Leading real hands on tech review site in Ireland with technology, business news and more. Jim O Brien Tech.
Author: Jim O Brien/CEO
CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is a mid ranged priced phone but has the premium look to it and we have been testing it out the last few months and have to say it is a device I could use as a daily driver all year round.
Storage is now a factor in mobile phones and the base factor here starts at a rather generous 256GB where others fall behind and for those who like to take good photos and video the base offering here is more than welcome.
Specs are known now and listed below so we will not bore you with them but there is plenty to think about at this phones price which will vary by region and further making the point there is no need to spend over a thousand euro on a phone today.
The build quality is decent here and given it has a plastic back the body of the phone is premium with alloy rails and a 6.7 OLDED panel with a 120hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 making it ideal for media consumption.
With the camera hump placed in the middle on the back it means no wobble on a flat desk though most of us will use cases it is good to know and in the camera array we have a 200mp main camera 8mp ulltra wide 2 mp macro and not forgetting the 20mp front camera. which the results of can be seen below with the photo and image gallery.
We have no wireless charging on board here which might be a deal breaker for some but 45w fast charging which is a fair speed at this price point and we also have a decent battery at 5110 mAh and one thing we do not see too often is an IR blaster up top which is great for those who use such an remote controls is one handy use for it.
The Redmi Not 14 Pro is power by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra chip and for my personal daily use which is more than most is fine and I had no issues with the countless apps running and social media and emails etc all day long making it fine for multitasking.
The phone runs on Hyper OS which lies atop Android 14 so we are a bit behind here but for me there was no issues in my review period and zipped along fine with any task I threw at it but there is only two years of software updates available now which is much less than rivals however that can change and most people change their device within that time frame.
If you are on a budget within the big budget market there is plenty of options available and making the choice more difficult but after testing this phone out myself it is one to certainly think about. Check out the first look video where we take a deep dive into the phone and show you lots more.
Skullcandy, the original lifestyle audio brand, unveils Crusher 540 Active(£169.99), the first in its iconic Crusher line of headphones to be purpose-built for the gym. Designed to help users find their zone and stay in it, this new model features Skullcandy’s patented Crusher bass technology, offering a multi-sensory bass experience that makes every beat hit deeper and every rep feel more powerful. Sweat and water resistant with a specialized nano coating, the Crusher 540 Active is designed to help people stay in the zone no matter where their workout is.
“Fans have been asking for Crusher’s signature bass in a purpose-built gym-ready headphone for years,” said Justin Reagan, VP of Marketing at Skullcandy. “Music is a motivator, and we created the Crusher 540 Active to be the perfect partner in the gym or during an outdoor workout when you want to tune out the rest of the world.”
Built for endurance, Crusher 540 Active packs up to 40 hours of battery life, and when time is tight, a 10-minute Rapid Charge delivers 4 hours of playtime.
With breathable fabric ear cushions, sweat-resistant nano-coating, and a secure fit headband designed to stay put, Crusher 540 Active is built to power through even your toughest workouts.
Alongside new active-ready updates, Crusher 540 Active retains the signature features fans love—like a fold-flat design for easy portability and an adjustable bass slider for personalized sound.
Skullcandy Crusher 540 Active is now available globally at Skullcandy.com and select retail locations.
Key Features Include:
Adjustable Sensory Bass powered by Skullcandy’s signature Crusher technology
Sweat and water resistant with a nano-coating and silicone TPU band for fearless workouts
Breathable fabric ear cushions and enhanced clamping force for a secure, comfortable fit
Up to 40 hours of battery life with Rapid Charge (10 minutes = 4 hours)
Noise-isolating over-ear design to block distractions and lock in focus
Personal Sound by Audiodo™ for a customized audio experience
Skullcandy App compatibility for deeper control
Built-in Tile™ Finding Technology to help you keep track of your gear
Bluetooth® 5.0 Auto Connect and integrated controls for convenience on the move
Two full-range 40mm drivers, plus additional dual bass drivers
Adjustable bass slider to let you dial in your perfect bass experience
Digital identity wallets are at the cusp of transforming how we verify ourselves online – and the European Union is laying the legal and technical groundwork to make them mainstream. The European Parliament recently approved a new framework known as eIDAS 2.0, which will revolutionise not only how Europeans log into websites but also how they interact with banks, healthcare providers, educational institutions and governments.
