Tag: #TEAMS

How technology is reshaping the sports industry in Ireland

The way Irish people experience sports has changed dramatically over the past decade. What used to be a simple affair of showing up at the stadium or turning on the telly has evolved into something far more complex and, frankly, more interesting. Technology has seeped into every corner of the sports world, and Ireland is no exception to this global shift that’s transforming how we play, watch, and engage with athletics.

From grassroots GAA clubs using performance tracking apps to Premier League fans streaming matches on their phones during lunch breaks, the digital transformation is everywhere you look. It’s not just about watching anymore. It’s about engaging, analysing, and participating in ways that weren’t possible even five years ago. The technology has fundamentally altered the relationship between fans and the sports they love.

Data analytics changing how teams compete

Professional sports teams in Ireland have embraced data analytics with open arms. The days of relying purely on a manager’s gut feeling are fading fast. Today, decisions about player selection, tactical approaches, and even transfer targets are increasingly driven by numbers and algorithms that process thousands of data points.

Rugby teams like Leinster Rugby have invested heavily in performance analysis departments. Every training session is recorded, every match dissected frame by frame by analysts looking for patterns and opportunities. Players wear GPS trackers that monitor their movements, heart rates, and fatigue levels throughout matches and training. Coaches receive detailed reports that help them tailor training programmes to individual needs and identify potential injury risks before they become serious problems.

This data-driven approach has filtered down to amateur levels too. Club managers now have access to affordable tools that would have seemed like science fiction a generation ago. The democratisation of sports technology means that a Sunday league team can analyse their performance with similar methods to professional outfits, albeit on a smaller scale and budget.

The streaming revolution

Traditional broadcasting is facing serious competition from digital alternatives. Irish sports fans increasingly prefer the flexibility of streaming services over conventional TV packages that lock them into fixed schedules. Being able to watch a match on your tablet while commuting or catching up on highlights during a coffee break has changed consumption patterns significantly across all demographics.

The GAA’s decision to stream more matches online opened up access for the diaspora scattered across the globe. An emigrant in Sydney can now watch their home county play championship football in real time, something that was impossible just a decade ago. That connectivity matters, both emotionally for fans abroad and commercially for the organisation. It keeps people engaged with Irish sports regardless of where life has taken them.

Fan engagement in the digital age

Sports consumption has become increasingly interactive in recent years. Fans don’t just watch passively; they comment on social media in real time, participate in fantasy leagues that require careful analysis, check live statistics on their phones, and follow sports betting markets in Ireland to see how odds shift during matches. The second screen experience, where viewers engage with their phones while watching on television, has become completely standard practice for most fans.

Clubs have adapted by building their digital presence substantially. Social media accounts, dedicated mobile apps, and regular online content keep fans connected between matchdays. The relationship between supporters and their teams now extends far beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch. It’s a continuous conversation that technology has made possible and that fans have come to expect.

Wearable technology and athlete performance

The gadgets athletes wear have become increasingly sophisticated over the years. Heart rate monitors, sleep trackers, and recovery apps give both professional and amateur athletes insights into their bodies that previously required expensive laboratory testing. Irish athletes competing at international levels rely heavily on this technology to optimise their preparation and recovery.

Even recreational runners training for the Dublin Marathon use GPS watches and training apps that provide personalised coaching advice. The technology adapts to your performance over time, suggests workout adjustments based on your progress, and tracks improvement over weeks and months. What was once available only to elite athletes is now accessible to anyone with a smartphone and the motivation to use it.

The integration of technology into Irish sports will only deepen in coming years. Virtual reality experiences that put fans pitchside from their living rooms, artificial intelligence that predicts match outcomes with increasing accuracy, and ever more sophisticated performance tracking are all on the near horizon. The challenge for sports organisations will be embracing these innovations while preserving what makes live sport special in the first place: the unpredictability, the atmosphere, and the shared human experience of supporting a team through good times and bad.

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.

