Nokia 215 4G, Nokia 225 4G and Nokia 235 4G announced

Get ready to indulge in a deliciously delightful tech treat! HMD has just unwrapped their latest creation, a selection box of bar phones to choose from including the Nokia 215 4G, the Nokia 225 4G and the Nokia 235 4G – and they’re just as sweet as chocolate. The trio of delights arrive in a rainbow of standout colours and prices start from €59 each.

These fun phones can be the perfect companion to digitally disconnect on nights out, allowing social media-weary Gen Z’s to switch off in style and take a digital detox. It’s quick and simple to use and looks great on the 2.8” LCD display.

Commenting on the launch Adam Ferguson, Global Head of Insight, Proposition and Product Marketing at HMD said; “The Nokia 215 4G, the Nokia 225 4G and the Nokia 235 4G are beautiful pocket-sized feature phones with adaptable functionality. At HMD we are all about developing products to meet our consumers’ needs. Some people will use the phone to disconnect, tune out and live in the moment.

Nokia 225 4G

A pocket sized 2.4” inch LCD display that has a 0.3 MP camera with flash that’s perfect for taking low-fi YK2 style pics, Bluetooth® connectivity, a 1450mAh1 battery with up to 9.8 hours of talk time and it comes in a range of two seriously popping colour ways Pink and Dark Blue.

Nokia 235 4G and Nokia 215 4G

Nokia 235 4G is everything the Nokia 225 4G is, just with a slightly bigger screen. It’s got a 2MP rear camera and comes in three distinct colours, Blue, Black and Purple. Rounding up the trio, the Nokia 215 4G is a bona fide feature phone through and through –beautiful and durable in equal measures and it comes in Peach, Black and Dark Blue.  And, in case you were worried, all three devices come with Snake.

The Nokia 215 4G is RRP €59.00, the Nokia 225 4G is RRP €64.00 and the Nokia 235 4G is RRP €69.00 and all are available at hmd.com/ie

Tech Review – Noreve – Samsung leather back cover for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Noreve – Samsung leather back cover for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a premium case that you can customise like most of their products today giving you the option to stand out from the crowd.

Like all their phone cases we get the well presented red and black box with a drawstring bag inside which is better than most case makers out there giving you the premium experince before you even take the case out.

This particular build on my case is called Marron Delicat and it really stands out just to look at, on the inside you will see how premium the case is and then you got to the outer shell and see the opulence presented to you.

The case will give you additional grip too and has a nice texture on the sides and back giving you more sense of security, the edges might look pointed on the very back part of the case but don’t pinch your hand and the device feels comfortable to hold.

All ports are accessible here and you can easily access your keys and charging port which in some instances all charging cables do not fit you can also wireselly charge your device with this case on despite the thickness.

Check the video below for a detailed look at the latest from Noreve.

 

 

Noreve Leather back cover for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – techbuzzireland

Noreve say

Discover our luxury leather back cover for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Superior finishes, including precise stitching, impeccable fasteners, carefully crafted cut-outs and flawless edge painting, reflect our commitment to quality craftsmanship. Each Galaxy S24 Ultra case features an exclusive inner shell, completely free of silicone or visible plastic, offering full leather protection.

Our bespoke case is the result of meticulous design, tailored millimetre by millimetre to your Galaxy S24 Ultra. The edges and corners are not only protected but also designed for maximum safety. The raised edges above the screen provide extra protection against bumps and scratches.

Lightweight and thin, the frame of our case is a feat of engineering, absorbing shocks while offering exceptional durability and longevity. We have developed over 10 ranges with over 100 colours and 3 distinct textures, including vegetable-tanned leather certified by the Leather Working Group for environmentally-friendly production. Our Vegan range, certified to ISO standards, reduces our ecological footprint.

Customisation is key to our offer, with over 80 colour choices for the inner linings, offering an infinite range of options for a truly unique case. Our experienced craftsmen create bespoke cases with over 10 exclusive options, allowing you to add details such as a shoulder strap, easel, credit card slots, and even the option to add personalised engraving with a first name, message, logo or image.

Get a 15% discount on thinborne cases here

BUY

Video Review 

nubia Flip 5G Set to Elevate European Online Official Site with Launch on April 29th

Brace yourselves for a revolutionary leap into the future of mobile technology as nubia announces the Online Official European site of the nubia Flip 5G, scheduled for April 29th, 2024.

