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.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G

Samsung today announced the new Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G, the latest Galaxy A series devices that bring Samsung’s newest mobile innovations – including enriched Awesome Intelligence – to more users worldwide. The latest Galaxy A series reflects Samsung’s commitment to expanding AI capabilities across more devices and empowering more users to harness the power of intuitive AI that simplifies everyday tasks. Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G strengthen the experiences users rely on every day with upgrades to performance, camera and display, alongside durability and security features.

With up to six generations of OS upgrades and long-term security support, the new Galaxy A series is built to last. Leading the lineup is Galaxy A57 5G, featuring a slimmer, more refined design and upgraded AI-powered capabilities that make it the most powerful Galaxy A series device yet.

“Getting AI into the hands of more people matters just as much as pushing the boundaries of what it can do,” said Annika Bizon, VP of Product and Marketing, Samsung Mobile Experience (MX) Division. “By combining Samsung’s fundamental capabilities with Awesome Intelligence, the Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G delivers everyday performance to our customers whilst demonstrating the benefit of AI.”

Enriched Awesome Intelligence Designed for Everyday Life

Through the latest One UI 8.5, Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G extend Samsung’s latest AI innovations to more users, with Awesome Intelligence that helps people get more things done with ease while unlocking new ways to create and stay productive.

Voice Transcription is new to the Voice Recorder app, making it easier to revisit important details from meetings, lectures or calls by quickly transcribing and translating call recordings or turning voicemail audio into text. AI Select is easier to access with a long press on the Edge Panel, surfacing relevant actions directly on the screen to extract text or create content without manually selecting items. AI Select also supports Drag & Drop in Multi-Window layout, allowing users to easily move images into Samsung Notes or Photo Editor for faster editing and improved productivity.

Awesome Intelligence makes everyday photo editing easier than ever. Object Eraser now delivers more natural results when removing unwanted distractions, like a passerby in the background or clutter in a café. On Galaxy A57 5G, Best Face  supports more photos and continuous shooting, making it easier to capture the perfect group photos where everyone looks their best. Fan favourite tools like Filters, and Edit Suggestions help users quickly refine and share moments without extra effort, while Galaxy A57 5G also features Auto Trim for even easier video editing.

Circle to Search with Google adds multi-object recognition so users can easily explore multiple items in an image at once – from an outfit to surrounding accessories – all in one search. The new Galaxy A series expands Awesome Intelligence experiences with a choice of agents designed to simplify everyday tasks from search to organising plans or easily adjusting settings. As a conversational device agent, upgraded Bixby lets users intuitively control Galaxy settings and features using natural language, while Gemini navigates complex tasks across native Galaxy apps and select third-party apps to support faster, more intuitive interactions.

Awesome Camera to Capture Clearer Photos and Videos, Day or Night

As AI becomes more deeply integrated into mobile experiences, camera performance remains essential to delivering the everyday usability and satisfaction users expect.

Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G deliver brighter, clearer visuals powered by upgraded camera hardware and an improved Image Signal Processor (ISP). The devices feature a versatile triple-camera system, led by a 50MP main sensor, delivering sharp, detailed images across a wide range of lighting conditions without the need for manual adjustments.

When the lights go down, the Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G camera adapts seamlessly with improved Nightography, capturing clear and true-to-life photos and videos even in low light conditions.

Galaxy A57 5G takes photography a step further with enhanced image processing that sharpens detail and reduces noise for even clearer, more vibrant results. It delivers rich contrast and balanced color even in challenging light, while with a faster shutter speed, users can instantly capture fleeting moments with faster speed and with improved clarity.

Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G also benefit from AI-based subject recognition and scene optimisation to balance portraits, preserve natural skin tones and create clearer background separation. When the moment calls for a wider perspective, the ultra-wide lens captures more in every group photo or landscape view, while the 5MP macro camera reveals fine details up close for added creative flexibility.

Performance for Streaming and Multitasking

Galaxy A57 5G delivers the best of both design and performance combining upgraded CPU, GPU and NPU to deliver improved performance with its sleek and light form. Built for smooth streaming, scrolling and content creation, its refined design features a glossy finish and distinctive triple-camera island for a standout modern look that feels comfortable in-hand.

Despite its slimmer profile, Galaxy A57 5G packs powerful performance. Its 5,000mAh battery supports up to two days of use – powering everything from filming and editing to viewing on the go. Super Fast Charging 2.0 reaches up to 60% in around 30 minutes for a quick boost before heading out, while a 13% larger vapour chamber helps sustain performance during extended gaming or recording. Slimmer bezels and a bright Super AMOLED+ display with Vision Booster ensure an immersive, clear viewing experience indoors and outside.

Built for everyday use, Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, adding durability in real-world environments and offering users peace of mind when accidents happen.

Long-Term Support and Foundational Security

 

Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G reinforce Samsung’s commitment to device longevity, offering up to six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades, along with up to six years of security updates[18] – giving users the confidence to rely on their device for years to come.

