Tag: tech

EDIFIER Announces TWS1 Pro 2

Edifier International, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets announces an update to the popular TWS1 earbuds: the TWS1 Pro 2. The TWS1 Pro 2 is a pair of truly wireless in-earbuds which combine Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, Ambient Sound Mode and a Titanized Hybrid Diaphragm to provide you with the ultimate true wireless, musical experience.

The new Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 feature Active Noise cancellation with multiple ANC mode, the earbuds boast a noise cancellation performance of up to -42dB, furnishing users with an exclusive, quiet 

experience. Users can customize different levels of noise cancellation in the Edifier Connect App – eg – High or Low Noise Cancellation; Wind Reduction or even Noise Cancellation Off.

Thanks to the Ambient Sound Mode, users can always stay alert and aware of their surroundings. Simply tap the earbuds and turn on the Ambient Sound Mode for listening or communication and adjust the sound volume through the Edifier Connect App. 

The Edifier development and technology teams are continuously looking at how to improve their award-winning products. For the TWS1 Pro 2, the Edifier Acoustics Laboratory selected a Titanized composite diaphragm to improve sound quality and create richer and more delicate sounds. Featuring surging bass and crystal-clear mid-range and treble, the earbuds present CD-level original sounds. Gamers have also been thought of! With features like optimized audio transmission and reduced latency, the earbuds can handle all mobile games.

Phone calls are also clearer, thanks to the AI Call Noise Cancellation Technology where the earbuds can intelligently identify and eliminate environmental sounds, enhance voice quality and improve call experience.

The earbuds are equipped with an intelligent wearing detection function to identify the wearing state and its pause and play features allow users to enjoy every listening moment.  

The Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 feature a long battery life of up to 24 hours for your complete enjoyment. No running to charge at the last minute! A 10-minute charge gives an hour of use whilst a full charge gives 6 hours of playtime. Coupled with the charging case, the earbuds have a long battery life of up to 24 hours for you to lose yourself in wonderful, incredibly clear music.

Lightweight and ergonomically designed for a snug fit, the stylish low-profile true wireless earbuds carry an IP54 rated housing for dust and water resistance, making them perfect for use during a workout or on the go. The TWS1 Pro 2 is available in a range of 6 colours.

Main Features:

    • Long Battery Life. Around 4 hours music playtime with ANC ON with 12 hours charging case. A total 16 hours playtime. 
    • Active noise cancellation with 2 levels of ANC selection and multiple ANC modes is designed to reduce unwanted background noise in various environments. 
    • Clear call quality. Built-in microphone to ensure high quality calls.
    • Wear Detection. Music will pause automatically when taken out of your ear and will start playing once you place them back in. 
    • Ultra-low latency connection with seamless experience on gaming activities. 
    • Edifier Connect App. Unlock all the features through APP: customize control setting and EQ selection (Classic/POP/Classical/Rock).
  • Dust proof and splash proof for active wear. IP54 certified.

Price & Availability:

The Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 is available for £49.99 from https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C7L1KJRQ

Tech Review – XuperCable from mobfree 100W 3-in-1 Retractable & 360° Rotating Fast Charging Cable

Cables can be a messy thing around the home or office and we have over the years seen many ways to counter this problem and again mobfree has come up with another genius product to help alleviate cable management in one small gadget and this is no your typical solution that we have seen in other forms before either.

XuperCable now on Kickstarter is the latest 3 in 1 device to solve several issues at once and allowing you to charge up to three devices at once including laptops which is a crux of any other offering in the past I have seen before, so what we have here is a device that can rotate 360 degrees too which is great meaning it is not fixed so once placed on your table it can rotate unlike other offerings that are fixed in one spot making it more convenient for at home office or travel use. This means less cables to carry and one portable product that can be put into your pocket and of course your travel bag.

XuperCable uses MSC Technology for Safe Charging – Charge Three Devices Simultaneously so we have USB-C micro USB which will be soon phased out but there is a plethora of devices out there today that still uses it and of course lightning so you are covered from all angles here which is great via one small compact unit.

