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.
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.”
New research has revealed some chilling truths about how Irish households are misusing their fridge. A nationwide survey of 1,000 Irish adults, commissioned by the Home of Innovation, shows it’s time to rethink our fridge habits.
Findings reveal that a staggering 71% of respondents admit to wasting food every week, with the annual cost of this waste reaching an eye-watering €696 per household. 51% of respondents store dairy products on the bottom shelf, an area intended for raw meat because of its colder temperature.
Worse still, 28% keep dairy products in the fridge door, the most temperature-unstable zone, where frequent openings can quickly cause products to go off.
The problems extend beyond the fridge. Nearly half (45%) of those surveyed have discarded spoiled food due to confusion or misuse of their freezers. Air exposure is a major culprit—if food isn’t properly packaged, air can seep in and cause dehydration. Opting for airtight containers and freezer-safe wrapping is essential.
Furthermore, nearly three in four (70%) Irish households are unaware that their fridge and freezer could be responsible for up to a fifth of their total energy costs highlighting the need for both appliance maintenance and timely upgrading to more energy-efficient models for long-term savings.
Finally, while fridges are designed to keep food fresh, many are now doubling as beauty cabinets. An eye-opening 39% of Irish adults admit to storing non-food items such as eye masks, face cream, nail polish, and even toothpaste in their fridges.
Commenting on the findings, Brian McMenamin, Director, BSH Ireland, Home of Innovation, said: “We are passionate about showcasing the latest product innovations because it’s vital that customers feel empowered to get the best out of their appliances. Our research uncovered many common trends are costing Irish households, but with the right appliances and a few small tweaks, lower energy bills and less food waste could be at your fingertips!”
Home of Innovation’s Top Fridge Organisation Tips:
The top shelf tends to have the most consistent temperature, but it’s not the coldest part of the fridge so it’s ideal for leftovers, dairy products like milk yogurt and cheese.
Keep your cooked meats, deli items and hummus on the middle shelf.
Raw meat, fish, or poultry should always go on the bottom shelf to prevent drips and contamination.
Fridge Door is the warmest part of the fridge, so best for storing condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayo, jams, hot sauces.
Most modern fridges have crisper drawers designed to control humidity and airflow so put them to use and maintain the freshness of fruits and vegetables.
First in, first out – try to rotate older items to the front as a reminder to use them.
Don’t overfill – air needs to circulate for proper cooling.
Keep fridge at 4°C – that’s the ideal chilling temperature.
Home of Innovation showcases leading appliances from Bosch, Siemens, and NEFF designed with both energy efficiency and real-life kitchen habits in mind. These appliances tackle the common storage challenges effortlessly by maximising every cooling opportunity. Features like multi-airflow systems ensure consistent temperature control, while clearly labelled zones help organise contents with ease. Fish and meat receive special treatment in dedicated compartments chilled to as low as 0°C for optimal freshness.
Models such as the Bosch French Door Bottom Freezer offer XXL storage and clever compartments such as VitaFresh drawers to keep food fresher for longer – ideal for large households.
For a built-in option with extra room to spare, the NEFF N70 Fridge Freezer (381-litre XXL size) offers significantly more space than a standard larder. With adjustable shelving and dedicated zones for fresh produce, meat, and fish, it ensures everything stays organised and fresh – no more dairy disasters
The Siemens iQ300 Free-standing Fridge Freezer combines intelligent SuperCooling with an inverter compressor that adapts to both internal and external temperatures, keeping groceries at their best.
To discover more cooling products from leading kitchen brands visit the Home of Innovation website to schedule your free expert guided consultation.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced Galaxy Z Fold7, a device that brings together the best of Galaxy design, camera functionality and AI innovation in the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold series to date. It delivers the premium performance and experience of an “Ultra” smartphone, while unlocking new levels of efficiency and productivity with a larger, more immersive display when unfolded. And with the new One UI 8 as its foundation, it seamlessly integrates intelligent, multimodal agents optimised for the foldable form factor.
