Esri launches interactive map of festive events in Ireland

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), has announced the launch of a digital map of fun-filled events happening around Ireland this festive season.

The interactive, easy-to-use StoryMap will help yuletide revellers to navigate what’s on across the island of Ireland this Christmas. From markets and festivals to light shows and ice-skating, there is something to suit all ages and interests.

The festive map includes a Web App enabling the public to search for events by county and location, to make planning your festive adventures even easier.

Esri Ireland specialises in the application of geographic information systems, helping customers record where things happen and analyse why, with the aim of providing insight and helping them to make better decisions.

As Esri’s official point of presence in Ireland and Northern Ireland it has, since 2002, partnered with both the public and private sector to help them understand the impact of geography on their business.

Recognised as one of the Best Workplaces in Ireland, Esri Ireland is part of the Esri Global Network, a billion-dollar privately held software company with nearly 10,000 employees worldwide. www.esri-ireland.ie

Researchers Use AI to Create Optimized Engine Components That Outperform Human Designs

The gerotor tooth profile is crucial for determining hydraulic system performance in automotive engineering. In a new development, researchers from Pusan National University have leveraged conditional generative adversarial networks for machine learning-driven gerotor profile synthesis and optimization. The novel approach has remarkably produced designs that outperform human efforts and lead to 32% more efficient hydraulic pumps, potentially revolutionizing the automotive industry.

Gerotor pumps for oil circulation and lubrication are crucial components in automotive and hydraulic systems. They possess a compact design, excellent flow rate per rotation, and high suction capability. The gerotor tooth profile plays a significant role in determining the overall performance of hydraulic systems for engine lubrication and automatic transmission. Unfortunately, conventional design methods leverage predefined mathematical curves and iterative adjustments, which compromises their optimization flexibility.

In an innovative breakthrough, a team of researchers from the School of Mechanical Engineering at Pusan National University, led by Professor Chul Kim, has proposed a new design methodology. Their findings were made available online on 10 October 2025 and have been published in Volume 162, Part D of the journal Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence on 24 December 2025.

The key point of this study is the use of AI, specifically, a conditional generative adversarial network, as a design tool. Instead of relying on the traditional approach of using predefined mathematical curves, the researchers trained an AI to automatically generate new gerotor profiles. The AI learned from a dataset linking specific, high-performance profile geometries to their actual performance data. This innovation allowed it to understand why certain shapes perform better than others, and then generate new, highly-optimized geometries that substantially outperform traditional designs.

The team demonstrated that their novel AI-generated design exhibits substantial performance gains in simulation validation via computational fluid dynamics. Compared to a traditional ovoid profile, the proposed design achieved a 74.7% reduction in flow irregularity. This means the pump’s output is significantly more stable and consistent. It also shows a 32.3% increase in average flow rate, which indicates better volumetric efficiency, as well as a 53.6% reduction in outlet pressure fluctuation, which directly contributes to quieter operation and reduced vibration.

The most direct real-life applications of the present work are in the automotive industry. The reduction in pressure fluctuation and flow irregularity is highly beneficial here. It can lead to transmission systems that operate more quietly and could potentially improve component reliability by reducing vibration and unstable hydraulic stress. Furthermore, the 32.3% increase in average flow rate allows for more efficient oil circulation throughout the engine. This contributes to better lubrication and cooling of engine components, which is critical for engine durability.

Prof. Kim remarks: “The same principles demonstrated in our study are applicable to various hydraulic pumps used in industrial machinery, where efficiency, low noise, and reliability are important factors, making our technology highly lucrative for real-life adoption.”

In the next 5 to 10 years, methods like this could become a standard tool for engineers. It represents a move toward “inverse design,” where an engineer can specify the desired performance targets, such as “minimize pressure fluctuation,” and the AI assists in generating an optimal geometry to meet those targets. Moreover, this approach can speed up the research and development cycle for complex mechanical components. It allows for the exploration of a much wider design space than is possible through traditional manual iteration.

Crucially, for the public, the adoption of more optimal components can mean the machines we use daily become quieter and more reliable. In the automotive sector, this translates to vehicles with more efficient and durable hydraulic systems like transmissions and oil pumps,” concludes Prof. Kim.

