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.

Ireland’s First Cybersecurity Apprenticeship for Local Government Launched

Local authorities are boosting their cyber-security systems with the official launch of Ireland’s first tailored IT apprenticeship programme for county and city councils.

Ten local authorities across Ireland have joined the initiative, which aims to equip staff with the skills and expertise to protect local government networks and data from cyber-attacks.

The Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Programme, which allows employees to train while they work, was officially launched by Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin and Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins in Dundalk, Co Louth. Representatives from the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which has collaborated with FIT (Fastrack into Information Technology) to deliver the programme, also attended the launch.

The scheme features a 70:30 split between workplace learning and off-the-job training. This means the participants are applying the most up-to-date theoretical knowledge to IT practice in local authorities.

When completed, the programme will equip participants with the skills and knowledge to work in cybersecurity roles within the local government sector, and they will receive an Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity (NFQ Level 6).

The first cohort of 14 participants began in June, serving their apprenticeships in 10 local authorities and the LGMA.

Minister Harkin said the programme opens doors for new talent but also empowers local government’s existing workforce.

“This apprenticeship is a powerful example of how targeted education and training can support the evolving needs of our public sector,” she said.

“By investing in both new talent and upskilling existing staff, we are not only strengthening cyber resilience within local government, but also building a future-ready workforce equipped to meet the challenges of a digital society. In addition, this programme supports a number of Government priorities, including growing the number of apprentices within the Public Service.

Minister Cummins added: “The Government is committed to expanding apprenticeship and traineeship numbers on a sectoral basis alongside established primary recruitment processes. Today marks an important step in building cyber resilience within local government.

“As global vulnerabilities continue to rise in threatening the security of our IT systems, this pioneering programme showcases the dedication of public servants in safeguarding our communities through stronger cyber resilience. This programme demonstrates the commitment of the local government sector to achieve the targets set out in the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan to provide programmes that offer a route to qualifications and careers in a range of diverse areas and to establish the sector as an employer of choice by attracting, retaining and developing its staff.”

Training takes place online and in person in the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence in Dundalk, where the launch took place.

This initiative supports key goals outlined in the Local Government Digital and ICT Strategy 2030 and the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025, contributing to the development of a skilled digital workforce in the local government sector.

The training programme is being delivered by FIT. CEO Peter Davitt said: “We are proud to launch Ireland’s first workforce development apprenticeship for local government.

“By embracing tech apprenticeships, this model proactively addresses the challenge of skills obsolescence in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, ensuring that public sector digital services remain robust, secure, and future-ready for the benefit of communities nationwide.”

Chief Executive Officer of the LGMA, Pauline Mulligan added: “Upskilling current local authority employees is central to our digital transformation strategy, ensuring that they are equipped with the expertise needed to safeguard public services in an increasingly complex cyber landscape.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to inclusive growth, innovation, and excellence in public service.”

Director of LMETB’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE), Gerard Smith said: “This programme is just one of a wide range of training initiatives AMTCE provides to companies and employees in the cybersecurity space. From foundational awareness to advanced threat detection, our goal is to equip the workforce with the practical skills needed to protect critical infrastructure. Our state-of-the-art Training Security Operations Centre (SOC) enables us to simulate real-world cyber scenarios, ensuring learners are prepared for the threats they’ll face on the ground.”

Click to access the Local Government Digital and ICT Strategy 2030 and the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025

Dell AI Data Platform Advancements Unlock the Power of Enterprise Data to Accelerate AI Outcomes

Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL), the world’s No. 1 provider of AI infrastructure, announces Dell AI Data Platform advancements designed to help enterprises turn distributed, siloed data into faster, more reliable AI outcomes.

Why it matters

As enterprise AI adoption surges and data grows, organizations need a platform that can securely transform distributed, siloed data into actionable insights. The Dell AI Data Platform, a critical component of the Dell AI Factory, delivers an open, modular foundation to create value from scattered data silos. By decoupling data storage from processing, it eliminates bottlenecks and provides the flexibility needed for AI workloads like training, fine-tuning, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) or inferencing.

The platform, integrated with the NVIDIA AI Data Platform reference design, is powered by four core building blocks:

  • Storage engines for smart data placement and seamless data movement
  • Data engines to turn data into actionable insights
  • Built-in cyber resiliency
  • Data management services

Together, they create a scalable, flexible foundation for customers to realize AI’s full potential.

