Rain Technology Embeds Visual Security and Delivers Display Innovation From Smartphone to AR/VR

CES 2025, CEO Robert Ramsey, Ph.D. and Chief Scientist Michael Robinson, Ph.D. of Rain Technology, creator of the world’s most advanced directional display technologies, has shared expert commentary and select video explainers about:

  • The market outlook for emerging display technologies.
  • The big leap in visual privacy to combat shoulder surfers.
  • Key advances in AR and VR optical design to spur mass adoption.
  • Opportunities to capitalize on display innovations today.

The Market Outlook for Emerging Display Technologies

Whether for business or personal use, displays of all types are central to our everyday experience. However, the amount and type of information displayed, the types of devices themselves, the hardware technologies used to provide higher quality and more efficient images, and the situations in which these devices are used all continue to expand at an incredible rate. As such, significant market opportunity exists for companies developing innovative solutions. Experts in optics and photonics with a legacy in 3D cinema, Rain Technology scientists are radically changing the playing field for visual privacy and superior optical performance in emerging display technologies, which will transform the market by enabling the type of experiences that drive mass adoption through quality and comfort.

One of Rain Technology’s innovations that has been broadly adopted is Switchable Privacy™, a thin liquid crystal layer in the display that switches privacy on and off, preventing peripheral viewers from seeing sensitive content. See the details of how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/y05VX8Pundg. This has applicability across fraud prevention, securing confidential information, and ensuring personal privacy. It has already shipped millions of units through industry-leading partners. In addition, the company’s innovations in privacy have been successfully leveraged and deployed in the automotive sector. Specifically, No-Driver-Distraction™ helps create safer driving experiences by preventing driver distraction caused by light emitted from passenger screens, and Display Screen Branding™ provides off-axis brand promotion by manufacturers and retailers.

Rain Technology will subsequently be adapted to further define the future of AR and VR in gaming, business, medical, and military defense. Its patented approach, Anamorphic-XR™, which relies on common, easy to manufacture materials, delivers fundamentally superior capabilities to existing AR and VR optics to improve user experience, performance and comfort. It has the potential to significantly increase consumer adoption as well as time spent engaged with devices, opening new opportunities for consumer, enterprise, military and industrial uses.

A Big Leap in Visual Privacy for Every Device

Identity theft and data breaches are on the rise, compounded by mobile work, whether remote or simply in transit. Shoulder surfers, visual hackers, and snoopers are omnipresent. Although the market for adhesive-based privacy screens for smartphones, laptops and monitors is valued at over a billion dollars and set to double in five years, it is a stopgap, lacking the ability to be controlled by enterprise IT and security policy and compromising device performance and usability.

Consumers will begin to see device and display manufacturers as well as enterprise IT departments and application developers placing a higher priority on integrating software solutions with new embedded display technologies to deliver increased privacy and control at the source. This newfound level of security will put mobile privacy in everyone’s pocket and across laptops, point of sale, automotive, tablets, and other devices.

Rain Technology is powering this change. Its patented Switchable Privacy controls the viewing angle to protect enterprises and individuals from visual hacking, data fraud, and identity theft. Switchable Privacy is applicable across the displays for smartphones, laptops, POS and ATM terminals, automotive dashboards and in-cabin displays, and medical kiosks. See more about Switchable Privacy here: https://youtu.be/4IzHUionehY.

Key Advances in AR and VR Performance to Spur Mass Adoption

AR and VR devices have been hyped for decades but have yet to realize their potential. To achieve mass adoption, the device hardware must significantly improve in weight, power efficiency, brightness, image quality, and eye comfort. Rain Technology’s Anamorphic-XR represents a crucial advancement in the evolution of AR and VR features, functionality and performance.

Rising consumer interest and commercial long-term strategies from the major players in AR and VR will be complemented by substantial government investment in these innovations, particularly in headsets and navigation and targeting systems. This dual trajectory of technological enhancement, spurred by Anamorphic-XR, and strategic funding will propel the industry forward. This will effectively pave the way for broader integration by the leading AR and VR manufacturers into various sectors, ultimately transforming how people interact with their digital and physical environments. As these improvements are integrated, a surge in user engagement can be expected in terms of session time and application diversity, from entertainment to surgery to day-to-day interaction with the environment.

