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.

The Spider Awards 2025 Shortlist Announced Ahead of March Gala Event

The Spider Awards, Ireland’s longest-running and most prestigious digital awards ceremony, is delighted to unveil the shortlist for its 28th annual event. Taking place on Friday, 21st March 2025, the ceremony will once again bring together the brightest minds in Ireland’s digital landscape.
Held in the iconic Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin 2, this black-tie gala dinner promises to be an unforgettable evening, with approximately 500 attendees celebrating excellence in the digital industry.
Established in 1996, the Spider Awards are dedicated to recognising companies and individuals who are driving innovation and setting new standards in digital transformation. As the longest-running digital awards programme in Ireland, they remain a cornerstone for showcasing the achievements of the nation’s digital pioneers.
This year’s Spider Awards saw a remarkable surge in entries, reflecting the innovation and creativity thriving within Ireland’s digital sector. Leading agencies Granite and Kooba have secured multiple shortlist spots, with Granite earning an impressive nine nominations and Kooba securing five.
Categories such as Best in Social Media and Best Influencer-Led Campaign attracted record-breaking submissions, reaffirming the growing influence of social and influencer-driven marketing. Meanwhile, Best in E-Commerce experienced a significant increase in entries, highlighting the continued evolution of digital retail. Additionally, the introduction of the AI-Powered Marketing Excellence Award has been met with an outstanding calibre of entries, showcasing how brands and agencies are leveraging artificial intelligence to drive smarter, more effective marketing strategies.
This year introduces an exciting new award: the AI-Powered Marketing Excellence Award, highlighting the innovative use of artificial intelligence in marketing strategies. Additionally, categories such as Best in Social Media and Best Integrated Media Campaign have drawn record-breaking numbers of entries, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity flourishing in Ireland’s digital sector.
Below please find the full shortlist for the Spider Awards 2025
AI-Powered Marketing Excellence Award
  • AI Institute – AI Institute: Redefining Marketing Through Use of AI
  • NolaClan Group – Help to get Dawson Home for Christmas
  • Zesty  – Ashgrove Furnishings
Best App Award
  • Folk VML – Circle K Extra
  • Musgrave – SuperValu – SuperValu Best App
  • Musgrave MarketPlace – Musgrave MarketPlace
  • Sugar Rush – Sugar Rush X Barista Bar
Best Brand Award
  • Barista Bar – Henderson Foodservice Ltd – Coffee As It Should Be: Brewing Community, Loyalty, and Growth
  • GRANITE – NDC – Redefining Dairy for the Younger Generation
  • Guaranteed Irish – The Guarantee of Guaranteed Irish
  • JOE Media Group – Gay Star News
  • JOE Media Group – JOE
  • Platform94 – Platform94
  • RedClick – RedClick Brand Launch – Insurance that just clicks!
Best Collaboration Award
  • BWG Foods – EUROSPAR proud sponsors of Junk Kouture
  • Gibney Communications – ‘Solidarity’ from Dublin Port Company and The Little Museum of Dublin
  • HeadStuff – 26 Minutes
  • JOE Media Group – Square Lovin Locals 2024
  • Kooba – Bord Bia Gather Event Site – Digital Collaboration
  • Londis – Peak Performance: Londis’s Ultimate Team Collaboration
  • The Brill Building – Filter Out Lung Cancer: The AR Lens To Save A Life
  • Virgin Media – Virgin Media X Balls Media – Best for Irish Gamers
Best Consumer Campaign Award
  • Folk VML – Circle K Extra
  • Forsman & Bodenfors Dublin – Keep Discovering Car-Free, Carefree Travel
  • GRANITE – Aodhán – The dragon that can’t breathe fire
  • KASH Beauty – KASH Beauty AURA Skin Campaign
  • Mason Hayes & Curran – Transforming Talent for Enhanced Client Service
  • MXB Agency – Student Fresher’s Event Night at Musgrave MarketPlace Belfast
  • Sweartaker – Applegreen 24/7 Deal or More Deals Birthday Livestream
  • The Very Group – Let’s Make it Sparkle
Best in Storytelling Award
  • GRANITE – Who did this? – The print partner that makes you look good
  • Inspiring Belfast – Inspiring Belfast Campaign
  • Lorg Media – Fleadh Cheoil 2024
  • Ogilvy Ireland – We’re Fibre First
  • RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences – RCSI Student Life
  • StoryLab – Signify Health: Building a strong and diverse workforce
  • TITAN Experience – Flogas ‘The Energy Behind Team Ireland’
  • University of Limerick – Little Gifts, Big Dreams – A University of Limerick Christmas Story
  • Vroom Digital – The Love Story Before ‘Love Story’: EPIC’s Tale of Heritage and Legacy
Best in E-Commerce Award
  • FOXFORD – www.foxford.com
  • Friday Agency – Peter Mark – Transforming an iconic Irish brand
  • Glaze Digital – BLK BOX | Glaze Digital
  • Irish Life Health – Making it easier for first-time health insurance buyers to find the right plan online
  • Musgrave – SuperValu – SuperValu Best in E-Commerce
  • Square1 Software Ltd – Event Registration and Payments for Clubs & Organisations
  • Total  Digital – Digital Transformation in E-commerce
Best in Social Media Award
  • Aer Lingus – Post Industrial Relations Strategy
  • Core Optimisation – The Elephant in the Living Room – Core Optimisation & Elephant Living
  • Forsman & Bodenfors Dublin – Keep Discovering Car-Free, Carefree Travel
  • Genesis – Rewards+ App Launch
  • GRANITE – Supermac’s TikTok – Creating 100% Fresh Content
  • Javelin – Toyota Make a Move Campaign
  • Verve – Best Coke Ever Coca-Cola Zero
  • Wilson Hartnell – L’O.Opportunité
Best in Universal Design Award
  • All human – Waterways Ireland: Ensuring everyone can enjoy all of Ireland
  • Annertech – LocalGov.ie
  • Aviva – Redesign & Improve Customer Online Journeys
