HP Unlocks New Era of AI Experiences Powering Work and Creation

Today HP Inc. unveiled a new class of next-generation AI PCs at Microsoft’s AI Vision Event designed for the AI era to empower people to work and create more meaningfully.

The way we live and work is no longer confined to a desk; we are creating at home, from the office, and everywhere in between. At the same time, AI is rapidly changing everything, including consumer and professional expectations for productivity and creativity. More than half of early tech adopters believe AI will save them time, and 72% of business leaders believe AI will help employees focus on more productive work. Additionally, developers are releasing a steady stream of AI-enabled software designed for new experiences and capabilities that can only be unlocked with next-gen AI PCs.

To capitalise on both flexible work and AI, HP has created a new category of devices crafted for work and creation. Today, HP unveiled the HP OmniBook X AI PC and HP EliteBook Ultra AI PC, HP’s first next-gen AI PCs built from the ground up with the latest ARM architecture to harness the most powerful AI technologies.

Both devices are designed and engineered around the Snapdragon® X Elite processor[vii] and its dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU)6, capable of 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS) to run language models and generative AI locally on the device. Coupled with Copilot+ PC and its transformative features like Recall, these PCs supercharge creativity and productivity for a more personalised, powerful computing experience.

More AI apps are available every day, expanding the possibilities of what can be achieved with the newest HP next-gen AI PCs. Communicate and collaborate more effectively with AI tools that leverage gestures, facial expressions, and voice interaction to easily interact with others. Improve presentation skills in virtual meetings with real-time coaching and feedback powered by AI technologies. Create and edit photos, audio, and video faster than ever with AI-enabled software that make pro features easy even for beginners.

“In this transformative era of artificial intelligence, how we define an exceptional device is no longer about speeds and feeds – it is measured by our ability to create and enable meaningful breakthrough experiences,” said Alex Cho, President, Personal Systems, HP Inc. “We’re at the beginning of a new decade of personal computing that will redefine what a personal computer is. AI enables a fundamentally more personalised and creative experience we believe will empower people in both their personal and professional lives.”

Uniquely Designed to Break Barriers

HP’s latest next-gen AI PCs unlock capabilities beyond traditional PCs, running AI locally on the device for maximum performance, efficiency, and privacy with longer battery life than ever before. The HP OmniBook X and HP EliteBook Ultra are designed for tech-savvy freelancers and on-the-go leaders with a sleek design and the perfect synergy of AI-enhanced power and mobility.

  • Sleek & Versatile – As the world’s thinnest next-gen AI PCs with 26 hours battery life, these devices take productivity and creativity to new heights with unprecedented style and mobility. Both PCs feature HP’s new AI Helix Logo, reflecting HP AI engineering that delivers optimised performance and security for AI today. The HP EliteBook Ultra adds an additional layer of durability for commercial customers in a blue finish with a smudge-resistant Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating.
  • Lightning-Fast Responsiveness – With the HP OmniBook X and HP EliteBook Ultra, experience top performance without sacrificing portability. Open a large Microsoft Excel file almost 2x faster,  stream up to 12 hours of Microsoft Teams calls or binge up to 22 hours of Netflix streaming.
  • Responsibly Crafted – As part of the world’s most sustainable PC portfolio, both devices incorporate 50% recycled aluminium in the covers and 100% sustainably sourced materials for packaging, along with EPEAT® Climate+ Gold Registration and ENERGY STAR® Certification. Representing HP’s commitment to sustainability, the HP EliteBook Ultra’s three-year warranty saves costs and decreases downtime for professionals working in a mix of environments.
  • Intelligently Optimised to Power AI Experiences

With 60% of freelancers already using AI tools in their work, and 70% of developers adding AI to existing applications, HP architected the HP OmniBook X and HP EliteBook Ultra to take advantage of the newest features and software experiences, including:

  • Collaborate Authentically – As work requires collaboration in-person and virtually, state-of-the-art conferencing tools are critical. The new Poly Camera Pro uplevels virtual interactions across all collaboration and streaming apps across multiple cameras. Poly Camera Pro utilises the NPU to power AI enhancements like Spotlight, Background Blur & Replace, Auto Framing, and more, allowing the CPU to maintain performance more efficiently while preserving battery life.
  • Explore & Optimise – First available on today’s next-gen AI PCs, HP AI Companion uses AI to optimise the device for greater productivity while bringing AI tools locally onto the device.
  • Work Protected – As AI advances, trusted security measures are essential for AI PCs. Commercial users can confidently do their best work from anywhere on the HP EliteBook Ultra, with Wolf Pro Security Next Gen Antivirus (NGAV),[xix] which harnesses the power of machine learning to defend against new and known threats. As a Microsoft Secured-Core PC, the device is designed to protect the PC down to the firmware level with hardware security features that shield user credentials and other critical data.

