No Potatoes HerePeter Parker's voice actor can't say much about the yet to be announced Spider-Man 3, but he does promise the webslinger "won't be relegated to the couch""There are very few things that I can say about this game."Image credit: Insomniac Games News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Feb. 24, 2025 Marvel's Spider-Man 3 hasn't been announced just yet, but the voice behind Peter Parker has at least hinted towards his involvement.We all know that a third entry in Insomniac's Spider-Man series is almost definitely on the way, but as of right now, nothing has been confirmed just yet. The end of the second game certainly teed one up, with some specific story elements we'll touch on in a moment (here's your spoiler warning for those of you that many only just picked up the janky PC port). But if you needed some kind of confirmation that another one is coming, the voice of Peter Parker himself Yuri Lowenthal essentially said that one is happening, while also sharing just how involved his character will be in the next game.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Speaking to The Direct at MultiCon, Lowenthal was asked about what the second game's ending meant for Peter's future, with the voice actor explaining that "there are very few things that I can say about this game, but you have somehow landed on the one thing that I can answer, and that's that, yes, Peter is not gone. He will be a part of the next game and he won't be relegated to the couch, I promise."For some spoilery context, the end of Spider-Man 2 saw Peter essentially hand over the reins of New York's protector over to Miles Morales, freeing up his own time to have a bit more of a normal life with Mary Jane. It'd be fair to interpret this as his Spider-Man semi-retiring, but it sounds like he'll be a bit more involved, though you have to wonder how involved he will be as a playable character, given that a post-credits scene briefly introduced Cindy Moon, who in the comics is another character with spider powers under the superhero name Silk.Peter also famously died in the Ultimate comics, which is how Miles went on to become that universe's Spider-Man, so you have to wonder if that's the route Insomniac will opt for. In the meantime, I'm sure the developer is busy with its Wolverine game that we haven't really heard about in a while.

The U.S. government is leaning hard on tech companies to make more commitments to building their businesses in the country, and Big Tech is falling in line. On Monday, Apple laid out its own plans in that area: it will spend $500 billion over the next four years in areas like high-end manufacturing, engineering, and education covering technologies like artificial intelligence and chip making.Big projects will include a new factory in Houston, TX, to produce servers that support Apples companys in-house AI effort, Apple Intelligence; doubling the value of Apples U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund to $10 billion; a new academy in Michigan to train people to work in next-generation factories; and more R&D.Some of this is not new news. Apple has worked for years with thousands of suppliers across the U.S. in areas like chip making currently 24 factories across 12 states alongside directly employing people in the country. Globally, Apple employs 164,000 people, according to recent filings. It does not break out how many of them are in the U.S. specifically. It said today it plans to hire another 20,000 people in the next four years. But again, it does not specify if these people will be in the U.S. or elsewhere.Nevertheless, Apples news is significant because of what it underscores. First, there is the bigger effort that the U.S. has been making to expand its economic footing, specifically to remove some of the reliance that the U.S. currently has on ecosystems outside of the U.S. itself, such as China for manufacturing. The U.S. is waging a fairly drastic effort to shift investment in line with that, for example, by floating new tariffs on certain goods in an effort to drive more national production.Apple, as a major consumer electronics company, relies heavily on production outside of the U.S. The exercise of laying out plans to invest within the U.S. will not completely replace that, now or ever, but becomes a bone a very valuable bone that it can throw to show that its making efforts too.Second, the focus on artificial intelligence in Apples news today should be noted. The major server factory that it will be building will be focused on building machines that can handle AI compute. Similarly, the ecosystem fund and training budget are largely focused on skills and manufacturing of hardware that will be used in AI systems.Of note: it is not clear what kinds of tax breaks (if any) companies will get on the investments such as the ones Apple listed today. That