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.

How To Choose the Right AWS Partner for Tailored Cloud Support

Most businesses nowadays utilize cloud support for various functions, be it to handle operations, improve efficiency, or stay competitive. Among the many options available, Amazon Web Services (AWS) leads the pack of cloud platforms.

AWS offers tools for everything from data storage to machine learning. However, maximizing its potential may require expert guidance, making the selection of the right AWS partner a critical decision. And that’s what this guide is for! Read on to learn how to pick the right one.

Define Your Cloud Objectives

The first step is identifying what you want to accomplish with AWS. Do you need to cut costs, improve scalability, or enhance performance? Defining clear objectives makes it easier to align with a partner. You should also think about industry-specific requirements. For example, healthcare companies often prioritize compliance with HIPAA regulations, while retailers may focus on robust e-commerce capabilities.

Look at your existing IT infrastructure and what you’ll need in the future. An AWS partner should help you transition seamlessly and ensure new solutions integrate with your current systems and tools. You might need a partner with expertise in handling database migrations, building serverless applications, or optimizing workloads. Clarify your technical needs to avoid mismatched expectations later.

Want to specifically find an AWS Premier partner, for instance? Your cloud objectives will do the trick. These will lead you to a partner that meshes well with your business. They’ll provide solutions such as budget monitoring and accounts management. They also combine advanced technology and human intelligence, which are necessary in the current business landscape.

Research Potential AWS Partners

As one of the most popular cloud providers, AWS earned over USD$90 billion in 2023. It’s quite large as well; AWS got more than a third of the whole cloud computing market as of 2024’s first quarter. So, you can expect it to have a vast network of partners, each offering various services. But which one’s best for your business? That’s where research comes in. (1) (2)

AWS organizes its partners into tiers like Select, Advanced, and Premier. These categories indicate varying levels of expertise, certifications, and experience. Use the AWS Partner Network portal to search for partners specializing in areas relevant to your goals, such as migration, data analytics, or security.

Many AWS partners hold certifications in specific competencies, such as DevOps or machine learning. Look for those with experience directly tied to your objectives. If you’re moving legacy systems to the cloud, a partner with migration competency could be an ideal fit.

Case studies provide real-world insights into how a partner handles projects. Focus on examples involving businesses similar to yours, as they often highlight whether a partner understands your industry and its unique challenges. Testimonials from other clients can also reveal their responsiveness and problem-solving abilities.

Evaluate Technical Expertise

Even when you’ve narrowed your choices, you’ll still be left with a considerable number. AWS, after all, has millions of partners globally. To reduce the pool further, look for a strong AWS partner that employs certified professionals who demonstrate expertise in AWS services. Credentials like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or AWS Certified DevOps Engineer indicate technical depth.

Ask about the partner’s experience with the AWS tools you’ll rely on. Whether you need Amazon EC2 for scalable computing, RDS for databases, or Lambda for serverless applications, their familiarity with specific services matters.

Also, you’d want to avoid surprises down the line. Make sure your chosen partner has a proven approach to designing secure, efficient, cost-effective cloud architectures.

Assess Support and Communication

Support availability varies among AWS partners. Some offer 24/7 assistance, while others operate during standard business hours. Keep that in mind during your search. Review each one’s service level agreements (SLAs) for response times and ensure they align with your needs.

Your AWS partner should communicate clearly and transparently. Look for someone who explains technical concepts in plain terms and takes time to educate your team. Strong communication fosters collaboration and reduces misunderstandings.

Examine Cultural Fit

Much like hiring new team members into your business, you must select an AWS partner that shares your company’s values. The right partner can improve the working relationship. You’ll benefit from mutual respect and aligned goals, which are crucial for long-term success.

The partner’s team should complement yours in terms of working style. Ask how they handle feedback and conflict to ensure smooth collaboration. Over time, a partner who feels like an extension of your team will be easier to work with.

Financial Considerations

AWS gains at least 50 new partners daily. Each offers different pricing models, such as hourly rates, fixed fees, or subscription plans. Make sure you choose one that aligns with your budget. Be upfront about costs to avoid hidden fees, such as charges for training or additional support. (3)

The price alone shouldn’t dictate your choice. Evaluate the value the partner brings in terms of expertise, efficiency, and long-term benefits. Investing in the right AWS partner could lead to smoother operations and better results.

