Next-Gen AI Test Tools: The Role of NLP in Automated Testing

AI test tools are changing the way organizations ensure quality for applications since software is getting too complex. Natural Language Processing (NLP) advancements have made automation testing much easier and friendly, as testers can interact with the automation tools in natural language. 

This innovation simplifies the creation of tests and fosters collaboration among technical and nontechnical stakeholders who discuss issues with the traditional approach of testing, which is often time-consuming and dependent on specific expertise. 

Cloud testing platforms such as LambdaTest amplify these benefits through robust infrastructure to execute automated tests across a variety of environments. By using AI and NLP, organizations can simplify their testing processes, enhance team collaboration, and deliver high-quality software products faster to respond to changing user requirements.

Overview of Next-Gen AI Test Tools

Next-generation AI test tools are ready to fight the challenges set by modern development teams. They have offered advanced features of using generative AI, self-healing scripts, and predictive analytics. These innovations together work to improve testing processes most efficiently and effectively, allowing organizations to deliver high-quality software faster.

Generative AI is playing a critical role in this evolution by automating such tasks as the generation of test cases, bug prediction, and the creation of test data. Automation increases the efficiency of testing and accuracy but reduces the manual effort of doing those mundane, repetitive tasks. For instance, the creation of scripts on its own by the system means that generative AI can accelerate tests. Thus, development cycles for the tests become shorter. 

Additionally, test coverage increases with generative AI since varied scenarios are produced, including those edge cases that would have gone undetected without this method. Generative AI reduces manual testing efforts, reducing hidden problems and human error, thereby enhancing cost efficiency in large-scale projects.

Another promising feature of the next-gen AI test tools is self-healing scripts that complement generative AI. Scripts can automatically adapt to changes made in the application under test with no manual interference. This helps minimize maintenance effort; tests remain updated with applications due to self-healing capabilities and dynamic adapting over time to keep the integrity of the testing process intact.

More importantly, predictive analytics revamps the whole testing approach by utilizing historical data to predict potential defects or performance failures in advance. Analytical tools for predictive analytics tools work out the trend in previous test results and point out the potential high-risk areas in the code base. This helps concentrate efforts where they are to be used effectively, making maximum usage of resources available and also improving the quality output.

Open-Source Next-Gen AI Test Tools and Frameworks

Here are some of the well-known open-source next-gen AI test tools to make your software testing processes much better:

 

  • Selenium

One of the widely used open-source testing frameworks is Selenium. This supports multiple programming languages and browsers. It’s very versatile, and one can run and execute tests with maximum flexibility, hence making it very popular among developers.

 

  • Robot Framework

This is an open-source automation framework that is keyword-driven and made easy for non-technical users. It supports web and desktop automation using different libraries and tools.

 

  • Appium

This is an open-source tool used in mobile applications to automate. It supports both native and hybrid apps across iOS and Android platforms and allows the writer to write tests in the preferred programming language.

 

  • Cypress

This open-source testing platform is known to have a very developer-friendly interface and runs the tests directly inside the browser. Debugging can be done relatively easily, especially in modern web applications.

 

  • iHarmony

An AI-powered, open-source tool meant to optimize automated testing for mobile and web applications. The test cases it generates are by the application of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms.

 

  • TestNG

Open-source testing framework derived from JUnit, with a set of functionalities that makes TestNG more powerful and easier to use, like annotations, flexible test configuration, and parallel test execution.

 

  • Watir

An open-source tool that uses Ruby for automation testing. Watir mimics the way a user works with a browser and has been pretty reliable in functional testing.

 

  • Cucumber

It is a tool that supports Behavior Driven Development (BDD) and lets users author tests in plain language using Gherkin syntax. This helps include non-technical stakeholders better in understanding test cases.

 

  • Jest

This is a testing framework mainly used for JavaScript applications. Jest is an open-source testing framework that lets users write unit tests with simple assertions and mocking capabilities.

Understanding NLP in Automated Testing

NLP refers to the ability of machines to understand and interpret human language. This has dramatically transformed software testing practices. The availability of NLP in automated testing allows for the creation and maintenance of tests without deep code so that nontechnical people, like analysts and product managers, can participate directly in the process. They will not need an extensive programming base to be able to contribute to the testing procedure. 

NLP can help automatically derive structured test cases from user stories and functional specifications to ensure that their application requirements indeed reflect. Other than that, NLP tools can update dynamically the test case as the change in requirements and ensure that their relevance and efficiency are maintained; this streamlines the testing, improves collaboration among the team members, enhances coverage of tests, and provides much more reliable results. Organizations can better meet user needs and deliver high-quality software products more efficiently.

Key Features of NLP in Test Automation

NLP is revolutionizing test automation by bringing features that make it more user-friendly and efficient. NLP allows testers to use natural language, which makes the testing process easier and promotes team collaboration. Here are some key features that describe the impact of NLP in test automation:

 

  • Simplified Test Creation

The feature of NLP allows the test team to devise test cases easily in simple language. Thus it means that whether technical or non-technical teams can understand, collaboration and the creation of tests can be handled. This again simplifies everything and gives diversification toward varied views on testing the application.

 

  • Maintaining Dynamic Test

NLP tools can automatically update tests with the changes in application requirements so that tests remain relevant and effective. This dynamic maintenance reduces the effort of keeping tests in line with the current state of the application, saving development teams time and resources.

