Tag: #AI

Almost a third of businesses in Ireland using unapproved AI tools daily

Datapac, Ireland’s leading ICT solutions and services provider, today announces the results of a new survey which explores the use of AI tools and applications within Irish-based organisations. The survey of IT decision-makers in Ireland found that a significant majority (84%) of businesses are already using AI tools in their day-to-day operations. However, nearly a third (30%) reported that employees within their organisations are independently sourcing and using unapproved AI tools.*

The independent survey, commissioned by Datapac and carried out by Censuswide, gathered insights from 200 IT decision-makers across various industries in the Republic of Ireland and reveals that individual employee interest in AI capabilities is outpacing organisations’ planned technology strategies.

The prevalence of unapproved AI usage is raising alarm amongst IT leaders whose organisations regularly use AI tools and applications. As these unapproved tools have not been subject to due diligence, many are concerned about the impact of such practices, with 39% highlighting worries over the quality and integrity of data produced. Additionally, more than a third (36%) of IT leaders expressed fears that such tools could disrupt established workflows by reducing operational efficiency, while 40% pointed to the lack of formal processes as a critical issue hindering consistent and reliable AI use.

Despite these challenges, AI adoption remains a top priority for Irish organisations, with 89% planning to invest in AI tools and applications over the next year. However, as businesses look to harness AI’s potential, the intersection of AI and cybersecurity is becoming increasingly significant. While nearly a quarter (23%) of IT decision-makers believe the internal use of unapproved AI tools poses security risks, a broader threat remains. Some 62% believe that AI will increase the volume of cybersecurity attacks over the next year, while 67% believe that it will heighten the severity of these attacks.

Kevin Hall, Senior Systems Engineer, Datapac: “AI represents one of the most exciting technological advancements in decades—arguably since the widespread adoption of the internet. It’s no surprise that forward-thinking innovators are experimenting with AI to improve efficiency and quality in their work. However, in the rush to capitalise on AI’s potential, organisations must not overlook best-practice due diligence. We strongly encourage businesses to adopt AI-powered tools from trusted, reputable providers—such as Microsoft Co-Pilot—that seamlessly integrate into existing technology ecosystems.

“Even with reputable providers, it’s vitally important that organisations are prepared for AI integration to help mitigate potential cybersecurity and compliance risks. If an organisation lacks the capacity to thoroughly assess their own performance, partnering with an expert IT provider can offer strategic support and guidance. As AI adoption accelerates, our survey underscores the importance of balancing innovation with robust governance. By addressing the risks associated with unapproved AI usage, Irish organisations can unlock the full potential of AI while safeguarding data integrity, operational efficiency, and cybersecurity.”

Samsung One UI 7 Beta Starts to Roll Out

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the public release of the One UI 7 beta program, boasting powerful AI features, simplified controls and a preview of scalable AI ecosystems of the future. One UI 7 marks a significant leap forward by integrating leading AI agents and multimodal capabilities into every touch point of the interface, creating an AI platform where every interaction feels natural and intuitive. The beta program offers a first look at an upgraded mobile user experience for greater personalisation than ever before.

Enhanced AI Enables More Intuitive User Experiences 

One UI 7 brings powerful updates to Galaxy AI features[1] including advanced writing assist tools. Integrated into AI OS, they allow users to boost their productivity where texts can be selected, without needing to switch between applications. This capability expands on the powerful writing assist tools already available to Galaxy users, offering AI-powered options to summarise content, check spelling and grammar, and automatically format notes into bullet points.

Upgraded call features with One UI 7 push the boundaries of communication and connection through call transcripts , with support for 20 languages[2]. When call recording is enabled, recorded calls will automatically be transcribed for reference later on, eliminating the need to take notes manually while multi-tasking.

Bold New Design for Greater Personalisation and Control 

One UI 7’s powerful AI features come with a significant new look, based on a new notification system that streamlines communication with easy access from the device’s lock screen. It includes Now Bar, which highlights relevant activities across various features like Interpreter, Music, Recording, Stopwatch and more. By offering instant access to important notifications, Now Bar reduces the need to constantly unlock the device and allows users to engage with key information effortlessly. Set to be supported on upcoming Galaxy S series devices, Now Bar will transform the lock screen experience, which will continue to evolve with more intelligent experiences in the future.

