Category: Tech News

NBI and GAA+ partner to reward broadband customers with streamed championship games

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) on behalf of the Government, has announced an exciting new partnership with GAA+, the GAA’s live and on-demand streaming platform.

GAA+ is offering a schedule of c.40 exclusive games for the Championship 2026 season and those new customers ordering a broadband service on the NBI network before 31st March can receive an annual subscription pass valued at €95.

By combining next‑generation broadband infrastructure with modern sports broadcasting, the reward highlights how digital connectivity can bring local sporting moments to audiences right across rural Ireland and the GAA heartland.

Jarlath Burns, GAA President, expressed his excitement at the launch of this partnership: “The GAA is rooted in every community in Ireland, regardless of its urban or rural setting. Making GAA+ as accessible and enjoyable as possible remains a consistent aim and this new partnership with National Broadband Ireland clearly speaks to that ambition.”

“Our platform will once again provide a comprehensive live and exclusive broadcast schedule to supporters across web, connected TVs and apps throughout the Championship from Saturday, April 11th. Working closely with National Broadband Ireland will ensure thousands of our members can avail of enhanced connectivity in their area and look forward to coverage from Provincial Championship and All-Ireland series stages on any connected device in the comfort of their own home.”

The partnership forms part of NBI’s wider efforts to enhance end user experience and highlight the everyday benefits that high‑speed broadband can bring to households and communities.

Speaking of the announcement T.J. Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland: “We are very proud to announce our partnership with GAA+ considering that both organisations have such a strong focus on community. NBI’s rollout of high‑speed broadband infrastructure into rural areas is creating new opportunities for families, clubs and supporters to stay connected – whether that is working, learning or watching their county team compete.”

“We see our partnership with GAA+ as a great way to support broadband take-up by giving new customers that order before the end of March, access to 40 exclusive streamed games.” Mr. Malone concluded: “We also believe watching the GAA+ games over the NBI network will enhance the streaming experience.”

More than 451,000 premises across Ireland can now order fibre broadband on the NBI network, with over 165,000 already having done so.

NIKON Introduces Light Weight 50MM-DIAMETER Objective Lens Binoculars

Nikon extends the MONARCH M5 and PROSTAFF P7 lineups with the lightest 50mm-diameter objective lens binoculars in their class.

Designed for maximum portability and comfortable handling without compromising performance, these new models are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who want powerful viewing without the weight of traditional 50mm binoculars.

With their streamlined, ultra-lightweight construction, the new MONARCH M5 and PROSTAFF P7 50mm-diameter objective lens models prove that full-size binoculars don’t have to be heavy. The MONARCH M5 10×50 binoculars weigh just 640 g, and the 12×50 model weighs 650 g. The PROSTAFF P7 10×50 binoculars weigh 630 g, and the 12×50 model weighs 645 g. Easy to carry and handle, they’re ideal for bird or nature watching and can be comfortably used during longer observation sessions without a tripod.

Despite their minimal weight, the new binoculars offer well-balanced, all-round optical performance. The large 50mm objective lenses provide excellent light-gathering capability while Nikon’s superior optics and advanced multilayer lens coatings reveal fine details with brilliant clarity. From birdwatching at dawn to stargazing after sunset, outdoor users of all ages will be able to enjoy beautifully bright views even in low-light conditions.

Elena Korotiy, Senior Manager Sport Optics Nikon Europe says: “By achieving class-leading weights alongside excellent optical performance, Nikon have removed the traditional trade-off between size, weight, and performance. These binoculars are light enough to take anywhere, yet powerful enough to encourage observation in challenging lighting conditions: they’re perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a clearer view without worrying about the size or weight of their gear.”

New key features: MONARCH M5 and PROSTAFF P7 10×50 and 12×50

Incredibly lightweight 50mm objective lens binoculars: excellent portability, superior light-collecting capability, and superb optical performance for detailed, high-resolution views and more comfortable handling.

