Tag: powered

Cork Airport to deliver Ireland’s largest solar-powered carport

Cork Airport has announced that it will deliver Ireland’s largest solar-powered carport, in conjunction with Greenvolt Next. A solar carport is a dual-purpose structure, where a canopy is being constructed and fitted with a roof of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The solar carport will provide shelter for parked cars in the Holiday Blue car park while also generating up to 20% of the airport’s electricity needs into the future.

The landmark project, which is expected to be completed in August 2027, has been grant supported by the Department of Transport and Department of Climate, Environment and Energy. Minister Darragh O’Brien TD and Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer TD attended the contract signing by Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director, Cork Airport and John Carty, Chief Commercial Officer, Greenvolt Next.

The 1.7 MW carport, which is being constructed over the existing Holiday Blue car park, shall be rolled out in two phases – the first of which will start in early summer, with the second stage to commence in October. Once completed in late summer 2027, it is envisaged that the 3,696 solar panels and 5 inverters will generate 1.5 GWh of renewable energy each year for the airport

As well as delivering renewable energy and lowering CO₂ emissions at the airport by 355,056 KG based on Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) data, the carport will reduce annual electricity costs and boost operational efficiency by enabling on-site energy generation.

In 2025, Cork Airport experienced its busiest year ever for passenger traffic, with a total of 3.46 million passengers. It was also named as Europe’s Best Regional Airport by Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, acknowledging its efforts in promoting inbound tourism, adding new routes and its commitment to sustainable business. Cork Airport was also named as the “Best Performing Commercial Semi-State” for energy reduction by SEAI for two years running (2021, 2022).

This new solar carport will further strengthen Cork Airport’s sustainability credentials and forms a key part of the airport’s overall sustainability strategy.

The works on the construction of the new solar carport will be swiftly followed by an extension to the existing Holiday Blue Car Park, with 669 more long-term car parking spaces. Of those new spaces, 32 will be dedicated spaces for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM). The car park extension will also include new internal roadways, more trolley bays, attenuation and drainage work, along with tasteful landscaping works with a focus on native Irish plant species.

Speaking at Cork Airport, Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien TD said: “The project was supported with over €2 million in Exchequer funding under the Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme. This programme was developed in 2024 to support regional state airports to reach their carbon emission reduction targets and build resilience against climate change.

Cork Airport was named as the “Best Performing Commercial Semi-State” for energy reduction by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for two years running (2021, 2022). This new solar carport will strengthen Cork Airport’s sustainability credentials and forms a key part of the airport’s overall sustainability strategy. The solar carport will generate up to 20% of the airport’s electricity needs into the future.”

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD, added: “Government recognises the important role regional airports play in their areas and in regional development. Cork Airport recorded its busiest year on record in 2025 with 3.46 million passengers choosing to use the airport which plays an important role in connecting the region to global markets, attracting investment and boosting inbound tourism. This targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to regional State airports developing sustainable energy practices.”

Niall MacCarthy Managing Director, Cork Airport, said: “We understand the need for more sustainable operations at airports, which is why Cork Airport is investing in Ireland’s largest solar carport today. We acknowledge the support of daa Group, the Department of Transport and the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy for making this exciting project happen. We will meet our 2030 energy reduction targets and we are proud to confirm that.”

Owen Power, CEO, Greenvolt Next Ireland, added: “Our aim is to make renewable energy easy, and this solar carport does exactly that by enabling Cork Airport to be more resourceful, have more control, and use more reliable infrastructure. It will also deliver tangible benefits from both a financial and environmental perspective. We look forward to working with Cork Airport to both creating the largest solar carport in Ireland and future-proofing the aviation sector.”

Global tech innovators selected for Isle of Man Innovation Challenge

Health and social care systems around the world are evolving rapidly, facing increasing demand, workforce pressures and more complex patient needs. The Isle of Man is no different, and like many places, it is looking for practical, adoptable solutions that can make a genuine difference to the people and communities it serves.

The Isle of Man is taking a proactive approach, creating a unique environment where new ideas can be tested, refined and delivered in real-world settings.

What sets the Island apart is its ability to move quickly. Its scale, integrated systems, and close collaboration between government, clinicians, regulators and industry create a genuinely distinctive environment for developing and applying innovation.

