Tech Review – Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel Pro 9 XL

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL have been my main daily drivers the last while and there is some slight differences between both devices and the key differences are their size and of course battery size so it is down to you which size suits you best and if you want the bigger screen estate or if you can handle the behemoth device the Pro XL.

Other slight changes between the two devices are their weight and charging speeds both wired and wirelessly and slight difference in PPI  and of course the price for me the XL is the better of the two devices but the Pro is easier to hold in the hand if you are use to that size of a phone but this is subjective and I like em both as they both have sent a clear message to rivals this year which is great and not tipping the scales so much on their price.

Biometrics have greatly improved here and super happy with face unlock and the fingerprint sensor which has changed to an ultrasonic in display scanner.

Both devices have a premium build and look to them and they both have the same camera hump on the rear however this does not follow around the sides of the phones like last years and will not rock sat on a table and it certainly a stand out features on the phones and scream Google Pixel keeping their design language intact.

PIxel 9 Pro and Pro XL techbuzzireland
Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL – techbuzzireland

 

There is also a flat screen and rounded corners making them easy to hold and do not stab you in the hands with their corners like other rivals ands you will not seen any accidental touches with the screen being flat which is a good thing.

With AI being another key feature now and we cant ignore the AI features on the new Pixel 9 Series is here and I think has jumped leaps and bounds if you are an entrenched user in the Google ecosystem like me it makes life much easier and fluid and that is what Gemini is all about here, being testing on the Pixel 8a the last while and is now on their bigger flagship phones and even better offering more making it again a super productivity device no matter which on your pick.

In effect Google has put it up to Apple in more ways than one here with their AI capabilities and specs but surely next month Apple will tell it differently, Yes I use an iPhone because I review tech and like to keep in with the competition but there is always a pixel device in my hand all year round, because I have an ecosystem that works well and now with their AI event better.

The new screenshots folder is a gift for me as I take countless screenshots daily for tech reviews this is now all in one place and I can simply ask for it on the fly with other new AI features such as photos this is all on-device and with Add Me and best take it all works effortlessly.

The new weather app I love, and I had to throw in the snore detector it is hard to find a good  weather app and with the new app it is all I need in one place and one click.

 

Speaking of AI Gemini Live comes at a cost after one year but if you pick up the Pixel Pro models it is free for the year and after that costing 21.99 which is not bad considering how much of a productivity tool this will be.

Cameras. We know the specs and we touched on the AI Pixel Studio and AddMe check out the night and day image and video samples below for more and let u know what you think.

Pixel 9 Pro XL images and video samples see further down for the unboxing and UI walkthrough and official case reviews

For now these two devices are a hit but some may see them as a hit in the pocket however they are phones that get better over time and I AM NEVER without a Pixel device in my hand.

We will come back again over the weeks as it is an early review and see what has changed and update.

Pixel9 Pro XL Pixel 9 Pro unboxing and Walkthrough

 

Pixel 9 Pro official case review

Pixel 9 Pro XL official case review 

 

10 things to know about the Pixel 9 Pro series 

Meet Pixel 9 Pro/XL. It has a sophisticated, stunning new design, and it’s the most powerful Pixel yet. With the new Tensor G4 processor and 16 GB of RAM, it’s designed for the most advanced AI on Pixel. That means cutting-edge photos and videos, and smarter ways to help all day. And it comes with one year of the Google One AI Premium Plan, for even more powerful AI features.

Pixel 9 ProXL features Google’s best camera system yet, with a pro triple rear camera, a fully upgraded 42 MP front camera, and cutting-edge pro features. With Pixel 9 Pro, Super Res Zoom comes to video, and you can enhance your videos to 8K with Video Boost. Thanks to the brightest, most immersive Super Actua display yet, you’ll see true-to-life colors, even in direct sunlight. And for the first time ever, it will be available in two sizes: 6.3″ and 6.8″ Super Actua displays. So you can get the ultimate Pro experience in the size that works best for you. It features an all-day battery, and Pixel 9 Pro XL offers Pixel’s fastest charging ever.

Pixel 9 Pro images and videos 

Pixel 9 Pro starts at 1119 euro and Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at 1219 euro. They’re available in
Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose Quartz.

