Best Tech and Gaming Gadgets Every Gamer Should Own

Gaming has evolved far beyond simple consoles and controllers. Today’s gamers have access to an incredible range of technology designed to enhance gameplay, improve comfort, and create immersive experiences. From advanced headsets to smart lighting systems, the right gadgets can transform an ordinary gaming session into a truly engaging environment. Just as players often explore guides like a GameZone Slots Strategy to improve their understanding of digital entertainment mechanics, modern gamers also look for the best technology to sharpen their skills and elevate their setups.

Whether you are a casual player or a dedicated enthusiast, investing in the right gaming gadgets can significantly improve your experience.

High-Performance Gaming Headsets

A quality gaming headset is one of the most essential accessories for any gamer. Sound plays a critical role in gameplay, particularly in competitive titles where audio cues can determine victory or defeat.

Modern gaming headsets offer features such as:

  • Surround sound technology for spatial awareness

  • Noise-canceling microphones for clear communication

  • Comfortable ear cushions for extended sessions

  • Wireless connectivity for flexibility

With these features, players can hear footsteps, environmental sounds, and team communications with greater clarity. This not only improves performance but also enhances immersion in story-driven games.

Mechanical Gaming Keyboards

Mechanical keyboards have become a staple in the gaming community. Unlike traditional membrane keyboards, mechanical models use individual switches under each key, providing faster response times and tactile feedback.

Many gaming keyboards also include customizable RGB lighting, programmable macro keys, and durable materials designed to withstand intense gameplay. For competitive gamers, these features allow greater precision and personalization.

Mechanical keyboards also tend to last longer, making them a reliable investment for serious players.

Precision Gaming Mice

A high-quality gaming mouse is another must-have gadget. Precision and responsiveness are crucial, especially in fast-paced genres like first-person shooters and real-time strategy games.

Modern gaming mice often include:

  • Adjustable DPI settings for sensitivity control

  • Programmable buttons for custom commands

  • Ergonomic designs to reduce hand fatigue

  • Lightweight construction for faster movements

Some advanced models even allow players to adjust weight distribution or create multiple profiles for different games.

Gaming Chairs for Comfort and Health

Long gaming sessions can strain the body, particularly the back and neck. A well-designed gaming chair provides ergonomic support that helps maintain proper posture.

Most gaming chairs feature:

  • Adjustable armrests

  • Lumbar and neck support cushions

  • Reclining mechanisms

  • Durable materials for long-term use

Comfort is not just about luxury—it also improves concentration and endurance during extended play.

High-Resolution Gaming Monitors

A high-quality monitor can dramatically change the way games look and feel. Gaming monitors often offer higher refresh rates and lower response times compared to standard displays.

Features to look for include:

  • Refresh rates of 144Hz or higher

  • Adaptive sync technologies like G-Sync or FreeSync

  • Low input lag

  • High-resolution displays such as 1440p or 4K

These specifications ensure smoother gameplay and sharper visuals, giving players a competitive edge while enhancing visual immersion.

Smart RGB Lighting Systems

Lighting plays an important role in creating the perfect gaming atmosphere. RGB lighting systems allow players to customize the color and intensity of lights around their gaming space.

Many systems can synchronize with games, music, or on-screen events. For example, lights may change color during intense moments in gameplay, adding a dynamic element to the environment.

Smart lighting can also reduce eye strain by providing ambient light that balances the brightness of the monitor.

External Storage for Expanding Game Libraries

Modern games require significant storage space. High-resolution textures, updates, and downloadable content can quickly fill up a console or PC’s internal storage.

External solid-state drives (SSDs) provide fast and convenient storage expansion. Compared to traditional hard drives, SSDs offer faster load times and improved system performance.

For gamers who maintain large libraries of titles, external storage ensures that favorite games remain easily accessible.

Streaming Equipment for Content Creators

Gaming has expanded beyond playing—it now includes streaming and content creation. Many gamers share gameplay experiences on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or other streaming services.

Essential streaming gadgets include:

  • High-definition webcams

  • Dedicated microphones for clear audio

  • Capture cards for recording gameplay

  • Stream decks for controlling broadcasts

These tools help creators produce professional-quality content while interacting with audiences in real time.

