Electric vehicle (EV) charging platform Monta, today announced a partnership with Smartzone, Ireland’s first dedicated smart homes solutions company. The partnership will see Monta and Smartzone provide homeowners and charge point operators a seamless way to manage charging schedules, view consumption data and give charging access to friends, family and guests.
Monta’s announcement today comes as Smartzone aims to roll out 25,000 home charges across Ireland by the end of 2025. From today, Smartzone will automatically connect its charging points to Monta’s back-end software. This will allow Smartzone customers to view their charging history, manage access to the charge point, and set their own pricing and usage.
Commenting on the announcement, Ricky Hill, Country Manager for Monta in Ireland said: “Monta is delighted to partner with Smartzone to help deliver a better, simpler EV user experience for the Irish market. Our combined software and infrastructure solutions will mean charge point operators can manage their installs all under one roof, while EV drivers will benefit from a much-improved user experience via our seamless app. We’re looking forward to helping Ireland complete its journey towards a greener future and help the Government achieve its plans as set out under the recently announced EV strategy.”
Also commenting on the partnership Justin McInerney, Smartzone CEO said: “We selected Monta as they offer a one-stop shop for EV charge point infrastructure that covers both front-end, and back-end software. Monta’s charge point management system eliminates the need to work with multiple providers, thereby reducing admin and additional workloads for us. This will help improve efficiency while providing EV drivers with an end-to-end solution easy to manage and use.”
Monta’s app and charge point management systems are designed to eliminate the need to connect to multiple providers. The partnership with Smartzone paves the way for Monta to accelerate adoption of EV technology across Ireland as the company aims to set up its technology at EV charging points across domestic and commercial sites, including company depots and fleets, car parks, apartment blocks, sports clubs, among other locations.
As Monta rolls out its platform more charging point operators will be equipped with Monta’s software to enable easy management of the charge point that will enable EV drivers to pay via Google Pay and Apple Pay.
Many of us have more than one device to play with or work on be it at home or in the office but having that second device like a tablet or phone is sat beside you on the table which can get in the way but what if there was a premium product that solved that and kept it out of the way but in a position to use it and the product looks good on your desk? Well here is the answer right here from Benks who have some really nice innovative products and we have test some of these before which you will get a glimpse of in this video or by searching Benks on site.
Boasting a solid aluminum construction and designed to be easily portable, Benks Infinity Basic Pad Stand is the perfect accessory to transform your Pad into an efficient workstation. This foldable stand will keep your Pad secure, offering compatibility with all Pads.
As the company states the solid build of the product alone and design gives this a leap over your typical plastic made offerings on the market and this can not only hold your tablet you can use a phone a phone or tablet if it is small for example or your iPad if you have one which I do not personally own at the minute but that might change yet.
This can swivel from the base and again something you do not see too often and is more a fixed option you tend to find in stores etc and this can also be folded away which means portability again unlike others which are again a fixed alternative and makes it ideal to fit in your travel bag or bring it to your office or even have on your bedside locker giving you easy access to whatever device you may use and for me I could also put my chromebook on it and it remains super stable and another way it can be used and nicely raised and easy to access and use as normal if working on two laptops at a time which can be the case.
Top top it off it allows heat dissipation on the back unlike other stands which would be a solid piece so what is there not to like about this? Check out the video below for more.
Ideally this is for someone who wants to have clean desk who uses more than one device and have them at hand to do other things on another device such as social media emails and more and do it in style.
The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to revolutionize the way we live our day-to-day lives in our homes. It isn’t just turning on lights with our voices that will be possible, but total immersion into a world where our homes are truly smart. Artificial intelligence will allow our homes to learn about their inhabitants, and anticipate their needs. By outfitting multiple rooms with Google Speakers, you can easily control them as a group rather than singling out each speaker individually. And when your fridge detects you’re low on milk, your Alexa device can automatically add it to your shopping list. The key to expanding your smart home system is a connection. With user-friendly setup processes, anyone, regardless of technical prowess, can use such advanced technology examples as IoT devices.
How Technology Made Our Life More Easier?
