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.

Google Pixel 9a first impressions after one week

The Google pixel 9a is one of the latest devices in my hands now and I have been testing this out for the last week and so far impressed with what you get for your money.

Each year in the Pixel cycle the a series is a phone to watch an this time round coincides with the new iPhone 16e which is not worth the money in my book.

Moving down from the 9 Pro and XL series has never been an issue over the years and with the new 9a this remains the same you are not missing a whole lot overall with what you pay for the latest device from Google and all the AI features are there if you have gotten into the love of all things AI.

The build quality this time round also is something to note, not like the Pro or XL however still good enough to make it feel more premium than before.

After loading all my apps on the new 9a from the 9 Pro it has been fine over the last weeks testing and it was a seamless switch to transfer from old to new device as always is the Pixel phones.

Below there is some camera samples including images and videos from the Hodson Bay Hotel for those who like that aspect and we also have multiple case reviews for the new Pixel 9a so do check those out too later on here and on YouTube. Also below is a walkthrough of the device and we check out what is on board and a long term review will follow later on in the year.

On the camera front everything is here again as expected Macro focus add me best take audio magic eraser reimagine and auto frame in magic editor.

Gemini is on board of course with 2.0 Deep research and Gemini Live you have also got call assist circle to search and pixel studio and also just announced camera and screen sharing to Gemini Live

Since popping my sim in last week my Pixel 9a has had no issues I have missed nothing and has worked fine with my daily tasks which would be more than the average user would use and also the battery has been great thus far with real world testing loaded with apps again which much more than average users and for me is still an excellent productivity tool.

Need cases for your pixel 9a check out some we have tried out

 

Images and Videos 

 

Ten things to know about the Google Pixel 9a

1 Magic made  simple. Meet Pixel 9a – engineered by Google with more features than you expect, for less than you think. Like Gemini built in to help supercharge your productivity and creativity.1 An incredible camera. All-day battery.2 Durable design. And seven years of updates so it keeps feeling like new.
2 Easy, amazing photography. With a 48 MP main camera and 13 MP ultrawide camera, you can take photos so amazing, you won’t believe you actually took them. For the first time on an A-Series phone, you can capture the smallest details using Macro Focus. With Add Me, you can make sure that no one is left out of a group photo – just take one photo with the group, then swap in the photographer. Pixel magically merges them together. Night Sight on Pixel 9a enables you to take amazing photos at night and even capture a short clip of the stars with Astrophotography, a first on an A-Series phone. With Real Tone, all skin tones are represented beautifully and accurately in photos and videos.
3 Magical  editing. With Pixel 9a’s editing tools, taking a photo is just the beginning. Google AI lets you create perfect group photos with Best Take, and fix blurry images with Photo Unblur. Magic Editor can automatically reframe your photo, suggest the best crop and even expand your image to get more of the scene. You can also use Reimagine in Magic Editor to give your photos a whole new vision – like adding a bed of flowers or greener grass.5 Just tap what part you want to change in the photo, and type what you want to see. And with Pixel Studio, make your own memes, stickers and whatever else you can dream up in seconds, from wherever you’re typing.6A surfing tiger, anime style? And make it a sticker? You got it.

 

4 Built to last. Pixel 9a is Google’s most  durable A-Series phone yet. With a metal frame and improved IP68 protection, it can handle water and dust.It has a new scratch-resistant Actua display. And it’s made with recycled aluminium, glass and plastic. With over 30 hours of power, the largest battery in an A-Series yet, Pixel 9a is dependable through the day.Additionally, seven years of Pixel Drops and OS and security updates makes Pixel 9a a phone you’ll love to hold on to.
5 Gemini. Your built-in AI  assistant. Gemini helps you supercharge your ideas. Press and hold the power button to start writing, planning, learning and more. Gemini can help you find info and take action across your Google apps on the go, like pulling party details from an invitation in Gmail and suggesting nearby florists in Maps. Chat with Gemini to get more info or take action on what’s on your screen. Or instead of typing, use Gemini Live and have a natural, free-flowing conversation. Gemini follows along, even if you change the topic or switch the question mid-sentence.
6 Smooth lines, durable  design. Pixel 9a has been crafted with a new streamlined camera design that looks flat-out fresh, a unique design that’s a first for the A-Series while still iconically Pixel. Inspired by nature and water droplets, the Camera Bar is slightly domed, simple and beautiful. The phone is made with recycled materials and a recycled aluminium frame to help reduce carbon impact. Even the back cover is 81% recycled plastic – plus, the packaging is 100% plastic free. And Pixel 9a comes in four colours: Iris, Peony, Porcelain and Obsidian.
7 That  new-phone  feeling every few months. With Pixel Drops, your phone keeps getting better over time, automatically for seven years. It gets brand-new features, so you don’t have to keep getting a new phone. These may include features for camera, battery, calling, AI and more.

