Oakley Announces Fortnite Eyewear Collection

Witness a historic win as Oakley®’s distinctive aesthetics and game-changing style come together with global cultural phenomenon Fortnite for the first time, announcing a multi-year deal and dropping in hot with their first collection.

Launched in 2017, Fortnite is an always-evolving space where culture lives and players can create, watch and play alongside a global community with friends: think the best house party of all time, where everyone is welcome. If it’s positive energy, it’s Fortnite. This same positive energy is shared and supported by Oakley, whose commitment to create, improve and expand gaming technologies in the eyewear industry has continued to strengthen from the brand’s first steps into the gaming universe in 2020 with the introduction of Oakley Prizm Gaming lens technology.

The new collaboration begins with two eyewear designs, both proudly bearing the mark of Fortnite Battle Royale’s Victory Crown etched on the lens. Oakley’s Helux Fortnite, equipped with the brand’s proprietary Prizm Gaming™ 2.0 Lens Technology, assists players in reducing glare from OLED and LED screens while providing a sharp visual acuity during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, Oakley’s Hydra Fortnite provides the ultimate style loadout for any outdoor adventure, bearing golden Prizm™ 24k lens for victorious skies ahead.

Leading the pack is Chica, aka Maria Lopez, most recent signing of the Team Oakley roster. Chica is the first Latina LGBTQ+ creator to join Fortnite’s Icon Series.  As a leader in the community, Oakley and Fortnite could not think of anyone better suited to inaugurate their new collaboration.

“I’m so excited that my favorite game and favorite glasses brand are now partnering”, said Chica. “In all my years of playing Fortnite and seeing all of the different collaborations, I’m so happy to be at the center of this one coming together. I can’t wait to share with my community!”

Starting November 29th, Oakley’s Fortnite collection will be available only on Oakley.com in initial limited quantity: get all the way to the collection for Storm survival.

This partnership between Fortnite and Oakley was facilitated by IMG.

Cyber4AM highlights the need to fortify digital defences for Ireland’s manufacturing industry to maintain its global edge

For Ireland to maintain its cutting edge advantages as a world class location for the manufacturing industry and leading exporter of a range of high end and sophisticated products it needs to double down on all aspects of security, especially in operational technology security according to the Cyber4AM project at the ISA Ireland OT Cybersecurity conference.

Manufacturing is the backbone of the Irish and northern Irish economies, with both regions having clusters of world class manufacturing operations in sectors such as biopharmaceuticals, electronics, medical device technology, and food production. The total value of products manufactured in Ireland in 2022 was €132 billion and manufacturing is consistently one the strongest growth sectors in Northern Ireland’s dynamic economy.

Central to preserving and advancing this competitive edge is building on the foundations of a robust cybersecurity ecosystem for Ireland’s manufacturing industry, particularly in light of findings that in 2022 the manufacturing sector had one of the highest share of cyber-attacks among the leading industries worldwide.

As factories continue to digitise, moving towards automation, this brings increasing security risks for the Information Technology (IT) environment, which manages data and information, and the operational technology (OT) environment, which manages physical systems such as machinery or critical infrastructure.

A dedicated one-day conference provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of cyber security trends and challenges for the manufacturing sector in operational technology (OT) cybersecurity.

At the conference, Cyber Ireland and NI Cyber held a workshop on Cybersecurity for Advanced Manufacturing & Industry 4.0, to discuss the research findings of the Cyber4AM project. It is funded by InterTrade Ireland’s Synergy programme which aims to scale cross-border collaboration in the manufacturing sector to accelerate innovation, cluster development and knowledge sharing.

It found that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector have established roles responsible for cyber security and have conducted cyber risk assessments, with a significant percentage having business continuity plans.

However, there are areas for improvement with the need for increased cyber security awareness and training, adoption of certifications and standards, and for a comprehensive cyber security strategy for the business. It was also found a need for training in OT cyber security.

Speaking at the one-day conference, Eoin Byrne, Cluster Manager at Cyber Ireland, said “The Cyber4AM project has highlighted the increasing importance of cyber security to the manufacturing sector in Ireland, in particular for SMEs. This is also an opportunity for cyber security solution providers in Ireland and Northern Ireland with the potential for a more integrated All-Island cyber security market.”