Opportunities to Capitalize on Display Innovations Today

  • Smartphones – Rain Technology is working with smartphone manufacturers to integrate its embedded Switchable Privacy display technology, ensuring peak performance in optical clarity, color and luminance, while providing Privacy Mode for optimal protection and Share Mode for collaboration. Available now for smartphone brands, display manufacturers, and component suppliers from Rain Technology.
  • Laptops, Tablets and Monitors – Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables viewing in Share Mode and Privacy Mode as well as delivering best-in-class performance for image clarity, color and luminance. Available now to laptop brands and manufacturers from Rain Technology.
  • Retail POS – Customer and staff-operated POS terminal numbers are expanding rapidly, and customers are increasingly sensitive to their data being “visually hacked” or even their privacy compromised during cart review, transaction or tipping at point of sale. Optimizing POS devices for both retailers and consumers, Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables manufacturers to deliver a Privacy Mode for consumer transaction security as well as a Share Mode for brand promotion. Now available to retailers from POS manufacturer Datecs and direct from Rain Technology.
  • Bank ATMs – With more than 3 million ATMs around the world, shopping, dining and withdrawing cash puts consumers as well as merchants, retailers and bankers at risk. Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables ATM manufacturers to ensure financial service providers can mitigate the risk of data breaches, meet regulatory compliance, and foster consumer loyalty and trust. Available today to ATM manufacturers and supply chain providers direct from Rain Technology.
  • Medical Kiosks – Private patient information, governed by HIPAA regulations, is often displayed on screens across the medical environment, from check-in kiosks to registration desks to hospital nurses stations, pharmacies and more. Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables manufacturers of monitors and tablets to deliver a Privacy Mode for patient privacy and Share Mode for collaboration. Now available to manufacturers and display providers across the healthcare industry through Rain Technology.
  • Automotive Displays – Bridging the gap between passenger infotainment and safe driving while meeting evolving legislative safety standards, Rain Technology’s No-Driver-Distraction controls the viewing angle and luminous levels so the display screens within the cabin can only be viewed by the intended audience (driver or passenger). Rain Technology’s Display Screen Branding delivers a unique in-cabin design and branding opportunity for marketers. Available today to automotive suppliers, tier one integrators, and brands both directly from Rain Technology and via display manufacturer Tianma.
  • AR and VR – The future of AR and VR relies at least partly on hardware device advances. Rain Technology is the first to introduce a patented optical design approach — Anamorphic-XR — that holds significant advantages over existing systems in the areas of image quality, color, field of view, brightness (up to 10x improvement), weight, and comfort. Currently available as a proof-of-concept demonstrator, Rain Technology is actively engaging with partners to integrate this technology into future device and wearable offerings.

To learn more, visit www.raintechnology.com.

CES 2025 news

Top Tips for Safeguarding Sensitive Data in the Financial Services Industry

The modern business landscape demands increased vigilance to protect sensitive records and confidential information. Organizations that handle vast amounts of personal and operational data face mounting challenges, particularly with the rise of sophisticated breaches. The stakes are high in terms of financial losses and in maintaining client trust and organizational reputation. Protecting this data is no longer just about compliance with regulations. It’s about safeguarding the foundation of business operations. For institutions managing high-value data, adopting advanced measures and leveraging innovative strategies is critical. 

Here’s how you can effectively mitigate risks while fostering a culture of security:

Understand Regulatory Requirements

Meeting regulatory obligations is a cornerstone of maintaining operational integrity and security. Various frameworks, such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), outline specific requirements to protect personal and transactional data. Compliance with these standards minimizes the risk of breaches, reduces potential fines, and reassures clients that their information is in safe hands.

For businesses in highly regulated sectors, keeping pace with evolving guidelines is essential. This involves conducting regular audits, maintaining transparency, and documenting processes to demonstrate accountability. Beyond avoiding penalties, adherence to these frameworks helps organizations align their security practices with industry expectations, building a strong defense against unauthorized activities.

Partnering with Experts in Data Protection

Collaborating with specialized security providers can significantly improve an organization’s ability to protect its operations. Advanced platforms offer critical services, such as monitoring threats, identifying vulnerabilities, and enabling rapid responses to incidents. These solutions also provide real-time insights, helping businesses anticipate and prevent potential risks before they materialize.

A trusted provider can deliver customized tools designed to fit an organization’s specific needs, ensuring robust defenses against even the most targeted attacks. Cybersecurity for financial services is particularly vital in protecting high-value assets and managing complex threats. By outsourcing security functions to experts, businesses can focus on their core operations while maintaining a strong shield against evolving risks.

Implement Strong Authentication Measures

Passwords alone no longer offer adequate security for safeguarding accounts and systems. Many breaches occur because of weak or stolen credentials, highlighting the need for additional layers of verification. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) has become a standard practice for securing access to critical systems. This approach requires users to verify their identity using two or more methods, such as biometric scans, one-time passwords, or physical tokens.

Advanced authentication methods, like biometric systems, enhance protection and streamline the user experience. For instance, fingerprint or facial recognition technology eliminates the need for complex passwords, making it easier for authorized users to access their accounts securely. Businesses prioritizing these measures demonstrate their commitment to protecting internal operations and customer accounts.

