Tag: #AI

Google I/O 2025: From research to reality

At Google I/O, they  showed Google is fully in the Gemini era, showcasing significant AI innovations across products, research, and infrastructure, all geared towards making AI more helpful for everyone. Check out the recap below of what to expect.

From research to reality — we’re taking cutting-edge research to build the most helpful AI that’s more intelligent, agentic and personalized. 

And we’re building on impressive momentum — every one of our 15 products with over half a billion users now uses Gemini, our natively multimodal AI model family. 

Intelligent
We are shipping models at a relentless pace — in March, we released Gemini 2.5 Pro, setting new state-of-the-art across key benchmarks and representing a significant leap in reasoning, coding, science and maths capabilities, and we’ve built on that progress today: 

  • Gemini 2.5 advancements: Gemini 2.5 Flash is now our default model, blending incredible quality with lightning-fast response times. Our enhanced reasoning model, Deep Think (in Gemini 2.5 Pro) uses our latest research on thinking and reasoning 

  • New creative tools: Introducing Veo 3 and Imagen 4, our frontier-pushing video and image generation models. Creatives: try Flow, our new AI filmmaking tool, to create story elements (cast, locations, objects, styles) with natural language, all in one place.

 

Agentic
By applying our cutting-edge AI models across Google products, we can make them more agentic — capable of intelligently taking action on your behalf, with your permission, across a variety of tasks, from complex academic research to restaurant reservations, across the web and in your Google apps:

 

  • Project Mariner: Launched last December, Project Mariner now includes a system of agents that can complete up to ten different tasks at a time. Starting in the US, these agents can simultaneously help you look up information, make bookings, buy things, do research and more

  • Get things done, directly from Search: We’re building the agentic capabilities of Project Mariner into AI Mode in the US, helping people save time with tasks like purchasing tickets to a baseball game

  • Project Astra in Google Search: We’re integrating Project Astra’s Live capabilities into Search in the US, so you can talk back-and-forth with Search about what you see in real-time, using your camera. Stumped on a project? Simply tap the “Live” icon in AI Mode, point your camera, ask your question, and get an explanation, with links to other resources you can explore in more detail 

  • Shopping features: Our new shopping experience in AI Mode combines Gemini model capabilities with our Shopping Graph to help you browse for inspiration, and choose products that are the “right fit”. See how an outfit looks on you, and ask our agentic checkout feature to make the purchase when the price is right. 

 

Personalised
Combine knowledge of the real world with information you share about your world, so AI can be even more helpful. Optionally share personal context like search history, emails, or your schedule allows for AI responses tailored to your preferences:

  • Gemini: Our goal for the Gemini app is to become the most helpful universal AI assistant. We’re enhancing Gemini Live in the Gemini app with personal context. With your permission, it will integrate with Google services like Maps, Calendar, Tasks, and Keep (and more later) for deeper daily assistance. And it’s getting even better with more Project Astra live capabilities coming soon to Gemini Live. 

  • AI Mode: our most powerful AI search, features advanced reasoning, multimodality, and deeper exploration via follow-up questions and web links. It now also offers personalized suggestions based on past searches or other Google apps, starting with Gmail. Search “Nashville weekend, friends, food & music,” and AI Mode suggests restaurants from your booking history and activities near your hotel.

  • Gemini Deep Research & Canvas: Make Deep Research personally powerful by blending your own private files with public data for insights unique to your context. Then, let Canvas bring your personal vision to life, as Gemini 2.5 Pro turns your descriptions into working code, apps, and creative content faster than ever.

 

With this, and all our groundbreaking work, we’re building AI that’s more intelligent, agentic and personalised, enriching our lives, advancing the pace of scientific progress and ushering in a new age of discovery and wonder.

See our Google Reviews

2025 Irish Smartphone Usage Stats

Not so long ago, mobile phones were used only for communication. However, as these devices advanced, they started replacing everything from cameras to gaming consoles. Today, they’re an integral part of everyday life in Ireland. This is best highlighted in the most recent Irish smartphone usage stats. In this article, we look at the most important figures and what they mean long term.

More People are Gaming on Mobile

Remember the famous Nokia Snake game? While still considered a classic, the games available on smartphones are significantly better. From mini-games for passing time to full-fledged titles that have their console versions, mobile gaming has evolved into a serious segment of the gaming industry. Even online casinos are available on mobile, allowing you to play poker or spin slots with just a few taps, all that in fully optimized apps. With mobile gaming on the rise, it’s no wonder 55% of adults in Ireland now play games on mobile. This means that smartphones are now the most dominant platform in the country, with only between 37% and 40% playing on consoles.

