Author: Jim O Brien/CEO

CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.

2025 Irish Smartphone Usage Stats

Not so long ago, mobile phones were used only for communication. However, as these devices advanced, they started replacing everything from cameras to gaming consoles. Today, they’re an integral part of everyday life in Ireland. This is best highlighted in the most recent Irish smartphone usage stats. In this article, we look at the most important figures and what they mean long term.

More People are Gaming on Mobile

Remember the famous Nokia Snake game? While still considered a classic, the games available on smartphones are significantly better. From mini-games for passing time to full-fledged titles that have their console versions, mobile gaming has evolved into a serious segment of the gaming industry. Even online casinos are available on mobile, allowing you to play poker or spin slots with just a few taps, all that in fully optimized apps. With mobile gaming on the rise, it’s no wonder 55% of adults in Ireland now play games on mobile. This means that smartphones are now the most dominant platform in the country, with only between 37% and 40% playing on consoles.

5.05 Million People in Ireland Own a Smartphone

Today, it’s practically impossible to go about your day without a smartphone in your pocket. Whether you want to make a phone call, look up an address, or buy something, you can do it all from this little device. And people in Ireland are doing exactly this, with 5.05 million people in the country owning a smartphone. With the tech constantly evolving, it’s natural to expect this figure to go up even more in the coming years. According to projections, the number of smartphone users in Ireland will reach 5.22 million by 2029.

Smartphones Are the First Thing People See in the Morning

While it’s not surprising that almost everyone in Ireland now owns a smartphone, you may be left stunned by the fact that for 74%, it’s the first thing they see in the morning. These devices have already started to replace traditional alarm clocks, but their use continues even after the alarm goes on. They’re responding to messages, scrolling through social media, or reading the news. Not only this, but people in Ireland also use their smartphones right before going to bed. In fact, 54% say they stay awake longer than planned because they’re on their phones.

Android Users Dominate Ireland

The Android vs. iOS debate is always ongoing, and in Ireland, Android is clearly in the lead. Apple’s iPhone has a strong following, especially among younger generations, but Android dominates the overall market. According to the numbers from 2025, Android holds over 60% of the smartphone market in Ireland. iPhone holds over 38% while only about 0.25% goes to other, older operating systems. Android has a wide range of devices at different price points, making it more accessible, which is the main reason behind its popularity.

Samsung is the Most Popular Brand in Ireland

As mentioned above, Android has the edge over iOS in Ireland. But what about brands? According to the most recent numbers, Samsung is the leader. Out of the surveyed individuals, 42% said they own a Samsung phone, while 38% said they own an Apple phone. The number of Samsung users went up by 4% between 2023 and 2024, proving that the brand is constantly attracting new customers. With the Edge version of Samsung S25 having just arrived, this number may increase even more in the coming months. AI is one of the hottest tech trends at the moment, and the new version of the popular Samsung phone integrates it at almost every touchpoint.

Dell Technologies Unveils Next Generation Enterprise AI Solutions with NVIDIA

The world’s top provider of AI-centric infrastructure, Dell Technologies announces innovations across the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA – all designed to help enterprises accelerate AI adoption and achieve faster time to value.

Why it matters

As enterprises make AI central to their strategy and progress from experimentation to implementation, their demand for accessible AI skills and technologies grows exponentially.

Dell and NVIDIA continue the rapid pace of innovation with updates to the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA, including robust AI infrastructure, solutions and services that streamline the path to full-scale implementation.