Many gadgets and appliances are now seamlessly connected, allowing us to control them through voice commands and mobile apps. We now have greater access to the internet, and our households are more efficiently managed. Furthermore, our health is also monitored with the assistance of smart tools. Experts predict that there will be25.4 billion IoT devices by 2030. In essence, many daily tasks become fully automated, thus providing us with a more convenient and effortless way of living.
Solutions for Taking Care of Plants
Hi-tech sensors for indoor plants are simple to use and typically solar-powered. They wirelessly connect to a plant identifier app on users’ smartphones. With an app for plant watering providing real-time information on light requirements, as well as its temperature preferences, you can keep your plants thriving. A traffic light system connected to theweb makes it simple to interpret the data, with green indicating that your plant is in top form and red warning that it might be in danger. For those struggling to keep their houseplants healthy, these sensors and an accompanying plant app can offer a helping hand. With the help of an app for iPhone that provides tutorials and uses cameras to identify plants, users can now access information that was once available only to experts in the field. They provide valuable insights into pants’ needs, helping users care for them better than ever before.
Secure Solutions
Smart doorbells and security cameras are no longer just a means of monitoring your property; they can now recognize familiar faces and alert you to any suspicious activity. Using connected smartphones, you can keep tabs on your home no matter where you are in the world. But that’s not all – smart locks have also replaced traditional keys. They support palm and facial recognition and allow you to use key cards.
Massaging Chairs
While new technology may not make your couch any cozier, investing in a massage chair could be just what you need to soothe your tired muscles. With advanced features like programmable massage settings and specialized modes for different parts of your body, these chairs offer a comprehensive and customizable massage experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a college student cramming for exams or a busy working professional, a massage chair can help soothe your tired muscles and give you the relaxation you need to keep going.
Smart Ovens
Boasting features like wifi connectivity and remote control through a smartphone app, these appliances offer unparalleled convenience. Say goodbye to endless peeking through the oven window to check on your cook time. With a smart oven, you can monitor cooking progress from afar through your phone. Not to mention, these ovens provide access to a wide variety of recipes, cooking tips, and maintenance information-all at your fingertips.
Virtual Assistants
Speech recognition technology is expanding beyond our everyday devices like smart speakers and phones. Sectors of the economy, such as healthcare and the automotive industry, are finding innovative uses for this technology. These advancements are making communicating simpler and more efficient. Intelligent voice assistants offer a wide range of benefits, from understanding natural language to assisting with basic tasks. While most of these assistants default to a female-sounding voice, users have the option to change it to another voice.
Robotic Vacuums
Sweeping and vacuuming can take up precious time and energy but luckily, there’s a solution that can free you up to do other things. Robotic vacuums are an innovative way to save time and energy while ensuring your home is clean and healthy. These advanced devices are capable of sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping for you; freeing your hands and time to do other tasks. In 2023, the number of IoT devices is expected to reach15.14 billion. Robotic vacuums clean with high efficiency and quality, removing even the tiniest specks of dust and other unhealthy elements from your floor.
How is Technology Changing the Homes We Live In?
With the click of a button or the sound of our voice, we can easily access our favorite shows and music, enhancing our overall entertainment experience. Similarly, everyday chores like washing and drying clothes have also become effortless with the introduction of automatic washing machines and dryers.
Smart devices like smartphones and smart speakers have made life easier by automating mundane tasks like setting alarms, searching for information, and even making phone calls with just the sound of your voice.
In the coming years, we can expect a surge of innovations that transform the very notion of what it means to have a smart home. Thanks to artificial intelligence, our homes will become highly intuitive environments that cater to our every need. Voice assistants, once limited to playing music and telling jokes, will take on bigger roles, acting as the brain of our households, automating and synchronizing all our smart devices. With robots assuming important tasks, the levels of convenience and comfort we experience will reach unprecedented heights. Future smart homes will use sensors to monitor for issues like water damage and pest infestations, giving homeowners peace of mind knowing their homes are always taken care of. Get ready for a revolutionary new era of smart homes.
Whether you’re considering the rise in online casinos, the gamification of apps, or the influx of entertainment options, it’s clear that hosting a game night can be a huge win for you and your friends. Whether you go with a digital game, board game, or any other offering, you need to understand some steps that’ll make it a successful night.