5.05 Million People in Ireland Own a Smartphone

Today, it’s practically impossible to go about your day without a smartphone in your pocket. Whether you want to make a phone call, look up an address, or buy something, you can do it all from this little device. And people in Ireland are doing exactly this, with 5.05 million people in the country owning a smartphone. With the tech constantly evolving, it’s natural to expect this figure to go up even more in the coming years. According to projections, the number of smartphone users in Ireland will reach 5.22 million by 2029.

Smartphones Are the First Thing People See in the Morning

While it’s not surprising that almost everyone in Ireland now owns a smartphone, you may be left stunned by the fact that for 74%, it’s the first thing they see in the morning. These devices have already started to replace traditional alarm clocks, but their use continues even after the alarm goes on. They’re responding to messages, scrolling through social media, or reading the news. Not only this, but people in Ireland also use their smartphones right before going to bed. In fact, 54% say they stay awake longer than planned because they’re on their phones.

Android Users Dominate Ireland

The Android vs. iOS debate is always ongoing, and in Ireland, Android is clearly in the lead. Apple’s iPhone has a strong following, especially among younger generations, but Android dominates the overall market. According to the numbers from 2025, Android holds over 60% of the smartphone market in Ireland. iPhone holds over 38% while only about 0.25% goes to other, older operating systems. Android has a wide range of devices at different price points, making it more accessible, which is the main reason behind its popularity.

Samsung is the Most Popular Brand in Ireland

As mentioned above, Android has the edge over iOS in Ireland. But what about brands? According to the most recent numbers, Samsung is the leader. Out of the surveyed individuals, 42% said they own a Samsung phone, while 38% said they own an Apple phone. The number of Samsung users went up by 4% between 2023 and 2024, proving that the brand is constantly attracting new customers. With the Edge version of Samsung S25 having just arrived, this number may increase even more in the coming months. AI is one of the hottest tech trends at the moment, and the new version of the popular Samsung phone integrates it at almost every touchpoint.

Dell Technologies Unveils Next Generation Enterprise AI Solutions with NVIDIA

The world’s top provider of AI-centric infrastructure, Dell Technologies announces innovations across the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA – all designed to help enterprises accelerate AI adoption and achieve faster time to value.

Why it matters

As enterprises make AI central to their strategy and progress from experimentation to implementation, their demand for accessible AI skills and technologies grows exponentially.

Dell and NVIDIA continue the rapid pace of innovation with updates to the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA, including robust AI infrastructure, solutions and services that streamline the path to full-scale implementation.

Dell infrastructure advances enterprise AI innovation with enhanced power, efficiency, and scalability

Dell Technologies introduces the next generation of advanced compute, data storage, data management and networking solutions:

  • Air-cooled Dell PowerEdge XE9780 and XE9785 servers simplify integration into existing enterprise data centers, while liquid-cooled Dell PowerEdge XE9780L and XE9785L servers accelerate rack-scale deployment. The new PowerEdge servers support up to 192 NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra GPUs with direct to chip liquid cooling and can be customized with up to 256 NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra GPUs per Dell IR7000 rack. As the successors to Dell’s fastest ramping solution ever the Dell PowerEdge XE9680, these platforms can deliver up to four times faster large language model (LLM) training with the 8-way NVIDIA HGX B300.4
  • The Dell PowerEdge XE9712 featuring NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 offers efficiency at rack scale for training and 50 times more AI reasoning inference output and 5x improvement in throughput With new Dell PowerCool technology, this platform helps businesses achieve greater power efficiency.
  • The Dell PowerEdge XE7745 server will be available with NVIDIA RTX Pro™ 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs in July 2025. This platform – supported in the NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design – provides a universal platform to help meet the needs of physical and agentic AI use cases like robotics, digital twins, and multi-modal AI applications with support for up to 8 GPUs in a 4U chassis.
  • Dell plans to support the NVIDIA Vera CPU, offering speed, efficiency, and performance.
  • Dell plans to support the NVIDIA Vera Rubin platform with a new Dell PowerEdge XE server designed for Dell Integrated Rack Scalable Systems.

