The QDOS PowerLink COMBI 8-in-1 USB-C Hub is a handy gadget to have if your PC or Laptop lacks ports which of late I find they do even with a recent purchase of an expensive laptop myself, this will give you the opportunity to enhance your overall experience with minimal space taken up and giving you maximum ports at your disposal if you are the one who needs to do more.
You get a well built product that looks neat and is clean with a nice blue light around the product when in use and of course uses USB-C to connect to your chosen working laptop or PC in use. This gives you passthrough charging up to 100W so you can charge whilst working and has 3 X USB 10GB 3.1 high speed ports ideal for using thumb drives and more. You will also find a USB-C port which offers which you PD 3.1 charging, You also get a headphone jack as many laptops like phones have omitted these now and there is a HDMI port also something that lacks theses days, finally you get 1 x SD card reader (480Mbps) and 1 x Micro SD (TF) card reader (480Mbps) so if you have SD cards for you work and so on like I would for example it makes and ideal kit to transfer data between connected devices seamless.
Features
Space Grey, multi-port USB-C Hub with tuck in cable design
Charge your USB-C enabled MacBook/laptop with pass through PD charging at Max 100W
Padmate S58 OWS True Wireless Stereo Earbuds are a familiar looking earbuds and will be over the next year or more as last year we have seen a huge increase in such products from all manufacturers be it air or bone conduction styled, these are like mini speakers in your ears and still offer decent sound despite not being in your ear so to speak.
The design and look is clean and these are very comfortable and can be easily moved around to get the perfect fit, they will not fall off your ears and ideal for the sports fans out there or those who commute in general but anyone can use these..
I have tried around 20 pairs similar now and these have been one of the most comfortable to wear on be it at home or on the move and they feel secure which is important each side has its own controls to make commands on the go or take control of your calls which sounded great by the way.
The sound is no shabby either and sound great despite the lack of an app which means you have fixed controls and no EQ but overall they packed a punch decently loud and have as klight bit of bass but in general not much to complain about with the sound overall, there is a slight leakage element when maxed out but no lag latency no tinny sound either and overall pass the test for this style of earbud.
The controls work well albeit slightly sensitive but works fine every time, you may notice a play or pause command when putting on or removing but asides that the controls get it right all the time every time.
Battery life is also decent too and you can expect around 5 hours per charge and up to 15 per charge with the case this will of course vary by your volume setting and mine is mostly up to the max, there is also a handy LED display on the case to keep you informed of what juice is left.
Check the video below for more and if you are in the market for a new pair of this style of earbuds that are affordable do check them out below.
Padmate S58 OWS earphones – techbuzzireland
Features
Bluetooth 5.3 Connectivity:
Stay seamlessly connected with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 chip, ensuring compatibility with both Android and Apple devices.
Extended Battery Life:
Enjoy 5-6 hours of uninterrupted use on a single charge, making the Padmate S58 perfect for all-day activities.
Crystal-Clear Sound and Noise Reduction:
Immerse yourself in HIFI sound quality and minimize background noise with ENC dual-microphone technology.
User-Friendly LED Display:
Easily monitor battery levels and settings with the intuitive LED digital display.
Comfortable and Secure Fit:
Experience comfort with OWS OPEN EAR technology, featuring top-side insertion, three-point support, and skin-friendly silicone for a secure fit during various activities.
Add a splash of pink to your tech game because, on Wednesdays, we dial pink! Inspired by the highly anticipated Mean Girls movie remake this week, HMD, the makers of Nokia phones, pick their ultimate selection of pink devices that would make ‘The Plastics’ green with envy. The list includes smartphones, a top-selling feature phone and the latest earbud accessory.
And, in case you missed the memo, Mean Girls is back, and this time the drama is set in modern day. In a world where pink reigns supreme, check out HMD’s Pink Phone collection:
Materials: Free of PVC, nickel, brominated and chlorinated compounds. Packaging made of renewable material.
