- Innovative technology which bridges the trade gap and accelerates growth by overcoming the obstacles to sending parcels from Ireland to the UK post-Brexit
- Pre-cleared UK customs and three-day e-commerce parcel delivery to the UK via Dublin Port
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End-to-end tracking and an integrated customer-friendly returns service
AI is accelerating but is your infrastructure keeping pace?
AI is rapidly transforming businesses across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), unlocking innovation and potential in vital areas from retail personalisation to medical research. But Irish organisations in particular are feeling both the excitement and the strain. Many businesses find their AI ambitions stalling – as no one expected they’d need to support AI workloads when designing their infrastructure strategy. Colin Boyd, Data Centre Solutions Sales Director, Dell Technologies Ireland tells us more
The investment momentum is strong. Projections show the AI market in Europe alone is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand from approximately $105B in 2024 to over $640B by 2031, at a CAGR of 35% (Statista). But in Ireland the legacy systems remain one of the biggest barriers to progress with almost 28% of businesses saying their servers need upgrading to support AI workloads and 34% saying the same for their storage systems, according to Dell Technologies Innovation Catalyst Study. And as data volumes surge, 97% organisations that are planning to increase their storage capacity expect to face challenges of some sort when doing so, underscoring the scale of the infrastructure gap.
To truly unlock AI’s potential, leaders must first look inward and assess if their infrastructure is a launchpad for innovation or a barrier to progress. Here are five indicators that your infrastructure might be holding you back.
- Data Access is a Bottleneck, Not an Enabler
AI models are fueled by data. The more high-quality data they can process, the more accurate and insightful they become. However, many local businesses still struggle with fragmented or slow-moving data. If data scientists spend more time waiting for datasets to load than they do building models, that is a problem. Legacy storage systems often struggle to deliver the high-speed, parallel throughput required for training complex algorithms.
The challenge is further amplified by Ireland’s strict regulatory environment as seen 40% of the organisations say they face challenges when it comes to meeting regulatory data requirements when it comes increasing storage capacity and 37% cite data security and privacy concerns as barriers when planning to scale their storage infrastructure.
The need for strong data management in the EMEA region is further amplified by stringent regulatory requirements. Regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe set high standards for data privacy, consent, and localisation. Businesses need to ensure that data used for AI is not only accessible and timely but also managed and transferred in compliance with these legal mandates.
Consider a financial institution in London aiming to use AI for fraud detection. Real-time analysis is essential, but a fragmented or slow data landscape not only risks missed threats but can also lead to breaches of privacy mandates. Modern, compliant data platforms help unify, streamline, and accelerate access – enabling safe, rapid innovation, while meeting the complex requirements for privacy and governance.
- Scaling Server Infrastructure for the Next Wave of AI
Running AI in production is still a highly-compute intensive challenge for most businesses. While few enterprises are training large language models from scratch, many are deploying AI to support real-time decision making, analytics, computer vision, and increasingly autonomous workflows alongside existing business applications.
Almost 28% of Irish organisations say their servers need upgrading to support AI workloads, as it places sustained pressure on server infrastructure, particularly when general-purpose servers are already operating close to capacity. When AI inference, data processing and core applications compete for the same resources, performance suffers and the value of AI is harder to realise. Purpose built infrastructure, including accelerated compute, helps businesses support these mixed workloads efficiently while maintaining reliability and predictable performance.
- The Network Is a Traffic Jam
AI doesn’t just demand powerful computing and storage; it also requires a robust network to move massive datasets between storage, processing units, and end-users. But many businesses are discovering that their networks weren’t designed for this level of throughput. A slow or unreliable network can create significant bottlenecks, effectively starving your powerful AI processors of the data they need to function. Signs include long data transfer times, network congestion during peak processing hours, and dropped connections that can interrupt critical training jobs.
A slow network means a frustratingly delayed user experience, which can directly impact on customer satisfaction and retention. A growing number of Irish businesses recognise that improving data transfer speeds is essential to support AI tasks. A high-speed, low-latency network fabric is essential to ensure a smooth, continuous flow of data, enabling your AI applications to perform as intended.
