Time is running out for third-level students across Ireland to showcase their vision for the future of the country's energy sector. Students are invited to apply for the EirGrid CleanerGrid Competition 2025/26, with applications due to close on Wednesday, 19th November 2025.
Back for a third year, the CleanerGrid competition run by EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland's electricity grid, aims to foster innovation and creativity by encouraging students to showcase their skills in creating innovative solutions for the Ireland's clean energy transition.
With a top prize of €12,000 (€6,000 for the winning student team and €6,000 for the student's third-level institute), this year's theme focuses on "Opportunities and challenges in accelerating offshore wind potential."
Entrants should propose innovative, practical solutions that address both the opportunities and obstacles in developing Ireland's offshore electricity infrastructure. Submissions may reflect each student's discipline or interests, whether in engineering, policy, economics, environmental science, data, or another field, and should offer fresh, actionable ideas that contribute meaningfully to Ireland's clean energy transition.
Shona O'Halloran took part in last year's CleanerGrid competition as a student at the University of Galway. Now part of EirGrid's graduate programme, she is encouraging other students to apply, even if they do not have a complete project in mind.
"CleanerGrid is an opportunity for students to be innovative and creative. When I initially applied, I did not have every detail of my project figured out, there was a few months before we had to present the final concept. This gave me plenty of time to consider different approaches and experiment with my ideas, as well as work around my coursework. If you are interested in applying, go for it, and see where it takes you."
The competition is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, below PhD level, from all disciplines at any third-level institution in the Republic of Ireland. Students can take part by signing up at EirGrid.ie/CleanerGrid as part of a team of up to six members. Applications close on the 19th of November.
The top entrants will be invited to EirGrid's head offices to present their innovations to industry experts, including members of the EirGrid senior management team.

Researchers from Trinity and the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology are leading a newly funded project to transform how AI is integrated into mobile and wireless communication systems.
The NAIRA project (Native AI for Energy Efficient and Sustainable Radio Access Networks) is a pioneering initiative that envisions a new generation of intelligent, energy-aware networks capable of learning, adapting, and optimising themselves in real time.
At its core, NAIRA seeks to embed AI natively within the very architecture of the Radio Access Network (RAN), moving beyond traditional approaches where AI operates as an external optimisation tool. This shift introduces Agentic AI, a new class of autonomous, goal-driven agents that can make local and collective decisions across the network. By doing so, NAIRA will enable networks that can autonomously reconfigure and optimise, while dynamically balancing energy efficiency, service quality, and operational cost.
The three-year project, funded for €2.5 million via Call 7 of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF), will be coordinated by Prof. Marco Ruffini from Trinity's School of Computer Science and Statistics and ADAPT, and his co-PI, Dr Merim Dzaferagic. Industry partners include Dell Technologies, Red Hat Ltd., Intel Research and Development Ireland Ltd., Software Research Systems Ltd., and Tyndall National Institute.
Prof. Marco Ruffini said: "NAIRA responds to the rapidly growing energy consumption of communication infrastructures, which is one of the most pressing global challenges - both from a logistical and sustainability perspective."
"As data traffic continues to rise and connectivity becomes ubiquitous, mobile networks have emerged as a major source of energy demand within the ICT sector. NAIRA will address this issue by combining the latest innovations in AI, distributed intelligence, and Open RAN architectures to deliver a sustainable, high-performance framework for the networks of the future."
Dr Merim Dzaferagic added: "By enabling intelligent collaboration among network components and continuous learning at the edge, NAIRA will demonstrate how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to drastically reduce energy use without compromising connectivity or user experience."
"Its outcomes will contribute directly to Europe's green and digital transitions, setting the stage for AI-native 6G systems that are both sustainable and self-evolving."
NAIRA was announced last week, along with another five newly funded DTIF projects, by Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Jenny Melia, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said: "The latest tranche of DTIF funding is an important solution for Enterprise Ireland clients in supporting them to transform and underpin their ability to scale, extend their global reach and create high-quality jobs. It is exciting to see high-potential start-ups (HPSUs) leading the development of disruptive technologies in areas such as transport logistics and quantum computing, and collaborating with established multinational companies and research institutions."

SEPA Instant payments will allow personal and business customers to make a euro payment within ten seconds, 24 hours a day. In tandem with this, Verification of Payee (VoP) will also be introduced for both SEPA Instant and standard SEPA payments. The services are being introduced as part of the EU's Instant Payments Regulation and will come into effect from 9 October 2025.
While the benefits of faster transactions and enhanced security are obvious, there may be some teething problems in the initial stages. Uneven rollout across Irish banks may cause short-term confusion or fragmented service, and VoP does not entirely eliminate scams or social-engineering risks. To find out more about this I caught up with Donal McGuinness, CEO of Prommt who was a guest on the podcast last year.
Donal talks about his background, faster payments, and older demographics.
More about Donal McGuiness
Serial entrepreneur Donal McGuinness is CEO of Prommt. He studied Computer Science at DCU and Telecommunications Engineering at DIT and spent the early years of his career in the telecommunications industry. His experience in mobile payments dates to 1999 when he founded his first mobile payments company, ItsMobile. Donal was also a Non-Executive Director of the Irish Internet Association from 2009 to 2011 and ran a movie distribution business from 2002 to 2020.
In 2016 Donal joined a silicon valley startup in the identity verification space called Danal inc, where he set up and grew the global business outside of the USA as General Manager of EMEA until 2019 when the business was acquired by Boku Inc for $112 million USD. Donal joined Prommt as CEO in 2019. He is an innovator and is passionate about payment innovation.
See more podcasts here.

By David Stephen
Mental health symptoms and emotional distress are universally present in human societies, and an increasing user base means that some portion of ChatGPT conversations include these situations - OpenAI
There is a new [October 27, 2025] safety report by OpenAI, Strengthening ChatGPT's responses in sensitive conversations, stating that, "Our safety improvements in the recent model update focus on the following areas: 1) mental health concerns such as psychosis or mania; 2) self-harm and suicide; and 3) emotional reliance on AI.
Should AI be responsible for mental health?
In order to improve how ChatGPT responds in each priority domain, we follow a five-step process:
Define the problem - we map out different types of potential harm.
Begin to measure it - we use tools like evaluations, data from real-world conversations, and user research to understand where and how risks emerge.
Validate our approach - we review our definitions and policies with external mental health and safety experts.
Mitigate the risks - we post-train the model and update product interventions to reduce unsafe outcomes.
Continue measuring and iterating - we validate that the mitigations improved safety and iterate where needed.