“We’re entering into a new era of smartphone innovation. As AI becomes the new UI, people need devices that learn, understand and anticipates their needs,” said Annika Bizon, Mobile Experience VP of Product and Marketing, Samsung UK & Ireland. “The new Galaxy Z Fold7 combines powerful hardware with Galaxy AI in an ultra thin and ultra sleek form factor – supporting people to get things done in previously unimaginable ways.”
Ultra Sleek, Ultra Powerful
Thinnest, Lightest Galaxy Z Fold
Galaxy Z Fold7 is crafted for those who want the everyday portability and intuitive feel of a traditional smartphone, combined with the enhanced power and flexibility of a larger, unfolded display – all in one device. With its ultra thin and light design and wider cover display, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers a seamless on-the-go experience that makes typing and browsing effortless when it is folded.
At just 215 grams, Galaxy Z Fold7 is even lighter than Galaxy S25 Ultra.
It is just 8.9 mm thick when folded and 4.2 mm thick when unfolded.
The device comes with 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x cover display, a wider screen with a new 21:9 aspect ratio.
Most Expansive Screen on Galaxy Smartphone
When unfolded, Galaxy Z Fold7 becomes more than just a smartphone. It transforms into another device entirely and revealing an expansive screen that expands the workspace for editing, multitasking and immersive viewing – and for getting more out of Galaxy AI. The main display on Galaxy Z Fold7 is 11% larger than the previous generation, providing even more screen real estate for content editing and multitasking across multiple apps.
Ultra Detailed, Ultra Clear Photos
Galaxy Z Fold7 now brings the best of the Galaxy’s pro-grade camera experience to a foldable, combining advanced hardware with intelligent processing for consistently stunning results. Its high-resolution camera captures incredible detail, vibrant colour and rich texture, pulling users back into every moment. AI-enhanced imaging automatically optimises lighting, detail and realism, so photos and videos stay sharp and vivid, even in low light settings such as milestone dinners and late-night café scenes.
Featuring the first200MP wide-angle camera in the Galaxy Z series, it captures 4x more detail, producing images that are 44% brighter.
The 10MP 100° camera on the main displayexpands the frame, so when users unfold their phone, it’s easy to capture group selfies, valuable moments and more of the world in a single shot.
Samsung’s next generation ProVisual Engine processes images faster, enabling every photo and video to be more crisp, vibrant and full of detail.
With Night Video, intelligent motion detection now separates moving subjects from still backgrounds to reduce noicses.
10-bit HDR provides more colour depth. The result is videos with richer colour, deeper contrast and more lifelike detail, no matter the time of day.
The Galaxy Z Fold7 will be available for pre-order starting July 9, with general availability beginning July 25. The Galaxy Z Fold7 comes in Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow and Jetblack colour options with the exclusive colour Mint only available at samsung.com.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7- 12GB RAM + 256GB- €2149 RRP
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7: A Pocket-Sized AI Powerhouse With a New Edge-To-Edge FlexWindow
From intuitive voice AI to the best selfie capabilities, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is an intelligent pocket-sized companion built for seamless interaction and everyday reliability.
“The beauty of the Galaxy Z Flip7 is you don’t have to compromise between pocket-friendly portability and flagship power,” said Annika Bizon, Mobile Experience VP of Product and Marketing, Samsung UK & Ireland. “The Galaxy Z Flip7 brings together the most advanced Galaxy AI capabilities, an immersive FlexWindow and an ultra-compact design, proving that the foldables category is a long way from reaching its limit.”
Biggest, Brightest FlexWindow Yet
Content spills elegantly from edge to edge on the Galaxy Z Flip7’s stunning FlexWindow display, which brings essentials front and center and makes it easy to type out quick messages, check schedule at a glance and snap high-quality selfies. Galaxy Z Flip’s brightest FlexWindow yet delivers a super-smooth refresh rate, so everything looks vivid and feels fluid – even when outside on a sunny day.
The 4.1-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flip, with edge-to-edge usability that enables users to see and do more on the cover screen.
With 2,600 nits of peak brightness and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate on both the main display and the FlexWindow, Galaxy Z Flip7 enables ultra-fluid scrolling, streaming and gaming. Plus, the FlexWindow gets an upgrade with Vision Booster, enhancing outdoor visibility so users can stay connected wherever they are.