Escape the drama with the current favourite amongst Gen Z, the Nokia 2660 Flip phone. This little gem sold out in 2023 due to demand but is back for more in 2024. It has received high praise globally for its gorgeous clamshell design, simple functionality and…lack of notifications! Create tech-free zones or times to prioritise face-to-face time. The Nokia 2660 Flip phone is affordable, stylish and has plenty of battery to keep you connected.
Materials: Free of PVC, nickel, brominated and chlorinated compounds. Packaging made of renewable material and 100% recyclable
The Nokia G42 5G So Pink brings sass to your tech game – it comes with 5G connectivity so you can seamlessly snap, share, shop, stream in style, all at your own pace. Plus, it’s made with a 65% recycled back cover. If you’ve ever dropped a phone, you’ve probably had to live with a cracked screen. The Nokia G42 5G is built with QuickFix repairability so you can replace cracked screens, bent charging ports and old batteries, all by yourself at home. In collaboration with iFixit, the Nokia G42 5G can be repaired with handy step-by-step repair guides and affordable replacement parts.
Materials: Free of PVC, nickel, brominated and chlorinated compounds. Packaging made of renewable material.
We don’t always know where the day will take us. But, with a three-day battery life, the Nokia C32 is ready to go on that journey with you. With a rear dual camera to capture more light and deliver stunning Night mode shots, it’s perfect for sun set. It’s got a great feel with a glass back and beautiful accent details. Nokia C32 is your new sidekick in the ultimate movie of your life.
*Discounted offer in January sales
The Nokia Clarity Earbuds 2+ So Pink
Price: €89.99
Availability:here *So Pink is not available to shop on IE site yet but coming soon
Colours: So Pink, So Purple, So Grey, Black
Materials: Free of PVC, nickel, brominated and chlorinated compounds. Packaging made of renewable material.
You know what’s fetch? Elevating your audio game with earbuds that match your Mean Girls attitude. Enter the Nokia Clarity Earbuds 2+ – the ultimate accessory for those who slay in pink and mean it. Eco-Fabulous made with 60% recycled plastic, on-the-go charging with a carry case that gives you up to 35 hours of ANC. Come rain or shine, these buds are weather-ready with an IPX4 rating, making them splash resistant.
The House of Marley Little Bird in-ear earphones are the latest earbuds on offer from the brand and next up from the Redemption ANC we tested, they look similar but come in at two different price points and one will ask is there much of a difference between the two which of course there is but how they sound is always that important question.
The Little Bird does not have the same appealing aesthetic looking finish as the Redemption and is missing features and first up is the lack of app access, there is no wireless charging but fast charging is present here. You can expect about 23 hours in total with the case at maxed out volume which is how I listen to my earbuds for the average user with their 75% volume you will hith there 24 ht playtime which is good at this price-point and 15 mins will give you an additional two hours play if you are running low which is pretty decent, there is an indicator on the case to let you know the battery status which is done in flashes from 1- 100% the case is stylish and small and fits into any pocket. They come with an IPX4 rating too.
They sit well in the ears and look good, I always have like the bamboo look on Marley products and these still do not look cheap, they are secure and offer some passive noise isolation when the right tips are used and fitted into the ears. They are light and do not stand out too much but the Bamboo finish does draw attention.
House of Marley Little Bird earbuds – techbuzzireland
We have our controls all present on these little guys, we have play and pause, skip and reverse tracks,volume control and call control there is no auto play or pause and you can toggle between game and movie mode which is neat.
Ok so these are powered with 10mm drivers so you would think the sound might be a tad poor, well this is not the case and they sound much better than one would expect at their price which is dam good and surprised me to be honest and the lack of an app these days is a bug bear for many but with these there is no app required with how they are tuned, they are loud, nice bass highs lows and mids and punchy with no lag latency no distortion and really deliver an excellent audio experince even for those that might be used to having several pair of earbuds, I can safely say these are great for the money.