 

8 Protects you and your  information. Pixel 9a is designed for your peace of mind. It helps protect you from spam, scams and other threats, and also looks out for your safety. Pixel is built with safety features that help you prepare and react in an emergency. It can quickly call emergency services and share accurate location info so they know where to send help. You even have protection if your phone is in the wrong hands. If suspicious activity is detected, Pixel automatically locks to give you peace of mind that your sensitive information will stay private.
9 Built to  protect.  Beautifully. Made specifically for Pixel 9a, the ultra-smooth Pixel 9a Case sits perfectly along the streamlined camera design. Match it precisely to the hue of your phone, or mix things up. The case is designed together with the phone for seamless charging, clear audio and uninterrupted calls. And it’s made with at least 40% recycled plastic.
10 Get more with Pixel 9a. It’s easy to switch to Pixel, and it comes with the best of Google. Pixel 9a includes three months of Google One,20three months of YouTube Premium21 and six months of Fitbit Premium22to help you get the most out of your new phone. Google One keeps your photos and files safe with 100 GB of storage and automatic phone backup. With YouTube Premium, you can enjoy YouTube videos and music without ads, and offline. And give your motivation a healthy boost with six months of Fitbit Premium wellness content, including workouts, mindfulness sessions, healthy recipes and more.

 

See our Pixel reviews 

BUY 

First look and unboxing video

Bank of Ireland begins rollout of c.650 new ATMs as part of €60m investment in branch network

Bank of Ireland has begun the replacement of its entire ATM fleet as part of a €60 million investment in ATMs and branch improvements.

14 new ATMs have already been installed at Bank of Ireland’s branches in Roscommon town, Drumcondra, Castlebar, and Roscrea with c.150 more to follow (at over 40 locations) this year.

A rolling programme of works between now and the end of 2027 will see c.650 state-of-the-art ATMs installed in all Bank of Ireland branches across the island of Ireland, the Bank’s largest single investment in ATMs in the last decade.

The new ATM fleet has greater cash processing capacity and will slash energy use by more than half. The ATMs can be used for both withdrawals and lodgements and the majority will ‘recycle’ cash (i.e. cash deposited can be used for withdrawals). This maximises ATM availability, supporting customers with better access to cash when they need it. The investment also covers five years of servicing and maintenance.

To support customers with visual impairment, all the new devices have high-contrast screens and give customers the option of plugging into an earphone socket so they can be guided through their transaction by voice assistance.

Commenting on the investment in branches and ATMs, Susan Russell, CEO, Bank of Ireland Retail Ireland said: “As a full-service retail bank with a presence right across the island of Ireland, we are committed to continually improving our services and our customers’ financial wellbeing. This means investing purposefully in branches, contact centres, technology, ATMs and other infrastructure to ensure we have the most modern and efficient banking services available.

Our new ATMs have greater cash processing capacity, are more energy efficient, and have additional accessibility features. Renewing the entire fleet is a major investment but it will enhance our customers’ access to cash. We are excited to see the first new ATMs now installed and we’re pressing ahead with the rollout to the rest of our branches.”

Why You Should Try 10 Minute Gaming Boosts Every Day

Did you know that gaming can actually be quite good for you? Everything in moderation of course, especially when it comes to screens, but yes! There’s quite a few things that some regular gaming time can do for you, and all you need is 10 or so minutes each day to benefit from them. 

So why not try having a 10 minute gaming boost once a day for the next week or so and see what it can do for you? You might find that the benefits below creep into your days and make them all the richer.