The main display is a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, built for an ultra-smooth, immersive experiences.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE
Bringing the foldable experience to even more users, Samsung also announced Galaxy Z Flip7 FE. Compact when folded and expansive when opened, Galaxy Z Flip7 FE features a 6.7-inch Main Display for an immersive viewing experience. The 50MP FlexCam enables high-quality selfies and video in Flex Mode, letting users capture content hands-free, without even opening the device. Now Brief surfaces helpful updates – including weather, daily schedules and commute alerts – on the cover screen, in a layout optimised for Galaxy Z Flip7 FE’s compact form. Available in Black and White, it delivers a minimalist look that complements its intelligent, foldable design.
Future-Ready Mobile Security
As mobile experiences grow ever more intelligent and interconnected, Samsung is reinforcing the foundations that protect them – unveiling new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption. One UI 8 brings enhanced privacy to personalised AI experiences with the new Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP). KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more. With One UI 8, Samsung is advancing Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection across the Galaxy ecosystem. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is integrating post-quantum cryptography into Secure Wi-Fi. This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.
Availability, Pricing & Offers
The Galaxy Z Flip7 will be available for pre-order starting July 9, with general availability beginning July 25. The Galaxy Z Flip7 comes in Blue Shadow, Jetblack and Coral-red colour options with the exclusive colour Mint only available at samsung.com. The Galaxy Flip7 FE is available in Black or White.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE – 8GB RAM +128GB – €1029 RRP
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE – 8GB + 256GB – €1,099 RRP
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Series – Ultra Comfort, from Sleep to Workout
Building upon the foundation of the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s cushion design, this series boasts the thinnest, most comfortable Galaxy Watch ever for continuous health tracking. The Galaxy Watch8 series suits diverse lifestyles and provides advanced capabilities, setting a new standard for style and personalised health experiences.
“The next frontier for wearable technology is preventative health. We don’t want to just monitor peoples’ wellbeing – we want to give them personal, reliable and meaningful insights,” said Annika Bizon, Mobile Experience VP of Product and Marketing, Samsung UK & Ireland. “The Galaxy Watch8 series sets a new standard by combining comfort, form and function with advanced sensor technology that is powered by AI, helping everyone build longer-term habits where every decision we make will be guided by our health.”
Redesigned Inside and Out for Ultimate Wellness
By reimagining both form and function, the Galaxy Watch8 series delivers unmatched comfort alongside industry-leading performance, making it the ultimate companion for everyday wellness. The distinctive cushion design, which debuted with Galaxy Watch Ultra, now defines the entire Galaxy Watch lineup.
To achieve the thinnest design yet, the internal structure of Galaxy Watch8 was completely reengineered and its component mounting capability has been improved by 30%, resulting in an 11% thinner design. Combined with the Dynamic Lug system, this design moves naturally with the wrist, providing greater comfort and improved stability for a better fit and enhanced health-tracking accuracy.
Galaxy Watch8’s sleek profile is complemented by its exceptional performance. Even when you are outdoors under bright sunlight, the display is 50% brighter with a peak brightness of 3,000nits for easy visibility, and the enhanced battery ensures the watch can keep up with an active lifestyle.
Moreover, the dual-frequency GPS provides more detailed and precise location results while our most powerful 3nm processor delivers faster performance and greater power efficiency. With the groundbreaking BioActive Sensor that enables deeper and more accurate health insights, the Galaxy Watch8 series helps provide a holistic view of your health.
Tailored to Match Every Lifestyle
Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic and the new Galaxy Watch Ultra are available for pre-order starting today, July 9 and widely available in operators, retailers and on samsung.com/ie from July 25.
Featuring a sleek and minimalist design, Galaxy Watch8 is designed for everyday wellness. Available in 44mm or 40mm sizes and in Graphite or Silver, it provides comfort and style for daily activities.