 

Connecting it all, Dell extends its networking portfolio to include the Dell PowerSwitch SN5600, SN2201 Ethernet, part of the NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet networking platform, and NVIDIA Quantum-X800 InfiniBand switches. These high-density, low-latency switches deliver up to 800 gigabits per second of throughput and are now backed by Dell ProSupport and Deployment Services to provide expert guidance at every stage of AI deployment.

Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA solutions support the NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design, featuring Dell and NVIDIA compute, networking, storage, and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software providing an end-to- end fully integrated AI solution for enterprises.

Dell AI Data Platform advancements improve AI data management

Because AI is only as powerful as the data that fuels it, organizations need a platform designed for performance and scalability. Dell AI Data Platform advancements provide AI applications with always-on access to high quality data.

  • Dell ObjectScale supports large-scale AI deployments while helping reduce cost and data center footprint with the introduction of a denser, software-defined system. NVIDIA BlueField and Spectrum networking integrations boost performance and scalability.
  • Dell introduces a high-performance solution built with Dell PowerScale, Dell Project Lightning, and PowerEdge XE servers. Using KV cache and integrating NVIDIA’s NIXL Libraries, this solution is ideal for large-scale distributed inference workloads.
  • Dell ObjectScale will support S3 over RDMA, achieving up to 230% higher throughput, up to 80% lower latency and 98% reduced CPU load compared to traditional S3 for better GPU utilization
  • Dell announces an integrated solution that incorporates the NVIDIA AI Data Platform to accelerate curated insights from data and accelerate agentic AI applications and tools.

 

Software updates help organizations seamlessly deploy agentic AI

 

  • The NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, available directly from Dell, offers businesses the option to innovate on the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA with NVIDIA NIM, NVIDIA NeMo microservices, and NVIDIA Blueprints, NVIDIA NeMo Retriever for RAG and NVIDIA Llama Nemotron reasoning models, and seamlessly develop agentic workflows while accelerating time- to-value for AI outcomes.
  • Simplify business-critical AI deployments while providing flexibility and security with Red Hat OpenShift available on the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA.

New managed services streamline operations and drive faster outcomes

The new Dell Managed Services for the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA simplify AI operations with management of the full NVIDIA AI solutions stack — including AI platforms, infrastructure and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software. Dell managed services experts handle 24×7 monitoring, reporting, version upgrades and patching, helping teams overcome resource and expertise constraints by providing cost-effective, scalable and proactive IT support.

Perspectives

“We’re on a mission to bring AI to millions of customers around the world,” said Michael Dell, chairman and chief executive officer, Dell Technologies. “Our job is to make AI more accessible. With the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA, enterprises can manage the entire AI lifecycle across use cases, from training to deployment, at any scale.”

“AI factories are the infrastructure of modern industry, generating intelligence to power work across healthcare, finance and manufacturing,” said Jensen Huang, founder and chief executive officer, NVIDIA. “With Dell Technologies, we’re offering the broadest line of Blackwell AI systems to serve AI factories in clouds, enterprises and at the edge.”

AWS x F1 Launch AI-Powered Track Design Experience

Formula 1 and Global Partner AWS have announced the launch of a brand-new interactive digital experience, ‘Real-Time Race Track’, which allows fans to create, customise, and share their own F1 track design. As part of the experience, they can also enter a sweepstake for a chance to win a trip to the FORMULA 1 BRITISH GRAND PRIX 2026.

Using AI-powered analysis from Amazon Nova, ‘Real-Time Race Track’ enables fans to design an original, custom race track of any shape and length using their computer’s mouse or by tracing their finger on any touchscreen device.

Following the completion of the circuit, each turn and straight on the track is analysed by Amazon Nova, which produces key on-track metrics including top speed and projected lap time, as well as two viable race strategies, further evaluating the optimal pit timing, tyre recommendations and tactical adjustments for various weather scenarios. The detailed level of data across the experience offers fans an insight into the world of Formula 1 team strategists and creates an authentic strategic dimension to each custom circuit design.

After creating and submitting a track, fans can enter a sweepstake to win a trip to the FORMULA 1 BRITISH GRAND PRIX 2026, with the winner being selected at random, providing the opportunity to see first-hand a variety of strategies from the teams across the race weekend. The draw for the sweepstake will close on 16 July, 2025.

