Category: Tech News

New EU law will improve phone and battery life

Starting this summer, all phones and tablets sold in the EU and Ireland must have more durable batteries, greater resistance to drops, and be easier to repair.

That is according to Fine Gael MEP for the Midlands Northwest, Nina Carberry, who has hailed the new law as a key measure in enhancing consumer rights and holding manufacturers to higher standards when designing products.

The ‘Ecodesign Regulation’ will mean that new mobile phones and tablets must be capable of holding at least 800 charges, while retaining at least 80% of their initial battery capacity.

Phones must also be able to survive at least 45 accidental drops, and be repairable for 7 years, with manufacturers required to supply key spare parts within 5-10 working days.

“Phones that last longer mean less waste, less cost on repairs, and far less frustration for the consumer. ”

“This regulation is a powerful reminder of how the EU shapes daily life. It will also reduce the environmental impact of electronic devices, promoting greater sustainability across Europe”, Carberry concluded

Vodafone Ireland Powers Flavours of Fingal 2025 as Official Connectivity Partner

Vodafone Ireland has been announced as the sponsor of the Walled Garden and the official Connectivity Partner for this year’s Flavours of Fingal, one of Ireland’s largest summer family festivals, organised by Fingal County Council. Taking place on July 5th and 6th at Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate, the event is expected to welcome in excess of 65,000 visitors.

As the official connectivity partner, Vodafone will deliver enhanced mobile connectivity across the festival grounds—supporting families, foodies, and local businesses alike. The Vodafone Walled Garden will serve as a vibrant hub for live music, food, and digital connection, while vendors and event organisers benefit from robust network infrastructure designed to keep everyone seamlessly connected.
Vodafone Ireland is gearing up to connect people at events across the country this summer with their improved network. After kicking off this summer of connectivity at Bord Bia Bloom, Vodafone will be enhancing connectivity at events such as Kaleidoscope, All Together Now, the National Ploughing Championship, Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival, Electric Picnic, St. Anne’s Park, and the Phoenix Park.
Vodafone has also enhanced the mobile service on its network locations such as Emerald Park and in Wexford Town for the Fleadh Ceoil, ensuring that families stay connected this summer. Vodafone will optimise its network services at large venues, such as the Aviva Stadium, to provide a better customer experience to those attending events such as Lana Del Rey and Dua Lipa.
Following a record-breaking summer last year, Vodafone is set for another summer of connectivity as they prepare to match the continuing surge in mobile data consumption, with usage continuing to grow year-on-year. This growth can be explained by richer content, real-time sharing, and an increasing number of connected devices at live events.
At festivals like Electric Picnic and Fleadh Cheoil in 2024, Vodafone customers used weather and map apps over 90,000 times. Social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok saw peak activity during headline performances, showcasing the growing demand for seamless, high-speed connectivity in the moments that matter.

Committed to delivering reliable service, managing substantial data volumes and maintaining consistent connectivity, Vodafone Ireland ensures a seamless experience for customers throughout the summer.

“At Vodafone Ireland, we have made significant investments in our network infrastructure to ensure customers experience fast, reliable connectivity wherever they are this summer,” said Sheila Kavanagh, Network Director at Vodafone Ireland. “Whether it’s a packed festival, a family day out, or a headline concert, our network is built to keep people connected when it matters most.”

 

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Vodafone Ireland is now using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel in its generators at events. HVO is a renewable, biodegradable fuel that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel. This ensures that powering connectivity this summer will not only be reliable, but environmentally sustainable as well.
In addition to optimising connectivity across the festival, Vodafone Ireland will support older adults through its Hi Digital initiative at Flavours of Fingal. Created by the Vodafone Foundation in partnership with ALONE, Hi Digital helps older adults build confidence with technology through a free, easy-to-follow online course. The programme covers everything from using smartphones and apps to staying safe online and avoiding scams. Festival-goers can visit the Vodafone Foundation Hi Digital stand to learn more, receive one-on-one guidance, and connect with volunteers working to bridge the digital divide.

