Qumulo Selects Ireland for European Software Research and Development Hub

Qumulo, the enterprise leader in unstructured data management and provider of cloud data platforms, announces the official launch of its European Software R&D hub in Cork. Through this strategic expansion, Qumulo will create 50 highly skilled R&D positions in the coming three years to solve the major challenges for data management at enormous scale and scope for global business.

This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment, Peter Burke TD, said, “Qumulo’s decision to establish a new European software R&D hub in Cork is a strong endorsement of Cork as a location where cutting-edge engineering and global ambition meet. It highlights the depth of talent emerging from our universities, the strength of the region’s technology ecosystem, and Ireland’s ability to support companies delivering pioneering innovation on a global scale. I wish them the best of luck in their new office.”
Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and at the Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “Today’s announcement by Qumulo is a testament to Cork and the South-West region’s capacity for fostering meaningful collaboration and technological leadership. This expansion highlights Ireland’s reputation as a dynamic environment where innovation thrives and partnerships flourish.”

 

Information, derived from data, is now the core asset driving the modern global economy. The success of autonomous AI systems integrated into business operations depends on their ability to make real-time decisions with instant, trustworthy access to colossal datasets.

“After actively reviewing a wide variety of options for our second R&D centre, we found that the stellar third-level institutions in the South-West were the basis for a deep talent pool in Cork,” said Qumulo Chief Technology Officer Kiran Bhageshpur. “Additionally, the excellent support infrastructure for companies like Qumulo provided by IDA Ireland made Cork the obvious choice for us to build a team focused on leveraging AI to help businesses manage global-scale data infrastructure.”

For Qumulo’s global customers, this new site in Cork will also see an expansion of its Customer Success team in the region as a commitment to the long-term partnership and the outcomes that customers expect. To explore career opportunities at Qumulo, visit www.qumulo.com/careers .

“Cork is a milestone, not just a milestone for Qumulo — but for every customer who depends on us to be present, responsive, and invested in their success,” said Qumulo VP of Customer Success Dave Coughlan, “This investment is a direct reflection of the trust our customers place in us, and our responsibility to honour that trust every single day.”

This new R&D and Customer Success hub in Cork is a recognition of the challenges and opportunities presented by this new global, digital landscape. This team will research and develop solutions to enable the secure, frictionless, and instantaneous transfer of exabyte-scale workloads across the globe, delivering the trusted, AI-ready data requirement to power next-generation enterprise applications.

“Qumulo’s establishment in Cork is a statement of the ambition of Qumulo to continue its growth to meet customer demand, and Cork’s capacity to deliver on that future with the talent base and ecosystem to drive innovation,” said Qumulo Engineering Director Diarmaid Hogan. “Building and growing a European Hub for R&D is the next chapter in Qumulo’s already exciting story.”

CEO of IDA Ireland Michael Lohan said, “Ireland offers a compelling combination of talent, research excellence, and an open, collaborative business environment, and Qumulo’s expansion in Cork is another example of how that proposition continues to resonate with global technology companies.”

Twelve South Introduces PowerCapsule, an Ultra-Slim Magnetic Qi2 Power Bank

Twelve South, a design leader in Apple accessories, today introduces PowerCapsule, an ultra-slim magnetic power bank designed for daily carry. With a satin-finish zinc alloy frame and a cactus-based soft-touch inlay, PowerCapsule delivers Qi2-certified wireless charging up to 15W for iPhone and Qi2-compatible devices in a refined, pocket-ready design. Built to snap on with secure magnetic alignment, PowerCapsule preserves the natural feel of iPhone in hand while adding dependable power, whether you’re moving through a workday, commuting across town, or traveling for the weekend. 

Featuring a buttery-soft synthetic inlay, PowerCapsule adds warmth and grip against the sleek glass and metal of iPhone. Available in 5,000mAh and 10,000mAh capacities, it supports charging two ways, wireless or wired via USB-C, and includes pass-through charging, allowing users to power iPhone while the battery recharges. 