  • Kooba – SETU Website
  • Path Strategic Design Ltd. – Culture Date with Dublin 8 website
  • Path  Strategic Design Ltd. – Dublin City Arts Office website
Best Influencer Led Campaign Award
  • BWG Foods – SPAR Range Influencers Are Closer Than You Think!
  • GRANITE – NDC & Garry Ringrose
  • MXB Agency – Student Fresher’s Event Night at Musgrave MarketPlace Belfast
  • Oxfam Ireland – Second Hand September 2024
  • Pluto – Jog In July Challenge
  • Publicis – Electric Ireland Influencer Acquisition
  • Sweartaker – Jameson Ginger + Lime – The Serve Of The Summer
  • The Very Group – Carol Byrne x Very
  • Wilson Hartnell – L’O.Opportunité
Best Integrated Media Campaign Award
  • BWG Foods – SPAR Rome Comforts
  • Core – An Post – The Value of Sending Love Each Christmas
  • Digital+ – CountryLife Bloom Campaign
  • JOE Media Group – Lovin Local X Square
  • Londis – One Voice, Many Channels: Londis Proud Sponsors of Ireland’s Fittest Family
  • MACE – MACE Going the Extra Smile
  • MXB Agency – Good Food, Locally Sourced
  • RedClick – RedClick, Insurance that just clicks!
  • Sweartaker – Applegreen 24/7 Deal or More Deals Birthday Livestream
Best Use of Disruptive Technology Award
  • GRANITE – Supermac’s Jersey Scanner
  • Javelin – Own The Adventure With YUKO
  • Javelin – Toyota – Make the Move
  • Tapybl – SLIIT – The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
  • The Brill Building – Filter Out Lung Cancer: The AR Lens To Save A Life
  • Virgin  Media IE – Mining Data to Humanise Search
Best UX & Customer Experience Award
  • Arekibo Communications – Mater Private Digital Transformation – Patient First Experience
  • Arekibo Communications – Online Move-out
  • Aviva – Seamless, user-friendly customer online experience
  • Communicraft – Militaryarchives.ie
  • GRANITE – Safe Events Global X GRANITE
  • Musgrave MarketPlace – Musgrave MarketPlace
  • Vodafone Ireland – Redefining Digital Excellence: User-Centric, Inclusive, and Impactful Journeys
  • Zesty – Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
Best Website – Large Company Award
  • Aviva – Aviva.ie
  • Codec – New Website for Codec by Squaredot B2B
  • GRANITE – The Gibson Hotel X GRANITE
  • Ibec – Ibec
  • IMS Marketing – A New Era of Global Talent
  • Kooba – SETU Website Project
  • Musgrave – SuperValu – SuperValu Best Website – Large Company
  • Zesty – The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF)
Best Website – SME Award
  • Communicraft – Militaryarchives.ie
  • Friday Agency – Fire – Trusted Integrated Payments
  • Friday Agency – Helping our customers make their customers happy
  • Kooba – GH Research Branding & Website Project
  • Square1 Software Ltd – Event Registration & Payments for Clubs & Organisations
  • Together Digital – Dillon Eustace Website
  • Together Digital – Digital Learning Institute Website
  • Transpoco – Transpoco
  • Webbiz – Delphi Resorts – Website Refresh
Cultural Driver Award
  • Core Optimisation – Fáilte Ireland’s Digital that Delivers Programme
  • Edelman – SSE Airtricity: Uniting Football and Inclusivity
  • Inspiring Belfast – Inspiring Belfast Campaign
  • Lorg Media – Culture Night
  • TITAN Experience – Her Moves
  • BWG Foods – EUROSPAR Proud Sponsors of Junk Kouture
Digital for Good Award
  • Chime – National Charity For Deaf & Hard of Hearing People – ISL Accessible Website Launch
  • Core Optimisation – Digital that Delivers – Enhancing Digital Accessibility in Tourism
  • DCU Office of Student Life – The Pantry
  • FoodCloud – Foodiverse
  • Lucky Beard (on behalf of ISPCC Childline) – New Childline.ie Website
  • The B!G Idea – The B!G Idea
  • The Brill Building – Filter Out Lung Cancer: The AR Lens To Save A Life
  • TITAN Experience – Her Moves
  • Vodafone – Hi Digital
Digital Team of the Year Award
  • Aviva
  • Chadwicks
  • Core Optimisation
  • EY Ireland
  • Musgrave – SuperValu
  • RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • TITAN Experience
  • Virgin  Media Ireland
Large Agency of the Year Award
  • Arekibo Communications Limited
  • Each&Other
  • GRANITE
  • Kooba
  • StudioForty9
  • Strike Digital
  • Zesty
Small Agency of the Year Award
  • Avalanche Designs
  • Big+Bold
  • Communicraft
  • ICON Management
  • Social Media Elite
  • Squint Creative
  • StoryLab
  • Webbiz
Sustainability Impact Award
  • Alphabet Soup – Design and development of new sustainable website for CoisCéim
  • Global Action Plan – Funds Industry Climate Challenge
  • Path Strategic Design Ltd. – Business to Arts Website
  • Stride Design – Green Guardians with Power NI
Tracey Carney, Managing Director of The Spiders, expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s finalists: “Digital is moving faster than ever, pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities. The Spider Awards don’t just recognise excellence—they celebrate those driving innovation, creativity, and impact across the industry. I look forward to celebrating our winners in true retro style at our 1980s-themed awards this March, as we go back to a time before digital media—the 80s.”
Terry Spence, Director of B2B Sales at One4all, headline sponsor for The Spiders 2025, added: “At One4all, we understand the importance of innovation and creativity in the digital space. It’s inspiring to see so many individuals and organisations challenging the status quo and setting new benchmarks for excellence. We’re proud to support The Spider Awards, an event that celebrates these achievements and encourages continued innovation across Ireland’s digital landscape.”
The 28th Spider Awards will culminate in a spectacular black-tie gala dinner at the Round Room, The Mansion House, Dublin 2, on Friday, 21st March 2025. This prestigious event promises an evening of networking, celebration, and recognition of Ireland’s top digital talent.