These feature upgrades are all anchored in a simple, impactful and emotive design. Together, these principles shape streamlined and cohesive experiences for Galaxy users. Defined by bold, iconic design choices, One UI 7 reduces visual clutter and fosters an inviting experience designed to resonate with users on a personal level and enable intuitive mobile experiences across AI features.

A simplified home screen, redesigned One UI widgets, and lock screen—among other features—work together to grant users granular control over every detail and make customisation intuitive and seamless.

A redesigned camera UX allows more intuitive control over advanced settings. Camera buttons, controls, and modes have been reorganised to make it easier to find the features you need and to give you a clearer preview of the picture you’re taking or the video you’re recording.

For Pro and Pro video modes, the manual settings layout has also been simplified, making it easier to focus on the picture or video you’re shooting. A new zoom control is available when you’re recording in Pro video mode, allowing you to control the zoom speed for smooth transitions.

The official One UI 7 release will commence with upcoming Galaxy S series devices, featuring additional AI capabilities including enhanced on-device AI functions, starting from the first quarter of 2025. In line with Samsung’s commitment to extend its OS upgrade policy, the update will gradually roll out to other Galaxy devices.

The One UI 7 beta program will be first available for Galaxy S24 series devices in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the U.S., from December 5. Galaxy S24 series users can apply to join the beta program via Samsung Members.

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Irish SMEs can now apply for support for new AI Acceleration programme

Galvia AI, one of Ireland’s leading AI companies, has today announced that eligible Irish SMEs can now avail of support from Enterprise Ireland’s Digital Discovery grant for its new AI-Accelerator programme.

The Galvia AI-Accelerator is a 5-week, hands-on  programme, with the first cohort beginning in January 2025, and is designed to help Irish SMEs across Ireland integrate transformative AI solutions into their businesses.

The company is expected to run one Accelerator per quarter, which costs a total of €4,995. Applications are open for SMEs in all sectors across all of Ireland and can be made at: http://www.galvia.ai/accelerator.

Tap into the potential of AI

The AI-Accelerator is designed to simplify AI technologies and help SMEs from all across Ireland to tap into the potential of their data by offering practical, cost-effective solutions through the power of AI technology.

The AI-Accelerator will be delivered in a hybrid format at Galway’s innovation hub Platform94, and includes options of virtual sessions and in-person workshops. Key partners for the programme include Platform94 and law firm Byrne Wallace LLP, who will deliver workshops on the legal implications of AI.

Participating SMEs will collaborate with the programme’s experts to develop machine learning models and applications tailored to their specific needs, using their own data to create custom solutions that generate revenue, drive engagement and ensure sustainable growth.

By the end of the programme, participants will have a clear understanding of what to do with their data and a strategic plan of how to integrate AI into their business.

The aim of Enterprise Ireland’s Digital Discovery grant is to incentivise and support companies to introduce new digital technologies and solutions into their operations. Eligible companies must be supported by Enterprise Ireland, and can now apply for 80% net funding from Enterprise Ireland to participate in the Galvia AI-Accelerator.

Commenting on the announcement, John Clancy, CEO of Galvia said: “We are hugely appreciative and delighted that Enterprise Ireland is offering support to Irish SMEs that wish to participate in our AI-Accelerator programme.”

“Integrating new technologies can be daunting, but our mission is to show that organisations don’t need huge resources to unlock the power of their data. Our program will guide participants toward a better understanding of how to leverage their data effectively and strategically, providing a clear pathway for integrating AI into their operations.”

Ruairí Ó hAilín from Enterprise Ireland said: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting Irish-owned companies to start, grow, scale and to achieve their global ambition.  Helping companies further understand the capabilities of digital tools such as AI, as they seek to introduce new technologies and solutions into their businesses is key to driving sustainable growth and competitiveness in export markets. We encourage all companies to explore how digitalisation can help their business to grow, including businesses who are eligible to utilise the Digital Discovery grant.”

