Microsoft marks its 50th anniversary globally, a major milestone on its journey of shaping and developing the innovative technologies transforming our economy and society.
To celebrate this milestone, Microsoft is rolling out AI Skills Fest, a 50-day series of curated events and opportunities to engage in AI discovery and learning. The series of events will cater for everyone from professionals to students and business leaders offering a unique opportunity to advance AI skills through hackathons, live training sessions, on-demand experiences, community events, and much more.
The Microsoft AI Skills Fest will begin with a spectacular Kick-off Celebration on April 8th, 2025. Starting in Australia at 9 AM Australian Eastern Standard Time and wrapping up in the United States at 4 PM Pacific Daylight Time, this 24-hour, globe-spanning event will feature a variety of AI learning activities designed to engage and inspire learners of all experience levels.
In Ireland upper primary, post primary and Youthreach students are also being invited to join the Dream Space Live AI Skills Fest event on April 8th from 10am – 3pm. The five-hour virtual event, streamed live from Microsoft Dream Space, will immerse students in the world of AI through interactive sessions that encourage learners to grow and enhance their AI fluency.
Led by Microsoft’s team of Dream Space educators, learners can look forward to engaging AI sessions tailored to their needs, including hands-on creative AI challenges, discussions on ethical AI, and an exploration of future AI careers.
This event is one of many events taking place across the globe to achieve a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for most users to take an online multi-level artificial intelligence lesson in 24 hours.
“Today, as we celebrate 50 years of innovation at Microsoft, we look forward with great excitement to the opportunities the next era of technological transformation will bring. AI is redefining how we live, work and do business. That’s why it’s crucial we equip everyone across society with the skills and capabilities to succeed in an AI enabled economy”, said James O’Connor,Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre
“As we mark this milestone, we’re proud to continue delivering on our commitment to empower every individual across Ireland to thrive in the era of AI. Kicking off with a special Microsoft Dream Space event, which will be streamed live for students across the country, the Microsoft AI Skills Fest provides a valuable opportunity to inspire, educate and enhance AI skills and fluency for everyone across the island of Ireland. We hope all students and educators will take the opportunity to engage with this special Dream Space event, and that adults across the island of Ireland will participate in some of the many AI learning events over the next 50 days to advance their AI skills.”
For anyone who is not an educator or student and looking to engage with many of the other AI learning opportunities as part of the wider Microsoft AI Skills Fest go AI Skills Fest | Home.
Google is opening a dedicated accessibility space where Google engineers, researchers and wider product teams will focus on driving new innovation in accessible technology to help to remove some of the barriers that people with disabilities face everyday.
The ‘Accessibility Discovery Centre’ has been built in consultation with local partners including Spinal Injuries Ireland, ADHD Ireland, the National Disability Authority, Fighting Blindness and Google’s internal Disability Alliance employee resource group. Not only a workshop for research and product development, the centre will be a space for cross-industry learning, sharing information and building greater understanding and empathy among the accessibility community.
The centre will also facilitate tours to increase awareness of the power of technology to empower those with disabilities. These tours will include real life examples of new technologies empowering people with disabilities via a series of interactive zones and gaming zones that bring to life the ways people with disabilities interact with technology. The opening is also an acknowledgement that there is much more to do to meet people’s ever changing needs, allowing Google to learn from and partner with accessibility and disability communities to keep improving and innovating for users.
Christopher Patnoe, Accessibility and Disability Inclusion, Google, said, “The Accessibility Discovery Centre isn’t just a place where we will build better products and services – it’s also a medium through which we can engage more effectively with different disability communities to better understand and address their needs. The new space can break down barriers and will ultimately change lives for the better. Today’s event marks the beginning of that exciting journey that will first understand the myriad problems that exist and then address them in an inclusive manner.”