Check out the video below for more and what you can expect from this simple product and support them on Kickstarter

3-in-1 Design, One Cable for All Your Devices

XuperCable features three connectors (Lightning, Micro USB & USB-C). This 3-in-1 design works with all your modern tech devices from tablets to smartphones, Nintendo Switch, GoPro, earbuds, the list is endless.

100W Power Delivery Fast Charging, Charge Almost Any Laptops at Full Speed

With a built-in advanced E-Mark chip, XuperCable supports up to 100W Power Delivery, providing fast charging for almost any phone, tablet, USB-C laptop at full speed. MacBook Pro (13”) can be charged to 65% in 30 minutes (with a 100W PD charger).

Features 

Adjustable Lengths for Different Needs  – From 75cm to 175cm

Adhesive Base for Stable Connection – Stick it anywhere you like

360° Rotation for Ultra Convenience – Flexible charging angle

MSC Technology for Safe Charging – Charge Three Devices Simultaneously

Lightning output: 20W Max.
Type-C output: 100W Max.
Micro output: 18W
Micro+ilightning+Type-C: 3.5A Max

BUY

Video Review

Tech Investments in the Digital Entertainment Industry

In an age defined by digitalisation, the entertainment industry has undergone a seismic shift. Traditional forms of entertainment have gracefully paved the way for their digital counterparts, driven by technology’s relentless march forward. As consumers increasingly embrace digital platforms, the fusion of tech investments and digital entertainment continues to redefine how we engage with content. Let’s delve deeper into this dynamic relationship and its profound impacts on our leisure time.

Tech Innovations in iGaming

The iGaming industry has experienced a significant surge in popularity over the past few years. This growth can be attributed to various factors such as user-friendly interfaces, secure payment options, and engaging gameplay. The presence of famous casino slots games, with their state-of-the-art graphics and innovative features, exemplifies the extent of tech investments in this sector. These games, such as Big Bass Bonanza and Gonzo’s Quest, provide players with immersive experiences, often taking inspiration from popular culture, historical themes, or even abstract concepts.

iGaming has seen swift advancements primarily driven by significant tech investments. These funds have catalysed progress in several areas. For instance, blockchain technology has been adopted to guarantee fair play and transparent transactions. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence tools have been implemented to scrutinise player behaviour, optimising the gaming experience without crossing ethical lines. Additionally, augmented and virtual reality technologies have been integrated, either simulating real-world scenarios or forging entirely novel environments, thereby elevating the immersion level in gaming.

Such technological innovations have not only enhanced player experience but also ensured security, transparency, and reliability in the iGaming space.

Streaming and Music Platforms

In recent years, the transition from traditional forms of entertainment to their digital counterparts has been nothing short of spectacular. Streaming platforms, especially the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, stand at the forefront of this revolution. These giants have significantly changed the way we consume entertainment, driven by their massive investments in AI algorithms. Such investments ensure viewers receive personalised content recommendations tailored to their unique viewing habits.

On the music front, platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal have not only democratised music access for diverse audiences worldwide but have also employed sophisticated data analytics to curate playlists and suggest tracks. This innovation harnesses user listening habits, ensuring each individual is treated to a unique and bespoke auditory experience tailored to their preferences and moods.

Digital Reading and Publishing

The realm of literature and publishing hasn’t remained untouched by the tidal wave of digitisation. Platforms such as Kindle and Audible have ushered in a new era for book enthusiasts. Gone are the days when one needed to physically visit a store or library to procure a book.

Today, vast digital libraries are available at our fingertips, making it easier than ever for readers to dive into new adventures or learn about various subjects. Moreover, these platforms’ robust tech investments have added features like adjustable fonts, integrated dictionaries, and narration speeds, catering to the diverse needs of readers and ensuring a comfortable and enriching reading experience.

Tech investments in the digital entertainment industry, from iGaming to streaming services, have transformed how audiences consume content. As technology continues to evolve, one can anticipate even more groundbreaking innovations that cater to diverse consumer preferences and redefine entertainment in the digital age.

