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.

Mastercard Renews Partnership with Esports World Cup 2025

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today announced the return of Mastercard as an official event supplier for the 2025 Esports World Cup, the world’s largest esports event, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 to August 24. The renewed partnership underscores Mastercard’s continued commitment to elevating digital experiences, championing youth engagement, and supporting the Kingdom’s rapidly growing gaming ecosystem.

Through the collaboration with the Esports World Cup, Mastercard will introduce a range of immersive on-ground activations and seamless payment solutions designed to enhance the overall fan journey. This will include creating a bespoke version of the Mastercard Gamer Academy, where Mastercard, in collaboration with G2 Esports and Esports World Cup, designed a one-of-a-kind experience that will provide 10 successful applicants with the opportunity to be mentored by professionals on how they could pursue a career in esports.

Further, fans can collect Priceless Points by interacting with the games and activities available at the Mastercard booth for the chance to win ultimate gaming gear that will be rewarded to the top scoring players. Further, there will be live appearances by G2 Esports players to be hosted as fireside chats to talk about areas like pro esports. The brand’s presence will emphasize the intersection of technology, gaming, and culture, anchored by initiatives that highlight and support local Saudi talent.

“Mastercard’s return as a partner reflects the Esports World Cup’s evolution from a tournament into a global cultural platform,” said Mohammed Al Nimer, Chief Commercial Officer, Esports World Cup Foundation. “Together, we’re creating impactful experiences that go beyond gameplay, uniting youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and immersive fan engagement. Mastercard’s focus on Priceless experiences and innovation makes them an ideal partner to help us inspire the next generation of gamers and connect with fans in meaningful and memorable ways.”

Saud Swar, Country Manager, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and other Levant, Mastercard added, “We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation as we continue to unlock the potential of gaming in the Kingdom. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, Mastercard is committed to connecting people to their passions, driving innovation, and inspiring the next generation. Our priceless experiences help empower youth, promote digital inclusion, and celebrate Saudi Arabia’s vibrant esports culture.”

This partnership builds on Mastercard’s long-standing global support for the gaming and esports industry, including its strategic sponsorship of Riot Games’ League of Legends and VALORANT. It reinforces Mastercard’s leadership in digital payments and its role in shaping future-facing experiences through youth engagement and innovation.

Alongside the tournaments, the surrounding gaming ecosystem continues to grow, including the rise of popular video game marketplaces, where players buy, sell, and trade gaming accounts, skins, and digital goods tied to their favorite esports titles.

The 2025 Esports World Cup will host 25 tournaments across 24 game titles, bringing together over 2,000 elite players and 200 Clubs from more than 100 countries; a level of competition that inspires many casual players to improve their skills through options like Dota 2 boosting services, coaching, and gameplay guides.

To learn more about EWC, visit esportsworldcup.com and follow Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn.

Ruko U11MINI 4K Drone Review

The Ruko U11MINI 4K Drone is the latest drone for me to test out and as a fan of drones it is great to see what is on offer for your hard earned cash these days, this drone is no different and it is the easiest drone I have used to date. This drone is beginner friendly which can deactivated in the app, there is also AI here which we cant avoid these days for better takes of and landings.

The presentation is excellent with a carry case and extra bits inside meaning you can bring the case with you for keeping the drone safe when outdoors there is extra blades and several cables for connection purposes and one battery.

The drone itself is your standard affair when it comes to drone I guess, there is that many out there and lots built off a generic label so it might look familiar to some it is super light with or without the battery.

The control unit is a really good one with a cable built in to plug into your phone of choice this will work on Android and iOS devices and was tested on both, the control panel is kept simple for ease of use and allows to to manoeuvre the drone in any direction or way you like it can also track objects should you need to and holds steady in windy conditions, I had a sea breeze which was pretty gusty at times however the drone held its own and performed with out and issues.

Your phone will act as a viewfinder for the drone which is handy and it is really clear this might vary by your phones screen though I used a Google Pixel 9a and iPhone 16 for reference.

