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.

NOVOO Slim Smart Tracker Card Review

The NOVOO Slim Smart Tracker Card is designed to be a seamless, ultra-thin alternative to bulkier item trackers, specifically catering to wallets, passport holders, and luggage tags. Its primary appeal lies in its extremely thin profile and long-lasting battery, making it a competitive choice in the Apple Find My ecosystem and to make note early this is an iOS only product we have an Android version tag review also done.

The slimness is a good selling point and fits into all my wallets with ease. Integration with the Apple Find My network is immediate and reliable, providing the same global tracking peace of mind as an AirTag. The 6-year battery life (yet to be proven) is a massive advantage over rechargeable cards or those with 1-year replaceable batteries, minimizing maintenance. The setup process is quick and simple within the Find My app.

The main limitation is that the card is iOS-only and does not support Android devices. Furthermore, because it utilizes Bluetooth and the Find My network, it does not offer Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Precision Finding (the directional arrow feature found in AirTags), meaning you won’t get meter-specific guidance to an item nearby; you must rely on the 80dB sound cue for close-range location.

The NOVOO Slim Smart Tracker Card is an excellent choice for iPhone users seeking a dedicated, low-maintenance wallet tracker. It solves the critical problem of bulk that plagues many circular trackers, and its 6-year lifespan is unparalleled in this category. See the video down below for more

Features

 

  • 【Compatible with Apple Find My App】Setting up the NOVOO Wallet Tracker is fast and easy. Simply open Apple’s “Find My” app, enable Bluetooth, and pair the device within 30 seconds. Compatible with iOS devices, you can track your items across the vast Apple network. (𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐢𝐎𝐒 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐝). Note: Push Harder If It Doesn’t Turn On.
  • 【Long-Lasting 6-Year Battery】With a remarkable 540mAh battery, the NOVOO Slim Smart Track Card only needs to be replaced once every six years. Say goodbye to the hassle of recharging every 3-6 months like other Bluetooth trackers. You can check the remaining battery life anytime, with notifications sent to your smartphone when it drops below 20%.(𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: Lasting 6-Year Battery, Battery Not Rechargeable)
  • 【Ultra-Slim SmartCard】The NOVOO Wallet Tracker Card is just 1.6mm thick, equivalent to two credit cards stacked together. This ultra-slim design allows it to seamlessly fit into any wallet, purse, luggage tag or backpack, making it ideal for travelers or anyone looking to keep track of valuable items without adding bulk.

 

 

【IP68 Waterproof & Dust Resistant】With an industry-leading IP68 waterproof rating, the NOVOO Wallet Tracker is
  • designed to withstand splashes, rain, and even brief submersion up to 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) for 30 minutes. Perfect for outdoor activities, travel, or daily use, it ensures reliable performance even in tough weather conditions.
  • 【Smart Reminder Alert for Easy Location】Enjoy a Bluetooth range of up to 131 feet (40 meters) with an 80dB ringtone for long-distance tracking. If your device is within range, use the “Find My” app or ask Siri to ring it. Even if the tracker is out of Bluetooth range, you can still view the last known location and get directions through the Find My network of billions of Apple devices.
  • 【Lost Mode and Smart Location Alerts】Activate Lost Mode to leverage Apple’s vast network of devices, helping you find your lost items. When your tracker is detected by an Apple device, you’ll automatically receive notifications. Additionally, your iPhone will notify you when the tracker moves out of Bluetooth range, and you can see the last known location in the “Find My” app.
  • 【Privacy Protection and Anti-Tracking Alerts】The NOVOO Slim Smart Track Card uses AES-128 encryption, ensuring your data remains secure. Get notified if an unknown tracker follows you, giving peace of mind in crowded places or while travelling. Additionally, if an unauthorized card is detected, you’ll receive an alert to protect your privacy. 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: This card’s unique pairing and security require Apple devices to remove it via the FindMy app with Bluetooth enabled.

