Month: April 2025

Samsung Introduces Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced the new Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro, enterprise-ready devices designed to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced, high-intensity work environments. Continuing the legacy of Samsung’s ruggedised devices, these latest Pro models are versatile, optimised and secure — delivering enhanced durability, steady performance and optimised workflow to empower frontline workers, from the office to the field and beyond.

With 5G connectivity, an upgraded processor and increased memory, the XCover7 Pro and Tab Active5 Pro offer enhanced mobility and reliability. The XCover7 Pro features a powerful new stereo speaker system with anti-feedback technology, which minimises unwanted audio loops for clearer communication. Both devices offer enhanced battery capacity, with the XCover7 Pro equipped with a 4,350mAh battery for longer usage, while the Tab Active5 Pro comes with a 10,100mAh battery set designed to support demanding workflows. The Tab Active5 Pro also supports Dual Hot-Swap battery functionality, allowing workers to replace batteries without powering down their devices and ensuring seamless operation even when battery levels are low.

With the ruggedised smartphone market expected to reach 4.46 million units and the ruggedised tablet market projected to hit 1.89 million units by 2028, these devices can be increasingly essential in industries such as retail, government, logistics, healthcare and manufacturing. Reliable, high-performing and durable, they can be critical for ensuring seamless operations in any work environment.

“At Samsung, we understand that frontline professionals need technology that adapts to their fast-paced and demanding work environments,” said Jerry Park, EVP and Head of Global Mobile B2B Team, MX Business at Samsung Electronics. “The Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro combine ruggedised durability, enterprise-grade security, seamless connectivity and intuitive AI-driven features to help businesses operate efficiently in harsh conditions while maximising productivity and minimising downtime.”

Ruggedised Durability: Built To Withstand Any Environment

The Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro are designed to thrive on the frontlines of all industries. Having undergone rigorous durability testing to ensure they withstand demanding environments, they are ideally built to offer reliable performance in the field. Both devices feature IP68-rated water and dust resistance, helping to protect against dust ingress and exposure to water – making them a dependable choice for conditions where accidental splashes or occasional submersion may occur.

The Tab Active5 Pro’s S Pen — an essential tool for field professionals who annotate documents, sign forms or input data on the go — further extends usability by functioning even in certain wet conditions. Additionally, both devices have been tested for use with common workplace sanitisers, ensuring durability in environments requiring frequent cleaning.

Their MIL-STD-810H certified designs help ensure resistance to drops, extreme temperatures and vibrations, while the Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ display on the Tab Active5 Pro helps provide enhanced scratch and impact protection. Those in retail, government and manufacturing settings can also depend on enhanced touch sensitivity in both devices, allowing seamless use with compatible gloves.

Work Continuity: Staying Connected and Powered Throughout the Day

Clear communication is crucial in fast-paced work environments, especially for teams relying on walkie-talkie functionality in industries like construction and emergency response. The Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro enhanced speaker technology with anti-feedback noise reduction, minimising disruptive sounds that can occur when multiple devices that share the same channel are in close range. With higher volume and improved clarity, these upgraded stereo speakers help frontline workers stay connected and relay critical information without disruption. The Tab Active5 Pro further strengthens communication with optimised audio tuning, boosting volume levels and incorporating intelligent sound processing to filter out background noise, making collaboration even more effective.

Both devices also offer Vision Booster, which enhances outdoor visibility by improving screen readability in bright environments. The Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro further builds on this with an upgraded display brightness of up to 600 nits — a notable increase from 480 nits in the previous model — ensuring clearer visuals even in challenging lighting conditions. Whether reviewing critical information on-site or navigating workflows outdoors, these upgrades provide better contrast, improved tone mapping, and enhanced visibility against strong illumination, allowing users to stay focused wherever the job takes them.

With extended battery life and seamless power solutions, the Galaxy XCover7 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro support uninterrupted workflow. Both devices feature POGO charging interfaces, making it easy for workplaces with POGO docks to charge multiple devices at once. For environments in which devices remain plugged in, the Tab Active5 Pro supports No Battery Mode, allowing it to function when connected to a dedicated power source — ideal for in-vehicle setups, kiosks and workstations.

Seamless connectivity is also key to maintaining work continuity. The XCover7 Pro and Tab Active5 Pro both support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E and network slicing to prioritise device communication even in dense network environments and ensure fast and stable network access. With dual SIM support (pSIM + eSIM) on the Tab Active5 Pro, workers can effortlessly switch between networks, keeping them connected in any environment.

The Tab Active5 Pro introduces front-facing NFC Tagging, enhancing usability in retail, hospitality and logistics environments where fast, secure interactions are essential. Enabling seamless authentication, asset tracking and mobile payments, the tablet can effectively be used as a mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) system in retail stores and restaurants alike. Employees can quickly validate credentials, process transactions and manage assets without any additional hardware, enhancing efficiency in industries where speed and security are critical.

Maximised Productivity: Smarter Tools for the Frontline

Samsung’s latest ruggedised devices also introduce AI-driven enhancements, reinforcing Samsung’s commitment to expanding AI capabilities across its entire ecosystem. These intelligent features make everyday tasks more intuitive and efficient, helping frontline professionals work smarter and faster in dynamic environments while making advanced AI more accessible across a broader range of devices.