Meet Pixel 9 Pro/XL. In its all-new sleek, pocketable design, Pixel 9 Pro/XL helps you take amazing photos, make edits like magic, and get things done even easier. The award-winning Pixel Camera includes a 50 MP main lens for incredible image and video quality, plus a new 48 MP ultrawide camera for Macro Focus closeups. With the latest Tensor G4 processor and an upgraded 12 GB of RAM, Pixel 9 delivers powerhouse performance and advanced AI with ease. The 6.3/6.8 -inch Actua display
is sharp, vibrant, and 35% brighter, with a peak brightness of 2700 nits.

With durable design improvements and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, Pixel 9 can handle whatever life brings – drops, scratches, and splashes. It’s also equipped with a bigger, fast charging, all-day battery you can rely on.
And it can charge to 55% in about 30 minutes.

 

Pixel 9 Pro/XL redefines elegance with their fresh and modern new look, in a design that celebrates the iconic Pixel Camera. The new sculpted form delivers a thin profile and improved durability, and feels great in your hand. Both phones are thoughtfully crafted with refined and inviting materials, finishes, and colors. Pixel 9 Pro’s silky matte glass finish is complemented by a luxe, dual-finish camera bar and polished metal frame. Pixel 9’s polished glass back perfectly
contrasts with the satin metal finishes on the camera and frame. They’re designed with sustainability in mind and made with recycled materials, including a 100% recycled aluminum enclosure. And the packaging is 100% plastic-free.

Gemini helps you supercharge your ideas.

Press and hold the power button to start writing, planning, learning, and more. Gemini can help you find info from your Google apps to help you plan on the go, like pulling party details from an invite in Gmail and suggesting nearby florists in Maps. Or chat with Gemini to get more info or take action on what’s on your screen. You can even snap a photo, and use Gemini to get answers – like how to save a dying plant in your window, or what recipe you can make from what’s in your fridge. Pixel 9 Pro also comes with the Google One AI Premium Plan, giving you access to Gemini Advanced at no cost for the first year.

It includes the best of Google AI and 2 TB storage, all in one plan. With this plan, get access to even more powerful AI features and try Gemini directly in your favorite Google products like Gmail and Docs to summarize your unread messages and documents.

With Pixel Screenshots, Pixel remembers so you don’t have to. Pixel Screenshots helps you quickly save info you want to remember later – like events, locations, and more – just by taking a screenshot.  This on-device Pixel-exclusive AI feature helps you save, organize, and recall things you want to remember with ease. Simply search in a conversational way to quickly find what you need, right when you need it.

Pixel 9 Pro/XL features Pixel’s best camera yet. The triple rear camera system delivers pro-level photos and videos, even in low light or from far away. Enjoy stunning detail across a wide zoom range, thanks to optical-quality performance at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, and 10x – all with just three lenses. Super Res Zoom lets you zoom in even further, and is available in video for the first time ever.
In addition to improved Night Sight Video, Video Boost can now enhance videos up to 8K resolution for the best video quality on Pixel yet. Pixel 9 Pro/XL gets a major upgrade to the front camera, with a new 42 MP lens – the highest
resolution on a front-facing Pixel Camera – to help you take perfect selfies, even in low light. And it has the widest field of view ever for a front-facing camera on a Pixel.

The award-winning Pixel Camera includes a 50 MP main lens for incredible image and video quality. So you get sharp, vivid photos and videos in any light or from far away. And a new 48 MP ultrawide for Macro Focus creates
magnificent shots from the smallest details. Plus, the front camera now has autofocus for even sharper selfies.
Night Sight takes sharp, vivid photos, portraits, and even panos in low light, like concerts and cityscapes – even the Milky Way with astrophotography. And Magic Editor helps you make complex edits easily. With a few taps, AI can edit backgrounds, move objects, suggest the best crop, and magically expand your image to get more of the scene. And getting a great group photo is easy with the Pixel 9 camera.

