Tag: App

Walter Walsh Launches New Digital Platform SocialTies

Today, SocialTies, a new free digital platform co-founded by three-time All-Ireland winner Walter Walsh, has officially launched. Built for community groups, such as schools, and grassroots organisations, SocialTies brings everything – from fixtures and results to ticketing, training resources, messaging, and exclusive content – into one unified, branded space. Designed around the real needs of today’s communities, the platform puts connection, identity, and community impact at its core.

Walter and his team have addressed a common frustration faced by organisations, relying on multiple disconnected tools to manage day-to-day communication and operations. Instead of navigating between group chats, outdated websites and scattered emails, SocialTies brings everything into one streamlined, purpose-built environment, finally offering a digital solution tailored to how real communities work.

“We built SocialTies because communities deserve better,” said Walter Walsh, CEO and Co-Founder of SocialTies, “For too long, they’ve been expected to make do with outdated websites, scattered group chats, and platforms that were never built for them. This isn’t about adding more noise, it’s about giving community groups, schools and grassroots organisations the digital infrastructure to connect, grow, and take ownership of their space online.”

Walter Walsh Launches New Digital Platform SocialTies – techbuzzireland

SocialTies is built on a new advertising model that delivers value to both communities and businesses. The platform is completely free to use both for individual users and the organisations themselves, with revenue generated through its Community Shared Advertising Model. Businesses gain targeted access to engaged, local audiences in a trusted environment, while 50% of all ad revenue is returned directly to the organisations and communities using the platform.

Brendan Kavanagh, Co-Founder of SocialTies, said: “Too many community platforms fail because they rely on goodwill, not good models. With SocialTies, we set out to create something that’s commercially robust and genuinely useful – it is a platform where local advertisers can reach engaged audiences in a meaningful way, while directly funding the communities they care about. It’s digital advertising that delivers real ROI.”

The first live platform built on SocialTies is Kilkenny Cats Social, created in partnership with Kilkenny GAA. As the pilot rollout, it demonstrates how the platform can be adapted to reflect the identity and structure of any organisation, in this case, one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting communities. Beyond content and communication, the partnership highlights SocialTie’s mission of community engagement at all levels – 50% of all advertising revenue generated on the app goes directly back to Kilkenny GAA, supporting grassroots development and major projects like the new Centre of Excellence.

Walsh, a former Kilkenny Senior hurler added “Kilkenny has given me so much, on and off the pitch, so launching our flagship product here means a huge amount to me. We built Kilkenny Cats Social to reflect everything this county stands for: pride, purpose, and community. I’m proud that we’re starting in Kilkenny, and even prouder that every tap, every ad, and every message on the platform gives something back to the place that shaped me.”

OpenRock S2 Open-Ear Sports Earbuds Review

OpenRock S2 Open-Ear Sports Earbuds are their latest on offer and packed with features as expected and we have been testing these out the last while and it is time to talk about them if you are in the market for new Open- Ear sports earbuds these might be for you.

Presented nicely as always you will find all you need in the box and the case itself is quite cool with a pebble type matt finish means it is not a case that will slip out of your hand like some can.

The earbuds themselves are quite cool with not touch based options but they have a button at each end that works perfectly each time allowing you to get the command you want rather than unwanted ones you would get with gesture based earbuds.

The fit is secure and these will not fall out they are also light and robust look well and clean and not cumbersome looking, in fact after some time wearing them you will forget they are there.

There is all the features you would expect to find here and with their app you have some new options you can play/pause,skip/reverse access your voice assistant and volume control you can also manage calls and all actions tried and tested worked well each time.

Battery life is also impressive here with up to 32 hours on a single charge and there is also fast charging which 5 mins charging giving you up to 8 hours which is impressive. Battery longevity will of course vary by user and their settings as usual. Users can also set safe volume limits and over-time reminders via the APP as we demo in the video review below.

Sound is excellent here with the 12mm drivers and 30w output inside despite no ANC which means you can hear your surroundings but the type of user these are aimed at it is not a bad thing, in a quite environment you would be the full benefit of near in er earbuds it must be said and overall the sound is excellent for open-ear earbuds you also have access to the app seen below for more options including find your buds and much more.

