Tag: boom

Ireland’s Esports Boom: How Competitive Gaming is Taking Over

Esports in Ireland is thriving. Once a niche interest, it’s now pulling in massive audiences, serious investment and a new generation of competitive players. Whether it’s grassroots tournaments in local gaming hubs or Irish players making waves on the international stage, the scene is evolving fast.

Advancements in technology are accelerating this growth. Digital wallets and online payment systems make it easier than ever for players to stay competitive, instantly accessing new content and premium features. With the rise of in-game economies, safe and convenient transactions are a key part of the modern esports experience.

Irish Esports is on the Rise

Across the country, gaming communities are more active than ever. Local tournaments are popping up everywhere, from Dublin to Galway, bringing together casual and pro-level players alike. Universities are launching esports societies, giving students a structured path into competitive gaming. Streaming platforms are turning Irish gamers into global stars, opening doors that didn’t exist just a few years ago.

For players looking to stay ahead, in-game purchases play a big role—customisation, upgrades and competitive advantages all come into play. Without using a credit card, which risk exposure to theft and identity fraud, an alternative like a PSN card for PlayStation makes it simple to top up accounts, grab premium content and ensure players are ready for high-stakes matches.

Building an Esports Infrastructure

Esports in Ireland isn’t just about players—it’s about the entire ecosystem. Dedicated gaming arenas are starting to appear, giving teams and solo competitors proper spaces to train and compete. Investors are paying attention, too, with both private companies and government initiatives looking to put Ireland on the map as a European esports hub.

From Hobby to Mainstream Sport

Gaming has turned from a hobby to a cultural movement. Traditional sports clubs are getting involved, adding esports teams to their rosters and giving gaming the same respect as physical sports. Major events like Insomnia Dublin and Celtic Throwdown are drawing thousands, proving that the demand for high-level gaming experiences is only growing. The 2024/25 Ireland Esports Collegiate Series, for example, saw a 36% increase in competing teams and a 17.7% rise in registered players across various games, indicating a growing interest among students.

What’s Next for Irish Esports?

With more investment, more players and more recognition, Ireland’s esports future looks bright. Bigger tournaments, better infrastructure and more Irish players competing at the highest levels are all on the horizon. What was once an underground scene is now a full-fledged industry, and it’s only just getting started.

Boom Collaboration Hails Record-Breaking ISE Success

Fast-growing Boom Collaboration is celebrating its best-ever ISE show success, after unveiling a series of new product innovations, designed to ‘raise the game’ in video conferencing.

The Texas-based manufacturer has developed its own dedicated wireless content sharing solution, and masterminded an innovative expandable speakerphone with advanced AI noise cancelling capabilities – that can link up to a further seven devices. 

In addition, Boom showcased a series of connectivity hubs and also launched a ‘meeting room in-a-box’ video kit range, at the four-day Barcelona show. The all-in-one solutions feature video and audio hardware plus a one-cable-connection station – designed to simplify installations and capitalise on high demand for Bring Your Own Meeting deployments.

“The video conferencing world moves fast, and we know we have to move even faster to stay ahead,” says Co-Founder Fredrik Hörnkvist.

“ISE was a resounding success and generated a record number of sales leads as well as huge amounts of interest. Our focus has always been on creating solutions that simplify collaboration while delivering an exceptional experience, based on any device across any platform in any room. ISE was our chance to show just how far we’ve come – and what’s next. These latest innovations are about making conferencing easier and more intuitive for everyone. They were very well received by visitors from all four corners of the world.”

Bigger Stage

Fellow founder Holli Hulett says Boom demonstrated its complete range of video, audio and connectivity solutions, which are also available from boom.co

“Simplicity is our compass. Our meeting room in-a-box kits for example make it easier to choose the right equipment for any space while delivering the high-quality features teams need to work effectively. They’re practical, efficient, and designed to take the hassle out of getting your stuff done.”

She emphasised: “We showcased many new innovations which demonstrated how Boom continues to raise the game in the video conferencing arena.”