Edit photos like magic. For the first time, you can take the picture and be in it too. Add Me, which will release in preview with Pixel 9, makes sure no one is left out of a photo. Take one with the group, then swap in the photographer. Pixel magically merges both photos. And with the popular Best Take feature, you can get an amazing group photo the whole group loves by combining similar photos. It finds the best moment, or you can choose everyone’s best expression.
And with Pixel 9’s advanced editing tools, taking a photo is just the beginning. Magic Editor can now automatically reframe your photo, suggest the best crop, and even expand your image to get more of the scene. You can also use
the new reimagine feature to give your photos a whole new vision – like adding fall leaves or greener grass. Just tap what part you want to change in the photo, and type what you want to see.

Pixel protects you from spam, scams, and other threats, and also looks out for your safety. Need emergency help when you’re off the grid? Satellite SOS on Pixel can connect to emergency services via satellite when you have no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage to get help and share your location with contacts.

And it can now help you check the background and context of an image you come across online, showing information, when available, that can indicate if it was created with AI. Just circle the image on your screen to search it and pull
up the “About this image” feature For added privacy and security on your phone, you can now create a password-protected private space where you can install apps and content that you want to remain private even if someone else uses your phone.
In the event your phone is stolen, Pixel safeguards your sensitive data by automatically locking down the device if it detects suspicious activity, or you can quickly lock it online remotely.

Engineered for improved durability, Pixel 9 phones are designed to get more helpful over time. Pixel automatically gets new and upgraded features with Pixel Drops, so your Pixel keeps getting better over time. Pixel can handle everyday drops, spills, and dust. And the display is scratch and damage resistant, made with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2. Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro come with 7 years of OS and security updates.

Disclaimer. Google provided us with the review units and they have not asked or requested for a preview

Order from Google or your local stores now.

Unboxing and UI walkthrough

The Future of Gaming: Exploring New Frontiers in Online Play

The gaming industry is undergoing rapid changes, driven by technological advancements that continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. As players increasingly demand more immersive and interactive experiences, developers are leveraging cutting-edge tools and technologies to meet these expectations. Online gaming, in particular, has become a major focus, transforming from a simple pastime into a complex ecosystem that offers far more than just entertainment. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and ultra-fast internet has set the stage for a future where games are smarter, more secure, and incredibly dynamic. These innovations are not just reshaping how games are played; they are also redefining the very structure of the gaming economy and its role in the broader digital landscape. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the next generation of online play will be unlike anything we’ve seen before.

The Impact of AI and Machine Learning on Game Development

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionising game development, bringing a level of sophistication and adaptability that was once unimaginable. AI-driven tools are now integral to creating more responsive and intelligent game environments, where non-player characters (NPCs) can learn from player behaviour and adapt accordingly. This not only enhances the realism of games but also makes them more challenging and engaging for players. Machine learning algorithms are being used to generate procedurally generated content, such as levels, quests, and even entire game worlds, ensuring that no two gaming experiences are the same.

Furthermore, AI is streamlining the development process itself. Automated testing, for example, can quickly identify bugs and optimise gameplay, reducing the time and cost involved in bringing a game to market. This allows developers to focus more on creativity and innovation, rather than getting bogged down in repetitive tasks. As AI continues to evolve, its role in game development will likely expand, leading to even more advanced and personalised gaming experiences in the future.

How Blockchain Technology is Transforming Virtual Economies

Blockchain technology is beginning to play a crucial role in the transformation of virtual economies within online games. By providing a secure and transparent framework for transactions, blockchain ensures that in-game assets, such as virtual currency, skins, and other digital goods, are genuinely owned by players. This decentralisation of virtual economies offers a level of security and trust that was previously difficult to achieve, reducing the risk of fraud and making it easier to trade assets across different platforms.

In addition, blockchain enables the creation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which represent unique digital items that can be bought, sold, or traded with full ownership rights. This has opened up new possibilities for players to monetise their gaming experiences and has given rise to a new market of digital collectibles. As games become more interconnected and online economies grow in complexity, blockchain’s role in securing and managing these digital assets will become increasingly important, paving the way for a more robust and player-driven economy in the gaming world.

The Role of 5G in Enhancing Real-Time Gaming Experiences

The advent of 5G technology is set to revolutionise real-time gaming experiences by offering unprecedented speed and reliability. With its ultra-low latency and high bandwidth, 5G enables games to run more smoothly, even in the most graphically demanding scenarios. This is particularly significant for online multiplayer games, where split-second decisions can make the difference between victory and defeat. The reduced lag time offered by 5G ensures that players’ actions are registered instantaneously, creating a more seamless and immersive experience.

