Microsoft announced today that it has entered into an agreement with ESB that will see its data centre power control and administration building in Dublin be powered by zero emissions green hydrogen power. The landmark pilot project is the first time that Hydrogen Fuel Cells will be used to provide electricity to a Microsoft data centre in Europe, supplying up to 250kW of clean energy to Microsoft’s Dublin campus over an eight-week period.
ESB’s zero-emission Hydrogen Fuel Cells convert stored green hydrogen to electricity, with the only by-product being pure water. Designed to replace diesel generators, Hydrogen Fuel Cells produce no carbon emissions or harmful local air pollutants such as particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which can have significant health and environmental impacts.
The groundbreaking pilot is part of a series planned by ESB in 2024 and 2025 to showcase the versatility of hydrogen fuel cell technology in different power applications. The pilot is the first step in demonstrating the potential impact that hydrogen energy can have in helping to decarbonise the strategically important data centre sector in Ireland.
Commenting on the launch of the pilot, Eoin Doherty, Vice President, EMEA Regional Leader, Microsoft Cloud Operations + Innovation, said: “The green hydrogen project we’re launching with ESB is a pioneering first for Microsoft in Europe, demonstrating how zero-emissions hydrogen can be harnessed to power our digital lives. If scaled successfully, it could provide new ways of advancing sustainability in our sector and beyond.”
Lavinia Morris, General Manager, Microsoft’s EMEA Data Centre Operations, commented further: “This pilot project is another important step in our journey to transition to carbon-free electricity supply for our data centres, buildings, and campuses around the world. As we look to advance a more sustainable future, we hope to build on the success of this pilot project and continue to find innovative ways to decarbonise our operations.”
Jim Dollard, ESB Executive Director, Generation and Trading, commented:“ESB believe green hydrogen will play an important role in the net zero energy system of the future. We’re delighted to be working with Microsoft on this innovative pilot project that will showcase the potential for green hydrogen as part of zero emission electricity generation for data centres.”
Microsoft’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell pilot project, in collaboration with ESB, is aligned with the ‘Principles for Sustainable Data Centre Development’ set out by Government in its 2022 policy statement by supporting the development of data centres that make efficient use of the electricity grid and delivering renewable energy.
Today’s announcement to harness green hydrogen is one of many steps and innovations that Microsoft is bringing to the data centre sector to ensure the sustainability of its existing and future cloud and AI infrastructure. In 2020, Microsoft announced an ambitious set of goals, encompassing all global infrastructure and operations, to be a carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste company that protect ecosystems by 2030.
As well as investing in innovative technologies, Microsoft is playing a key role in helping to decarbonise the electricity grid. In November 2022, Microsoft announced new renewable energy contracts related to the development of more than 900 megawatts of onshore wind and solar energy projects in Ireland alone. The projects will see Microsoft significantly contribute to the Irish Government’s 2030 corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) target.
This pilot project also builds upon Microsoft’s ongoing testing and innovation in the area of hydrogen power, more of which is detailed here.
Xiaomi is expanding its smartwatch lineup with an updated Xiaomi Watch 2, introducing a sleek Titan Gray color variant. Xiaomi Watch 2 now includes updated software and features to optimize the wearing experience in various scenarios, with these advancements set to extend to previous models.
Among the new features are 10 fun watch faces, including the new Pet Park feature, which encourages users to stay active by rewarding steps to ‘nurture’ a virtual pet on your watch. Users can enjoy watching their pets grow and evolve across stages based on their daily activities.
Additionally, Xiaomi Watch 2 offers the ability to control Xiaomi TV Max Series 2025 via remote function and access interactive boxing lessons through Mi Fitness App.Supports more than 160 sports modes with an optimized professional algorithm model that provides you with more accurate workout data, so your workouts can be more scientific and productive.
Integrated with Google Maps, Xiaomi Watch 2 excels in navigating complex environments like high-rise buildings and jungles, providing clear movement distance, pace, and route information.