Regularly Update and Patch Systems

Keeping software and systems up to date is fundamental for any organization seeking to minimize vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals often exploit outdated software, leveraging known weaknesses to gain access to critical data. Regular updates and timely patches address these gaps, ensuring systems remain protected against the latest threats.

Organizations should implement automatic updates for essential applications and establish a structured testing process to verify their effectiveness. Routine system audits can identify any lingering vulnerabilities and guide necessary improvements. By maintaining current software versions and prioritizing patches, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of breaches caused by preventable flaws.

Educate Employees on Security Awareness

Employees play a pivotal role in protecting an organization’s data and systems. Despite advanced tools and protocols, human error remains one of the leading causes of security incidents. Phishing scams, social engineering tactics, and poorly managed credentials can all lead to breaches if employees are unprepared.

Regular training programs are crucial to fostering a culture of awareness. These sessions should cover topics such as identifying phishing attempts, practicing safe browsing habits, and managing personal device usage in professional settings. Interactive workshops and real-world simulations can make the learning process engaging and impactful. A well-informed workforce acts as a frontline defense, significantly reducing the likelihood of successful attacks.

Also, organizations should provide employees with clear guidelines for reporting suspicious activities. By cultivating an environment where staff feel empowered to take proactive steps, businesses can improve their overall resilience against security risks.

Encrypt Data at Every Stage

Encryption is one of the most effective tools for securing information from unauthorized access. It involves converting data into unreadable code, ensuring only authorized parties can decrypt and access the information. This practice protects data during storage and as it moves across networks.

Financial organizations, in particular, handle large volumes of sensitive client information, making encryption essential. Employing strong encryption protocols for emails, transactions, and stored files can significantly reduce the risk of breaches. For businesses with remote teams or cloud-based operations, end-to-end encryption adds another layer of security, ensuring that data remains protected even if intercepted. Regularly updating encryption protocols and training staff on their importance are critical steps in maintaining robust data security.

Conduct Regular Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are a proactive way to identify and address vulnerabilities before they become liabilities. These evaluations involve analyzing systems, identifying weak points, and implementing strategies to mitigate potential risks.

For organizations in the financial sector, regular assessments should include reviewing internal policies, auditing third-party vendors, and testing the resilience of existing security measures. Tools like penetration testing can simulate attacks, revealing areas that need improvement. Periodic evaluations help maintain a secure environment and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. A consistent review process strengthens an organization’s ability to adapt to emerging challenges and maintain trust with clients and stakeholders.

Protecting confidential information in today’s landscape requires a comprehensive and proactive approach. From implementing encryption and robust authentication to collaborating with experts and conducting regular assessments, businesses must remain vigilant. A focus on education and collaboration across all levels of an organization further strengthens its defenses. By adopting these strategies, institutions can build a resilient framework that safeguards their operations and reinforces client trust. Prioritizing security is not just a necessity. It is a commitment to maintaining long-term success.

Why Telematics Technology is Key to Safer Driving

In today’s world, telematics is changing how we drive. From providing real-time data to improving car insurance premiums, telematics technology is making our roads safer. If you want to understand how a telematics device can improve your driving, keep reading. Whether you’re a new driver or experienced, this technology offers many benefits. And with telematics for car insurance, safe drivers can even save money.

Before we dive in, it’s important to note that many car insurance policies are using telematics devices to offer discounts based on safe driving. So, what is the meaning of telematics, and why is it so important?

What is Telematics?

Telematics is the technology that combines vehicle data and telecommunications. It uses telematics devices to track things like speed, braking, and location. These devices collect and send real-time data from your car, helping you drive more safely.

When we talk about telematics, we mean a system that provides valuable insights into your driving behaviour. It works through a telematics control unit or an aftermarket device that monitors your vehicle’s performance. This data can then be shared with you, car manufacturers, or insurance companies.

A telematics control unit is the central part of the technology. It gathers and processes all the data from your device. This data can be sent to your smartphone app, the car manufacturer, or your insurance company.

How Telematics Improves Driving Safety

One of the biggest benefits of telematics is how it helps drivers stay safe. It collects data on driving habits and offers useful feedback. This can help identify unsafe driving patterns and offer improvement tips.

1. Real-Time Alerts

Some devices can provide real-time feedback on your driving. For instance, if you’re speeding, braking too hard, or driving aggressively, you may receive alerts from your insurer. These notifications can help you adjust your driving habits and avoid potential risks before they lead to dangerous situations or penalties. 

2. Better Data for Safer Driving

A major benefit of telematics technology is its ability to collect detailed driving data. A telematics control unit can monitor aspects like speed, acceleration, braking, and cornering. This data provides insights into your driving habits, helping you identify areas for improvement. By addressing risky behaviours early, you can make safer choices on the road and reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Telematics and Car Insurance

Telematics for car insurance is becoming more common. With a device installed, your insurance company can monitor your driving behaviour. If you drive safely, you may qualify for lower premiums. This is often known as “usage-based insurance.”