Moreover, 5G is expected to drive the growth of cloud gaming services, where games are streamed directly to devices rather than being downloaded or installed. This not only makes high-end gaming more accessible, particularly on mobile devices, but also allows players to enjoy their favourite titles with minimal hardware investment. Additionally, the enhanced connectivity of 5G will facilitate more complex and interactive gaming environments, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences, further blurring the lines between the virtual and real worlds. As 5G networks continue to expand, the gaming industry will likely see an influx of new players and experiences that were previously unimaginable, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of digital entertainment.

The Integration of Online Casinos into the Gaming Ecosystem: What It Means for the Future

The integration of online casinos into the broader gaming ecosystem is reshaping the landscape of digital entertainment. As gaming continues to evolve, the lines between traditional video games and online gambling platforms are becoming increasingly blurred. Websites like BoyleSports are at the forefront of this convergence, offering a diverse range of games that cater to both casual gamers and those interested in betting. With BoyleSports Games, players can seamlessly transition from playing their favourite slots to placing bets in online casinos, all within a single platform.

This integration is also driving innovation within the online casino industry, as developers create more engaging and interactive experiences to attract a wider audience. Features such as live dealer games and interactive slots are designed to mimic the social aspects of traditional casinos, providing players with a more immersive experience. Additionally, the incorporation of gamification elements, such as leaderboards and achievements, is making online casinos more appealing to younger demographics who are accustomed to these features in video games.

As online casinos like BoyleSports continue to embed themselves into the gaming ecosystem, they are likely to influence the future direction of both industries. The ongoing convergence of gaming and gambling not only offers new revenue streams for developers but also provides players with more diverse and dynamic entertainment options. This shift underscores the importance of adapting to changing player preferences and technological advancements, ensuring that both online gaming and online casinos remain at the cutting edge of digital entertainment.

Predicting the Future: What’s Next for Online Gamers?

As technology continues to advance, the future of online gaming promises to be more immersive, interactive, and accessible than ever before. One of the most significant trends likely to shape the future is the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in game design and development. AI is expected to create more dynamic and personalised gaming experiences, where games can adapt to individual players’ preferences and behaviours in real time. This could lead to entirely new genres of games that evolve based on the player’s actions and decisions.

Another key development on the horizon is the expansion of virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) gaming. As hardware becomes more affordable and sophisticated, these technologies are expected to become mainstream, offering players the chance to immerse themselves fully in virtual worlds. The continued growth of 5G networks will also support these developments, enabling more complex and data-intensive games to be played with minimal latency.

In addition, the ongoing integration of blockchain technology will likely further transform online gaming by providing secure, decentralised platforms for in-game transactions and the ownership of digital assets. Players may increasingly participate in virtual economies where they can trade, buy, and sell in-game items across multiple platforms, creating new opportunities for both casual and professional gamers.

As these trends converge, the online gaming landscape will likely become even more diverse, offering players a wider range of experiences and opportunities than ever before. The future of online gaming is not just about playing; it’s about exploring new ways to interact with technology and each other, creating a truly global and connected gaming community.

 

Lero researchers explore research opportunities with Qualcomm to develop AI technologies for enhanced efficiency

Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, today announced a research initiative with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. This initiative aims to explore ideas relative to both the University of Limerick and Qualcomm Technologies, focusing on enhancing performance by using highly advanced technology for artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative, led by Lero researcher Professor Patrick Denny of the University of Limerick (UL), leverages technology from Qualcomm Technologies with the aim of improving the decision-making capabilities of AI in various applications.

Professor Denny, who holds 151 patents, said, “Through this work with Qualcomm Technologies, we aim to explore (or study) the ability of AI to interpret complex data more effectively, to improve operations across multiple environments and potentially increase efficiency. “We want to better understand how vision systems can be combined with AI, particularly in challenging visual conditions.”

“The results of this research can support the development of more reliable vision systems for a range of applications, such as potential automotive, drone, and robotic technologies,” said Prof. Denny, who lectures in the Dept. of Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) at UL.