Equipped with high-performance chipsets, enhanced usability features and intuitive AI-powered tools, both devices enable workers to multitask with ease. Features like Circle to Search with Google, Object Eraser, AI Select and Read Aloud allow users to complete tasks more efficiently, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy. The Galaxy XCover7 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon® 7s Gen 3 Mobile Platform (4nm Octa-Core) chipset which optimises power efficiency and processing speed, while the Tab Active5 Pro, featuring the same chipset, delivers increased RAM and expanded storage options to handle demanding workloads.

Designed for professionals who need flexibility, both devices support Samsung DeX, allowing them to connect to a monitor for a desktop-like experience. Whether managing field reports, performing administrative tasks or presenting data, users can transition seamlessly between mobile and desktop environments.

Additionally, programmable keys allow users to assign shortcuts to frequently used applications, such as barcode scanning, push-to-talk, integrated with Microsoft Teams or emergency alerts. This customisation enhances workflow efficiency, reducing time spent navigating menus and improving responsiveness in critical situations.

Security remains a cornerstone of Samsung’s ruggedised devices, with Samsung Knox Vault safeguarding sensitive data through advanced encryption and authentication to ensure compliance with enterprise security standards. Beyond that, Samsung offers a comprehensive suite of security innovations designed to provide strong protection, transparency and user control. Real-time Kernel Protection and DEFEX deliver runtime protection at both the app and kernel layers, while Samsung’s Warranty Bit detects tampering and restricts access to sensitive applications, such as Work Profile, helping to maintain a trusted device environment.

See our Samsung Reviews

Availability

The new Galaxy XCover7 Pro (RRP €639) and Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro (RRP €899) will be available starting April 2025.[

For more information about Samsung’s latest Galaxy devices, visit news.samsung.com/uk/galaxy

SKULLCANDY’S Method 360 ANC Earbuds Feature Premium sound by Bose

Skullcandy, in partnership with Bose, is breaking  barriers in personal audio with the release of Method 360 ANC – a premium true  wireless earbud engineered for high-quality audio, advanced noise canceling, and  everyday style.  

Designed for those who want it all – sound quality, comfort, and design – without  breaking the bank, this is Skullcandy’s most advanced audio experience to date.  

“This product sets a new standard,” said Justin Regan, VP of Marketing at Skullcandy.  “We’re launching at £99.99 because we want more people to hear what’s next. But  make no mistake – Method 360 ANC belongs in the premium tier.”  

Refined fit, redesigned experience: Method 360 ANC features an all-new slider  charging case with a built-in O-ring clip, upgraded tactile finish, and up to 40 hours of  battery life. The earbuds come with multiple sets of fit fins and gels that leverage licensed technology from Bose for a secure, ultra-comfortable fit and superior noise  isolation.  

Skullcandy Method 360 ANC with Sound by Bose technology is now available globally  at Skullcandy.com (https://www.skullcandy.com/products/method-360-anc) and select  retail locations. Consumers can choose from five unique colorways including Black,  Bone, Primer, Plasma, and Leopard.  

  

Technical Details Include:  

  • Sound By Bose technology – Industry-leading audio tuning and performance.  ● Battery Life – Up to 40 hours when ANC mode is turned off (11 in buds, 29 in case).  Up to 32 hours when ANC mode is turned on (9 in buds, 23 in case).  ● Noise Isolating Fit – Ergonomic, ovalized design provides all-day comfort and a  noise-isolating fit. Three different sized pairs of fit fins and three sets of ear gels,  leveraging licensed technology from Bose, help ensure a perfect fit and block out  unwanted sound.  

  • Adjustable 4-Mic Hybrid Active Noise Canceling – Next-level premium noise  cancellation with customizable Stay-Aware mode options.  
  • Low Latency Audio – Provides an optimal experience for watching videos or  playing games.  
  • Auto On/Connect and Wear Detection  
  • IPX4 Sweat + Water Resistant  
  • Skull-iQ App Compatible – Unlock Method 360 ANC’s full potential with the Skull iQ App. Choose one of 3 preset EQ settings or customize your own, reconfigure the  button functions, adjust your Stay-Aware or ANC modes, and more.  
  • Rapid Charge – A 10-minute charge provides 2 hours of playtime.  ● Clear Voice Smart Mic – Provides a reduction in background noise to ensure calls  are crystal clear.  
  • Spotify Tap Compatible  
  • Preset & Custom EQ Modes  
  • Google Fast Pair  
  • Multipoint Pairing – Pair to multiple devices at once for seamless transitions.  ● Natural Voice Sidetone for Calls – Counteract occlusion, allowing users to hear  their own voice more naturally.  
  • Bluetooth® (v5.3) + LE Audio  

  

Launch Event  

Skullcandy debuted Method 360 ANC on April 15 during an exclusive event at Hall des  Lumières in New York City, where brand partners, top creators, and leading tech and  lifestyle media got a first look.  

The evening featured on-stage appearances by Skullcandy CEO Brian Garofalow,  Bose CMO Jim Mollica, brand visionary Bimma Williams, and skate icon Tony Hawk,  who also headlines the campaign launching alongside the product.  

