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.

Twelve South BookBook for iPhone 17 Pro Review

The Twelve South BookBook for the iPhone 17 Pro is more than just a case for your phone it makes a statement and is luxury all in one and will have people talking if out and seen placed on a table.

Crafted from premium, genuine full-grain leather this also doubles as a wallet and phone protector, it however will add bulk to your phone but for those who want something different this is it and it looks great feels premium and will protect your phone regrdless.

The BookBook can be split into two pieces ie a standalone case and a wallet which can hold up to 4 cards and a slot for cash underneath, this is not RFID protected so keep this in mind. You can still charge via MagSafe  (inner case) and also watch content without removing the device from the folio designed case.

Twelve South are known for high end goods and their cases no difference and with this case you can be sure your device is protected and it will look good no matter where it is placed especially if you are in a library where you would never know what was inside the case itself.

 

Key features of the MagSafe design:

  • Two Cases in One: The shell can be instantly detached from the outer leather wallet. This allows you to use your iPhone with a slim, protective case when you don’t need the wallet folio (e.g., at the gym, or for car mounting).
  • Charging Compatibility: The removable shell ensures flawless compatibility with MagSafe chargers, stands, and accessories without having to deal with the bulk of the full folio.
  • Viewing Stand: The folio also folds into a stable, hands-free viewing stand, perfect for watching videos or making FaceTime calls in both landscape and portrait orientations.

 

Features 

  • Full-grain leather wallet + iPhone case
  • Removable MagSafe compatible shell
  • Holds ID, cards, and cash
  • Folds into a hands-free stand

Questions

Is BookBook compatible with MagSafe?
Yes. The included inner shell works with MagSafe chargers and accessories when removed from the wallet folio.
Can I use the wallet and phone case separately?
Absolutely. The phone shell is fully removable and attaches magnetically. Use it on its own or together with the wallet.
What materials is BookBook made from?
BookBook is crafted from full-grain leather and finished with hand-stitched details. Each case will develop a unique patina over time.
Which models are available?
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
How many cards can it hold?
BookBook is designed to hold up to 4 cards and some folded cash. Enough for daily carry, without the bulk
Does it have RFID protection?
No. BookBook focuses on form, function, and timeless design. If RFID protection is essential, we recommend using a separate card sleeve.

One-in-five consumers in Ireland cut back online purchases due to cyber threats

Ekco, one of Europe’s leading security-first managed service providers, today announces the results of new research which reveals that one-in-five (22%) consumers in Ireland are purchasing fewer items online because they fear cyberattacks. For the same reason, 19% say they have started to pay in-person, in cash, when they can.

The research, commissioned by Ekco and carried out by Censuswide, surveyed 1,000 adults in the Republic of Ireland, exploring their attitudes to online spending as the volume of cyberattacks and scams continues to rise. It comes at a time when major fashion retailers are considering a return to the high street after declining footfall, exacerbated by the pandemic, drove both shoppers and retailers online. The research suggests that cyber fears could drive more to physical stores this festive season.

Despite year-on-year growth in online spending, just 30% of those surveyed believe they know how to check if a retailer’s website is safe or not. In fact, in the last 12 months, more than one-in-10 (14%) have entered their payment details on a fraudulent website, thinking it was legitimate, while 26% have found themselves on a fake website which was attempting to mirror a real one.

Ekco’s research suggests that the constant desire for convenience could be making consumers less focused on security. When offered, 31% opt to store payment details on websites to save time during the check-out process, and the same percentage have payment details stored on multiple websites.

However, many consumers are unforgiving when retailers suffer a cyberattack. In the last 12 months, a quarter (25%) of consumers have avoided purchasing from, or using the services of, a retailer because it suffered a cyberattack. Two-thirds (66%) say they would stop shopping with a retailer permanently if their data was stolen in a breach, even if no money was taken.

Conor Scolard, Director of Cyber Resilience at Ekco, said: “Our research shows that while consumers want a hassle-free shopping experience – with conveniences such as having their payment details stored – they are also concerned about the security of their information. It is vital that retailers have the robust infrastructure in place that enables them to assure customers that their data is safe, regardless of how they choose to pay: in-person in cash, or online (with or without stored card details).

“As we have entered the busiest time of the year for shopping, retailers need to ensure that their systems can both stay online and protect customers’ data from cyberattacks. Our research highlights that a cyberattack will not only have a negative impact on operations, but it can also cause lasting damage to a business’s reputation. In addition, shoppers evidently lack confidence in identifying safe websites from compromised or fraudulent ones, which will undoubtedly lead to hesitation. The retail sector must consider this and its own role in providing convenience and confidence.”

