Tag: Google

Scaling digital businesses in Ireland could create 14,000 high-value jobs, and contribute €1.8 billion annually to the economy

A report conducted by Implement Consulting Group and commissioned by Google examines a highly important group of companies termed ‘innovative digital businesses’. The research is being launched at a dedicated AI Summit taking place today at Google’s EMEA Headquarters in Dublin.

Delivered in partnership with Scale Ireland, the event aims to promote discussion around the opportunity of AI for Ireland’s indigenous tech start-up and scale-up companies. Innovative digital businesses are defined as businesses likely to have digital technology at their core and a scalable business model less than 30 years old. They fall into one of three categories; startups (2–49 employees), scaleups (50–500 employees), or grownups (over 500 employees).

The economic role of digital innovative businesses

Innovative digital businesses play an outsized role in the Irish economy, paying higher average wages than other businesses. While these businesses have accounted for 4% of private sector job growth since 2017, they have created fewer jobs in Ireland compared to other EU countries. In Denmark, for example these businesses account for 11% of new jobs, and in Sweden, they account for 13%.

The use of AI in innovative digital businesses

Innovative digital businesses are key to capturing the AI opportunity and closing Europe’s competitiveness gap. These businesses are 50% more likely to create radical innovations and play a crucial role in the early diffusion of new technologies, such as generative AI. These businesses develop new AI tools, in turn enabling businesses across sectors to benefit from the new technology.

The potential of scaling innovative digital businesses

Ireland has a strong ecosystem of innovative businesses, with 56 innovative digital businesses per 100,000 working-age adults compared to the EU average of 19. If Ireland can transform more startups into grownups, reaching the same relative levels as the three leading OECD countries, it could create 14,000 jobs and contribute €1.8 billion annually to the Irish economy.

James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science said:

“It is essential businesses are supported in the adoption of AI. This includes tailored support for start-ups and scale-ups, but the foundation of all this is people – and the skills they bring to bear. My Department is acutely focused on Ireland’s future skills needs. This includes expanding digital upskilling and reskilling opportunities through initiatives like Springboard+, MicroCreds, apprenticeships, and others. Together, with the right capital, the right infrastructure, and most importantly, the right skills, Ireland is ready not just to adopt AI – but to lead in shaping it.”

Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland said:

“This is a transformative opportunity for Ireland to leverage AI to secure our position as a global leader in technology. To fully realise AI’s potential, Ireland should seek to enhance the conditions that support businesses to increase AI adoption and scale successfully. Google Ireland is committed to continuing its  role in supporting Ireland’s competitiveness in these crucial areas.”

Marina Fitzgerald, CEO of Scale Ireland added:

“Scale Ireland is hugely positive about the potential economic and societal benefits of AI, which is being deployed by the vast majority of our members. This report is very timely as it highlights the opportunity for Ireland to create a supportive environment so indigenous tech companies can leverage AI to drive innovation, economic growth and competitiveness. Put simply, we need to create the conditions to support, and match the global ambition of our founders.”

Report recommendations

The report sets out five areas of focus for Ireland to support the scaling of these businesses:

 

  1. Build an AI-empowered workforce by investing in skills and training systems, treating AI as a core component of the education system.

  2. Widening access to state-of-the-art AI tools, digital infrastructure and compute power.

  3. Invest in research and development by investing in long-term AI research and encourage private investment at a national and EU level.

  4. Risk-based regulation to provide clarity to developers, adopters and users.

  5. Capital: Unlock fragmented risk capital markets and increase the attractiveness of venture capital investment in the EU.

Report 

Google Pixel 9a announced with no hump and priced well

The Google Pixel 9a has just dropped and this time it has no hump some had a hump over the hump some did not i fall into the later and it drops at an aggressively priced 559 euro in Ireland which will raise some eyebrows.

With a more premium finish than before the Google Pixel 9a will comes packed with AI features as expected with Gemini on board and of course more of Google’s software prowess.

