Introducing Skullcandy Grom Wired and Grom Wireless, where style meets functionality for kids who deserve the best in audio. Wired: Most kids’ headphones resemble toys, a sentiment shared by both kids and adults alike. However, with Skullcandy Supreme Sound, intuitive earcup controls, a fit tailored for kids, and a sleek modern design, Grom defies the toy stereotype.
Grom Wireless takes it a step further, offering premium headphone quality with the added bonus of total wireless freedom. Featuring Skullcandy Supreme Sound, user-friendly earcup controls, an impressive 40-hour battery life, a specially crafted fit for kids, and a sophisticated modern aesthetic, Grom Wireless surpasses the competition, putting many high-end brands to shame. Elevate your child’s audio experience with Grom and Grom Wireless, where play meets performance.
Pricing
Grom Wireless: £34.99
Grom Wired: £24.99
GROM WIRED KEY FEATURES
SUPREME SOUND TM
Premium sound quality for music, movies, and podcasts
Comfortable over-ear kid-sized fit
Share Audio Port for a shared experience
Aux cable included for versatile connectivity
FEARLESS USE TM:
Specifically designed for kids aged 6 and above
Volume limited to 85dB for safe listening
Adjustable fit headband strap for comfort
Collapsible design with kid-safe hinges to prevent finger pinching
SIMPLIFY YOUR LISTENING TM:
Large, easy-to-use button on the earcup for call and media controls
Activates device’s voice assistant for hands-free operation
Volume Limit Override via the volume wheel for clear audio in louder environments
GROM WIRELESS KEY FEATURES
SUPREME SOUND TM:
Premium sound quality for music, movies, and podcasts
Comfortable over-ear kid-sized fit
Share Audio Port for shared experiences
Removable aux cable included
FEARLESS USE TM:
Up to 40 hours of battery life
Designed for kids age 6+
Volume limited to 85dB for safety
Adjustable fit headband strap
Collapsible design with kid-safe hinges
SIMPLIFY YOUR LISTENING TM:
Easy-to-use button on the earcup for calls and media control
Power button for entering Pairing Mode
Volume Limit Override on the Volume Wheel for clear audio in louder environments
Lewy Flex is available in three downlight sizes. The different sizes allow it to seamlessly fit all standard ceiling cutouts. The mounting frames made of powder-coated steel cover the existing hole and make it possible to maintain the original ceiling. There is no visual compromise, quite the contrary: Lewy Flex blends seamlessly and discreetly into the existing environment and sets targeted highlights using state-of-the-art lighting and LED technology. The standard product now features a white powder-coated reflector, which is also a novelty. This means that the framed reflectors blend perfectly into the white ceiling and the downlights are practically invisible.
Photo: LTS Licht & Leuchten GmbH. A beautiful and clean solution for all your lighting and refurbishment projects.
Three sizes – one challenge:
The small Lewy Flex S has an outer diameter of 205mm and is suitable for ceiling cutouts between 160mm and maximally 190mm. The two larger Lewy models M and L with outer diameters of 235mm and 265mm are suitable for installation diameters between 190mm and 250mm.
A clean and beautiful solution for all lighting and renovation projects.
Graphic: LTS Licht & Leuchten GmbH. Replacement is child’s play. It can even be carried out during operation without creating dust or dirt.
The perfect ceiling connection
The Lewy Flex family from LTS Licht & Leuchten GmbH combines all the benefits of a downlight and has an innovative, resource-efficient design. It offers perfect coverage in all three sizes thanks to an innovative, optimised frame. Lewy Flex doesn’t need an extra heat sink which saves material and it only requires a low installation depth. The efficient design simplifies and speeds up the production process, which additionally reduces costs for the customer. Thanks to an excellent anti-glare design with a UGR factor of below 19 and an impressive light output of up to 142 lumens per watt, Lewy Flex is perfectly suited for all interior renovation projects.
As simple as brilliant
Our Product Development team have intensively studied our customers‘ needs and challenges. And we made a crucial discovery: The biggest customer pain point in light renovation projects often lies in the existing ceiling cutout. We used this valuable insight to develop a groundbreaking lighting solution which can be seamlessly integrated into any ceiling cutout. If, for example, the previous cutout doesn’t fit the standard downlight size, Lewy Flex offers the solution. Given the three different variants with wider ring covers and flexible adaptability, it is possible to install the downlight in every existing ceiling hole with a size between 16cm and 25cm. Without any additional fittings or separate installation rings. One solution for all ceilings.
