Tag: #ireland

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

LinkedIn Data Shows 1 in 10 Jobs Allow Staff To Work From Home

Ireland continues to lead the way for flexible working according to new LinkedIn data published today, which saw the country ranked first for the availability of remote roles, with 9.1% of job postings on the platform in August. Ireland also ranked second in Europe for hybrid jobs, with 37% of jobs postings on LinkedIn categorised as hybrid working, closely behind the United Kingdom (39.3% share of all job postings.) Remote roles also remain some of the most competitive jobs on LinkedIn, making up 15.4% of job applications in EMEA, with Ireland seeing even greater level of demand at 20.1%.
Women faced with a ‘double edged sword’ as a result of flexible work
While flexible working has brought about many benefits for professionals in terms of work life balance, a new research paper published by LinkedIn has revealed that it also presents a double edged sword for women. LinkedIn international data shows that men consistently advance faster than women, with 10% of men promoted within 65 months, compared to 74 months for women.
The research revealed that this gap varies depending on flexible working, with on-site roles offering the fastest route for a promotion. Flexible arrangements reduce this gap, but only because progression slows for both men and women. On site roles saw 10% of men promoted within 64 months, with 10% of women achieving this within 68 months. Hybrid roles, however, saw delayed promotional opportunities, with men and women being promoted within 70 months and 72 months respectively. So while flexible work roles lead to greater parity between genders, staff based on site are promoted faster at the expense of slower progression for women.
Demand for AI talent continues to soar
LinkedIn’s data continues to highlight soaring demand for AI talent. AI engineering roles now represent nearly 7% of all technical job postings on LinkedIn – a 63% year-over-year increase. Demand is not limited to technical roles – knowing how to work with AI agents is the fastest-growing skill in 2025, and AI literacy capabilities such as prompt engineering have surged more than 70% in postings across fields like marketing and design.
Commenting on the latest data, LinkedIn Ireland Country Manager Cara O’Leary said: “Our data has consistently shown that Ireland continues to lead the way for remote and hybrid work opportunities, demonstrating how flexibility has become firmly established as a defining feature of our jobs market. Professionals are clearly embracing the benefits of choice in how and where they work, with Ireland seeing even stronger demand for remote roles than our European peers. This shows just how fundamental flexible working has become to attracting and retaining top talent, as employers continue to adapt to shifting expectations.”
“At the same time, our research highlights that flexible working is not without its challenges – particularly for women, who continue to face slower progression in the workplace. While hybrid arrangements help to narrow the gender promotion gap, they do so largely by slowing advancement for everyone. These findings underline the importance of companies being intentional about how they support career development in flexible environments, while also preparing for the next wave of change as AI reshapes roles and skills across industries.”

Ookla: Ireland H1 2025 Connectivity Report

When Ookla was founded in 2006, high-speed home internet was just becoming available in many locations, and consumers needed a reliable way to test their network speed. Speedtest®, the company’s flagship product, is the most accurate tool for measuring a network’s capabilities. Today, modern connected experiences require reliable, consistently high performance across many additional metrics beyond download speed, including low latency for gaming, high-quality video streaming, good upload speeds for teleconferencing, and fast page load times while browsing on a mobile device.

In this evolving connectivity landscape, Ookla remains fiercely committed to measuring worldwide internet performance — as well as availability, quality of service (QoS), and quality of experience (QoE) of fixed broadband and mobile networks. For over 17 years, Ookla has been perfecting the way we test connectivity services and transparently reporting on their performance. By capturing real-world metrics and delivering insights back to network operators and policymakers, Ookla serves as the bridge between consumers and the telecommunications industry.

Every day, millions of people press the “Go” button on Speedtest to better understand the performance and quality of their internet connections. This consumer-initiated testing reflects how people actually experience the internet, when and where it actually matters to them. Because Ookla has the world’s largest network of testing servers located across every country and major population center, Speedtest does not introduce any extra travel time as the data passes between the device and server — which provides the most accurate measure of real-world network speed.

In addition to consumer-initiated testing, Ookla collects billions of mobile network samples daily, which measure radio signal levels, network coverage and availability, and QoE metrics for a number of connected experiences, such as streaming video, video conferencing, gaming, web browsing, and CDN and cloud provider performance.