There is a wide variety of extras on the app which you can see below and in the video review most not required for my use but they are there and will come in handy going forward as I plan to use new tech in my videos and this will fit the bill. The battery life and range is also great I would suggest getting the 3 battery pack offer for an uninterrupted session.

The image and video results are excellent and so is the audio which can be seen below in the video and much more, overall this drone is easy to use even for first timers and pros alike and a great one to start with with a simple UI in the app, you will be set up in 5 mins or less and away you go but remember to drone safely and start in a big field or park before you venture some more.

RUKO U11 App

 

 

Key Features of the Ruko U11MINI 4K:

  • Under 250g – No FAA registration required, making it ideal for casual and professional users alike.
  • 8K Photo / 4K Video Resolution – Capture ultra-clear stills and videos.
  • 3-Axis Brushless Gimbal – Ensures smooth, stable footage even in rugged environments.
  • 6KM Transmission Range – Wired phone connection ensures ultra-stable signal.
  • Up to 20,000ft Flight Distance – Perfect for covering vast outdoor terrains.
  • Smart Flight Features – Includes cruise control, adjustable image settings, and more.
  • Multi-Source Positioning – Combines GPS, Air Pressure, Optical Flow, and TOF for precise low-altitude flight and landing.
Here are the tips for drone flying: Precautions for drone flight.xlsx

Teaching video of U11MINI 4K : Ruko U11MINI 4K – First Flight

Other Drone Reviews

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Video Review

 

 

Innergie C10 100W Duo Charger – Can Adjust it’s Power Output

The Innergie C10 Duo (Fold) is a 100W dual ports charger meaning it can simultaneously fast charge two laptops or a laptop and a smartphone. A great charger for anyone in need of an efficient, reliable and compact charging solution.

Key features include:

  • 100W total output: Fast charge two devices simultaneously, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
  • 3 Fast Charge Modes to adjust power being used to charge devices: 1) Ultra fast mode – full speed, fast charge. 2) Mix and match mode – higher power for the device that needs it more and 3) Equal charging mode – charge devices equally
  • USB-C compatibility: Ensures the latest, most efficient charging standards.
  • Safety and reliability: Built-in protection against overvoltage, overheating, and short circuits.
  • GaN: Equipped with the latest GaN component
  • MRSP $89.99. https://myinnergie.com/us/product/c10-duo-100w-usbc-power-adapter-fold/. This is available on Amazon also

The Innergie C10 Duo is designed to streamline your charging needs without compromising on speed or convenience. It’s truly a versatile solution for modern tech users. Watch out for a review soon

https://myinnergie.com/us/product/world-travel-plug-kit/

See more travel charger reviews

emporia launches 7 Series the Smart7.Lite, Smart7.Mini and Smart.ME7

European smartphone innovator, emporia has launched its 7 Series – affordable, accessible smartphones engineered to last.  The three new models are designed to offer years of simple, secure usability in a pocket-friendly format. Prices start at just £200.

Each new 7 Series model – the Smart7.Lite, Smart7.Mini and Smart.ME7 – comes with a user-replaceable battery with a standby time of almost 10 days. The battery has been tested for at least 1,000 charging cycles and the charging capacity can be limited to 80 per cent to ensure longevity.

In addition, spare parts for the 7 Series are guaranteed to be available for at least seven years, plus there is a guaranteed five-generation Android upgrade path. The three models will ship with Android 15, with an update to the newly announced Android 16 due in early 2026.

“Our customers are not mobile phone hoppers who buy a new smartphone every year or two, which is why we have designed the new 7 series with durability in mind”, explains emporia marketing director, Karin Schaumberger.

Security in mind

Thanks to NFC and a fingerprint sensor, users don’t have to worry when banking online or logging into digital government services. emporia also prioritizes the implementation of Android security patches; 7 Series smartphones will be automatically updated to the latest security level.

“Security is a key selling point for our customers, and there can be no compromises in this regard,” explains Karin Schaumberger.

With personal security in mind, 7 Series smartphones feature emporia’s signature ‘No Panic’ button – an external, directly accessible button so you can more easily call for help in an emergency. The button can alternatively be configured as a shortcut to a favourite function – for example, offering instant access to the Google Gemini voice assistant.

