Tag: #europe

Bespoke Aviation for Businesses In Ireland

Ireland is a nation known for its mythical beauty and quaint cobblestone streets, so you might be surprised to learn that it’s a thriving hub for international business too. Due to its lenient tax laws, many multinational corporations use Ireland as their European headquarters, and private aviation is key for many executives who make regular transatlantic trips. Established Irish businesses and start-ups also benefit greatly from getting around the country much faster than by car or rail. 

In a corporate environment, efficiency and flexibility are critical to success. Private aviation has emerged as the ultimate game-changer when it comes to getting deals done promptly, giving all businesses a huge competitive advantage. Plus, it’s a power move when you can arrive in style.

1. The Gateway to Europe

Ireland’s location on the western edge of Europe places it at the crossroads of major international trade and travel routes. For businesses that need to connect with partners or clients across Europe and North America, private jets provide direct, time-saving options that bypass the constraints of commercial aviation. There are flights from Dublin to London, Cork to Paris, or Shannon to New York; using private flights massively reduces travel time, allowing businesses to maintain tight schedules and optimise productivity.

2. The World’s Biggest Corporations Work in Ireland

Ireland is home to several high-profile business centres, including Dublin’s Silicon Docks — a hotspot for tech giants like Google and Facebook — and the pharmaceutical and financial hubs in Cork and Galway. While commercial flights often involve layovers or limited departure times, private jets allow for direct access to key destinations and low-traffic airports. The opportunity to save this time can mean millions of dollars saved for many high-flying executives. 

3. A Unique Proposition

Ireland is uniquely attractive for many private charters for some fascinating reasons. Let’s take Shannon Airport (SNN) as an example. Shannon is the only airport in Europe or the Middle East to offer full US pre-clearance for private aircraft. This allows passengers to complete all immigration and customs at Shannon before entering the States. For business travellers, this means less time spent navigating US border controls and more time focusing on their objectives.

Shannon Airport doubles down on this by having a state-of-the-art private jet terminal with VIP services, secure parking, and exclusive lounges. The airport also has an exceptionally long runway that can accommodate aircraft of all sizes, from light jets to larger business jets like the Gulfstream G650ER and Bombardier Global 7500. As Ireland’s second-largest long-haul airport, Shannon is a popular gateway for travellers from the west of Ireland, bridging regional businesses to global opportunities.

Shannon Airport exemplifies the infrastructure and foresight that make Irish airports so efficient, attracting high-net-worth private aviation clients. 

4. State-of-the-Art Facilities

Ireland’s private aviation sector is supported by a network of world-class facilities. Dublin Airport’s executive terminal, for instance, provides exclusive services for private jet travellers, including VIP lounges, dedicated customs and immigration clearance, and secure parking. Shannon Airport, well-known for its pioneering role in transatlantic aviation, offers a private jet centre with streamlined procedures and convenient access to US preclearance facilities. Cork and Belfast airports also cater to private aviation, ensuring a wider coverage across the country.

5. Growth in General Aviation Demand

The demand for aviation in Ireland has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by the country’s expanding economy and increased globalisation. As 4% of all new European aviation funding is earmarked for developments in Ireland, businesses can expect even higher standards to be maintained. 

 

The Business Jets Frequently Flying in Ireland’s Skies

Gulfstream G650ER

If you hire a private jet to travel in the most luxurious possible way, look no further than the Gulfstream G650ER. Widely regarded as the gold standard in private aviation, this jet is a favourite among Irish businesses for its exceptional range and performance. This jet is capable of flying nonstop from Dublin to Los Angeles or Hong Kong, which is ideal for companies with global operations. Its spacious cabin accommodates up to 19 passengers and offers high-speed Wi-Fi and customisable seating configurations. 

Bombardier Global 7500

Another top choice for Irish businesses is the Bombardier Global 7500, a jet combining long-range capability and unparalleled luxury. Known for its four-zone cabin layout, this aircraft offers distinct areas for working, dining, relaxing, and sleeping. Its unique Nuage seating and advanced technology make it a standout option for business travellers seeking comfort and productivity.

Cessna Citation Latitude

For shorter trips within Europe, the Cessna Citation Latitude is a popular choice among Irish enterprises. This midsize jet offers a perfect balance of performance, efficiency, and affordability. With a range of 2,700 nautical miles, it’s ideal for flights between Ireland and key European cities like London, Paris, and Berlin. The Latitude’s spacious cabin and advanced avionics ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, making it a go-to option for regional business travel.