Virtual Reality Gaming Gear

Virtual reality (VR) represents one of the most exciting developments in gaming technology. VR headsets immerse players directly into virtual environments, allowing them to interact with digital worlds in entirely new ways.

VR systems typically include motion controllers, sensors, and high-resolution displays that track movement with precision. The result is an experience that feels far more immersive than traditional screen-based gaming.

Although VR technology continues to evolve, it already offers unique opportunities for exploration, fitness gaming, and interactive storytelling.

Cooling Systems for Gaming Hardware

Powerful gaming systems generate significant heat, especially during demanding gameplay sessions. Proper cooling solutions help maintain optimal performance and prevent hardware damage.

Cooling gadgets include:

  • Laptop cooling pads

  • Advanced PC cooling fans

  • Liquid cooling systems

  • Console cooling stands

By keeping hardware temperatures under control, gamers ensure their systems run smoothly and efficiently.

The Importance of a Personalized Gaming Setup

Every gamer has different preferences, which is why customization plays a major role in modern gaming setups. Some players prioritize competitive performance, while others focus on immersive storytelling or content creation.

The right combination of gadgets allows players to design a setup that suits their needs. For example, competitive gamers may invest heavily in high-refresh-rate monitors and precision peripherals, while streamers may prioritize cameras and microphones.

Personalizing a gaming environment also increases enjoyment and motivation. A well-organized and visually appealing setup can make gaming sessions more comfortable and engaging.

 

One in three young people learn about money on social media

One in three (34%) post-primary students now learn about money on social media, and one in seven (16%) don’t feel comfortable asking for help with money-related questions or concerns, according to new research published by MABS (Money Advice & Budgeting Service). The findings will be presented today at a Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) event at Croke Park, to open Global Money Week.

The CCPC, as the national coordinator for Global Money Week, will bring together educators, students and representatives from the world of finance to recognise and celebrate the valuable work being done to build financial skills in young people.

MABS will present the findings of their Money Matters Survey, which found that while young people continue to demonstrate strong digital engagement and a growing sense of responsibility towards their personal finances, important gaps remain that require sustained attention from policymakers, educators, and researchers.

  • Over a quarter (26%) of students don’t know how to use an ATM
  • TikTok has strengthened its dominance as the primary social media platform used for financial information/learning (72%), however,
  • Parents and family members remain the primary source of financial learning (73%)

More than 150 students and their teachers from 20 schools across 13 counties will also attend the launch event to share their innovative financial literacy projects, which were sponsored by the CCPC’s Our Money, Our Future programme.

In 2024, the CCPC launched the Our Money, Our Future programme, which invites post-primary schools and Youthreach Centres to apply for sponsorship up to €1,000 to support students in developing their own financial literacy initiatives and resources, based on topics and themes relevant to them. Over 10,000 students from 23 counties around the country participated in the programme in the 2025/26 school year.

Brian McHugh, Chair of the CCPC, said:

“Students in Ireland today are showing a real sense of financial curiosity; we can see this in the research conducted by MABS and through the high-calibre projects that students are creating through the Our Money, Our Future sponsorship programme. However, important gaps remain. It’s up to policymakers and educators to try and close these gaps, which is why events like the Global Money Week launch – that bring together so many groups from the world of finance – are so important.”

Karl Cronin, North Connacht and Ulster Regional Manager at MABS, said:

“The insights from this year’s Money Matters research show that young people have strong financial curiosity, growing digital engagement, and a real sense of responsibility for their finances. When that curiosity is supported with early, practical financial education, it builds confidence that lasts into adulthood. The results also highlight gaps that need continued focus, and MABS is committed to helping bridge those gaps by supporting initiatives, such as Global Money Week, that strengthen financial learning for young people across Ireland.”

