Category: Tech News

Irish Shoppers Favour Trusted Websites Over Social Media

Consumers in Ireland are gearing up for one of the biggest online shopping weekends of the year, with 55% planning to make a purchase during Black Friday or Cyber Monday, according to a new survey from .ie (Ireland’s national domain registry), conducted by Core Research. The survey reveals that while social selling continues to grow, trust and security remain key factors in how and where people choose to shop.
The research shows that more than half (51%) of consumers are likely to make an impulse purchase during the sales, driven by price, convenience and speed.
Electronics (68%) and clothing (58%) top the shopping list, with younger shoppers most likely to buy on impulse.
While consumers are motivated by bargains, trust and security are becoming decisive factors in where they spend. The research found that 58% of shoppers are more likely to buy from a retailer with a .ie domain, citing stronger trust, security, and a desire to support Irish businesses  as key reasons.
David Curtin, Chief Executive of .ie, comments,
“Irish consumers love a good deal, but they also value reassurance. Even the most impulsive shopper wants to know who’s behind the offer and that the business is genuine. A .ie web address signals that there is a connection to Ireland, offering transparency and accountability”
The findings come as awareness of online risks continues to grow. Three in four consumers (76%) believe websites offer stronger protection than social media platforms, while phishing is viewed as the most common scam method (73%).
Over 7 in 10 say phishing is the most common way scams occur. Almost six in ten believe social media is where scams are likely to occur when shopping online. The majority are concerned about online scams. Over 1 in 5 have been a victim of scam. Customer reviews and Google search are the two most common safety checks. More than 3 in 4 think shopping on a website is safer than shopping via a social media platform.
One in five people in Ireland have already lost money to an online scam, with an average loss of €401.
When choosing where to shop, delivery speed ranks as the third most important factor, after price and quality. Faster delivery within Ireland motivates 61% of shoppers to choose .ie sites, while 45% cite domain trust and 33% cite security as key drivers.
.ie’s Five Smart Steps for Safer Black Friday Shopping
  1. Read customer reviews and search the company name online
  2. Watch for unrealistic discounts that appear out of nowhere
  3. Ensure the web address starts with https
  4. Check for the .ie domain to confirm the business has a connection to Ireland
  5. If in doubt – don’t buy
With peak sales pressures and increasingly sophisticated scams, .ie is encouraging shoppers to think smart, shop secure, and keep their money local by supporting trusted Irish retailers. and as I always say STOP THINK CHECK and if in doubt give me a shout on any of my social media.

JOURNEY launches ALTI Lift: A Fast-Charging, Dual-Sided Mat

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.”

ALTI LIFT is now available.

Twelve South launches Curve Mini

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.

Available now for £49.99 from Twelve South UK.

See our Twelve South Reviews

Apple adds six new Zens chargers for the holiday season

Zens, the market leader in wireless charging, strengthens its partnership with Apple this holiday season with six new products. Building on the success of the Quattro Charger Pro 4 and 4-1 Wireless Charger, Zens continues to combine innovation, design, and ease of use in a way that resonates with Apple users worldwide.

In close collaboration with Apple, Zens introduces two innovative Charging Cables and a next-generation Magnetic Nightstand Charger, available globally via Apple and on zens.tech.

“We’re proud to expand our collaboration with Apple and introduce a gift collection that’s interesting for a broad audience,” says Johan Plasmans, CEO of Zens. “These are everyday practical essentials: beautifully designed, and made to fit right into the Apple experience. With a price range between €50 and €100, and available in clean white/silver or dark cherry, there’s something for everyone this holiday season.”

The gift collection includes:

Zens Charging Cable USB-C-C Pro 2: Designed to power your MacBook or iPad via USB-C while wirelessly charging your iPhone or AirPods at the same time. Ideal for daily use and a great gift for multitaskers who want fewer cables and more freedom.
Zens Charging Cable USB-C-C Pro 3: Foldable, compact, and travel-ready, this cable charges your MacBook or iPad via USB-C, iPhone or AirPods, and Apple Watch simultaneously. Made for Apple users who have it all.
Zens Magnetic Nightstand Charger: Next-generation bedside essential. With USB-C, braided cable and Apple StandBy support, it turns your iPhone into a smart alarm clock. A perfect gift for anyone with an iPhone 12 or newer.

All products are available from today via apple.com, in select Apple Stores worldwide, and as a pre-order on zens.tech (shipping end of November).