Dell AI Data Platform storage engines deliver peak AI performance

Dell PowerScale and Dell ObjectScale, the Dell AI Data Platform’s storage engines, offer the performance, security and multi-protocol access essential for AI data.

  • Dell PowerScale delivers NAS (network-attached storage) simplicity and parallel performance for AI workloads like training, fine-tuning, inferencing and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines.
    • With new integration of NVIDIA GB200 and GB300 NVL72 and ongoing software updates, Dell PowerScale delivers reliable performance, simplified management at scale and seamless compatibility with applications and solution stacks.
    • PowerScale F710, which has achieved  NVIDIA Cloud Partner (NCP) certification for high performance storage, delivers 16k+ GPU-scale with up to 5X less rack space, 88% fewer network switches and up to 72% lower power consumption compared to competitors. 2
  • Dell ObjectScale, the industry’s highest-performing object platform, 3 provides extremely performant, scalable S3-native object storage for massive AI workloads. ObjectScale is available as an appliance or through a new software-defined option on Dell PowerEdge servers that is up to 8 times faster than previous-generation all-flash object storage. 4 New advancements improve ObjectScale’s speed, scalability and efficiency.
    • S3 over RDMA support will soon enter tech preview. It will offer up to 230% higher throughput, 80% lower latency and 98% lower CPU usage compared to traditional S3.5
    • Small object performance and efficiency improvements for large deployments deliver up to 19% higher throughput and up to 18% lower latency for 10KB objects.6
    • Deeper AWS S3 integration and bucket-level compression gives developers and data scientists better tools to store, move and use large amounts of data.

 

Dell AI Data Platform data engines power real-time AI

Dell is also expanding its data engines, the specialized tools in the Dell AI Data Platform that organize, query and activate AI data. Dell’s data engines are built in collaboration with trusted AI leaders like NVIDIA, Elastic and Starburst.

  • The new Data Search Engine, developed in collaboration with Elastic, speeds decision-making by allowing customers to interact with data as naturally as asking a question. Designed for tasks like RAG, semantic search and generative AI pipelines, it integrates with MetadataIQ data discovery software to search billions of files on PowerScale and ObjectScale using granular metadata. Developers can build smarter RAG applications in tools like LangChain with the engine, ingesting only updated files to save compute time and keep vector databases current.

 

  • The Data Analytics Engine, developed in collaboration with Starburst, enables seamless data querying across spreadsheets, databases, cloud warehouses and lakehouses. The new Data Analytics Engine Agentic Layer transforms raw data into business-ready products in seconds, using LLMs to automate documentation, glean insights and embed AI into SQL workflows. It also unifies access to vector stores, enabling RAG and search tasks across Iceberg, Dell’s Data Search Engine, PostgreSQL + PGVector and more. Enterprise-grade AI model monitoring and governance helps teams track, audit and control AI usage. The new MCP Server for Data Analytics Engine enables multi-agent and AI application development.
  • Dell AI Data Platform integration with NVIDIA cuVS delivers the next major leap in vector search performance and turnkey deployment for enterprise AI environments. The integration brings GPU-accelerated hybrid (keyword + vector) search to Data Search Engine, delivering faster, more efficient insights with full on-prem control. Powered by NVIDIA cuVS and Dell’s secure infrastructure, IT teams can enjoy a fully integrated, turnkey solution to deploy and scale GPU-powered search out of the box.

 

“AI is transforming industries and its success depends on unlocking the full potential of enterprise data. The Dell AI Data Platform is purpose-built to simplify data complexity, unify pipelines and deliver AI-ready data at scale,” said Arthur Lewis, president, Infrastructure Solutions Group, Dell Technologies. “From real-time diagnostics in healthcare to predictive maintenance in manufacturing, Dell Technologies and trusted collaborators like NVIDIA, Elastic and Starburst are empowering industries to move from AI pilots to production faster and with reduced risk.”

“AI finally gives enterprises a way to transform fragmented data into a strategic, scalable asset,” said Justin Boitano, vice president of enterprise AI products, NVIDIA. “Accelerated by NVIDIA AI, the Dell AI Data Platform delivers a new generation of intelligent storage that is designed to understand the meaning behind the data it holds.”

