‘Button by Neatebox’ touchless pedestrian crossing control system now on trial in Clondalkin and Tallaght

South Dublin County Council, Roads Department has installed the ‘Button by Neatebox’ touchless pedestrian crossing control system in two locations within the County.

With Button you can use your mobile phone to virtually ‘press’ the pedestrian crossing button. It can be used to operate pedestrian crossings safely and confidently.

This free App is available on iOS or Android and allows you to focus on your surroundings without having to stretch or search for the button.

This seems like a good idea for the disabled however the public seem to think different saying it is a waste of money, silly to see such a thing being on your phone at pedestrian crossings and no use to the visually impaired. We already have smarter options available in the city and if the button is too high for disabled people should it not be lowered or use the other technology we already have instead that has motion sensors etc.. Then you have of course the data collection argument, what do you think of this idea?

Benefits of Button include:

  • Reduce anxiety: With the automatic button push, you do not have to worry about locating the manual button or getting near to it. It is a touchless system which is an additional benefit to public health and safety.
  • Automatic push enabled: You can use the auto push facility which will enable you to activate a button push while leaving your device in your pocket.
  • More time to cross: You can start to cross from the edge of the pavement being perfectly aligned for a safe crossing. This will give you effectively more time to cross.
  • Data-driven decisions: The system collects usage data with every interaction which can be used for the provision of more efficient traffic management and infrastructure planning.

The Button system can be found at:

Belgard Square North, Tallaght – near the entrance to Tallaght hospital. GPS 53.289225 -6.374975

Ninth Lock Road, Clondalkin – at the post office. GPS 53.324402 -6.395448

Maneater: Truth Quest, Out Now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S #gaming

Developer and publisher Tripwire Interactive announced today the launch of  Maneater: Truth Quest, the first downloadable content (DLC) for Maneater, the award-winning Action-RPG (shARkPG) where you play as a shark! Out now for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®5 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S console systems, and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), the Maneater: Truth Quest DLC requires the completed base game, Maneater, to play, and is available for $14.99 / €14.99 / £12.99 MSRP with an ESRB rating of M for Mature, PEGI 18 rating, and USK 16 rating. Players looking for the best bang for their bite, can also look forward to the Maneater Apex Edition, which includes the base game, Maneater, plus the Maneater: Truth Quest DLC, available for $49.99 / €49.99 / £42.99.

 

Maneater: Truth Quest Key Features Include:

New Story

  • Play through a new full narrative, story-based expansion as Trip Westhaven (voiced by Chris Parnell; SNL, 30 Rock, Rick and Morty) is back to narrate, having now been relegated to the online video streaming platform “ViewTube.”
  • New Evolutions
  • New Evolution Set
  • Maximum level cap increased to 40
  • Five new organ evolutions with one additional organ slot unlocked at level 35 (requires DLC ownership)

New Wildlife

  • New “Uber” Apex Predator
  • Battle fierce wildlife, including evolved hunt creatures as you eat your way up the food chain to regain regional dominance.

New Military Forces for Bounty Hunter System

  • Nicknamed “Site P,” the Plover Island Military complex hosts land forces will launch attacks from beaches and fortifications
  • Helicopters will hunt by air
  • Five new Bounty Bosses
  • New weapons and vehicles for military Bounty Hunters

New Objective Types

  • Failure to Communicate: Tail-whip objects to destroy the target objective
  • Time Trial: Swim through the rings before time runs out!

The original Maneater is a single player, open-world action-RPG (ShARkPG) where YOU are the shark. Starting as a small bull shark pup you are tasked with surviving the harsh world while eating your way up the ecosystem. To do this, you will explore a large and varied open world encountering diverse enemies — both human and wildlife. Find the right resources and you can grow and evolve far beyond what nature intended, allowing the player to tailor the shark to their play style. This is fortunate, because to get revenge on the cruel fisherman that dismembered you will take evolving into a massive shark, an apex predator of legends. Eat. Explore. Evolve.

