing American manufacturer in medical technology, is dedicated to crafting dependable, affordable, and user-friendly products, empowering communities globally to respond to sudden cardiac arrest.

Joseph Mullally, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Defibtech, said: “Partnering with an industry leader like OxygenCare was a natural fit for Defibtech. We have a shared mission to provide emergency medical technology and spread awareness which can save lives. We recognise that the true impact of our work lies not only in the accessibility of our products but also through knowledge and skills”.

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in Ireland, with at least 9,000 deaths and 25,000 hospital admissions each year according to the HSE. The availability of functional defibrillators is crucial, and inadequate maintenance has rendered many devices non-functional, exacerbating the issue.

Conrad Wynne, Senior Product Specialist, Resuscitation, OxygenCare, said: “This partnership with Defibtech not only enhances our critical care offering but enables us to help ensure that AEDs across Ireland are both available and functional when people need them. Emergency situations arise all the time and every second counts in these situations, so having operational, life-saving technology is crucial.

As a leading provider of emergency and resuscitation equipment, OxygenCare has extensive experience and a long-standing reputation in the Irish healthcare industry. The addition of Defibtech’s Lifeline AED (automated external defibrillators) greatly enhances its existing portfolio.

Joseph Mullally added: “By combining our defibrillator products with OxygenCare’s support and service, we’re equipping organisations and communities across Ireland with the tools, knowledge and confidence to act decisively in the face of cardiac emergencies. Together, we are on a journey to reach this goal, saving lives and safeguarding communities, one heartbeat at a time.”

Edifier launches the W830NB Over-ear Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation

Edifier International, the award-winning audio design house, has announced the addition of the new W830NB headset to its comprehensive range of headphones. With a competitive price point, the W830NB is packed full of outstanding features.  

-45dbB Noise Cancellation, Mute the Outside World

The upgraded hybrid digital noise-cancelling technology offers a remarkable noise reduction of up to -45dB, an 18% increase from the previous generation, effectively creating a peaceful sanctuary by blocking out all distractions. Additionally, the Ambient Sound Mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings ensuring you don’t miss any important information while still enjoying the quite environment. Switch easily between multiple ANC modes: High Noise Cancellation, Medium Noise Cancellation, Wind Reduction and Ambient Sound. 

Lossless LDAC Audio Coding, Feel Every Detail

The headset supports LDAC high-definition decoding for Hi-Res Wireless audio, transmitting at a transfer rate of 999 kbps which provides 3 times the music detail of standard Bluetooth codecs, enabling a high-resolution audio experience.

Astonishing 94 Hours Playback Time

With a built-in large capacity battery and a low power consumption chipset, the WH830NB offers an impressive 94 hours of continuous music playback with ANC off. Whether you’re travelling or tackling daily tasks, you can enjoy extended usage without the hassle of frequent recharging.

 

All-day Comfort: Enhanced Wearing Experience

The WH830NB has been carefully crafted with optimized details for a brand-new comfortable wearing experience. Featuring a lightweight and ergonomic design with soft, comfortable earpads and an adjustable headband for extended listening sessions. 

Bluetooth V5.4: Faster and More Stable

Utilizing the latest Bluetooth version 5.4 technology for faster transmission speeds, stronger anti-interference capabilities, and lower power consumption.

Enjoy Entertainment, Across Various Scenes

Music Mode – With Edifier’s 28 years of acoustic fine-tuning expertise, the W830NB features 40mm large dynamic drivers and an independent acoustic chamber layout which delivers a rich sound depth that lets you feel every note.

Game Mode – With a 0.08s low latency and game sound effects, the headset allows you to synchronize your audio experience with the action you see on the screen, providing a more exciting and immersive gaming experience.

Spatial Sound – With a three-dimensional sound stage algorithm, the headphone delivers a cinema-level surround atmosphere to provide an immersive stereo listening experience.

DNN Noise Reduction, Elevating Call Clarity

Deep Neural Network (DNN) noise reduction technology intelligently recognizes speech and 

precisely separates human voices from noise, enabling you to talk clearly even on noisy streets.

Dual-device Connection, Switch Devices Seamless

The W830NB is capable of connecting to two Bluetooth audio devices at the same time, making it incredibly convenient to both work and enjoy music simultaneously, enhancing your multitasking capabilities.

Supports Wired Connections, Unrestricted and More Convenient

The headset also comes with a USB-C audio cable, allowing you to effortlessly transition to a wired mode when the battery has run out, guaranteeing uninterrupted listening

Customizable Settings, Tailor Your Space

You can choose from three preset EQs to match your music style, or customize your own equalization in customizable EQ mode for a personalized listening experience.

Explore more functions in the EDIFIER CONNEX APP: find my product, control settings, etc.

Check out the WH700NB review and the WH820NB Plus review

Price & Availability:

Available for £79.99

Telefónica Tech supports encompass in the roll-out of digital patient records for the UK’s largest trust

Telefónica Tech UK&I has reached a significant milestone in its delivery of a five-year IT managed services contract to support encompass, the health and social care programme that is creating a single digital care record for every citizen who receives health and social care in Northern Ireland.

