Category: Tech News

Xiaomi Named One of TIME’s Most Influential Companies of 2024

TIME has named Xiaomi as one of its “TIME100 Most Influential Companies” in 2024. Xiaomi received the honor — for its first time ever — because TIME determined that it is making an extraordinary impact around the world.
In placing Xiaomi on the list, TIME cited on the company’s successful launch of its first smart electric vehicle, the Xiaomi SU7 Series, in Mainland China in March 2024. TIME praised the EV’s effort to integrate people, cars, and homes into a super-smart, people-centric ecosystem. Xiaomi set new industry records for the volume of locked-in orders and deliveries of the Xiaomi SU7 Series during the first month of its debut. Its “Human x Car x Home” ecosystem connects smart devices in unprecedented and seamless ways.
Xiaomi is committed to making sustainable investments in foundational core technologies and to continuously invest in technologies that will benefit humanity. It will invest more than RMB100 billion in research and development during the five years between 2022 to 2026. Through 15 to 20 years of effort, Xiaomi aims to become one of the top five global automakers as well as a leader in the evolving realm of global cutting-edge technologies.
“Xiaomi is honored to be selected for the TIME100 Most Influential Companies list for 2024,” said Xiaomi spokesperson. “We look forward to living up to this award by continuing to produce products that let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology.”
To assemble the list, TIME solicited nominations across sectors, and polled its global network of contributors and correspondents, as well as outside experts. Then TIME editors evaluated each on key factors, including impact, innovation, ambition, and success. The result is a diverse group of 100 businesses helping chart an essential path forward.
See the full list here: time.com/100companies

Digital StoryMaps bring Galway’s heritage to life

Students from the University of Galway are playing a key role in an innovative new digital project that brings County Galway’s unique heritage to life.

Spearheaded by Galway County Council in conjunction with Galway County Heritage Forum, The Heritage Council and local community and heritage groups, ‘Galway County Heritage Trails’ showcases the cultural and historical significance of almost half of County Galway’s 4,556 townlands through meticulous research and the application of cutting-edge technologies.

One of the standout features of the project is the creation of StoryMaps, a series of interactive maps combining geographical data with multimedia elements to guide users through the historical landscapes of County Galway’s townlands, towns and villages.

In recent months, University of Galway students Dylan Reilly, Joseph Ennis and Natalie Cyrkle have been working with the Heritage and GIS teams of Galway County Council to convert historical data from sources, including O’Donovan’s Ordnance Survey Letters, Griffiths Valuation, the Down Survey, and the 1901 and 1911 censuses, into digital formats.

161 townlands in the civil parishes of Kiltartan, Kinvaradooras, Kilcolgan, Kilthomas and Killinny have recently been digitised while online StoryMaps also have been created for Oranmore, Mountbellew, Monivea and Ballyglunin, bringing to 2,000 the number of townlands now digitised through the project.

Cllr Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said, “StoryMaps is a simple yet powerful way to share information and enlighten, engage, and inspire people with stories that relate to locations of interest around us.  Incorporating location and mapping into the context of a story, each StoryMaps is designed to provide an immersive experience, shedding light on the cultural and historical significance of various locations.”

“Placements such as those with the Heritage Office allow students from the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies to develop important skills and broaden their horizons in terms of longer-term career options open to them. The positivity shown by students in their presentations in Áras an Chontae only serves to demonstrate the value of their experience in this project,” added the Cathaoirleach.

Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services, Director of Services for Economic Development & Planning added, “By combining academic rigor with local authority and community collaboration, this project underscores the power of digital technology in preserving and sharing local history. The digitised sources and StoryMaps not only honour the past but also pave the way for dynamic, future-oriented research and learning and are an invaluable resource for researchers, educators, the diaspora and history enthusiasts.”

Marc Mellotte, Head of Engagement at the University of Galway commented, “Our engagement with organisations and businesses is a very important part of our students’ development and our own commitments as a university. Our B.Sc. (Social Sciences) graduates see their careers and futures in many different areas of work and the placements and internships offered by Galway County Council really help to broaden their perspective and allow them to see new opportunities for their future.”

Meanwhile, Galway County Council is inviting members of the public to contribute to ‘Galway County Heritage Trails’ with the objective of digitising heritage information relating to all 4,556 County Galway townlands. To date, the Heritage Office has worked with community heritage groups, active retirement groups, Forum Connemara, Galway Rural Development, schools, University of Galway students, and The Heritage Council in digitising 2,000 of the County’s townlands.