The Pixel 9a arguably the best phone in its tier for the price also comes with great cameras on board as you would expect and for me using these devices some years now they are the best point and shoot devices be it the pro version or the now popular a series. The cameras are 48 MP main camera and 13 MP ultrawide cameras and has macro focus,add me and of course night sight. 

The Pixel 9a comes with a better screen too with 120hz refresh which will be welcome which is flat and this is now a trend we are seeing more of with smartphone manufacturers. The phone is also IP68 rated.

Stay tuned for a review soon and also we have quite a few cases here ready to review soon for the all new Pixel 9a

Ten things to know about the Google Pixel 9a 

1  Magic made  simple. Meet Pixel 9a – engineered by Google with more features than you expect, for less than you think. Like Gemini built in to help supercharge your productivity and creativity.1 An incredible camera. All-day battery.2 Durable design. And seven years of updates so it keeps feeling like new.
2  Easy, amazing photography. With a 48 MP main camera and 13 MP ultrawide camera, you can take photos so amazing, you won’t believe you actually took them. For the first time on an A-Series phone, you can capture the smallest details using Macro Focus. With Add Me, you can make sure that no one is left out of a group photo – just take one photo with the group, then swap in the photographer. Pixel magically merges them together.  Night Sight on Pixel 9a enables you to take amazing photos at night and even capture a short clip of the stars with Astrophotography, a first on an A-Series phone. With Real Tone, all skin tones are represented beautifully and accurately in photos and videos.
3  Magical  editing. With Pixel 9a’s editing tools, taking a photo is just the beginning. Google AI lets you create perfect group photos with Best Take, and fix blurry images with Photo Unblur. Magic Editor can automatically reframe your photo, suggest the best crop and even expand your image to get more of the scene. You can also use Reimagine in Magic Editor to give your photos a whole new vision – like adding a bed of flowers or greener grass.5 Just tap what part you want to change in the photo, and type what you want to see. And with Pixel Studio, make your own memes, stickers and whatever else you can dream up in seconds, from wherever you’re typing.6A surfing tiger, anime style? And make it a sticker? You got it.

 

4  Built to last. Pixel 9a is Google’s most  durable A-Series phone yet. With a metal frame and improved IP68 protection, it can handle water and dust.It has a new scratch-resistant Actua display. And it’s made with recycled aluminium, glass and plastic. With over 30 hours of power, the largest battery in an A-Series yet, Pixel 9a is dependable through the day.Additionally, seven years of Pixel Drops and OS and security updates makes Pixel 9a a phone you’ll love to hold on to.
5  Gemini. Your built-in AI  assistant. Gemini helps you supercharge your ideas. Press and hold the power button to start writing, planning, learning and more. Gemini can help you find info and take action across your Google apps on the go, like pulling party details from an invitation in Gmail and suggesting nearby florists in Maps. Chat with Gemini to get more info or take action on what’s on your screen. Or instead of typing, use Gemini Live and have a natural, free-flowing conversation. Gemini follows along, even if you change the topic or switch the question mid-sentence.
6  Smooth lines, durable  design. Pixel 9a has been crafted with a new streamlined camera design that looks flat-out fresh, a unique design that’s a first for the A-Series while still iconically Pixel. Inspired by nature and water droplets, the Camera Bar is slightly domed, simple and beautiful. The phone is made with recycled materials and a recycled aluminium frame to help reduce carbon impact. Even the back cover is 81% recycled plastic – plus, the packaging is 100% plastic free. And Pixel 9a comes in four colours: Iris, Peony, Porcelain and Obsidian.
7  That  new-phone  feeling every few months. With Pixel Drops, your phone keeps getting better over time, automatically for seven years. It gets brand-new features, so you don’t have to keep getting a new phone. These may include features for camera, battery, calling, AI and more.

