Month: July 2024

Irish businesses continue to face challenges in complying with the General Data Protection Regulation

Irish businesses continue to face challenges in complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), six years on from its introduction, according to new research. The findings were presented by Forvis Mazars and McCann FitzGerald LLP in their latest joint survey, “GDPR and Digital Legislation: A Survey of the Impact and Effect on Organisations in Ireland”.

The research, which was conducted by Ipsos B&A, found that just 15% of businesses consider their organisation to be ‘fully compliant’ with the legislation, which is billed as the toughest privacy and security law in the world. A further 58% of respondents indicated their organisation was ‘materially compliant’, and 25% say their organisation was ‘somewhat compliant’. In order to achieve their compliance targets, half of the businesses surveyed believe they need more resourcing, financial investments or further expertise in this space.

The research also found that 82% of respondents believe the risks associated with GDPR non-compliance are increasing, with respondents citing ‘reputational risk’ as the most important factor in determining an organisation’s data protection risk appetite, followed by ‘fear of fines’. Eight in 10 (81%) of the businesses surveyed say they intend to improve their compliance status.

This is the eighth edition of the Forvis Mazars and McCann FitzGerald LLP annual survey on the impact of GDPR on organisations in Ireland. As well as examining the latest perceptions among Irish businesses regarding GDPR compliance, the report also assesses awareness and readiness for a wave of new legislative developments from the European Union in response to rapid technological changes.

Findings show that 60% of those surveyed are concerned about the impact of new digital legislation on their organisation, which includes DORA (the Digital Operational Resilience Act), the AI Act, the Data Act, the Data Governance Act, the Digital Services Act, the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, the Digital Markets Act, the Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2) and the Cyber Resilience Act. There is also a high degree of uncertainty regarding the new legislation with many respondents being unsure of their applicability to their business, which suggests further education and awareness is required within organisations.

Key Findings:

  • 82% of respondents agree that the risks associated with GDPR non-compliance are increasing, up from 70% in last year’s survey.
  • 81% of respondents intend on improving their compliance status.
  • 59% of respondents are concerned about the prospect of being fined for GDPR non-compliance, compared to 58% in last year’s survey.
  • 47% of respondents agree that working to comply with GDPR has delivered many benefits for their organisation, up from 34% last year.
  • Over half of the respondents (52%) say that the CEO of their organisation is strongly engaged in GDPR compliance and data privacy, compared to 50% in 2023.
  • Six out of 10 respondents are concerned about upcoming digital legislation.
  • 63% of respondents indicated that the AI Act will apply to their organisation.

Liam McKenna, Partner in Consulting Services at Forvis Mazars, said: “This survey underscores the essential need for organisations to remain up to date with both current and forthcoming regulations in the digital space. Irish businesses must diligently maintain their compliance initiatives, particularly amid the significant financial and reputational risks at stake.

“Although GDPR regulations were implemented in 2018, that only 15% of Irish companies are fully compliant is a concern for Irish business, particularly in light of further digital legislation coming down the tracks including the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), AI Act, Data Act, and Digital Services Act, among others. Irish companies therefore need to urgently focus on GDPR adherence, while actively gearing up for new legislative requirements.”

Paul Lavery, Partner at McCann FitzGerald LLP, added: “The effectiveness of the GDPR as one of the toughest data privacy laws in the word is perhaps evidenced by the fact that organisations are still actively working on improving their compliance six years on. It is much more than a tick the box exercise and staying on the right side of these complex requirements will require ongoing attention and focus by Irish organisations.

“The good news is that this experience will serve businesses well as they prepare for new legislation coming down the track from the European Union. Legislating for rapidly changing technologies such as AI is no easy task, and we can expect regulations around data, AI, cyber resilience, information security and digital services to continue to evolve in the coming years.”

The report was launched this morning by Forvis Mazars and McCann FitzGerald LLP, joined by Graham Doyle, Deputy Commissioner, Data Protection Commission, at the offices of McCann FitzGerald LLP. It can be read in full here.

