Category: Tech News

Twelve South introduces ButterFly, the world’s smallest 2-in-1 USB-C MagSafe charger

Twelve South, an innovative Apple accessories designer, today introduces ButterFly, the world’s smallest 2-in-1 USB-C MagSafe charger that allows users to charge their iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously on the go. 

The brand has also just launched a UK website twelvesouth.co.uk, allowing customers in the region to shop directly for the first time, in addition to retailers like Apple and Amazon.

Designed with travel in mind, the ultra-compact and lightweight ButterFly takes up minimal space in a backpack, handbag or carryon. 

It also includes a 20W Power Adaptor with four international plug adapters so that users can stay charged anywhere in the world. Perfect for those who loved the now discontinued Apple MagSafe Duo charger, ButterFly is available from Apple twelvesouth.co.uk, priced at £129.99. 

Featuring a durable aluminium shell, ButterFly unfolds to reveal a MagSafe charger for iPhone and a magnetic fast charger for an Apple Watch. A vegan leather band tethers the chargers together and one cable, which is included, is all it takes to charge these two devices together. ButterFly can also charge wireless AirPods, simply lay the AirPods Pro charging case on top of the ButterFly charger to power up. 

More than just a charger, ButterFly morphs into a display stand that supports StandBy mode on iPhone or Nightstand mode on Apple Watch. When folded in half, the little aluminium disk can also serve as a hands-free viewing stand so users can prop their iPhone up and join a video meeting, stream shows, view notifications or FaceTime with their family. What’s more, the magnetic watch charging disk on ButterFly tilts so users can lay their Apple Watch flat or upright in Nightstand mode. When only charging a watch, users can fold ButterFly to create a beautiful pedestal. 

 

Perfect for travel, users can take this tiny dual iPhone and Watch charger anywhere they go. It has a space-saving vertical design with a footprint smaller than an iPhone Pro Max making it perfect for a hotel nightstand or a desk when working remotely. ButterFly joins the AirFly as another must-have travel accessory in the Twelve South range. 

The Twelve South ButterFly is available now from Twelve South and Apple UK, in-store and online, priced at £129.99.

It includes a 20W USB-C Power Adapter, four international plug adapters (US, UK, EU, AU) and a travel bag to keep it all together. ButterFly and the popular Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe, also available now in Apple stores, provide users with the ultimate home and travel MagSafe chargers for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods. 

Tesco Mobile Ireland Celebrates 3 Years of unchanging contracts for new and existing customers

Tesco Mobile Ireland is once again shaking up the market with its commitment to customers as it promises to not to increase prices mid-contract for all new and existing customers, for the third year running.

Effective immediately, all Bill Pay plans will enjoy an unchanging, wallet-friendly rate for the duration of their 24-month contract. Unlike the competition, Tesco Mobile won’t play the price hike game mid-contract, ensuring peace of mind when it comes to mobile phone bills.

Customers with an existing Tesco Mobile bill pay plan don’t have to worry about them changing either, as they won’t face an increase in their bill for the duration of their contract.

Recently crowned Best Customer Service Award for 2024 at the Switcher.ie Mobile Awards, Tesco Mobile’s Waterford-based teams are committed to delivering unbeatable value, fairness, and customer satisfaction.

Ciaran Melia, General Manager of Tesco Mobile Ireland commented, “Right now, people have enough to be worrying about, and that shouldn’t include mobile phone bills. For the third year in a row, Tesco Mobile is the only mobile operator in Ireland to offer unchanging contracts for our new and existing customers. This means that as a Tesco Mobile customer you will pay for exactly what you signed up for, not a cent more. This is us giving certainty to any customer who signs up during 2024 for the duration of their contract.”

But wait, there’s more! As part of its commitment to value, Tesco Clubcard holders get double the points by registering with their Tesco Mobile account. Plus, they can enjoy €15 off their phone bill or top up for every €5 in Clubcard vouchers!

Whether you’re a long-time Tesco Mobile contract holder or interested in shopping around for a new mobile provider ahead of the price increase, keep an eye to Tesco Mobile’s amazing offers and join almost 500,000 Tesco Mobile customers across Ireland already enjoying 99% network coverage.

For more information on the Tesco Mobile Ireland visit in-store or online at  www.tescomobile.ie.