Visitors witnessed the company’s HALO videobar which boasts ultra HD 4K performance, a wide angle 120° field of view, AI Auto-framing and speaker-tracking, 10x ePTZ, six digital array mics plus the option of up to 8 additional expandable mics. It’s available in black or white colours.

Hulett added: “This was our fourth year at ISE and every show feels like we’re stepping onto a bigger stage. We’ve worked hard to bring products to market that solve real problems – things like streamlining setups, making BYOM seamless, and making sure every room, no matter its size, delivers the best experience. This year, we proved how Boom is growing as a company and an innovator in this space. There’s even more to come.”

See our Boom Reviews 

Boom ZYGO hub/docking station review

This compact device promises to simplify your workspace with its plug-and-play functionality and versatile connectivity option.

Overview

The Boom ZYGO is a small, lightweight docking station designed to streamline your desk setup. It connects to your laptop via a single USB-C cable, delivering up to 96W of power for charging while in use. The station’s compact design, complete with mounting brackets, allows for discreet placement under a desk, making it an ideal solution for both home and office environments.

What’s in the Box

  •         Boom ZYGO hub
  •         USB-C to USB-C cable
  •         Universal power adapter
  •         Mounting kit
  •         4 rubber feet

Key Specifications

  •         Display Support: Up to 3 displays at 4K60
  •         Legacy Display Ports: 3x DP1.2 | 3x HDMI 2.0
  •         USB Connectivity: 1x USB-C 10G upstream, 1x USB-C 10G downstream, 4x USB-A 5G downstream
  •         Audio: 1x 3.5mm TRS speaker, 1x 3.5mm TRS mic
  •         Power Delivery: 96W (USB-C uplink), 20W (USB-C downlink)

 

Company Background

Boom, founded in 2020 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, has quickly established itself as a leader in videoconferencing and collaboration hardware. At Techbuzz, we’ve previously reviewed several Boom products, including the Boom MINI webcam and Boom MEZZO. The company specialises in innovative solutions for hybrid work environments, distance learning, and telehealth applications.

 

Setup Experience

While the Boom ZYGO is marketed as a plug-and-play device, our testing revealed some initial challenges. When connecting to two separate laptops and various monitors, we found that only the first HDMI port was functional, with the DisplayLink HDMI ports not working initially.

Upon consulting the manual, we discovered that a software update was required. Following the QR code provided, we were directed to the Synaptics DisplayLink Graphics download page.

   DisplayLink Downloads | Synaptic

https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/downloads

 After a straightforward download and installation process, the docking station functioned flawlessly.

It’s worth noting that while the Boom website offers a link to download the user guide.

Performance and Compatibility

Once set up correctly, the Boom ZYGO demonstrated impressive versatility. Its compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS ensures future-proofing across various laptop brands and operating systems. The single USB-C connection simplifies the docking process, making it easy to switch between different devices.

 

Warranty

Boom offers an impressive warranty for the ZYGO, instilling confidence in the product’s durability:

  •         3-year Limited hardware warranty
  •         Optional 5-year Boom Care plan

  

Conclusion

The Boom ZYGO docking station is a powerful and versatile solution for modern workspaces. While our initial setup experience highlighted the importance of software updates, the device’s performance post-update was exemplary.

Pros:

  •         Compact and sleek design
  •         Versatile connectivity options
  •         Strong power delivery for laptop charging
  •         Excellent compatibility across operating systems
  •         Impressive warranty options

Cons:

  •         Initial setup may require software updates
  •    
  •         Lack of LED indicator on the USB-C cable

 

Despite these minor setbacks, the Boom ZYGO stands out as a reliable and future-proof docking solution. Its ability to connect multiple displays and peripherals while charging your laptop makes it an excellent choice for professionals seeking to optimise their workspace.

The compatibility across various operating systems and the generous warranty further enhance its appeal. While the initial setup process could be smoother, the performance and versatility of the Boom ZYGO make it a strong contender in the docking station market.

For users looking to streamline their desk setup and enhance their productivity, the Boom ZYGO is certainly worth considering. Its robust feature set and long-term reliability make it a valuable addition to any modern workspace.