Pricing and Availability

  • The HP OmniBook X AI PC is available for pre-order at HP.com with 1 TB storage and will begin shipping on June 18, 2024. The device will also be available at BestBuy.com.
  • The HP EliteBook Ultra AI PC is available for pre-order at HP.com and will begin shipping on June 18, 2024.

To learn more about HP’s new branding, including the new OmniBook lineup, visit https://press.hp.com/us/en/blogs/2024/branding-update.html.

RoviSys Embarks on Expansion: Unveils New Dublin Office in Ireland

RoviSys, a premier provider of automation and information solutions, proudly announces the opening of its newest office in Dublin, Ireland. Strategically positioned in the heart of Europe, this expansion underscores a commitment to growth and its dedication to serving clients across the European Union.

The new office in Dublin marks a significant milestone in the RoviSys strategic vision for expansion, particularly within Ireland and the broader EU market. With a team of seven dedicated engineers already in place and 65 employees across Europe, RoviSys aims to bolster its presence by targeting a remarkable 200% growth in Ireland over the next 18 months. By the conclusion of 2025, the company plans to employ up to 30 professionals in Ireland, further solidifying its foothold in the region.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke said: “Congratulations to RoviSys and all the team in Dublin on the opening of their new office. RoviSys’s innovative solutions to automation will complement Ireland’s thriving technology sector immensely. It is very exciting news that they have chosen Dublin as a location for their expansion withing the EU. They will have an abundance of talented engineering professionals here to fulfil positions as they grow. Best wishes to RoviSys and team on this new chapter.”

“Our expansion into Dublin represents an exciting chapter for RoviSys as we deepen our commitment to serving clients throughout Europe,” remarked Matthew Wise, President, RoviSys Europe. “With Ireland’s vibrant technological landscape and strategic position within the EU, we are confident that our presence in Dublin, combined with our Netherland’s office location, will enable us to better serve our clients, drive innovation, and expand our reach across diverse industries.”

Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland said: ‘’I am delighted that RoviSys have chosen Ireland as the location for their newest office and have announced plans to hire up to 30 employees here. This is a great vote of confidence in the skilled engineering workforce that companies can find in Ireland. I wish RoviSys every success here in the coming years.’’

In additional to geographical expansion, the RoviSys growth strategy is focused on cultivating new and lasting partnerships within the local business community. The company looks forward to collaborating with businesses, organisations, and institutions in Dublin and beyond, contributing to the region’s advancement and reinforcing its reputation as a leader in industrial technology.

Portal Connecting Dublin and New York City Reawakens

Dublin City Council, Portals.org and the Flatiron NoMad are pleased to announce that the Portal connecting New York City and Dublin has reawakened.  The livestream restarted today at 9:00 AM in New York City and 2:00 PM in Dublin, after a temporary pause earlier this week.

The Portal will have specific hours of operation for the coming weeks with the livestream running daily from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM in New York City and 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM in Dublin.

In less than a week of operation, the Portal has attracted tens of thousands of visitors and garnered nearly two billion online impressions. The overwhelming majority of people who have visited the Portal sculptures have experienced the sense of joy and connectedness that these works of public art invite people to have.

The Portal sculptures are not meant to be touched or stepped upon. We have taken steps to limit instances of people stepping on the Portal and holding phones up to the camera lens. The Portals.org team has implemented a proximity-based solution. Now, if individuals step on the Portal and obstruct the camera, it will trigger a blurring of the livestream for everyone on both sides of the Atlantic. The team will continue making updates as needed to ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy the Portal.

The New York site will continue to have on-site security during all hours of operation, as it has had since the Portal debuted. Additionally, fencing has been installed in front of the New York Portal and more signage and spacing decals have been added to assist with crowd management and guide visitors to the optimal spots for interacting with the Portal.

For the Dublin site, physical design features are being implemented to assist with crowd management.

We are excited to welcome people in New York and Dublin back to experience this captivating visual bridge that connects these two iconic cities.

Portals.org artist and founder Benediktas Gylys added the following:

“As humans we are creating the Portals experience together. I invite local communities not only to enjoy but to care about their Portals and how other community members are approaching the sculptures.”

This is a joint statement from Dublin City Council, Portals.org and the Flatiron NoMad Partnership.

Siemens Premium Multi Door design refrigerators impress with the most powerful ice maker on the European market

Refreshment at the highest level – the new Premium Multi Door refrigerators with Quick ice system deliver up to 5 kg of ice per day. With innovative solutions and an expressive design and refined details, the Multi Door refrigerators make a real statement in any sophisticated kitchen.

