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Why technology has not transformed building - BBC.com Why technology has not transformed building  BBC.com... Read more...

Dublin Tech Summit Brings Global Tech Leaders to Ireland The event brings together visionaries, thought leaders, and industry titans from across the globe to share their expertise and engage in debates on pressing issues such as AI, machine learning, and the climate crisis. Expert panels, workshops, and fireside chats will feature speakers from renowned organizations like NASA, OpenAI, UNICEF, Google DeepMind, Microsoft, CERN, TikTok, Pinterest, IBM, and YouTube. Siobhan Human, Head of Event Programming & Marketing at Dublin Tech Summit, stated, "This year's Dublin Tech Summit is set to be our largest event yet, with speakers coming from all across the globe, from some of the largest and most impactful companies in the world, to share their ideas. While global in outlook, our event is at the heart of the Irish tech community and looks to showcase the country's most innovative entrepreneurs." In collaboration with Enterprise Ireland, Dogpatch Labs, Women in AI, Tech Ireland, and others, the summit spans four stages and will host Dublin's regional final for the Startup World Cup, the world's largest international pitch competition. The winner will be invited to Silicon Valley to compete for a $1 million investment. Brian Ó hOisín, Head of Innovation at Dublin Tech Summit, said, "Dublin is a global city, home to the largest tech companies in the world, as well as a burgeoning startup ecosystem – which makes it the perfect centerpoint to bring the global tech community together, as a gateway to the international landscape. This year, we have advanced our reach domestically and globally, by creating meaningful connections, engaging the Island of Ireland and bringing the world to Dublin. We couldn't be more excited."

Microsoft and Meta Team Up for Immersive 3D Apps In a groundbreaking partnership, Microsoft and Meta (formerly Facebook) have joined forces to revolutionize the digital experience by integrating Windows 365 and local PC connectivity into Meta's Quest virtual reality (VR) headsets. This collaboration, announced by Microsoft's Corporate Vice President of Windows and Devices, Pavan Davuluri, at the annual Build Conference, aims to enable the expansion of apps into the immersive realm of 3D space. Through this strategic alliance, developers will gain unprecedented opportunities to create immersive applications, known as Windows Volumetric Apps, for Meta Quest headsets. These applications will blur the lines between the physical and digital worlds, allowing users to experience a rich, three-dimensional computing environment. Moreover, the integration of Windows 365 and local PC connectivity into Quest headsets will enable users to access their Windows desktop and applications from anywhere. This flexible solution empowers individuals to work, play, and collaborate seamlessly, leveraging the power of their Quest headset to access their Windows environment effortlessly. Davuluri emphasized the potential of this partnership, stating, "We are deepening our partnership with Meta to make Windows a first-class experience on Quest devices... Windows can take advantage of Quest's unique capabilities to extend Windows apps into 3D Space." By combining Microsoft's prowess in software and operating systems with Meta's expertise in virtual reality hardware, this collaboration represents a significant milestone in mixed-reality technology, showcasing both companies' commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of technology.

The Transformation of Healthcare through Digital Technology The healthcare sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the rapid evolution of digital technology. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development and implementation of new healthcare technologies, including mobile and app-based technologies, wearable devices, and data analysis tools. One of the key developments is the shift to remote appointments and triage, reducing the load on healthcare facilities and lowering associated infection risk. These technologies are transforming healthcare delivery, enabling changes in case numbers or spikes in case numbers in a particular region to be identified promptly. Large-scale data processing, using resources including quantum computing, and predictive analytics are invaluable technologies for managing such demand. However, manufacturers and healthcare providers must ensure accessibility and address public hesitancy surrounding data protection. The Digital Technology Assessment Criteria is a major step towards building confidence that new digital resources are both safe and innovative, for staff and patients. It is not quite clear where digital technologies will add true value to the healthcare infrastructure, and naturally, this will take time to develop as technologies are optimized. The future of healthcare is digital, and the landscape is evolving rapidly. As these technologies continue to be assessed and regulated, they hold the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, making it more efficient, accessible, and patient-centric.

Northamptonshire's Abandoned Railway Tunnel: The Future Hub for Autonomous Vehicle Testing An abandoned railway tunnel in Northamptonshire is being transformed into a world-class testing facility for autonomous vehicles. The 2.7km long Catesby Tunnel has officially become a part of CAM Testbed UK, a global center dedicated to the innovation and development of connected and self-driving vehicle technologies. Operated by Catesby Projects, the Catesby Tunnel is the first facility of its kind and the sixth test facility to join the network. The tunnel offers ideal conditions for vehicle testing, providing high levels of repeatability combined with real-world conditions. The tunnel's environment remains stable in terms of temperature, pressure, and humidity, and it is free from wind and rain. This allows data to be collected with a high degree of confidence, enabling engineers to analyze the effects of minor setup changes. The tunnel is also radio insulated, which means it can be made completely dark, providing the perfect space for testing new technology in traditionally challenging navigation conditions. John Paton, Catesby Tunnel MD, expressed his excitement about joining CAM Testbed UK and looks forward to working with new companies to promote the UK as a global center for developing connected and automated mobility technologies. Managed by Zenzic, CAM Testbed UK is a comprehensive set of world-leading facilities for modeling, simulation, testing, and trial deployment. The addition of Catesby Tunnel to its network aims to position the UK as a leading player in the global transport revolution.