will be top of mind for companies, their investors, and hopefully the U.S. public. Apple did note that it remains one of the largest U.S. taxpayers, having paid more than $75 billion in U.S. taxes over the past five years, including $19 billion in 2024 alone.The news today, in any case, is being represented as Apples own commitment to growing Americas industry profile in the world.We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and were proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our countrys future, said Tim Cook, Apples CEO, in a statement. From doubling our Advanced Manufacturing Fund, to building advanced technology in Texas, were thrilled to expand our support for American manufacturing. And well keep working with people and companies across this country to help write an extraordinary new chapter in the history of American innovation.One of the bigger specific projects announced today will be a new 250,000-square-feet AI server manufacturing facility in Houston taking on building services that up to now have been manufactured in other countries. Ground breaks later this year, and it will be completed by 2026, it said.The project is important not just in value but also intention: Apple is doubling down on how it believes AI will be used within its products and services. So the project is coming along with an expansion of server capacity in Apples other data centers in North Carolina, Iowa, Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada.Teams at Apple designed the servers to be incredibly energy efficient, reducing the energy demands of Apple data centers, Apple said, although it also claimed these are already run on renewable energy.The manufacturing fund, in contrast, will be used to help finance expansions for its partners, including a multibillion-dollar commitment to TSMC for advanced silicon made in the latter companys Fab 21 facility in Arizona. Apple said it is Fab 21s largest customer.Apple has not specified how much it has earmarked for educational initiatives aimed at training workforces although the costs of building factories or investing in frontier-level research and development are likely to be substantial.The first effort in that vein will be a new Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit, it said, where Apple engineers, along with experts from top universities such as Michigan State, will work in consultation with SMBs to help them implement AI and smart manufacturing techniques. That there are a large number of smaller businesses in that region that have worked in concert in other legacy industries like automotive, and it will be worth watching to see how and if they make the transition as envisioned.

In the battle against herpes simplex virus (HSV), 3D printing technology is offering a new approach to drug development by creating models of human skin. Current antiviral drugs often fall short because they cannot replicate the complexity of human tissue. To address this, Dr. Jia Zhu from the Fred Hutch Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, alongside biofabrication experts Dr. Ian Hayman and Dr. Tori Ellison, is using 3D printing to develop these models, enhancing the precision of virus studies.Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Current TreatmentsHerpes Simplex Virus (HSV) affects about two-thirds of the global population. While many individuals remain asymptomatic, others experience painful flare-ups that can significantly impact their quality of life. Antiviral medications like acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir help manage these outbreaks by reducing their frequency and severity. However, these treatments do not cure the virus, which can remain dormant in sensory neurons, evading both medications and the immune system. Their effectiveness may also diminish over time, particularly in patients with resistant HSV strains.Dr. Zhu explained that current antivirals were developed using simplified cell cultures, which often fail to replicate the complexity of human tissues. As a result, these treatments underperform in real-world infections and struggle to fully address the viruss behavior in the body. The antivirals we use to treat HSV today were developed using in vitro culture of Vero cells and fibroblasts. Its perhaps not surprising that these antivirals show sub-optimal performance in HSV infections in patients, said Zhu.A schematic illustrating the process of using a 3D bioprinter to generate human skin equivalents, and the two models of HSV infection used by the researchers.Image by Dr. Tori Ellison.Dr. Jia Zhu Research and the Future of HSV TreatmentTo address the challenge of limited accuracy in traditional models, the team developed 3D-bioprinted human skin equivalents by depositing fibroblasts into culture vessels, layering keratinocytes on top, and incubating the cells in various