Ireland’s Age-Friendly AI Training Programme Launches in Cavan

The Age-Friendly AI training programme, Ireland’s National Artificial Intelligence Literacy Initiative for Older Adults, was officially launched at Johnston Central Library in the Farnham Centre in Cavan on Monday. The programme is delivered by researchers from Technological University Dublin and the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre. Funded by Research Ireland, the initiative will roll out in public libraries across Ireland throughout 2026 in partnership with Libraries Ireland, managed by the Local Government Management Agency.

Age-Friendly AI was developed in partnership with older adults and leading ageing-focused organisations across Ireland. This training programme follows a year-long public dialogue exploring their hopes, concerns and expectations regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in everyday life. Accompanying resources and training materials for librarians and other educators will support lifelong learning in their communities.

Speaking about the launch, Minister of State with responsibility for trade promotion, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, Niamh Smyth TD said:

As technology accelerates, we must ensure our progress is measured not just by the speed of innovation, but by its inclusivity. No citizen should be left behind in the wake of advancement. That is why the work being done through ADAPT’s Age-Friendly AI programme is so vital, it bridges the generational divide, ensuring that the rewards of AI are accessible, equitable, and empowering for everyone, regardless of age. I was delighted to work alongside the team at ADAPT to arrange for the Launch of Phase 2 of the Age-Friendly AI project held in Johnston Library, Cavan, and wish the project continued success.”

Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development for the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) said

“Libraries Ireland is proud to support the Age Friendly AI initiative as part of our national Skills for Life programme. Libraries are trusted, welcoming spaces at the heart of every community and play a vital role in ensuring learning is inclusive and accessible as society evolves. Already this year, we have seen Age Friendly AI engagements in libraries across several counties, and over the rest of 2026, libraries across Ireland will host a national rollout of the programme. Ultimately, this is about ensuring older people are part of the conversation on AI, giving them the time, support and confidence to engage at their own pace.”

Dr Emma Clarke from the ADAPT Centre said,

“Ongoing dialogue, enabled by the #DiscussAI national conversation on Artificial Intelligence, is at the very heart of this programme. By listening to older people from the outset, we ensure that the individuals this training aims to reach are actively involved at every stage of the process. This collaborative approach ensures that the programme is relevant and resonates with the real-life experiences and needs of older adults across Ireland.”

Paula Kelly, Age-Friendly AI Lead at TU Dublin, added:

“We are delighted to be partnering with the LGMALibraries Ireland, under their Skills for Life programme, as well as over twenty other community partners, to bring this training to every corner of the country. The Age-Friendly AI initiative isn’t just about teaching AI technology; it’s about making sure older adults aren’t left behind as AI becomes part of our everyday products and services, from healthcare to banking to staying in touch with family.”

The launch event began with an introductory workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) delivered by Paula Kelly. Participants explored what AI is, where it appears in daily life and how it is shaping areas such as healthcare, banking and communication. The session also examined both the benefits and potential risks of AI and allowed attendees to try AI tools in a supportive, hands-on environment.

The event also featured remarks from Paula Butler, Assistant Chief Executive and Head of Local Government Strategy, Research and Communications at the Local Government Management Agency, who highlighted the role of libraries in supporting community learning and digital inclusion.

Following the formal launch, attendees tried out interactive demonstrations, including “Spirit of Radio,” a vintage radio with a modern AI twist; an “Art or AI?” exhibit that challenged participants to distinguish between human-created and AI-generated artwork; and a voice-activated smart lamp.

The Age-Friendly AI training programme will continue to roll out in libraries across Ireland throughout 2026, providing accessible, community-based opportunities for older adults to learn about and experiment with artificial intelligence technologies. No previous knowledge of AI is necessary.

For updates on upcoming workshops and programme developments, members of the public can sign up to the Age-Friendly AI newsletter.