Enhanced usability

The new 7 Series can be used in standard Android mode or with the streamlined emporia interface, which makes it easier to find and use core functionality including calls, emails and favourite apps. The emporia Info Centre collates all notifications from multiple sources – from emails and WhatsApp messages to calendar or voicemail alerts – so you can catch up with a single glance.

Also on board is the new Flash Notification option, which means you’ll never miss a call or message again when your phone is on silent. Incoming calls and messages are signalled by both the screen and backlight flashing.

To help simplify things further still, the free emporiaCOACH app helps digital newcomers and switchers to quickly familiarise themselves with their smartphone.

Compact format

The 7 Series comes in a pocket-friendly 5.45in format; there will be no 6.6in option as in previous ranges.  Each model features a triple-lens camera plus selfie camera.

“The demand for more manageable smartphones remains strong, and the feedback from our customers is clear,” explains Karin Schaumberger.

Model differences – all about the extras

All new 7 Series models include the core functionality detailed above. The difference come in the extras supplied with each model.

Smart7.Lite  – £250/€250 The bestseller comes as standard with emporia’s patented Smartcover, which allows key functions to be used even while closed. It offers slimline protection for both screen and casing. It also comes with a handy docking cradle, which cuts cable-clutter when charging but also provides a nicely angled hands-free calling hub.

Smart7.Mini  – £200/€200 Comes with the docking cradle as standard, but not the Smartcover.

Smart.ME7 – £200/€200 Supports full Android mainstream; no extras supplied as standard.

Availability

The emporia 7 Series will be available to buy this month, from stockists including Amazon.

See our emporia reviews

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Why the Right Ear Plugs Matter – Especially at Concerts

Concerts are all about energy, emotion, and connection — but they’re also about sound. A lot of sound. While we expect loud music in these settings, what many people don’t realise is that just a few hours of high-volume exposure can cause long-term hearing damage. That’s why using the right ear plugs for concerts is one of the smartest choices any music lover can make.

The Hidden Risk in Live Music

Standing in front of a stage, feeling the bass through your body, and singing along to your favourite band is an incredible experience. But concert volumes regularly exceed 100 decibels — a level that can start damaging hearing in under 15 minutes. The ringing you might hear after a show isn’t just a temporary annoyance; it’s a sign that your ears have been overexposed.

And repeated exposure? That can lead to permanent hearing loss or conditions like tinnitus.

Not All Ear Plugs Are Created Equal

Some people avoid ear plugs at concerts because they think they’ll ruin the sound — muffling vocals, flattening the music, or making the experience less enjoyable. That may be true with cheap foam plugs, but not with ear plugs designed specifically for music.

High-quality ear plugs for concerts, like those from Alpine, use special acoustic filters that lower the volume without distorting the sound. This means you get the same clarity, depth, and energy — just at a safe listening level.

Everyday Protection with Alpine Ear Plugs

While concert-specific models are ideal for live events, Alpine’s broader range of ear plugs offers solutions for every situation — from sleep and travel to work and study. All are designed for comfort, durability, and effective sound reduction, so you can find exactly what fits your lifestyle.

Whether you’re blocking out city noise during your commute or protecting your ears at a music festival, Alpine ear plugs make it easy to enjoy life without putting your hearing at risk.

Listen Smart, Enjoy More

You don’t have to choose between your love of music and your long-term hearing health. With the right ear plugs, you can fully enjoy concerts, festivals, and gigs — all while giving your ears the protection they deserve.

 

TF2 Skins and Items: Are They Still Worth Trading in 2025?

The Team Fortress 2 item economy remains active more than a decade after launch. Valve’s cosmetic system introduced wearables, weapons, unusual effects, and Australium variants. Some items sell for high real-world prices, fuelled by nostalgia and rarity. But the question still stands: are these items worth trading in 2025?

Trading routes and platforms have changed, especially with mainstream services joining the scene. If you want to trade vintage hats, limited-edition Australium weapons, or Unusual effects, understanding how value changes becomes important. Below is an in-depth look at TF2’s trading scene and what the future holds.