Conduct Interviews and Demos

Discussions with potential partners allow you to clarify your objectives. You can also ask about their project management style and approach to challenges. These discussions reveal whether their methods suit your business.

Demos let you see how their solutions address your needs. Plus, these showcase a partner’s confidence in their skills and give you a clearer picture of what to expect.

Make a Decision

Create a comparison chart that highlights each partner’s strengths and weaknesses based on your criteria, such as expertise, support, and pricing. Seeing the data side-by-side simplifies decision-making.

Professionalism and reliability often become apparent during initial interactions. If a partner feels right based on these initial meetings (plus your research), they’re likely a strong choice.

Reach out to previous clients to confirm your impressions. Ask about their experience working with the partner, focusing on areas like problem-solving and responsiveness. This final step often provides valuable clarity.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right AWS partner impacts the success of your cloud strategy. Taking time to evaluate your needs, research options, and assess potential partners ensures the best match. A well-chosen partner becomes a trusted ally, helping you achieve cloud objectives efficiently and effectively.

With thorough planning and careful selection, your AWS partnership could yield long-term gains, streamlined operations, and improved business outcomes.

References

  1. “Amazon Web Services – statistics & facts,” Source: https://www.statista.com/topics/4418/amazon-web-services/
  2. “What Is Amazon Web Services, and Why Is It So Successful?” Source: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/011316/what-amazon-web-services-and-why-it-so-successful.asp
  3. “10 Amazon cloud partners explain how they built thriving businesses while working with a juggernaut that’s never been afraid to compete with its own allies,” Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/aws-partners-rely-on-amazon-web-services-competition-startups-2021-4?op=1

Smart Docklands Announces €50,000 seed fund investment into Four Pilot Projects to Address Community Need

Smart Docklands is delighted to announce the winners of its first Call for Pilots. The programme is delivered in partnership between Dublin City Council and the CONNECT Research Ireland Centre for Future Networks headquartered at Trinity College Dublin

Smart Docklands is one of Dublin’s flagship smart districts – a unique collaboration across academia, industry and local government to advocate for and pilot community centred technology innovations.

This Call for Pilots aims to tackle key community priorities identified through a community survey that was carried out in late 2023 and early 2024 where insights were gathered from over 300 responses. Smart Docklands ensures that smart tech is not just being deployed for ‘tech’s sake’, the programme works to engage directly with the community who live in, work in or visit the Docklands. This is done through in-person events and innovative approaches to community surveys.

After extensive community engagement, followed by a Call for Pilots four projects have now been selected out of 41 applications that were submitted to receive seed funding, with €12,500 allocated to each project. The winning pilots will tackle pressing challenges across environmental monitoring, community development, and antisocial behaviour, aiming to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and enjoyable Docklands for all.

 

Jamie Cudden, Smart City Lead on announcing the pilot winners at an event in the Dublin City Council Innovation Hub in the CHQ said:

“These pilot projects highlight how technology can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. By directly engaging with the community, we’ve chosen initiatives to address the Docklands’ community concerns around sustainability, youth engagement and environmental concerns. We are super excited to be working with such an amazing group of innovators and entrepreneurs who all want to make a difference for the Docklands community!”.

Professor Dan Kilper, Director CONNECT Centre, Trinity College Dublin said: 

“The CONNECT Centre is proud to partner with Smart Docklands on the Pilot Projects, which play an important role in demonstrating the transformative impact technology can have when guided by community needs. These initiatives create solutions that address real challenges and pave the way for a smarter, more sustainable future. The pilot winners’ projects highlight this important work—congratulations to them and to our colleagues at Smart Docklands.”

The four pilot winners are:

  • UTS Technologies – River Liffey Water Sensors: This project introduces a network of sensors along the River Liffey to deliver real-time data on water behaviour, supporting a diverse range of users including kayaking and boating. The aim of this initiative is to bring an improved understanding and actionable insights for users of the river and to support more sustainable river management.
  • UCD – Count Docklands: Deploying a network of citizen science traffic monitoring, low-cost, camera-based traffic counters across the Docklands. This will empower citizen scientists to gather crucial data, supporting Dublin’s transport goals improving community engagement in urban mobility planning and traffic monitoring.
  • UCD – Craft My Street: Highly innovative youth engagement leveraging open-source geospatial data and Minecraft for crowd mapping through interactive multiplayers gaming. This pilot aims to support young people to actively participate in shaping policies and projects that affect their communities.
  • HoloGen – Immersive Graffiti: Leveraging AR/VR technology to teach young people about street art, this project turns illegal tagging into an opportunity for learning and expressing art in a safe virtual space. The aim of which is to reduce illegal graffiti and a boost in creative urban expression.

