Tag: #Studio

Eight Irish game studios to launch prototypes through IndieDev cross-border fund

Irish game developers’ ability to punch above their weight in the competitive international games industry, and turn ambitious concepts into playable prototypes, has been boosted by IndieDev 2025.

IndieDev 2025, a cross-border fund programme supporting indie video game developers in Dublin, Galway, Antrim, Armagh, Tyrone, Laois, Clare, Tipperary, Kilkenny, and Down, each received £15,000/€15,000 and 12 weeks of intensive mentorship to bring their visions to life.

Sharp Glass Games, Universe or Nothing, Reliable Plumbing Services, Space Lion Studios, Table Topple, Rúcach, Silly Goose Games, and Round Robin Interactive were the 2025 recipients of this pioneering programme managed by Galway-based Ardán and Dublin-based Imirt on behalf of Northern Ireland Screen and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.

The emerging developers were paired with industry mentors Dave McCabe (Spooky Doorway), Sam Redfern (Psychic Software), and Paul Froggatt (Outlier Games), who all shipped games to international markets last year and who brought their hard-won expertise to the programme.

From this, a variety of game prototypes have emerged, showing the diversity and creativity of the games development sector in Ireland: a hot air balloon simulator, a stealth-puzzle game, a meditative, cozy game, a roguelike strategy game, a 3D action-adventure platformer, a minimalist pinball-inspired perseverance platformer, a soft post-apocalyptic romance adventure visual novel, and a first-person, stealth exploration game. 

“IndieDev is the best thing that could have happened to us as a newcomer game studio,” said Sharp Glass Games Irina Kuksova. “Being on the programme was key for connecting with professionals who helped us to test assumptions, try new approaches and get a better understanding of the industry. The funds gave us time to work on the project, while the commitment to deliver sped up our work. We are publishing the Deathwish Bloom prototype next month and are looking forward to growing further.”

“IndieDev gave us the space and structure to turn Persevere from an ambitious concept into a working, playable game,” said Universe Or Nothing’s Mark Aherne. “The mentorship, workshops, and focused development time helped us validate our ideas, sharpen our design, and build a prototype we’re extremely excited about. It’s been a huge step forward for the project and for us as a studio.”

“IndieDev is a great programme,” said Colm Larkin, Imirt CEO and founder of game studio Gambrinous. “If something like this had been around when I started my studio 12 years ago, I would have jumped at the chance to take part. There’s a real sense of things coming together in Ireland for games right now.”

The momentum built by IndieDev’s success continues with Sparks: Game Changers, a pilot career development course for people of underrepresented genders in the games industry. Run by Ardán in collaboration with Code Coven and supported by Screen Ireland, the programme tackles the soft skills that directly affect career progression—confident communication, self-advocacy, and job-hunting readiness in an industry still shaped by bias and power imbalances.

Ardán and the Irish Games Industry:

Other games industry initiatives in Ireland run by Ardán included the annual FÍS Games Summit, a pivotal gathering for the games industry in the West of Ireland, attracting international speakers; the Galway branch of the Irish Games Talent Incubator; Run For The Border which mentors and nurtures game dev talent in the border counties; and the Galway Film Fair Games Event at Galway Film Fleadh.

Ardán was also one of seven Galway organisations awarded funding under The Communicating Europe Initiative, managing the GameDev Connect Europe development project strand. This brought together game developers in Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, Finland, and Sweden, highlighting how the games industry can work remotely and across borders, while also focusing on collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community engagement.

 

 

XGIMI Elevates Big-Screen Projection with the Next-Generation TITAN Noir Max Series at CES 2026

After its breakout debut in the professional world, XGIMI’s TITAN returns at CES 2026 in a new generation built for anyone who craves uncompromising quality. The new TITAN Noir Max Series takes everything the brand has learned from designers, producers, AV professionals, and everyday viewers, and transforms it into a projector that feels just as at home in a family media room as in a high-end creative workspace. It’s powerful enough for professionals, but intuitive enough for the people who simply want their favorite movies, games, and stories to project extraordinarily.