“Making heritage more accessible to everyone is one of our main goals,” explained Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer with Galway County Council.

She added, “There are over 64,000 townlands in Ireland of which there are in the region of 4,556 in County Galway, Ireland’s second largest county. The townland is a uniquely Irish division and one of the oldest in existence. The boundaries of the townland have often been redefined to match borders with other divisions. It is the smallest notable division and is often the one with which people identify themselves.”

“In addition to the academic aspect of the project, there is a strong emphasis on community engagement. Galway County Council and the students have worked closely with local heritage and community groups to collect and present local heritage information that enriches the content of the StoryMaps. This collaborative approach ensures that the digital heritage trails reflect the authentic voices and experiences of the community,” Ms. Mannion concluded.

Michael Mulkerrins, Principal of Peterswell NS, whose 5th and 6th class students collaborated with the Heritage Office of Galway County Council on mapping the townlands of the civil parish of Kilthomas, said, “The children spent time studying our school maps to decide on what townlands they could visit and then it was decided that each student would photograph a small number of townlands. Students worked hard to find suitable points of interest to photograph in each townland and were thrilled to get the opportunity to visit every corner of our homeplace. Seeing their photographs now on the completed storyboards is fantastic recognition for our students.”

Meanwhile, Eilish Kavanagh of Kinvara Heritage Group said the new digital heritage resources have opened access to the rich heritage of Galway’s townlands and places for the ordinary person.

“This project not only aids in preserving local history but also serves as a model for other communities interested in digitising their historical records,” she added.

To view the StoryMaps and Townland research, visit www.galwaycoco.maps.arcgis.com.

Planned Equinix data centre will support 10,000 jobs in Ireland

Equinix, Inc., the world’s digital infrastructure company, announces that a planned data centre in Dublin would be capable of supporting 10,000 jobs in Ireland. This follows a newly published report from Equinix, carried out by KPMG, which shows that Equinix’s existing facilities in Ireland currently support businesses which account for 53,000 jobs – or 2% of the workforce in Ireland.

As a colocation data centre provider, Equinix provides digital infrastructure to hundreds of businesses operating in Ireland. In doing so, it plays a major role in supporting the Irish labour force. However, digital infrastructure companies, such as Equinix, are currently being denied new connections to Ireland’s electricity grid. A planned 9.9 MW retail international business exchange facility, in Profile Park, Clondalkin, saw an application for a connection to the grid rejected last August. Equinix estimates that this facility would be capable of supporting businesses in maintaining a further 10,000 jobs in Ireland.

The report calculates that the construction of this facility would generate an economic output of over €200M. Due to the rising demand for digital services, this expansion would also see Equinix grow its own team in Ireland from 150 to 170 and further support local SMEs. The team in Ireland has grown by 20% since 2021, with this growth now also paused due to the current data centre moratorium.

In the report it was found that there were 40,000 visits to Equinix retail colocation data centres in 2023 – equating to a rate of 13 people an hour. Visitors came from a range of sectors including FinTech and financial services, manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences. Customers visit Equinix international business exchanges to maintain their digital infrastructure equipment and ensure they are maximising the value of digital connectivity.

Equinix hosts more than 260 businesses at its existing Irish facilities, including more than 130 Irish enterprises. More than half (56%) of Equinix’s customers in Ireland have their business headquarters in the country, ensuring that Equinix is facilitating the digital activities and growth of local businesses.

Peter Lantry, Managing Director for Ireland, Equinix, said: “This research shows the vast spectrum of companies and industries working with Equinix and using our services. We are supporting companies of all sizes, from multinationals to smaller Irish enterprises, with more than 30 of our customers having fewer than 20 employees. All of these enterprises are not just key for our economic growth, but vital in our daily lives, too. Innovation is happening every day in Equinix, shown by the number of people using our data centres as a digital hub on a daily basis.

“Digital infrastructure is essential in supporting Ireland’s workforce – especially with the rise in data processing including AI activity, and hybrid and remote working – and it is only set to grow in importance. At Equinix, we want to continue supporting businesses and economic growth in Ireland, but we are now at the point where multinational companies are choosing to base themselves elsewhere due to our ongoing national grid crisis. We have the ability and technology to operate flexibly off the grid, meaning we can be self-sufficient when the grid is at capacity. By allowing Equinix to provide this service to the grid, Ireland can save its reputation as a digital powerhouse, supported by some of the best talent in Europe.”