The Smart Docklands programme established in 2017 has a track record of collaboration where academia, local government, industry, and residents come together to address urban challenges through innovation and deployment of new and emerging technologies. The Call for Pilots is a testament to the programme’s commitment to ensuring that technology serves real community needs.

Smart Docklands’ first Call for Pilots represents a milestone in creating a connected, innovative, and engaged urban environment. By addressing key challenges through collaboration, education, and smart technology, these pilot projects highlight the benefit of what smart districts can achieve.

Smart Docklands extend thanks to Accenture, An Post, IPB Insurance, and National College Ireland for their support in evaluating applications. Their expertise and collaboration have been crucial to ensuring a fair and thorough process, highlighting the power of collective effort.

For more information about Smart Docklands and its initiatives, visit https://smartdocklands.ie/

Conscious Consumerism Guide – A greener Christmas by Swappie

This holiday season, embrace the spirit of giving while reducing overconsumption and waste. Instead of rushing to buy the latest gadgets and contributing to the growing issue of e-waste, consider gifting consciously. Swappie, a leader in high-quality refurbished iPhones, offers the perfect tech solution for a sustainable Christmas. With a rigorous 52-stage refurbishment process and a 12-month warranty, Swappie makes it easy to invest in the circular economy.
But why stop there? Once you’ve unwrapped your new phone, sell your old one back to Swappie, no matter its condition. It will either be refurbished for a new user or responsibly repurposed for parts. By choosing Swappie, you’re giving technology a second life while making an eco-friendly choice that truly matters.
Pair this idea with other anti-consumerist gifting tips, from experiential presents to handmade items, to create a Christmas that’s kinder to the planet.
Swappie’s Tips for a greener Christmas
  • Experiences, more than things,Instead of buying physical gifts that may end up unused, gift experiences such as concert tickets, cooking classes, or even a subscription to an online service. These gifts are memorable, personalized, and don’t produce waste.
  • Shop local
    Supporting local artisans with sustainable practices reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping and packaging. It also helps build community resilience.
  • Buy gifts with a purpose
    Choose gifts from brands that prioritize social and environmental impact, such as fair-trade goods, organic products, or items from companies with a clear give-back mission. Swappie, for example, gives old phones a new life, reducing the need for new production and cutting down e-waste.
  • DIY
    Handmade gifts, such as home-baked treats, upcycled crafts, or personalized photo albums, carry sentimental value without harming the environment. Encouraging creativity and personalization can reduce the waste that comes with mass-produced items.
  • Wrapping
    Avoid single-use wrapping paper and instead, opt for reusable alternatives like fabric gift wrap (like furoshiki, the Japanese wrapping technique), recycled paper, or repurposed materials like old maps or newspaper. Tying gifts with reusable ribbons or natural materials like twine can also add charm without waste.
  • Charity
    For the person who has everything, make a donation in their name to a cause they care about, such as an environmental charity or a community project. It’s a thoughtful way to reduce material waste and contribute to a meaningful cause.
  • Go digital!
    Gifting digital content, such as e-books, audiobooks, or streaming subscriptions, minimizes material waste while offering entertainment or learning opportunities.
  • Long lasting is the way!
    Encourage choosing products that are built to last, reducing the likelihood of them being replaced or discarded quickly. For tech, refurbished iPhones from Swappie are a great example of high-quality, durable gifts, thanks to a 12-month warranty and extensive 52-stage refurbishment process

Landis+Gyr and Believ Partner to Deliver Accessible EV Charging Infrastructure Across the UK

Landis+Gyr a global leader in integrated energy management solutions, and Believ, a leading UK-based electric vehicle (EV) charge point operator (CPO), have joined forces to deliver accessible EV charging solutions that support almost four million Blue Badge holders or disabled drivers who may find inaccessible charging bays a barrier to EV adoption.

At the heart of this partnership is a refined version of the INCH Duo AC charger, designed to meet PAS 1899—the UK’s standard for accessible EV charging – which provides guidelines on the physical environment, placement, information provision and design of charging infrastructure, with the goal to build confidence in the accessibility and inclusivity of EV infrastructure.

