LucidSound, one of the fastest growing gaming headset brands, is thrilled to announce that its flagship LS50X Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox Series X|S with Bluetooth is getting a £50 price drop down to £199.99. With this reduction, LucidSound aims to make its ultimate Xbox headset accessible to a broader audience.
Offering a premium experience within the LucidSound range, the LS50X Hybrid Wireless and Bluetooth Gaming Headset for Xbox sports a luxurious design. Its gel-cooled, spacious earcups and flexible lightweight frame ensure superior comfort across longer play sessions, made possible thanks to a reliable up to 20 hour battery life. For the more competitive gamer, the LS50X boasts lag-free wireless audio and crystal-clear chat with dual mics enabling effective communications with party members in the heat of action.
Other features of the LS50X:
Intuitive controls: Easily control audio and chat without breaking your concentration via on-earcup quick-access controls including game/chat balance control
Custom-tuned audio: 50mm drivers with 5 custom-tuned EQ modes deliver high-fidelity stereo and surround sound on Xbox with Windows Sonic.
Stream bluetooth simultaneously while you play on Xbox: Connect and use your Bluetooth devices while you play on Xbox. Play your own music in-game, use team chat apps from your PC, and take calls without interrupting your game.
Easy setup for lag-free interference-free wireless: The advanced chipset in the LS50X enables a strong and clear wireless signal even in crowded WiFi and mesh network areas. One-step setup gets you gaming on Xbox in no time
Bird is a last-mile electric vehicle company dedicated to bringing affordable, environmentally friendly, and safe transportation to cities and towns across the world.
Now trusted to operate in over 350 markets – half of which are in Europe – we provide shared micromobility programs through our electric scooter and electric bike partnerships with local authorities. Shared micromobility helps communities strengthen the local economy, alleviate traffic and parking congestion, reduce harmful emissions, and enhance transit access and first/last mile connectivity.
Bird is one of the few shared micromobility companies to research, develop, design and manufacture our own scooters. Our team of former automobile and aerospace engineers build to strict vehicle standards using components, systems and testing processes from electric cars. Our goal is to create the safest and most sustainable vehicles in the industry, which are built to last in all environments.
Last November, Bird became the first major micromobility company to list on the New York Stock Exchange, with a valuation of over $2.3bn. The significant capital raised ahead of the public listing ensures Bird will continue to drive innovation . Introducing our industry-leading micro-EV’s to Ireland is a top priority for us.
As the category creator operating in more cities than any other company, we have a wealth of data and experience in places large and small. We understand how to partner with Governments and local Councils to help them achieve their own goals – in particular making their towns and cities more livable.
We applaud the progress the Irish government, and in particular Minister Ryan and Minister Naughton, have made in the creation of a new category of Powered Personal Transport, through which electric scooters will be legalised on Irish roads. In particular, we believe that the specifications set out in the legislation – with a maximum speed of 25 km/hr and a maximum weight of 55 kg – are appropriate to ensure electric scooters are a viable alternative to private car use.
Furthermore, we welcome the statement from Ministers Ryan and Naughton last week that the proposed maximum power rating of 250W for electric scooters could be adjusted through secondary legislation to account for technological developments as well as their safe and efficient use across hilly terrain.
We are encouraged by the fact that Minister Ryan has proposed outlawing the use of electric scooters on footpaths. Our view is that electric scooters, like bikes in Ireland, belong on the road or in the cyclelane, and that local councils should decide, in partnership with their preferred shared scheme providers, specific areas of the Council in which their use should be encouraged or restricted.
As an organization, our number one priority is safety, from a vehicle, from a rider, and from a general public perspective. We therefore welcome the strict prohibition and appropriate sanctions against the consumption of alcohol while operating an electric scooter. And, while helmets and high-visibility clothing should not be made mandatory through the legislation due to the impact it would have on modal shift, it is essential that we educate the public on the importance of using such protective equipment.
That is why Bird recently announced a first-of-its-kind partnership in Ireland with the launch of our E-Scooter Safety School. The partnership with the Irish School of Excellence – Ireland’s largest youth driving school – will see 80% of all secondary schools in Ireland have access to best-in-class e-scooter safety training for those 16 and older.