Xiaomi Watch 2 features12-channel PPG monitoring to keep track of your heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and stress levels faster and with more precision. It also offers stronger anti-interference capabilities to identify your sleep patterns with improved accuracy.
Xiaomi is proud to launch its latest flagship smartphone lineup, Xiaomi 14T Series, designed for photography enthusiasts pursuing top-tier imaging capabilities. Reimagining smartphone photography with a focus on exceptional night-time shooting, Xiaomi 14T Series is complemented by powerful AI features. With advanced AI-enhanced imaging technology, users can enjoy clear, vibrant shots at night or during the day. Combining sleek design, powerful MediaTek processors, and stunning AMOLED displays, Xiaomi 14T Series offers seamless integration of AI functionality for multiple use cases, delivering an unparalleled experience for those seeking the best from their devices.
Alongside the launch of its latest smartphone series, Xiaomi is introducing the highly stylish and durable Xiaomi MIX Flip to the global market. Powered by the latest Xiaomi HyperOS, it delivers a seamless user experience across both its inner and outer displays. With professional-grade Leica imaging and flagship-level performance, Xiaomi MIX Flip matches the standards of non-foldable phones, offering exceptional functionality in a compact form.
Redefining night photography with next-generation Leica optics
Xiaomi 14T Series delivers an exceptional photography experience for any user. With exceptional low-light capabilities, Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro capture breathtaking night scenes and vibrant cityscapes with extraordinary clarity.
Powered by Xiaomi AISP, the AI LM computational photography platform, based on FusionLM, Xiaomi 14T Series enhances dynamic range and reduces noise for extraordinary detail and vibrant colors even in challenging lighting. Leveraging vast raw data from FusionLM, this series supports UltraHDR format, enhancing the HDR experience. Additionally, PortraitLM within the AISP platform enhances the Master Portrait mode, which covers a focal range of 23mm to 75mm, ensuring layered, detailed portrait photos with enhanced depth, clarity, and a natural bokeh effect.
Xiaomi 14T Pro has a versatile triple camera system spanning five focal lengths—from 15mm to 120mm. This offers additional flexibility to cover various shooting conditions. Its 50MP main camera features a large ƒ/1.6 aperture and latest Leica Summilux optical lens, paired with the Light Fusion 900 image sensor. With a 1/1.31″ sensor size, Dual Native ISO Fusion Max, and a 13.57EV high dynamic range, this advanced setup captures up to 32% more light than its predecessor,10 ensuring vibrant and detailed imagery. The device also includes a 7P aspherical high-transmittance lens to capture more light and support high dynamic range shooting.
Xiaomi 14T features an advanced Sony’sIMX906 image sensor and a versatile triple camera system featuring three lenses with four focal lengths ranging from 15mm to 100mm. Its 50MP main camera, with a large ƒ/1.7 aperture and latest Leica Summilux optical lens, delivers vibrant colors and exceptional detail even in low light. The 12MP ultra-wide camera with a 15mm equivalent focal length also ensures crisp and detailed landscape shots.
Beyond impressive photographic capabilities, Xiaomi 14T Series also excels in videography, making it effortless to capture cinematic videos. Movie mode defaults to a 2.39:1 aspect ratio and supports Cinematic Blur and Rack Focus switching for a cinematic feel, while Director mode introduces a professional cinematography interface with advanced parameter controls.15 Meanwhile, MasterCinema records HDR videos in the 10-bit Rec. 2020 format and offers up to 4K recording at 30fps, capturing more detail in light and shadow, presenting users with a dynamic range that closely resembles human vision.
Harnessing advanced AI for everyday convenience
Xiaomi 14T Series brings a new level of productivity and creativity with advanced AI capabilities across search, voice, text, image, and video, enhancing everyday tasks and with improving convenience.⁴ Harnessing the power of both on-device and cloud-based computing, Xiaomi 14T Series AI-capabilities empower users to enhance their productivity, travel smarter, and effortlessly create content.