Where last year’s TITAN marked XGIMI’s entrance into the pro space, the new TITAN Noir Max Series marks something bigger: the moment professional-grade projection becomes personal. Upgraded hardware, the most advanced dynamic iris system, and precision-tuned optics bring out the kind of depth, contrast, and color nuance once reserved for post-production studios – now available to anyone who wants the best picture XGIMI has ever engineered.

A Dynamic IRIS System That Brings Stories to Life

The heart of the TITAN Noir Max Series is XGIMI’s most advanced dynamic IRIS system to date, boosting native contrast to 10,000:1 and reshaping how every scene feels. This isn’t just about deeper blacks or brighter highlights, but mood, emotion, and immersion that improve real-world viewing.

Every frame becomes an invitation to look closer. See the individual drops of rain catching neon light on a midnight street, the delicate weave of a velvet curtain in shadow, the faint tremor of a candle flame illuminating a character’s face – details once lost now define the scene. Highlights don’t just glow, they breathe: city lights hold their shape against true black, eyes gleam with intention, and specular reflections on metal stay crisp, not blown out. This is how contrast becomes narrative – by revealing not just what’s in the frame, but why it matters.

“We’ve always believed that projection should feel extraordinary – something that elevates any space, whether it’s a family room or a full production studio,” said Apollo Zhong, Chairman of XGIMI. “With TITAN Noir Max, we took everything we learned from building our first professional model and pushed it further. This series reflects our vision for projection’s future: professional-grade performance that anyone can enjoy, without complexity or compromise.”

Re-engineered SST DMD Architecture Pushes Brightness Boundaries

At the heart of the new system is SST, a re-engineered DMD architecture capable of handling substantially higher light power densities. The upgraded thermal pathway effectively dissipates heat at the chip level, ensuring sustained brightness, reduced thermal stress, and improved lifecycle stability in demanding projection environments.

The re-engineered SST Architecture advances XGIMI’s philosophy of accessible innovation by pairing professional hardware with the kind of simplicity usually reserved for consumer products.

For professionals, TITAN Noir Max offers the stability, accuracy, and reliability required for color-critical work, studio environments, and high-end installations. For families and enthusiasts, it turns a blank wall into a cinematic event.

This is projection in its purest form: precision engineering that fades into the background, leaving only a brilliant, immersive image before users.

From CES to Launch

The new TITAN Noir Max Series will make its public debut at CES 2026, where media, creators, and industry partners will be invited for hands-on demonstrations ahead of its preorder in Q1 2026. Further sales details for the TITAN Noir Max Series will be announced at a later date.

How Real-Time Streaming Tech Powers Live Dealer Casinos?

Here’s the thing most players don’t think about when they sit down at a live dealer table: somewhere, in a perfectly lit studio, a real human is shuffling cards while an army of cameras, servers, codecs, and network engineers quietly lose sleep so your blackjack hand doesn’t freeze on a seven of hearts.

Live dealer casinos feel effortless. That’s the magic. But behind that smooth stream is one of the most demanding real-time tech setups in online entertainment. This isn’t Netflix. You can’t buffer your way out of a bad hand.

So let’s pull back the velvet curtain and talk about how real-time streaming technology actually powers live dealer casinos—and why it’s way more impressive than most people realize.

 

Why Live Dealer Streaming Is a Different Beast

Streaming a movie is easy. Stream it late? No problem. Pause it? Totally fine. Stream a live casino game? That’s a high-wire act without a safety net.

Live dealer casinos require ultra-low latency, meaning the time between the dealer dealing a card and you seeing it must be nearly instant. We’re talking fractions of a second. Any delay longer than that, and players start shouting “rigged” in the chat.

On top of that, everything must be synchronized:

  • The video feed 
  • The betting interface 
  • The game logic 
  • The timer counting down your decision 

If even one of these slips, the illusion collapses. And once the illusion is gone, so is the trust.

 

The Studio: Where the Magic Actually Happens

Live dealer studios are closer to TV broadcast sets than casinos. Dealers don’t just stand at a table; they perform under intense lighting designed to eliminate shadows, glare, and suspicious reflections.