The launch event at Croke Park will be attended by representatives from the world of finance also involved in Global Money Week, including An Post, Association of Teachers of Home Economics, Banking and Payments Federation Ireland, Brokers Ireland, BSTAI, Central Bank, Competition & Consumer Protection Commission, Department of Finance, Department of Education and Youth, Euronext, Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, Institute of Banking, Insurance Ireland, Insurance Institute of Ireland, Irish Funds, Irish League of Credit Unions, Junior Achievement Ireland, Life Insurance Association, Maths Week, Money Advice & Budgeting Service, Oide, Revenue.

For more information on the Our Money, Our Future programme, please see here.

WHOOP launches AI-powered hormonal insights for women in Ireland

WHOOP, the human performance company, today announced its expanded Women’s Health feature set in Ireland with the launch of Hormonal Symptom Insights and Predictions, a significant update to its Menstrual Cycle Insights and Pregnancy Insights offering. 

For many women, hormonal changes influence far more than just their cycle. Energy levels, sleep quality, mood and training capacity can shift throughout the month. Yet traditional tracking tools often rely on static calendar averages that fail to reflect that variability. 

Within the WHOOP app, menstruating members now receive a personalised model of their cycle that adapts over time based on their unique physiological data and historical patterns. Rather than relying on static calendar tracking, the system continuously learns from longitudinal biometric signals to provide increasingly accurate predictions that evolve as more data is collected.  

Members now have access to key cycle data that enables them to adjust daily routines, fitness programmes and recovery practices with greater clarity and anticipate potential symptoms rather than simply record them. 

New capabilities include: 

·        A dynamic date window for the next period, allowing greater anticipation and planning 

·        Tracked trends in cycle length, period length and variability, flagging irregular patterns before larger issues persist 

·        Analysed individual symptom patterns to anticipate when symptoms are most likely to occur 

·        AI-driven Daily Outlook recommendations that adapt based on menstrual phase, pregnancy stage, recovery metrics and logged symptoms 

The expansion builds on the existing Menstrual Cycle Insights feature from WHOOP, which leverages continuous biometric data including heart rate variability, resting heart rate, skin temperature, respiratory rate and recovery trends to generate personalised cycle predictions with minimal manual input. 

“What makes this powerful isn’t any single data point- it’s how the system comes together,” said Emily Capodillupo, Senior Vice President of Research, Algorithms, and Data at WHOOP. “Women don’t experience their physiology in silos. Hormones influence sleep, sleep affects recovery, and recovery shapes training response. By modeling these interactions over time – across continuous biometrics, lab data, and behavior- we can deliver guidance that reflects the full system, not just a snapshot.” 

Menstrual Cycle White Paper 

WHOOP has published a comprehensive Menstrual Cycle White Paper outlining the research, methodology and validation behind its modelling approach. The white paper demonstrates how continuous physiological monitoring improves prediction accuracy over time, how the system accounts for variable cycles, perimenopause and hormonal birth control, and how prediction windows dynamically widen or narrow based on individual variability. 

In addition to hormonal modelling, the Women’s Health feature set integrates the WHOOP Strength Trainer and Healthspan capabilities. WHOOP remains the only wearable that measures Muscular Load, quantifying the mechanical stress placed on muscles and connective tissue during resistance training. Healthspan calculates WHOOP Age and Pace of Ageing using nine physiological metrics, connecting sleep, cardiovascular fitness and strength to long-term vitality. 

WHOOP is the first human performance and healthspan system to integrate continuous hormonal modelling, predictive symptom insights, muscular load measurement and biological age tracking within a single wearable ecosystem. 

With support from the WHOOP Medical Advisory Board, including Dr Robin Berzin and Dr Hazel Wallace, and in collaboration with Clue, WHOOP continues to advance innovation in women’s health in Ireland. 

See our WHOOP reviews 

AI Reshaping Startup Landscape as WeBuild Reopens for Women Founders Across Island

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how tech startups are created, dramatically reducing build time and lowering traditional technical hurdles. 

As building a scalable digital product becomes faster, cheaper and less dependent on deep coding expertise and major funding, more women are seizing the opportunity to lead and build in tech.

In response, applications have reopened for the second cohort of WeBuild, the all-island programme delivered by TechFoundHer empowering women to innovate and to build tech-led solutions. The programme, which supports women founders across the island of Ireland, returns after strong demand for its inaugural intake in January.

