Early Jabra Black Friday deals!

Black Friday is almost here, and there is some serious deals on Jabra headphones that are already available from select retailers. Whether you’re working out to your favourite soundtrack or joining a work call, Jabra’s Elite range of earbuds have got you covered!

Check out what is on offer below and also see our reviews to help you make that purchase decision

Jabra Elite 4 – Was £99.99, Now £49.99 

These affordable true wireless earbuds are packed with features with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Multipoint connectivity and Fast Pairing (Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair). They offer comfort, optimal sound and convenience, all at a reasonable price.

Available at Argos, Amazon and John Lewis.

See our review 

Jabra Elite 4 Active – Was £119.99, Now £59.99 

These affordable true wireless earbuds are packed with features with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Multipoint connectivity and Fast Pairing (Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair). They offer comfort, optimal sound and convenience, all at a reasonable price.

Available at Argos, Amazon and John Lewis.

See our review 

Jabra Elite 8 Active – Was £229.99, Now £129.99

The Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds are built to endure, offering dustproof, waterproof, and sweatproof protection along with a secure fit thanks to Jabra ShakeGrip™. Experience rich Dolby Audio*, Adaptive Hybrid ANC, and crystal-clear calls with 6-microphone windproof technology.

Available at Argos, Amazon and John Lewis.

See our review

Jabra Elite 10 – Was £229.99, Now £149.99

Immerse yourself in powerful Dolby audio with the Jabra Elite 10, featuring twice the noise cancellation strength through Jabra Advanced ANC™ and up to 27 hours of battery life. What’s more, enjoy a perfect fit all day with Jabra’s revolutionary ComfortFit technology.

Available at Argos, Amazon

See our review

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 – Was £229.99, Now £159.99

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 true wireless sports earbuds are sweatproof, waterproof and workout-proof, with secure in-ear fit, HearThrough for better awareness, and a new smart case for streaming music anywhere.

Available at Argos, Amazon and John Lewis.

See our review 

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 – Was £259.99, Now £179.99

The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 true wireless earbuds deliver immersive spatial sound with all-day comfort, advanced noise-cancellation, and a new LE Audio smart case, letting you stream music seamlessly wherever you go.

Available at Argos.

See our review 

Edifier Announces M60 Compact Multimedia Desktop 2.0 Speakers

Designed for High- Resolution audio, delivering impressive power output and perfectly suited for any desktop set-up.

With a 3-inch full-range driver and an efficient bass reflex port, the M60 delivers rich, immersive audio for all your multimedia needs.

Stream high resolution audio with the built-in Bluetooth V5.3 audio receiver. It supports the LDAC codec, offering a maximum transmission bitrate of 990 kbps. Stream high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz from Android devices running version 8.0 or later.

Measuring 100 mm (W) x 168 mm (H) x 147mm (D) the M60 fits perfectly on any desk or shelf.

Edifier International, the award-winning audio electronics designer announces the M60 Hi-Res Multimedia Speakers with Bluetooth. The Edifier M60 multimedia speaker system enhances your desktop audio with its compact size and powerful performance, making it ideal for streaming music, watching videos, or gaming. With a focus on delivering crystal-clear sound and user-friendly operation, the sleek design seamlessly fits into any workspace, elevating your everyday audio experience.

Compact Design/Powerful Output

Offering a stylish and compact design the Edifier M60 enhances workspace aesthetics while providing exceptional sound quality. Featuring hand-crafted wooden cabinets with a 1″ silk dome tweeter and a 3″ long-throw aluminium mid-low driver driven by a high-efficiency Class-D amplifier from Texas Instruments, the M60 produces 66W RMS for a powerful and clear audio performance.

Wireless Streaming

Supporting wireless streaming through Bluetooth V5.3 and LDAC codec, The M60 enables high-resolution audio transmission up to 24-bit/96kHz at 990 kbps for Android devices running version 8.0 or later. 

