Month: August 2023

Irish streaming spend reaches €1.3BN

Pure Telecom, Ireland’s high-speed broadband and telecoms provider, today announces the results of its inaugural Connected Lives survey, which found that the amount being spent by consumers in Ireland on video streaming has risen to €1.3BN annually from €967M in 2021 – an increase of over €330M.

The nationally representative survey of 1,004 adults in Ireland was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom. It explored the potential impact of new and possible crackdowns on password-sharing by the world’s leading streaming providers, whereby additional charges will be applied to those who share passwords with people outside of their household. The survey found that 26% of video streaming subscribers in Ireland are sharing their subscription passwords with someone outside of their household, indicating that the streaming spend could increase as providers introduce additional charges for password sharing.

Pure Telecom’s research found that consumers in Ireland are feeling the pinch from having multiple video streaming accounts. The survey found that on average, adults in Ireland are paying for 2.4 video streaming services each. The average adult currently spends €28.26 per month on video streaming subscriptions, versus €22.57 per month in 2021. Gen X (adults between the ages of 43 and 58) are the highest spenders by generation, spending €33.36 per month on video streaming services.

Many are now choosing to reduce the number of video streaming services they pay for to save money. Some 38% of those who pay for video streaming services report to have cancelled at least one subscription in the last 12 months to cut costs. Meanwhile, 17% said they have cancelled to get better content elsewhere, while 16% said they switched off as they had too many subscriptions already.

To alleviate the financial burden of subscription fees, 28% of adults would be willing to watch ads on their chosen video streaming channel if it meant they could get the content for free, while 14% of adults said that they already use video streaming channels with ads to get content for free.

Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom, said: “Ireland’s population has well and truly embraced video streaming and the market is continuing to grow – now far surpassing the €1BN mark in annual total consumer expenditure – and the trend of password-sharing that our research uncovered could see this rise considerably again. People know that they can’t get all of the top shows from just one provider and the majority are prepared (even if it is reluctantly) to pay out of fear of missing out.

“As ever, people value a good quality product being delivered at a fair price, which has made for a highly competitive marketplace. With an abundance of choice at their fingertips, cost-conscious viewers are more than happy to hop between providers if they think there is better content elsewhere, while others are prepared to cut back on their monthly subscriptions to save money.

“Consumers always want to know that they are getting bang for their buck, particularly at a time when people are watching what they spend more closely. At Pure Telecom, we enable seamless streaming at the best value and with the best customer care, ensuring our customers only ever need to worry about how many subscriptions is too many!”

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

 

Unemployment continues to fall to 4.1%, but wage pressures may be past their peak

The main unemployment rate was 4.1% in July on a seasonally adjusted basis, down from 4.2% in June and down from a level of 4.2% twelve months ago. The seasonally adjusted number of people unemployed fell by 3,600 in July but was up by 100 in the past 12 months.

Jack Kennedy, senior economist at global job site Indeed, comments on the latest CSO data:

“The labour market remains incredibly tight with the unemployment rate at 4.1% — the joint-record lowest since 2001 according to the latest revised figures— and is proving resilient amidst global challenges. The continuing low level of Ireland’s unemployment rate reflects the culmination of concerted efforts by both the public and private sectors to foster a robust and sustainable economy.

Recent data from Eurostat shows that the Eurozone economy returned to growth in the second quarter, as the euro area grew 0.3 per cent in the three months to July, after stagnating in the previous quarter. Unemployment in the eurozone also dipped to a new all-time low of 6.4%. This is an indication that the economy is stabilising; however, it is essential to remain cautious and vigilant.

Economic success is not without challenges, and as the labour market remains at near full employment, the coming months could reveal sector squeezes.

Pay pressures remain strong and workers will push for higher wages to compensate for high inflation. That said, wage pressures may be past their peak. The Indeed Wage Tracker, based on advertised pay for new hires, showed a further easing to 4.3% y/y in June, down from a peak of 5.5% in March. 

This corresponds with a gradual softening in employers’ hiring appetite, though the latter remains strong. The latest figures from Indeed show that job postings on Indeed Ireland are 30% above the pre-pandemic baseline as of July 2023 (Fig. 1).