With this legislative shift, Europe is doubling down on the idea that digital identity should be secure, and citizen-centric across all EU countries. But as with any sweeping change, there’s nuance to unpack particularly when it comes to privacy.
What Are Digital Identity Wallets?
A digital identity wallet is a secure app that allows individuals to store and share verifiable personal credentials like driver’s licenses. Diplomas, and health records on their smartphones. Think of it like Apple Wallet but for much more than credit cards or plane tickets. Under the new EU regulations, these wallets will become standardised and available to every EU citizen and resident, free of charge.
Although the goal is to make identification seamless there’s still a rise in no KYC online casinos. These platforms allow users to gamble using cryptocurrencies without verifying their identity. Their appeal lies in the fact users enjoy hundreds of games, instant withdrawals, and loyalty perks, all while maintaining their privacy.
Key Features of the New EU Digital Identity Framework
At the heart of the new digital identity push is user control. Unlike centralised databases, EU-approved digital wallets will store credentials locally on a user’s device. Only the user decides what to share and with whom. If you’re applying for a loan, you might only share your credit score, not your entire banking history.
Digital wallets come with several standout features that enhance both privacy and convenience. One of the most notable is the use of Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), which allow users to verify specific facts (such as being over 18) without revealing sensitive information like their exact birthdate.
These wallets also offer cross-border compatibility, making it possible for, say, a student from Italy to use the same digital credentials when applying for a scholarship in Germany or a job in Sweden. Additionally, digital wallets can integrate with third-party services, enabling users to log into platforms like online shopping sites, banking apps, or gig economy platforms with ease.
The ultimate promise here is seamless interaction, whether with government services or commercial applications.
Potential Impact on Businesses and Platforms
For companies, especially those that rely heavily on user data, these rules are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, digital wallets make it easier to onboard users securely. On the other, they shift control over data away from platforms and back to individuals, disrupting existing monetization models based on third party data collection.
Take social media, for example. Platforms like Facebook or Instagram often monetise by gathering behavioural data. But if users authenticate with verifiable digital identities, and restrict the data they share, companies may have to rethink how they target ads or analyse user behaviour.
Balancing Security With Privacy
There’s a fine line between making life easier for users and creating a tool that governments or bad actors could exploit. Critics of eIDAS 2.0 worry that even if digital wallets are designed with privacy in mind, central authorities or third parties could still pressure providers to include backdoors.
To address this, the EU has embedded privacy to design and open-source transparency into the framework. Wallet providers must undergo certification, ensuring they meet strict technical and ethical standards. Still, whether this will satisfy skeptics remains to be seen.
Europe’s Innovation Path Forward
Briefly but significantly, this initiative signals something larger. Europe is choosing to lead with innovation grounded in regulation. While Silicon Valley often chases disruption and China leans into state-led control, the EU is carving out its niche as a tech policy trendsetter. With digital wallets, they’re not just catching up, they’re setting the standard.
This innovation isn’t limited to identity. The EU is already piloting AI governance, digital euro projects and sustainability-linked fintech frameworks. Together, these initiatives aim to foster a secure and ethically sound digital ecosystem, where both businesses and citizens benefit.
What Comes Next?
Member states have until 2026 to roll out compliant digital identity wallets. That means in the next 12 to 24 months, we’ll likely see a flurry of public-private partnerships, app development and educational campaigns aimed at preparing citizens, businesses and institutions to shift. Governments will need to work closely with tech companies, financial service providers, universities and healthcare systems to ensure smooth integration across sectors.
