Tag: #ireland

Ireland’s First Cybersecurity Apprenticeship for Local Government Launched

Local authorities are boosting their cyber-security systems with the official launch of Ireland’s first tailored IT apprenticeship programme for county and city councils.

Ten local authorities across Ireland have joined the initiative, which aims to equip staff with the skills and expertise to protect local government networks and data from cyber-attacks.

The Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Programme, which allows employees to train while they work, was officially launched by Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin and Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins in Dundalk, Co Louth. Representatives from the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which has collaborated with FIT (Fastrack into Information Technology) to deliver the programme, also attended the launch.

The scheme features a 70:30 split between workplace learning and off-the-job training. This means the participants are applying the most up-to-date theoretical knowledge to IT practice in local authorities.

When completed, the programme will equip participants with the skills and knowledge to work in cybersecurity roles within the local government sector, and they will receive an Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity (NFQ Level 6).

The first cohort of 14 participants began in June, serving their apprenticeships in 10 local authorities and the LGMA.

Minister Harkin said the programme opens doors for new talent but also empowers local government’s existing workforce.

“This apprenticeship is a powerful example of how targeted education and training can support the evolving needs of our public sector,” she said.

“By investing in both new talent and upskilling existing staff, we are not only strengthening cyber resilience within local government, but also building a future-ready workforce equipped to meet the challenges of a digital society. In addition, this programme supports a number of Government priorities, including growing the number of apprentices within the Public Service.

Minister Cummins added: “The Government is committed to expanding apprenticeship and traineeship numbers on a sectoral basis alongside established primary recruitment processes. Today marks an important step in building cyber resilience within local government.

“As global vulnerabilities continue to rise in threatening the security of our IT systems, this pioneering programme showcases the dedication of public servants in safeguarding our communities through stronger cyber resilience. This programme demonstrates the commitment of the local government sector to achieve the targets set out in the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan to provide programmes that offer a route to qualifications and careers in a range of diverse areas and to establish the sector as an employer of choice by attracting, retaining and developing its staff.”

Training takes place online and in person in the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence in Dundalk, where the launch took place.

This initiative supports key goals outlined in the Local Government Digital and ICT Strategy 2030 and the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025, contributing to the development of a skilled digital workforce in the local government sector.

The training programme is being delivered by FIT. CEO Peter Davitt said: “We are proud to launch Ireland’s first workforce development apprenticeship for local government.

“By embracing tech apprenticeships, this model proactively addresses the challenge of skills obsolescence in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, ensuring that public sector digital services remain robust, secure, and future-ready for the benefit of communities nationwide.”

Chief Executive Officer of the LGMA, Pauline Mulligan added: “Upskilling current local authority employees is central to our digital transformation strategy, ensuring that they are equipped with the expertise needed to safeguard public services in an increasingly complex cyber landscape.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to inclusive growth, innovation, and excellence in public service.”

Director of LMETB’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE), Gerard Smith said: “This programme is just one of a wide range of training initiatives AMTCE provides to companies and employees in the cybersecurity space. From foundational awareness to advanced threat detection, our goal is to equip the workforce with the practical skills needed to protect critical infrastructure. Our state-of-the-art Training Security Operations Centre (SOC) enables us to simulate real-world cyber scenarios, ensuring learners are prepared for the threats they’ll face on the ground.”

Click to access the Local Government Digital and ICT Strategy 2030 and the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025

Saros announces 50 jobs €8M investment in global expansion

Saros Consulting, a global leader in IT consulting and strategic project management, today announces global expansion plans, which include the creation of 50 new jobs and a €8M investment. In addition to the new jobs, the investment covers a new HQ in Dublin and the establishment of a global delivery hub in Cape Town, South Africa.

Headquartered and founded in Dublin, Saros provides IT consulting services covering areas including digital transformation, cybersecurity and mergers and acquisitions. The company currently has a presence in the UK, Switzerland and the US.

Over a two-year period, the next wave of Saros’s expansion will see the company strengthen its presence in existing markets, while entering South Africa – supported by Enterprise Ireland – as a new market. The jobs – split across all of Saros’s key markets – and investment will accelerate the company’s growth in its core sectors of life sciences, financial services and retail, while enabling it to scale its global resourcing business.

