Category: Tech News

Vodafone reveals record-breaking connectivity trends in 2025

Ireland’s appetite for connectivity continues to soar, with Vodafone Ireland’s latest network insights revealing record-breaking data usage, festive surges, and a clear shift in how the nation communicates.
Mobile data usage rose by 19.24% year-on-year, climbing from 445,133 TB in 2024 to 530,794 TB in 2025. The busiest day for data was Tuesday, 9th December, when 1,660 TB was consumed nationwide as Storm Bram swept across Ireland. Evenings remain Ireland’s prime time for digital activity, with 10 PM emerging as the busiest hour for online engagement.
While data demand continues to rise, overall voice traffic fell by 7.83% compared to 2024, reflecting a growing preference for messaging, video calls, and social platforms over traditional voice communication. Yet, calls still matter when it counts. The busiest day for calls in 2025 was Wednesday, 26th March, with 502,273 Erlangs – equivalent to approximately 10 million calls, assuming an average 3-minute duration.

Christmas and New Year’s Day saw millions reconnect. Christmas Day recorded almost 3.4 million calls, while New Year’s Day soared past 4.5 million. Together, that’s over 8 million calls during the festive period, proof that when it matters most, Ireland still picks up the phone.

Beyond everyday patterns, 2025 was marked by extraordinary peaks in data usage during Ireland’s major events. During the Ireland vs South Africa rugby match, Vodafone’s network handled over 15,000 calls. Across last year’s Autumn International home matches, Vodafone Ireland’s network managed over 220 TB of data, the equivalent of streaming 73 million songs. Summer’s biggest music moments drove massive connectivity spikes, with Vodafone’s network handling over 5 TB of mobile data across the Dua Lipa and Lana Del Rey concerts at Aviva Stadium – powered by thousands of photos, live streams, and social sharing.
These insights underscore the importance of staying connected in today’s world. As demand for data continues to rise, Vodafone Ireland is currently in the midst of a €500 million five-year investment cycle to enhance network performance across the country.
This ongoing investment and network upgrades have ensured an increasingly fast, reliable service for customers, and saw that Vodafone Ireland was recognised by independent benchmarking organisation, umlaut, as “Best in Test” for the tenth consecutive year in 2025.
Technology now touches every part of life – from accessing government services and our ways of working to planning journeys on public transport and staying in touch with loved ones. Ireland is more connected than ever before, and 2026 will bring new opportunities and challenges for our networks as our digital evolution continues.

Viltrox Launches AF 35mm F1.2 LAB Z

Viltrox has announced the release of the AF 35mm F1.2 LAB Z, a flagship wide-aperture prime that not only further highlights the company’s optical mastery, but also completes its Nikon Z autofocus ecosystem. This milestone marks years of steady development at Viltrox, and lets Nikon Z creators know that one of the most comprehensive third-party lens systems is now fully available – just in time for the Xmas and New Year holiday season.

 

Timely launch of a powerful imaging tool

The AF 35mm F1.2 LAB Z enters the market just as many photographers and filmmakers take a moment to reassess their gear and prepare for new creative goals in the coming year. As one of the few F1.2 autofocus lenses available for Nikon Z, the new AF 35mm F1.2 LAB Z brings cinematic rendering, low-light performance, and robust optical quality to professionals and advanced hybrid creators.

The F1.2 aperture is perfect for shallow depth, night scenes, and dramatic portrait work. Viltrox’s LAB-series 15/10 glass element optical construction (5x ED, 3x HR and 2x ASPH) emphasizes resolution, color fidelity, and aberration control. The sturdy and reliable professional-grade build handles demanding scenarios, such as weddings, editorial, commercial, environmental portraits, and film-making. Optimized autofocus, powered by the Viltrox Quad HyperVCM motor, ensures fast and accurate focusing.

Marks a milestone for the Nikon Z community

With coverage spanning flagship optics, professional workhorse primes, value-focused lenses, ultra-compact travel tools, APS-C primes, and specialty compact designs, Viltrox now offers a near-complete creative ecosystem for Nikon Z users across all levels.

Arriving during the year’s most reflective and festive season, the AF 35mm F1.2 LAB Z is more than a product debut, it symbolizes Viltrox’s commitment to ensuring that Nikon Z creators have no blind spots in their lens coverage, whether they are beginners, enthusiasts, or seasoned professionals.

The complete series of Viltrox Z series lenses

Viltrox now offers a complete, comprehensive series of Z series lenses for all Nikon Z creators: LAB, Pro, EVO, Air, and specialty lenses.

LAB Series: Flagship optical performance for professionals

The Viltrox LAB series is engineered with superior optical performance, for premium rendering and creative control.

