Leading real hands on tech review site in Ireland with technology, business news and more. Jim O Brien Tech.
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.
From early-stage SaaS startups in Dublin to scaling fintechs in Cork and Galway, Ireland’s tech ecosystem is thriving. But as competition intensifies, efficiency and agility have become the new currency of growth. For young companies balancing innovation with tight budgets, business cloud storage is now essential. It provides the secure, scalable foundation that keeps data protected, teams connected, and operations running smoothly as startups evolve.
Smarter cloud infrastructure for smarter businesses
Traditional IT setups require heavy upfront investment in servers, software, and maintenance. Business cloud storage removes that burden entirely. Instead of purchasing physical hardware, startups can store, share and back up data online, and pay only for what they use. This approach frees up capital to reinvest in product development, customer acquisition or talent, rather than tying up funds in infrastructure that may quickly become obsolete.
Flexibility and security that scales with ambition
Startups rarely grow in a straight line. Demand can spike overnight after a funding announcement or major partnership. Business cloud storage systems are built for that unpredictability. With scalable storage plans and integrated security, Irish startups can expand capacity instantly without worrying about server upgrades or downtime. This flexibility makes it easier to experiment, pivot, and grow sustainably.
As the number of data breaches continues to rise across Ireland, maintaining data integrity has become a strategic necessity for all companies. Reputable business cloud storage platforms use end-to-end encryption, access controls and regular backups to protect sensitive files from loss or unauthorised access. This level of security not only safeguards company assets but also reinforces trust with clients, partners and investors.
Collaboration without borders
Many Irish startups operate remotely or across hybrid teams. Cloud-based file sharing ensures that everyone—from founders to freelancers—can access up-to-date project files anywhere, anytime. It eliminates version control issues and supports real-time collaboration, even across time zones.
For small teams trying to move fast, that can be the difference between closing a deal and missing a window of opportunity. Beyond day-to-day communication, it also streamlines client management, onboarding and project delivery and allows teams to share proposals, feedback and updates securely in one place. This seamless connectivity helps startups maintain momentum and consistency as they grow.
Business cloud storage: The bottom line
Business cloud storage is a cost-saving tool and an operational growth enabler. It gives startups the infrastructure of an enterprise at a fraction of the price, letting them focus on what matters most — innovation, execution and scaling.
The latest in tech and lifestyle company JOURNEY’s growing range of ALTI desk mats is set for debut.
ALTI LIFT, the fifth mat in the ALTI range, is JOURNEY’s first to include a phone stand feature.
The lift-up phone stand, which nests in the wireless charging panel’s recessing when inactive, delivers fast wireless charging while magnetically standing a phone in landscape or portrait mode.
JOURNEY said phone users can adjust the stand to optimise how they perform different work activities.
They can swivel the bi-directional base 360 degrees (180 degrees each way), and tilt the phone upwards or downwards for the most ergonomic-friendly view.
“There’s extra screen space for the work activities people perform on their phones,” said a JOURNEY spokesperson.
“Phone users can customise their phone display for video calls, streaming, and notification checks.
“It adds a new dimension of desk-based productivity.”
ALTI LIFT features a double-sided surface (felt and vegan performance leather), an interior hideaway pocket for loose documents, and black and beige colour varieties.
Its Qi2-certified wireless charging panel, which attaches to either side of the mat, simultaneously delivers up to 15W to Qi2-certified iPhones (including iPhone 12 onwards) and 5W for AirPods.
JOURNEY said ALTI LIFT marks a new stage in the wider ALTI series’ activation of desk-based productivity.
“We’re continuing to reimagine the traditional desk mat,” said JOURNEY’s spokesperson. “ALTI LIFT’s utility signifies there’s potential to make desk mats useful beyond the functions a traditional desk mat offers.”
The Ulike Air 2 IPL Hair Removal Device stands out in the at-home beauty market, primarily known for its patented Sapphire Ice-Cooling Technology. This device is a mid-range offering in Ulike’s lineup, designed to provide a near-painless, convenient, and effective way to achieve long-term hair reduction.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the device, its performance, and who it is best suited for.