“Method 360 is the real deal—killer sound, zero hype,” Tony Hawk, skate legend and  Skullcandy brand ambassador.  

See Our Skullcandy reviews

What Is a Bet Calculator and How to Use One Effectively

In today’s fast-paced world of online betting, understanding your potential returns before placing a wager is crucial – and that’s where bet calculators come into their own. These handy tools have become an essential resource for seasoned punters and newcomers alike, helping users understand how different bet types work and what they stand to win (or lose) based on their stake, odds, and selections.

Whether you’re placing a simple single bet or diving into more complex multiples like Yankees or Lucky 15s, a bet calculator can quickly give you an accurate overview of your expected returns. Here, we’ll explore what bet calculators are, how they work, the different types available, and how best to use them to maximise your betting strategy.

 

What Is a Bet Calculator?

A bet calculator is an online tool that allows punters to calculate potential winnings from a range of different types of bets. By entering the stake, odds, type of bet, and results of each selection, a bet calculator determines your total returns – including profit and overall payout.

This is especially useful for combination and accumulator bets, where manual calculations can become tedious and error prone. With a calculator, you can instantly see how much you stand to win, taking into account factors like each-way terms, rule 4 deductions, and dead heats.

You can try a Free Bet Calculator to see just how intuitive and helpful these tools can be.

 

Why Use a Bet Calculator?

There are several good reasons why every punter should use a bet calculator:

  • Accuracy – It eliminates guesswork and ensures you know exactly what you’re backing.
  • Efficiency – Saves time compared to manually calculating odds, especially on complex bets.
  • Strategy – Helps plan your stake to balance risk and reward.
  • Clarity – Understand how each selection affects your overall return.

For those placing bets on major events like the Grand National – where multiple runners and betting options can be overwhelming – a bet calculator is particularly valuable.

 

Key Inputs: How Do They Work?

Most bet calculators require the following inputs:

  • Type of Bet – Single, Double, Treble, Accumulator, etc.
  • Number of Selections – For combinations and system bets.
  • Stake – Your bet amount.
  • Odds Format – Typically fractional (e.g., 5/1), decimal (e.g., 6.00), or American.
  • Each-Way Option – Indicate whether you’re placing an each-way bet.
  • Result of Each Selection – Win, lose, place, void, etc.

Once entered, the calculator gives you a detailed breakdown of returns, including profit, total return, and stake return (where applicable).

 

Types of Bet Calculators Available

There are many variations of bet calculators designed to suit the different bet types used in sports betting. Listed here are the most common ones.

 

  1. Single Bet Calculator

The simplest form – a Single Bet Calculator is used when placing one bet on one outcome. Input your stake and odds, and the calculator tells you your potential return.

Perfect for new punters or those placing straight bets on favourites in events like football matches or horse races.

 

  1. Each-Way Bet Calculator

Used for each-way bets (common in horse racing), this calculator considers two bets: one on your selection to win and one on it to place. The place portion usually pays a fraction of the odds (e.g., 1/5 or 1/4).

Particularly useful when betting on big-field events such as the Grand National, where each-way betting provides greater coverage.

 

  1. Accumulator Calculator

An accumulator (generally referred to as an “acca”) consists of multiple selections which are combined into one bet. Each of the individual selections must be a winner for this bet to pay out. A Free Bet Calculator simplifies these often-complex bets, helping you work out potential profits based on your selections and odds.

You can calculate:

  • Doubles (2 selections)
  • Trebles (3 selections)
  • Fourfolds, Fivefolds, and beyond

 

  1. System Bet Calculators

System bets include combinations where not all selections must win for a return. Calculators exist for:

  • Trixie – 3 selections, 4 bets
  • Patent – 3 selections, 7 bets
  • Yankee – 4 selections, 11 bets
  • Canadian (Super Yankee) – 5 selections, 26 bets
  • Heinz – 6 selections, 57 bets
  • Lucky 15/31/63 – Include singles with bonuses

These calculators break down each component of the bet and show potential returns depending on how many selections win. They are ideal for more experienced punters or those following bookmakers offering system bet promotions.

 

  1. Rule 4 Deduction Calculator

If a horse is withdrawn from a race after you’ve placed your bet, Rule 4 may apply – meaning your potential payout is reduced. A calculator that factors in Rule 4 deductions ensures your expectations are accurate.

 

  1. Dead Heat Calculator

When two or more selections tie for a place, a dead heat occurs. In these cases, your return may be reduced. A dead heat calculator applies the correct mathematical rules to show your actual payout.

 

  1. Dutching Calculator

Dutching involves placing multiple bets on different outcomes in the same event to guarantee a profit if one of them wins. A Dutching Calculator helps determine how much to stake on each selection based on the odds to ensure consistent returns.

This is especially useful for punters betting across multiple runners in a race where no clear favourite exists.

 

  1. Lay Bet Calculator (for Exchanges)

If you’re betting on an exchange such as Betfair, you can lay bets – betting against an outcome. A Lay Bet Calculator helps determine your liability and potential profit based on lay odds and stake.

 

  1. Betting Exchange Calculator

Some advanced calculators help with matched betting or arbitrage, where you cover all outcomes across different bookmakers. These calculators factor in commission rates and multiple markets to calculate risk-free returns.

