Tag: coaching

Focusaur Launches on Kickstarter as an AI Focus Console for Deep Work and Daily Habits

Incubated by xTool, Focusaur turns focus into a physical ritual with tactile controls, phone-shielding deep work, NFC habit zones, AI time coaching, and a dinosaur growth reward loop.

Most productivity tools ask people to manage distraction from the same place it begins: the phone. Focusaur takes a different approach. Now live on Kickstarter, Focusaur is an AI focus console designed to make deep work more physical, intentional, and rewarding.

Instead of opening another app or dashboard, users begin with a simple desk ritual: twist, click, and focus. Focusaur pairs a compact tactile device with a mobile app to help users start focus sessions with less friction, stay aware of progress without constantly checking a screen, and build routines that feel rewarding over time.

Focusaur was built around a clear design belief: focus should not depend on willpower alone. By giving attention a physical starting point, the device helps turn intention into an action users can see, touch, and repeat.

One of Focusaur’s most distinctive interactions is its phone-shielding deep focus mode. During a session, the device can be placed directly over a phone, creating a small but meaningful pause between impulse and action. To check the phone, users first have to move Focusaur — turning an automatic scroll reflex into a conscious decision.

Focusaur also brings habits into the physical environment through NFC tags. A tag placed on a desk, bedside table, kitchen counter, gym corner, or everyday bag can become a focus or habit trigger. With a simple tap, users can start a focus session or check in on a routine, turning ordinary spaces into personal focus zones.

The companion app adds planning, reflection, and emotional motivation. Focusaur’s AI Time Coach and calendar sync are designed to help users connect planning with action and choose more realistic focus blocks based on their day. Completed focus sessions can also help hatch and grow dinosaurs, turning abstract effort into visible progress and long-term motivation. Core focus features are designed to work offline, while AI-related features may require internet access.

Focusaur is designed for students, remote and hybrid workers, creators, developers, researchers, and anyone who needs a more tangible way to protect attention. It is compact enough for a desk, library, café, or travel setup, while still giving focus a dedicated physical anchor.

The Kickstarter package includes the Focusaur unit, base, cable, magnetic round disc, and NFC tags. Full reward details, pricing, shipping information, and campaign updates are available on the Kickstarter page.

Focusaur is now available on Kickstarter.

How Samsung Is Tackling Sleep Apnea to Energise Your Days

Millions worldwide suffer from sleep apnea, but 80% of sufferers[1] don’t even know they have it. This serious condition causes people to pause breathing while asleep, potentially disrupting oxygen supply, lowering sleep quality, and leading to health complications including hypertension and stroke. Despite these risks, the disorder largely goes unnoticed because getting a diagnosis usually requires time-consuming and costly in-lab sleep studies.

To mark World Sleep Day 2026, a global study of Samsung Health users[2] is shedding new light on the true extent of the condition and the disruptive impact it has on your sleep. Aligned with this year’s World Sleep Day theme, “Sleep Well, Live Better,” Samsung is turning the invisible signs of sleep apnea into actionable insights through its Galaxy Watch series, helping those affected improve their sleep habits and overall health.

How Does Sleep Apnea Impact Your Sleep?

The report found that 23% of study participants are at risk of sleep apnea.

“The microarousals and awakenings that follow breathing pauses fragment your sleep,” explains behavioral sleep scientist Dr. Vanessa Hill. “Those occurrences can prevent the brain from staying in the REM and deep sleep stages necessary for cognitive and physical restoration.”

The report shows these constant disruptions take a direct toll on sleep duration and quality, leading to:

  • Reduced REM Sleep: Participants with moderate to severe sleep apnea indicators detected by their Galaxy Watch got around four minutes less rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the phase where our brains process emotions, consolidate memories and cement learning. Without enough of it, people can experience mood instability and memory problems, impacting performance at work and overall well-being.
  • Less Deep Sleep: Sleep apnea also robs sufferers of deep sleep, approximately eight minutes less per night, on average. This is the body’s critical physical restoration phase, where growth hormone is released, muscles are repaired, and your immune system is activated. Losing out on deep sleep is why you may feel physically exhausted, have slower recovery times, and get sick more often.
  • Frequent Nightly Awakenings: Study participants with signs of sleep apnea also woke up regularly during the night and stayed awake around four minutes longer. These interruptions derail the sleep cycle, locking you into lighter, less restorative stages and making next-day exhaustion inevitable, no matter how long you slept.
  • Shorter Sleep Duration: Overall, people with a higher likelihood of sleep apnea averaged around 12 minutes less sleep. While this loss may seem minor, it can have a significant impact on overall sleep quality as your sleep cycle gets fragmented throughout the night.

