Tag: platform

How Xero and Sage Support Making Tax Digital Compliance

Choosing accounting software is one of the first practical decisions any UK business faces when preparing for Making Tax Digital. The platform you select shapes how you store records, calculate VAT, and submit returns to HMRC. Two names come up consistently in this conversation: Xero and Sage. Both carry HMRC recognition. Both handle the technical requirements. But they approach the job differently, and understanding those differences is what makes the choice useful rather than arbitrary.

The Baseline: What MTD Demands from Any Software

MTD sets specific technical requirements that software must meet to qualify as compliant.

Your platform must store digital records of all income and expenses. It must calculate VAT automatically from those records. It must generate returns in the format HMRC accepts and transmit them directly via API — not through a manual export or copy-paste process. And it must maintain a complete digital audit trail linking every figure in your return back to the original transaction.

That last point is where many businesses unknowingly fall short. If your process involves transferring numbers from one system into another by hand at any stage, you’ve broken the digital link requirement. The software may be HMRC-approved; the way you’re using it may not be compliant.

Xero and Sage both satisfy these requirements in full. Where they differ is in design philosophy, workflow, and the types of businesses they serve most effectively.

Xero’s Approach to MTD

Xero operates entirely in the cloud. There’s no software to install, no server to maintain, and no files to transfer between devices. You log in through a browser or mobile app, and your data is available in real time to anyone you authorise — including your accountant.

The platform’s MTD-relevant strengths centre on automation. Bank feeds connect directly to your business accounts and pull transactions into Xero automatically. The mobile app lets you photograph receipts and attach them to transactions on the spot. VAT returns are generated from your categorised records with minimal manual input, then submitted to HMRC directly from within the platform.

Xero suits businesses that want to keep day-to-day bookkeeping straightforward. A sole trader, a small consultancy, or a growing e-commerce business will typically find the interface intuitive and the setup manageable without specialist finance knowledge. The accountant collaboration model also works well here — shared access means your adviser can review, adjust, and submit without requiring files to be exported and emailed back and forth.

Sage’s Approach to MTD

Sage has a longer history in UK accounting than most of its competitors, and its user base reflects that. Many established businesses have used Sage products for years, some running operations on Sage 50 or earlier desktop versions.

The modern Sage cloud platform carries forward the structural depth that made those earlier versions popular. Detailed financial ledgers, departmental cost tracking, customisable reporting, and support for multiple VAT schemes give finance teams the granular control they need for complex operations. For businesses processing high transaction volumes or managing accounts across multiple cost centres, that structure is a practical necessity rather than an optional feature.

Sage also offers a defined migration path for businesses moving from legacy desktop versions. Maintaining continuity of financial history — opening balances, VAT records, chart of accounts — matters significantly for businesses with years of data in an existing Sage system. Switching to an entirely new platform means solving a data migration problem that Sage’s own upgrade path avoids.

Matching the Platform to the Business

Neither platform is universally better. The relevant question is which one fits how your business actually operates.

Smaller businesses and sole traders tend to favour Xero. The learning curve is lower, the interface requires less accounting knowledge to navigate, and the automation features reduce the time spent on routine bookkeeping. For businesses without a dedicated finance function, that matters.

Larger businesses and those with internal finance teams often find Sage more capable. Departmental tracking, detailed ledger management, and robust reporting customisation give accountants and finance managers tools they can’t replicate in a simpler platform. Businesses in manufacturing, construction, or other sectors with job costing requirements particularly benefit from Sage’s feature depth.

Transaction volume is another practical consideration. A business processing a handful of invoices per week has different software needs than one handling hundreds of purchase orders and supplier payments daily. Sage’s ledger architecture scales more naturally for the latter.

Both platforms require correct configuration to work as MTD-compliant systems, and that’s where many businesses encounter problems. Selecting the software is straightforward; setting it up correctly is where the detail lies. Services like Xero, QuickBooks & Sage MTD Setup provide structured implementation support, ensuring the platform you choose is configured accurately for HMRC submissions before your first return is due.

What Correct Configuration Actually Involves

Installing software and creating a login is not the same as being MTD-compliant. The configuration work that happens between those two points determines whether your submissions are accurate and whether your records meet HMRC’s digital link requirements.

The VAT scheme selection is one of the most consequential settings. Standard VAT accounting, Cash Accounting, and the Flat Rate Scheme each calculate liability differently. Applying the wrong scheme means every VAT return you produce carries a systematic error — one that may not surface until an HMRC review.

The chart of accounts needs to reflect how your business actually operates, with income and expense categories mapped correctly to the relevant tax treatment. Poorly structured nominal codes produce returns that misrepresent your VAT position, regardless of how carefully you record individual transactions.

The HMRC API connection must be established, authorised, and tested before you file your first return. Bank feeds need to be verified against your actual accounts. For businesses migrating from older systems, historical data must transfer with opening balances and VAT history intact.

Errors at this stage tend to compound. A misconfigured VAT scheme or a misaligned chart of accounts produces incorrect returns quarter after quarter until someone identifies and corrects the underlying problem.

Sustaining Compliance After Implementation

Software configuration is a one-time project, but staying compliant is ongoing. Both Xero and Sage require users who understand how to operate them correctly — logging expenses accurately, reconciling bank feeds regularly, reviewing VAT before submission, and maintaining the categorisation discipline that makes quarterly returns reliable.

Structured onboarding training, tailored to how your business uses the platform, reduces the errors that stem from unfamiliarity. Some businesses also benefit from periodic compliance reviews — a check that records are reconciled, VAT coding is consistent, and the submission pathway to HMRC remains active and correctly configured.

The Decision in Practical Terms

Xero and Sage each offer a credible route to MTD compliance. Xero works best for businesses that want simplicity, automation, and easy external collaboration. Sage works best for businesses that need detailed financial control, high-volume transaction management, or continuity with existing Sage systems.

What both require is correct setup, consistent use, and a clear understanding of what MTD demands from your records. The software provides the infrastructure. Compliance depends on how that infrastructure is built and maintained.


The platform you select shapes how you store records, calculate VAT, and submit returns to HMRC. Two names come up consistently in this conversation: Xero and Sage. Both carry HMRC recognition. Both handle the technical requirements. But they approach the job differently, and understanding those differences is what makes the choice useful rather than arbitrary.

The Baseline: What MTD Demands from Any Software

MTD sets specific technical requirements that software must meet to qualify as compliant.