The country’s commitment to nurturing a highly skilled and educated workforce has bolstered productivity and competitiveness. As we remain at full employment, now is the time to future-proof the Irish economy. Prioritising various educational routes, including apprenticeships, and investing in sustainable career options for young people who might otherwise seek to emigrate, can ensure our highly talented workforce remains a key driver of economic growth.

Where Is SlotWolf Casino Positioned in the Race of Casinos with the Most Popular Games?

If you want to make the most out of your casino experience then the SlotWolf casino is one of the best options out there. They have over 4,000 titles available and they also have a range of options suited to those who are seeking more classic titles. One thing to know about this site is that they have a ton of poker variants and this ranges from roulette to blackjack and more. 

You can access the site from your mobile or your desktop and this is great for those who want to play from the comfort of their own home. One thing to know about sites such as this is that they do put in the work to make sure that they go the extra mile for their customers. Some casinos tend to have a  bit of a bad image when it comes to cashouts, as there are so many scam sites out there. 

That being said, Slot Wolf casinos do not come under this list.  Slot Wolf casinos can offer a lot of hands-on support and they also have a dedicated customer support team who can handle any questions that you may have. The option of a live chat gives you the chance to get any issues you might have, solved with ease.

Is SlotWolf Legit?

The SlotWolf casino suggests that they have obtained all of the right licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority. As a player, you need to make sure that you look up all of the terms and conditions so you can responsibly gamble. SlotWolf has gained the trust of players all around the country and they also have a solid track record for success when it comes to their time as a software provider. Customers tend to be recommended with pragmatic play when it comes to responsible gaming. This is mentioned within the privacy policy at the Slot Wolf site. Of course, the site is designed by software providers and they are functioning for entertainment purposes only.

Games Offered by the Casino

The SlotWolf casino is on par with the Friday casino in terms of games. You can find out more about Slotwolf casino here. They have a lot of games that could be interesting to you as a customer. This happens to include blackjack, video slots, roulette and even table games. You also have a lot of gaming rooms that you can use as well and this is great, to say the least. You have the option of numerous deposit methods and there is even a welcome package. 

There are a ton of games available and the rules for each one do differ. You have a program, a payment method choice and even VIP options. If you want to have the best gaming experience then you will want to check out sites such as SlotWolf as they give you the chance to explore the games you want with ease.

Lobby

Lobby games tend to be intact, just like classic slots, when you look at the world of gambling. Lobbies are nothing but menu screens, where you can inspect the upcoming games. You can also review the results, change any of the settings you may want and communicate with others. Of course, you can return to the lobby at the end of each session. Responsible gaming, when it is combined with pragmatic play, can earn you several credits for the game.

Slots

The SlotWolf casino has a lot of online slots for you to choose from. One thing to know about it is that every slot comes with a different theme. You also have different bonuses to choose from as well which is great. Casino slot games tend to rely on the player pushing a few buttons and then eventually, getting the right combination. You can easily get your spirits up and you can also perform your very own luck-calling whatever you want.

Live Games

It is super exciting to be able to play with real people in real time. It’s just like a physical casino. At the end of the day, Slot Wolf has a list of games that give you the chance to play and deal with others, so you can enhance your gaming experience. Gaming has come to the point where you can play with people across the world, and this is great, to say the least. You can also join sessions from anywhere too, which adds to the experience.

Conclusion

A gaming catalogue is key to an online casino’s success. What’s the use in being an online casino if none of your games appeal to customers? As is evidenced by the rise of live casino games, tech will quickly change what customers want. Keeping up with that is key. It’s why SlotWolf Casino has found success so far.

Bitmedia Review: Crypto & Bitcoin Advertising Network

Welcome to the realm of Bitmedia, a game-changing advertising network designed to empower crypto and gaming businesses with targeted, efficient, and high-impact advertising solutions. In this review, we will embark on a journey to explore the features, benefits, and unique offerings that make Bitmedia a standout player in the world of digital marketing.

