Tag: Digital

Penneys has launched its new customer app in Ireland

Penneys has launched its new customer app in Ireland. The launch marks the next step in the retailer’s strategy to harness the power of digital to support its stores and bring the best of Penneys to more people. Available to download from Apple Store and Google Play Store from today, the new app brings the full Penneys experience into the palm of your hand, letting users enjoy the ease of digital browsing while still capturing the excitement of in-store discovery.

The new customer app offers an immersive browsing experience that makes it easy to scroll through Penneys’ newest trends and style inspiration wherever you are, while the popular stock checker feature lets shoppers instantly see if their must-have items are available at their local Penneys store. A built-in store locator provides quick access to opening hours and directions, while the favourites feature allows users to save top picks for their next visit. Customers can also opt-in for personalised notifications to stay up to date on the latest arrivals, collection launches and exclusive updates. All of this is delivered through an intuitive, user-friendly app design that ensures effortless navigation.

Fintan Costello, Head of Penneys Ireland and Northern Ireland said; “We know our customers love the buzz of a Penneys store — from discovering the latest trends to picking up everyday essentials for the family. Our digital channels are driving shoppers into our stores, and so with more people browsing online before they shop, the Penneys app extends that experience, offering a convenient and inspiring way to explore our ranges anytime, anywhere. Whether at home or on the go, now it’s never been easier to connect with Penneys.”

The retailer has been steadily investing in digital, building on the success of its social media platforms – 26 million followers globally, consistent website growth with 20% of people who visit the website using the stock check feature. The launch of the app in Ireland reflects a growing demand from customers who want digital tools that complement their in-store experience. Among people visiting the Penneys website in Ireland, women’s fashion topped the most popular search category, but it’s the Home offering that’s the rising star with shoppers, coming in as the second most searched term. From stylish cushions and candles to smart storage, nearly every home in Ireland has a touch of Penneys — and now, browsing the latest trends is just a tap away with the new app in your pocket.

The Penneys customer app officially launches in Ireland today. Whether you’re planning your next shopping trip or checking what’s in stock before you shop, it’s your go-to fashion companion.

Aer Lingus Unveils Major Mobile App Upgrade

Aer Lingus has unveiled a major refresh of its mobile app, as part of an extensive upgrade programme designed to transform the digital travel experience for its customers. This multi-million euro app investment is a key milestone in the airline’s broader digital vision to become a leader in customer-centric travel innovation.

The new and improved Aer Lingus app introduces several new features aimed at delivering a more seamless, intuitive and helpful experience for customers, especially on the day of travel. These enhancements were developed in close collaboration with a dedicated research panel of 1,300 Aer Lingus customers, ensuring that the upgrades reflect genuine passenger needs and preferences.

The mobile app upgrade has already resonated strongly with users, as reflected in the app’s jump in ratings, from 3 stars to 4.8 on Android and 4.7 on iOS. App downloads have also increased by one-third (33%) compared to the same period last year. Over 2.2 million people in Ireland and 3.5 million globally have used the Aer Lingus mobile app in the last 12 months, showing the growing importance of mobile-first options for customers.

 

Key app updates include:

  • Live Flight Status via Live Activities, viewable directly on users’ locked screens, keeping passengers informed in real-time.
  • Wayfinding Support through Dublin Airport and New York (JFK), providing easy navigation to gates and key amenities.
  • A Redesigned Home Screen, streamlining navigation for faster access to critical information.
  • A completely reimagined My Trips section, now featuring a travel assistant and streamlined access to trip extras, greatly improving the day-of-travel experience. Almost 90% of app users from a recent survey of 5,000 rated the improved My Trips section either 4 or 5 stars.

“Aer Lingus’ app upgrade is much more than just a facelift, it’s a major step forward in delivering a smarter, more personalised travel experience for our customers,” said Susanne Carberry, Chief Customer Officer at Aer Lingus. “From real-time updates to in-airport navigation, we’re committed to improving every touchpoint of our customers’ journey. These improvements reflect our ongoing investment in digital innovation and our belief that technology plays a central role in creating the best possible travel experience.”

This latest app refresh is part of a larger, multi-year digital transformation initiative at Aer Lingus focused on using technology to simplify, support and enhance the end-to-end customer journey.

The Aer Lingus app is available to download on iOS and Android.