As part of the investment, Saros has opened a new HQ in Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin, which is designed with collaboration spaces and break-out rooms to support the company’s expanding workforce. The Cape Town team will support Saros’s growth across Europe and Africa, providing fully remote solutions to businesses across both continents.

The new roles will be in the areas of project management, IT consulting and business development, supporting Saros’s mission to provide high-quality, scalable resourcing solutions to multinational clients.

Ray Armstrong, co-founder and CEO, Saros Consulting, said: “Today’s announcement marks a major milestone in our journey to becoming a truly global player. With this investment, we are not only creating new jobs in Ireland and South Africa, but also strengthening our ability to deliver flexible, remote-first services to enterprises across multiple regions. The investment represents our confidence in the future of distributed work and our commitment to building a truly borderless consulting practice.”

 Justin van der Spuy, co-founder and CEO, Saros Consulting, said: “South Africa offers a strong talent pool and a strategic gateway to global markets. The quality of technical talent emerging from South African universities, coupled with the country’s mature IT services sector, make it an ideal location for our first African hub.”

What’s Next for Game Monetisation in Ireland?

Ireland’s gaming scene has grown into something far bigger than casual entertainment. It is now a fast-moving mix of creativity, technology, and finance, and it is still expanding. From indie studios in Galway to global publishers with Dublin offices, the country’s footprint in the industry keeps getting stronger. But with growth comes a new challenge: how do you make money from games in ways that keep players engaged and coming back? The future of monetisation here is not just about revenue; it is about building systems that feel seamless, smart, and worth investing in.

From One-Off Purchases to Ongoing Revenue

The way games make money has completely changed in the past decade. Buying a title once and playing it for years has given way to microtransactions, subscription models, and in-game purchases that keep evolving with the game itself.

Ireland has followed the global shift to digital platforms and seamless payments, but with a stronger emphasis on trust and transparency. As iGaming continues to evolve, titles that could be found on exclusive Inclave casinos by pokerscout.com show how integrated gameplay, community features, and built-in payment options can create engaging, repeatable experiences across thousands of games where players can also enjoy exciting bonuses. The same as major releases like Fortnite, where in-game economies, events, and microtransactions are now central to how players interact with the game itself. These examples show how the future of monetisation will revolve around ecosystems that blend play, connection, and payment into something players want to keep returning to.

Clearer Rules, More Confidence

Game-related monetisation in Ireland is entering a new phase, with clearer boundaries emerging around areas like loot boxes, virtual currencies, and skill-based competitions, all while leaving room for creativity and new ideas. This shift is creating a more stable environment for studios to test different models without second-guessing how they will land. 

For players, it means more consistent, transparent experiences and greater confidence in how games are structured and paid for. That balance between innovation and clarity will be what pushes Ireland forward as one of Europe’s most dynamic gaming markets, building an industry where fresh ideas can thrive and audiences feel valued.

New Monetisation Models Taking Shape

Subscription-based access is on the rise, with services like Game Pass and PlayStation Plus proving that players value choice and flexibility. Blockchain and digital wallets are also opening up new ways to manage in-game assets, and while NFTs themselves have cooled off, the technology behind them still holds a lot of potential.

Skill-based competitions and real-money tournaments are growing too, especially among Ireland’s tech-savvy audiences. In every case, trust and usability are what drive spending, and platforms like Inclave are already showing how that combination works in practice.

Where Gaming and Fintech Meet

Ireland’s strength as a tech and fintech hub gives it a serious edge. The same systems that are driving modern finance are fuelling the next generation of gaming. Start-ups in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick are already exploring hybrid models that blend interactive entertainment with financial technology, backed by Enterprise Ireland and EU funding. 

These projects are looking beyond traditional payment methods, exploring integrated wallets, real-time rewards, and shared-value systems that make spending feel like part of the experience rather than a barrier to it. It’s easy to imagine Ireland becoming a testing ground for new ways to pay for games, approaches that focus less on one-off purchases and more on rewarding loyalty, building communities, and keeping engagement high.

Evolving Player Expectations

Irish players are increasingly mobile-first, switching between phones, tablets, and cloud platforms rather than relying solely on consoles or PCs. That shift demands monetisation models designed for flexibility and smaller, more frequent interactions rather than big upfront costs. It also changes how games are designed in the first place, shorter sessions, seamless cross-device play, and features that work just as well on the move as they do at home are becoming essential. Payment systems are evolving too, with integrated wallets, instant purchases, and subscription-style access built to match how people now play. The focus is shifting from single, high-value sales to ongoing engagement that fits naturally into daily life.

