Month: June 2025

TCL Unveils the Z100: The World’s First Wireless Dolby Atmos FlexConnect Speaker for Home Cinema

TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the world’s No. 2 TV brand, is revolutionising home entertainment with the launch of the TCL Z100, the first wireless Dolby Atmos® FlexConnectTM speaker. This innovation creates a completely new home cinema category, designed to combine acoustic performance, adaptability, ease of installation, and elegant design.

A Groundbreaking Innovation: Wireless Dolby Atmos FlexConnect Speakers for ultimate consumer ease of use

The result of years of collaboration with Dolby, the Z100 offers a multitude of Dolby Atmos home cinema system options with no cables or HDMI box. Exclusively compatible with the latest generation of TCL Mini LED TVs (C6K, C7K, C8K, C9K, and X11K), it introduces an innovative way of experiencing sound at home. Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is a new feature that unlocks the ability to place speakers anywhere you choose, while optimising the sound experience to fit any room layout or speaker configuration. It provides a customised Dolby Atmos experience where your seat will feel like the best seat in the house. The Z100 speakers communicate with TCL televisions to intelligently adjust sound output. FlexConnect speakers can be used in multiple configurations depending on the consumer’s space and wishes – with 2 speakers, 3 speakers or 4 speakers. All options offer an immersive Dolby Atmos experience.

The Z100 speakers are wireless, meaning they can be placed anywhere in the room. With FlexConnect, speakers can be placed in asymmetrical positions and at different heights. This significant benefit provides unprecedented freedom of placement without compromising audio quality.  

“With this groundbreaking product, we’re ushering in a new era for home audio experiences, made possible through our close collaboration with Dolby,” said James Parker, Head of TV & AV at TCL UK. “Our TVs already integrate Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, our soundbars feature Dolby Atmos, and now, we’re taking another major step forward with Dolby Atmos FlexConnect. This technology enables everyone to create a truly immersive home cinema experience, perfectly tailored to their personal space and lifestyle.”

“The launch of Dolby Atmos FlexConnect across TCL’s Precise Dimming Series marks a new chapter in personalised home audio experiences,” said John Couling, Senior Vice President of Entertainment at Dolby Laboratories. “With Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, consumers can unlock even more flexibility and adaptability in how they design their home entertainment systems, whilst removing the stress of whether their speakers are in the right location to get an incredible Dolby Atmos experience.”

Unprecedented Sound Immersion, Regardless of Configuration

Consumers seek the best audio from their sound systems, but room constraints often make optimal speaker placement a challenge. Whether due to room size, outlet locations, or balancing sound performance with aesthetics, positioning speakers can be frustrating. Dolby Atmos FlexConnect unlocks the freedom to place one or more wireless speakers anywhere in a room without having to worry whether they are placed perfectly. The solution is easily adaptable as more devices are added no matter where they are placed, intelligently optimising the Dolby Atmos rendering of each speaker and the TV to create the best possible experience available that’s tailored to the room.

Each Z100 speaker delivers a maximum power of 170W (1.1.1) and includes four high-fidelity speakers, including a vertically angled channel at 15° for optimal height sound reproduction. Thanks to the intelligent auto-calibration of Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, the Z100 automatically identifies its position in the room relative to the user’s location, optimally adjusting the sound field.

Multiple* Z100 speakers can be paired with TCL’s C6K or C8K models to create a sound environment equivalent to a Dolby 5.1.2 or 7.1.4 system, respectively. This audio power is delivered with unmatched ease of use. Additionally, when connected to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, a single Z100 can also serve as a versatile music playback system (without Dolby Atmos).

*Up to four units simultaneously

A Mobile and Elegant Design that Enhances Acoustic Performance

Sleek and sophisticated, the Z100 features an understated metallic black design that seamlessly complements any interior décor. Its compact, wireless form eliminates visual clutter, while delivering professional-grade acoustics, a testament to the combined expertise of TCL laboratories and Dolby audio engineers.

The Z100’s vertical structure integrates a powerful audio setup with two front-facing speakers, an angled vertical speaker, and a subwoofer, providing immersive three-dimensional surround sound and high-fidelity audio with richly detailed soundscapes. This exceptional audio quality rivals that of home cinema sound systems, elevating the home entertainment experience to unprecedented levels.