Taking Business to New Heights

Ireland’s private aviation industry is uniquely positioned for huge growth in the coming years. Its fascinating legislation and beneficial tax loopholes, combined with state-of-the-art aviation facilities and ambitious entrepreneurs, mean there is no better time to take advantage of these spectacular opportunities.

Sony announces arrival of 65-inch BRAVIA 9 in Europe

Sony Europe B.V. has announced the highly anticipated arrival of the 65-inch BRAVIA 9 television in Europe, offering a truly immersive cinematic experience for movie and entertainment enthusiasts in a more compact screen size. This premium TV boasts exceptional picture quality and cutting-edge features designed to elevate your home entertainment to new heights.

“We have listened to customer and media feedback and are thrilled to expand the BRAVIA 9 range in Europe with an additional 65-inch screen size model in November,” said Shoji Ohama, Head of Home Entertainment Product Planning and Marketing at Sony Europe. “This TV embodies decades of Sony’s close relationship with the film industry as well as commitment to innovation and delivering the best possible viewing experience. With its exceptional picture quality, immersive sound, and user-friendly features, the BRAVIA 9 has all it takes to become the centrepiece of any home entertainment system.”

Unparalleled brightness meets precise backlight control

The BRAVIA 9 pushes the boundaries of picture quality with its revolutionary combination of high peak brightness and precise backlight control. This translates to stunning visuals with incredible detail, vibrant colours, and deep blacks. The XR Backlight Master Drive, featuring thousands of mini-LED zones, delivers exceptional contrast by precisely controlling the lighting in each zone. This ensures that even the most challenging scenes, with both bright and dark elements, are displayed with remarkable clarity and realism.

Studio-calibrated modes for authentic viewing

The BRAVIA 9 is meticulously calibrated to deliver an experience that faithfully reproduces the creator’s vision. Pre-installed Netflix Calibrated Mode, Prime Video Calibrated Mode, and SONY PICTURES CORE calibrated mode ensure that your favourite movies and shows look exactly as intended. Whether you’re streaming the latest blockbuster or revisiting a classic film, the BRAVIA 9 guarantees an authentic cinematic experience in the comfort of your own home.

Additional key features:

  • XR Processor: Sony’s powerful XR Processor analyses content scene by scene, intelligently adjusting picture and sound for an unparalleled viewing experience.
  • X-Anti Reflection: Enjoy a clear, immersive picture even in bright rooms thanks to the innovative X-Anti Reflection filter.
  • X Wide Angle: Experience stunning picture quality from virtually any viewing angle with the X Wide Angle technology.
  • Immersive sound: New BRAVIA 9 TVs feature Acoustic Multi-Audio+ and are the world’s first with Beam Tweeter at the top and Frame Tweeter at the sides to deliver cinematic surround sound. Every sound comes from exactly the right place.

Pricing and availability

The BRAVIA 9 in a 65-inch screen size will be available in Europe starting in November 2024. For pricing and exact availability details in your country, please visit https://www.sony.co.uk/bravia/products/bravia-9.

See other Sony news and reviews 

Irish tech company develops first recreational app (Able Active) in Europe for people with disabilities.

A progressive Irish Tech company has developed the first app in Europe to give people with disabilities information on a wide range of accessible amenities across the country.

Regarded as a major breakthrough in the promotion of accessible facilities, Able Active builds on technology designed for participation in sport, with considerable input from potential service users and advocacy groups.

Able Active, a fully integrated and comprehensive app that signposts accessible recreational facilities for people with disabilities is the fruition of a long-term project, developed with support from the European Space Agency following a successful application.

Able Active uniquely captures feedback and gradings on accessibility and inclusivity, based on real users’ experience, by distinct disability categories, ensuring that others with similar needs can trust the rating and have better confidence that their needs will be met. 

Speaking at the launch of Able Active, Adrian Geissel CEO said  

“Able Active is the result of 6 years of investment and software development, applying data for the benefit of people with differing types of disabilities and with deep commitment to data privacy and safeguarding”.

“I am passionate about outdoors pursuits and sport, and passionate that they are accessible for all. People living with disabilities should have access to outdoor amenities and facilities suitable for their needs and Able Active provides deeper information that aims to inform and hopefully inspire greater participation for their enjoyment, health and wellbeing. This is so important for people who have varying levels of disability, many of which are hidden.