Enterprise LMS Trends: What’s Shaping the Future of Workplace Training

Workplace training looked very different five years ago. Employees sat through long classroom sessions. They clicked through endless compliance slides. They forgot most of it within weeks. That model is crumbling. The pace of business has accelerated dramatically. Skills expire faster than ever before. A static annual training program simply cannot keep up. 

Organizations need something more agile. They need learning that flows with the work, not against it. A major transformation is underway. The trends emerging today will define the next decade of workforce development.

Why Even an LMS for Manufacturing Companies Must Evolve

Manufacturing floors have changed completely. Sensors cover every machine. Data streams from every production line. Workers interact with complex digital interfaces. Training must reflect this new reality. Traditional approaches cannot handle the complexity. 

Even the most sophisticated LMS for manufacturing companies must adapt constantly. The trends shaping enterprise learning affect every industry. Manufacturing just feels the pressure most intensely. What works on a factory floor will work in any environment. The evolution happening now touches everyone.

AI Moves From Buzzword to Backbone

Artificial intelligence dominated headlines for years. Much of it was hype. That phase is ending. AI now delivers real, practical value in learning platforms. It personalizes content recommendations automatically. It adapts learning paths in real time. It predicts which employees might struggle before they fail. 

No human could perform these tasks at scale. AI makes them possible. The technology fades into the background. It just works. Learners barely notice its presence. They only notice that training feels more relevant and helpful.

Microlearning Becomes the Standard

Attention spans keep shrinking. Workdays keep fragmenting. Long courses no longer fit anyone’s schedule. Microlearning solves this problem elegantly. Short bursts of focused content take just minutes to consume. A three-minute video explains one concept clearly. A five-minute interactive scenario practices a single skill. 

Learners fit these pieces between meetings and tasks. Completion rates soar. Retention improves dramatically. The shift toward smaller units continues accelerating. Organizations now design for micro from the start. Long-form content becomes the exception.

Learning Flows Into Daily Work

Separate learning platforms create friction. Employees must remember to log in. They must navigate away from their actual work. This barrier kills engagement. The solution embeds learning directly into existing tools. A Slack notification suggests a relevant video. A Teams message shares a quick tip. A Salesforce sidebar offers coaching during a live call. 

Learning appears exactly when and where needed. It does not require a separate visit. This “learning in the flow of work” trend dominates forward-thinking organizations. The platform becomes invisible. The knowledge becomes immediate.

Social Learning Comes Front and Center

People have always learned from each other. Formal courses only tell part of the story. Most practical knowledge travels through conversations. Enterprise platforms now embrace this reality. They build robust social features intentionally. Users can ask questions and share discoveries. They can follow experts and form interest groups. 

Popular content rises based on peer activity. This social layer captures tacit knowledge. It makes learning collaborative instead of solitary. It builds community across distributed teams. The platform becomes a living network, not just a content library.

Skills Intelligence Drives Strategy

Tracking course completions offers limited insight. Organizations need deeper understanding. Skills intelligence platforms map competencies across the workforce. They identify gaps before they become problems. They connect learning activities to business outcomes. 

A leader can see exactly which skills exist where. They can plan development strategically. They can measure the impact of training investments. This data transforms learning from a cost center into a strategic driver. It guides hiring and promotion decisions. It reveals where the organization truly stands.

Content Curation Over Creation

Building everything from scratch takes forever. It also duplicates effort across the industry. The smartest organizations now focus on curation. They aggregate existing high-quality content from everywhere. YouTube videos explain technical concepts clearly. Industry blogs share emerging practices. Podcasts feature expert interviews. 

The learning platform becomes a gateway to this external knowledge. Internal teams add context and guidance. They do not reinvent every wheel. This approach scales dramatically. It keeps content fresh without endless production cycles. It exposes learners to diverse perspectives beyond company walls.

Personalization at Population Scale

One-size-fits-all training never really worked. It just felt unavoidable. Technology now enables true personalization for thousands of employees. Every learner sees a unique dashboard. Every learner follows a different path. The system adapts based on role and behavior. It respects individual pacing and preferences. 