But adoption will ultimately depend on trust and convenience. If people feel safe using these wallets and find them more practical than current alternatives, they’ll become the default way to navigate the internet. If not, they risk going the way clunky government portals and forgotten smartcard experiments.
One wildcard is how non-European companies like Apple, Google or Meta could respond. Will they build wallet-compatible services to retain European users or will they push back, leading to a showdown over who gets to shape digital identity infrastructure?
With billions of users and enormous influences, these companies could either be powerful allies in the rollout or major disruptors. This is especially if wallet integration threatens their current data-driven business models.
Burnout is an increasingly prevalent problem in our constantly connected world. Professionals and students alike struggle with overwhelming workloads and difficulty balancing their personal and professional lives. Effective planning and time management are key solutions to avoid burnout and ensure there is time for what truly matters.
Why Prioritizing Matters
Many people experience burnout because they try to do too much without clearly identifying priorities. Focusing on tasks based on their importance and urgency helps in achieving meaningful results without unnecessary stress. A useful tool for managing these priorities effectively is Voiset’s AI task manager, which utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to help organize and prioritize daily tasks, significantly reducing mental clutter.
Benefits of a Structured Schedule
Creating a clear and structured schedule is vital to preventing burnout. Scheduling not only helps ensure important tasks are completed, but also creates space for relaxation and enjoyment. Successful individuals often schedule not just their work or study tasks but also their breaks, leisure time, and hobbies.
Using digital planning tools makes this process easier and more reliable. By managing your schedule with modern technology, you can automatically balance your commitments and prevent burnout by maintaining a clear separation between work and personal life.
Making Time for Hobbies
Regularly dedicating time to hobbies can significantly reduce stress and improve mental health. Engaging in enjoyable activities allows individuals to recharge and return to their responsibilities with increased energy and enthusiasm. Modern applications, designed specifically for AI hobby tracking, simplify the process of integrating personal interests into daily routines, ensuring hobbies remain a priority alongside professional tasks.
Automation and Delegation
Another essential strategy to avoid burnout is automation and delegation of routine tasks. Many daily tasks are repetitive and consume valuable time and energy. Leveraging AI-powered planning tools can drastically reduce the amount of time spent on these tasks. Automation frees up time for activities requiring creativity and strategic thinking, reducing burnout and improving overall productivity and satisfaction.
Reflection and Adjustment
Successful individuals regularly reflect on their accomplishments and challenges. Reflection helps in identifying stress triggers early and taking proactive steps to avoid burnout. Regularly evaluating your routine and habits enables adjustments that foster greater productivity and personal satisfaction.
Utilizing advanced task management systems provides helpful analytics that facilitate regular reflection, making it easier to spot trends, issues, and opportunities for improvement.
Real-Life Examples of Effective Planning
Successful entrepreneurs, executives, and students often attribute their achievements to effective planning and task management. They utilize various methods, including digital planners and AI-assisted scheduling, to maintain a healthy balance between work, studies, and personal interests.
For example, busy professionals who use AI-driven task management systems report fewer instances of burnout, better overall productivity, and greater personal satisfaction. Similarly, students who regularly schedule their study times, extracurricular activities, and relaxation periods experience improved academic performance and enhanced well-being.
Implementing Effective Planning Habits
Adopting effective planning habits doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Start by identifying the most pressing issues causing your stress. Perhaps prioritizing tasks more effectively will provide immediate relief, or scheduling regular breaks and hobby time will make the most noticeable difference.
As you become comfortable with one new habit, gradually integrate others into your routine. Modern task management solutions offer comprehensive features to support each aspect of effective planning, from prioritization to automation and reflection.
The Importance of Maintaining Balance
Maintaining a balance between personal and professional lives isn’t merely beneficial—it’s essential for long-term success and happiness. Effective planning helps achieve goals efficiently while preserving physical health, mental clarity, and personal satisfaction.
