12 01732 759725 ...continued to essential calls and, where technically possible, linked broadband services after January 31 2027. James Lilley, Managed Customer Migrations Director at Openreach, emphasises that EVAc is just a temporary measure and that customers will still need to move to full fibre or SOGEA. He said: “Providers need to contact their remaining customers and help them move to a modern service now. But we also need a final safety net and preserving eligible broadband connections will reduce the risk of vulnerable people, businesses and essential services losing connectivity unexpectedly. EVAc is temporary, limited and more expensive than modern alternatives. It gives providers additional protection while they complete the job, but it’s not a reason to delay.” Openreach estimates that 1.2 million lines are still operating on the analogue, copperbased phone network, including around 350,000 business premises. www.openreach.com/big-switch-off … AI coworkers for marketing Optimizely, the AI platform for marketing, has launched role-specific digital co-workers to help marketers with their day-to-day workload. Available for hire and customisation from a directory, each Virtual Teammate has a defined role, responsibilities and permissions and proactively completes work without requiring task-by-task prompts. Marketers can assign work to them, involve them in conversations and workflows and configure recurring responsibilities triggered by schedules or events. Over time, agents retain relevant context from previous conversations, projects and decisions. The first Virtual Teammates are Chief of Staff, SEO & AI Search Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Personalisation Strategist and CRO Manager. www.optimizely.com/solutions/ virtual-teammates AI for SMBs With the launch of its AI from BT solutions portfolio, BT Business is aiming to help customers adopt AI with confidence. The first two solutions available are AI Adoption Hub, a free service offering practical guides, prompt packs, insights and examples of how businesses are using AI to work smarter, and AI Receptionist, which enables small and medum-sized businesses to answer calls and manage enquiries 24/7. As well as answering calls (with customisable voice and accent options) and handling routine enquiries, AI Receptionist schedules appointments (sending confirmations and integrating with Outlook and Google Calendar), captures and transcribes conversations and generates insights from customer interactions. business.bt.com/ai-for-business … PSTN safety net Openreach has announced details of a safety net for residential and business customers that fail to move to a modern digital service before the PSTN switchoff. Called EVAc, the last-resort phone service is designed to maintain access Broad appeal New from Philips Monitors, the 34B2U5900C is a curved 34-inch monitor designed for professionals with diverse workloads. A standout feature is Dual Mode functionality that enables users to switch between two performance settings: WUHD (5120 x 2160) at 120 Hz for detailed visual work, large spreadsheets, multitasking and content review; and WFHD (2560 x 1080) at 240 Hz for tasks requiring faster, more responsive interactions, such as live dashboard monitoring, training simulations and occasional gaming. Its many other features include a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees; USB-C docking with up to 140 W Power Delivery; and SmartKVM switching between two connected sources by pressing Ctrl on the keyboard three times. The 34B2U5900C is Calman Ready for colour accuracy and TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) and eyesafe certified. https://www.philips.co.uk/ c-m-so/monitors Bye-bye dongles EPOS is enhancing its IMPACT 1000 and IMPACT 500 headsets with Native Bluetooth connectivity for Microsoft Teams. New firmware, available for download from the EPOS Connect app, allows users to connect a headset directly to a computer or laptop with no need for a USB dongle, providing plug and play convenience. EPOS has also strengthened native Bluetooth security through an RPA (Removable Private Addresses) feature that prevents device tracking and ensures only trusted, previously bonded devices can reconnect. www.eposaudio.com WHAT’S NEW One headset for everything Logitech is bringing out an all-day headset that enables hybrid workers to transition seamlessly between work and leisure activities. The Zone Vibe Pro for Business combines AI-powered voice isolation that reduces background noise for enhanced audability; Adaptive Noise Cancellation for focused listening; Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet certification; fleet management via Logitech Sync; and a comfortable over the ear, boom-less design. www.logitech.com
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