“Data holds the key to incredible breakthroughs and our collaboration with Dell Technologies makes it easier than ever to unlock that potential. By fully integrating the Elasticsearch context engineering platform into the Dell AI Data Platform, we are providing a powerful engine for search and discovery, said Ajay Nair, GM of Platform Engineering, Elastic. “This collaboration empowers organizations to accelerate everything from semantic search to complex generative AI pipelines, turning large amounts of unstructured data into critical insight.”

“Access to all of your data is the foundation for enterprise AI success,” said Justin Borgman, CEO, Starburst. “Our expanded collaboration with Dell Technologies unites Starburst’s data federation with Dell’s AI Data Platform, giving organizations the ability to unlock insights from anywhere and accelerate their path to real-world AI outcomes.”

“The collaboration between Maya HTT, Dell Technologies and NVIDIA is transforming industries by turning massive amounts of unstructured data into actionable insights. From accelerating satellite production to enabling real-time telemetry and AI-driven efficiency for marine vessels, our solutions are not only connecting unconnected worlds but also driving sustainability and safety,” said Remi Duquette, vice president, Industrial AI, Maya HTT. “With Dell PowerScale and NVIDIA AI infrastructure, we’re delivering faster, smarter and more impactful AI outcomes for our clients.”

Availability

  • Dell PowerScale NVIDIA GB200 and GB300NVL72 integration with NCP validation is available now.
  • Dell ObjectScale S3 over RDMA will be available in Tech Preview in December 2025.
  • Dell ObjectScale software updates will be available in December 2025.
  • First release of Dell Data Analytics Engine Agentic Layer will be available in February 2026.
  • MCP Server for Dell Data Analytics Engine will be available in February 2026.
  • Data Search Engine in the Dell AI Data Platform will be available in 1H 2026.
  • NVIDIA cuVS integration in the Dell AI Data Platform will be available in 1H 2026.

Vdiagtool VD80BT LITE vehicle diagnostics tool review

The VDIAGTOOL VD80BT Lite is a feature-rich, tablet-based vehicle diagnostic tool designed to bridge the gap between expensive professional/dealer-level scanners and consumer-grade code readers. Positioned for serious DIY enthusiasts, independent mechanics, and small workshop owners, it delivers powerful bi-directional control, extensive service functions, and ECU coding capabilities, all wrapped in a modern, user-friendly Android interface.

Its “Lite” designation suggests a slightly scaled-back version of the full VD80BT, yet it retains almost all the high-end functions that make it a formidable choice in the mid-range diagnostic market even compared to the last model we checked out last year.

Key Features and Functionality

The core strength of the VD80BT Lite lies in its deep system access and advanced active testing capabilities:

Bi-Directional Control (Active Tests)

The ability to perform bi-directional control, or Active Tests, is arguably the most valuable feature. This allows the user to send commands to the vehicle’s ECU to test specific components without relying on engine operation.

  • Examples: Activating the ABS pump motor, commanding the cooling fan to turn on, cycling the A/C clutch, extending/retracting the electronic parking brake (EPB), and testing individual injectors.
  • Benefit: Dramatically reduces diagnostic time by confirming if a component (e.g., a fuel pump) is faulty or if the issue lies with the wiring or control module.

OE-Level Full System Diagnostics

The tool goes far beyond basic OBD2 engine codes. It can scan, read, and clear fault codes from all available modules in the vehicle (Engine, Transmission, SRS/Airbag, ABS, TPMS, Climate Control, Body Control Module, etc.), providing detailed, manufacturer-specific information.

Extensive Service and Reset Functions

The VD80BT Lite supports over 28 essential maintenance functions, making it a capable companion for routine service:

Category Key Functions Included
Brakes ABS Bleeding, EPB Reset, TPMS Reset
Engine/Fuel Throttle Adaptation, Injector Coding, DPF Regeneration, Idle Relearn
Electrical Battery Management System (BMS) Reset, Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) Reset
Advanced Headlight Adjustment, Suspension Calibration, Gearbox Match

Advanced Coding & Protocols

For specific brands, particularly the VAG group (VW, Audi, Skoda), it offers higher-level functions:

  • ECU Coding: Allows for modifying parameters in the ECU, often necessary after replacing a module.
  • VAG Guided Diagnostics: Provides step-by-step instructions for complex service procedures.
  • Protocol Support: Includes compatibility with newer vehicle protocols like CAN FD, DoIP, and FCA AutoAuth (required for accessing security gateway modules on newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Fiat models).