BUY

Other Tracker Reviews

Video Review

Top eLearning Video Production Companies in 2025

In today’s digital learning environment, video has emerged as the cornerstone of effective eLearning content. Whether for onboarding, compliance training, product education, or customer training, organizations are increasingly turning to specialized video production companies to deliver high‑quality, engaging, and scalable learning experiences. These firms combine storytelling, motion graphics, interactive design, and instructional strategy to create content that not only educates—but also captivates. Below is a list of seven leading eLearning video production companies you should consider for your next project.

1. Blue Carrot
Blue Carrot is a full‑service eLearning video production agency known for delivering end‑to‑end video solutions, from concept and scriptwriting through animation, voice‑over, localization and delivery. They understand that effective learning videos require more than just visuals—they need narrative, structure, pacing and alignment with learner outcomes. As a trusted e‑learning video production company, Blue Carrot helps organizations define learning goals, map user flows, select appropriate video formats (animated explainers, scenario videos, micro‑learning clips), and produce assets that can be reused and updated. Their video expertise spans whiteboard animation, motion graphics, live‑action explainer videos, and full training‑video series. With an emphasis on brand alignment, learner engagement and measurable results, Blue Carrot stands out as a partner for organizations seeking high‑quality learning content at scale.

 

2. NextThought
NextThought is a video production agency that specializes in educational and training content for organizations of all sizes. They combine script development, interactive visuals, motion graphics and data visualization to create instructional videos that resonate with learners. With strong expertise in eLearning‑specific video production, they focus on making complex ideas easy to understand while maintaining brand integrity and learner engagement. Their production services often include branching video modules, clickable interactions and integration with LMS platforms—making them a solid choice for training teams looking to scale video assets.

3. Epipheo
Epipheo is a creative video production company whose specialties include explainer videos, educational series and animated training content. With a strong emphasis on storytelling and clarity, Epipheo works with clients to distil complex training topics into simple, engaging video narratives. Their work often features 2D and 3D animation, character‑driven stories, and clean visual metaphors to enhance comprehension and retention. For learning teams that value strong concept development and clean visual design in their training videos, Epipheo offers a compelling option.

4. Motifmotion
Motifmotion is an eLearning‑video production company dedicated to blended learning formats including animation, video, and instructional design. They work with organizations to design video content that is modular, scalable and aligned with learning objectives. Their emphasis on high‑quality production values, remote shoot capabilities and streamlined workflows make them a dependable partner for video‑centric learning initiatives. Whether you need animated shorts, instructor‑led video segments or full video‑based modules, Motifmotion offers a flexible and modern approach to eLearning video content.

5. Lemonlight
Lemonlight is a video production agency that produces high‑quality videos for corporate training, product tutorials and educational content. Their strength lies in combining cinematic production standards with fast turnaround and efficient workflows. For training teams looking to produce visually polished video modules that feel more like professional broadcasts than standard eLearning slides, Lemonlight provides an intriguing alternative. They offer live‑action shoots, motion graphics, voice‑over and editing services tailored for training and education use cases.

6. Wyzowl
Wyzowl is a leading explainer‑video production company that has significant experience producing video content for training, onboarding and eLearning applications. Their production style leans toward clean animations, clear visuals and structured storytelling—ideal for organizations that need video modules explaining workflows, systems, product features or regulatory topics. They also provide fast production timelines and structured pricing models, which can be advantageous for organizations with recurring video content needs.

7. Sparkhouse
Sparkhouse is a multimedia production firm that creates video solutions for corporate training, educational institutions and internal communications. Their services include live‑action video shoots, motion graphics, animation and interactive video modules. With strong project management and creative capabilities, Sparkhouse is well suited to organizations seeking a trusted production partner for large‑scale video programs, global rollout support and brand‑aligned training video assets.

Conclusion

Video has become an indispensable medium in eLearning, thanks to its ability to engage, simplify and convey information in a memorable way. When selecting a video production partner, it’s important to choose a company that understands instructional design as well as cinematic quality, that can align with your brand and learning strategy, and that can scale production while maintaining consistency and impact. The seven companies listed above each bring strong capabilities and unique strengths across the video‑training landscape.

Among them, Blue Carrot rises to the top as an experienced and creative partner for training teams looking to produce high‑impact video content. As a leading e‑learning video production company, Blue Carrot combines strategic planning, narrative design and production excellence to deliver scalable video learning assets. Whether your goal is to overhaul your training library, launch a video‑based onboarding program, or localize training videos globally, selecting the right partner will set the foundation for learning success.

