Category: Tech News

Siemens expands data centre partner ecosystem to scale next-generation AI infrastructure

As AI drives unprecedented demand for data centre capacity, the industry faces a growing challenge in aligning rapidly expanding compute infrastructure with available power. To address this, Siemens Smart Infrastructure is expanding its data centre ecosystem through a strategic investment in, and partnership with, Emerald AI, alongside the integration of Fluence battery energy storage solutions, and the addition of collaborative physics-based AI modeling with PhysicsX. Together, these capabilities create flexibility across compute, energy, and infrastructure systems, helping data centre operators connect to the grid faster, scale efficiently, and operate reliably in a power-constrained world.

“Scaling AI infrastructure isn’t just a computing challenge, it is equally an energy and infrastructure challenge,” said Ruth Gratzke, President of Siemens Smart Infrastructure U.S. “As demand for AI processing accelerates, data centre growth is increasingly constrained by grid capacity and interconnection timelines. Addressing this requires complex coordination across both the digital and energy domains. Siemens is actively investing in key technologies

and partnerships to expand the ecosystem required to scale AI responsibly and support the next generation of data centre infrastructure.”

Emerald AI enables AI workloads to shift in time and location to align with grid conditions, allowing data centre demand to respond dynamically to available power. By coordinating when and where AI workloads run alongside dispatching onsite energy resources, this approach helps smooth peak demand, achieves faster and larger grid connections for data centres, and reduces pressure on constrained power infrastructure. The strategic investment in Emerald AI strengthens Siemens’ ability to introduce flexibility at the compute layer. When combined with Siemens’ expertise in power infrastructure and operational technology, this creates true IT/OT convergence between AI workloads and power systems.

A key element of this expanded ecosystem is the addition of Fluence’s grid-scale energy storage solutions, designed to support the next generation of high-performance AI data centres. As compute clusters grow in size and density, Fluence energy storage solutions enable data centres to accelerate grid connection by shaping load and coordinating ramp rates, making large AI-scale demand more predictable and easier for utilities to approve. This can turn power-constrained locations into viable data centre sites and accelerate time to power, which can enable deployment of energy storage in months rather than years of grid upgrades. Fluence’s energy storage solutions can also provide dispatchable, on-site power that aims to enable data centres to operate during grid build-outs, capacity shortfalls, or outages. By supporting consistent power quality and flexible scaling, Fluence can help data centre operators bring capacity online faster while maintaining the reliability required for mission-critical AI workloads.

Strengthening this ecosystem further, Siemens is collaborating with PhysicsX to apply physics AI to the design and operation of data centre power distribution systems. Using AI models trained on Siemens’ multi-physics simulation data, engineers can predict thermal behavior in complex busway systems in real time. With PhysicsX, simulations that once took days can run in under a second, enabling faster design iteration, optimized infrastructure for dynamic AI workloads, and the foundation for predictive monitoring across entire facilities.

The rapid growth of AI will continue to place new and often highly dynamic demands on power systems, with large training and inference clusters creating rapidly shifting loads that challenge traditional grid planning and data centre design. As a result, operators must find new ways to manage these demands while maintaining the performance and reliability required for AI infrastructure. Siemens’ expanded ecosystem is designed to help address this challenge by bringing together AI workload orchestration, grid-integrated energy systems, and AI-optimized physical infrastructure to support the next generation of AI infrastructure.

For more information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure, please see Siemens Smart Infrastructure.

HAYLOU Introduces Flowbuds N55

HAYLOU has introduced Flowbuds N55, a true wireless earbud designed to deliver reliable everyday listening without added complexity. Built for users who move through noisy environments and long days, Flowbuds N55 helps reduce distractions, stay comfortable, and remain powered from morning through evening—making dependable performance easy to experience.

The launch of Flowbuds N55 reflects HAYLOU’s evolving product direction in 2026, shaped by a clear insight across global markets: users want smart audio devices that are reliable, intuitive, and supportive of daily life—rather than overloaded with features or complexity.

Designed for Reliability in Real Life

Rather than optimizing for isolated lab results, Flowbuds N55 is engineered for stable performance in everyday environments. Its real-time adaptive active noise cancellation reduces ambient noise by up to 54dB under optimal conditions, dynamically responding to changing environments such as traffic, transit, and crowded indoor spaces—without requiring manual adjustments.