The Air 2 utilizes Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, which works by emitting broad-spectrum light that is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle. This light energy converts to heat, weakening the follicle and slowing down regrowth.
Sapphire Ice-Cooling Technology: This is the flagship feature. The device maintains a cool contact surface which counteracts the heat generated by the IPL flash. This feature is the main reason why users report the treatment as virtually painless, eliminating the stinging or burning sensation common with older IPL models.
Wired Device: The Air 2 is a corded device. While this means it must be plugged in during use, it ensures consistent, high-powered flashes and eliminates the worry of battery life dropping mid-session.
5 Intensity Levels: It offers five adjustable energy levels, allowing users to customize the treatment based on their skin sensitivity and the area being treated (e.g., lower levels for the face/bikini line, higher levels for legs/arms).
Visible Results in 4 Weeks: Ulike, backed by third-party testing, claims users can see a significant hair reduction in as little as four weeks of consistent use and same can be said from testing here at home with partner
Full-Body Use: The device is FDA-cleared for safe use on the legs, body, face, and bikini line.
The Ulike Air 2 is designed with a sleek, lightweight, and ergonomic wand-like shape, making it easy to grip and maneuver across large and curved body areas and is simple to use set up and get going as this takes time to use and it does not offer overnight results as some might come to expect.
Setup: The device is very straightforward. After plugging it in, users simply put on the protective sunglasses (included), shave the target area, select the appropriate intensity level, and begin treatment.
Painless Operation: The cooling feature is highly praised. Users consistently report that the cooling surface is activated immediately and keeps the skin comfortable, even at higher intensity settings.
Treatment Time: While not as fast as newer models like the Air 10, the Air 2 still offers relatively quick sessions. Full-body treatments typically take around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the speed and technique (using the ‘glide’ method or the ‘stamp’ method).
The IPL Caveat (Skin Tone & Hair Color): Like all IPL devices, the Air 2 relies on the contrast between dark hair and light skin. It is most effective on lighter skin tones (Fair to Light Brown) with darker hair colors (Brown to Black). It is not recommended for very dark skin tones or for light hair (blonde, gray, red) as it may not be effective or could potentially cause skin irritation.
Consistent use is key to achieving optimal results with the Ulike Air 2 and again a reminder it takes time to see the effects.
The recommended schedule typically involves 3 treatments per week for the first 4 weeks, followed by a transition to maintenance sessions (1 to 3 times per month) once hair growth slows significantly.
Slower Regrowth: Hair growth slows down noticeably within the first month.
Thinner and Lighter Hair: Regrowing hairs become softer, finer, and less dense.
Long-Term Reduction: After the initial phase, many users find they only need occasional touch-ups every few weeks to maintain smooth skin, saving substantial time and money compared to waxing or in-office laser treatments.
The Ulike Air 2 is an excellent choice for first-time IPL users and anyone prioritizing comfort and convenience and also cutting down on costs and you can use at home of if you are travelling and no need to waste time finidng appointments in clinics and so on men and women can use it and done so discreetly.
Twelve South, a leading designer of stylish and innovative tech accessories, launched the Curve Mini, a sleek, portable stand that elevates tablets and e-readers to the perfect angle at home, work or on-the-go.
Universally compatible with iPad, tablets and e-readers, the Twelve South Curve Mini raises devices up to 6 inches for optimal viewing comfort and usability, whether streaming a show at home, working in a cafe, conference calling or sketching, the precision hinges ensure a smooth transition to any desired angle.
Easily adjustable in both portrait and landscape modes, the stable slip-resistant base and silicone padding ensure sturdiness and prevent scratches.
Curve Mini is made of strong stuff – anodised aluminium – weighs just 0.24kg and folds completely flat so it can slip into the included travel sleeve for easy portability. It’s the perfect travel companion for creatives, remote workers or those who use their tablet for gaming and entertainment.
In addition to its functionality, it also makes a stylish accessory. Available in three different matte colours: dune, slate and coastal blue to complement Twelve South’s Curve Nano Qi2-compatible smartphone stand.
Since the Gemini era began, Google has been pushing the frontier to build more general and helpful AI for everyone. With Gemini 1, they introduced multimodality and long context to help AI understand our world.
