Tag: connectivity

Hidden Hearing Introduces Oticon Zeal

Groundbreaking new hearing device delivers exceptional sound quality, always-on AI sound processing and full modern connectivity, with a virtually unseen design

It addresses the overlooked consequences of hearing loss in the workplace and beyond

Hidden Hearing, Ireland’s leading provider of hearing healthcare, has announced the arrival of a breakthrough in hearing technology with the launch of Oticon Zeal. This next-generation hearing device combines exceptional sound quality, always-on AI sound processing and full modern connectivity in a remarkably discreet form.

Not everyone sees themselves in traditional hearing aids and with that in mind Oticon designed something different, discreet, elegant and effortless.It looks and feels more like the earbuds that many people already wear. It’s an exceptional hearing aid without the compromise or stigma of conventional designs.

With Zeal, seeing is believing. It’s the hearing aid for people who never thought they’d wear one. It delivers intelligent, high-performance hearing with seamless connectivity to today’s digital world, while remaining virtually invisible in use.

For many people, particularly those in fast-paced and demanding roles, hearing loss becomes a silent challenge. Missed information in meetings, increased listening effort and end-of-day fatigue can all affect performance long before someone realises hearing is the root cause. Despite this, most people delay seeking help for seven to ten years, often due to concerns about visibility, stigma and the belief that they must compromise on either discretion or performance.

“We regularly meet people who are coping rather than thriving at work,” said Dolores Madden, Marketing Director for Hidden Hearing. “They are working harder just to keep up, without realising how much untreated hearing loss is impacting their focus, confidence and energy. By launching this premium product in our clinics, we’re offering a solution that supports people in their working and social lives without drawing attention or requiring compromise.”

In the modern workplace, clear communication is critical. Untreated hearing loss can quietly undermine productivity, collaboration and confidence, particularly in meetings, open-plan offices and hybrid working environments. Supporting clearer hearing can reduce mental strain and help people stay engaged, effective and confident throughout the day.

“I see patients with hearing loss that is often left untreated due to perceived stigma around it,” said Dr Clodagh Gallagher, Medical Advisor for Hidden Hearing. “They also experience mental fatigue, frustration and a drop in confidence at work as a result. When you have clear hearing, it supports better decision-making, stronger communication and overall performance.”

This new innovation addresses the often unseen impact of untreated hearing loss on people’s professional performance, confidence and everyday wellbeing.

A significant barrier to early treatment is the belief that people must choose between discretion and performance. Many delay addressing hearing loss because they don’t want a visible device to define them professionally or socially.

Stigma remains one of the most powerful reasons people put off seeking help. Hearing loss affects people of all ages, yet outdated perceptions continue to hold many back.

“One of the most damaging myths around hearing loss is that it’s something to hide or ignore,” added Dr Gallagher. “The longer people wait, the more impact it can have on their personal and professional lives. Discreet, modern solutions like this help remove that stigma and encourage people to take action earlier.”

Oticon Zeal is designed to fit effortlessly into everyday life, offering a personalised hearing solution for people who want to stay active, social and fully engaged. Whether in quiet moments, busy social settings, at work, enjoying sport or listening to music, it adapts naturally to different environments while maintaining exceptional sound quality and connectivity.

With state-of-the-art innovations like Oticon Zeal now available in Hidden Hearing clinics nationwide, the organisation continues its commitment to helping people hear clearly, perform confidently and stay fully connected to their work and lives without

Edifier Debuts Cross-Scenario Audio Solutions for Modern Home Entertainment at CES 2026

Edifier, a global leader in premium audio solutions, is proud to unveil a comprehensive lineup of products designed to transcend traditional boundaries. Showcasing distinct form factors and advanced features, this new collection delivers a premium, cross-scenarioaudio experience—elevating soundscapes at home, during high-performance gaming, and for on-the-go listening. 

Introducing the M90: Audio Beyond the Desktop 

Building on the success of the M60, Edifier’s new M90 active speaker extends premiumdesktop sound into full home-entertainment setups, bridging the gap between desktop audio, TVs, streaming platforms, and gaming consoles. Its adaptable design suits a wide range of environments—from compact desks to living rooms—while intuitive controls and an omni-directional remote make it effortless to switch between devices and sources. 