  • AF 135mm F1.8 LAB Z
  • AF 35mm F1.2 LAB Z (launched today)

Pro Series: For working photographers and serious filmmakers

The Viltrox Pro Series is reliable and balanced. It is built for demanding environments.

  • AF 85mm F1.4 Pro Z
  • AF 50mm F1.4 Pro Z (available early 2026)
  • AF 27mm F1.2 Pro Z (APS-C)
  • AF 56mm F1.2 Pro Z (APS-C, available early 2026)
  • AF 75mm F1.2 Pro Z (APS-C)

EVO Series: Lightweight but capable lenses designed for growing creators

  • AF 85mm F2.0 EVO Z offers high value for ambitious enthusiasts

Air Series: For travel, everyday shooters, and casual creativity

These ultra-light, approachable primes are easy to take anywhere.

  • AF 14mm F4.0 Air Z
  • AF 20mm F2.8 Air Z
  • AF 50mm F2.0 Air Z

APS-C and specialty options: completing the Z ecosystem

Viltrox further strengthens its coverage of Z series lenses with a complete range for Z DX users

  • AF 9mm F2.8 Air Z
  • AF 15mm F1.7 Air Z
  • AF 25mm F1.7 Air Z
  • AF 35mm F1.7 Air Z
  • AF 56mm F1.7 Air Z
  • AF 28mm F4.5 Z is a specialty compact lens option for full-frame shooters: a minimalist autofocus pancake-style lens that’s ideal for street and travel.

More details and how to buy the new Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB Z

For more information, please visit: https://viltrox.com/products/af-35mm-f1-2-z?ref=orbetcnl

Amazon Store US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2RJZP6H

Amazon Store Europe: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0G2RJZP6H

 

MSRP: $999/€999

SteelSeries & KontrolFreek Christmas Sales

On Christmas Day, SteelSeries and KontrolFreek are unwrapping big online savings. Whether it’s a new headset for your Switch 2 or console, or a keyboard and mouse to match that brand-new PC, we’ve got the perfect upgrade ready to go.
  • SteelSeries.com: Enjoy 25% off MSRP across all SteelSeries products (excluding Arctis Nova Elite).
  • KontrolFreek.com: Get 25% off MSRP when you buy any 2 or more items.
Give their Christmas setup the perfect finishing touch – please see full offer details below:
SteelSeries Christmas Sales – steelseries.com
  • 25-28 December
  • 25% off MSRP, max 2 items per order
  • Using the code: BOXING25
  • Valid until end of 28th Dec
  • Not combinable with other offers
  • Applicable globally
  • Nova Elite is excluded
KontrolFreek Christmas Sales – kontrolfreek.com
  • 25-28 December
  • 25% off MSRP with 2 or more items
  • Using the code: BOXING25
  • Valid until end of 28th Dec
  • Not combinable with other offers
  • Applicable across UK and EU KontrolFreek sites

Dowdetector by Ookla: Largest Outages of 2025

In 2025, digital services proved both indispensable and fragile. This year’s largest outages were defined by platform-level disruptions, particularly across video, gaming, and communication platforms, that impacted millions of users. However, given how many individual platforms rely on the same few cloud providers and core systems, the role of centralized infrastructure also played a key role, demonstrating how a single point of failure can still cause disruption to cascade across multiple services simultaneously.

Downdetector® data from 2025 Ookla could analyze millions of user reports and identify the largest website and service outages of the year.

The World’s Biggest Outages of 2025

2025 saw a combination of major outages across gaming, streaming, and social media services, but none were more impactful than the cloud services outages that affected companies across the globe. These large-scale incidents underscored how failures in core infrastructure can ripple outward to millions of users. Here is a look at the largest global outages of 2025, according to Downdetector data.

 

In Europe:

 

  • PlayStation Network global issue topped the EU list with 1.7 million reports.
  • Snapchat saw the second-highest outage activity in the region with 989,559 reports submitted by users.
  • Vodafone’s UK-wide internet outage generated 833,211 reports.
  • WhatsApp caused significant disruption for its users with 621,763 reports.
  • Spotify’s outage recorded 468,334 reports, making it a major non-video streaming event.
  • Odido experienced, within 10 days, two separate outages that totaled 357,685 reports (June 15th) and 382,003 reports (June 25th).

See more 

OSRAM reveals new wireless reversing camera system!

Original equipment (OE) manufacturer and renowned automotive specialist, OSRAM, has introduced another reversing camera to its extensive range, the ROADsight 4.3” Wireless Reversing Camera Kit (OWRCS4).

To improve visibility and safety for the driver and pedestrians in the vicinity, OSRAM has launched a new reversing camera OWRCS4, to complement its popular ROADsight 7” Wireless Reverseing Camera Kit (OWRCS7) launched earlier this year.