media formulations. This technique produced organoids that replicate human skin, including both dermal and epidermal tissues.To gain a deeper understanding, the Zhu research team developed two organoid models to replicate different stages of HSV infection: a submerged model, simulating an initial infection through a break in the skin, and an air-liquid interface (ALI) model, which mimics flare-ups from latent reservoirs in the body. These models were used to screen 738 medicinal compounds, including both novel and FDA-approved drugs.Using a recombinant HSV that expressed a green fluorescent protein alongside fibroblasts labeled with a red fluorescent protein, the team employed high-content fluorescent microscopy to examine the drugs direct effects on the virus. They assessed how effectively the treatments reduced the green HSV signal, while also evaluating potential off-target effects on host cells.Among the tested drugs was acyclovir, the current standard of care for HSV. Researchers found that acyclovir was less effective in the submerged model, where HSV primarily infects keratinocytes, compared to the ALI model. This suggests that acyclovir may not be potent enough to control HSV in keratinocytes, potentially explaining its inconsistent effectiveness in treating flare-ups in patients.Beyond the results with acyclovir, the researchers identified nearly 20 other antiviral compounds that showed promise in suppressing HSV infection with minimal toxicity to surrounding cells.Moving forward, the focus will shift to further analyzing the top antiviral candidates and advancing the development of their organoid models. We are particularly excited at the prospect of using patient-derived cells to 3D-print the next generation of these skin organoids because this would allow us to incorporate patient-specific biology into the drug discovery pipeline, and ensure that the drugs we are spending time and money to test are actually showing effectiveness in the cellular environments they will eventually be used in, said Hayman and Zhu.Breakthroughs in Health Technology with 3D PrintingFor years, companies have turned to 3D printing to gain deeper insights into viruses, diseases, and medical conditions. In 2020, researchers from the USA and Germany introduced a new approach to studying glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive brain tumor, with 3D printing. By combining a 3D bioprinted model with advanced imaging techniques, this approach aims to enhance our understanding of tumor growth and accelerate the development of potential treatments. The integration of 3D imaging offers a non-invasive way to assess tissue structures, improving the research process.In another advancement, the NOVOPLASM consortium developed cold plasma technology for treating infected burns and promoting skin graft healing. By using their 3D bioprinted CTISkin model, NOVOPLASM has been able to implement clinical strategies for skin healing and burn patient care. Once finalized and approved, this advanced medical device will be available for use in hospitals and specialized burn treatment centers, offering a cutting-edge solution to improve patient outcomes.What are the 3D printing trends to watch in 2025?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter, you can also follow us on LinkedIn.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion,debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.

Scientists at Ghent University, a research institution specializing in polymer chemistry and biomaterials, are evaluating 3D printed hydrogels as a radiation shield for astronauts. These materials, which can absorb and retain large amounts of water, could offer a safer alternative to traditional shielding methods. The research, conducted in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), aims to solve challenges associated with using water as a radiation shield by incorporating it into superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) that can be 3D printed into stable structures.Illustration of space radiation shielding. Image via ESA.Astronauts traveling beyond Earths atmosphere and magnetic field experience high doses of cosmic radiation from solar flares and deep-space sources. A single day in space exposes them to as much radiation as an entire year on Earth. For long-duration missions to the Moon or Mars, shielding must be lightweight, effective, and adaptable to different environments.Studies have shown that water is an effective radiation barrier, but using it in liquid form presents technical challenges. Rigid containers could restrict astronaut movement, cause uneven coverage, or risk leaks in case of punctures. According to the Ghent University research team, hydrogels may offer a solution by retaining water in a stable, non-leaking form, ensuring uniform shielding while remaining flexible.Hydrogel