 

8  Protects you and your  information. Pixel 9a is designed for your peace of mind. It helps protect you from spam, scams and other threats, and also looks out for your safety. Pixel is built with safety features that help you prepare and react in an emergency. It can quickly call emergency services and share accurate location info so they know where to send help. You even have protection if your phone is in the wrong hands. If suspicious activity is detected, Pixel automatically locks to give you peace of mind that your sensitive information will stay private.
9  Built to  protect.  Beautifully. Made specifically for Pixel 9a, the ultra-smooth Pixel 9a Case sits perfectly along the streamlined camera design. Match it precisely to the hue of your phone, or mix things up. The case is designed together with the phone for  seamless charging, clear audio and uninterrupted calls. And it’s made with at least 40% recycled plastic.
10  Get more with Pixel 9a. It’s easy to switch to Pixel, and it comes with the best of Google. Pixel 9a includes three months of Google One,20three months of YouTube Premium21 and six months of Fitbit Premium22to help you get the most out of your new phone. Google One keeps your photos and files safe with 100 GB of storage and automatic phone backup. With YouTube Premium, you can enjoy YouTube videos and music without ads, and offline. And give your motivation a healthy boost with six months of Fitbit Premium wellness content, including workouts, mindfulness sessions, healthy recipes and more.

 

See our Pixel reviews 

BUY 

CeADAR and Google Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement to Help Irish Businesses Unlock AI’s Potential

CeADAR and Google Ireland have announced a new strategic partnership to help Irish businesses capitalise on the economic potential of AI. CeADAR, Ireland’s European Digital Hub for AI, and Google signed the agreement at a meeting with the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD at Government Buildings today.

Recent research from Google and Implement Consulting Group shows that widespread adoption of AI has the potential to boost Ireland’s GDP by €40-45 billion. The new partnership between CeADAR and Google aims to support Irish businesses to adopt AI to boost competitiveness and productivity.

CeADAR and Google will focus on building an AI-ready workforce and driving the adoption of AI-powered solutions  through a three-pillar approach:

 

  • Addressing the AI skills gap – this includes tailored learning paths that provide on-demand training for varying proficiency levels, enhancing technical skills in cloud and product mastery while transforming leaders into AI-driven strategists.

 

  • Scaling AI capabilities –  empower Irish businesses to rapidly and responsibly test and implement AI solutions by leveraging Google’s expertise and resources. CeADAR will provide access to Google Cloud resources, including €3M in Google Cloud credits  and advanced AI tools like Vertex AI and Gemini 2.0.

 

  • Investing in the future – preparing Ireland for the next phase of AI through training and mentorship initiatives, for CeADAR staff and interns, building key cloud related skills.

 

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD:

“This partnership between CeADAR and Google is the type of public and private sector collaboration that is needed to ensure we are equipping Irish businesses to benefit from the economic opportunities AI presents. AI has the potential to have a transformative, positive impact on Ireland’s competitiveness and the government is committed to creating an ecosystem where businesses can fully utilise the power of AI to innovate, expand, and compete on a global scale.”

Lorraine Twohill, Chief Marketing Officer at Google said:

“AI presents a tremendous opportunity for Ireland, with the potential to significantly boost the economy. Ireland has built a strong foundation for a safe and reliable AI environment, supported by the Government’s clear ambition to capitalise on this transformative technology. This partnership with CeADAR is designed to help businesses navigate the challenges and opportunities AI brings—transforming how jobs are performed, creating new AI-focused roles, and enabling businesses to thrive in an AI-powered economy. By combining Google’s expertise with CeADAR’s capabilities, we are confident that we can unlock AI’s full economic potential and drive sustainable growth across Irish businesses.”

Dr. John Lonsdale, CEO, CeADAR:

“Unlocking AI’s economic potential won’t happen automatically and requires a proactive approach to workforce adaptation. We have been working with Irish businesses in recent years to help them leverage AI and machine learning but with the dynamic evolution of the technology more can be done to upskill Irish businesses, grow and nurture AI talent and facilitate faster adoption of AI. Ireland has a unique opportunity to harness the wider expertise that exists in our bustling tech sector – bringing our expertise together with Google is one key that can begin to unlock the economic opportunity AI will bring.”