While, as noted above, these conversations are difficult to detect and measure given how rare they are, our initial analysis estimates that around 0.07% of users active in a given week and 0.01% of messages indicate possible signs of mental health emergencies related to psychosis or mania.
While, as noted above, these conversations are difficult to detect and measure given how rare they are, our initial analysis estimates that around 0.15% of users active in a given week have conversations that include explicit indicators of potential suicidal planning or intent and 0.05% of messages contain explicit or implicit indicators of suicidal ideation or intent."
The State of Global Mental Health
OpenAI is seeking to distance itself from culpability about the global mental health situation, given the continuous bad press and lawsuits about AI psychosis and teens suicides.
While the major stories were about how ChatGPT may have exacerbated or reinforced delusions, the intense [transparency-cloaked] rebuttal in OpenAI's report is about people bringing their issues to the chatbot, not necessarily about how ChatGPT may have hooked and inverted reality for some users.
However, what is the state of global mental health? What is the primary responsibility of OpenAI towards AI-induced psychosis, and possibly suicide?
It appears that OpenAI believes to be doing enough for general mental health, according to the report, especially if people are just bringing external mental health requests to ChatGPT - where there is no history of friendship, companionship or others.
However, one unsolved problem is AI-induced psychosis and possible breaks from reality that can happen because an AI chatbot can access the depths of the human mind.
The solution - an independent AI Psychosis Research Lab, whose sole focus would be to show relays of the mind, matching chatbot outputs to stations and relays - is not yet available, by character.ai, ChatGPT, claude, gemini or others.
OpenAI's Global Physician Network
OpenAI wrote, "We have built a Global Physician Network - a broad pool of nearly 300 physicians and psychologists who have practiced in 60 countries - that we use to directly inform our safety research and represent global views. More than 170 of these clinicians (specifically psychiatrists, psychologists, and primary care practitioners) supported our research over the last few months by one or more of the following:
Writing ideal responses for mental health-related prompts
Creating custom, clinically-informed analyses of model responses
Rating the safety of model responses from different models
Providing high-level guidance and feedback on our approach."
Why Neuroscience Research Failed Mental Health
While OpenAI may expect commendation for the...

BUILDINGS BEO is a property show with a difference: it's not only about the renovation of heritage buildings all around the country, but also about the people and the communities who bring these buildings to life. In this 6-part series, presenter Carrie Crowley takes a closer look at six inspiring projects across Ireland, where derelict architectural legacies are being preserved and transformed into vital community spaces.
With over 166,000 vacant buildings in Ireland today, BUILDINGS BEO sheds light on the urgent need for renewal of abandoned spaces. With projects ranging from historical mills to old schoolhouses, each episode follows the journey of a different restoration, showcasing the trials, tribulations and triumphs that come with preserving Ireland's architectural heritage.
Buildings Beo renovating old Irish buildings
Some of the remarkable restorations include the transformation of the historic Hope Castle Gate Lodge into a thriving community library in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, the revival of a railway building into a digital hub and youth centre in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, and the redevelopment of a fire-ravaged cinema into a state-of-the-art local theatre in Cork's market town of Macroom. Audiences will be wowed as each episode culminates in a final reveal, as all the hard work comes together and the building is brought back to life.
Throughout the series, Carrie meets with the builders, architects, and communities driving these restoration projects, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the transformation process. Through compelling storytelling and stunning visuals, "Buildings Beo" celebrates Ireland's rich cultural and architectural heritage, demonstrating how it takes a village to make a Building BEO. Produced by New Departures Media.
Buildings Beo - 1 Hope Castle Gate Lodge (Castleblayney, Monaghan)
TG4 Wednesday 19/11 8.30pm
First up for Carrie is a visit to the historic town of Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, which takes its name from Blayney Castle, once the focal point of the area. Renamed 'Hope Castle' in the 1850s, the castle's gate lodge fell into disrepair with the passage of time. In this episode, Carrie will follow along as the local townspeople come together to reimagine the space. She'll watch first-hand as the forgotten lodge, situated off the historic market square and by the picturesque public park surrounding Loch Muckno, is reimagined as a state-of-the-art library beloved by residents of all ages.
Buildings Beo - 2 Ballinamore Junction (Leitrim)
TG4 Wednesday 26/11 8.30pm
Carrie heads to the idyllic town of Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, where she falls in love with the town's old railway station, which has fallen into disuse and dereliction. She'll learn of how Ballinamore Community Council devised an exciting plan to revitalise the area by transforming the stunning red-brick junction house into a dynamic multi-purpose hub: the beating heart of the town. From conception to completion, she'll meet a colourful cast of characters who are all united in their mission to breathe new life into the junction house.
Buildings Beo - 3 Mount Congreve (Waterford)
TG4 Wednesday 3/12 8.30pm
In this episode, Carrie returns to her home county of Waterford, where she explores the historic Mount Congreve estate. Carrie delves into the legacy of Ambrose Congreve, a passionate gardener who entrusted Mt Congreve to the Irish state when he died in 2011 aged 104. Carrie unveils the ambitious plans for the estate's restoration-a project that seeks to honour its storied past while ushering in a new era of vitality. She'll follow Mount Congreve's revival, including the creation of a first-class café featuring ingredients grown onsite and meticulously curated retail spaces, all honouring Ambrose's vision and legacy.
Buildings Beo - 4 The Old Mill/James O' Neill Building (Kinsale)
TG4 Wednesday 10/12 8.30pm
It's off to Ireland's foodie capital, Kinsale, in this episode, as Carrie delves into the transformation of a...

A family of five beavers and a beaver pair have been released at two sites on Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin in the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve in the northwest Highlands.
The beavers were relocated under licence from agricultural land in Tayside to an area where their natural behaviours are expected to positively benefit the landscape and biodiversity.
New Beavers to be released
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), which manages the 17,604-hectare NNR, has been working in partnership with Trees for Life on the initiative since 2022, supported by Beaver Trust. The project has included three phases of extensive consultations with local communities and land managers.
FLS North Region Manager, Alex Mcleod, said: "Beavers being translocated to Glen Affric is the culmination of a long, exacting and thorough process for FLS and Trees for Life. Fully engaging with the local Affric communities, including through a detailed consultation process, has been crucial in making sure that all voices were heard.
"This high degree of local consultation has helped put in place processes to discuss any necessary mitigation, and to address concerns raised by those not in favour of beaver introductions. We are establishing a group to oversee ongoing monitoring to inform management decisions in the months and years to come, and I would hope that the beavers eventually become an integral and unremarked part of Glen Affric."
Steve Micklewright, Trees for Life's Chief Executive, said: "As we saw the beavers released into the loch, we were watching a moment of wildlife history - offering hope for tackling the nature and climate emergencies, and a better future for biodiversity and people.
