Tag: set-up

Isibéal Ní Cheallaigh – Irish voice for Ring Doorbells & how to set up

After a nationwide search that took to the busy streets of Dublin to the wild Atlantic coast,Isibéal Ní Cheallaigh has been chosen the official Irish voice for Ring Video Doorbell.

Last summer, Ring launched a search for a voice that represents the warmth, charm and unique character of Ireland. The response was incredible, with hundreds attending auditions in Dublin, Cork and Galway while many more entered via social media.

Meet Isibéal Ní Cheallaigh: The Voice at Your Door

Isibeál – who is from Dublin and currently lives in Galway – is a former primary school teacher, teaching through Irish, who left full-time teaching to complete a cleachtas gairmiúl sna meáin master’s degree in media. During her studies, she’s worked as a musician and in the media, most recently on TG4’s Ros na Rún. Her entry into Ring was almost accidental.

“I’d heard about the Ring ‘Voice of the Nation’ auditions from a friend the week before they came to town, but I forgot they were taking place,” Isibéal shared. “By chance, I was walking through the shopping centre on audition day, and I thought I’d get involved for the craic.”

That spontaneous decision paid off. Her reaction to the news was genuine: “I really didn’t expect it or think it was going to happen!”

Her family’s reaction was equally memorable. “But when I found out I’d been chosen, I rang my mum and told her I’d got it. My brother was with her at the time, and his reaction was so funny. He was like ‘so you’re going to be a doorbell?’ – it was gas.”


A Celebration of Irish Identity and Language

This campaign celebrated what makes Ireland unique. Research revealed that 55% of Irish people are “head over heels in love” with their accent. In a historic first for Ring, the new Quick Replies feature includes an option for greetings in the Irish language.

“Dia dhuit! Ní féidir linn an doras a oscailt faoi láthair, ach más mian leat teachtaireacht ghearr a fhágáil is féidir leat é sin a dhéanamh anois”

For Isibéal, a fluent speaker, this is a meaningful addition.

“There’s a huge rise in the Irish language at the moment, even in ads and on posters. Lots of things are shown in two languages, so it’s very important to have that option as well,” she explained.

Dave Ward, Managing Director EU & International at Ring, noted: “Our ‘Voice of the Nation’ celebrates the authentic voices that make every neighbourhood across Ireland unique. Isibeál brings something truly special to Ring, not just a beautiful accent but our very first Irish language voice. I’m so excited for our customers to bring that warmth and charm to their front door.”


How Quick Replies Work

Quick Replies act as an answering machine for your front door. When a visitor presses your Video Doorbell, they can hear a pre-recorded greeting if you are unable to answer. It is a simple way to let delivery drivers know where to leave a package or tell friends you will be right there.

Starting today, Isibéal’s voice is available to all Ring customers in Ireland and the UK. Whether you want a friendly greeting in English or a traditional fáilte in Irish, you can customises your Video Doorbell to sound like home.

While 15% of people listed Cillian Murphy as their dream celebrity voice during our research, Isibéal’s tones were the perfect match for our panel. Head judge and radio broadcaster, Carl Mullan, added: “Isibéal’s dulcet tones really struck the judging panel as the perfect voice of our nation. Well done to Isibéal and to everyone who took part – you did our beautiful Irish accent proud!”.


How to Set Up the Irish Voice on Your Device

Ready to welcome visitors with the Voice of the Nation? Setting up the feature is easy and takes just a few moments:

1. Open the Ring app: Ensure you have the latest version installed.

2. Select your device: Tap the Video Doorbell you wish to update.

3. Go to settings: Tap the ‘Smart Responses’ tile.

4. Enable Quick Replies: Toggle the switch to enable Quick Replies if it isn’t already on.

5. Choose your message: Select “Irish Voice of the Nation” and choose your preferred greeting.

Best Tech and Gaming Gadgets Every Gamer Should Own

Gaming has evolved far beyond simple consoles and controllers. Today’s gamers have access to an incredible range of technology designed to enhance gameplay, improve comfort, and create immersive experiences. From advanced headsets to smart lighting systems, the right gadgets can transform an ordinary gaming session into a truly engaging environment. Just as players often explore guides like a GameZone Slots Strategy to improve their understanding of digital entertainment mechanics, modern gamers also look for the best technology to sharpen their skills and elevate their setups.