This is the foundation of the Innovation Challenge, now in its fourth year, and this year’s programme has attracted its strongest response to date.

Sixteen global innovators have been selected from 125 entries submitted across 25 countries, following a record 467 registrations. Each finalist was assessed by frontline health and care professionals for their potential to address genuine system needs.

The Challenge is led by Digital Isle of Man and the Department for Enterprise, and delivered in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, Manx Care and Public Health Isle of Man.

The finalists are developing solutions spanning AI-powered clinical tools, digital platforms, preventative health technologies and community-based care models, reflecting both the scale of the challenge and the opportunity to deliver meaningful impact.

The high calibre and diversity of this year’s cohort reflects the strength of innovation emerging globally to support the future of health and care.

Over the next ten weeks, finalists will take part in an intensive contextualisation programme, working in collaboration with healthcare stakeholders to refine and adapt their solutions through workshops, expert input and real-world Island insight.

They will receive tailored one-to-one mentoring from clinicians and care providers, alongside support from the Island’s tech and business community, with opportunities to connect with local organisations as they develop their solutions ahead of the Finale Day in June.

The programme will culminate in a live Finale Day on 25 June 2026, where finalists will present their solutions to a panel of expert judges, industry leaders and healthcare professionals.

Awards will be presented across three core themes: Working Smarter, Wellness and Home First, alongside a dedicated Biosphere Award.

The Biosphere Award recognises the solution that best reflects the Isle of Man’s status as the world’s first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, celebrating innovation that supports a sustainable balance between environment, community and economic development. It reflects an approach to innovation which is grounded in the Island’s values, and distinctively ‘Manx’.

The Isle of Man’s unique position, combining an integrated healthcare system, agile regulation and close collaboration across the public and private sectors, continues to make it an attractive destination for innovators looking to test and scale solutions in a real-world environment.

Claire Christian MHK, Minister for Health and Social Care, said:

‘The calibre of this year’s finalists is exceptionally high and underlines the Isle of Man’s growing position as a centre for health innovation.

‘Through the Innovation Challenge, we are taking a proactive and practical leadership role in bringing together government, clinicians and global innovators to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our health and social care system.

‘By testing these solutions in a real-world environment, we are ensuring that innovation is translated into meaningful impact, both for our Island and beyond.

‘I look forward to seeing the breadth of ideas and talent showcased by this year’s cohort at the Finale Day and the impact they will go on to deliver.’

Lyle Wraxall, Chief Executive of Digital Isle of Man, said:

‘This year’s response has been exceptional, not just in volume, but in the quality and ambition of ideas coming forward.

‘We’re seeing a global recognition that health and social care systems need to evolve rapidly, and that innovation must be grounded in real-world application.

‘The Innovation Challenge provides a unique platform to do exactly that, bringing together innovators and system leaders to co-create solutions that can genuinely improve lives.’

More information: http://www.innovationiom.com

First Innovate for Ireland National Centre launched – ‘Decarb-AI’

The first Innovate for Ireland national centre, ‘Decarb-AI: AI-Powered Pathways to Climate Resilience’ has been announced today. Created in partnership with AIB and Research Ireland, the €5.7m Decarb-AI national centre will aim to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate Ireland’s transition to a climate-resilient, low-carbon future.

Decarb-AI will welcome 30 iScholars across three intakes. Eight iScholars – from China, Ghana, India, UK, France, Ireland and Kenya – have already commenced their research. All of these iScholars will undertake fully-funded, four-year PhDs under the supervision of leading academic researchers from Irish higher education  institutions, which are:  University College Dublin (lead institution), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, Technological University Dublin, University of Limerick, University of Galway (via the Irish Centre for High-End Computing – ICHEC), and University College Cork. The iScholars’ research at Decarb-AI research centre will focus on using cutting-edge AI to advance climate mitigation and adaptation across Ireland, with key focus areas including:

  • AI-optimised renewable energy systems and datacentre sustainability
  • Machine learning for water quality forecasting and peatland restoration
  • Earth-observation and biodiversity modelling for land-use policy
  • AI-supported sustainable finance tools for SMEs
  • Transparent AI decision-support systems for real-time decarbonisation planning

The launch of Decarb-AI is a major milestone for the Innovate for Ireland programme. It follows on from the programme’s successful launch in early 2025, which saw the recruitment of the first cohort of 11 iScholars working in a variety of research disciplines. iScholars are outstanding researchers with entrepreneurial qualities and a passion for sustainability.