Visual ceiling highlight
We, the LTS team, ensure that our lighting solutions always harmoniously blend into your rooms. We aim at the highest level of precision and perfection which is reflected in every single detail. Moreover, Lewy Flex can be used for any purpose: be it office spaces, standard architectural applications or as basic lighting to illuminate goods.
Graphic: LTS Licht & Leuchten GmbH. The age of the old, conventional and power-guzzling lamps is coming to an end. The new statutory provisions of the RoHS Directive and the EU Ecodesign Directive have put rules in place which make sure that inefficient lamps with mercury no longer enter the market.
Graphic: LTS Licht & Leuchten GmbH. The downlight, equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and LED technology, achieves excellent general illumination.
With the LTS Lewy Flex downlight you benefit from numerous advantages:
The LTS benefits:
Three custom-fit lighting solutions for simple renovation with different ceiling cutout dimensions
Lewy Flex S Outer diameter: 205mm; Installation diameter: 160-190mm
Lewy Flex M Outer diameter: 235mm; Installation diameter: 190-220mm
Lewy Flex L Outer diameter: 265mm; Installation diameter: 220-250mm
Perfect coverage thanks to optimised frame
Compliance with RoHS Directive and EU Ecodesign Regulation
High efficiency for more output and less power consumption
Sustainable lighting solution with up to 80 percent lower lighting costs thanks to the new, energy-efficient and long-lasting LED lights
Energy costs can be reduced by adding optional lighting control systems, such as Casambi or Organic Response
Versatile use for every renovation project
Environmentally friendly and economical with innovative heat dissipation
Excellent anti-glare characteristics, suitable for all applications
Discreet and seamless integration with white powder-coated reflector and frame visually blending into a white ceiling
Photo: Andreas Huber Photography. Hyperion Hotel – Bavaria Towers, Munich.
„By making a conscious choice in favour of a sustainable lighting solution from LTS, such as the Lewy Flex downlight, you can send a signal to support environmental protection and actively contribute to preserving the resources of our planet.“
Says David Meßmer, Product Manager at LTS Licht & Leuchten. The new sustainable lighting solutions from LTS are particularly close to his heart.
„Make your project a pioneer for efficiency, style and environmental awareness and experience the impressive performance of the environmentally friendly lighting solution!“ — David Meßmer, Produktmanager der LTS Licht & Leuchten GmbH
You can save money, time and resources with our renovation offer. The Lewy Flex family sets new standards in terms of user-friendliness and customer focus. This innovative solution will make your life easier and provide for pleasant ambient lighting.
Environmentally friendly and cost-efficient
The Lewy Flex downlight from LTS Licht & Leuchten GmbH features innovative technology which no longer requires a separate heat sink. The highly efficient reflector made of powder-coated aluminium dissipates the heat. This helps save resources by reducing the need for precious raw material. At the same time, it uses less energy. This is good for both the environment and your budget.
High efficiency for more output and less power consumption
With an impressive light output of up to 142 lumens per watt, the Lewy Flex downlight enables you to light your rooms energy-efficiently and with the best possible illumination results. This helps you save electricity costs and contribute to an environmentally friendly future.
Graphic: LTS Licht & Leuchten GmbH. Lewy Flex is available in three downlight sizes. The different sizes allow it to seamlessly fit all standard ceiling cutouts.
Glare-free light for more comfort and well-being
The three different variants of the Lewy Flex downlight all offer glare-free illumination with a UGR below 19 that promises reduced eye strain and a pleasant atmosphere in working environments and other settings. In turn, this has a positive impact on the wellbeing and productivity of people. Lewy Flex fits all purposes, be it office spaces, general architectural applications or as basic lighting to illuminate goods.
Versatile use for any project
The two large variants with up to 3500 lumens are ideally suited for office spaces, presentation rooms and general interior lighting. The smaller Lewy Flex S, a version offering between 1500 and 2500 lumens, can be used for various applications, for example in hospitality. This flexibility means that the downlight can be perfectly integrated into your specific projects.