 

In Finland, smart collars and satellite positioning put every reindeer on the map

For some, Finland conjures up magical images of Lapland, the Northern Lights, Santa Claus and reindeer. Others know Finland as an innovative powerhouse of telecoms and digital technology. Now, a creative innovation from Elisa is bringing both these views together, utilising satellite-based positioning and smart technology to make the daily work of reindeer herders significantly easier and improve the animals’ welfare.

In Finland, reindeer are a normal part of life – a typical herd animal and an important source of livelihood for many people in the wild north of the country. A single reindeer farm can own hundreds of reindeer, which roam freely over vast areas across the frozen landscape in search of food. In the past, tracking their herds required farmers to travel long distances and to have a profound understanding of nature and the local conditions.

Now, Elisa has launched a reindeer tracking service developed in close collaboration with reindeer herders themselves. The system utilises the excellent coverage of Elisa’s mobile network and the Internet of Things to provide precise, real-time data about the location and welfare of each and every reindeer in a farmer’s herd, freeing up a significant amount of time for herders.

A simple yet sophisticated solution

The concept behind the service is simple: a collar with a positioning device is attached to the reindeer’s neck. The collar is designed so that it does not disturb the reindeer. Reindeer herders can monitor the movements and welfare of their herds via an app on their phone or computer, making it easy to follow where their animals are and making their work significantly easier.

“For example, rounding up reindeer from across the wilderness and sorting them or marking and tagging the calves has always been very time-consuming and laborious work. If you know the exact location of each individual reindeer, the work becomes considerably quicker and easier”, explains Markus Ahokangas, Elisa’s Regional Director for northern Finland. “Reindeer also sometimes get trapped in deep snow or by thin ice, and they can get injured by predators or road traffic. This system sends out alerts in real time if an animal’s situation changes, making it much easier for herders to rescue their animals. Without these devices, many of these animals would be trapped in the wilderness with little chance of help.”

Elisa provides the entire solution – positioning device, app and subscription – making it simple to acquire the system and roll it out across the herd.

Similar solutions have been tried before, but the new service takes advantage of the excellent coverage and connectivity of Elisa’s network, which is crucial in the challenging conditions that prevail in Lapland. As reindeer do not respect national borders and will wander between Finland, Norway and Sweden, the system has versatile map views that cover Finland’s neighbours as well.

Developed with reindeer herders to meet real-world needs in challenging conditions

The service has been developed through two years of close collaboration with around 20 reindeer herders in Finland, Sweden, and Norway in real usage environments – the fells, forests and wilderness of Lapland. The aim of the thorough development work was to meet the actual needs that reindeer farmers have, and the system is available to herders in Sweden and Norway as well.

“Our system utilises the latest technology and up to 130 positioning satellites to make sure that location tracking is accurate and extremely precise. Battery life was a core factor in the development of the system, and for example, herders can adjust how frequently the collars send updates to optimise the batteries’ power use and make sure they last throughout the season”, says Jale Naskali, who is responsible for IoT solutions at Elisa.

Reindeer herders have been enthusiastically signing up for the service since its launch in the autumn, with advance sales of hundreds of devices to dozens of customers.

“In Finland alone, there are around 6,000 reindeer herders with about 200,000 reindeer, so there’s a lot of room for growth. We are actively seeking feedback from users to help us in continuing to develop the service. We’re already planning changes and improvements to the map views based on what herders have told us”, says Ahokangas.

With real-time location tracking, reindeer herders can monitor their animals across the vast Arctic landscapes, improving safety and efficiency like never before. Now Santa will always know where Rudolph is.

River Liffey rescue exercise showcases how drones can support emergency services

A pioneering research and innovation exercise in Dublin has demonstrated how automated drone docking station technology, supported by artificial intelligence, can help first responders deliver faster and more effective search-and-rescue operations in busy urban environments.