Finalists Announced for 6th Annual Diversity In Tech Awards

The Diversity in Tech Awards finalists for 2023 have been announced today. The event in association with J.P. Morgan is set to take place on Wednesday, 27th September 2023, at the RDS Concert Hall, Dublin. Over 400 executives from Ireland’s thriving international tech community will be in attendance. The evening’s programme will also include a keynote address by Norah Patten an Irish Aeronautical Engineer about her experience breaking the glass ceiling and a panel discussion entitled The ROI of DEI: Driving Business Profitability through Diversity and Inclusion featuring Steven Fuller of Race In STEM, Angelika Sharygina of Mindguardian, Kyran O’Mahoney of IA Labs and a representative of J. P Morgan.

Since launching in 2018, The Diversity in Tech Awards has highlighted the shift in companies making workplaces more diverse and inclusive, whilst also recognising their efforts to narrow the gender gap. This has been achieved through celebrating Irish women who are driving IT excellence, innovation, leadership and overall success in the tech industry.

This year, in recognition for the efforts of promoting diversity and narrowing the gender gap, the awards have been split into two categories, Diversity in Tech and Women in Tech.

Please see finalists and categories below:

Diversity categories and finalists

  • Diversity Role Model Award (sponsored by IAS Integral Ad Science) – Accenture (Dublin), Amnexis (Dublin), eBay (Dublin), Merck (Dublin), NCBI – Working for people with Sight Loss (Dublin), Tenable (Dublin), Trinnovo Group (United Kingdom).

  • LGBTQ+ Inclusion Award – Amazon Web Services (United States), Cognizant Technology Solutions (Dublin), eBay (Dublin), Experian Ltd (United Kingdom), Greenhouse Software (Dublin), Microsoft Ireland (United Kingdom), Oracle EMEA Ltd.(Dublin), Workday (Dublin)

  • Disability inclusion Award (sponsored by Carelon Global Solutions) – CPL (Dublin), Employers for Change, The Open Doors Initiative (Dublin), EY (United Kingdom), Fidelity Investments (Dublin), Inclusion and Accessibility Labs (Dublin), SAP SE (Germany)

  • Cultural Inclusion Award – Carelon Global Solutions Ireland (Limerick), Cognizant Technology Solutions (Dublin), eBay (Dublin), Fidelity Investments (Dublin), LinkedIn Ireland (Dublin), Version 1 (Dublin)

  • Health & Wellness Award – Axonista Ltd (Dublin), Carelon Global Solutions Ireland (Limerick), EY (Dublin), LearnUpon (Dublin), MongoDB (Dublin), Tata Consultancy Services (Dublin)

  • Social Impact Award (sponsored by ESB) – Chainlink Labs (United Kingdom), Deloitte (Dublin), Innovate Communities (Dublin), The Big Idea (Dublin), Version 1 (Dublin)

  • Diverse Company of the Year (sponsored by Oracle) – CPL (Dublin), eBay(Dublin), EY (United Kingdom), Fiserv (Dublin), Google (Dublin), MongoDB (Dublin), Salesforce Ireland (Dublin), SAP SE (Germany)

 

Women In Tech categories and finalists

  • Tech Leadership Award (sponsored by FTI Consulting) – Fiserv (Dublin), Inclusio (Dublin), KPMG (United Kingdom), Meta (Saudi Arabia), Microsoft (Dublin), Version 1 (Dublin), Vodafone Ireland (Dublin)

  • Entrepreneurship Award (sponsored by Fiserv)- EudaOrg (Dublin), Online Buzzing (Dublin), Platform55 (Dublin), ProMotion Rewards (Dublin), shareclub (Dublin), Technological University Dublin (Dublin)

  • Digital Transformation Award – Dell (Dublin), Carelon Global Solutions Ireland (Limerick), Citi (United Kingdom), EY (Dublin), J.P. Morgan Chase (United Kingdom) Meta (Saudi Arabia)

  • Trailblazer Award – Fidelity Investments (Dublin), Rent the Runway (Dublin), Johnson & Johnson (Dublin), Meta (Dublin), Mission Unstoppable (Dublin), MongoDB (Dublin), The Big Idea (Dublin), Women in AI (Dublin)

  • Young Female STEM Pioneer (sponsored by Mongo DB) – CodLad(Dublin), EY (Dublin), Open College Network (United Kingdom), University College Dublin (Dublin), Workday (Dublin)