The latest experience builds upon the strategic Partnership between Formula 1 and AWS, which began in 2018. Over the past seven years, the collaboration has consistently delivered innovations that elevate the on-track competition, as well as the off-track experience for fans. With more than a million data points per second coming off the cars, the cornerstone of Formula 1’s partnership with AWS is the ability to extract valuable insights from all the data, and the ‘Real-Time Race Track’ experience applies that knowledge combined with AWS’s advanced analytics and artificial intelligence for the benefit of fans.

For more information on the ‘Real-Time Race Track’ experience, click here.

Jonny Haworth, Director of Commercial Partnerships, Formula 1 said:

“Our ongoing partnership with AWS continues to evolve and transform how fans interact with Formula 1. The ‘Real-Time Race Track’ experience exemplifies how we’re using cloud technology and AI to bring fans closer to the sport than ever before. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we’re giving fans an inside look at the complexities and innovation of race strategy, using the same technology that helps to power our sport.”

Kristin Shaff, Global Director of Strategic Partnerships, AWS said:

“When we first began working with Formula 1, they presented us with a unique challenge – how to use telemetry data to further engage fans during live races. That vision has since materialized into 23 data-driven F1 Insights that appear during the broadcast to help fans better understand how teams devise strategies. With today’s launch of the Real-Time Race Track experience, we’re taking this approach to a new level of interactivity.  Now anyone can design their own circuit and instantly see how weather conditions, track configurations, pit timing, and tire selection influence performance.”

 

Digital transformation in action: NI logistics firm deploys 3D scanning and big data with DTFF support

A Northern Ireland warehousing, logistics and shipping firm showcased how the introduction of emerging technologies into their operations has enabled them to “run shoulder to shoulder” with companies “three, four, five times the size” of theirs.

SJ Henderson Fulfilment is just one of 172 businesses across the country who have benefited from support from the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF). Since November 2023 the fund has released £2.5 million into the business community to support the adoption of one or more of the six emerging technologies.

From AI and machine learning, process automation using robotics/cobotics and immersive tech such as AR and VR to big data and analytics, IoT and system integration and block chain; DTFF gives businesses the opportunity to improve internal systems and processes.

Recently, Stephen Henderson of SJ Henderson Fulfilment welcomed Department for Economy (DfE) Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to see how his innovative 3D imaging and big data driven tech scanner not only provides more accurate information for warehouse storage but also allows Stephen to maximise space whilst minimising costs for fulfilment clients.

The company, based in Kilkeel, Co Down, specialise in all aspects of online fulfilment, including e-fulfilment, warehousing and storage, pick and pack, distribution and returns management.

The £7.5 million DTFF programme operates across all four City and Growth Deal regions in Northern Ireland, reflecting a shared ambition between central and local government to deliver digitally driven innovation to accelerate business growth and regional economic development.

Having just completed the applications round of call four, expressions of interest are now open for call five applications in July.

DTFF is part-funded by the NI Executive, UK Government, DAERA and all local authorities in Northern Ireland. The programme is delivered by all 11 Councils under the Full Fibre Northern Ireland Consortium (FFNI) and is led by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, with support from Invest Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the site visit to SJ Henderson Fulfilment, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Economy Minister said: “The Digital Transformation Flexible Fund provides funding for small and micro businesses across the north to engage in transformative digital solutions, which will drive innovation and boost productivity.

“SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd is a great example of a company which has taken the first step to automate its processes, which will pave the way for further digital transformation. This investment will make the company more efficient and allow it to fulfil more orders, increase its ability to meet the needs of more customers and grow its business.

“With £5 million of funding still available through this initiative, I encourage businesses across the north to seize this opportunity to increase transformation, boost competitiveness and accelerate economic growth.”

DTFF is part of a broader digital ecosystem that serves as a stepping stone for businesses seeking additional Growth Deal funding to grow and develop their ideas.

Highlighting the programme’s significance, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne explained: “The Digital Transformation Flexible Fund is not just about technology adoption; it’s about ensuring that businesses, regardless of size, have the opportunity to innovate, streamline operations and unlock new growth potential through digital transformation.

“SJ Henderson Fulfilment is a successful rural business in Newry, Mourne and Down and DTFF is a testament to our commitment to driving digital ambitions and supporting our local businesses as they embrace the future.”

The receipt of DTFF support represents a significant step in SJ Henderson Fulfilment’s digital transformation journey, allowing them to drive digital innovation within their operations.