Dell infrastructure advances enterprise AI innovation with enhanced power, efficiency, and scalability

Dell Technologies introduces the next generation of advanced compute, data storage, data management and networking solutions:

  • Air-cooled Dell PowerEdge XE9780 and XE9785 servers simplify integration into existing enterprise data centers, while liquid-cooled Dell PowerEdge XE9780L and XE9785L servers accelerate rack-scale deployment. The new PowerEdge servers support up to 192 NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra GPUs with direct to chip liquid cooling and can be customized with up to 256 NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra GPUs per Dell IR7000 rack. As the successors to Dell’s fastest ramping solution ever the Dell PowerEdge XE9680, these platforms can deliver up to four times faster large language model (LLM) training with the 8-way NVIDIA HGX B300.4
  • The Dell PowerEdge XE9712 featuring NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 offers efficiency at rack scale for training and 50 times more AI reasoning inference output and 5x improvement in throughput With new Dell PowerCool technology, this platform helps businesses achieve greater power efficiency.
  • The Dell PowerEdge XE7745 server will be available with NVIDIA RTX Pro™ 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs in July 2025. This platform – supported in the NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design – provides a universal platform to help meet the needs of physical and agentic AI use cases like robotics, digital twins, and multi-modal AI applications with support for up to 8 GPUs in a 4U chassis.
  • Dell plans to support the NVIDIA Vera CPU, offering speed, efficiency, and performance.
  • Dell plans to support the NVIDIA Vera Rubin platform with a new Dell PowerEdge XE server designed for Dell Integrated Rack Scalable Systems.

 

Connecting it all, Dell extends its networking portfolio to include the Dell PowerSwitch SN5600, SN2201 Ethernet, part of the NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet networking platform, and NVIDIA Quantum-X800 InfiniBand switches. These high-density, low-latency switches deliver up to 800 gigabits per second of throughput and are now backed by Dell ProSupport and Deployment Services to provide expert guidance at every stage of AI deployment.

Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA solutions support the NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design, featuring Dell and NVIDIA compute, networking, storage, and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software providing an end-to- end fully integrated AI solution for enterprises.

Dell AI Data Platform advancements improve AI data management

Because AI is only as powerful as the data that fuels it, organizations need a platform designed for performance and scalability. Dell AI Data Platform advancements provide AI applications with always-on access to high quality data.

  • Dell ObjectScale supports large-scale AI deployments while helping reduce cost and data center footprint with the introduction of a denser, software-defined system. NVIDIA BlueField and Spectrum networking integrations boost performance and scalability.
  • Dell introduces a high-performance solution built with Dell PowerScale, Dell Project Lightning, and PowerEdge XE servers. Using KV cache and integrating NVIDIA’s NIXL Libraries, this solution is ideal for large-scale distributed inference workloads.
  • Dell ObjectScale will support S3 over RDMA, achieving up to 230% higher throughput, up to 80% lower latency and 98% reduced CPU load compared to traditional S3 for better GPU utilization
  • Dell announces an integrated solution that incorporates the NVIDIA AI Data Platform to accelerate curated insights from data and accelerate agentic AI applications and tools.

 

Software updates help organizations seamlessly deploy agentic AI

 

  • The NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, available directly from Dell, offers businesses the option to innovate on the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA with NVIDIA NIM, NVIDIA NeMo microservices, and NVIDIA Blueprints, NVIDIA NeMo Retriever for RAG and NVIDIA Llama Nemotron reasoning models, and seamlessly develop agentic workflows while accelerating time- to-value for AI outcomes.
  • Simplify business-critical AI deployments while providing flexibility and security with Red Hat OpenShift available on the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA.

New managed services streamline operations and drive faster outcomes

The new Dell Managed Services for the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA simplify AI operations with management of the full NVIDIA AI solutions stack — including AI platforms, infrastructure and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software. Dell managed services experts handle 24×7 monitoring, reporting, version upgrades and patching, helping teams overcome resource and expertise constraints by providing cost-effective, scalable and proactive IT support.

Perspectives

“We’re on a mission to bring AI to millions of customers around the world,” said Michael Dell, chairman and chief executive officer, Dell Technologies. “Our job is to make AI more accessible. With the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA, enterprises can manage the entire AI lifecycle across use cases, from training to deployment, at any scale.”

“AI factories are the infrastructure of modern industry, generating intelligence to power work across healthcare, finance and manufacturing,” said Jensen Huang, founder and chief executive officer, NVIDIA. “With Dell Technologies, we’re offering the broadest line of Blackwell AI systems to serve AI factories in clouds, enterprises and at the edge.”