Dell Technologies Accelerates AI Innovation and Strengthens Cybersecurity Strategies for Microsoft Customers

Dell Technologies has announced new AI innovations to help Dell and Microsoft customers simplify AI adoption, accelerate deployment, and manage demanding workloads in multicloud environments. These advancements also aim to strengthen cybersecurity and data protection for joint customers.

Accelerating AI adoption and performance

Dell’s new AI offerings include the expansion of the Dell AI Factory with solutions developed in collaboration with Microsoft. One notable addition is the Dell APEX file storage for Microsoft Azure, a Dell managed service designed for superior AI workload performance, scalability and data services. This service promises easier deployment and management making it ideal for multicloud environments.

Additionally, Dell has introduced several services to aid organisations in adopting AI and creating custom AI solutions. These services include Accelerator Services for Copilot+ PCs, Services for Microsoft Copilot Studio and Azure AI Studio, and Implementation Services for Microsoft Azure AI Service. These offerings are intended to enhance productivity and support new business opportunities through AI application development.

Comprehensive data protection and security

On the cybersecurity front, Dell has also unveiled the Dell APEX Protection Services for Microsoft Azure, which provided Dell managed AI-powered cloud data protection and cyber resilience. This service aims to improve operational efficiency, enhance data protection with advanced data reduction capabilities and offer robust cyber recovery options.

Moreover, Dell has introduced new security services tailored for Microsoft environments. These services include advisory services for cybersecurity maturity model certification (CCMC) for Microsoft and Managed Detection and Response with Microsoft, helping customers align their cybersecurity posture and focus on core business activities while Dell experts monitor and respond to threats 24/7.

Arthur Lewis, President, Infrastructure Solutions Group, Dell Technologies said “Organisations modernising their IT strategies to support emerging workloads, like AI, need solutions that help them innovate faster, control costs and protect data across multicloud environments. Our storage software, data protection and services advancements help customers in Microsoft environments accelerate their transformation efforts quickly and securely.”

Aung Oo, VP of Azure Storage, Microsoft said “Our customers are looking for ways to modernise their IT infrastructure and adopt hybrid cloud services safely and securely. “Dell Technologies is enabling their customers to bring their existing knowledge, trusted platforms, and enterprise data to Azure to speed the adoption of critical technologies including Azure AI Services.”

Dell Technologies innovation highlight company’s commitment to helping businesses modernise their IT infrastructure while securely and efficiently adopting advanced AI solutions. With enhanced collaboration with Microsoft, Dell is providing the tools and services businesses need to thrive in today’s digital-first, multicloud world.

Availability

  • Dell-managed Dell APEX File Storage for Microsoft Azure will be available in public preview beginning in the first half of 2025.
  • Accelerator Services for Copilot+ PCs are available now.
  • Services for Microsoft Copilot Studio are available now.
  • Services for Microsoft Azure AI Studio are available now.
  • Implementation Services for Microsoft Azure AI Service are available now.
  • Dell APEX Protection Services for Microsoft Azure will be available beginning in the first half of 2025.
  • Advisory Services for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for Microsoft are available now.
  • Managed Detection and Response with Microsoft services are available now.

The Impact of Technology on the Development of Online Lending

Financial technology has brought about a significant shift in online lending. Getting a loan became faster, easier, and safer. Now, you can borrow money through your phone or computer from the comfort of your home without coming to a physical bank. These changes ease the borrowers’ daily lives while helping banks and lending companies improve their services.  

For the consumers, loan automation translates into convenience and easy access to funds when needed. For lenders, it means loan automation, a rise of alternative lending options, and improvement of credit scoring algorithms, which also minimize the costs of digital loan processing. However, as online lending businesses gradually expand, they also change the dynamics of conventional banking systems.  

This article will examine how technology has impacted lending. Whether you’re interested in how AI is used in credit checks or developing secure data systems, we have the articles for you. Let’s find out how innovation in the borrowing process works.