The updated model, designed for long dwell times and overnight charging, includes adjustments such as repositioned sockets to meet height guidelines, along with features like contactless payment for a hassle-free user experience.

Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, says it is vital for CPOs to select the best manufacturing partners:

“By working with the most forward-thinking manufacturers we can ensure our product catalogue meets the highest possible standards, and that we continuously work towards more accessible solutions. It is also how we deliver bespoke end-to-end solutions, dependent on site needs.” 

Believ provides local authorities, business and landlords across the UK with a fully funded EV charge point solution that covers planning, installation, operation and ongoing maintenance. It installs different speeds of charge point, ensuring the right charge point is installed in the right location.

Mark Coley, Head of Market Development at Landis+Gyr, highlights the strategic importance of the partnership:

“Our collaboration with Believ underscores our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and supporting the UK’s transition to electric mobility. By integrating our advanced INCH Duo chargers into Believ’s commercial offering, we are making EV charging more accessible while expanding our footprint across the UK. Together, we are enabling a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive future.”

Guy Bartlett adds that the PAS certification provides important assurance to stakeholders that EV charging infrastructure has been designed with accessibility in mind: “Our commitment to delivering a reliable and inclusive public EV charging network is strengthened through this partnership. The integration of Landis+Gyr’s INCH Duo charging stations to our commercial offering supports our drive to make EV charging accessible to all.” 

This partnership builds on Landis+Gyr’s track record of delivering scalable, modular EV charging solutions. The INCH Duo is part of a growing portfolio designed to support the expansion of public charging networks, enabling operators to deploy infrastructure quickly and efficiently while maintaining high standards of usability.

Irish SMEs can now apply for support for new AI Acceleration programme

Galvia AI, one of Ireland’s leading AI companies, has today announced that eligible Irish SMEs can now avail of support from Enterprise Ireland’s Digital Discovery grant for its new AI-Accelerator programme.

The Galvia AI-Accelerator is a 5-week, hands-on  programme, with the first cohort beginning in January 2025, and is designed to help Irish SMEs across Ireland integrate transformative AI solutions into their businesses.

The company is expected to run one Accelerator per quarter, which costs a total of €4,995. Applications are open for SMEs in all sectors across all of Ireland and can be made at: http://www.galvia.ai/accelerator.

Tap into the potential of AI

The AI-Accelerator is designed to simplify AI technologies and help SMEs from all across Ireland to tap into the potential of their data by offering practical, cost-effective solutions through the power of AI technology.

The AI-Accelerator will be delivered in a hybrid format at Galway’s innovation hub Platform94, and includes options of virtual sessions and in-person workshops. Key partners for the programme include Platform94 and law firm Byrne Wallace LLP, who will deliver workshops on the legal implications of AI.

Participating SMEs will collaborate with the programme’s experts to develop machine learning models and applications tailored to their specific needs, using their own data to create custom solutions that generate revenue, drive engagement and ensure sustainable growth.

By the end of the programme, participants will have a clear understanding of what to do with their data and a strategic plan of how to integrate AI into their business.

The aim of Enterprise Ireland’s Digital Discovery grant is to incentivise and support companies to introduce new digital technologies and solutions into their operations. Eligible companies must be supported by Enterprise Ireland, and can now apply for 80% net funding from Enterprise Ireland to participate in the Galvia AI-Accelerator.

Commenting on the announcement, John Clancy, CEO of Galvia said: “We are hugely appreciative and delighted that Enterprise Ireland is offering support to Irish SMEs that wish to participate in our AI-Accelerator programme.”

“Integrating new technologies can be daunting, but our mission is to show that organisations don’t need huge resources to unlock the power of their data. Our program will guide participants toward a better understanding of how to leverage their data effectively and strategically, providing a clear pathway for integrating AI into their operations.”

Ruairí Ó hAilín from Enterprise Ireland said: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting Irish-owned companies to start, grow, scale and to achieve their global ambition.  Helping companies further understand the capabilities of digital tools such as AI, as they seek to introduce new technologies and solutions into their businesses is key to driving sustainable growth and competitiveness in export markets. We encourage all companies to explore how digitalisation can help their business to grow, including businesses who are eligible to utilise the Digital Discovery grant.”

ABP Clones reduces carbon emissions by 80%

ABP, one of Europe’s leading food processors, has partnered with ESB to reduce carbon emissions at its Clones site by 80% with the installation of an innovative, state-of-the-art water heating system.