Paul Kelleher, VP of Engineering, QT Technologies Ireland Limited, added, “Lero’s excellent international research reputation and Qualcomm Technologies’ commitment to research and development of next-generation technologies will drive and support cutting-edge research. Through enhanced AI capabilities, we are aiming to significantly improve how systems perceive and react to their environment.”

First Look – Ellie Baby Plus, Baby Monitor Pro with Non-WiFi 5″ LCD Screen

The Ellie Baby Plus, Baby Monitor Pro is an all-in-one advanced AI monitor for babies, well since we have none we will have to use our dog/or me for samples and how it will work it basically does the same thing and is ideal for anyone with a new baby in the home.

These products can be also useful for the elderly in our family and act as a security camera too which is quite handy when you think of it but the sole purpose is to mind your new baby.

Sporting an app to this looks interesting and we look forward to testing the app out and the camera in action too so if you have any questions in the meantime feel free to ask and another thing to note there is an SD card in the box and no monthly subscriptions..

Any questions in the meantime feel free to ask and stay tuned for more and check out some other reviews

 

Key Features

  • The most complete AI features: Includes covered face & rollover detection, breathing detection, sleep quality reports, danger zone detection, cry detection, auto-soothing, person tracking, and auto photo capture.
  • 24-Hour Playback with AI Notification Check: Review video footage and AI notifications from the past 24 hours, ensuring not miss any important events.
  • Dual Control & 2.5K HD Camera: Connect to the split screen without Wi-Fi, or via Wi-Fi to the mobile app for remote monitoring. Features a 2.5K HD camera and 5″ HD LCD screen for clear day/night viewing.
  • Breathing Detection & Sleep Analytics: Provides sleep tracking and real-time breathing display. Generates 7-day sleep analysis reports.
  • 360° PTZ Rotation & Motion Detection: Offers zoom, large angle rotation, 360° room view, and automatic movement tracking. Features 2.5K QHD night vision and Pan-Tilt rotation.
  • Two-Way Communication: Talk to your babies through the split screen and app when you are not near them.
  • SD Card Local Storage: Ensures secure storage without cloud dependency and keep your privacy.
  • App with No Monthly Fees: Free app with up to 5 sub-accounts, includes features like sleep report generation and photo/video storage. Administrator can manage permissions.

BUY

Unboxing Video

KLEM is the First AI Act Signed by Irish Record Label

In a landmark music industry moment, Irish independent record label Strange Brew are pleased to  announce that today they become the first Irish based independent record label to sign an AI act, adding  the anonymous act KLEM KolecUv to their roster.

KLEM have also been signed to UK independent record label Alcopop!, and received an undisclosed advance  as part of their deal with both labels. They released their first single ‘Cyberstalkin’ Queen’ independently in  June this year as a free download on Soundcloud where it has garnered some industry aIenJon by clocking  up more than 1 million streams.  

Their next single ‘Oppenhaimer’, featuring vocalist Day-V, will be released on Friday 20th September 2024  on all good digital plaUorms plus a limited physical NFT release through Strange Brew.  

KLEM KolecJv is a not-for-profit project, and the group have revealed that any profits generated from their  acJons will be donated to Orquesta Juvenil del Sodre Uruguay. The enigmaJc crew have yet to clarify  exactly why profits will be donated to a South American youth orchestra, but all will be revealed in good  Jme.  

Whilst they may have a similar approach to some of the AI acts that have preceded them—using varying  degrees of ArJficial Intelligence in the creaJon and producJon process—where KLEM are unique is that  their reason for existence is not to profit from or promote the use of AI tools but, through direct  experience, explore and document the impact of AI on music and art.

The group have been booked for a public appearance at Output Music Conference in Belfast on  November 12th 2024. Here they will reveal their idenUty, describe their process, discuss why they exist,  and display how their observaUons impact music, art, and society.

By remaining anonymous KLEM have circumnavigated the constraints of image and idenJty poliJcs, raising  each release above customary commodificaJon.  