There is a growing expectation for clarity and simplicity; players want transparent pricing, clear communication about what they are paying for, and rewards that feel meaningful. They are looking to be part of a game’s evolution, not just passive buyers. Data analytics, personalisation, and loyalty systems will all shape how Irish studios build deeper connections with their audiences.

Looking Ahead

The future of game monetisation in Ireland depends on the right mix of creativity, technology, and clear frameworks. Developers are pushing for the freedom to experiment, players are looking for platforms they can rely on, and the industry is steadily moving towards revenue models that feel smarter and more seamless.

With secure systems like those seen in the Inclave network already leading the way, Ireland is well-positioned to shape the next phase of gaming. Whether through subscriptions, skill-based play, or blockchain-powered systems, the Irish market is set to redefine how games are valued not just in euros, but in how much players want to be part of them.

Workday To Invest €175M in Dublin AI Centre of Excellence, Adding 200 Jobs

Workday, Inc. the enterprise AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, today announced a three year €175 million investment and 200 specialised roles to establish its AI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Dublin.

The investment, supported by IDA Ireland, expands the role of Workday’s EMEA headquarters in the company’s product research and development globally.   Since 2008, Workday’s Dublin-based teams have driven impactful R&D, including AI-driven solutions like Workday Learning and Workday Assistant.

The AI Centre of Excellence will focus on four key areas:

 

  • Product Development: Over 200 roles will be added in Dublin, helping to ensure  regional AI, cybersecurity, engineering and research expertise is reflected in Workday Illuminate, the company’s AI platform. Workday currently employs 2,200 people here, of which approximately 80% work in product research and development.

 

  • AI Upskilling: Workday has partnered with Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet to upskill 300 current employees through its AI Business Academy. In addition, through partnership with TU Dublin, over 285 employees have already graduated with certifications in AI relevant themes including Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Leadership and Team Enablement and Creating Successful Products.

 

  • AI Academic Fellowships & Partnerships: Workday’s Industry Fellowships, in collaboration with universities such as Trinity College Dublin and Dublin City University (DCU) and Research Ireland will directly embed post-doctoral researchers within R&D teams in the company. This allows top-tier academic talent to apply their expertise to real-world AI and machine learning challenges.

 

  • Partnership With Irish Tech Scale-Ups: Through the Workday Innovation Network – created with Enterprise Ireland – the organisation will collaborate with Irish AI start-ups, SMEs and industry leaders such as Wrksense and Workhuman to drive innovation.

Welcoming the investment, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke T.D. said: “Since Workday acquired Irish tech innovator Cape Clear in 2008, it has evolved into a research and development powerhouse, based on a blend of talented people, technology and innovation which Ireland can uniquely provide. Workday’s decision to expand its AI footprint in Dublin is a testament to Ireland’s reputation as a global leader in technology and innovation. We are very pleased to support this investment and partner with Workday to maximise its new AI Centre of Excellence.”

“Dublin has been a cornerstone of Workday’s innovation for close to two decades,” said Graham Abell, Vice President, Software Engineering & Ireland Site Lead, Workday. “This latest investment will power our next chapter—pioneering the next generation of ERP, built for the AI era.”

“Workday’s decision to expand its AI footprint in Dublin is a testament to Ireland’s reputation as a global leader in technology and innovation. This investment of €175 million and 200 jobs over the next 3 years will further strengthen Ireland’s position at the forefront of AI research and development. I would like to wish Workday every success for this AI Centre of Excellence and I look forward to our continued partnership,’’ said Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland.

To support its continued growth in Europe, Workday will open a new, state-of-the-art EMEA headquarters at College Square, Dublin 2. The headquarters will include a new Customer Experience Centre (CXC) – an immersive space for European customers to collaborate alongside Workday product experts and senior leaders. Current career opportunities can be viewed at Workday’s online careers centre here.

How Online Conveyancing Platforms Are Transforming Property Transactions in Ireland and England

For decades, property transactions have been bogged down by paperwork, snail-paced communication, and legal jargon. But today, technology is reshaping how people buy and sell homes, both in England and increasingly in Ireland too.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or a solicitor guiding clients through the process, the rise of online conveyancing platforms is impossible to ignore. If you’re in England’s capital, consider using conveyancing solicitors London for expert legal guidance. This, alongside digital convenience, makes transactions smoother, faster, and more transparent.