If you drive well, your insurance company sees you as less of a risk. They can offer you discounts based on your driving habits, like smooth braking and safe acceleration. This not only encourages better driving but also rewards it with lower costs.

Telematics Devices for Fleet Management

Telematics is also important for businesses with vehicle fleets. Fleet managers use telematics devices to track driver behaviour and improve safety. By monitoring things like fuel consumption and driving patterns, companies can keep drivers safe while reducing costs.

For the drivers, this means better oversight and safer working conditions. It helps prevent risky driving and ensures vehicles are running smoothly.

The Future of Driving Safety

The role of telematics technology in road safety continues to evolve. Many systems already help drivers stay informed with real-time data, and future advancements could further enhance safety. Emerging technologies may integrate these devices with features like smarter navigation and improved hazard awareness.

Looking ahead, there is potential for telematics to connect vehicles with infrastructure, such as traffic signals and road signage, to create a more seamless driving experience. While these innovations are still in development, they could pave the way for safer and more efficient journeys in the years to come.

Telematics technology is a game changer for driving safety. From real-time alerts to reduced insurance rates, telematics devices are making a big impact. Whether you’re using it to improve your driving habits or reduce your insurance premium, this technology is essential for safer driving.

As it continues to evolve, we can expect even more ways to stay safe on the road. So, if you want to improve your driving experience, telematics technology is the way to go.

Vida Care to open ten Irish clinics as demand for preventative healthcare soars

Irish healthcare provider Vida Care is ramping up its plans to open ten preventative health screening and testing clinics in Ireland after closing a funding round which has generated €1 million from investors.

The company has already spent another €1 million developing its business model and opening its first three clinics and has screened over 2,000 patients as it responds to a new and growing demand from Irish consumers who have become proactive about protecting their health, longevity and wellness.

Vida Care opened its third clinic in Pembroke Street in Dublin this week, following on from clinic openings in Blackrock and Clonsilla. The new clinic is its first in Dublin city centre and will be followed by new clinic openings in Cork, Galway, Sligo and Athlone in the coming months.

Vida Care’s service provides patients with immediate access to preventative health screening, enabling them to book routine tests for bloods, cholesterol, cortisol, diabetes, thyroid, hormones, colon cancer and STIs on demand and to receive their test results from 48 hours.

Its base line test costs €129 and covers 46-biomarkers, providing patients with essential insights into their kidney, heart and liver health. Its most comprehensive screening test costs €499 and covers 150 data points including nutritional, hormonal, digestive, pancreatic, muscle and joint health, allergy evaluation, and screening for infection and inflammation.

Vida Care is also eyeing up expansion into Portugal and Marbella which have become the epicentre of the preventative healthcare, longevity and wellness business in Europe. This element of its overall expansion strategy will provide new and existing clients who live aboard for part of the year with a familiar, local service.

‘The preventative healthcare and longevity business is exploding in Ireland and is being driven by consumers who want to take back control of their health. Vida Care is leading the way in meeting that demand and we are pursuing an ambitious strategy to expand and scale up our company at home and abroad,’ said Conor Kelly, CEO of Vida Care.

‘Our growth to date has been financed by shareholders, private investors and investment through the EIIS scheme. This investment has also allowed us to develop innovative software that is powered by AI technology to revolutionise how our health data and test results are analysed and to provide detailed recommendations that significantly improve patient outcomes,’ he said.

‘Irish consumers want to know their health numbers. They are already getting a lot of biometric data from wearable devices and related apps which are often their first step towards taking charge of their health. Vida Care is the next step on that personal wellness journey and the demand for our service is also being driven by customers who simply can’t access their local GP service,’ Mr Kelly.

‘Our health screening and testing service makes life easier for patients. They don’t need a GP referral, they won’t be left waiting for days for results, and they won’t have to chase their GP to know where they stand. They can book a same day appointment online and have their results from 48 hours. Our patients value the convenience and peace of mind that comes with that,’ he concluded.

Vida Care is also providing cardiac screening services for sports clubs and corporate clients. It’s rapid analysis and results model has already played a critical role in saving lives, in helping to ensure that at risk individuals are identified and supported, and in reducing the incidences of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) among people under 35.

See other health news 

Maxcom FW66 Iron R – Men’s Jewellery Smartwatch first look

The Maxcom FW66 Iron R – Men’s Jewellery Smartwatch – BijouWatch is in for review and this looks really tasty if you are into smartwatches, today we will take a first look at this watch one of the many now on offer from the company and if you have any questions feel free to ask. 