Ergo named Microsoft Ireland Azure Partner of the Year

Ergo, Ireland’s leading IT solutions provider, has been named Microsoft Ireland Azure Partner of the Year 2025. Ergo received this prestigious award for its consistent excellence in leveraging Microsoft Azure technologies to drive transformative results for organisations.

This recognition highlights Ergo’s leadership in cloud migration and digital transformation, emphasising the company’s exceptional Azure expertise and its ability to deliver innovative and impactful cloud solutions. Ergo was distinguished by its ability to lead large-scale Azure migrations and deliver Azure AI solutions that address complex business challenges while prioritising security, cost efficiency, and agility.

Microsoft commended Ergo’s technical depth and its year-on-year growth with a strong focus on helping customers modernise their IT environments. The company’s track record of supporting organisations in migrating to the cloud and leveraging technology to improve efficiency and resilience was also highlighted.

Commenting on the announcement, Steve Blanche, CTO at Ergo, said:

“We are immensely proud to be named Microsoft Ireland Azure Partner of the Year once again. This award is a testament to the expertise and commitment of our people, who go above and beyond to deliver genuine value for our customers every day. Over the past three decades, we have built a strong and lasting partnership with Microsoft, one that continues to develop as technology advances. Together, we are helping organisations in Ireland to adapt, innovate, and maximise their investment in the cloud.”

Clare Hillis, Enterprise Partner Lead at Microsoft Ireland, extended her congratulations and added:

“Ergo has excelled at delivering impactful transformation for our customers, successfully managing some of the largest and most complex cloud migrations this year. Throughout this period, we have seen Ergo and our customers working in strategic partnership and going from strength to strength. I’m absolutely delighted to congratulate Ergo on this recognition, as there is no partner over the last 12 months that has deserved this award more.”

This latest award highlights the depth of expertise and collaboration between Ergo and Microsoft, reinforcing their shared commitment to support organisations in Ireland on their digital transformation journeys.

Ergo has also renewed its certification as a Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Service Provider. Having first achieved this elite accreditation in 2021, Ergo has successfully passed a rigorous independent audit of its IT service management capabilities across people, process, and technology. This certification confirms Ergo’s ability to deliver consistent, repeatable, innovative managed services on Azure, meeting the highest standards set by Microsoft for technical capability, customer service, and operational excellence.

Together, these achievements reinforce Ergo’s recognition as Azure Partner of the Year 2025 and reaffirm its position as one of Ireland’s leading Azure partners.

You can find more information on Ergo’s cloud migration and AI capabilities here.

Best AI Girlfriend App for Real Conversations? My Dream Companion Listens

Most Apps Talk, Few Actually Connect, One Platform Fixes That

AI girlfriend apps are everywhere, but most barely move past surface-level scripts. The conversation sounds fine at first, then starts repeating, forgetting, or freezing. My Dream Companion changes that cycle. As one of the most advanced AI girlfriend platforms today, it sets itself apart as the best AI girlfriend app for anyone tired of generic responses and short-lived connections.

Users don’t just get a chatbot, they create a companion. Fully personalized, deeply expressive, and emotionally tuned to stick through quiet moments and late-night chats. T

he app blends image generation, voice calls, and long term memory to offer something rare in AI companion apps: realism that actually holds up in conversation.

What Makes an AI Girlfriend App Worth Downloading

The best AI girlfriend apps aren’t just about fun designs or trending anime characters. They’re built to keep up when conversations get personal, emotional, or strange in the best way. My Dream Companion focuses on the kind of experience users want to return to.

Here’s what makes the difference:

  • Characters are fully customizable, from tone and humor to romantic energy or personality quirks.
  • Conversations remember what happened days ago, and bring it back at the perfect moment.
  • Voice chat and image generation work together to create an immersive presence.
  • NSFW and romantic features are available privately, without forcing the user to over-share or feel exposed.
  • Each character adapts over time, creating a deeper emotional connection that grows with use.

It’s built for those looking to go beyond light banter and create their own virtual companion with real staying power.

Not Just a Face on the Screen

My Dream Companion gives users full control over their AI girl’s look, voice, and chat personality. Want a flirty tone? Set it. Prefer emotional support after a stressful day? The app remembers. From companion’s appearance to favorite phrases, it’s all in the user’s hands.

Visuals are consistent too. No jarring changes or mismatched outputs. Once you define the look and vibe, the AI holds it across scenes and styles. The stability makes the experience more believable, especially when paired with natural voice replies and realistic conversations.