Hosting can be a big responsibility, but the satisfaction is worthwhile when you see the people you love having a good time. Keep reading for words of advice when planning a game night.
Decide on the games and setting
Before anything, figure out what games your guests will enjoy. Bingo is an excellent game for a group setting. It’s a game built for large groups and can host as many people as you invite.
It’s also a versatile game since you can play it online or grab some bingo cards and host bingo under the same roof. Certain websites offer free bingo to play, with live hosts and chat. Companies today let players log in using standalone apps or website access. You can go with this setup for a remote party, or play the physical game if you’re inviting people over.
A murder mystery dinner party is an intriguing option that lets people play along with the theme and dress the part. You can also host a casino night featuring roulette, poker, blackjack, and other options. Choose some crowd-pleasers, pick the ideal location, and send out some invites so that you can get a headcount for who is showing up.
Respect and enforce the rules
Having an understanding of the game rules is arguably the most important thing to bear in mind for your game night.
If you’re hosting a bingo night, familiarise yourself with the rules of the game so that you know how to break ties and handle other nuanced points. If you’re hosting a casino night, consider hiring professional dealers or appointing people to serve as independent, impartial dealers and casino hosts.
Send the rules of the game out in advance for people to see and understand. This way, everyone is on the same page once the games kick off.
Carve out more time than you think you need
Choose a game night where everyone’s schedules are wide open. Start the game early enough in the day or night to let it potentially go on for hours without rushing. The reason for this is that you never really can tell how long a match will go on.
It might involve an open-ended game like Monopoly, or a game like bingo that can go on for as many cards as people would like to play. If you’re hosting a chess tournament, you may as well be prepared to block out the rest of the night, because a single match can become a showdown of wits that lasts for hours. A murder mystery dinner party can go on for an indefinite amount of time if you don’t put a cap on it.
Keep plenty of food, music, and other accommodations available so that eliminated players and people just watching are taken care of. It’s a social gathering at the end of the day, so keep tabs on every part of being a good host. Begin with the tips above and start planning out your next successful game night.
SwitchBot is passionate team dedicated to building products that help enrich people’s lives by making the world around us more interactive, fun, and accessible and they are conscious that sometimes completely re-fitting a home with smart products is neither economically viable, nor is it great for the environment and their mission is the fill this void and offer products that are made for people from all walks of life, across the world, one SwitchBot at a time.
Switchbot is not new for those who have not heard of them either in fact we reviewed some of their products in the past and rather than bin old stuff they can change it with tech or upcycle it which is great and the company has been around since 2016 and their product portfolio has grown to give your house a full overhaul inside and out having the latest features on board to making this a very good ecosystem to look at should you be in need to change things around, I prefer to have one ecosystem in house but due to my work it is hard to do and having multiple apps is a pain controlling your home.
This setup here is for inside your home and I have heard so called Irish security experts on radio stating it is pointless having indoor security in your house which is utter rubbish as indoor cameras can serve in well in several instances such as keeping an eye on pets your elderly relatives and more.
Today we take a look at the set-up we have been sent to check out and stay tuned for more to come from the company and if you have any questions feel free to ask and again if you have any concerns regarding security in your home or need advice please ask.
Are you looking for a house and overwhelmed by the number of options available? Homebuyers today have access to an array of powerful tools that can help them find their dream home. But with so many features, how do you know which ones are essential for successful house hunting? The answer is simple: home buyers should look for certain must-have features in any house-hunting tool they use. We’ll discuss seven such features that will make your search easier and more efficient – from detailed maps and data about neighborhoods to streamlined communication between real estate agents and buyers, these features are sure to make your search simpler and more enjoyable. So read on to learn what must-have features all smart homebuyers should be looking for when it comes to finding their perfect property!
1. Online Property Search Tools
Homebuyers should be looking for online tools that allow them to search for properties based on their individual preferences. The best house-hunting tools usually offer detailed maps, data about local neighborhoods and schools, as well as access to listing information from multiple sources. If you’re not sure where to start, you can set up a property search here and start exploring the possibilities. Conducting a nationwide search is also possible with a few clicks. Make sure to choose a website that offers up-to-date information and is easy to use. Additionally, it’s useful to have access to relevant data about the property you’re considering so that you can make an informed decision.
