HMD begins manufacturing 5G smartphones in Europe.

Following the recent announcement of its transition to a new multi-brand portfolio strategy, HMD Global, the largest European smartphone manufacturer, today announces another major milestone: HMD have started manufacturing 5G1 smartphones in Europe.  The company’s first device off the line, the Nokia XR21, is now available for purchase by Enterprise customers. This aligns with the overall growth potential for smartphones in Europe, with Canalys forecasting that the European smartphone market will increase by 7% in 2024.

“We are thrilled to be manufacturing the Nokia XR21, our signature rugged 5G smartphone, in Europe. We are dedicated to investing in security, technology and manufacturing processes that make our devices more secure and longer lasting,” said Jean-Francois Baril, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of HMD Global.

‘Our future plans include further investment into software security, with the intention to offer customised software and security features directly to customers.’

Responding to the evolving needs of Enterprise customers, HMD developed capabilities and processes to bring device production to Europe. Every device undergoes rigorous software and malware testing in Europe, with some Enterprise customers requesting additional security in conjunction with a number of IT security partners. Data is stored securely in the EU: With a focus on software security and privacy by design, consumer and corporate data from all smartphones made by HMD has been stored and processed on HMD’s servers in Finland since 2019.

Beyond its security credentials, the XR21 is also built to last and designed with sustainability in mind. With military-grade durability certification3 and IP69K rating, this smartphone is certified to withstand dust, heat, impact, and water. As part of HMD’s on-going commitment to sustainability, the Nokia XR21 is crafted to minimise impact on the environment: The chassis is made from 100% recycled aluminium and its two-day battery life4 supports 60% more charges over its lifetime.

Additional stages in the European production process will help to further reduce emissions.

Pricing and availability

The Nokia XR21 European Edition in Black will be available soon from €649 in the Ireland from nokia.com/phones/en_ie

Tech Review – Edifier W320TN Earbuds With Adaptive Noise Cancellation And AI Multimodal Adaptive System

The Edifier W320TN Earbuds are the latest on offer from the brand that delivers great audio products at decent prices and we are no stranger to them here and as always look forward to their latest tech when it drops, speaking of their latest earbuds have been here some time now and we have been testing them over the last while and today we will take a look at what you get for your money in a very saturated market.

Packaging is the same as always which is clean and to the point which we like and all is straight forward from there as you will see in the video review below, you get your earbuds,books and cable and you are good to go, there is no tips this time around.

The case is quite nice and will fit any pocket and has a glossy finish that matches the earbuds, I do like the colour here and it is different than the normal black and white colours we tend to see all the time, the earbuds have a small stem with a pinch area on the end, so it is not a touch sensitive area or button which some might need some time to adjust but they work well after a few minutes even for me who uses so many earbuds.

The design is a standard one however the angle of the earbuds is better and fit well in the ears and will not fall out and look nice when worn. Battery life is decent and on par with the company’s suggestions.

When it comes to sound you can only expect decent quality sound from Edifier and this is exactly what you will get here and overall the sound is excellent, gamers can also avail of gaming mode with up to 80ms latency which is now becoming a standard feature, with all the usual testing runs I do there was no lag latency no distortion when maxed out either and all highs lows and mids in all genres, Netflix and movies listen to which makes for a really good audio experience.

The controls have all the options required to save you the hassle of taking out your phone and so on and you can see all this in operation in the full review below and finally for calls these were excellent too with no issues either end on my testing.

 

The App 

 

 

Main Features:

  • Long Battery Life. Playtime with ANC off is 5.5 hours plus 22 hours with the charging case.
  • Open Fit & light weight design – reducing the pressure you may feel.
  • Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation automatically offers the most suitable noise cancellation mode., The ANC mode can also be adjusted manually using the Edifier app.
  • Hi Resolution Sound provided by larger 13mm dynamic drivers plus LDAC codec and Hi-Res Audio Wireless.
  • Crystal clear call quality identifies voices and filters out disruptive noise.
  • Wear Detection – Music will play / pause automatically.

Price & Availability:

The W320TN is available at £99.99 from https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C7Q43WRR

Video Review 

Tech Review – Kevin – Burglary prevention from Mitipi

Kevin is a different approach to home security and we mean different, on the face of it this looks like a bluetooth speaker and on the rear it looks like a lamp, In the real world it can also be used as a speaker and a lamp but the primary purpose of it is to secure your home and it also uses those features to secure it, this is a pretty clever idea and nobody would know the difference unless you told them because the light effects part faces the wall and the front speaker part faces out so it is best to say nothing here.