 

  • Improved Test Coverage

NLP-driven tests cover a broad range of scenarios by emulating real interactions with users, which includes edge cases that might be able to be overlooked by traditional testing. It allows potentially problematic features to be found early and ensures robustness and reliability in the applications under a variety of conditions.

Benefits of Using NLP in Automated Testing

Using NLP in automated testing has several benefits that make the quality and efficiency of the testing process better:

 

  • Increased Accessibility

NLP makes it possible for nontechnical team members to be involved in test development using natural language. This is inclusive and creates a collaborative approach between departments, which leads to better testing strategies reflective of the real world.

 

  • Rapid Testing Cycles

NLP tools facilitate automated updates and provide real-time feedback on test results, which enables faster iterations. This efficiency reduces time-to-market, thus enabling organizations to respond quickly to user feedback and changing market demands.

 

  • Accuracy

By minimizing human errors through automated testing, NLP provides test results that are reliable and repeatable. Due to high accuracy, the quality of developed software is improved so that stakeholders and end-users have confidence in the produced software.

The Role of Cloud in Automated Testing with NLP Integration

Cloud-based testing can support modern-day software development, wherein it is very possible to let the organization carry out tests using numerous devices from many browsers using little infrastructure; hence, flexibility allows applications to execute well in changed environments and settings. Cloud provides the teams using cloud resources to effectively simulate different kinds of testing cases. 

Furthermore, NLP embedded into cloud-based testing enables testers to work with test case creation and even test case maintenance in natural languages. This is much easier to develop than with the traditional black box approach. 

Collaboration among teammates, regardless of technical background, promotes development and quickly adapts to all changes in application while still carrying full test coverage, ultimately leading to improved quality and faster times-to-market.

Linking NLP with Cloud Testing

The integration of NLP with cloud testing enhances the process by allowing rapid execution of NLP-driven tests across multiple configurations, saving time, and ensuring proper coverage of various user scenarios.

A powerful platform for automated testing is LambdaTest; it streamlines the testing process for developers and testers alike by providing a reliable infrastructure for running automation tests using frameworks such as Selenium, Cypress, and Appium. 

Such features that LambdaTest offers include blazing-fast automation for faster release cycles across 3000+ desktop and mobile environments, auto-healing in finding flaky tests without any human intervention, and robust security compliance through the SOC2 Type2 certification and GDPR adherence. 

Hence, it makes this organization reliable for delivering results with quality standards while improving testing efficiency significantly by leveraging NLP-driven automation tools in combination with LambdaTest. 

This synergy makes it possible for teams to design powerful, low-maintenance, and highly adaptive automated tests. The users can put forward the test scenario in plain language and will immediately receive real-time feedback regarding their test results.

Moreover, these platforms assure cross-browser compatibility. So, having a blend of AI QA tools like LambdaTest with NLP power makes the organization versatile and robust in its testing procedures to provide better software products quickly. 

The Future of AI Testing Tools

As we look ahead, the landscape of AI QA will continue evolving. Here are some trends that are shaping the future:

 

  • Increased Adoption of AI-Powered Tools

As organizations increasingly rely upon AI tools enhancing automation, hence use AI-powered ML algorithms in designing test cases, which can upgrade old test cases plus optimize their suit.

 

  • Enhanced Collaboration through Codeless Testing

A codeless solution is preferred with codeless testing, as this saves the hassle that a nono-coder must follow to prepare tests. Additionally, it improves efficiency as well as nontechnical collaborations for team members working on these two streams of professions.

 

  • Integration with Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery or Deployment (CI/CD) Pipelines

AI solutions will be able to identify trends of test failure and, hence, optimize future test runs by focusing on the most failed areas. These tools based on data trend analysis in NLP models further suggest efficient paths without redundant cases during testing.

 

  • Smart Error Detection and Test Optimization

AI solutions will be able to identify trends of test failure and optimize future test runs by focusing on the most failed areas. These tools based on data trend analysis in NLP models further suggest efficient paths without redundant cases during testing.

 

  • Focus on User Experience (UX) Testing

Next-generation AI test tools will keep enhancing UX, a factor essential for software success. These test tools will simulate real user interactions for better testing phases. This trend will identify usability issues early in the development process of organizations.

 

  • Continuous Learning Capabilities

The future AI testing tools will include continuous learning, which will imply that it will change its tactics after knowing the previous results. These systems will learn from past mistakes and successes to improve future testing strategies automatically.

Conclusion

To conclude, NLP is changing the face of automation testing; it reduces the complex method of test creation and maintenance and allows teams to stay ahead of the growing complexity of software applications. 

With this, AI testing tools and methods such as NLP play a vital role in enhancing collaboration and efficiency for competing organizations. LambdaTest helps teams improve the quality of the product, the satisfaction of the users, and overall organizational success through rapid adaptation to change. Quicker release cycles and better-quality products enable the effective meeting of the changing expectations of the users.

NSAI holding Ireland’s first ever Time & Sync Forum

The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), in conjunction with their partners Data Edge, Timing Solutions and HEAnet, are hosting Ireland’s inaugural Time & Sync Forum today, 11th Feb 2025, in Santry, Dublin. The event is bringing together a number of leading authorities in timing and synchronisation from Ireland, the UK and the European Commission to discuss key topics and policies relating to critical infrastructure on the island of Ireland.

Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technologies play a crucial role in modern economies, and enable over 10% of Europe’s annual GDP, or more than €14 trillion*. Major industries such as communications, energy, transportation, public services and financial services are increasingly reliant on precise timing and timing distribution to deliver their services.

Commenting on the event, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD said, “Position, Navigation and Timing technologies are a core part of the work of a number of industries that are cornerstones of the Irish economy. Earlier this year, the Programme for Government committed to delivering a strong enterprise and fiscal framework to support competitiveness and the growth of a strong industrial base which has created jobs, grown exports, promoted innovation, and raised our standard of living. I warmly welcome this event, focussed on building on the launch of the National Timing Grid, and its role in advancing Ireland’s domestic capabilities to support industry.”

Following on from the successful launch of Ireland’s first National Timing Grid in 2023, the NSAI is hosting the Forum to promote the continuing need for Ireland to have as much control over its timing infrastructure as possible, including the potential replacement of Greenwich Mean Time with a domestic equivalent.

Keynote speakers include Dr. Leon Lobo, Head of the National Timing Centre (NTC) programme at Britain’s National Physical Laboratory, who is delivering its national timing strategy.  Dr. Lukasz Bonenberg, Space Programmes Policy and Scientific Officer, Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission, will also provide his expertise having worked on Galileo, the EU’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Between them, Drs. Lobo and Bonenberg will provide an important overview of PNT resiliency across Europe.

Along with Data Edge, Timing Solutions and HEAnet, NSAI are currently working on enhancing Ireland’s PNT capabilities through the National Timing Grid and the distribution of verified global GNSS data to support compliance with the upcoming EU NIS2 Directive. This update to the EU’s original Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive significantly expands cybersecurity obligations for critical infrastructure sectors.

NSAI’s National Metrology Laboratory (NML), based in Glasnevin, maintains the reference measurement standards for Time & Frequency and contribute their atomic clock data to the International Bureau for Weights and Measures (BIPM) who maintain and calculate Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Whilst Legal Time in Ireland is under the remit of the Department of Justice, the internationally accepted representation of the second in Ireland is maintained by the NSAI’s NML.

David Fleming, National Standards Authority of Ireland, Technical Manager for Time, said, “We expect this important gathering to provide valuable insights which help us to inform policy development at a Governmental level and outline the requirements for investment in key timing infrastructure for the country. In a time of disruption and major technological advancements, Ireland needs to be as self-sufficient in this area as possible, while also aligning fully with our international counterparts.”

 “With this event, we are aiming to draw in and engage as many interested stakeholders as possible to determine the requirements across the diverse sectors dependent upon precise timing.”

OBSBOT Tiny SE Al-Powered Full HD PTZ Webcam Review

At TechBuzz Ireland we have extensively tested various OBSBOT products, I’m excited to share my insights on the OBSBOT Tiny SE AI-powered Full HD PTZ Webcam. This compact powerhouse continues OBSBOT’s tradition of delivering innovative, feature-rich webcams at competitive price points.

Design and Build Quality

The OBSBOT Tiny SE impresses with its solid yet lightweight construction, weighing just 94g. This thoughtful design allows it to perch securely atop laptop monitors without causing instability. The 2-axis gimbal provides exceptional flexibility in angles and positioning, a standout feature in this price range.

Key Features

  •         Smart Tracking with Smooth Excellence: Supports an impressive 1080P@100FPS, 1080P@60FPS, and 720P@150FPS, outperforming many competitors in its class.
  •         Advanced AI Capabilities: Goes beyond basic tracking with zone tracking and bodypart tracking features.
  •         Customizable Presets: Allows for multiple preset positions with individual parameter and AI tracking mode settings.
  •         Low Light Performance: Equipped with a 1/2.8″ Stacked CMOS sensor, Dual Native ISO, and 2.9 μm Pixel Size for excellent video quality in various lighting conditions.
  •         Dynamic Gesture Control: Intuitive hand gestures for locking portrait tracking and controlling zoom.
  •         Universal Compatibility: Works seamlessly with various conferencing and streaming software, supporting Stream Deck, global hotkey control, OSC, and API integrations.
  •         Multiple Shooting Modes: Supports horizontal, portrait, and upside-down shooting modes with automatic screen adjustment.

 

Setup and Software

While the Tiny SE offers plug-and-play functionality via USB 2.0, I highly recommend downloading the OBSBOT software using the QR code provided on the box. This unlocks the full potential of the webcam, including firmware updates and access to advanced features.

Download software

Scan the QR code from the box – https://www.obsbot.com/download

The software interface is intuitive, allowing users to easily customize shooting modes, gesture controls, and tracking options. However, it’s worth noting that presets may need recalibration if the laptop is moved, which could be mitigated by using the optional OBSBOT Foldable Lightweight Tripod.

Performance

In my testing, the Tiny SE delivered smooth, high-quality video across various scenarios. The 4x zoom function operated seamlessly, providing fluid transitions between scenes. The AI tracking capabilities were particularly impressive, accurately following subjects even in challenging lighting conditions.

Optional Remote Control

The review unit came with an optional remote control, which connected effortlessly via the supplied USB receiver. This accessory greatly enhances the user experience, allowing for easy adjustments without accessing the laptop keyboard.