"We're proud to have worked with FLS on this community-focused initiative. FLS has undertaken vital habitat restoration work in Glen Affric over many years and shown real leadership in nature restoration by reintroducing this important habitat-creating, biodiversity-boosting, flood-preventing animal."
NatureScot granted a licence in August for the release of four family groups of beavers to the waters above Beinn a Mheadhoin dam, following an application by FLS last December. The first two releases, of the beaver pair followed by the family of five, took place on 24 October.
Beavers create wetlands that benefit other wildlife, purify water and reduce flooding. The animals can bring economic benefits to communities through eco-tourism.
Sometimes the species can also create localised problems. The Glen Affric project partners have put in place measures to address these quickly should they emerge.
FLS is establishing a Beaver Community Mitigation and Monitoring Group as a community and visitor liaison focal point, where developments can be monitored, aired and addressed. The Group, which also involves NatureScot, will also look at developing educational opportunities with local schools, the wider community and visitors to the area.
Trees for Life's dedicated Beaver Management Officer, Tobias Leask, will be engaging with the whole community, offering practical support to ensure local people can enjoy and benefit from the return of the beavers through a well-managed process.
The translocation to Glen Affric was carried out by Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer, Head of Restoration at Beaver Trust, who said: "Beavers are a powerful ally in turning the biodiversity crisis around, and we're delighted to have carried out this important reintroduction to one of Scotland's most famous glens.
"Each new catchment we restore beavers to brings Scotland closer to its 2045 goal of a nature-rich, resilient future. Responsible, well-considered translocations like this are helping re-establish a healthy, connected beaver population across the country."
Prior to their release in Glen Affric, the beavers were housed at a specialised beaver holding and quarantine facility at Five Sisters Zoo for health checks.
Local resident Malcolm Wield said: "Beavers benefit a wide range of different species inclu...

A digital journey to the ocean depths, a virtual reality exploration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and an international conference on art and technology are among the events announced today for Ireland's arts & technology festival, Beta. Title image :Foolish Flame, by artists Peter Power and Leon Butler. The immersive experience exploring climate change will be open to members of the public as part of Beta Festival 2025.
Supported by The Digital Hub the event will be held at various locations throughout Dublin from November 7th to 23rd. This year's theme explores concepts of water and fluidity, and speaking at the programme announcement the festival's curator Aisling Murray invited members of the public to dive right in:
"Beta Festival is the only festival of its kind in Ireland that merges art and technology. We are bringing together some of the leading minds from both fields to present cutting-edge ideas to the public and together imagine new possibilities. From immersive exhibitions, to quantum-inspired poetry performances and virtual reality experiences, I invite everyone to come and find inspiration in our carefully curated programme of exhibitions, workshops, and international guests."
Beta Festival Highlights
A centerpiece of the festival is a landmark exhibition titled
"Undercurrent: As Below, So Above," which will be hosted at Dublin Port. The exhibition will feature interactive artworks by artist Kat Austen, who confronts the vital problem of marine microplastic pollution alongside an immersive experience created by Lauren Moffat that takes visitors on a journey to the ocean floor, and new multimedia works by Siobhan McDonald.
As part of the festival, the Digital Hub, in partnership with Project Arts Centre, will present the Irish premiere of "Foolish Flame." Created by artists Peter Power and Leon Butler, this immersive installation addresses themes of climate change and cultural trauma. Combining the old with the new, the work draws inspiration from traditional Sean-nós dance archives, reinterpreted by choreographer Robyn Byrne, and features music composed by Peter Power, performed by Uilleann Piper Muireann Ní Shé.
This year's festival is filled with public workshops and technology demonstrations. The Virtual Reality Notre-Dame Experience, created through 5,000 hours of historian-guided graphic work, will allow participants to explore the cathedral like never before, including areas of the cathedral that are not open to the public. A related panel discussion entitled "AI, Design & Cultural Heritage" will explore how contemporary designers are using AI as both a creative and interpretive tool for historic architecture.
For the festival's opening weekend Beta will host the Irish premiere of "HeartBeat, Son cœur a trouvé sa cadence dans le silence des rencontres", the Venice Immersive Biennale experience by French artist Bonnie Lisbon. The installation offers a non-verbal encounter between two strangers, sharing their pulse and exploring emotional relationships.
Local Artists Network
The Local Artists Network strand of the programme is dedicated to new work by some of Ireland's most exciting artists working with new technology. Pallas Projects will present an exhibition by Caroline Mac Cathmhaoil, artist Istvan Lazslo will present an augmented reality work reconstructing the removal of Queen Victoria's statue from Leinster House, and a large-scale installation by Aoife Dunne will be presented within the historic Riddel's warehouse.
Conference
The Beta Festival's annual conference gathers artists, researchers, policymakers, and tech experts to discuss how art connects with technology and the environment. Among the conference highlights, Dr. Oonagh Murphy will deliver a keynote address titled "Responsible AI in the Cultural Sector," focusing on ethical practices, responsible technology use, and public programmes that prioritise people and the environment. A performative lecture from Jose Luis de Vicente will investigate ...

Investment in wind energy generated a net financial benefit of more than £100bn for energy consumers between 2010 and 2023, challenging misconceptions
about the cost of the green energy transition, a new UCL study has shown.
The study, published in UCL Open Environment, found that between 2010 to 2023 wind-generated energy lowered electricity bills by £14.2bn and cut the cost of natural gas by £133.3bn. When offset by the £43.2bn in green subsidies consumers paid through their bills, the net result was a reduction of £104.3bn in UK energy bills over the 13-year period.
Wind power helping reduce energy bills
As delegates prepare for COP30 in Brazil, the report's conclusions re-focus attention on the UK's green energy transition and challenge the argument that sustainability, affordability, and energy security are in conflict with each other. Crucially, the study's authors argue that investment in wind energy should be viewed as a public good whereby government support directly benefits consumers and industry.
To assess the financial impact of wind power on the UK energy market, the researchers modelled the long-term Merit Order Effect (MOE), the mechanism by which introducing low-cost renewable energy lowers wholesale
electricity prices.
Unlike previous analyses, which have only considered short-term MOE, this approach considers the potential cost of constructing new gas capacity, providing a fuller picture and a more realistic reflection of how the energy market would respond over time. Models that only considered short-term MOE calculated the net benefit at just £0.9bn.
In contrast, this study takes into account that had the UK continued to invest in gas instead of wind generation throughout the 2010s, demand for gas would have significantly increased and therefore led to higher prices today.