Meaco unveils evolutionary fans moving more air, creating less noise and lower bills

The UK’s leading air treatment brand Meaco, has launched the new MeacoFan Sefte range. The first two models to be released are the MeacoFan Sefte 10” Table Air Circulator and the MeacoFan Sefte 10” Pedestal Air Circulator.
The new models are the most powerful, yet quietest and most energy efficient fans available from Meaco.
Key features and benefits of the new fans include high-efficiency brushless motors that spin at 1450 RPM, enabling the fan’s deep draw blades to propel 19m³ of air per minute at sound as low as 25dB. The result is more air, moved further and faster, all while making less noise.
New oscillation motors enable 65° vertical and 120° horizontal movement. These combine to help reach every corner of the room, while new Air Beam Precision allows users to precisely position the airflow between narrow, medium and wide angles. These features can be effortlessly adjusted from a glow in the dark remote control, helping people to rest, relax and sleep at the touch of a button.
Chris Michael, Managing Director of Meaco says, “Meaco has re-designed these new fans from the ground up, incorporating customer feedback from its best-selling, multiple award winning MeacoFan 1056 and MeacoFan 1056P models.
Every detail of these new air circulators has been meticulously thought through and re-examined, resulting in new models that build upon and surpass the quality and performance of their predecessors.”
He adds, “The launch comes before what is expected to be the hottest British summer on record. People are increasingly aware of the benefits of air circulation to help keep them cool when working, studying, at leisure and most importantly, when trying to sleep during those hot, sticky nights. We are proud to provide consumers with even greater quality, low energy, low noise fans for unsurpassed cooling comfort.”
Stay tuned for our next review
Availability 
The MeacoFan Sefte range are available from Meaco, Amazon, John Lewis, and CostCo.
Links
Table YouTube video: https://youtu.be/a_vudOC6Bw8
Pedestal YouTube video: https://youtu.be/omT2GGfNjAk

DreamDev Technologies software company from KIldare win at the National Enterprise Awards

DreamDev Technologies, a software company from Kildare who have developed a new AI augmented platform helping companies to significantly increase their product’s time to market, have been named Overall Winner at this year’s National Enterprise Awards.  DreamDev Technologies, established by Eoin Barry and Douglas Augiar, are the third Kildare winner of the National Enterprise of the Year Award in the last six years following on from Terra NutriTech in 2018 and Pestle & Mortar in 2019.

The Awards, which are an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices to celebrate the best small businesses in Ireland, were held at the Round Room in the Mansion House in Dublin in what is their 24th year.  Peter Burke, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, announced this year’s winners in front of representatives from the Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities and small businesses from across the country at the event.

DreamDev was set up in 2019 with the aim of utilising online tools and software to enable faster digitalisation for companies. Their flagship product, ‘the dot-star enterprise’ software platform enables software engineering teams to create their own bespoke software programmes which deliver results with significantly reduced resourcing requirements.

Announcing the award winners at the Mansion House and after earlier launching the new Local Enterprise Office Policy Statement, Minister Burke said; “The National Enterprise Awards are the highlight of the small business and enterprise calendar.  Year on year the diversity of businesses and the standard of companies that are coming through the process is getting stronger.  We should not be surprised given the innovation and endurance that businesses have shown in recent years.  We have some outstanding winners but the finalists on the whole have been excellent, and this is very much the start of their journey.  

“The new Local Enterprise Office Policy Statement I announced today sets out the vital role that LEOs have in fostering entrepreneurship and helping small businesses thrive every day across the country. The Policy Statement charts a clear roadmap of how LEOs will align their work with the priorities of the White Paper on Enterprise and ensure that their high-calibre offering continues into the future. I pay tribute to the great work of the current and former staff of the LEOs who, over the last 10 years, have helped and guided small businesses in Ireland which are at the heart of every town, village and community and are vital to our economy.”