This feels respectful and efficient. Learners engage more deeply with relevant content. They waste zero time on material they already know. Personalization drives completion and retention. It makes training feel like a service, not a mandate.

Data Privacy and Ethical AI Grow Critical

Powerful tools bring new responsibilities. Learning platforms collect vast amounts of personal data. They track behavior and performance. Organizations must handle this information carefully. Employees need transparency about what gets tracked. They need control over their own data. 

Ethical AI principles guide how systems make decisions. Algorithms should not reinforce existing biases. Privacy protections must be baked in from the start. This trend will only intensify. Trust becomes a competitive advantage. Organizations that respect learners will win their engagement.

The Takeaway

The future of workplace training looks nothing like the past. It feels personal and flows naturally. It builds community instead of isolation. It provides intelligence instead of just content. 

Organizations that embrace these trends will build more skilled, adaptable workforces. Those that cling to old methods will fall behind. The choice is clear. The time to evolve is now.

Video Analytics Tech That Boosts Security and Performance

Modern security systems are shifting away from simple recording. New tools now help teams understand what happens on camera in real time. These smart features turn standard video feeds into active data sources for safety and operations.

Moving Intelligence to the Edge

Older systems sent every bit of video to a central server for processing. This often slowed down the network and cost a lot in storage. Many modern cameras now use built-in analytics to handle tasks like people counting or line crossing directly on the device.

Processing data right where it is captured keeps the system fast and responsive. One industry report suggested that the global video surveillance market size reached $83.71 billion in 2025. This growth shows how many businesses are moving toward smarter hardware.

Cameras with local processing can keep working if the internet goes down. Using intelligent video analytics is a great way to manage data, and it helps prevent losing important footage during a network crash. Systems that stay online during outages provide much better reliability for high-stakes environments.

Cutting Down on False Alarms

A major problem for security guards is the flood of useless alerts. Shadows or wind-blown trees often trigger alarms that waste time. Smart software uses contextual understanding to ignore these non-threatening events.

By filtering out noise, teams can focus on real risks. A recent study found that workers see a 66% jump in daily task throughput when they use AI tools. This means security teams can do more with their time when the software handles the busy work.

Better ROI for Modern Businesses

Investing in new tech can be expensive at first. The financial benefits often outweigh the initial cost. Some leaders see a return of $10.3 for every $1 invested in advanced generative AI tools.

Better security does not just stop theft; it also improves how a business runs.

  • Heat maps show where customers walk most often.
  • Queue management alerts managers when lines get too long.
  • Automatic license plate recognition speeds up parking lot access.
  • Object detection identifies left-behind bags in public areas.

These functions help more than just the security department. Marketing and operations teams can use this data to make better decisions about store layouts or staffing.

Physical AI in the Enterprise

More companies are bringing physical AI into their daily work. Over half of businesses already use some form of this tech to manage their physical spaces. Experts predict that the total market for physical security equipment and services will hit $500 billion by 2027.

This trend is moving fast because the tech is getting easier to deploy. Many solutions use pre-trained models like YOLOv7 to start detecting objects immediately. These models are very good at picking out humans or vehicles in crowded scenes.

Streamlining Video Storage

High-resolution video takes up massive amounts of space on a hard drive. Preprocessing the video helps optimize the stream for storage without losing the quality needed for analysis. This keeps the data clear enough for the software to read while saving money on disk space.

Another study noted that 80% of companies will likely use physical AI within the next two years. Using these tools early can give a business a head start on safety. It also helps manage the costs of growing a surveillance network over time.

Smart Hardware Advantages

New cameras do not need a massive server room to function. Built-in analytics run directly on the device without requiring servers. This saves on electricity and space for the end user.

Modern hardware can tell the difference between a person and a stray animal. This precision means security teams do not get woken up by a cat walking past a fence. It makes the entire system more trustworthy for the people who rely on it every day.

Faster Response Times

Security events happen in seconds. Sending data to the cloud and waiting for a response takes too long in an emergency. Processing video at the edge helps reduce network congestion and improve system responsiveness.