Data Collection Period: January – June 2025

Three led the mobile market across key performance metrics

Three was the fastest mobile provider in Ireland for all technologies combined and for 5G during 1H 2025. Across all technologies combined, Three recorded a median download speed of 70.36 Mbps, while on 5G it recorded 129.84 Mbps.

Three and Eir Fibre offered the best gaming experiences

Three offered the best 5G gaming experience in Ireland during 1H 2025, while Eir Fibre recorded the best gaming experience among ISPs.

Virgin Media the fastest fixed ISP in Ireland

Virgin Media was the fastest ISP in Ireland during 1H 2025 with a median download speed of 269.47 Mbps, and a median upload speed of 48.84 Mbps.

Limerick and Lucan were the top performing urban locations in Ireland

Among the most populous urban locations in Ireland, Limerick recorded the fastest median mobile download speed of 113.71 Mbps, while Lucan outpaced the other locations to record the fastest median fixed download speed, with 281.14 Mbps.

  • Three was the fastest mobile provider in Ireland for all technologies combined and for 5G during 1H 2025. Across all technologies combined, Three recorded a median download speed of 70.36 Mbps, while on 5G it recorded 129.84 Mbps.
  • Virgin Media was the fastest ISP in Ireland during 1H 2025 with a median download speed of 269.47 Mbps, and a median upload speed of 48.84 Mbps.
  • Three offered the best 5G gaming experience in Ireland during 1H 2025, while Eir Fibre recorded the best gaming experience among ISPs.
  • Among the most populous urban locations in Ireland, Limerick recorded the fastest median mobile download speed of 113.71 Mbps, while Lucan outpaced the other locations to record the fastest median fixed download speed, with 281.14 Mbps.

 

 

See the full report HERE

bunq steps up crypto expansion with EU-wide flexible staking

bunq, Europe’s second largest neobank, is expanding bunq Crypto by becoming the first European challenger to launch flexible crypto staking, empowering users to earn rewards on their digital assets, with full flexibility and no lock-up periods.

Building on the successful launch of bunq Crypto in April, staking will be available in the Netherlands, France, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Germany as well as the wider EEA region. Users of the challenger bank can access crypto services offered by crypto trading platform, Kraken and are able to earn up to 10% annually on selected cryptocurrencies, by helping to validate transactions on blockchain networks.

bunq’s latest research shows nearly 65% of users say not knowing when to buy or sell is their biggest barrier to making a profit on their digital assets. To solve this, the neobank now offers flexible staking that allows users to earn rewards on their crypto without having to worry about timings or restrictive lock-up periods.

Our users have been asking for a simple way to grow their crypto,” says Joe Wilson, Chief Evangelist at bunq. “With flexible staking, they can now earn on the crypto they already own while keeping the freedom to buy, sell, or unstake anytime. We’re proud to be the first neobank to bring this to Europe.”

The news follows bunq’s announcement on applying for a broker dealer license, fast-tracking its entry into the US market as part of its global expansion plans.

 

Disclaimer:bunq does not dispense investment advice. Crypto trading involves risk of loss. Crypto trading provided by Payward Europe Solutions Limited t/a Kraken, authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland. Staking is unregulated, involves risk of slashing and is provided by Payward Commercial Ltd t/a Kraken. 

Vodafone Ireland partners with the OGCIO to trial next-generation communications technology for emergency services

Vodafone Ireland has partnered with The Office of the Government CIO (OGCIO), within the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, to trial next-generation communications technology to transform emergency services in Ireland.

The new technology is being showcased this week at an international event in Co. Mayo, attended by both Irish and International Public Protection Disaster Relief (PPDR) agencies, including An Garda Siochana, the Irish Coast Guard, Irish fire services, civil defence, Revenue (Customs Service) and the HSE/National Ambulance Service.

The event is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Mayo County Council.

Next-generation Mission Critical Communications Technology 

Vodafone Ireland’s Mission Critical Communications (MCx) network is the first of its kind for PPDR agencies in Ireland. Built specifically for emergency responders, MCx provides priority access on mobile networks, enabling teams to talk, share data, and coordinate instantly – even when networks are congested.

This marks a major step in moving from legacy voice and text services to secure, high-performance digital tools, in line with international standards for PPDR communications.

