ESA Director comes to Ireland in “landmark” visit for space research community

Director of Science at the European Space Agency, Prof. Carole Mundell and her senior executive team attended an event, hosted by Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), at DIAS Dunsink Observatory as part of a national visit last week.

The European Space Agency (ESA) group has been conducting a tour of all ESA member states. Ireland joined the ESA as a founding member in 1975 and has contributed to space missions along with the 21 other member states.  Commenting on the event, Dr. Padraig DoolanIrish Delegate to the ESA within Enterprise Ireland said, “The recent visit by the Director of the Science Programme of the ESA, Prof. Carole Mundell, was a landmark event for the Irish space research community. While Ireland’s success on the industry side of space is reasonably well-known, this occasion provided a platform to recognise and celebrate the substantial breadth of expertise and talent that exists among the academic community in Ireland.

“During her time here, Prof. Mundell met with multiple research groups, stakeholders and seven universities from across Ireland at the event, hosted by DIAS Dunsink Observatory. She also engaged with several Irish-based senior scientists specialising in the areas of fundamental physics, galaxies and cosmology, heliophysics, planetary science, star formation and exoplanets, and stars and stellar evolution, as well as hearing first-hand from the team behind the successful development and launch of Ireland’s first satellite, EIRSAT-1.”

Host of the event Prof. Caitriona Jackman (Senior Professor and head of the DIAS Planetary Group), noted that “the day provided an opportunity to showcase some of the highlights of Irish space science and astronomy. Irish-based scientists engage with ESA on many levels, ranging from our formal positions as named investigators on missions like Solar Orbiter and JUICE, to our service on ESA working groups and mission selection panels. Our group of senior scientists laid out our ambition for increased engagement with the future portfolio of ESA missions from technology development to science exploitation.”

DIAS involvement

As part of the event hosted at DIAS Dunsink Observatory, DIAS scientists including Prof. Caitriona Jackman, Dr. Hans Huybrighs and Dr. Charles Bowers from the DIAS Planetary Group presented examples of their work on the magnetic environments of Mercury and Jupiter. Prof. Peter Gallagher, Dr. Shane Maloney and Dr. Sophie Murray highlighted Ireland’s formal involvement in the Solar Orbiter mission STIX instrument, and their leading Space Weather forecasting work. Prof. Tom Ray, co-primary investigator on the mid-infrared instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope, provided updates on DIAS activity on the development of detectors for space, as well as looking to future missions like Ariel.

The event was attended by representatives from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment (DETE), and Enterprise Ireland (EI), including the Irish Delegation to ESA.

Half of Irish people have used AI in their personal life but are hesitant to use it in the workplace

Almost half of Irish people (44%) say they have experimented with AI or use it regularly for personal use, according to a new report by Dye & Durham, the leading provider of practice management solutions to legal professionals. The Dye & Durham Ireland Pulse Report for Q4 2023, a survey of 1,001 adults in Ireland conducted by YouGov, explores trends in technology, the economy and the property market.

While Irish consumers are embracing AI in their personal lives, they are more hesitant to use it in their professional lives, with 35% saying they have experimented with or regularly use AI for professional reasons. The remaining 65% say they have never used AI for professional use.

Despite hesitant adoption of AI for professional use, more than three quarters of Irish workers (79%) say technology plays an important or critical role in their day-to-day work. Nearly half (44%) expect AI to become important to the way they do their jobs in the next five years while less than a quarter (23%) are of the opposite opinion. Other technologies expected to emerge as key to their jobs include cloud computing (59% say it will be important), analytics (57%), and 5G (56%).

When it comes to technology’s role in the provision of government services, more than half (58%) of Irish consumers say government agencies would benefit from incorporating more technology into their services when asked to choose from a list. Similarly, 53% say the same of doctors / medical practitioners, while 44% and 38% say financial services and lawyers/conveyancers would benefit, respectively.

David Nash, Chief Product Officer at Dye & Durham, says: “We’re seeing an interesting adoption pattern when it comes to emerging technologies in Ireland. When it comes to AI, for example, there is broad recognition of its impact on the way we do our jobs, but people are taking an incremental approach to using it themselves, especially for professional purposes.”

“For our customers in the legal sector, this is a very important trend to watch. Their clients are engaging with new technologies and expecting them to take on a bigger role in their lives over time. That has clear implications for how legal services will be delivered in the future.”