Reference

Title of original paper: Machine learning-driven gerotor profile synthesis and optimization using Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks

Journal: Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence

DOI: 10.1016/j.engappai.2025.112604

Image credit: Chul Kim from Pusan National University

Maono PD200W wireless dynamic microphone review

The Maono PD200W stands out as one of the most versatile and budget-friendly microphones available for creators, streamers, and podcasters. By successfully merging a professional-grade dynamic capsule with 2.4 GHz wireless functionality, it delivers exceptional flexibility without compromising on audio quality or features.

The “Hybrid” moniker is well-earned, as the PD200W offers a trifecta of connectivity options, ensuring it fits into nearly any recording setup:

  1. 2.4 GHz Wireless: This is the headline feature. The mic operates wirelessly via a small receiver that plugs into your device (PC, phone, camera) via USB-C or a 3.5mm jack (depending on the receiver version). This allows for up to 60 meters of range and is perfect for on-the-go interviews, vlogging, and clean desktop setups.
  2. USB-C Digital: A simple plug-and-play connection to a PC, laptop, or phone, delivering high-resolution 24-bit/48kHz digital audio. This is ideal for streaming and studio work.
  3. XLR Analog: For professional setups, the XLR output allows connection to a mixer or audio interface, offering robust analog performance.

 

Audio Quality and Noise Suppression

The PD200W is designed to capture clear, focused vocals, a hallmark of dynamic microphones.

The 30mm dynamic capsule delivers a clean, intimate sound with strong vocal clarity. It excels at close-miking, which is essential for podcasting and streaming. Due to its cardioid polar pattern and dynamic design, the mic is naturally excellent at rejecting off-axis sound (like room echoes or background traffic). A major advantage is the built-in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) noise reduction, offering multiple levels (Weak, Medium, Strong). Reviewers have found this feature highly effective, keeping the focus locked onto the voice even in challenging real-world environments with noise like heaters or buzzing insects.

The Maono PD200W includes several features that make it a favorite for content creators:

With a claimed battery life of up to 60 hours (and around 38 hours with the RGB lighting active), it’s built for extended wireless sessions or long-duration remote recordings.

The companion software for Windows and Mac allows users to fine-tune their sound with an equalizer (EQ), compressor, and limiter—tools typically found in higher-end setups. It also includes the controls for the multi-level noise reduction. See app screenshots below and video review for more.

The microphone features 16.8 million colors of RGB lighting, which can be controlled via the software, appealing directly to gamers and streamers who want a visually engaging setup.

It supports connecting two PD200W microphones to a single receiver (2TX + 1RX), which is excellent for dual-host podcasts or interviews, recording each speaker on a separate channel for easier post-production.

The Maono PD200W is a near-perfect hybrid microphone for content creators on a budget who prioritize flexibility.

Overall, the Maono PD200W is highly recommended for streamers, remote workers, YouTubers, and podcasters who need a reliable, clean-sounding microphone that can adapt instantly between a fixed desktop setup and a mobile, cable-free recording scenario. It delivers studio-grade clarity without the studio price tag.

Maono App

 

 

Key Features 

  1. Triple-mode connectivity (2.4GHz wireless transmission, USB, and XLR) offering true plug-and-play convenience and freeing creators from the limitations of traditional wired microphones, while providing more versatile connection options than conventional dual-mode mics.
  2. Dual-channel stereo recording – a single receiver connects to two PD200W microphones simultaneously, capturing each signal separately on the left and right channels. This enables independent volume adjustment for each speaker in post-production and eliminates track-mixing issues in multi-person podcasts or interviews.
  3. Studio-grade sound quality – a major upgrade over ordinary microphones, with clarity that rivals the Shure MV7+.
    1. 48kHz/24-bit sampling for authentic, high-resolution sound
    2. 82dB signal-to-noise ratio for ultra-quiet recording with no unwanted noise
    3. 128dB max SPL for distortion-free performance even at high volumes
  4. Direct connection to smartphones, tablets, and cameras – going beyond traditional USB microphones by supporting mobile devices, allowing creators to start from entry-level gear, switch seamlessly across platforms, and reduce time spent on post-production.
  5. Multi-level noise reduction – minimizing environmental background sounds and room acoustics, delivering cleaner and more focused audio without the need for heavy post-processing.

