Tag: #TV
Almost one in four people in Ireland have set screen limits on their devices
Smartphone use remains deeply woven into the daily lives of people of all ages in Ireland, but levels of digital fatigue are increasing, Deloitte’s latest Digital Consumer Trends survey reveals.
In the last year, almost one-quarter of respondents (24%) have set screen time limits on their phones.
Needing a break was the top reason respondents gave for deleting a social media app (27%), and one-quarter did it because they stopped using the app.
23% said the app they deleted was consuming too much of their time and the same amount said they were getting too many ads or sponsored posts.
Misinformation (22%), a negative impact on mental health (18%), and content being boring (16%) were the other top reasons for deleting an app.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) switched off all notifications from one or more apps in the past year, 21% stopped using a digital wearable, 19% stopped using a digital device, and 17% stopped reading e-books on digital devices.
Nearly half of Gen Zs joined a social media app (46%) but nearly one-in-three (32%) said they had deleted an existing app from their device. The joining and deleting of social media apps is lower amongst other generations.
| Joined a social media app | Deleted a social media app | |
| Millennials | 27% | 29% |
| Gen X | 16% | 26% |
| Boomers | 12% | 18% |
70% of respondents said they tend to spend too much time on their phone. This breaks down to 77% of Gen Zs, 78% of Millennials, 73% of Gen X and 48% of Boomers.
82% of those surveyed said they check their smartphone at least 10 times a day and 59% said at least 25 times. Over a third (34%) said they check their phone at least 50 times a day and 15% said they do so at least 100 times.
60% of phone owners look at their phone within 15 minutes or less after waking up, which is down from 65% in 2024. More than half (54%) stay awake later than planned due to using their mobile phone.
Majority of adults say children are ready for smartphones by 12-15, but also favour social media usage limits for those under 18
82% of people in Ireland said they would support social media platforms introducing usage limitations for those under 18.
More than half (57%) would ‘strongly favour’ social media platforms requiring age verification when registering and (56%) would ‘strongly favour’ introducing usage limitations for people under the age of 18.
Despite this, most adults (58%) feel the appropriate age for a first smartphone is between 12 to 15 years old.
Nearly one-in-three (32%) believe children should get their first smartphone at 12-13 years of age and more than a quarter (26%) believe they should be 14-15. Only 4% believe the devices should not be given to under 18s and 22% believe they should be given to those aged 16 or older.
Nearly half (43%) of respondents think a teenager should be 16 or older to have access to social media.
Close to one-quarter (24%) think those with social media access should be 14-15, while 16% said 12-13 years of age. Just 4% said 10-11 years and only 8% believe social media should not be available to those aged under 18.
Gen Zs prefer to get their news from social media, but more people are reporting an increase in misinformation
The survey shows misinformation continues to rise as 59% now say they more regularly see fake information online – up from 53% in 2024 and 46% in 2023
Despite such concerns, nearly half of Gen Zs (47%) say they prefer to get their news from social media and only 34% of this generation say the same for TV. This compares to 44% of Millennials, 65% of Gen X and 75% of Boomers saying their preferred source for news is TV.
54% of Boomers and 47% of Gen X prefer to stay updated on news and current events using radio, in contrast to 29% of Millennials and 19% of Gen Z.
Just 2% of Boomers prefer podcasts, while this figure is 14% across the three other generations surveyed.
Commenting on the Digital Consumer Trends findings, John Kehoe, a Deloitte Ireland partner who has worked on the Digital Consumer Trends report for seven years, said: “With 60% of us looking at our phones within minutes of waking up, it’s clear that our smartphones continue to play a crucial role in our modern-day lives. But the number of respondents who say they either need a break from social media, are turning their notifications off, or setting screen time limits, shows that how we engage with our devices is changing. The fascinating findings of Deloitte’s Digital Consumer Trends Survey poses the question – are we entering the age of the digital detox?”
Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max and Hayu in one subscription, exclusively on Sky
- Disney+ Standard with Ads arriving in March
- HBO Max Basic with Ads from when it launches in the UK & Ireland on the 26th March
- Hayu from July, with a selection of top shows available from March
Sky One is coming back
Sky has announced the return of iconic TV channel Sky One. Launching later this month on channel 106, the all-new Sky One brings together showstopping new TV alongside much-loved favourites all in one place.
Sky One will become the home of Sky’s unmissable comedy and entertainment programmes, including new shows The Dyers’ Caravan Park and Gemma Collins: Four Weddings and a Baby, as well as fan favourites Rob & Romesh Vs.., The Paper and Ted. Customers will be able to tune in from Tuesday 24 February on channel 106.