Why It Matters: “Even a small loss in sleep duration is compounded by a larger loss of sleep quality,” said Dr. Hill. “This can be the difference between simply being ‘in bed’ and getting restorative rest, which could be why people feel so tired the next day.”

Dr. Hill also advocates a multidimensional approach to sleep health. “Sleep apnea affects many dimensions of sleep, duration, quality, sleep efficiency and even daytime fatigue,” she stated. “They together help determine our health and functioning.”

With sleep apnea shown to impact all aspects of sleep and lead to other health complications, detection is an essential first step in the fight against the condition.

How Does Galaxy Watch Help Detect Signs of Moderate to Severe Sleep Apnea?  

For years, sleep apnea has been difficult to detect due to the need for inconvenient hospital tests. However, Samsung offers at-home detection with a first-of-its-kind Sleep Apnea[3] feature on your Galaxy Watch.

  • How It Works: Users simply track their sleep with a compatible Galaxy Watch[4] for more than four hours over two nights within a ten-day period. Available through the Samsung Health Monitor app, the Sleep Apnea feature enables users to proactively spot signs of the condition. Initially launched in Korea, the feature has since received De Novo authorization from the U.S. FDA and is now available in 78 markets[5] worldwide and counting.
  • The Technology: Leveraging the Galaxy Watch’s BioActive Sensor, the feature tracks blood oxygen levels to determine when the user stops breathing (apnea) or is not breathing enough (hypopnea). Based on this data, the feature estimates the user’s Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which indicates the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • From Awareness to Action: By detecting signs of sleep apnea early, the feature provides the data needed for an informed consultation with a medical professional. In addition to tackling sleep apnea, your Galaxy Watch can help you build habits for better holistic sleep health. Features include the Sleep Coaching program for detailed analysis and tips on how to improve sleep quality and Bedtime Guidance,[6] which recommends your optimal bedtime to ensure you consistently get enough sleep.

“For years, the inconvenience of an in-lab clinical sleep study has been a barrier to diagnosing sleep apnea,” added Dr. Hill. “Wearable technology such as Galaxy Watch is a breakthrough because it democratizes that first step. It allows people to gather meaningful data from their own beds, providing a starting point for a conversation with a healthcare professional.”

Take Control of Your Night

A good night’s sleep is the first step toward a healthier, more energized life, and Samsung is here to guide you. Samsung’s ecosystem offers end-to-end care, from detecting signs of sleep apnea on your Galaxy Watch to providing suggestions to receive professional adviceto connecting you with professional advice through our health network.

Looking ahead, Samsung is constantly innovating and improving the Sleep Apnea feature to make it even more powerful with sharper insights. Prioritize your rest today to unlock a healthier tomorrow.

[1]Obstructive Sleep Apnea National Indicator Report,” American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2023)

2Samsung Health users from the U.S., South Korea, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Chile, South Africa, and the Philippines participated in the study from January–June 2025.

3The Sleep Apnea feature is an over-the-counter (OTC), software-only, mobile medical application operating on a compatible Samsung Galaxy Watch and phone. It is intended for on demand use. Users should not use this feature to replace traditional methods of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified clinician. The data provided by this device is also not intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders. For users over the age of 22 who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea, the feature monitors for signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

4Availability may vary by market, carrier, model, or a paired smartphone. Available on Galaxy Watch4 series and later models. The watch requires the Wear OS 5.0 version or later and must be paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone with Android 12.0 or later.

5Supported markets include Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norfolk Island, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Réunion, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen.

6Bedtime guidance is available on Android phone (Android 11 and above) requires Samsung Health app (v6.30.2 or later). Bedtime guidance based on 3 days of sleep analysis of user’s circadian rhythm and sleep pressure. Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or sleep disorder. Please consult a medical professional for advice.

See our Samsung reviews 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin announces €750,000 funding from Google.org for Docklands upskilling initiatives

Taoiseach, Micheál Martin joined Google’s Vanessa Hartley at the Fair Play Cafe in Ringsend today to announce €750,000 in funding from Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, to St Andrews Resource Centre. This project will deliver comprehensive wrap-around training and support to 1,000+ unemployed individuals and early school leavers in Dublin Docklands communities, aiming for at least 50% of beneficiaries to access further education or employment opportunities.

The funding will help future-proof Dublin’s Docklands communities through hyperlocal training initiatives that will strengthen essential skills and provide support to help people access jobs, education, and long-term employment opportunities.

Google.org provided the funding to St Andrews Resource Centre who will use the funds to support the work of This City Works, a platform between Dublin city-based community employment services, helping job seekers in Dublin find the right job for them. The training will be delivered through several vital programmes. These include a certified Train-the-Trainer programme for unemployed adults, an expanded community-based digital support for early school leavers and long-term unemployed, and a Level 5 Homecare Assistant course for 20 learners aimed at bridging local employment gaps and preparing students for AI-linked apprenticeships.