CommenJng on their work, the KolecJv say: “Music, stories and art have been the threads that have  bound the fabric of society together since Ume immemorial. Now as we witness the weE and warp of  that fabric change irrevocably, as counterfeit threads are shot through the weave, we observe, we learn,  we create, and now we choose to act. We are KLEM.”  

The level of mysJque around the KolecJv is part of their intrigue; KLEM can be contacted through their  social media channels, but none of their label reps have managed to speak to them directly yet. “We’ve  been given a landline number, but we’ve been told that the phone ringer has been disconnected. Someone 

from KLEM answers the phone at the same Jme every day, but we don’t know what Jme that is, and we  haven’t called at the right Jme yet. We hope to guess right before the single drops in September.”  

Strange Brew label manager, Gugai, says of the project: “We’re thrilled and a li_le scared to welcome our  first AI act to the label. It’s a bold step into the future, but with KLEM KolecUv that step is an ethical one  that promises to have a posiUve impact on the music industry in Ireland and beyond. We can’t ignore AI  music, it’s here, it’s not going away, and it’s changing music as we’ve known it. KLEM are the first act to  address this head on, and we’re excited to partner them in that. We all want to ensure that auto-tune  doesn’t develop into an autocracy.”  

When it comes to AI music elsewhere in the music industry, the genie is already well and truly out of the  boIle. Kizuna AI is a Japanese virtual Youtuber and performer who built up 4 million followers on the  channel ader debuJng in 2016. Kizuna has performed to both virtual and live audiences, taking a hiatus in  2022.  

Capitol Records in the US signed AI rapper FN Meka in 2022. The robot rapper was dropped by the label less  than two weeks ader releasing their first single. A significant backlash to racial slurs in the digital  performer’s lyrics prompted Capitol to sever Jes with the act and publish an apology.  

In Autumn 2023 Warner Music Central Europe signed Noonoouri, a virtual influencer and performer.  Noonoouri counts Kim Kardashian among her fans, and has worked on campaigns with Dior, Versace and  Vogue. 

Only half of employees trust AI in the workplace

HRLocker, a leading provider of HR solutions based in Co. Clare, today revealed that only half of employees trust the use of AI in their workplace, illustrating the significant hurdles organisations must overcome to integrate AI effectively and responsibly. The survey of 200 SME owners and 500 employees across Ireland also highlights the need for transparency and robust AI governance to leverage AI’s transformative potential without compromising trust.

AI trust gap in the workplace

The research indicates a notable lack of trust in the responsible development and deployment of AI among both business leaders and their workforces. Despite recognising AI’s potential for business transformation, scepticism about its responsible use persists. Key findings include:

  • Only 64% of business leaders and 50% of employees welcome AI in their organisations.

  • 25% of employees and 20% of leaders are not confident that their organisation prioritises employee interests when implementing AI.

  • A significant 68% of business leaders believe AI should be developed with human review and intervention, yet 40% of employees feel their companies lack clarity on which systems should be automated versus those requiring human oversight.

  • Furthermore, 72% of employees report that their organisations are not collaborating on AI regulation, and 78% indicate a lack of shared guidelines on responsible AI use.

Impact on business practices

Despite the trust issues, AI is recognised for its ability to enhance various business functions, particularly in SMEs. Key statistics from HRLocker’s survey include:

  • 62% of small business employees believe AI can help increase or retain headcount, with 55% reporting a positive impact on customer experience.

  • 58% of business owners believe that AI has the potential to streamline operations and reduce costs, but only 45% of employees share this optimistic view.

  • 65% of employees who are supportive of AI believe it can help them with routine tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic activities.

  • Conversely, 30% of employees are concerned that AI could lead to job displacement, highlighting the need for clear communication and reassurances from employers.

Employee concerns and recommendations

The survey also highlights significant concerns among employees regarding AI’s role in HR processes. Almost two-thirds (62%) of employees are uncomfortable with HR teams using AI, fearing potential biases and a lack of transparency, with 48% of employees worrying that AI could lead to unfair treatment or bias in performance evaluations.

Additionally, 44% of employees believe that AI might compromise the confidentiality of their personal data and 58% feel that there is insufficient communication from management about how AI will be used and its impact on their roles.