Taking collaboration with Google to new heights, Xiaomi 14T Pro introduces Circle to Search with Google, becoming one of the first Xiaomi devices to offer this innovative feature. Users can instantly search anything they see on their phone without needing to switch apps. Additionally, Xiaomi 14T comes with the Google Gemini app. Chat with Gemini to get help writing, learning, planning, and more.
For enhanced productivity, AI Interpreter overcomes language barrier to improve communication during meetings and calls.19 AI Notes and AI Recorder enhance efficiency with speech-to-text transcription, accurate speaker recognition, and quick summaries, while real-time translations ensure smooth multilingual interactions.
On the creativity side, AI Image Editing intelligently expands images to elevate visual storytelling, while AI Eraser Pro removes unwanted elements for flawless photos. AI Film makes creating cinematic short videos a breeze, and AI Portrait generates personalized avatars, empowering users to showcase their unique style effortlessly.
Xiaomi 14T Series is committed to continuously enhancing the software experience, leading to over 600 software improvements since January 2024, which have resulted in a 9.8% increase in system speed. Improvements include improved multi-language optimization, feature synchronization with Android, and reduced entryways and app redundancy, resulting in a cleaner,more seamless, and more responsive experience. Xiaomi 14T Series also introduces three innovative features—call synchronization, app handoff, and playback transfer—that ensure seamless connectivity and effortless transitions between devices, significantly boosting productivity and convenience. Furthermore, the Link to Windows feature offers users an integrated PC computing environment, bridging the gap between mobile and desktop experiences.
Users of Xiaomi 14T Series can enjoy 100 GB of Google One cloud storage for 6 months and 3 months of YouTube Premium with ad-free access to YouTube and YouTube Music. In selected markets, users can also enjoy 4 months of ad-free music streaming with Spotify Premium at no additional cost8
Immersive visuals and ultra-smooth interactions
Xiaomi 14T Series boasts a remarkable 6.67-inch AMOLED CrystalRes Display, offering stunning 1.5K resolution (2712 x 1220) with a pixel density of 446 ppi. This advanced display delivers vibrant visuals and smooth interactions, enhanced by impressive 12-bit color depth. With a high refresh rate of up to 144Hz, users can enjoy ultra-smooth scrolling and responsive touch, ensuring fluid animations and seamless transitions for an elevated user experience. Offering DCI-P3 color coverage and peak brightness of 4000 nits, the display provides immersive visuals both indoor and outdoor, making every interaction more engaging and enjoyable. The next-generation AI display intelligently adjusts color temperature and brightness based on usage scenarios and time of day, ensuring optimal eye comfort.
Xiaomi 14T Series delivers exceptional audio quality with Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification and stereo speakers for immersive sound. Featuring Dolby Atmos® technology, users can experience rich, three-dimensional audio, elevating their enjoyment of movies, music, and games.
Performance redefined with seamless speed and efficiency
Xiaomi 14T Series delivers exceptional performance with cutting-edge processors and advanced cooling systems, elevating daily tasks with unparalleled speed and efficiency.
Xiaomi 14T Pro redefines performance with the next-level flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor, delivering a remarkable 37% boost in multi-core CPU performance. Paired with the advanced Immortalis-G720 GPU, which offers a 44% improvement in graphics performance,16 this powerful combination excels in AI applications and gaming, providing a seamless and superior experience. Enhanced by the Xiaomi Surge T1 Tuner for stable connectivity and improved cellular performance, and Xiaomi 3D IceLoop system for effective heat management, Xiaomi 14T Pro ensures peak performance without overheating, making it the ultimate choice for mobile gamers and power users.
Xiaomi 14T, powered by the new AI processor MediaTek Dimensity 8300-Ultra, offers a 20% boost in CPU performance and a 60% improvement in GPU performance, making multitasking smoother and more efficient while extending battery life with improved power efficiency.