Wiring with optimised fire protection for more safety
The halogen-free wiring of the Lewy Flex downlight improves fire protection and minimises potential risks. You can be sure that your lighting solution fulfills the highest safety standards.
Easy light renovation with LTS
With our new LTS online refurbishment assistantyou can find the right recessed LED luminaire for your renovation project. Furthermore, you can use our LTS online efficiency calculator to easily calculate the economic efficiency of your retrofit.
LTS Licht & Leuchten GmbH. We will be your partner during the entire renovation project and help you tap into the full potential of your illumination project –complying with all standards for all imaginable use cases. Irrespective of whether you want to renovate individual light spots or your entire lighting system: Our wide-ranging service includes individual advice, an expert assessment of your savings potential, an exact amortisation calculation and the provision of information pertaining to state funding programmes. We will help you make the right choice for your LED upgrade.
We are happy to give you more details! Our experienced sales representatives offer comprehensive LTS light service and assist you during your entire renovation project. We offer customised consulting, project management and a professional analysis of your savings potential. Furthermore, we guarantee the quick and reliable implementation of the new EU directives, including the EU Ecodesign Regulation, with our innovative LED technology
This afternoon, the global association, the Mobile Ecosystem Forum announced the results of its Board elections. The Board represents the diversity of businesses, regions, and markets of the mobile ecosystem.
Elections have been taking place over the last two weeks and the results were announced at the MEF Global Forum taking place at Casa Lotja in Barcelona during MWC 2024.
There were four positions up for election, and the newly elected Directors are:
Anurag Aggarwal – Chief Revenue Officer, Enterprise Business at GMS
Dr. Marco Lafrentz – Vice President, Business and Market Development at NetNumber
Robert Gerstmann – Chief Evangelist & Co-Founder at Sinch
Amira Akra – Product Manager, Messaging at Vodafone Germany
They will join existing Board members:
Jason Lunn – Global Connectivity and CPaaS at Cisco, UK
Rajiv Singla – CEO Global Messaging at Globe TeleServices, India
Waheed Adam – Executive Chairman of iTouch Messaging Services, South Africa
Valeria Magoni – Senior Director, Product and Corporate Marketing, Kaleyra in Italy
Dario Betti – CEO, Mobile Ecosystem Forum
Rafael Pellon – Partner, Pellon de Lima Advogados
Tim Ward, VP Number Information Services at Xconnect, UK
Each new Board member serves a two-year term on the MEF Board, whose role is to shape the strategy and governance of MEF activities globally. Over the coming year the role and future opportunities associated with messaging will be a key focus, alongside antifraud, privacy and consumer trust.
Voting took place online and all full members were eligible to vote. There were 10 candidates for the four positions.
Each candidate submitted a short video outlining what they can offer the Board, and MEF members voted for their preferred candidates.
“I am thrilled to welcome our four new Board members and look forward to working with them over the coming year to help address the challenges and opportunities in the mobile ecosystem. I’d like to say a personal thanks to our departing Board members Jimmy Jones and Matteo Gatta, and in particular, to Andrew Bud who is a founder of MEF and has been the Chairman of the Board for the last 16 years.
“MEF’s Board plays a central role in setting the strategy for the organisation and ensuring good governance. It is important that the MEF Board reflects its members with a wide range of expertise, both in terms of sector and geography.” commented Dario Betti, CEO of MEF.
The Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF) is a global trade body established in 2000 and headquartered in the UK with members across the world. As the voice of the mobile ecosystem, it focuses on cross-industry best practices, anti-fraud and monetisation. The Forum provides its members with global and cross-sector platforms for networking, collaboration and advancing industry solutions. https://mobileecosystemforum.com/
The new and re-elected Board members will start their tenure on March 12th when the first meeting of the new Board takes place.
Niryo, a pioneer in the field of collaborative robotics, today launches Niryo Studio, a revolutionary application that simplifies the use of robots like never before. With this new software, no need to be a technology expert to try out robotics. The essence of Niryo lies in the democratization of Industry 4.0. which promotes harmonious interaction between man and machine.