A reduction of 80% in carbon emissions equates to approximately 1,692 tons of CO2, which is the same as the emissions from 627,032 litres of diesel, or 268 homes oil usage for one year.

The heating system recycles the lost heat generated by refrigeration units, using it to heat the water used for cleaning, processing and hygiene on site. The result is that only a small amount of water needs to be heated using a smaller new and efficient gas boiler. The heating system principle is similar to the air to water heat pump system used in domestic homes; however, this system boosts waste heat instead of air.

The project forms part of ABP’s overall sustainability strategy and is part of an extensive decarbonisation plan that aims to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% from 2021 to 2030 across all ABP sites in Ireland, UK and Europe. This is a significant step in successfully reaching these targets which have been officially validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

ABP is continually adopting measures to reduce its carbon footprint and improve its sustainable approach. The company’s sustainability strategy is ‘’Doing More with Less’’, which is closely aligned to the UN Sustainable Goals. This strategy runs through every aspect of ABP’s supply chain, from farms to processing sites and the end consumer. The decoupling of resource usage and productivity being a key feature.

Kevin Cahill,  Managing Director, ABP Ireland & Poland said; ‘’This is a very exciting innovative project for ABP and an important step in our drive for greater sustainability. This is a pilot project at the Clones site, we are in the process of replicating it at another of our facilities. This will result in an enormous reduction in the carbon footprint and go a long way to achieving our carbon reduction targets as set out by the Science Based Targets initiative.’’

“This project is a significant milestone in our mission to support businesses in achieving their sustainability goals,” said Ciaran Gallagher, Head of Smart Energy Services at ESB. “By partnering with ABP, we will demonstrate the transformative impact of advanced heat pump technology on reducing carbon footprints and enhancing energy efficiency. Our collaboration underscores the critical role of innovative solutions in driving progress towards Net Zero targets. As leaders in smarter energy solutions, we look forward to continuing our work with ABP and other forward-thinking companies to replicate this success across more facilities, paving the way for a more sustainable industrial sector.”

ABP has a long track record in developing sustainability initiatives and environmentally friendly policies. The company is a founding member of the Plastics Action Alliance (PAA), improving sustainability in plastic packaging supply chains. ABP’s Plastics Policy ensures that all plastic packaging used by ABP must be designed to reduce environmental impact and maximises recyclability.

ABP has planted over 40,000 trees since 2020 and aims to reach a target of 100,000 trees planted by 2030. The company also has an extensive waste management strategy across all its locations, which saw it successfully reduce the amount of cardboard packaging it uses annually by 800 tonnes since 2021.

Teen-Turn Student Awarded Trane Technologies Thermoking Scholarship to Pursue Engineering at ATU Galway

Orlaith Heaney, from County Mayo, and a former student at Mount Saint Michael Secondary School, has been awarded a prestigious €24,000 scholarship from Trane Technologies Thermoking. This scholarship, designated for students in Teen Turn, will provide Orlaith with €6,000 annually over the course of her four-year engineering degree at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Galway City.

Orlaith, a former student at Mount Saint Michael Secondary School, has been engaged with Teen-Turn since she was in first year. She was introduced to Teen-Turn’s afterschool program by a friend. Orlaith had many successful projects during her years of attendance at the afterschool programs participating in Technovation, Scifest and BT Young scientist. Most recently she was honoured with a National Garda Community Safety Award. Orlaith progressed to attending Teen-Turn PLUS Saturday clubs, which deliver advanced learning in subjects that are not universally offered in all-girls’ secondary schools in Ireland, providing participants with foundational skills critical for engineering and technology courses at the university level. It was through Orlaith’s participation in  Teen-Turn’s PLUS program that she discovered a strong passion for engineering, with a particular interest in robotics, automation and manufacturing engineering. Securing a ‘Teen-Turnship’, a 2 week summer work placement in Trane Technologies in Galway in the summer of 5th year further cemented Orlaith’s desire to study Engineering.

Orlaith applied to the common engineering programme at ATU Galway City, which will allow her to experience various branches of engineering in her first year before deciding on her specialisation. Orlaith says “Teen-Turn gave me opportunities I never would have had, from coding to building robots and learning from real engineers. These experiences showed me that engineering is where I want to be and I am excited to bring what I have learned into my studies at ATU. Teen-Turn’s programs helped me discover my love for robotics and automation and I am  eager to explore all branches of engineering in my first year at ATU. I cannot wait to dive into a career where I can make a real impact.”