 

 

Jabra reinforces headset leadership with new Evolve3 Series

Jabra, a global leader in professional audio and video solutions, today announces the launch of the Evolve3 series, the next generation of its market-leading headset lineup. Building on the success of Evolve and Evolve2, this latest evolution introduces a boomless mic design with class-leading comfort and portability, future-ready voice access for AI and real-time adaptive noise cancellation. It’s engineered to be the first true cross-over headset, built to meet the needs of today’s hybrid professionals and designed for day-to-day personal use. 

The Evolve3 85 (over-the-ear) and Evolve3 75 (on-the-ear) offer professional-grade voice clarity and all-day comfort in a modern, contemporary and Danish design. Whether switching between meetings, concentrating on complex projects or using voice to activate AI tools, Evolve3 is built to match the pace and flexibility of modern work.  

Poor sound quality remains a top concern for today’s professionals, with 99 percent of knowledge workers reporting that bad audio impacts online meetings and call quality ranking as the number one pain point in headset use. Despite this, only 20% are using an enterprise grade headset and rely on other solutions, with 46 percent still bringing consumer headsets to work, which often lack the clarity, comfort and compatibility needed for professional communication.

There is a preference for consumer headset design, and Evolve3 is intended to meet this challenge with a cross-over experience that delivers professional grade performance paired with matching consumer expectations on design. For the first time, users will sound professional but look smart, regardless of wearing it for prolonged time in the office, being on calls in an airport, listening to media on a flight, taking meetings while commuting in traffic or any other situation where you need a headset. Evolve3 delivers clear speech in any environment, even outdoors, which is a significant step up in performance from the previous Jabra Evolve2 85 and 75 boom arm products. 

Distraction-free conversations in any environment 

Evolve3 features Jabra ClearVoice, a combination of deep neural network (DNN) technology and Jabra’s multi-mic algorithms. Inspired by how the human brain filters noise in a crowded room, and leaning on technology from GN’s hearing division, the DNN model processes layers of sound data to distinguish the user’s voice from surrounding noise without the need for a visible boom arm. This means you can now always be heard clearly on a call with all background noise blocked. This AI-driven approach works with the hardware to enable discreet mic placement while maintaining high level clarity.  

Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) responds in real time to both your environment and how the headset fits. Unlike most headsets, the ANC on Evolve3 85 and 75 continues to block out distractions even during calls, not just between them. Whether in a meeting or listening to music, Jabra Evolve3 helps users stay in the zone with fewer interruptions.  

Designed for both work and pleasure 

Unlike traditional professional headsets, Jabra Evolve3 85 and Jabra Evolve3 75 offer a minimalist design that fits the flexibility of modern work scenarios as well as most user’s wish for a clean, every-day look. This makes Evolve3 a true cross-over headset from professional to leisure use. The Evolve3 85 is an over-the-ear headset designed for immersive focus, while the Evolve3 75 offers an on-the-ear fit for lighter wear with greater environmental awareness. Both models are the most compact and lightweight design in their class, setting new standards for comfort and portability. 

Voice-ready for the future of work 

Evolve3 supports voice interaction through seamless and accurate access to Gen AI, enabling professionals to use voice input in mobile and screen-free scenarios. Powered by Jabra ClearVoice, this system uses AI-driven deep learning technology trained on more than 60 million real-world sentences to isolate speech from background noise with high accuracy. In real-world environments, it delivers AI-ready performance capturing 96% of words accurately across tested environments (99% in open office), even without a visible boom-arm. This helps users with AI prompts, to complete tasks, issue commands or dictate messages on the go. Voice input is up to three times faster than typing, making it a practical option for staying productive in mobile or screen-free situations. 

Smart, secure and scalable 

The Evolve3 series is certified for major UC platforms, includes a pre-paired Bluetooth adapter for instant and secure connectivity and supports Bluetooth Native for connection directly to devices. With the Jabra Plus Management software, IT teams can manage devices remotely, push firmware updates and configure settings through a central dashboard. End-users benefit from the new Jabra Plus mobile app with customisation options like equalizer controls, wind noise reduction and quick firmware updates from their smartphone. A desktop version of the Jabra Plus app will be available later in 2026. 