- Deployment and Management Are Overly Complex
Getting an AI model from the lab to a live production environment should be a streamlined process. However, many businesses find themselves entangled in complexity. If your IT team struggles to provision resources, manage software dependencies, and scale applications, your infrastructure is creating unnecessary friction. A rigid, manually configured environment makes it difficult to experiment, iterate, and deploy AI models efficiently.
The challenge is compounded by skills gap and operational pressures. 34% of Irish organisations cite a lack of in-house expertise as a key barrier to managing growing data and infrastructure demands.
Lack of agility can be a significant disadvantage. Businesses across the EMEA region are looking to AI for a competitive edge, and speed to market is critical.
Modern infrastructure simplifies this journey with integrated software stacks and automation tools. This approach empowers teams to deploy AI applications quickly, manage them with ease, and scale them on demand, fostering a culture of rapid innovation.
- No Clear Path to Scale
While an organisation’s first AI project may start small, the infrastructure should be ready for what comes next. A critical sign of an unprepared system is the absence of a clear, cost-effective strategy for scaling your AI capabilities. If expanding the AI environment requires a complete and costly overhaul, the initial success will be difficult to replicate and these challenges are already being felt across businesses, with 40 % reporting difficulties when ensuring infrastructure scalability, while 37% cite high cost of expanding data storage as one of the key obstacles.
Infrastructure built on a scalable, modular architecture allows businesses to grow AI resources incrementally. This “pay-as-you-grow” model provides the flexibility to meet evolving demands without overinvesting, ensuring your AI journey is sustainable in the long term.
Building the Foundation for Progress
The journey to AI is not just about algorithms and data; it’s about building a powerful and agile foundation. By addressing these five signs, businesses in Ireland can move beyond the limitations of legacy systems. Investing in modern, purpose-built infrastructure is an investment in your future. It empowers your teams, simplifies complexity, and creates the conditions for AI to deliver on its promise of driving meaningful progress and creating new opportunities.
As organisations look to advance their AI ambitions, understanding how to modernise infrastructure becomes essential. The same principles that drive transformation – strengthening core systems, managing data securely and scaling AI workloads with confidence will be at the heart of the conversation at Dell Technologies Innovate. Bringing together industry experts and technology leaders, the event will explore how organisations can build resilient, AI‑ready environments while maintaining security, compliance, and performance.
For organisations looking to take the next step in their AI journey, understanding how to modernise infrastructure will be key.
Join us at Irish Museum of Modern Art on 26th March to dive deeper into these strategies and chart a clear path forward. For more information and to register, click here.
Google Pixel 10a Review if its not broke dont fix it
The all new Google Pixel 10a has been my daily driver now and on a first look you will be asking questions many have asked and that is it looks the same, true this is relatable to many other devices on the market today and Goolge seems to be playing it safe with the idea if it is not broke dont fix it approach which is fine and I like it.
People will ask why bother, well people have changed their update regimes taking adavantage of longer support like the 7 years Pixel devices now get and each year people will be on different cycles so their needs to be a new shiny device for those people however people will still ask why bother when software is now king on many smarthphones.
What has changed on the Google Pixel 9a to the new 10a, on the looks department nothing really, the small lip around the camera area is now gone giving a completely flat surface on the rear but no PixelSnap.
There is now wireless charing this time at 15W better battery optimization, brighter screen new Gorrilla Glass 7i Auto Best Take and Macro Focus on the cameras better contrast and Satellite SOS and also 60-120hz refresh rate set at 60 out of the box.
The Google Pixel 10a is of course packed with AI goodness as before again not much changing from last year from Auto Focus Add Me, Macro Focus Audio Magic Eraser and Reimagine and Auto Frame and of course Night Sight.
The camera on the Google PIxel 10a again is a great point and shoot camera which you can see in the video review down below for much more featuring a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide and rear camera and features Auto Best Take that helps make sure everyone in a group photo looks their best by automatically with a single shutter press Pixel analyzes multiple frames to find the perfect shot and Camera Coach uses Gemini models to give you step-by-step guidance on lighting and composition, helping you take better pictures and become a better photographer.