Mayor of Fingal County Council, Cllr. Tom O’ Leary, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Vodafone Ireland as our connectivity partner and sponsor for The Walled Garden at Flavours of Fingal. Their support will not only enhance the overall visitor experience through improved connectivity and their commitment to improving digital inclusion through initiatives like Hi Digital is especially meaningful as we work together to ensure no one is left behind in our increasingly connected world.

 

”The Vodafone Walled Garden will be a popular go-to spot over the weekend, a space where visitors come to relax, enjoy live music and delicious food and drink. Designed as a chill-out zone and a connectivity hub, it being the perfect place for friends and families to unwind, connect, and recharge both digitally and socially.”

Twelve South launches the Curve Nano smartphone stand

Twelve South, a leading designer of premium tech accessories, today launches the Curve Nano, a magnetic, adjustable and portable stand for smartphones.

Compatible with Qi2 and MagSafe-enabled devices, the Curve Nano is the ultimate companion for streaming, chatting, or working on a smartphone, at home or on-the-go. Easy to use, a hidden magnet holds a smartphone securely, while the silicone top ring prevents slipping and movement. Once the device is in place, users can smoothly tilt the smartphone to their preferred viewing angle, in either portrait or landscape orientation.

The weighted base always ensures stability, whether users are watching a movie during a flight, following a workout or yoga routine on YouTube, or keeping their phone propped up for recipes while cooking in the kitchen. The Curve Nano is perfect for those who want to watch shows, view content, make hands-free video calls and more from their smartphone. It can even make working from a device easy when paired with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

Lightweight, compact, and made from durable, high-quality aluminium, the Curve Nano is ideal for anyone who is travelling around, working remotely, or going on holiday. Designed to be folded down completely flat, it fits comfortably in a bag or pocket and comes with a protective sleeve to keep it safe from scratches as well as protect other items within reach.

The Curve Nano is available now for £29.99 from Twelve South UK in three different colours, slate, dune and coastal.

See our Twelve South Reviews

Irish home robotics start-up marks first full year in business, bringing smart robots into Irish homes, announces expansion with new products

HomeBot Ireland, West Cork-based home robotics startup founded by Clara Mulligan and Alan O’Neill, is marking its first anniversary since selling its very first product in May 2024, growing from a small family idea into one of Ireland’s most exciting homegrown brands.
Co-founded by West Cork entrepreneur and mother of two, Clara Mulligan, the idea behind HomeBot Ireland was born during the COVID lockdown, out of the need to make life easier. Launched just 12 months ago, HomeBot has rapidly emerged as Ireland’s most exciting smart home brand. Its first product, Buddy, a wireless, AI-powered robotic lawnmower, offered a cable-free, user-friendly solution to garden maintenance. One year later, HomeBot now offers a full suite of products including robotic vacuums and mops, all designed around the real needs of Irish homes.
Clara Mulligan said: “When we launched, our first customers were our neighbours. Now, our vacuums are selling out, and we’re preparing to launch Ireland’s first robotic window cleaner by the end of the year. It’s all happened faster than we imagined. What sets us apart is more than innovation. It is local service, empathy and trust. This isn’t just about gadgets, it’s about giving people their time back. Whether you’re juggling family life or simply want more time to yourself, everyone deserves smart tools that work for them, not the other way around.”
The company, headquartered in Dunmanway, West Cork, combines Clara’s background in business and customer care with Alan’s expertise in engineering and AI. Together, they have designed user-friendly, affordable robots that reflect Irish home sizes, weather patterns, and lifestyles.
In just one year, HomeBot Ireland has:
• Sold out of its robotic vacuum lines
• Won 2024 Home Improvement Innovation Company of the Year
• Been recognised by West Cork and national business awards
• Launched an industry-first trade-in circular economy scheme, with the ability to purchase pre-loved, refurbished robots
“We’re not a faceless tech brand,” Clara explains. “We built HomeBot Ireland for families like ours, for people who don’t have time for complicated tech, but want their home and garden to just work for them. We support every customer through WhatsApp, calls, or video, we’ve been in their shoes., and we want to make their experience with our products as seamless as possible. We’ve grown fast, but we’ve grown with intention. Our mission is still the same: simple, reliable tech that works for Irish homes. One robot at a time.”
Looking ahead, HomeBot Ireland has ambitious plans to expand its product line, including the launch of robotic window cleaners in 2025 and solar panel cleaners in 2026, a first for the Irish household market and has just placed a 6 figure order for their Glider robots due to the product’s continued success.
For more details visit http://www.homebotireland.ie/
Stay tuned for a review soon on one of the above and see our other reviews on techbuzzireland.com