Overall for the price here and being ope-ear earbuds they are easy to recommend and pack a punch with audio and do not sound tinny maxed out or have any latency issues, calls where also good here with their 4 mic AI noise cancellation and to top it off you have dual device connectivity which today is an important feature for those who work from phones and laptops together.

The App 

 

Features

  • Ultra-Light Hook-Clip Design for a Perfect Fit
  • Advanced and Enduring Sweat Defense
  • Uncompromising Sound Quality with BassDirect™ Technology
  • Effortless Photography with Remote Camera Control
  • Up to 32 Hours of Playtime

 

Running  (Indoor/Outdoor) Sweat, lig ht rain IPX4 or higher ✅ Yes IPX5 exceeds IPX4, suitable for sweat and light rain.
Cycling Dust, light rain IPX4–5 ✅ Yes IPX5 meets upper range, suitable for dust and light rain.
Gym/Indoor Training Sweat IPX4 ✅ Yes IPX5 exceeds IPX4, suitable for sweat exposure.
Walking Sweat, light rain IPX5 ✅ Yes IPX5 matches recommended level, suitable for light rain.
Small Rain Light to moderate rain IPX5 ✅ Yes IPX5 is designed to withstand light to moderate rain. 
Heavy Rain Intense water exposure IPX6 or higher ⚠️ Possibly IPX5 may not suffice; IPX6 recommended for heavy rain.
Swimming Immersion in water IPX7 or higher ❌ No IPX5 is not rated for immersion; not suitable for swimming.

 

Noise Reduction 4-Mic AI Noise Cancellation Four high-quality microphones use beamforming technology in an array configuration, supporting an AI noise cancellation algorithm to effectively eliminate environmental noise. With the wind-resistant structure, even in strong winds, your voice remains crystal clear.
Sound Effects Professional Sound Effects for Sports OpenRock delivers professional audio effects for sports, optimized based on sports psychology to match the listening state during physical activities. Users can customize audio effects via the APP to adapt to different workout scenarios.
Health Monitoring Ears and Hearing Health Users can set safe volume limits and over-time reminders via the APP, promoting healthy listening habits for long-term ear protection.
Bluetooth Connectivity Bluetooth 6.0 and Multipoint Connection OpenRock S2 features the latest Bluetooth 6.0 for quick transmission and instant pairing. It supports simultaneous connection to two Bluetooth devices with seamless switching
Style Dynamic and Unique Design Crafted with a composite film, OpenRock S2 delivers a subtle 3D visual effect under flat lighting. Its pebble-shaped charging case combines a speckled coating with a textured finish, offering a comfortable grip and a unique pattern on each unit.

 

Wearability Ultra-Light Hook-Clip Design for a Perfect Fit 7g Featherlight Comfort and Custom Fit Made with ultra-thin 0.6mm titanium filaments and soft liquid silicone, and weighing only 7g, OpenRock S2 flexibly adapts to different ear shapes, offering all-day comfort—even during outdoor activities.
Secure and Stable Fit for All-Day Wear Based on ergonomic principles, it ingeniously merges ear-hook and clip-on designs to balance pressure distribution, ensuring a secure yet barely-there wear experience.
Sweat Resistance Advanced and Enduring Sweat Defense Triple Defense and Lasting Protection Featuring a triple sweat-resistant design: A scientifically angled structure optimizes the wearing position, allowing sweat to naturally slide off and reducing sweat contact. The independent BassDirect™ cavity shields the PCBA components from sweat intrusion, while a waterproof nano-coating on components enhances durability.
Sweat-Resistant Button Controls The IPX5 waterproof rating protects against sweat and light rain. The silicone physical button at the bottom of the ear hook prevents accidental touches and sweat intrusion, ideal for various sports scenarios.
Sound Quality Uncompromising Sound Quality with BassDirect™ Technology Enhanced Bass and Powerful Sound OpenRock S2 utilizes BassDirect™ technology to channel low-frequency energy from its 12mm driver directly into your ear canal, delivering enhanced bass with minimal sound leakage. With up to 30mW output, it produces deep, low-distortion bass and sustained high-volume performance.
Rich and Immersive Sound With LDAC codec and Hi-Res certification, it supports high-resolution audio transmission, delivering rich, detailed, and high-quality sound. The LISO 2.0 algorithm dynamically adjusts bass and treble to maintain optimal sound quality.
Customization Effortless Photography with Remote Camera Control – Simply press the button on the earbud to remotely control the camera when your phone is in photo or video mode, making capturing during outdoor hiking effortless and convenient.
Battery Life Up to 32 Hours of Playtime – OpenRock S2 provides up to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge and up to 32 hours of playtime with the charging case. A quick 5-minute charge offers 1 hour of use.