Bumble tackles AI-generated photos and videos by adding a new option to report fake profiles

AI-generated images are becoming a growing part of our online interactions. Evolving from photo modification trends such as the use of filters or FaceTune, the surge in the use of realistic, digitally created images naturally creates concerns around authenticity, especially when people dating are looking to meet someone new.

In fact, a recent Bumble survey found that 71% of Gen-Z and Millennial respondents felt there should be limits to using AI-generated profile pictures and bios on dating apps.

That’s why Bumble has now introduced a new option under the ‘Fake Profiles” reporting menu that enables people to report profiles they come across that may be using AI-generated photos and videos, helping them assess the authenticity of profiles and connections to support a safer experience for everyone.

This feature is the latest addition from Bumble to best help people find healthy and meaningful connections. Earlier this year, Bumble also rolled out Deception Detector, an AI tool that helps identify spam, scam, and fake profiles. Within the first two months, Bumble saw member reports of spam, scam, and fake profiles reduced by 45%.

“An essential part of creating a space to build meaningful connections is removing any element that is misleading or dangerous. We are committed to continually improving our technology to ensure that Bumble is a safe and trusted dating environment. By introducing this new reporting option, we can better understand how bad actors and fake profiles are using AI disingenuously so our community feels confident in making connections.”Risa Stein, VP of Product at Bumble

Trinity College Dublin Launches €1.3M ‘Twilight’ Project: Revolutionising Optical Networks with Digital Twins

Trinity College Dublin announces the launch of the €1.3 million ‘Twilight’ project, aiming to revolutionise optical networks with cutting-edge digital twin technology, enabling rapid and disruption-free advancements.

Minister for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD, has recently announced 28 funding awards valued at €34 million to support research across seven Higher Education Institutions.

One of the awarded projects is Twilight: Twin Lightpaths, A Digital Twin Framework For Full Automation Of Disaggregated Optical Networks. Marco Ruffini, Professor at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Principal Investigator in the CONNECT Centre, and lead author of the project proposal, emphasises the project’s transformative potential:

“Optical networks are the lifeblood of the internet. They must evolve to support the ever-increasing usage of the internet and digital innovations like Smart Cities and Virtual/Augmented Reality. Twilight’s digital twin project will ensure safe, rapid advancements without network disruption.

We are grateful to Minister O’Donovan for supporting this important initiative. I would also like to thank our colleagues from HEAnet and GÉANT who supported us and are going to be collaborating with us on this project.”

HEAnet, Ireland’s National Education and Research Network, manages a national optical network of over 2,500 km, which is a central part of Ireland’s national research infrastructure. HEAnet has collaborated with the SFI Connect Centre over many years, providing connectivity services and research demonstrations on the HEAnet production network. .

In 2022, HEAnet connected directly to Prof. Ruffini’s Open Ireland test network at Trinity College Dublin. This has provided Prof. Ruffini’s group with access to the production HEAnet optical network while also enabling HEAnet to gain valuable insights into the characteristics of the HEAnet production network. HEAnet connects to the GÉANT pan-European research and education network in both Dublin and Cork. The Twilight project will provide optical connectivity from the Open Ireland test bed to the GÉANT optical network via the HEAnet network for the first time.  

Eoin Kenny, Innovation and R&D Manager at HEAnet, highlights the project’s efficiency: 

“Planning network changes has always been challenging. Twilight’s digital twin will streamline this process, save time and help HEAnet to optimise our network resources.

We are very pleased with the work carried out on the OpenIreland research infrastructure and look forward to continuing this close collaboration.”

HEAnet is a member of GÉANT, the collaboration of European National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), who interconnects Europe’s NRENs with the high bandwidth, high speed and highly resilient pan-European backbone, together connecting Europe’s researchers, academics and students to each other, and linking them to over half the countries in the world.

Guy Roberts, Senior Transport Network Architect at GÉANT also expressed enthusiasm for the Twilight project: 

“The future for anyone working with optical networks looks bright with all the new technologies on our side. We are continually dealing with the issues of dynamic provisioning of optical paths. Despite making extensive use of optical equipment vendors’ planning tools, we have discovered anomalous situations that can lead to some level of service disruption.