Equipped with a 1.43-inch AMOLED screen, Iron R offers vivid colours and exceptional image depth. For those who appreciate classic style, Iron R offers a traditional watch face with the option to choose between analogue and digital screens. Alternatively, a database of over 100 free watch faces and the ability to set an image from the phone gallery lets users express their style and personality. 

The Iron R is packed with smartwatch features allowing users to set reminders, alarms and quickly respond to messages and calls or social media notifications without reaching for their phone.  

The advanced health features offer constant heart rate, blood oxygen and blood pressure monitoring, sleep analysis and sports tracking that has over 70 modes for recording workouts and monitoring progress over time, thanks to an intuitive app. Fast charging and a generous battery yields 14 days of life from one charge. 

BUY 

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Unboxing 

Dell Technologies Leads AI PC Movement with New, Redesigned PC Portfolio

Dell Technologies has today announced a new, simplified AI PC portfolio featuring on-device AI for greater end-user creativity and productivity. To accelerate AI PC adoption across Irish businesses, Dell is also providing developers and IT administrators with the tools to seamlessly build and deploy AI applications to Dell AI PCs.

As the number one provider of commercial AI PCs, Dell is expanding its portfolio with new product designs, increased performance and battery life, the latest silicon innovation and AI accelerators, and industry-leading capabilities across software, management, and sustainability. Dell has unified its brand across PCs, displays, services and accessories to make it even easier for customers to find the right technology solutions they need today and in the future.

“The PC is the most important personal productivity device of our lifetime, and it is being transformed by AI,” said Michael Dell, chairman and CEO, Dell Technologies. “Dell has driven PC innovation for the last 40 years and we are well positioned for this moment. Our new, streamlined portfolio of AI PCs is here to deliver the future of computing.”

Unified brand and simplified choices

Buying a PC can be a complex experience, with multiple factors to consider – brands, models, form factors, performance, graphics, storage and materials. In fact, 74% of consumers walked away from technology purchases simply because they felt overwhelmed.

Dell’s new branding puts the highly trusted Dell name front and center with three PC categories:

  • Dell: Designed for play, school, and work.
  • Dell Pro: Designed for professional-grade productivity.
  • Dell Pro Max: Designed for maximum performance.

The Dell and Dell Pro product lines extend to displays, accessories and services for consistent customer experience across the entire client portfolio. For example, the Dell Pro 13/14 Premium is a Copilot+ PC with a sleek and lightweight laptop option for executives, sales managers and consultants who value performance and portability on the go. It’s available in 13- and 14-inch display sizes and is the slimmest and lightest of the Pro portfolio, starting at only 2.36 pounds. The Dell Pro Premium delivers up to 21.2 hours of battery life and 51% more run time than its predecessor.

Dell Pro Max PCs pack high-end performance in a portable, lightweight, and modern design, with Dell Pro Max Plus and Premium models coming later this year. The all-new 16-inch size provides expansive screen real estate and supports complex and high-performance applications on-the-go. The spacious display offers up to QHD+ resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio and an optional touch screen.

“Dell’s strategy to shift to simple, descriptive naming across its PC, ecosystem solutions and services portfolio brings significant value to customers amidst a complex and evolving AI PC landscape,” said Pat Moorhead, President, Moor Insights & Strategy. “Alongside new silicon options from AMD, in addition to Intel and Qualcomm, and new PC designs, Dell is well positioned to offer choice and help organizations futureproof for the AI era.”

Powering AI PCs for specific workloads

Dell provides the latest silicon choices across its new portfolio while removing guesswork and complexity for end-users and businesses. New Dell AI PCs [link to blog] offer built-in NPU technology to deliver AI performance suited to specific workload needs. Dell builds upon its extensive Intel® lineup by adding Intel® Core™ Ultra (Series 2) processors, expands AMD options with AMD Ryzen™ processors and continues working with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to offer customers the right devices for the right use-cases. The combined hardware, software and silicon innovations broaden powerful on-device Copilot+ PC experiences to reach more customers.

With new devices across Dell, Dell Pro and Dell Pro Max, offering multi-day battery life, users can stay productive longer and enjoy modern and professional grade designs that withstand rigorous daily use, with improved thermal technology that enhances airflow ensuring quite operation.

Professionals can handle intensive workloads, power demanding applications, and fine-tune large language models with Dell Pro Max mobile and fixed workstations, featuring a patented thermal design that boosts performance generation-over-generation. IT administrators benefit from Dell’s world-class security and manageability features, which allow remote management of entire fleets of Dell Pro devices, reducing operational costs and increasing uptime.

Building on company’s circular innovation leadership, sustainability is a core focus, with modular designs and increased use of recycled renewable, and low-emissions materials. Enabling easy repairs and reducing e-waste. Dell Pro and select Dell Pro Max devices include modular USB-C ports and modular mainboards that allow for repair of commonly used ports without affecting the entire system.