  • Real-time alerts reach mobile devices instantly.
  • Automated locks can trigger the moment a threat is spotted.
  • Audio talk-back systems can warn intruders to leave.
  • Local backups ensure no evidence is lost during a fire.

Seconds saved by edge processing can be the difference between a prevented crime and a major loss. Quick action is the main goal of any high-quality surveillance setup.

Improving Public Safety

Large cities use these tools to manage crowds during big events. Software can spot a person falling or a fight starting before a human operator sees it. This proactive approach keeps public spaces much safer for everyone.

Technology like this is becoming common in airports and train stations. It helps staff find lost children or identify suspicious packages left in corners. The software works around the clock without getting tired or losing focus.

Long-Term Data Trends

Businesses use video data to see patterns over months or years. They can see if theft goes up during certain hours or if foot traffic changes with the seasons. This long-term view helps with planning for future growth.

Instead of just reacting to the past, managers can prepare for what comes next. Having clear data makes it easier to ask for a budget for more upgrades. Seeing the proof of success helps justify the cost of the system to owners.

Easy System Integration

Modern video tools often play well with other security software. You can link cameras to access control or fire alarms for a complete safety net. This creates a unified way to manage an entire building from one screen.

As software updates come out, the cameras get even better. You do not always need to buy new hardware to get the latest features. A simple firmware update can sometimes add entirely new detection abilities to an existing camera.

Protecting Privacy and Data

Smart systems can blur faces or license plates automatically to protect privacy. This helps businesses follow local laws while still keeping the area safe. Only authorized users can see the unblurred video if a crime occurs.

Data security is built into the latest camera models from the start. Encrypted streams and secure logins keep hackers from seeing your private video feeds. This layer of protection is just as important as the physical locks on the doors.

Future Proofing Your Security

The world of video tech changes every year. Sticking with old, “dumb” cameras leaves a business at a disadvantage. Upgrading to smart tech ensures you are ready for the challenges of 2026 and beyond.

Smart video tech is no longer just for high-security sites like banks. Small shops and large warehouses alike use these tools to protect their assets. The ability to see and understand events as they happen is the future of the industry.

As these tools get smarter, they become more accessible for every type of user. Better performance and higher security are now reachable for any organization willing to upgrade their view. Monitoring a site becomes less about watching screens and more about acting on facts.

 

Supply Wisdom Selects Dublin for European Headquarters Expansion

Supply Wisdom, a global leader in continuous risk intelligence, has announced Dublin as the location of its European headquarters, supporting the creation of up to 21 high-value jobs over the next three years.

The new European headquarters will serve as a regional base for sales, customer support, and research and development activities, supporting clients across banking, financial services, and other regulated industries. From Dublin, Supply Wisdom will continue to deliver continuous risk intelligence to organisations across Europe as they respond to evolving regulatory and operational requirements, including DORA, emerging AI-related rules, outsourcing guidelines, and broader supervisory expectations. The project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said: “The decision by Supply Wisdom to establish its European headquarters in Dublin is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s position as a leading hub for innovation, technology and global business services. The creation of high value roles across sales, customer support and R&D further strengthens our growing reputation for talent and expertise in these strategic sectors. The Government welcomes this investment, supported by IDA Ireland. I wish the team at Supply Wisdom success for the future.”

Founded in 2019, Supply Wisdom delivers always-on visibility into third-party and supply-chain risk across financial, operational, cyber, ESG, and geopolitical domains. The company works with some of the world’s largest enterprises, including Bank of Ireland, Banco Santander, and Bank of New York Mellon.

Dublin was selected for its deep talent pool, strong technology ecosystem, and access to key global markets. The roles created in Ireland will span sales, customer success, engineering, and product development. The Irish operation will play a critical role in developing Supply Wisdom’s core intellectual property while supporting customers across EMEA.

Dónal Travers, Executive Director, IDA Ireland said: “I am delighted with Supply Wisdom’s decision to establish a European Headquarters in Dublin. This highlights Ireland’s offering as a leading location for innovative scaling companies seeking a European location to support their growth. I wish Supply Wisdom every success here.”