Gemini 2 added thinking, reasoning and native tool use to create a foundation for AI agents. And now Google is introducing Gemini 3, their most intelligent model, that combines all of Gemini’s capabilities together so you can bring any idea to life.
As a user of Gemini on a daily basis I have been following this very closely as to what Gemini brings to the table and with AI now part of daily lives changing almost daily it is interesting to see how this has progressed and what the future now holds with Gemini and AI
Since the Gemini era began, we’ve been pushing the frontier to build more general and helpful AI for everyone. With Gemini 1, we introduced multimodality and long context to help AI understand our world. Gemini 2 added thinking, reasoning and native tool use to create a foundation for AI agents. And now we’re introducing Gemini 3, our most intelligent model, that combines all of Gemini’s capabilities together so you can bring any idea to life.
Pokémon NFT packs have become sought-after due to the rare cards they can contain, combined with the thrill of opening a pack without knowing what’s inside. Read on to discover a list of the leading online marketplaces selling tokenized Pokémon card mystery packs, so you can get in on the virtual pack-ripping fun.
Key Takeaways
Pokémon NFT packs have become highly sought-after for their fun pack-opening experience, chance at rare cards, and instant buyback options.
Most marketplaces offer similar features, but they differ in terms of size and available liquidity.
Magic Eden’s Pokémon NFT marketplace has emerged as the best choice due to its large user base, fun gamified pack-opening experience, and deep liquidity.
What Is a Pokémon NFT Pack?
A Pokémon NFT pack is a digital mystery pack containing a rare or exclusive Pokémon card NFT that represents the real physical card stored in a secure vault.
Pokémon NFT packs are in great demand as opening them is a lot of fun, and almost every pack gives collectors a chance to pull a valuable chase card.
What’s more, they’re considered a low-risk purchase, thanks to the buyback options available on all the platforms featured in this guide.
Top Marketplaces to Buy Pokémon NFT Packs
Now, let’s take a look at the marketplaces that allow you to buy and virtual rip Pokémon NFT packs.
Magic Eden
Magic Eden is one of the leading NFT marketplaces by trading volume and market share. It features Pokémon NFT packs with access to an active secondary market with deep liquidity.
Platform Overview
Magic Eden’s Pokémon NFT Packs marketplace was created in partnership with Collector Crypt, another platform featured in this guide. It’s a perfect match for collectors who want to trade more actively, with the option to redeem the physical card if they want to.
You can expect a fun and thrilling pack-ripping experience here, with animated visual reveals, rarity-tier highlights, and shareable moments. But Magic Eden’s biggest advantage lies in the size of its user base.
There is a huge community of NFT traders creating demand for unique Pokémon NFTs and providing deep liquidity. This creates more opportunities to sell the rarer pulls more quickly and at a favorable price.
Pokémon NFT Pack Offerings
After ripping a limited pack, ME lets users list the pulled NFT on the secondary market in seconds, taking advantage of the marketplace’s strong liquidity during drop hype windows.
Unique Pack Features
Magic Eden offers a gamified pack-ripping experience where cards reveal instantly, display rarity highlights, and become tradable on the secondary market immediately, giving collectors a fast path from rip to resale.
Collector Crypt
Collector Crypt is a specialized platform that mints and sells limited-edition NFT packs. It focuses on authentication, secure vaulting, and easy redemption of Pokémon (and other) trading cards.
Platform Overview
If you want to get the latest limited-edition Pokémon packs first, sometimes you have to go directly to the source, which often turns out to be Collector Crypt. It handles everything, from securing the real-life cards, grading and storing them in vaults, to issuing blockchain-verified NFTs that are bundled into packs.
This platform is almost entirely Pokémon-focused, with some additions of sports and other card game-based collections. Collector Crypt users often get exclusive drops before they reach secondary marketplaces, but trading activity here is lower, so listings don’t move as fast as on bigger platforms.
Pokémon NFT Pack Offerings
The pack offerings are based on the Gacha machine system that distributes limited-edition Legendary packs along with the cheaper Elite ones. Cards for Legendary packs usually come from the pool that consists of top-graded ones, usually PSA 9 or PSA 10.