Here’s how that shift is playing out — and what it means for buyers, sellers and the industry at large. 

What Is Online Conveyancing?

Online conveyancing platforms allow buyers and sellers to complete much of the property transfer process digitally. This includes:

  • Instructing a solicitor
  • Completing ID checks
  • Uploading documents securely
  • Signing contracts electronically
  • Tracking case progress in real time

Rather than printing, scanning, and posting documents, clients and solicitors can manage everything via a secure dashboard. Some systems even allow live updates, messaging, and 24/7 access.

Why It’s Gaining Popularity

Online conveyancing isn’t a gimmick — it’s a response to real pain points:

  • Delays: Traditional conveyancing often suffers from poor communication and admin bottlenecks
  • Transparency: Clients want to know what’s happening, without chasing solicitors
  • Efficiency: Digital tools reduce time wasted on manual tasks
  • Accessibility: Clients can work with solicitors from anywhere — not just their postcode

LexisNexis highlights how tech is helping legal services evolve — and property law is leading the charge.

England vs Ireland: Similar Goals, Different Speeds

Both England and Ireland are embracing digital conveyancing — but they’re doing so at slightly different paces.

  • In England, many firms now offer fully digital onboarding, online ID checks and e-signatures.
  • In Ireland, progress is being made, especially post-COVID, but paper-heavy traditions still dominate.

However, both jurisdictions are pushing toward the same goal: faster, more transparent, client-friendly transactions.

The Irish Law Society has begun exploring reforms to align more closely with tech-forward practices.

The Client Benefits

From the client’s perspective, digital conveyancing platforms offer:

  • Speed: Transactions can be completed faster with fewer delays
  • Clarity: A clear timeline and progress updates reduce stress
  • Convenience: No need to take time off work or send documents by post

Clients can log in from their phone to check what stage they’re at — from initial enquiries to contract exchange.

For Solicitors: More Focus, Less Admin

For conveyancing solicitors, digital tools can improve workflow significantly:

  • Less time chasing paperwork means more time advising clients
  • Automated reminders and status updates keep everything moving
  • Secure document sharing reduces risk and improves compliance

It’s not about replacing human solicitors — it’s about freeing them up to focus on what clients really value: clear advice, problem-solving and peace of mind.

Challenges Still Remain

Despite the benefits, online conveyancing isn’t without hurdles:

  • Cybersecurity: Property transactions are a common target for fraud
  • Digital literacy: Not all clients are comfortable with online systems
  • Integration: Some firms still juggle digital platforms with paper-based processes

That’s why trusted legal oversight is still crucial. Online doesn’t mean impersonal — it means accessible and streamlined. 

What the Future Holds

As more property buyers (especially younger ones) demand tech-savvy solutions, firms that adapt will have a clear edge. And as Ireland follows the lead of England’s digital progress, cross-border deals will get simpler too.

Buyers in London might one day seamlessly purchase holiday properties in Cork or Galway — all from their living room.

Government initiatives like the UK’s Digital Property Market Strategy are paving the way for national reforms that encourage broader adoption.

Making the Digital Leap

If you’re buying or selling property soon, consider a solicitor who offers online case management tools. It doesn’t mean sacrificing service — it often means improving it.

Look for firms that:

  • Combine digital tools with real legal support
  • Prioritise secure, encrypted communication
  • Offer transparent pricing and real-time updates

The shift to online conveyancing is here to stay. And when used well, it puts power — and peace of mind — back in your hands.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalised guidance on property transactions in England or Ireland, please speak to a qualified conveyancing solicitor.

RED BULL IS LOOKING FOR IRELAND’S BEST TETRIS PLAYER

Red Bull is looking for Ireland’s best Tetris player to compete at the Red Bull Tetris World Finals in Dubai! Live in Ireland from today, Red Bull Tetris® invites students and gamers of all levels to test their skills in the world’s most versatile Tetris tournament.

First launched in 1984, Tetris® is one of the most iconic video games of all time. From its early days on PC to becoming a cultural phenomenon on the Nintendo Game Boy in the 90s, the simple but addictive puzzle game has soundtracked student dorms, bedrooms, and arcades for decades.