Modern Aesthetic Meets Functionality

The Edifier M60 is designed for versatile audio enhancement across various media, including music, podcasts, movies, and gaming. Users can switch effortlessly between two audio sources—USB for PC or an analog connection—without the hassle of constantly plugging and unplugging cables. The M60 features a user-friendly top-mounted touch panel that automatically lights up when your hand approaches, enabling easy control via simple touch and swipe gestures,

Speaker Stands Included

The M60 includes a pair of exclusive aluminium speaker stands which effectively minimize sound colorations caused by reflections from the desktop surface. The stands are designed with a 15-degree angle, ensuring the sound is directed precisely at ear-level when placed on a desktop.

EDIFIER ConneX App

Download the EDIFIER ConneX mobile app to unlock a suite of enhanced features for your speaker, including playback control, customization of sound effects, settings for the touch panel backlight, and access to the user manual along with various other configurations.

See our Edifier reviews

Price & Availability:

The Edifier M60 is available at £159.99 from Amazon and K & B Audio – https://www.kbaudio.co.uk/products/edifier-m60-multimedia-speaker?srsltid=AfmBOornYUSR1muVn3a2tPu3CHG7_2iV3CIblyAsIVTfuN9DNoHnu10c

SIRO AND VODAFONE ANNOUNCED AS CONNECTIVITY PARTNERS FOR CARRICKMACROSS CTEK2 ENTERPRISE HUB

SIRO and Vodafone have been announced as connectivity partners for Monaghan’s newest enterprise hub, CTEK2. The Carrickmacross enterprise hub was officially opened earlier this month by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D., with representatives from Monaghan County Council, Enterprising Monaghan, elected representatives and other key stakeholders all in attendance.

The CTEK2 Hub has now also joined the Gigabit Hub Initiative. The Initiative is a partnership between SIRO and Vodafone, which brings Gigabit Fibre Connectivity to remote working and digital hubs across Ireland. CTEK2 is joining a host of other successful Hubs across Ireland, such as Dundalk’s Creative Spark, Galway’s PorterShed and Skibbereen Ludgate Hub which have already benefitted from the Initiative. CTEK2 is the 24th Hub to join the Initiative.

The CTEK2 Hub can now provide businesses and tenants with high-speed, high-quality fibre connectivity, supported by SIRO’s 100% fibre network, which can provide speeds of up to 25 Gigabits,  future proofing the service for decades to come. This means that as the bandwidth and speed needs of Monaghan businesses grow in the years to come the CTEK2 Hub can continue to keep pace with their needs.

CTEK2 is already proving hugely popular with the Carrickmacross and wider Monaghan business community, with 11 tenants already availing of the 17 units onsite. The new hub compliments the existing CTEK1 building located next door, which has been open for several years. The new Hub is already supporting 50 jobs. Businesses using the Hub include a home care provider, an accountancy firm, an executive car rental company and physical therapist, among others. Overall, the 1,450-square-meter facility supports regional talent retention, provides a work base for former commuters, and attracts start-ups from Monaghan and surrounding counties.

Offering a range of office options, from hot desks to private spaces, CTEK2 is designed to meet the needs of various users, from solo entrepreneurs to established enterprises. Its extensive facilities, including ample parking and kitchen spaces, allowing tenants to work in a flexible, professional environment close to home. As CTEK2 continues to grow, it plans to host community events and offer further professional development opportunities, solidifying its role as a cornerstone for local business success and innovation.

SIRO is a leading full fibre broadband operator rolling out a 100% fibre broadband network across Ireland. Its network is already available in Carrickmacross and Monaghan town.

Monaghan County Council CEO Robert Burns stated:

“Supporting innovation and driving economic growth in the region are top priorities for Monaghan County Council. We are confident that the partnership between SIRO and Vodafone will significantly advance these goals. The Gigabit Hub Initiative, with its provision of high-speed connectivity, will foster the development of new businesses in the Carrickmacross area and promote sustainable job creation throughout the region.”