Being able to have access to a good quality rear camera allows drivers to thoroughly check the area behind them to ensure it’s clear and also show them what space is available when reversing. While a rearview mirror can give drivers a view of what is behind the vehicle, it lacks total visibility, which reversing cameras provide.

The OSRAM wireless reversing cameras, ROADsight REVERSE, can be fitted to 12V and 24V vehicles, including cars, light commercial vehicles, caravans, motorhomes, horse boxes – anything that may require a reversing camera.

The cameras are IP67 rated (dust and waterproof) and suitable for on and off road use. They are easy to install, and have a wireless connection of up to 100 metres in an open environment.

ROADsight 4.3” REVERSE – OWRCS4

The OSRAM ROADsight 4.3” REVERSE wireless camera kit (OWRCS4) has a 4.3 inch digital monitor (as the name suggests) and an adjustable suction cup mount. This product can support two different cameras, and the screen will split in two, so the driver can see both. Similar to the OWRCS7, it has on screen parking guidelines to assist the driver.

ROADsight REVERSE – OWRCS7

The OWRCS7, which is a ROADsight 7” REVERSE wireless camera has a seven inch compact AHD monitor and the ability to view a four way split screen for optional additional cameras. It comes with a wireless 1080p camera and also has night vision, giving drivers the ability to see clearly in dark situations as well as on screen parking guidelines. Further, it comes with an adjustable sunshade for the monitor so the driver can also see the screen clearly.

Both products are available now and include the monitor, camera and the correlating wires needed to install.

For more information visit: www.osram.co.uk/dashcameras

RRP:

  • OWRCS4: £119.00
  • OWRCS7: £169.00

Dublin Tech Week Returns: 22–29 May 2026

Dublin Tech Week returns from 22–29 May 2026, bringing together innovators, creators, and communities for a week-long programme of events across the city. Now in its second year, it aims to once again highlight Dublin’s position as a leading global hub for technology, talent, and ideas and grow on the success of its first year.

Over seven days, Dublin can expect to host a diverse schedule that spans conferences, exhibitions, workshops, networking events, and creative experiences. From world-class industry discussions to hands-on activities for the public, Dublin Tech Week offers something for everyone interested in the role technology plays in shaping our future.

This city-wide initiative aims to:

● Showcase Dublin’s innovation ecosystem to both local and international audiences

● Encourage collaboration between tech companies, educational institutions, and community organisation

● Promote STEM engagement with younger generations and underrepresented groups

● Connect the public with the latest developments in technology, culture, and sustainability

Get Involved

Organisations, venues, and community groups are invited to contribute to the programme by hosting tech-related events or experiences during the week. Dublin Tech Week encourages participation from across the tech spectrum—startups, established companies, educators, and creative industries—ensuring the festival reflects the breadth and diversity of Dublin’s tech scene.

A full schedule of events will be published on DublinTechWeek.com in the coming months. To propose an event or find out more about how to get involved, email info@dublintechweek.com.

“Following the success of Dublin’s first Tech Week in 2025, Dublin City Council and the Dublin Brand are proud to support its return in 2026. Dublin Tech Week celebrates our world-class talent, innovation, and collaborative spirit, cementing our City as a leading global tech hub.” said Ross Curley, Head of Economic Development, Dublin City Council & Dublin Regional Place Brand

Programme Highlights

The 2026 line-up aims to include

● Industry Summits & Specialist Seminars

● Open House Events at Tech Companies

● Innovation & Product Showcases

● Hackathons and Developer Challenges

● Networking and Meet-up Opportunities

● Crossovers Between Technology, Art, and Culture

● Family Tech activities

● Showcase of County -wide tech based initiatives

Partners

Dublin Tech Week is supported by key organisations in the Irish tech community, including Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin, LEO, Dublin Tech Summit, Tech Ireland, ADAPT Centre, NovaUCD, Blockchain Ireland, Eth Dublin, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Furthr, and Dublin Chamber.

Canon brings ‘World Unseen’ accessible photography exhibition to Dublin

Canon UK & Ireland is proud to announce the next chapter of its ‘World Unseen’ photography exhibition, now coming to Dublin in partnership with the Photo Museum Ireland. This immersive and accessible exhibition invites visitors to experience photography in a completely new way, showcasing the power of Canon’s elevated prints technology and its impact of enriching lives and businesses.

Following its successful debut last year at Somerset House in London, and other locations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, ‘World Unseen’ will be hosted in Dublin from Wednesday 11th to Sunday 15th February 2026, offering a tactile and sensory experience through elevated prints, audio descriptions and braille. The exhibition is designed to make photography more inclusive and to demonstrate how technology can transform the way we engage with visual storytelling.

Visitors will encounter a series of striking images that showcase how imagery can be experienced through touch, to tell stories, communicate and evoke emotion. The adaptations not only raise awareness of accessibility in the arts but also highlight how inclusive design can enhance experiences for all audiences.