in action. Image via ESA.3D Printed Hydrogels Provide Structural StabilityThe Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group (PBM) at Ghent University specializes in developing polymer-based materials for medical and industrial applications. As part of this research, the team is using 3D printing to shape hydrogels into custom radiation shields.The beauty of this project is that we are working with a well-known technology, said Lenny Van Daele, a researcher on the project. Hydrogels are found in many things we use every day, from contact lenses to diapers and sanitary products. Our research group has experience with applications in the medical fieldusing hydrogels as a soft implantable material to repair damaged tissues and organs.Unlike free-flowing water, 3D printed hydrogel structures retain water in a stable form, making them easier to integrate into spacesuits and spacecraft. The materials ability to hold water without leaking also ensures consistent protection, even if damaged.The superabsorbent polymer that we are using can be processed using multiple different techniques, which is a rare and advantageous quality amongst polymers, said Manon Minsart, another researcher on the project. Our method of choice is 3D printing, which allows us to create a hydrogel in almost any shape we want.3D printed hydrogel space shuttle and astronaut. Photo via Ghent University.ESAs Previous Research Supports Hydrogel ApplicationsAn earlier ESA Discovery project explored hydrogels as a potential space material and demonstrated their viability for shielding applications. The current research expands on those findings by refining 3D printing techniques to create functional radiation shields.There is a constant search for lightweight radiation protection materials, said Peter Dubruel, lead scientist on the project. In our Discovery activity, we successfully demonstrated that hydrogels are safe to use under space conditions. In this follow-up project, we are applying different techniques to shape the material into a 3D structure and scale up the production process, so that we can come a step closer to industrialization.ESAs Materials, Environments, and Contamination Control Section is also examining how hydrogel-based shielding could be used in uncrewed missions. The material could also potentially be applied to uncrewed missionsin radiation shields for spacecraft, or as water reservoirs once we have optimized the method of retrieving water from the hydrogel, said Malgorzata Holynska, a materials scientist at ESA.Illustration of space radiation. Image via ESA.3D Printed Materials for Extreme EnvironmentsNASA Marshall Space Flight Center has partnered with 3DCeram Sinto to fabricate ceramic material samples using the C1000 FLEXMATIC 3D printer. The components are being produced for the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) program, which involves attaching test materials to the exterior of the ISS to evaluate their durability under zero gravity, radiation exposure, and extreme temperatures. 3DCeram, a manufacturer specializing in stereolithography (SLA) ceramic 3D printing, has completed 20 ceramic test parts at its Grand Ledge facility, which are set for launch in the coming year. The results will help determine whether ceramic components can be used for heat shields and structural elements on spacecraft.NASA is also advancing the use of metal alloys for extreme environments. GRCop-42, a copper-chromium-niobium alloy developed by NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, is being optimized for liquid rocket engines due to its high thermal conductivity and strength. To expand its adoption, Nikon SLM Solutions has developed new GRCop-42 material parameters for laser powder bed fusion 3D printing. These parameters enable 99.97% density in printed parts and have been tested on SLM 280 2.0 700W 3D printers before being scaled up to NXG XII 600 systems, which support large-format 3D printing for spacecraft components.Oblique view of MISSE 2 Tray 1 attached to the ISS airlock after 5.6 months of ram space exposure. Image via 3DCeram.Ready to discover who won the 20243D Printing Industry Awards?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news and insights.Featured image shows 3D printed hydrogel space shuttle and astronaut. Photo via Ghent University.Anyer Tenorio LaraAnyer Tenorio Lara is an emerging tech journalist passionate about uncovering the latest advances in technology and innovation. With a sharp eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, Anyer has quickly made a name for himself in the tech community. Anyer's articles aim to make complex subjects accessible and engaging for a broad audience. In addition to his writing, Anyer enjoys participating in industry events and discussions, eager to learn and share knowledge in the dynamic world of technology.

