Zens expands Apple partnership with two new wireless chargers

Zens, the market leader in wireless chargers, proudly announces the expansion of its partnership with Apple. Starting today, two innovative wireless chargers, the Zens Quattro Charger Pro 4 and the Zens 4-1 Wireless Charger, are available in white/silver through Apple. Following the launch of the Modular in November 2022, Apple is now adding two new Zens chargers to its lineup, both online and in stores worldwide. This expansion underscores the mutual trust and shared vision of delivering premium, stylish charging technology.

 

With these new products, Zens provides a charging experience that seamlessly aligns with the Apple ecosystem and mirrors Apple users’ design standards. “We’re extremely proud to be the only Dutch brand collaborating with Apple,” says Johan Plasmans, CEO of Zens. “Apple has challenged us from the outset to deliver stylish, innovative charging solutions that make daily life easier. This partnership strengthens our shared mission to combine design, usability, and technology in an elegant way.”

Design and convenience combined
The Quattro Charger Pro 4 and the 4-1 Wireless Charger merge innovative functionality with a sleek design that fits into any space. The Quattro is unique: no other charger on the market can wirelessly charge four iPhones (or AirPods) simultaneously, making it ideal for households with multiple devices. The 4-1 Wireless Charger provides a minimalist, organised solution as a permanent charging point in the home, eliminating cable clutter.

 

Key features of Zens 4-1 Wireless Charger
149.99 USD | Color: White/Silver | Available now

 

  • Qi2-certified charger with Apple Watch Fast Charge.
  • Charge everything together: iPhone, AirPods, iPad/MacBook and Apple Watch.
  • Minimalist and organised solution: one sleek station, no cable clutter.
  • Premium materials: made from high-grade zinc/alloy.
  • Supports Apple StandBy Mode.

Key features of Zens Quattro Charger Pro 4
149.99 USD | Color: White/Silver and Black | Available now

  • 4x Qi2 wireless charging: fast, efficient 15W power per device.
  • Charge 4 devices simultaneously: 35% charge in 30 minutes for each phone.
  • Clutter-free design: no extra cables needed.
  • Premium materials: made from high-grade zinc/alloy.
  • Universal compatibility: works with MagSafe, Qi2 and Qi devices.

The Quattro Charger Pro 4 and 4-1 Wireless Charger are now available via zens.tech, Apple.com, and in Apple retail stores worldwide.

See our zens reviews

Irish fintech increased almost 300% in 2024

2024 was a positive year for the Irish fintech market, with funding reaching $237.95 million across 25 deals; this was a significant increase (291%) compared to last year were $60.83 million was raised across 11 deals, according to the Pulse of FinTech H2’24—a bi-annual report published by KPMG highlighting global fintech investment trends.

The data includes the $109 million buyout of Dublin-based software company SoftCo by Keensight Capital, making it the largest fintech deal in Ireland in 2024. Other notable deals for the period were ones by mobile payment platform CleverCards and CreditLogic, a Dublin-based fintech both raising just over $8.6 million and $3.7 million respectively.

But fintech levels in Ireland was an outlier. Global investment dropped from $119.8 billion across 5,382 deals in 2023 to a seven-year low of $95.6 billion across 4,639 deals in 2024. A perfect storm of factors combined to soften investor appetite, including macroeconomic challenges, geopolitical conflicts and tensions, a year of elections in major jurisdictions, and concerns about valuations and the lack of exits.

Fintech investment in EMEA region sinks to $20.3 billion—lowest total since 2016

Fintech investment in the EMEA region fell from $27.6 billion across 1,833 deals in 2023 to just $20.3 billion across 1,465 deals in 2024. H2’24 also saw a significant drop compared to H1’24—from $13 billion across 820 deals to just $7.3 billion across 645 deals.

Irish fintech ecosystem shows resilience

Commenting on fintech activity in Ireland during 2024, Ian Nelson, Head of Financial Services & Regulatory at KPMG in Ireland, said: “The Irish fintech sector’s remarkable growth in 2024, with a staggering 291% increase in investment to $237.95 million, underscores its resilience and potential. Despite global investment falling to a seven-year low, Ireland’s innovative spirit and robust ecosystem have set it apart as a beacon of progress in a challenging economic landscape.”