JOBY launches GripTight Accessories for MagSafe. The natural choice for on-the-move vloggers. #Joby #Vloggers

The all-new JOBY GripTight™ system for MagSafe gives on-the-move vloggers and content creators the opportunity to use iPhone 12 and later smartphones with MagSafe technology in absolute confidence.

The hero element of this series is the GripTight Mount for MagSafe, a hybrid clamp that works in both vertical and horizontal mode, thanks to a 360° rotation that allows the user to instantly change from one aspect to another. It comes with multiple mounting points so that it can be incorporated into a rig with the legendary GorillaPod®, as well as allowing the user to include Beamo™ lights and Wavo™ mics for a professional-level mobile unit that’s lightweight and incredibly portable.

 

Key is the JOBY GripTight Mount’s super-fast usability. With the jaws twisted back, the magnet kicks in and allows the user to position their iPhone12 or other later-model smartphones with MagSafe in double-quick time. With the jaws twisted in, the phone is held with absolute security, for total peace of mind. The ability to rotate the mount through 360° also means that users can transition from horizontal to vertical planes and back again in a couple of seconds.

Paired with the GorillaPod®, the GripTight Mount lets the vlogger truly utilise the Grip it. Wrap it. Stand it.™ solution but thanks to the ¼ – 20” ,this mount is also compatible with most of the other JOBY supports – not just GorillaPods – for maximum freedom of choice. 

While the unit can be instantly paired with the GorillaPod® for versatile positioning, it can also be used with the wall mount that allows the user to go hands free – perfect for recipe vlogs or make-up tutorials. Simply position the wall-mounted phone in the chosen position and hit ‘record’! The robust wall mount is quick and easy to position on most smooth, flat surfaces, giving greater versatility to the way vloggers and content creators imagine their contents. Teamed with a convenient cable management system to avoid tangles and snagged cables, the JOBY GripTight™ Wall Mount for MagSafe is a compact and essential part of any mobile vlogger’s kit.

The JOBY GripTight™ Mount for MagSafe joins the rest of the JOBY family, and can be paired with the Wavo Mobile™, Beamo Mini™, the RangePod™ and, of course, the GorillaPod®. It weighs in at just 90g/3.17oz and measures 161mm/6.34” x 31mm/1.22” x 60mm/2.36”, so it won’t take up too much space in any bag.

The new JOBY GripTight™ system for MagSafe is available from £22.95. For more information see www.joby.com

JOBY launches Vert. Vertical L-Bracket for on-the-go vloggers. #vloggers #Joby

Aimed for on-the-go vloggers and content creators who want more versatility and better stability when filming vertical content, the new JOBY Vert is an absolute essential for better, more professional-looking content. Designed to take the latest compact mirrorless hardware, it can cope with up to 3kg/6.6lbs of weight with no loss of stability. 

Because of its compatibility with so many quality products and the universal fit design of the mount, it provides both vertical and horizontal mounting for a variety of set-ups, as well as connectivity with a wealth of other tripods and heads. It’s perfect for TikTokkers, YouTubers, and anyone who wants to expand their content range to include vertical storytelling. 

 

The entire design works around a 3K plate technology that integrates seamlessly with the BallHead 3K and the award-winning GorillaPod 3K Kit. For content creators who already have this kit in their collection, the new JOBY Vert will slot straight into their current kit bag and is ready to simply grab and go. It weighs just 60g/2.11oz and measures 140mm/5.5” x 67mm/2.63” x 40mm/1.57”, making it incredibly compact and lightweight. To make sure vloggers get the perfect level shot either vertically or horizontally, it even incorporates a spirit level bubble on both plains to ensure professional results every time. The striking black and red color combination is bold and on-trend and ties in with other JOBY products in the range.

 

The key element with the new JOBY Vert is its exceptional stability, allowing content creators to shoot vertically without having to set the ball head 90 degrees and worrying about the set-up falling over. Because it can take up to 3kg/6.6lbs and is made from immensely strong but lightweight polycarbonates, this versatile little bracket is a world away from the conventional heavyweight vertical L-bracket design. The unique plate connection works effortlessly with the BallHead 3K, while the 1/4 20” screw on the vertical side means the JOBY Vert will also work with other tripod plates.