Samsung provides a fortified layer of device safety, transparency and user choice with Knox Vault[19], a hardware-based, tamper-resistant security solution. Galaxy A series offers users holistic protection through innovative security and privacy features including Security & Privacy Dashboard, Auto Blocker, Private Sharing, Theft Protection as well as the new Private Album, a Gallery feature that allows users to lock away personal media quickly and easily. Unlike traditional safeguards, the latest A series devices also proactively notify users about potential risks with Privacy Alerts, which are intelligent notifications that offer clearer insight and control over location permissions or suspicious monitoring of sensitive data. Together, these enhancements make security feel as intuitive as the rest of the experience, making device protection easier than ever for everyone.

Enterprise Edition

Samsung will also launch the Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G Enterprise Edition, offering business-ready mobile experiences to cutting-edge enterprises of any size. Enterprise Edition customers benefit from up to seven generations of OS updates, three years of enhanced warranty which includes next- business-day doorstep replacement and two year product lifecycle to ensure long-lasting and worry-free adoption.

It also a one-year license to the Knox Suite – Enterprise Plan the ultimate package to protect and manage extensive and complex device fleets through granular OS update control, device usage analytics, intelligent security insights, and exclusive features tailor-made for frontline workers.

Availability

Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G will be available on Samsung.com from April 10th, with Galaxy A57 5G price starting from RRP  €619 (256GB) and Galaxy A37 5G starting from RRP  €459 (128GB).

Galaxy A57 5G will be offered in Awesome Navy, Awesome Grey, Awesome Icyblue and Awesome Lilac, while Galaxy A37 5G comes in Awesome Lavender, Awesome Charcoal, Awesome Greygreen, and Awesome White.

  • Galaxy A57 5G 256GB + 8GB, RRP £€619
  • Galaxy A57 5G 512GB + 12GB, RRP  €799
  • Galaxy A37 5G 128GB + 6GB, RRP  €459
  • Galaxy A37 5G 256GB + 8GB, RRP  €539

Enterprise Edition models will be available in the same timeline. A57 5G Enterprise Edition £ €559 (128GB + 8GB) and A37 5G Enterprise Edition €469(128GB + 6GB).

See our Samsung reviews

For more information please visit: Samsung Newsroom or Samsung.com.

Bixdo W60 Pro At-Home Blue Light Whitening Toothbrush Review

The Bixdo W60 Blue Light Whitening Electric Toothbrush is a state of the art toothbrush you could say with blue light technology built into the head of the toothbrush itself and a first that I have seen other than those gum sheild type things you are left sitting in your mouth for long periods of time in your local dentist or as they call them here whitening treatment kits.

The toothbrush itself however is cool and comes on a nice stand and when charging gives off a super cool effect and an ambient light of sorts which would look nice on your bedside locker for example.

You get two brush heads in the box and your user guide the charging dock and cable which is USB-C, there is no app which I was slightly dissapointed with however there is a small screen on the bixdo W60 blue light whitening electric toothbrush., Also in the box you get a whitening guide for your teeeth if you are after those movie star or turkey teeth looks. Each to their own on that one.

There is a small display oin the front of the toothbrush and two buttons also there is a light at the bottom which is blue for charging and turns orange when brushing too fast or hard which is good and easy to see in the dark or in bright areas the sreen can be a hit and niss at times depending on the light in the room at time but other than that it is clear to read and easy to follow overall compared to others on the market.

This will not work overnight it must be added it will take time and there is several modes to use during your journey of getting whiter teeth which works great with their own toothpaste but regular whitening toothpaste will also work as I am usnig this now after using their own tube.

The modes are easy to switch between on your journey and overall this is a non complicated toothbrush to use which is nice to see and hopefully next time they do have an app as these give users a better push and programmes and alerts to keep you on your toes with a good brushing routine.

Features

01 – Convenient & Time-Saving: Whiten and brush in 3 minutes; no more extra whitening tools needed. Visible results in 14 days, up to 21 shades brighter

02 – Uses the same whitening science as in-office treatments: The same wavelength and energy 460nm blue light as in-office treatments to activate the PAP whitening ingredient to break down stains

03 – Gentle whitening for sensitive teeth: Gentler, costs less, and works fast

04 – Smart Brushing: Equipped with premium smart reminders found only in high-end brushes

 

Highlights:

  1. Professional Whitening Performance 

Visible whitening backed by third-party testing

  • Up to 402% increase in whitening in 28 days*

Based on a third-party clinical study with 32 participants using the bixdo Blue Light Whitening Toothbrush and bixdo Active Oxygen Whitening Toothpaste twice daily for 4 weeks. Whiteness and color uniformity were evaluated at multiple time points. Individual results may vary.

 

Up to 21 shades whiter in 2 weeks*

Equivalent to the result of a professional blue light whitening session.

Based on a 14-day third-party laboratory study using bovine teeth to simulate twice-daily use with bixdo W60 in whitening mode and bixdo Active Oxygen Whitening Toothpaste. Actual results may vary.

* Data derived from third-party clinical and laboratory testing.