These devices utilize recycled and renewable materials, including low-emissions aluminium and bio-based plastics, reflecting Dell’s commitment to reducing environmental impact. Battery innovations further enhance sustainability, using 80% less cobalt to minimize reliance on critical minerals.

Dell accelerates AI PC adoption with Dell Pro AI Studio

Businesses want to use AI models trained on their data to address specific needs and run them locally on AI PCs for better efficiency.

 However, building and managing these models is challenging because hardware requirements differ across silicon vendors and CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs.

Dell is making AI development on PCs easy with the Dell Pro AI Studio, the industry’s most comprehensive AI toolkit leveraging NPU technology With Dell validated tools, frameworks, templates and models, developers and IT administrators can build and manage AI software with simplicity and speed, regardless of the underlying silicon. This is expected to reduce development and deployment time by as much as 75%,  going from six months to as little as six weeks.

Dell Pro AI Studio, part of the Dell AI Factory, is another example of how Dell helps enterprises right-size, implement and scale AI across various environments – from PCs to data centers. The Dell AI Factory gives customers access to the industry’s broadest AI portfolio and an open ecosystem of technology partners to create AI applications that meet their unique needs, budgets and power requirements.

Dell’s innovations are setting new standards in personal and professional computing, revolutionising how users approach productivity and creativity in Ireland and around the globe. Devices like the Dell Pro Premium with its sleek design and 21.2 hours of battery life and other advanced features such as HDR – enabled cameras, highlights its mobility and professional performance.

The Dell Pro Plus, available in multiple configurations, offers scalable performance with a durable and sustainable finish. Meanwhile, the Dell Pro Max line delivers unparalleled power and versatility for demanding workloads, making it an ideal choice for professionals in fields such as animation, design, and engineering.

Through user-centric innovation Dell cements its leadership in the AI PC world and setting new standards in personal and professional computing.

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RAZER launches the new RAZOR Blade 16

Razor has announced the new Razer Blade 16, redesigned to be thinner and more mobile for on-the-go gamers but packed with the performance expected from a Razer Blade. Featuring the all-new NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 50 series laptop GPUs and, for the first time ever, AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 processors, Blade 16 offers incredible levels of raw power and maximum AI performance. Equipped with a fast and vibrant QHD+ 240Hz OLED display, a new keyboard and more speakers, the Blade 16 is more fun to play on that ever before.

Travis Furst, Head of the Notebook & Accessories Division at Razer, stated, “The new Razer Blade 16 is a game-changer, blending ultra-portable design with powerhouse performance. It’s tailored for gamers who demand the best in mobility without compromising on power or features, truly embodying what the future of gaming laptops looks like.”

Reimagined Innovative Design

Redesigned with an emphasis on portability, Blade 16 features a new thermal hood designed, achieving a slim 0.59-inch profile at its thinnest point, making it the thinnest gaming laptop ever designed by Razer. Despite its thin design, Blade 16 is incredibly durable – featuring a unibody chassis, precision cut from a single block of aluminum to minimize size without compromising strength.

To achieve the ultra-thin profile, the Blade 16 features a new generation of vapor chamber cooling system with a dual-fan design to effectively cool the Blade while keeping it quiet under load. The new cooling solution covers 57% of the motherboard surface area and features 0.05mm exhaust fins to provide greater heat dissipation in a low-profile solution.

Peak AI-Powered Performance

Built for performance, the Blade 16 packs up to the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 Laptop GPU, with 24 GB of GDDR7 VRAM and pushes up to 155W of maximum graphics power, for ample rendering power. Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell, GeForce RTX™ 50 Series Laptop GPUs bring game-changing capabilities to gamers and creators. Equipped with a massive level of AI horsepower, the RTX 50 Series enables new experiences and next-level graphics fidelity. Multiply performance with NVIDIA DLSS 4, generate images at unprecedented speed, and unleash your creativity with NVIDIA Studio. Plus, access NVIDIA NIM microservices – state-of-the-art AI models that let enthusiasts and developers build AI assistants, agents, and workflows with peak performance on NIM-ready systems.

“At NVIDIA, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in gaming and creation,” said Kaustubh Sanghani, vice president of GPU products at NVIDIA. “The GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU in the Razer Blade 16 with DLSS 4 and NVIDIA NIMs exemplifies this commitment, delivering unparalleled performance and AI capabilities that will empower gamers and creators to achieve new heights.”

For the first time ever, the Blade 16 will feature an AMD Ryzen™ processor, up to the AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 with 12 cores/ 24 threads for tackling heavy workloads and intense gaming sessions. Featuring a powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of up to 50 TOPS, the new processor gives users access to Copilot+ experiences, including powerful image creation tools with Cocreator, live translations when watching international content with Live Captions, and improved Windows Studio Effects to boost their presentations. Complimented with fast and efficient 8000 MHz LPDDR5X memory, users can accomplish more in their day while limiting power draw to help extend on-screen time and stay mobile.