See our other Boom Reviews 

Buy 

Video Review

Boom Goes Large with Dedicated ‘Meeting Room In A Box’ Conference Kit

Conferencing manufacturer Boom Collaboration has launched a dedicated ‘meeting room in a box’ video kit for large rooms.

The all-in-one innovation features an intelligent videobar, expandable mics and one-cable connection hub – designed to simplify installations and capitalise on high demand for Bring Your Own Device deployments.

It’s part of a new range of complete solutions, demonstrating the Texas-based company’s ethos of delivering better meetings, simply.

Rollercoaster

The BYOD Large Videobar Kit can be found at boom.co and features the popular HALO videobar, two mics and the ZYGO multi-connectivity hub. It’s available in black or white colours.

“In recent years the video conferencing market has been a rollercoaster ride offering two distinct ways forward – with dedicated in-room systems on the up, whilst Bring Your Own Device alternatives seemed to be heading down, particularly for many larger organisations,” explained Co-Founder Fredrik Hörnkvist.

“But wider industry analysis mirrors our own findings that the use of individual devices is taking over. From our conversations, sales and interest from around the world, it’s an 80/20 split. BYOD is back with a bang with plug-and-play simplicity, lower costs and a platform agnostic approach some of the main driving forces.”

He emphasised: “Our new approach sees the creation of complete ‘meeting room in a box’ kits. These are designed to simplify the process of choosing the right equipment for the right rooms, to optimise the overall user experience and take away any installation headaches. Our new videobar kit for larger rooms will add further fuel to the BYOD fire.”

The solution is spearheaded by the HALO videobar which boasts ultra HD 4K performance, a wide angle 120° field of view, AI Auto-framing and speaker-tracking, 10x ePTZ, six digital array mics plus the option of up to eight additional expandable mics.

Embracing

Many businesses are now opting for flexible, cost-effective solutions, agrees fellow founder Holli Hulett. “The pandemic created a shift towards more agile, plug-and-play systems, where users wanted to use their own devices without relying on permanent room systems. There’s more personalisation too such as when screen sharing.”

She added: “The flexibility and lower cost of BYOD solutions – where users bring their laptops or mobile devices to connect to a room’s AV system – have seen a significant rise, as hybrid and flexible work models became more common.

“This is especially popular for SMBs embracing hybrid work. They greatly outnumber bigger organisations by around 1000:1 so there’s more volume and more reseller opportunities compared to fully-fledged room systems. Our new dedicated kit for larger rooms makes it easy for installers and their customers to create the optimal BYOD meeting experience.”

 

Why Bring Your Own Device Is Back With A Bang For Boom Collaboration

In recent years the video conferencing market has been a rollercoaster ride offering two distinct ways forward – with dedicated in-room systems on the up, whilst Bring Your Own Device alternatives seemed to be heading down, particularly for many larger organisations.

That’s the view of global manufacturer, Boom Collaboration, where 2024 has seen a dramatic return to BYOD deployments, mirrored by more general industry analysis.

“There’s a natural place for both but in many ways BYOD offers lots more flexibility and bang for your buck,” argues Boom co-founder Holli Hulett.

“After the pandemic, organisations began to develop longer term strategies where for many enterprises, in-room roll-outs such as Teams or Zoom, were definitely flavour of the month. Greater standardisation and fewer IT and security issues were some of the perceived advantages. It’s common for new and emerging technologies to take over and win market share initially, especially when backed by some of the industry’s biggest names. It’s also natural to want the ‘latest and greatest’ comms kit but after a few years, limitations are beginning to appear.

“First we had working from home trends and then a wider return to the office. More people back in the office means more video calls across more rooms and more devices. Dedicated in-room technology is often just not viable for mass roll-outs, with cost and lifestyle limitations, especially following the rise of smaller huddle rooms. BYOD is generally more practical and a better fit.”