Whether it’s a festive occasion or just a warm day, ice-cold drinks are an absolute must. With the integrated Quick ice system, the new Multi Door refrigerators from Siemens supplies crushed ice, ice cubes and chilled, filtered water at the touch of a button. The Quick ice system guarantees an impressive output of up to 5kg of ice per day, enough for up to 30 glasses (220 ml), making it the most powerful on the European market.

Aesthetics and innovation combined

Choosing a freestanding Multi Door refrigerator from Siemens is not only an investment in quality, but also a clear statement of exquisite design: “At Siemens, we strongly believe that design offers a lot more than aesthetics. It encompasses enhancing the way we live. Our commitment lies in crafting appliances that captivate visually but also offer practicality and user-friendliness. The decision to buy a free-standing refrigerator affects the entire kitchen. Design plays a key role in creating an atmosphere of sophistication and modernity where form and function merge” says Sonja Schiefer, Head of Global Design for the Siemens Home Appliances brand.

Flexibility and adaptation to personal needs

Value category Premium | iQ700  
Colour   Black Steel  
Special Features ●    fixed water connection

●    illuminated rear panel

●    water filter

 

 
Highlights ●    integrated water and ice dispenser

●    Quick ice system for up to 5kg ice/24 hours

●    individual water fill volume memory via Home Connect

●    flexible storage options for groceries thanks to individually adjustable ladder system with 4 glass shelves

●    additional Multipurpose shelf

●    HyperFresh drawers <0⁰>:

fresh food compartment for fruit/vegetables – 27.8 ltrs

fresh food compartment for meat/fish – 31 ltrs

●    total capacity: 574 ltrs

refrigeration compartment 375 ltrs

freezer compartment 199 ltrs

●    all drawers are accessible when the door is opened 90°

Connectivity ●    temperature and door alarm

●    variable usage modes (Vacation, Eco, Fresh, Sabbath)

●    child safety lock

●    filter change warning signal (only for models with fixed water connection)

●    tank empty warning signal (only for models with water tank)

●    sleep mode

Design ●    side LED light strips in the refrigerator compartment

●    freezerLight (underside of door front)

●    antiFingerprint surfaces

●    metal applications

●    characteristic French doors

The interior also reveals the practical side of the design: innovative solutions allow the storage space to be adapted to personal requirements in terms of volume utilization and storage. Both the individually adjustable ladder system and the Multi-purpose shelf enable highly flexible use. The refrigerators offer a total capacity of 574 litres[1].

Further customizable usage options are available via the Home Connect app and various modes, such as eco or vacation mode, can be freely selected according to individual requirements.

Creative Zen Air SXFI earbuds & Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI headphones launched

Creative Technology today proudly unveils its latest True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds and headphones, the Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI, designed to transport users into the immersive world of Super X-Fi. With a simple tap, users can expand their soundstage and be engulfed in every detail of their preferred content across platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube, all powered by the built-in SXFI technology. Boasting additional features such as Adaptive Hybrid ANC and Ambient mode, Bluetooth 5.3, low-latency of up to ~100 ms, the Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI are poised to redefine how users engage with their favourite content.

Renowned for its ability to recreate the expansive soundstage of a high-end multi-speaker surround system, Super X-Fi now shines in the latest Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI, enriching users’ listening experience with spatial audio. With Super X-Fi activated, users can transcend the boundaries of traditional stereo sound, immersing themselves in a three-dimensional audio world teeming with heightened realism and depth. Whether it’s the thunderous roar of a cinematic explosion, the subtle rustle of leaves in a forest, or the precise positioning of footsteps in a game, Super X-Fi delivers unparalleled spatial accuracy and depth, allowing users to truly feel like they’re part of the action.

Coupled with the SXFI APP, available on iOS and Android phones, the full potential of Super X-Fi can be further unlocked by personalising Super X-Fi to users’ exact head and ear shape for an even more precise rendition.

Beyond the Super X-Fi integration, the Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI are packed with nifty features to cater to today’s diverse users. With Hybrid ANC, Adaptive ANC, and Ambient mode, users can seamlessly switch between the three modes, adapting to different environments and choosing to immerse themselves in music or stay aware of their surroundings. Moreover, the low-latency mode ensures audio stays perfectly synced up, whether users are gaming or watching movies. And with Multipoint connectivity, users can easily switch between two Bluetooth devices without missing a beat.

Zooming in on their primary features, the Creative Zen Air SXFI boasts custom-tuned 10mm Neodymium drivers, ensuring crystal-clear highs and well-balanced mids for an exceptional audio playback experience. With a total playtime of up to 39 hours (with ANC OFF), along with IPX5 water resistance and wireless charging capabilities, it’s perfect for those on the move.

The Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI features custom-tuned 40mm Neodymium drivers, delivering precise highs and deep lows for an elevated audio experience. With an impressive total playtime of up to 70 hours (with ANC OFF), users can enjoy extended listening sessions without any interruptions. Its foldable headband design adds to its portability, and support for analog line-in offers versatile connectivity options. Additionally, the built-in mics with ENC (Environment Noise Cancellation) ensure clearer communication during calls and voice commands, enhancing the overall user experience.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Zen Air SXFI is priced at £69.99 and is available for pre-order at Creative.com.

Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI is priced at £89.99 and is available for pre-order at Creative.com.

For more information, visit here

New online election hub set to enhance information accuracy and voter participation in Waterford

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), is today announcing that its digital mapping system is being used by Waterford City and County Council to help bring real-time and accurate electoral information to local citizens. It is expected to drive voter participation in the upcoming local and European elections taking place in June.

This is the first dedicated resource of its kind to be rolled out by a local authority in Ireland, and provides information in both the English and Irish languages.

The Election Hub platform, built using Esri’s ArcGIS technology, is providing 127,000 citizens across Waterford with easy access to transparent information about electoral candidates, existing elected representatives, electoral areas, and voting and registration FAQs. Real-time data from the Register of Electors is streamed daily into the hub, creating a one-stop-shop and putting authoritative and accurate information at the fingertips of local voters.

The hub enables citizens to explore and download interactive maps of the six electoral areas within the Waterford region where they can enter their Eircode to find their elected representatives, from local councillors to TDs. Voters can also locate their allocated polling station, and even get directions from their home address.

The Election Hub is also leading to more focused campaigning and representation for electoral candidates. Both new candidates and elected representatives can view the electoral area maps within the hub to improve their understanding of the areas they represent or seek to represent.

The platform also levels the playing field for new and existing candidates in the lead up to elections, giving everyone equal access to information about the electorate. When elections take place, Waterford City and County Council plans to update online dashboards on the Election Hub as the results of each count are declared.

In addition, the use of the technology internally is improving the accuracy of the electoral register. Waterford City and County Council can now easily spot anomalies where clusters of houses may have been assigned to the wrong electoral area or where a voter has entered an incorrect Eircode. The inclusion of a link to the Irish Government’s Check the Register website is also encouraging more citizens to verify their information, leading to more accurate data about households.

Jon Hawkins, GIS Project Lead, Waterford City and County Council, said: “Waterford City and County Council needed to make information about elections more accessible to members of the public, help them find their polling stations, and remove other barriers to participation. Configuring the hub was very straightforward and it was an intuitive and responsive solution to build. The platform aims to educate citizens, inspire public confidence, and support Waterford’s prospective and elected representatives. The easy-to-use hub provides transparent, accessible information for citizens in both Irish and English to promote greater voter participation in elections.”

Dermot O’Kane, Head of Sales, Esri Ireland, said: “This is such an important platform which has not only improved the quality and accuracy of electoral information, but will ultimately encourage more people in local communities to have their voices heard by demystifying the voting process. It also helps local candidates to better connect with households in their electoral areas. Waterford City and County Council is doing invaluable work in this area and we are delighted to support this innovative use of our ArcGIS technology. Our system is flexible and can scale as the council’s capabilities continue to grow.”

Transformative Investment from IBM Ireland to create up to 800 high value tech jobs

Technology giant IBM Ireland today announced a new investment that will create up to 800 high-tech jobs across Ireland, helping build advanced software underpinned by the latest Artificial Intelligence technologies to advance Security, Automation and Hybrid Cloud. The AI technology will include foundational and Large Language Models that are key for Generative AI.

The investment will create hundreds of roles in research and development, as well as digital sales and consulting; and see Ireland continue to be among IBM’s strategic locations globally. The roles will be created across IBM sites in Dublin, Cork and at IBM’s subsidiary, Red Hat, located in Waterford.

The new staff will join IBM’s and Red Hat’s vibrant and diverse workforce, and help enhance Ireland’s rich and highly skilled technology talent pool that supports employment in knowledge-intensive and high-technology sectors.  As the EU leader for the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates per capita, Ireland has a talent pipeline fuelled by skilled young people while educators collaborate with industry to provide the skills needed in the future.

IBM has been in Ireland for more than 65 years during which time it has continually evolved its operations and capabilities to support the company’s global strategy. Today, IBM’s operations in Ireland help clients across key sectors such as financial services and healthcare streamline their business processes, increase productivity and gain competitive advantage through technology. Ireland is also host to IBM Research’s only facility in the EU.

The three-year investment is supported by the Government of Ireland through IDA Ireland.

