Edifier ES850NB Hi-Res LDAC Headphones First Look

The Edifier ES850NB wireless over-ear headphones combine sleek design with powerful performance, featuring Hi-Res Audio certification, 40mm titanium-coated drivers, and support for LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs.

With upgraded ANC up to -45dB, AI-powered call clarity, and up to 92 hours of battery life, they’re built for immersive, all-day listening. Lightweight and foldable with skin-friendly cushions and a travel case, the ES850NB offers comfort, portability, and smart features like touch-to-chat, multipoint connectivity, and seamless control via the Edifier ConneX app and TempoHub.

From rich leather-like textures to precision-engineered components, each product in the ES Series is designed to evoke a sense of timeless luxury while delivering the clarity, depth, and detail that audiophiles expect. “ES” also stands for “Edifier Sound”, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing dedication to high-fidelity audio and deeply immersive sound experiences.

Recently we checked out the Edifier ES60 Bluetooth speaker which sits nicely on my desk today so do check that out and if you have any questions on the new headphones drop em below.

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EXL opens new Headquarters for International Business and Launches AI Innovation Lab in Dublin

EXL, a global data and AI company, has opened its new headquarters for international business in Dublin’s Docklands. An Tánaiste Simon Harris TD hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony with EXL Chairman and CEO Rohit Kapoor, The Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam, Professor Colin Scott, Deputy President and Vice President of Academic Affairs, University College of Dublin and other distinguished guests.

The announcement underscores EXL’s continued commitment to Ireland as a strategic hub for its global operations. Since establishing a presence in Dublin in 2023, the company has been working toward its goal of hiring up to 200 technology specialists.

The Tánaiste also received a tour of EXL’s new AI Innovation Lab, a dedicated centre for the research and development of cutting-edge, industry-specific AI solutions. The AI Innovation Lab will initially employ 60 highly skilled professionals.

The lab is designed to:

  • Expand the capabilities of EXL’s EXLerate.AI platform by developing next-generation AI and data solutions.
  • Provide a collaborative environment for clients and EXL experts to co-create industry-specific AI solutions that drive transformation across sectors including healthcare, insurance, banking, utilities, travel and transportation, and retail.
  • Shape tailored data and AI strategies that align with client-specific business objectives, accelerating innovation and measurable outcomes.
  • Integrate clients’ enterprise-wide data and AI using EXLerate.AI to deliver intelligent insights that power smarter decisions and improved business performance.

Rohit Kapoor, Chairman and CEO of EXL, said: “EXL is proud to deepen its roots in Ireland with the launch of our new headquarters for international business and the opening of our AI Innovation Lab. This expansion not only reflects our confidence in Dublin as a leading hub for AI talent and innovation, but also our ambition to deliver AI-powered solutions to clients across the globe. We’re excited to grow our presence in Ireland while advancing the frontiers of AI.”

An Tánaiste Simon Harris TDDeputy Prime Minister of Ireland, said: “By investing in local talent and fostering strong partnerships with Ireland’s world-class academic institutions, EXL is helping to position Dublin as a global centre of excellence for AI. Ireland is well‑placed to be a hub of innovation in this space, and EXL’s plans to continue to collaborate with local research institutions will be an important contribution to developing the next generation of talent.”

Mary Buckley, Executive Director at IDA Ireland, said: ‘’I am delighted that EXL is officially launching its headquarters for international business and AI Innovation Lab.  Artificial intelligence is a key growth driver in IDA Ireland’s new strategy ‘Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation. This milestone underscores EXL’s commitment to innovation and reflects Ireland’s position as a global hub for cutting-edge digital investment and talent.’’

EXL’s AI Innovation Lab builds on EXL’s existing partnerships with Irish academic institutions such as University College Dublin (UCD), CeADAR, and Trinity College Dublin, which were initiated in 2023, including:

  • EXL and UCD Innovation and AI Lab: an ongoing collaborative initiative with University College Dublin and CeADAR, a leading AI research agency. The objective is to provide select leaders at EXL a unique and dynamic ecosystem to experiment and build innovative solutions towards an AI-driven future.
  • Sprint by Irish innovators: a dynamic, hands-on session led by top Irish innovators to spark fresh ideas, co-create practical solutions, and inspire a culture of experimentation across EXL.
  • Sponsor of a student hackathon at UCD: fostering innovation and real-world problem solving among emerging talent in data, AI, and digital transformation.
  • EXL and Trinity AI Advantage Program with Trinity College Dublin: equipping leaders with AI-powered decision-making and innovation capabilities.