Your platform must store digital records of all income and expenses. It must calculate VAT automatically from those records. It must generate returns in the format HMRC accepts and transmit them directly via API — not through a manual export or copy-paste process. And it must maintain a complete digital audit trail linking every figure in your return back to the original transaction.

That last point is where many businesses unknowingly fall short. If your process involves transferring numbers from one system into another by hand at any stage, you’ve broken the digital link requirement. The software may be HMRC-approved; the way you’re using it may not be compliant.

Xero and Sage both satisfy these requirements in full. Where they differ is in design philosophy, workflow, and the types of businesses they serve most effectively.

Xero’s Approach to MTD

Xero operates entirely in the cloud. There’s no software to install, no server to maintain, and no files to transfer between devices. You log in through a browser or mobile app, and your data is available in real time to anyone you authorise — including your accountant.

The platform’s MTD-relevant strengths centre on automation. Bank feeds connect directly to your business accounts and pull transactions into Xero automatically. The mobile app lets you photograph receipts and attach them to transactions on the spot. VAT returns are generated from your categorised records with minimal manual input, then submitted to HMRC directly from within the platform.

Xero suits businesses that want to keep day-to-day bookkeeping straightforward. A sole trader, a small consultancy, or a growing e-commerce business will typically find the interface intuitive and the setup manageable without specialist finance knowledge. The accountant collaboration model also works well here — shared access means your adviser can review, adjust, and submit without requiring files to be exported and emailed back and forth.

Sage’s Approach to MTD

Sage has a longer history in UK accounting than most of its competitors, and its user base reflects that. Many established businesses have used Sage products for years, some running operations on Sage 50 or earlier desktop versions.

The modern Sage cloud platform carries forward the structural depth that made those earlier versions popular. Detailed financial ledgers, departmental cost tracking, customisable reporting, and support for multiple VAT schemes give finance teams the granular control they need for complex operations. For businesses processing high transaction volumes or managing accounts across multiple cost centres, that structure is a practical necessity rather than an optional feature.

Sage also offers a defined migration path for businesses moving from legacy desktop versions. Maintaining continuity of financial history — opening balances, VAT records, chart of accounts — matters significantly for businesses with years of data in an existing Sage system. Switching to an entirely new platform means solving a data migration problem that Sage’s own upgrade path avoids.

Matching the Platform to the Business

Neither platform is universally better. The relevant question is which one fits how your business actually operates.

Smaller businesses and sole traders tend to favour Xero. The learning curve is lower, the interface requires less accounting knowledge to navigate, and the automation features reduce the time spent on routine bookkeeping. For businesses without a dedicated finance function, that matters.

Larger businesses and those with internal finance teams often find Sage more capable. Departmental tracking, detailed ledger management, and robust reporting customisation give accountants and finance managers tools they can’t replicate in a simpler platform. Businesses in manufacturing, construction, or other sectors with job costing requirements particularly benefit from Sage’s feature depth.

Transaction volume is another practical consideration. A business processing a handful of invoices per week has different software needs than one handling hundreds of purchase orders and supplier payments daily. Sage’s ledger architecture scales more naturally for the latter.

Both platforms require correct configuration to work as MTD-compliant systems, and that’s where many businesses encounter problems. Selecting the software is straightforward; setting it up correctly is where the detail lies. Services like Xero, QuickBooks & Sage MTD Setup provide structured implementation support, ensuring the platform you choose is configured accurately for HMRC submissions before your first return is due.

What Correct Configuration Actually Involves

Installing software and creating a login is not the same as being MTD-compliant. The configuration work that happens between those two points determines whether your submissions are accurate and whether your records meet HMRC’s digital link requirements.

The VAT scheme selection is one of the most consequential settings. Standard VAT accounting, Cash Accounting, and the Flat Rate Scheme each calculate liability differently. Applying the wrong scheme means every VAT return you produce carries a systematic error — one that may not surface until an HMRC review.

The chart of accounts needs to reflect how your business actually operates, with income and expense categories mapped correctly to the relevant tax treatment. Poorly structured nominal codes produce returns that misrepresent your VAT position, regardless of how carefully you record individual transactions.

The HMRC API connection must be established, authorised, and tested before you file your first return. Bank feeds need to be verified against your actual accounts. For businesses migrating from older systems, historical data must transfer with opening balances and VAT history intact.

Errors at this stage tend to compound. A misconfigured VAT scheme or a misaligned chart of accounts produces incorrect returns quarter after quarter until someone identifies and corrects the underlying problem.

Sustaining Compliance After Implementation

Software configuration is a one-time project, but staying compliant is ongoing. Both Xero and Sage require users who understand how to operate them correctly — logging expenses accurately, reconciling bank feeds regularly, reviewing VAT before submission, and maintaining the categorisation discipline that makes quarterly returns reliable.

Structured onboarding training, tailored to how your business uses the platform, reduces the errors that stem from unfamiliarity. Some businesses also benefit from periodic compliance reviews — a check that records are reconciled, VAT coding is consistent, and the submission pathway to HMRC remains active and correctly configured.

The Decision in Practical Terms

Xero and Sage each offer a credible route to MTD compliance. Xero works best for businesses that want simplicity, automation, and easy external collaboration. Sage works best for businesses that need detailed financial control, high-volume transaction management, or continuity with existing Sage systems.

What both require is correct setup, consistent use, and a clear understanding of what MTD demands from your records. The software provides the infrastructure. Compliance depends on how that infrastructure is built and maintained.

 

Climb appointed Sophos distribution partner for the Irish market

Climb Channel Solutions, (“Climb” or the “Company”), an international specialty technology distributor and wholly owned subsidiary of Climb Global Solutions, Inc. , today announces a distribution party tnership with cybersecurity vendor, Sophos for the Irish market.

Unique to this partnership, Climb will be the only authorised Irish distributor to offer the Sophos Threat Profile assessment service to customers. This service highlights exposed credentials, suspicious domains, dark web exposure, and internet-facing vulnerabilities, and enables businesses to prioritise remediation and reduce risk.

Ireland’s cybersecurity sector is buoyant and growing 13.4% and generating revenue of €2.7bn according to a 2025 report by Cyber Ireland and NI Cyber. Climb will facilitate direct access to Sophos Central, one of the world’s leading cybersecurity platforms, an adaptive AI-native platform that intercepts attacks before they occur.

