Hello again! We’re back featuring the latest news and information on what is going on in the tech and business fields at home and abroad and how that might be of benefit to you and your business.
First up is some pretty major news as Microsoft are allowing their employees to work from home permanently. According to The Verge “Microsoft will now allow employees to work from home freely for less than 50 percent of their working week, or for managers to approve permanent remote work.” It remains to be seen how other major tech companies will alter their working practice but the ‘future of work’ may be upon us already.
Speaking of working from home, there was more news on the rural broadband issue as “300 locations in rural communities are to become broadband hubs to allow local residents high-speed internet access while the National Broadband Plan is being rolled out across the country.” It’s a boost for those in areas where they are attempting to work from home. Of the current 50 Broadband Community Points (BCPs), two are up and running in Mayo : Killaser Community Centre and Taugheen Community Centre. At least five more are in planning in the county too.
Staying with the Independent this weeks podcast recommendation is The Big Tech Show with Adrian Weckler. His recent look at 5G was a great explainer on the when and where 5G will arrive in Ireland and always well worth a listen.
An interesting story in the New York Times today explains how customers are buying online but the “desire to drive to a store, a pull that can be just as strong as, or even stronger than, the convenience of home delivery” is still there. Will this manifest itself over here as people shop online but are happy to get in the car and just get out of the house to collect their new goods on the same day? One to keep an eye on.
Finally, our tech review this week is the latest iteration of the Apple Watch – the Series 6. Most people have wearable tech these days and they can be very handy if working from home all day to make sure that you aren’t staying static for too long. Check out the review now.
Chat next week!