The live demonstration, part of a national Drone Innovation Partnership led by Maynooth University in collaboration with Dublin City Council, the Irish Aviation Authority, and Dublin Fire Brigade, simulated a water emergency incident on the River Liffey.

The rescue will be featured in RTÉ One’s new series of Futureville Ireland, which will be broadcast next week to mark Science Week, which begins on Sunday, 9 November.

In the demonstration, Dublin Fire Brigade personnel responded to a report of a person entering the water. An automated drone launched from a remote docking station, autonomously navigated to the scene, and streamed high-resolution data and video to incident command teams. Artificial intelligence tools supported real-time assessment, helping responders rapidly locate the casualty and understand their condition.

By providing critical situational awareness within moments of an emergency call, the drone system enhances response coordination and decision-making — helping first responders make the right decisions faster where every second counts.

Commenting on the exercise, Teresa Hudson, Station Officer, Organisational Intelligence Unit, Dublin Fire Brigade, said: “Drone dockstation technology, properly deployed and operated, will ensure our fire-fighting and rescue teams can respond more efficiently to emergency incidents where time is always critical.”

The Drone Innovation Partnership project, which is led by Maynooth University, in close collaboration with Dublin City Council and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is funded through Research Ireland’s LERO Research Centre (Grant 13/RC/2094_P2).

It examines innovative drone technologies, operations, and public-sector applications, building on previous drone traffic management research at Maynooth University as well as Dublin City Council’s Smart City and Drone Strategy initiatives.

Speaking about the research, Principal Investigator Professor Tim McCarthy of Maynooth University, said: “These real-world search-and-rescue exercises allow us to understand both the capabilities and limitations of automated drone networks. This helps us scale AI-enabled emergency response in a structured, responsible, and effective way for the benefit of wider society.”

Enda Walsh, Manager of the UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Division at the IAA, said: “This exercise, leveraging both automated UAS and AI, demonstrates how the safe and pragmatic application of these technologies can have significant and positive societal impact. The Drone Innovation Partnership continues to investigate how UAS Ecosystems comprising Drone Regulatory, Technology, Operations, Services and Applications can be rolled out across cities and busy urban environments in a fair, accessible and transparent fashion.”

LADbible Group and Samsung TV Plus bring LADbible FAST Channel to Ireland

Leading social entertainment business LADbible Group has officially made its debut on television screens with its first-ever Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channel in Ireland.

Now available on Samsung TV Plus across Ireland, the LADbible FAST Channel showcases the brand’s most loved original programming 24/7 – including hit series such as Minutes With, Snack Wars, Agree to Disagree and Would You Rather.

With Irish audiences increasingly embracing Connected TV (CTV), the launch is part of LADbible Group’s commitment to meet its fans wherever they are – and increasingly, that’s on the big screen at home. Insights from Samsung’s 2024 Anatomy of a Streamer research report show that Gen Z Samsung Smart TV viewers are embracing streaming TV, watching an average of 1 hour and 38 minutes of streamed content per day, compared to just over 49 minutes for Boomers.

From celebrity interviews with Liam Neeson, Saoirse Ronan, and Paul Mescal, to powerful personal stories shared by reformed gangsters and mental health advocates, LADbible delivers a mix of unfiltered moments with household names and untold stories from around the world – now available in homes across Ireland. Each show is designed to entertain, spark conversation, and put viewers at the heart of culture.

This approach to storytelling has driven significant growth in LADbible’s original programming, which has amassed over 280 million views on YouTube alone, with a year-on-year increase of 20% and an average of 100 million minutes watched per month.

LADbible Ireland has built a loyal and engaged following of over 6 million, generating more than 300,000 engagements daily and averaging 9,200 views every minute across its channels.

Tom Butcher, General Manager at LADbible Ireland, said: “LADbible Ireland has seen phenomenal growth across our platforms, and this move onto TV screens marks an exciting new chapter for us. The launch of our FAST channel in Ireland means we are now able to deliver our premium shows in a way we know more people are choosing to watch and deepen our connection with our audience”.