 Near-term economic outlook is positive but nearly half expect a recession in next 12 months

 The Q4 2023 Ireland Pulse Report also reveals that Irish consumers have a generally positive economic outlook over the near term, with just over half (51%) saying they don’t expect a recession in the next six months. They are also more optimistic about their financial situations than they were in Q3 2023. More respondents (26%) say they’re in a better financial position than they were a year ago (vs. 19% who said the same in Q3 2023). At the same time, fewer respondents (39% in Q4 2023 vs. 48% in Q3 2023) say they are in a worse financial position than they were a year ago.

On the other hand, as they look further ahead, more consumers (48%) are expecting a recession in the next 12 months. But just 24% expect to be in a worse financial situation a year from now, and fewer (6% in Q4 2023 vs. 10% in Q3 2023) plan to hold off on property purchasing plans to wait for lower prices.

Martha Vallance, Chief Operating Officer at Dye & Durham, says: “Our Pulse Report for Q4 2023 shows encouraging signs when it comes to how Irish consumers are feeling about the economy as a whole. This is good news for small and medium-sized law firms who have been managing through reduced case volume. As consumer optimism grows, so too does the opportunity to capitalize on increased transaction activity. Forward-looking law firms who invest in operational efficiencies now stand to gain the most from these positive indicators.”

Perfectly peachy! Say hi to the Nokia G22 So Peach from HMD

Nokia G22 was one of the best inventions of 2023 (we didn’t say it, TIME Magazine did). Now it’s back in 2024’s colour of the year, Peach, for €149.99 right now. 

As Gen Z continues to lead a rise in at-home-repairs known as the FYI (fix-it-yourself) trend, our new wave of 4G and 5G self-repairable Nokia phones have caused quite  the stir amongst consumers.  In fact, in 2023 one in every four smartphones we sold in Europe were repairable, this is showing quite a significant shift in consumer purchase habits.

CMO of HMD (Human Mobile Devices), Lars Silberbauer, said:

“This phone’s low cost, good looking, great camera and you can even repair it at home. The award-winning Nokia G22 stands for a lot of the things that inspired the evolution of our business and it’s a great hint of what’s to come from Human Mobile Devices in 2024.”

HMD VP of Design, Raun Forsyth, comments: “We are so happy that our efforts to bring repairability to every price point are being recognized by consumers, and even Time Magazine. Designing what our fans want has to be the winning strategy here. Scroll through any feed right now and peach is trending – from how to wear peach, to how to make peach, and now you can dial in peach with a super affordable, stunning and repairable smartphone. A good phone shouldn’t cost the planet or empty your pocket.”               

If we were to play top trumps with this little gem, here’s our top five things about the Nokia G22 So Peach that we hope you’ll love

 1. Battery boss

Capacity: the battery lasts a whopping three days between charges.

Endurance: the battery holds over 80% of its original capacity after 800 full charging cycles..

Bonus feature: batteries deplete. It’s normal. With Nokia G22, however, you can swap out the battery for a new one and keep those adventures coming.

 2. More boom for your beats

Experience: OZO Playback delivers enhanced clarity and bass to your music

Audio Boost: this feature lets you turn the volume way up. And, when you want to keep the music to yourself, connect your wireless earbuds or plug in your headset.

 3. Snap happy

Lens power: the 50 MP rear camera on Nokia G22 packs a punch at this price point

Versatility: a there’s a bunch of different shooting modes, you’ll be ready to capture the day’s best moments. And when the day ends, Night mode will take it from there.

 4. Design excellence

Budget chic: it’s not just a pretty face, this phone is budget friendly.

Fix it yourself: sleek and elegant, but there’s more to Nokia G22 than meets the eye. With QuickFix repairability, you can replace the battery, screen and charging port yourself.3 This DIY design put it on TIME magazine’s list of best inventions of 2023. 

 5 . Warranty wonder

Value addition: Nokia G22 comes with a 3-year warranty as standard. You can’t put a price on peace-of-mind.

The Nokia G22 was our first repairable smartphone, followed by the Nokia G42 5G. They represent our push to bring fix-it-yourself repairability to affordable, stylish devices. But these are just the start of our self-repair journey.