Gaming is a Lot of Fun

Pure and simple, gaming is fun. No matter the kind of games you like to play, which could be rounds of freecell and sudoku on your phone, or playing FPS shooters in multiplayer mode, you’re going to have some fun! Pop a 10 minute gaming break in the middle of the day and the day itself is likely to feel like less of a drag. 

And if you’re not a serious gamer who likes to indulge for hours every week, these 10 minute gaming boost breaks could bring more enjoyment into your usual schedule. If you’re on a 9 to 5, and your work breaks don’t quite lift the low energy the workday leaves you with, load up a game and play it for this short while.

Gaming Can Help Blow Off Steam

Feeling a bit frustrated? Feeling like you’re at boiling point and could bubble over? Remove yourself from the situation, first of all, and then think about loading up a game you like.

Gaming is great for blowing off steam when you really need to lessen the pressure. Stress can quite easily crush you even during the course of a fairly normal day, and it’s good to find efficient and healthy outlets for it. 

Using a game for this purpose is quite a quick method for taking stress off your plate, and when you’re working, 10 minutes is sometimes all you have spare! 

Gaming Allows You to ‘Reset’

Had a pretty bad morning and need a 15 minute break to yourself? Spend some time gaming during it. Doing so could help you to ‘reset’ your mood, as well as clear the cotton wool that feels like it’s clogging up your brain. 

Playing a game can help to reduce the noise going on in your head, as well as give you something else to focus on for a few minutes, and sometimes that’s all you need to get back into the head space you need for the rest of the day. 

Plus, gaming is quite easy to access, and like we said above, it’s fun! It could even feed into mindfulness techniques that help you to feel grounded and present in the moment. 

A 10 minute gaming boost once a day could help you in various ways, and especially in those above. Take a break, blow off steam, and have some fun.

What Is Proxy Ping and Why It Matters for Your Online Experience

Ever wondered why some websites feel lightning-fast while others seem to crawl? One key factor behind this inconsistency is something called proxy ping. Think of it as the heartbeat of your internet connection. Just like a doctor checks your pulse to gauge your health, ping measures the speed and stability of data travel between your device and a server – especially when you’re connected through a proxy.

When using proxies for tasks like SEO scraping, gaming, or market research, every millisecond counts. A high ping can feel like a sluggish queue in a coffee shop, while a low ping is like being served instantly. It directly affects how fast your requests are processed, which is why professionals pay close attention to it. If your proxy has a slow ping, it could be the hidden culprit behind delayed performance, failed requests, or timeouts.

The Science Behind Proxy Ping – Measuring Latency

Let’s break this down without getting too technical. Ping refers to the time it takes for a data packet to travel from your device to a proxy server and back. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms), and just like in a sprint race, lower numbers mean better performance.

Now, when you involve a proxy, an additional leg is added to that journey. The data first travels to the proxy server before reaching the target site. This added layer introduces a new variable – the proxy ping. So while proxies can offer many benefits like privacy, performance is heavily influenced by how responsive they are.

Imagine ordering a pizza. You call the restaurant (your device sends a request), they confirm the order (the proxy responds), and finally, the pizza gets delivered (your data arrives). If the call takes too long to connect or gets dropped, your dinner plans are ruined. Same logic applies with proxy ping – it has to be snappy and stable.

What Affects Proxy Ping – The Usual Suspects

Not all proxies are created equal. Several factors influence how fast or slow your proxy ping will be:

  • Geographical distance – The farther the server, the higher the ping. If you’re in New York using a proxy in Singapore, expect some noticeable lag.
  • Server quality – Low-quality servers may be overcrowded or poorly maintained, increasing ping times.
  • Bandwidth and load – If a proxy server is overloaded with requests, it will respond slower. Just like traffic on a highway, more congestion equals slower movement.
  • Internet connection – Sometimes, the issue isn’t the proxy at all but your own network stability or speed.

Choosing a reliable, well-optimized proxy provider is like selecting a premium courier over standard mail – you’re ensuring your digital “parcels” arrive faster and more securely.

How to Check Proxy Ping – Simple Tools, Real Impact

So, how do you actually measure proxy ping? You don’t need to be a network engineer to get this done. There are simple tools like ping, tracert, or even built-in proxy checkers that give you a clear snapshot of latency.