Designed for Your Hand. Optimised for Your Pocket 

PowerCapsule is designed for the way people actually use their phone: in hand, on the move, and often for hours at a time. Its ultra-slim silhouette keeps iPhone comfortable to hold while charging, and its secure magnetic attachment helps maintain consistent alignment without adding visual or physical bulk. 

The back inlay uses a cactus-based luxury synthetic material derived from plants, chosen for its warm hand-feel and refined grip. Embossed details echo Twelve South’s design language, drawing inspiration from the pocket-angle pattern seen on the Twelve South MagFold Wallet, bringing subtle character and texture to a power bank built to fit naturally into everyday routines. 

Function Follows Form 

While PowerCapsule has a warm, material-forward feel, its power system is fully modern. With Qi2-certified wireless charging up to 15W, PowerCapsule delivers efficient power designed for iPhone, and also offers USB-C wired charging for additional flexibility. With pass-through charging, users can charge iPhone and the battery at the same time, ideal for desks, bedside setups, and travel. 

Key Features 

  • Qi2-certified wireless charging up to 15W for iPhone and Qi2-compatible devices 
  • MagSafe-compatible magnetic attachment for secure alignment while charging 
  • Ultra-slim, compact profile designed for comfortable daily carry 
  • Satin-finish zinc alloy frame for a refined, durable feel 
  • Cactus-based luxury synthetic back inlay for a warm, refined grip 
  • Available in 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh capacities 
  • USB-C wired charging option for charging non-Qi2 devices 
  • Up to 30W (10,000mAh) / up to 20W (5,000mAh), depending on device 
  • Pass-through charging to charge iPhone while recharging PowerCapsule 
  • Available in Dune and Slate 

Pricing and Availability 

PowerCapsule is available now at https://twelvesouth.co.uk/products/powercapsule 

  • PowerCapsule 5,000mAh: £49.99 
  • PowerCapsule 10,000mAh: £59.99 

Shokz OpenDots ONE Review

Shokz, the pioneer of open-ear audio innovation latest offering is the OpenDots ONE and we have been testing these out the last while and while this is a earbud style that is catching on now with many manufacturers these are one of the best in class yet for bone conduction.
The most notable feature of the OpenDots ONE is their unique design. Instead of a traditional ear-hook or in-ear fit, they use a “JointArc” clip-on mechanism made of a flexible nickel-titanium alloy with soft silicone padding. At just 6.5 grams per earbud, they are exceptionally lightweight and designed to provide a secure fit when running or training in the gym.

Open-ear earbuds can compromise on sound quality due to the design and shape and not fitting quite like tradional earbuds. However, the OpenDots ONE aim to defy this expectation with their Bassphere technology which uses dual 11.8mm drivers to deliver an almost in-ear earbud experience.  This, combined with Dolby Audio support, results in a surprisingly full and bass-rich sound for their class. These also have Dynamic Ear Detection on deck which means like many of these they can differentiate between left and right automatically. 

In a quiet environment, the audio is clear and balanced. Voices and music are well-defined, and the Bassphere technology provides a much-needed low-end presence that is often lacking in open-ear designs. You will not get the full in-ear or headphone experience but these are close and with the app you have control over the sound stage you want they are loud and there is notable differences between the EQs here unlike other offerings out there with a similar design you will be impressed there is some leakeage when they are maxed out on volume 

The OpenDots ONE boast impressive battery life. You can expect up to 10 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge, with the compact wireless charging case providing an additional 30 hours for a total of 40 hours. A quick 10-minute charge gives you two hours of listening time. The case supports both USB-C and Qi wireless charging, adding a layer of convenience this will be different for every user with how they have theirs set up but the battery life claimed as most do is claim is almost accurate.