Both headsets also feature replaceable batteries for extended product life, in compliance with repair legislation. With up to 25 hours of calls and 120 hours of music, wireless charging and fast charging that provides up to 10 hours of power in just 10 minutes, the Evolve3 series is designed to keep professionals connected and powered throughout the day. 

Calum MacDougall, President at Jabra says, “In today’s hybrid world your work and life converge into one and with Evolve3 we deliver a real step-change in user experience of a professional headset. This series brings together industry-leading voice technology, a design you want to wear and seamless integration with the tools and platforms you rely on every day both professionally and personally.” 

Key Features shared across both Evolve3 85 and Evolve3 75 

·       Boomless design with Jabra ClearVoice, powered by deep neural network (DNN) technology for professional-grade voice clarity 

·       Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation that adjusts in real-time to environment 

·       Spatial Sound for more natural, and less fatiguing call experiences 

·       Fast-charge support that delivers up to 10 hours of power in just 10 minutes by cable. Wireless charging also available.  

·       Voice input for accurate access to AI workflows and tools 

·       AI-readiness and screen-free productivity 

·       Tuned for high-fidelity music with the LC3 audio codec 

·       Certified for leading virtual meeting platforms (UC-certified variants) 

·       Secure Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity with pre-paired adapter included 

·       Centralised device management through Jabra Plus Management 

·       Customisation and control via the Jabra Plus mobile and desktop (later in 2026) app 

·       Replaceable batteries to extend product life and support battery recycling 

·       Designed with sustainability in mind incl. recycled and bio-circular materials, replaceable parts (batteries and ear cushions) and certified to TCO generation 10 

Jabra Evolve3 85 (Over-the-Ear) Key Features 

·       Over-ear design for maximum immersion and noise isolation 

·       Ideal for professionals needing full focus in louder environments 

·       Extended battery life for 25 hours of call time or 120 hours of listening to entertainment (with ANC/busylight off) and 10-minute fast charge for 10 hours of use 

·       35% slimmer and 23% lighter than Jabra Evolve2 85 

·       Foldable and portable with compact storage case 

Jabra Evolve3 75 (On-the-Ear) Key Features 

·       On-ear design for lighter, more breathable wear 

·       Great for hybrid workers who want greater situational awareness 

·       22 hours of call time or 110 hours of listening to entertainment (with ANC/busylight off) and a 10-minute fast charge for 10 hours of use 

·       More compact and travel-friendly for everyday mobility 

Availability 

·       Jabra Evolve3 85 will be available from March 1, 2026 from £495  

the   Bundle option with wireless charging at £539 

·       Jabra Evolve3 75 will be available from March 1, 2026 from £349  

the   Bundle option with wireless charging at £389 

·       Warm Grey colour variant will be available in select markets from April 2026 

For more information, visit www.jabra.com/evolve3 

See our Jabra Reviews

How to Automate Outreach with AI Staffing for Faster and Smarter Business Growth

In the modern digital landscape, companies are increasingly looking for ways to automate outreach with AI staffing in order to save time, reduce costs, and scale communication without losing quality. By leveraging intelligent automation platforms like AI Staffing by GoPerfect, businesses can transform how they connect with prospects, customers, and partners—making outreach more efficient, personalized, and results-driven from day one.

Understanding Outreach Automation with AI Staffing

Outreach automation goes beyond simple email scheduling tools. When powered by AI staffing, it combines artificial intelligence with trained virtual professionals who help manage, monitor, and optimize communication workflows. This hybrid approach ensures that automation works intelligently while humans maintain strategic control.

AI staffing tools can assist with:

  • Drafting personalized outreach messages
  • Managing follow-ups automatically
  • Segmenting leads based on behavior
  • Updating CRM systems in real time
  • Handling initial conversations before escalation

Instead of replacing teams, AI staffing acts as an extension of your workforce, allowing employees to focus on high-value tasks such as strategy, relationship building, and closing deals.

Why Businesses Are Choosing AI Staffing for Outreach

1. Higher Productivity with Less Effort

Manual outreach requires significant time and consistency. AI staffing automates repetitive actions, enabling teams to reach more people in less time without sacrificing accuracy.