Irish Company Origin Care Group and Charter Medical Group announce virtual ward strategic partnership

Charter Medical Group and Origin Care Group are delighted to announce the expansion of their successful strategic partnership, marked by the implementation of the Origin Connects Health solution in 2024. The next generation of this ‘virtual ward’ solution, facilitates the delivery of virtual care across multiple healthcare facilities and multidisciplinary teams.

The Origin Connects Health solution opened the reality of a ‘virtual ward’ to Charter Medical Group, seamlessly integrating comprehensive, multi-site clinical governance with a versatile digital patient care platform. Utilising secure smart technology, vitals monitoring equipment, and inclusive patient applications, this solution supports integrated patient care within the context of multi-site patient management.

Through collaborative efforts, the technology has been further developed to incorporate additional clinical pathways and functionalities. As a result, Charter Medical Group has been able to extend the provision of intermediate and step down care beds. The Origin Connects Health technology ensures continuity of care for clinicians and a seamless transition for patients.

 

Charter Medical Group is the leader in its field in Ireland in the delivery of high-quality care of the elderly services to both public and private patients in both the community and hospital settings. A key enabler in the delivery of such care is the effective and efficient use of novel technology. Tom Byrne, Chairman of Charter Medical Group said “Origin Care Group technology enhances our ability to care for patients, supports the expansion of our operating potential and the efficient management of vital care resources. We are delighted to extend our relationship with the team at Origin Care Group.”

Philp Hogan, CEO of Origin Care Group said “Cutting-edge digitally enabled technology, integrated across healthcare networks, plays a significant role in enabling healthcare operators to work together to ease the pressure on our healthcare system.

The collaboration between Charter Medical Group and Origin Care Group represents a forward-thinking approach in this area, emphasising the important role of technology in the delivery of safe, seamless patient care.”

Faramore Forever! Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore Launches Digitally Today Across All Platforms!

Limited Run Games celebrates Seedy Eye Software’s gaming debut with Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore’s digital launch. Today, players can download Arzette on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X, and PC via Steam and take their first big steps into the world of Faramore.
Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore is a spiritual successor to a pair of infamous CD-i fantasy adventure titles released in 1993. Developed by Seedy Eye Software and both funded & published by Limited Run Games, it is an all-new platforming adventure where players must help Arzette save the Kingdom of Faramore from the evil demon king, Daimur. Featuring colorful animated cutscenes and an all-star cast of voice talent, including Jeffrey Rath, Bonniejean Wilbur, and other special guests, like Vinny from Vinesauce. It’s a quirky, fun homage to a more experimental time in gaming—but with smooth, modern gameplay that won’t make players pull out their hair (unless they opt for a retro challenge in its “Classic Mode”).
Physical editions of Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore are still available at limitedrungames.com until March 17th, 2024. Fans looking to pick up a physical copy or merch, including a replica CD-i controller for Switch/PC, can check out the collection today.

MTU Drives Innovation with Cybersecurity and Sustainability-Themed Hackathon

Munster Technological University (MTU) and Cyber Ireland, in collaboration with the INGENIUM University alliance, is set to host an exhilarating Cybersecurity and Sustainability-themed Hackathon on the 12th and 13th of February at the Bishopstown Campus. In this dynamic event, 50 students from the INGENIUM University alliance, spanning 10 universities, including MTU, and multiple disciplines, will converge to tackle key challenges in cybersecurity and sustainability.

The hackathon focuses on addressing industry challenges in cybersecurity and sustainability, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of real problems and develop potential solutions. The hackathon aims to foster collaboration and innovation among multidisciplinary international student teams and provide a practical application of academic knowledge. Participants will navigate the process of defining problems, developing solutions, fostering their entrepreneurial spirit, and presenting their work through impactful pitches. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best overall concept and the best pitch.

Teams will comprise five individuals, strategically selected to ensure a balanced academic background, with no team being exclusively composed of cybersecurity students. The teams will be formed from across INGENIUM, which is an alliance of ten universities from ten European countries, comprising 172,000 students and 15,000 staff. MTU proudly holds the position of a founding member of the INGENIUM Alliance and leads the Entrepreneurship workstream.

This event underscores MTU’s commitment to promoting regional, national and international partnerships and equipping students with the skills necessary to pursue and achieve their ambitions. With the collaboration and support of MTU’s External Affairs Office, Cyber Ireland and the MTU Innovation and Enterprise Office, this event promises to be an outstanding display of academic excellence and fun.