Rowan McGrath, Senior Vice President, International at EXL, said: “Through initiatives such as the EXL-UCD Innovation and AI Lab, the EXL-Trinity AI Advantage Program and student hackathons, EXL is working closely with Irish universities to drive the development of AI talent and promote real-world innovation in AI and digital transformation.”

CHERRY shortlisted at PCR Awards 2025

CHERRY has been shortlisted for Gaming Peripherals Vendor of the Year at the PCR Awards 2025 for its XTRFY range of performance-focused keyboards, mice and headsets.

The Gaming Peripherals Vendor of the Year category honours brands that have had a significant impact on gaming through innovation, performance and market presence.

The ceremony will take place on 24th September at The Brewery in London, bringing together leading names within the tech industry.

The CHERRY XTRFY line combines CHERRY’s expertise in mechanical switch engineering with XTRFY’s esports-driven innovation. The brand continues to redefine what gaming gear can be, from collaborating with professional players to co-developing enthusiast-grade technology.

In the past year, CHERRY has launched a range of products, including the MX Northern Lights Switch, the IK Magnetic Switch, the H3 Wireless Headset, the MX 8.3 TKL Wireless Keyboard and the KW 300 and 300W MX keyboards, which are CHERRY’s first hot-swappable models designed for productivity users.

CHERRY XTRFY products are now available both online and in Curry’s stores across the UK.

Recent collaborations with gaming enthusiasts have reinforced CHERRY XTRFY’s presence within competitive gaming. The brand’s first wireless gaming headset was recently endorsed by Counter-Strike legend Emil “HeatoN” Christensen, who praised it as “perfect for FPS games” with standout directional audio.

As the brand expands its presence across retail and esports, the PCR Awards recognition highlights CHERRY XTRFY’s role in shaping the future of gaming peripherals.

Robin Bithrey, Channel Marketing Manager at CHERRY Europe said: “We’re proud to be shortlisted for this award. At CHERRY, we’re gamers ourselves, and that passion fuels everything we create. From working closely with eSports pros to obsessing over the tiniest design details, our mission is to help every player get the most out of their game. Recognition like this tells us we’re on the right path.”

StoryToys Partners with the LEGO Group and BBC Studios

StoryToys, an everplay group company and award-winning Dublin-based developer of interactive and educational digital content for children, is thrilled to announce today (August 14th) the launch of the highly anticipated LEGO Bluey mobile game in collaboration with the LEGO Group and BBC Studios.

Based on the Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning global phenomenon, this brand-new game brings the charm and fun of the beloved animated TV series that follows Bluey, a loveable, inexhaustible, blue heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo, into an engaging digital experience, designed especially for children, between two and seven.  

The game captures the spirit of the animated TV series by reflecting values, themes, and character representation. It features characters, builds, and props from the LEGO Bluey range to offer fun digital play experiences mixed with creative brick building, problem solving challenges and the chance to play out fun moments inspired by the show. It is designed to align with young children’s developmental needs to support both emotional and cognitive development.

The app will launch with four themed play packs: Garden Tea Party, Go for a Drive, Beach Day, and Around the House. Each play pack has a series of open-ended activities for endless play. New content will be added in future updates, ensuring a continually fresh and playful experience for young fans and families.

The app will feature classic LEGO System bricks for ages 4+, including minifigures, vehicles, and props inspired by LEGO Bluey sets, as well as larger LEGO DUPLO bricks for younger players, with simplified builds and vehicles for early imaginative play.

The response ahead of launch has been extraordinary, as the new Bluey app has reached three quarters of a million pre-orders before its launch this month. 

Emmet O’Neill, Chief Executive of StoryToys, shared his enthusiasm for the release of the Bluey app saying, “We’re genuinely thrilled to be working with Bluey for the first time. It’s such a special show, full of warmth, humour, and imagination that really connects with families and encourages them to play together. That spirit is at the heart of what we do at StoryToys. We’re also really excited to be introducing LEGO system bricks into our apps for the first time, giving kids even more ways to build, create, and play.”

