Category: Tech News

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/

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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

ASUS Announces Fresh New Verdure Green Color for Zenfone 11 Ultra

ASUS today announced Verdure Green, a fresh new color option for its Zenfone 11 Ultra lineup that pays homage to the lush greenery of New York’s Central Park, an oasis of calm in a bustling city. This new shade offers the user a touch of serenity, wherever they go.

Building upon the Zenfone 11 Ultra’s legacy of innovation, the Verdure Green variant retains all the hallmark features that users have come to love. The Verdure Green variant maintains consistency in design, with both the upgraded aluminum-framed, glossy glass-covered triple-lens camera module and the back cover elegantly clad in the same captivating color. This harmonious design aesthetic ensures a visually striking device that stands out from the crowd. Additionally, the on-trend green colorway gives users an up-to-date fashion choice to suit modern style sensibilities.

Zenfone 11 Ultra provides more of everything, packing a more expansive screen, a faster processor, and a bigger battery into its meticulously-designed chassis.  The phone includes a raft of AI-powered features, including AI Noise Cancelation, AI Call Translator, AI Transcript, and AI Wallpaper, which make the user’s mobile lifestyle easier and more fulfilling[i]. ASUS continues to deliver cutting-edge technology wrapped in an ultra-elegant package.

The Zenfone 11 Ultra in Verdure Green delivers the perfect blend of style and technology, elevating users’ AI-powered mobile experience and making a statement with this fresh new addition to the Zenfone family.

“The Color plan pursues the essence of simplicity and nature, inspired by the colors and inspired by the Life, to pay tribute to the incomparable beauty of nature. Low-chroma color matching provides maximum product adaptability across a wide range of environments.” said Jess Wu, Industrial Design Senior Manager. “Drawing inspiration from the Earth’s natural elements, the phone’s back cover showcases a range of earth-inspired hues, including Eternal Black, Skyline Blue, Misty Gray, and Desert Sand. These colors not only add vibrancy and innovation to the phone’s design but also evoke a sense of tranquillity, stability, energy, and presence, reminiscent of the serenity found in nature’s elements.”

“In addition to all those features, we’ve embraced sustainability from the design phase, incorporating eco-friendly practices throughout. This includes a touch panel with 22% PIR recycled glass, a protective case made from 50% PCR recycled plastic, a 100% recycled aluminum frame, and fully sustainable packaging,” concluded Jess Wu. “Our packaging materials are FSC-certified, printed with non-toxic soy-based inks, and all phone and cable components are encased in paper. We are committed to making strides in sustainability, from the inside out.”

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra in Verdure Green will be available from 17th June 2024 in Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Czechia from https://www.asus.com/mobile-handhelds/phones/zenfone/zenfone-11-ultra/.

Edifier D32 tabletop speaker – Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified, AirPlay compatible and high-capacity built-in battery

Edifier International, the award-winning audio design house, has announced details of their new retro-inspired D32 Tabletop Wireless Speaker. Producing high quality audio playback, the D32 is precision manufactured to satisfy savvy audiophiles and design lovers alike.

Edifier have become known for marrying premium production quality with flawless audio experiences and the D32 is no exception. With a hand-made wooden housing, the speaker is acoustically treated to reduce excess resonance and distortion, whilst dual bass reflex ports enhance lows without overpowering mids and highs. Fitted with two 1″ silk dome tweeters and one 4″ long-throw mid-low driver, the speaker is capable of producing a frequency response of between 52Hz – 40kHz and has earned the prestigious Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications.

Elsewhere inside, the D32 includes dual Class-D audio amplifiers from Texas Instruments, capable of providing enhanced end-to-end high resolution audio processing. Importantly, this is done via a two-way active crossover, which separates the audio signal during processing to ensure it remains as pure as possible. Additionally, the D32 has in-built dynamic range control (DRC) that reduces the difference between the loudest and quietest aspects of an audio signal, overall producing a more balanced, detailed and consistent audio fidelity when listening between different genres.

Together, with support for SBC, AAC, LDAC, and ALAC (Apple AirPlay 2) codecs and an 11-hour battery life, the Edifier D32 TableTop Speaker places a premium on outstanding audio whilst maintaining, at its core, multi-use functionality. Featuring multiple input options, including Bluetooth V5.3, USB-C, Wi-Fi (Apple AirPlay) and AUX, the D32 weighs just 3.04Kg. Measuring 250mm x 162mm x 179mm, users can enjoy the D32 in a range of home and on-the-go settings, whether enjoying the latest podcast on the couch, singing to a favourite song in the bathroom or entertaining friends in the summer sun.