However, the UK saw an expansion of wind capacity during this period from just five terra-watt hours (TWh) to 80 TWh, which was 30% of electricity generation in the UK. The study shows that this
expansion of wind capacity in fact pushed gas generators out of the market and lowered electricity prices for consumers.
Lead author Colm O'Shea (UCL Geography) said: "Far from being a financial burden, this study demonstrates how wind generation has consistently delivered substantial financial benefits to the UK. To put it into context, this net benefit of £104bn is larger than the additional £90bn the UK has spent on gas since 2021 as a result of rising prices related to the war in Ukraine."
While good news for consumers, these lower market prices mean the wind generators themselves earn less per unit of energy, limiting their own profitability as they cannibalise their own market. The study proves that the profitability of the wind energy sector should not be seen as a measure of its financial value.
Lead author Colm O'Shea said: "The simplistic assessment that the wind industry is a drag on the UK economy is deeply mistaken. It is perfectly possible for the wind industry to be consistently unprofitable without government support yet still deliver a net financial and economic benefit to the country. This study demonstrates why we should reframe our understanding of green investment from costly environmental subsidy to a high-return national investment."
The study also calls into question the fairness of the current funding model. Currently, electricity users pay 100% of green subsidies used to aid the green transition but receive only 18% of the financial benefit. Meanwhile, natural gas users, who pay nothing toward wind investment, have enjoyed 82% of the benefit since 2010.
Co-author Professor Mark Maslin (UCL Geography) said: "The study raises serious questions about the fairness
of who funds our transition to renewables and who benefits. Right now, the biggest winners are not the investors, wind generation firms or even electricity consumers who foot the bill for subsidies - it is natural gas consumers, who benefit from reduced househol...

We look at this new and interesting book by Jim Baggott. See more about Discordance The Troubled History of the Hubble Constant here.
Discordance The Troubled History of the Hubble Constant, reviewed
We are living in interesting times for studies about our universe. It looks like it is still expanding, fair enough if the big bang did it's thing, and exploded out from an incredibly small amount of space and matter. But, as the data increasingly suggests, the rate of the expansion is not only continuing, but also increasing the rate at which it does so. Baggott takes us on an interesting, well informed and clearly explained journey around the important developments and discoveries, especially over the last century or so.
At some points the maths and the physics naturally left us behind, but, overall this is an accessible and comprehensible book for the wider reader. Time and time again it seems like our best and deepest thinkers have to conceive theoretical ideas and then often wait decades, often beyond their own lifetimes, before humanity has built sufficient tools to then test them. Often then, such was the brilliance of Einstein and others, their concepts turned out to be right. The clear example of the concept of black holes, long, long before it was ever possible to definitively proof their existence. This has repeatedly been the process, which the Hubble Telescope, Cern and the Higgs boson, and now with the James Watt Telescope, have all helped us to then conclusively prove or disprove concepts. All of this of course a massive riposte to the recent insane cuts in scientific research, and evidence based concepts.
It is an exciting time new massive arrays coming online, and the far great capacity of JW and more to scan more of the sky, in higher resolution. Faster methodologies are also emerging to analyse what is being captured too. All of which means that new discoveries are being made near daily too. Baggot helps to communicate an interesting overview of these developments, and captures the enthusiasm that is out there in terms of sharing of ideas and robustly testing previously held ideas. Naturally dark matter and dark energy can still seem slightly questionable, as they are, by their nature, currently impossible, or at least extremely difficult to measure, observe or capture. At the same time, something has to be there to account for the fact that we can see, and measure so little of what must be around us. It does show we still have a long way to go in terms of understanding how the universe works and what is happening around us.
Books like this help to communicate why this is important, interesting and well worth studying and investment. Check it out.
More about the book Discordance
The troubled history of the Hubble constant: a story littered with crises of confidence, astonishing discoveries, and extraordinary personalities, which still continues today.
From the award-winning science-writer and author of Quantum Drama.
In 1927 Georges Lemaître argued that our universe is expanding, a conclusion rendered more startling by the astronomical data that backed it up, presented two years later by Edwin Hubble. The speed of this expansion is governed by Hubble's constant, and Discordance tells its troubled history.
This unpredictable and fascinating story begins with the first tentative steps to measure the distances to nearby stars and galaxies. It traces the extraordinary interplay between cosmological theory and astronomical observation which has given us the standard Big Bang theory.
It was not all plain sailing, and the narrative takes us through the discovery of dark matter, the Hubble Wars of the 1970s, the invention of cosmic inflation, and other crucial scientific moments. Further satellite missions were expected to add to the clarity of our measurements. But from about 2009 onward, the results began to diverge and complicate our understanding of this expansion. This is the Hubble tension and perhaps even a cr...

The international business group RedCore invites SIGMA Rome participants to meet their investment team, who will also be present at the conference stand.
RedCore specialists will be delighted to meet and discuss potential partnerships with representatives of promising projects from November 3 to 6. RedCore invites anyone interested in investing in a business group that combines technology products and services for digital markets to visit booth 1045.
RedCore at SIGMA Rome
"SIGMA Rome is the perfect place to meet teams that are changing the future of technology. We are looking for projects in the areas of iGaming, MarTech, FinTech, Web3, AI/ML, and technology analytics," comments Ihor Denysov, COO Investments at RedCore. - We offer more than just financing; we provide projects with comprehensive expert support, operational resources, and integration into the infrastructure of an international business group. Our goal is not just to invest funds, but to become a catalyst for growth for ambitious projects."
RedCore's investment division focuses on projects that have already moved from the MVP stage with market testing to readiness to scale and grow their business. The business group collaborates with teams and technologies that have a working MVP and demonstrate growth potential, offering not only capital but also a full range of support to accelerate growth.
You can submit your project for consideration by the team via the link: Pitch your project to the RedCore team. Discuss the details at SIGMA Rome 2025 from November 3 to 6 at the booth 1045.
See more breaking stories here.
More about Irish Tech News
Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too.
You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news
If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss.
Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience.
You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Eirmersive, the leading voice in Ireland for the immersive technology sector, officially launched the PRISM Manufacturing Programme at an exclusive evening reception attended by programme partners, funders, and manufacturing leaders from across the island of Ireland.
In early 2026, the programme will engage manufacturing SMEs across the island to explore deep tech applications, such as immersive, Digital Twin and AI technologies, towards improved efficiencies and optimisation of manufacturing processes.
With strong backing from cross-border partners - including InterTradeIreland, Queen's University Belfast, Digital Catapult NI, Dundalk Institute of Technology Regional Development Centre and others - PRISM represents a transformative, collaborative pilot approach to advancing digital innovation and competitiveness across the island.