Gillian Colan-O’Leary, Programme Manager with NI Cyber, said “Cyber4AM is at the forefront of fostering cross-border and cross-cluster collaboration by connecting cyber security companies with advanced manufacturing firms in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“Our mission is to fortify the digital defence of the manufacturing industry, promoting innovation and resilience through strategic partnerships,” added Colan-O’Leary

Alison Currie, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at InterTradeIreland commented, InterTradeIreland’s Synergy programme supports knowledge sharing and collaboration between the Irish and Northern Irish manufacturing sectors to accelerate innovation.

“This research will benefit advanced manufacturing companies across the island of Ireland to improve their cyber security preparedness, support their digitalisation process and reduce the risk of cyber attacks. It will also create new business opportunities for cyber security companies in Ireland and Northern Ireland,” Currie said.

Expert speakers at the ISA Ireland Section OT Cybersecurity Conference 2023 included Ita O’Farrell, Head of NCSE Compliance, National Cyber Security Centre, Philip Westbroek, OT Security Officer of Enexis  the Netharland’s regional grid operator, Carlos Buenano, Chief Technical Officer for OT, Armis, a leading asset intelligence platform, Jacky Fox, Europe Security Lead, Accenture, Katie McCarthy, Head of Security, Uisce Éireann and Donal Óg Cusack, Senior Engineering Manager, DePuy Synthes who engaged in some of the biggest topics and issues of the day including the impact of EU regulations, OT Cyber security standards, and securing critical infrastructure.

Esri integrates with Microsoft Fabric to deliver leading spatial analytics capabilities

To meet the growing demand for spatial analytics, Esri is extending its long-standing strategic collaboration with Microsoft through a unified analytics platform powered by spatial capabilities. Microsoft Fabric, now in General Availability as announced at Microsoft Ignite, will accelerate time to insights and reveal unexplored patterns, trends, and connections through the integration of spatial analytics from Esri’s ArcGIS software.

Data scientists, data engineers, business analysts, and their executive stakeholders demanding spatial analytics and visualisation within Fabric will benefit greatly from the joint offering. Esri’s ArcGIS integration will allow data to flow across an organisation, whether working from Microsoft OneLake, Microsoft Power BI, or their ArcGIS environment. Fabric users will be empowered with direct access to sophisticated spatial analytics tools and functions, and an extensive library of authoritative and curated spatial data, to produce interactive and intuitive visualisations and maps.

“We are excited by this announcement,” said Eamonn Doyle, CTO, Esri Ireland. “It paves the way for data scientists across the Irish public and private sectors to gain spatial insights that can unlock powerful social, economic and environmental benefits.”

“Integration with Esri allows our Microsoft Fabric customers to gain valuable geospatial insights through access to their powerful spatial analysis technology,” said Arun Ulagaratchagan, Corporate Vice President of Azure Data, Microsoft.

The integration of ArcGIS with Fabric will be available in Q2 2024.

“Esri and Microsoft are key strategic partners to the Met Office,” said Dr. Niall Robinson, Head of Product Futures. “With the development of our next generation supercomputer from Microsoft our data volumes will grow exponentially. Continuing to help people make better decisions to stay safe and thrive will require an even greater use of ML/AI both within our organisation and by our downstream consumers. The addition of Esri’s spatial analytics to Microsoft Fabric is an exciting new development with significant potential.”

To learn more about the new spatial analytics workload for Microsoft Fabric, visit go.esri.com/spatial-analytics-in-microsoft-fabric.

Revolut teams up with RTÉ’s Toy Show Appeal for the third year in a row

Revolut, the global financial app with more than 2.5 million customers in Ireland, has teamed up with RTÉ’s Toy Show Appeal for the third year to enable viewers to donate instantly from their Revolut app. Last year, through the goodwill of the people in Ireland, the appeal raised €4 million for The Community Foundation Ireland, helping children and family members across the island.

In 2022, The Late Late Toy Show was RTÉ’s most-watched TV programme, with 1.6 million viewers. It was viewed in 139 countries around the world – including  Bolivia, Jamaica, Qatar, and Ukraine.

