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

EA SPORTS FC 24 LAUNCHES WORLDWIDE

Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today marked the beginning of a new era in football, with the worldwide launch of EA SPORTS FC™ 24, available now for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch™. A trinity of new technologies powers EA SPORTS FC™ 24, with cross-play** now expanded to all multiplayer online modes, allowing friends to play across platforms as EA SPORTS enters a new era for the world’s game. Fans are invited to join the club alongside the 6.8 million players who have already played EA SPORTS FC 24 through Early Access, an increase of over 25% from last year.

“Today marks a milestone moment as we welcome millions of fans to the club with EA SPORTS FC,” said Nick Wlodyka, SVP & GM of EA SPORTS FC. “There is massive innovation at the heart of FC 24, combined with a commitment to authenticity, and together they deliver an unparalleled, entertaining experience that is expansive, true-to-life, and above all – brings together a football community with our fans at the center.”

EA SPORTS FC 24 launches this week alongside EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile as the first new experiences in the EA SPORTS FC platform of global football fandom powered by video games. EA SPORTS FC reaches fans through console, mobile, online and esports products, powered by EA SPORTS’ 30-year history of defining interactive football, and leading a fan-first future built on inclusivity, innovation, and authenticity.

Unrivaled authenticity in EA SPORTS FC™ 24 is brought to life through a roster of players from the biggest clubs and leagues from around the world, including LALIGA EA SPORTS, the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, CONMEBOL Libertadores, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Women’s Champions League, the Barclays Women’s Super League, and more.

“EA SPORTS FC is our greatest ever expression of interactive football, and will connect fans around the world with the sport like never before.” said David Jackson, VP of Brand, EA SPORTS FC. “Together with 19,000 athletes, over 700 teams and 30+ leagues, we’re kicking off this new chapter with FC 24 by bringing unprecedented levels of authenticity and innovation to football fans everywhere.”

Soccer Manager 2024 now available free on Android and iOS

The latest release in the world-renowned Soccer Manager game series, Soccer Manager 2024, is now available to download and play free for Android and iOS devices.

With over 60 million players since the company was established in 2004, Invincibles Studios’ Soccer Manager series has become a critically-acclaimed benchmark in the football management game genre. Soccer Manager 2024 establishes a new level of accuracy, immersion, and excitement for the series with the addition of groundbreaking new features and enhancement of existing core elements.

Soccer Manager 2024 players can take control at one of over 900 clubs in 54 leagues across 36 countries around the world. FIFPRO-licenced football players with accurate attributes can be bought, sold, and managed on a path to success. Along with transfers, players can choose training, tactics & formations for their team, as well as developing club facilities as they progress.

New this year, international teams can also be managed in major qualifiers and tournaments against the best international teams across the continent and indeed the world. Stunning match and environment visuals are available to enjoy, with player likenesses and animations never having looked so good!

If Soccer Manager fans want to truly prove their management credentials, then they can forge their own legend by creating a completely new club and starting at the bottom. By proving their management genius, players can succeed in ascending to the very top leagues and competitions with superstars they have bought, or wonderkids they have talent-spotted and grown into world-leading professionals.

“Soccer Manager 2024 is the ultimate mobile football management game, with unrivalled accuracy, immersion, and enjoyment,” said Invincibles Studio CEO, Chris Gore. “This new release in the Soccer Manager series offers a myriad of new gameplay features for our community, and welcomes every new player due to its accessible, easy-to-understand tutorials. This is the best Soccer Manager game ever released on mobile.”

Following the recent announcement of a multi-year licencing agreement with Manchester City, Soccer Manager 2024 features existing multi-year worldwide agreements with partners including but not limited to, the Deutsche Fußball Liga, our continued ambassador partnership with manager Mikel Arteta, and our wide-ranging FIFPRO player licence.

IMI National Leadership Conference to spotlight role of leadership in harnessing potential of AI and driving innovation

The Irish Management Institute (IMI) has today launched the National Leadership Conference 2023 with former Twitter EMEA boss, Bruce Daisley, and former Irish Rugby Captain and Head Coach at La Rochelle, Ronan O’Gara, among the keynote speakers to take the stage at the 70th annual conference.

With AI fundamentally reshaping the nature of work and business, speakers will offer insights on how senior leaders can effectively incorporate AI in their business strategy and harness its powerful productivity gains. Bruce Daisley and Deborah Threadgold, General Manager at IBM Ireland will be among those to speak about how leaders can navigate the disruption caused by AI and the rapid pace of innovation.