For a more detailed guide, you can read this post that walks you through step-by-step instructions and tools to use. Whether you’re testing residential proxies, data center proxies, or mobile proxies, knowing their ping gives you the power to make smarter choices.

If the results show high ping or inconsistent responses, it might be time to switch to a more stable provider or choose proxies that are physically closer to your location. Even a few milliseconds can mean the difference between seamless automation and frustrating delays.

Why Proxy Ping Matters – Especially for Power Users

Let’s say you’re running hundreds of threads for data scraping, managing social media bots, or automating sneaker checkouts. Each task depends on multiple successful requests per second. A high proxy ping can create a bottleneck, slowing everything down and possibly getting your IPs blocked due to unnatural delays.

Gamers and streamers also experience the impact. Lag, buffering, or disconnections often point back to poor ping performance. Proxy ping isn’t just a number – it’s a performance metric that reflects real-world usability.

Think of it like the speedometer in your car. Sure, your car runs, but how fast and smooth the ride feels depends on what the speedometer tells you. Likewise, proxy ping tells you whether your connection is sprinting or staggering.

Reducing Proxy Ping – Smart Moves for Speed Seekers

So what can you do if your proxy ping is holding you back? Here are a few tried-and-tested strategies:

  • Pick proxy servers close to your physical location to minimize distance-based latency.
  • Avoid free or low-quality proxies – these often have slower response times due to overcrowding.
  • Monitor ping regularly – even premium proxies can degrade over time.
  • Use fewer simultaneous threads if your ping spikes during high load.

You don’t need a PhD in networking to improve proxy performance. Just a little awareness and the right provider can make all the difference.

Final Thoughts – Ping Isn’t Everything, But It’s a Lot

In the world of proxies, ping acts like a performance thermometer. It might not tell you everything about your server quality, but it offers a critical first insight. Whether you’re scraping data, automating workflows, or simply optimizing online speed, checking and understanding your proxy ping is like knowing your car’s fuel level – it keeps you moving efficiently.

If you care about speed, responsiveness, and reliability, then proxy ping is something you should never ignore. Because in the digital world, every millisecond counts – and your success might just depend on it.

FUJIFILM instax mini 41 instant camera first look

The FUJIFILM instax mini 41 instant camera is in for review and as big fans of the brand we look forward to testing the latest on offer.

This one is on the more compact side for taking out on your trips away or night out and looks really well with the two tone finish and has plenty of features on board to keep you entertained and get snapping.

The mini 41 is battery powered and you do get batteries in the box which is good to see and you are good to go once inserted and turned on with the correct film of course.

We will be testing this out over the next few weeks so if you have any questions feel free to ask any questions on our socials and our YouTube channel and we will gladly answer as always.

Stay tuned for more and check out more instax reviews below and the walkthrough of the all new mini 41

Key mini 41 features include:

Automatic Exposure functionality

The Automatic Exposure function automatically senses the level of ambient light when the shutter button is pressed, optimizing the shutter speed and flash output according to the scene. It allows users to produce high-quality photo prints on-the-spot in a variety of interior or exterior environments.

Close-up Mode with Parallax Correction

The mini 41’s close-up mode features Parallax Correction, which helps center close-up images (including selfies) by adjusting the position of the ‘focus’ mark to the lower left of the frame.

Updated, easily portable design

Building off the classic design elements of its predecessor, the textured, tactile body of mini 41 provides secure, ergonomic grip, and the subtle metallic-like finish and orange color accents add unique design elements to the camera body.

Pricing and Availability:

The instax mini 41™ joins a fun and versatile lineup of instax™ instant cameras and smartphone printers. Fujifilm’s instax mini 41™ instant camera will be available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of €110.00 (inc, VAT).  It will be expected to be available for purchase from 17th April 2025 at FUJIFILM retailers nationwide.

For more product information, visit https://www.instax.ie/cameras/mini-41/

See our FUJIFIM reviews 

Unboxing and first look

Mining’s Secret Weapon: Geospatial Technology

Mining has long been a cornerstone of industrial progress, providing the raw materials necessary for construction, manufacturing, and technological innovation. However, the process of extracting valuable minerals from the earth is complex and fraught with challenges.