This is a simple plug in and play device from Mitipi that takes 5 mins or so to set up fully with all the customising involved which is not much however this only protects the room it is in so to speak so if you have one leave it downstairs, again you could leave it upstairs but in my opinion downstairs is best but you can add more to the set up if you like which is good and again they will all do the same thing from how you set it up which we go through in the video below.

Kevin comes with preset sounds or you can record your own which is fun but it is best you use the ones installed as the fun ones you could make would not be taken to seriously I dont think from clever burglars who these days do reconnaissance on houses or businesses and know who is in or out and at a given time, we show you these again below in the video and see the app screenshots.

So what does Kevin actually do then. KEVIN simulates your presence with different light scenarios projected through the device

KEVIN simulates your movements with different visual and shadow effects projected for one or more people KEVIN also  simulates your activities different sounds such as cleaning, cooking, discussions and playing.

The App 

 

Overall KEVIN is a simple plug in and go security system which works well and takes a different approach over traditional security measures and sits there in your house not looking suspicious it also doubles a a side lamp and a bluetooth speaker which makes it more useful than you think.  Check out the full video review below for all the details.

BUY

Video Review

Pinergy & Kearys driving an electric future for Munster Rugby

Energy specialist Pinergy, in partnership with Munster Rugby and Kearys Motor Group, was joined by Munster Rugby players Simon Zebo, Niall Scannell and Patrick Campbell at Musgrave Park for the announcement of the installation of EV (electric vehicle) charging technology and the distribution of electric vehicles to Munster Rugby staff.

The new initiative sees Pinergy and Kearys Motor Group working alongside Munster Rugby to begin migrating their car fleet to electric, supporting Munster Rugby’s ambitions to reduce staff emissions in their day-to-day travel. Pinergy will also install the latest Easee EV charging technology in Munster Rugby’s staff members’ homes, to help power their battery every morning. The Munster Rugby staff included in the partnership range from players, coaches, Development Officers, and administrative staff. Based on their needs, staff members availing of the new charging solutions will also be supported with the new Pinergy PowerUp App for EV drivers which enables the drivers to control and manage their charging needs.

Pinergy has supported Munster Rugby since 2017, through the provision of renewable energy as the province’s Official Energy Partner and through the offering of essential expertise to efficiently manage their energy use.

In November 2021, Munster Rugby – having taken steps to reduce carbon emissions since 2008 – first signalled their ambition to become one of the most sustainable clubs in world rugby by becoming one of a number of signatories to the Sports for Climate Action Framework (S4CA), run by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Munster Rugby pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2040.

Pinergy is serving as a lead partner to Munster Rugby in the development and implementation of its sustainability policy and supplies clean, renewable energy to Munster’s Thomond Park and Musgrave Park to help achieve their Net Zero ambitions by reducing their carbon footprint through a range of energy supply & solutions.

Speaking at the launch at Musgrave Park today, Pinergy Chief Executive Officer, Enda Gunnell commented: “It is fantastic to see the tremendous work and collaboration between Pinergy, Munster Rugby and Kearys Motor Group, who all share the same ambitions and values for a better, more sustainable future. This new partnership allows Munster Rugby staff members to drive change in their everyday lives, ensuring the sustainability of Munster Rugby remains a priority for the future. The new EV charging solutions showcases Pinergy’s commitment to helping Munster Rugby become one of the most sustainable sports clubs in the world, with our focus over the past six years remaining in innovation, collaboration, and a collective determination to make positive changes. We are delighted to support Munster Rugby on this journey and have no doubt that our long-standing partnership with the province will continue to lead towards a brighter, greener future for all at Munster Rugby.”

Ian Flanagan, Munster Rugby Chief Executive Officer, said: “At Munster Rugby, we are proud to continue developing our sustainable habits for a greener future.

“We are delighted to have Pinergy and Kearys Motor Group supporting our staff in making a difference first-hand to our carbon footprint and contributing to our greener ambitions.

“This EV project partnership is an inspiring step forward in our sustainability commitment as we continue to target reaching Net Zero by 2040.”

Brendan Keary, CEO, Kearys Motor Group, said: “We are delighted to partner with Munster Rugby and Pinergy to contribute to Munster Rugby’s vision of a more sustainable future, not just for rugby in the province, but also life in the community. Our shared commitment to excellence and innovation makes this partnership a truly exciting one, and through providing electric vehicles to some of the dedicated staff members of Munster Rugby, we are not only supporting the club’s journey towards Net Zero carbon emissions, but also setting a new standard for responsible, sustainable living nationwide.”