Streamlined MONARCH M5: 10×50 model weighs 640 g, 12×50 model weighs 650 g.

Streamlined PROSTAFF P7: 10×50 model weighs 630 g, 12×50 model weighs 645 g.

Wide apparent field of view: moving subjects can be quickly spotted thanks to a wide 60.8° apparent field of view in the 12×50 models. The 10×50 models have a 55.3° apparent field of view.2

Refined exterior design: the lightweight, streamlined body uses fibreglass-reinforced polycarbonate resin and fits comfortably in the hand. The Nikon and MONARCH M5 or PROSTAFF P7 logos are engraved in Nikon’s yellow.

Optional TRA-3 tripod adaptor: compatible with the new 10×50 and 12×50 models.

Additional key features: MONARCH M5

Renowned Nikon optics: multilayer lens and prism coatings, ED glass, and a dielectric high-reflective multilayer coating for bright, high-contrast views with natural colour.

Waterproof and fogproof: waterproof (up to 1 m for up to 10 minutes), with O-ring seals and nitrogen gas.

Long eye relief: ensures a clear field of view, even if wearing glasses.

Multi-click turn-and-slide rubber eyecups: make it easy to position eyes at the correct eyepoint.

Rubber armour: provides a firm, comfortable grip and protects from bumps, knocks, and drops.

Flip-down objective lens caps: to prevent loss of the lens caps.

Additional key features: PROSTAFF P7

Renowned Nikon optics: multilayer lens and prism coatings, a dielectric high-reflective multilayer coating, and phase-correction prism coatings for bright, high-contrast views with natural colour.

Easy to care for: oil- and water-repellent coatings make it easy to wipe away moisture, fingerprints, and smudges.

Dioptre adjustment ring locking system: once the dioptre is set, it can be locked in place.

 

 

Waterproof and fogproof: waterproof (up to 1 m for up to 10 minutes), with O-ring seals and nitrogen gas.

Long eye relief: ensures a clear field of view, even if wearing glasses.

Multi-click turn-and-slide rubber eyecups: make it easy to position eyes at the correct eyepoint.

Rubber armour: provides a firm, comfortable grip and protects from bumps, knocks, and drops.