Recommended Published February 24, 2025 6:00am EST close 'CyberGuy': Massive airship could shake up cargo transport Tech expert Kurt Knutsson says this enormous airship revolutionizes cargo transport by flying to remote areas. French startup Flying Whales is on a mission to transform cargo transport with its ambitious Large Capacity Airship 60 Tonne (LCA60T) project. This colossal helium-filled airship, measuring 656 feet in length, aims to connect population centers with remote, inaccessible areas by moving important goods and materials without touching the ground. Large Capacity Airship 60 Tonne (Flying Whales) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)The airship's technology by the numbersTheLCA60T features a cargo capacity of up to 132,000 pounds, surpassing an Airbus Beluga XL. The airship's helium volume reaches 6.3 million cubic feet, enabling it to reach a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet. Propelled by 32 electric propeller drives with a combined 5,360 horsepower, the LCA60T can achieve a top speed of 63 mph. The LCA60T incorporates several cutting-edge design elements. Its skeletal frame features a composite beam lattice construction with metal joints. The airship contains 14 non-pressurized helium cells, equipped with advanced sensor systems. The 315-foot-long cargo hold is a structural compartment with dual sliding doors. A specially developed Diatex ultralight polyester textile serves as the outer skin. Large Capacity Airship 60 Tonne (Flying Whales) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Powering the futureInitially, the LCA60T will use a combination of high-voltage lithium-ion batteries and turbine generators. However, Flying Whales plans to transition to hydrogen fuel cell power generation to reduce emissions and make it a more sustainable option. Large Capacity Airship 60 Tonne (Flying Whales) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Partnerships and progressFlying Whales has formed strategic partnerships to bring its vision to life. Evolito is supplying 32 D250 electric motors, each producing 308 horsepower, for propulsion. The company has already raised more than $300 million in public and private funding and began wind tunnel testing of its outer skin material in late January 2025. Large Capacity Airship 60 Tonne (Flying Whales) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Potential applicationsThe LCA60T's versatility opens up numerous possibilities. It can extract renewable wood from remote logging sites and supply materials for energy construction projects. The airship can also provide humanitarian aid, deliver cargo containers from land or ship and deploy temporary modular hospitals in underserved areas. Large Capacity Airship 60 Tonne (Flying Whales) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Kurts key takeawaysFlying Whales' LCA60T represents a bold vision for the future of cargo transport. While the project faces significant technical and economic challenges, its potential to revolutionize logistics and connect isolated regions is undeniable. As the company progresses towards its 2027 flight testing goal, the world will be watching to see if this modern airship can truly take flight and usher in a new era of sustainable, accessible transportation.Do you believe governments and private companies should prioritize funding airship technology over other sustainable transportation solutions? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Dmitry Nikolaev - stock.adobe.coNewsHMRC working to resolve system glitch that doubles self-assessment tax rebatesA communications glitch in systems processing tax self-assessments has seen rebates duplicated in very niche scenariosByKarl Flinders,Chief reporter and senior editor EMEAPublished: 24 Feb 2025 11:59 HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is working to fix a glitch in communications between systems that has seen self-assessment tax rebates paid twice to some claimants.A communications glitch between HMRCs Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and its Computer Environment for Self Assessment (CESA) systems, which causes duplicated payments, is being investigated.The government department admitted to the problem, but said it is very rare. This scenario affects only a tiny group of self-assessment customers in highly specific circumstances.PAYE is supported by Capgemini while Fujitsu operates CESA, but HMRC said the issue is about the way it designed the overall system and its processes rather than anything to do with the CESA or PAYE systems in isolation.HMRC was made aware of the problem by Post Office scandal campaigner Tim McCormack, who wrote to department boss Jim Harra on 22 January.McCormack is a renowned campaigner for subpostmasters fighting the Post Office in the Horizon IT scandal. In 2015, he wrote to former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells, warning about an error in the Post Offices controversial Horizon system that was causing unexplained account shortfalls, which subpostmasters were held responsible for.In his email to Harra, McCormack warned: You have a problem with your computer system and with those that are