Also commenting on the release of the app, Michaela Edgerly Stovicek, Head of LEGO Preschool Audience, said: We’re over the moon to bring the magic of Bluey and LEGO DUPLO and LEGO system bricks together in a way that sparks creativity and imagination for our little builders in a digital world created by StoryToys! With the LEGO Bluey app, every child can dive into a world of playful adventures, where learning and fun go hand in hand and magic happens at the click of fingertips. Build mode on!”

Marina Mello BBC Studios Global Director for Gaming & Interactive said:” We’re delighted to bring together two of the world’s most beloved brands and to offer fans a whole new way to enjoy them. This game blends imaginative brick-building with playful problem-solving and memorable moments from the show—capturing the distinctive spirit of creativity and fun that defines both brands. A huge thank you to our fantastic partners at StoryToys, the LEGO Group and Ludo Studio.”

This app builds upon the success of StoryToys LEGO DUPLO apps and continues their mission to create engaging digital experiences that support children’s development through play. The LEGO Bluey mobile game is now available on the App Store and Google Play. The launch of StoryToys’ first LEGO Bluey app is part of their ongoing collaboration with renowned global brand, the LEGO Group, which began in 2018.

Bluey, which was first launched in Australia in 2018, now airs in over 140 countries and has millions of fans around the world. According to Nielsen, Bluey was the No.1 most-watched series on streaming in 2024 among total viewers in the U.S., with nearly 56 billion minutes watched (930M hours) and has continued to be for the first half of 2025, with 25.06 billion minutes (417M hours) of viewing.

 

 

FIRST.com: The New UK Betting, Gambling, and Crypto Affiliate Poised for Global Expansion

In 2025, the UK gambling industry welcomed a fresh and ambitious name — FIRST.com. This innovative affiliate platform is setting out to combine expert betting knowledge, detailed casino insights, and a growing focus on cryptocurrency gaming, all under one digital roof. Its mission is clear: to offer an informed, trustworthy, and engaging experience for sports fans, casino enthusiasts, and bettors across the world.

While the UK is its launch market, the vision extends far beyond national borders. FIRST.com has already laid the groundwork for expansion into the United States, followed by the wider English-speaking market. This global approach is supported by a deep commitment to quality content, transparency, and features designed for both newcomers and experienced players.

From its inception, FIRST.com has been shaped by a team of seasoned professionals — sports betting veterans, casino analysts, and iGaming strategists who understand what players are looking for. The editorial voice is informed yet approachable, with the aim of building trust and credibility over the long term. Every article, odds breakdown, and casino review is backed by industry expertise, offering value to readers whether they’re exploring the site for the first time or returning for regular insights.

The platform’s growing portfolio already includes:

  • Detailed betting tips across multiple sports, including football, tennis, cricket, and eSports.
  • Comprehensive casino coverage, from classic table games like blackjack and roulette to the newest slot releases.
  • A structured learning section that breaks down key concepts in betting and casino play, ideal for beginners looking to get started with confidence.
  • Regular news updates covering sporting events, market trends, and changes in gambling regulations.

For users who prefer a data-backed approach, betting odds and tips from FIRST combine expert analysis with up-to-date statistics. This balance of insight and numbers caters to both casual players and those who take a more analytical view of betting.

The role of FIRST.com extends beyond simply being an affiliate. It is designed to be a trusted resource where players can stay informed, learn strategies, and discover opportunities across both traditional and crypto-based gaming. The site’s editorial team is already working on partnerships and content expansions to keep pace with the fast-moving nature of the industry.

Looking to the future, the platform’s development roadmap is ambitious. FIRST.com plans to grow into a one-stop gambling destination, offering:

  • Advanced odds comparison tools to help users identify the most competitive lines from different bookmakers.
  • Greater coverage of international sports as the platform’s reach expands into new territories.
  • Exclusive interviews and features from leading sports and casino experts, providing unique perspectives not found elsewhere.
  • Interactive tools, such as personalised betting dashboards, historical odds archives, and bet-tracking features to enhance the user experience.