Ardanis Technologies to Create 30 New Jobs as it Continues to Expand and Innovate

Irish software and digital consulting company, Ardanis Technologies is to create 30 new jobs to increase its workforce. The expansion and investment will support the company’s strategy to drive international growth and develop software and AI solutions and services that will deliver next generation digital solutions.

In September 2024, Ardanis announced 20 new jobs as a result of its revolutionary AI enablement solution, Aileen.  These jobs have been fulfilled.  The creation of the additional new positions comes in response in Ardanis’ strong growth and increasing demand for its industry-leading services.  The company’s expertise in AI, software development and digital technologies has positioned Ardanis as a trusted partner for some of the world’s largest companies worldwide.  The new jobs will be distributed in Ireland, Portugal where the company has an office in Porto, other parts of Europe, the US, and Brazil.

The 30 new jobs will be created over the next 18 months to serve international clients and will include opportunities for experienced software engineers, scrum masters and software architects, DevOps engineers, software developers and product owners.

“This growth will accelerate our product development roadmap, facilitate customer base expansion, and support the company’s strategy to drive international growth and develop software products and services that will deliver next generation digital solutions”, explains Ivan Goor, CEO at Ardanis.  “The growth has resulted in a move to larger offices in both Dublin and Porto and include a variety of meeting rooms and open spaces to foster collaboration, innovation and creativity – elements which have been the key to our success as a company, and which will continue to fuel our success.”

Ardanis delivers innovative software solutions to progressive, digital organisations globally.  The company works closely with clients to create software systems that can evolve and adapt as customer needs change.  Industry-leading development expertise is inherent to Ardanis.  With their combined strengths and diverse expertise, the company is committed to making a difference to each client’s unique requirements.

Ardanis’ clients span finance and fintech and other large enterprises such as pharma, technology, e-commerce and healthcare companies.