 

If a user needs to add an accessory, then it’s incredibly simple to attach almost anything from LED set-ups to mics onto the integrated cold shoe.

The JOBY Vert is a welcome addition to the JOBY family of premium quality products, setting a new benchmark for content creators who want all the versatility of both horizontal and vertical shooting, but without the camera shake!

Soul Emotion Pro first look and unboxing. #SoulEmotionPro #Tech

SOUL, the leading maker of affordable high-quality audio, noise cancelling, and wireless products of its EMOTION PRO. The EMOTION PRO joins the newly launched EMOTION MAX which we recently reviewed as part of SOUL’s EMOTION SERIES, a dedicated collection for work and play headphones. Engineered to ensure the clearest audio capture, EMOTION PRO ($129.99) are high-performance true wireless earbuds featuring Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, audio transparency mode, and multipoint technology that allows wearers to seamlessly switch between two devices and enjoy SOUL’s signature sound quality for calls and music.

With remote work the new norm, SOUL sought to develop a next-level earbud that would deliver the highest voice call quality. EMOTION PRO is equipped with 6 mics (3 in each earphone) along with environmental noise cancellation technology to eliminate distracting background sounds. Additionally, with Multipoint Connection Technology, wearers are able to connect to two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between devices to enjoy music and take calls. 

Soul Emotion Pro. techbuzzireland.com

“EMOTION PRO is the ultimate work accessory for the new work-from-home business model,” says Gary So, SOUL CEO. “The ability to personalize your sound through the SOUL equalizer app, the flexibility to shift between Audio Transparency Mode and Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, and of course, the ability to enjoy crystal clear calls are just some of the features making these earbuds such an asset to the modern businessperson.”

EMOTION PRO touts SOUL’s signature precision sound, including a powerful 10mm driver and AAC codec. Its high efficiency battery also boasts up to nine solid hours of continuous use on a single charge and 36 hours of music, entertainment, and talk time with ANC off (28 hours with ANC on). The case is also equipped with wireless charging enabled for a more convenient true wireless experience.

EMOTION PRO is available in three colorways: Black, Blue, and Beige. Full real hands on review soon on techbuzzireland..

To learn more or to purchase SOUL’s new EMOTION PRO now, please visit www.SoulNation.com.

Cant see the video – click here 

 

Tech Review – Burga iPhone 12 case Classy Marble #Burga #iPhone

BURGA is a trendsetting European fashion and lifestyle brand. Their goal is to inspire and empower people to express their personal style with our premium quality tech accessories and some really top class phone cases for your mobile phone and have kindly sent us over two cases to check out for the iPhone 12 they do have a huge range of cases for other devices Airpod cases and much more and they look like real quality goods which is nice to see.

We have two cases in to check out and the first up is the Classy Marble iPhone 12 case and it is a case that looks really premium and not some cheap tack you often find on sale on other sites that cost five euro and so on and as the saying goes “buy cheap buy twice”

There is not much to say when it comes to reviewing phone cases apart from how well they are made and the materials used and having done hundreds of case reviews here it is easy to spot quality over cheap and these cases are quality and look great on your phone, all the ports are perfect as expected and the case gives your phone real protection all round even if face down unlike some cases you might find.

Check out the video below for more on this case and check out the link below for more and see what Burga has to offer..

BUY HERE

Tech Review – Burga iPhone 12 case Satin White Marble #Burga #iPhone

Next in for review from Burga is the Satin White Marble iPhone12 case and again the same applies before as to the previous case we have reviewed from the company, All aspects remain the same here and the quality once again is throughout.  As Burga says on their website:

We take everyday boring items and – with a bit of magic and extreme imagination – turn them into lifestyle & fashion accessories you’ll be psyched to wear.

We add a pinch of sunshine to a cloudy day. Paint a sunflower on a winter canvas. Extract the purest feeling of freedom and combine it with a fierce desire for perfection. In other words, we go the extra mile to make you look & feel absolutely out of this world! Dive into the world of BURGA — a world of fashion, chique, and jaw-dropping aesthetics. Whatever your destination, we’ll help you get there in style.