Meanwhile, Galaxy Watch8 Classic brings timeless sophistication to the wrist with modern features such as a rotating bezel and a quick button for added convenience. The Classic model measures 46mm and comes in Black and White. Plus, both models can be matched with a range of stylish bands designed to suit diverse lifestyles.
For those who love outdoor adventures, Galaxy Watch Ultra is the most advanced and durable Galaxy Watch model yet. Available in four titanium finishes including the new Titanium Blue, it offers the longest battery life and the most robust performance in the lineup.
If you’re looking for a more discreet wearable that offers continuous health tracking, Galaxy Ring boasts superior comfort and up to seven days of battery life. Available in Titanium Black, Titanium Silver and Titanium Gold, the Galaxy Ring comes in sizes 5-15.
Pricing
Galaxy Watch8 RRP:
40mm BT – €379
40mm LTE – €429
44mm BT – €409
44mm LTE – €459
Galaxy Watch8 Classic RRP:
46mm BT – €529
46mm LTE – €579
Galaxy Watch8 Ultra RRP:
47mm LTE – €699
Offers – Pre-order the new Galaxy Watches and get 30% off when you pre-order any new Galaxy Z Series smartphone on samsung.com .
Award-winning British audio brand Majority is proud to announce the UK and EU launch of the Naga 80 2.1 Bluetooth Soundbar, following a highly successful debut in the United States in late 2024. Designed for immersive home entertainment, the Naga 80 pairs bold audio performance with premium connectivity, sustainable packaging, and signature Majority value. With a sleek metal build, built-in subwoofer, and cutting-edge Bluetooth 5.0, the Naga 80 is ideal for home cinemas, media rooms, and gaming setups that demand immersive sound without expensive upgrades or complex configurations.
The Majority Naga 80 Soundbar is available now on Amazon UK for £89.95.
Big Sound for Bigger Spaces
Measuring over 80 cm wide, the Naga 80 is engineered to deliver full-spectrum sound with greater range, depth, and precision. Inside, it features two 2.25” full-range drivers, side-firing tweeters, and a built-in 2.5” subwoofer, projecting up to 140W of peak power. Whether it’s explosive action scenes, orchestral scores, or booming game environments, the Naga 80 surrounds listeners with rich, 3D-style sound.
“The Naga 80 brings Majority’s signature sound to the forefront in a larger, room-filling package,” said Eddie Latham, Co-Founder of Majority. “With more power, greater fidelity, and expanded connectivity, this soundbar is built to transform your home entertainment experience—while remaining accessible, sustainable, and simple to set up.”
Next-Level Connectivity & Control
The Naga 80 supports Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless wireless streaming across smartphones, tablets, and laptops. It also boasts a full suite of physical inputs including HDMI ARC, Optical, 3.5mm AUX, USB, and a dedicated subwoofer output—offering total flexibility for TVs, consoles, desktop PCs, and more.
Users can switch between EQ modes for Music, Movies, or Dialogue, optimising the sound profile in real time. The included IR remote offers intuitive control over volume, source, and bass settings, while touch-sensitive top buttons provide convenient access on the device itself.
Form Meets Function
With its premium all-metal chassis and low-profile design, the Naga 80 blends modern style with lasting durability. It fits seamlessly beneath TVs or can be mounted on the wall using the included hardware. A discreet LED display shows input and mode info, while energy-saving features like auto-standby help reduce power consumption when not in use.
Greener by Design
As part of Majority’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, the Naga 80 ships in plastic-free, recyclable packaging and features eco-conscious standby technology. Like all Majority products, it’s backed by a 12-month warranty, which can be extended to three years at no extra cost by registering online.
Key Features at a Glance
2.1 Channel Audio System with integrated subwoofer and side tweeters
140W Peak Power Output
Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI ARC, Optical, USB, AUX & Subwoofer Out
TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the world’s No.1 Ultra-large, Mini LED and Google TV brand, has today been awarded one of the highest honours at the IER Awards 2025, winning the Best Innovation in Consumer Electronics category for its standout C805K Mini-LED TV series.