SteelSeries Unveils Rival 3 Gen 2 and Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2

On the road to glory and the brand’s 25th anniversary in 2026, SteelSeries, the global leader in premium gaming and esports peripherals, today unveiled the Rival 3 Gen 2 and Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 gaming mice. Building on the legacy of the original Rival mice, which debuted in 2013, the new generation of mice marks an evolution of the beloved Rival 3 Series, delivering top-tier speed, all-new performance, and durability at an accessible price point in the “affordable luxury” category.
The award-winning Rival Series mice have been the staple gaming peripheral for players entering the PC gaming arena for the first time, making them true ‘game-changers.’ Crafted for versatility and durability, the Rival 3 Gen 2 and Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 are the marathon performers in the world of gaming mice, offering a battle-tested design powered by precision-engineered mechanical switches that are guaranteed for 60 million clicks. Speed is key, and an ultra-optimized 1.35ms (wired) and 1.9ms (wireless) click latency, combined with fast TrueMove Optical Sensors that have been co-developed in collaboration with PixArt, plus 100% PTFE feet for ultimate glide, deliver near-instant responsiveness for lightning-fast reactions and pixel-perfect accuracy.
RIVAL 3 GEN 2 SERIES
The Rival 3 Gen 2 Series gaming mice are engineered for superfast performance, featuring ultra-optimized click latency of just 1.35ms. This ensures near-instant responsiveness for lightning-fast reactions, allowing gamers to outperform the competition. Additionally, a True Move Core 8,500 DPI optical sensor ensures precision and accuracy with every glide.
Durability and endurance are hallmarks of the Rival 3 Gen 2 Series, with 60 million clicks guaranteed. Weighing in at 77g (95-106g for the wireless version), the battle-tested design of the Rival 3 promises long-lasting performance, ensuring reliability for years to come.
The Rival 3 Gen 2 places a strong emphasis on style, featuring a 360° enhanced underglow powered by SteelSeries Prism lighting technology.
RIVAL 3 GEN 2 WIRELESS SERIES
In addition to all the key features of the Rival 3 Gen 2 wired mouse, the Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 introduces substantial enhancements with the True Move Air 18k DPI optical sensor, delivering exceptional in-game execution for both flicks and drags. Coupled with a maximum acceleration of 40g and ultra-optimized click latency of just 1.9ms, players can experience best-in-class performance.
Quantum 2.0 Dual Wireless technology is yet another benefit for players, providing a wide array of flexibility with a USB dongle for gaming-grade wireless connectivity along with Bluetooth 5.0. This enables connectivity to a wide array of devices, enhancing the overall versatility and convenience, and is ideal for those switching between work and play.
To prevent those inconvenient interruptions, the battery life of the Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 has been significantly extended, offering 45 to 200 hours on 2.4GHz and up to 450 hours with Bluetooth. This allows gamers to enjoy many months of uninterrupted play without the need for frequent battery replacements. The mouse operates on a single AAA battery and is compatible with rechargeable options, achieving a reasonable weight reduction while maintaining the full Rival feel. This ensures the Rival 3 Gen 2 Wireless mouse remains efficient, durable, and lightweight for extended gaming sessions.
Additionally, gamers can now add a splash of color to their setups with new vibrant color options, including aqua, lavender, and white, alongside the classic black colorway.
Available at SteelSeries.com and retailers around the world, the Rival 3 Gen 2 and Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 are available for the following MSRPs:
  • Rival 3 Gen 2 – US $34.99 | EMEA €39.99 | UK £34.99 | APAC $39.99
  • Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 – US $59.99 | EMEA €59.99 | UK £54.99 | APAC $59.99

Reviews from SteelSeries

Using sound waves to create a smart T-shirt

Imagine wearing a T-shirt that measures your breathing or gloves that translate your hand movements into commands for your computer. Researchers at ETH Zurich, led by Daniel Ahmed, Professor of Acoustic Robotics for Life Sciences and Healthcare, have laid the foundations for just such smart textiles. Unlike many previous developments in this area, which usually use electronics, the ETH researchers rely on acoustic waves passed through glass fibres. This makes the measurements more precise and the textiles lighter, more breathable and easier to wash. “They are also inexpensive because we use readily available materials, and the power consumption is very low,” says Ahmed.