By merging editorial authority with user-focused tools, FIRST.com aims to bridge the gap between information and application. The goal is to give players everything they need to make better decisions — whether they’re placing a wager on a weekend football match, exploring a new online slot, or comparing crypto betting platforms.

With its expansion plans already in motion and a strong foundation in place, FIRST.com is positioning itself as more than just another affiliate site. It’s building a comprehensive hub for betting, casino gaming, and crypto wagering — one that is set to grow with the industry and its audience in the years ahead.

 

Kali Audio HP-1 Multi-Reference Headphones First Look

Kali Audio HP-1, its first ever over-ear, DSP-powered headphone for mixing and QC that provides users with a neutral, accurate representation of their mix, as well as the ability to hear how their work will sound on the most popular headphones in use today and we have these in for review.

The HP-1 has 3 voicings:

  1. Studio: transparent, accurate sound that will translate faithfully.

  2. Bass-Heavy: replicates the sound of headphones that are popular with hip-hop and EDM creators and fans.

  3. Consumer: replicates the sound of popular headphones sold alongside phones and computers.

Users can switch between the three voicings at the press of a button. The LED on the right earcup will change color to indicate the selected tuning, and a voice prompt will also let the user know exactly what they’re listening to.

Check out the first look at these headphones which we really look forward to testing out and if you have any questions drop em in the comments section on YouTube and stay tuned for a full hands on review soon.

A wired connection is available via a 3.5mm jack on the headphone and an included cable. While this will give the highest fidelity playback for serious studio use, Bluetooth pairing is also possible for casual listening on the go.

In addition to its merits as a studio tool, the DSP in the HP-1 allows it to be a fantastic all-around headphone. Features like active noise cancelling, wireless calling, and physical playback controls on the headphones let you take them along with you in your everyday life.

The HP-1 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone with 40mm drivers that support a frequency response of 18 Hz – 22 kHz. The battery supports at least 40 hours of playback on a full charge and can be recharged using the included USB-C cable. The headphones ship in a zippered carrying case that will protect them for travel.

 

The Kali Audio HP-1 is  available globally now at kaliaudio.com, with an SRP of $199 / £199 / €199.

See our huge range of headphone reviews 

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Vodafone Ireland’s digital assistant TOBi Learning the Lingo