  • Rising Star Award – ESB (Dublin), EY (Dublin), Fidelity Investments (Dublin), Galvia (Galway), Inclusion and Accessibility Labs (Dublin), Revolut (Dublin), Version 1 (Dublin), Version 1 (Dublin)

  • Data Scientist Award (sponsored by J.P. Morgan) – CodLad (Dublin), Ericsson (Dublin), EY (Dublin), EY (Dublin), Women in AI (Dublin)

  • Mentorship Award – Carelon Global Solutions Ireland (Limerick), Deloitte Ireland (Dublin), Fidelity Investments (Dublin), IADT (Dublin), IBM (Dublin), Tenable (Dublin), Verizon Connect (Dublin), Workday (Dublin)

Finalists for the Diversity in Tech Awards are chosen by a judging panel from a wide range of corporate, not-for-profit and consultancy organisations. Some of this year’s judges include Erica Ryan – Regional VP of MongoDB, Lorraine Deschamps – Head of Corporate Citizenship with Fiserv, Gráinne Bryan – Senior Managing Director of Technology with FTI Consulting, Vessy Tasheva – Founder & CEO of Vessy.com and Sheree Atcheson – Global Diversity & Inclusion Senior Exec with Valtech.

The Diversity in Tech Awards Programme also hosts the Grace Hopper Award along with the Diversity Impact Award sponsored by Tata Consultancy Services. The DIA accolade recognises not-for-profit organisations that have demonstrated exceptional initiative to promote inclusion in the workplace. The Grace Hopper Award honours a female STEM professional whose exceptional achievements and outstanding contributions have made a lasting impact on technology, society, and their profession.

To see the full list of finalists, please see HERE.

Announcing the finalists, Tracey Carney, Managing Director of the Diversity in Tech Awards said: “We are extremely excited to bring the Diversity in Tech Awards back to the RDS this year. Since the awards were created in 2018 as the Women in Tech Awards, the event focused on promoting better balance in tech. In 2020, we pivoted to the Diversity in Tech Awards, and while continuing to keep women in tech as a core part of the agenda, it has grown into a programme celebrating all facets of diversity within the tech industry. The event is not only about celebrating excellence, but also about sharing knowledge and experience. The calibre of finalists this year is exceptional, and we can’t wait to congratulate each and every one of the amazing finalists joining us in September.”

Tech Review – Creative Sound Blaster Katana SE Soundbar

The Creative Sound Blaster Katana SE is the fourth in the series from the company making it slip into a different price bracket so what we have here is a product that suits ones needs when it comes to sound, size and features and the case here there is no subwoofer with this one meaning less space taken up but it is slightly larger than others in the range and with all that in mind this still has plenty of ports and connectivity options that caters for just about anyone and not forgetting the RGB lights built in.

The build quality is excellent here again and it is a familiar affair when it comes to the layout of the I/Os and buttons which makes it good for existing users per say to change up or down their current models, for someone new buying this at its price and target market there will be no issues at all with the product. Check out the unboxing below before you read on if you are a first timer and have decided to go for this one.  You can see the Stage 360 here and the Katana V2X here which was our last model to test and sit nicely in line with this one we have now. There is many other models to find on site if you want to have a look.

Unboxing and Walkthrough – Creative Sound Blaster Katana SE

 

 

How does it sound then, hard to call over video but we have a video review below and in short this is excellent and almost up there with the last model and for me this is ideal for anyone who has not ventured into the soundbar game which is now popular, I have an expensive TV  and one for gaming which was not cheap and you expect decent speakers but no, rubbish and downward firing which is still a feature when you buy a TV today and this is why soundbars are popular. Again a caveat here is where your IR port is on TV and soundbars usually block most of them but you can prop up your TV legs if required or fix the speaker the a wall with a bracket mine luckily enough allows me to use the remote but sometimes it is a pain.

The sound is great and that is all that matter I have tried and test with my Phone TV and gaming console and the result is the same optimal audio performance, no lag latency noted which I have notice this being an issue in the past with some soundbars again though this is with streaming and depending on your tv with some have the option to add delay and yes me having and expensive TV still has not got this feature but I am glad to say there is NO lag latency when streaming.