Founded in Dublin in 2024 and launched in Belfast the same year, TechFoundHer provides training, community and cross-border networks for women building technology ventures. The first WeBuild cohort attracted more than 90 applications.

Now midway through the programme, participants are developing AI-enabled products aimed at international markets, moving from early concept to validated, revenue-focused ventures within months.

WeBuild is led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland as part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland through the Shared Island Fund, with TechFoundHer as delivery partner.

The four month programme is designed for ambitious women founders developing innovation-led, tech-enabled businesses with global potential supporting those who are beyond the idea stage and already prototyping, testing or building products where technology is central.

WeBuild combines a 16-week core schedule delivered primarily online with in person labs across the island and an intensive two day Residential Build Lab. 

Founders focus on product development, AI integration, customer traction and funding, using GenAI and no code tools to accelerate validation and iteration. An Investor Readiness Clinic supports participants to refine their pitch and funding strategy and connect with investors across the island.

Women taking part in WeBuild are from across the island from Cork, Dublin and Galway to Belfast and L’Derry with ventures across digital health and medtech, education technology, creative and cultural tech, AI driven B2B platforms and social impact technologies. 

Entrepreneur Deirdre McCarthy, founder of FLIT.ie, is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the programme.

She said all women in tech with a great idea should: “Please please do yourself a favour and apply for this. It’s a place of safety where you can access really good humans with strong tech brains. You will learn from the other participants, who may be further along in some ways, as well as from the formal education sessions. Extremely accessible and welcoming environment, unique in Ireland.”

According to some participants the programme has been instrumental in accelerating product development, highlighting the strength of the peer network and access to experienced technical mentors.

Gemma Kingston, founder of The Family Edit explained: “The programme has been invaluable in the development of my business and brought it to stages that I could only have dreamed of in such a short space of time. The access to experts is unmatched.”

Programme creator Máirín Murray said the pace of technological change across the ecosystem means founders can no longer afford to wait

“AI and no-code tools are lowering barriers, but access to the right frameworks and expertise remains uneven” she said, adding: “The strength of the first cohort demonstrated the depth of talent that exists across the island. The question is not whether women can build scalable technology ventures, but whether the ecosystem creates the right conditions for them to do so.

“The demand we’ve had for WeBuild reflects a generation of women founders ready to build serious tech companies. What they often lack is early access to technical support that strengthens credibility with investors and the wider ecosystem. 

“That is what WeBuild is designed to provide.”

To support prospective applicants in the application process the TechFoundHer team will be hosting an information session on Wednesday, March 11 at 4pm. The free session will be hosted by Máirín Murray and will provide a detailed overview of the programme, including the support, structure and outcomes founders can expect.

During the webinar, attendees will hear how WeBuild supports founders who want to harness the power of data and GenAI to bootstrap faster, automate smarter and build scalable tech ventures. The session will also include a step by step walkthrough of the application process and an opportunity for participants to ask questions and assess whether the programme is the right next step for their business.

WeBuild is open to women-led or women founded businesses based on the island of Ireland that are developing innovative products, services, systems or processes with clear commercial potential. Applicants must be at an early or growth stage and demonstrate market validation or proof of concept, along with ambition for significant growth including export and investment potential.

Applications for WeBuild are now open and will close on Monday, March 23 at 12pm. 

Women founders can find full programme information and submit applications at intertradeireland.com/entrepreneurship/womens-entrepreneurship/webuild 

Roborock QR 598 Series robot floor cleaner review

Roborock might be a new brand for me, but robot vacuums certainly are not, and the QR series slotted into my home setup with very little fuss. It aims to be a one‑stop floor‑care solution, handling both vacuuming and mopping with a modern app‑first approach and some genuinely useful extras rather than just headline specs.

Design and key features

The QR series is a robot floor cleaner designed for both vacuuming and mopping, with an app that builds a detailed map of your home using precision LiDAR navigation and vision‑based motion control. It uses separate clean and dirty water tanks in the dock, and the model I tested is available in both black and white, so it should blend into most homes without shouting for attention.