Climb will distribute the entire Sophos suite of products including the managed detection and response (MDR) service that eliminates threats at speed, alongside defence across endpoint, firewall, email and cloud.

These solutions will be backed by Climb’s reputation for speed, emerging tech expertise, and strong partner investment, working with the Sophos reseller and managed service provider (MSP) landscape.

Recent Climb research* highlights growing AI maturity across organisations, creating increased demand for AI-enabled cybersecurity services. For example, more than half (53%) of organisations have a clear AI strategy, and 55% are working with technology vendors on their AI journey. Against this backdrop, Climb expects Irish businesses to continue to adapt and embed AI security solutions across their cloud and network environments.

Commenting on the distribution partner announcement, Brian Davis, VP of Sales UK&I, Climb states: “Ireland’s cybersecurity landscape is evolving at pace with recent research showing growth of 13% per annum. Threats are becoming more sophisticated, and customer expectations are rising. Cybersecurity remains a key strategic growth area for Climb, and we are continuously looking to expand our portfolio in Ireland.  Extending our successful relationship with Sophos into Ireland is a pivotal moment as we enhance our cybersecurity portfolio.

“As Irish organisations advance their AI capabilities at an unprecedented rate, Irish businesses must secure hybrid environments while embracing AI and digital transformation. As a dedicated Sophos distributor in Ireland, we’re bringing world-class cybersecurity, genuine partner support, and the kind of speed and access that helps you move fast and grow confidently.”

Jason Ellis, VP Channel Sales EMEA, Sophos comments: “Sophos is a global leader in cybersecurity, offering a comprehensive portfolio of AI-powered cybersecurity technologies. Coupled with its advisory services, these capabilities proactively reduce risk for organisations. Expanding our presence in the Irish market is a reflection of the great relationship we hold with Climb in North America. Climb’s strong Irish channel ecosystem will allow us to expand our Irish market footprint, enhancing our ability to deliver AI-powered cybersecurity solutions to Irish businesses.

“We recognise Climb as an innovative leader, particularly in areas such as AI, where they’re providing unique channel solutions through their Skyward Project and AI Academy***. These programmes help partners understand where AI and security intersect, delivering differentiated, yet complementary services to our Sophos portfolio.

“Climb’s knowledge and understanding of the Irish market, along with their ongoing investment, help us better support our partners and customers, enabling them to improve cyber resilience and respond effectively to emerging threats.”

This partnership enhances Climb’s AI cybersecurity offering in Ireland, building on its long-standing cybersecurity pedigree. Climb has a long track record as a distributor of cybersecurity solutions, working with some of the world’s leading security vendors and an extensive network of Irish resellers.

Climb solutions include cloud security, backup and recovery, endpoint management, firewall and network security, and application security. Through this Sophos partnership, Climb enhances their cybersecurity offering enabling partners to accelerate growth by combining strong cybersecurity expertise, with a more personalised service approach alongside innovative programmes and events, including the upcoming AI and Security Day.

Willis, Kayna and Belfry Partner to Simplify Insurance Access for Security Providers

Willis, a WTW business is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Belfry, a modern platform for physical security providers, to launch a digital insurance program tailored for Belfry customers. The program pairs Willis’ insurance expertise with Irish award-winning Kayna insurance technology to deliver data-led, streamlined insurance solutions.

Belfry, a US-based vertical SaaS platform, streamlines security management in an all-in-one software that manages scheduling, timekeeping, payroll, and billing for security companies;

Kayna, Willis’ embedded insurance infrastructure partner, enables the distribution of Willis’ security services insurance to Belfry customers by integrating a seamless insurance portal directly within the Belfry platform. The InsurTech will leverage real-time data to pre-fill forms and support quoting, saving users time and simplifying the procurement process;

Willis’ Affinity model pairs well with Belfry’s platform by delivering tailored insurance solutions that meet the specific needs of security providers.

Belfry’s innovative platform transforms the complex needs of security businesses into a single solution that improves back-office efficiency, enhances employee experiences, and supports exceptional customer service. Through the integration of Kayna technology, which enables Willis-brokered insurance distribution, the partnership strengthens Belfry’s model by leveraging Willis’ global insurance expertise to create a seamless way for security operators to access tailored coverage directly within the Belfry platform.

With insurance being one of the most significant pain points and expenses for security firms, this integration offers timely quotes to address coverage gaps, potential premium savings, and reduced audit risk through pay-as-you-go insurance. The solution removes friction from the insurance procurement process, allowing security operators to stay focused on their work with the confidence that their coverage is comprehensive, timely, and aligned with their operational needs.

“As part of our strategy to deliver tech-enabled insurance solutions, we’re excited to partner with Belfry to embed coverage seamlessly into the security operator journey,” said Paul Lubbers, Head of US Affinity at Willis. “Together, we aim to accelerate quoting and minimize premium audit risk, both of which are critical pain points and areas for improvements in the security industry. Together with Kayna, we are committed to support the success of Belfry customers by making it easier than ever to secure the right insurance coverage with minimal hassle so physical security operators can focus on their job with confidence.”

Jordan Wallach, Co-Founder & CEO of Belfry, commented, “At Belfry, we’re developing a truly all-in-one platform for security operators – one that brings every essential function together in a seamless, intuitive experience. Partnering with Willis and Kayna strengthens that vision by embedding expert resources directly into our platform, helping operators focus less on administrative complexity and more on delivering outstanding service.”

Paul Prendergast, Co-Founder & CEO of Kayna concluded, “Backed by decades of Willis experience and expertise in underwriting and claims management, Belfry is taking an industry lead on delivering data-driven insurance and market choice for their platform customers. This is a winning formula for a great partnership and one that I’m delighted to see powered by Kayna technology.”

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 Series. Ireland details

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the Galaxy S26 series, featuring our most intuitive, proactive and adaptive Galaxy AI experiences yet and designed to simplify the tasks people do on their phones every day. From managing plans and finding information to capturing and refining content, Galaxy S26 reduces the effort and number of steps required to get things done. As Samsung’s third-generation AI phones, Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra handle complex tasks in the background, allowing users to focus on results rather than how the technology works.

The Galaxy S26 series was engineered with Samsung’s most advanced capabilities working together as one: incredible performance, an industry leading camera system and Galaxy AI. This provides a strong foundation that gives Galaxy S26 users the confidence to depend on their phone throughout the day without compromising security or privacy.

