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.

Tech Review – Poetic cases lineup for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Poetic case line up for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is here and there is several cases here to check out today to keep your shiny new Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in good order, there is the new NEON series from Poetic which has several cases and colour choices to pick from which is excellent and good for the consumer giving them choice in what they want to pick from.

Being an expensive device there is still folk out there who like to go naked with their phone and learn the hard way when dropped but with the new line up of cases from Poetic there is a case for everyone here and they all do an excellent job protecting your new device.

All cases are dual layered offering extra grip with tactile keys and one offering more than another as we go through the case line up below.

Check out the hands on review of all the cases below and check the corresponding links to the cases linked below too where you can decide for yourself what type of case and what colour suits you best.

Poetic case lineup for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra techbuzzireland

 

POETIC GALAXY S24 ULTRA MAGNETIC RING STAND CASE [NEON SERIES]

  • [Magnetic Ring Stand] – Pop opens the ring to form a vertical or horizontal stand. Alternatively, it also functions as a ring holder
  • [Strong Magnetic] – N52 Strong Magnetic is built underneath the stand. Therefore, It attaches to the car mount and other MagSafe accessories more securely. Wireless charging is compatible with most wireless chargers in the market
  • [ShockProof & Drop Tested] For Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G Case – EXCEED US MIL-STD drop tested & used by law enforcement agencies. Ultra rugged preferred by athletes to protect your Galaxy S24 Ultra from accidental drops, bumps, dust and scratches
  • [Dual Layer Protection] Case for Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G – Flexible, Impact absorbing TPE + Hard, Durable PC with reinforced corners, side body bumper, raised lips around screens and camera. This Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G Case is Shockproof/Drop-proof/Impact resistant/Scratch-proof

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POETIC GALAXY S24 ULTRA CAMERA STAND WITH MAGSAFE COMPATIBLE CASE [NEON SERIES]

  • [Built-in Camera Foldable Stand] – Camera Foldable Stand can be adjusted from 0º to 120º, and fold up to 10k times in its life cycle. With this handy stand, you can prop up the case whenever, wherever you want
  • [Strong Magnets] – Strong N52 Magnet Circle on the back makes it more secure to any car mount and other MagSafe accessories. Wireless charging is compatible with most wireless chargers in the market
  • [ShockProof & Drop Tested] For Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G Case – EXCEED US MIL-STD. Drop tested & used by law enforcement agencies. Ultra rugged preferred by athletes. Protect your Galaxy S24 Ultra from accidental drops, bumps, dust and scratches
  • [Dual Layer Protection] Case for Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G – Flexible, Impact absorbing TPE + Hard, Durable PC with reinforced corners, side body bumper, raised lips around screens and camera. This Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G Case is Shockproof/Drop-proof/Impact resistant/Scratch-proof

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POETIC GALAXY S24 ULTRA CASE [NEON SERIES]

  • [ShockProof & Drop Tested] For Galaxy S24 Ultra Case – EXCEED US MIL-STD drop tested & used by law enforcement agencies. Ultra rugged preferred by athletes to protect your Galaxy S24 Ultra from accidental drops, bumps, dust and scratches
  • [Slim Iconic Design with Accent] For Galaxy S24 Ultra Cover – Ultra thin and slim design without adding any bulk or weight to the sleek Galaxy S24 Ultra. Easy to slip in and out of bags & pockets
  • [Dual Layer Protection] Case for Galaxy S24 Ultra – Flexible, Impact absorbing TPE + Hard, Durable PC with reinforced corners, side body bumper, raised lips around screens and camera. This Galaxy S24 Ultra Case is Shockproof/Drop-proof/Impact resistant/Scratch-proof
  • [Anti Slip Back Pattern] Galaxy S24 Ultra Phone Case – Prevents slipping from moving vehicles, counter/desktop. Secure, grippy feel in the hands to prevent accidental drops

 

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GALAXY S24 ULTRA WITH SLIDE CAMERA COVER CASE [SPARTAN SERIES]