Our E-Scooter Safety School will launch as soon as legislation is passed, and will be available in every county and indeed constituency across the country, teaching participants essential safety requirements such as: the rules of the road, how to park properly, how to ride safely and how to interact with other road users, including those
who are more vulnerable. Bird would be delighted to extend an invitation to all members of this Committee to attend such a safety course in a school in their locality, or alternatively to set-up a demo of this course for Committee members.
In summary, we are thrilled by the potential Ireland holds for the uptake of shared micromobility. While Ireland remains heavily reliant on the car as the primary mode of transport, even for journeys under 2km, we believe that this legislation could be the dawn of a new era of sustainable travel across the country, complementing existing and planned infrastructure.
Studies have shown electric scooters could help us reduce emissions from energy consumption by 68% by 2030, which is in line with the Irish Government’s goals of reducing emission from transport by 42-50% set forth in the Climate Action Plan 2021. Ireland is in a unique situation whereby the current date of adoption of this new transport mode allows you, Committee members, to take learnings from mature markets across the world. There can be no one-size-fits all approach, and so we warmly welcome the invitation from the Committee today to share our learnings from our 350 markets, and offer our views on what constitutes best-practices, so that the Committee can develop a bespoke set of rules for Personal Powered Transporter users domestically.
Over the last few weeks we have been testing some headphones at all price points which is great for the consumer and the latest from Edifier which come in under the 100 euro mark have been on my ears for two weeks now and it is time to talk about them and if they are worth your money and with Edifier we never expect a poor performance and indeed that is the case here again with their latest cans..
These are plain and to the point built mostly of plastic light and comfortable and comfort here is great even for long periods of use and as with all my headphones they get tested for hours as it suits me here in the house to try out everything they have to offer be it for work or leisure.
The controls on the headphones are all one one side here too which make it simple for the user with raised buttons, now they do look cheap but are easy to use blindly and tactile and do a great job every time you press them and this is something people prefer this over swiping or touch based headphones so overall you cant really complain.
Both side have the old ratchet arm extensions which solid and will not move once on your head, also there was no clamping feeling noted here during my time with them, this is something that can happen even with more expensive headphones but not the case here at all. The cups are soft and plush as is the headband so overall a really comfortable pair of headphones. Battery life is also decent enough here at this pricepoint and again this will differ between people and how they use them with volume levels and ANC etc, you can toggle between ANC modes and also a gaming mode in the app.
When it comes to sound these do a great job, to make it to the point they are decently loud, deliver on highs lows and mids with a nice bit of bass thrown in and for music movies and more anyone will be pleased with the listening experience that is not a real audiophile, coming from someone who has tested most of the companies products for the price they sound good is my point and you also get access to their Edifier Connect app which enhances the experience even more even though there could be more options in the app. Check the video review for more on the headphones and the app.
Edifier W820NB and Edifier Connect app
Main Features:
Hi-Res Audio standard for a rich listening experience
Active noise cancellation technology isolates unwanted noise
Ambient sound mode allows you to hear environmental sounds such as traffic or flight announcements
Built-in microphone with DNN (deep neural network) noise cancellation for clear phone calls
Large driver with titanium diaphragm delivers crystal-clear sound
Low latency for game mode gives players an immersive gaming experience
If you are hosting a meeting for your company, then it’s your job to make sure that the information is kept safe. And all of these tools will help you do just that! From sending encrypted emails with PGP encryption to using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), these tools can help shield all of your important data from outside hackers-so give them a try!
Encrypted Emails
Emailing sensitive information has never been riskier than it is today, and even if you work in an office with high-security standards, there’s still no guarantee that someone won’t leave their email open on their desk at some point during the day or take screenshots of sensitive documents without realizing what they’re doing.
The best way to protect yourself and your business is to start sending encrypted emails with PGP encryption. This involves using software that will scramble your message so that it can only be read by the person who has the key to unlock it-even if someone else intercepts the email, they won’t be able to make any sense of it.
VPNs
If you’re hosting a meeting for your company, then there’s a good chance that you’ll be discussing confidential or sensitive information. And if that information is being shared over the internet, then it’s vulnerable to hackers who could gain access to it without your knowledge. People in the medical field need to make sure all their meetings are safe as the information they deal with is confidential. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a great way to keep your data safe while you’re online. It creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server, which means that no one can see what you’re doing or steal your information.