“This expansion into Dublin marks a significant milestone in Supply Wisdom’s journey,” said Jenna Wells, CEO of Supply Wisdom. “We’re honored to partner with incredible customers across many European nations, and as demand for our platform continues to accelerate, establishing a dedicated presence in Ireland enables us to attract exceptional talent, deepen innovation, and further advance our mission to help organisations build more resilient, transparent, and responsible supply chains across the region.”

Candidates interested in joining Supply Wisdom’s Dublin team are encouraged to explore current openings in the company’s career portal, with additional roles expected to be posted over time.

Dublin Fire Brigade invests in location intelligence

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), announces that Dublin Fire Brigade has deployed a new digital mapping system designed to improve emergency response, strengthen firefighter and public safety, and enhance how critical resources are allocated across Dublin city and county.

Ireland’s largest fire and rescue service, Dublin Fire Brigade was founded over 160 years ago. It provides fire, rescue, and emergency ambulance services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to Dublin’s 1.5 million citizens. It recently established a new Organisational Intelligence Unit with a key goal to optimise the use of location-based information to effectively manage fire risks and help keep communities safe.

Built using Esri’s ArcGIS technology, the new digital mapping system brings together operational data, such as the locations of fire stations and historic fire incidents, with third-party data – including census and population health information – for the first time.

Enhanced insights support increased safety for both the public and firefighters by raising awareness of buildings in Dublin with fire safety issues – such as inadequate means of escape, building defects, or over-occupancy. Using the technology, Dublin Fire Brigade can now map this information and put effective response plans in place that take known issues into account.

What’s more, the technology is enabling Dublin Fire Brigade to carry out more targeted community fire prevention activities by focusing citizen safety campaigns on specific vulnerable groups, especially in locations that are experiencing clusters of dwelling fires. It can easily see where fire safety efforts are still needed to reach at-risk communities, as well as contextual data such as concentrations of smokers or elderly people.

In addition, Dublin Fire Brigade is using Esri’s ArcGIS technology to identify optimal locations for new fire stations as Dublin continues to expand, as well as to ensure that aerial fire appliances are strategically located to reach the tallest and highest-risk buildings.

Dublin Fire Brigade plans to make the system widely available across varying departments within the organisation to enable more strategic planning and informed decision-making.

Rob Howell, Station Officer, Organisational Intelligence Unit, Dublin Fire Brigade, said: “It has been a really successful collaboration. The consultants at Esri Ireland have a high level of expertise, both in terms of their GIS knowledge and their project management skills. This technology gives us the ability to target our fire prevention strategies – we can deliver campaigns in the right locations to reach the most vulnerable people and have the biggest impact in terms of community fire prevention. Equally, we have to consider firefighters’ health and safety as well as that of the general public and, by being better informed, we can improve our responses to incidents and keep our responders safe in fires and other emergency situations. The potential for location intelligence in the fire service is absolutely huge and has a big role to play in our future.”

Gareth McBride, Customer Success Manager, Esri Ireland, said: “Dublin Fire Brigade is continuously evolving the fire service to meet the needs of Dublin’s residents, businesses, institutions, and visitors. To support this, it is embedding geospatial data intelligence at the heart of operational and strategic decision-making. Location intelligence is helping the fire brigade in managing and reducing fire risks, addressing some of the biggest dangers in a changing cityscape. We are delighted to be working with Dublin Fire Brigade on such an important and necessary project, and excited to see its expanded capabilities as the technology is rolled out more widely.”

River Liffey rescue exercise showcases how drones can support emergency services

A pioneering research and innovation exercise in Dublin has demonstrated how automated drone docking station technology, supported by artificial intelligence, can help first responders deliver faster and more effective search-and-rescue operations in busy urban environments.

The live demonstration, part of a national Drone Innovation Partnership led by Maynooth University in collaboration with Dublin City Council, the Irish Aviation Authority, and Dublin Fire Brigade, simulated a water emergency incident on the River Liffey.