Growth of Online Lending Platforms

Today, many online lending platforms have appeared recently due to the development of fintech lending and multiple digital financial services and tools. Today’s fintech companies have made borrowing money easy for people with any credit background. While most banks work under a rigorous bureaucratic system, alternative lending companies require less time and effort to access their products and services. They typically operate via apps and websites that make it fast and easy for them to sell. This way, they provide loans to those who can’t otherwise access quick financial support.  

Digital loan processing helped lending companies proceed the information faster. Now, lenders can offer loans to a larger number of borrowers in no time and avoid multiple risks. This makes it possible for almost everyone to apply for a loan: young people, older people, those living in small suburbia, or individuals with no credit history.

Gregory Allen, the CEO of ASAP Finance, says, “This is of great importance to the underbanked, who are always locked out of banking services. It is also good for small businesses in that, to get the funding they need, which large mainstream creditors would never provide them. They don’t have to meet all those strict criteria.”

Other experts in the field of finance argue that digital lending platforms mean the industry has gone liberal. Online lenders have set records in the financial industry, as Priya Malhotra, a Fintech analyst, said. It shows that they have more efficient ways of data processing, such as artificial intelligence, to evaluate borrowers’ creditworthiness, which makes it possible for those who have never taken any loans before to get funded.

How to Enhance the Customer Experience in Online Lending?

To improve customer satisfaction in online lending, the entire loan process has to be easy and personal. First of all, efficient application procedures are crucial. As you might have noticed, thanks to technology in lending, applying for a loan doesn’t take much time anymore. You don’t need to sit through hundreds of pages or provide your life history when filling out an online form – they are fast and easy.

Next up, there are personalized loan products. Have you ever wondered why loan offers look like they have been made just for you? It is the work of data analytics and reinforcement learning at its best. Lenders can offer you convenient loans by understanding your credit history and financial personality. No more cookie-cutter deals!

And that corresponds to what experts think. “The only way to earn trust is to offer personalized services as well as easy-to-use products,” says Grant Cardone, an entrepreneur and author of The 10X Rule. She noted that if lenders make it as easy as described here and demonstrate to their customers that they know them and their needs, they will be confident they can return. 

AI and Machine Learning in Risk Management and Credit Assessment

AI and machine learning are the leading technologies that can revolutionize risk management and credit assessment. They’re your super-intelligent assistants that help to sift through massive amounts of information to improve choices. Traditional credit scores? Yes, they are relevant, but AI digs deeper into them. They also use things like payment history, spending levels, or social media signals to determine an individual’s creditworthiness. AI in lending creates opportunities for people with an adverse credit history.

Fraud detection is one of the biggest advantages. Machine Learning helps identify suspicious features, such as weird patterns and shady transactions before a human can. It prevents creditors from potential losses and the debtor from fraudulent deals.

Experts have embraced it because of its disruptive effect on lending. It’s giving more people access to loans, especially those who are often overlooked by the traditional system. Through smarter tools, AI increases financial accessibility and contributes to creating new forms of lending, such as P2P lending, making loans easier to get for everyone.

Blockchain and Data Security in Online Lending

Thanks to blockchain, online lending has become more progressive. This tech makes transactions extremely transparent. There are no shocking extra fees that you would have to pay. Plus, direct interaction with the client reduces the time taken to process transactions. It simplifies things for you while the approval processes become faster.

When it comes to data, privacy reigns supreme, says Jim Cramer. Encryption secures users’ data by keeping it unavailable to potential intruders. With outsourced IT services and increasing emphasis on business digitalization, cyber security measures are regularly improving, and your data will remain secure even when the world becomes entirely virtual.

This combination is a favorite among cybersecurity experts. They say blockchain lending and encryption build a trustful atmosphere. Borrowers know the system is reliable, so they are not afraid to share their information. It’s a win-win; it reduces the risks shouldered by borrowers while making online lending less risky and, thus, more efficient for all parties.