Crafted from bamboo and recycled plastics, these eco-friendly earbuds offer 6 hours of playtime, and up to 24 hours of listening with 3 additional charges. Intuitive touch controls make music management swift and simple, and the built-in microphone ensures clear calls. Enhance your audio experience with movie and gaming modes and enjoy quick charging via USB-C. The Little Bird Earbuds bring conscious craftsmanship and superior sound together with a natural aesthetic that speaks for itself.
Features
Crafted with sustainable materials
24-hour playtime (with case)
6-hour playtime (without case)
Intuitive touch controls
Built-in microphone
Movie and gaming mode
USB-C Quick Charge
Small, medium and large color-coded ear gels included
McLaren Applied is helping Network Rail maintain the railway following the installation of its F1-derived Fleet Connect software and 5G Edge Active Antenna hardware on 14 of the railway operator’s infrastructure monitoring trains. This first implementation of Active Antenna’ technology in the UK brings a new, simplified approach to on-train connectivity infrastructure and an advanced capability for data offload on the move.
The combined tech solution delivers far greater connectivity and performance, with Network Rail registering upload data improvements of up to one thousand times faster than previous systems, meaning upload speeds of up to 70MB/s per train versus 76kB/s previously.
The UK’s infrastructure monitoring trains travel up and down the country, checking the condition of bridges, tunnels, and viaducts, as well as 20,000 miles of track including signals and level crossings. The New Measurement Train – the most recognisable of Network Rail’s infrastructure monitoring trains – records 60,000 miles of data a year, which can now be easily offloaded via the McLaren Applied solution.
Access to better and more stable connectivity is supporting maintenance, with the monitoring trains reporting back using live data streams, including sensor readings on the track, foliage, and network monitoring. The remote and automated monitoring helps to target maintenance work and run a safe and reliable railway for passengers and goods.
Originally developed for the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1, McLaren Applied’s patented Fleet Connect software splits data across networks in real time and reassembles it in the cloud en route to its destination, reducing blackspots and providing a consistent connectivity stream for any moving vehicle in any environment.
Pablo Garcia Lopez, Director, Connected Intelligence Business Unit at McLaren Applied, said: “The roll out of Fleet Connect software and cutting-edge Active Antenna hardware is a great example of how British ingenuity and engineering, along with cross industry knowledge, can solve prominent challenges in the transport sector. The combined technology ensures that infrastructure monitoring trains can quickly and reliably transmit data throughout their journeys up and down the UK.
“Network Rail has demonstrated an open, collaborative mindset in bringing Formula 1-derived software to the rail industry, and we expect further gains over five-year partnership,” Garcia Lopez added.
Evolve IP (EMEA) is primed for another record-breaking year after laying solid foundations for success over the last 12 months.
The white-label cloud collaboration service provider generated unprecedented growth and attracted record numbers of new partners during 2023.
Now the company is hailing 2024 as the ‘year to sell’ with new product innovations and enhanced levels of reseller support aiming to accelerate overall performance.
Paul Harrison, EMEA’s Managing Director of Evolve IP, says reseller traction is set to be propelled further forward especially across the UK and the Netherlands.
“Our ethos has been to land and expand in different regions, attract more resellers, grow where we can and develop relationships with existing partners to take them further forward.”
Paul Harrison, Evolve IP’s EMEA MD
Largest operators
Harrison explained: “We’ve grown into one of the largest operators in the UK. New partners come to us because of the innovation we offer and the channel-focused technologies we provide – recognising it’s not a one size fits all market. Equally, as an international business, we deliver services far and wide. This is becoming more and more important to our resellers.
“We offer in-depth vertical expertise from hospitality to automotive to retail to healthcare and even finance. We have also really focused on our hardware offering as we still recognise its importance within a business’s communication strategy. We like to keep things simple and make sure that we’re easy to work with and remain competitive. We try and tick every box and understand that our partners need to make good margins.”
Double-digit growth
Evolve IP’s carrier grade platform and expanded team of skilled sales and technical support specialists ensure customers are never let down, Harrison emphasised.