Speaking of the announcement Taoiseach Simon Harris said, “I very much welcome IBM’s announcement today which not only reinforces the company’s deep-rooted commitment to Ireland as a strategic location but is also set to deliver real impact to the Irish economy through job creation and by strengthening specialist skills and expertise. Furthermore, this news demonstrates Ireland’s continued attractiveness as a preferred location for global companies to build out their digitalisation, research and innovation capabilities.”

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke said: “This is fantastic news. Today’s announcement that IBM Ireland are to create 800 skilled tech jobs between Dublin, Cork and Waterford, is hugely welcome. IBM is a world leader in Technology and has been a long standing high value employer in Ireland for almost three quarters of a century. Ireland is now ranked as the fifth most advanced digital economy in the EU, and having IBM choose Ireland for this new project is another vote of confidence in our country. The Government fully supports advancements in AI and Digital Transformation, and these roles will allow for exciting innovative opportunities for many of our skilled workforce throughout the country. Thanks to IBM for your continued investment here and best of luck to all involved in this exciting new initiative.”

Speaking of the announcement James Kavanaugh, IBM senior vice president and chief financial officer, said, “As IBM continues to help organizations transform their businesses with hybrid cloud and AI, attracting, developing, and retaining talent remains a key priority. Today’s announcement is a result of our strong relationship with IDA Ireland and the Irish government, but is also a testament to the calibre of talent here in Ireland, one of many reasons Ireland continues to be a strategic location for IBM.”

Deborah Threadgold, IBM Ireland country general manager, added, “We’re thrilled to announce this landmark and transformational initiative that will position the Irish operation at the cutting edge of next generation technology development within IBM globally.”

Speaking of the announcement, Michael Lohan, IDA Ireland chief executive officer, said “This is a remarkable initiative by IBM Ireland that will not only drive transformation within IBM and Red Hat’s operations but will deliver strong impact in Dublin, Cork and Waterford. It is also set to deliver real uplift in the Irish technology ecosystem by advancing capabilities across key growth areas for IDA Ireland such as Cloud, AI, Quantum and Cybersecurity.  IDA Ireland has partnered with IBM for more than 60 years and we look forward to continuing to do so throughout this exciting project.”

For the latest information and to apply for the currently open roles at IBM and Red Hat, visit:

https://www.ibm.com/careers/

https://jobs.redhat.com

Sony launches 2 new Xperia smartphones: Xperia 1 VI and Xperia 10 VI

Sony introduces the premium smartphone, Xperia 1 VI, equipped with a telephoto optical zoom lens that enables long distance shooting in superb detail up to x7.1 zoom, using a wide and user-friendly focal length from 85mm to 170mm. The advanced lens of this camera means you get undegraded images at every focal length and ensures the creation of captivating professional portraits with exquisite bokeh effects. The 24mm wide angle lens is equipped with the image sensor “Exmor T for mobile”, offering excellent low-light performance, high speed AF (autofocus) using AF tracking with human pose estimation powered by AI.

 Entertainment is pushed to the next level with Xperia 1 VI’s display is enhanced using AI image adjustment technology “Powered by BRAVIA®” that reproduces the image quality of Sony’s TV BRAVIA on its display, whilst the speakers have been upgraded for superior quality.

With Sony´s expertise in display, audio, and mobile gaming to exceed your entertainment expectations, and two days of battery life. The Xperia 1 VI delivers the complete premium smartphone experience. ​

Pro photography, AI-assisted

Developed by Sony, the Exmor T for mobile sensor on the Xperia 1 VI on the 24mm lens, together with AI processing, delivers picture quality equivalent to full-frame cameras. Enabling less noise and wider dynamic range in low light and videos full of cinematic colour expression.

Now offering x7.1 zoom – the telephoto optical zoom lens has a focal length of 85mm to 170mm and telephoto macro photography with a maximum magnification of approximately 2x and a minimum focus distance of 4cm, even without a dedicated macro lens.

This lens utilises optical zoom, facilitating significant magnification and the capture of high-definition images of distant subjects with uncompromised image quality for both tele-macro and portraiture photography. Additionally, telephoto macro photography, leveraging the zoom lens structure for close-up shots, empowers users to seize images characterised by crisp detail and pronounced bokeh, surpassing the visual acuity of the naked eye. This capability extends to capturing intricate details, such as a flower’s centre delivering powerfully expressive results for the user. ​

Newly equipped with AF tracking with human pose estimation – an AI feature cultivated with Alpha™ series cameras

The rear camera integrates AI technology to recognise the human skeleton, enabling precise AF tracking even in challenging shooting scenarios due to potential obstructions that conceal the subject’s visibility. This advanced functionality ensures consistent and accurate tracking, optimising image capture in a diverse series of environments.