2. Personalization at Scale

AI analyzes user behavior, past interactions, and preferences to tailor outreach messages. This allows businesses to deliver relevant communication that feels human—even when sent in bulk.

3. Improved Lead Response Time

Fast responses can be the difference between winning or losing a lead. AI-powered outreach systems can instantly reply, qualify prospects, or route conversations to the right team member.

4. Consistent Brand Messaging

With predefined tone, templates, and rules, AI staffing ensures all outreach aligns with your brand voice across emails, social media, and other channels.

Real-World Use Cases of AI Outreach Automation

AI staffing solutions are being used across multiple departments, including:

  • Sales Teams: Automated cold outreach, follow-ups, and pipeline nurturing
  • Recruitment Teams: Candidate sourcing, interview scheduling, and reminders
  • Marketing Teams: Personalized email campaigns and lead nurturing journeys
  • Customer Support: Proactive check-ins and feedback collection

For example, an AI assistant can automatically send follow-up emails based on a prospect’s activity, while a human team member steps in once the lead shows interest.

Addressing Common Concerns About AI Staffing

Some businesses hesitate to adopt AI because they fear losing the human touch. In reality, AI staffing enhances human interaction rather than replacing it.

  • Human-in-the-loop approach: AI handles repetitive tasks, while humans manage decision-making and relationships.
  • Customizable workflows: Businesses can define rules, escalation points, and messaging styles to maintain authenticity.

When implemented correctly, AI staffing makes outreach more thoughtful, not robotic.

How to Get Started with AI Staffing for Outreach

If you’re planning to automate outreach with AI staffing, follow these steps:

  1. Audit Your Outreach Process: Identify tasks that are repetitive and time-consuming.
  2. Choose the Right AI Staffing Platform: Look for solutions that blend automation with skilled human support.
  3. Define Clear Guidelines: Set tone, templates, response times, and quality benchmarks.
  4. Train Your Team: Ensure your staff understands how to collaborate with AI tools.
  5. Track Performance: Measure open rates, replies, conversions, and engagement to refine your strategy.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to automate outreach with AI staffing is no longer optional—it’s becoming a competitive advantage. Businesses that adopt AI-driven outreach gain speed, consistency, and scalability while empowering their teams to focus on meaningful work. By combining intelligent automation with human expertise, companies can build stronger connections, improve conversion rates, and grow sustainably.

If you’re ready to modernize your outreach strategy, platforms like GoPerfect’s AI Staffing solution offer a powerful starting point to help your business work smarter and reach further.

How Territory Mapping Can Help Sales Teams Focus on the Right Opportunities

Service organizations count on regular contact and the effective organization of the field activities to attract new clients and retain the old ones. But in the absence of knowing where opportunities are available or how territories should be prioritized, salespeople will waste time by traveling long distances or searching for low-value prospects. Mapping territories is a systematic, graphic way of determining the localization of leads, the manner in which sales resources are distributed, and which locations have the greatest potential. Territory mapping, when coupled with an effective sales pipeline management CRM, will provide organizational understanding and clarity to optimize productivity, ease planning, and reinforce sales performance in each region.

 

5 Reasons Territory Mapping Helps Sales Teams Prioritize Better

 

 

  1. Organized Data and Faster Field Planning Through Paperless Document Tools

The process of territory mapping is made much more effective in combination with the use of paperless document tools that allow removing manual paperwork and providing immediate digital access. The sales teams do not have to use printed maps, handwritten notes, and scattered files anymore, but can access all the details about their clients, lead information, and territory assignments in one online place. This simplified procedure will mean that all the representatives will have the right and updated data in the field.

Mapping visualization and paperless documentation allow easy tracking of opportunities, documentation of client interactions, and the analysis of territory performance without administrative delays. Field reps have the ability to save notes directly into the mapping system and provide office teams with instant feedback on the availability of new opportunities or follow-up requirements. This real-time cooperation will decrease the misunderstandings and assist sales departments in concentrating on the potential opportunities of particular areas.