Best placed on your floor or on your TV stand and tuned up to the max sit back and enjoy the thumping bass and sound if your floors are wooden of course and it vibrates through the couch, not only this is coupled with Super X-Fi technology, 5.1 virtual surround capabilities, and versatile connectivity options, the Sound Blaster Katana SE is the ideal soundbar for gamers, movie lovers, and music enthusiasts who want an elevated audio experience without compromising on space or audio quality. If you have not yet tried this or a pair of compatible headphones you do not know what you are missing..

At the end of the day this soundbar delivers and all fronts, there is cheaper out there the price might put some off but from someone who has tested countless soundbars over the years this is worth the investment as it can be used in many scenarios and not just your TV, it is a one stop for sound quality and connectivity options and it is portable around the home or if needs be the office and in my case it does them all including my external office out my back which I often use to get away from the noise and just chill out.

Sound Blaster Katana SE is priced at UK£299.99, US$299.99, EU€329.99 and is available at Creative.com.For more information, visit www.creative.com/katanase

Video Review

HONOR Announces Launch of the HONOR 90 Series in Ireland

Global technology brand HONOR today announced the launch of the HONOR 90 and HONOR 90 Lite in Ireland. Featuring an impressive 200MP Main Camera and an industry-leading Quad-Curved Floating Display with eye-comfort technology, the HONOR 90 packs groundbreaking hardware and software to empower the always-on generation to capture and share their vibes in outstanding detail. The HONOR 90 Lite is a stylish all-rounder, boasting an incredible camera system, display, and a range of smart features.

Nick Kyzer, Sales Director at HONOR UK & Ireland said: “Bringing our game-changing product portfolio to Ireland is something we are committed to delivering. With the success of the HONOR 70 Lite launched in Ireland earlier this year, we knew the HONOR 90 and 90 Lite were something the Irish market would love.”

He continued: “We’re thrilled Ireland are showing great support for the HONOR brand, and we look forward to continuing our growth in the market with strategic partners like Three Ireland and Harvey Norman.”

 HONOR 90: a Powerful and Versatile Camera for Capturing Stunning Photos and Videos

The triple camera system consists of a 200MP Main Camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor, a 12 MP ultra-wide and macro camera with a 112° field of view, and a 2MP Depth Camera that helps the camera accurately gauge distance. Supporting multi-frame fusion, a noise reduction algorithm and pixel binning to achieve the light-capturing performance that is equivalent to having large 2.24µm pixels (16-in-1), the 200MP Main Camera produces excellent high dynamic range (HDR) photos and detailed, bright shots in low light situations.

HONOR 90 also introduces the new Portrait Mode, including 2X zoom portraits to deliver imaging results that better highlight the subject in frame. Portrait mode has also been upgraded to help users effortlessly create exceptional portraits with well-defined facial features, accurate skin tones and an authentic bokeh effect that naturally blends the background with the subject.

At the front, the 50MP Front Camera captures stunning selfies with exceptional detail, making the HONOR 90 an ideal choice for budding and seasoned content creators.

Designed to help vloggers streamline their workflows, the HONOR 90 also employs artificial intelligence (AI) for video denoising and video mode recommendations, as well as for AI Vlog Assistant that enables users to generate a social media-ready 15-second video with just a few taps. The HONOR 90 achieves omnidirectional noise reduction with a signal-to-noise ratio of 20dB, which is close to a professional recorder, allowing users to capture clear human voices without background noise.

Immersive Viewing Experience on Display

Equipped with a 6.7-inch Quad-Curved Floating Display the HONOR 90 supports a high resolution of 2664×1200, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and up to 1.07 billion colors, bringing visual content to life in stunning colors and vivid clarity. The HONOR 90 also supports a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits, allowing for optimum display readability, even under bright light.

The display is fast and responsive with an adaptive screen refresh rate of up to 120Hz, this is dynamically adjusted according to the displayed content to strike the optimal balance between visual fluidity and battery life. With HDR10+ support and HDR certifications from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, the HONOR 90 ensures users can enjoy an exceptional multimedia experience in any setting.