“We’re doing well and double-digit growth is very impressive in such a competitive space. For us 2024 is very exciting. It’s the year to sell. Over the last two years, the team behind me has been busy onboarding new products and streamlining our technologies, as well as automating internal processes such as in-house ticketing systems and developing enhanced online partner training.
“We’re primed to roar in 2024. The platform is in place and all the ingredients have been added to give each of our partners the ability to go to market with confidence and surety.”
Harrison highlighted how PCI 4.0 regulation changes take place in March, where Evolve IP’s Anywhere Secure Call (the latest addition to its Anywhere Product Suite) can help give resellers an advantage.
“We also have a partner day in April at Williams Racing which will further galvanise and invigorate our customer base.”
Bigger rewards
Harrison concluded: “Cloud technology is moving quickly but in an increasingly saturated market resellers need to stand out from the crowd to continue to win new business and nullify the threat of a commoditised channel. We understand the dangers of a ‘race to the bottom’ where the cheapest tender always wins purely on price alone.
“Many providers can make a phone ring but it’s about applying different layers of service and tools that can streamline business operations to make them more productive and successful. Surviving in a saturated market is getting harder but the rewards can be bigger than ever.”
The Startup World Cup, the world’s largest startup pitch competition, will make its debut in Ireland, with the semi-final taking place at Dublin Tech Summit 2024. Powered by Pegasus Tech Ventures, the tournament consists of over 50 regional startup competitions across over 20 countries, providing an unmatched opportunity to access Ireland’s startup ecosystem and global tech companies.
The contendants will be judged at the event by a panel of venture capitalists, with the winner attending the grand final in Silicon Valley to compete against 50 other semi-finalists from across the globe for the $1,000,000 investment prize. The judging panel will consist of esteemed venture capitalist organisations, aimed at supporting startup growth. Featuring partners and directors from, VC Seraphim Space, Sure Valley Ventures, Techstars Sustainability Paris, Anamcara Capital, and The Launch Code.
“The Startup World Cup Grand Finale 2023 in San Francisco was more than just an event; it was a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Martin Tantow, Partner at Pegasus Tech Ventures. “Each pitch brought something unique to the table, elevating the competition to new heights of excitement. To be able to bring such an arena to a highly receptive audience in Ireland, has been a long awaited affair for Pegasus Tech Ventures, and we are honoured to partner with Dublin Tech Summit to bring the first ever leg of the event to Ireland, given the nation’s esteemed tech prowess in Europe”
Dublin Tech Summit 2024 will also be expanding its Accelerate initiative. Accelerate provides an opportunity for Irish start up & scale-up brands to expand internationally and get noticed by technology movers and shakers, to maximise investment opportunities for the Irish startup scene. Dublin Tech Summit will exhibit all entries in its Accelerate hall for the duration of the summit.
“Dublin Tech Summit is thrilled to announce not only the expansion of our Accelerate programme to empower local innovators but its commitment to empowering those very talents on a global stage as host to the Startup World Cup. To be able to utilise our position as a seminal voice in the mainstream techworld to provide opportunities to the next generation of changemakers, is something Dublin Tech Summit and our Accelerate programme take great pride in. In a world of ever changing corporate tax receipts, nurturing our local and start-up economy is as vital now as it ever was”, said Tracey Carney, Managing Director, Dublin Tech Summit.
To compete on the pitch stage at the DTS24, startups must register online to participate in the Accelerate programme and founders must have formed a legal business entity. The startup can be at any stage of development, from pre-seed to scale-up, and each entrant will submit a 90-second video pitch. 50 startups will be selected from the video pitches to compete in knockout presentation rounds on day one of the summit, with finals on day 2 for those who advance in the competition.
“It is an unprecedented opportunity for Irish startups to get their idea in front of expert investors, and the chance to be in the global grand finale competition in Silicon Valley. Entrepreneurial dreamers are the life of the innovation economy. Providing Irish expertise to the world is a key feature of the Accelerate programme, one which has the potential to see significant dividends in the economy as wider society in dynamic times”, said DC Cahalane former GCMO for Dogpatch Labs, and now Venture Partner at Sure Valley Ventures, and DTS Accelerate stage MC.