 

  1. Better Prioritization for High-Value Areas

The process of territory mapping will give a clear picture of the location of the valuable prospects and loyal customers. Sales teams can allocate more time to more opportunity areas than to others since time allocation is evenly spread throughout the service area. Geographic visualization points out the lead groups, the areas with more conversion potential, and the areas where the demand for the services is the greatest.

This can prevent wasting time traveling to prospects who have a low potential or interest in services. Reps can schedule their routes every day and go for opportunities that are worth following and ensure a better utilization of their time and high chances of success. Sales teams can be more efficient, and their fieldwork can yield better and more stable returns by knowing precisely where they yield the greatest results.

 

  1. Improved Lead Management by Region and Category

Mapping the various territories of a business can help companies identify and categorize their leads by region/service type/customer segment so that representatives can work with those leads that are the best fit for their skill set, experience level, and geographical area. Creating these types of segments also helps to consolidate the communications that clients will receive to prevent overlapping outreach and provide a consistent message throughout your company’s entire lead generation process.

When leads are managed on a regional basis, it is easier for organizations to evaluate their performance in the marketplace and identify the markets that are overlooked. Additionally, organizations can analyze how each region interacts with the market dynamics, assess their competition level, evaluate the overall “health” of their sales activity within each region over time, and determine how to adjust their business strategies based on what they observe in each region in “real time.”

 

  1. Streamlined Team Coordination and Accountability

With clearly defined territories, you can eliminate confusion concerning the responsibilities associated with each member of the sales force (sales agents). When all sales representatives know where they have the right to sell products/services, as well as where their commission check will come from, this opens opportunities for sales reps to form alliances with other sales reps and work together toward mutual benefit.

Additionally, by defining the territories within a company’s sales organization, a company’s leadership team is empowered by having a more purposeful and measurable approach to sales activity performance. By establishing accountability based upon the performance of territories, and measuring both activity and results for territories, a company’s leadership will have a much more focused view of which territories are underperforming versus those territories that are performing well and need additional support. 

 

  1. Stronger Forecasting and Strategic Expansion Planning

Mapping territories also aids business expansion planning, as companies can assess potential new markets before actually entering them. In addition, having insight into a territory’s performance enables them to predict sales growth potential, assess resource requirements, and determine whether it is reasonable to expand into that market based on performance measurements and growth potential. Using accurate geographical data, instead of guesswork or speculating, can help reduce risk for companies, improve their ability to make strategic choices in all markets, and eliminate mistakes resulting from using just guesswork.

End Point

When sales teams map out their territories, they can focus on the best opportunities, travel more effectively, manage their prospects more precisely, and maximize their sales resources. Territory mapping combined with a sound CRM system that manages sales pipelines creates a streamlined process by eliminating wasteful efforts and providing insight into how well each region is performing and how its performance can be improved.

EPOS Announce IMPACT 500 Headset For UK & Ireland Market

Manufacturer EPOS today launches the IMPACT 500, an on-ear Bluetooth headset for professionals with dynamic workstyles who demand unrivalled call clarity and active noise cancellation – with a forthcoming option to go dongle free!

The IMPACT 500 combines high-end technology from EPOS AI™ enabling industry-leading voice pick-up, with EPOS BrainAdapt™ that lessens brain fatigue and enhances focus and productivity by as much as 40%, according to internal studies.

Adaptive microphone technology powered by EPOS AI™ intelligently identifies and shuts down noise, heightening the clarity of the speaker’s voice. By using adaptive beamforming technology with three microphones that scan environments 32,000 times per second, the speaker’s voice remains clear and crisp in any open office setting.

The IMPACT 500 will be EPOS´ first native Bluetooth headset – certified for Microsoft Teams Open Office with a planned future software release that supports Teams over native Bluetooth. The dongle-free option creates a more simplified and seamless user experience, with no USB port requirements whilst establishing direct connection to a PC, mobile phone or tablet. It comes with certifications for leading Unified Communication platforms – Microsoft Teams, Zoom Workplace, Cisco WebEx and Google Meet.