The relaunched channel replaces Sky Showcase and Sky Max, bringing together a rich slate of entertainment in one place, making it easier than ever for viewers to find must-watch telly.
“Our goal is to make it easier than ever for Sky TV customers to find and enjoy the shows they love,” said Carli Kerr, MD of Sky TV & NOW. “Building on the iconic heritage of Sky One, the channel will be a one-of-a-kind destination that’s big, bold and bursting with energy, bringing together brand-new Sky Originals like The Dyers’ Caravan Park and returning favourites such as Rob & Romesh Vs…”
Sky One joins Sky’s family of channels offering a wide range of epic entertainment, including Sky Atlantic, Sky Comedy, Sky Witness, Sky Crime, Sky Nature and Sky Documentaries.
Sky One launches on channel 106 on Tuesday 24 February.
How technology is reshaping the sports industry in Ireland
The way Irish people experience sports has changed dramatically over the past decade. What used to be a simple affair of showing up at the stadium or turning on the telly has evolved into something far more complex and, frankly, more interesting. Technology has seeped into every corner of the sports world, and Ireland is no exception to this global shift that’s transforming how we play, watch, and engage with athletics.
From grassroots GAA clubs using performance tracking apps to Premier League fans streaming matches on their phones during lunch breaks, the digital transformation is everywhere you look. It’s not just about watching anymore. It’s about engaging, analysing, and participating in ways that weren’t possible even five years ago. The technology has fundamentally altered the relationship between fans and the sports they love.
Data analytics changing how teams compete
Professional sports teams in Ireland have embraced data analytics with open arms. The days of relying purely on a manager’s gut feeling are fading fast. Today, decisions about player selection, tactical approaches, and even transfer targets are increasingly driven by numbers and algorithms that process thousands of data points.
Rugby teams like Leinster Rugby have invested heavily in performance analysis departments. Every training session is recorded, every match dissected frame by frame by analysts looking for patterns and opportunities. Players wear GPS trackers that monitor their movements, heart rates, and fatigue levels throughout matches and training. Coaches receive detailed reports that help them tailor training programmes to individual needs and identify potential injury risks before they become serious problems.
This data-driven approach has filtered down to amateur levels too. Club managers now have access to affordable tools that would have seemed like science fiction a generation ago. The democratisation of sports technology means that a Sunday league team can analyse their performance with similar methods to professional outfits, albeit on a smaller scale and budget.
The streaming revolution
Traditional broadcasting is facing serious competition from digital alternatives. Irish sports fans increasingly prefer the flexibility of streaming services over conventional TV packages that lock them into fixed schedules. Being able to watch a match on your tablet while commuting or catching up on highlights during a coffee break has changed consumption patterns significantly across all demographics.
The GAA’s decision to stream more matches online opened up access for the diaspora scattered across the globe. An emigrant in Sydney can now watch their home county play championship football in real time, something that was impossible just a decade ago. That connectivity matters, both emotionally for fans abroad and commercially for the organisation. It keeps people engaged with Irish sports regardless of where life has taken them.
Fan engagement in the digital age
Sports consumption has become increasingly interactive in recent years. Fans don’t just watch passively; they comment on social media in real time, participate in fantasy leagues that require careful analysis, check live statistics on their phones, and follow sports betting markets in Ireland to see how odds shift during matches. The second screen experience, where viewers engage with their phones while watching on television, has become completely standard practice for most fans.
Clubs have adapted by building their digital presence substantially. Social media accounts, dedicated mobile apps, and regular online content keep fans connected between matchdays. The relationship between supporters and their teams now extends far beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch. It’s a continuous conversation that technology has made possible and that fans have come to expect.
Wearable technology and athlete performance
The gadgets athletes wear have become increasingly sophisticated over the years. Heart rate monitors, sleep trackers, and recovery apps give both professional and amateur athletes insights into their bodies that previously required expensive laboratory testing. Irish athletes competing at international levels rely heavily on this technology to optimise their preparation and recovery.
Even recreational runners training for the Dublin Marathon use GPS watches and training apps that provide personalised coaching advice. The technology adapts to your performance over time, suggests workout adjustments based on your progress, and tracks improvement over weeks and months. What was once available only to elite athletes is now accessible to anyone with a smartphone and the motivation to use it.
The integration of technology into Irish sports will only deepen in coming years. Virtual reality experiences that put fans pitchside from their living rooms, artificial intelligence that predicts match outcomes with increasing accuracy, and ever more sophisticated performance tracking are all on the near horizon. The challenge for sports organisations will be embracing these innovations while preserving what makes live sport special in the first place: the unpredictability, the atmosphere, and the shared human experience of supporting a team through good times and bad.