Neither a conventional soundbar nor a traditional speaker, the Z100 sets a new standard for home cinema: wireless Dolby Atmos, portability, and elegant design.

The TCL Z100 will be available in France starting early July 2025 with more European launches to come. 

For more information, visit: https://www.tcl.com/uk

The Impact of View Count on Twitch Algorithms

Becoming a Twitch superstar is a dream for many. But at the same time, with such harsh competition consisting of literally thousands of other people in the same niche, it may look like an impossible task. Not necessarily, there are ways to make yourself count and benefit from Twitch’s algorithms.

From this point of view, there are a few factors you need to pay attention to. Having a good view count, for example, can put you in the live section of Twitch. That’s where most people look for when they’re interested in something new or exciting.

On the same note, a good view count will also make you go viral by introducing you to the discovery section. This means more and more people will see your work. Obviously, you need quality work as well, if you want these people to actually stick to your channel.

Now, all these things may seem easy, but gaining those views and other elements related to Twitch’s algorithms can be tricky. With this aspect in mind, here’s everything you need to know about the view count and other relevant factors for your popularity on Twitch.

A Visibility Boost

Simply put, Twitch works like a human being. If you see a full restaurant with one empty table, you’ll pick it over an empty restaurant. You naturally assume that food and prices are great there; that’s why there are so many customers.

Well, Twitch works in the exact same manner. A high view count tells Twitch that your stream is popular and engaging. The platform wants everyone to see viral and popular things, so it will be mentioned in the live section. You’ll also become a top recommendation for those looking to discover new content creators.

The higher your view count is, the better your placement will be in these sections. This visibility creates a snowball effect, it means more viewers attract more viewers and your stream gains popularity overnight.

From this point of view, botted Twitch viewers make an excellent addition to your growth techniques, since they’ll help you achieve more organic traffic, let alone potential followers.

Better Rankings

A high view count every now and then will make you more visible in live and discovery sections on Twitch. But having high view counts on a regular basis will make things even better, as you’ll become more of an authority, so you’ll gain even more recommendations from the platform.

Now, the way this works is based on recommendations in the search function. When someone searches for something in particular and the criteria match you, having a regular high view count will make you an authority, so you’ll be among the first results if not even the top one.

Once again, this translates into a better placement and more organic traffic. While the method to get botted viewers isn’t necessarily natural, it pushes your channel into an organic growth line, meaning you’ll become more visible to a wide audience.

However, over time, your channel’s success will depend on your ability to engage real viewers, foster loyalty, and consistently deliver quality content.

Other Relevant Factors

The view count can and will make the difference, but it’s not the only factor to take into account. In fact, it goes hand in hand with other metrics. Plus, you don’t want to look suspicious. You can’t have 10,000 viewers when your channel barely has 500 followers, so you need to focus on other elements too.

Apart from matching the view count to the total number of followers, you should also pay attention to the activity in your channel during streams.

For example, an active chat room indicates good times, which also affects the algorithms. You’ll get even more recommendations and better positions if your chat room is active too.

Any form of interaction can and will help your streams become popular and more visible. This includes responding to chat messages, running polls, and encouraging viewers to participate in discussions or games.

The watching time is not to be overlooked either. If every viewer watches your stream for a few seconds, Twitch will interpret it as being boring and not interesting. That’s what people would actually do. You get in, watch for a bit and get out if you don’t like it.

From this point of view, short watching times will affect your discoverability in a negative manner. You need those views to be long in order to affect the algorithms positively.

Back to the actual interaction, it relates to the title of the stream too, let alone the description. Any form of interaction, whether it’s viewers chatting, sharing your stream, or liking your content, helps your channel grow and become more visible on the platform.

Shared Viewership Helps Too

Last, but not least, shared viewership is another important element in the algorithm, especially if you’re trying to grow and become more popular. This means you shouldn’t overlook any collaboration whatsoever. As long as you can get introduced to someone else’s audience, simply go for it.

Shared viewership means your viewers and your collaborator’s viewers are counted altogether. Not only do you get more visibility, but this also affects the view count, meaning both of you will get better rankings and discoverability. It sends a message to the algorithm and it helps your channel with the exposure. It’s not only about numbers but about building connections, sharing audiences and creating unique experiences as well.