5-year deal for Dublin’s new children’s hospital awarded to Telefónica Tech

Telefónica Tech, a leader in digital transformation and part of the Telefónica Group, has been announced as the successful vendor for the tender to provide numerous infrastructure technology solutions to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) for the new digital children’s hospital.

When the new children’s hospital opens in 2025, digital technology will be involved in everything from electronic health records to the systems controlling the building. Digitisation fosters information exchange and helps doctors optimise their decisions and provide the best care for patients.

In this five year deal with Children’s Health Ireland, Telefónica Tech UK&I will build and manage the hospital’s IT infrastructure, with a significant focus on cyber security. Telefónica Tech will oversee all servers, storage, security, PCs, printers, workstations on wheels and laptops in the new hospital. The platform will also support the clinical applications that will integrate to the hospital’s new Electronic Patient Record system (powered by EPIC).

Adrian Rath, Chief Technology Officer with Children’s Health Ireland, explains the benefits this partnership will bring to staff working in the new hospital:

“We are delighted to work with Telefónica Tech for the next five years, to create world-class digital infrastructure in a world-class digital hospital. In Children’s Health Ireland, we deliver around 200,000 episodes of care to patients in a year. The new hospital will be an incredible place for clinicians to provide that care to patients. There will be a single sign-on system to greatly improve access to information for clinicians, while a single email system for all staff will make for seamless cross-city collaboration between the new hospital and CHI Urgent Care sites at Connolly and Tallaght. The security solutions provided by Telefónica Tech will enable Children’s Health Ireland to strengthen its cyber security posture against potential cyber. Most importantly, all of this will bring about a safer and better experience for the children, young people and families who use our services”.

Ellen Dickson, VP of Enterprise Health at Telefónica Tech UK&I, said: “The New Children’s Hospital is set to transform children’s healthcare in Ireland as a centre of excellence. The IT infrastructure and services will underpin the vital clinical services and are therefore critical to the success of the hospital. Telefónica Tech UK&I’s Strategic Healthcare Practice has market-leading expertise, thanks to the skills and experience of our staff, and has successfully delivered innovative and complex health IT projects with some of the largest health trusts in the UK.”

Telefónica Tech UK&I is developing the infrastructure technology for the new children’s hospital while the building is under construction, due for completion by the end of October 2024.

MAMMOTION Unveils Next-Generation LUBA 2 AWD Series Robotic Mower Redefining Lawn Care Standards

A leader in robotic outdoor solutions, MAMMOTION is proud to introduce the new LUBA 2 AWD Series. Representing the latest evolution of the LUBA AWD line of robotic mowers, this latest iteration of the LUBA AWD revolutionizes flawless lawn care with cutting-edge features and unparalleled technology.

Enhancing the renowned reliability and wire-free functionalities of the original LUBA AWD, the LUBA 2 AWD showcases a myriad of advancements including a superior 3D vision system with built in dual lens to enable depth measurement, obstacle recognition and precise positioning. 

Wireless Precision: The integration of the state-of-the-art 3D Vision and RTK fusion-mapping system ensures precise positioning, eliminating the need for cumbersome wiring. Customized mowing paths are optimized to cover the entire yard seamlessly, effortlessly manoeuvring through complex landscapes.

All-Terrain Expertise: The LUBA 2 AWD excels in conquering uneven slopes and navigating real-world obstacles such as muddy ruts and rogue roots that could leave less capable mowers stuck. Its sturdy suspension and reinforced AWD conquer steep 38-degree inclines with remarkable ease, maintaining momentum throughout.

Triple Obstacle Detection and Avoidance: Featuring bionic 3D vision, ultrasonic radars, and sturdy physical bumpers, the LUBA 2 AWD can detect obstacles as small as 1 inch, skilfully manoeuvring around animals, garden hoses, and other obstacles without any interruptions to the mowing process.

Lawn Artistry: The MAMMOTION App enables lawn printing technology, allowing users to convert their grass into unique designs, emblems, and decorations, adding a touch of personalization to their outdoor spaces.

“We designed the LUBA 2 AWD to be the ultimate, hands-free solution for anyone who wants pristine lawn care,” said Jidong Wei, CEO of MAMMOTION. “From all-terrain handling to total customization, its commercial-grade technology makes easy work of even daunting yard projects so users can skip the headaches and enjoy their outdoor oasis.”

With multi-zone management that can be set up for varying cutting heights and schedules and app and voice control, the LUBA 2 AWD gives a hassle free lawn care experience.