Multiple HD cameras surround the table. Not one. Not two. Usually three to five, capturing:

  • A wide shot of the dealer 
  • A close-up of the cards or wheel 
  • A backup angle in case something goes wrong 

These feeds are captured simultaneously and pushed into real-time encoding systems. No editing. No retakes. If the dealer drops a card, the internet sees it.

This is where latency becomes the enemy. Every extra processing step adds delay, so casino streaming setups are stripped down to essentials. Speed beats beauty.

 

Encoding: Turning Reality into Data (Fast)

Once cameras capture the action, raw video is useless unless it’s compressed—fast. This is where real-time encoders step in.

Encoders convert video into formats that can travel quickly across the internet without destroying image quality. Modern live casinos rely on adaptive bitrate streaming, which means the stream adjusts itself on the fly depending on your connection.

Strong Wi-Fi? You get crisp HD.
 Weak signal? The resolution drops, but the game continues.

That’s why you can play from a café, a train, or your couch without the table freezing mid-spin. It’s not luck. It’s math, bandwidth management, and ruthless optimization.

 

The Invisible Middleman: Streaming Servers

Here’s a fun fact: the dealer isn’t streaming directly to you.

Between the studio and your screen sit distribution servers scattered across regions. These servers decide the fastest possible route for the video to reach you, shaving milliseconds wherever they can.

This is especially important for players hopping between platforms while comparing options like the best online casino ireland has to offer, where performance and smoothness often matter more than flashy bonuses.

The same logic applies again when players debate which platform truly deserves the label best online casino ireland—because when the stream stutters, no welcome offer can save the experience.

 

Syncing Video With Bets: The Real Challenge

Video alone isn’t enough. The casino must sync what you see with what you can do.

When the dealer says “Place your bets,” a countdown timer appears. That timer isn’t cosmetic. It’s linked to the same system handling the video feed, the dealer’s actions, and your clicks.

This requires event-driven architecture, where every action triggers multiple responses instantly:

  • Dealer starts dealing → betting closes 
  • Card hits the table → result updates 
  • Wheel stops spinning → payouts calculate 

If any of these lag behind the video, chaos follows. Imagine betting on a hand after seeing the card. Exactly. That’s why live dealer platforms are built like financial trading systems, not casual games.

 

Latency Wars: How Casinos Keep It Fair

Fairness in live dealer casinos isn’t just about honesty—it’s about timing.

To prevent abuse, casinos deliberately add tiny, controlled delays to certain actions. Not enough for players to notice, but enough to prevent anyone from exploiting network advantages.

This balancing act ensures that:

  • Everyone sees the same action at the same time 
  • Bets are locked fairly 
  • No one gains an edge by sitting closer to a server 

It’s a constant war against physics, geography, and impatient players.

 

Human Touch, Digital Precision

One reason live dealer casinos exploded in popularity is psychological. Humans trust humans.

Seeing a real dealer shuffle cards does something algorithms never could. It lowers suspicion. It adds warmth. It turns gambling from a cold interface into a shared moment.

But that human touch is supported by ruthless precision. Every shuffle is tracked. Every card scan feeds into a backend system verifying outcomes in real time. The dealer smiles. The software double-checks.

It’s theatre backed by engineering.

 

What’s Next: Faster, Closer, More Immersive

The future of live dealer streaming isn’t just higher resolution. It’s lower latency, regional micro-studios, and interactive layers.

Expect features like:

  • Dealers responding to chat in real time 
  • Personalized camera angles 
  • Seamless switching between tables without reloads 

As 5G and edge computing mature, the gap between physical casinos and digital tables will shrink even further. The screen will disappear. The experience will remain.

 

Live dealer casinos work not because they look real—but because the technology behind them refuses to fake anything.

Every spin, every card, every awkward dealer joke travels across oceans in milliseconds, balanced on a knife-edge of timing and trust. It’s messy. It’s complex. And when it works, it feels effortless.

Which is exactly the point.

Kali Audio HP-1 Multi-Reference Headphones First Look

Kali Audio HP-1, its first ever over-ear, DSP-powered headphone for mixing and QC that provides users with a neutral, accurate representation of their mix, as well as the ability to hear how their work will sound on the most popular headphones in use today and we have these in for review.