 

When Should You Use a Bet Calculator?

Here are key moments when using a calculator is beneficial:

  • Before placing a bet – Know your potential return.
  • To compare options – Check how an each-way bet differs from a win-only.
  • When placing complex multiples – See exactly what you’re staking and what it covers.
  • To account for late withdrawals or rule changes – Adjust your expectations.
  • When budgeting – See if a bet fits your staking plan.

 

How to Get Started with a Free Bet Calculator

Getting started couldn’t be simpler. Just head to a Free Bet Calculator, choose your bet type, input your odds and stake, and let the tool do the rest.

Many calculators also include additional options for dead heats, Rule 4, bonuses, and each-way terms, so you can get an accurate view of your bet.

Every Punter’s Best Friend

In the ever-evolving world of online betting, knowledge is power – and bet calculators put that knowledge at your fingertips. Whether you’re testing a betting strategy, comparing returns, or simply trying to keep your finances in check, they are an essential tool for anyone placing real-money bets.

From calculating simple singles to navigating Lucky 31s and accumulators, these tools save time, reduce mistakes, and add clarity. Whether you’re backing favourites in the Grand National or trying a new promotion at the leading Betting Sites, a calculator ensures you’re fully informed before committing your cash.

As with any aspect of gambling, always remember to bet responsibly – and let technology work in your favour.

 

Generate videos in Gemini and Whisk with Veo 2

Starting today, Gemini Advanced users can generate and share videos using our state-of-the-art video model, Veo 2. In Gemini, you can now translate text-based prompts into dynamic videos. Google Labs is also making Veo 2 available through Whisk, a generative AI experiment that allows you to create new images using both text and image prompts, and now animate them into videos.

By Angela Sun, Director of Multimodal Platforms, Gemini app & Olivia Sturman, Product Manager, Google Labs

Create videos in Gemini

Veo 2 represents a leap forward in video generation, designed to produce high-resolution, detailed videos with cinematic realism. By better understanding real-world physics and human motion, it delivers fluid character movement, lifelike scenes and finer visual details across diverse subjects and styles. 

To generate videos, select Veo 2 from the model dropdown in Gemini. This feature creates an eight-second video clip at 720p resolution, delivered as an MP4 file in a 16:9 landscape format. There is a monthly limit on how many videos you can create, but we will notify you as you approach them.

Creating videos with Gemini is simple: just describe the scene you want to create — whether it’s a short story, a visual concept, or a specific scene — and Gemini will bring your ideas to life. The more detailed your description, the more control you have over the final video. This opens up a world of fun creative possibilities, letting your imagination go wild to picture unreal combinations, explore varied visual styles from realism to fantasy, or quickly narrate short visual ideas.

 

 

One of the best parts of creating is sharing with others! Sharing your video on mobile is easy: simply tap the share button to quickly upload engaging short videos to platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts. 

Video generation is now rolling out to Gemini Advanced subscribers globally on web and mobile, starting today and continuing over the next few weeks. This feature is available in all languages Gemini supports. With video generation in Gemini, you don’t need complicated software, specialized equipment, or any prior experience to get creative. Try it out today at gemini.google.com. 

How Whisk Animate brings your images to life 

Introduced this December, Whisk helps you create images using both text and image prompts to quickly explore and visualize new ideas. Today, those capabilities are expanding further with Whisk Animate. Launching today for Google One AI Premium subscribers globally, this new feature will allow you to take the images you generate and instantly turn them into vivid eight-second videos with Veo 2. Subscribers can try Whisk Animate today at labs.google/whisk.

How Safety is approached 

We’ve taken important steps to make video generation a safe experience. This includes extensive red teaming and evaluation aimed at preventing the generation of content that violates our policies. Additionally, all videos generated with Veo 2 are marked with SynthID, a digital watermark embedded in each frame, which indicates the videos are AI-generated.

Gemini’s outputs are primarily determined by user prompts and like any generative AI tool, there may be instances where it generates content that some individuals find objectionable. We’ll continue to listen to your feedback through the thumbs up/down buttons and make ongoing improvements. For more details, you can read about our approach on our website. 

Enjoy making videos in the Gemini app and Whisk as Google One AI Premium subscribers!

Retro Is In: 7 Reasons We’re Still Obsessed with Classic Digital Entertainment

Walk into a tech expo, browse Reddit threads, or tune into the latest gaming podcast, and something becomes obvious pretty fast—retro is back. Not just back like a passing trend, but back like it never really left. There’s something magnetic about the clunky charm of ’80s arcade cabinets and the glitchy intros of ’90s games. And let’s face it—modern life, with its endless updates and dopamine loops, could use a little pixelated soul.

Digital Throwbacks, Modern Twists

It’s not just the visuals or the soundtracks that are making a comeback—it’s the entire experience. Think of how modern streaming platforms are now spotlighting classic anime, or how bands are releasing new tracks on cassette for that lo-fi charm. 

Even some online casinos are tapping into the retro wave, gamifying their platforms with nostalgic visuals and arcade-inspired interfaces. Payment apps are also riding this retro-tech revival, supporting niche hobbies and alternative entertainment formats. Many platforms now accept options like Cash App, offering fast, private transactions with bonus eligibility, strong security, and a user-friendly interface. It’s a seamless match for today’s digital culture. Read more on Card Player to see how this blend of tech and entertainment is evolving. Just another way the old and new are teaming up to keep things interesting. 