From locating deposits deep underground to ensuring worker safety and minimizing environmental impact, mining operations require precision and careful planning. Increasingly, the industry is turning to geospatial technology as a secret weapon that transforms these challenges into manageable tasks. Tools like the survey GPS receiver are leading the way, offering mining companies the accuracy and efficiency needed to thrive in a competitive market.

The use of geospatial technology in mining goes beyond simple mapping. It involves integrating data from satellites, drones, and ground-based sensors to create a comprehensive view of mining sites. This technology helps companies streamline operations, improve safety standards, and reduce environmental footprints. As the industry moves towards more sustainable and efficient practices, geospatial tools are proving to be not just beneficial but essential.

Digging Deeper: Precision in Exploration and Resource Estimation

One of the earliest stages of any mining project is exploration—identifying areas with rich mineral deposits. Traditionally, this phase relied heavily on geological surveys, sampling, and sometimes a bit of luck. However, geospatial technology has introduced a level of precision that drastically reduces uncertainty and increases the likelihood of successful discoveries.

A survey GPS receiver, for example, can pinpoint exact locations during exploration, helping geologists accurately map geological features and identify promising areas. When combined with remote sensing technology, such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or satellite imagery, GPS receivers provide high-resolution data that can reveal subtle changes in the terrain indicative of mineral deposits. This precision allows exploration teams to target their drilling efforts more effectively, saving both time and resources.

Additionally, advanced geospatial tools enable mining companies to create 3D models of underground formations. These models offer a detailed view of the mineral veins’ size, shape, and direction, helping companies estimate the volume of extractable resources more accurately. This not only improves the economic viability of mining projects but also supports better financial planning and risk management.

Enhancing Safety: Real-Time Monitoring and Hazard Prevention

Mining is not without its dangers. The risks of cave-ins, equipment failures, and hazardous gas leaks make safety a top priority. Geospatial technology enhances safety by providing real-time data and predictive insights that allow companies to manage risks proactively.

By using survey GPS receivers and integrated sensor networks, mining operations can monitor ground stability and detect early warning signs of potential hazards. For instance, in open-pit mines, geospatial data can track changes in the slope angles of pit walls, alerting engineers to possible landslides. In underground mines, sensors can measure air quality and structural integrity, helping to ensure that working conditions remain safe.

Geospatial technology also improves emergency response. In the event of an accident, accurate location data helps rescue teams navigate complex underground tunnels quickly and efficiently. Drones equipped with geospatial sensors can enter hazardous areas where it might be too dangerous for humans, providing critical information without putting lives at risk. This technology not only improves safety outcomes but also enhances the industry’s ability to respond effectively to unforeseen events.

Boosting Efficiency: Streamlining Operations with Data-Driven Insights

Efficiency is a critical factor in mining, where operational costs can be significant, and market pressures demand optimized performance. Geospatial technology supports efficiency by offering mining companies a clear, data-driven view of their operations. From fleet management to resource allocation, every aspect of a mining project can benefit from geospatial insights.

In surface mining, for example, GPS technology is used to guide autonomous vehicles and equipment. This automation reduces human error, improves precision, and allows operations to continue around the clock with minimal downtime. Survey GPS receivers play a key role by ensuring that machinery follows precise routes, whether it is digging, transporting ore, or rehabilitating the site after extraction.

For underground mining, where operations are often more complex, geospatial technology assists in planning the layout of tunnels and ventilation systems. By using 3D models of underground structures, engineers can design routes that maximize resource extraction while maintaining safety and structural stability. This planning minimizes unnecessary excavation and reduces energy consumption, contributing to both cost savings and environmental sustainability.

Geospatial data also aids in tracking the progress of mining operations. By comparing current data with project plans, managers can assess whether work is on schedule and identify potential delays before they become costly problems. This proactive approach helps companies maintain productivity and meet project deadlines, a crucial advantage in an industry where time is often as valuable as the minerals being extracted.

A Greener Approach: Reducing Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of mining has long been a topic of concern. Extracting resources from the earth inevitably disturbs natural ecosystems, but geospatial technology is helping to mitigate these effects by enabling more sustainable practices.