Vodafone Ireland’s solution will combine roaming on its national 4G and 5G networks with direct-to-device satellite connectivity in the future. This will allow anyone, on any network, to reach 112 or 999 during emergencies, even in remote or weather-affected areas. Similarly, in the future, PPDR agencies will be able to access direct to device satellite when mobile networks are unavailable.

Westport Event

The Westport event features a proof-of-concept trial of the new technology. Over two days, staged simulations will replicate complex, evolving incidents, training first responders on new communication capabilities while testing interoperability and operation procedures across multiple agencies.

Participants include local agencies such as Mayo Fire, Mayo County Council Emergency Plan, Public Health Nurse, and local GP, alongside international experts and PPDR representatives from Scotland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

The trial builds on Vodafone’s critical national infrastructure network, with government agencies now able to access Vodafone’s 4G/5G network via roaming services. This opens the door to cross-border cooperation, enabling European PPDR agencies to coordinate more effectively during international emergencies.

Strategic Importance

The trial is being observed by European PPDR agencies and European Commission department DG HOME’s EuCCs initiative as part of broader efforts to establish a pan-European mission-critical communications platform, enhancing cross-border emergency communications.

A key highlight of the event includes a situational reenactment of the MV Matthew interdiction in Cork (2023), demonstrating how enhanced communications can improve situational awareness, operational efficiencies, and response times. Several of those involved in the original operation are contributing their experience and insights to the exercise.

Comments

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers said: “This trial is a vital pillar of Ireland’s digital transformation, and a crucial step forward for our emergency services and emergency management. It demonstrates how intergovernmental collaboration between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Office of the Government CIO, and partners like Vodafone is driving innovation in public safety. By modernising our emergency communications infrastructure, we’re ensuring that first responders have access to secure, high-performance tools that will save lives and strengthen community resilience.”

 

Sabrina Casalta, CEO Vodafone Ireland said: “Ireland is showing real leadership in how we modernise emergency communications. This trial is not just a milestone for Vodafone Ireland and the Irish Government; it marks the first time a mission critical communications system of this kind has been deployed in Ireland. It is proof that we are leading the way in Europe by building resilient, future-proof systems for public protection and disaster relief. We’re proud to partner with the OGCIO to deliver trusted connectivity in innovation that will save lives.”

 

Sheila Kavanagh, Network Director, Vodafone Ireland said: “Vodafone has been supporting the build out of the Irish Government’s National Low Latency Platform for the past three years using our fibre network. We are delighted to build upon this work by enabling national roaming for PPDR agencies on our mobile network through Vodafone Roaming Services. Crucially, Vodafone Ireland can integrate our direct to device satellite technology as part of our NLLP strategy in the future, delivering the reliability our first responders need from a communications platform.”

Emerald Reels: The Most Popular Slot Themes Captivating Irish Players

Ireland’s love affair with slot machines continues to flourish, blending centuries of tradition with cutting-edge gaming innovation. From Dublin’s buzzing betting shops to the sleek interfaces of mobile apps, Irish players are drawn to slot themes that reflect both their cultural heritage and a growing appetite for international adventure. Below is a deeper look at the motifs lighting up the Emerald Isle’s reels—and why they keep players coming back for more.

1. Celtic Legends and Mythology

No theme resonates more strongly in Ireland than the country’s own folklore. Slots featuring leprechauns, four-leaf clovers, and pots of gold remain perennial favorites, but the appeal goes far beyond lucky charms. Games inspired by the Tuatha Dé Danann, fairy forts, and ancient druidic magic bring centuries-old stories to life with modern animation and immersive sound design. Players often say these games feel like a celebration of their heritage, where every spin is a nod to legends passed down through generations.

Why it works: The combination of vibrant greens, harp-filled soundtracks, and mystical bonuses taps into a sense of national pride while providing the thrill of big payouts.

2. Irish Pub Nights and Music Sessions

Few experiences capture the Irish spirit better than an evening in a lively pub. Slot developers have turned that atmosphere into reels filled with frothy pints, fiddles, and dancing patrons. Many titles feature interactive music bonuses where players trigger reels that play traditional jigs or even let them “pour a pint” for extra rewards.

Why it works: These games recreate the warm conviviality of a night out without leaving the sofa. For players abroad, it’s a nostalgic reminder of home; for locals, it’s the perfect way to extend the fun after last call.

