From today, Sony PlayStation have announced until the 30th November, players will be able to purchase PlayStation 5 consoles for €449.99 * at participating retailers. Further information on this offer can be found at PlayStation Black Friday 2023
As part of Black Friday, there will also be great deals on PlayStation peripherals and software across participating retailers. Those offers include but are not limited to:
Hardware:
DualSense (RRP €49.99)
PULSE 3D Wireless Headset (RRP €89.99)
DualSense Charging Station (RRP €24.99)
Media Remote (RRP €24.99)
HD Camera for PS5 Consoles (RRP €54.99)
Software:
God of War Ragnarök PS5 (RRP €49.99)
Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales PS5 (RRP €29.99)
GT7 PS5 (RRP €39.99)
2023 has been a fantastic year for PS5 so far, with plenty of games to keep players entertained, including recently released blockbuster titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and EA SPORTS FC 24, as well as virtual reality experiences like Horizon Call of the Mountain and Resident Evil Village on PlayStation VR2. We’ve continued to deliver incredible gaming experiences to our growing PS5 community, including PlayStation’s game subscription service, PlayStation Plus, which offers benefits such as the Game and Classics Catalogue with hundreds of games to choose from.
*Offer ends 30/11. Subject to availability. Manufacturer’s recommended promotional price. Actual retailer price may vary. Saving against previous recommended retailer price of €549.99.
As you all know the Google Pixel 8 Pro is one of my daily drivers and FNTCASE has sent some cases over to check out for the device and if you want to check out other reviews from the company they have plenty of cases for other brands, recently we checked out some cases for the iPhone 15 pro.
Again the company has sent two cases that will suit two different people one that is clear and one that is dual layered and both offers great protection all round. Again both cases do a great job and feel good in the hand offering extra grip all ports are accessible and you can wirelessly charge the Pixel 8 Pro with one having Magnetic full drop protection.
Check out the video review below for more where we take a deep dive into both cases.
Pixel 8 Pro Dual Layer Shockproof Protective Phone Cover with Anti Slip Textured Back Cell Case
Non-Slip Textured Design: Our innovative Google Pixel 8 Pro case features a non-slip textured design, providing a confident grip and preventing accidental drops. Stay worry-free while experiencing the stylish and secure feel of your phone.
Double-Layer Heavy-Duty Protection: Take your phone’s protection to the next level with our dual-layer heavy-duty case. Built to military-grade standards, it offers unparalleled defense against drops, bumps, and scratches, ensuring your Pixel 8 Pro remains safe in all situations.
HD Tempered Film: Immerse yourself in the brilliance of your Pixel 8 Pro’s display with our HD tempered film. Enjoy enhanced clarity and touch sensitivity while keeping your screen pristine and free from unsightly scratches and smudges.
Higher Than Camera Protection: Capture picture-perfect moments without worry, thanks to our case’s elevated camera protection. The lens is shielded from potential damage, allowing you to focus on taking stunning photos and videos with your Google Pixel 8 Pro.
Pixel 8 Pro Phone Case: Magnetic Full Drop Proof Protection Cell Phone Case
Only compatible with Pixel 8 Pro
With a built-in magnetic loop to strengthen the magnetic connection, this Pixel 8 Pro case is magnetically compatible with all Qi-certified magnetic chargers, magnetic wallets, and car mounts. No matter how shaken it is, your magnetic phone case will not fall off
It features a touch-sensitive built-in screen protector that protects your screen from scratches, cracks, and impacts.
The Pixel 8 Pro case is made of high-quality hard PC, flexible TPU and built-in screen protector.
The slim and lightweight design ensures better grip and comfortable holding.
Uniphore, one of the world’s largest AI-native companies, announced a strategic partnership with Workair, the largest cloud communications specialist in Ireland, to bring enterprise AI to Ireland, with a priority placed on Ireland’s world-class contact centres.