  1.1 Professional Blue Light Whitening Technology 
    Professional-grade blue light brings clinic-level whitening home
  • 460nm Blue Light Wavelength

Optimized wavelength commonly used in professional whitening to activate whitening agents effectively.
  • 300 W/m² Light Intensity
Delivers stable, professional-level energy output to support effective 3D whitening.
  • Patented Energy Infusion System
Channels blue light directly to the brush head, reducing energy loss and maximizing whitening efficiency.
The system ensures high, stable blue light output, improving daily whitening speed and consistency.
  • Enhanced PAP Activation
Blue light activates PAP (Bixdo toothpaste) deep within the enamel, helping break down stains effectively while maintaining enamel integrity.
  1.2 Synergistic Whitening System: Blue Light + PAP Toothpaste + Specialized Filaments 
    (1) PAP Active Oxygen Whitening Toothpaste
All-in-One ACE Formula (4-in-1): Whitening · Brightening · Strengthening · Moisturizing
PAP Whitening Technology: Gentle, peroxide-free whitening suitable for sensitive teeth
2.7× whitening power without damaging enamel
Compared to traditional whitening toothpaste: Reduced sensitivity compared to traditional peroxide-based whitening; No enamel erosion; Targets stains both internally and externally; Gentle enough for daily use and sensitive teeth.

 

    (2) Multi-Filament Brush Head Design
Four filament types for effective yet gentle whitening
Tynex® Galaxy Filaments – Support deep, efficient cleaning
Tynex® Classic Filaments – Gentle care for sensitive teeth and gums
Perlon® Filaments – Efficiently transmit blue light to the tooth surface
Tynex® Indicator Filaments – Visual reminder for brush head replacement
    (3) Whitening Synergy Explained
PAP molecules gently target and break down stains
Blue light activates PAP, accelerating the whitening process
Faster, more effective whitening without increased sensitivity
  1.3 Targeted Removal of Multiple Stain Types 
Designed to reverse years of staining in daily use
Tested on 10 common stubborn stains (Black tea, coffee, red wine, chili oil, ketchup, soy sauce, curry, vinegar, grape juice, carrot juice)
Based on a stain-removal simulation using HAP blocks immersed in staining solutions for 24 hours, then brushed for 2 minutes with the bixdo Blue Light Toothbrush and Active Oxygen Whitening Toothpaste.

 

  1. Whitening with Deep Cleaning Power 

High-frequency sonic cleaning for daily oral hygiene

31,000 vibrations per minute (VPM)

Powerful sonic vibration technology delivers deep plaque removal while supporting whitening performance.

Balances whitening efficacy with everyday cleaning needs.

 

  1. Cost-Effective Alternative to Professional Whitening 

Comparable results at a significantly lower cost

Professional in-office whitening:

Typically $350–$1,200 per session

Often achieves ~12 shades whiter

bixdo Whitening Kit W60

Up to 21 shades whiter in 2 weeks*

One-time investment: $139.99

Offers professional-level whitening results with better long-term value.

  1. Smart, User-Guided Design 

Premium features typically found in high-end electric toothbrushes

  • 4 Smart Modes for Every Need

WHITEN+ for deep blue-light whitening

FAST for a quick 2-minute morning clean

DEEP for a 3-minute thorough cleanse

SOFT for sensitive teeth

  • Screen Display

Provides real-time guidance on brushing areas, AI monitoring, and smart reminders

  • Brushing Too-Fast Alert

The base light flashes orange if you’re brushing too fast and color-changing bristles remind you when it’s time

to replace the brush head, helping improve brushing technique and protect gums

 

 

  1. Reliable Quality and Long-Term Durability 
  • 180-Day Marathon Battery Life

Designed for extended use with minimal recharging

  • IPX7 Seamless Waterproof Design

Safe for daily bathroom use and easy cleaning

  • Travel-friendly Design

No charger needed for short trips. A one-touch travel lock keeps it safe in your bag, without any accidental power-on.

About Bixdo

Top 1 Best-Selling Whitening Electric Toothbrush on Tmall (China)

Over 40,000 units sold in just 3 months

Top 1 sales in the water flosser category in China

The only fast-growing brand in a declining market, outperforming the overall category trend

Winner of 35 international design awards, recognized for both performance and aesthetics

As a top oral-care brand, bixdo listens to users and works closely with leading dental experts —delivering innovation from cleaning power to user comfort.

BUY

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Consumer Tech Traps: How Storage Scams Trick Users and How to Protect Your Devices

We’re all annoyed by storage alerts, but we still need them to keep our devices running smoothly. Smartphone and computer users see these notifications when space is running low. Most people quickly respond to avoid performance issues. This habit created an opportunity that scammers know how to exploit. 

One of the most common tactics is based on a fake “disk full” warning, which appears as a system-like notification or a browser pop-up. The alert imitates real operating system messages, so it’s difficult for most users to recognize it’s fake at first glance. If you engage, you’ll be redirected to a page that promotes a suspicious app presented as a quick fix.

These scams are designed to feel urgent and legitimate. The message pushes you to act immediately, warning you about potential data loss. To understand how storage scams trick users, you must recognize the subtle signs that show you’re not being offered a legitimate tool. Even cautious users can be misled into entering payment details, so everyone needs to improve their phishing awareness.

