Month: October 2025

Vdiagtool VD80BT LITE vehicle diagnostics tool review

The VDIAGTOOL VD80BT Lite is a feature-rich, tablet-based vehicle diagnostic tool designed to bridge the gap between expensive professional/dealer-level scanners and consumer-grade code readers. Positioned for serious DIY enthusiasts, independent mechanics, and small workshop owners, it delivers powerful bi-directional control, extensive service functions, and ECU coding capabilities, all wrapped in a modern, user-friendly Android interface.

Its “Lite” designation suggests a slightly scaled-back version of the full VD80BT, yet it retains almost all the high-end functions that make it a formidable choice in the mid-range diagnostic market even compared to the last model we checked out last year.

Key Features and Functionality

The core strength of the VD80BT Lite lies in its deep system access and advanced active testing capabilities:

Bi-Directional Control (Active Tests)

The ability to perform bi-directional control, or Active Tests, is arguably the most valuable feature. This allows the user to send commands to the vehicle’s ECU to test specific components without relying on engine operation.

  • Examples: Activating the ABS pump motor, commanding the cooling fan to turn on, cycling the A/C clutch, extending/retracting the electronic parking brake (EPB), and testing individual injectors.
  • Benefit: Dramatically reduces diagnostic time by confirming if a component (e.g., a fuel pump) is faulty or if the issue lies with the wiring or control module.

OE-Level Full System Diagnostics

The tool goes far beyond basic OBD2 engine codes. It can scan, read, and clear fault codes from all available modules in the vehicle (Engine, Transmission, SRS/Airbag, ABS, TPMS, Climate Control, Body Control Module, etc.), providing detailed, manufacturer-specific information.

Extensive Service and Reset Functions

The VD80BT Lite supports over 28 essential maintenance functions, making it a capable companion for routine service:

Category Key Functions Included
Brakes ABS Bleeding, EPB Reset, TPMS Reset
Engine/Fuel Throttle Adaptation, Injector Coding, DPF Regeneration, Idle Relearn
Electrical Battery Management System (BMS) Reset, Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) Reset
Advanced Headlight Adjustment, Suspension Calibration, Gearbox Match

Advanced Coding & Protocols

For specific brands, particularly the VAG group (VW, Audi, Skoda), it offers higher-level functions:

  • ECU Coding: Allows for modifying parameters in the ECU, often necessary after replacing a module.
  • VAG Guided Diagnostics: Provides step-by-step instructions for complex service procedures.
  • Protocol Support: Includes compatibility with newer vehicle protocols like CAN FD, DoIP, and FCA AutoAuth (required for accessing security gateway modules on newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Fiat models).

Hardware and User Experience

The diagnostic experience is delivered via an 8-inch Android tablet and a separate, wireless Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) dongle.

Specification Detail
Operating System Android 10
Screen 8-inch HD Touchscreen (1280×800)
Performance Quad-core 1.5GHz CPU, 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM
Connectivity Bluetooth (up to 66ft/20m range), Dual-Band Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz), Type-C wired

The Android platform ensures smooth, fast navigation and rapid software updates over Wi-Fi. The wireless VCI is a major plus, allowing technicians to perform active tests from a distance (e.g., triggering the cooling fan from the cabin) without being tethered to the OBD port.

The VDIAGTOOL VD80BT Lite is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking near dealer-level diagnostic power without the crippling price tag. It punches above its weight class by including bi-directional control, full-system scans, and advanced resets on a fast, dedicated tablet device.

 

Features

  • VD80BT Lite: Power and Performance Redefined

Running on Android 10, it ensures smooth navigation and compatibility with a wide range of apps and features.

  • Crisp Visuals, Immersive Display

Featuring a 1280×800 HD resolution screen, enjoy vibrant colors and sharp details whether you’re streaming content, browsing, or multitasking.

  • Efficient Performance

Powered by a quad-core 1.5GHz processor and 4G RAM + 64GB storage, this device handles multitasking, apps, and media effortlessly.