PayPal to Create 100 Highly Skilled Tech Jobs in Ireland

PayPal today announced that it will create 100 new highly skilled data science roles at its Dublin office. This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to investing in the future of commerce through advanced data science and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and marks a new chapter in the transformation of its Irish operations. The new AI team in Dublin will serve as a key spoke in PayPal’s global network, working in close coordination with PayPal’s other innovation hubs.

This hiring initiative is being supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, the country’s investment promotion and development agency, and comes as PayPal continues to evolve its Dublin site beyond its roots as a customer service hub into a centre for innovation at the forefront of the global digital economy.

“As we shape the next generation of digital payments, the talent and innovation coming from Ireland will play a critical role,” said Aaron J. Webster, Global Chief Risk Officer at PayPal. “This expansion reflects both our confidence in the local ecosystem and our ambition to build an AI-driven, data-powered future that embeds trust and safety in every transaction. We are proud to deepen our commitment to Ireland and to invest in highly skilled roles that will help shape the future of PayPal globally.”

The new roles will span a range of disciplines, including AI engineering, data science, software development, risk modeling, and cybersecurity. These positions will support key strategic priorities such as loss prevention and enhancing outstanding customer experiences, placing innovation at the core of PayPal’s global mission.

Webster added: “Our work to solve some of the most intricate and critical commerce challenges globally is fueled by the unprecedented scale of our platform and unmatched data at our fingertips. We are redefining what is possible by empowering data scientists to push boundaries, harness cutting-edge AI, and transform the future of fraud detection and payment security.”

Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said: “This announcement by PayPal is a strong vote of confidence in Ireland as a location for high-value tech investment. The creation of 100 highly skilled roles in cutting-edge fields like AI and data science reinforces our status as a global hub for innovation, and I would like to commend PayPal for its ongoing partnership with IDA Ireland.”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said: ‘’I am delighted with PayPal’s decision to create up to 100 new highly skilled tech jobs in Ireland. This is a testament to Ireland’s enduring appeal as a location for high-value investments. We are proud to support this growth and look forward to the continued success of PayPal in Ireland.’’

Open positions can be found here.

8 Unique Use Cases for a VPN

Since the first online restriction came into play, it kickstarted a war between users who wish for freedom and those who wish to restrict it. Internet users find the internet to be boundless, endless freedom, and they will not settle for anything else. A virtual private network (VPN) is their main weapon, and it can be used for a myriad of things. VPN opens up digital access, secures activities, and reshapes how one interacts with the internet.

1. Improved access to offshore casinos

For starters, a VPN can enable access to features, games, and sites that are restricted in jurisdictions that heavily monitor internet traffic. In areas where internet access is not freely available without restrictions, users turn to offshore casinos. A VPN can enable access by routing connections through countries where these platforms operate legally and openly. Usually, it makes perfect sense to use a VPN in these situations.

A country next to you may have unlimited internet access, and your country is right next to it with restrictions. For users who wish to game online without limitations or being subjected to registration, a VPN can provide access to sites like those featured on ukslotsnotongamstop.com, that offer plenty of games, bonuses, and features, and for them, a VPN is the essential tool for online freedom.

2. Access region-specific content while abroad

While traveling, familiar websites or apps might stop functioning as expected due to regional blocks or content licensing. You’re crossing plenty of borders, and laws can change with each one. A VPN can help by linking your connection to a server in your home country, so you can still use the features as you expect. Streaming services like Hulu or BBC iPlayer, which often tailor libraries to local audiences, become accessible again. This isn’t just about convenience. For frequent travelers, being able to login and use their online services without interruption can be essential for work or personal continuity.

3. Navigate restrictive environments

Access to the open web isn’t a given right everywhere in the world. Sure, we are used to typing whatever we wish and surfing without limits, but that is a luxury. Social media platforms, news sites, or even basic messaging tools may be unavailable due to government-imposed firewalls. Online trust is a big deal and a VPN creates a bridge across these limitations. It allows users to bypass localized restrictions and connect to servers elsewhere.

4. Reduce online price discrimination

All is fair in love and war, so if online retailers sometimes adjust prices based on your location, then using a VPN is a must. This especially applies in the travel sector. Flights, hotels, and even software subscriptions might display lower prices to users in different countries. By shifting your virtual location with a VPN, you can check if better deals exist elsewhere. Even a slight reduction in airfare costs can justify a VPN subscription for frequent flyers.

