Tag: connect

How Niche Dating Apps Are Changing the Way People Connect Online

Online dating has been part of everyday life for more than a decade, but the technology behind it is continuing to evolve. While large platforms still dominate the market, a growing number of users are exploring niche apps designed around shared interests or values.

The shift reflects a broader change happening across digital platforms. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, many apps now focus on specific communities where users already have something in common before they even start a conversation.

Moving Beyond Mass-Market Dating Apps

Traditional dating platforms were built around scale. The larger the user base, the greater the number of potential matches.

However, this model can sometimes create the opposite problem. When thousands of profiles are available, users often spend more time sorting through incompatible matches than actually building connections.

Technology companies are starting to respond by creating platforms designed around clearer expectations.

These apps typically highlight lifestyle choices, interests, or beliefs directly within user profiles. That approach helps people begin conversations with more context rather than discovering major differences later.

The Rise of Community-Driven Apps

One example of this shift is SALT, a dating app designed specifically for Christian singles.

The platform connects users across multiple countries and allows people to highlight personal values alongside their interests. Features such as the ability to see who is currently active and search globally for other users make it easier to start conversations in real time.

SALT also includes live audio discussions called “Table” events where users can join group conversations about everyday topics, relationships, and life experiences. These kinds of features are becoming more common across modern apps as developers look for ways to create a stronger sense of community rather than simply matching profiles.

Privacy and Transparency Still Matter

Another important topic in the dating-app industry is data privacy. Research has shown that some platforms collect and share large amounts of user data with third parties, including location and behavioural data. 

Because of this, users are increasingly paying attention to how apps handle personal information and how transparent companies are about their data policies.

For developers, building trust around privacy and security has become just as important as improving algorithms or adding new features.

What’s Next for Dating Technology?

As technology continues to evolve, the dating-app landscape is likely to become even more specialised.

Artificial intelligence is already helping improve matchmaking algorithms, while new social features are turning dating apps into hybrid communities that combine messaging, live conversations, and shared interests.

The trend toward niche platforms suggests that the future of dating technology may not be about having the largest possible network, but about helping people find the right communities online.

In an increasingly crowded app ecosystem, clarity and shared context are becoming powerful features in their own right.

Lidl and 1GLOBAL: Shaping the Future of Mobile Connectivity Together

1GLOBAL, a pioneer in global telecommunications solutions, and the companies of the Schwarz Group, one of the world’s largest retail groups, are entering into a comprehensive strategic partnership. To this end, the companies of the Schwarz Group are acquiring a 9.9 percent stake in 1GLOBAL. The company will serve as the exclusive technology partner for mobile connectivity for the next five years. This comes off the back that Lidl is entering the mobile market and if it will reach Ireland we yet have to find out we do know though it will be launching in the UK

“Lidl is the partner that shares our vision: We want to make mobile communications as intuitive, flexible, and digital as possible for millions of people” – Hakan Koç, founder and CEO of 1GLOBAL.

Against this background, 1GLOBAL and Lidl, one of Europe’s leading food retailers, will drive the digital transformation in the telecommunications market. With the help of Lidl Connect and Lidl Plus, the two companies will jointly introduce national connectivity services in Lidl’s markets.

Partnership Enables New Telecommunications Offerings from Lidl

Together with 1GLOBAL, Lidl is addressing a key need among telecommunications users: easily accessible, flexible, and affordable connectivity of the highest quality without long-term contract commitments. The solution and core of the partnership: Lidl will become a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) itself, enabling it to offer mobile services to its customers independently. In collaboration with 1GLOBAL, Lidl will enter into partnerships with local mobile network operators to respond flexibly to local requirements.

Together, 1GLOBAL and Lidl are transforming the industry and expanding the overall telecommunications market: established network operators benefit as partners from Lidl’s reach, growth, and higher utilization, while Lidl handles customer acquisition and service. As a fully regulated telecommunications provider, 1GLOBAL supplies the technical platform as well as telecommunications licenses and partnerships with mobile network operators in twelve countries, which are expected to expand to over 30 countries in the future.