SIRO CEO John Keaney said:

“We’re pleased to partner with Monaghan County Council to bring Gigabit connectivity to CTEK2, a vital addition to Carrickmacross that supports local business growth and job creation. Through the Gigabit Hub Initiative, we are committed to empowering business communities across Ireland by providing the high-speed, reliable infrastructure they need to innovate, attract talent, and expand into new markets. CTEK2 is an excellent example of how world-class connectivity can drive regional economic growth, and we look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the local community.”

Vodafone Ireland CEO Amanda Nelson commented: “Vodafone is pleased to partner with Enterprising Monaghan to provide 100% fibre broadband at their new Carrickmacross facility as part of our Gigabit Hub Initiative. This high-speed connectivity will serve as an asset for the facility’s thriving community of businesses, start-ups, and remote professionals, enabling them with the digital infrastructure essential for growth and success, both locally and beyond.”

 

Find out more about CTEK I & 2 at www.enterprisingmonaghan.ie

Find out more about SIRO at www.siro.ie

6 Essential Features to Look for in a Phone Case

Many people underestimate the importance of a phone case when it comes to protecting your phone. It is important to take some time and look carefully for a phone case that satisfies all your needs and still fits your style. This article provides 6 essential features you need to look for in a phone case if you want to find a long-lasting choice.

Material Quality

First of all, one of the most important features you need to look for is the quality of the material if you want to find a good phone case you will use for some time. There are different materials, for example, silicone is a long-lasting material, but a quality leather phone case provides both aesthetic appeal and protection your phone needs.

Style

Even though phone cases are primarily used for phone protection, you want to find a suitable style that depicts you the best. You can make a personalized phone case on the case24.com website using either your personal photos or quotes. This way, you not only have a phone case but also carry a sentimental memory with you.

Precise Cutouts 

Many people forget to pay attention to such small details but this can be crucial for overall phone protection. Even though this might seem like an unimportant detail, keep in mind to check if the button covers are precise and if the buttons work without any problems as this can cause your phone some damage because the buttons cannot be pushed easily and can get damaged.

Wireless Charging

New phone models have a wireless charging option, so make sure to check if the phone case is suitable for this option or not. If not, you might end up dissatisfied with your final choice and need to remove the phone case whenever you want to charge your phone. Check this before actually making the purchase.

 

Practical Design

There are different phone case designs and options you can choose from, however, you want the design to be practical and easy for constant use. Mobile phones are used all the time, so keep in mind that the phone case should not be too heavy, but that it still provides the protection you need. It is best to know what to focus on before actually looking for the perfect phone case, as everything should be taken into consideration.

Screen and Camera Protection

Remember to look for phone cases that not only provide the general protection of your phone’s edges but also the ones that protect your camera and screen so that you can achieve peace of mind without stressing out about what would happen if your phone falls unexpectedly.

Finding the perfect phone case is not as simple as possible because if you find it important to protect your phone, there are different things you need to focus on. However, with the help of this article, you now know all the essential features you need to keep in mind. Remember that this is not just a decoration for your phone; a phone case offers the protection you need to avoid any phone damage.

 

Facebook and Instagram most identified by public for featuring fraudulent adverts

In advance of International Fraud Awareness Week, research commissioned by Bank of Ireland has shown that 90% of the population believe fraud is a big problem in Irish society, with fake online purchase scams being the most common way for consumers to lose money.

One third of those surveyed said they had been targeted by a fraudulent advert on a social media platform. When these respondents were asked to identify the platform, 65% identified Facebook, 28% identified Instagram, with X at 13%, TikTok at 11%, and Snapchat at 4%.

In addition, almost half (47%) of citizens aged 18+ have seen adverts for investments or crypto currency on a social media platform featuring a well-known personality, politician or musician. The impersonation of well-known people and media organisations is a tactic used regularly in fraudulent ads to trick consumers into fake crypto investments, bond purchases, or savings products.

This can include impersonation of individuals such as President Michael D. Higgins, An Taoiseach Simon Harris, An Tánaiste Micheal Martin, former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Denis O’Brien, Dáithí Ó Sé, Brian Dowling and Tommy Tiernan.  Adverts can also include links to fake websites impersonating RTE, the Irish Independent, Forbes, The Irish News, BBC News, the Irish Mirror, and many others.