Vodafone Business Ireland and RingCentral Launch New Collaboration Solution Vodafone Business Ireland and RingCentral, a leading provider of AI-driven cloud business communications, have announced the launch of Vodafone Business UC with RingCentral. This solution is designed to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration for workforces, regardless of their location or the device they are using. The solution is already available in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and the United Kingdom, and now it has been extended to organizations of all sizes in Ireland. The launch is timely, given the current market momentum. As per a Cavell Group report, unified communications cloud penetration in Ireland stands at 43.7%, with projected growth exceeding 80% by 2028. This solution is particularly relevant as Ireland ranks among Europe's leaders in remote or hybrid work job postings. To best support hybrid work, Irish businesses require a resilient and secure communications solution that is flexible and easy to implement across dispersed workforces. Vodafone Business UC with RingCentral offers robust collaboration capabilities, including team messaging, video meetings, and a feature-rich, cloud-based system. This ensures customers can streamline workflows and optimize workforce productivity. The solution also integrates with many popular applications, and with RingCentral’s AI-powered platform, organizations can leverage conversation intelligence and actionable insights to augment communication experiences. John McCarthy, Head of Product & Partner for Vodafone Business Ireland, and Lee Williams, AVP International Service Providers, RingCentral, have expressed their excitement about this collaboration. They believe that this solution will help businesses become more efficient, agile, and future-ready, while delivering a world-class connectivity and service for a better customer experience.

Upcoming Windows 11 Update: A Sneak Peek The next major update for Windows 11, known as version 24H2, is expected to be released later this year. This update is anticipated to be a significant one, bringing a host of new features and improvements over the previous version, 23H2. Unlike the previous update, version 24H2 is expected to be a much larger OS update. It is based on a new version of the Windows platform that brings performance and security improvements along with notable new features and quality-of-life updates. One of the key highlights of this update is the focus on next-generation AI experiences. Rumors suggest a new AI Explorer is in the works that will analyze everything you do on your computer and create memories that can be searched for using natural language. These new AI features are expected to be unveiled on May 20. Another significant feature of this update is the support for Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon X Series SoC, which rivals Apple Silicon in terms of performance and efficiency. The first PCs powered by Qualcomm's new Arm PC chip will begin shipping in June with version 24H2 preloaded, after being officially unveiled on May 20. Microsoft is currently testing many of the features that will make up this next release in the Insider Canary and Dev Channel. The company is targeting a September release window for version 24H2, with the company expecting to finalize the update over the summer. This release is expected to be marketed as an AI-centric one, timed with next-gen AI PCs that Microsoft has already announced are coming throughout 2024. Because version 24H2 is based on a new version of the Windows platform, there are multiple development milestones between now and the general availability of the version 24H2 update. Microsoft recently signed off on the new Windows platform release (called Germanium) in early April. Now, work will begin on "finalizing" the version 24H2 update, which will be built on the signed-off Germanium platform build. A new release of the Windows platform means the update will be installed using the "OS swap" method. An OS swap update is one that is applied by replacing the entire OS with a newer version.

LG's C3 OLED TV: A Record-Low Deal LG's 65-inch C3 OLED TV, a popular choice among consumers for its exceptional display quality and advanced features, has hit a record-low price at Best Buy. This significant price drop makes it an attractive option for those looking to upgrade their home entertainment system. The C3 OLED TV is renowned for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and superior contrast ratios, offering a truly immersive viewing experience. This deal signifies a great opportunity for tech enthusiasts and home cinema lovers to get their hands on this high-end TV at an unprecedented price.

Google Chrome's New Zero-Day Vulnerability A new zero-day vulnerability has been discovered in Google Chrome, one of the world's most widely used web browsers. This vulnerability poses a potential risk to millions of users worldwide. The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a warning about this security flaw, emphasizing the need for immediate action. This development underscores the constant challenges in maintaining cybersecurity and the importance of regular updates and patches. Users are advised to stay vigilant and ensure their browser is up-to-date to protect against such vulnerabilities.

LattePanda Mu: The Business Card-Sized Micro Compute Module LattePanda Mu is making waves in the tech industry with its innovative design and powerful capabilities. This micro x86 compute module, which is the size of a business card, comes equipped with an N100 CPU and 8GB RAM. What sets it apart is its support for an Nvidia GPU, making it a compact yet potent piece of technology. This development marks a significant step in miniaturizing high-performance computing modules, opening up new possibilities for portable and embedded systems. With LattePanda Mu, high-performance computing is now more accessible and convenient than ever before.