Tech Review – Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe luxury 3-in-1 charging stand for Apple devices

Twelve South is a brand we have been testing products for some time now and when it comes to Apple products these guys offer premium accessories to match your premium priced Apple goods. Today we check out their latest edition of the HiRise 3 Deluxe which is their latest offering and back in 2019 we checked out their 2-in-1 wireless charger and now they have upped the game.

The HiRise 3 Deluxe 3-in-1 charging stand allows users to connect their iPhone in both portrait and landscape modes, delivering up to 15W of fast wireless charging.  It allows users to connect their iPhone in both portrait and landscape mode (perfect for StandBy mode in iOS 17), delivering up to 15W of fast MagSafe wireless charging.

Additionally, it offers fast-charge for the Apple Watch and a 7.5W wireless charger in the base for AirPods or a second compatible phone. I have tested other Qi enabled devices and all worked fine with no issues on the product.

With this product you not only save on space but cable this is portable and can be brought with you if you wish to do so, it could also act as another screen beside your laptop to check emails and social media and it is charging while doing so, it is high enough to leave standing beside your desktop or laptop and you can also consume media.

The build quality is top notch here again and you would not expect anything less from the company, it looks great on any desk or bedside locker although it is on the higher end of pricing for similar products it is the better one and metter quality and I have tested several similar products that cost much less but they do not last and this one is built like a tank and will last.

HiRise 3 on locker where you can still interact with notifications and more.

Features

  • Wirelessly charge iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods (or second phone) from one single outlet – 40W International Power Adapter included
  • Adjust iPhone angle in portrait or landscape to view notifications, videos or turn your iPhone into a bedside clock in StandBy Mode
  • Built with official 15W MagSafe Charger for iPhone, Apple Watch Fast Charger, and a Qi-certified 7.5W wireless charger for AirPods or a second phone
  • Space-saving vertical design has a footprint smaller than an iPhone Pro Max

 

HiRise 3 Deluxe is available from Apple UK for £149.99 or can be pre-ordered now from www.twelvesouth.eu.

Video review

Golden Ride launches innovative eBike and eScooter maintenance and servicing program

Golden Ride, the high-tech electric micro-mobility brand from globally renowned sustainable transportation pioneer Terravision Electric, has enhanced its operations in the UK following the launch of an innovative and wide-ranging maintenance and servicing program designed specifically for eBikes and eScooters.

The highly comprehensive package has been created to offer customers total ‘peace-of-mind’ throughout their eBike and eScooter ownership journey, eliminating concerns they might have on the safety and operational lifetime functionality of their eMobility products, encompassing all mechanical, electrical, hardware and software aspects.

Such a complete aftersales approach from Golden Ride serves to maintain the highest of safety levels of eBikes and eScooters while further enhancing reliability, performance and lifespan. The program is also available to customers with non-electric bikes of any brand as part of Golden Ride’s duty of care outlook for the wider micro-mobility community.

“The formation of Golden Ride was primarily driven by the need to create truly sustainable and affordable micro-mobility solutions that will help transform our urban areas,” says Niccolò Petroni, commercial director at Golden Ride. “But unlike so many other brands in this congested space, offering the market a high-tech but affordable product range is just one aspect to the Golden Ride eMobility vision, which is why we invested and opened a flagship store in London and today we’re delighted to launch our comprehensive maintenance and servicing eMobility program.

“We strongly feel that waving goodbye to the customer at a point of sale – be that for an eBike or eScooter; online or in the Golden Ride flagship store – just isn’t good enough. As a community-focused company we want to be with the customer throughout their ownership journey, making sure their chosen eMobility products remain at optimum operating levels across all key attributes – safety, reliability, functionality and performance. Our all-encompassing maintenance and servicing program guarantees total ‘peace-of-mind’ for the customer.”

Golden Ride implements total customer care

The new maintenance and servicing program launched by Golden Ride gives the burgeoning UK eMobility market access to a complete and high-tech aftersales service for eBikes and eScooters that is also dedicated to total customer care.

Overseen by leading eMobility technicians based at Golden Ride’s flagship store in London, the maintenance and servicing program has been designed to operate on a highly efficient yet detail-driven basis, offering customers access to high-level electric and mechanical eMobility engineering expertise.