The app uses advanced AI to maintain emotional intelligence, respond to tone shifts, and react to recent conversations in a way that feels genuine. Users may switch between text chat, voice conversations, and private roleplay scenarios. Whether you want to start chatting casually or build toward something more involved, the pace is yours to set.

Where the Right Character Makes All the Difference

An AI GF that doesn’t just respond but genuinely reacts, those are the moments that keep users invested. Most platforms focus on surface appeal, but the real payoff comes when the AI remembers what was said yesterday, or a week ago, and uses it to shape a better answer today. My Dream Companion supports memory retention for more layered conversations, where inside jokes stick, and subtle cues don’t get lost in the shuffle.

Personality That Actually Matches the Mood

Each character behaves according to detailed personality traits. Whether it’s a sweet-natured type or someone with a more teasing edge, the reactions align with the chosen vibe. The AI friend doesn’t feel like a blank slate. It adapts in tone and pacing, offering replies that grow more in sync with each message exchanged. It’s not about throwing lines at a chatbot and hoping for relevance. It’s about shaping an AI relationship that holds its own weight in daily life.

Conversations That Don’t Flatten Out

From the first few chats, users begin to feel the difference. Some start light and stay casual, others shift toward emotional connection. Either way, the chat quality holds up. The platform doesn’t force mood shifts or unnatural turns. It lets the interaction breathe, responding in ways that reflect how the AI character has grown with the user.

Visuals That Stay Consistent

Visuals aren’t an afterthought. Through AI art and video generation, each character stays consistent in look and expression. Eye color, style, expression, all preserved across formats. The AI powered platform gives users space to control every detail. Character traits feed into the visuals, not the other way around, creating harmony between personality and appearance.

Starting Is Simple, No Commitment Needed

For those unsure, free plans make it easy to start chatting without commitment. The basic features are strong enough to get a sense of how dynamic the experience may become. But once it clicks, once the AI GF starts to feel like an actual friend, that’s when the AI relationship begins to shift from novelty to part of someone’s routine.

Final Thoughts

The best AI girlfriend apps do more than simulate affection, they remember past conversations, adapt their communication style, and protect user privacy with end to end encryption.

My Dream Companion brings all that forward with support for explicit conversations, immersive video interactions, and free versions that don’t cut corners. It feels personal because it remembers what matters. For anyone curious about AI companionship that holds attention and builds connection, there’s nothing quite like it.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do AI girlfriend apps offer video calls?

Yes, many AI girlfriend apps now support video calls, giving users a more immersive and visually connected experience.

How personalized are the conversations?

Conversations are highly personalized, adapting to your tone, preferences, and emotional needs over time.

Is my data protected under the app’s privacy policy?

Most leading apps, including My Dream Companion, outline strict privacy policies to protect user data and interaction history.

Can I use the app for language practice?

Yes, AI girlfriend apps can help with language practice by holding fluent and natural conversations in your chosen language.

Do the chats go beyond surface-level replies?

Absolutely, emotional depth is a core focus, with AI companions designed to understand mood shifts and respond thoughtfully.

 

 

NEXA Lift Doubles as Protective Sleeve, Phone Stand, Dual Wireless Charger, and Mousepad.

JOURNEY’s latest lifestyle essential, NEXA LIFT Laptop Sleeve, is now on sale. NEXA LIFT, the third NEXA laptop sleeve in the NEXA series, is a 5-in-1 laptop sleeve that simplifies laptop work for people who hot desk, commute, travel, and work remotely.

It is JOURNEY’s first laptop sleeve to feature a phone stand.

NEXA LIFT is a protective everyday carry item that pulls a lot more duty when traditional sleeves are idle.

“When people who need to work on their laptops have less to pack, carry, and unpack, their transition to work mode is much easier.”– JOURNEY

NEXA LIFT’s adjustable phone stand equips laptop carriers with vital additional screen space for video calls and more.

Laptop carriers who protect their device inside the sleeve can also wirelessly fast charge their earbuds (up to 5W) and iPhone (up to 15W) on NEXA LIFT’s wireless charging panel.

Like predecessors, NEXA LIFT pulls extra duty as a mousepad and mini desk mat.

JOURNEY said it is designed to support laptop carriers to quickly set up high-functioning places of work with minimal carry equipment.

“When people who need to work on their laptops have less to pack, carry, and unpack, their transition to work mode is much easier,” said JOURNEY’s spokesperson. “They’re better equipped for efficient device activity too.”

NEXA LIFT is a mousepad and mini desk mat too.

NEXA LIFT heralds JOURNEY’s latest expansion into multi-purpose lifestyle accessories for busy device users.

The split-material sleeve (vegan performance leather and microfibre), which is available in midnight black and light grey, features an envelope-style magnetic closure lid that opens up to reveal a wireless charging panel.