Whether you are a casual player or a dedicated enthusiast, investing in the right gaming gadgets can significantly improve your experience.

High-Performance Gaming Headsets

A quality gaming headset is one of the most essential accessories for any gamer. Sound plays a critical role in gameplay, particularly in competitive titles where audio cues can determine victory or defeat.

Modern gaming headsets offer features such as:

  • Surround sound technology for spatial awareness

  • Noise-canceling microphones for clear communication

  • Comfortable ear cushions for extended sessions

  • Wireless connectivity for flexibility

With these features, players can hear footsteps, environmental sounds, and team communications with greater clarity. This not only improves performance but also enhances immersion in story-driven games.

Mechanical Gaming Keyboards

Mechanical keyboards have become a staple in the gaming community. Unlike traditional membrane keyboards, mechanical models use individual switches under each key, providing faster response times and tactile feedback.

Many gaming keyboards also include customizable RGB lighting, programmable macro keys, and durable materials designed to withstand intense gameplay. For competitive gamers, these features allow greater precision and personalization.

Mechanical keyboards also tend to last longer, making them a reliable investment for serious players.

Precision Gaming Mice

A high-quality gaming mouse is another must-have gadget. Precision and responsiveness are crucial, especially in fast-paced genres like first-person shooters and real-time strategy games.

Modern gaming mice often include:

  • Adjustable DPI settings for sensitivity control

  • Programmable buttons for custom commands

  • Ergonomic designs to reduce hand fatigue

  • Lightweight construction for faster movements

Some advanced models even allow players to adjust weight distribution or create multiple profiles for different games.

Gaming Chairs for Comfort and Health

Long gaming sessions can strain the body, particularly the back and neck. A well-designed gaming chair provides ergonomic support that helps maintain proper posture.

Most gaming chairs feature:

  • Adjustable armrests

  • Lumbar and neck support cushions

  • Reclining mechanisms

  • Durable materials for long-term use

Comfort is not just about luxury—it also improves concentration and endurance during extended play.

High-Resolution Gaming Monitors

A high-quality monitor can dramatically change the way games look and feel. Gaming monitors often offer higher refresh rates and lower response times compared to standard displays.

Features to look for include:

  • Refresh rates of 144Hz or higher

  • Adaptive sync technologies like G-Sync or FreeSync

  • Low input lag

  • High-resolution displays such as 1440p or 4K

These specifications ensure smoother gameplay and sharper visuals, giving players a competitive edge while enhancing visual immersion.

Smart RGB Lighting Systems

Lighting plays an important role in creating the perfect gaming atmosphere. RGB lighting systems allow players to customize the color and intensity of lights around their gaming space.

Many systems can synchronize with games, music, or on-screen events. For example, lights may change color during intense moments in gameplay, adding a dynamic element to the environment.

Smart lighting can also reduce eye strain by providing ambient light that balances the brightness of the monitor.

External Storage for Expanding Game Libraries

Modern games require significant storage space. High-resolution textures, updates, and downloadable content can quickly fill up a console or PC’s internal storage.

External solid-state drives (SSDs) provide fast and convenient storage expansion. Compared to traditional hard drives, SSDs offer faster load times and improved system performance.

For gamers who maintain large libraries of titles, external storage ensures that favorite games remain easily accessible.

Streaming Equipment for Content Creators

Gaming has expanded beyond playing—it now includes streaming and content creation. Many gamers share gameplay experiences on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or other streaming services.

Essential streaming gadgets include:

  • High-definition webcams

  • Dedicated microphones for clear audio

  • Capture cards for recording gameplay

  • Stream decks for controlling broadcasts

These tools help creators produce professional-quality content while interacting with audiences in real time.

Virtual Reality Gaming Gear

Virtual reality (VR) represents one of the most exciting developments in gaming technology. VR headsets immerse players directly into virtual environments, allowing them to interact with digital worlds in entirely new ways.

VR systems typically include motion controllers, sensors, and high-resolution displays that track movement with precision. The result is an experience that feels far more immersive than traditional screen-based gaming.

Although VR technology continues to evolve, it already offers unique opportunities for exploration, fitness gaming, and interactive storytelling.

Cooling Systems for Gaming Hardware

Powerful gaming systems generate significant heat, especially during demanding gameplay sessions. Proper cooling solutions help maintain optimal performance and prevent hardware damage.