Other OpenRock Reviews

Pre-sale: only $74.99 until June 30. Get an extra 5% off with the discount code Techbuzz5
OpenRock Website: http://bit.ly/4kKdLQs

 

Video Review

Skullcandy METHOD 360 ANC Review

The Skullcandy METHOD 360 ANC are the latest earbuds now on offer from brand who this time have teamed up with BOSE and all for the better and as a regular user of Skullcandy products these knock it out of the park when it comes to the audio experience for the price you pay and stick it up to more expensive earbuds.

These come in a really cool case too which sweeten the deal for me as I like cases that are not traditional cases earbuds usually come in and they have a caribiner type lock for your bag or jeans etc.

The earbuds themselves also look cool with a nice solid build and also ear wings to give you a more secure fit, these will not budge and do try them all for the perfect seal and fit which gives you the best audio results and they give great passive noise isolation when fitted too without even touching the app.

The audio experience here is better than expected yet again in fact it is great and powered by BOSE and with the Skull-iQ app you are in control here.

Highs lows and mids great no lag latency and super bass and loud, with the controls which we go through in the video below you have multiple options at hand to get the perfect sound stage for you which only enhances the full audio experience which is one of the best at this price I have seen in a long time.

Overall you will not be dissapointed here with the complete package and for the price it again begs the question for the need to fork out silly money for earbuds these days and moreover they come in an exciting range of colours too..

Skull-iQ app 

 

Features 

 

  • Adjustable 4-Mic Hybrid Active Noise Canceling – Next-level premium noise  cancellation with customizable Stay-Aware mode options.
  • Low Latency Audio – Provides an optimal experience for watching videos or  playing games.
  • Auto On/Connect and Wear Detection  
  • IPX4 Sweat + Water Resistant  
  • Skull-iQ App Compatible – Unlock Method 360 ANC’s full potential with the Skull iQ App. Choose one of 3 preset EQ settings or customize your own, reconfigure the  button functions, adjust your Stay-Aware or ANC modes, and more.
  • Rapid Charge – A 10-minute charge provides 2 hours of playtime.  ● Clear Voice Smart Mic – Provides a reduction in background noise to ensure calls  are crystal clear.
  • Spotify Tap Compatible  
  • Preset & Custom EQ Modes  
  • Google Fast Pair  
  • Multipoint Pairing – Pair to multiple devices at once for seamless transitions.  ● Natural Voice Sidetone for Calls – Counteract occlusion, allowing users to hear  their own voice more naturally.
  • Bluetooth® (v5.3) + LE Audio  

 

See our Skullcandy Reviews

BUY

Unboxing Video

Video Review

Edifier Unveils New ES Series: A Fusion of Elegant Design and Superb Sound

Edifier, a leading innovator in premium audio solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its latest product line – the ES Series – a stunning new collection that redefines what it means to blend high-fidelity sound with sophisticated style. The new ES Series includes the ES20, ES60, and ES300 speakers, alongside the sleek and powerful ES850NB over-ear headphones.

A symbol of Edifier’s evolving vision, the “ES” in the series’ name carries layered meaning:

  • “E” for Elegant – capturing the series’ sleek, modern design language.
  • “S” for Superb (or Luxurious) – representing the elevated quality, premium materials, and refined finish.
  • And “ES” as Edifier Sound – reflecting Edifier’s legacy of high-performance audio and immersive listening experiences.

From rich leather-like textures to precision-engineered components, each product in the ES Series is designed to evoke a sense of timeless luxury while delivering the clarity, depth, and detail that audiophiles expect. “ES” also stands for “Edifier Sound”, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing dedication to high-fidelity audio and deeply immersive sound experiences.