“Razer Blade series notebooks push the boundaries of creativity, style and performance for gamers and creators everywhere,” said Rahul Tikoo, senior vice president and general manager, Client Business Unit, AMD. “This year, we are proud to expand our partnership with Razer to bring the first-ever Blade 16 powered by Ryzen AI 300 Series processors to the market. With the world’s most advanced NPU, Ryzen AI 300 Series processors will expand the possibilities of AI-fueled gaming and content creation on Razer notebooks.”

Making the most of the powerful components within, Blade 16 is fitted with an incredibly fast, incredibly clear QHD+ 240Hz OLED display. Clocking in at a blazing fast a .2 ms response time, drift corners in the latest racing sim or 360 no scope opponents across the map with next-level clarity as images and colors quickly transition with minimal blurring. Flanked by thin 4.7 mm bezels, the vibrant display is a delight to create on, offering Calman Verified color profiles from Rec .709 to Adobe RGB to DCI-P3, there is a profile for every type of creator.

Best-in-Class Experience

In addition to the redesigned chassis, Blade 16 features a new keyboard with a deeper 1.5mm travel distance, for 50% more travel, and ~63g of actuation force for an overall more responsive typing experience. To provide quicker access to key tools, the keyboard now features a row of five macro keys pre-assigned to various functions within Razer Synapse for easy switching based on user needs but can also be customized to open apps, change settings, and more. In addition to the new macro keys, the keyboard is complete with the Copilot key, giving users immediate access to the AI companion to help them level up their daily tasks.

Matching the improved typing experience, Blade 16 has been upgraded to a 6-speaker audio system for a richer listening experience. Tuned by the audio professionals at THX, Blade 16 comes complete with a variety of pre-tuned EQ profiles for gaming, movies, podcasts and more. Tonally inclined users can also create their own custom EQ profile and fine tune the listening experience to their desire.

For more information on the Razer Blade 16 (2025), please visit Razer.com.

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Audioscenic Collaborates to Launch World’s First AI-enhanced PC Monitor

Audioscenic, the UK-based audio technology innovator and creator of Amphi 3D sound, announces a collaboration with a global leader in personal computing to launch a cutting-edge QD-OLED monitor. Featuring Amphi Hi-D technology, the 31.5-inch QD-OLED monitor includes a room-filling 5x5W bezel-mounted speaker array, offering a first-of-its-kind audio experience. The new monitor will debut at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.

Since launching in 2016, Audioscenic has been on a mission to evolve spatial audio rendering by combining Machine Learning AI with advanced signal processing to deliver an unparalleled immersive sound experience that adapts to the listener’s position. At CES 2023, Audioscenic Amphi debuted on the Razer™ Leviathan V2 Pro soundbar and was recognized as Best in Show. In 2024, Acer launched the SpatialLabs™ View 27 series of stereoscopic display products featuring Amphi, and today, the QD-OLED monitor with Amphi Hi-D takes display technology to the next level.

Audioscenic Amphi Hi-D delivers listener position-adaptive High-Dimensional sound, setting a new benchmark in spatial audio. Using the built-in webcam as a Machine Learning AI powered sensor, Amphi senses the alignment of the listener’s ears relative to the monitor screen. This positional data enables beamforming, and drives a process called cross-talk cancellation that unlocks spatial cues to deliver optimized 3D sound to the listener. Compared to conventional 2-channel stereo systems, Hi-D provides superior control over 3D sound reproduction through advanced cross-talk cancellation across multiple speakers. Hi-D offers an enhanced user experience with more uniform frequency response, wider cancellation spectrum, increased loudness, and reduced reflections.

“With the new QD-OLED monitor, we’re bringing AI-enhanced Hi-D sound to everyday computing,” said Marcos Simon, CTO and Co-Founder of Audioscenic. “Precision-tuned Amphi Hi-D transforms conference calls, games, movies, music and more into immersive experiences, delivering an enveloping sphere of life-like sound.”

Experience Amphi Hi-D® firsthand at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. To book a demonstration with Audioscenic at CES in Venetian suite 29-124, please contact the media contacts below.

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Shure MV7i Smart Microphone and Interface: The World’s First Microphone with Built-in Audio Interface

Shure has announced the MV7i Smart Microphone and Interface, at CES 2025. Featuring a world-first and patented technology, the MV7i sets a new standard of versatility and ease-of-use for podcasters, musicians, and streamers who require two channels of recording. Answering the needs of today’s creators, the MV7i enables users to directly connect a second XLR microphone of their choice or musical instrument (keyboard, guitar, etc.), eliminating the need for an external hardware interface. Designed to simplify the way creators record audio, the MV7i offers the same unmatched audio quality as the award-winning MV7+ – complete with onboard DSP and MOTIV Mix™ desktop and MOTIV mobile app integration.