Yvonne McCarthy , Head of Sustainability Research, AIB, commented: “Tackling climate change requires both ambition and innovation. AIB is proud to partner with Innovate for Ireland on Decarb-AI, an initiative that brings world-leading researchers together to accelerate Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy. By supporting the development of AI-driven tools for energy and sustainable finance, we’re helping to unlock some of the solutions that will ensure that businesses and communities can make meaningful progress on decarbonisation that allows them to thrive.”

Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO Research Ireland, commented: “By combining advanced AI research with real-world climate challenges, Decarb-AI has the potential to generate solutions that are both scientifically rigorous and nationally impactful. This initiative will train the next generation of interdisciplinary leaders and strengthen Ireland’s credentials in climate research innovation.”

Andrew Parnell, Lead PI and Professor of Data Science for Weather and Climate at University College Dublin, commented “AI is the catalyst required to solve the multi-objective problems inherent in climate resilience. Through Decarb-AI, we are fostering a research environment where advanced data science meets urgent environmental necessity through our new iScholars. Our focus is on creating scalable, academically rigorous, and industry-ready outputs ranging from peatland restoration to sustainable finance. We must ensure that Ireland remains at the global forefront of excellence in AI and sustainability.”

Dr Simon Boucher, Chief Executive, Global Innovators Ireland, commented: “The opening of the Decarb-AI national centre is an important step towards realising the Innovate for Ireland vision of establishing Ireland as a world-leading hub for sustainability innovation and helping to address the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Applications for a second cohort of researchers to Decarb-AI will be invited from ambitious candidates with backgrounds in AI, data science, engineering, environmental science, ecology, geography, finance, and related fields who want to build high-impact AI solutions for climate resilience.

OBSBOT Tiny 3 Tiny 3 Lite and OBSBOT Vox SE First Look

OBSBOT, an industry leader in smart videography technology, today announces the global launch of the OBSBOT Tiny 3 and OBSBOT Tiny 3 Lite, a new generation of AI-powered 4K PTZ webcams designed around one core belief: delivering studio-grade audio and outstanding video in one seamless experience. 

The Tiny 3 Series sets a new benchmark for professional webcams by combining studio-grade spatial audio, flagship-level imaging, and industry-leading AI intelligence in an ultra-compact aluminum-alloy body. Designed for content creators, podcasters, remote professionals, educators, and live streamers, the series delivers premium sight and sound—without external microphones, cable clutter, or complex setups.

“With traditional webcams, audio quality is often an afterthought,” said Liu Bo, CEO of OBSBOT. “With the Tiny 3 Series, we rethought professionals and creators’ real needs: Video quality still matters, but audio, intelligence, and ease of use are just as critical. Tiny 3 delivers flagship imaging in an ultra-compact form for creators who want the best, while Tiny 3 Lite brings the same professional audio and AI experience to everyday workflows at a more accessible level. Together, the Tiny 3 Series gives users the freedom to choose the performance that best fits how they create and communicate.”

Revolutionary Top-Tier Spatial Audio Performance

Both Tiny 3 and Tiny 3 Lite feature an industry-leading triple silicon MEMS microphone array, combining one omnidirectional and two directional microphones powered by Sisonic MEMS technology. This architecture—commonly found in premium TWS earbuds and professional audio equipment—delivers:

  • Ultra-low distortion up to 130 dB SPL
  • An exceptional 69 dB signal-to-noise ratio
  • Full-spectrum 50Hz–20kHz frequency response
  • Consistent, unit-to-unit studio-quality performance

 

The result is clear, natural, and immersive sound that rivals dedicated microphones—directly from a webcam.