Simply put, this blend of vintage style and modern function isn’t just about aesthetics—it taps into something deeper. It reminds us that sometimes the best experiences come from keeping things simple, which brings us to our first reason.

1. Simplicity Still Hits Harder Than You’d Think

Back in the day, games didn’t try to do everything. There were no cinematic cutscenes or fifty-button combos. Just a joystick, a start screen, and maybe a bleep or two if you were lucky. And you know what? That was more than enough.

There’s something beautifully straightforward about that era. You weren’t bogged down by microtransactions or cloud saves. It was pure gameplay, built to challenge you and frustrate you—sometimes in equal measure. Today, we spend hours navigating overly ambitious open worlds. Sometimes, a round of Frogger or Galaga is the perfect reminder that good things don’t always need to be complicated.

2. That Pixel Art? Yeah, It Aged Like Fine Wine

High-res visuals definitely have their moment. But there’s something timeless about the bold, blocky charm of pixel art. The kind you’d find flickering on early handhelds or embedded in the bright sprites of NES classics. It’s not trying to impress with realism—it leans into its own visual language. That’s probably why these retro gaming essentials still hold up today. They’re unapologetically pixelated, and that’s part of the magic.

And here’s the kicker: artists today are deliberately choosing this style, not because they have to, but because they want to. It’s not about nostalgia alone—it’s about style. It’s about evoking feelings with limitations. Modern indie games like Celeste and Shovel Knight don’t just lean on retro looks; they elevate them.

3. Physical Media Has Soul

In a world that’s increasingly digital, there’s something undeniably satisfying about slotting in a cartridge, hearing that click, and watching a game boot up (or not—looking at you, NES).

Cassettes, cartridges, even floppy disks—yeah, they’re fiddly, but they’re real. Physical objects hold memories in a way cloud saves just don’t. That Game Boy from your childhood? It’s not just plastic. It’s a portal. Maybe even a little time machine, if you’re in the right mood.

Today’s tech gives us convenience. But it’s yesterday’s tech that gave us charm. That’s why hardware like the Analogue Pocket or the Evercade isn’t just a gimmick. It’s a love letter.

4. Music You Can Actually Hum

Ever tried humming the theme from a modern shooter? Good luck. Now try the Tetris theme. Or the Super Mario Bros. overworld track. Nailed it, didn’t you?

Chiptune and synth-driven soundtracks didn’t just accompany the action—they became part of our cultural DNA. Some of these tunes, composed under wild technical constraints, turned out to be masterclasses in minimalism. And guess what? Synthwave is booming again. Artists across the world are reviving that pulsing, analog sound, and it’s spreading from playlists into soundtracks, adverts, and even fashion runways.

5. The Stories Meant Something (Even When They Made Zero Sense)

Let’s be honest: retro game plots were often bananas. A plumber chasing mushrooms? An intergalactic bounty hunter raised by birds? None of it made much sense—and yet, somehow, it worked.

Why? Because these stories didn’t try to be Oscar contenders. They focused on vibe, imagination, and world-building through gameplay. They left enough gaps for our minds to fill in. And that made them personal. Today, there’s a growing craving for games and digital media that don’t try to explain everything. We’re craving mystery again. Retro content lets us engage more, not less, by doing just that.

6. It’s Not Just Nostalgia—It’s Identity

Sure, part of the appeal is nostalgia. No denying that. But there’s more going on. For many, retro gaming wasn’t just a pastime—it was an origin story. It’s where tech curiosity was born. Where social circles formed. Where a weird love of pixelated explosions somehow evolved into an engineering degree.

Wearing a Sonic the Hedgehog tee or booting up a Commodore 64 isn’t just sentiment. It’s a signal. A handshake between generations of players and creators. And in an age where digital culture moves faster than ever, having anchors like these helps keep us grounded.

7. Modern Tech, Retro Soul

Now here’s where things get spicy. The past isn’t just being remembered—it’s being remixed. Companies are fusing retro sensibilities with today’s tech to make something entirely new. We’ve got handheld consoles with OLED screens playing ROMs from 1987. There are apps designed to mimic CRT scanlines. New games built with old engines.

Even streaming platforms are curating retro collections. It’s not just for die-hard fans either—curious newcomers are hopping on board, eager to see what all the fuss is about. In a sense, retro is evolving. It’s still weird and wonderful, but now it’s accessible too. And that’s a beautiful thing.

Old Pixels, New Purpose

This isn’t just about reliving the past. It’s about preserving what worked and reimagining it for today. Retro digital entertainment isn’t stuck in amber. It’s alive. Breathing. Inspiring everything from music production to app development.

Whether it’s fashion with neon flare, digital synth revivals, or a reskinned Game Boy emulator running on a smartphone, this revival proves one thing: we don’t move forward by forgetting where we came from. We move forward by remixing the best bits and keeping the pixelated heart beating.

So, yeah. Retro’s back. But let’s be honest—it never really left.