TOBi, Vodafone Ireland’s award-winning AI-powered self-service assistant, might still be getting to grips with Irish phrases like “acting the maggot” or “sucking diesel” but it is already doing the hard work behind the scenes, helping customers 24/7 with top-ups, billing queries and much more. TOBi now resolves 60% of customer service queries without the need to talk to someone, a milestone in AI-led customer care.
New research conducted amongst 1,000 people on behalf of Vodafone Ireland by Coyne Research shows that AI has officially been adopted by consumers and has become an everyday tool. Almost half of all Irish adults (48%) now use AI weekly, with usage rising to 66% among Gen Z, nearly a quarter of whom use it every day. One in three people are already using AI for customer service, while one in five rely on it to help write something, whether it’s an email, college assignment or social post.
Two in five consumers (40%) now claim to have a good understanding of AI technology, evidence that awareness of AI is growing rapidly. Confidence is even stronger among men, with nearly half of males (48%) believing they have a good or very good grasp of what AI can do. This rising confidence is reflected in overall experience as 40% of consumers say their interactions with AI have been positive, signalling a major shift in how the technology has moved from a niche innovation to a routine part of how people in Ireland work, communicate, and solve problems.
Vodafone Ireland is also addressing uniquely Irish challenges through TOBi’s ongoing development, as it constantly learns to understand Irish accents and Irishisms. With three in five survey respondents acknowledging their own difficulties in understanding certain Irish accents (particularly Kerry, Cork, and Donegal), TOBi is being specially trained to recognise regional dialects and local expressions, from “banjaxed” to “acting the maggot.”
Interestingly, one in three people believe AI can understand Irishisms, such as “grand” or “c’mere to me” – though “banjaxed” (60%), “sucking diesel” (59%) and “acting the maggot” (52%) were named the most confusing for both AI and people alike to understand.
Gen Z and Dubliners are the most confident that AI like TOBi is catching on to these Irishisms.
The development of TOBi is part of Vodafone Ireland’s broader €10million investment in enhancing its customer care experience, resolving common customer queries and expanding care channels to ensure faster, more flexible help for customers. As a result, Vodafone Ireland now offers the longest customer care hours and the largest retail footprint in the market, as well as the only 24/7 AI resolution option available from any Irish telecoms provider.
“TOBi isn’t just a chatbot,” said Ciaran Barrett, Commercial Operations Director at Vodafone Ireland“TOBi helps our customers everyday by giving them fast, intuitive support any time of the day or night- whether they want to check a bill, query a charge or top up their account. TOBi learns from every interaction, adapting to how Irish people speak and what they need. This is AI made useful, not just clever.”
“Our research shows that Irish people are becoming more comfortable with AI – and we’re meeting that shift with technology that actually delivers. TOBi is getting smarter, faster and more helpful all the time. While TOBi is still learning to understand every accent and irishism, it absolutely gets what our customers need and is fully supported by our team of care specialists as well as the largest retail footprint in the country – giving our customers real choice in how they connect with us.”
Unlike many digital assistants that simply provide information, TOBi is fully integrated with Vodafone Ireland’s core operating systems, enabling secure, real time account changes and issues resolution, distinguishing Vodafone Ireland’s care offerings from its competitors.
As TOBi grows in popularity as a support option, Vodafone Ireland’s customer care performance has surged. The company now solves 80% of customer queries on the first try and has seen calls drop by half over the past three years, as customers have fewer reasons to contact Vodafone.
Offering customers greater choice remains central to Vodafone Ireland’s approach to customer care. While TOBi handles the bulk of straightforward queries, customers with complex or sensitive queries can still rely on speaking to a care specialist. According to this research, 90% of people still prefer talking to a human for more complex queries, but younger users increasingly embrace digital options for speed and convenience.
At Vodafone Ireland, every connection counts. TOBi is helping Vodafone Ireland to lead customer service innovation, demonstrating how AI can enhance rather than replace meaningful customer connections.
Vodafone Ireland currently serves over 2.4 million customers nationwide and was recently named Ireland’s ‘Best Mobile Operator’ for the tenth consecutive year by independent benchmarking organisation umlaut. This achievement has been driven by Vodafone Ireland’s €500 million investment over five years (2024–2029) in enhancing mobile and fixed network quality, coverage, and capacity for customers across Ireland.

Disability Claims Made Easier: The Power of the Right Legal Help

Anyone who has ever applied for Social Security disability insurance or supplemental security income disability benefits knows how frustrating the process can be. The paperwork is highly complex, and the applicant must meet strict requirements. The wait times can be very lengthy, leading people to become discouraged about whether their claim will be approved or denied and how long they must wait for this information.

Sadly, most disability claims are initially denied by the Social Security administration. The individual must then appeal the denial. You may wish to seek help with your disability claim from an attorney.  This attorney understands the nuances of the process and guides clients through each step.

Denials Are Common

The Social Security Administration reports that it initially denies approximately 63% of disability applications. When the application is rejected, an appeal may be filed. Fortunately, a person is more likely to be approved for these benefits during the appeal. They must attend an appeal hearing before an administrative law judge. These judges approve approximately 50% of the cases they hear. Hiring an attorney to help with this process can improve those odds.

Eligibility

To qualify for disability benefits, a person must prove they are technically eligible for these benefits and that they are medically qualified as disabled. Both conditions must be met before a claim will be approved. The technical eligibility requirements differ by the program.  However, the medical criteria remain the same, and the Social Security Administration establishes these criteria. The agency requires individuals to provide specific medical evidence of their disability before they will be approved.

Hiring An Attorney

Attorneys understand the medical evidence required by the agency. They help clients gather proof of their disability and prepare to present it to the appropriate parties.  When a person is diagnosed with certain conditions, such as ALS or small-cell lung cancer, they are immediately approved for disability under the compassionate allowances program. However, most people will need additional evidence to show that they are entitled to receive these benefits.

The attorney is invaluable in gathering proof when specific tests won’t prove the diagnosis. A doctor will need to provide a detailed statement explaining the individual’s limitations. Other evidence may also be needed, and the attorney can assist the client in determining what proof is required and how to secure it.