The HP-1 has 3 voicings:

  1. Studio: transparent, accurate sound that will translate faithfully.

  2. Bass-Heavy: replicates the sound of headphones that are popular with hip-hop and EDM creators and fans.

  3. Consumer: replicates the sound of popular headphones sold alongside phones and computers.

Users can switch between the three voicings at the press of a button. The LED on the right earcup will change color to indicate the selected tuning, and a voice prompt will also let the user know exactly what they’re listening to.

Check out the first look at these headphones which we really look forward to testing out and if you have any questions drop em in the comments section on YouTube and stay tuned for a full hands on review soon.

A wired connection is available via a 3.5mm jack on the headphone and an included cable. While this will give the highest fidelity playback for serious studio use, Bluetooth pairing is also possible for casual listening on the go.

In addition to its merits as a studio tool, the DSP in the HP-1 allows it to be a fantastic all-around headphone. Features like active noise cancelling, wireless calling, and physical playback controls on the headphones let you take them along with you in your everyday life.

The HP-1 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone with 40mm drivers that support a frequency response of 18 Hz – 22 kHz. The battery supports at least 40 hours of playback on a full charge and can be recharged using the included USB-C cable. The headphones ship in a zippered carrying case that will protect them for travel.

 

The Kali Audio HP-1 is  available globally now at kaliaudio.com, with an SRP of $199 / £199 / €199.

See our huge range of headphone reviews 

Unboxing Video

Kali Audio Announces HP-1 Multi-Reference Headphones

Kali Audio has announced the HP-1, its first ever over-ear, DSP-powered headphone for mixing and QC that provides users with a neutral, accurate representation of their mix, as well as the ability to hear how their work will sound on the most popular headphones in use today.

The HP-1 has 3 voicings:

  1. Studio: transparent, accurate sound that will translate faithfully.

  2. Bass-Heavy: replicates the sound of headphones that are popular with hip-hop and EDM creators and fans.

  3. Consumer: replicates the sound of popular headphones sold alongside phones and computers.

Users can switch between the three voicings at the press of a button. The LED on the right earcup will change color to indicate the selected tuning, and a voice prompt will also let the user know exactly what they’re listening to.

 

A wired connection is available via a 3.5mm jack on the headphone and an included cable. While this will give the highest fidelity playback for serious studio use, Bluetooth pairing is also possible for casual listening on the go.

In addition to its merits as a studio tool, the DSP in the HP-1 allows it to be a fantastic all-around headphone. Features like active noise cancelling, wireless calling, and physical playback controls on the headphones let you take them along with you in your everyday life.

The HP-1 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone with 40mm drivers that support a frequency response of 18 Hz – 22 kHz. The battery supports at least 40 hours of playback on a full charge and can be recharged using the included USB-C cable. The headphones ship in a zippered carrying case that will protect them for travel.

The Kali Audio HP-1 is  available globally now at kaliaudio.com, with an SRP of $199 / £199 / €199.

See our huge range of headphone reviews 

Poly Studio P5 USB-A webcam review

The Poly Studio P5 is a solid and robust 1080p HD webcam, weighing in at just 68 grams. This lightweight design ensures that it won’t overpower your laptop screen. Compatible with major operating systems, the P5 comes equipped with an integrated microphone optimised for video calls. It connects easily via a USB cable, making it a convenient addition to any workspace. The webcam also features a mechanical privacy shutter, providing peace of mind when not in use.

 

Manufacturer Background

At Techbuzz Ireland, we have reviewed a variety of products from Plantronics, Poly, and HP, including their well-known Poly Voyager headsets, printers, and cameras. In 2018, Polycom was acquired by Plantronics, and in 2019, the combined entity was rebranded as Poly. The company was sold to HP in 2022, which has since integrated Poly’s offerings into its support channels.

