Category: Tech News

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.

Majority brings Dolby Atmos to every home with the Majority Elias 2.1.2 Soundbar

Majority, the consumer electronics brand known for its innovative products, provides a truly impressive audio experience with the Elias 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar, for an affordable price.

Following the success of the Majority Sierra Plus, Majority introduces the latest edition to their Dolby range, the Majority Elias. Delivering Dolby Atmos to the masses, the Majority Alias makes home theatre set-ups accessible to every audio enthusiast.

The Majority Elias 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar is available on Amazon for £99.95. 

Powered by Dolby Atmos, the Elias generates a game-changing and all-around enveloping soundscape. With detailed directional effects, live, breathe and feel sound. By placing sound at various parts of the room, revolutionise how you experience music, film, television, and gaming.

Perfect for the dedicated music fanatic, Dolby Atmos places you inside the song to drive an emotional audio experience. From Soul Music to Samba Sounds, consume every detail of the music and inhale the unmatched clarity.

A gift from the heavens, for any film buff, the Elias transports you into the film. With state-of-the-art sound technology feel the anguish in war films or jump for joy when your favourite superhero shows up to save the day as if you’re the leading character.

Boasting 160W of power, the Majority Elias provides exceptional high-fidelity sound quality and helps breathe life into movies, music, games and news with the dynamic EQ controls. Accompanied by a premium remote control for easy listening, users can easily adjust volume, modes, and settings, as required.

With the 2.1.2 speaker channel, up-firing speakers and Dolby Atmos audio, the Majority Elias delivers dynamic, 3D, object-based audio allowing listeners to feel every sound.  Ideal for listening to news, documentaries, music, movies and sport, the state-of-the-art soundbar provides sound from various angles of the soundbar.

Where fashion meets function, the Majority Elias’ stylish aesthetic makes it chic addition to any home. Featuring wall mounting brackets, relish in space-saving, yet sleek décor.

Designed for the modern audiophile, the Elias houses a wide range of connectivity including 5.3 Bluetooth and HDMI ARC integration for a stress-free set-up. The soundbar can also be connected with Optical and AUX to enhance the listening experience for every occasion.

Specs

  • 160W
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Multi Connectivity: 5.3 Bluetooth, HDMI Arc, Optical, AUX,
  • USB Playback
  • 2.1.2 Channel
  • 3D Surround Sound
  • Full Metal Grill
  • Frequency Response: 80Hz-18KHz​
  • Wall mountable with including brackets
  • Premium Remote Control included
  • EQ Controls
  • Power Supply: 20V,2.5A adaptor for Soundbar
  • Weight: 1.73kg
  • Dimensions: 9.1cm x 61cm x 6.78cm

See our MP3 Pro review 

The Majority Elias 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar is available on Amazon for £99.95.

QDOS launches SnapStand its first ever recycled power product.

QDOS, a global designer and manufacturer of premium cases, screen protection and power, has recently launched SnapStand, its first ever recycled power product.

QDOS’ commitment to sustainability continues with the launch of the new SnapStand, a 3-in-1 portable charger that boasts 100% recycled zinc alloy housing and 60% recycled materials.

What’s more, its high recycled content, coupled with 15W Qi wireless output, will make it the best combined offering of its kind on the market.

The three charge points on the cool, space grey product can simultaneously charge an iPhone, Apple Watch and Air Pods.

SnapStand charges an iPhone 15 Pro Max to 100% in just 3 hours and 30 minutes. Apple Watches are charged with 2.5W Qi wireless output, fully charging the Apple Watch S9 in 3 hours, and AirPods are charged with 5W Qi wireless output.

This charging powerhouse with sleek, easily portable, foldable design, offers a product that simplifies charging, is highly versatile, eco-conscious and is perfect for the office or on the go.

It also aligns with MagSafe and Qi compatible devices and the adaptable design allows for optimal viewing of iPhones for videos, calls or browsing, as well as activating iOS 17 nightstand mode when rotated at 90 degrees.

As with all QDOS products, the packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable and the SnapStand comes with a USB-C cable and user guide.

Available at QDOS, RRP £79.99.

See our QDOS reviews

FUJIFILM launches the NEW instax WIDE 400

FUJIFILM Europe GmbH, Imaging Solutions Division, today announces the launch of the latest addition to the instax WIDE family, the instax WIDE 400 instant camera (“the instax WIDE 400”) in a unique Sage Green.

The instax WIDE 400 is the successor to the instax WIDE 300 launched 10 years ago in 2014. It is an analog instant camera in the ever-popular WIDE format, which shoots double the width of the mini film. It is ideal for group shots and landscapes, allowing the photographer to capture the atmosphere of a place by including the world around the subject.