The Mowrator S1: The World’s First 5 in 1 All-Wheel-Drive Robotic Mower for Lawn Care in Every Season

Reemo Innovation Limited is proud to announce the full release of the Mowrator S1: the world’s first consumer-grade remote-controlled, all-wheel-drive robotic lawn mower. Featuring an innovative 5-in-1 modular design, the S1 is built for year-round outdoor care – its core unit can be equipped with attachments including a snow blade, remote video control system, leaf vacuum, grass collector, and trailer hitch.

Whether clearing branches or hauling fertilizer in the spring, mowing from indoors during the hot summer months, collecting leaves in the fall, or clearing snow in the winter, the S1 delivers across all four seasons, always keeping your garden in peak condition. Say goodbye to the hassle of managing five different single-purpose machines and save on storage and costs with the multifunctional S1.

What truly sets the Mowrator S1 apart is its cutting deck. Equipped with a 21-inch straight blade and a 1600W peak power cutting motor, it delivers the same strength as a gas-powered mower but without the emissions, noise, or maintenance headaches. It easily handles thick, tall, or even wet grass, leaving behind a clean, professional-looking cut.

Powered by four independent motors, the Mowrator S1 climbs slopes up to 85% and navigates rough terrain with ease – a game-changer for seniors or anyone looking to reduce the physical strain of yard work. Offering a safe, remote controlled alternative for areas where traditional mowers can’t reach such as steep slopes, uneven ground, roots or hard to reach corners it eliminates the need for heavy lifting, pushing or rough riding, replacing it with smooth, safe and convenient control.

The durable lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery with an 18Ah capacity allows for up to 1.125 acres of mowing on a single charge and the additional chassis fan cools the system while mowing, ensuring continuous operation without the risk of overheating. With a 600W fast-charging mode, the battery can be fully recharged in just 90 minutes, making it perfect for lawns of all sizes. 

Ready to use right out of the box the S1 is incredibly fun to operate. With its ultra-responsive, game-style remote control, users can enjoy lawn care again – even under trampolines or around flower beds – with ease and precision. 

Built with a military-grade aluminum alloy body and advanced safety features, including tilt protection and a five-layer obstacle detection system for real-time hazard avoidance, the Mowrator S1 is designed for safety and durability. It’s an ideal choice for supervised children and older users, offering a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to manage your outdoor space year-round, free from the limitations of traditional mowers.

Pricing:
The Mowrator S1 is available now. Pricing starts at £2,578 / $2,499. For more information, visit www.mowrator.com

Check out our recent lawnmower review 

About Mowrator:
Founded in 2022, Reemo Innovation Limited is a Shenzhen-based robotics company focused on developing smart outdoor cleaning solutions to make yard care simpler, safer, and more accessible. The team, consisting of members from top tech institutions such as DJI and Alibaba’s DAMO Academy, is dedicated to creating innovative tools that empower users of all ages and abilities to transform outdoor maintenance.