The latest headset innovation benefits from EPOS BrainAdapt™ technology that provides a state-of-the-art hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) system, which lessens brain fatigue caused by poor audio, boosting focus and productivity throughout the workday. Proven through clinical studies, EPOS BrainAdapt™ improves the user´s performance and communication by blocking out noise, reducing listening effort by as much as 67%.

Key features include: 

 

  • Clear, natural voice with EPOS industry-leading voice pick-up: EPOS AI™ and expertly tuned microphones remove unwanted noise, making remote conversations feel as real as being there in person. 

 

  • Seamless Microsoft Teams certified calls: Microsoft Teams certified with a future software release that will add support for Teams over native Bluetooth® – For dongle free calls.

 

  • Stay in control of your environment with hybrid ANC: Effectively reduce background noise during calls and when you need to focus, ensuring you remain productive in any work environment.

 

  • Professional performance all day long: Communicate with confidence all day with over 36 hours of talk time, talk-through mode and intuitive boom arm call control.

 

  • Protects from listening fatigue: EPOS BrainAdapt™ technology protects against brain fatigue caused by poor audio and noise, boosting focus and productivity.

The IMPACT 500 is a key addition to the expansion of the IMPACT line of headsets, as EPOS continues to deliver on its mission of unleashing human potential by perfecting audio experiences and steering innovation towards the needs of the global workforce of today and tomorrow.

That’s the view of Jesper Kock, VP of Research & Development at EPOS, who says the IMPACT 500 is designed for office-based as well as hybrid professionals with dynamic workstyles. It can be purchased with or without a dongle, for maximum user convenience.

“The IMPACT 500 continues to reflect our industry-leading pedigree based on cutting-edge innovation and exceptional audio performance, from finely tuned microphones to hybrid ANC and our renowned BrainAdapt™ technology. Native Bluetooth represents the next step in our pioneering headset technology journey, ensuring simpler pairing and no USB port requirements.”

MRSP from £169. Availability: November 4, 2025. Find more information at www.eposaudio.com

See our headset reviews 

Powering the next generation of Irish tech startups

From early-stage SaaS startups in Dublin to scaling fintechs in Cork and Galway, Ireland’s tech ecosystem is thriving. But as competition intensifies, efficiency and agility have become the new currency of growth. For young companies balancing innovation with tight budgets, business cloud storage is now essential. It provides the secure, scalable foundation that keeps data protected, teams connected, and operations running smoothly as startups evolve.

Smarter cloud infrastructure for smarter businesses

Traditional IT setups require heavy upfront investment in servers, software, and maintenance. Business cloud storage removes that burden entirely. Instead of purchasing physical hardware, startups can store, share and back up data online, and pay only for what they use. This approach frees up capital to reinvest in product development, customer acquisition or talent, rather than tying up funds in infrastructure that may quickly become obsolete.

Flexibility and security that scales with ambition

Startups rarely grow in a straight line. Demand can spike overnight after a funding announcement or major partnership. Business cloud storage systems are built for that unpredictability. With scalable storage plans and integrated security, Irish startups can expand capacity instantly without worrying about server upgrades or downtime. This flexibility makes it easier to experiment, pivot, and grow sustainably.

As the number of data breaches continues to rise across Ireland, maintaining data integrity has become a strategic necessity for all companies. Reputable business cloud storage platforms use end-to-end encryption, access controls and regular backups to protect sensitive files from loss or unauthorised access. This level of security not only safeguards company assets but also reinforces trust with clients, partners and investors.

Collaboration without borders

Many Irish startups operate remotely or across hybrid teams. Cloud-based file sharing ensures that everyone—from founders to freelancers—can access up-to-date project files anywhere, anytime. It eliminates version control issues and supports real-time collaboration, even across time zones. 

For small teams trying to move fast, that can be the difference between closing a deal and missing a window of opportunity. Beyond day-to-day communication, it also streamlines client management, onboarding and project delivery and allows teams to share proposals, feedback and updates securely in one place. This seamless connectivity helps startups maintain momentum and consistency as they grow.