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud, Bank of Ireland said: “Fraudulent adverts are a blight on social media platforms. These adverts are all about one thing – the theft of money from consumers and businesses by criminals. They cause harm to people, the financial services system, and the economy. 

“Much more needs to be done. One common sense step would be to ensure that online platforms check that adverts are from companies that are regulated to sell financial products and services. The current approach, which is allowing fraudsters run fake ads that impersonate celebrities, politicians, and legitimate media organisations – all with the aim of stealing money – is clearly broken. 

“That’s why Bank of Ireland is calling for legislative change at European Union level so that online platforms will have to verify that advertisers of financial services are regulated to sell those services.”

Findings from the Red C poll among the Irish general public include:

  • Fake advertisements were most commonly seen on Facebook and Instagram followed by Twitter/X (13%), TikTok (11%) and Snapchat (4%).
  • The majority of people (66%) report fraud to their bank, followed by the Gardai (17%)
  • When asked to select all parties they believe responsible for protecting people from fraud in Ireland 66% selected Banks and Financial Services companies, along with the Gardai (51%), mobile phone (39%) and social media companies (39%).  60% of the population believe they themselves have a role.

The research was conducted as part of an ongoing campaign to raise awareness among Bank of Ireland customers and the general public around the danger of fraud to their personal finances and how to safeguard against the main causes of fraud. International Fraud Awareness Week runs from Monday 18 November, with a series of communications planned by Bank of Ireland to further raise awareness among the general public around fraud protection.

Zyler launches 2-in-1 Digital Dressing Room

Zyler is a pioneering Virtual Try-On (VTO) company revolutionising the fashion eCommerce experience have launched launched a new solution which offers their flagship VTO product, the Digital Dressing Room, alongside Prime AI’s proven Size Recommendation (SR) tool. This will be an industry game-changer because it offers consumers both emotional, via the VTO, and functional, via the SR, ways to make the right purchase decision.

Fashion eCommerce return rates are scarily high, ranging from 25%, to as much as 60%. (Coresight Research 2023, Statista 2024). This is a significant pain point for everyone involved – from the customer, to brands, to the planet. From our internal research, one third of consumers say that the main reason they want to use VTO is so they don’t need to buy multiple items and sizes and then return unwanted products.

Powered by a proprietary AI and machine vision methodology, Zyler’s VTO product is both intuitive and easy to use. A seductive ‘Try it on’ button is easily implemented onto a brand’s website on its product description or listing page. And for consumers, they need only enter three measurements and upload one profile image before instantly seeing themselves in an entire brand’s collection. More than 75% of consumers describe the tool as ‘fun’ and ‘helpful’ which explains why, on average, they try on more than 60 products each time they visit a brand website.

Zyler developed this integrated solution because when they asked fashion customers what frustrated them most about online shopping, more than half complained about the difficulty of choosing the right size.

“We are excited to unveil Zyler’s new 2-in-1 solution, which combines our Virtual Try-On with Prime AI’s Size Recommendation technology,” said Alexander Berend, CEO of Zyler. “It resolves two of the biggest challenges in fashion eCommerce — finding the right fit and making online shopping engaging and personalized. By allowing customers to try on apparel and receive accurate size recommendations virtually, we are enhancing the shopping process, helping to reduce returns and increase customer satisfaction. This launch marks a major step forward in how consumers interact with fashion online, making shopping more fun, immersive, and efficient.”

The size recommendation feature is powered by Prime AI, who were chosen as a partner due to their proven track record and the accuracy of their technology. “We are thrilled to partner with Zyler to accelerate the modernisation of the fashion retail industry using Artificial Intelligence technologies that evolve alongside the demands of online shoppers and retailers”, said Martynas Ragelis, Co-Founding Partner of Prime AI. “By providing sizing recommendations powered by our proprietary neural networks, we will help Zyler’s clients serve their customers better and enhance the overall shopping experience.”