Xiaomi 14T Series features powerful batteries and fast charging capabilities, ensuring rapid charging and reliable use. Xiaomi 14T Pro stands out as the first in Xiaomi T Series to introduce wireless charging, providing 50W wireless charging capability in addition to its 5000mAh battery. Additionally, 120W HyperCharge allows a full charge in just 19 minutes. Meanwhile, Xiaomi 14T is equipped with a robust 5000mAh battery and 67W HyperCharge⁶ for fast wired charging.
Powerful performance meets stylish sophistication
Xiaomi 14T Series seamlessly blends performance with elegant design, featuring a sleek metallic deco design and an ultra-narrow 1.7mm bezel that enhances the immersion of the display experience. Both devices boast an IP68 rating, ensuring water and dust resistance for durability and peace of mind. Xiaomi 14T Pro features a refined metallic frame that adds a touch of sophistication and offers up to 116% greater resilience¹º against bending and damage compared to the previous generation. The 3D curved back enhances comfort and grip, while the metallic deco adds a touch of luxury. Xiaomi 14T Pro has three color options: Titan Gray, Titan Blue, and Titan Black. Xiaomi 14T is available in Titan Gray, Titan Blue, Titan Black, and Lemon Green. The Lemon Green variant is crafted from bio-based PU material with a four-layer structure, incorporating 50% bio-based materials, including lemon fiber and 100% recycled PET, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Price and availability for the UK
From today Xiaomi 14T Pro will be available on mi.com in three color options: Titan Gray, Titan Blue and Titan Black, while Xiaomi 14T in four color options: Titan Gray, Titan Blue, Titan Black, and Lemon Green. Xiaomi MIX Flip will be available in two color options: Black and Purple
IRISH PRICING
Xiaomi 14T comes with one storage variant, 12GB+256GB RRP €649.
Xiaomi MIX Flip comes with one storage variant, 12GB + 512GB at €1299.
Xiaomi 14T Pro comes with three storage variants:
Xiaomi 14T Pro 12GB+256GB RRP £649
Xiaomi 14T Pro 12GB+512GB RRP £699
Xiaomi 14T Pro 12GB+1T RRP £799
Xiaomi 14T comes with two storage variants:
Xiaomi 14T 12GB+256GB RRP £549
Xiaomi 14T 12GB+512GB RRP £599
Xiaomi MIX Flip comes with one storage variant, 12GB + 512GB at £1099
Football fans around the world are celebrating as Soccer Manager 2025, the latest iteration of the popular mobile football simulation series, has officially been released. Soccer Manager 2025 marks the tenth year of the critically acclaimed series from Invincibles Studio, played by over 75 million users, and promises to bring a whole new level of matchday action to screens worldwide.
The Soccer Manager series allows players to take charge of their favourite elite football clubs and manage them from match to match, season to season. The game features everything from 3D simulated matches to transfers and an in-depth tactics system. Users can also build up their facilities off the pitch and manage every aspect of their football club in this realistic & immersive management experience.
Soccer Manager 2025 is the best looking & feeling game in the series yet. With extensive focus on the new 3D Match Motion engine, an all-new, sleek user interface, and a huge number of performance optimisations, SM25 continues on its journey to becoming the best mobile football management experience on the market. Development has been shaped by the game’s dedicated community, with feedback taken by the developers at every stage to deliver on the priorities of the players.
Key to the game’s strength, Soccer Manager 2025’s match engine is powered by Invincibles Studio’s brand new Match Motion technology. The Match Motion system brings a new level of visual detail to the matchday experience, combining upgraded player models, over 300 new animations, and countless other improvements to bring your tactics to life at your fingertips like never before. This system is a top-tier match engine and will power Invincibles Studio’s titles for years to come.
Soccer Manager 2025’s realism & authenticity is also reinforced by the officially licensed content in-game. Licenses from Manchester City and the German Bundesliga bring official badges and kits into the game. There are also over 25,000 FIFPRO-licensed players in the game from across the world, bringing the leagues to life.