 

In the box

  • Poly studio P5 webcam; Removable monitor clamp; Setup sheet

 

Features

  • Focus Type: Autofocus with 4x zoom / EPTZ
  • Lens Cover Capabilities: Integrated
  • Total Camera Resolution: 4 MP
  • Zoom Capability: 4x
  • Diagonal Field of View (dFoV): 80°
  • Cable Length: 1.3 m
  • Microphone Type: Unidirectional
  • Compatible Operating Systems: Windows 10; macOS 10.10 or later; Windows 8.1;        macOS 10.7 or later
  • Operating Temperature Range: 0 to 40°C
  • Operating Humidity Range: 5 to 95% RH
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 3.7 x 3.4 x 6.2 cm
  • Package Dimensions (W x D x H): 179 x 195 x 70 mm
  • Minimum System Requirements: USB 2.0 Type-A

Setup:

Setting up the Poly Studio P5 is minimalistic and straightforward thanks to its plug-and-play functionality. I connected it directly to a Windows USB-A port, and it automatically set itself as the default device during an MS Teams call, including audio. Poly Lens

Desktop App (Windows Only)

The Poly Lens Desktop app allows you to configure and manage your Poly audio and video devices while enhancing your work environment with wellbeing reminders. However, I found the software interface somewhat outdated compared to modern standards. Although the camera performed well technically, it lacked the advanced features I would expect from HP/Poly. For instance, when attempting to update the software, the app indicated that a new version was available, yet none could be found.

Warranty – 2 years

Conclusion

As anticipated from HP/Poly products, the plug-and-play functionality of the Studio P5 worked seamlessly without any issues. The build quality is commendable; however, an upgrade to a USB-C cable instead of USB-A would be beneficial for modern setups. While the camera does not include a carry case—something that would be advantageous for hybrid working environments—the essential features are well-executed.The camera delivers excellent performance with quality optics, low-light compensation, and pro-grade resolution at 1080p. The four times digital zoom and directional microphone ensure a personalised video conferencing experience without requiring extensive technical setup. Overall, the Poly Studio P5 USB-A webcam offers good picture quality and audio performance even in challenging lighting conditions. It is an ideal choice for users seeking a reliable and straightforward solution for video calls and online meetings at a reasonable price point.

BUY

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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

Call-out to ambitious aquatech companies to apply for 2024 BIM Innovation Studio

Ambitious aquatech businesses are invited to apply for a ground breaking Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) mentoring programme in a sector which has just attracted a €15 million investment from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF).

The ISIF has announced the investment to Hatch’s Blue Revolution Fund which focuses on early-stage companies who have the potential to transform aquatech.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, today announced that BIM is partnering again this year with aquaculture accelerator, Hatch Blue, for its popular Innovation Studio.

This is a free, intensive two-week programme aimed at supporting young aquatech companies in all aspects of development including technology and investment. BIM’s Aquatech Development Programme is supported by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (2021 – 2027) with an investment of €380,000 in 2024.

The aim of the BIM Innovation Studio is to grow Ireland’s €200 million aquatech business, and to position the country as the “Silicon Valley” of the sector.

Now in its seventh year, some 50 projects and companies have completed the Innovation Studio, and have attracted a total investment of around €15 million, creating more than 200 hi-tech jobs.

“I am delighted to announce applications are open for the 2024 BIM Innovation Studio which has fostered a wealth of innovation, energy and talent in Ireland’s growing aquatech sector since its inception seven years ago,” said Minister McConalogue. “This programme offers a unique opportunity for companies with technology applicable to the globally important aquaculture sector to improve their investor readiness and increase market access.

“Ireland is leading the way in the development of the aquatech sector with some 60 Irish aquatech companies turning over €200 million in 2022 with the potential for significant growth and job creation.”

The Minister welcomed the €15 million investment by ISIF in the Blue Revolution Fund which invests in early stage aquatech companies. “This is a huge vote of confidence in the sector which has enormous potential. Aquatech companies can advance the health of the oceans while providing sustainable seafood regenerative ecosystem services and community benefits.”

Aquatech is any technology or innovation driving sustainable seafood farming, and it can be applied progressively to the breeding, raising, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants.

The BIM Innovation Studio offers opportunities for companies in areas such as pharmaceuticals, marine engineering, genetics, feed additives and artificial intelligence.