Building on Samsung’s decades of innovation in display technology, Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces the world’s first built-in Privacy Display for mobile phones to unlock a new class of display experiences and reinforce Samsung’s commitment to privacy at a pixel level. Galaxy S26 Ultra also delivers a customised chipset and upgraded thermal management that enable faster and more powerful AI — all wrapped up in the slimmest Ultra yet.

Together, these choices allow the Galaxy S26 series to deliver the most powerful Galaxy experience yet.

“The most powerful phones should also be the easiest to use,” said Annika Bizon, Vice President of Product and Marketing for Mobile Experience at Samsung UK and Ireland. “The Galaxy S26 Series featuring our most intuitive Galaxy AI ever is designed to reduce the mental load people carry daily, with hardware and AI working together so tasks are handled in the background while privacy stays protected at every level. When technology removes friction, you start experiencing what it enables: more time, less effort and the confidence that your life stays yours.”

Engineered for enhanced performance, the Galaxy S26 series is built on the most powerful hardware ever on a Galaxy S series, powered by a customised chipset. Across the line-up, the Galaxy S26 series is engineered for AI performance, power efficiency and thermal management, ensuring demanding tasks run smoothly and consistently, so users can rely on their device when it matters.

On Galaxy S26 Ultra, a customised mobile processor — Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy — delivers enhanced performance with significant gains across CPU, GPU, and NPU to support faster, smoother experiences that keep up throughout the day.

A CPU performance increase of up to 19% means Galaxy S26 Ultra responds more quickly and handle complex workloads intelligently, even when multiple tasks are running at once. A 39% improvement in NPU performance powers always-on Galaxy AI features that run seamlessly, allowing users to move between tasks without lag or interruption. A 24% boost in GPU performance delivers richer visuals and more fluid gameplay.

To sustain this level of performance, Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a redesigned Vapor Chamber with thermal interface material positioned along the sides of the processor, allowing heat to spread more efficiently across a larger surface area. This improves heat dissipation to keep the device cool and consistent, even during demanding activities such as gaming, multitasking and video capture. Galaxy S26 Ultra also brings Super-Fast Charging 3.0, minimising downtime by reaching up to 75% charge in just 30 minutes.

Embedded into the processor, Samsung’s proprietary technologies enhance visual performance. ProScaler improves image scaling so photos and videos appear rich and clear at a glance by sharpening text and fine detail while smoothing textures. Additionally, Samsung’s mobile Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe) delivers more subtle and lifelike colours thanks to image processing with four times the precision compared to the previous generation.

Taken together, these advancements deliver dependable all-day performance, making every action feel effortless.

The Galaxy S26 series brings the same focus on intuitive interaction to creativity and productivity, delivered through the industry-leading Galaxy camera system. With an approach that integrates capturing stunning photos and videos, editing and sharing into a single, seamless experience, creativity feels more natural and accessible even without professional tools or technical knowledge.

On Galaxy S26 Ultra, wider camera apertures  allow more light to reach the sensor, delivering clearer photos with richer details in low-light conditions, even when zoomed in. Enhanced Nightography Video keeps footage clearer and more vibrant even in dim scenes, whether capturing concerts indoors or recording moments around a campfire after sunset. Video capture is further enhanced with upgraded Super Steady capabilities, which add a horizontal lock option for greater stability and to make consistent framing easier to achieve, even with bumpy trails or fast-paced activities.

Galaxy S26 Ultra is the first Galaxy device to support APV, a new professional-grade video codec designed to deliver efficient compression for high-quality production workflows. Optimised for advanced creators, it ensures visually lossless video quality that stays true even after repeated editing.

Improvements to the AI ISP now extend to the selfie camera, capturing more natural skin tones and finer detail in mixed lighting. Editing photos and videos is just as easy and straightforward, with AI-powered tools built into familiar workflows so users can make changes quickly and unlock their creativity without design expertise.

With the upgraded Photo Assist suite, users can simply describe what they want to change in their own words. Changing the scene from day to night is just a matter of asking. It can also add to images and restore missing parts of objects like a bite taken out of a cake. Personal details, such as a spill on clothing, can also be cleaned up with Galaxy AI’s new ability to change outfits in photos. Edits can now be made continuously, reviewed step by step, and easily adjusted or undone along the way, making the process feel fluid rather than final.

Creative Studio builds on this simplicity by bringing creation and customisation into one integrated space, making it easy to act on ideas when inspiration strikes. Starting from a sketch, photo or prompt, users can quickly turn ideas into polished visuals — from stickers and invitations to personalised wallpapers — and refine or share them without switching tools or interrupting creative flow.

The Galaxy S26 series also simplifies frequent visual tasks with AI-powered tools like the Document Scan, which removes distortions and distractions such as creases or fingers to deliver clean scans instantly. Multiple images can be organised automatically into a single PDF, making it easy to digitise receipts, forms or notes.

The Galaxy S26 series is designed to make frequently used experiences feel straightforward and user-friendly, with Galaxy AI reducing the steps between intent and action. It works proactively and seamlessly on the user’s behalf based on context, surfacing the right support at the right moment and automating tasks with minimal manual input. As the technology fades and handles tasks in the background, users can focus on the results.

With Now Nudge, timely and relevant suggestions help users stay in the flow without being distracted. If a friend asks for photos from a recent trip, Galaxy S26 automatically suggests photos from the Gallery, removing the need to search through albums or switch between apps. When receiving a message about a meeting, Galaxy S26 can recognise related Calendar entries and check for conflicts.

On the Galaxy S26 series, Now Brief has become proactive and personalised. It surfaces timely reminders for important events – from reservations to travel updates – based on personal context, helping users stay organised throughout the day.

Searching for information is also easier than ever. Circle to Search with Google on the Galaxy S26 series has been upgraded with enhanced multi-object recognition, so users can now explore more deeply on multiple parts of an image at once. If users spot a look they love, the feature also identifies everything from the jacket to the shoes, all in one search.

Galaxy S26 series features an upgraded Bixby as a conversational device agent, making it more intuitive and easier than ever to interact with Galaxy devices. Users can navigate their devices and adjust settings using natural language, without the need for exact terminology or commands.

Alongside Bixby, Galaxy S26 series integrates a choice of agents, including Gemini[19] and Perplexity[20]. Once set up, tasks can be completed with a single button press or voice prompt. Galaxy S26 can also handle multi-step tasks in the background, streamlining the process on the user’s behalf.