The partnership with Revolut began in 2021 when the extraordinary generosity of people in Ireland rushing to support the appeal led to technical difficulties with the Revolut app. After fixing them, Revolut co-founder Vlad Yatsenko announced he had made a €100,000 personal donation to the appeal: and he pledged to personally match any further donations made over the weekend via the Revolut app – up to €1m. Led by appeals from stars including Olympic champion Kellie Harrington, the Irish public donated a further €750,000: Vlad then gave the full €1m, taking the overall total raised via Revolut to €3.3m.

However, Revolut successfully fortified its Donations system last year, and encouraged the people of Ireland to continue their generosity to support the incredible work by Community Foundation Ireland, helping children who need it.

On Friday 24th November 2023, The Late Late Toy Show is back. This year, as Revolut has teamed up with the appeal again to welcome proceeds through Donations in the Revolut app which will go live on the night.

Vlad Yatsenko, Revolut co-founder, said, “We’re deeply honoured to once again support Ireland’s single biggest fundraising event for children: RTÉ’s Toy Show Appeal. More than 2.5 million people in Ireland now have a Revolut account, so we’re delighted to enable customers to donate to the appeal instantly from their Revolut app.”

“At Revolut, we have seen first-hand the power of digital donations as they have become an increasingly important tool for charities to raise funds and support their causes. As with all our charity appeals, we guarantee that every cent donated will go to the charity – with no fees or charges.”

Ready to donate? Here’s how:
 Make sure you’ve got the latest version of the app (Revolut 10)
 Search ‘Donations’
 Find the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal
 Choose how much you want to give and tap ‘Donate’
 Spread the word on social media for maximum impact!

Tech Review – Mophie 3-in-1 travel charger with Magsafe

Convenience is king for most today and for someone who has a smartwatch smartphone and earbuds it can be a pain carrying around three seperate cables though you might be able to narrow it down to two depending on what devices you have but how about just one cable and one pack that covers the lot.

This is where the Mophie 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe comes onto play, now it will also charge other devices and limited but mainly targeted at Apple products but I have tested this with other products and it works on more than just Apple devices and as we know those MagSafe watch chargers are a nuisance and you get decent enough charging speed with this kit.

The package itself is neat clean and built well giving you three slots for the items inside being a decent plug a cable and the 3 point charging unit itself and works really well and keeps it all in one place, you could argue that three cables is less space however the point is one is all you need and wrapped up in a nice package.

You can flip the watch charger up or lay it flat the choice is yours and no matter what way you look at it the piece looks well and does not take up much space and keeps cable management to a minimum. Check out the video review below for more.

Mophie 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe – techbuzzireland

 

 

  • Charge Three Devices Simultaneously: With dedicated spots for your iPhone, Apple Watch, and Airpods (1st & 2nd Gen), you can easily charge all your everyday accessories in one central location.
  • 15W Fast Wireless Charging: Wirelessly charge your phone at the fastest speed possible.
  • Designed for Travel: Plug in the 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe and instantly turn any table-top into a charging hub.
  • Built-in Apple Watch Magnetic Charger: The built-in, magnetic charger flips up to hold the watch at the ideal angle to take advantage of Nightstand Mode.
  • Everything Is Included: Ditch your tangle of cables and consolidate your charging. The 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe includes a USB-C cable, carrying case, and wall adapter so you’re ready to charge it all out of the box.

BUY

Video Review

Boom Launch Flagship Conferencing Camera With Intelligent Tracking Features – Boom MAGNA

Boom Collaboration has created its most powerful ever conferencing camera – designed to deliver the ultimate visual performance, backed by the latest intelligent AI features.

The Boom MAGNA Pro features both people and room zone tracking, Ultra HD 4K clarity, a massive 27x zoom plus an array of connectivity options.

Available in the UK from distributor Westcoast, the high spec PTZ camera includes a 70 degree field of view and has been built for professional video meetings, conference rooms, training facilities, boardrooms, live events and broadcast operations.
Boom Co-founder Fredrik Hörnkvist says the MAGNA Pro is the flagship camera in the Texas-based company’s ever-evolving portfolio – combining power with intelligence.