The Trane Technologies scholarship is designed to provide financial support to young women like Orlaith and also to offer them access to invaluable professional resources. Scholarship recipients will benefit from mentorship and guidance from engineering experts throughout their studies and will have the opportunity to complete co-op rotations at the state-of-the-art Thermo King facility in Galway. This unique combination of financial assistance and professional exposure is intended to reduce financial and academic barriers, empowering scholarship recipients to excel in their STEM careers. This initiative aligns closely with Trane Technologies’ “Sustainable Futures” Global Corporate Strategy, which aims to increase access to STEM education and careers for underrepresented groups. By empowering talented young women like Orlaith, Trane Technologies hopes to inspire future leaders who will drive innovation in engineering and make a positive impact on our world.

Skullcandy Push ANC Active review

Recently we checked out the latest earbuds from Skullcandy which was their new Skullcandy SESH ANC active and they are an excellent pair of earbuds and now it is time for their next offering the Push ANC Active which is ideal for those who want some more and into sports. They are quite similar in looks to the Push Active Burton and TNMT limited edition we also done but with some subtle changes

On getting started you will need to update the software so be sure to get this done for optimal performance and next up is doing creating your personal sound profile which should be done in a quite spot at home or in your office if possible, the test will take 3-4 minutes.

Once set up and the right tips for your ears you are good to go and get listening to some great audio.

Build quality is good as always from the brand and the presentation also the standard affair which stands out on a shelf in a shop we are now seeing this in more shops than ever and good to see and not only that I now see more people in public wearing Skullcandy earbuds and headphones.

Battery life is excellent here and more so if you are not using ANC and EQ profiles with high volumes and ANC on you can expect near the 60 hours claim made by the brand and who buys ANC earbuds and does not use it, the ANC is decent it has to  be said and works well and so does all the hearing modes like stay aware which allows you hear your surroundings.

There are two sets of controls. Yes one for the volume keys and then your touch area on the Skullcandy logo which both work well these can also be customized to your own needs which again is great. You will see this and how it works in the video review below so check it out and not only can you listen to music you can take photos from your earbuds again this is not a new feature with Skullcandy but one that you do not see much of full stop and is cool.

The audio is what you want to hear about and again this is another well executed product with the EQs you can decide which suits you best, highs lows and mids are good and super bass and decent volume call quality is good and no issues both ends on my testing. NO lag latency noted or tinny sound and you also have a gaming mode built in which works well if you are a gamer and again this is no a more common feature dropped into affordable earbuds now.

For those who want choice and options these are a good buy and a solid pair of earbuds Skullcandy users will like if you have not tried the brand before perhaps these might be an option to put on your list, one small caveat I might see is the case size which offers wireless charging so me me this is fine given the case is larger than most.

The App 

 

Features

  • 58 Hours of Listening – Never miss a beat with Push ANC Active’s long-lasting battery life designed to keep one moving
  • IP67 Rating – Dust, sweat and waterproof, these earbuds are constructed to get one through any adventure
  • Stay-Aware Mode – Be in tune with surroundings with an adjustable stay-aware mode that lets one hear the world while one listen to media
  • Skullcandy App
  • Adjustable 4 mics ANC
  • Adjustable stay aware mode

BUY 

Skullcandy reviews

Video Review

 

Top 10 Must-Have Accessories for Your Car

Car accessories are a great way to vamp up your car with something new and exciting. Whether its purpose is to make driving more entertaining or to improve safety within the cabin, a car can never have too many accessories.

So how do you pick which ones are the best for your car? Depending on your car’s age and model will determine what’s possible, however, a lot of these are accessories that should be suitable for any car or vehicle that you own.

Whether you use your car for personal reasons, for work, or for both, here are the top ten must-have accessories for your car.

1. Customize your car

First and foremost, be sure to customize your car. This is a good one because it can help your car stand out from the crowd, as well as add a bit of your own personality to the car itself. Much like everything within your home or personal life, your car is an extension of your personality, so it;’s something you want to curate into something unique.

With that being said, consider how you could customize your car. One example would be to get personalized DVLA number plates that add a unique touch to the car. Not only that but anyone seeing those number plates can appreciate the personalization that’s gone into it as they try to decipher what your number plate says or might mean.