Why Storage Alerts Work as a Scamming Strategy

Storage warnings are designed to lead to immediate action. When a device is low on space, its performance degrades. Some apps may stop working properly, so the user feels they have to fix the issue as quickly as possible. This sense of urgency is exactly what makes the alerts effective, but also easy to imitate. 

Scammers take advantage of this user behavior. They create messages that look like official system notifications. The alerts copy the design, language, and structure of real operating systems, so they seem trustworthy at a glance. For users who aren’t deeply familiar with system settings, it’s not easy to distinguish between a legitimate and a fake warning. 

Real storage notifications come from system settings. Scam messages, on the other hand, are triggered through web browsers or redirects. Then how can they trick users? These fake messages are designed to look identical to system pop-ups. Many users never notice the difference. 

First Step to Protection: Learn How Storage Scams Trick Users 

When you understand how these fake alerts work, it will be easier for you to recognize them. Although the design varies, most of these scams follow a pattern. 

  • Fake system warning

The process starts with a pop-up or redirect that displays a message. It might be something like “Your disk is full” or “Storage critically low.” These alerts show up while browsing, clicking on ads, or visiting compromised websites. They look like system-level notifications, using familiar icons and phrases.  

  • Redirect to a fake solution

If you interact with the alert, you’ll be taken to a page that offers a quick fix. This may be shown as a cleaning tool or security utility. Yes; there are legitimate apps that can help you deal with storage. But they are never promoted through “low storage” alerts. Fake pages usually include progress bars, scan results, and warnings that make the situation seem serious. 

  • Installation or payment trap

At this stage, users are encouraged to download software or subscribe to a service. Sometimes the app is unnecessary, but harmless. But in some cases, it may track your activity or request payments for features that won’t solve any real issues. 

Trends and Statistics on Storage Scam Messages

Storage scams are a part of a general increase in online frauds. Recent data shows how quickly the problem is growing. According to the Federal Trade Commission, over $12.5 billion losses to fraud were reported in 2024. That’s a 25% increase compared to the previous year. A big part of these scams were through Internet services, and younger people reported losing money to fraud more frequently than older people.  

The FTC also reported that people lost $3 billion to online scams. We’re seeing a decline in frequency for the traditional methods, such as calls and emails. The fact that these scams are becoming more effective is concerning. Phishing and impersonation tactics are strong entry points. Scammers use believable messages that mimic trusted systems. 

Unfortunately, these scams are effective. The increase in the percentage of targets who lost money shows that the messages are convincing. Storage scams aren’t isolated incidents. They are a part of a larger system of phishing attacks that keep evolving. 

Signs of a Storage Scam

Raising awareness about the warning signs of storage scams is important for improving consumer tech security. These messages do look convincing, but there are a few clear indicators that something isn’t right:

  • The alerts look like system messages, but they appear in the browser. The real storage warnings come from your device’s operating system. They won’t show up from a web page or a pop-up. 
  • Aggressive and urgent prompts are always suspicious. Don’t trust messages like “immediate action required.” Their goal is to pressure you into clicking without thinking too much. 
  • Once you engage with the message, an unfamiliar app will be recommended. Real systems don’t push unknown software as a solution to storage issues. 
  • Fake tools produce too-good-to-be-true scan results. They claim to find dozens of issues in an instant, even before they perform a real scan. 
  • Unexpected redirects are a clear sign of a sign. If you’re taken to an external website that is nowhere near the official app store, don’t trust it. 
  • Any demand for payments or sensitive data is suspicious. 

Being able to recognize the signs of an online scam is the only way to reduce the risks. Stay alert and follow basic security practices, so you’ll avoid falling for these threats. 

Edifier M90 Now Available: Compact 100W Speaker with HDMI eARC and Hi-Res Audio

Combining compact design, powerful 100W RMS output, HDMI eARC connectivity and high-resolution sound, the M90 delivers immersive, versatile audio for desktops, TVs and modern home entertainment setups.

Edifier, a global leader in premium audio solutions, today announced the availability of the Edifier M90 in the US with other countries soon to follow. Unveiled at CES 2026, the Edifier M90 represents a defining milestone signalling the beginning of the brand’s next chapter in home-entertainment audio.

Designed to elevate everyday listening, the M90 features HDMI eARC for seamless, low-latency connectivity with desktop audio, TVs, and streaming platforms, delivering a richer, more immersive experience for movies, games and streaming. With 100W of bi-amplified power, larger 4-inch aluminium mid-low drivers for deeper bass and silk-dome tweeters for smooth, detailed highs, the M90 delivers powerful, high-fidelity sound. Enhanced connectivity and a flexible design allow it to transition easily from desktop to living-room setups, making the M90 a compact, all-purpose speaker solution.

Space-Efficient, Small Footprint, Room-Filling Sound

The Edifier M90 features a compact, space-saving design—measuring 133 mm (W) × 212 mm (H) × 225 mm (D) per speaker—allowing it to blend seamlessly into desktops, sit on bookshelves and feature in living-room setups. Despite its size, the M90 delivers an impressive 100W RMS total output, producing rich, room-filling sound. Certified for both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless, it ensures exceptional clarity and detail across all listening scenarios. With versatile connectivity options – including HDMI eARC – the M90 integrates effortlessly with TVs, computers and modern entertainment systems.