RegTech and Compliance Innovations in Online Lending

RegTech is the financial technology that focuses on regulatory compliance and is indeed an opportunity for online lenders. It also makes it easy to follow the established financial regulations and requirements. Using technologies means that routine work, such as transaction monitoring and fraud checks, is handled automatically, reducing the workload, mistakes, and expenses. You can think of it as having your compliance expert or a virtual compliance officer.

RegTech is great for online lenders that want to reach international markets. Requirements and rules vary from country to country, and RegTech assists in managing that. It enables lenders to expand internationally without violating the law. Whether you go global or remain local, RegTech ensures that you stay in regulation and on your game.

Future Directions: Trends in Online Lending Technology

Online lending is still growing, and some new activities define the future. First of all, embedded finance is a great trend. This option allows customers to buy something and get a loan offer at checkout without visiting a bank. Thanks to this, alternative lending will be available where people need it due to embedding financial solutions into various apps.

Then, there is open banking, which is the safe sharing of financial information. With just one click, lenders can sneak a peek into your bank statement to provide loan offers tailored to your needs. It is as if each individual is getting a deal that fits them.

Experts believe this is just the beginning. They also expect even smarter technology, such as new credit scoring algorithms, which will include AI-qualifying loans beyond credit scores and thus make the borrowing process easier for more people. Presumably, plenty of other organizations, including financial institutions, will begin to feel the pressure and start losing business.

Bottom Line

Technology has caused digital transformation in finance and the lending business, especially online lending. It has become faster and safer and can now reach the individual level. In just a few clicks, you can look through the options, select the loans, and get approved to get the desired loan without standing up from the comfort of your couch. There will always be a continuous enhancement in how things are accomplished to increase efficiency and simplify things.  

Think about it: today, you have far more options than ever regarding where to go for your loan. Whether you would like to compare rates or have your terms explained, they are literally within your reach. Therefore, the next time you are in a position to borrow, take notice of these advancements. Cutting-edge lending is not just easy; it offers to make your choices efficient and more efficient. Borrowing into the future and borrowing better are already here.

 

Tackling data silos in the Cloud

In an increasingly data-driven world, organisations are adopting multicloud strategies to meet their business needs. As companies contend with vast and complex amounts of unstructured data, a multicloud approach allows them to manage, access, and protect their information seamlessly across various cloud platforms. Ivor Buckley, Field CTO, Dell Technologies  Ireland tells us more.

Gartner estimates that by 2025, over 95% of new digital workloads will be deployed on cloud native platforms. This trend is especially visible in Europe, where regulatory compliance and data sovereignty concerns are pushing companies toward sophisticated storage solutions.

Here in Ireland, according to the Dell Technologies’ Innovation Catalysts Study 38% of IT and business decision-makers believe that hybrid infrastructure dominates their IT landscape, while another 38% point to multi-cloud as the leading model.

With businesses navigating a multicloud environment, it is vital that IT leaders harness the growing bank of data within and across their organisation. That requires a greater focus on eliminating data silos and achieving a unified storage system.

There are five key considerations that IT leaders in Ireland need to take account of to ensure their shift from data silos to a multicloud approach unlocks strong business benefits.

 

  1. Hybrid and Multicloud Integration: Breaking Down Data Silos

Companies considering hybrid or multicloud approaches are often contending with data silos that limit data sharing, access, and analytics potential. With hybrid and multicloud options, many organisations are moving toward a more cohesive storage setup.

This is particularly relevant in Ireland, where regulations like GDPR and data residency laws govern how and where data can be stored. By linking storage across multiple platforms, these organisations can centralise data and comply with local regulations, granting them flexible data access without sacrificing security.

 

  1. Cloud-Native File Storage: Enhancing Scalability and Flexibility

As companies’ data needs expand, they require storage that can scale as those demands fluctuate. Cloud-native file storage – engineered specifically for cloud environments – provides the agility needed to scale storage up or down as needed.

Industries with intensive data processing needs, such as automotive technology, are quickly adopting cloud-native storage. For example, Subaru collaborates with Dell Technologies to develop AI-powered driver assistance systems, which rely on Dell’s cloud-native infrastructure for high-speed data analysis from sensors and cameras. This setup lets Subaru’s AI systems handle massive data loads efficiently, supporting compliance while delivering reliable performance.