2. Detailed Property Information
The best house-hunting tools should provide detailed information about a property before you even go for a viewing. This may include photographs, measurements, and interactive floor plans, as well as facts about local businesses and amenities nearby. Using this type of tool can help homebuyers get a more comprehensive view of the house they’re interested in, giving them confidence in their decisions. Additionally, it allows buyers to narrow down their search quicker and compare houses side by side with ease. When used correctly, this feature can help streamline the entire house-hunting process. Information to look for includes:
Photos: Detailed, high-quality photographs of the exterior and interior of a house are essential.
Floor plans: Having an interactive floor plan can help you visualize how you or your family will use the space.
Measurements: Knowing the exact dimensions of a room or entire property is key to ensuring that it meets your needs.
Local businesses and amenities: Find out what’s nearby in terms of shopping, dining, entertainment, schools, etc. This can help determine whether or not you’d like to live in the area.
While you’re researching a property, be sure to also look into any potential issues it may have. Any red flags should be discussed with the seller before you make an offer. This can save you time and money in the long run. Having all of this information at your fingertips is invaluable when house hunting – so make sure that your ideal home search tool has these features.
3. Easy Communication With Agents
When it comes to looking for a home, communication with agents is key. To make sure you have access to all the necessary information, look for a house-hunting tool that allows for easy communication between buyers and agents – from arranging viewings to scheduling inspections. A good platform will allow users to talk directly with their real estate agents, as well as exchange documents quickly to facilitate the purchase process. This type of functionality helps ensure everything goes smoothly while also keeping buyers updated on any changes or developments during the search phase. When used correctly, this feature can speed up the entire process and make house-hunting much easier.
4. Professional Property Photography
A picture is worth a thousand words – and when it comes to finding a home, professional photography can make all the difference. A house-hunting tool with excellent property photos will give buyers an accurate view of what they’re getting into before even stepping foot inside the house. Many websites now offer high-resolution images and virtual tours so that buyers can get an up close and personal look at properties without actually having to visit them in person, which is especially useful for those living out of town or abroad.
Of course, the quality of the photos will depend on the skill and experience of the photographer behind them, so be sure to do your research and hire a professional who understands how to capture the best angles. Additionally, consider additional services like aerial photography or videography for an even more immersive experience. You never know – it could just make all the difference in finding the perfect home!
5. Saved Searches & Alerts
For ultimate convenience, consider looking for a house-hunting tool that allows you to save your searches and create custom alerts that notify you when new listings become available. This way you’ll never miss out on great opportunities – plus it saves time since you don’t have to manually look for properties every day. Additionally, many house-hunting tools now offer additional unique features like 3D tours, price insights, and more, which can help you make the most informed decision when it comes to finding your dream home. While no house-hunting tool is perfect, the right one can make all the difference when you’re searching for the home of your dreams.
Don’t forget to look carefully at what kind of saved searches and alerts are available on each platform. Some tools may offer more comprehensive results than others – so it’s important to do your research before committing to a particular website or app. Finally, don’t forget to check out user reviews, as they can provide invaluable insight into what other homeowners think about a specific house-hunting tool.
6. Local Expertise
Of course, when it comes to house-hunting, local expertise is invaluable. A good house-hunting tool should offer access to agents with extensive knowledge about the area you’re interested in so that you can get all the information necessary for making a decision. From school district ratings and crime rates to neighborhood amenities and average rental prices – having an expert on your side can help ensure that you find the property that’s perfect for you. Make sure that the house-hunting tool you choose offers direct access to local agents who can provide in-depth information about the neighborhood. When in doubt, consult with a real estate expert to help guide you in the right direction.
Choosing A Realtor
Before you start your house-hunting journey, consider consulting with a real estate professional to ensure that you get the best results. Realtors can provide invaluable advice on which properties are right for you and how to negotiate the best price – as well as offer tips on navigating the market. When it comes time to purchase, they can help you make sure everything goes smoothly and quickly, whether you’re buying locally or arranging Pakenham conveyancing for a property in Victoria.