In addition, the strategic partnership includes the development of innovative telco solutions on STACKIT, the Schwarz Group’s cloud solution. Data sovereignty, particularly regarding the secure handling of customer data, is a top priority here.

Hakan Koç, founder and CEO of 1GLOBAL, explains: “Lidl is the partner that shares our vision: We want to make mobile communications as intuitive, flexible, and digital as possible for millions of people. Our technology focuses on digital offerings tailored to the needs of users and their various devices. We want to successfully drive the technological transformation of the global telecommunications market in the best interests of people.”

Julian Beer, Executive Vice President of Purchasing at Lidl International: “We are democratizing mobile communications. Simple, affordable, and of the highest quality. We are very much looking forward to collaborating with 1GLOBAL. This partnership enables us to become active as an MVNO ourselves. In doing so, we are setting new standards and making affordable mobile communications easier than ever for our customers. By integrating state-of-the-art technology, we can meet the needs of millions of customers for uncomplicated connectivity for their devices. Thanks to our reach of well over 12,000 stores and more than 100 million customers in our Lidl Plus loyalty app, we are creating an attractive platform for established telecommunications companies.

Synergy of customer and market advantages

Lidl has been offering prepaid mobile plans through Lidl Connect since 2015. As part of the collaboration with 1GLOBAL, Lidl Plus, Lidl’s digital customer card, will also play a central role. Lidl Plus is available in all European Lidl countries. For millions of people, Lidl is a trusted partner in everyday life. In the future, this will also include an affordable, high-quality mobile phone plan without long-term contracts, as well as the ability to easily manage their services via the Lidl Plus app.

“With this step, we are consistently evolving our loyalty app into a lifestyle companion for our customers and, with affordable connectivity, creating an offering that is relevant for the entire family. We are integrating this seamlessly with our core business,” says Julian Beer.

Garmin releases 2025 Garmin Connect Data Report

Garmin has released its 2025 Garmin Connect™ Data Report, highlighting overall fitness and health trends from customers around the world.  From data trends like average stress and daily steps to an increase in recorded activities, insights from the Garmin Connect community highlight key fitness and well-being trends across a range of demographics, locales and abilities.

Activity takeaways

Garmin users recorded 8% more activities this year than in 2024, with the following activities seeing the largest year over year increase:

  • Racket sports: +67%
  • HIIT: +45%.
  • Pilates: +46%
  • Strength training: +29%
  • Indoor running: +16%
  • Diving: +16%
  • Hiking: +12%

 

Health and fitness takeaways

  • Women recorded lower average stress scores than men, and Garmin users in Indonesia had the highest stress scores this year while those in the Netherlands had the lowest.
  • Garmin users got nearly 1% better sleep this year, with an average sleep score of 71.
  • Younger Garmin users typically had higher Body Battery™ energy levels, with 18–29-year-olds averaging 75. Users 40-49 years old averaged 70, while users over 70 years old averaged 64. Those in Portugal recorded the highest average Body Battery levels, while Japan had the lowest.
  • On average, users took more steps per day in 2025. Garmin users in Hong Kong took the most average steps with more than 10,000 per day.
  • Users 18-29 years old did the most outdoor running this year. 50-59-year-olds led the indoor cycling category, while those 70 years and older did the most golfing.

Click here to read the entire report.

What athletes love about Garmin Connect

 “I live a very active lifestyle, from long days surfing to runs and strength work in the gym. Being able to track my recovery, HRV, and overall performance in one place helps me make smarter decisions, stay consistent, and train with real purpose.”

–Brianna Cope, Garmin ambassador

 Garmin Connect is an organised person’s dream. It makes tracking and comparing my performance over time incredibly simple thanks to its clean colour-coded categories and easy-to-read charts. I can instantly spot trends across a week, a month, six months, or even a full year. So, when it’s time to reassess my training, Garmin Connect shows me exactly where I need to dial in my sleep, recovery, and overall workload.”