Together, these proactive, personalised and adaptive experiences lay the foundation for more agentic AI experiences — setting the stage for Galaxy devices to become trusted companions that understand and anticipate user needs.

As mobile experiences become more personalised thanks to AI, protecting user privacy becomes even more critical. Samsung builds protection into every layer of Galaxy S26, keeping personal data secure while giving users transparency and control over how their information is used.

Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces privacy at the pixel level with the mobile industry’s first built-in Privacy Display, a breakthrough in display technology that fundamentally changes how privacy can be protected on a phone. Designed for everyday situations like transit, cafés and shared environments, Privacy Display goes beyond anything previously available on mobile devices — hardware and software working as one to protect privacy without compromising the viewing experience.

By controlling how pixels disperse light, the display keeps content clear, bright and comfortable for the user in everyday use, while limiting what others can see. Unlike traditional stick-on privacy films, Galaxy’s integrated Privacy Display preserves full viewing quality from all directions when off, and limits visibility for others from side viewing angles when activated, even when switching between portrait and landscape orientation.

Users can customise when it turns on — such as when entering PINs, patterns and passwords or opening selected apps — and adjust privacy levels depending on the situation. Partial Screen Privacy intelligently limits visibility for notification pop-ups, while Maximum Privacy Protection further obscures side views for added discretion, all with minimal impact on power or usability.

The Galaxy S26 series also brings smarter software safeguards that work quietly in the background. AI-powered Call Screening identifies unknown callers and summarises intent, making it easier to safely manage calls. Privacy Alerts use machine learning to proactively notify users in real time when apps with device admin privileges unnecessarily attempt to access sensitive data, such as precise location, call logs or contacts. These alerts help users quickly understand when apps are seeking deeper access, so they can manage permissions with greater clarity and control.

Private Album, built directly into Gallery, lets users easily hide selected photos and videos without creating a separate folder or signing into a Samsung Account. To stay ahead of emerging threats, Galaxy S26 also extends Samsung’s innovation in post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to critical system processes, including software verification and firmware protection, strengthening device integrity for the future.

New updates to Knox Matrix further strengthen protection across connected Galaxy devices, adding PQC-enabled end-to-end encryption for more services such as eSIM transfers and clearer visibility into firmware update status across the ecosystem through Security Status of Your Devices.

These experiences are supported by Samsung Knox, the multi-layer security platform that protects Galaxy devices from the chip level up. For on-device Galaxy AI, Personal Data Engine (PDE) enables context-aware, personalised AI experiences. To keep this process safe, Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) encrypts each app’s data, while Knox Vault adds a physical layer of protection that isolates sensitive data inside its own secure hardware. Together with settings that let users choose how AI features operate, Galaxy S26 combines hardware and software to deliver a comprehensive, system-wide approach designed to keep personal data protected.

These updates build on Galaxy’s existing security and privacy portfolio which includes Auto Blocker, Theft Protection, Private Sharing, Secure Wi-Fi and more. These layers of protection are designed to give users greater transparency, choice and control through Samsung’s continued mobile security innovation in the age of AI. And with seven years of security updates, Galaxy S26 helps keep these layers resilient over time — supporting longer, more confident use well into the years ahead.

Galaxy S26’s ease of use continues even when the phone is out of reach. The new Galaxy Buds4 series is a natural companion to Galaxy S26, extending everyday experiences beyond the phone while delivering rich and immersive hi-fi sound. When Galaxy S26 is paired with Galaxy Buds4, interactions can continue naturally in moments when using hands isn’t practical. Users can activate AI agents with their voices, manage calls through simple Head Gestures on Buds4 Pro, and stay connected without breaking their flow. Customers who pre-order Samsung Galaxy S26 Series will receive 10% off the new Galaxy Buds4 Series[25] from Samsung.com or Samsung Experience Stores.

Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26+ and S26 will be available for pre-order from February 25 and will be available from March 11. The Galaxy S26 series features a unified design language across all models, with shared colour options including Cobalt Violet, White, Black and Sky Blue alongside the Samsung.com exclusive colours, Pink Gold and Silver Shadow.

Galaxy S26 starts from RRP €1019 (256GB), Galaxy S26+ from RRP €1289 (256GB) and Galaxy S26 Ultra from RRP €1499.

Samsung.com offers

  • Pre-order now and receive €210 off 1TB for Galaxy S26 Ultra
  • Pre-order now and double the storage to 512GB for the price of 256GB, worth €190 across Galaxy S26 series
  • Trade-in a selected smartphone and receive up to €600 off the Galaxy S26 Series

For additional offers, data plans and finance solutions, please visit samsung.com for more information.

 

See our S25 reviews

Ekco acquires Datalogix as it accelerates expansion strategy

Ekco, one of Europe’s leading security-first managed security service providers (MSSP), today announces the acquisition of Cork-based Datalogix. Ekco, founded and headquartered in Dublin, is continuing its ambitious acquisition trail, following a busy year in 2025 with three strategic acquisitions.

Datalogix is a Cork-headquartered operational technology (OT) business with over 20 years’ experience delivering proactive OT services to enterprise customers across Ireland, the UK, and the US. It provides secure OT infrastructure design, implementation, and support services that automate industrial processes for companies in the life sciences, pharmaceutical, general manufacturing, and critical national infrastructure sectors.

The company’s team will join Ekco’s workforce of more than 1,000 people globally across Ireland, UK, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and South Africa. Datalogix will form part of Ekco’s security division, bringing the division’s revenues to a €100 million share of Ekco’s overall group revenues of €200 million. The acquisition will significantly expand Ekco’s OT capabilities in the Irish, UK, and US markets, under the leadership of Ekco Ireland CEO Steve MacNicholas. It will enable Ekco to increasingly secure IT and OT convergence for customers amidst a growing OT threat landscape and a complex regulatory backdrop.

As part of Ekco’s rapid growth strategy, Datalogix marks the eighth company to be acquired by Ekco in the last two years. The acquisition follows the 2025 purchases of cybersecurity consultancy Predatech, and managed service providers (MSP) Solsoft and Adapt IT. It signifies another milestone in Ekco’s ambition to build a security-first unified MSP platform across Europe.

Datalogix is led by Managing Director Der Cremen and Chief Technical Officer Damian White, who will bring over 50 years’ combined industry experience to Ekco.