5. Safer public Wi-Fi use

Public Wi-Fi networks are notoriously insecure.  Anyone can use them, which is why they are great and terrifying. They offer convenience, but they can also expose your data to lurking attackers. A VPN secures your connection through encryption, making it far more difficult for others on the same network to intercept your activity. This protection is especially valuable if you’re accessing bank accounts or entering passwords while using these hotspots.

6. Support secure peer-to-peer file sharing

Downloading or sharing large files via peer-to-peer networks has always come with privacy risks. Your IP address is typically visible to every participant in a torrent swarm. A VPN masks your address, offering a shield that helps reduce the chances of your activity being monitored or throttled by an internet provider. For individuals working with open-source files, large media projects, or even legacy software sharing, aside from modifying their old Windows PC, a VPN is an easy added privacy that makes a difference.

7. Access uncensored search results

Search engines tailor their responses based on the user’s location, showing localized results first. But sometimes that geographic filtering can be a drawback. Researchers or professionals investigating news coverage, cultural events, or policy differences abroad might want to see the internet from a local perspective. A VPN lets them connect through a server in the region they’re studying, surfacing more relevant and contextual results. It’s a quiet but powerful tool for deeper digital research.

8. Improve latency for gaming

Gamers often use VPNs to avoid targeted attacks, like DDoS attempts. But there’s a lesser-known benefit too: in specific situations, a VPN might help bypass bad ISP routing and reduce latency to certain game servers. If you’re playing blockchain game Valhalla, you’ll need all the advantages you can get, so getting a VPN here can certainly help and align with the crypto nature of the game. This isn’t a universal fix, and in many cases, it may slow things down. But for users on congested networks or in regions with suboptimal routing paths, it’s worth experimenting with. Combined with the privacy benefits, the occasional improvement in speed or stability can be a welcome surprise.

Digital surge in construction: Strong tech uptake but critical gaps in AI training and sustainability

Recent research by Strata, Ireland’s leading provider of construction time management and digital construction services, reveals that 88% of construction and engineering professionals have accelerated their use of digital technologies over the past year. In addition, nearly 70% of respondents are leveraging these tools to drive smarter decision-making and innovation across the sector.

Barriers to digital adoption

The 2025 Strata Report: Digital Transformation in Construction highlighted that siloed workflows are the leading barrier to digital adoption in the sector. Time constraints ranked second, driven by limited capacity for training and the pressure of industry-wide labour shortages. In third place, skillset gaps point to an urgent need for targeted training and the strategic hiring of new digital capabilities to support transformation.

Knowledge of AI

The research found that 81% of construction and engineering professionals report only basic or moderate knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, more than 71% of respondents believe AI will be critical in shaping the future of the sector. Despite this strong belief, over half of companies surveyed had yet to implement formal AI training for their teams.

Sustainability in sector

When asked about the importance of sustainability in the sector, 85% of construction and engineering professionals said it will become more important over the next one to three years. This contrasted with just 5% reporting significant progress in utilising digital tools such as carbon calculations and whole-life assessments.

Commenting on the findings, Enda Grimes, Director and Founder of Strata said: “With the Government’s National Planning Framework prioritising accelerated housing delivery, and the Climate Action Plan placing new demands on infrastructure and sustainability targets, meeting construction demand will require greater efficiency and new ways of working. In this context, digitalisation and AI are no longer optional efficiency tools — they are essential levers for delivering on national ambitions.”

“Our research shows that while digital adoption is gaining momentum across the sector, a significant gap in skills and applied knowledge remains in our industry. Addressing this challenge requires collaboration with digital experts who not only bring strong digital capability, but also understand the practical complexities of engineering and construction. As Ireland’s population continues to grow, the need to improve our infrastructure becomes more urgent. By combining deep engineering expertise with digital innovation, we can accelerate delivery and build the resilient infrastructure we need.”

Over 250 construction and engineering professionals, representing over 170 individual companies in Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe took part in the Strata survey in the second quarter of 2025.

For more information visit www.stratadigital.io/ . The 2025 Strata Report: Digital Transformation in Construction report can be sourced here.

Design Custom Flyers Easily with Online Flyer Creators

Designing a flyer used to be difficult and time-consuming. Today, with online flyer creators, anyone can design high-quality flyers quickly and easily.

Whether you’re promoting an event, advertising a sale, or sharing information, online flyer tools make the process simple, affordable, and accessible to everyone.

If you’re ready to create your own custom flyer, follow these helpful steps and tips to get started.

Know the Purpose of Your Flyer

Before you begin designing, think about why you’re making a flyer. Understanding your purpose will help guide your design choices. Flyers can be used to promote business events, announce special sales, advertise community programs, or invite people to personal events like birthdays or fundraisers.