3. Sports and Horse Racing Fever

Sport is an integral part of Irish life, and that enthusiasm naturally spills into gaming. Slots themed around Gaelic football, hurling, and especially horse racing are wildly popular. With galloping horses, cheering crowds, and progressive jackpots that mimic the suspense of the track, these games give players an adrenaline rush akin to race day.

Why it works: The thrill of competition and the possibility of a big win align perfectly with the betting culture surrounding Irish sports. Seasonal tournaments tied to major sporting events keep these slots fresh year-round.

4. Ancient Civilizations and Global Adventures

While Irish pride is strong, curiosity about the wider world keeps players exploring. Slots that whisk them to the pyramids of Egypt, Viking longships, Aztec temples, or the treasures of the Orient remain consistent chart-toppers.

Why it works: These games blend history and escapism, offering rich graphics, treasure-hunt mechanics, and cinematic storytelling. They’re a perfect change of pace for players who love to travel—at least virtually—while chasing jackpots.

5. Modern Pop Culture and Branded Experiences

Ireland’s gamers, like those worldwide, can’t resist the pull of celebrity and media tie-ins. Online slots in Ireland at NetBet branded with hit TV shows, chart-topping music acts, and blockbuster films give players familiar characters and soundtracks alongside big potential payouts.

Why it works: Recognition. Players instantly understand the theme and feel a connection to the storylines and music they already enjoy. Seasonal updates—think Christmas specials or summer festivals—keep these games feeling current.

6. Seasonal and Holiday Themes

From St. Patrick’s Day extravaganzas to Halloween haunts and winter wonderlands, seasonal slots are a growing favorite. Developers release limited-time titles with unique bonuses and festive graphics, encouraging players to return throughout the year.

Why it works: The limited availability creates urgency, while the holiday spirit adds excitement and community—players often share their big wins on social media during these seasonal events.

The Winning Formula

What unites these diverse themes is their ability to blend nostalgia with novelty. Irish folklore connects players to their roots, while global adventures and pop culture keep the experience fresh. Advanced game mechanics—free spins, interactive bonus rounds, and high-definition graphics—enhance engagement, making every session feel like more than just a spin of the reels.

Final Spin

From shamrocks to sarcophagi, Irish pubs to Hollywood premieres, Ireland’s favorite slot themes mirror the country’s unique mix of tradition and modern curiosity. Whether a player is seeking the comfort of familiar legends or the excitement of an exotic quest, the Emerald Isle’s gaming market offers a reel for every taste. It’s proof that, when it comes to slot games, Irish players truly know how to keep the reels—and the stories—rolling in style.

 

.ie celebrates 25 years powering Ireland online

.ie, the trusted national registry for over 330,000 domain names, has marked its 25th anniversary with a celebration at the EPIC Museum in Dublin, attended by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan T.D., CEO David Curtin and key stakeholders from Ireland’s digital and business community.
Over the past 25 years, .ie has mirrored Ireland’s digital transformation. In 2000, just 20,000 .ie domains were registered. Today, that figure stands at over 330,000, a 2,000% increase demonstrating the how the .ie domain has become the quiet backbone of Irish small business success and consumer trust over the last 25 years, supporting businesses to thrive during turbulent economic times and global pandemics. Household internet access has also grown from 20.5% in 2000 to 94% today, making online connectivity standard in almost every home and an online presence an expectation of Irish consumers.
.ie is the only domain space reserved exclusively for those with an Irish connection. This level of protection underpins consumer confidence. Independent research shows that 79% of Irish consumers prefer shopping on a .ie website, recognising the trust and security it represents.
As part of the anniversary, .ie launched .ie Gives Back, a 25-day charity initiative running from 19th September to 13th October where €1 from every .ie domain registration and renewal will be donated equally to five charities: An Cosán, DSPCA, Make-A-Wish Ireland, Focus Ireland and UNICEF Ireland.
Minister Patrick O’Donovan comments,
“For 25 years, .ie has been at the heart of Ireland’s digital journey making it a cornerstone of how we do business, connect as communities and shop online with confidence. For small businesses in particular, .ie has been a leveller, allowing them to compete with larger players on a trusted, distinctly Irish platform. Today, it is as vital to our economy and communities as any other utility we depend on.”
David Curtin, CEO of .ie, adds,
 