GÉANT will work with TCD and HEAnet to provide measurements to train the digital twin algorithms, help with any fine-tuning and carry out experiments on the use cases we have jointly defined.”

To learn more about the Twilight project or to get involved, contact marco.ruffini@tcd.ie. 

EHS International Launches New Dublin Offices Following Major Investment

EHS International, a leading Irish environmental, health, and safety (EHS) company founded by Chris Mee, has announced the official opening of its new offices in Ballymount, Dublin. This expansion is part of a significant investment nationally by EHS International, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing EHS standards across Ireland and beyond. Since leaving his previous company, Chris Mee has invested €5 million in the setting up of his new enterprise.
The newly renovated 10,000 square-foot facility at IFC House, 23 Ballymount Road Upper, Kilnamanagh, Co Dublin, is a comprehensive training centre with collaborative spaces. EHS International offers a wide range of services from this location, including specialised EHS training, consultancy, and occupational health services. There is also ample car parking on site.
Leading the Dublin team is Robert Butler, recently appointed as the Dublin Director for Operations & Training. With 12 dedicated professionals operating out of the Dublin office and a team of over 100 employees spanning Ireland and the UK, EHS International is poised to reinforce its position as the fastest-growing provider of integrated EHS solutions, having launched in October 2023.
The opening of the Dublin office marks a significant milestone in EHS International’s journey to becoming a global leader in EHS services. Speaking on the launch, Chris Mee, CEO of EHS International, said: “Our new Dublin headquarters represents a crucial step in our expansion strategy, allowing us to better serve our clients in the Dublin and Leinster area.”
Robert Butler, Dublin Director for Operations & Training added: “This new office is a testament to our growth and our dedication to providing unparalleled EHS services including Safety and Fire specialised training and EHS consultancy. We look forward to working more closely with our Dublin and Leinster clients from this new state of the art centre of excellence.”
Leveraging over three decades of expertise, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including EHS consultancy, Fire & EHS Services, training, occupational health & recruitment, solutions to businesses on a national and international scale. For more information about EHS International and its services, visit ehsinternational.com.

Jabra’s research reveals how audio volume affects performance and office vibe

9 in 10 (92%) UK workers say getting work done, being able to focus on work, and maintaining good mental health are equally important. But according to Jabra’s latest research, the role that audio plays on cognitive, emotional and physical wellbeing in the workplace cannot be undersold. Nearly three quarters (71%) of UK respondents say working in a loud environment makes them mentally tired, and that clear and high-quality sound enhances their ability to focus on tasks.  

The research was carried out amongst 2,000 knowledge workers across France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. The findings revealed that improving neurodiversity in the workplace and creating an inclusive space can positively influence mental wellbeing and productivity, ultimately encouraging better mood and providing organisations with a competitive advantage.   

Office buzz or a productivity buzzkill? 

While organisations are continuing to push for employees to return to offices, half (50%) of UK respondents say they are stressed by noise at the office not allowing them to focus. 

Jabra’s research found that 47% say it was difficult for them to be productive at work when colleagues were taking calls at their desks without headphones. Meanwhile, 49% reported it was equally difficult to lead or participate in calls when colleagues are taking calls from their desks without headphones. To avoid noise and limit distractions, over half of UK workers (53%) say they are expected to take calls or online meetings away from their desks in a separate room and use professional headphones (66%).  

The findings show the impact noise has on overall productivity and performance. With 72% saying clear and high-quality sound enhances their ability to focus on tasks and projects, it is critical that leaders do all they can to provide the right technology and a conducive environment for employees returning to the office, to avoid the productivity buzzkill.  

Loud environment and its impact on mental wellbeing  

Poor audio quality has negative consequences on work and wellbeing, with 58% of UK workers saying poor quality audio during conference calls negatively impacts their wellbeing.  

The impact loud environments have on mental health and wellbeing is clear: nearly three quarters (71%) say working in a loud environment makes them mentally tired. Furthermore, six in ten respondents agree that working in a loud environment makes them physically tired (60%) and it is difficult for them to feel passionate about their work when working in such an environment (59%). 