Campion Insurance sponsors cutting-edge Athlee camera system for Templeogue Swimming Club

Campion Insurance has announced its sponsorship of a revolutionary Athlee Camera System for Templeogue Swimming Club – marking a major technology investment in the club. Templeogue becomes one of the first swimming clubs in Ireland to integrate this world-leading technology into their training, reaffirming its position at the cutting edge of coaching innovation and athlete development.

This sponsorship reflects a shared vision between Campion Insurance and Templeogue Swimming Club – one centred on high performance, continuous improvement, and community leadership.

The Athlee System, already trusted by elite international swimming programmes, offers advanced underwater and above-water video analysis capabilities. This system allows for real-time feedback and frame-by-frame breakdowns of stroke mechanics, turn execution, and race starts – elements that can define elite-level performance. It is a game-changing tool for coaches and swimmers who are striving to gain a competitive edge.

Brian Sweeney, Head Coach at Templeogue Swimming Club, praised the new technology: “The Athlee System brings a new competitive edge to Templeogue. Our coaches now have a powerful tool to deliver precision feedback, and our athletes – whether they are juniors, seniors, or masters swimmers – will benefit immediately from enhanced technical analysis. This is a significant step forward for the club and we thank Campion Insurance for their support.”

The system will be utilised across the club, including by two-time Olympian Ellen Walshe, who is currently preparing for the World Championships in Singapore later this year.

“Having access to the Athlee System is a game-changer,” said Walshe. “Every detail matters at this level, and now we can fine-tune our technique like never before. I’m excited to use it as part of my race preparations.”

Templeogue Swimming Club’s Masters Team, a successful group of adult competitive swimmers, will also benefit from the system. With several athletes representing the club at past European Masters Championships and upcoming World Masters Championships in Singapore, the integration of elite-level analysis technology further strengthens the Masters programme.

Campion Insurance has a strong tradition of supporting community initiatives and performance excellence. Speaking about the Athlee System Damian Smith, Head of Commercial at Campion Insurance said, “Campion Insurance is delighted to partner with Templeogue Swimming Club. Their constant drive for excellence and willingness to embrace innovative technology to stay ahead mirrors our own values. We’re proud to support a club that develops talent from grassroots to the world stage.”

JCB Phone Launches New Rugged Smartphone Range

JCB Phone today unveiled its latest lineup of rugged smartphones, the JCB Toughphone E10, M20, and P20, as the company embarks on international expansion across Europe, Africa, Australasia and Latin America. Engineered for professionals in construction, logistics, agriculture, and emergency services, the new range delivers a powerful combination of durability, intelligent design, and performance in the toughest conditions.

At the heart of the launch is the JCB Toughphone E10, a slim, ultra-tough smartphone built for modern B2B deployments. Featuring Android 15, eSIM support, and multi-day battery life, it delivers serious enterprise capability. Ideal for fleet rollouts, the E10 combines outstanding value with premium rugged credentials including IP69K/MIL-STD-810H ratings, night vision camera, and 1.8m drop protection.