Sinead Burke, CEO, Tilting the Lens said, “As the CEO of Tilting the Lens, a global accessibility consultancy, our value is not merely in guidance and advice, but in creating meaningful connections. Over the past year, we have been fortunate to bring our clients together at Google’s Accessibility Discovery Centre in London, where they have been energised by the advancements in accessible technology and ambitious to implement better practices in accessibility. As an Irish-based company, we’re excited to leverage Google’s global influence through their newest Accessibility Discovery Centre at home.”
Dr Gerald Craddock Chief Officer at The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design at the National Disability Authority commented: “The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) welcome the launch of the Accessible Discovery Centre (ADC), a great initiative by Google in creating an innovative space for co-designing and learning on accessibility with the disability communities in Ireland. These elements are the bedrock of Universal Design which is enshrined in legislation in Ireland and we readily recognise the value of this new initiative. The ADC will provide a ‘discovery’ space for everyone as well as demonstrating new and inclusive technologies.”
Among the first events to take place at the new space will be regular readouts with accessibility and disability communities. Developers will also be given the resources they need to integrate accessibility into products from the beginning of their processes.
This is Google’s first Accessibility Discovery Centre in the EU and builds on years of investment and innovation in helpful technology that can improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Viatel Technology Group, a market leader in comms and digital services, has announced a groundbreaking initiative to accelerate Irish organisations on their path to automation and innovation. Throughout November, Viatel is offering exclusive, complimentary ‘Discovery’ consultations, where one fortunate company will win their dream project.
Damien Lee, Director of Software Services at Viatel Technology Group, sets the stage for this exciting initiative, “Irish businesses are still slogging through time consuming manual processes, grappling with old Access databases, and struggling with apps and systems crafted by ex-employees that no longer serve their companies.
“At Viatel we understand the transformative potential of technology. As a Gold Microsoft Partner we’ve successfully guided hundreds of businesses on their digital journeys. From building an online passport application system for the Department of Foreign Affairs, to collaborating with the National Lottery, and reconstructing Chill Insurance’s online quote engine, we’ve proven our commitment to innovation and excellence.”
Damien explains the Discovery Initiative, “This is an open invitation to all companies: bring us your pain! Tell us about your repetitive processes, your outdated apps, and your unscalable systems. We will assess your issues and tailor a solution from an array of options, from off-the-shelf solutions like Power Automate and Power BI, all the way to customised software.”
Following a comprehensive hour-long consultation with a seasoned technical lead and an experienced business analyst, participating companies will receive an outline project scope, including costs. Damien underscores the vital role of pricing, “Companies might believe that this level of technical development is beyond their reach, but the landscape has evolved dramatically, with low-code apps proving to be a game-changer.”
With organisations currently in the midst of planning their 2024 budgets, discovery consultations make it easy to showcase the substantial savings and long-term positive impacts these projects can deliver to the bottom line.
Damien continued “Our commitment to digitisation and development will enhance a company’s efficiency. It’s also fantastic news for employees. This shift can transform how they spend their working hours, increasing job satisfaction and freeing them up for higher-value tasks.”
From every consultation scheduled from now until the end of November, Viatel will select one lucky company to receive five days of free development work. To learn more visit www.viatel.com/discovery-initiative.
Ground-breaking technology company Muzos, is today proud to announce the launch of its new music listening rewards service, accessible directly from here: https://app.muzos.xyz/#/. Muzos, a music application that gamifies the listening experience and encourages the discovery of new music through rewarding engagement, aims to connect fans with their favourite artists, while introducing them to fresh genres and sounds.
Muzos is a user-centric app that aims to build a thriving community of passionate music enthusiasts who are rewarded for their everyday music listening and discovering emerging talent. The app offers a gamified platform that immerses users in a new level of interactive listening, where they can earn rewards for their streams. Muzos’ innovative approach incentivises users to explore new sounds and connect with artists through seamless integration with major Digital Service Providers.