Key features include:

  • Multifunctional dock for charging, water management and maintenance.
  • 10,000Pa suction rating, which is at the higher end of what I have tested.
  • Anti‑tangle side brush that helps reduce hair wraps.
  • Reactive obstacle avoidance to steer around common household clutter.
  • Dual liftable spinning mops, so it can mop hard floors and lift on carpets.
  • App control with flexible scheduling and zone cleaning.
  • Voice prompts to keep you updated on status and issues.

Build quality feels solid, with the dock and robot both giving the impression they will handle daily use rather than just occasional runs. The twin‑tank setup also means you are not constantly babysitting it with refills for every short clean.

Setup and app experience

Setup is very straightforward, and Roborock has actually made it easier than many older robots I have used. There is a QR code on the box for the app and another on the unit itself to pair to your phone, so you are not hunting for menus or digging through Wi‑Fi settings. The Roborock app is highly rated, sitting at 4.8 out of 5 from over 324k reviews and more than 5 million downloads, and my own experience lines up with that: installation was seamless, it connected to my home Wi‑Fi without drama, and I was able to control the robot both at home and when out without freezes or glitches that some rival products still suffer from.

Once the app was installed, the initial mapping run was impressively fast. On older or lower‑end models I have used, you often have to wait for the robot to physically drive every inch of a room before the map appears. Here, the laser‑based system scans and builds the layout quickly without needing to cover every corner first, and it also picked up carpets on the map, which is handy when you want to fine‑tune where it mops versus vacuums. After the quick map, I could choose to vacuum and mop together or run each mode separately, and there is the usual option to schedule cleans for later.

Noise levels are worth mentioning. During normal vacuum and mop runs the QR series is relatively quiet compared to several models I have tried, which makes it more realistic to run while you are working from home or watching TV in the next room. The flip side is that the dock’s prep and rinse cycles are noticeably loud, and during these stages the otherwise clear voice prompts can be a bit muffled by the background noise.

Real‑world performance

In daily use the QR series behaved like a mature product rather than a first‑generation attempt. Navigation was confident, with the robot moving quickly from room to room and avoiding most obstacles rather than ploughing into chair legs repeatedly. Vacuum and mopping performance were both good, and the option to clean filters when required helps keep suction consistent over time.

One area where it stood out was step handling. The manual states it can climb up to a 2 cm threshold between rooms. In my house the main test is a 2.5 cm step leading onto a timber floor, and most robots I have tested over the years either bounce off this or get stuck halfway. The QR series did hesitate and “think” about it, but in every run it managed to get over the 2.5 cm step, which means it is outperforming its own specification in a useful way.

Day‑to‑day maintenance is straightforward. Swapping or cleaning the water tanks is quick, and you are not wrestling with awkward clips or hidden latches. Filters and brushes are accessible, so routine cleaning does not feel like a chore – which is important if you actually want to keep using the robot long term.

One small but important note for buyers in Ireland and the UK: my review unit came with a two‑pin plug rather than the expected three‑pin UK/Ireland plug, so I had to use an adapter. It is not a deal‑breaker, but it is something you should be aware of when you unbox it.

Company background

Roborock is a Chinese smart‑home cleaning brand founded in Beijing in 2014, originally incubated within Xiaomi’s ecosystem where it first built the Xiaomi‑branded Mi Robot Vacuum before pushing its own name worldwide. The company started out focusing on robot vacuums with advanced mapping and navigation, and its S5 series helped establish Roborock as a serious premium alternative to more established names; over the late 2010s and early 2020s it expanded into the S, Q and other lines, adding mopping, auto‑empty docks and more sophisticated obstacle avoidance as it moved into the mainstream.

Warranty

The QR series comes with a 2‑year warranty when bought through official UK/IE channels, which is reassuring for a product that is likely to see daily use.​

Final thoughts

Overall the Roborock QR series feels like a well‑sorted robot cleaner rather than an experimental gadget, and it shows that the brand has learned a lot from earlier generations. The app is stable and easy to use, mapping is fast and accurate, and general cleaning performance is strong, with particularly good handling of room‑to‑room transitions and that 2.5 cm step in my home. It is not perfect – the dock can be very loud during rinsing and the plug situation on my unit was less than ideal – but if you want a capable vacuum‑and‑mop robot that behaves like it was designed for real homes, the QR series is an easy one to live with.