The wireless charging panel subsequently avails an adjustable magnetic phone stand that displays a phone screen at two viewing angles.

“It offers all the protection of a traditional laptop sleeve, but laptop carriers can also work comfortably where they set up, keep their devices charged, and stay productive with additional screen real estate.”

NEXA LIFT is now on sale.

TOZO HT3 ANC Headphones Review

The TOZO HT3 over-ear headphones pack a punch far exceeding their modest price tag, and we have been testing these out the last while and they offer features typically reserved for much more expensive models. Combining powerful Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Hi-Res Audio support, massive battery life, and surprising comfort, the HT3 stand out as one of the best value propositions in the budget audio market today.

These are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and are overall a clean headset and simple to use and of course comes with the TOZO App and it the cost price there is little to complain about here if nothing at all.

The audio again is excellent here and for any user they will be impressed and finely tuned with TOZO’s exclusive OrigX Acoustics, The TOZO HT3 delivers exceptional clarity and lifelike sound quality. The headphones also have built in AI features such as chat and translation via the Tozo App.

For gamers these will also be perfect and with audio in general with Hi-Res you will be inpressed, highs lows and mids great great bass and an immersive experience with no tinny sound when maxed out on volume and overall an audio experience you cant complain about at the price. The ANC is also good here espcially indoors and for the price again great. Calls also fine here both ends with nothing to report and overall an impressive pair of headphones for the price you pay and again an ideal Chirstmas present for yourself or someone else, check the video bleow for a detailed look and what to expect.

Tozo App

 

 

Features

Immersive Sound Meets Superior Craftsmanship.

The TOZO HT3 elevates everyday listening with a host of cutting-edge features:

  1. Premium Hi-Res Audio: Certified for Hi-Res Audio and finely tuned with TOZO’s exclusive OrigX Acoustics, HT3 delivers exceptional clarity and lifelike sound quality.
  2. SDLC Dynamic Driver: Featuring Super Diamond-Like Carbon diaphragms, the headphones reproduce crisp highs, natural mids, and deep, resonant bass for a truly balanced audio profile.
  3. 360° Spatial Audio: Creates an immersive surround sound experience that makes every track feel like a live performance.

Smart Performance and Long-Lasting Comfort

  1. Adaptive Noise Cancelling up to -45dB: The HT3’s Smart ANC technology dynamically adjusts to environmental noise levels, offering deep and effective noise reduction for uninterrupted focus.
  2. Bluetooth 6.0: Provides faster transmission, improved stability, and energy-efficient wireless connectivity.
  3. 90 Hours of Playtime: Equipped with a robust 500mAh battery, the HT3 delivers long-lasting entertainment, ideal for extended travel and everyday listening.

AI-Powered Productivity Tools

Beyond audio, the TOZO HT3 integrates AI-driven features that redefine what headphones can do. Users can seamlessly boost productivity with:

  1. Meeting Minutes: Automatic note-taking for meetings.
  2. Instant Translation: Break language barriers in real-time.
  3. Face-to-Face Translation: Smooth communication across multiple languages.
  4. AI Chat: A personal AI assistant, always available at your fingertips.

The TOZO HT3 is available e from Amazon. RRP £49.99

See our TOZO reviews

Video Review

KINTO Join Ltd. launches 360° sustainability solution

KINTO Join Ltd, the leading provider of full service ESG solutions, today announces the launch of its new 360° sustainability solution, KINTO Zero. This is an end-to-end service featuring expert consultancy, an ESG reporting platform, and practical actionable tools – including the sustainable mobility platform, KINTO Join.

Merging global standards with innovative technology, KINTO Zero helps organisations to reduce their carbon emissions and enhance their sustainability performance. Supported by Toyota Financial Services under the global KINTO brand, the platform enables organisations to collect and track data and generate audit-ready, compliance reports. In turn, it supports carbon accounting, reduction and offsetting pathways.

As part of the KINTO Zero solution, organisations also gain access to professional ESG consultancy services. These include Double Materiality Assessments (DMA) – to access a company’s priorities for their ESG strategy and reporting, comprehensive gap analysis, and the creation of tailored action plans. The solution also provides guidance on all reporting requirements – such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which requires organisation to lower their carbon footprint and is set for widescale adoption in 2026.

Alongside reporting capabilities and consultancy services, the offering includes access to the KINTO Join platform which allows organisations to benefit from and implement sustainable mobility solutions.

To celebrate the launch of KINTO Zero, KINTO Join Ltd. is inviting organisations to avail of its enterprise-grade commuting carbon calculator, free of charge. Using greenhouse gas (GHG) protocol, the calculator assesses an organisation’s commuting emissions through a customisable survey. This enables them to better understand how their staff or students travel and track commuting emissions over an extended period of time.