Building on its resounding success in Asia-Pacific market, the highly anticipated nubia Flip 5G is poised to revolutionize the European mobile experience. This visionary device promises to redefine your interaction with technology, boasting a suite of innovative features and an exquisite design engineered to elevate your mobile journey to unparalleled heights. It’s time to embrace the future with the nubia Flip 5G – Better Flip for All.

Key Highlights of the nubia Flip 5G Include:

Pocket-sized Foldable Design for unparalleled portability and convenience.

Stunning 6.9” 120Hz AMOLED Internal Display for immersive viewing experiences.

Long-lasting 4310mAh Battery with 33W Fast Charging Capabilities to keep you powered throughout the day.

Impressive 50MP AI Dual Camera setup for capturing life’s moments in stunning detail.

Versatile Φ1.43 AMOLED External Display for seamless navigation and interaction with your device.

Presented in three captivating color options – Cosmic Black, Sunshine Gold, and Flowing Lilac – the nubia Flip 5G caters to a diverse array of tastes and preferences, ensuring a personalized experience for users worldwide. Secure your unit now, with prices starting at:

Europe: €599 for the 8+256GB variant and €699 for the 12+512GB model.

United Kingdom: £499 for the 8+256GB variant and £699 for the 12+512GB model.

Take your chance to be at the forefront of mobile innovation. Stay tuned for further updates and mark your calendars for April 29th, the day the nubia Flip 5G arrives in the European market.

Discover More:

To access additional information and stay informed about the latest news and updates leading up to the launch, be sure to visit us at the nubia Official Website.

Special Edition G7 SE Controller from GameSir and Eneba Revealed

Created for collectors, hardcore, and avid gamers alike, this custom-painted Special Edition G7 SE Controller is designed for precision, comfort, and responsiveness that’ll have you dodging bullets and landing crits like it’s second nature. Whether in a heated battle royale or dodging massive bosses, this controller is your sword and shield. Eneba has teamed up with the legends at GameSir to craft a gamepad that will blow up your gaming – the special edition of the G7 SE Controller.

Picked as the Best Gaming Controller 2024 by Newsweek, the G7 SE Controller features include:

  • Play on almost anything: The G7 SE works with Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S, or Windows 10 and up on PC (including Steam).
  • Super precise control: Hall Effect joysticks and triggers use magnets for smooth, accurate movements that don’t wear out over time. It’s the control and precision that competitive gamers dream of.
  • Customize your way of play: Two additional buttons on the back can be programmed for fast actions. The back quick-latch can disable the rear buttons and prevent unintended input with a simple push. With the GameSir Nexus software, you can also create different profiles with unique button layouts.
  • Swappable faceplate: Utilizing magnetic technology, gamers can easily personalize the G7 SE by changing its faceplate with bare hands.
  • Toggleable trigger mode: Hair-trigger mode is perfect for fast-paced games, while analog trigger mode provides realistic feedback akin to an accelerator. Trigger sensitivity can be adjusted in the software too.
  • Comfy grip, long sessions: The G7 SE feels good in your hands thanks to the textured back grip.
  • Feel the rumble: Dual symmetric vibration motors bring your games to the next level with immersive feedback.
  • Plug in your headphones: The audio jack lets you connect your headset directly to the controller for easy chat and clear audio.
  • Lights to keep you informed: An LED indicator that shows your connection status.
  • Built to last: The braided 3-meter detachable USB-C cable is super durable, so you don’t have to worry about it fraying or breaking.

The controller is available globally through GameSir, Amazon, and retailers at 65.99 USD / 71.95 EUR, and comes with an Eneba Gift Card to stock up on our marketplace. Eneba is the ultimate source of digital entertainment with over 10M registered users and over 40,000 unique digital products to pick from.

Classic Shooter “Infantry Online” Revived on Steam After 25 Years

In a move that has delighted fans and gamers alike, the classic multiplayer combat game “Infantry Online” originally launched in 1999 by Sony Online Entertainment, has made a triumphant return to the gaming scene under the new moniker “Free Infantry” After a long hiatus and much anticipation, the game debuted on Steam last week, offering both old fans and newcomers a chance to dive into what has been noted as the world’s first massive multiplayer online isometric shooter.