With deep expertise and a track record of success working with enterprise-scale companies, public sector and global contact centres,
Workair will leverage Uniphore’s X Platform and their industry-leading AI solutions to help clients select, deploy and support customer-centric solutions that best meet their specific needs. The Uniphore X Platform infuses multiple AI technologies into all areas of the enterprise that impact the customer, such as conversational AI, generative AI, knowledge AI and emotion AI.
As an established leader, Workair will leverage its expertise and the access it now has to industry-leading technology with Uniphore to ensure its customers will be able to better handle customer-centric tasks such as sales, frontline support and compliance management across contact centres.
“Ireland has become a vibrant tech hub for innovation,” said Umesh Sachdev, CEO at Uniphore. “Workair has been a major force driving innovation not only for Irish enterprises, but for global brands as well. We’re thrilled to partner with Workair to deliver best-in-class customer experiences throughout Ireland and beyond. This collaboration is a critical step in expanding Uniphore’s global footprint and ensuring our leading enterprise AI platform is recognized on the world’s stage.”
To kick off this partnership, Uniphore and Workair gathered a select group of senior executives from Ireland’s top businesses at an event at The Fire Steakhouse in Dublin on Nov 16th 2023 to network and discuss the future of AI. The event was also attended by World Rugby Hall of Famer, Brian O’Driscoll.
“Workair has always been at the forefront of delivering easy-to-use, integrated and cost-effective customer communications to Ireland’s contact centres,” said Stephen Mackarel, Managing Director of Workair. “We are proud to partner with Uniphore and provide Ireland’s call centres with enterprise AI capabilities that will empower agents to better address customer concerns, lower call times and improve the overall customer experience.”
“AI is clearly the next major force for business transformation and there is a huge opportunity for all customer-facing functions to leverage it for improved customer and employee/advisor experiences,” said Dorothy O’Byrne, Managing Director at Contact Centre Management Association in Ireland. “CCMA is working with members to help identify and develop the opportunities that AI brings. We congratulate Workair, sponsors of the CCMA, on this partnership with Uniphore.”
Uniphore’s enterprise-class, AI-native platform makes it easy for businesses to transform every part of the enterprise that impacts the customer. With the addition of the Workair partnership, Uniphore’s platform is now available in over 20 countries.
Edifier will be running a 30% discount off some of their most popular models – the S3 included. The STAX S3 offer will be a reduction £379 to £265.30. https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0B4JWZYSS
This offer will run from November 17th until Monday 27th November. If you need to get a closer look check our reviews on site for all the reviews which we went hands on with from the brand that gives you great audio at even better prices now.
Pure Telecom, Ireland’s high-speed broadband and telecoms provider, today announces the results of its inaugural Connected Lives survey, which shows that almost one-third (32%) of adults in Ireland have a fake social media account. Pure Telecom’s research also revealed the most common social media faux pas committed by users.
The nationally representative survey of 1,004 adults in Ireland was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom. It delved into the population’s use of social media and the widespread use of ‘fake’ social media accounts, whereby users don’t use their real name. The research found that 44% of men admit to having a fake account, compared to 28% of women. Half of adults aged 26 and under confessed to having a fake account.
Of those who have a bogus account, 25% said they use it to view people’s posts and accounts anonymously, while 19% said it enables them to hide their identity while engaging in controversial discussions online. The same proportion have a fake account so that they can stay under the radar of potential and current employers, clients or colleagues.
Pure Telecom’s survey found that the average adult in Ireland has 4.4 social media accounts. Juggling an average of 5.6 social media accounts each, Gen Z (adults aged 26 and under) have the largest number of social media accounts. This is followed by Millennials (ages 27-42) with 4.1; Gen X (ages 43 to 58) with 3.4; and Baby Boomers (ages 59 to 77) with 2.3 accounts. The research found that 23% of adults have opened at least one social media account in the last 12 months, while 15% have deleted an account.
With many social media platforms at their fingertips, through which they can connect with people anywhere in the world, Pure Telecom’s research found that 39% of adults have people who they consider to be friends, but with whom they have only ever interacted digitally. This rises to 53% for Gen Z and continues to decline throughout the generations: Millennials (36%), Gen X (26%) and Baby Boomers (23%).