Able Active is a fully integrated and highly user-friendly guide which maps tracks, trails and amenities and allows each user to determine if these routes are suitable for their particular needs, supported by the ratings and feedback from other users with similar needs. It allows people plan their days around the various amenities from forests to beaches and gives ‘real time ‘live data on weather and pinpoints where safety equipment is located, crucial to ensure safety for users. It also allows for users to record, replay and repeat their own favourite routes which is very valuable”.

“It is interactive so will allow people with disabilities to rate on accessibility based on their experience, which is vital for both their peers and for the owners or providers of the amenities as they can use this information to further adapt the facilities in order to make them more accessible and user friendly”.

“Able Active allows for inclusivity in the fullest sense as users can record trails, save their favourite routes and research amenities to plan future outings with friends ,family or indeed for informal or formal groups”

“It allows for users to connect with family and friends through the app and for group leaders, to plan ,share and co ordinate activities for any gatherings and this helps to bolster safety and security as well as strengthen the community of people with disabilities”.

“Facilities including accessible toilets and parking, surfaces, obstacles, inclines or declines can be detailed”.

“The wonderful thing too is that people with an interest in full inclusion for those living with disabilities to get involved, to identify amenities they know to be accessible, in addition to using many available databases”.

“Able Active is a community platform for gathering new data that is important to the community. For example, disabled parking spots outside of urban areas, especially at amenity or trailhead locations can be submitted through the app”.

“This is a very important platform for amenity operators and sports organisations to connect with this community of users, highlighting the investments they’ve made to support their needs and also to understand how these supports are valued by their users.”.

“There is so much potential for collaboration and partnership across the entire range of amenities, organisations and events and this is only going to be an incredibly positive way forward for people living with a disability”. 

“This only the start of a journey, where we look to present more options where people with disabilities can be active, based on the experiences of others with similar needs and in doing so, make being active a more inclusive experience, for all. “

 

This is a vision shared by Sarah Kerrigan, project lead for Able Active, who adds “I love the outdoors, but know from personal experience how little information is available on the accessibility of trails and other amenities. Working with Able Active allows me to make sure that the app and platform meets the needs of our users and for those who, like me, also want to share their knowledge to help others benefit from nature and being active. “

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Ubigi’s Personal eSIM for BMW now available in 15 countries across Europe including Ireland

Ubigi’s global Personal eSIM solution integration into BMW cars continues to roll-out across Europe. After Germany, France and the United Kingdom, Ubigi’s cellular data connectivity service is launching in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.

BMW customers in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland can activate the Personal eSIM of their vehicle with Transatel’s Ubigi 5G data plans to enjoy additional infotainment features and WiFi connectivity, irrespective of their primary network operator for their regular smartphone subscription.

The service will be available for BMW vehicles with BMW Operating System 8, 8.5 and 9[1] with the option Personal eSIM (SA6PA). Depending on the vehicle model, the Personal eSIM enables the in-vehicle WiFi-Hotspot, first-row video streaming services and in the case of 7 series vehicles equipped with the BMW Theatre Screen, a wide variety of entertainment powered by Amazon Fire TV.

To activate it in eligible BMW vehicles, owners can conveniently configure their Personal eSIM through the My BMW App and subscribe to Ubigi’s European data plans (EU 27 + UK + CH + LIE). Cost of the service is 10€ per month for unlimited data allowance].

“Since 2018, our footprint in the connected car industry has been significantly growing, and we look forward to our extended connectivity partnership with the BMW Group,” says Jacques Bonifay, CEO, and co-founder of Transatel that launched the Ubigi brand back in 2018 to address the consumer market.

NTT’s global MVNO, Transatel, has been at the forefront of automotive connectivity since its first pan-European contracts with car manufacturers in 2018. Today, Transatel’s managed IoT connectivity platform connects millions of vehicles and devices to public and private cellular networks. As a pioneer of eSIM technology and cross-border telecommunications, Transatel already offers 4G/5G connectivity in more than 200 countries and territories thanks to its access agreement with local mobile carriers across the world.

Danish Car Subscription Service :Dribe Sees Growing Interest for Franchising in Europe

The car subscription service :Dribe offers car distributors franchising opportunities, which includes a digital end-to-end platform and concept designed to foster growth through flexible subscriptions. The platform integrates with the franchisees’ existing resources and operations, and the concept is attracting car distributors from all over Europe.