Powerful Acoustic Performance

The M90’s acoustic architecture combines 4-inch long-throw aluminium mid-bass drivers with 1-inch silk-dome tweeters for accurate, balanced sound reproduction. Powered by dual high-efficiency Class-D amplifiers, the system delivers 100W RMS of clean, dynamic output—ensuring powerful bass, detailed mids and crisp highs across all listening levels.

High-Resolution Audio Processing

The M90 delivers superior audio quality with end-to-end 24-bit/96kHz digital signal processing. Its analog front end supports high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion, ensuring that whether you’re using analog inputs or digital streaming, every signal is accurately converted for faithful, detailed sound reproduction.

Versatile Connectivity Options

With multiple input options, including HDMI eARC, Optical, USB-C and AUX, the Edifier M90 allows for seamless integration with TVs, computers and other devices. Simply select the connection that best suits your setup for a flexible, high-quality listening experience.

Advanced Bluetooth Connectivity

The M90 features Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC support for high-resolution audio streaming at rates up to 990 kbps, delivering near-lossless sound from compatible Android devices (Android 8.0 or later). It also supports Bluetooth multipoint connections, easily managed through the EDIFIER ConneX App, for seamless switching between devices.

Enhanced Bass, Intuitive Control, and Customizable Sound

Enhanced bass performance is available via the SUB OUT port, allowing connection to an external subwoofer for deeper, more impactful low-end. User-friendly controls include a 2.4 GHz omni-directional remote control and an onboard control knob, while HDMI eARC with HDMI CEC enables power, volume and mute control directly from your TV remote control. Customizable sound effects let you choose from three presets or create your own using the EDIFIER ConneX App, providing a flexible, personalized listening experience with easy switching between modes.

*Price & Availability:

The Edifier M90 is available from March 25 on us.edifier and Amazon, with an MSRP of $369.99. The M90 will be available in the UK from April priced at £299.99

See our Edifier reviews

How Sustainable Hardware is Powering Ireland’s Tech Future

Ireland is Europe’s digital heartland, where rapid technological growth must now balance with strict environmental commitments. Today, implementing energy-efficient solutions is vital for maintaining the country’s competitive edge and protecting its natural resources. By optimizing power usage and component lifecycles through durability and recycling, local firms are proving that high performance can be environmentally responsible.

The Push for Energy Efficiency in Data Centers

As of early 2026, Ireland hosts 82 operational data centers, with several clusters located in the Dublin region. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), these facilities now consume approximately 22% of Ireland’s total metered electricity. This marks a significant milestone, as the energy use of data hubs has officially surpassed that of all urban households in the country combined. Efficient hardware development plays a critical role in this transition by optimizing power usage and extending the lifecycle of electronic components. To address this, operators are moving away from traditional cooling systems toward liquid cooling and advanced airflow management.

The integration of smart sensors and IoT devices allows for real-time monitoring of energy patterns. This data-driven approach ensures that every watt is accounted for. Engineers are implementing several strategies to keep these massive hubs running cleanly:

  • District Heating Integration: The pioneering project in Tallaght now successfully recaptures waste heat from server farms to provide low-carbon heating for the Technical University Dublin (TUD) campus and local public buildings.
  • Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems equipped with lithium-ion batteries for better storage density and faster response times during grid fluctuations.
  • Advanced power distribution units (PDUs) that minimize transmission loss within the server racks through optimized voltage conversion.
  • High-efficiency voltage regulators that stabilize power flow for sensitive AI-ready processors, reducing heat generation.

Circular Economy and Lifecycle Management

The tech industry is notorious for rapid obsolescence, especially with the surge in AI hardware demands. However, the Irish tech sector is pioneering a “circular” approach to physical assets. Instead of the traditional “take-make-dispose” model, firms are adopting modular designs. This means when a single part fails or becomes outdated, technicians replace only that specific module rather than the entire unit. This practice significantly reduces electronic waste, which remains a critical environmental priority for the EU.

Sustainability starts at the design phase. Local innovators are selecting materials that are easier to recover and reuse. This shift requires a deep understanding of metallurgy and chemical engineering to ensure that performance remains top-tier. Several key factors contribute to this more sustainable lifecycle for enterprise devices:

  1. Standardization of components to allow for cross-brand compatibility and significantly easier repairs in the field.
  2. Implementation of “take-back” programs where manufacturers reclaim old server chassis for professional refurbishment and resale.
  3. Use of biodegradable or highly recyclable polymers in the outer casings of industrial electronics to minimize landfill impact.
  4. Refining the extraction process for rare earth metals found in printed circuit boards to create a closed-loop supply chain.

 

Renewable Integration and Grid Stability

A major part of Ireland’s tech future involves syncing hardware with the renewable energy grid. Ireland is a world leader in wind energy, which supplied approximately 34% of national electricity demand throughout 2025. However, wind is intermittent. Sustainable infrastructure must be “grid-aware,” meaning it can adjust its power intake based on the current supply of green energy. This requires specialized power management firmware and robust electrical components that can handle fluctuations without crashing the system.