The new & updated camera now comes with a self-timer, enhancing group shots and ensuring no one is left behind the camera. It also features a camera angle adjustment accessory to shoot the perfect angle without the need for a tripod. Furthermore, by attaching the included close-up lens, take photos as close as 40cm for beautiful macro images alongside original instax WIDE shots.

A new and unique instax WIDE 400 camera case that matches the colour of the new camera will also be released at the same time.

instax mini LiPlay gets a refresh

Today, FUJIFILM Europe also announces that the instax mini LiPlay 2-in-1 hybrid instant camera (“the instax mini LiPlay”) is getting a refresh. Three new colours to match the latest trends— Matcha Green, Misty White, and Deep Bronze, with different textures to match each colour—have been released. While maintaining the same functionality, operability, and compactness, features such as the sound function for recording voice messages and the smartphone printer function for printing smartphone images have been retained.

The camera now also benefits from the addition of a USB Type-C for charging. Additionally, the firmware update process, which previously required downloading from a website and saving to a micro-SD, is now simply operated by connecting the dedicated application and instax mini LiPlay, further improving ease of use.

instax mini LiPlay – techbuzzireland

As with the existing instax mini LiPlay, the camera itself comes with 13 design frames and 6 filters, while the dedicated app has over 60 design frames. The frames and filters can be used to add effects to images.

Pricing and Availability:

Fujifilm’s instax WIDE 400 instant camera will be available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of EUR 150.00 (incl. VAT). It will be available to buy from FUJIFILM stockists nationwide from July 12th, 2024. For more product information, visit https://www.instax.ie/cameras/wide-400/

Main features of the instax WIDE 400:

(1) Analogue instant camera compatible with wide-format film.

・This simply designed analogue instant camera is compatible with instax
WIDE-format film. With automatic exposure and flash control, simply turn the lens to switch it on, hold the camera and press the shutter button.

After turning the lens to switch the power on, turn it further in the same direction to switch to Landscape mode, allowing you to capture distant scenery from a distance of more than 3m. Furthermore, by attaching the included close-up lens, you can capture images up to 40cm away for macro photography.

(2) Equipped with a lever-operated self-timer for that analogue feel.

A lever-operated self-timer is mounted on the front side of the camera. When the lever is turned, the LEDs light up in sequence and the self-timer can be set for up to 10 seconds.

Pressing the shutter release button starts the countdown and the LEDs go off one by one every two seconds. Group shots can be easily taken while enjoying the sound of the timer and the operation of turning the lever.

(3) Includes useful accessories for self-timer shooting.

By using the included camera angle adjustment accessory, choose between two height options for the optimum shooting angle, all without the need for a tripod. 

The instax mini LiPlay instant cameras will be available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of EUR 170.00 (incl. VAT). They will be available to buy from FUJIFILM stockists nationwide from July 19th, 2024. For more product information, visit https://www.instax.ie/cameras/mini-liplay/

See our other instax reviews

Now reviewed

RETN Awarded Google Verified Gold Peering Partner Status, Simplifying Cloud Connectivity for Customers

As businesses increasingly rely on cloud services for critical operations, highly available internet connectivity becomes essential. RETN, the leading independent global network services provider, is proud to announce its designation as a Google Verified Gold Peering Partner. This recognition, granted to RETN’s Autonomous System (AS9002), underscores the company’s commitment to delivering top-tier connectivity solutions to its customers across Europe and Asia.

The Verified Peering Partner program is designed to enhance connectivity for customers by identifying Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with superior, reliable, and diverse connectivity to Google.

RETN’s achievement of Gold status in this program is a testament to its technical excellence and robust network infrastructure and provides significant advantages for its customers:

Simplified Connectivity: Customers no longer need to meet Google’s peering requirements. RETN, as a Verified Gold Peering Partner, handles the complexities of peering arrangements, allowing customers to spend less time deploying and managing the technical complexities of Direct Peering. By acquiring IP Transit or Dedicated Internet Access from RETN, customers can let RETN manage peering with the highest quality direct connections to Google.

High Availability: The Verified Gold badge signifies that RETN provides metro-level redundant connectivity, ensuring maximum reliability for customers. The Google badge verifies this redundancy, offering peace of mind that connectivity to Google is highly reliable.

Enterprise-Grade Connectivity: RETN provides connectivity to Google through internet products designed for enterprises. Customers can access Google services with or without the need for an autonomous system number (ASN), and work directly with RETN’s account teams.

Dedicated Private Google Connectivity: All connections to Google through RETN are managed via private dedicated and redundant links spanning RETN’s extensive footprint, leveraging the same infrastructure that supports Google’s own services. This ensures robust and secure access to all Google services.

Access to All Google Services: RETN customers can access a wide range of Google services, including Workspace, Cloud APIs, Cloud VPN, Google Public IPs, and more. Any Google service reachable over the internet can be used with RETN as a Verified Peering Provider.