  • [Slide Camera protection] – make the spartan series even better with slide camera cover. The camera slider protects your camera lens from scratches, bumps & shocks
  • [Military Grade Drop Tested Case] – protects your Galaxy S24 Ultra 6.8 inch from all angles. Shockproof/Drop-proof/Impact resistant/Scratch-proof
  • [Built-in Pull out kickstand] – for hands-free viewing in portrait or landscape mode
  • [Two front frames] – one with film, one without film. Enjoy the case with a built-in screen protector or use the front frame without film with your own tempered glass. Both choices should work out perfectly

 

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Video Review

Local digital projects invited to enter the .ie Digital Town Awards 2024

.ie, the trusted national registry for over 330,000 .ie domain names, has announced that entries are now open for the .ie Digital Town Awards 2024.  Now in their 4th year, the .ie Digital Town Awards shine a light on local projects that have a digital element. Town groups, community organisations, regional and national collaboration projects and individual businesses across the country are invited to enter. There is a total prize fund of €60,000 across ten categories and the closing date for entries is Friday 1st March with winners being announced at a Gala awards ceremony in Sheraton Hotel, Athlone, Co. Westmeath on Friday 24th May 2024.

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, welcomed the launch of this year’s awards, ‘Not only do these awards highlight the benefits and possibilities of digital transformation in Ireland, they are fundamental to promoting awareness, use and understanding of digital offerings for our communities, for businesses and for our citizens the length and breadth of the country. Since the foundation of the awards, it has been inspiring to see such positive change brought about in local communities across the country through digital innovation.’

Oonagh McCutcheon, National Director of the .ie Digital Town Awards Programme said ‘The .ie Digital Town Awards create a real sense of pride for towns and communities, big and small, that are making massive leaps with digital technologies. We saw a 15% increase in the number of entries we received in 2023 compared to 2022 and as we enter the fourth year of the awards it is incredibly encouraging to see entries coming in from towns and villages the length and breadth of the country’.   

‘We are also delighted to welcome our new pillar sponsor Square on board this year, a digital-first organisation which shares our passion for empowering small businesses and organisations to thrive online. Square joins our long-term supporter and category sponsor, Western Development Commission.

Business technology platform Square has been unveiled as the awards pillar sponsor for 2024. Square allows business owners to sell anywhere, work more efficiently, to support and empower small businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive online. Speaking about the announcement, John O’Beirne, Executive Director of Square in Europe, said ‘We are delighted to be partnering with .ie for this year’s Digital Town Awards. At Square we believe in the power of technology to bring about positive change, from small projects to large companies. We want to help all types of businesses and communities succeed on their own terms and look at what’s possible. Sponsoring the .ie Digital Town Awards allows us to help recognise and reward this digital success in all of its forms.’

The ten categories in the 2024 .ie Digital Town Awards are:

  • Digital Education
  • Digital Tourism
  • Digital Community
  • Digital Business
  • Agri-tech
  • Digital Sustainability
  • Digital Newcomer
  • Digital Rising Star
  • Digital Change Maker
  • Digital Local Hero

Digital Sustainability, Agri-Tech and Digital Newcomer categories were new additions to the awards in 2023.

The Digital Sustainability category recognises projects which harness digital transformation, such as enhanced connectivity and the Internet of Things (IoT), to improve the environment and support sustainable business operations. The winner in 2023 was Hollymount, Mayo with Eco-powered Cabinets: Two eco-powered cabinets were installed on Croagh Patrick, to securely store defibrillators and life-saving medications to treat cardiac arrests.

The Agri-tech category recognises projects which aim to help the farming community by using digital technology to improve efficiency and profitability. Clonmel, Tipperary were the winners of this category in 2023 with the Smart Skills for Farming Communities project. The initiative was developed to help farmers use new technologies to make their work easier, save time and money as well as improving the sustainability and profitability of their farm. 60% of farmers report that there are barriers to digital training and supports. This project addresses that problem by providing very practical digital training in areas such as soil fertility technology; grassland management technology; tech for time and labour saving; and farm management systems and useful Apps. This project was also selected as the overall winner in 2023.