SteelSeries partners with Valve for CS2 Dragon Lore Collection

SteelSeries, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture, and Valve, creator of the iconic FPS, Counter-Strike 2, proudly announce a new collaborative collection of limited-edition gaming gear. Celebrating the highly sought-after and coveted Dragon Lore skin, the design dons the award-winning QcK XXL Mousepad and Custom Wireless Gaming Mouse. The new collection was inspired by fusing SteelSeries’ esteemed reputation as a premium brand and worldwide leader in elite performance gaming gear with the mythos of the Counter-Strike franchise and its unique footprint within gaming culture.
The prestigious AWP | Dragon Lore skin is one of the rarest and most coveted in all of gaming. Introduced as part of the Cobblestone Collection in 2014, it remains elusive and a rarity to behold — until now. For the first time, the Dragon Lore design adorns two new Limited-Edition items from SteelSeries, inspiring precision with the Wireless Gaming Mouse and showcasing the dragon in all its glory across the QcK XXL Mousepad.
  • SteelSeries Custom Wireless Gaming Mouse | CS2 Dragon Lore Edition – Inspired by the illustrious, ultra-rare Dragon Lore skin, gamers can elevate their gameplay to new heights with this versatile custom wireless gaming mouse. Seamlessly switch between ultra-fast gaming-grade 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth, maintaining accuracy with 18K DPI TrueMove Air optical sensor, co-developed with PixArt. Experience the power of the dragon with up to 200 hours of battery life and 80 million clicks. The SteelSeries Wireless Gaming Mouse | CS2 Dragon Lore Edition takes inspiration from the award-winning Aerox 3 Wireless and reengineers the chassis and trigger button for the exclusive new design.
  • QcK XXL Mousepad | CS2 Dragon Lore Edition – The dragon’s power is fully exhibited as you lay down the foundations for victory. Achieve complete control and stability with a non-slip rubber base gaming mousepad, featuring our renowned QcK micro-woven cloth. Optimized to work with low or high DPI, style and substance come together in this signature CS2 mousepad. The QcK XXL represents the pinnacle of surface performance, innovation, and style. Durable micro-woven cloth on a 900 mm x 400 mm x 2mm playing surface provides players with maximum control. SteelSeries’ legendary QcK Series mousepads are engineered for all levels of play and are highly recommended by esports professionals.
For over two decades, Counter-Strike (CS) has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) launched back in 2023 as a free upgrade to CS:GO, marking the largest technical leap in Counter-Strike’s history. Built on the Source 2 engine, CS2 is modernized with realistic physically-based rendering, state-of-the-art networking, and upgraded Community Workshop tools.
The SteelSeries x CS2 Dragon Lore Collection is available for pre-order beginning today, June 17, 2028, ahead of the official launch on July 1, 2025, at SteelSeries.com for the following MSRPs:
  • SteelSeries Wireless Gaming Mouse | CS2 Dragon Lore Edition – NA: $149.99 | EMEA: €129.99| UK: £119.99
  • QcK XXL Mousepad | CS2 Dragon Lore Edition – NA: $44.99 | EMEA: €44.99| UK: £39.99

Heart Attack Documentary Showcases Ireland’s MedTech Strengths

‘Counter Attack’, the ninth documentary from the CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices and Ardán’s Science on Screen public engagement programme, premiered at the Lighthouse Cinema in Dublin this week.

Medical device research thrives on a multi-disciplinary approach where combining knowledge from many fields deepens our understanding of global health conditions. Cardiovascular disease, one of leading causes of death globally, was the subject of ‘Counter Attack’, the new Science on Screen documentary directed by Tiernan

Williams and produced by Maria O’Neill of Cluster Fox Films.

The documentary features CÚRAM’s University of Galway-based researchers, including vascular surgeon Dr Niamh Hynes, who focusses on the body’s largest artery – the aorta. Her research looks at predicting if, and when an aortic rupture will happen and, using AI and machine learning, how we can build computer models or ‘digital twins’ of aortas to understand the rupture process.

Also featured is Kildare-based musician Frankie Lane, who suffered a heart attack followed by a cardiac arrest, Frankie’s wife Anita Lane and Cork-based paramedic, Pat McCarthy. The screening was followed by a panel discussion and an audience Q&A chaired by Dr Claire O’Connell.

Professor Abhay Pandit, founding director of CÚRAM, spoke about cardiovascular disease research, explaining that while it can take a long time for research to reach the patient, innovations are being created all the time. He gave the example of an injectable hydrogel that he is working on that will in the future help preserve the health of the heart muscle after a heart attack event.

Frankie and Anita Lane spoke about the emotional impact of their experience while paramedic Pat McCarthy shared statistics about survival rates for out of hospital cardiac arrests and the importance of understanding that there are many different signs and symptoms.

“At CÚRAM, our goal is to develop superior devices that are durable. We achieve this by uniting experts from diverse fields, including clinicians like myself, engineers, biomedical scientists, and social scientists, all while keeping the patient at the heart of our team” commented Dr Niamh Hynes.

“We cannot grasp what is most important or urgent without their perspective. Conversations like these are crucial not only for raising awareness and prevention but also for helping people recognise how valuable their lived experiences with these conditions are to the research community.”