A state-of-the-art electromechanical workshop – currently under development within Golden Ride’s flagship store – will soon become the brand’s hub for its all-encompassing aftersales, maintenance, servicing and customer care initiatives. When completed, the workshop will be equipped with advanced technologies and industry-leading tools.

The service, which has been designed to be rapid, launches with customers not needing to make any prior appointments – the Golden Ride technician team are on-hand each day during the flagship store’s regular business hours. Alternatively, customers can also message the technician team via WhatsApp on 07549 390 561.

A detailed diagnostic examination is performed on the customer’s eMobility product – the cost of which is just £25.00; this initial fee is then deducted from the price of the maintenance and service operations should the customer at that stage wish to proceed.

To maintain the highest safety standards of eBikes and eScooters, it’s advised that a safety inspection is undertaken between major mechanical services. As part of Golden Ride’s new aftersales customer care package, the brand’s complete safety inspection service sees the customer’s eBike or eScooter comprehensively assessed for state of health, functionality and performance.

Following the evaluation, the eBike or eScooter is then restored and advanced to optimal working conditions. This tailored customer care initiative comprises a full safety check of the frame, wheels and brakes – including a thorough inspection for damage and movement; frames and forks analysed for imperfections; wheels and tyres examined for wear; wheels and rims assessed for condition of use; chain tested and lubricated; and the gears and brakes optimally tuned.

‘Out with the old, in with the electric’ exchange

Golden Ride’s compelling ‘Out with the old, in with the electric’ offer has been extended in the lead-up to the busy Christmas period.

The exchange presents customers with the opportunity to take their old non-electric bikes into Golden Ride’s flagship store in London for an accurate pricing evaluation undertaken by the company’s expert eMobility tech team. The valuation of the old non-electric bike is then used as credit and exchanged for a new Golden Ride eBike or eScooter.

Philippe Grousset, director of operations for the Golden Ride flagship store in London, added: “Golden Ride’s journey into the UK market is only 12 months old but in that time we’ve made incredible progress: we’ve invested in a physical flagship store in London; we’ve launched a range of eBikes including our outstanding Classic Touring Bike; and we’ve recently introduced the A6 Pro, an eScooter that is already proving to be very popular. Today we’re adding the next element to the brand’s eMobility vision: comprehensive maintenance and servicing packages tailored for the customer.

“And by extending our ‘Out with the old, in with the electric’ exchange service, Golden Ride is continuing to support the growing eMobility community, helping as many people as possible to embrace sustainable micro-mobility solutions that will help revolutionize and revitalize our urban landscape.”

Benefits Of White Labelling Your Business

Entrepreneurs are always looking for new and creative ways to remain ahead of the competition and increase their profits in the fast-paced world of business. One such strategy that has gained considerable traction in recent years is white labeling. This business practice has proven to be a game-changer for many, offering a myriad of advantages that can significantly impact the success and scalability of a venture. In this comprehensive exploration. We delve into the world of white labeling, unraveling its intricacies and shedding light on the diverse benefits it brings to the table.

Decoding White Labelling: A Tailored Approach to Success

Before we plunge into the benefits, let’s demystify the concept of white labeling. At its core, white labeling is a strategic business arrangement where a company sources products or services from a third-party provider and then rebrands them as its own. This allows businesses to offer a wide range of offerings without the need to invest heavily in research, development, or production. Picture this: you own a boutique digital agency and wish to expand your service portfolio to include e-commerce solutions. You can opt for a White label ecommerce solution instead of building an in-house team to develop a solution from scratch. This choice enables you to provide top-notch e-commerce services to your clients under your brand name without the burden of creating the entire product from the ground up.

The Pinnacle of Flexibility: Diverse Product Offerings

One of the standout benefits of white labeling is the unparalleled flexibility it affords businesses in terms of product offerings. In a rapidly evolving market where consumer preferences shift swiftly, the ability to adapt and diversify is paramount. White labeling empowers businesses to swiftly introduce new products or services to meet market demands without the exhaustive lead time associated with in-house development. This agility not only keeps businesses relevant but also positions them as industry leaders capable of responding promptly to emerging trends. Whether you’re a startup looking to expand your product line or an established brand aiming for a strategic pivot, the adaptability offered by white labeling can be the key to staying competitive.