7. Mobility & Security
Finally, when choosing a house-hunting tool, it’s important to consider its mobility and security features. Make sure that the website or app you’re using is optimized for different devices so that you can browse listings on the go. Plus, ensure that it has all of the necessary safety measures in place – like two-factor authentication and encrypted data transfers – so that your personal information stays secure at all times. It might be worth taking the extra step of researching each platform to make sure that your data is safe and secure. If you’re ever unsure about a website or app, just remember to trust your gut and look for alternative solutions.
Determining Your House Hunting Strategy
Now that you know the features to look for in a house-hunting tool, it’s time to develop your own house-hunting strategy. Determine what’s important to you and start by researching different neighborhoods – then use the features of the house-hunting tool that best match your needs. And if all else fails, consider following these steps:
Assess your budget and the type of property you’re looking for: The first and most important step in the house-hunting process is figuring out how much you can afford and what type of property best suits your needs. Most people make a mistake during this first step because they don’t know their exact financial situation.
Research different neighborhoods and areas: Once you have a good idea of your budget, it’s time to start researching different neighborhoods and areas that fit within your price range. Make sure to use an experienced real estate professional for advice on the best locations for your needs
Utilize tools such as house-hunting websites or apps: House-hunting tools can be an invaluable resource in helping you find the perfect home for your budget and needs. Be sure to select one that offers features like saved searches, personalized alerts, local expertise, and mobility & security features so that you have all the information necessary to make informed decisions during the process.
Consult with a real estate professional: After you’ve identified a few potential properties, it’s wise to consult with a real estate professional for advice on how best to move forward. Realtors can provide invaluable tips and ensure that you don’t overlook any important details during the process.
Deciding On The Type Of Property You Want
Once you’ve done your research and consulted with a real estate professional, it’s time to decide on the type of property that you want. Depending on your budget and lifestyle, you may be considering single-family homes, townhouses, condos, or apartments. Consider the pros and cons of each option before deciding which is right for you and you can also check out https://socalhomebuyers.com.
Single-Family Homes: Single-family homes offer plenty of privacy and space to accommodate family members as well as guests. The downside is that they often require more upkeep than other types of properties, depending on the size and age of the home.
Townhouses/Row Houses/Condos: Townhouses and row houses provide many advantages over single-family homes – like shared costs for maintenance and amenities. Plus, they offer a good compromise between privacy and convenience. However, they may not provide as much space as a detached home and the cost of ownership can be higher in comparison.
Apartments: Apartments are usually more affordable than other types of properties and require less maintenance on behalf of the owner. They also provide more flexibility when it comes to location and housing options – like short-term leases or furnished units. The downside is that apartments typically have limited storage space and can sometimes be noisy due to shared walls with neighbors.
Buying For Yourself vs As An Investment
At the end of the day, you’ll want to center your house hunting on why you’re doing the search. Are you an investor looking to make a long-term purchase, or are you looking for your own home? It’s important to consider both of these scenarios since they each have different considerations that need to be taken into account.
If you’re buying for yourself, focus on finding the perfect place that fits your lifestyle and budget – like a well-maintained single-family home in an ideal location. You’ll also want to take into consideration the local schools, crime rate, transportation options, and any additional amenities.
If you’re investing in real estate, it’s important to factor in rental prices for the area as well as potential resale value. You’ll also want to factor in taxes and other costs associated with owning property as an investment.
When you’re ready to make a purchase, it’s important to review all of your options and ensure that you understand what comes with the property. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take your time! Taking these steps will help to ensure that you make the right decision when buying a home. So, remember to take your time, do your research, and consult with a real estate professional to make the best decision. From there, you’ll be well on your way to finding the home of your dreams or the perfect real estate investment.
When it comes to working from home or the office conference calls can be part of the daily routine and it happens quite often here with myself and having the right tools is essential to do the job at hand but how many tools do you need to get the job done, you could look at this as an all in one package though by looking at it you might not see how it works and this is what makes this piece of kit something different and quite unique and it is pretty cool too.
We have tested many conference kits here and this is the latest offering from the company who strive to give us good products at affordable prices and we use some of their kit still today and they work really well which is something to take note of.
The product itself is super robust and perhaps bigger than one would be use to having at home but maybe no the case in an office environment, it is simple to use with a remote control that is also simple to use and has all the buttons down one side of the device where there is LED status lights on the opposite site and then up top is where the magic happens the 360 degree panoramic HD camera that can be also turned off and muted like the audio when not in use.