The launch comes following an exceptional day that began with the PRISM Immersive Technology Summit, Ireland's premier all-island gathering exploring the convergence of Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Twin technologies. The summit welcomed over 200 innovators, business leaders, and researchers, offering a deep dive into how immersive technologies are transforming key sectors such as manufacturing, construction, health tech, and energy.
Speaking at the launch, Camille Donegan, CEO of Eirmersive, said:
"The energy and engagement we witnessed throughout today's summit carried seamlessly into this evening's launch. The PRISM Manufacturing Programme represents the practical next step - moving from discussion to demonstration, and from potential to performance. We're thrilled to see so many stakeholders coming together to drive real innovation across the island."
Aidan Browne, Head of Innovation & Business Development at Dundalk Institute of Technology, added:
"Today has shown the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and innovation partners. The PRISM Manufacturing Programme will help Irish SMEs embrace immersive technology not as a concept, but as a competitive advantage."
Earlier in the day, summit attendees experienced powerful keynote presentations and live demonstrations from global leaders including Brian Cooney, CEO of KUKA Robotics Ireland, and Timmy Ghiuru, Innovation Leader at Volvo Cars. Discussions explored how digital twins, XR, and AI are revolutionising industrial workflows, reducing lead times, and creating safer, more efficient production environments.
If you are a manufacturing SME, in NI or the South of Ireland, and you would be interested in registering for the PRISM Manufacturing Programme, visit www.eirmersive.com/prism or contact mark@eirmersive.com.
See more stories here.
More about Irish Tech News
Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too.
You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news
If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss.
Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience.
You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Landmark Technologies, an Irish provider of IT and cybersecurity services, has announced that it is helping to secure daily operations for in-flight entertainment provider Inflight Dublin. Together, Landmark and Inflight Dublin's IT team have developed a customised cybersecurity solution tailored to Inflight Dublin's specific needs. This integrated solution counters rising cyber threats, safeguards critical data, and provides a secure foundation for innovative in-flight entertainment solutions that enhance the passenger experience.
Headquartered in Dublin and with locations in North America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, Inflight Dublin provides blockbuster movies, popular TV programmes, music, apps, games, and moving maps to leading airlines worldwide. These include Qatar Airways, Condor Flugdienst GmbH, Copa Airlines, Gulf Air, Philippine Airlines, Sunclass Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines.
As Inflight Dublin collaborates closely with Hollywood studios to provide top content for customers, data security is paramount. The nature of the business requires many employees to travel overseas, and Landmark secures all devices and networks for the company's 55-strong team - wherever they're working.
As cyber threats continue to grow more sophisticated, Landmark works closely with Inflight Dublin's internal IT team to provide rapid response and remediation should an incident occur. In addition, the tailored solution is boosting resilience for Inflight Dublin with onsite and offsite data backups to ensure business continuity in the event of an incident. Regular penetration testing identifies any cybersecurity gaps or vulnerabilities, and Landmark provides cybersecurity awareness training to employees.
Landmark's technology, seamlessly integrated with Inflight Dublin's bespoke solutions, enables a secure, immersive, and uninterrupted entertainment experience for airline passengers. Inflight Dublin recently completed a major IT infrastructure upgrade, deploying data centre-grade systems engineered for fault tolerance, redundancy, and maximum uptime. This enhancement ensures the continued rapid delivery of content and publication updates to in-flight entertainment systems worldwide including Inflight Dublin's own wireless platform, Everhub.
Additionally, Inflight Dublin recently announced a new partnership with TED to bring thought-provoking TED Talks to its onboard content offering.
Pat Nolan, Director of IT & Information Security, Inflight Dublin, said: "Against the backdrop of a changing cyber landscape, this advanced security solution from Landmark and our teams gives us the confidence to continue to roll out our services, safe in the knowledge that our data and operations are fully protected. Effective cybersecurity is of the utmost importance in the aviation industry, and we are committed to providing secure solutions for customers which offer passengers an engaging and entertaining in-flight experience. In addition, even when located in different regions and time zones, our teams can work and collaborate securely to ultimately drive innovation for the business."
Ken Kelleher, Managing Director, Landmark Technologies, said: "We are providing peace of mind and resilience for Inflight Dublin as the company continues to grow and evolve. Seamless access to movies and TV is a top priority for many airlines and as customers' needs become more complex, our ultra-secure services reduce cyber risk and enhance capabilities. Meanwhile, our customer-first ethos and proactive support is crucial for Inflight Dublin, particularly as its team is often dispersed. Landmark is enabling Inflight Dublin to take off and deliver its services quickly and efficiently, while future proofing operations and supporting seamless scalability in line with business growth."
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By J.M. Auron Quantum Tech Resumes
These days, apparently, most job seekers are afraid of the Big Bad ATS.
And, with the endless drumbeat of horror stories about the ATS destroying careers? It's pretty understandable that people are nervous. So I'd like to follow up my earlier post on IT resume misinformation, and try to relieve some of the anxiety that's come to surround Applicant Tracking Systems.
Now, don't get me wrong. ATS systems are far from ideal. But I believe - based on many years as a professional IT resume writer, as well as my own research - that the ATS may not be the bogeyman it's often made out to be.
What is ATS and how to deal with it
People often see "getting through the ATS" as the biggest challenge in the job search. It's really not, though. Getting through the ATS - and I know this goes against the conventional "wisdom" - isn't that difficult, and shouldn't be the focus of your resume writing.
So let's break it down a bit.
1) Getting Through the ATS isn't that Hard
I know. I just said that. It bears repeating, though, given the fear-mongering online and on social media.
From the research I've done, 80%-95% of all decently written, decently formatted resumes get through the gatekeeper.
Decently formatted just means a simple, readable, reverse chronological framework with clear section headings. The problem comes when there are multiple columns, tables, graphics, or very unusual fonts. The ATS can't read that, but, honestly, they're hard for humans to read, too.
So keeping things simple, clear, and straightforward is likely to improve your chances with both the ATS and the humans who are really making the decisions.
2) You Don't Need a 100% Keyword Match
In fact, a keyword match that high (if it's even possible) looks over-optimized, as though you've just copied and pasted the job description.
Recruiters are hip to that - so even if you do get through the ATS with an overly optimized IT resume, you may well not get past the human being making the decision.
It's a bit like Google. Keyword stuffing is more likely to get a site lowered rather than raised.
The general rule of thumb is that you need a keyword match around 70%-80%. That's not really that hard, though it sounds like a high number. If you're a Cloud Architect, for example, a lot of what you've done is going to overlap with any decently written job description (I know, of course, that not all are decently written, but that's not something we can control).