 

  1. Unified Data Management: Streamlining Accessibility and Governance

In the multicloud landscape, data management now goes beyond storage to include governance, access control, and compliance. A recent McKinsey report highlights that 72% of European CIOs prioritise unified data management, aiming to streamline data access across cloud platforms while maintaining strict control.

In Ireland, where data compliance is essential, companies are investing in platforms that facilitate unified data policies, enabling secure data transfer between clouds with consistent security standards. This approach simplifies workflows, boosts productivity, and ensures that critical data can be accessed from anywhere within the organization.

 

  1. AI and Machine Learning Integration: Extracting Data Insights

As multicloud storage enables more integrated data environments, AI and machine learning are providing unprecedented insights. According to a new forecast from the Worldwide AI and Generative AI Spending Guide published by IDC, European spending on AI is projected to reach $133 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.3% over the 2024-2028. By storing data across interconnected clouds, organisations can leverage AI to analyse multiple data sources for real-time, actionable insights.

AI integration is game-changing across data-heavy industries, providing the framework for complex analytics that drive innovation and enhance decision-making. For businesses, the multicloud approach also ensures secure and ethical AI use.

 

  1. Edge Computing and Multicloud Storage: Lowering Latency and Boosting Data Sovereignty

With the rise of IoT and the demand for real-time data, edge computing is becoming a critical aspect of multicloud strategies, enabling data processing close to its source.

For businesses and organisations here in Ireland, edge computing also supports data sovereignty by allowing sensitive data to be stored within designated regions. Gartner projects that by 2026, 75% of data will be created and processed outside traditional data centers, highlighting the role of edge computing in multicloud strategies.

In the automotive industry, for example, edge computing within a multicloud setup allows companies to process data from connected vehicles in real-time, powering features like predictive maintenance and live navigation. This approach enhances the user experience while ensuring adherence to European data residency laws. Edge computing, as part of a multicloud approach, allows companies to optimise data access and latency, staying compliant without sacrificing performance.

 The Future of File Storage

As organisations continue to generate vast amounts of data, the need for efficient and effective storage solutions will only grow. Multicloud strategies represent a significant shift in how businesses can manage their data, moving from isolated silos to a unified, accessible, and secure ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the evolution towards a balanced multi-cloud ecosystem will continue to shape IT strategies in Ireland. Enterprises can unlock the full potential of their data, driving innovation, improving decision-making, and gaining a competitive edge.

The shift from data silos to a multicloud approach isn’t just a technological evolution – it’s a fundamental transformation of how businesses operate in the digital age.

TEKenable Announces AI Research Partnership with Trinity College

Digital services company, TEKenable has announced a new AI research partnership with Trinity College Dublin (TCD) supported by Enterprise Ireland to advance responsible AI that benefits both people and business.

The AI research partnership creates the potential for researchers and technologists from TEKenable and TCD to more closely collaborate on AI research projects in areas of shared interest across a range of disciplines. The partnership will see TEKenable’s Jane Slevin, with a team of six researchers, explore how AI can be brought into and used by businesses utilising practical AI solutions. These AI solutions will significantly transform how businesses operate across their entire business including internal processes, financial management, customer interactions etc.

The team will work collaboratively with TEKenable, providing valuable recommendations and information for AI and data to drive digital transformation services.  TEKenable is a Microsoft Advanced Specialist and employs AI and data utilising cloud solutions to drive digital transformation to many sectors of the marketplace.

“We are excited to enter this partnership with Trinity and tap into the University’s renowned academic expertise”, explains Nick Connors, Group CEO at TEKenable.  “TEKenable’s extensive work in the AI space makes us a leading authority on the integration of AI with business processes to fast-track growth.  Partnering with TCD will allow us to further strengthen our knowledge and capabilities”.

“By partnering with TEKenable, we can apply academic insights to real-world challenges, creating a powerful synergy between theory and practice,” added Prof. Anthony Ventresque, Director of the Complex Software Lab in the School of Computer Science and Statistics at Trinity College Dublin.  “We are thrilled to evaluate the measurable impacts of AI-driven tools within business.”