  • Long-Lasting Battery Life

A robust 5000mAh (7.3V) battery keeps you connected for hours. Recharge quickly via the modern Type-C port for added convenience.

Unlock Full OBD2 Capabilities

The VD80BT Lite car diagnostic tool is your ultimate solution for full OBD2 functionality, covering all 10 modes of OBD2 protocols. From reading and clearing fault codes to live data streaming, emission tests, and advanced ECU diagnostics, it delivers precise insights into your vehicle’s health.

Master Your Vehicle’s Brain: Advanced ECU Coding, Code, and PMI Functions

The VD80BT Lite car diagnostic tool takes vehicle diagnostics to the next level with its advanced ECU Coding, code, and PMI capabilities. Designed for professionals and enthusiasts, it’s the ultimate tool for unlocking your vehicle’s full potential with confidence and ease.

Unleash 28+ Hot Service Functions for Expert-Level Repairs & Maintenance

Dominate complex repairs with the VD80BT Lite’s 28+ Hot Service Functions, designed to tackle critical maintenance tasks with surgical precision. Compatible with 80+ brands, it combines deep system access with intuitive menus, turning advanced procedures into guided, error-proof operations.

VDIAGTOOL 70S Review

Xtool office website: https://bit.ly/VdiagtoolOfficial

Purchase Link: https://bit.ly/VDIAGTOOL-VD80BTLite-OfficialStore

Video Review

Airbnb Announces New Social Features With AI

Travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about who you meet. But those connections often fade once the trip ends. That’s why we’re introducing new social features for Airbnb Experiences, to help you connect with other guests before, during and after your experience.

Airbnb Announces New Social Features for Experiences, Smarter Search, Expanded AI Support

With searches for winter travel on the rise, we’re also announcing new updates for guests and hosts in time for a busy holiday season, including:

  • Smarter search and improved maps, to help you discover hidden gems
  • A new way to pay with Reserve Now, Pay Later
  • Expanded AI-powered customer support in more countries and languages
  • More tools to help hosts manage their calendar and pricing

New social features for Airbnb Experiences

Airbnb Experiences are designed to be as much about the people as the activity. Now, we’re introducing new social features, so you can connect with other guests throughout your trip and long after.

  • Who’s going – In a recent survey, more than 7 in 10 respondents said they would like to know more about other guests before booking an experience. Now, before you book, we’ll show you guests who are already going on that experience, along with where they’re from.  
  • Direct messaging – Forget to swap contact info? You can request to directly message guests you first met during an experience to stay in touch or even plan your next experience together, all right in the app.
  • Connections in profile – Now, in the Connections section of your Airbnb Profile tab, you can see the people you’ve met on your experiences, making it easy to reconnect with them.

You can enjoy these new social features while staying in control of what you share with new people. For each experience, you can choose to share your profile, giving you clear and simple control over who can message you and how you’re displayed in other guests’ Connections.

Smarter ways to search and more ways to pay

We’re making it easier to discover great places to stay and pay in a way that works for you.

  • Flexible carousels – When you’re searching for your stay, you’ll now see more options for homes just outside of your search criteria. For example, we’ll show homes with similar prices, different amenities or stays in nearby cities for less, helping you discover great options you might have otherwise missed.
  • Improved maps – Maps now let you easily filter for nearby landmarks, attractions, restaurants and more. Tap on any point of interest to see a summary and how far it is from the home in your search—or from the place you already booked. Later this year, see different map views, including satellite, street, and transit, based on your preference.
  • Reserve Now, Pay Later – With Reserve Now, Pay Later, guests have the option to reserve an eligible stay and pay $0 upfront. We launched this in the US earlier this year, and starting next year, it will be available worldwide for both domestic and international trips.

Expanded AI-powered customer support

Our AI assistant is getting even better with smarter responses and support in more places for guests and hosts.

  • More languages, more countries – The assistant will be available in English, Spanish and French, for users in the US, Mexico and Canada.
  • Smarter answers – The assistant can recognize you, your reservation, or your listing and provide quicker, more tailored responses.
  • Built-in actions – The assistant will let you take actions right in the chat, with interactive cards for common tasks like cancelling a reservation or changing dates.