Reflecting HONOR’s commitment to human-centric technology, the HONOR 90 is equipped with industry-leading eye comfort features. Equipped with TÜV Rheinland’s Flicker Free Certification and achieving the risk-free dimming level, the HONOR 90 is perfect for today’s content-hungry generation. The display supports the industry’s highest Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Dimming frequency of 3840Hz, effectively minimizing the strain it puts on users’ eyes when it is set at low brightness. The display also features Dynamic Dimming that simulates natural light to alleviate eye fatigue, and HONOR’s Circadian Night Display technology which filters blue light and promotes natural melatonin secretion to improve user sleep quality at night.

Sleek and Stylish Design 

Inspired by haute couture and luxury jewelry, the HONOR 90 exudes class with its 7.8mm thin and 183g lightweight body. The smooth, rounded edges wrapping the smartphone make it as much a joy to hold as to behold, and the Deeply Reinforced Glass provides users with peace of mind knowing their smartphone is built to last. At the rear, HONOR 90 features the iconic N Series classic Dual Ring Design, with rounded elements crafted with precise cutting techniques to produce a brilliant shine that adds an extra touch of elegance to the smartphone.

Incredible Battery Life Matched by Fast Performance 

The HONOR 90 is embedded with a large 5000mAh battery to support all-day use. On a single charge, the smartphone can provide up to 19.5 hours of continuous local video streaming. When its battery is low, users can take it back up to 45% with 66W HONOR SuperCharge in just 15 minutes. Fast and battery efficient, the HONOR 90 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition, which has a 20% better GPU and 30% better AI performance compared to its predecessor. The internal temperature is kept in check by a 147% larger vapor chamber, facilitating efficient heat dissipation that allows the HONOR 90 to stay cool.

A Truly Personalized Experience with HONOR MagicOS 7.1

Running the latest Android 13-based HONOR MagicOS 7.1, the HONOR 90 packs a raft of enhanced smart features like Magic Text which intelligently recognises text on an image and allows users to directly perform actions with important information.

Pricing and Availability

The HONOR 90 is available in Midnight Black from both Three and Harvey Norman and will be available in two storage variations, 8+256GB and 12+512GB.

At Three, the HONOR 90 12+512GB will be available from €40 a month with €139 upfront, with a limited offer of €100 off on the upfront cost for those switching over to Three in August and September. In the same period, for €50 a month, Three are offering no upfront cost (usually €29). The HONOR 90 is also available with no upfront cost on the €60 a month airtime plan. The HONOR 90 12+512GB will also be available to purchase SIM-free from Three for €529.

The HONOR 90 8+256GB is also available to purchase from Harvey Norman for €499 RRP in Midnight Black.

HONOR 90 Lite: an affordable all-rounder for content aficionados

HONOR 90 Lite, part of the HONOR 90 series family – a premium mid-range series that is made for creators – will be available in Ireland from today. The HONOR 90 Lite is a stylish all-rounder, boasting an incredible camera system, display, and a range of smart features.

Awesome Camera with Stellar Viewing Experience

HONOR 90 Lite features a rear 100MP Main Camera with a f/1.9 aperture, a 5MP Wide & Depth Camera and 2MP Macro Camera for capturing stunning landscape shots and intimate closeups. For selfie-lovers, the 16MP Front Camera delivers captivating self-portraits with defined features and enhanced colours. Additionally, the HONOR 90 Lite’s 6.7-inch Edgeless Display features an adaptive refresh rate of up to 90Hz, providing users with a buttery smooth visual experience. The display comes with TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification, and like HONOR 90, supports a range of HONOR developed human-centric eye care solutions including Dynamic Dimming and Circadian Night Display.

Fast 5G and Long-Lasting Battery

The HONOR 90 Lite is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 5G system and a 4500mAh battery. Users who enjoy keeping their media always accessible can take full advantage of the 8GB Memory and large 256GB storage drive, keeping up to 57,808 pictures, 22,322 songs or 892 HD videos downloaded. The HONOR 90 Lite is also equipped with HONOR RAM Turbo (8GB+5GB), an HONOR technology that moves a portion of flash memory to RAM, meaning 8GB RAM can be increased to 13GB RAM.