Professor Kate Robson Brown, UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact said,

“Our researchers and innovators at University College Dublin (UCD) draw on the breadth and depth of their expertise to deliver knowledge and solutions that matter. They are leading the way in fields, such as AI, that are transforming the world around us. Advancing research and innovation is one of UCD’s central pillars guiding the University to break boundaries and to deliver lasting and meaningful impact.

To do so we draw on our strengths and our partnerships, such as this new partnership with Google, to create knowledge and cultivate talent in the areas where that impact can be greatest.  The new partnership announced today will bring together the diverse expertise, strengths and resources of CeADAR and Google to build an AI-ready workforce and drive the adoption of AI-powered solutions boosting the competitiveness and productivity of Irish businesses.”

Google-led initiative to support Irish businesses returns

Google is today calling for entries to the third annual You’re the Business Competition. Delivered in partnership with Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) , You’re the Business is an online platform offering digital training and tools to businesses in Ireland free of charge. The competition element will reward businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to digital at different stages of their journey with those selected set to receive a Google digital support package, one-to-one mentoring and the chance to win a bespoke, AI-powered advertising campaign.

The competition is open to businesses across Ireland. Entrants must submit a written entry no longer than 200 words telling their story around how they’ve utilised or enhanced digital skills in order to help their business grow or succeed online.

The judging panel, comprising representatives from Google, EI, and the LEO’s with You’re the Business alumni and past winner Sarah Timony of ADAPTAFASHION will assess the entries based on their response to the prompt ‘Tell us why you’re the business’. A PDF must be uploaded to the competition submission box on the You’re the Business website by 21 March 2025.

This year’s initiative takes on a new AI-focus. The You’re the Business online platform has access to new training modules where users can explore AI tools and learn how AI can help them prepare for the future. Selected businesses will receive a digital support package from Google which includes a one-year Google Workspace Business Standard subscription with access to AI-powered tools like Gemini Advanced and NotebookLM and a one-to-one consultation from Google experts on how to get the best out of Google Workspace. Winners will also receive a You’re the Business trophy and digital assets and will be invited to attend a dedicated Winners event in Google’s EMEA HQ in Dublin.

New this year, the company or founder that has demonstrated the most creative or effective use of digital skills to grow or enhance their business will receive a one-of-a-kind prize; a bespoke AI-powered advertising campaign, created by Google AI with a team of experts in partnership with the winner.

Cera Ward, Managing Director at Google Ireland  said:

“We are so excited to launch the third-annual You’re the Business competition and look forward to learning more about these companies, their challenges, and digital ambitions. We know that AI has the power to revolutionise the way we do business which is why we have made it a key focus of this year’s initiative. Google wants to support these companies as they take the next steps on their AI journey.”

 

Carol Gibbons, Divisional Manager. Entrepreneurship, Regions & Local Enterprise at Enterprise Ireland:

“Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices are committed to empowering Irish businesses to succeed online. Our collaboration with Google on initiatives like this competition is a key part of that commitment. We are thrilled to partner with Google on this exciting opportunity and look forward to discovering the innovative ways businesses are approaching their digital growth. We’re here to support them every step of the way on their digital journey.”

John Magee, Chair of the Local Enterprise Office Network said:

“We are committed to helping Irish businesses thrive in a digital world, and this initiative, delivered in partnership with Google, is just one of the many ways we continue to support our clients on their digital journey.”

Speaking at the launch announcement, past winner and judge for the 2025 competition Sarah Timony [pictured], CEO and Founder, ADAPTAFASHION:

“Participating in the You’re the Business competition was a fantastic experience. The programme provided me with invaluable support and resources that directly contributed to the growth and success of ADAPTAFASHION. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and would encourage fellow founders to participate in this year’s initiative to see how far digital can bring you on your growth journey.”

Entries are open now with further information on the You’re the Business competition available at: g.co/yourethebusiness

Google launches new supervision tools for parents

Google has announced new tools for parents to help manage their child’s devices with Google Family Link.