:Dribe has big plans for expansion throughout Europe. The Danish car subscription service offers car distributors in the UK, Benelux, France, and Germany a unique opportunity to seamlessly integrate subscriptions into their operations.

:Dribe has developed a scalable subscription concept and a plug-and-play model designed to strengthen the franchisee’s market position by meeting the need for a flexible mobility solution with short commitments and flexibility regarding car model, size, and energy source.

:Dribe, which is owned by Denmark’s largest automotive player Semler Group, is seeing a growing interest from car distributors across Europe, which pleases :Dribe CEO Jesper Hill-Kjærsgaard.

– We are incredibly happy with the numerous inquiries from car distributors in Europe. We find that many car distributors want to incorporate subscriptions into their product line but lack the necessary resources to independently develop a new business area. Our plug-and-play model is designed to simplify that process, says Jesper Hill-Kjærsgaard, adding:

– The high level of interest only confirms an international market need for flexible car access. This is also supported by research, such as a study from McKinsey & Company, which shows that one in three European car customers is open to trying a vehicle subscription in the future.

:Dribe’s concept is developed for franchisees to seamlessly integrate subscriptions into the company’s existing operations. Automated processes for everything from billing to car inspections reduce manual work.

Additionally, the concept includes advanced data collection and Business Intelligence tools for targeted customer communication, as well as comprehensive brand assets, an integrated website, and statistical modules for optimized operations.

 Successful Franchising in Greece

The renowned Greek car distributor Kosmocar, employing over 180 staff members, was :Dribe’s first international franchisee. Kosmocar’s implementation of the subscription model has since led to a steadily growing customer base and nearly 10,000 downloads of the app.

Additionally, Kosmocar has achieved massive media coverage following a launch event attended by 60 journalists, resulting in over 100 media mentions within a few days, according to CEO Yiannis Emirzas.

– We chose :Dribe’s plug-and-play solution to automate processes and simplify operations, and we are very pleased with the partnership. It has elevated our brand’s positioning in the market as technologically strong, innovative, and focused on the modern end user’s needs. We have swiftly attracted a new and broader customer base, which was a key focus for us, says Yiannis Emirzas, adding:

– Everything from damage registration to invoicing has become more efficient with the digital backend system. It reduces resource requirements and increases operational efficiency. The innovative approach has helped us adapt to the changing market and stand out in a dynamic industry.

HONOR Launches HONOR 200 Series, bringing Studio-Level Portrait Photography to Europe

HONOR, the fastest growing smartphone brand in Europe, unveiled the HONOR 200 Series line-up during a landmark event at the iconic Hipódromo de París-Longchamp in Paris. At the event, attended by over 800 media representatives and partners from across Europe, HONOR confirmed that the HONOR 200 Series will be available in Europe almost immediately, with pre-sales starting today. This marks the first time the Pro version of this product range will be available in the region. The HONOR 200 Series will be available in the UK from today. And make sure you stay tuned as we are here at the event for more coming soon.

Central to the keynote presentation was further detail on the partnership with Studio Harcourt, a legendary Parisian portrait photography house, which was unveiled recently by HONOR CEO, George Zhao. Demonstrating HONOR’s unwavering commitment to innovation, HONOR’s product team have worked closely with Harcourt’s expert photographers to analyze thousands of images and co-engineer the HONOR AI Portrait Engine. By combining Studio Harcourt’s expertise and artistry with HONOR’s cutting-edge platform-level AI capabilities, the HONOR 200 Pro enables users to manipulate light and shadow, the foundation of studio-level portraits, to get the perfect shot every time.

“With the HONOR 200 Series, we’re proud to bring the perfect fusion of artistry and technology to Europe, allowing anyone to take studio-level portraits every time”, said Tony Ran, President of HONOR Europe. “While a studio-quality portrait has been out of reach for many until now, the HONOR 200 Series sets a new standard in smartphone portrait photography, putting a professional studio in your pocket. This unprecedented achievement in AI technology not only showcases HONOR’s commitment to innovation but also underscores our relentless pursuit of excellence in redefining the boundaries of mobile photography.”

Other key announcements at the event included a major collaboration with renowned portrait photographer, Rankin, famous for his iconic shots of celebrities including Queen Elizabeth II, David Bowie and Kate Moss. Further details of what the partnership entails will be announced in the coming weeks but a potential summer event in London was teased. Additionally, it was announced that the MagicBook 16 Pro, previously unveiled at this year’s MWC, will be available in some European countries this summer.