By adapting automatically, the system helps reduce distractions as they occur, allowing users to stay focused without managing settings.

Sound Tuned for Daily Comfort

At the core is a 12.4mm titanium-coated dynamic driver certified for Hi-Res Audio&LDAC, delivering balanced clarity, controlled bass, and rich detail designed for fatigue-free listening throughout the day.The audio profile prioritizes clarity and control, ensuring vocals stay clear, bass remains measured, and details are preserved without fatigue.

Instead of aiming for short-term impact, the tuning is designed to support repeated listening throughout the day—across music, calls, and spoken content.

Power That Lasts Through the Day

With up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge and 40 hours with the case, Flowbuds N55 minimizes charging interruptions across an entire day of use.This focus on endurance removes a common point of friction in daily routines.

Paired with intuitive touch controls and a compact charging case, the overall experience is straightforward and easy to adopt, particularly for first-time true wireless users.

Design for Everyday Use

The physical design of Flowbuds N55 follows the same practical philosophy. Its dual-tone charging case, finished with vacuum coating and excimer processing, balances durability with a refined appearance. Designed for regular handling and daily carry, it emphasizes function and longevity over visual excess.

A Product Aligned with HAYLOU’s Direction

Flowbuds N55 reflects HAYLOU’s continued focus on core experiences—sound quality, call clarity, battery life, and ease of use—delivering smart audio products users can rely on every day. It also marks a step forward in HAYLOU’s broader goal of making reliable, high-quality performance accessible across global markets.

Product Overview

Product Name: HAYLOU Flowbuds N55

Type: True Wireless Earbuds

Water Resistance: IPX5

Colors: Black, White

Audio:12.4mm titanium-coated dynamic driver,Dynamic bass enhancement algorithm,Hi-Res Audio certified & LDAC

Noise Cancellation: Real-time adaptive ANC, up to -54dB noise reduction

Call Performance: Six-microphone ENC system&Wind noise reduction up to 10 m/s

Battery:Up to 40 hours with charging case

Connectivity:Bluetooth 6.0

Pre-order Now

Flowbuds N55 is now available for pre-order.

Enjoy the Early Bird price of $21 with free shipping for a limited time.

More Information

For more information about HAYLOU Flowbuds N55, please visit:

HAYLOU Official Website: https://haylou.com/products/haylou-flowbuds-n55

HAYLOU Flowbuds N55 on AliExpress:  

https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/1005011755232439.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2bra

See our HAYLOU reviews

Rhombus Announces Recon, the First Autonomous Physical Security Solution

Rhombus, a leader in cloud-managed physical security, today announced Rhombus Recon, an autonomous physical security solution designed to extend physical security beyond the limits of fixed cameras.

Rhombus Recon solves the problem of what is happening outside the view of existing cameras. With Rhombus Recon, companies can autonomously or manually dispatch a robot to do a closer investigation or patrol of a particular event. Additional situational awareness is provided by the broader Rhombus platform of AI Cameras, Sensors, Access Control, and Alarm Monitoring which together, is the first solution of its kind.

Harnessing the power of advanced AI, Recon takes patrolling and investigations to new levels by allowing customers to take specific actions based on what it sees. For example, Recon can be dispatched to check how well stocked the shelves of a store are, or whether a bathroom is clean, or even if there is a potential intruder coming in the back door. When paired with Rhombus Insights, Recon can provide operational data across all aspects of an organization.

“With Rhombus Recon, we aim to give every organization the equivalent of an extra person that is available 24/7 to be an extra set of eyes and ears.” says Brandon Salzberg, CTO at Rhombus. “Leveraging AI and LLM’s, these robots can complete complex assignments, and we view them becoming an essential part of the operations of most companies.”

Examples of how Rhombus Recon can support operations include:
Proactive incident response
If a Rhombus camera detects a potential intruder, the system can dispatch a robot to investigate the area. The robot can approach the scene, stream live video to operators through the Rhombus Console, and trigger automated deterrents or escalation workflows through Rhombus Alarm Monitoring.

Automated inspections
Facilities teams can program a robot to follow scheduled routes through warehouses, manufacturing environments, or campuses. During patrols, the system can collect video evidence, perform safety checks, and generate alerts when anomalies are detected.