Pure Telecom’s research also explored the most common social media blunders. These were found to be:
Scrolling through a person’s feed and liking a post from a long time ago (34%)
Sending an embarrassing message to the wrong person or group (22%)
Accidentally commenting on the wrong post or image (18%)
Accidentally sharing a post or image that was intended solely for the eyes of close friends or family (15%)
Posting publicly thinking it was private (13%)
Accidentally liking an ex’s post, or following/requesting to connect with them (10%)
Accidentally liking an ex’s partner’s post, or following/requesting to connect with them (9%)
Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom, said: “Social media continues to be an integral tool for people to connect with one another. It has become such a part of our everyday lives that our definition of friendships has changed. Now, as the power of connection allows people to meet and keep in touch from all over the world, a significant proportion of us are enjoying friendships that are entirely online.
“Many of us will probably find some comfort in our research, as it shows us that there are people just like us out there who have committed social media ‘no-nos’ in the past. With the online world playing such a significant role in our lives, these blunders can leave us seriously red-faced.
“At Pure Telecom, we are proud to be at the heart of people’s connected lives. We encourage all social media users to enjoy the personal connections that the platforms enable, while always using them kindly and responsibly.”
Even before the widespread use of computer technology, science fiction offered readers a wide variety of applications of artificial intelligence and robots in the context of space exploration. The super intelligent computer HAL 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey, C3PO and R2D2 in Star Wars, tricorders, borgs, holograms and smart computers in Star Trek: all these works clearly demonstrate that space and AI are two halves of the same whole.
Since the beginning of human exploration of extraterrestrial space, this fantastic union is finally becoming a reality: in our article we will tell you about more specific examples of the use of artificial intelligence in the space industry and how software development companies participate in it.
AI In the Production of Satellites and Spacecraft
Traditional design methods require a huge amount of computation and many iterations to achieve the optimal solution. Using AI, the process of creating structures can be automated, taking into account various factors such as mass, strength and thermal loads. Machine learning algorithms can optimize a design and make predictions about its performance early in the design phase.
Another important area where AI is finding application in satellite manufacturing is in system control and testing. To ensure the reliability of satellites, numerous tests must be carried out at various stages of production. The use of AI allows you to automate the process of quality control and defect detection. Machine learning algorithms can analyze sensor data and determine whether the satellite’s parameters meet specified requirements. If inconsistencies are detected, AI can take action to correct them or reject components that are not reliable enough.
Artificial intelligence is also used in the production of spacecraft. One of the tasks of AI is to model and optimize system parameters such as flight modes and engine settings to achieve the best efficiency and durability. Thanks to machine learning, AI can analyze huge amounts of data about engine performance and external factors that can affect flight, and suggest optimal settings.
AI-Enhanced Space Photography
AI allows you to process large volumes of data received from satellites and telescopes and identify objects and phenomena that interest us. This is especially useful when observing distant galaxies or small asteroids that might be missed by the human eye.
Secondly, artificial intelligence can help improve the quality and resolution of space images. It uses image processing algorithms to eliminate noise, increase contrast and sharpness, and increase image resolution and detail. This allows for clearer and more detailed space images, which helps scientists explore outer space with greater precision.
In addition, artificial intelligence is used to analyze and classify acquired space images. It can automatically recognize and identify various objects and phenomena such as planets, stars, galaxies, as well as dangerous space objects such as asteroids and comets. This helps scientists discover new objects and study their properties and characteristics. The use of artificial intelligence directly on board the satellite eliminates the need for specialists for additional communication between ground and space stations.
Artificial intelligence systems play an equally important role in the operation of probes exploring deep space. Specialized algorithms process huge amounts of data, studying the characteristics of alien worlds. The AI compares them with the programmed indicators of a potentially habitable space object to determine the probability of habitability of the next exoplanet.