Warranty

The 1-year warranty, while standard, feels somewhat limited given the premium features of this camera. A longer warranty period would better reflect the quality and innovation packed into this device.

Conclusion

The OBSBOT Tiny SE AI-Powered Full HD PTZ Webcam continues the company’s tradition of delivering feature-rich, high-performance webcams at accessible price points. Its advanced AI capabilities, smooth tracking, and excellent low-light performance make it an outstanding choice for remote workers, content creators, and streamers operating in small to medium-sized spaces.

For those requiring coverage of larger areas or higher resolutions, the OBSBOT Tail 2 NDI Combo might be a more suitable option. However, for most users, the Tiny SE offers an impressive balance of features, performance, and value.

Having used various OBSBOT webcams over the years, I can confidently say that the Tiny SE maintains the brand’s reputation for solid construction, feature-rich offerings, and smooth, fluid movement. It stands out as a great quality webcam that punches above its weight in terms of features and performance at its price point.

See our other OBSBOT reviews 

BUY

Video Review

Irish employees thrive with AI, while employers fall behind

Surveying 1,000 people in Ireland, the Deloitte Digital Consumer Trends report shows that over two thirds (67%) of GenAI users say it boosts their productivity at work, but less than one in four (24%) say their employer actively encourages use of the technology.

The research shows that 90% of Irish companies lack a GenAI policy and that while GenAI users are more likely to use the technology for personal reasons (69%), the percentage using it for work tasks is up from 32% in 2023 to 36%.

A total of 48% of respondents have used GenAI, an increase from 33% in 2023. Meanwhile, the percentage of those who are not aware of GenAI is down from 38% in 2023 to 27%.

Of those using GenAI, 10% are using it daily, 28% are doing so weekly and 15% are using it monthly. A total of 46% are using it less than monthly, with 24% of this cohort saying they don’t know how to use it well and 18% saying they are dissatisfied with the answers they receive.

Use of GenAI is highest among younger people at 85% for those aged 18 to 24, followed by 69% for the 25 to 34 age group and 56% for those aged 35 to 44. Usage then drops significantly to 34% for those aged 45 to 54, 22% for those between 55 and 64 and 20% for those aged 65 to 75.

Most people use GenAI for personal reasons (69%) ahead of professional or work reasons (36%) and for educational purposes (38%).

Of the 67% of users who believe GenAI makes them more productive at work, 44% say they use the technology for writing and editing emails and for looking up information. A total of 42% use it to generate ideas, followed by creating written content (38%), summarising texts and reports (35%), editing (26%), analysing data (25%) and generating images (20%).

When GenAI users were asked if their employer encouraged them to use the technology at work, just 8% strongly agreed with the statement and 16% agreed.

The survey showed that uncertainty around GenAI and its impact on future workforces continues to be a concern with 60% of users worried that it will reduce the number of jobs available in the future and 46% concerned that it will replace some of their role in the workforce.

While they are concerned about the potential impact of GenAI on their future, a significant proportion of users trust the technology. A total of 28% of users said GenAI responses were unbiased and 34% agreed that the technology “always produces accurate responses”.  This is despite well-documented issues with the reliability of the technology.

The survey also showed that a majority of those who are aware of GenAI would be less inclined to trust AI-generated emails (66%) and AI-delivered customer services (63%).

Meanwhile, ChatGPT remains the most popular GenAI tool among people in Ireland having been used by 49% of GenAI users. This is far ahead of similar products such as Snapchat’s ‘My AI’ (15%), Microsoft Copilot (13%) and Google Gemini (12%). The survey took place prior to the release of DeepSeek’s latest AI model.

Emmanuel Adeleke, Deloitte Ireland’s GenAI Leader, said: “Employees in Ireland are racing ahead of their employers when it comes to GenAI. This means gains are being left on the table by employers and innovation is being stymied. We’re seeing the wide range of benefits GenAI creates for our clients in Deloitte, such as improved efficiency and productivity, but our survey shows that the vast majority of organisations do not have GenAI policies in place and they are not actively promoting its use or leading on its adoption even though their employees are increasingly using it to complete everyday tasks. 

“It is vital employers take the lead on the use of GenAI. They need to invest in initiatives and organisational changes that will drive adoption of GenAI tools and identify successful use cases for their organisations. 

“There is a risk in not reacting to the increase in usage, particularly because users are not fully appreciative of the dangers involved as indicated by the level of trust certain users have in GenAI tools, despite well-documented reliability issues. If employers invest properly in GenAI and integrate it correctly, they will uncover the challenges involved and the tremendous potential of this technology.”

He added: “Our survey found that some users are willing to experiment with GenAI, but they are lacking confidence when it comes to knowing how to use it and ultimately find the experience to be unsatisfactory. Organisations can address this through training and support, ensuring employees can use GenAI to meet their needs and transition into more frequent and more confident users. Employers should also consider a tailored approach for GenAI in the workplace that can address the differences in usage among age groups. They can enhance workplace AI tools to boost professional usage, and address age disparities by ensuring that resources and training are accessible to all and building a comprehensive change management strategy to increase the adoption and impact of GenAI tools.”   

How one-third of young people may be addicted to social media

Today, February 11th marks the 22nd anniversary of Safer Internet Day, a landmark global event in the online safety calendar and celebrated in over 180 countries.