New app allows food aid donations to be tracked like online shopping

A pioneering app,Track Your Impact, has been launched by social enterprise E2G FOOD to transform donation transparency in humanitarian aid. The app allows donors to follow their contributions—high-protein FOOD bars—from production to disaster zones and into the hands of those in need, all in real-time.
Developed in partnership with global tech firm SASI, the platform offers a seamless three-step tracking system: recording production, monitoring transit, and confirming final delivery—all updated in real-time to donors. The partners simply scan QR codes to log E2G FOOD bars into the system.
This innovative track-and-trace functionality builds trust and confidence, setting a new standard in today’s donation landscape.
Pete Henderson, CEO of E2G FOOD and a former BBC cameraman who has witnessed famine and crises across 114 countries, said the app is about more than just delivering food.
“Our partnership with SASI and our tech advisor has brought transparency to the donation ecosystem. We’re enabling like minded people, from everyday consumers to global corporations, to be able to donate nutritious food for as little as £1.65—the cost of one FOOD bar and less than a cup of coffee— ensuring that every pound spent makes a tangible difference. Partnerships are the only way we will advance the sector and bring traceability to donations.”
The launch comes as global hunger reaches alarming levels, with 828 million people going to bed hungry each night, according to the UN. Since September 2024, E2G FOOD has delivered 30,000 FOOD bars to disaster-hit regions across the Middle East, Africa, and the US, leveraging technology to instil confidence in donors from individuals to corporate sponsors.
“SASI was created for organisations to manage data and communications in areas with low-tech infrastructure. We believe our technology provides donors and other stakeholders with valuable transparency to increase confidence, engagement, and support for humanitarian projects. As such, we were excited to work with E2G FOOD and kickstart this project by donating the configuration of their tracking platform for their donors to track their donations, from point of purchase to the end impact”. Commented Yumeho Sekiya, VP of International Affairs at SASI.
The app‘s wider functionalities include a live news feed, ability to share campaigns with loved ones, a dedicated donor profile showcasing total impact in FOOD bars, monetary donations alongside continual impact (monthly) and moments of impact (one-off donations). Partners receiving donations can also upload images of the FOOD being enjoyed in the community, which are automatically shared with donors.
Indika Maligaspe, Technology Advisor for E2G FOOD and developer of the consumer-facing Track Your Impact app commented: “We wanted to ensure that transparency was at the heart of the app with users able to see the progress of their donations in real-time. We are building a community of givers, our FOODIES, and hope to incentivise users to continue to engage and donate.”
Be part of the FOODIE movement creating a more nutritious and transparent world by downloading the free app, TrackYourImpact, and supporting FOOD relief programmes. It’s time to work together to leverage the power of technology and feed the world more nutritiously whilst tracking our impact, one FOOD bar at a time.

8 Essential Features to Look for in a Memory Card

Have you ever run out of storage on your phone or camera at the worst possible moment? It’s frustrating, right? Whether you’re capturing precious family memories, storing important documents, or saving your favorite songs, having the right memory card can make all the difference. Memory cards come in various types, sizes, and speeds, which can be overwhelming if you’re not sure what to look for.

In this blog, we will share the essential features to consider when choosing a memory card to help you make an informed decision.

1. Storage Capacity

The first thing people often notice about memory cards is their storage capacity. This refers to how much data the card can hold. Memory cards range from a few gigabytes (GB) to several terabytes (TB). The right capacity depends on your needs. For example, if you’re just saving photos from your phone, a 32GB or 64GB card might be enough. However, if you’re recording 4K videos or need to store large files, you might need 256GB or even 1TB.

Consider how you plan to use the card. Frequent travelers or photographers may prefer larger capacities to avoid swapping cards often. Just remember, larger capacity cards tend to cost more. So, balance your budget with your storage needs.

2. Read and Write Speeds

Read and write speeds determine how fast data is transferred to and from the card. The write speed is how quickly data can be saved onto the card, while the read speed is how fast it can be accessed. If you’re shooting high-resolution photos or recording HD videos, faster speeds are crucial.

When looking for the fastest micro SD card, pay attention to speed class ratings. Cards labeled UHS-I or UHS-II offer faster speeds. UHS-II cards are quicker but may be more expensive. For everyday tasks, a card with moderate speeds will do, but professionals often need the fastest micro SD options to keep up with their work.

3. Card Type

Not all devices support every type of memory card. The most common types are SD (Secure Digital), microSD, and CompactFlash. SD cards are standard in cameras, while microSD cards are popular in smartphones, tablets, and action cameras. CompactFlash cards are usually used in professional cameras.

Make sure to check your device’s compatibility before buying. A microSD card with an adapter can work in SD slots, offering flexibility. However, always read your device manual to confirm which card type is recommended.

4. Durability and Reliability

Memory cards can face harsh conditions, especially if you travel or work outdoors. Some cards are designed to be water-resistant, shockproof, temperature-resistant, and even X-ray-proof. This added durability helps protect your data in tough environments.

If you’re a photographer shooting in extreme weather or someone who’s always on the go, look for cards with these protective features. Even if you don’t think you’ll need it, accidents happen. Investing in a durable card can save your valuable data from unexpected damage.

5. Speed Class Ratings

Speed class ratings indicate the minimum write speeds of a memory card. You’ll see symbols like Class 10, U1, U3, V30, or V60 on the card. Class 10 is suitable for HD video recording, while U3 or V30 is better for 4K video. The higher the number, the faster the minimum speed.

Understanding these ratings helps you pick a card that matches your device’s requirements. For example, recording a 4K video on a Class 4 card can lead to buffering issues. Always check your device’s recommended speed class before making a purchase.

6. Security Features

Some memory cards come with built-in security features to protect your data. For example, certain SD cards have a physical write-protection switch. When enabled, this switch prevents data from being accidentally deleted or overwritten.