Knowing your goal will help you choose the right layout, style, and content. If your flyer is for a business, it should look professional and reflect your brand. If it’s for a fun event, it can be more colorful and casual.

Choose an Online Flyer Creator

Once you have a clear purpose, it’s time to pick an online flyer creator. These platforms are designed to help you create flyers quickly, without needing graphic design experience. Most flyer makers work directly in your web browser, and some even offer mobile apps for designing on the go.

Look for a flyer creator that offers user-friendly tools and a wide variety of templates. Some allow you to create a flyer for free, while others offer advanced features through paid plans.

Take your time to explore the different flyer maker offerings and pick the one that best fits your needs.

Select the Right Template

Most flyer creators start by letting you choose a template. Templates are pre-designed layouts that give your flyer a professional look from the start. You can browse through categories such as business, event, school, sale, or community.

Pick a template that matches the tone and style of your message. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect-you’ll be able to change the text, colors, and images later. A good template saves you time and gives you a strong foundation to build on.

Customize Text and Fonts

Once you have your template, start editing the text. Add your headline, main message, and contact information. Keep your message short and clear. People should be able to understand the main point quickly just by scanning the flyer.

Use larger fonts for headlines and smaller fonts for details. Choose fonts that are easy to read and match the tone of your flyer. For example, a modern font works well for business flyers, while a fun, rounded font might be better for a children’s event.

Add Images or Logos

Images can make your flyer more attractive and memorable. You can upload your own photos or use the images provided by the flyer maker’s built-in library. Make sure your image is clear and relevant to your message.

If you’re designing a flyer for your business or organization, be sure to add your logo. This helps people recognize who you are and gives your flyer a more professional look.

Images should be placed in a way that supports the text, not overcrowds it. Keep your layout clean and focused.

Adjust Colors and Design Elements

Most online flyer tools let you change colors easily. Choose colors that fit your brand or the theme of your event. Bright colors grab attention, while softer tones can give a calm and professional feel.

You can also move text boxes, resize images, and add design elements like shapes or icons. Play around with the layout until it feels balanced and easy to read. Don’t be afraid to experiment-you can always undo changes or try a different layout.

Keep Your Flyer Simple

One of the best design tips is to keep your flyer simple. Too much text or too many graphics can make your flyer look cluttered. Stick to one main message and make sure the most important details stand out.

Use clear headlines, space between sections, and a clean layout to guide the reader’s eye. A simple, well-organized flyer is more effective than one that tries to say too much.

Choose Print or Digital Format

After finishing your design, decide how you want to share your flyer. If you want to print copies, most flyer creators let you download your file in high-quality formats like PDF. You can then print it at home or send it to a print shop.

If you plan to share your flyer online, save it as an image file like JPG or PNG. You can post it on social media, email it to contacts, or add it to your website. Many flyer creators even offer options to share your design directly from the platform.

Check the Details Before You Share

Before printing or posting your flyer, take a few minutes to double-check everything. Make sure names, dates, times, and contact information are correct. Look for spelling and grammar mistakes. Ask someone else to review it if possible.

Even small errors can hurt your message or make your flyer look less professional. A careful final check helps you avoid problems and ensures your flyer is ready to go.

Save Your Flyer for Future Use

Many flyer creators allow you to save your designs. This is helpful if you plan to make similar flyers again in the future. You can update the text and images without starting from scratch. Saving your flyers also lets you keep a record of your past promotions or events.

If your flyer maker offers cloud storage or an account dashboard, take advantage of it. This makes it easy to organize and access your designs any time you need them.

Design Custom Flyers Now

Online flyer creators make it easy for anyone to design and share custom flyers. By following a few simple steps and design tips, you can create a flyer that grabs attention and delivers your message clearly.

Take the time to explore your options, plan your layout, and use the features available to you.

With just a little effort, you’ll be ready to design flyers that stand out without stress, high costs, or complex software.

Check out our other blog posts for more informative content!

 

Family Office Crypto Adoption and Web3 Investments

With digital transformation reshaping wealth strategies, crypto solutions for family offices are no longer fringe considerations — they’re becoming part of strategic conversations. As younger generations take a more active role in managing multigenerational wealth, family offices are increasingly exploring the crypto space to stay relevant and future-proof their portfolios.