Acoustic sensors embedded in fabric

The researchers call their development SonoTextiles. They have transformed normal fabrics into smart sensors that react to touch, pressure and movement. “While research has already been conducted into smart textiles based on acoustics, we are the first to explore the use of glass fibre in combination with signals that use different frequencies,” explains Yingqiang Wang, the first author of the study that has been published in the journal external pageNature Electronics.

The researchers have woven glass fibres into the fabric at regular intervals. At one end of each glass fibre is a small transmitter that emits sound waves. The other end of each of the glass fibres is connected to a receiver that measures whether the waves have changed.

Each transmitter works at a different frequency. This means it requires little computing power to determine which fibre the sound waves have changed on. Previous smart textiles often struggled with data overload and signal processing issues, since each sensor location had to be evaluated individually. “In the future, the data could be sent directly to a computer or smartphone in real time,” says Ahmed.

When a glass fibre moves, the length of the acoustic waves passing through it changes, as they lose energy. In the case of a T-shirt, this can be caused by body movement or even breathing. “We used frequencies in the ultrasonic range, around 100 kilohertz – well beyond the range of human hearing, which is between 20 hertz and 20 kilohertz,” Wang emphasises.

Highly versatile

The researchers have shown that their concept works in the lab. In the future, SonoTextiles could be used in a variety of ways: as a shirt or T-shirt, they could monitor the breathing of asthma patients and trigger an alarm in an emergency.

The material remains elastic despite the interwoven glass fibres. The sound waves measure when someone breathes in and out. (Video: Daniel Ahmed / ETH Zurich)

In sports training and performance monitoring, athletes could receive real-time analysis of their movements, to optimise their performance and prevent injuries. The textiles also have potential for sign language: gloves with this technology could simultaneously translate hand movements into text or speech. They could also be used in virtual or augmented reality environments.

“SonoTextiles could even measure a person’s posture and improve their quality of life as an assistive technology,” adds Chaochao Sun, who shares first authorship of the study. People who want to improve their posture could receive targeted feedback to correct poor posture. The textiles could also indicate when a wheelchair user needs to change position to prevent pressure ulcers.

Although the everyday usability of SonoTextiles is potentially very high, Ahmed adds that there is still room for improvement in terms of practical application. Glass microfibres worked well as sound conductors in the lab, but they could potentially break in everyday use. “The beauty is that we can easily replace the glass fibres with metal. Sound also propagates effectively through metal,” explains Ahmed, adding “We would like to expand our research in this direction and also into other applications.” The researchers now want to make the system more robust and examine how the electronics can be better integrated into the textiles.

Knowles and SoftBank release TW-9100 TWS earbuds Tuned to the Knowles Curve

Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN), a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components for innovative technologies, including capacitors, radio frequency (“RF”) filters, advanced medtech microphones, and balanced armature speakers, announced that SB C&S Corp., a SoftBank Corp. group company, has selected Knowles balanced armature (BA) drivers for its latest premium true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds under the GLIDiC audio brand.

Launching today in Japan, the high-end GLIDiC TW-9100 earbuds feature Knowles BAs in a hybrid configuration with dynamic drivers to deliver exceptional sound performance across the entire frequency spectrum. The Knowles BA drivers handle the critical high-frequency reproduction, while dynamic drivers deliver rich mid and low frequencies, creating a comprehensive soundstage that reveals intricate musical details with natural tonal balance.

Tuned to the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve, the TW-9100 earbuds incorporate audio innovations backed by substantial research indicating that consumers of varying ages and hearing capabilities gravitate toward enhanced high-frequency performance extending past 10 kHz, resulting in significantly richer musical enjoyment. Through the implementation of Knowles’ BAs, GLIDiC delivers the extended frequency range necessary for superior sound reproduction while maintaining the authentic sonic signature that sound enthusiasts prize.