The M90 features a two-way design with a 4-inch long-throw mid-low driver and 1-inch silk-dome tweeter, delivering 100W RMS power and up to 100dB SPL. Bi-amped 24-bit/96kHz DSP provides pristine audio. Its extensive connectivity—including Line-in, Optical, USB-C, HDMI eARC, and Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC—ensures the M90 delivers a truly flexible, all-in-one audio experience for work, play, and everything in between. 

Near-Field Monitor Series: Optimized for Modern Production 

Designed for today’s home studios and mobile workflows, Edifier’s MR Series near-field monitors deliver studio accuracy in compact spaces. The MR3 offers a space-saving design for desktop setups, while the three-way MR5 features a built-in woofer and side-mounted acoustic lens for powerful bass in a small enclosure. 

All MR Series models feature end-to-end DSP, bi-amp or tri-amp amplification, tonal tuning, androom/placement compensation, along with wide off-axis response for accurate monitoring beyondthe sweet spot. Both the MR3 and MR5 have earned prestigious Japan’s VGP 2025 Design Award. 

Advancing Monitoring: Near-Middle Field Series 

Edifier expands its monitor lineup with the Near-Middle Field Series, led by the XR6. This three-way active monitor includes in-box auto-calibration software that analyzes roomacoustics and automatically optimizes setup, ensuring accurate performance in any workspace. 

Showcasing the QR Series: Understated Aesthetics with Hi-Fi Pedigree With RGB lighting now a standard feature of modern gaming setups—and those setups increasingly serving as hubs for video broadcasting, live streaming, and remote work—Edifier’s

QR65 and QR30 adopt a refined approach to RGB, enhancing ambiance without visual distraction. 

The QR Series uses an Infinity Mirror design to create subtle, immersive ambient lighting that adds depth without distracting from a clean, minimalist desk setup, while its Hi-Fi-grade acoustic design matches the demands of modern high-resolution content. The QR65 features a two-way design with a long-throw mid-low driver and silk-dome tweeter, 70W RMS output with bi-ampedDSP, a precision maze-type bass-reflex port for deep, controlled bass, and a built-in GaNfast charger for efficient power delivery and clean cable management. 

HDMI Integration: Elevating Audio Connectivity 

While HDMI has long been standard for AV receivers and soundbars, standalone active speakers have rarely offered it. With high-resolution and immersive content becoming the norm, Edifier’s latest lineup integrates HDMI eARC, bringing seamless, high-bandwidth audio to desktop and home setups. Premium models like the M90, R2750MKII, and S355DB now deliver future-ready, cinema-quality performance with next-generation displays and media players. 

Visit Edifier at CES 2026 

Date: January 6–9, 2026 

Location: Las Vegas Convention Center 

Booths: Central Hall, Booth #19040 

See our Edifier Reviews

HP OfficeJetPro 9135e Printer review

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9135e is positioned as the flagship of HP’s latest OfficeJet lineup, designed specifically for heavy-duty home offices and small businesses. It replaces the popular 9025e, bringing subtle but meaningful refinements in speed, security, and paper handling.

If you are looking for a “laser alternative” that can handle high-volume document workflows without the bulk of a toner-based machine, this is one of the strongest contenders on the market and comes with a very nice external touchscreen display and also you can print direct from your mobile phone or laptop via the HP Print app which works really well.

Key Specifications

Feature Performance
Print Speed Up to 25 ppm (Black) / 20 ppm (Color)
Paper Capacity 500 sheets (Dual 250-sheet trays)
Scanner Single-pass, 2-sided (duplex) ADF (35 sheets)
Monthly Volume Recommended up to 2,000 pages
Connectivity Dual-band self-healing Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, Bluetooth

This is a Productivity Workhorse, The standout feature is the dual 250-sheet paper trays. This allows you to keep a full ream of paper loaded at all times, or use one tray for standard A4/Letter and the other for specialized media like envelopes or letterheads.

With Efficient Scanning the single-pass duplex ADF is a lifesaver for office environments. It scans both sides of a page simultaneously, which is significantly faster and more reliable than “reversing” ADFs that physically flip the paper.

Modern Interface & Security, The 4.3-inch color touchscreen is responsive and intuitive. It also features HP Wolf Pro Security, which provides hardware-level protection against cyber threats—a rare but welcome addition for home office hardware. You can see more in the video review below.

The printer can be noisey like others when printing a large run of sheets again you can get a sample in the video below but in fairness most printers suffer this.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9135e is a refined, reliable evolution of the 9000 series. It is best suited for users who value paper capacity and scanning speed above all else. This is Ideal for poeple that  frequently scan double-sided documents and need to print 500+ pages a month without constantly refilling the paper tray.