Soccer Manager 2025 is now available worldwide on Android and iOS. For a limited time, new users can receive in-game bonuses & exclusive cosmetics just through downloading the game. With its new features, sleek appearance, and commitment to delivering the best possible football management experience, Soccer Manager 2025 is set to raise the bar for the series and can be downloaded via this link.
In a representative study of the Irish population by reichelt elektronik, the leading European retailer, consumers have revealed their thoughts on smart home technology, why and in which areas they use smart home products – and what they want from a smart home of the future. reichelt elektronik launched into the Irish market earlier this year, in a move that underscores the German-brand’s expansion plans for Europe.
More than just practical reasons – why smart homes are so popular
Smart devices are no longer the exception. According to the survey, the large majority of Irish households (81%) use smart home products, a figure that is 10% more than the average of its European counterparts (Germany, Italy, Spain, France and the Netherlands), found the same survey from reichelt elektronik. Voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Home (63%), and intelligent multimedia systems such as smart TVs and music systems (62%) were noted as particularly popular amongst Irish respondents.
These findings align with the key reasons consumers cite for purchasing smart home devices. Just under half (47%) see wanting to increase comfort within their own four walls as the main reason for the purchasing of smart home technology, with practical functions, such as remote access or automation of processes, in second place (43%). Such findings highlight that investing in a smart home is about more than just practical optimisation, it is a way of curating a cosy and comfortable living space.
Security and saving energy costs with the smart home
In addition to comfort, security and the desire to save on energy costs were seen as two notable reasons for adopting smart home appliances. Almost a third (30%) look to increase home security through the use of tech such as security cameras and lighting systems, with high levels of perceived effectiveness applied to these products. 81% of respondents view smart security cameras as useful, 76% think the same of smart doorbells and 65% believe that smart home locks are beneficial.
Just behind security, 29% of smart tech users state the aim of reducing energy costs – and successfully so – as a purchasing driver. Almost half of all respondents (46%) have found that they have been able to lower spending on utility expenditures, such as heating, with the aid of smart devices.
Making life easier
A clear majority of respondents (89%) state that smart homes can make their lives easier, and it is therefore also important that the products are easy to use and work reliably. Control via a smartphone app (68%) is significantly more popular than using voice control (37%) or a remote control (28%), findings that are in keeping with the results seen across other European countries asked the same survey questions.
When making a purchase decision, the Irish population attach great importance to a good price-performance ratio (48%), solid data protection (44%) and the longevity of the products (37%). However, pain points for those looking to buy smart home tech include high prices (57%), errors and failures (42%), concerns about data protection (37%) and installation complications (28%), highlighting the need for improvements by manufacturers to adapt to the demands presented by Irish consumers.
Demands for the future
While the Irish population have embraced smart home tech, with almost half (45%) of respondents noting that they couldn’t imagine their lives without such, several areas and use cases require keen attention for the future.
While 81% of respondents have smart tech in their homes, there is a belief amongst the population that these products are not accessible for the older population or people with disabilities, with 68% expressing such a view. Supplementing this viewpoint is the demand for smart home tech for older people who still live in their own home and need support for their own care, with 41% noting that this is the area they would most like to see new products created for. Behind this demand comes the creation of a device that tracks lost belongings i.e. glasses or keys (35%), automatic window locking systems (24%), health tracker for dogs (23%), personal assistants (23%) and products that can prepare hot drinks or cook (23%).
Above all, consumers want lower prices for smart home products (50%), in addition to more security functions (38%), and more options for controlling processes in the home (33%) in the future.
“The study shows that smart homes are already an established part of many people’s everyday lives across Ireland,” commented Christian Reinwald, Head of Product Management at reichelt elektronik. “Smart devices are not only a functional support, they are an essential component for an efficient home. With the rise of energy prices in recent years, the adoption of smart home technology is proving to be an effective way to reduce costs—an especially welcome relief for households feeling the strain, particularly as we head into the colder winter months. The possibilities of smart products are far from exhausted – and as the study shows, people are looking forward to innovations that make their lives easier and more enjoyable.”