When to Hire an Attorney

Many people hesitate to hire a disability attorney until their claim has been initially denied. However, most people find that working with an attorney before filing the initial claim improves the odds of it being approved. Some claims are straightforward, such as when a person has had both legs amputated. They will likely be approved for benefits immediately.

Complex medical conditions can be more challenging to prove. For example, a person might have several medical conditions. One condition alone might not qualify them for benefits, but when they are combined, they severely limit the person’s ability to work and complete other essential tasks. The attorney will help the client provide proof of their impairments and demonstrate their inability to work.

While an attorney is not required to navigate the Social Security disability benefits process, most people find having a lawyer by their side simplifies the process. The attorney can’t guarantee that the claim will be processed faster with their help, but they may be able to speed up the process. It never hurts to speak to one of these professionals, and the advice they provide may be enough to move forward with the claim or appeal. One can never know until they meet with one of these professionals. 

Online Games and Casino Platforms Are Getting More Secure

Among the many changes happening in the tech world, slow and steady improvements in security may be some of the least noted ones. While everyone cares about security in theory, the significant results of new security measures are usually not as visibly impressive as those of many other technological innovations. We just don’t (and can’t) see all the cyberattacks that didn’t happen thanks to secured technology.

But noting how cybersecurity is developing every once in a while is worthwhile for anyone who cares about the online world. Today, we’re taking a look at the important steps forward that the online casino industry has taken in regards to player safety.

Licenses Give Players a Basis to Judge By

When we’re talking about the security of online casinos, it would be fair to say that casino licensing systems have done the most to guarantee players a safe experience.

Many countries have their own authorities, gambling commissions, that provide licenses to online casinos that can prove themselves to be serious companies with a focus on player experience. Casinos can prove to players that they’re trustworthy, and players have an easy way of identifying secure casinos through their license. An easy way to find secure UK licensed online casinos is to use the review site Hityah.

Among the most popular and reputable licenses are the MGA license, the Curaçao license, and the UKGC license.

New, Safe Payment Methods Have Been Introduced

Online payment methods have come far in the 30-something years they’ve existed. Today, we have hundreds of different ways to pay online.

Many secure options are available at casinos. Today, you can usually choose between paying with a card, electronic banking, e-wallets, and prepaid coupon-based cards. Online platforms also employ a trusted payment gateway, meaning that they don’t ever touch your sensitive information – only the trusted third party does.

There are also plenty of crypto-friendly platforms for those who prefer not to share their payment information at all when making a deposit. On top of being secure, there are other benefits to crypto platforms. Robbie Purves from esports.net lists fast banking, anonymity, access anywhere, and high limits to deposits and withdrawals as some of the most notable benefits.

Information Is More Carefully Encrypted and Secured

The World Wide Web has come a long way when it comes to security. These days, high-level encryption during information transfers is the standard. Almost all websites are now relatively secure and protected against malicious third-party hackers.

Through encrypting information while it’s being sent from one server to another, data leaks become less common. Even if someone does get their hands on the data, they have to figure out how to decrypt it for it to be useful – a task that can prove difficult and resource-consuming without the right key.

For the most part, this isn’t even something websites like online casinos actively have to employ. As the net is getting more secure, protocols like HTTPS are simply the standard that all websites end up utilizing. 

Online Security and the Future

Cybersecurity is an incredibly important field, with a demand set to keep increasing. As more and more devices, tools, and people are connected to the net, it becomes more and more important that no one has unauthorized access.

New tools are being developed all the time. As devices get more sophisticated tools, cybercriminals figure out more sophisticated ways of hacking these tools. That’s why the continued development of higher and higher security and more is always going to matter – cybersecurity is a never-ending cat-and-mouse game.

But what’s important to note is that the user is often the weak link in the security system – it is often users who unknowingly give hackers the access they need.

“There’s plenty you can do to protect your own devices, data, and privacy,” writes Neil J. Rubenking from PC Mag.

“Making your devices, online identity, and activities more secure doesn’t take much effort. Several of the following tips boil down to little more than common sense, yet they’ll help keep you safer online.”

He outlines 12 simple things users can do to be proactive in their online security.

While the continued improvement of security at online casinos is crucial, player awareness could be the most important tool for protecting player data and access, and must not be forgotten in the shadow of more exciting technology.