The rescue will be featured in RTÉ One’s new series of Futureville Ireland, which will be broadcast next week to mark Science Week, which begins on Sunday, 9 November.

In the demonstration, Dublin Fire Brigade personnel responded to a report of a person entering the water. An automated drone launched from a remote docking station, autonomously navigated to the scene, and streamed high-resolution data and video to incident command teams. Artificial intelligence tools supported real-time assessment, helping responders rapidly locate the casualty and understand their condition.

By providing critical situational awareness within moments of an emergency call, the drone system enhances response coordination and decision-making — helping first responders make the right decisions faster where every second counts.

Commenting on the exercise, Teresa Hudson, Station Officer, Organisational Intelligence Unit, Dublin Fire Brigade, said: “Drone dockstation technology, properly deployed and operated, will ensure our fire-fighting and rescue teams can respond more efficiently to emergency incidents where time is always critical.

The Drone Innovation Partnership project, which is led by Maynooth University, in close collaboration with Dublin City Council and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is funded through Research Ireland’s LERO Research Centre (Grant 13/RC/2094_P2).

It examines innovative drone technologies, operations, and public-sector applications, building on previous drone traffic management research at Maynooth University as well as Dublin City Council’s Smart City and Drone Strategy initiatives.

Speaking about the research, Principal Investigator Professor Tim McCarthy of Maynooth University, said: “These real-world search-and-rescue exercises allow us to understand both the capabilities and limitations of automated drone networks. This helps us scale AI-enabled emergency response in a structured, responsible, and effective way for the benefit of wider society.”

Enda Walsh, Manager of the UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Division at the IAA, said: “This exercise, leveraging both automated UAS and AI, demonstrates how the safe and pragmatic application of these technologies can have significant and positive societal impact. The Drone Innovation Partnership continues to investigate how UAS Ecosystems comprising Drone Regulatory, Technology, Operations, Services and Applications can be rolled out across cities and busy urban environments in a fair, accessible and transparent fashion.

Modirum Platforms Launches M Orbit

Built in alignment with European technology sovereignty principles, M Orbit offers a secure, fully EU-compliant alternative to non-European platforms. The system supports on-premise and sovereign cloud deployments, ensuring full data control and adherence to the highest cybersecurity standards.

Modirum Platforms today announced the launch of M Orbit, a next-generation intelligence and analytics platform designed for telecommunications, public safety, and critical communications sectors. The launch takes place at GITEX Dubai, one of the world’s most significant technology events, underscoring Modirum’s growing role as a European leader in AI-driven, mission-critical technologies.

“M Orbit represents the next evolution in intelligent communication and situational awareness,” said Tero Silvola, CEO of Modirum Group. “It brings together real-time data, AI-based pattern recognition, and deep analytics to help authorities and network operators act faster, protect better, and make decisions with confidence.”

Built in alignment with European technology sovereignty principles, M Orbit offers a secure, fully EU-compliant alternative to non-European platforms. The system supports on-premise and sovereign cloud deployments, ensuring full data control and adherence to the highest cybersecurity standards.

One of M Orbit’s first use cases has been in drone detection and GPS jamming analysis. The platform’s AI engine identifies anomalies in positioning and communication data, builds real-time situational awareness, and provides clear, data-backed recommendations for authorities — from detection to protection. This capability gives governments and public safety organizations a proactive toolset to counter emerging aerial and electronic threats.

“M Orbit allows our customers to choose the operating environment from on-prem, hybrid or sovereign cloud ensuring the best possible match with their security policies and scalability requirements,” Silvola added.

M Orbit is now being introduced to selected critical infrastructure clients, with pilot programs launching in early 2026.