Flagship

“Our mission is to make meetings better in a simple way. This latest innovation is designed to upgrade the video conferencing experience and level up meetings and live events, with Ultra HD 4K at 60fps, intelligent people and zone tracking, plus a huge 12x optical zoom.

“Zone tracking is a new and highly sought-after feature where the camera will only detect someone in a defined space, such as when presenting.”

He continued: “A Sony CMOS sensor and advanced focus technology guarantee superior image quality while multiple video outputs, allow for seamless integration with A/V control systems and live streaming events, delivering enterprise-level video for any space.”

Fellow founder Holli Hulett added: “The MAGNA Pro offers next level collaboration with control protocols for VISCA, IP VISCA, RTSP, RTMP, RTP multi-broadcast and Pelco-P/D. MAGNA Pro easily integrates with A/V control systems or corporate networks to deliver enterprise level video performance. This is undoubtedly our most advanced and powerful camera to date.

Boom MAGNA Pro room location

“Intelligence is key. With AI real-time tracking, zone-tracking, or full manual control, the MAGNA Pro offers a fully hands-on or hands-off experience for any live event or meeting. Packed with connectivity the MAGNA Pro is full of connectivity options. LAN, RS232, RS422/RS485, USB 3.0, SDI and HDMI ensure all bases are covered.”

She concluded: “This premium quality video camera boasts leading auto focus technology and advanced ISP processing for picture perfect output, backed by a three-year warranty.”

Black Friday sale with mophie – Up to 70% Off on Select Products

Black Friday offers have landed for the mophie range chargers and assorted accessories. These cutting-edge products are designed to elevate your audience’s tech game while keeping their wallets happy. The promotion goes until to 27th November.

During this time, select are on offer, with savings up to 70% off, including:

Please see here for the full list of discounted products and watch out for reviews soon

Love vs. Thermostats: Stoov’s Revelations on How Heating Sparks Relationship Drama in British Homes!

The cost-of-living crisis and pay-cap announcements are top of mind amongst the public, with most seasonal headlines reflecting these concerns. Stoov, the Dutch infrared heating brand aiming to warm Brits sustainably while saving on energy bills, found out how heating is affecting relationships at home. You can also check out our review of Stoov here.

Low temps = high tensions

When surveying Brits, Stoov discovered that tensions are both common, and high: over half of respondents have argued over when to turn on the heat this winter. Age factors in, too: Gen Z are most likely to have this argument (81%), in contrast with Millennials despite them being the ones who are most likely to turn on the heating first (62%).

Tensions largely stem from stress around the cost of heating: 85% of respondents are worried about energy costs this winter – 42% even feel more stressed than last year. Despite women (89%) and men (81%) feeling similar levels of anxiety, arguments may stem from which rooms need heating first. While couples agree on heating the living room (69%) and bedroom (32%) first, other rooms align with personal preference; women like to heat the bathroom (9%), while men prefer the kitchen (7%).

Heating Grinch vs. Chilly Billy

The gender temperature gap is a smaller factor in the home surprisingly, compared to places like the office or gym. Despite 86% of female respondents falling into the Chilly Billy category, saying they always feel cold, women are only 10% more likely to turn on the heat than men. Many opt to use additional layers of clothing to stay warm: 89% of respondents wear layers, most stop at two (43%) before turning on the heat.

Interestingly, four in ten of respondents have chosen to buy personal heating products like heating blankets, pads, cushions or hot water bottles, to reduce or circumvent the need for central heating altogether.

Despite finances at home having been a traditionally male-dominated space, progress has been made within modern relationships as financial control balances out between men and women. Men are only 8% more likely to pay the energy bills, and 4% more likely to have saved to create a buffer for heating costs, when compared to women. This implies that financial responsibility is becoming increasingly shared within British partnerships.

Becky Nascimento, UK Country Manager at Stoov says, “We often underestimate how much temperature can affect our wellbeing and headspace, especially at home. When finances become involved, it only becomes more complex. This survey shows that many Brits feel they must choose between financial savings and physical comfort, which affects the social dynamic at home. Luckily, many people looking for affordable, sustainable alternatives to central heating have discovered personal heating products as an ideal solution to ease tensions, as people can establish their own, ideal environment, anywhere in the home – even with their partner right next to them.”