Becky Gardner, Head of Originals, said: “Launching in Ireland is a natural next step for LADbible on our TV screens. Our content already resonates with audiences here, and with the rise of FAST, LADbible presents a new opportunity to connect with even more viewers of our shows, bringing always-on entertainment straight into people’s homes. Whether it’s a laugh, a debate, or an unexpected story, we’re here to bring people together through shared moments”

Gus Grimaldi, Head of Samsung TV Plus EMEA, added: “We’re delighted to bring LADbible’s first-ever TV channel to audiences in Ireland. Samsung TV Plus is a leader in delivering high-quality entertainment to audiences globally. Our partnership with LADbible allows us to reach and connect with even more younger viewers who are continuing to embrace CTV. Irish audiences can experience the incredible content lineup the new channel has to offer, subscription-free and no signup needed – exclusively on Samsung TV Plus.”

Availability:
LADbible is now live on Samsung TV Plus, available pre-installed on 2016+ Samsung Smart TVs and on Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets.\

Channel ID: 4102

TP-Link Omada launches updated software suite, revolutionising network planning, management and deployment

Omada, TP-Link Systems Inc.’s exclusive business solution brand, announces an elevated suite, including powerful upgrades to Omada Network 6.0, Omada App 5.0, Wi-Fi Navi App V1.5 and an all-new Omada Design Hub. These upgrades deliver a smarter, more integrated experience for MSPs, System Integrators, Installers, and everyday users. With end-to-end tools for planning, deployment, and management, Omada empowers businesses to build high performance networks with greater speed, precision, and reliability.

 Omada Network 6.0: New Intuitive Experience for Faster Troubleshooting and Precision Operations and Maintenance

At the heart of this release is Omada Network 6.0, a major upgrade designed to simplify and supercharge network operations. Built for professionals who are managing complex deployments, it delivers a new interface and enhanced interactions that make troubleshooting faster, monitoring more precise, and configuration more intuitive.

The redesigned dashboard features a five-tab layout, including Overview, Topology, Wi-Fi, Client, and Traffic, delivering richer visual insights. The newly designed interface and menus make the configuration and management experience smoother. New visualisations, like AP density maps and heatmaps helps IT teams understand user behaviour and deployment performance, at a glance.

A standout addition is the multi-level health scoring system, available in the cloud-based controller. It automatically evaluates the status of devices, clients, WLANs, and sites, enabling simplified monitoring and early detection of issues across multiple layers.

Smart Topology has also been upgraded with real-time VLAN visibility and disconnected device tracking. Customisable filters make it easier to locate faults and streamline troubleshooting. Enhanced client recognition now identifies device type, brand, and models automatically, while the new device and client page visualises activity timelines and event history for full lifecycle management.

Configuration is faster than ever with a simple three step VLAN setup and centralised bulk port management across switches. These improvements eliminate guesswork and reduce configuration time from hours to minutes, especially in large-scale deployments.

Omada Design Hub: A Free, Easy, and Intelligent Online Network Planning Tool

Integrated with Omada’s comprehensive solution, the Omada Design Hub is a free, cloud-based network planner, offering AI-powered precision at every stage of deployment. Whether you’re designing for offices, homes, hotels, or schools, Omada Design Hub helps you simulate, visualise, and deliver tailored solutions with confidence.

Users can upload floor plans, auto-detect walls, and instantly generate Wi-Fi heatmaps. The platform supports auto AP placement and cabling, including cross-floor connections, and one-click proposal exports with topology maps, device lists, and simulation results. It supports users to personalise reports for clients, speeding up communication and delivery.

Tools like bulk adjustments, editable equipment lists with pricing, and real-time topology updates make planning faster and more accurate. Adaptive spatial models and signal strength calculations ensure reliable coverage and installation-ready designs.

Omada App 5.0 and Wi-Fi Navi App 1.5: Mobile Tools for Network Management and Validation

The Omada App 5.0 complements Network 6.0 with a refreshed interface and smoother interactions, enabling remote monitoring and configuration with ease.

Meanwhile, the Omada Wi-Fi Navi App V1.5, a free networking troubleshooting tools, expands its toolkit for installers and administrators. New features include Wi-Fi Integrated Test, Walking Test, IP/Port Scanners, Public IP Lookup, and Bandwidth/PoE calculators. With iPerf2 support and improved scanning, it’s now easier than ever to validate deployments and resolve issues on-site.