Under the hood we have still last years Chip which did not bode well with some on the announcement day which is the Google Tensor G4 and coming with 8GB of RAM and two storag options being 128GB and 256GB storage options.
From being a daily driver for me the last week or so it has been again fine like before for my needs which is more heavy than any general users and again it perfomed just fine even keeping up with the Pixel 10 pro which I moved down from.
Ten things to know about the Google Pixel 10a
01 – Get more with Google Pixel 10a:1 brilliant photography, a durable design and helpful AI.2 Pixel 10a is the newest member of the Pixel 10 family, with Pixel 10a.
The real deal. a fresh design and vibrant new colours – plus the same Pixel promise. It comes with 8 GB of RAM and Tensor G4, custom built for Pixel to power all you do. There’s a ton of value packed into this phone. From the front to the back, we’ve engineered every part with the consumer in mind, bringing Pixel experiences at a great price. Pixel 10a also comes with three months of YouTube Premium and three months of Google One.
02 – Pixel 10a’s dual camera system is made up of a 48 MP main camera and a 13 MP ultrawide camera6. Take amazing photos, capturing crisp details up Take extraordinary photos every day. close and in low light with features of the Google Pixel 10a camera. Snap beautiful shots easily, get everyone into the group pic and take photos where everyone looks their best.
For the first time on an A-Series phone, you’ll get help from Camera Coach to level up your photography. Camera Coach uses Gemini models to read the scene, so you can snap beautiful photos with ease. Pixel 10a will also take amazing group photos with Auto Best Take. Pixel automatically finds the best moment or chooses everyone’s best expression, so everyone looks good with a single shutter press.
03 – With Pixel 10a’s AI tools, taking a photo is just the beginning. Google AI in the camera lets you capture group photos everyone will love with Add Google AI enhances your vision and makes editing easy and editing is effortless with Google Photos. In just a few taps, you can remove objects, change backgrounds and more – right from Photos.
04 – Pixel 10a’s new bumpless design is unique to the A-Series while still iconically Pixel. The camera blends into the back of the phone, making it smooth by design.
05 – Comfortable to hold and easy to pocket. It lies perfectly flat wherever you place it. With a textured matte back and a smooth satin metal frame, Pixel 10a comes in four colours to fit your personal style: Lavender, Berry, Fog and Obsidian.
Pixel 10a is made with the most recycled material of any Google Pixel A-Series phone yet.10 For the first time, it includes recycled cobalt, copper, gold and tungsten. It has a 100% recycled aluminium frame for a lower carbon footprint. Plus, the packaging is 100% plastic-free.
Pixel 10a is beautifully designed and built to last. It’s our most durable A Series phone yet. Pixel’s iconic camera bar is seamlessly integrated into a phone crafted from premium durable materials. Pixel 10a is exceptionally designed for scratch and drop resistance with an improved Corning® Gorilla® Glass 7i display. Its IP68 rating means it stands up to water and dust, too. And it’s available in two storage options – 128 GB or 256 GB – so you have space for your photos, videos and more. With exceptional durability, thoughtful design choices that make repairs easier and seven years of OS, security and Pixel Drop updates for new and upgraded features, Pixel 10a is built to last – and to be repaired.
Pixel 10a will launch with Android 16. Pixel 10a’s user interface will look as beautiful as it does on the outside with Android’s Material 3 Expressive. It’s packed with new wallpaper effects, a refined app user interface, a modernised notification shade and more.
06 – Gemini on Google Pixel helps simplify your life and supercharge your creativity, helping you to explore ideas, find useful information and quickly
Gemini is at its best on Google Pixel, get things done across your apps. For example, Gemini can connect to Google Maps to find top-rated family-friendly restaurants nearby, then text the list to a family chat. You can then ask Gemini to add the booking to your calender.