Competitors

VS Shure MV7+

    1. Comparable sound quality to the MV7+, delivering a professional-grade listening experience.
    2. Unlike the wired-only setup of traditional multi-person podcasting, PD200W’s wireless mode offers a cleaner and more convenient solution.

VS Fifine K688 / AM8

    1. Compared to both the K688 and AM8, PD200W delivers more professional sound quality tailored for podcasting.
    2. Unlike these models, PD200W supports direct USB connections to smartphones and tablets, providing broader device compatibility and greater flexibility for creators.

Prices

PD200W (Desktop Stand Version): $99.99

PD200W (with BA37 Boom Arm): $129.99

PD200W (2TX+1RX with Desktop Stand): $189.99

BUY

Other Mic Reviews

Video Review

Quest Software Opens New Centre for Advanced AI Architecture in Ireland

Quest Software, a global leader in data management, cybersecurity, and platform modernization, today announced the opening of its new Centre for Advanced AI Architecture. The opening is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. To learn more, visit quest.com.

AI adoption is increasing across every sector, and organizations need stronger foundations in data, security, and modern platforms. The new centre will play a central role in meeting these needs through applied research and development, and engineering work, to deliver market-leading and first-of-a-kind innovations that will help drive customer success and Quest growth.

The centre expands Quest’s global AI initiative and strengthens the company’s focus on helping customers succeed in the AI era. This includes a $350 million capital infusion announced earlier this year along with new executive leadership to support Quest’s growth. The planned investment in the Cork Centre for Advanced AI Architecture is a key part of that initiative and supports the company’s strategy across three key areas: trusted AI-ready data, AI-powered cybersecurity, and platform modernization to scale with AI demands. The centre will serve as a hub for applied research and development. Teams in Cork will work across AI engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and software development to advance these priorities and strengthen Quest’s market-leading products in these areas.

Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection said: I am very pleased to join the team at Quest Software here in Cork to celebrate this significant investment in skills, talent, and jobs. The European Commission recognises the urgent need to expand Europe’s pool of AI expertise. That is why, a few months ago, we launched the AI Continent Action Plan — to train and attract more AI researchers and professionals, and to strengthen AI skills and literacy across our workforce.

The announcement aligns perfectly with that ambition. It strengthens Europe’s innovation capacity and is a strong endorsement of Cork and the wider Southwest region. It demonstrates the role Cork plays as a dynamic contributor to Europe’s digital future, and its importance for companies like Quest as they scale their European presence.”

Tim Page, CEO at Quest Software said: “This investment strengthens our growth and supports the work we are doing to advance our products for the AI era and help us deliver AI that customers can trust. By investing in technology and talent, and partnering with local universities and research institutions, we can help develop the next generation of AI and cybersecurity professionals.”

Peter Burke, TD, Minister for Enterprise Tourism and Employment said: “Quest Software’s decision to expand in Cork is a fantastic endorsement of Ireland’s reputation as a hub for innovation and talent. This investment will create high quality jobs and strengthen our technology ecosystem. The Government is committed to fostering an environment where companies like Quest can thrive, and to supporting long-term regional growth. The announcement is a clear signal of confidence in our workforce and enterprise strategy. I wish Quest Software every success in the future with the new Centre for Advanced AI Architecture.”

Dónal Travers, Executive Director, IDA Ireland said: “The opening by Quest Software of its Centre for Advanced AI Architecture, which is being announced, signifies the company’s vote of confidence in Ireland’s AI innovation environment. This project positions Quest at the forefront of Enterprise AI transformation, delivering technically differentiated solutions that offer global impact. I wish to congratulate the Quest team and assure them of IDA Ireland’s continued support and partnership.”

Quest’s investment and the creation of new roles will contribute to an economic impact in Cork and across Ireland. According to IDA Ireland, every 10 jobs created in IDA client companies support an additional eight jobs in the wider economy.

As part of its expansion plans with the new Centre for Advanced AI Architecture, Quest plans to collaborate with Irish universities to develop courses, training programs, and skills development opportunities focused on AI and cybersecurity for people interested in technology careers.

Ireland has become a leading location for AI research and skills. The country produces nearly 1,500 AI-related Masters graduates each year and has nearly doubled its PhD output in AI fields since 2019. Ireland was also the first country to develop an industry-driven nationwide Postgraduate Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence. This depth of talent and the active research environment were important factors in selecting Cork for the new centre.