Infantry was initially first released in the late ‘90s by the team behind space MMO Subspace. In 2001, Infantry’s unique MMO gameplay supported over 140,000 gamers, an unprecedented figure which undoubtedly placed it way ahead of its time. But it was not without financial burden. In fact, readers might remember that in 2020, the players requested a license agreement with Daybreak akin to the one allowing the operation of EverQuest’s fan-led Project 1999.
“Infantry Online” enjoyed a robust following during its initial run, capturing the hearts of gamers with its engaging, fast-paced tactical gameplay. The game’s operation ceased in 2012, leaving a dedicated fan base clamoring for its return. Their persistence paid off when the community revived the game on a rogue server, operating under a license agreement similar to that of the fan-led “Project 1999,” a legacy server for the classic MMORPG “EverQuest.”

Now rebranded as “Free Infantry,” the game has been relaunched and remastered, still maintaining its original charm and challenging gameplay. Available for free on Steam without any microtransactions, “FreeInfantry” offers a variety of gameplay options including standard skirmish, capture-the-flag, and cooperative modes against CPU-controlled adversaries. Players can also indulge in player-based modes that allow for class customization, weapon upgrades, and innovative base-building tactics.

The Steam launch has attracted considerable attention, drawing many long-time fans who have expressed their excitement and approval of the game’s revival. Reviews on Steam reflect a deep appreciation for the game’s return, with one player noting, “Awesome game, played this back in 2002-2012 when the servers shut down. Great to see it back again and on Steam! Give it a try, it’s unique and a very fun shooter once you get the hang of it.” Another reviewer expressed a heartfelt connection to the game, saying, “The game that managed to keep my attention and heart for 25 years is now easily accessible to everybody.”

“FreeInfantry” not only marks a significant return to form for a beloved classic but also introduces a new generation of gamers to a pioneering format in the realm of online multiplayer shooters. With its nostalgic appeal and updated features, “FreeInfantry” promises to capture the imagination and competitive spirit of both veteran gamers and those new to the franchise.

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2830720/FreeInfantry/

https://www.freeinfantry.com/

Viatel Technology Group announces the acquisition of MJ Flood Technology

Viatel Technology Group, the leading digital services provider, today announced the acquisition of MJ Flood Technology, the tech division of the MJ Flood Group. This strategic move strengthens Viatel’s market position, bolstering its existing expertise with MJ Flood’s capabilities in cybersecurity, cloud, and managed services.

As two established Microsoft Solution Partners, the combination of these companies signals a major market shift, creating a new powerhouse in this space. MJ Flood’s credentials include being named Microsoft’s Modern Work Partner of the Year and Partner of the Year for Calling, Meetings & Devices for Microsoft Teams. MJ Flood’s strong customer base, particularly in the financial services, healthcare, and education sectors, further expands Viatel’s reach.

Paul Rellis, CEO of Viatel Technology Group, said “I am delighted to welcome the MJ Flood Technology customers, and James Finglas and his team into Viatel. MJ Flood has a long history, best in class solutions, and a highly skilled team. We are confident that our mutual dedication to excellence and service will make them feel right at home with us.  I am delighted that James will join our Senior Leadership Team, and together, we’ll build something truly special for all our customers.

“With the addition of MJ Flood Technology, we are delivering on the bold vision we have for this business. We intend to become the leading cybersecurity, connectivity and digital services business on these islands. Once all necessary approvals are in place, this acquisition will boost our capacity to deliver huge value for customers in networking, cybersecurity, cloud, and Microsoft solutions”.

 

James Finglas, Managing Director, MJ Flood Technology, said, “Today is a great day for the customers and staff of MJ Flood Technology as we become part of Viatel Technology Group’s exciting story. Joining Viatel creates new opportunities for our customers and staff. They can expect the same exceptional service and technical expertise they’ve come to rely on, now backed by Viatel’s broader capabilities.”

Today’s announcement sees Viatel acquire the technology division of the MJ Flood Group. MJ Flood Technology was founded in 1998 as part of a group diversification strategy. The MJ Flood Group and its remaining divisions, including MJ Flood Printing & Imaging and MJ Flood Security, will continue to operate successfully under current ownership.