Instead of typing, use Gemini Live for natural, hands-free conversations. Enhance your discussions by sharing your screen, images, files or YouTube videos. Share your camera in Gemini Live for a back-and-forth chat about what you’re seeing – whether it’s getting furniture arrangement ideas for your flat, getting reading recommendations when you’re browsing in the bookshop or troubleshooting your bike gears.
07 – With Pixel Drops, your phone keeps getting better over time. For seven years, it gets brand-new features for things like the camera, battery,
The only phone you’ll need for a while calling, AI and more – so you don’t have to keep getting a new phone.18
08 – With real-time security checks, Pixel gives you continuous protection online, proactive spam alerts and a way to connect with emergency services
09 – Pixel is making it easier than ever to switch phones. If you purchase from GoogleStore.com, you can minimise setup time by preparing your data for transfer – including passwords from iOS, wallet items and app data – even before your new phone arrives. We know switching phones can call for some adjustment.
So to help you learn about your new device, Pixel offers contextual tips to guide you as you use it, showing you how to do things like take a screenshot or switch off. On-device help and the My Pixel app get you up to speed quickly. Once you’re set up, you can stay connected with friends and family using RCS messaging, regardless of what phone they use. And Quick Share on Pixel 10a works with AirDrop®, making file transfers between Android phones and compatible iPhones secure and seamless.
10 – Made specifically for Pixel 10a, the ultra-smooth Pixel 10a Case .Match it precisely to the hue of your phone, or mix things up. The case is designed together perfectly along the streamlined camera design.
Meet Shark ChillPill The Only 3-in-1 Personal Cooling System
SharkNinja, Inc. a global product design and technology company, announced the launch of Shark® ChillPill™, the only 3-in-1 personal cooling system designed to help you keep you cool, inside and out, whenever life heats up. ChillPill™ combines a high‑speed bladeless fan that accelerates air up to 25 feet per second*, a refreshing indoor-outdoor dry‑touch evaporative mister, and a cryo-inspired InstaChill™ direct‑contact cooling plate that lowers skin temperature by up to 16°F in seconds** for customizable cooling and instant relief.
Meet Shark® ChillPill™ — The Only 3-in-1 Personal Cooling System
While interest in portable fans has surged over the past decade1, consumers have been left with basic handheld options that break easily and offer little more than warm air circulation or dampness. Reimagining personal cooling, ChillPill™ creates an entirely new category of cool — designed for both the heat you expect and the heat you don’t.
A fashion-forward must-have that elevates any look, ChillPill™ keeps you cool in style. From sun-soaked beach days and outdoor concerts to crowded theme parks, summer travel, overheated commutes, getting ready under pressure, and packed sidelines, ChillPill™ delivers powerful, targeted relief whenever the heat rises. Indoors or on the move, it’s there for the stressful moments, the backseat of a bumpy car ride, heat that catches you off guard, and anytime you need instant cooling. Just click, twist into place, and chill.
“Personal cooling hasn’t evolved with the way people actually live,” said Neil Shah, Chief Commercial Officer at SharkNinja. “People have been stuck with underpowered handheld fans that deliver minimal relief and lack thoughtful design. That wasn’t good enough for us. We listened to our consumers and saw an opportunity to do more than improve the fan; we set out to reinvent personal cooling altogether.”
Capitalizing on deep expertise across Shark Home and Beauty, ChillPill™ pairs Shark’s category‑leading fan engineering with cryo‑inspired cooling innovations developed within Shark to actively help cool the body rather than just circulating air.
ChillPill™ comes with three interchangeable cooling attachments:
- Powerful airflow delivers fast, cooling relief, with a high‑speed, bladeless fan that accelerates air up to 25 feet per second* with 10 adjustable speeds.
- Indoor-outdoor evaporative dry-touch mist refreshes skin without leaving it wet, with continuous or interval misting options and up to 10 minutes of mist per tank fill.
- InstaChill™ cooling plate delivers instant, contact‑based relief, lowering skin temperature by up to 16°F in seconds**.