Allianz x Spotify: This Christmas, Your Playlist Could Be Your Best Safety Feature

This Christmas, the soundtrack in your car could be shaping your driving more than you think. As millions take to the roads, Allianz is warning that fast-tempo music can subtly increase speed, stress and reaction times and is encouraging motorists to slow both the car and the beat.

To support safer journeys this year, Allianz is urging drivers to plan ahead, take their time and never drink and drive. As part of this, Allianz Ireland has partnered with Spotify on a new data-driven initiative that helps drivers manage their mindset behind the wheel, simply by adjusting the tempo of the music they listen to.

Building on this partnership, Allianz and Spotify have launched Seat Belters, an in-app experience that creates a personalised, lower-tempo playlist based on each user’s listening history. Using Spotify’s streaming intelligence, it identifies tracks in the 60–80 beat-per-minute (BPM) range to help promote a calmer mindset on the road – whether it’s the school run, inching through town for a bit of shopping, or the long drive home across the country for Christmas.

Studies show that music can have a direct influence on how we drive. Songs with a fast tempo (over 120 BPM) can subconsciously encourage drivers to speed up and change lanes much more often. In contrast, music that matches the average resting heart rate (around 60-80 BPM) is associated with calmer, more focused driving[1].

Behavioural Psychologist Dr. Becky Spelman offered insight into the science behind Seat Belters, and how the initiative can have real-world influence on driving behaviour: “As a psychologist, I’m always interested in the small, everyday inputs that shape how we feel and behave. Music is one of those influences that most of us overlook – we usually think of it as something enjoyable to have in the background, but the tempo and rhythm of what we listen to have a very real effect on the body.

“When we’re driving, these changes matter. A slight increase in heart rate or a feeling of urgency can lead to quicker reactions, more lane changes or a tendency to drive a little faster. These shifts are not usually conscious decisions; they are simply the body responding to stimulation. The research is very consistent in showing that high-tempo music makes us more reactive and more prone to quick decisions, which is not ideal when we are on the road and need calm, steady focus.”

A nationally representative survey commissioned by Allianz earlier this year found that over half of Irish adults believe music influences their driving style, with belief particularly strong among Gen Z, who are the demographic most likely to stream music while driving. Higher heart-rate variability, increased mental workload and erratic driving patterns have all been observed in response to faster music, making mindful playlist curation especially beneficial this Christmas.

Dr. Spelman explains; “This is why the Allianz Seat Belters initiative is so useful. It takes something that people already do every day – listening to music in the car – and turns it into a practical safety support. By selecting music in the range of sixty to eighty beats per minute based on your listening history, the playlist encourages the body to settle. This slower rhythm is much closer to the natural pace of a calm and regulated nervous system. When we’re in that state, our thinking becomes clearer, our decision making becomes steadier and we’re less likely to behave impulsively, making the roads a safer place for everyone this Christmas.

Allianz has also launched Dashboard Drumming, a social video activation pairing legendary drummer Stewart Copeland (The Police) with science content creator Big Manny. In a parked car, they use nothing but a dashboard and a drumbeat to demonstrate how changing tempo affects mindset, mood, and ultimately driving behaviour – making BPM instantly relatable and sharable. It’s a fun but powerful way to show how we respond to rhythm behind the wheel. Start Your Better Driving Soundtrack – to create your personalised Playlist, visit: https://www.allianz.ie/spotify or use the QR code below

Start Your Better Driving Soundtrack.

To create your personalised  Playlist, visit: https://open.spotify.com/site/allianz or use the QR code below

Stealth RADAR gaming headset review

The Stealth RADAR gaming headset is a simple plug and play headset that works on pretty much any device or multiplaftorm and is not only for just kids but adults alike with an aviator look

The colour model we tested is probably the best loking out of the look leaning towards a Ninendo Switch console and looks nice it is also light a very robust and has a tough braided cable for power.

No app is required on set up here unlike other gaming headsets which can be a cumersome process which make this an easy choice for kids and parents alike.

There is a built in mic and the headset is wired you may need an adapter for some products however but this is not really much of an issue today with USB-C being the main connector although it does use a 3.5mm jack you can aleviate this is your product has no headphone jack via an adapter.

There is also a pop filter on the mic making it sound great on the other end, tested on mobile console and PC I had no issues here at all.