Other cards may offer encryption options, which are useful if you’re storing sensitive information. While these features aren’t necessary for everyone, they can be valuable for professionals or anyone concerned about data security.

7. Price vs. Performance

It’s tempting to buy the cheapest memory card you find, but this can be a mistake. Lower-priced cards often have slower speeds, less durability, and shorter lifespans. On the other hand, the most expensive card might offer features you don’t need.

Consider how you’ll use the card and find a balance between price and performance. If you’re a casual user, a mid-range card with good reviews will likely be enough. If you rely on your memory card for professional work, it’s worth investing a bit more for higher performance and reliability.

8. Brand Reputation and Warranty

When buying a memory card, the brand matters. Established brands have a reputation for quality and reliability. These brands often provide warranties, giving you peace of mind in case of defects. While off-brand cards may be cheaper, they can pose risks like data corruption or short lifespans. Always buy from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit products. Checking customer reviews can also help you gauge the reliability of a specific card. Look for brands that have been in the market for a long time and have consistently positive feedback from users. Reputable brands invest in quality control and rigorous testing to ensure their products meet high standards.

Moreover, consider the warranty and customer support options provided by the brand. A good warranty can be a lifesaver if your card malfunctions. Some brands offer lifetime warranties, while others may provide coverage for a few years. 

In conclusion, choosing the right memory card isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can find. It’s about understanding what features matter for your specific needs. From storage capacity to speed, durability, security, and brand reputation, each factor plays a role in how well the card will perform. Next time you’re shopping for a memory card, take a moment to consider these features. Doing so can save you time, money, and the frustration of lost data. Your memories and important files deserve the best storage solution you can provide.

Is Your Screen Aging You? How Blue Light Affects Your Skin

If we’re being real here, there’s some danger on the horizon, more than ever before. Because tech is a part of your life, you may need to use your screen a lot. After all, it’s your work, and you need to keep it going. Your screen might also be your connection to the world and your entertainment, but it might be doing damage to your skin.

The Digital Glow You Didn’t Ask For

Here’s the deal: high-energy visible (HEV) light, or what we call blue light, isn’t just coming from the sun. While the sun is the primary source of this light, screens and LED lights add to the problem. That means more screens = more exposure, and that light is getting into your skin, deeper than the sun’s rays ever could. It may be responsible for accelerating aging, hyperpigmentation, and reducing your skin’s defenses.

It’s not just about the amount of time. A screen that is more than an arm’s length away has little impact. However, if you’re a phone-clutcher and your cheeks are bathed in blue for eight hours a day, that will have a great impact on your skin.

Tech Meets Beauty: How To Protect Your Skin

If you can’t quit using screens for long hours each day, you can take steps to protect against skin damage from blue light.

Slide into Night Mode: Most phones and laptops have filters and settings to reduce blue light. Use them, especially at night.

Choose Blue Light Skincare: Some antioxidants, like niacinamide, vitamin C, and lutein to combat oxidative stress, can counteract the effects. That’s why smart companies are creating blue light-blocking skincare.

Use SPF Inside: Just because you’re indoors doesn’t mean you can’t use sunscreen. If you wear it for invisible rays, you’re already covered.

Control Your Screen Time: If you want less blue light, reduce the number of hours you use screens when you don’t absolutely have to use them.

The Right Skincare for a Digital World

Blue light is the new normal, so your routine has to reflect that. Hydration has never been more important. The same is true of antioxidants. Load up on serums, moisturizers, and other products with lots of hydration. Throw in a blue light blocker that can combat HEV rays. Brands like Millies have done the work in this area, adding the best skincare treatments into collections that protect, repair, and refresh skin.

We’re not getting less techy, so let’s get savvier about our skincare and how we protect our skin. Get your face away from the screen because it deserves a little break.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Available Worldwide

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the global availability of the new Galaxy S25 series. Together with One UI 7, Gemini is officially available at launch in 46 languages,making it easier than ever to perform seamless actions across Samsung and Google apps.

“The Galaxy S25 series is a fundamental shift in how we interact with our phones,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are thrilled to see how our users will enjoy this true AI companion that offers seamless and intuitive solutions in their daily lives.”

On the Galaxy S25 series, AI agents with multimodal capabilities are integrated within the One UI 7 platform to perform complex tasks seamlessly across apps and enable natural user interactions through speech, text, videos and images. Now Brief provides tailored suggestions to guide through the day and Now Bar offers a new hub for ongoing activities. From enhanced productivity with Writing Assist to limitless creativity unleashed by Drawing Assist, the expanded capabilities of Galaxy AI continue to empower users in every aspect of their daily lives.

Interactions with the Galaxy S25 series are also more intuitive. With just a single command, Gemini can effortlessly find a user’s favourite sports team’s schedule and add it to Samsung Calendar. Additionally, Google’s enhanced Circle to Search now gives users more helpful information with AI Overviews and one-tap actions.