This case again offers grip, gives your phone a premium look and protects it all round with a nice lip around the front of the device enabling you to leave it face down, check out the video below for more..

BUY HERE

 

 

 

Wind Mobility launches in Ireland we check out their e-scooter. #WindMobility #escooters #Mobility

Wind Mobility is a new e-scooter entrance to the Irish market and a welcome addition too and we tested out their #escooter The Wind 3.0 and met up with up Felix Eggert who told us about the plans and the e-scooter itself and one thing to note that stood out to me was it is made in house, down to the last bolt which means stealing one is pointless or stealing a part off one too.

At first this machine is heavier than most and bigger which does make it last and from testing it I like this approach however you are restricted to where you can bring it which again another point to note is that from testing in the UK Felix told me people have tried to bring them on public transport such as trains but this will in fact disable them. They have a very inclusive app and everything can be monitored and geo-fencing is an important feature and zones where they are not supposed to be used are also in place so overall a really good product here with great app features which we will see more in detail in the coming weeks and we get a full long term review of the e-scooter, as mentioned we spent a morning with the Wind 3.0 to check it out and I have made a quick assessment of my time with it..

Who is Wind

Wind Mobility, a micromobility sharing company, and we turn regular travel into safe moments that leave a lasting smile on your face.

They offer convenient, affordable, and easy-to-use access to short distance transportation in urban areas. With their eco-conscious and sustainable e-scooter, they aim to make cities more livable by reducing congestion, as well as noise and carbon emissions.

Born in Germany in 2017 as Byke Mobility GmbH offering bike rental services in European cities, in 2018 Wind launched an e-scooter sharing on a global scope.

 

 

The Wind 3.0

SPEED LIMIT: capped at 25km/h, possibility to automatically reduce speed in the busiest pedestrian areas

WEIGHT: 29.6 kg (higher weight makes for safer and more comfortable riding on bumpy roads)

RANGE: up to 80km range, fully GPS tracked, automatic updates for all major settings, IoT hardwired into mainboard

BRAKES: two independent physical & electric brakes. The braking distance is 3.5 meters in dry weather for a speed of 25km/h vs. 5-7 meters for other scooters on the market. The electronic brake force distribution system allows to automatically balance the load on two wheels in the event of sudden stops, thus limiting the risk of projection towards the front.

TYRES: Non-inflated double-layered foam-filled tyres (No risk of burst tyres; WIND 3.0 tyres are larger than comparable scooters in the industry, which increases comfort and safety)

BATTERY LIFE: 3+ days – fully swappable battery – serviced by electric cargo-bike. The Lithium-ion batteries are certified by the independent German technical inspection body TÜV SUD and comply with international standards

PREVENT CLUTTERED PAVEMENTS Wind scooters are the only shared electric scooters equipped with a robust double stand, which ensures the stability of parked vehicles and prevents them from falling easily and cluttering streets. Sensors in our scooter automatically notify our teams when the scooter has tipped over..

Safety Features

bright yellow colour for easy visibility
retro-reflective devices
bright front & rear lights (automatically
activated day & night)
horn with 110 decibel sound
wider non-slip platform
alarm & anti-theft features
built-in hand sanitiser
integrated helmet

 

 

Playing by the rules

Here is the problem which is still an ongoing issue with escooters in Ireland and they still continue to drag their heels on the laws, mostly the Gardai throw a blind eye which is obvious from the visible amount of these on the streets and as an escooter owner myself I have never been stopped or approached but still feel the threat anytime I do go out on mine. Wind have their own policy set out below but yet like us all still waiting for some kind of solid legislation from our government..