The Role of Crypto Assets for Family Offices

Family offices are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the long-term potential of digital assets. Unlike traditional institutions, they often have more flexibility and a longer investment horizon, allowing them to experiment with emerging technologies. Crypto assets for family offices offer diversification, hedging against inflation, and exposure to high-growth sectors such as decentralized finance (DeFi) and tokenized assets.

At the same time, digital assets for family offices must be approached with a robust infrastructure: custody, security, and clear compliance with evolving crypto regulation for family offices. A thoughtful approach can open up access to new asset classes and new forms of value creation, especially through private investments or direct token ownership.

The digital asset class is broad. Here are the key categories relevant to digital asset portfolio management:

  • Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, used as stores of value or mediums of exchange.
  • Stablecoins, such as USDT, pegged to fiat currencies and designed to minimize volatility.
  • Security tokens, representing ownership of traditional assets like equity or real estate.
  • Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), state-issued digital currencies aiming to modernize fiat infrastructure with blockchain efficiency and traceability.

DeFi for Institutional Investors – Why It Matters

Web3 represents a shift in how value, data, and ownership are managed online. For family offices used to guarding privacy, securing assets, and ensuring long-term legacy, this decentralized paradigm offers something familiar — only now, it’s powered by code and transparency.

In this emerging ecosystem, smart contracts in wealth management allow for programmable agreements that execute automatically when certain conditions are met. Whether it’s distributing profits, handling escrow, or triggering rebalancing events, these contracts reduce reliance on middlemen while increasing speed and security.

At the same time, DeFi for institutional investors is opening new channels for capital deployment. Yield farming, crypto lending, and liquidity provisioning — all accessible without traditional banks — are becoming tools for family offices looking to diversify and enhance returns with controlled risk exposure.

The Appeal of Web3 Investment Opportunities for Family Offices.

Web3 investment opportunities are increasingly seen as a gateway to innovation. These include decentralized social networks, gaming platforms powered by NFTs, and infrastructure for the Metaverse. Web3 investment strategies can align with long-term themes like digital identity, ownership of data, and the future of online interaction.

Family offices that adopt blockchain for wealth management benefit from greater control, traceability, and efficiency in portfolio administration. Digital asset portfolio management tools now support real-time reporting, tax optimization, and compliance, bringing institutional-grade capabilities to crypto holdings.

Family office crypto adoption is gaining traction as the investment landscape evolves. While challenges remain, especially around regulation and security, the momentum behind digital assets and Web3 is undeniable.

See Every Angle: AKASO Introduces the 360. First Look

AKASO, the well-known action camera brand, proudly announces the debut of its AKASO 360, a versatile 360° action camera built for anyone looking to capture dynamic, immersive footage from every angle. Designed with advanced imaging capabilities and an intuitive interface, the AKASO 360 makes the creative 360º format more accessible than ever – whether you’re a seasoned creator, an adventure enthusiast, or curious to explore a new way of storytelling. Watch out for our review this week.

 

AKASO 360 pairs pro-level imaging with ease of use to make 360º creativity more accessible than ever.

Equipped with dual 1/2″ 48MP CMOS sensors and capable of recording 5.7K 360° video, the AKASO 360 delivers sharp, stabilized footage in every environment. Its compact form factor, weather-proof construction, and seamless app integration make it the ideal companion for travel, outdoor sports, and everyday exploration.

“We developed the AKASO 360 to offer a new level of creative flexibility,” said Eric Squires of AKASO. “Whether documenting your favorite action sport, beautiful natural landscapes, or spontaneous moments, this camera is designed to keep up with fast, on-the-go lifestyles.”

Along with 5.7K @ 30fps 360° Video and 2.8K @ 60fps Single-Lens Mode, other key features of the AKASO 360 include:
• 72MP 360° Photos
• Dual 1/2″ 48MP CMOS Sensors
• Weather-Proof Design
• Shoot First, Reframe Later
• 360° SuperSmooth Stabilization – Steady footage, even in motion
• 360° Horizon Lock – Maintains a level view regardless of camera orientation
• Invisible Selfie Stick Effect – Creates a floating camera perspective
• AI Tracking – Automatically follows the subject within the frame
• 2.29″ High-Resolution Touchscreen
• Companion App – Fast editing and sharing, no registration required
• MSRP – $199.99

BUY

The AKASO 360 reflects AKASO’s continued focus on combining thoughtful design with powerful functionality, empowering users to capture more action, from more perspectives.

Check out the AKASO night vision goggles review 

Unboxing Video 

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.”