The Toughphone M20 and P20 models are designed to go further, packing heavyweight features for demanding users. With massive battery capacity, high-brightness displays, and enhanced durability, they’re built to be the ultimate reliable business tools for long shifts in extreme conditions. The P20 also becomes JCB Phone’s first device to feature an integrated thermal imaging sensor, which is perfect for inspection, diagnostics, and safety monitoring in complex environments.

The launch follows strong growth in the UK and a strategic investment in leadership to support international scale. In early 2025, JCB Phone appointed Pete Cunningham as Chief Strategy Officer and Chris Millington as Global Sales Director, combining decades of experience in mobile strategy and rugged device distribution.

“We’ve built a solid foundation in the UK, and now we’re focused on scaling internationally,” said Roy Taylor, CEO of JCB Phone. “This new range reflects what our customers have told us they need: tough, dependable smartphones with practical features that work in extreme conditions, all at a price point that makes sense for business.”

Industry experts remain optimistic about the rugged category. Ben Wood, Chief Analyst at CCS Insight commented. “While the rugged smartphone market has contracted over the past few years, there’s still a clear opportunity for companies that are lean, flexible and truly focused on customer needs. JCB Phone is well-positioned to meet that demand with a widely recognised brand and a clear product vision.”

The new JCB Toughphones will be available across Europe immediately, with rollout to Africa, Australasia and Latin America to follow.

See our Reviews on phones and more

ŌURA Launches in Ireland with Harvey Norman

ŌURA, maker of the world’s leading smart ring, today announces its retail launch in Harvey Norman Ireland. Alongside ouraring.com, Oura Ring 4 is now available online at harveynorman.ie, and is rolling out across all 16 Harvey Norman retail stores nationwide.

Oura Ring is the smart, discreet ring that tracks and delivers personalised health data, insights and daily guidance – all from your finger. Oura Ring 4 is the latest evolution of the revolutionary smart ring, using breakthrough sensing technology called Smart Sensing, which adapts to your finger for an even more accurate picture of your overall health.

“Our data from existing Oura Members in Ireland shows that the Irish have on average a lower Sleep Score than UK and U.S. members,” said Dorothy Kilroy, Chief Commercial Officer, ŌURA. “This is one of the many reasons we’re excited to bring the benefits of Oura to Ireland’s health-conscious, tech-savvy people. Our mission is to make health a daily practice for everyone, and now it’s easier than ever for Irish shoppers to experience and buy Oura Ring 4.”

Harvey Norman will offer the full range of Oura Ring 4 sizes (4-15) and colours, giving Irish customers the chance to find their perfect style and fit in-store and online.

Product & Marketing Manager Olivia O’Reilly at Harvey Norman said, “We are delighted to be partnering with ŌURA to bring one of the world’s most sought-after wearables to Ireland. Harvey Norman is one of Ireland’s largest and most trusted retailers, so there is no better place to discover Oura Ring 4.”

Oura Ring uses research-grade sensors to track over 40 biometrics and provide a comprehensive view of members’ health. This data is distilled into three simple scores: Readiness, Sleep and Activity scores, offering easy-to-understand insights and guidance for making better daily decisions about their health. All of this is delivered in a convenient, non-invasive Oura Ring with up to 8 days battery life, prioritising both accuracy and comfort without sacrificing style.

Availability and Pricing (RRP)

Oura Ring 4 

  • Silver                                 €399
  • Black                                €399
  • Brushed Silver                €449
  • Stealth                              €449
  • Gold                                  €549
  • Rose Gold                        €549

Oura Ring 4 is available now via ouraring.com and harveynorman.ie, and will be fully available in store on 4 August 2025.

For more information and to shop Oura Ring, visit https://www.harveynorman.ie/oura.

OSRAM launches dash and reversing cameras!

Original equipment (OE) manufacturer and renowned automotive specialist, OSRAM, has introduced a brand new range to its offering: dash cameras, as well as reversing cameras.

To improve visibility and safety for the driver and pedestrians, OSRAM has launched its range of cameras to the market, both dash and reversing cameras. Cameras in a vehicle are a fantastic way to ensure that visibility is at its maximum and they also record footage that may be needed in the case of an accident.