Bitmedia Features and Services

Targeted Advertising Capabilities: One of the most remarkable aspects of Bitmedia is its ability to precisely target audiences within the crypto and Bitcoin space. Advertisers can reach potential customers based on factors like interests, geographical location, and behavior, ensuring their messages resonate with the right individuals.

Ad Formats and Display Options: Bitmedia boasts an impressive array of advertising formats, catering to the diverse needs of advertisers and publishers alike. From engaging display ads and captivating video ads to native ads and pop-ups that blend seamlessly with content, the platform offers a wealth of options to captivate audiences.

Want to explore these innovative advertising formats? Check them out on Bitmedia’s official site: https://bitmedia.io/

Campaign Management Tools: Simplifying the advertising process, Bitmedia equips users with intuitive campaign management tools. Advertisers can easily create, optimize, and monitor campaigns, ensuring maximum efficiency and impact throughout the entire advertising journey.

Tracking and Analytics: Bitmedia takes data seriously, providing comprehensive tracking and analytics tools to measure the performance of ad campaigns in real time. Armed with insightful data, advertisers can make informed decisions, maximize ROI, and optimize their strategies for success.

Payment Options and Payouts: Recognizing the importance of seamless transactions, Bitmedia offers flexible payment options and swift payouts to its users. This ensures that both advertisers and publishers experience a smooth and rewarding journey while utilizing the platform.

With the focus on Web3, crypto, and gaming industries, and the ability to provide efficient advertising campaigns, Bitmedia.io quickly gained popularity among crypto businesses.

Advantages and Benefits of Bitmedia

Reach and Audience Targeting: With a vast network of crypto and Bitcoin advertising, Bitmedia opens doors to a highly engaged audience. The platform’s advanced targeting capabilities allow advertisers to connect with users who are genuinely interested in their offerings, boosting the likelihood of conversion.

Cost-Effectiveness and ROI: In the world of advertising, cost-effectiveness and ROI are paramount. Bitmedia, with its targeted approach, helps businesses minimize wasteful spending by displaying ads only to relevant users. This translates into higher returns on investment and enhanced campaign efficiency.

Secure and Transparent Transactions: Trust and transparency are essential in the crypto industry. Bitmedia prioritizes security, providing users with a secure environment to conduct their advertising endeavors. Additionally, the platform emphasizes transparency, ensuring that advertisers and publishers have full visibility into their campaign performance and earnings.

Support for Crypto and Bitcoin Publishers: Bitmedia’s commitment to the crypto community extends to its publishers. Through fair revenue sharing models and prompt payouts, the platform empowers publishers to monetize their content and continue contributing to the growth of the industry.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Let’s delve into some inspiring case studies and success stories that demonstrate the transformative power of Bitmedia:

Case Study 1: Crypto Startup Skyrockets in User Acquisition

A new crypto startup leveraged Bitmedia’s targeted advertising capabilities to reach potential investors worldwide. With precise audience targeting, the startup achieved a 300% increase in user acquisition and a substantial boost in its community engagement.

Success Story 1: Publisher Earns Passive Income

A crypto-focused content creator integrated Bitmedia’s native ad formats seamlessly into their website. The result? A substantial passive income stream that allowed the publisher to focus more on producing quality content for their audience.

Safety and Security Measures

Ad Fraud Prevention: Bitmedia takes a proactive approach to combat ad fraud, implementing stringent measures to protect both advertisers and publishers from fraudulent activities.

Transparency and Verification: Advertisers can rest easy knowing that their ads are displayed on credible and verified publisher websites, fostering trust and reliability in the advertising ecosystem.

User Data Protection: Privacy is of paramount importance at Bitmedia. The platform adheres to industry-leading data protection practices, safeguarding user information and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

Comparisons With Other Advertising Networks

While traditional ad networks may have a broader reach, Bitmedia’s niche focus on crypto and Bitcoin ensures unmatched targeting precision and relevancy. The agency shines through its diverse ad formats, robust targeting capabilities, and comprehensive analytics, distinguishing itself as a top contender in the crypto advertising landscape.