Cost-Efficiency Unleashed: Reducing Development Costs

In the realm of business, cost-efficiency is a perpetual pursuit, and white labeling emerges as a compelling solution in this quest. Developing a new product or service in-house demands substantial financial resources. From hiring skilled professionals to investing in research and development, the costs can quickly spiral out of control. White labeling, on the other hand, allows businesses to leverage the expertise and infrastructure of established providers, significantly reducing the upfront costs associated with product development. This not only makes entrepreneurship more accessible but also provides established businesses with a potent avenue for expanding their offerings without breaking the bank.

Accelerated Time-to-Market: Seizing Opportunities Swiftly

In the fast-paced landscape of business, time is often of the essence. The ability to bring a product or service to market swiftly can make the difference between capitalizing on an emerging trend and being left in the dust. White labeling shines in this aspect, offering a shortcut to market entry that is both efficient and effective. By tapping into pre-existing solutions, businesses can bypass the lengthy development and testing phases, ensuring that they are well-positioned to seize opportunities as soon as they arise. For entrepreneurs with a keen eye on market trends and a desire to stay ahead, the accelerated time-to-market facilitated by white labeling is a formidable advantage.

Building Brand Authority: Focus on Core Competencies

Building brand authority is a strategic endeavor that requires a meticulous focus on core competencies. In the dynamic landscape of business, companies often find themselves juggling various aspects of product development, marketing, and customer engagement. White labeling, with its unique ability to streamline the product development process, allows businesses to concentrate on what they do best. By honing in on core competencies, companies can cultivate a distinct brand identity, positioning themselves as experts in their field. This focused approach not only enhances the efficiency of operations but also contributes to the creation of a brand that is synonymous with excellence. Whether it’s delivering exceptional customer service, pioneering innovation, or maintaining a commitment to quality, businesses that prioritize their core strengths through white labeling are better positioned to build and sustain brand authority in an increasingly competitive market.

Risk Mitigation: Navigating Uncertainties Safely

Embracing risk is inherent to entrepreneurship, but mitigating its potential impact is a judicious approach. White labeling plays a pivotal role in this risk management strategy by redistributing the burden of uncertainties. When a business opts for a white-label solution, it effectively shares the risk with a third-party provider, who assumes responsibility for crucial stages such as research, development, and initial testing. This not only lightens the financial load on the business but also provides a safety net, enabling ventures into new territories with reduced fear of failure. By leveraging the expertise of established providers, businesses can focus on refining their core competencies, fostering innovation, and ensuring a more secure journey through the ever-evolving landscape of commerce. In essence, risk mitigation through white labeling transforms uncertainties from potential stumbling blocks into stepping stones for sustained success.

Customer-Centric Approach: Meeting Customer Expectations

 

Meeting customer expectations has evolved beyond a transactional interaction; it’s about building lasting relationships grounded in trust and satisfaction. A customer-centric approach is the compass that guides businesses in understanding, anticipating, and fulfilling the diverse needs of their clientele. By adopting this ethos, companies not only tailor their products and services to align with customer preferences but also prioritize a seamless and delightful customer journey. This commitment extends beyond the point of sale, encompassing post-purchase support and engagement. In a world where consumers have myriad choices at their fingertips, businesses that prioritize a customer-centric approach position themselves as partners in the customer’s journey, earning loyalty and advocacy in return.

From the unparalleled flexibility it offers in product offerings to the cost-efficient and risk-mitigating nature of the approach, the benefits are both diverse and impactful. As businesses navigate the intricacies of a competitive market, the strategic adoption of white labeling can be the catalyst for growth, scalability, and sustained success. In a world where staying ahead is imperative, embracing the white-label advantage may just be the key to unlocking new heights of achievement.

Dyson launch search for creators to produce content and test out their Zone headphones with rewards given

Having disrupted the audio category with the launch of the Dyson Zone™ noise-cancelling headphones in the UK and Ireland in May 2023, Dyson has announced a casting call for aspiring content creators across the UK and Ireland to join its first ever Dyson Field Testers program – a collaborative global community for music and technology fans.