80/20 split

Hulett reports a huge spike in BYOD demand and added: “Wider industry analysis mirrors our own findings that the use of individual devices is taking over. From our conversations, sales and interest from around the world, it’s an 80/20 split. BYOD is back with a bang with plug-and-play simplicity, lower costs and a platform agnostic approach some of the main driving forces.”

The percentage of BYOD rooms versus in-room systems has been shifting notably over the last 12 months, in an ever-changing workplace, agrees fellow company founder Fredrik Hörnkvist.

He highlighted: “BYOD setups – where users bring their laptops or mobile devices to connect to the room’s AV system – have seen a significant rise, as hybrid and flexible work models became more common. 

“Pre-pandemic (before 2020), older in-room systems were more popular, with BYOD set-ups representing less than 20% of rooms. However, as companies adapted to remote and hybrid working models, the demand for BYOD rooms surged.”

Many businesses are now opting for flexible, cost-effective solutions, according to Hörnkvist. “The pandemic created a shift toward more agile, plug-and-play systems, where users wanted to use their own devices without relying on permanent room systems. There’s more personalisation too such as when screen sharing.

“For a time larger enterprises seemed to favour the latest in-room systems for specific and specialised locations. But demand for BYOD rooms is expected to continue growing, especially for smaller huddle rooms and mid-sized meeting spaces. In my opinion, in-room systems will be more limited to boardrooms and high-stakes presentations within enterprises.”

More opportunities

He emphasised: “The flexibility and lower cost of BYOD solutions make them attractive especially for SMBs embracing hybrid work. They greatly outnumber bigger organisations by around 1000:1 so there’s more volume and more reseller opportunities compared to fully-fledged room systems.”

To further fuel BYOD demand, Boom has developed a series of ‘meeting in a box kits’ which are due to hit the market soon, following the launch of an innovative multi-connectivity hub, the ZYGO.

Hulett concluded: “It’s clear the balance between BYOD and in-room systems continues to fluctuate with changing work patterns and wider company politics. Every organisation has specific needs. But there’s no doubt BYOD is back on top and generally packs a bigger punch in the majority of environments. 

“Overall I think more platform choice is good. It reminds me of being in a sweet store as a child where there’s dozens of tempting treats available. You never just get one scoop of flavour.”

Boom Launch New ‘Box Of Tricks’ To Simply Conferencing Connectivity

Conferencing manufacturer Boom Collaboration has developed a powerful new multi-connectivity hub designed to create better meetings, simply.

The Boom ZYGO offers one cable connection, multiple 4K screen and camera connectivity plus the ability to charge individual devices.

The compact docking station has been developed to address growing demand for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and plug-and-play conferencing trends, as well as in-room PC deployments.

Boom Co-Founder, Fredrik Hörnkvist, is hailing the ZYGO as the ultimate connectivity hub, from simple to more sophisticated room installations.

Excellence

It combines ease of use with triple 4K display connections plus legacy options. It’s platform agnostic, helps cut cable clutter and boasts extensive device capacity of 2x USB-C 10G ports and 4x USB-A 5G ports. A 1GbE LAN port ensures fast internet connection.

“Our whole ethos is around creating better meetings simply and the ZYGO is another important step forward in what is a continuing pursuit of excellence,” he added.

“It’s the ultimate hub for seamless meeting connectivity and in many ways the missing link for simple and streamlined conferencing deployments, with a wealth of connectivity. Furthermore the ZYGO gives the user complete control rather than being locked into a specific system with a narrow set of options.”

Instant

The ZYGO comes with a mounting kit and ensures wherever people are working they have quick and instant access to high performance collaboration. 

That’s the view of fellow founder Holli Hulett who emphasised: “Gone are the days of a big clunky piece of conferencing hardware sat gathering dust in the corner of a boardroom because no one knew how to use it.

“The market is definitely maturing now with some organisations having to replace their previous equipment bought during the mad rush of Covid. USB connectivity is the way forward for many and is becoming widespread across our product portfolio.

“We like to bring something different to the table and are ideally suited to help customers capitalise on the latest market trends. Easy connectivity and high performance hardware helps create better meetings, simply.”