The Coombe Hospital takes top prize – 2026 National Digital Awards

Digital Business Ireland, the country’s largest representative body for digital and online businesses, recognised The Coombe Hospital with the National Website of the Year Award at an awards ceremony in Dublin last night.
The 2026 National Digital Awards were held at Pitch Dublin where The Coombe Hospital was crowned alongside other winners and runners-up in front of over 250 attendees from the digital sector. 
The sold-out event recognised the best digital achievements in businesses throughout the country. It consisted of 16 categories featuring the best websites, people, and digital innovations of the year across all sectors. The Coombe, a leading hospital for maternity and women’s healthcare was the winner of the Most Trusted Website of the Year as well as taking home the top prize of National Website of the Year winner, selected from all of the finalists in the website categories.
The event marked the sixth year of the awards, with high quality submissions from more than 300 businesses, people, and organisations from across Ireland.
Digital Business Ireland also presented the Taoiseach with the Digital Changemaker of the Year award, awarded to worthy individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and impact in advancing Ireland’s digital transformation. The organisation’s selection panel selected the Taoiseach in recognition of his personal leadership in advancing Ireland’s AI and digitalisation agenda, the appointment of Ireland’s first Minister of State for AI and the establishment of the National AI Office, and his continued advocacy for innovation to promote economic growth.
2026 saw the highest-ever number of entries for the Best New AI & ML Project Award, which was won by AI solutions provider Galvia AI. Other notable winners included the female education and empowerment charity, The Shona Project, which took home the Progressing Diversity Award, as well as placing as runner up in the Marketing Campaign of the Year category.
This year’s awards were supported by key sponsors including Byrne Wallace Shields, All Human, Core Optimisation, Hibernia Venture Labs, .IE, Truffle Hog, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, Pitch, Rockwood Public Affairs and Strike Digital.
Speaking of the awards, Victor Timon, Chairperson of Digital Business Ireland said: “Over the past six years, the National Digital Awards have witnessed tremendous growth in entry numbers and quality, demonstrating the growing importance of the sector and the ways in which businesses are embracing digital tools to increase efficiency and change. Throughout the judging process, we have been inspired by the dynamism, ingenuity, innovation, and talent of the organisations, businesses, and the people involved. 
I would like to congratulate the winners and runners-up in each of the 16 categories this year, and in particular our Digital Changemaker of the Year Winner, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who’s sustained commitment to positioning the country at the forefront of technological change has been an enormous boon to  Ireland’s digital ecosystem. However, I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to all who entered this year’s awards, and I encourage those who have not been successful this year to take the key learnings on board from this year’s process and get involved once again for the 2027 iteration.”
The sold-out event was held in Pitch Dublin, with MC Anna Daly, the Irish television presenter and former host of TV3’s breakfast show, Ireland AM, as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
Digital Business Ireland (DBI) is the voice of the Irish digital commerce sector. Set up in 2019, DBI is comprised of a community of over 8,000 businesses and counts a number of national trade representative bodies, large technology companies and SMEs among its members.
The organisation consists of a wide range of online and digital businesses including retail, hospitality, professional services, travel, technology, transport, education, leisure, agri-business and property.
Digital Business Ireland is a member of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment’ Digital Advisory Forum and the Retail Forum.
SEE THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS HERE
Awards
Winner
Runner Up
National Website of the Year
The Coombe Hospital
GPO Museum
Marketing Campaign of the Year
Musgrave Group Daybreak
The Shona Project
Sustainable Business of the Year
Revolution
Esri Ireland
Best New AI and ML Project
Galvia
Irish Life and Kreoh
Mobile App Excellence Award
Express Merchants
AddJust
Ecommerce Business of the Year
EZ Living Furniture
Hotel&SpaResorts.com
Digital Impact of the Year Award
ALONE
TURN2ME
Next Generation Award (Under-30)
Chris Barrett, RDI Hub
Eve Lawler, Circular Style
Women in Digital Award
Melissa Proxenos, Brightbeam
Kate Colleary, Pembroke Privacy
Progressing Diversity Award
Ellen Conway, The Shona Project
Jennifer Keane, PayGap.ie
Digital Trailblazer of the Year
Brian Hanly, Brightbeam
Kathrin Chambers, Fáilte Ireland
Digital Changemaker OTY
Taoiseach Micheál Martin
Large Business Website of the Year
EZ Living Furniture
Fintua
Most Trusted Website of the Year
The Coombe Hospital
RIP.ie
New Website of the Year
GPO Museum
Activity Time
Medium Business Website of the Year
Expert Ireland
Carraig Donn
Small Business Website
Babogue
Dingle Sea Safari

Apple opens new Dublin Office and expands in Cork

IDA Ireland today welcomes Apple’s official opening of its new Hollyhill 5 building in Cork, representing another strong endorsement of Ireland as a location for global innovation and advanced operations. The purpose‑built facility, which can accommodate 1,300 employees, reinforces Apple’s long-term commitment to the South West region and builds on more than four decades of continuous strategic investment in Ireland.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said: “I’m delighted to open this state-of-the-art new facility in Hollyhill today and to see firsthand the major investment that Apple is making here. The contribution Apple has made in Cork and Ireland over the last 45 years cannot be overstated  – creating thousands of highly-skilled roles and continually investing in their Irish operations.”

Apple’s presence in Ireland has evolved significantly since 1980, growing from a small manufacturing facility to become the company’s European, Middle East, India and Africa headquarters. Its continued expansion reflects both the strength of the Irish talent pool and the competitive environment that supports global technology leaders.