A new camera app that allows users to express themselves in a simple and intuitive manner ​ ​

The Xperia 1 VI camera app has undergone a significant update, featuring a user-friendly interface designed for seamless navigation. This enhancement prioritises convenience without compromising on the array of creative tools available, such as special shooting modes like PSM and customisable colour presets like ‘Creative Look’. Moreover, with touch tracking now capable of automatically setting brightness and colour adjustments, alongside the introduction of the new Pro video mode offering detailed settings control for video capture, users can effortlessly capture both photos and videos with intuitive control and precision. ​

A new smarter, brighter display

The Xperia 1 VI’s display is Powered by BRAVI, and uses AI remastering technology to improve contrast, colour, and clarity. This technology works for your own content and even streaming services.

For ease of watching in bright conditions, the new display is 1.5 times brighter than the previous model. Furthermore, the new Sunlight Vision delivers improved visibility in outdoor environments, not only brightening the image, but also performing AI image processing to prevent overexposed highlights by analysing the frames and the environmental brightness in real-time.

Premium sound, out loud or with headphones

Featuring a new Premium Audio Circuit for 3.5mm wired headphones, a new higher-performance speaker, and innovative audio technologies, the Xperia 1 VI gives all your music the space, clarity, and quality it deserves, through wired or wireless headphones, or the full-stage stereo speakers.

The speaker unit’s performance has undergone significant enhancements. Through the reduction of distortion at high volumes and optimisation of low-frequency output, there’s been a marked increase in the sound pressure level, resulting in a more impactful and immersive audio experience.

Xperia 1 VI allows you to explore the latest audio industry technologies and formats, including High-Resolution Audio, High-Resolution Audio Wireless, LDAC, Bluetooth LE Audio (Low Energy), and Snapdragon Sound When paired with select wireless headphones, activating the AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) Connection’ mode enhances sound quality further, even in bustling urban environments, ensuring uninterrupted music enjoyment.

Best battery performance in Xperia 1 series

The large and efficient 5,000 mAh battery is designed for two days of typical use, all within a lightweight body which is thinner than the previous Xperia models. The use of a vapour chamber heat-dissipating component, a new display with low power consumption and unique power efficiency technology combine to enable continuous video playback for over 36 hours approximately twice as much as previous modelsix ​

Not only does it support rapid charging, achieving approximately 50% capacity in just 30 minutes, Battery Care and Xperia Adaptive Charging ensures the battery isn’t overworked as it charges, giving you four years of healthy battery lifex. Additionally, Xperia 1 VI supports the new wireless standard Wi-Fi 7.xi, this latest communication standard enables high-speed data exchange, enhancing the user experience.

Performance to unleash your creativity

The ultra-intelligent Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform unleashes a new era of possibilities. This powerful processor enhances the Xperia 1 VI’s AI capabilities, offering unrivalled camera, audio, gaming, and display performance.

New feature of Game Enhancer: “FPS Optimizer”

FPS Optimiser dynamically optimises CPU usage and frame rate based on the gaming environment. Touch input has been refined, offering three tracking speeds and two levels of tap accuracy, ensuring an unparalleled gaming experience for both gameplay and live streaming where the swiftest of reactions are a must. Snapdragon® 8 Gen3 Mobile and its Snapdragon Elite Gaming supports fast and smooth gameplay and video viewing.

Tactile and sophisticated design

The Xperia 1 VI features a textural rear panel finish for comfort, functionality, and beauty. It provides improved grip and the convex microfabrication of toughened glass, alongside a frosted finishing makes it more resistant to fingerprints and surface scratches than other materials.

The camera is built with a sturdy metal base for both ruggedness and compact functionality, using design and colour to blend seamlessly with the device for a consistent, premium look.

It comes in a choice of colours to suit your style: Black, Platinum Silver, and Khaki Green. ​

Environmentally conscious and inclusive

The product box and main tray of Xperia 1 VI are made from Sony’s Original Blended Material, comprising bamboo, sugar cane, and recycled paper, making it possible to achieve individual packaging that is completely plastic-free. In addition to Sony’s ongoing efforts to reduce plastic, plastic tape used to seal shipping cartons has been replaced by paper to make packaging more environmentally friendly.

Furthermore, approximately 85% of the raw materials for some of the parts used inside and outside the main body are environmentally friendly resins (recycled resins, plant-based resins, etc.), including SORPLAS™, a flame-retardant recycled plastic developed by Sony.

We are working to help the planet and the people who live on it. From Voice Control to increased text size, the Xperia 1 VI includes a range of accessibility features, enabling everyone to communicate freely, whatever their individual needs. For example, Xperia 1 VI includes a function that uses sounds to inform users the camera’s horizontal measurement information during shooting. Additionally, Sony has introduced unique enhancements to Android’s ‘TalkBack’ function, ensuring menus on the display are read out in a user-friendly sequence, enhancing accessibility for all users.