Launch into the Irish market
The results from this survey come following the launch of reichelt elektronik into the Irish market this year, as part of the company’s wider European expansion. Founded in Germany and operating in 9 countries, reichelt elektronik is one of the most recognised online distributors of electronics globally, processing more than 10,000 orders per day. The company’s product range spans electronic components, automation technology, IT solutions, and smart-home systems — catering to both consumer and industrial markets. reichelt elektronik’s state-of-the-art logistics platform, combined with its custom-built systems and expert team, ensures reliable delivery and a seamless shopping experience.
“Expanding into the Irish market is a natural step in reichelt elektronik’s broader European growth strategy. Ireland’s tech-savvy population and increasing demand for electronics and IT solutions make it an ideal location for our e-commerce platform. We look forward to replicating the success we have achieved in other countries in the Irish market, providing customers with strong price-performance technology products,” commented Ulf Timmermann, CEO of reichelt elektronik, on this expansion.
Qualcom, a leading Irish provider of IT and cybersecurity services, today announces that it has achieved a Microsoft designation in Azure Infrastructure. Qualcom is one of a select number of Microsoft partners in Ireland to receive this designation.
Qualcom was recognised for its expertise in delivering innovative solutions built on Microsoft Azure technology which meet the evolving needs of customers and drive their growth. With this certification, customers will benefit from an enriched range of Azure capabilities including accelerated migration to the cloud and enhanced security and flexibility. Qualcom can leverage increased access to Microsoft resources and highly skilled technicians to continue to strengthen its Azure service portfolio.
Adding to its existing Microsoft Modern Work SME and Enterprise designations, this new recognition demonstrates Qualcom’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of technological advancement to deliver increased value to customers.
David Kinsella, Technical Director, Qualcom, said:“This designation helps to solidify our position as a leader in the market, and recognises the commitment of the entire team in providing cutting-edge Microsoft solutions to our customers. We remain dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation across our technology solutions to drive customers’ success. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Microsoft team to enhance our capabilities.”
Fergal Quigley, Microsoft Azure Business Lead at MicroWarehouse, one of Ireland’s largest Microsoft distributors, said:“As one of a select group of partners in Ireland to have achieved this certification, this underscores Qualcom’s deep dedication to integrating Microsoft technology solutions that lead to customer growth. It gives customers the confidence to innovate, backed up by a team of highly skilled professionals and the highest quality of service and support.”
The TOZO T6 earbuds (upgraded 2023) model are an affordable pair of earbuds that do a great job for the price with plenty of features to keep those on a budget interested.
I have been testing TOZO products some time now and they never fail to impress even at entry level priced goods they deliver for the most part and these also come with a companion app but tamed down for their earbuds but not to be sniffed at either.
These type of earbuds are not my go to type but I test such out and they fit well with the right tips and give a good passive seal and will not fall out of ears even for the more active person.
There is no ANC but these get loud and have good touch controls which work well each time and you can customise to your own needs too and you will see how well these work in the video review below.
All the options are there as you would expect you can even use these individually which is a plus effectively doubling you use time which is not seen at this price.
They also come with wireless charging again not seen at this price and you can get up to 30 hours per fully charged case depending on your EQ and volume settings which is quite good for the size of the earbuds and the case.
The audio is decent too with no lag latency but I did find slight tinny sound to the right earbud when on max volume on some genres but not a consistent problem overall with the rigorous testing I give my earbuds in general, highs lows and mids fine great bass and instruments and fairly central and with the App you can control your own needs, though as mentioned toned down a little the most of the options are there to get the best sound you desire.
You can connect up to two devices at once which for me is vital and overall for the money you cant really complain with what you get here that some features are omitted from more expensive well known brands.
The App
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Features
[Smart Touch Control] Specific touch control function makes it more convenient, tap once to play/pause music and answer calls, double tap to skip forward/backward, hold to adjust the volume. You can easily control it without operating the phone.