Balanced individuals are not only more productive in their professional lives but also enjoy richer, more fulfilling personal experiences. They are able to engage fully in their hobbies, social relationships, and personal growth activities without feeling constantly stressed or exhausted.
Preventing Burnout Through Effective Planning
Ultimately, burnout prevention is about recognizing the importance of balance and actively implementing strategies to maintain it. Effective prioritization, structured scheduling, dedicated hobby time, automation of mundane tasks, and regular reflection are all powerful habits that successful individuals employ to avoid burnout.
By consistently practicing these habits and leveraging advanced planning tools, you can maintain a productive, balanced, and satisfying life. Take proactive steps today to integrate these habits into your routine and experience the positive impact of effective planning firsthand.
Budgeting in 2025 doesn’t have to stress you out, and Albert, a top budgeting planning app, makes it super simple. This US-based app offers tools like expense tracking and automatic expense categorization to manage your finances efficiently. Whether you’re a college student or self-employed, Albert helps track spending, pay bills, create financial dashboards, and build an emergency fund.
This guide’ll show how Albert’s user-friendly features create breathing room in your budget and track your spending. Ready to take control of your money? Let’s dig deep into why Albert is essential for smarter budgeting this year!
Why Albert’s Tools Are Essential for Smart Budgeting in 2025
Albert’s budgeting app is a game-changer for managing money. It offers a free version that syncs bank accounts for real-time expense tracking. Its zero-based budget assigns every dollar of your income to monthly expenses, savings goals, or debt repayment. Automatic expense categorization sorts spending into different categories, like utility bills or streaming services, helping you set spending limits.
Features like due date alerts ensure you pay bills on time, supporting goals like saving for a down payment or reducing credit card debt. With Albert, you gain insights into your cash flow, making budgeting in 2025 easy and stress-free. (150 words)
Albert’s User-Friendly Design for Beginners
Albert’s budgeting planning app shines for beginners, like college students, with its user-friendly interface on Google Play. A 2024 Bankrate survey found 64% of Americans want simpler budgeting apps. Albert syncs checking accounts and credit cards, offering a clear view of your finances. Its free version includes robust budgeting features, like tracking expenses and categorizing spending, helping you save money without needing a paid version like other apps, such as Credit Karma.
Zero-Based Budgeting for Every Dollar
Zero-based budgeting ensures every dollar of your income has a job, from fixed expenses to savings. Albert’s budgeting features make this easy by syncing banking data to track day-to-day spending. A 2023 Forbes study shows zero-based budgeting cuts discretionary spending by 17%, freeing up cash for an emergency fund or a 401(k).
Creating Custom Budgets
Albert’s custom budgets let you assign money to specific goals, like child care or a savings account, ensuring your monthly budget aligns with your financial priorities and creates breathing room.
Real-Time Expense Tracking Saves Money
Albert’s real-time expense tracking monitors every transaction, from credit card purchases to utility bills. Automatic expense categorization sorts costs into different categories, helping you track spending analysis and avoid overspending. Thus, managing money is simple and effective.
Cash Flow Management Made Easy
Innovative cash flow management means knowing your money coming in and out. Albert’s app tracks income and expenses, ensuring you cover your monthly costs and save. For example, setting aside $15 weekly builds a $780 emergency fund annually.
Syncing Accounts for Clarity
Albert’s app connects bank accounts and tools like Credit Karma to show your net worth and overall finances. Reviewing transactions and credit reports helps you make smart choices, like allocating funds for debt payments or retirement savings, all from your mobile device.
Staying on Top of Due Dates
Albert’s due date alerts help you pay bills on time, avoiding late fees. Syncing accounts ensures you track expenses like streaming services, keeping your budget plan on track across multiple devices.
Debt Repayment and Budgeting Together
Reducing credit card debt while budgeting is tricky, but Albert’s expense trackers make it doable. A 2024 NerdWallet study found that 67% of budgeters with clear plans pay off debt faster. Albert tracks debt payments alongside other expenses, balancing debt repayment and savings goals.