Nelson adds“Early-stage deals are thriving, driven by interest in AI and innovative business modelsThis growth is even more impressive given the macroeconomic challenges, geopolitical conflicts, and election uncertainties that have dampened investor appetite globally, and a testament to the strength and adaptability of our fintech ecosystem.”

Focussing on H2’24, Ireland’s fintech sector recorded $97.15 million in M&A, venture capital and private equity transactions across five deals. This reflects a significant increase from the $1.61 million for the same period last year.

Global Highlights 2024 

  • Global fintech investment fell from $119.8 billion across 5,382 deals in 2023 to $95.6 billion across 4,639 deals in 2024.
  • The Americas attracted $63.8 billion in fintech investment across 2,267 deals in 2024, of which the US accounted for $50.7 billion across 1,836 deals; the EMEA region attracted $20.3 billion across 1,4645 deals, while the ASPAC region attracted $11.2 billion across 896 deals.
  • Global M&A deal value fell from $60.2 billion to $49.6 billion between 2023 and 2024; while H2’24 was softer than H1’24, M&A deal value rose from $7.4 billion to $14.2 billion between Q3’24 and Q4’24.
  • PE investment declined significantly, falling from $10.5 billion in 2023 to just $2.6 billion in 2024, while VC investment saw a modest drop from $49.2 billion in 2023 to $43.4 billion in 2024.
  • Payments was the strongest area of fintech investment globally in 2024, with $31 billion in investment compared to just $17.2 billion in 2023; other sectors that saw investment rise year-over-year included digital assets and currencies —from $8.7 billion to $9.1 billion, regtech—from $4.4 billion to $7.4 billion, proptech—from $1.9 billion to $3 billion, and wealthtech—from $190 million to $400 million.
  • Corporate VC-participating investment globally fell from $26 .9 billion in 2023 to $19.6 billion in 2024; only the EMEA region saw corporate investment in VC deals rise—from $5.1 billion to $5.8 billion year-over-year. The Americas saw CVC drop from $13.8 billion to $9.9 billion, while ASPAC saw CVC investment drop from $8.0 billion to $3.9 billion.

EMEA Trends to watch for in H1’25

  • Continued investment in regtech given the ongoing evolution of regulations and the complexities associated with compliance.
  • Growing interest in the development of AI agents able to act independently, particularly in areas like AML and financial crime detection.
  • Increasing regulatory burden acting as a potential driver for consolidation.
  • Continued focus on secondary transactions given subdued IPO environment
  • Further development of the digital euro and its ecosystem changing the game for investment, use case development, and the enhancement of an ISV ecosystem.

Report

Cell Phone Troubles? Your Go-To Guide for iPhone Repair

Phone repairs might seem to be very simple, but they require a great deal of skill, patience, and attention to detail. If you are planning to get your phone repaired, you can improve the success rate with the right information and guidance. Opting for DIY repairs might not always lead to success. Therefore, it is better to contact professionals who are familiar with the intricacies of your phone and make sure the repairs go smoothly. In this article, we will learn common iPhone issues and tips to get them fixed.

Common Issues Associated with iPhone

Before you learn about some iPhone repair tips, have a look at these common iPhone problems you might have to deal with:

  • Motherboard

Water damage, overheating, and other factors can lead to problems with the motherboard. The problems can range from glitchy performance to total failure.

  • Screen

Your mobile phone screen can crack and shatter. Dead pixels are another problem. Similarly, screen damage can reduce visibility and touch responsiveness.

  • Battery

Over time, the phone’s batteries can degrade and their lifespan becomes shorter. Reduction in capacity, overheating, swelling, or unforeseen drops in battery life can cause problems.

  • Cameras

Camera issues include focus problems, blurred images, or issues in taking photos. Dust and debris can affect your mobile phone camera lens. Some software glitches can impact camera functionality too.