Unique Pack Features
Additionally, Legendary packs may contain very expensive “chase cards,” such as 1st Edition Charizard or rare Trophy cards. They will sell like hot cakes on any secondary market.
Courtyard
Courtyard is an online collectible card trading platform that highlights authenticity and high-quality storage solutions, working with institutional-grade vaults to secure its collectibles.
Platform Overview
Courtyard is a tokenized collectible cards NFT platform that offers a smaller selection of sports cards, comics, and other graded collectibles as well. The platform features frequent drops, high-quality grading, and secure redemption options.
It’s great for collectors who value authenticity and proper storage. The project works with Brink’s and other institutional-grade vaults used for high-value real-world collectibles.
Pokémon NFT Pack Offerings
Courtyard offers a broad range of Pokémon NFT packs, from affordable Starter Packs to premium Legend Packs with the best odds of pulling superior Pokémon cards. They are distributed using the “vending machine” system that replicates the real-life experience.
Unique Pack Features
Courtyard’s packs often include curated card lineups rather than fully randomized bulk. Many drops focus on specific eras, themes, or chase cards.
RIP.FUN
RIP.FUN is a newer platform built specifically around the experience of digitally ripping Pokémon NFT packs. It’s still in beta.
Platform Overview
RIP.FUN is a niche NFT platform focused entirely on the pack‑ripping experience. Though it doesn’t match the market breadth or liquidity of larger marketplaces like Magic Eden, it appeals to collectors seeking fun.
Users can trade pulled NFTs or redeem them for physical cards, but the main draw is the playful, engaging pack-opening experience rather than active trading.
Pokémon NFT Pack Offerings
Currently, RIP.FUN offers fewer than a dozen Pokémon NFT packs, with only one exclusive drop, the Team Rocket Returns pack. In spite of the limited selection, the platform is expected to expand its offerings as the project grows.
Unique Pack Features
After opening a pack, collectors can unlock additional limited-edition packs for completing certain Pokémon sets. Additionally, the platform lets users earn XP points, which can be used for extra perks and bonuses.
Phygitals
Though Phygitals primarily focuses on sports collectibles, Pokémon fans can occasionally find interesting NFT packs and limited-edition drops on the platform.
Platform Overview
Phygitals works like other niche NFT marketplaces that tokenize and store physical cards, giving collectors the option to redeem or trade them. One unique feature is user revenue share: if you digitize and sell a Pokémon or other collectible card, you continue earning 1% of its future sales.
Pokémon NFT Pack Offerings
Phygitals distributes its Pokémon NFT packs using a Claw Machine system. The platform offers a wide variety of packs, ranging from common starter sets to expensive Mythic packs, which contain the rarest cards.
Unique Pack Features
Phygitals’ Mythic, Legendary, and Epic packs contain the most valuable chase cards. Users can rank their collections based on the rarity of their pulls as well, competing with other collectors on the platform.
What’s the Best Place to Get Your Hands on Pokémon NFT Packs?
For collectors looking to buy Pokémon NFT packs, Magic Eden would be the top choice for a few compelling reasons. It combines the thrill of opening a new pack and a massive secondary market with deep liquidity and the assurance that each card is authentic and redeemable, thanks to partnerships with trusted niche platforms. This makes it ideal for both trading and collecting rare, limited-edition Pokémon packs.
Wholesale broadband operator SIRO has announced it is launching a bespoke broadband product created for developers building new homes across Ireland. SIRO’s new product, OpenPort, will streamline the delivery of fibre broadband services to housing developments by instead providing a shared access broadband infrastructure onsite. This will avoid, as currently occurs, the costly over duplication of telecom infrastructures amongst multiple operators seeking to provide services to new housing estates.
Under forthcoming regulations, the Gigabit Infrastructure Act which will take effect in Ireland from February 2026, developers are required to provide a fibre broadband infrastructure onsite which is accessible to multiple telecoms network operators.
SIRO’s new product, OpenPort, responds to this requirement by providing developers with a shared access fibre broadband service for their new developments, which will be compliant with these regulations.
Currently, to enable multiple operators serve a housing development, developers have been required to accommodate multiple broadband infrastructures onsite.
