Day: October 8, 2025

Google to Invest 5 Billion Euros in Belgian Data Centre Expansion

Google has unveiled plans to invest 5 billion euros between 2026 and 2027 to expand its data centre in Saint-Ghislain, Hainaut, the US tech giant announced during the Belgian economic mission to California. The move will create 300 full-time jobs, and an estimated 15,000 indirect positions annually among partners and suppliers, reports 24brussels.

The expansion responds to increasing demand for cloud services, spurred by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. The investment is expected to enhance the performance of core Google products such as Search and Maps.

Google is actively seeking IT specialists, engineers, and security personnel for the new operations. “For Belgium’s competitive position, it’s essential that companies embrace AI,” stated Tom De Block, Google’s Belux country manager. “Infrastructure is crucial, but so are skills.”

The company plans to provide AI training programs aimed at bolstering local expertise.

“For Belgium’s competitive position, it’s essential that companies embrace AI”

Scheduled for completion within two years, the expanded facility will support data-driven organizations, including Odoo and UZ Leuven, and may attract new businesses to Belgium. Additionally, it will facilitate public institutions in storing data within national borders.

To support the site’s energy requirements sustainably, Google has secured agreements with Eneco, Luminus, and Renner to develop 110 megawatts of wind and solar energy capacity.

Since launching its first Belgian data centre in Saint-Ghislain, Google has invested over 11 billion euros in the country and currently employs approximately 600 individuals in Hainaut.

The portable Bluetooth speaker market sees renewed interest with the release of the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4, which offers remarkable sound quality despite its compact design, reports 24brussels.

Weighing just 420 grams and roughly the size of a softball, the Wonderboom 4 is now available at Amazon and Best Buy for $66.49, marking a discount of approximately $32 and setting it at its second-best price for the year. This product is particularly suitable for outdoor activities, making it a formidable option for music enthusiasts.

The speaker features a built-in loop for carabiner attachment, facilitating easy transport. As Halloween approaches, users can carry it around neighborhoods to play spooky sounds while trick-or-treating.

The Wonderboom 4 delivers 360-degree sound with a spherical design and can pair with a second unit for true stereo audio. It boasts an estimated battery life of 14 hours and holds an IP67 rating, indicating resistance to dust and water, making it ideal for use near pools or in wet conditions.

Additionally, it supports Google Fast Pair, minimizing the hassle of connecting devices via Bluetooth. The company behind Ultimate Ears has a reputation for producing durable and portable audio solutions, and the Wonderboom 4 continues this tradition with robust features and design.

This fourth-generation speaker exemplifies a blend of functionality and portability, ensuring music lovers can enjoy dynamic audio wherever they go.