Family Link’s new design is more intuitive for parents to use and navigate. A new Screen Time tab consolidates all screen-time management tools in a single, easily accessible place. In addition to the app and device-specific usage summary and time limits, the Screen Time tab also makes it easier for parents to set and adjust Downtime and School time.

Google advised that parents will find managing their child’s account, privacy settings and content filters is now easier than ever on the Controls tab. They have streamlined key controls so parents have what they need right at their fingertips, including the ability to manage account data settings, approve app downloads and block specific websites.

Juggling multiple kids and their devices is also getting easier. Simply swipe between child profiles and manage devices from a single page, with more advanced settings just a tap away.

The School time feature was brought to the Fitbit ACE LTE and Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids as a way to help minimise distractions on smartwatches for children during school hours. From next week, Google will roll out School time support for Android phones and tablets as well.

School time can help reduce distractions, by scheduling limited phone functionality and silenced notifications during school hours. If there is a holiday or planned day off, or even just planned lunches, parents can easily adjust the settings and set a “Break” to fit their children’s schedules.

Parents can choose the apps that are silenced and restricted, and learn which apps their child uses while in School time or outside of it. Google noted that there are times when certain apps are useful for studying, which is why parents can choose a set of allowed apps, and select which are allowed during School time or in other selected modes.

Galaxy Watch for Kids launched with lots of new features for kids and parents. In the coming months, Google will be bringing the ability for parents to approve contacts for kids to call and text to Android phones, too. Parents can add these contacts from Family Link directly to their child’s device and limit calls and texts to only those approved contacts. Children can also request to add new contacts to be approved by parents in Family Link.

To learn more about how Google is helping families more safely explore online, visit families.google.

See our Google Reviews

20 years of discovery with Google Maps

Twenty years ago, Google Maps started helping us explore the world, navigate unfamiliar roads and discover hidden gems. As Google Maps turns 20 they wanted to share some of the best features and hacks along with some of the most-reviewed places from the past two decades in Ireland.

Ireland’s crowd-pleasers: The most-reviewed destinations

Visitor attractions

  1. Cliffs of Moher

  2. The Books of Kells Experience 

  3. Rock of Cashel

  4. Hook Lighthouse

  5. Torc Waterfall

  6. Powerscourt Waterfall

  7. Dublinia

  8. Spanish Arch

  9. Glencar Waterfall

  10. Blarney Stone

 

Parks

  1. Phoenix Park

  2. St. Stephen’s Green

  3. Eyre Square

  4. Fota Wildlife Park

  5. Kilkenny Castle Park

  6. Killarney National Park

  7. Marley Park

  8. Wicklow Mountains National Park

  9. Merrion Square Park

  10. Connemara National Park

 

Museums

  1. National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street

  2. Muckross House

  3. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

  4. Irish Whiskey Museum

  5. National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street

  6. National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks

  7. The Little Museum of Dublin

  8. Titanic Experience Cobh

  9. Irish Museum of Modern Art

  10. Chester Beatty

 

Here are just a few mind-blowing stats about Maps:

 

  • 1 trillion: how many kilometers of directions they provided in 2024. This is the distance of Earth orbiting the sun over one thousand times!

 

  • 250 million: the number of businesses and places on the map. If you were to visit one of these places every hour without sleeping, it would take you more than 28,500 years to get through this list!

 

  • 500 million: the number of users who contribute information like reviews, photos, ratings and driving disruptions to the map per year. A vertical stack of 500 million pieces of paper would be 50km high!

 

  • 100 million: the number of updates made to the map each day. That means that in the time it took to read this sentence, the map was updated 10,000 times!

 

Today Google Maps is sharing some of the most popular and all-time favorite features — along with helpful hidden gems that might have been missed over the years.

1. Drive in style (new!)

Now when driving with Google Maps, the navigation icon is customisable with new car types and colors. Depending on your mood, choose a powerful pickup truck, a stylish SUV, a roaring racecar and more in eight vibrant colors. Just start navigating, tap on the blue arrow and let your creativity lead the way.