The Value Behind TF2’s Cosmetic Items and Rare Skins

Unlike other games where skins can affect gameplay, TF2 skins are purely for aesthetic purposes. The primary cosmetic types are weapons, hats, and skins, with some being rarer than others.

Their value is determined by several factors: rarity, demand, and aesthetics. Unusuals, which are rare hats that come with special effects, are among the most coveted items in the game. They can range in price from modest amounts to thousands of dollars, depending on the rarity and desirability of the effect.

The TF2 economy is dynamic, with prices fluctuating based on market trends and demand. While some items lose value over time, limited-edition or nostalgic skins have maintained or even increased in worth.

How TF2 Trading Works on Modern Marketplaces

In recent years, trading TF2 items has moved from in-game exchanges to specialized online marketplaces. Platforms like the Steam Community Market were pioneers in offering a streamlined way to buy, sell, and trade tf2 skins and other cosmetics. While Steam remains a popular choice, newer marketplaces have emerged with better rates, more flexibility, and access to a wider selection of items.

Modern marketplaces allow users to set their own prices and choose to accept or decline offers. The key benefit of these platforms is faster transactions, plus a broader pool of buyers and sellers.

Some platforms also offer extras like price tracking, item valuation tools, and trade history. These help traders better assess the market value of their items and make more informed buying or selling decisions.

Unusuals and Australiums: Key Milestones in TF2’s History

TF2’s items have more than just cosmetic value; some hold historical significance within the game’s community. Two such examples, Unusuals and Australiums, have played a prominent role in shaping the market.

Unusuals—The Crown Jewel of TF2 Cosmetics

Unusuals are among the most iconic and sought-after items in TF2. These hats feature special effects like floating particles or unique animations, which allow them to stand out and become ultimate status symbols.

Introduced as a novelty, Unusuals quickly became central to the game’s economy, with players willing to pay large sums for rare hats with desirable effects. The market for cosmetic items, especially Unusuals, is highly volatile, with prices fluctuating based on the rarity of the effect and the hat’s popularity.

Australiums—Rare and Nostalgic Collectibles

These rare and highly valued weapons in TF2 are known for their unique gold appearance and limited availability. They were once more common, and their scarcity today makes them highly sought after by collectors. Many view Australiums as nostalgic symbols of TF2’s early days, which has helped them retain significant value, despite the introduction of newer content in the game.

Where to Trade TF2 Items Today: DMarket

DMarket is a popular marketplace known for its multi-game support, where users can trade not only TF2 items but also skins from other popular games like CS2 and Dota 2. It provides more flexibility and a larger range of items compared to other platforms.

Here are some key features of DMarket:

  • Better rates: Competitive pricing options and fees that offer traders more value.
  • User-friendly interface: Easy-to-navigate platform for both beginners and experienced traders.
  • Secure transactions: Ensures safe and trustworthy trades with its verified marketplace system.
  • Price tracking tools: Features to track the market value of your items and help make informed trading decisions.

DMarket stands out as a comprehensive platform that meets the needs of the growing TF2 trading community, which creates a broader and more accessible marketplace.

The Niche TF2 Trading Community and Profit Potential

Throughout 2025, the TF2 trading community has remained a niche but passionate group of players. The market has seen shifts over the years, with certain items rising and falling in value, but the community’s enthusiasm for rare skins hasn’t wavered. Traders continue to find ways to make a profit, and some earn a substantial amount by buying low and selling high.

However, trading is not a foolproof method for earning money. The market can be unpredictable, with some items losing value as new skins are introduced. To make a profit, you need to stay informed about trends and understand the demands of the community. While opportunities for profit exist, there is always a risk of loss in the dynamic marketplace.

The Physical Internet: Dublin schoolchildren step inside Equinix data centre

As the primary school year drew to a close, Equinix, the world’s digital infrastructure company, hosted 4th class students from Scoil Ghráinne CNS in Phibblestown for a behind-the-scenes tour of Equinix’s DB3 data centre in Dublin.