Dr. Sean McSweeney, MTU INGENIUM Coordinator said: “MTU is a very proud partner in the INGENIUM Alliance as we expand our global outlook and develop a better future for our students together.”

Eoin Byrne, Cyber Ireland Cluster Manager said: “The Hackathon aligns closely with Cyber Ireland’s goal of Developing the Workforce. We must make cybersecurity accessible with clear pathways and progression, while inspiring the next generation to consider a career in cybersecurity. It’s great to have the support from our industry partners who are key to the success of the event.”

Sponsors of the event have stated:

Rob Cameron, Cybereason: “Cybereason are delighted to sponsor this hackathon at MTU. As a company who believes in the growth of cybersecurity talent, witnessing the next generation of professionals emerge first hand is truly inspiring. A practical event like this gives a great platform to showcase their talent and skill sets and we are privileged to be a part of their journeys”.

Brian Ahern, Senior Manager, ISRM Training & Awareness, McKesson: “McKesson are delighted to sponsor the Cybersecurity Hackathon event in MTU which educates students on how to protect their future employers against evolving cybersecurity concerns.”

Louise MacIndoe, Security Program Director, Logitech: “Logitech is proud to support the Cyber Ireland and MTU Student Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024, providing an opportunity for young innovators to collaborate and create solutions for real-world problems. We are committed to nurturing the future generation of business & technology leaders, and events like this provide an excellent platform for doing so.”

Luke McDonnell, Head of PR, Huawei Technologies: “Developing the next generation of cyber-talent is important because Ireland has a great opportunity to become a cybersecurity leader in Europe. Hackathons challenge students to put their college learning into practice in a practical way and while technical skills and know-how are important, so too are the soft-skills that students will develop throughout the challenge, these skills cannot be understood and are essential for today’s modern graduate. Huawei is proud to support the Cyber Ireland and MTU Student Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024 and looks forward to seeing the students in action.”

Ireland’s Industry Leaders Unite at Cantillon 2024 to Address Urgent Issues in a Sustainable World

Cantillon 2024, scheduled for 7th March at Ballygarry Estate Hotel, Tralee, marks its 10th year as a pivotal platform for thought leaders, visionaries, and industry experts to delve into the urgent issues arising from the transformation towards a sustainable future. The conference will be an opportunity to hear from industry experts on topics including strategic planning, meeting future talent needs, and the evolving culture of organisations. The conference will explore how business leaders can navigate complex transformation processes, framing transformation not just as a strategic imperative but as a commitment to a resilient and prosperous world for generations to come. Cantillon 2024 is not to be missed for those looking to lead transformation in their organisation.

President of MTU, Professor Maggie Cusack, expressed the urgency of the conference, stating, “Tickets are selling fast, be sure to secure your place at Cantillon 2024 which aims to spark innovative solutions to the most pressing issues in securing a sustainable future, honouring the legacy of Richard Cantillon, the pioneering economist.”

In a rapidly changing global landscape, Cantillon 2024 highlights the importance of the need for transformation across sectors from technology and energy to healthcare and manufacturing. The conference serves as a nexus for industry leaders, policymakers, scholars, and innovators to collectively address challenges and strategically plan for a sustainable future. The need for transformation extends beyond businesses – influencing economies, shaping policies, and necessitating the cultivation of a dynamic talent pool geared for the future.

Cantillon 2024 will feature a diverse array of presentations, interactive panel discussions, and networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. The conference will emphasise the urgency recognised by governmental bodies to develop and implement policies fostering sustainability. From carbon emissions reduction to incentivising green innovations, policymakers play a crucial role in steering industries towards a secure and sustainable future. Organisers are urging those interested to secure their tickets fast before they are sold out.

Highlights from the programme include keynotes from industry leaders:

  • Shane McGibney, Chief Business Transformation Officer at Kerry Group, who will be discussing how to create a transformational culture mindset;

  • Senior Economist at AIB, John Fahey who will be sharing the future transformation requirements from a global economic perspective;

  • Gemma Corrigan of Federated Hermes Limited, focusing on the multi-stakeholder engagement process when leading sustainable transformation; and

  • Disruptive innovation expert Aidan McCullen, who will explain the need to embrace the paradigm shift impacting every facet of global industries, economies, policies, and talent development.