Jabra, a global leader in true wireless sound and hybrid work solutions, is set to unveil a suite of experience-enhancing updates to its latest Elite wireless earbuds, the Elite 8 Active and Elite 10.
The initial updates, which will be available in January, will include an easy-to-use on/off toggle for Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), HearThrough, and Sidetone features, as well as new voice tone prompts. This enables enhanced interaction and empowers users to tailor their earbuds to their own/individual preferences. Additionally, users will be able to customise the device name of their earbuds.
By March, users can expect an optimisation for Elite 10 call clarity for bustling environments like offices, restaurants, and busy streets. Jabra’s latest noise suppression algorithms are designed to identify and diminish background voices, ensuring uninterrupted conversations.
Jabra’s improvements on the Adaptive ANC on Elite 8 Active paired with HearThrough will be even more effective in windy conditions. This is thanks to upgraded wind noise detection technology.
The announcement of these best-in-class advancements at CES 2024 reinforces Jabra’s commitment to continuous innovation and providing users with unparalleled audio experiences – whether that is new products or software updates. The 2024 updates not only elevate the audio quality but also enhance the overall functionality and usability of Jabra’s latest generation earbuds.
Ehtisham Rabbani, Head of Consumer Products at Jabra said, “Our commitment to our customers is unwavering. We actively listen to market feedback, which fuels our drive to continuously enhance user experiences. We deliver ongoing improvements throughout the lifespan of our products, so that our users always experience the best of Jabra.”
These updates will be available in two waves, the first in January 2024 and the second in March 2024. Updates are via the Sound+ app, and will be available to all users, existing and new, via a hassle-free over-the-air update at no cost.
Experience these revolutionary updates firsthand by meeting with Jabra at CES. Find them at PepCom or ShowStoppers or book them for a 121.
Conferencing manufacturer Boom Collaboration has expanded its video bar portfolio with the arrival of an intelligent all-one-one solution which is ideally suited for larger rooms.
The flagship Boom HALO features a 4K UHD camera, six microphone array and high fidelity speakers to provide a seamless collaboration experience.
Available from distributor Westcoast, it boasts many advanced features such as facial recognition, speaker tracking, intelligent noise reduction and AI auto-framing. Additional ports allow for audio expansion for flexible rooms and growing teams.
Boom Collaboration was born in 2020 by founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett. The Texas-based business has quickly developed an extensive conferencing portfolio and operates in over 30 countries after a successful expansion programme during 2023.
“There’s little doubt the popularity of video bars will continue to grow this year and the Boom HALO will add more fuel to the fire,” says Hulett.
“With 120° wide angle field of view, 10x zoom and smart mic array, the HALO detects both participants and speakers in real time locking in on attendees and allowing for hands-free operation. Six array MEMS microphones and a superior 4K lens with an eight megapixel CMOS sensor ensure an exceptional meeting experience for a variety of spaces.”
Excellent audio
Hörnkvist highlighted the HALO’s excellent audio quality. “High-fidelity audio with a 48kHz sampling rate and dual 10W speakers provide lossless audio and full spectrum sound for meeting participants. Acoustic Echo Cancellation and Automatic Gain Control further enhance the meeting experience and work to ensure full duplex quality at a distance of six metres.”
He pointed out how Bluetooth 5.0 allows for easy pairing with mobile phones and other
devices while expansion ports for additional microphones and speakers ensure optimal coverage for any space.
He added: “Plug & Play simplicity is created from USB 3.0. Users can simply connect and enjoy their favourite video conferencing platform. Furthermore an automatic privacy shutter is combined with the ability to disengage wireless connectivity for added security.”
Boom’s video bar portfolio also includes the high performance AURA and compact UNO for smaller and personal use. All are backed by a three-year warranty. The HALO is available in black or white colour options.