–Lauren Kalil, Garmin ambassador

“Since coming back to training and racing after having my daughter, I’ve really had to readjust my expectations for training and recovery. Using resting heart rate and HRV trends in the Garmin Connect app has been a huge help to me as I’ve recalibrated what’s normal for me right now. The data helps me know if we are getting the training and recovery load right, or if we need to back down.”

–Skye Moench, Garmin-sponsored triathlete

This year, Garmin Connect+ users can check out their own highlight reel – the Garmin Connect Rundown. Available now in the Garmin Connect app, the personalised annual report includes health, performance and activity stats, including total steps, average sleep score, totals of each activity type and more.

Garmin’s latest smartwatches – like the Venu® 4 and fēnix ® 8 Pro – are packed with popular health and fitness features and seamlessly sync to Garmin Connect, letting users track their activities, analyse their data, compete in challenges and more. Whether you’re chasing a new PR, training for an event or focusing more on overall wellness, Garmin has a smartwatch that’s ready for any goal. Click here to learn more about the latest lineup of Garmin smartwatches.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionised life for runners, cyclists, swimmers and athletes of all levels and abilities. Committed to developing technology that helps people stay active and elevate performance, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.

Ryanair and CarTrawler announce strategic partnership

Today, CarTrawler, the leading B2B technology provider of car rental and mobility solutions to the global travel industry, announces a new car rental partnership with Ryanair, Europe’s No. 1 airline.

Ryanair operates one of the most extensive short-haul networks in the world, carrying 207 million passengers per year. Its relentless focus on low fares and high efficiency has made it the most commercially important airline in European aviation.

Ryanair customers can enjoy exclusive rates, top-tier car rental options, market-leading customer service and a fully integrated booking experience through Ryanair’s website and on the myRyanair App.

Ryanair CEO, Eddie Wilson, said: “We’re pleased to announce our new partnership with CarTrawler. CarTrawler delivers great value with an outstanding range of car rental options at competitive prices, fully integrated into the Ryanair booking journey. Ryanair passengers already enjoy the lowest fares in Europe and this new product will offer them the best value with our price match guarantee.”

Powered by CarTrawler’s Connect Platform, the company’s proprietary cloud-based technology, the service makes it easier for travellers to secure the right car at the right price as part of their overall journey, an experience that keeps car hire aligned with the airline’s low-fare promise and supports its broader commercial strategy.

Peter O’Donovan, Chief Executive at CarTrawler, commented: “Ryanair’s decision to partner with CarTrawler is a powerful endorsement of our industry-leading Connect Platform, which delivers unparalleled results for our airline partners. We’re delighted to be reuniting with Ryanair to build a long-term, mutually successful partnership and to provide their customers with world-class car rental offers and exceptional value.”

Unlike many travel technology providers that divide their focus between consumer and business channels, CarTrawler operates solely as a B2B partner, focused on enabling its customers to succeed. Every innovation and investment in its platform is designed to strengthen partner brands and drive measurable commercial growth.

Building on this foundation, CarTrawler is evolving the platform into a wider ecosystem, integrating Insurtech and new ancillary products designed to boost partner revenues and traveller loyalty. This multi-year agreement enhances Ryanair’s ancillary offering and reinforces both companies’ commitment to delivering outstanding value and choice for millions of Ryanair passengers every year.

ABM Connect for Life Sciences Launches in Ireland to Strengthen Regulatory Compliance and Operational Efficiency