So if you talk clearly about what you've done, and naturally weave in the skills and tools you've used, the keyword matching will actually happen fairly automatically.
I'm not suggesting that you don't read job descriptions carefully, but focus on the places where all the job descriptions match, rather than on a few outliers.
3) AI Hasn't Taken Over the Hiring Process!
I'm not, in general, a big fan of AI - or at least of the AI hype we're all bombarded with.
But from everything I can find, AI has not taken over ATS systems. They are still pretty close to what they've always been. AI is used to automate some tasks nowadays. More importantly, AI may be used for more semantic keyword matching - "cloud computing" can now match "AWS expertise" - for example. That's actually a positive; semantic keyword matching makes writing a resume that reads naturally much, much easier.
But AI has not become a demonic (or hopelessly inefficient) entity committed to destroying your careers. It's not even mucking up the works as much as in some other areas - at least at this point.
Bottom Line?
There's a lot to be concerned about in the job search. Things aren't easy. But the hype about the Big Bad ATS, in my view, is just adding to the many worries that job seekers already have. That's not a good thing.
So I recommend writing a good, solid, clear IT resume that tells your career story. If you do that well, the keywords - and the ATS - should take care of themselves.
Bio:
I'm J.M. Auron and I've owned one of the to...

With over two million smart meters now installed across Ireland, households are entering a new era of smarter, more flexible electricity use. As time-of-use tariffs become increasingly popular (and dynamic tariffs set to launch in June 2026), Irish homes will soon have more control than ever over their energy bills. But how well are we using these tools, and what more can be done to help households make real savings?
Munster Technological University's InVEST Project, supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under the RD&D 2022 programme, has launched a nationwide survey to understand how homes across Ireland use electricity and how people can take better advantage of their smart meters and inherent household flexibility.
Nationwide Survey on domestic Electricity Use, InVEST Project
The Energy Use in Irish Homes Survey takes about ten minutes to complete, and participants will be entered into a prize draw to win home energy monitors and smart plugs (total prize value €340). The draw will be held on 4 December 2025, and one entry per household is allowed.
Survey link: https://forms.office.com/e/2kLhviBvxp
Understanding Ireland's changing energy landscape
Ireland's residential sector accounts for roughly one-quarter of total electricity demand, and that share is expected to grow with the electrification of heat and transport. Many households are now equipped with smart meters, providing half-hourly consumption data and the potential for smarter energy decisions but access and understanding remain key barriers.
"Across our project, we found that many participants struggled to retrieve or interpret their smart meter data," said Dr. Niamh Power (Project Lead). "This highlights a crucial gap between technology rollout and user empowerment. Access to clear, usable data is what allows people to shift when they use appliances, reduce bills, and cut carbon but without that access, much of the potential is lost."
Academic and policy literature reinforce this finding: households with better data access and understanding of their usage patterns are more likely to adapt behaviour and benefit from new tariffs. Simple actions such as running appliances at off-peak hours or charging electric vehicles overnight can deliver meaningful savings under time-of-use pricing.
A call for participation
The InVEST team has already gathered insights from early adopter homes that invested in solar PV, heat pumps, or electric vehicles and found clear patterns of smart energy use emerging. However, the team wants to hear from all Irish households, regardless of whether they have advanced technologies.
"With upcoming dynamic tariffs and growing interest in flexible electricity use, now is the perfect time for every home to understand their own patterns," the team added. "The more people participate, the better we can identify opportunities for savings and design fairer, more effective policies."
For more information and to take part in the survey, visit
https://forms.office.com/e/2kLhviBvxp or scan the QR code:
Issued by: The InVEST Project Team
Supported by: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
Grant: 22/RDD/866
See more breaking stories here.

SETU Sports Scholar, Róisín Sweeney, graduated from the University's conferring ceremonies at the Kilkenny Road campus in Carlow on 28 October.
Naas Native, Róisín Sweeney, completed her Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Aerospace Engineering in Carlow after four years of study. Róisín began studying aerospace engineering in 2021, receiving an academic scholarship on entry into first year of the course.
First female Motorsport Ireland karting champion
Róisín established herself as the fastest driver of the SETU karting club early on in her time SETU. She was selected for the A team on first trials and went on to compete in the Student Sport Ireland Karting Championships throughout the four years of her degree.
"Karting has been a part of my life since my early teens. I discovered the sport while on holiday with my family; I was hooked right away. Karting is very important to me and brings back very fond memories," Roisin explained.
In her second year, Róisín achieved runner up in the Karting Driver championship, in conjunction with becoming the first female Motorsport Ireland T4 Senior National Karting champion.
In 2023, Róisín became the first female to win a Student Sport Ireland individual student karting championship, while also leading the SETU A team to third place in the team's championship.
SETU sports scholarship and student recognition award
Róisín was awarded a sports scholarship for karting, from 2022 to 2024. The SETU Sports Scholarship Programmeis designed to assist high-performance athletes in their overall development. The programme supports high-calibre athletes to reach their maximum potential both in their sport and in their academic careers.
For four years running, Róisín achieved the SETU Student Recognition Award in acknowledgement of her commitment to her studies.
When speaking about balancing her academic life and sporting career, Róisín said, "The SETU Sports Scholarship was a huge help in balancing my national karting career and the various activities involved both inside and outside of the University."
"Even with all I was working towards in sport, I wanted to keep up my grades and learn as much as possible within my degree in aerospace engineering, an area that I became very passionate about. I have always found the world of aviation extremely interesting, and the course gave me great exposure and insight into the aviation industry. Being able to physically work on aircraft was a very important experience, and I found that a lot of the topics I studied through the year related to my motorsport interests too. The course has left me well prepared for pursuing my future career in the aviation industry," Róisín explained.
"The overall feeling of recognition and support from the scholarship made me feel even more motivated to commit into my university career, both academically and through clubs and societies."
Now graduating with a first-class honours' degree in Aerospace Engineering. Róisín has already begun the next chapter, having gained a graduate position at Milestone Aviation, a helicopter leasing company.
Since completing her studies, Róisín has also graduated to car racing, having just finished a successful season in 2025.
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Leitrim County Council is inviting parents and children aged 7 to 12 to explore coding technology together through a series of free, family-friendly sessions as part of Science Week 2025, which runs from November 9th to November 16th.
The OurKidsCode workshops will take place across the county at Leitrim's Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) and libraries.
OurKidsCode is a nationwide programme developed by a research team at Trinity College Dublin that helps families learn about technology in an enjoyable, hands-on way. No experience is needed - just a laptop and a willingness to learn something new.