“The GLIDiC TW-9100 represents the culmination of years of sound creation expertise, bringing together our unique audio know-how with Knowles’ industry-leading BAs,” said Satoru Takeshita, Head of Product Division 1 Consumer Business Unit at SB C&S Corp. “Our goal with this first hybrid design as the GLIDiC TWS earbuds was to create a high-resolution sound experience that truly resonates with listeners, delivering realistic details from delicate, clear treble to rich, powerful bass in a premium package.”

In addition to superior sound quality, the GLIDiC TW-9100 features an elegant design and advanced capabilities, including adaptive hybrid active noise cancellation that automatically adjusts based on ambient noise levels, AI noise reduction for crystal-clear calls, and multipoint connectivity allowing simultaneous connection to two Bluetooth devices.

“Our collaboration with SB C&S demonstrates how Knowles BAs can help audio brands create truly exceptional listening experiences,” said Jon Kiachian, President of Medical and Specialty Audio at Knowles Corporation. “For more than 75 years, Knowles has pioneered balanced armature technology that enables unprecedented sound performance for its size, and we’re proud to see this heritage continue in premium products like the GLIDiC TW-9100.”

The GLIDiC TW-9100 will be available starting today, at ‘SoftBank’ stores across Japan, as well as through Trend Tech SoftBank SELECTION.

https://glidic.jp/tw-9100/

See the biggest range of earbuds reviews in Ireland

Viltrox K90 30W RGB Fill Light Review

The Viltrox K90 30W RGB Fill Light is a new product from the company that will certainly have eyes looking with what you get for your money here when it comes to fill lights.

Presentation is a good start and excels here with the box and the extra carry case inside which has not one but two lights with a protective sleeve and velcro straps holding them nice and tidy in the protective case with cables and brackets too.

The light itself is 3ft long sturdy and robust with protective housing and a small screen with buttons on the end however there is an app for this light which takes it to the next level as you will see in the screenshots below and video review later on.

I have tested many fill lights before and this one is best by far being versatile and having USB-C charging with a long battery life makes it more pleasing as often the case these lights do not last long but this one up to 70 minutes.

What is even better is the brightness of this light and the wide colour and CCT range making it ideal for anyone who uses such lights at present to take a look at this one and for me a replacement to my present set up and now permanently fixed over my desk offering an array of colour options to set the tone and mood for what work I might be doing

Viltrox App

 

 

Bright, true-to-life illumination
With a full RGB color range, 2500K–8500K color temperature range, and more than 26 customizable lighting effects, the K90 unlocks endless creative possibilities. Delivering 2300 lumens of luminous flux and 2550 lux illuminance at full power (at 5500K and 0.5m distance), the K90 provides consistent, powerful illumination.

Powered by 448 high-quality LED beads – evenly distributed between RGB, warm white, and cool white –this fill light ensures even illumination and long-lasting performance. With a color rendering index (CRI) of 95 and a Television Lighting Consistency Index (TLCI) of 97, the K90 delivers exceptional color accuracy, bringing the user’s vision to life with vibrant and natural results.

Efficient app control and creative effects
The K90 RGB fill light offers versatile control options for enhanced creativity. The Viltrox Link app connects the light via Bluetooth to mobile devices and empowers users by making it easy to adjust light parameters and effects, so enabling seamless control of individual lights or entire groups. The K90’s pixel function allows a single light to act as a pixel when used in a group, unlocking exciting creative possibilities.

The K90’s adjustable color temperature and full RGB control make it suitable for a wide range of fill lighting scenarios. In the Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) mode, it also supports Green-Magenta adjustment. Functions can be adjusted via physical buttons, remote control, or the mobile app.

Versatile power options and accessories
Built-in battery life is about 70 minutes, and the USB-C connector charges the battery in as little as 120 minutes, and the light can be used while charging. Most popular USB-C power connection standards are supported, including PD (USB Power Distribution 2.0, 3.0 and 3.1), Samsung AFC, Huawei FCP/SCP, and QC (Quick Charge 2.0 and 3.0)

The K90 comes with a customized shockproof hard-shell protective case for easy storage and protection. This light is durable and easy to use, thanks to the high-quality soft light tube, four magnetic clamps compatible with other Viltrox products, and a 1/4-inch threaded hole on both sides.