Cathy Kearney, Vice President, Operations, Apple said: “We’ve called Ireland home for more than 45 years and are proud to continue expanding our operations and investing in our people and community here. Our 6,000 team members in Ireland play a critical role in supporting Apple’s customers in Europe and beyond and we’re delighted to build on this later this year with our new office in Dublin.”

IDA Ireland also congratulates Apple on the opening of its new Dublin office – the company’s first permanent presence outside Cork –  which will support the ongoing diversification and development of its Irish operations.

Dónal Travers, Executive Director, IDA Ireland, said: “Apple’s continued investment demonstrates clear confidence in Ireland as a strategic base for its global operations. The new Hollyhill 5 facility, together with Apple’s new Dublin City Centre office, further strengthens the company’s ability to grow, attract talent and innovate from Ireland. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Apple and supporting its continued success.”

Hosting Holidays Stress-Free: Pre-Party Prep and Post-Party Cleanup

There is a specific kind of anxiety reserved for anyone who has ever hosted a dinner party or a holiday gathering. It starts about four hours before the guests arrive. You are trying to marinate the roast, arrange the flowers, and shower—all at the same time. Then, you look down.

The floor is dusty. There are dog hair tumbleweeds in the hallway. The kitchen tiles have flour on them.

In that moment, you have a choice: Do you spend 45 minutes sweating over a broom and mop, or do you ignore it and hope the lighting is dim enough?

For the modern host, this dilemma is obsolete. The art of stress-free entertaining isn’t about lowering your standards; it’s about delegating the labor. By utilizing a “Two-Phase” cleaning strategy, you can ensure your home is pristine before the doorbell rings and effortlessly restored after the last guest leaves.

This strategy relies on two distinct tools: a vacuum and mop combo for the preparation, and a powerful wet/dry system for the recovery.

Phase 1: The “Invisible” Prep Team

The hours leading up to a party are precious. Every minute spent cleaning floors is a minute taken away from food preparation or your own relaxation. This is where automation becomes your best co-host.

The goal of pre-party cleaning is “Visual Perfection.” You want the floors to shine, the carpets to have those fresh vacuum lines, and the dust bunnies to be banished. However, you do not need to do this yourself.

By deploying a robot vacuum and mop in the morning, you delegate the most physically demanding part of the prep. While you are at the grocery store or prepping ingredients, the robot is systematically navigating your home.

A high-quality combo unit is essential here because it handles dual tasks. It vacuums the high-traffic areas where guests will congregate—the living room, the dining room, the entryway—while simultaneously damp-mopping the hard floors to remove fine dust and footprints.

When you walk into the kitchen to start cooking, the floors are already done. You haven’t lifted a finger. The air feels fresher because the dust has been removed, not stirred up. This psychological win cannot be overstated; starting your evening with a clean slate sets the tone for a relaxed, confident host.

Phase 2: The “Chaos” of the Event

Parties are messy. That is the sign of a good time. People track in dirt from outside. Appetizers get dropped. Drinks get spilled.

In the past, a spilled glass of red wine on a hard floor was a “stop the music” emergency. The host would rush out with paper towels and spray bottles, scrubbing on their hands and knees while guests watched awkwardly.

With the right tools waiting in the wings, you can adopt a more relaxed attitude. You know that no matter what hits the floor—gravy, wine, dip, or mud—you have a solution that doesn’t involve a roll of paper towels.

Phase 3: The Morning After Recovery

The real challenge of hosting isn’t the preparation; it’s the aftermath.

The “Morning After” is usually grim. You wake up to sticky floors. There are crumbs embedded in the rug. The kitchen floor is a map of last night’s cooking spills—droplets of sauce, sticky cocktail residue, and whatever the dog tracked in.

A standard vacuum is dangerous here. If you suck up wet food or sticky liquid, you will ruin the motor and make the canister moldy. A robot is also not the right tool for this level of grime; it is designed for maintenance, not disaster recovery.

This is the domain of the wet dry vac. This device is the ultimate “reset button” for your home.