How to Repair Common iPhone Issues

Here is how you can repair some common iPhone issues:

  • Screen Repair

Follow these steps for repairing a broken or damaged phone screen. You can fix it using screwdrivers, a replacement screen, and plastic picks. Safely power off your phone and disassemble it to remove the broken screen. Remove the old screen and replace it with a new one. Now, assemble the phone and make sure that all factors are rightly secured. Power on the phone and test the new display screen’s functionality. Although you can replace the phone screen on your own, it is better to seek professional assistance for iPhone screen repair as it requires skill and practice. 

  • Battery Replacement

For replacing your iPhone’s old battery, power it off and remove the screen. Now precisely remove the battery and fit a new one. Make sure the battery is properly connected to your phone. Reattach the screen and switch on your iPhone. Monitor battery performance to determine whether it is performing correctly or not. 

  • Fixing Water Damage

If your phone has been damaged due to exposure to liquid, you can fix it by using simple steps. Power off your phone immediately and remove its battery if possible. Disassemble the phone to expose its elements. Dry all the elements of your phone using silica gel or a fur-free cloth. Once enough time has passed for the components to dry completely, reassemble your phone and power it on to check its functionality. Alternatively, get your phone checked by professionals to make sure it is fully functional and no internal components have been damaged.

  • Resolving Software Issues

For addressing software issues, you can try resetting the phone to its factory settings. However, the best way to get software problems resolved is to contact professional iPhone repair experts. They fix your phone by streamlining your operating system or using technical software tools. 

Tips for Smooth Phone Repairs

Follow these tips and tricks to ensure smooth repairs:

  • Disassemble Properly

Understand the structure of your phone before attempting any repairs. Consult repair guides from official sources to get detailed insights into the internal layout of your phone, regardless of its model. Know the location of each component in your phone and learn how they fit together to avoid causing additional damage during disassembly.

  • Avoid Long Screw Damage

The motherboard of a cell phone is a complicated structure comprising many layers and numerous power lines. Using the wrong screw can cause irreversible damage to your iPhone’s motherboard and other components. You can avoid this by organizing your screws cautiously using a magnetic screw mat. It helps to keep track of different screws and prevents confusion. 

  • Avoid using Short Killer

A short killer is a tool used for detecting short circuits. Although it is a quick solution, it carries significant risk of damage. High current output can further damage the motherboard if not applied correctly. If you want to identify short circuits in your phone, consider using a safer method that involves using a DC power supply to apply controlled current and identifying the shorted components using a thermal imager or rosin inspection method. 

  • Handle Water Damage Carefully

Some iPhone technicians recommend using an ultrasonic cleaning machine for the water-damaged phones. However, this problem can worsen sometimes due to the machine’s high vibration frequencies. Instead, you can use a soft brush and a PCB cleaner to clean the motherboard. It is a gentle and safer method that reduces the risk of dislodging components or causing poor solder joints. 

  • Prepare Your Workspace

If you are opting for a DIY phone repair, make sure to have a clean and well-organized workplace. An organized workplace reduces the risk of losing small parts and ensures all tools are within reach. 

  • Choose the Right Tools

Using high quality tools can make a great difference in the ease and success of your phone repairs. Make sure to invest in good quality equipment such as precision tweezers and a reliable heat gun to prevent further damage and assure careful handling of delicate components.

  • Backup Data

Never forget to backup your data before starting any repair. This precaution helps you protect data in case something goes wrong during the project.

  • Test Functions Before and After the Repairs

 Conduct a functionality test to check all main features of your phone before disassembling it to check what is working well and what’s not. Repeat the same test after the repair to make sure everything is still functioning well.

  • Prioritize Safety

Your phone’s safety should be your first priority during the repair. Always switch off the phone and remove the battery before starting any repairs. Use an antistatic wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge, which can damage sensitive components.

Common Cell Phone Repair Tools

Have a look at this list of different tools that might be required for the repair:

 

  • Screwdrivers
  • Pliers
  • Tweezers
  • Hot air gun
  • DC power supply
  • Microscope
  • Phone opening tools
  • Suction cups
  • Electric power tools
  • Digital multimeter

Use DIY Repair or Consult Professionals for Help!