ABM, a leading international provider of facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions, today announced the launch of ABM Connect™ for Life Sciences in Ireland. The platform is designed to help life sciences organisations improve accuracy, meet stringent regulatory requirements, and enhance operational efficiency in controlled environments.
A Digital, Audit-Ready Compliance Tool
ABM Connect for Life Sciences replaces paper-based documentation with a secure, fully digital system that creates an instant, audit-ready record of all activities. By guiding frontline teams step-by-step through their cleaning, maintenance, and operational protocols, the platform helps reduce errors, improve inspection readiness, and streamline day-to-day processes in compliance with the European Medicines Agency’s Annex 11 guidelines for electronic records and electronic signatures.
The system is accessible via a secure mobile application on company-issued devices, giving authorised personnel immediate access to live schedules, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and task instructions. It also features real-time, automated task management and verification, ensuring that work is completed according to validated processes by trained and compliant staff.
Supporting Compliance in a Highly Regulated Sector
Manual documentation and logbooks in life sciences facilities can be time-consuming, prone to error, and costly to maintain. ABM Connect for Life Sciences digitises and centralises these records, helping companies reduce the likelihood of deviations, minimise rework, and improve oversight.
“Clients across the life sciences landscape are under pressure to deliver efficiency without compromising safety or compliance,” said Dinny Crowe, Vice President, Operations, ABM. “ABM Connect for Life Sciences builds on decades of sector expertise to provide a precision-driven, validated process that gives our clients real-time visibility into operations and readiness for inspection at any time.”
Clients who utilise ABM Connect for Life Sciences state that it has improved their documentation compliance while reducing the costs and environmental impact of maintaining paper logbooks. It is a smarter, more sustainable approach to compliance.
A Strategic Expansion in Ireland
This launch marks a significant step in ABM’s growth within Ireland’s life sciences sector, where the company is expanding its specialist services. Globally, ABM supports more than 85 million square feet of life sciences facilities daily, with over 500 GMP-trained team members working in highly regulated, controlled environments.
ABM is an active member of leading life sciences professional associations, including the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers (ISPE), Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST), Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio), BioCom California, and INTERPHEX. With more than 25 years of life sciences expertise, ABM’s Irish team delivers tailored, end-to-end support, combining global best practices with deep regulatory knowledge to meet the unique needs of pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device manufacturers.
ABM Connect for Life Sciences is already in use across the United States with some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies,

How Are Immersive Technologies Helping More People Connect With Irish Culture and Heritage?

Ireland is often seen as a magical, bucket-list destination that everyone should visit at least once. Experiencing the country’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes firsthand is a dream for many. However, for those who cannot travel to Ireland, there are now ways to engage with the country’s culture in a digital setting. 

The rise of immersive technology has allowed more people than ever before to connect with Ireland from across the globe. Additionally, new tech developments are enhancing the experience of visiting landmarks for those lucky enough to travel there.

Live Streaming Platform Brings Irish Accents Closer

One of the unique charms of Irish culture is its distinctive and much-loved accent, consistently ranked among the world’s most popular. While traditionally, people had to travel to Ireland to hear authentic Irish speech, immersive live-streaming technology now offers the ability to experience it from around the world. 

Interestingly, the online casino industry has played a key role in the rise of live-streaming, and it’s here that many get a regular dose of the Irish accent. Live dealer games allow players to interact with croupiers, which enhances the sense of immersion. For example, playing Blackjack games online (including titles like Azure Blackjack X, Cashback Blackjack, or All Bets Blackjack Live) mean you’re not only enjoying the game but also engaging with a real Irish dealer in real time. 

This has opened doors to Irish culture for many individuals who may otherwise never have had the opportunity to experience such interactions. Beyond casinos, live-streaming on platforms like YouTube has also grown in popularity, with lots of Irish streamers making names for themselves, sharing everything from gaming to daily life, and further spreading Irish accents and culture worldwide. 

Virtual Reality Bringing Historical Sites to Life

Virtual reality (VR) is another immersive technology that’s starting to play a key role in preserving Irish culture. While VR headsets are still relatively new, they are expected to become household items by the end of the decade. Already, there are impressive uses of this technology, including the ability to visit famous locations without physically travelling there. 

Some of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks can now be explored through VR, such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Rock of Cashel. Using VR headsets, it’s possible to look around and explore the sites, just as if you were there. As VR technology improves, users will likely feel even more immersed in these settings, providing an experience akin to actually being physically present.

AR Preserving Ireland’s Cultural Heritage

For those who are able to visit Ireland in person, technology is also enhancing the experience of exploring its historical sites. Augmented reality (AR) allows for digital elements to be superimposed on real world settings, providing additional layers of information and interactivity during tours. 