System Status Monitoring
Satellite Parameter Tracking
The first aspect of monitoring artificial satellites involves tracking and analyzing various parameters to assess their performance and health. AI-powered systems can continuously collect and process data on crucial indicators, including power consumption, temperature, orientation, and communication signal strength. By establishing baseline values and continuously comparing them to real-time data, the AI system can identify any deviations or anomalies, enabling proactive measures to be taken.
Using Machine Learning algorithms, anomalies can be detected by patterns that emerge from large-scale data analysis. For example, if a sudden increase or decrease in power consumption is detected beyond normal variations, the AI system can send alerts to the relevant personnel, indicating the possibility of a malfunction or potential failure. Furthermore, with the help of historical data, these AI systems can predict possible future issues, assisting in developing preventive strategies and optimizing maintenance schedules.
Probability Calculation
In addition to tracking parameters, AI can be employed to calculate probabilities of failure or future anomalies based on historical data and real-time monitoring. By analyzing massive datasets, AI algorithms can identify correlations and patterns that may signify an increased likelihood of malfunction. These algorithms can leverage statistical modeling techniques, such as Bayesian inference, to estimate the probability of specific events occurring. For example, SpaceX has equipped its satellites with systems of sensors and mechanisms that can track the position of the device and adjust it to avoid collisions with other objects.
For instance, a machine learning model can analyze historical data on satellite failures and identify common patterns or trends associated with these occurrences. By extrapolating this information and integrating it with current data, the AI system can provide estimates of probabilities for potential failures. Such calculations can assist engineers and operators in prioritizing maintenance tasks, deploying resources effectively, and ensuring the overall stability of the satellite network.
Space Simulations with AI
Autonomous Spacecraft and Probes
AI has played a vital role in autonomous spacecraft and probes, enabling them to navigate through space and conduct complex missions without continuous human intervention. For instance, NASA’s Mars rovers, Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity, utilize AI to analyze and interpret data, decide about soil samples, rock formations, and potential signs of life autonomously.
Machine Learning in Astrophysics
Space simulations combined with machine learning algorithms have proven pivotal in astrophysics research. Machine learning techniques excel at processing enormous amounts of data, helping scientists to discover new celestial objects and better understand the functioning of the universe. For instance, the Dark Energy Survey employs AI algorithms to analyze telescope images, unraveling dark matter and dark energy. Machine learning also aids in classifying astronomical objects and detecting gravitational waves, expanding our understanding of the universe’s evolution.
Virtual Reality Simulations
AI-driven virtual reality (VR) simulations provide immersive experiences that enable both professionals and the general public to explore outer space. With advancements in AI and VR, individuals can now embark on virtual missions, exploring distant galaxies, navigating through asteroid belts, and landing on the surfaces of faraway celestial bodies. These simulations offer unparalleled educational value.
Astronaut Training and Robotics
AI-powered simulations have greatly improved astronaut training, replicating space environments and conditions. Intelligent systems can simulate emergencies, spatial orientation, and critical decision-making scenarios, enhancing the capabilities of astronauts to handle challenging situations they may encounter during real missions. Furthermore, robotic companions assist astronauts during space expeditions, making exploration less reliant on direct human intervention.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Data Analysis
Space exploration generates an enormous amount of data, including scientific papers, technical reports, and experimental findings. NLP techniques have been employed to extract valuable insights, analyze trends, and generate summaries from this massive volume of information. AI-powered NLP tools aid scientists and engineers in data analysis, resource allocation, and experimental design.
Software Development Companies and AI in Fueling Space Exploration
Modern space missions heavily rely on sophisticated software systems to control and monitor various components of spacecraft, satellites, and ground stations. Software development companies play a vital role in designing, creating, and maintaining these complex software frameworks tailored to meet the specific requirements of space engineers.
Among the most influential contributors to today’s space exploration endeavor are software development companies and artificial intelligence. Software development companies integrate AI algorithms into their applications to process and analyze vast quantities of data obtained from space exploration missions. AI algorithms can extract relevant insights from the data collected, allowing scientists to derive conclusions and facilitate further exploration. By automating data processing through AI, software developers facilitate a more efficient and error-free analysis process, significantly accelerating scientific discoveries.
Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics
One of the most significant advantages of AI in space exploration is its ability to learn from past experiences and predict future outcomes. Machine learning algorithms are employed by software developers to train AI systems on vast datasets collected from previous missions, thereby enabling these systems to identify patterns, detect anomalies, and make predictions. This predictive capability assists mission planners and engineers in optimizing mission trajectories, accurately estimating fuel requirements, and avoiding potential hazards.
Fault Detection and Recovery
Space missions operate in extreme and unforgiving environments, where system failures can lead to catastrophic consequences. Software companies work closely with space engineers to develop fault detection algorithms, redundancy systems, and autonomous recovery mechanisms. These software systems help to detect anomalies, diagnose problems, and facilitate prompt corrective actions, ensuring mission success and crew safety.
Onboard Software Systems
Embedded software systems are crucial in the functioning of spacecraft and satellites. Software developers collaborate with space engineers to design onboard software systems responsible for executing critical tasks such as navigation, communication, instrument control, and environmental monitoring. These software systems operate in real-time, often requiring fault-tolerant and deterministic behavior.
Continuous Software Updates
As space missions can have long durations, software companies support engineers by providing continuous software updates and bug fixes. This helps to address any unforeseen issues, incorporate new requirements, and enhance the overall performance and reliability of the software systems deployed onboard and on the ground.
Software Development for Space in the UK
The UK’s involvement in space exploration began as early as the 1950s with the establishment of the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) Rocket Propulsion Department. Over the years, the UK’s space sector has experienced substantial growth, both in terms of research and industry participation. The UK Space Agency, established in 2010, has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies to drive space-related initiatives.
One software company in the UK example is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Harwell Space Cluster, located in Oxfordshire. This cluster brings together academic institutions, government agencies, and industry partners to collaborate on space-related projects. Within this cluster, software development plays a pivotal role in designing and operating satellite systems, analyzing data collected from space missions, and developing simulations for training astronauts.
Another notable player in the UK’s space software industry is Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL). SSTL specializes in the design, build, and operation of small satellites. Their expertise lies in developing software that ensures the functionality, reliability, and safety of satellite systems. These software solutions are fundamental in enabling various mission goals, including Earth observation, climate monitoring, and telecommunications.
Moreover, academic institutions in the UK also contribute significantly to space software development. Universities such as the University of Surrey and the University of Oxford have research centers and programs dedicated to space systems engineering and software development. These centers focus on creating innovative software solutions for space applications, particularly in areas such as autonomous spacecraft, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
The collaboration between software development companies, AI and space engineers is a symbiotic relationship that pushes the boundaries of human exploration and scientific discovery. The contribution of software developers to the field of space engineering is instrumental in enabling successful missions, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring the safety of astronauts and space assets. As technology continues to advance, this collaborative relationship will further evolve, opening up new possibilities for space exploration.
Why it’s important: 96% of customers say excellent customer service builds trust, according to Salesforce research.
With Salesforce, Aer Lingus will digitally transform to deliver personalisation and seamless customer experiences at scale.This includes introducing a centralised management capability and omni-channel approach across all marketing, transactional, post purchase/travel, loyalty, support and disruption communications.
Creating a customer-first approach across all touchpoints will remove friction, optimise the right message at the right time, and also help Aer Lingus consolidate its technology stack.
With Service Cloud, Aer Lingus will allow customer service teams to respond to customers more efficiently through data, automation, UI and guided workflows. average case handling time and increase agent productivity through guided workflows. This will enable teams to respond to customers more effectively and quickly during peak travel periods.
Marketing Cloud will streamline all customer communications, increasing the quality of communications through richer, more relevant data and increased consistency.
Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer, said: “At Aer Lingus, we are constantly striving to enhance our customers’ journey with us. Salesforce will allow us to understand our customers better and offer them a personalised, digital led experience. As we grow our airline, this will become an integral part of how we ensure we are giving customers the dedicated care that they expect from Aer Lingus.