See our zens reviews 

 

WHOOP becomes first wearable to integrate lab results with continuous health data

WHOOP, the human performance company, today announced the launch of WHOOP Advanced Labs Uploads, now available to all members. The feature update enables members to upload prior lab results directly into the WHOOP app free of charge, creating a more comprehensive and connected view of their health. 

This announcement comes just weeks after the brand launched the Advanced Labs feature with an add-on subscription that provides clinician-reviewed bloodwork, powered by Quest Diagnostics. At launch, there was a waitlist of over 350,000 members and with today’s update that waitlist is now complete. 

While the in-person testing experience of WHOOP Advanced Labs is currently only available in the US, with Advanced Labs Uploads all WHOOP members, globally, can now link biomarkers from their existing lab work with their 24/7 WHOOP data, and unlock a deeper understanding of their long-term health trends. 

A More Complete Picture of Health
Members can upload their labs in any language — as a PDF or screenshot — and see their results alongside the continuous biometric data provided by WHOOP. The integration makes it easier than ever to keep all health results in one place, track progress over time, and gain insights that connect biomarkers to daily biometrics. 

Personalized Coaching on Your Biomarkers
When members upload labs that include any of the 65 biomarkers tested in WHOOP Advanced Labs, they’ll receive personalized, science-based AI coaching from the WHOOP Coach, to help interpret and act on the results. 

Included with Every Membership
Advanced Labs Uploads are available to all WHOOP members at no additional cost.

Of the update, Will Ahmed Founder and CEO of WHOOP said, “For the first time, our members can see how their blood biomarkers and daily behaviors connect in real time. This is all part of our path to becoming a health operating system that helps our members live better and longer.” 

For more information on WHOOP Advanced Labs and to start uploading your lab results, visit whoop.com/advanced-labs.

In-person testing will be available internationally in the coming months. See our WHOOP reviews

Tozi marks Anti-Bullying Week with social campaign to support young people online

Tozi, the anti-bullying and cyber-safety app developed by Vodafone Foundation, in collaboration with DCU Anti-Bullying Centre and the ISPCC, is marking Anti-Bullying Week (wc 10 November) with a new social media campaign: Supporting Young People in the Digital World.

The campaign aims to empower young people to recognise, respond to, and rise above bullying and is launched as recent ESRI research shows that 62% of 13-year-olds reported experiencing at least one bullying behaviour in the past three months, while one in ten Tozi users have activated the app’s SOS feature in the last year, connecting them directly to Childline via call or chat —demonstrating the importance of a trusted digital space and the need for quick, seamless access to support 24/7.

At the heart of the campaign is a short video featuring two girls exploring Tozi’s “Beat Bullying” module, sharing their thoughts on the app and how it helps them navigate online challenges with confidence.

Tozi:

In 2022, The Vodafone Ireland Foundation developed and launched Tozi, a free app to combat cyberbullying and promote online safety among children and young people. Since its launch, Tozi has had over 20,000 downloads, and is currently being rolled out across Europe following the Irish success.

It offers a content library with advice on handling online challenges, a private journaling space with a feeling’s tracker, and direct access to Childline through the SOS feature for 24/7 support.

The ESRI research also found that 37% of 13-year-olds faced repeated incidents, with online bullying and name-calling among the most common forms, while children targeted at age nine were more likely to be bullied again at age thirteen, underlining the need for early intervention.

Expert Perspective:
The Irish Girl Guides have been a Vodafone Foundation partner since 2023, working to provide lessons on digital skills to older people through the Hi Digital initiative. The Irish Girl Guides work closely with young people across Ireland and see firsthand the challenges girls face online. Their experience underscores the urgent need for resources like Tozi, which aims to empower and protect young people in the digital world.

Speaking on the growing issue of online bullying, Irish Girl Guides Tir na nÓg Leader and Programme and Training Commissioner, Róisín Mills, said:

“As a Leader with the Irish Girl Guides, I worry about the impact social media is having on the girls in my Unit. I see them becoming more disengaged, and I’ve witnessed the effects of online bullying and the pressure to present a perfect image. That’s why we run activities focused on body image, cyber-security, and smart surfing—giving our members the tools to stay safe and confident online. We’re realistic about phone use and guide the girls to use technology in a positive, informed way. Creating a safe space for these conversations is vital, and I believe it’s making a real difference.”

Tozi doesn’t just teach users what bullying is — it shows them how to stand up, speak out, and support each other in the moments that matter most.

Tozi is available for free download on the App Store and Google Play. Learn more at https://www.to-zi.com/

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.

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.

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.