Building Savings Goals with Albert
Albert’s savings goals help you save for a down payment or emergency fund. Regular contributions, like $10 weekly to a savings account, grow with interest rates, ensuring you’re ready for unexpected costs or big purchases like a home.
Why Albert Stands Out Among Budgeting Apps
Albert’s free version offers more hands-on tools than other apps like YNAB or Credit Karma. Its envelope system with unlimited categories and security features makes it the best app for budgeting in 2025, easily accessible on Google Play.
Key Benefits of Budgeting with Albert
Free and Powerful: Albert’s free version includes top budgeting features.
Real-Time Tracking: Monitor spending instantly with automatic expense categorization.
Goal-Focused: Supports savings goals and debt repayment.
This table shows Albert’s free app offers unmatched features for 2025 budgeting, balancing cost and functionality.
Final Words
Albert’s budgeting planning app is essential for 2025. It offers real-time expense tracking, zero-based budgeting, and secure syncing. Start using Albert’s free tools to manage money, reduce debt, and easily achieve financial goals!
Gaming isn’t just about fun anymore — in 2025, it’s also a smart way to earn a little extra money on the side. Whether you’re waiting for the bus, relaxing on the couch, or killing time between tasks, you can now get rewarded just for playing games on your phone.
And one app is making that easier than ever: Playtime.
What Is Playtime and How Does It Work?
Playtimeis a play-to-earn app that rewards you for doing something you already enjoy — playing mobile games. Instead of filling out surveys or jumping through hoops, you simply choose a game from Playtime’s collection, start playing, and earn rewards based on how long you play.
It’s perfect for casual gamers who want to earn passively in their downtime, without changing their daily routine.
Why Playtime Stands Out
What makes Playtime so popular among users is its simplicity. You don’t need to grind or complete complex tasks — just open the app, pick a game, and play. The app tracks your playtime automatically and rewards you with real money or gift cards. It’s that easy.
Here are a few key features that make Playtime worth a try:
Instant payouts – You can cash out your rewards quickly via PayPal or gift cards.
Low withdrawal threshold – Start withdrawing with as little as $0.40, unlike other apps that make you wait until you earn $20 or more.
No earning limits – The more you play, the more you earn — no caps, no fine print.
A variety of games – From casual puzzles to strategy titles, there’s something for every type of player.
Why Play-to-Earn Apps Like Playtime Are Booming
Apps like Playtime are growing fast in popularity because they fit naturally into everyday life. You don’t need any special skills or hours of free time. All it takes is a smartphone and a few spare minutes — whether you’re on your lunch break or winding down in the evening.
For people looking to turn idle moments into something productive, Playtime offers a no-pressure, low-effort way to earn on the side.
Tips to Make the Most of Playtime
If you’re just getting started with Playtime, here are a few tips to boost your experience:
Set a goal: Whether you’re saving up for a gift, treating yourself, or just want extra coffee money — knowing what you’re earning for can keep things fun.
Stay consistent: Even short sessions each day can add up over time.
Explore new games: Trying different titles keeps things interesting and helps you earn more.
Final Thoughts
Earning money while playing games might sound too good to be true — but with apps like Playtime, it’s a real and achievable side hustle. No stress, no pressure, just fun with a few extra perks.
So if you’re looking for a simple, flexible, and rewarding way to earn in 2025, give Playtime a try. Your gaming time could start paying off sooner than you think.
At Google I/O, they showed Google is fully in the Gemini era, showcasing significant AI innovations across products, research, and infrastructure, all geared towards making AI more helpful for everyone. Check out the recap below of what to expect.
From research to reality — we’re taking cutting-edge research to build the most helpful AI that’s more intelligent, agentic and personalized.
And we’re building on impressive momentum — every one of our 15 products with over half a billion users now uses Gemini, our natively multimodal AI model family.