Before any extraction begins, geospatial data helps assess the environmental baseline of a site. This assessment includes mapping natural features, analyzing wildlife habitats, and identifying water sources. During the operational phase, monitoring systems track the effects of mining activities on the environment in real-time, allowing companies to adapt their methods to reduce harm. For example, geospatial technology can help manage water usage by monitoring groundwater levels and predicting the impact of excavation on local water supplies.

Rehabilitation is another area where geospatial technology shines. After mining operations conclude, companies are often required to restore the site to its natural state or repurpose it for new uses. High-precision mapping ensures that rehabilitation efforts align with environmental goals, whether it involves replanting native vegetation, filling pits, or reshaping the landscape to prevent erosion.

In addition, regulatory compliance is a significant part of modern mining. Governments around the world are tightening environmental regulations, and companies must demonstrate that they are operating responsibly. Geospatial technology provides the data needed to prove compliance, offering transparency to both regulators and the public. This capability not only helps companies avoid fines and legal challenges but also enhances their reputation as responsible stewards of natural resources.

The Future of Mining: Integrating Innovation with Tradition

As technology continues to advance, the role of geospatial tools in mining will likely expand further. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are poised to integrate with geospatial data, offering predictive analytics that could transform exploration and operational efficiency. For example, AI algorithms could analyze geological data to predict new mineral deposits or optimize the placement of mining equipment for maximum productivity.

Autonomous mining operations, already in use in some areas, will become more sophisticated with the integration of geospatial data. Self-driving trucks, automated drilling systems, and robotic surveyors will reduce the need for human workers in hazardous environments, improving safety and productivity. Additionally, satellite-based monitoring will provide global visibility over mining activities, supporting better management of remote or difficult-to-access sites.

For the mining industry, embracing geospatial technology is not just about adopting new tools—it’s about reimagining how resources are extracted, processed, and managed. By leveraging data-driven insights, mining companies can enhance profitability while reducing their environmental footprint, ensuring that the benefits of mining are realized responsibly and sustainably.

Axelspace to Launch Seven Next-Generation Earth Observation Microsatellites

Axelspace Corporation (“Axelspace”), which designs, manufactures and operates microsatellites, and conducts business to promote a society where space is accessible to people around the world, today announced plans to launch seven next-generation Earth observation microsatellites, “GRUS-3,” in 2026. This will expand the company’s microsatellite constellation to include more than ten satellites, enabling observation of broader areas with increased frequency.

Axelspace aims to meet growing demand across a wide range of fields, including environmental protection, financial product development, and real estate management, in addition to precision agriculture, forest monitoring, and map creation, to promote use of Earth observation data.

GRUS-3 will build upon Axelspace’s existing constellation of five microsatellites, “GRUS-1,” which provides services to government agencies and private companies in more than 30 countries worldwide.

The seven GRUS-3 microsatellites will capture images of the Earth’s surface at the same location and nearly the same time every day for locations north of 25 degrees latitude, under stable sunlight conditions year-round from a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 585 km. Each satellite has an effective swath of 28.3 km and a maximum capture length of 1,356km. With a combined daily capture capacity of 2.3 million km² across seven satellites, and our unique tasking capabilities that enables targeted area imaging, Axelspace supports timely information gathering and decision-making.

GRUS-3 satellites feature a spatial resolution (GSD) of 2.2 meters. In addition to capturing visible light, these are equipped with sensors capable of monitoring plant growth conditions, coastal seaweed beds and landscape.

Yuya Nakamura, President and CEO of Axelspace Corporation, said, “With the launch of seven GRUS-3 microsatellites, we will be able to observe a wider area more frequently than ever before. By adopting new observation equipment, the image quality will be improved compared to GRUS-1. We will provide enhanced services to our existing customers and continue developing solutions to meet emerging needs, further expanding the use of space.”

Axelspace also plans to launch a microsatellite “GRUS-3α” no earlier than June 2025 to verify the performance of the versatile satellite platform, a standardized platform for satellite function and structure across diverse missions, and the telescope used in GRUS-3.