Martin McKendry, DAERA’s Head of Food, Farming and Rural Affairs Group, added: “I am delighted to have visited SJ Henderson Fulfilment on behalf of Minister Muir.  It is interesting to see how the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund investment has helped SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd transform its business in terms of providing a new digital storage and retrieval system for all its customers.  The company has ambitious plans for growing its business over the next five years in terms of improving productivity, increasing revenue and providing additional employment and this investment has certainly helped it to start its growth journey.

“DAERA’s investment of £1.1m in the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund ensures that rural businesses such as SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd are given greater access opportunities for digital innovation support. I wish SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd every success in the future.”

During the site visit Stephen was able to demonstrate how the DTFF funding enabled him to streamline operations in the warehouse and explained how he is supporting other local companies to take advantage of the unique position Northern Ireland holds in the fulfilment landscape.

He said: “Without the support of DTFF we would not have been in the position to implement this technology into our operations. Having now completed the project it has allowed us to run shoulder to shoulder with companies that are three, four, five times the size of ourselves in the mainland or overseas.

“Quite often it’s the case that these clients don’t have product dimensions or weights or they’re not accurate, and so whenever the stock lands here, we have to get measuring tapes out and scales out and measure these units individually. And it’s quite tedious. It’s not 100% accurate, because using measuring tapes, and with this, this technology ensures accuracy to a 100th of a millimetre and the right down to the last gram as well, in an instant. So as soon as you scan the item you get the three dimensions and your weight in real time, and that also then translates it into a spreadsheet which we can upload to our system. Within minutes, it’s already live on our system, ready for shipping.

“The DTFF funding has opened my eyes to the automation solutions that are out there, which I believe are required for businesses like ourselves to take out the mundane tasks and enable us to offer higher paid, higher skilled jobs.”

For more information on the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund or to register your expression of interest for call five opening in July go to dtff.co.uk

First ever Dublin Tech Week all set to launch!

Dublin City Council is proud to announce the first ever Dublin Tech Week, running from 23-30 May.

In just over a week, Dublin will become the epicentre of global innovation as it welcomes a week-long celebration that promises to energise the city with the brightest ideas, the boldest technology, and a shared vision for the future.

This first-of-its-kind initiative will unite the capital’s top innovators, global tech leaders, creatives, educators, and the wider community through a dynamic mix of over 30 events, spanning everything from AI and cybersecurity to blockchain, smart cities, fintech and beyond.

But this is more than just a calendar of events. Dublin Tech Week is a movement — one that underscores the city’s position as a bold, collaborative, and forward-looking global tech hub.

Ross Curley Head of Economic Development, Dublin City Council & Dublin Regional Place Brand said: “Dublin is one of Europe’s most important tech hubs and a leading smart city. Dublin City Council and the Dublin Brand are proud to support the City’s first ever Tech Week showcasing our world-class talent, cutting-edge innovation, and collaborative spirit. Initiatives like this not only highlight our position as a leader in the tech industry but also inspire future innovation, and strengthen our city’s reputation as a forward-thinking, welcoming and thriving destination for local and global business.”

From flagship conferences like the Dublin Tech Summit at the RDS, Blockchain Ireland Summit at Trinity Business School, Dublin 2 and ETHDublin at Dogpatch Labs, to grassroots meetups, hackathons, and family-friendly discovery trails, the programme is designed to be as accessible as it is ambitious.

Event highlights include Smart Dublin’s ‘The Connective Detective’ – build your own smart city; ‘All We Feel is How it Moves’ – a live audiovisual work driven by real time data at the Hugh Lane Gallery; a session on the Cultural Audit and Culture Near You Map by the Dublin City Council Culture Company and ‘Learn the Art of Lock Picking’ among many others.

Both the tech and wider community can immerse themselves in topics ranging from the future of AI and immersive tech, to ethical hacking, Web3 governance, smart urban planning, and the power of inclusive innovation. Events range from ticketed to free and open to attend/participate in, with booking information provided on the event listing.

All of this is made possible by a powerful coalition of partners and stakeholders across Dublin’s ecosystem, including: Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin, Dublin Chamber, the Dublin City Local Enterprise Office, NovaUCD, the ADAPT Centre at Trinity College, Dogpatch Labs, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Blockchain Ireland, ETH Dublin, TU Dublin, Tech Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland.