Ekco Launches All-in-One, Enterprise-Grade Cybersecurity Offering to Protect Irish SMBs

Ekco, one of Europe’s leading security-first managed service providers (MSP), has today launched Cyber Defence Complete in Ireland – an all-in-one cybersecurity service that gives small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) enterprise-grade cybersecurity protection without complexity.

The number of attempted and successful cyberattacks is ever increasing and SMBs are attractive targets for attackers as, unlike larger organisations, they often lack the resources to recruit specialist in-house 24-7 cybersecurity teams. Cyber Defence Complete from Ekco integrates essential security coverage from leading vendors including Microsoft, CrowdStrike, and Recorded Future into a unified, streamlined solution.

Built on CREST-accredited methodologies, it equips SMBs with comprehensive defensive capabilities – from visibility and detection to active defence – without requiring significant infrastructure changes. By simplifying cybersecurity complexity and uncertainty, Cyber Defence Complete provides businesses with a proactive advantage against threats, along with seamless access to world-class technologies and expert guidance in one cohesive service.

Ekco’s Cyber Defence Complete package includes 24×7×365 Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) monitoring, incident response, threat intelligence, and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), ensuring SMBs are protected around the clock and offering peace of mind. It will be offered through flexible, tiered models designed to scale with businesses as they grow and mature.

Lee Driver, Director of Cybersecurity at Ekco, said: “Small and medium-sized businesses face diverse cybersecurity challenges, and in today’s threat landscape, fast, decisive action is critical. This is why we’ve launched Cyber Defence Complete – a comprehensive solution that removes uncertainty and complexity from cybersecurity for SMBs. Right from the outset, our package establishes a robust defensive foundation, encompassing threat detection, active monitoring, rapid incident response, and mitigation capabilities.

“Our flexible, tiered approach ensures businesses receive exactly the level of protection they need, scaling seamlessly as they expand and mature. With Cyber Defence Complete, we’re committed to levelling the cybersecurity playing field, empowering SMBs with enterprise-grade defence underpinned by expert support, so they can confidently focus on growing their businesses without the fear of cyber threats.”

Cyber Defence Complete is available in two tailored packages to meet diverse business needs:

  • Standard: Offers a comprehensive suite of defensive capabilities, enabling businesses to adopt a proactive stance against cyber threats.
  • Premium: Includes all features of the Standard package, with additional enhancements aimed at achieving robust cyber resilience.

This tiered approach ensures that SMBs can access enterprise-grade security solutions that align with their growth stage and budget, providing cost-effective access to world-class security expertise without the need for significant in-house investment.

To learn more about Ekco’s new Cyber Defence Complete, please visit here.

Chargebee moves to WeWork Dublin to facilitate rapid growth

WeWork, a leading global flexible space provider, today announced that Chargebee, the global billing and monetisation company, has moved offices to recently refurbished WeWork 5 Harcourt Road in Dublin to host its growing workforce. This move not only accommodates Chargebee’s rapid growth but demonstrates the company’s continued investment in workplace experience by providing a dynamic work environment for its growing employee base to support its next phase of innovation and success.

Chargebee, a leading billing and monetisation platform, has experienced impressive growth since its founding in Chennai, India, expanding to Amsterdam, Sydney, Bangalore, Utah, Bethesda MD, and Dublin. The company’s new office at WeWork 5 Harcourt Road is thoughtfully designed to blend first-class design, functionality, and dynamic breakout areas to inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and strengthen company culture.

Over the next three years, Chargebee plans to grow its Dublin workforce to a team of 50, and continue to scale its business at rate. The inherent flexibility of WeWork’s model is a key enabler of Chargebee’s expansion strategy, allowing the company to scale its footprint up or down as needed. It also supports Chargebee’s flex-first hybrid work model, giving employees the freedom to choose their in-office days. This ensures that Chargebee’s real estate decisions remain closely aligned with both its business growth and the evolving needs of its workforce.

Guy Marion, Chief Marketing Officer at Chargebee, says “As someone who has recently relocated to Dublin, I’ve been truly impressed by the vibrant tech ecosystem not only within the city but also in WeWork’s community. Dublin acts as a central hub to our operations, and our move to 5 Harcourt Road is a significant step in advancing our mission to innovate the revenue landscape and support businesses across Europe with their billing and monetisation strategies.

The scalability of our space enables us to expand operations without concern over outgrowing our office. Combined with the signature design and hospitality of WeWork, I am incredibly confident in our ability to attract top talent, as well as the exceptional office experience we are offering to our employees; something that remains a top-of-mind priority for us as we continue to pursue our ambitious goals.”

Luke Armstrong, Regional President, UKI, EMEA and APAC, WeWork says “As companies continue to formalise their work strategies, WeWork is seeing a growing trend in Dublin, where an increasing number of scaling companies are prioritising office experiences that engage and inspire employees, while also opting for flexible workspace solutions that support their growth ambitions. Chargebee’s move to WeWork 5 Harcourt Road is a prime example of this shift.

By choosing a well-designed, scalable space in the heart of Dublin – one of Europe’s most dynamic hubs for innovation and business growth – Chargebee is poised to expand their footprint, grow their team, and scale their business with confidence at WeWork. We’re excited to see firsthand what they’ll achieve at this location.”