“We’re delighted to be working with Salesforce as we use their game-changing technology as part of our ongoing digital transformation.”
Carolan Lennon, Salesforce Ireland Country Leader, said: “The airline industry is increasingly competitive, and how brands communicate with passengers will continue to be a key differentiator. From booking travel to receiving notifications of new routes, Aer Lingus recognises the power of personalised customer journeys in the air and in their digital offer. Enhancing personalisation and reducing friction experiences are key ingredients driving success with Aer Lingus. We’re excited to help Ireland’s flag carrier to unlock the opportunities that digital transformation has to offer.”
Bank of Ireland is warning consumers to be especially vigilant for fraud as Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are key online shopping dates for many consumers, which also means fraudsters will be stepping up their activity. Bank of Ireland customers spent 54% more online during Black Friday last year compared to a standard Friday, with clothing (+104%) and electrical goods (+100%) seeing the largest increase.
For those shopping online this Black Friday or Cyber Monday, Bank of Ireland is providing tips to stay safe.
Black Friday / Cyber Monday tips:
Be careful with links in emails and texts – Fake links can lead to fake websites where you may be asked to share your personal banking details including activation codes.
Do not share your banking details, including your full online banking PIN, or other personal information.
Think before you click – make sure you double check website addresses for anything unusual.
Use trusted websites – check that the ‘https’ and the lock symbol is displayed. Exercise caution with Pop ups on your social media feed (fraudsters can pay to have their ads in front of you).
On a mobile device use trusted apps – it can be difficult to see the full web address on mobile if you are using a web browser so instead stick with trusted apps.
Use up to date anti-virus software on your computer – this will help protect it against malware.
Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud, Bank of Ireland said: “We are already starting to hear about Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, but shoppers need to be extra vigilant for fraud. Fraudsters like to inject an element of urgency into their offers or fake adverts, but don’t rush a transaction without checking things properly first. Verify if websites and apps are legitimate and be extremely careful with online adverts, texts or e-mails. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it’s probably fraud.”
To coincide with the busy pre-Christmas shopping period, Bank of Ireland has launched a new national fraud advertising campaign, reminding customers to Stop, Think and Check. The Bank is publishing a series of ‘True Crime’ videos with renowned cyberpsychologist Professor Mary Aiken providing insights and tips to help people protect themselves. Visit Security Zone – Bank of Ireland Group Website
The ZAGG Luxe case for the Google Pixel 8 Pro is a case for those who want it kept simple does the job and protects their expensive phone and this case does all that and looks well on the device keeping it clean and to the point, the usual cutouts are all there for the device with a raised lip on the front and larger corners giving it the protection required alongside the camera bar protection on the back of the device and hides it quite well not allowing dirt to get trapped in the corners like other cases do.
The back of the case has nice grip too and overall the simple design here is what stands out and the keys are sorted also with tactile buttons that work really well, the device can be placed either face down or rear down and you can still charge you Pixel 8 Pro wirelessly which is great and there is no interruption on any ports including the charging ports which in some cases all cables will not sit in correctly and this has happened with many devices in the past with me having the charge port to thin on the case.
You also get 10ft drop protection which is a standard there days with phone case and the material used is softer and better than harder materials form my past experiences with cases and this absorbs shock better.
Overall this is a good choice of case if you are in the market for one or plan to pick up the Pixel 8 Pro in the near future, check out the full video review below for more.
Drop Resistant up to 10ft| 3m: Luxe has been tested and proven to protect your phone from drops up to 10 feet (3 meters).
Antimicrobial Treatment: An antimicrobial agent with properties built in protects your case by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria and guarding against degradation from microorganisms.
100% Recycled Content : Luxe is made with 100% post-consumer recycled content.
Lightweight, Flexible Design: The lightweight Luxe case fits easily in your pocket and comfortably in your hand.
Limited Lifetime Warranty: ZAGG warrants the product against wear and damage during the lifetime of the device for which the product was purchased.