At Muzos, we understand the challenges that musicians face in finding their audience on streaming platforms. With approximately 100,000 new songs being released each day, it’s clear that there is a significant need for a solution that helps emerging artists get noticed. That’s why we created Muzos – to provide a platform that rewards our users for discovering and engaging with new talent, while also giving artists the exposure they deserve. Our recent further funding, which saw us close a round of £330k on a £3m valuation, along with a potential second closure for an extra £200k to be made in the next two months, and the launch of a seed round in January, signifies a pivotal step in our quest to transform the music industry into a more equitable space where talents can truly blossom.” Comments Kirill Korobkov, Founder of Muzos.
The gamified reward program works by connecting Apple Music to the Muzos service. Listeners can earn points for streaming music and then spend them to redeem various items, such as artist merchandise, concert tickets, and hardware like headphones. The vision for the finalised version of the app is to take users on a gamified social journey where they interact directly with the artists, and discover new and emerging talent whilst allowing artists to engage their most loyal fans.
Muzos offers a seamless integration to major DSPs (Digital Streaming Services) and hits the market with an integration with Apple Music. Soon, it will also be available for YouTube and Amazon Music, ensuring effortless connectivity and usage with your preferred music streaming service.
Our mission at Muzos is to create an interactive, gamified platform that fosters discovery and rewards our users for their engagement with emerging talent. This is only the beginning, in the very near future, artists will have the ability to promote their music on Muzos in a very unique way, by rewarding their biggest fans for sharing. This will be super targeted and deliver engagement beyond what any social media campaign could achieve. We believe that by immersing each user in a new level of interactive listening, we can build a thriving community of passionate music enthusiasts” comments John Black, Co-Founder & Artist Relations Manager at Muzos.
Muzos is dedicated to increasing the visibility of up-and-coming artists, ensuring their songs are heard and making the world of music distribution more equitable for independent musicians. These artists often grapple with unfavourable royalty rates that predominantly benefit prominent artists, as well as fierce competition for editorial placements typically reserved for well-known names.
Muzos aims to redefine the status quo and help the music industry overcome these challenges by focusing on assisting artists in gaining traction and expanding their fanbase through discovery and social engagement strategies. To further support this mission, Muzos has implemented a reward system that incentivises the artists’ most loyal followers, promoting a fairer landscape for all musicians.
Muzos’ approach to music discovery and artist promotion is transforming how music enthusiasts interact with artists and discover music. With their fresh and innovative approach, Muzos incentivises listeners to venture on new paths and engage with music in an entirely unique way. By doing so, they offer a gamified music experience that is not only entertaining but also rewarding. With their proprietary technology seamlessly integrated into streaming audio, Muzos provides a fresh perspective on music discovery and fan engagement.
“As an artist who’s always kept an eye on innovation within the music industry, I believe Muzos to be a genuine game-changer in helping up and coming artists get the right exposure in an industry where it’s becoming more and more difficult to cut through the noise. Their ingenious reward system not only incentivises music listeners but also fosters a fairer environment for all musicians. I believe Muzos’ mission to help artists gain traction and broaden their fanbase through a two-way relationship of discovery, reward and social engagement strategies will be pivotal in artists growth.” – Sonique, Musician, Singer and DJ.
Get ready to partake in a new music discovery experience as Muzos is poised to redefine the landscape of the music industry.
Is your Discovery+ lagging and buffering? Or do you simply wish to enhance your experience on Discovery Plus? This guide has everything you need to know to improve your streaming experience on Discovery Plus.
Discovery Plus has a huge content library for the viewers in the UK, offering reality TV shows, movies, docu-series, and others. Therefore, if you’re looking to stream Discovery Plus UK from anywherewithout interruptions, we recommend using a VPN.
In this article, we will cover simple and effective methods which you can use to avoid Discovery+ streaming issues.
Methods to Improve Discovery+ Streaming?
Many issues can cause your Discovery+ app or account to slow down, from internet connections to outdated apps and malfunctions. Many small things can cause your streams to be interrupted.
One of the most common reasons why your Discovery+ is slow is possibly due to your internet connection fluctuating. An out-of-date Discovery+ application can cause your stream to malfunction.