OK so how does this work, well there is plenty of AI here involved which is pretty cool and it is a simple set-up and works cross platform and you can download some additional software if you like but there is no need to it is a plug and play product which what people like to see with no hassle to get moving. You have one cable to connect to your PC it will not work with a mobile phone nor can you ad and external mic and you have on power cable for the device itself so it is not one of those systems that have wires for each individual at the table or product to match.
There is a cool speaker built in too which you can use during the conference calls etc or just even as a personal speaker and it has a good sound with some nice bass built in.
There is 5 modes of use here which covers all aspects.
1. Collaboration Mode
Under EMEET Meeting Capsule’s collaboration mode, all attendees’ 360° panoramic picture and main 1-3 speaker’ split screens will be shown on the same screen simultaneously. In the split screen, one speaker will be tracked and displayed, and when she/he isn’t talking anymore, she/he will be removed from the screen, ensuring the new speaker becomes the next on-screen speaker. By using this mode, all participants concentrate on not only the speakers but also the listeners.2. Speech Mode
2. Speech Mode
Under EMEET Meeting Capsule’s speech mode, all attendees’ 360° panorama picture and only 1 speaker’s split slide will be displayed at the same time on the screen. If the former speaker stops talking, the device will automatically center on the latter speaker. Besides, the image can be adjusted via the remote control. In a speech occasion, the conference room webcam is the best choice to deliver the speaker’s expression content.
3. Classic Mode
Under EMEET Meeting Capsule’s classic mode, people in front of the 180° wide-angle device will be shown in a non-split screen. For a stabler and clearer image, the AI capturing tech is closed here. The webcam with remote control can be used to adjust the image and degree. The classic mode’s FOV (Field of View) is 180/120/60 degrees, being able to be adjusted by the remote control. The conference webcam is great for medium to large meetings.
4. Spotlight Mode
Under EMEET Meeting Capsule’s spotlight mode, the conference webcam becomes a personal video conference camera, which means you can choose the part you would like to show on the non-split screen. Auto capturing tech is forbidden here for a high-definition imaging. Both remote control and eMeetLink can be used to change the FOV between 60-95 degree. You are the only one who enjoys the 3 in 1 smart video conference system in the spotlight mode.
5. In-privacy Mode
Under EMEET Meeting Capsule’s privacy mode, you will enjoy both electronic privacy and physical privacy. To cut off the image transmission, the electronic 360 webcam flips the lens to 0° and the whole physical cap turns to 0°. Meanwhile, the microphone will quit picking up voice immediately. However, the 10W HIFI speaker continues to work to deliver the other side’s voice. Privacy mode is frequently used during your side’s negotiation and decision time.
Overall this is a one stop shop with less cables cameras and more for that important conference meeting be it at home or in the office and it is simple to set up and get going meaning a clutter free environment and excellent quality meetings. The cohe st might be an issue for some here but when you think about it one product can do the work of multiple here and for me this is a win and from testing with personal work meetings and so on the people at the other end agree.
Features
Includes everyone: 360° panoramic 1080P HD camera, 8 mics and 90dB Hi-Fi speaker.
AI-powered autofocus: Intelligent multi-modal algorithm autofocuses on active talkers responsively.
5 video modes: Swivel lens with 5 video modes on your command for various scenarios.
Optimized voice pickup: Exclusive VoiceIA®DSP algorithm features noise reduction, human voice enhancement and full duplex.
Plug and play: Launch meetings instantly without the need for cell phones or WI-FI.
Smart coverage: Extend coverage from 18ft to 36ft when daisy chained with our signature speakerphone M3.
eir, Ireland’s superfast broadband network, has revealed its ‘2022 Year in Data’, an annual snapshot of home broadband and mobile data usage across its national customer base across the year. Showcasing when, where and how we use our data, the ‘2022 Year in Data’ highlights some interesting trends across the last 12 months including:
Fixed Broadband
Total broadband data usage in 2022 dropped slightly versus 2021, with 4,400 PB in 2022 vs 4,500 PB in 2021 as Covid restrictions lifted.
For the first five months of the year, data in 2022 was lower than in the same months in 2021 as customers returned to normal post Covid.