The grant will also fund wraparound support across multiple partner organisations such as LIR, Lets Go, FAACT, Fair Play Digital Hub, and others to ensure learners can access coaching, mentoring, and practical assistance. The initiative will support 100 learners through career development programmes, upskill students in ten local schools, and enable 15 learners with additional support needs to complete a modular employment programme.

Speaking at today’s event Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

“The strength of Ireland’s digital future lies in our people. This initiative directly supports our national ambition to make Ireland a global leader in applied AI. It is vital that early school leavers and those seeking new career paths have direct access to AI and digital literacy. This project shows that when we align community needs with the right training, we create a more inclusive, resilient, and future-proof workforce for the Dublin Docklands and beyond. I want to thank Google.org for its continued commitment to this invaluable work.”

Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland, said:

“The Docklands has been our home for over twenty years and we are dedicated to working in partnership with our neighbours to identify the skills and support they need to succeed. In today’s world, fluency in digital tools and AI is no longer optional, it’s essential.  The success of our programmes in recent years is why we remain committed to ensuring people from all backgrounds have access to the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving society and work environment.”

Jim Hargis  St Andrews Resource Centre and member of This City Works, said:

“Support like this is the lifeblood of community development. It means we can immediately scale up our operations to meet the rising demand for vocational and AI and digital skills training in the Docklands community. We are grateful to Google.org for its ongoing support on this initiative, which will have a tangible, lasting impact on the lives of our learners and their families.”

The goal of This City Works is to empower vulnerable and at-risk school leavers and unemployed people in the local community of Ringsend and Pearse Street by providing training and skill enhancement opportunities, complemented by support services, with the aim of increasing their employability and promoting social inclusion.

For more information visit This City Works.

WHOOP becomes first wearable to integrate lab results with continuous health data

WHOOP, the human performance company, today announced the launch of WHOOP Advanced Labs Uploads, now available to all members. The feature update enables members to upload prior lab results directly into the WHOOP app free of charge, creating a more comprehensive and connected view of their health. 

This announcement comes just weeks after the brand launched the Advanced Labs feature with an add-on subscription that provides clinician-reviewed bloodwork, powered by Quest Diagnostics. At launch, there was a waitlist of over 350,000 members and with today’s update that waitlist is now complete. 

While the in-person testing experience of WHOOP Advanced Labs is currently only available in the US, with Advanced Labs Uploads all WHOOP members, globally, can now link biomarkers from their existing lab work with their 24/7 WHOOP data, and unlock a deeper understanding of their long-term health trends. 

A More Complete Picture of Health
Members can upload their labs in any language — as a PDF or screenshot — and see their results alongside the continuous biometric data provided by WHOOP. The integration makes it easier than ever to keep all health results in one place, track progress over time, and gain insights that connect biomarkers to daily biometrics. 

Personalized Coaching on Your Biomarkers
When members upload labs that include any of the 65 biomarkers tested in WHOOP Advanced Labs, they’ll receive personalized, science-based AI coaching from the WHOOP Coach, to help interpret and act on the results. 

Included with Every Membership
Advanced Labs Uploads are available to all WHOOP members at no additional cost.

Of the update, Will Ahmed Founder and CEO of WHOOP said, “For the first time, our members can see how their blood biomarkers and daily behaviors connect in real time. This is all part of our path to becoming a health operating system that helps our members live better and longer.” 

For more information on WHOOP Advanced Labs and to start uploading your lab results, visit whoop.com/advanced-labs.

In-person testing will be available internationally in the coming months. See our WHOOP reviews