Here are some tips on how to improve streaming on Discovery+
Here is a brief look at the methods to improve your streaming experience on Discovery+.
Method 1 – Check your internet connection
One of the main reasons why Discovery+ lags or slows down is due to a slow internet connection in the UK. So by checking up on your internet connection, you can make sure that you are using Discovery+ on a stable internet connection.
If your issues persist after you have checked on your internet connection and you can be sure that the internet connection is the issue, then we recommend upgrading your internet connection to match Discovery+ streaming speeds.
Method 2 – Restart your Discovery+ app
By restarting the application, you are giving the application the time to refresh itself and install any updates that were interrupted while the app was working. A restart can also help clear the cache of your app, which can help in increasing the performance of the app.
By restarting the application you will also establish a new connection to the Discovery+ servers and watch some of the best shows in the UK without interruptions.
Method 3 – Check if your Discovery+ app is up to date
Working Discovery+ on an outdated application can cause the account to slow down, so if you are facing issues with your app slowing down or stopping in between streams. Check whether your app is up to date, you can check the status of your app from your device’s application store.
In the way, you can easily access any Discovery Plus channel like TLC, Lifetime, and others and watch whatever you want without interruptions.
Method 4 – Check your Internet Router
Sometimes it helps to restart your internet router. By restarting the router, you give your connection the time to refresh itself and establish a more secure connection. This secure connection can help improve your streaming on Discovery+.
Method 5 – Decrease Video Quality
The video quality on Discovery+ can also cause the app to slow down, so if you are facing issues with the app being slow. Try decreasing the video quality, it is more than likely that the issue is caused by the video quality being HD or 4K.
Method 6 – Close background Apps
The more apps that are running in the background while you stream the more your internet connection is divided among them. By closing these background apps, you can give your internet connection time to just connect to Discovery+ thus giving you a better connection.
Method 7 – Restart your Streaming Device
Same as restarting the Discovery+ app and your internet connection. Restarting your streaming device by performing a power cycle. The first step of the power cycle is to unplug your device and let it stay unplugged for 60 seconds.
After that, replug and restart your device. This restart allows the device to reconnect to the internet source and identify and download any updates that are needed. By restarting you also clear the cache on your device thus freeing up space for Discovery+ to operate.
Method 8 – Connect to Ethernet
It is better to have a direct connection to your source of internet, rather than using a router to route the connection. If you are facing issues with Discovery+ on your device, try connecting the ethernet connection directly to your device.
The boost of connection can help you boost your Discovery+ streams. You can also try moving your streaming devices closer to the internet sources if your device doesn’t allow an ethernet connection.
Method 9 – Disconnect useless devices from your connection
When you connect a lot of devices to your internet router, there is a high chance that your internet connection lowers as a lot of devices are accessing the same internet source.
So if you are facing an issue with Discovery+ slowing down, you can try disconnecting useless devices that are currently not in use from your internet source. After disconnecting the devices, recheck Discovery+, hopefully, your issue will be resolved.
Method 10 – Contact Discovery+ Support
If you have tried all of the mentioned methods and are still facing issues with your Discovery+ account lagging and buffering. It’s time to get in contact with Discovery+ support. There can be several issues with the application that cannot be fixed from the end of the user and require technical support.
By contacting customer support, you get access to professionals that can help you fix your issues with ease or can directly fix the issues from their end.
Conclusion
We know how frustrating it can be to get interrupted mid-stream specially when one wants to live-stream without any buffer. Keeping this issue in mind we created this article to help our readers identify and fix any issues that might be causing their Discovery+ streaming experience to be soiled.
Enter a world filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, captivating wildlife, and the harmonious dance of nature’s forces. Without ever leaving your living room, Discovery+ has put together a selection of outstanding nature documentaries that will transport you on remarkable journeys. Be prepared for jaw-dropping visuals, heart-stopping encounters, and a fresh respect for the amazing beauties of our planet.