User Experience and Interface

Bitmedia prioritizes user experience, offering an intuitive interface that caters to both beginners and seasoned advertisers. The platform’s customer support team is readily available to assist users, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Limitations and Areas for Improvement

As with any platform, Bitmedia does have a few areas for improvement. Some users have expressed a desire for additional ad formats and further customization options to cater to specific advertising goals. Bitmedia actively listens to user feedback and continuously enhances its services based on user input.

Conclusion

Bitmedia stands tall as a remarkable advertising network tailored to cater to the unique needs of the crypto and Bitcoin industry. With its targeted advertising capabilities, diverse ad formats, and commitment to security and transparency, Bitmedia presents an enticing opportunity for businesses and publishers to thrive in the digital advertising landscape.

So, whether you’re a crypto startup looking to skyrocket your user acquisition or a publisher seeking to monetize your content, Bitmedia has all tools and features to elevate your advertising endeavors to new heights. Embrace the future of advertising with Bitmedia and unlock the full potential of the crypto and Bitcoin ecosystem!

Looking For Ways to Market Your Business? Here Are Some Effective Ideas

Marketing involves actively promoting your products or services to attract your target customers, increase brand awareness, and drive sales. Companies must employ creative and effective marketing strategies in today’s competitive marketplace to stand out. If you’re looking for ways to market your business and reach your target audience, this article is here to help. It’ll explore proven and innovative marketing ideas to elevate your brand and boost your business’s success.

Leverage Promotional Items

Before diving into marketing strategies, defining your target audience is essential. Knowing your ideal customer base will help you customize your marketing efforts to appeal to the right people. From there, you will have a good insight into which promotional items will appeal to them. Promotional items can be a powerful and cost-effective marketing tool to create brand recognition and customer loyalty. These items typically feature your company’s logo, name, or message and are given away as gifts to customers or potential clients. 

When choosing promotional items, consider items that are practical, useful, and aligned with your brand identity. Opt for custom label bottled water or branded reusable water bottles, which serve a functional purpose and can effectively showcase your logo or message. These items increase your brand’s visibility whenever they are used or displayed. 

Build a Strong Online Presence

In today’s digital age, having a solid online presence is paramount for any business. To build and maintain an online presence, create a professional website. Your website is often the first point of contact with potential customers. Ensure it is user-friendly, visually appealing, and provides valuable information about your products or services. If you’re not adept at web design, consider hiring the best webflow development agency to ensure your site meets industry standards. Optimize your website for mobile apps, as many people now look into the internet through their smartphones and tablets. Start a blog and consistently publish high-quality and relevant content. Blogging establishes your business as an industry authority and improves your website’s search engine rankings, driving organic traffic to your site.

Utilize Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO can improve your website’s visibility in search engine results. When potential clients search for products or services related to your business, you want your website to appear at the top of the search results. Identify relevant keywords that your target audience uses in searching for products or services like yours. Use these keywords strategically throughout your website’s content, titles, and meta descriptions. Create high-quality, relevant content that answers your audience’s questions and provides value. Search engines favor content that is informative and valuable to users. Earn backlinks from authoritative websites in your field. Backlinks are links from other websites that point back to your site. They can improve your website’s authority and search engine ranking.

Harness the Power of Content Marketing

Content marketing is a valuable strategy that focuses on creating and distributing valuable content, attracting and retaining a clearly-defined audience. Create informative and educational content that addresses your audience’s pain points and provides solutions. This can include blog posts, how-to guides, whitepapers, and e-books. Visual content like infographics, videos, and images, can be highly engaging and shareable. Use visual content to convey complex information in a visually appealing manner. Encourage your customers to also create and share content related to your brand. User-generated content can include reviews, testimonials, social media posts, and videos. It builds trust and authenticity around your brand.

Engage in Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing is a meaningful way to connect with your audience, build brand loyalty, and generate leads. Post on your social media accounts consistently to maintain engagement with your audience. Create a content calendar to schedule your posts in advance. Respond to comments, messages, and mentions from your followers promptly. Engaging with your audience shows that you value their input and care about their needs. Use eye-catching visuals to capture your audience’s attention—host contests and giveaways to encourage audience participation and increase brand awareness. Contests can be fun and interactive to engage with your followers and attract new ones. 