At the event, we had the opportunity to celebrate the new HONOR 200 Series and experience its capabilities firsthand through interactive experience zones and pop-up portrait studios, provided by Studio Harcourt.

Unlocking the Mastery of Studio Harcourt Portrait Photography

Recognizing the most important tools in portrait photography are light and shadow, the HONOR 200 Series has been equipped with advanced hardware and meticulously co-engineered AI-powered software that recognizes even the most subtle nuances of lighting. The HONOR 200 Pro features a 50MP Portrait Main Camera with a Super Dynamic H9000 Sensor enabling users to capture compelling images with the perfect balance of light and shadow in even challenging lighting scenarios. With support for 4-in-1 pixel binning technology with a pixel size of 2.4μm, users can capture intricate details in their images even in low light scenarios. Additionally, the HONOR 200 Pro features a 50MP Portrait Telephoto Camera and a customized telephoto sensor from Sony. The HONOR 200 Pro also provides better light sensing capabilities, ensuring clear and true captures of distant objects with exceptional details.

The HONOR 200 Pro takes portrait photography to new heights with the powerful AI-enhanced HONOR AI Portrait Engine. With a rich history of photographing legends from Roger Federer to the esteemed Queen Rania of Jordan, Studio Harcourt is synonymous with timeless portraits that showcase a symphony of visual storytelling through the skillful use of light and shadows. In collaboration with Studio Harcourt, the HONOR AI Portrait Engine distilled Studio Harcourt’s craftsmanship and understanding of shadow and light expression, empowering users to capture unique, distinctive portraits on their smartphones effortlessly.

The mutual ideation process involved an extensive exploration by more than 20 Studio Harcourt and HONOR imaging experts over 400 days. The team analyzed over 1,000 lighting scenarios and millions of datasets, ensuring Studio Harcourt’s classic essence can be captured on smartphones. In addition, the Triple 50MP Portrait Camera incorporates an upgraded HONOR RAW Domain Algorithm, producing well-balanced portraits that manage exposure in bright areas while preserving intricate details in darker lighting scenarios.

Innovative Eye Comfort Display for Extended Immersion

Adhering to its commitment to human-centric innovations, the HONOR 200 Pro features 3840Hz Risk-free PWM Dimming, as verified by the TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Display Certification and the TÜV Rheinland Full Care Display Certification. To ensure extended eye comfort, the HONOR 200 Series also features Natural Tone 2.0, which optimizes the display color temperature gradient based on ambient light, and an AI Circadian Night Display that leverages AI to intelligently adjust the color temperature of the screen to regulate blue light and transition to a melatonin boosting setting at night to improve sleep quality based on users’ sleep cycle. Furthermore, the HONOR 200 Series supports Adaptive Dimming, which adjusts screen brightness based on external light input and the application use, ensuring a more comfortable viewing experience. With the 1.5K Quad-curved Floating Display and a peak HDR brightness of 4000 nits, the HONOR 200 Series allows users to enjoy excellent visibility even in the most challenging scenarios such as direct sunlight.

Enhanced Hardware Performance for Seamless Connectivity

The HONOR 200 Pro is packed with a large 5200mAh Silicon-carbon battery that enables up to 61 hours of continuous music streaming on a single charge. To maximize user productivity, the HONOR 200 Pro features powerful supercharge capabilities. With lightning-fast 100W Wired HONOR SuperCharge and 66W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge, users can charge their device fully in only 41 minute making it the ideal device for busy users who are always on the go. The HONOR 200 Pro also provides an impressive 12GB memory and large 512GB storage drive, which allows users to store and access their data without limitations, guaranteeing a seamless and hassle-free experience.

Equipped with the robust Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform, the HONOR 200 Pro achieves a CPU clock speed of up to 3GHz, guaranteeing seamless graphics rendering and real-time responsiveness. Featuring MagicOS 8.0, the HONOR 200 Pro offers an intelligent user experience enriched with a range of AI-powered smart functionalities. MagicOS 8.0 also offers flagship features such as Magic Portal, Magic Capsule and Magic Ring on the HONOR 200 Pro that streamline user digital interactions.