Applications for the BIM Innovation Studio are open until 19 July 2024. The BIM Innovation Studio takes place from 1 to 10 October at the Lee Hotel, Cork City. Several companies will then be selected to pitch at the BIM Aquatech Conference on 11 October where the winner of the BIM Aquatech Business of the Year 2024 will also be announced.

“The BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio provides a springboard for aquatech innovations, connecting participants with industry experts, mentors, and investors worldwide,” said Jessica Giannoumis, Hatch Blue’s Aquatech Community Manager for Ireland. “Whether it’s sensor technology, alternative seafood solutions, or water management strategies, this is the ultimate opportunity to refine your aquatech vision.”

Eight to ten successful applicants will be matched with experienced mentors to further develop their business strategy, product or service. They will also have access to a global network of aquaculture technical experts.

Several companies involved in the 2023 Innovation Studio attended a delegation to Southeast Asia last year with Hatch to grow their network and learn more about their potential market.  The delegation has secured potential business opportunities on foot of this.

Aquamonitrix, a Carlow based company, is delivering a dataset to the water industry on nitrates and nitrites that are toxic to fish, but which were previously impossible to measure in real time.

The company had previously participated in the BIM innovation Studio.

The Innovation Studio supports the ambitious goals set out in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Food Vision 2030 Strategy, including to promote Ireland as a knowledge base for aquaculture technology and research and attract external investment into the sector.

Significant growth occurred in the seafood-tech sector over the last five years with the number of active companies growing from 42 in 2016 to 62 in 2021, according to BIM’s Business of Seafood 2022 report. Over this period employment in these companies increased from 517 in 2016 to 892 in 2021 while turnover increased from €86m in 2016 to €217m in 2021

For further information and to apply visit:  https://bim.ie/news-and-events/news/bims-2023-aquatech-innovation-studio-programme-now-open-for-applicants/

Evolve IP Develops A More Powerful AI Voice With AI Studio Innovation

Cloud collaboration service provider, Evolve IP, is shouting about the launch of a new AI-powered in-queue, on-hold call solution, which can help transform the customer experience and dramatically increase reseller revenue streams.

AI Studio enables the creation of professional welcome greetings, auto-attendant, interactive voice response and call menu recordings, mixing them with licence-free music ready to play to queuing and holding callers.

AI Studio, part of the Anywhere Product Suite, is a dynamic white-label offering, developed from a new partnership with industry experts PromptVoice. It combines professional voice artists with AI voices as part of ‘light touch’ management, with recordings available in minutes.

Satisfaction

Evolve IP’s Solutions Director, Scott Rixon, says an improved caller experience plus new opportunities to market and upsell to a captive audience are some of the many benefits, along with simplified call management, particularly outside of business hours.

Increased customer satisfaction, more repeat business and more regular monthly reseller revenue streams can also be generated. 

“Anywhere AI Studio represents a major step forward to deliver a wealth of choice and AI recordings in minutes all from a simplified and streamlined management platform,” he explained. “This improves the caller experience, provides enhanced customer satisfaction and a lucrative monthly recurring revenue stream for resellers – where ‘freemium’ upgrades can help win more up-sell business.”

He added: “It’s a perfect fit for any business of any size and a welcome addition to our powerful Anywhere Product Suite, and work from anywhere ethos.”

Evolve IP’s Solutions Director, Scott Rixon

Impact

PromptVoice Head of Channel, Laura Maddocks says the new solution is designed to transform outbound communications in a fast, easy and effective way, delivering greater and more professional impact.

“It’s a solution that provides much more than just high-quality recordings,” she emphasised. “There’s a fully integrated AI scripting tool to speed up scripting, voice and music selection – plus over 10,000 professionally scripted and pre-recorded messages to simply use or tailor to exact requirements.

“In addition, AI Studio provides access to more than 50 languages and dialects from over 350 professional voice artists. There’s access to a vast library of licence-free music, unlimited bespoke recordings all from the very latest AI characters.”

More details can be found here: https://www.evolveip.net/en-gb/en-gb/solutions/ai-studio