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.

AKASO 360 Action Camera Review

The AKASO 360 Action Camera is their latest product on the market which is ideal for content creators and more in a small package that is portable and comes well equipped with goods on board.

There is also a selfie stick you can get with a tripod built in so this can be used in many scenarios at home and out and about and of course getting content for whatever it is you do personally.

In the box you get a nice pouch to store it in when not in use you also get two batteries which is great as most similar products come with one and slip in the option to get another battery and you also get a lens cloth and USB-C cable, you will need an SD card here which is not in the box which is standard with most equipment similar today most have these at home anyway and they are not expensive these days but having one in the box would have been nice.

The unit itself is robust with two camera lenses a door for your SD card and battery and has a tripod mount hole on the underside, there is a power key on the right side the camera door on the left alongside the USB-C port for charging the device it has a nice texture all round and the final important part on the device is the 2.29 inch touchscreen where you can check out all your settings and more which is also mirrored in the app itself. On our testing prior launch we used the testpilot app on iOS the app will be available on Android too.

Once you have your images and videos you can then use the desktop app or mobile app to edit and get creative with your videos, this is not my type of thing but after using this I can see the demand for such and now I will use this to get more involved with different ideas on videos my self and it is not that hard to get use to editing and creating your own style of videos on the AKASO 360 check the video below for more and what to expect..

AKASO 360 App

 

Outdoor action sports 

5.7K 360° video & 72MP photos – Capture every angle.
AI Tracking – Stay centered without touching the camera.
360° HorizonSteady – Smooth, level footage on rough terrain.
Invisible Selfie Stick – Create epic, drone-like shots hands-free.
Shoot First, Frame Later – Don’t worry about angles—edit freely after.
Dashboard Overlay – Useful for tech users into cycling, motorsports, or action data.

Creative and Travel Vlogging

Shoot First, Frame Later – Reframe the story in post with total freedom.
AI Tracking – Keep yourself in frame while staying in the moment.
Invisible Selfie Stick – Add cinematic third-person views.
DNG8 RAW Photo Mode – Rich details for pro-quality travel shots.
Mobile + PC editing – Create anywhere, anytime.
Smartclip templates – Turn clips into polished stories in minutes.

Buy From Below

Other action cam reviews

Video Review

Initial Hygiene unveils Signature AirFlow Scent:

Initial Hygiene, Ireland’s leading provider of hygiene solutions, has launched Signature AirFlow Scent, a new sustainable scenting solution for small and single cubicle washrooms. The product provides an energy and battery-free, spill-proof method for delivering consistent fragrancing for up to eight weeks.

The new unit utilises solid-state fragrance and airflow technology to disperse scent effectively, eliminating the need for batteries, propellants or aerosols. The refill cartridges are designed with horizontal scent-emitting tunnels to optimise dispersion and they contain malodour counteractants to neutralise bad smells rather than merely masking them.

The hardware is made from 70% post-consumer recycled plastic and is designed for confined washroom spaces, where discretion and hygiene are paramount.

Sian Walkling, Marketing Manager for Initial Hygiene, said, “Signature AirFlow Scent gives businesses a low-maintenance, sustainable way to keep their washrooms smelling pleasant. It’s designed for smaller spaces and reflects our commitment to providing environmentally responsible hygiene solutions.”

Available in fragrance options including Sandlewood Spring and Garden Mist, the unit covers up to 15m³, making it ideal for accessible toilets or individual cubicles.

Learn more about scenting solutions from Initial Hygiene at – www.initial.ie/scenting-services/

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Taking Out a Payday Loan in Singapore

There are times in everyone’s life when you find yourself in need of money to make it out till the next paycheck. Your monthly budget might have been altered by certain unexpected expenses and that left you short on cash. If you need too much money, just some extra something to get you back on track until the following month. Faced with this scenario, many people in Singapore turn to payday loans to bridge the gap. Best payday loans can be great financial choices when you need small amounts of cash fast, but they’re not recommended for long periods of time. Not many people know this and they end up making some costly mistakes.

In today’s article we’re going to look over some of the most common mistakes people make when taking out a payday loan in Singapore. Read more to see what to look out for, what not to do and how to correctly apply for this loan.

Mistake No. 1: Not Checking if the Moneylender is Licensed

When considering borrowing money from moneylenders, the first thing you have to do before calling any agency, is check if they are approved by the National Government.

On the website of the Ministry of Law you can find a list presenting all of the moneylenders who are recognized by the National Government. If the agency you’re considering is not part of that list, you should immediately cease any borrowing processes with them.

Only a licensed moneylender will be able to offer you the protection you’re granted under the Moneylenders Act, such as an interest of a maximum of 4% and a maximum of $60 in late fees/month. If an agency is not registered, they’re most likely part of a loan shark scheme or some sort of scammer and there’s not much the Singapore government can do to protect you in that case.

Mistake No. 2: Borrowing More Than You Can Afford

In comparison to other types of loans, payday loans are easier to obtain and that might make one feel like access to money is easy. However, borrowing beyond what one can afford can quickly turn into a damaging habit that can spiral down at an extremely high speed.

Always consider the need you’re borrowing for. Is it really necessary for you to take this loan, or should you look into other options? These types of loans often have increased high rates and, if you need large amounts of money, then a personal loan might be a smarter choice. A payday loan in Singapore is the perfect choice if all you need is some extra money until you get paid – this is what this credit was designed for and you should keep it in mind.