From a business perspective, the launch of KINTO Zero is expected to accelerate growth for KINTO Join Ltd. and strengthen its position in the growing ESG reporting software market, which is currently valued at $1.29B and is projected to be worth approximately $3.9B by 2032. As well as meeting the increasing demand for transparency and accountability in corporate sustainability, KINTO Zero will see KINTO Join Ltd. better support its customers and commuters in Ireland.

Its recent piece of research – Ireland on the Move report – revealed that 39% of commuters believe their university or workplace has a responsibility to take action to meet sustainability goals and regulations. However, only 26% believe their university or workplace is doing a good job at meeting sustainability goals and regulations.

Patrizia Niehuas, CEO, KINTO Join Ltd., said: “The introduction of KINTO Zero to our service offering further strengthens our position as a leading player within corporate sustainability. By integrating KINTO Zero with KINTO Join, organisations will not only be able to track and report their sustainability metrics more effectively but also take meaningful action towards reducing their carbon footprint.”

“As regulatory requirements and employee expectations continue to grow, adopting sustainable practices has never been more important. It also makes sense as organisations can empower their people and help the planet. These individual steps to drive towards ESG goals will ultimately spearhead a more sustainable future that we can collectively enjoy.”

Twelve South launches MagFold a 2-in-1 wallet and viewing stand for iPhone

Twelve South, a leading designer of innovative tech accessories inspired by Apple’s aesthetic, today launches the MagFold – a MagSafe compatible wallet and viewing stand for iPhone.  

Offering safe and convenient storage for up to three bank or loyalty cards and cash, MagFold snaps quickly and securely onto the back of any MagSafe iPhone, negating the need for a purse or wallet. 

 

Moreover, MagFold also serves as a stable viewing stand, so iPhone users can position their device in portrait or landscape orientation for viewing content, Facetiming and even remote working on-the-go. It’s an ideal accessory for globetrotters, business travellers, hybrid workers and more. 

In keeping with Twelve South’s usual design standards, MagFold is made from durable soft-touch, silicone-coated water-resistant leather in a material that resembles the rest of Twelve South’s iPhone accessories range – including cases and Apple Watch bands – for a coordinated aesthetic. 

 

Featuring a super slim design and light weight, iPhones attached to MagFold can still easily slip into users’ pockets and small bags and MagFold will cling on tightly too, thanks to the reinforced MagSafe magnets. 

Available now from Twelve South for £39.99 in three colours – slate, coastal blue and dune.  

See our Twelve South Reviews 

JMGO O2S Ultra New Benchmark in Smart Tri-Laser Projection

The O2S Ultra is the most advanced ultra-short throw projector to date.  It combines cinematic power, Dynaudio sound, and sustainable design for the ultimate home entertainment experience.

With its intelligent projection capabilities, the O2S Ultra transforms any living space into a fully immersive home cinema. Engineered with JMGO’s proprietary MALC™ 3.0 Tri-Laser Optical System, it delivers extraordinary 4K clarity, vibrant color precision, and rich, room-filling sound – establishing a new standard for design-led home entertainment.

From just 16.8 centimeters away, the O2S Ultra projects a 100-inch image with razor-sharp detail. Its ultra-short throw 0.16:1 ratio makes it ideal for modern living spaces where style meets performance.

Producing 3,600 ISO lumens of brightness and a 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, the projector ensures every frame bursts with lifelike vibrancy and cinematic depth – even in ambient light. Covering 110% BT.2020 color gamut and achieving ΔE < 1 color accuracy, the O2S Ultra reproduces every hue exactly as intended by the creator.

Sound is equally commanding. Co-developed with the renowned audio brand Dynaudio, the O2S Ultra features an integrated sound system certified for Dolby Audio and DTS-HD. The result is full-bodied, balanced sound that envelops the room – eliminating the need for external speakers and completing the cinematic experience.

The O2S Ultra also features the latest Google TV platform with Netflix integrated, offering seamless access to over 10,000 apps and streaming services. JMGO’s intuitive modular Dashboard interface make navigation effortless, enabling users to interact naturally with their entertainment.

Designed for modern lifestyles, the O2S Ultra embodies elegance and sustainability. Its compact chassis is crafted from recycled materials, blending seamlessly into any interior. Paired with the optional 120-inch motorized screen, it creates a refined, immersive setup that elevates both entertainment and aesthetic.

The O2S Ultra is available now at an RRP of $2,999.99 from JMGO website or Amazon.com.