TEKenable was recently awarded by Microsoft ‘AI Partner of the Year’ and also was selected as one of four sustainability & digital transformation experts working in the Digital4Sustainability 2024-2026 consortium of EU organisations.  Digital4Sustainability is an EU co-funded EUR 4 million industry-driven project to boost Europe’s skills for the green and digital transition.

AI PCs Can Help Users Reclaim Time on Chores: Intel Research Finds

An Intel-commissioned consumer survey of 6,000 respondents across the U.K., Germany and France identified that people lose nearly 15 hours a week on “digital chores,” such as meeting transcriptions or drafting emails. At the same time, AI PCs offered a potentially transformative impact on peoples’ lives, saving individuals roughly 240 minutes a week on routine digital tasks. But the study also highlighted that current AI PC owners spend longer on tasks than their counterparts using traditional PCs. Study results show that greater consumer education is needed to bridge the gap between the promise and reality of AI PCs.

“The AI PC offers consumers the opportunity to unlock greater creativity, productivity and, perhaps most importantly, time to do what they want. But these benefits can only be achieved if people are able to effectively harness AI’s potential to augment the way they live and work. Our role as technology leaders is to support this transition to AI-assisted living and equip consumers with the knowledge they need to use an AI PC efficiently and ethically.”  said Robert Hallock, Intel vice president and general manager of Client AI and Technical Marketing.

Why It Matters: The transition to AI PCs represents a big leap forward in personal computing. Understanding the potential of artificial intelligence and learning how to integrate it effectively into daily routines can unlock unprecedented levels of productivity and efficiency. But it requires a change in mindset and new skills. The study reinforced the need for greater awareness of the benefits and potential of AI PCs and the need for further education on how to use the technology to its full extent.

Intel’s report around the research, titled “Reclaim your day: The impact of AI PCs on productivity,” seeks to understand both personal and professional consumer computer habits and identify the potential for AI PCs to optimize efficiency and return time to people. It found that people spend an average of 899 minutes on administrative tasks on their personal devices a week, with coding (78 minutes), data analysis (74 minutes) and video editing (68 minutes) identified as the most time-consuming tasks.

While AI PCs are proven to promote productivity gains, with early data suggesting they can save users around 240 minutes a week on routine tasks, many consumers aren’t aware of these benefits or don’t know how to access them. Despite AI PCs becoming more available to people, 86% of respondents have either never heard of or used an AI PC. Meanwhile those respondents who already own an AI PC are actually spending longer on digital chores than those using a traditional PC. This suggests that consumers are spending a long time identifying how best to communicate with AI tools to get their desired outcomes.

While AI boasts the ability to process text near instantly (compared to the average human typing speed of 40-60 words per minute), that doesn’t necessarily mean consumers will save time when transcribing meetings or drafting copy if they don’t know how to use the technology. As technology providers, there is a duty to provide meaningful education on AI implementation to enable consumers to explore other passions with the time they’ve claimed back.

The survey also discovered prohibitive misconceptions around these products, with 44% of respondents seeing AI PCs as a gimmick or futuristic technology, and 53% believing they are only for creatives or technical professionals.

How Awareness Brings Interest and Opportunity: Survey findings indicate a correlation between greater awareness of AI PCs and adoption of the technology. While only 32% of respondents who aren’t familiar with AI PCs would consider purchasing one for their next upgrade, this percentage jumps significantly to 64% among respondents who have used one before. This shows a promising outlook for consumer interest in AI PCs, but also demonstrates the need to drive awareness around real-world use cases of this emerging technology.

Respondents in Germany were the most aware of AI PCs, with 28% either owning or having used one compared to just 8% in the U.K. and 7% in France. The German market also had the least worries about the privacy and security of their data when using an AI PC, with only 12% of respondents claiming to be very or extremely concerned. This suggests that the German market is the most willing to engage with new technology compared to the U.K. and France, and that there is work to be done to drive greater awareness of AI PCs across Europe.