Seventeen students, along with their teachers, met senior Equinix leaders to learn how data centres work and the impact that they have on the students’ daily lives. The education day gave the children the opportunity to walk inside the ‘physical internet’ and discover its far-reaching impact on their own lives, businesses, healthcare and more.

The class also learned about Equinix’s commitment to net zero and biodiversity. Among the initiatives discussed was Equinix’s participation in Digital Infrastructure Ireland’s Orchards in the Community project, which plants orchards for schools and other community organisations to encourage pollination. The children also learned about Equinix’s onsite beehives and bee habitats.

During the visit, the class worked in teams to design collages based on what they imagined the physical internet looks like. Later, Equinix team members took the schoolchildren and their teachers into the heart of the DB3 data centre for an exclusive tour.

Warren Delaney, Ireland Operations Director, Equinix, said: “At Equinix, we are committed to educating the communities around us about our role. For these young people, it is eye-opening to walk inside a data centre and imagine the parts of their daily lives that our industry makes possible. For some, it may even spark an interest in a career in technology. Having started my own career as an apprentice electrician, I know that there are many options and pathways into this industry via our apprenticeship and internship programmes in Ireland. It was fantastic to observe the students so engaged and eager to learn.”

SumUp unveils new all-in-one POS device, SumUp Terminal

Global fintech SumUp has launched SumUp Terminal, an all-in-one point of sale (POS) device that directly addresses the challenges faced by growing businesses. The device includes a card reader, POS, ordering system, and receipt printer, helping merchants manage orders, staff, inventory, and reporting in one place. This design allows staff to leave the sales counter behind, taking orders and payments directly on the shop floor or right at the table.

In May this year, SumUp surveyed Irish SMEs and found that 25.5% of Irish businesses had made no key changes to their operations beyond raising prices, despite 38% stating that the current economic climate had negatively impacted their business. This highlights a concerning trend: many Irish businesses are falling behind in adopting innovative strategies to navigate growing economic uncertainty. The SumUp Terminal is a direct response to this challenge, underscoring the company’s commitment to equipping merchants with tools tailored to today’s evolving consumer landscape.

Niall Mac an tSionnaigh, CEO of SumUp Ireland, said “At a time when many Irish businesses are feeling the pressure of rising rent, stock, and staffing costs – but are struggling to adapt – it’s clear that practical, lean and accessible tech is more important than ever. The SumUp Terminal was built to meet that need, equipping merchants of all sizes with the tools to streamline operations and stay competitive in a rapidly changing environment.”

Key features and benefits for merchants using the SumUp Terminal include its all-in-one efficiency, allowing businesses to take card payments, manage orders, speed up checkouts, and print receipts or order tickets from a single device. Designed for durability and ease of use, it features an intuitive HD touchscreen and a long-lasting battery that supports staff throughout the entire workday. The Terminal also enables smarter operations by allowing the creation of custom staff profiles with role-based permissions and providing real-time sales reports to support informed business decisions.

Irish merchants can simplify their bookkeeping by integrating popular accounting solutions such as Sage Accounting, Xero, and QuickBooks. Dual connectivity with built-in WiFi and free 4G mobile data ensures the device always connects to the strongest available network, keeping payments uninterrupted. To accelerate setup, Terminal uses its built-in camera to instantly digitise an entire product list from a single photo. This AI-driven feature means merchants can capture their handwritten or printed menu, and the device automatically creates an editable digital catalogue. This significantly reduces manual setup time, allowing merchants to then easily add descriptions, images, or new products.

“We see countless merchants hit a growth ceiling where a simple card reader is no longer enough, but a traditional POS system feels too expensive and complex,” said Tomer Sabag, Chief Hardware Officer at SumUp. “Terminal was built to be that perfect next step. It delivers the core operational power a growing business needs with the speed, ease-of-use, and affordability that are hallmarks of the SumUp ecosystem. It’s designed to help our merchants scale in an easy and seamless fashion.”

SumUp will continue to enhance Terminal with free, automatic software updates. Upcoming features include barcode scanning, table management, and the ability for multiple Terminal devices to sync and operate together in the same venue. As an integral part of the SumUp ecosystem, the Terminal will also connect and sync seamlessly with SumUp POS systems – enabling streamlined, connected operations across devices and services.