The screen, battery, cameras, and motherboard of your phone can be damaged due to various reasons such as dropping or exposure to liquid. If you have the required skills, practice, and tools, you can repair your iPhone by yourself. But some phone issues cannot be resolved on your own. Professional phone repairs make sure that your phone is fully functional. We recommend contacting reliable technicians for phone repairs!

TuneClub is an Irish founded music tutorial app

TuneClub, a revolutionary music-learning platform, is launching to transform how musicians learn, connect, and participate in live music. By blending structured digital learning with real-world music experiences, TuneClub equips learners with the tools and confidence to engage in sessions, master new skills, and make meaningful musical connections.

To celebrate its launch, TuneClub presents The Sugarloaf Sessions, an innovative new festival debuting in Bray, Co. Wicklow from 25th – 27th April 2025.

To support and encourage music educators and event organisers to develop more opportunities, TuneClub is also unveiling a €250,000 Creator Fund to foster innovative learning-driven music experiences that blend online preparation with in-person engagement.

TuneClub: A Phygital Approach to Music Learning 

Open to both learners and creators, TuneClub is a phygital (physical + digital) platform, designed to bridge online learning with live participation. Learners prepare in advance with structured pathways, interactive tools, and personalised feedback, so that they arrive at live sessions more confident and engaged.

Creators–including event organisers, music educators and artists–can monetise their expertise, blending digital learning with physical events and tapping into the Creator Fund.

The Sugarloaf Sessions 

From 25-27th April, The Sugarloaf Sessions is an exciting new learning experience designed for adult learners. Using the TuneClub app, learners start their learning journey at home before bringing their skills to life in an immersive, in-person event with fellow musicians in Bray. Students will learn tunes – and a whole lot more, including how to develop their session playing skills from skilled performers.

The Sugarloaf Sessions will be delivered by a team of expert tutors including Tim Doyle and Rachel DuffyDr. Liz Doherty, CEO of I Teach Trad, is advisor to the project, providing professional development training to the teaching team. If you are an adult learner, keen to level up your skills and improve your session playing, this is an experience not to be missed!

Early bird registration is now available at €150 from www.tuneclub.com  

TuneClub’s €250,000 Creator Fund 

TuneClub is investing €250,000 to help experience creators to integrate digital learning into real-world music experiences. The platform is lowering the barrier for music educators, innovators and event organisers to incorporate a digital learning aspect into their events, ensuring participants arrive better prepared, more engaged, and ready to play.

The fund is open to:

  • Music educators & masterclass hosts eager to scale their teaching into structured digital courses.
  • Festival & event organisers looking to enhance participation engagement through pre-event learning.
  • Innovators in music education creating curated masterclasses, concert-led workshops, or music travel adventures.

Applications are open for direct or co-funding support, with the successful applicants receiving financial support to access TuneClub’s digital infrastructure for learning materials, ticketing, and community-building. Events may be fully hosted on TuneClub or co-promoted across the platform’s growing user base, connecting creators to a wider international audience.

Gabe Moynagh, founder of TuneClub commented “Our vision is to make music learning more immersive, social, and rewarding. We don’t want learners just practicing in isolation—we want them gearing up for real sessions, festivals, and meaningful performances.”

He continued “We want learners to arrive ready to focus on expression and collaboration instead of feeling left behind in sessions. By integrating digital preparation with live experiences, we’re giving both learners and creators a new way to engage with music.”

With The Sugarloaf Sessions, TuneClub App, and TuneClub Creator Fund, the platform is redefining how, when, and where people learn and play music together.

For details, visit www.tuneclub.com or contact info@tuneclub.com

 

CeADAR and Google Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement to Help Irish Businesses Unlock AI’s Potential

CeADAR and Google Ireland have announced a new strategic partnership to help Irish businesses capitalise on the economic potential of AI. CeADAR, Ireland’s European Digital Hub for AI, and Google signed the agreement at a meeting with the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD at Government Buildings today.

Recent research from Google and Implement Consulting Group shows that widespread adoption of AI has the potential to boost Ireland’s GDP by €40-45 billion. The new partnership between CeADAR and Google aims to support Irish businesses to adopt AI to boost competitiveness and productivity.