running it. It has affected me recently and my research on the internet indicates it is a problem that has reoccurred in different guises over many years without being addressed properly.He added: The interesting part of the problem from your perspective is that it is one that is losing HMRC money, in contrast to the Post Office [Horizon] problems that were in fact benefiting the Post Office.McCormack received an email from HMRC on 10 February, inviting him to an online meeting four days later, which, in a sign of how seriously the department was taking the issue, five HMRC representatives attended.Computer Weekly contacted HMRC about the issue on 29 January, a week after McCormacks email to Harra.HMRC explained the cause of the error to Computer Weekly: Mr McCormacks self-assessment record was made dormant after his 2022-23 tax return and an exit letter was issued to advise him that he no longer needed to submit a self-assessment tax return unless circumstances change in the future as he did not meet the criteria to submit one.HMRC said at this time, the link between HMRC CESA and PAYE IT systems ends and they no longer share information.However, Mr McCormack submitted a voluntary self-assessment tax return for 2023-24 in April 2024, despite not meeting the criteria to file a return. As he had included bank details on his return, our Self Assessment IT system processed the return and the refund payment, HMRC explained.It said the PAYE system did not know that the refund had been issued via the CESA system following receipt of the voluntary return for 2023-24. The PAYE system then reconciled the 2022-23 year. We acknowledge that there is a very niche scenario, where our CESA and PAYE systems can both reconcile a tax year resulting in duplicate refunds being issued.HMRC said it is investigating the issue, but that due to the specific criteria involved it affects a very small proportion of self-assessment customers.It added: Of that low volume, some will be paper returns and would have been picked up.HMRC said it has two processes in place to identify these mistakes but is working to ensure that those cases that arent caught by the processes do not result in duplicate payments.It thanked McCormack for bringing the problem to its attention. Were grateful to Mr McCormack for his cooperation as we work to resolve the issue.He was not the first person to flag a duplicated payment. Last year, in an HMRC community forum, one taxpayer described a similar problem. I filed my tax return, having worked out what my tax overpayment refund should be. HMRC refunded this amount into my bank account in July. Then I received a cheque through the mail for the original repayment, the taxpayer wrote. Nowhere on any of the help pages is there information on how to refund the money back to HMRC that they have overpaid me.Read more about HMRC ITIn The Current Issue:AI Action Summit: Global leaders decry AI red tapeNavigating the practicalities of AI regulation and legislationDownload Current Issue

Europes cyber security landscape is undergoing profound transformation. With the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) already in effect and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) set to be implemented in 2027, UK businesses must move quickly to strengthen their cyber defences and stay ahead of rising threats.Amid the evolving change, neighbouring Ireland stands out with an established cyber security infrastructure, access to top-tier talent, and central position within the EU, Ireland is becoming the go-to destination for UK businesses aiming to secure their operations and navigate an increasingly complex landscape.The transposition of the Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS2) into Irish law in October 2024 marked the beginning of a broader shift in the EUs cyber security strategy. With NIS2, the number of regulated entities in Ireland surged from just 70 under NIS1 to 4,000 and this is only the beginning. Across the EU, NIS2 will impact an estimated 180,000 entities, extending its reach throughout entire supply chains and spanning 18 sectors.Looking ahead, DORA and the CRA will be key drivers of the next phase of regulatory change. While DORA imposes stricter operational resilience standards for financial institutions, the CRA will have broader implications across the technology industry.Imposing a regulatory framework akin to the European Conformity (CE) mark for physical products, all digital products sold in the EU must now be secure against cyber attacks and have built-in lifecycle support. From software developers to tech hardware companies, businesses will need to gain cyber security certification before their products can enter the market. This will likely fuel greater demand for cyber security services, creating significant economic opportunities. For businesses ready to capitalise on this, the rewards are substantial with an expected market growth of approximately 10bn (8.3bn) per annum in cyber security, as digital resilience becomes a key priority across Europe.Cyber attacks are no longer a question of if, but when. In 2024, half of UK businesses experienced some form of attack, and for medium and