Mistake No. 3: Using the Credit for Non-Emergencies

Just as stated above, this loan was created to meet the urgent need for money to bridge a gap in your budget. They were not designed so you can get your dream vacation, they were not created to cover education expenses, they were not made to finance a wedding – for all of these, the best choice would be a personal loan.

The best payday loan is the one used for urgent expenses that require immediate attention which cannot wait for your next payment. If your purchase can wait for the next payment, then it would be best to simply wait till next month to get it. However, if it can’t and all you need is a little bit of extra cash, then you should consider it.

Mistake No. 4: Not Having a Repayment Plan

It is advisable that, before getting any loan, you’re familiar with the repayment plan and set for yourself some guidelines to help you navigate that period. When it comes to these credits used to bridge some gaps, most of them have somewhere between 30 to 60 days for repayment. That means that you should have, right from the start, a repayment structure or plan in mind, so that you can pay off the loan when the time comes.

Most people who take these loans rest assured thinking that they’re simply going to pay them off when the next paycheck comes in and that’s true, you can absolutely do that, but you should also be aware of your expenses and make sure that your next paycheck allows you to dispose of such a large amount of money at once. To make sure there’ll be no unpleasant surprises, you should set for yourself a repayment plan right from the very start.

Mistake No. 5: Not Getting the Best Payday Loan They Can Get

There are many ways in which you can make sure that you’re getting the best payday loan and the number one way is by comparing your options. Every moneylender will have a different offer for you and, although the national government imposes the same limits for all of them (a maximum of 4% interest and a maximum of $60 per month in late fee penalties) it doesn’t mean that all offers are the same.

You should look for moneylenders who prioritize flexibility and consultancy, for moneylenders who explain to you all of the clauses in the contract and for people who are transparent in their processes.

Let’s do a recap:

  • Always check if your moneylender is licensed – do not work with unlicensed ones
  • Do not borrow more than you can afford – it might be tempting, but it will cause you to spiral down
  • Don’t take them if you’re not facing an emergency that requires immediate money – look into personal loans and consider your other options if your need for money can wait
  • Always have a repayment plan for yourself. A licensed moneylender will also present you with a repayment plan for the amount you’re borrowing, but you should have an internal management mechanism as well to ensure you’re not accumulating bad credit
  • Remember there are many options to choose from and, if you want to get the best payday loan, then you should look into at least three licensed moneylenders and compare their offers.

 

Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers Power Status Audio’s New Pro X Premium Earbuds

Knowles Corporation, a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components, including high performance capacitors, radio frequency (“RF”) filters, advanced medtech microphones, and balanced armature (BA) speakers, today announced that Status Audio has selected Knowles BA drivers for its new Status Pro X true wireless earbuds, featuring a rare triple-driver hybrid configuration with two Knowles BAs and one dynamic driver in each earbud. This distinctive combination delivers crystal clear sound that rivals many other hybrid true wireless stereo (TWS) designs currently in the market.

As consumer expectations for high-definition audio continue to evolve, this collaboration showcases the technical advantages of hybrid driver configurations in premium true wireless products. Status Pro X’s sophisticated acoustic system pairs the precision of Knowles’ miniaturized BAs with the power of a 12mm dynamic driver, resulting in a frequency response that captures both subtle sonic textures and dynamic range that single-driver designs cannot achieve.

The Status Pro X users have the option of selecting an equalizer setting including the Status Signature setting or the Knowles Curve setting, based on the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve, a breakthrough in audio engineering based on research that shows listeners across age ranges and hearing abilities prefer expanded treble response beyond 10 kHz for a more satisfying music experience.  By leveraging Knowles BA technology, Status Audio achieves the higher frequencies necessary to produce optimal audio performance and unlock intricate musical details while preserving the natural tonal balance audiophiles demand.

“Our BAs represent the pinnacle of miniaturized audio engineering,” said Jon Kiachian, President of MedTech and Specialty Audio at Knowles Corporation. “The collaboration with Status Audio exemplifies how our BA drivers can help innovative brands deliver truly exceptional audio experiences in remarkably compact form factors. The Status Pro X showcases exactly what becomes possible when cutting-edge driver technology meets thoughtful product design—an audio experience that reveals all the nuances and details of music that conventional earbuds simply cannot reproduce.”

Knowles BA drivers enable unprecedented sound performance for their size, allowing Status Audio to create an earbud that is 21 percent smaller than its previous model without compromising sound quality,  frequency range, or battery life. The high sensitivity of Knowles BAs also facilitates improved hearing personalization while maximizing power efficiency.

“When designing the Pro X, we needed a technology partner that could help us deliver on our promise of uncompromising audio quality in a more compact form,” said James Bertuzzi, Status Audio CEO.  “Knowles BA drivers were the clear choice, allowing us to achieve frequency response and detail that  would be impossible with conventional dynamic drivers alone. The combination results in a listening experience that truly differentiates the Pro X in today’s crowded earbud market.”

The Status Pro X earbuds are available for pre-order now, with shipping beginning early September. For more information on Knowles BAs, visit www.knowles.com/premiumsound. To learn more about Status Pro X, visit the Status Audio website.

Check out the huge range of our earbud reviews

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

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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.