CeADAR and Google will focus on building an AI-ready workforce and driving the adoption of AI-powered solutions  through a three-pillar approach:

 

  • Addressing the AI skills gap – this includes tailored learning paths that provide on-demand training for varying proficiency levels, enhancing technical skills in cloud and product mastery while transforming leaders into AI-driven strategists.

 

  • Scaling AI capabilities –  empower Irish businesses to rapidly and responsibly test and implement AI solutions by leveraging Google’s expertise and resources. CeADAR will provide access to Google Cloud resources, including €3M in Google Cloud credits  and advanced AI tools like Vertex AI and Gemini 2.0.

 

  • Investing in the future – preparing Ireland for the next phase of AI through training and mentorship initiatives, for CeADAR staff and interns, building key cloud related skills.

 

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD:

“This partnership between CeADAR and Google is the type of public and private sector collaboration that is needed to ensure we are equipping Irish businesses to benefit from the economic opportunities AI presents. AI has the potential to have a transformative, positive impact on Ireland’s competitiveness and the government is committed to creating an ecosystem where businesses can fully utilise the power of AI to innovate, expand, and compete on a global scale.”

Lorraine Twohill, Chief Marketing Officer at Google said:

“AI presents a tremendous opportunity for Ireland, with the potential to significantly boost the economy. Ireland has built a strong foundation for a safe and reliable AI environment, supported by the Government’s clear ambition to capitalise on this transformative technology. This partnership with CeADAR is designed to help businesses navigate the challenges and opportunities AI brings—transforming how jobs are performed, creating new AI-focused roles, and enabling businesses to thrive in an AI-powered economy. By combining Google’s expertise with CeADAR’s capabilities, we are confident that we can unlock AI’s full economic potential and drive sustainable growth across Irish businesses.”

Dr. John Lonsdale, CEO, CeADAR:

“Unlocking AI’s economic potential won’t happen automatically and requires a proactive approach to workforce adaptation. We have been working with Irish businesses in recent years to help them leverage AI and machine learning but with the dynamic evolution of the technology more can be done to upskill Irish businesses, grow and nurture AI talent and facilitate faster adoption of AI. Ireland has a unique opportunity to harness the wider expertise that exists in our bustling tech sector – bringing our expertise together with Google is one key that can begin to unlock the economic opportunity AI will bring.”

Professor Kate Robson Brown, UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact said,

“Our researchers and innovators at University College Dublin (UCD) draw on the breadth and depth of their expertise to deliver knowledge and solutions that matter. They are leading the way in fields, such as AI, that are transforming the world around us. Advancing research and innovation is one of UCD’s central pillars guiding the University to break boundaries and to deliver lasting and meaningful impact.

To do so we draw on our strengths and our partnerships, such as this new partnership with Google, to create knowledge and cultivate talent in the areas where that impact can be greatest.  The new partnership announced today will bring together the diverse expertise, strengths and resources of CeADAR and Google to build an AI-ready workforce and drive the adoption of AI-powered solutions boosting the competitiveness and productivity of Irish businesses.”

SteelSeries launches QcK Performance series mousepads

SteelSeries, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture, today unveiled the latest evolution of its critically acclaimed QcK mousepad line, the QcK Performance Series. The new series is the first set of mousepads to specifically cater to diverse gamer play styles with three distinct mouse pad surfaces: Speed, Control, and Balance, available in Large and Extra-Large sizes. 

From actuation points in keyboards to mouse side buttons to personalized audio profiles in headsets, players want and need precision, personalization, and customization in their gaming gear. But the lonely mousepad has all but been forgotten or neglected when it comes to pure performance and playstyle for over 20 years. Essentially, there has been a barrier that SteelSeries is set to remove… Enter the QcK Performance Series mousepads. 

For over 20 years, SteelSeries has been the worldwide leader in mousepads for esports pros and gamers – from the ICEMAT in 2001 to the OG QcK in 2004. Since its introduction in 2004, the award-winning QcK line of mousepads has been celebrated globally, becoming a staple for gamers and professional esports players. In fact, Pros have won more prize money with SteelSeries than with any other brand.