Featuring eight different models catering to various lawn sizes from 0.05 to 2.5 acres, the LUBA 2 offers cutting height options ranging from 1 to 2.7 inches. The LUBA 2 AWD starts from £2149. Available from www.mammotion.com 

EDIFIER announces QR65 Desktop Active Monitor Speakers

Edifier International, the award-winning audio electronics designer, reveal the QR65 Desktop Active Monitor speakers – a new all-in-one unit that combines the brand’s renowned acoustic technology with immersive Lumia light effects and TurboGaN fast-charging capabilities. 

One of 4 Edifier products to win a prestigious Visual Grand Prix 2024 award and also highly recommended with a much sought after VGP 2024 Gold Medal Award, the QR65 is remarkably versatile, placing an emphasis on both compatibility and multi-use functionality. As the brand name develops, audio quality remains paramount with the QR65 featuring an advanced Acoustic Architecture. Equipped with 2.75″ mid-low drivers, an aluminium alloy diaphragm and a long-throw design, the QR65 can produce consistently punchy bass frequencies whilst bolstering rich and full-bodied mids. Thanks to 1.25″ silk diaphragm dome tweeters, finely tuned by Edifier’s world-leading audio engineers, the speakers boast precision-tooled high frequency reproduction, creating crisp and bright trebles that stand out above even the most bass-laden of mixes. 

Housed in an acoustically treated MDF enclosure, the QR65 includes independent acoustic cavities designed to isolate sections of amplification, ensuring minimal signal loss and reduced excess resonance and distortion. This is further enhanced by Edifier’s MazeTube Bass Reflex Channels and TurbMuff Air Noise Suppression Technology which reduces unwanted port noises and acoustic resonance. To ensure a consistent audio experience, the QR65 also comes with two machine-tooled aluminium stands designed to raise the speakers – reducing unwanted surface noise – and directing the sound precisely at ear level when the speaker is placed on a desktop. 

In support of the QR65’s advanced internal structuring and acoustic treatment, the speaker also features integral end-to-end High Resolution Audio Processing making it both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless Certified. Following Edifier’s impeccable reputation for audio quality, the dual T1 Class-D digital audio amplifiers provide the precise two-way active crossover, magnify high frequency signals and mid-low frequency signals separately and manage DRC effectively to ensure the best audio signal purity. 

Overall, the QR65 champions an holistic approach to the audio experience, combining great audio with mesmerising, multi-sensory features. Powered by Edifier’s patented TempoAbyss technology, the QR65 includes three-dimensional lighting effects. There are 11 preset light effects, controlled via a button on the side, and an additional ‘customise your own’ setting via the EDIFIER ConneX app which contains a possible 16 million combinations. 

EDIFIER QR65 Desktop Active Monitor Speakers – techbuzzireland

With LDAC, the leading-edge high resolution audio codec, the QR65 features an end-to-end audio process flow which supports high resolution audio up to 24bit/96 kHz. Alongside this, there are additional USB and LINE IN inputs, as well as a subwoofer output port, making the QR65 suitable for a range of settings, from home cinema setups and Hi-Fi enthusiasts, to intense and visceral gaming sessions.

A complete package, the QR65 is a more than suitable multi-use option for consumers looking to get the widest range of uses out of their home audio equipment without sacrificing build quality and audio performance. Achieving impeccable sound quality whilst maintaining a distinct and characterful style, the QR65 is a perfect fit for the multiple demands of modern life.

  • 70W (RMS) total output power with quality sound
  • 1.25″ silk dome tweeters and 2.75″ long-throw aluminium diaphragm mid-low drivers
  • Full digital signal processing, two-way active crossover, and DRC
  • Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified
  • Splendid light effects powered by patented TempoAbyss technology
  • 65W TurboGaN fast charging via two USB Type-C ports and one USB Type-A port
  • Bluetooth V5.3, USB and LINE IN inputs; subwoofer output port available
  • Works with EDIFIER ConneX mobile app for more functions
  • Supporting LDAC, Audio Up To 24bit/96kHz

 

Price & Availability:

Available for £329.99 

https://www.kbaudio.co.uk/products/edifier-qr65-desktop-active-monitor-speakers-with-gan-charger

https://www.edifier.com/global/p/wireless-speakers/qr65

The Fintech Corridor and ATPC launch one-of-a-kind transatlantic exchange

(Dublin/Belfast/Atlanta, GA) – The Fintech Corridor (TFC) and the American Transaction Processors Coalition (ATPC), today announced a new partnership to offer a one-of-a-kind exchange driving transatlantic workforce development, policy best practices, investment, and internationalization between Belfast and Dublin, and the United States of America.