With applications open between 30 November – 31 December 2023, people across Ireland can  Apply to become a Dyson Field Tester today to get hands on the high-fidelity headphones and create social content bringing to life their experience.

Successful applicants will form part of an exclusive network of creators across Great Britain and Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and the US, that forms part of Dyson’s new global Instagram channel @dysonwear launching on 30 November 2023. After receiving a pair of Dyson Zone™ noise-cancelling headphones to road test the technology, Dyson Field Testers will curate social content based on a series of themed challenges. The most unique and inspiring social posts will be rewarded with music experiences, subscriptions, sporting tickets,  Dyson technologies and more.

Applicants who are selected to become a Dyson Field Tester will form part of an exclusive community and receive:

  • Seeding pack including Dyson Zone™ noise-cancelling headphones
  • Fortnightly themed challenges
  • Rewards for curating unique content.
  • Updates on upcoming Dyson audio technologies and experiences
  • The opportunity to be featured on Dyson’s global social media channels.

 Apply here  before 31 December 2023 to become a Dyson Field Tester .

Ørsted takes final investment decision on its first Irish solar farm

Ørsted has taken final investment decision (FID) on phase one of Garreenleen Solar Farm, which marks the company’s first solar investment in Ireland.   

Located 15km outside of Carlow town, this 81 MW solar development is expected to be operational by 2026 and will bring Ørsted’s operational capacity on the island of Ireland to almost 500MW.    

Today’s FID follows the project’s successful win under the Irish Government’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme 3 (RESS 3) auction in September 2023. RESS 3 was a successful auction for Ørsted, with twoprojects (wind and solar) totalling 124MW clearing. The RESS 3 auction average strike price was EUR100.47 per MWh, which is consistent with similar regimes in other European markets.   

Commenting on the investment decision, Kieran White, Senior Vice President of Onshore in Region Europe at Ørsted, said: 

“Solar energy is an essential component for enabling the Irish power system to run entirely on green energy, and I’m delighted to confirm that Ørsted now will invest in our first Irish solar farm.“ 

He continued: “While this will be our first solar project in Ireland, our strong pipeline of other projects, which continue to progress through consenting and grid access, gives us the confidence that more will follow.” 

“Garreenleen is an attractive solar project because it has a short grid route to a strong meshed node in the existing national electricity network, in an area of the grid where constraints are forecast to be low. With this investment decision, the project will also install the necessary grid infrastructure to facilitate the connection of a second phase of the project, which we hope to commit to within the next year,” he concluded. 

Expleo successfully launches first ENSO nanosatellite into space

Expleo has announced the successful launch of its first nanosatellite, ENSO, developed in partnership with the Centre Spatial Universitaire de Montpellier (CSUM).

ENSO (Expleo Nanosat for Solar irradiance Observation) successfully launched on 1 December from California aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, mission 425, flight 1, via ISISpace with first signal received shortly after 21:00 UTC. It will now begin its 4 years-long mission to monitor solar activity and its impact on Earth’s atmosphere.

ENSO is an in-house CubeSat project jointly developed by teams from Expleo and CSUM. It measures just 10x10x10cm and weighs just over 1kg– small enough to hold in your hands. It also incorporates a six-metre antenna, which deploys after launch, and a camera system to support secondary data collection missions.

Once ENSO’s antenna is deployed, it will officially begin its primary mission using a high-frequency beacon to support measurement of the ionosphere, a highly active part of Earth’s upper atmosphere used to support radio and satellite communications. Data from ENSO will be sent to SANSA ground stations located in Antarctica, with the data used to improve our understanding of the impact of solar activity on our atmosphere.

ENSO combines Expleo expertise across systems engineering, electronics and software space engineering, quality and assembly, integration and test (AIT), supported by CSUM’s knowledge and experience of nanosatellite launches. ENSO has been tested on the CSUM shaker and thermal vacuum chamber – resources specially adapted for environmental testing of nanosatellites.

Jeff Hoyle, EVP – Global Aero, Space and Defence of Expleo, said: “Nanosatellites are the embodiment of the NewSpace revolution – a cost-effective yet powerful way of putting the power of space exploration and monitoring into the hands of a far wider audience than ever before. Industries as wide-ranging as aerospace, automotive and energy & utilities all stand to benefit from their potential. With the launch of ENSO, we’ve built a team and perfected the skills needed for the successful development, integration and deployment of nanosatellite payloads.”