Together, they’re helping to build a platform for discovery, investment, talent, and community impact that will reverberate long after the week finishes.

Dublin Tech Week is open to all. Whether you’re a startup founder, developer, policy thinker, educator, student, or simply curious about what the future holds, there’s a place for you in this citywide conversation.

Explore the full programme and get involved at dublintechweek.com
Follow the buzz: #DublinTechWeek

Ireland Well Placed to Influence AI EU Innovation

European Movement Ireland and Konrad- Adenauer- Stiftung (KAS) UK and Ireland hosted ‘Artificial Intelligence – How will Europe Innovate?’ The event explored the challenges and opportunities ahead for AI innovation, political leadership and the future development of AI across Europe, as the European Union sets out its ambitious agenda to become a global leader in AI.

The EU AI act, which forms part of this vision, is the world’s first act to regulate the use of AI globally. In force since 2024, with some exemptions for high-risk AI until 2027, the EU AI Act will be fully applicable from 2026, coinciding with Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council. Given the presence of multinational tech companies, and leading research institutions in the country, Ireland is well positioned to influence how AI is advanced across the bloc into the future.

Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on EU Affairs, Barry Ward TD said: “As Europe takes bold steps toward responsible AI innovation, today’s discussion underscores the need for political leadership that is both visionary and grounded in our shared values. With Ireland preparing to take on the Presidency of the European Council in 2026, along with our thriving tech sector and academic excellence, we are uniquely placed to help lead this conversation and ensure AI development in Europe is ethical, innovative, and inclusive.”

Noelle O Connell, CEO European Movement Ireland said; “As the global race continues for leadership in AI, I am delighted to hear the statement from Minister Smyth, welcome Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on EU Affairs Barry Ward TD, and listen to the insights from the expert panel today on AI innovation, as it increasingly shapes all aspects of our daily lives and influences decision making. 

We are at a pivotal time when trust in institutions is falling, as revealed by EM Ireland’s EU Poll 2025, a majority stated (40%) they do not trust any institution and less than one in three (30%) expressed trust in the EU in Ireland. As the EU seeks to be bold in its vision for AI, it must ensure developments in AI work to serve the public good, and do not erode trust into the future.”

The Minister for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth TD appeared prior to the discussion with a short video statement. The expert panel was moderated by Noelle O Connell and included Barry Ward TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs, Stephanie Anderson, Public Policy Manager, Meta, Dr. Eamonn Cahill, Principal Officer, AI and Digital Regulation Unit, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Kai Zenner of Office and Digital Policy Adviser for MEP Axel Voss.

Dr. Canan Atilgan, Konrad- Adenauer- Stiftung (KAS) UK and Ireland said; “The EU aims to become a global leader in AI and has unveiled an ambitious Action Plan — a bold strategy designed not merely to compete, but to lead ethically, with a clear, human-centred vision.”

Artificial Intelligence – How Will Europe Innovate? brought citizens, businesses, and policymakers together to explore the themes of the future of AI, and the regulation of AI in practice. The hashtag #EMIKAS and the handles @KAS_UKIRL and @emireland were used during the event.

Tech Takeover: How Startups Are Revolutionizing Global Tournaments

Technology is playing a significant role in revolutionizing global tournaments, from major sports competitions to pro eSports events and beyond. 

Here is a closer look at some of the technologies many successful tech startups leverage to create immersive fan experiences, streamline operations for organizations, and enhance athlete performance. 

Which technologies are tech startups using to revolutionize global tournaments?

Tech startup companies across the globe are helping to revolutionize global tournaments in various ways by leveraging several innovative technologies, which help to create more immersive and engaging experiences for fans. 

It also helps get the most out of the athletes who compete in these events and streamline day-to-day operations for sports teams and organizations. 

Some of the main technologies that are helping tech startups push the boundaries of what is possible with global tournaments are the following:

  • Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data analytics, and blockchain technologies
  • Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) technology and wearable devices
  • Online marketplaces, monetization, fan communities, and eCommerce platforms

AI-powered tools are used to help create personalized fan engagement experiences at global tournaments. Blockchain technology allows for safer, quicker, lower costing, and transparent digital transactions, and data gathering and analysis and machine learning help athletes, teams and coaches to optimize their training strategies and improve their performances. 

Trusted platforms like MegaTipsList also leverage some of these technologies and gather/analyze huge amounts of historical [and current] data to provide sports bettors with more accurate predictions for some of the world’s biggest tournaments. 