Committed to Munster Rugby, Pinergy is also proud sponsor of the Munster Rugby Supporters Club Choir as well as being title sponsors of the Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup continuing to back the future of rugby in the province.

123ink.ie invests over €500,000 to bring Ireland’s largest 3D printing web store

123ink.ie, a leading online office and printer supplies retailer in Ireland, has invested in excess of half a million euro in the country’s largest online store dedicated to 3D printing.

123-3D.ie is aiming to establish itself as the go-to destination for 3D printers and accessories, to tap into the emerging 3D printing market. The market reached a global valuation of USD 16.75 billion (circa €15.7 billion) in 2022 and is forecast to maintain a 23.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2023 to 2030.

With this new investment, the company is set to lead the way in Ireland by offering an unmatched range of 3D printing products and services.

“Our €500,000 investment underscores our commitment to making 3D printing accessible, affordable, and user-friendly for all. Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, company or professional, we have products to suit everyone,” said Dave Doyle, commercial manager, 123-3D.ie

Since setting up a year ago, 45% of sales in the store originate from consumers with the remaining 55% from businesses who have access to over 5,000 products, most of which are available in the company’s Dublin warehouse for same-day dispatch.

Among the sectors showing significant purchase volumes on 123-3D.ie, education takes the lead, with numerous universities and colleges incorporating 3D printing into engineering labs and curricula.

Additionally, dentists and orthodontists are actively leveraging 3D’s benefits by printing custom retainers and moulds same day, and onsite. Even funeral homes have embraced 3D printing, using it to craft personalised urns that offer families a meaningful way to honour their loved ones.

Aside from the healthy commercial 3D market, the company is eyeing the largely untapped residential market, where misconceptions about the cost of 3D printing have hindered adoption to date.

“Consumer adoption of 3D printing has been slow due to perceived high costs and limited accessibility,” said Doyle.

“123-3D.ie aims to change this for Irish consumers by providing an accessible entry point for home users, with 3D printer and materials packages starting at under €250. This affordability, coupled with the company’s expert guidance, has driven a lot of interest in individuals looking to explore the world of 3D printing.”

“The 123-3D.ie team of in-house experts can offer guidance on a wide range of topics, from choosing the right products to setting up printers and ongoing after-sales support, helping ensure that customers get the right products for their specific needs.”

In addition to stocking materials from well-known brands such as eSUN, Polymaker, REAL, and ColorFabb, 123-3D also offers its own premium quality Jupiter filament range in a variety of materials and colours.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise creates more than 150 roles at new cloud R&D center in Galway, Ireland

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE: HPE) today announced more than 150 new technical roles at its Global Center of Excellence for the HPE GreenLake edge-to-cloud platform in Galway, Ireland. The new Center is integral to the development of the HPE GreenLake platform, which is the central offering for HPE’s Hybrid Cloud solutions. The team of software R&D professionals will support customers and partners with one integrated platform, one customer experience, and a portfolio of solutions under one brand. HPE GreenLake supports 27,000 customers globally, powers more than 3.4 million connected devices and manages 20 exabytes of data with customers worldwide.

This strategic investment underscores HPE’s ongoing commitment to Ireland, which already serves as the EMEA hub for Digital Services R&D, HPE GreenLake Cloud Services & Solutions R&D, and Cyber Security in Galway, as well as HPE Financial Services (HPEFS) in Leixlip, and HPE Aruba Networking operations in Cork. Ireland’s advanced technology ecosystem and highly skilled workforce makes it an ideal location to establish and grow core research as well as development. This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

“I am delighted with the announcement from Hewlett Packard Enterprise that it will add 150 technical roles at its new Global Centre of Excellence for HPE GreenLake in Galway,” said Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment. “Galway’s thriving tech hub continues to grow from strength to strength and this expansion will provide excellent employment opportunities for tech talent, from graduates to experienced tech professionals. These highly skilled roles are in addition to 150 jobs announced in 2021 and are a fresh vote of confidence in the wealth of talent in Galway and surrounding areas. HPE has a long history with Ireland dating back over 50 years and their continued commitment to Ireland, and the West, is very welcome. I wish all the team the very best in this exciting new phase.”

 

“The new Center of Excellence in Galway will help Hewlett Packard Enterprise realize its vision and shape the future experience of the HPE GreenLake platform,” said Fidelma Russo, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Hewlett Packard Enterprise. “Designing technology and creating innovative applications is part of our heritage and at the heart of what we do at HPE. This investment will capitalize on the strong pool of technology expertise and engineering talent within Ireland. I’m excited to bring together a diverse team from those starting out in their careers to highly experienced tech professionals who will play a pivotal role in developing our Hybrid Cloud business.”