A fluid and intuitive user experience
Niryo Studio is a revolution in robotic programming, offering a seamless user experience. Instant connection and configuration of Niryo’s NED2 robot in just a few minutes greatly simplifies the use of collaborative robotics. It’s even possible to connect all external devices linked to the robot and manage them from the application. With smooth navigation and guest access management, it guarantees simple, intuitive use, making access easy for teachers and students alike.Thanks to this application, anyone can learn to use a Niryo robot. The NED2 robot can be used for a wide range of applications, from programming practice to an introduction to artificial intelligence and Industry 5.0, or to reproduce real-life work situations. Just like a simple software program on your computer, Niryo Studio makes this variety of applications even simpler.
In addition to robot control, Niryo Studio offers 3D visualization of all previously connected components with its Unity tool. Combined with the Direct Move tool, this feature enables precise adjustment of robot positions, simplifying object handling and, more generally, providing the most precise robot operation.
Programming becomes child’s play
Niryo Studio’s integrated Python IDE marks a significant step forward in simplifying the programming process. This feature allows users to code directly in the Python language, offering a powerful alternative to programmers. It is also possible to transform a program coded in Blockly into Python, making it even easier to learn the world’s most widely used programming language. This new feature also makes it quicker and easier to connect to the robot. Combined with the application’s Blockly tool, the creation of complex programs becomes child’s play, helping to make collaborative robotics accessible to a wider audience. What’s more, the ability to save, play, modify and replay the programs created leaves room for unrivalled flexibility for users.
Niryo Studio redefines the use of its NED2 robot, offering advanced functionalities while maintaining a user-friendly interface. This new application bears witness to Niryo’s ongoing commitment to making collaborative robotics accessible to all, thus stimulating innovation in the field.
HMD has today revealed what life will look like as Human Mobile Devices. As part of its evolution, HMD is about making phones that are affordable, beautiful, desirable, and repairable. Or, to keep it simple, they help you get what you need without breaking the bank. That means creating devices that help tackle human tech challenges like e-waste and digital fatigue and make your life that little bit better.
In short, the makers of Nokia phones since 2016 will create new HMD original devices, continue to sell Nokia phones, and work with exciting partners you definitely know as part of a multi-brand vision.
“In our seven-year journey, collaboration and support has allowed us to achieve so much. And we have plans to do so much more as we introduce the world to the new HMD. We want to be a catalyst for positive and profitable change by embracing a multi-brand strategy: crafting new HMD original devices, creating Nokia phones and collaborating with well- known global partners.” Jean-Francois Baril, HMD Co-founder, Chairman and CEO
Transformation to profit
For the first time ever, the mobile market declined two years in a row in the face of challenging economic conditions, yet HMD bucked the trend thanks to its major transformation project allowing for a significant improvement in operational profitability YoY in 20231. This success is all thanks to fresh, energetic leadership, a sharp focus on strategy, staying nimble, and getting better at keeping costs down.
Repping repair-at-home devices this summer
E-waste is one of today’s most important issues for tech makers and tech users. HMD crafts phones that don’t just turn heads, but also aim to be kinder to the planet and your bank balance.
We make award winning repairable devices (we didn’t say it, TIME Magazine did2) and phones that last longer. HMD is pushing boundaries to make the repairability experience accessible to everyone.
Did you know on average 66% of people in the UK currently live with a smashed screen?3 In Europe and ANZ, repairable devices made up 1:4 of HMD smartphone sales in 20234. This year we expect that to grow to 3:4 devices in Europe and ANZ and we expect half of the smartphone devices we sell globally to be repairable.
This summer, HMD repairability goes to the next level, substantially reducing the number of steps it takes to fix the screen. You can say goodbye to phone separation due to a broken screen and get swept up in the ‘FIY’ (Fix it Yourself) movement.
“One year ago, we introduced our first repairable phone to a great response. 12 months on, we are determined to continue to push the boundaries to reimagine repairability. As more and more people seek out easy to repair devices so they can keep their phone longer – and save hassle or delays when fixes are needed – we’re excited to make that process as easy as possible, starting this summer.”