Password Managers
It’s no secret that most people are terrible at choosing strong passwords-in fact, research suggests that the average person uses just six different passwords for all of their online accounts. This leaves your accounts vulnerable to hackers if just one of your passwords is leaked.
Choose a password that is at least 8 characters long
Include a variety of characters, including numbers, letters, and symbols
Avoid common passwords (like “password” or “123456”)
Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts
Once you’ve created a strong password, it’s important to make sure that you never share it with anyone. The best way to keep your passwords safe is to store them in a password manager. This is a software program that will keep all your passwords safe and encrypted so that no one can access them without your permission.
Anti-Virus Software
Anti-virus software is a must-have for any business, as it helps protect your devices from malware and ransomware attacks. Ransomware is a type of malware that locks you out of your device or encrypts your files until you pay the hacker a ransom, and it’s been on the rise in recent years.
Secure Wi-Fi
If you’re meeting with clients or suppliers away from the office, then it’s important to make sure that you’re using a secure Wi-Fi connection. Otherwise, someone could potentially intercept your data or eavesdrop on your conversation.
Install a firewall
A firewall is a piece of software that helps protect your computer from hackers and malware. It blocks unauthorized access to your device and keeps your data safe.
Firewalls are a crucial part of online security, and every business should have one installed on all of their devices. A firewall prevents people from eavesdropping on your conversations and stealing your information.
There are a number of different firewalls to choose from, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs. Some firewalls are free, while others come with a price tag. If you’re not sure which firewall is right for you, then consult with an IT expert who can help you choose the right one for your business.
Physical Security
Finally, don’t forget about the importance of physical security. Make sure that your meeting is taking place in a secure location, and always keep your devices with you. If you need to leave them unattended, make sure that they’re locked in a safe place.
It’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure your meeting is secure from outside threats. Whether you are hosting a business meeting or attending one, these six tech tools will help shield all of your data and keep it safe. From encrypted emails with PGP encryption to using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), there are plenty of ways for you to protect yourself against hackers-so give them a try!
Today, cyber security provider F-Secure released a free online tool that helps people create super strong passwords for all their crucial accounts. In just a few seconds, the Strong Password Generator creates new passwords that are strong enough to resist cracking attempts by hackers.
“By now, everyone should have heard that they need strong, unique passwords for their essential online accounts. But every time a site or service is hacked and users’ passwords are released, we see credentials like ‘12345’ or ‘password1’ over and over again,” said F-Secure Executive Vice President of Consumer Security Timo Laaksonen. “This new tool makes creating strong, unique passwords for different accounts as easy as using your cat’s name to secure your account.”
A recent F-Secure survey found that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have become more reliant on online services and accounts.
More than one-third of consumers, 38%, reported that they have increased the number of online purchases made on their PCs since the crisis began. 32% of consumers said they’ve increased purchases on their mobile, and 31% said they spend more time working from home.
Any account related to these sensitive activities could be a target for an account takeover, which could lead to identity theft or fraud. Protecting accounts with strong, unique passwords is an effective measure to prevent such compromises.
“The passwords that secure our accounts have never mattered more and we’ve never had more crucial accounts to secure,” Laaksonen said. “Because this tool comes from F-Secure, with well over three decades of protecting consumers and securing their data, you can count on the Strong Password Generator to make it easy to get strong passwords that won’t fall into the wrong hands.”
Find out more about why every password matters here.
ROOM is launching ‘Room for Zoom’ in Ireland with Zoom Video Communications, Inc and HP Inc. This turnkey video collaboration suite for modern offices and workplaces will support businesses to better connect remote employees with those who have returned to the office.
Room for Zoom provides a tailored space for one of the most popular collaboration software, and at the same time bridges the gap between in-person and remote working for the new hybrid workplace that puts people’s needs first.
As workers in Ireland get ready to readjust to life back in the office, demand for integrated workspace designed for Zoom’s video communications platform will increase. Room for Zoom is a soundproof, modular architecture solution that’s fitted with built-in VC lighting, a monitor, webcam, skylights, connected power sources, ventilation and more to offer the ultimate video conferencing room.