Learn more: https://modirumplatforms.com/m-orbit

Shokz OpenDots ONE Review

Shokz, the pioneer of open-ear audio innovation latest offering is the OpenDots ONE and we have been testing these out the last while and while this is a earbud style that is catching on now with many manufacturers these are one of the best in class yet for bone conduction.
The most notable feature of the OpenDots ONE is their unique design. Instead of a traditional ear-hook or in-ear fit, they use a “JointArc” clip-on mechanism made of a flexible nickel-titanium alloy with soft silicone padding. At just 6.5 grams per earbud, they are exceptionally lightweight and designed to provide a secure fit when running or training in the gym.

Open-ear earbuds can compromise on sound quality due to the design and shape and not fitting quite like tradional earbuds. However, the OpenDots ONE aim to defy this expectation with their Bassphere technology which uses dual 11.8mm drivers to deliver an almost in-ear earbud experience.  This, combined with Dolby Audio support, results in a surprisingly full and bass-rich sound for their class. These also have Dynamic Ear Detection on deck which means like many of these they can differentiate between left and right automatically. 

In a quiet environment, the audio is clear and balanced. Voices and music are well-defined, and the Bassphere technology provides a much-needed low-end presence that is often lacking in open-ear designs. You will not get the full in-ear or headphone experience but these are close and with the app you have control over the sound stage you want they are loud and there is notable differences between the EQs here unlike other offerings out there with a similar design you will be impressed there is some leakeage when they are maxed out on volume 

The OpenDots ONE boast impressive battery life. You can expect up to 10 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge, with the compact wireless charging case providing an additional 30 hours for a total of 40 hours. A quick 10-minute charge gives you two hours of listening time. The case supports both USB-C and Qi wireless charging, adding a layer of convenience this will be different for every user with how they have theirs set up but the battery life claimed as most do is claim is almost accurate.

The Shokz OpenDots ONE are a great addition into the clip-on open-ear market. They offer excellent comfort and a secure fit, making them a fantastic choice for those who dislike traditional earbuds or prioritize situational awareness which with the dark nights now closing in is a not a bad idea for people that walk or jog etc and those who want to try the new design who have not done so yet this is around the 20th pair of this type of clip-on for me to review now and they come with Find My Earbuds on board which is great if lost or isplaced at home of the office and whilst not a fan when they came out I am now.

While no open-ear headphone can completely match the sound isolation of an in-ear model or headphones the OpenDots ONE deliver a  good audio experience with impressive bass for their design and give you a near tpyical in- ear experience. 

The touch controls can be a bit tricky as there is two areas but you will over time get the thumb memory in action, and with their app you have more control, these are more expensive that others we have tried but as mentioned one of the best so far this year, check out the video below for more..

SHOKZ App
Key Highlights:
  • Effortless Clip-On Style
    Designed with a sleek nickel-titanium “JointArc™” frame wrapped in soft, skin-friendly silicone, OpenDots ONE gently clips onto the outer ear—offering a secure fit that complements glasses, hats, or jewellery.
  • Interchangeable and Intuitive
    No more fumbling with left and right earbuds. OpenDots ONE features Dynamic Ear Detection that automatically senses which ear it’s in, so you can wear and store them interchangeably—no worrying about sides.
  • Surprisingly Mighty Sound, Pocket-Sized Design
    Shokz’s proprietary Bassphere™ dual-speaker module packs the punch of a 16 mm driver into a compact sphere—delivering rich, immersive audio enhanced further by Dolby Audio and DirectPitch™ technology to minimize sound leakage.
  • All-Day Wear, All-Day Battery
    Each earbud delivers up to 10 hours of playtime, with the compact charging case extending that to a remarkable 40 hours. A quick 10-minute charge gives an additional 2 hours—plus, the case supports convenient wireless charging.
  • Stay Aware, Stay Comfortable
    Open-ear design keeps you alert to ambient sounds—ideal for commuting, exercising, or multitasking. The ergonomic JointArc™ and featherlight build (around 6.5 g per earbud) ensure all-day comfort without ear-canal pressure.
  • Adaptive Intelligence at Your Fingertips
    Customize your sound with four EQ presets—or build your own—in the Shokz App. Activate Dolby Audio for an immersive output, set up multipoint pairing, tailor touch gestures, access “Find My Earbuds”, monitor battery levels, and stay updated with firmware enhancements.
  • Rugged and Ready
    Built for life, OpenDots ONE boasts an IP54 rating for protection against sweat and splashes, making them a dependable choice for active lifestyles.
Availability & Pricing
OpenDots ONE is now available from Harvey Norman Ireland, DID Electrical and other independent retailers
RRP 199.99 EURO