With 40mm drivers the sound is great to be fair even for the price and any user will be happy with how it performs even with just music there was no tinny sound when maxed out or any latency of course veing wired that is why.

The intergrated controls work really well with a simple volume wheel and mute switch for the mic making if a fun and easy to use hassle free headset for most kids and even adults who do not want the fuss of more hard core ones in which we have a review of coming soon, check the video below for more.

 

Features

Multiformat
• 40 mm speaker drivers
• Larger domed earcups
• Flexible, letherette headband
• Soft-foam, breathable mesh ear cushions
• 3.5mm audio jack
• Braided cable
• On-board audio controls
• Built-in mic with pop filter

Available in black from Smyths

Available in White from Argos and Very

Other gaming headset reviews 

Video Review

How Territory Mapping Can Help Sales Teams Focus on the Right Opportunities

Service organizations count on regular contact and the effective organization of the field activities to attract new clients and retain the old ones. But in the absence of knowing where opportunities are available or how territories should be prioritized, salespeople will waste time by traveling long distances or searching for low-value prospects. Mapping territories is a systematic, graphic way of determining the localization of leads, the manner in which sales resources are distributed, and which locations have the greatest potential. Territory mapping, when coupled with an effective sales pipeline management CRM, will provide organizational understanding and clarity to optimize productivity, ease planning, and reinforce sales performance in each region.

 

5 Reasons Territory Mapping Helps Sales Teams Prioritize Better

 

 

  1. Organized Data and Faster Field Planning Through Paperless Document Tools

The process of territory mapping is made much more effective in combination with the use of paperless document tools that allow removing manual paperwork and providing immediate digital access. The sales teams do not have to use printed maps, handwritten notes, and scattered files anymore, but can access all the details about their clients, lead information, and territory assignments in one online place. This simplified procedure will mean that all the representatives will have the right and updated data in the field.

Mapping visualization and paperless documentation allow easy tracking of opportunities, documentation of client interactions, and the analysis of territory performance without administrative delays. Field reps have the ability to save notes directly into the mapping system and provide office teams with instant feedback on the availability of new opportunities or follow-up requirements. This real-time cooperation will decrease the misunderstandings and assist sales departments in concentrating on the potential opportunities of particular areas.

 

  1. Better Prioritization for High-Value Areas

The process of territory mapping will give a clear picture of the location of the valuable prospects and loyal customers. Sales teams can allocate more time to more opportunity areas than to others since time allocation is evenly spread throughout the service area. Geographic visualization points out the lead groups, the areas with more conversion potential, and the areas where the demand for the services is the greatest.

This can prevent wasting time traveling to prospects who have a low potential or interest in services. Reps can schedule their routes every day and go for opportunities that are worth following and ensure a better utilization of their time and high chances of success. Sales teams can be more efficient, and their fieldwork can yield better and more stable returns by knowing precisely where they yield the greatest results.

 

  1. Improved Lead Management by Region and Category

Mapping the various territories of a business can help companies identify and categorize their leads by region/service type/customer segment so that representatives can work with those leads that are the best fit for their skill set, experience level, and geographical area. Creating these types of segments also helps to consolidate the communications that clients will receive to prevent overlapping outreach and provide a consistent message throughout your company’s entire lead generation process.

When leads are managed on a regional basis, it is easier for organizations to evaluate their performance in the marketplace and identify the markets that are overlooked. Additionally, organizations can analyze how each region interacts with the market dynamics, assess their competition level, evaluate the overall “health” of their sales activity within each region over time, and determine how to adjust their business strategies based on what they observe in each region in “real time.”

 

  1. Streamlined Team Coordination and Accountability

With clearly defined territories, you can eliminate confusion concerning the responsibilities associated with each member of the sales force (sales agents). When all sales representatives know where they have the right to sell products/services, as well as where their commission check will come from, this opens opportunities for sales reps to form alliances with other sales reps and work together toward mutual benefit.

Additionally, by defining the territories within a company’s sales organization, a company’s leadership team is empowered by having a more purposeful and measurable approach to sales activity performance. By establishing accountability based upon the performance of territories, and measuring both activity and results for territories, a company’s leadership will have a much more focused view of which territories are underperforming versus those territories that are performing well and need additional support. 