Hardware and User Experience

The diagnostic experience is delivered via an 8-inch Android tablet and a separate, wireless Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) dongle.

Specification Detail
Operating System Android 10
Screen 8-inch HD Touchscreen (1280×800)
Performance Quad-core 1.5GHz CPU, 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM
Connectivity Bluetooth (up to 66ft/20m range), Dual-Band Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz), Type-C wired

The Android platform ensures smooth, fast navigation and rapid software updates over Wi-Fi. The wireless VCI is a major plus, allowing technicians to perform active tests from a distance (e.g., triggering the cooling fan from the cabin) without being tethered to the OBD port.

The VDIAGTOOL VD80BT Lite is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking near dealer-level diagnostic power without the crippling price tag. It punches above its weight class by including bi-directional control, full-system scans, and advanced resets on a fast, dedicated tablet device.

 

Features

  • VD80BT Lite: Power and Performance Redefined

Running on Android 10, it ensures smooth navigation and compatibility with a wide range of apps and features.

  • Crisp Visuals, Immersive Display

Featuring a 1280×800 HD resolution screen, enjoy vibrant colors and sharp details whether you’re streaming content, browsing, or multitasking.

  • Efficient Performance

Powered by a quad-core 1.5GHz processor and 4G RAM + 64GB storage, this device handles multitasking, apps, and media effortlessly.

  • Long-Lasting Battery Life

A robust 5000mAh (7.3V) battery keeps you connected for hours. Recharge quickly via the modern Type-C port for added convenience.

Unlock Full OBD2 Capabilities

The VD80BT Lite car diagnostic tool is your ultimate solution for full OBD2 functionality, covering all 10 modes of OBD2 protocols. From reading and clearing fault codes to live data streaming, emission tests, and advanced ECU diagnostics, it delivers precise insights into your vehicle’s health.

Master Your Vehicle’s Brain: Advanced ECU Coding, Code, and PMI Functions

The VD80BT Lite car diagnostic tool takes vehicle diagnostics to the next level with its advanced ECU Coding, code, and PMI capabilities. Designed for professionals and enthusiasts, it’s the ultimate tool for unlocking your vehicle’s full potential with confidence and ease.

Unleash 28+ Hot Service Functions for Expert-Level Repairs & Maintenance

Dominate complex repairs with the VD80BT Lite’s 28+ Hot Service Functions, designed to tackle critical maintenance tasks with surgical precision. Compatible with 80+ brands, it combines deep system access with intuitive menus, turning advanced procedures into guided, error-proof operations.

VDIAGTOOL 70S Review

Xtool office website: https://bit.ly/VdiagtoolOfficial

Purchase Link: https://bit.ly/VDIAGTOOL-VD80BTLite-OfficialStore

Video Review

Airbnb Announces New Social Features With AI

Travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about who you meet. But those connections often fade once the trip ends. That’s why we’re introducing new social features for Airbnb Experiences, to help you connect with other guests before, during and after your experience.

Airbnb Announces New Social Features for Experiences, Smarter Search, Expanded AI Support

With searches for winter travel on the rise, we’re also announcing new updates for guests and hosts in time for a busy holiday season, including:

  • Smarter search and improved maps, to help you discover hidden gems
  • A new way to pay with Reserve Now, Pay Later
  • Expanded AI-powered customer support in more countries and languages
  • More tools to help hosts manage their calendar and pricing

New social features for Airbnb Experiences

Airbnb Experiences are designed to be as much about the people as the activity. Now, we’re introducing new social features, so you can connect with other guests throughout your trip and long after.

  • Who’s going – In a recent survey, more than 7 in 10 respondents said they would like to know more about other guests before booking an experience. Now, before you book, we’ll show you guests who are already going on that experience, along with where they’re from.  
  • Direct messaging – Forget to swap contact info? You can request to directly message guests you first met during an experience to stay in touch or even plan your next experience together, all right in the app.
  • Connections in profile – Now, in the Connections section of your Airbnb Profile tab, you can see the people you’ve met on your experiences, making it easy to reconnect with them.