Demonstrating its commitment to the Dublin market as well as its focus on delivering a top-tier experience for members, WeWork is investing in key locations across the capital, including Charlemont Exchange, 5 Harcourt Road, and 2 Dublin Landings. These investments will enhance both amenities and design, as well as reconfigure spaces from larger office layouts to more flexible, adaptable designs. This shift aims to meet the evolving needs of SMBs driving regional growth and ensuring that WeWork continues to offer dynamic solutions that align with the changing demands of the market.

imoo Z7 Smart Watch Phone Review

The imoo Z7 Smart Watch Phone is an ideal kit for your child or family member to keep track of even during school hours it is on the large side however it is robust and tough and you can get additional screen protection and watch protector for it making super tough for kids.

The watch is simple enough to set up which requires a sim card with a plan so keep this in mind before you purchase but this is how most work these days anyway.

The UI on the watch is also simple to navigate and we go through all that and the app seen below in the video review down below so be sure to check this out after reading as you will find it helpful

The watch also keeps track of your child’s health and fitness plus many other features built in and a constant track of your child’s location.

You can send messages including voice and picture messages from the watch and to your parents have full control of the device you can also add more family members to talk to for messaging which is great and of course calls both video and standard.

When you call your child you get their location and the camera is live on call so your child can show their surroundings if required this also works if your child calls you on their watch. You can choose between Google Maps or Apple Maps which is nice.

The watch also has multisport fitness options and is IP68 water proof which means it can be taken anywhere.

Call and video quality is quite good once you have a decent signal and the battery will last between 2-5 days depending on use the location history also lasts 14 days in a cycle.

Overall this is a must have for parents who want to keep and in contact with their child at home  and again even better on a holiday and nit too expensive either and it also looks nice and comes in several colours again you also need a sim with a plan for it to work.

 

The APP

 

Features

  • 2-way HD video and voice call – Stay connected to your kids at all times: the imoo kids smartwatch, with its flip-up dual cameras, lets you see not only your kids’ real-time status, but also the environment they are in during video calls. Wherever they are, they’re just a call away! Perfect for kids going back to school.
  • Real-time Locating & 14-Day History: With one tap, the imoo kids smartwatch gives you your kid’s exact real-time location using GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS and Galileo satellite systems. With 14-day history, parents can see where their child has been in the last 14 days.
  • Multi-sport & Workout Data: imoo kids smartwatch with 4 built-in sports modes: swimming, running, jumping rope and insights into professional workout data such as calories burned, cadence, stride etc. and rewards to encourage kids to stay active.
  • IPX8 Swimming Water-resistant: imoo kids smartwatch allows kids to swim up to 20 metres underwater. Turn on the video function before entering the pool, and this kids’ smartwatch can record clear videos in the water.
  • Nano SIM Card Required: This kids smartwatch only accepts a standard nano-SIM card. Compatible operators include Vodafone, O2, Three and Giffgaff – please check for compatibility in your area. The watch’s default language is English, but it can be set to German, Spanish and Polish.

BUY

Other imoo reviews 

Video Review

Dell Technologies Unveils Infrastructure Innovations Built to Power Modern AI-Ready Data Centres

Dell Technologies has today introduced advancements across its industry-leading server, storage and data protection portfolios designed to help Irish organisations achieve data center modernisation.

Why It Matters:

Organisations are rethinking their IT strategies to respond to the rise of AI, the need to support both traditional and modern workloads and increased cyber threats. IT teams are moving toward disaggregated infrastructure that abstracts compute, storage, and networking into shared resource pools to deliver improved scalability, efficiency, and adaptability.

 Dell Technologies server, storage and data protection innovations are designed to help customers rethink their IT infrastructure approach to better meet the needs of traditional and modern workloads.

Dell PowerEdge servers deliver advanced performance, energy efficiency and scalability

Dell PowerEdge R470, R570, R670 and R770 servers with Intel Xeon 6 Processors with P-cores are single and double-socket servers in 1U and 2U form factors that easily handle demanding traditional and emerging workloads like HPC, virtualisation, analytics, and AI inferencing:

  • Improves Workload Consolidation: Consolidate legacy platforms, freeing up power and up to 80% of space per 42U rack with the Dell PowerEdge R770. These systems save up to half of the energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions and support up to 50% more cores per processors and 67% increased performance. This reduces data centre footprints to help achieve sustainability goals and lower overall total cost of ownership without sacrificing performance.
  • Delivers Extreme Power with Efficiency: The powerful and efficient Dell PowerEdge R570 achieves record-breaking Intel performance per watt, helping enterprises save on energy costs while maintaining high performance workloads.
  • Future-Ready Designs: Simplify and future-proof operations with the Data Centre – Modular Hardware System (DC-MHS) architecture, as part of the Open Compute Project (OCP). DC-MHS standardises server design, supporting easier integration into existing infrastructure, improving customer choice.
  • Streamlined management: PowerEdge servers deliver streamlined management and robust protection through Dell OpenManage enhancements and Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (IDRAC 10) updates, including real-time monitoring. When paired with PERC13 PCIe Gen 5 HW Raid controller, customers can see up to a 33X reduction in write latency.