Business cloud storage: The bottom line

Business cloud storage is a cost-saving tool and an operational growth enabler. It gives startups the infrastructure of an enterprise at a fraction of the price, letting them focus on what matters most — innovation, execution and scaling.

Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC Review

Having reviewed audio gear and office headsets for over 10 years, I’ve tested a wide range of Poly (formerly Plantronics) products — from dependable Bluetooth models to enterprise-grade headsets. The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is positioned as a premium, business-focused option for hybrid professionals who need comfort, clarity, and seamless connectivity across devices.

Design and Comfort

The Voyager Surround 80 UC is an over-the-head model featuring an ergonomic gap at the top of the headband to reduce pressure points. At 275 grams, it feels comfortable and balanced even during long meetings. The artificial leather ear cushions are soft and breathable, providing a pleasant wearing experience throughout the day.

The overall construction feels solid and businesslike, with subtle branding and a Teams logo for those in Microsoft environments. While the button layout is intuitive for right-handed users, left-handers might find the positioning less natural. Still, it’s a well-designed, durable headset suited to daily professional use.

Controls and Connectivity

Poly combines touch and button controls to handle calls, music playback, and volume with ease. Touch gestures manage playback and volume, while physical buttons cover mute, power, and Bluetooth pairing. 

Connectivity is excellent, with support for Bluetooth 5.3, the included BT700 USB-C adapter, and optional USB-C to 3.5 mm cable for wired use. Pairing with Windows 11, Android, and macOS devices was quick and stable. The headset supports dual-device connectivity, making it easy to switch between laptop and phone without interruptions.

 

What’s in the Box

  • Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC headset
  • Premium carry case with zip pocket for accessories
  • BT700 USB-C Bluetooth adapter
  • USB-C to USB-A adapter 
  • USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable 
  • USB charging cable 
  • User guide

 

The carry case deserves special mention — sturdy, compact, and well thought out, making it ideal for professionals commuting between office and home.

Setup & Software (Poly Lens)

The Voyager Surround 80 UC can be used straight out of the box via Bluetooth, connecting instantly without requiring additional software. However, downloading the Poly Lens app unlocks a range of useful customisation and management options.

With Poly Lens, users can: 

  • Customise headset controls and button functions
  • Enable smart sensors that detect when the headset is worn or removed
  • Automatically pause or resume media, or mute/unmute calls
  • Manage firmware updates and battery monitoring
  • Access Poly Lens Cloud for centralised device management (ideal for IT teams)

The software is well designed and adds real value, particularly for business users who want to tailor their experience or manage multiple devices.

 

Features

  • Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to reduce distractions
  • Six built-in microphones for clear, boomless voice pickup
  • Dual-device Bluetooth connectivity for laptop and phone pairing
  • Touch and button controls for calls, playback, and volume
  • Up to 21 hours talk time / 24 hours listening time
  • DeepSleep mode conserves power when inactive
  • Teams and UC certified for professional collaboration platform
  • Poly Lens integration for software customisation and management
  • 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty for peace of mind

 

Sound and Microphone Performance

Audio performance is impressive for professional use. The six microphones deliver crisp, natural voice pickup and handle background noise effectively through adaptive ANC. The boomless design keeps things tidy while maintaining excellent speech clarity.

During testing across Teams, Zoom, and Android phone calls, the overall audio quality was faultless. Voices were clear, background noise was minimal, and the headset performed reliably across multiple devices.

However, one noticeable drawback was that while mute and volume controls worked correctly on the headset, these actions didn’t always visually reflect in Microsoft Teams across different laptops. The headset muted and adjusted sound as expected, but Teams’ on-screen indicators didn’t always match the headset’s status — a minor but noticeable usability issue.

On Android, by contrast, everything worked seamlessly: media playback, track skipping, and volume control all responded perfectly.

Battery and Power Management

Battery life remains a major strength, with up to 21 hours of talk time or 24 hours of listening time. The DeepSleep mode automatically conserves energy after 24 hours of inactivity, and charging via USB-C is quick and convenient. It’s an ideal companion for long workdays or travel without needing to worry about frequent recharging.