You can enjoy these new social features while staying in control of what you share with new people. For each experience, you can choose to share your profile, giving you clear and simple control over who can message you and how you’re displayed in other guests’ Connections.

Smarter ways to search and more ways to pay

We’re making it easier to discover great places to stay and pay in a way that works for you.

  • Flexible carousels – When you’re searching for your stay, you’ll now see more options for homes just outside of your search criteria. For example, we’ll show homes with similar prices, different amenities or stays in nearby cities for less, helping you discover great options you might have otherwise missed.
  • Improved maps – Maps now let you easily filter for nearby landmarks, attractions, restaurants and more. Tap on any point of interest to see a summary and how far it is from the home in your search—or from the place you already booked. Later this year, see different map views, including satellite, street, and transit, based on your preference.
  • Reserve Now, Pay Later – With Reserve Now, Pay Later, guests have the option to reserve an eligible stay and pay $0 upfront. We launched this in the US earlier this year, and starting next year, it will be available worldwide for both domestic and international trips.

Expanded AI-powered customer support

Our AI assistant is getting even better with smarter responses and support in more places for guests and hosts.

  • More languages, more countries – The assistant will be available in English, Spanish and French, for users in the US, Mexico and Canada.
  • Smarter answers – The assistant can recognize you, your reservation, or your listing and provide quicker, more tailored responses.
  • Built-in actions – The assistant will let you take actions right in the chat, with interactive cards for common tasks like cancelling a reservation or changing dates.

Upgrades for hosts

We’re also rolling out highly-requested features to give hosts more flexibility and insight.

  • Dynamic cancellation policies – Set different cancellation policies for specific dates—like holidays or off-peak seasons.
  • Improved price tips – View price tips for dates up to a year in advance and adopt all tips in just one tap.
  • Updated earnings dashboard – Starting next year, view earnings trends year-over-year and compare seasonal performance in an all new tab.

ESET Updates Its Home Security Portfolio for Advanced Ransomware and Scams

ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, today announces its upgraded consumer offering, ESET HOME Security and its Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) offering, ESET Small Business Security. Launched earlier in 2025 for businesses and enterprises, today’s release makes ESET’s award-winning Ransomware Remediation feature available to consumers and SOHOs. ESET Ransomware Remediation seamlessly creates encrypted backups – enabling users to detect, block, and recover from ransomware attacks with minimal disruption.

Recognizing scams as a global threat that can harm virtually anyone, anywhere, at any time, ESET now delivers enhanced scam protection, addressing attacks vectoring from all types of sources, including SMS, email, phone calls, URLs, QR codes, malicious files, and more. ESET also launched advanced functionalities within existing features, including Microphone Monitor and Website Security Inspector.

“As a progressive digital life protection vendor, ESET carefully monitors the current threat landscape and develops its protection solutions accordingly,” said Viktória Ivanová, Vice President of Consumer and IoT Segment at ESET. “Heightened scam protection, added Ransomware Remediation, and multiple privacy protection improvements make both ESET consumer and SOHO offerings robust, all-in-one solutions for households and Small Office/Home Offices seeking reliable security that has low impact on performance and is easy to use.”

This launch expands the availability of ESET VPN to ESET HOME Security Premium users. The updated ESET HOME security management platform simplifies security management, making it easier for home admins to protect their families, and SOHO owners to observe exactly who and what are protected, and to distribute security apps with a consistent, simplified experience.

Key ESET HOME Security/ ESET Small Business Security (for Windows) improvements include:

Ransomware Remediation — Originally developed for large businesses, Ransomware Remediation minimizes the impact of ransomware attacks. Once a potential ransomware threat is identified by ESET Ransomware Shield, ESET Ransomware Remediation immediately creates backups of affected files, and after the threat is mitigated, it restores the files, effectively reverting the system to its previous state.

 Enhanced privacy protection — New Microphone Monitor detects and alerts users to any unauthorized attempts to access the microphone hardware on Windows devices.