Workers also believe higher-quality meeting audio can positively impact their interpersonal skills in the workplace through clearer communication (46%), improved collaboration (44%), and enhanced communication skills (39%).  

While noise has a negative impact on overall mental health and wellbeing, workers believe employers have a responsibility to address audio issues in a variety of ways. This ranges from providing noise-cancelling headphones as part of standard office equipment (36%) and allowing employees to work from home more frequently (39%). Over a third (34%) say their employer could also designate specific areas for different types of activities such as quiet zones or collaborative zones to ensure employees have the options available in the offices for optimal performance and mental wellbeing.  

Inclusive and neurodiversity in the workplace fuels business results 

Neurodiversity refers to the diverse number of ways a human brain processes information. It highlights there is no one-size-fits-all approach to how people approach a similar situation. The research findings show that this concept applies to the workplace too.  

Despite being a relatively new concept to UK workers, with 21% saying it was the first time they were hearing about the term “neurodiversity”, around 7 in 10 believed that neurodiversity in the workplace can improve business through increased creativity (72%) and collaboration (74%) – ultimately driving better business results (71%).  

It is clear from the research findings that audio levels have a varied effect on workers and can have a profound effect on overall health and quality of life. Improving neurodiversity in the workplace can be a way to boost work performance (61%), and employees are more empowered to “bring their whole self to work” in an inclusive workplace (60%). With a positive impact on both business and employees, nearly two thirds (64%) of UK workers agree that employers should invest more in creating an inclusive, neurodiverse workplace. Gone are the days where workplaces solely catered to a single type of employee, and an evolution is needed to ensure employers are catering to different individual needs within the workforce.  

Nigel Dunn, VP EMEA North at Jabra, said: “The way of work is constantly evolving, and with the return to the office, UK workers are struggling with the ability to focus in the workplace. Sound type, intensity and individual sensitivity play significant roles in how we function at work and have a huge impact on mental health and wellbeing, and productivity and performance. GN’s recent “Listen to This” campaign highlights the strong link between audio and our overall cognitive and mental wellbeing. UK leaders need to invest in creating an inclusive and neurodiverse workplace, combined with high-quality technology to ensure workers can bring their true and best selves to work and thrive professionally and mentally.”  

Please see here for the full report

Datapac’s technology supports horse health and wellbeing for the Irish Equine Centre

Datapac, Ireland’s leading technology solutions and services provider, is today announcing that its technology is helping to drive equine disease diagnosis and research for the Irish Equine Centre (IEC). Founded in 1983, the Kildare-based IEC is a leading scientific and diagnostic service provider dedicated to the health and wellbeing of horses.

The IEC’s existing IT infrastructure was no longer able to keep pace with the growing technology demands of the equine diagnostics field. Following a competitive tender, Datapac delivered a complete refresh of the centre’s IT ecosystem to support the rollout of a wide range of services, including laboratory diagnostics, disease surveillance, and research on equine health and biosecurity.

The solution is underpinning continued growth and success for the IEC, which has just launched the Pet Vet Lab, a new service dedicated to advancing the health of household pets. It offers a ground-breaking screening service directly to pet owners, producing a personalised probiotic which is unique to each pet.

Datapac’s fully managed solution includes a comprehensive overhaul and integration of the IEC’s networking, compute, and storage infrastructure, built on Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) hardware and software. As the leading diagnostic service provider to the Irish equine industry, infrastructure uptime and resilience is vital for the IEC. The technology provides robust cloud data backup and recovery, with the ability to restore data in minutes in the event of an incident.

Advanced de-duplication vastly reduces the size of data storage, with up to 90% data capacity savings, and has significantly reduced cloud hosting costs for the centre. It also ensures speedy access to applications and data, boosting productivity for the IEC’s 69 employees.

Meanwhile, in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, Datapac’s Managed Threat Ops service provides round-the-clock monitoring, response, and neutralisation of cybersecurity threats. The IEC also serves as a teaching centre for third-level veterinary students and Microsoft Office 365 software with individual accounts and storage space provides a seamless user experience.