Pricing & Availability
Viltrox Official Store: https://geni.us/K90PR

See our light reviews 

Video Review

RØDE Reshapes Sound With The NTH-50 Headphones

RØDE has today unveiled the NTH-50 professional on-ear headphones, the latest addition to its award-winning headphone lineup. Designed for professionals who demand pristine audio, the NTH-50s deliver extraordinary sonic precision, exceptional comfort, and superior noise isolation in a lightweight, durable on-ear design. Offering a natural and balanced sound signature with ultra-low distortion and superior passive noise isolation, the NTH-50s are tailor-made for DJs, sound engineers and creators who require premium sound reproduction, all-day comfort, and rugged durability. Priced at just US$99, the NTH-50s provide an unparalleled opportunity for anyone serious about sound to elevate their listening experience.

KEY FEATURES OF THE NTH-50 HEADPHONES
Custom-matched 40mm driver with revolutionary resonant chamber that provides deep and balanced bass while maintaining detailed midrange and treble clarity

Innovative acoustic design that offers accurate frequency response and ultra-low distortion for a rich and detailed listening experience

Superior passive noise isolation for undisturbed critical monitoring

Contoured headband to minimise wearing fatigue and encourage extended creative sessions

Sleek, durable and lightweight construction that offers the ideal blend of contemporary design and long-lasting performance

Detachable cable with locking connector featuring dual-sided attachment for maximum flexibility and convenience

Designed and made with a lifetime warranty using high-grade components in RØDE’s state-of-the-art facilities in Sydney, Australia

“At RØDE, we are committed to developing innovative audio solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of creators,” said Damien Wilson, CEO of RØDE. “The NTH-50s embody this philosophy, offering a level of sonic accuracy, comfort and durability that marks a new gold standard for on-ear headphones. Engineered from the ground up by our dedicated headphone innovation team in Germany, we’ve crafted a pair of premium headphones at an affordable price point that deliver an incredibly detailed and immersive listening experience in any environment. Once again, RØDE has over-achieved in the pursuit of delivering world-class monitoring technology.”

BEAUTIFULLY BALANCED AUDIO

At the heart of the NTH-50s is a custom-engineered 40mm dynamic driver housed within an innovative resonant chamber. This design delivers impeccable sound clarity, offering incredibly accurate frequency response, ultra-low distortion and a perfectly balanced sound signature that combines rich, natural bass with detailed midrange, and crisp highs. Whether you’re monitoring, mixing, mastering, or enjoying your favourite tracks, the NTH-50s provide incredibly accurate sound reproduction and dynamic tonal depth, capturing every nuance exactly as intended.

Engineered to excel in diverse environments, the NTH-50s offer outstanding passive noise isolation (-21 dBA), minimising external distractions and preventing sound bleed during recording. With high SPL capabilities and exceptional sensitivity, the NTH-50s generate pristine audio even in the noisiest settings, making them ideal for live performances and studio monitoring.

UNRIVALLED COMFORT FOR EXTENDED USE

With any pair of headphones, comfort is just as vital as sound quality, and the NTH-50s deliver on both fronts, seamlessly blending precision engineering with a design that prioritises the user experience. A contoured headband, featuring an integrated fontanel recess has been adopted to alleviate pressure on the top of the head, significantly reducing fatigue during extended creative sessions in the studio, on stage or in the field. Lightweight and fully adjustable, the NTH-50s evenly distribute pressure for a tailored fit that effortlessly accommodates all users, including those who wear glasses, empowering all creators to hone their craft for hours on end in supreme comfort.

Complementing the on-ear design, the earcups are lined with premium memory foam padding, expertly engineered to conform to the unique contours of any ears. This ensures a snug yet breathable fit, enhancing airflow to reduce heat buildup while simultaneously offering advanced passive noise dampening.