 Enhanced browser security — New Website Security Inspector adds an extra layer of protection against phishing, scams, and malicious websites. This feature scans the rendered HTML in the browser to detect malicious content that can’t be detected on the network level and by URLs blacklist.

New ESET Cyber Security/ ESET Small Business Security (for macOS) features and updates:

macOS 26 Tahoe support — User can enjoy ESET Cyber Security on the latest version of macOS.

HTTPS & HTTP/3 support — Improves overall end-user protection when online.

Device Control — This feature monitors and manages external devices connected to the Mac. It helps protect against malware and unauthorized transfers of data by restricting access to specific device types or even individual devices.

ESET HOME Security and ESET Small Business Security are available across all major operating systems—Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS—and cover all typical smart home devices. On top of that, ESET Small Business Security also protects Windows servers. The updated offerings are designed to address the evolving threat landscape with special attention to prevention – ensuring a best-in-class user experience because truly effective cybersecurity should be easy to set up and administer.

More information about ESET’s consumer offering and subscription tiers can be found here. A detailed description of the SOHO offering is available here.

‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ DCC Podcast now available

Want to learn more about your local council? Tune in to ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ – the official podcast that takes you behind the scenes of Dublin City Council

Seasons one and two of ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ The Official Dublin City Council Podcast are now available in full on podcast platforms. Whether you’re a resident of Dublin city, a student, or eager to learn about local government, this podcast offers a fresh and accessible look at how Dublin City Council supports your city and keeps it moving. Podcasts are also a new thing with me and now listening to more of them as time goes on and I will tune into this one.

Highlights of season two include a deep dive into Dublin Fire Brigade with Fire Officer Greg O’Dwyer, a chat with Assistant Chief Executive Aidan Blighe about what the senior management role entails, and a reflection with Public Domain Officer Sid Daly on the challenges of waste management and recycling in Dublin city.

The ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ podcast delves into the roles and responsibilities of the various sections and departments of Dublin City Council, showcasing the work, initiatives, and services that impact both residents and visitors.

Topics covered so far range from Housing and Biodiversity, to Sports and the Night-Time Economy, with more special episodes to come before the end of 2025.

Producer and host of ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ Deirdre Molumby says: “We’ve had such a wonderful range of guests and perspectives on the ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ podcast and I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished this year.

“I’ve learned so much presenting this podcast and I believe listeners have too. There is a broad range of audiences who will get something out of ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’, whether you’re interested in working for the public sector and want to brush up on it, a community member who wants to use services provided by Dublin City Council, or students who want to learn about how local council works. I’m looking forward to seeing the podcast grow and grow.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to fellow producer Michael Ryan, sound engineer and editor Robert Fay, everyone in the Communications sector of Dublin City Council, and senior management for their support.”

Subscribe to ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Goodpods, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.

Skullcandy DIME EVO PEANUTS Review

The Skullcandy DIME EVO PEANUTS are their latest collab and one many will like and will want to own, having covered the Dime Evo before nothing much has changed apart for the look and feel of the product and these collabs are great to see and again we have covered many over the years which you can find here on site.

You have access to the Skullcandy app allowing you to take control of the earbuds with a custom EQ and stansrd EQs on doard which all work really well together, there is no change in the audio which was already great and there is no ANC but they have a good seal which gives a decent seal and in a quite room turned up to the max they sound great and you will hear nothing else.

There is also the option to take photos from your earbuds which again is demoed in the video review down below and you have your voice assistant on board too.

There is adjustable stay aware which is great for those who want to hear their surroundings and clear voice smart mic for calls which also works really well you can alo pair to two devices which like me you use two products a win and swap over fast.

Battery life is decent for their size too however this will vary on your settings as always with earbuds and headphones. Overall the sound is geat no tinny sound or distortion when turned up to the max and all pretty good for the price you cant really complain.

Available in four colours and featuring Snoopy, Woodstock, and the gang, the limited-edition collection combines Skullcandy’s much loved Dime Evo earbuds with the lighthearted spirit of Charles Schulz’s beloved characters. Just like Snoopy dancing in his doghouse, these headphones bring together joy, imagination, and world-class audio making then the perfect gift just in time for the Christmas season!