Watch the ‘Counter Attack’ trailer at Counter Attack – Trailer on Vimeo

2025 marks the 10th year of CÚRAM & Ardán’s Science on Screen programme, which was founded to explore the stories behind science and to facilitate, promote and increase the inclusion of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) content in Irish film and TV production.

Over the last ten years the films and animations produced through Science on Screen have been screened in 30 different countries and reached almost 2 million people through broadcasts, film festivals, through community, academic and clinical screenings and via online platforms and public exhibits. If you are interested in hosting a screening please contact CÚRAM or Ardán for more information.

Find out more at www.ardan.ie and www.curamdevices.ie.

Viltrox’s AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE: Affordable Pro-level Full Frame Portrait Lens

Viltrox is pleased to announce the AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE, a new full-frame autofocus lens for Sony E-mount cameras. This is Viltrox’s first full frame lens in the company’s acclaimed Pro Series. It is precision-tailored to meet the exacting demands of advanced enthusiasts and working professionals who will only accept reliable, high-performance optics for portraiture and general photography.

An 85mm focal length has long been preferred by portrait photographers for its natural perspective and ability to isolate subjects while still providing a degree of versatility – from close-ups to full body shots. The Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE adds to this by combining a wide F1.4 aperture with advanced optical design that maintains sharpness and clarity across the frame – even at its widest aperture.

The result is close to perfection in its class: a lens that offers both creative flexibility, with stunning bokeh effects, and dependable performance in a wide range of environments.

The Definitive 85mm Portrait Lens

As the definitive focal length for portrait artistry, the AF 85mm F1.4 Pro masterfully adapts to every owner’s creative vision – whether capturing intimate half-frame portraits, dynamic full-body compositions, or fleeting emotional nuances. Elevating Viltrox’s Pro series with its first full-frame lens, it features an advanced optical design including 15 elements and 11 groups, delivering exceptional sharpness and excellent control of coma aberration.

The Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE leverages an ultra-large, precision aspherical lens. This achieves peak aberration control and onion ring control even at 1.4 aperture, delivering consistent sharpness from center to edge. The lens also includes three low-dispersion ED elements to minimize chromatic aberration, and nine high-refractive index elements that maintain clarity. Viltrox’s advanced nano-coating minimizes ghosting and flare, even in challenging lighting such as backlit scenes.

At F1.4 the lens produces the ideal shallow depth of field for portraiture: sharp and clear where focus is needed; soft, dreamy bokeh in out-focus areas; and smooth transitions between focal zones. This allows subjects to be cleanly separated from backgrounds without introducing distracting artifacts, while still delivering beautiful bokeh. The wide aperture also benefits low-light shooting, offering higher shutter speeds and lower ISO settings for clean, noise-free images in dimly lit conditions.

HyperVCM: Viltrox’s patented fast, quiet and smooth autofocus motor

Viltrox’s patented HyperVCM autofocus motor delivers exceptionally fast, quiet, and smooth focusing. In the AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE, the dual HyperVCM motor outperforms traditional STM motors, offering significantly faster focus speed, lower focus noise, and superior precision. This translates to a 150% boost in focusing speed, enabling near-to-far focus shifts in just 100ms. With micrometer-level positioning accuracy, the lens achieves reliable focus even under extremely shallow depth of field conditions. Combined with real-time eye and face detection (compatible with a wide range of cameras), it maintains accurate focus on moving subjects. Crucially, the motor’s quiet operation and smooth, precise focus transitions ensure highly reliable video performance. When manual control is preferred, users can instantly switch via the dedicated AF/MF switch.

Easy to use, but flexible and tough

This lens is built for durability, without compromising handling. The full-metal body is robust at about 800 grams – but still provides balance and maneuverability to capture shots. Dust and splash resistance – via strategic seals and water-repellent coating on the front element – make it suitable for outdoor use in difficult conditions.

Professional handling features always improve workflow. In Viltrox’s AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE, these features include the customizable focus function button; an aperture ring click switch, switchable between stepped and stepless, which is ideal for hybrid photo and video use; and compatibility with the easy-to-use Viltrox App for firmware updates and function customization via USB C. The lens supports EXIF data transmission with compatible cameras, and accepts standard 77mm filters.