TCL offers the leading Mini-LED technology on the market and this win recognises TCL’s technological leadership and commitment to delivering cutting-edge, premium features at accessible price points. The C805K Mini-LED series stood out to the IER judging panel for its fusion of performance, design, and value, offering consumers true cinematic quality powered by Mini-LED backlighting.
Meanwhile “TCL Everywhere”, the brand’s cross-channel integrated marketing campaign, earned high praise for its 360° creative execution and real-world relevance receiving Highly Commended in the competitive Best Manufacturer Marketing & Advertising Campaigns category for its creative impact and brand resonance. Designed to elevate brand visibility across TV, gaming and smart home verticals, the campaign was applauded for its creative execution and integrated storytelling across digital, retail and experiential platforms. The recognition reflects the campaign’s strong reach, engagement and effectiveness in driving brand affinity across key audiences.
Adam Aldred-Lane, UK Marketing Director at TCL said: “These awards are a testament to the relentless drive of our global and local teams, who consistently strive to merge forward-thinking technology with powerful storytelling. The C805K MiniLED series perfectly exemplifies TCL’s unwavering commitment to innovation, while the ‘TCL Everywhere’ campaign has been instrumental in deepening our connection with consumers. We are truly honoured to be recognised by the IER and incredibly proud of the significant strides we continue to make.“
With UK market share on the rise,TCL’s performance at the IER Awards 2025 reflects the company’s momentum across both product innovation and brand building, continuing to shape the future of visual and connected entertainment.
Edifier, a leading innovator in premium audio solutions, is proud to announce the launch of the MR5. Featuring patented acoustic architecture and a sophisticated tri-amped active crossover, the EDIFIER MR5 delivers rich, natural sound with seamless transitions across lows, mids and highs. Engineered for precision, the new Edifier MR5 captures every detail—ideal for music production, video editing, and everyday listening.
Flat Frequency Response The EDIFIER MR5 is engineered for accuracy, offering a wide and flat frequency response from 46Hz to 40kHz. This neutral and transparent sound profile ensures that every nuance is faithfully reproduced, allowing you to hear exactly what was recorded—making it an excellent choice for critical listening, mixing, and mastering.
Wide Sweet Spot The EDIFIER MR5 features a specially designed dimpled tweeter waveguide that enhances high-frequency extension and clarity while significantly broadening the listening area. This innovative design creates a wide sweet spot, delivering consistent and accurate sound no matter where you are in the room—perfect for collaborative workspaces or dynamic studio environments.
Room-Filling Power With a total output of 110W RMS and a peak SPL of 101dB (@1 meter), the EDIFIER MR5 delivers impressive volume and clarity. Whether in a near-field or mid-field setup, it provides ample power to fill medium-sized rooms effortlessly, making it a versatile choice for studios, editing suites and high-fidelity home listening.
Hi-Res Audio Certified – Wired and Wireless The EDIFIER MR5 is built for audiophile-grade performance, featuring a premium analog front end and Class-D amplifiers that support 24-bit/96kHz resolution for precise signal conversion and accurate amplification. It is also Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified, enabling high-resolution streaming via LDAC at up to 990kbps and 24-bit/96kHz. With Bluetooth 6.0 compatibility for Android 8.0 and above, you get the freedom of wireless listening without compromising on sound quality.
Versatile Connectivity Options The EDIFIER MR5 offers professional-grade balanced XLR and TRS inputs for low-noise connections with audio interfaces and mixers, along with RCA and AUX inputs for easy multi-device connectivity. A dedicated headphone output adds convenience for private listening.
Bluetooth Multipoint Connectivity The EDIFIER MR5 supports Bluetooth® 6.0 with multipoint technology, allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously. This ensures a stable wireless connection and effortless switching between sources for seamless streaming.
Easy Control with EDIFIER ConneX App Download the EDIFIER ConneX app to access playback controls, customize sound effects, adjust room compensation settings and explore the user manual—putting full control of your MR5 speakers right at your fingertips.
In today’s MedTech landscape, where technological breakthroughs are redefining what’s possible in-patient care, it’s easy to focus solely on the machines, data, and devices driving that change. Mag O’Keeffe, Vice President of Global Additive Technologies at Stryker explains more
But behind every innovation – whether it’s a surgical robot, a smart implant, or a predictive algorithm – are the people who imagine, build, and continuously improve them. It’s this human engine of progress that often determines whether innovation scales, sustains, and ultimately succeeds.