Following the keynotes, panel discussions will dissect the seismic shift towards sustainability across industries. The rising demand for professionals with expertise in sustainability, environmental science, and technology will be a central focus, reflecting the changing landscape of the workforce.

Expert panellists across a host of industries will include:

  • Mr. Padraig McGillycuddy, CEO Ballygarry Estate Hotel: Transforming the Business Model for a Secure Future

  • Ms. Sheena Dympsey Executive Vice President and Chief Solutions Officer at Indivi.: Navigating Transformation in a Complex Digital Health environment.

  • Mr. Cathal Foley CEO, PACE; CCO, Fexco Drive: Platforming to analyse Carbon Emissions in the Air!

  • Dr Assumpta O’Kane, Business Psychologist: Workforce of the Future: The Competing Forces shaping 2040 and beyond!

  • Dr Alison Hampton, Ulster University:  Transformation through the lens of the Zillenial and AI!

With networking opportunities built in throughout the day, key topics of discussion will include the value of collective problem-solving approaches through cross-industry partnerships, public-private collaborations, and knowledge-sharing platforms.

Cantillon 2024 will also shed light on the increasing priority boards, investors, and consumers place on businesses committed to sustainable practices, influencing market trends and investment strategies.

For the full line-up of speakers, visit: www.cantillon.ie; and tickets are available to purchase here: https://events.mtu.ie/index.cfm?page=events&eventId=954

Guerbet Launch Solar Project to Power 18% of Pharmaceutical Operations in Dublin

Guerbet, a pioneer global pharmaceutical company specializing in medical imaging and contrast agents, has launched its first solar farm at its API manufacturing site in Dublin, coinciding with the celebration of its 30th year in operation.

2.4MW solar farm will meet 18% of the company’s total electricity requirements:

Guerbet entered a contract with Enerpower powered by Greenvolt, a leading renewable energy company, for the construction of a 2.4MW solar farm at the Guerbet site in Damastown in 2022.

The two companies entered into a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement where Guerbet has guaranteed to purchase the solar PV electrical power for a period of 20 years. The solar farm is constructed on land owned by Guerbet and will provide the equivalent to the electricity consumption of 500 households.

The project will deliver 18% of the site’s electrical power on an annualised basis, and during the peak summer months could potentially power the plant without addition of electricity from the grid during daylight hours.

The initiative aligns with Guerbet’s strategy and its People and Planet Corporate Social Responsibility positioning for reducing carbon footprint as it looks forward to the next 30 years.

David Hale, CEO of Guerbet Group indicates: “At Guerbet, our purpose is ‘Building lasting relationships that enable people to live better’, and preserving our planet is a foundational part of that purpose.  In 2023, we made a commitment validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to reduce our carbon emissions by 27,5% for Scope 1+2 and 13,5% for Scope 3 by 2032. Our partnership with Enerpower is a great example of a relationship that will help us achieve those objectives.”

David Forde, Site Lead at Guerbet Dublin said: “Guerbet has a long history of innovation, growth, and service in the pharmaceutical industry. This new Corporate Power Purchase Agreement will produce renewable electricity for our API manufacturing site in Damastown and is a significant development in our long-term strategy to significantly reduce carbon emissions at the site. Guerbet joined the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) which encourages ambitious climate action in the private sector by allowing companies to set science-based emission reduction targets. This is a further step on that journey.”

It also comes as the company celebrates 30-years of operation in Ireland. Over the past three decades, Guerbet has continuously strived for excellence, delivering cutting-edge medical imaging solutions and contrast agents to healthcare professionals worldwide, as well as offering highly skilled employment in the area.”

John Carty, CCO of Enerpower powered by Greenvolt stated“We are delighted to partner with Guerbet on their first solar energy project. Similarly to Guerbet’s ethos we too endeavour to build lasting relationships with our customers and are delighted to add Guerbet to our list of clients using solar energy in Ireland.”

Guerbet marks 30 years of operation in Ireland, employing over 130 skilled workers

The site in Dublin began production in 1994 and currently boasts a workforce of over 130 skilled professionals at the Damastown location. This local presence contributes to the company’s global footprint, which spans across the 5 continents with 2,830 employees worldwide.