However, Discovery Plus is not available in New Zealand. Therefore, a trustworthy VPN is necessary to get around these limitations and access the full selection of content to stream Discovery Plus in New Zealand without any limitations.
Get ready to be amazed by the six best nature documentaries available on Discovery+, which will take you to places like the ocean’s depths and the savannah’s huge open spaces.
1. Planet Earth (2006)
Many viewers found immense value in HDTV in New Zealand thanks to an extraordinary 11-episode documentary, Planet Earth. This remarkable series brought together renowned individuals such as Attenborough and producer Alastair Fothergill, who had previously collaborated on The Blue Planet. However, the scale of Planet Earth exceeded their previous project.
Spanning from forests to jungles to the Arctic, the series serves as both a captivating travelog and a documentation of how various species navigate a world grappling with the effects of climate change.
Even after 15 years, Planet Earth remains a benchmark for future documentaries, showcasing breathtaking clarity in capturing the astonishing beauty of creatures and landscapes across our planet.
2. The Hunt (2015)
The portrayal of animals amid hunting or evading predators is undeniably one of the most gripping aspects of any nature documentary. “The Hunt” is an immersive and thrilling seven-episode series that expertly captures these raw moments. It explores the dynamics of hunting across a wide range of environments, spanning from the harsh Arctic to the dense jungles and everything in between.
“The Hunt” weaves together the themes of conservation and climate change throughout its narrative. It serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between ecosystems and the urgent need to protect our natural world. In its final episode, the series takes a dedicated focus on following the journey of scientists who are tirelessly working to safeguard an endangered predator.
By shining a light on the challenges faced by both predators and prey, “The Hunt” not only entertains but also educates and inspires viewers to take action in safeguarding our planet’s magnificent creatures. It is indeed one of the best shows you can stream on Discovery Plus in New Zealand, with an IMDb rating of 9.2.
3. A Perfect Planet (2021)
In early 2021, Discovery Plus launched a range of new series, including the latest products from the BBC Natural History Unit called “A Perfect Planet.” The renowned narrator, Attenborough, lent his voice to this five-episode series, which stands out as the only nature documentary produced by the unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite Attenborough recording his narration from home, the quality of the series remains unaffected.
“A Perfect Planet” not only showcases the diverse inhabitants of the natural environment but also emphasizes the impact of human activities on nature. The title may suggest an idealized world, but the series maintains a realistic perspective, highlighting the responsibility we have to preserve Earth’s beauty.
It serves as a powerful reminder that we must ensure the continued magnificence of our planet.
4. Life (2009)
The BBC Natural History Unit’s follow-up series to Planet Earth delves into the intricacies of survival in the animal kingdom. With its skilful approach, the series beautifully showcases the concept of “survival of the fittest” and presents viewers with awe-inspiring high-definition imagery of animals and wildlife, surpassing any previous recordings.
Sir David Attenborough, with his trademark composed narration, serves as the trusted guide, leading the audience on an immersive journey through the lives of a diverse range of creatures, including reptiles, birds, and insects.
The series goes above and beyond by utilizing miniature HD cameras to capture extraordinary footage of even the smallest insects. In summary, the series thoroughly explores the actions and strategies animals employ to secure their survival and ensure their continued existence.
5. Frozen Planet (2011)
Frozen Planet, directs its attention to the Arctic and Antarctica, shining a spotlight on the pressing matter of climate change. Through its seven episodes, the series delves deep into the catastrophic effects of climate change, with a particular focus on these frigid regions.
While presenting awe-inspiring imagery of the natural world, Frozen Planet leaves an indelible impression by vividly illustrating the undeniable impact of climate change. Discovery+ has yet to release the final episode, aptly named “On Thin Ice” and featuring the renowned Attenborough, but the preceding episodes already grapple with the uncertain destiny of these icy landscapes.
The series serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its far-reaching consequences, urging viewers to contemplate the future of these fragile and threatened ecosystems.