New research from the first ever EU-wide survey on loneliness** indicates that one-third of young respondents exhibit patterns of social-media addiction. They have neglected work, family or school several times a week or more because of their social-media habits. The detrimental impact of this will be discussed today among experts from Ireland and Europe as part of Safer Internet Day.

In the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre study, intensive users are defined as respondents who report that they spend more than two hours a day on social media sites or instant messaging tools. Spending this length of time on social media is associated with a substantial increase in the prevalence of loneliness among young people.  However, researchers also point out that how social media is used matters more than how often it is used.

The Irish Safer Internet Centre knows through engagement with children and young people that they are concerned about navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape, and they freely discuss that they feel they spend too much time online. However, more research is crucial to truly understand the challenges they face. Consequently, the Irish Safer Internet Centre will be devoting additional resources to embarking on continuous research in this area in the coming year.

The theme for Safer Internet Day 2025 is “Prepare / Protect / Thrive: Navigating Algorithms and Influencers.” This theme encourages parents, schools, educators, young people and all stakeholders to consider how algorithms and influencers shape young people’s lives.

The key issues that will be discussed during Safer Internet Day 2025 include harmful online content, safety by design, regulation and children’s rights, among many others.

Safer Internet Day 2025 kicks off today with an event in Microsoft’s Dream Space. It will feature keynote addresses from Professor Debbie Ging (DCU), 5Rights Foundation and the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency, which is part of the Joint Research Centre at the European Commission. In addition, the event will include contributions from the Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett; Webwise Youth Advisory Panel; the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission; ISPCC; Media Literacy Ireland; Microsoft, Hotline.ie; and National Parents Council.

Minister for Education Helen McEntee TD said: “As Minister for Education and Youth, it is a key priority of mine to work to safeguard and support the wellbeing of our pupils, students and school communities across Ireland. I am very pleased therefore to join Webwise and the Irish Safer Internet Centre, as well as experts from across Ireland and Europe, in marking Safer Internet Day today and highlighting the key themes of prepare, protect and thrive.

“While technology brings many exciting benefits and opportunities, it can also expose pupils and students to negative impacts. It is imperative that we use every lever available to us to help ensure they can stay safe and have the very best opportunity to thrive.

“I look forward to prioritising this area and to working collaboratively with our pupils, students, parents, teachers, school communities and wider education stakeholders over the months and years ahead to make sure our pupils and students are digitally literate, can safely harness the best of what technology presents and can get a mental break from technology too, to empower them to make friends and enjoy their time at school.”

Jane McGarrigle, National Co-ordinator, Webwise, said: “Technology is everywhere and it isn’t something that should be feared. We believe in encouraging children to engage with new technologies, however we are also cognisant of the importance of preparing them for the dangers they may encounter online. We want to empower them with the coping skills and resilience they need to thrive in the digital world. We also want to assure them that there is always support available if they need it and if they feel that their use of technology has become problematic.”

Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett said: “Coimisiún na Meán is focused on shaping a media landscape that safeguards the rights, wellbeing and development of children, and their safe engagement online. We are delighted to be supporting Webwise and their Safer Internet Day campaign this which this year is Prepare / Protect / Thrive: Navigating Algorithms and Influencers. Following the launch of our Online Safety Code in October of last year, Coimisiún na Meán’s Online Safety Framework is now in place, and we are continuing to prioritise a safer internet for children and young people.”

Safer Internet Day in Ireland is coordinated by the Irish Safer Internet Centre, a partnership between Hotline, ISPCC, National Parents Council and Webwise, providing a range of complementary online safety services, including an education and awareness centre, child and parent helplines and a hotline. The Centre is coordinated by the Department of Justice and co-funded by the European Union.

*In the EU study, young people are categorised as aged between 16 and 30 years

**The EU-wide study on loneliness (EU-LS) was conducted by the Joint Research Centre as part of a European Parliament pilot project in partnership with the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion. To learn more about the paper on Loneliness and Social Media Use in the European Union, click here

Select Technology Group acquires JTRS to expand its Apple education tech offering in the UK.

In a strategic move to expand its footprint in the EdTech sector, Select Technology Group – the UK and Ireland’s leading Apple Premium Partner – has announced the acquisition of JTRS, Apple Authorised Education Specialist.

The acquisition enables both companies to leverage their combined expertise and resources to support educational institutions across Great Britain and Northern Ireland with Apple’s technology and solutions.

The JTRS team and services will be integrated into Select Technology Group, creating a broader network of support for schools, colleges, and universities.

Ciaran McCormack, Managing Director of Select Technology Group, commented on the acquisition:

“This is an exciting new chapter for our business. We are extremely passionate about the education industry, helping schools and educators enhance their teaching and learning environments with Apple technology, and this acquisition allows us to extend our reach and resources. JTRS shares our passion for supporting education, and together, we can offer an even more comprehensive range of services to our clients across Ireland and the UK. By combining our strengths, we are confident we can drive even greater innovation in the educational technology space and create more impactful outcomes for students and educators alike.”

The agreement comes after Select Technology Group purchased DID Electrical in December 2023 to accelerate its retail growth in Ireland.  This acquisition sees Select Technology Group increase its presence in the UK, where it is already an Apple Premium Partner (retail), Apple Authorised Reseller (corporate sales), and Apple Authorised Service Provider and offers more comprehensive support to the UK and the island of Ireland education sector. This acquisition helps to push Select Tech Group’s turnover over €300m.