American companies continue to invest in Ireland due to a strong historical relationship and its unique access to both Europe and UK following Brexit. The transatlantic exchange was set up to strengthen these relationships, develop common goals and create structured initiatives to enable fintechs in the US, EU, and UK access to new global value chains.

The Fintech Corridor and ATPC will explore these relationships, policy themes and regulatory schemes in a summit which takes place in Dublin and Belfast between May 13-16, 2024. The venues will for the events will be the Guinness Storehouse, Belfast City Hall and Killeavy Castle, not Hillsborough Castle and Leinster House and will serve as historic and interactive backdrops for the conference which will see senior leaders from the finance and technology sector as well as government development agencies to explore collaboration and hot topics like cybersecurity and AI.

The 2024 Transatlantic Exchange will focus on ‘elevating fintech; to drive a program that goes beyond mere policy and economic transactions. Instead, the goal is to build real relationships and understanding among an exclusive group of fewer than 75 industry executives, government representatives, and academic institutions. The organisation expects to announce multiple formal Memos of Understanding during the conference that will forever change the fintech and payments processing industries.  

“Our organizations established a desire to build connectivity between payments and fintech corridors and drive visibility; foster relationships; share technology and policy best practices; and bolster international investment,” said TFC CEO Hilary Moran. “A successful program of events will drive greater connectivity and collaboration within the US, EU and UK, while allowing participants to build meaningful relationships in a relaxed ‘exchange’ environment.”

“This unique cross-border proposition connects US, EU, and UK fintech ecosystems and will help drive deeper understanding of opportunities in each governance zone,” said ATPC Executive Director H. West Richards. “Brexit profoundly changed how EU and UK fintech companies interact with each other, and access to companies in both jurisdictions will enable us to work closely to develop common solutions and increase cooperation and opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic, especially as US regulators work on cybersecurity, data privacy and other critical issues.”

The ATPC, founded in 2014 and headquartered in the State of Georgia’s “Transaction Alley,” served as a blueprint for The Fintech Corridor’s work. And the two organizations became acquainted during the pandemic as TFC sought to build an education workforce development platform modeled on the Georgia Fintech Academy. A relationship grew from there and the conference was born in order to promote the spirit of cooperation, networking, education partnerships, new business opportunities, and knowledge sharing using the power of the most unique business cluster on the island of Ireland (Republic of, and Northern Ireland).

More conference details are available at www.atpcoalition.com and www.thefintechcorridor.com.

Jabra adds Cutting-Edge Updates to Flagship Earbuds

In January, Jabra, a global leader in true wireless sound and hybrid work solutions, announced a suite of experience-enhancing updates to its latest Elite wireless earbuds, the Jabra Elite 8 Active and Jabra Elite 10. The experience-enhancing feature-updates are live via update in the app today. These updates not only elevate the audio quality but also enhance the overall functionality and usability of Jabra’s latest generation earbuds. 

Jabra Elite 10 

Jabra’s most comfortable earbuds now have enhanced sound with new AI-based distractor suppression algorithms that improve the noise reduction in the human voice frequency range. This means that voices from people around you will be more effectively blocked out,  resulting in improved call quality. 

Furthermore, Jabra has added Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) during calls to make the call experience much better. Users can expect up to 2X better background voice blocking, optimising call clarity for bustling environments like offices, restaurants, and busy streets, ensuring uninterrupted conversations. 

Jabra Elite 8 Active 

The world’s toughest earbuds get enhanced ANC and HearThrough performance for windy conditions, thanks to a software upgrade that uses dual-microphone technology to detect wind-noise more accurately. With the new software release both external mics are used to detect wind levels and ensure smoother transitions to wind mode.  

The improved music listening experience and awareness makes running or working outdoors more enjoyable.  

Updates are pushed out via the Jabra Sound+ app, and are available to all users, existing and new, via a hassle-free over-the-air update at no cost. 

Why A New Working From Home ‘Boom’ Is On The Horizon

Video conferencing manufacturer, Boom Collaboration is predicting a surge in demand for home working equipment, fuelled by major UK employment law changes.

From April 6th new flexible working legislation mean millions of employees will have more choice over where and when they work, from day one of a new role.