Leading facilities in Dublin and Cork are already experimenting with “demand-response” technology. During periods of low wind, these systems automatically throttle non-critical tasks to lower the load on the grid. This level of synchronization is only possible through highly specialized equipment. The following elements are essential for creating this harmony between the tech sector and the environment:

  • Variable speed drives (VSDs) in cooling fans that adjust precisely to the needed thermal load, preventing energy waste.
  • Artificial intelligence controllers that predict peak energy pricing and shift heavy computational workloads to “greener” hours.
  • Solid-state storage devices (SSDs) that consume up to 50% less power during active read/write cycles than traditional spinning drives.

By investing in these advanced physical solutions, Ireland is creating a blueprint for other digital economies. The focus on efficiency, modularity, and grid integration ensures that the tech sector can grow without compromising the planet.

Lightnet Launches New Broadband Solution To Keep Businesses Online

Irish Internet provider Lightnet has launched Sure-Connect, a new automatic backup  connectivity solution designed to protect Irish businesses from the risks of broadband service outages. The new service automatically switches to a backup broadband connection using the  same static IP address and settings, ensuring businesses stay connected without interruption. 

Irelands growing fibre broadband infrastructure delivers exceptional speed – however, last  year’s Storm Éowyn demonstrated that fibre is vulnerable to significant disruption. Repairs can  take days, and some areas took weeks to fully restore fibre-based services, impacting business  operations and risking financial and reputational damage.  

“Businesses today rely on always-on connectivity. If broadband fails, the impact is immediate  and severe — from lost transactions to disrupted customer service and productivity,” said Des  Chambers, CTO at Lightnet. 

Lightnet Sure-Connect solves this business risk by providing a fully automatic failover  connection that keeps businesses online without interruption. When an outage occurs, the  system automatically switches to the backup connection without affecting active sessions, VPN  connections, firewall rules, or cloud authentication services – without end users even noticing  the change. 

Pricing has been carefully structured to ensure the solution is accessible for businesses of all  sizes, with the service from just €29 per month (ex VAT) and can be customised to suit each  organisation’s location, workforce size, sites and connectivity requirements.  

“With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and growing reliance on cloud-based  systems, connectivity resilience is no longer optional,” Chambers added. “Lightnet Sure Connect provides businesses with a simple but powerful safety net.” 

Lightnet provides broadband solutions across Ireland, based in Galway they are celebrating  their 20th Year in Business this year. For more information on Lightnet Sure-Connect contact  their team at 091395804 or visit www.lightnet.ie 

OSRAM ROADsight Wireless Reversing Camera OWRCS4 Review

The OSRAM ROADsight Wireless Reversing Camera System OWRCS4 is a simple to use camera with a decent sized screen for your vehicle with a simple install process.

You have two wires to deal with one being a live that attaches to your reverse light and an earth but be sure to get your local mechanic to install for you if you are not able to do so yourself.

The main screen just plugs into your existing cigarette lighter port and will automatically connect to the rear camera once powered on is that simple.

This works on 12 and 24v vehicles and has a large 4.3 inch display with good clairty and easy viewing, there is three buttons on the rear of the screen one being the main menu key and two to cycle through the on screen menu which has brightness reverse image and set up,  however it may be possible to hardwire more to it by the looks of it but we are just revewing this on its reverse camera feature.

The main screen can be placed anyhwere in your vehicle and comes with a window suction cup and a dashboard mountm, the rear camera requires more work and has to be fitted but does come with a double sided pad if you want to mount inside your car for example it is IP67 rated so the choice is your we fitted ours over the reg plate beside existing light ports on the boot.

Overall the reverse camera works well and evn in the dark which is good giving you a clear picture of what is behind you keeping you and your vehicle safe from any knocks or bumps the rear camera can also be adjusred to your requirement.

From my usage the time the camera stays on for a short time or went off then came back on and was a hit and miss it may be car related issue however it does offer a great view of what is behind you

 

 

Features

  • Monitor up to two cameras (additional camera sold separately) with compact screen
  • Designed for easy installation, even on long vehicles and trailers, thanks to the 100 m range provided by the wireless cameras
  • Featuring a clear digital display, wide 110° field of view and on-screen parking guides for confident reversing in any environment
  • Compatible with both 12 V and 24 V vehicles making installation in cars, vans, trucks, and SUV’s possible
  • Bright and clear 4.3 inch display

BUY

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Will Regulation Make Casino Choice Harder in Ireland

Gambling in Ireland is in the middle of its biggest shake-up in decades. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 created a new independent body, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), and the framework is rolling out in phases starting in 2026. For players trying to find a trustworthy online casino, this raises a fair question: Does all of this make the search simpler or more complicated? The honest answer is both, depending on where you are in the process and what you’re looking for.