About GRUS-3

Number of satellites: 7

Name: GRUS-3A/3B/3C/3D/3E/3F/3G

Satellite wet mass: Approximately 150kgSatellite envelope: 96cm x 78cm x 126cm

Spatial resolution: 2.2m

Effective swath: 28.3km

Maximum capture length: 1,356km

Band: Panchromatic, Coastal Blue, Blue, Green, Red, Red edge, Near infrared

Orbit altitude: 585km

Orbit type: Sun-synchronous

 

About GRUS-3α

Name: GRUS-3α

Satellite wet mass: Approximately 150kg

Satellite envelope: 96cm x 78cm x 126cm

Orbit altitude: 585km

Orbit type: Sun-synchronous

 

Launch details for GRUS-3α

Date: No earlier than June 2025

Site: Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA

Vehicle: Falcon 9

Mission: Transporter-14

Launch Provider: SpaceX

 

To host the missions of GRUS-3 and GRUS-3α, Axelspace’s General-purpose (Versatile) satellite bus is based on results obtained from the following projects subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). 

Development and Demonstration of General-Purpose CubeSat and Microsatellite Buses (FY2023- 2026)

*This project is implemented by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry from FY2021 to FY2022

 

About GRUS

GRUS is a series of optical Earth observation microsatellites, each weighing 100 kg-class, developed for Axelspace’s Earth observation business, AxelGlobe. The first satellite of GRUS-1 was launched in December 2018, followed by 4 satellites in March 2021, bringing the current total to five satellites in orbit. The name “GRUS” comes from the constellation Grus to symbolize the way satellites orbit the Earth like a flock of cranes.

 

About Axelspace

With the vision of “Space within Your Reach,” we have been pioneering the development of microsatellites since our founding in 2008. We have two businesses: AxelLiner, where we develop and operate microsatellites for customers’ space missions, and AxelGlobe, where we provide Earth observation data through our proprietary optical satellite constellation. Leveraging our unique technology in microsatellite design, manufacturing, and in-orbit operations, we offer solutions to meet the needs in a variety of industries. Through these businesses, we aim to create a society where space is accessible to people around the world.

 

Axelspace Corporation Profile

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan

President and CEO: Yuya Nakamura

Founded: August 2008

https://www.axelspace.com/en/

PanPan Kids Smartwatch Review It is simple to use.

The PanPan Kids Smartwatch is a simple effective product to keep track of your child or even elder with no fuss or hard things to learn based on your personal set up the key USP for me here is simplicity which is what we all want and this compared to other kids watches is the simplest form you can ask for.

The watch itself is robust and has just one button on the left allowing you to turn on/ off get your heart rate and steps, make an emergency call and receive one you also have the date and time battery level and signal level on the homescreen.

The product comes with an app the parent will use and it works on both Android and iOS which we tested on both to see if there is any differences which there is none.

The app works well giving constant location data and the historical location of your child’s whereabouts and keeps track of calls and other data you have signed up for like 24/7 monitoring geofencing and so on

The PanPan kids watch keeps track of your child fitness which is also hand built in here and allows you to watch for anomalies.

Call quality is quite good as you will see in the video review down below and overall this is one of the simplest kids smartwatches yet to date I have tested and simple works for more people compared to other watches we have in here for review which requires adding APNs and all that kind stuff which can be cumbersome for many.

 

The App – with functions requested 

 

Key Benefits for Parents
  • Privacy-Focused – No camera or recording functions, ensuring safety at school and compliance with GDPR.
  • Affordable and Convenient – Provides essential connectivity without the distractions or risks of a smartphone.
  • SOS and Two-Way Calling – Instant connection between child and parent at any time.
  • Real-Time Location Tracking – GPS location accessible through the app.
  • Geo-Fencing Alerts – Parents can set safe zones and receive notifications when their child moves beyond them.
  • Activity Monitoring – Built-in pedometer promotes movement and healthy habits.
  • Durable & Kid-Friendly Design – Comfortable, customisable straps and available in fun colours.
  • Optional 24/7 Monitoring Support – Additional security for families (available at an extra cost per month).