Building on the legacy of one of the world’s most popular mouse pads, the QcK Performance Series joins the family of renowned mouse pads including the QcK, QcK Heavy, and QcK Prism. The innovative new Performance Series has been professionally engineered with different play styles in mind, tailored not only for longevity but to enhance player performance in-game. From the ultra-smooth glide of the ‘Speed’ pad for lightning-fast moves to the expertly tuned friction of the ‘Control’ pad for pinpoint accuracy, and the perfect blend of speed and stopping power in the ‘Balance’ pad, the QcK Performance Series offers a mousepad for every gamer.

The QcK Performance Series is the culmination of years of research and collaboration with professional gamers, engineers, and designers. They feature a 3.5mm base with neoprene foam providing unbeatable stability with a non-slip grip and the perfect balance of comfort and stability, while the low-profile stitched edges ensure durability for those long gaming sessions for years to come.

In competitive gaming, victory hinges on speed and precision, and a mousepad plays a crucial role in achieving this. While gamers often customize their mouse and headset audio profiles to suit their playstyle, the importance of the right surface is at times overlooked. The QcK Performance Series addresses this by offering a selection of surfaces tailored to complement the unique gaming style of players.

The QcK Performance | Speed

  • Crafted for gamers who thrive on fast-paced action with an unparalleled, frictionless glide, letting gamers focus purely on fast response reactions. 
  • The ultra-smooth surface ensures rapid, effortless movement, delivering the split-second responsiveness essential in high-speed gameplay.
  • Features ultra-low dynamic friction with an interwoven fabric design for smooth, consistent glide in every direction.

The QcK Performance | Balance 

  • The perfect blend of Speed and Control, combining the swift glide of a speed pad, paired with the precision stopping power of a control pad. 
  • The soft, finely woven texture offers a familiar feel, ideal for those seeking the best of both worlds.
  • High stitch count and a tight weave provide a familiar QcK feel that fans are accustomed to, blending swift glide and stopping power.

The QcK Performance | Control

  • Tailored for gamers who prioritize precision, offering pinpoint accuracy and exceptional stopping power. 
  • The micro-textured surface is expertly engineered with just the right amount of drag, allowing to lock onto a target with razor-sharp aim and unwavering control​. 
  • High-density stitch pattern adds just the right amount of drag for granular movements, ideal for deliberate movement patterns above all else.
  • This mousepad has been crafted for a unique tribe of hardcore gamers who prioritize control over comfort. 

Available at SteelSeries.com and retailers around the world, the QcK Performance Series are available for the following MSRPs:

 

  • QcK Performance Series (L) – US $39.99 | EMEA €44.99| UK £39.99 | APAC $44.99
  • QcK Performance Series (XL) – US $49.99 | EMEA €54.99 | UK £44.99 | APAC $54.99

 

QcK Performance Series fun fact: Three members of the FaZe Rainbow Six team used the new QcKPs to take home the Championship and $1M in prize money at the Rainbow Six Invitational 2025 on February 16, 2025.

  • Jaime ‘Cyber’ Ramos (Entry Fragger, 26, Brazil) | Six Invitational 2025 Champion| QcK Performance Balance Mousepad
      • Cyber is the first one in, clearing angles and landing headshots. He chose the QcK Performance ‘Balance’ surface for the perfect blend of speed and stopping power—giving him total confidence in every flick and entry duel.
      • As the anchor of the squad, soulz1 needs pinpoint precision and rock-solid consistency. The QcK Performance ‘Control’ surface gave him the stability to lock down sites, hold angles, and clutch when it mattered most.
    • Handyy might be the newest member of FaZe Clan, but his fast reflexes and fearless playstyle made him a key part of the win. The QcK Performance ‘Balance’ surface let him react instantly without over- or under-shooting his shots.

 

SteelSeries QcK Performance Mousepads:  This is precision made personal. 

Alpha Data Releases ADM-VB630: A Space Development Platform for AMD Versal AI Edge XQR Devices

Alpha Data continues to lead the way in space-capable reconfigurable computing technology with the release of its latest innovation: the ADM-VB630, a radiation-tolerant reference design for the AMD Versal™ AI Edge XQRVE2302 adaptive SoC engineered for space-grade design, development and deployment. Optimized for satellite applications within a 4-25W power budget, the ADM-VB630 is designed to power the rapidly expanding markets of sensor processing and AI applications in space. 