The new Center of Excellence will recruit top talent, from graduates to experienced technology professionals, across a range of roles, including architects, software engineers, product, engineering and project managers, researchers, user experience engineers, security specialists, test engineers, data analysts and AI professionals. The team will perform a key role within the newly created Hybrid Cloud business unit, which comes into effect November 1, 2023, led by HPE Chief Technology Officer Fidelma Russo, a Cork native who started her career as an engineer in Ireland in the 1980s. The Hybrid Cloud business unit will accelerate HPE’s hybrid cloud strategy to deliver one portfolio of storage, software, data, and cloud services on the HPE GreenLake platform.

“HPE has helped to drive the growth of the technology eco-system in the West region through its 50-year history in Ireland and its continued partnership with IDA Ireland,” said Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland. “Today’s investment will support the transformation of the Galway site, diversifying existing operation and adding core competency in edge-to-cloud development. This strategic investment underscores HPE’s long-term commitment to Ireland and will enable the company to grow the employee base in the West region, diversify its R&D presence, and continue to make positive contributions to the Irish economy.”

 

The new roles are in addition to 150 jobs announced in 2021 in a range of areas including cloud native development, DevSecOps,  AI research, and cyber security, as well as product and program management.

HPE has a legacy of more than 50 years in Ireland, going back through multiple former entities and the company continues to build on this legacy by supporting Irish government initiatives to apply technology to drive community benefits in critical areas.

PharmacyConnect surpasses 200,000 patient interactions

PharmacyConnect, the leading Irish pharmacy app platform, has announced that it has enabled pharmacies nationwide to fulfil a remarkable 200,000 patient interactions since its initiation in late 2021.

Specialising in tailored pharmacy apps based on a common platform with integrated payment and delivery functionality, PharmacyConnect is redefining patient-pharmacy interactions across Ireland. Initially conceived in response to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, PharmacyConnect has grown, integrating seamlessly into the everyday operations of over 200 pharmacists and pharmacy staff at dozens of pharmacies, enhancing efficiencies, with an average 30% time-saving by shifting patient queries online, and reducing the risk of errors; in turn, elevating patient experiences.

Cormac McKenna, Founder and CEO of PharmacyConnect, explained, “While Covid-19 was the catalyst for embarking on our journey with PharmacyConnect, our vision was always broader. The platform was designed for longevity, to serve beyond the immediate needs of the pandemic. Our current data highlights our success; with substantial uptake and retention, pharmacies are experiencing significant ROI from day one; with a resounding 9 out of 10 patients returning to their pharmacy app after their initial engagement. We are thrilled that PharmacyConnect has hit the significant milestone of surpassing 200,000 patient interactions – a testament to its relevance for both pharmacies and their patients.”

Cormac continued “We see some pharmacies approaching an incredible 50% of their patient orders happening exclusively through their app; and with the time savings that go with this usage, having an app on the PharmacyConnect platform is being compared to having an extra staff member on the team, working 24/7.”

Piero Cambursano of Newtownpark Pharmacy in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, a pioneer in adopting the platform, said “PharmacyConnect has been transformative for us. Our 5-star app symbolises our enduring connection with our patients. It has been pivotal in enhancing our operations and the significant growth we’ve seen in its use by patients over the past six months. The feedback from our customers is overwhelmingly positive across all age groups. It underscores that patients, even those into their 90s, appreciate a simple, seamless way to interact with us, and PharmacyConnect enables that.”

PharmacyConnect is setting its sights on developing key partnerships within the Irish healthcare landscape, and is in discussions with prospective partners that will allow community pharmacies to drive further efficiencies in their operations, and help foster the strong position of pharmacies in primary healthcare. This advancement comes during a time of rapid evolution in community pharmacies, including the Irish Pharmacy Union’s campaign for better dispensing remuneration from the HSE; and the establishment by the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly of an Expert Taskforce to support the expansion of the role of pharmacists in Ireland.

Headquartered in Bray, Co. Wicklow, PharmacyConnect was awarded the Innovation in Community Pharmacy accolade at the 2022 Irish Pharmacy Awards.

For more information, visit https://www.pharmacyconnect.ie/.

Tech Review – Quntis Monitor Light bar with RGB Backlight

Quntis is a brand who have simple affordable lighting solutions for your home or office inside and out, we have tested several over the years and their latest edition is one for gamers and those who just use their pc/laptop at home or in the office, this is a well built product and simple to use which is great. It is a slender bar that just sits on top of your pc/laptop and you are in full control of what way to use it so if you are a gamer or just a casual user or even both this is ideal for you to get your work done.