Now, in 2025, Red Bull Tetris® takes the beloved classic into the future – a cross-platform tournament that blends the nostalgia of old-school gameplay with modern competition. For the first time, players will compete across multiple platforms, testing their skills in a dynamic, multi-device environment, with the single-player Qualifier Phase now live in Ireland.

Players eager to prove themselves can start competing today at www.redbulltetris.com.

The single-player, mobile qualifier phase is open to participants of all levels aged 18 and over, from casual players to seasoned competitors. With campus qualifiers taking place in colleges across Ireland, competition is heating up for a place on the national leaderboard.

Those with the highest scores will be invited to the Red Bull Tetris® Irish National Final on Thursday, November 6th. The event will take place at Zero Latency, Dublin’s cutting-edge free-roam VR venue, where the best players from across the country will play 1v1 on desktop for the title of Ireland’s top Tetris player.

The stakes? The Irish National Champion will secure their place in the Red Bull Tetris® World Finals in Dubai, taking place from December 11th – 13th. This once-in-a-lifetime event will be hosted at the iconic Dubai Frame, where the final match will unfold in the night sky – a world-first live playable game of Tetris powered by over 2,000 drones.

Speaking as the global partnership was announced, Maya Rogers, the President and CEO of The Tetris Company, said: “Our partnership with Red Bull celebrates what Tetris has stood for since the beginning: simple, joyful gameplay that connects people across the world.” 

“For over 40 years, Tetris has remained a beloved game through its ability to adapt and inspire. Red Bull Tetris is the next chapter, bringing a bold, unexpected twist to the tournament scene and offering fans a spectacular new way to engage with the brand.”

The search for Ireland’s best Tetris player has started – build your path to Dubai today at www.redbulltetris.com. For updates, qualifier announcements, and more, follow @RedBullIre on Instagram and TikTok.

Eirmersive Launches PRISM Immersive Technology Summit

Eirmersive, a leading voice in Ireland for the immersive technology sector, has announced that PRISM Immersive Technology Summit, will take place on Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).

This groundbreaking all-island event will bring together up to 150 innovators, business leaders, and researchers to explore how the convergence of Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Twins is delivering competitive advantage across Construction, Manufacturing, Health Tech, Energy, and other critical sectors.

Driven by Eirmersive’s commitment to collaboration and inclusivity, the PRISM Summit is designed to innovate while cultivating partnerships that deliver real-world impact. The programme will feature keynote presentations, live demonstrations, panel discussions, and strategic networking opportunities. 

Camille Donegan, CEO of Eirmersive, said:

“Immersive technologies offer transformative potential for industry, but adoption requires trusted guidance, community, and clarity around real-world use cases. That’s exactly what PRISM delivers. If you’re an innovator or researcher looking to explore how XR, AI, and digital twins can create real value, this summit is for you.”

Aidan Browne, Head of Innovation & Business Development at Dundalk Institute of Technology, added:

“Dundalk Institute of Technology is delighted to partner with Eirmersive to host PRISM, connecting industry leaders, researchers, and forward-thinking innovators. Through this collaboration, we are excited to showcase cutting-edge solutions to our students and the wider business community, demonstrating how immersive technology can address real industry challenges, unlock skilled talent, and drive greater efficiency.”

Attendees will experience a full day of programming built around ROI-driven case studies and high-impact demonstrations. The programme includes keynote presentations from thought leaders and pioneers at the forefront of immersive technology, alongside interactive demonstration booths offering hands-on access to cutting-edge tools and solutions from Eirmersive members. Delegates will participate in sector-specific deep dives addressing challenges and opportunities in key industries, whilst engaging in strategic networking with SME leaders, enterprise innovators, technology developers, researchers, educators, policy leaders, and innovation support agencies.

Confirmed speakers include Brian Cooney, CEO of KUKA Robotics Ireland, who will present on “How digital twin, XR and AI shorten lead-time, ensure safety and reduce the cost of automation for manufacturing,” and Timmy Ghiurău Innovation Leader at Volvo Cars. 

The summit has already received robust support across Ireland and Northern Ireland, with partners  including Dundalk Institute of Technology, Queen’s University Belfast, Digital Catapult, InterTradeIreland, Louth County Council and its Local Enterprise Office, Oriel Hub, Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, and Creative Ireland.