For photographers seeking a fast, high-resolution portrait lens with dependable autofocus, rugged construction, and full-frame optical integrity, the AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE offers a compelling balance of precision, versatility, and value. It’s available now.

More details and how to buy

For more information, please visit: https://geni.us/8514fe_pr

Amazon Store:

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8QLT3L9

EU: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0F8QLT3L9

 

MSRP: US$598 / EU: €669 / UK: £569

Desire2 in-car suction holder review

The Desire 2 in-car suction holder is an ideal product for your vehicle be it a car truck bus or van this one comes with a nice matt finish and has a ball joint on the back giving you flexibility on movement.

There is also a quick release on the holder itself so you do not have to yank your phone out like on some models of phone holders, this one again stays away from your vent and vent phone holders can be annoying and damage your vent.

With the dual suction technology this secures really well to your window or dashboard on top giving you more flexibility on where you might want to place it.

There is also a rubber silicon back plate and grips to protect your phone from getting marked or damaged and overall an affordable piece of kit for your vehicle making life easier and keeping the phone out of your hand.

With holding your phone an offence this is an ideal piece of kit to have and looks good in your car and protects your phone from falling down between your seat or elsewhere as it does happen quite often and can damage your phone, check the video below for more.

 

PERFECTION: Durable, Soft Touch compact ergonomic design
Performance: Quick release button allowing for simple smartphone insertion and removal.
PROTECTION: Silicone rubber gives the device a safe and secure grip with security feet to allow easy charging while mounted.
NEW DUAL SUCTION TECHNOLOGY: Ensures the most secure attachment to both Dashboard or Windscreen. Simply rinse with warm water and air dry to restore original suction strength.
SUITABLE FOR ALL SMARTPHONES – In Car, Office, home, kitchen or outdoor

Ecofil Installs Iconic V Bottle Filling Station at Derrynane House

Ecofil Limited, Ireland’s leading provider of sustainable bottle filling stations, has completed the installation of its flagship Iconic V unit at Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell. The timing of this milestone coincides with preparations by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to commemorate the 250th anniversary of O’Connell’s birth.

The new Ecofil station provides a modern amenity for visitors to refill and reuse water bottles, encouraging environmentally conscious behaviour at a site deeply rooted in Irish history. Designed and manufactured in Ireland, the Iconic V units integrate seamlessly into heritage settings while championing sustainability.

This installation is part of a broader collaboration between the OPW and Ecofil, aimed at deploying Iconic V stations across a nationwide network of parks, public buildings, and historic landmarks.

Jimmy Guerin, Director of Ecofil, said, “We are extremely proud of having our Iconic V machine installed at such a meaningful and historic location. Derrynane House holds a special place in Irish history, and contributing to its sustainability journey aligns perfectly with Ecofil’s mission. Encouraging visitors to reuse and refill is a small act with a big impact—and doing that at a national hero’s home makes it even more significant.”

This initiative reflects Ecofil’s ongoing commitment to environmental leadership and its continued partnership with public sector organisations to reduce single-use plastics. The Iconic V water station has been installed in numerous public locations throughout Ireland including sports clubs and arenas, schools, universities and cultural locations. Ecofil is headquartered in Fingal, Dublin.

Digital News Report Ireland 2025

A majority of Irish people are either extremely or very interested in news, according to the annual Digital News Report Ireland 2025, published today by Coimisiún na Meán. Research for the Digital News Report is undertaken by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford and analysis of the Irish data is provided by the DCU Institute for Future Media, Democracy and Society (FuJo).

The Irish Report, which is in its eleventh year, shows that most people in Ireland (56%) across all age groups are interested in news. This represents the highest level of interest in news since 2022, up 3 points from last year, but down from a peak of 70% in 2021, during the Covid pandemic. This enthusiasm for news puts Irish audiences ahead of their UK (39%) and US (51%) counterparts and ahead of the European average (45%).

When asked about trusted sources of news, RTÉ News (72%), local radio news (72%) and local newspapers (71%) emerge as the most trusted brands, underlining the continued importance of both national and local news sources for Irish audiences.

Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán said: ‘’Coimisiún na Meán is delighted to offer our continued support to the Digital News Report Ireland, which reflects our commitment to a media landscape that consumers can trust, by supporting access to high-quality sources of news and information.