Key Features

Duplex printing

Allows you to print on both sides of the page, cutting your paper use by up to 50%.

Scan size ADF (maximum)

Allows multiple pages to be copied or scanned at one time

Borderless

Borderless photos are printed right to the edge of the paper. You get beautiful photo prints with no trimming!

Digital sending standard features

Save time by sending scanned documents or photos directly from your printer to email recipients.

Wireless capability

HP wireless direct is a new feature that allows your Wi-Fi capable devices (for example: smart phones, tablets, or computers) to make a wireless network connection directly to your printer without using a wireless router or access point.

Connectivity standard

Add this device to your office Ethernet network to share with your workgroup.

Vodafone reveals record-breaking connectivity trends in 2025

Ireland’s appetite for connectivity continues to soar, with Vodafone Ireland’s latest network insights revealing record-breaking data usage, festive surges, and a clear shift in how the nation communicates.
Mobile data usage rose by 19.24% year-on-year, climbing from 445,133 TB in 2024 to 530,794 TB in 2025. The busiest day for data was Tuesday, 9th December, when 1,660 TB was consumed nationwide as Storm Bram swept across Ireland. Evenings remain Ireland’s prime time for digital activity, with 10 PM emerging as the busiest hour for online engagement.
While data demand continues to rise, overall voice traffic fell by 7.83% compared to 2024, reflecting a growing preference for messaging, video calls, and social platforms over traditional voice communication. Yet, calls still matter when it counts. The busiest day for calls in 2025 was Wednesday, 26th March, with 502,273 Erlangs – equivalent to approximately 10 million calls, assuming an average 3-minute duration.

Christmas and New Year’s Day saw millions reconnect. Christmas Day recorded almost 3.4 million calls, while New Year’s Day soared past 4.5 million. Together, that’s over 8 million calls during the festive period, proof that when it matters most, Ireland still picks up the phone.

Beyond everyday patterns, 2025 was marked by extraordinary peaks in data usage during Ireland’s major events. During the Ireland vs South Africa rugby match, Vodafone’s network handled over 15,000 calls. Across last year’s Autumn International home matches, Vodafone Ireland’s network managed over 220 TB of data, the equivalent of streaming 73 million songs. Summer’s biggest music moments drove massive connectivity spikes, with Vodafone’s network handling over 5 TB of mobile data across the Dua Lipa and Lana Del Rey concerts at Aviva Stadium – powered by thousands of photos, live streams, and social sharing.
These insights underscore the importance of staying connected in today’s world. As demand for data continues to rise, Vodafone Ireland is currently in the midst of a €500 million five-year investment cycle to enhance network performance across the country.
This ongoing investment and network upgrades have ensured an increasingly fast, reliable service for customers, and saw that Vodafone Ireland was recognised by independent benchmarking organisation, umlaut, as “Best in Test” for the tenth consecutive year in 2025.
Technology now touches every part of life – from accessing government services and our ways of working to planning journeys on public transport and staying in touch with loved ones. Ireland is more connected than ever before, and 2026 will bring new opportunities and challenges for our networks as our digital evolution continues.

Digital Nomads in Ireland: Why Tech Professionals Are Choosing Flexible, Fully-Serviced Workspaces

In recent years, digital nomads have flocked Ireland because of its strong digital infrastructure and established tech culture. Ireland is already a traditional hub for established tech companies, and with the growing presence of digital nomads, it has become even more renowned in terms of attracting businesses from all over the world.

Digital nomads who decide to stay in Ireland immediately look for reliable environments such as serviced offices Dublin. These spaces promise stable internet connectivity, secure facilities, and ready-to-use workstations that meet the expectations of different professionals from developers, engineers, designers, analysts, to tech-driven entrepreneurs.

For digital nomads, it’s very important to have a fully serviced workspace. After all, their productivity depends on it. They need to be able to preserve momentum so they can always perform at their best.

Why Ireland Appeals to Digital Nomads

Ireland is very attractive to digital nomads because it is recognized as one of Europe’s most resilient digital economies. This means that digital nomads can always count on having a seamless experience during their stay in Ireland.

This is guaranteed by strong broadband coverage, high cloud adoption rates, and the fact that the country has invested significantly in digital transformation, thus making its cities more than capable of meeting the various needs of digital nomads in different niches.