“ChillPill™ is not just a fan,” Shah added. “It’s the first and only 3‑in‑1 personal cooling system that combines a high‑speed fan, dry‑touch mister, and a cryo‑cooling plate into a wearable design that fits seamlessly into everyday life. This is the epitome of Shark performance intentionally designed for comfort whenever and wherever you need it.”
ChillPill™ can be worn, clipped on, or twisted to set on a tabletop—whatever works best in the moment. With up to 11 hours of battery life on low speeds, or 1.5 hours at maximum airflow, it’s built to keep you comfortable throughout the day. It’s available in Carbon (Charcoal), Dragonfruit (Pink), Glacier (Blue), Haze (Purple), Iced Latte (Golden Brown), Matcha (Green), and Rose Gold, with a design that’s easy to wear. Optional accessories like a clamp for a bike or stroller, cross‑body and wrist straps, protective cases, and a non‑slip sleeve make it even easier to work into your daily routine.
Available today for $149.99, ChillPill™ launches exclusively on Amazon.com and will be coming to SharkNinja.com and other retailers starting on March 11. For more information or to purchase, visit SharkNinja.com.
Skullcandy Introduces Push 540 Open
Skullcandy, the original lifestyle audio brand, has introduced the Push 540 Open, a new open-ear true wireless earbud designed for people who want to stay connected to their surroundings while listening to music, podcasts or calls.
Designed for active lifestyles and everyday use, Push 540 Open combines a secure over-ear hook fit with an optional detachable magnetic neckband for added stability when on the move. Whether commuting, working, or training, the design ensures the earbuds stay comfortably in place.
With up to 42 hours of total battery life, including 10 hours in the earbuds and an additional 32 hours in the charging case, Push 540 Open is built to last throughout the day. Rapid Charge support means a quick 10-minute charge delivers up to two hours of playback, helping users stay powered through busy schedules.
The earbuds also feature IP44 sweat, dust and water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use. Compatibility with the Skullcandy app allows users to customise EQ settings, button functions and audio preferences.
Canyon Smart Watch Jacky SW-69 Review
The Canyon Smart Watch Jacky SW-69 is an affordable smartwatch kept simple with plenty of features to keep the curious one alight if it is their first smartwatch to try out and indeed this for me is one of those who want to delve into the samrtwatch wrold and fitness tracking.
As an owner of countless smartwatches the Canyon Smart Watch Jacky SW-69 is a nice watch to look at and use despite the name it has been given, having said that many companies do tend to give their products funny names or quesitonable numbers added on the the product and we shall not name those.
This smartwatch has it all bar calls on the watch itself or the option to respond to messages, it instead lets you look at your mails social media messages and more nmot forgetting the suite of sports activities and health features on board you can accept and reject calls and the notifictions are not rich notifications you will see more in the video review below.
With health and fitness in mind this watch does have you covered in fairness, there is plenty on board even for the more demanding type at the price level and from testing data is failty accurate when paired against other watches I own and test out not just high end ones either.
Notifications are on the button bit not rich you get a basic line of thext which is fine as it is a simple approach smartwatch and for me even though I have more expensive watches I could easily wear this as a daily it keeps you off your phone like any other smatwatch does.
Overall this is a nice simple to use smartwatch with a simple app and people like simple and it offers plenty for the fitness and health gurus out there and looks nice too with a simple magentic strap how much simpler do you want it..