The Shokz OpenDots ONE are a great addition into the clip-on open-ear market. They offer excellent comfort and a secure fit, making them a fantastic choice for those who dislike traditional earbuds or prioritize situational awareness which with the dark nights now closing in is a not a bad idea for people that walk or jog etc and those who want to try the new design who have not done so yet this is around the 20th pair of this type of clip-on for me to review now and they come with Find My Earbuds on board which is great if lost or isplaced at home of the office and whilst not a fan when they came out I am now.

While no open-ear headphone can completely match the sound isolation of an in-ear model or headphones the OpenDots ONE deliver a  good audio experience with impressive bass for their design and give you a near tpyical in- ear experience. 

The touch controls can be a bit tricky as there is two areas but you will over time get the thumb memory in action, and with their app you have more control, these are more expensive that others we have tried but as mentioned one of the best so far this year, check out the video below for more..

SHOKZ App
Key Highlights:
  • Effortless Clip-On Style
    Designed with a sleek nickel-titanium “JointArc™” frame wrapped in soft, skin-friendly silicone, OpenDots ONE gently clips onto the outer ear—offering a secure fit that complements glasses, hats, or jewellery.
  • Interchangeable and Intuitive
    No more fumbling with left and right earbuds. OpenDots ONE features Dynamic Ear Detection that automatically senses which ear it’s in, so you can wear and store them interchangeably—no worrying about sides.
  • Surprisingly Mighty Sound, Pocket-Sized Design
    Shokz’s proprietary Bassphere™ dual-speaker module packs the punch of a 16 mm driver into a compact sphere—delivering rich, immersive audio enhanced further by Dolby Audio and DirectPitch™ technology to minimize sound leakage.
  • All-Day Wear, All-Day Battery
    Each earbud delivers up to 10 hours of playtime, with the compact charging case extending that to a remarkable 40 hours. A quick 10-minute charge gives an additional 2 hours—plus, the case supports convenient wireless charging.
  • Stay Aware, Stay Comfortable
    Open-ear design keeps you alert to ambient sounds—ideal for commuting, exercising, or multitasking. The ergonomic JointArc™ and featherlight build (around 6.5 g per earbud) ensure all-day comfort without ear-canal pressure.
  • Adaptive Intelligence at Your Fingertips
    Customize your sound with four EQ presets—or build your own—in the Shokz App. Activate Dolby Audio for an immersive output, set up multipoint pairing, tailor touch gestures, access “Find My Earbuds”, monitor battery levels, and stay updated with firmware enhancements.
  • Rugged and Ready
    Built for life, OpenDots ONE boasts an IP54 rating for protection against sweat and splashes, making them a dependable choice for active lifestyles.
Availability & Pricing
OpenDots ONE is now available from Harvey Norman Ireland, DID Electrical and other independent retailers
RRP 199.99 EURO

Scapade launches AirPack Backpack it cant get lost #IFA2025

Travel and lifestyle tech accessories brand Scapade today unveils the AirPack Backpack at IFA Berlin, designed for today’s mobile and connected lifestyle. Combining Find My technology, TSA approved security, and sleek, contemporary design, the Airpack is built for digital workers, globetrotters, tech-savvy travellers and adventurers alike. It will be available from Scapade for £129.99 / €149.99.

“AirPack is the backpack reimagined,” said Jacques Walger, Founder of Scapade. “It’s a lifestyle accessory that gives peace of mind, keeps you organised, and moves seamlessly with your busy, connected life.”

Smart technology meets everyday convenience

The AirPack features a pre-installed, integrated Apple Find My module, enabling users to locate the backpack instantly via iOS or macOS devices. One-press activation and wireless charging ensure the bag is always ready, while a flashing indicator signals active tracking for added convenience.

Travel-friendly security

Equipped with a TSA-approved hidden zip lock, the AirPack keeps belongings secure and compliant with airport regulations, making it ideal for international travel.

Organised, laptop-ready design

The backpack’s dedicated padded compartment fits laptops up to 15.6 inches, while 28L of intelligently organised storage accommodates documents, accessories, and everyday essentials. Despite its large capacity, the AirPack remains lightweight at 1.3 kg, with compact dimensions of 29.5 × 20 × 45 cm, balancing storage and portability.