See our boom collaboration reviews

Boom Fires-Up Further Growth With New-Look Website As Part Of Global Development Strategy

Fast-growing video conferencing manufacturer, Boom Collaboration, is enjoying a year of record sales success – as it plots a multi-million-pound pathway to become a bigger industry force.

Formed in 2020, Boom has developed a growing global footprint, spanning hardware solutions for all types of meeting rooms. The Texas-based company is headed by founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett and now operates in over 30 countries where revenues have risen by more than 30% so far this year, including the UK.

New distribution deals include Colombia, India and Turkey, with a device leaving one of four worldwide logistics hubs on average every 60 seconds of each working day.

Now a new website (boom.co) aims to be the catalyst for further success based on enhanced reseller resources and more informative content. It’s created around a theme of look, sound and hear better – visually highlighting the difference between built-in webcams and Boom’s high performance cameras, for example.

Record Revenue

Boom’s platform agnostic portfolio is available from UK distributor Westcoast and encompasses videobars, all-in-one solutions, high performance cameras plus a multi-camera mixing desk controller. A new HALO videobar, MAGNA Pro high performance camera and GOJO multi-camera mixer are firing further sales success throughout this year.

“It’s a fast moving industry that never stands still and we keep moving forward too,” explained Hörnkvist as he hailed a record revenue rise of 32% for the first six months of 2024.

“The HALO videobar with expandable audio was launched at the start of this year and has been a huge success! It’s captured the imagination of the whole market.”

Cornerstone

Hulett highlighted: “A lot of what we’ve been focusing on over the last couple of years is introducing ourselves to the market, highlighting how we are not only a viable but an innovative and interesting partner that stands out from the crowd across all meeting spaces. 

“We’ve built the business by listening to our customers and identifying what they need and what they were lacking. Being attentive and creating quick solutions. This is one of the cornerstones of who we are what we will continue to be.”

She added. “The new website is another tangible example of how we continue to move forward and build stronger relationships with existing as well as new customers. In general we’ve been very well received and are very excited about what the future holds.”

Hörnkvist concluded: “Relationships are growing and will become even stronger on a global stage. We’re now seen as a serious international player with a strong platform to reach new heights of success. We have invested in more marketing resources and the new website gives us a dynamic digital edge as we enter an exciting new phase of development.

“Controlled sustainable growth across all four corners of the globe is set to continue. An expanding and dynamic team together with new product innovations underpin our aggressive growth ambitions.”

He concluded: “We are determined to remain the friendly face of video conferencing, based on a personal touch and a passion for long lasting partnerships through the distribution channel. Boom is all about creating better meetings, simply. Our new-look website is an inherent part of this process.”

Why Play-And-Play Conferencing Is ‘Booming’ At Distributor Westcoast

Distributor Westcoast is reporting a major ‘boom’ in USB-based video conferencing, as more organisations take the simple route to collaboration success.

The international supply specialist has seen sales of plug-and-play devices rocket by over a third in the last year, and has identified a multi-billion-pound opportunity, as demand for instant connectivity continues to intensify.

UC Business Manager Sam Armstrong cites many reasons for the increased growth, from companies looking to ‘level-up’ their home and office deployments to others forced to re-invest after the Covid pandemic, after a rush to more flexible working.

It’s a view mirrored by hardware manufacturer Boom Collaboration whose business ethos is based on delivering ‘better meetings simply’.

Shift

“The conferencing arena continues to evolve and we’ve seen a significant shift to USB-based hardware,” he confirmed. “This is being fuelled by the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trends as well as a wider desire for simpler and quicker installation and configuration.

“Organisations need flexibility and agility having developed longer term strategies about home working. Whether in the office or working elsewhere, simple plug-and-play deployment is becoming a dominant factor in the buying process.”

He added: “Wherever people are working they need quick and instant access to high performance collaboration. Gone are the days of a big clunky piece of hardware sat gathering dust in the corner of a boardroom because no one knew how to use it.”

Westcoast works with many vendors including US conferencing manufacturer Boom Collaboration – where it’s UNO and HALO videobars as well as a dedicated WFH kit are leading the charge to simpler deployments.