Monitor and Analyze Performance 

Monitoring and analyzing your online marketing performance is crucial for making informed decisions and continuously improving your marketing efforts. Start by identifying the key metrics that align with your marketing goals. These KPIs will vary depending on your objectives, such as brand awareness, lead generation, website traffic, or conversion rates. Common KPIs include website traffic, click-through rates (CTR), conversion rates, social media engagement, email open rates, and return on investment (ROI). Utilize various analytics tools to gather data and insights on your online marketing efforts. 

Incorporating these ideas into your overall marketing strategy can create a comprehensive and impactful approach to growing your business. Remember to define your target audience, conduct market research, and stay updated with the latest marketing trends and technologies. Combining creativity, consistency, and data-driven insights enables you to reach your target audience, drive conversions, and achieve long-term business success. Embrace these practical marketing ideas, adapt them to suit your unique business needs, and take your brand to new heights in the ever-evolving marketing world.

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

Gen Announces AI Scam Detection App, Norton Genie

Scams are one of the most pervasive Cyber Safety threats of our time. The sheer volume is staggering – people are collectively wading through 3.4 billion phishing emails on a daily basis – and scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot without help. Today, Norton, a leader in Cyber Safety and part of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), is inviting people to join in the fight against scams by offering early access to Norton Genie, a real-time AI-powered scam detector, to provide an easy, fast and free way to check if texts, emails, websites and social media posts are a scam.

“Every day, we’re inundated with messages and scams that have become so believable that anyone, even the savviest of us, is just one wrong tap from becoming a scammer’s next victim,” said Ondrej Vlcek, President at Gen. “We want to give people Digital Freedom – the freedom that can only be achieved when you’re safe and empowered online. Genie is an always on, easy-to-use, trusted advisor that helps you stay ahead of highly convincing scams. By bringing together best-in-class scam intel from Norton with advanced AI, we can empower people to take full advantage of the digital world safely, privately and confidently.”

Norton Genie is a brand new innovation from Norton designed to be as simple as asking for advice from a friend that’s available 24/7. With just a few clicks or taps, Genie will give immediate guidance on whether the message, email, link or post is potentially a scam and what to do next. Genie is powered by a unique combination of Norton expertise and advanced AI that’s trained on millions of scam messages and the red flags to watch for. As scammers adapt to new technology to make their attacks more convincing, now more than ever, people need AI on their side to help stay ahead of today’s ever evolving scams. Norton Genie is constantly improving to help stop scammers in their tracks and help fight today’s scams and tomorrow’s.

Norton Genie is a comprehensive mobile app and web-based service providing scam detection with the following key features:

  • Fast, free and easy: You can upload a screenshot or copy and paste the text of a suspicious message and Genie will instantly tell you if a message or site appears to be a scam.
  • Norton technology: Genie combines advanced AI with best-in-class cybersecurity data and technology to help identify scams before you engage. As part of Gen, Norton tapped into the company’s investment and application of AI research and innovation, decades of experience uncovering and remediating scams, phishing attacks, and sketchy websites, and extensive library of known threats to create Genie.
  • Protection that evolves: The more people use Genie, the smarter it gets. Our AI powering Genie will continue to learn and adapt to detect new scams and help protect against emerging threats. While Genie gets better and better with scam detection in messages, emails and social media posts, we will be hard at work developing additional ways Genie can protect people from other types of scams they could fall victim to.
  • Trusted advice: Beyond telling you if a message is likely a scam, Genie takes it one step further by answering your most pressing follow-up questions. How did it know the message was a scam? What should you do next? Like a trusted advisor, Genie empowers you with the information you need to be safer in your digital life.

Norton Genie is still learning and in an early access phase. Genie is available now in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and the United States, for free at Norton.com and the Apple App Store. Norton Genie is compatible with iOS 14.0 or greater, Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge and Firefox. Norton Genie is expected to become generally available, expand platform availability to Android, and enter additional markets later this year. To learn more, visit genie.norton.com.