Monthly TV Market Tracker Reveals Shifting Leadership
Global TV shipments declined 1% YoY in November 2025, according to Counterpoint Research’s latest Global Monthly TV Tracker, reversing the growth seen in the previous two months. In MoM terms, the shipments fell 15% in November, as September and October shipments had been boosted by inventory accumulation ahead of year-end peak sales.
Samsung remained the leading global TV brand in November 2025, although its shipments declined 3% YoY, resulting in a modest decrease in market share, from 18% in November 2024 to 17%.
TCL continued to expand its presence in the global TV market, narrowing the gap with market leader Samsung. Despite the continued sluggishness in the Chinese market, TCL’s global TV shipments surged 20% YoY, demonstrating the company’s growing competitiveness.
Associate Director Sujeong Lim said, “Offering high-definition technologies such as MiniLED at competitive prices, TCL has received great response from emerging markets such as Eastern Europe and the Middle East and Africa (MEA), which are relatively cost-sensitive.”
Another Chinese brand, Hisense, maintained its third place, but its shipments declined 13% YoY. This manufacturer is heavily reliant on its home market, which accounted for 27% of its total shipments in the first half of 2025, and was hit hard by a 24% YoY decline there.
LG Electronics recorded a 7% YoY increase in shipments, raising its market share from 8% to 9%. With comparatively lower exposure to China, LG benefited from strong momentum in the North American and Latin American markets, where shipments grew 8% and 29% YoY, respectively.
Thanks to the successful completion of the Vizio acquisition in December 2024, Walmart saw significant YoY growth, quickly moving up to the top five. With its own brand, ONN, and subsidiary Vizio, the company is now emerging as Samsung’s strongest competitor in North America.
Research Director Bob O’Brien said, “For the year through November, Samsung’s lead over TCL remained stronger. Samsung’s share of TV shipments through November held steady at 16%, as total shipments decreased by 0.6%. In 2026, Samsung will remain the global TV market leader, while Chinese brands such as TCL, Hisense and Xiaomi will rapidly expand their presence across various segments. In particular, they are increasing shipments in high-growth segments such as MiniLED and mid-to-large-size screens, increasing competitive pressure.”
WOLFANG Mini 1080p Home Cinema Projector Review
The WOLFANG (WP06) Mini Projector, Home Cinema Projector for Bedroom is Portable with 1080P Full HD Supported with Auto Keystone Correction, 50% Zoom & 180° Rotation and is Compatible with iOS/Android/Switch/Laptop/TV Stick and comes in at a cheap price however it only has 200 Ansi Lumen.
This howewer has no store on board but works directly from your smartphone and other devices making it versitile and also very portable which is great for the home or travel.It features HDMI and USB ports, and notably, it supports a direct wired connection for iOS. You can plug your iPhone’s charging cable directly into the projector’s USB port to mirror your screen without needing a separate adapter which I like bit you need more for Android devices.
There is several buttons top to control the projector which again are on board the remote control which makes it again fucntional.
The integrated stand is the WP06’s best feature. Unlike traditional boxy projectors that require a tripod or a stack of books, you can tilt the WP06 directly at the ceiling or at an angle. This makes it perfect for “lying down” viewing in bed. It can be mounted too and basically placed in any postion.
For a budget unit, the inclusion of auto-keystone is a huge plus. If you tilt the projector up or down, it will automatically squares the image so it doesn’t look like a lopsided trapezoid.
Oveall for the money it is a great addition it is not the best in the world but brings you taste of the large screen and what projectors are like and will give you an idea of what more expensive ones can do in your home which I have and love.
Features
- 1080P Support & Native 720P Clarity】Delivers sharp, vivid visuals for movies, gaming, and shows; perfect for bedroom movie nights or casual home entertainment without compromising on image quality. Using a projection screen delivers a better viewing experience. (Contact us if needed.)
- 【iOS & Android Dual Connection】It’s a nice phone projector that works seamlessly with iOS & Android devices: Wired – Plug & play with your iOS charging cable directly; Android devices require an HDMI adapter. Wireless – Enjoy seamless streaming without cables, simply connect via a Dongle. (Contact our support team if you need a dongle.)
- 【Flexible Adjustment & Clear Magnification】50% zoom captures distant objects clearly, suitable for enlarging movie scenes, presentations or gaming visuals without blurriness.180° rotation enables easy mounting in any angle, delivering flexible viewing for home theaters or office setups.