 “This is a huge milestone for us, but we’re already looking forward to building on this success and developing the skills to support nanosatellite launches and NewSpace activities for our partners, through R&D initiatives such as ExpleoLissa, a software-defined nanosatellite capable of in-orbit reconfiguration.”

 ENSO’s mission will last up to four years before starting its end-of-life process, expected in 2027.

Learn more about the ENSO project.

Learn more about Expleo’s services for the space industry.

Virgin Media announced as the title sponsor of The FAI’s Esports Programme

Virgin Media has been announced as the title partner of the Football Association of Ireland’s Esports programme, including the ELOI which will now be titled the Virgin Media ELOI.

The new two-year agreement will provide Virgin Media with title sponsorship of the ELOI, eNational Team and a newly launched EFAI Cup.

The new EFAI Cup will be an exciting two-week online tournament in January which will culminate in an in-person final four showdown one week after the tournament ends. The tournament will be open to all levels to enter and participants must be over 16 and based in the Republic of Ireland. Registrations will open in December.

The Virgin Media ELOI will run from February to April 2024 and will feature all 20 men’s League of Ireland clubs, competing in a group format with the top two teams progressing to the live Final.

The winner of the Virgin Media ELOI will earn a place in the eChampions League Group Stage and a Play-Off place for the FC Pro World Championship.

Competitive gaming and the esports industry have grown exponentially in recent years. The industry has become a global phenomenon with millions of fans participating and consuming esports. There are around two million gamers in Ireland across all spectrums, and it is estimated there are around 700,000 Esports enthusiasts.

The FAI have recognised these developments in esports and has decided to actively shape the efootball landscape here in Ireland. The FAI’s esports programme is established to attract and engage with a younger demographic of football fans and create a new participation and supporter stream through esports.

Sean Kavanagh, FAI Commercial Director, said: “This is an exciting partnership for the FAI to have such a brilliant brand to be the title sponsor for our electronic games programmes. This is an exciting area for us to grow and has huge potential for both ourselves and Virgin Media. The addition of the EFAI Cup will give the wider public a great opportunity to get involved in the games and having Virgin Media alongside us will help us amplify this as well as the Virgin Media ELOI and ENational Team for the FAI to an even wider audience.”

Vice President of Commercial at Virgin Media, Paul Higgins said: “Virgin Media recognises the growth of gaming and esports in Ireland and we know many of our customers come to Virgin Media so they can experience the most reliable and best broadband for their gameplay.  This important strategic partnership with the FAI is an opportunity for Virgin Media to continue to support the gaming community in Ireland so the right infrastructure is in place for Irish gamers to play and compete.

“We are excited to partner with the FAI’s esports programme that is committed to engaging and supporting gamers at a grass root and national level. This partnership is an extension of our gaming partnerships with the likes of Esports organisation WYLDE.”

Mark Scanlon, League of Ireland Director, said: “We’re delighted to announce Virgin Media as title sponsor with the FAI and it is great to have such a well-known and innovative brand as title sponsor of the ELOI. The ELOI has a huge role for us to play in the growth of the League of Ireland’s fanbase with the newer generation and last year’s tournament was a great way to kick off the new brand. We’re excited to see where we can take the Virgin Media ELOI along with Virgin Media into 2024.”

 

Tech Review – SOUNDPEATS Clear earbuds.

The SOUNDPEATS Clear is one of the latest products on offer form the brand which we have been testing out and there is more so stay tuned for those in the coming days, this pair however are going transparent which seems to be a trend these days getting inspiration from mobile phones I would imagine.

The presentation is great with a different take on things from the brand and they look good and so does the case they come in making them stand out from the crowd in the colour we have which is not so much a fingerprint collector and lets you see inside your tech which I think is cool.

These are comfortable to wear too and fit well and will not fall out and the touch controls work really well and are easy to use and of course we have the soundpeats app which we are really familiar with keeping the controls in order with the rest of their products and simple to use if you are moving up from another pair from the company.