Dash cameras

For OSRAM’s new dash camera range, the business has launched three new dash cameras to accommodate all needs, which range in price depending on specification. All of the dash cameras have high quality resolution and come with USB-C charging cables to create an easy plug and play system. They all provide clear and high quality footage and automatically save files in the event of a collision.

ROADsight 1500

With a compact two inch screen and adjustable suction cup mount, the ROADsight 1500 is the ideal starter dash camera. It has a 110° field of view, as well as a G sensor and is simple to install and can be used with a Micro SD card up to 32GB capacity.

ROADsight 2500

The ROADsight 2500 also has a two inch screen but has an adhesive fitting, ensuring it has a strong hold on the windscreen. It has a larger field of view at 140°, as well as the G sensor, but also has a parking mode to assist the driver even more. It is also suitable for use with 12V and 24V vehicles. This model can be used with a Micro SD card up to 128GB capacity.

ROADsight 3500

Finally in OSRAM’s dash cam range is the ROADsight 3500, which has a three inch IPS screen and has GPS installed to locate the vehicle and record the speed in the event of a collision. Similar to the 2500, it has a parking mode, is suitable for 12V and 24V vehicles, has an adhesive fitting and a 140° field of view. The 3500 can also support an SD card for up to 128GB. This larger model has a full HD 1296p, 30fps resolution screen.

OSRAM is also offering a package deal, ROADsight 3500R, that includes the 3500 dash camera, but also comes with a rear dash camera too.

Reversing cameras

Being able to have access to a rear camera can reassure drivers about checking the area behind them is clear and also assists them in what space is available when reversing. While a rearview mirror can give drivers a view of what is behind the vehicle, it lacks total visibility, which reversing cameras provide.

The OSRAM wired and wireless reversing cameras, ROADsight REVERSE, can be fitted to 12V and 24V vehicles, including cars, light commercial vehicles, caravans, motorhomes, horse boxes – anything that may require a reversing camera.

The initial range consists of two models, plus additional accessories, both of which are IP67 rated dust and waterproof cameras suitable for on and off road use, which are easy to install, the wireless product has a wireless connection up to 100 metres in an open environment.

ROADsight REVERSE (WIRELESS) – OWRCS7

The OSRAM ROADsight REVERSE wireless camera is a seven inch compact AHD monitor that has the ability to view a four way split screen for optional additional cameras. It comes with a wireless 1080p camera and also has night vision, giving drivers to ability to see clearly in dark situations and has on screen parking guidelines. Further, it comes with an adjustable sunshade for the monitor so the driver can also see the screen clearly.

ROADsight REVERSE (WIRED) – OCS700N

The OSRAM ROADsight REVERSE wired camera is a two channel model, so a second camera can be added, which is ideal for towing another vehicle or trailer. The second camera is sold separately. The compact 7” AHD Monitor has a 1080p screen resolution from the rear camera. On screen parking guidelines are also a feature.

Both products are available now and include the monitor, camera and the correlating wires needed to install. Additional cameras and accessories are also available.

See our dashcam reviews

RRP:

ROADsight 1500: £35
ROADsight 2500: £59.90
ROADsight 3500: £89.90
ROADsight 3500R: £109.90
OWRCS7: £169
OCS700N: £139

TCL Unveils the Z100: The World’s First Wireless Dolby Atmos FlexConnect Speaker for Home Cinema

TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the world’s No. 2 TV brand, is revolutionising home entertainment with the launch of the TCL Z100, the first wireless Dolby Atmos® FlexConnectTM speaker. This innovation creates a completely new home cinema category, designed to combine acoustic performance, adaptability, ease of installation, and elegant design.

A Groundbreaking Innovation: Wireless Dolby Atmos FlexConnect Speakers for ultimate consumer ease of use

The result of years of collaboration with Dolby, the Z100 offers a multitude of Dolby Atmos home cinema system options with no cables or HDMI box. Exclusively compatible with the latest generation of TCL Mini LED TVs (C6K, C7K, C8K, C9K, and X11K), it introduces an innovative way of experiencing sound at home. Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is a new feature that unlocks the ability to place speakers anywhere you choose, while optimising the sound experience to fit any room layout or speaker configuration. It provides a customised Dolby Atmos experience where your seat will feel like the best seat in the house. The Z100 speakers communicate with TCL televisions to intelligently adjust sound output. FlexConnect speakers can be used in multiple configurations depending on the consumer’s space and wishes – with 2 speakers, 3 speakers or 4 speakers. All options offer an immersive Dolby Atmos experience.

The Z100 speakers are wireless, meaning they can be placed anywhere in the room. With FlexConnect, speakers can be placed in asymmetrical positions and at different heights. This significant benefit provides unprecedented freedom of placement without compromising audio quality.  

“With this groundbreaking product, we’re ushering in a new era for home audio experiences, made possible through our close collaboration with Dolby,” said James Parker, Head of TV & AV at TCL UK. “Our TVs already integrate Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, our soundbars feature Dolby Atmos, and now, we’re taking another major step forward with Dolby Atmos FlexConnect. This technology enables everyone to create a truly immersive home cinema experience, perfectly tailored to their personal space and lifestyle.”

“The launch of Dolby Atmos FlexConnect across TCL’s Precise Dimming Series marks a new chapter in personalised home audio experiences,” said John Couling, Senior Vice President of Entertainment at Dolby Laboratories. “With Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, consumers can unlock even more flexibility and adaptability in how they design their home entertainment systems, whilst removing the stress of whether their speakers are in the right location to get an incredible Dolby Atmos experience.”

Unprecedented Sound Immersion, Regardless of Configuration

Consumers seek the best audio from their sound systems, but room constraints often make optimal speaker placement a challenge. Whether due to room size, outlet locations, or balancing sound performance with aesthetics, positioning speakers can be frustrating. Dolby Atmos FlexConnect unlocks the freedom to place one or more wireless speakers anywhere in a room without having to worry whether they are placed perfectly. The solution is easily adaptable as more devices are added no matter where they are placed, intelligently optimising the Dolby Atmos rendering of each speaker and the TV to create the best possible experience available that’s tailored to the room.

Each Z100 speaker delivers a maximum power of 170W (1.1.1) and includes four high-fidelity speakers, including a vertically angled channel at 15° for optimal height sound reproduction. Thanks to the intelligent auto-calibration of Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, the Z100 automatically identifies its position in the room relative to the user’s location, optimally adjusting the sound field.

Multiple* Z100 speakers can be paired with TCL’s C6K or C8K models to create a sound environment equivalent to a Dolby 5.1.2 or 7.1.4 system, respectively. This audio power is delivered with unmatched ease of use. Additionally, when connected to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, a single Z100 can also serve as a versatile music playback system (without Dolby Atmos).

*Up to four units simultaneously

A Mobile and Elegant Design that Enhances Acoustic Performance

Sleek and sophisticated, the Z100 features an understated metallic black design that seamlessly complements any interior décor. Its compact, wireless form eliminates visual clutter, while delivering professional-grade acoustics, a testament to the combined expertise of TCL laboratories and Dolby audio engineers.

The Z100’s vertical structure integrates a powerful audio setup with two front-facing speakers, an angled vertical speaker, and a subwoofer, providing immersive three-dimensional surround sound and high-fidelity audio with richly detailed soundscapes. This exceptional audio quality rivals that of home cinema sound systems, elevating the home entertainment experience to unprecedented levels.

Neither a conventional soundbar nor a traditional speaker, the Z100 sets a new standard for home cinema: wireless Dolby Atmos, portability, and elegant design.

The TCL Z100 will be available in France starting early July 2025 with more European launches to come. 

For more information, visit: https://www.tcl.com/uk