Steve MacNicholas, CEO of Ekco Ireland, said: “Having known Datalogix well for many years, we have always admired their highly specialised and client focused capabilities as trusted OT advisors in the life sciences, pharmaceutical, and critical national infrastructure markets. With Ekco’s world class expertise in security-first managed services and cutting-edge technology, this partnership is a perfect match – and we are looking forward to growing and learning together.” 

Der Cremen, Managing Director of Datalogix, added: “Joining Ekco enables us to increasingly invest in and develop our OT capabilities to bring enhanced resources and resilience to our customers, backed by Ekco’s scale—while maintaining the responsiveness they value.”

Ronan Murray, EY M&A Partner, said: “EY were delighted to provide sell side M&A lead advisory and tax services to the shareholders of Datalogix on the company’s sale to Ekco. Congratulations to the combined team.”

Datalex and easyJet Activate Stellex Air Bundles

Datalex, a global leader in airline ecommerce, today announces a major advancement in its partnership with easyJet through the activation of Stellex Air Bundles within the Stellex Offer Management platform.

Through the use of Stellex Air Bundles, easyJet can now design and deploy a variety of more personalised bundled offers – combining a wider selection of flights and ancillaries to suit the customer’s preference and making it easier for them to find what they are looking for. 

Powered by Datalex’s Digital Configurator, the airline gains full control to create, refine, and manage bundled products without technical intervention. Together with the Stellex Product Catalogue and Stock Keeper, easyJet can accelerate product innovation, reduce time to market, and unlock new products with greater precision and agility, improving the shopping experience for its customers.

In addition, Datalex has enabled the launch of Flexpass, a new ancillary now available in the booking flow. Configured independently by easyJet using the Digital Configurator, Flexpass allows customers to change flights without incurring change fees—strengthening easyJet’s value proposition and supporting its strategy to offer more flexible, customer-centric travel options.

Robert Birge, Chief Customer Officer at easyJet, said:

“The activation of Stellex Air Bundles is a major step in our retail transformation. It gives us the flexibility to deliver more tailored experiences and bring new products to market far faster. Early customer response shows strong receptiveness to these more flexible options.”

Jonathan Rockett, CEO of Datalex, commented:

“Stellex Air Bundles removes the constraints of static offers and gives easyJet the agility to launch new offers that drive measurable commercial value. With the Digital Configurator, easyJet teams can optimise their retail offering at pace and deliver stronger value for customers.”

7 Picks for the Best AI Music Video Generator and Visualizer Tools in 2026

AI-powered visuals are reshaping how songs come to life on screen. A few clicks can now do the work of an entire film crew. Analysts value the generative-AI-in-music market at about $643 million in 2024 and project it to top $3 billion by 2030, a 29% yearly climb. With that growth comes an overcrowded toolbox, so we spent three weeks pressure-testing 18 platforms and ranked the seven that deliver the best results for your budget and your audience.

How We Picked The Winners

We didn’t rely on flashy promo reels or influencer hype. We spent three solid weeks hammer-testing every major AI music-video platform we could access, 18 tools in total, then scored each one on six make-or-break factors.

Visual quality came first. If footage looked blurry, glitchy, or flat, it was out. A music video should turn heads, not spark a Reddit roast.

Next was synchronization. A clever algorithm that hits the downbeat is worth more than a thousand stock clips. We checked whether each tool sensed tempo shifts, verse breaks, and subtle vocal swells.

Neuralframes.com is a prime example.

According to Neural Frames’ ai music video generator Autopilot page, a three-minute song renders in about five minutes while the engine locks every cut to the track’s kicks, snares, and vocal peaks using audio-reactive keyframes.

That real-time sync became our benchmark during testing, and the free 20-credit sandbox lets you verify the precision before opening your wallet.

Ease of use mattered. You deserve speed, not a night class in node-based compositing, so clear menus and one-click workflows earned big points.

Feature depth followed. Can you storyboard multiple scenes, swap models mid-track, and export vertical plus widescreen in the same session? The richer the toolbox, the higher the score.

Speed and stability sat close behind. We timed every render and noted crashes. If a platform stalled longer than the song itself, we docked it.

Finally, we checked pricing and rights. Transparent plans, fair credit models, and clear commercial licenses separated serious players from quick cash grabs.

Each factor carried its own weight, yet visual polish and beat accuracy led the pack. After testing, only seven tools cleared our high bar, and together they cover creative needs from rooftop lyric videos to cyberpunk epics.

Scan The Field At A Glance

Before we explore each platform, here’s the overview.

Spend thirty seconds with the scorecard below and you’ll see which tools meet your top priorities, whether that is razor-sharp 4K footage, one-click beat-sync, or a price that keeps the merch budget intact.

 

Tool Visual punch Beat accuracy Ease of use Creative control Render speed Value
Neural Frames ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★
LTX Studio ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆
Runway ML ★★★★★ ★★☆☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★☆☆☆
Kaiber ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆
Revid AI ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
PlazmaPunk ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆
Shai Creative ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆

 

Stars compare the tools within this list, not the entire industry. Treat them as pointers to each platform’s strongest lanes and skip what you don’t need.

 

1. Neural Frames: Autopilot Videos That Hit Every Beat

Imagine handing your song to an editor who instantly feels its groove, slices footage to every snare, and nails the drop without a single note from you. That is Neural Frames, an ai music video generator that nails the drop without a single note from you.

Upload the track, choose Autopilot, and the engine dissects tempo, stems, and emotional contour. In about the time it takes to refill your mug, you get a full-length video whose cuts land right on the one.

Prefer more control? Switch to the timeline view. Your waveform appears like a DAW session. Drag markers, assign fresh prompts to choruses, swap visual models on the bridge, and let the system handle the transitions.

Neural Frames Autopilot and beat-synced timeline interface screenshot.

Quality matches creativity. Multiple backend models, such as Runway Gen-3 and custom Stable Diffusion forks, render up to true 4K. Character-consistency tools carry a logo or mascot from verse to verse, so branding never wanders.

Plans start at $19 a month, with a free 20-credit sandbox to test the waters. Credits roll over, so if you start on the starter plan at Neuralframes.com, you can carry unused minutes into the next month. For musicians who want pro-level sync without touching a timeline, Neural Frames is a reliable set-and-forget option.

2. Ltx Studio: Cinematic Control Without The Crew

If your song needs a mini-movie, LTX Studio is the place to start.

