Tag: tech

An integrated approach to realise a 5G future

By Marc O’Regan, Chief Technology Officer for EMEA at Dell Technologies

5G is set to completely transform the mobile communications network. Yet rarely discussed are two key components to its success: edge and cloud. The reality is that cloud solutions facilitate the cost efficiencies and pace of innovation that make 5G such an exciting prospect – and hybrid cloud is the firm favourite amongst organisations seeking new network speeds.

But businesses, like telecom operators, for example, can’t simply adopt existing available cloud technology. Instead, they need a bespoke cloud platform designed for their requirements and challenges. If 5G Private Mobility and associated technologies are to achieve their true potential, telecom operators need to incorporate highly scalable cloud-native infrastructure into their rollouts. This is a complex task, requiring expertise from trusted technology partners.

The 5G Challenge

Understanding that software is just one piece of the cloud is important. Hardware, services, and additional tools are needed to bring a cohesive cloud strategy together. Therefore, collaboration with experts and integration with other technologies are important parts of the 5G ecosystem in order to achieve a successful outcome.

Many need to question their understanding of 5G – it’s often not what they think. It is software driven, born from and Native to Cloud – and it’s still relatively young. It is the transformer and provider of new cloud-based services. One of the first beneficiaries of this will be rural broadband services. 5G will help progress rural connectivity by using mobile networks to close digital divides, bringing broadband to homes at a reduced cost – without the disruptive need to drag fibre up the driveway.

Meanwhile, 5G will also power a new range of devices and services across industries. In high-density areas such as a Rugby or football stadium – where previously signal bars would be low – now, not only will fans have accessible signal, but they will also have entirely new content-driven experiences. For example, streaming a try or goal via mobile phone from a close-up viewpoint will augment the in-stadium experience. Similarly, at live gigs, concert goers will be able to stream close-ups of their favourite musicians and players live.

The opportunities

These opportunities are driven by fundamental cultural shifts – we have moved from an era of content consumption to content creation, transforming our technological needs.

As businesses respond to the potential offered by lower latency, capturing these new enhanced services will enable organisations to monetise 5G networks. But in order to do this, they need to be nurtured, provided with technological expertise and develop a good level of business savvy.

In the industrial world, 5G will be an enabler of smart factories, providing connectivity for devices in remote locations and streamlining processes. Industrial IoT (Internet of Things) and automation powered by edge technologies are key in this context. Automation has a role to play in the network itself, helping service providers deploy their work. For enterprises looking to leverage automation in their factories, such as warehouse automation for retailers, 5G accelerates that automation with an immediate impact on both the bottom line and the top line of an enterprise. It will be possible for businesses to achieve more in a shorter time because the robots will go faster, and because the response to any needs or obstructions will be resolved faster.

We also have the intersection between 5G and other Emerging Technologies like Machine Learning and Intelligence that will allow us to build and scale new digital services at the point of Data creation. Using new blends of algorithms, Data Scientists can work in teams of OT and IT personnel to scrum their way toward new essential services delivered through information that is extracted from the Edge, near the sensors, alarms, pumps and actuators powered by new and powerful AI Models that are driven by architecture that combines the ability to drive high yield and draw low power in the factory environments and beyond.

Bespoke cloud technologies for telecoms

Underpinning everything is the quest to modernise networks and embrace cloud operating models which provide more choice, speed, and agility – especially in the vital sector of telecommunications. Ultimately, telecom operators want Open Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies that offer better performance and efficiency. The growing open ecosystem offers telecoms greater choice in their technologies and partners as they modernise to cloud-native networks. Telecoms need the various technologies of the open ecosystem to work together seamlessly to offer differentiated edge services and reduce costs.

That’s where Dell Technologies can help and add value. We began building telecom-grade servers and partnering with telecom cloud vendors to create telecom cloud platforms that are pre-integrated, pre-validated, and proven to work out of the box. We have added infrastructure automation tools to make it simple to deploy and manage virtualised network functions at the edge, in the RAN, and the core on purpose-built, standards-based, bare-metal servers. This will give cloud and service providers a scalable cloud foundation. Also, with the introduction of Dell Telecom Multi-Cloud Foundation, we are providing telecoms with a simple way to build and deploy open, cloud-first networks faster with less cost. We’re laying the cloud foundation for an open software ecosystem.

According to Government targets, all Irish households and businesses are set to be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028 and all populated areas by 5G by 2030. 5G is an indispensable part of our data-driven future and can unlock the value of data in unprecedented ways. However, to get there, telecommunications companies and the public sector alike need expert partners and a solid foundation of cloud and edge. By adopting this approach, they can deliver agility and reduce operational and capital expenditures, with an open, software defined, cloud native, and data centric approach that can bring innovation to market and allow them to realise the vast opportunities presented by the 5G future.

First Look – Urbanista SEOUL gaming earbuds

Urbanista are a brand that deliver quality audio products at affordable prices and we here are a big fan of their products, mostly known for their colorful products the company has catered for the music listener over the years, this time around these earbuds are for the gamers out there which is a nice move and I look forward to checking these out, gaming earbuds now are a growing product on the market with many manufacturers now beginning to add them to their product portfolio and we will see some of those here soon on techbuzz so stay tuned for those, check out the latest earbuds below and if you have any questions fire away.

Unrivalled Immersion
Priced at £89.90 / €89.90 / $89.90 / 899 SEK / 899 NOK / 899 DKK MRSP, Seoul boasts full compatibility with iOS, Android and other devices with Bluetooth® support, such as Nintendo Switch, and combines Urbanista’s trademark minimal Scandinavian design with a choice of four stylish colours, inspired by Seoul’s high-tech lifestyle: Midnight Black (black), Electric Blue (blue), Vivid Purple (purple), and Pearl White (white).

 

Urbanista Seoul Key Features

  • 70 ms latency mode
  • Noise-cancelling microphone
  • 8 hours Playtime
  • 32 hours of Total Playtime
  • Wireless charging case holds up to 3 charges
  • USB Type-C charging
  • Touch controls
  • IPX4 water-resistant protection
  • Siri and Google Voice Assistant
  • Silicon tips included in 3 different sizes

BUY 

Video Link

Almost 9 in 10 Irish Organisations Will Be Impacted by Google’s Cookie Changes

Marketing departments of organisations throughout Ireland are undergoing a fundamental shift in the way they use and capture data as a result of changes to how businesses can use 3rd party cookies. However, a survey from Compliance Institute of 144 compliance professionals within Irish organisations throughout the country, has found that although the oncoming changes from Google around the use of 3rd party cookie data will have implications for almost 9 in 10 businesses, there’s a widespread lack of awareness, with 74% of respondents say there’s little to no awareness of the issue within their organisation.

The survey also looked at whether or not marketing and compliance teams were working together to prepare and develop new data collections strategies in advance of these changes – more than half said there was no coloration at all, while a further 14% say they would like to be working more closely with the marketing department.

Michael Kavanagh, CEO of Compliance Institute (formerly Association of Compliance Officers in Ireland (ACOI), said the results point to a communication issue within Irish organisations that requires attention.

“In 2023, Google Chrome will block third party cookies and ca. 65% of the market globally, it will force marketers to consider other options. However, these findings point towards a lack of awareness, a lack of preparation, and possibly a lack of collaboration. All of which are concerning from a compliance perspective.

What this tells us is that organisations need to look at the area of data from a more holistic viewpoint. This is not just the domain of the marketers within the business – anything that relates to the collection or capture of data contains a GDPR element, which of course, is led, in the main, by compliance professionals.

It wasn’t all that long ago that the Data Protection Commission (DPC) issued a guidance note titled “Cookies and other tracking technologies”, which outlined what the DPC  considers best practice, and intended to ensure greater levels of adherence across Irish organisations. At the time, Irish organisations were required to review their cookie policies to ensure they met the standards as set by the EU.  It was at that stage collaboration between marketing and compliance teams was necessary to ensure that the organisation had all its t’s crossed and I’s dotted.

We need the same type of collaboration now”.

The Compliance Institute survey asked:

How much awareness is there in your organisation around the forthcoming changes from Google, and are actions being taken as a result?

 

                                                                                                                                                           %

  • A lot of awareness and we have made/ are making changes                                        8
  • A lot of awareness but we have yet to make any changes                                              5
  • A little awareness – some actions taken/ planned                                                         13
  • A little awareness – no actions taken/ planned                                                               24
  • No awareness that I know of                                                                                               37
  • It doesn’t apply to us                                                                                                             13

How closely are you working with your marketing department in the development of alternative data strategies to replace third party cookies?                                                                         

 

                                                                                                                                                         %

  • Very closely                                                                                                                           18
  • We are working with them a little                                                                                      17
  • Not at all                                                                                                                                 51
  • We would like to be working more closely with the market department on this       14

Mr. Kavanagh concluded,

“It is evident from our survey that greater cross collaboration and communication is needed marketers need to do more to engage with their compliance colleagues and vice versa.”

 

Tech Review – JBL Live Pro 2 True Wireless

It is great to see some new tech from JBL and the first review we have is their latest true wireless earbuds the all new Live Pro 2 and there is plenty more to come from the brand this year and it all looks good from seeing it hands on at their launch event last month in Dublin, for the last few weeks I have been testing the latest true wireless and I have been very impressed with them.

The presentation is as always great with JBL products especially their earbuds which come in the traditional box we are all familiar with and you can see the full unboxing on our YouTube channel where we go hands on with all our tech for better context check out the presentation and unboxing HERE 

Again these can easily be an airpod alternative and most likely better due to the new features provided and again Apple have a serious competitor on their hands here given the love they get and for me these are again better and cheaper, better build looks and design too so an all round winner in those departments.

They fit really well too and again like any earbuds check out the tips and get the right fit to get the full audio experience as within the app you get to ensure the fir is right and it might take a few goes to get this right which was a bit annoying however it is worth it in the end trust me, the fit is snug once you pick the right tips great noise isolation that is notable straight away and you cant really ignore that fact when trying them out. After that you are good to go once you check out the app and we go through this in the video review so you can see what you are getting.

The app itself has plenty of features which are great and you can control your earbuds from there or from the buds themselves, also I must point out take the left side out first then the second to get both going do not take both out at the same time as I have had several ask about not being able to connect one side.

The sound is where it matters most for people and they are fantastic, they are loud punchy nice bass highs lows and mids are fine and direction, they for me are one of the best earbuds so far this year and up there a the top tier costing less money competitors and giving better sound and app options to play around with to get the right notes for you.

You have 11mm drivers in these guys and six mics so calls are also great and during my testing both ends clear, noise cancelling on these is also pretty good and one of the best ones in this area this year and you have other options to play with with ambient and hear your own voice which is not present in many earbuds today. One thing missing that could of been included was the support for aptx codec but with the app you can fine tune to your own needs and still get an excellent audio experience at a great price.

You get extra niceties with wireless charging and quick charge too which helps and also what is cool is the use of Google assistant again we demo this in the video below so do check that out for more details. You also get dual connect and you have an IPX5 rating. On a budget of the asking price then? Pick these up you will not be disappointed.

 

JBL LIVE Pro 2 Features:

●      JBL’s Signature Sound from 11mm drivers

●      Up to 40 hours of playback time (10 hours in the earbud; 30 hours from charging case)

●      True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with smart ambient

●      6 microphones with noise and wind isolation technology

●      Dual Connect + Sync with Google Fast Pair

●      Hands-Free Voice Control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

●      All Access Touch Control or use via the dedicated JBL headphone app

●      IPX 5 rating (waterproof and sweatproof)

●      Speed charge 15 mins = 4 hours

●      Qi compatible charging

●      Price: €149

Video Link 

 

The world’s first transformable TWS earbuds, the JBL Tune Flex with ‘Sound Fit’ technology

Listen your way with the newest addition to the JBL Tune series. The first earbuds to feature JBL’s ‘Sound Fit’, the Tune Flex TWS earbuds deliver personalised sound with the perfect fit for every lifestyle.

One pair of earbuds, two different listening styles. Stay connected to your surroundings with the natural, open design or pop on a pair of the sealing ear tips – there’s three sizes included – to block out distractions and prevent sound leakage. Flex between the open or sealed design and then further personalise performance with ‘Sound Fit’ via the JBL Headphones app.
Earbuds that move through your day with you. JBL Tune Flex brings six modes of ANC tuning so whether using open or sealed eartips, on the go or at home, you can choose the best noise cancelling experience to suit you.
Listen up no matter where you’re going. With JBL Pure Bass Sound, the JBL Tune Flex is engineered to keep listeners inspired throughout the day. With up to 8-hour battery life in the earbuds and up to 24 more in the case, performance is never compromised – whether it’s talking to friends, travelling abroad or relaxing at home.

Flip open and pair with your device – you’re connected for calls, music and more. With Dual Connect, you’re good with one earbud or both, plus 4 different microphones so you can take your calls hassle free. Connect with your surroundings using the hands free voice control with Google Assistant.

Built to last, the JBL Tune Flex is designed with style and substance in mind. Vibrant or classic, choose from three colourways (black, blue or white) or dare to be bold with the JBL Tune Flex Ghost special edition – whip out the purple, black or white depending on your style.
The JBL Tune Flex earbuds come in JBL’s latest eco-friendly packaging and are available in September from uk.jbl.com for £89.99.

Features of the JBL Tune Flex:

●       JBL Pure Bass Sound

●       Active Noise Cancelling (2-Mic) with Smart Ambient

●       4 microphones for crisp, clear calls

●       JBL sound fit – open ear and sealing ear tips

●       3 sizes of sealing ear tips

●       Up to 8H in the earbuds + 24H in the case with ANC off

●       Speed charge

●       IPX4 splash proof certified

●       Hands-Free Voice Control with Google Assistant

●       Customisable all-access touch control through the JBL Headphones App

Reshaping the e-scooter – introducing bo

Today, UK micromobility startup bo announces its first product, the bo M. bo M is a radical rethink and total redesign of the e-scooter, introducing the single biggest innovation leap in scooter technology: Safesteer™.

With electric scooters traditionally seen as unsafe and unreliable, bo exists to set new standards in safety, comfort and design. bo M is the world’s first electric scooter focused on empowering people to transition out from their cars.

“We spent 3 years developing the bo M for everyone who can see the potential of the e-scooter, but who finds today’s scooters too unsafe, impractical for daily use, or simply not well designed” says Oscar Morgan, bo CEO. “Our mission has been to develop game-changing features and safety enhancements such as Safesteer, whilst using our experience in automotive design to build a scooter people feel proud to own and ride. 

Grounded in safety, bo M features Safesteer™ riding stabilisation alongside the 360 degree Light Halo system. For unrivalled comfort the bo M uses Airdeck and refined vehicle geometry with a generous wheelbase, optimised steerer angle and wide handlebars. Finally, challenging traditional scooter design, the unique bo Monocurve chassis and seamless feature integration combine to deliver an exceptional commuting experience.

The new safety standard  | SafesteerTM    

A world first in electric scooters, bo is introducing active riding stabilisation with SafesteerTM  technology, setting the benchmark for control and confidence.

The technology stabilises and smoothes the steering across bumps, dips and potholes to keep the rider in perfect control.
This fundamental shift in vehicle dynamics means the single greatest concern of new and experienced e-scooter riders is eliminated.

Light Signature  | 360 Light Halo
360 degree Light Halo and high power headlight for forward visibility

bo’s distinctive Daytime Running Light (DRL) wraps around the Monocurve chassis to create Light Halo, a world first in the sector: 360 degree light visibility. This signature design dramatically increases road presence and awareness from other road users.

Alongside Light Halo, a powerful secondary headlight illuminates the road ahead, while a wide-angle high-lumen rear light keeps you seen from behind, flashing brightly when users brake.

Comfort | Airdeck

Searching for an optimised solution to ride comfort led to bo M’s engineered elastomer Airdeck, based on the same material technology found in high performance running trainers. The lightweight deck panel is tuned to remove road vibrations – removing the need for complex and ineffective suspension systems.

With 50km of range, all day riding comfort is the priority: Airdeck, plus wide pneumatic tyres keep the road bumps out. Additionally, the bo M geometry is optimised for stability and ergonomics, including wider handlebar at 580mm, a generous 930mm wheelbase for more standing room, and a 76 degree steering angle for naturally controlled dynamics.

Punctures are a common commuter concern, so the bo M is specified with high quality tubeless pneumatic tyres – eliminating pinch punctures and maximising grip on the road.

The shape of things to come | Monocurve chassis

Reshaping the electric scooter with bo’s unique Monocurve chassis represents a foundational shift in vehicle design and engineering – the single greatest sector advancement since electric scooters arrived in our cities.

Alongside strength and reliability, bo M’s aluminium chassis has been designed to enable every innovation, from Safesteer to Lock and Load, Light Halo to Airdeck, without adding complexity for the user.

The unbroken Monocurve chassis is the first structure in this sector designed to true automotive principles, seamlessly combining function with design

Harry Wills, bo CTO added, “Aware that to some it is controversial, we made a conscious decision to eliminate the fold, launching bo M with an unbroken Monocurve chassis.

“bo M is designed for commuters travelling home to work who value exceptional ride, safety and reliability above all else. Creating this new category, between a traditional e-scooter and an e-bike, our research discovered that the majority of people seldom or never use the fold. It represented a point of weakness, so that directed us to this final design”

Bags of potential | Lock and Load

E-scooter riders no longer have to be restricted to a backpack. The bo Monocurve chassis does not twist as you steer, keeping luggage hooked on the two secure load hooks stable and swing-free while you ride.

The hidden, built-in steel dual mount system doubles as a locking point – making it simple to secure the bo M with confidence using a standard D-lock. For full peace of mind should the owner lose sight of their bo M, the bosecure system of GPS tracking, motor locking, loud anti-tamper alarms and mobile notifications kick in.

The bo M is available for pre-order from bo.world. RRP £1,995 or £69 p/m. Shipping Spring ‘23

All You Need to Know About Professional AV Solutions

Now that we are back to normal, it is time that we bid adieu to the presentations where all we needed to do was share the screen in our zoom or Google meet meetings. Instead, it is time that we equip ourselves well enough and incorporate audio-visual systems, which are important for the smooth running of the meetings. Not only for office-related requirements but the need for professional AV control solutions has also been thoroughly felt in other aspects like educational institutions.

But where do you get hold of a choice who will be eager to sell you great equipment and make sure that you have your hands on the right service? At this juncture that we believe a solution like Biamp Systems is extremely needed.

What Is an Audio-Visual System?

Now we come to the most important part of the discussion. What does one mean by an audio-visual system? The term is quite self-explanatory, and it refers to a screen that can help you display your visual presentation and, at the same time, is capable of audio support. The idea is to make sure that everyone can see the presentation in one go and have access to audio inputs if there is a need for the same.

Biamp Systems is your one-stop solution if you require such a system and want the functioning of your office to go smoothly. Many options currently claim to provide you with good services; however, most are not up to the mark. The onus at Biamp Systems is to make sure you can make the most professional audio-visual experience instantly. These are very easy to use as well.

Conclusion

If you require professional AV solutions and that too at a great price range, the only option that you need to trust is none other than Biamp Systems. Contact them today!

