Technology

Fortnite to pay €490m in penalties for “duping” children into unintended purchases

The creator of the video game Fortnite is to pay out a record $520m (€490m) in fines and refunds for “tricking” children into buying things within the game.

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Elon Musk says he will abide by Twitter poll asking him to step down

Elon Musk says that he will “abide” by a Twitter poll calling for him to step down as CEO of the social network, but has not given any detail as to when he will step down or who might replace him.

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Elon Musk restores Twitter accounts of journalists including Donie O’Sullivan after suspensions draw backlash

Elon Musk reinstated the Twitter accounts of several journalists that were suspended for a day over a controversy on publishing public data about the billionaire's plane.

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iPhone 14 emergency SOS via satellite launches in Ireland

From today, iPhone 14 users can send SOS messages to emergency services in Ireland in areas with no mobile coverage or wifi connections.

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Google is still the judge, deciding which Seán Quinn articles can stay online

Over the last decade, there have been thousands of articles written about Seán Quinn and his family. Every angle has been covered – from trials and prison terms, to weddings and lifestyle issues.

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Ask Adrian: When to buy a new TV, updating software on your iPad, plus mini reviews of the Echo Dot and Kärcher WD5

Question I have a perfectly good iPad from a few years ago. My son showed me some new tricks on it but says it needs to be updated to the latest software. I’m not great at keeping up with things like updates. When I went to do it, it said I couldn’t update it unless I connect it to a computer and iTunes. I haven’t used iTunes in 10 years and don’t know how to get it. Can you advise? — Norma O’Sullivan

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Government to make high speed broadband the law under new USO pledge

The Government says it intends to make high speed internet the law across the country, to make sure that private operators cover those caught between the National Broadband Plan’s state-subsidised rollout and current private sector rollouts.

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Adrian Weckler’s top tech picks of 2022

It has been a mixed year for gadgets. While there has been a handful of ‘wow’ products, there has also been a higher-than-usual number of so-so upgrades among major tech brands. Of the many products to cross our review desk this year, these are the outstanding ones in their field.

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Meta faces another blow to advertising revenues from EU

Meta faces a fresh blow to its advertising business after Europe’s governing data protection body looks poised to restrict the social platform’s behavioural advertising system.

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Regulating AI – what Irish business needs to know ahead of new European Union legislation

As artificial intelligence (AI) pervades every element of our lives, the EU has released a series of new legislative proposals which will have significant impacts for consumers and businesses .

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Dyson’s new futuristic Zone headphones will protect you from pollution

In many ways, Dyson’s newly announced €799 Zone headphones are typical of the genre. High-end audio quality, active noise cancellation, long battery life.

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Stripe’s John Collison predicts ‘leaner 2023’ for tech

STRIPE’S John Collison is predicting a “leaner” 2023 in European technology, but says the industry’s long term prospects remain good.

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Fintech firms seeking licences urged to talk with Central Bank as soon as possible

Fintech firms should engage early with the Central Bank of Ireland before filing an application, according to an official at the regulator.

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Ask Adrian: Buying a small smartphone and mini reviews of the Nothing Ear Stick and Logitech K380

Question My mother is looking for a small smartphone. She currently has a second-hand iPhone, but the battery is going, so she’s looking for a phone of a similar size, but preferably cheaper than Apple. What would you suggest? — Maura McGrath

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Irish corporate IT users are unwilling to use Microsoft’s browser

Irish workers are locked in a battle with their bosses over the use of Microsoft software.

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Ex-FTX cryptocurrency CEO says he did not ‘knowingly’ misuse clients’ funds

The former CEO of the failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX has said that he did not “knowingly” misuse customers’ funds, and said he believes his millions of angry customers will eventually be made whole.

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Adrian Weckler’s big Christmas tech gift guide 2022

Price: €99

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Fibrus lands €125m UK government deal to roll out broadband in Cumbria

The Northern Ireland fibre broadband firm founded by a former National Broadband Plan executive has won a £108m (€125.2m) deal to roll out state-subsidised broadband in northern England.

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Twitter has reinstated senior Irish executive Sinéad McSweeney following generic ‘firing’ email, High Court told

Twitter has told the High Court that it has restored Irish-based senior executive Sinéad McSweeney to her position with the company.