2. Get menu highlights

When checking out a new restaurant, use Maps to quickly understand its most popular dishes in advance. Search for a restaurant and scroll down to “menu highlights” — photos and reviews of top dishes from the Maps community will be visible to help people tap into their inner foodie and order with confidence.

3. Understand an area at a glance with AR

It can be tough to get your bearings if you’re in a new neighborhood. With Lens in Maps, tap the camera icon in the search bar and lift your phone to let augmented reality instantly overlay helpful information, like the name of a place, how busy it is and if it’s highly rated.

4. See HOV lanes along your route

Headed somewhere new and want to save time? Just get directions to your destination and quickly see if there are HOV lanes along your route so you can get there as efficiently as possible.

5. Time travel with Street View

Go back in time with Street View! See loved ones and even check out a childhood home: Open Google Maps and turn on the Street View layer. Search a home address, tap “See more dates” and scroll through the images to watch your neighborhood evolve over time!

6. Make reservations right from Maps

Forget frantic phone calls or scrambling for last-minute reservations: Google Maps can help you snag a table at your favorite restaurant. Search for the restaurant, and if it works with a booking partner, tap on “Reserve” to book your reservation.

7. Plan group hangouts with lists

Lists in Google Maps make it a breeze to save and share places you want to visit – and they also make it easy for groups to pick a spot. The next time you have an outing planned, create a collaborative list where everyone can save places and vote on them with emoji so you can make a quick decision on where to go.

8. Arrive with confidence

It can be tough to find the right entrance at a large apartment complex or unfamiliar building. With arrival guidance, Maps will highlight the entrance, show nearby parking lots and remind you to save your parking spot. Once parked, you can get walking directions from the  car to the entrance — and even enter Street View or AR walking navigation to orient yourself quickly.

9. Know before you go

With Immersive View, you can experience what stadiums, parks and routes look like and even check the weather and traffic so you can be ready in advance. When driving, see where the nearest parking is and if there are any tight turns on your route.

10. Send your trip from your phone to your car

If you’re in a rush, you can plan your trip from your phone and send it straight to your car if it has Google built-in. No need to waste time re-entering the address.

11. Find the hottest restaurants in town

Whether you’re exploring a new city or rediscovering your neighborhood, Google Maps’ restaurant lists can help you find the perfect spot. Check out our trending list to find places that have recently surged in popularity, the top list  for tried-and-true favorites and the gems list  to find the next hot spot before everyone else does.

12. Avoid the crowds

It’s helpful to know how busy a place will be before you get there so you can save time and avoid long lines. Search for a place and scroll down to “Popular times” — you’ll see a graph of how busy it typically is, and even how busy it is at that moment. New efficiency hack unlocked!

13. Don’t get lost — even when you’re off the grid

When exploring a new city or when in an area with bad signal, you can use Google Maps offline to access essential navigation information. Search for an area, tap the name or address and select “Download” to give yourself access to navigation and key details without a connection. Perfect for travel and adventures off the beaten path.

14. Get accessibility information anywhere

For those with accessibility needs, turn on “Accessible Places” in settings and a wheelchair icon will show if a place has accessible entrances, seating, restrooms and parking. Those with visual impairments can get detailed voice guidance while walking, with helpful alerts about routes, upcoming turns and nearby intersections.

15. Save money and petrol

Lots of people want ways to get around more sustainably. Fuel-efficient routing in Google Maps can help — it uses AI to show the most fuel- or energy-efficient route to your destination, if it’s not already the fastest one. Just pull up directions and tap on the route with the green leaf.

16. Have fun with Pegman!

Pegman is the beloved Street View mascot, and depending on where in the world you’re browsing, he might transform into someone new! Hint: Check out Loch Ness, Scotland for a fun surprise!

See our Google Reviews

Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm Review

The Google Pixel Watch 3 has been one of several devices on my Wrists I have been checking out the last while and having skipped the 2nd iteration this version has improved vastly and well worth the upgrade if you are still on the first one.