[ Bluetooth 5.3] Adopt the advanced Bluetooth 5.3 technology. TOZO T6 Support HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP, which greatly improve the transmission speed and providing you with a low-latency listening experience.
[One step pairing] Pick up 2 headsets from charging case and they will connect each other automatically, then only one step easily enter mobile phone Bluetooth setting to pair the earbuds.
[IPX8 waterproof] Earbuds inner Nano-coating makes it possible to waterproof for 1 meters deep for 30 minutes. It is suitable for sports to prevent water. Ideal for sweating it out at the gym . Earbuds and case even can be washed by water and soap.
[Charge on the go] Playtime lasts for over 6 hours from single charge and total 30 hours with charging case. Enjoy fast charging, to fully charge the rechargeable case only 55 minutes via cable or less than 2 hours via wireless charger. Providing convenient charging way with no strings attached.
An Post, Ireland’s national postal service, has today launched /Imagine Ireland, Ireland’s first-ever crypto stamp issue, created using artist-led, generative-AI designed technology. Celebrating the rich heritage of Irish life, the latest collection of two stamps from An Post offer a glimpse into a possible future shaped by technology and innovation. /Imagine Ireland is a limited-edition collection, with only 10,000 crypto stamps available to purchase.
Crypto stamps are a combination of a physical stamp and its digital twin image, to which a non-fungible token (NFT) is clearly assigned on Polygon, a public and environmentally friendly Blockchain frequently used for NFTs.
Partnering with Ciphers.me, a highly secure platform that allows users to safely buy, claim, collect and trade valuable blockchain and NFT collectables, An Post joins its colleague Posts in Germany, France, Switzerland and Portugal in charting the impact of artificial intelligence and crypto on the postal industry.
Using the PIN code unique to each booklet purchased, An Post’s crypto stamp can be accessed on Ciphers.me and the NFT then added to the customer’s digital MetaMask wallet or alternative wallet of their choosing. For unique ownership of each NFT, the data is stored in the Blockchain so that it can be included in each customer’s digital wallet. Customers must create both a wallet and an NFT if they wish to trade their crypto stamp.
Commenting on An Post’s first-ever crypto stamp collection,Des Morley, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, An Post says,
“At An Post, we are applying digital innovation across our business – in this case, to one of our most renowned products, stamps. In a spirit of co-operation with International posts we are charting the impact of AI and Crypto by continuing to engage with and learn from emerging technologies.
While we are treating this as a test, this crypto stamp issue is combined with generative art – two technologies that are constantly transforming our world and how we operate in it. /Imagine Ireland is our first stamp issue featuring these combined technologies, which we are very excited about and we hope to see more of in the future.”
As is the case with all stamp issues, An Post completed a rigorous design process, working with the artist to craft this unique collection of generative art stamps. Testing the technological capabilities of AI, the stamps issue is designed by Designer and AI Artist, Kasia Oźmin using Mid-journey, an AI program that generates images from written prompts. This surreal collection is the latest addition to a long line of innovations as An Post continues to push stamp design boundaries with artists, mostly based in Ireland.
Speaking on the stamp design, Designer and AI Artist, Kasia Oźmin says, “AI’s place in art should be as an aid, not a replacement for human creativity. It amplifies what we, as artists, can achieve, allowing us to explore new realms of imagination and expression that were previously inaccessible.
The concept behind these images was intentionally designed for those who may be unfamiliar with AI-generated imagery. At first glance, the visuals evoke recognisable Irish landscapes, but upon closer inspection, they invite questions. As part of my exploration of imaginary habitats, I envisioned a place where the cutting-edge capabilities of AI blend seamlessly with the familiar Irish landscape. This imagined world reflects a lifestyle that honours both heritage and the possibilities of the unimaginable.”