Maturing

Boom Co-founder Holli Hulett emphasised: “The market is definitely maturing now with some organisations having to replace their previous equipment bought during the mad rush of Covid. USB connectivity is the way forward for many and is becoming widespread across our product portfolio.”

The two parties joined forces towards the end of 2023 and have been busy laying the foundations for a major market attack as part of a flourishing supply deal.

Fellow founder Fredrik Hörnkvist added “Boom is still a relatively new brand in the UK but we’ve been very well received so far. We bring something different to the table and are ideally suited to help customers capitalise on the latest market trends. Easy connectivity and high performance hardware helps create better meetings, simply.”

Tech Review – Boom BM05-1013 Collaboration WFH

The Boom BM05-1013 Collaboration WFH Kit, which includes the Boom Giro audio device and Boom Mini Camera, is a comprehensive solution for professional video conferencing and remote work.

The Boom Giro audio device features a 360-degree omnidirectional microphone with full-duplex HD audio, providing a high-quality conferencing experience. It offers the flexibility of wireless Bluetooth connectivity or a simple USB plug-and-play setup. The Giro’s built-in lithium-ion battery and Work Anywhere Case make it suitable for home office, huddle room, and on-the-go use.

Features:

  •       360° omnidirectional pickup
  •       Full-duplex HD audio
  •       Dynamic Noise Reduction (DNR)
  •       Bluetooth 5.0
  •       Lithium Ion battery
  •       USB Plug & play
  •       3-year warranty

 

 

The Boom Mini Camera delivers a sharp, high-resolution 1080p image at 30fps, with a wide 90-degree field of view and advanced image processing for exceptional colour and clarity. Its compact, stylish design complements any workspace, and the universal USB compatibility ensures seamless setup on PCs and Macs. The camera’s advanced focus technology and low-light optimization ensure a professional impression during video calls.

 The Boom MINI is a webcam.

This Uses an advanced Image Signal Processor, the MINI provides a vividly clear image with even brightness, fantastic colour rendering, a high-resolution image and ultra-smooth video transmission.

 

Boom MINI highlights & features

  •       High-definition Image: A high-quality CMOS sensor provides a clear and vivid HD

image. The MINI supports resolution compression of up to 1920 x 1080 @ 30fps

  •       Lens: 90º wide-angle glass lens
  •       Zoom: 3x digital zoom
  •       Advanced Focus Technology: A fixed lens with an advanced focus algorithm that

provides an accurate and stable image without blurring when objects move

  •       Built-in Mic: Built-in Dual Noise Suppression and Echo Canceling Microphones for clear

and natural stereo sound without external pickup equipment

  •       Flexible installation: Use the built-in clip to attach the Boom MINI to your screen, laptop,

or desktop or use the ¼” connection for a tripod mount.

  •       Use it anywhere: Compatible with any video conferencing platform or video recording

software

  •       Convenient: No need to download a webcam driver or extra software. It’s truly PLUG

and PLAY

  •       USB 2.0: For plug and play, power and firmware updates
  •       Multiple Video Encoding: H.264, H.265, MJPEG, and YUV2 enabling fluid video play
  •       3-year warranty

 

 

 

Installation & setup

Both the Giro audio device and Mini Camera are easy to set up and use, with no need for additional software or drivers. The plug-and-play functionality worked seamlessly in testing, with the camera automatically detected as the default camera on a video call. The Giro can also be connected to smartphones via Bluetooth, allowing for collaborative conferencing.

  

Conclusion & warranty

The Boom BM05-1013 Collaboration WFH Kit stands out with its comprehensive 3-year warranty, which can be extended to 5 years, instilling confidence in the quality and durability of the hardware and software.

Overall, the Boom BM05-1013 Collaboration WFH Kit is a prestigious and well-designed solution for professional video conferencing and remote work, offering excellent connectivity, image quality, and warranty coverage.

Boom MEEZO review

Boom UNO review 

 

https://www.boomcollaboration.com/product

Video review