Our geolocation system allows the definition of our operating area and of no-riding zones such as parks or pedestrian areas. The GPS system indicates the position of our vehicles with a maximum margin of error of less than 5 meters. Our teams on the ground ensure that vehicles are not parked in scooter-free zones and will quickly remove scooters from those areas if parked incorrectly. Our app will prevent users from parking scooters and finishing their ride when outside the operating area. If scooters are removed, users will be subject to a fine and WIND reserves the right to suspend a user if scooters are mishandled or repeatedly parked in scooter-free zones. We can quickly adapt and configure our tools to comply with
regulatory demands and flexibly respond to any restrictions imposed by city authorities. Our geofencing technology allows the flexible modification of the area of operation. Within 30 minutes, our teams can integrate no-riding zones and reduced speed areas.

For more on the company see wind.co 

See the video below for a tour of the Wind 3.0

 

 

 

Dell Technologies Study Reveals Data Has Become A Burden Rather than an Advantage for Most Businesses in Europe

Dell Technologies is today releasing the results from a study conducted by Forrester Consulting, showing that for most businesses the proliferation of data has become a burden, rather than an advantage. The sheer volume, velocity and variety of data is overwhelming their technology, people and processes. They have data goals – and many believe that they are data-driven – but they’re held-back by an array of barriers. These include a data skills gap, data silos, business silos, manual processes, data privacy and security weaknesses.

#dellBased on a survey with 4,036 data decision-makers from 45 locations, the findings build upon the biennial Dell Technologies Digital Transformation Index (DT Index) study, which assesses the digital maturity of businesses around the globe. The 2020 DT Index revealed that “data overload/unable to extract insights from data” was the second highest barrier to transformation in Europe. Dell Technologies commissioned the study with Forrester Consulting to understand why and how we can stop data becoming the number one barrier to transformation.

The study identifies several data paradoxes hindering businesses today, including:

  1. The Perception Paradox

Almost two-thirds of respondents in Europe (61 percent) say their business is data-driven and state “data is the lifeblood of their organisation.” But only 21 percent of European businesses testify to treating data as capital and prioritising its use across the business.

The results show that 89 percent of European businesses are yet to progress either their data technology and processes and/or their data culture and skills. Only 11 percent of businesses are defined as Data Champions: companies that are actively engaged in both areas (technology/process and culture/skills).

  1. The “Want More Than They Can Handle” Paradox

According to the research, 71 percent say they are gathering data faster than they can analyse and use, yet 64 percent of businesses in Europe say they constantly need more data than their current capabilities provide.

Consequentially, the explosion in data is making their working lives harder rather than easier: 64 percent of European business leaders complain they have such a glut of data they can’t meet security and compliance requirements, and 62 percent say their teams are already overwhelmed by the data that they have.

Commenting on the results, Jason Ward, Vice-President and Managing Director, Dell Technologies Ireland, said: “At a time when Irish organisations are looking to transform at speed, it’s vital that we uncover the obstacles preventing companies from turning data into actionable insights. Particularly now, with 45% of organisations saying the pandemic significantly increased the amount of data they need to collect, store and analyse.

“The results of our study reveal an interesting paradox. Despite businesses believing they are data-driven, they have more data than they can handle and secure right now. To address this challenge, it’s vital that businesses process data at the edge – where it is generated. The edge can be a video camera, drone, an engine in a car or the whole car. In gaining real-time insights at the edge, organisations in Ireland will be able to roll out new applications and transform the way they do business in a data-driven age. This will accelerate the pace of digital transformation and result in an 800% increase in apps at the Edge by 2024.”

  1. The “Seeing Without Doing” Paradox

While economies have suffered during the pandemic, the on-demand sector has expanded, igniting a new wave of data-first, data-anywhere businesses. However, the number of businesses that have moved the majority of their applications and infrastructure to an as-a-service model is still small (Europe 16%). Even though 61% of organisations in Europe believe it would enable companies to be more agile while 64% see the opportunity to scale to changing customer demands.

  1. Hope on the Horizon

Although businesses in Europe are struggling today, many have plans to create a better tomorrow: 69 percent intend to deploy machine learning to automate how they detect anomaly data, 60 percent are looking to move to a data-as-a-service model and 56 percent are planning to look deeper into the performance stack to rearchitect how they process and use data.

Additional resources