The ADM-VB630 enables fast, cost-effective development and rapid prototyping, making it a game-changer for space applications. It is ideal for advanced onboard sensor processing, supporting the growing demand for data analysis in expanding satellite constellations. It also brings AI and machine learning capabilities to space, unlocking new possibilities for in-orbit intelligence. The ADM-VB630 facilitates applications such as on-board anomaly detection and sensor data pre-processing, benefiting industries such as Earth observation, agriculture, forestry, and leak detection, or could enhance signal processing and satellite communications, delivering greater precision in PNT (position, navigation and timing) and connectivity solutions. 

 

“The ADM-VB630, built around the AMD Versal™ AI Edge XQRVE2302 adaptive SoC, represents a significant step forward in on-orbit reconfiguration and high performance, low latency AI inference in space,” said Ken O’Neill, space systems architect, AMD. “Its robust design and AI capabilities are helping empower the next generation of space applications, from Earth observation to advanced satellite communications.” 

 

“Alpha Data continues to push the boundaries of space-capable reconfigurable computing technology with the ADM-VB630, delivering a powerful and efficient solution for next-generation satellite applications,” said Andrew McCormick, Technical Director and CTO, Alpha Data. “By enabling AI and advanced sensor processing in space, we are opening new frontiers for in-orbit intelligence and mission-critical applications.” 

Beyond its budget-friendly development board, the ADM-VB630 is also available in flight-build options, utilising a 3U VPX form factor to ensure a seamless transition from prototype to deployment. The design integrates a radiation-tolerant power supply from Texas Instruments and DDR4 memory from Teledyne-e2v, reinforcing its resilience in extreme environments. 

Environmental testing, including radiation, vibration, and thermal vacuum assessments, is currently in the planning phase with the potential to be conducted at facilities including the Science and Technologies Facilities Council’s (STFC). 

Customer shipments are expected to begin in Q2 2025. 

Find out more about how the ADM-VB630 can accelerate your technology roadmap at ESA AFTP (March 18-20, ESA Harwell, Oxfordshire, UK) and ESA SEFUW (March 25-27, ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands).

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the latest flagship on off but seen as an iterative upgrade from last years model which to be fair is a common trend amongst smartphone manufacturers and playing it safe, as the saying goes if it aint broke dont fix it.

Having had most the the flagship range over the years Samsung did give some small changes to the phone but you would find hard to distinguish between the last few models from the rear if you are not into your gadgets and the most notable one was the sharp edges ditched it is lighter and has a flat front display which is all good.

OK so it feels better in the hand before but if you have a case no different than any other previous behemoth phone which is good but this time around it looks and feels better. We done a walkthrough of the device here so you can have a better look at the UI and features

AI is the core here and I think people now are getting fed up with the AI terminology being used on a daily basis this is of course for some and not for others and even for me I am fed up hearing about it day in and day out however it is useful once implemented correctly and now all phone makers have their own interpretation of it and most of this we have already seen with Google who may stop Samsung in their tracks.

What are the differences between this year and last years models you might as well here we go.

S25 Ultra weighs in at 218g vs the 24s 232g

The Screen 6.9 vs 6.8 on last years

Main Camera is again 200mp ultrawide is 12mp over last years 50mp the zoom is better this time around being sharper in detail.

In video we have 4K60-24-30. 8K and 4K120 on the S25 on ultra wide while last years maxed out at 4K120

Both have the same 5000mAh battery this time the Spen has no bluetooth which is an odd omission for those who used it, there is a novelty factor to it I hardly used but did come in handy at times I will add and I am sure more productive people may miss this and for me did not use it as much as I would like too but it is great to have the functionality of it still present minus the bluetooth.

When it comes to being a workhorse it is I really liked the NOW briefing this is handy and easy to get the feel of and use to which I think many will enjoy over time as it gets to know you.

As one who used their phone all day long for blogging docs videos social and email and all heavy this was a breeze for me on the S25 Ultra and rightly so this is what it is for and it worked well with no issues no lag nor and shutdowns during the test period.