At a time when competition for talent is intensifying and industries face increasing disruption, how we develop, support, and continuously upskill our people is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it is a defining strategy.
Ireland’s MedTech leadership has always been grounded in talent, but today, the challenge is evolving. This demands a shift in how we think about talent. It’s no longer enough to hire for existing roles. Instead, it is vital to build adaptable and diverse workforces capable of evolving with new tools, technologies, and expectations.
Diverse pathways into MedTech
Creating a future-ready workforce starts with opening up multiple, accessible routes into the sector – regardless of someone’s background, education, or starting point. Not everyone follows a traditional path into a career, which is why flexibility and inclusivity in attracting and developing talent are so important.
Apprenticeship models are a powerful example. They offer individuals – including school leavers, career changers, and those re-entering the workforce – the opportunity to gain formal qualifications while contributing directly to real-world projects. At Stryker, we’ve seen apprentices progress into engineering, operations, and leadership roles. This is proof that talent can emerge from many directions when given the right support and structure.
Our programme enables participants to pursue degrees in manufacturing engineering while rotating between academic study and on-site learning. It’s not just about gaining a qualification—it’s about reshaping career trajectories and unlocking potential that might otherwise go untapped.
Equally important are graduate entry pathways, which bring fresh energy and new perspectives into the organisation. Each year, we welcome graduates from a range of disciplines to our nine sites across the island of Ireland. Stryker’s graduate programme rotates participants across engineering, finance, and other core functions, giving them exposure to the breadth of the business. It’s not just an onboarding tool—it’s a way to build a pipeline of future leaders who bring curiosity, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration to their roles.
Together, these pathways – whether through apprenticeships, graduate programmes, or internal mobility – reflect a broader commitment to inclusive growth. By creating multiple entry points into MedTech, including for those coming straight from school or those seeking a new direction mid-career, organisations can tap into a wider talent pool, foster diversity of thought, and build teams that are equipped to lead the future of healthcare.
A learning culture
Offering training and upskilling opportunities is one thing; embedding a culture of continuous learning is another. That means creating systems, time, and initiatives that make development part of the everyday.
Our Training Centre of Excellence in Tullagreen, developed in partnership with IDA Ireland, has been designed to make upskilling a key aspect of transformation.
The three-year training initiative, developed with the support of IDA Ireland, will equip employees at Stryker’s Tullagreen facility with the agility and skills for the future of work, promote innovative thinking, and embed a culture of continuous improvement, and advance sustainability.
But it also reflects something more fundamental: when people feel supported to grow, they stay engaged, motivated, and committed.
That support extends beyond formal programmes. Every employee in Stryker Ireland has access to a LinkedIn Learning licence, providing on-demand access to a wide range of training and development resources. It’s one more way we ensure that learning is not just encouraged—but embedded into how we work, lead, and grow.
Growing talent through opportunity
One of the most pressing challenges for business leaders today is retention. Employees, particularly early career professionals, are seeking to find a workplace that nurture their strengths, provide opportunities to grow and are driven by purpose.
At Stryker, our purpose lies in making innovative products and solutions that make healthcare better for more than 150m patients annually across the globe. It is what drives our employees each day and encourages them to come up with new ideas and find creative solutions to complex medical and surgical problems.
But retention isn’t only about formal programmes. It’s also about creating cultures where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore new directions. Our education assistance scheme, for example, has enabled hundreds of employees to pursue new career opportunities, many of them in fields they may never have imagined accessing before.
People powering innovation
The success of any MedTech organisation depends not only on the technologies it develops, but on the people who bring those innovations to life. At Stryker, the commitment to developing talent – through apprenticeships, graduate programmes, continuous learning, and leadership development – isn’t just a cultural value. It’s a business strategy.
These initiatives have helped build and invest in a workforce that is skilled, diverse, and passionate about achieving our mission of making healthcare better. They’ve driven innovation, improved retention, and strengthened our ability to adapt in a fast-changing industry.