The Digital Newcomer category is for projects at the early stage of development that are harnessing the benefits of digital to promote a local initiative. Portumna, Galway were winners of this category in 2023 with a project to give the gift of stories to future generations by recording Family Histories.

The 2023 winner case study videos are available to view here.

The Awards are open to community organisations, town groups, regional or national collaboration projects and individual businesses who can demonstrate positive impacts of digital strategies. All categories are now open to businesses that use a digital element within their service.

Closing date for entry submissions is Friday 1st March 2024.

 

3,000 Students Attend 10th Annual I Wish STEM Showcase Empowering Girls in STEM

I Wish, the social enterprise inspiring girls globally to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), is welcoming almost 3,000 female students to its 10th annual Showcase today (February 8) in the RDS, Dublin. Over the past decade, I Wish has engaged with over 60,000 students, hosted close to 1,000 speakers, and partnered with over 50 industry leaders. 

This year’s event boasts a line-up of over 50 influential speakers including former President of Ireland and current chair for elders Mary Robinson. Irish science communicator and entrepreneur Ciara Judge; VP of Mid-Market Global Business Group, EMEA Meta and Head of Meta Ireland, Anne O’Leary; global diversity and inclusion leader Furkan Karayel; aeronautical engineer Dr Norah Patten, and Irish Olympian hockey player and biomedical engineer Katie Mullan will also share their insights and experiences, igniting inspiration among the young attendees. 

Mrs Robinson, who will speak at a session today on climate justice and the challenges in achieving gender equality globally, outlined the importance of “seeing is believing”, with female role models inspiring girls to think bigger. In the recent I Wish Survey of Female Students’ Attitudes to STEM, 51% said a barrier to STEM was a lack of female role models while 66% cited poor gender equality in STEM careers.  

Mrs Robinson said: “I am delighted to join I Wish again this year, marking their 10th anniversary. It’s an honour to be part of an event that ignites the spark of possibility in the hearts of young women. As a staunch supporter of ‘girl power’, I witness its transformative impact every day through my work.  

“I recognise and applaud the profound influence that organisations like I Wish have on teenage girls, assisting them to embrace their power, and enabling them to forge paths in careers they are passionate about. Seeing is believing for young minds. Together, let us inspire and pave the way for a generation of fearless trailblazers, breaking barriers and shaping a world where every dream is within reach.”   

Echoing Ms Robinson’s sentiments, I Wish co-founder Caroline O’Driscoll highlighted the significance of providing access to inspiring role models, stating: “When we founded I Wish 10 years ago, our guiding ethos was to give ‘Choices, Chances, Changes’ to girls and ensure that they have every opportunity to take their place in the economies of tomorrow and not be left behind by broken stereotypical biases of the past. 

“In our annual survey, time and time again girls tell us that they want more information about STEM and report that access to female role models positively influences them. At our Showcase, over 3,000 teenage girls get the opportunity to listen to the lived journeys of some amazing trailblazers. This in turn allows them to see what a career in STEM is truly like, understand the variety of careers and pathways available and the positive impact that STEM has on our world.”  

This year’s event sees the introduction of the inaugural Podcast Hub, in association with Amy Jane Keating, founder of the Go Do You podcast, featuring insightful conversations with leading female STEM voices. These recorded podcasts will be rolled out over the coming months, further amplifying the impact of the event. Also, as part of an extended partnership, Iarnród Eireann and Bus Éireann are providing free rail and bus transport to almost 1,500 girls from 15 locations across Ireland to the event. 

I Wish co-founder, Gillian Keating extended her thanks to the 40 leading companies from pharmaceutical, technology, and engineering sectors taking part in the event, from speakers to interactive exhibitions. “We are fortunate in Ireland to have so many multinational and indigenous companies committed to showcasing STEM pathways to the next generation of female leaders and innovators. They understand that their future and the sustainability of their business are inextricably linked to the career choices young women make today.  

“We applaud the STEM leaders such as Deloitte, Dell, PepsiCo, Johnson and Johnson, Merck, Regeneron, Qualcomm and AWS who inspire our female talent every day to explore the power of STEM to make a real difference to the world we live in.” 