Shure MV7i Smart Microphone

“Whether they’re recording a podcast with a guest or tracking vocals and instruments simultaneously in their home studio, creators need technology that simplifies their workflow and makes capturing audio seamless,” says Eduardo Valdes, AVP of Global Marketing and Product Management, at Shure. “The MV7i delivers the same renowned sound signature as the celebrated MV7+ and streamlines the creative process, saving creators from additional expenses and the hassle of confusing setups so they can focus on their craft and push boundaries, while we handle the technology. By combining Shure’s legendary microphone audio quality with an integrated interface, we’re eliminating complexity while maintaining professional standards, all in one elegant solution.”

Engineered for seamless two-channel recording, the MV7i supports diverse creative needs, from podcasting with a guest to recording vocals and instruments. The built-in interface lets users seamlessly connect a second microphone or instrument directly into the MV7i, and then control both channels of audio either in the MOTIV apps through a computer or phone or with any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and app. Its powerful, built-in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) engine ensures studio-quality sound on both channels, minimising production setup. Creators can adjust the DSP setting on each of the MV7i’s two channels independently.

Inspired by Shure’s iconic SM7B, the MV7i’s design is complemented by a durable metal chassis, ensuring longevity and reliability. The microphone includes a built-in combo XLR and ¼” input, enabling users to connect a second microphone or instrument with 60dB gain and 48V phantom power, compatible with both dynamic and condenser mics. The MV7i instantly detects input type and automatically selects and applies the appropriate DSP for the recording application. Its USB-C output ensures broad compatibility with Mac, Windows, and select mobile devices, and is MFi certified for iPhone and iPad use. Additionally, the colour-customisable LED touch panel provides intuitive mute control and a dual-channel LED display for quick, at-a-glance access, simplifying adjustments during recordings and livestreams. The MV7i is compatible with your favourite Digital Audio Workstation and streaming platform.

“Creators no longer need a separate interface. The MV7i puts it all in one convenient and space-saving package, designed for users regardless of their level of audio knowledge,” continued Valdes. “Customised control of the microphone through MOTIV Mix makes it even easier to use.”

Key Features and Benefits

  • Auto Level Mode with SmartGate™ Technology: Automatically calibrates gain based on proximity, volume, and room dynamics. SmartGate works with Auto Level Mode to dynamically reduce the volume of a channel when either of the two users falls silent, minimising crosstalk and guaranteeing that concurrent conversations do not disrupt the separate audio streams.
  • Real-Time Denoiser: Actively reduces ambient noise, ideal for podcasting and at-home recording.
  • Digital Popper Stopper™: Removes harsh plosive sounds, ensuring clear audio without a physical pop screen.
  • Adjustable Reverb: Select from three reverb types with customisable intensity, perfect for versatile recording environments.

The MV7i answers the increasing need for versatile, professional-grade recording solutions that can keep up with today’s fast-moving content landscape. With the explosive growth in podcasting, streaming, and home music production, creators require studio-quality audio solutions that are both powerful and intuitive. The MV7i’s innovative dual-channel capability addresses this demand head-on, extending Shure’s legacy of excellence in the creator and musician space.

MOTIV Mix™ Desktop App

Unlock the full potential of the MV7i through the MOTIV Mix app. This platform lets users customize the LED panel, access up to five multi-track recording and routing channels, and fine-tune settings like sound signature, gain, and more. At launch, users can leverage three powerful output configurations:

·       Mixdown Mode: Combines microphone and mono input audio into one mono audio output. Perfect for occasions when you want to use the audio quickly with no additional post-production.
·       Multi-Track Mode: Renders two separate mono audio tracks: one for the microphone and one for the XLR-1/4” input. Ideal when you want to keep the two tracks separate for further editing. 
·       Stereo Mode: Combines microphone and stereo input audio into one stereo audio track. Preserves the stereo audio from the Input and places mic input in both left and right channels. Great for voiceovers with stereo audio in the background.

MV7i Mobile Support The MV7i can be connected to smartphones or tablets over a USB-C cable, enabling users to record two channels of audio directly into their mobile devices. Users can record two channels of audio directly into their favourite apps or choose to leverage the Shure MOTIV Audio and MOTIV Video apps to record and adjust their preferred DSP settings while on-the-go.

Pricing and Availability
Shure is showcasing the MV7i for the first time at Pepcom CES Digital Experience in Las Vegas. The MV7i Smart Microphone and Interface is available now for £329 / €389 / $349 RRP. Each purchase comes with a quick start guide, 3m USB-C to USB-C cable, and download instructions for MOTIV Apps. For additional information on the MV7i Microphone, please visit www.shure.com/mv7i.

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