Canyon Life App
Product features
- Download Canyon Life App for iOS and Android
- Compatible with Android 8.0 and later (smartphones with BT 4.0+ and Google Play services support, Android GO has no notifications support), iOS 14.0 and later
- Metal case body with comfortable & nice-to-touch Two sided magnetic strap
- Real-Time Heart Rate, Pedometer, Body Temperature, Accurate Blood Oxygen
- 25 popular Sports Modes
- Compatible with Google Fit & Apple Health
- 1.3’’ Full Touch LTPS screen with 360*360 high resolution; 262K Colors
- 380+ watch faces available at Canyon Life APP Gallery, support animated watch-faces
- Waterproof IP-68 (fits for swimming)
- Stress level measurement & Breath training
- Virtual Business Card
- Sleep monitoring, blood pressure, Weather forecast, Pop-up notifications, Drink water & sedentary reminder, Female calendar, Alarm, Stop watch & Timer, Music & camera remote control, Calculator, Flash light
- Battery 200mAh; Charging time: up to 3 H
- Typical usage mode working time: up to 9 days*
- Heavy usage mode working time: up to 5 days**
- Stand-by time: 15 days
- 4 pre-installed games
- 5.1 Bluetooth Low Energy Chip
- Max Wireless Connection Range: 10 m
- Memory: RAM 192KB; ROM 256KB; Flash Memory: 128MB
- Firmware language list: English, German, Russian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian, Czech, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, Slovak, Spanish, Romanian, Dutch, Arabic, Hungarian, Polish, Slovenian, Croatian, Serbian, Portuguese, Georgian, French, Greek, Albanian, Macedonian
Shark Launches PowerDetect UV Reveal – The First Robot Vacuum + Mop to Use UV Technology to Detect Invisible Messes
SharkNinja, a global product design and technology company, today announced the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal, the first robot vacuum and mop that combines UV light detection with a RGB color camera to seek out hidden messes. Available online at SharkNinja.com, Amazon and Costco, as well as online and in stores at Best Buy, PowerDetect™ UV Reveal™ starts at $1,299.99 and is engineered to tackle visible debris and detect and clean messes invisible to the human eye—such as dried-on spills, juices, sweat, or pet accidents—for a deeper clean
Shark Launches PowerDetect™ UV Reveal™ – The First Robot Vacuum + Mop to Use UV Technology to Detect Invisible Messes
With PowerDetect™ UV Reveal™, consumers have insight into what is happening at every step of the cleaning process. Visible light cues indicate when the robot vacuum is seeking a stain, and UV Stain Detect™ reveals the mess under UV light. Then, HyperSonic Mopping™ activates a deliberate scrubbing motion for 7x* the scrubbing power of traditional mopping and up to 2x better stain removal. The robot vacuum then verifies the mess has been removed before moving on to its next task.
“We heard from consumers with robot vacuums that they were never sure if the job was done or what had been cleaned,” said Andy Sundberg, VP of Marketing at SharkNinja. “That’s why we created PowerDetect™ UV Reveal™. By uncovering hidden messes and showing exactly how they’re cleaned, it gives customers the visibility and assurance that their floors don’t just look clean—they are clean.”
What makes UV Reveal™ exceptional is its combination of intelligent sensing and best-in-class cleaning technology:
- Eight PowerDetect™ Technologies – Optimize cleaning by sensing edges, floor types, objects, and environmental changes in real-time; plus, two exclusive technologies—UV Stain Detect ™ and HyperSonic Mopping™.
- HyperSonic Mopping™ – A targeted cleaning pattern that delivers 7x* the scrubbing power compared to traditional mopping and up to 2x** better stain removal, with automatic verification that the job is done.
- UV Stain Detect™ – UV light detection to see hidden messes—dried-on liquids, pet accidents, sweat, dried food splatter, and more.
- ThermaCharged™ NeverTouch™ Pro Base – Bagless, self‑maintaining base with TÜV‑certified sanitization that cleans the mopping pad after every use, plus an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal designed to trap allergens*** inside instead of releasing them back into the air.
- NeuroNav AI™ and NeverStuck™ Technology – NeuroNav AI™ uses on‑device sensors, cameras, and advanced algorithms to intelligently guide the robot around your home day or night. NeverStuck™ Technology helps the robot lift over obstacles, allowing it to keep moving and clean your home faster.
- NeverStop™ Battery – Runs up to three hours to clean your whole home on a single charge and automatically returns to the base to power up when needed.
“Our cleaning heritage gives us a unique edge in robotic vacuums,” continued Sundberg. “We know the challenges consumers face, and we’re using those insights to drive purposeful innovation that creates a better cleaning experience.”
For more information about the Shark® PowerDetect™ UV Reveal™ 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop, visit sharkninja.com.
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.