Belfast Trust, the largest of its kind in the UK, went live this month, replacing paper processes with the new digital patient record system. It follows the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, which was the first Trust to Go-Live under the contract in November 2023, with encompass then rolling out across all Trusts in Northern Ireland over a two-year period.

Telefónica Tech, which employs 330 people in Belfast and has created 20 highly skilled and technically accredited locally-based jobs to support the work, is providing the specialist IT hosting and managed services strategic expertise required to underpin encompass.

This involved building and managing all of the back-end IT infrastructure, including for the hosting and deployment of Epic, the market-leading health record management software, and then supporting the roll-out to all Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland.

Ellen Dickson, VP, Enterprise Health Services at Telefónica Tech UK&I, said: “encompass is a transformational project from an operational and medical point of view, making Northern Ireland the first part of the UK where patients have a single integrated care record. It is a highly complex project and critical to the health and wellbeing of service users in Northern Ireland. It will require the highest levels of service to support the approximately 70,000 staff members who will use the system once it is implemented across all the Trusts. We are very proud to contribute to its implementation in the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, and most recently in the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, the largest Trust of its kind in the UK.”

Dr. Dermot Hughes, the Senior Responsible Owner for the encompass programme, recognised the significant contributions of Telefónica Tech to the successful Go-Live at South Eastern and Belfast Trust: “Telefónica Tech have contributed significantly to the successful implementation of the Epic Platform in Northern Ireland. Their dedicated Healthcare focused team have brought experience and a collegiate partnership to the encompass programme. They have grown their Belfast based workforce and have done so by opening opportunities to all.”

Belfast-based Telefónica Tech UK&I has a dedicated team for enterprise health services and provides IT managed services to major health trusts across the UK and Ireland, including Cambridge University Hospitals Trust.

Bluewater unveils world’s most advanced coffee brewing solution at World of Coffee trade show in Copenhagen

World-leading water purification and beverage innovator Bluewater will unveil a ground-breaking professional water purification and mineralization system exclusively designed for baristas at the World of Coffee trade show in Copenhagen from June 27 – 29. The Bluewater Café Station™ – designed to help quality-minded baristas enhance the flavors of coffee to new levels of perfection – can be tried on Booth DE-013 at Europe’s most exciting annual specialty coffee show.

“Bluewater is empowering baristas – from the smallest bistro to the largest café chain – to take full control over the water they use to make the perfect coffee,” said Maximillian Lundin, a former Swedish chef who heads Bluewater’s coffee division. Noting that water is crucial to brewing great coffee, Maximillian said the Bluewater Café Station uniquely helps transform the bean-to-taste bud journey.

“We have applied Bluewater’s water and mineral science expertise to ensure baristas can consistently brew up a storm to satisfy the most discerning coffee lovers regardless of local water quality,” Maximillian said.

The Bluewater Café Station™ helps coffee brewing professionals deliver a perfect brew every time by adapting to the coffee beans used to bring out their unique flavors. The Bluewater coffee brewing solution ensures that no matter where you drink your coffee, it will always have the same perfect taste.

“Coffee is one of the most popular and social beverages on the planet, with around 2.25 billion cups of coffee consumed daily, yet the quality of water is often overlooked, something Bluewater fixes with our unique Café Station,” Maximillian explains. He said the Bluewater professional coffee brewing station not only ensures water is purified to perfection but also adds uniquely individualized blends of minerals to bring out the best flavors of each bean.

Key benefits of the Bluewater Café Station

• Water purified up to 10x Cleaner than Traditional Carbon Filters: Bluewater proprietary SuperiorOsmosis™ Technology removes contaminants like PFAS, microplastics, and toxic metals for purer water, giving better-tasting coffee.

• Planet friendlier with 3x less water wasted compared to other reverse osmosis systems.

• Liquid Rock™: The world’s only mineral solution that doesn’t cause scaling during water heating, a crucial function when brewing coffee. Harvested from high-quality Swedish mountain rock, Bluewater Liquid Rock™ provides the only TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) needed in the water.

• Customize Your Minerals in Real Time: Using the Bluewater App, you can customize the minerals in your water to suit your beans.

• The Bluewater Café Station is currently being introduced in key markets across Europe, including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Denmark. Additional launches in key markets are planned after the summer.

Andrew Porter, re-opens Explorium, Ireland’s National Sport and Science Centre, and launches new state of the art experiences

Irish Rugby Player, Andrew Porter’, Andrew Porter, was on hand this morning to re-open Explorium, Ireland’s National Sport and Science Centre located in Sandyford, Dublin 18. Originally opened in 2019, Explorium is a world-class educational 110,000 sq ft facility offering almost 250 exhibits and immersive experiences, including a range of new and exciting exhibitions for all to enjoy this summer.