- 【Ultra-Compact & Travel-Ready】 Lightweight and small-sized, this portable projector is your ideal travel companion; toss it in your backpack for camping trips, hotel stays, or friend gatherings to enjoy big-screen fun on the go.
- 【Auto Keystone + Low Noise】Automatically adjusts the projection screen., no manual tweaking needed; low-noise fan ensures you focus on your content without annoying buzzing distractions.
- 【Rich Ports for Movie Nights】The movie projector is equipped with HDMI, USB, 3.5mm headphone jack, and TF card slot; compatible with laptops, Switch, TV sticks, and more – tailor-made for epic family movie nights or solo gaming marathons.
- 【Lifetime Professional Technical Support】Access expert support anytime you need it, ensuring a seamless user experience. If you have any questions, please find us through our online customer service: 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭.𝐯𝐜@𝐰𝐨𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐠.𝐜𝐨, we will solve the problem to your satisfaction as soon as possible.
SlingTV Box S5 Max Express 4K review
Meet the latest addition to the SlingTV Box family, the SlingTV Box S5 Max – a true entertainment powerhouse. Packed with 4GB of DDR and 128GB eMMC storage, it ensures uninterrupted performance. Embracing the advanced Android 12, the SlingTV Box S5 Max enhances your viewing experience.
With WiFi 6 and dual external antennas, your connectivity soars to new heights, ensuring seamless streaming. Plus, the upgraded voice command system and Bluetooth remote control simplify your streaming experience. Prepare for an immersive journey into a world of endless content, all elegantly packaged within the sleek and sophisticated design of the SlingTV Box S5 Max.
We have been testing the latest TV box and given the constant media attention here with such it is another option to check out despite the constant fear mongering around dodgy boxes yet alone the rising costs of subs here and a forced TV licence it is down to you the user who wants to see what is out there and what is on offer and there is no fees here once the SlingTV Box S5 is purchased.
SlingTV Box S5 Max Packed with 4GB of DDR and 128GB eMMC storage, it ensures uninterrupted performance. Embracing the advanced Android 12, the SlingTV Box S5 Max enhances your viewing experience.
15,000+ HD Live premium channels and PPV:SlingTV Box allows you to watch local and top cable channels without cable. Network TV, Regional Locals, Sports Networks, 24/7 channels, PPV Events, NBA, MLB, NFL, NCAAF, NHL, Canada (English & French), Latino (Spanish) Philippines. It includes live news(sports, politics entertainment, etc.) and TV shows. Check all updated channels listed HERE
Check out the Video below for more and what to expect
Product Overview
Model: Sling TV Box S5 Max
Operating System: Android 12.0
Processor: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
GPU: Mali-G31 MP2
RAM: 4GB DDR
Storage: 128GB eMMC
WiFi: WiFi-6 supported
Ethernet: 1000Mbps Ethernet
Bluetooth: 5.2
Video Decoder: H.265 6K@60fps
Power supply: Dc 5V/2A
Output Interface: HDMI 2.1 *1, USB 3.0 *1, Optical Audio Output
Sky OS gets smarter: new Sky Glass and Sky Stream features now live
- Reminders are rolling out to all Sky Glass and Stream customers now, so no more scrambling for the remote at kick off or that big season finale. Programme reminders can be set for anything in the TV guide. Viewers simply need to go to the showpage of what they’d like to watch and select “Set a reminder.”
- A notification will appear at the top of the screen when the show begins – perfect for live sport and must-watch Winter telly. Football fans, consider this the new pre-match whistle.
- Sky Glass and Stream customers can now control their TV from their phone with the new digital Sky remote app, available on iOS and Android.
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Find favourite shows in seconds, change channels, and manage playback (play, pause, skip) with just a tap. Remote app users can also enjoy built-in accessibility features like screen reader support.
- Settings are now easier to reach – just press the three dots on the Sky remote and scroll right. No need to scroll down.
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They’ve moved to the quick access menu for faster navigation to picture and sound settings, parental controls, accessibility and more.
- Upgraded voice guidance experience: Customers can now adjust the voice guidance speed to their preference when navigating the UI, as well as some of their favourite apps including RTÉ Player, Sky Sports+, Sky Store, Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video, with more to come.
- High contrast in Sky apps: Change the contrast between the background and text in Sky apps, by turning on High contrast via the Sky Glass or Sky Stream settings.
- Magnification: Turn on magnification mode via Accessibility settings to zoom in up to 400% and use the number keys on the remote to pan across the UI.
- Audio Description on demand: Audio Description is rolling out for Sky on-demand shows, bringing the same accessible experience already available on Sky broadcast channels to Sky Cinema and Sky Entertainment on-demand content.