Mobile gap coverage
Large outdoor environments such as construction sites, logistics yards, and storage facilities often contain areas where installing fixed cameras is difficult or cost-prohibitive. Recon enables mobile patrols that continuously monitor these areas and stream footage back to the Rhombus platform, transforming previously unmonitored spaces into actively
monitored security zones.

How Rhombus Recon Extends Physical Security
• Mobile situational awareness – Uses data from Rhombus cameras, sensors, and access control systems to understand and navigate environments.
• AI-powered analysis – Applies advanced AI to detect threats, safety risks, or operational anomalies.
• Autonomous or on-demand dispatch – Robots can be triggered automatically by events or deployed manually by operators.
• Fleet management – Security teams can monitor and control multiple robots across locations through the Rhombus Console.
• Integrated response workflows – Recon connects with Rhombus Alarm Monitoring to enable escalation, live verification, and coordinated response.

The platform is designed to work with robotics manufacturers including Boston Dynamics, Unitree, and others allowing organizations to deploy autonomous security across a range of robotic form factors.

As organizations face increasing security demands and ongoing labor shortages, autonomous solutions like Rhombus Recon can help augment security teams by performing patrols, inspections, and investigations across large or complex environments.

Availability
Rhombus will demonstrate an early version of Rhombus Recon at ISC West in Las Vegas from March 23–27 (booth #L18). Organizations interested in learning more about autonomous mobile security or joining the early access program can visit
www.rhombus.com.

About Rhombus
Rhombus is an open, cloud-managed physical security platform that brings security cameras, access control, sensors, alarm monitoring, and integrations together under a single pane of glass. Thousands of organizations trust Rhombus to drive operational excellence, improve safety, and streamline workflows through a comprehensive suite of smart security solutions.

Rhombus is backed by Caden Capital, Cota Capital, Tru Arrow Partners, NightDragon, Bluestone Equity Partners, and Uncorrelated Ventures, and is on a mission to make organizations safer and more intelligent with simple, smart, and powerful
physical security solutions.

 

See our security camera reviews

Top 7 Data Visualization and Tableau Courses to Build Analytical Leadership Skills in 2026

According to a 2026 report by Mordor Intelligence, the Business Intelligence market adoption has hit 82%, yet a severe training gap remains. 

Research from BCG indicates that 70% of digital transformations fail due to poor data literacy and visualization. 

In this article, you will discover the top data visualization courses designed to bridge that gap and drive real analytical leadership.

How Have We Selected These Best Tableau & Power BI Training Courses?

  • Curriculum relevance to the 2026 data-driven corporate ecosystem.
  • Institutional prestige & the professional caliber of the certifying body.
  • Focus on analytical architecture (e.g., Power Query, DAX, AI Copilot integration) rather than mere data entry.
  • Flexibility of delivery modes suited for high-level executive schedules.
  • Direct applicability of outcomes to enterprise-scale problem-solving & financial modeling.

Overview: Best Tableau & Power BI Courses for 2026

# Program Provider Primary Focus Delivery Ideal For
1 Advanced Data Viz (Power BI) Great Learning Executive Dashboarding Online/Self-Paced Senior Leaders
2 Data Analysis & Viz (Power BI) Coursera (MS) Technical Modeling Online/Self-Paced Career Switchers
3 Data Visualization in Power BI DataCamp Interactive Exploration In-Browser Hands-on Managers
4 Tableau Essentials Great Learning Visual Storytelling Online/Self-Paced Technical VPs
5 Power BI (PL-300) ONLC Certification & Governance Live Virtual Compliance Officers
6 Power BI for Data Analysis Data for Dev Humanitarian Impact Online Workshop Non-Profit Leaders
7 Power BI Nanodegree Udacity Project-Based Mastery Online/Mentored C-Suite Finance

Best Power BI Training and Tableau Courses in 2026

1. Advanced Data Visualization using Power BI — Great Learning

This Power BI Training course by Great Learning is designed for professionals who need to go beyond basic reporting to build robust, executive-level data pipelines. 

 

It provides an in-depth dive into hierarchical charts, clustering, and complex What-If analyses. 

 

Enrolling in this GLA Pro+, learners gain access to 500+ courses, AI-powered career tools, guided projects, and recognized certifications from Microsoft and AWS to strengthen their career prospects.