Upgrades for hosts

We’re also rolling out highly-requested features to give hosts more flexibility and insight.

  • Dynamic cancellation policies – Set different cancellation policies for specific dates—like holidays or off-peak seasons.
  • Improved price tips – View price tips for dates up to a year in advance and adopt all tips in just one tap.
  • Updated earnings dashboard – Starting next year, view earnings trends year-over-year and compare seasonal performance in an all new tab.

ESET Updates Its Home Security Portfolio for Advanced Ransomware and Scams

ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, today announces its upgraded consumer offering, ESET HOME Security and its Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) offering, ESET Small Business Security. Launched earlier in 2025 for businesses and enterprises, today’s release makes ESET’s award-winning Ransomware Remediation feature available to consumers and SOHOs. ESET Ransomware Remediation seamlessly creates encrypted backups – enabling users to detect, block, and recover from ransomware attacks with minimal disruption.

Recognizing scams as a global threat that can harm virtually anyone, anywhere, at any time, ESET now delivers enhanced scam protection, addressing attacks vectoring from all types of sources, including SMS, email, phone calls, URLs, QR codes, malicious files, and more. ESET also launched advanced functionalities within existing features, including Microphone Monitor and Website Security Inspector.

“As a progressive digital life protection vendor, ESET carefully monitors the current threat landscape and develops its protection solutions accordingly,” said Viktória Ivanová, Vice President of Consumer and IoT Segment at ESET. “Heightened scam protection, added Ransomware Remediation, and multiple privacy protection improvements make both ESET consumer and SOHO offerings robust, all-in-one solutions for households and Small Office/Home Offices seeking reliable security that has low impact on performance and is easy to use.”

This launch expands the availability of ESET VPN to ESET HOME Security Premium users. The updated ESET HOME security management platform simplifies security management, making it easier for home admins to protect their families, and SOHO owners to observe exactly who and what are protected, and to distribute security apps with a consistent, simplified experience.

Key ESET HOME Security/ ESET Small Business Security (for Windows) improvements include:

Ransomware Remediation — Originally developed for large businesses, Ransomware Remediation minimizes the impact of ransomware attacks. Once a potential ransomware threat is identified by ESET Ransomware Shield, ESET Ransomware Remediation immediately creates backups of affected files, and after the threat is mitigated, it restores the files, effectively reverting the system to its previous state.

 Enhanced privacy protection — New Microphone Monitor detects and alerts users to any unauthorized attempts to access the microphone hardware on Windows devices.

 Enhanced browser security — New Website Security Inspector adds an extra layer of protection against phishing, scams, and malicious websites. This feature scans the rendered HTML in the browser to detect malicious content that can’t be detected on the network level and by URLs blacklist.

New ESET Cyber Security/ ESET Small Business Security (for macOS) features and updates:

macOS 26 Tahoe support — User can enjoy ESET Cyber Security on the latest version of macOS.

HTTPS & HTTP/3 support — Improves overall end-user protection when online.

Device Control — This feature monitors and manages external devices connected to the Mac. It helps protect against malware and unauthorized transfers of data by restricting access to specific device types or even individual devices.

ESET HOME Security and ESET Small Business Security are available across all major operating systems—Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS—and cover all typical smart home devices. On top of that, ESET Small Business Security also protects Windows servers. The updated offerings are designed to address the evolving threat landscape with special attention to prevention – ensuring a best-in-class user experience because truly effective cybersecurity should be easy to set up and administer.

More information about ESET’s consumer offering and subscription tiers can be found here. A detailed description of the SOHO offering is available here.

‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ DCC Podcast now available

Want to learn more about your local council? Tune in to ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ – the official podcast that takes you behind the scenes of Dublin City Council

Seasons one and two of ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ The Official Dublin City Council Podcast are now available in full on podcast platforms. Whether you’re a resident of Dublin city, a student, or eager to learn about local government, this podcast offers a fresh and accessible look at how Dublin City Council supports your city and keeps it moving. Podcasts are also a new thing with me and now listening to more of them as time goes on and I will tune into this one.