BUILT TO LAST A LIFETIME

Designed and built in Sydney, Australia, the NTH-50s have been masterfully crafted using lightweight yet durable materials such as premium aluminium faceplates, developed to withstand the rigours of daily professional use. Backed by RØDE’s lifetime warranty, a modular design featuring replaceable components such as the headband, ear cushions, and cables ensures maximum longevity, while dual-sided cable attachments add flexibility to any workflow. Colour-coded earcup identifiers have also been applied to ensure quick and easy orientation in low-light environments, a thoughtful touch that reflects RØDE’s commitment to innovation. Finished with a scratch-resistant matte black coating, the NTH-50s offer a sleek and professional aesthetic that accentuates their robust performance.

The NTH-50s include a premium 1.7m double-coiled monitoring cable, storage pouch, and a 3.5mm to ¼-inch adapter, ensuring seamless connectivity across professional setups. Thoughtfully designed for creators, they feature colour-coded ID rings for easy cable management and full compatibility with the NTH-100 accessory range, including modular cable options. For even greater versatility, the NTH-Mic transforms them into a broadcast-quality headset, making them the ultimate tool for podcasting, streaming, and content creation.

The NTH-50 on-ear headphones are available to purchase now for US$99 and are shipping worldwide. Learn more about the NTH-50s at https://rode.com/headphones/on-ear/nth-50

See our headphone reviews

Canada vs. Ireland: How the Tech Space Looks Either Side of the Atlantic

While the technological boom of the 21st century is a global phenomenon, it’s not evenly distributed across the globe. Some countries have much better developed tech scenes than others, and the situation is changing from decade to decade based on multiple factors. It’s not just the large nations that are leading the charge, as there are several medium-sized countries that punch far above their weight in this sector. Canada and Ireland are great examples, as both are home to numerous high-profile tech companies and have lots of native experts to perform crucial jobs.

We will take a closer look at these two countries located on the opposite sides of the Atlantic and compare their achievements in the technology domain. There are some obvious similarities but also many differences to explore, making this pairing very interesting.

Overview of the Canadian Technology Sector

From the earliest days of the IT revolution, Canada was on the forefront of innovation and business development. The population is highly educated and the nation has a well-regulated, business-friendly legal environment that benefits big technology firms. That has translated into a huge financial windfall – today the value of this industry exceeds $100 billion and it provides nearly 1.5 million jobs. Most of this is driven by the big players, including some globally known brands that many people don’t even know are Canadian. The list is headlined by names like Blackberry, Shopify, and Slack, but there are also brands such as Constellation Software Inc., CGI Inc., and many more.

Most of the tech industry is concentrated in large cities, with Ontario in particular being attractive to fast-growing start-ups due to great infrastructure and conscious efforts of the provincial leaders to attract investment. In recent years, the sector was invigorated by robust growth of the iGaming section with numerous Ontario online casino sites achieving international prominence. According to the available data, the growth is likely to continue into the foreseeable future and produce even more benefits for the local communities, although the competition is becoming stiffer. Canada has the foundation in place to remain a leader in the sector, but will have to adjust to new realities and continue supporting innovation and producing top talent to fill the key jobs.

Overview of the Irish Technology Sector

Ireland had a very different trajectory when it comes to the development of the technology sector. Back in the 1980’s when the industry first emerged as a global force, Ireland was still grappling with the complicated legacy of conflict and poverty. Things started changing for the better after the country successfully attracted international companies like Microsoft and Intel with a favourable tax regime, access to the common European market and other benefits. These and other blue chip companies opened their regional offices in Ireland, taking advantage of the tech-friendly legislation and turning the country into a vibrant hub. Smaller companies followed suit, while the influx of tech expertise also lead to development of some local success stories as well.

The industry accelerated in the 2010s, turning Ireland into a real force in the global market. The contributions of the technology sector to the nation’s finances today stand at 13% of the GDP, a much higher figure than in most countries of comparable size. Another incredible fact is that 16 out of 20 biggest tech companies in the world have an operating base in Ireland, with around 100,000 people employed in the sector. Some of the sub-fields with the strongest presence include FinTech and HealthTech, both of which are seen as extremely important in this period. That’s why it’s logical to expect Ireland to retain its unique position despite all the changes in the market.