 By the end of this course, leaders can extract actionable insights from real-world business scenarios.

 

  • Delivery & Duration: Online, 11 hours, self-paced with 1 major guided project (FIFA Player Analysis).
  • Credentials: Certificate of completion (Great Learning and Microsoft recognized).
  • Instructional Quality & Design: Faculty-led video modules featuring enterprise case studies and interactive labs.
  • Support: 24-hour AI assistance, AI resume builder, and personalized mock interviews.

 

Key Outcomes / Strengths:

  • Architect data modeling workflows utilizing advanced visualizations and cross-filtering.
  • Formulate dynamic parameters to execute high-stakes What-If scenario analyses.
  • Synthesize complex datasets through clustering to identify market outliers.
  • Evaluate operational bottlenecks through interactive dashboards to drive profitability.

2. Data Analysis and Visualization with Power BI — Coursera

Developed directly by Microsoft, this program focuses on the technical end-to-end process of preparing and modeling data. 

 

It is the gold standard for those seeking a software-authorized path to the PL-300 certification. 

 

The curriculum emphasizes data cleaning with Power Query and the implementation of scalable relational models.

 

  • Delivery & Duration: Online, flexible schedule; approximately 30 hours of instructional material.
  • Credentials: Shareable Professional Certificate from Microsoft and Coursera.
  • Instructional Quality & Design: Video lectures from Microsoft experts combined with hands-on labs.
  • Support: Peer discussion forums and automated grading with instant technical feedback.

 

Key Outcomes / Strengths:

  • Deconstruct enterprise databases into functional datasets using Power Query.
  • Implement robust dimensional data models using star schemas for reporting accuracy.
  • Translate business requirements into clear visual narratives using advanced features.
  • Apply best practices in data governance within the Power BI Service environment.

3. Data Visualization in Power BI — DataCamp

This interactive course serves as a strategic entry point for managers who value efficiency.

 

 It utilizes an in-browser sandbox to teach the essentials of data visualization software, requiring no local installation. 

 

The focus is on rapid drag-and-drop dashboarding and immediate data exploration.

 

  • Delivery & Duration: Online interactive platform; 6 hours of modular, skill-focused learning.
  • Credentials: Statement of Accomplishment upon track completion.
  • Instructional Quality & Design: 60 interactive exercises offering immediate coding and design feedback.
  • Support: Community-led help center and downloadable coding cheatsheets.

 

Key Outcomes / Strengths:

  • Navigate the Power BI interface to connect to local and cloud-based datasets.
  • Construct foundational visualizations, including interactive bar charts and geographic maps.
  • Evaluate sorting and filtering techniques to drill down into specific data points.
  • Implement basic DAX measures to calculate essential performance indicators.

4. Tableau Data Visualization Essentials — Great Learning

This Tableau course by Great Learning helps professionals move past spreadsheets to build robust, executive-level data stories. 

 

It provides an in-depth dive into visual analytics, data structuring, and parameterized reporting. The focus is on “visual logic,” ensuring that dashboards solve specific business problems rather than just presenting raw numbers.

 

Enrolling in this GLA Pro+, learners gain access to 500+ courses, AI-powered career tools, guided projects, and recognized certifications from Microsoft and AWS to strengthen their career prospects.

  • Delivery & Duration: Online, 8 hours of video content with 1 major guided project.
  • Credentials: Verified Certificate of Completion in Tableau.
  • Instructional Quality & Design: Faculty-led modules focusing on storytelling and dashboard blueprinting.
  • Support: Access to a network of 5 million+ learners and dedicated AI mentorship.

 

Key Outcomes / Strengths:

  • Architect dynamic dashboards utilizing heat maps, tree maps, and Pareto charts.
  • Formulate complex calculations and parameters to allow end-user interaction.
  • Synthesize clear data-driven stories using Tableau’s unique storyboarding features.
  • Apply data blending techniques to merge disparate sources into a unified visual truth.

5. Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) — ONLC

For professionals focused on corporate compliance and official standards, this program offers an exam-aligned curriculum. 

 

It emphasizes the governance and administrative aspects of a Power BI deployment. It is specifically tailored for those who will oversee an organization’s entire BI infrastructure and security protocols.