Highlights of season two include a deep dive into Dublin Fire Brigade with Fire Officer Greg O’Dwyer, a chat with Assistant Chief Executive Aidan Blighe about what the senior management role entails, and a reflection with Public Domain Officer Sid Daly on the challenges of waste management and recycling in Dublin city.

The ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ podcast delves into the roles and responsibilities of the various sections and departments of Dublin City Council, showcasing the work, initiatives, and services that impact both residents and visitors.

Topics covered so far range from Housing and Biodiversity, to Sports and the Night-Time Economy, with more special episodes to come before the end of 2025.

Producer and host of ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ Deirdre Molumby says: “We’ve had such a wonderful range of guests and perspectives on the ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ podcast and I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished this year.

“I’ve learned so much presenting this podcast and I believe listeners have too. There is a broad range of audiences who will get something out of ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’, whether you’re interested in working for the public sector and want to brush up on it, a community member who wants to use services provided by Dublin City Council, or students who want to learn about how local council works. I’m looking forward to seeing the podcast grow and grow.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to fellow producer Michael Ryan, sound engineer and editor Robert Fay, everyone in the Communications sector of Dublin City Council, and senior management for their support.”

Subscribe to ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Goodpods, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.

Skullcandy DIME EVO PEANUTS Review

The Skullcandy DIME EVO PEANUTS are their latest collab and one many will like and will want to own, having covered the Dime Evo before nothing much has changed apart for the look and feel of the product and these collabs are great to see and again we have covered many over the years which you can find here on site.

You have access to the Skullcandy app allowing you to take control of the earbuds with a custom EQ and stansrd EQs on doard which all work really well together, there is no change in the audio which was already great and there is no ANC but they have a good seal which gives a decent seal and in a quite room turned up to the max they sound great and you will hear nothing else.

There is also the option to take photos from your earbuds which again is demoed in the video review down below and you have your voice assistant on board too.

There is adjustable stay aware which is great for those who want to hear their surroundings and clear voice smart mic for calls which also works really well you can alo pair to two devices which like me you use two products a win and swap over fast.

Battery life is decent for their size too however this will vary on your settings as always with earbuds and headphones. Overall the sound is geat no tinny sound or distortion when turned up to the max and all pretty good for the price you cant really complain.

Available in four colours and featuring Snoopy, Woodstock, and the gang, the limited-edition collection combines Skullcandy’s much loved Dime Evo earbuds with the lighthearted spirit of Charles Schulz’s beloved characters. Just like Snoopy dancing in his doghouse, these headphones bring together joy, imagination, and world-class audio making then the perfect gift just in time for the Christmas season!

Skullcandy App

Features 

  • Up to 36 Hours of Battery Life: 8 Hours in Earbuds, 28 Hours in Case​
  • Rapid Charge: 10 min = 2 hours​
  • Bluetooth® (v5.3)​
  • Auto On/Connect​
  • Onboard Call & Media Controls​
  • Clear Voice Smart Mic​
  • Natural Voice Sidetone for Calls​
  • 3x Preset EQ Modes (Music, Bass Boost, Podcast)​
  • Custom 5-Band EQ Mode​
  • Custom Button Settings​
  • Low Latency Audio Mode​
  • Tap to Activate Voice Assistant​
  • Noise Isolating Fit​
  • Use Either Bud Solo

Other Skullcandy Reviews

Buy

Video Review

Cubic Launches AI-Enabled FleetWallet partnership with GoCar

Cubic³, a global leader in software-defined vehicle (SDV) solutions, today launches FleetWallet³, its AI-enabled in-vehicle payments platform designed to transform how commercial fleets, car-share companies and automotive OEMs manage fleet fuel and mobility payments.

FleetWallet³ is an AI in-vehicle payments solution that initially eliminates the need for physical fuel cards, prevents fraud and delivers seamless and compliant automation. By combining data intelligence with secure payments, it sets a new standard for AI connected and efficient fleet management and operations, all without additional hardware.