Why Does Every Business Need Cloud Storage Services?

Managing data effectively is crucial for any business in today’s digital era. The best cloud storage solutions offer more than just data storage; they provide a secure and efficient platform to manage business information. From small startups to large corporations, cloud storage has become a key component in data management strategy. This article discusses the compelling reasons why every business should integrate cloud storage into their operations.

  1. Enhanced Security: A Robust Shield for Your Data

The most significant advantage of cloud storage is its superior level of security. Providers employ sophisticated encryption and robust security measures to protect data from unauthorized access and cyber threats. These security protocols are continuously updated to tackle the ever-evolving digital risks, offering businesses the assurance that their sensitive information is well-protected. This level of security is often more advanced than what most businesses could afford or manage on their own, providing an added layer of protection that is vital in today’s cyber landscape. Moreover, many cloud storage solutions include multi-factor authentication and regular security audits, further enhancing the safety of your data. This comprehensive security approach makes cloud storage essential to any modern cybersecurity strategy.

  1. Cost-Effective Storage: Maximizing Efficiency, Minimizing Expenses

Cloud storage stands out as an economical solution for businesses of all sizes. It eliminates the need for expensive physical storage hardware and the maintenance costs that come with it. Businesses can choose a plan that suits their needs and pay only for the storage they use, with the flexibility to adjust as requirements change. This scalability is particularly beneficial for SMEs, allowing them to manage their resources efficiently without heavy upfront investments. It’s a smart way to keep overhead low while ensuring data is stored securely and efficiently.

  1. Accessibility and Collaboration: Enhancing Productivity Across Borders

The accessibility offered by cloud storage is unparalleled. It allows data access from anywhere, fostering a collaborative work environment. Employees can work on documents and projects in real time, regardless of their location, promoting efficiency and teamwork. This feature is invaluable for businesses with a global presence or those employing remote workforces. It ensures consistency and fluid communication across all levels of the organization, making it an indispensable tool for modern businesses.

  1. Disaster Recovery: A Reliable Backup Plan

Cloud storage is a crucial element in disaster recovery strategies. In the event of physical disasters or system failures, having data stored in the cloud means it’s safe and can be quickly restored. This level of preparedness is essential for maintaining business continuity and reducing downtime during crises. The ability to recover data swiftly ensures that businesses can resume operations with minimal disruption, safeguarding their reputation and financial stability. Cloud storage also offers version control and history tracking, enabling businesses to revert to previous versions of documents if needed. This feature is particularly important in mitigating the impact of ransomware attacks or accidental data deletions, ensuring that critical business information is never lost.

  1. Scalability: Tailored to Fit Your Business Growth

The scalability of cloud storage is one of its most appealing features. Businesses can easily increase their storage capacity in line with their growth without the need for significant hardware investments. This flexibility is key for businesses experiencing rapid growth or those with fluctuating storage needs. It provides the agility needed to adapt to changing market conditions and business requirements without the logistical challenges of traditional storage expansion.

  1. Environmentally Friendly: Supporting Sustainable Practices

Opting for cloud storage is a step towards sustainability. It reduces the dependence on physical storage devices and data centers, which typically have a larger environmental impact. By choosing cloud solutions, businesses contribute to reducing energy usage and promoting eco-friendly practices. This not only helps the environment but also aligns with the growing global emphasis on corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

  1. Competitive Advantage: Staying Ahead in the Digital Race

Adopting cutting-edge technology like cloud storage can provide a significant advantage in a competitive business environment. It streamlines business operations, allowing companies to focus more on innovation and core activities. Embracing cloud storage demonstrates a commitment to technology and efficiency, enhancing a business’s reputation in the market. It’s a strategic move that positions companies for success in an increasingly digital world.

In conclusion, integrating cloud storage into business operations is not just a trend but a strategic necessity in the digital age. The benefits of cloud storage, ranging from enhanced security and cost-effectiveness to improved collaboration and environmental sustainability, are clear and substantial. By adopting the best cloud storage solutions, businesses of all sizes can ensure their data is secure, accessible, and efficiently managed. This step is crucial for achieving operational excellence and maintaining a competitive edge in today’s dynamic business landscape.