In addition, Datapac has enhanced connectivity across the IEC campus, implementing a wireless network solution and upgrade to next-generation Wi-Fi 6. The consolidation of technologies coupled with support from Datapac engineers for day-to-day technical queries has reduced the burden on in-house IT resources, freeing up time to focus on driving innovation for the centre.

Michael Mahady, IT Manager, Irish Equine Centre, said: “We had worked with Datapac in the past, and knew that its skilled team was best placed to deliver on our key objectives as technologies continue to advance. The flexibility and high level of data protection provided by the HPE Simplivity platform is of the utmost importance, as secure backup and business continuity is crucial to enable us to continue to roll out our services and resources. Furthermore, Datapac’s solution provides the benefits of a smaller storage footprint while retaining the operational horsepower of a much larger system to support the early detection and management of diseases. Reliable access to Datapac’s experts is invaluable and gives us the peace of mind to focus on delivering value-adding projects for the centre.”

Colin Chapman, Business Relationship Manager, Datapac, said: “The Irish Equine Centre does such important work to promote horse health in Ireland, and our technology infrastructure overhaul is providing the proactive support and increased capabilities to continue to advance these vital services. Our solution has future proofed the IEC’s IT systems which will help the centre to grow and innovate in line with evolving industry demands. We are looking forward to building on our relationship with the centre as it continues to develop its cutting-edge resources.”

Gamgee Unveils Gamgee Wi-Fi Fall Protection for Elderly Safety

Gamgee, a leader in digital technology and home automation, launches the Gamgee Wi-Fi Fall Protection for Elderly Safety. This system leverages the widespread presence of Wi-Fi to deliver a unique and comprehensive solution for elderly care. In a market primed for innovation, our system addresses the increasing need for effective fall detection and emergency response for the elderly population, allowing them to live independently and safely in their own homes.

Utilizing the Wi-Fi signals emitted by routers and mesh extenders, the Gamgee Wi-Fi Fall Protection for Elderly Safety captures disturbances caused by movement within the home. Unlike conventional fall detection systems, Gamgee’s technology goes beyond basic motion detection by analyzing disruptions in Wi-Fi signals to accurately detect falls and differentiate them from normal activities. This advanced feature allows the system to provide reliable monitoring without the need for uncomfortable wearable devices.

“Our Wi-Fi Fall Protection system doesn’t just detect falls; it understands them,” said Paul Hendriks, CEO and Co-Founder of Gamgee. “By converting every router into a potential safety device, we are significantly enhancing the safety and independence of elderly individuals everywhere.”

Our system comes with a user-friendly mobile app that connects a network of caregivers and family members, enabling them to keep a close eye on their elderly loved ones from afar. If the system detects a fall, it instantly alerts each caregiver according to the preferences set by the senior, making sure everyone involved is quickly up to speed on any emergencies. This community-focused approach not only strengthens the collective support for seniors but also ensures their safety without being intrusive. The system works quietly in the background, constantly monitoring for movement and falls, offering peace of mind to seniors and their caregivers alike.

Key features of the Gamgee Wi-Fi Fall Protection for Elderly Safety include:

  • Fall Prevention Recommendations: Receive safety tips and fall prevention advice from the get-go and based on the monitored data, helping to reduce risks.

  • Immediate Alerts on Falls and Other Irregularities: Instantly get notified via text or push notifications when a fall or an irregular activity is detected, ensuring swift response and assistance.

  • Monitor Activity and Health: Monitor daily movements, detect anomalous behaviour, and track sleep patterns. Understand the elderly individual’s routine and spot any irregularities.

In addition to its safety features, Gamgee has made sure the system is compatible with various Wi-Fi setups, with a particular focus on mesh technology to ensure robust signal coverage throughout the home. It also doubles as a ‘regular’ Wi-Fi network, providing seamless internet access. This dual functionality not only supports continuous monitoring for falls and movements but also enhances the home’s connectivity, making it a practical solution for both safety and everyday online activities.