What the New Framework Actually Changes

Before the Act, Ireland’s gambling laws were fragmented across several pieces of older legislation. The law itself was written before online casinos even existed, so change has been far overdue. As a result, online casinos largely fell into grey areas, and there was no single authority with the power to license, monitor, and discipline them. The GRAI aims to fill that gap. It will regulate gambling online and in person and has the power to oversee advertising, gambling websites, and apps.

The GRAI’s plan is to open Business to Consumer betting licence applications from December 2025, followed by remote gaming licences by the end of Q1 2026, with remaining licensing categories by the end of 2027. That staggered timeline matters because it means the full picture won’t be visible all at once — operators and players alike are adjusting to a moving target.

The Case for “Easier”

For anyone who has tried to vet an online casino before, the absence of a reliable public register was a genuine problem. That changes under the new regime. The GRAI is responsible for licensing gambling services and maintaining a register of all licensed operators. In practical terms, this means players will eventually be able to cross-check whether a casino is legally operating in Ireland with a single lookup, rather than relying on third-party review sites, like https://casimonka.com/ie/, or hoping the casino’s self-reported information is accurate.

The consumer protection measures are also more concrete than anything previously on the books. The Act provides for the establishment of a National Gambling Exclusion Register and a Social Impact Fund to support research, training, and problem gambling treatment. They will likely follow in the footsteps of the UK Gambling Commission, where players can effectively self-exclude from all online casinos in the same move. Right now, no such option exists in Ireland, and one would need to self-exclude from every single casino individually. Mandatory responsible gambling tools will likely also be a requirement, which is another important step towards a more responsible gaming setting. 

Advertising rules will tighten considerably, too. A statutory watershed prohibits gambling advertising between 5:30 am and 9:00 pm on television, radio, and on-demand audio-visual media. Fewer predatory promotions pushed at vulnerable times means, at minimum, that the ecosystem around casino discovery becomes less manipulative.

The Case for “Harder”

The transition period is genuinely messy. We are still waiting for a genuine switch date, when all online casinos need a GRAI license to target Irish players. The application process for the casinos takes time to commence, meaning that many serious online casinos likely will not be available when the rule takes effect.

For players, the patchwork isn’t straightforward. A casino that was accessible and nominally “legal” under the old system may not have applied for a GRAI licence yet, or may fall outside the current licensing phase entirely. The absence of a licence doesn’t automatically make an operator fraudulent, but it still makes it unavailable for Irish players. This means that an online casino you’ve played at for years may suddenly no longer be an option. 

For many players who are used to today’s situation, it will likely be a big change. They need to look for a new set of trust signals, amongst other factors. 

There’s also the question of operator attrition. The GRAI’s new application process involves a three-stage vetting process covering corporate, financial, and technical checks, with significantly more supporting documentation required than before, and the process may take several months. Smaller or less-established operators may simply not bother, and the market could narrow significantly before it stabilises. Players are used to a lot of options in today’s gaming market. Soon, it will be narrowed to just a handful of operators.

What Players Should Watch For

The GRAI register, once fully populated, will be the most reliable filter available for Irish players. What is new is that Ireland now has a formal complaints channel, and online casinos need to follow Irish regulations to the letter, whatever they may be. The GRAI is responsible for receiving, investigating, and addressing complaints about gambling providers. That’s not nothing — previously, a dissatisfied Irish player had limited formal recourse beyond contacting a foreign regulator that had no particular obligation to act.

Casinos competing for Irish players under the new regime will need to market responsibly or risk regulatory sanction — which should, over time, select for operators with more durable, consumer-friendly practices. However, it will likely result in a lesser choice, in both good and bad. 

Lesser selection, but safer choices

If we look at other European regulated markets, like Sweden and the UK, the regulation has resulted in a more uniform casino selection. They tend to have a lesser selection of casino bonuses available and fewer stand-out features that set them apart. 

For some players, this is fine, but for others, it may turn into a boring experience since there is little difference between the casinos. It also makes it all the more challenging for the casinos themselves since it’s harder to find good selling points that set them apart from the masses. Again, this may result in fewer online casinos targeting the Irish market, since they simply don’t think it’s worth it. 

On the plus side, the safety surrounding online gambling will take a significant step up. Players don’t need to know the difference between international licenses; as long as it has a GRAI license, it’s safe to play at.

Why Legacy Systems Are Holding Back Innovation in the Insurance Industry (and How to Fix It)

Insurance leaders love to talk about innovation, but actually getting there? That’s where things fall apart. The real problem usually lives inside their own walls — old, inflexible systems holding everything back. These legacy platforms run deep. They make the business slow, hard to change, and expensive to scale. Insurtech startups can launch a new service almost overnight, but established insurers are still slogging through projects that drag on for years.

To remain competitive, organizations must rethink their approach to digital transformation in insurance and address foundational technology constraints. A critical first step is to modernize a legacy insurance system by replacing rigid architectures with flexible, modern platforms.

Let’s look at why legacy tech keeps insurers stuck, and how you can break the cycle with modernization strategies that actually work in the real world (and don’t blow up your business in the process).

What Actually Makes a Legacy System (and Why Should You Care)?