The intelligent tool benefits both brands and consumers. Brands report boosted engagement and conversion rates of up to 18% and returns can be reduced by up to 26%. Also, Statista (2024) reports that less than 15% of European fashion consumers have experienced VTO, which means adding it as a service could deliver considerable competitive advantage.

For consumers, Zyler’s software offers a convenient, immersive and personalised shopping experience. 90% of users say that being able to try on many products instantly is of most value to them. Therefore it is the perfect tool for product discovery as it gives consumers a reason to return again and again to a brand’s website.

An open demo of the 2-in-1 tool can be experienced on Zyler’s site here.

PMI National Project Awards celebrate rising leaders and standout successes in Irish project management

The Ireland Chapter of Project Management Institute (PMI) announces the winners of this year’s PMI National Project Awards, in association with PwC. The winners of the 2024 Awards were announced at a black-tie event held at PwC’s Dublin office on Thursday 14 November.

These prestigious awards celebrate the significant contribution and excellence of project management in Ireland, showcasing the best in innovation and talent in the profession. As well as individuals and teams who demonstrate exceptional potential, dedication and success in their field, the annual awards – now in their eighth year – also highlight transformative and inspiring projects.

From the application of Robotic Process Automation in healthcare to a climate action strategy within the agricultural space, this year’s event celebrated project management across various industries and demonstrates the growing influence and success of project management in the Irish economy.

Amongst the individuals commended during the awards were five Under-35 Changemakers. Laura McDermott was the ultimate recipient. McDermott founded Colectivo, a project-based sustainability consultancy dedicated to driving impactful change by connecting visionary thinkers and practical innovators with organisations.

The awards add to the Rising Leader Award notably bestowed upon Sinead Gallagher, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Ireland Chapter of PMI, earlier this year at the 2024 Global PMI Professional Awards.

The full list of winners, chosen following careful consideration of a record number of submissions by an independent judging panel*, can be found below.

  • PMO of the Year (sponsored be Velopi) – Aerogen
  • Project Professional of the Year (sponsored by emagine) – Ian Fitzsimons (Project Management Consultant, Expleo)
  • Private Sector Project of the Year (sponsored by Expleo) – Primark: ‘Next Generation Global Wide Area Network Solution’
  • Public Sector Project of the Year (sponsored by Saros) – Health Service Executive (HSE): ‘The Cork University Hospital / Mercy University Hospital Paediatric Reconfiguration project’
  • Project Management for Social Good (sponsored by Irish Emergency Alliance) – ActionAid Ireland: ‘Together, we are stronger’
    • Under-35 Changemakers of the Year (sponsored by Ireland Chapter of PMI) – Laura McDermott (CEO, Colectivo) was the ultimate recipient in this category
    • Note, the following four were commended in this category: Kevin Quinlan (Data Governance & Quality Lead, ESB), Sean Higgins (Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) & Strategy Lead for Dublin Airport Authority), Rebecca Keenan (Global Head of Intelligent Automation Solutions Director, Expleo Group), and James Doggard (Senior Project Manager, KSN Project Management)
  • AI and Technology Project of the Year (sponsored by PwC) – Health Service Executive (HSE), Technology & Transformation: ‘Waiting List Batch Suspensions Automation, Galway University Hospital’
  • Special Category: Excellence in Innovation Projects of The Year (sponsored by Cornmarket and Ireland Chapter of PMI) – Teagasc: ‘Teagasc’s Climate Action Strategy 2022-2030’; and Health Service Executive (HSE): ‘Enhanced Community Care (ECC)’
  • PMI Ireland Volunteer Award – Mark Davenport
  • PMI Ireland Special Achievement Award – Jackie Fagan, Past President of the Ireland Chapter of PMI

Speaking about the awards, Peter Glynne, President of the Ireland Chapter of PMI, said: “Once again, we are delighted to be celebrating the individuals and innovations driving change. These are the people and projects which showcase the best of project management in Ireland and how it contributes to the country’s success both nationally and internationally. As well as bigger and more ambitious projects, this year’s awards were also bigger with more entries and categories than ever before – indicating a very bright future for Ireland.”

Keiran Barbalich, Partner in PwC Ireland and Leader for the firm’s Portfolio and Programme Management, added: “Success in project management is vital for our economy. Over a quarter of Ireland’s CEOs do not believe that their businesses will be viable in a decade without reinvention. AI and technology are at the centre of this reinvention, and with their technological expertise, Ireland’s project managers play a vital role in this transformation. We are delighted to sponsor the National Project Management Institute (PMI) Awards for the eighth year running and, in particular, to also sponsor the AI and Technology Project of the Year Award. We commend each and every one of the finalists and a huge congratulations to the winners.”

New LeanBPI report highlights appetite for digital transformation among small businesses

 LeanBPI, the Irish digital growth consultancy for SMEs and microenterprises, today announces the launch of a new report aimed at supporting the essential digital transformation of small businesses in Ireland. The report, “Exploring Technology Readiness of Irish Small Businesses”, was launched in the presence of Minister of State for Digital Transformation Dara Calleary T.D. It found a strong appetite amongst this cohort for digital transformation while also identifying challenges to its adoption.

Conducted in partnership with the LEO Network, LeanBPI surveyed owner-managers of microenterprises and small businesses across the country to determine their digital fitness level and identify their technology readiness profile, ranging from Avoiders to Explorers. This profile is then used to prescribe the best course of action in driving digital adoption for that business.

According to CSO data, there are nearly 350,000 businesses* of this size in Ireland, yet they risk being left behind as they often lack the in-house skills and budgets required for digital transformation. The report identified the need for tailored strategies to support them at various stages of readiness, focusing on customised training, promoting a culture of innovation to meet specific needs, and addressing barriers to technology adoption.

Highlighting the potential benefits of adoption, 87% of those surveyed said the digital technology that they used significantly enhanced their productivity. However, the need for support to maximise these benefits was clear as just 60% said they were satisfied with the digital tools they were currently using. Showing respondents’ desire to move with the times, nearly two-thirds (63%) cited relationships with customers, employers and peers as the main reason for adopting digital technology.

The report recognised the role of existing Government supports for driving digital transformation in small businesses. These include the Digital for Business initiative, as well as the Grow Digital vouchers, which provide grants of up to €5,000 for software subscriptions, training and configuration. Expanding on these, it recommended an adaptive policy framework to annually assess the effectiveness of current policies, as well as targeted data collection to inform future policies and tailored interventions that address sector-specific needs.

Co-written by LeanBPI managing director John O’Shanahan and Professor Anuragini Shirish, Institute Mines-Télécom Business School, France, the report was launched at Breaffy House Hotel, Co. Mayo by Minister of State for Digital Transformation Dara Calleary, TD, and John Magee, Chairperson, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Network.

Commenting on the research, Minister Dara Calleary said, “Small businesses and microenterprises are of huge significance to the Irish business sector. As Minister of State for Digital Transformation, it is very encouraging to see the enthusiasm that these organisations have for adopting digital tools, driven by Government supports. Knowing that through them, even businesses with only a handful of employees see digital transformation projects as realistic goals gives us confidence that the sector is ready to embrace the future.”   

John Magee, Chairperson, LEO Network, “LEOs are working daily with small businesses to support their digital journey, which enhances their productivity and competitiveness, builds resilience and drives innovation. This report highlights that there is a genuine appetite among small businesses for digital transformation and emphasises the value of our Digital for Business and Grow Digital supports. While small businesses face constant challenges, there is relevant and practical support available from their Local Enterprise Office”.

John O’Shanahan, managing director, LeanBPI, commented, “What we see in this sector is a strong desire to transition into the digital world and seize the opportunities it brings. By collaborating strategically with all stakeholders and building on existing supports, we can help Irish entrepreneurs realise their businesses’ full potential. Together, we aim to make a meaningful impact at the local level, fostering innovation, resilience, and lasting benefits for communities while positioning Ireland as a global leader in small business digitalisation.”