John Magee, Chair of the network of Local Enterprise Offices, said; “The National Enterprise Awards are the standard bearer for the very best of small businesses in Ireland.  You can see from previous winners that this is the first step on a bigger journey and it opens many doors for them nationally and internationally.   Across the Finalists and winners you see a great diversity of businesses covering a range of sectors.  The entrepreneurship eco-system is extremely healthy and these businesses are a testament to that.

“These entrepreneurs are inspired to create businesses and employment in their own areas and to establish businesses that can not only compete here but globally.  It’s a honour to be able to work with these businesses on a day-to-day basis and we look forward to seeing what all the finalists do in the coming years.”

 There were several other category winners announced on the night.

Innovation Award

The winner of the Innovation Award was Cytidel.  The cybersecurity company, supported by Local Enterprise Office Mayo, has created software that helps cybersecurity teams to identify and prioritise the top cyber threats to a company.

Best Export Award 

The winner of the Best Export Award was Eskimo Software.  The company, who are supported by Local Enterprise Office Carlow, have created a CRM and lead generation software package specifically for car dealerships to improve efficiency and sales.

Best Start Up Award

The winner of the Best Start-Up Award was The Black Stuff.  The men’s care business, who are supported by Local Enterprise Office Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, are creating over 10,000 handmade soaps a week and have utilised social media to create one of the fastest growing men’s care brands in the country.

 Green / Sustainability Award 

The winner of the Green/Sustainability Award was Living Green.  The sustainable living company, supported by Local Enterprise Office Donegal, create a range of products from organic compost and worm cast to wheatgrass and frozen shots.

One To Watch Award 

The winner of the One to Watch Award was Drink Botanicals.  The drinks company, supported by Local Enterprise Office Dublin City, have created a suite of products such as natural based syrups, cocktail ancillaries and dried garnishes that are being sold directly into over 200 bars, restaurants and off licences.

This year’s winners share a €50,000 investment fund and eight regional winners were also announced on the night.

Those winners are –

 

  • PRM Assist in the Dublin Region (backed by LEO Fingal)
  • Nutshed in the South West Region (backed by LEO Tipperary)
  • Watt Footprint in the Mid East Region (backed by LEO Westmeath)
  • Expat Taxes in the South Region (backed by LEO Waterford)
  • Brady’s Coffee in the South East Region (backed by LEO Wicklow)
  • Sleater Solutions in the North West Region (backed by LEO Sligo)
  • Zoma in the North East Region (backed by LEO Louth)
  • Grá Chocolates in the West Region (backed by LEO Galway)

Also honoured on the night were Bevcraft who won the Outstanding Achievement Award.  An example of a company who began with their Local Enterprise Office and then accessed support from Enterprise Ireland to grow their business globally.

Established by friends Ciarán Gorman and Darren Fenton who wanted to create an international business with significant employment in their hometown of Mullingar.   Their independent canning business and their mobile canning function allowed any small brewer to can and brand their drinks on site.  They now have 8 locations across Europe, servicing 20 countries and handling over 100million cans per year.

Previous winners of the National Enterprise Awards include Irish Yoghurts (1998), Obelisk (2000), Simtech Aviation (2008), Digiweb (2004) and Design Pro (2013), Terra NutriTech (2018), Pestle & Mortar (2019), Bevcraft (2021) and Aqualicence in 2022.

Last year’s winners were Advanced Cosmetics, supported by Local Enterprise Office Mayo.   The Ballina based company were set up Noreen Hackett in 2018, before launching to market in 2022.  As one of the only “concept to shelves” cosmetics companies in Europe they have achieved significant success, securing contracts with some of the biggest brand names in the cosmetics industry.

The National Enterprise Awards also celebrated 10 years since the inception of the Local Enterprise Offices in 2014 with several former winners attending on the evening.

The National Enterprise Awards are one of several initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run, to foster entrepreneurship across the country. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the Student Enterprise Programme, National Women’s Enterprise Day and Local Enterprise Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.

Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 70,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie

Skullcandy SLYR Pro Wireless: SLYing the Competition with Unrivaled Gaming Audio!

Skullcandy have announced the latest entry in their gaming series: the SLYR PRO Wireless! 

Experience Seamless Connectivity: Our console-specific gaming headsets effortlessly connect via Bluetooth, low-latency wireless, or the included 3.5mm aux cable, ensuring compatibility with PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Elevate Your Gaming Experience: Packed with innovative features such as rapid charge (10 mins = 4 hrs!), a bi-directional removable boom mic, LED Mic Mute Indicator, EQ modes, and intuitive call & media controls, the SLYR PRO Wireless headset will revolutionise your gaming sessions.