 

  • Delivery & Duration: Live virtual classes (4 days) or self-paced on-demand options.
  • Credentials: Prepares students for the Microsoft PL-300 certification exam.
  • Instructional Quality & Design: Instructor-led labs that replicate real-world enterprise IT environments.
  • Support: Direct interaction with certified instructors and post-training resources.

 

Key Outcomes / Strengths:

  • Architect secure data environments by applying Role Level Security (RLS).
  • Manage the full lifecycle of a report from initial query to final publication.
  • Optimize report performance by identifying bottlenecks in the data model.
  • Standardize metric definitions across the organization using shared datasets.

6. Power BI for Data Analysis Workshop — Data for Dev

This specialized workshop is ideal for leaders in the non-profit sector. It frames Power BI within the context of monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting. 

 

The course focuses on using data to tell a compelling story to donors and stakeholders, using humanitarian-specific datasets.

 

  • Delivery & Duration: Online workshop; 10 hours of intensive, project-focused training.
  • Credentials: Certificate of Participation in Data Analysis for Development.
  • Instructional Quality & Design: Case-study driven learning using real humanitarian datasets.
  • Support: Access to a peer community of development professionals.

 

Key Outcomes / Strengths:

  • Build specialized impact dashboards that track project indicators and donor requirements.
  • Automate the cleaning of multi-source field data for immediate visual analysis.
  • Formulate interactive maps to visualize project reach and resource distribution.
  • Cultivate transparent data environments that facilitate trust with global stakeholders.

7. Data Analysis and Visualization with Power BI — Udacity

The Udacity Nanodegree offers an intensive, real-world analytical blueprint for professionals seeking mastery. 

 

It moves from basic navigation to complex DAX iterators and time-intelligence functions. It is the most comprehensive option for those seeking a deep career pivot into professional data engineering or C-suite analytics.

 

  • Delivery & Duration: Online; approximately 4 months at 10 hours per week; mentored.
  • Credentials: Professional Nanodegree Certificate.
  • Instructional Quality & Design: Project-centric curriculum reviewed by human experts for industry-grade quality.
  • Support: Technical mentor support, career coaching, and portfolio reviews.

 

Key Outcomes / Strengths:

  • Synthesize advanced relational data models (Star and Snowflake schemas).
  • Build dynamic time-intelligence tools and apply complex DAX measures.
  • Design custom scenario analyses utilizing advanced conditional formatting.
  • Execute professional-grade data storytelling that bridges the gap for C-suite decisions.

Conclusion

In 2026, the distinction between a “manager” and a “data analyst” is rapidly disappearing. The ability to command data visualization tools at an advanced level is no longer just about generating simple charts; it is about engineering the architecture of business intelligence. 

 

Selecting the right online free courses with certificate today is the most significant step toward mastering data visualization and analytical leadership in 2026.

 

FUJIFILM announces its instax mini 13 instant camera

FUJIFILM Europe GmbH, Imaging Solutions Division, has announced the introduction of its instax mini 13™ instant camera (mini 13). Following in the footsteps of the popular instax mini 12™ instant camera launched in 2023, mini 13 brings a fun, playful new look and feel with its soft, sculpted shape and a metallic silver logo that accents the front of the camera.

New for mini 13 is the introduction of a self-timer, with options for 2 or 10 seconds, giving the photographer the opportunity to be in the shot themselves with their subjects, or for easy hands-free selfies (with the help of the included wedge-shaped angle adjustment accessory). The mini 13’s main features also include a Close-Up Mode, Selfie Mirror, and Auto Exposure capabilities, as well as the Parallax Correction feature, in which the camera’s viewfinder aligns with the lens when using Close-Up Mode, minimizing object shifts to produce a centered photo. The mini 13 also features Automatic Flash Control, which optimizes image quality in bright or low light situations. The lens structure is designed to provide intuitive steps both for powering the camera on/off and for accessing the popular Close-Up Mode with a simple twist of the lens.

 

“Our instax™ mini line of mini instant cameras, smartphone printers, and film represents not only an incredible value for our users, but in many cases, it’s a user’s first foray into analog photography,” said Shin Udono, Senior Vice President, Imaging Solutions, FUJIFILM Europe. “The mini 13 is a perfect fit because experimenting with instant photography – trying out new lighting, poses, or scenes (especially by using the new self-timer feature), are all fantastic ways to express oneself artistically and be a part of your art. We’re looking forward to seeing what our community creates with the mini 13!”  