In a time when the workspace is at stake, it needs a complete overhaul In a recent survey carried out by Ireland Thinks, 71% of workers said that if they can work remotely, they should have the right to do so. Earlier this month, the IBEC said
that workplaces in Ireland must be facilitated in their attempts to manage requests for remote working in a flexible and collaborative manner which is suitable for their business.
The CIPD — the body representing HR professionals also published a survey in late 2021 on hybrid working. Its figures suggest that 40% of surveyed employers expect that more than half of their staff will work from home after the pandemic has ended. Most employees expect to work part of the time in a central or local office.
It’s clear that in a post-pandemic Ireland, people will demand flexible, hybrid work arrangements — neither working entirely from home, nor entirely from an office.
“The return to office working is a much-debated topic among businesses and workers globally, but one thing that everyone agrees on is video communications are very much here to stay. We’ve teamed up with Zoom and HP to create a solution that allows employees in the workplace to seamlessly connect with their remote-based colleagues” said ROOM Co-Founder, Morten Meisner-Jensen. “Our aim is not just about changing spaces – we want to rethink and redesign our relationship with work. Improving life for employees at work is now on the radar of CEOs and CFOs globally. This is why we have designed a space in which employee-centric software and modular architecture complement each other. Modular architecture makes workspace design affordable and flexible because it can grow with a company.
It’s something that’s right for today but can also be reconfigured to evolve with the changing needs of a business tomorrow” added Meisner-Jensen. Room for Zoom: Modular architecture that meets the needs of a hybrid world Room for Zoom, like all of ROOM’s modular products, includes sustainable soundproofing made from recycled plastic bottles, which is engineered to reduce noise by 27dB. The Room also features a custom accessory rail for personal belongings, and a whiteboard provides users with a comfortable, clutter-free workspace and ample natural light.
ROOM’s innovative, adaptive, modular office furniture provides dedicated environments for both individual or collaborative work. ROOM’s products are pre-fabricated, sustainably sourced, and flat-packed, offering both quick assembly and continued flexibility to accommodate the changing needs of companies navigating the post-pandemic return to physical offices.
To combat the uncertainty of flexible lease terms and hybrid work models, ROOM helps to inform customers’ spatial planning across workspaces with Room Sense. This is the company’s proprietary analytics dashboard that provides companies with real-time data on product utilization and office density.
Room for Zoom combines ROOM’s modular Focus Room with an HP Collaboration G6 27-inch All-in-One touchscreen, paired with a Logitech Brio Ultra HD PRO Business Webcam, pre-installed with Zoom Rooms software for seamless communication and collaboration in ROOM’s modular solution.
Room for Zoom also features two custom-built LED light strips with remote dimming that create the perfect, shadow-free video conference experience. Room for Zoom is available in two different colour pallets, light and dark, and costs €16,495. More information on Room for Zoom is available here.
As with ROOM’s modular Focus Room, Room for Zoom will also feature:
● Adjustable desk heights, providing comfort for all seating positions
● Built-in power sources, so employees never run out of battery
● Silent fans and fresh air ventilation to ensure the working environment comfortable, regardless of the season
● Optional HEPA filtration for clean, filtered, fresh air
“Architecture and location can be a source of stress during video calls: lighting, background noise and the chance someone could walk into the room during a conversation. ROOM worked with us to put together a product that removes those pain points while helping people in workplaces in Ireland work more closely together, regardless of their location,” adds Phil Perry, Head of UK & Ireland at Zoom. “We’re excited by this collaboration, and we’re looking forward to seeing Room for Zoom roll out across Ireland in the coming months.”
For more information on ROOM’s workplace solutions visit room.com.
The process of writing a text is complex and has phases that need to be followed to ensure quality. One of these phases is proofreading, which is the process of checking the text for grammar mistakes, typographical errors, and other inaccuracies. Proofreading is important because it is the final chance to catch and correct any errors in a text before it is published. A well-edited and proofread text looks more professional, accurate, and polished. In addition, catching and correcting errors can improve the clarity of a text.