‘’We are particularly excited about the opportunity to work with new schools in the UK’’, McCormack continued.  The JTRS team deeply understands the unique needs of the UK education sector, which complements our approach, and together, we will provide more localised and personalised support to our growing customer base. This acquisition further strengthens our position as a trusted partner for educational institutions across the UK and Ireland.”

Key highlights from the deal include:

 – Select Technology Group will become the only Apple Premium Partner, Apple Authorised Reseller and Apple Authorised Education Specialist in the UK and Ireland.  

– Select Technology Group’s leading Apple Professional Learning Provider will further expand into UK schools.

-Select Technology Group will integrate JTRS teams, growing the business to 686 people in the UK and Ireland.

CASEKOO Clear Magic Stand Basic Case For iPhone 16 Review

The CASEKOO Clear Magic Stand Basic Case For iPhone 16 and their latest case on offer in their big range of cases which you should check out.

With the strongest magnets on cases I have tested to date these are perfect for Qi compatible /Magsafe accessories in your home office or care which I am well custom to now at this stage and is a must in my opinion if you have not adopted it by now.

This case is transparent allowing you to see your devices OG which many folks like these days and also offers additional grip with the camera lens protected on the rear and the screen protected on front with raised corners that have bumpers build in which is excellent.

The buttons are all tactile here and the camera button easily accessible by sliding your thumb into the groove and even with my big thumbs it was no issue as you will see in the video review below.

Features

MagicStand – An innovative invisible stand. The ring stand is made of lightweight and durable aerospace aluminum alloy, with an adjustable angle of 40 °~120 ° and 30000+ repeatedly folded.

Magnetic Magic – Compatible with all MagSafe accessories and third-party Qi-certified wireless chargers.

Military Grade Drop Protection – Shockproof polycarbonate back and a 2.5 mm offset border over the camera