As part of its rollout, firstly across Europe, Cubic³ has partnered with GoCar, a leading car-sharing service, which will showcase FleetWallet³’s potential to support mobility providers, leasing companies and corporate fleets alike.

 Paul Foley, Commercial Director of FleetWallet³, said: “Fraud and card misuse remain some of the most persistent pain points for fleets and car-share providers. By integrating telematics with secure payments, our platform protects against both internal misuse and external compromise, delivering over 10% savings on fuel costs while dramatically reducing administrative overhead.”

Joe Quirke, Head of GoCar Ireland, commented: “Our partnership with FleetWallet³ aligns perfectly with GoCar’s commitment to smarter, more sustainable mobility. As an early adopter of this solution, we’re excited to demonstrate how secure, automated and increasingly intelligent payments can reduce risk and improve efficiency across shared mobility and fleet operations.”

The Platform Addresses Five Key Challenges:

 

  • Intelligent, Adaptive Fraud Prevention – Real-time telematics and data analytics help fleets prevent theft and misuse, unlocking over 10% in fuel savings while minimising manual reconciliation.
  • Seamless, Secure and Automated Payments – Fully integrated, PSD2-compliant fleet payments enable hands-free management across Europe’s strictest financial and tax regulations.
  • Real-Time Insights for Smarter Fleet Management – Transparent, data-driven reporting provides instant visibility into fleet performance and fuel consumption.
  • Centralised, GDPR-Compliant Control – A single platform to manage vendors and services securely, simplifying operations across Europe’s diverse fuel and mobility networks.
  • AI-Enabled Fleet Intelligence – FleetWallet³ will leverage AI to evolve with every transaction, learning from vehicle data to predict needs, optimise costs, and enable intelligent connected services.

The Future of AI-Powered Fleet Intelligence

 Looking ahead to 2026, Cubic³ is advancing FleetWallet³ with AI-powered fraud detection, Smart Transaction Intelligence, and predictive analytics. A new conversational assistant will let managers “talk to their data,” detect anomalies, and act instantly – building intelligence that helps forecast costs, cut emissions and drive real-time sustainability.

AI Partnerships and Software-Defined Vehicle Integration

As part of its ongoing AI roadmap, Cubic³ is exploring new data-exchange partnerships with fleet-management providers and automotive OEMs to unlock the next wave of intelligence – from predictive maintenance and driver-behaviour analytics to EV charging optimisation and machine learning.

This approach positions Cubic³ as the AI orchestration layer for software-defined vehicles, bridging operational, financial and environmental data into a unified intelligence ecosystem.

“AI marks a defining moment for FleetWallet³ and the mobility and automotive industries,” said Foley. “Leveraging this technology, FleetWallet³ will become a self-learning platform that evolves with every transaction – predicting needs and connecting services from parking and tolls to EV charging, transforming vehicles into intelligent hubs within a smarter, more sustainable mobility ecosystem.”

For more information, visit the FleetWallet³ website at www.cubic3.com/product/fleetwallet.

Samsung Launches First-Ever Perplexity AI-Powered TV App

Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of the Perplexity TV App, the first-ever Perplexity AI-powered TV app on the market. Elevating Samsung’s Vision AI Companion, which brings smart, generative AI support to the largest communal screens, the Perplexity TV App offers a new and innovative AI-powered experience to help users quickly find what they’re looking for and discover new favorites.

Perplexity is an AI-powered answer engine that draws from credible sources in real time, accurately answering questions, performing deep research, and suggesting additional questions that allow curious users to engage more deeply with the content they consume.

“The first-of-its-kind Perplexity AI-powered app, now available only on Samsung TVs, broadens our Vision AI Platform offering for a more unique and personalized user experience,” said Dan Glassman, Senior Director & Head of New Business Development for Samsung Electronics. “Samsung continually brings innovative and first-to-market experiences to our device owners, and this partnership with Perplexity is the latest that will deliver cutting-edge AI technology, redefining how Samsung owners interact with their TVs.”