Samsung has also launched the Samsung Wallet app in 30 new countries, including Poland, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Ireland, Slovenia, Croatia, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Iceland. Samsung Wallet will come pre-installed on all Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphones and can also be downloaded to existing Galaxy devices from the Galaxy Store.

With Samsung Wallet, you can store and organise all your essentials for a faster, safer and easier everyday routine. Store passwords and log-ins details via Samsung Pass, digital keys for your car and home, boarding passes from partner airlines, and membership cards and coupons. At launch, Samsung Wallet does not currently support payments via credit card, bank accounts, or other payment services.

The Galaxy S25 series further refines and enhances the core capabilities that define the Galaxy experience. Powering the Galaxy S25 series globally, the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy fuels on-device processing for more responsive AI experiences. With unique customisations for Galaxy, including ProScaler  and Samsung’s mobile Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe), the Galaxy S25 series boasts enhanced AI image processing and display power efficiency. The newly introduced 50MP ultrawide camera sensor for the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers epic shots from every range in exceptional clarity, while professional grade controls like Virtual Aperture and Samsung Log turn any photo or video into the ultimate visual experience.

The Galaxy S25 series is the industry’s first smartphone lineup to support Content Credentials, based on the open technical standard from the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). Samsung has also joined the C2PA as a member, alongside industry leaders including Adobe, Microsoft, OpenAI, Google, Publicis Groupe and more, all collaborating to establish Content Credentials as the universal standard for digital content provenance. In line with its commitment to responsible mobile AI innovation, Samsung adopted this standard to enhance transparency for content created and edited with generative AI.

Starting February 7, the Galaxy S25 series will be widely available through carriers and retailers and on Samsung.com. Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver and Titanium Gray. Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ come in Navy, Silver Shadow, Icyblue and Mint.

All Galaxy S25 devices will come with six months of Gemini Advanced and 2TB of cloud storage at no extra cost. Gemini Advanced comes with Samsung’s most capable AI models and priority access to the newest features like Gems, custom AI experts for any topic, and Deep Research, which acts as a personal AI research assistant.

For more information about Galaxy S25 series, visit: Samsung Newsroom, Samsungmobilepress.com and Samsung.com.

See our first look

.ie Domain Profile Report 2024 shows appeal of owned websites remains strong

The latest .ie Domain Profile Report 2024, launched today, gives glimpse into future economic activity in Ireland, highlighting the value of a strong online presence in response the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The report reveals that .ie continues to hold majority share of Ireland’s hosted domains (54.2%) followed by .com (29.43%) and .uk (7.33%) with a 16% increase in the total .ie database over the past five years, despite marginal decrease in total database vs. 2023 (0.5%).
Both nationally and globally, changes in the way consumers engage with eCommerce (for instance via social media platforms) highlights the importance of establishing a stable digital presence via a controlled and secure website.
Now in its tenth year, the report is an annual exploration of the .ie database and is published by .ie, the national registry for .ie domain names. It also highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by internet users, businesses and government within Ireland’s online ecosystem.
Digital Intention vs. Digital Growth
 
.ie’s flagship Digital Readiness Monitor report published last August revealed that one in three (36%) websites in Ireland have a low or very low level of sophistication. A website and the associated technologies it uses, serves as an indicator of how digitally advanced an organisation is. If the website is modern, functional, and user-friendly, it reflects that the overall approach to digital transformation and investment in technology. It is clear from .ie’s Domain Profile Report, and the Digital Readiness Monitor, that there is strong digital intention in Ireland; however websites are under-developed and digital growth is not yet possible.
In last year’s pre-budget submission, .ie called on government to invest in digital skills as an urgent requirement for SMEs and micro-businesses to compete on a global scale. Following the nomination of the current government it is the responsibility of Minister Jack Chambers, Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation, to make grants and programmes more accessible to SMEs to boost export sales through digital marketing and improve productivity through digitalisation.
CEO of .ie David Curtin, emphasizing the importance of driving digital growth has said, ‘Since SMEs account for 99.8% of the number of companies in the Irish economy, supporting their growth and scaling efforts is crucial for a modern future-proofed Ireland.  The .ie Domain Profile Report shows that while there has been a lot of progress made in digital intent in Ireland, there is still a long way to go to convert this to real digital growth. The government must invest more in infrastructure and supports for SMEs to take them onto the next step of digitalisation.’
Overcoming the Digital Divide
The Domain Profile report also emphasises that digital technologies have the “potential to reduce the death of distance” and bridge the gap between rural and urban areas and unlock new opportunities for Irish businesses, regardless of location.  However, the report identifies evidence of an ongoing digital divide based on location, size and sector, in particular for micro-SMEs with fewer than 10 employees.
According to Eurostat, rural areas are falling behind when it comes to digital literacy across the European Union. In Ireland, 35% of people living in rural areas and 37% of people living in Irish towns and suburbs reported having above-basic overall digital skills, while 46.5% of the Irish population living cities reported having these skills.
The digital divide does appear to be lessening in commuter areas such as Kildare, Meath and Limerick where new .ie domain registrations continue to rise, however Connacht and Ulster largely recorded a decline in new registrations in 2024. .ie want to work with government to lessen this divide and ensure businesses can thrive and prosper online regardless of location.
Importance of a Website and Omni-Channel Approach
There has been a notable decline in domain creations on a global scale. CENTR, the association of European country code top-level domain (ccTLD) registries, has highlighted notable shifts in recent years, particularly post-Covid. One potential reason for domain registration decline may be due to a recent surge in social selling – where social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok now have eCommerce capabilities on the app.
Reuters reported in December last year that TikTop Shop sales had reached $100million last Black Friday as bargain hunting American consumers spent big online.
While social media presents SMEs with an excellent opportunity to promote products and services, the recent US TikTok ban has revealed just how volatile it can be to use social selling as a business’ sole eCommerce platform.
.ie’s David Curtin advises ‘When it comes to building a credible, trustworthy digital presence, websites should be seen as ‘prime real estate’ for any business online. While social media is an excellent tool for increasing visibility and capturing audience interest, these platforms are limited in their ability to build lasting relationships with customers and, more importantly, convert them to sales. An “omni-channel” approach that offers customers more than one way to engage with business is best – where social media is used as a tool to drive traffic to a secure website. It is crucial that SMEs have control over their own eCommerce channels and are not solely reliant on third party selling platforms such as TikTok Shop which has been proven to be extremely volatile over the past few weeks’
A .ie website also provides reassurance for business owners that their main point of contact with consumers is safe from cyber threats as .ie websites boast significantly lower levels of spam and cyber threats, when compared to other top-level domains like .com.  .ie continuously works to reduce the impact of security threats to the .ie namespace. This includes manually reviewing .ie applications; continuous security scanning the .ie database; and ensuring consumer protection protocols are in line with national regulators and agencies.
Additional Domain Database Findings
 