Aside from these things, Ireland provides a balanced environment for digital nomads. After all, it has a very strong tech sector that guarantees access to innovation networks at all times. Plus, the country’s welcoming culture is a major advantage for independent professionals. 

This is because it eradicates the stress that comes with adjusting to a different culture that might just affect an individual’s overall performance. Not having to worry about this helps guarantee productivity and success in all work-related endeavors.

Flexible Workspaces as a Strategic Choice

The flexible workplace culture is now on the rise. Remote workers these days need to structure how their every day of work looks like.

The productivity of digital nomads relies heavily on having access to spaces that are designed for sustained technical output instead of improvised setups. With access to fully-serviced workspaces, digital nomads will have everything they need to work effectively and efficiently daily.

With these features, digital nomads get to experience what many professionals are used to in full-scale office settings. The one advantage of this setup is that it offers more freedom and independence from the toxicity that defines traditional office life.

Flexibility and structure are the main selling points of serviced offices. Sure, cafés or short-term home setups work. However, there will come a time when these are no longer sustainable. After all, digital nomads are more efficient when they have everything they need in one space.

Stability, Security, and Professionalism

Serviced workspaces offer something very important that digital nomads must never compromise on: stability, security, and professionalism. These days, cybersecurity is a major concern for tech professionals. After all, they handle confidential information and run code that must not be interrupted on a daily basis. 

Plus, there are times when they are part of operational discussions that require a controlled setting. It’s a good thing that Ireland’s serviced workspaces provide security systems, controlled access points, and consistent tech support. These are the non-negotiables that digital nomads will not be able to get elsewhere.

With this kind of stability, professionalism is enhanced. After all, digital nomads are able to meet client expectations more effectively. Plus, there will be no productivity gaps that usually stem from inconsistent environments.

A Long-Term Foundation for Remote Careers

Digital nomadism is no longer a niche lifestyle. It is a legitimate and rapidly expanding segment of the global workforce, strengthened by the widespread acceptance of remote operations across industries. Ireland’s readiness for this shift, combined with its supportive digital infrastructure, places it among the top choices for mobile professionals.

Flexible, fully serviced workspaces allow digital nomads to sustain long-term remote careers without disruptions. They offer a balanced ecosystem where mobility, professionalism, and technical reliability coexist. For many tech professionals who arrive in Ireland ready to work, the ability to step into a stable environment from day one is not simply a convenience but a strategic advantage.

Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC Review

Having reviewed audio gear and office headsets for over 10 years, I’ve tested a wide range of Poly (formerly Plantronics) products — from dependable Bluetooth models to enterprise-grade headsets. The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is positioned as a premium, business-focused option for hybrid professionals who need comfort, clarity, and seamless connectivity across devices.

Design and Comfort

The Voyager Surround 80 UC is an over-the-head model featuring an ergonomic gap at the top of the headband to reduce pressure points. At 275 grams, it feels comfortable and balanced even during long meetings. The artificial leather ear cushions are soft and breathable, providing a pleasant wearing experience throughout the day.

The overall construction feels solid and businesslike, with subtle branding and a Teams logo for those in Microsoft environments. While the button layout is intuitive for right-handed users, left-handers might find the positioning less natural. Still, it’s a well-designed, durable headset suited to daily professional use.

Controls and Connectivity

Poly combines touch and button controls to handle calls, music playback, and volume with ease. Touch gestures manage playback and volume, while physical buttons cover mute, power, and Bluetooth pairing. 

Connectivity is excellent, with support for Bluetooth 5.3, the included BT700 USB-C adapter, and optional USB-C to 3.5 mm cable for wired use. Pairing with Windows 11, Android, and macOS devices was quick and stable. The headset supports dual-device connectivity, making it easy to switch between laptop and phone without interruptions.

 

What’s in the Box

  • Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC headset
  • Premium carry case with zip pocket for accessories
  • BT700 USB-C Bluetooth adapter
  • USB-C to USB-A adapter 
  • USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable 
  • USB charging cable 
  • User guide

 

The carry case deserves special mention — sturdy, compact, and well thought out, making it ideal for professionals commuting between office and home.

Setup & Software (Poly Lens)

The Voyager Surround 80 UC can be used straight out of the box via Bluetooth, connecting instantly without requiring additional software. However, downloading the Poly Lens app unlocks a range of useful customisation and management options.