Geotab’s New AI Dash Cam Slashes Risky Driving Behaviours by Up to 95% with In Cab Verbal Alerts

Geotab, a global leader in connected vehicle solutions and asset management, today announced the launch of the GO Focus Plus AI dash cam and its new video intelligence platform. The dual-facing dash cam, which will be available to Geotab’s Irish customers, is designed to address a critical industry need by delivering proactive, in-cab support that helps drivers self-correct risky habits.
In a recent large pilot, the voice coaching functionality helped reduce tailgating by 90% and phone use by 95%. The new solution empowers fleets to improve driver safety by delivering instant, highly accurate voice feedback to drivers, while also providing fleet managers with a new coaching workflow to help deliver targeted and effective training. This system turns every alert into a coaching opportunity, aiming to prevent accidents and create a measurable impact on fleet safety culture.
The transportation industry is at a crucial juncture. In Ireland between 2019 and 2023, HGVs were involved in 11% of all fatal collisions on Irish roads. A recent Geotab survey noted that drivers believe there is an increase in driving accidents, with 66% of Irish drivers having considered leaving the profession in the year prior. Commercial drivers face long hours, unpredictable conditions, stress and wellness challenges, and even unfair blame in incidents. At the same time, fleet managers are dealing with rising costs, the vital need to keep their workforce safe, and the need to protect the company’s reputation. These challenges have a profound human and financial impact, directly affecting driver well-being, business vitality, and the safety of our shared roads.
“We believe the safest fleet is a well-supported fleet,” said Charlie Elliott, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Marketplace at Geotab. “Our new video intelligence platform and the GO Focus Plus AI dash cam are a direct investment in supporting the driver and their safety. By uniting the power of video with Geotab data intelligence, we are providing drivers with an in-cab partner that helps them correct risks instantly. This system empowers fleet managers to move beyond reactive incident review and instead foster a culture of safety that protects their most valuable asset, which is their people.”
Key Features of the GO Focus Plus
  • Proactive Driver Coaching: The AI dash cam provides instant, in-cab voice prompts to drivers when risky behaviors like distracted driving (e.g., phone use, fatigue) or tailgating, are detected, helping them correct habits.
  • Targeted Fleet Management: AI-driven video intelligence surfaces the most urgent risks and repeat patterns for quick review, eliminating the need for fleet managers to sort through extensive footage. Each alert includes video and contextual data, enabling targeted and effective coaching.
  • Seamless Workflow and Safety Culture: The MyGeotab platform allows for a seamless workflow, including the assignment, tracking, and recognition of progress, reinforcing a strong culture of safety within the fleet.
Utilizing AI for precision the Geotab GO Focus Plus minimizes false alerts and streamlines the coaching process for fleet managers
Improve Fleet Safety with Geotab’s Evolving AI Video Intelligence Platform
Geotab’s video intelligence platform is built to continuously evolve. Its advanced AI models refine detection and coaching automatically with every update, ensuring fleets always have the smartest, sharpest tools to stay ahead of risk without extra administrative work. The platform’s open architecture is designed to support a growing family of advanced cameras, with new models and capabilities planned in the coming months.
The new video intelligence platform, with the GO Focus Plus AI dash cam, represents a significant step forward in Geotab’s commitment to fleet safety, uniting driving data and video, to deliver a complete picture of risk and a path for improvement. It marks the next chapter for Geotab, dedicated to helping fleets create safer roads and a stronger, more supportive operation.
Learn more about the GO Focus Plus and Geotab’s new Video Intelligence Platform on their website.