Now coming in two sizes 41mm and 45mm it is a bonus to see the bigger version which suits me better and many others from what I hear and this could have been done with the second model but it is what it is and welcome. On the build quality it is excellent and pretty much the same as before with that pebble shaped look and feel and overall it is a simple clean look.

On the 45mm one tested you will instantly note the bigger screen estate and for me this is vital all my watches are on the larger size having moved on from smaller faced watches this is even with traditional watches as I like to have both. What this means is more screen estate just like a bigger phone with smaller bezels also meaning there is more room for more things and more importantly for some a bigger battery.

If you are a Google home owner you appreciate this watch even more now as it its upgraded so you can answer your doorbell and get your notifications and do more on your wrist just as you would on the your Pixel device which for me is excellent.

Customization is also excellent here with an array of watch faces and right down to your notifications which again is important for me and many others out there as I do be on the go sometimes and being able to respond directly from the watch with a bigger screen is excellent and again with phone calls they are clear and for me an important factor, this watch was also test with other watches over the Christmas and they had not got all the features the Pixel Watch 3 has but again coming in under a 100 euros.

Fitbit is on board as we know and will run you an monthly subscription however I feel this is for more die hard fitness people but not for me, with all the features on the Pixel Watch 3 alone there is more than enough for my daily tracking needs, Bedtime mode also has improved but as you know I never wear a watch to bed EVER. Though I must try it sometime (been saying this years)

For the fitness which this watch aims at more so there is plenty on board to give you all the data you need and more including AI which can help you on your goals with suggestions and much more and again AI is the new hype now and of course Google are good at this so why not add it to their watch.

For me the Pixel Watch 3 has really impressed and is a huge update to version one and having more stamina but this will depend on the user and what they have synced to the watch and if someone like me that has lots going on I almost get two days out of it which is a huge improvement.

Overall the Pixel Watch 3 has upped its game and now on par or better in some instances on what is on offer and with the bigger display and simple UI it is one to put on your list if you are looking out for a new smartwatch or want to upgrade and better again move away from those tiny fitness trackers you need a magnifying glass to look at.

The App

 

Features

  • The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit; the 45mm screen is twice as bright and 40% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info
  • Maximize your performance with advanced running features; build custom run workouts and get real-time guidance and advanced form tracking
  • Enhance your run routine with Fitbit Premium; Google AI uses your goals, past runs, and readiness to power personalized run recommendations
  • Know what your body is ready for each day with readiness; it uses sleep, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability to show if you’re ready to take on a workout or prioritize recovery
  • Cardio load measures how hard your heart works so you can see how hard you’ve pushed; compare trends to see if you’re under- or over-training

BUY

See our other Google Pixel reviews 

Video Review

FNTCASE Google Pixel 9/Pro cases review

FNTCASE Google Pixel 9/Pro cases have dropped and we have had them in for testing and there is a multitude of colours and cases for everyone to pick from if you picked up either of the latest devices from Google or intend to in the near future, we have been checking these out over the last while so check out the video review below for more.

If you have an iPhone 16 check out our recent review here.

Both cases offer optimum protection for the latest Google Pixel devices offering extra grip and with tactile keys your commands are executed at each press.

The magnets are also strong here and will work with all magsafe devices as we have tested at home and in the car where we are full magsafe all round and so it should be as it makes life much more simple.

Google Pixel 9/ 9 Pro 6.2 inch Clear Phone Case: Magnetic Charging Shockproof Magsafe Support

  • Compatibility: Only for Google Pixel 9/ 9 Pro (6.2 inches). Please carefully confirm your phone model before purchasing. Precise cutouts and tactile buttons ensure quick access and response, full access to all ports
  • Strong Magnetic: The built-in powerful N52 magnets with 2400 gf of holding force, make it easy to attach all kinds of Magnetic Charging accessories like wireless car chargers, wireless chargers, battery packs, etc. Even if you vigorously shake your phone, it won’t easily fall off
  • Yellow Resistance: This Google Pixel 9/ 9 Pro phone case is made of anti-yellowing PC and TPU materials, making the Pixel 9/ 9 Pro case transparent for long periods and effectively resist sweat and stains, clearly showing the original color of your phone
  • 2-in-1 Full Protection: This Google Pixel 9/ 9 Pro case comes with a high-quality clear tempered glass screen protector, providing double protection for the phone screen from cracks and scratches
  • Military Grade Full Body Protection: 4 Air-cushioned corners for added drop protection, which provides excellent cushioning impact from accidental bumps, and drops. The raised lips design provides enhanced scratch protection for the screen and camera
BUY 