With Poly Lens, users can: 

  • Customise headset controls and button functions
  • Enable smart sensors that detect when the headset is worn or removed
  • Automatically pause or resume media, or mute/unmute calls
  • Manage firmware updates and battery monitoring
  • Access Poly Lens Cloud for centralised device management (ideal for IT teams)

The software is well designed and adds real value, particularly for business users who want to tailor their experience or manage multiple devices.

 

Features

  • Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to reduce distractions
  • Six built-in microphones for clear, boomless voice pickup
  • Dual-device Bluetooth connectivity for laptop and phone pairing
  • Touch and button controls for calls, playback, and volume
  • Up to 21 hours talk time / 24 hours listening time
  • DeepSleep mode conserves power when inactive
  • Teams and UC certified for professional collaboration platform
  • Poly Lens integration for software customisation and management
  • 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty for peace of mind

 

Sound and Microphone Performance

Audio performance is impressive for professional use. The six microphones deliver crisp, natural voice pickup and handle background noise effectively through adaptive ANC. The boomless design keeps things tidy while maintaining excellent speech clarity.

During testing across Teams, Zoom, and Android phone calls, the overall audio quality was faultless. Voices were clear, background noise was minimal, and the headset performed reliably across multiple devices.

However, one noticeable drawback was that while mute and volume controls worked correctly on the headset, these actions didn’t always visually reflect in Microsoft Teams across different laptops. The headset muted and adjusted sound as expected, but Teams’ on-screen indicators didn’t always match the headset’s status — a minor but noticeable usability issue.

On Android, by contrast, everything worked seamlessly: media playback, track skipping, and volume control all responded perfectly.

Battery and Power Management

Battery life remains a major strength, with up to 21 hours of talk time or 24 hours of listening time. The DeepSleep mode automatically conserves energy after 24 hours of inactivity, and charging via USB-C is quick and convenient. It’s an ideal companion for long workdays or travel without needing to worry about frequent recharging.

Real-World Experience

In practical use, the Voyager Surround 80 UC delivers exactly what professionals need: reliable connectivity, consistent audio, and all-day comfort. The dual-device connection works flawlessly, allowing smooth transitions between phone and laptop calls.

While the Teams visual feedback issue is worth noting, it doesn’t affect actual functionality or audio performance. The headset remains a dependable tool for business calls and virtual meetings.

Verdict

The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is a high-quality, professional headset built for hybrid workers who spend much of their day in virtual meetings. It offers excellent microphone clarity, strong noise cancellation, long battery life, and a well-designed carry case that makes it easy to travel with.

While it commands a premium price, it’s backed by solid engineering, reliable connectivity, and a two-year warranty. The only minor frustrations lie in the Teams visual control sync issue and sensitive touch controls, but overall, this is a polished, professional headset that performs consistently where it matters most — in call quality, comfort, and usability.

BUY

Other Poly reviews

Video Review

Ookla: Onboard Train Connectivity Across Europe

Ookla has analyzed country-level train Wi-Fi performance across Europe and Asia, using Speedtest Intelligence

Europe and Asia’s rail networks, long heralded as a backbone of economic competitiveness, are now judged not only on punctuality and comfort but on the quality of the digital experience onboard. High-quality train Wi-Fi has shifted from nice-to-have to essential rail infrastructure. Commuters expect a home broadband-like experience for streaming, work calls and gaming while crossing the Swiss Alps or skirting Mount Fuji.

Where countries treat train connectivity as rail infrastructure and pair onboard Wi-Fi with rail-specific infrastructure (trackside, LEO satellite or both), everyday outcomes improve measurably for passengers. This study is the first of its kind to use crowdsourced Ookla Speedtest® data to benchmark country-level train Wi-Fi performance across Europe and Asia.

Key Takeaways:

  • The gap separating Europe’s best and worst is startling. In Q2 2025, Sweden set the pace for train Wi-Fi in Europe with a 64.58 Mbps median download, followed by Switzerland (29.79 Mbps) and Ireland (26.33 Mbps). Laggards like Spain (1.45 Mbps), the UK (1.09 Mbps) and the Netherlands (0.41 Mbps) featured the poorest outcomes, with download speeds as much as 158 times slower than top-performing Sweden.
  • Legacy Wi-Fi tech drags many rail networks. Across the European markets studied, nearly two in five connections still run on Wi-Fi 4 (a standard dating to 2009), and ~22% use the lower-capacity, more congestion- and interference-prone 2.4 GHz band. The UK still sees over half of all rail connections on Wi-Fi 4, with 38% on 2.4 GHz. In Poland, rail connections remain almost entirely on Wi-Fi 4 and the 2.4 GHz band.
  • Band and Wi-Fi gen matter, but backhaul is the real bottleneck. Within-country comparisons show substantial uplifts for 5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz (e.g., +328% in Germany) and Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 4 (e.g., +241% in Germany). Yet countries that feature a more modern Wi-Fi mix and thus drive greater use of the 5 GHz band, like Spain and Italy, can still underperform on speeds. This demonstrates that backhaul (i.e., the connection between the train’s roof antennas and the public mobile networks), not just cabin Wi-Fi, is the dominant driver of performance.
  • Asian rail networks feature modern Wi-Fi mix and lower latency but are not always faster. Taiwan posted the lowest latency and the only material Wi-Fi 6 share (~20%), while Japan and South Korea showed virtually no legacy Wi-Fi 4 or 2.4 GHz usage. Across Asia, typical median download speeds (6-8 Mbps) cluster below Europe’s leaders but above its laggards, reflecting different policy approaches (i.e., greater emphasis on cellular than Wi-Fi).
  • Policy fingerprints are unmistakable and outweigh topographic and demographic factors. When governments and operators treat mobile networks as core rail infrastructure, and invest in dedicated trackside systems, higher-order MIMO with multi-operator bonded train-mounted antennas, and RF-permeable rolling-stock window retrofits, outcomes improve dramatically.

Read More

Garmin launches first microLED watch and brings inReach to your wrist

Garmin  is advancing the future of smartwatch technology with the introduction of fēnix® 8 Pro series. These premium GPS smartwatches are the first to feature inReach technology for satellite and cellular connectivity—letting athletes and adventurers leave their phone behind and still stay in touch. Further revolutionising the smartwatch industry, fēnix 8 Pro – MicroLED introduces a first-of-its-kind, high-resolution MicroLED display for superior readability.

“fēnix 8 Pro is changing the game for smartwatches. This new lineup is full of breakthrough innovations, bringing life-changing inReach technology to the wrist to help keep athletes and adventurers in touch with their family and friends and introducing the first-ever ultra-bright MicroLED display to a smartwatch so users can see their maps, stats, health and wellness metrics and more like never before.”

—Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing

Leave the phone behind and still stay connected

Designed for those pursuits that make it impractical to carry a phone, fēnix 8 Pro has built-in inReach technology for satellite and cellular connectivity.

Satellite connectivity

fēnix 8 Pro uses inReach technology to let explorers exchange messages and send location check-ins.

  • Text messages: Send and receive text messages with those using the Garmin Messenger™ app on their smartphone or compatible Garmin smartwatch.
  • Location check-ins: Send location updates to family and friends so they can keep track of trip progress.

Cellular connectivity

In addition to sending text messages or providing location check-ins, fēnix 8 Pro can be used to make phone calls, send voice messages, share LiveTrack links and view weather forecasts when connected to the LTE network.

  • Voice calls: Make and take voice calls from the watch with other fēnix 8 Pro users or those using the Garmin Messenger app on their smartphone.
  • Voice messages: Check in with family and friends by exchanging 30-second voice messages. Recipients can listen to the messages or read the transcriptions on their watch or in the Garmin Messenger app.
  • LiveTrack: Friends and family can follow the adventures with LiveTrack location sharing and location check-ins on their smartphone. Users can also alert their friends and family when a LiveTrack session has started, in case they want to follow along or reach out during an activity.
  • Weather forecasts: Access current weather conditions and multiday forecasts to stay prepared for what’s ahead.

SOS capability supported by Garmin Response

When an SOS is triggered, fēnix 8 Pro will send a message over satellite or cellular connectivity to the Garmin Response℠ center, where a dedicated team of skilled emergency response coordinators are ready at any time. From there, Garmin Response will communicate with the user, their listed emergency contacts, search and rescue organisations and other available local resources. They provide updates to users and emergency contacts on the response effort, including confirmation when help is on the way, and remain available as the incident is being resolved. With nearly two decades of experience, the Garmin Response team has supported more than 17,000 inReach incident responses in more than 150 countries on all seven continents.