Unlike a mop, which would just smear the sticky residue around, a wet/dry vacuum washes the floor with fresh water and high-speed scrubbing. It literally eats the mess.

Imagine the post-party kitchen floor:

  1. Solid Debris: Crushed chips, dropped vegetables, breadcrumbs.
  2. Liquid Mess: Dried wine spots, sticky soda, water spills.

With a wet/dry unit, you do not need to sweep first. You simply turn it on and walk forward. It vacuums the solids and washes the liquids in a single pass. The dirty water is extracted instantly, leaving the floor dry and streak-free.

You can clean the entire party zone—kitchen, dining, and living area—in roughly 15 minutes. It transforms a task that usually takes all Sunday morning into a quick, satisfying chore.

The Host’s Secret Weapon

The difference between a stressed host and a gracious one often comes down to logistics.

If you are worried about the cleaning, you cannot enjoy the company. By automating the prep with a robot, you buy yourself time. By securing the cleanup with a wet/dry vacuum, you buy yourself peace of mind.

You no longer have to fear the “red wine spill” or the “muddy shoes.” You know that your home system can handle it. This allows you to focus on what actually matters: the conversation, the food, and the memories.

Ultimately, these tools don’t just clean your floors; they protect your weekends. They ensure that hosting a party doesn’t mean sacrificing your Sunday to the mop bucket.

Gemini app: Create custom music tracks with Lyria 3

Since launching the Gemini app, they built tools to encourage creative expression through images and video. Today, Gemini is taking the next step: custom music generation. Lyria 3, Google DeepMind’s latest generative music model, is rolling out today in the Gemini app. Just describe an idea or upload a photo, like a comical R&B slow jam about a sock finding their match” and in a matter of seconds, Gemini will translate it into a high-quality, catchy track. To push the creative envelope further, you can even ask Gemini to take inspiration from something you upload. See more below.

Lyria 3 improves on audio generation from the previous model version in three important ways: 

  1. No need to provide your own lyrics! They’ll be generated for you based on your prompt.

  2. You have more creative control over elements like style, vocals and tempo you want.

  3. You can create more realistic and musically complex tracks. 


Here’s how you can use it:

  • Text to tracks: Describe a specific genre, mood, inside joke, or memory to create unique tracks with lyrics or instrumental audio that fits your vibe. “Create a track about my favorite meal my mom used to make, it was made of rice, plantains and beans. Use an Afrobeats vibe and the singer should sound West African.” 

  • From photos and videos to track: Upload a photo or video and watch Gemini use the content to compose a track with lyrics that fit the mood perfectly. “Use these photos to create a track about my dog Duncan on a hike in the woods.” 


The Gemini app creates 30-second tracks with custom cover art generated by Nano Banana. This makes it easy to quickly share with friends by downloading or simply clicking the share link. The goal of these tracks isn’t to create a musical masterpiece, but rather to give you a fun, unique way to express yourself.

Creators can also explore Lyria 3 on YouTube’s Dream Track. Available in the U.S. and now rolling out to YouTube creators in other countries, Lyria 3 will enhance the quality of each unique Shorts soundtrack. Whether it’s creating a lyrical verse or a vibey backing track, being able to better customize the soundtrack will take creators’ Shorts to the next level.

New audio verification capabilities 

All tracks generated in the Gemini app are embedded with SynthID, our imperceptible watermark for identifying Google AI-generated content. We are also giving you more tools to help identify AI content, broadening our verification capabilities in the Gemini app to include audio. Simply upload a file and ask if it was generated using Google AI, and Gemini will check for SynthID and use its own reasoning to return a response.

Our commitment to developing generative AI responsibly 

Since we first launched Lyria in 2023, we’ve sought to develop this technology responsibly in collaboration with the music community. We’ve learned a lot through these collaborations and our experiments, like Music AI Sandbox, and have been very mindful of copyright and partner agreements as we’ve trained Lyria 3. 