Whether it’s the compact brilliance of the ES20, the powerful stage presence of the ES60, the immersive soundscape of the ES300, or the noise-cancelling performance of the ES850NB headphones, the ES Series marks a new chapter for Edifier – where sound meets style without compromise.

Elegant Design Meets Powerful Performance with the Edifier ES300. This premium desktop combo speaker combines handcrafted wooden construction with leather-like accents, a braided grille, and a sleek metallic control panel—blending effortlessly into any decor. It features dual 1.25″ silk dome tweeters and a 4″ long-throw mid-bass driver, powered by 60W RMS through dual Class-D amplifiers for crisp highs, detailed mids, and punchy lows. Edifier’s MazeTube and TurbMuff technologies enhance bass depth while minimizing noise and resonance.

With high-res audio support up to 24-bit/96kHz, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2, the ES300 enables seamless streaming and multi-room connectivity. USB-A and AUX inputs offer flexible wired options, while an integrated ambient light system with 3 light effects and 2 colours adds a stylish finishing touch.

The Edifier ES60 is a sleek, portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers 34W RMS of powerful, high-quality sound through dual 22mm tweeters, an oval mid-bass driver with neodymium magnets, and a passive radiator for rich audio depth. Featuring Bluetooth 5.4 with stereo pairing and multipoint support, it ensures seamless wireless connectivity. With up to 9 hours of playback, USB-C charging, and a built-in high-sensitivity microphone for crystal-clear calls, the ES60 is designed for all-day use. Its dustproof and waterproof design, dynamic ambient lighting effects, and compatibility with the Edifier ConneX app make it a versatile companion for both indoor and outdoor listening.

The Edifier ES20 is a compact portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers 6W RMS of crisp, full-range sound through a 43mm driver with neodymium magnets and a 55mm passive bass radiator for enhanced low-end performance. With an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, it’s built for both indoor and outdoor use. Enjoy up to 15 hours of continuous playback, Bluetooth 5.4 with stereo pairing and multi-point connection, and clear calls via the built-in high-sensitivity microphone. Ambient lighting effects and Edifier ConneX app support add a personalized, connected experience.

The Edifier ES850NB wireless over-ear headphones combine sleek design with powerful performance, featuring Hi-Res Audio certification, 40mm titanium-coated drivers, and support for LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs. With upgraded ANC up to -45dB, AI-powered call clarity, and up to 92 hours of battery life, they’re built for immersive, all-day listening. Lightweight and foldable with skin-friendly cushions and a travel case, the ES850NB offers comfort, portability, and smart features like touch-to-chat, multipoint connectivity, and seamless control via the Edifier ConneX app and TempoHub.

Price & Availability:

The ES20 portable speaker is available at £49.99 in Black or White

The ES60 speaker is available at £119.99 in Black or White colourway

The ES300 desktop combo speaker is available at £299.99

The ES850NB headphones are available at £119.99

See our Edifier reviews

SteelSeries launches Arctis Nova 3 Wireless

From the creator of the groundbreaking Arctis Nova line of headsets, SteelSeries, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture and worldwide leader in premium gaming headsets, today expands the award-winning Arctics Nova family with the introduction of the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Series headsets and Arctis App.
As gaming continues to grow in popularity, SteelSeries has been leading the way in delivering industry-leading product and software innovations, solving problems for gamers, and defining a gaming lifestyle. In Q1 of 2025, Newzoo estimates the global gamer population to be around 2.9B players and console gaming is experiencing a resurgence with a projected continued steady growth through 2027. This popularity is being fueled by the anticipation of major titles and new console releases that deliver full immersion into different virtual worlds. Engineered from the ground up, the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Series headsets raise the bar for a new level of premium audio with real-time audio control for console gamers.
Next-gen consoles need next-gen audio and the newest member of the award-winning Arctis Nova line of headsets features the powerhouse combo of the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless headset and Arctis App for Real-Time Audio Control with over 200 audio presets, plus Quick Switch Wireless with high-speed 2.4GHz or Bluetooth 5.3, an extraordinary 15-minute Fast Charge for 9 hours of play time, and a lightweight, durable comfortable design – all at $109.99 price point.
Sound matters. The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Series is perfectly equipped for console gaming on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and other platforms.
  • Custom Nova Speaker Drivers – Specially designed powerful Neodymium Magnetic speaker drivers were customized in-house to provide the ultimate gaming audio, with rich bass and a unique custom design for maximum detail. Immerse in the soundscape, taking what’s already awesome to the next level with 360° Spatial Audio. (Fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 / Microsoft Spatial Sound and more)
  • The Mobile Arctis App – A revolutionary mobile app that allows gamers to control their audio in real-time with over 200+ game-specific audio presets meticulously crafted and custom-tailored to each game by audio engineers, esports pros, and game developers. Gamers can change their audio presets on the fly in real time and without leaving the game, providing a distinct competitive advantage. Hear what others don’t with precisely honed audio profiles for top games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, GTA, and more.
  • Quick-Switch Wireless – Switch instantly between high-speed 2.4GHz gaming wireless for gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 for everything else with the onboard quick-switch button. Mobile connections remain on standby when gaming, so players will receive call notifications, plus separate EQ profiles let gamers save 2.4GHz gaming and BT on-the-go settings independently.
  • Cross-Platform Gaming – Game on any platform, easily swapping the small USB-C dongle between all systems, supporting Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, Meta Quest, handhelds, as well as phones and tablets that support USB-C.
  • 15-Minute Fast Charge = 9-Hour Play Time – Game all day. Optimized USB-C fast charge gives you up to 9 hours of use after just 15 minutes, which is up to 3x more than typical headsets. A standard single charge offers up to 30+ hours in 2.4G / 40+ hours in Bluetooth.
  • ClearCast 2.X Microphone – The new Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Series microphone with high bandwidth tech takes voice quality to the next level – 2X the bandwidth, 2X the comms with 32KHz/16bit audio.
 
  • Lightweight | Durable | Comfortable Design – Tough, flexible design with dual-hinged arms for durability, plus removable ear cushions with breathable memory foam for total comfort. The 260g lightweight Nova 3 Wireless Series design features height-adjustable arms, plus a stretchy secondary fabric headband to distribute pressure evenly for all-day comfort. Available in black, white, aqua, and lavender.
The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Series is available at SteelSeries.com and select retailers around the world for the following MSRP:
  • Arctis Nova 3P/3X Wireless – UK £99.99 | NA $109.99 | EMEA €109.99 | APAC $109.99
  • Arctis App – Free Download on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store

Increasing Irish Immigration Amid the First 100 Days of Trump’s Presidency: How Have Businesses and Citizens Reacted?

The fear element that was released by Trump’s re-inauguration for second tenure caused a spike in Irish immigration. Trump’s stance on immigration during his first tenure was considered extreme and a threat to the freedom and security of millions of immigrants.

During his campaign for second tenure in 2024, he promised to double down and be far more aggressive about implementing the most spectacular migration crackdown. Irish-Americans who were in the US legally and illegally found the policies of President Trump hanging over them.

The immigration raids went up after President Trump returned to office, causing an increase in anxiety in the immigrant community including undocumented Irish people.

Notably, the United States and Ireland share relations beyond common ancestral ties and shared values. The relations extend to regular dialogue on political and economic issues, and official exchange in areas such as medical research and education.

President Trump recently declared March, ‘Irish-American Heritage Month’, because the Irish voted for him heavily in November 2024. If the Irish and Americans share such deep historical ties, how then do recent immigration policies specifically impact Irish immigrants?

This article will explore the reason behind the increase in Irish immigration amid the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency. It will analyze the fear and uncertainty felt by documented and undocumented Irish citizens in the US, and how businesses and citizens have reacted.

The Landscape of Irish Immigration to the US Before Trump’s Presidency

To understand the long-standing trend of Irish immigration to the United States, you need to know its landscape particularly before the early 20th century. Most Irish immigrants before the Great Famine were Protestants, and the Great Famine led to a massive influx of Irish Catholics.

Irish Immigration to the US slowed during the Great Depression and after the Immigration Act of 1924. Currently, over 31 million people claim Irish descent in the US, and although the exact number of undocumented Irish citizens is difficult to establish, it has been estimated to be about 10,000 people.