Leitrim recorded the largest percentage growth (+51%) in new .ie domain registrations compared to 2023, followed by Tyrone (+20%) and Meath (+19%). Fermanagh has the smallest number of total .ie domain registrations in the country as just 191 total domains are registered there.
Keywords used in domain registrations continue to provide insight to public interest as Ireland, Dublin, Home, Design and House were among the top keywords used in registrations last year.
Cork pride appears to be strong as the longest .ie website address at 63 characters is corkcorkcorkcorkcorkcorkcorkcorkcorkcorkcorkcorkcorkcorkcork.ie; and the shortest web address with just 4 characters is 9.ie.
The .ie Domain Profile Report 2024 can be viewed here.
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Vodafone champions Irish businesses with exclusive Six Nations brand advertising opportunity worth over €25,000

A lucky Vodafone Business customer will get to answer Ireland’s call and bring their business to the big screen at a packed Aviva Stadium as Ireland host France in round three of the Six Nations Championships on March 8th.

Vodafone provides business support to over 60% of Irish businesses. The Bring your Business to the Big Screen initiative is worth over €25,000 to the successful SME and is open to Vodafone SME Business customers.

Vodafone is offering its winning partner some of its own in-stadium pitch-side branding  for the highly anticipated Six Nations fixture against France. The winning business will also receive an exclusive video content package, two VIP tickets to attend the match and see their brand advertised, as well as an exclusive invitation to meet the team at their Captain’s Run the day before the match.

Last year’s Six Nations clash between Ireland and France attracted a TV audience of over 1 million viewers in Ireland and 6.6 million viewers in France and when Ireland last hosted the French in Dublin in 2023, the fixture delivered a 70% share of Ireland’s TV audience.

As the two tournament favorites go head-to-head, the Aviva Stadium will be at full capacity adding another 50,000 people to the number who will be exposed to the company’s brand.  To enter, companies must visit the Vodafone.ie business website and fill out a simple form – entries must be submitted by the 7th February, 2025.

Over 2,000 SMEs applied to participate in Vodafone’s ‘Bring your Business to the Big Screen’ initiative in 2024 which provided four small Irish businesses exposure during the Autumn Nations Series at the Aviva Stadium in November 2024 – SOS Cookies (Limerick), The Farmhouse.ie (Longford), JANDO and Lotts & Co. (both Dublin) were featured on pitch-side and digital screen advertising during the game.

Amanda Nelson, CEO at Vodafone Ireland said: “This initiative is one of the most rewarding for our Vodafone Business team as we get to leverage our Irish Rugby sponsorship to the benefit of one of our SME customers.  This scheme will expose their brand to over 1 million people in Ireland and will also deliver significant exposure overseas. Ireland and France are the favourites for this year’s Six Nations title, which will increase interest even further in the fixture and provide a fantastic platform for one of our SME customers to share in the spotlight.”

Vodafone Ireland has been the main sponsor of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) since 2016. As part of this sponsorship, Vodafone shares a number of exclusive benefits with its customers, allowing them to feel part of the #TeamOfUs.This competition along with practical supports like V-Hub, a free digital support service offering tailored advice to help businesses navigate their digital transformation journey, are just some of the ways Vodafone is supporting small businesses.