James Robinson, HMD VP Europe, Americas and Enterprise
Purposefully leaving a lot to the imagination
HMD is all about human innovation. That means making normally expensive digital tools globally accessible and affordable. Whether that’s introducing new payment options to feature phones or adding microfinancing capabilities to smartphones, HMD already has a tradition of human innovation with purpose.
This summer, we are launching a smartphone that is a platform for innovation, making technology more accessible to more communities around the world.
Today, we are releasing a first version toolkit for developers and businesses, which contains design files and information on software integration, that is available now on our website. We are embracing open innovation, making sure people and businesses can augment their phone to fit their needs.
We want to champion many people’s creativity- which is leaps and bounds beyond what we can achieve solo. The potential is endless.
These could be as simple as a fashionable outfit, an outfit with an extended battery, a payment terminal, barcode scanners, or even portable, connected medical equipment, it really is a blank canvas for creativity.
Multi-brand for the things you expect, and the things you don’t
As Human Mobile Devices, HMD aims to redefine screen time, champion repairability, and forge meaningful partnerships as part of a multi-brand vision.
You’ll continue to see Nokia phones and we will bring back an iconic phone this summer. You’ll also see a stellar line up of exciting new brands coming to you this year.
“Our commitment to human-centred innovation has spurred our expansion, unlocking new prospects for us and our collaborators, and has been a driving force behind our adoption of a multi-brand strategy. We take pride working with remarkable partners and are excited about extending our collaborative efforts with dynamic new partners like Mattel. Barbie and HMD are on a mission to shake things up with a new flip phone coming this summer”.
Lars Silberbauer, HMD CMO
Speaking of which…
Hi, Barbie!
As we venture into new partnerships, HMD will be guided by its core values, seeking collaborations that resonate with its mission. On that note, *drumroll please*, it is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Mattel and with Barbie, highlighting our joint dedication to shake things up, empower connections and enable some quiet amidst digital noise and interruptions.
The Barbie Flip Phone will arrive this summer 2024. Promising style, nostalgia and a much-needed digital detox, this retro feature phone will flip the script on smartphone culture and will be this summer’s hottest accessory.
Head of Consumer Products, Publishing, and LBE, Mattel EMEA, Ruth Henriquez said “At the heart of Mattel is design and innovation, and this latest collaboration is another step forward in that direction. The Barbie x HMD launch promises to be an exciting moment for Barbie fans of all ages, we’re excited to flip the switch and unveil it to the world at Mobile World Congress.”
Human Mobile Devices, Europe’s largest and leading smartphone manufacturer, partners with Mattel, a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest portfolios of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world, to create the Barbie Flip Phone arriving this summer 2024.
Barbie is an icon of design, from the chevron stripes of No. 1 Barbie released in 1959 to the bold styling of Totally Hair Barbie which hit the market in 1992. This device promises to embody the vintage chic of the original girl empowerment brand with a dash of pink and of course, sparkle.
Human Mobile Devices Chief Marketing Office, Lars Silberbauer, said: “Is it time to swap reel life for real life and take a breather from all the interruptions of notifications? We’re thrilled to partner with Mattel, a company that shares our commitment to meaningful innovation and societal change.”
Head of Consumer Products, Publishing, and LBE, Mattel EMEA, Ruth Henriquez said “At the heart of Mattel is design and innovation, and this latest collaboration is another step forward in that direction. The Barbie x HMD launch promises to be an exciting moment for Barbie fans of all ages, we’re excited to flip the switch and unveil it to the world at Mobile World Congress.”.
Flip phones are beloved for offering a solution for a digital detox in a world where almost four in ten (38%) of 16-24 year-olds worry they spend too much time on their smartphone. In the US alone, a third of Gen Z are actively trying to limit time on social media, and their fear of missing out (FOMO) is creeping down. Gen Z are the only generation whose daily time on social media has fallen since Q1 2021 for the better. Since 2021 talking to friends online dropped 13%, while seeing friends in-person increased to 28%.
Feature phones are on the rise as Gen Z and millennials are choosing to limit their screen time for their own mental health. Self-named ‘screenagers’ took to TikTok with #bringbackflipphones garnering 60.2 million views.
But it’s not just a generational shift, it’s a cultural movement. The great switch-off trend, initiated in 2021, is gaining momentum as people of all ages seek balance in an increasingly digital world. Feature phones are making a comeback with HMD reporting Flip Phone sales alone more than doubled in Europe (2022 vs 2023) and expects further growth in 2024.