From network planning to management, these upgrades mark a significant evolution in the Omada ecosystem, empowering users to plan smarter, deploy faster, and manage networks with greater precision and confidence.

What Every Finance and Operations Manager Should Know About Digital Invoices and E-Invoicing

When you’re sitting in the board-room or reviewing the operations of your organisation, the term digital invoice should shift from being an “optional upgrade” to a “strategic must.” Below is a professional, clear walk-through designed for decision-makers, finance managers, operations heads, procurement leads, who are ready to bring their invoice processes into the 21st century.

What a digital invoice really means

A digital invoice is more than a PDF sent by email. It is an invoice created, sent, received, and processed in digital form. It is ideally integrated with your accounting or ERP systems, archival storage, and workflow approval. The key is that it replaces much of the manual handling of paper, and it reduces testing and sorting, and enhances visibility.

Meanwhile there is a closely-related term: electronic invoice (or e-invoice). That term refers typically to invoices with structured data, machine-readable formats (XML, EDI) that can be automated by the receiver’s system. 

In short: 

Every electronic invoice is a digital invoice, but not every digital invoice is a full e-invoice with structured automatic processing. 

Why you should care about digital invoice adoption

From the vantage of a senior manager, implementing digital invoices delivers real business value:

Cost savings in processing 

Traditional paper or manual invoices incur printing, postage, manual input, errors, and rework. Changing to digital invoice workflows can significantly reduce those costs. 

Faster cash-flow and payment cycles  

With digital invoices you can send, receive and begin processing immediately. This improves invoice turnaround, reduces late payments and improves visibility into payables/receivables. 

Improved accuracy and fewer exceptions  

When your invoice data comes in digital form, you reduce manual entry, mistakes, mismatches and disputes. That means fewer vendor queries, less time chasing issues. 

Auditability, compliance and visibility 

Invoices stored digitally can be searched, traced, and integrated with your systems. That supports audit trails and regulatory compliance more easily than paper invoices. 

Better supplier/customer relationships 

When you pay reliably, when your processing is efficient, your vendors are happier and your reputation improves. Digital invoice workflows contribute to that. 

Scalability and future-readiness  

As your business grows (volume, geographies, complexity), manual invoice processes become a bottleneck. Digital invoice systems scale more easily. 

How to approach implementation for organisations

Since you’re thinking with a strategic hat on, here are the steps and considerations:

  1. Review your current process: How many invoices/month? How many manual touches per invoice? What is the error/exception rate? Where are delays?

  2. Define your goals for digital invoice adoption: Do you want cost reduction, fewer errors, faster supplier payments, better control? Get measurable targets.

  3. Check system compatibility & data flows: The digital invoice solution must integrate with your ERP/AP system. Also check how your suppliers will submit invoices and the format required. 
  4. Decide the level of “digital-automation” you need: Are you simply going paperless (digital invoice as PDF + upload)? Or are you going full e-invoice (structured data, automated matching, real-time validation)? The decision impacts cost and benefit. 
  5. Prepare your stakeholders (vendors, team, IT): Your team will need training. Suppliers need to know how to send digital invoices. Define the workflows, approval channels, escalation paths.

  6. Pilot with a subset: Start with a manageable number of invoices/suppliers, test, refine, then scale.

  7. Track performance and refine: Measure invoice processing time, error rate, cost per invoice, supplier satisfaction. Use data to improve.

  8. Archive and compliance: Make sure your digital invoice system allows for secure storage, audit trail, retention policy, legal validity.

How the electronic invoice dimension adds value

When you move beyond digital invoice (i.e., upload of PDF) to full electronic invoice (structured, automated), you get deeper benefits:

  • Machine-readable fields, automatic matching of purchase orders, invoices, shipping receipts reduce human intervention. 
  • Real-time data for payables/receivables dashboards and better financial planning.

  • Reduced fraud risk, improved regulatory alignment (dependent on jurisdiction).
  • Higher level of integration with trading partners and business systems – less “manual hand-offs” between buyer/supplier operations.