First-of-its-kind MicroLED display

Offering remarkable brightness in exquisite detail, fēnix 8 Pro – MicroLED features over 400,000 individual LEDs delivering up to 4,500 nits, making it the brightest smartwatch ever. The result is a revolutionary display that produces rich colors and high pixel densities with wide viewing angles and superior readability—even in direct sunlight.

Rugged design, premium features

Made for any adventure, all fēnix 8 Pro models are dive-rated and feature leakproof metal buttons, a metal sensor guard cover, AMOLED or MicroLED touchscreen displays and titanium bezels, plus an LED flashlight for greater visibility in dark environments.

Built for wherever the adventure leads, fēnix 8 Pro is loaded with Garmin’s full suite of performance, navigation, health and wellness2, and connected features, including endurance score, hill score, daily suggested workouts, preloaded TopoActive Maps, dynamic round-trip routing, the Garmin ECG App3, sleep coach, Garmin Pay™, safety and tracking features and more. To learn more, visit https://www.garmin.com/en-IE/.

ITU report details USD 2.6-2.8 trillion cost to connect everyone meaningfully by 2030

Achieving universal, meaningful Internet connectivity by 2030 could require an investment of USD 2.6 trillion to USD 2.8 trillion at current prices, according to the Connecting Humanity Action Blueprint released today by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – the UN agency for digital technologies – and the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The report outlines the challenges, projected costs, and collaborative strategies needed to make sure everyone, everywhere, can use the Internet, including the estimated one-third of humanity currently offline.

The largest investment component — USD 1.5 trillion to USD 1.7 trillion — is required for hard infrastructure, alongside substantial funding for human and institutional capacity, mainly in developing countries.

“Digital connectivity means creating opportunities for education, jobs, and access to essential services that can transform lives and communities,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “While significant resources are needed to meaningfully connect everyone, these are investments that will contribute to a prosperous digital future for all.”

The challenge of connecting billions

ITU estimates that 2.6 billion people are still excluded from the digital world, with connectivity closely linked to levels of socio-economic development. In 2024, an estimated 93 per cent of the population in high-income countries was using the Internet, compared to just 27 per cent in low-income countries.

The new report on achieving universal meaningful connectivity builds on ITU’s original 2020 Connecting Humanity study, published under the direction of the G20 during the presidency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, by identifying critical gaps with the anticipated costs for addressing them.

“The world needs between USD 2.6 trillion and USD 2.8 trillion to connect humanity by 2030. This figure is nearly five times higher than the last assessment conducted in 2020 in partnership with ITU during the Saudi chairmanship of the G20,” said H.E. Eng. Haytham AlOhali, Acting Governor of CST. “Such a dramatic increase underscores the urgency for international cooperation, collective investment, and the sharing of expertise if we are to achieve the vision of universal, meaningful connectivity for all.”

Key costs highlighted in the report include:

  1. Digital infrastructure – USD 1.5 trillion to USD 1.7 trillion: Expanding broadband networks to underserved populations represents the single largest cost. The report estimates the costs of deploying fibre networks in and around urban areas, 4G fixed wireless in rural regions, and satellites in the most remote locations.
  2. Affordability – USD 983 billion: Reducing the cost of smartphones and broadband services — both fixed and mobile — is vital so that individuals and households worldwide, particularly in lower-income regions, can afford to connect and stay online.
  3. Digital skills – USD 152 billion: Connectivity alone is not enough — people must have the skills to use the Internet effectively. Investments to fund large-scale digital literacy initiatives can empower individuals to access online education, secure better jobs, and actively participate in a digitally-driven society.
  4. Policy and regulation – USD 600 million: Modernizing regulations and creating predictable policy environments worldwide are essential to unlock efficiencies and promote innovation. While this represents the smallest cost component, it holds back digital transformation and sustains the other gaps. The impact of closing it would be massive.

Public-private collaboration needed

As the Connecting Humanity Action Blueprint highlights, global progress on connectivity has been uneven, with the world’s 46 least-developed countries lagging significantly due to financing barriers, limited technical expertise, and unreliable infrastructure.

To address these challenges, ITU calls for innovative business approaches and renewed collaboration between governments, the tech industry, development finance institutions, and civil society, to close current divides and prevent future ones, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence (AI).

The report concludes with recommendations to accelerate digital inclusion worldwide, including using schools as gateways to Internet access, investing in energy infrastructure in Africa, and enhancing data collection at the sub-national level.

 

  • Read the full report here.
  • Learn more about the report project here and access the Executive Summary here.