HONOR 200 Lite: Capture Every Moment with its Versatile Triple Camera System

Launched alongside the HONOR 200 PRO and HONOR 200, the HONOR 200 Lite equipped with a powerful triple camera system, the HONOR 200 Lite excels in portrait photography, empowering users to capture stunning images with exceptional detail. The system consists of a 108MP Main Camera with f/1.75 aperture and HIGH-RES mode, a 5MP Wide & Depth Camera, and a 2MP Macro Camera. The 50MP Front Camera with a Selfie Light that creates artistic lighting effect. It also boasts an impressive 6.7-inch Eye-comfort AMOLED Display with the 3240Hz risk-free PWM Dimming and the display’s peak HDR brightness of 2000nits, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage and exceptional durability.

Pricing and Availability

Showcasing an elegant design inspired by nature, the HONOR 200 Pro is available in three colours: Ocean Cyan, Moonlight White, and Black, while the HONOR 200 is available in Moonlight White, Emerald Green, and Black.

The HONOR 200 Pro and HONOR 200 will be available for purchase in the UK from today on HONOR.com/uk and pre-order through major retailers on the 21st June, with general sale on the 26th June. Both devices will also be available in Three on the 28th June and other key UK operators in due course.

The HONOR 200 Pro launches at£699.99 RRP, and customers will also receive a FREE Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8, worth£279.99 RRP, across all available sales channels, whilst stocks last.

The HONOR 200 is priced at just £499.99 RRP, and customers will also receive a FREE JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi, worth£199.99 RRP, across all available sales channels, whilst stocks last.

For those looking to perfect their portraits at a more affordable price, the HONOR 200 Lite is also available at £279.99 RRP on HONOR.com/uk and major UK retailers. Plus get £30 off on HONOR.com/uk with code “A200L30”.

Visit HONOR online store at https://www.honor.com/uk/.

UNBOXING HONOR 200 PRO

The event in 7 minutes

Walkthrough of the HONOR 200 Pro

Danish Car Subscription Service Expands in Europe with New Franchisee

Dribe, one of Denmark’s leading car subscription services, has entered a franchise agreement with Greek car distributor Kosmocar. The partnership marks the first milestone in :Dribe’s international expansion, driven by an ambition to fulfill a global demand for a strong, digitally driven concept for simple and flexible car access.

As a first in Europe, the Greek car distributor Kosmocar enters a franchise partnership with :Dribe, a Danish tech innovator within car subscription services for private consumers and businesses. Kosmocar is now unveiling :Dribe’s concept and digital platform, enabling simple and intuitive management of car subscriptions, while short 30-day binding periods provide subscribers with great flexibility and freedom.

The partnership is the first step in :Dribe’s international expansion, where the company plans to enter franchise agreements in the UK, the Benelux, France, German, and more. Their international roll-out will cater to the dynamic, urban lifestyle through simple and flexible car access. Yiannis Emirzas, CEO of Kosmocar, is optimistic about the new partnership.

– With this franchise agreement, we are taking a confident step towards meeting the evolving needs for simple, flexible, and sustainable mobility solutions. :Dribe offers us valuable knowhow in addition to a robust, highly advanced IT-platform and a plug-and-play model that is easy to implement, says Yiannis Emirzas. He adds:

– By adding a well-tested, customer-driven subscription model to our existing business, we’re expanding our mobility services, and we are putting the power of mobility back into the hands of people. We’re excited to embark on this journey and shape the way people move in Greece.

According to a 2024 report from McKinsey Digital, digitalization can significantly increase profitability in the Greek retail sector. The report further notes that Greece’s digitalization is lacking behind that of its European peers. It’s no coincidence that :Dribe looked to Greece as the first destination in :Dribe’s European expansion. Jesper Hill-Kjærsgaard, CEO of :Dribe, says:

– We see a substantial, unrecognized potential in Greece, where we have a competitive edge in having built a powerful digital platform that allows for efficient administration of an extensive fleet of vehicles. Our :Dribe-platform facilitates a subscription-based business model that requires minimal manual intervention and optimizes resource utility, says Jesper Hill-Kjærsgaard. He adds:

– We immediately saw a perfect match in Kosmocar. Like us, they are digital natives who adapt to new technologies and are passionate about meeting market demand for simple and flexible car access.

An Important Milestone

:Dribe is owned by Semler Group, one of the biggest players in the Danish automotive business. Ulrik Drejsig, CEO of Semler Group, agrees that the new franchise agreement is an important milestone.