The negative impact of this method of rolling out fibre broadband in new developments has been the unnecessary duplication of broadband infrastructure onsite. This can lead to not only excessive expenditure, but also the avoidable use of limited site space to facilitate these multiple infrastructures.
With SIRO’s OpenPort, developers will still be able to accommodate multiple fibre broadband operators on their developments but with the advantage of using a single network infrastructure, substantially reducing the cost of deploying fibre broadband networks to new homes across the country. A developer moving to SIRO’s OpenPort product will also enjoy environmental benefits by reducing the construction works needed to facilitate fibre broadband rollouts.
For homeowners and tenants, they will continue to enjoy choice and competition by maintaining access to multiple telecoms retailers.
SIRO has announced that its first OpenPort new development site will be at Monaleen in Limerick city. The development, known as The Orchard, is being constructed by one of Ireland’s leading developers, Homeland, and will see 131 new homes constructed at the site. These homes are expected have first occupancy by Spring 2026.
With Homeland Group’s The Orchard development, the first new development to adopt OpenPort, SIRO has confirmed that the product will be available to all developers from 2026 onwards.
Commenting on OpenPort, SIRO CEO John Keaney said: “Delivering fast and future proofed fibre broadband infrastructure and services to new homes is a small but essential part of the construction of new homes overall. A high-quality fibre to the home broadband connection is now a non-negotiable for all homes, supporting how we now live and work.
“Like all the component parts of developing new homes, rolling out fibre broadband infrastructure comes at a cost – environmental, financial, resource and time – to broadband operators, developers and consumers.”
“Initiatives, like OpenPort, which can streamline the delivery process, reduce the timelines, and maintain efficiency and effectiveness of building fibre broadband network in new developments are key. By reducing overduplication of broadband networks on new development sites, SIRO’s OpenPort will also give back much needed site space to developers and provide wider sustainability benefits.
“SIRO is excited to bring this product to market for developers from next year. We have already had incredibly positive feedback from key stakeholders in the construction industry who understand the benefits it can offer,” added Mr. Keaney.
Homeland Construction Director Mike Quaid added:
“Homeland has worked with SIRO to deliver fibre broadband to our new homes across the country for several years now. The construction industry is constantly challenged to innovate, build more sustainability and efficiently, whilst maintaining affordability for home buyers. In terms of delivering fast, reliable and future proofed full fibre broadband for our home buyers and tenants, we see the huge potential of SIRO’s OpenPort to meet these objectives.”
SIRO is a wholesale network operator, rolling out a fibre to the premise network across Ireland now available to almost 700,000 premises in 143 cities and towns. It network is built on the ESB’s existing electricity network, utilising both its overhead and underground ducting infrastructure.
The latest case from Benks are now available for the iPhone 17 Pro and there is some really nice ones to pick from now and also we have Kevlar on board meaning thinner cases but no loss on looks or protection.
Some cases do provide buttons which are tactile with an nice feel to them they are responsive and somoe of the cases leave out the buttons which is fine with the ultra thin case.
The Benks cases offer grip and are MagSafe compatible and the they either have a lip around the entire front screen or on the corners allowing you to place the device face down.
The ports are all accessible and the camera area is well protected with a higher raised edge made with aluminium on the plateau as its called and looks well still maintaing balance on a flat surface but more importantly protecting those lenses.
Overall these are nice cases super thin offering protection and they look good too with great designs, check the video below for more.
Aurora ArmorPro Case built with Kevlar
Imagine the Arctic night sky, where streaks of green, blue, and gold dance across the horizon. This breathtaking phenomenon, the aurora, illuminates the darkness with its vibrant colors and ethereal glow. Now, picture carrying that mesmerizing display with you wherever you go.
Rooted in geometric form and refined through traditional craft, ArmorGrid ArmorPro Case is woven from DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber with the Jiaoluo weaving technique. This creates a texture that blends resilience with artistry, embodying protection through design. In Obsidian Black, it reflects timeless strength—subtle, commanding, and enduring.