Look at other ways of customizing the car like upgrading the car’s seat covers or adding new light features to the interior and exterior parts of the vehicle.

2. Tire inflator

A tire inflator is an important one and it’s a great safety accessory to have, should you find yourself in a situation where you can’t inflate your tires quickly.

When you’re on the road, your tires are part of your car’s lifeline. Should they begin to run flat, they will become a danger to you and your passengers. Driving may become a little riskier because underinflated tires can decrease their effectiveness while out on the road.

Therefore, it’s important to look at getting a tire inflator for the purpose of your car’s safety and satisfaction while driving. Be cautious and check your tires regularly to ensure they’re inflated to the level they need to be at according to the vehicle’s handbook.

3. Car seat organizer

A car seat organizer is a good addition to the car, especially if you to find that there’s rubbish or belongings everywhere.

Car seat organizers can be particularly helpful for those who have little ones. Often enough, your little ones will have a lot of belongings with them that they may otherwise fling around in the car’s cabin.

That can make for yet another area that you need to clean up after them. Therefore, it’s always good to have something in place that will keep your interior cabin as clean as it can be. You’ll also find it helpful to have everything in one place when it comes to loading up and unloading the car each time you go out.

4. Reversing camera

A reversing camera is a great safety feature for the car but not every car might be able to install such a feature.

When it comes to a reversing camera, it provides a luxury that you’ll certainly benefit from. Being able to reverse with the more visual scope of the outside world around the car is helpful. There are blind spots around the car that can make it hard to see when navigating the car through various areas that might make reversing a particular challenge to do.

With a reversing camera attached to the back of the car, you’ll be able to tackle this with a lot more ease and hopefully with less stress of causing damage to pedestrians and other vehicles.

5. Phone mount

One of the distractions that come with a car, is your phone. Chances are, you’re using the phone to help navigate from one place to another. While many cars will have their own navigation system, the phone has become a more popular solution to helping drive and follow a route in the car.

It’s a good idea to look at purchasing a phone mount so that the phone remains out of your hands and in a place that’s easy to view.

Phone mounts are usually helpful to place on your windowscreen and ideally to the left or the right of your driving wheel. You want to be careful about where you place it for the purpose of any wires that you might have plugged into the phone. However, it’s a great way to keep yourself safe and to not cause as much distraction when driving on the road.

6. Portable jump starter

When your engine fails, there’s nothing worse than finding yourself stranded, especially when it’s somewhere you’re not familiar with or have never been before.

That’s where a portable jump starter can come in very handy. If you’re looking to help yourself in situations where you’re in desperate need of help, this accessory can be very useful to have.

A portable jump starter can get you back on the road for at least the duration you need to in order to get to a car engineer.

7. Car vacuum cleaner

Keeping your car’s interior clean is definitely important and it’s something that you should stay on top of as there’s often plenty of dirt and debris that’s trodden into the car’s interior floors and cabin in general.

A car vacuum is a much more versatile and useful cleaner to have, rather than having to shift a heavy vacuum cleaner from your home and out to the driveway every time you want to clean the car.

8. First Aid kit

To help keep you and your family happy and healthy while traveling, a first aid kit is always useful to have available. Whether you have the basics or a complex assortment of first aid necessities, it’s worth having one that’s available should you need it in the car.

Make sure to store it where it can be easily accessed and ensure it’s topped up with all of the much-needed contents before setting off for any journey.

9. Phone charger 

A phone charger is part and parcel nowadays of any accessory for the car. It’s important that you have a phone charger, so should your phone need a boost of power, you can easily charge the phone via your car’s own battery.

Be sure to have one that’s easy enough to plug in. You can also get cars that have wireless phone chargers available and are worth having for the sake of ease of functionality.

Unfortunately, not all phones nowadays are capable of keeping up with our usage, so it’s good to have the phone charge as a backup.

10. Puncture repair kit

Finally, another great accessory to add to your car’s cabin, perhaps in the boot of the car is a puncture repair kit. You never know when you might get a puncture on one of your tires so this kit is a worthwhile solution to help get you from being stranded to having help.

A puncture repair kit is definitely helpful to have available and should be something that will help you should you ever find yourself in an unfortunate situation where you need to temporarily repair a tire.

These must-have accessories are just a small selection of what’s available currently on the market. Make sure you’re taking full advantage of these accessories and add them to your to-buy list this year.