“Ensuring robust governance and clear guidelines for AI use in the workplace is not just a best practice; it’s a necessity,” states Adam Coleman, CEO at HRLocker. “Without prioritising transparency and responsibility, we risk alienating employees and undermining the very trust that is fundamental to successful AI integration. Our research highlights a pressing need for businesses to address these governance issues head-on to fully realise AI’s potential in a way that benefits businesses and their people.”

Dell Technologies Unveils Major Updates to Data Lakehouse for AI Adoption

Dell Technologies has today announced significant performance and connectivity enhancements to its Dell Data Lakehouse platform. These new enhancements are designed to accelerate AI initiatives and streamline data access, providing businesses with fast query speeds, expanded data sources, simplified management and powerful analytics.

The key features of the Dell Data Lakehouse v1.1 includes enhance performance, improve connectivity, simplified management and expanded accessibility.

Turbocharged performance

New Warp Speed technology and high-performance SSDs boost query performance by 3x to 5x through automated learning of query patterns and optimising indexes and caches allowing businesses to extract insights from data faster than ever before.

 Improved connectivity

Dell Technologies has enhanced connectivity options by securely connecting to an existing Hive Metastore via Kerberos for seamless metadata operations and improved data governance. The new Neo4j graph database connector is now in public preview, and the Snowflake connector has been optimised for efficient querying. Additionally, upgraded connectors for Iceberg, Delta Lake, Hive, and other popular data sources ensure faster and more capable operations.

 Simplified Management

Dell has streamlined operations with new features to ensure system robustness and security and Dell support teams can now easily assess cluster health before or after installation or upgrades, ensuring zero downtime. The system also sends critical hardware failure alerts directly to Dell Support for proactive handling. Additionally, optional end-to-end encryption for internal components is available to secure the Lakehouse.

 Expanded Accessibility

Dell has now introduced and offers a new 5-year software subscription option, complementing the existing 1 and 3-year subscriptions, to align hardware and software support terms. To meet growing demand, the Dell Data Lakehouse is now available in more countries across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Additionally, customers can now access the Dell Data Lakehouse in the Dell Demo Center and soon in the Customer Solution Center for interactive exploration and validation.

Speaking about the new updates in Dell’s Modern Data Lakehouse, Vrashank Jain, Product Manager – Data Management at Dell Technologies said, “Dell Data Lakehouse with Warp Speed sets a new benchmark in data lake analytics, empowering organisations to derive insights from their data more quickly and efficiently than ever before. Warp Speed unlocks the full potential of the Dell Data Lakehouse, paving the way for accelerated and budget-friendly innovation and growth in the AI era.”

To get a full, hands-on experience, visit the Dell Demo Center to interactively explore the Dell Data Lakehouse with labs developed by Dell Technologies’ experts. Businesses and organisations can also contact your Dell account executive to explore the Dell Data Lakehouse for your data needs.

Dell Technologies and Red Hat join forces to address AI complexity

Dell Technologies and Red Hat today announced a significant advancement in the Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Red Hat OpenShift, designed to streamline and accelerate the deployment of AI solutions. This enhanced platform delivers a fully integrated, automated infrastructure optimised for Red Hat OpenShift AI, setting a new standard in how organisations handle AI complexities.

In a rapidly evolving AI landscape, the Dell APEX Cloud Platform now supports an expanded range of GPUs, including the new NVIDIA L40S, to cater to the most demanding AI applications. The platform also introduces support for both Dell PowerFlex and Dell ObjectScale storage solutions, ensuring robust, scalable, and cost-effective management of massive datasets and AI workloads.

Key Enhancements Include:

  • NVIDIA L40S GPU Integration: The Dell APEX Cloud Platform now supports the NVIDIA L40S GPU, providing advanced computational power essential for handling the most demanding AI applications. This addition offers increased flexibility, allowing organisations to customise their infrastructure according to their specific AI needs, whether for high-performance computing or complex AI models.
  • Dell ObjectScale Storage: In addition to Dell PowerFlex storage, the platform now includes Dell ObjectScale storage, enhancing scalability and cost-effectiveness for managing vast amounts of data. ObjectScale is critical for efficiently handling AI workloads that involve large language models and extensive datasets, ensuring reliable and scalable data management.
  • Hosted Control Planes for Red Hat OpenShift: The APEX Cloud Platform now supports hosted control planes, which streamline cluster management and reduce associated costs. This feature optimizes deployment times, separates management and workload concerns, and allows organisations to concentrate on their applications rather than infrastructure management.
  • Updated Design for Digital Assistants: The Validated Design for deploying digital assistants has been upgraded from a 7B parameter model to a more robust 13B model. This design uses the retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) framework to augment large language models (LLMs) with company-specific data, enabling rapid adaptation and training with relevant information.
  • NVIDIA Riva Integration: The new solution incorporates NVIDIA Riva, a microservice designed for building GPU-accelerated speech AI applications. This integration facilitates automated speech recognition (ASR) and text-to-speech (TTS) capabilities, streamlining the deployment of natural language processing (NLP) solutions and opening new possibilities for AI-driven communication tools.

The updated validated design now includes a 13B parameter model for digital assistants utilising a large language model (LLM) with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) framework, enabling businesses to rapidly adapt LLMs with domain-specific data. The new AI solution also features automated speech recognition (ASR) and text-to-speech (TTS) capabilities, powered by NVIDIA Riva.

Speaking on Dell’s collaboration with Red Hat, Caitlin Gordon, Vice President, Multicloud Product Management at Dell Technologies said: In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), seizing opportunities amidst complexity is paramount. Collaboratively engineered with Red Hat, the Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Red Hat OpenShift offers a streamlined and automated turnkey solution that transforms how organizations run Red Hat OpenShift on-premises.”

Stefanie Chiras, senior vice president, Partner Ecosystem Success, Red Hat said, “The rise of AI has led customers to seek out hybrid cloud infrastructure that accelerates AI application development and delivers faster time to value. Innovation is at the heart of our continued collaboration with Dell and the updates announced today showcase why Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Red Hat OpenShift can empower organisations with a more consistent, reliable integrated, and automated platform for running Red Hat OpenShift AI on-premises.”

 

Gamgee Launches AI-Powered Fall Detection System for Seniors: Instant Alerts, No Wearables Needed

In a bold move to redefine the elderly care and smart living eco-system, Gamgee BV has released a Wi-Fi Fall Protection system. This innovative technology promises to dramatically enhance the lives of seniors by offering an unobtrusive yet highly effective safety net. By harnessing the power of Wi-Fi signals, this system marks a significant departure from traditional fall detection methods, eliminating the need for wearables and invasive cameras.

What Sets Gamgee’s Wi-Fi Fall Protection Apart?

  • No Wearables Required: Leveraging advanced Wi-Fi technology, our system operates without the need for any wearables, gadgets, or cameras, providing comfort and convenience for seniors.

  • Presence and Fall Detection: With high accuracy and no false alarms, the system reliably detects falls, ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved ones.

  • Real-Time Alerts: The moment a fall is detected, the system immediately notifies family members and caregivers, enabling swift action to be taken.

  • Comprehensive Health Monitoring: By analyzing daily activity patterns, the system provides invaluable health insights, allowing for proactive health management.

  • Real-Time Alerts: The moment a fall is detected, the system immediately notifies family members and caregivers, enabling swift action to be taken.

  • Comprehensive Health Monitoring: By analyzing daily activity patterns and health insights, the system provides invaluable health insights, allowing for proactive health management.

Paul Hendriks, CEO and Co-Founder of Gamgee, emphasized the emotional and practical benefits of the new system, stating, “We’re not just launching a product; we’re launching a new era of compassionate, tech-smart eldercare. Our technology doesn’t just protect; it empowers and connects, enhancing the lives of our seniors and their families.”

Similar to fall protection, Gamgee also introduces its Wi-Fi Home Alarm System, leveraging the technology to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar movements within the home. This not only enhances home security but also significantly cuts down on false alarms, simplifying home safety in a smart, efficient way.

Additional Features and Future Plans:

  • Automatic System Management: The system intelligently arms and disarms itself based on family presence, making security seamless and hassle-free.

  • Integration with Smart Home Devices: Looking forward, Gamgee plans to integrate this system with other Wi-Fi-enabled home devices, paving the way for a fully automated, smart living environment.