Music generation with Lyria 3 is designed for original expression, not for mimicking existing artists. If your prompt names a specific artist, Gemini will take this as broad creative inspiration and create a track that shares a similar style or mood. We also have filters in place to check outputs against existing content. We recognize that our approach might not be foolproof, so you can report content that may violate your rights or the rights of others. Additionally, in order to use our products, users must adhere to our Terms of Service and Gen AI prohibited use policies, which prohibit violations of others’ intellectual property and privacy rights. 


Lyria 3 is available in the Gemini app for all users 18+ in English, German, Spanish, French, Hindi, Japanese, Korean and Portuguese, with plans to expand quality and coverage of more languages. And Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra subscribers will enjoy higher limits. Our goal with music generation in the Gemini app is to help you add a fun, custom soundtrack to your daily life. Try it out today at gemini.google.com. 

Twelve South Introduces PowerCapsule, an Ultra-Slim Magnetic Qi2 Power Bank

Twelve South, a design leader in Apple accessories, today introduces PowerCapsule, an ultra-slim magnetic power bank designed for daily carry. With a satin-finish zinc alloy frame and a cactus-based soft-touch inlay, PowerCapsule delivers Qi2-certified wireless charging up to 15W for iPhone and Qi2-compatible devices in a refined, pocket-ready design. Built to snap on with secure magnetic alignment, PowerCapsule preserves the natural feel of iPhone in hand while adding dependable power, whether you’re moving through a workday, commuting across town, or traveling for the weekend. 

Featuring a buttery-soft synthetic inlay, PowerCapsule adds warmth and grip against the sleek glass and metal of iPhone. Available in 5,000mAh and 10,000mAh capacities, it supports charging two ways, wireless or wired via USB-C, and includes pass-through charging, allowing users to power iPhone while the battery recharges. 

Designed for Your Hand. Optimised for Your Pocket 

PowerCapsule is designed for the way people actually use their phone: in hand, on the move, and often for hours at a time. Its ultra-slim silhouette keeps iPhone comfortable to hold while charging, and its secure magnetic attachment helps maintain consistent alignment without adding visual or physical bulk. 

The back inlay uses a cactus-based luxury synthetic material derived from plants, chosen for its warm hand-feel and refined grip. Embossed details echo Twelve South’s design language, drawing inspiration from the pocket-angle pattern seen on the Twelve South MagFold Wallet, bringing subtle character and texture to a power bank built to fit naturally into everyday routines. 

Function Follows Form 

While PowerCapsule has a warm, material-forward feel, its power system is fully modern. With Qi2-certified wireless charging up to 15W, PowerCapsule delivers efficient power designed for iPhone, and also offers USB-C wired charging for additional flexibility. With pass-through charging, users can charge iPhone and the battery at the same time, ideal for desks, bedside setups, and travel. 

Key Features 

  • Qi2-certified wireless charging up to 15W for iPhone and Qi2-compatible devices 
  • MagSafe-compatible magnetic attachment for secure alignment while charging 
  • Ultra-slim, compact profile designed for comfortable daily carry 
  • Satin-finish zinc alloy frame for a refined, durable feel 
  • Cactus-based luxury synthetic back inlay for a warm, refined grip 
  • Available in 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh capacities 
  • USB-C wired charging option for charging non-Qi2 devices 
  • Up to 30W (10,000mAh) / up to 20W (5,000mAh), depending on device 
  • Pass-through charging to charge iPhone while recharging PowerCapsule 
  • Available in Dune and Slate 

Pricing and Availability 

PowerCapsule is available now at https://twelvesouth.co.uk/products/powercapsule 

  • PowerCapsule 5,000mAh: £49.99 
  • PowerCapsule 10,000mAh: £59.99 

NIKON Introduces New SPORTSTAR EX II OUTDOOR BINOCULARS

Nikon announces new SPORTSTAR EX II 8×25 and 10×25 waterproof binoculars with an updated ergonomic design that improves ease of use across a wide range of outdoor activities. Now more compact and travel friendly, the new models fit more comfortably in the hand while their waterproof construction and renowned Nikon optics ensure crisp, clear views in any weather.