Google Pixel 9/ 9 Pro Dual Layer Shockproof Protective Phone Cover with Anti Slip Textured Back Cell Case

  • Non-Slip Textured Design: Our innovative Google Pixel 9/ 9 Pro case features a non-slip textured design, providing a confident grip and preventing accidental drops. Stay worry-free while experiencing the stylish and secure feel of your phone.
  • Double-Layer Heavy-Duty Protection: Take your phone’s protection to the next level with our dual-layer heavy-duty case. Built to military-grade standards, it offers unparalleled defense against drops, bumps, and scratches, ensuring your Pixel 9/ 9 Pro remains safe in all situations.
  • HD Tempered Film: Immerse yourself in the brilliance of your Pixel 9/ 9 Pro’s display with our HD tempered film. Enjoy enhanced clarity and touch sensitivity while keeping your screen pristine and free from unsightly scratches and smudges.
  • Higher Than Camera Protection: Capture picture-perfect moments without worry, thanks to our case’s elevated camera protection. The lens is shielded from potential damage, allowing you to focus on taking stunning photos and videos with your Google Pixel 9/ 9 Pro.
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Google ‘Year in Search’ results reveal what Ireland searched for in 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, Google’s Year in Search results give us a snapshot of what caught the country’s attention over the past year and had people turning to Google for answers.

In a year of elections both at home and abroad it’s no surprise that searches related to elections and referendums feature strongly throughout the results. The US Election was the second most searched term overall and Donald Trump was the tenth. US presidential candidates featured in the most searched people list, with Donald Trump in second position, Kamala Harris in seventh followed by Joe Biden in eighth. Closer to home ‘How to register to vote’ was the most searched ‘How To’ question and ‘What is the referendum about’ featured on the ‘What is’ list.

2024 was also a big year for sport, the Euros 2024 topped the overall search list and the Olympics was the fifth most Googled search. The Olympics also had an impact on the most searched people list, in a record year for the Irish Team two of Ireland’s medalists featured; boxing Olympic gold medalist Kellie Harrington is the third most searched person and swimming gold medalist Daniel Wiffen was the fourth most searched person. Repechage may not be a word many had heard of before 2024 but thanks to the Olympics many people turned to Google to find out what it meant, it was the second most searched term on the meanings list.

The Top 10 Most Googled recipe list gives us a glimpse into what Ireland has been trying to create in the kitchen this year. The viral Marry Me Chicken recipe topped the list, with Rice Krispie Square, Tanghulu and Patatas Bravas also featuring. Two cocktails featured in the recipe list, the Pornstar Martini and the Hugo Spritz.

 

Google Search is often the place people turn to when they need help deciding what to watch on TV or in the cinema. Baby Reindeer was the most searched TV programme, followed by Fool Me Once and The Perfect Couple. In the cinema it was the year of the sequel as Inside Out 2, Dune 2 and Gladiator 2 all featured on the movies list.

Every day, millions of people turn to Google to ask questions, look for help or find the meaning of words. Topping the most searched meanings list in 2024 is a word that is very reserved, very quiet- its Demure, the word that went viral thanks to a TikTok by lifestyle and beauty influencer Jools Lebron. ‘What is PMDD?’ topped the ‘What is’ list and other trending questions asked by the Irish public were ‘What is cloud seeding?’ and ‘What is brat summer?’.

Search can help you find a world of information – and the way people use Search can be a window into the world. Take a closer look at this year’s trending lists at Google.com/2024