Technical Specifications

  • Headset Type: Wired/Wireless Over-ear

  • Connection Type: 2.4ghz, Bluetooth®, USB-A, 3.5mm Aux

  • Impedance: 32Ω

  • Driver Diameter: 50mm

  • THD: <2% at 1KHz

  • Sound Pressure Level: 95 ± 3dB

  • Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz

  • Weight: 274g

 

What’s in the box:

  • SLYR® Pro Wireless Headset

  • Removable Boom Microphone

  • 3.5mm Aux Cable 5-pole to 4-pole (5ft)

  • USB-C to USB-A Cable (6ft)

  • Quick Start Guide / Warranty Guide

RRP: £99.99

Global Telesat Communications Celebrates 45,000 Globalstar Device Sales Milestone

Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (NYSE American: GSAT), the next-generation international telecommunications infrastructure and technology provider, announced today that UK specialist wireless and satellite technology reseller, Global Telesat Communications (GTC), a subsidiary of NextPlat Corp. (NASDAQ: NXPL), has surpassed the landmark milestone of 45,000 Globalstar devices sold.

One of Europe’s most successful resellers of Globalstar’s SPOT satellite-enabled GPS messengers, GTC supplies individuals and organisations with robust, practical and affordable SPOT Gen4, SPOT X Bluetooth and SPOT Trace. GTC’s wide range of organisational customers embraces an array of commercial and non-commercial entities to safeguard lone and at-risk workers. These include disaster relief agencies, energy and utilities suppliers such as Scottish Water, as well as civil and national defence organisations. GTC also supplies SPOT devices to numerous private and public organisations keen to protect staff involved in potentially hazardous forest management work.

Meanwhile, GTC continues to count outdoor adventurers and sportspeople among its growing customer base for popular SPOT products.

All these users recognise that whenever their activities take them beyond the reach of existing cellular networks or other terrestrial communications systems, only satellite technology can provide trustworthy and ubiquitous connectivity.

“SPOT devices have an enduring appeal, even in today’s competitive marketplace,” says David Phipps, CEO of Global Operations of NextPlat Corp, and Managing Director of GTC. “Their inherent simplicity, easy operation and economical price make SPOT an ideal choice for users in a wide variety of applications.”

Phipps also points to network reliability and reach as key drivers of SPOT’s ongoing market success: “Globalstar’s robust network and near-global coverage are also key factors in why consumers and organisations choose SPOT,” he says.

Thanks to the SPOT family of satellite GPS messengers, this wide range of users can instantly transmit their GPS location via satellite, and check in with colleagues, friends and family with SPOT’s messaging function. With SPOT’s one-touch SOS button, faced with an emergency, users can summon colleagues or first responders via SPOT’s 24/7 Search and Rescue Services.

Globalstar recently marked the milestone of the 10,000th rescue made possible by Globalstar devices, including SPOT.

“Additionally, Globalstar’s economical and flexible SPOT airtime packages deliver great value, and ensure users benefit from reliable, ubiquitous satellite connectivity in plans that meet their needs,” Phipps adds.

Globalstar’s compact and cost-effective devices provide reliable, near-global coverage thanks to Globalstar’s next-generation Low-Earth Orbit satellite network.

GTC has also seen expansive growth in uptake for Globalstar’s commercial IoT devices. Phipps reports that demand for SmartOne C, GTC’s bestseller in this category, continues apace. “SmartOne C keeps going from strength to strength: The range of applications for SmartOne C and Globalstar’s other commercial satellite IoT products keeps expanding every year,” says Phipps.

Tracking of shipping containers, heavy equipment, boats and road vehicles are just some of the requirements being satisfied by SmartOne devices provided to customers by GTC.

Recent GTC-facilitated deployments of Globalstar’s IoT solutions include tracking equipment and workers in the construction industry, agriculture, and protection for staff working with environmental agencies and historical preservation organisations.

In the marine sector, fleet owners are tracking and optimising management of seafaring vessels with SmartOne, and providing emergency rescue support with the help of SPOT Gen4. Elsewhere, SPOT devices are safeguarding participants on adventure trips by Duke of Edinburgh candidates, scout groups and schools.