Dell PowerStore boosts performance and security while simplifying data management

Dell PowerStore’s intelligent software design delivers an automated, highly programmable platform with advanced data reduction and independently scalable storage services suited to the needs of modern disaggregated architectures. PowerStore’s latest software release delivers:

  • AI-Powered Analytics: Reduce cost and eliminate manual effort with Smart Support alerts and remediation, performance headroom analytics and carbon footprint forecasting using Dell AIOps (formerly CloudIQ) software.
  • Enhanced Zero-Trust Security: Control access and boost availability with DoD smart card authentication support, automated certificate renewal and enhanced Storage Direct Protection integrations that deliver up to 4X faster backup restores5 plus support for the latest Dell PowerProtect systems.
  • Advanced File System Support: Enhance system performance with advanced file management capabilities, robust data protection with secure file snapshots, capacity insights for smarter storage planning and streamlined migration from Dell Unity systems.


The next generation of Dell ObjectScale drives improved performance and scale

Dell introduces the next generation of Dell ObjectScale, the industry’s highest-performing object platform. Dell ObjectScale delivers massive scalability, performance and efficiency for AI workloads. Dell is modernising the enterprise-grade architecture of ObjectScale and introducing new all-flash and HDD appliance options to provide:

  • Fast Object for AI: Innovate faster with the industry-leading AI workload performance of ObjectScale XF960, delivering up to 2X greater throughput per node than the closest competitor and up to 8X greater density than previous-generation all-flash systems.
  • Accelerate Modern Workloads: HDD-based Dell ObjectScale X560 accelerates key workloads like media ingest, backups and AI model training with 83% faster read throughput.
  • Extreme Efficiency and Resiliency: Easily operate and secure AI data lakes with multi-site federation, copy-to-cloud, geo-replication, global namespace and data governance capabilities, backed by a new hybrid cloud solution powered by ObjectScale, developed in collaboration with Wasabi.

 

Dell PowerScale innovations unlock the power of AI data

Dell PowerScale’s scale-out architecture makes it ideal to use as the backbone for modern AI-driven operations. Advancements improve performance-per-terabyte, enhance data center floorspace utilisation and balance affordability with performance to optimise TCO.

  • High Density All-Flash Storage: 122TB SSDs maximise GPU utilisation with up to 6 PBs of high-speed data access in a single 2U node configuration and deliver leading performance density to meet massive AI throughput requirements.
  • Hybrid and Archive Nodes: PowerScale A & H series nodes (H710, H7100, A310, A3100) deliver reduced latency and improved performance with a refreshed compute module for HDD-based platforms. Customers can future proof their data centers and retain AI training data longer with a flexible, TCO-optimised portfolio mix to improve accuracy and efficiency.

 

Dell PowerProtect improves cyber resilience with greater performance and efficiency

Dell, the industry leader in purpose-built backup appliances, introduces data protection updates designed to help customers strengthen their cyber resilience while controlling costs with enhanced performance, security, and efficiency:

  • Scalable and Efficient Data Protection for All: Dell PowerProtect DD6410, with a capacity of 12 TB to 256 TB, is ideal for commercial, small business and remote site environments. It delivers up to 91% faster restores and scalability for traditional and modern workloads plus efficient operations with industry-leading up to 65X deduplication.
  • All-Flash Performance and Efficiency: Dell PowerProtect All-Flash Ready Node, the first step in Dell’s all-flash data protection journey, delivers more secure and efficient data protection with a 220 TB capacity system that offers over 61% faster restore speeds, uses up to 36% less power, and features a 5X smaller footprint.
  • Strengthened Enterprise Resiliency: PowerProtect Data Manager updates help customers quickly identify security risks with Anomaly Detection, manage Microsoft Hyper-V and Red Hat OpenShift Virtualisation virtual machine backups and easily archive data to Dell ObjectScale for long-term retention.

 

“Modern applications require a new breed of infrastructure that will help customers keep pace with everchanging data center demands,” said Arthur Lewis, president, Infrastructure Solutions Group, Dell Technologies. “From storage to servers to networking to data protection, only Dell Technologies provides an end-to-end disaggregated infrastructure portfolio that helps customers reduce complexity, increase IT agility and accelerate data center modernisation.”

“Organisations are refocusing their IT strategies to take a disaggregated approach to infrastructure that improves resource management and simplifies management complexity,” said Simon Robinson, principal analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group, now part of Omdia. “Dell Technologies is delivering updates across its infrastructure portfolio designed to help customers easily overcome these challenges so that they’re ready to manage any workload.”

Availability

  • Dell PowerEdge R470, R570, R670 and R770 servers featuring Intel Xeon 6 Processors with P-cores and E-cores are available now.
  • Dell PowerStore software updates are available now.
  • Dell ObjectScale is available now as a software update for current Dell ECS environments.
  • HDD-based ObjectScale X560 will be available in April 2025.
  • All-Flash ObjectScale appliances will be available beginning in Q3 CY2025.
  • Dell PowerScale HDD-based nodes will be available in June 2025.
  • Dell PowerScale with 122TB drives will be available in May 2025.
  • Dell PowerProtect DD6410 and All-Flash Ready Node will be available in April 2025.
  • Dell PowerProtect Data Manager updates are available now.