The introduction of the Gamgee Wi-Fi Fall Protection for Elderly Safety represents a significant milestone for Gamgee, known for its commitment to enhancing user experience through technological innovation. This system is not just a new product but a new approach to elderly care, one that leverages existing technology in a novel and highly effective way.

To bring this product to market, we are launching a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. We invite you to join us in revolutionizing elderly care by supporting our campaign.

This is the second campaign launched by Gamgee, using Wi-Fi to disrupt the smart home hub market. Our first campaign introduced the Wi-Fi Home Alarm System, which leverages Wi-Fi signals to detect disturbances caused by movement. Unlike conventional security systems, this system analyzes disruptions in Wi-Fi signals to create a ‘body print’ of individuals, distinguishing between humans, pets, and inanimate objects. This innovative approach has set a new standard in home security, providing intelligent differentiation, customizable detection zones, enhanced privacy, and continuous learning for improved accuracy and reduced false alarms.

For more information about the Gamgee Wi-Fi Fall Protection for Elderly Safety or to learn about Gamgee’s range of digital solutions, please visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gamgee-wi-fi-fall-protection-for-elderly-safety/x/35276146#/.

Jabra Amazon Prime Day deals

Need some new earbuds check out what Jabra have on offer for Amazon Prime Day as along time user of these product and if you have not tried Jabra yet now is the time to do so..

Jabra Elite 10 – Was £229.99, Now £149

Jabra’s newest and most comfortable addition to its Elite range. These true wireless earbuds deliver crystal clear calls and are optimised for Dolby Atmos with Dolby Head Tracking for a truly immersive experience.

Jabra Elite 8 Active – Was £199.99, Now £129

The world’s toughest earbuds – tested to US military grade standards, these earbuds are waterproof, sweatproof and dustproof, and with a secure design and fit, they won’t shift, even during the most strenuous workouts.  Powered by Dolby Audio, the buds deliver lifelike, clear sound 

Jabra Elite 4 – Was £99.99, Now £45

These affordable true wireless earbuds are packed with features with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Multipoint connectivity and Fast Pairing (Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair). They offer comfort, optimal sound and convenience, all at a reasonable price.

See our Jabra reviews

Tech Review – Google Pixel 8a

Having used the Google Pixel 8a some time now it is time to talk about how it has been for me over the last few months and as expected with Google devices they get better over time not that there was anything wrong to start with.

First up the design is nice and sits well in the hand and better than the 8 Pro I have come to prefer the smaller device however now for consuming media which is still fine on the 8a, the look and feel i better here and not hefty with soft edges not digging into your hands I like the smaller hump the key placement and the front of the device which has an equal bezels all the way around however on the large side.

This Google Pixel 8a has an aluminium chassis with a nice matte finish on the rear leaving no fingerprints on the back of the phone however we have had plenty of cases and skins to keep the phone in top shape.

Performance has been great over the last few months and  being a power user has not let me down at all and I do put my phones to the test with the amount of apps and work tasks performed on a daily basis and it is not by any means light compared to a casual user of such a phone and with the Tensor G3 you will not see any lag in your daily tasks if like me it just flies along. Biometrics are on board again and work well.

When it comes to the camera it is dam good as expected and a joy to use and till one of the top contenders for a point and shoot phone and with all the AI features thrown in the Pixel 8a is not just a camera or a phone it is a tool for work in my opinion. There is photo unblur, portrait blur, Best take, circle to search magic eraser,magic audio eraser, live translate, pixel recorder app and at a glance and much more to take your pic from and of course Google lens and all of which I use daily. There is no thermometer here this time which I found handy at home..

The display is decent too being 6.1” OLED display FHD+ 2400×1080 and 20:9 aspect ratio with an Actua display making it fine to use in daylight and you can tune the display up to 120Hz which for most will not notice this and it automatically done but it is nice to have on the 8a this time round.

Overall the Pixel 8a does not disappoint and surely will not at this stage and as always I will still carry a Pixel device as a daily driver all year round as they just work for me and suit my work flow and so fluid to use for anything I throw at it. Plus I am invested in a house full of Google products that now are outdated so Google need to give us new cameras and Doorbells soon.