 

instax UP!™ Smartphone App Update Announced

Along with the introduction of mini 13, the free, downloadable instax™ UP! smartphone app is debuting new and enhanced features. This app is designed for instax™ users to digitally scan, import, organize, and store their photos in one place, regardless of which instax™ instant film, camera or printer product they use. The updated version brings increased image scanning precision by integrating the use of AI. The overall learning capability of the app has been greatly enhanced so that it can recognize images versus backgrounds or other extraneous content, resulting in cleaner, more precise scans. 

New Film Variety Introduced

Pastel Galaxy, the new instax™ mini instant film, will be introduced along with mini 13, featuring a fun cosmic theme complete with sparkly, glossy embellishments, and soothing colors to add a cool vibe to a user’s instax™ photos. 

Colors, Pricing, and Availability

Fujifilm’s instax mini 13™ instant camera will be available in Dreamy Purple, Frost Blue, Candy Pink, Lagoon Green, and Clay White. It will be available to purchase at Fujifilm retailers nationwide from 25th June 2026 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of €90.00 (inc. VAT). The instax™ mini Pastel Galaxy film will also be available to purchase from 25th June 2026 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of €11.50 (inc. VAT). 

For more information on instax, please visit www.instax.ie

 

See our instax reviews

 

 

Zens unveils the world’s thinnest Qi2.2 Semi Solid State Powerbank

Zens, the market leader in wireless charging unveils the world’s thinnest Semi Solid State Powerbank with Qi2.2. At just 8 mm thin and 5,000 mAh, it sets a new standard in portable power. Ultra-thin, lightweight, and designed with a clean, minimalist finish that pairs seamlessly with iPhone and Android devices.
 
This next-generation powerbank combines semi solid state battery technology with Qi2.2 magnetic fast charging up to 25W for iPhone 16 and newer. Slim enough to carry anywhere, powerful enough to rely on every day. For those who need more capacity, Zens also introduces a 10,000 mAh version at 14 mm thin. Ideal for frequent top-ups throughout the day, while maintaining the same clean look and feel.

The semi solid state battery architecture enhances thermal stability, improves resistance to shock and temperature changes, and extends overall battery lifespan. The result is a lighter, more durable powerbank with a longer lifecycle. Qi2.2 certification ensures safe, reliable magnetic wireless charging. It also supports up to 15W for iPhone 12–15 and compatible Android devices.

“At Zens, we design products that make life easier,” says Johan Plasmans, CEO of Zens. “With an ultra-thin lightweight design, and semi solid state battery innovation, we are delivering longer lifecycle performance. One outlet is all you need to charge both your phone and powerbank overnight, while Qi2.2 enables fast magnetic top-ups during the day. The result is the freedom and confidence to stay powered on the move.”

Key features:

  • World’s thinnest 5,000 mAh semi solid state powerbank at 8 mm
  • 10,000 mAh version at 14 mm for extended use
  • Qi2.2 wireless charging up to 25W (iPhone 16 and newer)
  • Up to 15W for iPhone 12–15 and compatible Android devices
  • Power Pass-Through: charge both your phone and powerbank overnight with one cable
  • Charge two devices at once
  • Enhanced durability and extended battery lifespan

The Zens Semi Solid State Powerbanks are available as pre-order via zens.tech and selected partners worldwide.

Telecom Hype vs Reality: 2026 Anti-Trends Reveal What Won’t Deliver

Every year, the telecoms industry finds a new frontier to get excited about. AI will transform operations overnight. Satellites will redraw the broadband map. XR will unlock immersive consumer experiences. 6G will change everything again.

But history suggests that commercial gravity tends to reassert itself.

As we move through 2026, the industry may find that several of its loudest narratives are running ahead of practical returns. That doesn’t mean innovation is misplaced. It means the gap between technological possibility and commercial viability remains stubbornly wide.

Here are five areas where expectation may outpace impact:

Satellites remain supportive, not dominant

Low Earth orbit satellite services have made impressive technical strides. They have strengthened resilience, improved rural connectivity, and introduced new competitive dynamics into fixed broadband markets.