Intelligent
We are shipping models at a relentless pace — in March, we released Gemini 2.5 Pro, setting new state-of-the-art across key benchmarks and representing a significant leap in reasoning, coding, science and maths capabilities, and we’ve built on that progress today:
Gemini 2.5 advancements: Gemini 2.5 Flash is now our default model, blending incredible quality with lightning-fast response times. Our enhanced reasoning model, Deep Think (in Gemini 2.5 Pro) uses our latest research on thinking and reasoning
New creative tools: Introducing Veo 3 and Imagen 4, our frontier-pushing video and image generation models. Creatives: try Flow, our new AI filmmaking tool, to create story elements (cast, locations, objects, styles) with natural language, all in one place.
Agentic
By applying our cutting-edge AI models across Google products, we can make them more agentic — capable of intelligently taking action on your behalf, with your permission, across a variety of tasks, from complex academic research to restaurant reservations, across the web and in your Google apps:
Project Mariner: Launched last December, Project Mariner now includes a system of agents that can complete up to ten different tasks at a time. Starting in the US, these agents can simultaneously help you look up information, make bookings, buy things, do research and more
Get things done, directly from Search: We’re building the agentic capabilities of Project Mariner into AI Mode in the US, helping people save time with tasks like purchasing tickets to a baseball game
Project Astra in Google Search: We’re integrating Project Astra’s Live capabilities into Search in the US, so you can talk back-and-forth with Search about what you see in real-time, using your camera. Stumped on a project? Simply tap the “Live” icon in AI Mode, point your camera, ask your question, and get an explanation, with links to other resources you can explore in more detail
Shopping features: Our new shopping experience in AI Mode combines Gemini model capabilities with our Shopping Graph to help you browse for inspiration, and choose products that are the “right fit”. See how an outfit looks on you, and ask our agentic checkout feature to make the purchase when the price is right.
Personalised
Combine knowledge of the real world with information you share about your world, so AI can be even more helpful. Optionally share personal context like search history, emails, or your schedule allows for AI responses tailored to your preferences:
Gemini: Our goal for the Gemini app is to become the most helpful universal AI assistant. We’re enhancing Gemini Live in the Gemini app with personal context. With your permission, it will integrate with Google services like Maps, Calendar, Tasks, and Keep (and more later) for deeper daily assistance. And it’s getting even better with more Project Astra live capabilities coming soon to Gemini Live.
AI Mode: our most powerful AI search, features advanced reasoning, multimodality, and deeper exploration via follow-up questions and web links. It now also offers personalized suggestions based on past searches or other Google apps, starting with Gmail. Search “Nashville weekend, friends, food & music,” and AI Mode suggests restaurants from your booking history and activities near your hotel.
Gemini Deep Research & Canvas: Make Deep Research personally powerful by blending your own private files with public data for insights unique to your context. Then, let Canvas bring your personal vision to life, as Gemini 2.5 Pro turns your descriptions into working code, apps, and creative content faster than ever.
With this, and all our groundbreaking work, we’re building AI that’s more intelligent, agentic and personalised, enriching our lives, advancing the pace of scientific progress and ushering in a new age of discovery and wonder.
The JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition Wireless Headphones have been the latest cans on my ears the last few weeks and being a massive headphone fan I could not wait to test these out.
The presentation to begin with was excellent and first impressions last and one like this could leave slight hints at others as to how it is done.
Inside the box we also get a carry case which is excellent as these fold up and will keep them safe when not in use, also we get a wireless charger, yes you seen that correctly a wireless charger for you headphones which for me is great as I have adopted it all over the house and office so no more cables for me here but of course you can charge the old fashioned way if you like
The build quality is also excellent with a nice matt finish and metal frame which does not squeak or make noise when extending the arms each side and feels really premium all round.
You have the usual i/os and one button and the rest is gestures#swipes giving them a clean look with no buttons protruding from the sides and this works well with the one button being an MFB (multi-function button) quite common to day to have less buttons in general.