Envisioning new possibilities for urban and rural settlements, the ‘N’ national rate stamp, which covers postage across the island of Ireland, challenges the perceptions of housing, providing a futuristic solution, while the ‘W’ international rate stamp for posting worldwide explores the future of transport in Ireland.
As a limited-edition collection, booklets featuring the crypto stamp are available to purchase online at anpost.com/cryptostamp. Each crypto stamp is linked to a unique Non-Fungible Token (NFT) on the Blockchain and associated with a unique PIN code. Each booklet also contains a traditional print stamp.
Collectors and enthusiasts can claim their digital stamps by scratching the PIN code from the booklet and linking their accounts with Ciphers.me. On the platform, collectors can store the crypto stamps in digital wallets, where the stamps can be minted, saved, and traded online until the end of 2027.
Traditional stamp sheets are available to purchase online at anpost.com/shop or in-store at selected post offices from 26th September 2024.
Vodafone Ireland has signed a new Corporate Power Purchasing Agreement (CPPA) with energy supplier Flogas, along with its infrastructure partner Vantage Towers.
This agreement allows Vodafone to directly purchase renewable electricity from the Derrynadivva Wind Farm located in Mayo. Vodafone is the first telco in Ireland to sign a CPPA.
The investment of €6million is part of the company’s sustainability goals to achieve net zero across its full value chain by 2040. Combined with other agreements Vodafone has in place, 100% of its Irish operations are matched with certificates of renewable energy sources in Ireland.
The energy secured within this agreement gives Vodafone access to clean, high quality and affordable renewable electricity for its extensive network of cables that deliver mobile and fixed services to customers across Ireland. As part of this agreement, the company’s infrastructure partners, Vantage Towers will also receive renewable energy from the Derrynadivva Wind Farm.
Amanda Nelson, CEO at Vodafone Ireland said: “We are proud of the steps we’re taking to not only support our customers to be greener but also green our own operations. Today’s announcement is an investment in Ireland and its renewable energy industry. This is a significant step towards our own ambitious net zero targets.’’
Brian McHugh, Managing Director at Vantage Towers Ireland said:“Vantage Towers’ infrastructure network is totally powered by renewable energy, in line with our global ESG agenda. Sustainability is a necessity, and this agreement with Flogas is a further commitment to minimizing the impact of our business on the environment, and a continued investment in Ireland’s natural generating capability.’’
Pat Brett, Director at Derrynadivva Wind Farm Ltd said: “We are thrilled that Derrynadivva Wind Farm in Co Mayo continues to play a pivotal role in Ireland’s transition to a sustainable energy future. By delivering clean, renewable wind energy to some of the nation’s largest companies, we are not only helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also supporting these businesses in their commitment to more efficient and responsible energy consumption.”
James Temple, Renewables Manager at Flogas, said: “The CPPA with Vodafone Ireland underscores the accelerating commitment of Irish companies to increase their use of carbon-free energy and lead in renewable energy adoption. As a leading provider of clean energy CPPAs, Flogas is dedicated to enhancing the economic feasibility of renewable projects and advancing Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.”
Vodafone’s sustainability strategy also focuses on reducing its energy consumption. In Ireland, the company uses an Intelligent Energy Management System. This is a system in which a machine learning algorithm across the 4G network analyses traffic patterns in real-time, allowing Vodafone reduce congestion and ultimately reduce energy consumption by 10 to 15%.
Vodafone Ireland also provides ways for customers be more sustainable including ‘Fix & Go’ for repairs and upgrades to extend the lifecycle of phones, as well as eSIMs which reduce carbon emissions by removing the need to manufacture and ship plastic, and a variety of eco accessories.
In 2022, Vodafone became the first telco in Ireland to offer a device trade-in service which has been very well received by customers, with over 35,000 devices returned to Vodafone to date. The initiative offers customers up to €400 for old smartphone devices which customers can use as store credit towards the purchase of a new device or receive payment directly into their bank account. After the device is traded in Vodafone ensures each device is refurbed, recycled or repurposed, as part of our commitment to a circular economy.