Fibre-to-the-Home broadband data increased by 37% in 2022 at 1,500 Petabytes (PB), up from 1,100 PB in 2021.
On average, each household used just under 6,000 Gigabytes (GB) across the 12-month period, this is equivalent to 8 hours of video per day.
The record high in data usage in 2022 so far was 15.9 PB on Sunday 4th December.
Lowest data usage for fixed broadband in 2022 was on Wednesday 4th May at 9.3 PB.
Surges in eir TV traffic occurred at several moments in the year including the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday December 20th, the RTE Late Late Toy Show on Friday 25th, the GAA All Ireland Finals on July 17th and 24th.
On average, Sunday was the highest data usage day of the week across 2022.
Weather incidents such as Storm Eunice in February saw a surge in usage as households spent more time at home.
The total broadband usage across the network (4,400PB) is the equivalent of 220 billion hours gaming, or 13 billion hours of video chat, or 2 billion hours film streaming or 678 billion songs streamed.
Mobile Data
12 million minutes of mobile voice calls were recorded on Christmas Eve, making it the busiest day for mobile conversation as people shared festive wishes with friends and family.
Tuesday, December 27th was the busiest day for mobile data usage, as customers streamed video and music services.
The equivalent of five million movie downloads took place across the mobile network over the festive period, December 24th – 28th, an increase of over 40% on the same period in 2021 as customers streamed entertainment on the go.
Traffic doubled across eir’s 5G network versus the same period in 2021. 5G, is the fifth generation of mobile technology that is up to 100 times faster than 4G, providing faster connectivity speeds, ultra-low latency and greater bandwidth, excellent gaming and video streaming experiences.
Commenting on eir’s ‘2022 Year in Data’, CEO Oliver Loomes: “At eir, we provide our customers with access to world leading technologies and the highest-quality connectivity. The ‘2022 Year in Data’ report provides interesting insights into how our customers use eir’s services, helping us to continuously innovate to ensure that we are constantly delivering what they need, when they need it and helping them connect throughout the year. To this end, eir is investing €250 million per annum in our network to improve speed, coverage and resilience,with 5G already available to over 530 cities and towns and full fibre broadband made available to more than 900,000 homes and businesses across the country. We are well on our way to our ultimate target of 1.9 million homes and businesses across Ireland connected with full fibre superfast broadband.”
According to Statista, the total annual turnover of retail sales in the decorating and DIY market peaked at £9.1 billion in 2020.
This highlighted a marked increase when compared with previous years, with this driven in part by the coronavirus pandemic and the fact that many people were required to spend considerably more time at home than usual.
Technology is also changing techniques and behaviour in the marketplace, but how exactly is this manifesting itself? Let’s get into it!
#1. Better Quality Materials
Perhaps the biggest impact of technology and innovation can be observed in materials and equipment, especially those that are now widely available to homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.
From the emergence of advanced plastics and carbon fibres to less reactive metals and strong alloys, it’s now possible to access a broader and better range of construction materials. Similarly, tools have also evolved and become increasingly innovative, including those sold on the mass market to customers.
Take the current range of Milwaukee drill drivers, for example, which are tech-led and widely recognised for their considerable quality and innovative selection of features. They also feature ergonomic and robust design, which makes them easier to use across a range of projects.
#2. Remote Technology for Improved Safety
Remote technology has also evolved markedly in recent times, from sensors and automated machines that enable tasks to complete more efficiently and while safeguarding your physical health.
Make no mistake; the rise of automation allows you to leverage machines to complete certain tasks and improvements around the home, while you’re tasked with operating devices at a safe distance.
Of course, you’ll still need some skill and knowledge to operate certain software and systems, but this is much safer than getting to grips with heavy duty or powerful machinery.
#3. The Rise and Rise of Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) is different to VR, as while the latter creates completely virtual settings and backgrounds, whereas the former integrates people and corporeal elements into virtual environments.
As a result, AR can be used to visualise the result of DIY projects in your home, using specific software that recreates your home or interior space virtually and enables you to experiment with different settings.
What’s more, it’s more accessible than VR as you can access AR software through a simple smartphone app and display, rather than having to don an expensive headset!