– During our century-long history, our company has experienced first-hand the constant change that occurs in the auto business. We have invested in :Dribe’s car subscription-model to embrace a relational business method. Now, five years into our journey, we are taking the first important step into the European market, and we are proud to have Kosmocar by our side, says Ulrik Drejsig.

The new franchise agreement between :Dribe and Kosmocar is founded on a common set of values.

– Innovation, trust, cooperation, and accountability are four values that we strive to demonstrate daily to our customers and business partners. We consider it as a major perk to have found a franchisee who shares our values, and we are very excited about our partnership, says Jesper Hill-Kjærsgaard.

HMD begins manufacturing 5G smartphones in Europe.

Following the recent announcement of its transition to a new multi-brand portfolio strategy, HMD Global, the largest European smartphone manufacturer, today announces another major milestone: HMD have started manufacturing 5G1 smartphones in Europe.  The company’s first device off the line, the Nokia XR21, is now available for purchase by Enterprise customers. This aligns with the overall growth potential for smartphones in Europe, with Canalys forecasting that the European smartphone market will increase by 7% in 2024.

“We are thrilled to be manufacturing the Nokia XR21, our signature rugged 5G smartphone, in Europe. We are dedicated to investing in security, technology and manufacturing processes that make our devices more secure and longer lasting,” said Jean-Francois Baril, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of HMD Global.

‘Our future plans include further investment into software security, with the intention to offer customised software and security features directly to customers.’

Responding to the evolving needs of Enterprise customers, HMD developed capabilities and processes to bring device production to Europe. Every device undergoes rigorous software and malware testing in Europe, with some Enterprise customers requesting additional security in conjunction with a number of IT security partners. Data is stored securely in the EU: With a focus on software security and privacy by design, consumer and corporate data from all smartphones made by HMD has been stored and processed on HMD’s servers in Finland since 2019.

Beyond its security credentials, the XR21 is also built to last and designed with sustainability in mind. With military-grade durability certification3 and IP69K rating, this smartphone is certified to withstand dust, heat, impact, and water. As part of HMD’s on-going commitment to sustainability, the Nokia XR21 is crafted to minimise impact on the environment: The chassis is made from 100% recycled aluminium and its two-day battery life4 supports 60% more charges over its lifetime.

Additional stages in the European production process will help to further reduce emissions.

Pricing and availability

The Nokia XR21 European Edition in Black will be available soon from €649 in the Ireland from nokia.com/phones/en_ie

Esports & Gaming Federation of Ireland and Northern Ireland Esports Join Together

A strategic alignment between Northern Ireland Esports and the Esports & Gaming Federation of Ireland signals a bright future for esports players on the island of Ireland. The new entity will operate under ‘Ireland Esports’ represented by a new combined logo.

Going forward both entities will now operate as one registered not-for-profit organisation. The combined all-Ireland entity, respecting all communities, has the common goal to empower talent and provide pathways to compete on the international stage.  The alignment will share resources, facilitate education and develop domestic tournament initiatives over time.

Ireland Esports will be a member of the Global Esports Federation (GEF), the International Esports Federation (IeSF) and is committed to retain its existing close alignment with the British Esports Federation, Esports Scotland and Esports Wales.

Speaking at the announcement, Chair of Ireland Esports Steve Daly said, ‘The need to support pathways for esports athletes to compete on the international stage continues to evolve at pace. By adopting an all-Ireland approach, as has been seen in community and education initiatives as well as traditional sports and sporting federations, this strategic alignment is a significant step forward’.

‘Both entities have been successfully working together for the past 12 months and have achieved so much. Bringing them together in a more formal fashion will help accelerate opportunities for esports talent and implement professional structures successfully. Much of this hard work was seen earlier this summer as we travelled to the European Games Esports Championships to showcase the talent we have discovered on the island of Ireland’ said Michael Smyth, Ireland Esports board member, who has acted as Team Manager for both Esports NI and Ireland Esports over the last 12 months.

Athletes from Northern Ireland will have the option of participating for Ireland Esports or for the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team for international events, as is the case within the Olympic movement.

The Ireland Esports logo takes inspiration from the existing NI Esports stag logo.  The Irish stag has been a symbol, dating back centuries in Irish folklore, representing strength, power, courage, and maturity. The stag is combined with a modern interpretation of Ireland’s symbolic Shamrock motif.  The mission statement for the new entity is ‘To manage and enhance the performance of Team Ireland at international competitive tournaments whilst developing domestic competitive and educational pathways”