Key Differences Between Europe and North America

There are certainly many parallels between Canada and Ireland when it comes to technology sector, but it would be naïve to assume that the situation is the same. As a North American country, the fortunes of Canada are closely tied to the United States and its powerful tech sector. It wouldn’t be fair to say that the Canadian tech industry lives in the shadow of the Silicon Valley, but the links are undeniable. Canada’s economy is also more diversified than Ireland’s, so the reliance on revenues from the tech sector is not nearly as dramatic. On the flip side, Canada’s location and climate may deter some of the most talented hardware and software engineers from joining companies based in the country.

Europe has its own set of issues that affect how Ireland conducts its tech business. The European Union consists of many nations, all of which have their local specificities. The regulations regarding fair competition and consumer protection are very strict, forcing tech companies to spend more to ensure compliance. Ireland has built a reputation as one of the most tech-friendly locations in Europe, yet it can’t truly be viewed outside of the broader EU context. It will be very interesting to see how the country navigates the changing political and economic climate and whether it will be able to leverage its experience with foreign corporations into a grassroots tech scene of its own.

Maxcom launches the mRing: Stylish, affordable smart ring

Maxcom, an innovative Polish company producing and distributing consumer electronics has launched the mRing, a beautifully designed smart ring that combines powerful health tracking features with effortless style. Using the latest technology to offer 24/7 wellness insights from a sleek device no larger than a wedding band, mRing is perfect for users who value both functionality and fashion. At just £59.99 and available from Amazon UK, mRing is making wearable tech more accessible than ever. 

Designed with durability and aesthetics in mind, the mRing is crafted from lightweight stainless steel and shaped for maximum comfort, meaning users can wear it all day and night without irritation – whether they’re at the office, at the gym or asleep. Easily mistaken as jewellery, it is available in three refined finishes – silver, black and gold.

This smart ring not only catches the eye but thanks to advanced sensors inside and a companion app, it can provide valuable insights into the body’s condition, motivating users to be more conscious of their health and fitness. Features include:

Precise health monitoring:

mRing can track vital body parameters around the clock, utilising advanced algorithms to interpret data on heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature and heart rate variability (HRV). HRV provides insights into the body’s recovery level, energy potential and responses to physical and mental stress. Additionally, the mRing can help women track menstrual cycles by monitoring temperature fluctuations. 

Steps taken; calories burned:

During activities, from a casual walk to intense training, mRing collects information about a user’s performance. It analyses the number of steps taken, distance covered, heart rate and energy expenditure in the form of calories burned. Paired with the intuitive Aizo Ring app, the mRing makes it easy to assess current fitness level, track progress and plan future goals. 

Detailed sleep analysis:

During the night, mRing continuously monitors the quality of rest, tracking different sleep phases, from light to deep to REM. It also detects moments of waking, evaluates breathing and measures resting heart rate, providing a comprehensive picture of the body’s recovery. Reports with daily, weekly and monthly data help users understand their sleep patterns and improve sleep hygiene.

Body recovery assessment:

The collected information on activity, sleep quality and key health parameters creates an overall picture of the body’s condition. mRing interprets this data, offering guidance to help improve daily habits. 

Water resistance:

Thanks to its robust construction and IP68 water resistance rating, users don’t have to worry about the mRing getting wet. It can be worn confidently while swimming, showering or washing hands. High-quality stainless steel and meticulous craftmanship ensure durability and long-lasting appearance, no matter how intense activities are. 

Six days of battery life:

Efficient energy management allows the mRing to operate for up to six days without needing a recharge. When it’s time to recharge, the magnetic charger quickly restores the ring’s full functionality, ensuring convenience and readiness every day. 

The Maxcom mRing is available now for £59.99 from Amazon.co.uk in gold, silver and black. There are eight sizes to choose from, based on a user’s finger circumference, to ensure the perfect fit. The mRing works with the Aizo Ring app which is compatible with both iOS and Android. 

See our Maxcom Reviews