Gen Z is coaching older colleagues to use AI

A new global study from International Workplace Group (IWG), the world’s largest platform for work and provider of flexible workspace, reveals that Gen Z employees are playing a pivotal role in driving AI adoption across the workforce, coaching older colleagues to help unlock productivity and collaboration gains in hybrid working environments.
The study, based on a survey of over 2,000 professionals across the US and UK, shows that AI is becoming a cornerstone of how teams and in particular hybrid teams operate. 80% of workers have experimented with AI tools, and 78% say it has saved them time, averaging 55 minutes of saved time per day, equivalent to almost an extra full working day per week.
Workers report that this time is being reallocated to higher-value activities such as creative or strategic work (41%), learning and development (41%), in-person collaboration (40%), and networking (35%). An overwhelming 86% say AI has helped them complete tasks more efficiently, and 76% report that it is directly accelerating their career advancement, with this figure rising to 87% among Gen Z workers.
Cross-generational collaboration key to unlocking AI gains
Cross-generational collaboration is central to this transformation. Nearly two-thirds (59%) of younger employees are actively helping older, more tenured colleagues adopt and learn to use AI tools, with 80% of Senior Directors reporting that this support lets them focus on higher-value tasks, while 82% of Senior Directors report that AI innovations introduced by younger colleagues have unlocked new business opportunities.
Two-thirds of C-suite leaders say younger staff’s AI skills have improved their department’s productivity, and over 80% of senior directors believe AI innovations introduced by junior colleagues have opened up new business opportunities.
Overall, 86% of those surveyed report AI has made them more efficient, and 76% believe it is advancing their career, rising to 87% among Gen Z respondents. AI’s influence on collaboration is also clear: 69% of hybrid workers say it is making teamwork across locations easier, citing benefits such as improved meeting preparation (46%), access to shared insights (36%), and stronger post-meeting follow-ups (36%).
Workers are embracing AI’s potential to eliminate time-consuming administrative tasks. The most common areas where employees want AI to step in include drafting emails (43%), taking and summarising meeting notes (42%), organising files (36%), and completing data entry or forms (36%). With these tasks automated, employees are reallocating time to more meaningful work: 55% are now focusing on high-impact projects, 54% are pursuing professional development, and 40% are using the time to build stronger relationships with colleagues and clients or to invest in personal well-being.
Benefits for hybrid workers
The study also found that 69% of hybrid workers say AI is making it easier to collaborate with colleagues across locations. Improvements in meeting preparation (46%), access to shared insights (36%), and more effective follow-ups (36%) are streamlining teamwork, while 40% say AI has freed up time to invest in team-building and communication.
In the hybrid model, AI is also reshaping how office time is used. With automation handling routine work, hybrid professionals now prioritise strategic thinking (41%), learning and development (41%), face-to-face collaboration (40%), and networking (35%) during in-office days. More than half of workers (53%) say AI is helping them achieve better outcomes, and 64% believe it is making hybrid working smoother and more effective.
Workers are aware of the stakes. Two-thirds (63%) worry that not learning AI tools could slow their career progression, and 61% believe those who don’t adopt AI risk being left behind. Yet the trend is toward inclusive, shared upskilling: 51% of employees say AI is helping bridge generational divides, and over half regularly share AI knowledge with colleagues, rising to 66% among 25–34-year-olds.
Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG, said: “The world of work is evolving rapidly. Advances in technology, particularly in AI are boosting productivity, opening up new career opportunities, and connecting different generations of expertise.
These significant AI enabled productivity gains are helping to create more connected, agile teams ready for the future of work. Younger generations are playing a pivotal role by sharing their digital skills with their  colleagues, which enhances performance and uncovers new business opportunities.”

Campion Insurance sponsors cutting-edge Athlee camera system for Templeogue Swimming Club

Campion Insurance has announced its sponsorship of a revolutionary Athlee Camera System for Templeogue Swimming Club – marking a major technology investment in the club. Templeogue becomes one of the first swimming clubs in Ireland to integrate this world-leading technology into their training, reaffirming its position at the cutting edge of coaching innovation and athlete development.

This sponsorship reflects a shared vision between Campion Insurance and Templeogue Swimming Club – one centred on high performance, continuous improvement, and community leadership.

The Athlee System, already trusted by elite international swimming programmes, offers advanced underwater and above-water video analysis capabilities. This system allows for real-time feedback and frame-by-frame breakdowns of stroke mechanics, turn execution, and race starts – elements that can define elite-level performance. It is a game-changing tool for coaches and swimmers who are striving to gain a competitive edge.

Brian Sweeney, Head Coach at Templeogue Swimming Club, praised the new technology: “The Athlee System brings a new competitive edge to Templeogue. Our coaches now have a powerful tool to deliver precision feedback, and our athletes – whether they are juniors, seniors, or masters swimmers – will benefit immediately from enhanced technical analysis. This is a significant step forward for the club and we thank Campion Insurance for their support.”

The system will be utilised across the club, including by two-time Olympian Ellen Walshe, who is currently preparing for the World Championships in Singapore later this year.

“Having access to the Athlee System is a game-changer,” said Walshe. “Every detail matters at this level, and now we can fine-tune our technique like never before. I’m excited to use it as part of my race preparations.”

Templeogue Swimming Club’s Masters Team, a successful group of adult competitive swimmers, will also benefit from the system. With several athletes representing the club at past European Masters Championships and upcoming World Masters Championships in Singapore, the integration of elite-level analysis technology further strengthens the Masters programme.

Campion Insurance has a strong tradition of supporting community initiatives and performance excellence. Speaking about the Athlee System Damian Smith, Head of Commercial at Campion Insurance said, “Campion Insurance is delighted to partner with Templeogue Swimming Club. Their constant drive for excellence and willingness to embrace innovative technology to stay ahead mirrors our own values. We’re proud to support a club that develops talent from grassroots to the world stage.”