It’s not just about software that’s “old.” In insurance, legacy systems are usually massive, tightly wound beasts—core to how you write policies, handle claims, and keep things running. The issue isn’t just age. It’s that these systems were built so rigidly — hardwired, poorly documented, and stuffed with patches — that even small changes are a headache. Over the years, short-term fixes pile up, and you’re left with a machine that’s fragile, costly to tweak, and filled with hidden dependencies.

Think about a mid-sized insurer whose backbone is a 20-year-old policy management system. Want to offer digital claims? Suddenly you need custom middleware, manual data mapping, endless rounds of testing… It drags on for months. Not because of the business process, but because the tech just isn’t built to flex.

What gets risky here?

  • They don’t play nice with modern APIs.
  • You’re stuck with dying programming languages.
  • Most of your IT budget disappears into maintenance, not innovation.
  • Only a few folks know how these systems work — and they’re eyeing retirement.

If you don’t tackle these, your big technology transformation plans will fizz out before anyone sees real improvement.

The Innovation Chokepoint — Why Projects Fail or Stall Out

Insurers toss money at fresh ideas like AI pilots, chatbots, automated workflows. Yet when it’s time to scale up, everything grinds to a halt. The reason isn’t a lack of vision. It’s that your foundational tech just isn’t designed for quick, agile change.

First, shipping anything new takes forever. Every new product has to thread its way through ancient systems wired together with dozens of interdependencies. Coordination gets tangled; delays compound. Next, connecting to cutting-edge insurance solutions? It’s a slog. AI-driven underwriting, instant pricing, advanced claims automation — all of it needs clean, updated data infrastructure. Legacy platforms scatter that data across different formats or lock it up, making real-time anything basically impossible.

Finally, any innovation that does get out tends to sit in its own corner, isolated from the rest of the business. You might roll out an AI tool for detecting fraud, but if the data pipeline’s too slow, those insights arrive after the fact. The tech exists, but the old infrastructure chokes out the real business impact.

The Hidden Price Tag — How Legacy Systems Bleed Organizations Dry

The actual cost of hanging onto legacy tech is easy to overlook because it’s everywhere — in maintenance contracts, compliance headaches, security workarounds, and endless support tickets.

But if you stack up the unchecked bills, this is what you’re really paying for:

  • Ballooning maintenance spending that eats up your IT budget.
  • Vulnerabilities that open you up to cyberattacks.
  • Compliance nightmares, where adapting to new regulations means wrestling with systems that just won’t budge.
  • A shrinking pool of folks who actually understand this tech.

The real risk, though? It’s falling behind. Competitors move to nimble platforms, get products to market faster, adapt pricing, and personalize the customer experience. If you’re stuck, your brand and bottom line slowly erode.

How Do You Even Start Modernizing? — A Playbook That Actually Works

Let’s get practical. Modernization isn’t a “deploy and forget” project — it’s an ongoing shift in how you build, run, and evolve your core technology. You’ll need to pick the right approach based on your biggest priorities and where you can tolerate risk.

Here are your main plays:

  1. Rehosting (“Lift and Shift”) — Move your systems to the cloud as-is, keeping changes small. Fast, but doesn’t solve deeper problems.
  2. Replatforming — Adjust your applications for the cloud, picking up some improvements along the way. Faster results without full rewrites.
  3. Refactoring — Redesign sections of the system for better flexibility and maintenance. More investment, but the payoff grows over time.
  4. Rebuilding — Start over with a fresh, cloud-native architecture. This opens up real innovation but takes time, discipline, and guts.

Usually, it’s a mix. Maybe you rehost less critical systems to score quick wins, while you surgically refactor or rebuild the parts most critical to customer experience or revenue.

To succeed: Tie every project to business results (not just technical goals), focus first on what impacts your customers, use APIs to slowly break apart dependencies, and bring on experts with real-world modernization experience.

Modernizing Step by Step — Without Breaking the Business

The new generation of insurance systems is all about flexibility, speed, and making sure IT supports business change — not blocks it. Here’s what to focus on:

  • Cloud-native infrastructure for scalability and resilience (so you can launch and grow faster).
  • APIs as building blocks — making it possible to plug in new systems or partners with less fuss.
  • AI and automation to speed up core processes — but make sure your data is clean and accessible first.
  • Modern data platforms that let you analyze and act on information instantly (think dynamic pricing or instant fraud detection).

Insurers moving to these modern, API-driven setups cut product launch cycles and respond to the market way faster.

Today, these aren’t just “nice to haves” — they’re baseline for anyone aiming to stay in the race.

Bottom Line — Turn Your Old Systems Into an Edge

Legacy tech isn’t just an IT issue. It’s a strategic roadblock. Insurers who ignore these limits will spend more, move slower, and watch their relevance fade.

But if you tackle legacy modernization head-on — with the right roadmap, clear business priorities, and a commitment to change — you get something your competitors don’t: speed, customer focus, and the freedom to innovate. Start early. Plan carefully. The ones who get this right won’t just keep up — they’ll lead.

In insurance now, modernizing isn’t a someday thing. It’s table stakes for lasting growth and real innovation.