The new attractions are sure to grab the attention of sport and science fans and include “COOL IT”, an interactive 6,000 sq ft experience that gives participants the chance to track their climate impact and explore potential solutions in a fun and engaging way. The incredible robot ‘Recycleops’ was built locally from recycled parts and the F1 simulator gives guests a chance to experience real speed and pit stops!

In partnership with Verse Augmented Reality, Explorium Activities has added the ‘Unreal Gardens’ and ‘Star Walk’ immersive AR journeys that transport visitors into a magical world of nature or on an exciting journey through the solar system in a 2,500 sq ft state of the art space, the first of its kind in Europe.

Explorium is also delighted to announce the addition of a Sensory Room for families with children with additional needs to enjoy the benefits of a 1,500 sq ft sensory area to engage in developmental play in a calming environment. Access to the Sensory Room is provided free of charge upon booking the appropriate ticket online.

Welcoming guests back with an impressive lineup of innovative exhibits and experiences that aim to educate, engage, and entertain all ages, Explorium Junior serves ages 2-7, while Explorium Science and Explorium Activities serve ages 8 to adult.

Andrew Porter, Irish Rugby Player said:

“I’m delighted to reopen Explorium, Ireland’s National Sports and Science centre and launch the new and exciting exhibitions. I’ve been a big fan of Explorium for many years, so it’s brilliant to see it open again after covid! It’s a great day out for all.”

Explorium Junior re-opened in January and has already welcomed over 60,000 visitors, clearly showing the immense need and demand for informal science learning, both locally and nationally.

The rest of Explorium is now open with something for everyone from age 8 to adult and caters to individuals, families, groups, school tours, birthday parties, corporate events and other functions.

Explorium Science offers a purpose-built 110-seater cinema and auditorium plus almost 250 exhibits and immersive experiences, including its original G-Force bike, a Formula One simulator, Tesla Lightning Show, Gravity Room, Planetary Zone, and Sport Science area.

Explorium Activities offers two amazing climbing walls, with Urban Climb for beginners and Conquer your Fears for more advanced climbers, plus incredible adventures in our Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality attractions.

Charlie Kelly, co- founder of Explorium commented:

“We are very proud to have created a world-class destination for science, sport, technology and innovation, making science relevant and accessible to people of all ages. Our ambition is to be a champion of science nationally and locally, inspiring the next generation of scientists, athletes, inventors, artists, and engineers. We’re thrilled to open the new attractions – the state-of-the-art Augmented Reality experience is the first of its kind in Europe.

Parents are crying out for space for their children to learn, play, and create, in a safe, modern and accessible space, and we welcome all ages back to Explorium. There is something here for everyone. What we have managed to achieve is truly unique in Ireland.”

During the summer, Explorium Science and Explorium Activities are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 6:00pm, with late hours on Fridays until 8:00pm. Junior Explorium is open daily, from Monday to Sunday, from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Tickets can be bought from www.explorium.ie and pre-booking is recommended.

Janssen to adopt Johnson & Johnson brand in Ireland

Johnson & Johnson today announced its pharmaceutical business segment will adopt the Johnson & Johnson brand name in Ireland. Janssen, its pharmaceutical segment, will become Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, and the medical technology segment will continue to be named Johnson & Johnson MedTech.

The announcement marks the next era for Johnson & Johnson in Ireland, which is leveraging its expertise in innovative medicine and medical technology to prevent and treat complex diseases and introduce solutions that are smarter, less invasive, and more personalised.

Johnson & Johnson has a long heritage in Ireland since 1935, and a large footprint with a workforce of more than 6,000 people. Its Irish operations which comprise both the Innovative Medicine and MedTech segments, make a significant contribution to the company’s global success with ten sites located in five counties (Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Mayo) spanning research and development, manufacturing, shared services and country commercial businesses.

These changes are part of a global rollout of the new Johnson & Johnson brand that was announced in September 2023.  The updated brand will be applied to all company materials, product packaging, and branding assets over time.

The new Johnson & Johnson brand identity builds on the Company’s legacy, while also modernising key elements to showcase healthcare innovation in a way that is inclusive and demonstrates the Company’s ability to tackle the world’s toughest health challenges.

Mr. Dana Daneshvari, VP Manufacturing & General Manager, Large Molecule Manufacturing, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Ringaskiddy, said; “While the name and logo of the pharmaceutical segment of our business is changing, our goal remains the same. We innovate with purpose to lead where medicine is going.

As we look to the future, we will continue to build on our legacy of innovation, delivering transformational medicines that improve patient outcomes and make a lasting impact on healthcare in Ireland.”

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine applies rigorous science with compassion to confidently address the most complex diseases in the areas of oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiopulmonary and specialty ophthalmology to develop the potential medicines of tomorrow.

There will be no change to the company names and/or legal status of our Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine or MedTech companies in Ireland.  The Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine companies are Janssen Sciences Ireland UC and Janssen Pharmaceutical Sciences UC.