Gillian added: “The I Wish Showcase event has expanded exponentially over the last decade as a true coalition supported by the public sector, private industry and the higher education institutes and hundreds of selfless volunteers all committed to listening to the next generation of women, understanding what they want in a future career and telling the STEM story in a way that resonates with them. Change is happening, we are at the cusp of real transformation.”

I Wish is a multi-faceted STEM community committed to showcasing the power of STEM to teenage girls. They run outreach activities, mentorship, twinning, entrepreneurship programmes and education programmes along with showcase events reaching a global audience. Later this year I Wish expect to roll out a Pilot Primary programme. For more information see iwish.ie.

The next chapter of Google’s Gemini era

Today, Google made a series of announcements marking the next chapter of our Gemini era — with new names, new products and new ways to experience their most capable AI.

Gemini is evolving to be more than just AI models. It supports an entire ecosystem — from the products that billions of people use every day, to the APIs and platforms helping developers and businesses innovate.

The news below.

A new name for Bard 

Our mission with Bard has always been to give users direct access to our AI models, and Gemini represents our most capable family of models. To reflect this, Bard will now simply be known as Gemini.

Gemini — Advanced 

You can already chat with Gemini with our Pro 1.0 model in over 40 languages and more than 230 countries and territories. And now, we’re launching Gemini Advanced to help people easily collaborate with the best of Google AI.

Gemini Advanced will give users in more than 150 countries and territories access to Ultra 1.0, our largest and most capable state-of-the-art AI model, better at highly complex tasks like coding, logical reasoning, following nuanced instructions and collaborating on creative projects. It’s currently available in English, and we’ll expand to more languages over time.

Introducing a new subscription for the Gemini era

Gemini Advanced is available as part of our brand new Google One AI Premium Plan for $19.99/month, starting with a two-month trial at no cost. This plan gives the best of Google AI and our latest advancements, along with all the benefits of the existing Google One Premium plan, such as 2TB of storage. In addition, AI Premium subscribers will soon be able to use Gemini in Gmail, Docs, Slides, Sheets and more.

Building next-gen AI boldly and responsibly

We continue to take a bold and responsible approach to bringing this technology to the world. And, to mitigate issues like unsafe content or bias, we’ve built safety into our products in accordance with our AI Principles. Before launching Gemini Advanced, we conducted extensive trust and safety checks. You can find more detail in our updated Gemini Technical Report.

First Look – CREATIVE Aurvana Ace earbuds with xMEMS drivers

The Creative Aurvana Ace series, powered by xMEMS drivers, has been expertly tuned to deliver remarkable audio clarity with a wider frequency response ranging from 5 Hz to 40 KHz. With this comprehensive range, users will get to enjoy a truly immersive and lifelike audio experience, whether it’s for music, movies, or conference calls.

These latest wireless earbuds also feature LE Audio with LC3 codec, Bluetooth 5.3, and Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) plus Ambient Mode, along with up to 24 hours of total playtime, making them the definitive choice for audio enthusiasts seeking the very best in true wireless earbuds. We have the latest in for review here at techbuzz so if you have any questions feel free to ask as usual while we test the latest from Creative out.

Experience the Power of xMEMS Drivers

At the heart of the Creative Aurvana Ace and Creative Aurvana Ace 2 lies the cutting-edge solid-state MEMS-based drivers, which play a pivotal role in delivering a truly natural and lifelike sound experience. These specialized drivers, expertly integrated into each earbud, showcase an innovative design with tiny flaps meticulously mounted to silicon chips. What makes this technology stand out is how it replicates sound when these flaps swiftly respond to short electrical signals. In doing so, these drivers are able to generate sound waves that closely mimic the way users naturally hear sounds in the world around them. This results in an audio experience that is not only pristine but also remarkably lifelike, akin to having the performers right beside the users.

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Unboxing Video

PlayPilot Integrates with Leading Podcast Providers to Boost Discoverability

PlayPilot, the premier platform for discovering movies and series across all streaming services, has leaped into the dynamic world of podcasts. Aiming to enhance podcast discoverability, PlayPilot has integrated with top podcast providers, including Apple, Google and Spotify podcasts, bridging the gap between visual and audio entertainment. 