To adapt seamlessly to different creative and professional scenarios, the Tiny 3 Series offers five dedicated audio profiles:

  • Pure Audio Mode – Zero processing, studio-grade capture for music recording, ASMR, and precision post-production
  • Spatial Audio Mode – Immersive stereo with enhanced left-right separation-perfect for vlogs and ambient storytelling where soundscape is key
  • Smart Omni Mode – AI-powered 360° pickup that balances vocals and ambient sound for meetings, group discussions, and multi-speaker streams
  • Directional Mode – Focus on the voice in front while cutting surrounding noise-ideal for solo presentations and podcasts in noisy spaces
  • Dual-Directional Mode – Capture clear audio from front and rear while rejecting side noise-built for interviews, two-host podcasts, and face-to-face conversations

With Voice Locator, the Tiny 3 Series doesn’t just hear you—it finds you. Using spatial audio positioning, the webcam detects the direction of speech, smoothly rotates the gimbal, and initiates tracking automatically. Combined with voice commands like “Hi Tiny,” users can start recording or meetings from anywhere in the room.  The series also supports the OBSBOT Vox SE wireless lavalier for cable-free professional audio.

Flagship Imaging in the Tiniest 4K PTZ Webcam

Tiny 3 features the smallest 4K PTZ webcam design in the world, at just 63 g and  37 × 37 × 49 mm, compact enough to disappear into any professional or creator setup. Inside this compact body is a 1/1.28-inch flagship CMOS sensor, delivering:

  • 4K@30fps video and 1080p@120fps high-frame-rate capture
  • Advanced DCG HDR for balanced highlights and shadows without motion blur
  • Wide ISO 100–12800 range for excellent low-light performance
  • Ultra-fast Dual All-Pixel PDAF autofocus for confident live demos and movement

The result is crisp, cinematic video quality that rivals dedicated cameras—now in the smallest PTZ webcam ever built.

The slightly larger Tiny 3 Lite (73g, 41×41×58mm) brings professional imaging to a wider audience, featuring a 1/2-inch stacked CMOS sensor with advanced HDR algorithms, fast All-Pixel PDAF autofocus, and excellent low-light handling (ISO 100–6400). Supporting 4K@30fps and 1080p@120fps, it delivers smooth, reliable performance in a lighter, more portable integrated-stand design.

Industry-Leading AI Tracking 2.0

Powered by OBSBOT’s latest AI algorithms—refined from its professional Tail Series—the Tiny 3 Series introduces AI Tracking 2.0, delivering precise, reliable, and customizable tracking without constant manual adjustment.

Key capabilities include:

  • Accurate tracking of individuals, groups, hands, and objects, with “Only Me” Mode for locked single-subject focus and Zone Tracking for professional framing control
  • Auto Zoom, customizable composition lines, and Face Framing for professional-looking shots
  • Voice Tracking, combining audio positioning with visual tracking for hands-free operation
  • Multiple AI Modes, including dedicated Desk Mode and Whiteboard Mode (exclusive to Tiny 3), plus Hand Tracking
  • Intuitive gesture and voice controls for fluid, interruption-free workflows

 

Powerful software for pro control

Through OBSBOT Center and Obsbot live, users unlock DSLR-level creative controls, including exposure and gamma curve adjustment, manual white balance tuning, NVIDIA Maxine Eye Contact, background blur and replacement, overlays, and more—turning any desktop setup into a compact production studio.

Two new software innovations further expand creative possibilities for presentations, streaming and creative production:

  • RTC Remote Interaction enables real-time, bidirectional audio and video at 720P with sub-200ms latency, allowing remote participants to control PTZ, zoom, and AI tracking directly via browser.
  • Virtual Camera (VR) Features, powered by the OBSBOT Toolkit, turn Tiny 3 into a motion-capture-free virtual camera system with AI Tracking, pre-built avatars and scenes, and one-click switching between virtual avatars, voice tones, and environments.

Seamless OBSBOT Ecosystem integration

The Tiny 3 Series integrates effortlessly with the broader OBSBOT ecosystem, supporting:

  • OBSBOT Vox SE wireless audio
  • OBSBOT Talent for multi-camera live streaming
  • UVC – HDMI/NDI adapters
  • OBSBOT Tiny Smart Remote 2, Elgato Stream Deck, and Switch 2 compatibility

Enhanced Sleep Mode 2.0 ensures privacy, while wide platform compatibility simplifies deployment across professional workflows.

Availability

Both models are available starting today on the official OBSBOT online store, Amazon, and select retailers worldwide.

Learn more about Tiny 3 series:

Official website link: https://www.obsbot.com/obsbot-tiny-3-series-4k-ptz-webcam

Official store link: https://www.obsbot.com/store/products/tiny-3-series

Amazon store link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G636CXQM

 

Get the OBSBOT software: https://www.obsbot.com/download 

See our OBSBOT Reviews

Unboxing 

Snacking with less salt, AI-powered food safety – Young Scientist Exhibition

Kerry is to showcase the latest science underpinning advances in sustainable nutrition at this year’s Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.

The company, a global leader in specialist ingredients for the food and beverage sector, is a Silver Sponsor of the event and will present the Kerry Sustainable Nutrition Award, recognising outstanding student projects that demonstrate scientific innovation in sustainable nutrition.

From January 7–10 at the RDS, Kerry experts will be on hand to provide key insights on   pressing global food challenges, from coffee and chocolate supply issues to sodium reduction and AI-driven food safety solutions.

Attendees will have a chance to step into the world of sustainable nutrition at Stand 113, where Kerry brings science to life through five interactive experiences, showing how innovation creates real-world impact for consumers and the planet.

 

  1. Great taste with less salt

With global sodium intake exceeding twice the WHO recommendation, reducing salt without compromising on taste remains a significant industry challenge. Kerry will showcase how its TasteSense™ Salt technology enables up to 60% sodium reduction while maintaining flavour and food safety. Visitors can experience a live tasting demo comparing standard crisps with reduced-salt alternatives – seeing first-hand how healthier snacks can still taste great.

 

  1. Improving Human Healthspan 

Healthspan is about living better, not just longer – at Kerry’s stand attendees will see how science can provide dietary solutions to proactively boast wellness over a lifetime. Kerry experts will highlight science-backed solutions supporting stress reduction, immune health, gut health, and skin wellness, tailored to age and gender needs. The showcase will feature clinically validated ingredients including Sensoril® Ashwagandha, Wellmune®, BC30™, and Plenibiotic™, which support energy, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.

 

  1. AI- Powered Food Safety

Unsafe food remains a global health challenge. Kerry will demonstrate how its AI-driven predictive model analyses thousands of data points to anticipate food safety risk, reduce analysis time by 80%, accelerate development by up to 10 months, and deliver safer food solutions to market, faster.

 

4. Cracking the Cocoa Crisis 

Chocolate is a timeless favourite, but cocoa supply is under threat from crop disease, climate change, and soaring prices. Visitors will discover how Kerry’s Cocoa Boosters enable up to 50% cocoa powder reduction without compromising an indulgent taste. These solutions help manufacturers manage costs and deliver the chocolate experience consumers love, sustainably.

 

  1. (Still) Getting the Caffeine Kick 

Coffee lovers expect rich flavour, but roasting can create acrylamide, a potential carcinogen. Kerry’s Acrylerase® enzyme reduces acrylamide in target applications by up to 90% post-roast, without changing production processes. The result: advanced consumer health, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. Kerry’s interactive experience on this issue – close to any coffee lover’s heart – will highlight how innovation can protect both taste and wellbeing.

Catherine Keogh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Kerry said: “Kerry’s partnership with the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is both an exciting initiative and a natural fit. Science and technology are at the heart of everything we do. From our roots in Irish dairy to leading the way in sustainable taste and nutrition, our 1,200 scientists are creating innovations that make food healthier, tastier, and more sustainable. This sponsorship is about inspiring the next generation of innovators who will tackle some of the world’s biggest food challenges.” 

The Kerry Sustainable Nutrition Award aligns with Kerry’s Beyond the Horizon sustainability strategy and its ambition to deliver sustainable nutrition solutions to more than two billion people by 2030.

STEALTH light-up gaming keyboard and mouse review

The STEALTH Light-Up Gaming Keyboard and Mouse set is a solid entry point for gamers looking for maximum visual appeal on a budget. This is a wired set not wireless so keep that in mind but it delivers vibrant RGB lighting and responsive gaming features like anti-ghosting keys and adjustable mouse sensitivity.

Me perosnally not a huge gamer on PC I have tested some keyboards of late and you will see the reviews here soon but I now see what I have been missing out on having test this and a wireless option side by side with out the numbers and mouse so I have seen what the differences are like comparing to the flat keys I am used to now on my laptops.

In the old days I was fan of these types of keyboards even until recently and now I miss  them and can see myself movng back to them now wired or non wired, this simply set just simply plugs in and works which is excellent and no messing about.

The keys are tactile travel well and smooth with no much noise either and there is an array of fucntions to change the settings as seen below, I am no keyboard expert but as far as using it it works fine for all my needs and anyone use to these keyboards will be impressed especially with the RGB lights and other functions the mouse is the same it fits naturally into the hand and works a treat I have again tested many over the years and for a wired option it was a joy to use.

If you want bright, eye-catching RGB, this keyboard delivers. It perfectly sets a gaming mood, the keyboard might not be for all however I said same and as mentioned tested a few of late I now love them again, the keys are not noisey or have that loud thock I remember from days of old it is more a smoother experience  it includes essential gaming features like anti-ghosting. This means you can press several keys at once (crucial for executing complex in-game commands or combos) without missing a single input.

The 4 button mouse features animated RGB lighting that complements the keyboard’s aesthetic. Its ergonomic design is excellent and comfortable to use for hours. The mouse is highly responsive and smooth, gliding well over most surfaces, which is a major positive. You have adjustable DPI (sensitivity), allowing you to switch between high precision (for aiming) and fast movement (for general navigation) on the fly and the scroll wheel works a treat.

Check the video below for more and if you are a parent stuck for an xmas present that also wont rob your time this is one to look at as no set-up is required.

Features

3 RGB lighting effects with 360° light-up base

Whether you’re gaming or working, create the perfect vibe and choose from 3 RGB lighting effects, including breathing and beating modes, plus a 360 light up base

Jump straight into action with simple plug & play setup

Whether you’re gaming or working, this USB-powered mouse offers hassle-free setup wherever you are —just plug in and play!

Full-size keyboard with silent-click keys & numpad

Full-sized keyboard with numpad to boost efficiency when inputting numbers, plus silent-click keys to keep you focused or quiet during late-night sessions.

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Niqo Robotics Launches AI-Powered Precision Weeding Robot

Niqo Robotics, a leading provider of AI-powered robotics for sustainable farming, today announced its entry into the weeding segment with the launch of its precision weeding robot, capable of performing high-speed spot-spray weeding at up to 4.5 mph. By combining speed, accuracy, and the power of AI, this innovation aims to make specialty crop farming more commercially viable than ever before.

Building on the success of their spot-spray lettuce thinning robot and valuable grower feedback, Niqo identified a critical gap in the specialty crop market—boosting grower ROI by reducing the time and cost spent on weeding, especially amid ongoing labor shortages. The new precision weeding robot integrates Niqo’s proprietary AI camera system, enabling real-time, plant-level decision-making. This can distinguish weeds from crop with millimeter-level precision, adapt to diverse field conditions, and operate seamlessly at  speeds of up to 4.5 miles per hour. At this weeding speed  growers can expect ROI in under two seasons.

“This launch is not about adding another feature to a robot—it’s about redesigning the rhythm of field operations,” said Jaisimha Rao, Founder and CEO of Niqo Robotics. “Weeding is the most time-critical and labor-intensive task in specialty crop farming. By focusing on speed and delivering millimeter-level accuracy, we are helping growers regain control over timing, cost, and consistency. What we’re introducing is a new approach to how AI-powered spot spraying can support agriculture. Feedback from growers in California and Arizona has been clear: they need systems that are fast, accurate, and flexible enough to handle changing field conditions. That’s exactly what we’ve built- the fastest spot-spray weeder in the field”.

With agricultural labor availability declining and production costs rising, robotic platforms are becoming an operational necessity. Niqo’s spot-spray weeder offers a scalable, integrated solution that maintains agronomic precision while maximizing speed and minimizing operational complexity. Designed for versatility, it can be retrofitted to any tractor and adapted to various bed configurations, ensuring a seamless, farm-friendly upgrade.

Key Features:
• In-row and inter-row precision weeding
• RTK-based navigation with ±2 mm accuracy
• Adaptability across bed sizes and crop types

Niqo spot-spray weeding robot is  manufactured and assembled in the United States and will be available to growers beginning November 2025. Current algorithms support green leaf lettuce, red leaf lettuce, and broccoli, with plans to expand to a broader range of specialty crops including onions, cabbage, tomato, and leafy greens based on grower needs.

Niqo operates one of the world’s largest commercial fleets of AI-powered agricultural robots, serving over 3,000 growers and having spot-sprayed more than 170,000 acres. Niqo spot-spray thinning robot is consistently delivering top-tier performance in lettuce thinning across major U.S. production regions.

Niqo Robotics invites attendees to their robot in action at the Demo Zone or connect with the team at Booth 43 during FIRA USA 2025, held at the Yolo County Fairgrounds, Woodland, California, from October 21–23.
Growers can book a free demo through their local Niqo Robotics contact, Chris Lauritzen (+1 831 320 5449), or reach out to their local dealer, Jason Mellow at Axis Ag, Inc. (+1 831 524 7816)

For more information, visit www.niqorobotics.com.

Samsung Launches First-Ever Perplexity AI-Powered TV App

Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of the Perplexity TV App, the first-ever Perplexity AI-powered TV app on the market. Elevating Samsung’s Vision AI Companion, which brings smart, generative AI support to the largest communal screens, the Perplexity TV App offers a new and innovative AI-powered experience to help users quickly find what they’re looking for and discover new favorites.

Perplexity is an AI-powered answer engine that draws from credible sources in real time, accurately answering questions, performing deep research, and suggesting additional questions that allow curious users to engage more deeply with the content they consume.

“The first-of-its-kind Perplexity AI-powered app, now available only on Samsung TVs, broadens our Vision AI Platform offering for a more unique and personalized user experience,” said Dan Glassman, Senior Director & Head of New Business Development for Samsung Electronics. “Samsung continually brings innovative and first-to-market experiences to our device owners, and this partnership with Perplexity is the latest that will deliver cutting-edge AI technology, redefining how Samsung owners interact with their TVs.”

“Curiosity can strike at any time. Perplexity’s mission is to serve the world’s curiosity by bridging the gap between traditional search and innovative AI-driven interfaces,” said Ryan Foutty, VP of Business at Perplexity. “Samsung is the number one television brand in the world, and we are excited to bring the functionality that Perplexity users know and trust to Samsung’s television screens and device owners around the world.”

Elevating the Vision AI Companion Experience
Unveiled earlier this month at IFA 2025, the Vision AI Companion brings the next evolution of AI-powered displays to Samsung TVs and smart monitors by integrating Samsung’s most advanced AI features into a single, intuitive AI experience. As part of the Vision AI Companion, the Perplexity TV App is now available as a standalone AI agent, offering even more innovative AI-powered experiences to Samsung users.

Navigate to the Perplexity TV App on your TV’s home screen and click on it to launch. From there, Perplexity can help with planning a trip, finding which movies were directed by the Russo Brothers or creating the ultimate fantasy lineup, all directly from your TV.

 

Getting Started

The Perplexity TV App offers a sleek and visually appealing experience, going beyond text-only responses. When you ask Perplexity a question, results appear with high-quality, glanceable cards made just for Samsung TVs.

How It Works:
Access: Navigate to the Perplexity TV App via the Apps Tab or in Samsung’s Vision AI Companion, accessible via the AI Button.
Activation: Users must accept the terms and conditions and allow Perplexity to access their microphones before using the AI voice component.

(Optional): For those who don’t want to use voice commands, the onscreen keyboard or USB keyboard can be used to search with the Perplexity TV App.
Ask for anything: Whether you want recommendations for Halloween entertainment or help with an everyday task, Perplexity knows the answer.

Availability
The Perplexity TV App is now available on all 2025 Samsung TVs and will be available on 2023 and 2024 TVs with the latest OS upgrade later this year. As a bonus, Perplexity is offering a free 12-month subscription to Perplexity Pro for all users. Simply scan the QR code on the Perplexity TV app to redeem.

To learn more, visit www.samsung.com

What’s Next for Game Monetisation in Ireland?

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

From One-Off Purchases to Ongoing Revenue

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

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

Clearer Rules, More Confidence

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

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

New Monetisation Models Taking Shape

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

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

Where Gaming and Fintech Meet

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

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

Evolving Player Expectations

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

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