Common Legal Pathways for Irish Immigration to the US

Over the years, Irish citizens have legally relocated to the US through the various visa pathways.

The first pathway is through the immigrant visas for Irish citizens who wish to reside permanently in the US. They migrate through family-based visas, employment-based visas and diversity lottery visas.

The second pathway is through the non-immigrant visas for Irish citizens who want to enter the US for specific reasons over a temporary period.

The table below explains it further.

 

Visa Types Purpose
1 B visas B-1 for business B-2 for tourism
2 F visas For students
3 H visas For temporary workers H-1B for skilled workers

H-2A/H-2B for seasonal workers.
4 J visas For exchange visitors
5 K visas For fiancees/spouses of U.S citizens.
6 L visas For intra-company transferees
7 O visas For individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, film, athletics, or arts
8 P visas For athletes and entertainers
9 R visas For religious workers
10 U visas For victims of crime
11 V visas For family members of U.S. citizens who are in the process of obtaining permanent residence.

 

Only 1% of over 10,000 Irish immigrants have legally moved permanently to the United States. The Ireland’s Prime Minister’s meeting with President Trump in March shows the Irish’s Government lobbying efforts to secure pathways to legal status for undocumented Irish in the US.

Trump’s First 100 Days: Key Immigration Policies and Their Immediate Implications

In an interview with CBS News, Aisling, an undocumented Irish waitress claims that since ICE started raiding her neighbourhood, she fears that she may become a ‘collateral damage’.

This highlights the effect of Trump’s immigration policies on Irish citizens, but could that have been the cause of the increase in Irish immigration?

We will now consider key immigration policies and their immediate implications:

 

  1. Deportation of Migrants

Over 1,000 people were removed on the fourth day of the Trump administration, and in the same week of entering office, over 5,000 people were detained by Border Patrol in San Diego and El Paso, Texas to be deported.

 

2. Ending the Migrants and Asylum Seekers Process

Within 100 days of being in office, President Trump suspended the entry  of all undocumented migrants to the US and ordered border patrol agents to turn asylum seekers away without a hearing.

3. Scrapping the CBP One Smartphone App

Immediately Trump took office, the CBP One smartphone app, which migrants used to schedule appointments with US border patrol agents, was taken down and over 30,000 people with schedule appointments were said to be stranded inside Mexico.

4. Unannounced Raids and Increasing the Powers of ICE

The statistics released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) showed that approximately 6,648 undocumented immigrants were arrested within a week that Trump was sworn into office.

Most Irish immigrants believed that they could easily blend in when there was a raid because only criminals were targeted. However, the intensity of the raid made them scared and stopped going to work, church or even school.

 

Immigration experts believe that the aim was to force people to self-deport before they are caught. Could this be the reason why Irish immigration skyrocketed during that period?

Impact of Trump’s Presidency on Irish Immigration

How Irish Citizens and the Diaspora Reacted

Although, the Irish community in America lived in fear and anxiety of their undocumented status, some of them who were interviewed by CBS news believed that communities of color, hispanics and latinos are bearing the brunt of the immigration crackdown.

There were, however, reservations on becoming a ‘collateral damage’ target for the intense ICE raids. In an interview with BBC, Chicago-based immigration lawyer, Fionaa McEntee expresses that some Irish-Americans have empathy for what other people are going through and they stand in solidarity with them.

Even those with Green card are reluctant to travel due to concerns about anti-immigrant sentiment. The increased tension amongst Irish-Americans after Trump’s inauguration made those with Irish descent to consider returning back to Ireland, while others are considering relocating to Ireland to start afresh.

How Businesses Are Responding to Increased Irish Immigration

Employers express worry over workplace raids because they believe that it will lead to an exodus of workers in jobs that many Americans don’t want to do, but the White House is resisting.

Most tech and pharma companies that depend on their partnership with Ireland fear that the political tension in America will discourage investment decisions of Irish-based employers in the US.