“The Verified Peering Program is a win-win for Google and ISPs. Google customers benefit from improved connectivity and reliability, and RETN gains a competitive advantage. We’re excited to have RETN as a part of this program and look forward to working together to provide a great experience for our mutual customers,” said Dave Schwartz, Senior Product Manager, Google Global Networking.

“This recognition underscores our dedication to providing the highest quality connectivity solutions to our customers – ensuring robust, redundant, and highly available connectivity to essential cloud services is more critical than ever. This partnership not only enhances our service offerings but also assures our customers that they are receiving enterprise-grade, reliable access to Google’s extensive suite of services,” said Andrey Gazizov, Chief Operating Officer of RETN.

Parking Cupid – Now Someone Else Will Pay Your Parking Tickets

A new online service is taking the hassle out of getting a parking fine. https://www.parkingmadeeasy.com.au , an innovative online platform, has launched a new initiative giving drivers the chance to have their parking fines paid for them Australia-wide. Operating as https://www.parkingcupid.com globally and in cities such as New York, Toronto, Singapore, Chennai, Dubai and Christchurch where the service is the same there. This initiative, known as the ‘Parking Fine Protection’, offers a unique solution to the common problem of parking fines and is available exclusively to the platform’s members.

For just $15, members can join Parking Made Easy, gaining access to the ‘Parking Fine Protection’ initiative. This service not only provides the opportunity for fines to be reimbursed but also assists members with putting together appeal letters if they wish to challenge their fines. The platform is designed to alleviate the financial and emotional stress associated with parking fines, providing a supportive and practical solution for drivers.

Through the Parking Made Easy website, members can submit their parking tickets and potentially receive a reimbursement for the full fine amount. The funding to pay off these fines is generated through the crowdsourcing of the website’s membership fees, creating a community-driven approach to solving parking-related issues.

There is, however, a catch. Each day, a draw is held to decide who gets their fine paid off, with only one winner per day. If a member is the only person to have submitted a fine on a given day, their fine will be paid out. If multiple members submit fines, Parking Made Easy will randomly draw a name from the submissions. This element of chance adds a layer of excitement and anticipation, making the process engaging for all members.

Parking Made Easy is not just about parking fine protection ( see here for more info https://www.parkingmadeeasy.com.au/parking-fine-protection ). The platform is dedicated to enhancing the overall parking experience by connecting drivers with available parking spaces across Australia. Whether it’s driveways, garages, or parking lots, Parking Made Easy facilitates the rental process, offering a convenient solution for both parking space owners and drivers in need. This service is particularly beneficial in urban areas where parking is often scarce and expensive.

The platform ensures a seamless process through its user-friendly interface, making it easier than ever to find, book, and manage parking spaces. This ease of use, combined with the innovative ‘Parking Fine Protection’ initiative, positions Parking Made Easy as a leader in the parking solutions market.

About Parking Made Easy

Parking Made Easy is an innovative online platform that connects drivers with available parking spaces across Australia. By facilitating the rental of driveways, garages, and parking lots, Parking Made Easy offers a convenient solution for both parking space owners and drivers in need. The platform’s services include the unique ‘Parking Fine Protection’ initiative, which provides members with the chance to have their parking fines reimbursed. Committed to enhancing the parking experience, Parking Made Easy ensures a seamless process through its user-friendly interface, making it easier than ever to find, book, and manage parking spaces.

Sign up HERE

Dargan Forum 2024: Harnessing Technology, Empowering Communities

On 4th July, 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.

Upon announcing this collaboration, Emma Jones of Enterprise Nation said:

“Digital adoption is not just about new jobs, a tech-enabled, thriving local small business community creates better jobs, better businesses and more innovation — all of which contribute to a healthy local economy. That’s why we’re delighted to be partnering with Dargan Institute’s forward-thinking plans to ensure Irish firms can get ahead in the global digital transformation race.”

David Curtin, CEO of key Dargan Forum 2024 sponsor .ie, shared:

“.ie has been a long-term champion of the transformative power of digital technology in our towns and communities. The Dargan Forum serves as a crucial platform for driving meaningful change by leveraging our collective experience to bridge the digital divide and elevate digital skills. Partnering with the Dargan Forum is vital because it prioritises people and places, ensuring that progress benefits everyone. Together, we are committed to uncovering the innovative ways in which digitalisation enriches lives, strengthens communities, and boosts enterprises.”

Eoin Costello, national director of the Dargan Institute and adviser on the government’s Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum (EDAF), said:

“In the 21st century powerful virtual technologies such as cloud computing, AI and quantum computing will shape our lives in ways that we can only imagine. The objective of the Dargan Forum is ensuring that these powerful technologies are put to the service of people and places, leaving no one behind.”

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.

To secure your place at this exciting and innovative free event, connect with like-minded individuals, and contribute to the dialogue that will shape the future of Irish communities, visit the Dargan Forum website:

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