Former Irish Rugby Captain and Head Coach at La Rochelle, Ronan O’Gara, is to address the 2023 IMI National Leadership Conference on the critical role of leadership in driving organisational high-performance.

The National Leadership Conference will be held on Thursday, October 12 at IMI’s Sandyford campus. First held 70 years ago, the 2023 event will focus on the themes of Learn, Innovate, and Lead in the context of a dynamic business environment and how business leaders can maintain competitiveness and position their organisation for continued growth and success.

The event will also feature contributions from David McRedmond, CEO of An Post and Fiona Gallagher, CEO of Wells Fargo Bank International.

Commenting on the event launch, Shane O’Sullivan, interim CEO of the IMI, said: “While economic growth in Ireland remains strong, business leaders today are faced with a growing set of challenges including rising costs and an exceptionally tight labour market. With the challenges associated with rising costs and an economy at full employment, and the opportunities presented by AI and new ways of thinking, leaders can play a pivotal role in transforming their organisation for the better. The National Leadership Conference is an important forum for CEOs and business leaders from every sector to listen, learn and share experiences of how best to navigate change and position their organisation for success.

“Celebrating 70 years since its first edition, we’re proud to build on the distinguished history of IMI’s flagship conference to deliver an impressive speaker line-up of domestic and international business leaders for the 2023 conference. Our speakers will share pivotal insights in the areas of Executive Learning, Leadership, and Innovation and the practical steps business leaders can take to drive continued growth and success in their organisations.”

Ronan O’Gara, Head Coach at La Rochelle, commented: “I’m delighted to join industry pioneers across Ireland to share my leadership insights at this year’s National Leadership Conference. The National Leadership Conference is an important platform to share key learnings and practical advice that can support leaders to better position their organisations for success. Across every workplace, new technologies and innovation are changing the nature of work. From sport to business, strong leadership will be critical in ensuring that organisations harness the benefits of this transformation and continue to drive high performance.”

Established in 1952, IMI focuses on enhancing the practice of leadership in Ireland and is a centre of excellence for management education.  In partnership with UCC, IMI supports Irish-based organisations across all industry sectors in developing their management and leadership talent. 

For more info visit  IMI 

Over 160 eBay Sellers from Five European Countries Come Together in Dublin

eBay Ireland hosted its annual eBay Export Summit connecting over 160 eBay sellers from Ireland and across Europe.

The eBay Export Summit, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, supports eBay Ireland’s commitment to creating economic opportunity for all, by helping sellers grow their business globally. The Summit gave SMEs from Ireland and the wider Europe an opportunity to access best practices and tips on growing their business on eBay, as well as learn from real success stories.

Sellers from Ireland, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium, operating in different areas such as luxury fashion, car parts and accessories, home and gardening, or electronics and collectables, attended the Summit to network and learn from a diverse range of expertise and experience.

At the Summit, attendees had an opportunity to hear from other entrepreneurs, industry leaders and potential partners, as well as to interact with eBay’s experienced team of professionals, dedicated to supporting the sellers’ eCommerce journey. A panel discussion invited four sellers from Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Poland, to share their journey and advice with the attendees.

During the Summit, participants heard from keynote speaker Pedro Neto, Interim Head of EU Cross Border Trade at eBay, on how sellers can expand globally with eBay, beyond their local market. Dedicated break-out sessions for each of the represented countries allowed sellers to get  advice on growing their business, tailored for their specific market. There were also presentations from key eBay partners, including Webinterpret, Multibreves, Baslinker and ChannelEngine.

Commenting on the Summit, Colin McCallion, Director of Commercial Operations at eBay said, “It was great to see so many sellers come together to network, learn from each other and grow, at eBay’s annual Export Summit, here in Dublin. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone attending to learn about the value of growing their business online and the opportunities available for the SME community on eBay.”

eBay is committed to supporting its sellers grow and thrive, by enabling entrepreneurs of all sizes to build their brands to fit their unique personalities and inventory, leveraging the eBay tools, support, advocacy and outreach.

As of Q2 2023, there are over 1.9B live listings on eBay, across 190 markets, with 50% of the revenue made from international operations. With 93% of the small businesses on eBay exporting their products, the average number of export markets they reach are between 13 and 35.