Even celebrities are jumping on board, with Michael Cera, opting for a flip phone lifestyle.
Arne Mathiasen, advocate of the feature phone movement works with young people in Denmark to help them switch off and enjoy the present. So far he has converted over 1500 university students from a smartphone to a feature phone. He said: “My students take part in experiments where they switch to a feature phone for ten days. The students noticeably chatted more with each other, reported better sleep and also said their anxiety levels dropped. It’s all about the balance; I like to say to my students, use your smartphone like a tablet, use it for what you need, then put it away, don’t get lost in it.”
VoiceAbility, a leading voice and rights charity supporting vulnerable people for over forty years, has partnered with customer experience experts Sabio Group to implement innovative Amazon Connect and Salesforce technologies.
This digital transformation project has enhanced VoiceAbility’s communication capabilities, improving efficiency and empowering the charity to better serve its clients.
The 13-week implementation overseen by Sabio seamlessly integrated Amazon Connect with the Salesforce Service Cloud Voice and Experience Cloud platforms.
Paul Harding, Commercial Director for Sabio’s Salesforce Practice, said: “VoiceAbility handles incredibly sensitive cases on a daily basis. Their previous telephony system was deemed no longer fit for purpose and so they wanted to implement leading-edge solutions from a trusted partner who understood their ethos – Sabio ticked those boxes.
“With integrated voice, chat and voicemail functionality, single sign-on security, and AI-powered analytics, VoiceAbility can now detect caller sentiment, spot trends and respond faster to deliver more meaningful support.”
Intelligent voicemail routing and transcription for quick, context-rich responses
Callback queue buster to promptly return calls, improving customer service
Voice automation flows with caller history for personalised conversations
Sentiment analysis providing insights into emotions behind calls
Custom caller ID mapping attuned to individual needs
Enhanced disaster recovery protocols ensuring uninterrupted service
Powerful cloud-based reporting for data-driven decisions
Danny Seaborne, Managing Director for the UK & South Africa at Sabio Group, added: “We’re delighted to collaborate with forward-thinking partners like VoiceAbility.
“With niche expertise across customer engagement technologies, we understand the unique requirements of non-profits managing sensitive communications. This implementation showcases the immense potential of human-centric digital transformation to drive meaningful progress.”
The switch has already shown tremendous results for VoiceAbility, including:
5% increase in service level performance
20-second reduction in average handling times
Faster reporting for real-time operational adjustments
50% less staff turnover owing to simplified systems
Enhanced staff onboarding and training capabilities
As VoiceAbility continues its ambitious mission of inclusive societal change, this new chapter of intuitive, integrated communication promises more efficient operations and deeper human connections – ultimately translating to better lives for the people they serve.
You can read Sabio and Voiceability’s case study in full here.
Finnish circular economy company Piceasoft introduces major updates to its unique-to-the-industry PiceaOnline platform to boost circular economy, increase customer choices, and broaden retailer business and sustainability program opportunities in the used mobile phones market.
Mobile phones are one the most common electronic devices, but at the same time, one of the least recycled or resold. According to the International Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) forum, 5.3 billion mobile phones were thrown away in the year 2022 alone. With many of these potentially reusable, better access to mobile reselling opportunities could significantly reduce the 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste produced annually, a significant amount of which comes from discarded mobile devices.
Also, there is a chronic shortage of pre-owned mobile phones in Europe, so the sales of used phones are severely limited by supply. Used phones are exported from the USA, which partly meets the demand. But US devices are not CE marked, and only phones with CE approval can officially be sold in Europe. While compliance with CE standards varies across Europe, this further complicates the availability of used devices.
Despite the many mobile phone trade-in programs from operators and retailers, it is estimated that less than 20% of consumers recycle their phones. One major reason is the lack of transparency in the trade-in process: many times, the actual trade price for the old phone can be significantly lower than the original estimation due to the shortcomings in accuracy and lack of transparency of the diagnostics and evaluation process. These issues limit consumer options, demotivate them to recycle phones, and hinder trust towards the whole trade-in process.