Real-World Experience

In practical use, the Voyager Surround 80 UC delivers exactly what professionals need: reliable connectivity, consistent audio, and all-day comfort. The dual-device connection works flawlessly, allowing smooth transitions between phone and laptop calls.

While the Teams visual feedback issue is worth noting, it doesn’t affect actual functionality or audio performance. The headset remains a dependable tool for business calls and virtual meetings.

Verdict

The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is a high-quality, professional headset built for hybrid workers who spend much of their day in virtual meetings. It offers excellent microphone clarity, strong noise cancellation, long battery life, and a well-designed carry case that makes it easy to travel with.

While it commands a premium price, it’s backed by solid engineering, reliable connectivity, and a two-year warranty. The only minor frustrations lie in the Teams visual control sync issue and sensitive touch controls, but overall, this is a polished, professional headset that performs consistently where it matters most — in call quality, comfort, and usability.

BUY

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Video Review

Jabra Expands Meeting Room Portfolio with Jabra Scheduler

Jabra, a world leader in professional audio and video solutions, today announced the launch of the Jabra Scheduler, a touchscreen scheduling panel that displays meeting room availability and allows users to reserve spaces directly at the room or through their digital calendars. The panel simplifies scheduling by making it easier to find available spaces, prevent double bookings and deliver a seamless experience across Jabra’s meeting room solutions. Made from more than 50% recycled materials, the panel also supports more sustainable manufacturing practices. The Jabra Scheduler will be globally available on November 17, 2025.

A Complete End-to-End Solution

The Jabra Scheduler works seamlessly with both Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms, making it easy to pre-book meetings through a digital calendar or reserve a space directly at the room. Once synced, upcoming meetings appear in real-time on the interactive touchscreen display, showing exactly how long each room will remain available. LED indicators clearly signal whether a space is free or in use, helping reduce interruptions and keep meetings running smoothly.

In addition to complementing Jabra’s audio and video portfolio, the Jabra Scheduler can also be used in environments and rooms that don’t currently feature Jabra devices. This flexibility allows organisations to standardise their scheduling experience across all meeting spaces while still benefiting from Jabra’s high-quality hardware design and integration with leading platforms.

The Right Room for Every Meeting

The Jabra Scheduler makes it easier for employees to quickly find the space that best suits their meeting needs. Its clear touchscreen display shows real-time room availability, helping users see whether a room is available and for how long, reducing interruptions and last-minute confusion.

  • Book ad hoc with confidence: Instantly check if a room is available for the full duration of your meeting.
  • See availability at a glance: The high-contrast display and LED indicators make it easy to spot open rooms.
  • Simplify everyday workflows: Pre-book or reserve on the spot to save time and keep meetings on schedule.

By making it easy to match meeting needs with the right room, organisations can reduce wasted time, avoid double bookings and improve overall meeting efficiency.

Fast, Reliable Deployment

The Jabra Scheduler is designed for quick setup at scale. With integrated cable management, the panel connects directly via a category cable, making installation straightforward once power is in place. It also offers several flexible mounting options, including flat on the wall, angled wall mount, mullion mount or glass, with all hardware included in the box to streamline deployment and minimise complexity.

Devices can be centrally managed through Jabra+, enabling organisations to provision, monitor and update schedulers across multiple locations.

Holger Reisinger, SVP Enterprise Video Business Unit at Jabra, said, “The Jabra Scheduler marks an important expansion of our video and collaboration portfolio, introducing a new product category that completes our meeting room offering. With industry-leading video, professional audio and now intuitive room scheduling, Jabra delivers the full meeting experience from one trusted provider, making it simpler for organisations to deploy, manage and collaborate seamlessly across every space.”

Key Benefits

  • Instant room status – Lightbar and on-screen schedule for quick availability checks.
  • Reliable deployment – Wired connection with easy cable management and plug-and-play setup.
  • Remote-friendly – Spaces can be booked in advance, on-site or off-site.
  • End-to-end integration – Complements Jabra PanaCast portfolio, Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms.

The Jabra Scheduler will be available at an MSRP of £610.

Learn more at: www.jabra.com/jabra-scheduler

See our Jabra Reviews