But more than that, this investment is creating opportunities for employees – opening doors for individuals to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact.
QCY, a global leader in the wireless audio industry, today launches the Crossky C50 Clip-on Open Ear Wireless Earbuds, the brand’s latest innovation in open-ear audio. Designed to adapt, connect, and inspire, the Crossky C50 blends intelligent sound optimization, refined design, and seamless user control, delivering an effortless audio experience for daily use.
Smarter Sound, Perfectly Balanced: Audio That Adapts to You
The Crossky C50 introduces a new era of personalized listening with self-adaptive magnetic contact technology and a symmetrical acoustic cavity, which intelligently balances audio between the left and right earbuds. This innovation enables users to wear either earbud in any ear with ease, eliminating the need to distinguish between left and right. Whether transitioning between daily activities or settling into focused work, the C50 ensures a seamless and immersive audio experience throughout.
Equipped with a dual-layered circular NdFeB driver system and a carbon fiber composite diaphragm, the C50 offers powerful low-frequency extension down to 20Hz and a 40% increase in driving force. With less than 3% total harmonic distortion, it delivers deep bass, crisp highs, and dynamic clarity across every genre.
Powered by QCY’s proprietary triple algorithm suite—including bass enhancement, dynamic audio tuning, and adaptive volume control—the C50 intelligently adjusts sound in real-time to match your surroundings, providing consistently immersive audio whether you’re enjoying music or taking calls.
Further enhancing clarity, AI-powered wind noise cancellation and dual-mic beamforming significantly improve voice pickup in outdoor conditions. A directional acoustic structure also minimizes sound leakage by up to 90%, preserving your privacy in public environments.
Crafted for Comfort and Built to Endure: The Ultimate Open-Ear Design
Comfort and durability are central to the Crossky C50’s everyday appeal. Built with skin-friendly liquid silicone and a flexible memory titanium wire, the earbuds offer a lightweight yet secure fit for all-day wear. The multi-angle ergonomic structure evenly distributes pressure, reducing ear fatigue even during extended use.
Visually, the C50 balances performance with elegance. It features a leather-textured surface, a metallic star-ring accent, and nano-level electroplated engraving—giving it a sleek, premium aesthetic. Available at launch in elegant Off-White, with bold Black and vibrant Pink arriving soon, the design complements both active and everyday styles.
Engineered for active lifestyles, the earbuds are built tough: With a sealed acoustic chamber and triple-layer waterproof protection (IPX5 rating), these earbuds resist sweat, rain, and intense workouts. With up to 7.5 hours of continuous playback and 35 hours of total battery life with the charging case, the Crossky C50 delivers endurance that matches your pace. A 10-minute quick charge provides 2 additional hours of playtime, ensuring you’re never without sound for long.
Touch, Tap, Go: Smart Control and Seamless Connections
The Crossky C50 simplifies daily use with a smart “wear-and-go” setup, allowing instant transitions between mono and stereo modes. Users can use either earbud independently and re-wear on the move without any hassle.
Touch-sensitive controls allow you to play/pause music, answer calls, or adjust volume with just a tap—no need to reach for your phone. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or multitasking, you stay in full control.
Thanks to dual-device connectivity, you can stay connected to two devices simultaneously—easily switch between phone calls, meetings, and music. With Bluetooth 6.0, the C50 offers low latency, fast pairing, and ultra-stable performance across the board.
For users seeking deeper customization and enhanced functionality, the QCY App further elevates the experience. The app provides access to preset and custom equalization tuning, touch control customization, battery level monitoring, firmware upgrades, and a convenient ‘Find My Earbuds’ feature. It also enables multi-point connection management, ensuring the Crossky C50 adapts precisely to your preferences and lifestyle.
Availability & Price
The QCY Crossky C50 is now available in Off-White on QCY’s official store and authorized retailers, with pricing starting at USD $40 (regional pricing may vary). Black and Pink colorways will follow soon. Engineered for movement, crafted with purpose, and powered by intelligent sound—this is a new era of everyday listening.