Tech Review – Mixcder E9 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

If you are into bass and on a budget look no further these headphones have this have a deep sound and excellent ANC too and from testing these and other high end headphones in recent times the ANC on these cans is up there with the more expensive headphones. The headphones have no app but is not required really if you fit into the overall sound stage from these headphones.

There is simple controls here split between both sides and is kept really simple you have an ANC toggle a power on/off toggle that acts as a play/pause button too and you have volume keys, these are nicely raised and easy to navigate and work quite well.

Comfort is another thing here, deep soft cups that give great passive noise isolation out of the box and that is a good start, they have a ratchet style of arms which are marked to ensure both sides are the same when wearing them and they also have good maneuverability on the ears too to get the best fit for you.

Heightened Listening Experience

Features dual 40mm Neodymium Iron Boron dynamic drivers coupled with strong audio codecs to deliver virtually natural and authentic sound quality without distortion. With Bluetooth V5.0, E9 ensures a smoother watching and listening experience delivering sound in sync with visual media. Enjoy your favorite tracks and videos with stunning accuracy, rich details, exceptional clarity, and synchronised sound.

Bass is where it is at with these headphones and this is who these are for, not only that if you like your music in deeper tones they are for you too however overall they perform really well with all genres and for music, gaming and movies you will enjoy the deeper tone to this pair of headphones if that is what you prefer but regardless they give an overall good audio experience for the price.

See the video review for more below and how these headphones work.

BUY on Amazon

Buy from official store

Video Review

 

 

Irish Fintech Money Jar Announces 100 New Jobs

Today, Irish owned fintech, Money Jar, announced the creation of 100 new jobs to drive expansion of the company in Ireland and across Europe. The highly skilled roles in software engineering, compliance and security, product management and design, marketing, sales, account management and customer support, will enable Money Jar to scale its platform and footprint internationally.

Money Jar met with An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar earlier today to brief him on the expansion and job creation. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Leo Varadkar said: “It’s fantastic to see an Irish company go from strength to strength and see such success. We’ve worked hard to create a warm and welcoming environment for our tech entrepreneurs and it’s really encouraging to see Money Jar’s ambitious growth plans and their progress to date. I wish the team all the very best with this next stage.”

Commenting on the expansion at Government Buildings today, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Money Jar, Johan Reveillard, said: “The leading-edge technologies that underpin the Money Jar platform are security, functionality, and usability. At Money Jar we have been very adept at harnessing technological innovations to launch new functionality, generate value for the consumer, and shape the competitive landscape. With these new roles, we will continue to challenge traditional financial institutions and their offering, as they will need to invest considerably on top of the gathering wave of financial industry disruption.”

Money Jar currently employs 22 people and has ambitious plans to ensure efficient, convenient, and secure digital financial management for its customers and to develop its services in line with this. John Harkin, Executive Chairman of Money Jar, said: “Money Jar is one of the most diverse and fully functioning neobanks on the market today. The expansion and the creation of 100 new jobs will allow us to further our commitment to promote responsible money management in Ireland and across Europe.”

The expansion plans have been realised with the support of Enterprise Ireland through its High Performance Start Up programme. Jenny Melia, Manager of the Technology & Services team at Enterprise Ireland commented: “Ireland’s reputation for Fintech excellence continues with Money Jar. We are delighted to support Money Jar to expand internationally. It is an ambitious growth strategy, and the employment plans are tangible evidence of the potential of this Irish-owned start-up.”

Founded in 2019, Money Jar is the only Irish fintech to offer an Irish IBAN to enable customers to complete their day-to-day transactions online. It is also the only digital current account to offer cash lodgement through collaboration with Payzone. And, Money Jar can manage cross-border transfers, allowing transactions in several foreign currencies through its partnership with Currency Cloud, a leader in international payments.

Recruitment for the 100 new roles has already begun with a view to 50 jobs being created by July 2023 and 100 jobs by the end of March 2024. The roles will be made available to people not only in Ireland, but remotely across Europe. The lifting of restrictions, coupled with remote working has created a cohort of customers that are digitally savvy. Financial management at your fingertips is more important than ever.