Guerbet develops and manufacture contrast media, which are instrumental in improving the visibility of internal organs, blood vessels, and tissues during medical imaging procedures.

Every second, somewhere in the world a patient undergoes an imaging procedure with a Guerbet product. More than 60,000 health professionals rely on the contrast agents to diagnose disease and assess treatment efficacy.

New tech innovations that are transforming mobile gaming

More than seven billion people own mobile phones, accounting for more than 90% of the world’s population. With these numbers, it is not surprising that casino operators and game developers have optimised their sites to suit mobile game use. For example, a player who wants to enjoy casino games can simply log on to an online casino on their phone to play. And when using sites like Hellspin, the loading rates are as fast as the player would enjoy on a desktop or console. As a result, more people have opted to embrace mobile gaming in place of desktop gaming. We look at how tech innovations have supported this change:

Mobile Gaming Innovations

By itself, mobile gaming is an innovation. Two decades ago, it was just but a dream. At the time, players who wanted to enjoy casino games or other games had to use desktops. These were bulky, expensive, and few, thus locking many players out of gaming. Mobile phones soon became common, and casino operators and mobile game developers took advantage of this popularity to introduce mobile-optimized games and sites. But this innovation on its own has not been enough. As such, operators and developers have used the following technologies to make gaming much more accessible and fun:

  • Mobile Apps

For a long time, players had to load mobile websites to play the games they wanted. Not only was this inconvenient for them, but mobile sites did not always offer optimal playing experiences. Now, operators and developers have solved this by providing players with apps that have the following advantages:

  • They are compatible with mobile devices: Operators and developers create mobile apps that work with different operating systems to ensure that players have the best experiences. For example, an Android device user can get a Google Playstore app that fits their device’s capabilities, thus resulting in smooth gameplay.
  • They offer unique features: While mobile sites often have many features, they often lack the customizability available in apps. Players can choose graphics and sounds while enjoying additional features that may not be available on the main website. For example, many casino operators offer app-only bonuses.

Best of all, logging into apps is much easier as players can simply find the app and enter their details, unlike mobile sites that require them to load an entire page before they can start playing. Security features are also much better on apps.

  • Augmented Reality (AR)

Playing offline games often appeals to many players who want to experience the gameplay in real-time. However, offline gaming comes with many challenges, including increased costs, limited accessibility, and strict gaming periods. Online operators have figured out how to merge the real-world gaming aspects with virtual elements to create an immersive experience. They do this through AR, which makes digital images look real to the player, thus making the game even more interesting. When a player interacts with superimposed virtual elements, it’s much easier to forget that they are not playing in a physical game setting as everything seems real.

On top of AR, many operators and developers have been looking into the use of virtual reality (VR). This technology is a step above AR as it allows players to step into an intermediary between the virtual and physical worlds. For example, a player can use VR aspects to tour a virtual casino, interact with other players, and enjoy the games, much like they would in an offline setting. While this technology is still in its early stages for mobile phone users, it already shows a lot of potential.

  • Cloud Gaming

In the early 2000s, players had to download the games they wanted to play. As such, they had to invest in additional storage. Else, they could not install or run the games. Extra storage was also necessary as players levelled up and thus acquired more features. So, when mobile gaming became available, many players worried they had to buy devices with a lot of storage to keep up with these demands.

Cloud gaming saved the day by allowing operators and developers to host their games in the cloud. This way, players can enjoy games without downloading them. They only need to secure their logins and use them to access the games when they have stable internet access. Moreover, this technology makes it easier for players to interact with others from all over the world and even play the same games.

  • 5G Connectivity

For players to enjoy mobile games, they need smart devices and stable internet access. The former has been made easy by the number of mobile manufacturers who have thrown their hats in the ring. Even with $20, a player can find a phone that can access the internet and allow them to play. But internet access is a whole other issue. Many players have often struggled with slow loading speeds despite having advanced mobile phones.

5G technology boasts fast connectivity and reduced latency, allowing players to enjoy smooth gameplay without crashes or lags. So, as the player makes a move, they can enjoy the real-time changes in the game. Not only does this make the game more interesting, but it also makes it easier for players to make good moves to secure wins.

 

Additionally, many operators have introduced blockchain technology to ease digital payments and secure transactions.