large-sized companies, the stakes are even higher due to their handling of sensitive data. The rise of generative AI has made these threats even more sophisticated, enabling cyber criminals to execute advanced, difficult-to-detect attacks.The impact of a breach extends well beyond immediate financial losses. A compromised reputation, loss of customer trust, and investor concerns can leave lasting damage that is far harder to recover from than the technical fallout. In an era where trust is a premium asset, businesses must safeguard not just their data, but their credibility.With cyber security regulations tightening in an increasingly hostile digital world, companies will require technical expertise to navigate compliance and maintain resilience.While cyber security relies on technology, its success hinges on having the right talent. Alarmingly, 49% of public sector organisations have reported a shortage of skilled professionals to meet their cyber security goals an increase of 33% from 2024.In contrast, Ireland is home to a flourishing pool of cyber security talent, supported by institutions such as the Munster Technological University (MTU), which plays a key role in nurturing the next generation of professionals. The collaboration between industry, academia, and government policies has proven highly effective, with tailored programmes such as CyberSkills designed to address specific skills gaps. For instance, Mastercard leveraged this initiative to upskill its team in secure coding and security assurance testing, highlighting the programmes success and agility in responding to industry needs.In the process of developing a sustainable talent pipeline, Ireland has plans to employ a total 17,000 cyber security professionals by 2030, a significant increase from 6,700 in 2022. This projected growth will contribute an estimated 2.5 billion annually to the economy, driven by multinational companies alongside a dynamic network of over sixty innovative cyber security startups in their diverse ecosystem.Read more about EU cyber regulationsThe EU AI Act builds on existing cyber security, privacy and data governance regulations such as GDPR.We look at the new EU regulation for cyber resiliency, the role of IT asset management in auditing and third-party risks.A significant minority of financial services organisations in the UK will not be fully compliant with the EUs DORA cyber and risk management regulation.While EU regulation may initially seem like a barrier, it can also present compelling advantages particularly in attracting US-based companies looking to collaborate with European partners. Thanks to the EU's leadership in regulation, businesses can be assured that they are meeting the highest standards in areas such as cyber security and AI. Combined with Irelands political stability, robust infrastructure, and strong government support, it provides an ideal base for expanding operations in Europe.UK businesses have a pivotal opportunity to strengthen their cyber security and ensure their future growth. As regulations tighten and cyber threats grow more complex, Ireland stands out as an obvious partner. With its robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and membership of the EU, UK companies can enhance their cyber security defences and gain a competitive edge in the global race. Now is the time to act those who invest in Irelands wealth of resources and expertise will not only safeguard their interests but also set the standard for responsible cyber practices in the digital age.Anne-Marie Tierney-Le Roux is senior vice president of enterprise technology at IDA Ireland.

The retail landscape will continue to evolve rapidly in 2025, and AI will help brands elevate their CX to meet consumers rising expectations.

Friedrich Merz, chancellor candidate of Germany's Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), speaks to voters ... [+] during an election campaign tour stop (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)Getty ImagesInvestors in the German automotive industry can relax as Sundays general election produced a result unlikely to frighten the horses.The trouble is, anyone looking to find quick solutions to the industrys long-term malaise will be disappointed. Problems likely to remain unresolved include chronic weakness in China, the threat of Chinese imports into Europe, and President Trumps promised tariff war. Slack electric vehicle sales require subsidies from a government struggling for money. The overall market for sedans and SUVs also could use some stimulus. Dont expect any.One bright spot might be a concession from the European Union that the strict CO2 emissions rules, outlawing the sale of new gasoline and diesel-powered cars by 2035, might be dilutedThe election result suggested a coalition between the Conservative Party CDU/CSU which won with 33% of the seats in the Bundestag and left-of-centre SPD with 19%, according to Reuters. The right-wing Alliance for Germany (AfD) came 2nd with 24.1%. The obvious result suggests the CDU/CSU and AfD should form a government, but the latter party is considered too extreme to be a coalition member.The AfD is a right-wing libertarian party