BUY

Video Review 

Other CASEKOO reviews 

The Spider Awards 2025 Shortlist Announced Ahead of March Gala Event

The Spider Awards, Ireland’s longest-running and most prestigious digital awards ceremony, is delighted to unveil the shortlist for its 28th annual event. Taking place on Friday, 21st March 2025, the ceremony will once again bring together the brightest minds in Ireland’s digital landscape.
Held in the iconic Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin 2, this black-tie gala dinner promises to be an unforgettable evening, with approximately 500 attendees celebrating excellence in the digital industry.
Established in 1996, the Spider Awards are dedicated to recognising companies and individuals who are driving innovation and setting new standards in digital transformation. As the longest-running digital awards programme in Ireland, they remain a cornerstone for showcasing the achievements of the nation’s digital pioneers.
This year’s Spider Awards saw a remarkable surge in entries, reflecting the innovation and creativity thriving within Ireland’s digital sector. Leading agencies Granite and Kooba have secured multiple shortlist spots, with Granite earning an impressive nine nominations and Kooba securing five.
Categories such as Best in Social Media and Best Influencer-Led Campaign attracted record-breaking submissions, reaffirming the growing influence of social and influencer-driven marketing. Meanwhile, Best in E-Commerce experienced a significant increase in entries, highlighting the continued evolution of digital retail. Additionally, the introduction of the AI-Powered Marketing Excellence Award has been met with an outstanding calibre of entries, showcasing how brands and agencies are leveraging artificial intelligence to drive smarter, more effective marketing strategies.
This year introduces an exciting new award: the AI-Powered Marketing Excellence Award, highlighting the innovative use of artificial intelligence in marketing strategies. Additionally, categories such as Best in Social Media and Best Integrated Media Campaign have drawn record-breaking numbers of entries, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity flourishing in Ireland’s digital sector.
Below please find the full shortlist for the Spider Awards 2025
AI-Powered Marketing Excellence Award
  • AI Institute – AI Institute: Redefining Marketing Through Use of AI
  • NolaClan Group – Help to get Dawson Home for Christmas
  • Zesty  – Ashgrove Furnishings
Best App Award
  • Folk VML – Circle K Extra
  • Musgrave – SuperValu – SuperValu Best App
  • Musgrave MarketPlace – Musgrave MarketPlace
  • Sugar Rush – Sugar Rush X Barista Bar
Best Brand Award
  • Barista Bar – Henderson Foodservice Ltd – Coffee As It Should Be: Brewing Community, Loyalty, and Growth
  • GRANITE – NDC – Redefining Dairy for the Younger Generation
  • Guaranteed Irish – The Guarantee of Guaranteed Irish
  • JOE Media Group – Gay Star News
  • JOE Media Group – JOE
  • Platform94 – Platform94
  • RedClick – RedClick Brand Launch – Insurance that just clicks!
Best Collaboration Award
  • BWG Foods – EUROSPAR proud sponsors of Junk Kouture
  • Gibney Communications – ‘Solidarity’ from Dublin Port Company and The Little Museum of Dublin
  • HeadStuff – 26 Minutes
  • JOE Media Group – Square Lovin Locals 2024
  • Kooba – Bord Bia Gather Event Site – Digital Collaboration
  • Londis – Peak Performance: Londis’s Ultimate Team Collaboration
  • The Brill Building – Filter Out Lung Cancer: The AR Lens To Save A Life
  • Virgin Media – Virgin Media X Balls Media – Best for Irish Gamers
Best Consumer Campaign Award
  • Folk VML – Circle K Extra
  • Forsman & Bodenfors Dublin – Keep Discovering Car-Free, Carefree Travel
  • GRANITE – Aodhán – The dragon that can’t breathe fire
  • KASH Beauty – KASH Beauty AURA Skin Campaign
  • Mason Hayes & Curran – Transforming Talent for Enhanced Client Service
  • MXB Agency – Student Fresher’s Event Night at Musgrave MarketPlace Belfast
  • Sweartaker – Applegreen 24/7 Deal or More Deals Birthday Livestream
  • The Very Group – Let’s Make it Sparkle
Best in Storytelling Award
  • GRANITE – Who did this? – The print partner that makes you look good
  • Inspiring Belfast – Inspiring Belfast Campaign
  • Lorg Media – Fleadh Cheoil 2024
  • Ogilvy Ireland – We’re Fibre First
  • RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences – RCSI Student Life
  • StoryLab – Signify Health: Building a strong and diverse workforce
  • TITAN Experience – Flogas ‘The Energy Behind Team Ireland’
  • University of Limerick – Little Gifts, Big Dreams – A University of Limerick Christmas Story
  • Vroom Digital – The Love Story Before ‘Love Story’: EPIC’s Tale of Heritage and Legacy
Best in E-Commerce Award
  • FOXFORD – www.foxford.com
  • Friday Agency – Peter Mark – Transforming an iconic Irish brand
  • Glaze Digital – BLK BOX | Glaze Digital
  • Irish Life Health – Making it easier for first-time health insurance buyers to find the right plan online
  • Musgrave – SuperValu – SuperValu Best in E-Commerce
  • Square1 Software Ltd – Event Registration and Payments for Clubs & Organisations
  • Total  Digital – Digital Transformation in E-commerce
Best in Social Media Award
  • Aer Lingus – Post Industrial Relations Strategy
  • Core Optimisation – The Elephant in the Living Room – Core Optimisation & Elephant Living
  • Forsman & Bodenfors Dublin – Keep Discovering Car-Free, Carefree Travel
  • Genesis – Rewards+ App Launch
  • GRANITE – Supermac’s TikTok – Creating 100% Fresh Content
  • Javelin – Toyota Make a Move Campaign
  • Verve – Best Coke Ever Coca-Cola Zero
  • Wilson Hartnell – L’O.Opportunité
Best in Universal Design Award
  • All human – Waterways Ireland: Ensuring everyone can enjoy all of Ireland
  • Annertech – LocalGov.ie
  • Aviva – Redesign & Improve Customer Online Journeys
  • Kooba – SETU Website
  • Path Strategic Design Ltd. – Culture Date with Dublin 8 website
  • Path  Strategic Design Ltd. – Dublin City Arts Office website
Best Influencer Led Campaign Award
  • BWG Foods – SPAR Range Influencers Are Closer Than You Think!
  • GRANITE – NDC & Garry Ringrose
  • MXB Agency – Student Fresher’s Event Night at Musgrave MarketPlace Belfast
  • Oxfam Ireland – Second Hand September 2024
  • Pluto – Jog In July Challenge
  • Publicis – Electric Ireland Influencer Acquisition
  • Sweartaker – Jameson Ginger + Lime – The Serve Of The Summer
  • The Very Group – Carol Byrne x Very
  • Wilson Hartnell – L’O.Opportunité
Best Integrated Media Campaign Award
  • BWG Foods – SPAR Rome Comforts
  • Core – An Post – The Value of Sending Love Each Christmas
  • Digital+ – CountryLife Bloom Campaign
  • JOE Media Group – Lovin Local X Square
  • Londis – One Voice, Many Channels: Londis Proud Sponsors of Ireland’s Fittest Family
  • MACE – MACE Going the Extra Smile
  • MXB Agency – Good Food, Locally Sourced
  • RedClick – RedClick, Insurance that just clicks!
  • Sweartaker – Applegreen 24/7 Deal or More Deals Birthday Livestream
Best Use of Disruptive Technology Award
  • GRANITE – Supermac’s Jersey Scanner
  • Javelin – Own The Adventure With YUKO
  • Javelin – Toyota – Make the Move
  • Tapybl – SLIIT – The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
  • The Brill Building – Filter Out Lung Cancer: The AR Lens To Save A Life
  • Virgin  Media IE – Mining Data to Humanise Search
Best UX & Customer Experience Award
  • Arekibo Communications – Mater Private Digital Transformation – Patient First Experience
  • Arekibo Communications – Online Move-out
  • Aviva – Seamless, user-friendly customer online experience
  • Communicraft – Militaryarchives.ie
  • GRANITE – Safe Events Global X GRANITE
  • Musgrave MarketPlace – Musgrave MarketPlace
  • Vodafone Ireland – Redefining Digital Excellence: User-Centric, Inclusive, and Impactful Journeys
  • Zesty – Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
Best Website – Large Company Award
  • Aviva – Aviva.ie
  • Codec – New Website for Codec by Squaredot B2B
  • GRANITE – The Gibson Hotel X GRANITE
  • Ibec – Ibec
  • IMS Marketing – A New Era of Global Talent
  • Kooba – SETU Website Project
  • Musgrave – SuperValu – SuperValu Best Website – Large Company
  • Zesty – The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF)
Best Website – SME Award
  • Communicraft – Militaryarchives.ie
  • Friday Agency – Fire – Trusted Integrated Payments
  • Friday Agency – Helping our customers make their customers happy
  • Kooba – GH Research Branding & Website Project
  • Square1 Software Ltd – Event Registration & Payments for Clubs & Organisations
  • Together Digital – Dillon Eustace Website
  • Together Digital – Digital Learning Institute Website
  • Transpoco – Transpoco
  • Webbiz – Delphi Resorts – Website Refresh
Cultural Driver Award
  • Core Optimisation – Fáilte Ireland’s Digital that Delivers Programme
  • Edelman – SSE Airtricity: Uniting Football and Inclusivity
  • Inspiring Belfast – Inspiring Belfast Campaign
  • Lorg Media – Culture Night
  • TITAN Experience – Her Moves
  • BWG Foods – EUROSPAR Proud Sponsors of Junk Kouture
Digital for Good Award
  • Chime – National Charity For Deaf & Hard of Hearing People – ISL Accessible Website Launch
  • Core Optimisation – Digital that Delivers – Enhancing Digital Accessibility in Tourism
  • DCU Office of Student Life – The Pantry
  • FoodCloud – Foodiverse
  • Lucky Beard (on behalf of ISPCC Childline) – New Childline.ie Website
  • The B!G Idea – The B!G Idea
  • The Brill Building – Filter Out Lung Cancer: The AR Lens To Save A Life
  • TITAN Experience – Her Moves
  • Vodafone – Hi Digital
Digital Team of the Year Award
  • Aviva
  • Chadwicks
  • Core Optimisation
  • EY Ireland
  • Musgrave – SuperValu
  • RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • TITAN Experience
  • Virgin  Media Ireland
Large Agency of the Year Award
  • Arekibo Communications Limited
  • Each&Other
  • GRANITE
  • Kooba
  • StudioForty9
  • Strike Digital
  • Zesty
Small Agency of the Year Award
  • Avalanche Designs
  • Big+Bold
  • Communicraft
  • ICON Management
  • Social Media Elite
  • Squint Creative
  • StoryLab
  • Webbiz
Sustainability Impact Award
  • Alphabet Soup – Design and development of new sustainable website for CoisCéim
  • Global Action Plan – Funds Industry Climate Challenge
  • Path Strategic Design Ltd. – Business to Arts Website
  • Stride Design – Green Guardians with Power NI
Tracey Carney, Managing Director of The Spiders, expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s finalists: “Digital is moving faster than ever, pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities. The Spider Awards don’t just recognise excellence—they celebrate those driving innovation, creativity, and impact across the industry. I look forward to celebrating our winners in true retro style at our 1980s-themed awards this March, as we go back to a time before digital media—the 80s.”
Terry Spence, Director of B2B Sales at One4all, headline sponsor for The Spiders 2025, added: “At One4all, we understand the importance of innovation and creativity in the digital space. It’s inspiring to see so many individuals and organisations challenging the status quo and setting new benchmarks for excellence. We’re proud to support The Spider Awards, an event that celebrates these achievements and encourages continued innovation across Ireland’s digital landscape.”
The 28th Spider Awards will culminate in a spectacular black-tie gala dinner at the Round Room, The Mansion House, Dublin 2, on Friday, 21st March 2025. This prestigious event promises an evening of networking, celebration, and recognition of Ireland’s top digital talent.