You storyboard in plain language. “Neon skyline at dusk, singer on a rooftop.” The platform turns that line into a fully lit, camera-tracked shot. Add another prompt and it builds the next scene while keeping characters and colors consistent.

Quality stands out. Footage lands in true 4K, faces stay consistent, and even wind-whipped hair looks natural. Because you adjust camera angles, lighting, and pacing inside the browser, the process feels closer to directing than prompting.

Expect a learning curve. You pay with “compute seconds,” and early sessions vanish quickly while you experiment. Once you find a groove, a one-minute concept video can finish in less time than it takes to brew coffee.

Pricing starts at $15 a month with a free trial. That tier covers personal releases, so indie artists can drop a film-grade clip on day one without draining the gas fund.

3. Runway Ml: The Vfx Playground In Your Browser

Runway feels less like an app and more like a box of cinematic superpowers.

Fire up Gen-3 or Gen-4, type “slow-motion rain on neon streets,” and 10 seconds of moody footage appears. Want something wilder? Feed the same clip into Motion Brush and paint movement onto a static skyline. Effects that once needed a blockbuster budget now sit in your browser.

 

Runway ML Gen-3 and Motion Brush VFX editor screenshot.

Because each generation tops out at about 10 seconds, you stitch clips on the built-in timeline. That extra step rewards planners: map chorus hits to new prompts, fade bridges with soft bokeh, and your 3 minute video snaps together like Lego.

Runway does not auto-sync. You drag clips until snare drums land on clean cuts, just like in Premiere. Editors enjoy that freedom. Newcomers may groan, yet the payoff is precision.

Credits power everything. The starter plan supplies enough to create a 30 second teaser in 4K. Bigger visions call for tiers of $15 and up, or single credit packs. Even a long night on Runway costs less than renting one fog machine.

4. Kaiber: Art-School Flair At Streaming Speed

Kaiber doesn’t just animate your song; it turns it into a moving canvas.

Drop an image, paste a prompt, and the platform breathes life into the artwork, timing scene flips to kick drums and vocal peaks. Picture watercolor wolves dissolving into cosmic dust on the bass drop. Most renders finish before the chorus ends.

Three modes keep sessions fresh: Flipbook adds hand-drawn jitter, Motion provides smooth pans and zooms, and Transform remolds existing footage into bold new styles. The new Storyboard feature chains prompts, so entire verses evolve instead of looping five-second segments.

Exploration costs $29 a month because there is no permanent free tier. The upside is unlimited experimentation within your credit pool, with no daily caps or watermarks. For visual originality per dollar, Kaiber delivers strong value.

The tool is not surgical. You can nudge intensity or color but cannot fine-tune every frame. Embrace the spontaneous brushstrokes, and you will leave with videos vibrant enough for a Spotify Canvas or a full stage backdrop.

5. Revid Ai: Social-Ready Videos In One Coffee Break

Need a vertical clip for tomorrow’s release blitz? Revid is the fastest option in this group.

Drop your song, pick a vibe—bright pop, gritty noir, glitchcore—and the engine assembles stock footage, AI loops, and kinetic text, all sliced to tempo and syllable. Verse lines flash as you sing them, and hooks land right on the beat.

 

Revid AI vertical social video templates and kinetic text editor screenshot.

Because templates drive the experience, results look polished from the first render. Adjust a color accent, swap a clip, then export. Most projects finish in under two minutes, with no watermark on the paid tier.

Visual depth is lighter than the artsier tools above. Think polished TikTok, not Blade Runner. For teaser trailers, lyric shorts, and sponsor shout-outs, Revid meets the brief.

Pricing starts with a free tier, but HD downloads live behind a $19 monthly plan. That fee undercuts a freelance editor and unlocks unlimited, no-queue exports, ideal for artists who post content as often as they release singles.

6. Plazmapunk: Open-Source Power For The Mad Scientist

PlazmaPunk feels like stepping into a secret lab where every knob invites a twist.

The app listens to your track, maps peaks and lulls, then routes those pulses through open-source models such as SDXL and Kandinsky. You decide which model drives each section, how color histograms carry over, and the exact prompt switch at bar 64.

Daily generation limits keep GPU bills sane. The free tier grants 20 seconds. €5 buys a full minute each day, and €12 buys five. Because seconds reset at midnight, you iterate in steady bursts instead of burning through credits overnight.

Outputs lean experimental: ideal for live VJ loops, psychedelic interludes, or any genre that thrives on visual chaos. If you need polished narrative, look elsewhere. If your brand celebrates glitch art, chromatic melt, and happy accidents, PlazmaPunk is your playground.

Developers take note: an API lets you auto-generate visuals for an entire catalog. Imagine every back-catalog track receiving beat-synced art while you sleep. That is the kind of tinkering this punk lab was built for.

7. Shai Creative: Lyric-First Visuals For Storytellers

Some songs live and die by their words, and Shai turns those syllables into storyboards before adding motion to every line.

Paste your lyrics or let the platform auto-transcribe. In seconds, it generates a reel of AI-illustrated frames, each aligned to its timestamp. The process feels as if a director mapped your entire narrative overnight.

Select “Animate” and the stills gain gentle pans, zooms, and light particle movement. Captions arrive pre-synced, so a polished lyric video sits one export away. If a frame misses the mood, tweak the prompt and regenerate only that slice—no need to redo the whole song.

Resolution tops out at 1080p on the $9 plan, which also adds vertical and square formats for Shorts and Reels. Character consistency can wobble on longer stories, yet for single-verse videos or social snippets, the subtle shifts add charm rather than chaos.

Bottom line: if your lyrics deserve a spotlight, Shai gives them a stage without demanding an editing degree.

Rights, Licensing, And Platform Policies

Great visuals mean nothing if you cannot legally post them.

Most AI video platforms now grant full commercial rights to your downloads as long as you own the underlying music. Read the fine print before you hit upload, especially if you plan to run ads or sell the video as an NFT.

Platform rules matter too. On July 18, 2025, YouTube announced that it would demonetize “inauthentic, repetitive” AI uploads that flood the feed. Artist-driven clips remain safe, but spammy loops risk yellow-dollar status. Keep edits fresh and add human touches such as captions, b-roll, or behind-the-scenes footage to stay compliant.