The workshops are most suitable for children aged 7 to 12, but everyone is welcome.
Leitrim County Council has been supporting the programme for 18 months, and it has already proved a hit in Leitrim communities, with excellent feedback from parents and children alike.
During Science Week 2025, the two-hour workshops will take place in Leitrim's libraries and BCPs, giving families across the county an opportunity to discover how coding can spark creativity, build problem-solving skills and boost confidence.
As well as being a fun and stimulating way for families to spend time with each other, these educational sessions help to address the urban/rural divide by bringing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) activities to families in rural Ireland.
In time, initiatives like OurKidsCode could open doors for future opportunities for people to live and work in their home counties, as so many careers in computing and technology can be done from home. The workshops have also seen significant numbers of girls shine in the fun environment, which could lead to a higher take-up of STEAM careers for young women.
Martina Gilmartin, facilitator of the OurKidsCode programme in Leitrim, said:
"Working as a facilitator with OurKidsCode here in Leitrim, it has been lovely to see parents and children sitting together, laughing, creating, problem-solving, and being proud of what they achieve as a family.
"In this very tech-savvy world, many parents worry about children spending too much time on screens. OurKidsCode offers something completely different - active, creative computer time rather than passive screen time. Coding helps children to think, to problem solve, to plan and sequence, to make patterns and to persevere. In truth, it is about more than coding. It is about connection - between parents and children, between families and communities, and between creativity and technology."
Nicola Mc Manus, Broadband Officer at Leitrim County Council, said:
"Leitrim County Council are delighted to be part of this very worthwhile initiative with Trinity College and OurKidsCode in bringing coding workshops to young people and their families in County Leitrim. We encourage families to take this opportunity to support our young people to access valuable learning in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths."
Fiona Wheeldon, who participated in an OurKidsCode workshop with her sons, said:
"We really loved the coding workshop provided by OurKidsCode over four days in Manorhamilton library last year. My two sons (5 & 9 at the time) and I learnt lots about Micro:bit, Scratch & Makey Makey - how to use them and where to go to get our own. My kids are still interested in coding now, with the younger one doing some Makey Makey projects, and the older one doing Makecode Arcade at home."
If parents, parent associations, and community groups would like to enquire about hosting Our Kids Code workshops at their local BCPs, they can email nicola.mcmanus@leitrimcoco.ie for further information. To take part or find out more and to register, contact your local library, your nearest BCP, or phone Martina Gilmartin on 087 154 5012.
Families can find more information at www.ourkidscode.ie.
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Imagine - Ireland's independent broadband provider - has announced a price freeze until 2030 on all fibre broadband plans, guaranteeing customers that their monthly bill won't change between now and then.
The move directly challenges the industry trend of short-term deals followed by steep increases and annual inflation-linked price hikes. Imagine provides fibre and 5G mobile broadband throughout Ireland and promises one clear price until 2030 that can save households and businesses up to €1,247 over five years compared to competitors.
Imagine is also offering leave anytime flexibility across all broadband packages, giving stability without being tied into 12 or 24-month contracts.
Recent national research by Ipsos B&A (2025) highlights widespread frustration among broadband users in Ireland:
79% are tired of constant price hikes.
71% say cost is their top reason for switching.
54% believe all broadband providers are the same.
Nearly half have been with their provider less than two years.
Niall Tallon, Chief Executive Officer, Imagine, said: "We want to reimagine what broadband can be in Ireland and give customers a real alternative that is fair, honest, and free from the usual tricks. Nobody wants to deal with annual inflationary price hikes or switching when short-term offers expire. People want price stability and simple, no-nonsense high-speed connectivity".
"Imagine has a long history of doing things differently. We were the first to bring high-speed broadband to rural communities when others didn't. We're still that independent company challenging the status quo. Our five-year price freeze, straightforward customer journey, and leave-anytime flexibility aren't available anywhere else", added Tallon.
"Why sign a contract for one price and end up paying double within a year? It doesn't make sense. We are rewarding loyalty and are the only broadband provider that can look you in the eye and say: Your fibre broadband bill won't change until 2030."
Imagine's new fibre broadband packages include plans for €55 a month for 500MB, with speeds going up to 2GB, and they are available nationwide. All packages include?leave-anytime flexibility, meaning no 12-month or 24-month contracts or hidden fees.
For more information, go to imagine.ie

Marking its 30th anniversary, Science Week will take place across Ireland from 9-16 November, with 14 festivals and a huge variety of events set to take place nationwide. Coordinated by Research Ireland, Science Week is an annual week-long celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).
With this year's theme of 'Then. Today. Tomorrow.', Research Ireland is encouraging people to explore how science and research have shaped and improved the lives we live today, while also looking at the questions and challenges of tomorrow, and how insights from the past can influence our future decisions.
A wide range of festivals and events will take place across Ireland as part of Science Week, from an Immersive Sustainable Escape Room to an Otter Spotters Roadshow. There is something for everybody. There will be two showcase events in Cork and Dublin that are not to be missed:
Cork: Renowned spectacle theatre company Macnas will make its Cork premiere at Marina Market for Science Week 2025. On Sunday, 9 November, Macnas will bring its vibrant troupe of drummers, stilt walkers, sculptures, and puppets to Cork city to tell a powerful story about biodiversity loss and the gradual disappearance of the corncrake across Ireland.
Known for its distinctive and recognisable call, the corncrake's decline serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to protect habitats and biodiversity. An installation inspired by the performance will remain at Marina Market, alongside the Science Week-funded SpaceFest, until Thursday, 13 November.
Dublin: Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon Lands in Merrion Square to celebrate 30 years of Science Week. Internationally acclaimed artist Luke Jerram will bring his breathtaking installation, Museum of the Moon, to Merrion Square, Dublin, from 13-15 November. The seven-metre illuminated sphere, featuring detailed imagery of the lunar surface from NASA, offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to experience the Moon up close. Suspended in one of Dublin's most iconic city parks, the artwork invites reflection on our relationship with the night sky, the planet, and beyond.
Some other events taking place not to be missed include:
Then, Today and Tomorrow - Exploring a Changing Ocean Around Us - Galway - November 15th, 10 am - 5 pm
Join the aquarium team and friends to explore the past, present and future of the ocean and waters of Ireland. Explore our marine heritage and past, meet our animals and discover the habitats they live in, and consider the ocean and waterways of the future. Visitors will be to join hourly feeding tours and meet our team at activity stations around the aquarium.
The Science of Storytelling - Dublin - November 9th, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Storytelling is as old as time, but what about the science behind it? Join neuroscientist Shane O'Mara, author of Talking Heads: The New Science of How Conversation Shapes Our Worlds, master traditional storyteller Niall de Búrca and science writer Claire O'Connell as we delve into communication, connection, and why storytelling remains such a powerful form of human expression.