Moreover all these can be controlled in the JLab app which is excellent and being my first time to try it I was impressed and the level of control you get here compared others and no fixed controls which are annoying and if you purchase these do spend time on the app and go through it we have done so in the video review down below and you can also get an idea in the screenshots provided.
There is 32 mm high-fidelity dynamic drivers on deck here and these do pack a serious punch and from testing many headphones during and year these are the best so far to date I have tried, the ANC to being with is excellent and impressive with stay aware also present but do delve into ANC and see for yourself how good it is.
The audio is what you want to know about and it is glorious you also have Spatial Audio here which if you have not tested before do so and this is also now coming the norm in headphones and earbuds like ANC was when it first came out it just takes things to a new level for the audio experience.
Highs lows and mids all great all genres tested where excellent with my test tracks and with the JLab app you only enhance the full audio experience and it is one to sit back and enjoy and forget about the world outside, no lag latency no tinny sound infact all round just perfect in my book and with the EQ settings it just gets better so do check them all out. Calls also for the few I took were excellent and also
used on teams and other sites like these for chats and no issues noted either end, also you have multipoint technology on board which like many today use their laptop and phone its another great feature to have and works flawlessly.
The headphones are also comfortable to wear all day and if you need a charge do no forget the wireless charging puck you get and besides that they have up to 90 hrs battery life which is great which will vary on your personal settings and if you are in the market for new headphones these should be on the list right now and you will thank me later. See the video review below for more.
Features of the JLab Lux Edition
JLab’s Best Sounding Over-ear Headphone Ever
The Epic Lux Lab Edition’s sound is powered by 32mm high-fidelity custom dynamic drivers that provide Hi-Res audio and a frequency response of 20 – 20 kHz for users to enjoy their music in stunning clarity. Enhanced by JLab’s Lab Spatial Audio algorithm with head-tracking technology, the Epic Lux Lab Edition creates an immersive 360-degree sound experience, resulting in highly dynamic and lifelike music and content experiences.
The First JLab Headphone with Adaptive Noise Cancelation
The Epic Lux Lab edition is the first from JLab to offer Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (AANC) technology that filters through various noise frequencies in real-time and Artificial intelligence (AI) automatically reduces environmental sounds up to 35 DB. Switch to Be Aware mode to hear outside sounds when desired, which is ideal for taking phone calls that feel natural or listening to music or podcasts in situations that require heightened awareness.
Enjoy Clear Calls with Environmental Noise Cancellation
Featuring 4-cutting-edge beamforming microphones (two on each earcup), combined with JLab’s advanced environmental noise cancelling algorithm, the Epic Lux Lab Edition offers crystal clear and uninterrupted communication during phone calls. Whether you’re on a call during a busy commute or speaking outside on a windy day, the microphones ensure professional and personal calls are handled with ease, no matter the environment.
Long Playtime and Convenient Charging
Boasting over 60+ hours (ANC on) to 90+ hours (ANC off) of playtime on a single charge, the Epic Lux Lab Edition is ideal for all-day and all-week use. Unique to this model, the headphones support wireless charging and include a magnetic wireless charging pad, offering 5 hours of playtime from just 5 minutes of charging. Additionally, the built-in USB-C port provides a quick and convenient option for traditional charging.
Unmatched Comfort, Connectivity, and Control
Crafted for comfort, the headphones feature Cloud Foam™ ear cups and padded headband, ensuring that they remain comfortable even during extended wear. Their foldable design maximises portability, making them perfect for travel, fitness, and work.
The Epic Lux Lab Edition prioritises connectivity with advanced Bluetooth Multipoint Technology, allowing users to seamlessly pair and switch between two devices at once. Plus, LabShare Mode enables users to share their audio with another LUX headphone user. Additionally, built-in Google Fast Pair enables quick pairing with compatible devices, while Find My functionality allows users to always keep track of the headphones on Android devices.