Quintessential to this multi-use functionality, Edifier place particular importance on the visual language of their products. The D32 sports a unique mid-century modern feel; built using the most advanced production techniques and materials, it combines the sleek and minimal lines of the Bauhaus design movement with subtle nods to timeless 1970s radio design. Delivering in both form and function, the warm and sophisticated appearance has a tactile-yet-luxe character, complete with a textured, braided grille, satisfying accordion-style keyboard buttons and smart metallic detailing. Available in both white and black walnut colour ways, the aesthetic versatility of the D32 truly sets it apart – making this an unrivalled choice for the decor-conscious consumer who values a balance between elegant award-winning design and industry-leading audio technology.

Together, Edifier has produced another defining product for the market. A perfect fit for modern life, the D32 achieves impeccable sound whilst maintaining a distinct and eye-catching presence. Finally, the D32 is compatible with the Edifier ConneX App, allowing users to sculpt their sound to taste, including a source switch, various playback controls, sound effects switch and EQ customization.

  • 60W (RMS) total output power with quality sound
  • Dual 1″ silk dome tweeters and one 4″ long-throw mid-low driver
  • Full digital signal processing, two-way active crossover, and DRC
  • Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified
  • Works with Apple AirPlay2 via the 5GHz and 2.4GHz dual-band Wi-Fi connection
  • Bluetooth V5.3, USB, and AUX inputs
  • Supports SBC, AAC, LDAC, and ALAC (AirPlay mode only) codecs
  • 11 hours playtime by the built-in battery pack
  • Works with EDIFIER ConneX mobile app
  • Codecs – SBC, AAC, LDAC, and ALAC (AirPlay mode only)

Price & Availability:

Available for £189.99 from https://www.kbaudio.co.uk/products/edifier-d32-bluetooth-wifi-desktop-speaker

FinTech Depowise, platform handling €800bn in assets, enters the UK and Irish market

Depowise, the Estonian-founded oversight and process automation startup for financial services firms, is expanding into the United Kingdom and Ireland. The company aims to increase its current 5% market share tenfold in the domiciled funds market of Luxembourg, Ireland, and the UK, valued at more than €16.5 trillion. Over the next five years, Depowise plans to achieve a volume of assets on the platform of €8 trillion and become a market leader.

Leading this significant expansion is Leonid Belov, the newly appointed Managing Director for the UK and Ireland. Belov has a wealth of experience across front-to-back and cross-asset-class solutions, having worked in leading financial institutions such as BlackRock, State Street, MSCI, and Bloomberg.

“Having known Leo since our Bloomberg days, I have always admired his drive and insight. During one of our chats, I brought up my ambition to develop Depowise, and this resonated strongly with Leo, who thought we could disrupt the status quo and bring about meaningful change,” says Artur Reiter, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Depowise. “We are beyond delighted to welcome Leonid Belov to our team. His exceptional talent in growth engineering, coupled with his strategic approach, sales expertise, and extensive financial technology knowledge, will undoubtedly secure our success in these new markets.”

Mr Belov shares the excitement: “Depowise has incredible growth potential that I couldn’t resist being a part of. The dedication and achievements of the team in just three years – developing a market-leading end-to-end tool for the depositary market – are truly impressive.

Market starving for automation

The global asset servicing and management industries are in dire need of technological advancement. “Despite the significant pace of automation, a meaningful proportion of the industry still relies on manual processes for critical tasks. We see this as a big market opportunity for Depowise – our modern technology can unlock scale and achieve viable efficiency for our customers,” notes Belov.

In Queen Elisabeth II’s time, asset custody and oversight were managed primarily in Excel; in King Charles’s time, we aim to move it into Depowise, and by the time Prince William picks up the reigns, it will be largely driven by AI,” says Belov.

Depowise offers a comprehensive automation solution that streamlines compliance, oversight, safekeeping, reporting, and record-keeping tasks, significantly reducing manual efforts and inherent inefficiencies.

Unicorn-size market potential

Based on discussions with Depowise clients and prospects, we note that around a third of asset servicing and management companies in the UK and Ireland currently use multiple service providers to manage different parts of operations, around another third use in-house solutions, and nearly every organisation still heavily relies on Excel. The market size for automation in this sector is projected to grow to over €7bn by 2027, and with no complete, end-to-end competitors, Depowise aims to become the market leader within five years.