This is more aimed at gamers but regular users can also use this and it is even better if your keyboard is not backlit as it can shine the right amount of light down on the keys and you can control the light temperature and it does not effect your eyes either.

If you are a gamer you are in for more of a treat as it emits RGB lights from the rear or front whichever suits you nest as it can be changed to suit your requirements. What is also notable about this the light will not take over the whole room, just your space you are in which again would suit many people and you will not be disturbing anyone else in the same room as it will not light the entire room and just your own personal space with cool lighting effects.

There is one control each end of the bar and it is simple to change the colour tones and brightness here so it is really a plug in a go solution for your lighting needs, check out the video below on what you will get.

Quntis RGB bar demos

 

Features 

  • 【Professional Eye Protection Screen Light】Quntis eye protection reading light has passed the IEC62471 light radiation safety, IEC62778, and TUV anti blue light certification standards, with LED>700Lux, CRI>95, and no flashing. The monitor light bar has a unique 45% asymmetric optical design, which illuminates the entire office area without directly shining into the eyes and avoiding glare reflected on the screen, thus protecting the eyes.
  • 【Vivid Gaming Experience】Dual light source screen light bar with monitor lamp and RGB backlight you can control 15 RGB modes through the touch button (tap：turn on/switch modes, long press：turn off) to experience immersive gaming and watching movies. After illuminating the RGB monitor backlight, it can also reduce the light difference and play a role in protecting the eyes.
  • 【Memory Function+sensitive Touch】Quntis computer light will automatically store, and when the display monitor lamp is opened, it will restore the last set brightness and RGB backlight without resetting. The screen lights are controlled by the left button. Short press to turn on and adjust the three color temperatures（warm, cold, natural）. Two short presses can adjust the brightness（25%, 50%, 100%）. Long press to turn off.
  • 【Stable Suspension】Computer monitor light bar use an exclusive patented electrostatic sticker weight increasing spherical clamp, suitable for all 1-3cm thick displays【not including curved displays and Laptops】. Flexible soft stickers do not harm the screen, easy to install and more stable than other clips.
  • 【Rest Assured Use】We use lightweight and impact resistant aluminum alloy as the material for screen lights. The integrated control IC 5050 light source is energy-saving and environmentally friendly, long life over 10000 hours. In addition, Quntis LED light bar not only has excellent eye protection effects, but it is also very suitable for entertainment. If you are a long-term computer user, office worker, game or music anchor, then this gaming light will definitely bring you surprises.

Check out Quntis for more products

BUY 

Video Review

Skullcandy DIME 3 First Look Hands On

The Skullcandy DIME 3 just got announced recently and just when you think the DIME 2 where small you would think could they get any smaller, well they can by the looks of things and it is great to see, while the case itself is smaller the earbuds themselves look fractionally smaller but nonetheless it is a nice discreet pair of earbuds that are still packed with features at an affordable price and runs alongside their recent releases the RAIL and SMOKIN BUDS we just reviewed.

Any questions on the DIME 3 ask us and we will answer and stay tuned for lots of really cool tech reviews on the way and on the run up to Christmas.

 

Skullcandy DIME 3 earbuds – techbuzzireland

 

  • 20 Hours of Battery Life + Rapid Charge: Enjoy up to 8 hours of battery life in the earbuds and an additional 12 hours in the charging case, ensuring extended listening sessions without interruptions.
  • IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistance: Fearlessly embark on any adventure without worrying about sweat or water damaging your earbuds.
  • Multipoint Pairing: Seamlessly connect to two devices at once, regardless of platform or manufacturer.
  • Skullcandy Supreme Sound: Unique audio-tuning process enhances sound depth and detail, providing an exceptional listening experience.
  • Stay-Aware Mode: Stay connected to your surroundings without removing an earbud.
  • Built-In Tile™ Finding Technology: Easily locate misplaced earbuds using the Tile app.
  • Clear Voice Smart Mic: Enjoy crystal-clear calls with reduced background noise.
  • Preset EQ Modes: Select your preferred EQ mode for music, bass boost, or podcasts.
  • Full Suite of Media Controls on the Buds: Manage calls, change tracks, adjust volume controls, and activate native device assistants (Google, Siri, etc.) without touching your phone.
  • Integrated Lanyard Loop: Secure portability that protects the charge case and earbuds from accidental drops.
  • Noise-Isolating Fit: Ergonomically redesigned ear gels provide all-day comfort.
  • Microphones in Each Bud: Use either earbud individually without sacrificing call functionality.

Price: £34.99 – Buy the Dime 3’s here!

Unboxing Video