Video Review

Other SmartWatch Reviews 

Buy 

New Online Safety Monitor Provides Recommendations to make the Online World Safer for Children and Young People

The first Online Safety Monitor was launched today at an online safety conference hosted by the Children’s Rights Alliance. The conference featured addresses from Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan and David D’Arcy, Digital Services Act Officer for Ireland at the European Commission office in Dublin. At a crunch point with new regulation of online platforms, the Online Safety Monitor provides a baseline analysis of the protections in place and the areas where children in Ireland remain vulnerable online.

“If laws and regulations fail to keep pace with the digital world, it is children and young people who pay the price. Failing to have adequate protections online creates space for predators to hide,” said Noeline Blackwell, Online Safety Coordinator with the Children’s Rights Alliance.

The Online Safety Monitor marks a unique and comprehensive analysis of the current state of children’s online rights; outlining key recommendations across three thematic areas in a single document and laying the groundwork for ongoing monitoring as these rights continue to evolve.

The Online Safety Monitor calls on the Government to:

  • Establish an effective and accessible Public Individual Complaints Mechanism where complaints made by children or involving a child are given priority

 

  • Strengthen oversight of platform compliance with the Digital Services Act to ensure accountability mechanisms are effective and child-centred, and include safety-by-design, transparency, privacy and algorithms

 

  • Lead reform of EU Laws that combat the production, hosting, access and use of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and ensure these laws properly address grooming, encryption, detection and secure storage of both new and existing CSAM

 

  • Introduce targeted initiatives to raise awareness and increase understanding of online harms to children, focusing on child sexual abuse, CSAM, grooming, and sexual exploitation.

Ms. Blackwell continued:

“As we launch the Online Safety Monitor today, several platforms are under investigations in several jurisdictions because of the harms that occurred on their sites. We cannot trust platforms to decide and design their own safety rules for children. These platforms are inherently risky in their set-up, favouring profit over protection. While there have been significant strides in recent years to end this era of self-regulation, there are gaps that ultimately put children at risk.

In Ireland, there is huge public appetite for the Government to stand up to big tech and they have made a start. We have a new law, the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, a dedicated Online Safety Commissioner and the introduction of legally binding Online Safety Codes. However, children are still being subjected to unnecessary levels of online harm.

The Online Safety Codes offer the first real chance to ensure there are significant consequences for platforms doing too little to safeguard children but in their current form, they give too much scope to platforms to determine their own safety standards. The recommender algorithms these companies designed that feed children harmful content are not included. On top of that, children and young people are still waiting for an accessible individual complaints mechanism that they can turn to when they do experience harms online. Leaving children and their families lost in a maze of complex and inconsistent reporting processes for every site they engage with.”

The Online Safety Monitor places a particular focus on the growing threat of online Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), calling for national and EU action to crackdown on the proliferation of this material.

Ms Blackwell concluded:

“The horrifying reality of an unregulated internet is children are left exposed online to the worst crimes and content you can imagine. Last year, it was estimated that over 300 million children globally were victims of online sexual exploitation. That is 10 cases every second. We have reached a grim milestone, and yet, EU regulation to address this has stalled.

Predators hide behind blind spots that current laws fail to acknowledge sufficiently, and online platforms ignore entirely, and all the while the industry profits rise. Reports of child sexual abuse material in Ireland have skyrocketed in recent years, with Hotline.ie receiving over 29,000 reports in 2023 – the highest number in its history. What should be enjoyable activities, such as chatting with friends online or playing video games, can open the door to some of the worst offences.

Online predators are skilled at identifying young internet users and are ready to exploit them, leading to children being exposed to, or in many cases, sharing their own, explicit content. Just a few minutes online at the wrong time, can have lasting impacts on children and young people beyond the screen including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and struggles with trust and self-esteem.

Despite occurring behind a screen, this is not a victimless crime, and it is not one that will disappear with a power off button. It is essential that our new Government make this an absolute priority and push for stronger EU laws and more effective ways to detect, remove, and prevent this content which has irreversible effects on countless children every minute.

There would be outrage if harms online happened offline, in our communities. Our government must step up to ensure our regulation is as robust and child-centred as possible, and that are significant penalties for platforms if they fail to comply. The online world is being shaped by digital technologies that are developing at a rapid rate. We cannot afford to wait and see what may happen if we don’t take action immediately.”

  • The Online Safety Monitor is available here.