From birding and nature watching to sport and marine activities, the new SPORTSTAR EX II binoculars make it even easier for users to enjoy the great outdoors. The new 8×25 model offers a more spacious viewing experience than its predecessor thanks to a wider 60.3° apparent field of view, while the 10×25 model maintains a 59.2° apparent field of view. Thanks to Nikon’s multilayer coating, each model provides a crisp, high-contrast view regardless of magnification choice.

Both the SPORTSTAR EX II 8×25 and 10×25 binoculars come ready for changeable weather, with a nitrogen-filled construction that prevents internal fogging, and they are waterproof up to 1 m for 10 minutes. A dual-hinge design allows users to fold these binoculars down small for easy portability, and rubber armour provides a firm, comfortable grip.

Elena Korotiy, Senior Manager Sport Optics Nikon Europe says: “SPORTSTAR EX binoculars have been popular for 20 years now. The previous models proved themselves in the field, and the new SPORTSTAR EX II models are building on that success with refined ergonomics that improve handling and comfort. Plus, the wider field of view on the 8×25 model makes it much easier for users to track subjects on the move.”

Key features: SPORTSTAR EX II 8×25 and 10×25

Two magnifications: choose the 8×25 model for the widest view when tracking action, or the 10×25 model for extra reach when spotting distant wildlife.

Wide views: SPORTSTAR EX II 8×25 offers a wide 60.3° apparent field of view that makes it easier to track moving subjects. The 10×25 model offers a 59.2° apparent field of view.1

Waterproof: SPORTSTAR EX II binoculars are waterproof up to 1 m for 10 minutes.2 The nitrogen-filled construction prevents internal fogging, for reliable outdoor use.

Renowned Nikon optics: a multilayer coating cuts through glare for crisp, high-contrast views.

Easy to carry: the compact dual hinge folds down easily for effortless portability.

Easy to grip: rubber armour provides a firm, comfortable grip and protects from bumps, knocks, and drops.

Comfortable to use: turn-and-slide rubber eyecups make it easy to find the right eye position.

Light, durable aluminium alloy body: both models weigh just 310 g.

See more 

BBC EYE DOCUMENTARY FOR STORYVILLE & WORLD OF SECRETS GAIN UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS TO THE INTERNATIONAL AGENTS COMBATING CHILD ABUSE ON THE DARK WEB

A new documentary by BBC Eye for Storyville and a new season of World of Secrets follow U.S. agent Greg Squire and a dedicated network of specialist undercover investigators from around the world as they track down perpetrators of child sexual abuse on the dark web.

The investigation will air on BBC Four and iPlayer and can be heard on the BBC World of Secrets podcast which returns with a six-part series on The Darkest Web.

Working across different time zones, these officers uncover encrypted forums where prolific abusers trade tactics, erase their digital footprints and produce and distribute millions of images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Behind every username lies a potential victim in immediate danger, forcing investigators into a race against the clock.

BBC Eye, the investigative team within the BBC World Service, reports for Storyville.

Operating across borders, cultures and political divides, BBC Eye gains unprecedented access to investigative teams in the United States, Portugal, Brazil and Russia, as they work side by side to track down some of the world’s most dangerous child predators and rescue children who might otherwise never be found.

These agents spend months, sometimes years, infiltrating hidden networks designed to be untraceable, piecing together clues across multiple jurisdictions, and using advanced digital forensics to unmask offenders. Each breakthrough demands both exceptional technical skill and incredible psychological resilience.

In these collaborations, we witness not only the depths of the crimes being fought, but also the extraordinary courage, ingenuity, and resolve of the people who fight every day, to bring light to the darkest places on the internet.

One of the cases BBC Eye explores involves a girl named ‘Lucy’.