 

Copyright law is catching up as well. An August 2025 report from the U.S. Copyright Office confirmed that AI-assisted works qualify for protection when meaningful human input exists. Your prompt choices, scene edits, and color tweaks count, so document your process and save drafts in case of disputes.

Bottom line: own your audio, choose tools with clear licenses, and avoid low-effort spam. Do that and your AI video can stream, sell, and scale without legal headaches.

Choose The Right Tool For Your Next Release

Start with the outcome.

If you crave cinematic storytelling and have time to tweak, LTX or Runway will reward your patience with frame-perfect drama.

Need trippy art that drops tomorrow? Spin up Kaiber and let Autopilot ride the beat.

Want a full-length video in minutes, synced tighter than a session drummer? Neural Frames is the fast lane.

If social speed matters most, think vertical teasers or daily Reels; Revid edits itself while you refill the coffee.

Tinkerers and live-show VJs should keep PlazmaPunk in their back pocket for nightly experiments, while lyric-focused writers will find Shai’s storyboard flow tough to top.

Match your priority, whether quality, speed, narrative, or price, to the column that shines in our table. Pick one platform and dive deep. Mastery of a single tool outperforms dabbling in five. Your audience will notice the focus.

Speediance Unveils Smart Fitness Ecosystem at CES 2026

Speediance, a leader in smart fitness innovation, returns to CES 2026 for the second consecutive year, unveiling an expanded vision for smart training and wellness powered by connected hardware, versatile training modalities, and AI-driven insights. The company’s presence underscores its strategic evolution from standalone fitness devices toward an integrated, system-wide approach to long-term health optimization.

Prototype Innovations Point to Future of Fitness

At CES 2026, Speediance is presenting two forward-looking products alongside its established ecosystem:

Gym Nano: A compact, motor-driven cable training system engineered for high-performance strength training in flexible and mobile environments
Speediance Strap: An innovative wearable prototype that explores how continuous physiological and behavioral data can inform personalized health and training recommendations throughout daily life
These prototypes complement Speediance’s current flagship products, including the Gym Monster 2, the all-in-one smart home gym and VeloNix, the connected indoor bike, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to expanding capabilities across diverse hardware platforms and user interaction models.

Enhanced Training Capabilities and AI Integration

Speediance continues to broaden its training delivery through both software innovations and strategic accessories. The Gym Monster 2 now incorporates Pilates functionality via the Speediance Pilates Set, bringing functional, low-impact, and mobility-focused training to users’ homes in a streamlined format that complements existing strength and cardio capabilities.

Central to the ecosystem expansion is Wellness+, Speediance’s AI-driven health guidance platform that serves as the intelligent foundation of the connected fitness experience. By transforming complex data into clear, actionable insights, Wellness+ empowers users to make informed decisions about training, recovery, and daily wellness habits while promoting consistency and sustainable progress.

Vision for Connected Fitness Future

“CES provides the ideal platform to demonstrate how these interconnected elements function as a unified system,” said Speediance Founder and CEO Liu Tao. “Rather than developing products in isolation, we’re building a comprehensive training and health ecosystem that adapts to users’ real lives and empowers better decision-making over time.”

The CES 2026 showcase represents Speediance’s holistic approach to fitness technology, where hardware innovation, diverse training methodologies, and artificial intelligence converge to create more personalized and effective wellness experiences.

Looking forward, Speediance will continue refining the integration of these elements based on real-world user feedback, guided by its mission to transform home fitness beyond individual devices toward more cohesive, sustainable, and intelligence-driven experiences.

Visit Speediance at the Venetian Expo (Level 2, Room 55339).

Toast announces 120 new Dublin jobs

Toast, the cloud-based restaurant technology platform, announces plans to create 120 new roles in Dublin thanks to a multi-year R&D investment project. This new project is supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland.

The investment will drive platform innovation with a strategic focus on AI and represents the next phase of Toast’s expansion in Ireland. The investment, which will create 120 new roles at Toast’s Dublin headquarters, will allow the company to advance its work in AI innovation to embed intelligent agents across the platform, enhance AI-powered productivity for its R&D teams, and unlock global scalability for its customers worldwide.

Toast’s technology is developed to seamlessly connect every aspect of Irish hospitality businesses, from kitchen to customer. Toast is the restaurant technology partner of choice for many of Ireland’s leading hospitality businesses, including Bewley’s, Kicky’s, OAKBERRY, and the Eclective Hospitality Group.

The new, multi-year R&D program will accelerate Toast’s AI-forward vision for the hospitality industry, with the company’s Dublin team leading the charge on critical aspects of this innovation.

At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to reimagining how technology empowers the hospitality sector. Toast is focused on embedding intelligent, autonomous AI experiences across its platform to help businesses work smarter, serve guests better, and make faster, data-driven decisions

To support this transformation, the company is modernising its global platform architecture – investing in modular, scalable systems built for new regions, verticals, and customer segments. These enhancements aim to strengthen Toast’s cloud foundations for AI readiness, resilience, and rapid global expansion.
Internally, Toast is also harnessing AI to change how it builds, deploying advanced AI-powered productivity tools to accelerate product development and increase engineering velocity.
Together, these efforts mark a major step forward in Toast’s mission to create an intelligent, scalable platform that powers the future of hospitality worldwide.

Toast first established an engineering presence in Dublin in 2017 and has since grown to include teams across all key business functions. The company is recognised as a Certified Great Place to Work in Ireland.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said: ‘’Toast’s decision to expand its R&D operations in Dublin and create 120 new high quality roles is a clear vote of confidence in Ireland’s position as a global hub for innovation and technology. This investment, with a strong focus on AI, aligns with our national ambition to lead in digital transformation. I thank Toast for their continued commitment to Ireland and wish the team the best for the future.’’

“From our early feasibility work to this new investment, IDA Ireland has been instrumental in helping Toast scale and innovate in Ireland,” said Dave Fleming, Global Head of Engineering  & Ireland Site Leader. “This programme represents a step-change in the scope and ambition of our Irish operation, as our Dublin team will spearhead end-to-end platforms for our global customers, leveraging AI to shape the next generation of technology for the hospitality sector.”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: “This decision by Toast to develop their R&D offering with a focus on AI in Dublin is a testament to Ireland’s reputation as a global leader in technology and innovation. The creation of 120 new jobs in Dublin will help strengthen Ireland’s capability for AI development, which is a key focus in IDA Ireland’s strategy for 2025-2029. I would like to wish Toast every success with this R&D project.”