This acquisition is the ninth such deal by Viatel since 2020. It follows strategic investment by Macquarie Capital in Viatel, announced in December 2023. Macquarie’s investment was earmarked to support the continued growth and expansion of the Viatel business in Ireland and overseas.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close by mid-2024, when the combined entity will be well-positioned to deliver unmatched value in cybersecurity, cloud, networking, and Microsoft solutions.

Darran Nangle and Edel Daly of A&L Goodbody, and Gareth Cosgrove, Graceanne O’Brien and Sinead McKeaney of Deloitte acted as advisors to Viatel on the acquisition. David Lyons and Michael Moriarty of IBI and Stephen Fuller of McCann Fitzgerald acted for MJ Flood

Bank of Ireland investing additional €34 million in customer service improvements

Bank of Ireland has announced a major additional investment in customer services with more than €34 million in the transformation of its telephony and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.

This investment in technology will lead to faster resolution of customer calls, enhanced self-service options (change account address, order duplicate statements, request a new card), allow more transactions to take place 24/7 via phone, and improved customer security. The investment will:

  • Provide 2,800 colleagues in branches and contact centres with quick ‘single view of customer’ data for faster call resolutions
  • Use voice biometrics to improve customer authentication for better fraud protection and reduce call waiting times
  • Enable more streamlined phone-based transactions which can be done 24/7, including improved customer verification methods, and removing complex menus

This latest announcement brings the total spend being made by Bank of Ireland on a range of customer service improvements to close to €150 million to the end of 2025.

Commenting on the investment, Susan Russell, CEO, Bank of Ireland Retail Ireland said:

“This is the largest single investment in enhanced systems and technology for our frontline colleagues in branches and contact centres that the Bank has ever made. We receive more than 11,000 calls on average each day and when customers call us they want speed, expertise and security. This investment equips colleagues with the latest technology to provide better and faster resolution of calls, and colleagues will now have a ‘single view’ of the customer at the touch of a button providing them with instant access to all their information without having to talk to another part of the bank. This investment will make things faster and better for customers and for colleagues, it’s a win-win.”

In January Bank of Ireland announced an investment of more than €60 million in a range of branch improvements, including the Bank’s largest single investment in ATMs in the last decade. The Bank also announced spending of €50 million on customer fraud prevention and protection in February including investment in new technology.

Datapac launches Pathways Inclusion initiative to widen tech talent pool

Datapac, Ireland’s leading technology solutions and services provider, is today announcing the launch of Pathways Inclusion, a new initiative which aims to expand access to technology careers through diversity and inclusion.

With the Pathways Inclusion initiative, Datapac plans to widen the talent pool within the technology industry by targeting largely untapped talent groups. These include career-changers with transferrable skills and rich work experiences, and those seeking direct entry into the workforce after secondary education. The initiative will also encourage more women and young girls to consider careers in technology. With a focus on collaboration rather than competition, Datapac aims to create a more inclusive environment within the indigenous IT industry in Ireland. This new initiative builds on Datapac’s successful work and graduate placement programmes, which have taken on over 220 candidates in the last 18 years.

Pathways Inclusion will seek to reach, empower, and support individuals throughout all the stages of their education.

  • Primary school: Much of the inequality in the technology sector, particularly the gender gap which is still prevalent, can be traced back to the very root of education. Datapac recognises the importance of early education in shaping perceptions and aspirations and will collaborate with key organisations to promote a more inclusive narrative about to children from a young age, helping to broaden their horizons for what’s possible during their life trajectory.
  • Secondary school: Mentorship and exposure to lived examples during the formative secondary school years can have a significant impact on career choices. Datapac, in partnership with Maynooth University, will participate in the STEM Passport programme from September 2024 to provide mentorship to Transition Year girls, encouraging their pursuit of STEM careers and culminating in a level 6 STEM qualification. Additionally, Datapac is embarking on roadshows at local secondary schools to inspire students by sharing first-hand experiences
  • Third level: Datapac’s third-level work placement programme offers students diverse, real-world experiences within the tech sector, exposing them to various roles and opportunities for growth
  • Post-graduation: The Graduate Development Programme at Datapac provides tailored career experiences and mentorship to graduates from a broad array of disciplines, equipping them with industry-recognised certifications and skills necessary to excel in the tech sector

Datapac, in close collaboration with its talent acquisition partner Intellect Talent, employs inclusive hiring practices to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds, focusing on transferrable skills and potential for growth over traditional qualifications.