Our 2022 customer survey showed that Depowise increased efficiency for our customers by up to 82%. “You don’t have to spend your mornings searching for discrepancies because Depowise does the checks for you in the background,” Sven Peekmann, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Depowise, explains the efficiency phenomenon. “Now, when nearly 90% of daily work is done automatically, Depowise allows you to focus on the issues with the most significant business impact.”

Virgin Media further expands market reach adding 254,000 premises nationwide in deal with National Broadband Ireland (NBI)

Virgin Media has agreed a network deal with National Broadband Ireland (NBI) whereby Virgin Media will offer a full range of superfast broadband and digital TV services to over 254,000 currently enabled NBI premises throughout Ireland.

Virgin Media’s ongoing €200m network upgrade to full fibre is continuing to 2025 and will support speeds up to 10Gbps. Virgin Media has recently upgraded over 281,000 premises to fibre, offering speeds of 2Gbps across its own network. The Virgin Media network already provides broadband speeds of 1Gbps (gigabits per second) to 1 million premises across Ireland.

Virgin Media’s deal with NBI, along with other already announced wholesale network access developments, brings to 1.4 million the number of premises now able to access Virgin Media’s fastest ever broadband services nationwide.

Virgin Media Ireland CEO Tony Hanway said, “With lightning-fast speeds of up to 2 Gig and 99.9% reliability, our full fibre broadband network is designed to revolutionise the way we connect and experience the digital world. This announcement today with NBI brings our ultrafast broadband and TV services to even more premises across Ireland, enabling homes, businesses, communities and regions nationwide to further prosper and grow.”

Peter Hendrick, CEO of National broadband Ireland (NBI) said, “We’re delighted that Virgin Media will join the growing number of retail service providers offering broadband packages on our network. There are now 70 retail service providers on our network, meaning there is huge choice for anyone connecting to high-speed fibre through NBI. Our rollout will ensure that every home, farm and business in Ireland has access to high-speed broadband with minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second available. We’ve now passed over 254,000 premises across the country and all of these have the same guarantee in terms of access, speed, and reliability.”

Creative Triumphs at EHA Awards 2024 with Double Accolades for Innovative Products

Creative proudly announces its recent triumph at the prestigious European Hardware Awards (EHA) 2024. Both Creative Aurvana Ace 2 and Creative Pebble X Plus have received top accolades, cementing the brand’s position as a frontrunner in the technology industry.

The EHA Awards are regarded as the pinnacle of achievement in the European tech landscape, uniting over 100 of Europe’s most respected technology journalists from prominent publications to recognize the year’s best hardware innovations. Celebrated for a decade of highlighting top technology hardware, the awards draw expertise from editors at leading tech publications across Europe, including Hardwareluxx (Germany), Geeknetic (Spain), KitGuru (UK), Cowcotland (France), PurePC (Poland), IO-Tech (The Nordics), Hardware Upgrade (Italy), Technology Insider (The Netherlands), and Lab 501 (Romania). Together, they ensure that the awards represent a comprehensive view of the best in the market.

The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 clinched the Best Earphones award, a testament to its superior sound quality and innovative design. Powered by xMEMS technology, the Aurvana Ace 2 unleashes the full potential of lifelike sound. It offers superior CD-quality clarity and precision, enhanced by Snapdragon Sound with Qualcomm aptX Lossless technology and Qualcomm Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation. These premium features are beautifully complemented by an aesthetically pleasing translucent compact charging case, perfectly blending performance and style.

In the Best Speakers category, the Creative Pebble X Plus stood out for its exceptional sound clarity, compact design, and powerful audio performance. Boasting an impressive RMS power of up to 30W and a peak power of up to 60W, both the 2.0 and 2.1 configurations promise a superior listening experience for music, movies, and gaming. In addition to its audio prowess, the Pebble X Plus features customizable RGB lighting, allowing users to create a pulsating light show to match any mood. With both wired and wireless modes, these speakers are an excellent choice for those seeking a premium desktop audio upgrade.

“We are thrilled and deeply honoured to receive these prestigious awards from the European Hardware Association,” said Song Siow Hui, CEO of Creative. “The recognition of the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 and Creative Pebble X Plus underscores our commitment to innovation, quality, and delivering outstanding products to our customers. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”

For more information about their award-winning products, visit their website at Creative.com

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