In today’s digital world, social media is at the heart of brand engagement. It is no longer merely a medium related to visibility; it is an important vehicle for building identity, trust, and engagement with an audience. All interactions, posts, and comments contribute to brand perception and impact purchasing decisions. Brands that want to persistently grow must do more than look at vanity metrics—likes and shares—to create real engagement that resonates emotionally and intellectually. Expert branding consultancy services drive this process, assisting organizations with creating and sustaining an online presence aligned with their values and audiences’ preferences. Building from reach to real impact requires a thoughtful approach to an authentic narrative that promotes connection, relevance, and purpose.
7 Smart Social Media Strategies for Growing Brands
1. Harnessing Cultural Insights to Create Deeper Connections
Identifying audiences requires more than simply demographic analysis; it requires an understanding of the culture in which the audience inhabits. Utilizing cultural insights equips brands to engage in the social conversations tied to the audience and reflect their values and trends that matter to them. When brands engage with their audience’s beliefs and cultures, it creates authenticity that cannot be bought and manufactured through paid campaigns. Recognizing and celebrating community moments, tying into relevant conversations, or highlighting regional influences places the brand in a comfortable, relatable, human pillar rather than the traditional corporate voice.
2. Developing a Consistent and Distinct Brand Voice
Each post, comment, or caption plays a role, however big or small, in developing how a brand is perceived. Being consistent with a tone (professional, conversational, funny, or inspirational) creates familiarity and builds trust. Visuals, language, and responses should all reinforce this voice across all platforms. If a tone is inconsistent, audiences can become confused, and the identity can be weakened. When a style guide is built to outline the tone and imagery to use as the model for your voice, it ensures that every brand communication showcases the same essence, so the audience can recognize the brand in any format.
3. Prioritizing Storytelling Over Selling
Social media is all about storytelling—stories that inspire people by touching on emotion, value, and the personal side of a brand. Instead of promoting products constantly, the best stories are about journeys, struggles, and stories behind the success. Sharing a customer’s experience, a behind-the-scenes look at a service or product, and the people who work at your organization creates transparency and relatability. A better story ties back to the purpose we often refer to; that story goes further and sticks with the reader longer than one that is only about ‘selling’ and positions the brand as a brand that connects with people rather than simply an advertisement.
4. Embracing Data Analytics for Smarter Decision-Making
Numbers have their own stories to tell. Social media analytics provides insights into audience behavior, content performance, and engagement trends. By observing key metrics, such as engagement rates, demographic audiences, and sentiment, brands can determine how to optimize and adjust. Data helps turn strategy into information. Frequent analysis gives a brand the ability to be agile to shifts in trends while maintaining a consistent message.
Influencers are still incredibly important in linking brands to communities. The right influencer partnership builds credibility, especially if the influencer aligns with brand values. Rather than counting up followers, for successful partnerships, we prioritize authenticity and audience trust. For example, micro-influencers often create more engagement due to their niche communities. As part of a larger marketing effort, brands can grow reach and maintain authentic connections with their audiences by leveraging influencer content.
6. Integrating Social Responsibility into Brand Messaging
Contemporary consumers expect brands to operate positively. Showing sustainability initiatives, community projects, or good ethical conduct earns trust and affinity from consumers. When a brand shares social media content that truly demonstrates a commitment—like a commitment to environmentally-friendly practices, or inclusivity, for example—it shows it is accountable in ways beyond profits. The more a brand provides transparency about its impact, the better it creates a positive reputation when trying to attract values-driven consumers who prefer to only engage with brands that make an impact.
7. Encouraging Two-Way Engagement and Community Building
Social media should not be a simple broadcast for only one party. Participating in the dialogue (replying to comments, resharing user posts, or hosting activities) fosters community and trust. Audiences enjoy being acknowledged and included. Polls, Q&As, and participation campaigns help convert a passive follower into an active contributor. Once people feel that they are all on the same journey together, they will advocate for your brand. The most powerful social presence does not dominate; it starts a conversation.
End Point
Sustainable growth on social media requires more than being seen. It is built on authenticity, connection, and adaptability. Combining creativity with data, empathy with analysis, and storytelling with responsibility can help brands create impact and improve their overall presence online. These seven strategies serve as a guide for growth that doesn’t go away, turning brands into members of their community, rather than a voice in the crowd. Real impact occurs when social media is more than a marketing tool, but a device driven by purpose.