Under the new regulations, people will be entitled to request flexible working arrangements from the very first day of their employment rather than after 26 weeks as is currently. This includes requests for part-time, term-time, flexitime, compressed hours, and varied working locations.

Employers need to be aware that, under the new rules, before they reject any request for flexible working arrangements, they have to explain the reasons behind their decision. Previously, employers could deny any request for flexible working without explanation.

Spike

Employers are also obliged to respond to flexible working requests within two months, compared to three months previously. In addition, employees can also make two statutory requests for flexible working in any 12-month period, as opposed to one request previously.

The new Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations 2023 will trigger a further spike in demand for video conferencing equipment according to Boom co-founder Holli Hulett, who explained that the changes are about to come into full force. 

“In many ways the Covid lockdowns were a game-changer which triggered huge demand for video conferencing and a dramatic shift in working patterns. These trends continue to evolve on a global scale.

“This latest UK legislation represents a compelling opportunity for all those working in the industry to engage with their customers and re-evaluate their flexible working needs,” she emphasised.

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Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Boom Collaboration develops conferencing and collaboration hardware solutions for the complete array of meeting environments, from personal devices to full room systems. Boom was created by founders Fredrik Hörnkvist as well as Hulett, and operates via distributor Westcoast in the UK.

Hörnkvist highlighted how ‘jumping on a conference call’ has now become part of daily life for many employees and their organisations.

“There’s no doubt video conferencing is a proven alternative to face-to-face meetings and the quality of equipment continues to rise with ever more sophisticated and intelligent AI-based capabilities. Lots of workers enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working from different locations and in different ways. Remote meetings are also kinder to the planet too, saving not just time but lots of business travel.”

Boom Collaboration Founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett.

He added: “Dedicated working from home kits continue to accelerate in popularity, whilst video bars and powerful PTZ cameras provide the optimum meeting room experience. But there’s no one-size-fits-all as every business has bespoke needs and requirements.”

Hulett concluded: “We expect to see demand grow for personal conferencing as well as wider meeting room investments, where high quality audio as well as pristine picture performance make conferencing engaging, intuitive and easy to use. In many cases people can work in more flexible ways from almost anywhere without any detrimental impact to business performance. The new UK legislation further reflects this.”

This article is based on various independent research including speaking to employment law solicitors plus information from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development as outlined here:

https://www.cipd.org/uk/views-and-insights/thought-leadership/cipd-voice/new-employment-legislation/ 

Husqvarna Group Expands Virtual Boundary Robotic Lawn Mower Range to Medium-Sized Gardens

Husqvarna Group, market leader in robotic lawn care, introduces two new models of Husqvarna Automower specifically designed for medium-sized gardens. The new models, Automower 310E NERA and Automower 410XE NERA, seamlessly integrate with Husqvarna’s EPOS satellite navigation system and features the new EdgeCut technology, ensuring neatly trimmed lawn edges.

Last year, Husqvarna Group introduced a new era of robotic lawn care with the NERA series, eliminating the need for physical boundary wires in residential gardens. Now, the range expands with two models tailored for lawns up to 1000 square meters. Husqvarna Automower 310E NERA and 410XE NERA leverage Husqvarna’s reliable EPOS satellite navigation system, providing precision down to 2-3 cm. Users can easily define virtual boundaries in their gardens using the Automower Connect app, which also allows customization of work areas, avoidance zones, and electronic height adjustments.

The new models also introduce Husqvarna’s groundbreaking EdgeCut technology, ensuring neatly trimmed lawn edges by utilizing an additional smaller cutting disc at the rear of the robot. Additionally, the 410XE NERA features radar technology, enabling it to navigate around objects on the lawn, preventing interruptions caused by toys or other items left behind.

“Husqvarna Group has produced robotic lawn mowers for almost 30 years and to continue leading the industry we constantly need to keep pushing our innovation capabilities, secure the highest level of quality, and deliver a smarter lawn care experience whilst minimizing emissions. With the new NERA models, we aim to reach an even broader audience and continue driving the shift from petrol-to-battery within garden care”, says Glen Instone, President, Husqvarna Forest & Garden.

Husqvarna Group pioneered the world’s first robotic lawn mower back in 1995 and remains the undisputed market leader. The Group’s ambition is to double robotics sales to SEK 12 billion by 2026. In 2023, sales amounted to SEK 8.1 billion.

 Learn more about the Husqvarna Automower NERA models here.