6. Life Story (2015)
Life Story, a six-episode series broadcasted on Discovery Plus in 2015, follows the lives of various species across different landscapes, capturing their remarkable and perilous journeys from infancy to adulthood.
From African meerkats on the savannah to humpback whales in the vast ocean, the show meticulously documents the challenges faced by each animal in its natural environment. Meerkats exhibit protective behaviors within their dens to defend against predators, Zebras demonstrate the instinct to safeguard their young during treacherous river crossings teeming with Crocodiles, and jumping Spiders engage in captivating courtship rituals, risking their lives to impress potential mates who may turn into predators themselves if unimpressed.
Through vivid storytelling and stunning cinematography, Life Story provides a captivating exploration of the trials and triumphs encountered by these animals as they navigate the intricate tapestry of life in the natural world.
Wrap Up!
Discovery Plus provides an entertaining selection of documentaries covering a wide range of topics and genres that you can watch in New Zealand by using a reliable VPN service.
Discovery Plus has something for everyone, from breathtaking nature and wildlife programmes that transport viewers to the farthest reaches of the planet to thought-provoking studies of historical events and scientific advances. Moreover, if you binge-watch, it’s important to consume healthy content as Binge-watching is really impactful on your mental Health.
Members of the Peel X team were delighted to attend the official launch of Doors into Docklands recently, part of the Dublin Discovery Trailsseries of mobile app based immersive discovery trails, using innovative Augmented Reality (AR), designed, developed and delivered by Peel X.
Doors into Docklands was co-funded by Dublin City Council and Fáilte Ireland’s Destination Town Investment Scheme and Peel X was brought on board, to help unlock the tourism potential of the Docklands by bringing the area to life using its augmented reality and immersive, digital storytelling.
Jess Wright, Managing Director of Peel X, said: “The team brought together the full range of Peel’s app development services to this project, augmented reality, 3D modelling, animation, historical research, script and copy writing, green screen filming, audio and soundscape development, all interwoven to create stunning digital storytelling of the Dublin Docklands”.
“Merging the old and the new, combining history and technology, visitors are transported back in time. Users can see Guinness barges sailing down the River Liffey, a Crimean Banquet held in the Custom House Quarter (CHQ) and the story of the famine statues. History comes to life along the trail with a 360-degree view of the Custom House fires blazing in 1921, and animated Port workers in the Diving Bell at the bottom of the sea.”
Delighted with the successful launch of Doors into the Docklands, Barry Rogers, Head of Dublin City Council Tourism Unit, said: “As part of the delivery of our Smart Tourism programme we have become very familiar with the market of service providers in the area of digital tours, immersive heritage trails and museum based digital tours and digital visitor experiences in Ireland, the UK and Europe.
“We have consulted the market on these services twice and have developed the best practice guide Toolkit in this area. Having worked with Jessica and her team over the past twelve months, I can say that Peel X is the best supplier of this kind of service that is currently in the market today that I have encountered.”
The App is a first-of-its-kind development for Dublin City Council and further promotes the capital’s position as a leading ‘Smart City’. The app is aimed at locals and visitors who want to know more about the city and experience the history of the Docklands from a new and unique perspective. It’s already creating a stir on the international stage too as Dublin City’s Smart Tourism Programme took the Best Digital & Innovation Award at the Global Tourism Innovation Awards 2022, held in Seville last year.
Walking tour guide, Donal Fallon, whose Three Castle’s Burning podcast grew an army of fans during the pandemic, was invited to road-test the app, he said: “The app lets you see familiar places in new and exciting ways. There are so many different stories in the app, using augmented reality, taking something digital and putting it into the real environment, that’s a brilliant way of seeing things differently. There’s great humour and where there’s a there’s a heaviness to the history, that’s acknowledged too.
“I hope people have many happy wanderings around this part of the Dublin from the Diving Bell to the Custom House, using the app. Well done to everyone involved in making the app, it’s really special. From locals to visitors, I’m sure there’ll be many happy hours on Doors into the Docklands.”