Bottom line for your organisation

If I were advising a CFO or operations head: implementing a digital invoice framework is no longer “nice to have.” It’s fundamental. It saves time, saves money, increases capacity and cash flow of your finance department to engage in more value-add instead of paperwork. Going even deeper: by going all the way (structured data, automated workflows) you prepare to have a future in which invoice processing is, on the whole, touchless and in which your organisation is ready to scale and change regulation.

FAQs

How quickly will I see benefits after deploying digital invoice processing? 

You should expect to see improvements in processing time and cost within the first few months of a pilot. Depending on volume and team readiness, many organisations report full return on investment within 12-18 months. 

Will every supplier need to change how they send invoices if we adopt digital invoice workflows? 

Not necessarily all at once, but you’ll want a clear supplier ramp-up plan. Some suppliers may continue paper for a short transition period. For full benefit you’ll encourage them to shift to electronic formats as you scale.

Is a digital invoice the same as a paperless invoice? 

Mostly yes in terms of “no physical paper,” but not exactly. A paperless digital invoice may simply be a PDF scanned or an email attachment. A full digital invoice is integrated with your systems, and an electronic invoice (e-invoice) is even deeper, it uses structured data and automation.

 

83% of teachers say they lack formal training in AI

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD joined Microsoft Ireland to unveil research on the use of digital technologies and AI in Irish classrooms, and to announce the expansion of the Microsoft Dream Space Teacher Academy, a free programme designed to empower teachers with the skills to effectively and responsibly use AI and digital technologies in the classroom.

Powering new teaching models
The research entitled, ‘Digital Learning in the Era of AI’, reveals how AI and digital technologies are helping to enhance learning and engagement in the classroom. Conducted by 3Gem for Microsoft, the survey of 201 educators across Ireland found that:

·      87% use digital technologies to improve productivity and optimise classroom time

·      86% say apps and platforms help personalise teaching to meet students’ needs

·      81% report stronger student engagement when digital tools are used

·      72% support increased use of AI tools in the classroom

·      83% say they lack formal training in AI

 

While AI is one of the key technologies that teachers are embracing to enhance education and 64% of teachers believe it will positively transform education, adoption varies across the island of Ireland. In Northern Ireland, 74% of teachers report rapid uptake of generative AI, compared to 33% in the Republic.

Digital Tools and AI in Classrooms: Opportunities and Challenges

When asked about ways to bring technology and AI into the classroom, the top three suggestions agreed on by teachers include collaborative learning (49%), student-led initiatives (47%), and project-based learning (41%), approaches that are at the centre of the approach taken by the Microsoft Dream Space team.

The research also highlights a growing integration of digital tools in classrooms, from online worksheets to interactive quizzes, with more experienced teachers using a broader range of tools compared to newer teachers. However, adoption is uneven, especially in schools slower to embrace AI. While 83% of surveyed teachers agree they have not received adequate training to use tech and AI tools effectively, this issue is more pronounced in schools slower to embrace AI, where 67% cite insufficient training as a major barrier, compared to just 32% in faster-adopting schools.

Most educators report student use of laptops, tablets, or computers during lessons. In digitally advanced schools, 40% say devices are used in most teaching, compared to just 15% in slower-adopting schools. Overall, 26% of teachers report high usage (over 75% of teaching), while 51% report moderate use.

Generative AI has seen the fastest growth among digital tools in the past year, marking a shift in teaching approaches. Adoption also varies by location: 64% of urban educators describe their school’s digital transformation as fast or very fast, compared to 45% in suburban and 34% in rural schools. Teachers who use digital tools extensively are more likely to report rapid adoption (74%) than those who use them rarely (30%).

Despite these advances, confidence gaps remain, particularly among non-STEM teachers – only 18% feel fully equipped to use digital technology effectively in the classroom. Even among STEM educators, many report that a lack of ongoing support has limited the impact of their training.

In fact, 81% of teachers say they are lacking formal training in AI, and there is strong consensus among school leaders (92%) that AI training should be a mandatory part of both initial teacher education (ITE) and continuing professional development (CPD).