Skullcandy App

Features 

  • Up to 36 Hours of Battery Life: 8 Hours in Earbuds, 28 Hours in Case​
  • Rapid Charge: 10 min = 2 hours​
  • Bluetooth® (v5.3)​
  • Auto On/Connect​
  • Onboard Call & Media Controls​
  • Clear Voice Smart Mic​
  • Natural Voice Sidetone for Calls​
  • 3x Preset EQ Modes (Music, Bass Boost, Podcast)​
  • Custom 5-Band EQ Mode​
  • Custom Button Settings​
  • Low Latency Audio Mode​
  • Tap to Activate Voice Assistant​
  • Noise Isolating Fit​
  • Use Either Bud Solo

Other Skullcandy Reviews

Buy

Video Review

Cubic Launches AI-Enabled FleetWallet partnership with GoCar

Cubic³, a global leader in software-defined vehicle (SDV) solutions, today launches FleetWallet³, its AI-enabled in-vehicle payments platform designed to transform how commercial fleets, car-share companies and automotive OEMs manage fleet fuel and mobility payments.

FleetWallet³ is an AI in-vehicle payments solution that initially eliminates the need for physical fuel cards, prevents fraud and delivers seamless and compliant automation. By combining data intelligence with secure payments, it sets a new standard for AI connected and efficient fleet management and operations, all without additional hardware.

As part of its rollout, firstly across Europe, Cubic³ has partnered with GoCar, a leading car-sharing service, which will showcase FleetWallet³’s potential to support mobility providers, leasing companies and corporate fleets alike.

 Paul Foley, Commercial Director of FleetWallet³, said: “Fraud and card misuse remain some of the most persistent pain points for fleets and car-share providers. By integrating telematics with secure payments, our platform protects against both internal misuse and external compromise, delivering over 10% savings on fuel costs while dramatically reducing administrative overhead.”

Joe Quirke, Head of GoCar Ireland, commented: “Our partnership with FleetWallet³ aligns perfectly with GoCar’s commitment to smarter, more sustainable mobility. As an early adopter of this solution, we’re excited to demonstrate how secure, automated and increasingly intelligent payments can reduce risk and improve efficiency across shared mobility and fleet operations.”

The Platform Addresses Five Key Challenges:

 

  • Intelligent, Adaptive Fraud Prevention – Real-time telematics and data analytics help fleets prevent theft and misuse, unlocking over 10% in fuel savings while minimising manual reconciliation.
  • Seamless, Secure and Automated Payments – Fully integrated, PSD2-compliant fleet payments enable hands-free management across Europe’s strictest financial and tax regulations.
  • Real-Time Insights for Smarter Fleet Management – Transparent, data-driven reporting provides instant visibility into fleet performance and fuel consumption.
  • Centralised, GDPR-Compliant Control – A single platform to manage vendors and services securely, simplifying operations across Europe’s diverse fuel and mobility networks.
  • AI-Enabled Fleet Intelligence – FleetWallet³ will leverage AI to evolve with every transaction, learning from vehicle data to predict needs, optimise costs, and enable intelligent connected services.

The Future of AI-Powered Fleet Intelligence

 Looking ahead to 2026, Cubic³ is advancing FleetWallet³ with AI-powered fraud detection, Smart Transaction Intelligence, and predictive analytics. A new conversational assistant will let managers “talk to their data,” detect anomalies, and act instantly – building intelligence that helps forecast costs, cut emissions and drive real-time sustainability.

AI Partnerships and Software-Defined Vehicle Integration

As part of its ongoing AI roadmap, Cubic³ is exploring new data-exchange partnerships with fleet-management providers and automotive OEMs to unlock the next wave of intelligence – from predictive maintenance and driver-behaviour analytics to EV charging optimisation and machine learning.

This approach positions Cubic³ as the AI orchestration layer for software-defined vehicles, bridging operational, financial and environmental data into a unified intelligence ecosystem.

“AI marks a defining moment for FleetWallet³ and the mobility and automotive industries,” said Foley. “Leveraging this technology, FleetWallet³ will become a self-learning platform that evolves with every transaction – predicting needs and connecting services from parking and tolls to EV charging, transforming vehicles into intelligent hubs within a smarter, more sustainable mobility ecosystem.”

For more information, visit the FleetWallet³ website at www.cubic3.com/product/fleetwallet.