Guido Jacobs, Managing Director, Canon UK & Ireland said: “We believe that everyone should be able to experience the power of visual storytelling. ‘World Unseen’ is a testament to how technology can break down barriers and create meaningful, inclusive experiences for all.”

Trish Lambe, CEO & Artistic Director, Photo Museum Ireland said: “Photo Museum Ireland believes visual culture should be accessible to everyone. Canon’s World Unseen exhibition celebrates what’s possible when art and technology work hand in hand. By opening up new sensory pathways into photography, World Unseen invites every visitor, sighted or visually impaired, to engage with images in a deeper, more connected way. We’re proud to host it here, for free, and for everyone.”

Canon’s elevated print technology, powered by its PRISMAelevate XL software and Arizona printer series, has been used globally to support museums and galleries in making art more inclusive. This exhibition continues that mission, offering a compelling showcase of how innovation can open new possibilities for people with visual impairments.

Admission is free, and further information will be available via the Photo Museum Ireland’s website.

Ireland, world champion of mobile navigation in 2025!

According to the latest nPerf analysis, Ireland secures the world’s top position in mobile Internet browsing performance. The country ranks ahead of four other European nations, confirming the continent’s strong momentum in network performance.

“The countries that deployed 5G first are not necessarily the ones offering the fastest browsing experience” observes Renaud Keradec, CEO of nPerf.

Top 5 best mobile browsing performances in 2025.

Five European countries lead the global ranking

The study compares the loading time of the five most visited websites in each country. The results place Europe firmly at the top of the global leaderboard.

Ireland ranks first with a score of 79.13%, followed by the Netherlands at 78.61% and Slovakia at 78.01%. Slovenia records 76.99%, and Belgium 76.49%. A score of 100% corresponds to an instant webpage load, while 0% indicates that the page could not be loaded.

United States: Early 5G leadership does not guarantee the best experience

Notably, despite an early deployment of 5G as early as 2018, that is two years before most European countries, the United States does not appear in the top 5.

This gap can largely be attributed to the scale and heterogeneity of the territory: covering several million square kilometers is a significantly more complex challenge than upgrading a smaller country such as Ireland or Belgium. This disparity directly influences the quality and consistency of the mobile browsing experience.

Top 20 best mobile browsing performances in 2025.

A reliable snapshot of the user experience

nPerf data provides an accurate snapshot of real mobile browsing performance, measured using a consistent and uniform methodology. This study is based on tests conducted through the nPerf applications, relying exclusively on test volumes that ensure statistical reliability. The results highlight significant disparities between countries, at a time when global traffic continues to shift increasingly toward mobile.

 

 

27% of IT leaders concerned about ability to detect deepfake attacks

Storm Technology, a Littlefish company, today announces survey findings which reveal that 27% of IT leaders are concerned about their ability to detect deepfake attacks over the next 12 months. This concern was felt by more respondents in larger enterprises (33%) than SMBs (23%).

The research – conducted by Censuswide and involving 200 IT decision-makers and leaders across Ireland and the UK (100 in each market) – found that the biggest concerns around AI and security over the next year are data breaches (34%), data protection (33%), and increased risk of adversarial or cyber-attacks (31%). Meanwhile, a quarter (25%) consider shadow AI (use of unsanctioned or unpermitted tools) among their biggest concerns.

This is not necessarily surprising given that half of respondents (50%) know that people in their organisation are using such tools and some 55% admitted to using unsanctioned or unpermitted tools themselves. Forty-two per cent of IT leaders also opined that company data is not safe for input into these platforms.

Perhaps exacerbating this issue, just 60% of companies have been specific about which AI tools are sanctioned or permitted.

More broadly, over a fifth (21%) of IT leaders do not have a high degree of trust in AI tools and almost a third (32%) of companies do not have a strategy in place to address any AI risks that arise.

The research showed that 79% of IT leaders in Ireland and the UK agree their organisation needs to focus more on the regulation of AI tools and 28% do not believe their governance around AI tools is adequate. This rose to more than a third (35%) among Irish respondents.

When it comes to AI and data, 24% of IT leaders do not think their business data is ready for AI, with a similar proportion (23%) of the opinion that that their data governance policies are not robust enough to support secure AI adoption. This could explain why 78% believe a data readiness project is required to ensure successful AI adoption in their company.

Sean Tickle, Cyber Services Director, Littlefish, said: “AI is rapidly reshaping the enterprise landscape, but the speed of adoption is outpacing the maturity of governance. When nearly a third of organisations lack a strategy to manage AI risk, and over half of IT leaders admit to using unsanctioned tools, it’s clear that shadow AI isn’t just a user issue—it’s a leadership one.

“Deepfake threats, data governance gaps, and a lack of trust in AI platforms are converging into a