A great example of this is the recent AR walking tour of Dublin’s Docklands, which allows users to experience the history of the iconic area. It’s expected to be the first of many apps that help bring Irish heritage to life through technology.

Thanks to these advances in technology, Irish culture and heritage are now more accessible than ever before. Immersive platforms such as live-streaming, VR, and AR are helping Ireland’s cultural legacy reach people far and wide.

Fexco’s PACE and Trovio form a strategic partnership to develop ‘SAF Connect’, a trading platform for the aviation sector.

PACE, Fexco’s sustainability data and analytics division and Trovio Operating Pty Ltd (Trovio) have announced they have entered into a strategic partnership to develop a new platform, ‘SAF Connect’. 

The partnership will explore opportunities for an inventory management system with Scope 1 & Scope 3 SAF certificate issuance where counterparties can transact, settle, and digitally execute offtake agreements. 

The platform will leverage Fexco’s heritage in sustainability, treasury management, FX and payments, and incorporate Trovio’s leading energy transition technology, CorTenX.

SAF Connect will offer complete transparency, and auditable transaction history, ensuring a scalable solution for all market participants handling SAF and related assets.

“This is a further milestone for us as we continue to build on our market growth. Trovio brings exceptional energy transition technology to this partnership,” said Cathal Foley, CEO of PACE. “Together, we will deliver a unique platform that enhances the efficiency and transparency of the SAF market, driving the aviation industry towards a more sustainable future.”

“Trovio is delighted to partner with Fexco,” said Jon Deane, CEO of Trovio. “Fexco’s PACE is a company that aligns with our vision and values. We believe SAF Connect will provide an innovative solution to support the rapid growth and development of sustainable aviation fuel. By leveraging both Fexco’s and Trovio’s collective expertise, we are building a platform designed specifically for the complexity of this market.”

To find out more, visit the PACE website.

ZAGG Introduces New Lineup of Keyboards for Fast, Easy, and Efficient Desktop Typing

ZAGG®, a global leader in accessories that empower mobile lifestyles, today announced a new family of desktop keyboards – the full-sized wireless ZAGG Pro Keyboard 17, the mid-sized wireless ZAGG Pro Keyboard 15, the compact wireless ZAGG Pro Keyboard 12, the wired ZAGG Connect Keyboard 12C, compatible with Type-C devices, and the wired ZAGG Connect Keyboard 12L, compatible with Apple Lightning connected devices. The keyboards are designed to provide a fast, easy, and efficient typing experience and are compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Chrome OS, and Android. 

From the ergonomic design and spacing to the keystroke length and resistance, each keyboard is engineered to reduce typing fatigue and provide a fast, comfortable, and efficient typing experience. Additional features include: 

 

ZAGG Pro keyboards 

·       Qi-Compatible Wireless Charging – Charge the ZAGG Pro Keyboards on a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad to ensure uninterrupted typing when you need it most. Qi charging eliminates the risk of a dead battery and keeps your workspace tidy and free from unnecessary cables. Users can also charge with the included Type-C cable. 

·       Pair with up to Three Devices – You can pair the ZAGG Pro Keyboards with up to three devices to seamlessly toggle between a phone, tablet, or computer from one keyboard. 

·       Long-lasting Battery – The keyboards have a Li-polymer battery that allows for three months of use before it needs recharging. 

ZAGG Connect keyboards 

·       Compact Desktop Keyboard – The compact ZAGG Connect Keyboards fit nicely even in crowded workspaces.  

·       Convenient Wired Connection – Two options for conveniently attaching the ZAGG Connect Keyboards to your device: Lightning cable, or Type-C cable.  

“We are excited to introduce these new desktop keyboards to our customers,” said Brad Bell, senior vice president of global marketing for ZAGG. “They provide a fast, easy, and efficient typing experience to help keep people productive at home, at the office, or on the go.” 