However, satellites still face physical and economic constraints. Capacity remains finite. Costs per delivered gigabyte are materially higher than fibre. Performance can be affected by geography and environmental conditions.

For operators, satellite partnerships may enhance coverage and disaster recovery strategies. But as a mass-market substitute for terrestrial broadband, the economics remain challenging. Fibre and fixed wireless continue to dominate where density allows.

The likely outcome is coexistence rather than displacement, reflecting a broader pattern seen in many telecom technology hype cycles.

Generative AI will increase costs before returns

No technology has captured executive attention more completely than generative AI. Operators are investing heavily in copilots, automation tools, AI-driven customer service, and network optimisation.

While the exuberance around AI remains high, 2025 saw the first signs of the hype cycle cooling, and the financial viability of generative AI relative to the scale of investment required is likely to become one of the central questions for telecom operators in 2026.

Large language models require substantial compute resources, and telecom operators are already facing rising cloud and infrastructure costs associated with early AI deployments. Licensing fees, cloud capacity, integration work, governance frameworks, and new skill requirements all add to the cost base. For many operators, AI may initially increase OPEX before delivering any measurable revenue uplift.

The more sustainable opportunity may lie in targeted, operational use cases such as fraud detection, assurance automation, accelerating product launch cycles, and field service optimisation rather than grand, customer-facing reinventions.

AI will matter. But disciplined deployment may prove more valuable than sweeping transformation narratives.

XR adoption remains limited

Extended Reality continues to generate enthusiasm in vendor ecosystems. Yet mainstream consumer adoption remains limited.

Headsets are improving, but hardware cost, comfort, battery life, and limited everyday use cases constrain mass appeal. Global XR headset shipments remain modest compared with mass-market devices such as smartphones or PCs, limiting the scale of near-term consumer demand. Most compelling deployments today sit in enterprise niches relevant to telcos, such as training, remote assistance, and design collaboration, where ROI for operators can be clearly demonstrated.

Until devices become lighter, cheaper, and seamlessly integrated into daily workflows, XR is likely to remain specialised rather than ubiquitous for telecom purposes.

The promise of immersive connectivity persists. However, the commercial inflection point has not yet arrived.

5G Standalone is slower to deliver value

Standalone 5G was designed to unlock ultra-low latency services, network slicing, and enterprise innovation for telecom operators. Deployment, however, has been slower than early projections suggested, with industry studies revealing that only around 70 operators have deployed 5G SA so far.

While adoption is progressing, monetisable enterprise use cases are still emerging. Many consumer applications do not visibly differentiate between non-standalone and standalone deployments.

The challenge is not technical capability, but demand creation. Without clear vertical solutions or compelling developer ecosystems, advanced network features risk underutilisation.

The industry may need to recalibrate expectations around the pace of monetisation. 5G SA’s value for telcos may unfold gradually rather than explosively.

6G remains a long-term prospect

6G research is accelerating globally, with governments and vendors outlining ambitious visions. Yet commercial rollout remains many years away.

In the meantime, many of the performance gains associated with early 6G discussions, such as improved speeds, lower latency, and AI-driven optimisation, can be delivered through continued 5G evolution, fibre expansion, Wi-Fi advances, and software innovation.

6G will shape the next decade. It is unlikely to define this one for operators today.

Focus on practical fundamentals

None of this suggests innovation is misplaced. Telecom operators depend on forward investment. But as capital discipline tightens across the industry, the focus is shifting from technological possibility to measurable value.

The strongest returns may come not from headline-grabbing breakthroughs, but from expanding fibre intelligently, automating operations pragmatically, investing in skills alongside software, and building sustainable enterprise propositions.

In the telecoms industry, progress is rarely linear. The technologies that ultimately reshape the market are often those that quietly compound value over time.

Hype cycles rise quickly. Commercial reality moves more deliberately.

Qualcom invests €500K to launch new AI practice

Qualcom, a leading Irish provider of IT and cybersecurity services, today announces that it is investing €500,000 to launch its new artificial intelligence (AI) practice. This investment will span three years and, in the continued expansion of its team, Qualcom plans to hire four AI specialists within this timeframe.