Datapac employees benefit from a range of support systems designed to enhance their professional skills and personal growth. These include an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), continuous learning and upskilling opportunities, and a Community Contribution Initiative which encourages employees to engage with and contribute to charitable causes, supported by additional leave for volunteering. They can also avail of flexible working and a range of initiatives aimed at promoting work-life balance.

Karen O’Connor, General Manager, Datapac: “At Datapac, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential for driving innovation and success in the technology sector. The modern technology landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, but a significant portion of the talent pool remains untapped due to outdated barriers to entry. To help address this inequality and evolve the narrative, Datapac is launching the Pathways Inclusion initiative as a movement towards greater industry-wide inclusivity.

Bronagh Murphy, HR Generalist, Datapac: “This goes beyond merely attracting talent at the recruitment stage and looks to how individuals can be supported once they enter the industry, and through an investment in the root of the talent tree. Through our Pathways Inclusion initiative, we are committed to creating opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to thrive in the industry and, in turn, create a vibrant and diverse technology talent pool in Ireland.”

Nine in 10 Irish execs expect Gen AI chatbots to have an impact on their organisation’s business processes

Nine in 10 (90%) Irish executives anticipate a medium to high impact to their organisation’s business processes in the next three years as a direct result of generative AI chatbots, with almost two in five (39%) reporting it as transformational change, according to Accenture’s annual Technology Vision Report for 2024.

Accenture’s Technology Vision 2024: “Human by Design: How AI Unleashes the Next Level of Human Potential”, which is run across 20 countries and 21 industries, revealed that 97% of Irish executives agree that the capabilities of AI are expanding, moving from assisting to acting independently. Almost all, 99%, of executives agree that making technology “more human” will massively expand the opportunities of every industry.

The findings reveal that while Ireland is making strides alongside its global counterparts when it comes to technologies such as AI and Gen AI, Irish businesses have been slower to adopt other technologies and trends featured in the report, such as spatial computing and body sensing technologies. While 84% of Irish executives agree that spatial computing will be used to build enriching experiences, providing a realistic alternative or enhancement to in-person experiences, a higher 92% globally believe this to be the case.

Consumers are even further behind in terms of adopting spatial computing, with only 36% saying that they would be interested in it to learn and develop new skills and less than three in 10 (29%) interested in using it to shop, compared to an only slightly higher 33% globally. Spatial computing blends digital content with the physical world in natural way. Virtual reality (VR) is a type of spatial computing.

When it comes to body sensing technologies, while it is clear that the technology has the capability to be transformative, with AI-powered wearables, brain-sensing neurotech and eye and movement tracking, there is some concern around the ethics. 66% of Irish consumers agree that in order to gain trust, organisations will need to develop responsible guidelines on biometric privacy and neurotech ethics and standards.

Austin Boyle, Head of Technology at Accenture in Ireland commented on the findings: “Irish businesses have been leveraging AI at scale for some time now and continue to see its value as it becomes even more “human”. That said, what we are seeing amongst our clients, is that as a country we are still behind when it comes to the adoption of cloud in Ireland, which in turn is inhibiting the integration of other innovative technologies, including Gen AI.

“By fully adopting cloud and Gen AI, we can lay the foundations for the next wave of AI technologies that can be leveraged by Irish businesses, which include spatial computing and body sensing technologies. Globally, spatial computing mediums have already begun to close the physical-digital divide to enable simultaneous activities in multiple spaces and body sensing technologies are raising the bar when it comes to understanding people’s behaviours and intentions, making it particularly useful for customer service of the future.

“In order to gain a competitive advantage, Irish businesses must prioritise integration and adoption early and receive training from the C-suite down, to fully capitalise on the new technologies which have the potential to completely revolutionise Irish business. We are excited to see the opportunities that will present themselves once organsations heed to this.”

Further findings from Accenture’s Technology Vision Report 2024 revealed:

  • 99% of Irish executives agree that generative AI will compel their organisation to modernise its technology architecture.
  • 98% of Irish executives agree that AI agents will begin to collaborate with other agents to accomplish organisational tasks.
  • 99% of Irish executives agree that leveraging AI agent ecosystems will be a significant opportunity for their organisation in the next 3 years.
  • 100% of Irish executives agree that the way we interact with data will change, from searching for information to asking questions and receiving direct advice and answers.