Teen-Turn Launches 2025 Incubator in Galway

Last Saturday, teenage girls from across Ireland gathered at Portershed, a modern co-working hub in Galway’s city centre, for the launch of Teen-Turn’s 2025 Innovators programme, which is backed in part by BNY. The event marked the beginning of a year-long initiative designed to help participants turn promising afterschool projects into viable tech start-ups.

Each year, several Teen-Turn teams develop ideas with real commercial potential — projects that could be brought to market or at least developed into minimum viable products (MVPs). The Innovators programme supports these teams through incubator and accelerator phases. By offering expert mentorship and hands-on support, with guidance from industry and academic professionals, participants are taken through the early stages of the start-up process — from concept to MVP, and, in some cases, company formation.

“I’m really looking forward to this year’s Incubator and the opportunity to work with such a talented and driven group of young women,” said Iseult Mangan, Regional Manager for Teen-Turn. “It’s a privilege to be part of a programme that helps transform those ideas into real-world solutions with impact — empowering these girls to become founders, build sustainable companies, and contribute meaningfully to society.”

The projects in this year’s cohort are solving problems that are both personal and surprisingly universal — the kinds of ideas that don’t always come from the tech industry, but should. Examples include, from Shannon, Caoimhe, Chloe and Biella are building Focus Future, a platform to help families manage the day-to-day challenges of dementia care. From Claremorris, Ema and Simona are developing Evolve Era, an AI-powered health journal that helps track, analyse and potentially flag skin conditions before they escalate. Michaela (Galway), Orlaith (Mayo), and Flourish (Limerick) are behind Own It, an app designed to help girls and young women navigate menstrual health alongside their sporting and academic lives. And Laila (Longford) and Sofiia (Wicklow) are working on Sweet Health, a diabetes and sugar intake management app.

At the launch, the 2025 cohort had the chance to meet alumnae from previous years of Innovators — and get a glimpse of where their own projects might be headed next. Companies from the 2024 year group, who have graduated from the Incubator to the Accelerator phase, are now introducing to the market their tested MVPs. Donna Mae (Clare) and Dana (Mayo) created Gestura, a sign language learning and translation app. And Nora and Elizabeth, both from Galway, developed UNDump, an app encouraging the reuse and recycling of clothing and household items.

From the 2023 Innovators cohort, Mary Lillibeth, Katie and Aoibheann, all from Mayo, will now embark on the final programme phase of the Teen-Turn initiative, known as Vector. Vector groups benefit from PayPal supports. Their app, HerdSync, is a farm management tool designed to digitise how Irish farms are run. What started a couple of years ago as a Technovation project after school is now being adopted by target users.

At Saturday’s launch, the girls had the chance to work with mentors Joe Smyth, SVP of R&D, AI, Digital and Journey Management at Genesys and Co-founder of Altocloud, and Alice Shaughnessy, Clinical R&D Engineer at Luminate Medical and Co-founder of Mirr. Both entrepreneurs shared their own journeys to startup exits and offered guidance throughout the day. Providing young founders with the opportunity to meet people who have actually built something — those who have taken an idea and turned it into a real product, a real company — is a key part of the Innovators programme. “It wasn’t a huge event — just a small, focused group of teen girls and mentors in a hub — but it felt like the right space to start something meaningful,” said Laila Faissal, one of this year’s participants.

For those girls entering into the incubator phase, in particular, the day marked their first step into the business world not just as learners, but as creators and early-stage founders. With mentorship, peer support, and the backing of industry professionals, they’re developing skills — and products — that could shape Ireland’s future.  The work ahead of them won’t be easy. But the message is clear: they belong in the room — and they’re just getting started.

About Teen-Turn: Teen-Turn is an Irish non-profit organisation that provides teen girls, particularly those from underserved communities, the opportunity to gain hands-on STEM experience and the support to acquire qualifications and jobs. More information on their activities and the support they provide to girls is available at www.teen-turn.com.