The new practice will support secure AI adoption for Irish organisations and enable them to align with evolving regulatory requirements. The investment includes a new partnership with AI infrastructure provider NROC and, as part of this, Qualcom will provide a full wraparound service to secure and manage customers’ AI environments, using NROC’s technology. The funding also includes the training and upskilling of new team members, as well as AI training for Qualcom’s existing managed services and infosec teams.

In turn, the new practice will further enable Qualcom to deliver AI-powered solutions that will secure customers’ Microsoft data, and to provide ultra-secure managed services to businesses. Qualcom has also developed a comprehensive AI policy framework designed to help organisations to incorporate AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT into their daily operations, while safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring compliance,

The company is launching the new dedicated practice in response to heightened demand among customers for AI solutions, services, and capabilities to drive business growth and remain competitive.

This investment comes as Qualcom celebrated 30 years in business in 2025. The company recently announced that it has boosted the headcount within its support centre by 33%, and enhanced facilities at its Dublin headquarters to equip the business for continued growth.

David Kinsella, Technical Director, Qualcom, said: “This investment in our people, platforms, and capabilities reflects our commitment to supporting customers as they navigate both the opportunities and risks of AI. As we look ahead to the next three years, there’s no doubt that the use and applications of AI will continue to grow exponentially. The launch of the new practice will enable us to adapt quickly in line with industry demand, delivering right first-time services that are fully compliant and maximise IT uptime for businesses in Ireland. We’re looking forward to working closely with customers as we support the secure rollout of AI tools to help them to keep pace with their competitors.”

Tech Industry Alliance Announces TechFest 2026

Tech Industry Alliance has announced the official launch of TechFest 2026, the South West’s leading technology conference, bringing together technology leaders, policymakers, innovators, and industry experts for a high-impact, in-person event exploring one of the defining issues of our time: how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping business, society and public trust.

TechFest, the flagship annual conference from Tech Industry Alliance, will take place at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, from 09:00 on Thursday, 21 May 2026. This year’s theme, “AI, Technology & the Future: Innovation, Intelligence and Human Impact,” will explore both the opportunities and responsibilities that accompany rapid advances in artificial intelligence.

Tickets for the conference are now available at:https://techindustryalliance.ie/tech-industry-alliance-techfest-2026/

The dynamic one-day conference will feature high-profile keynote speakers, expert panel discussions, and real-world industry case studies. The programme is designed to provide both strategic insight and practical application, examining not only the transformative potential of AI, but also the governance, regulatory and ethical frameworks required to scale it responsibly.

TechFest 2026 will welcome Jamie Bartlett, a UK-based author, researcher, and broadcaster specialising in the societal impact of emerging technologies, online culture and digital power. He is the author of several acclaimed books including the bestselling The Dark Net, Radicals, The People Vs Tech and The Missing Cryptoqueen, with his work translated into 15 languages. Bartlett founded the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media at the think tank Demos and is a regular commentator across national and international media. His expertise spans cybersecurity, crypto scams, online subcultures and the influence of technology on politics. His TED Talk, How the Mysterious Dark Net Is Going Mainstream, has been viewed more than five million times.

Guiding attendees through the day will be Jonathan McCrea, acclaimed science communicator, and AI master trainer. Known for making complex technology accessible and engaging, Jonathan will help frame discussions around the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption, ensuring an insightful and thought-provoking experience for attendees.

Matthew Camilleri, Chairperson of Tech Industry Alliance, said:
“We are delighted to announce TechFest 2026. From the societal risks associated with AI, cybersecurity threats, and criminal misuse, to regulation, innovation enablement and enterprise adoption, this year’s conference will offer a balanced and forward-looking agenda. TechFest continues to bring together the voices shaping the future of technology in Ireland. This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, who recognise the critical importance of the technology sector to the Munster region. Following the success of last year’s conference, we look forward to building on that momentum in 2026.”

With more than 400 attendees expected, TechFest 2026 will provide a unique opportunity to network, collaborate, and share insights across the technology ecosystem. The event will feature speakers from technology companies, academia, government, law enforcement, and cybersecurity, alongside organisations already deploying AI solutions in real-world environments. The full line up of speakers will be released in the coming weeks.

Given the high level of interest, early registration is encouraged as the event is expected to sell out.

For exhibitor and sponsorship enquiries, contact info@techindustryalliance.ie