Ardanis Technologies to Create 30 New Jobs as it Continues to Expand and Innovate

Irish software and digital consulting company, Ardanis Technologies is to create 30 new jobs to increase its workforce. The expansion and investment will support the company’s strategy to drive international growth and develop software and AI solutions and services that will deliver next generation digital solutions.

In September 2024, Ardanis announced 20 new jobs as a result of its revolutionary AI enablement solution, Aileen.  These jobs have been fulfilled.  The creation of the additional new positions comes in response in Ardanis’ strong growth and increasing demand for its industry-leading services.  The company’s expertise in AI, software development and digital technologies has positioned Ardanis as a trusted partner for some of the world’s largest companies worldwide.  The new jobs will be distributed in Ireland, Portugal where the company has an office in Porto, other parts of Europe, the US, and Brazil.

The 30 new jobs will be created over the next 18 months to serve international clients and will include opportunities for experienced software engineers, scrum masters and software architects, DevOps engineers, software developers and product owners.

“This growth will accelerate our product development roadmap, facilitate customer base expansion, and support the company’s strategy to drive international growth and develop software products and services that will deliver next generation digital solutions”, explains Ivan Goor, CEO at Ardanis.  “The growth has resulted in a move to larger offices in both Dublin and Porto and include a variety of meeting rooms and open spaces to foster collaboration, innovation and creativity – elements which have been the key to our success as a company, and which will continue to fuel our success.”

Ardanis delivers innovative software solutions to progressive, digital organisations globally.  The company works closely with clients to create software systems that can evolve and adapt as customer needs change.  Industry-leading development expertise is inherent to Ardanis.  With their combined strengths and diverse expertise, the company is committed to making a difference to each client’s unique requirements.

Ardanis’ clients span finance and fintech and other large enterprises such as pharma, technology, e-commerce and healthcare companies.