Pricing and Availability

The HONOR 90 Lite is available in Midnight Black and will be priced at €289 RRP from Three. Customers who switch over to Three from another network in August and September will benefit from €50 off, making the HONOR 90 Lite just €239. The HONOR 90 Lite also comes with no upfront cost on all pay monthly tariffs.

For more information, please visit HONOR online store at www.hihonor.com/uk or

3.ie/Honor90

 

Google Ireland Turns 20 What Ireland has been searching for since 2003

2003 was the year that saw the Spire finally get completed on O’Connell street, the Special Olympics take place in Ireland and Google open their first office in Dublin with just five employees. This year Google celebrates twenty years of being in Ireland and to mark the occasion we’ve taken a look back at some of the big trends that have gripped the nation and had people turning to Google Search from 2003 right up to today.

While the weather over the last twenty years has been changeable our search habits haven’t followed suit. Searching on Google to find out what weather to expect in a country that can experience four seasons in one day, is what this weather obsessed nation search for most and nowhere more than in Carrick on Shannon, followed by Tramore and New Ross. This summer is turning out to be a mixed bag for weather but the last time people were pressing search on heatwave in significant numbers was 2018. ‘Heatwave’ was trending and the top related searches were:

 

  1. How long will the heatwave last?

  2. When will the heatwave end?

  3. Heatwave memes

  4. Met Eireann heatwave

  5. Dublin heatwave

From heatwaves to floods, in 2011 widespread flooding caused chaos around the country and even saw Dundrum Town Centre under water. The places most searched for at the time were:

  1. Dublin floods

  2. Dundrum flooding

  3. Meath flooding

  4. Monaghan floods

  5. Galway City flood

 

In 2015 Ireland left nameless storms behind as Met Eireann and the UK Met  launched the “Name Our Storms” campaign to much joy as the nation submitted names to be considered for storms for the upcoming year, some wackier than others. Since then Storm Ophelia, the worst storm Ireland had seen in 50 years, has been searched most often, followed by Storm Lorenzo and Storm Callum.

 

If Irish people aren’t turning to Google to find out about the weather they’re keeping up to date on the latest trending topics in sport. In 2012 Ireland searched for the Olympics more than any other year. The games were searched at nearly twice the rate of 2016 or 2021. In that same year Katie Taylor was the top-searched person in relation to the Olympics in Ireland and “When is Katie Taylor fighting in the Olympics” was the top trending question. In 2016 Annalise Murphy was the top-searched Irish Olympian during the games, while Michael Phelps was the top-searched Olympian overall.

The nation will no doubt be doing plenty of rugby related searches later this year but in 2009 ‘grand slam’ was a breakout search in March of that year after Ireland’s historic Six Nations win. This year Ireland vs. England was the top-searched match-up of the Six Nations tournament in Ireland and “What’s a grand slam in rugby” spiked +700% during the tournament.

Every day, millions of people turn to Google to ask questions, and looking back at the trending ‘How To’ and ‘What is’ questions since 2003 gives an insight into what the nation was searching for answers for over the last 20 years. Ireland’s  love for pancakes is in no doubt as ‘How to make pancakes’ regularly tops the trending searches. In 2014 ‘How to make loom bands’’ was the most searched question while in 2015 people turned to Google to find out ‘How to use new Snapchat’ .  The most searched ‘What is’ terms brings us back to some recent referenda , in 2008 ‘What is the Lisbon Treaty’ was the most searched ‘what is’ question and ten years later in 2018 it was ‘What is blasphemy’.

Some of the past twenty years’ searches for ‘definition’ give an insight to the cultural moments of the time. In 2013 ‘twerk ’ topped the list, ‘despacito’ was the most searched in 2017 and in 2019, the year impeachment proceedings began for Donald Trump ‘impeachment’ was the most searched definition term in Ireland.

Search can help you find a world of information – and the way people use Search can be a window into the world. Google has 25 years experience devoted to the science and the craft of building a search engine. That dedication has brought completely new ways to explore the world’s information over time — including visual searches with Lens or image-and-text multisearch.