“In 25 years, .ie has grown from a niche digital identity into critical national infrastructure. Today, more than 330,000 .ie domains carry the trust and security that Irish consumers expect. This milestone is about looking forward as much as back; at a time of uncertainty online and in the wider world, .ie will continue to provide a safe, reliable foundation for Ireland’s digital future ensuring that businesses and communities can thrive online for the next 25 years and beyond. It has been a privilege to witness and contribute to this evolution. I am proud to be part of a journey that has helped shape Ireland’s digital landscape, and I am excited for what the next chapter will bring.”
Looking ahead, and with the rise of AI, automation and evolving cyber threats, .ie will continue to focus on ensuring Ireland’s businesses, communities and citizens can thrive in a trusted and resilient online environment.
For more information visit weare.ie

First Look Apple iPhone 17 Pro

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro has landed and after mulling over what device to get I picked this one in the end, I was going to go for the iPhone Air which I might do after seeing some real reviews but felt there was less on offer, in fact think the new iPhone 17 might be the best deal of the lot this year.

For me right now the iPhone Air has several things that had me concerend but this could be the precourser to their new fold next year and they let this out now as a tester to see the reaction, while it does look great it is missing a few key vitals for me right now which is the batter life the single camera single speaker and the build of the phone but look it is what it is and also not forgetting being eSIM only.

For now I am going with the Pro and we have accessories and case reviews coming for that and if you have any questions as always drop them int he comments and we will be back with more on the 17 Pro and if you have cases or accessories you want review do hit us up like the rest and get featured on site and get seen.

iPhone case reviews

Unboxing the iPhone 17 Pro

ABM Connect for Life Sciences Launches in Ireland to Strengthen Regulatory Compliance and Operational Efficiency

ABM, a leading international provider of facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions, today announced the launch of ABM Connect™ for Life Sciences in Ireland. The platform is designed to help life sciences organisations improve accuracy, meet stringent regulatory requirements, and enhance operational efficiency in controlled environments.
A Digital, Audit-Ready Compliance Tool
ABM Connect for Life Sciences replaces paper-based documentation with a secure, fully digital system that creates an instant, audit-ready record of all activities. By guiding frontline teams step-by-step through their cleaning, maintenance, and operational protocols, the platform helps reduce errors, improve inspection readiness, and streamline day-to-day processes in compliance with the European Medicines Agency’s Annex 11 guidelines for electronic records and electronic signatures.
The system is accessible via a secure mobile application on company-issued devices, giving authorised personnel immediate access to live schedules, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and task instructions. It also features real-time, automated task management and verification, ensuring that work is completed according to validated processes by trained and compliant staff.
Supporting Compliance in a Highly Regulated Sector
Manual documentation and logbooks in life sciences facilities can be time-consuming, prone to error, and costly to maintain. ABM Connect for Life Sciences digitises and centralises these records, helping companies reduce the likelihood of deviations, minimise rework, and improve oversight.
“Clients across the life sciences landscape are under pressure to deliver efficiency without compromising safety or compliance,” said Dinny Crowe, Vice President, Operations, ABM. “ABM Connect for Life Sciences builds on decades of sector expertise to provide a precision-driven, validated process that gives our clients real-time visibility into operations and readiness for inspection at any time.”
Clients who utilise ABM Connect for Life Sciences state that it has improved their documentation compliance while reducing the costs and environmental impact of maintaining paper logbooks. It is a smarter, more sustainable approach to compliance.
A Strategic Expansion in Ireland
This launch marks a significant step in ABM’s growth within Ireland’s life sciences sector, where the company is expanding its specialist services. Globally, ABM supports more than 85 million square feet of life sciences facilities daily, with over 500 GMP-trained team members working in highly regulated, controlled environments.
ABM is an active member of leading life sciences professional associations, including the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers (ISPE), Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST), Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio), BioCom California, and INTERPHEX. With more than 25 years of life sciences expertise, ABM’s Irish team delivers tailored, end-to-end support, combining global best practices with deep regulatory knowledge to meet the unique needs of pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device manufacturers.
ABM Connect for Life Sciences is already in use across the United States with some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies,