Tag: quality

Smart sensors in the stillhouse: Helping Irish whiskey keep its character

Irish distilleries are celebrated worldwide for their rich heritage, time-honored methods, and the distinct character of their spirits. While traditional techniques remain central to production, many distilleries are now embracing smart sensors and automation systems.

This combination allows them to uphold the authenticity of their craft while improving consistency, quality, and efficiency throughout the production process. By merging tradition with technology, distillers can better manage complex operations and meet the rising global demand for Irish whiskey.

Key Takeaways

Irish distilleries are integrating smart sensors and automation to maintain the character of their whiskey while enhancing production efficiency and quality.

  • Smart sensors track critical factors during distillation, enabling precise control without replacing traditional craftsmanship.
  • Automation systems improve consistency and reduce human error, supporting sustainability and energy efficiency.
  • Integration of modern technology in heritage spaces enhances visibility, safety, and traceability, while preserving traditional techniques.

Embracing technology without losing craft

The stillhouse has always been the heart of a distillery, where copper pot stills transform fermented wash into spirit. Traditionally, operators relied on sensory expertiseobserving temperature, listening to the drop of the spirit, and evaluating aromato guide the distillation process.

Today, smart sensors continuously track critical factors such as temperature, pressure, and flow, alerting operators if any variable deviates from its optimal range. This approach enables precise control without replacing hands-on craftsmanship.

Supporting quality and consistency

Automation systems help distillers achieve consistent results while reducing human error. Sensors allow for early detection of potential problems, preventing variations in flavor or yield. Moreover, these systems contribute to sustainability and energy efficiency by monitoring equipment usage and identifying opportunities to reduce waste. Midleton Distillery, for example, aims to become carbon-neutral by 2026, with sensor-driven efficiency playing a crucial role.

Integrating modern tools in heritage spaces

Many Irish distilleries operate in historic buildings, which makes installing modern technology challenging. Sensors, actuated valves, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) must be carefully integrated without compromising the structure or artisan processes.

Despite these challenges, automation enhances visibility, safety, and traceability, supporting distillers expertise rather than replacing it. These systems also allow for remote monitoring, giving operators greater flexibility to oversee production.

Benefits beyond the stillhouse

Automation extends beyond the stillhouse to fermentation, cask handling, and maturation. Sensor networks monitor conditions in real time, helping distilleries optimize production while reducing energy use and minimizing waste. This technology ensures that products maintain consistent quality and meet environmental standards. In addition, the ability to track and record every step of production is increasingly important for transparency and regulatory compliance.

Supporting operators and craft

Far from replacing the skill of master distillers, automation serves as a supportive tool. Alerts and data allow operators to intervene quickly when an issue arises, maintaining smooth operations without diminishing the craft. This balance ensures that traditional techniques remain central to production while benefiting from the reliability and precision that technology provides.

The future of Irish distilling is likely to see more advanced integration of technology. Predictive maintenance, powered by sensor data, can anticipate equipment issues before they occur, reducing downtime and costs.

Data analytics can help optimize energy use, improve production efficiency, and fine-tune flavor consistency. As consumers increasingly demand transparency regarding provenance and production practices, these systems will support traceability and sustainability. Small craft distilleries can also adopt these technologies to maintain quality while scaling operations.

For a look at how technology is being embraced in other aspects of Irish distilling, see how Jameson launched an NFC-enabled bottle to connect tradition with modern consumer engagement. For a broader overview of Irelands whiskey offerings, explore this whiskey collection.

A future built on craft and data

The fusion of smart sensors with traditional manufacturing represents a new era for Irish distilleries. Technology provides operators with tools to maintain quality, enhance safety, and increase efficiency while preserving hands-on craftsmanship.

By balancing innovation with tradition, distilleries can meet global demand, improve sustainability, and continue producing high-quality Irish whiskey that retains its distinctive character. The collaboration between technology and artisanal expertise ensures that Irish spirits will remain a trusted symbol of quality for generations to come.

Viltrox Launches AF 50mm F1.4 Pro FE Large Aperture Lens

Viltrox is delighted to announce the launch of the AF 50mm F1.4 Pro FE large aperture lens, which offers efficiency, durability and beautiful professional image quality. Versatile and powerful, the Viltrox AF 50mm F1.4 Pro full-frame lens offers stunning pro-grade resolution, a bright F1.4 aperture, fast autofocus, comprehensive control buttons, a reliable weather-sealed body, and exceptional video performance. Classic 50mm focal length delivers high-resolution images with minimal distortion and a natural lifelike perspective. The large F1.4 aperture captures sharp images in low light conditions, and delivers pure dreamy bokeh.

Pro-level optical design delivers astonishingly high resolution from center to edge, meeting the demands of high megapixel camera sensors. Therefore, this lens delivers incredibly sharp image detail, even after cropping or enlargement. Superior control of chromatic aberration ensures pristine reproduction across the frame, for clarity in extreme backlight and high-contrast scenes. This lens excels in distortion-free portraits, immersive and realistic street stories, detailed and deep close-ups down to 0.45m, and true lifelike landscape reproduction.

Ultra-large F1.4 masters light and bokeh

The large F1.4 aperture lets artists create a layered image through a shallow depth of field, a sharply rendering a captivating subject over dreamy background blur, with soft and dreamy bokeh and smooth focus transitions between image regions. The large aperture allows faster shutter speeds and lower ISO settings, making it possible to capture refined, detail-rich images, even in low light.

Designed for perfect image reproduction

Precision engineered optical design features 15 elements in 11 groups to faithfully record phenomenal detail and clarity with edge-to-edge sharpness, even at maximum aperture. The UA (ultra-precision aspherical) element subdues onion-ring bokeh. Three ED (extra-low dispersion) elements correct axial chromatic aberration and prevent color-fringing. The high-strength metal body, smudge-resistant coatings, and weather-sealed construction protect the precision-crafted lens and ensure it is always ready for action.

Fast, quiet, stable auto-focus

Viltrox’s patented Dual HyperVCM system shifts into focus quickly and noiselessly, working together with the camera’s face and eye detection when required. For video, minimal focus breathing enables natural, professional-looking focus transitions.

More details and how to buy

For more information, please visit:
https://viltrox.com/products/af-50mm-f1-4-fe?ref=orbetcnl
Amazon Store US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSZ8DR8S
Amazon Store Europe (stock available in early Nov):
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0FSZ8DR8S

MSRP: $549 / €619 / £525 

Other Viltrox News

Google Search: Introducing AI Mode in Ireland

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

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

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

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

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

Try AI Mode in Ireland now here. 

See our Google Reviews

Buying LEDs Online? Why You Should Never Skimp on Expert Advice

It’s a familiar scene: you’re browsing online, looking for LED lighting for your home or business, and you spot what seems like an amazing deal. Prices are incredibly low, almost too good to be true. You see an unbranded bulb for a fraction of the cost of a well-known brand, and it’s tempting to think you’ve found a smart way to save money. But what if that bargain is just an illusion?

The illusion of a bargain – why cheap LEDs aren’t always a good deal

The truth is, a low price often hides a range of long-term costs that can quickly make that initial “saving” disappear. While the sticker shock of a high-quality product might give you pause, it’s worth considering what you’re actually getting. When you buy cheap, no-name LEDs, you’re not just buying a light bulb; you’re buying a gamble.

These low-cost alternatives often suffer from poor-quality components. This means they are far less likely to meet their advertised lifespan. Instead of lasting for years, they might fail in a matter of months, forcing you to buy replacements more frequently. This constant cycle of buying and replacing is not only a hassle but also adds up, eroding any initial savings.

Moreover, cheap LEDs can have inaccurate specifications. The light might not be as bright as promised, leading you to purchase more bulbs than you actually need, or it might consume more energy than advertised, resulting in higher electricity bills. Ultimately, what starts as a way to save a few dollars can turn into a drain on your finances and a source of frustration. Choosing a quality product from a reputable seller is a smarter investment in your home’s lighting and your wallet’s future.

5 critical factors to consider before you click “add to cart”

Finding a great deal online is exciting, but a smart shopper knows that the real value lies in the details. Before you get swept away by a low price, take a moment to understand what truly makes a quality LED. Here are five crucial factors that will help you make a choice you won’t regret.

1. CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) and CRI (Color Rendering Index)

These two factors are all about the quality of the light itself. CCT (color temperature), determines if your light is warm and cozy or cool and energetic. A low CCT (around 2700K) produces a warm, yellowish light perfect for a relaxing bedroom. A high CCT (around 5000K) creates a crisp, bluish-white light ideal for a home office or kitchen. CRI measures how accurately the light reveals the true colors of objects. A high CRI (90+) means your décor, food, and skin tones will look vibrant and true-to-life. A low CRI can make everything look dull or washed out.

2. Lumen output vs. Wattage

This is where a lot of people get confused. With old incandescent bulbs, you looked at wattage to know how bright the light would be. With LEDs, you need to look at lumens. Lumens are the direct measure of a light’s brightness. Wattage, on the other hand, tells you how much energy a bulb consumes. An energy-efficient LED will have a high lumen count for a low wattage. This is key for energy savings. For example, a 10W LED might produce the same brightness (lumens) as an old 60W bulb, saving you a significant amount on your electricity bill.

3. Beam angle

Beam angle refers to how wide or narrow the cone of light is. A narrow beam angle (around 20-40 degrees) is perfect for accent lighting, like highlighting a piece of art or a specific feature in a room. A wide beam angle (120 degrees or more) is what you want for general illumination, spreading light evenly across a whole space. Choosing the wrong beam angle can lead to either a poorly lit room or a spotlight effect where you don’t want it.

4. Dimming compatibility

If you plan to use a dimmer switch, you must choose dimmable LED lighting. Using a non-dimmable bulb with a dimmer can cause annoying flickering, buzzing, or even damage the bulb itself. Always check the product description for “dimmable” compatibility. Be aware that not all dimmers work with all dimmable LEDs, so it’s a good idea to check the specifications or ask an expert.

5. Quality and certifications

A quality LED is a lasting investment. Look for products from reputable brands that have proper certifications, such as CE and RoHS. These certifications are your assurance that the product meets high safety and quality standards and is free from hazardous materials. A certified product from a trusted supplier means you’re buying a safe, reliable, and durable light that will perform as promised.

Why expert advice is your best investment

You now understand the key technical details that go into choosing the right LED. But let’s be honest—navigating things like beam angles, CRI ratings, and dimming compatibility can be overwhelming. This is where seeking expert advice becomes your most valuable investment.

A great lighting store, like LucasLED, offers far more than just products on a shelf or a website. They provide the knowledge and experience that can transform a simple purchase into a tailored lighting solution. Our experts can help you move beyond just buying a bulb to creating a LED lighting design that fits your specific needs. Instead of guessing, you can get guidance on what type of dimmable LED lighting is right for your dining room, or what color temperature will make your kitchen feel brighter and more inviting.

The right advice ensures you get a quality LED lighting kit that is perfectly suited for your space. We’ll help you avoid common mistakes, like choosing a bulb that’s too dim for a living room or too bright for a bedroom. Our team understands that every space is unique, and we take the time to listen to your needs and preferences.

When you buy from a trusted supplier like LucasLED, you’re not just getting a product – you’re getting a partner. You’re getting the assurance that you’re making a smart, informed decision that will save you money and headaches in the long run. We believe that good lighting is a foundation for a comfortable and functional home, and our mission is to help you achieve that without the frustration of trial and error. You can trust us to provide you with high-quality, long-lasting products and the expert guidance to match.

LucasLED – your Partner in lighting

By now, it’s clear that buying LEDs isn’t just about finding the cheapest option. It’s a crucial decision that affects the comfort, functionality, and energy efficiency of your home or business. The illusion of a bargain can lead to frustration and additional costs down the line, but with the right partner, you can make a smart, informed choice from the start.

This is where LucasLED comes in. We are more than just a store; we are your partner in lighting. We believe in providing high-quality, reliable products backed by the expert advice you need to feel confident in your purchase. Our commitment to quality ensures that you’ll get lighting solutions that last, saving you time, money, and hassle.

Don’t settle for the unknown. Invest in quality and peace of mind. Visit our comprehensive online store (https://lucasled.ie/) to browse our wide selection of lighting solutions. If you prefer a more personal touch, we invite you to our physical store located at nisfree, Beanfield, Youghal, Co. Cork, P36 RW20. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you every step of the way, ensuring your lighting project is a brilliant success.

New state-of-the-art facility for Arm opens in Galway

Arm, the company that is building the future of computing, recently celebrated the official opening of its new state-of-the-art facility in Galway City. Since establishing operations in Galway in 2014, Arm has expanded to 90 staff members locally, and more than 4800 employees across Europe.

Arm’s facility at Crown Square, which recently welcomed a visit from Taoiseach Micheál Martin, will become home to innovative advancements in technology.

This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Peter Burke TD said: “The opening of Arm’s new facility in Galway is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s position as a global hub for research, innovation and advanced semiconductor technologies. We recently launched Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy which aims to have Ireland firmly at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry, targeting emerging technologies, showcasing our manufacturing expertise, R&D capacity, and enterprise supports which will generate high-quality, highly skilled employment opportunities across Ireland.

I thank Arm for its continued commitment to Galway and look forward to the positive impact this will have on the region and the wider economy. I wish all the team at Arm every success for the future.”

“Ireland’s new National Semiconductor Strategy underscores the country’s growing importance in the global technology landscape,” said Mike Lardner, senior director, Engineering, Arm. “We’re proud that our teams in Galway are helping deliver the computing foundations for the next era of innovation — advancing research, strengthening the local ecosystem, and building the future of AI on Arm.”

IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan said: I wish to congratulate Arm on this strategic move into a new state-of-the-art facility in Galway City.  A key player in the semiconductor industry, Arm is recognised for its capability in mobile and licensing of chip designs. This new Galway facility is part of Arm’s strategy to expand its market reach and talent pool in Ireland, supporting innovative work in semiconductor and technology development.  I’d like to wish Arm continued success.

TCL has achieved a 5-star reliability ranking in Which? Magazine annual TV survey

TCL announced it has achieved a 5-star reliability ranking in the latest Which? Magazine annual TV survey, further establishing its reputation as a quality and dependable TV brand among UK consumers.

Which? Magazine’s annual tech reliability survey identifies brands consumers can trust to last. In March 2025, Which? assessed each brand’s reliability by looking at how often its products had problems, how soon they developed and how serious they were. The Which? score is based on surveys of thousands of UK homes, testing product performance, fault rate and overall consumer satisfaction. TCL’s 5-star rating is a reflection of its excellent track record of delivering consistent product reliability, with lower fault rates than many long-established market players.

TCL offers the leading Mini-LED technology on the market and this endorsement highlights not only that innovation but also the brand’s dedication to offering high-end, cutting-edge features at prices that remain accessible to a wide range of consumers.

“These results from Which? prove our long-term emphasis on quality and performance,” said Adam Aldred-Lane, Marketing Director at TCL Electronics UK. “From our global partnership of the Olympics to being an Official Global Partner of Arsenal FC, we’re building strong emotional connections with consumers while continuing to deliver high quality products. These partnerships, combined with our cutting-edge technology and accessible pricing, are key to making TCL a household name in home entertainment.”

Other TCL news

About TCL 

TCL Electronics specialises in the research, development and manufacturing of consumer electronics including TVs, mobile phones, audio devices, smart home products and appliances. Combining thoughtful design and innovative technology to inspire greatness, our lineup delivers must-have features and meaningful experiences. As one of the world’s largest consumer electronics brands, our vertically integrated supply chain, and state-of-the-art display panel factory help TCL deliver innovation for all. For more information, please visit: https://www.tcl.com

What is Customer Service? A Complete Guide

Customer service is the information and support supplied by a company to its consumers before, during, and after a purchase or use of a product or service. Customer service, one of the elements that says something about the customer experience, and suddenly, when we talk about satisfaction, loyalty, and corporate reputation.

Why is customer service important?

Customer service affects a business from the inside out, not to mention long-term success. Here’s why it’s important:

  • Drives customer loyalty: A positive experience makes customers more likely to return.
  • Enhances brand image: Consistently good service builds a trustworthy and professional brand.
  • Increases customer lifetime value: Happy customers tend to spend more over time.
  • Boosts word-of-mouth marketing: Satisfied customers recommend brands to friends and family.
  • Reduces customer churn: Exceptional service can retain customers even after product issues.

Best practices to provide excellent customer service

1. Personalized customer interactions

Customizing your contact with individual customers puts a personal touch. Greet them with their name, remember their past buys, and recommend solutions according to their needs.

  • Use CRM tools: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools make it easier to track the history of purchases and interactions, allowing for more personalized service.

 

  • Segment your customers: Segment similar customers for specific campaigns and services.
  • Be proactive: Don’t wait for customers to find you. Call out with personalized offers, reminders, or useful content.
  • Leverage social media: Interact with your audience on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). Answer promptly, thank complimenting commenters, and assist when problems occur.

Listening to the voice of the customer during interactions can uncover hidden needs and drive stronger engagement.

2. Empower your employees

Empowered workers are more assured and can deal with problems more effectively.

  • Grant decision-making authority: Let employees resolve returns, opt-ins, or payments without the need for management approval.
  • Provide continuous training: Regular Employee Workshops & Seminars on Product Knowledge, Interpersonal and Conflict Resolution are crucial.
  • Recognize top performers: Reward and recognize excellent performance.
  • Foster ownership: Equip employees with the right tools, like customer experience management software, to take initiative and responsibility.

3. Consistent communication

Open and prompt communication creates trust and minimizes frustration.

  • Use omnichannel support: Be present on phone, email, chat, and social media.
  • Keep customers informed: Periodic updates on order status, policy updates, or service downtime are a must.
  • Implement feedback loops: Ask for feedback in the form of surveys and follow-up emails, and demonstrate that their voice is being heard by acting upon it.
  • Develop loyalty programs: Treat repeat customers with special offers, benefits, or precedence when a new product or service is launched.

4. Proactive problem solving

Solving problems before they occur shows customers that you care about their time and convenience.

  • Anticipate common issues: Identify and address recurring pain points.
  • Use predictive analytics: Analyze customer behavior to forecast future needs.
  • Implement a service recovery plan: Train teams to act quickly and professionally when things go wrong.
  • Monitor sentiment: Use tools to track customer sentiment and flag potential dissatisfaction.

5. Quality assurance

Quality control ensures customers consistently receive the level of service and product standards they expect.

  • Regular service audits: Review customer interactions for compliance and improvement.
  • Set clear service standards: Outline measurable performance expectations in a customer service charter.
  • Gather satisfaction feedback: Conduct routine surveys to uncover insights into quality perceptions.
  • Act on data: Use collected data to make informed decisions about improvements.

6. Streamlined processes

Simplicity and efficiency enhance customer satisfaction.

  • Minimize friction: Remove unnecessary steps in customer journeys, from shopping to support.
  • Offer self-service options: Online FAQs, help centers, and how-to videos empower customers.
  • Automate where appropriate: Tools like chatbots and auto-responses can handle routine queries.
  • Continuously optimize: Collect data on customer journeys to identify bottlenecks and improve flow.

Essential customer service metrics to track

Tracking performance metrics helps evaluate your customer service strategy and identify improvement areas.

1. Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT)

  • What it is: Measures how satisfied customers are with a specific interaction.
  • How it works: Usually, a post-interaction survey asks, “How satisfied were you with your experience?” on a scale of 1–5 or 1–10.
  • Why it matters: It gives immediate feedback to help improve specific customer touchpoints.

2. Net Promoter Score® (NPS)

  • What it is: Measures customer loyalty and the likelihood of referrals.
  • How it works: Asks customers how likely they are to recommend the company on a scale of 0–10.
    • Promoters (9–10): Loyal, enthusiastic customers.
    • Passives (7–8): Satisfied but unenthusiastic.
    • Detractors (0–6): Unhappy customers are likely to damage your brand.
  • Why it matters: A high NPS indicates a loyal customer base likely to promote your business.

3. First Response Time (FRT)

  • What it is: The time between a customer reaching out and receiving the first reply.
  • Why it matters: Faster response times improve customer satisfaction and show attentiveness.

4. Resolution time

  • What It Is: The average time taken to fully resolve a customer issue.
  • Why It Matters: Shorter resolution times indicate efficient service and reduce customer frustration.

5. First Contact Resolution (FCR)

  • What it is: The percentage of issues resolved in the first interaction.
  • Why it matters: High FCR rates show that your team is effective and reduces the need for follow-ups.

6. Customer churn rate

  • What it is: The percentage of customers who stop doing business with you over a period.
  • Why it matters: High churn indicates service or product dissatisfaction and may point to a need for improvements.

Final thoughts

Customer service is not a customer-facing support function anymore – it is a catalyst in growth & togetherness that predetermines brand-line differentiators in a competitive market space.

Personalize the experience, enable employees, communicate consistently & proactively solve problems — businesses can make the world better in terms of service delivery.

Systems of the mind: With performance results in CSAT/NPS & resolution times, you start seeing what works and what does not work. Customer service is more than just the cost of fixing things;  it is having a great experience that motivates your client to return.

While businesses that possess the know-how and execute these best practices have a better chance of achieving long-term success with a strong relationship with the customers, along with an outstanding reputation.

Sky Glass Air, the newest addition to Sky’s TV range

Sky has unveiled Sky Glass Air, the smarter TV for a smarter price. The stylish new TV comes with vibrant 4K picture quality, Dolby Audio, voice control, and Sky built in, all streamed over Wi-Fi, with no dish or box required. Designed to make Sky’s entertainment experience accessible to more households and for those wanting Sky TV in more rooms, Glass Air is available to buy from just €8/month (on 48-month interest free credit-sale agreement) with a Sky TV subscription from €18 a month for 12 months for new customers*, when it goes on sale Tuesday 10th June.
With a Sky Essential TV subscription starting from €18/month for new customers, which includes Sky Atlantic, Netflix, and discovery+, TV fans can enjoy a wide variety of entertainment along with the smart Sky Glass Air TV experience from €26/month.
Sky Glass Air runs on Sky OS, the smart software that powers Sky Glass Gen 2 and Sky Stream, making it a great option for a second TV in the home for existing customers.
4K picture meets Dolby Audio
 With a 4K HDR Quantum Dot screen, Sky Glass Air delivers a vibrant picture packed full of colour. Global dimming and contrast enhancement automatically adjust the display for sharp, true-to-life visuals, combined with a Dolby Audio speaker system for rich sound. The TV intelligently adapts to what’s on screen, bringing out the best in every moment, whether watching the latest series of The Last of Us or a nail-biting Premier League match.
Simple set up and sleek design
Available in three stylish colours – Sea Green, Carbon Grey, and Cotton White – and three sizes, 43”, 55”, and 65”, Air’s sleek design, slim frame and colour-matched remote and stand complement any room. It’s quick and easy to set up, with no tools required, it can simply be lifted onto the stand included in the box. It’s also compatible with universal wall mounts, as well as Sky’s own.
Caroline Donnellan, Marketing & Brand Director of Sky & NOW said, “With the launch of Sky Glass Air, we’re bringing the Sky TV experience to even more households in Ireland. Combining an elegant design, superb picture quality and rich sound from just €8 a month, Sky Glass Air is our smarter TV for a smarter price. It’s about giving our customers their favourite content with greater flexibility, without compromising on the quality our customers expect from Sky.”
Sky OS: The smartest way to watch
Sky OS does the hard work by bringing together entertainment from Sky and all the popular apps in one place, helping TV fans get to what they want to watch, faster.  And it keeps getting smarter, with regular updates and new features added.
With hands-free voice control, simply say “Hello Sky…” to turn on the TV, search for shows or genres from Sky and apps, adjust volume, add to Playlist and much more.
Sky OS learns what viewers like to watch, curating collections of the best entertainment based on viewing habits, so there’s always something new to enjoy. There are now 30 more genre rails on the homepage, which are personalised based on watch history and bring together suggestions of what to watch across Sky content, apps and channels. With collections including Hilarious sitcoms, Thrilling action movies, and Suspenseful crime drama, there’s something for everyone.
With personal Playlists, viewers can save all their favourites from Sky, live TV and apps in one place, ready to watch later. Plus, the Continue Watching rail allows customers to quickly pick up where they left off, whatever channel or app their show is on.
Premium entertainment for less
Sky Glass Air is available from just €8/month for the 43”, €12.50 for the 55” and €15.50 for the 65” on 48-month interest free credit-sale agreement. New customers can combine it with Sky Essential TV (€18/month for 12 months), to enjoy top-rated shows from Sky, Netflix, and discovery+, all on a smart new TV from just €26/month*.
Sky Essential TV offers customers a taste of Sky for an affordable price, with over 70 channels including Sky Atlantic, home to The Last of Us and Sweetpea, plus Netflix smash-hits like Stranger Things and Squid Game, and discovery+ for a wealth of reality shows, documentaries and adventure.
For those who want unlimited entertainment, upgrade to Sky Ultimate TV for an extra €7/month**, unlocking even more channels including Sky Max, Sky Comedy, Sky Documentaries, Sky Crime, Sky History, Sky Showcase, plus many more.
More choice for every home
Sky Glass Air expands the Sky Glass range, giving customers more ways to enjoy Sky’s award-winning entertainment experience in any room. Whether it’s the centrepiece of the living room, a second screen in the bedroom, or a stylish setup for renters, Glass Air offers premium design and performance at an incredibly accessible price.
Air joins the recently launched Sky Glass Gen 2, which offers the ultimate picture and sound experience, with a brighter 4K HDR screen and an enhanced seven-speaker Dolby Atmos® sound system built in, from €16/month.
Together, Sky Glass Air, Sky Glass Gen 2 and Sky Stream create a flexible family of products that work seamlessly together, or standalone, giving customers choice to suit every room and budget.
The new Sky Glass Air will be available to buy at Sky.com/ie, Sky stores and via Sky’s call centres from 10th June. It will also be on sale in Currys stores later in June.

Viltrox Announces New AF 50mm F2.0 Air FE/Z Lens

Viltrox is pleased to announce an exciting new full-frame lens in the Viltrox Air series, the Viltrox AF 50mm F2.0 Air FE/Z, with compact, lightweight design and exceptional image quality. The efficient and precise autofocus system of this lens captures stunning moments, making photography enjoyable for everyone. It offers full-frame coverage and is compatible with a wide range of camera models. The compact design enhances ease of use, allowing for spontaneous shots. The F2.0 large aperture achieves beautiful blurry background to emphasize the subject, and also helps capture sharp images in low light.

The classic, yet versatile 50mm angle of view renders natural, lifelike portraits, street photos, and landscapes. With its wide range of capabilities, this lens is indispensable for both beginners and professional photographers.

Effective, reliable autofocus

The silent Viltrox STM motor provides precise, fast autofocus. Even for beginners, photography becomes a breeze. There’s no need to deal with the complexities of manual focusing: autofocus efficiently and accurately locks onto subjects. Users can see a memorable scene, and capture it almost instantly. Eye and face detection can provide further assistance, depending on camera model capabilities.

Lightweight lens, but exceptional images

Building on the Air series’ signature lightweight design, this lens delivers exceptional image quality without compromise. Advanced optics, including 3 ED and 4 high-refractive-index lenses, are fitted compactly into a palm-sized body, ensuring exceptional sharpness edge-to-edge. HD nano multilayer coating further enhances clarity. This design minimizes chromatic aberration, delivering clean, sharp, and clear imaging across the entire frame.

The lens weighs only 205g-220g, so it’s easy to carry – even fitting in a pocket – and always ready to use, allowing users to capture fleeting moments in an instant. The light weight and compact size also ensure steadier handheld shooting.

Not just nifty, the ultimate fifty

The standard 50mm angle of view renders natural, lifelike images, performing well in portraits, street photography, landscapes, and capturing everyday moments. This all-round lens is so easy to carry and to use that it is indispensable for both beginners and professional photographers. It is compatible with full-frame mirrorless cameras, thus working with a wide range of mirrorless camera models to suit diverse user needs.

More details and how to buy

For more information, please visit: https://geni.us/50AirPR

Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F21NSR93

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