Now through major developments to the PiceaOnline platform, Piceasoft is bringing unique features and benefits currently missing from the mobile trade-in business. These advancements make recycling phones and extending their life cycle easier and more valuable to both consumers and retailers.
“The mobile phone industry is one the largest in the world, but still in the starting blocks regarding circular economy. Now it is the time to start walking the talk, since the current system is broken and not fair to the customers. Old phones and other consumer electronics create a lot of waste. In fact, waste streams equivalent to more than 300,000 double-decker buses are created every year by smartphones and similar devices sent to waste and buried underground. Also, the consumer awareness of reselling your old phone is still quite low, and the whole value chain needs to take more responsibility in changing this,” says Kristian Järnefelt, the CEO of Piceasoft.
An operating system for circular economy
Usually, when reselling their phones, operators and major retailers only have the option to provide offers from only one trade-in partner program. PiceaOnline’s Multi-partner trade-in increases the value of mobile phone trade-in programs by offering fair and best prices for consumers from multiple trade-in partners, so consumers can benefit from the best and highest-value option for their reselling. Also, the operators and retailers can decide to sell devices matching their self-defined criteria directly to their customers instead of shipping them to the trade-in partner.
“Consumers, trade-in partners, and other retailers can see us as an operating system for the circular economy: we bring concrete, fair, and easy-to-use circular economy choices to every consumer interaction when they are buying a new phone, whether in digital or in stores. PiceaOnline platform merges mobile device lifecycle management technology and consumer-facing services into one easy-to-use business platform. We aim to make Piceasoft Europe’s leading platform to extend the lifecycle of mobile devices,” Kristian Järnefelt continues.
One of the bottlenecks in mobile phone recycling and reselling is the accuracy of grading devices to check their condition. It is estimated that around 78% of consumers lose interest if grading their device requires installing a new app on their smartphone. PiceaOnline’s new Web-based diagnostics make the trade-in process easier for consumers by accurately grading the devices without the need to install an app. Also, more automated diagnostics help to grade the devices in more detail, resulting in concrete value estimates that consumers can trust will be the price they get from their old phone.
PiceaOnline’s new Mobile SDK makes it possible to enhance the reach and value of trade-in programs by integrating PiceaOnline’s trade-in capabilities into retailers’ or mobile operator’s apps. By integrating the PiceaOnline Mobile SDK into their applications, operators, and retailers can directly engage with mobile device consumers, enhance user experience, and provide seamless trade-in experiences and instant trade-in quotes—all within the existing apps. Similarly, the PiceaOnline Mobile SDK can be utilized for self-support use cases.
Piceasoft is showcasing PiceaOnline and how it connects business opportunities to mobile devices’ circular economy with its new features at Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona 26.-29. February 2024.
Senao Networks, a leading network solution provider, proudly announces its launch of SX904 SmartNIC based on the Intel NetSec Accelerator Reference Design. This cutting-edge NIC, harnessing the power of PCIe Gen4 technology and fueled by the Intel XeonD processor, sets an unprecedented standard in high-performance network computing. Senao will showcase a system demonstration at the Intel booth during the upcoming MWC in Barcelona, 26th to 29th of February, 2024.
As transformative shift in networking edge, enterprises are increasingly leaning on scalable edge infrastructure. In order to cater the demands of workloads, low latency, local data processing, and robust security, SX904 marks a significant leap forward.
The combination of Intel XeonD processor, PCIe Gen4 technology, dual 25G SFP28 support, and DDR4 ECC memory support enables the SX904 to achieve unparalleled data transfer rates and maximum bandwidth utilization, ideal for modern server architectures. It provides higher performance from the latest Intel Xeon D processor and Intel Ethernet Controller E810 and supports the latest Intel Platform Firmware Resilience, BMC, and TPM2.0. SX904 enables the seamless offload of applications optimized for Intel architecture with zero changes, optimizing performance transmission effortlessly into an Intel-based server in PCIe add-in-card form factor.
“Senao Networks is proud to introduce the groundbreaking SX904 SmartNIC, setting a new standard in high-performance networking. Our collaboration with Intel has propelled us to redefine industry benchmarks, delivering unparalleled excellence in networking technology.” – Bou Lin, President of Senao Networks.