When asked which feature of an AI PC they would most likely use, respondents identified real-time language translation (39%), file search optimization (35%) and enhanced cybersecurity (32%) as the most enticing features. And 40% of consumers also feel positive about the adaptive capabilities of AI PCs to understand their habits and provide a more personalized experience.

What is an AI PC: An AI PC is the next evolution in personal computing, integrating artificial intelligence capabilities directly into its hardware and software. Unlike traditional computers that either lack AI capabilities or rely heavily on cloud services, AI PCs bring all the computing power into one place. This means that AI workloads running on the PC, such as generative AI, can be based on the user’s local data and personal preferences and don’t require an internet connection. All of this adds up to better data privacy, better efficiency and the option to personalize the computing experience.

Intel recently launched the Intel® Core™ Ultra 200V series processors, delivering exceptional performance and long-lasting battery life, underpinned by AI. Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors deliver up to 120 total platform TOPS (tera operations per second) across central processing units (CPU), graphic processing units (GPU) and neural processing units (NPU). The fourth-generation NPU is up to 4x more powerful than the previous generation and is ideal for running sustained AI workloads while remaining energy-efficient.

Revolut co-founders reveal 2025 vision: AI, mortgages, and ATMs

Revolut co-founders Nik Storonsky and Vlad Yatsenko took to the stage at the company’s The Revolutionaries event in London to celebrate 50 million Revolut customers and share the company’s future product vision for 2025 — which include AI, mortgages, and ATMs.

Revolut, which has grown by over 10 million customers globally in 2024 so far, is now focused on accelerating the roll out of innovative products and services to continue disrupting global financial services in its bid to become the world’s first truly global bank.

Amongst the key highlights announced at the event:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Revolut announced its new AI-powered assistant to consumers. Revolut’s financial companion will adapt to customers’ needs and preferences in-app, guiding them towards smarter money habits, enhanced financial decision-making and streamlined admin. The company will aim for a gradual roll-out next year, which will be developed over time as the potential of AI to simplify and transform personal finance continues to unfold.

  • Mortgages
    • As Revolut continues to shake up traditional financial service offerings, the company confirmed plans to launch its mortgage product in Lithuania followed by Ireland and France in 2025. The goal is to offer a fully digital mortgage product that is the fastest on the market, aiming to issue instant approval in principle and final offer in one business day subject to asset valuation and any necessary checks. Mortgages will form part of the comprehensive credit offering Revolut is looking to build, with the company also exploring overdrafts. 

  • ATMs
    • Revolut will soon start rolling out branded ATMs – bringing these to Spain for use in early 2025. Revolut ATMs will dispense both cash and cards, and in the long-term accept cash deposits, with advanced security through facial recognition identity authentication. 

  • Revolut Business
    • In 2025, Revolut Business will bring its first business credit product to Europe and aims to offer one of the top business savings rates in all EU markets next year. Revolut Business also plans to help companies manage their restaurant and store operations with Revolut Kiosk, for which it is exploring biometric payments, and plans to continue to push its Revolut Pay offering with multiple payment methods including, in future, Buy Now Pay Later.

Nik Storonsky, Revolut’s CEO and Co-Founder, said: “2024 has been a significant year for Revolut, with millions of new accounts opened and innovative products launched across our markets. 2025 will be bigger and better. We want to revolutionise banking for the better and we’re on the right path to achieve this.”

Antoine Le Nel, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer, at Revolut said: “Revolut continues to change the face of finance. We’ve grown to over 50 million customers in less than a decade, a tremendous achievement, and proof that consumers want more from their money. Our ‘The Revolutionaries’ event is a fitting celebration, but we aren’t stopping there. We are already on the road to 100 million customers, and to becoming the world’s first truly global bank.”

Revolut unveiled its 2025 vision today at its The Revolutionaries event in London, which is currently underway. Featuring game-changers and revolutionaries across the worlds of music, business, fashion, sport, gaming, travel and entertainment, the event will close tomorrow with a headline performance from Charli XCX ahead of her sold-out tour.