“Curiosity can strike at any time. Perplexity’s mission is to serve the world’s curiosity by bridging the gap between traditional search and innovative AI-driven interfaces,” said Ryan Foutty, VP of Business at Perplexity. “Samsung is the number one television brand in the world, and we are excited to bring the functionality that Perplexity users know and trust to Samsung’s television screens and device owners around the world.”

Elevating the Vision AI Companion Experience
Unveiled earlier this month at IFA 2025, the Vision AI Companion brings the next evolution of AI-powered displays to Samsung TVs and smart monitors by integrating Samsung’s most advanced AI features into a single, intuitive AI experience. As part of the Vision AI Companion, the Perplexity TV App is now available as a standalone AI agent, offering even more innovative AI-powered experiences to Samsung users.

Navigate to the Perplexity TV App on your TV’s home screen and click on it to launch. From there, Perplexity can help with planning a trip, finding which movies were directed by the Russo Brothers or creating the ultimate fantasy lineup, all directly from your TV.

 

Getting Started

The Perplexity TV App offers a sleek and visually appealing experience, going beyond text-only responses. When you ask Perplexity a question, results appear with high-quality, glanceable cards made just for Samsung TVs.

How It Works:
Access: Navigate to the Perplexity TV App via the Apps Tab or in Samsung’s Vision AI Companion, accessible via the AI Button.
Activation: Users must accept the terms and conditions and allow Perplexity to access their microphones before using the AI voice component.

(Optional): For those who don’t want to use voice commands, the onscreen keyboard or USB keyboard can be used to search with the Perplexity TV App.
Ask for anything: Whether you want recommendations for Halloween entertainment or help with an everyday task, Perplexity knows the answer.

Availability
The Perplexity TV App is now available on all 2025 Samsung TVs and will be available on 2023 and 2024 TVs with the latest OS upgrade later this year. As a bonus, Perplexity is offering a free 12-month subscription to Perplexity Pro for all users. Simply scan the QR code on the Perplexity TV app to redeem.

To learn more, visit www.samsung.com

Saros announces 50 jobs €8M investment in global expansion

Saros Consulting, a global leader in IT consulting and strategic project management, today announces global expansion plans, which include the creation of 50 new jobs and a €8M investment. In addition to the new jobs, the investment covers a new HQ in Dublin and the establishment of a global delivery hub in Cape Town, South Africa.

Headquartered and founded in Dublin, Saros provides IT consulting services covering areas including digital transformation, cybersecurity and mergers and acquisitions. The company currently has a presence in the UK, Switzerland and the US.

Over a two-year period, the next wave of Saros’s expansion will see the company strengthen its presence in existing markets, while entering South Africa – supported by Enterprise Ireland – as a new market. The jobs – split across all of Saros’s key markets – and investment will accelerate the company’s growth in its core sectors of life sciences, financial services and retail, while enabling it to scale its global resourcing business.

As part of the investment, Saros has opened a new HQ in Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin, which is designed with collaboration spaces and break-out rooms to support the company’s expanding workforce. The Cape Town team will support Saros’s growth across Europe and Africa, providing fully remote solutions to businesses across both continents.

The new roles will be in the areas of project management, IT consulting and business development, supporting Saros’s mission to provide high-quality, scalable resourcing solutions to multinational clients.

Ray Armstrong, co-founder and CEO, Saros Consulting, said: “Today’s announcement marks a major milestone in our journey to becoming a truly global player. With this investment, we are not only creating new jobs in Ireland and South Africa, but also strengthening our ability to deliver flexible, remote-first services to enterprises across multiple regions. The investment represents our confidence in the future of distributed work and our commitment to building a truly borderless consulting practice.”

 Justin van der Spuy, co-founder and CEO, Saros Consulting, said: “South Africa offers a strong talent pool and a strategic gateway to global markets. The quality of technical talent emerging from South African universities, coupled with the country’s mature IT services sector, make it an ideal location for our first African hub.”