Proofreading is an important step in the writing process because it can make your text look more professional and error-free. However, if you don’t do it correctly, you might end up making mistakes that can affect the overall quality of your text. In this article, we will discuss some common proofreading mistakes that you should avoid
Fully relying on Spellcheckers
Many people make the mistake of relying too much on spell checkers. Spellcheckers are helpful tools, but they are not perfect. They can often miss mistakes, especially if the words are spelled correctly, but are used in the wrong context. For example, the word “its” is spelled correctly, but it is used in place of “it’s” (which is short for “it is”). Sometimes other words might simply be in the wrong place or function, and if you are not too savvy with doing the final assessment on your own, consider hiring UK proofreaders that can help scan your text with a fresh pair of eyes. This is an amazing benefit because writers sometimes go back and forth with a text so many times they simply go over those mistakes, not even noticing them.
Not reading your text out loud
Another common proofreading mistake is not reading your text out loud. This is a good way to catch errors because when you read aloud, you can hear how the text sounds and catch mistakes that you might have missed when you were reading it silently. It is considered good practice when you are taking a break from sitting and writing to stand up and stretch, and try to read the text out loud. Doing these two things at the same time will help you stay focused and catch any mistakes you may have missed.
Making assumptions about grammar rules
There are many rules about grammar that seem like they should be followed, but there are also many exceptions to these rules. If you are not sure about a particular rule, it is best to look it up rather than make assumptions. For example, the rule about using “than” versus “then” is often confused by writers. “Than” is used when comparing things, and “then” is used to indicate time or sequence. However, there are many cases where either word can be used incorrectly. The best way to determine which word to use in a specific situation is to look it up in a grammar book or online grammar resource.
Not using a style guide
When you are writing, it is important to use a style guide to ensure that your text is consistent and appears polished. A style guide will provide you with the rules for formatting your text, using correct punctuation, and referring to sources. There are many different style guides, such as the MLA Style Guide and the APA Style Guide. If you are not familiar with a particular style guide, it is best to consult with someone who is before you start writing your text.
Editing for clarity
One of the most important aspects of proofreading is editing for clarity. This means checking your text to make sure that all of the points are clear and that there are no confusing or ambiguous passages. You can do this by reading your text out loud and asking yourself the following questions:
Is the meaning of each sentence clear?
Are the points being made in a logical order?
Are any words or phrases unclear?
Can any sentences be shortened or rewritten for clarity?
Is the tone of the text appropriate?
If you answer “no” to any of these questions, then you will need to revise your text for clarity.
Repeated words or phrases
Another mistake that can be made when proofreading is to have repeated words or phrases. This can make the text appear choppy and disrupt the flow of the writing. You can check for this by reading your text aloud and listening for any words or phrases that are repeated. If you find any, revise them. Repetitive words make the entire syntax sound poor and unprofessional, and in case you don’t have an alternative way of restructuring that part of the text, you can always try to find a synonym for the repeated word.
Using incorrect punctuation
One of the most common mistakes that people make with punctuation is using it incorrectly. This can happen when people are not familiar with the rules about how to use punctuation properly. A good way to avoid making this mistake is to familiarize yourself with the rules and then practice using them correctly. You can also use a style guide to help you with this. Another common mistake that people make is using the wrong type of punctuation mark. For example, using a comma instead of a semicolon or vice versa. You can avoid this by being familiar with the different types of punctuation marks and knowing when to use each one.
Leaving comma splices
A comma splice is a mistake that occurs when two independent clauses are joined together with only a comma. This can make the text difficult to read and can be confusing for the reader. You can avoid this by making sure that each clause is properly punctuated. This means using either a comma and conjunction (such as “and” or “but”) or a semicolon to join the clauses together.
Proofreading is an important part of the writing process because it can make your text look more professional and error-free. However, if you don’t do it correctly, you might end up making mistakes that can affect the overall quality of your text. In this article, we will discuss some common proofreading mistakes that you should avoid.
Employee engagement is the top challenge for business leaders in 2022, according to a survey of senior managers by Fastnet Executive Search, one of Ireland’s leading executive recruitment and search firms. Of those surveyed, 88% cited employee engagement as the most critical challenge over other issues such as digitalisation, supply chain disruption and sustainability.
When asked what the key priorities are for developing employee engagement, responders — of which 80% are in the life sciences sector — listed the following in order of importance: connection to the organisation’s purpose (77%); autonomy and trust (67%); continuous learning (58%); and flexible working (57%).