BUY

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How Everyday Technology Shapes Safety Around Us

Technology has become a constant presence in modern homes and workplaces. Devices from smartphones to smart home systems interact with our routines in ways that are often subtle but important. Monitoring tools, alerts, and connected devices help maintain organization and efficiency while influencing how people manage their surroundings. The integration of technology into daily life extends beyond convenience and can have a significant role in promoting well-being and preventing mishaps.

People rely on technology not just for communication or entertainment but for maintaining awareness and control over their environment. Sensors, notifications, and automated systems work behind the scenes to reduce uncertainty and streamline tasks. These tools can indirectly affect safety by helping individuals respond more quickly to potential hazards, minimize distractions, and maintain better oversight of critical activities.

Reflecting on how technology fits into daily routines helps highlight unseen influences on safety. Awareness of device alerts, reminders, and monitoring patterns allows people to act before problems escalate. This proactive engagement transforms everyday tools into active partners in maintaining a secure environment.

Safety Considerations in Modern Environments

In spaces where people spend most of their time, safety considerations are increasingly shaped by technology. According to Ward and Smith, personal injury can occur in ways that are not immediately visible, and tools that detect, alert, or record events help manage potential risk. Devices and monitoring systems offer insights that support safer decision-making without replacing human attention or judgment. By being proactive with available technology, households and workplaces can reduce common accidents while creating a more controlled environment.

Integrating safety-conscious technology also requires awareness of limitations and proper usage. Overreliance without understanding how a system functions can create a false sense of security. Regular maintenance, monitoring, and calibration ensure that devices remain effective. Combining these tools with attentiveness and proper habits creates a balanced approach that addresses both predictable and unexpected safety challenges.

Considering both advantages and limitations encourages responsible use of technology. Training and habit formation ensure that safety features are fully utilized, reducing chances of errors. This balance between human vigilance and technological support strengthens overall protection.

Monitoring and Risk Management

Technology helps manage complex spaces by providing visibility that is difficult to achieve manually. Cameras, sensors, and tracking tools offer constant updates that allow individuals to respond to situations before they escalate. Risk management benefits from timely alerts and the ability to monitor environments remotely, allowing interventions that prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

Routine practices supported by technology, such as automated reminders or notifications about potential hazards, also contribute to safer environments. These systems encourage people to maintain organized spaces and follow safe patterns of activity. Over time, the integration of technology reinforces habits that minimize exposure to harm while creating a sense of security for everyone involved.

Analyzing patterns provided by monitoring tools also enables more strategic responses. Recognizing trends in alerts or sensor data allows people to identify recurring risks and adjust the environment accordingly. This ongoing observation builds a stronger, safer routine that supports long-term prevention.

Supporting Informed Decisions

Having accurate and real-time information allows people to make decisions that reduce unnecessary risk. Technology provides insights into patterns, activity levels, and environmental conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. This data helps in adjusting routines, reallocating resources, and prioritizing attention to areas that need it most. Such informed decisions can prevent accidents and enhance overall safety.

Families and organizations can benefit from combining technology with practical awareness. Devices may signal alerts, track conditions, or notify users of irregularities, but the effectiveness relies on interpretation and action. Technology is a complement to attentiveness rather than a replacement. Thoughtful integration supports planning, foresight, and the ability to address hazards proactively, improving daily safety and reducing the likelihood of injury.

Reviewing and responding to the information provided by technology fosters continuous improvement. Adjustments based on reliable data create habits that anticipate challenges, minimize exposure to harm, and strengthen confidence in daily routines.

Anticipating Unseen Hazards

While technology provides visible and measurable benefits, many risks remain hidden or subtle. Sensors, apps, and monitoring tools can detect conditions that are difficult to observe directly, offering an extra layer of awareness. By anticipating potential hazards, individuals can adjust behaviors, prevent incidents, and address small problems before they develop into situations resulting in personal injury.