which seeks lower taxes, and smaller government but its strong calls for an end and even a reversal of recent mass immigration was considered too extreme by other political parties. Some experts say the AfD, which doubled its vote at this election, might well win outright at the next one.According to Politico, the leader of the CDU and likely next Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, is inheriting an economy in recession that is being further dragged down by a crisis in its automotive sector.He recognizes the problems: high energy and labor costs, and stiff competition in the electric vehicle transition. But hes been light on the details of how he intends to help automakers, Politico said.Investment bank UBS said neither the CDU/CSU or SPD had called for specific auto demand stimulus. The SPD had called for renewed EV subsidies. These were withdrawn just over a year ago prompting the bottom to fall out of the German EV market, but the conservative manifesto didnt mention this. UBS thinks new EV subsidies are unlikely.The EU CO2 question might offer some relief, according to UBS, when the results of the EU Commissions Strategic Dialogue is announced March 5.The CDU/CSU has been vocal in challenging the EUs ICE car ban for 2035, UBS said.Alice Weidel, co-leader of Alternative for Germany (AfD) political party. (Photo by Maryam ... [+] Majd/Getty Images)Getty ImagesMerz as likely next chancellor has positioned himself and his party as pro-business, anti-bureaucracy; therefore, investors might become somewhat more optimistic about the competitiveness of German (manufacturers) medium-term. However, we wouldnt push that argument too hard because the industrys challenges are of global nature, and the big themes for German manufacturers - loss of share in China, Chinese coming to Europe, U.S. tariff risk - are beyond the control of the next German government, UBS said in a report.Schmidt Automotive Research founder Matt Schmidt sees little chance of government funding being available to the auto industry. It will continue to look for energy price stability and more competitive prices for energy-intensive industries.Regarding CO2 we expect an even louder call for CO2 targets to be shifted with the CSU, who traditionally do lots of shouting for the auto-industry lobby, now back in the driving seat and the greens out of the equation, Schmidt said.If there is another snap election within the next four years the growth of the AfD could certainly increase come the next election putting in on track to potentially become the largest party, Schmidt said.The German automakers association, the VDA, made a plea for quick action to form a government."Germany now needs a stable government as quickly as possible... A strong, unified German voice in Europe is imperative, as are reforms in Germany, the VDA said in a statement.That is sentiment likely to be shared by investors who will know this process can be very complicated and could last for months, not days.

TL;DR: Apple is reportedly set to launch its new M4-powered MacBook Air in March 2025 and is preparing its marketing, sales, and retail teams ahead of the official release. Another Apple product that has a tentative launch date is the folding iPhone, which is rumored to debut next year. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air models with the M4 chip will arrive next month, joining a host of other Macs, including the new Mac mini, iPad Pro, iMac, and MacBook Pro that are powered by the same processor family.Gurman recently noted that the M3 MacBook Air stock is "dwindling at Apple retail stores," suggesting that the M4 Air launch is imminent. He also predicted that the M4 MacBook Air, along with new iPads and iPad Air models, will arrive during the first half of 2025.A recent leak on Geekbench seemingly revealed the performance metrics of the M4 MacBook Air, with the scores indicating a particularly interesting GPU. The device notched up a Metal score of 54,806, which is substantially higher than the 41,045 points scored by the M3 MacBook Air.A separate report claims that Apple's much-rumored foldable iPhone may be released in the second half of 2026. According to South Korea's ET News, it will be a "book-style" device like the Galaxy Z Fold and the Pixel Fold rather than a clamshell type, like the Galaxy Z Flip. // Related StoriesThe report adds that Apple is likely to finalize its suppliers by April. The company is reportedly in the process of narrowing down the potential list of suppliers, handpicking the ones it believes will be able to abide by the planned manufacturing schedule without compromising on quality.Details about the folding iPhone remain scarce, but rumors suggest that Samsung will supply the OLED display, with the glass protection likely provided by Corning. The report claims that the display will lack a center crease, unlike the existing folding smartphones from Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and others.Apple has reportedly contracted US firm Amphenol to provide the hinges. The company already supplies hinges for MacBooks, but the folding iPhone hinges are said to be completely different from any of its existing products.