How Technology is Revolutionizing the Gaming Experience

Technology is changing how we experience entertainment, and nowhere is this more evident than in the gaming industry. From video games to casino gaming and casual gaming, tech advancements are reshaping the way we interact with our favorite pastimes. What was once a niche hobby has now blossomed into a multibillion-dollar industry, driven by innovation and the continual development of new technologies that enhance the gaming experience. 

The Rise of Cloud Gaming

One of the most significant changes in the gaming world is the shift to cloud gaming. Gone are the days when gamers needed a powerful console or high-end PC to enjoy the latest titles. With cloud gaming, players can now access and play games without downloading or owning physical copies of them. This means that games once thought to be exclusive to high-powered hardware can now be played on any device with an internet connection, including smartphones, tablets, and low-cost laptops.

Cloud gaming allows players to access an enormous library of games without worrying about storage limitations or system requirements. This makes gaming more accessible than ever before, especially for casual gamers who may not want to invest in expensive gaming hardware. Popular platforms like Nvidia GeForce Now, Google Stadia, and Xbox Cloud Gaming are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, allowing users to stream AAA titles with stunning graphics and fluid gameplay without the need for high-end equipment.

For players interested in online casino gaming, the concept of cloud-based platforms has also been a game-changer. Now, instead of needing a physical location to enjoy table games like poker, blackjack, or roulette, players can access real-time games and even interact with live dealers from the comfort of their homes via online betting sites. As wagering online becomes more popular a growing number of players are seeking out flexible options like sites that bypass tough local GamStop rules and regulations. The best online casinos not on GamStop not only allow bettors to bypass GamStop rules but also offer huge game libraries and lucrative bonuses, making them popular. Thanks to tech advances and the cloud gaming concept, casino games can be easily played online. This seamless experience has led to the increased popularity of online casinos, which are becoming as immersive and interactive as traditional in-person gaming.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two of the most exciting technological advancements in the world of gaming. These technologies are not just enhancing the gaming experience but fundamentally changing how players interact with virtual worlds. VR immerses players into fully realized, 3D environments that they can explore and interact with as though they were physically inside the game. Whether it’s experiencing thrilling action-packed adventures, solving complex puzzles, or engaging in multiplayer combat, VR provides a level of immersion that was once only imaginable in science fiction.

In the world of casino gaming, VR has opened up new possibilities for players who want to experience the excitement of a physical casino from the comfort of their own homes. Virtual reality casinos are becoming increasingly popular, where players can interact with other people in lifelike environments. Imagine walking through a virtual casino, sitting down at a poker table, and playing against real opponents, all while wearing a VR headset. This level of immersion is revolutionizing how players engage with their favorite games.

Augmented reality (AR), on the other hand, blends the digital world with the real one. AR allows gamers to see virtual elements overlaid on the real world, which can lead to exciting new gaming experiences. In casual gaming, we’ve already seen the rise of AR-based games like Pokémon Go, where players interact with virtual elements while exploring their real-world surroundings. This interactive and engaging gameplay has drawn millions of players worldwide, illustrating how AR can enhance even the simplest of games.

Mobile Gaming and Accessibility

Mobile gaming is another area where technology has dramatically changed the gaming landscape. With the advent of smartphones and tablets, gaming has become more portable, allowing players to take their favorite games with them wherever they go. Casual gaming has exploded in popularity, with games like Candy Crush, Clash of Clans, and Words With Friends attracting millions of players. These games are accessible to anyone with a smartphone and are designed to be easy to pick up but challenging to master.

The power of mobile devices has made it possible for players to engage in high-quality gaming experiences on the go. For example, modern smartphones now have the hardware capabilities to run 3D games and even virtual casino games, where players can bet real money or play for fun. Casino games like blackjack, roulette, and poker are now available at the touch of a button, making it easy for players to enjoy the excitement of online gaming anywhere, anytime.

Additionally, mobile gaming has paved the way for other forms of casual gaming, such as gaming apps that focus on fitness, education, and social interaction. With advancements in technology, the smartphone is now one of the most versatile gaming platforms, catering to every type of player—from those seeking light entertainment to hardcore gamers looking for immersive experiences.

Artificial Intelligence and Game Design

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another powerful tool that is transforming the gaming industry. AI is being used to create smarter and more dynamic in-game experiences, from advanced enemy NPCs (non-playable characters) to adaptive difficulty levels that adjust based on the player’s skills. For example, in role-playing games (RPGs) and strategy games, AI can create more complex storylines, giving players the chance to make meaningful choices that affect the outcome of the game. AI-driven characters can also react to player decisions, creating a more lifelike and engaging experience.

In online casino games, AI is being used to create more interactive environments, enhancing player experience with features like chatbots that help players with game rules or even offer personalized game suggestions based on past behaviors. AI algorithms can also improve the security of online gaming, using predictive models to detect potential cheating or fraud in real time.