The applications of Globalstar innovations that embrace the Internet of Things to solve real-world challenges continue to grow. NATO, for one, procured its SPOT Trace devices from GTC to study ocean current movement using buoys.

A GTC customer in New Zealand uses SmartOne C and SPOT Trace for a novel beehive optimisation platform that helps manuka honey producers improve yields. When a hive fitted with SmartOne C reaches optimum weight, the owner is alerted that it’s time to harvest. Meanwhile, SPOT Trace units are helping protect the valuable hives from theft.

Always-on connectivity and real-time tracking capabilities are assured, even in remote or challenging environments where traditional telecom networks may be unavailable.

GTC’s own SolarTrack asset tracking system has also seen increasing uptake. SolarTrack incorporates GSatSolar, part of the Globalstar commercial IoT solutions portfolio. With tiny, lightweight GSatSolar at its heart, SolarTrack enables economical, low-maintenance long-term tracking by using the power of the Sun.

“We offer huge congratulations to GTC in achieving this landmark milestone,” said Mark O’Connell, Globalstar EMEA & APAC General Manager. “With its steadfast commitment to innovation and keeping customers front-of-mind, GTC continues to play a vital role in enabling a wide range of organisations and individuals to benefit from Globalstar satellite technology,” he added.

Boom Launch Videobar Audio Expansion Combo Kit

Fast-growing video conferencing manufacturer, Boom Collaboration, has launched a new version of its innovative HALO videobar that features expandable audio.

The Boom HALO Business Edition includes a high performance videobar plus an additional microphone/speaker to dramatically increase the audio range in larger rooms.

Launched earlier this year, the standard HALO delivers crystal-clear audio and 4K video with enhanced AI facial framing and speaker tracking. Multiple additional microphones/speakers can be daisy-chained too.

Now to accelerate further demand the company has created a dedicated dual combo package, for added value and convenience.

Co-Founder Fredrik Hörnkvist says the Business Edition overcomes traditional acoustic limitations of standard videobars. It is ideally suited to a wide range of use cases where extra audio reach is required, such as flexible rooms, dedicated tasks and growing teams.

Game-Changer

“Our flagship Boom HALO videobar already features a 4K UHD camera, six beamforming mics and high fidelity speakers for a seamless collaboration experience,” he emphasised. “But as videobars are generally installed at the front of room there’s often limited flexibility for additional audio pick-up especially on a large scale. 

“With the additional speaker/microphone, audio can easily be extended by a further three metres for each device. This is useful in many ways such as for legal depositions which are already proving very popular, or a quietly-spoken CEO who often sits at the far end of a boardroom and struggles to be heard. It’s a bit of a game-changer in terms of total audio capacity.”

Available in white and black colours from UK distributor Westcoast, the HALO boasts many advanced features such as intelligent noise reduction. 

Fellow founder Holli Hulett explained: “There’s little doubt the popularity of videobars will continue to grow this year and the Boom HALO Business Edition will add more fuel to the fire.

“With 120° wide angle field of view, 10x zoom and smart mic array, the HALO detects both participants and speakers in real time locking in on attendees. Six array MEMS microphones and a superior 4K lens with an eight megapixel CMOS sensor combine to create a superior solution for a variety of spaces. The additional speaker enables much greater audio pick-up for a truly exceptional and optimised meeting experience across a wider range of meeting spaces.”

Lossless Audio

She highlighted the videobar’s in-built audio quality. “High-fidelity audio with a 48kHz sampling rate and dual 10W speakers provide lossless audio and full spectrum sound for meeting participants. Acoustic Echo Cancellation and Automatic Gain Control further enhance the meeting experience and work to ensure full duplex quality at a distance of six metres.”

Bluetooth 5.0 allows for easy pairing with mobile phones and other devices. A user-friendly remote control is included too whilst an automatic privacy shutter is combined with the ability to disengage wireless connectivity for added security.

Hörnkvist concluded: “Our whole ethos is to create better meetings. Simply. The Boom HALO Business Edition is another example of this continual vision.” 

HMD teams up with Sinead Gorey for the sales start of HMD Pulse Pro

Forget cottagecore, commutercore and gorpcore; there’s a new fashion aesthetic on the block with an unlikely muse at its ‘core’: the HMD Pulse Pro smartphone.