In January 2014, Greg and his team begin investigating after pictures of Lucy’s abuse are found online. The sexual abuse appears to have taken place over the course of six years. The team are under considerable time pressure to find and rescue Lucy.

The first lead in the investigation comes when a piece of furniture in one of Lucy’s photos is identified as having had limited sales, with only 40,000 units sold in the U.S. This focuses the investigation to 29 states.

Nine months later there is a break in the case. John Harp, a brick expert, is able to help Greg identify the bricks in Lucy’s room. He sources which plant the brick was manufactured in, crucially narrowing down the radius of the search.

By taking the list from the furniture manufacturer and drawing a radius around this brick factory, the team identify those within this radius, whittling down 10,000 people to 40-50.

“So, we thought we had a fairly good shot if we looked through social media that somebody on that list might have a picture of Lucy on their page. And probably by 9am we were flipping through social media pages. And there was Lucy right in front of us. Couldn’t believe it. Nine months of looking and we’re sitting there staring at her, and we all looked and said, a hundred percent this is her. A hundred percent”, says Greg.

Over a decade after her rescue, Greg is reunited with Lucy.

“I am incredibly lucky to have a good support system right now while I’m dealing with this. I have more stability. I’m able to have the energy to talk to people, which I could not have done even a couple years ago” Lucy says to Greg.

“I was praying, praying actively for it to end. I had been at that point for years. Not to sound cliché, but it was a prayer answered.”

The offender in the ‘Lucy’ case was sentenced to 75 years in prison.

It is currently estimated that there are over one million active users on child sexual abuse forums on the dark web. Within the global working group, there are less than fifty undercover agents working together to infiltrate their networks.

Sam Piranty, The Darkest Web, Director and World of Secrets podcast host, says:

“Over the seven years it took to make this film we were constantly grappling with how to confront such an unimaginably dark subject There were long stretches where I questioned whether we could make something that conveyed the scale of the harm without making viewers turn away.

“Yet in the darkness we found the soul of the film – the hope, the chinks of light. The endless courage of both the survivors and the officers we met. Witnessing their quiet sacrifices, their stubbornness in the face of something so terrifying, and their refusal to back down, gave us the resolve to keep making this film.”

Greg Squire, Special Agent, says:

“Every day, my work takes me into some of the darkest corners of the internet, but I do it because every child deserves to be safe, to be a child. Infiltrating and exposing these networks isn’t just about stopping the abusers; it’s about giving survivors a chance to reclaim their futures.

“I’ve been so honoured to serve and feel so lucky to work among the amazing agents and officers that dedicate their lives to this work. If this film shows anything, I hope it’s that none of us can look away. The children deserve the very best we have.”

Storyville: The Darkest Web is a BBC Eye documentary for Storyville, BBC Four and iPlayer.

The six-part World Service podcast World of Secrets: The Darkest Web will be available on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

 

Where to listen and watch?

Documentary:

 

  • In the UK, Storyville: The Darkest Web will air on BBC Four on Tuesday 17 February at 22.00 GMT and will be available on BBC iPlayer.
  • In the US, the documentary will be available on the BBC World Service YouTube channel, BBC Select and BBC.com.
  • Translated versions of the documentary, including Russian, Arabic, Persian, Ukrainian and Portuguese editions, will be available.

Podcast:

 

World of Secrets, Season 11: The Darkest Web, is available from Monday 16 February. There are six episodes.

 

  • The first episode will be available by 1400 GMT on Monday 16 February wherever you get your BBC podcasts, with new episodes released weekly.
  • If you’re in the UK, you can listen to episodes a week early on BBC Sounds, with episodes 1 and 2 published at 1300 GMT on Monday 16 February.
  • Listeners outside the UK can also listen to episodes on BBC.com. The first two episodes will be available on Monday 16 February to subscribers to BBC Podcasts Premium on Apple Podcasts.
  • World of Secrets: The Darkest Web will air weekly on BBC World Service radio, from Wednesday 18 February, 0430 GMT.