Stylish and Versatile

With its sleek, modern design and versatile functionality, the AirPack is built for every journey, from city commutes and weekend getaways to adventures around the globe.

See eour bag reviews 

Furthr Foundry Accelerator News – Safely scoops the ‘Most Investable Start-Up’ award

Ten of the country’s most promising tech entrepreneurs have completed the first Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme, Ireland’s latest Pre-Seed Accelerator. The intensive 12-week programme concluded this week at the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC). On the final day, the participating start-ups took part in investor pitches and had one-on-one meetings with leading Irish VCs and Angel Investors. During these meetings, each start-up engaged in detailed discussions about their business plans, received valuable feedback, and sought investor perspectives.

The ten high-potential start-ups who completed the Pre-Seed Accelerator Programme will now be seeking to raise a combined pre-seed capital investment of up to €4m.

Winner of the ‘Most Investable Start-Up’ award announced on the Finale Day as voted for by the panel of investors, was Safely, founded by Jack Manning.

Safely serves commercial vehicle fleets in the US, UK, and Ireland by offering a driver safety solution that has been estimated to reduce claims by over 50 per cent. In addition to being recognised as the ‘Most Investable Start-Up’, Safely also received a cash prize of €3k, sponsored by Growing Capital, the leading provider of pre-seed private investment in Ireland.

Commenting on the Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme and what the “Most Investable Start-Up’ award recognition means for his company, Jack Manning, founder of Safely, said: “It’s great to have won! It’s validation that all the hard work to date is worth it. And it really does make me believe that I can grow this business, get the investment I need to really scale it to the level I want to scale it to. So, it’s unbelievable validation, great to have won it. But the job’s only really starting I suppose.”

Commenting on the programme and the engagement with the participating start-ups, Gianni Matera, founder of Growing Capital, said: “If the aim of this pre-seed accelerator is to prepare start-ups for their pre-seed round, then I believe it has been successful. Many start-ups are now ready to apply for a PSSF, and some are even poised for an HPSU round.”

The panel of investors attending the finale event included representatives from some of Ireland’s most active Venture Capitalists and Angel Investors, including Sure Valley Ventures, Elkstone Private Partners, Growing Capital, Furthr VC, Delta Partners, Enterprise Ireland, Seedrs, ACT Venture Capital and Furthr Investor Network.

Speaking to the Start-Ups on the Finale Day for the Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme,  Martin Murray, CEO at Furthr, said: “Today’s final part of the Foundry Accelerator Programme culminating in the finale day, is hopefully only the beginning of our journey in supporting your growth and in realising your ambitions for your respective businesses. Our success will be measured by supporting our clients to become ‘investor ready’ to take on their first institutional investment and myself, along with our business and investor mentorship teams, look forward to working closely with you to make this happen.”

Devised by Furthr, the country’s leading business innovation centre, in conjunction with the programme’s key partners including Growing Capital, Microsoft’s Founder Platform and the Guinness Enterprise Centre, the Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme sets out to support, prepare and deliver 10 investor ready high potential start-ups who will take on pre-seed investment following their successful completion of the programme.

Companies participating in the inaugural Furthr Foundry Accelerator programme included a wide range of diverse tech empowered businesses and industry sectors, leveraging some of the fast emerging technologies to enable digital transformation for many businesses, including artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, EdTech and biotech.

The ten companies who successfully completed the first Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme were, Allocator Training Institute, Biovit Technologies, Co-Swipe, Decision Analytics, Safely, Teddlo, Hiremate, PassionFruit, Simple Probate and Workstuff.ai.  

Furthr is now planning for the next cycle of the Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme, expected to kick off in September 2024.  Tech entrepreneurs with aspirations to establish and scale their Start-Up enterprises for investment are encouraged to contact Furthr or go online for more information on the Furthr Foundry Accelerator.