A more detailed look at how tech startups are using innovation to transform global tournaments

Blockchain technology is used in various ways to enhance security and transparency for organizers and fans by streamlining payment gateways, verifying purchases digitally, and authenticating tickets. 

Blockchain is also used to create digital collectables and fan tokens/assets from eCommerce platforms and online marketplaces, which enables fans to engage more with their favourite athletes and teams in exciting new ways.

Thanks to VR/AR technology and wearable devices, platforms can also now provide sports fans worldwide with even more immersive experiences by allowing them to attend global tournaments, interact with athletes, and explore stadiums in the digital realm without ever having to leave home. 

Many tech startups have also developed a range of mobile applications and platforms that provide sports fans with real-time data and information about the event and the teams or athletes competing. These apps/platforms also typically provide exclusive content and give fans new opportunities to engage with athletes. 

Sports organizations rely on tech startups to gather huge volumes of data and information to track athletes’ performance and health levels, which helps identify areas that need improving and provides valuable insights to coaches and athletes. 

The technology helps organizations make more informed, data-driven decisions, optimize their training strategies, and get the most out of their athletes. It also helps broadcasters who live-stream major global tournaments provide better quality coverage and more interactive fan experiences. 

Final thoughts

Tech startups will continue to leverage the latest emerging technological innovations to revolutionize global tournaments over the coming years, which will help create even more immersive fan experiences, enable organizations to streamline their operations, and enhance athlete performance. 

 

Majority of Irish business leaders believe artificial intelligence could pose a risk to their business

Nine in ten Irish businesses (90%) are concerned about the risks artificial intelligence (AI) poses to their business. This compares to six in ten (63%) UK businesses, suggesting that Irish businesses are more worried about AI than their UK counterparts.

Research from insurance broker and risk management company Gallagher in Ireland has revealed that almost nine in ten (89%) Irish businesses are concerned about the increased threat of privacy violations and data breaches which AI could bring, with a similar number (88%) worried about the potential for AI to produce misleading or incorrect information.

Gallagher commissioned a survey of 300 business decision makers across the UK & Ireland, 100 of which are based in Ireland. The survey examined the level of concern about AI amongst Irish businesses and what those concerns related to.

Top six AI risks identified by Irish businesses:

  1. Increased threat of privacy violations and data breaches (89% of Irish businesses said they are concerned about this)
  2. Errors and the potential for AI to produce misleading or incorrect information (88%)
  3. Algorithm bias and discrimination (84%)
  4. Liability or legal accountability in the misuse of AI (83%)
  5. Greater vulnerability to cyberattacks and fraud (82%)
  6. The lack of skills within their organisation to leverage AI (82%).

Commenting on the survey findings, Laura Vickers, Managing Director of Commercial Lines in Gallagher said:

“AI is a rapidly evolving technology that has advanced at a quick pace. While there are many benefits to using the technology, including its ability to streamline processes and offer an enhanced customer experience, our research shows that its fast-growing capabilities and increasingly widespread use have raised concerns amongst businesses.

“Many entrepreneurs and managers have spent years, even decades, building up their firms into successful businesses, therefore it is essential that they proactively address any potential risks.”

 Gender, age and geographic divides

 Other highlights to emerge from the Gallagher research include:

  • 100% of business decision makers in legal, manufacturing, marketing and public relations, utility, business services and professional services firms said they were concerned about the risks AI posed to their business.
  • Concern about AI risks was also high amongst healthcare businesses (96% of business decision makers in this sector said they were concerned about the risks AI posed to their business), financial services firms (94%), construction (89%), hospitality and leisure (88%) and retail (87%).
  • The firms displaying lower levels of concern about AI risks were IT and computing businesses, where only half (50%) of respondents expressed concerns about the technology.
  • Businesses in Dublin (94%), Ulster (94%) and Connacht (89%) are most inclined to be concerned about the risks which AI could pose to their firm while Munster (80%) and Leinster (81%) firms were least concerned.

Ms Vickers added: “It is interesting that our survey found that IT businesses were amongst the least concerned about AI. Perhaps this suggests that those working in IT are more familiar with and better able to understand and manage AI. If Irish businesses learned more about this technology, it may help them to overcome their fear around it – and it may also empower them to make the most of the new technology, while also avoiding the risks and dangers it might bring.”