So does transparent tech and its aesthetics take away from the sound quality well in short no in this case and they did well during my testing and for the price you are paying there is little to complain about being honest with their app thrown in to customize the EQ settings which offers a wide variety of options volume is loud you have adaptive EQ and can customize the EQ no lag latency no distortion and overall a general great audio experience for the price, you may get a little wind noise due to the shape of the buds and the case is something to take care of due to its shell but other than that an excellent stocking filler or spare pair of earbuds that also has and IPX4 rating.

See the video review for more below.

The App

 

 

Features 

  • 【Unique Transparent Design】- SoundPEATS Clear earbuds feature a exquisite transparent design that is both visually appealing and comfortable to wear. The compact dimensions and light weight of the earbuds make them almost weightless, allowing you to fully enjoy your music without any discomfort. Additionally, the design provides a spiritually pleasant experience that enhances your overall listening experience.
  • 【Total 40Hrs & Low Latency Game Mode】- With a 40-hour battery life, SoundPEATS Clear earbuds alleviate power anxiety and provide up to 7 hours of listening time on a single charge. The charging case offers an additional 5 recharges for prolonged music playback. Additionally, the game mode has a delay as low as 90ms, keeping sound and images in sync and allowing you to distinguish positions for an immersive gaming experience.
  • 【Bluetooth 5.3 and One-Step Pairing】- With Bluetooth 5.3 technology, the SoundPEATS Clear earbuds provide fast and reliable connections for a seamless audio experience. Simply remove the earbuds from the charging case and select “SoundPEATS Clear” in your device’s Bluetooth settings to automatically connect.
SOUNDPEATS Clear – techbuzzireland
  • 【12mm Biocomposite Driver】- SoundPEATS is always committed to Technological and Material Innovations to make everyone who listens to music feel spiritual comfort. The Clear earbuds deliver an impressive experience a world of sound, immersing yourself in a soundscape full of details and discover the true fascination of music in a completely new way.
  • 【Dual-mic & Clear Calls】- Say goodbye to distorted calls and focus on your conversations with confidence. The innovative directional sound transmission focuses the microphone on your voice, capturing every word with precision. The dual microphone in each wireless headphone setup effectively suppresses ambient noise, delivering clear and crisp calls for both you and the person on the other end. Stay connected with crystal-clear call quality, no matter where you are.

BUY 

Video Review

New programme encourages people to get involved in monitoring earthquakes in Ireland and across the globe

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) and Geological Survey Ireland are encouraging the next wave of ‘citizen seismologists’ through a new programme – Quake Shake – which was launched today (05.11.23).

Seismology is the study of earthquakes and seismic waves that move through and around the Earth. This new outreach programme is calling on people of all ages across Ireland to get involved in observing and studying local and global earthquakes – helping them to develop a better understanding of what lies beneath the Earth’s surface.

Quake Shake uses devices known as a Raspberry Shake seismometer. These devices are connected to the internet, allowing real-time monitoring of earthquakes. Raspberry Shakes can detect low magnitude local Irish earthquakes as well as large magnitude earthquakes originating from around the globe. Quake Shake will use additional seismic data from the Irish National Seismic Network (INSN) to develop teaching resources and to provide engagement with current seismological research in Ireland.

Commenting on the launch of Quake Shake, Professor Chris Bean, Head of Geophysics at DIAS, said, “Quake Shake represents a significant stride towards inclusive ways of engaging with how the Earth works. With DIAS and Geological Survey Ireland’s joint funding, we are empowering communities to actively achieve a greater appreciation of the dynamism of our planet.”

Koen Verbruggen, Director of Geological Survey Ireland, added, “This initiative aligns with Geological Survey Ireland’s commitment to promoting the understanding and application of geology in Ireland. Quake Shake holds the promise of not just educating but inspiring the next generation of scientists.”

The newly launched Quake Shake website features information about recent earthquakes, tailored exercises for teachers and students and an interactive quiz reinforcing key concepts in seismology. Quake Shake aims to spark interest in physics, mathematics, and geoscience at all levels, as well as nurturing curiosity in higher-level Earth Sciences.

More information on how to become a citizen seismologist and how to join the Quake Shake community is available by emailing info@quakeshake.ie.