 

  1. Stronger Forecasting and Strategic Expansion Planning

Mapping territories also aids business expansion planning, as companies can assess potential new markets before actually entering them. In addition, having insight into a territory’s performance enables them to predict sales growth potential, assess resource requirements, and determine whether it is reasonable to expand into that market based on performance measurements and growth potential. Using accurate geographical data, instead of guesswork or speculating, can help reduce risk for companies, improve their ability to make strategic choices in all markets, and eliminate mistakes resulting from using just guesswork.

End Point

When sales teams map out their territories, they can focus on the best opportunities, travel more effectively, manage their prospects more precisely, and maximize their sales resources. Territory mapping combined with a sound CRM system that manages sales pipelines creates a streamlined process by eliminating wasteful efforts and providing insight into how well each region is performing and how its performance can be improved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon Alexa’s most asked questions of 2025 in Ireland

Alexa is always ready to help and has once again been on hand to answer the questions posed by inquisitive customers in Ireland. Revealed today are this year’s ‘Alexa’s Most Asked Questions’ covering an array of the hottest trends and topics in 2025.

In the year Liverpool became Premier League champions and Taylor Swift dominated our radios with The Life of a Showgirl, users have been asking how much Elon Musk is worth and checking the value of Bitcoin.

Celebrities piqued a lot of curiosity, with Irish Alexa users keen to learn more about their favourite famous faces, with “How tall is Sabrina Carpenter”, “Who is Ed Sheeran married to” and “What is MrBeast’s net worth?” coming in as some of the top celebrity questions.

Users also turned to Alexa for insights on general knowledge, with “What is the population of the Earth?” and “How long do you boil an egg for?” coming in as some of the most asked questions.

Alison Dunn, Country Manager, Amazon Ireland said: “We’re delighted to see how Alexa has become such an integral part of daily life for Amazon.ie customers across Ireland. From settling debates about celebrity heights to helping with cooking times and satisfying curiosity about everything from the population of Earth to the latest Bitcoin values, Alexa is there to help with life’s big and small questions alike.”

Football also dominated the Irish conversation in 2025, with Liverpool the most talked about team, closely followed by rivals Manchester United. “How much is Roy Keane worth?” also found itself in the top 10 celebrity net worth questions.

You can find the full list of ‘Alexa’s Most Asked Questions’ for 2025 below:

 

  • The most asked about sports team:Liverpool
    1. Manchester United
    2. Arsenal
    3. Manchester City
    4. Chelsea
    5. Tottenham Hotspur
    6. Real Madrid
    7. Barcelona
    8. Aston Villa
    9. Newcastle
    10.  
  • The most asked about celebrities:Cristiano Ronaldo
    1. Taylor Swift
    2. Lionel Messi
    3. Elon Musk
    4. Sabrina Carpenter
    5. Elvis Presley
    6. Ed Sheeran
    7. MrBeast
    8. Eminem
    9. Michael D. Higgins

 

  • The most asked about estimated net worths:Elon Musk
    1. MrBeast
    2. Cristiano Ronaldo
    3. Taylor Swift
    4. Jeff Bezos
    5. Rory McIlroy
    6. Kevin De Bruyne
    7. Lionel Messi
    8. Bill Gates
    9. Roy Keane

 

  • General knowledge question highlights:What is the population of the earth?
    • How long do you boil an egg for?
    • How long do you cook chicken for?
    • Where is Leeds?
    • What is the population of the Republic of Ireland?
    • What is the value of Bitcoin?
    • How old is Donald Trump?
    • What is the population of the Republic of Ireland?
    • How long do you cook a potato for?
    • How old is Michael D. Higgins?

 

 

  • The most asked about heights:Taylor Swift
    1. Sabrina Carpenter
    2. Lionel Messi
    3. Cristiano Ronaldo
    4. Peter Crouch
    5. Barron Trump
    6. Michael D. Higgins
    7. Tom Cruise
    8. Harry Kane
    9. Sultan Kösen

 

  • The most asked about spouses:Ed Sheeran
    1. Donald Trump
    2. Katy Perry
    3. Celine Dion
    4. Eminem
    5. Henry VIII
    6. Elon Musk
    7. Cristiano Ronaldo
    8. Lionel Messi
    9. Taylor Swift

 

*Lists based on IE customer interactions