Registration: Available on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/prism-clarity-in-the-age-of-convergence-tickets-1533671686299

Skillnet Ireland to invest €80m in workforce development for businesses in 2026

Skillnet Ireland, the national workforce development agency, will receive a total of €54.2million in Budget 2026 to deliver skills supports to businesses throughout Ireland. Skillnet Ireland’s exchequer funding will be further bolstered by up to €26 million in private sector matched funding, amounting to a total investment of up to €80 million for workforce development within enterprise in 2026.
Speaking after the Budget announcement Skillnet Ireland Chairperson, Brendan McGinty said:
“This is an important investment in workforce development by Government as part of its support for Ireland’s businesses. Skillnet Ireland, which is industry led, continues to face growing and unprecedented demand for support by Irish enterprises in addressing their workforce development challenges and we continue to work closely with them to support them in that effort.
 
These strategic challenges continue to grow in the face of skills priorities, digital adoption, artificial intelligence, the green economy and the pressing need to boost productivity and innovation across all sectors. By working closely with enterprise, particularly SMEs, we will tailor and prioritise available funding supports to deliver impactful upskilling solutions that build resilience, innovation, and competitiveness, for businesses across the economy.”
Businesses of all sizes can avail of upskilling programmes and business supports through 70 Skillnet Business Networks and Skillnet National Initiatives. Skillnet Ireland will continue its strategic commitment to meet the talent and workforce development requirements of an increasingly digital future, foster the growth of a low-carbon and sustainable economy and to enhance the competitiveness of Irish businesses.
 
Mark Jordan, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, said: “The world of work continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and the ability of businesses to adapt depends on the skills of their people. As a knowledge-based economy nurturing our highly skilled workforce is central to our national competitiveness. Skillnet Ireland will continue our work with our partners across government, enterprise, and within the education sector, to address critical skills gaps, and enable employers fully capitalise on the opportunities presented by technological innovation, digitalisation and the green transition.”
To learn more about Skillnet Ireland visit www.skillnetireland.ie        
Skillnet Business Network search tool: https://www.skillnetireland.ie/our-networks/

Google Search: Introducing AI Mode in Ireland

Today, Google is rolling out AI Mode, Google’s most powerful AI search experience, in Ireland. AI Mode has more advanced reasoning and multimodality, and the ability to go deeper through follow-up questions and helpful links to the web. Whether someone is looking for products, planning a trip, or exploring a new topic, AI Mode is designed to understand what they’re really asking for and help them to find it. From today AI mode will appear as a tab on the Search results page and in the Google app for Android and iOS.

AI Mode is a new, intuitive way to address the most complex, multi-part questions and follow-ups on Search, and satisfy people’s curiosity in a richer way. Using a custom version of Google’s advanced Gemini models for Search, it lets people ask nuanced questions that would have previously required multiple searches. It is particularly helpful for exploratory questions and for more complicated tasks like planning a trip or understanding complex how-tos. It’s even designed to be truly multimodal, so questions can be asked in whatever way feels most natural — whether that’s with text, voice or even camera.   Google has found that early users of AI Mode are asking questions that are two or three times the length of traditional search queries.

As autumn arrives and people begin to turn to warmer clothes, Google Search Trends data shows that ‘How to style a big cardigan’ is the most searched ‘How to style’ question in Ireland in the last 30 days. For those looking for styling help, AI mode can act as a personal stylist and help with styling ideas including showing different outfits that incorporate a large cardigan. Coffee lovers can ask questions like, ‘I’m looking to understand different coffee brewing methods. Make a table comparing the differences in taste, ease of use and equipment needed.’ And even follow up with: ‘what’s the best grind size for each method’.

As Google continues to evolve the Search experience with AI capabilities, the focus remains on helping people access information and perspectives from a diverse range of sources. For example, with AI Overviews, people have been visiting a greater diversity of websites for help with more complex questions. And when people click from search result pages with AI Overviews, these clicks are higher quality for websites — meaning users are more likely to spend more time on the sites they visit.

AI Mode is rooted in Google’s core quality and ranking systems, and novel approaches are being used to improve factuality. Google aims to show an AI-powered response as much as possible, but in cases where there isn’t high confidence, users will see a set of web search results. As with any early-stage AI product, it won’t always be right, but Google is committed to continuous improvement.

Try AI Mode in Ireland now here. 

See our Google Reviews