“With millions of podcasts released each year, both by amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals, discovering high-quality content has become a formidable challenge”, says David Mühle, Co-CEO at PlayPilot. “We’re addressing this issue by offering a one-stop solution for users seeking both visual and auditory entertainment.” 

Discover and Recommend with Ease 

PlayPilot’s new podcast feature allows users to not only access an extensive library of podcasts but also search for and discover related movies, series, and podcasts effortlessly. Users can explore curated collections from the best of both worlds, offering a holistic entertainment experience. 

“Discovering great podcasts should be as easy as finding a great movie,” says David Mühle. ”Our platform enables users to seamlessly transition between visual and audio content while providing recommendations from fellow users and podcast creators. It’s about simplifying the discovery process and enhancing the overall entertainment journey.” 

Commitment to community-driven content curation Users can share their personalized collections with favorite movies/series and podcasts, fostering a sense of community among entertainment enthusiasts. This approach empowers users to curate content that resonates with their tastes and to discover hidden gems they might have missed. 

The PlayPilot app is free and available on App Store and Google Play. ______________________________________________________________________ 

About PlayPilot 

PlayPilot is a pioneering platform dedicated to helping users discover the best movies, series, and podcasts across all streaming services. With a mission to simplify entertainment discovery, PlayPilot’s innovative features and community-driven approach make it the ultimate destination for entertainment enthusiasts.

NIRA Dynamics hits milestone with 100 million TPI units, pioneering sustainability in the automotive industry

NIRA Dynamics, leader in automotive technology software solutions, proudly announces a significant milestone: the sale of 100 million Tire Pressure Indicator (TPI) units. This achievement not only underscores NIRA’s prominence in the automotive sector but also highlights its commitment to sustainability and cost-efficiency since 2005.

In a remarkable shift from traditional hardware-based systems, NIRA’s TPI technology, a software-centric approach, has revolutionized tire pressure monitoring. By eliminating the need for physical sensors in each tire, NIRA’s TPI has substantially reduced electronic waste and manufacturing costs, fostering a more sustainable automotive ecosystem.

Key Impact

NIRA Dynamics’ TPI technology has redefined the landscape of tire pressure monitoring by significantly reducing the reliance on physical sensors and the associated electronic waste. By introducing this innovative software solution in 100 million vehicles, NIRA has contributed to a staggering reduction of electronic waste, with an estimated 40,000 tons of electronics saved. This monumental achievement not only reflects NIRA’s commitment to technological excellence but also underscores its dedication to promoting sustainability in the automotive industry.

A Commitment to Sustainability and Cost-Efficiency

NIRA Dynamics has not only set a benchmark in technological innovation but has also conscientiously contributed to environmental sustainability. The reduction in electronic waste and the need for fewer raw materials resonate with global efforts to minimize the ecological footprint of the automotive industry.

“Our journey to 100 million TPI units is not just a testament to our technological progress but also to our dedication to a greener, cost-effective future,” said Lisa Åbom, CEO, NIRA Dynamics. “This milestone is a leap towards our vision of an eco-conscious automotive landscape, where innovation drives sustainability.”

A big upside for car manufacturers when selecting a sensor fusion solution like TPI is the fact that costs are kept at a minimum, while all TPMS legislation globally are fulfilled.

Looking Ahead

As NIRA Dynamics celebrates this milestone, the company remains committed to advancing automotive technology solutions that deliver sustainable, cost-efficient value-adding services to cars and drivers globally. Just recently, NIRA launched a big update to TPI – TPI UX, offering enhanced detection performance and improved graphical interface for increased safety and performance.

Also, the latest solution in production is Road Surface Alerts – warns drivers for hazardous road conditions, and Road Surface Conditions – offers enhanced decision-making for ADAS services in varying road conditions.

IP law firm FRKelly announces move to new Dublin office

FRKelly, leading specialist in intellectual property law, has announced its relocation to news offices at Waterways House, Grand Canal Quay, marking a significant milestone for the firm as it embraces a new era of growth. The firm’s move to Dublin’s Silicon Docks comes after spending 56 years in Clyde Road, Ballsbridge.