Éimhín O’Driscoll, Managing Partner of Fastnet Executive Search, has been partnering with major employers in the life sciences sector for over 20 years, said: “In today’s dynamic environment, business leaders are facing unprecedented volatility in recruitment and retention, and we are not surprised that employee engagement is arising as the stand-out challenge. Jobs are more complex, organisations are transforming, and new talent models are emerging based on purpose and meaning.”
Éimhín added: “People want to work in organisations that are creative, empowering, purposeful, and passionate. In our experience, having the right leaders in place is crucial for the development and growth of high performing teams, elevating organisations from good to great. The right leaders create environments where learning is a priority, where ideas and feedback are shared authentically, and people feel a meaningful connection to the value they create during their workday.
“While job scope and reward packages continue to be key drivers for candidates making significant career choices, candidates are focusing more on the purpose and values of prospective employers and adopting a more thorough approach to understanding company culture from the earliest stages.”
The survey also found that 40% of respondents had worked in a different industry in their last role, highlighting a change in how companies value adaptable skills and culture fit over industry specific experience when hiring leaders.
“When conducting business critical searches for senior executives, our clients are increasingly seeing the benefits of attracting leaders from diverse backgrounds in improving employee engagement and trust and ensuring new perspectives and innovative thinking on their leadership teams.
Éimhín added it is widely accepted that the Workplace of the Future will be very different from what we have known, presenting both opportunities and challenges. “We have come through a period that has facilitated an exceptional chance for deep reflection and reassessment,” she said. “Rather than succumbing to the temptation of a ‘return to normal’, I feel it is an opportune time to be brave, innovative, and creative in defining our future way of working.”
Leading Irish information management and accounts payable automation specialist, Kefron, has today announced a new partnership with Exclusive Networks. This partnership will support Kefron’s growth strategy as it seeks to create up to 40 new jobs within the coming year.
Kefron was selected by Exclusive Networks, a global trusted cybersecurity specialist and solution provider, as their global accounts payable automation partner. Using Kefron’s innovative software, Exclusive Networks can reduce the amount of manual data entry effort associated with processing their vendor and supplier invoices as the cyber security specialist enters new markets.
Today’s announcement will see Kefron provide Exclusive Networks’ global finance teams with a cloud-based platform that provides an accurate snapshot of Exclusive Networks AP department. The Accounts Payable (AP) platform has been developed by Kefron’s in house development team while also benefiting from the latest advancements in machine learning technology, supported by a team of data engineering specialists based in Kefron HQ in Dublin.
With this new partnership Kefron will be able to pursue its own growth trajectory, investing €1m to bring its AP platform to new markets and expand its global customer base. This will result in the creation of 40 roles in the areas of emerging technology, customer experience and support. They will join the existing team of 120 at Kefron based out of Dublin and London.
Paul Kearns, Managing Director, Kefron, said: “We are very excited to announce this partnership with Exclusive Networks today. As well as supporting Exclusive Networks as they seek to digitise their invoicing processes, eliminate errors and save valuable time, this partnership aligns with our own growth strategy as we look to enter new markets and expand our portfolio information management solutions. The new jobs being created will further enhance our capabilities and meet the needs of our global customers. We are very proud to partner with Exclusive Networks and look forward to working with them as they look to a future of enhanced transformation.”
“We chose Kefron as our global AP automation platform partner because they were one of few suppliers who could support both of our key requirements which include AP Automation and E-invoicing globally” said Stephanie Riera, Group Director of Finance & Transformation. “E-invoicing is fast becoming a mandatory requirement in European countries. This means that by law, clients will need to submit documents in specific formats approved by government to do business in that country. Kefron’s integration with Oracle NetSuite was also a key factor for us as we have invested in NetSuite to support our global growth”, commented Riera. Kefron is a “Built For NetSuite” verified solution and achieved the status from Oracle NetSuite in January 2021.
By 2024, it is estimated that the global e-invoice market will be worth more than €16 billion. This strong growth is being driven by digitalisation and government policy in countries across the world.
The new partnership between Kefron and Exclusive Networks will see Kefron’s AP software used in Singapore, Belgium, Denmark and Norway and in early 2022 will become available in a further 21 countries. As Exclusive Networks continue to scale their business, the intention would be that every location in which they operate in will eventually use Kefron AP as their invoice automation tool, creating further potential for expansion into new markets.