For camera and video again worked really well better than last years only slightly but you can be the judge of the samples below, yes we actually went out took photos and video day and night so you can see.

 

<a href=”https://youtu.be/PQaJjwHN7Kc?si=gz6kf8vDriuGktp3″>Images and Video Day and Night</a>

&nbsp;

Overall for me the S25 Ultra is again a great smartphone to have but I have been asked if it is worth the upgrade which most of it is software based and will come to other devices in their portfolio so for me if you want the latest and greatest well yes of course if you have last years and sat on the fence and in a two year contract for example with the S24 I would wait until next upgrade is due. There is great features on the S25 Ultra and some already borrowed from Pixel devices which I use daily and it really comes down then to brand loyalists here as to what they want or might already have elsewhere but either way you cant loose on said devices or the S25 Ultra.

Read more on the S25 Ultra <a href=”https://techbuzzireland.com/2025/01/22/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-galaxy-s25-and-galaxy-s25-true-ai-companions/”>here</a&gt;

<a href=”https://techbuzzireland.com/?s=S25+ultra+case+review”>S25 Ultra case reviews</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Vodafone crowned Best Mobile Internet and 5G Provider in Ireland

<a href=”https://n.vodafone.ie/en.html”>Vodafone Ireland</a> has been awarded Best Mobile Internet Performance 2024, for a third year in a row, and Best 5G Provider in Ireland for 2024 at this year’s nPerf Awards. This recognition follows Vodafone becoming the first mobile network provider in Ireland to switch off its 3G network transitioning customers to a faster, more efficient 4G and 5G network in 2024.

Short for network performance, nPerf is a trusted partner for both fixed and mobile operators, providing comprehensive network testing solutions and analysis. The results for 2024 were based on thousand of actual tests performed by users in real conditions using the nPerf application available on Android and iOS. nPerf points are calculated across five factors – Download (DL) Speed, Upload (UP) Speed, Latency (delay), Web Browsing, and YouTube Streaming.

Vodafone Ireland maintained its leading position in Ireland’s mobile market, achieving the highest score of 108,153 nPoints, demonstrating its promise of a premium network making every connection count for its customers. The operator excelled in multiple categories and was the best-performing provider across four – Upload Speed, Latency, Web Browsing, and YouTube Streaming – showcasing reliable performance in the 5G sector.

2024 saw Vodafone becoming the first mobile network provider in Ireland to switch off its 3G network. This upgrade to a more sustainable, efficient and reliable 4G and 5G network offers all Vodafone Ireland customers an enhanced experience with improved connection across the country. Vodafone’s 5G is now available across Ireland with 78% population coverage.

Over the past three years, Vodafone has invested over €300 million into its network nationwide, with plans to invest an additional half a billion euros over the next four years. This investment will further enhance call and text reliability, provide superfast 4G and 5G services, and expand high-definition voice coverage for Vodafone customers.

Accepting the award, <b>Sheila Kavanagh, Network Director at Vodafone Ireland</b>, commented:

<i>“Every day, we strive to offer our customers the best, most reliable mobile network experience and this award is a testament to our teams across Ireland who work to deliver on this promise day in and day out.</i>

<i>“This award recognises our ability to respond to the ever-evolving needs of our customers, who increased their data usage by 20% last year alone and still experienced the same premium service they have come to expect from Vodafone.”</i>

<i>“We remain focused on supporting businesses across Ireland, with 60% of Irish businesses entrusting their mobile business accounts to Vodafone. We understand the critical role that robust and reliable connectivity plays in today’s fast-paced business environment, and we are dedicated to maintaining our position as the leading provider of mobile internet services. We look forward to bringing even more cutting-edge solutions to our customers, enhancing their digital experiences and supporting their connectivity, growth and success.” </i>

Recognising <a href=”https://techbuzzireland.com/?s=vodafone”>Vodafone’s</a&gt; continued success in 2024,<b> Sébastien de Rosbo, Managing Director nPerf</b>, stated, “The year 2024 has seen Vodafone continue its strong performance in the Irish mobile market, particularly in the 5G space, despite a slight decrease in overall testing volume.”