Microsoft Dream Space Teacher Academy*
To help address the research findings and support teachers to leverage AI and digital technologies to enhance learning and engagement in the classroom, Microsoft today announced the expansion of its Dream Space Teacher Academy for the 2025/2026 academic year. This free, multi-week programme is designed to help primary and post-primary teachers begin their journey with AI in education. It focuses on building confidence and understanding, starting with the basics of how AI works and why AI literacy matters.

Teachers will explore how AI can support productivity, learn how to use it responsibly and ethically, and access resources to help students develop their own AI literacy and future-ready skills. On completion, participants will earn a digital badge via Credly, with opportunities for further professional development and accreditation.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD said: “Microsoft’s latest research underscores the opportunity for AI and digital tools to enhance teaching and learning, as well as the need to support educators with the right training and support to use them effectively. The new national guidance on AI in schools published by the Department of Education is an important step in that journey, providing a clear framework to help educators adopt these technologies responsibly and confidently.

“This aligns with the broader direction of our education system, including the new primary curriculum’s emphasis on digital literacy and modern skills. Across further and higher education, we remain focused on preparing both learners and educators to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Industry has a vital role to play in this, and I’m delighted to join Microsoft today in announcing this expanded AI skills offering for teachers through the Microsoft Dream Space Teacher Academy.”

James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, added: “Microsoft is committed to supporting Irish educators to bring a digital mindset into the classroom to enhance learning and student engagement. This research shows that teachers are ready to embrace AI, but they need the right support to do so confidently and responsibly. As the new guidance on the use of AI in the classroom highlights, it’s not just about having access to digital tools; it’s about understanding how AI works and how to use it in ways that truly benefit students.

“That’s why we’re expanding the Dream Space Teacher Academy and investing further in our ambition to Skill Up Ireland. We are committed to helping teachers build the skills, trust and AI literacy they need to confidently use AI in the classroom. By focusing on responsible use, digital understanding and practical classroom application, we hope to support educators to create more inclusive, engaging and future-ready learning experiences for every student across the island of Ireland.” 

Educators interested in joining the free Microsoft Dream Space Teacher Academy can register their interest by the 13th of November at: Dream Space Teacher Packages.

Garmin wins five CES 2026 Innovation Awards

Garmin has announced it has been honoured with five CES 2026 Innovation Awards for groundbreaking achievements in technology across various categories. The CES Innovation Awards program, presented annually by the Consumer Technology Associations (CTA), recognised several Garmin smartwatches – the fēnix 8 Pro -MicroLED, Venu® 4 and Forerunner® 970 – along with the Blaze™ Equine Wellness System and the Descent™ S1 Diver Communication Buoy ahead of CES 2026. 

“These honours highlight Garmin’s ongoing commitment to redefine what is possible for consumers around the globe. From introducing the world’s first MicroLED smartwatch display to pioneering advancements in equine and dive technology and creating next-generation wellness and running smartwatches with innovative health and fitness features, Garmin continues to set the standard for innovation in consumer technology.”  

–Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing   

The award-winning Garmin products and their respective categories include: 

fēnix 8 Pro – MicroLED – Fashion Tech 

The brightest smartwatch ever, this multisport GPS smartwatch has a first-of-its-kind MicroLED display, plus it was the first smartwatch with inReach® technology for satellite and LTE connectivity1. 

Venu 4 – Digital Health 

To support overall well-being, this advanced smartwatch includes innovative features like health status, lifestyle logging and more to help users track trends and see how lifestyle choices affect their health. 

Forerunner 970 – Sports & Fitness 

This premium GPS running and triathlon smartwatch features a bright AMOLED display, built-in LED flashlight and enhanced navigation plus advanced training and recovery features. 

Blaze Equine Wellness System – Pet & Animal Tech 

Designed specifically for horses, this easy-to-use tail wrap and sensor gives riders and trainers real-time insights and data, including heart rate, into their horse’s health and fitness.

Descent S1 Buoy – Sports & Fitness 

Track, monitor and communicate with those above and below the surface with the revolutionary Descent S1 buoy that helps strengthen diver communication and advances dive safety technology.  

CES 2026 will take place Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Garmin will showcase these products and much more in booth #3453 in the LVCC West Hall.