Award winning Shannon Teen to Represent Ireland in the Technovation Global Semi Finals with Dementia Support App

Chloe O’Loughlin, a 2nd year student in St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School in Shannon, won the Junior category award at the Technovation Ireland Regional Pitch Event (RPE) in AMD’s Headquarters CityWest Dublin. Chloe has been working on an app to help people with dementia since she started the Teen-Turn afterschool program in January. Twelve weeks of mentoring and support led to the big event, with Chloe winning the Junior category. 65 projects from 8 counties and more than 20 schools were submitted to Technovation from Ireland this year. Chloe will now represent Ireland in the semi-finals of the global competition.

This project was particularly personal to Chloe who had a dream to help people suffering with dementia in a simple and easy way. She said: ‘I have relatives with dementia. I see firsthand the effects that it has on them.  I wanted to think of something that would help them.’

It was this initial thought that led her to create and develop her app called Brain Track. “The app features a to-do list, calendar, to keep track of different appointments and allows relatives and caregivers to keep an eye on them.” An additional feature of the app is a profile page where the user or their relatives can input profiles of the people around them including photos and key details about that person. Chloe believes that to be a very important feature for the wellbeing of the person with dementia and a reassurance to their loved ones. “If someone with dementia were to forget someone’s name, they can go into the app and remind themselves of their name, which would save them the frustration of having to ask the person directly.”

Chloe committed to 12 weeks of staying after school with more than 10 other girls in the group to learn to code, develop a business plan and pitch to judges. Her mentor Donna O’Sullivan, who is also a teacher at the school, applauded Chloe for her commitment and dedication to the project and app. “Chloe has shown tremendous dedication and commitment to attending our Teen-Turn sessions after school each week and made superb progress during that time. We are so proud of what she has achieved and grateful to Teen-Turn for their continued support in developing tech skills for our girls.”

Chloe really enjoyed participating in Teen-Turn’s afterschool program and said “I really enjoyed working with everyone in the group. We got tons of different ideas and opinions when putting it all together and it’s great to see how the others projects were coming along.” Chloe also benefited from extra sessions held by Teen-Turn over the midterm in partnership with PayPal and on two Super Session Saturdays where the girls had the opportunity to gain in person mentorship in University of Limerick from academic staff and Immersive Software Engineering students.

On the day of the RPE Chloe said that she was a little apprehensive to pitch to the judges but that she found the experience to be a very powerful one.  “I was very nervous, but the judges were really nice and once I started, I was more excited than nervous. They genuinely wanted to find out more about the app and how it works.” Chloe was overjoyed to take first place on the day, winning a laptop with AMD chip technology, and is looking forward to the next stage of the competition.

So what does the future hold for Chloe and Brain Track? I definitely want to continue with Teen-Turn and with Project Squad and Technovation in the future because I really enjoyed it.’ says Chloe who is very excited at the thought of possibly bringing the app to the market in the future. “I think the app will help people  and I want to continue improving it.” Chloe hopes that she can make the future a little brighter for those with dementia and their loved ones.

Technovation is a tech education nonprofit that inspires people around the world to believe in themselves as leaders and become more confident, curious problem-solvers. Technovation offers interactive learning programs in which young people ages 8-18 and adults in their community learn how to use technology to solve real-world problems. Technovation partners with leading organisations like UNESCO and UN Women, and with mentors from companies like Google, NVIDIA, and Adobe to reach children and families in more than 100 countries. To learn more, visit technovation.org.

Track Every Dollar: The Secret to Smarter Spending and Saving

Budgeting in 2025 doesn’t have to stress you out, and Albert, a top budgeting planning app, makes it super simple. This US-based app offers tools like expense tracking and automatic expense categorization to manage your finances efficiently. Whether you’re a college student or self-employed, Albert helps track spending, pay bills, create financial dashboards, and build an emergency fund. 

This guide’ll show how Albert’s user-friendly features create breathing room in your budget and track your spending. Ready to take control of your money? Let’s dig deep into why Albert is essential for smarter budgeting this year!

Why Albert’s Tools Are Essential for Smart Budgeting in 2025

Albert’s budgeting app is a game-changer for managing money. It offers a free version that syncs bank accounts for real-time expense tracking. Its zero-based budget assigns every dollar of your income to monthly expenses, savings goals, or debt repayment. Automatic expense categorization sorts spending into different categories, like utility bills or streaming services, helping you set spending limits. 