Cooling gadgets include:

  • Laptop cooling pads

  • Advanced PC cooling fans

  • Liquid cooling systems

  • Console cooling stands

By keeping hardware temperatures under control, gamers ensure their systems run smoothly and efficiently.

The Importance of a Personalized Gaming Setup

Every gamer has different preferences, which is why customization plays a major role in modern gaming setups. Some players prioritize competitive performance, while others focus on immersive storytelling or content creation.

The right combination of gadgets allows players to design a setup that suits their needs. For example, competitive gamers may invest heavily in high-refresh-rate monitors and precision peripherals, while streamers may prioritize cameras and microphones.

Personalizing a gaming environment also increases enjoyment and motivation. A well-organized and visually appealing setup can make gaming sessions more comfortable and engaging.

 

How To Keep Online Gaming Interesting

The video game industry is thriving, with around 3.32 billion active gamers worldwide. Many of these players can be found online, playing multi-player open-world games. If you’re one of them and you’ve been playing the same games for many years, you may have noticed that a level of boredom has set in. Many of the top games are found in the same genres, like multi-player first-person shooter games, with players sitting at their desks or in front of their consoles, mindlessly clicking away. 

Fortunately, online gaming doesn’t have to be boring anymore. You can use the tips below to reinvigorate your love for gaming and keep it interesting for many years to come. 

Explore New Genres

There are so many different video game genres out there, so it is time to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. If you usually enjoy adventure games, why not try out a racing game? Or if you’re go-to genre is multi-player games, a single-player game can bring about an entirely new experience. 

Video game genres and game examples to consider include:

    • Simulations: Cities: Skylines II, Farming Simulator, The Sims
  • First-person shooter: Call of Duty, Overwatch, Far Cry, Apex Legends
  • Puzzles: Wordsearch, Miesweeper, Woordle
  • Role-playing: Elder Scrolls Online, EVE Online, World of Warcraft, Baldur’s Gate
  • Racing: Forza, Need for Speed
  • Fighting: Mortal Combat, Tekken, Dead or Alive
  • Sports: PGA Tour, NHL, Madden

Try Out Alternative Games

Apart from different genres, there are also thousands of games within each genre. You may be a dedicated Elder Scrolls player, but you have never explored an alternative online game within the RPG genre. You can try Dragon’s Dogma or The Witcher instead.

If you enjoy online gambling and iGaming, many Stake sister sites offer alternatives to the Stake platform. These sites offer a wide variety of games, incredible bonuses, and real-money payouts.

Fortnite players should consider Apex Legends or PUBG for a new twist on their beloved game to keep things interesting.

There is no reason to limit yourself to a specific game or platform only because you’ve been playing it for years. There are so many Indie game developers out there that are releasing incredible games that provide more entertainment than the mainstream games that everyone seems to play. 

Engage With Online Communities

You can transform your gaming experience by engaging with online communities. Almost all online games have dedicated Discord servers where the games are discussed and online matches or campaigns are organized. This allows you to connect with other players, adding a social element to a solo activity. 

Many games also offer in-game events or collaborative projects, which can make your standard game much more engaging. By participating in these events and discussion forums, you can make friends or join teams to transform your experience online. 

Upgrade Your Set Up And Gear

If your budget allows it, it may be time to upgrade your gaming setup. If you’re placing on your PC, consider getting a new gaming keyboard and mouse for better ergonomics. You can also add a larger screen to your setup for a more immersive experience. 

An increasing number of games are becoming compatible with virtual reality (VR) headsets like the Apple Vision Pro or Meta Quest 2. By investing in one of these headsets, you can be immersed in the game and experience it as if you are walking around the worlds of No Man’s Sky or Resident Evil 4. 

Take Frequent Breaks

A surefire way to prevent an online gaming session from becoming boring is to step away from the game on occasion. Taking breaks is the best way to avoid burnout or feeling exhausted while gaming. Games should never become a chore, because then they will no longer be interesting. 

Make sure you balance gaming with real-world activities so that you feel excited when you sit back down at your PC or console. 

Set Goals

You can really keep a game interesting if you create personal goals or challenges. For example, you can aim to play until you reach a specific level, unlock a reward, or master an in-game skill. By having these achievable goals, you will be more invested in the game and also enjoy a sense of accomplishment while playing.