Pricing & Availability: 

The ZAGG Pro Keyboard 17 (€89.99/£79.99/$89.99), Pro Keyboard 15 (€79.99/£74.99/$79.99), Pro Keyboard 12 (€69.99/£64.99/$69.99), ZAGG Connect Keyboard 12C (€59.99/£54.99/$59.99), and ZAGG Connect Keyboard 12L (€69.99/£64.99/$69.99) are now available on ZAGG.com and at ZAGG franchise locations nationwide. Each keyboard includes a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.  

HP Expands the Boundaries for Remote PC Management through HP Wolf Connect

At its Amplify™ Partner Conference, HP Inc announced HP Wolf Connect, an IT management connectivity solution that provides a highly resilient and secure connection to remote PCs, enabling IT to manage devices even when powered down or offline.

Using a cellular-based network, HP Wolf Connect’s robust connectivity  helps ensure IT teams can readily manage a dispersed hybrid workforce. It can reduce the time and effort needed to resolve support tickets, secure data from loss or theft to mitigate a potential breach and optimise asset management.

“Hybrid work has made remote management at scale more complex for IT teams, yet even more essential,” comments Neil Dover, Country Manager at HP Ireland. “As we adapt to the hybrid work model the cloud has helped but hasn’t solved IT’s ability to manage devices that are powered down or offline. HP Wolf Connect’s highly resilient connection opens new doors to remote device management, enabling efficient and effective management of dispersed workforces.”

HP Wolf Protect and Trace with Wolf Connect is the world’s first software service capable of locating, locking and erasing a PC remotely, even when it’s turned off or disconnected from the Internet. This capability protects sensitive data on the move and helps lower IT costs by reducing the need for PC remediation or replacement.

Securing and managing the hybrid workforce is a top priority for organisations. New global research from HP Wolf Security found 82% of security leaders operating a hybrid work model have gaps in their organisation’s security posture. The global study of 1,492 security leaders found:

  • 61% say protecting their hybrid workers will get harder in the year ahead.
  • 70% say that hybrid work increases the risk of lost or stolen devices.

“Before today, solutions relied on PCs being on or connected to the internet, but HP Wolf Connect now provides a highly resilient mobile connection to find, lock, and erase lost or stolen devices even if they are disconnected or powered down. This is particularly crucial in industries where devices may contain PII (personally identifiable information) or intellectual property. Now, teams can accurately report where and when devices were lost, and how long it took to lock or erase them,” continues Dover.

Securing the endpoint is ground zero for attacks on hybrid workers

Beyond PC loss and theft, the endpoint i.e., laptops, PCs or printers – continue to face serious threat from ransomware and is ground zero for attacks on hybrid workers. This requires the creation of new cybersecurity strategies and innovative security tools in response to changing employee behaviours.

  • 84% of security leaders say the endpoint is the source of most security threats and where the most business-damaging security threats happen.
  • 66% say the greatest cybersecurity weakness is the potential for hybrid employees to be compromised; with phishing, ransomware, and attacks via unsecured home networks cited as the top risks.
  • 65% say it is challenging to update their threat detection measures (e.g., Endpoint Detection & Response and Security Information and Event Management tools) to reflect the behavior of hybrid employees, making it harder to spot attacks.3
  • Three-quarters (76%) of security leaders agree application isolation is key to protect hybrid worker devices, but only 23% are benefiting from using it at present; with 32% planning to deploy in the next 12 months.

“The shift to hybrid work requires a move away from old perimeter-focused thinking. To close gaps, organisations must put the endpoint front and centre of any security strategy. Adopting hardware-enforced security features and protection above, in, and below the OS – such as application isolation – will be key for protecting users without impinging on the freedoms that hybrid work allows,” concludes Pratt.

Hybrid work security is a key focus for 2023

HP’s new hybrid security research details how security teams are prioritising securing the hybrid workplace:

  • Four-in-five (82%) security leaders have increased their cybersecurity budget specifically for hybrid workers. 71% expect this hybrid investment focus to increase further in 2023.
  • 80% have deployed a different set of tools and policies to protect hybrid employees.
  • 70% are limiting network access of people working remotely to minimise the risk of a breach.

To learn more, download HP Wolf Security’s latest report for IT decision makers and for Security Leaders.