Continual evaluation of technology’s effectiveness is also critical. Devices need updates, calibration, and periodic checks to ensure reliable performance. When combined with attentive practices, technology empowers people to maintain safer environments. Awareness of subtle risks, supported by automated feedback, enables individuals to make choices that protect themselves and those around them consistently.

Proactive identification of hidden hazards encourages a culture of vigilance. Technology that highlights unseen risks allows people to implement preventive measures, enhancing confidence and reducing the likelihood of accidents in daily environments.

Encouraging Safer Habits in Everyday Life

Technology plays a role in shaping habits that improve safety over time. Notifications, alerts, and connected systems encourage people to act consistently and remain vigilant. These tools support routines that reinforce awareness, reduce oversight, and foster a culture of caution in both domestic and professional settings. The result is an environment where hazards are identified quickly and responses are efficient.

Integrating technology thoughtfully ensures that safety becomes an ongoing practice rather than a reaction to incidents. By observing patterns, adjusting routines, and responding to alerts, people can cultivate environments that prevent injuries and maintain a sense of security. This focus on continuous vigilance highlights the value of technology as a tool for improving day-to-day life while supporting the well-being of everyone in the space.

Embedding safety-focused practices into daily interactions reinforces long-term habits. Over time, this creates a shared understanding of how technology can assist in prevention, encouraging responsible use and sustained attention to potential hazards. The combination of vigilance and tools cultivates a consistent and reliable approach to personal and environmental safety.

 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin announces €750,000 funding from Google.org for Docklands upskilling initiatives

Taoiseach, Micheál Martin joined Google’s Vanessa Hartley at the Fair Play Cafe in Ringsend today to announce €750,000 in funding from Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, to St Andrews Resource Centre. This project will deliver comprehensive wrap-around training and support to 1,000+ unemployed individuals and early school leavers in Dublin Docklands communities, aiming for at least 50% of beneficiaries to access further education or employment opportunities.

The funding will help future-proof Dublin’s Docklands communities through hyperlocal training initiatives that will strengthen essential skills and provide support to help people access jobs, education, and long-term employment opportunities.

Google.org provided the funding to St Andrews Resource Centre who will use the funds to support the work of This City Works, a platform between Dublin city-based community employment services, helping job seekers in Dublin find the right job for them. The training will be delivered through several vital programmes. These include a certified Train-the-Trainer programme for unemployed adults, an expanded community-based digital support for early school leavers and long-term unemployed, and a Level 5 Homecare Assistant course for 20 learners aimed at bridging local employment gaps and preparing students for AI-linked apprenticeships.

The grant will also fund wraparound support across multiple partner organisations such as LIR, Lets Go, FAACT, Fair Play Digital Hub, and others to ensure learners can access coaching, mentoring, and practical assistance. The initiative will support 100 learners through career development programmes, upskill students in ten local schools, and enable 15 learners with additional support needs to complete a modular employment programme.

Speaking at today’s event Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

“The strength of Ireland’s digital future lies in our people. This initiative directly supports our national ambition to make Ireland a global leader in applied AI. It is vital that early school leavers and those seeking new career paths have direct access to AI and digital literacy. This project shows that when we align community needs with the right training, we create a more inclusive, resilient, and future-proof workforce for the Dublin Docklands and beyond. I want to thank Google.org for its continued commitment to this invaluable work.”

Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland, said:

“The Docklands has been our home for over twenty years and we are dedicated to working in partnership with our neighbours to identify the skills and support they need to succeed. In today’s world, fluency in digital tools and AI is no longer optional, it’s essential.  The success of our programmes in recent years is why we remain committed to ensuring people from all backgrounds have access to the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving society and work environment.”

Jim Hargis  St Andrews Resource Centre and member of This City Works, said:

“Support like this is the lifeblood of community development. It means we can immediately scale up our operations to meet the rising demand for vocational and AI and digital skills training in the Docklands community. We are grateful to Google.org for its ongoing support on this initiative, which will have a tangible, lasting impact on the lives of our learners and their families.”