Style Cover with Stand for Xperia 1 VI (XQZ-CBEC) ​

Xperia 1 IV’s dedicated cover features a bottom grip for effortless handling and steady shooting. With the newly bundled ring strap that can be attached to the cover, stability is further enhanced. Moreover, the stand supports both horizontal and vertical orientations for added convenience. The back of the cover mirrors the functional tactile design found on the back of the Xperia 1VI, ensuring that even with the cover attached, the device’s original design remains uncompromised. There are 3 colours to match the main body. SORPLAS is used as part of the raw material for this cover. ​

Pricing and Availability ​ ​

Xperia 1 IV will be available to buy from early June for approximately £1299/€1399. Pre-orders start from the 15th May, please visit: www.sony.co.uk for more details.

 

Sony Introduces a Stamina Specialist Smartphone: Xperia 10 VI with long-lasting 2 days battery life ​

Sony has revealed the new mid-range Xperia 10 VI smartphone. Equipped with a large-capacity battery capable of two-day use and featuring a lightweight body, it is designed for both comfort and easy operation with one hand. It boasts a water-resistant display, using Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® for long-lasting use and durability. Thanks to advances in chipset performance and optimisation of battery power, continuous video playback time has been extended by approximately 10% compared to the previous model. Furthermore, the Xperia 10 VI is equipped with a new “Video Creator” app that allows you to easily edit and shoot content to create videos quickly. The front stereo speakers have been improved compared to the previous model with increased volume capacity and wider dynamic range, providing improved bass and treble performance for clearer sound. ​

Durable and compact with long battery life and lightweight design 

Xperia 10 VI is equipped with a large-capacity battery providing a battery life that extends beyond your daily needs for viewing, listening, and content capturing, paired with an exceptionally lightweight and compact design, weighing in at just 164g. ​ ​

Xperia 10 VI’s battery stays healthy for three years thanks to Sony’s charging technologies which are designed to preserve the battery’s health over time. Battery care prevents overcharging, while Xperia Adaptive Charging continuously monitors your phone’s charging process to prevent any unnecessary strain on the battery. Enhanced charging speed has also been introduced. ​

The body size is 155mm long and 68mm wide, making it easy to operate. The back panel uses a matte, milky-white semi-transparent resin material, giving the main body a soft design. In addition to IP65/68 waterproof and dustproof performance, the display uses Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®, a highly drop-resistant and scratch-resistant glass, for increased durability and a worry-free experience. ​ ​

Equipped with the Snapdragon® 6 Gen 1 Mobile Platform, the improved chipset performance and optimisation of battery power consumption reduces power consumption, improving continuous video playback time, extended by approximately 10% compared to the previous model. ​ ​

Equipped with “Video Creator” that allows you to easily create short videos using gallery photos and videos

The ‘Video Creator’ app enables effortless creation of short videos from your captured photos and video footage. Simply choose your desired files and adjust playback time to generate a video in less than a minute. ​

The dual rear camera lenses provide versatility, offering three focal lengths (16mm, 26mm, 52mm) for shooting. Equivalent to 2x optical zoom, you can get closer to subjects without worrying about image quality deterioration. It is also equipped with a colour effects function that allows you to take pictures using a selection of preset colour options so there’s no need for any editing and can be uploaded straight to social media. ​

Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) isn’t limited to still photography; it’s equally effective for videos and is available on both the wide-angle 26mm and 52mm lens. When capturing videos on the move, our exclusive Optical SteadyShot™ technology guarantees clear and steady results. ​ ​

The Xperia 10 VI simplifies the shooting experience by incorporating AI-driven scene detection technology, which autonomously selects optimal settings for capturing the perfect shot. ​

With Xperia, for simple self-portraits in any location you simply need to show your palm to the camera, which will automatically start a 2-second self-timer, giving you time to prep for the shot. ​

Pocket-sized theatre experience

The front stereo speakers have a wider dynamic range than the previous model, allowing you to enjoy naturally balanced sound quality with improved treble and bass. In addition, the 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED display is equipped with ‘Triluminous® Display for mobile’, which incorporates technology cultivated for Sony’s BRAVIA® TVs, allowing you to create an immersive pocket-sized theatre. ​ ​ 

Experience quality entertainment, anywhere with Xperia 10 VI’s premium audio, display, and camera capabilities, all powered by a powerful battery for uninterrupted enjoyment. 