Let's Talk Science Festival - Dublin - November 8th, 10 am - 4 pm.
The Let's Talk Science Festival is back at the Rediscovery Centre - and this year we're celebrating 10 years of science, curiosity and fun! Join us on Saturday, 8th November, for our special anniversary festival with the theme "10 Years of Let's Talk Science". It's an all-day, family-friendly event packed with exciting STEM activities for all ages.
Teddy Bears Hospital - Athlone
This event is part of the Midlands Science Festival and will be hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Paediatrics Society through a special pop-up teddy bear hospital in Athlone. This event introduces children to healthcare in a fun and friendly way, helping to ease any worries they may have surrounding the hospital environment. Through a number of stations, such as the emergency station, phlebotomy, or pharmacy, every ...

We look at the new Pixel Buds 2a, see more about them here.
New Pixel Buds 2a, reviewed
Out of the box our testers liked a few things about the earbuds, in a way that they felt that perhaps the manufacturers had responded to user feedback. Our team quickly noticed that the charging box was back to a smaller more snug size. They quickly pulled out the last iteration, larger, and then the ones before that, smaller, which they felt was better, more mobile and less obtrusive. Similarly they pointed out that some degree of an ear clip was now back again, also absent in the previous version, but to be found in earlier types. This was again a thumbs up, as they felt it meant that they were less likely to slip, and consequently easier to avoid catastrophic fails such as one falling out while you were cycling, rock climbing or using the local ferry out at sea in rougher waves.
Moving onto the colour, while not everyone might like the subtle lilac colours, it was again a hit with our female testers. If you are not so wild on this, you can always go for more conventional darker hues too. The noise cancelling has always been a good to strong feature of the Pixel Buds, and this continues with this version of the ear buds too. Battery time is pretty decent, charging quickly, and delivering a long period of usage too. Overall our testers were pretty happy with these earbuds and more than happy to give them a definite thumbs up.
More about Pixel Buds 2a
Do Pixel Buds 2a have Active Noise Cancellation?
Yes, Pixel Buds 2a has pro-level Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 1.5 to help block external noise for clear and uninterrupted sound. Or you can switch to Transparency Mode when you still want to hear the world around you while you listen.
How is the sound quality?
Pixel Buds 2a are the first A-series buds with Active Noise Cancellation. They combine Silent Seal 1.5 and technology from the pro-level Active Noise Cancellation of our Pixel Buds Pro 2 to block out distractions so that you can stay immersed in the moment.
With the 11 mm dynamic speaker driver, you can always listen to clear, balanced, round sound, with opportunities to further personalise the levels of bass, treble and more with the five-band equaliser.
Pixel Buds 2a are also powered by the Tensor A1 chip, the same processor used on our Pixel Buds Pro 2.
What is in the box?
Your Pixel Buds 2a come with:Earbuds with medium eartips installed
Charging case
Eartips with four size options: extra small, small, medium (pre-installed), large
Quick start guide
Safety and warranty information
Are Pixel Buds 2a compatible with Android and iOS?
Yes, Pixel Buds 2a pair with any Bluetooth® 4.0+ device, including Android, iOS, tablets and laptops. To get full access to features, you need: Google Account
Google Assistant-enabled companion phone running Android 6.0 or newer Internet connection
You can also use the Pixel Buds web companion app on Chrome OS, MacOS and Windows. To get started, visit mypixelbuds.google.com. For minimum OS and hardware requirements, along with available Google Assistant languages, visit the Pixel Buds Help Centre
What's the battery life?
With Active Noise Cancellation off, up to 10 hours of listening time and up to 27 hours total listening time with the charging case.
With Active Noise Cancellation on, up to eight hours of listening time and up to 20 hours of total listening time with the charging case.
A five-minute charge of earbuds in the charging case delivers up to one hour of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation turned on.
Pixel Buds 2a do not include wireless charging (available on Pixel Buds Pro 2).
How is the call quality with Pixel Buds 2a?
With Pixel Buds 2a, you can have peace of mind that you'll hear and be heard on calls, no matter where you are. Clear Calling helps block background noise so your conversations aren't interrupted by wind, external chatter, or other distractions in your environment. Your voice will come through loud and ...

Ireland's foremost digital marketing event, 3XE Digital, returns this November 26th with a bold new focus on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence. 3XE AI will take place on Wednesday, November 26th at The Alex Hotel, Dublin, bringing together hundreds of marketers, social media professionals and business leaders to explore how AI is reshaping marketing strategy, creativity and performance.
Delegates from top Irish brands including Chadwicks, Kepak, Chartered Accountants Ireland, Sage, The Travel Department, Finlay Motor Group, Hardware Association, and many more have already booked to attend this dynamic one-day conference designed to inspire, educate and empower.
The event will be co-chaired by Anthony Quigley, Co-Founder of the Digital Marketing Institute, and Sinéad Walsh of Content Plan. Attendees will hear from leading voices in AI and digital marketing, discovering how to harness new technologies to deliver smarter, more efficient, and measurable campaigns.
Key Highlights:
Expert speakers from: Google, OpenAI, Content Plan, Women in AI, AI Certified, The Corporate Governance Institute, and more will share their wealth of knowledge on how clever use of AI can significantly improve all digital marketing and social media strategies and campaigns and continue to change how we do business and can massively increase sales.
Topics include:
? Winning with AI in Business with Christina Barbosa-Gress, Google
? AI-Powered Operations for Irish SMEs with Denis Jastrzebski, Content Plan
? Education for Unlocking AI's Potential with Ian Dodson, AiCertified
? Practical and Responsible AI with Boris Gersic, Corporate Governance Institute
? The Compliance Edge in the AI Era with Colin Cosgrove, Movizmo Coaching Solutions
? Unlocking AI's True Potential in Business with Naomh McElhatton, Irish Ambassador for Women in AI
Adrian Hopkins, Founder, 3XE Digital commented: "Reviving the 3XE Digital conference series felt timely, and AI presented the perfect opportunity. Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the entire marketing landscape - enhancing performance, improving efficiency and offering unprecedented creative possibilities. We're excited to bring this crucial conversation to the forefront once again."
The 3XE AI Conference, organised in partnership with Content Plan, is proudly supported by Friday Agency, GS1 Ireland, and AI Certified. All details, including full speaker lineup, conference agenda and online bookings are available at https://3xe.ie. Early bookings remain open at 3xe.ie - including group discounts for teams.
See more stories here.
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