Tech Review – House of Marley One Drop wireless charger

Wireless charging still has not caught on that much here in Ireland but me being into this kind of tech has adopted it some years now and I have wireless charging pads all over the house so I can just drop my phone on the fly, most important place are my bedside locker and review table and this little guy from the house of marley dropped in and aptly name One Drop.

The charger has an aesthetically pleasing look and will look well no matter where it is placed in the home and if you have the matching earbuds like the redemption ANC 2 to go with it even better but fear not this will charge almost any other Qi-enabled device and for me that is lots,

This will provide up to 10 watts of power which is not massive by any stretch but it is how many wireless chargers are these days and the product itself looks really neat with the speckled REGRIND underside and bamboo finish that looks really nice and premium, the company is also well known for being sustainable and it also comes with a really nice quality braided cable to top it off.

Features

  • Compatible with iPhone 8, iPhone X/Xs/Xs Max/XR, iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max/SE, iPhone 12/12 Pro/12 Mini/12 Pro Max, iPhone 13/13 Pro, and other wireless-enabled Android smartphones and Qi-enabled devices
  • 3-foot USB-C to USB-A braided charge cable to charge via USB-powered source. *AC adapter not included
  • Bamboo, REGRIND® silicon, 100% plastic-free recyclable packaging

BUY

Video Review

Skullcandy launches environmentally-conscious earbuds – Smokin Buds True Wireless Earbuds

The new, environmentally-conscious earbuds are made with 50% certified recycled plastics, a consolidated part count and mindful battery capacity, minimizing the stress on the environment. Smokin’ Buds True Wireless Earbuds are available globally at select retailers and on Skullcandy.com for £29.99 MSRP. 

A fresh take on Skullcandy’s highly-popular “Smokin’ Buds” franchise, which originally launched in 2009, the all-new Smokin’ Buds are thoughtfully designed. By zeroing in on technology and features to support a stellar audio experience – including expertly tuned drivers and EQ modes – the earbuds deliver clear, full range sound backed by impressive bass depth. 

“With 25% of earbud sales happening in the under $30 price range, we aimed to provide a better option that would mitigate the environmental impact of this popular, high-volume category,” said Jason Luthman, Director of Global Product Management, Skullcandy. “These buds pack a serious punch with a full range of sound you’d expect from higher-priced earbuds — all while putting less stress on the outdoor playgrounds we love.” 

Made with 50% certified recycled plastics, 100% recyclable packaging, a consolidated part count and mindful battery capacity, Smokin’ Buds boast a reduced overall carbon footprint of just 2.67kg. The buds feature up to 20 hours of battery – 8 hours in the buds and an additional 12 hours in the case. With smaller, more efficient batteries, Skullcandy can dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of products, while still ensuring customers get everything they need out of the earbuds. 

Smokin’ Buds are equipped with a comfortable and ergonomic design, which guarantees ideal fit, appearance, and noise isolation, all wrapped up in a sleek package. 

Smokin’ Buds True Wireless Earbuds – £29.99 MSRP 

  • Up to 20 Hours of Battery Life + Rapid Charge – Listen longer with 8 hours of battery life in the earbuds and 12 hours in the charging case + With Rapid Charge, 10 minutes of charge equals 2 hours of playtime
  • IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistant – Go on any adventure without missing a beat ● Skullcandy Supreme Sound® – Unique audio-tuning process enables users to maximize the depth and detail of each sound. Premium audio quality features drivers that have been selected and expertly tuned
  • Music, Movie & Podcast EQ Modes – Delivers best audio quality for music, movies or podcasts ● Noise Isolating Fit – Ergonomic, ovalized design provides all-day comfort and a noise-isolating fit
  • Call and Media Controls via Capacitive Touch – Control volume, calls, EQ modes and activate your devices local Assistant with a tap on either earbud.
  • Microphone in Each Earbud – Allows use of either bud solo without losing the ability to take calls
  • Auto On/Connect – Enjoy automatic turn on and pairing with the last device used ● True Wireless via Bluetooth® 5.2 – Bluetooth® technology offering efficiency improvements and faster pairing

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