Whether watching, listening, streaming, or reading, the Digital News Report shows that most Irish people can’t get enough of news. It is encouraging to see that interest in news remains high in Ireland when compared internationally, even as the formats used to consume news continue to change. We are heartened to see the continuing trend of the Irish public’s unique and longstanding relationship with radio, which remains a cornerstone of Ireland’s media landscape. It is also important to see the trust Irish people place in local news sources, with local radio and local newspapers among the most trusted brands for Irish audiences.

While the Report gives us cause for optimism about the Irish news sector, considering the public’s strong appetite for news, we recognise that An Coimisiún’s ambition of developing and shaping a media landscape that reflects who we are as a society requires ongoing and sustainable levels of funding for media outlets to support high-quality journalism, and news that people can trust.’’

Key findings from this year’s Report include:

Interest in news – Interest in news in Ireland remains robust compared to other countries. 22% of Irish people say they are ‘extremely interested’ in news, with 34% saying they are ‘very interested’ and 33% saying they are ‘somewhat interested’. Just 3% say they are ‘not at all interested’ in news.

Trust in news – Overall, Irish audiences trust news more when compared to other countries. When asked if they trust the news most of the time, 50% of respondents in Ireland ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’, compared to 35% in the UK, 30% in the US and 39% for merged data from Europe.

Trust in brands – Traditional news outlets continue to perform well when Irish audiences are asked about their trust in brands. RTÉ News (72%), local or regional radio (72%), and local or regional newspapers (71%) are the most trusted brands. 70% of Irish respondents described the Irish Times as trustworthy, with the same percentage for BBC News, 68% for the Irish Independent and 66% for each of Newstalk, Today FM and Sky News.

Source of News – When asked which platforms you have used in the last week as a source of news, 58% of Irish respondents said television, with the same percentage (58%) citing online media (excluding social media and blogs). 47% say they have used social media as a source of news in the last week, with 36% saying radio, 22% saying printed newspapers, 12% saying podcasts and 5% citing AI chatbots.

Paying for News – The Report shows that 20% of people in Ireland are now paying for news, up from 7% in 2015 and a 3-point increase from last year. When asked if they have had a paid subscription/membership to a digital news service in the last year, the two frontrunners among Irish audiences are the Irish Independent (36%) and the Irish Times (33%).

Radio and Podcasts – In 2025, 11% of Irish respondents say they use radio as their primary source of news, which is significantly higher compared to the UK (8%), US (3%) or the European average (7%). When asked about the use of radio as a source of any news consumed, this figure increases to 36%. Irish audiences are also on-board with podcasts, with 12% listening to podcasts as a source of news in the last week, higher than in the UK (7%) and the European average (9%) but lower than the US (15%).

Artificial Intelligence – Audiences’ attitudes to the use of AI for news are changing. Last year, those ‘very’ and ‘somewhat’ comfortable with news mainly produced by AI with some human oversight were 15%. This has increased to 19% this year, with under-35s almost twice as comfortable as over-35s when considering the same measure.

 Disinformation and Misinformation – When asked for their thoughts about online news, 68% of Irish respondents say they are concerned about what is real and what is fake on online. All age cohorts show concern about fake information online, with the highest rate (72%) among those aged 65+ and the lowest rate (62%) among those aged 18-24.

Commenting on the Digital News Report Ireland 2025, Dr. Eileen Culloty, Deputy Director of the DCU Institute for Future Media, Democracy and Society (FuJo) said: ‘’Local media enjoy strong public trust, an indication of their deep roots in Irish life. But trust alone doesn’t pay salaries or sustain newsrooms. The big challenge is to convert trust into viable careers in local journalism so that local media can continue informing communities.”

Earlier this year, Coimisiún na Meán awarded €5.7 million through new Journalism Schemes, funded by the Department of Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport and which covered Local Democracy and Courts Reporting. These Schemes have to date facilitated over 100 new or enhanced journalism roles in Ireland. By the end of this year, An Coimisiún will have run the second round of those Schemes, as well as two new Journalism Schemes, covering Digital Transformation and News Reporting.

The Digital News Report Ireland 2025 can be found on the Coimisiún na Meán website.