10 things to know about the Google Pixel 8a

1 – Pixel 8a Colourful. Powerful. AI- full.

The Pixel 8a, engineered by Google. Take amazing photos with the Pixel Camera. Do more, even faster with Google AI – like fix blurry images, screen calls and learn new things. Top-rated security features help protect your data.1 All at a great price. Pixel 8a is bright and bold, and feels great in your hand. And it’s built to last.

2 – The most durable A- Series phone yet.

Pixel 8a is Google’s most durable A-Series phone yet, with a metal frame and camera bar. With IP67 protection, it can handle water and dust.It has a new scratch-resistant Actua display, and it’s made with recycled aluminium, glass and plastic. And it’s designed with a smooth finish and a matte back cover.

3 – Save time and do more with Google AI.

Pixel with Google AI makes it easy to get things done. Search for something just by circling it – an image or text, even in a video – right from the app that you’re in. Google AI finds it fast. Write messages quickly using your voice with Assistant voice
typing. Send messages in multiple languages with Live Translate And At a Glance shows useful info right when you need it, like travel updates, event tickets and more.

4 – Tensor G3: the same chip as Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

Google Tensor G3 is the next-gen processor custom-built for Pixel. It’s Google’s fastest, most efficient and secure chip yet – the same chip that’s in Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. It powers Google AI and advanced machine learning for amazing photo and video quality, improved audio on phone calls, speech recognition and security. It makes Pixel 8a fast, efficient and helpful.

5 – Incredible photos and videos with the Pixel Camera.

The Pixel Camera makes photos perfect, every time. It’s easy to take amazing pictures in low light with Night Sight. Thanks to Google AI, you can create perfect group shots with Best Take and fix blurry images with Photo Unblur.11 All skin tones
are represented beautifully and accurately with Real Tone photos and videos. And Pixel 8a includes Super Res Zoom for clear close-up portraits from far away.

6 – 7 years of security, OS and Feature Drop updates.

Pixel phones are built to last and get better over time. With your Pixel 8a, you’ll receive the latest OS and security updates for seven years, plus helpful new Feature Drops every few months.12

7 – The highest- rated security features.

With Google Tensor G3 and the certified Titan M2 security chip, all Pixel 8 phones are built with multiple layers of security to help keep your personal info safe.13 And they come with VPN by Google One built in to help protect your online activity no
matter what app or web browser you use. You can also use Face Unlock for more things, like app sign-ins and payments, thanks to Tensor’s advanced machine learning.

8 – Help making calls. And avoiding them.

Phone calls are easier with Pixel Call Assist, a set of features that help with everything from making calls to avoiding them.15 Your Pixel can now detect and filter out even more spam calls.16 If you’re too busy to pick up, Pixel can tell you who’s calling and why. Call Screen on Pixel can now suggest more contextual replies for you, so you can easily respond to unknown callers in a way that fits the situation, without having to take the call yourself.17 And with clear calling, Pixel reduces your caller’s background noise, so that you can hear them more clearly.

9 – Engineered by Google. For all that you do.

Pixel phones, tablets, watches and earbuds are powered by Google AI for personalised help throughout your day.19 So that you can save time, live healthier and get more done. Take stunning photos and videos, and easily edit them. Track your health and fitness with the power of Fitbit. And have peace of mind with Safety Check and Emergency SOS.20

10 – The best of Google, included with Pixel.

Pixel is easy to switch to, and it comes with the best of Google. Pixel 8a includes three months of YouTube Premium (then X per month), three months of Google One and six months of Fitbit Premium to help you get the most out of your new
Pixel. For new eligible users only. Recurring billing. Cancel anytime Google One keeps your photos and files safe with 100 GB of storage and automatic phone backup. And with YouTube Premium, you can enjoy YouTube videos and music without ads, in the background and offline. Give your motivation a healthy boost with six months of Fitbit Premium wellness content, including workouts, mindfulness sessions, healthy recipes and more.

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