Features like due date alerts ensure you pay bills on time, supporting goals like saving for a down payment or reducing credit card debt. With Albert, you gain insights into your cash flow, making budgeting in 2025 easy and stress-free. (150 words)

Albert’s User-Friendly Design for Beginners

Albert’s budgeting planning app shines for beginners, like college students, with its user-friendly interface on Google Play. A 2024 Bankrate survey found 64% of Americans want simpler budgeting apps. Albert syncs checking accounts and credit cards, offering a clear view of your finances. Its free version includes robust budgeting features, like tracking expenses and categorizing spending, helping you save money without needing a paid version like other apps, such as Credit Karma.

Zero-Based Budgeting for Every Dollar

Zero-based budgeting ensures every dollar of your income has a job, from fixed expenses to savings. Albert’s budgeting features make this easy by syncing banking data to track day-to-day spending. A 2023 Forbes study shows zero-based budgeting cuts discretionary spending by 17%, freeing up cash for an emergency fund or a 401(k).

Creating Custom Budgets

Albert’s custom budgets let you assign money to specific goals, like child care or a savings account, ensuring your monthly budget aligns with your financial priorities and creates breathing room.

  1. Real-Time Expense Tracking Saves Money

Albert’s real-time expense tracking monitors every transaction, from credit card purchases to utility bills. Automatic expense categorization sorts costs into different categories, helping you track spending analysis and avoid overspending. Thus, managing money is simple and effective.

  1. Cash Flow Management Made Easy

Innovative cash flow management means knowing your money coming in and out. Albert’s app tracks income and expenses, ensuring you cover your monthly costs and save. For example, setting aside $15 weekly builds a $780 emergency fund annually.

  1. Syncing Accounts for Clarity

Albert’s app connects bank accounts and tools like Credit Karma to show your net worth and overall finances. Reviewing transactions and credit reports helps you make smart choices, like allocating funds for debt payments or retirement savings, all from your mobile device.

Staying on Top of Due Dates

Albert’s due date alerts help you pay bills on time, avoiding late fees. Syncing accounts ensures you track expenses like streaming services, keeping your budget plan on track across multiple devices.

  1. Debt Repayment and Budgeting Together

Reducing credit card debt while budgeting is tricky, but Albert’s expense trackers make it doable. A 2024 NerdWallet study found that 67% of budgeters with clear plans pay off debt faster. Albert tracks debt payments alongside other expenses, balancing debt repayment and savings goals.

  1. Building Savings Goals with Albert

Albert’s savings goals help you save for a down payment or emergency fund. Regular contributions, like $10 weekly to a savings account, grow with interest rates, ensuring you’re ready for unexpected costs or big purchases like a home.

Why Albert Stands Out Among Budgeting Apps

Albert’s free version offers more hands-on tools than other apps like YNAB or Credit Karma. Its envelope system with unlimited categories and security features makes it the best app for budgeting in 2025, easily accessible on Google Play.

Key Benefits of Budgeting with Albert

  • Free and Powerful: Albert’s free version includes top budgeting features.
  • Real-Time Tracking: Monitor spending instantly with automatic expense categorization.
  • Goal-Focused: Supports savings goals and debt repayment.
  • Secure Syncing: Connects accounts with strong security features.

Budgeting Apps Comparison: Albert vs. Others

App Best For Cost Key Feature Example Budget ($1000 Income)
Albert (Free Version) Beginners, Self-Employed Free Real-Time Expense Tracking $340 expenses, $60 savings
YNAB Detailed Budgeters $14.99/month Envelope System $350 expenses, $50 savings
Credit Karma Credit Monitoring, Basic Budget Free Credit Report Integration $330 expenses, $40 savings
Monarch Money Advanced Users $9.99/month Net Worth Tracking $345 expenses, $55 savings

This table shows Albert’s free app offers unmatched features for 2025 budgeting, balancing cost and functionality.

Final Words

Albert’s budgeting planning app is essential for 2025. It offers real-time expense tracking, zero-based budgeting, and secure syncing. Start using Albert’s free tools to manage money, reduce debt, and easily achieve financial goals!