The goal of This City Works is to empower vulnerable and at-risk school leavers and unemployed people in the local community of Ringsend and Pearse Street by providing training and skill enhancement opportunities, complemented by support services, with the aim of increasing their employability and promoting social inclusion.

For more information visit This City Works.

AIB PTSB and Bank of Ireland to launch Zippay

Ireland’s top three retail banks will this week launch Zippay, the in-app mobile payment service developed by Nexi to help the lenders take on rival fintech giant Revolut.

The service will be made available from 10 March by AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB in a phased launch that reaches a potential userbase of over five million customers. Once launched, it will be made available to all financial institutions offering Irish consumers IBAN-based accounts and a mobile app.

Zippay enables users to send, request and split payments by using the mobile phone numbers of contacts saved in their address book, provided they are also signed up to the service. Customers will be able to send up to €1,000 per day and request up to €500 per transaction.

Brian Hayes, chief executive, banking and payments, Federation Ireland, says: “Starting on 10 March, customers will gradually see Zippay appear in their Irish mobile banking apps. The service will offer them a quick and easy way to send and receive money, or split bills and expenses with friends, family and other contacts using the service.”

AIB Zippay

BOI Zippay

PTSB Zippay

The new P30K Apex charges once a month

The P30K Apex is designed for professionals seeking exceptional battery life and durability at a price up to half that of competitors in the giga-battery smartphone market. The P30K Apex is the result of eight years of research and development.

Avenir Telecom, the company that manufactures and markets Energizer brand phones worldwide, announces the commercial launch of the Energizer P30K in June 2026.
30,000 mAh battery: one month of battery life in mixed use/standby

The company Avenir Telecom which manufactures and markets Energizer branded phones worldwide announces the commercial launch of the Energizer P30K Apex in June 2026 at a price of $399.

The “Apex” model features a 30,000 mAh battery, exceeding industry standards to offer up to a month of battery life in mixed use/standby.

P30K Apex: capacity 6 to 7 times greater than the market average

With 30,000 mAh, the P30K Apex offers a capacity 6 to 7 times greater than the market average. This contrasts sharply with current benchmarks in the rugged smartphone market, such as the Samsung XCover6 Pro (4,050 mAh) or the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3 (4,270 mAh), which top out at under 5,000 mAh.

Eliminating the stress of low battery for professionals in construction, industry, or logistics

For professionals in the construction, industrial, or logistics sectors, this means:

• Weeks of work in a white zone with no access to electricity.
• Eliminating the stress of low battery at the end of the day.
• A tool that is always operational, reducing costly service interruptions for SMEs.

More than just a battery, a 5G workstation

While its autonomy justifies its name “Apex”, this model makes no compromises on technical performance, meeting the requirements of modern business applications (BIM, 3D plans, diagnostics):

  • Industrial Photography: A primary sensor of 200 MP allowing for ultra-detailed documentation of construction sites, an unprecedented definition in this segment.
  • Computing power: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G processor coupled with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, guaranteeing total fluidity even with heavy applications.
  • Fast Charging: The 66W fast charging technology ensures efficient recommissioning despite the massive battery capacity.

A complete range: Energizer P20K Atlas and P10K Orion

To complement the Apex, Avenir Telecom is applying its energy expertise to two other models adapted to specific uses:

  • The P20K Atlas (20,000 mAh): The inspection tool, integrating a torch with a range of 50 meters, ideal for interventions in tunnels or crawl spaces.
  • The P10K Orion (10,000 mAh): With 10,000 mAh, it already offers double the battery life of classic competitors in a more compact format (6.58 inches).

ENERGIZER P30K Apex Specifications

• Processor: MTK Dimensity 7300 Octa Core
• Memory: 12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage (ROM)
• Screen: 6.95″ IPS (1080 x 2460)
• Cameras: Rear 200 MP + 50 MP + 2 MP; Front 50 MP
• Battery: 30,000 mAh
• Operating system: Android 16
• Features: NFC, 66W fast charging
• Resistance standards: P68/IP69K, MIL-STD-810H
Availability and Warranty

The Energizer® Hardcase Pro range, led by the P30K Apex, will be available from June 2026 at a price of €399 including VAT.

3-year warranty.

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