Easily control your media via multiple methods on the Epic Lux Lab Edition. Swipe on the earcup to control media playback, use the dedicated buttons for quick commands, or program the tap capability to further enhance your experience. Customise these controls directly through the JLab App to personalise your listening experience.
Personalise Your Audio with the JLab App
JLab empowers users to personalise their audio experience with the JLab app, offering customisable noise cancellation and Be Aware settings, touch and swipe controls, and sound preferences. Alternatively, users can use the app to choose from preset options like JLab Signature, Balance, or Bass Boost Sound.
Technical Specifications
32mm high-fidelity custom dynamic drivers and Spatial Audio
Adaptive Noise Cancelling and Be Aware mode
90+ hours of playtime (60+ hours with ANC on)
Customisable experience via JLab App
Bluetooth multi-point
Google Fast Pair and Find My Device Functionality
Wireless Charging Pad and Built-In USB-C Charging Port
PayPal today announces the outcome of its ‘HACK for IMPACT’ initiative hosted in Dunboyne Castle in County Meath. The hackathon for startups saw PayPal support local entrepreneurship and collaborate with 10 local startups over a 24-hour period.
With the help of InnerCity Enterprise, the startups talked through their business plans and challenges, with ideas proposed by more than 30 PayPal mentors from teams across Ireland and Europe. The digital solutions workshopped during the event included website design, app creation and marketing strategies.
Having assessed the projects based on innovation, collaboration, impact, completion and presentation, the judging panel selected three winners. Treats by Sylvia, an award-winning mini cheesecake business enabled by an ecommerce website, took first place.
Mic Drop, a mobile application developed to enable networking and digital tipping for musicians in Ireland, came in second place and Vets Near Home, a home call out veterinarian services provider underpinned by an ecommerce platform with payment functionality, placed third. Eve Brassil, owner of Vets Near Home, commented: “The team have been incredible. They haven’t just developed a website but helped me future-proof my business.”
The other startups and concepts involved were:
Createnesz Virtual Solutions – A virtual assistance business hoping to develop a website booking system with payment functionality and membership area.
Oliverita – An olive oil business built on an ecommerce and inventory management platform with blockchain capabilities.
Perfect Fit Nutrition – A nutrition and wellness website and blog to offer advisory-based subscriptions.
Print Paper Press – A company specialising in creating vintage-style newspaper prints, empowered by an ecommerce platform with enhanced functionality.
Reflektor Coaching – An online booking and e-learning platform to facilitate wellness coaching.
The Mushroom Butcher – A farm-to-fork organic mushroom business supported by an ecommerce and inventory management platform.
Hug & Hold Doula support – A doula and post-partum/early childhood services provider seeking a mobile application and online booking and e-learning solution.
Speaking about the hackathon, Paul Ryan, Global Head of Risk Specialised Servicing and Ireland Site Lead, PayPal, said: “This hackathon is all about having an impact. As well as having an impact for the startups involved, in turn, they can have an impact on the wider community. From digital payments to online booking systems, this event shows the vital role that technology plays in how organisations originate and operate – and, perhaps more importantly, innovate. Through collaboration and expertise, PayPal takes pride in turning such great ideas into real outcomes.”
Evanne Kilmurray, CEO of Inner City Enterprise, added: “PayPal’s Hack for Impact is an incredible opportunity for our clients, who would gain access to professional mentorship and cutting-edge, tailored technical help designed specifically for their unique start-up business needs. I am both happy and impressed to see the innovations and collaborations that emerged from this event and how they made a meaningful difference for our community.”
The judging panel consisted of Evanne Kilmurray, CEO Inner City Enterprise; Neil McDonnel, CEO of the Irish SME Association (ISME); Luigi De Curtis, Senior Director of SMB Europe, PayPal; Paul Ryan, Global Head of Risk Specialised Servicing and Ireland Site Lead, PayPal; and Ciaran Maceochaidh, Senior Director of Global Professional Services, PayPal.