The new office, nestled in the heart of the Grand Canal area, is strategically positioned within Ireland’s innovation epicentre surrounded by a multitude of offices, young professionals and visionary entrepreneurs. Its central location is equidistant between Dublin’s traditional central business district of St. Stephen’s Green and Fitzwilliam Square, along with the commercial hubs on the Liffey Docks. It is also easily accessible by various modes of public transport.

Offering a breath-taking view overlooking the Grand Canal Dock, Waterways House is a multi-storey building designed and constructed to the prestigious LEED Gold standard that promises sophistication and sustainability. As well as the new Dublin head office, FRKelly has a presence in Belfast and Cork, with offices in both locations.

Gavan Ferguson, Managing Partner at FRKelly, said: “Waterways House embodies the spirit of progress and forward-thinking. The transition to the new office marks a brand-new chapter for FRKelly, unlocking boundless opportunities for business growth and innovation. This strategic shift aligns with our commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration, ultimately enabling us to attract top-tier talent and further elevate our services to clients.”

Currently employing 32 patent and trade mark attorneys, FRKelly foresees further growth in 2024. The firm’s recent recognition in the prestigious IAM 1000 patent rankings in 2023 and acknowledgment of four of its attorneys as IP Stars 2023 for their exceptional contributions in patent and trademark law further consolidate FRKelly’s standing as an industry leader poised for continued success.

Tech Review – ANCwear wearable bluetooth speaker BT-208

The ANCwear wearable bluetooth speaker BT-208 is a portable and wearable speaker you can bring just about anywhere and clip it on anywhere too which is a neat idea if you want some sounds on the go if you do not wear earbuds. The package comes with several options to clip it on or wear on your wrist if you like, it is about the size of an egg and does not look that much out of place on the wrist, you may see joggers going around with a phone strapped to their arm and this is a similar idea and not as cumbersome to wear.

On the speaker itself there is several marked controls on it which allows you to skip and reverse tracks higher and lower the volume and play and pause you can also control calls too and use it as a mic, the buttons are nicely raised and it is simple to use with no app to install and only connect via bluetooth, you can charge it via mirco usb which is a bit behind the times but you get decent battery life out of it for its size and will last a full day easily.

This is ideal for anyone however more suited to those who are into fitness or camping,hiking or simply for a picnic or to the beach, the speaker is not going to impress but has some bass but nothing like bigger speakers out there but packs a decent enough punch for a small circle of friends to hear. It also comes with an IPX6 rating so fine for outdoors regardless. Overall it is a portable bluetooth speaker that can be used literally anywhere.

Check out the video below and see what it is all about.

 

ANCwear wearable bluetooth speaker BT-208

 

Check out the ANCwear smartwatch

Check out the ANCwear V7 sports headphones

FEATURES

  • True wireless stereo function: True wireless stereo technology allows you to enjoy the surround sound with exceptional clarity; pair two ANCwear speakers for a powerful stereo sound; Bluetooth 5.0 ensures instant pairing and rock-solid connection with any Bluetooth-enabled device to get seamless pairing.
  • ☑️【60g Compact & Portable】ANCwear Portable Bluetooth Speaker is truly a mini speaker in all senses. About the size of an egg, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, feel nothing with you, except clarity music wherever you go.
  • ⭐【Portable Bluetooth Speaker】: The wireless speaker has multiple options on how to carry it. Around your wrist like a watch, attach it to your clothes or accessories, attach it to your t-shirts whatever you prefer. Ideal for more intense activities such as hiking, cycling, jogging, climbing, camping or running.
  • IPX6 waterproof speaker: IPX6 rating means that it can withstand rain, snow, mud and water splashes, which is technical enough for running with sweat or rain. No worries about weather and outdoor conditions, a great Bluetooth speaker for travel and home.
  • Long battery life: the powerful lithium battery provides an incredible 9.5 hours of continuous playback and 1.5 hours charging time; keep in mind that factors such as volume can affect battery life. Built-in microphone allows you to receive hands-free calls on the go.

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Video Review