The Xperia 10 VI naturally supports the Bluetooth® connectivity including LDAC™ and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can enjoy high-resolution high-quality sound with both wired and wireless headphones. ​ In addition, DSEE Ultimate™, which uses Sony’s proprietary AI technology, reproduces sound sources such as streaming services with sound quality equivalent to high resolution. ​ ​

Sony’s commitment to Sustainability

The Sony Group has set an environmental plan “Road to Zero” aiming for zero environmental footprint by 2050. In order to achieve this, we are taking action while setting medium-term environmental targets in stages. As part of this mid-term environmental goals, we are aiming to eliminate plastic packaging materials for newly designed small products by 2025. ​

The product box and main tray of Xperia 10 VI are made from Sony’s Original Blended Material, comprising bamboo, sugar cane fibres, and recycled paper, making it possible to achieve individual packaging that is completely plastic-free. In addition to Sony’s ongoing efforts to reduce plastic, plastic tape used to seal shipping cartons has been replaced by paper to make packaging more environmentally friendly.

Furthermore, approximately 50% of the raw materials for some of the parts used inside and outside the main body are environmentally friendly resins (recycled resins, plant-based resins, etc.), including SORPLAS™, a flame-retardant recycled plastic developed by Sony. ​

Accessibility 

From enabling voice control to increasing text size, you can customize your Xperia 10 VI to suit your needs, using accessibility settings and apps.

Accessories

Style Cover with Stand for Xperia 10 VI

The XPERIA 10 VI has three colour matching optional covers with a built-in stand, convenient for live streaming and video chats. This slim cover is designed to perfectly fit the shape of Xperia 10 VI body combining ease of holding and functionality. A new ring strap is also included for additional comfort. In addition to providing a stable grip on your fingers, you can also wear it around your neck by combining it with a neck strap (not included). The covers also use Sony’s recycled SORPLAS™ as part of the raw material. ​

Availability

Xperia 10 VI will be available in Blue, Black and White from the middle of June onwards for £349 / €399. Pre-orders start from the 15th May, please visit: www.sony.co.uk for more details. ​

 

Quside and Equinix to offer quantum random number generation technology to Irish businesses

Quside, a quantum technology company,  is working closely with Equinix, the world’s digital infrastructure company®, to enable access for businesses in Ireland to the latest quantum random number generation (QRNG) technology. This will help Equinix customers to build the strongest cryptographic foundation to defend against increasingly sophisticated attacks. True QRNG and quantum cryptography provides a vital defence for businesses as AI advancements lead to a new era of cybercrime.

Equinix has led the way in facilitating access to quantum computing for businesses in Ireland recently, announcing partnerships with Oxford Quantum Computing and Alice & Bob in 2023.

The unusual concept of randomness in cybersecurity is known as entropy. In cryptography, entropy creates completely unpredictable strings of random numbers, making it exceptionally difficult for bad actors to predict patterns and hack into systems. Entropy, which can only be produced by hardware, is at the foundation of security, but poorly generated entropy can lead to insecure and vulnerable systems.

Through its globally interconnected Equinix Fabric network, Equinix enables businesses worldwide to connect with this highly innovative and robust cybersecurity solution on high-speed, low-latency, and private network connections. By allowing seamless communication between quantum entropy systems and operational data processing infrastructure, Equinix and Quside are lowering the barrier to world-class security for businesses in Ireland, as well as thousands of businesses across the globe.

Equinix already supports a number of quantum businesses as part of its network of over 10,000 customers worldwide. It is well-placed to support businesses such as Quside on their growth journey and lead the transition towards a range of quantum technologies for multiple sectors, including enhanced cybersecurity options and improved power efficiency.

Peter Lantry, Managing Director, Equinix Ireland, said: “Advanced cyber defences such as Quside’s quantum cryptography are becoming increasingly necessary to defend businesses in Ireland, and around the world, from bad actors. Equinix is proud to be a leader in providing businesses in Ireland with access to quantum computing to help them to explore and unlock its potential. Access to this latest cutting edge solution comes at a time when the need for strong, reliable cybersecurity is at an all-time high.”

Carlos Abellan, CEO & co-founder, Quside, said: “Equinix plays a crucial role for customers in facilitating global access to Quside’s unique quantum entropy technology. To truly harness the benefits of Quside’s entropy solution in their cloud transition, customers require secure, private, and scalable infrastructure. Equinix’s IBX data centres offer the perfect scalable solutions that can easily adapt to changing computational demands, allowing our customers to effortlessly connect to and expand their quantum entropy capabilities as needed.”

Operating in the heart of Europe’s bustling interconnectivity network, Quside focuses on key sectors including government, finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and cloud computing. Quside products deliver highly performant, scalable, quality, and measurable quantum entropy and can be used in conventional, post-quantum, and quantum cryptography systems.

Equinix data centres provide the essential infrastructure, security, and connectivity required to support the development and deployment of quantum cryptography and entropy generation systems, enabling organisations to leverage the power of quantum technologies for enhanced cybersecurity and data protection.