To celebrate the sales start of the HMD Pulse Pro smartphone, European mobile innovator, Human Mobile Devices (HMD) and Fashion Week designer Sinead Gorey have teamed up to create ‘The Phonecore Collection’, which includes a pair of ‘Screen shades’ –  sunglasses, with vertical frames and lenses shaped like a mobile phone.

The Phonecore Collection is a hyper-limited drop of fresh Sinead Gorey fashion designs all inspired by – and integrating with – one of HMD’s first original smartphones, the HMD Pulse Pro and its Glacier Green colour. The collection intends to accompany, accentuate and accessorise a smartphone like nothing else in the fashion world.

 Lars Silberbauer, HMD’s Chief Marketing Officer: “We are so excited to unveil our HMD Pulse Pro device, and this unique Phonecore collection designed by Sinead Gorey. It is the perfect statement of what the HMD Pulse Pro, and HMD, represents. People no longer want their smartphones to only

be state-of-the-art pieces of technology but also to be fashion statements – and the HMD Pulse Pro is both. In addition to a 50MP camera, gesture-activated selfie function and bleeding edge tech under the hood, the device has a distinctive normcore revival aesthetic that makes it a great accessory to any wardrobe. The device also represents affordable luxury, as we don’t believe that quality should be out of reach for anybody.”

Commenting on the launch of The Phonecore Collection, Sinead Gorey, Fashion Designer, said: “With the HMD Pulse Pro acting as the muse to my designs, our Phonecore collection perfectly demonstrates the coming together of tech and fashion. Each accessory boasts a 70s space age future feeling with art-deco references and modern technology at its heart. For me it’s clear the intersection of fashion and technology is only going to lead to more industry innovations with wearable accessories at the forefront.” 

The HMD x Sinead Gorey ‘Phonecore’ range comprises:

  • Phonecore ‘Screen shades’: a wild pair of oversized sunglasses with elongated vertical frames matching the exact shape of the smartphone, complete with black lenses mimicking the device’s screen. Wearing two smartphone silhouettes over the eyes is a vibe.

  • Phonecore ‘Mobile backpack’: a 3D-printed undersized backpack designed only to house the smartphone. The semi-transparent smartphone backpack builds on the ever-popular trend of the mini bag but puts the smartphone in the front seat. The bag has also been engineered for a HMD Pulse Pro to sit upright in the bag, enabling owners to take a swift hands-free selfie whilst on the go.

  • Phonecore Belt: A modernised belt that heroes the smartphone. The toolkit-style belt features a pouch for the phone, making it the ultimate utilitarian addition to someone’s fit.

The items in the HMD x Sinead Gorey ‘Phonecore’ collection can be paired with a wide variety of apparel and other fashion ‘cores’, but the items’ colour-blocking lends itself particularly well to the normcore 2.0 aesthetic and monochromatic outfits.

The HMD x Sinead Gorey ‘Phonecore’ Collection is dropping globally with a limited number of accessories available to the public to get their hands on. Stay tuned at HMD.com.

About HMD Pulse Pro: Your selfie game is about to level up

Pulse Pro is a selfie-lover’s new best friend. With a 50MP selfie camera, your picture-perfect snaps will be the envy of all this summer. Give your phone the two-finger salute to kick-start all new Selfie Gesture Navigation, capturing core memories with just a wave of the hand, or go hands- free with a finger-heart, thumbs up or two-handed heart sign – perfect for those group selfies. And you can wave goodbye to blurry night-time selfies with HMD Pulse Pro’s AI Super Portrait mode, rendering even the darkest selfie as clear as day. Making it easier than ever to capture memories in high-definition, HMD Pulse Pro makes you look like a pro photographer – without any training.

HMD’s Pulse Pro is a fashion statement that won’t go out of style, available in three stunning shades: Glacier Green, Twilight Purple and Black Ocean. And it doesn’t stop at the handset. Pulse Pro in Glacier Green has its own statement colour-matched charger sold separately RRP €24.99. With its timeless design and sleek silhouette, it’s giving major celebrity vibes, without the celebrity price tag.

Priced at €179, the HMD Pulse Pro is available for purchase in Glacier Green, Black Ocean, and Twilight Purple via the HMD website here: www.hmd.com/hmd-pulse-pro. The HMD Pulse Pro is part of the new original HMD collection which also includes the HMD Pulse+ and HMD Pulse.